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Chinese premier says China, UAE good partners on path of common development

Xinhua) 08:39, September 13, 2024

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)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Pressure continues to mount on the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor as the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Agriculture comprising of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries call for the immediate resignation or outright dismissal together with his deputies.



The demand made by the CSOs in the Agriculture and Aquaculture sector is in tangent with the recent devastating impact of the illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey which has engulfed some parts of the country.



According to the CSOs, the worsening effects of illegal mining activities which continue to devastate the environment and livelihoods across the country is largely due to the inability of the leadership of the ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to take drastic measures in nipping the menace in the bud.



The CSOs maintain that the lands and Natural resources minister together with his deputies have failed to effectively address the crisis and safeguard Ghanas natural resources.



In a statement released on Thursday by the Chamber of Agribusiness noted that we the coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries, representing key industry bodies and stakeholders, urgently calls upon Ghanas president, the executive and parliament to address the critical issue of illegal mining (galamsey) wreaking havoc on the nations agricultural and aquatic ecosystems.



The coalition demands immediate and decisive actions to combat galamsey:



1) Cease all galamsey operations immediately.



2) Immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister for Mines and Natural Resources and his deputies.



3) Restore degraded lands and prosecute perpetrators.



4) Implement sustainable mining practices and support affected communities and industries.



5) Set up a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee comprising respected non-partisan citizens and key stakeholders.



6) Deployment of military and police personnel to affected areas.



7) Urgent implementation of measures to halt galamsey operations and conduct environmental assessments.



8) Provision of alternative livelihoods, development of a National Mining Policy, and setup of a Galamsey Rehabilitation Fund.



9) Promotion of agroforestry and reforestation efforts.





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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South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has tried to head off a major row within his uneasy governing coalition by delaying the implementation of the most controversial part of a new education law.



A row over language policy had threatened the stability of the 10-party government created after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in May's election.



Before signing the new measures into law at a public ceremony, Mr Ramaphosa said there would now be a three-month consultation period.



John Steenhuisen, the leader of the coalition's second largest party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), had previously said that if the signing went ahead, the party would have to consider all of our options on the way forward.



Prior to the election the ANC and the DA had been at loggerheads over the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill.



The president says he now wants the parties in government to find ways for "different views [to] be accommodated".

What is in the Bela law?

The disputed law, passed by the previous ANC-dominated parliament, proposes controversial and significant reforms to existing education law.



The major changes include:



School admissions and the language of instruction will be regulated by government



Homeschooling will be regulated



Parents who fail to ensure their child is in school may face jail



Grade R, for four and five-year-olds, will be the new compulsory school starting level  a year earlier than currently



The abolition of corporal punishment will be backed by fines and possibly jail time for those who administer it



The ANC says the changes are necessary in order to transform the education system and address continued inequalities.

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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The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has signed a cooperation agreement with German Development Agency (GIZ) to launch the "Make Fashion Inclusive" program.



This initiative aims to empower people with Disabilities (PWDs) by providing them with skills training and economic opportunities in the fashion industry.



According to the YEA CEO, Mr. Kofi Baah Agyepong, the agency has already made significant strides in supporting PWDs including the creation of disability desks in all 266 YEA offices across the country and the recruitment of 282 PWDs as district disability officers.



The "Make Fashion Inclusive" program will provide training and resources to 50 beneficiaries who will receive a guaranteed market for their products and a shop to facilitate sales.



Existing fashion entrepreneurs and start-ups will also receive support with skills training, business development and financial literacy.



This partnership demonstrates YEA's commitment to creating decent jobs and promoting inclusivity for all Ghanaian youth, particularly those with disabilities.



With the support of GIZ and other collaborators, YEA is poised to make a significant impact in the lives of PWDs and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable economy.



Empowering People With Disabilities Through Fashion



The "Make Fashion Inclusive" program is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing social and economic challenges.



By providing PWDs with skills training and economic opportunities, YEA and GIZ are helping to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in the fashion industry.



With the distribution of modern electric sewing machines and the establishment of a Skills and Fashion Hub, beneficiaries will have the tools and resources they need to succeed.



This program is not only empowering PWDs but also contributing to the growth and development of the fashion industry in Ghana.

A New Dawn for Youth Employment

The partnership between YEA and GIZ marks a new dawn for youth employment in Ghana.



By working together, they are creating decent jobs and promoting inclusivity for all Ghanaian youth.



As YEA CEO, Mr. Kofi Baah Agyepong noted; "This is a new dawn and a further growth in the cap of the agency's mission to create decent jobs."



With initiatives like the "Make Fashion Inclusive" program, YEA is solidifying its position as a leader in youth employment and empowerment.



On his part, Mr Wilhelm Hugo, Head of Programme for the German Development Corporation's Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition", announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and other local stakeholders to launch the "Make Fashion Inclusive" project in Ghana.



The initiative aims to promote inclusive economic development and sustainable employability in the fashion and textile sector with focus on innovation and job creation for all citizens.



Hugo emphasized the importance of collaboration and inclusive economic development, stating "we want to work together...for inclusive economic development...We stand by ability...We want to create jobs for all persons, for all citizens".



The two-year project will kick off with a pilot training program with plans to expand to other sectors and participants in the future.



Hugo expressed enthusiasm over the project's innovative approach, saying "the project is very innovative...We want to kick off this innovative development in the sector...for a bigger impact".



This partnership demonstrates the German Development Corporation's commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth and inclusive development in Ghana with focus on empowering marginalized communities and promoting decent work for all.

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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The National Democratic Congress call for a forensic audit into the Electoral Commissions voter register has been described as a misguided enterprise by the Electoral Commission of Ghana.



There have been several calls from the largest opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) on the Electoral Commission on a number of issues, topical of them is the Voters register, which the NDC describes as unfit for purpose.



The NDC argues that, considering the plethora of anomalies recorded during the Voters exhibition exercise conducted from the 20th of August through to 27th August, the Electoral Commission cannot be in the position of using the register, hence, calling for an independent forensic audit to verify the credibility of the register.



In a sharp contrast, the Electoral Commission posits that, the law states clearly on what the Commission ought to do in relation to detected discrepancies.



In an official report issued by the Commission on Thursday September 12, the Commission reiterate that the Law makes provision for the self-auditing of the Voters Register through the Voters Exhibition Exercise which was conducted in August, 2024.



The Commission explained, the Exercise makes available the provisional copy of the Register and allows citizens to verify their details and point out discrepancies with their details. Additionally, the same Law allows for the correction of these discrepancies by the EC at all levels from the field to the districts to the 4 Head Office. This is the laid down, tried and tested process and it works."



The Commission further questioned the intentions of the NDC demanding for a forensic audit when the law is clear on what the commission is required to do. According to the commission, the forensic audit stands to add no value to the credibility of the voters register.



What then is the purpose of the proposed forensic audit? The Commission is of the view that such an audit will add no value whatsoever to the well-defined tried and tested processes documented for the cleaning and strengthening of the provisional voters register. The question is, should the forensic audit be conducted, who will fix the discrepancies in the register?



The answer is it is the same Commission that will fix the discrepancies and that is what we are doing. It is for this reason that the EC is of the view that the call for a forensic audit is misguided. The Commission believes that, as has been the case in the past, the Exhibition Exercise will contribute to the strengthening of the Voters Register, the commission reiterated.

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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NPP parliamentary candidate for Klottey Korley constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Valentino Nii Noi Nortey has appealed to the electorates to vote massively for him and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to continue President Akufo-Addos good works.



He said this yesterday at an outdoor event at the Odawna Market in Accra which was part of his ongoing campaign tour.



The NDC presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama has only one term to be President if he wins the election because he had been a President before and so, would not be truly committed to fulfilling his promises,



Nii Noi Nortey cautioned the citizenry.



He described former President John Mahamas comeback as a risky investment saying with the coming elections, remember that the other person (John Mahama, NDC) has only one more term (4 years) if he wins. He is the same person who told us that 4 years is not enough to run an effective government. So, my question is, what is he going to do with the remaining four years that he is fighting for?



He continued; But, if Dr. Bawumia is elected, he can go for two terms and so, this will give us a chance to assess him on the promises he is making today when he comes to seek our votes again for the second term. But the other man (John Mahama) will not return to you if he wins. So, lets really think about that.



Valentino Nii Noi Nortey further reminded Ghanaians about their hardships under the Mahama regime.



On December 7th, two people will be contesting the elections, our former President and our current Vice President. One ruled and we werent happy with his governance. For instance, today, we would have required at least 3 generators to have this programme because our lights would have been out by now.



Also, do you remember those times when your child in Senior High School could be sacked for not paying his or her school fees? But today, Free SHS has stopped that and become a common thing that some people have even forgotten that it was a particular government that thought about this and implemented itPresident Nana Akufo Addos government has done it.



He therefore solicited votes from the electorates stating we want you to put in your best because we dont want to win with a small margin but a very big one.



At the Odawna Market rally were prominent names from the New Patriotic Party which included the Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, STC Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman of the Bawumia campaign team; Nana Akomea, Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya; Sarah Adwoa Safo, former General Secretary of the NPP; Kwabena Agyepong and former National Treasurer, Kwabena Abankwah Yeboah among others.











Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected]









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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His Spiritual Holiness Sheikh Alhaji Abdulai Maikano Jalloo (Khalifatul-Akbar), the Spiritual Leader and President of the Tijania Muslim Council, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government for spearheading all the developmental projects within Prang which is the spiritual home of the Tajania Muslim Council and its environs.



He described the NPP as a development-conscious party, hence deserves the full support of all Ghanaians.



Khalifatul-Akbar made these remarks on Friday, September 13, 2024, when Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, NPP Vice Presidential Candidate, paid a courtesy call on him in Prang, the capital of Pru West constituency of the Bono East Region, as part of his constituency campaign tours.



According to the Spiritual Leader, the real essence of politics is to bring about development and make life easy for people. Unfortunately, despite the spiritual significance of Prang and its socioeconomic potentials, the town was virtually neglected by all previous governments until the reign of President Akufo-Addo and Bawumia".



He stressed; All the developments you see in Prang were championed by the NPP, most of which were done through the current MP and immediate past DCE for this area, Hon. Stephen Jalulah. Prang is forever grateful to the NPP and will always support you.



He also eulogized the NPP presidential candidate, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as not only their son but a source of pride for the Muslim community (Ummah) and Ghanaians at large.



The spiritual leader said prayers for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and blessed them.



He made prophetic declarations that they emerge victors in the general elections.



On his part, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh thanked Khalifa for his continuous prayers and support for the NPP.



He highlighted the historical role Muslims played in the formation of the UP tradition which undergirds the NPP, particularly through the Muslim Association Party which is one of the parties that came together to form the UP, now known as the New Patriotic Party.



He assured the Muslim community and all Ghanaians that the next NPP government under H.E Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia will deepen religious tolerance and harmony in the country.

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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Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Chief of Fise Zongo community in the Greater Accra Region, Chief Hamidu Kabore has called for support for the Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his great works as Vice President and vision for Ghana.



Welcoming Dr. Bawumia to the Fise central mosque when he joined the Fise Zongo community for Friday prayers, Chief Kabore said Dr. Bawumia has distinguished himself as Vice President and ought to become President in order to implement his great vision.



Narrowing down on the impact of Dr. Bawumia on the Zongo community, Chief Kabore said the Vice President has established a cordial relationship with the community ensuring notable infrastructure development and also provided great support to individuals, groups and communities across the country.



"Dr. Bawumia is one of us and we should all be proud of him because the nation is proud of him, if you look at what he has done...Let us throw our weight behind him and give him the needed support so he can make history and make a positive impact on the nation for all of us," Chief Kabore said.



Dr. Bawumia, in response, said; "Many predicted that a Muslim could never be a presidential candidate of the NPP. They openly said it was not possible. But I believed in Allah's ways and I am here today because of Allah's will."



Dr. Bawumia canvassed the electorates to vote for him on December 7 asserting he has good policies to benefit all Ghanaians.



"Being President is not about me; it is about all of us, our children and our nation Ghana," he said, adding his historic election as President will inspire generations and consolidate Ghana's enviable status as a nation that respects diversity.

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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Rising star K Bili is set to release their highly anticipated 'Letter to the President' EP on September 13, 2024.



The 5-track EP is a vibrant and thought-provoking collection of songs that tackle themes of love, motivation, and social awareness.



The EP's lead single, "Letter to the President," will be released on September 7, 2024, and addresses the plight of African children.



The song is a heartfelt plea for change and a call to action for leaders to prioritize the well-being of their citizens.



The full EP, 'Letter to the President,' features an eclectic mix of rock, Afrobeat, and tempo tracks that showcase K Bili's versatility and artistry.



From the upbeat "Make It" and "To the Top" to the soulful "Real Love" and "Where Is the Love?", each song is a testament to K Bili's ability to craft infectious and meaningful music.



"I'm thrilled to share 'Letter to the President' with the world," says K Bili. "This EP is a reflection of my passion for creating music that inspires and uplifts. I hope it resonates with listeners and sparks important conversations."



This project is featuring heart-hitting tracks like:

Where is the Love (a deep dive into the state of the world)

To the Top (the anthem of rising to success)



Real Love (feel the passion)

Make It (for those who wont settle for less)



And the title track Letter to the President (K Bilis bold message to the leaders)

Get ready to vibe, reflect, and rise with K Bili. This EP is more than just musicits a movement.



Dont miss it! Stream it this Friday and be part of the revolution.



#LetterToThePresidentEP #KBiliMusic #NewEP #MustListen #MusicForChange #OutOnFriday



Focused Tracks:

1. Letter to the President

2. Real Love

3. Make it





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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In an effort to transform the lives of Thailands stray animals, Soi Dog Foundation has launched a new mobile sterilisation team starting operations in the popular tourist hotspot of Koh Samui.

On prior visits to the island in 2017-18 and 2021, Soi Dog successfully neutered and vaccinated over 9,000 stray dogs. Now, just over 300 unneutered dogs remain, spread across seven sub-districts including Bo Phut and Mae Nam, which would be impossible to reach without their expert intervention.

Launched on Monday 2 September, Soi Dogs fully equipped mobile clinic will operate across the island throughout the month, part funded by Niall Harbisons charity Happy Doggo which is based in Koh Samui. This marks an exciting moment for both organisations, which aim to humanely reduce the overpopulation of stray animals, improve their overall quality of life, and prevent the spread of deadly diseases, including rabies.

Soi Dogs highly successful CNVR (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return) programme hit the headlines in 2023 when they became the first organisation in history to neuter and vaccinate one million animals. With the addition of their new clinic, they are now operating 19 mobile teams across Thailand, including Phuket, Chonburi and Bangkok.

Soi Dog is so proud to carry out the CNVR programme to create huge change in southern Thailand. A high-intensity rotational CNVR programme is the sustainable solution to dog population management in the world today. Reducing dog densities has led to the elimination of rabies cases in dogs, improved animal welfare and created better relationships between dogs and humans, said Soi Dog s CNVR Director, Tuntikorn Rungpattana.

In addition to Soi Dogs long-standing partnership with Dogs Trust, who fund 50% of their Bangkok programme, it was announced in January that Happy Doggo had joined forces with the Phuket charity by joint funding two of Soi Dogs southern mobile clinics, and 50% of their entire southern mobile project from May.

Soi Dog has now neutered and vaccinated 157,994 animals in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phatthalung. Since January, a further 24,780 dogs have been reached across all three provinces.

From October, the team will shift their efforts toward Surat Thani, Thailands sixth-largest province, joining two other mobile clinics already operating in the area.
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:

Aurora Australis above the OCEANET container at the German research station Neumayer III in Antarctica. Credit: Martin Radenz, TROPOS

Extremely clean air on the ground, warm air intrusions and sulfate aerosol at high altitudesa Leipzig research project has gained new insights into clouds in Antarctica. From January to December 2023, the vertical distribution of aerosol particles and clouds in the atmosphere above the German Neumayer Station III of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) was investigated from the ground for the first time.

The height-resolved measurements were the first of their kind in Queen Maud Land, the area of the Antarctic that borders the Atlantic and covers an area larger than Greenland.

The observations were performed with the OCEANET-Atmosphere platform from the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS). OCEANET-Atmosphere demonstrated its robustness already while it was drifting in the Arctic for a whole year on the RV Polarstern during the international MOSAiC expedition 2019/20.

During the 12 months of operation in Antarctica, the platform was supervised on-site by TROPOS scientist Martin Radenz. Initial results have been published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. The measurements were carried out in close co-operation with the AWI.

The Antarctic continent and the Southern Ocean are important components of the global climate system. While Antarctica's climate was considered relatively stable in the last century, significant changes are now being observed. Climate projections indicate that the interior of the Antarctic will warm by more than 3 Kelvin, the sea ice extent will decrease by around 30% and precipitation will increase in the 21st century.

However, such projections are subject to major uncertainties and the global atmospheric circulation models are not yet able to correctly reproduce the cloud cover and radiative forcing over the Southern Ocean.

This incorrect representation of clouds leads to distorted estimates of thermal radiation and sea surface temperature, which are a prerequisite for estimating the energy fluxes between the ocean and atmosphere. In addition, in order to be able to document any change in an environment, such as Antarctica, its current current state needs to be documented as well as possible.

Gaining knowledge about cloud formation in Antarctica is an essential need, as this takes place differently in the clean air of the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere with more abundant land surfaces. A second major source of uncertainty is the transport of moisture and particles from the mid-latitudes and subtropics to the pole. The relatively flat surface between the Weddell Sea and the South Pole might be a kind of highway for warm and humid air masses.

In order to learn more about the clouds in Antarctica, the instrumentation at the German research station Neumayer III of the AWI were supplemented by remote-sensing measurements such as an atmospheric lidar and a cloud radar for around a full year in the framework of the project COALA (Continuous Observations of Aerosol-Cloud Interactions in the Antarctic).

The importance of the project was well recognized by the priority program "Antarctic Research" of the German Science Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG). Carrier of the instrumentation was the TROPOS OCEANET-Atmosphere container. The platform had previously drifted through the Arctic for a year on RV Polarstern during the MOSAiC expedition led by AWI in 2019/20.

"The MOSAiC observations allowed us to show for the first time that the atmosphere at the North Pole is more polluted than previously assumed. But what about over the Antarctic? Fortunately, we had the opportunity to operate our OCEANET container there for a year," explains Dr. Ronny Engelmann from TROPOS.

OCEANET was installed 300 meters south of the German Antarctic Neumayer Station III at the beginning of 2023. OCEANET-Atmosphere is an autonomous, polar-tested, specially equipped 20-foot container packed with state-of-the-art atmospheric observation equipment.

It is currently the only polar-capable single container platform that combines multiwavelength lidar, a cloud radar, a microwave radiometer, and a Doppler lidar to observe clouds and aerosols, including turbulent air motions.

OCEANET was supplied with power from the research station where the researcher from Leipzig also lived and spent a year making sure that all the devices measured without interruption: Dr. Martin Radenz from TROPOS joined the station's core team. He was one of the 10 people who spent the winter in the dark polar night at Neumayer Station III.

"Being able to spend a year in Antarctica with the community of our small team, the fascinating nature, snowstorms and isolation was a unique experience," reports Martin Radenz. The green laser beam of the multiwavelength lidar, which scanned the atmosphere above Neumayer Station III, was a novelty in this part of Antarctica.

A lidar, also known as a "light radar," sends short laser pulses from the ground into the atmosphere and receives the backscattered light with a special receiver. Information about the height, quantity and type of suspended particles (aerosols) in the atmosphere can be derived from the travel time, intensity and polarization of the backscattered signals.

To date, related measurements with cloud radar and aerosol lidar have only been carried out at McMurdo station on the other side of Antarctica, 3,500 kilometers away, bordering the Pacific Ocean. Contrary to Neumayer III on the ice shelf, the US McMurdo station there is built on rock.

The researchers also hope that the measurements taken at Neumayer Station III over ice shelves will provide them with new insights into cloud formation over the vast expanses of ice in the Antarctic.

"It is particularly pleasing that, following COALA, the AWI now permanently deploys similar remote sensing devices at Neumayer Station III in cooperation with TROPOS. This will make an important contribution to recording the short-lived climate components aerosols and clouds in the Antarctic," says Prof Andreas Macke, Director of TROPOS and Head of the "Remote Sensing of Atmospheric Processes" department.

In January 2024, the OCEANET container was dismantled, transported to the edge of the ice shelf and loaded onto the resupply vessel. The devices arrived in Leipzig in March, the DFG COALA project was completed and the researchers took stock.

"All the devices held out and recorded valuable data. We are particularly pleased about this because it would have taken months for a replacement part to arrive during the polar night. Our experience from the MOSAiC expedition three years earlier in the Arctic was a great help. Nevertheless, it was a real challenge to make the devices storm-proof and clean them of snow almost every day," reports Martin Radenz.

For Radenz and his team, however, the effort was worth it. The measurements provided three new insights into the Antarctic under climate change:

Atmosphere only clean close to the surface

The lidar measurements provided an insight into how many particles are floating above this part of Antarctica and at which altitudes. The lower part of the atmosphere (troposphere) with pristine conditions was mostly comparatively clean. In contrast, the team observed an unexpectedly large number of particles between an altitude of around 9 km and 17 km (stratosphere).

"The optical properties of the aerosol derived from the lidar clearly indicate sulfate aerosol, which is mainly caused by volcanic eruptions. These aerosols were observed in the stratosphere since January 2023 and are therefore most likely related to the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai in January 2022," says Martin Radenz.

"The fact that volcanic dust can persist for a very long time over the south polar region surprised us just as much as the forest fire smoke over the north polar region, which we were able to observe for the first time during the MOSAiC expedition in 2020," reports Ronny Engelmann.

The lidar measurements from the ground are particularly important, as the volcanic aerosol over Antarctica has apparently not been observed sufficiently from space before. At least no aerosol was detectable in the standard products of NASA's CALIOP satellite lidar.

Aerosol in the stratosphere has an influence on the occurrence of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), where complex chemical processes take place and which are suspected of contributing to the hole in the ozone layer over the polar regions.

Aerosol-cloud interaction in shallow mixed-phase clouds

While more aerosol was observed in the upper layers of the atmosphere than expected, the lower layers proved to be about as clean as assumed. The continuous measurements enabled the team to "watch" the clouds grow. For example, a stable mixed-phase cloud consisting of ice crystals and water droplets embedded in a layer of marine aerosol was observed for a period of 10 hours.

"Our measurements confirm that practically all particles serve as cloud nuclei, to either form cloud droplets or ice crystals. Cloud growth is therefore limited by the amount of particles. If there were more particles, for example, because more polluted air flows into the Antarctic, then there would also be more droplets and ice crystals in the clouds, which would change their lifespan and lead to yet unknown effects on weather and climate," explains Dr. Patric Seifert from TROPOS.

Unusual warm air intrusions

Warm air from lower latitudes could intensify climate change in Antarctica. It was therefore important to be able to analyze two extreme warm air intrusions in detail: One with intense snowfall in April, which brought 10% of the snowfall of an entire year, and a second with record-breaking maximum temperatures and heavy ground icing due to supercooled drizzle in July.

During this warm spell, the temperature rose to -2.3 degrees Celsius on 6 July 2023. "This is the highest temperature recorded in July at the German Antarctic Neumayer Station since continuous observations began in 1982. This means that it has never been so warm there in the middle of the polar night, the peak of the Antarctic winter," explains Martin Radenz.

These unusually high temperatures led to supercooled drizzle. On the surface, a layer of clear ice of around 2 millimeters formed on top of the snow from the previous day.

"What often happens here in Central Europe in winter is very unusual for the Antarctic during the dark polar night. Normally, temperatures at Neumayer Station III are below -30 degrees Celsius in July. Our observations over ice shelves are the first of their kind," emphasizes Radenz.

It took not long until the value of the remote sensing measurements was also recognized by the Alfred Wegener Institute that operates the Neumayer station. The deployment of OCEANET-Atmosphere was only the start of a long-term time series of profile measurements in this part of Antarctica: at the beginning of 2024, the Alfred Wegener Institute expanded the permanent observation capacities with a lidar and radar, thus ensuring that the unique OCEANET data set is continued.

"The long-term climatology of aerosol and cloud parameters for the Neumayer station will thus be permanently extended to the vertical dimension," explains Dr. Holger Schmithusen from AWI.

The provision of an overview of the obtained results in the BAMS journal demonstrates the potential of the 1-year dataset for shedding light on the still barely characterized properties of clouds and aerosols above Antarctica.

"But the BAMS article only provides a first glimpse into the highlights obtained during the measurements. Detailed statistics and process studies will follow in a subsequent step," says Radenz. Over the next few months, the extensive data from Antarctica will be further analyzed and compared with existing data sets from southern Chile, Cyprus, Germany and the Arctic.

The researchers hope to gain new insights into why the clouds in the far south differ so much from those in the northern hemisphere. Plenty of datasets from key-regions of climate research are available for a comparison.

As part of the DFG Transregio "Arctic Amplification" (AC3-TR), TROPOS has been investigating clouds in the Arctic together with the University of Leipzig since 2016. In addition, processes in the southern hemisphere have also become the focus of attention in recent years: in 2016/17, cloud researchers from Leipzig took part in the international Antarctic circumnavigation ACE. In 2018-2021, extensive measurements took place in southern Chile.

Two major measurement campaigns in and around New Zealand are currently being prepared for 2025 and 2026: goSouth at the southern tip of the South Island, accompanied by HALO-South with the German research aircraft HALO and an expedition around New Zealand with the research vessel Sonne are the placemarks of the next series of experiments under the lead of TROPOS.

"TROPOS is about to contribute important novel insights for improving the understanding of aerosol-cloud-climate processes in the clean and maritime southern hemisphere," concludes Prof Andreas Macke.

More information: Martin Radenz et al, Ground-Based Remote Sensing of Aerosol, Clouds, Dynamics, and Precipitation in Antarctica: First Results from the 1-Year COALA Campaign at Neumayer Station III in 2023, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (2024). DOI: 10.1175/BAMS-D-22-0285.1 Journal information: Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society

Provided by Leibniz-Institut fur Tropospharenforschung e. V.
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Expanding traditional approach dissecting biofilms (Left) in single cells, gene expression, and related molecules (Top), we look into their complex interplay occurring in a spatially and temporally organized micromilieu (Right).The micromilieu is a dynamic space where physical processes define biofilm organization as a whole. Credit:  J.N.Wilking

When we think about bacteria, we may imagine single cells swimming in solution. However, similarly to humans, bacterial cells often socialize, using surfaces to coalesce into complex heterogeneous communities called biofilms. Within a group, bacteria in the biofilm are extremely robust in resisting various environmental stressesa crucial feature making biofilm-associated infections extremely difficult to treat with antibiotics.

For over 50 years, biofilm research has centered around the biological processes which allow biofilms to thrive and become tolerant to antibiotic treatment. In recent perspective work published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers at the Max-Planck-Zentrum fur Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, in collaboration with partners from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Harvard Medical School, shared their insights into how bacteria rely on physical processes to form and maintain biofilms, including survival under extreme stress conditions.

This work highlights how, in addition to biomolecular details of signaling and regulation, biophysical interactions play an important role in bacterial life cycles and infection.

Biofilms as tissues

"Biofilm research has evolved from the perception of bacteria as single cells (as was originally discovered by Antonie van Leewenhawk) to the realization that, given the right conditions, bacteria aggregate into groups of cells that make biofilms," said Prof. Roberto Kolter (Harvard Medical School, Boston, U.S.).

A recent advance in biofilm research is their comparison with human tissues due to their complexity and heterogeneity. Sometimes, biofilms are even considered to be continuous parts of human tissue, as exemplified by oral biofilms on our teeth or the microbiome residing in human guts.

One of the remarkable features of biofilms, shared with eukaryotic tissues, is that bacteria embed themselves in the self-secreted extracellular polymeric matrix which holds the cells together, confers biofilms' mechanical stability, serves as a reservoir of water and nutrients, and protects against antimicrobial agents.

Prof. Liraz Chai (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel and Max Planck Queensland Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia), suggested, "We encourage zooming out the discussion from extracellular matrix to extracellular space. The extracellular matrix is a single component in a unique milieu, where it is soaked in water and dissolved nutrients, signaling molecules, waste products, and metal ions. Within the milieu, a broad range of physical processes directly affect the biofilm physiology as molecules and bacteria mutually affect each other."

Where physics unfolds

Water is indispensable for all living organisms and dominates the extracellular space in biofilms. Due to osmotic effects, the extracellular matrix can soak up water from the environment and help biofilms to expand, similarly to a sponge. Evaporation of water from biofilms' surfaces can drive the flows of water bringing fresh nutrients, when water evaporates from plants' leaves. Sometimes biofilms even form vasculature-like channels, enabling the flow of water to where it is most needed.

When water becomes scarce, biofilms might invoke desiccation stress responses by retaining water in the extracellular space. They can even turn their extracellular polysaccharide components into the physical state of glassa strategy known to be exploited by desiccation tolerant plant seeds and water bears (tardigrades).

In addition to water, the extracellular space supports molecular self-organization processes. For example, proteins form complexes, while accumulation of minerals templated by organic extracellular matrix may lead to biomineralization of biofilms such as the formation of hardened plaque on the surface of teeth.

How to control physics

One of the exciting future directions of research proposed in the perspective is to understand how physical processes occurring in the extracellular space are regulated at the genetic level of embedded bacteria.

The authors argue that the regulatory pathways leading to matrix secretion are relatively well understood. However, how the sequence of matrix production events is orchestrated depending on cell microenvironment, and how it might change in response to external perturbations is an open question.

"Yet, very basic physical processes could be key to understanding this complex space-time hierarchical organization from the nanometer scale of individual proteins to whole biofilms at the scale of centimeters," explained Prof. Vasily Zaburdaev (Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg and at the Max-Planck-Zentrum fur Physik und Medizin in Erlangen).

More information: Liraz Chai et al, How bacteria actively use passive physics to make biofilms, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403842121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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(Left) The VUV signal immediately after X-ray beam irradiation on 229Th doped CaF 2 crystal vs. irradiation time. The VUV signal according to irradiation time reaches its saturation value faster than the expected decay half-life by a factor of about 10. (Right) The observed temporal profile of the isomeric decay signal with a half-life of ~ 450 seconds. This suggests that the isomeric state decays faster during X-ray irradiation, indicating quenching. Credit: Assistant Professor Takahiro Hiraki from Okayama University, Japan https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49631-0

Scientists use atomic clocks to measure the "second," the smallest standard unit of time, with great precision. These clocks use natural oscillations of electrons in atoms, similar to how pendulums work in old grandfather clocks. The quest for an even more precise timekeeper led to the discovery of nuclear clocks, which use the transitions of atomic nuclei instead of electrons to keep time.

A rising contender for the development of ultra-precise nuclear optical clocks is the nuclear first-excited state of 229Th isotope. Its long half-life of 103 seconds and low excitation energy of a few electron volts make it ideal for excitation by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) lasers, providing a precise reference transition for nuclear clocks.

Nuclear clocks can also be used in compact solid-state metrology devices and fundamental physics research. To explore the potential application of 229Th isomer, it is essential to understand its fundamental properties like isomeric energy, half-life, and the dynamics of excitation and decay in detail.

Working in this direction, Assistant Professor Takahiro Hiraki from Okayama University, Japan and his team including Akihiro Yoshimi and Koji Yoshimura have developed an experimental setup to effectively assess the population of the 229Th isomeric state and detect its radiative decay.

In their study published in Nature Communications on 16 July 2024, they synthesized 229Th-doped VUV transparent CaF 2 crystals and demonstrated their ability to control 229Th isomeric state population using X-rays.

"Our group is working on fundamental physics using atoms and lasers. To realize a solid-state nuclear clock using 229Th, it is necessary to control the excitation and de-excitation state of the nucleus. In this study, we successfully controlled the nuclear states using X-rays, bringing us one step closer to building a nuclear clock," stated Assistant Professor Hiraki while explaining the motivation behind their study.

To investigate the radiative decay (de-excitation), the team created excitation from the ground state of 229Th nucleus to an isomer state, via the second excited state, using a resonant X-ray beam. They found that the doped 229Th nucleus underwent radiative decay back to the ground state, along with the emission of a VUV photon.

One of the key findings was the rapid decay of the isomer state when exposed to X-ray beam irradiation and the "X-ray quenching" effect, which allowed de-population of the isomer on demand. The researchers believe that this controlled quenching could advance nuclear clock development, alongside other potential applications, such as portable gravity sensors and higher precision GPS systems.

Emphasizing the potential of nuclear optical clocks, Assistant Professor Hiraki says, "When the nuclear clock under development is completed, it will enable us to test whether 'physical constants,' especially fine structure constants, which were previously believed to remain unchanged, might vary over time. If time variation of physical constants is observed, it may lead to the elucidation of dark energy, one of the greatest mysteries of the universe."

More information: Takahiro Hiraki et al, Controlling 229Th isomeric state population in a VUV transparent crystal, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49631-0 Journal information: Nature Communications
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Illegal deforestation has been rampant in the Amazon.

Pressure mounted on the European Union on Friday to delay a ban on imports of products driving deforestation, after Germany became the latest country to request the rules be postponed.

Berlin urged the European Commission to delay implementation for six months to July 1, 2025, saying a lack of clarity on key aspects of the law meant conditions were not yet there for it to be efficiently applied.

"Companies need enough time to prepare," said German food and agriculture minister, Cem Oezdemir.

"Otherwise supply chains risk breaking at the end of the yearto the detriment of the German and European economies, small farmers in third countries and consumers."

EU imports are responsible for 16 percent of global deforestation, according to WWF data.

Forests absorb carbon and are a vital ally in fighting climate change. They are also critical for the survival of endangered plants and animals, such as orangutans and lowland gorillas.

The EU law, set to take effect at the end of December, will bar a vast range of goodsfrom coffee to cocoa, soy, timber, palm oil, cattle, printing paper and rubberif produced using land that was deforested after December 2020.

It has been hailed by environmental groups as a major breakthrough in the fight to protect nature and the climate.

But detractors say it imposes a heavy burden it imposes on farmers and firms.

The European Parliament's largest group, the center-right European People's Party, has described it as a "bureaucratic monster".

On Thursday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the regulation needed to be "practicable".

Environmental battle

Berlin's request comes against the backdrop of negotiations between the EU and South American bloc Mercosur for a free trade agreementa plan championed by Germany.

Critics see the anti-deforestation law as a major obstacle to reaching a deal.

Outside the EU, Brazil became the latest country to call for a reassessment this week.

It said the "punitive" legislation increased production and export costs, especially for smallholders.

The United States as well as Asian, African and other Latin American countries have raised similar concerns.

Over the last century, the Amazon rainforest, which covers nearly 40 percent of South America, has lost about 20 percent of its area to deforestation, due to the advance of agriculture and cattle ranching, logging and mining, and urban sprawl.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged to stop illegal deforestation of the Amazon by 2030 but faces a string of vested interests.

"We have known from the beginning that this is a battle that affects very large economic interests," said Pascal Canfin, of the European Parliament's centrist Renew group.

The EU imports 15 billion euros' ($16.6 billion) worth of agricultural raw materials responsible for deforestationparticularly soyfrom Brazil each year, he said.

"This is precisely the problem we want to solve," he added.

Other parties within the EU complain the bloc has yet to clarify how the rules will work in practice.

A diplomatic source told AFP that compliance guidelines promised by the European Commissionthe EU's executive armwere still outstanding, as was a clear benchmarking system to divide countries into different risk categories.

Speaking to The Financial Times on Thursday, the head of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged the EU to "relook" at the ban.

'Serious danger'

The EU is the second-biggest market for 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, with the proportion falling for lower-risk ones.

Talk of a delay has worried environmental groups.

"Last year the world lost an area of forest almost as big as Switzerland," said Nicole Polsterer of the NGO Fern.

"The debate on delaying the law carries the serious danger of abandoning it altogether, as some are determined to do".

Other advocacy groups point out that many companies and countries are already well-advanced in the task of complying with the new rules.

A postponement would require a fresh legislative initiative from the commission, whose new team is set to be unveiled next week following European elections in June.

 2024 AFP
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UN chief Antonio Guterres has urged every country to ban ads for fossil fuel companies.

The Dutch city of The Hague has become the first in the world to pass local laws banning advertisements for fossil fuels, petrol cars and long-distance air travel, officials said Friday.

The administrative city of over 500,000 residents late Thursday adopted groundbreaking local legislation to outlaw ads including for cheap last-minute holidays and cut-price electricity contracts.

The law comes into effect on January 1.

"The City Council of The Hague adopted two proposals to ban fossil advertising in outdoor spaces," council spokesman Jordy Kruse said.

The first proposal will inform advertising agencies that fossil fuel advertising is not permitted, while the second completely banned all fossil fuel advertising in public spaces, Kruse told AFP.

"We believe that adopting binding laws to ban fossil-fuel advertising through local legislation is a world-first," Leonie Gerritsen, a Hague council member for the Party for Animals (PvdD).

"We hope that this law will also give a signal to other cities to do the same to fight climate change," Gerritsen, one of the main drivers of the legislation, told AFP.

Other cities in the world have moved against fossil fuel adverts but The Hague is the first to enact binding legislation.

In June, UN chief Antonio Guterres urged every country to enact bans on ads for fossil fuel companies, which he called "the Godfathers of climate chaos".

Oil, gas and coal are the biggest contributors to climate change, accounting for the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2022, the Dutch city of Haarlem, near Amsterdam, agreed to outlaw ads for intensively farmed meat on public places like buses, shelters and screens.

 2024 AFP
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Gamma-ray bursts (like the one depicted in this artist's impression) are the most violent explosions in the universe, releasing more energy than the sun would in 10 billion years. Credit: NASA/Swift/Cruz deWilde

Hundreds of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have been recorded as part of an enormous global effort so extensive it "rivals the catalog of deep-sky objects created by Messier 250 years ago", astronomers say.

GRBs are the most violent explosions in the universe, releasing more energy than the sun would in 10 billion years. They occur when either a massive star dies or two neutron stars merge.

The explosions are so formidable that if one were to erupt within a distance of 1,000 light-years from Earthwhich is predicted to happen every 500 million yearsthe blast of radiation could damage our ozone layer and have devastating consequences for life. However, the chances of such an event occurring any time soon are extremely low.

First observed almost six decades ago, GRBs also have the potential to help us better understand the history of our universe, from its earliest stars to how it looks today.

The latest research recorded 535 GRBsthe nearest of which was 77 million light-years from Earthfrom 455 telescopes and instruments across the world.

It was led by Professor Maria Giovanna Dainotti, of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and has been published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

The researchers likened their collection to the 110 deep-sky objects cataloged by the French astronomer Charles Messier in the 18th century. To this day, the catalog continues to provide astronomersboth professional and amateurwith a range of easy-to-find objects in the night sky.

"Our research enhances our understanding of these enigmatic cosmic explosions and showcases the collaborative effort across nations," said Professor Dainotti.

"The result is a catalog akin to the one created by Messier 250 years ago, which classified deep-sky objects observable at that time."

It has been hailed by co-author Professor Alan Watson, of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, as a "great resource" that could help "push the frontiers of our knowledge forward".

Professors Watson and Dainotti were part of a team of more than 50 scientists who meticulously studied how GRB light reaches Earth over several weeks and, in some cases, even months after the explosion. The result, they say, is the largest catalog ever assembled of GRBs observed in optical wavelengths with measured distances.

It includes 64,813 photometric observations collected over 26 years, with notable contributions from the Swift satellites, the RATIR camera, and the Subaru Telescope.

What the team found particularly interesting about their findings was that nearly a third of the GRBs recorded (28%) did not change or evolve as the light from the explosions traveled across the cosmos.

Co-author Dr. Rosa Becerra, of the University of Tor Vergata in Rome, said this suggests that some of the most recent GRBs behave in exactly the same way as those which occurred billions of years ago.

Such a finding is at odds with the big picture commonly seen in the universe, where objects have continuously evolved from the Big Bang.

Professor Dainotti added, "This phenomenon could indicate a very peculiar mechanism for how these explosions occur, suggesting that the stars linked to GRBs are more primitive than those born more recently.

"However, this hypothesis still needs more investigation."

On the other hand, for the few GRBs where this optical evolution matches the X-ray evolution, a more straightforward explanation is possible.

"Specifically, we are observing an expanding plasma composed of electrons and positrons that cools over time, and like a hot iron rod radiating redder and redder light as it cools, we do see a transition of the emission mechanism," said fellow researcher Professor Bruce Gendre, of the University of the Virgin Islands.

"In this case, this mechanism may be linked to the magnetic energy that powers these phenomena."

The researchers now want the astronomical community to help expand their GRB compilation further. They have made the data accessible through a user-friendly web app and have called on their peers to add to it, ideally by sharing findings in the same format.

"Adopting a standardized format and units, potentially linked to the International Virtual Observatory Alliance protocols, will enhance the consistency and accessibility of the data in this field," Professor Gendre said.

"Once the data are secured, additional population studies will be conducted, triggering new discoveries based on the statistical analysis of the current work."

More information: M G Dainotti et al, An optical gamma-ray burst catalogue with measured redshift PART I: Data release of 535 gamma-ray bursts and colour evolution, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2024). DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stae1484 Journal information: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Who would you rather go on a blind date with: someone you don't know or someone recommended by a friend? The same is true when applicants are applying for jobs; according to new research by Beth Ayers McCague Family Fellowship Associate Professor Brian Swider at the University of Florida Warrington College of Business, applicants are more attracted to and willing to take jobs with a company their friends feel are a great fit. The research is published in the Journal of Applied Psychology.

Walking into a career fair is different than picking up a dateyou're still dressed up and sweating, but typically you won't bring a resume when being interviewed by a potential partner. The elevated stakes might be why students take on career fairs in packs, opting to perform their elevator pitches alongside a classmate as they introduce themselves to recruiter after recruiter.

It's a functional method, Swider says, but a faulty one. What follows a team of classmates taking on a career fair is a classic case of social information processing.

"The study identifies that how applicants go through the recruitment process is meaningfully impacted by what their friends think about those organizations," Swider explained. "That can be positive in the form of learning. But that can also be negative in the form of social influence and pressure to conform to what your friend group thinks about a certain organization."

Throughout the interview process, it's inevitable that friends will swap notes about the different companies they've met, offering opinions and advice. However, one student's experience may not be applicable to their friend, and the resulting bias could be damaging.

To assess this dilemma, Swider and his co-author, David Sullivan, studied two cohorts of students from professional accounting programs in the Southwestern United States. The students all received job offers from major accounting companies, and Swider watched in real time as the cohorts indirectly pressured their peers into accepting positions at certain companies.

"We're cognitive misersthat's ultimately where biases creep in," Swider said. "These decisions are tough, and sometimes we over-rely on others because we don't want that responsibility. If I can trick myself into saying I have enough information, then at least I can live with the decision in the short term."

It can be helpful to get input and learn from the people who know us best, Swider says, but when accepting a job offer it's important to make a decision that is right for you, not for your friend. Swider offers some practical examples of how to filter through peer pressure and find your perfect match:

Make a list of pros and cons

Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and compare those with the job's description

Identify alignment between personal and company values

Seek alternative information sources to diversify your perspective

"We spend 40% of our waking adult lives at work," Swider emphasized. "Making sure that individuals and organizations are finding the right match has a net positive for everyone involved in that slice of life. If you can get people in organizations that fit, all the data suggests positive outcomes for both the employee and the employer."

Applicants can benefit from Swider's research, and so can their recruiters. Rather than sticking with outdated practices, recruiters can offer better information sources about their company and even adapt their hiring strategies by creating opportunities to recruit friend groups or cohorts that are already accustomed to working as a team.

"A lot of employee withdrawal and turnover can be traced back to inefficient or ineffective recruitment and selection processes," Swider said.

"If you're bringing in the wrong people, or the people who are attracted to your organization are attracted for the wrong reasons, it's not functional for anybody. The employee is going to be dissatisfied, disengaged and eventually they're going to quit and have to spend time, resources, money [and] effort to find new jobs.

"The organizations will have to go out and re-recruit, reselect, resocialize and hope they do better in the future."

If recruiters can optimize their onboarding strategies, and applicants make decisions based on their own judgments instead of being swayed by their friends' opinions, then they'll have a better chance of launching a relationship that could last a lifetime.

"There are a bunch of people taking jobs because their friends are doing it, and I learned very early in life that if all your friends are doing something, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a good idea."

More information: David W. Sullivan et al, The influence of friends' person-organization fit during recruitment., Journal of Applied Psychology (2024). DOI: 10.1037/apl0001226 Journal information: Journal of Applied Psychology
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Illustration depicting common sources of PFAS alongside corresponding hazards, and a schematic diagram illustrating the piezocatalytic degradation of PFOS. Credit: Small Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202400337

What do firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, water-repellent textiles and pesticides all have in common? They all contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAShuman-made chemicals that don't break down naturally. It's no wonder, then, that PFAS are now contaminating soil and water and can also be detected in the bodies of humans and animals. The dangers are well known: these forever chemicals can damage the liver, trigger hormonal disorders and cause cancer, to mention just a few of their effects.

Researchers in the group under Salvador Pane i Vidal, Professor at ETH Zurich's Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, have developed a new method to break down a subgroup of PFAS called perfluorooctane sulfonates, or PFOS. Due to their toxicity, PFOS are now severely restricted or even banned. The study is published in the journal Small Science.

"The main problem is that the molecules consist of long carbon chains surrounded by fluorine atoms. This carbon-fluorine bond is so strong that you need a lot of energy to break it," says Andrea Veciana, a doctoral student of Pane i Vidal's.

Breaking down molecules with ultrasound and nanoparticles

To break up the PFOS molecules and thus degrade them in water, the researchers used piezocatalysis for the first time. "Piezo" refers to piezoelectricity, an electrical charge that is generated during mechanical deformation, and "catalysis" means accelerating a chemical reaction with suitable substances.

"We've developed nanomaterials that are piezoelectric. To the naked eye, this material looks a bit like sand," Veciana says. In the ultrasonic bath, these particles become electrically charged and act as a catalyst. Pane i Vidal adds, "It's this electrical charge that sets the whole chain of reaction in motion and breaks down the PFOS molecules piece by piece. That's why the nanoparticles are called piezoelectric."

To measure the PFOS concentration in their samples, the researchers worked with Samy Boulos, analytical specialist from the Laboratory of Food Biochemistry. Using a mass spectrometer, the researchers were able to prove that 90.5% of the PFOS molecules were degraded.

"However, we should point out that we were working with a very high concentration of 4 milligrams per liter," Veciana says.

"In the natural world, such as in lakes and rivers, the PFOS concentration is less than 1 microgram per liter. And the lower the concentration, the longer it takes for the PFOS to degrade."

Some of the technologies currently in development first concentrate the water and then destroy the PFOS. This would also be a key step in the piezocatalysis, one that would have to be implemented in a specific application such as a chemical industry effluent.

Better than previous methods

The potential of the new method becomes clear when considering the existing options for degrading PFAS. "One method is thermal decomposition, but that requires a temperature of over 1,000 degrees Celsius, which makes it highly energy intensive," Veciana says.

PFAS can also be degraded by photocatalysis. This process is similar to piezocatalysis but uses light for activation of the catalyst instead of mechanical energy. The main problem with this method is that, in practice, the objective is to treat wastewater, and since wastewater is cloudy, there is a low light penetration.

Veciana mentions a third method, "There's also absorption, where you use a kind of sponge to soak up the pollutants from the water. But this merely shifts the problem from one place to another; now you need a solution for the PFAS-permeated sponge."

The disadvantages of the existing methods were one of the reasons the ETH researchers went looking for a new way to break down PFAS. Piezocatalysis has the advantage of being able to work with different sources of mechanical energy.

"If water has to be purified in wastewater treatment plants and there's already turbulence in the water, that energy could perhaps be harnessed to break down the PFAS in it," Veciana says.

Combating PFAS together

Unfortunately, what the researchers have achieved in the laboratory with water samples of 50 milliliters hasn't yet been transferred into practice. "The scalability of our method is one of the biggest challenges," Pane i Vidal says.

"However, we've succeeded in showing that piezocatalysis works as a method for degrading PFOS and has advantages over previous methods." Furthermore, their method can not only be used on PFOS, but on any other PFAS and micropollutant.

In general, methods for degrading PFAS should be used before the chemicals get into the environment, i.e. in industrial wastewater treatment plants, or on collected agricultural water for reuse. "Companies should take all possible measures to ensure that the water they release into the environment is as clean as possible," Pane i Vidal says.

Veciana adds, "PFAS are a global problem that should be tackled first and foremost through policy change and more transparency." There's already a lot of media coverage about a PFAS ban and stricter regulations to force the industry to be more transparent about the use of these chemicals.

Veciana says, "Nevertheless, it's also important to continue to innovate through research in order to reduce and remediate the existing exposure to PFAS as much as possible."

More information: Andrea Veciana et al, Breaking the Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Chain: Piezocatalytic Decomposition of PFOS Using BaTiO3 Nanoparticles, Small Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202400337
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A laser powder directed energy deposition (LP-DED) 3D printer at RPM Innovations facility additively manufactures a large-scale aerospike rocket engine nozzle from one of Elementum 3Ds specialized, 3D-printable aluminum alloys. Credit: RPM Innovations Inc.

In the fall of 2023, NASA hot fire tested an aluminum 3D printed rocket engine nozzle. Aluminum is not typically used for 3D printing because the process causes it to crack, and its low melting point makes it a challenging material for rocket engines. Yet the test was a success.

Printing aluminum engine parts could save significant time, money, and weight for future spacecraft. Elementum 3D Inc., a partner on the project, is now making those benefits available to the commercial space industry and beyond.

The hot fire test was the culmination of a relationship between NASA and Elementum that began shortly after the company was founded in 2014 to make more materials available for 3D printing. Based in Erie, Colorado, the company infuses metal alloys with particles of other materials to alter their properties and make them amenable to additive manufacturing. This became the basis of Elementum's Reactive Additive Manufacturing (RAM) process.

NASA adopted the technology, qualifying the RAM version of a common aluminum alloy for 3D printing. The agency then awarded funding to print the experimental Broadsword rocket engine, demonstrating the concept's viability.

A rocket engine nozzle 3D printed from Elementum 3Ds A6061 RAM2 aluminum alloy undergoes hot fire testing at Marshall Space Flight Center. Credit: NASA

Meanwhile, a team at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, was working to adapt an emerging technology to print larger engines. In 2021, Marshall awarded an Announcement of Collaborative Opportunity to Elementum 3D to modify an aluminum alloy for printing in what became the Reactive Additive Manufacturing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution project.

The project also made a commonly used aluminum alloy available for large-scale 3D printing. It is already used in large satellite components and could be implemented into microchip manufacturing equipment, Formula 1 race car parts, and more.

The alloy modified for the Broadsword engine is already turning up in brake rotors and lighting fixtures. These various applications exemplify the possibilities that come from NASA's collaboration and investment in industry.

Provided by NASA
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Two proteins, the ion channel Tmem63b and the vitamin B1 transporter Slc19a2, form a complex that triggers phospholipid scrambling in the cell membrane. Credit: Mindy Takamiya/Kyoto University iCeMS

Scientists at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS) have uncovered new details about how cells manage the distribution of lipids in their cell membrane. These lipids, known as phospholipids, are arranged in a bilayer of membranes, regulating entry and exit of certain molecules to maintain a stable internal environment.

Phospholipids are usually distributed unevenly across the cell membrane, with some types staying on the inside and others on the outer side. However, cells need to change this distribution quickly in response to environmental or internal signals. The process of moving phospholipids from one side of the membrane to the other, known as phospholipid scrambling, can expose specific phospholipids to the outside of the cell. This exposure is important for several functions, including blood clotting and the removal of unwanted cells.

The new research, published in Nature Communications, identified protein complexes that play an essential role in this process.

"We discovered that when calcium is incorporated into cells, a specific protein complex, including the ion channel Tmem63b and the vitamin B1 transporter Slc19a2, triggers phospholipid scrambling," explains Professor Jun Suzuki, who led the study.

Calcium serves as a signal that can activate various cellular processes such as ion channel gating and phospholipid scrambling when it enters the cell. "When Tmem63b was deleted, the cells lost calcium-induced phospholipid scrambling activity" says Han Niu, the study's first author.

"Conversely, certain genetic mutations in the Tmem63b gene linked to diseases like epilepsy and anemia lead to continuous activation of phospholipid scrambling, even without calcium stimulation."

In normal cells (left), calcium activates the Tmem63b/Slc19a2 complex, leading to controlled phospholipid scrambling, along with Kcnn4 activation. In Tmem63b mutant (derived from human patients) cells (right), continuous phospholipid scrambling occurs without calcium stimulation. Credit: H Niu, M Maruoka, Y Noguchi, H Kosako, and J Suzuki

The researchers also found that Kcnn4, a potassium channel activated by calcium, influences this process. When either Slc19a2 or Kcnn4 was missing, phospholipid scrambling decreased. This shows that Tmem63b, Slc19a2, and Kcnn4 work together to regulate phospholipid scrambling.

Earlier studies by Suzuki and colleagues had identified other proteins involved in phospholipid scrambling, but they couldn't explain all cases. The new discovery shows that Tmem63b and Slc19a2 work together as a pair bound together to trigger this process, whereas the other proteins work as pairs made of two copies of the same protein.

The team also found that changes in the tension of the cell's plasma membrane might help activate the Tmem63b/Slc19a2 complex. When calcium enters the cell and potassium ions leave by Kcnn4, it can cause the cell to shrink. This shrinkage can cause changes in the cell membrane tension, facilitating activation of Tmem63b with an increase in intracellular calcium. This activation mechanism could explain how neuronal cells and red blood cells adapt to environmental changes through phospholipid scrambling.

The researchers hope that their findings will lead to new treatments for diseases in which phospholipid scrambling is disrupted, including epilepsy and anemia.

More information: Han Niu et al, Phospholipid scrambling induced by an ion channel/metabolite transporter complex, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51939-w Journal information: Nature Communications
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Clouds over Australia are shown. Credit: NASA

A tech billionaire has become the first layperson to perform a space walk. Hundreds of miles above Earth, Jared Isaacman took part in an intricate performance of science and engineering that often comes with some serious health risks, even for professional astronauts.

Elon Musk's SpaceX partnered with Isaacman to bring the Polaris Dawn mission to life, which featured a five-day flight to 460 miles above the planet. From bulges in the hatch seal to an unresponsive button for accessing the ship, there were a few glitches during the trek. But the "risky venture," as SpaceX's vice president of build and flight reliability Bill Gerstenmaier put it, could have gone significantly worse.

"You have to embrace the suck," European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano told NPR.

"At one point during the spacewalk, you're going to be hot, you're going to be cold, your hands are going to hurt," he continued.

During a space walk in 2013, Parmitano's cooling system suffered a major malfunctionhis helmet was filling with water, creeping up his skin and over his head because of the capillary pressure at zero G.

"It covered my eyes, it covered my ears, it went inside my nose," he said. Then, his radio stopped working.

"I was on my own, isolated," he continued. "I couldn't see anything, I couldn't hear, I couldn't talk."

Major, potentially dangerous, malfunctions during a spacewalk were not pioneered by Parmitano though. Astronauts have been overcoming similar dangers for years.

"Of the nine EVAs that took place during project Gemini, three of them actually ended early due to concerns over health and safety," Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum curator Emily Margolis said, speaking on the space walks (EVAs) of the 1960s.

Gene Cernan found himself nearly unable to move during a venture into the void during Gemini 9. The metallic coating on his suit restricted his movement more than anticipated, and the suit's interior was quickly heating up.

"He started to sweat profusely and the moisture in the suit started to fog his visor," Margolis said. The heat and strenuous battle against the movement-resistant suit cost Cernan 13 pounds.

"It's believed that most of that was water weight from the amount that he was sweating during this EVA," Margolis added.

But that was decades ago. How dangerous are spacewalks today? According to Baylor College of Medicine's Dr. Jonathan Clark, a former NASA and SpaceX consultant, roughly 20% of spacewalks encounter problems.

But will laypeople, those with no experience or proper training in space walking, be able to correct major malfunctions as well as tried-and-tested astronauts like Parmitano?

To safely return to his shuttle after his helmet began filling with water, blinding him, he had to retrace his steps back to his airlock from memory.

"I don't take any specific credit for keeping my cool because I'd been trained my whole adult life to perform in relatively risky situations," the Italian Air Force colonel and test pilot said.

Could you die during a space walk? It's not likely, according to NASA, because adventures outside the craft are often canceled on a moment's notice over technical malfunctions and health scares.

2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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This image made from a NASA live stream shows NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during a press conference from the International Space Station on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Credit: NASA via AP

Stuck-in-space astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams said Friday it's been tough dealing with their Boeing ride leaving without them and the prospect of spending several extra months in orbit.

It was their first public comments since last week's return of the Boeing Starliner capsule that took them to the International Space Station in June. They remained behind after NASA determined the problem-plagued capsule posed too much risk for them to ride back in. Their eight-day mission is now expected to last more than eight months.

"It was trying at times. There were some tough times all the way through," Wilmore said from 260 miles (420 kilometers) up. As spacecraft pilots, "you don't want to see it go off without you, but that's where we wound up."

While they never expected to be up there nearly a year, as Starliner's first test pilots, they knew there could be problems that might delay their return. "That's how things go in this business," Williams said.

Wilmore and Williams are now full-fledged station crew members, chipping in on routine maintenance and experiments. Williams will take over command of the space station in a few more weeks, Wilmore told reporters during a news conferenceonly their second since blasting off from Florida on June 5.

This image made from a NASA live stream shows NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during a press conference from the International Space Station on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Credit: NASA via AP

The duo, along with seven others on board, welcomed a Soyuz spacecraft carrying two Russians and an American earlier this week, temporarily raising the station population to 12, a near record. And two more astronauts will fly up on SpaceX later this month; two capsule seats will be left empty for Wilmore and Williams for the return leg.

The transition to station life was "not that hard" since both had previous stints there, said Williams, who logged two long space station stays years ago.

"This is my happy place. I love being up here in space," she said.

Wilmore noted that if his adjustment wasn't instantaneous, it was "pretty close."

The astronauts said they appreciate all the prayers and well wishes from strangers back home, and that it's helped them cope with everything they'll miss out on back home.

In this photo provided by NASA, astronauts Butch Wilmore, left, and Suni Williams inspect safety hardware aboard the International Space Station on Aug. 9, 2024. Credit: NASA via AP

Williams couldn't help but fret for a while over losing precious face-to-face time with her mother. Wilmore won't be around for his youngest daughter's final year of high school. He just requested an absentee ballot on Friday so he can vote in the November election from orbit. Both stressed the importance of carrying out their civic duties as their mission goes on.

Their Starliner capsule marked the first Boeing spaceflight with astronauts. It endured a series of thruster failures and helium leaks before arriving at the space station on June 6. It landed safely in the New Mexico desert earlier this month, but Boeing's path forward in NASA's commercial crew program remains uncertain.

The space agency hired SpaceX and Boeing as an orbital taxi service a decade ago after the shuttles retired. SpaceX has been flying astronauts since 2020.

Williams said she's excited to fly two different spacecraft on the same mission. "We're testers, that's what we do," she said.

"We wanted to take Starliner to the completion and land it back on land at home," she added. "But you have to turn the page and look at the next opportunity."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Africa currently imports around 40 million tons of wheat annually at a staggering cost of $15 billion. Most African countries rely heavily on wheat imports, with some importing up to 100% of their supply. However, countries like Ethiopia and Zimbabwe have made significant strides toward self-sufficiency.

Ethiopia has expanded irrigated wheat production, reaching about 1.3 million hectares in 2023 and producing over 10 million tons from nearly 3 million hectares. Zimbabwe produced 468,000 tons of wheat from 90,186 hectares in 2023, exceeding its national self-sufficiency goal by 30%.

These achievements are the result of coordinated efforts among farmers, research institutions, financial entities, the private sector, and government policies aimed at achieving wheat and flour self-sufficiency.

At the heart of Zimbabwe's objectives for self-sufficiency in wheat is SAVE, a new bread wheat variety developed by ICARDA in partnership with DRISS. SAVE thrives under harsh conditions due to its resistance to heat, drought, and yellow and leaf rust. With a potential yield of up to 7 tons per hectare, this breakthrough variety can be cultivated in both summer and winter growing seasons, making it ideal for Zimbabwe's diverse agricultural landscapes.

Released in 2022 and adopted by Zimbabwe in 2023, SAVE has exceeded expectations by producing 468,000 tons of wheat from 90,186 hectares, surpassing its national self-sufficiency target by 30%.

This achievement was the result of a collaborative effort among farmers, research institutions, financial bodies, the private sector, and government support through initiatives such as the Accelerated National Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Program (ANIRDP) and the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalization Program (SIRP).

Looking ahead, the Zimbabwean government plans to expand winter wheat cultivation to 120,000 hectares in 2024 to counter potential food shortages caused by El Nino.

Field days held at Rupike, Jombe, and Nyamubarawanda irrigation schemes showcased SAVE's impressive performance, generating enthusiasm among farmers for its potential to deliver a bountiful harvest.

Organized by DRISS, local agricultural extension services, community members, and ICARDA, these events attracted a wide array of stakeholders, including government representatives, private seed companies, and local farmers. The field days turned into community-wide celebrations featuring plays, poetry, and songs that honored the contributions of Zimbabwe's farmers and underscored agriculture's vital role in securing the nation's future.

The events also gathered communities around SAVE's transformative potential. Outstanding farmers were recognized with awards of quality seeds, fertilizers, and farming tools, reinforcing their dedication to Zimbabwe's agricultural resurgence. The participation of senior officials, such as Dr. Dumisani Kutywayo, Chief Director of DRISS, and the ICARDA wheat team, highlighted the significance of these milestones.

"The African Development Bank's Feed Africa Strategy is driving African nations toward agricultural self-sufficiency by promoting technological innovation and scaling," emphasized Dr. Zewdie Bishaw, ICARDA's Coordinator of the TAAT II Wheat Compact.

Zimbabwe's success with the ICARDA-developed wheat variety, SAVE, demonstrates the power of innovation, policy, and community collaboration. As the country continues to expand its wheat production, it moves closer to self-sufficiency and sets a powerful example for the rest of Africa. In Zimbabwe, wheat has become a symbol of resilience, progress, and hope.

Provided by International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
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As one moved from suburban to urban areas, genetic exchange among the Ezo flying squirrel populations became more difficult, resulting in increased genetic distance and decreased genetic diversity. Credit: Yu Takahata, SOKENDAI

Since many kinds of wildlife have started living in urban environments, urban environments have been recognized as places of biodiversity conservation. What kind of factors facilitate or prohibit wildlife from living in urban environments?

Understanding the population genetic structure of urban wildlife living would suggest a hint. In a study published in Conservation Genetics, researchers investigated the population genetic structure of Eurasian red squirrels living in urban to rural areas in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, Japan.

They found that:

gene flow between urban and rural populations has decreased, resulting in genetic differentiation.

gene flow between urban and rural populations is still maintained through the intermediate sites connected by the green spaces with rural areas (e.g., forests and windbreaks).

genetic distance between study sites has expanded in urban areas.

genetic diversity has decreased in urban areas.

Since squirrels have inhabited the urban areas in Obihiro City since the 1990s, the change in genetic structure likely occurred in only about 30 years. The genetic structure of squirrels has been shaped by the presence of busy roads, a lack of green space, and supplemental feeding. These factors have likely contributed to the changes in genetic structure over a relatively short period of about 30 years.

More information: Yu Takahata et al, Urbanisation has impacted the population genetic structure of the Eurasian red squirrel in Japan within a short period of 30 years, Conservation Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s10592-024-01631-9 Journal information: Conservation Genetics

Provided by The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI
QUEENSBURY  As the region prepares for the skies to fill with a menagerie of lighter-than-air gasbags, the Queensbury town board engaged in some well-deserved ballon bragging.

We are the biggest balloon festival thats organized, managed, promoted, (and) run by volunteers, boasted town supervisor John Strough during the boards Sept. 9 meeting. Theres a committee, Im on the committee, I dont do much, but this man before us tonight, he makes it happen. Without him I dont know what we would do.

The man Strough referred to was Mark Donahue, who for nearly 30 of the past 51 years, has worked to make the Adirondack Balloon Festival one of the premier events in the Capital Region.

We were the third largest (balloon festival) in the nation. Now we're borderline and tied for second, Donahue said as he addressed the board Monday.

Albuquerque will always beat everybody at 600-700 balloons and millions of people. But we're now toe-to-toe, head-to-head whatever you want to call it, with Reno, Nevada.

A feat, Donahue conceded, could not have been accomplished without the help of Strough himself.

In my, going on 29 years involvement, Ive never had anybody in a seat of a town or a village thats done anything to support us until this man, Donahue said of Strough. I mean, he's done an amazing job to open doors for me.

This year marks the festivals 51st anniversary. On Monday Donahue took some time to reflect on how far the event has come, not just in scope, but in organization as well.

If what happened in 1973 happened today, we'd be all over the news, he said with a laugh.

Donahue said in that first year of the festival, a balloon collided into power lines in South Glens Falls; one landed in the middle of Glen Lake; while another plunged into a swimming pool in Glens Falls.

If any of that happened today, our pictures would be all over social media throughout the world, Donahue chuckled. Ballooning was very different than it is today, for sure. But anyway, the town of Queensbury has been with us all those years.

As a token of appreciation, Donahue presented Strough and the entire board with a piece of hand-crafted metal art commissioned to commemorate the event and its most ardent supporters.

We look forward to continuing to support this wonderful event, Strough said of the balloon fest. We're just so lucky to have it here.

So far, Donahue said around 80 balloons are registered for this years event. Nine special animal shapes, including seven from Great Britain are scheduled to fly in this years festival and bring with them a special show.

They are going to do a Moonglow within a Moonglow Saturday night, and they're going to do an exclusive 10 min choreographed event they call it dancing because they have precision on their burners that they can literally have the burner shoot, like, one second, Donahue explained. That is set for 7:45 p.m. Saturday Sept. 21 at Warren County airport.

In addition to the main balloon attraction, nearly 70 craft and food vendors are scheduled to be set up for the high-flying weekend as well as 10 exhibitors.

As it has in the past, the balloon festival begins, weather permitting, in Crandall Park in Glens Falls on Thursday Sept. 19, with about a dozen balloons expected to fly at about 5:30 p.m. followed at 7:45 p.m. with a moonglow  the festive lighting of the balloons torches that turn the balloons into giant lanterns.

On Friday, the festival moves to the Warren County airport, opening at 3p.m., where it remains through the weekend until 10 a.m. Sunday Sept. 21. After that, the airport returns to normal use.

For more information and a full schedule of events visit www.adirondackballoonfest.org.
Hillsdale man killed in Saratoga shooting

SARATOGA SPRINGS  A Hillsdale man died Wednesday after reportedly brandishing a gun during an interaction with State Troopers in Saratoga Springs.

State Troopers were attempting to locate James A. Dellea, 48, of Hillsdale around 4 p.m. Wednesday after Dellea had threatened self-harm.

Dellea was located by Troopers in the parking lot of the Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Route 9 in Malta.

When Troopers attempted to interview Dellea, he failed to follow lawful commands to exit his vehicle and fled the scene, a press release from New York State Police stated. A low-speed vehicle pursuit was initiated.

State Police reported that Dellea stopped his vehicle in the parking lot of Bethel Saratoga on Route 9 in Saratoga Springs. He continued to refuse to exit his vehicle despite numerous commands to do so, according to New York State Police.

Dellea reportedly brandished a firearm, at which time one of the Troopers fired his weapon, fatally striking Dellea.

State Route 9 was closed between Cherry Choke Road and Kaydeross Avenue East because of the investigation, State Police reported.

There is no current threat to the public, and no additional individuals were injured during the shooting, State Police reported.

Chestertown man arrested on charges related to alleged child rape

CHESTERTOWN  A Chestertown man was arrested Monday after he allegedly raped a child younger than 15.

Riley P. May, 23, was arrested by State Police Monday and charged with second-degree rape and second-degree criminal sex act.

State Troopers received information Aug. 19 that an adult male had sexual relations with a child younger than 15. State Police reported that the investigation determined that May had sexual relations with the child on more than once while in the town of Chestertown during the summer of 2024.

May surrendered himself to State Police in Queensbury, where he was arrested and processed. He was arraigned in Chestertown Town Court and released under the supervision of the Warren County Probation Department.

Four arrested after $60,000 in UTVs and other property found

GLENS FALLS  Four men from in and around Washington County have been arrested for criminal possession of stolen property and other charges related to the alleged theft of $60,000 worth of stolen UTVs and other property.

State Police arrested four men between Sept. 2 and 3 in connection with the recovery of three Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) and other property worth $60,000 in total. Joseph E. Millington, 34 of Diamond Point

State Police arrested Joseph E. Millington, 34, of Diamond Point Sept. 2 for third-degree criminal possession of stolen property and fifth-degree conspiracy. On Sept. 3 they arrested Jefferey G. Dickinson, 36, of Fort Ann for those same two charges. Also on Sept. 3, State Police also arrested Jeffrey W. Fifield, 37 of Hudson Falls and Charles J. Cleveland, 30, of Greenwich for third-degree criminal possession of stolen property

State Police responded to the area of New Swamp Road in Kingsbury Sept. 2 for a report of a stolen UTV. State Troopers and the Hudson Falls Police Department worked together and located the stolen UTV in the area of Feeder Street in Hudson Falls.

An investigation discovered the UTV had reportedly been brought to the location by Millington and Dickinson, where they allegedly conspired to conceal and sell it, state police reported.

Fifield was at the location when the stolen UTV was recovered. State Police reported that he was in possession of another UTV which he claimed ownership of and had not been reported stolen.

Millington was located walking nearby and was taken into custody. He was transported to Greenwich State Police for processing and arraigned at the Washington County Centralized Arraignment Part Court. He was remanded without bail to the Washington County Correctional Facility.

Dickinson was located Sept. 3 in Hudson Falls. He was taken into custody, transported to Greenwich State Police for processing and then taken to the Washington County Correctional Facility to await arraignment.

State Police reported that on Sept. 2, an unrelated UTV was discovered abandoned in the area of Swamp Road in Kingsbury. This led to a second investigation. State Police said that after contacting businesses in the area, it was determined that two UTVs (one of which was the one found abandoned in Kingsbury)and other miscellaneous property had been stolen from the area of Quaker Ridge Boulevard in Queensbury. The second stolen UTV was located with the assistance of the Hudson Falls Police Department in the area of River Street in Hudson Falls, and was the same UTV which Fifield had been in possession of the previous day. Additional stolen property was also discovered in Fifields home. Cleveland allegedly brought the UTC and other stolen items to the location on Sept. 1.

Fifield and Cleveland were arrested and transported to Greenwich State Police for processing. Both men were then brought to the Washington County Correctional Facility to await arraignment.

The investigations were able to recover a total of three UTVs and multiple other stolen items. The total value of the recovered property is more than $60,000 State Police reported.

Glens Falls Police are investigating three non-fatal overdoses last weekend

GLENS FALLS  The City of Glens Falls Police Department is investigating a series of reported narcotic overdoses after three overdoses occurred last weekend.

Officers recovered red-colored glassine envelopes related to narcotics at each of the scenes of the non-fatal overdoses.

The Police Department reported Monday that it is believed the glassine envelopes are directly related to the calls for medical service and that the calls for service are all linked.
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.

Inspira Health is expanding in Gloucester County. Elsewhere in Jersey, it faces challenges. Inspira Health Network's hospital in Gloucester County is bustling. One day in June, the 220-bed facility was virtually full with 218 patients. In neighboring Salem County, by contrast, two small community hospitals also owned by Inspira aren't even half full, seeing fewer than 25 patients a day on average. That contrast illustrates how the nonprofit health system with four general hospitals in South Jersey serves two vastly different markets.

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.

This story first appeared on the New Jersey Monitor.
Rock Island-Milan schools were assigned extra police presence Friday in response to social media threats circulating nationwide.

It marks the third such response by area law enforcement this week, though authorities have deemed there to be no direct connection or threat to QC schools so far.

Deputy Rock Island Police Chief James Morris said multiple police departments received information about a social media post circulating among local students. He told the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus on Friday that the post indicated there would be a shooting at a middle school, but did not name a specific school.

"The post was eventually traced back to a school district in Ohio that originated on Tuesday," Morris said. "It was determined that there was no danger to our local schools but as a precautionary measure, additional police presence was assigned."

Rock Island-Milan officials sent the following statement Friday evening in response to the situation:

"Staff and scholar safety is, and will always be, a top priority for Rock Island-Milan Schools. Thursday night, district staff were made aware of a social media threat mentioning one of our schools. This threat has not been found to be legitimate, but out of an abundance of caution, we placed more support inside our schools on Friday to ensure the safety of all of our stakeholders."

As previously reported, Moline police took the same precautions Wednesday at John Deere Middle School, and Eldridge police are investigating threatening social media comments made by a high schooler re-posting another out of state post.

Glenview Middle School in East Moline also had increased police presence Wednesday following the social media threats stemming from Ohio.

"Please know that law enforcement has been notified. We are grateful for our partnership with the East Moline Police Department and will continue to prioritize the safety of all students and staff," East Moline school officials said in a message to families Wednesday afternoon. "In keeping everyone safe, the EMPD will have an increased presence throughout the school day."

Local media outlets nationwide  including in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas  reported school districts upped security measures this week due to social media threats. Earlier this month, two students and two teachers were killed in a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia.
A LeClaire resident has mailed a request for the federal Office of Congressional Ethics to investigate U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks' voting address.

After the 2020 census, Republican Miller-Meeks' home county, Wapello, was redrawn into southwest Iowa's 3rd Congressional District.

Miller-Meeks said at the time she would not sell her house in Ottumwa she shared with her husband but would take up residence in the newly christened 1st District, which mostly overlapped with the district she represented before redistricting.

Just before the 2022 election, Miller-Meeks changed her registered voting address from Ottumwa to Scott County.

But, LeClaire resident Joyce Kuehl in her request to the congressional ethics office alleges public documents show Miller-Meeks likely primarily still resides in her Ottumwa home.

The Miller-Meeks campaign did not respond to a request for comment for this article.

Federal rules don't require members of Congress to live in the district they represent, just to reside in the same state.

Iowa election law, though, defines a voter's residence as "the place which the person declares is the person's home with the intent to remain there permanently or for a definite, or indefinite, or indeterminable length of time."

In late October 2022, Miller-Meeks changed her registration from her longtime Ottumwa address to the address of the home of a state senator in LeClaire.

According to voting records from Scott County, Miller-Meeks voted in the 2022 general election in Scott County.

Just before the June 4 primary election this year, Miller-Meeks changed her registered voting address to a Davenport apartment on Jersey Ridge Road and voted in the primary election.

According to Kuehl's request for investigation, Miller-Meeks and her husband, Curtis Meeks, have owned 33 acres of land in Ottumwa since purchasing it in March 2003 and the couple constructed their home in 2004.

The most recent property tax statement, included Kuehl's request, lists that Miller-Meeks and her husband received a homestead credit for the property in the past two tax periods; Miller-Meeks reported in congressional disclosure reports that she has a mortgage on her "personal residence in Ottumwa" in 2022 and 2023; and campaign contributions list her Ottumwa address as her mailing address.

"Though Miller-Meeks has been registered to vote at various addresses in Scott County for nearly two years now, the facts presented above strongly suggest that her residence  the home where she lives and the primary home where she sleeps at night  is in Wapello County," the request states. "... Thus, it appears she is violating Iowa voting law by remaining registered to vote and voting in a county and precinct where she does not reside."

Kuehl alleges that if Miller-Meeks provided an incorrect address for voting purposes, she violates U.S. House rules that require members to "conduct (themselves) at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditability on the House" and allows the ethics committee to deal with members' violations of the law.

In August, The Gazette, which Lee Enterprises cooperates with for a Des Moines Bureau, sent Miller-Meeks' congressional office spokesperson a list of detailed questions about her address, such as which address she lists as her primary one for tax purposes and on her driver's license, whether she claims military service tax exemption at her Ottumwa address, the reasoning for the move from LeClaire to Davenport and how she splits her time between each location.

Miller-Meeks' spokesperson responded, "The congresswoman's residence is in Davenport" but did not answer other questions.

Iowa law permits residents to bring challenges to voter registration at the county level, though no challenges have been brought forward to Miller-Meeks' address.

In 2022 in Polk County, residents brought a challenge to Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver's registered voting address at an apartment in Grimes, which he had changed from his Ankeny home where his wife and three children still resided to run in a newly drawn state senate district.

After a hearing, the Polk County auditor determined that Whitver legally resided in the Grimes apartment and that the evidence in the challenge was not sufficient to prove Whitver did not live in Grimes.

No similar challenges have been filed in Scott County to contest Miller-Meeks' Scott County address, county auditor Kerri Tompkins confirmed in an email.

In order to challenge a voter's registered address, Tompkins wrote, a form must be completed and submitted and the county would notify the voter being challenged and a hearing allows the challenger and the voter to provide evidence.

Tom Barton of the Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau contributed to this report.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled Kuehl's name. This version has been corrected.

Photos: Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks reelected to U.S. House of Representatives
Matt Weaver still hasnt processed how he feels about it.

On a hot day in late July he pushed "Bangtail," a whitewater dory he built, into the water for it's baptismal float.

It was very surreal to pull it off the trailer and see it on the water, Weaver said. After staring at it on a cart for so long, to see the ripples of the water on it and the way it shimmered, it erased so much of the stress leading up to that moment. I hadn't even considered if it was taking on water, but it just looked at home, where it needed to be.

To an observer it probably looked to be just another guy launching a boat.

To Weaver, it was the culmination of a lifelong dream and his opportunity to carry on the storied legacy of wooden boats on wild rivers.

What is a whitewater dory?

To the lay person its hard to discern the difference between a dory and a drift boat, commonly used by fly anglers on Montana rivers.

Both are made from wood and have similar lines, like a high bow for cutting waves.

The big difference is on the inside. Drift boats often have open wells inside the boat, but a dory is fully decked with waterproof compartments. These watertight cavities increase the buoyancy of the boat and shed water while crashing through whitewater.

Kevin Fedarkos book the "Emerald Mile," about the fastest speed run down the Grand Canyon in the boat thats name is the books title, introduced the world to the legacy of whitewater dories.

In a 2014 interview with Outside magazine about the book, Fedarko described dories:

What struck me most forcefully, though, was that the profile of each boat boasted the simplest and loveliest lines that I had ever seen, Fedarko said. Their gunwales swept boldly from bow to stern in a curve that mirrored the rocker of their bottoms, while the profile of their flared hulls set up a pleasing contrast with the rigid ranks of eleven-foot oars that hung from the far wall in neat vertical columns.

Inspired to build a boat

Weaver has always liked boats and building things.

Growing up in the New England area he was around boats and his family has a history of boat building. He took a class his junior year of high school and constructed a 9-and-a-half-foot Monhegan Island skiff to be donated to the local fishing community. Since then he was always looking for another opportunity.

It was his move to Idaho in 2010, and his first river trip on the Payette River, where his love of boats met his love of whitewater.

Fast forward to 2020, with a decade of river running under his belt, Weaver started thinking seriously about making his own boat. In March, just as the world was entering Covid-19 lockdown, Weaver was on the San Juan River and shared a camp with another party of floaters.

The party had a couple of dories along. Weaver was immediately twitterpated with the vessels.

I just stared at the boats for hours, Weaver said. I thought, Man that would be so cool and the scariest thing to row. So that was the seed that was planted to build a dory.

Over the same course of time, Weaver stumbled into a career as a cabinet maker, developing the skills of precision woodworking needed to build a boat.

I always knew that I wanted to build boats in some way, but could never find the right path to do it, Weaver said. Getting opportunities to be on western rivers since I moved to Idaho, seeing them on rivers and learning the ways the water was like, so cool to me, and it finally clicked.

Whitewater dory history

Its impossible to understand the history of whitewater dories without a mention of Martin Litton, a visionary for Weavers journey through dory building.

Born in 1917, Litton is more commonly known for his environmental activism. He fought against the Marble Canyon Dam in the Grand Canyon and the Mountain Sheep Dam below the confluence of the Salmon and Snake rivers in Idaho.

To river runners in the West, Litton is the godfather of whitewater dories, as he pioneered their commercial use on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon Dories, his guiding business that operated through the 1970s and '80s.

Everyone knows the dories will take tremendously rough water. Theres a mystique thing about a dory, it has lines that belong on the water. There's a soul about it, a spiritualism almost. Those who come to dories almost never go away, Litton said in a 1992 interview for the River Runners Oral History Project.

For Litton, his love of dories was one of form not function. To him, dories exude the same intrinsic beauty of the often wilderness waterways in which they are used.

The best reason for going in dories is that rafts are ugly and dories are beautiful, Litton said.

The build

In November of last year, Weaver bucked his imposter syndrome and got started turning his dream into reality.

It's an interesting task to build a boat when you're not a boat builder, Weaver said. That was always the intrusive thought I had. I don't build boats, but I'm building a boat. Let's see how this goes.

The type of dory he decided to build is called a Gunnimoon, which is a blend of the Gunnison and Honeymoon styles, originally designed by Justen Gallen of Rain Dog Boatworks.

Using a rough schematic of the design, Weaver took up residency in a buddy's wood shop and started putting saw to wood. Throughout the process he stopped counting after already devoting 189 man hours to the build. He says all-told he probably exceeded double that before the boat was complete.

The boat-building process starts with construction of the ribs out of Douglas fir, which are the framework of the hull of the boat.

Then comes the side panels, which are made from Meranti plywood, an Indonesian wood commonly used in boat building for its durability and anti-rotting properties.

Next up Weaver flipped the boat and moved on to the floor, which is a piece of plywood encased in frickin thick fiberglass.

Now that the bulk of the vessel was done it was time to finish it out with decking the compartments and steaming on the gunnels. This proved to be more difficult than Weaver planned.

Starting the deck framing and building all the hatches was by far the hardest part, Weaver said. Yeah, by far and away the hardest, longest, most laborious part really.

All that was left to do was brush some paint on, which Weaver sourced from George Kirby Jr. Paint Co., who has been making marine paint for over 150 years out of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Now the boat needed a name. So Weaver and some buddies were brainstorming one day and came up with "Bangtail."

In old western slang the term bangtail was given to wild, unrideable horses.

I think the name fits aptly after riding in it, Weaver said. Its definitely a little bit unruly. Its a fun and wild ride. So yeah, Bangtail, its perfect.




Kathmandu: H.E. Mr. KIKUTA Yutaka, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, signed a grant contract with Mr. Deepak Chapagain, President of Volunteer Corps Nepal (VCN), for the reconstruction of a classroom building for Shree Bheri Tribeni Secondary School (SBTSS) in Jajarkot district. The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu today.





The project is funded under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Government of Japan and includes a grant of USD 170,159 (approximately NPR 22.7 million).





The project is managed by VCN, which has been active in emergency disaster relief and other sectors since 2018. The final beneficiary, SBTSS, was established in 1985 and serves as a core educational institution for nearly 500 students in Jajarkot and nearby districts. However, the school is one of the institutions severely affected by the November 2023 earthquake, with its main building completely collapsed.





As part of the community's recovery in the face of post-earthquake challenges, the project will support the reconstruction of a two-story building with 12 classrooms. It is expected that the classrooms built by GGP will provide a safe and effective educational environment for the students and teachers who are now forced to conduct their activities in the temporary school shelter.





The Embassy of Japan believes that this project will not only improve the educational environment, but also contribute to the development of Nepal including Jajarkot area as one of the symbols of the post-earthquake reconstruction. We also hope that this assistance will further strengthen the friendship between the people of Japan and Nepal, now and for future generations.




Critics of the countrys troubled organ transplantation system say the new board of directors overseeing the network needs to be torn down and replaced.

Although a federal law is in effect to reform organ transplantation, some in the system worry the network has not really changed.

While the nations organ transplant network now has its own board, critics say there are conflicts of interest because some of the same board members used to oversee the Richmond-based United Network for Organ Sharing, which manages organ transplantation.

The system needs to be rebuilt from the ground up, said Dr. Robert Cannon, a transplant surgeon at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, during a congressional hearing this week.

Several people called for the network boards removal during the hearing before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The transplant networks patient affairs committee also wrote a letter to the committee calling for the board president, Dr. Richard Formica, head of transplant medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital, to resign. Formica did not respond to requests for comment through a UNOS spokesperson.

The network board is now independent of UNOS, said Anne Paschke, a spokesperson for the contractor.

UNOS operates the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, which includes 56 organ procurement organizations and about 250 transplant hospitals. UNOS has held the sole contract since 1986.

Plagued with issues, the network has struggled to deliver kidneys safely and quickly to their destination, has been accused of having substandard information technology systems and has not disciplined failing members of the network, critics said.

The result, they say, is unnecessary deaths. This year, about 1,300 Virginia residents were added to an organ transplant waiting list, according to network data. Each month, an average of 20 of them die.

Last year, President Joe Biden signed a law that divides UNOS work into pieces and allows multiple companies to bid for those contracts. UNOS contract extends through 2024 and can be extended for as much as another year.

But some members of Congress and transplant experts said the Health Resources and Services Administration, the government agency that oversees UNOS, is not following the law and leaving too much power in UNOS hands.

The boards

For years, the board leading UNOS and the board leading the transplant network were one and the same. This led to a conflict of interest, critics said, asserting that the network should oversee UNOS and prioritize patients. In essence, UNOS was left to police itself, critics said.

The federal agency says that this year, it created a separate board to oversee the transplant network, made up of prior members of the UNOS board. Formica, the previous president-elect of UNOS, became president of the network board.

Four people who testified to Congress on Wednesday said nothing actually changed.

Without replacing the people, this is going to fail, said Dr. Seth Karp, surgeon-in-chief at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Patients are continuing to die in the U.S. waiting for an organ due to self-interest, incompetence, corruption and mismanagement.

Members of Congress have also called for new members to be appointed to the board overseeing the transplant network.

Earlier this year, five U.S. senators wrote to the Health Resources and Services Administration, saying the network needs an independent board. On Wednesday, one representative pointed a finger at HRSA. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, said the federal agency apparently isnt providing proper oversight.

Christy Choi, a spokesperson for HRSA, said the agency plans to have a special election for a new board overseeing the transplant network. But it is unclear when the election will take place or who will vote. HRSA also awarded a contract to a nonprofit called the American Institutes for Research, which will be tasked with developing new policies and procedures.

Paschke, the UNOS spokesperson, said AIR will manage future nomination processes and will not have any responsibility for network operations.

This year, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce launched an investigation into the network, saying reports had emerged that the organ donation system had become unsafe, inequitable, self-dealing and retaliatory.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers, R-Wash., said Wednesday that keeping the same individuals who failed to provide oversight in the first place is unacceptable.

The committee invited representatives of HRSA and Formica to testify at the hearing, but they declined, citing short notice, according to a congressional memo.

UNOS, with new leadership, has led efforts to improve the transplant system, Paschke said. UNOS named longtime employee Maureen McBride as its CEO last year, and the network performed a record 47,000 transplants in 2023.

The company supports the governments decision to break up the contracts and says it has the experience and expertise to maintain a role in transplantation.

On Tuesday, three members of the networks volunteer patient affairs committee wrote a letter to the Committee on Energy and Commerce calling for Formicas resignation. They accused Formica of resisting congressional efforts to modernize the transplant system, saying he apparently has no qualms sentencing thousands of patients to death in this outdated and archaic system.

That Formica declined to testify was callous, they wrote.
A 13-year-old Chesterfield County student is accused of making threats of a shooting on social media.

The male student made posts on social media threatening a shooting at salem, according to police. Police continued receiving reports about more social media comments threatening violence.

A Salem Church Middle School student suspected of making the threatening posts was arrested. Police say an investigation shows the student had no access to weapons and no means to carry out the threats.

Those threats began on Sept. 10, police say.

Police have requested a juvenile petition for threats of death or bodily injury to persons on school property. This is a Class 6 felony. The student was transported to the Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Home.

Last week, a 14-year-old Meadowbrook High School student was also arrested in Chesterfield after police say he texted a picture of a fake bomb to an adult.

Anyone who sees or has any information about any threat should contact police immediately at (804) 748-1251. Police also encourage parents and other trusted adults to talk with the young people in their lives about the importance of reporting potential threats and using social media responsibly.
Virginia State Police made one arrest Friday morning after an 88-mile pursuit on Interstate 95 through central Virginia.

At around 5:15 a.m., troopers tried to stop a sport utility vehicle they say was speeding around the 105-mile marker in Caroline County.

The driver, who police suspected of driving under the influence, took off at a high rate of speed, disregarding police lights and sirens, and ultimately stopped around the 17-mile marker in Greensville County near the North Carolina state line.

State police have charged Saal A. Sapateh, 41, of Cockeysville, Maryland, with felony eluding, among other charges, after refusing to stop. He was taken to Pamunkey Regional Jail.

The driver was taken into custody without incident, and no injuries were reported as a result of the pursuit.

Photos: 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks
Its a back-to-the-future moment in Virginia, where a dearth of presidential candidates and their surrogates suggest that the state is reverting to form, firming up  as its been since 2008  as a Democratic bastion.

Until Barack Obama first carried Virginia over John McCain 16 years ago  Obama would repeat in 2012, defeating Mitt Romney  the state had been reliably Republican. From 1968 until 2004, Virginia was on autopilot, falling in line for the GOP. Republicans also had won the state in 1952, 1956 and 1960. It was a time when Virginia was shaking off its rural past for a suburban present.

The Republican reflex here was usually sufficiently strong that winning Virginia required little money, advertising or candidate time. What it did require, though, was Old South and nominal Democrats who still preferred their party for local and state offices joining forces with a nascent and growing GOP that was setting its roots in the suburbs that are now trending blue.

Recognizing that this is a presidential year like no other  Joe Biden, after spooking the party rank-and-file with his abysmal debate performance against Donald Trump, relinquished the nomination barely two months ago to Kamala Harris  anecdotal and empirical evidence suggests that the election in Virginia is shaping up like others, at least those since 2008, as obediently Democratic.

Over the past week, a trio of public polls  by Morning Consult, Virginia Commonwealth University and The Washington Post and George Mason University  showed Harris surging in Virginia over Trump, leading by 8 to 10 percentage points. When Biden  who carried Virginia by 10 percentage points in 2020  was still in the race, public polling in Virginia put the contest within the margin of error, leading Republicans such as Gov. Glenn Youngkin to declare the state a toss-up. At that point, the Trump campaign made a point of spotlighting its voter-mobilization and so-called election-integrity efforts in Virginia. Theres far less of that chatter these days.

Indeed, Youngkin, himself an unofficial presidential prospect in 2024 and a presumed candidate in 2028 should Trump be defeated, is not nearly as publicly bullish about Republican chances in Virginia these days.

And after the Trump-Harris broadcast debate, in which 45 was brought to heel by the vice president, Youngkin has said little  perhaps recognizing that should he utter anything perceived as critical of Trump, the governor risks losing the MAGA vote. As he has done with his considerable personal assets, has Youngkin also put his political courage in a blind trust?

Even Tim Kaine, the Democratic U.S. senator running this year for a third term who appreciates the unforeseen dynamics of a national election as Hillary Clintons vice presidential candidate in 2016, had worried about the partys chances in Virginia this year. He shared with the Biden high command a blunt assessment of the inhospitable conditions on this side of the Potomac River.

With Harris now atop the ticket, paired with Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota for vice president, energy and excitement are again prevalent among Virginia Democrats. Polling suggests as much. But the national ticket is not returning, on a particularly generous scale, the love that the grassroots are showering on Harris and Walz. Were Virginia still in doubt  or a true battleground state  both Democrats might be ubiquitous here.

But since the Democratic nominating convention in Chicago last month, neither candidate has turned up for a public event in Virginia, which  because of its proximity to Washington, D.C.  is a deep trough of campaign dollars. Walz attended a private fundraising reception in August at the McLean home of former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who played host in June to an $8.1 million event for Biden.

Harris husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, appeared in Newport News at the sprawling Labor Day picnic of U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, dean of the states congressional delegation. Television coverage of the visit meant Democrats could reach at opposite ends of Interstate 64 a crucial voting bloc: Black Virginians in the Richmond area and Hampton Roads, where Harris appeared in September 2023 at historically Black Hampton University.

Gwen Walz, wife of the vice presidential nominee and a fellow educator, in August visited Manassas, in Prince William County, a blue-trending, majority-minority outer Washington suburb. And Northern Virginia is where the Latina Democratic governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, showed up to pitch to Hispanic voters on such issues as abortion rights, a proven winner in the states legislative and congressional elections since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022.

Because there are roughly 50 days until the election  never mind that 45 days of early voting begin Sept. 20  there are ample opportunities for Democrats to dispatch to Virginia their first team of Harris and Walz. But if the state appears to lock down for the Democrats national ticket  in no small part because of enthusiastic Black, Hispanic and Asian support and the backing of suburban women  Virginians will have to continue making do with the second and third string.

Two times that Virginia tipped Democratic for president during the five decades of Republican dominance, in 1948 and 1964, the victors  Harry Truman and Lyndon Johnson  won because of a blend of party loyalty, a Black vote restored by federal law and judicial decree and a divided opposition, a factor that could steer to Harris-Walz the votes of disaffected Republicans.

In the 1948 election, there were six candidates on the Virginia ballot  including two socialists and a progressive  but it was a nominee on the opposite end of the ideological spectrum who drained off enough largely white votes from Republican Thomas Dewey to ensure Trumans 47.9% victory.

That candidate was Strom Thurmond, the South Carolina U.S. senator running as a Dixiecrat, pledging to preserve legal separation of the races that was eroding under Truman through his decision to desegregate the armed services and make permanent a World War II-era agency that investigated racial bias in the workplace.

Those baby steps toward civil rights for Black Americans so enraged Virginias Democratic oligarchy that  much as Trumps loyalists attempted in several states the former president lost in 2020  steps were considered that would have required the representatives to the Electoral College to cast the states votes not for the winner of the popular vote, Truman, but presumably the third-place finisher, Thurmond.

In 1964, Johnson made short work of Republican Barry Goldwater and minor-party candidates because of overwhelming minority support for the Democratic ticket. That freshly re-enfranchised Black vote got the attention of an aspiring Democratic governor with a segregationist past, Mills Godwin Jr.

At the urging of political confidant Sidney Kellam, best known for masterminding the merger of Virginia Beach and Princess Anne County to create the states largest city and adoptive hometown of our current governor, Godwin publicly aligned with Johnson  and by extension the presidents Black supporters  by joining a whistle-stop tour of Virginia featuring Johnsons wife, Lady Bird.

It paid off in 1965, when Godwin  repackaged as a moderate friendly to tax increases and public investments  would win the governorship with significant backing from Black Virginians. It was an election in which every vote counted. Godwin was elected with a plurality because what remained of the usually Democratic segregationist vote fell to a states rights candidate, William J. Story Jr., and an American Nazi, George Lincoln Rockwell.

By the way, Kellams Virginia Beach  six decades after it was transformed from a patchwork of farms and an oceanfront tenderloin to a vast suburb  could determine whether Harris wins the state big or just wins. Its a swingy jurisdiction that went for Trump in 2016 and Biden four years later. Should the city tip Democratic in 2024, perhaps by a margin sufficient to defeat the regions Republican congresswoman, herself from Virginia Beach, Harris could match Bidens 2020 statewide majority.

But a just-out poll by Christopher Newport University depicts that southeastern corner of Virginia as a battleground, with Harris and Trump tied at 46% apiece.

Maybe Virginians will see Harris and Walz after all.
Boeing factory workers vote whether to strike and shut down aircraft production

Boeing is waiting to find out whether 33,000 aircraft assembly workers are going on strike and shutting down production of the companys best-selling planes
" " Rough diamonds harvested from the Atlantic Ocean sit on a sorting table at the Namibian Diamond Trading Co. (NDTC) diamond processing and valuation center, a joint venture between De Beers Group, the world's biggest diamond producer, and Namdeb Diamond Corp. in Windhoek, Namibia. Bloomberg/Getty Images

Key Takeaways

Diamonds are harvested from the ocean floor using remote-controlled vehicles and ships equipped with technology to separate diamonds from sediments.

Ocean diamond mining poses long-term consequences for marine biodiversity, including disruption to the habitats of sharks, whales, dolphins and seals.

Diamonds can also be gathered by hand by divers, which is less disruptive to marine environments.

If you've ever heard the slogan "A Diamond Is Forever," then a 1940s marketing campaign is still doing its job. The line was coined by De Beers Group, a jewelry company credited with almost single-handedly popularizing diamond engagement rings.

De Beers spent decades building a global empire (some would call it a "cartel") around diamond mines in countries like South Africa.

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So why did they purchase more than 3,000 square miles, or 7,770 square kilometers, of Atlantic seafloor near the coast of Namibia in 1991?

Simple: Not all diamonds are found on dry land. Many turn up in sediments below the ocean's surface. You just have to know where to look.
SIOUX CITY  A former Danbury city clerk was sentenced Friday to probation for spending thousands of dollars of city funds for personal items.

Stacy Rockdaschel, 32, of Danbury, pleaded guilty in July in Woodbury County District Court to one count of first-degree theft.

In accordance with a plea agreement, District Judge James Daane suspended a 10-year prison sentence, placed Rockdaschel on probation for five years, fined her $1,370 and ordered her to pay $151,000 in restitution to the city of Danbury in $900 monthly payments.

A charge of commission of a specified unlawful activity was dismissed.

Rockdaschel was the city clerk from March 19, 2020, until her May 15, 2022, resignation.

An Iowa State Auditor's investigation of the city's finances from March 2020 to May 2022 found nearly $100,000 in retail and wholesale purchases on the city's credit card. Rockdaschel, who was responsible for nearly all the city's financial operations, owned a boutique in Danbury at the time, an auditor's report said, and city officials had become concerned she was using city funds to buy items for her business, which closed shortly after she no longer had access to the city's credit card.

The total of the purchases, court documents said, was between $177,468 and $209,646.

Rockdaschel was suspected of using the city's credit cart to make more than 1,500 personal purchases of items including women's and children's clothing, cosmetics, home decor items, wine glasses, scrapbooking supplies, tickets to the Omaha zoo, flowers, cat litter and food.

The auditor's report found an additional $32,000 in city purchases during Rockdaschels tenure that could not be accounted for, and an estimated $26,500 in utility cash payments was missing. The auditor also found thousands of dollars from rentals of a city shelter house were unaccounted for.
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A Nebraska man allegedly falsified dozens of signatures earlier this year as he worked as a paid circulator for a group seeking to legalize medical marijuana in the state through a pair of ballot initiatives, according to court documents.

Michael Egbert, a Grand Island man who began collecting signatures for the petition drive in the Hall County city in January, turned in petition pages that included the supposed signatures of eight deceased people, Deputy Hall County Sheriff Donovan Fowler wrote Thursday in a warrant for Egbert's arrest.

Egbert, who told police he turned in "well over 100 pages of petitions" as part of the campaign's apparently successful effort to crack Nebraska's general election ballot, is also accused of turning in purported signatures that included six misspellings and 68 inaccurate birthdays, Fowler wrote in the warrant.

Reached by phone Friday morning, Egberts attorney, Robert Alexander, declined to comment, citing the pending charges against his client.

The charges against Egbert  which Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced at a news conference Friday, the day that state law requires Nebraska's general election ballot to be certified  come as the state's top election official, after days of hesitation, officially certified Friday that the ballot measures championed by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana will appear on November's ballot.

Secretary of State Bob Evnen had signaled late last month that the pair of petitions circulated by the group had garnered enough signatures to reach November's ballot, but he withheld the official certification until Friday, the last possible day Evnen could certify the ballot measure under state law.

At Friday's news conference, Hilgers said he kept Evnen apprised of the progress of the investigation  which began in early August, according to court documents  and warned that several thousand signatures may have been impacted by Egbert's alleged forgery.

It's unclear what Friday's charges mean for the fate of the effort to legalize medical cannabis in Nebraska, which already faces a last-minute legal challenge from a former state lawmaker who filed a lawsuit late Thursday to stop the certification of two petitions that would put the matter before voters this November.

'Behind the 8 ball': How research is trying to catch up on cannabis and kids 'Behind the 8 ball': How research is trying to catch up on cannabis and kids 'Behind the 8 ball': How research is trying to catch up on cannabis and kids
In August, at the biennial Disney fan convention D23, the chairman of Disney Experiences, Josh DAmaro, announced an ambitious slate of updates to the companys theme parks. The reveal of a new villains-themed land in Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom captured most Disney fans attention, along with a Monsters, Inc. area at Hollywood Studios and a Coco ride at Disney California Adventure.

Buried way down on the list of new rides and experiences was a new Cars-themed environment and ride in the Magic Kingdoms Frontierland. A few days after the convention, Disney confirmed that in order to build the new Cars ride, the company was demolishing one of the oldest attractions in the park, and one with a direct connection to Walt Disney himself: Tom Sawyer Island.

As is the case any time Disney changes basically anything at its theme parks, a certain subset of hidebound Disney adults was immediately enraged. This will be the worst mistake Disney has ever made, groused a representative fan. Another subset of loyalists leapt to the companys defense, pointing out that the island attraction wasnt particularly popular and would be replaced by a ride attached to a property with plenty of fans.

Im not that sentimental about Disney parks, and in fact find the kneejerk responses of traditionalists a little stupid. (It was definitely the right move, for example, to change Splash Mountain, based on an ancient, racist Disney movie, to Tianas Bayou Adventureno matter how many fans scooped up keepsake water from the old attraction.) But I am sentimental about Tom Sawyer Island, and I do think that closing the attraction and replacing it with a Cars ride is a real shame. Not because it was the best attraction at Disney World, but because it was the most unusual and useful oneand its loss will leave the park without a particular kind of feature that every theme park needs.

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The first time we took our kids to the Magic Kingdom, my older daughter was 7, and by midafternoon she was hitting the wall. Wed hit a few of the big-ticket rides, but the crowds were getting overwhelming, the lines were getting daunting, and we didnt have any FastPasses lined up. We both needed a different kind of experience for a little while. So we hopped on a raft to Tom Sawyer Island. It was the best decision we made all day.

The island is unlike most any other attraction in the park, in that its not a ride with a line but a place to explore. You take a charming raft across the river to a dock with a little drink stand and some rocking chairs, and then the island is yours to discover. You can find rickety rope bridges over creeks, an abandoned fort, a network of spooky underground caves. The space is ostensibly themed around Mark Twains Tom Sawyer, but really its a manifestation of Walt Disneys ideas about childhood and imagination. The Disneyland version was personally designed by Uncle Walt: I put in all the things I wanted to do as a kid, he said, and couldnt.

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Now, Walt Disney had plenty of really bad ideas. (For instance, he thought Song of the South would be his masterpiece.) But Tom Sawyer Island was a good idea, and its turned out to be a better and better one as more and more of Disney World has filled with complex, overwhelming, IP-driven attractions. Those attractions are often astonishing, to be sure. But its great that the Magic Kingdom has, despite everything, maintained one refuge thats slower-paced than the rest of the park, as Disney World gets more and more crowded. Its great that its maintained a hideaway thats cool and shady, with actual subterranean tunnels, as Florida gets hotter and hotter. And its great that the park has maintained an area where children can play, as opposed to simply sitting back and having an experience. Disney is great at delivering experiences, to be sure! But sometimes, in the middle of a hectic, experience-filled day, a kid (and a parent) needs something different, an island oasis thats only a raft ride away. (It is an additional disappointment that Disney is investing in Cars, and the concept of cars, considering that one reason many Americans discover they love Disney World is that its often their first experience with a car-free, walkable environment with lots of transit.)

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That Disney is eliminating this out-of-the-way attraction in favor of a Cars ride will certainly make Disney more money. In an often terminally overcrowded park, a space thats filled with guests is way more valuable than a space thats not. But I also think it will make the Magic Kingdom worse overall, and I think those visitors who were lucky enough to know about Tom Sawyer Island in the past will really miss it, much more than they miss, say, Mr. Toads Wild Ride. That this sole remaining respite from the chaos of the park is being replaced by a Cars feature thatjudging from concept artworkseems likely to be loud, hectic, and hot, is a real bummer. (Look at that concept art! Are those cars really kicking up dust on a 102-degree Orlando day? No thank you.)

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Tom Sawyer Island is slated to close in early 2025. When the Cars feature opens, I am sure it will be beloved by many families of young children. But the memory Ill keep forever from our Disney trip isnt a ride or a show or even the character breakfast on which we spent a criminal amount of money. Its following my daughter as she made her way across precarious floating platforms on Tom Sawyer Island, talking about the day wed had so far, enacting a swordfight with sticks, and giving ourselves an hour of pure play with each other. In a place that encourages you to spend a lot of money and effort in search of enchantment, thats where we found the most magic.
Are pop lyrics poetry? Is a hot dog a sandwich? The questions depend on how you define their terms. Many eaters agree, though, that hot dogs are food, and that some are delicious. In the same way, many listeners agree that Taylor Swift writes memorable words, good to sing in the shower or (if youre Swift) in front of record-breaking crowds. You might not call them poemsbecause they require melodies and accompaniments to work their magicbut they do what famous poems long used to do: They give people by the thousands, or the hundreds of thousands, ways to express how we feel. Sometimes my depression works the graveyard shift too; sometimes I, too, want to feel like my partners old cardigan, or wish that I had somebodys picture to burn.

When Swift told us, on The Tortured Poets Department, that she was no Patti Smith, she meant that she wasnt a groundbreaking rebel, a punk rock genius who flouted prevailing taste. Instead shes more like Alfred, Lord Tennyson, or Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: not necessarily a large-scale innovator but a master of her craft, and a bona fide phenomenon in her own time, for reasons that experts might want to understand.

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Especially iflike metheyre also Swifties. Some of us write books and articles about her place amid literary canons. Some of us try to write, instead, about songwriting as its own art. And at least one of usthe British educator Liz Isonhas now made her own anthology aimed at Swifties: not The Anthology (the name that Swift herself, confusingly, gave Disc 2 of The Tortured Poets Society), but an anthology proper, a collection of poems by various hands that might resonate with what Swifts songs do.

Poems for Tortured Soulspublished in the U.S. by Little, Brown Books for Young Readerspresents itself as being for Swifties of all ages, though the selections and packaging suggest a gift book aimed at youth. These poems come sorted by topic, with Swiftian overtones: Love, Folklore, Peace, Revenge. Robert Burns My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose comes first; Frances Ellen Watkins Harpers Songs for the People (Songs to thrill the hearts of men / With more abundant life) last. In between we get the onetime bestseller Ella Wheeler Wilcox, and Emily Dickinson, and Claude McKay, and (less explicably) Edgar Allan Poes The Raven, and the prologue from Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet. We get L.M. Montgomery, the Anne of Green Gables novelist, with quatrains thanking her mortal enemy (compare Swifts thanK you aIMee), and Emily Bronte, of Wuthering Heights fame, proclaiming independence: Ill walk where my own nature would be leading: / It vexes me to choose another guide. And we get Charles Dickens catchy ballad of inevitable decay, cast as a jaunty song about English ivy: The stateliest building man can raise, / Is the Ivys food at last.

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In other words, its an anthology much like the ones that earlier generations of Americans, and Britons, and Jamaicans (like McKay) devoured, from the Golden Treasury, compiled by Francis Palgrave in 1861, to You Come Too: Favorite Poems for Young Readers, edited by Robert Frost in 1959. A few poems (an excerpt from Samuel Taylor Coleridges The Rime of the Ancient Mariner) really do speak directly to Swifts compositions (in this case The Albatross; I would have taught that poem when I taught a Swift class, had the song come out before my syllabus dropped). Most of Isons selections seem chosen for their clarity, their emotional directness, and their potential appeal to the young, with a welcome eye to the authors demographics. Harper first published, and spoke, as a Black abolitionist. Ameen Rihani writes like an English Victorian (Last night his lips my very feet didst burn); in fact he helped create Arab American literature, in the U.S. and back in his Lebanese home. These famous poets are not just dead white men.

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They are, however, all dead: Ison used only poems in the public domain. Most rhyme, most use regular meters, and most offer general truths, about love, hate, or spring. A book of contemporary poems for tortured souls would sound and feel different, even when aimed at the same readers. (Compare, for example, Diana Whitneys sparkling anthology of contemporary poems for teenage girls, You Dont Have to Be Everything.) Isons choices speak, inevitably, not just to the broad appeal that poems can have but to the popular styles of generations past: They sometimes feel old-fashioned (not a bad thing).

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Do they reward rereading? Dickinsons sure do. OthersWilcoxs, for examplemay give all they have to give in one reading, whatever their glories of sound. And thats OK: As the critic Karen Kilcup has written, such poems as Wilcoxs helped make emotional expression permissible in outwardly uncongenial contexts, generations ago. Readers from farmsteads to tenements compiled commonplace books, clipped newspapers, and memorized favorites: Kilcup, and I, would love to see those habits return. Maybe they have: Look at Tumblr.

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Kilcups 2019 scholarly book Who Killed American Poetry? argued that academic hierarchy, distance and solemnity had bulldozed the democratic roles poems used to have, especially poems for, by, and about women. She blames highbrow critics and reviewers for killing those poems and their anthologies; Im more inclined to blame radio and TV. But her point remains. Poems for Tortured Souls, from cover to contents, recalls those earlier readers demand along with their long-ago tastes. It says its an invitation, but it feels more like a friendly museum: Some girlsgirls like mewill want to spend time there.

Which brings us back to Taylor Swift. Id be surprised if many 12-year-olds, if given this book by well-meaning adults, come to idolize Ella Wheeler Wilcox. But they might keep reading, as I keep reading, Dickinson, and Christina Rossetti, and Langston Hughes: These writers, who had mega-hits in their day, stuck around because individual fans found them worth coming back to, memorizing, imitating, passing on. Read in youth, they stuck around; once embraced, they endured. Much that climbs up todays pop charts wont stick aroundI doubt that people will care about Katy Perry in 100 years. But if they read English, I hope theyll read Tennysons In Memoriam, and listen to Anti-Hero and Long Live. The poems and songs that inspire a next generation, that stay with us, do so because even after weve read them a hundred times, they can say something new. Thats something Swifts best songslike some, but not all, of these poems for tortured soulscan do.
This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become.

If others are not going to devote funding to operationalize or weaponize the conservative vision, then the 85 Fund needs to weigh its support much more heavily in that direction. Leonard Leo, conservative activist and founder of the 85 Fund, in a letter to grantees*

The Supreme Courts conservative supermajority has overturned the right to abortion access, dismantled federal gun laws, and stripped the governments ability to enforce regulations, yet Leonard Leo is still unsatisfied with the current state of conservatism in America. In a newly published letter to conservative organizations, Leo demands they get more aggressive in their work to crush liberal dominance at the choke points of influence and power in our societyor hell deny them funding.

Leo, a co-chairman of the Federalist Society who helped found the Judicial Crisis Network, has spent decades creating a network of organizations to reshape the judiciary and push an uncompromising conservative agenda steeped in the Catholic faith. Hes known for his prolific dark-money fundraising, which has allowed him to wield a lot of power in Republican politics while concealing much of his work from the public. As head of the Federalist Society, he continues to build a massive, lavishly funded network for conservative lawyers who share his vision for the courts and the country.

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And his vision is pretty terrifying! Earlier this week, Leo told the Financial Times that we need to crush liberal dominance where its most insidious and that he intends to call out companies that bend to the woke mind virus spread by regulators and NGOs, so that they have to pay a price for putting extreme leftwing ideology ahead of consumers.

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A few days after that interview, he sent a letter informing all the grant recipients of his fund that hes going to put his money where his mouth is. In it, Leo stresses that they all learn from Democrats example over the past several decades. They invested in talent pipelines to populate the power centers inside government, where policy would be implemented, he writes. Leo goes on to list examples of the Left successfully weaponizing or operationalizing its ideas, pointing to the Voter Registration Project, which mobilizes Black, Hispanic, and low-income voters to register to vote. (The group describes itself as nonpartisan.)

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Leo has already donated over $50 million to groups that advised on Project 2025, which produced an ultraconservative policy manifesto, tailored exclusively to a future Trump administration, that recommends gutting federal agencies while also instituting a national abortion ban.

In fact, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed in the waning months of Trumps presidency, has been a member of the Federalist SocietyLeos organizationsince 2005. She went on to be assigned to the federal governments classified-documents prosecution against Donald Trump and consistently issued rulings sympathetic to the former president. And in July, she dismissed the entire case.

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Leo also led the battle to shape the current conservative supermajority on the Supreme Court. At just 25 years old, Leo was a researcher who worked alongside the George H.W. Bush White House to defend Justice Clarence Thomas against sexual-harassment allegations during his infamous confirmation hearings. Leo also supported Justice Samuel Alitos nomination to the high court and served as a judicial adviser to the Trump administration, where he handpicked many of the former presidents judges. About 86 percent of Trumps appointees to the federal courts of appeals are associated with the Federalist Society. Leo also suggested and vetted Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett as nominees to the Supreme Court.

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The conservative kingmaker has an estimated $1 billion to spend on conservative groups whose agendas he likes, and his latest call to action landed like a rocket, according to Hans Nichols, a political reporter at Axios. Leos letter is expected to shake not just conservative organizations but Republican lawmakers. There are a lot of groups that receive money from Leonard Leo, and this morning they had a wake-up call, Nichols said. When Leonard Leo speaks, the conservative movement and activists listen.
One day, when I was 9, I came home from school visibly upset and on a mission to prove a bully wrong. Noticing that I was agitated, my aunt Fifi, who lived with us then, asked me why I looked so upset. Exasperated, I stated that one of my classmates, upon finding out that I was of Haitian descent, had wanted to insult me by saying that Haitians eat cats. There was a short silence that sliced through the air. My aunt sighed and retorted, Well, some Haitians might eat cats. I was rattled. A thought exercise was not the answer that I wanted to hear. Vindictive and fiery, I wanted reassurance that could definitively prove to my classmate that no one in my ethnic group may have ever in history eaten the furry creatures I had come to love. Then and now, no member of my family ate cats. But it did not matter. Being young, Haitian, and self-conscious meant I would defy the stereotype altogether. Within several years, I would be vegetarian, and anyone who accused me or any Haitian of eating a cat (or any pet) could be challenged under my being meat-free.

Two decades later, I was shocked to be reminded of this adolescent slur from yet another unoriginal and inflammatory person. This time, it was baseless claims by a Republican senator and vice-presidential nominee, J.D. Vance, who wanted to stoke antagonisms about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio. Horrifyingly, we saw just some small extent of the damage that these sort of attacks can do to children when, on Friday, two elementary schools in Springfield had to be evacuated due to bomb threats. Its worth remembering, though, that Vance did not originate four decades of anti-Haitian sentiment, and what it might take to combat the viciousness he has latched on to for crass political purposes.

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Lets start with the more recent series of anti-Haitian slurs. This week, Vance has made a point of commenting about Haitian migrants, going so far as to blame them for the devastation of health services, animal abductions, and the outright murder of children and pets. Vance made note of residents of Springfield whove said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants.

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Ted Cruz interjected, stating, Please Vote for Trump so Haitian Immigrants Dont Eat Us.

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This started a series of A.I. memes about Haitians eating pets, which ultimately culminated in Fridays bomb threats. In between, we saw former President Donald Trump bring this slur to a national stage during Tuesdays presidential debate. When I watched the debate, I bolted when I heard the former president repeat Vances claim and sprinkle the comment more by stating that Haitians were eating the pets of Springfield. This was raw and unhinged. Yet, it trickled into more significant anxiety in a broader and profoundly troubling way that Haitians have been targeted. Many news outlets sought to investigate the claim. They applied their journalistic diligence and integrity to fact-checking, which is pivotal for debunking conspiracy theories that often float through social media. The Springfield City Council went so far as to make a public statement to deny the false allegations about Haitian migrants. Yet still the conspiracy theories continued to spread like wildfire.

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Again, though, blaming Haitians for American problems is a mere revival of an old trend, with a relatively small population of Haitian immigrants serving as scapegoats for problems that far outweigh the power that Haitian immigrants have. Rather than address how Republican politicians have defunded social and health services in the United States, Vance and his party want to rely on outdated and outlandish tropes to discriminate against an oppressed group.

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Related From Slate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has Sabotaged Early Voting in a Critical Swing State Read More

Haitians have been scapegoated in the past, and this type of language is not only dangerous but a harbinger of the marginalization of other groups. When HIV and AIDS emerged as a modern-day epidemic throughout major cities in the United States beginning in 1981, Haitian immigrants were erroneously deemed responsible. On March 4, 1983, the United States Centers for Disease Control listed four supposed groups as being at high risk for contracting or transmitting HIV and AIDS: homosexuals, heroin users, hemophiliacs, and Haitians. Being part of this 4H clubthe only group to be included based on ethnicitymeant that Haitians and their descendants were discriminated against because of the false notion that they were carriers of an infectious disease.

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Living in Germany, I am well aware of how antisemitic people blamed social issuesincluding diseaseson Jews and what implications that had for fueling the rise of the Nazis. The outlandish claims about Haitians are sinister and dangerous, and echo the scapegoating of other groups akin to the antisemitic tropes under the Nazi German regime. In their quest for Volksgemeinschaft (German racial purity), German Nazis portrayed Jewish people as lice and believed that they spread typhus. The propaganda did not just exist in peoples minds, but it also shaped organized propaganda and violence in Germany. We risk something similar in America.

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Vances comments and Republican anti-Haitian comments traffic in fascism, and we need to be wary of politicians who blame migrants from the poorest country in the Western hemisphere for the social problems caused by politicians who regularly want to cut the budget on education, health care, and housing. No matter how baseless pet-eating claims can be, they jeopardize immigrants. At present, Haitian immigrants risk discrimination in their new communities, as well as the threat of racist violence, as indicated by Fridays elementary school bomb threats.

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For years, I wished my aunt had contradicted my elementary school classmates claim to me. I longed for her to make a strong case against the false stereotype at the time. But now, I am glad that she didnt. Rather than denying a sensationalized comment meant to get under ones skin, her response was to acknowledge that some people might engage in behavior much different from mine. And that there were more important issues to address. Haitians allegedly eating pets is not about Haitians or pets; it is about (mostly white) American anxieties about the economy, housing crises, and budget cuts that are erroneously placed on Black migrants who thought they had found a safe place to work and live.

While commentators believe that Springfield raises questions about immigration and how the United States addresses settlement schemes, the pet debate and discourse are a distraction from ongoing issues that existed well before Haitians arrived. Rather than blame Haitians or any other immigrant group for these structural issues, it is essential not to cower to these fears but to shine the light on institutions that make life difficultsuch as the decades of corporate deindustrializationand the people who should remedy it: the government.
A selection of short feel-good stories from Slovakia.

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Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.

First students enrol at technical school providing classes on artificial intelligence

The school welcomed its first students in early September. (Source: skyro.ai)

The very first secondary school in Europe that provides an education in artificial intelligence and modern technologies was opened in Bratislava in early September. Named Skyro, it offers two study programmes: the development of hybrid apps and the creation of digital games, the TASR newswire reported.

About 70 percent of teaching is comprised of technical subjects, and the rest is subjects providing general education, said Viktoria Jakubovicova, one of the schools founders, as quoted by TASR.

The schools aim is to set new standards in education and contribute to keeping emerging talent in Slovakia. As it wants to focus on practical skills and the preparation of students for the real world, the school mimics the operation of a company, and students work in teams. Final grades are a combination of self-evaluation, team evaluation, and the teachers evaluation, TASR wrote.

The school currently uses space at the primary school on Biskupicka Street in the Bratislava borough of Podunajske Biskupice. Currently, there are 47 students. It plans to open sub-units in the Czech Republic, Denmark and the United States.

World can admire astrophotography from Slovakia again

Viewers worldwide are again able to admire the beauties of the night sky above Slovakia after a picture by photographer Tomas Slovinsky was chosen as the Earth Science Picture of the Day on September 10.

It captures a nighttime view of Stratena Pila in the Slovak Paradise National Park, which, as the photographer admitted, is among his favourite places.

With the Milky Way dominating the sky above the eastern horizon, its glow off the picturesque lake in the foreground offers a serene composition, Slovinsky wrote about the picture, which was taken in mid-May. For me at least, standing beneath a starry sky is always a calming experience.

This is his 20th photo published on the website since he started with astrophotography.

I am all the more happy that the photo was taken in Slovakia, Slovinsky wrote on Facebook. I cant even believe this has happened. I never knew my images would be published and admired in the world. Thanks a lot for everyone supporting me.

Bird area near the capital lures rare species

The European roller (Source: Stevo Benko)

One of the Europe's most colourful bird species, which had been considered extinct in western Slovakia, was recently spotted near Bratislava, two non-governmental organisations focusing on nature protection have confirmed.

The European roller still has some nests in the east of the country, but its occurrence in the west is considered exceptional. Earlier this year, one individual was spotted near Soporna, in the south-west of the country, and in late August and early September, a European roller was identified near the capital, in the locality of protected bird area Syslovske Polia near Rusovce, a village on the south bank of the Danube.

Its no coincidence that it stayed on the fallow land where it hunted for food, the SOS/BirdLife Slovensko non-governmental organisation, which deals with the protection and research of nature in Slovakia, with a focus on birds and their biotopes, wrote on Facebook, highlighting the importance of the LIFE Steppe on border project that has helped create new meadow and fallow land areas where bird species like the European roller can survive. Its clear evidence that these activities make sense.

A European roller was spotted in the Syslovske Polia area in early September. (Source: Facebook/BROZ)

Another organisation, BROZ, which deals with the practicalities of nature protection, added that the bird species returned in part thanks to special booths and pastures. It plans to instal the booths across southern Slovakia and establish more pasture reserves there to support the occurrence of European rollers in the area.

Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator to read:

Political meme of the week

(Source: Zomri.online)

Caption: The health-care sector, education and railways in Slovakia, just as soon as Simecka is recalled.

This meme published by the satirical site Zomri parodies the ruling coalition's current efforts to oust Michal Simecka, leader of the largest opposition party Progressive Slovakia (PS), from his post as one of the four deputy speakers of parliament. He and his family have been facing attacks from several coalition politicians in recent weeks, who accuse them of manipulating the grants system in Slovakia. None of the coalition's claims of wrongdoing have been substantiated, and observers and even the public, via widespread internet mockery, say that the government has many more pressing issues to address.

You can send me your tips on good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: radka.minarechova@spectator.sk. Thank you!
Former SND directors Matej Drlicka and Matej Bosnak disagree. The building's planned 50m refurbishment is now in doubt.

The historical building of the Slovak National Theatre has been closed for years, pending extensive reconstruction. (Source: Sme)

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The last time a theatre performance was performed in the historical building of the Slovak National Theatre (SND) in Bratislavas city centre was during the autumn of 2020. After that, every theatre in Slovakia had to suspend performances due to the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. They were allowed to reopen from the beginning of May 2021, but the iconic building on Hviezdoslavovo Square remained closed. The reason was its poor condition.

Historical building of the Slovak National Theatre on Hviezdoslavovo Square Consturcted according to the designs of architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer and opened in 1886.

It became the seat of the Slovak National Theatre in 1920.

The last and most important reconstruction of the building was in 1972.

The audience capacity is 550 seats. The last performance was in autumn 2020.

In May 2021, due to the poor condition of the theatre's technical equipment, SND General Director Matej Drlicka closed it to the public, pending renovation.

The SND management prepared a project valued at tens of millions of euros for its refurbishment, but now Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova is questioning whether such an extensive and expensive overhaul is actually needed.

Recently we went to see the historical SND building, an embellishment for us Slovaks, said Simkovicova, a nominee of the Slovak National Party (SNS), in late August. I can tell you that this building is in quite normal condition.

She promised to hold a press conference on the topic. This has yet to take place.

Simkovicova also questions the sum that Matej Drlicka, the then SND director whom she recalled from his post on August 6, wanted to allocate for the project: more than 50 million.

Drlicka and Matej Bosnak, who resigned as economic director of the SND following Drlickas dismissal, object to Simkovicovas questioning the need to reconstruct the building.

Simkovicova walked in alone and forbade an employee from talking about her visit
The suspicion falls on the SIS intelligence agency.

A NAKA officer pictured during a 2022 investigation into criminal allegations against Robert Kalinak (Smer), who is now defence minister, and Smer leader Robert Fico, who is now prime minister. Both were charged with crimes, but the charges were later dropped. (Source: Marko Erd)

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A video featuring Martin Littera, the former director of wiretapping at the police inspectorate, reveals that surveillance of National Crime Agency (NAKA) investigators, including Jan Curilla, may have been illegal, the Dennik N reports. The revelation is incendiary as the wiretaps have been used extensively by the current prime minister, Robert Fico (Smer), to smear NAKA officers investigating alleged crimes committed by the Smer party's nominees during its previous periods in government. Fico has never explained where he got the tapes.

Suspicions arose about a year ago, and now the Dennik N daily has obtained a recording that could serve as evidence. The recording reveals that the devices used to eavesdrop on Curilla and his team between May and July 2021 did not belong to the Interior Minister's police inspectorate (also known as the 'police inspection'), as previously claimed.

The police inspection is a sort of internal affairs unit within the Interior Ministry that in theory should investigate wrongdoing within the police force, but which during 2020-23, when Smer was out of office, acted mainly to block probes into Smer-linked political corruption in what later became known as the 'war in the police'.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240913/boeing-workers-prepare-to-strike-after-rejecting-new-labor-contract---reports-1120132197.html

Boeing Workers Ready to Strike After Rejecting New Labor Contract - Reports

Boeing Workers Ready to Strike After Rejecting New Labor Contract - Reports

Sputnik International

More than 30,000 Boeing employees were poised to strike on Friday after overwhelmingly voting against a new labor contract, the CNBC broadcaster reported.

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Workers in the Seattle area and Oregon rejected a tentative agreement proposed by Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, with 94.6% voting against it. They voted 96% in favor of the strike, well above the two-thirds majority needed to halt work, media reported. While the proposal reportedly offered a 25% increase in wages, improved healthcare and retirement benefits, the union had aimed for raises of approximately 40%. Boeing has lost around $8 billion this year and has a mounting debt problem. Production is below expectations due to manufacturing issues and labor shortages. It attracted additional federal attention on its production lines after a tire blowout on a nearly new Boeing 737 Max 9 at the beginning of the year.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240913/complicity-in-genocide-us-politicians-favor-israeli-donors-over-international-law-1120129888.html

'Complicity in Genocide': US Politicians Favor Israeli Donors Over International Law

'Complicity in Genocide': US Politicians Favor Israeli Donors Over International Law

Sputnik International

A US citizen and American Turkish activist was fatally shot by Israeli forces in the West Bank by Israeli Defense Forces. The 26-year-old was killed while protesting alongside several other activists.

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Aysenur Eygi, a US citizen and American Turkish activist was fatally shot by Israeli forces in the West Bank on September 6. The 26-year-old was protesting alongside several other activists when she was shot in the head in the village of Beita, near Nablus. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was very likely that she was struck unintentionally by one of their soldiers.The IDF also claimed that the 26-year-old was shot during a violent riot as the army sought out the key instigator. But the Washington Post reported that their investigation found Eygi was shot more than a half-hour after the height of the confrontations and some 20 minutes after protesters had moved down the main road which was more than 200 yards away from IDF soldiers.Robert Fantina, an activist and author, joined Sputniks Critical Hour to discuss the killing of Eygi as well as the US unwavering support of those responsible for her death.And the only reaction is, please don't do it again? And, her family is demanding an independent investigation, which the US isn't interested in doing. US government officials are saying Israel is doing their investigation. They've done it. They have come up with this finding. It was an accident. So, sorry. Close the book on this, the analyst explained.And if they have to kill all the Palestinians to do it, they're perfectly happy doing that," he added.During the presidential debate on Tuesday between US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, Harris was asked by an ABC News moderator about the 40,000 Palestinians who are now dead [though, the number is estimated to be higher], and the nearly 100 hostages that remain. When asked how she would break the stalemate were she became president, the VP reiterated what she has said in the past.Yet, the US has failed to secure a ceasefire deal, and continues to treat Israel as one of its top allies. In August, the State Department announced that Washington would provide Israel with $3.5 billion to spend on US weapons and military equipment. But what is most perplexing about Harris response is that a pivot to end US support of Israel would allow her to easily win her seat in the Oval Office, as was expressed by an opinion piece published in Common Dreams which cited US voter polls.The election between Harris and Trump is said to be very close by all polls. She needs to do something that would differentiate herself in a major way from him, Fantina explained. And, by saying that she was going to stop all arms shipments to Israel, unless, until that country stops the genocide, that would be a major shift from Trump. Trump at the debate said that she hates Israel. This is not the case. Obviously, she bows down to Israel like every other, or almost every other politician in the US."Iran has not backed down from its promise to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and Israel does not appear to be backing down from its assault on Palestinian territory  quite the opposite. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly been expanding their assault on Palestinian territory by increasing violent raids in the occupied West Bank since late August.Sputniks Garland Nixon suggested during the interview that Israel seems to be trying to pull the US into a war with Iran which could destroy the world economy and possibly go nuclear.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240913/hezbollah-fires-rockets-at-main-israeli-air-defense-headquarters---statement-1120132078.html

Hezbollah Fires Rockets at Main Israeli Air Defense Headquarters - Statement

Hezbollah Fires Rockets at Main Israeli Air Defense Headquarters - Statement

Sputnik International

Lebanese movement Hezbollah said on Friday it had fired rockets at the main air defense headquarters of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the northern Israeli city of Safed (also known as Tzfat), near the Lebanese-Israeli border.

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"Fighters of the Islamic resistance launched Katyusha rocket attacks at the main air defense headquarters of the northern group command, located in the Birya barracks," the statement read. An air raid alert was sounded Safed overnight after the Lebanese movement launched more than 20 rockets toward the northern Israeli city. The Biriya barracks are located in the northeast of Safed, about 7 miles from the Lebanese-Israeli border. Hezbollah fighters have shelled these barracks twice since October. Hezbollah said its fighters attacked nine IDF positions on Thursday. In response, Israel struck 21 settlements in southern Lebanon, including the city of Nabatieh, killing three people, including a child.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240826/hezbollah-could-end-normal-life-in-israel-drive-israelis-underground-in-any-major-escalation-1119916441.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240913/israel-exists-to-help-west-loot-dominate-middle-east--analyst-1120130235.html

Israel Exists to Help West Loot, Dominate Middle East  Analyst

Israel Exists to Help West Loot, Dominate Middle East  Analyst

Sputnik International

Although the West has cloaked its support for Israel in the decades since in the language of liberal antiracism its motivations are far from altruistic, argues political activist Joti Brar. The vice chair of the Communist Party of Great Britain, Marxist Leninist joined Sputniks The Critical Hour program Thursday to discuss the United States ironclad backing of the country as it continues its deadly military operation in the besieged Gaza Strip.

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Issued by the British government in 1917, the Balfour Declaration is often considered to mark the beginning of Western support for the establishment of the modern state of Israel.The pronouncement, notorious among Palestinians and their supporters, committed the United Kingdom to the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in the Levant. Some Zionists viewed the creation of Israel as a progressive act necessary to combat rising prejudice in Europe, but historians have pointed out the nakedly antisemitic motivations of Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour, who sought to appease a British public wary of rising Jewish immigration to the UK.Although the West has cloaked its support for Israel in the decades since in the language of liberal antiracism its motivations are far from altruistic, argues political activist Joti Brar. The vice chair of the Communist Party of Great Britain, Marxist Leninist joined Sputniks The Critical Hour program Thursday to discuss the United States ironclad backing of the country as it continues its deadly military operation in the besieged Gaza Strip.We see the desperation, despite the fact that this genocide is going on in the full glare of public scrutiny, said Brar. The balance of power has totally shifted away from them And therefore, if they want to survive, they've got to find another way forward.Although modern defenders of Israel justify its existence under the pretense of Jewish self-determination or decolonization, the states ideological forebears clearly articulated Zionism as a colonial project.You are being invited to help make history, wrote the ideologys founder Theodor Herzl in a 1902 letter to Cecil Rhodes, the notorious namesake of the white supremacist African republic of Rhodesia. It doesnt involve Africa, but a piece of Asia Minor; not Englishmen but Jews How, then, do I happen to turn to you since this is an out-of-the-way matter for you? How indeed? Because it is something colonial.Jewish migration to Palestine rose sharply after the Balfour Declaration was issued, with violent paramilitary gangs arising from within the transplanted population. Terrorist groups such as Lehi and Irgun attacked the countrys indigenous Palestinian population, forming the basis of the Israel Defense [sic] Forces after the establishment of the ethno-supremacist state in 1948. Israel has pushed the territorys non-Jewish inhabitants to the margins since then, presiding over what numerous international organizations have classified as an apartheid state.And so you see this really existential identification of Western imperialism with Israel, which to a lot of people seems to make no sense. They can't see why they don't just let Israel fight its own battles and fight and die or live and die according to its own abilities. Why are they all jumping in? Why is Zionism so important to the West?The reason is it's their tool for controlling the region and the region's resources, Brar explained. Without those resources they're going to be in really, really big trouble.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240126/south-african-suit-against-israel-could-open-the-floodgates-of-accountability-for-colonial-powers-1116395241.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240328/crises-in-palestine-haiti-rooted-in-legacy-of-western-colonialism-1117597077.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240913/moscow-to-respond-if-west-lifts-restrictions-on-deep-strikes-inside-russia---nebenzia-1120140575.html

Moscow to Respond if West Lifts Restrictions on Deep Strikes Inside Russia - Nebenzia

Moscow to Respond if West Lifts Restrictions on Deep Strikes Inside Russia - Nebenzia

Sputnik International

The NATO countries will be in direct war with Russia is they lift the restrictions on the use of long-range weapons to strike deep inside Russia, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said on Friday.

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"If the decision to lift the restrictions is really taken, that will mean that from that moment on NATO countries are conducting direct war with Russia. In this case, we will have to take, as you understand, relevant decisions with all the consequences for this that the Western aggressors would incur," Nebenzia said during a meeting of the UN Security Council. The UN Security Council meeting was requested by Russia and focuses on the issue of Western supplies of weapons to the Kiev regime.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240913/ukraine-ill-equipped-unable-to-withstand-russias-potential-retaliation---reports-1120131906.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240913/putins-words-on-consequences-of-west-arms-strikes-on-russia-extremely-clear---kremlin-1120133152.html

Extremely Clear: Kremlin Comments on Putin's Warning About Wests Arms Striking Deep Into Russia

Extremely Clear: Kremlin Comments on Putin's Warning About Wests Arms Striking Deep Into Russia

Sputnik International

The statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the consequences of Western weapons strikes deep into Russia is extremely clear and unambiguous, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

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"The statement that Putin made yesterday is very important. It is extremely clear, unambiguous and does not allow for any misinterpretations. And we have no doubt that this statement has reached its addressees," Peskov said, answering a question about whether the Kremlin sees the reaction of Western countries to Putin's words about the consequences of long-range weapons strikes on Russia.On Thursday, Putin said that NATO countries are not just discussing the possible use of Western long-range weapons by Kiev, but are also deciding whether to get directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict. The direct involvement of the West in the Ukrainian conflict changes its nature, and Russia will be forced to make decisions based on the threats thus created for it, Putin concluded. No Talk of Severing Diplomatic Relations Between Moscow, LondonThere is no talk of severing Russia's diplomatic relations with the UK due to the termination of accreditation of six employees of the political department of the UK embassy in Moscow, Peskov said.Earlier in the day, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said that the accreditation of six employees of the UK Embassy in Russia has been terminated for their intelligence and subversive activities.Kremlin on Erdogan's Words on Crimea: This Issue of Bilateral DisagreementsThe issue of Crimea's belonging is a topic that falls into the category of disagreements between Russia and Turkey, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.Moscow continues to explain to Ankara Russia's position on Crimea, the spokesman said.Russia continues to develop partnership relations with Turkey in all other spheres, the official said.Earlier this week, media reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his video message to the participants of the summit of the so-called Crimean platform in Kiev, stated the need to return Crimea to Ukraine, as this is "a requirement of international law."The US is putting blatant pressure on Ankara, not hesitating to threaten the consequences for Turkey's economy, Peskov said."Indeed, the US is exerting undisguised pressure on Turkey, not hesitating to threaten the consequences for the Turkish economy," Peskov told reporters.Restricting Titanium Exports Related to Trade Restrictions Against RussiaThe proposal to think about restrictions on nickel and titanium exports is related to the practice of illegal trade restrictions against, Peskov said.There are no details on titanium export restrictions, Putin suggested thinking about it without harming interests of Russia, the spokesman explained.Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to think about a possible need to limit the export of titanium, nickel and other strategic goods abroad.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240913/russias-security-service-received-evidence-of-uks-coordination-of-escalation-of-global-situation-1120130682.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240530/macron-pressured-trudeau-to-relieve-airbus-from-sanctions-on-russian-titanium---reports-1118705772.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240913/two-state-solution-not-on-the-table-idf-assault-continues-israel-will-not-leave-lebanon-alone-1120128472.html

Two State Solution Not on the Table: IDF Assault Continues, Israel Will Not 'Leave Lebanon Alone'

Two State Solution Not on the Table: IDF Assault Continues, Israel Will Not 'Leave Lebanon Alone'

Sputnik International

The bombing on Wednesday in the central Gaza district of Nuseirat, has killed at least 18 people including two UNRWA staff members.

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Israel has reportedly bombed a school which housed displaced Palestinians. The bombing on Wednesday in the central Gaza district of Nuseirat, killed at least 18 people including six UNRWA staff members, The Guardian reported.Leila Hatoum, a Lebanon-based journalist, economist, and geopolitical analyst joined Sputniks Fault Lines on Thursday, and gave a critical account of the increased aggression between Hezbollah and the IDF. I couldn't believe it, I had to send him a message on his phone like, tell me this is not true that you didn't die. It took me about 48 hours to just register that he passed away and I won't be able to speak to him.On Wednesday, about 40 projectiles crossed from Lebanon into Israel, Sputnik reported citing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF said that their air force then struck several Hezbollah movement military infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon and a Hezbollah launcher. Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have been escalating since hostilities in the Gaza Strip first began in October of last year....there have been several attempts from Jordan towards the occupied Palestinian territories in the West Bank against the Israelis. The most recent one was the Allenby Bridge crossing incident, shooting incident, where one Jordanian Palestinian, actually Jordanian Bedouin Arab, managed to shoot and kill three Israeli occupation forces police. And that's basically called a lone wolf operation that threatens the borders between Jordan and the occupied Palestinian territories where the Israelis have a military presence over there, she added.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 Hamas to loosen its demands for a ceasefire deal, Sputnik reported on Wednesday.One of the demands negotiators are pressuring Hamas to drop, is the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. However, a senior Israeli official has reportedly said that he does not believe the meeting in Doha will have an impact on ceasefire negotiations. But Netanyahu has also recently been accused of torpedoing a potential US-backed ceasefire deal by changing the terms, which he has done previously. Hamas back in 2017, 2016, they had a charter and they said, we do agree to a Palestinian state on the lands of 1967 until we reach a final agreement and final peace. But, they didn't agree to just a two-state solution on the lands of 1967. At the end of the day, they said, why would we want to agree to two parts of a land that are smaller than what we originally owned in this region?The Israelis, unfortunately, it's not sad, because we know that they are monsters, continued to breach international [law], continued to kill Palestinians, and they never stopped since then. And they have killed over 41,000 Palestinians aside from injuring over 90,000. That's the numbers that go out officially, right? But it's more than that in reality, she added.The Israeli Foreign Ministry has urged US congressional members to persuade South Africa into stropping its case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Sputnik reported. Africa has argued that the state is violating its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention due to its violent assault in the Gaza Strip.Israeli diplomats threated South African diplomats who are currently working in the US and told them that "continuing their current actions like supporting [the Palestinian movement] Hamas and pushing anti-Israeli moves in international courts will come with a heavy price" and could prompt them to suspend Washington-Pretoria trade relations.Hezbollah has been geared up for war not from now, from 2006 because in 2000, after the Israelis withdrew from Lebanon, they said we expect the Israelis to retaliate for their failure. They did that in 2006 and in 2006 they failed again. So, Hezbollah is geared for another major war that's happening and it's happening now. Only a blind person can see that the Israelis will not leave Lebanon alone, the analyst noted.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/israel-wants-us-congress-to-put-pressure-on-south-africa-to-scrap-icj-genocide-case--report-1120094084.html

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The feature race on Thursday (Sept. 12) at Plainridge Park was the $33,784 Open Handicap Pace where Alluneedisfaith N got a perfect trip and registered his fourth win of the year.

The Wild Card (Nick Graffam) took the lead from post one and marched the field to the half in :55.2 while Alluneedisfaith N tracked from second. Fourever Boy (Brett Beckwith) made the first move from behind and got to within a length of the leader at three-quarters. But Fourever Boys bid failed in the turn and left The Wild Card and Alluneedisfaith N the clear contenders. When they straightened for the line, Alluneedisfaith N tipped and charged The Wild Card and eventually ran him down by one-quarter length to win in his seasons best 1:51.2.

Alluneedisfaith N ($28.60) is owned by Douglas Overhiser and Alicia Gray, who also trains the winner.

When Jim Hardy won the sixth race at Plainridge on Thursday with Poppy Wow (1:56.1, $10.40), it gave him his 3,500th driving win in a career that has now spanned 40 years.

Hardy started driving in 1984 and got his first win with a horse named Presumably Swift at Foxboro Park, the track he drove regularly at from the beginning of his career until they closed in 1997. Hardy then moved on to regularly compete at Freehold Raceway, Scarborough Downs, Saratoga Raceway and Yonkers Raceway, until 1999 when Plainridge Park opened and he returned home to Massachusetts, where has been a staple ever since.

Known to many as The Sheriff of Plainville, Hardy had his winningest year in 2010 when he scored 191 victories and his most lucrative in 2023 when he went over the $1 million mark, earning $1,225,228 in purses.

At the current Plainridge meet, the 60-year-old native of Newburyport, Massachuhsetts is the sixth leading dash driver with 42 wins, 47 seconds and 50 thirds and has amassed earnings of $540,000.

Since he got started at the lines, Hardy has made 22,787 starts with 3,500 wins, 3,293 seconds and 3,358 thirds, giving him a 45% in the money rate and total purse earnings of $13,955,838 for his career.

Hardy also has another 1,065 wins as a trainer and has earned $4,358,527 in that capacity.

Live racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday (Sept. 16) at 2 p.m.

(With files from Plainridge Park)
Goober Smack found his stride early out of the gate in post eight of one of two $20,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions, leading every step of the way to victory in a new lifetime mark on Thursday (Sept. 12) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The sophomore trotting colts and geldings met for their fifth leg of the series and will face again on Sept. 27 at Mohawk for the Consolation and Sept. 28 for the Final of the OSS Grassroots Series.

James MacDonald and Susanne Kerwood teamed up to send Goober Smack to the gate as the bettors' choice from the far outside in the field of eight. The colt wasted little time in achieving the front and never looked back, controlling the timer in splits in :27.4, :57, and 1:25.4 before opening up to win by three-lengths in 1:54.2. Saturday (Brett MacDonald) finished second with R No Mercy (Doug McNair) third.

The sophomore son of Flanagan Memory and the Muscle Mass mare Bluestone Muscles is owned by S&r Racing Stable Inc. He recorded his fourth win of the year in 12 starts and his seventh career win from 16 starts, producing a lifetime sum of $84,829. Goober Smack paid $5.50 to win.

Jack N Abs took the second OSS Grassroots division with Doug McNair holding the lines for trainer Gregg McNair. The colt left from post four, sitting second as the first quarter was reached in :28. As Royal Duharas (Louis-Philippe Roy) took command from Sid The Kid (Scott Young) before the :57.2 half, Jack N Abs was pushed to third. With an outer flow bid started by Elegant Resolve (James MacDonald), Jack N Abs was shuffled further back to a locked-in fifth along the pylons at the three-quarters in 1:27. A last quarter in :27.4 gave Jack N Abs enough momentum to kick home and win at the wire by a neck in 1:55.2. Elegant Resolve finished second with Royal Duharas third.

The three-year-old son of Muscle Mass and the Striking Sahbra mare Lady Bling is owned by Gregg McNair, Brady Doyle, and Shady Hill Racing Stable. He moved his seasonal tally to 4-4-2 in third starts, yielding five career wins and $154,497 in 22 starts. Jack N Abs paid $10.80 to win from 5-1 odds.

Chelsis Choice found post 10 and 19-1 odds to be no problem, winning the $20,000 Pop Up Series Final as the card finale in race 10. The Pop Up Series was open to fillies and mares that were non-winners of $18,000 in 2024, also eligible not averaging $1,400 per start with a minimum of 10 starts.

Tyler Borth and the Ricky Montgomery student got away last in their field of 10, sitting back off the leader by 12-1/2 lengths at the opening fraction in :26.2. En route to the half in :55.1, Chelsis Choice closed that gap a bit from the outside, still sitting 10 lengths back in 10th. The gap closed to eight lengths at the three-quarters in 1:24, but the Big Jim - Justabitevil mare still had to make up ground from last going into the final turn. Using a last quarter clocked in :27.1, Chelsis Choice zipped home to nab the win by a head at the wire in 1:52.4. Getting Euchred (Doug McNair) finished second with Royal Tell (Travis Cullen) third.

Chelsi Hughes owns the six-year-old mare bred by Thomas Hughes. Chelsis Choice won her third race of the year and her sixth career race from 106 starts. She has $168,559 in lifetime earnings. She returned $40.10 to win from her longshot odds.

The $12,000 Pop Up Series Consolation for the same class was won by Duchenne ($3.70) and James MacDonald for trainer Anthony Beaton by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:52.4.

The first leg of the Pop Up Claiming Series, worth an $8,000 purse for each of two divisions, was also contested in two parts won by Dapper Fella ($5.70) and James MacDonald for Gerard Demers by four lengths in 1:53.2 as well as Papiamento ($4.20) and Doug McNair for Michael Stamp by a half length in 1:53.4.

To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)
Oceanview Rumours made it five-in-a-row during P.E.I. Colt Stakes action Thursday (Sept. 12) evening at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

Oceanview Rumours, a two-year-old daughter of Green Manalishi, commanded the front in her $18,500 P.E.I. Colt Stakes two-year-old trot filly division to win by three-lengths in 2:00.3 over Oceanview Nikki (Driven by Mike McGuigan) and Supreme Rockette (Gilles Barrieau). Adam Merner was at the lines of the winning filly for trainer Melissa Rennie and owners Bill Roloson, Scott Roloson and Joey Aylward.

The $18,120 three-year-old filly trot division of the P.E.I. Colt Stakes was won by Dusty Lane Wee (Marc Campbell) in 2:00.2 over Dusty Lane Mable (Corey MacPherson) and third-place Gettin Tipsy (McGuigan). Lenny Myers trains the daughter of EL Rocket for owners Garry MacDonald of Ontario and Ronnie Gass of Cornwall.

West River Jet (Ken MacDonald) was the best in the $18,500 P.E.I. Colt Stakes two-year-old trot colt race with a snappy 1:59.2 victory over Dusty Lane Gus (Merner) and race favourite Bless Me Father (Campbell). Clare MacDonald trains the EL Rocket gelding for Haley MacDonald of Stratford. The victory was a new track record for rookie trotting geldings, lowering Buckaroos 2:00.2 standard set in 2017. Southwind Arturo holds the overall two-year-old trot record at 1:58.3.

Rocket Blast (MacPherson) unloaded a six-and-three-quarter length romp in the three-year-old trotting colts P.E.I. Colt Stakes division in race seven for a $18,120 pot. Carl Bagnall of Stratford owns and trains the son of EL Rocket. Lucky Ticket (David Dowling) was second best with Dusty Lane Darby (Merner) third.

Maggiesdelight (MacPherson) won the race six Animal Nutrition Association Of Canada Atlantic Division pace in overnight action stopping the clock in 1:54.1.

Irish Ray and Campbell took the $3,450 Open Handicap Trot by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:58.1 for trainer Landon Campbell and owner Three Wisemen Stable.

Shake N Blake ($2.20) won the $3,200 Fillies and Mares Preferred 3 Pace by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:54.1 with Campbell in the bike for Melissa Rennie.

Campbell had a driving triple while Rennie notched three training wins on the program.

Red Shores was proud to work with Standardbred Canada, Prince Edward Island Standardbred Horse Owners Association and the PEI Harness Racing Industry Association to honour National Caretaker Appreciation Day.

Live racing continues Saturday (Sept. 14) with a P.E.I. Colt Stakes doubleheader at Red Shores Charlottetown. The two-year-old pacers are featured on the first program with 13 dashes at 12 p.m., while the three-year-old pacers headline the evening program at 6 p.m., with 16 dashes including the Atlantic Aged Pacing Mares Series and two divisions of the Richard Campbell Memorial Invitational.

To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.

(Red Shores)
Fraser Downs opened up the 2024 fall meet on Thursday (Sept. 12) evening and Grey Sea kicked it off where she ended in the spring at the top of the featured class ranks. The Gord Abbott student made every pole a winning one en route to victory in the $10,000 Fillies and Mares Preferred Handicap Pace.

Taking the gate as the outside post in the field of five featured mares, John Abbott and Grey Sea left briskly, secured the lead, and controlled the tempo of the mile throughout. After handing out times in :27.3, :57.4, and 1:25.3, Grey Sea extended her lead to win by 6-3/4 lengths in 1:54. Arrhythmic Dream (David Hudon) finished second. B On The Hunt (Scott Knight) completed the triactor.

Grey Sea is owned by breeder Seaspray Stables Ltd of Nanaimo, B.C. The five-year-old Custard The Dragon - Preference mare moved her seasonal tally to 4-7-5 in 22 starts and lifetime tally to 18-12-8 in 49 starts. She boasts $149,650 in career earnings. She paid $2.60 to win.

Rod Therres sprung with an early jump in the trainer standings with five entered and five wins on the Thursday card. Driving each of his trainees, Therres scored with Fubar Bundy ($3.20) in 1:54.3, Heavens Lil Dragon ($3.60) in 1:59.1, Rollin Withholly A ($4.00) in 1:56, Martini Please ($7.10) in 1:59.1, and Dillon James ($6.60) in 1:56.

Therres is quickly closing in on his 1,000-training win milestone, now sitting at 996 wins.

Fans can catch the action at the five-eighths-mile oval every Thursday and Friday night starting at 7 p.m. (Pacific Time). The races are broadcast in full HD live on YouTube.

To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Fraser Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)
Scottsbluff Public Schools is poised to begin renovation of the former SWBC building next month, with sights set on reopening it as an early childhood facility in August 2025.

The purchase of the former SWBC building was given final approval by the Board of Education in December, with a price tag of $1.5 million. At that time, public opinion on the decision was mixed, with some questioning the practicality of renovating and maintaining such a large space.

However, advocates of the purchase  including District 48 Senator Brian Hardin  emphasized the dire need for a larger and more centralized early childhood program, making the buildings large size ideal.

Superintendent Andrew Dick touched on the financial feasibility of the project once again this week, stating that the bid recently awarded to Anderson-Shaw Construction for the renovation supported the districts choice to avoid the higher cost of new construction.

At the end of the day, it came down to cost, Dick said. It was more fiscally responsible to purchase this building and renovate it, as opposed to paying the costs of new construction I truly believe that this project, this effort by the district to meet the needs of our students and families has been done in the most fiscally responsible manner possible.

Dick said that the renovation bid amounts to around $79 per square foot, compared to an estimated $400 per square foot on a brand new facility.

In addition to touting savings, the district emphasized the benefits of centralizing Scottsbluffs early childhood education services. Currently, those services are spread across the district in less than ideal spaces, including four preschool classrooms at East Stadium, four at Roosevelt Elementary and two at the 81 Building.

Getting all of those classrooms under one roof, adding additional classrooms and gaining flex space for indoor play areas will increase the staffs ability to collaborate, school officials said. Because other early childhood programs  such as the Sixpence birth to three program  will also be housed there, the building will become a one stop shop for families throughout their childs early years.

The new space has also created new opportunities for extended child care, which the Scottsbluff district has previously been unable to offer. Ahead of the renovation, the Board of Education awarded a contract for extended care services to the Scottsbluff Family YMCA, which will start in the 2025-26 school year.

So in the new building, well be able to serve families from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Again, thats a piece that we havent been able to do simply because of space, Dick said. And so well be able to, I think, cast a wider net in terms of the families that we can serve and that may want to send their child to Scottsbluff Public Schools preschool.

SBPS early childhood director Bree Rock said the new facility will help improve the quality of the districts services. She stressed how important a quality early childhood education is for lifelong student success.

Important social emotional skills, learning how to be a learner, learning how to work in teams  All of those are important tasks that are required of students through college, Rock said. Its just such an important part of a students life.

Rock also said that excitement and demand for enrollment at the new facility are high, and that the extended care offerings are playing a large role in that demand.

Right after we acquired the building, we had people calling wanting to get on wait lists, she said. At each step we get approval for, we have more and more interest. Child care in our community, in general, is a need, and to be able to have your kid there while youre working for the entire eight hours is a huge plus.

The districts plans for the former SWBC building also include relocating multiple departments and offices that are currently shoehorned into various spaces around town into more conducive working environments. Several of those, like the IT department and the Family Success Center, have already moved into their new homes.

The district also is exploring moving its administrative offices to the new building, which means plans will likely materialize to sell its current central office space on First Avenue upon completing the renovation next year.

Plans for the buildings second floor are not yet finalized, but Dick said that one option under consideration is renting the extra space out to other education-oriented organizations.

In-house staff have begun pre-work on the former SWBC building, including removal of a large amount of leftover cubicles. Dick estimated that Anderson-Shaw would get started on the renovation around Oct. 1.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Evolution of the interfacial electric field with the dielectric environment. Credit: Nature Energy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-024-01621-8

The interface between electrodes and electrolytes largely contributes to the efficiency with which batteries convert energy. In recent years, many efforts aimed at developing better performing batteries have focused on tailoring the electrode/electrolyte interface to boost the energy density of rechargeable batteries, particularly lithium-metal batteries (LMBs).

LMBs are promising battery solutions that integrate Li metal anodes, instead of the graphite-based anodes typically employed by lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). Compared to LiBs, these batteries could exhibit significantly higher energy densities and faster charging speeds.

Nonetheless, many LMBs developed so far have significant limitations, such as high manufacturing costs, a low Coulombic efficiency and the growth of Li dendrites during charging. Li dendrites are tree-like Li metal-based structures that can form on the surface of anodes while a battery is charging, increasing the risk of overheating and potential fires, while also reducing a battery's performance.

A possible solution to overcome this key limitation of LMBs is to regulate the Li+ solvation structure and design new electrolytes to facilitate the formation of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) and stabilize the electrode/electrolyte interface. While many studies have been focusing on these goals, very few explored how the dielectric environment in batteries contributes to stabilizing/de-stabilizing this interface.

Researchers at Zhejiang University and other institutes in China recently carried out a study exploring this research question. Their paper, published in Nature Energy, outlines a dielectric protocol that could help to address some of the issues associated with LMBs, potentially enhancing their safety and reliability.

"As the electric vehicle and energy storage markets continue to grow, the demand for LIBs will keep increasing," Xiulin Fan, co-author of the paper, told TechXplore. "However, to achieve a low-carbon or carbon-free economy, we need batteries that perform better than current LIBs. This calls for an energy storage technology with the energy density that is higher than 500 Wh/kg, which could power electric devices much longer on a single charge compared to LIBs. Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) with metal electrodes instead of graphite electrodes have caught our attention, yet these batteries face premature death issues both in the laboratory and industry. Our main objective was thus to develop long-lasting and high-energy-density LMBs."

The approach to designing LMBs introduced in the researchers' paper considers the effects of the interfacial electric field, which can be modulated via a battery's dielectrics, on the electrode/electrolyte interphase. By regulating the dielectric medium used in batteries, their protocol ensures the integrity of cation-anion coordination, enabling the formation of the SEI from the exposure of the anion-rich electrolyte to an interfacial electric field.

"The dielectric protocol requires the cation-anion pairs to be placed in a non-solvating solvent with a high dielectric constant, which can protect the cation-anion pairs from dissociation by the electric field," explained Fan. "This forms an anion-rich region near the electrode-electrolyte interface. Such an interfacial configuration can prioritize the anion decomposition at the interface, thereby imparting robust interfacial chemistry to Li deposits in Li-metal pouch cells."

"At charged interfaces, cationanion pairs arrange in a periodic oscillatory distribution," wrote Zhang, Li and their colleagues. "A low-oscillation amplitude exacerbates the electrolyte decomposition and increases surface impedance. We propose a dielectric protocol that maintains cationanion coordination with a high oscillation amplitude at the interfaces, addressing these issues."

Using their newly proposed protocol, the team realized an ultra-lean electrolyte (1 g Ah1), which they tested in lithium-metal pouch cells. The resulting pouch cells were found to exhibit a remarkable energy density of 500 Wh kg1 .

"This work reveals the spatial distribution of anions and cations on the charged electrode-electrolyte interface," said Fan. "This allows us to adjust the interfacial properties by tailoring the electrolyte composition, which can improve battery performance."

Other research groups could soon draw inspiration from this research team's dielectric-mediated approach to prepare other promising electrolytes for LMBs. Collectively, these efforts could contribute to the development of more reliable high-density battery solutions.

"The high energy density of Li-metal batteries can lead to serious safety hazards like fires and explosions," added Fan. "Our future work aims to enhance the cycle stability of Li-metal batteries under realistic conditions to achieve an energy storage technology that combines both high energy density and safety."

More information: Shuoqing Zhang et al, Oscillatory solvation chemistry for a 500 Wh kg1 Li-metal pouch cell, Nature Energy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-024-01621-8. Journal information: Nature Energy

 2024 Science X Network
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Haptic fingertip interface. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51779-8

A fingertip device that closely mimics the sensation of interacting with real objects, developed by a team led by UCL researchers, paves the way for applications in diagnosing loss of touch, video calls, robotic surgery and hazardous waste handling.

The study, published in Nature Communications, describes the development of the new touch-related technology, which enables the delivery of realistic feedback in the human fingertip to simulate touch more naturally than previous devices.

The more lifelike design of the technology means it will help to better understand the complexities of our sense of touch, with a wide range of applications already being considered.

One potential application of the technology is improving the diagnosis of patients experiencing loss of touch. Currently, this is diagnosed by a clinician touching the skin with single-fiber brushes of increasing weight and asking the patient if they can feel it, giving an indication where loss of sensation is located and how acute it is.

The bioinspired haptic (BAMH) system could be used to automate this process, speeding it up, freeing up clinicians' time and providing more empirical data on which to base diagnoses.

Professor Helge Wurdemann, an author of the study from UCL Mechanical Engineering, said, "The BAMH system enhances our ability to quantify both the sensitivitythe minimum stimulus intensity required for humans to perceive a touchand the differentiation of stimuli in human fingers. By reducing the subjectivity of current diagnosis methods, we think the system can significantly improve this process."

The team have ethical approval to conduct a clinical trial to test this application, which is currently being set up. Another potential application of the technology is to improve robotic surgery techniques.

Dr. Sara Abad, an author of the study from UCL Mechanical Engineering, said, "Surgeons can feel the difference between cancerous tissue and normal tissue with their hands, for example, which helps them to define the margins of a tumor before they remove it. But if they are performing an operation using robotic arms, either in the room or remotely, this tactile ability is lost.

"We think the BAMH system can give some of that sensation back, and we're hoping to conduct clinical trials to test this theory in the near future."

The complexity of human touch perception has long been a barrier to the development of effective touch-related devices, often resulting in systems that struggle to deliver intuitive and realistic feedback. The BAMH system, inspired by the way human perception functions, addresses these challenges by stimulating the four primary types of touch receptors in human skin.

Professor Wurdemann said, "The human sense of touch involves sensations captured by four types of receptor, which are present in different proportions in different areas of the fingertip. Some are better at detecting edges, for example, while others are better at interpreting texture. When we touch objects, we're receiving a complex mix of stimuli that help us to perceive them accurately.

"The system we've developed can produce both static and pulsing stimuli at various points on the fingertip, with intensity levels that can fall below or exceed the human sensitivity threshold. Importantly, these stimuli are delivered within a frequency range that matches the sensitivity of the touch skin receptors, allowing for a touch experience that closely emulates the sensation of interacting with real objects in everyday life."

The pulses delivered by the BAHM system lie within the 0130 Hertz sensitivity range of the skin's touch receptors. This allows for more precise activation of touch receptors across the front, bottom, and lateral areas of the finger, resulting in a more accurate and selective sensation.

The study also found that sensitivity of stimuli in human fingers varies across different areas of the fingertip and across different frequencies, highlighting the importance of delivering the correct type of stimulus to each area of the finger to achieve a more realistic and accurate experience.

Dr. Abad said, "Existing touch feedback systems often require users to undergo training so that they are able to correctly interpret the stimuli they are experiencing, partly because the range of sensations the existing systems can deliver are limited and also because of the rigidity of these systems. This challenge led us to ask: how can we stimulate the skin in a way that can enable a more natural touch feedback, thereby reducing the need for extensive user training?

"To address this, we adopted a bioinspired approach, focusing on how our perception of features such as object edges, textures, and skin stretch relies heavily on the four main types of receptors within our skin. The resulting technology offers a way of incorporating touch into our virtual social interactions and can also act as a diagnostic tool for touch perception for patients who experience sensitivity loss."

On Saturday 14 September, Professor Wurdemann and Dr. Abad Guaman will present their innovative at the British Science Festival hosted at the University of East London. Attendees at the Festival will have the opportunity to feel, first-hand, how this technology simulates real-world sensations on their forearms, showing how digital and real-life connections can come closer together.

More information: Sara-Adela Abad et al, Bioinspired adaptable multiplanar mechano-vibrotactile haptic system, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51779-8 Journal information: Nature Communications
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Tech mogul Elon Musk has attacked the Australian government over proposed misinformation laws.

Tech mogul Elon Musk has likened the Australian government to "fascists", attacking proposed laws that would fine social media giants for failing to stem the spread of misinformation.

Australia introduced a "combating misinformation" bill on Thursday, which includes sweeping powers to fine tech giants up to five percent of their yearly turnover for breaching online safety obligations.

"Fascists," Musk posted on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Musk's salvo threatened to rekindle his long-running spat with the Australian government.

"Elon Musk has had more positions on free speech than the Kama Sutra," said Government Services Minister Bill Shorten.

"When it's in his commercial interests, he is the champion of free speech. And when he doesn't like it, he's going to shut it all down," Shorten told Australian broadcaster Channel Nine.

Australia's online watchdog took Musk's company to court earlier this year, alleging it had failed to remove "extremely violent" videos that showed a Sydney preacher being stabbed.

But it abruptly dropped its attempt to force a global takedown order on X after Musk scored a legal victory in a preliminary hearing, a move he celebrated as a free speech triumph.

Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety commissioner and a former Twitter employee, has said Musk's takeover coincided with a rise in "toxicity and hate" on the platform.

Musk, a self-described "free speech absolutist", has clashed with politicians and digital rights groups worldwide, including in the European Union, which could decide within months to take action against X with possible fines.

In Brazil, where X has effectively been suspended after it ignored a series of court directives, Musk has responded by blasting the judge as an "evil dictator cosplaying as a judge".

Australia has been at the forefront of global efforts to regulate social media platforms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled plans earlier this week to ban children from social media until they are at least 14 years old.

 2024 AFP
Anexo Group Plc (LON:ANX  Get Free Report)s stock price fell 1.1% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 65 ($0.85) and last traded at GBX 65.80 ($0.86). 74,212 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 52% from the average session volume of 154,565 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 66.54 ($0.87).

Anexo Group Price Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 3.31, a current ratio of 2.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 43.76. The stock has a market capitalization of 76.70 million, a PE ratio of 800.50 and a beta of 0.77. The stocks 50-day moving average is GBX 63.29 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 65.

Anexo Group Company Profile

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Anexo Group Plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated credit hire and legal services in the United Kingdom. It operates through two segments: Credit Hire and Legal Services. The company offers replacement vehicles and associated legal assistance to consumers involved in non-fault motor accidents.

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China Youzan Limited (OTCMKTS:CHNVF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 244,000 shares, a decline of 98.7% from the August 15th total of 18,748,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 271.1 days.

China Youzan Stock Performance

CHNVF stock remained flat at C$0.01 during midday trading on Thursday. China Youzan has a twelve month low of C$0.01 and a twelve month high of C$0.02. The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$0.01 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$0.01.

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China Youzan Limited, an investment holding company, provides online and offline e-commerce solutions in the People's Republic of China, Japan, and Canada. It operates through three segments: Third Party Payment Services, Merchant Services, and Other. The company offers third party payment and related consultancy services; and an e-commerce platform with various Software as a Service (Saas) products and services.

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CTT  Correios De Portugal, S.A. (OTCMKTS:CTTPY  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $8.02 and last traded at $8.02, with a volume of 0 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $8.02.

CTT  Correios De Portugal Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.65. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $7.99 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $8.00.

CTT  Correios De Portugal Company Profile

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CTT  Correios De Portugal, SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides postal and financial services worldwide. It operates through Mail, Express & Parcels, Financial Services & Retail, and Bank segments. The company offers courier and urgent mail transport services; postal financial services; and banking services.

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Funding Circle Holdings plc (OTCMKTS:FDCHF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,300 shares, an increase of 225.0% from the August 15th total of 400 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently  days.

Funding Circle Stock Performance

Funding Circle stock remained flat at $1.61 during mid-day trading on Thursday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $1.03 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $0.81. Funding Circle has a twelve month low of $1.53 and a twelve month high of $1.61.

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Funding Circle Holdings plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides online lending platforms in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. The company offers small business loans, recovery loan schemes, and business finance solutions to small enterprises. It also provides flexipay and flexipay card solutions.

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Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund (NYSE:JQC  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 520,900 shares, an increase of 406.2% from the August 15th total of 102,900 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 629,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.8 days.

Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund Price Performance

Shares of JQC traded down $0.06 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $5.85. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,238,576 shares, compared to its average volume of 622,339. The companys 50-day moving average is $5.70 and its 200-day moving average is $5.61. Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund has a 52-week low of $4.82 and a 52-week high of $5.91.

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Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund Dividend Announcement

The business 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 $0.054 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.65 annualized dividend and a yield of 11.08%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund

Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund Company Profile

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of JQC. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. acquired a new position in shares of Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund during the second quarter valued at about $34,000. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund during the second quarter valued at $67,000. First Heartland Consultants Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at $68,000. Nomura Holdings Inc. purchased a new position in Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund in the 4th quarter worth $70,000. Finally, Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund during the 2nd quarter worth about $77,000.

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Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund is a closed-ended balanced mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is managed by Symphony Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income and public equity markets of the United States. The fund invests in senior secured and second lien loans, preferred securities, convertible securities and related instruments.

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Pearson plc (LON:PSON  Get Free Report) shares crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 1,003.81 ($13.13) and traded as high as GBX 1,055 ($13.80). Pearson shares last traded at GBX 1,052.50 ($13.76), with a volume of 1,491,625 shares.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have recently weighed in on PSON. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on Pearson from GBX 1,050 ($13.73) to GBX 1,052 ($13.76) and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, July 5th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,170 ($15.30) price objective on shares of Pearson in a report on Monday, July 8th. Finally, Shore Capital restated a buy rating on shares of Pearson in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 1,101.75 ($14.41).

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Pearson Stock Up 0.7 %

Pearson Cuts Dividend

The business has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 1,038.29 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 1,004.77. The company has a market capitalization of 6.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,103.00, a PEG ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 43.56, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.78.

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 8th will be paid a GBX 7.40 ($0.10) dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 8th. This represents a yield of 0.7%. Pearsons dividend payout ratio is currently 4,600.00%.

Insider Transactions at Pearson

In other news, insider Annette Thomas acquired 383 shares of Pearson stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 28th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 985 ($12.88) per share, for a total transaction of 3,772.55 ($4,933.37). Company insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock.

Pearson Company Profile

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Pearson plc offers educational courseware, assessments, and services in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the Asia Pacific, other European countries, and internationally. The company operates through five segments: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills, and Higher Education.

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Chinese firms explore business opportunities at homelife expo in Los Angeles

Xinhua) 08:57, September 13, 2024

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)

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Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA (OTCMKTS:PWZYF  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a decrease of 99.9% from the August 15th total of 67,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently  days.

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen Stock Performance

PWZYF remained flat at C$12.00 on Thursday. Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen has a 52-week low of C$9.22 and a 52-week high of C$12.00. The firm has a 50 day moving average of C$12.00 and a 200-day moving average of C$12.00.

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POWSZECHNY Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA provides life and non-life insurance products and services in Poland, the Baltic States, and Ukraine. It operates through Corporate Insurance, Mass Insurance, Group and Individually Continued Life Insurance, Individual Life Insurance, Investments, Pension Insurance, Banking, Baltic States, Ukraine, Investment Contracts, and Other segments.

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Shares of PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (OTCMKTS:PPERY  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $19.49 and last traded at $18.82, with a volume of 24923 shares. The stock had previously closed at $18.62.

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk Trading Down 1.2 %

The business has a fifty day moving average price of $16.98 and a 200-day moving average price of $16.53.

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk Company Profile

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PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk provides various banking products and services to individuals and businesses in Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Timor Leste, Shanghai, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the Cayman Islands. The company operates through Wholesale and Retail segments. It offers savings and current accounts, time deposits, demand deposits, and foreign currency savings and current accounts; motorcycle loans, mortgage loan, and housing loans, as well as loans for various purposes, such as education, home renovation, marriage, health, and other needs for individuals; and working capital loans, investment loans, people's business loans, syndicated loans, and micro business loans for businesses.

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PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (OTCMKTS:PPERY  Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 200 shares, a decline of 98.8% from the August 15th total of 16,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 92,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days.

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk Stock Down 1.2 %

OTCMKTS PPERY traded down $0.23 on Thursday, hitting $18.94. 151,044 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 72,851. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $17.05 and a two-hundred day moving average of $16.55. PT Bank Mandiri has a 1-year low of $13.20 and a 1-year high of $19.49.

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PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk provides various banking products and services to individuals and businesses in Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Timor Leste, Shanghai, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the Cayman Islands. The company operates through Wholesale and Retail segments. It offers savings and current accounts, time deposits, demand deposits, and foreign currency savings and current accounts; motorcycle loans, mortgage loan, and housing loans, as well as loans for various purposes, such as education, home renovation, marriage, health, and other needs for individuals; and working capital loans, investment loans, people's business loans, syndicated loans, and micro business loans for businesses.

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Pick n Pay Stores Limited (OTCMKTS:PKPYY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a decrease of 75.0% from the August 15th total of 400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.0 days.

Pick n Pay Stores Stock Performance

Shares of Pick n Pay Stores stock remained flat at $6.84 during mid-day trading on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $6.51 and a 200-day moving average price of $5.78. Pick n Pay Stores has a 12 month low of $5.00 and a 12 month high of $7.44.

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Pick n Pay Stores Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 19th were issued a $0.9855 dividend. This is a positive change from Pick n Pay Storess previous dividend of $0.56. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 19th. Pick n Pay Storess dividend payout ratio is currently 52.92%.

Pick n Pay Stores Company Profile

Pick n Pay Stores Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the retail of food, grocery, clothing, liquor, and general merchandise products in South Africa and Rest of Africa. It owns and franchises hypermarkets, supermarkets, clothing stores, liquor stores, superstores, build stores, punch stores, and express stores under the Pick n Pay and Boxer brands.

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AKITA Drilling Ltd. (OTCMKTS:AKTAF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 11,700 shares, a growth of 431.8% from the August 15th total of 2,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 3,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.0 days.

AKITA Drilling Stock Performance

OTCMKTS AKTAF opened at $0.95 on Friday. AKITA Drilling has a 1 year low of $0.86 and a 1 year high of $1.43. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $1.02 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $1.07.

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AKITA Drilling Company Profile

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AKITA Drilling Ltd. operates as an oil and gas drilling contractor in Canada and the United States. It is involved in the drilling oil and gas wells, potash exploration and development wells, geothermal wells, disposal wells, and carbon storage wells, as well as wells to be developed into storage caverns for gas.

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ASA International Group PLC (LON:ASAI  Get Free Report)s share price traded down 12% on Thursday . The stock traded as low as GBX 68 ($0.89) and last traded at GBX 71.75 ($0.94). 20,552 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 19% from the average session volume of 25,485 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 81.50 ($1.07).

ASA International Group Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 1.62, a current ratio of 1.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 361.26. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 88.58 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 70.84. The company has a market capitalization of 71.75 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,025.00 and a beta of 1.69.

About ASA International Group

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ASA International Group PLC provides microfinancing services in Africa and Asia. It offers loans to low-income female micro-entrepreneurs. It provides various collateral-free loans, including small and small business loans to start or grow businesses. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

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Stephens assumed coverage on shares of Asbury Automotive Group (NYSE:ABG  Free Report) in a report released on Thursday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The brokerage issued an equal weight rating and a $216.00 target price on the stock.

Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Asbury Automotive Group from $230.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday. StockNews.com cut Asbury Automotive Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Asbury Automotive Group from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have issued a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $225.25.

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Asbury Automotive Group Trading Down 0.7 %

Asbury Automotive Group stock opened at $212.93 on Thursday. Asbury Automotive Group has a 12-month low of $178.40 and a 12-month high of $277.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.76 and a beta of 1.16. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $238.20 and a 200 day moving average of $228.86. The company has a current ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05.

Asbury Automotive Group (NYSE:ABG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data 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). Asbury Automotive Group had a return on equity of 17.93% and a net margin of 2.51%. The firm had revenue of $4.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.31 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $8.95 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 17.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Asbury Automotive Group will post 27.06 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Asbury Automotive Group

In related news, CEO David W. Hult sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $227.18, for a total transaction of $113,590.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 56,834 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,911,548.12. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, CEO David W. Hult sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $227.18, for a total transaction of $113,590.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 56,834 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,911,548.12. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Impactive Capital Lp sold 8,353 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction 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 completion of the sale, the insider now owns 2,008,649 shares in the company, valued at approximately $453,211,473.87. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.53% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Asbury Automotive Group

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Arizona State Retirement System increased its stake in Asbury Automotive Group by 1.0% during the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 5,141 shares of the companys stock worth $1,171,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Oak Associates Ltd. OH increased its position in shares of Asbury Automotive Group by 1.4% during the 2nd 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 raised its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 10,980 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,588,000 after buying an additional 60 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund lifted its position in Asbury Automotive Group by 0.3% in the first quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 24,680 shares of the companys stock worth $5,819,000 after buying an additional 62 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SummerHaven Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Asbury Automotive Group by 2.2% in the second quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 3,030 shares of the companys stock worth $690,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the last quarter.

Asbury Automotive Group Company Profile

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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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Black Hills Co. (NYSE:BKH  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Friday . The company traded as high as $60.56 and last traded at $60.55, with a volume of 282773 shares. The stock had previously closed at $59.39.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have commented on BKH. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of Black Hills from $61.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on shares of Black Hills from $54.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Finally, Mizuho increased their target price on Black Hills from $53.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, June 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have assigned a hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $58.00.

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Black Hills Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $57.92 and a 200-day simple moving average of $55.35. The stock has a market cap of $4.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.85 and a beta of 0.68.

Black Hills (NYSE:BKH  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The utilities provider reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.29 by $0.04. Black Hills had a net margin of 12.96% and a return on equity of 8.21%. The firm had revenue of $402.60 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $498.00 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.35 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Black Hills Co. will post 3.92 EPS for the current year.

Black Hills Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 19th were issued a $0.65 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 19th. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.29%. Black Hillss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 64.04%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Black Hills

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Rise Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Black Hills in the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Black Hills in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Black Hills during the 1st quarter worth about $33,000. Riverview Trust Co acquired a new stake in shares of Black Hills in the first quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Finally, Hexagon Capital Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Black Hills by 77.2% in the first quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 732 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 319 shares during the period. 86.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Black Hills Company Profile

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Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. The company operates in two segments: Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 222,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and owns and operates 1,394 megawatts of generation capacity and 9,106 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines.

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BRP (TSE:DOO  Free Report) had its target price reduced by Royal Bank of Canada from C$108.00 to C$99.00 in a research note published on Monday, BayStreet.CA reports.

Several other analysts have also recently commented on DOO. Raymond James lowered their price target on BRP from C$108.00 to C$100.00 in a report on Monday, June 3rd. National Bankshares lowered shares of BRP from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and dropped their price target for the stock from C$109.00 to C$100.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 21st. TD Securities decreased their price target on shares of BRP from C$100.00 to C$98.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, June 3rd. Scotiabank cut shares of BRP from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and lowered their price objective for the company from C$103.00 to C$91.00 in a research note on Monday. Finally, CIBC cut their target price on BRP from C$110.00 to C$100.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, June 3rd. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$96.00.

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BRP Stock Performance

TSE:DOO opened at C$84.67 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 461.35, a current ratio of 1.35 and a quick ratio of 0.20. The firm has a market cap of C$3.02 billion, a PE ratio of 11.37, a P/E/G ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 2.33. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of C$92.47 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$91.25. BRP has a 1-year low of C$77.42 and a 1-year high of C$108.01.

BRP (TSE:DOO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, September 6th. The company reported C$0.61 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.30 by C$0.31. BRP had a return on equity of 94.59% and a net margin of 5.83%. The company had revenue of C$1.84 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$1.85 billion. On average, equities analysts expect that BRP will post 8.3681507 EPS for the current year.

BRP Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 27th will be paid a $0.21 dividend. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.99%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 27th. BRPs payout ratio is 11.28%.

About BRP

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BRP Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets powersports vehicles and marine products in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Mexico, Austria, and internationally. The Powersports segment offers year-round products, such as Can-Am all-terrain vehicles, side-by-side vehicles, and three-wheeled vehicles; and seasonal products, including Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo personal watercrafts and pontoons, Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft, and Pinion gearboxes with smart shift systems.

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Cellnex Telecom, S.A. (OTCMKTS:CLLNY  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 16,800 shares, a drop of 74.2% from the August 15th total of 65,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 102,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days.

Cellnex Telecom Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:CLLNY traded up $0.03 during trading on Thursday, reaching $19.98. 38,832 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 97,965. The businesss fifty day moving average is $18.47 and its 200-day moving average is $17.85. Cellnex Telecom has a 52-week low of $13.69 and a 52-week high of $20.05.

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Cellnex Telecom Company Profile

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Cellnex Telecom, SA operates infrastructure for wireless telecommunication in Austria, Denmark, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Switzerland. It operates through three segments: Telecom Infrastructure Services, Broadcasting Infrastructure, and Other Network Services.

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DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale reduced its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,271,187 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 8,767 shares during the period. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale owned approximately 0.22% of EOG Resources worth $158,018,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vest Financial LLC grew its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 25.5% during the second quarter. Vest Financial LLC now owns 179,143 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $22,549,000 after buying an additional 36,347 shares during the last quarter. Trueblood Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Trueblood Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,587 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $955,000 after purchasing an additional 105 shares during the last quarter. Altman Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Altman Advisors Inc. now owns 12,731 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,603,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. BOKF NA raised its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 2.4% during the second quarter. BOKF NA now owns 24,071 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $3,030,000 after purchasing an additional 567 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 231.3% during the second quarter. Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 23,328 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $2,936,000 after purchasing an additional 16,287 shares during the period. 89.91% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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EOG Resources Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:EOG opened at $118.23 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $67.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.34, a P/E/G ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 1.28. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $126.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of $126.12. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 52 week low of $108.94 and a 52 week high of $139.67. The company has a quick ratio of 1.89, a current ratio of 2.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11.

EOG Resources Dividend Announcement

EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The energy exploration company reported $3.16 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.98 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $6.03 billion during 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% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.49 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 12.2 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.91 per share. This represents a $3.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 17th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 28.75%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have issued reports on EOG. Susquehanna dropped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $159.00 to $158.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on EOG Resources from $143.00 to $135.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $147.00 price objective on shares of EOG Resources in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $139.00 to $125.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, Scotiabank decreased their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $155.00 to $150.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 12th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $143.63.

View Our Latest Research Report on EOG

Insider Buying and Selling at EOG Resources

In other news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $126.48, for a total transaction 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 approximately $4,434,135.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, EVP Michael P. Donaldson sold 11,037 shares of the firms 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 transaction, the executive vice president now owns 74,250 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,615,375. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $126.48, for a total value of $505,920.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 35,058 shares in the company, valued at $4,434,135.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 21,537 shares of company stock worth $2,751,612 in the last quarter. 0.30% of the stock is owned by insiders.

EOG Resources Company Profile

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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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Anglo American (LON:AAL  Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 2,900 ($37.92) to GBX 2,700 ($35.31) in a research report released on Monday morning, MarketBeat reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a buy rating on the mining companys stock.

AAL has been the topic of several other research reports. Bank of America restated a buy rating and set a GBX 3,100 ($40.54) price objective on shares of Anglo American in a report on Wednesday, June 26th. Citigroup restated a buy rating and set a GBX 3,000 ($39.23) price objective on shares of Anglo American in a report on Friday, May 31st. Berenberg Bank restated a sell rating and set a GBX 2,100 ($27.46) price objective on shares of Anglo American in a report on Friday, July 26th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on Anglo American from GBX 2,300 ($30.08) to GBX 3,100 ($40.54) and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, May 13th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Anglo American from GBX 2,735 ($35.77) to GBX 2,590 ($33.87) and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 2,715 ($35.50).

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Anglo American Price Performance

Anglo American Increases Dividend

AAL stock opened at GBX 2,062 ($26.96) on Monday. Anglo American has a 52-week low of GBX 1,630 ($21.32) and a 52-week high of GBX 2,813 ($36.79). The stocks fifty day simple moving average is GBX 2,238.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 2,262.56. The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 62.94. The stock has a market capitalization of 24.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2,001.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 1.10.

The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 15th will be issued a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 15th. This represents a yield of 1.46%. This is a boost from Anglo Americans previous dividend of $0.41. Anglo Americans dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -6,407.77%.

Insider Activity at Anglo American

In related news, insider Stuart J. Chambers acquired 694 shares of Anglo American stock in a transaction on Friday, June 21st. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 2,464 ($32.22) per share, for a total transaction of 17,100.16 ($22,361.92). 9.85% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About Anglo American

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Anglo American plc operates as a mining company in the United Kingdom and internationally. It explores for rough and polished diamonds, copper, platinum group metals and nickel, steelmaking coal, and iron ore; and nickel, polyhalite, and manganese ores. Anglo American plc was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Echelon Resources Ltd (ASX:ECH  Get Free Report) announced a final dividend on Thursday, September 12th, MarketIndexAU reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 3rd will be given a dividend of 0.013 per share on Thursday, October 3rd. This represents a dividend yield of 3.45%. The ex-dividend date is Sunday, September 15th.

Echelon Resources Price Performance

About Echelon Resources

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Echelon Resources Limited engages in the exploration and production of oil and gas properties in New Zealand, Australia, and Indonesia. It also develops, produces, and sells natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and condensate. The company was formerly known as New Zealand Oil & Gas Limited and Echelon Resources Limited in July 2024.

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Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Free Report) had its price target reduced by UBS Group from $90.00 to $75.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. UBS Group currently has a neutral rating on the medical research companys stock.

EW has been the subject of several other research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $103.00 to $85.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their price objective on Edwards Lifesciences from $85.00 to $77.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. TD Cowen downgraded Edwards Lifesciences from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $100.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Truist Financial cut Edwards Lifesciences from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price target for the company from $110.00 to $82.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on Edwards Lifesciences from $107.00 to $91.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Fifteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $80.81.

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Edwards Lifesciences Trading Down 0.1 %

NYSE:EW opened at $68.15 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $41.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.38, a PEG ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a current ratio of 3.71, a quick ratio of 2.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. Edwards Lifesciences has a 12 month low of $58.93 and a 12 month high of $96.12. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $72.86 and a 200-day simple moving average of $83.61.

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The medical research company reported $0.70 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.01. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 22.35% and a net margin of 24.55%. The firm had revenue of $1.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.65 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.66 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Edwards Lifesciences will post 2.7 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity

In other Edwards Lifesciences news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.29, for a total value of $466,450.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 46,936 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,378,659.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Edwards Lifesciences news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.29, for a total value of $466,450.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 46,936 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,378,659.44. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP Daveen Chopra sold 1,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.95, for a total transaction of $87,437.50. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 29,333 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,051,843.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 16,250 shares of company stock worth $1,218,138 over the last three months. Insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Edwards Lifesciences

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cim LLC increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 1.4% during the second quarter. Cim LLC now owns 186,769 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $17,252,000 after acquiring an additional 2,641 shares during the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences during the 2nd quarter worth about $8,917,000. New Century Financial Group LLC increased its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 34.2% during the 2nd quarter. New Century Financial Group LLC now owns 3,579 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $331,000 after purchasing an additional 912 shares during the last quarter. Heartland Bank & Trust Co acquired a new position in Edwards Lifesciences in the second quarter valued at about $586,000. Finally, SPC Financial Inc. acquired a new position in Edwards Lifesciences in the second quarter valued at about $213,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.46% of the companys stock.

Edwards Lifesciences Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names.

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Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Free Report) had its target price increased by Evercore ISI from $74.00 to $75.00 in a report released on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. Evercore ISI currently has an in-line rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the company. Piper Sandler upped their target price on Equity Residential from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Truist Financial raised their target price on Equity Residential from $73.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Wells Fargo & Company downgraded Equity Residential from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and increased their price target for the stock from $69.00 to $77.00 in a research note on Monday, August 26th. Finally, Scotiabank boosted their price target on shares of Equity Residential from $73.00 to $77.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $74.62.

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Equity Residential Stock Performance

NYSE EQR opened at $77.40 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $29.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.12, a PEG ratio of 4.14 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $71.57 and a 200 day simple moving average of $66.91. The company has a current ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 0.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. Equity Residential has a 12-month low of $52.57 and a 12-month high of $77.46.

Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.47 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.96 by ($0.49). Equity Residential had a return on equity of 8.53% and a net margin of 32.83%. The company had revenue of $734.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $735.26 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.94 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Equity Residential will post 3.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Equity Residential Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 12th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 1st were paid a $0.675 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 1st. This represents a $2.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.49%. Equity Residentials dividend payout ratio is presently 112.03%.

Insider Activity

In other news, CFO Robert Garechana sold 6,357 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.08, for a total transaction of $439,141.56. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 14,576 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,006,910.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Equity Residential

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Equity Residential in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $796,000. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Equity Residential by 12.3% during the second quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. now owns 146,775 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $10,177,000 after acquiring an additional 16,063 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its holdings in shares of Equity Residential by 3.0% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 46,353 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,214,000 after purchasing an additional 1,344 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp grew its stake in shares of Equity Residential by 2.3% in the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 12,768 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $885,000 after purchasing an additional 289 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chase Investment Counsel Corp purchased a new position in shares of Equity Residential during the second quarter valued at approximately $341,000. 92.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Equity Residential Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft.

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Stock analysts at StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Flexible Solutions International (NYSE:FSI  Get Free Report) in a report released on Wednesday. The brokerage set a hold rating on the stock.

Flexible Solutions International Price Performance

FSI opened at $3.23 on Wednesday. Flexible Solutions International has a twelve month low of $1.36 and a twelve month high of $3.48. The firm has a market cap of $40.15 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.97 and a beta of 1.48. The company has a current ratio of 2.65, a quick ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.46 and a 200 day simple moving average of $2.17.

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Flexible Solutions International (NYSE:FSI  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.07 by $0.03. Flexible Solutions International had a return on equity of 7.40% and a net margin of 7.46%. The company had revenue of $10.53 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.34 million. Equities research analysts expect that Flexible Solutions International will post 0.29 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About Flexible Solutions International

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Flexible Solutions International stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its stake in shares of Flexible Solutions International, Inc. ( NYSE:FSI Free Report ) by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 379,245 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 17,400 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned about 3.05% of Flexible Solutions International worth $664,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. 54.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

(Get 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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Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated their hold rating on shares of General Motors (NYSE:GM  Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) in a research note published on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They currently have a $53.00 price objective on the auto manufacturers stock.

GM has been the subject of a number of other reports. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of General Motors from $32.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of General Motors from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Nomura downgraded shares of General Motors from a neutral rating to a reduce rating and set a $34.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Nomura Securities raised shares of General Motors to a strong sell rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of General Motors in a report on Thursday, September 5th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has assigned 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 $55.27.

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General Motors Trading Up 3.3 %

NYSE:GM opened at $46.13 on Tuesday. General Motors has a 12 month low of $26.30 and a 12 month high of $50.50. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $46.19 and a 200-day simple moving average of $44.93. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23. The company has a market capitalization of $52.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.64, a PEG ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.43.

General Motors (NYSE:GM  Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The auto manufacturer reported $3.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.67 by $0.39. The company had revenue of $47.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $45.13 billion. General Motors had a net margin of 6.22% and a return on equity of 15.77%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.91 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that General Motors will post 9.94 earnings per share for the current year.

General Motors announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Tuesday, June 11th that allows the company to buyback $6.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization allows the auto manufacturer to buy up to 10.8% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are generally an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

General Motors Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.12 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 6th. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.04%. General Motorss dividend payout ratio is currently 5.87%.

Insider Activity at General Motors

In related news, EVP Rory Harvey sold 2,302 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.31, for a total transaction of $108,907.62. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 10,356 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $489,942.36. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, CFO Paul A. Jacobson bought 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $44.11 per share, for a total transaction of $1,102,750.00. Following the acquisition, the chief financial officer now directly owns 261,872 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,551,173.92. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Rory Harvey sold 2,302 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.31, for a total transaction of $108,907.62. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 10,356 shares in the company, valued at $489,942.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.72% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On General Motors

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new position in General Motors in the 2nd quarter valued at about $13,924,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in General Motors in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky boosted its holdings in General Motors by 469.6% in the 2nd quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 570,775 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $26,517,000 after purchasing an additional 470,568 shares during the last quarter. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of General Motors in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,407,000. Finally, Invst LLC lifted its holdings in shares of General Motors by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Invst LLC now owns 20,960 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $978,000 after acquiring an additional 913 shares during the last quarter. 92.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About General Motors

(Get Free Report)

General Motors Company designs, builds, and sells trucks, crossovers, cars, and automobile parts; and provide software-enabled services and subscriptions worldwide. The company operates through GM North America, GM International, Cruise, and GM Financial segments. It markets its vehicles primarily under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Baojun, and Wuling brand names.

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George Weston Limited (TSE:WN  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$224.16 and last traded at C$223.65, with a volume of 78871 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$222.05.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

WN has been the subject of several recent research reports. CIBC lifted their price objective on George Weston from C$235.00 to C$254.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Desjardins upped their price target on shares of George Weston from C$212.00 to C$232.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. TD Securities dropped their price objective on shares of George Weston from C$246.00 to C$242.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on shares of George Weston from C$196.00 to C$220.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$229.67.

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George Weston Trading Down 0.4 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 171.94, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 1.35. The company has a market cap of C$29.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.63, a P/E/G ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.42. The companys fifty day moving average is C$214.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$196.09.

George Weston (TSE:WN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported C$2.93 EPS for the quarter. George Weston had a net margin of 2.06% and a return on equity of 17.52%. The business had revenue of C$14.09 billion for the quarter. On average, research analysts anticipate that George Weston Limited will post 13.0771496 EPS for the current year.

George Weston Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Sunday, September 15th will be issued a $0.82 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.45%. George Westons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 36.94%.

Insider Transactions at George Weston

In other news, Senior Officer Rashid Wasti sold 3,300 shares of George Weston stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$215.00, for a total transaction of C$709,500.00. In other George Weston news, Senior Officer Richard Dufresne sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$221.48, for a total value of C$1,107,420.50. Also, Senior Officer Rashid Wasti sold 3,300 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$215.00, for a total value of C$709,500.00. Over the last quarter, insiders have purchased 6,300 shares of company stock worth $136,049 and have sold 16,454 shares worth $3,598,502. Company insiders own 59.12% of the companys stock.

About George Weston

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George Weston Limited provides food and drug retailing, and financial services in Canada. The company operates through two segments, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) and Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (Choice Properties). The Loblaw segment provides grocery, pharmacy and healthcare services, health and beauty products, apparel, general merchandise, and financial services.

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Gjensidige Forsikring ASA (OTCMKTS:GJNSY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 5,200 shares, a growth of 420.0% from the August 15th total of 1,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 15,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days.

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA Trading Up 1.9 %

Shares of OTCMKTS GJNSY traded up $0.34 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $18.05. 4,958 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,370. Gjensidige Forsikring ASA has a one year low of $13.39 and a one year high of $18.89. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $17.12 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $16.61.

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Gjensidige Forsikring ASA Company Profile

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Gjensidige Forsikring ASA engages in the provision of general insurance and pension products in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The company operates through five segments: General Insurance Private, General Insurance Commercial, General Insurance Sweden, General Insurance Baltics, and Pension.

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Hengan International Group Company Limited (OTCMKTS:HEGIY  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week low on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $13.84 and last traded at $14.48, with a volume of 15105 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $14.79.

Hengan International Group Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a current ratio of 1.41 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The businesss 50-day moving average is $15.68 and its two-hundred day moving average is $16.07.

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Hengan International Group Cuts Dividend

The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 25th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be given a dividend of $0.4402 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th.

Hengan International Group Company Profile

Hengan International Group Company Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures, distributes, and sells personal hygiene products in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company offers pocket handkerchiefs, box and soft tissue papers, kitchen towels/papers, toilet rolls, first-aid products, enema, garbage and food bags, preservation papers, table cloths and disposable toilet brush, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, overnight pants, wet tissues, maternal and child care products, adult and baby diapers, and cleansing products.

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Heritage NOLA Bancorp, Inc. (OTCMKTS:HRGG  Get Free Report)s share price was down 2.4% on Thursday . The company traded as low as $11.70 and last traded at $12.00. Approximately 800 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 71% from the average daily volume of 2,715 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.29.

Heritage NOLA Bancorp Stock Performance

The businesss fifty day moving average price is $11.42 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $13.40.

Heritage NOLA Bancorp Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Heritage NOLA Bancorp, Inc operates as a holding company for Heritage Bank of St. Tammany that provides various financial services in Louisiana. Its deposit accounts include non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing demand, savings, individual retirement, and certificates of deposit. The company's loan portfolio comprises one- to four-family real estate; multi-family real estate; commercial real estate; construction and land; commercial and consumer; home equity lines of credit; and business loans, as well as refinancing and cash secured line services.

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QinetiQ Group plc (LON:QQ  Get Free Report) insider Steve Wadey acquired 33 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, September 9th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 451 ($5.90) per share, for a total transaction of 148.83 ($194.63).

Steve Wadey also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Friday, August 9th, Steve Wadey bought 32 shares of QinetiQ Group stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 470 ($6.15) per share, with a total value of 150.40 ($196.68).

On Tuesday, July 9th, Steve Wadey acquired 33 shares of QinetiQ Group stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 457 ($5.98) per share, with a total value of 150.81 ($197.21).

On Monday, July 1st, Steve Wadey sold 155,335 shares of QinetiQ Group stock. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 442 ($5.78), for a total value of 686,580.70 ($897,843.21).

On Tuesday, June 25th, Steve Wadey sold 109,722 shares of QinetiQ Group stock. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 444 ($5.81), for a total value of 487,165.68 ($637,067.71).

QinetiQ Group Trading Down 0.4 %

Shares of QQ opened at GBX 452.60 ($5.92) on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is GBX 465.34 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 411.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 42.47, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a current ratio of 1.15. The stock has a market cap of 2.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,885.83, a PEG ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 0.48.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have recently commented on QQ shares. Citigroup restated a buy rating and set a GBX 530 ($6.93) price target on shares of QinetiQ Group in a research note on Tuesday, June 11th. Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of QinetiQ Group in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, QinetiQ Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 457.50 ($5.98).

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QinetiQ Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

QinetiQ Group plc operates as a science and engineering company in the defense, security, and infrastructure markets in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and internationally. The company operates through EMEA Services and Global Solutions segments. It offers advanced materials and manufacturing products; artificial intelligence, analytics, and advanced computing technologies; cyber and electromagnetic technologies; human protection and performance systems; novel systems, and weapons and effects; platform, and system design and assessment products; power sources, and energy storage and distribution products; robotics and autonomy services; secure communications and navigation systems; and sensing, processing, and data fusion systems.

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TELUS International (Cda) Inc. (TSE:TIXT  Get Free Report) insider TELUS Corporation bought 100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$5.00 per share, for a total transaction of C$500,230.00.

TELUS Corporation also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, August 29th, TELUS Corporation purchased 100,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$4.87 per share, for a total transaction of C$486,600.00.

On Monday, August 26th, TELUS Corporation acquired 30,798 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$4.96 per share, with a total value of C$152,662.61.

On Friday, August 23rd, TELUS Corporation bought 100,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$4.82 per share, for a total transaction of C$481,970.00.

On Friday, August 16th, TELUS Corporation purchased 200,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$4.75 per share, with a total value of C$950,240.00.

On Friday, August 9th, TELUS Corporation acquired 416,400 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$4.09 per share, for a total transaction of C$1,703,325.84.

TELUS International (Cda) Price Performance

Shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock opened at C$4.98 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average of C$6.32 and a 200 day moving average of C$8.84. TELUS International has a 52 week low of C$3.90 and a 52 week high of C$15.56. The company has a market cap of C$552.78 million, a PE ratio of 38.31 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 80.53.

TELUS International (Cda) Company Profile

TELUS International (Cda) Inc design, builds, and delivers digital solutions for customer experience (CX) in the Asia-Pacific, the Central America, Europe, Africa, North America, and internationally. The company provides digital experience solutions, such as AI and bots, omnichannel CX, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud contact center, big data analytics, platform transformation, and UX/UI design; and customer experience solutions, including work anywhere/work from home, contact center outsourcing, technical support, sales growth and customer retention, healthcare/patient experience, and debt collection.

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JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Sovereign Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:JPMB  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $40.32 and last traded at $40.32, with a volume of 887 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $40.23.

JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Sovereign Bond ETF Stock Performance

The companys 50-day moving average price is $39.55 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $39.05.

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Institutional Trading of JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Sovereign Bond ETF

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in JPMB. Mather Group LLC. purchased a new stake in shares of JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Sovereign Bond ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $35,000. GAMMA Investing LLC bought a new stake in JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Sovereign Bond ETF in the second quarter worth about $38,000. Comerica Bank purchased a new position in JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Sovereign Bond ETF in the first quarter valued at about $135,000. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in shares of JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Sovereign Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $386,000. Finally, Focus Financial Network Inc. ADV purchased a new stake in shares of JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Sovereign Bond ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $582,000.

JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Sovereign Bond ETF Company Profile

The JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Sovereign Bond ETF (JPMB) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund tracks an index of USD-denominated sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt securities from emerging markets. Securities are selected and weighted based on fundamental criteria.

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NET Power (NYSE:NPWR  Free Report) had its target price trimmed by Citigroup from $11.00 to $8.00 in a research report released on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the stock.

Separately, Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of NET Power from $13.00 to $11.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th.

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Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on NET Power

NET Power Price Performance

Shares of NPWR opened at $7.08 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $8.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $9.70. NET Power has a one year low of $6.57 and a one year high of $17.62.

NET Power (NYSE:NPWR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, August 12th. The company reported ($0.06) EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $0.24 million during the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts predict that NET Power will post -0.4 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, major shareholder Npeh, Llc sold 21,155 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.28, for a total transaction of $154,008.40. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 107,852 shares in the company, valued at $785,162.56. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 231,327 shares of company stock valued at $1,811,689. Company insiders own 2.71% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On NET Power

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of NPWR. Williams Jones Wealth Management LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of NET Power during the first quarter worth $128,000. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new position in shares of NET Power during the 2nd quarter worth about $133,000. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of NET Power in the 2nd quarter valued at about $136,000. K2 Principal Fund L.P. acquired a new stake in shares of NET Power in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $148,000. Finally, Neuberger Berman Group LLC bought a new position in NET Power during the 4th quarter worth approximately $163,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 53.62% of the companys stock.

NET Power Company Profile

(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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Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. trimmed its stake in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 0.9% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 150,123 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,423 shares during the quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $24,758,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Alera Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Alera Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,007 shares of the companys stock worth $812,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the period. Hudson Value Partners LLC raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 4.1% in the second quarter. Hudson Value Partners LLC now owns 1,516 shares of the companys stock worth $250,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares during the period. Fiduciary Alliance LLC boosted its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 2,261 shares of the companys stock worth $371,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc grew its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc now owns 5,701 shares of the companys stock valued at $925,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the period. Finally, Home Federal Bank of Tennessee increased its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Home Federal Bank of Tennessee now owns 23,318 shares of the companys stock worth $3,846,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. 65.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Procter & Gamble Stock Down 0.2 %

Shares of PG stock opened at $173.53 on Friday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $169.20 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $165.07. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 52 week low of $141.45 and a 52 week high of $177.94. The stock has a market cap of $409.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.35, a PEG ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $20.53 billion for 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 businesss revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.37 earnings per share. Analysts predict that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.97 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 19th were given a dividend of $1.0065 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 19th. This represents a $4.03 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.32%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is currently 65.85%.

Insider Transactions at Procter & Gamble

In related news, CEO Jon R. Moeller sold 37,240 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.89, for a total transaction of $6,289,463.60. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 263,537 shares of the companys stock, valued at $44,508,763.93. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 8,842 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $164.90, for a total transaction of $1,458,045.80. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 11,537 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,902,451.30. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Jon R. Moeller sold 37,240 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.89, for a total value of $6,289,463.60. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 263,537 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $44,508,763.93. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 375,553 shares of company stock valued at $63,829,141. Corporate insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

PG has been the topic of several analyst reports. DZ Bank upgraded Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $190.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $177.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. BNP Paribas started coverage on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Monday, June 24th. They issued an outperform rating and a $187.00 target price for the company. Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $182.00 to $175.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, TD Cowen started coverage on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. They issued a buy rating and a $189.00 price target for the company. Seven equities 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. According to MarketBeat, Procter & Gamble presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $175.79.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble Profile

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report).

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Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. grew its stake in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Free Report) by 6.8% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 161,187 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after acquiring an additional 10,231 shares during the period. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.s holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $11,715,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of UBER. Horizon Family Wealth Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 2.4% during the second quarter. Horizon Family Wealth Inc. now owns 7,484 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $544,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares during the period. Vanguard Capital Wealth Advisors raised its holdings in Uber Technologies by 16.1% in the second quarter. Vanguard Capital Wealth Advisors now owns 11,200 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $814,000 after purchasing an additional 1,550 shares in the last quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 27.8% during the second quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. now owns 2,851 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $208,000 after acquiring an additional 620 shares in the last quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 4.2% during the second quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC now owns 79,520 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $5,780,000 after acquiring an additional 3,190 shares in the last quarter. Finally, LPL Financial LLC increased its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 14.8% during the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 1,564,380 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $113,699,000 after acquiring an additional 201,331 shares in the last quarter. 80.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 500,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.91, for a total transaction of $35,955,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,266,114 shares of the companys stock, valued at $91,046,257.74. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 3.84% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Uber Technologies Price Performance

Shares of UBER opened at $68.09 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $143.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 109.82, a PEG ratio of 1.25 and a beta of 1.33. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $40.09 and a 1-year high of $82.14. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $69.39 and its 200 day simple moving average is $71.03. The company has a current ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72.

Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The ride-sharing company reported $0.47 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.31 by $0.16. Uber Technologies had a net margin of 5.02% and a return on equity of 17.06%. The firm had revenue of $10.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.57 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.18 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 1.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. DA Davidson raised their target price on Uber Technologies from $81.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Uber Technologies from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Roth Mkm boosted their target price on Uber Technologies from $89.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating and set a $92.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, Loop Capital increased their price target on Uber Technologies from $83.00 to $84.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirty-one have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $87.60.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Uber Technologies

Uber Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services.

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Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (NYSE:TLK  Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-strong trading volume on Wednesday . Approximately 1,462,674 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 284% from the previous sessions volume of 381,145 shares.The stock last traded at $19.97 and had previously closed at $19.56.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, August 24th.

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Check Out Our Latest Report on Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk Price Performance

The firms 50 day moving average price is $18.97 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $19.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.65.

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (NYSE:TLK  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The utilities provider reported $0.36 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $2.35 billion during the quarter. Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk had a net margin of 15.65% and a return on equity of 15.39%. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Perusahaan Perseroan will post 1.69 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of TLK. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its stake in shares of Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk by 12.1% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 4,567,419 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $85,411,000 after buying an additional 492,128 shares during the last quarter. Northcape Capital Pty Ltd grew its position in Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk by 75.1% during the 1st quarter. Northcape Capital Pty Ltd now owns 572,516 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $12,744,000 after acquiring an additional 245,573 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC increased its stake in Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk by 268.1% in the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 316,621 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $5,921,000 after purchasing an additional 230,613 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk in the second quarter valued at approximately $2,301,000. Finally, Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk during the second quarter valued at approximately $2,163,000.

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk provides information and communications technology, and telecommunications network services worldwide. The company operates through mobile, consumer, enterprise, Wholesale and International Business, and Other segments. The Mobile segment offers mobile voice, SMS, value added services, and mobile broadband services.

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Newmont Co. (NYSE:NEM  Free Report)  Raymond James cut their Q3 2024 earnings per share estimates for shares of Newmont in a report issued on Tuesday, September 10th. Raymond James analyst B. Macarthur now anticipates that the basic materials company will post earnings per share of $0.73 for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of $0.74. The consensus estimate for Newmonts current full-year earnings is $2.82 per share. Raymond James also issued estimates for Newmonts Q4 2024 earnings at $0.77 EPS.

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Newmont (NYSE:NEM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The basic materials company reported $0.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.10. Newmont had a positive return on equity of 8.35% and a negative net margin of 13.16%. The business had revenue of $4.40 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.13 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.33 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 64.1% compared to the same quarter last year.

A number of other research analysts also recently issued reports on NEM. CIBC upgraded Newmont from a neutral rating to a sector outperform rating and lifted their price target for the company from $46.00 to $61.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. BNP Paribas upgraded Newmont to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 21st. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on Newmont from $56.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on Newmont from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 12th. Finally, Scotiabank upgraded Newmont from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $48.00 to $59.00 in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $51.46.

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Newmont Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:NEM opened at $52.89 on Friday. Newmont has a 12-month low of $29.42 and a 12-month high of $53.88. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $49.14 and its 200-day simple moving average is $42.54. The company has a current ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 1.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Newmont

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of NEM. Principal Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in Newmont during the 4th quarter worth approximately $83,000. QRG Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in Newmont by 7.2% during the 4th quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 41,832 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,731,000 after buying an additional 2,816 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its stake in Newmont by 34.1% during the 4th quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 1,280,730 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $53,009,000 after buying an additional 325,320 shares in the last quarter. Ieq Capital LLC increased its stake in Newmont by 9.8% during the 4th quarter. Ieq Capital LLC now owns 14,985 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $620,000 after buying an additional 1,341 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Checchi Capital Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in Newmont during the 4th quarter worth approximately $263,000. 68.85% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.51, for a total value of $990,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 311,469 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,420,830.19. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, EVP Peter Toth sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.47, for a total value of $157,410.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 94,596 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,963,452.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.51, for a total value of $990,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 311,469 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,420,830.19. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 56,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,744,700 in the last quarter. 0.06% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Newmont Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 5th will be issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 5th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.89%. Newmonts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -37.45%.

Newmont Company Profile

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Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, Fiji, and Ghana.

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Qsemble Capital Management LP raised its stake in shares of Everest Group, Ltd. (NYSE:EG  Free Report) by 33.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,226 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 561 shares during the period. Qsemble Capital Management LPs holdings in Everest Group were worth $848,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in EG. American National Bank bought a new position in shares of Everest Group in the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Heritage Wealth Advisors bought a new position in shares of Everest Group in the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Everest Group in the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV acquired a new stake in shares of Everest Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Hollencrest Capital Management grew its stake in shares of Everest Group by 575.0% in the 1st quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management now owns 135 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,000 after buying an additional 115 shares during the period. 92.64% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Everest Group Trading Up 0.7 %

NYSE:EG opened at $379.10 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.47 billion, a PE ratio of 5.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 0.62. The firms 50 day moving average is $380.19 and its 200 day moving average is $379.11. Everest Group, Ltd. has a 12 month low of $343.76 and a 12 month high of $417.92.

Everest Group Announces Dividend

Everest Group ( NYSE:EG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $16.85 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $16.97 by ($0.12). The company had revenue of $4.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.32 billion. Everest Group had a return on equity of 24.09% and a net margin of 18.36%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 15.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $15.21 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Everest Group, Ltd. will post 61.76 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a dividend of $2.00 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $8.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.11%. Everest Groups payout ratio is 11.89%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have recently commented on the company. Barclays began coverage on Everest Group in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued an overweight rating and a $527.00 target price for the company. TD Cowen cut their price target on Everest Group from $419.00 to $405.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Bank of America lifted their price target on Everest Group from $470.00 to $493.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of Everest Group from $450.00 to $445.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating and set a $403.00 target price on shares of Everest Group in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Everest Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $438.09.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on EG

Everest Group Profile

(Free Report)

Everest Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through two segment, Insurance and Reinsurance. The Reinsurance segment writes property and casualty reinsurance; and specialty lines of business through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies in the United States, Bermuda, Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

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Shenzhen Investment Holdings Bay Area Development Company Limited (OTCMKTS:SIHBY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,300 shares, an increase of 85.7% from the August 15th total of 700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days.

Shenzhen Investment Holdings Bay Area Development Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS SIHBY traded up $0.01 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $2.13. 403 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 784. Shenzhen Investment Holdings Bay Area Development has a 1 year low of $1.33 and a 1 year high of $2.71. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $1.92 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1.94.

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Shenzhen Investment Holdings Bay Area Development Cuts Dividend

The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 18th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 24th will be issued a dividend of $0.0893 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 24th.

Shenzhen Investment Holdings Bay Area Development Company Profile

Shenzhen Investment Holdings Bay Area Development Company Limited, an investment holding company, initiates, promotes, develops, and operates toll expressways and bridges in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through Coastal Expressway (Shenzhen Section), GS Superhighway, GZ West Superhighway, and Xintang Interchange segments.

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FIBRA Prologis (OTCMKTS:FBBPF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 348,400 shares, a drop of 85.7% from the August 15th total of 2,431,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 45,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 7.6 days.

FIBRA Prologis Price Performance

Shares of FIBRA Prologis stock traded up $0.20 on Thursday, reaching $3.48. The company had a trading volume of 2,700 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,235. The firms 50-day moving average price is $3.42 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $3.83. FIBRA Prologis has a 1 year low of $3.01 and a 1 year high of $6.00.

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About FIBRA Prologis

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FIBRA Prologis is a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of December 31, 2023, FIBRA Prologis was comprised of 235 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 46.9 million square feet (4.4 million square meters) of gross leasable area.

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Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:VINE  Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 100,900 shares, a decrease of 43.6% from the August 15th total of 178,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 394,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Currently, 1.1% of the companys shares are sold short.

Fresh Vine Wine Trading Down 2.1 %

NYSEAMERICAN:VINE opened at $0.53 on Friday. Fresh Vine Wine has a twelve month low of $0.25 and a twelve month high of $1.06.

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Fresh Vine Wine (NYSEAMERICAN:VINE  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported ($0.06) EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $0.07 million for the quarter. Fresh Vine Wine had a negative net margin of 498.73% and a negative return on equity of 6,301.44%.

Fresh Vine Wine Company Profile

Fresh Vine Wine, Inc produces and sells low-carb and low-calorie wines in the United States and Puerto Rico. Its wine varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling Rose, and Reserve Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. The company sells its products through wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer channels.

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Storebrand ASA (OTCMKTS:SREDF  Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 152,300 shares, a drop of 76.0% from the August 15th total of 634,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently  days.

Storebrand ASA Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS SREDF remained flat at $10.53 during midday trading on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average is $10.53 and its 200 day moving average is $9.84. Storebrand ASA has a 12-month low of $8.41 and a 12-month high of $10.53.

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About Storebrand ASA

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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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StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Kellanova (NYSE:K  Free Report) in a report published on Monday morning. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the stock.

K has been the topic of several other reports. DA Davidson cut shares of Kellanova from a buy rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $80.00 to $83.50 in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Evercore ISI upgraded shares of Kellanova to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Kellanova from $66.00 to $69.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Kellanova from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $74.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lowered shares of Kellanova from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and lifted their price target for the company from $76.00 to $83.50 in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $74.32.

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Kellanova Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE K opened at $80.26 on Monday. The companys fifty day moving average is $69.49 and its 200-day moving average is $61.93. The stock has a market cap of $27.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.06, a P/E/G ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 0.38. Kellanova has a twelve month low of $47.63 and a twelve month high of $80.97. The company has a quick ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.46.

Kellanova (NYSE:K  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $1.01 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $3.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.15 billion. Kellanova had a net margin of 6.72% and a return on equity of 36.74%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.25 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that Kellanova will post 3.7 EPS for the current year.

Kellanova Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 3rd will be paid a dividend of $0.57 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 3rd. This is a positive change from Kellanovas previous quarterly dividend of $0.56. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.84%. Kellanovas payout ratio is currently 85.39%.

Insider Transactions at Kellanova

In related news, major shareholder Kellogg W. K. Foundation Trust sold 77,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.64, for a total value of $4,484,392.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 51,219,838 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,952,311,462.32. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, major shareholder Kellogg W. K. Foundation Trust sold 77,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.64, for a total value of $4,484,392.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 51,219,838 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,952,311,462.32. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, major shareholder Kellogg W. K. Foundation Trust sold 114,583 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.25, for a total transaction of $9,195,285.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 50,482,855 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,051,249,113.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 892,583 shares of company stock worth $60,355,010 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 1.80% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Kellanova

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of K. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in Kellanova by 57.2% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 467 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 170 shares during the period. Family Firm Inc. bought a new stake in Kellanova in the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. BNP Paribas bought a new stake in shares of Kellanova during the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Kellanova by 61.9% during the 2nd quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 523 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the period. Finally, Motco lifted its holdings in shares of Kellanova by 757.6% during the 4th quarter. Motco now owns 566 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 83.87% of the companys stock.

Kellanova Company Profile

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Kellanova, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets snacks and convenience foods in North America, Europe, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Australia, and Africa. Its principal products include crackers, crisps, savory snacks, toaster pastries, cereal bars, granola bars and bites, ready-to-eat cereals, frozen waffles, veggie foods, and noodles.

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TD Cowen reiterated their buy rating on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) in a report published on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $65.00 target price on the restaurant operators stock.

Several other analysts have also issued reports on CMG. Barclays cut their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $58.00 to $55.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 25th. StockNews.com cut Chipotle Mexican Grill from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 4th. Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $58.00 target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. KeyCorp dropped their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $68.00 to $66.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $67.00 price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Chipotle Mexican Grill currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $62.36.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on CMG

Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance

NYSE:CMG opened at $56.35 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $77.39 billion, a PE ratio of 59.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.25. Chipotle Mexican Grill has a fifty-two week low of $35.37 and a fifty-two week high of $69.26. The stocks 50-day moving average is $54.44 and its two-hundred day moving average is $80.68.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The restaurant operator reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.32 by $0.02. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 13.23% and a return on equity of 44.01%. The firm had revenue of $2.97 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.94 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $12.65 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 18.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill will post 1.08 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Chipotle Mexican Grill

In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, insider Curtis E. Garner sold 17,394 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.68, for a total transaction of $951,103.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 358,300 shares in the company, valued at $19,591,844. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 1.02% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Steph & Co. acquired a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 225.0% in the first quarter. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 13 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 9 shares during the last quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the first quarter valued at approximately $44,000. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 4th quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 1st quarter valued at $58,000. 91.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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Client 1ST Advisory Group LLC grew its position in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 15.9% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,731 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 648 shares during the quarter. Client 1ST Advisory Group LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $349,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Country Trust Bank acquired a new position in shares of Charles Schwab in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. American Capital Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 97.5% during the 2nd quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 389 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 192 shares during the period. CGC Financial Services LLC acquired a new stake in Charles Schwab in the second quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in Charles Schwab in the second quarter valued at $29,000. 84.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab

In other news, President Richard A. Wurster purchased 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $62.05 per share, with a total value of $620,500.00. Following the acquisition, the president now directly owns 144,228 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,949,347.40. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, President Richard A. Wurster purchased 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $62.05 per share, for a total transaction of $620,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now directly owns 144,228 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,949,347.40. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 12,320 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.10, for a total value of $802,032.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 562,129 shares of the companys stock, valued at $36,594,597.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 99,636 shares of company stock worth $6,533,064. Company insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock.

Charles Schwab Stock Performance

Shares of SCHW opened at $61.74 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $109.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.97. The companys fifty day moving average is $65.55 and its 200-day moving average is $70.02. The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 12 month low of $48.66 and a 12 month high of $79.49.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.01. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 18.14% and a net margin of 26.30%. The company had revenue of $4.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.68 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.75 EPS. The firms revenue was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.62%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 41.84%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages recently weighed in on SCHW. TD Cowen reiterated a hold rating and issued a $71.00 price objective (down from $88.00) on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on Charles Schwab from $82.00 to $78.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Barclays decreased their price target on Charles Schwab from $77.00 to $68.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Charles Schwab from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday, May 24th. Finally, Bank of America dropped their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $66.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $73.75.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab Profile

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Get Free Report) traded up 0.7% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $80.21 and last traded at $80.18. 2,016,839 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 88% from the average session volume of 17,351,428 shares. The stock had previously closed at $79.66.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have issued reports on WMT shares. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on Walmart from $74.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Oppenheimer upped their price target on shares of Walmart from $69.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, June 6th. Guggenheim increased their price target on shares of Walmart from $75.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Raymond James increased their price target on shares of Walmart from $63.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, May 17th. Finally, DA Davidson increased their price target on shares of Walmart from $75.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Walmart currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $78.99.

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Walmart Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $646.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.95 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 0.22 and a current ratio of 0.80. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $72.30 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $65.95.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 15th. The retailer reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.02. Walmart had a net margin of 2.34% and a return on equity of 21.72%. The business had revenue of $169.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $168.56 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.61 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Walmart Inc. will post 2.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP John D. Rainey sold 3,000 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.48, for a total transaction of $232,440.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 384,165 shares of the companys stock, valued at $29,765,104.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Walmart news, EVP John D. Rainey sold 25,578 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.58, for a total value of $1,728,561.24. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 390,165 shares in the company, valued at $26,367,350.70. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP John D. Rainey sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.48, for a total value of $232,440.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 384,165 shares of the companys stock, valued at $29,765,104.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 9,269,360 shares of company stock worth $714,463,163. Insiders own 45.58% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Walmart

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Walmart by 199.4% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 411,745,334 shares of the retailers stock valued at $24,774,717,000 after acquiring an additional 274,229,968 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its holdings in Walmart by 181.0% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 56,861,234 shares of the retailers stock worth $3,421,342,000 after buying an additional 36,625,314 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Walmart during the 4th quarter worth about $3,674,652,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in Walmart by 183.0% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 29,172,985 shares of the retailers stock worth $1,755,339,000 after buying an additional 18,865,484 shares during the period. Finally, Swiss National Bank raised its holdings in Walmart by 187.4% during the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 13,303,200 shares of the retailers stock worth $800,454,000 after buying an additional 8,674,100 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 26.76% of the companys stock.

About Walmart

(Get Free Report)

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, PhonePe and other sites; and mobile commerce applications.

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Following the excitement around the Paris Paralympics 2024, a charity encourages churches around the world to participate in Disability Awareness Week. From September 15 to 22, Through the Roof (TTR), which supports disabled people, is organizing informative events online with the theme of Journey with Jesus.

The Rev. Helen Cameron, President of Churches Together in England, head of the Methodist Conference and Moderator of the Free Churches Group, will be the preacher for the worship service launching the week at 3pm BST on Sept. 15, viewable online.

Cameron will also feature in daily videos throughout the week, speaking about the "ABC" of church disability inclusion: access, belonging and commission. UCB Radio in the UK, at the same time, is hosting audio testimonies from disabled people each day of the awareness week, exploring the challenges of having disabilities in church and general life.

Cameron, who is passionate about disability inclusion in churches, issued a reminder that the Great Commission was intended to all and for all.

"If we fail to recognise the call of all disciples, and commission only the able-bodied, then we've abandoned the gospel," Cameron said. "Those living with disabilities, visible or invisible, need to experience justice, equality and access, as others do."

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TTR has asked all churches to reach out and meet with disabled people in their community during the week, according to a press statement.

This could be through organized church events or through individuals inviting a disabled person they know to meet for a coffee to get to know them.

TTR pointed out that disabled people were included in Gods great banquet, referring to the parable by Jesus in Luke 14:21b and 23: Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.... Then the master told his servant, Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.

However, the charity highlighted barriers that disabled people still struggle with on their journey to be fully included. Accessing church buildings was not the only issue, there are lots of invisible barriers too. These obstacles relate to social attitude barriers by others, according to the press statement.

An annual disability and activity survey by Activity Alliance 2023 - 2024, together with Sport Englands Active Lives Adult Survey, confirmed that disabled people still encounter obstacles in enjoying as normal a life as possible. 76 percent of disabled people surveyed expressed a desire to be more active in their lives. IFF Research sought opinions from 2,320 people, disabled and non-disabled, for the survey between October and November 2023.

Only 43 percent of disabled people stated they have the chance to be as active as they desire. This compares to 69 percent of non-disabled people. Disabled women are more likely to feel the disparity in perceived opportunity compared to disabled men (39% v 48%).

The survey also showed that 38% of disabled people fear optimizing opportunities to be more active because of fears about much-needed benefits being taken from them. Of those saying loneliness was an issue, 66 percent said being more active could help.

Disabled people are significantly less likely to report high satisfaction with their life, happiness and feelings of worthwhileness compared to non-disabled people, said the survey report.

Through the Roof has set up a Roofbreakers project to help local churches break down these barriers. This involves disability champions speaking up for disabled people so they can be fully involved and participate in church life.

The Rev. Andrew Miles is one of the roofbreakers helping others. He was living in Brazil in 2014 when a drunk driver drove into the back of his car. Despite an 11-hour operation on his back and medical care, Miles has to use a wheelchair.

In a YouTube video for TTR, Miles spoke about how faith helped in such trials. He referred to Jesus saying to his disciples, Let us cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, as noted in Mark 4:35. However, Miles pointed out that the Lord never said there wouldnt be a storm, He only pointed out the direction of getting to the far shore.

When we give our lives to Jesus, when we invite him into our lives, that is what he says to us: Let us cross to the other side. We start on this amazing journey across the sea, if you like, the journey of life with him. And our destiny is set.

Miles recalled that when Jesus told his disciples they were to cross to the other side of the sea with him, there were no arguments or negotiations. For the simple reason that Jesus was and is the Christ, and when the Son of God says something, it happens.

When we are on our journey with Jesus, he said, I will be with you to the end of time and I will never leave you or forsake you but he didnt say there wouldnt be a storm.

Sometimes storms blow up in our lives. And sometimes things arent easy but God is always with us, God is always within us and God is not finished with any of us yet. There is a purpose and plan for each one of us to be a blessing to other people.

Churches can order free TTR resources packs for the Disability Awareness Week here.
The debate over where to place a monument honoring 70 Franklin County Black men who fought for the Union during the Civil War continued Monday evening with neither side of the issue seemingly willing to budge.

The Rocky Mount Town Council approved a memorandum of understanding regarding the proposed monument at a meeting Monday. The memorandum will be presented to the Franklin County NAACP, which is overseeing the project.

The memorandum emphasizes the timeline and especially the location of the monument at the towns veterans park. The placement of the monument on any property owned by the town requires approval from the town council.

The town council, and later the Franklin County Veterans Memorial Commission, approved plans to place the monument in the towns veterans park in June. Since that time, the Franklin County NAACP has pushed for Rocky Mounts downtown to be the location of the monument.

That divide between the town council and the Franklin County NAACP over the location of the monument has grown wider in recent weeks.

The veterans park is the location that we have approved and will be the only location that we will consider going forward, said council member Ben Mullins just before a vote on the memorandum on Monday. I personally look forward to it being there. I do think it fills in a lot of holes in history that were overlooked and need to be brought to light.

The town council voted unanimously in favor of the memorandum on Monday.

The creation of the monument is part of a $285,000 grant from Monuments Across Appalachian Virginia that was awarded to the organization earlier this year. The grant includes funding for the monument as well as a community project known as Raising the Shade, Franklin County 1850  1910 that will be overseen by the Franklin County NAACP.

Eric Anspaugh, president of the Franklin County NAACP, said after the meeting that they have no intention of agreeing to the memorandum. He said the location of the monument at the veterans park would not work after discussions with sculptors Paul DiPasquale and Rick Weaver who have been hired to construct what is expected to be a 7-foot-tall bronze and granite statue atop a pedestal.

The sculptors suggested a location for the monument on Franklin Street near the towns farmers market and the Harvester Performance Center. That location would require town council approval.

Mayor Holland Perdue said after the meeting that the veterans park has always been the planned location of the monument since the discussion with the Franklin County NAACP first started earlier this year. He mentioned early emails and even the Raising the Shade website that still lists the veterans park as the future location of the monument that they agreed to. He emphasized that the town council has not wavered from its original agreement.

We are in support of it today, Perdue said, including that the council looks forward to the monument being located at the veterans park.

Anspaugh said the Franklin County NAACP will continue to seek public support for a location downtown. He is optimistic that if enough of the community calls for it, town council would be willing to change their mind.

While the two sides seem to be in their respective corners on the location of the monument, a third option has been presented that could be a possible compromise. First Baptist Church located at the corner of Franklin Street and High Street in downtown has agreed to being a possible location for the monument.

Anspaugh said council member Ralph Casey first presented him with the idea which the church has expressed support for. The proposed spot would be less than a tenth of a mile from the downtown location the Franklin County NAACP is currently considering.

The Franklin County NAACP, according to Anspaugh, still wants the location in the downtown spot near the farmers market. He agreed that the church could be a possible location for the monument.

Since the church is private property, it would not require approval from the town council to place it there. Perdue said the town would be willing to assist in maintaining upkeep of the monument and around the monument if it were to be erected at the church.
Gojeks Vietnam exit could reinforce Grab dominance of ride-hailing market

By Lien Thuong, Hai Yen Fri, September 13, 2024 | 4:27 pm GMT+7

Indonesian Gojek's upcoming exit from Vietnam is expected to intensify competition between domestic ride-hailing and delivery companies and Malaysian unicorn Grab which currently dominates the market.

Gojeks departure starting September 16 could strengthen Grabs dominance in Vietnams ride-hailing market, said Ricky Ho, an expert from BSA Vietnam, citing the companys earlier success in defeating Uber in Vietnam, in particular, and the Southeast Asian market, in general.

However, Gojeks exit will likely bode well for Vietnamese service providers to grow and challenge Grab, Ho added.

Green SM Taxi's (GSM) electric cars in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of GSM.

The entry of domestic newcomer ToGo Group JSC is expected to bring more balance to the competition. Founded in June 2024, ToGo is 40% owned by Vo Quoc Binh, an entrepreneur with over 20 years of hands-on experience in the auto market.

Two days after its launch, ToGo signed an agreement with TMT Motors for 2,000 Wuling Mini EV units, a small electric vehicle brand from China. These vehicles are reportedly intended for use in student transportation.

In March 2023, Green SM Taxi (GSM), an all-electric taxi company owned by Vingroups chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, signed a cooperation pact with local ride-hailing startup Be Group to integrate electric vehicles and electric motorbikes into Vietnam's transport services.

As part of the agreement, Be Group will receive direct investment from GSM to become a multi-service consumer platform and provide advanced technology-based transportation services in Vietnam.

Established in 2019, Be Group has recorded over 10 million monthly transactions on its app and expanded to 28 localities, making it the fastest-growing Vietnamese ride-hailing app.

Market observers have agreed that Gojek's exit will see fiercer competition for market share in Vietnams ride-hailing sector, with companies burning significant amounts of money.

Vietnamese brands have chosen electric vehicles (EVs) as a key strategy to compete with Grab. The green mobility solution is considered a smart move, allowing companies to optimize resources while gaining a reputation for sustainability.

However, a more comprehensive long-term strategy is needed, especially regarding pricing and promotions. While GSM and ToGo have been focusing on these aspects, Be has not, despite its strong and well-received marketing efforts.

A limited survey suggests that Grab has a pricing advantage over Be. This is seen as a drawback for the latter, especially since it rarely offers promotions for users, unlike Grab.

According to the latest data from market research firm Q&Me, Grab leads ride-hailing brands in Vietnam with 42% of the market share, followed by Be, GSM and Gojek with 32%, 19%, and 7%, respectively.
Largest US agri trade mission seeks business opportunities in Vietnam

By Quang Minh Fri, September 13, 2024 | 12:43 pm GMT+7

A U.S. trade delegation of 100 participants, the largest agricultural trade mission in the history of U.S.-Vietnam trade relations, is now in Vietnam in search of business opportunities.

The trade mission includes 35 U.S. business representatives, officials from nine state departments of agriculture, and representatives from 21 USDA cooperators.

The multi-city trade mission spans Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, even attracting international buyers from Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, and Thailand.

The delegation is being led by Alexis Taylor, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, marking her second trip to Vietnam in two years.

Phung Duc Tien (left), Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, presents a gift to Alexis Taylor, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Hanoi, September 12, 2024. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy.

Before arriving in Hanoi, the delegation started visiting HCMC on Monday.

Agriculture plays a huge role in our bilateral trade relationship, and Vietnam now ranks as the U.Ss 10th-largest export market for agricultural and food products, Taylor said in HCMC.

She added that throughout the week, the participating companies will meet with businesses from Burma, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam to foster strategic partnerships that lay the groundwork for future sales.

During a press briefing in Hanoi on Thursday, she explained the trade missions focus on connecting with key importers for business-to-business meetings and learning about local and regional market conditions through site visits and briefings with industry experts and government officials in Hanoi and HCMC.

Markets in Southeast Asia hold immense opportunity for U.S. exporters. Vietnamese consumers are increasingly turning to U.S. products to meet growing demands for food processing, retail, and restaurant sectors, with exceptional presence in tree nut, fresh fruit, poultry, beef, and pork industries, said Taylor.

Alexis Taylor, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, speaks to the press in Hanoi, September 12, 2024. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy.

She went on to say that their presence is comprehensive and ambitious in Vietnam, working frequently with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and other government agencies.

Our teams here work tirelessly to help Vietnam improve its regulatory infrastructure and science-based decision-making processes, advancing efforts on agricultural biotechnology, market access of U.S. products, maximum residue limits, fertilizer use, sustainability, and more, the undersecretary noted.

The trade mission follows the recent expansion of market access for U.S. peaches and nectarines and coincides with the first anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Exports of U.S. agricultural and related products to Vietnam totaled nearly $3.5 billion in 2023, according to USDA. U.S. tree nuts, fresh fruit, poultry, beef and pork are in particularly high demand by Vietnams food processing, retail and restaurant sectors.
A 41-year-old man is in prison after pleading guilty to a number of charges during a recent term of court at the Orangeburg County Courthouse.

Jessie James Geddis of 439 Grayson Street E, Estill, pleaded guilty to:

Forgery valued less than $10,000

First-offense possession of a stolen vehicle valued more than $2,000 but less than $10,000

First-offense possession of one gram or less of methamphetamine or cocaine base

Third or subsequent offense DUS license not suspended for DUI

Habitual traffic offender status

Circuit Judge Maite Murphy sentenced him to prison for one year. Geddis was given credit for serving 83 days in jail.

He faced the following charges, but they were dismissed:

Resisting arrest

Receiving stolen goods valued $2,000 or less

First-offense possession of one ounce or less of marijuana

In other recent guilty pleas at the Orangeburg County Courthouse:

Timothy Lamorris Council, 35, of 649 Torrington Road, Eutawville, pleaded guilty to first-offense failure to stop for blue lights and habitual traffic offender status.

Murphy sentenced him to five years in prison, suspended to probation for two years.

She gave him credit for serving three days in jail.

Council is required to undergo random drug/alcohol testing.

He faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: operating vehicle on highway without registration and license due to delinquency, third or subsequent offense driving under suspension license not suspended for driving under the influence and reckless driving.

Kevin Duane Goodman, 48, of 402 Walker Drive, Eutawville, pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and battery, although he was originally charged with second-degree domestic violence.

Murphy ordered him to pay a $250 fine or report to jail for 30 days.

Toneyo Green, 54, of 113 Pintail Lane, Holly Hill, pleaded guilty to second-offense DUS license not suspended for DUI and second-offense DUI less than .10.

Murphy sentenced him to 60 days in jail, allowing Green to serve his time on weekends.

Green was charged with the following offenses, but they were dismissed: transporting alcohol with a broken seal in a motor vehicle and habitual traffic offender status.

Joey Anthony Hoffman, 47, of 3955 Cardinal Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence.

Murphy sentenced him to jail for 90 days, suspended to probation for 18 months.

She gave Hoffman credit for serving two days in jail.

Hoffman is required to undergo random drug/alcohol testing.

He was charged with an additional count of third-degree domestic violence, but it was dismissed.

Tamika Holman, 49, of 7927 Saint Ives Road, Charleston, pleaded guilty to first-offense failure to stop for blue lights and first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug.

Murphy sentenced her to 18 months in prison, giving Holman credit for serving 276 days in jail.

Holman has already served her term.

She faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: possession of a stolen vehicle valued more than $10,000, second-offense DUS license not suspended for DUI, open container of beer or wine in a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of a violent felony and first-offense uninsured motor vehicle fee violation.

Damonte Lawson, 37, of 202 W. Elon Court, Hopkins, pleaded guilty to first-offense unlawful carrying of a pistol and first-offense possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.

Murphy sentenced him to 20 days in jail, giving Lawson credit for time served.

Lawson faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: transporting alcohol with a broken seal in a motor vehicle and first-offense possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of certain crimes.

Sean Bradford McDowell, 39, of 219 Southview Lane, Columbia, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of cocaine.

Murphy sentenced him to prison for six months, suspended to probation for one year. She gave McDowell credit for serving one day in jail.

McDowell is required to enroll with the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department or Job Corps, complete substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing.

Joseph Joel Moorer, 31, of 1267 Jasper Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence, although he was originally charged with second-degree domestic violence.

Murphy sentenced Moorer to jail for 90 days, suspended to probation for one year. She gave Moorer credit for serving one day in jail.

Moorer is required to complete substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing.

Ashton Daivon Moses, 26, formerly of Yellow Jasmine Road, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to obstructing justice.

Murphy sentenced him under the Youthful Offender Act not to exceed six years, suspended to probation for 18 months.

Moses is required to enroll with the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department or Job Corps and undergo random/drug alcohol testing.

Moses is serving his probation term in Florence County.
The S.C. Court of Appeals is considering an Orangeburg assault victims claims that her rights werent respected during the legal process.

Her attacker, meanwhile, is arguing he shouldnt be on the sex offender registry.

Bowen Gray Turner, 22, was originally charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct in a 2019 assault on Chloe Bess. He pleaded guilty instead to first-degree assault and battery.

Turner was sentenced under the Youthful Offender Act not to exceed six years on April 8, 2022. He is serving prison time for violating the terms of his probation.

The victims attorneys argued before the Court of Appeals on Tuesday that her rights werent upheld before Turners plea agreement was reached and during sentencing.

Attorney Meliah Bowers Jefferson argued, Our state constitution promises to protect victims rights to justice and due process. It also promises victims fairness, respect and dignity.

Were here today because those promises were broken when the lower court refused to hear from the victim before it accepted Mr. Turners guilty plea.

The only woman on the three-judge panel hearing the case, Judge Stephanie McDonald, noted that In reading the transcript, it does look like the trial court accepted the plea and then heard from the victim.

McDonald said that theres not much the court can do about the situation.

Ill just go ahead and put this out there for everybody, I have grave concerns about the way the two solicitors offices handled this below, she said.

The trial court accepted Turners plea and then heard from the father of the victim, according to a transcript of the hearing. The father of Dallas Hayes Stoller also spoke.

Turner was accused of raping Stoller on Oct. 7, 2018, but she died of a self-inflicted wound on Nov. 14, 2021. The 2nd Circuit Solicitors Office dropped Turners first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge following Stollers death.

McDonald said the fathers comments, actually increased the probationary period  I didnt think this was a probation case, but I wasnt the trial judge  from two years to five years with the sex offender registry and other conditions that were attached.

Jefferson asked the court to, establish a procedure which requires the lower courts to hear from the victim before accepting or rejecting a plea.

While its a common practice for plea and sentencing hearings to occur together, those are two different processes, Jefferson said.

McDonald said that while the states constitution gives victims the right to be heard at all stages of the judicial process, It gives us no mechanism to enforce that.

Turners attorney, Chief Appellate Defender Robert M. Dudek of the S.C. Commission of Indigent Defense, said, Nobodys going to stand up here and say anything against victims in any particular case. Most of us or our families have been victims of crimes.

And were not here about feelings or somebodys feelings getting hurt, but  

Dudek was then interrupted by McDonald.

Oh, wait a minute, I think its a lot more than somebody getting their feelings hurt, McDonald said.

Dudek responded, I just want to get this out. My client and particularly his family has undergone some pretty bad things over the last several years as a result of this by social media and other things. All Im saying, Judge McDonald, is that this is not one-sided.

McDonald said, Well, nobodys been bullied to death, that I know of, right? In his family?.

Dudek said, Well, again, I dont know of anybody whos been bullied to death.

Sex offender registry

When Turner pleaded guilty in 2022, Circuit Judge Markley Dennis sentenced him under the Youthful Offender Act not to exceed six years, suspended to five years of probation.

The judge required Turner to follow the rules for the sex offender registry during his probation, even though he wasnt registered as a sex offender. Dennis said that if he violated those rules during his probation, he would be registered as a sex offender.

Turner was later sentenced to prison and ordered to register as a sex offender for violating a term his term of probation, which included not drinking any alcohol.

In Tuesdays second hearing, Dudek argued that Turner should be given a hearing to determine if he should register as a sex offender instead of it being automatically imposed.

Dudek said there is no evidence suggesting that Turner would be a re-offender.

South Carolina Victim Assistance Network Legal Director Sarah Ford said it may be six months before the S.C. Court of Appeals will make any decisions following the hearings.

Turner is serving time in prison now. The Intensive Supervision Administrative Release Authority has approved his release on Oct. 31
A Midlands resident who used to work as a prison guard found herself behind bars after being arrested Monday, according to the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

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Arieyelle Shiquise Coulette, a 25-year-old Sumter resident, was charged with misconduct in office, the S.C. Department of Corrections said Tuesday in a news release.

Coulette was a correctional officer at Turbeville Correctional Institution, where shes accused of sending and accepting money from inmates, according to the release. The prison in Clarendon County is a mens-only, medium-security institution, according to the S.C. Department of Corrections. The prison is in Turbeville, about 60 miles east of Columbia.

For about a month in 2021, from Aug. 23-Sept. 27, Coulette did willfully, knowingly, dishonestly and unlawfully with malfeasance commit the offense of misconduct in office, an arrest warrant said.

Coulette accepted $22,879 from inmates via Cash App, while sending $6,790 to prisoners, according to the arrest warrant.

Information about how the money was used by either Coulette or the inmates, and the number of inmates involved, was not included in the release.

Coulette resigned from the S.C. Department of Corrections on Nov. 17, 2023, the arrest warrant shows.

Bond was set at $10,000 and posted the same day Coulette was arrested, according to Clarendon County court records.

She is scheduled to appear in court again Nov. 8, judicial records show.
Two South Carolina residents 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.

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The arrest 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 resale 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.
Jawanza Sanga Fraser displaying some of the backpacks destined for students in need.

Four hundred children across the state will each receive a brand-new backpack and school supplies compliments Pauls Avenue businessman Jawanza Sanga Fraser.





Fraser explained that his motivation to involve himself in a cause of "giving back came from his experience as a child. He recalled his first day at school, when he walked into his classroom and saw his peers happily displaying new school supplies and backpacks, while he struggled with worn out items.





Now that he was in a position to help others so that they do not experience the embarrassment he did, he has joined with a USA-based colleague- Jamal Ballantyne, and Jamals grandmother, to make sure that at least 400 needy school-aged children receive some assistance that will make their learning experience more comfortable.





"Thanks to Jamal Ballantynes grandmother for the vision. Both me and Jamal spend our money to buy the bags to give to the less fortunate children. We also thought about the impact of Hurricane Beryl and the need to help those affected, said Fraser in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN newspaper.





Besides Jamal Ballantyne and his grandmother, Fraser also acknowledged the support of his cousin, Zane Hector.





And the effort Fraser did not just focus on Frasers immediate community of Pauls Avenue; he responded to those in need regardless of the community from which they came.





The backpacks are filled with essential supplies such as notebooks, rulers, pencils and more.





Frasers benevolence did not just stop at the distribution of the backpacks and other school supplies. He has also provided additional support to seven students by purchasing their textbooks.





At press time, he was awaiting another shipment of bags for distribution.





Combating the negative vibes





The businessman is mindful that there are people who have a certain perception of him and will have negative comments to make about his efforts.





Recognising this, he has countered with a response that they are those who "are not willing to do anything positive, who sit around and spout their negative talk.





He reminded those people: "When action start to speak, words sit down and listen. And what I am doing is action.





He beckoned those who are speaking negatively "to first ask themselves, what are they doing to better their society. So do some action and stop dealing with words.





His message to those who might feel inspired by his work is "Each one helps one. Always put kids first because they are the next generation.
Vincentians who plan to travel to the UK in 2025 will need to obtain an ETA before embarking on their trip.

Vincentians desirous of travelling to the UK will need an Electronic Travellers Authorisation (ETA) as of January 2025.





A press release from the British High Commission in Kingstown on Tuesday 9, stated that the UK Government is digitising the UK border and immigration system to enhance security and improve the experience for travellers.





Towards this end, "By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to travel to the United Kingdom (UK), the press release stated.





St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among a number of countries that require only a passport to travel to the UK but will, as of January 25,2025, require an ETA.





ETAs are digitally linked to a travellers passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of our immigration system. An ETA costs 10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holders passport expires.





"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 (ETA) or an eVisa, the statement further noted.





People who need a UK visa to live, work or study in the UK are now issued with an eVisa, providing digital proof of immigration status, instead of physical immigration documents which can be lost, stolen, or tampered with. eVisas mean people no longer have to wait for or travel to collect a physical document, streamlining their experience.





According to the arrangement, as of the 27th November, 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need at ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.




LIAT 2020 Ltd. is gradually expanding its scheduled service across the Caribbean.

LIAT 2020 Ltd. is among three airlines that have been granted permission to begin operating here shortly.





Liat 2020 Ltd., headquartered in Antigua, commenced operations on August 6 and is expected to begin operations here on October 4, the airline announced on its social media page.





Its schedule already includes service to Barbados, St. Lucia and Dominica, Grenada and St. Kitts.





The other two airlines are Winair out of St. Maarten, and Sunrise -a Haitian airline.





According to Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves while speaking on radio on September 8, people have been having difficulty moving across the region since the collapse of Liat 1974 Ltd in 2020.





"And especially so, to get to the Northern Caribbean, Gonsalves said.





Now, Vincentians will have options with the coming on stream of Winair which, according to Gonsalves, is expected to travel to St. Maarten, and in a future schedule, to Tortola.





The expectation is, in the interim, that persons will be able to make connection to Tortola from St. Maarten.

"And indeed, to make a connection from St. Maarten to Anguilla, he said.





According to Gonsalves, he had not yet seen the schedule for Haitian airline Sunrise, but he said that he understood that it is most likely to go through one of the French territories  Martinique.





Meanwhile, JetBlue remained on course to begin serving St. Vincent and the Grenadines later this year, the prime minister said.
Brand new ruminant pens located at the Rabacca Livestock Breeding and Multiplication Centre.

The Ministry of Agricultures (MOA) Livestock Division now has two brand new ruminant pens for its use.





The pens, located at the Rabacca Livestock Breeding and Multiplication Centre, were officially handed over to the Livestock Division by Ambris and Pilgrim Building Contractors (A&P Construction), during a brief ceremony at the Rabacca Centre, on Monday 2nd Sept, 2024.





A&P Construction was contracted to construct the pens and the undertaking, completed in 32 months, was funded to the tune of EC$944,107.92 under the World Bank - funded Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project (VEEP).





Allan Pilgrim of A&P Construction officially handed over the ruminant pens to Dr. Monica Davis, Veterinarian Officer in the Ministry of Agricultures Animal Health Division.





Dr. Davis expressed appreciation and optimism for the positive impact the pens will have on agriculture.

The pens will provide suitable accommodation for the animals, including those that were recently imported under the UBEC CERC, Food Insecurity Project.




Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (inset) has confirmed the jet in questioned was in Canouan in 2023.

The luxury jet, used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, that was seized by the United States Government, was the aircraft used in the exchange of prisoners between both countries in December 2023.





Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed on radio on September 8 that the jet, a Falcon 900EX, was used in transporting prisoners, which this country facilitated, from Venezuela to Canouan as part of the second exchange in December 2023.





He was addressing the issue which made headlines after news broke that the aircraft  which the US Government alleges was bought illegally  had passed through St. Vincent and the Grenadines on its way to Venezuela in April 2023.





According to Gonsalves, he had seen the reports about the seizure of the aircraft but had not received formally any information regarding the issue from the US Government or through any diplomatic channels or otherwise, and that he was trying to ascertain whether the jet landed here before making its way to Venezuela.

"But nobody in any political directorate controls which plane comes in thats a matter for the Director of Civil Aviation, Gonsalves said.





Gonsalves further explained that unless there was something untoward about a particular plane or boat to which they have been alerted, there was no reason not to allow them to enter.





The U.S also alleged that the aircraft was purchased using a Caribbean-based Shell company to hide Maduros involvement in the purchase.





The Prime Minister said that he was checking with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to determine if any company registered here purchased the aircraft.





He stressed, however, that the registration of an international business company was not authorised by anybody in the political directorate. "Thats a normal company formation, he said.





If a company was requiring an international banking license however, that goes to the minister of finance. "So, people have the whole process cockeyed.





But Gonsalves said that he has seen another report that the aircraft was registered in San Marino, a European microstate.





But what was strange about the comments being made about the issue according to Gonsalves was that no one asked about what type of sanction existed.





According to Gonsalves, the sanctions against Venezuela were unilateral, and local government would cooperate once they have been informed by the US of a particular sanction.





"This is not a United Nations sanction, Gonsalves contended.





St. Vincent and the Grenadines was bound by international law to follow the sanctions of the United Nations Security Council, Gonsalves explained.





And when there are such sanctions, he said, they come to him as Prime Minister and he immediately sends out documents to individuals and agencies including the Attorney General, the FSA, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Commissioner of Police, the Comptroller of Customs and the Chief Immigration Officer.





"Remember, the difference between a unilateral sanction and an international sanction from the Security Council, international sanctions from the UN Security Council are to be obeyed by all responsible nations, Gonsalves explained.





If there is a unilateral sanction of a particular state, they may seek the cooperation of another state in complying with those sanctions.





"But I dont know of any communication which has been so made, he continued.




St. Vincent and the Grenadines has one tertiary level healthcare institution  the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), situated along the busy Leeward Highway and adjacent to Victoria Park, a primary venue for the annual carnival, concerts and sporting events.





The MCMH morphed from what was the Colonial Hospital and just as the name was indigenised, so too has its staff which is now predominantly Vincentian.





Now, if everything goes according to plan and barring any major natural disaster, this country will by 2027 have a second tertiary level healthcare facility  an Acute Care/Referral Hospital located at the northern end of the runway of the decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport, in Arnos Vale.





The modern facility will offer an expanded range of healthcare services to include new services in areas such as Cardiology, Neurology- including enhanced acute stroke care, Thyroid services, Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases care, enhanced Ophthalmology as well as major invasive surgeries.





The estimated total cost to construct and equip the hospital was put at US$110 million and it was projected to take 32 months to be completed.





The Unity Labour Party (ULP) government had initially secured part financing to the tune of US98 million from the World Bank.





However, in the wake of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Beryl, the government was successful in convincing the World Bank to have those funds diverted to the National Recovery Fund, managed by the government.





From all reports, the government had already approached the Taiwan government for a loan and this negotiation resulted in Taiwan agreeing to extend a loan of some ES$125 million, as assistance towards meeting the scheduled commencement and eventual construction and equipping of the Acute Care/Referral Hospital.





According to Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, who tabled the Bill in parliament seeking approval for the sum to be borrowed from Taiwan, this country has 30 years over which to repay the loan, with the first payment due in 10.5 years, and payable in 60 semi-annual installments.





The loan, Gonsalves told parliament was set at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1% plus 0.2%.





And while government was able to win bipartisan support in parliament, August 22, 2024, for its proposal to borrow the money from Taiwan, this came not before the Opposition had registered its concern about how the contract for the construction of the hospital had been awarded.





On July 26th, 2024, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Taiwanese company Overseas Engineering & Construction Co. (OECC), to begin the construction of a new Modern Acute Care Hospital at Arnos Vale. The contract was valued at US$100 million.





The parliamentary opposition New Democratic Party went on record as criticizing the governments decision to enter into a MoU with the Taiwanese firm, without going back to tender, which it said the World Bank had suggested.





It contended that a tendering process for the hospital construction had already begun under the World Bank procurement guidelines, and that it had been trimmed to two candidates. This process, the NDP added, had been brought to an abrupt halt to accommodate the entry of the Taiwanese company.





But government defended its action, positing that to return to tender would have affected the commencement schedule and delayed construction, given that the tendering process could take another year. This, in addition to the likelihood of costs increasing. mitigated in favour of entering into a feasible and immediate contract, the government argued.





There was also a connotation that it made for easier processing and accountability given that Taiwan was the lender in this case.





According to Minister Gonsalves, the US$125 million loan, in the main, will be applied to the construction but portions of it will also go to a component referred to as Strengthening Health System Resilience, the employment of healthcare consultants and creating a project coordination team.




The global yacht charter market size was valued at USD 6.5 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2020 to 2027.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association (SVGSA) is proud to announce an exciting new initiative aimed at engaging local youth and introducing them to the various employment opportunities available right on their doorstep in the yacht charter industry.





In partnership with the French Embassy to the Eastern Caribbean States, Barbados and the OECS and Blue Life Yacht Charters, this programme offers hands-on training and work experience in a growing and lucrative industry.





The yacht charter industry is a key economic driver in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. With a growing Blue Economy, the country needs skilled, marine-savvy individuals to support this expanding sector. Through this programme, the aim is to equip young women and men with practical expertise, confidence, respect, and essential life skills.





The programme will be based in Bequia and is scheduled over a series of 8 weekends between October 2024 and May 2025. There will be no costs for the chosen participants given that the programme is fully funded.





Sailing is deeply embedded in the heritage of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and this programme seeks to harness that legacy to open up career pathways.





Participants will be trained for various roles within the yacht charter industry, gaining firsthand experience and valuable skills to thrive in this dynamic sector.





Jenny Trumble, President of the SVG Sailing Association said, "By tapping into these local opportunities, we aim to create a new generation of professionals who are ready to embrace careers within St. Vincent and the Grenadines thriving marine sector.





For more information, please contact Monica at: monica@bluelifesailing.com (Source: SVGSA)




The St. Vincent Electricity Services Ltd (VINLEC) has joined forces with the SVG Zero Hunger Trust Fund to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to three schools located near its power plant.





This partnership is a significant step towards ensuring that students receive nutritious meals and supporting local farmers.





At a ceremony held at VINLECs main office in Pauls Avenue on Thursday 12th September, VINLEC presented a cheque in the sum of nineteen thousand five hundred dollars (EC$19,500.00) to the SVG Zero Hunger Trust Fund.





The three new schools that will benefit from this donation are the South Rivers Methodist School, Spring Village Methodist School, and the Fitz Hughes Government School.





VINLECs role in this partnership involves sourcing fresh produce from local farmers and supplying it to the participating schools. This not only helps to address food insecurity among students but also provides a valuable market for local farmers.





"We are excited to be part of this initiative, said Bria King, VINLECs Communication Officer. "VINLEC is committed to enhancing the lives of the communities we serve. By providing fresh produce for school meals, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of our children.





CEO of the SVG Zero Hunger Trust Fund Safiya Horne-DeBique, expressed her gratitude for VINLECs contribution. "This partnership is not just about providing food, its about investing in the future of our children, she said. "By promoting healthy eating habits and supporting local farmers, we are creating a sustainable food system.
In February of this year the Youlou Arts Foundation (YAF) launched its first art competition for Secondary Schools Students.





The competition was opened to students between the ages 12 through 16. They were asked to create artwork on the theme Caribbean Cultural Patterns, requiring that they pay attention to the following criteria: creativity, interpretation of the theme, originality and proper use of medium.





The art teachers at the schools entering the competition were responsible for choosing five (5) art pieces worthy of entering the competition, and for making sure that the selected pieces were handed over to the team at the Youlou Art Centre.





Three judges appointed by the team at the Youlou Art Centre did the final judging in August.





Youlou Arts Foundation was happy to announce that 18 students took part in the competition. They represented: St. Clair Dacon Secondary, Thomas Saunders Secondary School, St. Josephs Convent Kingstown, St. Martins Secondary School, J.P Eustace Memorial Secondary, and Girls High School.





The entrants work is on display at the Youlou Art Centre, Indian Bay.





The winners of the inaugural competition were:

* 1st Place - Loriel Pope from St. Josephs Convent Kingstown Secondary  Caribbean Express;

* 2nd place - Zahndra Roberts from the Girls High School  The Fabric of Our Lives;

* 3rd place - Kala Dublin from St. Clair Dacon Secondary School  Caribbean Cultural Patterns.





Two entrants received honorary mention: Kingslie Millington from St. Martins Secondary School and Talonie Tucker from St. Josephs Convent Kingston, each with a piece entitled Caribbean Cultural Patterns.





The first place received a cash prize of $500, second place $400, third place $300 and two honorable mentions $100 each.





The sponsors for this years competition were: St. Vincent Co-operative Bank Ltd., St. Hill Insurance and Theo Saunders Shop, to whom Youlou Arts Foundation extends a huge thank you.





Youlou Arts Foundation is focused on bringing attention to the visual arts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and nurturing artistic talent among the youth.
(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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A 2025 Prologue electric utility vehicle is on display in the showroom of a Honda dealership Sept. 4 in Highlands Ranch, Colo. Sales of new EVs are growing but at a slower pace than they did last year. But the Prologue sold 5,401 units in August after making its debut in April and slowly ramping up sales. David Zalubowski/Associated Press

U.S. electric vehicle sales have slowed in 2024. So how long will this period last?

To answer this question and to get a handle on the EV market, lets look at three areas and what auto analysts have to say.

1. When will the U.S. market shift back to rapid growth?

First, lets define the current moment: Sales of new EVs are growing but at a slower pace than they did last year.

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Sales in the U.S. rose 7.3% in the first half of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, according to Cox Automotive. Thats much less than the 47% growth in the first half of 2023 compared with the same period in 2022.

The reduction in the growth rate is happening at the same time that automakers have made announcements pushing back timetables for a shift to EVs. For example, Ford said in August its canceling plans for a three-row electric SUV and delaying the introduction of a next-generation electric pickup from 2026 to 2027. Volvo said this month it has decided to adjust its electrification ambitions by abandoning a previous pledge to stop global sales of gasoline vehicles by 2030.

Its clear that in the near term, automakers are taking a bit of a step back from their EV goals, whether its that the targets were set too ambitiously, or they have struggled to build a platform over time, said Corey Cantor, an analyst for the research firm BloombergNEF.

This moment is also an opportunity.

The stepping back of certain automakers means that there is room for others to step in to capture more market share, he said. Hyundai and Kia are examples of brands that are increasing their market share, while the sales leader, Tesla, has been losing some of its portion.

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Cantor expects that the U.S. market will accelerate its growth a bit in 2025 and then enter a period of rapid growth in 2026 and 2027.

This is reflected in BloombergNEFs most recent EV forecast, issued in June, which projects that all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will be 12% of new sales in the U.S. market this year, followed by 16% in 2025, 22% in 2026 and 29% in 2027.

Growth would accelerate around 2026 for many reasons, including an increase in EVs priced to appeal to the middle of the market and because of the continuing buildout of charging infrastructure.

Others have similar outlooks. Morgan Stanley, the financial services company, said this month that it expects the global EV slowdown to continue for another 12 to 18 months.

A motorist puts an electric 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E through its paces this summer on a test track in north Denver. The Mach-E is one of the top-selling EVs in the country. BloombergNEFs most recent EV forecast projects that all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will be 12% of new sales in the U.S. market this year, followed by 16% in 2025, 22% in 2026 and 29% in 2027. David Zalubowski/Associated Press

2. Is the EV slowdown also happening outside of the United States?

While the United States and the European Union are struggling to gain momentum on EVs, China is doing better and is further along in its shift to electric transportation.

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Analysts for Raymond James, the financial services company, showed the scale of Chinas dominance in an August report for its clients. EVs are approaching half of new cars and light trucks sold in China, and eight of the top 10 best-selling EVs in the world are made by Chinese companies. The exceptions are Teslas Model Y and Model 3, which rank first and third respectively in global sales.

It is emphatically not the U.S. market where EV adoption is progressing the fastest, said the report, co-written by analyst Pavel Molchanov.

China has been successful at developing its EV economy to the point that prices of new vehicles are now low enough for that nations typical driver to afford. The BYD Seagull, which ranks fifth on the list of global bestsellers, has a sticker price of about $10,000.

There is a danger for U.S. and European automakers that China will get so far ahead in building its EV industry that others wont be able to compete. Countries could put up trade barriers, such as the United States 100% tariff on imported Chinese cars, but that doesnt stop China from making inroads almost everywhere else in the world.

Competition from China is one reason that U.S. automakers, who want to compete globally, need to be careful about delaying their plans.

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3. What EV models have had the strongest debuts?

At the top of this list is the Honda Prologue, an SUV assembled in Mexico using a version of the Ultium battery platform developed in partnership with General Motors. Its base price is $48,795 before a $7,500 federal tax credit.

The Prologue sold 5,401 units in August after making its debut in April and slowly ramping up sales.

Thats more than the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which sold 5,341 units in August. The Mach-E is one of the top-selling EVs in the country, but because several companies dont do monthly sales reports, its not known how it or the Prologue ranked in August compared with all EVs.

This is a competent product, said Ivan Drury, director of insights for Edmunds, the vehicle information website.

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That may sound like faint praise, but he doesnt mean it that way. He explained that Hondas customer base has been waiting for years for an electric SUV, so there was an audience eager to buy the Prologue, so long as it felt like a Honda  and it does. (Edmunds gave the Prologue a mixed review, but others, including Motor Trend, have been more enthusiastic.)

Its too soon to declare the Prologue a hit, since were talking about just one month of strong sales. But if the model can maintain or increase those numbers, people will be high-fiving in Hondas sales department.

Drury singled out the Cadillac Lyriq as an EV that feels like a new model in 2024, even though its been available since late in 2022, and has been a strong seller. Its introduction was hindered by delays, so it feels newer than it is. The ramp-up of production was so slow that customers who had preordered the model had to endure long waits.

Cadillac dealers sold 13,094 of the all-electric Lyriq in the first half of this year, an increase of more than 400 percent from the first half of last year. Cadillac/TNS

But production has now grown to meet demand. Cadillac dealers sold 13,094 of the Lyriq in the first half of this year, an increase of more than 400% from the first half of last year, and more than European luxury rivals such as the Mercedes EQB. The base price is $57,195 before a $7,500 tax credit.

Other notable models this year include the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which began to arrive in May. Theres not enough data yet to know how well its selling.

The Equinox EV is aiming for a sweet spot of affordability, with a base price of $34,995 before a $7,500 tax credit, and lease offers as low as $299 per month.

One model thats notably absent is the Volvo EX30, a highly anticipated compact SUV that was supposed to go on sale this year but has been pushed back to 2025, partly as a result of U.S. tariffs. Volvo, which is controlled by China-based Geely, has said it will shift production of the EX30 to Belgium.

The EX30 is not the only model to be delayed. The Equinox EV, for example, was supposed to be a 2023 debut before GM decided to wait and launch it this spring.

The delays can contribute to sluggish sales as consumers wait for certain models. Then automakers cite sluggish sales as a reason for additional delays. It can feel like a vicious cycle.
Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) has been selected as the National Winner for Qatar in the Industrial Project of the Year category of this years 2024 MEED Projects Awards. This prestigious recognition qualifies the company for the next phase, where the Mena regional winners will be announced on November 20.

GWC Managing Director, Shaikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani, said: We are honoured to receive the Industrial Project of the Year award, a recognition that reflects the significance of Al Wukair Logistics Park in contributing to the diversification of Qatars economy by supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

He added: Al Wukair Logistics Park serves as a successful public-private partnership model. As GWC is tasked with the construction, operation, and transfer (BOT) of the logistics park, under a public-private-partnership that entails a 30-year lease tenure and a significant investment value exceeding QR1.5 billion. This agreement aligns with Qatars Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030) and Qatar National Vision 2030, which both aim to strengthen public-private partnerships and expand the private sector's leadership in fostering economic growth.

Track record

Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO of GWC, said: "This milestone underscores the innovation and excellence of Al Wukair Logistics Park and adds to our track record of remarkable accomplishments. This recognition from MEED Projects Awards, a leading stamp of quality and achievement for projects across the Mena region, serves as a testament to GWCs industry leadership, while inspiring us to continue enhancing our services. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of logistics solutions and look forward to further success and growth in the future."

He added: Since the inauguration of the first phase of Al Wukair Logistics Park in early 2022, it has effectively drawn a significant number of MSMEs. In 2023, GWC launched the second phase of the park, further advancing Qatar National Vision 2030, which reflects the company's commitment to accelerating growth and contributing to the nation's strategic goals.

Spreading across 1.5 million sq m, GWC Al Wukair Logistics Park is dedicated to light industry infrastructure required for the operational success of MSMEs. With various light industrial workshops, warehousing units, and open yards, the park has been designed to meet all types of warehousing and distribution requirements for sector-wide enterprises.

It also offers a one-stop shop for leasing a warehouse or workshop, company formation formalities, including applications for necessary permits, and logistics operations. Start-ups who work with GWC benefit from years of local, regional and international experience, along with a global, integrated network. GWCs deep, hard-earned knowledge of the local market makes Al Wukair Logistics Park the ideal destination for businesses to avail of and enjoy the best logistics infrastructure.

Al Wukair Logistics Park Directory

Last June, GWC launched Al Wukair Logistics Park Directory, a comprehensive platform designed to boost the MSMEs growth and enhance partnerships and alliances within the local market, empowering them to succeed and achieve their goals.

The Logistics Park is part of GWCs mandate to offer a broad spectrum of services ranging from end-to-end logistics services, from point of entry to point of use and highly coordinated reverse logistics, thus giving MSMEs the chance to boost their bottom line and take advantage of new business opportunities.

The MEED Projects Awards in association with Mashreq are the pinnacle of recognition for the most outstanding projects completed in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region over the past year. This year, over 60 projects across 18 categories from over 250 entries have been distinguished as National Winners, showcasing the highest standards of excellence, innovation and impact.--TradeArabia News Service
Response Plus Medical Services (RPM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK-based SkyAngels Air Ambulance to provide efficient and effective Medical Air Evacuation Services.

As part of the MoU, RPM and SkyAngels have agreed to collaborate on global air ambulance services leveraging SkyAngels network of fixed and rotary wing aircraft across RPMs operational markets, including 135 light jets, 20 medium jets, 20 heavy jets and 146 helicopters, as well as medical and personal security crew round-the-clock to support medical air evacuation.

SkyAngels will also provide paramedic training to RPM at its facilities in Norwich International Airport.

Preferred service provider

From its end, RPM will support SkyAngels as its preferred service provider for air ambulance services across its operational markets, and provide SkyAngels with the global and in-country repatriations required by its patients or clients. SkyAngels has nominated RPM as its preferred service provider for ground ambulance and paramedic support in the Middle East too.

Dr Rohil Raghavan, CEO of Response Plus Holding, said: As the leading pre-hospital care and emergency medical services company in the region, RPM believes that our diversification into medical air evacuation is a natural progression. Our MoU with SkyAngels Air Ambulance, who has proven expertise in the domain, is a step in that direction. Together with SkyAngels, RPM aims to offer the best, most efficient and time-critical medical air evacuation services to our clients across markets.

David Polo Marks, CEO of SkyAngels, said: Over the years, SkyAngels has become the preferred medical evacuation partner across Europe and India. Our aim is to grow our presence in the Middle East, while servicing clients from across the world, including corporates, who rely on us for travel risks, crisis management and duty of care compliance. Our MoU with Response Plus Medical builds on our market presence in the Middle East and offers timely and effective medical evacuation solutions.

24/7 emergency air transfers

As part of the MoU, patients will have access to 24/7 emergency air transfers, flight stretchers, trained paramedic escorts, hospital coordination, and treatment facilitation at point of destination.

The RPM medical air evacuation unit offers exceptional aeromedical transportation services  providing the ultimate bed-to-bed solutions backed by a world-class fleet and highly-trained medical teams. These include aeromedical retrieval and repatriation, both domestically and internationally, in partnership with aviation providers.

Available around the clock, 365 days a year, the RPM Air Ambulance fleet is equipped with the latest stretcher system, which features built-in oxygen, suction, and electrical power capabilities to cater to critical care needs. RPM also offers VIP Air Ambulance services on an ICU-equipped Challenger Aircraft, in addition to Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) for both critical patient transfers as well as for primary emergency response.--TradeArabia News Service
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez) signed two memoranda of understanding to enhance cooperation with China in areas of trade, digital economy, healthcare and education, at the China International Fair for Investment & Trade (Cifit) held from September 811, in Xiamen, China, a report said.

The first agreement with Shenzhen Longhua District seeks to enhance trade and investment in sectors like the digital economy and healthcare, while the second agreement signed with construction firm THi, focuses on joint ventures in industrial and educational projects, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, addressed the event and oversaw the signing of several agreements.

Ras Al Khaimahs investment opportunities were showcased at CIFIT under the Invest RAK pavilion, which included Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Marjan, and other key entities.

Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of Rakez, highlighted the organisations role in fostering international relations and economic growth, adding that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) alignment further positions Ras Al Khaimah as a key connector in global markets.

Rakez also signed a $360 million lease with Shandong Timber and Wood Products Association for the Zhong A Shandong Industrial Park, set to create over 3,500 jobs.
Danfoss, a Danish multinational, will show at Chillventa 2024 how its comprehensive portfolio of refrigeration and HVAC solutions can create a sustainable cold chain, improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Danfoss will highlight the theme, Shift your perspective on the cold chain, at the worlds leading exhibition for refrigeration technology, taking place in Nuremberg, Germany from October 8 to 10.

"In the Mena region, where temperature extremes challenge food safety and energy efficiency, advancing cold chain solutions is not just a business priority but a regional necessity. We are pleased to welcome our partners and customers from Mena at the Danfoss booth at Chillventa, and to open dialogues on optimising the cold chain in our region," said Ziad Al Bawaliz, Regional President at Danfoss Turkiye, Middle East and Africa region.

Refrigeration systems

The Danfoss booth will showcase solutions that help food and beverage manufacturers to build refrigeration systems that prioritise safety and energy efficiency.

We collaborate with over 80% of the global cold chain operators, and our components enable cold storage in 90% of the global cold storage space, says Anatoly, Mikhailov, Vice President Industrial Refrigeration at Danfoss.

This experience helps us to identify refrigeration pain points and develop solutions to address them and create more reliable, energy-efficient systems.

Key solutions

*The debut of Danfoss latest innovation for reducing energy consumption in cold storage: NeoCharge.

*The companys full line of large components for industrial CO2 transcritical systems.

*A new version of its Intelligent Purging System (IPS 8) for systems working with propane.

*Technologies supporting high-temperature industrial heating systems, such as the six-cylinder BOCK HGX56 CO T compressor, the Danfoss PSG Scroll compressor and the Palladio Screw compressor (trusted by Danfoss).

*The new EKE 400 controller packaged in a panel solution, which delivers high efficiency and full control of evaporators.

Shifting perspectives on food service refrigeration

For the next link in the cold chain, Danfoss will display its wide range of refrigeration solutions for HORECA, including:

*Solutions certified/approved for use in low GWP and natural refrigerant applications, as well as condensing units and solenoid valves for CO2.

*Cold room solutions, such as Optyma Control and Optyma Plus Inverter, VLT Refrigeration Drive FC 103, solenoid valves and superheat control solutions that increase energy efficiency, and a wide range of IoT and connectivity solutions.

*Refrigeration system and glassdoor merchandiser designs that help food and beverage manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint.

*Danfoss Advanced Active Filter AAF 007, delivering up to 60% lower power losses compared to similar filters and effective elimination of high-order harmonics.

Shifting perspectives on food retail

At the final link in the cold chain, the retail supermarket, Danfoss brings a unique level of real-world experience from its Smart Store concept in Nordborg, Denmark.

The combined Smart Store supermarket and Application Development Center demonstrate how, by using existing and available technology and solutions, supermarkets can reduce food loss, improve food safety and optimise operations, all while working towards net zero and contributing to a communitys energy ecosystem. Booth visitors will be able to see the results achieved in the Danfoss Smart Store and learn how they can take advantage of the same technology.

Danfoss food retail experts will also present the System Manager AK-SM800A  the key component of the intelligent ADAP-KOOL refrigeration and HVAC systems for food retail  and Alsense, the companys monitoring and management software.

Shifting perspectives on comfort cooling and heating

Chillventa attendees will also see Danfoss Turbocor compressors with the Active Cooling option that further expands the application scope of oil-free centrifugal technology.

The companys broad R290 portfolio caters to the European markets emphasis on sustainability, offering options for various hydronic heat pump and chillers applications, such as the new VZN 220 Inverter Scroll compressor along with the microplate heat exchanger H62-CZ. And Danfoss will dedicate an entire section of its booth to highlight how companies can use existing technology to recover industrial waste heat and use it for internal processes and district heating.

New perspectives on today's challenges

For Danfoss, Chillventa provides not only an opportunity to showcase its innovative solutions for optimising the cold chain but also an ideal platform to think outside the box. "Our industry faces massive challenges that we can only overcome by collaborating across the entire value chain," says Jurgen Fischer, President of Danfoss Climate Solutions.

"Whether it's the refrigerant or energy transition, economic growth, quality of life, and achieving our climate goals are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, we are already implementing this within our company. Last year, we reduced our emissions while continuing to grow. We look forward to engaging in creative discussions at Chillventa, with the common goal of creating a sustainable, efficient cold chain that benefits us all, our environment, and our economy.--TradeArabia News Service
The UAE considers the Chinese business community a key partner of the countrys business sector, said Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy.

The total number of Chinese businesses operating in the UAE's markets has reached around 15,500 so far. We are confident that the shared visions and strategies to expand cooperation into new economic sectors will further strengthen and advance our economic and investment relations, he said addressing the UAE-China Business Forum, which concluded successfully with the participation of over 300 delegates.

Important platform

He noted: The UAE-China Business and Investment Forum is an important platform for advancing bilateral economic and investment cooperation, supporting joint efforts to develop more fruitful partnerships and agreements at the governmental and private sector levels. The platform contributes to enhancing the ability of Emirati and Chinese companies to benefit from the diverse economic and investment opportunities in the markets of the two countries, particularly as the UAE and China boast promising economic fundamentals and strategic geographical locations that enable access to strategic markets in Asia, Africa and Europe.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, attended the Forum. The Chinese delegation at the Forum was led by Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, a WAM report said.

The event, organised by Dubai Chambers, and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), was hosted by the Ministry of Economy of the UAE, and the Ministry of Commerce of the Peoples Republic of China.

The Forum brought together businessmen and investors from the UAE and China to discuss ways to enhance economic and trade relations and boost mutual investments involving business communities in both countries.

The event coincides with celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and the People's Republic of China.

The minister said that the UAE and China share a historical and strategic relationship characterised by the building of closer cooperation across all areas, particularly in the economic and investment sectors.

Shared commitment

He attributed the strength and vitality of bilateral relations to the shared commitment of both leaderships to advancing them through constructive cooperation, promoting mutual investments, and enhancing the growth of Emirati and Chinese companies operating in both markets.

Al Marri elaborated on the UAE's new economic model and its role in supporting the economic goals of the We the UAE 2031 vision and discussed the advancements in the country's legislative and economic landscape. These include the introduction of new legislation and policies that have increased the UAEs attractiveness for foreign direct investments. These measures have strengthened the competitiveness of the national economy at both regional and global levels and improved its overall attractiveness.

Within this context, Al Marri invited Chinese companies to leverage the available opportunities in the UAEs business environment and expand their presence across various key sectors, including tourism, aviation, circular economy, FinTech, e-commerce, infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence (AI), healthcare, smart transportation, and sustainable manufacturing.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the tourism industry serves as a key pillar of economic cooperation between the two countries, having witnessed continued growth across all its sub-sectors.

Chinese visitors

The total number of Chinese visitors to the UAE stood at around 1.2 million in 2023, marking a remarkable growth of 213% compared to 382,206 tourists in 2022. There are currently 44 flights operated by the UAEs national carriers connecting the two countries every week.

In his opening address, Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, highlighted that Chinas status as the UAEs top trading partner speaks volumes about the thriving relations between the two nations.

He emphasised that, considering the growing importance of the Chinese market and its strategic partnership role, the Dubai International Chamber has established three overseas offices in China  located in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong  representing the highest number of offices in a single country. These offices serve as vital gateways to enhance investment opportunities and facilitate mutually beneficial trade exchanges.

Al Ghurair stated: Our commitment at Dubai Chambers to supporting the Chinese business community is unwavering. Last month, we were delighted to organise the Dubai Business Forum in Beijing, attended by 800 investors and entrepreneurs representing both nations. This forum underscores our vision of China as a crucial strategic partner in our future initiatives.

Chinese member companies

Al Ghurair concluded his address by noting: As a testament to the strength of our bilateral relations, the total number of active Chinese member companies registered as members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce reached 5,480 by the end of August, out of which 1,004 new Chinese companies joining during the first eight months of this year.

The Forum witnessed four panel discussions featuring 20 speakers, including officials and business leaders from both the UAE and China. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, delivered the welcome address. The sessions focused on the role of sovereign wealth funds in developing joint investments and projects, as well as the importance of strengthening partnership frameworks within the energy sector. Opportunities to enhance cross-investment and trade were also closely evaluated.

Additionally, the discussions showcased successful Dubai-based companies that have expanded their operations and partnerships in China, alongside Chinese firms that have capitalised on the business growth opportunities available in the emirate.

The event builds on the strong momentum achieved during the Dubai Business Forum  China, which was successfully organised by Dubai Chambers in August. The inaugural international edition of the Dubai Business Forum was held in Beijing and attracted 800 prominent Chinese business leaders, investors, and officials, as well as a high-level delegation from Dubai featuring representatives from key government entities and the private sector. Participants explored the diverse opportunities arising for Chinese businesses and investors as a direct result of the Dubai D33 agenda.--TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Design Week, the regions leading design festival, will celebrate its 10th edition from November 5 to 10, 2024, under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture.

The festival is set to feature an outstanding programme of new commissions, exhibitions and events, a WAM report said.

Held in partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture, this years edition will reflect on a decade of design and its influence on the UAE and GCC's growing interior design and furniture markets, now collectively estimated at $26 billion.

Global design hub

Dubai Design Week 2024 will celebrate the local community, creative talent, and regional design it has nurtured over the past decade, while marking the citys rise as a global design hub.

The festival will bring together over 500 designers and brands from more than 40 countries to showcase new design ideas through installations, exhibitions, and experiential displays.

Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, part of TECOM Group, said: Creative industries fuel the economy while shaping identity and culture. Dubais focus on nurturing creative communities has led to a rich, multicultural design narrative that reflects the Emirates ambitions.

Dubai Design Week has played a crucial role in this over the past decade, providing a platform that promotes local and international talent while addressing global design themes like diversity, sustainability, and belonging. We look forward to welcoming stakeholders to this years programme, which includes the debut of Editions, in strategic partnership with d3, shaping the future of Dubais creative economy.

Positive effect of design

Natasha Carella, Director of Dubai Design Week, commented: As we mark the 10th edition, we look forward to gathering designers from around the world to exchange ideas and highlight the positive impact of design. This years programme will focus on sustainable practices, vernacular architecture from the region and the wider global south, showcasing how creativity can address modern challenges and shape our common future.

Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, stated: Design plays a key role in advancing innovation and shaping new possibilities locally, regionally, and globally. As a UNESCO City of Design, Dubai is committed to fostering an educational ecosystem that promotes fresh ideas and creativity. Our continued support for Dubai Design Week is part of our responsibility to the cultural and creative industries in the emirate, reinforcing Dubais position as a global cultural centre, a hub for creativity, and a thriving space for talent.--TradeArabia News Service
A fire on the Montana-Wyoming border has ballooned to roughly 40,000 acres in 24 hours after its discovery on Wednesday afternoon.

The fire has prompted evacuation notices and is currently at 0% containment, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Wyoming has been hit hard with wildfires this year  with more than 629,000 acres of land burned in the Cowboy State in the past couple months.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon last Thursday sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting a Disaster Designation.

The Short Draw Fire discovered Wednesday spread rapidly to a size of 200 acres and pushed into Montana  prompting evacuation notices for Campbell County residents in the area, according to the Campbell County Fire Department.

Gillette and the nearby town of Wright are not currently threatened by the fires.

An evacuation warning is in effect in Powder River County Montana.

An update from the department on Thursday stated that the department is expecting extreme fire activity due to hot, dry, and windy weather conditions.

The fire is expected to keep growing to the north and damage assessments are ongoing but estimated around $500,000. Multiple structures have been lost, according to the Campbell County Fire Department.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has called on Finance Minister Colm Imbert to provide a comprehensive report on Colonial Life Insurance Company Ltd (CLICO), stressing that there should be no more secrecy surrounding the matter.

Persad-Bissessar made the statements in Parliament on Friday as she kicked off the debate on the 2025 national budget, which was presented by Imbert on Monday.
Construction of the Golden Pass LNG terminal near Sabine Pass is seen in June 2023.The photo was taken from the Louisiana side of the Sabine River. In late August, Golden Pass LNG asked federal authorities for another three-year extension of a deadline to complete the project. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Citing challenges caused by the exit of its San Antonio-based lead contractor, the developer of a massive liquefied natural gas export terminal under construction in Southeast Texas is requesting more time to finish the project.

Golden Pass LNG asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Energy Department to give it three more years  until Nov. 30, 2029  to complete construction and place the $10 billion facility in service.

The Aug. 28 request came about a month after Zachry Holdings Inc., whose subsidiary had been the projects lead contractor until it filed for bankruptcy protection in May, reached a deal to exit the project.

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Golden Pass cited delays caused by Zachrys departure, uncertainties related to the transition to a new lead contractor and potential hurricane impacts in its request for the extension.

A spokesman said the company, which is owned by QatarEnergy and Exxon Mobil Corp., still hopes to be producing LNG next year.

Our goal is to produce first LNG around the end of 2025 with commercial operations following thereafter, the spokesman said in a statement. Consistent with our previous regulatory extensions, the extensions we have requested build in time for contingencies to account for uncertainties outside of the Companys control that can arise when constructing a project of this scale.

The facility near Sabine Pass was originally authorized for construction Dec. 21, 2016, and expected to be completed and made available for service within five years  by Dec. 21, 2021. On Dec. 11, 2019, FERC granted an extension until Nov. 30, 2026.

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Work came to a halt when Zachry and 20 subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May, blaming disputes with Golden Pass for its insolvency. Zachry said the COVID-19 pandemic, labor issues and global supply chain disruptions created significant financial strain for the company in meeting targets and keeping the project staffed.

The global engineering and construction company said it and other contractors were induced to front increased costs with false promises that they would be made whole once the project was complete, it alleged in a lawsuit also filed in bankruptcy court. It said it required an additional $2.4 billion to complete the project.

After mediation that began in June, Golden Pass filed an emergency motion accusing Zachry of holding the engineering and construction contract hostage instead of transferring it so work could proceed. It asked the court to force its transfer so work could continue.

Zachry had employed more than 6,000 workers at Golden Pass. Most of them were laid off with its exit from the project. The late July settlement allowed Golden Pass to resume work while Zachry exited the project. Houstons McDermott International Inc. and Japans Chiyoda International Corp.  which had been Zachrys joint venture partners on the project  will finish the work then said to be about 75% complete.

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Area residents may comment on the extension request. Comments must be submitted by 4 p.m. Monday.

Those who want to file a comment are able to do so online at ferc.gov using the eFile link or by sending a letter to Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Acting Secretary; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; 888 First Street NE; Washington, DC 20426.
THE topic of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley being replaced as political leader of the Peoples National Movement (PNM) is not an issue currently up for consideration, said Foster Cummings, Member of Parliament (MP) for La Horquetta/Talparo yesterday.

There are strong processes in the PNM. There is a leader in office in the PNM. That is the leader that we support and who will take us into the next general election, he said.
Hyatt farse and outta place. The audacity of them. Saying that in this country they are not 
Electric customers of UniSource Energy Services in Mohave County have been have been shocked with high bills, as record summer heat has magnified the impact of a major rate increase earlier this year.

And they wont see any relief in the near term, as Arizonas top utility regulator passed on a request to review UES rates.

Both UES and the Arizona Corporation Commission have been fielding complaints from ratepayers in Mohave County, where the company serves about 80,000 electric customers along with about 19,000 in Santa Cruz County.

UES and Tucson Electric Power are owned by Tucson-based UniSource Energy Corp., a subsidiary of Canada-based energy company Fortis Inc.

Scores of UES customers in Mohaves two biggest communities, Lake Havasu City and Kingman, have complained to the ACC about huge jumps in their power bills this summer, in some cases citing increases of more than 50% and hundreds of dollars monthly.

Don and Elaine Herr, Lake Havasu City retirees, filed a complaint with each of the ACC members, saying their monthly UES bills had increased $100 per month since last year.

This is untenable and has increased to the point of outright price gouging, the couple wrote.

Don Herr, a retired fire division chief, said he felt misled on the impact of the rate increase after talking with UES.

Herr said hes better off than some of his neighbors living on fixed incomes but is definitely feeling the pinch.

A lot of people that live in Lake Havasu City definitely cant afford this increase, he told the Star. Im in a better situation, but it sure impacts our daily life, what we do.

Bigger impacts

The current UES electric rates, approved by the commission in January and effective in February, were projected to boost the average monthly bills of typical residential customers by $13.68, or about 12%, with greater impact expected during the hot summer months and for larger users.

UES, a sister company to Tucson Electric Power, said it needed the high rates  the companys first base-rate increase in more than seven years  to recover about $300 million its spent on system improvements over that past decade to assure reliable service.

UES home customers also are paying an average of about $11 extra monthly through a usage-based bill surcharge that allows the utility to recover costs for purchased power and fuel beyond forecasted costs.

That surcharge was set higher by the ACC in May 2023 through 2025, to help UES recover increased costs for fuel and power during extreme summer heat and severe winter storms across the West mainly in 2021 and 2022.

Compounding the higher rates is a much hotter than normal summer cooling season in Mohave County, where Lake Havasu City posted the all-time Arizona record high temperature of 128 degrees in 1994.

Driven by heat

This past July in Lake Havasu City, daily high temperatures averaged 114  a significant 5 degrees higher than normal  with four days reaching 119 or higher, UES notes.

The increased power usage pushed the average July bill for Lake Havasu City home customers to about $340  an estimated $41 higher than bills from regular July weather, the utility said.

The bills in Lake Havasu are going to be driven higher in summer months by those environmental factors, theres no avoiding it, UES spokesman Joe Salkowski said. And when we communicate, and when the Commission communicates, about (the impact of) rate cases, we do so based on annualized averages, so the impact on Lake Havasu in July is going to be higher.

UES says that a review of more than 22,000 bills found that average energy use in July was about 20% higher among Lake Havasu City customers and nearly 25% percent higher in Kingman, compared to the same month last year.

Seeking review

The spate of UES bill complaints prompted Corporation Commission member Lea Marquez Peterson of Tucson to write a letter to commission Chairman Jim OConnor, asking to reopen the UES rate case under a reconsideration rule to possibly adjust the utilitys rate structure to provide some relief.

Marquez Peterson, one of four Republicans on the five-member Corporation Commission who approved the new rates, said shes received many complaints about high UES bills from ratepayers in the Lake Havasu and Kingman areas.

They are experiencing rate shock from higher than usual summer electricity bills, she wrote in a letter dated Aug. 26.

Marquez Peterson noted that she has reminded ratepayers that they cannot be disconnected for non-payment from June 1 through Oct. 15, under a summer disconnection moratorium adopted by the commission in 2021.

She also noted there are utility assistance programs and budget-billing programs that even out payments over the year.

Marquez Peterson said shed like to see a rate structure in which the gross revenue UES gets would not change, but the percentage of rate increase is higher during the winter months and lower during the summer months to soften the impact on ratepayers, noting that the ACC has approved seasonal rates in some cases.

But UES opposed such a seasonal rate structure, saying it would bear unintended consequences and be unfair to some ratepayers.

Revising the companys rates to simply subsidize summer usage would not be in the public interest, as this would unfairly tip the scales in favor of customers with higher energy consumption, UES Vice President Dallas Dukes wrote in a letter to the ACC.

Dukes said UES already offers customers a way to smooth out billing peaks with its Budget Billing program, which averages bills across a 12-month period to keep monthly payments approximately level.

As of August, 8,848 UES customers or about 9% were signed up for the Budget Billing program, the company said in response to a query from Marquez Peterson.

Request denied

ACC Chairman OConnor, who has the power to put the reopening of a rate case on an agenda and to a commission vote, denied Marquez Petersons request last week.

OConnor said that although he sympathized with struggling UES customers in Mohave County, the utility is entitled to recover its system investments through rates and the new rates were decided after careful, public consideration.

To grant your request would call into question the due deliberation we undergo as a Commission in hearing rate cases, it would upend the hard work we have made to stabilize our regulatory environment, and it would create unintended consequences for all customers and all utilities alike, OConnor said in a response dated Sept. 5.

In the commissions rate case vote in January, OConnor and Marquez Peterson were joined by fellow Republicans Kevin Thompson and Nick Myers in approving the new rates, with the commissions sole Democrat, Anna Tovar, dissenting.

OConnor, Thompson and Myers voted to kill a UES proposal to increase its monthly discount for customers on its low-income rate plans to $18 from $16.

Marquez Peterson told the Star she was disappointed by the chairmans decision but will continue working with local stakeholders in the Lake Havasu community to provide relief to ratepayers.

The three Republican legislators representing Lake Havasu and much of Mohave County as part of District 30 urged OConnor to reconsider, in a letter dated Sept. 6.

While we appreciate the Commissions effort to stabilize the regulatory environment in Arizona, we also believe the Commission must consider the impacts to residents who are struggling under the new rates, including those who are on fixed incomes and having to choose between essential expenses, said a letter signed by state Sen. Sonny Borrelli (R-Lake Havasu City) and Reps. Leo Biasiucci (R-Lake Havasu City) and John Gillette (R-Kingman).

Mohave County has one of the highest percentages of residents age 65 and older in the state, at about 30%, and many live on fixed incomes.

UES has tried to explain the reasons for higher bills to ratepayers in customer newsletters and a recent press release.

The company has highlighted customer options and tools such as Budget Billing; its My Energy Usage online tool to track usage and compare different rate plans based on actual usage patterns; and available rebates on energy-efficient products and services that can reduce power usage.

UES officials planned to host a public open house to discuss summer bills in Lake Havasu City on Thursday, Sept. 12.

For information on UES payment assistance options, visit uesaz.com/payment-assistance.
The University of Arizona has made naloxone, or Narcan, available across campus.

Naloxone is easy to administer to someone who is overdosing by using a form of nasal spray. The medication can swiftly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore breathing and consciousness, a media release from the University of Arizona said. Naloxone cannot injure someone it has been administered to if they have not ingested opioids.

More than five people die each day from overdoses in Arizona, UA officials said in a news release.

Moreover, an increasing percentage of recreational drugs and fake pills are contaminated with fentanyl, an exceptionally potent synthetic opioid, the release said. Having naloxone available is therefore increasingly important to address these concerns and protect our community.

This undertaking was made possible by a UA student-led group that provides scientifically-backed community drug education and harm reduction resources called the Team Awareness Combatting Overdose, or TACO.

Naloxone is now included in Automated External Defibrillator (AED) cabinets across the campus. The cabinets can be found using the UA campus map.

This program has been fully implemented at the University of Arizona main campus in Tucson and is currently expanding to other school locations, including the College of Medicine in Phoenix.

AED cabinets stocked with naloxone have stickers easily visible from the outside.
The Kamala Harris-Tim Walz ticket will protect womens rights and personal freedoms, Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman, told a downtown Tucson crowd during a campaign stop Thursday night.

Emhoff focused primarily on reproductive rights in a speech before to an enthused crowd of about 450 people.

He warned that former President Donald Trump will seek a national abortion ban even though a majority of Americans say they dont want one.

Weve seen ever since Dobbs, every time this issue has come on the ballot, in red states (or) blue states, it doesnt matter, the people speak. The majority, 60, 70, 80 percent vote for freedom. Because we all dont want this, we do not this extremism, he said, citing what he said was a Fox News poll that shows 73% of Arizonans say they want reproductive rights enshrined into the states constitution.

We are living in this Dobbs-ian hellscape for the past two-and-a-half years, caused by Donald Trump, Emhoff told the crowd, referencing the Supreme Courts decision giving states increased rights to limit and even outlaw abortions.

Emhoff said that actions during the Trump administration set us back over 50 years.

Kamala has said that this election is not only the most important election of our personal lifetimes, this is the most important election in our nations lifetime. And one of the reasons why is this issue of reproductive freedom, and that Donald Trump and his little sidekick JD Vance . . . wants to continue this extremist crusade that none of us want, Emhoff said. To dismantle womens reproductive rights, and somehow make women less-than, less-than citizens. And its just not fair, and it cannot stand, and it will not stand.

Emhoff also took jabs at Trump, especially for his debate performance Tuesday night.

Trump, who held a rally in Tucson earlier in the day, says he will not debate Harris again.

 He said he will not debate her again, because hes too afraid, Enhoff told the crowd. But shes going to keep bringing the fight right to him, right to his face.

Emhoff also noted a widely shared social media post by Tucson icon Linda Ronstadt, blasting Trumps campaign stop in her hometown and at her namesake venue, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall. I guess he found out today not to mess with Linda Ronstadt, he said, to which the crowd erupted. What was that song? Youre no good, youre no good...

Emhoff, who stepped onto the tarmac of Tucson International Airport shortly before 5:30 p.m., was greeted by Verlon Jose, the Tohono Oodham Nation chairman, Adelita Grijalva, the chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who along with Grijalva spoke at the campaign event.

Grijalva cited misogynistic and racist rhetoric from the crowd at the former presidents downtown rally.

Were all here because we dont want to deal with that kind of hatred anymore. We are tired as a community, we are tired as a nation of dealing with people who are just so intolerant that theres no willingness to work together, Grijalva said.

I dont know of any regulation that dictates the laws about he reproductive rights of men. But, the reproductive rights of women are on the line this election. Theyre on the line in our state, Grijalva said. We have to make sure we are the ones making the decisions about our own bodies, and not letting a bunch of legislators make those decisions for us.

Romero, the lead-up to whom she called the future First Dude, said the clear choice that preserves our freedoms, especially our reproductive freedom is voting Harris-Walz in November.

His ridiculous and inaccurate statements about late-term abortions are unhinged, Romero said, referring to a repeated false claim Trump has made that some states do allow abortions even after birth in some cases, which he also said at his Tucson rally.

Romero said that Trump is coming after all of our freedoms with the implementation of Project 2025, a conservative political blueprint that the former president has repeatedly refuted being involved in its creation or even knowing what it says. However, during Tuesday nights debate, Trump did say that the group behind the political doctrine came up with some ideas.

Romero told the crowd that if elected, Trump would cut social security and Medicare, eliminate the Department of Education, force states to report on abortions and would resurrect the Comstock Act of the 1800s, which outlaws the United States Postal Service from mailing obscene matter, which includes things designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion, according to the United States Code database.

Also taking the stage on Thursday night was Patrick Robles, southern Arizona political director for the Harris-Walz campaign and vice chair of the Sunnyside Foundation; Oren Jacobson, president of the activist group Men4Choice; Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All; Dr. Cady Harrel, a Tucson physician and Josh Zurawski, a national storyteller and advocate for womens reproductive rights.
Weathered Souls Brewing Co. is closing Sept. 22. Mike Sutter / Staff Weathered Souls Brewing Co. co-founder founder and brewer Marcus Baskerville prepares to brew a batch of beer in 2021. Baskerville left the brewery in June. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News The San Antonio Express-News named Weathered Souls Brewing Co. the best brewery in the area in 2019 and 2022. Chuck Blount/Staff file photo Mike Holt, co-founder of Weathered Souls Brewing Co., cleans up prior to a presentation in which the brewery presented a check for $20,000 to 100 Black Men of San Antonio in 2020. Co-founder Marcus Baskerville launched an initiative called Black is Beautiful, under which brewers were invited to make a beer and donate the profits to a charity or organization advancing racial equity. Robin Jerstad/Contributor

Another San Antonio craft brewery, Weathered Souls Brewing Co., is shutting its doors.

The North Side brewery said it is closing Sept. 22 after eight years in business, a decision it attributed in part to rising ingredients costs and people drinking less alcohol.

Despite our best efforts to adapt, the financial pressures became difficult to sustain, Weathered Souls said in a statement. It was a tough choice, but after careful consideration, we felt it was the right time to close this chapter.

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In social media posts, Weathered Souls thanked customers, vendors and employees for their support and highlighted its Black is Beautiful beer initiative, under which brewers were invited to make a beer and donate the profits to a charity or organization advancing racial equity. It said the effort raised nearly $2 million.

Over the years, weve weathered the storms, and despite the challenges the brewery world has faced, we managed to do things were incredibly proud of, Weathered Souls said. We didnt just brew beer; we created experiences.

Mike Holt, Marcus Baskerville and Seth Parker teamed up to found the company in late 2016.

The brewery at 606 Embassy Oaks became known for its classic and creative brews and sold beer from its taproom as well as to bars, restaurants and theaters across the city. Late San Antonio Express-News writer Chuck Blount named it the best brewery in San Antonio in 2019 and again in 2022.

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Baskerville spearheaded the Black is Beautiful initiative in 2020 in the wake of George Floyds murder by a Minneapolis police officer. He said he wanted to bring attention to injustice and an industry that is run mostly by white men. Hundreds of breweries in all 50 states and more than a dozen countries participated.

I wanted to highlight the injustice that is going around, so as a Black business owner, as someone that has dealt with police abuse before and as a parent looking at the future of our children, I felt like it was something that I had to do, Baskerville said in an interview in 2020.

But Weathered Souls and the craft brewery industry more broadly have struggled in recent years with increasing costs for shipping, ingredients and labor, sluggish sales, competition from other alcoholic products and people simply drinking less.

Holt said last year that he was seeking an equity partner to buy out his stake in Weathered Souls. The business opened a location in Charlotte, N.C., in 2022, but it was struggling financially and seeking investors to prevent its closure by late 2023, Holt told QCity Metro, a Charlotte news site. The brewery shut down in April.

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Baskerville left Weathered Souls in June.

Several other area breweries have closed recently or are trying to stay afloat.

Second Pitch Beer Co., Kinematic Brewing Co., Rough Diamond Brewery, Barrelman Brewing Co. and Boerne Brewery have shut their doors. This past winter, an online listing described an unidentified local brewery for sale that appeared to be San Antonios Freetail Brewing Co.; the listing has since been removed.

Eugene Simor, who owns Alamo Beer Co., said last week that he is seeking investors to recapitalize and reorganize the company, which started turning out kegs in 2003. He said that could mean selling and leasing back the 4.1 acres he owns next to the Hays Street Bridge, selling part of the company, selling its brands, merging with another operator or selling everything.

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Raytheon will keep making its advanced medium-range air combat missile in Tucson for at least four years under a $1.2 billion contract modification to produce missiles for the U.S. and allies, including Ukraine.

The contract for Raytheons Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile includes missiles, telemetry systems, spare parts and engineering work, with all the work to be performed in Tucson by the end of 2028, according to a Defense Department contract notice.

Besides the U.S. Navy and Air Force, the contract includes foreign military sales to Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, with the foreign governments supplying about half the funding, the Pentagon said.

The latest contract is the biggest AMRAAM deal ever, topping a similar four-year, $1.15 billion production contract awarded to Raytheon in June 2023.

The number of new missiles to be built under the latest order was not disclosed. At about $1 million per AMRAAM, the contract would work out to more than 1,000 missiles, but that doesnt include extra parts and related equipment and engineering work.

Air dominance is critical to staying ahead of increasingly advanced adversary threats, said Paul Ferraro, president of Air and Space Defense Systems at Raytheon. AMRAAM is the most advanced, combat-proven missile system, and this contract ensures we continue to provide our warfighters with the cutting-edge technology they need.

More than 40 U.S. allies use the AMRAAM, an all-weather, radar-guided missile with a reported operational range of about 60 to nearly 100 miles, depending on the version.

U.S. forces mount the latest and most capable version of the AMRAAM, the AIM-120D, while other nations use the shorter-range AIM-120C.

Last November, Sweden signed a deal to buy up to $605 million worth of AMRAAMs and in June, the U.S. State Department approved a potential sale of hundreds AMRAAMs to Denmark and Norway.

The most recent contract the sixth production lot of AMRAAMs developed under a major upgrade program known as Form, Fit, Function Refresh or F3R, Raytheon said.
James D. Watts Jr. Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow James D. Watts Jr. 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

Tulsa Ballets traditional season-opening production, Creations in Studio K, will this year showcase the artistry and inventiveness of three female choreographers through three world-premiere ballets.

Young Soon Hue returns to Tulsa to take part in her fifth Creations in Studio K program, with a new piece titled DI.VER.SI.TY, while Australian choreographer Alice Topp makes her Tulsa Ballet debut with Square Pegs, a ballet that explores the concept of fitting in  and not fitting in  set to the music of English composer Michael Nyman.

Rounding out the program will be an encore performance by Tulsa Ballet II of Stephanie Martinezs ballet, Something to Remember You By.

Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, and Thursday-Friday, Sept. 19-20; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 and 21; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 and 22, at Tulsa Ballet, 1212 E. 45th Place. For tickets: 918-749-6006, tulsaballet.org.

A Raisin in the Sun

Lorraine Hansberrys classic drama, A Raisin in the Sun, is the debut production of a new theater company, Black Broadway Tulsa, which will present the play Sept. 20-29 in the Maya Angelou Auditorium at Central High School, 3101 W. Edison St.

Hansberrys play, which was the first play by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway when it debuted in 1959, is the story of the Younger family, which comes into an inheritance that would allow them to move from their run-down apartment on Chicagos South Side to a home of their own in a predominantly white neighborhood.

But money has a way of corrupting any dream, as family members must deal with betrayals from so-called friends, racism from the society around them and the emotional turmoil within their family as they try to find a hopeful future.

The production is directed by David Harris and features Obum Ukabam, Nicole Billups, Christian Stubblefield, Kimberly Manning, Anna Joie, Destiny Pierce, Kendall Barker Gordon and Jeffrey Jimenez. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 20-21; 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 and 29; and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Tickets are $15-$25. blackbroadway.org.

101 Unplugged

The Tulsa Symphony Orchestras String Quartet will present the first in a new series of concerts titled 101 Unplugged, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at 101 Archer (formerly the Hardesty Arts Center), 101 E. Archer St.

The centerpiece of the program will be Schuberts String Quartet No. 14 in D Minor, D. 810, popularly known as Death and the Maiden. The second movement of the quartet features the melody of a song Schubert had earlier composed, that used the poem of the same name by Matthias Claudius as its text.

Tickets are $60. 918-584-3645, tulsasymphony.org.

Mels Cabaret

Melanie Fry, who has been something of a force of nature in Tulsa theater from her days headlining the American Theatre Companys satirical revues as Joyce Martel to starring in the companys productions of shows such as Honky Tonk Angels, will return to the stage with a new cabaret show, Aint Done Yet.

Fry will be joined by a number of other Tulsa theater luminaries, including Kathy Call, Lisa Stefanic, Cathy Venable and Jenny Guy, for an evening of songs from musical theatre, country, R&B, standards, big band and more.

The show, part of the Thursdays in the Rainbow Room series, will be presented 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Sept. 19-20, at the Lynn Riggs Theater, Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. Fourth St.

Tickets are $15-$20 at eventbrite.com.

Waitress

If only life was as easy as pie. Thats one reason why Jenna, a waitress at a small-town diner, takes solace in pie-making, because it helps her escape from the messiness of her real life.

That is the basis of the story told in Waitress, the acclaimed musical featuring songs by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles. Theatre Tulsa is presenting the Oklahoma regional premiere of the show at the Tulsa PAC, 110 E. Second St.

Directed by Liz Bealko, who helmed the companys all-woman production of 1776, the musical stars MaKayla Baxter as Jenna, with Kristen Simpson, Caitlin Gibbons, Andrew Barker, Fletcher Gross and Nicholas Cains.

Performances continue through Sept. 21. Tickets are $29.25-$47.50. tulsapac.com.

Parla Festival

A new multi-discipline event, the Parla Citywide Creative Festival, will take part at various locations throughout the city, Sept. 15-22, showcasing the creativity of Tulsas BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) community.

The festival, curated by artist and community leader Jerica Wortham, the Parla Festival will include visual art shows, including an exhibit at 101 Archer that will be on display through Sept. 28; a dance performance Sept. 17 at the Tulsa PAC, 110 E. Second St.; a day-long film festival Sept. 19 at the Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave., that will include short films by nine local BIPOC film makers; and a fashion show featuring works by local designers of everything from streetwear to haute couture, Sept. 21.

Many events are free and open to the public. The festival is funded in part through the Artists Creative Funds. For a complete list of activities and more information: jagtulsa.org.



The Tulsa World is where your story lives




Although the chronic absenteeism rate for Tulsa Public Schools improved in 2023-24 compared one year prior, it still remains a challenge for schools throughout TPS.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 10% of instructional time for any reason. That amounts to 16 school days over the course of a year, or about two school days each month. For students at Tulsa Virtual Academy, its based on how many assignments are completed in a day or week contingent upon their grade level.

Across all grades and sites during the 2023-24 school year, TPS attendance rate improved by a percentage point to 87.4%, and its chronic absenteeism rate declined by 2.6 percentage points to 45.6%, leading to an average of 400 additional students in class on an average day and an additional 60,000 instructional days compared to 2022-23.

However, those numbers varied widely from campus to campus during the past school year, with five TPS sites reporting chronic absenteeism rates exceeding 80%: Phoenix Rising, the middle school portion of North Star Academy, Hale High School, McLain High School and the high school portion of TRAICE.

Phoenix Rising and TRAICE are placement-based alternative schools, while North Star Academy is an application-based alternative program.

Read more about absenteeism at TPS and what one school is doing to combat it, reported by Staff Writer Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton: Will Legos or Barbie improve student attendance? Tulsa Public Schools will find out

Will Legos or Barbie improve student attendance? Tulsa Public Schools will find out To encourage students to consistently show up on time, one east Tulsa elementary school will be offering before-school clubs for the first time this year. #oklaed

Follow Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton as she covers education in Tulsa Support local journalism by local journalists like Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton and the rest of the Tulsa World newsroom.
Melissa Jacques Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Melissa Jacques Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

OKLAHOMA CITY  With pandemic relief money drying up, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority is considering cost-cutting measures as the agency continues to shepherd expanded access to Medicaid.

The Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency recommended action from the Legislature and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority in a report reviewing funding sources for the authority, including centralizing oversight and using technology to verify income eligibility.

The report presented Wednesday analyzed the long-term financial needs of OHCA since Oklahomas expansion of Medicaid in 2020 and the end of supplemental COVID-19 relief funds from the federal government. The authority currently serves an estimated 1.04 million Oklahomans, offering them access to Medicaid.

One of the major concerns brought forward by the report is the ending of federal pandemic relief funds. These relief funds came to Oklahoma as Medicaid expansion was approved and were used partially to fund the expansion.

As we reviewed LOFTs data and analysis, my big takeaway is the importance of Oklahoma voters choosing to expand Medicaid, said Sen. Julia Kirt, D- Oklahoma City, who sits on the LOFT committee, in a press release after the committee meeting. It helped the state weather COVID, and provided health care access to more than half a million working people throughout the state.

OHCA saw an increase of 1,095% in fund balances from 2019 to 2023, mostly due to an influx of relief funds allowing the agency to save state dollars. The authority believes that these savings will allow it to continue paying for expansion for fiscal year 2025 without federal relief funds, but continuing to fund Medicaid in this way is not sustainable.

In its report, LOFT recommends the Legislature take cost-saving actions. The recommendations include centralizing Medicaid eligibility determination under OHCA and consolidation of eligibility review units that exist in multiple agencies that deal with Medicaid recipients.

Recipients of Medicaid must meet income requirements. For example, a family of four must have a yearly income of less than $65,520 to qualify for Medicaid. The report recommended that income evaluations be done more efficiently and that records be shared between agencies to more efficiently determine eligibility.

The study shows how efficiently eligibility is reviewed, meaning Oklahomans have quicker access to the care they need. In a state that historically ranks poorly in almost every category of health outcomes, we cannot overstate the importance of expanding access to health care, Kirt said.

More efficiently and accurately reviewing eligibility will also save OHCA money. The report showed previous errors in Medicaid eligibility determinations. Although the errors have been addressed, they could have potentially cost OHCA up to $92 million for medical services for recipients who were not eligible.

Correction: This story misstated a projected financial loss for OHCA based on eligibility for Medicaid. The story has been corrected.

The Tulsa World is where your story lives
Thriving digital industry spurs emergence of new professions

Xinhua) 09:03, September 13, 2024

Intelligent connected vehicle tester Zhang Cheng conducts tests in an intelligent connected vehicle at an automobile inspection center in Tianjin, north China, June 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

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.

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.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Three Hays County middle schoolers have been charged in connection with threats against two schools. Ajax9/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Two more Hays County sixth-graders have been charged in connection with social media threats against schools this week, bringing the total to three after another student was charged Thursday.

The Hays Consolidated Independent School District said in a statement Friday that threats were made naming two of its campuses, Simon Middle School in Kyle and McCormick Middle School in Buda.

District officials and law enforcement agencies were informed Wednesday night that several generic and non-specific threats were circulating, as well as one that named Simon Middle School, the district said.

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On Thursday, a female student from Wallace Middle School was detained and charged. The district said Friday that another student, a female sixth-grader who attends Simon Middle School and is a friend of the Wallace Middle school student, was also detained in connection with the threat. Both girls are charged with making a false alarm or report, Hays CISD said.

A third student is accused of making a separate threat against McCormick Middle School, the district said.

The FBI was notified Thursday night by Snapchat, a social media platform, that the company had detected a threat against the school. The Hays County Sheriffs Office was alerted and detained a male sixth-grader who attended the school, Hays CISD said.

While the student did not have the means to carry out his threat, he admitted to law enforcement that he made it, the district said. He said he was aware of the general threats circulating in Hays CISD earlier Thursday, but could not provide a reason why he chose to post a threat of his own, according to investigators.

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The student was charged with making a terroristic threat, the district said.

The sheriffs office said no information was available Friday about whether the students remain in custody.

When children are detained, they can be taken to a juvenile detention center or released to a juvenile probation officer, Hays sheriffs deputy Mark Andrews said.

This is a very active case that is still being investigated, he said, and more students could be charged.

The threats came amid a spate of social media threats against schools around Texas this week. The school district said law enforcement and district officials dont believe Hays CISD were connected to those threats, but they may have been influenced by them.

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On Thursday, a 12-year-old student at Northside ISDs Luna Middle School was arrested after allegedly threatening to shoot up the school and a fellow student, the Bexar County Sheriffs Office said.
The United States and Vietnam commemorate the first anniversary of establishing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the launch of a fund focused on workforce development and public policy in the semiconductor industry.

On Wednesday, the U.S. International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund was officially launched in Hanoi.

The event was organized by the National Innovation Center (NIC) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, and Arizona State University (ASU).

The ceremony also included the participation of several educational institutions that are testing new training programs that meet international standards for semiconductor packaging and testing.

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper believes that Vietnam and the U.S. will effectively collaborate in the coming years, making breakthroughs in the semiconductor industry.

This initiative is considered a major step forward for Vietnam in enhancing its position in the semiconductor industry while simultaneously developing its workforce and public policy.

At the event, Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Che Dung affirmed that in the long term, Vietnam could strengthen its international standing in the semiconductor supply chain and make semiconductors a cornerstone of the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and the United States.

The Vietnamese government and the Ministry of Planning and Investment are committed to supporting and facilitating the investment, business, and innovation activities of U.S. technology companies in Vietnam.

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper underlined the significance of the initiative, stating that his country was proud to work with Vietnam toward sustainable development through high-quality workforce training.

The diplomat remarked that Vietnam and the U.S. could shape the semiconductor industry for many years to come.

Vietnam is anticipated to emerge as one of the leading nations making significant breakthroughs in the semiconductor industry in the coming years.

These efforts align with Vietnams long-term goals of positioning itself as a leader in technology and innovation.

By nurturing talent and improving the cooperative policy framework, Vietnam aims to attract more key partners and contribute to the development of the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Vietnam is one of eight strategic countries selected for this initiative, alongside Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya, and India.

The U.S. Department of State has awarded Arizona State University $13.8 million to promote talent development and provide public policy recommendations in these countries.
Truong Chinh High School in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City has prohibited students from using smartphones on campus, except for the front yard and when they are in classrooms where teachers require phone use for academic purposes.

Trinh Duy Trong, principal of the school, explained that it does not ban its students from bringing smartphones to the school but they are not allowed to use the phones on campus, including during break time.

The school has two yards: a front yard and an inner yard. Students can use their phones in the front yard.

They can also use smartphones in classes where their teachers require the use of the phones for academic purposes, Trong added.

The school called on students to engage more with their peers and participate in physical activities, fostering social interaction and personal development.

Since the rule was implemented, students no longer gather around their phones during breaks," he said.

"The schoolyards are livelier, with many students now playing sports.

\Meanwhile, Ngo Thoi Nhiem Elementary, Middle, and High School, also located in Ho Chi Minh City, permits students to use smartphones, but with restrictions in place to ensure responsible usage.

An absolute ban would cause frustration among students," said principal Tuong Nguyen Su.

"In the digital transformation context, many classes require students to use mobile phones to learn in groups and record videos.

Therefore, the school allows them to bring their smartphones to campus but they have to hand over their devices to security guards or head teachers.

Su added that each classroom is equipped with a cabinet where students can store their smartphones.

During lessons that require smartphones for studies, teachers distribute the devices to students at the start of class and collect them once the session ends, he explained.

For day-boarders, they are required to give their smartphones to their head teachers when they arrive at school and get them back after school time to contact their parents or book ride-hailing services.

Meanwhile, boarders have to surrender their smartphones to their head teachers at the beginning of the week and receive them back before leaving the school for their homes.

The schools policy is flexible, allowing students to request their phones if they need to contact their parents.

Most parents support the regulation, which has been in place for several years, the principal noted.

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DAKAR -- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is able to raise $600 million to fight a surging mpox outbreak on the continent, the agency's head said on Thursday.

The World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency in mid-August, after a new strain began spreading from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighbouring countries.

"If you want to know if I'm positive that we can raise the $600 million, I will safely say yes," Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, told reporters.

In August, the agency put the estimated cost of the mpox response at $245 million and said that it had secured only about $20 million. Kaseya did not say why the cost, which excludes the cost of vaccines, had increased.

Kaseya said funding could come from African Union countries, development partners, philanthropies and the private sector.

He said that international vaccine alliance GAVI had pledged assistance and Africa CDC was in discussions with The Pandemic Fund, a multilateral organisation that funds pandemic response.

Kaseya said that a transfer of technology to the continent would reduce the price of vaccines by 80-90 percent.

Africa CDC said last month that talks had started with Danish biotech firm Bavarian Nordic to manufacture its mpox vaccine in Africa, which Kaseya said would help make the vaccine affordable for African countries.

Kaseya will announce the amount raised at the U.N. General Assembly in New York this month.

Africa has seen over 26,000 suspected mpox cases including 724 deaths so far this year, Africa CDC data showed.

In Democratic Republic of Congo, children under 15 years account for about 60 percent of suspected cases and 80 percent of deaths this year, UNICEF said in a statement on Thursday.
With the beating of drums and pipes filled with medicinal herbs, the Tupinamba people of Brazil are counting down the final hours of a 335-year wait for the official return of a sacred cloak taken in colonial times.

The highly symbolic artifact, held at the National Museum of Denmark since 1689, will be presented in Rio de Janeiro in a ceremony to be attended by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday.

The return of the ceremonial cloak is part of diplomatic efforts by Brazil's government to recover other Indigenous objects from museums in France, Japan, and elsewhere.

Measuring just under 1.8 meters (6 feet) high and featuring red feathers of the scarlet ibis bird, the cloak arrived back in Rio in early July, where it is being stored at the national museum.

"I felt sadness and joy. A mixture between being born and dying," said Yakuy Tupinamba, who viewed the artifact after travelling more than 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) by bus from the eastern Olivenca municipality.

The 64-year-old, wearing a feather headdress, is among roughly 200 Tupinambas camped in grounds near the museum, where they held a traditional vigil with maracas-filled music.

Yakuy said Europeans "put (the cloak) in a museum, as if it were a zoo, for art scholars to observe... (But) only our people communicate and engage with such a symbol."

'Stop to the devastation'

It is not known how the cloak left Brazil, though experts believe it was first made in the mid-16th century, when the country was under Portuguese colonization.

Its return is part of a push by President Lula's leftist government to better support Brazil's Indigenous people, who are also demanding territorial demarcation.

The mantle "is our father and our mother. Our ancestors say that when they (the Europeans) took it away, our village was left without a north," Sussu Arana Morubyxada Tupinamba, one of those camping near the museum, told AFP.

"Now we have a direction again: the demarcation of our territory by the Brazilian state," added the Indigenous chief.

The Tupinambas have demanded the government recognize the boundaries of more than 47,000 hectares (116,000 acres) where around 8,000 families live, making their living from fishing and farming.

They say the mineral-rich territory is being devastated by large agriculture and mining businesses.

Despite being a government promise, only a handful of territories have been recognized since Lula began his third term in January 2023.

"The return of the mantle means -- not only for the Tupinamba people but also for the Brazilian people -- a stop to the devastation of the Amazon, of the forests, of the mangroves," said Cacique Arana.

Thursday's ceremony in Rio will likely take place under a cloud of smoke from wildfires that are impacting several parts of Brazil, as it faces a devastating drought.

Thousands of fires have been unleashed, including in the Amazon -- a phenomenon that scientists say is linked to climate change.
Chinas new ambassador to Vietnam He Wei presented a copy of his credentials to the Directorate of State Protocol under the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, one day after his arrival in Hanoi.

Deputy head of the Directorate of State Protocol Vu Hoang Yen welcomed Ambassador He as the 19th envoy of China to Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1950.

The new ambassador has replaced his predecessor Xiong Bo, who ended his term and returned to China on August 30.

Upon receiving the letter of credence from Ambassador He, Yen congratulated him on his appointment and expressed her hope that he would enhance his role to further promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Yen reiterated that China is a top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification.

The Vietnamese foreign ministry, the Directorate of State Protocol, as well as relevant units are ready to facilitate the new ambassadors duties during his term of office in Vietnam, Yen stated.

Ambassador He shared his pleasure at the important and historic developments in the relationship between the two Parties and the two nations over the past many years.

The all-round cooperation between the two countries has been incessantly consolidated and developed positively, while their reliable political-diplomatic relations have been promoted consistently through maintaining delegation exchanges at all levels, channels, and mechanisms.

The diplomat hoped that during his tenure in Vietnam, he would continue to receive support from the Vietnamese foreign ministry and its units to further deepen the relationship between the two nations.

The new envoy, 54, is a professional diplomat who once worked at the Chinese embassies in the Philippines and India before being appointed as consul general in Toronto, Canada in 2017.

In his first message upon arriving in Vietnam, Ambassador He affirmed that he and his colleagues at the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi are ready to collaborate with people from all sectors to follow the strategic directives of both nations' top leaders, with a focus on building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future of strategic significance.

He also expressed hope that during his tenure, he will contribute to enhancing mutual strategic trust, deepening political exchanges, expanding practical cooperation, strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties, and elevating China-Vietnam relations to new heights.

Vietnam and China established their diplomatic ties in January 1950, and formed their comprehensive strategic partnership in May 2008.

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The governments of Australia and the U.S. will offer US$3 million in immediate humanitarian aid to support Vietnams efforts to cope with the destruction of typhoon Yagi.

Australia will provide Vietnam with A$3 million ($2 million) in humanitarian relief, emergency supplies, and other essential services in response to the devastating typhoon, according to a press release from its Minister for Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

The Australian government acknowledges that typhoon Yagi is the most powerful storm to have hit Vietnam in over three decades.

Ongoing heavy rainfall in the mountainous region has led to severe flooding and landslides causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

More than 150 deaths have been reported and over 9,500 houses and 550 health facilities damaged.

Around 19 million people live in the affected provinces.

Two million school children are at risk of disruption to learning.

Therefore, the Australian government will provide Vietnam with assistance, including services delivered through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership in collaboration with local organizations that support the most affected and vulnerable communities.

It delivered emergency relief supplies on a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster on Wednesday night.

The supplies include 264 hygiene kits, 120 kitchen sets, 600 blankets, 264 home repair kits, 600 sleeping mats, 522 tarpaulins, and 360 mosquito nets.

Emergency relief supplies from Australia arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, September 11, 2024. Photo: Australian Embassy in Vietnam

Australia emphasized that its contribution complements the efforts of the Vietnamese government and will be guided by local needs and priorities.

Additionally, the support will focus on rapid response and early recovery for the most vulnerable, including women, children and people with disabilities, and communities in isolated rural and remote regions.

Andrew Goledzinowski, Ambassador of Australia to Vietnam, affirmed that Australia will assist Vietnam in every way possible.

We are pleased weve been able to quickly mobilize support to the most impacted areas," the diplomat added.

"Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones or have missing members."

After receiving the Australian aid, the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, handed it over to authorities of Yen Bai Province, northern Vietnam for distribution to residents impacted by the storm.

Vu Thi Hien Hanh, vice-chairwoman of the Peoples Committee in Yen Bai, expressed her deep gratitude for Australias timely support while attending the handover ceremony at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi the same night.

Emergency relief supplies from Australia are loaded onto trucks at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi for transport to Yen Bai Province in northern Vietnam, September 11, 2024. Photo: Tung Dinh / Tuoi Tre

In related news, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper announced on Wednesday evening that the U.S. Mission to Vietnam, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide $1 million in immediate humanitarian aid to support Vietnams efforts to respond to the devastating impacts of typhoon Yagi.

With more heavy rain forecast in the coming days, USAIDs disaster experts continue to monitor humanitarian needs in close coordination with local emergency authorities and partners on the ground.

USAID humanitarian experts on the ground are participating in ongoing assessments to ensure U.S. assistance rapidly reaches populations in need.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to all families who have lost loved ones and to those severely affected by the typhoon. The U.S. remains a committed partner to Vietnam, standing by your side in responding to and recovering from this unprecedented natural disaster," said Ambassador Knapper.

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development received pledges of emergency assistance for typhoon-hit victims from a number of international organizations.

Among them, the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management will provide Vietnam with a substantial aid package from Friday to Saturday.

The consignment will include 2,002 family kits, 1,008 home repair kits, 1,015 kitchen kits, and 3,031 personal hygiene kits.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency is set to send 40 portable water filters and 200 multi-purpose plastic tarps to the Noi Bai airport between September 16 and 17.

Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Vietnam's northeastern coast on Saturday last week, devastating a swathe of industrial and residential areas and bringing heavy rain that caused floods and landslides.

As of 11:00 am on Wednesday, 155 people were killed and 141 others remained unaccounted for due to flash floods, landslides, and a bridge collapse in the wake of the typhoon, according to statistics from the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority.

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What you need to know in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- New Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei arrived in Hanoi on Wednesday. He is the 19th envoy since Vietnam and China established diplomatic relations in 1950.

-- Nguyen Van Nen, Politburo member and Ho Chi Minh City Party secretary, met with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, in on Thursday, welcoming him to the city and praised Laos' recent achievements in political stability, economic growth, national defense, and international relations.

Society

-- Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani Group, India's largest conglomerate specializing in infrastructure and energy, has announced a contribution of US$1 million to support Vietnam in recovering from the aftermath of typhoon Yagi, locally known as storm No. 3.

-- The Australian government will provide Vietnam with A$3 million ($2,017,500) for humanitarian relief, emergency supplies, and other essential services in response to the devastating typhoon Yagi, which made landfall in the Southeast Asian country last weekend, according to a media release posted on the website of Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.

-- Switzerland is offering assistance to Vietnam in the wake of typhoon Yagi, with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation deploying six specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit to Vietnam, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Thursday. The SDC has also made available one million Swiss francs ($1,176,869) to assist the affected population.

-- The Insurance Supervisory Authority under Vietnam's Ministry of Finance has said that as of Thursday, insurance companies had received reports of over 9,000 cases of property and motor vehicle damage, along with 14 fatalities and 18 health insurance claims in the wake of super storm Yagi. The total compensation for human and property losses is estimated at around VND7 trillion ($284,726,400).

Business

-- The Vietnam State Treasury has announced that it will buy $100 million, settling it on Monday next week. The treasury had bought $250 million on two occasions from commercial banks.

Education

--Truong Chinh High School in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City has prohibited students from using smartphones on campus.

World News

-- "Microsoft-backed OpenAI said on Thursday it was launching its 'Strawberry' series of AI models designed to spend more time processing answers to queries in order to solve hard problems," Reuters reported.

-- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is able to raise $600 million to fight a surging mpox outbreak on the continent, Reuters cited the agency's head as saying on Thursday.

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Coffee and tea chain Katinat apologized on Thursday to customers on its official Facebook page for what many netizens deemed a misguided plan to donate VND1,000 (US$0.04) per drink sold in order to help those affected by typhoon Yagi in northern Vietnam.

Katinat would like to extend our sincere apologies to customers for communications that have led to misunderstandings and controversies relating to our activities to support people hit by the typhoon, the chain said in a post yesterday.

It also announced that it had contributed VND1 billion ($40,981) to help Yagi victims through the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front.

The fund, it said, did not come from the controversial campaign.

Originally, Katinat had planned to donate VND1,000 per drink sold from September 12 to 30 and to publicize the final amount collected on October 1.

The campaign then caused a backlash on social media, with many netizens criticizing the chain for abusing the disaster to boost sales.

Some others said VND1,000 (US$0.04) per drink vended was a paltry sum compared to the prices of Katinat's drinks.

Meanwhile, many netizens hailed Katinat's campaign as the chain could have sold tens of thousands of drinks per day, so its donation would have been tremendous.

Katinat, established in 2016, has a charter capital of VND38 billion ($1.6 million), according to Giao Thong (Transport) newspaper.

The chain currently has over 70 coffee and tea shops, according to its website.

It generated nearly VND470 billion ($19.2 million) in turnover last year, The Leader reported.

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Police in Ho Chi Minh City recently requested the municipal Peoples Procuracy to prosecute a Vietnamese-Canadian man for allegedly operating a transnational drug ring in Cambodia and Vietnam.

The request named 40-year-old Vietnamese-Canadian Chu Ba Chung, who went by the name Long, and five accomplices: Truong Ngoc Mai, 27, Do Thi Minh Tam, 39, Tran Kim Loan, 52, Mai Thi Ngan, 30, and Nguyen Vu Khai Hoang, 29.

Mai, Tam, and Loan are Ho Chi Minh City residents while Ngan resides in the southern province of Bac Lieu and Hoang lives in south-central Vietnams Binh Dinh Province.

Hoangs charge includes illegal drug transport while the request for indictment of the other four involves the sale of narcotics.

The request was made following the completion of a second probe into the drug ring carried out by city police.

The first probe was carried out in 2022.

Mai was first taken into police custody in September 2022, when police officers caught her carrying 11.9 kilograms of methamphetamine on her motorcycle during a traffic stop in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.

Mai confessed that Chung had hired her to deliver the drugs to buyers.

Police then searched Mais two houses in the city where they confiscated nearly 84 kilograms of heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine, and ecstasy from the woman.

Narcotics seized by police in Ho Chi Minh City from a transnational drug trafficking ring that transported drugs from Cambodia to Vietnam. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City police department

Based on Mais statements to police, officers arrested Chung and accomplices Tam, Loan, and Ngan.

Further investigation found that in 2019, a man named Trai had hired Chung to store and deliver drugs sourced from Cambodia. In return, Trai paid Chung approximately US$200 per week.

Chung hired Mai in early 2020 to help collect the narcotics from Trai. By that point, the operation had grown quite large and Chung was able to pay Mai VND10 million ($408) per week.

According to statements given by the suspects, Mai had been collecting anywhere from five to 30 kilograms of narcotics each month.

Hoang was arrested in September 2022, when he was caught delivering 29.9 kilograms of methamphetamine and 10.4 kg of MDMA to Mai after receiving the drugs in Kon Tum Province, which borders Cambodia, from a man named Thach.

Hoang confessed that Thach had employed him to transport the drugs by car to Ho Chi Minh City for VND100 million ($4,080), which was deducted from the debt Hoang owed Thach.

Police have so far confiscated over 100 kilograms of narcotics sourced from Cambodia and transported to Vietnam by road.

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Switzerland has stepped in to provide Vietnam with assistance in responding to the devastating typhoon Yagi by sending six humanitarian experts and relief supplies to this Southeast Asian nation, according to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs' press release on Thursday.

The European country is also committing one million Swiss francs (US$1.17 million) to help typhoon-stricken communities in Vietnam.

Typhoon Yagi has caused widespread devastation across several Southeast Asian countries, with its powerful winds and torrential rainfall battering the Philippines, China, and Vietnam.

In Vietnam, the extreme weather inundated many localities and triggered major landslides, with mountainous regions especially hard hit.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday dispatched a team of six experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit to Vietnam.

The team, comprising specialists in water and sanitation, emergency shelter, and disaster risk reduction, will assist local authorities in assessing needs and formulating short- and medium-term responses.

The SDC is also arranging to send relief supplies, including 300 family tents and two water distribution systems capable of serving 10,000 people.

In the immediate term, the SDC is coordinating with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to deliver essential goods funded by Switzerland to the affected areas.

The SDC has earmarked one million Swiss francs for supporting the impacted populations.

It is also one of the largest contributors to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which has likewise released funds to support relief operations.

Vietnam is a priority country for the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, which is currently exploring the reallocation of some of its activities to address the needs arising from the disaster.

The evacuations and other preventive measures implemented by the authorities have helped to minimize the number of victims.

Nevertheless, thousands of people have been displaced, and several hundred people are reported dead or missing.

Vietnam has not experienced a natural catastrophe of this magnitude in over three decades.

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San Antonio police have identified Adiah Damir Roberson as the suspect who shot and killed Daniel Shrewsbury at the Sonic Drive-In on July 7. San Antonio Police Department

The San Antonio teen girl accused in the shooting death of a local Sonic manager has been added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List.

The Texas Department of Public Safety announced that it added Adiah Namir Roberson, 17, to the list on Thursday afternoon. Shes accused of fatally shooting Daniel Shrewsbury in July. Law enforcement officials said they believe she may be in the Austin area.

COURTS & CRIME Teen accused in shooting death of Sonic manager could be in Austin, SAPD says

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Texas Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to her arrest. Crime Stoppers of San Antonio is also offering a reward of up to $5,000. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

On July 7, Roberson, Joshua Joseph, 27, and another woman stopped at a Sonic Drive-In in the 5500 block of Babcock Road to order food. The manager, Shrewsbury, denied their transaction because they were attempting to pay with counterfeit money, according to police.

A heated dispute ensued between Roberson and Shrewsbury inside the restaurants kitchen. Police said Roberson then allegedly stole money from the tip jar and ran back to the vehicle.

Joshua Albert Joseph was arrested in August. He faces a murder charge in connection to Shrewsburys death.

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As Shrewsbury tried to get a picture of the vehicles license plate, Joseph told him that he was going to get shot. Shortly after, Roberson exited the vehicle and opened fire on the 33-year-old.

The three individuals drove away from the Sonic Drive-In parking lot while Shrewsbury returned to the inside of the restaurant where he collapsed.
On a summer afternoon in Ho Chi Minh City, the enticing aroma of Malaysias national dish fills the air as chef Eden Daus prepares the special serving of nasi lemak for your correspondent at his restaurant Lesung.

The dish elegantly arrives on a metal plate lined with banana leaves, featuring white rice, dried anchovies, roasted peanuts, fried chicken, cucumber slices, and a bowl of spicy sambal chili sauce.

Chef Daus explains the dish's history saying, "The toppings for authentic nasi lemak are eggs, cucumber, nuts, anchovies, and sambal, but here I put in some fried chicken as well. Traditionally, it's served without the chicken, but nowadays in Malaysia, if you go anywhere, there's always the option of chicken or even prawn. Some even add beef rendang [spicy beef stew].

I have cooked the rice with coconut milk."

'Nasi lemak' is served at authentic Malaysian restaurant Lesung in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

The 27-year-old chef then sat down to share his story, including the opening of the Lesung Authentic Malaysian Cuisine Restaurant, which he launched with friends in March this year.

Daus first arrived in Vietnam in 2016, returning three years later to visit his friend Tommy Tran, a Vietnamese chef, and most recently came back in 2022 for work.

Previously, he was running a private dining business in Malaysia before Tran invited him to work in Vietnam.

After a year and a half in Ho Chi Minh City, he felt at a crossroads whether to return to Malaysia or continue his stay.

At that time, I had already fallen in love with this country because of its people, culture, and cuisine, Daus said.

He added while in Vietnam, he saw many opportunities and rapid development, and people were pushing each other forward.

He liked to be in such a competitive environment, Daus recalled.

"In just a few years, Ive witnessed immense changes. I saw the drastic change of the buildings and everything, even the road structure, Daus said, recognizing it is a huge difference over a short time.

Driven to stay in such vibrant vibes, Daus got the idea for Lesung from another friend who suggested he open a Malaysian restaurant in the city.

It took the chef around six months to work on the idea, bringing Lesung to life earlier this year.

The restaurateur is deeply committed to bringing authentic Malaysian flavors to his customers.

Lesung is located at 72/1 Tran Quoc Toan Street in District 3, and diners can enjoy famous Malaysian dishes such as roti jala with chicken curry, prawn otak-otak, beef ribs rendang, sambal eggplant, to name a few.

Ingredients like petai, asam keping, and belacan are sourced from Malaysia to ensure the original taste shines through.

Daus emphasizes that he does not alter the dishes to suit local tastes but strives to maintain traditional flavors, preparing the food the way his grandmother or mother taught him to.

In the kitchen of Lesung, chef Daus uses a 150-year-old traditional stone mortar and pestle handed down from his grandmother, perfectly reflecting the restaurant's name, which is derived from the Malay word for 'mortar and pestle.'

Malaysian chef Eden Daus poses for a photo with a 150-year-old traditional stone mortar and pestle passed down from his grandmother at his authentic Malaysian restaurant Lesung in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

"The act of using a mortar and pestle by our ancestors shows how much love and care they put into preparing meals, through the time and effort it takes," Daus explained.

"And then you gather as a family to eat. For me, it symbolizes what Lesung is all about.

I also really take time to cook my dishes. When people come here, I want them to feel like they are at home or visiting their grandparents.

Daus views his restaurant as a way to thank Vietnam for its warm welcome and hospitality by sharing something of his own with the local community.

Currently, his clientele includes Singaporeans, Malaysians, and other expatriates living in Vietnam.

Vietnamese customers make up about 20 percent and the chef aims to increase this number to 50 percent.

The reason why I opened this restaurant is to share my cuisine with the local Vietnamese people, which is why I'm trying to focus more on pulling the local Vietnamese crowd and letting them know what the authentic Malaysian cuisine is, he said.

Chef Daus believes if you cook good food, anybody can relate. If you cook with your heart, anybody can relate no matter what the cuisine is.

The Malaysian is also confident that his diverse culinary offerings can cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.

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More detail on Blueys commission at ABC was revealed at Australian Content in the Streaming Era Symposium this week.

Mary-Ellen Mullane Acting Head of Childrens and Family Content recalled how ABC was instrumental in the projects life, but only with the minimum input required.

That was a tiny little project that was pitched into the ABC. At the time it was a very unknown team, she explained. The person who was in the commissioning job at the time said, Why dont we give it a licence fee only? which is just the smallest amount of money you can put into a project.

Because, we wanted to help the filmmakers, but you know, we (didnt) see its huge potential that it turned out to be. So there you go. This is a risky business.

So that project got going. It was actually kind of a quiet little project, and it got picked up by the BBC commercial arm, called BBC Studios. They picked it up as the distributor, and they sold it to Disney internationally. So everywhere else in the world, Disneys got the footprint.

Ludio Studios producer Daley Pearson previously told TV Tonight, At that time, there was a real hero with ABC called Michael Carrington. He was running Kids at the time and gave us the licence fee, to then unlock Screen Australia finance, which hadnt been done for a long time in Kids.
Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net

Dekho nigaahein naaz se Delhi ke nazaare, ye tehzeeb ki jannath Jamuna ke kinare, recited Mirza Sikander Beg Changezi, quoting the poetry by his father, Naseem Mirza Changezi.

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Nestled in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, the Urdu Bazaar was once the beating heart of the citys intellectual and cultural life. Established during the Mughal era, this bustling marketplace was more than just a collection of shops; it was a vibrant hub where scholars, poets, and lovers of the Urdu language gathered to share ideas, purchase books and immerse themselves in the rich literary traditions.

Urdu Bazaar grew in prominence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly under the British Raj. It became synonymous with the flourishing of Urdu literature and culture, with its shops housing rare manuscripts, poetry collections and educational texts. The market attracted luminaries like Abdul Kalam Azad, who frequented the bazaar for inspiration and joined the Mushairas. It was a place where intellectual discourse thrived, and where the Urdu language was celebrated and preserved.

This full road near Gate No. 1 of Jama Masjid was full of Urdu bookstores, reminisces Shahid Ur Rehman, 70, the fourth-generation owner of Kutub Khana Rahimiya, a shop that has been in his family since 1905.

In recent decades, however, the Urdu Bazaar has experienced a steady decline, with only 8-10 shops remaining. The reasons are manifold, from diminishing patronage of Urdu literature to the rise of technology. The growing dominance of Hindi and English in Delhi led to a reduced demand for Urdu publications.

Urdu Bazaar was a hub of scholars and intellectuals, reflects Arshad Ali Fehmi, 59, owner of Din Dunia Publishing House, one of the oldest Urdu publishers in the area, whose family has been here since 1921.

The advent of digital media and e-books further eroded the markets appeal. Where once the bazaar bustled with customers, today, many of the shops have shuttered, replaced by eateries. The few remaining bookshops struggle to survive, their shelves collecting dust as foot traffic dwindles.

The Urdu Bazaar was once alive with Mushairas held right on the streets, but now its just a khana bazaar. The Urdu readership is diminishing; everyone wants to read English now, and digitalization has changed the landscape a lot, says Rehman.

The partition of India in 1947 saw a large-scale migration of Urdu-speaking Muslims to Pakistan, significantly impacting the markets customer base. Urdu Bazaar bore the wrath of Partition; it killed Urdu Bazaar, recalls Mirza Sikander Beg Changezi, 72, a descendant of the Changezi family whose ancestors witnessed the bazaars transformation over the years.

A Language in Peril: The Broader Implications

The decline of the Urdu Bazaar is emblematic of the larger decline of the Urdu language in India. Once the lingua franca of northern India, Urdu now struggles for survival amid the dominance of Hindi and English. The language, which played a crucial role in the cultural and political life of the region, is increasingly marginalized in schools, media, and public life.

In this constituency, there used to be around 23 schools, 13 of which were Urdu schools. But now, even in those schools, Hindi or English is taught instead of Urdu, says Fehmi.

Earlier, booksellers used to sell manuscripts, then slowly moved to books. Urdu Bazaar used to sell one-of-a-kind books. Calligraphers also lost their livelihood. The Urdu Bazaar was a place where all the intellectuals used to sit. But now, this business is not profitable, and thats why people are leaving it. People are now thinking of opening restaurants here, adds Changezi.

For many, the decline of Urdu is not just a linguistic issue but also a cultural one. The language is deeply intertwined with the history, art, and identity of a significant section of Indias population. Its diminishing presence is seen by some as a loss of cultural heritage, a fading of the syncretic traditions that once defined the Indian subcontinent.

Ninety-percent of the Urdu Bazaar is dead. People used to come from faraway places. I used to sell thousands of books; now, I barely sell 20. This place is facing decay; education is being completely finished from here, especially the Urdu language. Why cant educational walks take place here? Why only food walks? Fehmi adds, with a note of despair. After a decade, the Urdu Bazaar will be finished. My son will not continue this magazine; it will die with me.

The Few Who Remain

Despite the challenges, a handful of shopkeepers and publishers remain steadfast in their dedication to preserving the Urdu language and literature. These individuals, often elderly, have spent decades curating collections of rare books. They see their work as a labor of love, a way to keep the flame of Urdu literature alive in a world that seems increasingly indifferent.

For these custodians, the struggle to keep their shops open is not just a commercial battle but a fight against the erasure of a rich cultural legacy. They even distribute free Urdu books, hoping to ignite a spark of interest in the younger generation.

This business may no longer be profitable, but I continue because Urdu has raised us. Our love for this language will never die  Urdu is our bread and butter, says Fehmi.

The story of the Urdu Bazaar is not just about a market or a language; it is about the struggle to preserve identity in the face of change. The Urdu Bazaar, though diminished, still stands as a testament to the rich history of Delhi and the enduring spirit of its people. Its future, however, hangs in the balance, dependent on the actions of those who value what it represents. As the sun sets over the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, the echoes of a once-thriving market linger, a reminder of a heritage that must not be forgotten.

Rehman is still hopeful and says, But Urdu wont die  no language dies. Our independence slogan, Inquilab zindabad, was an Urdu slogan. How can Urdu die?

All photos by the author
Iqra Fatma, TwoCircles.net

New Delhi: On August 23, the family members of Haji Shahzad Ali, a former vice president of the Congress in Madhya Pradeshs Chhatarpur, awoke to the threatening sound of JCB excavators. Peering out of a window, they saw a group of policemen accompanied by a medical team and three bulldozers. Without any prior notice, one of the bulldozers smashed through the main gate and began demolishing the illegal parts of the 20,000-square-feet luxury mansion.

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Within hours, the exterior of the house was completely demolished. The bulldozers were positioned strategically around the property, ensuring that the mansion was reduced to rubble. Three vehicles parked on the premises were also destroyed in the process. Additionally, Shahzads brother Azad experienced a similar fate with his house being demolished.

The demolition came in the wake of an alleged violent protest that took place at the Chhatarpur Kotwali police station on August 21. The protest was in response to inflammatory remarks made by Maharashtra-based religious leader Ramgiri Maharaj during an event in Nashik. Shahzad is accused of leading the protest, which demanded the registration of a first information report (FIR) against the priest for his offensive remarks.

According to locals, the polices refusal to file an FIR before conducting an investigation led to a heated confrontation. This confrontation reportedly escalated into sudden stone-pelting, which intensified the situation further. Eye witnesses claimed that anti-social elements from nearby neighborhoods or other areas incited the violence, resulting in injuries to four policemen.

An FIR (No. 409/2024) was subsequently filed under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against 46 named and 150 unidentified individuals. Following this, a large-scale crackdown was launched, leading to the arrest of around 30 people, including Shahzad and his brother. Shahzad was handcuffed during his arrest, and locals alleged that the accused were paraded from Kotwali to Chowk Bazar, a distance of approximately 2 kilometers, before being rushed to jail instead of being taken directly to court.

The authorities have yet to clarify the legal basis for these actions. Initially, the administration justified the demolition by claiming the house was built on government land. Later, they argued that the house was too close to a water body and that the land belonged to Shahzad Ali but the houses map was not approved.

Even if the structure was deemed illegal, proper notice and time for legal remedies should have been provided before such punitive actions were taken, as stipulated by the Supreme Court in Ajay Maken v. Union of India (2019) and Sudama Singh vs. Government of Delhi (2010). These rulings emphasise that eviction without adequate notice or adherence to due process is considered illegal.

Over the past two years, many evictions have failed to follow due process, including instances where demolitions occurred in adverse weather conditions or during school examinations, often involving excessive force.

The Chhatarpur district collectors social media posts shared video clips of the demolition, showing four bulldozers razing the bungalow and the destruction of four cars. The collector defended the action, stating it was taken under the direction of the Chief Minister in response to the stone-pelting incident at the Kotwali police station.

Extrajudicial Demolitions

The Chhatarpur incident is not an isolated case. In April and May 2022, following Ram Navami procession-related violence in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, several demolitions occurred, predominantly affecting Muslim homes. The MP administration alone demolished sixteen homes across five locations in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh.

On April 21, 2022, the Supreme Court extended status quo orders on demolitions in Jahangirpuri and other states. The court stated demolitions cannot occur solely based on accusations, and a house cannot be demolished even if the occupant is convicted.

A bench consisting of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan stated that it will issue pan-India guidelines to address concerns related to the demolition of houses and buildings.

While hearing the plea filed by the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, Justice Gavai remarked, How can a house be demolished just because he is accused? Cant be demolished even if he is convicted. Even after telling SC Bar is  we dont find any change in attitude.

Recent trends indicate a troubling increase in the severity and brutality of demolitions, often accompanied by a large police presence that prevents resistance.

Frontline reports this bulldozer raj has resulted in the demolition of over 150,000 homes and left 738,000 people homeless in just two years. The impact has been especially severe on Muslims and marginalized groups, who have borne the brunt of these aggressive demolitions as massive yellow machines have systematically torn through their homes and communities.

The Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN) projects that local, state and central authorities demolished 153,820 homes during 2022 and 2023. This widespread destruction led to the forced displacement of over 738,438 people in both rural and urban regions nationwide.

Historical rulings have affirmed the right to housing as part of the fundamental right to life, requiring state authorities to provide adequate notice and rehabilitation before eviction.

In 2023 alone, court orders and tribunal rulings led to at least 13 instances of eviction, displacing over 259,845 individuals nationwide. Notably, half of those evicted lost their homes due to court-ordered enforcement.

An Amnesty International report from February highlighted that Muslims were disproportionately targeted in demolitions, with 128 demolitions affecting 617 people. The report criticized these actions as cruel and appalling, noting that demolitions were often politically motivated and disproportionately affected Muslim communities.

The demolitions have often been initiated at the highest levels of government, with various officials either directly or indirectly endorsing the use of bulldozers against Muslims. These punitive demolitions have been aggressively employed as a form of extrajudicial punishment across multiple states. Notably, Uttar Pradeshs Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, has been labeled Bulldozer Baba by the media.

During a rally in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, as part of his campaign for the recent Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had remarked, If the SP (Samajwadi Party) and the Congress come to power, Ram Lalla will be in a tent again and they will run a bulldozer on the Ram temple. They should take tuition from Yogiji, where to run a bulldozer and where you shouldnt.

This statement underscores the political rhetoric surrounding these actions.

According to the HLRN, Muslims have been the most affected group in 44% of these instances, with Scheduled Tribes, Adivasi communities, and Other Backward Classes also significantly impacted.

The increasing severity of demolitions, marked by excessive force and inadequate legal procedures, underscores a disturbing trend in housing rights violations across the country.
Co-founder Rachel Delacour decided to pour all her energy into building carbon management software.

Rachel Delacour is founder of climate tech firm Sweep, which works with brands including LOreal (LOR.F) and Lacoste to help them streamline their carbon and ESG data. She sold her first company, BIME Analytics, to Zendesk for $45m in 2015.

David Thibault, who was director of cost control for all the Carrefour (CA.PA) hypermarkets, was an inspiring first boss in the way he kept pushing the limit of my expertise in finance.

I was a cost controller at the French multinational retailer and what I loved most working for him was the ability to understand that you cant go far if you dont have the right team.

He always said that to be successful in the task I am giving you, you need the soft skills to convince the other departments. He told me that I didnt have the right to come back saying that I couldn't perform because of other departments. It was my job to convince and there was no excuse.

Read More: 'Leading a company is like trying to master judo'

It taught me later when I entered the entrepreneurial world that I could go fast alone but I wouldnt be able to go far alone.

Maybe thats why I am not ashamed to say today that I am working in my second tech company and as a CEO I still dont know how to code. Im not an engineer and thats fine with me. I have the right team and its my job to make sure they are all working together.

In my mid twenties, I was inspired by Carrefours internal culture which made me think this way. It was okay to fail by not knowing and it wasnt the crisis which was important, but how we were able to manage it.

Sweep's co-founders have built a sustainability data management platform helping businesses to achieve their climate goals.

I also saw people start in the warehouse and become directors. That loyalty is key to growing the right company. It was an environment which trusted skill sets, that you needed to keep the right people and with iteration you could build the right service for your customers and be consistent over time.

I started with David as an intern before moving to Moscow and then returning to a full-time job at Carrefour. I wanted to follow and come back as I was learning from David every month.

We could see that he was fine with recreating smarter people than himself. He did it for the good of the business.

Read More: How my IBM boss taught me to navigate a complex organisation

It also taught me the power of being tolerant. We are in a big machine and cant control the minds of everyone. Its about managing, convincing and making sure people are working together.

After selling BIME Analytics, I took a year off to spend time with my children. I also attended a course at the International Space University in Strasbourg.

Story continues

I considered training as an astronaut, but realised space does not make sense through its total hostility. We need to fix the earth first and it was one of the reasons for founding Sweep.

Sweep works with top brands to help them streamline their carbon and ESG data. (Umnat Seebuaphan via Getty Images)

I do, however, have a $75,000 ticket for a space balloon flight. The company is still working on the journey to send human travellers and I hope that I will be able to travel.

I believe all politicians should be made to go up into space to force them to see the beauty of Earth, and understand why it's so important for us to take action to protect it.

I was invited to COP28 with France's president Macron and have seen for myself how much power our leaders have to create the regulations and structures to make this happen.

Read More: 'My global mission was to provide mechanical sails for large ships'

Until four years ago I was still flying to San Francisco for two days and I had no clue about my carbon consumption. Its not that I didn't care, more the fact that I didnt know.

I started to ramp up my knowledge as my kids knew more than me and what science was saying. It was my climate moment and I knew I was too old to reinvent.

I knew digital better and asked the companies I worked with what they were doing about climate change. They didnt know where to start but they wanted to act on carbon emissions.

Every five years or so David sends me an encouraging message. It shows what a mentor he was, but also that it was fun working with him. Kindness can go a long way in the workplace and I try to show that today.

Watch: Is it financially worth going to university?

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By Andrew Osborn

(Reuters) -Russia's FSB security service said on Friday it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow after accusing them of spying and sabotage work, signalling the Kremlin's anger at what it sees as London's vital role in helping Ukraine.

Britain described the accusations as "completely baseless", saying it was a tit-for-tat action after the UK expelled the Russian defence attache and removed diplomatic status from several Russian properties in May.

Russia announced the expulsions hours before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, a crucial step towards winning the go-ahead for Kyiv to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia.

The United States is "committed to standing with you to help Ukraine as it defends against Russia's onslaught of aggression," Biden told Starmer.

Neither Biden nor Starmer addressed long-range missiles in brief comments in front of reporters. The White House earlier said no announcement of any new policy on Ukraine was planned.

"I think the next few weeks and months would be crucial, very, very important that we support Ukraine in this vital war of freedom," Starmer said.

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.

The Kremlin said on Friday that Putin had delivered what it described as a clear and unambiguous message to the West which it was sure had been heard.

Washington and London see Iran's delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, announced by Washington this week, as a dramatic escalation and it had sped up talks on Ukraine's long-range missile use, three Western sources said. Russia and Iran have denied any such deliveries.

The FSB, the main successor agency to the Soviet KGB, said it had documents showing that a British foreign office department in London responsible for Eastern Europe and Central Asia was coordinating what it called "the escalation of the political and military situation" and was tasked with ensuring Russia's strategic defeat in its war against Ukraine.

"The facts revealed give grounds to consider the activities of British diplomats sent to Moscow by the directorate as threatening the security of the Russian Federation," the FSB said in a statement.

"On the basis of documents provided by the Federal Security Service of Russia and as a response to the numerous unfriendly steps taken by London, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, in co-operation with the agencies concerned, has terminated the accreditation of six members of the political department of the British Embassy in Moscow in whose actions signs of spying and sabotage were found," it said.

Britain said Russian accusations against its diplomats were baseless.

"The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state directed activity across Europe and in the UK," a British Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

"We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests."

LONG-RANGE MISSILES

Russia's move to expel British diplomats ratcheted up tensions between Moscow and London, hours before Starmer landed in Washington to advance talks on getting the green light from Biden for Kyiv to use Britain's Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of more than 250 km (155 miles), inside Russia.

Sources say the meeting is another step in talks to allow Ukraine to use Western long-range missiles against targets in Russia, something Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been demanding for months.

A Western source said a decision could be made at the United Nations General Assembly which starts on Sept. 24.

White House spokesperson John Kirby downplayed the possibility of a change in U.S. policy.

"There is no change to our view on the provision of long-range strike capabilities for Ukraine to use inside of Russia," White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Friday.

"I would not expect any major announcement in that regard," from discussions between Biden and Starmer Friday, Kirby said.

The New York Times, citing European officials, reported that the United States looks set to approve the use by Ukraine of long-range missiles against targets in Russia on the condition that the weapons were not those provided by the United States.

SURVEILLANCE FOOTAGE

The six UK diplomats were named on Russian state TV, which also showed photographs of them. Surveillance footage of them was also released to Russian media, including covert video surveillance of a British diplomat meeting someone.

"The English did not take our hints about the need to stop this practice (of carrying out intelligence activities inside Russia), so we decided to expel these six to begin with," an FSB employee whose identity was hidden told the Rossiya-24 state TV channel.

The FSB said Russia would ask other British diplomats to go home early if they were found to be engaged in similar activity.

The Izvestia newspaper cited the FSB as saying that the British diplomats had recruited Russian teenagers, organised what it called provocations, and held talks in the British ambassador's Moscow residency with opposition figures.

It accused British diplomats of working with Russian activists to try to create divisions within Russian society around different ethnic groups and migrants and said many of the people involved in coordinating Britain's work on Ukraine based in London and Kyiv were working for the MI6 foreign intelligence service. It did not give details.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the activities of the British embassy in Moscow had gone well beyond the Vienna diplomatic conventions.

"More importantly, it is not just a question of formality and non-compliance with declared activities, but of subversive actions aimed at damaging our people," Zakharova said on Telegram.

(Reporting by Reuters; additional reporting by William James and Elizabeth Piper in London; Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu and Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Leslie AdlerWriting by Andrew OsbornEditing by Philippa Fletcher, Don Durfee and Alistair Bell)
Pedro "Pete" Arredondo was chief of the Uvalde school district police on May 24, 2022, the day a teenage gunman killed 19 fourth-graders and two teachers at Robb Elementary School. Juan Figueroa/TNS Pedro "Pete" Arredondo, right, then chief of the Uvalde school district police, comforts a mourner the day after the Robb Elementary School massacre, in which 19 fourth-graders and two teachers died on May 24, 2022. ALLISON DINNER/AFP via Getty Images Pedro "Pete" Arredondo, shown in a booking photo, was chief of the Uvalde school district police on May 24, 2022, the day a teenage gunman killed 19 fourth-graders and two teachers at Robb Elementary School. Associated Press

Once Pedro Pete Arredondo knew children at Robb Elementary School were in danger, he was legally obligated to mount an urgent intervention to protect them, Uvalde County prosecutors argue in court papers.

Arredondo was chief of the Uvalde school district police force on May 24, 2022, the day a teenage gunman slaughtered 19 fourth-graders and two teachers at the school.

In June, a Uvalde County grand jury indicted Arredondo and a former school police officer on charges of child abandonment or endangerment for failing to take immediate action to stop the shooter. Both defendants are scheduled to appear in state district court in Uvalde on Monday for a hearing. No trial date has been set.

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Earlier this month, Arredondos lawyers asked a judge to toss the indictment, contending it was legally defective and failed to acknowledge the children were put in peril by the shooter, not by anything Arredondo did.

Responding Friday with a court filing of their own, prosecutors asserted that when a child is in imminent danger, the awareness of that situation demands action.

Without question, this defendant did not shoot at or hunt the children in classrooms 111 and 112 at Robb Elementary, they wrote of Arredondo. However, once the defendant became aware, or should have become aware, that the children were in danger of the gunman, Texas law 'demands urgent intervention to remove the child from the danger.'

Instead, Arredondo endangered children through acts and omissions which delayed the response of law enforcement to a gunman who was actively hunting and shooting children, the prosecution filing said.

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RELATED: Arredondo an exile in his hometown

Arredondo was the presumed incident commander on May 24, 2022. He has been widely criticized for failing to direct officers to breach the classrooms and neutralize the attacker, even after he knew there were injured children inside. Instead, Arredondo called for a SWAT team, ordered police to evacuate other classrooms in the building and tried to negotiate with the shooter, an effort that proved fruitless.

Arredondo said later that his aim was to avoid further injuries or loss of life from an exchange of gunfire with the assailant.

But in their court filing, prosecutors argue that with each of those affirmative acts, Arredondo shirked his legal obligation to intervene immediately to stop the killing.

The 15-page filing was signed by Bill Turner, a former Brazos County district attorney who is serving as a special prosecutor in the case for Uvalde County DA Christina Mitchell.

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Judge Sid Harle will decide whether to grant the defense motion to quash the indictment.

The Robb Elementary School shooter, an 18-year-old armed with an AR-15-style rifle he had purchased on the internet, slipped into the school through an unlocked rear door, walked into a pair of interconnected fourth-grade classrooms, and opened fire.

Various official investigations have criticized the police response as deeply flawed. Arredondo failed to establish a command post, and the large crowd of law enforcement officers who assembled at the school  at least 380 from two dozen local, state and federal agencies  lacked direction or a clear purpose.

According to the official inquiries, Arredondo wasted valuable time by searching for keys to the classrooms and calling for protective gear for police officers rather than following the standard protocol for active-shooter incidents, which is to neutralize the attacker as quickly as possible.

The attacker entered Robb Elementary at 11:33 a.m. Seventy-seven minutes passed before a team of Border Patrol agents and sheriffs deputies stormed into the classrooms and killed him.

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In addition to Arredondo, the Uvalde County grand jury indicted then-school police officer Adrian Gonzales. The two were among the first law enforcement officers on the scene.

Both are charged with child abandonment or endangerment, a state jail felony punishable by up to two years behind bars. They are the only law enforcement officers to be charged in connection with the shooting. Both have pleaded not guilty and are free on bail.

The Texas Penal Code defines child abandonment or endangerment as intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence engaging in conduct that places a child younger than 15 in imminent danger of death, injury, or physical or mental impairment.

The indictment charged Arredondo with 10 counts, one for each of 10 named survivors said to have suffered physical or psychological injuries. Gonzales was charged with the same 10 counts and an additional 19, one for each of the children killed.

According to the indictment, Arredondo failed to identify the incident as an active shooter incident, failed to respond as trained  thereby delaying the response by law enforcement officers to an active shooter who was hunting and shooting a child or children  at Robb Elementary School.

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It went on to say Arredondo violated policy by failing to establish a command post, which left police officers, Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement personnel without clear information or direction.

In moving to quash the charges, Arredondos lawyers argued that the indictment does not show he was legally obligated to take actions other than the ones he took that day. The indictment may invoke a moral duty to perform his job well, but it fails to invoke a legal duty, the motion stated.

The defense also argued that under common law, school districts and their employees do not have a legal duty to protect students from the actions of third parties. In its response, the prosecution said that was incorrect and contended that in such cases school district employees enjoy immunity only from civil litigation, not criminal charges.

Arredondo was fired by the school district three months after the massacre. His lead attorney, Paul C. Looney of Houston, said in a recent interview that his client is obviously having difficulty being employable. He said Arredondo was making a meager living selling barbecue from his home in Uvalde.

Its a shame, Looney said. Hes a good man that did his best on that day, but right now hes caught up in a system that is bigger than he is.
Theres a Roger Ebert quote I keep in my back pocket that says, It's not what a movie is about, it's how it is about it. I like to take that out when it comes to movies like Torso, which feel odd to heap praise on top of, but their appeal is so undeniable, its influence so everlasting and the sheer amount of craftsmanship and talent thats gone into making it allows Torso to shine. Not everything needs to be Citizen Kane or Gone with the Wind. Sometimes, you want to turn your brain off, and its no less admirable work for a storyteller to allow you to so fully abandon your inhibitions and give yourself to a movie. It takes skill to so fully sell a suspension of disbelief, because hoo-boy, does Torso require a lot of that.

Let me start at the beginning.

For those uninitiated, giallo films were prototypical slashers that had a bit more plot and pretense in allowing their gruesome Grand Guignol-inspired goings on to run amok. Generally, they were simple stories inspired by Italian pulp novels printed on cheap, yellow paper (Giallo being the Italian word for yellow), that were about a knife-wielding maniac only seen from the shadows. The genres visual trademarks would involve close-ups on gloved hands, graphic stabbings, and strangulations. But there was a story, of sorts, a mysterywed find the killers true identity at the end, in some sort of surprise twist. Some twists were, of course, more surprising than others. Eventually, the pretense of viewers being interested in seeing a story unfold was dropped, as the slasher genre took over, and plots sort of became a loose framework from which to hang suspenseful scenes and focus on the gory aftermath of its setups.

Until then, there were films like Torso, which come close to bridging the gap between the giallo and the slasher. Within two seconds of the films begin, theres full-frontal nudity and a title sequence that balances silly, playful music, nudity and disturbing imagery of a creepy doll whose eyes have been gouged outa visual motif that will be repeated later, again and again, throughout Torsos run time. Sergio Martino is giving audiences exactly what theyre looking for, right off the bat, and never skimps throughout. This is a film which revels in its excesses and thats part of its overall charm. Moreso than so many other films of the genre, Torso is having a blast, and the audience is, too, right along with it.

The plot, such as it is, tells the story of a madman on the prowl, offing young college girls in the Italian city, of Perugia. Along the way, there are various red herrings to throw us off the trail not only of the killers identity but who eventually will be the final girl in this feature. Torso delights in its many subversions of the formula as it does in the exploitative thrills of violence and nudity.

While the entire movie is exciting throughout, Torso builds and builds its way to a truly spectacular finale where our final girl finds herself trapped in a vacation house with the killer, who has no idea shes there. For days, she has to walk on eggshells, unable to leave more than a few steps from her room, as the killer mutilates the bodies of her murdered friends. The final act of the film is excellent filmmaking and, dare I say, if that finale had bookended a more straightforwardly prestigious film itd be studied in film classes a textbook example of a deliberate pacing that leads to an earned payoff of nonstop excitement.

For all the blood spilled and breasts bared, Torso is a surprisingly fun flick that enjoys playing with its audience. Its exciting in how it sets up its various kills but is self-aware enough to understand how silly the entire story is, so its playful in equal measure. Torso is far and away one of the best Giallo films, along with the likes of Dario Argento's Tenebrae and Lucio Fulci's Dont Torture a Duckling.

Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Torso is presented on a single-disc 4K UHD Blu-ray, which contains three different version of the feature film: Italian, English and a hybrid Italian-English version. We were issued a check disc for this review, but the final retail copy case will contain a removable slipcover plus a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Adam Rabalais. The main artwork on the slip and reversible sleeve is identical for Arrows 2018 Blu-ray release. Inside, there is an illustrated booklet, featuring writing on the film by Adrian Smith and Howard Hughes.
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King Faisal hospital performs worlds 1st fully robotic heart transplant

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Saudi Arabias capital Riyadh has successfully performed the worlds first fully robotic heart transplant that too without opening chest

Friday September 13, 2024 7:59 PM , ummid.com News Network

[Ryan with his mother after the successful transplant. (Video grab)]

Riyadh: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Saudi Arabias capital Riyadh has successfully performed the worlds first fully robotic heart transplant that too without opening chest.

The transplant operation carried out on a 16-year-old patient, Ryan,suffering from end-stage heart failure on Thursday, September 12.

The operation that lasted for two and a half-hour was performed by a medical team led by the Head of Cardiac Surgery and Director of the Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at KFSHRC, Dr Feras Khaliel, after weeks of preparation, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The first successful fully robotic heart transplant was performed without the need to open the chest. A small incision of about 6 to 7 cm was made on the side between the ribs for the surgery, Dr Feras Khaliel said.

[Dr Feras Khaliel, Head of Cardiac Surgery and Director of the Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at KFSHRC, who led the operation. (Video grab)]

The doctors devised a surgical approach to access the heart and perform the transplant without opening the chest of the patient, and to ensure the effectiveness of this approach, the team practiced the procedure virtually seven times over three days before carrying out the operation.

The process began with detailed theoretical planning to ensure precision and minimize potential risks.

The successful heart transplant operation represents a significant advancement in the field, moving away from traditional chest-opening procedures that often require lengthy recovery periods.

The success of the worlds first robotic heart transplant marks a transformative leap, not only for our institution but also for Saudi Arabias journey toward global leadership in specialized medicine, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which places innovation at the core of its efforts to improve quality of life, Dr Khaliel said.

#             pic.twitter.com/3g2IV51HWe        (@KFSHRC) September 12, 2024

Alhamdulillah, the surgery was performed successfully, and now my son is with me here fully recovered, patient Ryans mother said.

She said her son, Ryan, had specifically requested that his chest should not be opened and asked for the transplant to be done in any other way possible.

Alhamdulillah, the doctors at King Faisal Hospital made it possible. I am so grateful, she added.

King Faisal hospital had a year before performed the first ever fully robotic liver transplant on a 66-year-old Saudi male who suffered from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

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Watch: Thousands join re-plastering of Great Mosque of Djenne

A powerful display of faith once again mesmerized the world as hundreds of thousands  men, women and children all, joined hands for the restoration and re-plastering of the 13th century Great Mosque of Djenne in Mali

Friday September 13, 2024 4:42 PM , Zohair M Safwan, ummid.com

Timbuktu (Mali): A powerful display of faith once again mesmerized the world as hundreds of thousands  men, women and children all, joined hands for the restoration and re-plastering of the 13th century Great Mosque of Djenne in Mali.

The Great Mosque of Djenne is a brick or adobe building in the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style. The huge mosque is located on the flood plain of the Bani River in the City of Djenne, Mali.

Worlds largest mud-brick building

Originally built around the 13th century, the current structure dates back to 1907.

Believed to be the worlds largest mud-brick building, the Djenne Modque has been on UNESCOs World Heritage in Danger list since 2016. The mosque and surrounding town, a historical centre of Islamic learning and sister city to the more widely known Timbuktu, were added to the list due to ongoing insecurity in the centre of the country where Djenne is located.

At risk but the mosque stands firm thanks to the annual plastering campaigns that have maintained the laterite mud surfaces of the facades and roofing.

The remarkable restoration and plastering of the Great Mosque of Timbuktu is held every year before the start of the rainy season in June and runs for weeks. This year the annual event began in May 2024, and like every year, attracted Muslim worshippers from all sections of the society.

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Traditionally men and boys are responsible for climbing the mosque and putting the new layer of mud on it, while women and girls are responsible for fetching water from the nearby river to mix with clay to make more of the mud needed for the event.

The plastering of the mosque is a symbol of peace. The poor, the rich, everyone is here for this activity. Amadou Ampate Cisse, a Djenne resident taking part in the event, told the Associated Press.

We will continue this tradition from generation to generation. We will pass it on to our children and they in turn will do the same, he added.

According to UNESCO, exceptionally strong rain fell on Djenne in early November 2009. At first the mosque, whose superstructures were drenched, seemed to hold up well. However, on November 05, 2009, the upper part of the South tower of the East facade collapsed, leading several tons of laterite mud to slide onto the East terrace.

Four masons, about to descend the scaffolding, were thrown to the ground, but they received immediate treatment and fortunately had only suffered light injuries. The administrative and traditional authorities arrived quickly and took the necessary precautions to secure the area and inform the local citizens.

Despite the extreme nature of the accident, the works continued in the following weeks with the reconstruction of the South side and then continuation of the works on the East facade, simultaneously with the North and West facades, in addition to work inside the mosque - electricity, ventilation, soundproofing, carpentry and finishing work everything.

Other historic mosques in Timbuktu

An intellectual and spiritual capital in the 15th-16th centuries, as well as the heart of Islamic growth throughout Africa, the City of Timbuktu is also host to Djingareyber Mosque and othe ancient buildings.

The Djingareyber Mosque was one of several madrasas (Arabic educational institution) that made up the University of Timbuktu. Its central minaret is a visible landmark in the urban landscape of the ancient Malian city. Events to restore and re-plaster Djingareyber Mosque is also held annually.

Plastering of the mosque is an annual tradition here in Timbuktu. Its a big festival in the City. Everyone takes part, old and young alike, Alpha Ibrahim, the Imam of the Mosque, told news agency AFP.

Thats what has enabled the mosque to survive to the present day. Its a mosque that dates back to 1325. If you see the mosque now able to resist, its thanks to the work we do every year, he added.

Timbuktu Mission Head, Albouhari ben Assayouti, explained the technique and material used for plastering the ancient mosques.

The paste is made with an ancestral technique mixing plaster and clay. Its sandy soil, the clay soil from the river but there are enhancement that we put in there, he said.

There is also baobab powder, theres often shea butter and sometimes there is also gum Arabic diluted in water, he said.

This gives the clay consistency and makes the minaret water proof, he added.

The annual plastering and restoration events of the ancient and historic sites in Timbuktu and Djenne attract a large number of tourists every year, though the number is on decline due to unrest - first because of the presence of French troops and later due to infighting.

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A ceremony was organised in Ha Noi on September 11 by the National Innovation Center (NIC), in collaboration with the US Department of State, the US Embassy in Vietnam and Arizona State University to announce the establishment of the US International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund in Vietnam. The event also marked the launch of the 'Development of Semiconductor Workforce by 2030' project.

This milestone is seen as a significant step forward for Vietnam, both in strengthening its position in the semiconductor industry and in developing a robust workforce and public policy framework. Speaking at the event, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung emphasised that, over time, Vietnam could consolidate its global standing in the semiconductor supply chain and make semiconductors a key pillar of its cooperation with the US.

The Vietnamese Government and Ministry of Planning and Investment are committed to supporting and facilitating US technology companies investments and innovation efforts in Vietnam.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper highlighted the importance of the initiative: The US is proud to partner with Vietnam in sustainable development programmes through high-quality workforce training. We believe Vietnam and the US can build a thriving semiconductor industry for many years to come.

These cooperative efforts align with Vietnams long-term goals of positioning itself as a leader in technology and innovation. By nurturing talent and improving policy frameworks, Vietnam aims to attract more significant partners and contribute to the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Vietnam is one of eight strategic countries selected for this initiative, along with Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya and India. The US Department of State has awarded Arizona State University US$13.8 million to drive talent development and provide public policy recommendations in these nations.

Established under the U.S. CHIPS Act of 2022, the ITSI Fund is designed to enhance semiconductor capabilities and bolster the resilience of the global semiconductor supply chain.
HCM CITY  Viet Nam has emerged as a key destination for venture capital and private equity investments, driven by its dynamic economic growth and vibrant entrepreneurial sector, financial insiders said at a meeting on Thursday in HCM City.

Speaking at the inaugural event of the Vietnam Private Capital Agency (VPCA), Kobe Ge, Regional Head of China Capital Markets at the New York Stock Exchange, said: Global investors are increasingly drawn to Viet Nam due to its robust economic expansion and favourable demographics.

The Vietnamese government is also committed to supporting innovation through forward-thinking policies, he said.

Le Hoang Uyen Vy, chair of the VPCA, said: Viet Nam 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.

Experts have also noted the need for structured capital deployment, enhanced industry expertise, and effective support mechanisms, which remain critical for sustained growth in the country.

Binh Tran, vice chair of the VPCA, said: While investment opportunities in Viet Nam 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 private capital sector, he added.

$35b private investment target

The VPCA has set an ambitious goal of mobilising US$35 billion in private investment by 2035 as it aims to improve the investment climate by promoting best practices in venture capital and private equity, expediting capital deployment, and nurturing talent.

By uniting investors, industry partners, and entrepreneurs, it seeks to enhance access to high-impact opportunities and advocate for policies that contribute to a more favourable investment climate.

The agency also collaborates with industry leaders to establish a robust entrepreneurial framework, aiming to strengthen the nations venture capital ecosystem and promote entrepreneurship throughout Southeast Asia.

The inaugural event attracted nearly 100 investors from various venture capital and private equity firms worldwide, including representatives from Viet Nam, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong (China), and the US.  VNS
HA NOI  Its time for Viet Nam to raise measures to push back the influx of cheap imported goods which is becoming a critical issue for domestic production.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment reported that China is the largest import market of Viet Nam, with an import value of US$79.2 billion in the first seven months of this year, a rise of 34.9 per cent over the same period last year and accounting for 37.2 per cent of Viet Nams total import value.

The influx of cheap Chinese goods is significantly weighing on domestic production.

A report by HCM City Business Association showed that the number of firms reporting drops in revenue increased by 30.4 per cent in the second quarter of this year, while the inventory volume rose by 34 per cent and total outstanding loans rose by 42 per cent.

The association said that the figures demonstrated problems for the market, showing it was more difficult for enterprises to sell goods than ever before.

The boom of e-commerce in Viet Nam is forecast to see an increase of 45 per cent in revenue this year with cheap Chinese goods being flooding into the Vietnamese market. International stores are more popular on e-commerce platforms.

Goods from China are being sold at lower prices and even have faster delivery times, thanks to a developed logistics system.

According to the Trade Promotion Centre for Agriculture under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), cross-border e-commerce trade is taking place robustly, but it seems to be one way. It is seemingly easy for international traders to sell on e-commerce platforms into Viet Nam, while Vietnamese sellers are still struggling to sell abroad.

What to do?

Professor Le Van Cuong from the Paris School of Economics was quoted by Dien an Doanh Nghiep (Business Forum) newspaper as saying that influx of cheap Chinese goods is a critical issue. The US and the EU are facing similar problems, such as the flooding of cheap Chinese electric vehicles in these markets.

Normally, countries will use taxes and quotas to deal with the influx of cheap imported products, such as anti-dumping duties to support local production and build technical barriers.

In addition, it is necessary to improve the logistics infrastructure system and modernise the supply chains, as well as to raise policies to encourage domestic producers to renovate, invest in research and development and build brands.

Viet Nam needs a long-term strategy that will improve human resource quality, improve production technology and productivity, he said.

For a specific industry, it is necessary for Viet Nam to have policies to climb higher in the value chain, not only simply by lowering prices to compete, he stressed.

According to the MoIT's Domestic Market Department, one solution is to promote domestic consumption for Made-in-Viet Nam products in the remaining months of this year.

The department also said that the legal system also needed to be improved further including new regulations on trade defence to protect domestic production and the local market in line with international commitments.

The efforts of the MoIT will strengthen the enforcement of the Law on Competition to create a fair and healthy business environment for enterprises, together with strengthening the implementation of the domestic trade strategy and programmes.

Nguyen Cao Ngoc Dung from NeilsenIQ said that Vietnamese enterprises need to develop more efficient retail strategies in term of selling points, product quality, pricing and displays to attract buyers and to compete.

Pham Hong Son, an expert on e-commerce and digital transformation, said that Vietnamese enterprises should develop a combination of distribution channels, both online and physical, to optimise competitive advantages and develop brands. They should not be dependent on a single retail channel, he said.

Pham Duy Hung from Amazon Global Selling Vietnam said that attention must be paid to improving product quality, as well as on building brands towards long-term business development.

According to Nguyen Xuan Hung from the Viet Nam Logistics Association, Viet Nam should invest strongly in logistics system, together with focusing on standardising production and operation processes and encouraging enterprises to apply technology to optimise supply chains.

Viet Nam is seeking to impose value added tax (VAT) on goods worth equal to or less than VN1 million ($39) imported via e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada and Tiktok.

The National Assemblys Finance and Budget Committee estimated that between four and five million low-value orders are transported from China to Viet Nam via e-commerce platforms each day, amounting to $1.9 billion per month.  VNS
HA NOI  Many banks have recently rushed to put up real estate collateral for sale to recover bad debts, but they are finding it difficult to sell the assets despite reducing prices.

Agribank has recently announced the sale of two large plots of land in HCM City, which are collateral for loans from MuMuSo Vietnam Import-Export Company, Tinh Tu Import-Export Trading Service Investment Company and Toocha Vietnam Company. The land has an area of 9,500 sq.m with a starting price of VN191.6 billion, news portal cafef.vn reported.

Previously, Agribank also announced the selection of an organisation to auction the bad debt belonging to Wisland Vietnam Company. The companys loan is secured by real estate in a Nang City. Agribank has said that the book value of the company's debt as of July 24 this year was more than VN52.45 billion, of which the principal debt was nearly VN44.92 billion and the interest more than VN7.53 billion.

At the end of August, Agribank also started auctioning off the entire debt belonging to Cuom Viet Company. The collateral for this debt includes 18 pieces of real estate in the northern province of Vinh Phuc. The value of the debt as of July 31 this year was nearly VN123.38 billion. The bank set the starting auction price for the debt at VN111 billion.

IVB Bank has recently also put up for sale a debt secured by part of an apartment building on Ho Tung Mau Street, part of an apartment project in Cau Giay District and a townhouse on Le Hong Phong Street, all in Ha Noi. These are all secured assets belonging to the No 2 Electricity and Water Installation and Construction Joint Stock Company 2. According to information provided by IVB, the debt obligation of the company at this bank as of August 6 this year was VN41.5 billion.

Meanwhile, Sacombank is selling many real estate products at the Xi Grand Court project in HCM Citys District 10. The auctioned assets are owned by Phu Son Thuan Construction Investment Joint Stock Company.

According to banking expert Dr. Nguyen Tri Hieu, banks have rushed to sell real estate collateral because banks' bad debts increased in the first half of this year. This is due to the slow recovery of the Vietnamese economy and particularly the real estate market. Meanwhile, 70 per cent of secured assets at banks are real estate.

When real estate liquidity is poor, it is difficult for banks to handle real estate collateral through foreclosure. In this context, if the foreclosure is successful, banks will suffer a lot of damage.

Sharing the same view, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, General Secretary of the Vietnam Banks Association, said that the real estate market is sluggish, creating difficulties in handling real estate collateral and recovering bad debts. Therefore, banks can only handle bad debts quickly when the real estate market improves, and vice versa -- banks will not be able to handle bad debts if the real estate market remains frozen.

As the settlement of these bank bad debts continues, Hieu said he does not expect a breakthrough in the real estate market until the end of this year. The sale of banks real estate collateral is therefore also unlikely to greatly improve the market.  VNS
HA NOI  A US agricultural trade delegation of 100 members is on a visit to Ha Noi and HCM City on a multi-city trade mission, which is part of the celebration of a year of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The delegation comprises nine officials from the departments of agriculture of nine US states, 21 representatives from agricultural cooperatives under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and 35 business representatives.

The visit is led by Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor, marking the largest-ever agricultural trade mission from the US to Viet Nam.

It was also the second visit of Under Secretary Taylor to Viet Nam in two years.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ha Noi on Thursday, the US official said the mission aims to connect with key importers via business-to-business meetings, and to gain insights into local and regional market conditions through site visits and discussions with industry experts and government officials.

She said: Markets in Southeast Asia hold immense opportunity for US exporters. Vietnamese consumers are increasingly turning to US products to meet growing demands for food processing, retail, and restaurant sectors.

Our presence is comprehensive and ambitious in Viet Nam, working frequently with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and other government agencies.

Our teams here work tirelessly to help Viet Nam improve its regulatory infrastructure and science-based decision-making processes, advancing efforts on agricultural biotechnology, market access of US products, maximum residue limits, fertilise use, sustainability, and more."

Taylor stressed the interest of the US food and agriculture sector in the Vietnamese market, adding that the two countries have complementary agricultural trade as many fruits that the US exports to Viet Nam consist of products that cannot be produced locally, and the same goes for the tropical fruits that Viet Nam exports to the US.

For all of the interests of our food and agricultural businesses in the Vietnamese market, I think there is equal interest for Vietnamese products in the US market, she said.

Statistics from Viet Nams Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) showed that the US has become Viet Nams largest market for agricultural, forestry, and fishery products over the last eight months.

The products brought home about US$8.58 billion from the US market, accounting for 21.4 per cent of Viet Nams total exports in this sector and an increase of 23.5 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Earlier on Thursday, the US delegation met with officials from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and discussed cooperation opportunities with Deputy Minister of Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan.

Market access for agricultural products is a top priority for Viet Nam and the US, and significant progress has been made over the last year, Deputy Minister Tan said.

The US has allowed the import of fresh coconuts from Viet Nam and is in the final steps of granting similar permission for Vietnamese passion fruits, he said.

Meanwhile, Viet Nam has opened its market for US grapefruits, peaches, and nectarines. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the USDA also are finalising procedures for other products, such as oranges, tangerines, plums, and seedless lemons.

Tan stressed that the US is a key partner of Viet Nam, and expressed his strong desire to further strengthening trade and investment relations between the two countries.

He emphasised that the elevation of the bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership opened up numerous opportunities for cooperation across all fields, including economic and trade sectors.

In response, US Under Secretary of Trade Alexis Taylor said that both sides should continue to enhance related processes to further open markets for a wider range of fruits.

She urged Viet Nam to create favourable conditions for the import of certain plant products and animal feed from the US and for plant quarantine procedures.

She also expressed the wish to boost bilateral cooperation in biofuels and ethanol use in agriculture in the future.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  More than 60 meetings were arranged between South Korean companies from the Free Trade Zone and Vietnamese importers in a trade promotion meeting taking place this week.

The event, facilitated by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA Ha Noi) in Ha Noi, offered a valuable opportunity for companies from both countries to connect, explore potential partnerships, and strengthen bilateral trade relations.

The South Korean delegation included 11 companies that specialise in a wide variety of products, ranging from consumer goods like cosmetics, food, and healthcare devices to industrial equipment. Key products of interest during the meetings included waste heat recovery incinerators, cement kilns, mobile tanks/silos, essential equipment and maintenance services for hydropower, thermal power, and wind energy plants, as well as construction equipment and LED lighting systems.

The meetings generated numerous prospects for collaboration in these sectors, laying the groundwork for future business partnerships.

Kwon Jong Hee, CEO of Yeomeong Lighting, a company that produces LED lighting equipment, expressed her excitement about the potential of the Vietnamese market, sharing that she had already met several suitable Vietnamese partners at the event.

Lee Young Hwan, Director of Haneul Enterprise, which focuses on power plant design, installation and maintenance, said: We initially planned to enter the Vietnamese market in 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed our efforts. Thanks to KOTRA, we are now engaging with Vietnamese businesses, and have already held productive discussions with companies interested in our equipment, services, and technological support.

The event highlighted the increasing business opportunities between South Korean companies and Viet Nam, signalling stronger economic cooperation ahead.  VNS
HA NOI  The stock market concluded the second week of September in negative territory, marking a week where four out of five trading days ended in losses, while liquidity remained weak.

The VN-Index on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) finished the day at 1,251.71 points, down 4.64 points, or 0.37 per cent.

On the southern bourse, market breadth was negative with 147 stocks declining, 142 advancing, and 67 remaining unchanged. Liquidity was recorded at VN11.17 trillion (US$457 million), an 11 per cent increase compared to the previous session.

The VN30-Index, which tracks the top 30 stocks by market capitalisation on the HoSE, also dropped 3.31 points, or 0.26 per cent, to close at 1,294.3 points. In the VN30 basket, 18 stocks fell, 10 gained, and two remained unchanged.

Leading the markets downturn were large-cap stocks in the financial and manufacturing sectors, with PetroVietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (GAS) posting the steepest decline in market capitalisation, falling by 2.37 per cent, contributing nearly one point to the VN-Index's overall decrease.

It was followed by Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company (VNM), which declined by 2.41 per cent and Masan Group Corporation (MSN), which dropped by 1.2 per cent.

However, losses were mitigated by gains in certain pillar stocks, led by the Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (VCB), which rose by 0.45 per cent, contributing nearly 0.6 points to the VN-Index.

According to experts from Viet Dragon Securities it may be time to take some profits, if investors can. They advise: "The slight increase in liquidity was not significant, indicating that support from capital inflows remained weak even as the market attempted to recover. The current low demand signal could put further downward pressure on the market in the next session.

"The market is expected to fluctuate around the 1,250-point level to test support levels and investor sentiment. Investors should take a cautious approach, observe supply and demand dynamics and prioritise stocks with stable performance and recent capital inflows. It is advisable to consider taking short-term profits or restructuring portfolios to mitigate risks during any recovery.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index inched up by 0.22 per cent to close at 232.42 points.

During the session, shares worth more than VN746 billion were traded, with a total trading volume of over 47 million shares on the northern bourse.

Foreign investors continued their selling spree, with net sales of more than VN72 billion on the HoSE.  VNS
San Antonio police said a woman is dead, and a man was hospitalized after being struck by a car early Thursday on the Northwest Side. mbbirdy/Getty Images

A woman was killed, and a man injured following a hit-and-run crash early Thursday, authorities said.

San Antonio police said a woman believed to be between 40 and 60-years-old. She was walking across the 500 block of Babcock Road on the Northwest Side when she was hit by a 57-year-old man in his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.

Police said the woman was not in a designated crosswalk at the time of the crash.

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The driver of the pickup got out of his vehicle to help the injured woman, and as he attempted to assist her, a light-colored SUV hit them. That driver did not stop and left the scene, police said.

The 57-year-old driver of the pickup suffered serious bodily injuries and was taken to an area hospital by ambulance. Police did not identify him.

The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office said Thursday that the woman has not been identified.

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HA NOI  The Ministry of Science and Technology has proposed that technology be applied to quality control and origin tracing for products in a draft amendment to the Law on Product and Goods Quality.

Possible tech solutions include barcodes and electronic labelling, which are tools for manufacturers to monitor product quality and trace origin. They also allow customers to search for product quality information and state management agencies to manage production and distribution processes, the ministry said.

Codes and barcodes also help promote international trade and integration by creating favourable conditions for enterprises to participate in global e-commerce, trace origins, provide product data to partners and facilitate customs processing.

Countries around the world are increasing the use of technology like codes and barcodes to inspect the origins of products.

The application of technology will also help increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese products in international markets while creating a digital ecosystem in line with global development trends, the ministry said.

Supplementing regulations on codes and barcodes in quality control is therefore critical, the ministry added.

In the draft, the ministry proposes the Government develop policies and incentives to encourage the application of technologies in supervising and managing the quality of products and goods.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) to work together with the governments and people of ASEAN countries in key works for further economic development.

The PM made the suggestion at a reception for a delegation of ASEAN BAC chairmen led by ASEAN BAC Chair 2024 and President of the Lao Chamber of Commerce and Industry Oudet Souvannavong, who are in Ha Noi for the 101st ASEAN BAC meeting.

Chinh said amidst many challenges faced by the world, ASEAN has demonstrated resilience, flexibility and proactive adaptability to maintain growth and continue to play an important role in the global supply chain. The ASEAN economy still maintains a firm pace, and the economic growth rate is expected to reach 4.6 per cent this year, continuing to be a bright spot in the world economy.

He hailed the contributions of the business community to the results.

For further development, Chinh suggested the ASEAN BAC accompany the governments and people of ASEAN countries in specific works, including working together to build institutions and policies; boost economic connectivity on infrastructure, particularly transport, culture - society, healthcare, education and people; and mobilise resources, renew traditional growth drivers and promote new growth one in digital economy, green economy, and knowledge economy.

Besides, the ASEAN BAC was proposed to jointly work with ASEAN countries in building high-quality human resources, especially in the fields of digital transformation, green transition, high technology, with common standards on training, assessment and mutual recognition between competency certification systems that ASEAN countries are using; and building and managing smart, modern, innovative enterprises.

Chinh said he will call on ASEAN leaders to have preferential policies for ASEAN businesses, and he believes that businesses will keep innovating their thinking and working methods, mobilise resources for development.

ASEAN BAC members will promote their pioneering role to make ASEAN a leading attrative destination for investors and contribute to boost ASEAN's rapid and sustainable development, he added.

At the meeting, ASEAN BAC Chair Oudet and the delegation members extended their symphathy over the loss of human and property that Viet Nam has suffered due to Typhoon Yagi, heavy rains and floods in recent days.

They spoke highly Viet Nam's role in contributing to building a self-reliant and cohesive ASEAN; and hailed Viet Nam a responsible member in the Greater Mekong region cooperation.

Oudet Souvannavong said the ASEAN BAC will convene the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ASEAN BIS) in Vientiane, Laos, later this year, hoping for support from the Vietnamese Government and the attendance of PM Chinh.

The PM said in reply that he will attend the summit.  VNS
Typhoon Yagi, Asia's strongest tropical storm in 2024, devastated Viet Nam, leaving at least 226 dead and 104 missing as of September 12, because of storm, flood and landslides.

With winds of up to 166kph during its landfall on September 7, Yagi, was one of the strongest typhoons to ever hit Viet Nam in decades.

Trees were uprooted, roofs were blown off, power was cut, and the torrential rains caused a devastating flood after the wind subsided.

But the Vietnamese people did not kneel, did not back down, and stood strong against one of nature's biggest disasters. Many lives were lost, but there were also many saved due to the courageous efforts of rescue teams.

The water may rise, the trees and the houses may fall, but hope remains. Hope  the endearing element and born in every Vietnamese person, is the tradition that bonded with this nation's relentless history.

This photo essay covers the bravery of the people who worked tirelessly during the storm to protect the lives of the people in places where the typhoon and the floods that followed ravaged. VNS
September is the most beautiful time in northern mountainous provinces like Yen Bai, Ha Giang, and Lao Cai, when terraced fields shimmer with golden ripening rice, attracting many tourists to admire the breathtaking scenery.

However, the storm that struck northern Viet Nam last Saturday has not only claimed more than 200 lives and left many missing, it has caused severe damage and hurt local tourism.

Many tourists, despite having booked tours a month in advance and purchased plane tickets, cancelled their trips to northern destinations like Mu Cang Chai and Ta Xua to avoid dangerous storms and landslides.

Nguyen Lan Anh and five of her friends, Vietnamese expatriates working in Japan, planned a three-day tour last weekend to admire the rice terraces in Hoang Su Phi District in the northern province of Ha Giang, during their two-week return to Viet Nam.

However, they have received an announcement from the travel agency about the cancellation of their trip due to severe flooding and landslides in the area after the storm. The tour will be rescheduled when the situation stabilises and local accommodation can welcome back guests.

Anh said: I felt saddened when seeing the images of the devastation caused by the natural disasters. I am also moved by the timely support of people across the country towards the people of Yen Bai, Thai Nguyen, and Lao Cai in recent days.

If I miss the chance to explore Ha Giang this time, I will go on my next visit home. Safety is still the top priority, she told Dan Tri newspaper.

Tour operators have also cancelled trips to Mu Cang Chai District in the northern province of Yen Bai and Ta Xua Commune in the northern province of Son La  top destinations in the northern mountainous region this September  to ensure the safety of travellers.

Trang Pham, a representative of Trang Du Hi Tour, canceled a trip to Mu Cang Chai for 38 customers last week. This week, she had to announce the cancellation of tours to both Mu Cang Chai and Ta Xua for 57 customers due to flash floods and landslides.

The roads from Ha Noi to Mu Cang Chai are now restricted and following the tragic bridge collapse in the northern province of Phu Tho, several crossings have been blocked, preventing access.

"In my three years in the tourism industry, this is the first time I've had to cancel five tours in a month," she said.

According to Trang, Mu Cang Chai only enjoys one or two months of peak tourist season across the whole year. Therefore, to secure rooms for guests, her company must book accommodation three months in advance. However, when the storms and floods hit, safety is the top priority.

Trang informed her customers about the postponement of the tours and encouraged them to reschedule. In cases where customers cannot rearrange their plans, her company will fully refund their deposits.

Some of my customers arranged their work a month in advance and some groups had booked their trips since early August for this week. There are also customers flying from HCM City to Ha Noi who now have to explore the capital instead. However, everyone understands the situation and supports us, she added.

Another tour operator, Bui Quan Dan, has posted an announcement to temporarily suspend all tours in the northern region and areas affected by storm Yagi.

We will welcome customers back once the weather stabilises, the locations are restored and it is critical to ensure that travellers have the best experience during their trip," he wrote on his Facebook page.

The operator said his company has postponed tours for over 80 customers this week because destinations such as Y Ty, Hoang Su Phi, Ta Xua, and Mu Cang Chai are all at high risk of either severe landslides or not accessible.

Nguyen Quyet, director of AHA Travel_Event, agreed that the cancellation of tours to such affected areas are necessary to ensure safety to tourists.

Many of my customers have informed me that they are postponing or canceling their tours to save money to support those affected by the floods. Quite a few are also volunteering to provide aid in Yen Bai and Thai Nguyen  areas severely hit by the floods. This is truly commendable. I hope our fellow citizens can overcome this hardship together, he told Dan Tri newspaper.  VNS
HCM CITY  Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen had a meeting with visiting General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith on September 12, during which he said he hopes that the top Lao leader will continue directing Lao localities to bolster cooperation with Viet Nam's southern economic hub.

At the meeting, Nen congratulated the Lao Party, State and people on the significant achievements that they have carved out over the past time, helping improve the countrys position and prestige in the international arena, and expressed his belief that under the leadership of the LPRP led by Thongloun, Laos will gain further success, and build a nation of peace, independence, democracy, unity and prosperity.

He also briefed the top Lao leader on the citys socio-economic achievements, and took the occasion to thank Laos for the support it has given to the city during its construction and development process.

Nen affirmed that HCM City always strives to concretise the agreements between the high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and States, contributing to promoting the cooperation between the city and Lao localities and the two nations as a whole, particularly in the domains of trade, tourism, investment, agriculture, human resources training and cultural exchange.

Sisoulith, for his part, complimented the city on its achievements in economic growth and social security, among others, stressing that he believes the city will continue reaping more attainment in the coming time.

He underscored that the Lao Party and State give top priority to the consolidation and enhancement of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Viet Nam, while speaking highly of the friendship and collaboration between HCM City and Lao localities over the past time.

He added that he hopes HCM City will continue bolstering cooperation with Lao ministries, sectors and localities, saying he will direct them to work closely with the city to effectively carry out the agreements between high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and States, making contributions to the ties between the two Parties, States and peoples.

The same day, Thongloun attended a ceremony to launch a campaign in support of victims of Typhoon Yagi held by the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Committee of HCM City.

Right at the ceremony, the committee received VN58 billion (US$2.25 million) in cash, and VN6.29 billion in kind from 91 organisations, agencies, businesses and individuals.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam and Laos issued a joint statement following the state visit to Viet Nam by General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith from September 10-13, which was made at an invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam.

The document said during his stay, Thongloun held talks with Lam, met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, received representatives from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and the Viet Nam-Laos Friendship Association, and visited former Vietnamese leaders. He also met former Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts, and students in Laos; paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum and laid wreaths at the Martyrs Monument nearby; and worked with leaders and visited some places in HCM City.

At the talks and meetings, the two sides agreed that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos, which were founded by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane, and Souphanouvong, and nurtured by successive generations of leaders of both Parties and countries, are an invaluable common asset of both nations, with strategic significance for the stability and development of each country.

They highlighted that the solidarity and mutual assistance between the two Parties and countries are an objective necessity, a historical rule, and one of the greatest sources of strength with vital significance to the revolutionary cause and the Fatherland construction and protection of the two Parties and countries.

The leaders affirmed their commitment to continuing the glorious historical tradition of both nations, together preserving, protecting, and continuously nurturing the special relationship and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos, making it increasingly intensive, practical, and effective in various fields, for the benefit of the people of each country, as well as for peace, stability, and development of the region and the world over.

The two sides agreed to continue deepening political relations; enhancing mutual understanding, reinforcing trust; maintaining high-level visits, meetings, and exchanges between the top leaders of both Parties and countries; and increasing information sharing, exchanges and coordination on strategic issues, and theoretical discussions, especially on new issues. They will also promote information and education on the special relationship between Viet Nam and Laos as well as the Viet Nam-Laos-Cambodia ties among the people, especially the youth, of the two countries.

The leaders also reached a consensus on promoting joint efforts to create breakthroughs and improve the effectiveness of economic, cultural, and scientific-technical cooperation based on maximising each countrys potential and strengths. They stressed the need to promote substantial connectivity between the two economies in terms of institutions, infrastructure, transportation, telecommunications, and tourism, to foster long-term cooperation and development of both countries, and to promote connectivity among the three economies of Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia as agreed by the three governments. The two nations will work closely to remove difficulties and obstacles to effectively implement key projects of mutual interest.

The leaders agreed to maintain effective information exchange and assessments on international situations, protect each others legitimate interests in accordance with international law, including issues related to the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) and the sustainable use of the Mekong Rivers water resources. The two countries will consult with, coordinate closely, and support each other effectively in international and regional issues as well as activities at multilateral forums.

Lao Party Central Committee and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse thanked their Vietnamese counterparts and other leaders of the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam for their warm welcome. They invited the Vietnamese leaders to pay official visits to Laos. Lam and other high-ranking leaders accepted the invitation, saying that the visits will be arranged through the diplomatic channel.

On September 13 morning, the Lao leader and his spouse left HCM City, concluding their state visit to Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI  Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto is set to pay a working visit to Viet Nam from September 13 to 14.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the trip is made at the invitation of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam.

Indonesia was the first Southeast Asian nation to set up diplomatic ties with Viet Nam, on December 30, 1955. Since then, the bilateral friendship has been continuously nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples.

In June 2013, on the occasion of the state visit to Indonesia by then President Truong Tan Sang, the two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of their strategic partnership, marking an important milestone in the history of the bilateral diplomatic relations.  VNS
BEIJING  A high-ranking delegation from the Ministry of National Defence led by Minister Phan Van Giang attended the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum that opened in Beijing on Friday.

Delivering his remarks on security cooperation and prosperity and stability of the Asia-Pacific at the first plenary session of the forum, Giang underlined that the region has become a development centre of the world, drawing increasing attention from countries outside the region.

However, it is still seeing many complicated hot spots with the risk of becoming sources of conflict, he noted, underlining that in order to realise the desire and aspiration for an increasingly prosperous and stable Asia-Pacific, it is necessary to promote mutual understanding and respect, equality, and cooperation for development among countries, in which security cooperation plays an important role.

A peace-loving country that always attaches importance to international cooperation, Vietnam consistently implements the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship and development cooperation, multilateralisation and diversification of relations, being a friend, a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community, the minister affirmed.

He clarified that like many other places in the world, in the Asia-Pacific, disputes related to sovereignty and territory, especially sovereignty at sea, are still lingering on.

Regarding the East Sea issue, Giang emphasised that Viet Nam consistently resolves all difficulties and differences by peaceful measures on the basis of respecting independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests of the states, complying with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), strictly implementing international and regional commitments such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and supporting the establishment of clearer, more substantive and effective legal commitments such as the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China are looking forward to signing soon.

With the attractiveness of a potential and dynamically developing area, the Asia-Pacific is experiencing an increasing presence of countries outside the region, he said and affirmed that Vietnam supports the presence of countries in the region for the purpose of peace, stability, cooperation and development, and always hopes that the countries respect each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law and regional commitments to make active contributions to building a prosperous and stable Asia-Pacific.

Viet Nam does not accept but resolutely opposes all actions that intensify tension and complexity, and hinder the prosperity and stability of each country, the region and the world at large, he stated.

The Vietnamese representative also pointed to non-traditional challenges such as climate change, terrorism, trans-national crimes, natural disasters, epidemics, water security, and cybersecurity, which are also great challenges for each country and region in the world, requiring goodwill and cooperation for responding together.

Viet Nam is always sharing with countries and the international community, makes the best possible efforts, and stands ready to join hands with them to respond to non-traditional security disasters, he stated.

In order to address current complicated traditional and non-traditional challenges, he suggested that countries should promote cooperation on the basis of respecting the principles of equality and self-determination of peoples, settling disputes and differences by peaceful measures in compliance with international and regional laws and commitments, and not threatening to use or using force in international relations. In collaboration to settle security issues, major countries have a very important role to play that needs to be promoted in a full, responsible, and effective manner in practice, he added.

Noting that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence will host the second International Defence Expo in December, Minister Giang expressed his hope that countries and businesses operating in the field of defence industries will support and participate in the event.

His speech received special attention from delegates at the forum. VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith on September 13 sent a thank-you letter to his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam after concluding his state visit to the neighbouring country earlier the same day.

In the letter, Sisoulith thanked Lam and other Party and State leaders, and people of Viet Nam, especially residents in Ha Noi and HCM City, for their warm welcome and sentiments.

The Lao leader appreciated the visit outcomes, the meeting between the two Politburos, as well as the views shared by high-ranking Party and State leaders of the two countries on cooperation results, and their commitments to further protecting and advancing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao Parties, States, and people to a new height, promoting comprehensive economic connectivity, optimising each sides strengths, and supporting each other in development, for tangible interests of the two countries people, and for peace, stability, development, and cooperation in the region and the world.

At the end of the letter, Sisoulith wished Lam and his spouse, and other high-ranking Party and State leaders of Viet Nam good health, happiness, and success.

The Sisouliths visit, from September 10-13, was made following a state visit to Laos by Lam as President of Viet Nam in July 2024.  VNS
HA NOI  Leaders of some countries and international organisations have extended sympathies to leaders of the Party, State and people of Viet Nam after learning about serious damage caused by Typhoon Yagi in northern localities.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed his deep sympathy and sent sincere regards to the people in typhoon-hit areas. He expressed his belief that under the leadership of the Party and Government of Viet Nam, the affected people will definitely overcome the natural disaster and soon restore normal daily life and production activities.

The Cambodian People's Party Central Committee hopes that under the clear-sighted leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the Vietnamese people will soon surmount the painful losses as well as every difficulty to stabilise their lives.

First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez sent his deep condolences to the Party, State and people of Viet Nam, affirming the solidarity between the two countries along with Cuba's readiness to support Viet Nam in this difficult time.

Chairman of the United Russia Party and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev extended condolences to the families and relatives of those who died due to the typhoon and wished other victims will soon recover.

President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Korea, offered sympathies to the people of Viet Nam. He wished the country to soon overcome the storm's consequences and quickly bring life back to normal.

In his message, Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio offered encouragement to storm victims, and said he hopes the affected localities will soon weather difficulties and restore production. He emphasised that the Japanese Government always accompanies and is ready to support Viet Nam to tackle the typhoons aftermath.

President of France Emmanuel Macron expressed his countrys solidarity with Viet Nam in the face of the devastation triggered by Typhoon Yagi, stating that France is ready to provide assistance.

Meanwhile, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega Saavedra, President of Palestine and Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation Mahmoud Abbas, President of Finland Alexander Stubb, President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) also sent letters and telegrams of sympathies and condolences.

On this occasion, the foreign ministers of China, Cuba, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Hungary sent sympathies to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.  VNS
Former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed during a 2020 court hearing in Moscow. REUTERS/Tatyana Makeyeva (Via Texas Tribune)

WASHINGTON  Two years ago, Joey Reed excoriated U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz for not doing more to help free his son Trevor, who was being held captive in Russia. Now his son is free, and Joey Reed is working to help kick Cruz out of office.

Reed announced his support for Democrat U.S. Rep. Colin Allred  who is running against Cruz  in an ad released Thursday morning.

When my son Trevor Reed was detained by the Russian police, he was given nine years. We were frantic. We tried to stay focused and not just break down every day crying, Joey Reed said in the ad. The first politician we called was Ted Cruz. They basically said, Oh were not going to be able to help you. Ted Cruz didnt lift a finger for us when everybody else in the state did.

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Trevor Reed, a Marine veteran from Granbury, was arrested in Russia in 2019 on charges of assaulting a police officer during a trip to visit his Russian girlfriend in Moscow. He and the U.S. government denied the charges. He was incarcerated for nearly three years of his nine-year prison sentence until he was freed in a prisoner swap in April 2022.

Cruzs office didnt dispute Joey Reeds account at the time. He previously said he did not get involved in the rescue effort because he was worried his involvement could make things worse.

We were repeatedly advised by Administration officials that my taking a public role in this specific case would be counterproductive, and that because of my role fighting to stop the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, leaders in Russia may well have linked the two issues, Cruzs office said in a statement to the Dallas Morning News in 2022.

Cruz had jousted with Russian President Vladimir Putin as one of the biggest opponents in the Senate to Russias Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The infrastructure project would have delivered natural gas directly to Germany from Russia. Members of both parties in the Senate opposed the natural gas pipeline for solidifying Western European reliance on Russian natural gas and for bringing Russian infrastructure into NATO territory. The pipeline was a major priority for both Putin and the German government, but was never brought on line due to the war in Ukraine.

Cruz told the newspaper at the time that he would have eagerly taken a public role loudly calling for Trevors release, but I believed that the best way for me to help was to vigorously press the administration behind the scenes and work through the State Department to bring Trevor home as soon as possible.

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In a statement to the Texas Tribune responding to Allreds latest ad, Cruz spokesperson Macarena Martinez said Cruz was incredibly relieved for Trevor and his family when he was released from wrongful detention in Russia and safely returned home.

Senator Cruz has been a leader throughout his Senate career in fighting for the return of unjustly held Americans, Martinezs statement continued. He has been instrumental in bringing home American hostages from Lebanon and Venezuela, and is fighting daily to secure the release of Mark Swidan from China.

Swidan, a Houston resident, has been held in China for over a decade on drug charges after drugs were found on his driver and translator. The Chinese government sentenced him to death in 2019. Cruz has also advocated for other prisoner releases, including Houston freelance journalist Austin Tice, who was captured in Syria in 2012, and WNBA player Brittney Griner, who was detained in Russia in 2022. Griner, a Houston native, was released later that year as part of a prisoner swap.

The Reeds were not impressed with Cruzs justification in 2022. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, have also been loudly antagonistic toward the Russian government. Both overtly pushed the administration for Trevor Reeds release.

He didnt do anything, Joey Reed said of Cruz to the Dallas Morning News in 2022. Hes an embarrassment to the state of Texas, let me just say that. I dont care what or who runs against him, I will work for their campaign to defeat that son of a (expletive).

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Joey Reed, who is a retired Marine like his son, advocated with both President Joe Bidens and former President Donald Trumps administrations to free Trevor. He worked with Texas lawmakers in both parties, including Cornyn and Reps. McCaul, R-Austin, August Pfluger, R-San Angelo, Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, and Allred.

Joey Reed voted for Biden in 2020, but he praised members of both parties for helping free his son.

The thing I like about Colin is he listens, he can relate to almost everyone. Hes willing to reach across the aisle, Joey Reed said in the ad. Our elected officials, theyre accountable not only for their actions but for their inactions. Ted Cruz is not here for Texas. Ted Cruz is here for Ted Cruz.

Allred is pouring money into digital and televised advertising to amplify his name across the state. Allred is running uphill in his challenge against Cruz, with Cruz enjoying near-universal name recognition and benefiting from Trump leading the Republican ticket. Allred, meanwhile, has had to make himself familiar outside of his Dallas home base in the states biggest markets.
HA NOI  Party General Secretary and State President To Lam on September 13 received Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who is paying a working visit to Viet Nam.

Expressing his respect for the Viet Nam - Indonesia strategic partnership, the host leader congratulated Indonesia on its 79th National Day (August 17, 1945 - 2024) and highly valued the country's recent achievements in socio-economic development as well as active contributions to peace and cooperation in the region and the world.

For his part, Subianto congratulated Viet Nam on its important achievements in developing the economy and enhancing its position in the international arena. He offered his deep sympathy for the great losses and damage caused by Typhoon Yagi in Viet Nam.

Indonesia always attaches importance to the traditional friendship and cooperation with Viet Nam - the only strategic partner of his country in ASEAN, the President-elect affirmed that, saying he hopes the two sides will take measures more strongly to deepen the relationship in an increasingly result-oriented manner.

The two leaders applauded the strides of the Viet Nam - Indonesia strategic partnership in the recent past, with all-level mutual visits and contacts maintained, and cooperation in security - defence, maritime affairs, culture, tourism, transport, people-to-people exchanges, and locality-to-localities ties effectively promoted.

In ASEAN, Indonesia is Viet Nam's third largest trading partner while Viet Nam is Indonesia's fourth largest. Bilateral trade has increased nearly four-fold over the past 10 years. Enterprises of the two countries have boosted investment in each other's markets in important areas such as processing and manufacturing, accommodation services, trade, information technology, agriculture, and industry.

At the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of cooperation directions to bring the bilateral relationship to a new height. They agreed to further consolidate political trust through continuing to increase exchanges and contacts at all levels between their Parties, States, parliaments, peoples, and localities; effectively promote bilateral mechanisms; soon complete the building of an action plan to implement the strategic partnership for the next five years; and coordinate to organise practical activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Viet Nam - Indonesia diplomatic relations (1955 - 2025).

The leaders affirmed the determination to raise bilateral trade turnover to 18 billion USD by 2028.

They also agreed to continue to encourage and create favourable conditions for both countries' businesses to invest in each other's markets, especially in new areas such as digital economy, green economy, energy transition, and electric vehicle ecosystem development.

Lam affirmed that Viet Nam is ready to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia in ensuring food security. He asked the archipelago nation to facilitate Vietnamese agricultural and Halal products' access to the Indonesian market.

The two sides concurred in strengthening ties in other important areas such as defence and security, sharing information and coordinating in preventing transnational crimes, and continuing to work closely together to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The host called on Indonesia to share experiences and help train Vietnamese officers to participate in the United Nations peacekeeping force.

Regarding regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides agreed to maintain coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums and organisations, especially ASEAN, the United Nations, and the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as to promote sustainable and equitable development of sub-regions in the region.

The leaders reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability, safety, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea; the maintenance of solidarity, common stance, and achievements of ASEAN on the East Sea issue; as well as the promotion of negotiations on a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC) that accords with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

Lam said that he hopes Indonesia will pay attention to, support, and send high-level representatives to the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 and the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in Viet Nam. VNA/VNS
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), a key provider of emergency disaster relief, is committed to assisting the Government of Viet Nam in addressing the devastation of Typhoon Yagi, the organisation's Representative to Viet Nam Silvia Danailov told Viet Nam News in an interview.

Northern Viet Nam has been significantly impacted by Typhoon Yagi, leading to extensive damage and losses. Could you provide an assessment of Viet Nams efforts in natural disaster prevention and forecasting, as well as the strategies implemented to mitigate the recent damage?

Firstly, I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences, on behalf of UNICEF, to the people of Viet Nam who have suffered loss of countless lives, injuries, major damage to livelihoods and disruptions to their daily lives due to this devastating storm. Unfortunately, the situation continues to worsen in the aftermath of the storm.

Before the storm hit, the Government of Viet Nam took remarkable, proactive and well-coordinated steps to secure the safety of its people and vital infrastructure. Their preventive actions ranged from timely evacuation procedures to the mobilisation of response teams and the safeguarding of critical areas like sea dikes. These actions highlight the government's commitment to disaster prevention and forecasting and to protecting lives and livelihoods, which is commendable. UNICEF has supported these efforts by assisting the authorities in circulating crucial prevention and preparedness messages among the population, with a focus on children and women.

In the wake of the storm, the government has been swiftly carrying out initial damage assessments and launched response efforts on the ground, including with the support of international and local humanitarian actors. The swift activation of the Disaster Risk and Response Partnership, a coalition consisting of government bodies, UN agencies including UNICEF, International NGOs and humanitarian partners, is a testament to the spirit of solidarity, cooperation and resilience in the face of adversity. This collective, strategic response is not just commendable, it's inspirational.

Could you share more about UNICEFs support plan for Viet Nam? What will be the focus?

UNICEFs response is focused on supporting the governments efforts. We work closely with government partners and UN sister agencies and other partners to address immediate humanitarian needs and long-term recovery and resilience building efforts.

Through government partners, UNICEF is already providing humanitarian supplies to affected people. For example, this week we provided water supplies to the general hospital in Lao Cai and the Centre for Disease Control in Thai Nguyen. In the days to come, well deliver more water purification tablets, water tanks, ceramic filters and hand sanitisers for distribution to households, schools and healthcare facilities in Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces. We have also participated in government-led needs assessments and our emergency support prioritises helping save lives and restoring basic services for the most vulnerable populations, especially children.

UNICEF emergency interventions are focused on ensuring access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, health services, nutrition, education and child protection, as well as providing humanitarian cash assistance to vulnerable families. We are fully committed to supporting the Vietnamese government's strong efforts to mitigate the disaster's impact.

Our primary actions include:

- Distributing water treatment, hygiene and sanitation supplies to households, health centres and schools.

- Supplying emergency medical and nutritional aids to severely affected areas.

- Assisting in school reopening and providing psychosocial support to affected children.

- Delivering emergency kits to the most affected children and families.

- Disbursing humanitarian cash assistance to the most vulnerable households, to allow them to meet immediate needs.

With our extensive experience in emergency response, we are fully prepared to reinforce the national response alongside other UN agencies.

What immediate actions should Viet Nam prioritise to mitigate the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi and what long-term strategies should be considered to recover from this crisis?

In support of government efforts, our priority at this moment is saving lives and completing a comprehensive assessment of the situation. This involves a good understanding of the conditions of the most vulnerable populations, including children, identifying immediate life-saving interventions and supporting the resumption of essential social services.

For example, as of today, we know per government reports that more than 20 children have tragically lost their lives, and we fear this number may rise. An estimated 5.5 million children, including 1.2 million under five, live in the most affected provinces, and millions more are affected by serious floods and landslides, which could lead to waterborne diseases. To secure access to water, hygiene and sanitation, UNICEF is prepared to provide water treatment and safe storage supplies for at least 400,000 households.

With an estimated two million children experiencing disrupted learning due to school closures, the reopening of schools is also a priority that UNICEF stands ready to support. We also work to ensure continued access to primary health care, nutrition and immunisation for children. We all know that ensuring vaccinations for children is critical to avoid significant health issues in the future  so this is a key point if we think about the long term.

Can you share any international strategies or lessons that might enhance Viet Nams capabilities in natural disaster prevention and forecasting, as well as support in the recovery and preparedness for future disasters?

I applaud the government's immediate measures to save lives and ensure safety, especially for children. Viet Nams forecasting abilities are commendable, as is its participation in global and regional initiatives for disaster prevention and response.

The fact that the government has mobilised responses at the highest level, including calling on support from UN agencies like UNICEF, is a commendable example of effective disaster management. Viet Nam has learnt from international experiences and its own efforts also offer valuable experiences for the international community. The recognition for Viet Nams comprehensive and proactive disaster response approach is indeed well deserved.

International experience in climate-related emergencies highlights the importance of investing in child-centred prevention and response plans and strengthening the capacities of all relevant stakeholders. Approaches that focus on community empowerment, gender-responsive initiatives and inclusive, affordable and sustainable services are crucial. As a UN agency, UNICEF can offer its expertise in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation in various sectors to the Vietnamese Government, as we are doing already.  VNS

UNICEF is 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. 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.




BA RIA  VUNG TAU  The lives of ethnic people in Ba RiaVung Tau Province have improved significantly as the province has implemented various support policies for them.

The southeast province has invested in infrastructure facilities for ethnic people and assisted them to have stable livelihoods and houses.

The province has nearly 9,000 ethnic households with a total of 26,000 people belonging to 36 ethnic minorities.

They are mostly Hoa, Khmer, Tay, Nung and Cho Ro people.

Under the national target programme for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in 2021-25 implemented in Ba RiaVung Tau, the province spent more than VN280 billion (US$11.4 million) in 2023 and the first seven months of this year to support ethnic people and to invest in infrastructure facilities in their living areas.

During the period, it built 23 transport projects in ethnic people living areas, built 187 new houses and repaired 178 houses for ethnic households, assisted 218 ethnic households to access tap water and 100 households to have access to power.

It also helped poor and near-poor ethnic households breed animals and advocated the Law on Drug Prevention and Control to ethnic people.

It took measures to support education and training for all ethnic students, including giving free textbooks and notebooks worth VN9.2 billion ($375,000) for 15,437 students in 2022-23.

Duong Quoc Khanhs family, a Cho Ro ethnic household in Chau uc Districts a Bac Commune, has a difficult life and local authorities gave his family VN75 million ($3,000) to build a house last year.

The support for building a new house made my familys life more stable. My family is grateful that local authorities take care of ethnic people, he said.

Khanh married in 2013 and his parents gave him a piece of land, but his familys life was difficult because he and his wife had unstable work, so they could only make a temporary house with tarpaulin walls and corrugated iron roofs.

With the support policies for ethnic people, all communes where ethnic people live have been recognised as new-style rural areas.

Up to 99.8 per cent of ethnic households have access to national power grids and all ethnic households have hygienic water for daily use.

Huynh Thanh Quy, a Hoa ethnic person in Phu My Towns Song Xoai Commune, has been supported by local authorities to access tap water for daily household use.

The supply of tap water is stable, and this helps me to proactively secure irrigation water for my 2ha orchard that grows durian and grapefruit, he said.

Efforts

Ethnic people in the province have made efforts to develop agricultural production and improve incomes.

They have participated in co-operatives to increase production efficiency and access soft loans to develop their production and business.

Voong Cong Menh, a Hoa ethnic person in Phu My Towns Song Xoai Commune, participated in Hac Dich Green Skin and Pink Flesh Grapefruit co-operative when it was established in 2022 and has got many benefits from being a member.

The co-operative often organises meetings to share experiences and techniques of growing grapefruit so I learn many good techniques, and this helps improve my fruit yield. The co-operative also buys grapefruits so I feel secure about buyers, he said.

He sometimes sells grapefruits at a high price of up to VN30,000 a kilo, VN 5,000 higher than selling to traders, he said.

He has expanded his orchard from 1ha to 3ha now.

The co-operative has 40 members, including 15 ethnic ones, and these members have an income between VN300 million to VN2 billion ($12,200  81,000) a year.

Ngo Hung Ly, deputy head of the Phu My Towns Bureau for Ethnic Minority Affairs, said many ethnic households in Song Xoai Commune had engaged in agricultural production and had become wealthy.

They had built concrete spacious houses and invested in their childrens education, he said.

Under the national target programme for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in 2021-25, the provinces social-political organisations have taken various measures to assist ethnic people.

The provinces Womens Union, for instance, has implemented Project 8 to realise gender equality and address urgent issues faced by women and children, which is part of the national target programme.

Under the project, the provinces Womens Unions at all levels helped 354 ethnic members borrow soft loans worth a total of VN15.8 billion ($640,000) from the Viet Nam Bank for Social Policies to develop agricultural production and business in 2021-23.

During the period, the project also helped 853 ethnic women members to borrow VN312 million ($12,700) from local Womens Saving Groups.  VNS
HA NOI It was 9.30pm on September 10 when residents in Ha Nois sub-urban district of Chuong My began to evacuate as the floodwaters from the Bui River rose.

The local radio station kept calling on villagers to evacuate.

Bui Ngoc Binh, head of Nam Hai Village said: "During these days, when the flood water rises, we are always on duty all night to help locals. Even in the middle of the night, we will respond promptly to calls in order to assist individuals with moving their possessions and evacuating."

During the days of flooding, Binh and his neighbours have converted a recently acquired tractor at his residence into a movable vehicle to navigate through the village.

The locals built a structure and placed a boat on top of it because the tractor's chassis is very high and it can operate in situations where the road is flooded.

It is now a useful mode of transportation in places like Chuong My that experience flooding on a regular basis.

"When sitting on it, people can feel secure," Binh added.

He has used the makeshift boat to take Nam Phuong Tien Communes locals around the village.

A retired soldier in Quoc Oai District created a handmade boat using household wooden bars and metal containers.

On September 11, the inventor's daughter, Nguyen Khanh, uploaded a boat testing video clip on the internet.

She said due to the impact of Typhoon Yagi, the village where she and her families live has been inundated. 30 cm of water climbed to 6070 cm of water. People's routines were disturbed, making it challenging to go around.

"Due to the continuous rain, some places recorded waist high water. Most local people have stayed indoors and out their properties at higher places," she said.

My father is a retired engineer. He fixes a lot of home objects and is pretty skilled at it. There had been no indication of the water level dropping by September 11 afternoon. Given that the water level was still high, he devised a handmade boat from wooden bars and corrugated iron boxes found in the house.

Numerous touching stories from people affected by flooding in Ha Noi have warmed our hearts on these days.

Another local in Nam Hai Village, Chuong My District, lets her neighbours park their cars in her yard for free.

Since the floodwaters rose, hundreds of motorcycles have been parked at her house.

Nguyen Thi Xuan said she started letting people leave their motorbikes at her house in 2008, when the floodwaters began to rise.

"Every year, people bring their motorcycles here to park when the water rises and floods the neighbourhood," she said.

"Even though the yard in front of my house was unpaved and the water level was halfway up the wheel a few years ago, a lot of people continued to park their bikes there. Now the yard has been raised and paved recently. There is no longer flood.

The people who bring their motorbikes here to park are mainly from Nhan Ly and Nam Hai villages. Many people keep telling me to charge fees and take tickets, but I cant do that.

When people are in trouble, they really need help from everyone. I dont have much money, so I can only help them a little by taking this action. VNS
by The Life Team

The golden autumn of the Northwest and Northeast has just started. Rice terraced fields in Y Ty District have only started to change colours, and in Tuyen Quang City, the countrys largest giant lantern parade lit up the streets since August until last Saturday. However, this week, news emerged of mountainous villages submerged by landslides and flash floods having devastated an entire hamlet in Lao Cai Provinces Bac Ha District.

The main street in Tuyen Quang, where lantern carriages recently strolled, is now fully flooded, with boats running back and forth to deliver food aid or rescue people to take refuge in community centres.

Typhoon Yagi swept upward from the ocean across coastal provinces and cities of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong through Ha Noi up to Bac Giang, then Lao Cai and other northwestern provinces . The path of the storm was closely monitored, followed and its tiniest move recorded and broadcasted loud and faraway to the remote communities thanks to mobile phone system and social media network, Facebook, in particular. The time, course and duration of the storm could be measured as it arrived. But its horrendous devastating aftermath continues even days after the storm was weakened into a low.

The post-typhoon losses spread downhill from rain in the upstream as flashfloods and landslides rushed down. Water threatened hydropower plants' dams, and raised water level submerged valleys and cities, even big towns. By 7am September 12, 325 people were killed or missing, a total acreage of 250,000 ha of rice and vegetables were destroyed, nearly 190,000 houses damaged, more than 1.5 million domestic poultry and cattle were killed, and more than 1,800 cages and fish farms were washed away.

And the list doesn't end there.

The super typhoon Yagi has destroyed what everyone hoped would be a good harvest after a year of hard work.

LAO CAI: Warm hearts during the flood in Lao Cai, the most devastated place

The spirit of solidarity and mutual support of the Vietnamese people has once again been demonstrated, as floods and landslides continue to batter Lao Caione of the most affected localities in the northern mountain region as a result of Typhoon Yagi.

With danger increasing in many areas across the province due to continuously severe weather conditions, local authorities, functional forces, social organisations, and individuals have joined hands to support those affected by the floods.

Among the pioneering forces involved in rescuing and evacuating people to safe shelters were the provincial police and soldiers.

Colonel Cao Minh Huyen, director of the Provincial Police Department, visited the scene to direct the rescue forces in helping locals move their property out of the flooded houses.

The senior police officer, along with hundreds of others, helped people in many residential areas across Lao Cai, as the city was seriously flooded after water levels in the Red River rose.

Traffic police were also deployed to build makeshift buoy bridges on submerged roads, helping people and vehicles travel safely and preventing them from entering deeply affected areas.

Particularly tragic was a landslide in Lang Nu Village, Bao Yen District, on Tuesday. The entire area was submerged under mud and water, and more than 600 people participated in rescue and recovery efforts, including young volunteers, police, healthcare workers, and especially 300 soldiers from Military Region 2.

The village, home to 37 households with 158 people, was partly buried. At least 30 people were found dead, while dozens remain missing, according to a report from the Lao Cai newspaper on Wednesday.

Roads were cut off, and communication lines were damaged, making the search for survivors especially challenging. Nonetheless, rescuers have been working tirelessly to locate the missing.

Earlier, on Sunday, a massive landslide also swept through Hoa Su Pan 1 Village in Muong Hoa Commune, Sa Pa Town, causing heavy damage to people and property.

Teacher Nguyen Viet Thuyet, principal of Su Pan Primary Boarding School, described the devastation: "The consequences of the landslide were very serious. Five people died, one was missing, and nine others were injured after the terrible landslide..."

To support affected residents and ensure their safety during the storm and floods, Thuyet and other teachers urgently advised villagers from other areas, particularly Hoa Su Pan 1, to move to the school, which has been used as a temporary shelter until the floods subside.

The teachers prepared facilities, accommodation, and meals for those seeking refuge.

In just one day, over 100 villagers came to the school for shelter.

Along with the teachers of the boarding school, many homestays and motels in Muong Hoa Commune also joined hands to provide safe places for people in flooded areas and tourists stranded by the rising waters.

In the centre of Sa Pa Town, numerous motel and hotel owners offered free accommodation to flood victims and tourists stranded in the town.

Responding swiftly to reports from other communities, authorities in Bac Ha District evacuated nearly 200 people to a cultural community centre after cracks appeared in the walls of their homes.

HA GIANG: Heavy rain causes landslides, isolating many roads

As of September 10, constant heavy rains and floods have caused landslides across Ha Giang Province, resulting in significant damage to homes and crops. Key roads have been cut off and isolated, preventing vehicles from passing through.

According to the Ha Giang Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue, 713 households have been affected by the heavy rains. Of these, 14 homes required urgent evacuation, six homes were completely buried, 111 homes were impacted by landslides, seven homes were swept away by floodwaters, 89 homes suffered roof damage from fallen trees, and 486 homes were flooded.

Additionally, over 1,100 hectares of rice, corn, and other crops have been damaged; more than 26 hectares of forestry crops and aquaculture were affected, and more than 4,500 poultry were lost. Prolonged heavy rain has caused landslides, blocking many irrigation channels in Yen Minh and Bac Quang districts.

More seriously, roads throughout the province have been affected by landslides, making it impossible for vehicles to pass through. There are four landslide sites in Bac Me District, leaving vehicles stranded. Numerous inter-village roads have also experienced landslides and flooding, causing significant traffic congestion.

Flooding has submerged one secondary school in ong Yen, Bac Quang, two kindergartens in Xin Man, and one school each in Vi Xuyen and Meo Vac.

According to Vu The Phuong, deputy chief of the Office of the People's Council - People's Committee of Hoang Su Phi District, Typhoon Yagi and its circulation have severely impacted local tourism as well.

As of now, no tourists are reported to be stranded in the area. However, heavy rainfall caused by the storms circulation has led to landslides, and many tour groups have had to cancel their trips, Phuong told Viet Nam News.

Local authorities are providing support and guidance to residents, helping them safely navigate through vulnerable and landslide-prone areas. Authorities are working to stabilise the situation as soon as possible.

In Hoang Su Phi, a 14-year-old girl was rescued after a landslide buried a five-room stilt house in Di Thang Village, Ban Nhung Commune, on September 9.

The District Military Command quickly mobilised soldiers and local militia for search and rescue, successfully rescuing the girl and transporting her to the commune health station for emergency care.

Efforts are still underway to search for a six-month-old baby missing after the landslide. The search has been hindered by heavy rain, large amounts of debris, and power outages.

Local authorities have visited the affected families and offered financial support, while continuing their search for victims.

The Ha Giang Provincial Meteorological and Hydrological Station has warned that heavy rain will persist in the coming days.

Tran Quang Bang, chairman of Hoang Su Phi Districts Peoples Committee [Administration], said the locality would continue to disseminate disaster prevention information and warnings to all citizens.

During the rainy season, local authorities must spread information about the impacts of natural disasters and methods for prevention among the communities," Bang said.

Families living in high-risk areas are being encouraged to relocate to safer places to avoid further loss of life and property. Five households whose homes collapsed have been supported with VN150 million (VN30 million per house). We are also mobilising excavators to clear roads and ensure traffic flow. For crops, weve directed villagers to urgently harvest fallen rice to minimise further damage,

YEN BAI: 11,400 households evacuated, houses collapsed, and more than 4,500ha of crops lost

Floods and landslides in Yen Bai have caused heavy losses, with the province suffering an estimated VN195 billion in damage, according to the provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue. Yen Bai City, along with districts such as Tran Yen, Luc Yen, Van Chan, and Van Yen, have been the most affected.

More than 22,000 houses have been damaged, and 102 were completely destroyed. Nearly 3,000 hectares of rice and 1,000 hectares of corn and vegetables have been severely damaged.

The floods have also killed more than 10,000 poultry and 15 cattle, and 170 hectares of fish farms have been washed away.

In response, the Chairman of Yen Bais Peoples Committee declared a provincial state of emergency.

Many roads connecting hamlets and villages were destroyed, and bridges were washed away, leaving remote areas completely inaccessible. Over 30 schools and local offices were submerged, electricity grids were knocked out, and more than 20 mobile phone centres could not generate signals, hampering rescue efforts even further.

A combined force of 199 soldiers, 1,328 local militiamen, and over 9,300 people from various sectors was mobilised for search and rescue missions. Hundreds of vehicles were deployed to clear landslides and rescue those trapped in flooded and remote communities.

Despite the massive rescue efforts, many areas remain without power, and the lack of communication signals has left many people in lowland cities putting up signs asking for help, whether to check on elderly relatives or families with young children, request food relief, or arrange transport out of the flooded areas.

THAI NGUYEN: Local people lend a helping hand to flood victims

Nguyen Thi Viet and her husband never thought their sporty paddleboards would be useful for rescuing flood victims in Quang Vinh Ward, Thai Nguyen Province.

Floodwaters rose dangerously high in the ward, and rescue forces were overwhelmed by a lack of boats. Viet, who works at Thai Nguyen Central Hospital, received a call for help from her friend Tran Tuan on Monday morning. Tuan, his wife, and their 12-month-old baby were stranded on the third floor of their building, as water levels had reached the second floor and were 8 to 9 metres deep.

Viet, her sister, and a male colleague used three paddleboards to evacuate Tuans family and five other families in a three-hour rescue operation.

They also used the paddleboards to carry clean water and instant noodles to people trapped on upper floors.

Ive never seen such heavy flooding in the city, Viet said. There arent enough rescue boats, but paddleboards can still move safely when the water is calm.

Quang Trung High School teacher Ngoc Xuans house in Quang Trung Ward was not flooded, so Xuan and her husband opened their home to those in need.

They moved their family into one room and used the remaining three rooms to accommodate flood victims. Xuan was ready to help with cooking, cleaning, and looking after children.

After posting her phone number and address on social media, she received calls from people seeking shelter within 30 minutes.

We want to help as many people from the flood-hit areas as possible, Xuan said.

Meanwhile, ang Minh uc, whose home in Phuc Tan Commune, Pho Yen District, was not affected by the floods, worked with charity groups on social media to coordinate rescue efforts.

I have two years of experience teaching swimming and a rescue training certificate, so I thought I could help, uc said.

After posting on social media, uc received many messages from people wanting to join the rescue effort. He and a friend went to Ben Tuong Bridgethe largest bridge in the province across the Cau Riverand joined soldiers working to dam the floodwaters.

At all levels, the provincial Youth Union has proactively mobilised social sectors to donate food supplies to those in need.

Youth Union member Nguyen Hoang ai from Tan Lap Ward said: The flood victims are elderly people, children, and pregnant women. When we see them, we dont have time to think much.

We just do our best to get people out of danger as quickly as possible.

According to the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Search and Rescue, as of the morning of September 11, 3,063 households had to be urgently relocated; 323 homes had their roofs blown off, over 7 million hectares of rice and other crops were damaged, and 415 hectares of forest were destroyed.

Additionally, nearly 256,000 cattle and poultry died. The total value of property damage is estimated to be more than VN195 billion (roughly US$8 million).

HA NOI: 4,000 people relocated to community centres

In Ha Noi, floods along the Red River have caused some areas outside the dykes in Hoan Kiem, Tay Ho, and Ba inh districts to become inundated, but the city centre remains unaffected.

Water levels in the Bui and Tich rivers have also risen, causing localised flooding in outlying districts such as Ung Hoa, Chuong My, Hoai uc, and My uc. Chuong My is expected to experience prolonged flooding due to high water levels in the main rivers, which are impeding drainage.

Forecasts indicate that the Red Rivers water level will stay below alert level three, and it is expected to stabilise, depending on rainfall and the release of water from hydroelectric reservoirs.

"Even if the floodwaters reach level threethe highest alert levelthey will not flood downtown Ha Noi due to the Red River dyke system," said Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Local authorities have begun evacuating residents as a precaution against rising water levels.

Pham Tuan Long, head of Hoan Kiem district authorities, has requested the evacuation of around 130 families, totalling nearly 500 people. They will be temporarily relocated to The One apartment complex, with Hang Be market prepared as a backup shelter.

He also called for a review of other public buildings for potential use as evacuation centres.

Some social work experts noted that essentials such as food, water, or hygiene items are less of a priority in Ha Noi, given the citys well-developed logistics system.

Instead, public support for clean-up and reconstruction efforts following the flood will be more crucial to help residents return to their normal lives.

Help in any way you can

If you wish to help, direct your goodwill appropriately. Instead of rushing to the scene, coordinate with local police stations or district chapters of the Motherland Front to donate essentials like food, clothes, sanitary pads, first aid kits, bottled water, healthy snacks, milk buns, and bread. Avoid instant noodles, as many flood-hit areas lack cooking facilities. VNS
GENEVA  The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has dispatched a team of six experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit to Viet Nam and earmark 1 million CHF (about US$1.1 million) to support people affected by Typhoon Yagi in this Southeast Asian country.

The team, comprising specialists in water and sanitation, emergency shelter, and disaster risk reduction, will assist the Vietnamese authorities in assessing needs and formulating short- and medium-term responses, SDC said in a press release on September 12.

The SDC is also arranging to send relief supplies, including 300 family tents and two water distribution systems capable of serving 10,000 people. In the immediate term, the SDC is liaising with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to deliver essential goods financed by Switzerland to the affected areas.

The 1 million CHF-assistance is one of the largest contributors to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC-DREF), which has likewise released funds to support relief operations. Viet Nam is a priority country for the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), which is currently exploring the reallocation of some of its activities to address the needs arising from the disaster.

Typhoon Yagi has wreaked havoc in several Southeast Asian countries. Violent winds  followed by torrential rainfall  battered the Philippines, China and then Viet Nam, causing widespread destruction. The severe weather inundated many localities of Viet Nam and triggered major landslides with mountainous regions being particularly hard-hit. Given the magnitude of the requirements, the Vietnamese authorities issued an appeal for international aid.

The evacuations and other preventive measures implemented by the authorities have helped to minimise the number of victims. Nevertheless, thousands of people required evacuation, and to date, several hundred people are reported dead or missing. Viet Nam has not faced a natural catastrophe of this magnitude in over three decades, according to SDC.

Ambassador of Switzerland Thomas Gass has extended sympathies to the disaster, saying that "As Vietnam faces one of its most difficult challenges in recent time, Switzerland expresses its condolences and compassion. We recognize your pain, your loss and your courage. Were committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with you as you rebuild your lives and communities."  VNS
WASHINGTON DC  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has extended condolences to the people of Viet Nam suffering the devastating consequences of Typhoon Yagi.

In a statement released on September 12 (local time), Blinken noted that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing humanitarian aid to support Viet Nam's efforts to respond to the aftermaths caused by the storm.

This aid will include multipurpose cash assistance, shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance, as well as non-food items in support of the Government of Viet Nam-led disaster assistance efforts across Viet Nam.

With more heavy rain forecast in the coming days, USAIDs disaster experts will continue close coordination with local emergency authorities and partners on the ground, and the US will continue to work with partners, including through the Quad, to support the people of Viet Nam at this difficult time, it said.

The US official also expressed his sympathy over the tragic loss of life and damage in other parts of the region, including China, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines. The US stands at the ready to provide assistance to those in need, said the statement.

As of 5pm on September 12, Typhoon Yagi and subsequent flooding had left 330 people dead or missing in the northern region of Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI  The Viet Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) has announced that its relief fund has received VN527.8 billion (US$21.5 million) to support people affected by Typhoon Yagi.

The announcement was made on the VFF's official Facebook page on Thursday evening, along with a 12,028-page bank statement detailing the donations from the public to the organisation's Vietcombank account from September 1 to 10, 2024.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to state departments, businesses, organisations and individuals both in the country and abroad for their donations to people affected by Typhoon Yagi through the Central Relief Mobilisation Committee, the VFF wrote on its social media account.

The committee added that more updates will follow and the list of donations will be made public on mass media.

As of 7am on Friday, the number of people killed or missing due to Typhoon Yagi and its related landslides and floods has risen to 336.

Nearly 136,800 houses are damaged and over 67,600 others are flooded, while the disaster has also taken its toll on farms and livestock.

On Tuesday, following Party General Secretary and State President To Lams call for support for those affected by Typhoon Yagi and its aftermath, a public campaign for relief assistance was launched by the VFF.

VFF Central Committee chairman o Van Chien has called for public employees, members of the armed forces and people receiving salary from the state budget to donate at least one days worth of their wages.

Youth union members, young people and households of average living standards are advised to give about VN50,000-100,000 ($2-4) in donations.

The VFF Central Committee and its Central Relief Mobilisation Committee have promised transparency and pledge to use the donations effectively for the right purposes.

Their decision to make public the extensive bank statement detailing each donation has been widely praised.

The VFF Central Committee has also advised people to stay vigilant against unofficial websites or social media accounts posing as the VFF or its representatives to receive donations. The committee will work with authorities to handle fraudulent activities according to the laws.

Donations for typhoon relief can be sent to the VFFs Central Relief Mobilisation Committee at:

I. VN account at the State Treasury

Account name: The Office of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee

Account number: 3713.0.1058784.00000

Unit code: 1058784

At the State Treasury Exchange

II. Bank accounts

1. Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (VietinBank)

1.1. VN account

Account name: Central Relief Mobilisation Committee

Account number: CT1111

At VietinBanks Ha Noi branch

1.2. USD account

Account name: Central Relief Mobilisation Committee

Account number: 110630051111

At VietinBanks Ha Noi branch

2. Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank)

2.1.VN account

Account name: Viet Nam Fatherland Front - Central Relief Committee

Account number: 0011.00.1932418

2.2.USD account

Account name: Viet Nam Fatherland Front - Central Relief

Account number: 001.1.37.193253.8

SW Code: BFTVVNVX

Cash donations can be sent to the Planning and Finance Department (Rooms 109 and 111), the Office of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, No. 46 Trang Thi Street, Ha Noi.  VNS
HA NOI  The World Health Organisation (WHO) donated one million water purification tablets on September 12 to protect the health of hundreds of thousands of people across northern Viet Nam following the devastation wrought by Typhoon Yagi.

WHO Representative in Viet Nam Dr Angela Pratt said: We are deeply saddened that the death toll continues to rise and that many people remain at risk.

As part of WHOs support to the Governments response, we handed over an emergency supply of one million water purification tablets and 500 water containers to the Ministry of Health yesterday, which are expected to arrive in needed areas today.

This will provide as much as 15 million litres of purified water for safe household drinking and use in health care facilities in the eight hardest-hit provinces in the coming days and weeks, namely Bac Giang, Cao Bang, ien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen and Yen Bai.

Clean water is critical to help prevent food and waterborne disease and for maintaining safe care and operations at health care facilities, whether it is for people injured in the typhoon or those needing urgent routine health care, Dr Pratt said.

In response to the Ministry of Healths official request for international support, WHO has joined other United Nations agencies on joint assessment teams deployed in coordination with the Government to evaluate the extent of damage, assess needs and ensure targeted assistance is made available.

WHO is also working closely with local and national authorities to monitor and prevent food- and waterborne diseases as well as other infectious diseases over the coming weeks and months, and will continue to support the Government in mobilising any additional resources needed.

In addition, with support from USAID, WHO is working with Government partners to broadcast safety messages in several ethnic minority languages through local radio and community loudspeakers to help ensure ethnic minority communities, especially in more remote areas, receive important health and safety information.

With extremely strong winds, heavy rain, floods and landslides affecting millions of people in northern provinces, current estimates list at least 325 people as killed or missing, with hundreds of people injured and thousands displaced. The typhoon also damaged 130,000 homes and hundreds of healthcare facilities.

In many places, the storm has also disrupted essential water supplies to households and healthcare facilities, with floods, landslides, strong winds and falling trees damaging water and electricity infrastructure that could take weeks or even longer to be repaired.  VNS
HCM CITY  Singaporean companies in Viet Nam have pledged a total of VN1.5 billion (US$61,130) to aid in relief and recovery endeavors, showcasing solidarity and empathy towards the Vietnamese people after the country was strongly affected by Typhoon Yagi.

This pledge is an "SG Community Cares" initiative, sponsored by Singaporean businesses in Viet Nam, in coordination with the Singapore Embassy in Viet Nam.

Typhoon Yagi marks one of the most severe storms to hit Viet Nam in recent history, leaving a trail of widespread devastation, suffering, and tragic loss of life due to flooding and landslides.

Prominent Singaporean contributors to this noble cause are CapitaLand Development (Vietnam), Keppel, Mapletree, Sea Limited, Sembcorp Industries, United Overseas Bank (Vietnam), and YCH Group.

His Excellency Jaya Ratnam, the Ambassador of Singapore to Viet Nam, welcomed this impactful gesture, stating, I am very proud to see Singapore businesses come together to lend support to Viet Nam in such a meaningful way. Typhoon Yagi has had a devastating impact on so many lives across Northern Viet Nam. Singapore stands in solidarity with our friends in Viet Nam at a difficult time for them.

The Singapore Embassy in Viet Nam is working with the Viet Nam Goverment on disbursement to affected parties.  VNS
Testimony continued Thursday in the lawsuit over the "Trump Train" incident involving a Biden-Harris campaign bus in October 2020. Marilyn Nieves / Getty Image

AUSTIN  A San Antonio man accused of helping orchestrate a Trump Train confrontation with a Biden-Harris campaign bus in 2020 testified on Thursday that he didnt intend to block the path of the bus as it made its way north on Interstate 35.

Eliazar Cisneros was part of a convoy of vehicles driven by Trump supporters that surrounded the Biden-Harris bus on Oct. 30, 2020, between San Antonio and Austin. Cisneros is one of six people involved in the incident  along with Steve Ceh, Randi Ceh, Robert Mesaros, Joeylynn Mesaros and Dolores Park  who are being sued by three people who were on the Biden-Harris campaign bus when the confrontation occurred.

The suit, filed by former Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis, former campaign staffer David Gins and bus driver Timothy Holloway, claims the Trump Train drivers engaged in an orchestrated attack to intimidate people on the bus. Biden staffers canceled an event planned at Texas State University in San Marcos after the confrontation.

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The lawsuit 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.

The defendants and their attorneys have disputed those allegations, saying the people on the bus were not in danger and the incident was not an attempt at intimidation.

On Thursday, Cisneros referred to the "Trump Train" as "an uncoordinated effort to follow the bus and protest wherever they were going to speak."

Cellphone videos shown in court this week appear to show Cisneros abruptly turning his pickup into a vehicle driven by a Biden campaign volunteer who had been following the bus, leading to a collision.

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Cisneros said on Thursday that the vehicle he collided with had been "pushing me off the side of the road." Plaintiffs' attorney Bob Meyer pointed to a social media post Cisneros made saying, "That was me slamming" the vehicle, using an expletive.

Under questioning by Meyer in federal court in Austin on Thursday, Cisneros testified that he often attended events organized by an online group named Alamo City Trump Train. The groups activities included organizing Trump supporters to drive together on local roads to display flags, signs supporting then-President Donald Trump, who at the time was running against Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

Cisneros, who grew up in San Antonio and served as a jet mechanic in the U.S. Navy, said he was asked to lead the events because he had a large pickup and a large Texas flag. Cisneros said he was also affiliated with another online group, dubbed New Braunfels Trump Train, where he met Steve and Randi Ceh, who are among the defendants in the lawsuit.

In mid October 2020, Cisneros went to the home of a friend, Jason Pena, where they discussed the Biden campaigns plan for a Texas bus tour and started laughing and trying to come up with a plan to welcome them to Texas, so to speak, according to an account Cisneros wrote in an email to himself in 2022.

They decided to get in touch with members of the San Antonio and New Braunfels Trump Train groups and organize a convoy, according to his account.

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What we wanted to do was go to every stop that they were doing here in Texas and just protest what they believed in because we as Texans and Americans did not feel that the (Democratic Party) platform was appropriate for America, he wrote in his account.

On Oct. 30, Cisneros waited about 10 or 15 miles south of San Antonio on northbound Interstate 35 for two or three hours for the Biden campaign bus drove by, according to his account. But the bus didn't come; he ended up finding it at the AT&T Center  now the Frost Bank Center  in San Antonio after someone notified him via text message that it was there.

Meyer attempted to show that Cisneros had a history of political extremism by showing a 2020 cell phone video of him driving his pickup dangerously close to Black Lives Matter protestors in downtown San Antonio and a photo of him carrying a firearm, which he identified as an AK-47, in response to a 2019 protest which he described as being led by Antifa. In a social media post, he called the weapon an Antifa Meat Tenderizer.

Some of Cisneros testimony amounted to a discussion of when political protest crosses the line into coercion and violence  a question that has often been raised in the trial, with defense attorney Jason Greaves on Wednesday comparing the Trump Train incident to fan behavior at sporting events.

That was just talking smack, Cisneros said of the tenderizer comment.

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"Y'all want to paint me to be a horrible person? I just want to protest," he said, repeatedly calling himself a "patriot."

He admitted to having planned to go to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021  the day that a group of Trump supporters stormed into the U.S. Capitol  with bear mace and a baton.

He also admitted to having deleted text messages between himself and others who had organized "Trump Train" events but insisted that it "wasn't done with intention to deceive."

Plaintiffs' testimony

Gins, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, testified Thursday that he and other Biden staffers had decided prior to Oct. 30 to switch to drive-by events after protests by Trump supporters made them concerned violence could break out at a campaign event.

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Gins, who served as the Texas operations director for the 2020 Biden-Harris campaign, recounted how he had come to Texas to orchestrate a three-day statewide tour of the Biden campaign bus.

He described conferring with other Biden campaign workers who were not on the bus to make the decision to cancel the event in San Marcos, saying he didnt want to bring the caravan of people that showed they were willing to drive dangerously and put peoples lives at risk to a college campus.

Throughout the trial, the plaintiffs legal team has claimed the incident damaged their clients mental health and affected their careers. Davis, the former state senator who was on the bus during the incident, said during her testimony this week that the incident left her with a fear of appearing before crowds. The defense team challenged that assertion, in part by reading off a list of public events at which Davis spoke after the bus incident.

Under questioning by his attorney John Paredes on Thursday, Gins testified that the incident had intensified his longstanding problems with anxiety.

For much of the bus ride, he was on the phone with 911 dispatchers and local law enforcement, he said.

I felt held hostage. I felt claustrophobic, he said of his experience being on the bus.

In their opening statement, the defense team had called Gins profoundly dishonest in his claims about the incident.
This was according to members of Amkor Technology management at the working session with Secretary of Bac Ninh's Party Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan at the company on September 12.

Amkor Technology Korea Inc. CEO Ji Jong-Rip has been in Vietnam since early September to survey the operation and export activity of the factory.

According to Amkor, the group succeeded in making deals with four partners and is negotiating with another six partners. The group exported the first batch of semiconductors after taking the factory into operation in August.

The company currently employs over 1,060 workers, 938 of which are Vietnamese people. More than 200 companies from around the globe have visited the factory to look for cooperation opportunities.

The group is committed to training the required human resources for semiconductors, while working with Bac Ninh authorities to build an ecosystem for the semiconductor industry there, helping the province to integrate into the global supply chain and meet the group's demand for a high-quality workforce.

Amkor Technology leaders suggested the province help with the construction of a shortcut to the facility, and a residential area for its workers.

Responding to these proposals, Tuan assigned Bac Ninh Industrial Zones Management Authority, Bac Ninh Department of Transport and the industrial park (IP) developer to jointly study construction of such a shortcut this month. The province will soon select investors to build workers' houses to aid Amkor Technology.

In August, the group suggested the province facilitate the importation of used machines for workforce training. However, this was beyond the provincial administration's authority.

Amkor Technologys $1.6-billion investment in Bac Ninh covers 23 hectares in Yen Phong II-C IP. Its first phase of $530 million began operation in August.

Amkor's $1.6 billion plant in Bac Ninh on track for October Amkor Technology's $1.6 billion semiconductor plant in the northern province of Bac Ninh, Amkor's largest facility worldwide, is scheduled for trial production by late October 2023.

Amkor opens mega factory for semiconductors in Vietnam On October 11, the US semiconductor product packaging and test services provider Amkor Technology opened a mega factory for semiconductor assembly and testing in the northern province of Bac Ninh.

Amkor's $1.6 billion chip factory in Bac Ninh to begin mass production in 2024 Amkor Technology's mega factory for semiconductor assembly and testing in the northern province of Bac Ninh is set to enter mass production in 2024.
According to preliminary data from non-life insurance companies' reports, as of September 11, insurance firms have received nearly 2,900 loss claims, while life insurance companies have recorded 15 cases of human casualties.

"The total estimated losses caused by Typhoon Yagi and the subsequent flooding, including damage to property and loss of life across many northern provinces, such as the collapse of Phong Chau Bridge in Phu Tho, could come to over $208 million, assuming full and accurate reporting. Therefore, the number of casualties and properties damaged is expected to rise further. This is shaping up to be a catastrophic year for property and vehicle insurance," said Pham Van Dung, co-founder of IBAOHIEM.

These developments reflect investor concerns about the severe impact of Typhoon Yagi on the entire insurance sectors business results. The PM issued an official directive on September 10 calling for focused efforts to mitigate the aftermath of the storm and the ensuing floods.

The directive also instructs insurance companies to urgently settle claims in a comprehensive and prompt manner.

Despite facing significant payouts, some industry insiders see this is an opportunity for the insurance sector to restore its image, which has suffered from a crisis of trust, by resolving and paying out claims quickly for affected customers.

PVI Insurance currently leads the market in total reported claims. As of September 11, the company has reported over 500 property insurance claims, with an estimated total of more than $83 million, excluding motor vehicle and personal insurance losses.

"Customers informed the insurance company immediately after the incidents, providing details such as the location, a description of the damage, and photos, if available. PVI Insurance assessors or designated third-party assessors will visit the sites to exchange information, inspect the damage, and guide customers in providing the necessary documentation," said a PVI Insurance representative.

AIA Vietnam also reported that as of September 9, five customers had passed away, including four in Hai Duong and one in Quang Ninh. The total insurance benefits for these five customers amounted to approximately $230,000, and the company has paid out the entire amount to their beneficiaries.

Upon receiving information about Typhoon Yagi, insurance companies issued warnings through various channels to guide customers on how to avoid the storm, protect their property, and minimise losses. They also upgraded their hotline systems to receive and assist customers promptly in the event of losses, with quick reports on the settlement of claims for those affected by the typhoon.

Sharing the loss and hardship faced by customers during the storm, Bui Thi Thanh Xuan, deputy general director of Executive Committee at Vietinbank Insurance, said, "The company will quickly assess the damages to ensure maximum benefits for customers as soon as possible, supporting their livelihoods and helping stabilise their business operations."

Typhoon Yagi causes nine deaths, urgent recovery efforts underway Typhoon Yagi has left nine people dead and 187 others injured in several northern provinces, according to initial statistics reported as of September 8 morning.

Insurers address claims following typhoon Yagi In the wake of Typhoon Yagil, insurance companies in Vietnam are processing claims related to property damage and loss of life, while coordinating with authorities to expedite compensation and ensure a swift recovery for affected customers.
Notice No.12/TB-VPCP, dated September 12, states that the Government Standing Committee has requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to urgently review all power sources in Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) to shift from coal to gas power and prioritise domestic production to achieve annual electricity growth of 12-15 per cent. This is to ensure national energy security and provide enough electricity for households and businesses, meeting the commitments to foreign investors in particular.

The MoIT will also study the experience of nuclear-power using countries before proposing the development of nuclear power in Vietnam.

The ministry has to closely work with relevant authorities, especially the Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and PetroVietnam, to review legal issues in implementing power projects, urgently completing the amended Electricity Law, as well as review legal problems related to the development of power projects, propose solutions, and send to the Ministry of Planning and Investment to synthesise the recommendations into a draft law amending many laws, including those on investment, bidding, public-private partnership, resources, marine environment, and construction.

A working group will be established and led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien as head of the group, Dang Hoang An, chairman of EVN, and Le Manh Hung, chairman of Petrovietnam as deputy heads. The group will review all legal problems in the implementation of electricity projects, and then propose amendments and supplements to complete the Electricity Law, which will be completed before September 20 and submitted to the National Assembly for approval at the eighth session.

"For licensed projects, developers have to comply with their commitments, unless the competent authority will resolutely revoke the licence in accordance with the provisions of law," Notice 12 highlighted.

The politburo has also issued a policy for piloting the production and export of offshore wind (OSW) power in Conclusion No.76-KL/TW dated April 24, on the implementation of Resolution No.41-NQ/TW on the orientation of the Vietnam Oil and Gas Industry Development Strategy to 2025, through to 2035.

Therefore, the Government Standing Committee requested Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son to immediately assign it to relevant units for implementation. "To overcome legal issues in OSW projects, such as regulations on output and transfer pricing, solutions should be raised and added into draft laws," the notice highlighted.

According to the PDP8, by 2030, Vietnam will have about 23,000MW of wind power, including 6,000MW from OSW. Vietnam has identified renewable energy sources, especially OSW, as the main energy source following the country's energy transition to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

A list of 96 planned OSW projects are in PDP8, including those in Haiphong (six projects, capacity 16,200MW), Nam Dinh (six projects, 12,000MW), Thanh Hoa (one project, 5,000MW), Quang Binh (five projects, 4,109MW), Binh Dinh (seven projects, 8,600MW), Ninh Thuan (14 projects, 25,802MW), Binh Thuan (10 projects, 30,200MW), Tra Vinh (seven projects, 10,300MW), Ca Mau (six projects, 8,055MW), and Bac Lieu (10 projects, 5,255MW), all with a total capacity of 156,286MW.

Meanwhile, according to national energy planners, Vietnam will need about 185,000208,500MW by 2050. If the above projects are approved for investment and put into operation, OSW projects alone will be enough to meet the initial forecast.

MoIT report addresses offshore wind project concerns Despite the ambitious targets set out by the Power Development Plan VIII, no offshore wind projects have yet been approved or assigned to investors.

Progress demanded for offshore wind The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed that two state-owned energy corporations or military-run units be selected to develop offshore wind power projects, although the sector is still struggling with complex processes.
It is scheduled that the European Commission (EC) will launch a fifth inspection next month in Vietnam on abiding by its regulations to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing imposed in 2017 with a yellow card for the country.

This month, Vietnams authorised agencies will have to submit an official anti-IUU report to the EC.

All fishing vessels are required to abide by the EU regulation to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing, photo le Toan

Based on the results of this report, we will send an inspection delegation to Vietnam to see whether the situation has met our requirements or not, and then will decide on the removal of the yellow card, said Vice-President of the EC, and high representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles.

In order to remove the yellow card, both the EU and Vietnam will have to make greater efforts to ensure sustainable fishery development, he told VIR during his working visit to the country last month.

The EU has been working with Vietnams Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on strong measures to prevent IUU fishing, such as installation of the vessel-monitoring system (VMS), and punishment of any violations.

More than a week ago, the Government Office released a conclusion following an urgent conference chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on fighting IUU fishing in Hanoi late last month.

The PM ordered that leaders of ministries, committees, sectors, and localities of the 28 coastal cities and provinces completely solve issues and limitations regarding IUU fishing.

It is a must to prioritise the allocation of resources to prevent and end the situation of fishing vessels illegally exploiting seafood in foreign waters, especially in the provinces of Kien Giang, Ca Mau, and Binh Dinh, the conclusion read. It is a must for the police and patrols to coordinate with local authorities in key fishing areas: both to propagate and mobilise, and promptly detect and prevent early and from a far fishing vessels and fishermen intending to illegally go fishing in foreign waters.

PM Chinh has tasked Ministry of Public Security (MoPS) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to coordinate closely with localities to investigate, prosecute, and bring to trial cases of law violations related to brokerage and connection to bring fishing vessels and fishermen to illegally exploit foreign waters, and violations regarding disconnecting, sending, and transporting VMS equipment.

So far, one violation case has been detected in the southern province of Kien Giang, with four people sentenced to a total of 22 years imprisonment.

The MARD is required to continue organising working groups to inspect and guide localities to implement the task of combating IUU fishing. It has to coordinate with ministries, sectors, and localities to develop and carefully prepare the plan and overall content for the ECs upcoming inspection delegation.

The MoD is tasked to establish a specialised task force to prevent and thoroughly handle Vietnamese fishing vessels illegally exploiting seafood in foreign waters. It has to focus on directing, increasing patrols, inspections, and controls in the waters bordering Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia to promptly prevent and handle fishing vessels showing signs of illegal exploitation in foreign waters.

Meanwhile, the MoPS is tasked to direct the police at all levels and the police of 28 coastal provinces and centrally-run cities to urgently investigate and prosecute organisations and individuals involved in brokerage; collusion to bring fishing vessels and fishermen to illegally exploit seafood in foreign waters; and violations of installation, management, and use of VMS equipment for illegal seafood exploitation in accordance with regulations.

The government also required that all fishing vessels participating in aquatic exploitation must turn on VMS devices around the clock according to regulations from the time they leave the port to the time they return to the port.

Sanctions must be imposed on all fishing vessels that violate the VMS disconnection regulations (six hours without reporting position, and not returning fishing vessels to shore for more than 10 days), and those exceeding the allowed boundary at sea.

Over recent years, all fishing farmers have been warned about punishments if they violate regulations, and the government has ordered all coastal localities to take strong action plans against IUU fishing.

Meanwhile, Vietnam is a signatory of the Food and Agriculture Oganizations Agreement on Port State Measures, which is aimed to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing via the adoption and implementation of effective measures to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources.

Additionally, under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, IUU fishing is prohibited as it promotes sustainable aquaculture.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, Vietnams total fishery export turnover hit $9.2 billion last year, down 8 per cent as compared to the initial target. This year, the figure is set to be $9.5-10 billion. For the EU market, the figure reached $952 million last year, expected to be about the same in 2024. In the first seven months of 2024, the figure hit $600 million, up 10 per cent on-year.

Under the yellow card, all fishery containers from Vietnam into the EU are kept for examination of origin, with 2-3 days under customs clearance, inducing high costs for exporters. At present, Vietnam boasts over 270 ports with a total capacity of over 550 million tonnes of cargo a year.

Government vows to stamp out unregulated fishing The Vietnamese government is doing its utmost to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices, helped along by moves in Europe to remove warnings on the countrys activities.

Removal of fishing yellow card an urgent task: Deputy PM Vietnam has been doing its utmost to fight Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in an attempt to lift the European Commission (EC)s yellow card warning against its seafood exports and avoid a red card which could lead to a trade ban.

Vietnam to deploy action plan to remove fishing yellow card With the right approach and modifications, Vietnam should be able to have its yellow card for unregulated fishing removed, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said.
Typhoon Yagi has wreaked havoc in several Southeast Asian countries. Violent winds  followed by torrential rainfall  battered the Philippines, China and then Vietnam, causing widespread destruction. In Vietnam, the severe weather inundated many localities and triggered major landslides. Mountainous regions were especially hard hit. Given the magnitude of the disaster, the Vietnamese authorities issued an appeal for international aid.

Switzerland swiftly offered its assistance. The SDC under the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs dispatched a team of six experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit on September 12. The team, comprising specialists in water and sanitation, emergency shelter, and disaster risk reduction, will assist Vietnamese authorities with assessing needs and formulating short- and medium-term responses.

The SDC is also arranging to send relief supplies, including 300 family tents and two water distribution systems capable of serving 10,000 people. In the immediate term, the SDC is liaising with ASEAN to deliver essential goods financed by Switzerland to the affected areas.

The SDC has earmarked one million Swiss francs ($1.17 million) to support the people affected. It is also one of the largest contributors to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC-DREF), which has likewise released funds to support relief operations.

Vietnam is a priority country for the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, which is currently exploring the reallocation of some of its activities to address the needs arising from the disaster.

Evacuations and other measures implemented by authorities have helped to minimise the number of victims. Nevertheless, thousands of people need relocating, and to date, several hundred people have been reported dead or missing. Vietnam has not faced a natural catastrophe of this magnitude in over three decades.

Australia donates $2 million to Vietnam in wake of devastating typhoon The Australian government has donated AUD$3 million ($2 million) to Vietnam to help with humanitarian relief, emergency supplies, and other essential services in response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi.

Supermarkets increase orders from the south following Typhoon Yagi Supermarkets have increased orders from southern regions, including Lam Dong, to compensate for supply disruptions caused by Typhoon Yagi in northern Vietnam.
With this new outlet, UNIQLO will have established its retail chain across the north, central, and south regions of Vietnam. The new store will be located in AEON MALL Hue, the largest general-service shopping mall in the central region.

The UNIQLO store at AEON MALL Hue will boast a sales floor area of approximately 1,000 square metres, offering a full range of LifeWear product lines. The outlet is expected to bring a convenient shopping experience to customers in the central region, while contributing to cultural and economic development and generating jobs for the locals.

Nishida Hideki, general director of UNIQLO Vietnam, said, "The last five years in Vietnam has been a meaningful journey for us. UNIQLO is proud to receive love from customers in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Haiphong, and Binh Duong. In the central region, we hope to receive a similar welcome from customers. The opening of a new store marks an important milestone for our company."

"We are looking forward to introducing a quality LifeWear product line and the best services to customers in the region. Meanwhile, we are committed to creating a positive contribution to the socioeconomic and cultural activities, creating job opportunities, and ensuring social security in the locality," he added.

The central province of Thua Thien-Hue boasts great development potential as the third-largest economic region in Vietnam with a population of over 650,000 people. It attracts domestic and foreign tourists thanks to its policy of preserving the cultural values, heritage, and identity of the ancient capital. With an increasing presence of domestic and international investors, Thua Thien-Hue has been in the process of continuous development, aiming to become a centrally governed city in 2025.

Uniqlo operator upgrades full-year net profit forecast The operator of Japan's high-street fashion giant Uniqlo on Thursday revised up its full-year net profit forecast to what would be a record performance, citing strong global sales.

UNIQLO on sustainable development track Fast Retailing, UNIQLO's parent company, increased use of recycled materials and saw a 69.4 per cent reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the 2023 fiscal year.
Taylor is leading a delegation of officials from 60 US agribusiness and farm organisations and nine state departments of agriculture, seeking to develop and expand business opportunities with importers in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. The trade mission is taking place from September 9-13.

I am honoured to lead this diverse delegation to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi as we celebrate the first anniversary of the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Agriculture plays a huge role in our bilateral trade relationship, and Vietnam now ranks as the United States 10th-largest export market for agricultural and food products, Taylor said.

Throughout the week, the participating companies will meet with businesses from Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam to foster strategic partnerships that will lay the groundwork for future sales, she added.

Exports of US agricultural and related products to Vietnam, which totalled nearly $3.5 billion in 2023, are recognised by Vietnamese consumers, importers, and retailers for their reliability, quality, and sustainability.

US tree nuts, fresh fruit, poultry, beef, and pork are in particularly high demand by Vietnams food processing, retail, and restaurant sectors.

US and Vietnam boost investment and trade cooperation Since the historic elevation of the US-Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year, bilateral cooperation has expanded across key areas, especially investment and trade.

Vietnam approved to export passion fruit to Australia Passion fruit becomes the fifth Vietnamese fruit to be approved for export to Australia, following mangoes, longans, lychees, and dragon fruit.
According to the General Department of Customs, the import volume of cashew nuts from Cambodia has increased by a little over 34 per cent in quantity and more than 26 per cent in value compared to the same period last year.

In just the first seven months of this year, Vietnam has spent over $1 billion to import nearly 790,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts from Cambodia.

The share of cashew nuts accounts for more than 47 per cent of Vietnam's total cashew import turnover, representing an increase of almost 10 percentage points on-year.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has exported approximately 478,000 tonnes of processed cashew nuts in the past eight months, with a turnover of nearly $2.7 billion, representing a 23 per cent increase in volume and a just under 22 per cent increase in value compared to 2023.

According to Pham Van Cong, chairman of the Vietnam Cashew Association, the raw materials for processing cashew nuts in Vietnam mainly depend on imported raw cashew nuts.

Furthermore, Cambodia, along with Africa, has been implementing a strategy to develop domestic processing industries and gradually reduce raw exports recently. These countries have introduced various preferential policies to attract investment in cashew processing plants, closely monitor minimum selling prices, and apply high export tax rates on raw cashew nuts while exempting processed cashew nut exports from taxes.

Cong warned that if Vietnam cannot actively secure a source of raw material supply, its number one position in the world's cashew industry could be at risk.

"Vietnamese cashew firms can collaborate to exploit and develop raw material areas in Cambodia and Southern Laos, including cooperation in seed technology transfer, and then bring these raw cashew nuts back to Vietnam for processing," said Cong.

Cambodia has become the world's second-largest producer of raw cashew nuts, with a production volume reaching 830,000 tonnes in July, according to the Cambodia Cashew Association report.

Cambodia is aiming to boost cashew nut production and develop processing facilities, as well as diversify export markets. Through the national cashew policy from 2022 to 2027, the country expects its processing capacity to increase from 5 per cent to 25 per cent by 2027 and around 50 per cent by 2032.
From September 12-16, 10 sets of works and winning entries of the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards - Heritage Journey 2024 will be showcased at 93 Dinh Tien Hoang street in Hanoi.

2024 marks the 10th year of the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards - Heritage Journey.

The competition has received entries from 156 authors nationwide, with 411 sets of photos submitted, more than double last year.

The winning works have received gold, silver, and bronze medals from the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists.

The exhibition also features 30 works from photo tours in Ha Giang (February) and Thai Nguyen (June), created as part of field trips co-organised by Heritage, Thai Nguyen Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and Land Rover Vietnam.

The organisers presented awards to photographers for their exceptional work

At the opening ceremony on September 12, Le Hoang Dung, head of the organising committee and editor-in-chief of Heritage magazine, said, Over the past 10 years, the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards has been recognised for its high professional quality, with a judging panel from the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists and broad participation. The awards also serve as a favourable channel to promote Vietnam's image and enhance standards in photojournalism.

Le Hoang Dung, head of the organising committee and editor-in-chief of Heritage, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony

Dung also announced that during the exhibition, the magazine would also hold a charity auction themed Photos Conveying Love. Proceeds from the auction will be sent to northern provinces that are recovering from Typhoon Yagi.

Dung added, In light of these tragic events, we want to contribute, even in a small way, to support those affected by natural disasters. I urge photographers, artists, and Heritage collaborators to join us in this effort. Together, lets help restore the north of our country, including Hanoi, Ha Giang, and Thai Nguyen, to the beauty weve captured in our images over the years.

Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards  Heritage Journey 2020 exhibition The awards ceremony and opening of the photo exhibition "Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards  Heritage Journey 2020" was held in Hanoi on September 21 afternoon.

UNESCO experts assess complex in Vietnam for World Heritage status UNESCO experts are assessing the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex from August 5-15 for World Cultural Heritage status.
Jacob Beltran covers crime, breaking news and general assignments for the Express-News. He can be reached at jbeltran@express-news.net.

A San Antonio native, Jacob began his journalism career in 2010. He's worked for the student-run newspaper for San Antonio College, The Ranger, and for Texas A&M University-San Antonio, The Mesquite.

He enjoys video games, photography and exploring during his free time.
Humane Society of Central Texas leaders broke their silence Thursday after the nonprofits exit this month from the city of Waco animal shelter.

At a news conference they laid out grievances against the citys management of the shelter, alleging that staffers treat volunteers and the public with contempt, fail to adequately clean the shelter on Circle Road, and will kill more animals due to policy changes.

Were heading back to the days of the dog pound, and we will resist that, said Tom Lupfer, interim Humane Society executive director. He led a news conference attended by board members and volunteers who recounted unpleasant sights and experiences at the shelter before the Humane Society ended its role there Sept. 6.

The Humane Society has operated from the shelter on Circle Road for decades and since 2012 had run the adoption program while the city of Waco maintained the kennel operation. City officials on Thursday disputed the Humane Societys negative depiction of the shelter under the citys management.

More than anything, speakers at the news conference Thursday said they worry the centers live exit rate will fall below the 90% threshold, costing the facility its hard-earned no-kill status.

Lupfer said the Humane Society wishes the city luck, for the animals sake, but will take its concerns to elected officials while monitoring city operations and flooding neighborhoods with information.

Lupfer said surrendering an animal to the shelter may represent the publics first choice, but often becomes the worst choice. He said the Humane Society will pursue a diversion strategy, talking with people where they live about maintaining their fences so pets cant escape; having pets spayed, neutered, vaccinated and microchipped; and becoming animal foster parents.

We will not be operating our own shelter anytime soon, said Lupfer, a longtime Waco construction contractor.

Lupfer said the Humane Society has other resources, including a database of people willing to adopt animals, possibly on short notice. It is working out logistics of offering spay and neuter services, as well as vaccinations, and will have a Saturday presence at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market.

The Humane Society and city of Waco signed a termination agreement Aug. 23, stipulating that the society would depart the Waco Animal Shelter premises by Sept. 6. The society issued a press release explaining its dissatisfaction with shelter conditions, but leaders have not commented until now.

Lupfer said Thursday that language in the agreement gave the city almost exclusive authority to comment on shelter policy or performance. He called it a gag order that became moot when the agreement ended.

He described the relationship between the Humane Society and city management as tense. Waco put the shelter under the police department in 2023, but Lupfer said discontent began to fester long before then. Several who spoke at Thursdays news conference questioned the management skills and compassion of Police Cmdr. Gary Hiatt, who directs the center.

Annie Hill, who said she had several tasks at the animal shelter but now works elsewhere, alleged that Hiatt shouted at a volunteer who was cleaning up after a storm.

On another occasion, she said, a 10-year-old boy who found a dying puppy on his familys property waited inside the shelter for hours, with blood and feces running down his leg, before receiving assistance.

There have been so many instances of staff not treating the public or employees with kindness or respect, Hill said in an emotional talk.

Ashley Nystrom, chief of staff of the city managers office, defended the citys operation of the shelter.

We are faced with the daunting task of running our animal shelter, at full capacity, as the sole-operator, but our staff are here and ready to keep running our shelter as a best-in-class, no-kill facility, Nystrom said.

The city provided a generous offer to them in the contract negotiation for their operations at the animal shelter and was ready to facilitate their operations here through the full term of the contract through 2027 and beyond. They did not get what they wanted out of their contract demands and so they chose to leave operations at the animal shelter.

The Humane Society dealt with adoption, foster and volunteer services.

Nystrom said the citys contribution to animal welfare goes beyond the $8.2 million spent or committed in the past two years to upgrade the center, to include contributions to Fuzzy Friends, the Animal Birth Control Clinic for low and no-cost spay and neuter services for Waco residents, community outreach and resources to help pet owners avoid fines, and our ongoing vaccination and microchip clinics that we host, including one coming up in October.

She took issue with complaints about conditions at the shelter, saying it passed with flying colors a Texas Department of State Health Services inspection Aug. 15. Nystrom recalled that the state told shelter management ours was the cleanest and most well-run shelter facility that he had ever visited.

Every single kennel on our campus is scrubbed and sanitized daily, and spot cleaning to remove any subsequent dog poop is performed throughout the day following the daily sanitization of kennels, Nystrom said. These are not new processes and have always been in place at the shelter.

Lupfer described the citys approach as sweeping up dogs, and took issue with stepped-up efforts to flood neighborhoods with animal control officers who haul animals off to an overcrowded and stress-laden shelter.

Nystrom said the city is not actively increasing enforcement efforts, but is statutorily bound to enforce both state law and local ordinances within the community  and to respond to calls for service from our residents.

As a nonprofit, the Humane Society was not bound by the same requirements that the city is and often expected us to ignore our statutory duty.
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.
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (12 September 2024)

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

In Volchansk and Liptsy directions, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 22nd Mechanised Brigade of the AFU, 36th Marine Brigade, and 113th Territorial Defence Brigade near Vysokaya Yaruga, Liptsy, and Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 155 troops, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and one Anklav-N electronic warfare station. One AFU field ammunition depot was destroyed.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 14th, 44th mechanised brigades, 3rd Assault Brigade of the AFU, and 1st National Guard Brigade near Kupyansk (Kharkov region), Novoyegorovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), and Serebryansky forestry. Three counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 4th National Guard Brigade were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 445 troops, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and four UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzers. Anklav-N and Kvertus electronic warfare stations as well as two field ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Yug Group of Forces continued to advance to the depth of the enemys defences and inflicted losses on formations of the 24th, 42nd mechanised brigades of the AFU, and 116th Territorial Defence Brigade near Konstantinovka, Grigorovka, and Chasov Yar (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 745 troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, 26 motor vehicles, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, two UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzers, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzer. One field ammunition depot and one Anklav-N electronic warfare station were destroyed.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on formations of the 32nd Mechanised Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade of the AFU, and 109th Territorial Defence Brigade near Nelepovka, Druzhba, Rozovka, and Dobropolye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Eight counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 32nd Mechanised Brigade, 144th Infantry Brigade, 25th Airborne brigade of the AFU, 2nd and 14th national guard brigades were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 495 troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, four pickup trucks, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and one 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun.

Units of the Vostok Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions and inflicted losses on formations of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade of the AFU, 108th Territorial Defence Brigade, and 21st National Guard Brigade near Oktyabr and Ugledar (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Two counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the enemy were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 120 troops, seven motor vehicles, and one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer. Two Nota electronic warfare stations were destroyed.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the 39th Coastal Defence Brigade and 108th Territorial Defence Brigade near Belogorye and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, six motor vehicles, one 152-mm D-20 gun, and one Anklav-N electronic warfare station.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck infrastructure objects on airfields, objects of power infrastructure supporting operations of the AFU, as well as engaged AFU manpower and hardware clusters in 134 areas.

Air defence units shot down two U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 59 unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, 642 airplanes and 283 helicopters, 31,457 unmanned aerial vehicles, 579 air defence missile systems, 17,993 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,452 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 14,488 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 25,945 units of support motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.

Tags:

WtR
It is crucial that this information was supplied by Putin and nobody else. Whom speaks in Russia counts a much if not more than anything. If anything, Putin personally is primarily to blame for the situation not turning into a global conflict. He is a knowledgeable man, and his strategy makes sense. both constancy and patience. On the other hand, the opposing side of Western Psychos think they wants war and is fighting until the last minute to acquire it. It will be evident to them when they acquire it that they didnt want that conflict, but it will be too late to change their minds. Russia has much waiting in the wings

Enough said, here is what Putin said:

I have already mentioned this, and any experts will confirm, both in our country and in the West, that the Ukrainian army is not capable of [independently] carrying out strikes using Western modern, long-range precision systems. It cannot do this. This is possible only with the use of intelligence from satellites which Ukraine does not have. This data is only available from satellites of the European Union or the United States, in other words, from NATO satellites. Thats the first point, Putin said.

and

So this is not about whether or not to allow the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia using these weapons, but about deciding whether or not NATO countries are directly involved in the military conflict or not. If such a decision is taken, it will mean nothing short of direct participation of NATO countries, the United States, European countries, in the war in Ukraine. This would constitute their direct participation, and this, of course, changes the very essence, the very nature of the conflict. It will mean that NATO countries, the United States and European countries, are at war with Russia. And if this is so, bearing in mind the change in the very nature of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be posed to us, Putin said.

Shall we watch the sickness and desire of WW3 in the West grow?

WtR
WAUPUN  A former employee at a troubled Wisconsin prison has pleaded guilty to smuggling contraband into the maximum-security prison that's been the subject of a federal investigation into alleged smuggling involving employees.

William Lee Homan, 47, of Fox Lake, pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, according to court records.

Homan was working as a facilities repair worker at the Waupun Correctional Institution when he smuggled items, including cellphones, tobacco products and controlled substances, into the prison in exchange for money, the Appleton Post-Crescent reported, citing court records.

A message seeking comment was left Friday morning for Homans attorney by The Associated Press.

Between July 2022 and September 2023, Homan received 125 payments totaling more than $53,000 from prisoners, former prisoners and associates of prisoners, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

According to court records, people known to prisoners would send money to Homan via Cash App, and Homan would hide the contraband in his pants when arriving to work at the prison about 60 miles northeast of Madison.

Homans sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

In March, Gov. Tony Evers' office said federal authorities were investigating an apparent smuggling operation involving employees at the prison. At that time, the state Department of Corrections said the probe had resulted in the suspension of nearly a dozen Waupun Correctional Institution employees.

The federal probe came amid a string of deaths at the prison, which is Wisconsins oldest maximum-security prison. Five inmates at Waupun have died since June 2023. Two killed themselves, one died of a fentanyl overdose, one died of a stroke, and one died of malnutrition and dehydration.

Prosecutors charged the prisons former warden, Randall Hepp, and eight other Waupun staff members in June with misconduct in connection with the stroke and malnutrition deaths.

Inmates held at Waupun have filed a class action lawsuit alleging mistreatment, including not having access to health care.
Chinese tech giant Huawei on Tuesday unveiled the world's first triple-folding phone at more than three times the price of the newest iPhone, hours after its US competitor lifted the curtain on its own new handset built for AI.

The Mate XT was officially launched in a keynote presentation by Huawei executive Richard Yu at the firm's headquarters in the southern city of Shenzhen.

Originally designed as a premium phone for a niche audience, more than three million people registered interest in buying the Mate XT ahead of its launch.

The gadget officially goes on sale on September 20, with prices beginning at an eye-watering $2,800 -- over three times more than the new iPhone 16.

Advertised in a sleek red and gold design, the phone can transform into a 10.2 inch (26 centimetre) tablet and weighs 298 grams (10.5 ounces).

"This is the world's first triple-folding phone," Yu said at the keynote.

"We have put in a huge amount of effort into solving the problems regarding mass production and product reliability," he added.

Its release comes a day after Apple announced its iPhone 16, built for generative artificial intelligence as it seeks to boost sales and keep up in the technology race.

One observer said the launch of Huawei's trifold phone was unlikely to make a big dent in Apple's sales in the premium phone sector given its price and the California giant's hold in China.

"Its impact on Apple's market share is likely to be very limited" given Apple's popularity in the country, said Ethan Qi, associate director at research firm Counterpoint.

But another added that it would boost the company's "technological leadership".

"It will fortify its position as a leader in the foldable phone sector among consumers," Toby Zhu, senior analyst at Canalys, told AFP.

He also said the high price may not necessarily deter the target consumer group as "the purchasing power of China's most affluent consumers has increased despite the less favourable general economic climate".

Huawei was once the country's largest domestic smartphone maker, before it became embroiled in a tech war between Washington and Beijing.

It is now China's fourth-largest smartphone maker, shipping 10.6 million units in the last quarter, according to a recent report by research firm Canalys.

US sanctions cut off its access to American technology and crippled its smartphone business -- but it made a surprise comeback last year with smartphones powered by domestically made chips.

It is also the biggest seller of foldable phones in China, with more than half of the domestic market share in the first half of 2024.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Helped by cooler temperatures, firefighters gained ground Friday against three blazes in Southern California and authorities began scaling back evacuation orders that displaced thousands of people.

The largest is the Bridge Fire east of Los Angeles, which has burned 81 square miles (210 square kilometers), torched at least 33 homes and six cabins and forced the evacuation of 10,000 people. The cause of the fire is not yet known. After days of burning without fire crews being able to stop its forward march, it was 3% contained on Friday.

Firefighters made great progress on the ground, aided by aircraft to attack the fire aggressively 24 hours per day, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said in a statement.

While firefighters have made significant progress, the three major wildfires that have ravaged the mountains east of Los Angeles, destroying dozens of homes, injuring a dozen people, and burning more than 155 square miles (400 square kilometers), still pose significant threats to some communities.

California is entering the height of wildfire season and has already seen nearly three times as much acreage burn as during all of 2023.

Evacuation orders were being scaled back, including in parts of Big Bear where the Line Fire forced thousands of people to flee. Authorities say a delivery driver purposely started the blaze Sept. 5.

The fire has charred 59 square miles (153 square kilometers) in the San Bernardino mountains, where Southern Californians ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer. It was 21% contained as of Friday.

The Line Fire is burning through dense vegetation that grew after two back-to-back wet winters when snowstorms broke tree branches, leaving behind a lot of dead and down fuel, Cal Fire Operations Section Chief Jed Gaines said.

The Big Bear Zoo said it moved all its animals to a zoo in the city of Palm Desert to protect them from the wildfires and escalating temperatures.

The fires have threatened tens of thousands of homes and other structures across Southern California since they escalated during a triple-digit heat wave.

Cooler weather that began midweek has helped firefighters slowly gain the upper hand in battling the blazes. No deaths have been reported, but at least a dozen people, mainly firefighters, have been treated for injuries, mostly heat-related, authorities said.

Jason Anderson, district attorney for San Bernardino County, said Thursday that nine arson-related charges have been filed against Justin Wayne Halstenberg, who is accused of starting the Line Fire.

Anderson said Halstenberg, 34, attempted to start three fires within an hour in the city of Highland. Two were extinguished by firefighters and a good Samaritan, and the third became the Line Fire, according to authorities.

This is particularly galling in a community that unfortunately over the last couple of years has dealt with the scourge of wildfires, he told reporters, adding that the suspects vehicle has been linked to three areas where the fires were started.

Halstenberg is due to be arraigned on Monday according to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, which said Friday that it did not have information about an attorney for him.

Halstenberg's mother, Connie Halstenberg, told the Los Angeles Times that her son did not light that fire.

The full extent of the damage caused by the wildfires remains unclear, but Anderson said at least one home has been destroyed by the blaze.

Farther south, the Aiport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties has burned more than 37 square miles (96 square kilometers). Reportedly sparked by workers using heavy equipment, it was 8% contained as of Friday morning.

Ten firefighters and two residents were injured in the blaze, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. The fire has been difficult to tame because of the steep terrain and dry conditions  and because some areas hadnt burned in decades. It destroyed at least 27 cabins in the Holy Jim Canyon area, authorities said.

In northern Nevada, Washoe County officials confirmed Friday that a wildfire that broke out south of Reno last weekend destroyed 14 homes the first two days but none since as containment continues to increase.

Authorities have lifted all but a few of the evacuation orders that initially forced covered as many as 20,000 residents. Power has been restored to all but about 140 customers, NV Energy said. No deaths or serious injuries were reported.

Containment of the Davis fire was estimated at 56%, with no growth in the perimeter for the third day in a row after it burned nearly 9 square miles (23 square kilometers) of timber and brush along the Sierra Nevada's eastern slope near Lake Tahoe.

The Washoe County sheriff was seeking tips from the public as an investigation continued into the origin of the human-caused fire, which started Sept. 7 in a regional park about halfway between Reno and Carson City.

Rodriguez reported from San Francisco. Associated Press reporters Amy Taxin in Santa Ana, California, and Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada contributed.
Actor Dana Delany, 68, is laser focused on her work, not her fame. Im at the place in my career  or maybe Ive always been like this, its just who I am  Im not really into publicity. I just love the work, and we live in a culture now where its so much about how many followers you have, and that just doesnt interest me. Thats not why I act. Her TV work includes roles on the popular shows China Beach and Desperate Housewives, and she stars opposite Sylvester Stallone on Paramount+s crime drama Tulsa King, which is back for Season 2 on Sept. 15. Delany shares with AARP how a China Beach costar helped her in her current role, what its like working with Stallone and why she thinks shes a little bit psychic.



This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Members only

Your Tulsa King character owns a horse farm and is a skilled equestrian. Did you have experience around horses when you took the role?

I appreciate horses, but Im not a great rider. The first season, I really wanted to get over that and become comfortable with the horses. So I went and did a little horse therapy with my old friend, Chloe Webb, who was on China Beach with me. She has now become a horse therapist  meaning she uses horses for emotional therapy, with vets with PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] or people who have a fear of horses. Shes a great therapist ... and it was kind of mind-blowing what you can fix in one hour. And it was very emotional, and I actually feel very comfortable with horses now. This season, they didnt have me riding much. My character is more involved with Sly [Stallone].



How is working with Sylvester Stallone?

I have to say, its been an unexpected joy working with Sly. Hes quite phenomenal. He works so hard. Hes so prepared. Hes wearing many hats  hes producing [the show], he does a lot of rewriting, hes in almost every scene  and he really cares. And hes editing, and hes watching the dailies. Hes doing it all. Its who he is, his nature. On top of all that, hes incredibly spontaneous. Hes not an autocrat about stuff. Thats how I like to work. Like, yes, we have the scene and we have the writing and its great, but can we play with it a little bit? Hes up for playing. And people will see in the stuff that we did this season, we had so much fun. Theres a lot of laughter, and its this great game between us to try to keep up with each other. Hes constantly inventing and coming up with something new and throwing it at me, and then Ill throw it back. It was a lot of fun.

Delany plays horse-ranch owner Margaret Devereaux in the Paramount+ series "Tulsa King." Brian Douglas/Paramount+

Season 1 of Tulsa King was shot in Oklahoma, and this last season was shot in Atlanta. How did you like shooting outside of the usual L.A. soundstage?

I actually really enjoyed Oklahoma. Id never been to Oklahoma before, and I found it surprisingly modern and hip and kind of unusual. [Oklahoma City] has great art deco, so I was fascinated by that. And surprisingly, I had never shot in Atlanta before, so that was new for me. Its really a hard town to figure out because its so spread out, kind of like L.A., and you kind of have to figure out what neighborhood you like to be in. Id say the biggest thing that I loved was the foliage. They have incredible trees there. And they have a great park system, including Piedmont Park. I lived in midtown, and I walked for hours  as much as I could  in the park. It was quite amazing.



Is walking your favorite way of keeping fit?

I love to walk. That kind of took over in the pandemic, and I was lucky to be in Santa Monica [California] so I could walk a lot. Ever since I was a kid, Ive been a big lone walker. I walk and muse. I dont listen to anything. I dont listen to books. I dont listen to music. I dont talk on the phone. I like to be present and watch and be with my thoughts.
Frank Lorenzo is former CEO of Continental Airlines and author of Flying for Peanuts: Tough Deals, Steep Bargains, and Revolution in the Skies (Sept. 10). The book recounts Lorenzos 25-year career in the airline industry and his pioneering approach to travel that helped to shape the industry. 

During the summer of 1955, when I was 15, I learned that I would take my first-ever commercial flight, along with my parents, to visit my brother, Val, who was stationed in Germany with the Army. I convinced my parents to allow me to make the travel plans, which required several after-school treks to New York Citys LaGuardia Airport to discuss details of the trip with ticket agents there. I could have used the phone, but it was more exciting to go to the airport.

Members only

I cant imagine a teenager today creating a travel plan by heading to a nearby airport to talk to ticket agents, let alone buy tickets from them. On the day we departed LaGuardia, there was no boarding bridge to the airplane. My parents and I walked across the tarmac and directly boarded the plane via steps. So much has changed since then  everything from airport security to the apps for checking in and choosing our seats.

Planning a multigenerational trip? Lorenzo suggests these tips when traveling with grandchildren who arent accompanied by their parents: Address concerns early

Identify and address any challenges, such as coordinating arrival times if traveling separately

Create a detailed itinerary

Keep parents informed through any revisions

Ive experienced those changes as a traveler. However, for most of my professional life, I had a front-row seat to major shifts in air travel as an agent of that change while president and chief executive of Texas International Airlines and ultimately as CEO of Continental Airlines. I helped to introduce low-cost airfares made possible by deregulation in the 1970s, started the first frequent-flier program and banned cigar and pipe smoking on aircraft. I retired as CEO in 1990 before other major changes to the way we travel got off the ground, so to speak, such as purchasing tickets online and using apps to track flights.

For me, one aspect of travel remains fundamentally important: the excitement of getting on a plane. It was there on Aug. 7, 1955, when my parents and I boarded one of TWAs Lockheed L-049 Constellation propeller airplanes to visit my brother. That excitement was also there in June 2024, when my 16-year-old grandson Jack Lynch and 84-year-old me took a trip to revisit my familys roots in Spain.
A carbon credit scheme in Cambodia put on hold after allegations of rights abuses has been reinstated after more than a year of review, a verification body said.

The Southern Cardamom REDD+ project was halted after a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report alleged forced evictions and harassment of residents living near the forest protected by the scheme.

The project of over 450,000 hectares generated carbon credits -- bought by companies to offset emissions -- by protecting forest it said would otherwise have been cut down.

But HRW and local villagers said rangers and officials from the Wildlife Alliance (WA) group overseeing the project had destroyed crops, dismantled homes and set fire to rice.

Locals also complained that the protected area was poorly delineated and that they had not been properly consulted about the project.

However Verra, the world's lead certifier of carbon credits, said late Tuesday that WA had now taken "sufficient action" to address the allegations.

That included an improved human rights policy and training, better processes for consulting locals and revising a complaints mechanism.

The measures "address the alleged harm, mitigate the risk of future harm, and continually improve the Project," Verra said, without addressing whether HRW's allegations were substantiated.

In a statement, WA said the review had found "no non-conformities" with Verra's standards and that the hold had forced it to operate with "dwindling reserves."

"The Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project -- and all that it has achieved -- is under threat," the NGO said.

But Luciana Tellez Chavez, lead author of HRW's original report into the project, said Verra's review was woefully inadequate.

"Verra didn't interview a single victim of this project," said Tellez Chavez, HRW senior researcher on environment and human rights.

"Their report has no independent findings: it simply restates the assertions of the Wildlife Alliance that they don't think they did anything wrong," she told AFP.

The project is located in the Cardamom Mountains region, a lush habitat of rainforest home to dozens of threatened species.

It is also the planned location for the reintroduction of tigers, currently extinct in Cambodia.

Cambodia has one of the world's highest rates of deforestation, and carbon credit projects have been touted as a way to compensate local communities for protecting rainforests.

However the industry has been shaken by repeated scandals, including overblown claims about avoided emissions.

Projects have also often come into conflict with local communities who find themselves cut off from land previously available for farming or religious rites.

A community representative from Chhay Areng village in the Southern Cardamom region told AFP Wednesday that "the carbon scheme remains a concern for us."

Speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, he said villagers were still being detained for farming on local land, blaming a lack of clear boundaries.

"We worry that our access to forests will be more restricted," he said.


Half Yearly Report and Accounts

Sydney, Sep 13, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - In the half year to 30 June 2024, Empire Energy Group Ltd ( ASX:EEG ) ( EEGUF:OTCMKTS ), has been focussed on advancing to first commercial gas production from the Beetaloo.



The Northern Territory economy runs on gas. The continuing production problems at the offshore Blacktip Gas Field, while impacting NT energy supply, have put the spotlight on new gas availability in Australia. In March the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) forecast a gap in gas supply for the southern states from 2028 and in June AEMO warned that the market has tightened substantially amid supply disruptions.



Now is the time to bring gas to an energy short market. Empire's Beetaloo gas resources contain less than 1% CO2 in situ, providing the potential for a reduction in the carbon intensity of Australian gas supply.



Consistent with Empire's strategy focused on developing the Beetaloo Basin, in April we announced the sale of the remaining US based operating assets for up to US$9.1 million in cash, while retaining a 3.75% carried working interest in all shale formations below the Medina Sandstone. The proceeds repaid the US debt facility and released US$3.6 million in cash to support Empire's Carpentaria development.



We are now a Beetaloo / McArthur Basin pure play.



In late April we raised $46.8 million through a well-supported capital raise, and sale of a royalty over EP187, cornerstoned by Bryan Sheffield and Liberty Energy ( NYSE:LBRT ), strongly supported by existing shareholders and we welcomed new US institutional investors to the register. Bryan Sheffield has an enviable history, founding Parsley Energy Inc in 2008 and which was acquired by Pioneer Natural Resources in 2020 (in turn acquired by ExxonMobil in 2024), he then established Formentera Partners active in E&P in the USA.



In 2022 he established Daly Waters Energy in Australia acquiring half of Origin Energy's Beetaloo operations.



The Sheffield group recognises the enormous opportunity that the Beetaloo Basin presents.



While we appreciate the capital support provided by Bryan Sheffield and Liberty Energy, we also recognise and value the extraordinary experience they bring to shale gas development.



In the first half of the year Empire completed a peer review of Carpentaria-2H & 3H in preparation for our first Carpentaria Pilot Project ("CPP") development well, Carpentaria-5H ("C-5H"), a targeted 3,000 metre horizontal stimulated section with 60 stimulated stages in the Velkerri B shale. A multi-disciplinary approach arrived at a new C-5H drill and development design using best in class large diameter drill and larger pressured hydraulic stimulation. A combination of further learnings in choke management and selection of hydraulic stimulation fluid all combine with the aim of achieving greater Estimated Ultimate Recovery ("EUR") per well and flow rates.



C-5H will be connected to the CPP and run over an Extended Production Test ("EPT") to refine the Carpentaria production type-curve. The EUR and EPT will be key elements in future funding scenarios. C-5H drilling is expected to commence in Q4 2024. It is anticipated that drilling will take approximately 40 days. Hydraulic stimulation should be completed prior to the wet season, the well will then be shut-in and soaked as we did with C-2H & 3H. Empire has contracted Ensign Australia to drill and Haliburton Services to fracture stimulate the well.



In early July Chris White joined the team as Chief Operating officer. Chris joins Empire following 18 years at Origin Energy in the roles of General Manager Upstream Growth, General Manager Exploration and New Ventures, Group Manager Field Development Optimisation, Production Optimisation Manager and Petroleum Engineering Team Leader. Prior to Origin, Chris was a Project Manager for gas infrastructure projects at Laing O'Rourke UK, and a Petroleum Engineer at Queensland Gas Company. He has been instrumental in proving the commerciality of onshore unconventional gas resources in Queensland, driving rapid reserves growth and building production to export scale.



Chris has a deep Beetaloo knowledge acquired in his role at Origin Energy.



Also, in July we signed a binding 10-year gas sales agreement with the Northern Territory Government to supply 25 Terajoules (TJ) per day from the CPP. Over the life of the agreement this equates to approximately 75 Petajoules, barely 5% of the 2C discovered resource in EP187. An additional 10 TJ+ per day for 10 years, at the option of the buyer, is to be made available by Empire if production levels from the project exceed 100 TJ per day.



Gas will be delivered to the Power and Water Corporation ("PWC") operated McArthur River Pipeline ("MRP") on an ex-field take-or-pay basis at market-competitive gas prices, escalating at 100% of the Consumer Price Index. The additional 10 TJ per day Option Supply would be at a slightly lower price than the Initial Supply, providing the potential for long-term affordable energy supply for the people of the Northern Territory if larger scale development occurs. A T-piece connection has already been installed into the MRP by PWC at the proposed location of the Carpentaria Gas Plant ("CGP") to allow for delivery of gas from the CPP into the MRP.



We are working closely with the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate, building on a greater than 12 year relationship and following their full and informed prior consent gained in 2014. Our Beetaloo projects have the potential to improve indigenous lives through economic development, an opportunity that we are proud to be involved with.



We are targeting commercial gas sales in mid-2025.



When we filed our half yearly report 12 months ago our share price was tracking at multi year lows, the process of de-risking the balance sheet and raising sufficient capital was daunting. But we have enjoyed success in being in the right place at a fortuitous time. The Beetaloo Basin is being recognised as potentially the largest resource of yet to be developed onshore gas in the country. Increasingly, the role of gas is recognised as being crucial to the transition but more so with our society's increasing demand for electricity, let alone industrial scale energy requirements, manufacturing feedstock and heating, gas is critical to our energy security.



*To view the full half year report, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/FVDU824X





About Empire Energy Group Ltd





Empire Energy (ASX:EEG) (OTCMKTS:EEGUF) is a Sydney based Australian oil and gas company holding 100%-owned and operated assets with unconventional targets in the Northern Territory Beetaloo Sub-basin and central trough of the McArthur Basin.

Empire is an active Beetaloo Sub-basin operator, focused on maturing its assets to production. Following the successful appraisal drilling and flow testing of the Carpentaria-2H and 3H wells in Empire's EP187, Empire is targeting first gas flow in H1 2025 at its Carpentaria Pilot Project. The Pilot has a targeted sales gas rate of up to 25 TJ per day utilising the existing McArthur River Pipeline.

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Emerging eVTOL industry boasts huge potential in China

People's Daily Online) 09:20, September 13, 2024

Short for electric vertical take-off and landing aircrafts, eVTOLs are electric-powered aircrafts that take off and land vertically, and are sometimes referred to as air taxis. Over the past few years, China has witnessed robust development of the eVTOL industry.

Recently, in a general aviation airport in Zigong city, southwest China's Sichuan Province, a six-seater eVTOL with a wing span of 16 meters and a takeoff weight of 2.5 tonnes completed multiple tuning tests in the air.

Photo shows eVTOLs of AutoFlight, a Shanghai-based aviation technology firm. (Photo courtesy of AutoFlight)

"This is the first passenger-carrying eVTOL project accepted by the East China Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)," said Dong Ming, CEO of Volant Aerotech, an eVTOL company based in Shanghai.

Dong went on to introduce that this eVTOL is suitable for short-distance transportation of 200 to 400 kilometers. Currently, pre-orders from China alone have exceeded 700 units.

"Compared to helicopters, eVTOLs are electric-powered and intelligent, and support unmanned operations," said Wang Zhanchao, executive deputy director of the civil aircraft system engineering research center of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China.

Wang explained that eVTOLs are powered by batteries, resulting in lower operation costs and are environmentally friendly. The design of eVTOLs may incorporate multi-axis, multi-motor methods and parachutes, which enhances the safety of the vehicle.

Thanks to the robust development of aviation, new energy vehicles, 5G, and artificial intelligence, domestically produced eVTOLs have accumulated many technological advantages these years.

"China has formed an industrial chain that includes system, component supply, aircraft research and manufacturing, and applications in different scenarios," said Qin Rui, director of the low-altitude economy and low-altitude traffic research center at Civil Aviation University of China.

Incomplete statistics showed that China has more than 20 domestically made eVTOL models. The EH216-S developed by EHang, an autonomous aerial vehicle based in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, has been awarded the world's first type certificate, airworthiness certificate, and production certificate for a passenger-carrying autonomous aerial vehicle by the CAAC.

EVTOL has significant potential in passenger transportation, emergency rescue, logistics and delivery, and low-altitude tourism.

An eVTOL of AutoFlight, a Shanghai-based aviation technology firm, recently completed its first flight across the Yangtze River, covering a distance of over 20 kilometers in just 5 minutes, which is about one-fifth of the time it would take to drive the same distance.

"Passenger transportation may be the most promising application scenario for eVTOLs," said Wang. He said eVTOLs can effectively alleviate ground traffic congestion and help foster new business models such as urban air mobility and short-distance intercity air transportation.

According to estimates by a research institution, China's eVTOL market size reached 980 million yuan (about $137.79 million) last year and is projected to grow to 1.72 billion yuan in 2024. By 2040, the global eVTOL market is expected to exceed 1 trillion dollars, with China's market share anticipated to account for over 20 percent of the total.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Time stands still at Serbia's Vinca nuclear facility, where the decommissioned Yugoslav-era reactor is a testament to the fears generated by the controversial energy source.

For decades, the research reactor and the surrounding facility have been stuck in another era. But a new push to revitalise Serbia's stalled nuclear energy sector may see the country embrace the technology again.

Three years after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, then Yugoslavia shuttered its nuclear programme and shut down its lone reactor in Belgrade's suburbs.

Serbia has long relied on its plentiful sources of cheap coal to power its economy, even as it blackened its skies with the capital Belgrade regularly ranked as one of the most polluted cities during the winter.

It has come at a cost.

Nearly 70 percent of Serbia's electricity comes from coal-fired power plants, which caused an estimated 15,000 deaths in 2021 alone linked to pollution, according to a report by the European Environment Agency.

Facing a 2050 EU deadline to transition away from coal, officials are now considering whether to lift the long-standing ban on building nuclear power plants in the Balkan country.

In late August, Serbia's Ministry of Mining and Energy opened public consultations for proposed changes to the country's energy law, which includes lifting the moratorium on nuclear power.

The facility at Vinca is a reminder of what could have been.

An antique phone sits next to an emergency button used to manually activate the safety system amid a sea of analogue glass dials that once measured the pulse of the reactor and its surroundings.

Visitors to the facility must still adhere to strict controls when entering the reactor's hall, which scientists today use mostly for educational purposes.

For proponents of nuclear power, Serbia stands at a crossroads.

"When considering whether to say 'yes' or 'no' to a nuclear power plant, we must be aware that nuclear power plants surround us," Dalibor Arbutina, director of Public Company Nuclear Facilities of Serbia (NFS), told AFP.

Arbutina points to the use of nuclear power by many of Serbia's neighbours, including Hungary which has an active reactor just 80 kilometres (50 miles) from its northern border.

"We are in the same risk zone as Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, but they benefit from their nuclear plants, while we get nothing," Arbutina added.

But going nuclear will be a long and costly process, with a government study saying a cautious estimate for the launch of a new nuclear facility would likely take up to two decades.

"It is a painful transformation that Serbia will have to undergo," said Slobodan Bubnjevic from the Institute of Physics at the University of Belgrade.

The process of reversing the ban alone will likely be lengthy and require navigating complex political bureaucracy.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic remains a firm advocate for shifting to nuclear energy and frequently cites the exponential strain on the current grid by the adoption of new technologies.

"Having in mind that artificial intelligence time is coming, having in mind the fact that we'll have to have 90-95 percent of electric cars here... the consumption of electricity will increase significantly," Vucic told AFP, saying transitioning to nuclear energy sources would be critical.

"Otherwise, we won't have enough electricity," he argued.

During a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron last month, Serbia signed a raft of agreements, including a letter of engagement to assess the potential for developing a civilian nuclear programme.

A survey published by the Serbian-based think-tank, New Third Way, said one-third of the people it polled remained opposed to nuclear power, while roughly the same number supported it, with the others largely undecided.

The study also found that 64 percent of respondents agreed that Serbia should gradually phase out the use of coal.

"I would say (nuclear) is a brilliant way to produce electricity and everything else -- as long as it's not misused," Rada Spica Gajic, a 47-year-old Belgrade resident, told AFP.

On the other hand, Sava Medan, 60, said he would likely worry about the handling of nuclear waste produced by the process.

Professor Bubnjevic agreed.

"Once you initiate the chain reaction and expose the fuel to the process it undergoes in the reactor, from that moment onward, you must manage the nuclear waste indefinitely," said Bubnjevic.
NTR Jrs much awaited film Devara, featuring Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and others, is all set to release on September 27 in different languages. The film is directed by Koratala Siva and presented by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Anil Thadani.

The trailer of the film was released recently with much fanfare. Speaking at the launch event, NTR Jr confessed that he was a bit nervous about this film as this was his first solo release after six years. He said, I am very nervous at the moment, because after RRR this is my next film. RRR was with my co-actor Ram Charan, this is my solo release after six years, so there is a lot of nervousness building.

At the same time, he added, I am very happy to launch the trailer of Devara in the city of Mumbai, because the experience weve had was surreal. The acceptance by the North has shocked us all and I hope it repeats with Devara once again.

Like RRR, Devara too has some high octane action sequences. When asked about whether he found any scene in the film difficult, NTR Jr said, I cant point out one such action sequence or stunt. I am sure Anil sir, Karan sir, Apurva sir will agree with me that the last 30-40 minutes of Devara is going to rock you all. I just cant wait for people to watch that. The vision my director Siva had at that point and I just cant wait for the world to see it.

This is Saifs first Telugu film and speaking about his collaboration with NTR Jr, he said, I remember my first shot when I was speaking Telugu. I had sweat running down my back. I felt very nervous in a very different way. We come from the same country, but our states are completely different from one another. It has been a very exciting experience. It was very kind of Tarak (NTR ji) and Siva ji to want me in the movie. Because movies made in the South are mind blowing. To get a chance to act in a film like this, I feel somewhat like a newcomer. I am excited because I have spoken the language myself, and it is a new language for me. I loved the movie and I loved what I have done in it as well.

Saif is playing a negative role in this film. He credited Vishal Bharwaj for giving his famous negative character of Langda Tyagi in Omkara and said, First of all, I was really excited as I had been offered a movie from the South industry. They have given us so many incredible movies. I think the future is going to be collaborations between North and South and a pan-Indian kind of a scenario. This whole thing happened because Tarek and Siva wanted me in it, I think they had seen Omkara and remembered it. I have to thank Vishal ji for that. It was a very interesting character, there was a young version and an old version, and the crazy makeup. I would not call it an anti-hero, rather a straight antagonist. It is like debuting in a new kind of cutting edge Indian cinema. So, it is great for me to be here.
GreenCell Mobilitys NueGo, Indias leading electric intercity bus brand, has announced its collaboration with the much-anticipated crime thriller The Buckingham Murders.



Directed by Hansal Mehta, the film stars Kareena Kapoor Khan as a British-Indian detective unraveling a chilling murder mystery in Buckinghamshire, while coping with personal loss and the pursuit of justice. Produced by Kapoor Khan, Shobha Kapoor, and Ektaa R. Kapoor, this gripping film is set to captivate audiences across India.



In line with the movies themes of vigilance and protection, NueGos partnership underscores its ongoing commitment to safety and innovation, particularly regarding women's security. NueGo has consistently prioritized making travel secure and comfortable for women travelers, reflecting the films emphasis on justice and safety.



To celebrate this exciting partnership, NueGo is offering a special 10% discount on all routes. Mr. Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD of GreenCell Mobility, said: "Our collaboration with The Buckingham Murders and Kareena Kapoor Khan aligns with NueGos ongoing dedication to the safety of women travellers. From alcohol breath analyzer tests to reserved pink seats for women, live bus tracking, and a dedicated women's helpline, we are committed to making every journey safe and secure. This partnership reaffirms our promise to set new benchmarks for safety and comfort in intercity travel, ensuring an empowering experience for all our guests, especially women."



As Indias premier electric bus brand, NueGo continues to transform intercity travel with a focus on womens safety and eco-friendly journeys. This partnership with The Buckingham Murders is another milestone in its quest to redefine safe, sustainable, and comfortable travel.
The third season of Oceans 18, the spin-off of Transatlantic at London International Awards, has set sail for the desert lands of Nevada and will be docking at Encore @ Wynn in Las Vegas, from 29th September through 7th October. Through The Seven Seas Interviews, Simone Nobili will cross the oceans of 18 LIA Jury Presidents, reaching unknown lands and uncovering hidden treasures of personal stories.

Episodes will be video taped live in Las Vegas during LIA judging and will be streamed on the Transatlantic YouTube channel and the London International Awards channel, with releases throughout the year in the LIA Insider and the Transatlantic LinkedIn page.

Simone Nobili said, This year marks the third season of the Ocean Series at LIA - London International Awards in Vegas. The heist into the minds of the LIA Jury Presidents is a spin-off of Transatlantic, a video podcast with a lot of water in it  though, ironically, were in the middle of the desert. Ive come to believe that if you look carefully, youll find holes all around Vegas where Ive dropped the anchors of my questions. When LIA first asked me to bring Transatlantic to the event, I gave my yes through the words of Nicholas Pileggi, the writer of Casino. Ive been a fan of LIA for years and have always felt that Vegas is the perfect location for such an award. In the circuit of award shows, LIA is truly the last standing festival solely dedicated to creativity. If it had a face, it would be that of Keith Richardsthe last bulwark of rock. This is where I anchor my Transatlantic and gush out the blue rivers of The Seven Seas Interview, a format I created where each question is shaped by art, poetry, music, literature, and life. Because, in the end, theres nothing more fascinating than a piece of the human soul in the middle of the desert. Its everything in the middle of nothing.

Also Read: Panasonic to conclude long-standing Paralympic alliance with IOC
Pulse Candy, a renowned brand from the DS Group, has unveiled its latest campaign, Pulse Ganesh Mahotsav, blending the traditional celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi with cutting-edge AI technology. The initiative allows devotees to bring their personal vision of Lord Ganesha to life using artificial intelligence, marking a unique digital celebration during the festival.



In collaboration with iconic pandals such as Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai, Tulsi Bagh Mandal in Pune, Nashikcha Raja, Yaadgar Ganesh Pandal (Sambhaji Cha Raja) in Aurangabad, and Mecosabagh Servajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal in Nagpur, Pulse Candy is set to engage festival-goers in an innovative way. The campaign, Meri Bhakti Mere Bappa, invites devotees to create personalized AI-generated visualizations of Lord Ganesha, paralleling Ganeshas multiple avatars with the variety of flavors offered by Pulse.

At the Pulse Ganesh Pandal, visitors can interact with the AI system by describing their ideal depiction of Lord Ganesha via a tablet, which then generates a customized image integrated with elements of Pulse candy.



Arvind Kumar, GM of Marketing at DSFL, said: "Maharashtra is a key market for our candy business. With the Pulse Ganesh Mahotsav, we aim to resonate with young audiences and keep the brand relevant and cherished. By merging tradition with innovation, were offering a memorable experience that captures the vibrancy of both devotion and choice, much like our diverse Pulse candy flavors."

To extend the experience beyond the pandals, Pulse Candy has also launched a social media contest and an AI-powered microsite. Devotees can create their own Ganesha visuals online, share them on platforms like WhatsApp and social media, and stand a chance to win exciting prizes.

Also Read: DS Groups Pulse Candy brings AI Innovation to Ganesh Mahotsav
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.
Rajesh holds a PGDM with specialization in Brand Management and Market Research from MICA. He has over 20 years of experience in advertising and communication.

He has worked with agencies like FCB,DDB, TBWA and Lowe apart from his earlier stint with McCann. Rajesh has considerable experience in a data lead insight approach to map consumer behaviours and plan releveant marketing interventions across the customer journey.

Prasoon Joshi Chairman McCann Asia Pacific and CEO & CCO McCann Worldgroup India said Rajesh comes back with a range of experience, a keen eye for data led insights in the transformative digital space . He is entrprenuiral in nature and will play a key role in contributing to McCanns growth . His joining will add a new dimension to our valued client relationships in our Mumbai operation.

Rajesh said My biggest reason for returning to McCann is its entrepreneurial culture, nurtured by stable and inspiring leadership. My previous stint here profoundly reshaped my approach to strategic planning. McCann is truly the university of Indian culture, offering unparalleled training in creativity that resonates within this context. The most effective agency of the country tag is spot-on. McCann excels in championing brand-biased ideas and continually refreshing itself to meet the evolving needs of New India Brands and the New Indian Consumer.

Also Read: ZMCL onboards Rajesh Sareen as new CRO to strengthen Revenue & Business Strategy
The RBL Bank IOCL credit card launch powered by Mastercard is a one of its kind campaigns named Go #FurtherAndBeyond. It aims to position itself as the champion of mobility. Vehicles have been a part of daily commute or an occasional getaway for a lot of Indians today. However, this also manages to eat into a major chunk of ones income due to rising fuel costs. The product aims to target individuals on the move and driven towards constantly seeking new experiences. The marketing campaign helps the card stand out as an enabler for one to move forward without any worries.

For the launch event, the team collaborated with social media influencers who are motor and travel enthusiasts. This crew participated in a 750km long road trip from Chandigarh to Leh-Ladakh. Along with the scenic route, the expedition also saw bikers promoting the card at various petrol pumps. The journey has also been recorded and shared on social media platforms.

"Further & Beyond" embodies pushing travel boundaries and redefining experiences. Event activities mirrored this campaign theme, showcasing exploration and discovery. Moreover, the launch took place near Thiksey monastery with the mountains as a backdrop. With these efforts, the Banks plans have lived up to "Further & Beyond," unveiling new travel possibilities and rewards.

The spectacular product launch is a reminder of how the card is always ready to fuel your next journey. With significant cashbacks and other benefits, it emphasizes how every ride can be an adventure. The campaign truly inspires the spirit of freedom, independence, and a chance to chase new horizons.

Also Read: India Gate unveils #ClassicBandhan campaign celebrating enduring sibling bond
Authored by Krishnan Naranapatty, Founder of Zupain



Recently, I came across a striking image on an Amazon blog that has since been etched in my memory: In the majestic expanse of Ladakh, where the sky stretches endlessly to meet the mountains, a Tibetan monk in traditional maroon robes receives an Amazon delivery package.

For me, this simple yet powerful moment, set against the stark beauty of the Himalayas, symbolized the sweeping changes the digital revolution has brought to even the most remote corners of India.

It's a testament to how deeply e-commerce has penetrated, connecting diverse and distant parts of our nation to the global marketplace.

India's Retail Revolution: Bridging Traditional and Digital Worlds

India has always been a very big retail market. India is now on the brink of that retail revolution becoming e-retail. With e-commerce making formidable inroads into the most remote areas, the dynamics of retail are being redefined.

A recent survey by KPMG stated that over 58% of small retailers in India have successfully generated higher value via some form of digital transformation.

Leveling the Playing Field for Small Businesses- Democratization of Tech for E-commerce

With the democratization of e-commerce by global players like Shopify, and Woocommerce and players like Zupain and Dukan in India; a local artisan in Ambala can market her products as widely as a seasoned entrepreneur in Mumbai.

I can confidently say that with an e-commerce store being created for as low as 6999/-; technology today is not an entry barrier for small and micro-entrepreneurs to start their D2C journey.

As Indias 1st We-do-it-for-you e-commerce platform, we try to further lower this entry barrier for micro-businesses by handholding them through the entire journey and handling 100% of their tech requirements.

By redefining customer interactions, enhancing personalization, and optimizing operational efficiencies, the e-commerce platforms are not just facilitating transactionsthey're crafting memorable shopping experiences that build lasting brand loyalty.

At Zupain, we witness this transformative shift daily, as we empower Indias microentrepreneurs to build their own e-commerce businesses and carve unique identities in the digital world, where they have the freedom to gain full control over their brand, presentation, customer interactions, and, most importantly, the community of their customers.

Revolutionizing Customer Interactions

Modern e-commerce platforms leverage cutting-edge technology to transform how businesses engage with their customers.

For instance, Zupain incorporates AI-driven chatbots and personalized product recommendations, ensuring that each customer interaction is meaningful and tailored.

Similarly, Shopify offers integrated tools that support real-time customer interactions across various channels, enhancing the customer's shopping experience and satisfaction.

Personalization at Its Core

The power of data analytics cannot be overstated in the realm of e-commerce. Zupain uses these tools to help businesses understand and act on customer behavior and preferences, enabling a level of personalization that mirrors the in-store experience. Most e-commerce platforms provide user-friendly analytics that assists merchants in tracking customer trends and optimizing their marketing strategies accordingly. This data-driven approach allows for targeted content and offers that increase customer engagement and loyalty.

Streamlining Operations

Operational efficiency is critical for the sustainability and growth of any e-commerce venture. Zupain offers robust backend support that simplifies complex operations such as inventory management and logistics, all from an intuitive dashboard. Shopify excels in this area as well, with a comprehensive ecosystem that includes everything from payment processing to shipping integrations, enabling businesses to focus more on strategic growth and less on day-to-day tasks.

Building a Community

Beyond facilitating transactions, e-commerce platforms are powerful tools for community building with social media integration and blogging tools that help businesses engage with their audience and create a community of loyal customers. There are numerous plugins available for customer engagement and community building, enabling businesses to maintain active and engaged online communities.

Future-Proofing Businesses

To stay competitive in the fast-evolving retail market, businesses must continually adapt to new technologies. We ensure our platform is cutting-edge by integrating the latest innovations and AI for enhanced product visualization and security. The global players like Shopify and WooCommerce also consistently update their offerings, integrating new technologies and trends that keep their users ahead in the market.

The e-commerce platforms are more than just technological solutions; they are growth partners that empower businesses to thrive in a digital-first world. By providing the tools and support needed to create unique customer experiences and streamline operations, platforms like Zupain, Shopify, Woocommerce, and Dukaan are integral to the ongoing retail revolution. As we continue to witness this transformation, it is clear that the future of retail will be shaped by the ability of businesses to adapt, innovate, and personalize the e-commerce experience. This is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in how retail operates, offering exciting opportunities for businesses ready to embrace these changes.



DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.


The Federal Council

Bern, 13.09.2024 - The migration framework credit in the second Swiss contribution is being applied in two phases. With a view to implementing the second phase (202529), the Federal Council has approved the opening of negotiations with Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria. This financial contribution supports better management of migration in Europe, which also benefits Switzerland.

Migration is a priority area in Switzerland's second contribution to selected EU member states. The migration framework credit amounts to CHF 200 million. Partner countries are selected on the basis of a number of criteria, including the scale of migratory flows, the structural needs of the country concerned and Switzerland's interests.

Implementation in two phases

The cooperation programmes in the first phase began in September 2022 in Greece and Cyprus, with funding of CHF 40 million and CHF 10 million respectively. In Italy, the programme was launched in July of this year and received CHF 20 million.

With a view to implementing the second phase (202529), Switzerland is to launch negotiations to renew its cooperation with Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria. Switzerland already cooperates with the latter two countries on cohesion projects. Negotiations will focus on the areas which are to receive support and the amount to be allocated to each programme, from a total of CHF 70 million available. The principles and rules of implementation will be identical to those of the first phase.

Objectives and content

The migration framework credit is aimed at strengthening migration management structures in Europe. The areas that may receive a financial contribution are asylum procedures, infrastructure, assistance with voluntary return and reintegration, and integration measures to prevent irregular secondary migration.

In addition to bilateral cooperation programmes, the credit also feeds a Rapid Response Fund for EU countries experiencing significant migratory movements. This has been crucial in supporting EU member states receiving large numbers of people from Ukraine seeking protection.

Address for enquiries

Information and Communication Service SEM, medien@sem.admin.ch

Publisher

The Federal Council

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html



Federal Department of Justice and Police

http://www.ejpd.admin.ch



State Secretariat for Migration

https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html




SC Grants Bail to CM Kejriwal, Upholds CBI Arrest in Excise Policy Scam 2

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the corruption case linked to the alleged liquor policy scam. However, while allowing his bail plea, the court dismissed his separate petition challenging the legality of his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The two-judge bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, upheld the CBIs authority to arrest Kejriwal, rejecting his plea against the arrest. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, the second judge on the bench, issued a separate opinion, expressing concerns over the timing of the CBIs arrest, deeming it a belated action and calling it unjustified.

Last week, the court reserved its decision after hearing arguments from senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, representing the CBI.

Singhvi argued that the CBI had waited for two years before arresting Kejriwal, making a hasty insurance arrest to ensure his continued detention in connection with the money laundering case. He pointed out that the CBIs justification for arresting Kejriwalciting his non-cooperation and evasive replieswas insufficient. Singhvi highlighted previous Supreme Court rulings stating that cooperation with investigations should not require an accused to incriminate themselves.

Furthermore, Singhvi contended that as a constitutional functionary and Chief Minister of Delhi, Kejriwal met the criteria for bail. He argued that Kejriwal posed no flight risk, would respond to investigators questions, and had no ability to tamper with the vast amounts of evidence, comprising lakhs of documents and digital files, after two years.

In contrast, ASG Raju, representing the CBI, opposed the bail, warning that releasing Kejriwal could cause witnesses to turn hostile. He cited the example of AAP candidates in the Goa Assembly elections, who provided statements to the CBI only after Kejriwals arrest. Raju urged the court to remand Kejriwals bail plea to the trial court and argued that his appeal to the Delhi High Court should not have been entertained.

Raju emphasized that arrest is a routine part of investigations and typically doesnt require court permission. He noted that in this case, the court had granted permission to arrest Kejriwal, dismissing any claims of violation of fundamental rights.

The Supreme Court has recently granted bail to several figures involved in the excise policy case, including senior AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K. Kavitha, and former AAP communication chief Vijay Nair.

Although the Supreme Court had previously ordered interim bail for Kejriwal in the money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 12, he remained in jail due to the separate CBI arrest.
Alabama K-12 education officials are asking for an 8% increase to the states education budget next year, which would support school security improvements, literacy efforts and other programs recently approved by lawmakers.

The Alabama State Board of Education said it plans to request $6.43 billion for K-12 schools from the Education Trust Fund  an increase of about $472 million  at a work session in Montgomery on Thursday.

The board will vote to approve the proposal and any additional changes at its October meeting. Leaders will turn a request in to the legislature by Nov. 1.

But whatever they request, its unlikely theyll get the full amount. The legislature capped increases to the 2026 fiscal year budget at 6%, which officials estimate would give K-12 schools about $380 million more to spend.

Changes to teacher retirement and health insurance plans could also put a strain on the states budget, State Superintendent Eric Mackey said.

Thats going to take about a quarter of all the available resources for this year, maybe a little more than that, Mackey told reporters. So as we go into the legislative session, were very cognitive of how difficult its going to be to build a budget this year.

Whats in the budget proposal?

Officials presented a proposal for $5.36 billion for local K-12 school districts, an increase of about $225 million. Other funds would support financial assistance programs and services administered by the state department.

The largest increases would go toward transportation and personnel changes.

Officials said it will cost about half a billion dollars to fully fund bus services and are asking for an increase of $133 million in transportation funds. They are seeking an additional $55 million to hire more assistant principals.

The proposal also included $95 million to support the Alabama Numeracy Act  an increase of $27 million  and about $113 million for the Alabama Reading Initiative, up $7.4 million from last year.

Having state funding for those reading and math interventions is critical, Mackey said, because starting next month, schools will no longer have federal COVID relief funds to direct toward those efforts. Since 2021, Alabama schools have had $3 billion in federal funds to allocate, and are now working to spend those final amounts .

I have to remind myself that a billion is a thousand million, Mackey told board members Thursday. Thats three thousand million dollars thats gone. Checks will be written out over the next several months, but its gone, and theres no way the state is going to raise the funds to replace that.

Other notable requests include:

$52.9 million proposed for new security measures

$52 million proposed for a new initiative to support struggling readers beyond third grade

$20 million for a college and career readiness grant program

Special education teacher stipends: $34 million proposed, an increase of $26 million

Expansion of the Alabama Summer and Afterschool Program: $17.3 million proposed, an increase of $14.4 million

Student assessments: $32.9 million proposed, an increase of $13.5 million

Career tech programs: $48.7 million proposed, an increase of $10 million

Special Education Certified Behavior Analyst Program: $13.5 million proposed, an increase of $5 million

Gifted programs: $15.35 million proposed, an increase of $3 million

See the full proposal below. If you cant see the table, view it here.
The Alabama Board of Education is set to raise expectations for third graders by gradually increasing a benchmark on the states high-stakes reading test.

Currently, educators decide whether or not a third grader is reading sufficiently and can move on to the fourth grade based on a test. Leaders want to move the tests cut score up this year, then again in 2026.

State Superintendent Eric Mackey said hes talked with school officials, board members and the governor about the topic, and recommends moving the cut score from 435 to 444 this school year and then to 454 by spring 2027.

I think that most people want to move up, he said. Maybe everybody wants to move up over time.

A score of 473 means a third grader is reading on grade level, but statisticians recommended the 435 cut score - technically two standard errors below 473 - because the test is new.

After spring 2024 reading test results showed 91% of students reached the benchmark the board set last year, some board members questioned whether they set the bar too low, ultimately sending too many third graders without strong reading skills into the fourth grade.

There are few supports for fourth grade students who struggle to read, Mackey said, and students continue to get further behind if they cant read well by fourth grade.

State lawmakers turned down the boards request for $20 million to support struggling readers in fourth grade this year, but theyll be back at the table for the 2026 fiscal year budget. Education officials plan to ask for $52 million for reading interventions and aid for the same group of students.

Board member Yvette Richardson said school officials are concerned about how to increase student achievement while also dealing with fewer resources.

One brought to my attention weve had the [federal] ESSER funds where weve been able to do after school tutoring and additional programming, bringing in the interventionists, she said. Now that those monies are gone, we may not have those resources. Richardson asked what kind of support they can offer school officials to bring third grade scores up.

Those are tough questions, Mackey said, adding that school officials are reaching out to ask for help from the state department to keep some of those reading intervention programs in place, but the department has no money in the budget to help local schools.

During an August meeting, assessment expert Juan DBrot addressed the board about what to consider in setting a new score.

The question that you have to weigh is: Whats the greater risk, DBrot told board members. Promoting students that should have been held back or holding back students that should have been promoted?

On Thursday, Mackey told board members that if the 444 score had been in effect this past spring, just under 14% of students would have been at risk of retention, which is what he expected with the 435 cut score.

Third graders who scored 435 or above on the 2024 reading test could move into the fourth grade under the laws requirements. Those who scored below 435 were given the chance to attend summer reading camp to improve their skills and could then take the test again.

Mackey told the board in August that of the original 4,800 third graders that didnt reach the 435 score, after summer interventions and retesting, about 3,500, or 6.5%, of students were determined to be reading below grade level.

Schools have until Sept. 16 to submit final data, but preliminary data showed 1,832 third graders were retained in third grade because of reading deficits. That same data showed 900 students were either promoted using a portfolio of work or because the student met one of a number of good cause exemptions.

The board will vote on whether to set the new series of cut scores during their Oct. 10 meeting.
President Joe Biden condemned a racist smear circulating online falsely accusing Haitian immigrants of eating dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio, telling Black guests at the White House on Friday that the rhetoric had no place in America.

Alluding to his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, whose campaign first promoted the rumors on Monday before he amplified them during the presidential debate on Tuesday, Biden said the attacks have to stop.

The Haitian-American community is under attack in our country right now, Biden said. Its simply wrong. Theres no place in America. This has to stop, what hes doing. It has to stop.

See also: Tuberville blast Mayorkas over Haitian refuge program

Biden was addressing a gathering on the South Lawn of the White House in celebration of Black community achievements. He noted that his press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, is a proud Haitian American. Biden also said that he had made a commitment my administration would look like America, and it does.

Trump, his vice president running mate JD Vance and their supporters have spent the week spreading debunked claims about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating their neighbors pets and wildlife in Springfield. The midwestern town, which had a dwindling population of only about 60,000 residents just a few years ago, has seen an influx of immigrants from Haiti after the Biden administration granted them legal immigration protections due to the violence in their homeland, and also launched a two year-humanitarian parole program for nationals of Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela last year.

There have been no cases of Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio, the city manager has said.

_____

2024 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
First lady Jill Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin watch four and five-year-olds build with blocks at a military early childhood education program at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Tara Copp)AP

First lady Jill Biden was in Montgomery on Friday to visit a new pre-kindergarten program at Maxwell Air Force Base that she said could be a blueprint for early education efforts across the nation.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin joined Biden on the visit to Alabama to draw attention to the Defense Departments new universal preschool program for military families.

Biden said Maxwell and 80 other military bases are offering programs to give preschoolers the foundation to become strong readers and achieve academic success. The school at Maxwell is about one month old.

Biden said she worked as a reading specialist for high school students and learned the pitfalls for students who fall behind in the earliest grades, according to the prepared remarks for the first lady released by the White House.



If we want kids to succeed in school and their careersif we want to set them on a lifelong path of learningwe need to invest in them from the very beginning, Biden said.

The Biden administration supports free, high-quality pre-kindergarten across America, the White House said.

Aside from the classes at Maxwell, Alabama has free a program for 4-year-olds called First Class Pre-K. It is not available statewide but the Legislature and governors office have supported its expansion in recent year. The program has consistently won top marks for quality from the National Institute for Early Education Research.

Bidens plane arrived in Montgomery shortly after noon. Officials greeting the first lady included Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, Montgomery County Commission Chair Doug Singleton, and Col. Shamekia N. Toliver, commander of 42nd Air Base Wing at Maxwell, and others.

Austin, who spent 41 years in the Army, talked about the importance of supporting service members and their families, according to a news release from the White House.

So this is personal for me, and I know firsthand how much we ask of our troops and all our families, Austin said.

Along with universal preschool, Austin has worked to raise troop pay by 10%, cut prices at commissaries and increase military families basic allowance for housing, the White House said. Part of the reason for those changes is to help retain service members and improve recruiting.

The Army, Marine Corps and Air Force expect to meet recruitment goals this year, but the Navy said it may fall short, the White House said in the press release about todays visit.



Biden and Austin visited classrooms, met teachers and even learned a song about a frog, the White House said.





Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced seven new initiatives to improve the quality of life of service... Posted by U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) on Friday, September 13, 2024

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Feuding MAGA conspiracy theorists Laura Loomer and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene accused each other of racism in a social media war of words that began on Wednesday, which Loomer spent with Donald Trump.

Days earlier, Loomer posted a message on X stating that if Kamala Harris wins, the White House will smell like curry, along with other anti-Indian tropes.

This is appalling and extremely racist, Greene shot back Wednesday night. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump.

Greene, who has a running rivalry with the far-right political activist, demanded her former friend take down her racist post.

Loomer responded with a long string of angry replies, starting with one referring to the congresswoman from Georgia as a raging antisemite who once claimed space lasers operated by prominent Jewish bankers were used to ignite wildfires in California. She also called Greene the most miserable lying bh in Congress.

The two Trump surrogates used to get along well.

Greene said she endorsed and contributed to Loomers failed 2020 congressional campaign in Florida, but didnt back her in 2022. According to Greene, that led to the deterioration of their relationship.

Loomer claims she stopped trusting Greene and questions the congresswomans commitment to the MAGA movement.

Loomer has spent time with Trump in Pennsylvania this week, where the Republican presidential nominee delivered a bizarre and seemingly baseless claim that Haitian migrants in Ohio are eating peoples pets during Tuesdays presidential debate. That racist conspiracy theory also appears more than once on Loomers X feed.

The activist, who has frequently promoted Sept. 11 conspiracy theories, also joined Trump on Wednesday for ceremonies marking the anniversary of the attacks.

Many MAGA supporters on X urged Loomer and Greene to stop quarrelling for Trumps sake.

We have an election to win and sowing seeds of division is not the way to win it! posted right-wing influencer Alex Stone.

Why are we doing this to each other? asked another MAGA supporter. Why are we attacking fellow Republicans in the midst of one of the most important elections of our lives?

--------

2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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".

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.
A Jefferson County man with a lengthy criminal history has been convicted of soliciting the murder of federal prosecutor in Birmingham.

The federal jury on Thursday found Michael Roman Black, 32, guilty of threatening to murder and soliciting the murder of a federal prosecutor, and for making false statements to a federal agent, according to a Friday announced by Acting Middle District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Davidson.

Middle District prosecutors tried the case since the threat was against a prosecutor in Birmingham.

Black, who has had addresses in Bessemer and Hueytown, was previously convicted in state court on a reduced charge of manslaughter in the 2011 shooting death of an 18-year-old in Bessemer. He was also 18 at the time.

According to court records in the federal case, Black in February 2023, was jailed in Hoover after federal charges were brought against him by the Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorneys Office, which is in Birmingham.

Black was being held on drug and gun charges.

While in custody, authorities said, Black told another inmate about his plan to have one of the federal prosecutors working on his case murdered by two associates on the outside.

Black shared specific details of who he planned to contact and that he would have them shoot the prosecutor while she was in her car.

Law enforcement learned of this threat and, after confirming its legitimacy and seriousness, developed an operation to successfully thwart the murder plot.

When questioned by federal agents, Black made false statements in an attempt to cover up his plan.

On March 28, 2023, a federal grand jury in Birmingham indicted Black for making a threat to murder a federal official, solicitation to commit murder, and making false statements to a federal agent.

A threat against a prosecutor or law enforcement professional is a serious offense and a direct attack against our system of justice, Davidson said. I am grateful for the diligent work of law enforcement in identifying and thwarting this plot to take the life of a public servant simply seeking justice for the people of the United States.

Black faces a sentence of up to 10 years for threatening to murder a federal official, up to 20 years for soliciting a murder, and up to five years for making a false statement to a federal agent.

His sentencing is set for Dec. 12.

The DEA, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the ATF, Hoover police and Jefferson County sheriffs deputies investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Geer, III from the Middle District of Alabama is prosecuting.

Black in 2011 was charged with murder in the shooting death of 18-year-old Luman Jones. He pleaded guilty in 2014 to the reduced charge of manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

It was not immediately clear how many years he actually served.

Black, who also has previous convictions for burglary and drug possession, is still facing charges in state court as well.
More Alabama high school students have been arrested following alleged threats of violence in Birmingham and Calhoun County.

The arrests include one teen for a bomb threat. The others were for shooting threats.

A Weaver High School student was arrested Thursday night, said Sheriff Matthew Wade.

The investigation began after a parent reported a threat of violence toward another student. The complaint was made to a school resource officer.

The student is charged with first-degree making a terroristic threat, which is a felony crime. He or she is being held in the Coosa Valley Juvenile Detention Center.

Wade said an investigation is ongoing into a social media threat against several schools in the county.

While we do not believe this juvenile suspect is the creator of the widely spread social media message, Wade said, the juvenile did reference the message, and use the fear it had created, as part of their threat toward the other student.

On Wednesday, September 11, with the assistance of the Homewood Police Department, the Birmingham Police Departments Intelligence Unit alerted Birmingham school resources officers someone made a social media threat to carry out a shooting at Carver and Parker High School.

The BPD Intelligence Unit notified BPD Felony Assault detectives, who obtained a search warrant in connection to the investigation.

BPD Narcotics Unit carried out a search warrant on home in Northern Birmingham, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald. The search warrant aided detectives in their investigation.

The 16-year-old arrested is a Carver High School student. He is being held in the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center where he is being held on a charge of first-degree making a terroristic threat.

On Thursday, a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody for making a bomb threat at Woodlawn High School. The threat was made midday, and the student was arrested at the high school on a terroristic threat charge.

About 10:30 a.m. Friday, school resource officers at Birminghams Wenonah High School were alerted of a student making a terroristic threat in a crowded classroom.

The 16-year-old boy was in class when several classmates made a joke about him that he didnt like.

The suspect, Fitzgerald said, responded by saying he was going to carry out a shooting at the school this upcoming Monday. Several students and a teacher were present when the suspect made the verbal threat.

The teen was charged with second-degree making a terroristic threat.

The students are the latest Alabama teen charged in a rash of threats statewide in recent weeks following the high-profile deadly school shooting in Georgia.

Over the past week, law enforcement officials in Birmingham, Montgomery, Dothan and Southside have announced arrests of teens for alleged threats.
Alabama U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville blasted Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a letter Thursday, saying a program allowing refugees from Haiti - among three other countries - should never have been implemented.

In a two-page letter, Tuberville said Alabama is experiencing an unanticipated influx of thousands of Haitians to rural towns where resources are already strained.

This sudden surge of people has created safety, health, infrastructure, and economic concerns for residences, Tuberville wrote.

Hundreds of Haitian children have entered local school systems, fluent only in Haitian-Creole, leaving teachers and administrators at a loss for how to manage their needs given onerous federal education requirements. Alabama towns have not received any guidance or resources to address this influx. This situation is simply untenable.

Tubervilles letter follows several weeks of concern on social media and in public meetings about the effect of Haitian immigration on cities in various counties across North Alabama. It also comes at the same time that former President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers have specifically mentioned Haitians in criticizing the Biden Administrations immigration policy.

Trump went so far as to repeat discredited stories about Haitians eating dogs and cats in Ohio during this weeks presidential debate, claims amplified by his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.

See also: Haitian immigrants fleeing unrest and facing exploitation find Alabama is the best place to live

It should also be pointed out that local officials in several counties in Alabama where Haitian immigration has been reported say they have not encountered a rise in crime, contrary to rumors, and that school enrollment increases have been in keeping with existing trends. Haitian immigration began increasing earlier this year after unrest on the Caribbean island caused by gang activity.

Tuberville specifically criticized the federal Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan (CHNV) Parole Program. This program allows immigrants without entry documents to enter the U.S. if they have a sponsor, meet certain guidelines and undergo a vetting. The program resumed last month after an investigation into fraud and once additional security measures were added.

Tuberville said, in the letter, that the program is riddle with fraud, a significant security concern for Americans, and that the administrations policies have led this country down a path from which it may never recover. The CHNV program, and others like it, have changed the landscape of this country forever, and rural communities across the national will bear the brunt of this ill-conceived and harmful policy for decades.

These policies, which you trumpet as humane, have done nothing more than import scores of people into our country who have not been property vetted, he wrote. As a result, American lives and property are at risk.
A Mobile businessman has donated $5 million to the construction of a new medical school building at the University of South Alabama, the largest one-time gift by an individual to this project.

We are fortunate just to be able to be a part, a bigger part, of the university community, Elliot Maisel said at a press conference Friday announcing his donation. This is a proud moment for me, for my family, for the city, and hopefully for the university.
This is an opinion column

As Vice President Kamala Harris races to the political middle, former President Donald Trump appears to be moving to the political left. The great convergence of major parties reflects a political will to power at the expense of anything resembling principle. Traditional conservative voters should start asking ourselves whether theres really anything left to conserve.

Government fiscal responsibility has been conservative bedrock for decades. Under Trumps leadership of the Republican Party it has fallen so far out of fashion as to be unmentionable. Trump oversaw combined annual budget deficits that reached $6.2 trillion. The Biden administration will pile on more than $7.5 trillion. For the last two decades, the smallest annual deficit was $3.4 billion in 2007. The largest was $3.1 trillion of COVID-19 bloat in 2020. America hasnt seen a single surplus during that time.

The only time spending is a political issue is when the other party is in power.

Net interest on the federal debt reached $658.3 billion in 2023. Since budget numbers are meaningless without context, Americas annual net interest payment is $30 billion more than the combined budgets of the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, Labor, State, and the Small Business Administration.

To put it mildly, there is no fiscal restraint left for conservatives to maintain.

What about limiting abortion? The pro-life movement has been an animating force for Republican politics for a generation. Believing that the unborn have personal rights worth protecting, conservatives backed Trump in 2016 hoping that his Supreme Court nominees would reverse abortion precedent which had stood for nearly a half century.

It worked. The only problem is that there wasnt a plan for what comes next.

The Supreme Court returned abortion governance to the states. Conservatives quickly realized that Republicans had far more agreement on abortion policy when the Supreme Court set the regulatory floor. Recently, Trump offered his thoughts on a Florida measure designed to further restrict abortion. I think the six week is too short, Trump said in a recent interview. It has to be more time. I told them that I want more weeks. He finished by saying, I am going to be voting that we need more than six weeks.

Those comments come on the heels of the Republican Party removing a federal abortion ban from its platform for the first time in 40 years. While most conservatives remain pro-life, there isnt a consensus federal policy rallying point for the first time in half a century.

Surely conservatives can at least unite around limiting the role of government in our daily lives?

Under the Trump administration, your government will pay for or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for all costs associated with IVF treatment, fertilization for women, IVF treatment, said Trump only a few weeks ago.

Waitwhat?

Im old enough to remember when Republicans railed against the Affordable Care Acts health insurance mandates as President Barack Obamas road to socialism. If that werent enough, Trump and Vance promote even higher trade tariffs which conservatives have historically opposed as both government meddling in the free market and a tax on middle class families. The Trump tariffs were so well received by progressives in the Biden-Harris administration that they kept and expanded many of them.

As Republican political opportunism crowds out principled consistency, Republicans arent conserving the idea of limited government either.

To be clear, Democrats are not the more conservative option. Republicans supporting the Harris-Walz ticket to bring back conservatism are doctors treating a snake bite victim with a heavy dose of arsenic. At the same time, conservatives must be sober that the difference between the major parties is one of degree rather than kind.

Harris hopes to convince voters that shes more conservative than she is, and Trump is selling himself to independents as a moderate. The combination is an overall shift towards an ever-expanding government that conservatives must either openly reject or surrender any claim to principle.

In November, America will choose between the 1990s Democratic platform and the more extreme 2024 version. I dont blame any voter for struggling to choose the least bad option. In the meantime, conservatives must decide whether the best we can do is a kinder, gentler government hand in American lives.

Smith is a recovering political attorney with four boys, two dogs, a bearded dragon, and an extremely patient wife. Hes a partner in a media company, a business strategy wonk, and a regular on talk radio. Please direct outrage or agreement to csmith@al.com or @DCameronSmith on X or @davidcameronsmith on Threads.
Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and 16 of her Senate GOP counterparts called on the Biden administration to end the program enabling Haitians and citizens of three other countries to come to the United States, claiming the policy is illegal and rife with fundamental fraud and failure.

Since 2023, the program for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan (CHNV) nationals allows citizens of those countries to come to the U.S. in a safe and orderly way, provided they have a sponsor already legally in the United States and undergo and clear robust security vetting, among other requirements, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Fraud concerns led the program to be suspended in mid-July before resuming in late August after the Homeland Security Department did not find pervasive fraud during a review.

On Friday, Britt was among 17 Republican senators who signed on to a letter by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas calling on the Biden administration to take decisive action to permanently end the CHNV Parole Program and to commit to never initiating a similar program in the future.

The continuation or replication of such flawed programs could only further compromise our national security and public safety, the senators wrote in the letter addressed to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

The letter claimed the program facilitated the entry of approximately 520,000 illegal aliens into the United States, with 80 percent of them settling in Florida.

Houston, Dallas, and Austin, Texas, were also among the top destinations for these aliens, accounting for 10,350 arrivals during the programs first eight months, the letter continued.

This program was intended to provide a pathway, not authorized by Congress, for unauthorized individuals from these four nations to enter our country, the senators wrote. However, a new internal U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) report obtained by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) reveals severe and systemic flaws that jeopardize our national security and public safety.

Neither spokeswomen for USCIS or Britt could be reached on how many program participants are living in Alabama, but concerns over Haitian migrants have been raised in north Alabama and in Talladega County.

In August, photos of Haitian migrants in Albertville being bused to and from work at a poultry processing plant prompted questions about who the people were and where they came from, leading to what city officials called baseless accusations, and hurtful rhetoric.

This resulted in a series of community meetings and the formation of a nonprofit.

Immigrant workers have been a focus of residents concerns in Athens and Sylacauga, with city officials facing questions about the effect on crime, school overcrowding and housing.

Officials in both Albertville and Athens said Haitian immigrants make up a small percentage of the population, and they have seen no increase in crime since larger amounts of immigrants began arriving this year following unrest on the Caribbean island.

The migrants have also become a national issue amplified by former President Donald Trump, who repeated 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.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The state of our society is a far cry from life in the 20th century, and even much of the first two decades of the 21st century. What major forces are driving much of the dramatic changes? I count no fewer than eight.

Power and Incompetence of the Deep State

The enormous, growing overreach of government to control ordinary citizens and their legislators is the monster of a bloated federal establishment. Americans are steadily losing influence, and the ability to hold the bureaucracy and individual bureaucrats accountable. Former Navy Seal Shawn Ryan describes it this way:

One of the biggest problems within the country is the distrust in the United States government I have zero trust in any government agencies We have a government thats not functioning right now. How are you going to gain the trust back of the American people within the government?

Eroding Rights of the Individual

Our Constitution was specifically designed to protect individual citizens from the government. But that protection is rapidly eroding as Democrats seek to expand the power of the government and control of citizens lives and money. Nothing is more telling than the Soviet style years-long imprisonment and in some cases torture of J6 protestors, many of whom were barely guilty of trespassing, normally an extremely minor misdemeanor.

Leftist Revolts on Campus and on the Street

Democrats and the left exploit anarchy and campus unrest to demand influence and control of our society. Protests have long been an important feature of our political life, most notably the civil rights marches that changed the face of America. But the tone and nature of public demonstrations is changing. Anti-Israeli, pro-Palestinian protests have turned some campuses into antisemitic war zones. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz let Minneapolis burn for four days, overseeing the destruction of scores of businesses and properties. His reward  nominated by the Democrats to be vice president of the United States.

A Troubled Education System

American schools are not spending enough time on core academic subjects. Too many schools are filled with children who cant read, write, or do basic math at expected levels. Students are forced to focus on DEI and gender issues instead of basic academic skills and respect for our flag, our history and the Constitution. Schools are run by bureaucrats responsible for following complex rules imposed by unelected state and federal employees. Frustrated teachers are quitting by the thousands every year. One disturbing result? Our military cant find enough qualified recruits who will defend us. Did you know the Navy is dry-docking warships because they cant recruit enough qualified crews? One young Army officer recently told me he had soldiers in his unit who could barely read.

The Challenge of Diversity

There is little if any diversity tolerated in the nations that are our greatest threats  China, Iran, Russia, North Korea. Diversity works in muti-cultural Singapore where the state tightly controls its citizens, and in Israel where the population is bonded by the common threat of annihilation. But eroding public allegiance to the Constitution is slipping us into a more fractured culture. Democrats shamelessly exploit racial and ethnic division and hateful gender wars. One prominent Kamala Harris supporter, black lesbian Kelley Robinson, denigrates the Bill of Rights as merely a little piece of paper. Meanwhile, millions of illegal aliens who have flooded into our country in the past three years are disrupting the security and financial wellbeing of cities and local communities across the country.

Uncontrolled Technology

AI has arrived and no one yet knows what the outcome will be. Our dependence on the internet and electronic technology is already baked into our culture. It is both a benefit and a growing threat to liberty and security enabling tighter control over individual citizens. In addition, we face a growing potential threat of war in space that could destroy us.

The Menace of Radical Islam

The threat from radical Islam is not just from Death to America Iran and its allies. Infiltration into western societies threatens total disruption. The UK and France are frightening examples. Mayors of almost every major city in England are Muslims. Are they loyal to the UKs Christian state religion that is meant to be defended by the royal family? Have you noticed the anti-Israeli, antisemitic rhetoric from Muslim representatives now in Congress and their supporters? Remember 9/11 and the deaths of scores of Americans in untold numbers of terrorist attacks? 1.7 billion Muslims on the planet potentially embrace jihad and the beheading of non-believers. You can read all about it in the Koran. Has any Muslim society denounced that?

External Threats  China, Iran, Russia, North Korea

America has powerful adversaries armed with nuclear weapons and growing technological skills that have the increasing potential to annihilate us. Nothing fuels those threats more than weak or indifferent American leadership. There is growing concern about the possibility of World War III as events in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia could quickly spin out of control.

Never in our history have Americans faced greater existential challenges. The upcoming November election offers a chance to disrupt threatening trends set into motion or enhanced with the 2008 election of Barack Hussein Obama.

Image by Andrea Widburg.
At an event in Pennsylvania marking the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, President Joe Biden donned a Trump 2024 cap handed to him by a Republican in the audience. The White House said this was a show of unity in the face of foreign threats. I can believe this and embrace it at a time when bitter and divisive partisan campaigning is encouraging much larger acts of aggression against our security interests.

I was working in an office two blocks from the White House on that violent 9/11. One of the hijacked airliners was supposed to hit the Presidents office, but tall buildings like the one I was in blocked the approach, so the plane veered towards the Pentagon, a target too big to miss. A close friend of mine was in the Pentagon parking lot when the plane hit. A fearless member of a military family, she drove towards the blast and rendered aid to two wounded soldiers. My most vivid memory of that day was not as dramatic as hers but was still inspiring. Traffic around the capital was as chaotic as the rumors, so I did not head home until late. As I was driving down the Fairfax County Parkway, a large pickup truck came roaring past me blaring its horn. Waving from the cab was a giant American flag. Americans were not scared, they were mobilized. Al-Qaeda had badly miscalculated.

Terrorism is about fear meant to weaken the will to fight. The only way a weaker party can win a conflict is to convince the stronger party not to use its superior strength. Indeed, it hopes the enemy is weak in character and will not fight at all. Osama bin Ladens deputy was Ayman al-Zawahiri, whose efforts to overthrow the Egyptian government had failed, He blamed American support for Cairo. He convinced Osama that if America could be scared out of the Middle East, jihadist revolution could topple all the Arab regimes. Since Osamas revolution in Saudi Arabia was also being suppressed, he fell for this argument and plotted the 9/11 assault. Like so many others, he failed to understand the American character. As an insular realm, we ignore a lot, but we cannot ignore a punch in the face. We always hit back.

Today, the Middle East is again in turmoil. However, the U.S.-led coalition in the region is stronger than ever. Osama was right about the role of American power in the region backing anti-revolutionary movements. Israel and the Arab regimes the jihadists hate are aligned against Iran, the regions true revolutionary force. And Tehran has the resources of a nation-state rather than a mere terrorist group. It uses those resources to arm terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezb'allah, and the Houthis, who are in action daily. Tehran, however, knows it is in the weaker position and hides behind its proxies as Hamas hides behind civilians in Gaza. Against civilians (women and children in Israel, merchant ships in the Red Sea), the proxies are bold, but they cannot stand against Western military forces who have escalation dominance.

The Biden administration has been slow to bring this advantage to bear. When President Biden entered the White House, he immediately cut off all aid to the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen and pushed for a cease-fire because Yemen was called the worlds worse humanitarian crisis (the same argument as in Gaza today). Bidens action reflected the majority view of Congress (comprised of Democrats, including Sen. Kamala Harris, supported by a handful of isolationist Republicans led by Sen. Rand Paul) which had voted to cut all aid in 2019, legislation vetoed by Trump. Now, American forces are in direct combat with the Houthis, who were rescued by the ceasefire and allowed to acquire more Iranian weapons. Israel is correct to assume the same dire outcome if there is a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Biden administration has feared escalation into a regional war. When Iran escalated with its first direct attack on Israel on April 13, it was successfully met by a united American, European, and Arab response backing up Israels defenses. Yet, Washington pressured Israel not to retaliate in kind. Four months later, the U.S. deployment of naval forces in the region looks markedly different. The Navy continues to intercept Houthi attacks, but the two carriers strike groups in the area (as this is being written) are not in the Red Sea. The Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carriers are both in the Sea of Oman near Iran, poised to strike at the head of the beast. In addition to the two carrier groups with their cruiser/destroyer escorts, three additional guided-missile destroyers are also present to provide offensive as well as defensive firepower. This is not a deployment merely to sustain a forever war but to end it.

Also notable is the deployment of the nuclear missile submarine Georgia to the region. This is an Ohio-class boat that has been converted from nuclear ballistic missiles to conventional land-attack missiles, 154 of them. This is not a warship armed for defense, but for retaliation and hence deterrence. This seems to have worked so far. Tehran has not launched the promised revenge attacks for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The attempt to shift this mission to Hezballah failed when Israel preempted a mass missile attack on August 25. We have taken Irans measure and they now fear us. And the chants of pro-terrorist human drones on college campuses cannot change that fact.

The same logic and strong character should apply to Ukraine as well. The Russo-Iranian connection links the two conflicts as joint attacks on the West. Tehran has supplied Russia with drones and other munitions since the start of Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. Now the U.S. and the United Kingdom have placed new sanctions on Iran for sending ballistic missiles to Putin. Russia provides support, including air attacks, to Iran and its proxies in the Syrian civil war to crush the Arab majority and protect its naval base at Tartus.

Putin has also resorted to fear tactics based on nuclear terrorism. Like Tehran, he has used proxies to make alarming statements about using nuclear weapons to support aggression. Recently, Alexei Mikhailov, head of the Bureau of Political-Military Analysis, has suggested building replicas of London and Washington buildings in the Arctic and then blowing them up with a nuclear warhead as a show of force. Even more insane is Putin advisor Sergei Karaganov, honorary chair of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy. Last year he wrote, We will have to make nuclear deterrence a convincing argument again by lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. He actually argued that if Russia used nuclear weapons first in Ukraine, the West would not retaliate but withdraw. Osamas 9/11 idea writ large.

Putin has wisely not acted on this suicidal advice, though his threats have gotten the defeatist reaction in the usual western circles of leftists and isolationists whom our enemies always hope will win in a decadent democracy. Kaiser Wilhelm II first made this mistake when he unleashed his U-boats in 1917. The use of even tactical nuclear weapons would make Putins regime a global pariah state. Despite its general support of Moscow, Beijing has warned against any nuclear use. And Putin has been assured there would be retaliation, devasting even if conducted only with conventional weapons (nuclear retaliation held in reserve). The balance of power favors the massive U.S.-NATO alliance which can escalate beyond the ability of Russia to respond. Our policy must not be to sustain forever wars but to end them by putting to use the advantages our superior civilization has given us and in so doing, maintaining that civilization.

William R. Hawkins is a former economics professor who has worked for conservative think tanks and on the Republican staff of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. He has written widely on international economics and national security issues for both professional and popular publications including for the Army War College, the U.S. Naval Institute, and the National Defense University, among others.

Image: Tim Vrtiska
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.
I have recently been reflecting upon the Trans Phenomenon and why it is perceived and treated differently from other mental disorders. The recent incidence of this disorder is well beyond any numbers seen in previous eras.

The Trans Phenomenon is technically referred to as gender identity disorder (GID) and is treated through a combination of hormones. Females who perceive themselves as male are treated with testosterone in order to acquire male characteristics; males who perceive themselves as females are given estrogen and progesterone. In addition, surgeries are often performed that may include mastectomies, hysterectomies, and ovarian removal in women and castration in males. Also, plastic surgeries are performed to create genitalia that mimic that of the newly acquired gender.

This is very different from how other mental disorders are treated. There exists body identity integrity disorder (BIID). The BIID sufferer perceives that his healthy limbs are seriously diseased. He seeks amputation of these limbs in which nothing is found wrong.

Another disorder, more commonly found, is anorexia nervosa. Anorexia is most often found in females but is not exclusive to them. Anorexics have a fear of weight gain and often starve themselves. They often perceive themselves as fat when they are in reality severely thin. Anorexics can get so emaciated that they have severe complications that result in organ failure and death.

Patients with BIID and anorexia are normally treated with psychotherapy in an attempt to cure the disorder. This is very different from how we attempt to resolve GID  i.e., with hormone treatments and surgeries. In fact, the decision to undergo these procedures can often be made by minors who are not yet in their teens (pre-puberty). The treatments often have effects that cannot be reversed. One can easily become permanently sterilized, even early in the treatment cycle.

It is fair to say that to treat patients who suffer from anorexia and BIID in the same manner as we treat GID patients would be unethical and immoral. Think about it: would you expect any surgeon to amputate a limb from an individual based simply upon his sincere belief when the physician knows that there is nothing wrong with that limb? Would you expect a physician to prescribe Ozempic or other weight loss drugs for an anorexic? Would you expect a reputable surgeon to perform bariatric surgery on an anorexic? To do these things would be considered morally reprehensible. It would expose the performing physician to censure by medical licensing authorities and create a stream of malpractice litigation against him.

So why do we treat those who suffer from BIID and anorexia differently from those who suffer with GID?

I believe that the reason is that GID concerns sex. It seems that our society has conditioned us to believe that anything that is sex-related must be accepted and condoned, regardless of whether or not it may be dangerous. Questioning the appropriateness of anything sex-related is considered beyond reason. Because GID is sex-focused, otherwise valid concerns of medical ethics are waived. We saw this with the FDA approval of the abortion drug mifepristone, which was done without the usual FDA-required protracted clinical trials. Similarly, note the attempts to get rid of the term pedophile and replace it with minor-attracted person.

One thing that we know for sure is that the Trans Phenomenon is a large money-maker for hospitals, physicians, and drug companies. The synthetic men and women become lifelong consumers of necessity. The medical procedures involved in transition are very expensive and also run a fair degree of health risk. In order to maintain their new status, the synthetics must continually take drugs (hormones, etc.). They usually require continued monitoring by physicians to ensure health stability. The resulting revenues compromise the integrity of the medical establishment and the large pharmaceutical companies who are happy to support the trans treatments.

However, there is a dark cloud on the horizon: the de-transitioners, who seek to return to their sex. Data on transitioning are coming out of Europe, especially Britain and Scandinavia, and they indicate in studies that the transitioning of minors (without thoroughly researching whether this treatment is appropriate for them) is rarely a good thing. As a result, transitioning of minors has been severely restricted.

De-transitioning is likely to become a target-rich environment for medical malpractice attorneys whenever those who seek return to their original state bring actions against the medical professionals and institutions that allowed transition. Carefully watching this are malpractice insurers; they have substantially raised premiums on these practitioners and institutions or else have excluded transitioning procedures from their coverage. This will act to raise future costs of transition.

Econ 101 tells us that a rise in cost has a high correlation with a decrease in demand. So transitions may transition to the status of a much less common occurrence, barring the potential effects of government subsidies and mandates for treatment.

Image via Pexels.
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are currently presenting themselves to American voters as qualified to assume the responsibilities of the positions of commander-in-chief and next-in-line commander-in-chief. What leads them to that conclusion eludes those who examine the evidence. Lets take a look at the evidence, particularly as to whether Harris and Walz will provide protection against violence and terrorism.

Violence and terrorism reared their ugly heads in the May 2020 riots in Minneapolis and other cities, precipitated by the circumstances surrounding the death of George Floyd. The protests were characterized by many (including Kamala Harris) as protests which should be perpetuated and even encouraged. Minnesota governor Tim Walz has confirmed that the resulting property damage in Minnesota exceeded $500 million. It is helpful when attempting to understand the scope of those dollar losses to also understand the equivalent real physical damage. Minnesota did not lose the World Trade Center Towers as did New York, but Minnesota did lose the equivalent of three of the tallest building in Minneapolis (the renowned 57-story IDS Center), based on current assessed value. Unfortunately, the riots spread across the country. One report concludes that the riots have caused insurance losses which make the George Floyd riots the most expensive in U.S. history. That report provides an estimate that total related insured losses across the country may reach or exceed $2 Billion.

Since the nomination of Walz as a candidate for Vice President, many are examining in detail whether he failed to perform his duties as governor to protect the property and lives of Minnesotans by his delayed action in the face of serious and obvious threats and risk. Many have concluded that Walz failed to plan for, and in fact, delayed the deployment and mobilization of the Minnesota National Guard which failure and delay caused much of the property loss, including the loss of the MPD 3rd Precinct building.

Notwithstanding Walz nomination acceptance speech statement that leaders dont spend all day... blaming others, Walz has said that Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey did not initially provide the specific information necessary for deployment, so he (Walz) did not activate until city officials submitted a formal written request and a more detailed plan. Actually, investigators determined Walz had the authority to activate the Guard without any request from Mayor Frey or any other local authorities and as commander of the Minnesota National Guard had the ability by law to use force and law enforcement to stop criminal violence, but he did not.

The enormous losses and the outrage of concerned citizens motivated legislators to take action to investigate and determine what had allowed the damage to occur. The MN Senate convened several joint committee hearings consisting of members of various committees (the Joint Committee). The purpose of the Joint Committee was to compile the facts and reach conclusions. The Report of the Joint Committee was issued on October 8, 2020. The following are a portion of the Report findings relevant to the action and inaction of Walz:

Governor Tim Walz and elected local leaders identified with the causes promoted by the demonstrators, causing them to lose sight of their responsibility to protect the public from criminal acts committed during the riots. (p.1) Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey initially chose to negotiate with and appease the rioters rather than give law enforcement the authority to confront criminal acts with enough force to restore law and order. A primary responsibility of the Office of the Governor of the State of Minnesota and local elected officials is to protect the public. Inaction on the part of state and local officials led to an increase in violence. (p.1) Both Governor Walz and Mayor Frey failed to act in a timely manner to confront rioters with necessary force due to an ill-conceived philosophical belief that such an action would exacerbate the rioting. (p.3) Governor Walz and Mayor Frey initially chose to negotiate with and appease the rioters rather than give law enforcement the authority to confront criminal acts with enough force to restore law and order. (p.5) Governor Walz was more concerned about his popularity and tweeting than he was about stopping the riots. (p.18) Governor Walz and his administration decided to plan for frontal battles, refuse aviation support, hold the Minnesota National Guard in reserve, and blame rather than support the cities. (p.22) Governor Walz had the ability and duty to use force and law enforcement to stop criminal violence, but he did not. Governor Walz was not willing to do what was necessary to stop the rioting right away because he was having a philosophical debate about whether the use of force should be used to stop violence. (p.22) But he then stated he was trying to strike a balance between more law enforcement and appeasing the rioters. (p.23) When asked by a reporter if the Minnesota National Guard should have been present physically during the rioting that occurred on Thursday, May 28, Governor Walz blamed the mayors and said it was their decisions to not have the Minnesota National Guard out. (p.24) Governor Walz and his administration were more concerned with the current environment, the climate they were under, community and cultural concerns, and diversity and inclusion training than they were about stopping the riots that were destroying Minnesota. (p.27) Protesting is a First Amendment right; rioting is a criminal act. The first is protected while the second needs to be stopped. (p.27) Governor Walz stated he was to wait for cities to request troops before preparing the Minnesota National Guard. There is no state statute or law requiring the governor to wait for cities to request troops before authorizing the use of the Minnesota National Guard. (p.29) The request was sent for at least 600 guardsmen at 9:11 p.m. Wednesday, May 27. Governor Walz eventually produced 100 guardsmen for the City of Minneapolis late in the evening on Thursday, May 28. (p.30) According to police, if the Minnesota National Guard was called in to assist, then the Third Precinct and many of the businesses on Lake Street could have been saved. (p.34) Only Governor Walz had the legal authority to mobilize the Minnesota National Guard as he is the Commander-in-Chief of the Minnesota National Guard. Governor Walz chose not to fully mobilize the Minnesota National Guard while rioting overtook the state on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. (p.35) Governor Walz did not lead, thereby failing the cities, the state, and citizens when they needed him most. (p.35) Governor Walz believes it is not his job to protect citizens of Minnesota. (p.35) While stating arrests were an important part of controlling the riots, Governor Walz and his administration also chose to only arrest and prosecute 2% of those caught rioting. (p.40)

The incompetence and inaction of Walz in his duty to protect the public is obvious. The incompetence, action, and inaction of Kamala Harris was equally culpable. Referencing the protests and protestors in Minnesota, Harris announced that theyre not going to let up, and they should not, and we should not. She claims she intended only to refer to peaceful protests, but she did not wisely and competently limit her support of the protestors, as did President Trump by limiting his encouragement of J6 rally attenders to the words: "peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard." Harris also provided additional encouragement to violent protestors by encouraging contributions to help post bond for those arrested for violence.

Harris and Walz should not be considered by voters as qualified or competent for appointment, election, or re-election to any office having the responsibility to protect America and the American people, especially to the offices of commander-in-chief and next-in-line commander-in-chief.

Image: Lorie Shaull
Whenever law enforcement releases information about the drugs in a school shooters system, and the media actually report that information, we learn that these children (usually boys) are on a cocktail of psychotropic drugs. A new study indicates that we can now add Adderall and other treatments for ADHD to the list of drugs fed into young people that make them go crazy. The problem isnt guns. We have a prescription drug problem in our schools, one thats required because our public schools are pointless and boring places for students, especially boys. (And dont even get me started on the gender madness.)

The Daily Mail reports on the study, which comes out of the reputable Mass General Brigham hospital:

People who take Adderall may be at a much greater risk of having a mental breakdown, a study suggests. Those with a prescription for the ADHD drug or other stimulants were over 60 percent more likely to suffer psychosis or mania than people not using the meds. Stronger doses raised the risk further - people who took the max dose recommended by the FDA were at a fivefold higher likelihood. The research looked at two groups of people who had a history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues that put them at risk of psychosis. Study author Lauren Moran, a researcher at Mass General Brigham, said: Our results show that it is clear that dose is a factor in psychosis risk and should be a chief consideration when prescribing stimulants.

This is not an inconsequential problem. According to the same article, which relies on data from Symphony Health, since 2009, the number of Adderall prescriptions (both name brand and generic) in America has more than doubled from 15.5 million to 41 million annually. That is a staggering number of prescriptions, most of which are stuffed into school children. According to the Mass General Brigham study, one out of eight Americans are taking these prescriptions, allegedly to treat ADHD.

Im quite certain that ADHD diagnoses are a way to hide the fact that Americas schools are truly horrible places, and thats true not just for the bad, broken schools but for all schools, even the nice, shiny ones with pretty buildings and smiling teachers. My experience with my kids nice, shiny public schools was that most of the teachers (not all, but most) were nincompoops who were exactly like the teachers in the classic Simpsons episode that saw Lisa steal the teachers editions of textbooks:

(Of course, I exclude from this list of moronic teachers those conservativesplus a handful of liberals, not leftistswho teach, not to indoctrinate students, but because they have a true passion for educating young minds in the best classical tradition.)

Even in my day, public school was dull (and I went through San Francisco public schools when they were introducing all the stupid modern ideas such as new math). However, the schools then had one very strong advantage that they lack today: They did not hate boys. Recess was a place where boys could be truly rough and tumble, while the curriculum inside the classroom recognized boys need for lessons about heroes and action.

Nowadays, lawsuits mean recesses are staid and boringly conflict-free, even though boys need to learn conflict, sometimes through the rough justice of the playground. Meanwhile, classroom content is all about feelings. This is true no matter the subject. Its all feelings. I wasnt thrilled about reading Call of the Wild when I was in 7th grade, but I can assure you that I tolerated it better than a boy would have if forced to read Are You There, God? Its Me, Margaret.

When you make content dull and then deny boys a physical outlet, they are restless and unhappy. And rather than address the problems in the schools that create this restlessness, the schools tell credulous parents to pump their boys full of drugs to sedate them (paradoxically, Adderall is a sedative in children and a stimulant in adults) . [UPDATE: John Dale Dunn, M.D., has advised me that this class of drugs is a stimulant for all but that it makes people hyper-focused, a benefit for restless boys in school.] Alternatively, parents are told to give their children psychotropic drugs for depression that could be handled with fewer institutional insults about toxic masculinity, less computer time, and more physical activity.

We are killing our boys psychologically, and then were surprised when they come back and, in their drug-induced rage, start killing us physically.

Image by AI.
Sometimes you really have to wonder about the lefties, the people who want to run your life but cant even properly work a website.

No offense to our fascist far-left friends(not really, but work with us here), but for us its simply a matter of policy to never directly access their online screeds -- websites -- and instead work through TOR and one of the archive sites.

Its the same reason you wear heavy-duty rubber gloves when dealing with raw sewage. We prefer to avoid sharing our life story through an IP address. Granted, the probabilities are that certain entities can unconstitutionally invade everyones privacy, but theres no reason to make it easier for them in the long run.

The upshot is that these archive sites can also yield some very interesting intel once you learn how they operate. Indications are that the Internet Archive leans left and this could explain a few anomalies. But the data on the collusions of Team Biden gradually transforming over the summer into Kamala in September are pretty amusing, to say the least.

The word is that Comrade Kamala finally posted something besides vacuous word salads about an opportunity society, communazi price controls, and naked vote-buying schemes on Sept. 9 under the URL https://kamalaharris.com/issues/

According to (donning the rubber gloves) The New Republic: Embarrassing Copy-Paste Plagues Harriss Launch of Policy Platform.

Kamala Harris seems to have borrowed her policies entirely from Joe Biden. Shortly after Kamala Harris released her policy agenda on Sunday evening, users on X spotted something in the metadata: Much of the language appears to have been lifted from Joe Bidens campaign website. On Sunday night, X user Corinne Green pointed out that the issues section of Harriss website contained metadata with language urging voters to reelect Joe Biden. This language was visible when links to the campaign site were shared, and in the websites description on Google searches. All of this creates the impression that at least some of the Harris campaigns policy language was copied and pasted from Bidens documents. That would be an embarrassing miscue from the Harris campaign, which partly came into being because of a perception that a refresh was needed to garner enthusiasm in the Democratic Party. It doesnt help that the section on her website about her Israel-Palestine policy seems very similar to what Bidens campaign was saying.

That was funny enough, but as they say on TV, wait, theres more.

This was a breaking story for a few hours on TNR and then, suddenly, it disappeared off the page, as though it was a heads-up to Team Commie chaos, and vanished as soon as it accomplished its mission. Ah, but once again the Internet Archive and Archive Today are here to help, so nothing gets memory holed.

And despite the quick action to put out this particular fire, everyone can easily go in and see their mistake in all its glory with just a few keystrokes, with the requisite digital PPE of course.

Its just a matter of going to the Internet Archive through TOR to get to all the snapshots of that page: https://web.archive.org/web/20240000000000*/https://kamalaharris.com/issues/

Then select one of the first of a couple of snapshots on her issues (yes, we like saying it that way) from early on Sept. 9, 2024, and once that is loaded on your browser, right-click to open the proper pop-up menu and choose View Page source.

And simply search on the page for re-elect Joe Biden.

If its the proper file, youll see that they couldnt even take the time to set things up properly. And they deign to tell the rest of us how were supposed to protect ourselves without guns and live our lives. Its funny on many levels, given the abject arrogance of the fascist far-left ruling cabal.

But wait, theres even more.

Its amusing when you realize that this web page was created just after the un-Democratic Party's coup detat.

https://web.archive.org/web/20240000000000*/https://kamalaharris.com/issues/

The Internet Archive listing of all the snapshots taken of the page shows something very interesting.

For the better part of a week after the un-democratic elevation of Comrade Kamala as the candidate, it features a beaming picture of: Joe Biden, with links to his talking points and the previously mentioned references. Yes, the people who think they can run the world had trouble swapping names on a website. The funny thing is most people can tell the difference between Joe and Kamala, but then again, they cant tell you what is a woman, so maybe their confusion is entirely understandable.

Comrade Kamala wants to pretend that shes the change candidate and isnt the incumbent. Shes trying to play it that shes somehow qualified because shes not Donald Trump. Running a campaign about nothing and away from Biden, even her website betrays her on that score.

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: Pixabay / Pixabay License
Donald Trumps mention of illegal migrants eating pets in Springfield was a stroke of brilliance.

I didnt watch the debate because I didnt want to. I like my TV, and it would likely not survive whatever I would have thrown at it during the debate. One of the biggest stories from the debate debacle that all media is scrambling to cover is the story of Haitian migrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Trump wouldnt have sprung that without a great deal of planning, because its now front-and-center in the news.

While many conservative pundits have criticisms of Trumps performance, Im going to disagree with many about his mention of Springfield. I believe it was brilliant.

I live in a very red rural area of northern Indiana. We know of the crime in the big cities, and are learning more about the Venezuelan gang takeover of apartments in Aurora, Chicago, and other large cities, but big city news doesnt get much traction around here because it doesnt really affect the life we have. They might as well be across the ocean. Here, few lock their cars at home and work. Our school doesnt have metal detectors, and many teachers use the honorific Mrs. not Ms. We enjoy peaceful walks in the park without fear of being accosted. Our banks dont have bars and bullet-proof glass. Why should we worry about filthy, crime-ridden big cities? We dont go there!

We also work, and many find it hard to get to the polls because of work commitments and lack of transportation to go often a long distance to the polls. Conservatives also tend to vote in person, not by mail. Lastly, in red rural America, many dont vote simply because they dont believe their vote adds anything to the majority of straight-ticket Republican voter pool. So why bother?

However, Trump shook us up with the mention of illegal Haitian migrants taking over Springfield, Ohio. In fact, Im sure many had to look up where Springfield is (I did). Situated between Dayton and Columbus, Springfield is the heartland of America. It is only 51 miles from Middletown, Ohio, hometown of JD Vance and the setting of Hillbilly Elegy.

Although quickly dismissed as false and baseless by MSM (my Google search fills the screen with these words), there is truth to the claim, as more will be revealed in the coming weeks. Trump was not lying. He knows he wasnt lying, but he also knew he would be quickly labeled a liar by the Left and raise the eyebrows of the Right as media scrambles to uncover whats really going on, and they will. Long before the election. And it wont be pretty. Trump has long demonstrated a mastery of manipulating the media while they are the ones trying to manipulate us.

While it has been accepted that the Haitians are capturing and eating ducks and geese, and perhaps the notion of eating cats is still not yet proven, the idea of putting it all in the category of pets makes it very, very personal. In rural America, people hunt and eat ducks and geese all the time; its no biggie. In fact, a hunter took a duck from the river in front of my house over the weekend. But our pets are sacred. We will protect our pets with our lives if we must.

So, if it can happen in Springfield Ohio, it can happen in Amishtown, Indiana. He needed to wake up sleepy conservative rural America, because we carry the votes needed to overwhelm any attempts at election fraud. The indisputable fact that illegal migrants have all but taken over a peaceful rural mid-American town is enough to get more conservative rural voters to the polls where it really counts.

Bravo, Mr. President. Bravo!

Image: Library of Congress
Donald Trump has been in Americas headlights for decades. By now, we know hes impulsive, brash, boastful, proud, successful, charismatic, irreverent, and retaliatory. We also know hes foresightful, confident, bright, obstinate, entertaining, self-assertive, tenacious, and independent. This admixture of characteristics couldnt be more useful in our zeitgeist.

What isnt Trump? He isnt a utopian. He isnt anti-Caucasian. He isnt a secularist. He isnt unpatriotic. He isnt anti-populist. He isnt a globalist. He isnt a socialist. He isnt an ideologue. He isnt anti-tradition. He isnt anti-police. He isnt anti-family. He isnt anti-nation-state. He isnt a progressive. He isnt a deep-statist. He isnt anti-heteronormative. He isnt an insurrectionist. He isnt a vegetarian. And he isnt perfect.

Trumps natural metapolitical vibe is a spanner in the works of the administrative state, that oligarchy of scalawag bureaucrats and experts who believe themselves entitled to play with Americas past, present, and future. Trump is a force unto himself, and for that, the left and their media allies ceaselessly malign him, claiming hes a demagogue, an authoritarian, a threat to democracy. Humbug! Theres no greater threat to America than progressive Democrats and their transformative ideology.

Trump represents a nascent centripetal power engaged in the necessary and long overdue contraction of leftist ideologies and programs. He possesses an authentic ineluctable resistance to prevailing postmodern delusions. Such a person cannot avoid becoming the bete noire, the Nosferatu of the American left.

The first Trump interregnum terrified liberal Democrats because it exposed them for the soft totalitarians theyd become. The revival of patriotism Trump inspired was a rebuff to the statist machinations of the liberal Washington bureaucracy and their media propagandists. The conspicuous and repeated display of populist sentiment for a return to constitutional republican governance as opposed to continuing with coercive progressive diktats was a threat to Americas liberal hegemony. The incarceration of the madcap January 6 sans-culottes, many for simple trespass, but described by Attorney General Garland as domestic terrorists, is proof that liberals remain threatened by Trumps political appeal. A second Trump presidency is again the interregnum our ailing democracy needs as it recovers and becomes once more the constitutional republic it was always meant to be.

The debate on June 27 showed the world that Joe Biden was not in any condition to be President for another four-year term and that for him to persist in campaigning for re-election was arrogance on stilts. But like the assassination attempt on Trump a few weeks later, it was also providential.

Since the 1960s liberals have had a free hand to reconstruct America with all manner of so-called human rights and social justice programs. Today, Americans are saying, Enough! The lefts social engineering projects must be reappraised and, where necessary, dismantled. Too much freedom and liberty has been ceded to these utopian projects. The war against prejudice and discrimination has transmuted into a war opposed to liberty and Americans freedom of action and thought.

The constellation of personalities aligning with Trump, which began with his choice of J.D. Vance for vice president and now includes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and politically experienced Tulsi Gabbard, indicates that this election, to the contrary of what some pundits believe, is about not just issues, but also intangibles.

The defection of Kennedy from the Democrat party is an intangible. Tulsi Gabbards independence of mind and her potential influence on a Trump administration are intangibles. The aura that accompanies Tim Walz, who as governor let Minneapolis burn and supports radical medical treatment on gender-dysphoric children, is an intangible. Kamala Harriss failure to control the southern border and her advocacy for the Minnesota Freedom Fund that bailed out criminals during the 2020 riots are intangibles. The barratry leveled at Trump and his brush with death are intangibles. The chumbolones, bien-pensants, and spiteful mutants who vote for people like the congenitally ungrateful Congresswoman Ilhan Omar are intangibles. The loss of trust in our national media is an intangible. Slandering white Americans as racists is an intangible. Expecting Americans to kowtow to DIE is an intangible. Imagining the nation as a hotel rather than a homeland is an intangible.

Americans understand that this election is perhaps the most important election of their lifetime. They know that our nation hasnt been this polarized since just prior to the War of Secession. They realize that this election is about the present and future viability of the United States. Its about containing and altering the powerful forces of fragmentation Democrats, and to a lesser degree Republicans, have unleashed upon America and will continue to unleash if not defeated by a Trump-Vance victory in November.

PS: I heard part of the debate between Trump and Harris, and Ill admit that Madame held her own. However, she would now be wise to take the advice of an old Japanese adage: After victory, tighten your helmet! This election, dear Madame, isnt about who wins a debate, but about who has the minerals to run our great nation and, more importantly, who has Heavens mandate.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
It all started with this tweet from Franklin Leonard, a film producer and progressive commentator on all things black:

Today my thoughts are of Captain Alix Idrache, a US Army helicopter pilot, who graduated at the top of his West Point class with a degree in physics in 2016.



He's also a Haitian immigrant. pic.twitter.com/AFOsbGRAJs  Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) September 12, 2024

First, a little backstory. Alix Idrache legally immigrated to the U.S. in 2009 as a teenage boy, joining his father who had come in search of economic opportunity. He spoke barely any English, but by 2016, he was graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. While its entirely possible that Idrache gained admission based on affirmative action policies, I think its safe to say that he could have easily gotten in on merit toohe was the top physics graduate in his class, and is capable enough to fly helicopters. Clearly, Idrache is an exceptionally bright young man.

And, not only does Idrache possess a gifted mind, but a patriots heart too. After the above-photo went viral in 2016, Idrache wrote this on social media:

I am humbled and shocked at the same time. Thank you for giving me a shot at the American Dream and may God bless America, the greatest country on earth.  I could not help but be flooded with emotions knowing that I will be leading these men and women who are willing to give their all to preserve what we value as the American way of life. To me, that is the greatest honor. Once again, thank you.

According to another source, Idrache also said that although he has great love his homeland of Haiti, hes only willing to die for America:

I love Haiti, but I would probably think twice before I go to war for it. But if I had to die for this [American military service], Id do it.

Back to the progressive Leonard: Im sure many of us right off the bat can spot the obvious fallacy, and that is appealing to the extreme. Idrache is an outlier compared to the Haitian migrants dominating the news cycle, which is the group of people to whom Leonard is drawing a comparison. Like the migrants wrecking Springfield, Idrache was raised in the extremely dysfunctional Haiti, but theres a difference; Idrache abandoned that culture to adopt our American way of life, assimilating so much so that hes willing to die for it. (I doubt anyone looks at Idrache and wonders if he is cooking cats over a gas stove, or lopping heads off the pond ducks.) He didnt come to America and stay a Haitian, bringing all that chaos with him, he became an American. (In fact, Id be more than willing to trade 20,000 Haitians like Idrache for 20,000 Democrat voters, if that many Idrache-like Haitians even exist. Idrache isnt just an outlier among Haitians, he appears to be an outlier among people in general.)

Now that we have all that out of the way, lets get to the X thread, a debate between Leonard and Wade Miller, the executive director of Citizens for Renewing America, broken down in hilarious fashion by a writer for American Spectator, Nate Hochman.

Exhibit A:

This how every single argument for mass immigration goes.



Step 1: "Oh, you have concerns about [X group] coming into your country? Well, here's one person from that group who's good. What do you think of that, huh? Do you hate this person, too??" pic.twitter.com/DRLIo0YVkh  Nate Hochman (@njhochman) September 13, 2024

Hochman lists the steps of how a progressive argues, as seen below:

Reading Leonards devolving arguments almost makes you feel like this guy from Star Trek:

The more you observe those on the left, the more you see how empty their positions are.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
AI-generated voices are nothing new, as theyve been around for decades. Be that as it may, the digital voices weve experienced over the years wouldnt exactly fool anyone. However, nowadays, I think that digital voices have reached the point where they can be scary. This is for several reasons. Are AI-generated voices too realistic nowadays?

Weve come a long way from those clinical and disjointed voices weve heard over the years. Think about old digital voices from the 2000s and 2010s. Google Assistant and Alexa were about as good as it was going to get. However, with the generative AI boom, there came a huge push to make AI more realistic, and you can bet that this had a profound effect on how much work people put into their digital voices.

Now, think about the voices that OpenAI showed off when it launched GPT-4o. Right now, there are four voices on the platform. We also cant forget about Googles Gemini voice. While they all sound realistic, I dont think that we were seeing just how insane these voices could get. It wasnt until I tried Googles new tool that I realized that digital voices might have crossed the threshold into realism.

NotebookLM showed me that digital voices are too realistic

In case you havent heard of it, Google released a product last year called NotebookLM. Think of it as an AI-assisted notebook. You can upload information like sources and documents about a certain subject, and keep track of the material. Google will use its AI to read and extract information from the material you uploaded.

Using this tool, you can ask questions about the material you uploaded. Think of it like using a chatbot trained only on the material you uploaded. Imagine uploading an entire textbook about physics, and being able to ask questions about the material in it.

While this platform is nothing new, theres a new functionality that Google dreamed up and is testing now. You can have Google generate a podcast-style discussion based on the information you uploaded. When I say podcast-style, I mean that its meant to make it seem like two people actually set up a microphone and recorded an actual podcast.

The voices sound disturbingly realistic for several reasons. The sentences flow naturally and the cadence and inflection of the speakers are extremely natural. Not just that, but Google even captured some of the little things that differentiate man from machine. I can hear breath noises, it adds the ums and likes that you hear when people are talking in real life, and there was even an instance where one of the speakers had a false start to a word and corrected himself. Google even went so far as to have one of the speakers laugh.

Its one thing to create a voice that sounds good when giving a direct response or reading from a script. However, its a whole other beast designing a voice that sounds like its having a human discussion. And Google nailed it.

During the podcast episode, one thing that stuck out to me was this:

Speaker #1: So, the article specifically calls out two apps. USB Audio Pro and Musicalot. Have you heard of either of those?

Speaker #2: USB Audio Pro. That rings a bell. I think a friend of mine uses it.

It literally pointed to a friendly relationship between one of the speakers and a person. These examples are among a bunch of other examples.

Googles voice did the scariest thing

Okay, so its good, but there are other good digital voices out there. What makes this different? Well, the thing about this is that it did probably the scariest thing an AI voice could do it made me forget.

I uploaded one of my articles and had it create a discussion. NotebookLM spat out a 12 1/2-minute mini podcast episode. I started listening to it, and the shock of it being an AI-generated discussion went away. After a few minutes, I actually forgot that I was listening to AI-generated voices briefly. Maybe it was for a minute, maybe it was for 15 seconds. But, Google has mastered the art of making voices sound so grounded and realistic.

As you could guess, that scared the hell out of me. I knew that it was AI-generated, but it was so realistic that I actually forgot.

Final puzzle piece

Companies are trying their hardest to shove their AI products down our throats, and this is for several reasons. Sure, there are companies that are just trying to keep the investors happy, but there are misguided companies who would love for you to forget about the utility of human-made content. Were seeing platforms that literally generate entire videos for you with an AI-generated avatar, AI-generated script, and AI-generated voice.

Not only that, but were seeing companies like Wix advertising that users can create entire websites in minutes with AI. Also, we cant forget about the AI dating apps. Hell, theres even a social media app where the AI generates its own content and posts by itself. Were living in a world where were starting to forget the beauty of human creation, and what makes this worse is that there are people who are endorsing this behavior.

Now, with AI voices getting so good, this trend is going to get worse. The thing is that people associate with speech; a warm and human-sounding voice can make a person connect with something. Its only exacerbated by companies making the voices sound more personal and tailored to the individual.

Realistic voices are one of the final pieces of the puzzle to make a person fully associate with an AI. If you listen to an AI with a cold and janky-sounding voice, its a constant reminder that its a robot. Once the voice becomes realistic, theres a higher chance that youll consider it human.

So, what could happen down the road?

Were at what feels like a tipping point when it comes to human-AI relations. There are people who are already associating with AI. OpenAI even uttered a statement urging people not to fall in love with ChatGPT. Do you know whats messed up about that? Everyone old enough to associate with AI has grown up in a more traditional world where the only interactions were human.

But, with companies pushing the boundaries of how human AI can be and pushing their AI down our throats, what about the next generation or the one after? Imagine a child born tomorrow growing up in an increasingly AI-driven world. How would that child be in 2040 when theyre a teenager? How many LLMs would have had an effect on that childs life? Will this child know how wrong AI-generated relationships are if theyve been taught by a chatbot rather than a teacher?

Now that voices are so real, whats the use of recording podcasts when you can just generate one? Sure, people nowadays will stomp on an AI-generated podcast, but think about how things will be in a few years when AI is more normalized. Younger listeners, who grew up around AI, most likely wont care. Rather than praising a group of podcasters, the listeners will praise the model being fed the data.

With AI voices sounding so realistic, humanity is one step closer to actually forgetting about humanity itself. Google has mastered the art of the voice, and we have no idea what sort of consequences will follow.
The Chrome browser is one of the core products in Googles catalog. The company sends updates from time to time to improve the user experience in multiple areas. Today, Google announced an update focused on the security and privacy of Chrome users. The company is making the Safety Check system smarter, making it easier to unsubscribe from website notifications, and enabling single-use permissions.

The Safety Check system is now smarter and more autonomous

Safety Check is a tool that monitors what happens in Chrome based on your usage to ensure that everything is in order. Safety Checks responsibilities include warnings about potentially dangerous websites, integrity checks of your passwords, and notifications about security updates, among other things. Now, the latest Chrome update makes it a more autonomous system that is present during your browsing experience.

Previously, Safety Check operated silently for most tasks. It will now be more proactive about alerting you about what it does (or what you can do) to keep you safe while browsing the Internet. For example, it is now able to disable permissions granted to websites you havent visited in a while. The system will also revoke permissions to websites determined to be dangerous by Google Safe Browsing filters.

The enhanced Safety Check can also suggest notifications from websites that could be classified as spam. It can also alert you about pending actions that could improve browsing security. For instance, it might prompt you to update your password on a compromised website. The tool can scan your extensions to see if any of them pose security risks. In short, Safety Check becomes a pseudo assistant that you cant talk to.

Unsubscribe to website notifications with one tap

Chrome is getting a useful and convenient feature on phones. You may have subscribed to notifications from certain websites, for one reason or another. You can always disable the subscription, but you need to dig into Chromes settings, which can be a bit cumbersome. However, Chrome will offer you with the option to unsubscribe directly from one of a websites notification. Basically, you can now do with a single tap what previously required digging into the browsers settings. The feature is available on Pixel phones, and non-Pixel devices will get it coming soon.

Chromes latest privacy and security update also includes single-use permissions

Lastly, Chromes security update also includes single-use permissions. Youll now be able to grant certain permissions to websites, and Chrome will disable them once you close the website. This will be especially useful for permissions like microphone and camera access. This gives you more granular control over your privacy while browsing the web. The feature will be available for Chrome on both phones and PCs.
Googles flagship smartphones generally bring some exclusive camera features and this year is no different. However, almost always, Google rolls out those exclusive features to older Pixel devices with software updates. According to a report from Android Authority, some Google Pixel 9 series-exclusive camera features will also be repped out to older Pixels soon. You can check out our review of the Google Pixel 9 to learn more about the device.

Older Pixel models that will receive Google Pixel 9 exclusive camera features

Assemble Debug in collaboration with Android Authority spotted some evidence in the Google Photos app, which suggests that the Reimagine and Auto Frame feature will roll out to older Pixel models. Notably, the models include the Google Pixel 6 and above. However, he didnt mention whether the relatively more affordable A series Pixels will get the features or not.

For those unfamiliar, Reimagine allows users to modify textures, colors, or materials in their photos. For instance, you can transform the appearance of elements like trees or skies by changing their color or style using AI. Meanwhile, the Auto Frame uses AI to automatically adjust photo composition by analyzing the contents of an image, suggesting different ways to frame it for a more polished look. The feature can even stretch the photo a bit to correct the position of the subject.

Currently, there are three versions of the Google Photos app, each with different configurations. Google provides the basic version of the Photos app for all Android devices, while they offer two additional versions specifically for Pixel devices: one for models launched between 2021 and 2023 (Pixel 6 and above), and another for devices released in 2024, including the Pixel 9 series.

Non-Pixel devices may not get these features any time soon

The Google Photos app for the Google Pixel 9 series devices includes all the code strings related to the Reimagine and Auto Frame features as usual. According to Assemble Debug, the code strings are now also appearing in the latest version of the Google Photos app (6.99) for Pixels launched between 2021 and 2023. It suggests that Google has plans to roll out the exclusive camera and editing features of the Pixel 9 series to those older Pixels.

Unfortunately, the code strings are not present in the regular version of the Google Photos app for non-Pixel devices. So we can say that the rest of Android devices wont be getting those new features any time soon.
A 2021 archival photo showing Harris County residents waiting in line to apply for rental assistance during the pandemic. Houston rent prices soared during the pandemic, although they've come down considerably, tenant advocates say rent prices have settled at levels that are still unaffordable for many renters. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

More than 25 Houston-area landlords managing thousands of apartments here are among those named in an ongoing lawsuit that accuses them of colluding to set rent prices with Richardson-based software company RealPage.

While it's impossible to determine how much the alleged scheme cost tenants of those buildings, Texas housing advocates say the RealPage software at the heart of the case could have made the high cost of housing in the area even more expensive.

MORE ON REALPAGE: The Houston connection to the RealPage software at the heart of several lawsuits

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Average apartment rents in Houston are about 22% higher than they were in 2020, according to MRI Software, which provides software to real estate professionals and is unrelated to RealPage. Rents have flattened recently, but they're still beyond the reach of many Houston households, said Ben Martin, research director with Texas Housers, a nonprofit that advocates for affordable housing.

RealPage isnt responsible for all of those rent increases  theres a lot of factors that play into that, involving housing demand and supply, Martin said. But it appears that landlords using RealPage and other algorithmic software basically have a point of confluence of additional information that helps them squeeze out (more) rent than they would be able to do otherwise.

The 2023 class action suit filed in Tennessee covers anyone that paid rent to a landlord using RealPages software from October 2018 to the present  likely millions of tenants.

Among the landlords operating in Houston named in the suit are some of the biggest names in the industry: Allied Orion Group, Camden Property Trust, Cortland Management, Greystar Management, Crow Holdings/Trammell Crow Residential and Willow Bridge, formerly Lincoln Property.

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RealPage denies helping to set rents, saying that market conditions have pushed prices higher.

A spate of antitrust lawsuits accuse RealPage, a Richardson, Texas-based software company, of colluding with dozens of landlords, including several in Houston, to artificially raise rents through its algorithmic software. Ken Ellis/Houston Chronicle

Most landlords declined to comment or didn't respond to requests for comment. Among those that did, Cortland, which has about 5,000 rental units in Houston, said it would cooperate fully with the DOJs investigation, adding that neither Cortland nor its employees were targets of the probe. Willow Bridge, which lists 14 apartment properties in its Houston portfolio, denied violating antitrust laws and said the Tennessee lawsuits allegations were meritless.

But, according to the Tennessee class-action case, individual tenants across the country were faced with higher rents as a result of the RealPage software, including increases of 7.5% and 2.7% from 2017 to 2020 at a Camden-owned building in Denver and a proposed 25% hike at an Atlanta building owned by Dallas-based Lincoln Property.

In a separate case filed by the Arizona state attorney general in 2024, an analysis of rental data suggested that renters at RealPage-using properties were overcharged by 12% to 13%.

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That would probably overstate the ill-gotten gains, but that would be an enormous amount of rental value  like in the billions of dollars, said University of Houston assistant law professor Nikolas Guggenberger.

More from Marissa Luck: What new real estate commission rules means for Houston home prices

The Arizona case was brought against RealPage and nine apartment owners, including Camden, Greystar and Trammell Crow Residential.

Other pending cases against RealPage include those in Washington, D.C., that also named seven landlords and the Department of Justice lawsuit filed last month naming RealPage alone. In that case eight state attorneys general accused RealPage of using its software to artificially inflate rents.

We believe the claims brought by DOJ are devoid of merit and will do nothing to make housing more affordable. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against these accusations, said Jennifer Bowcock, a RealPage spokesperson, in a statement.

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RealPage products are widely used across the multifamily industry. Its rent-pricing YieldStar software is used by managers of 15.9% of Houston-area apartments while its LRO software is used by 5.8% of Houston-area apartments, RealPage said. That could amount to about 99,600 units using YieldStar and about 36,300 using LRO in the Houston region, according to Chronicle estimates.

The lawsuits allege RealPage client landlords are illegally sharing information about rents, leases, occupancy and other private information with RealPage, which uses that data to recommend rental prices. The lawsuits claim RealPage clients use the recommended rents as much as 90% of the time.

A Camden executive said in a 2021 earnings call that it was rare we have an exception to the RealPage recommended rent price. Camden, which has over 9,300 units in Houston, declined to comment for this story.

But in practice, RealPage says customers use its rent recommendations far less often. For example, in Houston, the company said its clients accept its pricing for new leases just half the time. Nor are landlords pressured to accept the recommendations, RealPage says. RealPage declined to say often its software recommends reducing rents.

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HOME VALUE TRACKER: A map of Houstons most and least expensive zip codes

The notion that there's some coordination among landlords to adhere to the recommended price that RealPage puts out is a fallacy. It's just not true, said Stephen Weissman, RealPages legal counsel.

Furthermore, RealPage said, its recommendations are not designed to set above-market rents but are intended to suggest prices to fill vacant units, including at the existing price or lower.

In early September, RealPage said its clients can omit the private rental data when using its product. The move was in response to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors banning landlords from using algorithms that analyze and share non-public data to set rent prices. RealPage says any private data used by its algorithms is anonymized.

Nevertheless, the allegations of collusion among the landlords and RealPage reveal a modern take on an age-old scheme, Guggenberger said.
Google has released Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 for supported Pixel devices. The latest update isnt meant for general users, but it includes multiple bug fixes and experimental features. The company has also attempted to improve the stability of the Android 15 OS with the update.

Google has released the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 factory image and OTA files

Google is actively developing Android 15 for mainstream deployment. However, until the stable version of Android 15 is ready, several Pixel devices can try out the latest beta version of the operating system.

As reported by DroidLife, Google has released factory images and OTA files for several generations of Pixel devices starting from the Pixel 6. Specifically speaking, Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 is currently available for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Google released the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1 a few weeks ago. This version caused Android Auto to break down. It is quite likely that Google may have fixed the issue in this release.

What does the latest beta version of Android 15 OS offer?

The Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 has a build number AP41.240823.009. The previous version had the August 2024 security patch. Google has included the September 2024 security patch in the latest version. The search giant has even updated Google Play services to version 24.28.35.

Google has published a detailed blog about the latest beta build of Android. This update seems to largely contain bug fixes that several developers and users had reported.

The Quarterly Platform Releases or QPR builds are bigger and more significant updates compared to the typical monthly security patch builds. Google usually ties these updates to Pixel Feature Drops.

Needless to mention, the Android QPR builds arent meant for general users. These contain experimental features and should be considered unstable. Google releases them so that testers can help the company identify and fix bugs.
The July CrowdStrike incident may be one of the most catastrophic in Windows history. While the issue affected only organizations that rely on CrowdStrike security solutions, it brought operations to a standstill at stores and airports alike worldwide. Such situations can arise because security vendors have access to the Windows kernel. Now, it seems that Microsoft is working to prevent similar cases to CrowdStrike in the future.

The Windows outage that caused chaos for days in the tech world (or weeks in some cases) in the commercial sector was not Microsofts direct fault. The massive rollout of a faulty CrowdStrike update was the root cause. However, since the problem affected Windows-powered businesses, Microsoft stepped in to try to help its customers resolve it as quickly as possible. Since then, executives at Microsoft have requested changes so that similar situations would not happen again in the future.

Microsoft and security vendors in talks to prevent another CrowdStrike incident

The company has been talking with Windows security solution providers. The goal is to enable them to implement their software solutions with a lower level of access to the OS kernel. This would help ensure that a faulty update does not cause a massive Windows outage, as well as make it easier to solve similar situations. David Weston, Microsofts vice president of enterprise and OS security, said that both our customers and ecosystem partners have called on Microsoft to provide additional security capabilities outside of kernel mode which, along with safe deployment practices, can be used to create highly available security solutions.

It wont be an easy task, but Microsoft is already taking the first steps. Names like Sophos, Trend Micro, and even CrowdStrike are part of the discussion table. Many cyber security companies developed their solutions with access to the Windows kernel in mind. So, Microsoft would need to offer a platform that makes it easier for them to adapt their solutions to the new limited-access approach of Windows.

Voices for and against an approach with less access to the Windows kernel

Most voices seem to be in favor of the change in progress. Kevin Simzer, Trend Micros chief operating officer, said that Micro applauds Microsoft for opening its doors to continue collaborating with leading endpoint security leaders. In a similar vein, Joe Levy, the CEO of Sophos, expressed that it was a welcome opportunity to join industry peers in an open discussion of advancements that will serve our customers by elevating the resilience and robustness of both Microsoft Windows and the endpoint security ecosystem.

Of course, there are also some voices expressing concern. Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare, believes that the decision on access to the Windows kernel should apply equally to everyone, including Microsoft. This means that the Mountain View giant does not have a competitive advantage in offering its own security solutions for privileged access to key parts of the OS.
For years, Xiaomi has offered two flagship phone lines per year: the main (numeric) one and the T one. The latter includes more affordable versions, so you could think of them as the companys Galaxy FE devices. Xiaomis next release in this lineup will be the Xiaomi 14T series. A big leak in late August revealed several key details. Now, a new report includes tech specs, pricing, and even design details of the Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro.

Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro design, specs, and pricing revealed in big leak

Starting with the design, the Xiaomi 14T series will be very similar to the Redmi K70 series launched in China. This was expected, as the 14T and 14T Pro will actually be modified versions of the Redmi K70 devices for the global market. The renders show that both models will share the same look with flat edges and micro-curved displays. The green vanilla 14T would have a vegan leather rear finish, whereas the 14T Pro would be available in a sandy colorway slightly reminiscent of the iPhone 16 Pros Desert Titanium. Theres also Leica branding on the rear camera module.

The Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro would also share several key tech specs. This includes a 6.67 OLED display with 2712 x 1220 resolution at a 144 Hz refresh rate and 12 GB of RAM. Both would have a 5,000 mAh battery and would be available in variants with 256 GB or 512 GB of storage. Leaked renders show that their camera systems will feature identical 50 MP telephoto (2x optical zoom) and 12 MP ultra-wide lenses. That said, there are some important differences in terms of chipset, fast charging support, and main camera sensor.

Some key differences between both models

According to the WinFuture report, the Dimensity 8300 Ultra chip will power the vanilla Xiaomi 14T. This model would support 67W fast wired charging, with no wireless charging. Meanwhile, its main camera sensor would be a 50 MP (1/1.56) Sony IMX906. The Xiaomi 14T is said to have a recommended price of 699 in Europe. On the other hand, the Xiaomi 14T Pro would use a more powerful Dimensity 9300+ chip. It would support 120W fast wired charging and 50W fast wireless charging. The other key difference would be its bigger 50 MP (1/1.3) Light Fusion-900 main camera. The Pro variant would be available for 899.

Interestingly, some retailers are listing both devices at lower prices. These would offer the vanilla model for around 600, while the Pro variant would be around 800. Lastly, the company will launch the Xiaomi 14 series on September 26.
Joe Biden has said I dont think much about Vladimir Putin as Sir Keir Starmer joined the US President for talks about the conflict in Ukraine.

The pair sat in the Blue Room at the White House on Friday as the Prime Minister spoke of how the UK and US are strategically aligned in their attempts to resolve the war.

Sir Keir said the next weeks and months will be crucial in Ukraine and said it was important the two countries continued to support the eastern European nation in its fight against Russia.

The meeting comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his frustration at the continued restrictions on the use of Western weaponry against Russian targets.

In a lengthy statement posted on X, Mr Zelensky said after meeting with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken earlier this week, there should be no unanswered questions about why Ukraine needs sufficient long-range capabilities.

At the White House on Friday, Sir Keir told the US President: Historically, weve shown the strength of our relationship.

We are strategically aligned and we have a common cause on these global issues.

Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken were pressed on the use of Western weaponry during their visit to Ukraine earlier this week, but said they had to report back to their bosses, the Prime Minister and US President.

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.

Asked what he thought of Mr Putins threat of war, Mr Biden said: I dont think much about Vladimir Putin.

Mr Biden thanked Sir Keir for his leadership during the Ukraine conflict, adding: Putin will not prevail in this war.

He said: The United States is committed to standing with you to help Ukraine as it defends against Russias onslaught of aggression.

Its clear that Putin will not prevail in this war. The people of Ukraine will prevail.

The US President said the two leaders would talk about Ukraine, the need for a hostage and ceasefire deal in the Middle East, and about the Indo-Pacific region.

He told the PM: Ive often said theres no issue of global consequence where the United States and UK cant work together and havent worked yet.

Before the meeting began, a British reporter was told to be quiet while I speak by the US President as Mr Biden was asked about Mr Putins threat of war.

Concern about escalation has been one of the reasons why permission has not yet been given to Kyiv for the unrestricted use of Western weapons.

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.

The PM and Mr Bidens first White House bilateral took place as the Sir Keir attended the Nato summit just days after Labour won the election.
Environmental groups have called for proposals for the UKs first coal mine for 30 years to be permanently shelved after the High Court quashed the decision to grant planning permission for the site.

A judge ruled on Friday that the Governments decision to give the go-ahead for the development in Whitehaven, Cumbria, was legally flawed, following a challenge by Friends of the Earth (FoE) and South Lakes Action on Climate Change (SLACC) against the sites developers, West Cumbria Mining (WCM).

FoE claimed that the ruling marks the first case linked to fossil fuels to be decided since a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, which said that emissions created by burning the materials should be considered when granting planning permission to new extraction sites.

A new decision on planning permission will now be made by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, FoE said, with climate groups calling for the ill-conceived project to be rejected once and for all.

(PA Graphics)

Niall Toru, senior lawyer at FoE, said: That the ruling today has gone against the mining company could have ramifications internationally, as there are cases abroad where challenges are being made against fossil fuel projects on a very similar basis.

This mine should never have been given permission in the first place. The case against it is overwhelming: it would have huge climate impacts, its coal isnt needed and it harms the UKs international reputation on climate.

Any reconsideration of the planning application can surely only reach one conclusion  and reject this harmful mine once and for all.

We believe that the writing is on the wall and that WCM should withdraw its application for this climate-wrecking project.

Duncan Pollard, a trustee at SLACC, said: West Cumbria Mining has been roundly defeated today and the phasing out of fossil fuels has taken a small step forward.

He added: It is now doubly clear that fossil fuel companies cannot ignore the combustion emissions caused by the use of their oil, gas or coal, or rely on simplistic claims that a new coal mine will have zero impact on global emissions.

We sincerely hope that any re-examination of the coal mine proposal considers all relevant issues and this ill-conceived idea is permanently shelved.

We won! Planning permission for the UK's first deep coal mine in 30 years has been quashed. The court agreed with Friends of the Earth and @slacctt that lifetime emissions of the Whitehaven mine (mostly from burning coal) weren't properly considered and approval was unlawful   Friends of the Earth (@friends_earth) September 13, 2024

The decision to grant permission was made by the then housing, communities and local government minister, Michael Gove, in 2022.

It was dubbed as being net zero and would extract what is known as metallurgical coal, which is used in steel-making, with the Government accepting that approximately 15% of the material would be used domestically.

The Government was due to oppose the legal bid at a hearing in July this year but withdrew its defence days before it was due to take place following the general election.

WCM continued to defend the claim, with its lawyers telling the court in London that the mine would have a positive effect and that it would have a broadly neutral effect on the global release of greenhouse gas.

But barristers for FoE told the court the planning decision smacked of hypocrisy and that there was no significant need for coal in the UK.

In a 48-page judgment, Mr Justice Holgate said: The assumption that the proposed mine would not produce a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, or would be a net-zero mine, is legally flawed.

He added that giving the green light to the plans failed to deal with the fact that a positive precedent effect of a net-zero mine leading to other similar projects would depend upon further offsetting arrangements; that would be undesirable because offsets are a finite resource.

A spokesperson for WCM said following the decision: West Cumbria Mining will consider the implications of the High Court judgment and has no comment to make at this time.

The judgment also led to renewed calls for the government to refuse planning permission for the Rosebank and Jackdaw offshore oil and gas fields in the North Sea.

The Government said last month that it would not oppose legal challenges against the decision to grant licences for the sites, brought jointly by Greenpeace and Uplift.

Tessa Khan, executive director at Uplift, said Fridays ruling showed that the favourite line of fossil fuel companies doesnt wash.

She said: This is a decision that will make it even harder for oil and gas companies to get away with flimsy, poorly evidenced arguments that justify their projects and their profits.

The court has made it clear that the favourite line of fossil fuel companies  that if we didnt produce fossil fuels here, it would simply be produced elsewhere  doesnt wash.

It also confirms that any such assertion should be subject to public scrutiny and that the Government cannot just wave through new projects without taking into account the full range of their environmental projects.
As Halloween approaches, Houston has plenty of haunted houses for those seeking a scare. The 13th Floor Haunted House and Purgatory Scream Park will open on Friday the 13th, offering eerie experiences. From immersive scare zones to terrifying creatures, these top attractions are perfect for thrill-seekers this season.

13th Floor Haunted House Houston

13th Floor Haunted House Houston will be open two days for its Halfway to Halloween event. 13th Floor Haunted House

Drawing on all the superstitions of the 13th floor, this haunted house features new attractions including The Abandoned, "Crimson Night," Cemetery of Lost Souls." Add-on experiences include a horror themed secret bar, "Mini Escape Room" and "Zombie Apocalypse Live."

When: Through Nov. 9

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Where: 7075 FM 1960 W.

Haunted Trails

Staff image from Haunted Trails in Cypress, Texas. Haunted Trails Haunted Attraction

Haunted Trails offers an outdoor experience with acres of chilling scenes and eerie creatures, ready to scare those who dare to enter.

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When: Oct. 5- Nov. 2

Where: Mueschke Rd., Cypress

Houston Scream Fest

Houston Scream Fest. Houston Scream Fest

Houston Scream Fest includes such perks such as unlimited access to haunted houses, complimentary drinks, adult beverages, a carnival-style midway, live music and the H-Town Paintball attraction.

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When: Oct. 4- Nov. 2

Where: 1500 Elton

Phobia Haunted Houses

Scenes from the Phobia Haunted House as workers try to scare reporter Julie Garcia on Oct. 4, 2019, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor

Event-goers can experience a variety of unique haunts at Phobia Haunted Houses, with eight terrifying attractions. From the terror of killer clowns in the "Mania" house to the horrifying experiments in "Genetic Nightmare" and "Darke Labs," there's something to scare everyone.

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When: Sept. 28- Nov. 2

Where: 5250 S. Beltway 8

Phobia Haunted Houses Kemah

Phobia haunted house. Annie Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Contributor

Phobia Haunted Houses at Kemah Boardwalk is the home of two attractions, Doom and Darke Labs, packed with actors and custom animatronics.

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When: Sept. 28- Nov. 2

Where: 215 Kipp, Kemah

Houston Terror Dome

Scence from Houston Terror Dome's opening weekend. Houston Terror Dome

Houston Terror Dome's attractions include axe throwing, paintball, a pumpkin patch and escape rooms.

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When: Sept. 20- Nov. 2

Where: 16030 Interstate 10, Channelview

Purgatory Scream Park

Matt Murphy, 19, a student at Lone Star College - Kingwood, plays the part of the mortician at Purgatory Scream Park, which used to be known as the "Kingwood Asylum." Jerry Baker/for the Chronicle

The intense and realistic thrill experience features over 27,000 square feet of pure terror. Featured attractions include The Kingwood Asylum, Asphyxia, Dead Wood and the ominous forsaken carnival, Hysteria.

When: Through Nov. 2

Where: 1965 Northpark, Kingwood

Creepy Hollow

A chain saw baring zombie scares guest at Creepy Hollow on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014, in Rosharon. (J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle ) J. Patric Schneider/For the Chronicle

Creepy Hollow's 288 Scare Factory takes event-goers through laboratories where experiments have gone terribly wrong. Other attractions include "Dark Wood Swamp," "Pitch Black" and the "Freak Show."

When: Sept. 27 Nov. 2

Where: 12872 Valley Vista Drive, Rosharon

Redrum Fear Park

Redrum Fear Park. Redrum Fear Park

Redrum Fear Park includes a variety of nightmare-fueled attractions, including the "3D Twisted Circus," "Cinegore," "Deadwood Asylum," and "The Purge Anarchy," a laser tag experiment that has been completely reimagined for the 2024 haunt season.

When: Sept. 27 Nov. 2

Where: 1800 E. Texas 90 Alternate, Richmond

Haunted Drive

Haunted Drive in Cleveland, TX. Haunted Drive

The 1.5 mile long drive takes you through themed areas with actors and plenty of animatronics to keep you on your toes.

When: Oct. 4-Nov. 2
A parcel delivery driver who died as he tried to stop his van from being stolen in Leeds paid an immensely high price for trying to prevent a crime, a coroner has said.

Claudiu-Carol Kondor, 42, was pronounced dead at the scene in Heights Drive, Wortley, on August 20 after his silver Ford Transit Cargo van was stolen in Alliance Street while he was making a delivery, police have said.

On Friday, an inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at Wakefield Coroners Court by senior coroner Kevin McLoughlin.

Mr McLoughlin said Mr Kondor, from Sheffield, was a Romanian gentleman who was contributing to society.

He added: He was here, he was working hard, when he found someone stealing his vehicle.

Hes commendably tried to prevent the crime taking place but hes paid an immensely high price for this.

The coroner said this was the violent and unnatural death of a valued citizen.

Mr McLoughlin gave very brief details of how Mr Kondor found someone endeavouring to steal his vehicle and was injured as he tried to intervene.

The coroner said his cause of death was head and chest injuries.

He described Mr Kondors death as heartbreaking and added: My heartfelt sympathies go out to Mr Kondors family.

No members of Mr Kondors family were in court for the short hearing and the inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

The coroner said Mr Kondor was delivering for Amazon at the time.

He was employed by a company called SP Transport Group, who described him at the time of the incident as more than just a colleague  he was a friend, a confidant and a valued member of our team.

Mark Ross, 32, of Conference Road, Armley, Leeds, appeared in court last month accused of murdering Mr Kondor.

He is due to go on trial next year.

Two other people were arrested in connection with the incident.

A 24-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail pending further inquiries and a woman, who was arrested at the same time on suspicion of assisting an offender, was released under investigation.
Joshua*, 32, and Hannah*, 30, had a summer fling that turned into a two-year, long-distance relationship and a romantic proposal. But after three months of wedding planning and an awkward chat about a pre-nup, Hannah finished it. Here, Joshua shares his heartbreak...

Joshua* never expected his fiancee to be so offended when he suggested a pre-nup. (Supplied) (Yahoo Life UK)

At first, Hannah* and I hadnt seen our relationship as anything serious, but after a few days of travelling through the Balearic Islands together, our original idea of a one-night stand went completely out the window.

We'd met on Tinder while both on solo trips in Spain. Hannah was independent, adventurous and hilarious. I was from London and she was visiting from a small town in Germany. Even though there was a slight language barrier, I felt like it was the first time someone really understood me.

Hannah and I both ended up extending our trips and even booked an extra week in Tuscany together. By the time the holiday finished, we decided that we wanted to see each other again and as often as possible. After two months of dating long-distance, we decided to make our relationship official.

Although neither of us wanted to permanently leave our hometowns, we took full advantage of cheap flights across Europe, taking turns flying back and forth to see each other, or meeting somewhere new for us to explore together.

Long-distance love

It was hard not being able to see each other whenever we wanted, but we made it work. Thanks to the distance, we never took our time together for granted, which was a lesson Ill always be grateful for.

After we celebrated our first anniversary, I started looking at engagement rings. Then after 18 months together, I hid one in my special safe, carefully concealed in my bedroom wardrobe. I knew I wanted to marry Hannah, but I wanted the engagement to be special.

After we celebrated our first anniversary, I started looking at engagement rings.

Hannah moved to London just before our two-year anniversary. That same weekend, we flew to Mallorca  the place we'd first met  to celebrate two wonderful years together. I proposed to Hannah on our last night there. We were back at the same place that brought us together, and it felt so right. She said 'yes' and it was honestly the happiest day of my life.

Wedding plans

We couldnt wait to spend the rest of our lives together and started the wedding planning as soon as we got back from our trip. Hannah and I were on the same page about what we wanted for the big day  a small, intimate event with the closest people in our lives.

We loved looking at venues online  it even became our unofficial Friday tradition to get a takeaway pizza and search for the perfect spot to say 'I do' the next summer.

When the topic of a pre-nup agreement came up, the dynamic completely changed. It had always been in the back of my mind and I was dreading the conversation.

But when the topic of a pre-nup agreement came up, the dynamic completely changed. It had always been in the back of my mind and I was dreading the conversation.

I'm fortunate enough to own a house with my sister and would never want her to be at risk financially in case something happened with my marriage. Plus, Hannah and I both come from broken families, so I thought shed be a bit more understanding as to why I wanted one. But I was completely wrong.

Bursting the bubble

Hand man woman on paper with marry ring on paper to sign marriage or divorce (sabthai via Getty Images)

Hannahs face sank as soon as I raised the question. She said she felt as if I was planning for the worst and assuming that our marriage would fail. I hated that I made her feel that way. I tried to explain that it wasnt anything personal against her, but I needed to protect myself.

Hannah said she needed some time to think about it. Things were uncomfortable between us for the next few days, and a week after our conversation, Hannah ended our relationship. She said she was completely 'offended' that I felt the need for a pre-nup and that she would have never said yes to the proposal if she had known Id ask for one.

She said she felt as if I was planning for the worst and assuming that our marriage would fail. I hated that I made her feel that way.

I was so torn. I didnt want to lose Hannah, but her reaction also made me wary of her intentions. She was so opposed to even having a conversation about a pre-nup that I couldnt help but think she was partly after me for the money.

I felt like shed made a lot of presumptions about why I'd asked for a pre-nup and despite my attempts to clarify the situation, we never got the chance to properly discuss it.

Losing touch

Two weeks later, she moved back to Germany and, apart from the odd WhatsApp message in the first few months after our breakup, we lost touch. The distance also stopped us rekindling our relationship, but we never really tried.

I dont miss her as much as I thought I would. I realise now that she wasnt my soulmate after all.

Its now been a few months since what would have been our wedding day. Hannah still crosses my mind now and then, but I dont miss her as much as I thought I would. I realise now that she wasnt my soulmate after all. I wish we were still on good terms, but I've realised now that our splitting up was a blessing in disguise.

I've avoided online dating since then and have been on a few unsuccessful blind dates. I'm in no hurry to jump into another relationship and for now, I'm perfectly happy being single.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.

Read more: All of Yahoo UK's How I was dumped stories.
A 32-year-old man who encouraged widespread disorder when a march turned violent last month in Sunderland has become the first in the UK to admit a charge of riot.

Kieran Usher, from Bramwell Road, Hendon, Sunderland, was masked when he gestured towards officers and the crowds in the city centre on August 2 in order to encourage violence, a previous court hearing was told.

He appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to admit the charge of riot and was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing on September 27.

CCTV evidence showed Usher donning a face-covering before encouraging others to participate in violence and throwing a missile at nearby police.

He was later captured on camera as part of a large mob throwing missiles at officers.

Sophie Allinson Howells, defending, told Judge Tim Gittens that Usher had learning difficulties and asked for time to allow his GP records to be accessed.

The judge told Usher: You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence.

You will receive a lot of credit for entering a guilty plea today.

After the hearing, Christopher Atkinson, Head of the Complex Casework Unit for CPS North East, said: It is clear from the evidence in this case that Usher played an active role in the mob violence that unfolded on the streets of Sunderland.

He was filmed working with a group of at least twenty other people to rain missiles onto attending police officers.

The co-ordinated and unlawful violence carried out by the group in this incident, the severity of which forced police to temporarily retreat from the assault, made a charge of riot wholly appropriate in this case.

The events of that evening also created immeasurable fear for Sunderland residents, with significant damage caused to local businesses.

We would like to praise the response of Northumbria Police, who effectively tackled the immediate situation while also securing key evidence to help us build robust cases against the perpetrators of this violence.

The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work alongside our criminal justice partners to ensure that anyone threatening the communities we serve are swiftly brought to justice for their actions.

At South Tyneside Magistrates Court last month, District Judge Zoe Passfield watched a series of video clips and said they showed he had a willingness to engage in large-scale disorder.

Riot carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and is a more serious charge than violent disorder, which most other defendants from the recent nationwide trouble have faced.

Usher was the first adult to be charged with riot, following a 15-year-old boy, also from Sunderland, having had his violent disorder charge upgraded to riot.

The disorder in Sunderland saw hundreds gather for a march through the city centre which then splintered off towards a mosque where officers in riot gear who were protecting it came under sustained attack.

Trouble continued late into the evening, with more attacks on police in the city centre, including having beer barrels thrown at them, fire extinguishers set off in their faces, a car set on fire, a vape shop being looted and a Citizens Advice Bureau being torched.

Yobs also tried to rip out gravestones from Sunderlands historic Minster to break up and use as missiles.
The Government has said it has decided against establishing a public inquiry into the murder of GAA official Sean Brown 27 years ago.

Mr Browns family said they were devastated at the decision but pledged that they would not be going away.

Sean Brown, 61, was abducted and killed by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones Club in Co Londonderry in May 1997.

No-one has ever been convicted of his murder.

Earlier this year, a coroner said an inquest into Mr Browns death could not proceed due to the withholding of sensitive files.

Mr Justice Kinney said his ability to examine Mr Browns death had been compromised by the extent of confidential State material being excluded from the proceedings on national security grounds.

He said he would write to the Northern Ireland Secretary to call on the Government to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist murder.

In a statement on Friday, the family of Sean Brown said they had waited patiently for a reply to that request.

Our patient dignity and expectation has in the past been grossly abused by the then secretary of state Chris Heaton-Harris and James Cleverly, then home secretary, who far from abiding by the express direction of the High Court to take the opportunity for once in this case to do the right thing, and convene a public inquiry, decided to attack our local judiciary and are actually ignoring the request and instead challenged the decision to issue the limited gist of sensitive information, which was read into the court record on 27 February.

We are today devastated that (Northern Ireland Secretary) Hilary Benn MP has acted in defiance of the judiciary and has ignored the explicit direction of a High Court judge to convene a public inquiry.

The State is terrified that their carefully curated official history of the conflict is now being contradicted by judicially endorsed legal facts, hence their attempts to deny victims of access to the courts and access to justice.

Todays devastating decision is merely an event in a long and shameful chronology, which must be an eternal embarrassment to the State.

It is not the end of our journey; we are not going away.

This is merely a decision which will be challenged, and we will now look forward with renewed enthusiasm and vigour to our judicial review which was already listed for hearing on Thursday 26 and Monday 30 September 2024.

In a statement, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said he concluded a public inquiry was not the best way to proceed.

I have enormous sympathy for Mrs Brown and her family, who have suffered so much since the murder of her husband and their father, he said.

I acknowledge their continued search for answers in relation to this case and am grateful to them for meeting me on 28 August.

I take my responsibility to victims and survivors of the Troubles extremely seriously.

In reaching this decision, I carefully considered a range of factors, including the views of Mrs Brown and her family, the coroners rulings, the Governments human rights obligations, and important public interest factors.

Ultimately, I have concluded that an inquiry under the Inquiries Act is not the best way to proceed.

I recognise that this decision will come as a disappointment to the Brown family.

I am, however, confident in the Independent Commissioner for Reconciliation and Information Recoverys (ICRIR) capability to deliver justice, accountability, and information to victims and survivors of the Troubles, and to meet the Governments human rights obligations, particularly given the Northern Ireland High Courts ruling.

I would therefore encourage Mrs Brown and her family to meet with Sir Declan (Morgan) and the ICRIR to hear how the independent Commission would approach any investigation into Mr Browns death.

Sinn Fein MLA Emma Sheerin said the decision was callous, and accused the Government of trying to enact a nothing-to-see here policy.

The only way to establish the full extent of what happened to Sean is through an independent statutory public inquiry, the Mid Ulster MLA said.

This callous decision by the British Secretary of State Hilary Benn flies in the face of his governments commitment to support victims and families and to work with them on an agreed way forward for legacy.

She added: The ICRIR is not a credible alternative to a public inquiry, as stated by the coroner, and does not posses the powers to effectively investigate Sean Browns murder.

All victims deserve access to truth and justice and Sinn Fein will continue to stand with the Brown family in their pursuit of this.

On Tuesday, Mr Benn announced that a public inquiry would be established into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane, who was shot dead in front of his family at their Belfast home in 1989.

The attack, carried out by the Ulster Defence Association, was found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

Mr Benn said he based the decision on the exceptional reason that a UK government had committed more than 20 years ago to hold an inquiry into Mr Finucanes murder, which had remained unfulfilled.
Scotlands First Minister has urged the owners of the Grangemouth refinery to reconsider its premature closure.

Petroineos announced on Thursday it would shutter the refinery in the second quarter of next year as it looks to move to become an import terminal  putting 400 jobs on the site at risk.

The firm  a joint venture between Ineos and PetroChina  said the site faces significant challenges due to global market pressures and the energy transition.

A spokesman for Petroineos said that in the last week, the refinery has lost around 500,000 US dollars (381,000) per day, and absorbed total losses of 775 million US dollars (590 million).

Following a meeting with unions and workforce representatives on Friday in nearby Falkirk, the First Minister urged the firm to reconsider.

The First Minister chaired the meeting in Falkirk on Friday (Michael Boyd/PA)

I talk to the company, my ministers talk to the company, Ive talked to the workforce, he told the PA news agency.

Weve made the point that we thought this was premature, the UK Government has talked to them, but we were told yesterday morning this is what was going to be happening.

I think the decision is premature and I would encourage Petroineos to consider what options there are to prolong the life of the refinery.

A spokesman for Petroineos said: We have always communicated openly and directly with Scottish and UK governments, including sharing financial and operational details.

Our intentions regarding the refinery and a timing envelope were communicated publicly as far back as November 2023.

It is hard to conceive that any owner would be able or willing to sustain losses on this scale indefinitely and in the face of competitive pressure from newer, more modern facilities across Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Derek Thomson, Scottish secretary at Unite the union, told PA that Project Willow  the work being done by the Scottish and UK governments on a potential future for the site  is too slow, adding: Project Willow is about the work of tomorrow  we need work today.

Workers at the site, he said, are angry, but he added: Theyre in shock and theres a real disappointment around the way the government, both governments, have handled this.

Obviously they both come out pre- and post-general election to say they would be doing all they can to save Grangemouth  the first test of the just transition failed miserably yesterday.

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer, who also attended the meeting, urged both governments to step in.

I dont expect anything less from Petroineos, she said.

Theyre a private, profit-making company, of course they will put commercial interests first.

But the Scottish Government and UK Government have set out telling us they think the closure of this site is premature, that there are other options available in the future that we can transition to, but they have failed to make sure that transition happens.

As far as Im concerned, this is a failure on both our UK and Scottish governments, because they havent got their ducks lined up.

The refinery will cease operations in the second quarter of next year (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Theyve known this was coming and they need to ensure they have the political will to intervene when private companies like Petroineos and say: Youve got your commercial interests, but we have the interests of our country, of our energy community, of the future security, of our communities, and of our economy long term, to put first.'

Responding to the criticism, the First Minister said: Weve been faced with, in my view, a premature decision by Petroineos, so weve got to work in that context and to work to support the employees here to create those new opportunities and to find a way through what is a really difficult decision.

Pressed on what has been done to ensure what both governments have called a just transition for workers at the site, Mr Swinney said: Work was commenced when the possibility of this  and it is a possibility, not a definite  of this being raised as a potential closure in the second quarter of 2025.

Work was put in place to develop new technologies and new opportunities. Now obviously, the more time weve got available to do that, the more advanced those propositions can be.

But the assurance I gave the workforce today is that the Scottish Government will work with its partners to make sure that all energy is put into those measures to ensure that we create new opportunities for people in this community.
Jack Draper was unable to find his US Open form as Britain crashed to defeat against Argentina in the Davis Cup.

A week after losing to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals in New York, Draper led his country for the first time but was beaten 7-6 (4) 7-5 by Francisco Cerundolo in Manchester.

Coupled with Dan Evans 6-2 7-5 loss to Tomas Martin Etcheverry, it meant Argentina wrapped up victory ahead of the doubles rubber and dealt a huge blow to Britains chances of reaching the final eight event in Malaga in November.

Captain Leon Smith talks to Jack Draper, left, at a change of ends (Martin Rickett/PA)

Draper arrived in Manchester on Tuesday and was rested for the victory over Finland the following day, with Evans and debutant Billy Harris claiming singles wins.

This tie was a step up in class, though, and Draper, who understandably looked a little jaded, could not manage to outmuscle the impressive Cerundolo, ranked 11 places below the British number one at world number 31.

There was no sign of the strapping on his right thigh that Draper had worn since the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows but a break for Cerundolo in the third game put him on the back foot.

Draper broke back to make it 5-5, to the delight of the majority of the 9,000-strong crowd, which included Liverpools Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister.

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, left, was supporting Argentina (Martin Rickett/PA)

But Cerundolo led throughout the tie-break and Draper just could not find a meaningful advantage in the second set, first being pegged back straight away after an early break and then missing three break points at 4-4.

Cerundolo did not make the same mistake when he brought up three match points at 6-5, converting the first and then falling to the court in delight.

Earlier, Evans, who was given the nod over Harris as number two, was also unable to take his chances against the consistent Etcheverry.

It has been a difficult year for Evans, whose ranking has slipped to 178, and he could only boast one win in 2024 over a player ranked higher than world number 34 Etcheverry.

Had Evans managed to convert any of four break points in a long fourth game, things might have played out differently.

Dan Evans slams his racket down in frustration (Martin Rickett/PA)

But his opponent, nine years younger and eight inches taller, surged ahead with five games in a row and the crucial break of a tight second set came at 5-5.

Evans had three more opportunities to break in a rollercoaster final game that also saw him save five match points but the cruellest of netcords created a sixth and this time Etcheverry made it across the line.

Evans was left disappointed, saying: I didnt play my best. A really long game at 2-1 in the first set probably changed the momentum of the match quite a bit.

And then at the end I felt the momentum was turning but I just wasnt as good as I expect. It was a difficult match. I wasnt feeling great how I was striking the ball.
BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley has said she cried all the time during the menopause and said a conversation wasnt being had about the process.

The 59-year-old praised former Big Brother presenter Davina McCall for starting a conversation about the issue through her campaigning, which has seen her present Davina McCall: Sex, Myths And The Menopause and support The Menopause Charity.

Whiley told Womens Health UK that going to the gym really saved me during that period of her life.

Jo Whiley also spoke about suffering from anxiety on stage (Mark Cant/Womens Health/PA)

Whiley said: I did go through a period of time when I felt like I was just a bit weak but I think its probably when the menopause hit.

When I was going through it, I think the conversation wasnt being had that vocally, like it wasnt on social media with Davina and her campaign. I really lost myself.

I cried all the time. I mean, I cry a lot anyway but I cried all the time.

I just felt very weak, and going to the gym and getting myself strong has played a really, really big part in helping me be the person I am today. It really saved me.

Whiley also spoke about the anxiety she used to suffer from on stage and added it was ruining my life.

The BBC Glastonbury presenter said: Its taken a lot of personal development to get me on that stage in front of those people.

Its been really hard, I remember doing one gig, and I was just so scared, I thought, I cant go on like this. This is ridiculous. Its ruining my life because Im just such a ball of anxiety.

I realised how happy its making people when I do these gigs and the audience that Im playing to is why I do what Im doing, that was a game changer.

She went on to say that the lads mags era was a ludicrous time to be a woman.

Whiley added: There was so much objectification and judgment of women and their bodies.

It was a ludicrous time to be a woman but I just kept my head down and weathered the storm.

I think [the current generation of girls] is still dealing with a lot. There are so many crises and so much pressure and so much to worry about in the world.

But theres an army of [young] women who are fearless, absolutely fearless, and they take no prisoners, and they will be who they want to be. And its much healthier.

Despite her experiences, Whiley said she had enjoyed being part of the Britpop scene during the 1990s.

She added: I mean, the 90s, it was this hazy, lovely, summery Glastonbury (in June 1995).

Jo Whiley features on the cover of the upcoming edition of Womens Health UK (Mark Cant/Womens Health UK/PA)

I remember being in the backstage area, and I was doing the TV coverage, and there was Robbie (Williams), and hed got this red Adidas tracksuit on, hed got bleached blonde hair.

Jarvis (Cocker) was walking along with a carrier bag full of records and [I was] looking around, just going, oh my god, to be alive and to be part of all this scene. This is something.

The full Jo Whiley interview is available to read on the Womens Health website or in the magazine from September 17.
Kelly Brook and Jeremy Parisi's bus breaks down. (BBC screengrab) (Studio Lambert)

Disasters and big decisions lay ahead in the gripping Celebrity Race Across the World final.

It's closer than ever, with all the teams - married couples Kelly Brook and Jeremy Parisi, Scott Mills and Sam Vaughan, father and son Jeff and Freddy Brazier as well as cousins Kola Bokinni and Mary-Ellen - racing to the final checkpoint in the Andes, Frutillar in Southern Chile.

So what else can we expect from the tense final? Here's what we know.

Kelly Brook faces '12-hour wait' after bus breaks down

Brook said real-life dramas now don't seem so bad in comparison to some of the hardest moments they faced on Celebrity Race Across the World. The married couple give the example of where they very nearly missed their flight to Puglia, their first holiday after the BBC show. However, it was not a disaster because they had experienced far worse.

Celebrity Race Across The World's Kelly Brook is a fan favourite. (Studio Lambert) ((Studio Lambert/BBC))

The model revealed in the final they are left stranded on the side of the road for "like 12 hours" after their bus breaks down. "Once your bus breaks down and you're on the side of the road for like 12 hours or on a bus for 24 hours, it's really easy in comparison to what we've been through on Celebrity Race Across the World," she told Yahoo.

Read more: Celebrity Race Across the World

In the trailer, Brook called the bus breaking down the "worst thing that's happened on the race so far" while her competitive husband Parisi complained saying "Oh my God".

As disaster struck in the final leg, Brook said the couple were "blown away" by the kindness of strangers. She told Yahoo: "You'll see on the last episode, we get ourselves into a bit of trouble. The kindness of strangers in the final episode blew us away."

Kelly Brook and Jeremy Parisi are stranded when bus breaks down. (BBC screengrab) (BBC screengrab)

Her husband agreed saying: "But all people are. People in Brazil are gentle."

Brook said: "We were hosted by some incredible families and we met some amazing people but we were also let down by some people. The first two weeks, I kept thinking: where is all this kindness from strangers? I'm not seeing any of it. Saying they were gunna pick us up and then wouldn't show up and you get a bit of everything but then when people do go out of their way... On the Tube, I always stop help now because I know that feeling."

Scott Mills and Sam Vaughan's huge decision

Celebrity Race Across The World's Scott Mills and Sam Vaughan struggle to decide. (Studio Lambert) ((Studio Lambert/BBC))

As well as disasters, there are some huge decisions for the couples to make. Self-confessed "chilled couple" Scott Mills and Sam Vaughan told Yahoo they struggled to make a decision on the final leg because they were feeling the "pressure" of the race.

They must choose what route to take to the final checkpoint in the Andes, Frutillar in Southern Chile but any minor hiccup could set the couple back and cost them their place in the race. The radio DJ said neither of them wanted to "mess it up".

Vaughan said: "You'll see at the start of the final that we might not be able to come to a decision so there's something else that we need to do instead."

Celebrity Race Across The World's Scott Mills and Sam Vaughan. (Studio Lambert) ((Studio Lambert/BBC))

He added: "We were tired. We were hungry. We were lost and we got through it. The start of the final, none of us wanted to take that pressure and deciding which route we should take because we didn't want that pressure. One of the legs I said, "I'll take this route" and then another one Scott said, "Oh, I want to do this." But in the last week, we were asking each other: "What do you want to do?" You dont want that pressure of what route we should take.

Mills agreed: "Right now it's so close on Celebrity Race Across the World You don't want to be that person to make that decision because it's the final leg. You do not want to be that person that makes the wrong decision and messes it up."

Watch the Celebrity Race Across the World trailer

Celebrity Race Across The World airs on BBC One at 9pm on Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/kelly-brook-celebrity-race-across-the-world-final-102242893.html
The press regulator has announced a new funding settlement which protects its funding in real terms for the next five years.

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) is financed by the Regulatory Funding Company, which is funded by member publications through subscription payments.

Ipso, which is marking 10 years as the UKs independent regulator of newspapers, magazines and digital news, said the five-year settlement also allows it to call on additional resource if needed for exceptional costs.

It has also reached an agreement with regulated publishers to amend its regulations, giving it greater discretion to allocate resources to the most important complaints.

This will be achieved by reducing the burden of dealing with complaints that do not identify a potential breach of the Editors Code, Ipso said.

Lord Faulks KC, Ipsos chairman, said: Ten years from its foundation, regulation by Ipso is a clear mark of accountable journalism that distinguishes publishers committed to accountability and transparency from unregulated online content.

We are delighted to celebrate this milestone, working with our partners  including the public, industry, government and others  to protect the public and freedom of expression by promoting high standards.
Facebook and Instagram parent firm Meta has said it will soon begin training its AI models using public posts to the social media sites from UK adults.

The US tech giant said it would begin the process in the coming months after positive discussions with the UKs data protection regulator, the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

AI at Meta tools have not yet launched in the UK or EU because of previously raised regulator concerns about the plans, and the tech giant and the EU remain in deadlock on the issue.

Were pleased to announce that, after taking onboard regulatory feedback, we will begin training our AI at Meta models using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in the UK and Brazil.  Nick Clegg (@nickclegg) September 13, 2024

But Meta said it had engaged positively with the ICO and said that the regulator had now given the scheme the green light.

This clarity and certainty will help us bring AI at Meta products to the UK much sooner, Meta said in a blog post.

We welcome the ICOs guidance supporting Metas implementation of the legal basis of Legitimate Interests, which can be a valid legal basis for using certain first party data to train generative AI models for our AI at Meta features and experiences.

The social media giant said it would not use peoples private messages with friends and family to train AI at Meta models, and that it does not use information from accounts of those in the UK under the age of 18.

It said it would use public information  public posts, comments, public photos and captions  from the accounts of adult users on Instagram and Facebook to improve generative AI models for out AI at Meta features and experiences.

The company said that from next week, UK users on the two platforms would start to receive in-app notifications to explain the scheme, as well as guidance on how to access an objection form where they can opt out from their data being used to train the firms AI models.

Meta added that it had also incorporated feedback from the ICO to make its objection form simpler, more prominent and easier to find.

Stephen Almond, executive director regulatory risk at the ICO, said it would monitor the situation in the coming weeks.

He added: We have been clear that any organisation using its users information to train generative AI models to be transparent about how peoples data is being used.

Organisations should put effective safeguards in place before they start using personal data for model training, including providing a clear and simple route for users to object to the processing. The ICO has not provided regulatory approval for the processing and it is for Meta to ensure and demonstrate ongoing compliance.

Former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg, now president of global affairs at the tech giant said the company was pleased to launch the scheme in the UK as well as Brazil.

In a post to X, formerly Twitter, he said: This is good news for innovation in both countries  it means we can bring our AI at Meta products to both the UK and Brazil much sooner, and that our generative AI models will understand local culture, history and idiom.

Unfortunately, our plans to train our AI models to understand the EUs rich cultural, social and historical contributions remain paused while EU regulators remain unable to agree how the law should be applied.
Texas Children's Hospital president Debra Feigin Sukin will take over as CEO next month when Mark A. Wallace retires after 35 years in the role. Courtesy of Texas Children's Hospital

Texas Childrens Hospital announced Thursday that Debra Feigin Sukin, the hospitals president, will assume the role of CEO when longtime leader Mark A. Wallace retires next month.

Sukin has nearly 30 years of experience as a health care administrator, including 15 years at Houston Methodist. She also has a family connection to Texas Childrens  her father, Dr. Ralph Feigin, served as the hospitals chief pediatrician for more than three decades.

Sukin will become CEO when Wallace retires Oct. 4.

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It has been an honor to work with Mark Wallace over this past year and I want to thank him for his visionary leadership, which has grown the worlds largest womens and childrens hospital, Sukin said Thursday in a news release. I look forward to building upon Texas Childrens 70-year history of providing clinical excellence, teaching, and research to those we serve across the globe and leading us into the future.

Heres what you need to know about the next top executive for the nations largest childrens hospital.

Debra Sukin speaks in the front lobby during a tour of the Healing Tower, a new space at Houston Methodist Hospital Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in The Woodlands, TX. Sukin is now president and CEO of Texas Children's Hospital. Michael Wyke/Contributor

History of health care leadership

Sukin held various leadership positions during her tenure at Houston Methodist, including as regional senior vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. She also oversaw neurosciences and the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart Center.

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Sukin has also worked as a senior vice president of St. Lukes Health System in the Texas Medical Center.

She has a masters degree in health care administration from Washington University in St. Louis and a doctorate in health policy and health management from The University of Texas Health Science Center.

Her fathers legacy

Feigin joined Texas Childrens Hospital in 1977 and rose to the dual roles of physician-in-chief at the hospital and chairman of pediatrics at its medical affiliate, Baylor College of Medicine. An internationally renowned expert in pediatric infectious disease, he has been credited with transforming the Baylor pediatrics department into one of the largest in the nation and establishing Texas Childrens as an elite pediatric institution.

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Feigin announced plans to retire shortly before he died of lung cancer in 2008. He was 70.

The Feigin Tower, Texas Childrens hub for pediatric research, is named in his honor.

More Texas Childrens connections

Sukin began volunteering at Texas Childrens when she was 16 years old, and her mother also worked at the hospital, Wallace said last year in a news release announcing Sukins appointment as president.

Not only does Debbie have the necessary health care leadership experience, but she has lived and breathed Texas Childrens her entire life, Wallace said in the news release.

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Sukin and her husband, Dr. Steven Sukin, have two boys with special needs who have been treated at Texas Childrens. One of their sons has Angelman Syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder that causes physical and cognitive disabilities and balance, sleep and communication issues.

Named hometown hero

A longtime resident of The Woodlands, Sukin was named a hometown hero in 2016 by Interfaith of The Woodlands, which described her as a role model in the community.

MORE ON SUKIN: Texas Children's taps Houston Methodist executive, daughter of pediatrics legend as new president

The organization, a nonprofit social service agency, cited her work with various health advocacy groups, including the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. She helped raise $750,000 for the organization over 11 years, according to local media.

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Debbie is a phenomenal leader in the community, in her business and in everything she does, said Sarah Rhea, executive director with the nonprofit Leadership Montgomery County. Without hesitation, she gives her time and talent to make a difference in the lives of others. She is a true hometown hero, and this community is so fortunate to have her.

Challenges await

Sukin will be faced with immediate challenges in her new role.

The hospitals financial deficit, which triggered recent layoffs, has shown no signs of slowing in recent public disclosures. After generating a profit in fiscal year 2023, the hospital reported losing nearly $355 million in a nine-month period that ended this summer, financial documents show.

The difficulties have been largely related to regulatory changes in the state Medicaid program. The changes meant the Texas Childrens Health Plan, one of the hospitals primary sources of revenue, lost 23% of its membership.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is still waiting to discover the extent of Martin Odegaards injury and has not ruled him out of Sundays north London derby.

Odegaard, 25, hurt his left ankle while playing for Norway on Monday night, and he was in tears as he was helped off the pitch by international team-mate Erling Haaland. He was then pictured on crutches as he boarded a private plane back to London.

Norways team doctor Ola Sand said the Arsenal captain is poised for at least three weeks on the sidelines. The Gunners face a crucial seven days with their visit to Tottenham followed by a Champions League opener at Atalanta on Thursday before they face Manchester City a week on Sunday.

Martin Odegaard sustaied the injury on international duty (Alikhan Sariyev/AP)

However, Arteta, fresh from signing a new long-term deal with the Gunners, said: Players with 48 hours to go are always available.

We need some more tests, so lets see what happens in the next day or so, or this afternoon (Friday) probably. Lets see the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back.

He is super-positive about everything. We know Martin, he wants to be there every single day, but we have to wait and see. His will, there is no question about that, because he wants to be present in every game and obviously in a big game like this one.

Arteta will certainly be without the suspended Declan Rice  sent off in Arsenals 1-1 draw with Brighton prior to the international break  for the trip to Spurs, while summer signing Mikel Merino remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Declan Rice (second right) is suspended for his sending-off against Brighton (Nick Potts/PA)

Odegaards possible absence will force Arteta into a rejig, but Gabriel Jesus could be available after returning to training following a recent groin injury.

The Spaniard is also set to hand Raheem Sterling his debut after the 29-year-old joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

He looks great, added Arteta. He has got a big smile on his face, a lot of energy and he wants to prove a point. When someone has got that in their belly you sense it straight away. I dont need to discuss his quality and what he can bring to the team.

A lot of things have changed since we were together (at Manchester City). But the first call I had with him, after 10 seconds I knew we had to bring him (to Arsenal) because he really wanted it, and that was my only question mark, what stage is he at in his career? But after 10 seconds I knew.
Omar Malik, Ashna Rabheru, Tamzin Outhwaite and Pandora Colin in Abigails Party at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East - Mark Senior

To the inevitable delight of many, national treasure Alison Steadman will be releasing her memoir early next month  and will be further in the public eye as the build-up begins to the final (Christmas) episode of Gavin & Stacey. Tamzin Outhwaite might be forgiven a sigh at the timing of this.

Just as she tackles the overbearing role of Beverly, who rules the roost in Abigails Party, its going to be even harder to escape comparisons with the actress who created the part in 1977  and who, thanks to a Play for Today broadcast that year, became a household name and saw the character grow into an emblem of the Seventies social foibles and status anxieties.

Still, any revival benefits from our enduring affection for this comedy of suburban manners, scripted by Mike Leigh from actorly improv. As it approaches its half-century too, the work feels ripe for reassessment. Designed and dressed to period-mimicking perfection as it is, Nadia Falls superbly acted production combines familiar delight with fresh pertinence.

Outhwaite honours what we loved about Steadmans turn while putting her own stamp on the role. As the Demis Roussos-devoted Beverly snips at her uptight estate-agent hubby Laurence and presides over the soiree from hell, the actress dominates the living-room, combining marital carping, proprietorial fussing and predatory manoeuvring. You register her veiled insecurities as the hostess visits discomfort upon the new neighbours (gormless Angela and monotone Tony) and the divorcee from up the road, Susan, whose teenage daughters bash gives the play its title and the evening its wistful sense of a carefree life happening elsewhere.

While fans will greet Bevs conversational tics (A little top-up Okay? Come through, actually) like old friends, theyll also note that Ilford-born (and former EastEnders star) Outhwaite avoids any Steadman-esque imitation or hints of condescension: theres no distinctive nasal delivery or overly twanging cockney accent.

Now in her fifties, Outhwaite scrubs up nicely in an OTT flowing dress  like some would-be Greek goddess  and thereby transmits the anti-heroines materialist urges, fixation with appearance and a genuine sensuality thats fatally neglected. At the start of each act, Fall showcases her as a disco queen, engulfed in haze and pulsing with desire to the unobtainable bliss of Donna Summer tracks.

Angela and Tony are, here, not just new neighbours but bashful Asian representatives of multicultural Britain  played, finely, by Ashna Rabheru and Omar Malik. Some lines sound sharper as a result  theres a nastier edge to the talk of the area changing, Kevin Bishops dully conventional, hen-pecked Laurence seems more palpably threatened. But would an Asian bloke in computers have played for Crystal Palace or be quite so sniffy about Indian cuisine (a shuddered-at gastroenteritis episode notwithstanding)? Hmm.

These are quibbles, though. Not a beat or a look is misjudged, especially from Pandora Colin as the discreetly squirming, emetically squiffy Susan. At its vicious best, this feels like pre-Thatcher Englands answer to Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and, unerringly attuned to the eternal battleground of the domestic, it looks as likely to stay the course as Albees masterpiece.

Until Oct 12. Tickets: stratfordeast.com
A study led by researchers in Sydney found limited evidence to support the use of antidepressants such as duloxetine for managing pain. Photograph: AAP

People over 65 are being prescribed antidepressants to treat pain despite weak evidence that the drugs work, potentially exposing them to harm, according to a new study that calls for a review of prescribing guidelines.

Researchers led by Dr Sujita Narayan from the University of Sydneys Institute for Musculoskeletal Health reviewed the findings from 15 trials involving 1,369 participants to assess how antidepressants impact pain relief and adverse events in older adults.

Based on these studies, Narayan told Guardian Australia there were many international guidelines that recommend the use of antidepressants for pain, particularly for chronic pain.

Related: Australian doctor who almost died writes landmark guidance on how to safely stop using antidepressants

Antidepressants are now being used more for pain than for depression in older people. We wanted to understand what evidence there is in terms of the benefits and impact of antidepressant use for pain relief in this population.

But the researchers found a lack of evidence to support the use of antidepressants for treating most pain conditions in older adults.

Most of the trials they examined had small sample sizes of fewer than 100 participants making it difficult to generalise any findings about the drugs improving pain, and researchers involved in many of the trials had conflicts of interests including links to pharmaceutical companies that produce pain relief drugs, potentially biasing the results.

The research, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology on Friday, found limited evidence to support the use of antidepressants such as duloxetine for managing pain related to knee osteoarthritis, but even then the effect was small and there was an increased risk of side-effects.

The study authors recognised that pain may lead to depression and that antidepressants may be used by some doctors to address both conditions, but said the benefit when used primarily for pain relief was small and inconsistent.

Benefits of prescribing need to be weighed up against the risk of side-effects, with the study finding older people taking antidepressants experienced negative side-effects such as falling, feeling dizzy and getting injured.

Narayan said many of the studies examining use of antidepressants to treat pain also involved younger participants, but people aged over 65 may have health conditions that make antidepressant use riskier.

There may also be harmful side-effects when trying to stop antidepressant medication, the study said, and there were growing concerns about the difficulties people face when coming off the medications.

There should be a review of the existing guidelines, particularly for older people, because there is very little evidence to support the use of antidepressants for pain, Narayan said. The evidence is that it causes more harms than benefits in most of this population.

She urged people to talk to their doctor before ceasing any medication, and cautioned that antidepressant medication needs to be stopped extremely carefully under medical supervision to minimise risks of side-effects.

A senior specialist in geriatric medicine, Prof Joseph Ibrahim, said it could be complex to assess and treat pain conditions in older people because chronic pain can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Related: Australias aged care overhaul: what are the changes, and will you have to pay more?

Doctors needed to weigh up the cause of those conditions, alongside the impact of other conditions the person may have, and assess possible drug interactions, risks and side-effects, he said.

Ibrahim said older people often felt their pain and feelings of despair related to it were dismissed or ignored, and that this could lead to under-treatment.

Its a real juggle, he said.

A clinical research fellow with the National Health Service in London who has researched the prescription of and side-effects from antidepressants, Dr Mark Horowitz, described Narayans paper as very useful. He said antidepressants had no long-term efficacy for treatment of chronic pain for adults of any age.

He said the drugs were overprescribed generally. High and increasing rates of antidepressant prescribing among older adults is becoming a major concern in Australia, he said.

Sixty per cent of older adults in aged care facilities are now prescribed antidepressants. We know in this age group that these drugs are associated with an increase in the risk of falls, fractures, strokes and an early death, as well as bleeding risks, osteoperosis, cataracts and some with an increased risk of dementia.
The environment minister has asked the Independent Scientific Expert Committee to advise on the potential impact of gas exploration on water resources in the Beetaloo gas basin. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Tanya Plibersek has asked a government scientific panel to examine whether contentious fracking plans in the Northern Territorys vast Beetaloo gas basin south-east of Darwin would damage water resources.

Greens, independent MPs and environment groups have urged the Albanese government to use expanded water trigger powers that were added to environment laws last year to call in a specific Beetaloo Basin development  Tamboran Resources Shenandoah South pilot project  for federal assessment.

Instead, the environment minister has asked the government-appointed Independent Scientific Expert Committee to provide advice about the potential impact of gas exploration on water resources in the 28,000 sq km basin. Plibersek could formally call in the Tamboran and other projects for assessment under national law, depending on the advice.

Related: Enemy at the gate? The West Australian turns its guns on Labor to back the mining giants | Weekly Beast

Tamboran began drilling at the site last month, and its exploratory work was approved and strongly backed by the former Labor NT government that lost power three weeks ago. The territory government announced in April it had already signed a deal with the company to buy its fracked gas.

Plibersek said environmental decisions must be guided by science and national environment law. Thats why Ive asked the scientific experts to look into these projects to settle any concerns about potential impacts on water, she said in a statement. Everyone concerned should respect the independent scientists, not rush to judgment on the basis of assumptions.

The local federal Labor MP, Marion Scrymgour, said she welcomed the committees involvement as a further safeguard that will ensure our waterways and natural resources remain protected.

But the national coordinator for activist group Lock the Gate, Carmel Flint, said the advice was far too little, too late as Tamboran had begun drilling and planned to start fracking. She said Lock the Gate wrote to the minister in February providing expert evidence that fracking would significantly affect water resources.

We absolutely support the [committee] investigating the proposed works in the Beetaloo, but  it makes no sense for fracking companies to be able to start work before the scientific advice has been provided, she said.

The federal Greens environment spokesperson, Sarah Hanson-Young, said Tamboran could start fracking any day and Plibersek should use her powers under the expanded water trigger to stop it. Letting the company drill for months while the report is being written is too risky for the environment and local water supply, she said.

Coalition MPs said the scientific assessment of potential risks to water resources was unnecessary. The NT environment minister, Josh Burgoyne, said the onshore petroleum industry was well regulated and the federal government had no reason to put a handbrake on development in the basin.

The federal Coalitions spokesperson for resources and northern Australia, Susan McDonald, said Pliberseks decision was another obvious step towards blocking yet more critical energy projects for Australia.

Tamboran Resources managing director, Joel Riddle, said the companys activities were subject to an NT environmental management plan and it was confident our current activities do not have a significant impact on water resources.

Scientists and environmentalists opposing fracking in the basin have described it as a potential carbon bomb that will add substantially to greenhouse gas emissions. A spokesperson for the Arid Lands Environment Centre, Hannah Ekin, said federal Labor should be electorally wary about the issue, arguing anti-fracking candidates out-polled losing ALP MPs in parts of the NT at the territory election.

The Beetaloo announcement comes as the Albanese government is under pressure over stalled plans to create Environment Protection Australia  a national EPA  and to rewrite national conservation law.

Legislation to establish the EPA and a second body, Environment Information Australia, had been listed to be debated in the Senate this week, but was pulled from the schedule as talks between Plibersek and the Greens, crossbenchers and the Coalition continued with little clear progress.

The government has faced concerted attacks from the Coalition, the Minerals Council of Australia and parts of the news media for Plibersek suggesting at a mining event that the government was considering a proposal from the Greens and some crossbenchers that a developments climate impact should be considered.

Anthony Albanese has made clear to parties in the negotiations that he opposed the crossbench proposal and wanted a deal struck with the Coalition.

The governments promise to replace the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act  the national law that government reviews have found is failing to adequately protect Australias unique wildlife  has been delayed indefinitely.
Trumps claims Haitian immigrants are eating pets have swept America - AFP/Rebecca Noble

When Donald Trump claimed the cats and dogs of Springfield, Ohio were falling prey to Haitian immigrants, it shone a national spotlight on the small city.

The unsubstantiated reports - which appear to be the result of frenzied rumours and half-truths - triggered a predictable reaction.

On the Left, they prompted derision and charges of racism. By some on the Right, they were taken verbatim.

But the seeds of the controversy in Springfield were sown long before household pets entered the contentious debate - and some local officials and policy analysts trace them to Joe Bidens immigration policies.

For several years, Springfield has been struggling to contend with a large influx of Haitian immigrants. Officials say between 15,000 and 20,000 have arrived in the small city of 59,000 people in four years.

Police responding to bomb threats in Springfield just two days after Trumps comments - AFP/Roberto Schmidt

By July, the citys manager, Bryan Heck, felt compelled to sound the alarm over the pressures on the citys public services in a letter to Ohios senior senator, Sherrod Brown.

Springfield has seen a surge in population through immigration, Mr Heck wrote, putting a significant strain on our resources, in particular housing availability.

Officials pinpointed Mr Bidens expansion of protections for immigrants as a key cause for the sudden uptick.

Mike DeWine, the Republican governor of the Midwestern state, singled out the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programme, a policy which has been massively increased under Mr Biden.

The move which granted 300,000 Haitians freedom in the US

The US president acted in June to designate 300,000 Haitians already in the country eligible for temporary legal status under the programme.

It granted the group, regardless of whether they had entered the country legally or illegally, protection from deportation and the right to work because conditions in the Caribbean island were deemed too unsafe for them to return.

The Biden administration also renewed TPS for around 200,000 Haitians formerly designated under the policy.

Taken together, it marked one of the largest ever expansions of a programme that had previously only been used sparingly since its creation in the 1990s.

Nearly 900,000 people from 16 countries are estimated to be registered for TPS. People from Haiti, Venezuela, El Salvador, Honduras and Ukraine are the most common nationalities.

Haiti, with its political instability, high poverty and crime rates, and proximity to the US, has posed a particular challenge for the Biden administration as it has sought to distance itself from Trumps hardline policies while at the same time discouraging illegal crossings.

Flashback: Huge migrant caravan across the Rio Grande in 2021

The dilemma came to a head in 2021, when footage (pictured below) of a large-scale caravan of mostly Haitian migrants camped on the banks of the Rio Grande made the national news.

Haitian migrants cross the Rio Grande in 2021 - AFP/Paul Ratje

Mr Bidens administration faced fury from both sides of the political spectrum over its handling of the situation.

The images of more than 12,000 people camped around a Texas bridge sparked outrage among Republicans who accused the White House of lax border policies, while the images of border agents on horseback and brandishing whips triggered a progressive backlash.

In response, the White House carried out rapid expulsions, made possible by a pandemic-era authority enacted under Trump that allowed deportations without the opportunity to seek asylum.

But by January 2023, the Biden administration had allowed those powers to expire and launched an online app, CBP One, to admit up to 30,000 people a month from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela in the hopes of making illegal immigration less attractive.

In its first year, more than 357,000 people were granted parole and allowed to enter the country under the programme. Haitians comprised the biggest group, making up 138,000 of the total.

How an app holds the fate of migrants in its hands

Migrants must apply via the app, fund their own transport to the US and have a financial sponsor in the country to be eligible. If approved, they can stay for two years and receive a work permit.

Mr Bidens unfettered use of parole authority in the face of a gridlocked Congress has come to form a major piece of his administrations immigration policies.

But critics have argued it circumvents immigration laws and accused Mr Biden of abusing a temporary power intended to be applied to cases involving urgent humanitarian need or significant public benefit.

Simon Hankinson, an immigration research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said the combination of parole, TPS and rising illegal immigration had contributed to influxes in cities like Springfield.

This approach of essentially unlimited parole is an utterly new policy, he said, which had created a quasi-parallel system.

The town of Springfield seems to have been overwhelmed... I suspect that city is not alone, he added.

While the White House has dismissed Trumps comments on Springfield as a very bizarre and very hateful smear, the states most prominent Democrat has taken a very different approach.

Mr Brown, the Ohio senator, has kept a cautious distance from the Biden administration as he seeks re-election in a race that may determine the balance of power in the US Senate,

He has kept a low profile in the media storm surrounding Springfield. But in a statement, his office made clear he understands the real concerns from the community... as it deals with an influx of Haitian immigrants who are putting a strain on city infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Marianne Williamson, a former longshot Democratic presidential candidate and self-help guru, warned that dismissing voters concerns over immigration would only confirm many in the belief in the stereotype of Democrats as smug elite jerks.
Antony Blinken speaks during a news conference about Russia's election interference at the Department of State in Washington DC on Friday. Photograph: Jose Luis Magana/AP

The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has announced new sanctions against the Russian state-backed media company RT, formerly known as Russia Today, after new information gleaned from the outfits employees showed it was functioning like a de facto arm of Russias intelligence apparatus.

The Russian government in 2023 established a new unit in RT with cyber operational capabilities and ties to Russian intelligence, Blinken claimed, with the goal of spreading Russian influence in countries around the world through information operations, covert influence and military procurement.

Today, were exposing how Russia deploys similar tactics around the world, Blinken said. Russian weaponization of disinformation to subvert and polarize free and open societies extends to every part of the world.

The US treasury would sanction three entities and two individuals tied to Rossiya Segodnya, the Russian state media company, Blinken said. The decision came after the announcement earlier this month that RT had funneled nearly $10m to conservative US influencers through a local company to produce videos meant to influence the outcome of the American presidential election in November.

Speaking to reporters from the state department on Friday, Blinken accused RT of crowdfunding weapons and equipment for Russian soldiers in Ukraine, including sniper rifles, weapon sights, body armor, night-vision equipment, drones, radio equipment and diesel generators. Some of the equipment, including the recon drones, could be sourced from China, he said.

While the crowdfunding campaign is out in the open, whats hidden is that this program is administered by the leaders of RT, Blinken said. They included the RT head, Margarita Simonyan, who was among nine employees of the company targeted with a visa ban earlier this month.

Blinken also detailed how the organisation had targeted countries in Europe, Africa and North and South America. In particular, he said that RT leadership had coordinated directly with the Kremlin to target the October 2024 elections in Moldova, a former-Soviet state in Europe where Russia has been accused of waging a hybrid war to exert greater influence. In particular, he said, RTs leadership had attempted to foment unrest in Moldova, likely with the specific aim of causing protests to turn violent.

RT is aware of and prepared to assist Russias plans to incite protests should the election not result in a Russia-preferred candidate winning the presidency, Blinken said.

As a result of RTs efforts to weaponise disinformation, Blinken said, the US, UK and Canada would launch a joint diplomatic campaign  to rally allies and partners around the world to join us in addressing the threat posed by RT and other machinery of Russian disinformation and covert influence.
Campaigners for assisted dying in April 2024. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA

A citizens jury has overwhelmingly backed the legalisation of assisted dying for terminally ill people after hearing from experts over a period of eight weeks.

Twenty out of 28 jurors based in England agreed the law should be changed, with seven disagreeing and one person saying they were undecided.

The conclusions of the citizens jury were published with the Westminster parliament expected to debate the issue in the coming months. The Labour peer Charlie Falconer, a former lord chancellor, has published a Lords private members bill to legalise assisted dying, and the Labour MP Jake Richards is considering bringing forward a bill after coming 11th in a ballot last week. Keir Starmer has backed a free vote on the issue.

Citizens juries are a way of testing public opinion on complex issues. They are considered more nuanced than polling.

The jury on assisted dying was commissioned by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB), an independent policy and research centre that aims to put ethics at the centre of decisions regarding health.

It said the group had provided a representative sample of the population both in terms of demographics and attitudes towards assisted dying. Opinion polls have shown a majority of the public is in favour of the legalisation of assisted dying for terminally ill people.

Thirty jurors were selected from 7,000 invitations sent to randomly selected households across England. They met between April and June, spending a total of about 24 hours exploring and deliberating on the issues. Two of the jurors were unable to take part in the final session due to illness.

The jury backed assisted dying for people who have a terminal condition and have the capacity to make their own decision. They supported both assisted suicide, where healthcare professionals would prescribe lethal drugs to be taken by eligible patients, and voluntary euthanasia, where a healthcare professional would administer lethal drugs.

The top three reasons given for supporting a change in the law were to stop pain, having the option to end your own life and knowing you could die with dignity.

Jurors were asked to consider if the law should be changed and what any law on assisted dying should include and exclude. If the law was not changed, the jury was asked if it had other recommendations.

On the latter, nearly all jurors said the act of helping a family member or friend to travel to Dignitas, the Swiss clinic that offers assisted dying to citizens of other countries, should be decriminalised. They also wanted more funding to improve NHS palliative care.

The top reasons for not backing a change in the law were that it could be used for the wrong reasons and that it could be misinterpreted or misused.

More than two dozen jurisdictions around the world  including New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, 10 states in the US and all six states in Australia  allow some form of assisted dying.

Bills to legalise assisted dying are now going through parliaments in the Isle of Man, Jersey and Scotland.

Anne Kerr, the chair of the NCOB, said: The jury findings indicate broad support for a change in the law in England, with some important details about what this should involve. This is a significant finding that will be valuable for policymakers who are considering whether and how to take forward legislative change.

Sarah Wootton, the chief executive of Dignity in Dying, said: It is inarguable that the public wants this reform to happen  When MPs come to debate an assisted dying bill for the first time in almost a decade they must consider whether they will answer the call for compassion, or preserve an unpopular and unsafe status quo.

Gordon Macdonald, the CEO of Care Not Killing, said: At a time when we see how quickly safeguards in countries like Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands have been eroded so disabled people and those with mental health problems, even eating disorders, are now being euthanised, I would strongly urge the government to focus on fixing our broken palliative care system  rather than discussing again this dangerous and ideological policy.
People who use illicit drugs are being encouraged to carry naloxone  the life-saving medication used to treat opioid overdoses. Photograph: Garo/REX/Shutterstock

Two people recently died of heroin overdoses after using what they thought was cocaine at a house party at Glebe in Sydneys inner west, while another two people were hospitalised, New South Wales authorities say.

Police are investigating the deaths of a 31-year-old man at Glebe in the early hours of Friday 30 August and a 43-year-old woman at Newtown about 8.45am the same day, NSW police said.

The state health department on Friday warned people who use illicit drugs to carry naloxone  the life-saving medication used to treat opioid overdoses. Experts said opioids were increasingly being mixed with other stimulants in Australia.

Heroin and other opioids can be sold as or found in cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA, the states chief addiction medicine specialist, Dr Hester Wilson, said.

You cannot always tell the difference between these drugs by appearance. In light of this detection, people who use drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA or opioids should carry naloxone.

A heroin overdose could quickly result from a single line.

Related: Researchers urge more Australian pharmacies to stock anti-opioid overdose drug naloxone

The federal government this month rolled out a new online map listing 4,600 pharmacies that provide naloxone free under the national take home naloxone program. The drug is available anonymously and without a prescription.

Naloxone is highly effective at blocking opioids such as heroin and oxycodone from attaching to receptors in the brain. The effect is temporary and after administrating naloxone it is vital to call triple zero for an ambulance, NSW Health said.

The commonwealths map pinpoints the nearest provider of naloxone using a postcode or location  with no information retained to assure privacy.

The federal health minister, Mark Butler, said the naloxone program only works if people know where and how to access the free medication.

Having a searchable map online makes it much easier for people at risk of overdose, their family, friends and carers to have a ready supply in a form that suits their circumstances, Butler said.

The NSW overdose deaths come after four people were found dead in Melbourne with opioids detected in their bodies in July. The Victorian health department had previously issued a drug alert for cocaine laced with protonitazene  a novel synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than heroin.

Wilson said on Friday: It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond. Opioids such as heroin can cause pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing/snoring and skin turning blue/grey and can be life-threatening.

Related: Synthetic opioid detected in bodies of four people found dead in Melbourne home

Dr Mary Ellen Harrod, the chief executive of NSW Users and Aids Association, said these are tragic and preventable deaths.

She said people needed to be aware of the risks and be prepared to take simple steps to prevent harm, including never taking drugs alone as well as carrying naloxone.

Prof Suzanne Nielsen, the deputy director of the Monash Addiction Research Centre, said with Australias unregulated drug market it was impossible to know what was in them without testing.

If people are consuming cocaine or another stimulant, and not intending to use opioids, if they arent used to taking opioids and dont have any tolerance to the effect of opioids, that can be very dangerous, Nielsen said.

Opioids could slow your respiration, reducing the drive to breathe, which is what caused overdoses, she said.

When someone took opioids regularly with a known dose, they did have some tolerance to the effects, which was somewhat protective, she said.

But someone whos not used to taking that same dose  that can be fatal.
The Storm Shadow cruise missile is on display during the Paris Air Show last year - Lewis Joly/AP

Today, we consider the crunch talks taking place in Washington over Storm Shadow missiles, the decision by Moscow to suddenly expel British diplomats, and assess Putins latest threats to an emboldened West.

Listen to Ukraine: the Latest, The Telegraphs daily podcast, using the audio player at the top of this article or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app.

War in Ukraine is reshaping our world. Every weekday The Telegraphs top journalists analyse the invasion from all angles - military, humanitarian, political, economic, historical - and tell you what you need to know to stay updated.

Upon the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022, David Knowles (1991-2024) launched Ukraine: The Latest, a weekday podcast that is still running two years later.

Ukraine: The Latests regular contributors are:

David Knowles

David was a Senior Audio Journalist & Presenter at The Telegraph, where he has worked for nearly three years. He has reported from across Ukraine during the full-scale invasion.

Dominic Nicholls

Dom is Associate Editor (Defence) at The Telegraph, having joined in 2018. He previously served for 23 years in the British Army, in tank and helicopter units. He had operational deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.

Francis Dearnley

Francis is Assistant Comment Editor at The Telegraph. Prior to working as a journalist, he was chief of staff to the Chair of the Prime Ministers Policy Board at the Houses of Parliament in London. He studied History at Cambridge University and on the podcast explores how the past shines a light on the latest diplomatic, political, and strategic developments.

They are also regularly joined by Telegraph reporters and correspondents around the world, including Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent), James Kilner, (Foreign Correspondent and Editor of the Central Asia & the South Caucasus Bulletin), Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent), Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent), Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent), Colin Freeman (Foreign Correspondent), Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor), and Tony Diver (US Editor).
The report said under Mridul Wadhwas leadership the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre had lacked focus on its core requirements. Photograph: SNP

The chief executive of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre has stepped down after a review found that it caused damage to survivors by failing to protect women-only spaces.

In the independent review, published on Thursday, Mridul Wadhwa, a transgender woman, was found to have failed to set professional standards of behaviour and did not understand the limits on her roles authority.

In a statement released on Friday morning, the Edinburgh Rape Crisis board said it had decided that the time is right for a change of leadership  We are committed to delivering excellence while taking on board the recommendations from the independent review to ensure we place survivors voices at the heart of our strategy.

The report said under Wadhwas leadership the centre had lacked focus on its core requirements and that there were no protected women-only spaces available through ERCC unless they were specifically requested.

It added: 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 and does not amount to the provision of protected women-only spaces.

Scotlands official rape crisis network has a longstanding policy of trans inclusion, with the implementation of this policy left to individual centres.

Responding to the review, Rape Crisis Scotland said it was extremely concerned that for about 16 months the centre did not provide dedicated women-only spaces, as required by the national service standards, while declaring to [us] that they were adhering to the standards.

This is a significant breach. We have asked ERCC to produce an action plan, with clear timescales, to implement the reviews recommendations.

The review was commissioned after a tribunal ruled that Roz Adams, who previously worked at the centre, was unfairly dismissed from her role after she expressed gender-critical views.

Adams had questioned whether it was fair and appropriate for the centre to insist that its clients could not specify that they only wanted support from biological women.

The tribunal ruled that Wadhwa had formed the view that the claimant was transphobic, which led to a completely spurious and mishandled disciplinary process that amounted to a heresy hunt.

The campaigning organisation For Women Scotland said on X that Wadhwas resignation was not good enough.

It added: This is the very least that they can do. It seems the board are intent on ignoring their own culpability.

Adams now works for a new support and counselling service for survivors of sexual violence in Edinburgh called Beiras Place, which was set up and funded by the author JK Rowling because she believed there was an unmet need for women in the Lothians area.

At the time, Rowling said: As a survivor of sexual assault myself, I know how important it is that survivors have the option of women-centred and women-delivered care at such a vulnerable time.
Breaking news Houston Chronicle

Officers with the Houston Police Department shot and killed a man while responding to a family disturbance call in Greenspoint early Friday, HPD officials said.

Assistant Chief Alvaro Guzman said the department received a report of a domestic dispute around 2:30 a.m. and arrived on the scene five minutes later. They encountered a shirtless male with a firearm who refused repeated commands to drop his weapon. It is unclear if officers were ever fired upon, but Guzman said the man was shot after approaching a second pair of officers.

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The officers were in fear of their lives as the male kept approaching and was within 10 feet holding the weapon, Guzman said. Officers discharged their firearms at the male. After he was struck, officers approached, rendered first aid and called the Houston Fire Department to provide medical treatment.

Officers said the shooting happened at an apartment complex in the 500 block of Greens Road, where they believe the man lived with his girlfriend. The man was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries. No one else was injured in the incident, according to Guzman.

Guzman said the caller, who he believes was the girlfriend of the man, flagged officers down as they approached the scene. The woman appeared to have been assaulted, he said.

Guzman said the department will investigate the shooting to determine if it was justified. The officers involved had roughly five years of experience between them.

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The EU-Tunisia migration pact has already triggered accusations of bankrolling dictators. Photograph: Tingshu Wang/Reuters

The EU fears its credibility is at stake as it seeks to weigh growing concerns about the crushing of dissent in Tunisia while preserving a controversial migration deal with the north African country, according to a leaked document.

An internal report drafted by the EUs diplomatic service (EEAS), seen by the Guardian, details a clear deterioration of the political climate and a shrinking civic space under the Tunisian president, Kais Saied, who has suspended parliament and concentrated power in his hands since starting his term of office in 2019.

EU officials expect Saied to remain in power after presidential elections on 6 October. The buildup to the vote has been marked by the jailing of opponents and the prosecution of dissenters under the pretext of spreading false information.

The document will fuel concerns about the 2023 EU-Tunisia migration pact, aimed at stopping people from reaching Europe from the country, which has already triggered accusations of bankrolling dictators.

EU-Tunisia relations have become more complex, concludes the document, which the EUs top diplomat, Josep Borrell, sent to the blocs foreign ministers on 7 July. The EU continues to have a keen interest in preserving its partnership with Tunisia in order to ensure the countrys stability, the report continues, describing this tie as a means to ensure socioeconomic stability, respect for human rights and continue[d] effective cooperation on migration management.

The EU fears that without such support Tunisia will fall under the influence of hostile third countries, which, although they are not named, almost certainly refers to competitors Russia, Iran and China.

And the report lays bare the fears of Borrells team that the EUs credibility could suffer as the bloc seeks to weigh human rights with curbing migration and pursuing broader ties. This will entail striking an increasingly difficult balance between the EUs credibility in terms of values and its interest in staying constructively engaged with the Tunisian authorities, it notes.

The five-page report recounts the arrest of opposition politicians, journalists, lawyers and businesspeople before next months presidential elections. Also arrested have been people working for NGOs that help migrants, the majority of which are implementing partners of EU-funded programmes, the EU document notes.

Since the EU report was written, more people have been detained, including the veteran human rights activist and journalist Sihem Bensedrine, the former president of the Truth and Dignity Commission, which was set up after the Arab spring to investigate decades of human rights abuses. She was ordered into pre-trial detention on 1 August, after an investigation widely considered to have been based on trumped-up charges.

Before her arrest, Bensedrine had spoken out against political repression and the poisonous atmosphere in Tunisia, after Saieds racist tirades against migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.

The EEAS report notes that public outcry and scrutiny about violence, evictions and other mistreatment of migrants and asylum seekers in which the authorities are often implicated raises critical questions about EUs support to border management authorities.

The report was commissioned by Borrell and sent to 27 EU foreign ministers.

The Guardian shared a copy with Hussein Baoumi at Amnesty International, who said its analysis reflected a very dire situation. There is no hiding from that reality: that the situation in Tunisia in terms of human rights and democratic backsliding is very worrying.

The final part of the report, however, was like it was written by a completely different person who had not read the earlier pages, he said. It is saying that the EU must continue to engage more with the Tunisian authorities, continue to expand cooperation, to expand their partnership, even though its very clearly aware that this would be in violation of the EUs commitments towards promoting human rights, to international law and rule of law.

By expanding cooperation with Tunisia in order for international migration control, he said, the EU has given quite some leverage to Tunisia.

Udo Bullmann, a veteran Social Democrat MEP, said the political and human rights situation in Tunisia was worrisome now and had been worrisome when the memorandum of understanding was signed. The European Commission has granted EU taxpayers money to an authoritarian regime that tries to restrict all opposition through inhuman methods, he said.

The EU promised 105m to Tunisia in 2023 to fight people smugglers, expanding an existing multimillion-euro border-control fund. The Tunisian government later said it had handed back 60m to Brussels.

The commission, Bullmann added, should investigate the human rights situation of a country before undertaking any foreign policy.

The commission has been contacted for comment.
Selina Cheng, chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, shows examples of Facebook posts intended to intimidate journalists. Photograph: Kanis Leung/AP

Journalists from more than a dozen media outlets in Hong Kong have been harassed and targeted in what the citys largest journalist association said was a systemic and organised attack over recent months.

The harassment included death threats, and threatening and defamatory complaint letters being sent to reporters families and their employers, as well as landlords and neighbours, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) said.

Selina Cheng, the chair of the HKJA, told a press conference on Friday that the association had observed a severe wave of trolling and harassment between June and August, including emails and letters sent to workplaces, social media accounts and home addresses. The letters threatened peoples personal safety, connections and employment. Some had been pressured to give up their profession or union positions, she said.

Cheng said: This type of intimidation and harassment, which includes sharing false and defamatory content and death threats, damages press freedom in Hong Kong and we should not tolerate it. HKJA and I believe all journalists in Hong Kong welcome criticism and debate. This is not it.

Employees from at least 15 international and local outlets including Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP), InMedia and HK Feature were targeted, along with members of the HKJA executive committee and journalistic education institutions. Cheng said it appeared the harassment was aimed at journalists as a community rather than specific individuals.

Cheng said the main form of harassment involved similarly worded anonymous complaints from people who proclaimed themselves as patriots. Some recipients were told they could be breaching national security laws by continuing to associate with the journalists. Letters sent to smaller organisations resembled ransom letters, while other messages included threatening motifs and pictures, or personal information posted to Wikipedia. The HKJA said it was concerned about how personal information and addresses had been obtained.

Since the governments crackdown on Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement and the introduction of the national security law, the citys once free media has become increasingly constrained. Journalists have come under increasing pressure, with major outlets such as Apple Daily and Stand News forced to close, journalists and editors prosecuted, and visas denied to foreign reporters.

In a statement published on Friday, HKFP condemned what it called a recent surge in online and offline harassment of independent media in Hong Kong.

The outlet said anonymous letters had been sent to the landlord of HKFPs director and editor-in-chief, Tom Grundy, and property agencies last week containing defamatory claims, falsities and threats of unimaginable consequences and collateral damage unless he was evicted from the property and district.

The agencies and landlord ignored the threats, which Grundy reported to police on Saturday. HKFP said it was the third time the outlet had made police reports in recent years related to harassment and intimidation, and urged the authorities to investigate thoroughly.

Cheng said the HKJA had contacted Meta and the Wikimedia Foundation, which had both responded immediately and launched investigations. She said Wikimedia had found one user who had posted personal information from multiple accounts and had been blocked. She said the HKJA had also reported incidents to police and had not ruled out legal action.
Robert Jenrick, the Tory leadership candidate, is pictured in Westminster on August 28 - Thomas Krych/Story Picture Agency

Robert Jenrick said he wants to put Nigel Farage and Reform UK out of business if he becomes the next leader of the Conservative Party.

Mr Jenrick said he believes he is the right candidate to persuade Reform voters to come back home to the Conservatives and that would make Mr Farage redundant.

The former immigration minister told Choppers Political Podcast on GB News: How I view Reform is that it is a symptom, not a cause. It exists in its current form because the Conservative Party failed.

We made promises, we didnt keep them. What I want to do is to put Nigel Farage out of business, to make him redundant, by bringing home Reform voters to the Conservative Party, to making my party once again the natural home for small c conservatives because we would once again be the party of secure borders, controlled immigration, small business, entrepreneurship, storing defences, the family, you name it, the things that drove me into politics.

I believe we can do that. I think I am the right candidate to do that.

Mr Jenrick is one of four candidates still in the race to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader, along with Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat.

You can follow the latest updates below and join the conversation in the comments section.

03:50 PM BST

That is all for today...

Thank you for joining me for todays politics live blog.

I will be back on Monday morning.

03:24 PM BST

Zelensky holds talks with Boris Johnson: Ukrainians always remember those who stand by them

I met with @BorisJohnson on the sidelines of the Yalta European Strategy annual meeting.



I am grateful for his attention to Ukraine and support in providing the necessary international assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Ukrainians always pic.twitter.com/SFDVoT9oh7  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) September 13, 2024

03:06 PM BST

Starmer unpopularity hits three-year high after winter fuel payments cut

Sir Keir Starmer is more unpopular with the public than at any point in the past three years after his winter fuel payments cut, polling has shown.

Forty-six per cent of voters now have an unfavourable view of the Prime Minister  the joint-highest figure during his time as the Labour Party leader.

You can read the full story here.

02:52 PM BST

Tories criticise No 10 over disgraceful failure to assess winter fuel raid impact

The Conservative Party said it was simply disgraceful that the Government had not conducted an impact assessment for its raid on winter fuel payments.

Downing Street has confirmed that a full impact assessment of the change had not been carried out (see the post below at 09.07).

Now it's revealed that Labour didn't even carry out an impact assessment before they ripped away the winter fuel payment from millions of vulnerable pensioners.



Simply disgraceful.  Conservatives (@Conservatives) September 13, 2024

02:34 PM BST

Impossible to water down winter fuel raid on pensioners, says Labour

Labour has claimed it is impossible to water down its winter fuel raid on pensioners by linking the payments to council tax bands.

Emma Reynolds, the pensions minister, said it would not be possible to use the bands  which had been floated as a better way of means-testing the payment that would help the poorest get support  because her department did not hold the relevant data.

She also said banding based on property values may not accurately reflect taxpayers incomes.

You can read the full story here.

02:09 PM BST

Pictured: Starmer and Lammy prepare for Biden talks in Washington DC

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, and David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, are pictured at the British ambassadors residence in Washington DC before their meeting with US President Joe Biden later today - Stefan Rousseau /PA

02:06 PM BST

Poll: Labour lead over Tories falls to four points

Labours lead over the Tories now sits at just four points after a sizeable fall since the general election, according to a new More in Common poll.

The survey, conducted between Sept 10-12, put Labour on 29 per cent which was down by six points when compared to the GB general election result.

The Tories were unchanged on 25 per cent.

But the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and Green Party all recorded an increase in support.

The Lib Dems were up two points to 14 per cent, Reform was up three points to 18 per cent and the Greens were up two points to eight per cent.

Our first voting intention since the GE is in today's Politico Playbook. Labour's lead sits at 4 points.



LAB 29% (-6)

CON 25% (-)

 LIB DEM 14% (+2)

 REF UK 18% (+3)

 GREEN 8% (+2)

 SNP 3% (-)



Changes with GE 2024 (GB only)

10-12 September, N = 2,018  Luke Tryl (@LukeTryl) September 13, 2024

01:34 PM BST

Prison population down 2pc in a week

The adult prison population dropped by more than 2,000 in the week the Government freed hundreds of inmates early.

Ministry of Justice figures showed there were 86,333 prisoners behind bars in England and Wales as of today.

That is 2,188 fewer than the 88,521 recorded at the end of last week, when the number of inmates being held hit another new record high amid the jail overcrowding crisis, indicating the population fell by 2 per cent within the seven-day period.

The Government said around 1,750 prisoners were freed early on Tuesday from jails across the two nations, suggesting a further 438 people also left under standard release terms.

01:16 PM BST

Starmer refuses to rule out axing single-person council tax discount

Sir Keir Starmer has refused to rule out scrapping the 25 per cent single-person council tax discount, saying decisions on the public finances had to be looked at in the round.

The Prime Minister said he would not be drawn on the future of the tax break for people who live alone ahead of Rachel Reeves Budget on Oct 30.

Scrapping the discount could further hit some pensioners living alone who have already suffered the loss of winter fuel payments, but Sir Keir insisted he was not punishing elderly Britons.

He told reporters accompanying him on his trip to Washington DC: Im not going to say before the Budget what were going to do.

12:52 PM BST

Tugendhat welcomes endorsement from Sir David Lidington

Sir David was a fantastic MP and a distinguished Lord Chancellor.



He has served our Party faithfully for many years, I am grateful for his support. https://t.co/WLvuqEHIqD  Tom Tugendhat (@TomTugendhat) September 13, 2024

12:40 PM BST

Jenrick: I want to put Farage and Reform out of business

Robert Jenrick said he wants to put Nigel Farage and Reform UK out of business if he becomes the next leader of the Conservative Party.

Mr Jenrick said he believes he is the right candidate to persuade Reform voters to come back home to the Conservatives and that would make Mr Farage redundant.

The former immigration minister told Choppers Political Podcast on GB News: How I view Reform is that it is a symptom, not a cause. It exists in its current form because the Conservative Party failed.

We made promises, we didnt keep them. What I want to do is to put Nigel Farage out of business, to make him redundant, by bringing home Reform voters to the Conservative Party, to making my party once again the natural home for small c conservatives because we would once again be the party of secure borders, controlled immigration, small business, entrepreneurship, storing defences, the family, you name it, the things that drove me into politics.

I believe we can do that. I think I am the right candidate to do that.

12:19 PM BST

Jenrick: Tory members being treated with disdain over conference speech plan

Offering leadership candidates just 20 minutes to speak at Conservative Party conference is the latest example of Tory members being treated with disdain, Robert Jenrick has suggested.

Mr Jenrick said the existing proposal from the partys HQ was for each of the candidates to make a speech lasting no longer than 20 minutes.

But he said they should be given more time to allow them to make a proper address and to set out their stall.

He told GB News: Frankly, for too long members of our party have been disrespected by the central party.

I think they are taken for granted and sometimes treated with a degree of disdain and the latest example of that is this suggestion that we the candidates for leadership of the party should only make 10 minute or 20 minute speeches.

The members deserve the candidates to make proper speeches. We are applying for the most important job, to be leader of the party, leader of the opposition, and if you have the honour of that job you have to be able to perform consistently, day in, day out, in good times and bad.

12:02 PM BST

Starmers winter fuel raid is shameful, says Jenrick

Scrapping winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners is shameful, Robert Jenrick said as he promised to reverse the move if he ever becomes prime minister.

Asked if he would make the payments universal again, Mr Jenrick said: I would do. Just to emphasise that point, I think it is shameful what Keir Starmer is doing.

He is making a choice and the choices you make in office tell you a lot about individuals and their politics.

11:43 AM BST

Tories cannot keep making and breaking promises, warns Jenrick

The Conservative Party cannot continue making and breaking promises if it wants to win back disillusioned voters, Robert Jenrick said.

Mr Jenrick, one of four candidates left in the race to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader, said a failure to deliver on promises was why we lost.

Mr Jenrick resigned from his role as immigration minister in December 2023 because he believed the Rwanda plan was flawed and did not go far enough.

Asked about his resignation, Mr Jenrick told GB News: I believe politics is a team effort. I had loyally defended prime minister after prime minister and had served in their governments.

But I did feel that it was not in the national interest for me to go out as the minister responsible for immigration and to say things I didnt believe were true, to perpetuate the cycle of broken promises.

I didnt want to be just another minister who made and broke promises on immigration and today I dont want the Conservative Party to keep on making and breaking promises because that is why we lost.

11:29 AM BST

Jenrick: I would lift the ban on new grammar schools

Robert Jenrick said he would lift the ban on opening new grammar schools if he becomes Tory leader and wins the next general election.

New grammar schools were banned under the last Labour government but existing grammar schools are allowed to expand.

Lifting the ban has been a rumbling issue in conservative politics ever since.

Asked if he would scrap Labours ban on new grammar schools, Mr Jenrick told Choppers Political Podcast: Yes. My constituents enjoy grammar schools in Lincolnshire. I am a strong supporter of grammar schools.

Mr Jenrick also said he would reverse Labours decision to impose VAT on private school fees.

11:13 AM BST

Jenrick: Long road ahead in leadership race

Robert Jenrick said there is a long road still to travel in the Tory leadership contest as he resisted the idea that he already had victory in the bag.

Mr Jenrick finished in the top spot in the first two rounds of voting by Tory MPs. He secured the support of 33 MPs in the second round, five ahead of Kemi Badenoch on 28.

Asked if he had already won the contest, Mr Jenrick told Choppers Political Podcast, published by GB News: It is a long road, as you know, but I am absolutely delighted to have won so much support from parliamentary colleagues across the party, all wings of the parliamentary Conservative Party.

And I think the message is resonating with MPs and above all with the members and the general public that the Conservative Party needs to change.

10:55 AM BST

Sir David Lidington backs Tom Tugendhat in Tory leadership race

A senior figure from Theresa Mays government has endorsed Tom Tugendhat in the Tory leadership race.

Sir David Lidington, who served as Mrs Mays de facto deputy prime minister and stepped down from the House of Commons in 2019, said he believed Mr Tugendhat has what it takes to take the Conservative Party back into power.

I don't want the new generation of @Conservatives to endure 13 years of Opposition as I did. I believe @TomTugendhat has what it takes to win back public trust & lead us back into government pic.twitter.com/c3K9Vc4VmC  David Lidington (@DLidington) September 13, 2024

10:45 AM BST

Russian spying claims completely baseless, says Foreign Office

Russias spying accusations against six British diplomats in Moscow (see the post below at 09.46) are completely baseless, the Foreign Office has said.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless.

The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state-directed activity across Europe and in the UK.

We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.

10:42 AM BST

Osborne: Labour guns not trained in the right direction with economic attacks

Labours economic attacks on the Tories are not resonating with voters and the Governments guns are not  trained in the right direction, according to George Osborne.

The former Tory chancellor said it was not really credible that youve elected a Labour Government to make cuts and as a result Labours economic messaging was misfiring.

He told his Political Currency podcast: I think people broadly accept that public finances were incredibly tight, that some decisions were put off by the last Conservative government. But I dont think [Rachel Reeves] has really established that was the central thing that the Conservatives got wrong.

He continued: Her solution, which is, because weve inherited a black hole, were going to have to cut things, and were going to have to cut things like the winter fuel payment suggests that the Tories didnt take tough decisions on public expenditure cuts.

I just dont think that really resonates yet and its not really credible that youve elected a Labour Government to make cuts. Which is why, on the economic front, I dont think the guns are trained in the right direction from Labours point of view.

As a political practitioner I am all for trying to frame your inheritance in a way that works best to your advantage. But I dont think theyve quite got the economic argument right, and thats why this winter fuel payment is proving so difficult for them.

10:29 AM BST

NHS needs big injection of resources, says Ed Balls

The NHS needs a big injection of resources immediately if Labour is to improve the performance of the health service, according to Ed Balls.

The former Labour shadow chancellor said there will not be a marked improvement unless there is a substantially bigger increase in health resources.

His comments appear to run counter to Sir Keir Starmers message yesterday that working people cant afford to pay more so the NHS must reform or die.

Mr Balls told his Political Currency podcast: The reforms are important, but the thing which will make the biggest difference, if you get the right reforms with value for money, is a big injection of resources.

If Labour wants to have delivered change by the next election, that injection of resources has to happen now.

He added: There is no way on earth there will be a marked improvement in health outcomes or perception of the health service without a substantially bigger increase in health resources over this Parliament than weve seen on average in the last 15 years.

His fellow podcast host George Osborne, the former Tory chancellor, replied: I dont think theres going to be the influx of money into the NHS that you are talking about, because Im not sure where it comes from.

10:08 AM BST

Osborne: Starmer summoned his inner Tony Blair with NHS reform or die warning

Sir Keir Starmer summoned his inner Tony Blair when he said he would prioritise reform over more funding for the NHS, according to George Osborne.

Sir Keir said yesterday that there would be no new money for the NHS unless it agreed to change the way it works and Mr Osborne said that was quite a thing for a Labour premier to say.

The former Tory chancellor told his Political Currency podcast: What Keir Starmer is saying is his solution is not more money. That is quite a thing for a new Labour prime minister to say.

He says the NHS has reached a fork in the road, and we can either increase taxes on working people to pay for more of the healthcare required by an ageing society, or we can reform  and then he says its a case of reform or die.

It felt to me that thats the first time Ive heard Starmer summon up his inner Tony Blair. Hes now talking about radical healthcare reform thats quite a different message than you have had from the Labour Party in recent years, which is theres not enough money going into the NHS.

Keir Starmer thinks it's make-or-break time for the NHS. But what's the solution?



Ed Balls thinks an injection of resources is the only way to go, but George Osborne thinks it's about more than just money.



 Listen to Political Currency: https://t.co/9qA6ffqmXP pic.twitter.com/h32lZqeLNh  Political Currency (@polcurrency) September 12, 2024

09:46 AM BST

Russia expels six British diplomats for spying and sabotage

Russia said today it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow whose actions it claimed showed signs of spying and sabotage, according to the Russian FSB security service.

The FSB, the main successor agency to the Soviet KGB, said it had documents showing that a British Foreign Office department in London was coordinating what it called the escalation of the political and military situation and was tasked with ensuring Russias strategic defeat in its war against Ukraine.

The facts revealed give grounds to consider the activities of British diplomats sent to Moscow by the directorate as threatening the security of the Russian Federation, the FSB said in a statement.

You can follow the latest updates on this story on our dedicated Russia/Ukraine live blog here.

09:32 AM BST

Lib Dems blast Labour over failure to assess winter fuel raid impact

The Liberal Democrats said it was absolutely unthinkable that the Government had not carried out an impact assessment on its decision to scrap winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners.

Downing Street has confirmed that a full impact assessment on the change has not been carried out.

Wendy Chamberlain, the Lib Dems work and pensions spokesperson, said: It is absolutely unthinkable that this new Government would push through a cut to winter fuel payments without an impact assessment.

We know this will have massive knock-on effects for pensioners and potentially our NHS this winter as people are forced to choose between heating and eating.

Its not too late for ministers to change course. Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to tax the big banks rather than punish pensioners to make up for the years of Conservative Party failure.

09:07 AM BST

Starmer confirms no impact assessment carried out on winter fuel raid

Sir Keir Starmer said there isnt a report on my desk showing the impact of his Governments decision to strip winter fuel payments from millions of pensioners.

Downing Street confirmed that a full impact assessment of the change had not been carried out.

The Prime Minister and Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, decided to means-test the payments, worth up to 300, to help fill a 22 billion black hole in the public finances.

From this winter, only people on pension credit or certain other benefits will receive the payments in England and Wales.

The Government has been under pressure from the Tories to publish an impact assessment of the plan.

Pressed on whether an impact assessment would be published, Sir Keir told reporters travelling with him to Washington DC: There isnt a report on my desk which somehow were not showing, that Im not showing, as simple as that.

08:51 AM BST

Putin has continually made threats, says minister amid escalation warning

Vladimir Putin has continually made threats of escalation during his invasion of Ukraine, Peter Kyle said.

The Russian president has warned that Nato and Russia would be at war if Kyiv was allowed to use longer-range weapons.

Asked how worried he was by the threat, Mr Kyle, the Science Secretary, told Sky News: Well, president Putin has continually made threats but the bottom line has never changed in this.

If this war could end quickly, it could do so because of president Putin who could decide to end this war straight away.

He started the war, he did so in an illegal way, he did so in an unprovoked way. He could end the war by just turning off the aggression that he has shown consistently since the very beginning and return this continent to peace.

08:43 AM BST

Starmer and Biden will discuss Ukrainian Storm Shadow demands, says minister

Sir Keir Starmer and Joe Biden will discuss whether to grant Ukraine approval to use Storm Shadow missiles to hit targets inside Russia when they meet in Washington DC today, a Cabinet minister has confirmed.

Peter Kyle, the Science Secretary, was asked during an interview on Sky News if it was likely from the meeting that Ukraine would be given approval for the use of long range missiles into Russia.

Mr Kyle replied: That is clearly going to be one of the items that they are going to discuss. I think they want to discuss Ukraine in the round.

I think they want to understand where the conflict has got to, they want to try and understand the behaviour of president Putin, he is increasingly erratic, his volatility is causing huge instability not just in Ukraine and the immediate region but around the world as well.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, arrives in Washington DC last night - Stefan Rousseau/PA

08:41 AM BST

GPs will strike if Wes Streeting doesnt listen to us, says union

GPs will strike if Wes Streeting does not listen to us, a senior union figure has warned.

Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, the chair of the BMAs GP committee, warned there could be further industrial action to come if the Government does not take rapid action to improve the situation for family doctors.

Surgeries across the country are embarking on work-to-rule measures designed to bring the NHS to a standstill, with doctors having been told they can pick and choose from measures designed to wreak chaos across the health service.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme this morning, Ms Bramall-Stainer insisted this action did not amount to striking, but warned GPs could take that step if they dont see results from the Government.

Asked if the union could go further, she said: If the Government dont listen to us if we dont see rapid action quickly enough, my worry is that the employed GPs or other employed members of staff, such as practice nurses, may decide to undertake a ballot to undertake industrial action and potentially even strike.

08:19 AM BST

Ed Miliband hails milestone energy system deal

The Government is to bring National Grids Electricity System Operator arm into public ownership after striking a deal worth 630 million.

The move is part of the launch of the new National Energy System Operator (NESO)  a public body designed to aid the UKs clean energy transition and support energy security.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the new body will launch on October 1 following the deal with National Grid.

National Grid said the final cash consideration for the sale is still subject to potential adjustments before the deal closes.

Ed Miliband, the Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, said: Today marks a milestone for Britains energy system as we bring the system operator into public ownership to provide impartial, whole-system expertise on building a network that is fit for the future.

The new National Energy System Operator has a huge role to play in delivering our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. This is another step forward by a Government in a hurry to deliver for the British people.

08:04 AM BST

Conservatives need to tackle perception they are angry or negative, says Cleverly

James Cleverly said he wanted to break the perception that being a conservative means you are angry or grumpy.

The Tory leadership contender said conservatives needed to change the way they are perceived in order to win over new voters.

He told the BBC Radio 4 Political Thinking podcast: I want to break this artificial perception that being conservative means you are angry or negative or moany or grumpy.

Because it just turns people off. It is running contrary to the mood of a lot of people that we need to win over, particularly younger voters.

07:46 AM BST

Cleverly: I have outperformed Tory leadership rivals by a country mile

James Cleverly claimed he had outperformed all of his Tory leadership rivals by a country mile during his time in Westminster.

Mr Cleverly suggested that his three challengers for the top job - Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat - could not match his political CV in terms of experience and achievements.

The former home secretary and former foreign secretary told the BBC Radio 4 Political Thinking podcast: I have outperformed everyone else on this leadership ticket not just the jobs I have held but what I have achieved in those jobs.

Ive outperformed all the other runners and riders by a country mile. I have outperformed almost everyone else in my parliamentary intake.

If you Tipp-Exed the words James Cleverly off my political CV and slid it across the desk, youd look at it and go, bloody hell.

07:37 AM BST

Cleverly: Ive been underestimated

James Cleverly said he believed he had been underestimated throughout his political career because he does not parade his accomplishments like peacock feathers like some of his colleagues.

The Tory leadership contender told the BBC Radio 4s Political Thinking podcast that he had survived in high profile roles under successive Tory leaders because he is really good.

He said: I think the reason I survived is I am really good at my job. And Ive spent a lot of my career being a little bit diffident.

Im surrounded in my work by people that parade their accomplishments like peacock feathers. And thats not a criticism, its just an observation.

Ive perhaps through my career been a little bit less like that. And Im therefore conscious that sometimes I think Ive been underestimated.

Ive had career advice about how I should and shouldnt do things about my leadership campaign from people that have never run a department, never held any of the great offices of state and never won a general election.

07:28 AM BST

Lammy: UK missiles are vital to stop Putin

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.

You can read the full story here.

07:25 AM BST

Farage: Labour doesnt have the guts for major NHS reform

Labour doesnt have the guts for a major overhaul of the NHS, Nigel Farage claimed after Sir Keir Starmer said the health service had to reform or die.

Mr Farage told GB News: But I wonder, just how radical is the Labour Party going to be? Now Wes Streeting the Health Secretary wrote a piece in The Times last year that I found really very, very encouraging.

But will his boss really let him put in place the reforms that are needed? Well, I dont think so. And heres why, heres Starmer from again this morning: So the problem isnt that the NHS is the wrong model. Its the right model. Its just not taking advantage of the opportunities in front of it, and thats what we need to change.

Well, I dont agree with that. I think the model is wrong. I think the funding model is wrong. The principle of healthcare being free at the point of delivery, thats all anybody cares about. I dont think the Labour Party actually has got the guts to do it.

Sir Keir delivered his warning yesterday after an independent report by Lord Darzi painted a grim picture of the state of the NHS.
Joe Biden has dismissed the sabre-rattling threats made by Vladimir Putin as the US president met the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, at the White House.

Biden said on Friday afternoon he did not accept that Ukraine using western-made Storm Shadow missiles to bomb targets in Russia would amount to Nato going to war with Moscow.

At a foreign policy summit, Biden said: I do not think much about Vladimir Putin.



Biden and Starmers top foreign policy teams were meeting at the Blue Room in the White House. At the start of the meeting, James Matthews from Sky News jumped the gun by asking Biden: What do you say to Vladimir Putins threat of war?

Biden scolded him. You be quiet, Im going to speak, OK? the president said, before beginning his prepared remarks.

Also present at the Blue Room meeting were Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, and David Lammy, the UK foreign secretary. Other British participants included Tim Barrow, the national security adviser, and Starmers chief of staff, Sue Gray.

Starmer flew over from London on Thursday for the working meeting amid escalating tensions with the Kremlin after the UK had indicated that the US had agreed to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles to bomb Russia.

After the summit, Starmer said the meeting was not about a particular decision on Storm Shadow. Well, weve had a long and productive discussion on a number of problems, including Ukraine, as youd expect, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific, talking strategically about tactical decisions, he said.

However, Biden indicated the topic came under discussion between the leaders and their teams. In response to a shouted question asking how soon he was prepared to let Ukraine fire missiles deeper into Russia, Biden said: Were going to discuss that now.

Neither of the presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, were in the capital and available to meet Starmer because both were campaigning.

Starmer said he had never spoken to Harris. The prime minister did speak to Trump briefly after the former president survived an assassination attempt in the summer.

The British Storm Shadow missiles, made by a European company, can strike targets at least 190 miles away and Ukraine wants to use them to bomb airbases, missile sites and other military targets in the Russian heartlands.

Earlier, Russia announced it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow on accusations of espionage. Moscows FSB domestic spy agency said on Friday that it had acted on documents showing part of the Foreign Office was helping coordinate what it called the escalation of the political and military situation in Ukraine.

The Foreign Office, however, said the move had been made last month as part of a continuing diplomatic tit-for-tat. Sources indicated the British diplomats had left Russia weeks ago and were being replaced.

Related: Nigel Farage defends US trip alongside Austrian MEP sympathetic to Russia

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless  We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.

The British government expelled the Russian defence attache in May, accusing him of being an undeclared intelligence officer, and removed diplomatic status from several Russian-owned buildings in the UK.

The Biden-Starmer meeting was called at the request of the UK, the White House said. After a short one-to-one between the leaders, no press conference was scheduled.

The UK government has for days been dampening down expectations of a public announcement about Storm Shadow being used in Ukraine  though the discussions prompted Putin to warn on Thursday that allowing Ukraine to use western-made long-range missiles would amount to Nato being at war with Russia.

Starmer, however, told reporters as he flew into Washington: Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away. Ukraine has the right to self-defence. Putin had been expected to counter talk of fresh help for Kyiv with threats.

Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has been pushing for months for permission to use the missiles, including during talks this week with Lammy and Blinken.

British sources say London and Washington have decided to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles, but are not yet willing to announce it. Deploying the missiles, western officials add, should be part of a wider plan designed to try to bring about an end to the full-scale war.

Zelenskiy pleaded on Friday for the US and UK to speed up the process and allow Kyiv to make the war more difficult for Russia.

In a lengthy statement, Zelenskiy said: Anyone who sees a map where Russia launches its strikes from, trains its forces, keeps its reserves, locates its military facilities, and what logistics [it] uses clearly understands why Ukraine needs long-range capabilities.

Ukrainian leaders are intensely frustrated that the Kremlin is able to launch deadly missile strikes across Ukraine, while they are unable to target sites in Russia because the weapons available are manufactured in the west and until now western governments have not approved such use.

Storm Shadow is made by a company controlled by British, French and Italian interests, and some of its components are made in the US, giving all four countries a veto on its use. Ukraine has only a limited long-range missile capability of its own making.

The Russian embassy in London said Britain was wasting money in supporting Ukraine, that any arms donated would likely go up in smoke and that the policy of helping Kyiv would provide no relief to ordinary Brits, who are preparing to tighten their belts as winter approaches.
The most miserable man on the planet: Gary Lightbody - Redferns

Love is just pain in reverse, sings Gary Lightbody, in the most tender moment of These Lies, a vulnerably moving highlight of Snow Patrols eighth album, The Forest is the Path.

Who would want to be Lightbody? The Northern Irishman is 48 years old, hes been leading Snow Patrol for 30 years, from their origins in Dundee University through 10 years as Britpop also-rans before belatedly rising to multi-million selling stars with their emotional pop rock.

These days, he is rich, famous and feted, he collected an OBE from the late Queen at Windsor Castle in 2020 and has sung with Taylor Swift. Yet he still sounds like the most miserable rock star on the planet, perpetually overwhelmed by his own inadequacies and desperately clutching for signs of hope in a relentless sea of adversity.

This is not a love song, is the opening line of an album that has been six years in the works. Oh, but wait. By the time his slick ensemble have chugged through two verses of piano-led introspection before smoothly rising to a chorus of epic self-flagellation, Lightbody has an admission to make: So I guess this is a love song after all. Quelle surprise.

There is something very prosaic about Snow Patrol, which I think is why so few critics admire them, whilst the public has taken them to its singalong heart. Their songs tend to execute the same tricks, building on slow shifting chord progressions at a stately stadium plod, gradually adding elements (chugging guitars, spacious piano motifs and glistening keyboards) in an exercise of sustained tension and release. When the choruses finally come, they crash down like a tsunami. To learn to love Snow Patrol it helps to stop fighting against the tide and just let it carry you. Their best songs are infused with unadulterated emotion, a purity and joy of expression of deep feelings that is the envy of their contemporaries.

Snow Patrol are much in demand as pop collaborators, particularly keyboard player and guitarist Johnny McDaid who has worked with Ed Sheeran, Pink, Robbie Williams, BTS, Alicia Keys and many more (and enjoys a glamorous Hollywood profile via his 20-year relationship with Friends star Courteney Cox). Yet Lightbody is Snow Patrols not-so-secret weapon. His gift is total sincerity. A recovered alcoholic who has returned from Los Angeles to his native Bangor and who recently admitted he has not been in a relationship in a long time, he writes because he feels it, he sings because he means it.

The Forest is the Path sounds like Snow Patrols most lovelorn album (which is to say, very lovelorn indeed). On closer inspection there is more going on in these songs of fractured relationships. Lightbodys father died in 2019, after a long period of dementia, and that loss burns at the centre of Years That Fall, This Is the Sound of Your Voice and Everythings Here and Nothings Lost. If the song strategies seem predictable and the sentiments over familiar, the album as a whole still grips my heart and squeezes. I find myself wanting to listen to it again and again, and I cant say that about every album I review.
Ana Redondo, the equality minister, has accused the regional government of Madrid of getting their priorities wrong - SERGIO PEREZ/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Plans for a 600,000 male rape centre in Madrid have been dismissed by Spains equality minister as a frivolous waste of money.

Ana Redondo described the proposal by Isabel Diaz Ayuso, Madrids conservative president, as Trumpian and a move that would pit victims against one another.

Ms Diaz Ayuso announced the centre on Thursday, saying Madrid already had rape crisis centres for women but none for men.

As Spains first specialised centre for male victims of sexual violence, the centre would tell men we are also here for them.

The Madrid public health system treats approximately 100 men who are victims of rape every year, the regional premier said.

It is a trend that is on the rise and the numbers would increase yet further if it were not for the fact that many do not talk about [being abused] or do not report it for fear of being stigmatised, she added.

The Madrid administration estimates the 24-hour crisis centre, which will be staffed by a team of psychologists, social workers and legal experts, will cost 700,000.

Unfortunately, a considerable number of male minors who are victims of sexual violence in childhood are being detected, as well as adult men who suffer abuse, for example, in the context of practices such as chemsex, and do not dare to report it, Ms Diaz Ayuso said.

The Madrid government reported that its care services have attended to 250 boys who have been the victims of sexual abuse so far this year.

Ms Diaz Ayuso is emerging as a rising star of the conservative Peoples Party as a result of her liberal stance on social and economic issues - A Perez Meca/Getty Images

However, Ms Redondo said the proposed centre would only serve to divide society.

She accused Ms Diaz Ayuso of getting her priorities wrong, saying that organisations for child victims of sexual abuse already existed but were underfunded by Madrids regional government.

According to interior ministry data from 2023, women made up 87 per cent of the victims of sexual assaults and abuse, a figure that rises to 90 per cent in the case of rape. Meanwhile, 91 per cent of the reported victims of sexual harassment were women.

Madrid currently has two rape crisis centres and two facilities to assist with the recovery of victims of sexual violence, all specifically for women.

Madrids proposal for the male rape centre comes as Ms Diaz Ayuso emerges as a rising star of the conservative Peoples Party as a result of her liberal stance on social and economic issues. A self-proclaimed champion of freedom, she is widely seen as a potential future prime minister of Spain and frequently leads the charge against Spains socialist-led national government.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, her administration loosened restrictions in open defiance of the government of Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister. She has also used local powers to reduce wealth taxes to a minimum and refused to implement a national law on rent controls.

Ms Diaz Ayuso has also attacked the Spanish governments ultra-liberal transgender laws, which allow citizens to change gender on their official ID cards on request with no need to prove psychological or lifestyle incompatibilities with their designated sex.

Madrid passed a counter-reform, which, while it cannot repeal the core principles of the national law, means that access to gender-sensitive facilities such as toilets is not guaranteed by an individuals stated sex. Guarantees of LGBT-related content in schools were also watered down.

Ms Diaz Ayusos Madrid government warned earlier this year of several cases in which it said alleged sexual offenders were attempting to gain access to womens rape shelters after changing their gender to female.

Meanwhile, Candelaria Testa, the deputy president of Spains committee against gender violence, urged politicians to refrain from seeking headlines and wait and see how the centre would operate in practice.
Rhianan Rudd took her own life in a care home four months after the charges against her were dropped - Central News

MI5 has rejected claims it had a duty to support a teenage girl with mental health issues who died after being groomed by far-Right extremists.

Rhianan Rudd, 16, took her own life at a childrens home in 2022, one year after being charged with possessing instructions to make firearms and explosives.

The security service had previously maintained its policy to neither confirm nor deny, when faced with questions over Rhianans case.

But at a pre-inquest hearing on Friday, MI5 confirmed that it did provide intelligence to the police investigation into the teenager, who had autism.

Rhianan was arrested by counter-terrorism police in October 2020 shortly after she was referred by her mother to Prevent, the Government programme designed to stop radicalisation.

Rhianan Rudd with her mother, Emily Carter

In April 2021, she was charged over the allegations that she had downloaded a bomb-making manual and plotted a terror attack.

The teenager was due to stand trial in March 2022, but charges were dropped four months beforehand, after evidence emerged that she had been groomed by an American extremist.

She was found dead in May 2022 at the childrens home where she had been taken into care after being charged.

At a pre-inquest review at Chesterfield Coroners Court, Edward Pleeth, counsel to the inquiry, said: MI5 confirms it provided police with intelligence over the course of the police investigation of Rhianan Rudd.

He added: MI5 did not take the decision to arrest or charge, or the subsequent decision to discontinue prosecution.

The hearing, which was attended by Emily Carter, Rhianans mother, also heard arguments on what the inquests scope should be  including whether decisions made by the police, Home Office and NHS Trusts should be examined.

A duty of care

Jesse Nicholls, representing Ms Carter, argued that MI5 had a duty of care and support and that this should be examined by the coroner.

Mr Nicholls said: Rhianan was a child who died in circumstances involving an exceptional period of state involvement leading up to her death.

It appears she was monitored by MI5 while being subjected to online exploitation The public interest in the examination of the states role and its adequacy is compelling in these circumstances.

He added: The Secretary of State suggests that MI5s provision of care and support is not part of the organisations function or role.

[MI5] has relevant protective duty and in particular higher duties in relation to vulnerable people and children.

It no doubt has internal policies It appears it was monitoring her, and getting information about what steps it then took is relevant and should be examined.

Not part of statutory role

However, Neil Sheldon KC  representing the Home Office, of which MI5 is part  told the hearing: Whereas of course, MI5 does consider matters such as mental health issues in the course of its duties, the provision of care and support is not part of its statutory functions or role.

He added: There is also an important distinction between the obligation to protect individuals from a real and immediate threat to life and a general obligation to provide care and support.

Mr Sheldon also said it would be not be necessary for the inquest to examine the substance of intelligence gathered by security services.

Addressing Judge Alexia Durran, the chief coroner, Mr Sheldon said: We accept you will be scrutinising sensitive material very carefully to see what to see what if any information was known about the risk of self harm or suicide and what if anything was done in respect of that information.

We maintain that this is not a case in which it is necessary to assess the substance of the underlying intelligence collected by MI5.

Judge Durran was told more than 600 files, comprising 17,000 pages, had been submitted for disclosure in preparation for the inquest, which is due to take place over three weeks in February 2025.
The National History Museum should be entrancing children  not indoctrinating them - Eddie Mulholland

What is it about those running Britains museums and galleries? Being custodians of some of the worlds greatest collections is seemingly no longer enough. Increasingly they feel duty bound to be agents of change  and inevitably the change is all in one direction. We are still waiting to hear from the museum director who says the public has perhaps an inadequate grasp of Britains great achievements  and their institution will do its best to enhance it.

The Natural History Museum (NHM) in South Kensington is planning major redevelopment at a total cost of 550 million, around 400 million coming from the taxpayer and 150 million still needing to be raised from donors. The task will be tougher as the museum, in tune with the current fashion, will not countenance support from the previously generous oil companies and others now stigmatised as environmental villains, or worse.

Parts of the NHM indubitably are in need of a revamp. The Great Hall  gloriously restored via a 5 million gift ten years ago from the pro-enterprise, Tory donor Sir Michael, now Lord, Hintze (would the museum shun his philanthropy now for espousing such Jurassic causes?)  will hopefully still inspire any child with its 25-metre long blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling as an oceanic mobile and its nearly 130 million year-old intact Mantellisaurus fossil.

But other spaces are rather less distracting; plasticky-looking effigies of elephants, giraffes and gorillas may have been just the thing when I first visited as a small boy circa 1980, but perhaps not quite up to what todays computer-addled cohort expect.

But obviously an update is just too prosaic an ambition for our age. No, the South Ken institution is seeking a step-change from being a catalogue of natural history to a catalyst for change. Enthralling their young visitors marvelling at the dinosaurs will come with a compulsory dose of climate alarmist agitprop.

The museums director Doug Gurr  previously country manager of Amazon UK and president of Amazon China  boasts that our revitalised museum will be the heart of a global mission to create 100 million advocates for the planet, powered by our scientists work to find solutions to the planetary emergency. I suppose that is a rather loftier ambition than pleasantly distracting children for a rainy few hours before their afternoon tea.

But the oddity of this approach is that it seems to imagine children need an extra nudge in the direction of climate apocalypticism  a message that is not exactly absent from the school curriculum. The NHM can do wonders in kindling an enthusiasm for science and the natural world, but this one aspect of the message is emphatically not under-catered for.

The NHM is far from alone. The incoming director of the National Portrait Gallery, Victoria Siddall, also wants to play her part in the great green struggle. And the messaging of London museums is not just about greenery, but the whole gamut of progressive causes  as anyone foolish enough to read the latest captions at the Tate will soon discover. The talk is of the Brixton uprising (a.k.a. the 1981 Brixton riots) and the profits of slavery.

The Just Stop Oil zealots are targeting museums for accepting tainted money or their alleged climate acquiescence (meaning something akin to, how can you look at a Rembrandt or Van Gogh when the world is burning?) are largely pushing at an open door.

Those running many of these institutions share much of the protestors outlook. But it has done them little good  the righteous rage is not deflected to other targets. So Mr Gurr and his peers might as well return to their primary task of maintaining and hopefully augmenting their stupendous collections. BP and the other oil companies who have such a long history of being generous to Londons cultural institutions could even be invited to once more help underwrite the task. Sadly, that wont happen, and the capital will be all the poorer for it.
Soldiers stand next to military vehicles as people gather to protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar. Photograph: Reuters

Myanmars junta has been accused of conducting a campaign of terror against the media after three journalists died in August, making this year the deadliest for the industry since the 2021 coup with more than three months to go.

Htet Myat Thu, 28, and Win Htut Oo, 26, both freelance journalists, were shot dead during a raid on their home by the military junta on 21 August in the southern Mon state.

In the same week, on 19 August, Pe Maung Sein, 50, an award-winning documentary film-maker, died at a private hospital in Yangon just three days after he had been released from a junta prison. Hours of beatings at an interrogation centre had left him with five broken ribs and four prolapsed discs, which were untreated for almost two years in jail, where he also endured periods without adequate food.



His wife says he was left paralysed, and with such severe injuries he was unable to drink, eat or even talk.

Related: Thousands flee after Myanmar rebels use drones to bomb Rohingya villagers

In total, four journalists have been killed this year, making 2024 the deadliest for members of the press since the military seized power in February 2021, ousting the government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup was met by widespread opposition from the public, and an armed uprising against the junta. Journalists documenting the conflict and the frequent human rights abuses by the military, have faced immense dangers.

Hundreds of journalists have also been forced to flee into exile or fled to areas controlled by opposing armed groups, while others work underground.

Pe Maung Sein was arrested in May 2022 while filming in Loikaw, close to the border with Thailand. He wanted to document the conflict and plight of people forced to flee their homes, his wife, Khin Su Su Htay said. She told the Guardian he was kept at an interrogation centre where his hands and legs were tied, and he was kicked for hours by a group of soldiers, denied food and allowed only a few sips of water. His memories of what happened next were vague as he lost consciousness. The only thing he remembered was pain.



He was transferred to Loikaw prison, and charged with communicating with blacklisted organisations. He was denied proper medical treatment for his injuries, relying on medicine that his wife sent from Yangon. When conflict in Loikaw escalated in November 2023, Khin Su was unable to communicate with her husband, but learned he had received very little food as the prison had no regular supplies. He began collapsing from his injuries, and was left paralysed.

Pe Maung Sein was moved to Loikaw military hospital in April 2024, before being moved again to Yangon, after a request from Khin Su. Despite being paralysed, his legs were chained to the hospital bed and he was watched over by armed guards. MRI results showed that he had five broken ribs and four prolapsed discs, while an endoscopic test showed he had a lump in his trachea in addition to bone tuberculosis. He was released four days before his sentence was completed and Khin Su rushed him to a private hospital. He died three days later.

I had already prepared for him with a wheelchair. I expected him to return home at least as a disabled person, but not like this, Khin Su said.

The Guardian was not able to reach a military representative for comment.

Two days after Pe Maung Seins death, freelance journalists Htet Myat Thu and Win Htut Oo were shot dead in the countrys south.

On 21 August, Thiri Lwin, the girlfriend of Win Htut Oo, received a phone call telling her that gunshots had been heard near the home that her partner shared with Htet Myat Thu in a small town in Southern Myanmar.

Neighbours told her that about 30 military soldiers had raided the house, and both men had been shot.

The military reportedly targeted the house after learning members of a local anti-junta group had visited them. Htet Myat Thu was shot dead as he went outside to open the gates, according to eyewitnesses. Win Htut Oo was killed later.

It was the first time in post-coup Myanmar that a journalist has been shot dead in their home, according to the advocacy group Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF).

Pro-junta Telegram channels have said that the two men were part of the anti-junta group, Kyaikhto Revolution Force, a claim that Thiri, Win Htut Oos editor and independent media have contradicted.

They [soldiers] dont need to shoot and kill them. They could just arrest them, Thiri said

Chan Chan, an editor who worked closely with Win Htut Oo, said he was hardworking, intelligent and their most prolific freelancer.

It is very difficult to be a journalist at the moment in Myanmar, she said, adding the country was in a dark age.

The deaths in August followed the killing of Myat Thu Tun, also known as Phoe Thiha in January. He was shot dead while in military custody in Myanmars western Rakhine State. Local media reported that his body, which showed signs of torture, was found buried at a Rakhine State military camp on 5 February. He had been arrested in 2022.

Myanmar is the second-worst jailer of journalists, behind China, with 64 journalists currently detained in prisons that are notorious for torture and grim conditions.

Arthur Rochereau, of RSF, said that 2024 had not only seen more journalists killed by Myanmars military, but also the harshest sentences since the coup, as the junta has increasingly targeted reporters under terrorism-related charges.

Despite the intensifying crackdown, courageous journalists continue risking their lives to report on the countrys dire situation, said Rochereau. Now more than ever, the international community must increase pressure on the regime to end its terror campaign against the press.

 This article was amended on 16 September 2024 to correct the spelling of Khin Su Su Htays name.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former Prime Ministers Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major attend the annual Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph in London, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023

Picture the scene in four years time on the most solemn day of the year, Remembrance Sunday. Former prime ministers are standing together by the Cenotaph to honour the service and sacrifice of those who fought for Britain.

Look! Theres David Cameron. His hairline may now be vanishing towards the back of his neck, but his face glows as healthily as ever  as he contemplates, perhaps, his rumoured return to the Foreign Office in the event of a shock Conservative victory in the following years general election.

And whos that septuagenarian standing next to him? It must be Theresa May, now 71 years old, her face appropriately grim.

But none of us are as young as we were  for, after all, Boris Johnson, placed next to her, is now only two years away from drawing his state pension.

But the appetites of the newly elected MP for Hartlepool (Johnson won a sensational by-election victory there the previous month) are unsated by the passing of time. The great man will bow to the will of the people, we read, if enough of them ever insist on his return to Downing Street.

Such an invitation is unlikely to be sent to the shortest-serving prime minister in history  Liz Truss, now in her early 50s, who seems unwilling even to glance at the diminutive figure beside her: Rishi Sunak, still MP for Richmond and Northallerton and, at only 48, an image of relative youth.

There you have it: five Conservative former prime ministers from less than a decade of power  come and gone in an average of roughly one every couple of years. Labour can reasonably be expected to provide three only: Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and, we must assume, Sir Keir Starmer.

The party is bound to make the most of the contrast, especially with an election looming. Calm under Labour (up to a point) and chaos under the Tories  with leaders having come and gone as though Britain were a coup-stricken developing country with one of those interminably long national anthems.

And whatever may happen to that older generation of former prime ministers (which includes one Conservative, Sir John Major), there is no good reason why all five of our recent Tories shouldnt still be at the Cenotaph in a decade  a shaming, lasting reminder of a decade of political turmoil.

Its a telling illustration of the challenge for the new Conservative leader  namely, how to escape from the shadow of the past, and persuade voters that the Tories are again fit to govern, ready to conduct themselves seriously, purposefully and selflessly.

The result of the partys leadership contest will be declared on November 2  just eight days before Remembrance Sunday, as it happens. (The four remaining contenders are more likely to have another date in mind: November 5, the day of Americas presidential election.)

So which of them is most likely to win? And who would best meet the daunting challenges ahead?

The first question seems harder to me than the second. Its answer will be shaped by what is sometimes described as the most sophisticated [ie, unreliable] electorate in the world: Conservative MPs.

In this weeks second parliamentary ballot, Robert Jenrick got 33 votes (up from 28), Kemi Badenoch received 28 (up from 22), Tom Tugendhat 21 (up from 17), James Cleverly 21 (no change) and Mel Stride (17). Badenoch moved from a narrow to a clearer second. So momentum seems to be with her and Jenrick, the front runner.

In the third ballot in early October, Strides votes will be distributed. Since he is seen to sit on the centre-Left of the party, one might reasonably expect Tugendhat, who is similarly sited, and whose position improved in the second ballot, to pick up the bulk of Strides support.

But life is seldom so simple. Fewer Conservative MPs vote in these elections on ideological grounds than one might think. Who they like (and dislike), who their constituency neighbours are, who is best placed to win and, of course, who will most advance their own careers  all these matter just as much, if not more.

So come October, Tugendhat could indeed scoop up Strides votes, collapse Cleverlys  and edge Badenoch out of the final two. Or Cleverly could plunder Tugendhats support instead, and himself make the final. Or Badenoch and Jenrick could pull further ahead instead. There is simply no way of knowing.

Furthermore, tactical voting may well be taking place  in other words, supporters of a first candidate lending their votes to a third in order to edge out a second who they believe is more of a threat to their man or womans prospects.

These are dangerous games to play with so small an electorate (only 121 Conservative MPs are eligible to vote). But they may be risked none the less. For between this weeks parliamentary ballot and early Octobers comes the annual Conservative Party conference.

If one of the candidates becomes the darling of the event, some MPs will seek to jump on that persons bandwagon. This is because its party members who make the final choice  selecting one of the two candidates who will emerge from that October parliamentary ballot.

MP supporters of other candidates, however, may seek to ensure that, come that ballot, the conference favourite loses out, so that party members never get the chance to vote for him. Or, perhaps, her  since the polling evidence we have suggests that Badenoch is the party members preferred choice.

Its impossible to know, amid these tortuous calculations, who will win out. All the candidates have their pluses. So far, Jenrick has run the most proficient campaign, Badenoch the most spunky, Tugendhat the most probing, Cleverly the most affable.

But they have their minuses, too. Stand back for a moment from the electioneering and consider the context. Put simply, the Western world in is demographic decline. The options are bleak: working longer, more migration, a higher birthrate  or fewer public services, if were not prepared to take risks for growth.

Roughly a third of public spending goes on healthcare and pensions. Something has to give. Labour ducked confronting this challenge during Julys election. The Conservative contenders have, by and large, done so during the past few weeks.

One can scarcely blame them. For their hesitation, doubt and, yes, fear are a mirror of our own. On the one hand, we know that our country must face up to change on a civilisational scale, or else decline. On the other, we dread what change might mean, in the way that a patient might balk at a difficult operation.

The Conservatives have been crushed at the polls before  in 1997, say, or 1906. But never have their parliamentary numbers fallen so low. And they face a new competitor: Reform.

If the winner of this leadership election is not only to join the ranks of those prime ministers but also outlast them in office and turn things round, he or she will need to be phenomenally lucky, or else a kind of political genius, or both.

There is slim evidence of the latter, though I suppose one never knows. Cross your fingers and pray for the former.

Lord Goodman of Wycombe is a senior fellow at Policy Exchange
A coyote is seen in 2019 south of Harris County. Posts on social media have recently raised concerns that a person was stalking the streets of east Houston killing its cats, but experts said the culprit is likely of the canine variety. Shannon Tompkins/Houston Chronicle

Posts on social media have recently raised concerns that a person was stalking the streets of east Houston killing its cats, but experts said the culprit is likely of the canine variety.

Residents described grim scenes  two cats reportedly cut in half last week and another butchered and discarded this week. The cuts, they said, were far too clean to be from an animal and the bodies location left some to wonder if a demonic cult was preying on Houstons feline population.

The Houston SPCA maintains a team tasked with investigating animal cruelty reports. Their investigation thus far has turned up a suspect far less sinister than those proposed by social media users.

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Earlier this week, a Houston SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigator responded to the East End after a cruelty report was filed with the animal rescue organization that two deceased cats were dismembered, the organization said in a statement. After an initial investigation, it is believed this was caused by an animal attack, possibly coyotes, as the area where the incident occurred has a very high population of feral cats.

Coyotes are becoming an increasingly frequent sight in some neighborhoods. Urban expansion and development along the citys outskirts have consumed much of the scrappy canines natural habitat and resulted in more encounters with humans and pets. One was even found on the top floor of a downtown Houston parking garage in early 2023.

Shortly after that incident, Mark Browning, with Houstons Elite Wildlife Services, told the Chronicle coyotes have become increasingly adapted to life in an urban environment.

They've become very urbanized," Browning said. "They learn our habits, like when we take our trash out. And they really don't have any natural enemies so there's really nothing to control the population."

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Cats are a common target for coyotes. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management followed eight coyotes in Tucson, Arizona, to determine their relationship with the local free-roaming cat population. Researchers found that more than half of the 36 observed coyote-cat interactions ended with a feline fatality.

We get random calls for cats pretty frequently, and its why we urge cat owners to follow city ordinances and keep their cats indoors, said Cory Stottlemyer, deputy shelter director at BARC. Cats have natural predators that are found in Houston, so any outdoor cat is at risk.

Stottlemyer said coyotes and other predators are one of the reasons BARC advises residents to keep their furry friends indoors.

A spokesperson for the Houston Police Department said the department was conducting its own inquiry into the deceased cats. Like the SPCAs investigation, HPD is still in the preliminary stages of determining a culprit, but the spokesperson said they are not currently searching for a suspect and have no evidence to suggest human involvement.

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Noel Fielding has been at the forefront of Bake Off for eight series - Channel 5/Mark Bourdillon

Noel Fielding has said he gets so attached to Bake Off bakers that hes livid when Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith criticise them.

The Great British Bake Off host said that initially, what he thought he would bring to the show was sketches and banter, but was surprised by his ability to connect with contestants.

He gets so close with the contestants that he even cried when he had to kick one out of the tent, he said.

Fielding, 51, told The Guardian: If Paul and Prue are hard on them, Im absolutely livid, adding he couldnt believe that he was still on the show.

Fielding has been at the forefront for eight series, having outlasted two previous co-hosts Sandi Toksvig and Matt Lucas.

The Mighty Boosh actor has now also been on the programme for longer than its entire lifespan on BBC One, when it was hosted by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

We were terrified

He said: When me and Sandi [Toksvig] took over, we were terrified. We knew it was a massive risk. We said: Lets see if we can last one series. The fact that Im still here is amazing.

Comedian and QI host Toksvig departed in 2020, stating she felt her brain atrophying after her three series at the helm.

Fielding said: Sandi, as we know, is a massive brain. She went to Cambridge, shes super-smart, she writes, she does politics, she needs to be stimulated.

He explained that the difference between the two hosts is that he really likes hanging out with the bakers, adding: I befriend them and get them to open up. In fact, Im fascinated by the people. I feel protective of them.

Fielding has billed the new series as one of the best yet, describing it as a belter.

He said: There are some very special bakers in the tent this year. Somehow the standard keeps getting higher. These unbelievable young bakers are way better than they should be for their age. Its a vintage year. One of the best yet.
People at a rally against a proposed wind farm off the Illawarra coast, where the issue has dominated conversation about council elections. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP

Part of whats driving Mark Watsons pitch for mayor is his opposition to a project he says is the talk of the town and the biggest issue in his coastal homes history.

The former One Nation candidate for the state government is now running as an independent for mayor of Port Stephens. The coastal town just north of Newcastle overlooks the middle of the 1,800-square kilometre offshore windfarm zone off the Hunter, where the Albanese government plans a renewable energy hub to be operating by 2030.

The town is one of a number in NSW where a culture war has been simmering over large-scale renewable energy projects. Those against have largely organised via rallies, information sessions and a constellation of Facebook groups. It now forms the platform for many council and mayoral hopefuls.

Related: Conspiracists and people linked to anti-lockdown campaigner among 120 fringe candidates in NSW council elections

All three candidates for mayor in Port Stephens oppose the offshore windfarm zone  even the Labor candidate and incumbent deputy mayor, Leah Anderson, whose website says she opposes it until there are independent environmental studies provided which could convince me otherwise.

Angst and fear gaining traction

Justin Page of the Hunter Jobs Alliance, a community and union group, says the issue has garnered a level of angst and traction in Port Stephens that hasnt been matched in the neighbouring local government areas. This has seen it feature far more in council campaigns.

That opposition group set up early and created the angst and fear without any basis that its going to wreck the marine ecosystem, Page says.

Its unfortunately a pretty well-led campaign and the public just dont know or understand, which is why its gaining traction.

Running on Watsons ticket  which, alongside opposing the offshore windfarm zone, wants to improve rates, roads and rubbish  is Troy Radford, president of the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club.

Both Watson and Radford have been among the most vocal against the offshore windfarm zone, and have been key organisers of a number of rallies opposing the project. At one such event in the town last October, Barnaby Joyce compared the push for renewables to a cult.

Last year, Radford authorised a roadside billboard with an image of a beached whale with turbines in the background under the words Stop Port Stephens Offshore Wind Farms  despite the claim wind turbines kills whales not being backed by credible scientific evidence.

Watson, who decided to run as an independent rather than for One Nation to be a better voice for the community, sees the project as one that will change the fabric of a community which was not properly consulted. He says it will impact game and commercial fishing, tourism, small businesses and the environment.

We are not anti-renewables, or anti-windfarms; we are anti the Hunter offshore windfarm, he says. Its not the right project for the area.

How much say do communities have?

Councils have no approval power over the offshore windfarm zones or the large-scale wind and solar projects deemed of state significance. For some politicians, the battle is about negotiating the best possible outcome for their community  whatever constituents views on the projects themselves.

We cant stop it, says Sam Coupland, mayor of Armidale, a four-hour drive north of Port Stephens. But we can shape it.

Coupland is the chair of a small group of mayors whose local government areas are located in the inland renewable energy zones. He says the groups purpose is not to support or oppose the developments, but to share information and lobby for the best outcomes for communities that will house the projects.

Coupland says the state has failed to provide certainty in its wind and solar projects by not yet finalising the energy policy framework, which provides guidance for communities on the impacts, as well as benefit sharing guidelines for councils.

The [guidelines] needed to be in place before they went down this path so that uncertainty didnt exist, he says.

When you have uncertainty, theres room there for bad actors to play, or misinformation to come to the fore.

A culture war much like that in Port Stephens has also been building over the offshore windfarm zone in the Illawarra region, south of Sydney.

In a number of posts in the regions anti-windfarm groups, opponents expressed outrage that the state Liberal partys recent failure to nominate candidates would mean no opportunity for residents to vote for a candidate that would be opposed to the windfarms.

One person wrote: This is a disaster for our offshore fight.

Related: Could Dutton use the NSW Liberal chaos to pull the party to the right? - podcast

Responsible Future, a community group dedicated to opposing an offshore windfarm in the Illawarra, recently shared on its website a number of candidates running across Shellharbour, Kiama and Wollongong councils who oppose the proposal.

As you may be aware, an administrative error by the NSW Liberal party has resulted in the omission of 16 candidates from the Wollongong and Shoalhaven council elections. Many of these opposed the Illawarra offshore wind proposal, their website says.

This situation makes it even more crucial to consider supporting independent candidates in the upcoming local elections who stand against this project and are committed to fighting for our community at the local council level.

It lists three candidates for Wollongong council, five for Shellharbour, and three for Kiama who oppose the windfarm. One of the candidates listed for Kiama council is Mark Cains, who is the president of the Kiama Liberal branch but running as an independent.

Many in the Liberal movement agree with me that party politics and councils dont make happy bedfellows, Cains told Guardian Australia, explaining his independent candidacy.

In November last year, Cains helped organise a Liberal party event for the public, attended by Guardian Australia, where speakers expressed fierce opposition to the project. Some of the speakers were from Coalition Against Offshore Wind, one of the regions most vocal groups opposing the project.

Cains says the offshore windfarm zone hasnt been front and centre of his policy platform or his desire to run for council, but that it is an issue for the community, which is wondering if its the best idea for us and a solution for climate change.

Responding to a recent social media post about the project, and his view on it as a prospective councillor, Cains says: They wont be installed on my watch.

But he says theres very little the council, which sits in the marginal seat of Gilmore, can do directly to interrupt the project. What it can do, he says, is send a message: We expect better  better consultation from government.

I feel the council has lost its way

Away from the coast, and back north among rich farmland atop the Great Dividing Range, is Walcha. Its community of about 1,300 people have been facing off with one another over the development of the Winterbourne windfarm.

A number of the candidates running for Walcha council have been vocal or are publicly affiliated with groups that support or oppose the project. But for some, its a bigger symptom of how communities are listened to when it comes to renewable energy projects.

Two of the candidates are father and daughter Warwick Fletcher and Holly Fletcher. Holly says her dad and brothers will host nine windfarms across their properties  each turbine can generate thousands in income for landholders a year.

Holly says she would declare her perceived pecuniary interest, which may preclude her from being involved in decisions regarding renewables if elected, but that supporting the transition was not what pushed her to run. Her real concern, she says, is about the council becoming entangled in issues beyond its scope.

Im not sure if its a symptom of the windfarms or renewable energy projects, but I feel like the council has lost its way a bit, she says.

Rachel Greig is also running. She is a member of Voices For Walcha which shares information about renewable energy projects in the region, and hosted Barnaby Joyce at a meeting opposing the Winterbourne windfarm.

Greig says shes running due to a number of concerns, including aged care facilities. Shes also concerned about the environmental impacts of the Winterbourne windfarm, and the community being kept in the dark over the renewable energy projects.

I want to make sure the communitys concerns are being listened to, she says.
The Metropolitan police came under fire for their handling of protests this summer - John Gomez

The way the authorities deal with disruptive protests is at significant odds with the mood of the public. A landmark report published this week by Policy Exchange revealed that a substantial majority of people would drop their plans to visit a nearby city if there was a major protest happening. Over two thirds of people would decide not to travel with small children, a disabled person or an elderly person.

The public overwhelmingly support police intervention at disruptive protests  over seventy-five per cent of people said that the police should intervene when protestors cause damage to property, approach passers-by to shout at them or deliberately obstruct the road or public transport network.

Yet despite the overwhelming evidence of the impact of disruptive protests and the publics support for action to be taken to deal with protestors, the authorities have, too often and wrongly, failed to prioritise ordinary members of the public over the rights of disruptive protestors.

The new Labour Government will soon commence a review of the legislation relating to protest. The Government has also chosen to continue their appeal in a high-profile court case against the campaign group Liberty, which addresses a key piece of secondary legislation relating to how the disruption caused by protests is defined.

The Government must take a clear view  through both legislation and the subsequent actions of the authorities  that they will prioritise the rights, wellbeing and interests of ordinary members of the public. If they do not, they risk finding themselves in the same difficulties as their predecessors.

The legal regime governing the policing of protests has become increasingly complex  involving a patchwork of UK legislation, guidelines, European Court of Human Rights and domestic case law. This framework does not make it easy to understand what the law requires and permits.

Central to the polices approach to dealing with protest has been that they frequently misunderstand the law. Core to that misunderstanding is the claim, often solemnly invoked by senior police officers, of a right to protest. This is despite there being no such explicit and unfettered right in legislation  including the European Convention on Human Rights or the Human Rights Act 1998.

Instead of any explicit right to protest, the key rights applicable to protestors are the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and the right to freedom of expression. Both are explicitly qualified by restrictions as prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, amongst other things, in the interests of national security, or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals or for the protection of therightsof others. These qualifications, despite their central importance, are all too often overlooked.

As far back as 2021, an inspection into the policing of protests by His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, said: the police do not strike the right balance on every occasion. The balance may tip too readily in favour of protestors when  as is often the case  the police do not accurately assess the level of disruption caused, or likely to be caused, by a protest. And yet too little has changed over the last three years.

In one of the most egregious scenes of the last year, a group of men chanted jihad, jihad at a protest in central London by the now prohibited group Hizb-ut-Tahrir. Although police officers were present, they took minimal action and made no arrests. This gathering took place at the fringes of one of the large-scale protest marches which have regularly occurred over the last year  in advance of which the Met had declared that they would be protecting the right to protest.

The Met subsequently attempted to explain their lack of action on specialist counter terrorism officers in the operations room who failed to identify any offences. They then later passed the blame on  citing advice from lawyers and the Crown Prosecution Service.

That the police and prosecutors reached such a conclusion was remarkable. It would certainly appear that they were credulous or indulgent in response to what is by any reasonable understanding, a call to violence. At the very least it would have been reasonable for officers to arrest those shouting for jihad at a politically motivated protest on suspicion of committing offences under section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006 which prohibits statements directly or indirectly encouraging acts of terrorism.

The Metropolitan Police has since acknowledged that it has made mistakes in the policing of protests. When I interviewed the Mets most senior officer for public order policing, assistant commissioner Matt Twist, in May this year he told me: When we look back at the policing of protests over the last 8 months, we know we didnt get everything right  particularly in the early stages in October. In relation to this particular case, he said: On occasion we did not move quickly to make arrests, for example the man chanting for jihad which was a decision made following fast time advice from lawyers and the CPS.

It is to Mr Twists credit that he is willing to publicly acknowledge the mistakes that have been made. However, as we approach both the second anniversary of the start of Sir Mark Rowleys Commissionership and the first anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks, the publics willingness to forgive the Met any further such mistakes is surely over.

David Spencer is the head of crime and justice at Policy Exchange and a former Detective Chief Inspector with the Metropolitan Police
Prince George raises the ramp on the C17 plane during a visit to the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in 2023 - Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince George has continued a royal tradition of taking to the skies by starting flying lessons.

The 11 year-old flew in a single-engine Piper PA-28 with dual controls, an aircraft specifically designed for flight training.

The Prince and Princess of Wales watched their son take off from White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead, Berks, and land around an hour later.

An onlooker told The Sun: 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.

Prince George sat in a helicopter at The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in 2016 - Samir Hussein/Wireimage

The late Duke of Edinburgh trained at the same airfield which is home to the West London Aero Club.

West London Aero Clubs website describes White Waltham as one of the oldest and best known airfields in the country.

Set in 200 acres on the edge of a picturesque estate in the beautiful Berkshire countryside, it is also reputedly the largest grass airfield in Britain, it states.

With three long runways there is always one into the wind. The Club has plenty of parking space and a wonderful, easy-going atmosphere.

The young prince sat in a helicopter as he and his parents visited the Airbus factory in Hamburg, Germany, in 2017 - CARSTEN KOALL/EPA

Prince Philip, Georges great grandfather, was 31 when he began his flying training at White Waltham in November 1952.

He first trained in a de Havilland Chipmunk aircraft and then in a North American Harvard.

In May 1953, he was awarded his wings by Air Chief Marshal Sir William Dickson, Chief of the Air Staff, at a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

The Prince of Wales is a trained helicopter pilot who has flown for RAF Search and Rescue and East Anglia Air Ambulance - SAC Faye Storer

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex were both in the Army Cadet Corps at Eton College but they were not given flying lessons until they were in the military.

The Prince of Wales is a trained helicopter pilot who has flown for RAF Search and Rescue and East Anglia Air Ambulance.

The Duke of Sussex also trained with the RAF and went on to be a gunner in an Apache helicopter in Afghanistan in 2012.

The King handed over the role of colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps to the Prince of Wales in May.

His Majesty spent four months training in the RAF, and Prince Andrew was a helicopter pilot in the 1982 Falklands war.

A spokesman for the Royal family declined to comment when approached by The Telegraph.
Richard Osmans career has seen him move from TV producer to presenter to crime novelist - Penguin Books

Richard Osman has admitted he is terrible at playing detective and can almost never guess the killer when he watches crime dramas.

The best-selling author of the Thursday Murder Club detective novels, 53, said that while he thinks he is going to be brilliant at spotting the culprit, he is almost always wrong.

In an interview with the BBC, the TV presenter and writer said: My grandfather solved crimes for a living and my mum would watch any Sunday night crime drama, and within five minutes know whodunnit.

I think Im brilliant but Im always wrong. My wife and I think we know who did it and then at the end we both dont get it right.

Star-studded cast

The first of Osmans Thursday Murder Club mysteries is being made into a feature film for Netflix by Steven Spielberg, the Academy Award-winning director, with a star-studded cast including Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan.

Meanwhile, Osman is working on a Penguin crime series titled We Solve Murders, featuring an ex-policeman pulled out of retirement in the New Forest to sleuth with his adrenaline-junkie daughter-in-law.

Steves an ex-cop who just wants a quiet life, but hes reluctantly dragged into this adventure by Amy, whos got this energy and drive that pulls him along, the author explained.

Discussing the unconventional idea of a strong bond between in-laws, Osman said: I wanted to bring together two people who wouldnt naturally cross paths, like Steve and Amy. Theyre an unlikely pair, but their relationship is filled with love and respect.

Cutting-edge touches

The novelist has used modern elements in his new series, including characters who rely on AI and murder victims who are social media influencers.

Osman explained that he had finally found a good use for ChatGPT  his latest murderer conceals his identity by asking the chatbot to write his emails in the style of a friendly English gentleman.

In reality, however, Osman does not worry about virtual assistants taking over his day job.

It can certainly help you write a letter to your electricity company, but Im sure it definitely cant write a book  its so flat, he said. AI is not going to write Succession anytime soon, or a Kate Atkinson novel.

Theres always going to be room for great culture that comes from the human heart rather than a machines head.

Influencers

Osman said he was inspired to include influencers in his new series after reading that they were acting as mules for smugglers in places like Dubai and the Cayman Islands.

They spend their lives travelling around the world but actually if you look behind the curtain, they dont have any money. So they are the perfect people to abuse if youre a criminal gang, he said.

Osman is also writing the fifth book in the Thursday Murder Club series, which has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.

Speaking about his plans, the House of Games star said: Every bit of success is gravy but I just always think: I need to go and write the next thing now.
Jeff Leibowitz is an advocate of free-handling, in which people control venomous snakes using their bare hands

See how shes trying to get me, Jeff Leibowitz says as he holds a thin grey snake between his thumb and forefinger.

The snake influencer, an advocate of a controversial practice known as free-handling, is demonstrating to his 15,000 Instagram followers how he uses his bare hands to control his pet inland taipan, one of the worlds most venomous snakes.

By applying pressure to the reptiles body as it tries to twist around and bite him, he can prevent any accidents, he assures viewers.

Theres no need to be so scared of them if you know their limitations, Mr Leibowitz says, as the Australian desert snake lashes around in a thin layer of water.

Hours later, he was critically ill in hospital. The inland taipan, which he cooed over as my sweet girl in an earlier video, had managed to escape his grasp and plant its fangs into his hand.

Click here to view this content.

The near-fatal accident in Florence, South Carolina, caused disquiet among snake owners and prompted complaints that the online trend for free-handling, in which daredevils compete to show how they can tame their lethal pets, is painting them all in a bad light.

You cannot tame a snake, they act on instinct, Mark OShea MBE, professor of herpetology at the University of Wolverhampton, told The Telegraph.

He called Mr Leibowitzs attempts to control snakes using some kind of pseudoscience mind-boggling, saying: It is incredibly foolish to free-handle something as lethal as an inland taipan.

Research on the animals venom suggests it is potent enough to kill 100 adult men in a single bite.

The fierce inland tapian is endemic to central east Australia - National Geographic Image Collection/Alamy

Prof OShea, who has worked with reptiles for over four decades, said he hoped what happened could serve as a warning to Mr Leibiwitzs followers. There is no need to do such a thing unless you are showing off, it comes down to pure ego.

But Mr Leibowitz had always waved off his critics who saw him as an unnecessary risk-taker. His take on it was clear  all or nothing, as he recently declared: Antivenom is for pussies.

Last week, he posted a clip of him holding his eastern diamondback rattlesnake Shaky near to his face. He described the largest venomous snake in North America as cuddly.

Look at this medicine I take, its called f---- it all... coming soon to a pharmacy near you, he told his critics as Shaky tried to lurch at his face.

A day before, he filmed himself stroking the head of Asparagus, a green mamba whose bite could kill him in less than 30 minutes.

The snake influencer, who has more than 15,000 Instagram followers, has waved off his critics who saw him as an unnecessary risk-taker

But on the evening of Sept 5, a post suddenly appeared on Venomous Snakes Classified, Mr Leibowitzs 49,000-strong Facebook group dedicated to those who share a love of dangerous snakes.

Who has a meeting access to anti-venom for an inland taipan, he wrote somewhat incoherently at 11pm.

At 2am, he wrote another post, urging anyone who has antivenom for an inland taipan or knows someone please call McLeod hospital where he had been taken after being bitten.

The antivenom was in short supply in South Carolina due to a prior inland taipan snake bite in recent months, the police report said. The treatment had to be reportedly flown in from Florida.

Mr Leibowitzs family later shared an update to his friends and fans, saying he had been given antivenom and was in intensive care on a ventilator.

Experts say he could be facing long-lasting or permanent organ damage and that the delay in receiving antivenom likely led to prolonged bleeding.

On Venomous Snakes Classified, amid the well-wishers and those desperate for updates, were snake enthusiasts who called what happened a disaster that had been waiting to happen.

One wrote that Mr Leibowitzs own negligence and his lack [of] safety precautions led him to get bitten, another called it natural selection.

Jeff was being reckless and got bit now hes put others lives at risk and the hobby at risk, a third responded.

On Thursday, Mr Leibowitz recorded himself mumbling something in a woozy voice from a hospital bed before showing pictures of his purple arm and the mark of a snake bite on his hand.

He is still said to be in serious condition and receiving dialysis, a likely sign he suffered organ damage from the toxic venom.

Police said that two cats and 14 snakes  including rattlesnakes, vipers, cobras, a green mamba, a death adder and an inland taipan  were seized from Mr Leibowitzs home.

The animals were removed over concerns of disease after police found what they called substandard living conditions, describing a house full of urine, faeces and raw and rotting meat.

All 14 snakes were euthanised on Monday night, authorities confirmed, after no zoos or reptile farms in the state would accept them due to the safety risks.
Daniela Grudsky, Israels Deputy Ambassador to the UK, (L) meets with Angus Robertson, External Affairs Secretary - TWITTER/X

A senior SNP minister has been accused of trying to stop his partys members seeing what he discussed with a senior Israeli diplomat after officials refused to publish the minutes of the talks.

The Scottish Government rejected a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to hand over the minutes and agenda for the discussions between Angus Robertson and Daniela Grudsky, Israels deputy ambassador to the UK.

Officials argued that making the documents public may cause substantial prejudice to international relations and warned it was a requirement of international relations that confidentiality is not breached.

But the Scottish Tories said they suspected that the rejection was to prevent SNP members furious about the discussions finding out what Mr Robertson had said.

Mr Robertson, the External Affairs Secretary, faced a huge backlash from his partys rank-and-file after the Aug 8 meeting became public.

Livid SNP MPs, MSPs and members argued it undermines the partys condemnation of Israels actions in Gaza and calls for a separate Palestinian state. Some demanded that Mr Robertson be sacked, despite John Swinney authorising the talks.

Alexander Stewart MSP has said the withholding of information by the SNP is incredible - ALAMY

Mr Robertson managed to hold onto his job by making a grovelling apology to SNP members, saying he had not meant to imply a normalisation of relations with Benjamin Netanyahus administration.

He announced that the Scottish Government would hold no more meetings with the Israelis, unless a series of conditions were met. However, John Swinney later met Palestinian representatives.

The Scottish Tories said they had received an FOI response about the Israel talks in which everything had been redacted.

Alexander Stewart, the partys deputy external affairs spokesman, said: Secrecy and evasion have been the hallmarks of this SNP Government  but even by their standards redacting literally everything from a Freedom of Information response is incredible.

Usually, their shameful lack of transparency is designed to keep the public in the dark. But given the furore Angus Robertsons meeting with Israeli officials caused in his own party, you suspect this one is as much about stopping SNP MSPs finding out what was discussed.

The Herald also requested the same documents but the Scottish Government refused, citing the public interest in being able to maintain good and honest relations with other countries.

It said the release of any information may cause substantial prejudice to international relations between the UK and any other state.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: It is a requirement of international relations that confidentiality is not breached.

That is why the Freedom of Information legislation includes provisions to exempt material that would prejudice substantially relations between the UK and any other state. This is the case in relation to this minute.
Changing Tongas laws to allow women to own land would be a complex process requiring a shift in social attitudes. Photograph: Sera Sefeti

Ofa Ki Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki was attending a workshop on gender issues in Tonga many years ago when she came to a striking realisation: If my father dies everything in our house, from the land to belongings, will automatically transfer to my brother.

The 49-year-old went straight to her dad and said if you die, I will inherit nothing. He looked at me with nothing to say, and I told him that it was really unfair.

It marked the beginning of her journey as an advocate; Guttenbeil-Likiliki is now director of the Women and Children Crisis Centre in Tonga. The not-for-profit group supports survivors of violence and advocates for policy changes.

Next month the centre will be renamed Fefine Toa  meaning the strength of a courageous Tongan woman  and the organisation will make the push for womens rights to own land one of its key priorities.

We cant even buy our own land, and even if we do, it has to be in our husbands names, she says.

Under an 1875 law, women in Tonga are prohibited from owning land. The law also makes it difficult for women who marry non-Tongans to buy land together. Women can only inherit land in specific circumstances, such as when there are no male heirs, and they must remain unmarried.

Among others critical of the restrictions is Teisa Cokanasiga, a lawyer who works in Tongas capital Nukualofa. Her husband is Fijian, meaning they can rent, but not own land.

I had wanted to buy and own land under my name but because I am a woman and my husband is not of Tongan nationality, we could only lease, says Cokanasiga.

The law makes it difficult for women to be financially independent. Cokanasiga says many women want to set up farming businesses but not being able to own a piece of land discourages them because theyre only able to lease.

Resistance to reform

Changing Tongas land laws would be a complex process requiring a shift in social attitudes, and past efforts for reform have been met with resistance.

Tonga and Palau are the only Pacific countries that have not ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). There have been several attempts to ratify the CEDAW in Tonga over the last two decades, but these have failed. In 2015, public protests opposing ratification were held involving local church groups, and a petition of about 15,000 signatures was submitted to the King.

Cokanasiga says reforming the land system would take a lot of consultations with the public and would have to change the minds of the majority of parliament and would also have to get through to the King, who gives the final say by giving his royal assent or not, before a law is made law.

Earlier this year, Tongas minister of tourism and foreign affairs, Fekitamoeloa Utoikamanu, told Pacific Media Network that she supports the issue of equality and the opportunity for women to be able to make choices in terms of land ownership but Tongans must see how we can make the most benefit out of the current system.

Weve had to look at what options are available to us to have some kind of legal ownership of land, and one of those options is to lease, Utoikamanu told Pacific Media Network.

A spokesperson for the government from the Crown Law office said there are no immediate plans to amend Tongas Land Act.

The ownership of land for women in Tonga remains a challenge, and any changes to the Land Act will require extensive consultation with His Majesty the King and the people of Tonga, the spokesperson said.

Despite these challenges, some women in Tonga remain determined to push for change. One not-for-profit called Maa Fafine Moe Famili is advocating and raising awareness on the need for women to have the right to own land.

Guttenbeil-Likiliki is also pushing for reform. She is organising womens forums across Tonga to gather information on development issues, including land rights.

Right now were having subnational womens fono (a community meeting) across the outer islands, and then were going to end off with the national womens fono here on the main island, she says.

She hopes when the findings are presented to parliament, the government will address these issues in the coming years.

Tongan women are finding opportunities in places like Australia and New Zealand because there isnt enough option given for them here in Tonga, Guttenbeil-Likiliki says.

We need to change that before its too late.
Joe Biden is reportedly resisting pressure to allow US ATACMS to be used for strikes inside Russia - Getty/Jo Yong Hak

Vladimir Putin was clear when asked about the prospect of British-made Storm Shadows striking Russia.

This would in a significant way change the very nature of the conflict, the Russian president told state television. It would mean that Nato countries are at war with Russia.

His remarks came as Joe Biden was reported to be on the verge of lifting restrictions on the use of US targeting systems needed to fire Storm Shadows.

If Mr Putins warning needed any interpretation, the Kremlin-friendly Kommersant newspaper spelled it out in a headline: Vladimir Putin draws his red line.

Wording of this kind frequently appears to send chills down the spines of Western policy-makers. Putin, we are reminded, possesses an arsenal of nuclear weapons and a growing propensity for sabotage inside Europe.

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Washington, in particular, fears escalation. Even as Mr Biden was due to allow Storm Shadow strikes inside Russia, he was reportedly resisting pressure to allow the US equivalent missile, the ATACMS, to be used for the same purpose.

It is not the first time that Britain has led the way in terms of driving through the donation of new weapons to Kyiv.

It took Ben Wallace, former defence secretary, to agree to sending Challenger 2 tanks before Washington agreed to sending its own Abrams war machines to Kyiv.

Sources also claimed Mr Wallaces hopes of becoming Nato secretary general were scuppered by the White House because he moved without US permission to announce Storm Shadow and F-16 donations to Ukraine.

The Biden administration eventually agreed on each of those capability donations, but not after expressing fears they could trigger an escalation of the conflict beyond Ukraines borders.

A Western official told The Telegraph that threats from the Kremlin about the prospect of a war between Russia and Nato are overstated.

That is because European governments mostly feel that Putin himself believes he is already engaged in a major conflict, perhaps on the same scale as those fought between 1914 and 1945.

One source said the Russian president is not interested in escalating the conflict upwards towards a nuclear war but has visions of what was described as a horizontal escalation.

This includes hybrid attacks, such as hiring agents to burn down commercial properties linked to Ukrainian support or attacking railway infrastructure carrying military aid east to Kyiv.

Its not just nuclear escalation we have to be mindful of, one official told The Telegraph.

This is Putins way of bringing the war to the West, much like Ukraine has done so by invading [the Russian region of] Kursk.

Analysts have noticed that Putins red lines are often crossed  and without much in the way of retaliation.

In his address to announce the start of his special military operation, the Russian president said there would be consequences greater than you have faced in history if the West joined the war.

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This was seen as a clear reference to the select group of Nato allies already arming Ukraine to push back against the incoming invasion.

Similar threats were made when Britain was considering sending Storm Shadows, a long-range air-launched cruise missile with a range of about 190 miles as a donation option.

Even smaller less tactical weapons, such as US-made Himars rocket launchers, main battle tanks and F-16 fighter jets were met with similar reactions from Moscow.

If Nato countries continue to provide weapons that allow strikes deep into Russian territory, they risk a major escalation that could involve Nato directly, Putin said in February of this year.

Click here to view this content.

To date, there has been no direct conflict between any of Natos 32 allies and Moscow.

Justin Crump, chief executive of the strategic intelligence company Sibylline, said Putin resorts to these kinds of threats as a last resort to prevent better weapons systems being provided to Ukraine.

While Himars, tanks and long-range missiles have not proved to be game-changing assets, Moscows forces in Ukraine have often struggled to adapt to the new capabilities being introduced to the battlefield.

Himars were credited with Ukraines major counter-offensives in the previously occupied territories of Kherson and Kharkiv.

Storm Shadow, and more lately ATACMS, have significantly weakened the Kremlins grip on Crimea, the peninsula illegally occupied by Moscow in 2014.

Russian discussion of red lines is nothing new, Mr Crump said. We have been here repeatedly since the start of the conflict. The Kremlins rhetoric is to slow down Western support, undermine the cohesion of our collective leadership and turn the populations against backing Ukraine.

He added: The UK is particularly singled out in Russian threats as it has often taken a leading role in the supply of capabilities, blazing a trail for others to follow, as may well happen today.

Mr Crump said there were clear examples where Putin, or his acolytes, had threatened reprisals, but failed to act on ultimatums.

These include a significant Storm Shadow strike on the headquarters of Russias Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea. The attack, which was said to have killed many senior personnel, was met by nothing that represented a genuine escalation aimed at Nato, or Britain and France, who supplied the weapons and know-how to carry out the strike.

Even the permission to use Storm Shadows may not be seen quite so seriously inside the Kremlin as Putin makes out. The long delay between the suggestion they could be used inside Russian territory and the actual green light has allowed Russia to move many key assets  such as jets used to fire the damaging glide-bombs against Ukrainian troops  out of range.

Many analysts believe it is not in Putins interest to make good on his threats against the West. His forces are already stretched in Ukraine. If he could, Putin would settle for a formal peace agreement that would let him keep the territories Russia has already seized  something that may become possible if Donald Trump, for example, enters the White House.

Waiting to see who wins the US election in November would appear the wiser strategic choice at this point, compared to launching direct strikes, say, against a weapons depot in Poland and thus invoking Natos Article 5.

This red line, in other words, may not be so red after all.
Trump at his rally in Arizona - Getty/Justin Sullivan

Donald Trump has vowed to stop taxing overtime in an attempt to bolster his support among blue-collar workers.

The former president has already called for restaurant workers tips to be exempt from tax  a policy since also adopted by Kamala Harris.

He has also proposed not taxing social security as part of his appeal to older voters.

It is estimated that around 18 per cent of Americans work overtime.

As part of our additional tax cuts, we will end all taxes on overtime, Trump said in remarks at a rally in Tucson, Arizona. Your overtime hours will be tax-free, he said.

That gives people more of an incentive to work; it gives the companies a lot. Its a lot easier to get the people.

The people who work overtime are among the hardest-working citizens in our country, and for too long, no one in Washington has been looking out for them.

Those are the people that really work. Theyre police officers, nurses, factory workers, construction workers, truck drivers and machine operators.

Trump dismissed the argument that the plan would add trillions of dollars to the national debt over the next decade.

One of our economists said, I think thats actually going to bring money into our economy, Trump added.

According to recent figures released by the US Department of Labour, factory workers did an average of 3.7 hours of overtime a week.

Under the Fair Labour Standards Act, employees should receive at least time and a half for working more than 40 hours a week. Many employers pay double the hourly rate.

However, this pay is taxed, which some economists argue is a disincentive for taking on extra hours.

But with Ms Harris extending her lead in the polls to around five per cent following the presidential debate earlier this week, Trump is looking for eye-catching policies which could strengthen his support among working-class voters.

Republican-controlled Alabama is the first state not to impose taxes on overtime wages. However, the measure is only temporary, lasting 18 months.

This would be the first time this has been proposed at the federal level.

I think its a continuation of his appeal for blue-collar workers, Jeff Lord, who worked in the Reagan White House told the Telegraph.

When I go to these rallies there are lots of folks who would describe themselves, as such, so I am not surprised.

When he was growing up and his father in the construction business, young Donald would be taken to building sites and he would spend time with hard-hat workers and I think from an early age he formed a bond with them.

While in office, Trump raised the threshold which triggered an obligation to pay overtime from $23,660 a year to $35,568.

This was less generous than the $47,000 proposed by the Obama administration, which would have extended overtime to nearly five million workers  but was struck down by the courts.

Its one of those policy ideas coming out of the ether., Christopher Galdieri, professor of politics at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire told the Telegraph.

It is not something they are thinking about, its a case of looking for something which will appeal to blue-collar workers- especially white ones.

He is flailing about for something after the debate.

The Harris campaign dismissed the Trump plan.

Trump tried to rip away overtime pay for nearly 10 million workers and devastated families, said Harris-Walz 2024 spokesperson Joseph Costello.

A second term will be even worse: Trumps Project 2025 Agenda would allow employers to stop paying many workers overtime.
J.R. Gonzales, a native Houstonian, is a web producer for HoustonChronicle.com. Before that, he was a news copy editor. Since 2006, he has overseen the Bayou City History blog, which covers various aspects of Houston's history.

Prior to joining the Houston Chronicle, Gonzales worked as a night cops reporter at The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C., and later as a copy editor. He has also worked as a courthouse reporter for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Gonzales is a journalism graduate of the University of Houston.
Ukraine accused Russia on Thursday of using strategic bombers to strike a civilian grain vessel in Black Sea waters near Nato member Romania, escalating tensions between Moscow and the military alliance. It was the first time a missile has struck a civilian vessel transporting grains at sea since the start of Moscows invasion in February 2022. Some vessels have been damaged during Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports where they were moored. Zelenskiy said the vessel carrying Ukrainian grain to Egypt was hit overnight by a Russian missile just after it left Ukrainian territorial waters. There were no casualties, he said. Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said the strike was a brazen attack on freedom of navigation and global food security. Ukraines navy said Russian Tupolev Tu-22 bombers had fired a number of cruise missiles at the vessel at 11.02pm local time on Wednesday.

The US 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.

UK PM Keir Starmer is heading to Washington for a strategic discussion with US president Joe Biden about Ukraine and the Middle East. The discussion is expected to include a decision to allow Ukraine to launch longer-range attacks inside Russia with partly British-made Storm Shadow missiles. Starmer added it was not to try to force a peace agreement on Ukraine. Ultimately thats a discussion that has to be led by President Zelenskiy, Starmer said. Instead, he said, its very important for two key allies to discuss foreign policy questions among themselves and to have spaces to do that. Ukraine has been lobbying to use Storm Shadow and US-made Atacms missiles for many months.

Starmer has told Vladimir Putin the Russian president started the war in Ukraine and could end it at any time after the Russian leader warned that any use of long-range British missiles into Russian territory would put Nato at war with his country. The prime minister spoke en route to Washington to meet Biden.

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. Zelenskiy acknowledged a Russian counteroffensive had begun.

More than $30m (23m) worth of aircraft tyres made by western manufacturers were imported into Russia last year via intermediaries despite attempts to ban the trade, according to a Ukrainian government agency.

Russian shelling on Thursday killed three people and injured nine in a village in north-eastern Ukraines Kharkiv region, regional prosecutors said. A statement said one person died of his injuries in hospital after the attack on the village of Borova, south-east of Kharkiv. Kharkiv is Ukraines second-largest city and a frequent target of Russian strikes. The interior ministry had earlier reported emergency services were working at the site of the initial attack when Moscows troops shelled it again. Three rescuers were among the injured.

A hundred people gathered on Thursday in the central synagogue in Kyiv to pay tribute to Matityahu Anton Samborskyi, the son of Ukraines chief rabbi who was killed fighting Russian forces. Mourners carried flowers, touched the coffin and shook hands with the deceaseds father chief rabbi Moshe Azman, who was holding back tears. I want God to take revenge for him and for the other innocents, soldiers and civilians who are dying in this war, Azman said.
Watch: Biden scolds British reporter for asking question, saying you be quiet - ABACA/Shutterstock/Gripas Yuri

President Biden told a British reporter you be quiet after the journalist asked a question before a key meeting with Sir Keir Starmer.

Mr Biden and the British Prime Minister both made statements to reporters at the start of the meeting.

One Sky News reporter, James Matthews, tried to ask a question about what the President thought of Putins threat of war.

Mr Biden snapped back: You be quiet, Im going to speak, OK?

You gotta be quiet, Im going to make a statement.

Mr Biden and Sir Keir then made statements about the issues that would be discussed at the meeting: Ukraine and Gaza.

The Sky News reporter then asked his question again.

This time, the President replied: I dont think much of Vladimir Putin.

Mr Putin said on Thursday that it would be an act of war if the West allowed Ukraine to use long-range missiles in Russia.

Sir Keir and Mr Biden had a short one to one meeting in the Oval Office before a longer meeting with aides in the Blue Room, where the confrontation with the reporter took place.

Alongside the Prime Minister was David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary.

Sir Keirs chief of staff, Sue Gray was also there, along with Dame Karen Pierce, UK ambassador to the US.
Footage of the moment a shotgun was fired inside a computer shop in Smethwick - SWNS

A masked gang armed with shotguns has ransacked a computer shop and left two people injured in a planned attack.

CCTV footage shows a silver Ford Fiesta pull up outside City Computers in Smethwick, West Midlands, before a group of four men exit the vehicle.

Two can be seen smashing the windows of the shop with axes as two others carrying shotguns enter the building.

One can then be seen shooting at a closed door before kicking it open and making his way into a back office, followed by an accomplice.

The intruders are subsequently seen running out of the room and towards their getaway car.

Two men in their 40s were left wounded after the gang discharged their firearms during the attack. One victim was hit in the arm by a gunshot while another suffered a neck injury.

The incident occurred at around 12pm on January 12 last year.

Jamal Hussain, 22, from Walsall, fled the country shortly after the attack. He was arrested at Birmingham Airport upon his return to the UK in May.

Hussain has now admitted firearms offences and on Thursday was jailed for nine years and two months at Worcester Crown Court.

Armed thugs: Jamal Hussain (left) and Azeem Hussain - SWNS

CCTV footage from the day before the attack showed the gang scouting out the route from their addresses in Walsall to the surrounding area of the shop.

Detectives investigating the crime identified Hussain as the driver of the Ford Fiesta following CCTV and mobile phone enquiries.

The investigation revealed that there were several calls between the gang during the morning of the attack.

Four men, also from Walsall, have already been jailed for their part in the raid.

Last August Haider Shabir, 21, was jailed for 14 years, Mohammed Uwais Latif, 24, for nine years and 10 months and Mohammed Tayyib Wajid, 26 was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

In April, Ahmed Aumair, 21, was jailed for 12 years and six months while Azeem Hussain, 26, is due to be sentenced later this year.

Detective Inspector Francis Nock from our Major Crime Unit said: All six men involved in this planned armed attack have been convicted.

Jamal Hussain was a key player in this operation and has received a lengthy jail sentence to reflect this.

This could have easily been a fatal attack but miraculously, the injuries of the two victims were not serious.

Weapons have no place on our streets and we will continue to bring those to justice who think its acceptable to use them to bring violence into our communities.
The bodycam footage released by Ohio police

Police have released video footage of an American woman being arrested for eating a cat  170 miles away from Springfield, Ohio where Donald Trump claimed Haitian immigrants were devouring pets.

The arrest took place in Canton on August 16 after police received several calls from the public.

According to a police report Allexis Ferrell, 27, smashed the cats head with her foot and then started eating it.

Police said they saw fur on the womans lips and blood on her feet.

She has been charged with animal cruelty, disorderly conduct and breaking laws regarding a companion animal.

Ferrell was born in Ohio and graduated from Canton McKinley High School in 2015.

She is due to appear in court again on October 15.

Details emerged against a backdrop of claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were kidnapping and eating pets.

The rumours, which had been flying around social media, have seen residents keep their pets indoors, rather than run the risk of losing them.

Trump repeated the claims during his debate on Tuesday with Kamala Harris.

Town officials have said that there was no evidence this has taken place.

In response to recent rumours 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,  they said in a statement.

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.
Oasis have announced all of the ballot spaces for the additional Wembley dates have been sent out, leaving many fans gutted at missing out on the chance of securing a coveted ticket.

Those who have received a code will have the opportunity to buy tickets on Saturday for the September 27 and 28 2025 shows, but this does not guarantee success as tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

The rock band said the demand for the shows has been unprecedented after their previous run of dates for the UK and Ireland sold out in less than a day last month.

Announcing the private ballot last weekend, the band said entries would be strictly limited to those who signed into their Ticketmaster account on August 31, joined an event specific queue to purchase tickets, but were not successful in completing an order.

It comes after the band announced they were reuniting for a run of dates in London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Manchester, for the first time since breaking up backstage at Frances Rock en Seine festival in 2009.

On Wednesday, the band ruled out returning to Knebworth Park in the future, along with any plans for more dates in the UK.

The previous sale caused controversy as many fans were shocked by standard tickets for the reunion tour more than doubling from 148 to 355 on Ticketmaster, prompting the Government and the UKs competition watchdog to pledge they will look into the use of dynamic pricing.

Meanwhile, others were left angry and disappointed after being left empty-handed, having battled website issues, being mislabelled as bots and waiting in an online queue for hours to buy tickets.

In a statement on Wednesday the band said they hoped the new private ballot ticket sale strategy will make the process far smoother for fans by reducing the stress and time it takes to obtain tickets.

Saturdays sale for the extra two Wembley days will be broken into three slots across the day, running from 8.30am to 10am, 12pm to 1.30pm and 3.30pm to 5pm.

The Oasis announcement on Friday that all ballot codes had been sent out left many fans feeling dejected, including Simon Page who said he was gutted at not getting another chance to secure a ticket.

Liam and Noel Gallagher announced last month they will reunite for Oasiss long-awaited reunion with a worldwide tour in 2025 (Simon Emmett/Fear PR/PA)

The 45-year-old telecoms manager from Buckinghamshire told the PA news agency: The whole process has been a farce as there are a high number of tickets on resale sites for ridiculous prices. In-demand pricing is also a disgrace.

The Oasis fan had previously queued for eight hours on Ticketmaster for tickets but prices more than doubled when he got to purchasing, before being thrown to the back of the queue.

I started at 54,000 and got to select tickets but by that point they were more than double due to in-demand pricing, he said.

I couldnt add to the basket anyway and after five attempts I got thrown back into the queue at 401,000. I entered the new ballot and got accepted.

Today I received no code for tomorrows sale so I was unsuccessful again.

Others who were successful, including 17-year-old Nathan Palmer, expressed their excitement at securing a ballot code but worried at how tough the competition will be on Saturday to secure a ticket.

He previously queued for four Oasis tickets but by the time we got through the queue, Ticketmaster had already raised the prices from 140 to 360 each and we all thought that was way too much to be paying so we didnt get any, he said.

We all signed up to this new presale ballot and only one of us got the code but on the email it says that the ticket prices will be definitely set between 75-200 which is more reasonable so we have a bit more hope that we will get tickets this time.

UK  Two extra Wembley Stadium shows have been added due to phenomenal demand. Tickets will be sold by a staggered, invitation-only ballot process. Applications to join the ballot will be opened first to the many UK fans who were unsuccessful in the initial on sale with pic.twitter.com/Dpfhk49va3  Oasis (@oasis) September 4, 2024

Sam Chapman, 40, said she had been tensely waiting all week to hopefully secure a ballot spot as she has been a fan of the band for years, but was unfortunately not selected.

She told PA: I saw them back in 2009 when they last toured and I was super-excited when they announced their new shows, but obviously there was huge demand.

I think it was always going to be the luck of the draw and unfortunately I wasnt lucky this time. I think gutted probably sums it up.

When they announced that they were reforming, its a big pop culture moment and I think the gigs next year will be huge. Its a big deal, but there we go.

Brad Haines, 29, was also disappointed to not receive a ballot code but remains hopeful he may still get tickets.

Mr Haines, based in Wales, told PA: I was hopeful all week that Id get chosen but it just wasnt to be. I really do hope that fans who did get lucky with the ballot get their tickets tomorrow without any problems.
The pausing of funding for city and growth deals in Northern Ireland has been blasted by First Minister Michelle ONeill as unacceptable and deplorable.

The move by the UK Government comes amid a spending review ahead of the Budget at the end of October.

It will impact four deals for the Belfast regions, Londonderry city and Strabane, Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West.

Michelle ONeill described the move as deplorable (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Together the four deals, worth a total of 1.7 billion, cover the whole of Northern Ireland.

The deals are bespoke funding arrangements between the Treasury, the Stormont Executive and local partners.

The UK Government had been expected to contribute around 617 million to the four Northern Ireland deals.

While it is believed that projects where contracts are already signed will proceed, there is now doubt over the future of a number of planned regeneration and digital projects.

The Derry and Strabane deal had been expected to be signed next week.

First Minister Michelle ONeill said she will call on the Government to reconsider.

The decision to pause funding for city and growth deals is unacceptable and deplorable, and I would urge the British Government to urgently reconsider, she said.

This approach is extremely short-sighted. These city and growth deals will be game-changers for the regeneration of our cities and towns, and a catalyst for economic growth and creating good jobs. Its crucial that they continue as planned.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: Officials were informed of this potential direction of travel on Wednesday.

We raised this during a meeting with the Chancellor in London on Thursday, spelling out the dire consequences such a decision would have and urged for a reconsideration.

Departments and deal partners will be urgently assessing what this pause means for the city and growth deals projects moving forward. There will be much detail to work out, but we will do that as a matter of urgency, alongside all relevant partners.

Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald accused the Government of acting in bad faith.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the pausing of the city deals was devastating (Mark Marlow/PA)

She said she has written to the Treasury calling on it to immediately reverse this reprehensible decision, which she said comes less than a week before the scheduled signing of the Derry City and Strabane Deal.

She added: I urged the British Government to provide space for proper political engagement to get to a positive outcome and a commitment to go ahead with the deal.

Instead they have chosen to proceed to pause their funding commitments.

The British Government have said its attempting to reset relationships, instead they have acted in very bad faith.

I am calling on them to step up and honour the commitments and pledges made on city deals, where significant plans and contracts have already been put in place at significant cost to local councils, project promoters, the civil service and Whitehall departments.

SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood described it as a devastating announcement.

He said: Significant and substantial investment plans are now facing undue delay and disruption with no certainty or clarity ahead of the comprehensive spending review.

The SDLP pioneered the idea of city deal funding in Northern Ireland and we had to fight the Executive every step of the way to agree.

He added: The British Government has said that it is committed to investing in those communities that need it most  well theres no region that needs this kickstart investment more than Derry and the North West or Northern Ireland more generally.

This funding was critical to projects that can transform communities across the north.

We cant afford to give up that opportunity. I will be in touch with British Government ministers about this decision urgently.
The Penguin follows the rise to power of Ozwald "Oz" Cobb in Gotham's criminal underworld after the events of The Batman. (Sky/HBO) (HBO)

The Penguin explores the origin of one of Batman's iconic nemesis, and Colin Farrell has been heaped with praise for his turn as villain Ozwald "Oz" Cobb in the new HBO series.

Taking place just one week after the events of The Batman, with Gotham in ruins after The Riddler's attack and Oz seeing it as an opportunity to get to the top of the criminal underworld following the death of mob boss Carmine Falcone. But it won't be easy for him to do so because the Falcone family are ready to fight for what's theirs, especially Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone.

Critics were impressed by the series, comparing it to the likes of The Sopranos in style and tone. Farrell's take on the villain was also commended by some, with one even going so far as to call his portrayal "one of the greatest villains ever seen".

Critics were impressed by the series, comparing it to the likes of The Sopranos in style and tone, and Farrell's take on the villain was also commended. (Sky/HBO) (A 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. THE PENGUIN and all related characters and elements are copyrights and trademarks of DC. All Rights Reserved.)

Variety's Aramide Tinubu praised the show for being "a masterful examination of criminality" thanks to how "twisted, disturbing and deeply enthralling" it is.

Tinubu was especially blown away by Milioti, writing: "Miliotis Sofia is a calculated, thoughtful woman whos driven to stand at the center of power. The juxtaposition of the pair across the show  including flashbacks from their contrasting childhoods and their reactions to losing or gaining dominance  is among the most compelling aspects of The Penguin."

For Evening Standard's Martin Robinson, it is thanks to Farrell that the show works so well as he described The Penguin as "a far richer character study [than The Batman], driven by a world-beating 'give him the Emmy now' performance by Colin Farrell."

The critic added: "The series is far too dense with twists and turns to write about in detail without spoilers, but this is a five star series that mafia film fans will adore. Its very much an Italian-American gangster Penguin, with Farrell finding the sweetest of evil spots between Tony Soprano and De Niros Vito Corleone."

One critic called Colin Farrell's portrayal of The Penguin 'one of the greatest villains ever seen in a comic book movie or TV series'. (Sky/HBO) (HBO)

DiscussingFilm's Jacob Fisher was the most effusive with his praise for the show, writing that it has "masterclass" performances from Farrell and Milioti.

The critic said: "Colin Farrell delivers an immersive, career-best performance as the titular Batman foe. What we saw of him in The Batman barely scratches the surface of his character and what makes him tick.

Read more: Every upcoming DC film and series

"From emotional scenes shared with Ozs mother to showcasing manipulative methods to outdo his enemies, Farrell further fleshes out a one-of-a-kind interpretation that stands as one of the greatest villains ever seen in a comic book movie or TV series."

Watch the trailer for The Penguin:

However, The Independent's Nick Hilton did find some faults with the show for evoking classics like The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire and even Succession, writing: "Thats an awful lot of prestige to shove into the Batman universe... by the time we reach any psychological resonance, its buried under a bunch of supervillain guff and lashings of Godfather riffs."

The Hollywood Reporter's Daniel Fienberg felt similarly, writing that the show is "too familiar" because it creates a story so similar to that of Tony Soprano: "You offer me the Penguin as a stunted, fish-swallowing freak with an ill-fitting tuxedo and skin so pale hes practically translucent, and Ill happily request, 'Tell me more.'

"Offer me a Penguin whos a husky, underappreciated mobster with insecurity fuelled by an unhealthy attachment to a mother who coddles him with one hand and emasculates him with another, and my first reaction will be, 'Yes, Ive seen The Sopranos before."

The Penguin sees Cristin Milioti (pictured) play Sofia Falcone, who was also heavily praised by critics with one calling her performance 'the shows defining performance'. (Sky/HBO) (A 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. THE PENGUIN and all related characters and elements are copyrights and trademarks of DC. All Rights Reserved.)

The critic also found fault with the show's pacing, adding: he story is an accelerated clash that rushes through three or four seasons of plot in these eight episodes. Eventually, its just various bad guys making similar and repetitively violent power plays"

It wasn't all bad, though, as the critic commended Milioti for giving "the shows defining performance".

The comparisons to prestige television didn't end there, as Digital Spy's Laurence Mozafari also compared it to The Sopranos by calling the series its "spiritual successor", as well as comparing it to Breaking Bad.

Mozafari wrote: "The Penguin edges and scrapes near greatness during its run, with compelling performances and strong storytelling, but sadly a few episodes veer into slightly dull mob politics, and the scenes within Arkham are more comic book-y, rather than matching the gritty reality they reach for the in rest of the show.

"Nevertheless, The Penguin is solidly watchable and perfectly bingeable... It doesn't hit the same creative heights as The Sopranos, but for fans of The Batman movie, there's going to be some added depth for the universe."

While the performances were universally praised, some felt The Penguin rushed through several seasons worth of plotline in only a few episodes. (Sky/HBO) (A 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. THE PENGUIN and all related characters and elements are copyrights and trademarks of DC. All Rights Reserved.)

The Telegraph's Ed Power called Farrell "a revelation" in The Batman and commended how he's taken him further in The Penguin, saying the actor "reinvented [him] as a charismatic mobster straight from a Scorsese movie. He is just as impressive as he returns in this new series."

Praising Milioti, Power added: "He has a worthy foil in Cristin Milioti, who brings a slow-boiling menace to the part of Sofia Falcone, the emotionally unstable daughter of recently deceased crime boss Carmine Falcone. Alas, two talented and committed leads are adrift in a glum and dreary thriller which takes forever to build any momentum and assumes the viewer is deeply invested in the origins of the Oswald Cobb."

The Penguin premieres on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Friday, 20 September.

This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/the-penguin-colin-farrell-reviews-sopranos-112013534.html
The decision to grant planning permission for what would have been the UKs first coal mine in 30 years has been quashed by a High Court judge.

Mr Justice Holgate said in a ruling on Friday that giving the go-ahead for the development at Whitehaven in Cumbria was legally flawed.

Climate campaign group Friends of the Earth (FoE) and South Lakes Action on Climate Change (SLACC) took legal action over the decision by the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government, then led by Michael Gove, to grant planning permission in 2022.

(PA Graphics)

While the Government withdrew its defence in July, the developer of the proposed site, West Cumbria Mining (WCM), continued to oppose the claim.

At a hearing in July, lawyers for FoE said the decision smacked of hypocrisy given the UKs vocal international advocacy over the phase-out of coal in energy systems.

Lawyers for WCM said there had been repeated mischaracterisation of the plans and the development would have a broadly neutral effect on the global release of greenhouse gas.

In his judgment, Mr Justice Holgate said: The assumption that the proposed mine would not produce a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, or would be a net zero mine, is legally flawed.

We won! Planning permission for the UK's first deep coal mine in 30 years has been quashed. The court agreed with Friends of the Earth and @slacctt that lifetime emissions of the Whitehaven mine (mostly from burning coal) weren't properly considered and approval was unlawful   Friends of the Earth (@friends_earth) September 13, 2024

The court heard the mine was dubbed as being net-zero and would extract what is known as metallurgical coal, which is used in steel-making.

It was also told the Government had previously accepted that approximately 15% of the coal would be used domestically.

After permission was granted in 2022, the Government withdrew its defence of the claim after the general election in July this year following a Supreme Court decision in June which said emissions created by burning fossil fuels should be considered when granting planning permission to new extraction sites.

At a hearing in London, Paul Brown KC, for FoE, said in written submissions that there is no significant need for the coal in the UK given statements from British Steel and Tata over their moves to electric arc furnaces.

Estelle Dehon KC, for SLACC, added in written arguments that granting permission for the mine whether purportedly net zero or not would lower the countrys status as a global climate leader.

James Strachan KC, for WCM, said the arguments in the legal challenge were poorly disguised attacks on the planning judgments made by the inspector and the secretary of state, and that the net-zero aspect of the project would be positive.

In a 48-page ruling, Mr Justice Holgate said the Government failed to deal with the fact that a positive precedent effect of a net zero mine leading to other similar projects would depend upon further offsetting arrangements; that would be undesirable because offsets are a finite resource.

FoE said the judgment marked the first fossil fuel case to be decided since the Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, and that a decision on planning permission would now go back to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner for reconsideration.

Niall Toru, senior lawyer at FoE, said: That the ruling today has gone against the mining company could have ramifications internationally, as there are cases abroad where challenges are being made against fossil fuel projects on a very similar basis.

This mine should never have been given permission in the first place. The case against it is overwhelming: it would have huge climate impacts, its coal isnt needed and it harms the UKs international reputation on climate.

Any reconsideration of the planning application can surely only reach one conclusion  and reject this harmful mine once and for all.

We believe that the writing is on the wall and that WCM should withdraw its application for this climate-wrecking project.

Duncan Pollard, a trustee at SLACC, said: It is now doubly clear that fossil fuel companies cannot ignore the combustion emissions caused by the use of their oil, gas or coal, or rely on simplistic claims that a new coal mine will have zero impact on global emissions.

We sincerely hope that any re-examination of the coal mine proposal considers all relevant issues and this ill-conceived idea is permanently shelved.

Central and local government need to concentrate on secure and sustainable jobs for west Cumbria.

A spokesperson for WCM said: West Cumbria Mining will consider the implications of the High Court judgment and has no comment to make at this time.
Russias spying accusations against six British diplomats in Moscow are completely baseless, the Foreign Office has said after Russia withdrew their accreditation.

The FSB security service said the Russian Foreign Ministry has terminated the accreditation of six employees in the British Embassy in Moscows political department.

The move was in response to numerous unfriendly steps by London and after signs of spying and sabotage were detected, the FSB said in a statement.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless.

The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK Government in response to Russian state-directed activity across Europe and in the UK.

We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.

The six diplomats left Russia weeks ago and are already being replaced, the PA news agency understands.

The news comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets US President Joe Biden in Washington and is expected to discuss Ukraines plea for restrictions to be lifted on using Western weaponry against Russian targets.

Concern about the conflict escalating has been one of the reasons why permission has not yet been given to Kyiv.

The US and UK this week 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.

We stand with Ukraine today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes. pic.twitter.com/uhCWahGpF2  David Lammy (@DavidLammy) September 12, 2024

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that allowing long-range strikes would mean that Nato countries, the US, and European countries are at war with Russia.

Sir Keir responded to the remarks ahead of his meeting with Mr Biden, telling journalists that Ukraine has the right to self-defence but stressing that we dont seek any conflict with Russia.

Maria Zakharova, Russias Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said the six British diplomats were carrying out subversive actions aimed at causing harm to our people.

She said: We fully agree with the assessments of the activities of the British so-called diplomats expressed by the Russian FSB.

The British Embassy has gone far beyond the limits outlined by the Vienna Conventions.

The six diplomats met with independent media and rights groups that Russian authorities have declared to be foreign agents, according to Russian state TV.

A number of Russian diplomats left the country after the UK Government in May imposed various measures on the countrys embassy in London.

The UK ordered Russias defence attache in London to leave, claiming he was a spy.

Moscow then expelled a Royal Naval officer based at the British Embassy in Moscow, giving him a week to leave the country.

The UK also revoked the diplomatic status of two Russian-owned properties in the UK that were believed to have been used for intelligence purposes, and placed new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday urged western leaders to stop putting off decision-making over the use of long-range missiles in a lengthy post on X.

When we ask for these systems, we repeatedly hear, We are working on it. Time passes, but Russian missiles and Iranian drones continue to terrorise our skies and our people, he said.

Its difficult to repeatedly hear, We are working on this, while Putin continues to burn down our cities and villages. He doesnt need anyones approval. Putin interprets delays in helping us and in making strong decisions for Ukraine as permission to do whatever he wants.
Five Just Stop Oil activists have lost Court of Appeal challenges against their convictions over a track invasion which disrupted the 2022 British Grand Prix.

Alasdair Gibson and Louis McKechnie, both 23, David Baldwin, 49, Emily Brocklebank, 26, and 31-year-old Joshua Smith were found guilty of risking serious harm to drivers and race marshals during the protest action.

Jurors at Northampton Crown Court convicted the group in February last year after being shown footage of some sitting on and being dragged off the circuit at Silverstone as two Formula One cars passed close by.

At an appeal hearing in London in June, the protesters lawyers argued that their convictions were unsafe.

The Crown Prosecution Service opposed the appeals, telling judges that there were clearly sections of the public who were at risk during the protest and that after jumping fences, activists went into a dangerous prohibited area.

On Friday, Lord Justice Holroyde, who considered the cases alongside Mr Justice Griffiths and Judge Nicholas Dean, dismissed all the appeals.

They concluded that directions given to jurors by the judge overseeing the protesters trial at Northampton Crown Court contained no error of law.

In the 16-page written ruling, Lord Justice Holroyde said: Given the strength of the prosecution case, taking into account only the risk to drivers, marshals and others who might assist the marshals, we are satisfied that the terms in which the judge directed the jury do not render the convictions unsafe.

The activists all denied causing a public nuisance at the July 2022 race in Northamptonshire, claiming the protest had followed a meticulous safety plan.

Prosecutors argued protesters had clearly caused an immediate risk of serious harm to drivers and race marshals by sitting in the face of fast-moving vehicles.

Baldwin, Gibson and Smith were handed 12-month community orders by Mr Justice Garnham in March last year.

Alasdair Gibson arriving for trial at Northampton Crown Court in January 2023 (Joe Giddens/PA)

McKechnie and Brocklebank  who have a joint previous conviction for glueing themselves to the frame of a 70 million Van Gogh painting days before the F1 protest  were given suspended prison sentences of 12 months and six months respectively, both suspended for two years.

The protesters legal teams appealed against their convictions on grounds relating to Mr Justice Garnhams rejection of their mid-trial argument that there was no case to answer.

At the hearing in June, it was argued that only a handful of individuals were potentially put at risk by their actions, which did not amount to an impact on a section of the public as required by the public nuisance offence.

Nadesh Karu, representing Smith and Brocklebank, said Silverstones Wellington Straight, where the track invasion took place, was not open to the public.

The barrister said the cases were fundamentally different to a protest that takes place on a public highway, adding that prosecutors accepted the 115,000 spectators were not at risk of serious harm.

Race marshals were also not at risk of harm because they were not allowed to enter the track before it was safe to do so, the court was told.

Mr Karu said the track protest took place after the majority of cars had already passed by amid a red flag signalling drivers to slow down and head to the pit lane because of an earlier racing incident.

Lord Justice Holroyde said it was open to the jury to find that the defendants conduct had created a risk of serious harm to a section of the public.

He added: We agree with the judges conclusion that the arguments of the defendants were a misconceived attempt to atomise the relevant section of the public and to reduce it to its constituent parts in order to characterise them as a series of unrelated individuals.

Brocklebank, of Yeadon, Leeds; Gibson, from Aberdeen; McKechnie, from Manchester; and Smith, from Lees in Oldham, went on to the race circuit during the protest.

Baldwin, of Stonesfield, Oxfordshire, was found in a car park along with glue, cable ties and a Just Stop Oil banner and was said by prosecutors to have been in it together with his co-defendants.

His barrister Rabah Kherbane argued that he did not assist or encourage the other activists in getting onto the track.

Bethany Mogie, Alasdair Gibson, Emily Brocklebank and David Baldwin arriving for trial at Northampton Crown Court in January 2023 (Joe Giddens/PA)

Baldwin, who was pulled back by a race marshal, had his bid to appeal against his conviction on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence to establish secondary liability rejected by judges.

They said it appeared like a cynical attempt  to rely on the speed of a marshals response  itself an indication of the high degree of risk created by persons trespassing onto the prohibited area when cars were moving round the track  to distance himself from the conduct of his co-accused who managed to clear the fences.

At the trial, jurors were shown personal video statements from the defendants recorded a day before the protest, including a claim that the world is being destroyed for the benefit of a few people.

The court was told that the protest action was designed to draw media attention to Just Stop Oils call for the Government to halt new fossil fuel extraction licences.

Bethany Mogie, from St Albans, aged 40 when convicted alongside the other protesters, withdrew her appeal before Wednesdays hearing.
Feature: Chinese scholarships empower Myanmar students to greater horizons

Xinhua) 11:09, September 13, 2024

YANGON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- With faces glowing with excitement and eyes sparkling with hope, Myanmar's university students eagerly awaited the presentation of scholarships from Chinese organizations at a seminar hall in Yangon on Thursday.

China's CITIC Myanmar, in partnership with the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), presented scholarships and stipends to 240 students from Myanmar Maritime University (MMU) and Yangon University of Foreign Languages (YUFL).

Chan Myae, a 21-year-old third-year student majoring in Chinese language at YUFL, is the eldest son in his family in Yangon.

"I have one younger sister. I'm extremely happy to receive this support and would like to thank CITIC Myanmar for the scholarship," he said.

"With the cash I received, I will be able to purchase Chinese books for my studies, prepare for HSK exams (a Chinese proficiency test), and ease my transportation and other financial burdens," he said.

Regarding his choice to study Chinese at YUFL, he said China and Myanmar are neighbors with many bilateral economic relationships. "That's why I chose to study Chinese. Then, I developed an interest in Chinese language and culture, particularly Chinese tea culture and Beijing opera," he said.

"The scholarship enhances the relationship between the two countries and fosters people-to-people connections," he said, adding that he wants to become a professional translator and study in China in the future.

Shwe Yamin Oo, a second-year Thai language student at YUFL, shared her joy in receiving the scholarship. "This support is crucial for students like us and greatly benefits our education," she said. "After graduation, I aim to work in roles that benefit our country."

On behalf of the scholarship and stipend recipients, Myat Phone Ko, a fourth-year student from MMU, thanked CITIC Myanmar and expressed willingness to be a part of the China-Myanmar brotherhood relation.

R Zar Ni, a 21-year-old fourth-year student at MMU, is the youngest one of five siblings. She said this scholarship came at a time of dire need.

"Our family requires financial support as my elder sister is also now attending university. The stipend will help me through my final year and support my future," she said.

"As a student majoring in port and harbor engineering, I plan to build ports and harbors in the future. This support will help me contribute to my community and country and also foster China-Myanmar friendship," she added.

U Ko Ko Hlaing, union minister of ministry 2 at the office of the chairman of the state administration council, thanked CITIC Myanmar and all involved parties for working together to provide better learning conditions for Myanmar students and promote the progress of the country's education.

He also said that CITIC Myanmar and the CFRD have worked hard to contribute to Myanmar's poverty alleviation and development.

The CITIC Star scholarship program will award 240 scholarships annually over the next two years to students from MMU and YUFL.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Alexis Payton poses for a portrait holding a photo of his 14-year-old son, Landon, during an interview on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 in Houston. Landon Payton died suddenly after a medical emergency in the Marshall Middle School gym on Aug. 14. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Jeremiah Johnson is comforted by Monique Howard during a vigil for his classmate, Landon Payton, on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Alexis Payton talks about his 14-year-old son, Landon, during an interview on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 in Houston. Landon Payton died suddenly after a medical emergency in the Marshall Middle School gym on Aug. 14. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center building on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Jeremiah Johnson, center, hugs Alexis Payton, father of Landon Payton, who died suddenly at school last week, during a vigil on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor

The family of Landon Payton, the 14-year-old who died after suffering a medical emergency in the Marshall Middle School gym, is still searching for answers, a month after the teens death.

The family gathered outside HISDs administration building Thursday at the start of the board meeting with Cesar Espinosa of FIEL, an immigrant-led civil rights organization, and state Rep. Christina Morales. Espinosa, speaking for the family, said the Paytons are calling for transparency on what happened to Landon on Aug. 14.

We are here today to start asking those questions, Espinosa said. And we are here today to demand that HISD have transparency in this investigation, in this situation. But more importantly, that they offer solutions at the end of the day, so that no family has to go through what this family has gone through.

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Espinosa said they have been hearing a task force may be assembled, and Espinosa called for a member of the family to be on the task force if a group is assembled.

Attorney Chris Tritico, representing the family, has said the gyms automated external defibrillator was not working at the time of the emergency. The family is waiting to see if a functioning AED could have prevented his death before potentially filing a lawsuit against the district.

Morales, whose district includes Marshall, said her office still has not received answers after reaching out to HISD and the Texas Education Agency.

And to be quite frank with you, we havent gotten any really clear answers after we sent the letter, Morales said, adding that TEA referred Morales' office to HISD for answers.

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The family, wearing red in honor of Payton, Morales and Espinosa locked arms as they walked to the building. After entering the board room, they remained standing. The board continued with public comment. They took turns holding Paytons photograph, until someone called for the board to say Landons name.

During public comment, Anna Luzuriaga said she was a very bereaved citizen with a child the same age as Payton.

Its all on yalls clock, Luzuriaga said of Landons death, emotion in her voice to the board. We sat here, and were saying keep our children safe. You havent done that. I would like to use the rest of my time for a moment of silence for Landon Payton.

Community members, some wearing red, stood, and some people called for state-appointed board members to stand as well.

The board joins you  Board president Audrey Momanaee said, before community members cried out in disagreement. They chanted Landon Paytons name. Momanaee spoke, but it was unclear what she was saying over the volume of chanting. As the community members continued, the board went into recess and board members left the room.

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When the board reappeared and ended the recess, Momanaee said, This board grieves for that family, She added after outcry: We are here as a board to hear from the public. We are happy to hear from everybody that shows up to talk with us.

She requested that people to stop speaking after their time limit.

Lisa Weiss, parent of a second-grader, said in public comment it was imperative that non-working AEDs are serviced immediately and to ensure there are people CPR-trained on each campus.

We need to fill our nurse vacancies now, Weiss said. Our children deserve better.

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About 10 people affiliated with The Party for Socialism and Liberation protested outside the front doors of Hattie Mae White Educational Support Building before HISD police asked the protest to move outside the gate by the request of the districts legal department. Brandon Hanson, with the protesters, said the precedent was that people can protest on the grounds. The group was protesting appointed Superintendent Mike Miles, the unelected board, and the $4.4 billion school bond on the November ballot.
The family of a jogger run over by a speeding driver have criticised his killer for taking the cowards way out after he refused to return to the UK from Pakistan to face justice.

Rashid Ali, 30, was going twice the 20mph speed limit when his Range Rover Sport struck marketing executive Jack Patrick Ryan near Battersea Bridge in west London.

Mr Ryan, 29, suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene.

Ali, 30, failed to attend his Old Bailey trial and was convicted in his absence of causing death by dangerous driving.

On Friday, he also failed to attend court where he was sentenced to five years in prison.

In a statement afterwards, Mr Ryans family said: The pitiful sentence handed down today to Mr Ali is an insult not only to our family but to all families who experience the trauma of having a loved ones death caused by dangerous driving.

The leniency of the sentence is made all the worse by the fact that Ali completely avoided his original trial by absconding to Pakistan and has today compounded our grief and his own shame by not showing at court today for his own sentencing.

Ali has shown zero empathy and zero compassion for our family and by taking the cowards way out at every step of the way he has avoided any accountability which has inflicted even more pain for everyone who loved Jack.

Jack Patrick Ryan was described as the perfect combination of a big kid at heart with a sensitivity at his core that made him love and care for those around him so deeply (Family handout/PA)

Mr Ryans parents Noel and Teresa Ryan, his sister Ciara Ryan and partner Elizabeth Austin said they had been left shattered by their loss.

In a joint statement, they said: We all carry the trauma of what happened to Jack with us every single day of our lives. We live with a constant, unshakeable anxiety that the very worst could happen at any moment  because we have had the worst happen to our family.

As well as losing a son, brother and friend, a beautiful little baby girl will never get to meet her father. Everyone who knew Jack from all areas of his life misses him deeply and we will all forever cherish his memory.

They thanked those who had supported them, and added: Jack was the person who everyone was lucky to have in their life. He was a funny, kind-spirited man with a great love for life and a fierce love for his friends, his partner Liz, his family and his beloved Aston Villa.

Jack was the perfect combination of a big kid at heart with a sensitivity at his core that made him love and care for those around him so deeply.

Previously, Alis barrister James Scobie KC had read out an email in which the defendant relayed his great stress and anxiety and apologised to everyone he had let down.

Ali wrote: I feel very ashamed of myself and have assassinated my own character.

Despite vowing to return to Britain to face any prison sentence, the court was told on Friday that he remains in Pakistan.

Sentencing Khan to five years in prison, as well as a five-and-a-half year driving ban, Judge Judy Khan said that she had received a letter from the defendant.

He stated that he does intend to return at some point to serve his sentence, she said.

I am unable to accept that assurance.

CCTV footage of the collision showed Mr Ryan was struck and thrown into the air before landing on the front of the Range Rover on Battersea Bridge on the evening of January 13 2021.

The surface of the road had been wet and the defendant had been travelling at speeds of between 39mph and 41mph in the 20mph zone, prosecutor Philip Stott said.

When Alis vehicle was about 50 metres away from traffic lights they had changed from green to amber, which would have given him time to stop, jurors heard.

Following the collision, the defendant claimed Mr Ryan had run across the road in front of his car, leaving him no time to apply the brakes, the court heard.

However, Mr Stott said that the Highway Code clearly stated that an amber light required a driver to stop at the stop line.

A driver could only continue if the amber light appeared after the vehicle had crossed the stop line or if pulling up might cause an accident.

Mr Stott said: There was no other vehicle travelling so close behind Mr Alis car that it might cause an accident if he were to stop at the amber light in the normal way.

He had plenty of time to stop safely and he was, therefore, obliged to do so by the rules of the road.

Instead, the defendant broke those rules and, in doing so, caused the death of Mr Ryan.

Following the verdict, Joe Dodman of law firm HCC, said: Jacks family have shown incredible strength and dignity in the face of overwhelming grief and trauma.

Not only have they lost someone truly special in everyones lives but they have to try and move forward knowing the perpetrator has been handed a sentence far less in duration than most people would naturally expect.

The fact he wasnt present to face them either in court at the trial or today at sentencing hurts the family even more.

Those who are convicted of the serious criminal offence of causing death by dangerous driving should be required to face the consequences of their own actions and compelled to face their multiple victims.
A teacher who held a placard at a pro-Palestine protest depicting Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts has been found not guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence.

Marieha Hussain, 37, denied the prosecutions allegation that the placard was racially abusive and her trial at Westminster Magistrates Court heard that she quite obviously does not have a racist bone in her body.

Hussain denied and was acquitted of the charge on Friday, prompting claps and cheers from her supporters in the public gallery.

District judge Vanessa Lloyd said: I find that it was part of the genre of political satire and, as such, the prosecution have not proved to the criminal standard that it was abusive.

Hussain held a placard depicting Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts (Crown Prosecution Service/PA)

The prosecution has also not proved to the criminal standard that you were aware that your placard may be abusive.

Giving evidence, Hussain said the placard was a light-hearted piece of political banter, a way to depict something serious in a British satirical way, the court heard.

In his closing speech, Rajiv Menon KC, defending, said: This prosecution of Ms Hussain is  a disturbing attack on the right of freedom of expression; the right to peaceful protest that did not risk in any shape or form violence or public disorder; the right to anti-racists to criticise members of their own race for pursuing racist policies and using racist rhetoric; the right to satirise our politicians; the right to mock and tease and make fun of our politicians in a light-hearted way that Marieha Hussain attempted to do with her placard.

That Marieha Hussain of all people is being prosecuted for a racially aggravated offence whilst the likes of Suella Braverman and Nigel Farage and Stephen Yaxley-Lennon  aka Tommy Robinson  and Frank Hester are seemingly free to make inflammatory and divisive statements  is, Im afraid, incomprehensible to many people.

Mr Menon said Hussain is a woman of impeccable character, adding: She is a responsible and thoughtful citizen who genuinely cares about the plight of those less fortunate than her, who is prepared to exercise her democratic right to peaceful protest against injustice.

We submit that she should not be criminalised for her satirical coconut placard, the barrister continued.

It would be a tragedy  I use that word advisedly  for her to be convicted of a racially aggravated offence when she quite obviously does not have a racist bone in her body.

The court heard expert opinion on whether the term coconut is a racial slur.

Mr Menon said experts struggled to see how the term could be capable of being a slur without some qualifying word, behaviour, context that racialises it.

There is no racialising qualifier (in this case), he added.

He questioned why the prosecution did not produce an expert to say the term coconut is a racial slur and why they did not call someone who was offended by Hussains placard to give evidence.

There is, in short, a gaping hole as far as the prosecution evidential case against Marieha Hussain is concerned and we say boldly that the Crown has not even come close to meeting its burden to the criminal standard, Mr Menon said.

In a prepared statement read out to court by the prosecution, Hussain, of Brands Hill Avenue, High Wycombe, said she had attended the pro-Palestine protest with her family.

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.

An image on the other side of the placard depicted the former home secretary as Cruella Braverman, Hussain said in her statement.

Prosecutor Jonathan Bryan said the term coconut was a well-known racial slur which has a very clear meaning.

He said: You may be brown on the outside, but youre white on the inside. In other words, youre a race traitor  youre less brown or black than you should be.

Marieha Hussains trial began at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday (Alamy/PA)

Mr Bryan added that Hussain had crossed the line between legitimate political expression and moved into racial insult.

Mr Menon said previously that the humorous and satirical placard 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.

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.
Lilly is waiting for the "one"  the one to take her home forever that is. The Pit Bull has been languishing at the Humane Society of Broward County in Florida. All she's been able to do is watch so many of her friends get adopted  but no one has come to claim the Pittie for their own.

As the shelter themselves described it, the Pit Bull was "used and discarded" when they found her. Now all she needs is someone to see how special she is.

There are so many dogs who end up in shelters like Lilly. But things can change in an instant if the right person comes along. According to a video the shelter shared on her behalf, the Pit Bull spends most of her day waiting in her kennel.. watching other dogs get adopted. That's been hard for the dog to see.

Related: 'Saddest' Pit Bull at Shelter Immediately Lights Up Upon Realizing He's Being Rescued

"She doesn't understand why she's being overlooked," the text overlay reads. "Lilly is playful and affectionate and has so much love to give," they pointed out.

The comments section was behind Lilly. They were hoping she would find her fur-ever home soon. "Please someone help this baby," begged one commenter. "Please, somebody adopt beautiful angel," another commenter agreed. "Someone will come, Mama. Someone will come," chimed in someone else. "Hope she finds a loving family, such a sweet girl," praised another person.

More About Lilly the Pit Bull

Lilly would make a great pet for any home. According to the shelter, they found Lilly "wandering along Las Olas Blvd."

The 3-year-old might be shy at first, "but once she trusts you she becomes incredibly affectionate," they added.

"She adores being petted, giving hugs, and sharing kisses," they explained. The dog also loves "to chase toys and then settle down beside you for more pets and belly rubs."

If you have a cat, it's no biggie. Lilly is "unbothered" by the creatures, but is actually a little more picky when it comes to other dogs.

"A meet-and-greet is recommended," the shelter wrote.

The Pittie knows basic commands like "sit" and is trainable. She particularly loves peanut butter, bananas, blueberries, and pup cups  something to keep in mind during training.

"If youre looking for a companion with a great mix of energy and calmness, Lilly is your girl!" the shelter exclaimed.

If you or someone you know is interested in Lilly, you'll want to head to the Humane Broward County website.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
A major defence review should prepare the UK to wage peace to help save lives, taxpayers cash and control migration, according to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Most Rev Justin Welby said the new Governments root and branch review needs to develop a peace-building option, alongside preparedness for war, in a bid to stop conflict before it happens.

He explained this could enable the UK to extend its influence, protect its interests and guard against fresh waves of migration.

Speaking during a debate on Sudan, Mr Welby said he had heard reports from those meeting small boats crossing the Channel of a very high proportion of people arriving from the war-torn African country.

Sudan descended into conflict in April 2023 after months of worsening tensions turned into open fighting between rival factions, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), seeking control of the country.

Mr Welby described Sudan as a human catastrophe on an extraordinary scale and said the use of vast quantities of humanitarian aid only results in temporary solutions.

He acknowledged the hard work of the Foreign Office in response to Sudan, before highlighting the UK Governments desire for a return to democratic civilian-rule.

Mr Welby told the Lords: But as weve seen elsewhere, peace with an authoritarian government is better than no peace at all, and I hope that is not so much of a red line that we will not work to establish the ceasefire and the stability which will enable civilians to take over.

Mr Welby raised the need to wage peace and highlighted the strategic defence review (SDR) as an important and welcome opportunity to build a new pillar in the way the UK structures its defence and security operations.

He said: It was a pillar notably absent from the two integrated reviews. A peace-building option, well developed and acting in areas of fragility, would extend our influence, protect our interests and, as has been said several times, guard against fresh waves of migration.

I already hear anecdotally from within the diocese I serve and its south coast, that of Canterbury, that those who are meeting those landing in boats find a very high proportion indeed are coming from Sudan.

Mr Welby suggested the UK needs to invest longer-term in broader reconciliation resources, saying: Specifically designed with partners to find peaceful solutions.

In other words, the SDR should be full spectrum, preparing this nation not only to wage war but to wage peace as well. I fear that may not be the case.

Mr Welby said he hopes the Foreign Office will look very carefully at putting such mechanisms in place, adding: Not least, in our current times in this country, for reasons of economy.

Stopping conflict before it happens via peaceful, political solutions should be central to any security and defence root and branch redesign.

 At 10am: #HouseOfLords members debate the situation in Sudan amid ongoing conflict in the region.  See more and watch online at the link in our bio  Learn more from the Lords Libraryhttps://t.co/5BGO6ZHJXY pic.twitter.com/oy2NUfU05Z  House of Lords (@UKHouseofLords) September 13, 2024

Mr Welby pointed to the UKs enormous influence and expertise in sub-Saharan Africa, adding: The work of peacebuilding not only saves lives, it saves vast amounts of taxpayers money for defence, for migration control and from humanitarian aid.

It can be used expertly in contexts where our military would never operate in force, and rightly, and yet where strategic foreign policy must work, such as in the context of securing critical minerals for the global transition to renewable energy, like the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo).

Reducing the need for emergency funding, reducing destruction and reducing the dangers of vastly increased immigration are in our interests.

Mr Welby said the Foreign Offices negotiation and peace process support team is underfunded and understaffed, as he proposed creating a broader joint reconciliation unit.

Opening the debate, Foreign Office minister Lord Collins of Highbury warned the world is not paying enough attention to Sudan.

He said: Sudan is facing a manmade famine and one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

More than 10 million people have been forced to leave their homes, and recent widespread flooding has pushed the country to the brink, devastating an extremely fragile ecosystem.

The UN estimates that more than 24 million people  about half the Sudanese population  need humanitarian assistance, a figure, sadly, that continues to grow as the conflict drags on.

Lord Collins said the UK has increased its humanitarian support to Sudan and sanctions have been imposed on key figures linked to both sides of the conflict.

He added: Turning to peacebuilding, the United Kingdom supports the establishment of a civilian-led government in Sudan. This countrys future must not include those who have led it into turmoil.

Lord Collins went on to condemn atrocities being committed in Sudan, saying: Some attacks by the RSF and its allied militia appear to have been ethnically motivated, and these bear all the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing.

Meanwhile, the SAF have launched indiscriminate air strikes in heavily populated areas, with no regard for civilian casualties.

Conservative former minister Baroness Anelay of St Johns said Sudan threatens to be deadlier than either conflict in Gaza and Ukraine.
A woman who used a voice-changing application to sound like a man during a sophisticated stalking campaign has been jailed for more than two years.

Adele Rennie, 33, from Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, pretended to be a male pharmacist when she matched with her victim on the dating platform Tinder in August 2023.

They exchanged mobile phone numbers with Rennie, a registered sex offender, later arranging to have flowers delivered to the victims home address, prosecutors said.

The woman then arranged to go on a date with the person who she believed to be a man from the fake profile.

On August 21 2023, Rennie cancelled the meeting at the last minute which resulted in the victim believing that the Tinder account was a catfish profile.

Six days later she received a voice note from a woman who called herself Cheryl, claiming to be a friend of the man and asking her not to give up on him.

She then received calls from the man which she believed sounded like the voice had been altered.

On September 5, the victim received an unwanted explicit image from Rennie, who stated she did not mean anything by it and was unable to delete it.

A week later the woman received a message from Rennie containing a photograph taken outside the complainers workplace.

Prosecutors said that on October 8, Rennie sent her victim a screenshot of Google Maps which showed someone outside her home.

The woman then received a photograph of her street which had been taken through a car window.

Five days later the victim was sent a ticket for a gig in London by Rennie but decided she did not want to go. Rennie then asked her to send the ticket on via Ticketmaster to an email address.

The woman was then shown pictures from the concert by a witness showing Rennie in attendance there. She then contacted police who searched Rennies home on November 14, 2023.

A mobile phone was examined which revealed an email address with the name of the man and searches for the victim in its internet history.

The police also found a photograph matching the fake male profile and recovered several bank cards, which had not been declared in accordance with Rennies sex offender notification requirement.

Rennie previously appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on July 30 where she admitted four charges.

On Friday this week, Rennie was sentenced to 28 months in prison and made subject to a 12-month supervised release order at the same court, the Crown Office said.

She was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

David Bernard, procurator fiscal for north Strathclyde, said: Adele Rennie carried out a sophisticated stalking campaign despite being subject to strict notification requirements as a registered sex offender.

We recognise that the trauma suffered by victims of stalking can be profound and distressing.

We hope this conviction brings some comfort to those affected by Rennies concerning and manipulative behaviour.

I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of such offending to come forward, report it and seek support.

You will be listened to, and we will use all the tools at our disposal to seek justice.

A non-harassment order, banning Rennie from approaching, contacting, or attempting to approach or contact her victim for a period of five years was granted at the court on Friday.

She was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his frustration at the continued restrictions on the use of Western weaponry against Russian targets.

In a lengthy statement posted on X, Mr Zelensky said after meeting with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken earlier this week, there should be no unanswered questions about why Ukraine needs sufficient long-range capabilities.

His words came after Sir Keir Starmer backed Ukraines right to defend itself following the suggestion from Russias President Vladimir Putin that his country would be at war with Nato if the west allowed long-range weapons to be used against it.

In his statement, Mr Zelensky said: When we ask for these systems, we repeatedly hear, We are working on it.

Time passes, but Russian missiles and Iranian drones continue to terrorise our skies and our people.

Our soldiers are showing incredible heroism, but they need reinforcements.

These reinforcements mean equipped, ready-to-fight units in sufficient numbers to not only hold ground but regain it. We have been asking for this from our partners for months.

I am grateful to those who made the commitments and are fulfilling them, but we are still far from fully implementing what has been agreed.

Its difficult to repeatedly hear, We are working on this, while Putin continues to burn down our cities and villages.

Antony Blinken, Volodymyr Zelensky and David Lammy (Leon Neal/PA)

Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken were pressed on the use of Western weaponry during their visit to Ukraine earlier this week, but said they had to report back to their bosses, the Prime Minister and US President.

Sir Keir said on Thursday that the UK does not seek any conflict with Russia, before adding: Thats not our intention in the slightest.

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.

The issue is likely to be discussed by Sir Keir in a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday.

Continuing his statement, Mr Zelensky said: Anyone who sees at a map where Russia launches its strikes from, trains its forces, keeps its reserves, locates its military facilities, and what logistics (it) uses clearly understands why Ukraine needs long-range capabilities.

We discussed this with Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Lammy during their visits.

After our conversation, I believe there should be no unanswered questions about why Ukraine needs sufficient long-range capabilities.

I want to emphasize the word sufficient not just enough to say that there is a decision, but enough to truly change the course of the war and compel Russia to seek peace.

He continued: The war must become more difficult for Russia  that is the only way to make them realize it must end, and end fairly, based on international law.

This requires strong decisions from the world. You all know what these decisions are.

When we hear that missiles have arrived in Russia from Iran, it is the same evil that the allies had to shoot-down in the skies of the Middle East.

Why am I speaking in such detail about weapons now?

Because these details highlight the pressure we must apply to force Russia to seek peace.

Putin only understands strength. Only the things that strengthen Ukraines position.

Only what makes the situation worse for Russia. Only the fact that the partners are actually taking the necessary steps, and not promising to consider what steps are needed from meeting to meeting, as if it is not clear.

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 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.

The PM and Mr Bidens first White House bilateral took place as the Sir Keir 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.
A crested sculpin in Alaska. Shane Gross/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

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."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A late-night shooting near a bus servicing business in southeast Virginia Thursday left two men dead and three seriously injured, police said.

The shooting took place in Suffolk, a city just over 35 miles southeast of Virginia Beach.

A motive in the shooting was not immediately known, but the Suffolk Police Department reported just before 11:30 p.m., someone called 911 to report a shooting on East Washington Street.

Arriving officers reported finding five people shot, according to a release from police.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue also responded and provided medical assessment and treatment to the five victims  one who paramedics pronounced dead, officials reported.

'I am going to die': Colorado teen shot in face while looking for homecoming photo spot

Four people shot in Suffolk shooting taken to hospital

Another man was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries, police said.

Three other victims were also transported to a hospital to receive treatment for unspecified injuries.

Their conditions were not immediately known Friday morning.

Police have not released information about the shooter or said whether an arrest had been made in the homicide case.

Police asking public for help in Suffolk shooting

USA TODAY has reached out to police and fire officials.

Police did not release additional information and said the case remained under investigation Friday.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to contact Suffolk Police or go to www.p3tips.com, visit the Suffolk Police Department website (www.suffolkva.us/spd) and look for the Suffolk Crime Line link. Tipsters can also call 888-LOCK-U-UP, 1-888-562-5887, and select option 5.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Suffolk, Virginia shooting: 2 dead, 3 injured near bus service station
[BBC]

[Getty Images]

Last week, we asked you what subjects are not being talked about more widely when it comes to Brentford. A number of you suggested the importance of Bryan Mbeumo was going under the radar so we asked our fan writer Ian Westbrook for his thoughts on the Cameroon forward.

Brentfords rapid recent progress has been based around our player recruitment policy.

The "buy-cheap, sell-high" strategy has worked a treat, with players like Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma, Ivan Toney and David Raya among those whose sales made us huge profits.

This has allowed better and pricier players to arrive, and continue the cycle.

Selling one key player seems inevitable every summer, and while we understand the policy, we also hate seeing talent leave. However, we are already preparing ourselves for Mbeumos possible departure next year.

The striker has already played more than 200 games for us since arriving in 2019, immediately becoming part of our "BMW" front three, alongside Watkins and Benrahma. After they left, he partnered Ivan Toney up front.

During Toneys ban last season, Mbeumo stepped up as the main man and his importance was emphasised when we lost 10 out of 13 games while he was out injured, but only three of 10 once he returned.

Mbeumos game has developed since joining Brentford and there is still more to come.

Since the 2021-22 Premier League season, only Kevin de Bruyne and James Maddison each have more combined goals and assists than him in fewer games.

In 2021-22, Mbeumo hit the woodwork seven times, but he has worked on his finishing and become more clinical.

He is lethal when cutting on to his left foot and shooting. He has flair, pace and an almost telepathic relationship with Yoane Wissa, who is also a close friend off the pitch.

I would love Mbeumo to stay with the Bees for years  and maybe he will. However, the big clubs are sure to be interested in him and there are already rumours he could move to Liverpool to replace Mohamed Salah if he leaves.

Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast
Nenquimo is a Waorani leader, which she considers a huge honour but one that weighs heavily on her shoulders (Amazon Frontlines )

Ive often thought that it must be easy to destroy what you dont understand, says Nemonte Nenquimo, the first woman president of the Waorani people of Pastaza, in eastern Ecuador. She's also the co-founder of two non-profit organisations, the Indigenous-led Ceibo Alliance and Amazon Frontlines, which both work to protect the rights and lives of Indigenous people against the ever-present threat of the climate crisis.

I thought, perhaps if the outsiders understood a bit more about our lives in the Amazon rainforest, theyd stop trying to cut it down, burn it, or poison it, she says.

Nenquimo is explaining why, considering the traditional oral history of her community, she's written a book. Co-authored with her American partner Mitch Anderson, it was published in June and entitled We Will Not Be Saved, which rejects the idea that Indigenous people need saving.

The memoir is a beautiful depiction of growing up in her village, set deep within the biodiverse Amazonian rainforest, from her first memories of her nomadic hunter-gatherer tribe and playing with her siblings, up to how she became the activist she is today.

Writing the book was a way of putting it all down into one place, for the world to understand the true extent of devastation that's taken place  and continues to  through a personable narrative in the hope of the destruction coming to an end. We are all facing a global climate crisis: perhaps if people in the industrialised world understood something about the richness, complexity and beauty of our lives in the forest, theyd do something to protect the forest and stop burning so much fossil fuel, she says.

Nenquimo's tone is one of emergency too. Scientists say the Amazon is approaching a tipping point from which it could never recover. My parents know that the climate is wounded because it is now almost impossible to find beehives high up on the kapok trees. The forest is wounded.

Nenquimo during a protest against oil drilling on ancestral lands in the Amazon (Matteo Barriga / Amazon Frontlines)

For Nenquimo, being a Waorani leader is not only a huge honour, but also a big responsibility that weighs heavily on her shoulders. I must listen to, care for and fight for my people, our culture and our territories. Above all, I feel responsible to the children and the future generations: they deserve to grow up and be able to choose to live their lives in the same forest I grew up in if that is their wish.

It's a responsibility that Nenquimo has not taken lightly. Since 2013, she has been defending indigenous rights and lands against extractive industries in the Amazon, becoming a world-leading voice. She has seen first-hand the effects of the climate crisis following the destruction of the Amazon.

Her most momentous achievement came in 2019, when Nenquimo played a pivotal part in winning a case against the Ecuadorian government, protecting half a million acres of Waorani ancestral land in the Amazonian rainforest from oil drilling. It set a landmark legal precedent to protect a further seven million acres from planned oil auctions.

When Nenquimo found out they'd won, she says: We sang! We sang, danced and shouted in the streets! Though her dedication to the cause continued as strongly as ever as the next day she went back to her territory to keep organising and strengthening our communities as long as the world continues to consume beyond its means, our homes are in danger.

And it's true as Nenquimo, 39, has seen her home village change drastically even within her lifetime. The world Nenquimo grew up in has constantly been under threat, which she extensively documents in her book. She depicts the early beginnings of the arrival of white people, known as cowori, who came in search of black gold within the Waorani land. Nenquimo remembers how they first brought Coca-Cola and sweets, then disease, before destroying their lands. This is why we are fighting: so that our children and our grandchildren can grow up in the Amazon rainforest, she says.

Now Nenquimo's work to protect the Amazon in Ecuador is intensifying because the president, Daniel Noboa, who was elected last November, is threatening to roll back on the 2019 case.

Noboa is planning to auction off Indigenous territories in the Amazon to oil companies, based on the very consultations that were invalidated in the 2019 court decision, says Nenquimo.

Waorani leader Nemonte Nenquimo alongside elders Okenene and Wina Omaca during a community gathering (Sophie Pinchetti / Amazon Frontlines)

To prevent this happening, she explains they plan to take the government back to court to make sure these contracts do not move forward. And again we will need resources and international actions and solidarity to help us defend our homes.

Noboa shows little sign of moving towards signing the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, which aims to prevent the expansion of fossil fuel exploitation, as well as see a just transition to clean energy, which Nenquimo says Noboa has shown that he cannot be trusted to keep his word.

If further oil drilling did go ahead, it would result in mass devastation. Nenquimo says: It would be a death sentence for Waorani culture and territory. It would mean ecocide. It would mean pushing the planets climate  and with it life as we know it  over a tipping point.

The Independent will be revealing its Climate100 List in September and hosting an event in New York, which can be attended online, to reserve your place click here
Families of students are seen at Sharpstown International School, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Sharpstown International School and Neff Elementary School were put in lockdown Friday afternoon, following a tense week of unsubstantiated threats against campuses across the country after the deadly shooting in Georgia.

Houston ISD leaders announced increased security measures Thursday, after apparent copy-cat threats were made against several Texas campuses and in Houston ISD, where some parents received notification Tuesday about a threatening social media post.

HISD police said dispatch received a call that a student at Sharpstown International had a gun at approximately 12:37 p.m., reported by another student. Parents were alerted around 1 p.m. by administrators. Police did an interior and exterior sweep of the school, and said they did not find a gun.

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A screenshot of a message posted on Facebook from the neighboring Neff Elementary school's principal, Mahalet Negussie, indicated that campus was temporarily placed "in secure status as a precautionary measure while police investigate suspicious activity in the area. There is no direct threat to your students." The message indicated instruction was continuing as normal, and that everyone was safe.

About 200 panicked parents came to pick up their children.

"Nobody's injured at this time. So, just be patient and your child will come," HISD police commander Darren McCall said.

Families leave Sharpstown International School, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Students at Sharpstown International were being released by grade, and one student seemed to be detained by police, according to Marta Perez, parent of 10th grade twins at Sharpstown International. Perez described police being by the front of the building.

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She said she left her work in tears after receiving texts from her children there was a shooting inside the school, a rumor that circulated widely.

"Happy that everyone is OK, but it's really scary," Perez said as she waited for her children inside. "You know, it's just no one is safe anymore. We think that we send our kids to school to be safe, and you get this news. I was worried."

Eric Zeleya, waiting for his 17-year-old student, said he got a call. He wasn't sure what happened, and his sister said a boy inside had a gun. Zeleya also said this person was arrested. Police did not confirm any arrests and reported finding no gun.

Sharpstown International School is seen, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

"All the people are scared," Zeleya said, adding that he was told to wait an hour for his child to be released. "She's waiting inside, I don't know, probably one hour more."

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Naydelin Neri, 19, arrived at 2:40 p.m. to pick up her 16-year-old brother and cousins, after her brother called their mom to say there was a shooting.

"Schools should really pay attention to bullying kids because that's because a threat has already been made about a kid who have been bullied, and they don't help," Neri said. "And kids who deserve to be punished, they don't get punished at all, really."

Families of students are seen at Sharpstown International School, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Parent Mayra Ramirez arrived around 12:30 p.m. to get her sixth-grader. Her daughter said that she heard from other students that a gun was sighted in the cafeteria. She said when she called the school, they didn't answer her calls.

"It's just terrible what's happening here," Ramirez said, expressing frustration that she waited three hours for her child to be released.

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Bryan Chavez, a 10th-grader, said he saw people getting up and running outside.

"So, you know, I was, I was scared, and I started trembling," he said. "But then the teachers, they told me to, like, stay seated, OK? I was at lunch and then a bunch of people jumped up and ran. Some kids even jumped the gate."

Sharpstown International, at 8330 Triola Lane, is a sixth- through 12th-grade magnet school in HISD that enrolled about 1,200 students last academic year. Neff Elementary School, at 8301 Neff St., has about 780 students in second- through fifth-grade, its website shows.

HISD said in the afternoon it was aware of a security threat at Sharpstown International School involving "a possible weapon on campus."

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"HISD police and HPD are at the school and investigating. At this time, the threat is unsubstantiated," the district commented at 3:44 p.m. "Students and staff are safe and there have been no injuries reported. Out of an abundance of caution the campus was placed on lockdown throughout the investigation and remains in a security hold. The campus team is working with parents who have arrived at the school on a controlled dismissal (this means students will be dismissed in stages). We understand this is a scary situation for families and HISD is in communication with them."
A custodian at a northern Virginia high school was stunned last month when students raised money to get him a shiny new Jeep to drive.

Francis Apraku is a custodian at James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia, about 11 miles west of Arlington. When students found out he longed to own a Jeep Wrangler, they created a GoFundMe and raised over $21,000.

They gave Apraku his shiny, red Jeep Wrangler this month and captured the touching moment on film.

"Francis, that's for you, buddy," said one student in the video.

A Jeep Virginia community members gifted to custodian Francis Apraku in September 2024.

The custodian then dropped to the ground and rolled off to the side, covering his face and crying as students surrounded him.

"I can't believe this," he later said in the video before hugging the students.

Freshman Bennett Hibshman, 15, led the initiative with six friends, adding on their GoFundMe page that Apraku moved to the United States a few years ago.

Ever since we met Francis he has been super kind and friendly and sometimes even says prayers for us, Hibshman wrote under on the fundraiser page.

Heart-warming: A tornado nearly ruined the wedding. But watch a soulful stranger save their first dance.

Custodian told students he wanted Jeep Wrangler for his birthday

According to the students, theyd previously asked Apraku what he wanted for his birthday. He said hed always wanted a Jeep Wrangler but couldnt afford one.

The freshmen students then made the GoFundMe in hopes of getting him a Jeep Wrangler by the time they graduated. That day came much sooner than they thought and within 48 hours, theyd raised $5,000.

We didn't face many challenges in the fundraising effort, Hibshman, one of the students, wrote in an email to USA TODAY. We were lucky enough to have it explode all over the town of Vienna.

He added that local businesses like the Vienna Inn, Terra's Ice Cream, Coffee, & Sweets and Rodi Salon helped raise the money. The students parents helped too, he said.

When asked how the experience has changed his perspective on communities and how they can impact locals, Hibshman said he was shocked by how much people will do for strangers.

Francis Apraku, a custodian at James Madison High School in Virginia, posing with community members who raised money to buy him a Jeep.

A community can come together and raise that much for a man they have never met, he told USA TODAY via email.

He said Aprakus reaction to his new Jeep Wrangler was more than they expected.

His reaction was contagious and made all of us happy for him, he wrote.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia  the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Students buy custodian Jeep Wrangler for his birthday: Watch
Any amount of alcohol raises dementia risk, a new study suggests. Image credit: Olga Shumytskaya/Getty Images.

This article originally appeared on Medical News Today

There is no level of alcohol consumption that does not increase the risk of dementia among drinkers, according to a new study.

Using statistical methods based on genetic analyses, the authors of the study found that alcohol heightened dementia risk in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed.

This study contradicts earlier research that suggested light to moderate drinking may protect against dementia.

There is no level of alcohol consumption that is not associated with a higher risk of dementia, suggests a new study, contrary to previous findings.

The study, which appears in eClinicalMedicine, concludes there is a linear relationship between the amount of alcohol one consumes and the risk of developing dementia.

Earlier research suggested a protective effect for lower and moderate levels of drinking, but the new study finds that this was likely the result of something they refer to as abstainer bias.

Putting one question to rest: Is moderate drinking safe for brain health?

Experts have understood for some time that heavy drinking is associated with dementia. However, the effects of light and moderate drinking have remained an area of debate.

In their attempt to clarify the relationship between light and moderate alcohol consumption and dementia, the authors of the study analyzed data from the UK Biobank for 313,958 white, British drinkers.

Participants were free of dementia during initial data collection during 20062010. During this time, individuals self-reported their drinking habits, and provided the UK Biobank genetic information.

Participants were followed until 2021, during which time any diagnoses of dementia were recorded. The researchers looked at the data from two perspectives.

For the first, using the self-reported alcohol consumption information, they employed a conventional multivariable Cox analysis. This is a statistical technique often used to assess the relationship between a risk factor and health outcome over time.

This analysis produced the classic j-curve graph that implied a protective effect for moderate drinking. This means the graph curve drops down initially, then goes up.

The second perspective involved looking at participants genetic data, since the amount of alcohol one consumes can be accurately predicted according to the presence of certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)  a type of genetic variation  in a persons genome. The researchers targeted 95 SNPs that are linked to alcohol consumption but not to smoking.

For these data, they used nonlinear and linear Mendelian randomization analyses, research methods used to provide evidence for causal relationships between risk factors and health outcomes.

Both of these analyses suggested a linear relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia risk, indicating that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to dementia risk.

Why does alcohol affect dementia risk?

Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in the study, explained for Medical News Today that: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant drug which causes brain atrophy. Patients with dementia have baseline suppressed nervous system function with atrophy.

Ozan Toy, MD, MPH, of Telapsychiatry  also not involved in the study  put the relationship in more mechanistic terms, noting that alcohol is a known neurotoxin.

He elaborated that:

Alcohol can negatively impact the brains memory center known as the hippocampus by causing cell atrophy and by inhibiting the growth of new neurons via a process called neurogenesis. We also know that chronic alcohol use can lead to depletion of an important B-vitamin, thiamine, which is also really important for memory and cognition.

Common sense, said Segil, dictates that giving a patient with slow brain function a substance that slows brain function down more is going to worsen dementia.

Does alcohol offer any health benefits?

For many years, said Toy, it used to be believed that moderate alcohol intake could be beneficial for heart health, but recent research has debunked this. There is no good reason to drink alcohol for health reasons.

Segil agreed with the studys conclusion that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.

Alcohol use can cause seizures or electrical problems in the brain, causing it to short-circuit. Alcohol use can cause neuropathies, or fraying of peoples nerves in their hands and feet, causing burning pains and numbness, he told us.

Segil acknowledged that there was still some debate as to whether light alcohol consumption has some health benefits, but stressed that there were no brain health benefits to any alcohol consumption, even in small amounts.

What is abstainer bias in alcohol use studies?

The authors of the new study say that a factor in previous research and the j-shaped curve is abstainer bias.

Toy explained that abstainer bias refers to the inclusion of former drinkers who may have stopped due to health issues in the non-drinker category, as controls.

These abstainers have worse health than light drinkers but end up in the control group, which makes alcohol use appear to be healthier than it is, said Toy.

Alcohol only one factor in dementia risk

While cutting down or stopping alcohol use entirely is one important step in protecting brain health, the experts that MNT spoke to noted that there are many other factors that play a role in dementia risk.

Age, cardiometabolic disease, smoking, education, and socioeconomic factors likely have more substantial, cumulative effects on dementia risk than alcohol, said Toy.

Addressing alcohol consumption, though, offers an important avenue for prevention and should be addressed in any patients at risk for developing dementia, he added.

Drinking can cause memory loss on its own, independent of a persons cardiac health, smoking status, or age, said Segil. He noted that he has treated patients whose apparent dementia and memory loss have been resolved by convincing them to stop drinking.

Segil also pointed out that alcohol use is a frequent medical comorbidity in many neurological diseases, including memory loss, seizures, neuropathies, and traumatic brain injuries.

Alcohol use, emphasized Segil, is not a rich person or poor person disease, and afflicts all, independent of their social economic status.

View the original article on Medical News Today
Colin Gray, the father of accused Apalachee High School shooting suspect Colt Gray, asked a Georgia judge on Wednesday to keep him separate from other jail inmates because of the "incalculable number of threats" of violence and harm against him, including death threats, according to a motion filed by his attorneys.

The "nonstop barrage" of public information about the shooting, which saw four people killed at the Winder, Georgia, high school, stirred "feelings of anger and retribution manifested in the collective psyche, of both the public and community at large," Gray's attorneys wrote.

Two students and two teachers were killed in the Sept. 4 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia.

In the Barrow County Detention Center, where Gray is being held without bond, "opportunities abound" for other inmates to attack him, according to the motion.

"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" who want to harm Gray, his attorneys wrote.

Gray is jailed on charges of involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and cruelty to children in the crimes of which his son is accused. If convicted, he would be the third parent held responsible for a school shooting allegedly carried out by his child, after the parents of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley were sentenced to at least a decade in prison each in April.

Colt Gray, 14, faces four felony murder charges in connection with the deaths of fellow students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, and teachers Ricky Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53. Officials say he is suspected of shooting them dead in the Sept. 4 school shooting after bringing a gun into school in his backpack. Nine other people  eight students and one teacher  were injured.

Brian Hobbs and Jimmy Berry, attorneys for the elder Gray, did not immediately respond to USA TODAY'S request for comment.

More: What to know about the panic buttons used by staff members at Apalachee High School

Officials: Gray allowed son to possess weapon

The shooting stirred collective grief in the rural Georgia town. As the town grappled with the deadliest school shooting this year, anger and questions surfaced of how a gun got into the alleged shooter's hands.

Investigators say the elder Gray allowed his son to possess a firearm in the lead-up to the shooting. Bodycam footage released earlier this week showed a visit law enforcement paid to the Gray home in May of 2023 after the FBI received a tip that an account on social media platform Discord possibly linked to Colt Gray posted threats to commit a school shooting.

During the visit, Colin Gray told officers that his son had access to guns, but that he knew "the seriousness of weapons." He said he was teaching his son about gun safety and took him shooting and deer hunting "a lot," according to the video.

Gray said he and his son understood the seriousness of the online threats. "I'm going to be mad as hell if he did and then all the guns will go away," he told the officers.

Although schools were notified about the threats and authorities told Colin Gray to keep his son out of school, officers didn't have the probable cause to make an arrest, the FBI's Atlanta division said.

Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Father of Georgia shooting suspect makes prison request after threats
It's an epic creation you've got to see to believe.

Getty Images/Allrecipes

Special moments in time are often defined by a specific food. When most of us look back on our pre-wedding meals, the memories can often be a tangle of high-protein, low-carb fit into the dress afterthoughts. But Im a restaurant critic by trade, obsessed with flavor. While I ate my share of healthy soups and salads to prepare for my elopement two years ago, I spent just as much time thinking about a very particular hamburger. And while some fast food joints can cook up a decent burger, I wasn't interested in the offerings at more prominent chains.

There was one very specific burger on my culinary wishlist: Friendly's Cheese Skirt Burger.

In the spring of 2022, the Cheese Skirt Burger was among a dozen new, mostly over-the-top items that Friendlys added to its menu. Since I live in a Friendlys desert in Northern Virginia, I had to wait until my July wedding in Pennsylvania for a taste. The day I arrived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where my best friends judge father would perform my wedding ceremony the next day, my husband-to-be and I had twin primary goals: Get married and eat that burger.

We met up with my bestie at the Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, Friendlys and proceeded to each order a Cheese Skirt Burger. My paramour and I could easily have shared, but whats the fun in that?

What Is a Cheese Skirt Burger?

Friendly's

Ive been demolishing Friendlys burgers since I had teeth (the chain debuted almost 50 years before that, in 1935, so next year is its 90th birthday), but this beef-and-bun experience was utterly novel. The juicy patty of a Cheese Skirt Burger resembles Saturn. Its encircled by at least an inch (more like two when Ive been lucky) of griddled cheddar and Monterey Jack. The bottom of that ring is crisp, almost a replacement for bacon, but the top remains stretchably gooey. The lightly sweet brioche bun, fresh vegetables, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing conspire to make the insane creation a memorable burger fix even without the skirt.

Digging into the Cheese Skirt Burger requires some strategy. Do you eat the perimeter first? Save it for last? I found myself folding the edges, sharp and origami-like, onto the patty and beneath the top bun. Its a large mouthful, but worth every moment of effort.

How To Order a Cheese Skirt Burger

Two years later, disaster struck. On the way home to Virginia from an anniversary trip to Nova Scotia, my husband and I stopped at Friendlys in Pennsylvania once again. Though there were plenty of appealing burgers on the menu, the Cheese Skirt was not among them. We resolved to order other things. Until a miracle happened.

I off-handedly mentioned to my server that we were sad to see the Cheese Skirt Burger go. You can have one, she said with a wink.

It turns out that Friendlys offers a menu hack for just such occasions. According to a representative from the company, now owned by Dallas-based Brix Holdings, some Friendlys locations can still enter a handful of discontinued menu items into their POS system, depending on whether the ingredients are on hand. This is important because the chain, with just over 100 locations mostly concentrated in the northeast, changes its main menu once a year, but adds limited-time offers three times in every 12-month cycle. If you have a favorite, it might not last forever.

The most popular burgers right now are the All-American Burger and the Smashed Classic Burger. And theyre about to upgrade them all. The representative says that Friendlys will transition to serving all Angus beef beginning in October. That means that, provided I can convince my server to use the hack, Ill be biting into an even better Cheese Skirt Burger soon. My heart leaps at the crispy, beefy possibilities. Thank you, Friendlys for knowing that some fans simply have their hearts set on a nostalgic favorite.



Read the original article on All Recipes.
New York filmmaker Hilan Warshaw had no intention of beginning his documentary on Henry Morgenthau with darkness.

But after the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel last year, he felt he needed to make a statement about antisemitism  the same hate which dogged his subject, the former secretary of the Treasury during the Second World War.

Honorable Mr. Morgenthau, which premieres at the Quad Cinema Sept.13, plunges the viewer into several uncomfortable minutes of darkness, punctuated by angry snippets of audio from protesters screaming epithets like Zionists need to die  a refrain Warshaw heard often during pro-Palestinian protests in New York City earlier this year.

When I started making this film, I was determined not to put anything modern-day into it, Warshaw said in an interview with The Post.

Henry Morgenthau (left) and his upstate New York neighbor, President Franklin Roosevelt (center). Morgenthau had a hard time swaying Roosevelt to take action to save Jews before and during the Second World War. Bettmann Archive

I wanted to tell the historical story as immersively as possible, without making contemporary parallels. But after October 7, I found the subject of my film facing me in the world we live in.

In his Upper West Side neighborhood, posters of Israeli hostages, some of babies and toddlers, were defaced with swastikas or torn down, he said.

Anyone whos intellectually honest has to ask: What on earth is behind the ferocity of these protests, said Warshaw, an Emmy Award-winning writer and director whose previous films include Wagners Jews, which chronicles the Jewish supporters and fans of controversial German opera composer Richard Wagner.

Antisemitism, the tradition of scapegoating and hating the Jewish people  has been deep-seated in Western society and beyond for more than 2,000 years, Warshaw said. And it hasnt gone anywhere.

Henry Morgenthau Jr., secretary of the Treasury, at the microphone for CBS Radio in Washington, DC, in 1945. CBS via Getty Images

Honorable Mr. Morgenthau examines the antisemitism of high-ranking members of the US government that prevented the saving of Jewish refugees.

Antisemitism pervaded the upper echelons of the wartime government of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, where Morgenthau, a longtime friend of the presidents, grew increasingly frustrated at his inability to save Europes Jews from Nazi concentration camps.

The film begins with the heartbreaking letters sent to Morgenthau from distant relatives in Germany, begging him to bring them to America. Morgenthaus father, a real estate developer and ambassador to the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, was born in Germany, and immigrated with his family to New York City in 1866.

He created a dynasty, and while Morgenthau Sr. was well known as a leader of Reform Judaism in the city, the second generation of the Morgenthau clan was hardly made up of practicing Jews.

If anything, they were fiercely American, a storied family of intellectuals and public servants who liked to spend most of their time on a farm in upstate New York near the Roosevelts country estate.

The Morgenthaus celebrated Christmas every year at their Dutchess County retreat, and Morgenthau confessed that he had never been to a Passover seder until after he left government employ at the end of the Second World War.

Working with the World Jewish Congress and other relief agencies, Henry Morgenthau set up the War Refugee Board and was able to save 200,000 Jews from being shipped to Nazi death camps, such as Auschwitz, from which these child prisoners were liberated in 1945. Getty Images

Antisemitism and a fear of letting in too many refugees prevented federal bureaucrats and policymakers from helping Jews in the Third Reich, who were targeted by the Nazis. Corbis via Getty Images

Being Jewish was something that was never discussed in front of children, says his son Henry Morgenthau III in the film. It was kind of a birth defect.

As a child, when Henry Morgenthau III was asked by a little girl in Central Park what his religion was, he asked his mother, who said that if anyone asked him again, he should just reply that youre an American.

Henry Morgenthau III, an author and producer, died in 2018. His younger brother, Robert, was Manhattans longtime district attorney, who died a year later. Their younger sister, Joan Morgenthau, a doctor, died in 2012.

Henry Morgenthau, born in 1891, was the quintessential American country gentleman and bureaucrat, who was fiercely loyal to Roosevelt. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy and the Dwight School before going on to study agriculture and architecture at Cornell University.

Emmy-winning filmmaker Hilan Warshaw said he decided to begin his film on Henry Morgenthau in darkness to emphasize the resurgence of antisemitism after the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel last year. Courtesy of Hilan Warshaw

Although he never earned an academic diploma, he helped Roosevelt design the New Deal, and prepared the US economy for war as secretary of the Treasury, the second-highest-ranking cabinet seat.

But when it came to rescuing Jews, his efforts were stymied. Assistant Secretary of State Breckinridge Long, who oversaw the agencys Visa Division, prioritized US national security over humanitarian aid, and was also a known antisemite.

A popular propaganda film, Confessions of a Nazi Spy, fed into the wartime hysteria that helping refugees would allow spies to penetrate the US.

There were many obstacles to rescue, said Warshaw. The State Department was filled with antisemites and popular opinion was opposed to letting in refugees.

The sad fact is that Roosevelt didnt take action to save more Jews because he didnt believe in doing so. He once boasted to Morgenthau that he was personally responsible for Harvards instituting a quota on Jewish students.

US Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau with his assistant Henrietta Klotz, who was known as his watchdog. She urged her boss to work to bring Jewish refugees to the US during the war. LOC

Starved prisoners freed from a concentration camp in Ebensee, Austria, on May 7, 1945. Getty Images

In 1942, when secret cables indicated the Nazis were killing more than 6,000 Jews a day in Poland, Morgenthau began working with the World Jewish Congress and other relief groups to help rescue Jews in Europe.

In 1944, he persuaded Roosevelt to create the War Refugee Board, which sponsored Swedish businessman Raoul Wallenbergs mission to Hungary to help Jews leave the country. More than 200,000 Jews were saved.

Despite his efforts, Morgenthau was treated with contempt by his government colleagues, especially after Roosevelts death in April 1945. Roosevelts successor, President Harry Truman, refused to send any of Roosevelts advisers  a group that included Morgenthau and aides whom Truman called the Jew boys  to the Potsdam Conference where the US, Great Britain and the Soviet Union hammered out the future of Germany.

For his part, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill referred to Morgenthau as Shylock.

Despite the opposition, Morgenthau pushed forward even after he left government. He plunged into relief work for Jewish nonprofits with the help of his longtime secretary, Henrietta Klotz, a Jew and one of the heroes of the film, who was unrelenting in her mission to save refugees.

When push came to shove, he was confronted with horrible knowledge, not only about the Nazis but about his own government, said Warshaw of the subject of his film.

Unlike virtually anyone else in his circle, he defied the advice of his family, the orders of the president, and  put everything on the line to fight for what was right.

In his later life, Morgenthau donated his energies to Jewish philanthropic efforts and was a financial adviser to Israel. He died of heart failure in 1967.

Honorable Mr. Morgenthau premieres at Quad Cinema on September 13 and continues through September 19. Filmmaker Hilan Warshaw will answer questions after the screening on September 14 and 15.
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.

Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the D.C. Brief newsletter.

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.
Police say a man who broke into the British pub where he used to work in Texas had to be rescued when he got stuck in a grease vent.

Firefighters were able to free the 43-year-old man from the grease vent at the Red Lion Pub in Houston after he broke into the restaurant through the roof on Sept. 7, Houston police told USA TODAY on Friday.

It's unclear how long the man was stuck, but it was apparently for some time as he didn't get help until employees arrived to open the pub and found him "anchoring" from the ceiling, police said.

Police took the man into custody and booked him on a burglary charge. He remains jailed and his arraignment is set for Oct. 30. His bond is set at $15,000, according to jail records.

Man was former employee of Red Lion Pub

The pub told authorities the man used to work there but had been fired.

Red Lion Pub declined to comment on the break-in when contacted by USA TODAY on Friday.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man breaks into Houston pub where he used to work, gets stuck in vent
By Nandita Bose

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris said during Tuesday's debate with Republican Donald Trump that she owns a gun, a revelation that surprised some voters but carried a deliberate political message.

Harris owns a handgun for personal safety reasons, and it is stowed away in a secure location at her California home, a White House source said on Friday. The source declined to identify the make of gun, but said it is the same gun Harris mentioned in 2019 on the campaign trail.

KEY QUOTES

"This business about taking everyone's guns away  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," Harris said on Tuesday, referring to her running mate Walz.

In 2019, Harris told reporters "I am a gun owner, and I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do  for personal safety. I was a career prosecutor."

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT:

Harris along with most of her Democratic Party, has pushed for more gun safety legislation to curb the high rate of gun deaths and injuries in the U.S. Republicans blocking this legislation have argued that Democrats want to seize Americans' guns and overturn the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that gives Americans the right to "bear arms."

Harris is trying to appeal to some voters among the one-third of Americans who own a gun and the two-thirds of Americans who support stronger regulation of gun ownership.

CONTEXT

Harris has called for implementing universal background checks and expanding red flag laws to take away guns from people who are deemed dangerous or unstable. She also wants to ban so-called assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

"I'm a good marksman," Harris said during an onstage Politico interview in 2015 in California after being asked if shed ever fired a gun. Yes, I have shot a gun many times," she said, adding that it was a pistol.

Trump's New York concealed carry license was suspended in April 2023 after his criminal indictment, CNN reported. He turned over two of three pistols he owned and the third was moved to Florida, according to the news outlet.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Heather Timmons and Deepa Babington)
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
Colorado is on the road at Colorado State in Week 3. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) (Ric Tapia via Getty Images)

Police had to make an arrest on Colorados Folsom Field on Thursday night.

A 48-year-old man suspected of a hit-and-run was arrested after he allegedly drove his truck onto Folsom Field. The arrest happened after Boulder Police were alerted to a truck that had been involved in multiple hit-and-run incidents around the University of Colorado campus.

University of Colorado police then got involved. From 9 News:

Officers attempted to stop the driver, but he continued to drive away from them, said police. Then the driver was spotted near Colorado Avenue and 28th Street when CU Boulder Police tried to stop him on Stadium Drive.

Campus police said the driver rammed a gate to drive onto Folsom Field. The University of Colorado Boulder sent an emergency alert via social media just before 7:20 p.m. Thursday warning of a heavy police presence at Folsom Field and advising the public to avoid the area.

Subscribe to College Football Enquirer on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or wherever you listen.

The driver, Karl Haglund, surrendered when he was surrounded by police after his truck got onto the field. He was arrested on nine different charges, including criminal attempt of vehicular assault, multiple counts of leaving the scene of a crash and trespassing, a charge that ostensibly comes from driving his truck onto the field. Per ESPN, Haglund had parked his truck near one of the 40-yard-line markers.

Thankfully for the Colorado grounds crew, there doesnt have to be a rush to get the field ready for Saturday. Colorado plays at Colorado State in Week 3 before returning home to play Baylor on Sept. 21.
Vallerie Lamour, a Haitian migrant, plays with Jayden Metayer, the child of a woman she met while crossing the Rio Grande near Del Rio, while the mother speaks with a reporter Saturday, June 5, 2021, at a shelter in Houston. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Long-term solutions

Regarding An Ohio city reshaped by Haitian immigrants lands in an unwelcome spotlight, (Sept. 11): This morning I read about Springfield, Ohio, and their issue that their small city of 60,000 residents has received between 15,000 and 20,000 immigrants in the last four years, many of them from Haiti. Its outrageous what the administration has done there and elsewhere throughout the U.S.

Here in Texas we have our own issues. In San Antonio we have an immigration center on San Pedro Avenue, and its not right what is being done to these people and to the community. Its supposed to be a stopover for them on their way somewhere else, but many wind up sticking around. Quite a few hang out in front of stores and sidewalks most of the day or they walk around the neighborhoods.

I was in a small local grocery store yesterday, and a family of displaced individuals walked up and down the aisles asking for money. I feel very badly for these people and their children, but the government had no right to open our borders and simply disperse people wherever it felt like.

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The center, like so many others around the nation, is a place for them to sleep and eat, but then each day they are pushed out of the center and into the community. If we allow them to be here, we need to deal better with them  for their sake and for the communitys wellbeing.

Peter Stern, Driftwood

Beyond rock bottom

Regarding J.D. Vance is lying about immigrants eating cats  and Houston Republicans are spreading it, (Sept. 10): Our junior U.S. senator, Ted Cruz, is promoting a racist story online about legal Haitian immigrants in Ohio that was promoted by self-described neo-Nazis. Just when I thought he had hit rock bottom, he began digging.

Alan Jackson, Houston

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Campaign coverage

Regarding Know before you vote, (Sept. 9): Im with the letter writer Bob Fowler: Voters should wise up. Hopefully my message will be a warning to Nancy Perich Daly, the letter writer who thinks the Houston Chronicle is a free, unbiased press.

Kamala Harris is running a similar campaign to Joe Bidens in 2020, in which he hid in the basement, letting the press do his bidding and keep us from being aware of his failing mental state. The only difference is Harris is hiding in plain sight, waving to the press while never answering questions, letting the so-called journalists carry her water to the finish line. Why should she work to earn the highest office in the land when all she must do is smile and not be Trump?

Our press covered for Biden throughout his administration and even most, like the Houston Chronicle, endorsed him for a second term until the fatal debate that pulled back the curtain on the Great Oz for all to see the truth. Whats scary is he is still being allowed to stay in office.

The media loved Trump before he became a candidate for president and personally, Im not a fan of his style, but I dont think anyone can argue against the fact that, during his administration, we had greater world peace, a more prosperous nation with affordable groceries, fuel and housing. So, how is it that our free press is determined to convince us that our country will never recover if Trump is elected to a second term? He has a proven track record whereas Harris has done nothing to make our country better during her time in office. Yet based on her political rhetoric, youd think she is running as the outsider to bring change. Really? Wise up!

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Barbara Goodson, Kingwood

I have not seen anything in your coverage of the former presidents campaign having the benefit of misinformation straight out of a Kremlin-owned Russia Today subsidiary. They are alleged in other major national press and media to have paid social media influencers millions to produce and publish pro-Trump pieces.

When I asked a neighbor (who is not voting this year) why she will not vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, she replied, Shes evil. I saw on TV the trucks in front of the Democratic National Convention providing abortions and vasectomies. It seems foreign enemy interference has been invited by domestic enemy No. 1 again to avoid being jailed as public enemy No. 1.

Britt D. Davis, Katy
A Minnesota bus driver has been accused of driving a school bus with 18 children on board while under the influence of alcohol.

The 44-year-old driver was arrested and charged after a concerned citizen alerted the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office just after midnight on Sept. 4 that the bus driver was drinking at a local bar while off duty, the sheriff's office said in a news release.

"There were concerns he was highly intoxicated and would not be sober by morning when he would likely begin his route," the sheriff's office said.

Deputies with the department were able to get in touch with the driver at his home around 6:30 a.m., and he told them he would not be working that day. The school district was informed about it.

Driver went on duty

But shortly after 7 a.m., authorities were notified the driver was "in fact working and had started his route."

Patrol deputies were alerted, and they were able to locate the bus and pull it over without incident. The driver was "ultimately arrested for DWI," police said.

Eighteen children were on board the bus at the time, ranging from kindergarten to high school students, according to court records. Police said all children were "uninjured and doing well." The children, who were students of Southridge School in Alborn, about 160 miles north of Minneapolis, were put in the care of the school district staff, and their parents were notified.

The St. Louis County School District did not respond to USA TODAY's request for a comment. Superintendent Dr. Reggie Engebritson, in a statement, said the school takes the "safety of our students and staff very seriously," Northern News Now reported.

"We are working in cooperation with the St. Louis County Sheriffs Office as they proceed with their investigation," Engebritson is reported to have said. "Even though there is a shortage of bus drivers, we are taking all measures to ensure that we have enough drivers to cover our routes in order to get our students to and from school safely.

Sgt. Eric Sathers with the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office told USA TODAY on Wednesday that all 18 children were doing well.

Driver charged

The bus driver was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and for driving a school bus under the influence. His preliminary breath test results indicated his blood alcohol content at the time was 0.16, according to court records. The results of the blood sample, meanwhile, are pending. Under Minnesota law, there is "zero tolerance for a person to be under the influence of any amount of alcohol while operating a school bus," the police release said.

The suspect told the court that he had consumed an unknown number of beers at his home before going to the bar in Brookston, where he had two bottles of beer between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Sathers told USA TODAY the driver was released 12 hours after his arrrest.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota school bus driver charged with drunken driving with 18 kids
LONDON (Reuters) - Vladimir Putin's options to retaliate if the West lets Ukraine use its long-range missiles to strike Russia could include striking British military assets near Russia or, in extremis, conducting a nuclear test to show intent, three analysts said.

As East-West tensions over Ukraine enter a new and dangerous phase, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden are holding talks in Washington on Friday on whether to allow Kyiv to use long-range U.S. ATACMS or British Storm Shadow missiles against targets in Russia.

President Putin, in his clearest warning yet, said on Thursday that the West would be directly fighting Russia if it went ahead with such a move, which he said would alter the nature of the conflict.

He promised an "appropriate" response but did not say what it would entail. In June, however, he spoke of the option of arming the West's enemies with Russian weapons to strike Western targets abroad, and of deploying conventional missiles within striking distance of the United States and its European allies.

Ulrich Kuehn, an arms expert at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy in Hamburg, said he did not rule out Putin choosing to send some kind of nuclear message - for example testing a nuclear weapon in an effort to cow the West.

"This would be a dramatic escalation of the conflict," he said in an interview. "Because the point is, what kind of arrows has Mr Putin then left to shoot if the West then still continues, apart from actual nuclear use?"

Russia has not conducted a nuclear weapons test since 1990, the year before the fall of the Soviet Union, and a nuclear explosion would signal the start of a more dangerous era, Kuehn said, cautioning that Putin may feel he is seen as weak in his responses to increasing NATO support for Ukraine.

"Nuclear testing would be new. I would not exclude that, and it would be in line with Russia shattering a number of international security arrangements that it has signed up to over the decades during the last couple of years," he said.

Gerhard Mangott, a security specialist at the University of Innsbruck in Austria, said in an interview he also thought it was possible, though in his view not likely, that Russia's response could include some form of nuclear signal.

"The Russians could conduct a nuclear test. They have made all the preparations needed. They could explode a tactical nuclear weapon somewhere in the east of the country just to demonstrate that (they) mean it when they say we will eventually resort to nuclear weapons."

Russia's U.N. ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the U.N. Security Council on Friday that NATO would "be a direct party to hostilities against a nuclear power," if it allowed Ukraine to use longer range weapons against Russia.

"You shouldnt forget about this and think about the consequences," he said.

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. Putin is being pressed by an influential foreign policy hawk to make it more flexible in order to open the door to conducting a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country.

BRITISH BLOWBACK

In the case of Britain, Moscow was likely to declare that London had gone from a hybrid proxy war with Russia to direct armed aggression if it allows Kyiv to fire Storm Shadow missiles at Russia, former Kremlin adviser Sergei Markov said on social media platform Telegram on Friday.

Russia was likely to close the British embassy in Moscow and its own in London, strike British drones and warplanes close to Russia, for example over the Black Sea, and possibly fire missiles at F-16 warplanes that carry the Storm Shadows at their bases in Romania and Poland, Markov predicted.

Putin has tried and failed to draw red lines for the West before, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy - who is urging the West to be less cautious when it comes to confronting Moscow - to dismiss their importance.

But Putin's latest warning on long-range missiles is being seen inside and outside Russia as something he will have to act on if London or Washington allow their missiles to be used against Russia.

University of Innsbruck's Mangott said the way Putin's warning has been shown repeatedly on Russian state television created an expectation that he would need to deliver.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, told a press briefing on Friday that Putin's message had been "extremely clear and unambiguous."

Markov, the former Kremlin advisor, said "Russia has decided to break" the strategy of "boiling a frog on a slow flame," referring to the West's incremental increases in help to Ukraine aimed at not provoking a sharp Russian response.

"The step that the West is now planning next, it's a small step, but it crosses a red line that we will actually be forced to respond to. We will consider that you are at war with us."

Sergei Mironov, the leader of a pro-Kremlin political party, said in a press statement on Friday: "The moment of truth has come for the West, whether it desires a full-scale war with Russia."

UKRAINE ESCALATION

Short of nuclear sabre rattling or strikes on British assets, more predictable responses might include Russia stepping up attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, Kuehn said.

Mangott predicted Kyiv would bear the brunt of Russia's military response if the West gave it the requested green light, and he did not expect a Russian military attack on NATO territory.

Another option would be for Russia to escalate "hybrid" actions such as sabotage in Europe or interference in the U.S. election campaign, Kuehn said.

Mangott said the danger for the West was that it did not know where Putin's red lines really were.

"Allowing Ukraine to use Western weaponry, assisted with Western satellite images (and) Western military advisers is something that very closely encroaches on vital Russian interests," he said.

"So I think those (people) are wrong who say 'Well nothing will happen, let's just do it.'"

(This story has been refiled to fix a typo in the headline)

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn and Mark Trevelyan in London; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel)
By Tim Kelly

TOKYO (Reuters) - Canada is in discussions about joining an expanded AUKUS deal between the U.S., Britain, and Australia formed to counter China's growing military influence in the Asia Pacific region, Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair said.

Canada has said it wants to join a second pillar of AUKUS that will collaborate on new military technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, but has not so far revealed any details of those talks.

"There have been important discussions about processes and platforms on a project-specific basis on where other nations, including Japan and ourselves, might participate," Blair said in an interview in Tokyo where he met his Japanese counterpart Minoru Kihara.

"I would respectfully wait until they've come to their determination, but I'm very optimistic," he said.

Blair said he and Kihara discussed AUKUS, which is already considering working with Japan. The initial phase of AUKUS involves the three founding members working on nuclear submarine technology for Australia.

Blair, who was on his first trip to Japan as defence minister, arrived in Tokyo from South Korea, which is also in talks about a role in AUKUS.

Canada is looking for a bigger security role in Asia and has made forging deeper ties with Japan and South Korea a priority. As its defence commitments expand at home and overseas the country is expanding military spending.

"Next year, my defence budget will rise by 27% over this year, and, frankly, in the next three or four years, our defence spending will triple," Blair said.

He and Kihara also discussed Chinese incursions into Japanese territory that last month prompted Tokyo to lodge protests with Beijing.

Concerns about that Chinese military activity may be discussed at a meeting of the Group of Seven defence ministers in Italy next month, Blair said.

"It's an important opportunity for us to have a conversation among the G7 partners about some of the activities that are deeply concerning to Japan and to Canada and to the United States and others." (This story has been corrected to say that it is the minister's first visit to Japan, not second, in paragraph 6)

(Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
(Photo: DOJ)

BOSTON (FOX 2) - Federal authorities recently took over more than 350 websites that they say were being used to import illegal Glock switches and silencers into the United States.

Switches are devices attached to a semi-automatic handgun to make it automatic. They are illegal.

An investigation into websites selling these devices began in August 2023. According to the Department of Justice, federal authorities began targeting multiple websites, businesses, and individuals selling, offering for sale, importing, and exporting conversion devices.

During this investigation, undercover authorities purchased the items and confirmed that switches and weapon silencers were being shipped to the U.S. from China. According to authorities, the items had false descriptions of what they were to conceal them. For instance, some were labeled as necklaces and toys.

Michael J. Krol, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England said the "websites represent a large-scale, organized effort to import illegal switches and silencers that turn ordinary firearms into deadly automatic weapons."

The seized websites are now redirected to a web page explaining that the site was violating the National Firearms Act (NFA).

"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 said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. "The proliferation of readily available devices which allow the illegal manufacturing of machine guns is a plague on our communities."

Glock doesn't actually make the switches, but the ones being sold have the name on them. Feds say this means many of the websites were selling counterfeit goods.

(Photo: DOJ)

What is a Glock switch?

A Glock switch is a small device that snaps onto the back of the gun and switches it from semi-automatic to fully automatic.

Glock handguns aren't meant to fire at such a high rate of speed. It's built with a standard backplate and a sear inside the gun.

The sear stops the gun from firing more than one round at a time.

By putting the little device on top of the gun and opening the mechanism up, it turns the weapon into a machine gun.

The carnage that can be created is quick and devastating.

Earlier this summer, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms said it has seen a 600% increase in conversion devices  most of which come from Russia or China.
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.
Iran is enlisting members of the Hells Angels biker gang and other criminal enterprises as part of their efforts to attack and silence dissidents living in Europe and on American soil, a new report has revealed.

The shadowy operations being orchestrated by high-level units within Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Ministry of Intelligence have targeted a former Iranian military officer living in Maryland, an Iranian-American activist and journalist based in New York City and an exiled reporter in London, according to The Washington Post.

"Were not dealing with the usual suspects," Matt Jukes, who is the head of counterterrorism policing in the United Kingdom, told the newspaper. "What weve got is a hostile state actor that sees the battlefield as being without border and individuals in London every bit as legitimate as targets as if [they were] in Iran."

The report cites data from the Washington Institute linking Iran to 88 violent plots over the last five years, including assassination and abduction attempts. Officials in the U.K. reportedly have tracked more than 16 plots alone over the last two years.

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT PREPARING CRIMINAL CHARGES IN IRAN HACK TARGETING TRUMP

Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad, based in New York City, was one of the targets of the Iranian plots.

In one of the plots, Naji Sharifi Zindashti, an alleged Iran-based heroin trafficking kingpin, worked out a $350,000 contract with two Hells Angels biker gang members in Canada to kill an Iranian defector and his wife who had been living under different identities in Maryland.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Citing a U.S. indictment earlier this year, The Washington Post reports that one of the biker gang members told the other through encrypted messaging to "make sure I hit this guy in the head with ATLEAST half the clip," and that "we gotta erase his head from his torso."

U.S. officials reportedly described the defector as a former-IRGC officer turned informant for the CIA.

Court records identified one of the Hells Angels members as Damion Ryan, 43, who has a criminal record in Canada and has gone by the aliases of "Berserker" and "Mr. Wolf," while the other was 29-year-old Adam Pearson, who fled Canada for Minneapolis to escape murder charges, according to The Washington Post.

An indictment viewed by the newspaper stated the pair signed onto the plot in March 2021 and received an initial $20,000 payment to cover travel expenses. However, the plot ultimately fizzled out the same month Belgian and Dutch security forces cracked the encrypted messaging service that they were using to communicate and arrested dozens of alleged drug traffickers in Europe, including other Hells Angels members, the newspaper adds.

JOURNALIST MASIH ALINEJAD DETAILS IRANS ALLEGED PLOT TO KILL HER

A man wears a Hells Angels jacket as he sits on his motorcycle in Berlin, Germany, in April 2014. The Washington Post, citing court documents, say the biker group has been linked to Iran's plots targeting dissidents abroad.

Pearson reportedly then was arrested by FBI agents in Minnesota and sent back to Canada, while Ryan was busted in Ottawa in February 2022 during a home raid that allegedly uncovered a cache of weapons and nearly $100,000 in cash.

In another plot traced back to the Hells Angels, Iran employed a member of the gang to bomb a synagogue in Essen, Germany, the newspaper says.

Then in March this year, exiled Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati  who runs the London-based Iran International news channel, which is banned in Iran  was stabbed four times outside his home in the capital of the U.K., despite extensive efforts by police to protect him, The Washington Post reports.

BLINKEN CONFIRMS IRAN SUPPLYING RUSSIA WITH SHORT-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES

That ambush allegedly was carried out by hired criminals who then cleared airport security checks and fled to Eastern Europe, where they have been identified but remain free, the newspaper says.

Last year, the Justice Department also charged three men in an Iran-backed kidnapping and assassination plot against Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad, who was targeted in New York City for speaking out against the regimes human rights abuses.

A gunman who showed up at her home in Brooklyn in July 2022 was part of a Russian mob network and criminal organization called "Thieves in Law," according to The Washington Post.

Irans mission to the United Nations denied the country having any involvement in the plots, telling the newspaper "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."





Original article source: Iran using Hells Angels, criminal gangs to target critics in US and abroad: report
The original 41-count indictment accused Donald Trump and several of his allies of a broad scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia.

ATLANTA  The judge overseeing the election interference case against Donald Trump and several co-defendants in Georgia has thrown out three counts in the indictment  including two counts brought against the former president.

The original 41-count indictment accused Trump and several of his allies of a broad scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia, but the case has been stalled for months as an effort to disqualify the top prosecutor remains on appeal.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee upheld a challenge to the sweeping racketeering charge Thursday but wrote in his decision that certain counts involving allegations of filing false documents should no longer go forward because they belong in federal, not state, court.

Because Counts 14, 15, and 27 lie beyond this States jurisdiction and must be quashed, the Defendants motions to dismiss the indictment under the Supremacy Clause are granted in part, McAfee wrote.

Trumps lawyer Steven Sadow praised the decision.

President Trump and his legal team in Georgia have prevailed once again, he said in a statement. The trial court has decided that counts 15 and 27 in the indictment must be quashed/dismissed.

The challenge to the counts was brought by two other defendants  John Eastman and Shawn Still. But a lawyer for Trump confirmed that McAfees decision would also apply to Trump.

The case is on hold as Trump and other defendants appeal McAfees decision not to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The Georgia Court of Appeals is set to hear arguments on that issue in December.

In March, the same judge dismissed six other counts in the indictment, including three against Trump, because the indictment lacked sufficient detail. However, he said at the time that the state could attempt to refile those charges in the future.

Charlie Gile reported from Atlanta, Laura Jarrett from New York and Ginger Gibson from Washington.
RAFAH, Gaza Strip  It was once home to an estimated 1.4 million people, over half of the population of Gaza, many of them displaced from the north of the enclave after Israel launched its military offensive following Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attacks.

Today, Rafah is uninhabitable, its buildings crumbled and blackened. Mounds of concrete and bent metal are all that remain. The destruction is absolute.

When NBC News was invited into Gaza's southernmost city by the Israel Defense Forces on Friday, there were no civilians to be seen, just a few cats. Sporadic gunfire and the odd drone overhead punctuated the eerie silence.

Israeli soldiers inspect Rafah's destroyed buildings.

The Israeli military says the reason for so much destruction is that all of Rafah is honeycombed with Hamas tunnels, some of which sit on top of each other and some are more than 160 feet deep. The drills they use to find open spaces beneath the earth's surface lie several feet apart.

Calling the destruction a tragedy, IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Hamas created a very, very sophisticated tunnel system underneath the city and the military has tried to demolish it with minimum damage to the city.

He added that some of the buildings had been booby-trapped with explosives and some of the destruction had been caused in battles with Hamas.

In the Tal Al Sultan neighborhood lies the tunnel where the bodies of six hostages including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, were found late last month.

The IDF made some videos of the structure public on Tuesday. They said it showed how the tunnel was dug below a childs bedroom that had paintings of Mickey Mouse and Snow White on the walls.

An Israeli soldier stands near the entrance to a tunnel in Rafah.

Citing postmortem examinations of the bodies, the IDF added that Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sgt. Ori Danino were killed on the evening of Aug. 29. Its believed separate guns were used to kill them, the IDF said.

Hagari said Friday the investigation into their deaths was ongoing. Before they died he said the conditions had been very, very hard in a tunnel where there is humidity, in a very narrow tunnel where you cannot stand, where you have no toilets.

To the south of Rafah, another tunnel lay near the border area with Egypt, known as the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip of land just under 9 miles in length and around 100 yards wide that runs along the Gaza side of the coastal enclaves border with Egypt.

Wide enough for a car, it had been used for smuggling and to fire rockets into Israel, the IDF said. Hamas placed it there, believing that Israel would not strike back for fear of hitting Egyptian territory.

The Philadelphi corridor has emerged as a sticking point in the cease-fire deal that would end the monthslong war in Gaza and secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages still held in the enclave.

Israeli soldiers near the entrance to a tunnel near the Philadelphi corridor.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel must maintain a military presence in the corridor, also known as the Salah al-Din axis, which Hamas has rejected.

Set up as a buffer zone in accordance with the 1978 Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, it aimed to control movement in and out of Gaza and prevent arms smuggling between the Egyptian Sinai and the Palestinian enclave.

Israel controlled the area until it withdrew from Gaza in 2005, prior to which Israel and Egypt signed the Philadelphi Accord, which allowed Egypt to send hundreds of border guards to patrol the corridors borders.

It still includes the key Rafah border crossing, long considered a lifeline for Palestinians in Gaza as it allows crucial supplies of food, medicine and other aid to get into the strip and enables people to move in and out of the enclave.

But Egypt shuttered the crossing to most shortly after the start of the war last year, and since Israel seized control of the Gaza side in May, it has remained closed.

The Israeli military said in a statement Thursday that it had dismantled Hamas brigade in Gazas southernmost city of Rafah and killed more than 2,000 of its fighters in the process. It added that it had destroyed around 8 miles of underground tunnel routes used by the militant group and was continuing to demolish more of them.

But asked Friday whether Israel would leave the city, which had a prewar population of around 250,000, Hagari said Israel had several plans for the war, but the decision would be made by the Israeli government.

The IDF has previously re-entered parts of Gaza after Hamas regrouped in areas it said it had cleared.

After Israel sealed off much of northern Gaza shortly after the start of the war, bloody fighting erupted in the refugee camps of Jabaliya, Shejaiya and Gaza City earlier this year, underlining the difficulties Netanyahu faces in meeting his promise to crush the militant group.

Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas after militants killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages in a cross-border assault on Oct. 7, 2023, according to Israeli tallies. The death toll in Gaza in Israels retaliatory offensive since then has reached more than 41,000, according to health officials in the enclave.

The first mission, and main mission, besides the defeat of Hamas, is to bring back the hostages in all means, back home, Hagari said.
Editors note: This article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.

Another election season in full swing comes with a swarm of campaign phone calls, text messages and even emails to voters across the country.

As political groups have shifted towards modern methods of drawing voters to specific candidates, concerns have been raised over how information is collected and if theres a way to opt out.

How do groups get voter information?

Under North Carolina state law, voter registration lists are public records and are available on the State Board of Elections website, Patrick Gannon, public information director for the board, told The Charlotte Observer.

So if you choose to include your phone number on your voter registration application, which is optional, it is included in the statewide voter registration file.

A lot of campaign groups rely on public records  like voter registration lists to reach voters, along with private companies collecting and selling voter information, said Eric Heberlig, a political science professor at UNC Charlotte.

So even if you havent personally shared your phone number, thats likely why youre getting personalized texts and calls for specific candidates.

A screenshot of a text message sent from a political group in support of vice president Kamala Harris. Screenshot from McClatchy staff member

A screenshot of a text message sent from a political group in support of former president Donald Trump. Screenshot from McClatchy staff member

Political organizations are always on the lookout for contact lists of people who might be receptive to their invitations for membership, their recruitment attempts to do something, to volunteer, to give donations to the organization. Its campaign gold, Heberlig said.

Why am I getting so many election texts?

In comparison to other traditional strategies, like call centers and door-to-door canvassing, he says technology has made it much cheaper and easier to reach voters.

Theres all types of information available on the web, and campaigns maximize their opportunities to figure out ways of contacting voters [and] have taken advantage of these innovations in technology, he explained.

Once you have the list, you can automate this You dont need volunteers, you dont need hours. All the stuff goes out automatically. Its relatively costless to do thousands of these all at once.

A screenshot of text message sent from a political group ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Screenshot from McClatchy staff member

Rules for political robocalls and texts

According to the Federal Communication Commission, campaign calls and texts are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry, which is designed to stop unwanted calls from registered telemarketers. But there are certain rules specifically for election messages.

Groups are allowed to send messages and make calls without prior consent as long as its done manually. Groups are also limited to three calls within any consecutive 30-day period, if they do not have consent.

Robotexts  text messages generated through autodialing  are also considered a type of call and must comply with the same rules as robocalls, the FCC website says.

These methods are fairly new, Heberlig said: Its really only the last two, maybe three, election cycles that this has really taken off so I dont think we have very good evidence yet on whether this works, or how much it works.

Though it has become increasingly popular for groups to cold call and text voters, theres a question about how effective this method has actually been in persuading voters for an election. Plus, it would be challenging to make a push to add stricter rules for campaigns groups to stop the practice.

Politicians would have to pass the law, and it would be politicians restricting their ability to contact voters in a way that advances their ability to retain office, Heberlig said. So our usual logic in situations like that is that public pressure has to be really strong to overcome politicians natural urge for self preservation.

How to stop getting political texts

Though groups are allowed to reach out to voters with campaign messages, there are ways to opt out. Heres what the FCC says about stopping, reporting and filing complaints about unwanted texts:

Opt out of messages by replying STOP.

Report senders by forwarding messages to 7726 or SPAM.

File a complaint online at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.

You can find more information about regulations for political campaign robocalls and robotexts online at fcc.gov.

U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15 (the International Day of Democracy), is a day in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org. McClatchy

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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.

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A brownstone stoop party in Brooklyn. Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images Nathan's hot dog restaurant in Brooklyn. VW Pics/VW Pics/Universal Images Group v Paulista Avenue in Sao Paulo, Brazil. UCG/UCG/Universal Images Group via G A musician plays the violin on the Montmartre hill. DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images In Paris, people dance outside La Comedie Francaise theater. NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images Street vendors across from La Alameda Central in Mexico City. Clasos/Getty Images People eat and stroll in Rome's historic center. Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images In Houston, Da Gama Canteen at M-K-T Heights faces the popular MKT hike-and-bike trail. Unfortunately, most young people can't afford to live in the Heights. Mai Pham

Dear Houston billionaires,

Houston needs more third places. A third place is a gathering spot thats not your home and not your work  a real-world, not-online hangout where you can relax and interact spontaneously with other people. It can be a cafe, coffeehouse, bar, dog park or a college quad. Its where old friends meet and new friends can be made.

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And we dont just need third places scattered here and there; we need entire third-place neighborhoods. Youve probably experienced those neighborhoods in other cities  say, New Orleans, Mexico City, Brooklyn or Rome. Theyre where you see people hanging out on stoops or in plazas; theyre places where musicians busk on street corners. Those places are weird in the fizzy, delightful way that Austin used to be weird: Full of life and eccentric surprises, and proudly, soulfully like no other place on earth.

Buskers in New Orleans' French Quarter. Paul Rovere/Getty Images

People crave neighborhoods like that, and not just when were on vacation. Young people especially are looking for third-place neighborhoods  for affordable places to live, places where they can walk to interesting shops and run into interesting people. They want to take in live music, art and culture, and to have their piece of the American Dream.



For Houston, this is a problem. When competing with other cities to attract talented young workers, our competitive advantage used to be our affordability  and that affordability is whats helped make our city almost magically multicultural. But now were not as affordable, compared to other places, as we used to be.



Our shocking weather events and our inability to keep the power on arent helping our reputation. So we have to ask ourselves: Why would the best and brightest young people  people who can easily find jobs in other cities  choose to live here? If you were 26, why would you consider building a life in Houston?



For the sake of our economy, we need more third-place neighborhoods  especially affordable ones.

Houstons liveliest neighborhoods

Thankfully, Houston already has a few third-place neighborhoods.

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Consider the lively Mid Main area in Midtown  the blocks that feature The Continental Club, Tacos a Go-Go, The Breakfast Klub, as well as new infill apartments, and are next to the MATCH arts and theater center.

Or the blocks of Westheimer, in Montrose, that include Cafe Brasil and a string of antique stores and vintage shops. Or  also in Montrose  the blocks surrounding the Menil Collection, which feature not just the museum, but also a park, cafe, the Rothko Chapel, surrounding bungalows, the University of St. Thomas, and more development in the works.

In Houston: Menil Park, surrounded by the Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel and an artsy neighborhood, buzzes with life. Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Third Ward, meanwhile, hosts Project Row Houses and the nearby historic El Dorado Ballroom, lovingly restored with a grant from the Kinder Foundation. In between is Doshi House, a cafe whose civic-minded owner, Deepak Doshi, advocates for neighborhood development that will include more small businesses and affordable housing.

Downtown, too, has begun cultivating magnets for young people, such as a car-free corridor. With the support of Mayor John Whitmire and DowntownHouston+, the Main Street Promenade will be a seven-block, pedestrian-only stretch that offers eating, drinking and shopping options for both Houstonians and tourists.

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Precious as those spots are, they arent nearly enough for a city of our size  and lots of them arent affordable. The people whove been priced out of Austin probably cant afford to live in Houstons Midtown, either.

Great neighborhoods can turn a profit

Full disclosure: I have a personal interest in all this. Im a developer, and a group of local partners and I have been working on a third-place neighborhood in Houstons East End. We want to create a walkable corridor that connects Buffalo Bayou to Houstons light rail. We want it to be a place that celebrates nature and historic buildings, as well as Houstons irreverent spirit and international culture. Were trying to create a place full of independent retail shops, creative work spaces, and housing, including affordable housing, with courtyards and walk-up stoops  a place thats as fun to hang out in as those places we all love to visit when were on vacation.

I hear from well-to-do Houstonians who love what were trying to do on the East End but dont think its possible to create a cool, walkable neighborhood in Houston. Either that, or they see it as charity.

A block party in Houston's Second Ward, in the third-place neighborhood writer Jeff Kaplan and partners are building. Meridith Kohut/Contributor

Its not. My partners and I are in it for the return on investment as much as for the community impact. This is what the new generation of urban dwellers are demanding. If we build it, theyll come, and well turn a profit.

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But definitely, its also the right thing to do  the thing that makes our city a better place to live, and better able to compete economically.



And thats where you, dear billionaires, come in.

Great places in Atlanta and San Antonio

I was in Atlanta recently. Since the opening of its Beltline trails, a project that turned an abandoned rail easement into a linear park looped around Atlantas inner city, new residents have poured into Atlantas urban core. I was astounded by the life on the Beltline  the bustling outdoor markets and the roller skaters swaying to live music.

The New Realm Brewery on Atlantas Beltline trail. John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

There, the investment opportunity hasnt gone unnoticed. Inspired by the Beltline, real estate investment and management firm Jamestown invested in an old Sears, Roebuck and Co. building. They restored it, creating Ponce City Market, a place to live, work and play. Since its 2014 opening, its evolved into a destination with 300,000 square feet of restaurants and retail, 600,000 square feet of office space, and hundreds of residential units  as well as a tech hub, a rooftop amusement park and a farmers market. Ponce City Market has brought thousands of jobs to the citys Fourth Ward.



Atlantas Beltline spurred billions in economic development  as did New Yorks High Line.

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And closer to home, in San Antonio, theres the Pearl.

The Pearl Brewery was founded on the northern end of downtown San Antonio in 1883, and beer was brewed there until 2001. After the brewery closed, many observers expected its lovely old buildings to be razed.

But a thoughtful local billionaire bought the 23-acre property. Kit Goldberry, whod sold Pace Sauce to Campbell Soup Co., backed a public-private partnership and developed a master plan to restore the Pearl. It opened the luxurious historic Hotel Emma in 2015, soon followed by the Bottling Department Food Hall, with a strong focus on independent food entrepreneurs. The development had watering holes, gathering places, and a Culinary Institute of America campus. It was a resounding success.

The Pearl in San Antonio: A third-place neighborhood that boosted the whole city. Matt Buikema, Photo courtesy of Pearl Farmers Market, Special to MySA

An extension of San Antonios River Walk now connects the Pearl to downtowns historic attractions, but the Pearl has become an attraction in its own right: Roughly 8,000 people visit its farmers market each week. And its not just a place to visit: The neighborhood now boasts well over 1,000 apartment units, with more on the way.



Its not only transformed its neighborhood, but has been a shot in the arm for all of San Antonio.

What great neighborhoods need

Could we please have more of that here in Houston? Were already making huge progress toward improving our parks and trails, thanks in no small part to the Kinders and other families who have done so much to improve our citys quality of life.

But what we still largely lack is the private investment that, in other cities, followed the public and philanthropic investments. Its as if Atlanta built the Beltline trails but not Ponce City Market.

In the neighborhoods that surround Houstons trails, we still need private enterprise to build the places that complete a third-place neighborhood: buildings like studio apartments with walk-up stoops and local retail shops with patios.

Yes, Houstons great new parks and trails naturally spur development. But too often, its sterile, more-of-the-same stuff  new buildings that dont encourage street life or surprising human interactions among different people of different demographic groups.

A street organist in downtown Mexico City. NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

You see where Im going, right? You, dear, generous Houston billionaires, have an opportunity not just to shape the city in the ways that we all want, but also to get a return on your investment.

I once heard a philanthropist who has been very generous to Houston say, in so many words, Why should purely self-interested developers make all the profits from our gifts? I agree. Whats needed now is a strategic approach by philanthropists, one that aligns financial investment with quality-of life philanthropic giving.

So please: Consider making urban-impact investments to create third-place neighborhoods. Put money into for-profit projects that will limit displacement and gentrification, create walkable neighborhoods, take a strategic approach to historic preservation and create more housing. Invest in projects that create micro-retail spaces, with a plan to give opportunity to entrepreneurs from the neighborhood. Build walkable, affordable housing.

A street hairdresser styles a woman's hair in Le Marais district in central Paris. DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images

Projects like these would be good for our city and theyre likely to achieve good returns because of how scarce these sorts of investments are; they often exceed market returns. Your philanthropy or family office can use those profits to reinvest in other quality of life improvements around the city  creating more great stuff, and making more money. Its a virtuous cycle.
Kim Jong Un inspects a uranium-enrichment facility at an undisclosed location in North Korea.

North Korea provided a rare glimpse Friday of a secretive uranium-enrichment facility where it produces material for its nuclear weapons program when it released several images of its leader Kim Jong Un touring the site.

The photos, published by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, show Kim walking past rows of centrifuges and being briefed by military officials and scientists at the Nuclear Weapons Institute.

Kim expressed "great satisfaction" and "felt strong" when he inspected the facility and its accelerating production of weapons-grade nuclear materials, according to an accompanying statement released by KCNA. North Korea's leader also stressed the need for Pyongyang to "exponentially increase" its nuclear weapons stockpile.

The location of the institute was not disclosed. Nor was it clear when the visit took place, or why the photos were made public Friday. However, their release comes the same week as the first U.S. presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Some experts have suggested the timing could be aimed at raising North Korea's nuclear profile ahead of the U.S. election and any future nuclear negotiations.

Kim Jong Un, left, is seen with military officials and scientists at a North Korean uranium-enrichment facility.

Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, which is affiliated with South Korea's government, told the AFP news agency that the photographs could be an election "message"  intended to signal to the next U.S. administration that it will be "impossible to denuclearize North Korea."

Enriched uranium is an integral ingredient, along with plutonium, for manufacturing nuclear warheads. It is enriched by placing it in centrifuges  machines that spin containers at very high speeds to separate solids from liquids.

North Korea has never publicly disclosed how many nuclear weapons it possesses. A recent estimate from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute concluded that the country has about 50 "stored" nuclear warheads, meaning they are not actively deployed on its various land-based weapons systems.

Of the more than 12,000 global inventory of nuclear warheads, more than 10,500 belong to the U.S. and Russia. according to the institute. The U.S. and Russia each have about 1,700 "deployed" nuclear warheads, meaning they are ready to be used with land-and-sea missile systems, as well as aircraft.

North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests, all underground in deep hidden tunnels under mountains. Its last nuclear test in was 2017. Cheong Seong-chang, an expert at the Sejong Institute, a think tank specializing in diplomacy and security, told South Korea's Yonhap news agency Pyongyang may be planning its seventh.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: North Korea releases rare photos of uranium-enrichment plant
BBC Weather Watchers have been sending in their photos - including this dramatic shot taken in Aberdeen [Weather Watchers/Mercuryblue]

The Northern Lights made a rare appearance across parts of the UK on Thursday night - and may be visible again in some parts on Friday.

The lights - also known as aurora borealis - were seen in the night sky over parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, as far as the south coast in Sussex.

For those that missed the spectacle, there may be a slim chance of seeing them again in northern Scotland, as solar activity remains high.

However, BBC Leader Weather Presenter Ben Rich said the aurora will be "mostly confined to the north of the UK" and generally weaker in appearance.

A beautiful night to be camping in the remote hamlet of Carnach, also in the Highlands [Weather Watchers/Jeddy]

Above the coastal town of Anstruther, in Fife [Weather Watchers/Skyborg]

Much further south, this photo was taken in Selsey in West Sussex [Weather Watchers/Coastal JJ]

Poor weather is also expected to interfere with opportunities to see the Northern Lights.

"Unfortunately, there are likely to be large areas of cloud in these northern areas which could obscure any views," Mr Rich said.

"Even if the skies do clear, the aurora is unlikely to be visible with the naked eye away from northern Scotland."

He advised that the best chance to see the lights would be after midnight, using a phone or long-exposure camera.

Thursday night's clear skies made for what meteorologists described as "ideal" viewing conditions with very little cloud, despite the colder weather.

BBC Weather's John Hutchinson said the phenomenon had been seen as far south as Kent.

The sky over the Pen-y-Ghent in the Yorkshire Dales, with a limestone pavement in the foreground [Weather Watchers/The Roaming Hind]

The aurora borealis as captured on a smartphone over the beach at Cromer in Norfolk on Thursday night [Weather Watchers/Walking Tractor]

This photographer captured a person silhouetted against a colourful northern sky in the Highlands on Thursday night [Weather Watchers/Rogart]

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 near the Arctic Circle.

When solar activity is strong, this can expand to cover a greater area - which explains why displays can be occasionally seen as far south as the UK.

In mid-August, the lights were visible as far south as Cornwall, while May saw an equally strong showing across the UK and around the world.

Increased visibility in the UK during these periods was due to the Sun reaching a peak in activity.
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama will follow their DNC appearance with campaign stops for Kamala Harris' campaign.

WASHINGTON  Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, along with former first lady Michelle Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, are preparing to lend their political star power to Vice President Kamala Harris campaign in the final stretch of the election, according to four people familiar with their plans.

The high-profile surrogates all felt energized by their roles in the Democratic National Convention last month and have offered to help the Harris team in any way that would be most helpful, these people said.

Barack Obama is expected to headline a fundraiser for Harris in Los Angeles next Friday and then hold larger campaign events next month, while Michelle Obama will focus on encouraging voter registration and turnout for Harris, the people familiar with the Obamas plans said. In addition to traveling for Harris, the former president will also sign his name to fundraising materials and will record candidate-specific ads and robocalls for Democrats running in down-ballot races, as he has done in past cycles, according to a person familiar with the effort.

His strategy this fall will be driven by where he can move the needle with Democrats and persuadable voters, especially in states with key races, senior Obama adviser Eric Schultz said.

Obama will also engage in traditional and creative tactics to reach voters digitally by working with content creators and influencers to push young people to IWillVote.com, Schultz said.

While she is likely to hold fewer campaign events than her husband, Michelle Obama is even more energized to help this election cycle now that its Harris, not President Joe Biden, on the Democratic ticket, people familiar with her plans said. The overall strategy and schedule are still being finalized for the Obamas, the people familiar with their plans said, and they will take their direction from the Harris campaign about whats needed on the campaign trail.

During Michelle Obamas speech at the DNC in Chicago, she implored Democrats to not just support Harris this November but do something to help her win.

The Obamas "are both extremely energized by Harris candidacy, enjoyed their time at the convention and theyre looking forward to being helpful in any way they can in the course of her campaign, a former senior adviser to Obama said.

The Obamas and Clintons would have had some role in the home stretch of the Biden campaign had it continued. One person close to the planning said now they can help with different constituencies Harris needs to win over in November.

For instance, Bill Clinton will likely target more rural areas, with possible events in places like the Rust Belt and Georgia, two people familiar with his plans said. Hes eager to get out on the trail and was described as a Dalmatian at a firehouse by one person close to him.

Former President Clinton may also make an appeal to Latino voters specifically since he did better with that key demographic when he was in office than his successors, an additional source said. He will also likely be tapped to speak about economic issues, given his role as the explainer-in-chief on that topic in 2012, this person said, with his travel for Harris likely beginning sometime in October.

Hillary Clinton, for her part, is expected to focus on women and LGBTQ voters during her campaign events, two people familiar with her schedule said, with dates still being discussed. She will also likely be a key messenger on reproductive freedom which could be an effective way of reaching suburban women, whom the campaign also views as critical.

She plans to help with fundraising efforts, these sources said, in between stops on her latest book tour, which kicks off next week. Hillary Clinton has at least one luncheon with donors scheduled for next Friday, separate from Barack Obamas event.

Both the Obamas and the Clintons have been in frequent touch with Harris since she took over the top of the ticket, with Hillary Clinton offering debate strategy and perspective ahead of the vice presidents showdown with former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia this week.

For his part, Biden will continue to travel to battleground states to tout what the White House views as the top Biden-Harris accomplishments of their term in office. The president will travel to Philadelphia on Monday in his official capacity but is expected to continue stumping for Harris wherever he goes and will do more joint events with the vice president in the final sprint to Election Day as well, according to officials in both of their offices.

Biden in particular can help shore up older white voters, who are not at the heart of the Harris coalition, these people said. First lady Jill Biden has also pledged to campaign for Harris in the fall, with a possible focus on education.

Beyond the Bidens, Obamas and Clintons, Democratic governors like Pennsylvanias Josh Shapiro and Californias Gavin Newsom will serve as key surrogates in the next seven weeks, along with Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., according to a source familiar with their plans.

The Harris team has had a steady stream of celebrity backers out on the trail on the vice presidents behalf as well, which is only expected to ramp up in the coming weeks, but the campaign is also working to engage digital surrogates more directly than in past cycles. It hopes to leverage the massive followings of online content creators to its benefit, without necessarily having to plan in-person events for them, the source said.
Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after his 12-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Pool Photo via AP)

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP)  Pope Francis on Friday slammed both U.S. presidential candidates for what he called anti-life policies on abortion and migration, and he advised American Catholics to choose who they think is the lesser evil in the upcoming U.S. elections.

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies, Francis said.

The Argentine Jesuit was asked to provide counsel to American Catholic voters during an airborne news conference while he flew back to Rome from his four-nation tour through Asia. Francis stressed that he is not an American and would not be voting.

Neither Republican candidate Donald Trump nor the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, was mentioned by name.

But Francis nevertheless expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the U.S. election  abortion and migration  that are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.

Francis has made the plight of migrants a priority of his pontificate and speaks out emphatically and frequently about it. While strongly upholding church teaching forbidding abortion, Francis has not emphasized church doctrine as much as his predecessors.

Francis said migration is a right described in Scripture and that anyone who does not follow the Biblical call to welcome the stranger is committing a grave sin.

He was also blunt in speaking about abortion. To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but its killing, he said. We have to see this clearly.

Asked what voters should do at the polls, Francis recalled the civic duty to vote.

One should vote, and choose the lesser evil, he said. Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I dont know.

Everyone in their conscience should think and do it, he said.

The Harris and Trump campaigns did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

U.S. President Joe Biden, an observant Catholic, shares Harris strong support for abortion rights, a stance that prompted some Catholic bishops and other conservatives to call for him to be denied access to Communion.

After meeting Francis in person at the Vatican in October 2021, Biden came away saying the pope told him he was a good Catholic and should continue receiving Communion.

Francis, asked on previous occasions about some U.S. bishops who want to deny Communion to Biden over his support for abortion rights, has said bishops should be pastors, not politicians.

Friday's news conference was not the first time Francis has weighed in on a U.S. election. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Francis was asked about Trumps plan to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Francis declared then that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is not Christian.

In responding Friday, Francis recalled that he celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and there were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.

Trump pledges massive deportations, just as he did in his first White House bid, when there was a vast gulf between his ambitions and the legal, financial and political realities of such an undertaking.

The U.S. bishops conference, for its part, has called abortion the preeminent priority for American Catholics in its published voter advice. Harris has strongly defended abortion rights and has emphasized support for reinstating a federal right to abortion.

In his comments, the pope added: On abortion, science says that a month from conception, all the organs of a human being are already there, all of them. Performing an abortion is killing a human being. Whether you like the word or not, this is killing. You cant say the church is closed because it does not allow abortion. The church does not allow abortion because its killing. It is murder.

However, cells are only beginning the process of developing into organs in the earliest weeks of pregnancy. For example, cardiac tissue starts to form in the first two months  initially a tube that only later evolves into the four chambers that define a heart. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that by 13 weeks, all major organs have formed.

In other comments, Francis:

 denied a French media report that he would travel to Paris for the December inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral, saying flat-out he would not be there. But he confirmed he would like to go to the Canary Islands to highlight the plight of migrants.

 tamped down renewed speculation that he might finally return to Argentina later this year, saying he wants to go but that nothing had been decided. He added: There are various things to resolve first. Francis has not been home since before the 2013 conclave that elected him pope.

 declared that China was a promise and a hope for the Catholic Church and hoped to one day visit.

 called sexual abuse demonic and weighed on the latest revelations of assault against a legendary French priest, Abbe Pierre.

___

AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard in Washington contributed to this report.

___

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.
Harry, who turns 40 on Sept. 15, and wife Meghan Markle are a pretty ordinary couple existing in an absolutely extraordinary situation, Bryony Gordon writes

Joshua Sammer/Getty Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex speaks on stage during the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 at Merkur Spiel-Arena on Sept. 16, 2023 in Duesseldorf, Germany

A friend of Prince Harrys is speaking out ahead of his 40th birthday.

The Duke of Sussex will turn the milestone age on Sept. 15, and Bryony Gordon of the Daily Mail is speaking out about her friend ahead of his big day, calling him pretty damn normal.

Gordon wrote that she became friends with the royal about eight years ago, and ever since, life has been peppered with questions from people curious to know more about his character, she wrote in a piece published Sept. 12.

And when I tell them my honest opinion, that he is kind, funny and pretty damn normal, all things considered, I often see a flash of disappointment cloud their faces, followed quickly by words to the effect of well, you would say that, you know him, as if knowing someone should disqualify you from having a trusted opinion about them, she continued.

She added, Ive heard a lot of fairly negative things said about him, character assassinations that bear no resemblance to the man Ive come to count as a friend, the one who cares passionately about injured veterans, and whos done more than most to change perceptions of mental health in this country, referring to the UK.

Related: Prince Harry Reveals the 'Best Gift' Hes Ever Received Ahead of 40th Birthday (Exclusive)

Carl Court/Getty Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, leaves after giving evidence at the Mirror Group Phone hacking trial at the Rolls Building at High Court on June 7, 2023 in London

Gordon became friends with Prince Harry in 2016  the same year he met now-wife Meghan Markle, though Gordon met him a couple of months prior. The royal and Gordon met when Prince Harry, along with Prince William and Kate Middleton, launched their mental health campaign Heads Together. Gordon asked him to be the first guest on the mental health podcast she was about to launch,Bryony Gordons Mad World, and to my surprise, he said yes, she wrote. Even more surprising was the honesty that poured out of him as we recorded the podcast in Kensington Palace.

She added, He was nervous about what he wanted to tell me  nervous enough that I found myself trying to calm and reassure him. But there was good reason for his anxiety. At the time, the royals were not known for anything other than a stiff upper lip. It was not the done thing for them to talk about their feelings.

Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and Prince William attend a briefing to announce plans for Heads Together on Jan. 17, 2017 in London

Harry opened up to Gordon  who affectionately calls him Haz  about the grief surrounding the death of his mother, Princess Diana, following a car accident in Paris on Aug. 31, 1997.

I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12 and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years has had quite a serious effect on not only my personal life, but my work as well, Harry told Gordon at the time the podcast episode aired in April 2017. It was 20 years of not thinking about it, and then two years of total chaos.

Gordon wrote she never expected to hear from Harry again, but she did, and the two kept in touch through various mental health projects. In early 2018, not long after their engagement and before their May wedding that year, Gordon met Meghan, whom I have also come to count as a friend, meeting for lunch and working with her as she got behind charitable causes in the UK, Gordon wrote.

Gordon visited their then-home, Frogmore Cottage, in Windsor, and was with them at Buckingham Palace the day they left the UK in 2020. As Harry prepared to publish his memoir, Spare, in January 2023, Gordon traveled to their home in Montecito, California, to interview him.

Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance via Getty Images Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend a meeting with NATO representatives on the sidelines of the 6th Invictus Games at Merkur Spiel Arena

I spent an afternoon at the house, the kids [Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet] running around happily as we drank tea, Gordon wrote. Harry proudly showed me the DIY photo wall hed recently created, featuring pictures of his mum.

When she left, Gordon did so with a jar of their homemade jam, which I then left in the back of a taxi in a jet-lagged stupor, she wrote. Somewhere in Los Angeles, a cab driver has one of the earliest batches of American Riviera Orchards produce.

Of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as a couple, Gordon described them as a pretty ordinary couple existing in an absolutely extraordinary situation, she wrote. There are no airs or graces with them, no desire to do anything other than protect their children from an increasingly digital world that likes nothing more than seeing the worst in people. A world that forgets that no matter how high profile a person is, theyre just doing their best, like everyone else.

She added, This is not what people want to hear, but it is what Ive found, time and time again.

KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, look on as they attend a Sit Out at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja on May 11, 2024 as they visit Nigeria as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary

Related: Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Have Been 'Reluctant' to Show Archie and Lilibet Publicly (Exclusive)

Prince Harry exclusively tells PEOPLE ahead of his 40th birthday that his priority remains fatherhood. The best gift Ive ever been given is, without doubt, my kids, Harry says via his spokesperson. I enjoy watching them grow every single day and love being their dad.

A friend previously told PEOPLE, Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats, they said. He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm.

The friend added, As a dad and husband, Harry is determined to ensure that history doesnt repeat itself.

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!

For his big birthday this weekend, PEOPLE previously reported that Prince Harry planned to celebrate with Meghan, 43, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, followed by a gathering with close friends internationally.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Students from Lincoln Christ's Hospital School sixth form buried the capsules [BBC]

Capsules commemorating a Lincoln schools 50th anniversary have been buried.

Students at Lincoln Christ's Hospital School (LCHS) celebrated the milestone by burying two time capsules on school grounds.

Robin Foyster, chairman of LCHS committee, said it was a "significant moment for the school".

LCHS has also launched a digital archive and believes it is the first state school in the UK to do so.

Mr Foyster added: "We have put a huge amount of work into this and were incredibly pleased with whats going on.

In 50 years time, someone will dig the capsules up and see what the school was like, which is fantastic."

The school was formed in 1974 when four schools - Lincoln (Grammar) School, Lincoln Christs Hospital Girls High School, St Giles Secondary Boys School and Myle Cross Secondary Girls School - combined.

Robin Foyster said the time capsules were a historic moment for the school [BBC]

An archive preserving the historical documents and objects that provide evidence of the past has also been digitised and made available online by the school.

The Behenna Archive is made up of five large batches of materials relating from 1974 to the present day.

Steve Holt, chairman of the school's foundation, said: Were all very excited to be the first state school in the UK to have a digital archive.

We live in a digital world. It is good for the students to relate more to the media activities that go on today.

The National Archives has given us tremendous support to make this possible."

Sixth form pupil Pawana Wiju said the capsule was all about celebrating memories [BBC]

Sixth form student Pawana Wiju said: Its a really special moment for all of us.

Its really important that we preserve all the experiences and memories weve made in the school. It will be there forever.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

More on this story

Related internet links
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.
Former President Donald Trump has continued to peddle unsubstantiated claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, despite the city saying they have no credible reports.

Here is a timeline of how this narrative developed.

 Sept. 5: NewsGuard, an organization whose mission is countering misinformation, traced the origin of the eating pets narrative to a viral X post on Sept. 5 that featured a screenshot of the initial rumor. NewsGuard tracked down a Springfield resident who wrote the original allegation in a Facebook group that claimed Haitians were "carving up" her neighbor's daughter's friend's cat, though the date of this post is unknown.

 Sept. 6: A conservative account on X with over 2.9 million users further disseminated the screenshot of this rumor. The accompanying text read, "Under Harris and Biden, 20,000 Haitian immigrants were shipped to the town. Now ducks and pets are disappearing."

 Sept. 8: Charlie Kirk, an American conservative political talk show host and Internet personality, added onto the unsubstantiated allegations by also posting the screen grab and saying that "residents of Springfield, OH are reporting that Haitians are eating their family pets."

 Sept. 9: The rumor reached the Trump campaign after Sen. JD Vance claimed on X that "people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country."

 Sept. 9: The city of Springfield told ABC News in a statement that "there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community."

 Sept. 9: The unsubstantiated claims continued to spread among X, with the help of Elon Musk who posted an AI-generated cat and a duck with the caption, "save them!" His post currently has 93.2 million views.

PHOTO: In this undated file photo, Springfield, a city in Clark County, Ohio, is shown. (STOCK IMAGE/Getty Images)

 Sept. 10: Vance acknowledged on social media, "It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false." However, he urged people to "keep the cat memes flowing," and he went on to write about a child that was killed in Springfield after a migrant under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) crashed into a school bus last year.

 Sept. 10: The parents of the deceased child asked Trump and Vance to stop using their son "as a political tool," and also touched on their "untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members."

-- Sept. 10: The Arizona Republican Party established "EAT LESS KITTENS  vote Republican!" billboards in Phoenix, Arizona, with a Facebook post that promised Trump would secure borders.

 Sept. 10: While traveling to the ABC News presidential debate, Trump posted AI-generated images and memes referencing the unsubstantiated claim of pets being eaten by immigrants.

 Sept. 10: Trump repeated the conspiracy on the debate stage. "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," he said.

 Sept. 10: Vice President Kamala Harris responded to these comments during the debate. "Talk about extreme," she said before adding that such rhetoric is part of the reason why she has been endorsed by 200 Republicans who worked for previous Republican administrations, and that Trump does not address real issues.

 Sept. 10: After the debate, Trump shared unsubstantiated posts about alleged Haitian immigrants seen carrying geese in Springfield and a woman arrested in Canton, Ohio after allegedly eating a cat, who the Associated Press later reported is not Haitian and was born in Ohio.

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)

 Sept. 11: Trump doubled down on his anti-immigration rhetoric on Fox News, saying, "People from Haiti, I guess, have come in illegally, totally coming illegally into our country."

 Sept. 11: A local resident in Springfield visited the city commission to express concerns about Haitian migrants. He told ABC News that he misses the "old days" and discussed unsubstantiated information he got from a Republican state Senate candidate, demonstrating how anti-immigration sentiment has become deep-seated in local elections as well.

 Sept. 11: Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck acknowledged some strains on the housing, healthcare and education systems in the community due to the rapid growth in population, but stressed that it was not from the "rumored being reported." He called the continued narrative from Trump and his allies "disappointing," adding that the city celebrates and promotes the growth in the community boosted by immigrants.

 Sept. 11: Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said, "I think we should take the word of the city manager and the mayor that they've found no credible evidence of that story of Haitians eating pets."

 Sept. 12: The City of Springfield received a bomb threat that prompted an "immediate response from local and regional law enforcement" -- though there's no indication of whether it had anything to do with the recent narrative that's been floating about the city.

 Sept. 12: Social media activist Laura Loomer made more baseless claims about Springfield. Loomer has received media attention in recent days traveling with Trump and delivering extreme rhetoric on X.

 Sept. 12: Trump posted more AI-generated images of him with cats and ducks, including an AI-generated image of a cat holding a sign that says, "KAMALA HATES ME."

 Sept. 12: White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who is the daughter of Haitian immigrants, condemned this rhetoric and called it a "very bizarre and very hateful smear" that has already been "debunked."

 Sept. 12: During a rally in Tucson, Arizona, Trump continued to advance these sentiments, saying "recordings of 911 calls show the residents are reporting the migrants are walking off with the town's geese. They've taken the geese. You know where the geese are in the park, in the lake, and even walking off with their pets. My dog's been taken. My dog's gone." He added that the Springfield community has over "20,000 illegals," and he referred to "illegal Haitian migrants taking over a beautiful place."

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, speaks during a campaign event at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in Tuscon, Ariz., Sep. 12, 2024. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

 Sept. 13: Springfield Mayor Rob Rue told ABC News that he believes the community threats are directly connected to the unsubstantiated rumors circling around about the Haitian community in his town. He said such rumors are factually not true and explained how they are hurting his community. Your pets are safe in Springfield, he added.

 Sept. 13: President Biden expressed his support for the Haitian community, saying these claims are simply wrong and that it has to stop.

There has been an influx of Haitian migrants in the city of Springfield in recent years, but city officials told ABC News that the number has been exaggerated by some, and the figure is estimated to be about 12,000 - 15,000. According to their Immigration FAQ page, the migrants are in the country legally under Temporary Protected Status -- or TPS -- a temporary immigration status granted to foreign nationals from countries that are experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other emergencies.

A 2020 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed U.S.-born citizens are over 2 times more likely to be arrested for violent crimes, 2.5 times more likely to be arrested for drug crimes, and over 4 times more likely to be arrested for property crimes than undocumented immigrants.

ABC News' Soorin Kim, Armando Garcia, and Alex Presha contributed to this report.

Timeline of unsubstantiated claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The DOJ this month charged two employees of RT, a Russian-backed media network, with running a large-scale influence operation.

The Justice Department plans to file criminal charges in the hacking of Donald Trumps presidential campaign, two law enforcement officials told NBC News.

The Trump campaign announced in August that it had been hacked. Later that month, federal officials said that Iran was behind the effort, which was part of an apparent hack-and-leak operation to spread files stolen from Trumps campaign.

To date, the information obtained and disseminated to media organizations by the hackers has not spread widely. At least three American media outlets and one independent journalist have received what appear to be the hacked files from a person using the name Robert and emailed from an America Online (AOL) address, but they have not published those files.

A spokesperson for Irans Mission to the United Nations didnt immediately respond to an email requesting comment, but previously denied that Iran was behind the hacking operation.

The Washington Post was first to report the pending charges. Details of the charges and who they will be filed against are not currently known.

NBC News has emailed with one of the addresses used by Robert, in recent days, which would not respond when asked whether there are other plans to disseminate the Trump documents or about the full extent of the stolen files. Emails to the account bounced back Friday, indicating the account had been deleted.

Federal officials reiterated in a press call last week that the U.S. intelligence community believes Iran wants to hurt former President Trumps campaign, whereas Russia wants to boost Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. The Justice Department charged employees of RT, a Russian-backed media network, of running an operation to illegally fund conservative influencers.

Cybersecurity experts have long warned that Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps runs a highly skilled and persistent email phishing operation, usually to gather intelligence for Tehran.

Microsoft and Google both said earlier this year that they had observed IRGC hackers trying to hack the presidential campaigns. Google was more specific, and said that the hackers had gone after both the Trump campaign and President Joe Bidens before he dropped out of the race.

U.S. authorities accused Iran ahead of the 2020 presidential election of a convoluted scheme to interfere by emailing Florida Democrats emails that appeared to come from the Proud Boys, a pro-Trump militia. The Justice Department charged two Iranians with conducting that operation in 2021.
An Australian man has been charged thousands of dollars in fuel charges and fines after his unruly behavior diverted a flight last year.

The 33-year-old man, who was not identified, was on a flight from Perth to Sydney on Sept. 25, 2023 when he started misbehaving, the Australian Federal Police said in a news release. Police did not specify how he was disrupting the flight, but said that his behavior "caused the flight to return to Perth."

Because of the early return, the pilot had to dump fuel before landing, and the rest of the passengers had to be reaccommodated on a later flight.

The man was arrested by the Australian Federal Police after the flight landed, and charged with one count of disorderly behavior on an aircraft and one count of failure to comply with safety instruction.

He pleaded guilty to the charges last week.

He was fined $9,000 Australian dollars, or about $6,000 USD, the Australian Federal Police said. He was also charged about $5,600 USD, in "reparation costs to the airline to cover the cost of fuel from the flight."

Australian Federal Police acting superintendent Shona Davis said that she hopes this outcome will dissuade others from acting out while flying.

"This incident should serve as a warning that criminal behaviour on board can come at a heavy cost to the offender," Davis said. "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."

Earlier this year, a British man was charged over $20,000 for outbursts on a flight from London, England to Newark, New Jersey. The flight was diverted to Bangor, Maine after Alexander Michael Dominic MacDonald's argument with his girlfriend escalated into him yelling at a flight attendant. MacDonald eventually became "verbally and physically aggressive," CBS News previously reported, and had to be restrained with flex cuffs as the flight diverted.

In 2022, the FAA announced it was enacting a zero-tolerance policy against unruly passengers.

"Behaving dangerously on a plane will cost you; that's a promise," said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen at the time. "Unsafe behavior simply does not fly and keeping our Zero Tolerance policy will help us continue making progress to prevent and punish this behavior."

The Prosecution of January 6th | Sunday on 60 Minutes

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
Texas Sen. John Cornyn speaks at a round table during an event held at The Heights Theater touting the Small Business Administration legislation known as the Save Our Stages Act that benefitted area venues during the pandemic Friday, Jul. 29, 2022 in Houston, TX. Michael Wyke / Contributor United States Senator John Cornyn speaks with reporters during the Texas GOP convention at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Friday, May 24, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn isnt on the ballot this year, but that doesnt mean hes not campaigning hard this fall.

The Texas Republican was in Ohio last week helping U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno campaign, and earlier in the month he made a stop in Philadelphia to help Republican Dave McCormick, who is trying to win a Senate seat in Pennsylvania.

And Ill be looking for more opportunities to travel and help candidates where it is helpful, Cornyn said this week on a call with reporters.

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That travel is in addition to about $25 million Cornyn said hes raised to specifically help Republicans nationwide as the GOP inches closer to retaking control of the U.S. Senate.

Cornyn is also one of three Republicans in the running to be the GOP leader in the Senate next year. U.S. Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., are the other two. If Republicans pick up enough seats in November, that could put Cornyn in a position to be the first Senate majority leader from Texas since Lyndon B. Johnson.

Earlier this year, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced he would not seek another term in the position.

A Senate majority leader has vast influence over the national agenda by deciding which bills can even make it to the floor of the Senate for a vote.

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Cornyn, a 72-year-old Houston native, said the nature of the race for Republican leader is not a typical campaign. Most of the work is done in one-on-one conversations with Republican members of the Senate who will vote by secret ballot at some point after the November election on whom they want as the leader.

Cornyn said hes picked up some early commitments from members but is trying to grow that.

Millions of the money hes raised comes from oil interests in Texas. Paul Foster, chairman of Western Refining in El Paso, Kelcy Warren, chairman and CEO of Energy Transfer Partners, and real estate developer Ross Perot Jr. and his wife Sarah Perot are the top donors to Cornyns political action committee that is supporting the other candidates. All gave at least $300,000 to the Cornyn Victory Committee.

Thune announced earlier in the week he was sending $4 million from his campaign account to the National Republican Senatorial Committee to help elect other Republicans around the nation.

Scott, meanwhile, is one of the Senates wealthiest members. He is reported to have committed to maxing out his donations to the NRSC this year to help Republicans take back the majority.

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Scott also has Texas ties. He earned his law degree at Southern Methodist University, practiced law in Dallas and later got into the hospital industry in Texas, where he built his fortune.

Currently, Democrats hold the majority in the Senate by one seat, plus have Vice President Kamala Harris to break ties in Senate votes.

Republicans are already in a good position to flip one seat in West Virginia, where Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, is not seeking reelection. Former President Donald Trump carried the state easily in 2016 and 2020.

Tight races in Montana and Ohio, states Trump won in 2020, are considered two other potential pickups for the GOP. But Republicans are bracing for tight races in Florida and Texas. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Colin Allred.

Public polling shows Cruz leading Allred, but Cornyn said he expects it to be one of the most expensive races in Texas history because of how much national Democrats are trying to help Allred.

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Cornyn says hes ready to help Cruz however he can, and is determined to make sure a Democrat doesnt win a Senate seat in Texas for the first time since the 1990s.
A California man on a Frontier Airlines flight was arrested on Wednesday after attempting to strangle a flight attendant and threatening to kill everybody. The unruly passenger ultimately caused the flight to be diverted, according to officials.

Charles Angela Salva, 30, of Fremont, California, was a passenger on Flight 3581 departing from John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana to San Francisco International Airport on Monday, according to a press release by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison for interfering with flight crew members.

In a statement to USA TODAY, Frontier Airlines confirmed the incident "involving a passenger who physically assaulted members of the flight crew and had to be restrained, forcing the flight to divert to Ontario, California."

One passenger told law enforcement they noticed that Salva seemed "claustrophobic" and "like he wanted to get off the plane."

Shortly after takeoff, flight attendants noticed the oxygen masks in one row in the middle of the aircraft were out of the overhead compartment and discovered that Salva had pulled down the masks and got his hand stuck in the process, the release said.

Salva soon began "yelling obscenities" at the flight attendants, including, "We are all going to hell" and "This airplane is going down." He got out of his seat, grabbed at other passengers and ran toward the rear of the aircraft.

Get a hold of yourselves: Why air rage on airplanes is every traveler's problem

As crew members tried to restrain him, Salva assaulted them multiple times. He allegedly tried to choke one of them  leaving two small marks on their neck. He then pushed another flight attendant and said he "going to kill everybody."

Breaking out of flex cuffs, Salva had to be restrained by a seatbelt with assistance from other passengers. He kicked one flight attendant in the legs about six times, leaving bruising and swelling that required medical attention, the release said.

The flight was then diverted to Ontario International Airport. "We extend our utmost appreciation to the flight crew for their professionalism and to the other passengers who assisted during the incident, as well as local and federal law enforcement, and the U.S. Attorneys Office, Central District of California, for their efforts to ensure justice," Frontier Airlines said.

The FBI and Ontario Police Department are currently investigating the incident, according to the release.

As of Friday, there has been 897 incidents of unruly passengers, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Unruly passenger arrested for trying to strangle flight attendant
CNN political commentator Van Jones said late Thursday that Vice President Harris humiliated former President Trump at this weeks debate, adding that the Democratic nominee couldve stopped the elder abuse toward the end of the event.

Kamala Harris did something that no politician has done, ever, Jones said during an appearance on CNN NewsNight. She didnt just beat him. She humiliated him. She humiliated him.

He has been the Pac-Man of American politics, Jones added in remarks highlighted by Mediaite. He has eaten up, gobbled up politicians, spit em out, went through 16 Republican governors and senators like it was nothing. And even when he does badly, he usually has something he can point to.

The Tuesday night debate was the first time Harris and Trump had ever met in person. They clashed over a variety of issues, including the economy, immigration, abortion and health care. Harris repeatedly tried to get under Trumps skin and, at times, seemed successful, as the GOP nominee appeared visibly irritated in exchanges. A CNN flash poll, released following the debate, showed that 63 percent of registered voters said Harris outperformed Trump. About 37 percent thought that the former president was victorious.

She whooped him so badly that I think hes literally afraid to come back, Jones said on CNN. And so  now I agree, the last 20 minutes, she couldve stopped with the elder abuse at that point and then turn more to her program. I wish that she had, but shes got plenty of time now. And now, the funk is off.

To quote the New York Times: Pundits may think Kamala won, but undecided voters arent so sure,  Trumps campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to The Hill in response to Joness remarks.

Jones, a pundit and a Democratic strategist, added that Harris should do more media appearances, but said the debate showcased her ability to deal with political leaders at home and abroad.

I think shes going to do a bunch of interviews, he said.

I wanted her to do interviews. I agree with you, she needs to get her program to find. But she first had to demonstrate this is a woman who can deal with any man  Putin, Donald Trump or anybody else  and she established that, he added, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this week, the CNN pundit said Harris put the ex-president in his place during the debate.

Trump said Thursday that he wont do another debate with Harris.

Updated at 10:33 a.m. EDT

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The family of an 11-year-old boy said he was suspended from his Virginia Beach, Virginia, school because administrators thought he waited too long to report that another student brought a bullet to class.

An attorney for the family accused St. John the Apostle Catholic School of punishing the sixth grader when he was only trying to do the right thing.

Theyre like, Thank you so much for reporting, now youre suspended. And its like, I did the right thing and now Im in trouble, attorney Tim Anderson said in a phone call Friday. Theyre ruining this kids academic career by putting a suspension on his middle school record.

St. John the Apostle Catholic School in Virginia Beach.

The incident happened last week as the boys class was preparing to take a standardized test. Anderson said a student pulled out a bullet and showed it to the 11-year-old right before the test started.

The boy was shocked but didnt tell the school principal until about two hours later, Anderson said.

They took the standardized test. It took about an hour and a half. He then went to another class with the student, and as soon as that was over he went to the principals office and told the principal that this other kid brought a bullet to school, the attorney explained.

The police were called and officers found the bullet in the students bag, according to Anderson. The student who had the bullet was suspended for two days.

The 11-year-old who reported it also received a two-day suspension because he did not immediately report what he saw, the attorney said.

That was quite shocking to [his] mom that one, he would receive the exact same punishment that the kid that brought the bullet to school received. But two, thats not even a punishable violation, Anderson said.

The boys mother, Rachel Wigand, tried to talk to the principal, but the school refused to change its mind about the suspension. The boy was allowed to return to school on Monday.

A spokesperson for The Catholic Diocese of Richmond said its culture of safety requires that students and adults alike report potential threats as quickly as they are made aware of them.

In a real emergency, gaps in reporting time may have major consequences for school safety, the spokesperson said. Our policies affirm this expectation, and we take our policy about timely and urgent reporting seriously. As with any disciplinary matter, we treat this as an opportunity for students to learn and move forward.

Michael Riley, the superintendent of Catholic schools told NBC affiliate WAVY of Portsmouth, that the school cannot, and will not, take chances when it comes to student safety.

As part of this charge, we expect students to bring safety issues to the attention of school staff immediately, and our school safety policies cement this expectation, he said.

Wigand said her son did not immediately tell the teacher during class because he wanted to remain anonymous.

But the school forfeited that on how they handled this, she said, adding that her son is worried about being labeled a snitch.

Shes had to tell him, You did the right thing. You hold your head up high and you let other kids know that they need to report something if they see something.

Anderson said he wants the school to apologize and remove the suspension from the boys record. Wigand said she thinks schools should train students on ways they can report suspicious activity.

People keep saying see something, say something, and I agree with that and thats exactly what my son did, she said. We train these kids on active shooter drills constantly. How are we training them to report?


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by Stefano Caprio

Pope Francis has appointed German Jesuit Stephan Lipke, 49, as auxiliary bishop of the diocese of the Transfiguration in Novosibirsk, alongside Bishop Joseph Werth, the last of the three bishops appointed in 1991, when Catholic structures were restored in Russia. An important task in a particularly delicate period for the country's political and religious history.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - The main seat of the Catholics of Siberia, the diocese of the Transfiguration in Novosibirsk, has had a new auxiliary bishop since yesterday, the German Jesuit Stephan Lipke, who has been active in Russia for many years as director of the St Thomas Aquinas Institute, founded in 1991 for the training of lay collaborators in parishes, and which has become an important cultural centre in Moscow for interreligious and cultural dialogue.

The new bishop, who will turn 50 at the end of the year, joins 72-year-old Bishop Joseph Werth, who has been in office in Novosibirsk since 1991, when the Catholic structures in Russia were restored with the two apostolic administrations for European and Asian Russia.

Bishop Lipke is a German Jesuit like his predecessor, who was however born in Kazakhstan to a family of Russian Germans deported to Central Asia at the time of Stalin, from the Volga area where Werth had been a parish priest in the city of Marx for some years. This was one of the historical realities of the spread of European emigrants to Russia, particularly from the Germanic territories, as decided by the Westernist Tsar Peter the Great in the early 18th century.

The Volga Germans were themselves heirs of the ancestors who had built the northern capital of Sankt-Petersburg, founded with a German title (although it was originally Dutch, St. Peterburg) to give Russia a new image as a window on Europe, becoming a very significant component of the Russian Eurasian Empire.

Further Stalinist deportations dispersed many Russian-Germans, who lived in compact communities according to their own customs, even in the expanses of Siberia and the countries of Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan and around the city of Karaganda, where Bishop Werth was born.

When the Soviet Union ended in 1991, most of the Germans in those areas tried to emigrate to Germany, and in the Catholic churches still open under the Soviets, only representatives of the other ethnic group of Russian Catholics, those of Polish origin, remained.

In those years, in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima in Karaganda, the church was filled only from the left side, because the pews in the right aisle were the seats of the Germans who were no longer there, but no Pole dared to sit in their place.

The 1991 appointments had to respect the Soviet nationality of the new bishops, and so a Belarusian was chosen for Moscow (Msgr. Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, now retired in Minsk), a Pole for Karaganda (Jan Pawel Lenga, retired in Poland) and a German for Novosibirsk, Msgr. Werth, recognising the main ethnic references for Catholics in Russia.

There was in fact one link that was excluded from the appointments, that with Lithuanian Catholics, which was impracticable in 1991 due to Lithuania's conflict with Moscow, as the first country to decide to separate itself from all ties with the Soviet past; but all three bishops appointed had been trained in Lithuania.

It was not easy for the first apostolic nuncio to post-Soviet Russia, Msgr. Francesco Colasuonno, to convince Father Joseph Werth to leave the parish of Marx to accept the episcopal appointment, of which he did not feel worthy and which he has since held until today, and in whose ministry he will now be joined by his Jesuit confrere.

Archbishop Lipke thus inherits a double important tradition, that of the German Catholics of Russia and that of the Society of Jesus to which Werth himself belonged, and which precisely in Novosibirsk found the possibility of rebirth in a land from which it had been expelled in the mid 19th century, but where it had left a very important mark in the spread of the Gospel and Western Catholic Christian culture.

The Jesuits had decided at the beginning of the 1990s to reopen their structures far from Moscow, to avoid possible conflicts, as the Society had always been under observation as the main western agent in Russia, and around Bishop Werth they were able to create important pastoral and cultural structures.

In 1998, however, they also took over from the Moscow diocese the responsibility for the institute of philosophy and theology for the laity, making it an effective protagonist of dialogue in the Russian capital, with a succession of very incisive personalities, from the first director, Polish Fr Stanislaw Opiela (the first Catholic priest in the new Russia to be denied a visa in 1999), to the last predecessor of Mgr Lipke, American Fr Anthony James Corcoran, now apostolic administrator of the Catholics of Kyrgyzstan.

Msgr. Lipke began his service in Russia in 2011 in Novosibirsk and then in Tomsk in Siberia, the only Russian city where a Catholic school is active thanks to the Jesuits. In Moscow he then took over responsibility for the St Thomas Institute, becoming an important reference point for Catholics in Moscow and beyond. Since 2020, he has also been secretary of the Russian Catholic Bishops' Conference.

He takes on a very important legacy, standing alongside the last bishop appointed in 1991, in a particularly delicate current period of Russia's political and religious history, taking this cross on his shoulders with great humility and sense of responsibility, for the future of Christian and Catholic Russia.
After the acquisition of the Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania, the group controlled by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani is in talks with the Kenyan government to lease the capitals airport for 30 years. Fearing job redundancies, workers are opposed to the move. Meanwhile, the Indian conglomerate is getting involved Kenyas energy sector. Back in India, an inquiry into its alleged share price manipulation is still ongoing.

New Delhi (AsiaNews)  Hundreds of workers at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport (JKIA) have gone on strike to protest a planned buyout by the Adani group, an Indian multinational conglomerate run by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, who is linked to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Adani Group is trying to expand its business in Africa, despite a series of ongoing investigations into stock market scams and money laundering.

Lawyers and activists oppose the deal that would see the airport leased to the Indian multinational for 30 years in return for a US$ 1.85 billion investment.

Kenya's High Court this week temporarily halted the offer, pending a hearing put forward by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), which claim that the country can independently raise the same amount to modernise the airport.

For its part, the union representing airport workers said the deal would cut jobs and worsen working conditions. Others fear that profits from the airport, which currently contributes 5 per cent to Kenya's national GDP, will be lost.

The JKIA is one of the busiest air hubs on the continent, with 8.8 million passengers and 380,000 tonnes of cargo moved in 2022 and 2023, but it is plagued by power outages and leaky roofs.

For the Kenya Airports Authority, the agreement with the Adani group would add a second runway and upgrade the passenger terminal; meanwhile, the government has tried to reassure the unions by saying that the airport is not for sale.

This is not the only project by the Adani Group in Kenya (or Africa). Confirmation came yesterday that the Indian multinational wants to strike a deal with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco), the national electricity company, to build transmission lines, a proposal that is still being evaluated, a government official told parliament.

In May, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. signed a 30-year concession with the Port Authority of Tanzania to operate the Container Terminal 2 at the Dar es Salaam Port.

The US .5 million investment would give Adani a majority stake in Tanzania International Container Terminal Services, which handles 83 per cent of the country's container volumes.

Adani Port is already the largest private port operator in India, with 30 per cent of all cargo movements along the coasts. It also acquired the port of Haifa, Israel, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, against its Chinese rivals.

Adani's acquisitions are part of a growing competition with Chinese groups, which are trying to push a new version of the Belt and Road Initiative in Africa where many countries expressed dissatisfaction with Chinas initiatives.

In Africa, India, like China, seems to want to take on the role of leader of the global South. However, as Kenyans noticed during the recent strike, Swiss authorities have frozen US$ 310 million in connection with an investigation into money laundering and forgery of securities linked to the Adani group, which the Group immediately stated was unfounded.

In January last year, Hindenburg Research, a US investment research firm, published a detailed report accusing Adani of manipulating share prices.

In March, India's Supreme Court ordered the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which regulates the stock market, to investigate the matter.

Last month, Hindenburg Research accused SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch of conflict of interest because of her ties to Adani's offshore funds, a situation that is compromising the inquiry.

Five days ago, the Indian National Congress, Indias main opposition party, criticised the delays in the SEBI probe, saying that an inquiry that was supposed to last two months is still ongoing after a year and a half.
by Fady Noun

Thousands of faithful, ecclesiastical and political personalities witnessed the arrival of the remains of the cardinal, now buried in the cathedral of Saint Elias and Saint Gregory the Illuminator. The wait is on for the completion of the beatification process. From Prime Minister Mikati the hope that through his intercession, the country of the cedars will overcome the political and institutional crisis.

Beirut (AsiaNews) - In front of the astonished and incredulous gazes of several thousand Lebanese members of the Armenian community, gathered in Martyrs' Square in downtown Beirut, and of many civil and religious dignitaries, the Armenian Catholic Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian showed this miracle of holiness.

The still-preserved body of his predecessor and Cardinal Gregoire Pierre XXV Aghagianian (1895-1971), albeit without the embalming rite. Among the governmental and ecclesiastical authorities present yesterday evening were the interim Lebanese Prime Minister Nagib Mikati and the Maronite Patriarch, Card. Beshara Rai.

Transported directly from Rafic Hariri International Airport to Martyrs' Square, carried by men representing all confessions, the catafalque enclosed in a glass case inside which rest the patriarch's remains crossed the central corridor. On either side, long rows of chairs packed with worshippers, amidst clouds of incense and confetti.

Displayed during the ceremony at the centre of a stucco reproduction of the entrance portal of the Bzommar convent, seat of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate in Lebanon, the body was transferred at the end of the service to the cathedral of Saint Elias and Saint Gregory the Illuminator, not far away.

No further ceremonies for public display of the body are currently planned, pending the favourable conclusion of the beatification process. To date, the deceased cardinal is simply considered a venerable, or servant of God, by virtue of the canonical process opened in Rome in 2022, a title that awaits the man's heroic virtues in any case.

The transfer took place at the express request of Card. Aghagianian himself, while he was still alive. Born in Georgia in 1895, he studied in Rome from a very young age and was a brilliant student. Over time, he was able to climb the ecclesiastical hierarchy, though never forgetting his Armenian origins and never being able to return to his native homeland, which in the meantime had become a Soviet Republic.

A naturalised Lebanese upon independence in 1943, while already been elected Patriarch of the Armenian Catholics, among his last wishes expressed in life was to be buried on Lebanese soil, in Bzommar. The cardinal led the Armenian Catholic Church between 1937 and 1962, before handing it over to freer hands to devote himself to the preparations for the Second Vatican Council.

Although no further expositions are planned, Patriarch Minassian has arranged for the tomb to be accessible to the faithful, after having personally worked for the exhumation from the previous burial place, a crypt in the Armenian church of St Nicholas of Tolentino in Rome.

This because as a young seminarian he himself had watched over the deceased cardinal, witnessing a mysterious phenomenon: sweat was perspiring from the lifeless body, but his superiors at the time had ordered him to ignore it. In silence, the current head of the Armenian Church carried the secret within him, thinking it was a sign from God, as confirmed by the exhumation in 2022, in view of the cause of beatification, with the remains still intact as a sign of holiness.

The Patriarch held many positions under the pontificates of Pius XII, John XXIII and Paul VI, including head of the dicastery for the Evangelisation of Peoples (Propaganda fide) between 1958 and 1970, as well as moderator during the Council. He was also responsible for many schools, churches, orphanages and dispensaries.

The little flock that escaped genocide

He too was part of the little flock that escaped the Armenian genocide of 1915 and chose Lebanon as his second homeland. A nation, as emerged also from Patriarch Minassian's words, that remains a land of holiness, of Islamic-Christian encounter, a message of pluralism for East and West as Saint John Paul II used to say, despite the difficulties.

All Lebanese, said interim Prime Minister Mikati, hope that with the arrival of the mortal remains of Patriarch Aghagianian, a white smoke will rise from this region to announce the good news of the election of a new president of the Republic.

It is from the cathedral of St. Elias and St. Gregory the Illuminator and from higher up, like Therese of Lisieux who promised to spend my Heaven doing good on earth that Card. Aghagianian will help those who rely on his intercession.

She had promised this to those who came to her bedside in the last days of her life after losing their sight. Now I can do nothing more for you, he said. But God willing, I will be able to do so after death.

Before taking his last breath, Patriarch Minassian ended with an anecdote, the cardinal uttered the words I am thirsty, as his Master [Jesus] did on the cross. And when he saw the glass of water being brought to him, he replied: I thirst for your holiness. This,' he concludes, was also his last recommendation.
by Joseph Masilamany

Teresa Kok, a six-time MP with the Democratic Action Party, which is part of the ruling coalition, is in the crosshairs for questioning a proposal seen as too burdensome for small businesses. During questioning, she stressed that she did not disrespect Islam.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews)  Food has become another battleground in Malaysia over Halal certification and compliance with Islamic rules.

At the centre of the controversy is a veteran Catholic politician, Teresa Kok, MP for Seputeh, who was questioned by police as part of an investigating into her comments about a halal certification proposal made by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).

Teresa Kok (pictured), whose Democratic Action Party is a key member of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition government, recently called for a review of a proposal made by Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na'im Mokhtar at the recent 2024 International Conference on Family Law in Kuala Lumpur that would make halal certification mandatory.

Mokhtar minister wants all restaurants to be certified, a proposal deemed overly onerous and costly for small businesses.

Speaking about the affair, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim distanced himself from Kok over her statement, saying that her thoughts do not reflect any consensus in his unity government.

As a result of Koks remarks, police recently summoned the six-time Catholic MP to provide a statement as part of its investigation to determine if she caused public alarm.

The allegations against her are that she opposed the minister's proposal and used online platforms to share offensive content.

Once completed, the case will be referred to the Attorney-Generals Chambers, said Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, who added that witnesses, including Kok, were called to make a statement to complete the investigation.

Koks lawyer, Syahredzan, said she was questioned for an hour and a half, answering 20 questions related to the investigation.

According to the lawyer, the Catholic politician stressed that a mandatory halal certification would be a burden on small businesses, entailing higher costs and more operating burdens.

For this reason, she asked for a review of the proposal, saying that certification should remain voluntary for businesses based on market demands.

Speaking to local media, Kok reiterated her respect for the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and Islam. I did not question halal certification, Jakims role, or disrespect Islam, she told the Sinar Daily.

I have been promoting Malaysias halal certification since 2008 when I held the position of Selangor Exco for Trade, Industry, and Investment, Kok explained. Malaysias halal certification is one of the highest standards in the world, she explained. I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and hope the issue will be resolved peacefully.
Customization is part of the gaming experience, and Sony's latest system update for the PlayStation 5 looks to add more customization options for its users. According to the company, a new Welcome Hub is here to deliver just that, offering users more ways to customize their home screen.

This new update from Sony is ushering in more customization options that would help change the home screen's layout more than before.

PS5's System Update Adds More Home Screen Customization

The latest system update for the PlayStation 5 is here, and this brings new experiences for PS5 owners to enjoy as Sony is providing more options for home screen customization. Users may begin to download update version 24.06-10.00.00 on their PS5s, and some may already see the new Welcome Hub dedicated to all things customization.

It has been noted by Sony that for North American users, the Welcome Hub will replace its previous Explore hub. Sony also noted that only a limited number of users will be able to receive the new Welcome hub. Despite already downloading the update, the rollout will take one to two months to be completed.

Edit Widgets, Resize Them, and More

PS5's Welcome hub allows the owner to customize both widgets and the background. It gives the users the chance to edit and resize the widgets they see, including storage information, online friends, battery levels (for DualSense and other accessories), and more. There are also preset layouts available, but users may opt to do this manually.

This update also brings personalized 3D audio, adaptive charging for DualSense, party links, Remote Play restrictions, and more.

PlayStation 5 Customization Experiences

Not all gamers are that fond of customizing their consoles or their interfaces as their main focus is to play games. However, for those who are also considering looks to be part of their experience, Sony is known for offering a variety of customization available for its modern-gen gaming device.

As example, Sony now offers a detachable console cover for its PlayStation, While all release come in white, there are several options from Sony and other third-party manufacturers.

In addition, there are also special DualSense controllers that have specific designs, including a recent release by Sony which features Astro Bot.

That being said, the PS5's software itself only has limited customization features available for gamers after four years since the console was released in 2020. The latest update from Sony adds to his limited number.
For the first time, three South Korean dioceses organised together this moment of encounter and prayer, with thoughts for the deceased and divided families. For Fr Jung, While the Catholic Churchs support and companionship for North Korean defectors were more focused on the initial settlement in the past, now it seems that pastoral and spiritual companionship is also requested.

Seoul (AsiaNews)  For the first time, dioceses in South Korea have promoted the celebration of a Mass with North Korean exiles living in Seoul, Suwon, and Uijeongbu. The service was held last Saturday, 7 September, in Uijeongbu at the Church of Repentance and Atonement, a symbolic place for this celebration.

The Reconciliation Committee of the Archdiocese of Seoul was behind this new project, planned for this year. Later, at the request of North Koreans living in Gyeonggi province, the three dioceses decided to celebrate the liturgy together. Committee vice chairman Fr Ignatius Sooyong Jung led the service.

We at the Korea Reconciliation Committee of Seoul often use the phrase, As long as you remember them, they shall live on. And all your wishes will come true, as long as you pray, said Fr Jung in his homily.

Through todays Mass, he added, let us remember and pray together for our beloved family members who have passed away, our relatives and neighbours who live far away, and our precious hometown that we cannot visit, and ask God for grace.

For Clara Moon, the Mass was a special occasion. She came to visit her mother's ashes at the Bongan-dang (Gate of Peace), once located in the church. Another woman, Anna Han, from Seoul, said: I met my hometown friends living in Gyeonggi Province and had a long-awaited reunion. I cherished the memories I had with my family back in the North and prayed for them during the Mass, hoping to revisit my hometown someday.

Every New Years and Thanksgiving, I take my children to the places where I can see North Korea up close and tell them stories about my relatives back in the North, said Francisca Romana Mikyung Kim, leader of the North Korean group for reconciliation between the Koreas of the Archdiocese of Seoul. The pain of division is felt greatly by North Korean defectors who have been separated from their families.

According to Fr Jung, around 34,000 North Koreans fled to the South, more than 90 per cent more than five years ago.

While the Catholic Churchs support and companionship for North Korean defectors were more focused on the initial settlement in the past, now it seems that pastoral and spiritual companionship is also requested. I hope that this joint memorial Mass was a chance for believers and non-believers to come together and pray, Fr Jung said.

The Archdiocese of Seoul established the Committee for Reconciliation between the Koreas on 1 March 1995, on the fiftieth anniversary of the liberation from Japan, on the instructions of the late Card Stephen Sou-hwan Kim, then archbishop of Seoul and apostolic administrator of Pyongyang.

Currently led by Archbishop Peter Soon-Taick Cung, the Committee is involved in various pastoral activities dedicated to peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula, centred on the founding values of prayer, education and sharing.
Today's news: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal released on bail; Indonesia proposes inclusion of fish milk in free meals for children; Chinese modern history researchers are finding it increasingly difficult to do their work; Israel conducts a ground operation in Syria; Tajiki crackdown in the Pamir.

NORTH KOREA

North Korea for the first time released pictures of centrifuges that enrich uranium, which, at a certain concentration, can become fuel for nuclear bombs. State media described dictator Kim Jong Un's visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute, without clarifying when the visit took place and where the production base is located, reiterating the threat of vassal forces led by the US imperialists.

CHINA

Although Beijing wants to increase academic exchanges, scholars working on modern Chinese history argue that censorship is making it impossible to conduct independent research. In recent years, more and more researchers who had managed to visit China in the past have been denied visas. Document research has basically gone out of fashion because it has become too complex, difficult and dangerous, said Daniel Leese, professor of modern Chinese history at the University of Freiburg.

INDIA

This morning the Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has been in jail for five months for alleged money laundering. The Aam Aadmi Party leader had increased commissions for alcohol sellers, a policy that was later cancelled. According to his supporters, the arrest had been orchestrated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

INDONESIA

President-elect Prabowo Subianto proposed the inclusion of fish milk instead of cow's milk as a dish in the country's free meal programme for all children, a policy that has been talked about since Prabowo was elected (he will take office next month). In Indonesia, fish milk is produced from fish protein, processed into powder and flavoured. It has been produced since 2023 with the support of the Ministry of Fisheries to promote local fish products.

ISRAEL - SYRIA

Israeli special forces conducted a ground operation in Syria against an underground Hezbollah missile production facility. On Sunday evening, several locations around the city of Masyaf, not far from the border with Lebanon, were hit. Several information sources have learned that this was a bombing that was part of a larger operation.

RUSSIA - TURKEY

Russian President Vladimir Putin has postponed his visit to Turkey for the third time, not only because of fears of an international arrest, but according to Middle East Eye also because of the lack of agreement on travel conditions, as the Russian leader had asked Ankara to allow him to fly with the accompaniment of his fighter jets, for fear of attacks.

TAJIKISTAN

Amnesty International s latest report denounces the ongoing repression in Tajikistan of the inhabitants of the Pamir mountains, of the Gorno-Badaksan region, which makes up 45% of the country's territory, who are often considered dangerous by the authorities in Dushanbe, with humanitarian activists sentenced to ten or more years of imprisonment with violence and torture, and even several cases of murder.
by Shafique Khokhar

The death of Abdul Ali once again highlights the growth of extremism even in government institutions. The owner of a small hotel was killed amid pressure from Islamists. For Yousaf Benjamin, executive director of Dignity First-Pakistan, This incident raises questions [. . .] about police officers.

Quetta (AsiaNews)  A middle-aged Muslim man, Abdul Ali, owner of a small Sakhi Hotel was killed yesterday by a policeman, after he was taken into custody a couple of days ago on charges of blasphemy, at the Cantonment police station in Quetta.

According to available information, Abdul Ali, a resident of Kharotabad, made questionable comments about the Khatm-i-Nabuwwat,[*] as well as on the Prophet Muhammad. His alleged phone conversation went viral on social media, sparking sharp criticism and protests in the city.

This is yet another case of violence due to Pakistan's blasphemy laws that never go to trial, and are often used against minority groups.

After a furious mob demanded action against the accused, police arrested him under Article 295c and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code, and filed a First Information Report (FIR).

Police eventually managed to disperse the crowd, after negotiating with the leaders of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a far-rightist Islamist movement.

Later, an angry crowd from religious parties, including Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, gathered in front of the Kharotabad police station, where the suspect was initially detained, demanding the police hand over the prisoner, throwing stones and grenades at the police station.

According to information posted on social media, Abdul Ali was a practising Muslim: one of his two sons is a Hafiz-e-Quran[] while the other is a cleric.

The policeman who killed the prisoner is called Syed Khan Sarhadi. The murder took place in the police station. Abdul Ali was pronounced dead at the scene, his body riddled with bullets.

Once again, a sad incident happened in Quetta Pakistan. A person was killed in the name of alleged blasphemy charges, said social media writer Aamir Kakkazai, speaking to AsiaNews. This time, the sad part is the killer was an on-duty policeman and the person killed was under his custody.

This underscores the special nature of the case: a murder carried out by someone who was supposed to uphold the law, the member of an institution that often stands by when angry mobs engage in violence.

This reminds us of the death of Salman Taseer, a governor of Punjab, who was killed by his own security guard, Kakkazai added. One sad part is that all religious parties and leaders are showing solidarity with the killer (police constable), claiming that he has now become a Ghazi[] like Mumtaz Qadri, the killer of Salman Taseer.

Misuse of blasphemy laws and extrajudicial killing of a citizen are condemnable, notes Yousaf Benjamin, executive director of Dignity First. For decades, human rights defenders have been urging the authorities to counter the religious extremism; however, no steps HAVE BEEN taken in this regard, which has now resulted in frequent abuses of the blasphemy laws.

The killing of three people over a four-month period is evidence of government inaction.

This incident raises questions on the training and mental growth of police officials. We have seen a number of policemen take the law into their hands and kill the victims. There is a lot to be done in this regard, e.g. deleting hate material from the textbooks and educating and training law enforcement groups.

For Jamshed Iqbal, an educationist and writer, Syed Khan Sarhadi is an ugly and hypocritical face, an ugly face that does not give does not look at the mistakes of a person as an excuse, but looks at the excuse and kills a person.

Usually, I do not get disappointed but I do when I see Pakistan badly sick with extremism and it has no cure for it. Now, anyone who tries to cure this disease will be killed by this disease.

Questioning this kind of violence tends to hit a wall of inflexibility.

Ultimately, Iqbal notes that, You can cure a person when he thinks that he is ill, but, when a patient thinks that his illness is righteousness, then what could a doctor do for him? Believe me, this country can get out of economic crises but it cannot get rid of extremism and fundamentalism.

[*] The finality of Muhammads prophethood.

[] Someone who has memorised the Quran.

[] A Muslim warrior wounded in battle.
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X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk is not happy about a proposed legislation in Australia that tackles misinformation spread on social media. In fact, Musk replied to a tweet talking about the Australian government's place and simply said, "Fascists."

The X owner has long referred to himself as a champion of free speech. In 2022, he tweeted, "I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means."

I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 25, 2022

What the Legislation is All About

The proposed legislation that caught Musk's ire calls for social media platforms to be fined for not controlling the spread of misinformation online. According to the report by The Guardian, fines can reach up to 5% of the platform's annual turnover.

Reuters adds in its own report that the proposed legislation will require platforms to set up a code of conduct to attempt the spread of misinformation. This code of conduct must be approved by a regulator.

Australian Politicians React

According to the Reuters report, a spokesperson for Communications Minister Michelle Rowland simply said that companies that operate in Australia must abide by the country's laws.

Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten on Channel Nine's breakfast show, "When it's in his commercial interests, he is the champion of free speech; when he doesn't like it, he's going to shut it all down."

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones has also reacted to Musk's comment, saying "For the life of me, I can't see how Elon Musk or anyone else, in the name of free speech, thinks it is OK to have social media platforms publishing scam content, which is robbing Australians of billions of dollars every year."
13 September 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Farman Aydin, AzerNews

Azerbaijan's strong determination to resist the influence of the West and the fact that it is the strongest dam among the states in the South Caucasus has caused much frustration among political organizations and institutions.

If it were not so, Azerbaijan would not have been criticized in PACE or its credentials would not have been revoked due to its political will and position. If the European Union calls Azerbaijan a reliable ally when it comes to its economic interests, why does it see it as its enemy in matters of law and politics?

The stability that has emerged in the South Caucasus region in the last four years is already clearly visible. Restoring the sovereignty of its territories has already made Azerbaijan the most active peace initiator in the region. Although Azerbaijan has managed to conduct peace talks with Armenia on a bilateral platform, the interventions of Western political players are aimed at stalling the processes, and sometimes they even manage to do so.

Let's see some examples of it - France's aggressive arming of Armenia during the Baku-Yerevan negotiations is a provocative move aimed at creating a new war zone in the region. Notwithstanding, it is the sovereign right of a country to acquire weapons and strengthen itself militarily, applying this to Armenia means going against all logical foundations. How is it possible to consent to Armenia's rearmament while it has been evidently an occupying state for 30 years? Ignoring the crimes committed in Garabagh by a state that ignores the four UN resolutions and, moreover, directly supporting the arming of that state literally means planting new seeds of discord in the South Caucasus.

Unfortunately, France, the United States and other forces act more as supporters and guardians of Armenia in this case.

Frank Schwabe and his anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric

Until now, many rhetoricians have used prejudiced statements against Azerbaijan, but Frank Schwabe has always stood out among them with his pro-Armenian and Islamophobic position. What makes it so different is Schwbe's endless sympathy for Armenians. On January 24, 2024, when the resolution against Azerbaijan was adopted at the PACE, Schwabe showed his biased position by starting an anti-Azerbaijani campaign.

It is a stark crime to deny the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in violation of international law, without seeing Garabagh, which was destroyed as a result of more than 30 years of occupation, and turning a blind eye to Armenian vandalism. Frank Schwabe considers such crimes to be permissible under the terms of his personal law.

Undoubtedly, material interests weigh heavily on the legal scales for Frank Schwabe, and that is why he makes himself look like a clown in a circus by boosting his anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric every time. Declared persona non-grate, Schwabe and others like him not only spoil their personal relations with Azerbaijan but seriously damage the image of an organization like PACE.

Why can't the West be sincere?

Recently, the strengthening of Islamophobic movements in Western countries, especially in countries such as France, Germany, and Sweden, has revealed the true nature of the West. The burning of the Quran, the holy book of all Muslims in Sweden and the hiding of the person who burned the Quran by the government, the promotion of Islamophobic activities, as well as the serious discrimination against migrants, caused the country to lose its reputation and values on a global scale day by day. Although Europe and the West in general emphasize that human rights are sacred, they trampled on those sacred values.

France accuses Azerbaijan of interfering in its internal affairs. She alleges that Azerbaijan interferes in the internal politics of France by supporting the Kanak people, people in Guinea, and New Caledonia, whose rights are violated, and thousands of people suffering under the oppression of neo-colonialism. If human rights are sacred, why Sweden, Germany, and other Western countries do not react to this? On the contrary, they accuse Azerbaijan, which is trying to establish peace in the South Caucasus, in their biased statements.

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13 September 2024 16:54 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

USAID has once again aligned its financial assistance with its strategic interests, recently deciding to more than double its aid to Armenia from $120 million to $250 million. This increase follows April's announcement of $23.1 million in new programs for Armenia, focusing on democratic processes, regional cooperation, disaster risk management, cybersecurity, food security, and energy security.

For years, NED and USAID have provided a large amount of financial assistance to Georgia's political reins. However, the West, seeing the harsh face of domestic political circles, seems to have changed its direction. Given that Georgia will hold parliamentary elections next month, anticipations of provocations in Georgia during the elections now pose a formidable question. If the US wants real peace in the region, why are they still continuing this process? Can we say that it is more about influence than aid?

Peter Tase, an independent American political analyst and expert on the South Caucasus, offers a critical perspective on this development. He told Azernews, that with the USD 250 million allocated by USAID to Yerevan's Government, Washington is encouraging Armenia to become a pariah state.

"For too long, The Biden-Harris Administration has ignored the close cooperation between Armenia and Iran. USAID's involvement with Armenia, and the ongoing increase of US financial aid towards Nikol Pashinyan's courtyard, will further deteriorate the democratic standards in Armenia and seriously damage the opposition political parties in the country.

Tase also highlights historical concerns, noting that most of the USD 23 million allocated for Yerevan will reach the pockets of corrupt Armenian bureaucrats. History is infallible when it comes to USAID's unpleasant legacy of providing financial assistance to Global South Countries and developing countries in Eurasia; many serious mistakes and money wasted have taken place. He references the 2017 crisis involving a $9.5 billion USAID project led by Chemonics International, which was marred by corruption and fraud.

Moreover, Tase critiques the U.S. governments selective support, pointing out that while financial assistance has been generously provided to Armenian communities leaving Garabagh, similar support has not been extended to victims of the Armenian conflict within Azerbaijan. He remarks, The U.S. Government has not maintained the same posture, nor provided any relevant assistance when it comes to helping Azerbaijan's kids, violated women, and family members of maimed civilians that have suffered from Armenian war machine for over thirty years, inside the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan.

As Europe and the Americas face a chaotic present, Tase suggests that the U.S. Government has pursued a bitter opaqueness when it comes to maintaining candid bilateral relations with the Caucasus nations and beyond. He emphasizes the need for the U.S. Congress to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and calls for greater scrutiny of U.S. foreign policy principles.

Turning to Georgia, Tase warns, Georgia and its troubled path to economic development and genuine ambitions to embrace democratic institutions are in a deeply convoluted terrain and geopolitically complex. The upcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia could produce one of the greatest shifts in global geo-strategic power that Europe has ever witnessed. Georgia's proximity to the Russian Federation makes the country highly vulnerable and Moscow could potentially exploit the results of parliamentary elections in Tbilisi in order to weaken the American leadership in Europe and beyond. Georgia's sovereignty is under imminent serious threat and its democracy has never been close to extinction as it is presently.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2024 11:02 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

On September 11, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, during the "KazHackStan 2024" event, a panel discussion titled "Digital Shield of the Turkic World: Partnership for Stronger Security" was held with representatives from member and observer states of the Turkic Council, Azernews reports.

Additionally, a closed meeting was conducted to discuss strategic partnerships in the field of cybersecurity.

The panel discussions and closed session included representatives from Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Hungary. Azerbaijan was represented by Elvin Balacanov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Organizations Association (AKTA); Fidan Ahmadova, the organization's Secretary; Elvin Shahverdiyev, Deputy Head of the Electronic Security Service (ETX) of Azerbaijans Ministry of Digital Development and Transport; and Elman Muradov, Head of the Audit and Compliance Department.

During the panel session, Elvin Balacanov and Elvin Shahverdiyev provided information on Azerbaijans measures for ensuring cybersecurity, including actions against cyber threats and incidents. The discussion also covered factors influencing the expansion of cybersecurity partnerships within the Turkic Council framework.

Subsequently, a closed meeting with representatives from Turkic Council member and observer states, including Mirvohid Azimov, Deputy Secretary General of the Turkic Council, focused on strategic partnerships in cybersecurity. The first part of the session included presentations on Azerbaijan's cybersecurity ecosystem, key components of the country's information security and cybersecurity strategies, our position in international rankings, and activities carried out by AKTA and ETX. The meeting also highlighted proposals from previous discussions aimed at expanding cooperation among Turkic Council member states and provided information on collaborations between ETX and relevant organizations in member states. The participants expressed the need for a relevant working group and joint partnership mechanisms to ensure more effective and efficient cybersecurity within the Turkic Council.

For reference, the "KazHackStan 2024" conference, held from September 11-13, is organized by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry, along with TSARKA, one of the largest cybersecurity service providers in Central Asia. The three-day event features numerous panel discussions, presentations by cybersecurity experts, demonstrations of innovative solutions and technologies, and the "CyberDome" competition, where teams compete in cybersecurity challenges.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2024 14:57 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan and Russia have engaged in discussions to increase the supply of agricultural products between the two countries, Azernews reports, citing the Cabinet of Ministers.

Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev met with Russian Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut to explore ways to enhance agricultural cooperation.

The meeting highlighted the robust development of bilateral relations, noting advancements in political, trade-economic, energy, transport-transit, humanitarian, and other areas, thanks to joint efforts by the heads of state.

Azerbaijan, identified as a key supplier of agricultural products to Russia, expressed mutual interest in expanding this supply. The discussions also covered the broadening of cooperation in various sectors of the agro-industrial complex and other areas of mutual interest.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2024 14:39 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

On September 30, a delegation of up to 70 major Saudi Arabian companies will visit Azerbaijan, Azernews reports citing AZPROMO.

This development was discussed during a meeting between Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), and Issam bin Saleh al-Quteyli, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Azerbaijan.

The meeting also covered the upcoming Azerbaijan-Gulf Cooperation Council Economic Forum, scheduled for September 26 in Baku, highlighting the importance of strengthening business relations between the two countries.

Yusif Abdullayev advocated for enhanced business relations and mutual investment projects to expand economic and trade ties. The Saudi Ambassador praised the political relationship between the two nations and noted the significant opportunities for economic cooperation.

AZPROMO will support the establishment of connections between Saudi companies and local Azerbaijani entrepreneurs.

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13 September 2024 20:33 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The Polish portal "Filary Business" reports that Germany's industry-based economy is facing significant challenges that could jeopardize its stability and competitiveness, Azernews reports.

According to a recent report by the Association of German Industry (BDI), Germany will need approximately 1.4 trillion euros in additional investment by 2030 to stay competitive internationally and sustain its industrial position.

BDI CEO Siegfried Russwurm described the report as a critical alert for urgent reforms. He warned that the risk of deindustrialization in Germany is rising, with up to 20 percent of the countrys industry already at risk.

German companies are grappling with major issues including high energy prices, a shortage of skilled workers, excessive bureaucracy, insufficient investment, and high taxes. These problems are undermining the competitiveness of German firms, potentially leading to increased outsourcing of production.

The lack of investment over the past 30 years has also caused significant declines in crucial economic sectors such as digital infrastructure, education, and transport. For instance, Germany still lacks a well-developed fiber-optic network essential for future technological advancement.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict have exacerbated the difficulties faced by Germanys traditionally export-oriented industry.

Experts caution that while Germany remains a leader in European industry, without necessary reforms, it risks industrial migration abroad and further deindustrialization.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2024 12:24 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

In September, before the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Baku Steel Company CJSC, in partnership with QGallery, will host an international metal symposium called Baku Steel Art 2024.

This event aims to showcase how art and metallurgy can drive environmental change and sustainable development. The project offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between art and industry in the face of global environmental challenges.

Baku Steel Art 2024 will be attended by 12 artists from 7 countries (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, Romania, Israel, Bulgaria, India). The symposium will take place from 17 to 30 September 2024 in the Baku Steel Company.

This special event will bring together craftsmen and artists from around the world to exhibit their creations that embody the beauty and strength of metal. Participants in the symposium will not only display their remarkable works, but also share their experiences, exchange ideas, and inspire each other to pursue new artistic endeavors. The event will breathe new life into the city, where historical traditions blend seamlessly with modern trends.

Baku Steel Art 2024 will serve as a platform for cultural and stylistic dialogue, fostering creativity and modern approaches in metalworking art. It offers an opportunity to explore a vibrant world of expressive art, where each metal element and its radiance showcase the limitless potential of human imagination.

Observing the process of creating metallurgical products, we can sense the enigma concealed within every spark that ignites during welding. Metalworkers are akin to alchemists, turning raw materials into objects that can inspire, astonish, or touch the heart. It is the fusion of skill and technology that creates a new realm for art, where steel components not only form the structural foundation, but also convey an emotional message.

Baku Steel Art artists will not just use metal; they will assemble stories out of it. Each installation is the result of careful work, an analogy between the strength of steel and the fragility of human feelings. As in classical works, the concept of beauty, which seems to resist time, but in reality, is permeated by the fluidity of human perception and admiration, will be unchanging.

Baku Steel Art 2024 is a unique international event to witness the creative process of master forging artists from different countries.

The Baku Steel Art series of international symposia aims to showcase how metal products and their incorporation into art can help advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The establishment of Baku Steel Art as a vibrant cultural platform will strengthen international connections and motivate a new generation of artists to create works that embody the harmonious relationship between art and industry.

The organizers of Baku Steel Art 2024 are Baku Steel Company CJSC, the first steel company in Azerbaijan to obtain European and American quality certificates for steel production, and QGallery, one of the capital's prominent exhibition venues and the first of Baku's private galleries to establish permanent partnerships with international colleagues.

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Nizami Days (Nizami gunlri) dedicated to the work of the classic of Azerbaijani poetry, one of the greatest poets of the medieval East, the greatest romantic poet in epic literature Nizami Ganjavi (1141 - 1209) have kicked off in Ganja city, Azernews reports.

The project is being implemented with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and Ganja Executive Power.

In his speech, Doctor of Philology, Academician, and full member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) Rafael Huseynov, who opened the conference on the first day of the project, highly appreciated the holding of the Nizami Days.

The following speakers made reports: Academician Rafael Huseynov "The Place of Nizami Ganjavi's Literary School in the Literary and Cultural Thinking of the East and West", Doctor of Philology Ilaha Hajiyeva "Followers of the Native Language of "Khamsa": Whole and Fragmented Answers", Honored Artist Elchin Hami Akhundov "Nizami's Personality and Heritage in Solving Animation Problems and Plots of "Khamsa", Doctor of Philosophy in Philology Alimukhtar Mukhtarov "The Image of Nizami Ganjavi in Azerbaijani Literature".

A theatrical performance was presented in front of the Mausoleum of the great poet Nizami Ganjavi. The premiere of the play "5 Doors" based on the libretto by Shahin Musaoglu and the music by Tamilla Akhadova was performed by actors of the Ganja State National Drama Theater under the direction of Honored Artist Hafiz Guliyev, which aroused great interest among the guests.

Note that Nizami Days will run until September 15.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

----

Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Eternal Brotherhood  III multinational exercise, held at the Orda training range in the Turkistan region of Kazakhstan, continues, Azernews reports.

The special forces of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Pakistan, Qatar and Uzbekistan fulfill practical classes on tactics, fire, sniper, mountain and parachute training at the training points set at the training range.

Combat training classes held in multinational groups provide an opportunity to benefit from the experience of the military personnel of the participating countries and to master the applied forms and methods.

At the next stage of the exercise, the participating units were given a combat task on detecting and neutralizing an illegal armed group in the residential area.

In exercise adapted to real combat conditions, special forces demonstrated high professionalism while accomplishing the tasks.

Such exercises unify efforts to ensure peace and security in the regions and make a great contribution to the successful fulfillment of set tasks by personnel in interoperability.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2024 14:43 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has received Qatar's newly appointed ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mohammad Hamad Saad Al-Hajri, Azernews reports.

Minister Bayramov congratulated Ambassador Al-Hajri on his appointment and wished him success in his future endeavors.

During the meeting, issues arising from the existing bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar, future plans, and the current situation in the region were discussed.

The successful collaboration between the two countries in political, economic-trade, educational, humanitarian, and other areas was noted with satisfaction. It was highlighted that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will be marked soon.

The importance of expanding current cooperation through various mechanisms, including political consultations and utilizing the opportunities of the Joint Economic, Trade, and Technical Commission between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Qatar, was emphasized.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, the commendable mutual activities within regional and international organizations were acknowledged. Particularly, new opportunities for collaboration arising from Azerbaijan's presidency of the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) were noted.

The discussion also covered the complete restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, the end of the past conflict, reconstruction efforts in the post-conflict period, and the process of normalizing relations with Armenia.

Ambassador Mohammad Hamad Saad Al-Hajri expressed his gratitude for the reception and congratulations, and assured that he would make every effort to develop the existing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar during his tenure.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2024 16:13 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The volume of oil transported through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) system has risen compared to last year, Azernews reports.

CPC General Director Nikolay Gorban announced this during a management meeting in Almaty. He revealed that by the end of August this year, the CPC system had exported 43.8 million tons of crude oil, with 405 tankers departing from the Novorossiysk port. This marks an increase from last year's 42.7 million tons and 391 tankers.

The meeting also involved a review of the CPC's financial activities.

The CPC oil pipeline system is a critical route for transporting oil from the Caspian Sea basin to global markets. The 1,500-kilometer pipeline connects Western Kazakhstan's oil fields to the Black Sea coast of Russia, where oil is transferred to tankers at CPCs marine terminal. Major shareholders in the consortium include Russias Transneft, Kazakhstans Kazmunaigas, as well as international companies like Chevron, Lukoil, ExxonMobil, Rosneft, and Shell.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2024 19:21 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The government of Estonia plans to allocate 40 million euros next year to strengthen its border with Russia, Azernews reports citing state television and radio ERR, Foreign Minister Lauri Laanemets proposed this measure.

The funds will be used to upgrade existing facilities from the initial border infrastructure construction, complete access roads, and enhance telecommunication systems. The regulation of border infrastructure is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Laanemets also mentioned that Estonia aims to develop a drone defense system for the border. Additionally, the possibility of forming a special detachment of reservists to assist law enforcement agencies during a "migration crisis" is being considered. However, implementing these measures will require an additional 60 million euros in 2025.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2024 15:51 (UTC+04:00)

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, Azernews reports via Armenian media.

During the conversation, issues on the agenda of bilateral relations between Armenia and Russia were discussed.

Furthermore, the sides have touched upon cooperation issues within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2024 17:13 (UTC+04:00)

Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan met with Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuge Yosifumi as part of his business trip to this country.

Azernews reports via Armenian mass media that the press service of the Security Council of Armenia reported on this.

Further to the report, during the negotiations, the parties exchanged views on the security situation in the South Caucasus and recent events.

The sides discussed the possibilities of developing bilateral relations between Armenia and Japan in various fields.

It should be noted that Armen Grigoryan recently visited South Korea on a business trip and held a number of meetings there.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Now that Kamala Harris has been coronated the Democratic Socialist designee for nomination as their candidate for President of these United States, after that political party's contrived primary process "democratically" elected Joseph R. Biden: What are your feelings about this party's progressive posture within their self-styled exercise of "Saving Democracy for America," and how truly critical the outcome of this presidential election will be?

12.5% I am ecstatic that this "Democracy's" First partially Black, First partially Indian, First female Co-Parent, and this nation's primary necessity is to her elect our First woman president.25% I really do not care about all these "Firsts." I will continue to pray, and work for this Representative Republic to elect someone competent, and brilliantly patriotic to be our next president.62.5% I will never vote for any politician that "first" does not have the core values to understand how dire this Constitutional Republic's situation has become.
On Sept. 12, the Arkansas State Medical Board enacted an emergency license suspension and launched an investigation into Sudesh Banaji, MD, reported the Arkansas Advocate Sept. 12.

Dr. Banaji was arrested Aug. 26 on six felony counts of second-degree sexual assault and one felony count of rape. The arrest took place approximately one year after Arkansas State Police began investigating allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with female patients during exams at Dr. Banaji's clinic in Forrest City, Ark.

Court documents in a lawsuit filed Sept. 6 detail the criminal charges against Dr. Banaji, which include four female patients alleging that he touched them inappropriately during exams within the last two years. All of them stated the physician had made them uncomfortable during breast exams, and one patient said she experienced an "extremely painful" vaginal exam that occurred "without her consent."

Three other people who worked with Banaji mentioned concerns about the physician participating in inappropriate behavior with patients, and one said that Dr. Banaji had touched her inappropriately as well.
Matthew Friederichs, MD, an orthopedic surgeon, prevailed in his lawsuit against Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health over a letter sent to patients after he resigned, according to the Grand Forks Herald.

Dr. Friederichs announced plans to depart Sanford after almost 20 years with the system in November 2021 to launch his own practice in Fargo, N.D. The health system sent a letter to more than 2,300 of his patients urging them to schedule appointments with other Sanford surgeons. The letter appeared to to have been written and signed by Dr. Friederichs, but was not, according to the report.

Dr. Friederichs sued Sanford Health for false and misleading representation, according to the report, and breach of contract for shortening his pay for the last 90 days at Stanford.

Mike Erickson, executive director of the orthopedics department at Sanford, testified the letter was sent due to an "internal failure," according to the report. The health system sent another letter one month later providing Dr. Frederich's new contact information to patients.

The jury awarded Dr. Friederichs $290,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.

Dr. Friedrichs is now in private practice at OrthoDakota and performs surgery at the Center for Special Surgery, both in Fargo.
Oregon Heart Center, an independent cardiology practice in Salem, has filed a $15 million antitrust and defamation lawsuit against Salem Health, according to a Sept. 12 report from the Portland Business Journal.

The lawsuit accuses Salem Health of "resorting to intimidation tactics, false information and anticompetitive conduct in its effort to take over the market."

Oregon Heart claims that the system is either trying to absorb it or force it out of business.

"OHC has been forced to file this lawsuit to stop Salem Healths ongoing campaign of exclusion and intimidation that has caused and will continue to cause serious harm to both OHC and the Salem health care community, if left unchecked," said the complaint, filed in Marion County Circuit Court. "In short, Salem Health has chosen intimidation and coercion over competition on the merits."

Salem Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Journal. Becker's has reached out for comment and will update the story if more information becomes available.

Salem Health currently operates the only hospital in Salem, with 500 staffed beds and one of the busiest emergency rooms on the West Coast, according to the report.

OHC, which has 12 providers, alleged that Salem Health has spread false information about the practice, such as that it is "intentionally harming Salem Health, that OHC has acted greedily and fraudulently and even that OHC caused a Salem Health provider to take his own life."

"Salem Health is motivated to try to push OHC out of business because, according to Salem Health, OHC does not refer a large enough number of surgical procedures to Salem Health. If Salem Health is able to monopolize the cardiology market, it can ensure that it will receive all the cardiac surgical work as well. While good for Salem Health, this creates higher costs and fewer choices in health care for people in the Salem area," the complaint said.

In 2020, OHC, Salem Health and Cascade Cardiology were in discussions to jointly open an ASC.

The lawsuit alleges that Salem Health "demanded majority control of the center and was not willing to negotiate on other terms."

OHC and Cascade jointly opened an ASC in 2022 without the hospital system.
Portland, Maine-based Saint Joseph's Rehabilitation and Residence, a post-acute facility and subsidiary of Portland-based MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, will close Sept. 20 to create a path for an updated facility to offer stronger long-term care amenities.

Following the closure, Saint Joseph's residents will be transferred to Portland-based Fallbrook Commons, a residential and rehabilitation facility run by North Country Associates. Employees at Saint Joseph's will also be transferred to Fallbrook Commons, according to a Sept. 12 news release shared with Becker's.

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center acquired Saint Joseph's in 2017 and made operational investments to enhance care quality. The acquisition also allowed Saint Joseph's to access MainHealth clinical resources and its workforce.

Fallbrook Commons is a joint venture between Sandy River Company and North Country Associates. Under the joint venture, North Country will operate Fallbrook Commons.

The replacement and transition plan between MaineHealth, North Country and Sandy River Company, which included the sale of Saint Joseph's bed licenses, was initially shared in 2019.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to transition our residents and their care plans to Fallbrook Commons," Richard Marino, MD, medical director of MaineHealth Geriatrics Portland, said in the release. "The facility will offer a greatly enhanced and more contemporary residential and post-acute care experience. It is also important that the team from St. Joseph's will transfer over because continuity of the professionals who care for this population is clinically beneficial."
Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital's CEO is shedding more light on the hospital's plans to invest $162 million next year to support greater integration with USF Health, its university affiliate.

In late August, Tampa General announced it would direct $162 million in 2025 to USF Health, marking a 160% increase from what the hospital invested in the affiliation five years ago. The two have been affiliated since the USH Health Morsani College of Medicine was established more than 50 years ago and together form one of the nation's leading academic health systems.

Specifically, the financial commitment will enable the systems to deepen three key components of their partnership: enhance clinical services, expand opportunities for graduate medical education, and pursue new research initiatives to improve outcomes, John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General, told Becker's.

"When I joined [Tampa General] nearly seven years ago, one of the main initiatives I was tasked with was deepening the relationship between our organizations," he said. "The integration between our systems ensures we can deliver on our promise to provide world-class care across the region and meet the growing demands on our healthcare system."

Across the U.S., many hospitals are ramping up investments to train more medical school graduates amid a lack of federal action to expand Medicare-supported residency slots. TGH funds programs that support 344 USF Health residents as part of its affiliation with the university.

Tampa General's additional investment will also support a new behavioral health hospital slated to open early in 2025; it will be one of the first behavioral health teaching hospitals in Florida. This year, a new law created a behavioral health teaching designation in the state, with TGH and USF Health selected as one of four teaching hospitals to open a specialized facility.
K. Scott Wester has resigned as president and CEO of Memorial Healthcare System, effective Sept. 11, following a vote by the system's board of commissioners to terminate his contract, according to a report in the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

"We are grateful for Scott's dedication to high-quality, patient-centered care and wish him well as he embarks on a new chapter," the Hollywood, Fla.-based health system said in a statement shared with Becker's. "Memorial remains a strong organization renowned for its exceptional culture and dedication to excellence in care and service."

The statement came from the South Broward Hospital District board of commissioners, which governs and oversees the six-hospital system.

The statement added that David Smith, chief administrative officer and CFO, will oversee operations during the transition and the board "is fully committed to selecting a visionary leader to steer Memorial into the future."

The board hired Mr. Wester in 2022 to helm the public, nonprofit health system. He was hired under a three-year contract, which ended a year early, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

"When we hired him, we felt like he was going to help us with strategy and the future of Memorial," Elizabeth Justen, chair of the board, told the publication. "Unfortunately, after two years, he presented a strategic plan that was not good, so we expressed to him it was not what we were hoping for. We gave him a review and were disappointed in him, and he knew it."

Mr. Wester told the Sun Sentinel he learned of the board's dissatisfaction on Sept. 9 and resigned on Sept. 11.

"Memorial Health System is an incredible organization and has done so much to help the people of South Broward and all of South Florida," he told the publication. "I couldn't be more proud of the leadership teams and all we have accomplished together. I am a deep believer in Memorial and will always offer my best to help the organization as much as I can."

Before joining Memorial Healthcare System, Mr. Wester served as executive vice president of strategic partnerships and advocacy for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System in Baton Rouge, La.
Oswego (N.Y.) Health has promoted Kathryn Pagliaroli, BSN, RN, to serve as chief operating officer.

Ms. Pagliaroli will also retain her position as senior vice president and chief nursing officer, the health system said in a Sept. 9 news release. She joined Oswego Health as a registered nurse in the ICU in 2001 and has steadily advanced through various leadership roles. Prior to becoming CNO in 2022, Ms. Pagliaroli was the vice president of clinical services and integrated health.

Oswego Health is a nonprofit healthcare system anchored by a 132-bed acute care community hospital.
James Ross, BSN, president and CEO of Jackson-based West Tennessee Healthcare, died Sept. 12. He had been with the system for nearly 40 years.

More information will be shared once arrangements are finalized, according to a Sept. 12 Facebook post from the health system, which garnered thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments in less than 24 hours.

Mr. Ross was named president and CEO in 2017 after serving in the role on an interim basis since April 2016, before which he served as vice president of hospital services and COO. He joined the system in 1985 as a nurse in the surgical intensive care unit.

The 7-hospital system also includes locations for family medicine, behavioral health and cancer centers.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ross family as they grieve and we would ask that everyone respect their privacy," the post said. "The Board of Trustees and the leadership team are in prayer for all of our West Tennessee Healthcare family and medical staff members as we navigate through this difficult time."
The Justice Department on Sept. 12 filed a complaint alleging Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Health System denied patients with disabilities the ability to be accompanied by a family member, personal aide or other support person when receiving care.

In doing so, the health system violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the federal government. The complaint alleges that between October 2020 and May 2023  when COVID-19-related visitor restrictions were in place  some patients with disabilities were not permitted to bring their support person with them, despite Johns Hopkins' own policies allowing support persons for disabled patients.

The complaint described several cases in which disabled patients who presented to the emergency department were not permitted to have their support person accompany them throughout their visit.

Federal officials and Johns Hopkins have also proposed a consent decree in which the system has agreed to pay $150,000 to compensate those affected, as well as update and train employees on its support-person policies to ensure ADA compliance. The consent decree must be approved by a judge.

As part of the settlement, Johns Hopkins has not admitted liability.

"Patients with disabilities may need the assistance of a support person, like a family member or aide, to have equal access to health care, especially during emergencies," Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, said in a news release. "Policies and training go hand in hand when it comes to ensuring that healthcare providers and their employees are protecting patient rights and not excluding support persons improperly."

Johns Hopkins denies the allegations, calling measures laid out in the consent decree "an amicable resolution."

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, Johns Hopkins Medicine maintained an unwavering focus on providing the highest levels of patient care, and we believe these allegations are without merit," a spokesperson for the system said in a statement to Becker's. "During that unprecedented time, we recognized the importance of care partners for patients and had clear policies available on our hospital websites. We remain committed to inclusive, accessible care and continuous improvement in our practices, and will provide updated trainings for our team members."
Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health and the state department of health have asked the North Carolina Supreme Court to hear a yearslong case involving UNC's plan to build a 40-bed hospital in the Durham, N.C., portion of Research Triangle Park, according to The Carolina Journal.

Four things to know:

1. State officials approved UNC's plan to build the $252 million community hospital in September 2021, but the project has been at a "standstill" after appeals from Durham-based Duke Health, attorneys representing UNC said in court documents filed Sept. 10.

2. North Carolina's department of health selected UNC over Duke to win a certificate of need for 40 new hospital beds and two operating rooms in Research Triangle Park, one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.

3. However, in a 2-1 decision last month, North Carolina's court of appeals bumped the case back to the office of administrative hearings to address zoning issues, further delaying the project. This is one of multiple disputes between Duke and UNC for hospital beds in Durham County.

4. "Remand in this case will result in unnecessary delay, additional intermediate appeals, and substantial harm to the public. Patient choice of beds and [operating rooms] will remain improperly limited in the Durham County community, and patients will continue to have only one choice of provider," UNC attorneys argued. "These public health concerns highlight the significant public interest component of the underlying issues in this case. Those issues are ripe for final resolution by this court of last resort, which is best equipped to put this case quickly back on track in the fewest steps possible."

Spokespersons for UNC and Duke told Becker's that they do not comment on pending litigation.
Officials are preparing for increased risks of the H5N1 bird flu virus rising this autumn and trying to stop it before it can become a pandemic, CNN reported Sept. 12.

On Sept. 9, the CDC reported a bird flu case in a Missouri patient without contact with animals. The patient was hospitalized and tested positive for bird flu Aug. 22. That person has since recovered and returned home, but the CDC has yet to find how the infection occurred.

Opportunities for H5N1 to spread and mutate are growing with flu virus season approaching.

"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," Jennifer Nuzzo, DrPh, director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health in Providence, R.I., told CNN. "The second we know that someone gave it to someone else relatively easily, that's a new pandemic, and it will be around the globe, probably in a matter of weeks. Seeing that someone is in the hospital with possible H5N1 heightens my worry."

The first cows were infected with H5N1 in Texas and Kansas in late March. Since then, wastewater testing has picked up H5 viruses in nine states.

Viruses go through a number of stages before a pandemic emerges. They begin by infecting animals first, then isolated spillover infections in humans, the localized clusters of human infections before widespread transmission among people occurs. The easiest stage to prevent disease development and spread is during the second stage of isolated infections in humans. But Adam Kucharski, PhD, a professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Tropical Hygiene, said U.S. officials are not doing enough in prevention efforts to impact potential spread.

The CDC classifies H5N1 virus as a low threat, but federal agencies are working to mitigate infections. In September, the CDC awarded $5 million to five commercial laboratories to develop tests to detect H5 viruses: Labcorp, Quest Diagnostics, Aegis Sciences Corp., Ginkgo Bioworks and ARUP Laboratories.
Commentary: Short-sighted U.S. tech blockade will not stop China's innovation

Xinhua) 13:30, September 13, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Paris, France (PANA) - The UN cultural affairs agency, UNESCO, expresssed deep concern on Thursday over the reported looting and damage of museums and heritage sites in Sudan as rival militaries battle for supremacy amid allegations of war crimes on all sides
Boston Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks is likely facing the end of his 2024 season following a second treatment by Keith Meister, MD, according to a Sept. 13 report from News Center Maine.

In August 2023, Dr. Meister performed Tommy John surgery on Mr. Hendriks, ending his season. He was expected to undergo 12 to 14 months of recovery time.

On Sept. 12, before the Sox series opener at the New York Yankees, Mr. Hendriks complained of soreness on the outside of his forearm that was connected with the surgery.

Texas Rangers team physician Dr. Meister will review scans for Mr. Hendriks. Once Dr. Meister reviews the MRI, the team will have a better idea of the remainder of Mr. Hendriks' season.
Medical devicemaker Medtronic appointed James Porter, MD, as chief medical officer of robotic surgical technologies and digital technologies within the company's surgical business.

Dr. Porter is a urologic surgeon who specializes in prostate, kidney cancer and urinary constructive procedures, according to a Sept. 11 news release from the company.

In the role, Dr. Porter will be tasked with driving robotic and digital innovation, leading the strategic direction of clinical evidence plans and boosting physician and society engagement.

Dr. Porter has performed more than 5,000 robotic-assisted procedures.

He previously served as medical director of robotic surgery at Providence Swedish in Seattle and will continue to practice at Providence Swedish on a part-time basis, the release said.
Ibe and Colleen Sesay at the official opening of the Ivy Belfast Brasserie. Credit: Presseye

Crowds at the official opening of the Ivy Belfast Brasserie.

Tim McGarry and Lady Mary Peters at the official opening of the Ivy Belfast Brasserie.

Dancers Emily Doherty and Charlotte Hayes at the official opening of the Ivy Belfast Brasserie.

Irish dancers at the official opening of the Ivy Belfast Brasserie. Credit: Presseye

Thursday night saw an exclusive launch party for the hotly-anticipated opening of the Ivy Belfast Brasserie in the heart of the city centre

The Ivy Restaurant portfolio now includes 40 eateries, with its original location in London arguably one of the most famous restaurants in the city.

Dancers Emily Doherty and Charlotte Hayes at the official opening of the Ivy Belfast Brasserie.

A host of Northern Irelands most famous faces graced the green carpet for Thursdays event, including Pamela Ballantine, Lady Mary Peters and Olympic gold medallist Hannah Scott. The lucky guests, and Belfasts passing members of the public, were treated to Irish dancers outside.

Located in the historic Cleaver House on Donegall Square North, the Brasserie will be open seven days a week, offering a luxurious all-day dining experience.

Crowds at the official opening of the Ivy Belfast Brasserie.

With high windows letting in streams of natural light from Donegall Place and Royal Avenue, the venue inside is incredibly spacious.

Customers can join the queue for reservations now, but an exclusive crowd were treated to a sneak peek on Thursday, taking in the stunning interiors and enjoying a tantalising preview of the restaurant's menu.

Other guests on the night included funnyman Tim McGarry and Brendan Quinn of popular Netflix series One Day.

Tim McGarry and Lady Mary Peters at the official opening of the Ivy Belfast Brasserie.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Hannah Scott said she is already a big fan of the new restaurant.

Ive been to other Ivy restaurants around London and this one is better, Belfast always has a better vibe, she said.

Belfast has a good mix of places now. Sometimes you just want to go somewhere for some good scran, then other times you want somewhere a bit more fancy like this.

The restaurant covers two storeys, with stylish decor floor-to-ceiling. Given Cleaver House is a listed building  dating back to 1888  much of its external and internal character remains preserved.

Pamela Ballantine said the new Ivy opening in Belfast is great to see.

I love the Ivys. Ive been to the original and I went to the one in Windsor after I got my MBE, she said.

I was in the Ivy in Dublin a few weeks ago, so it's just lovely to now have one here in Belfast. Its got lovely bright windows and is a great addition to the city.

Hannah Scott

Hopefully this is a sign of the regeneration of Donegall Place, which was starting to look a bit shabby. Now its more shabby-chic.

Back in 2017, the original Ivy marked its centenary. First opened by Abel Giandolini in London as an italian cafe, it has since grown to a collection of 40 eateries across the UK and Ireland, featuring various different concepts, such as Ivy Cafes and The Ivy Asia.

The Ivy  a brand renowned for its unbeatable food and unparalleled service  opened in Dublin in 2018.

As well as a main restaurant, the Ivy Belfast Brasserie boasts a central bar area, open planned seating areas and a classy private dining room which can accommodate 24 guests.

Brendan Quinn said: Its fantastic to see this part of the city looking so lively and its awesome. I cant believe how this place used to look inside to what it is now, its hard to believe its the same place.

Pamela Ballantine

Said to be part of an overall 8m investment, construction of The Ivys Belfast spot began in January.

Julian Henry, General Manager of The Ivy Belfast Brasserie, said: "We are delighted to bring The Ivy experience to Belfast, a city rich in culture, heritage, and culinary expertise.

Northern Ireland has long been celebrated for its vibrant food scene, and we are thrilled to contribute to this legacy with a dining experience that blends The Ivy's timeless elegance with the contemporary energy of Belfast.

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Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has praised the energy which Northern Irish people invest in their home designs.

The designer begins his search for Northern Irelands House of the Year as BBC NI launches a new six-part series this month.

Joined by a team of experts, he will, over the next six weeks, be visiting 15 homes, each with very different stories, as they compete for one of five places in the grand final where they could be crowned Northern Irelands House of the Year.

Llewelyn-Bowen said the hunt will demonstrate just how diverse homes here are, making his job a tough one.

One of the big things about this new series is the fact we have been incredibly diverse with the housing stock. It is not just about that one glass box on a cliff that I think people associate with modern property programmes, he said.

What really matters is how much heart and soul our owners have poured in to making their house a home.

Presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

Llewelyn-Bowen is joined by three expert judges in award-winning architect Jane Larmour, James Fairley, who runs an interior design practice with his partner, and Patricia McGinnis, who, alongside her sister, owns a Belfast-based interiors boutique.

The group will visit a variety of properties, including a Victorian terrace, a new-build bungalow, a courtyard cottage that has been reimagined with accessible design at its heart, and a rental property where the tenants have added their own unique decorative style.

From colour drenching to wrinkly casualness, the judges reveal the trends that can make or break a space and Llewelyn-Bowen meets the occupants to chat about their design choices.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

In episode one, the judges are tasked with choosing between a bohemian bungalow, where the owner has brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to Lisburn, a quirky family home in the Belfast Hills which houses an eclectic mix of upcycled and vintage furniture, and a lovingly restored 1850s villa in Holywood.

Later episodes also feature homes in Bangor, Ballymena, Belfast and counties Armagh, Tyrone and Down.

I had such tremendous fondness for the series in its first iteration and have such great memories, the designer said a decade after his first search.

The idea of coming back and revisiting the property landscape of Northern Ireland was a very exciting prospect.

I have always loved the energy the Northern Irish give to their buildings. There is a real sense of can do that I think is enshrined in the architectural traditions of being able to construct buildings and make spaces that not only reflect needs and use, but very much reflect personality.

What I have loved about coming back ten years later is to find that this has not just been amplified, but it has become so extraordinarily sophisticated as well.

We go from very small to very big, from old to new and minimalist to maximalist, and I think this is the one thing viewers are going to enjoy.

House Of The Year starts on Monday, September 23 on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Northern Ireland
Era Restaurant, Hinch Distillery, 19 Carryduff Road, Lisburn. era-restaurant.co.uk

When the doors finally closed on A Peculiar Tea it was the end of an era. Sorry. Ill read that again. It was the start of an Era.

Chef patron Gemma Austin was widely reported to have tried everything to keep Tea open but despite a good, steady business with loads of bookings, the cost of doing business would have required her to raise menu prices to unsustainable levels, affordable only to those who fly to London to do their weekly shopping. Instead, she quit the University Road address and opened a new restaurant, Era, inside Terry Crosss Hinch Distillery near Carryduff.
PSNI believes that jealous rivals hired a hitman to shoot victim in his home

A reward of 20,000 has been offered for information that leads to a conviction after the murder of a farmer by a suspected hitman 20 years ago today.

Patrick Devine (51), who was also a part-time nurse, was found shot dead in his home on Mullintill Road, Claudy on Monday, September 13, 2004.

Despite extensive police enquiries and the arrest of five people, no one has been held accountable.

Mr Devine was one of the largest sheep farmers here and had been eating a meal close to a window when he was shot nine times.

It was previously reported police believe professional jealousy led to a group of farmers paying for an INLA gunman to kill Mr Devine.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson said: It is now 20 years since Patricks life was taken from him in a brutal and calculated manner, and his familys wait for justice has gone on for far too long.

Mr Devine was well-known in the area, especially for his farming activities, and also for his work as a nurse. We believe that some people resented his success.

It is still the view of police that Patrick was the victim of a contract killing carried out by an organised crime group with paramilitary links against a background of rumours of alleged sheep stealing and land disputes, although Mr Devine himself had a clear criminal record.

On this, the 20th anniversary of his murder, we are appealing to the community for their assistance and help.

I am asking people to think about what happened to Patrick 20 years ago and the brutal circumstances of his death  he was shot several times in the head and chest as he was having a meal in his home.

The individuals who did this are dangerous, ruthless and unfortunately have never been held accountable. I am appealing to anyone who knows anything about Patricks murder to come forward, talk to us and help us end the pain which his family has endured for all these years.

In the 20 years since Patricks murder, circumstances and allegiances may have changed. If anyone now feels they are able to talk to us, we are here and ready to listen, and you can contact us on 101.

Crimestoppers are offering a reward, and Im keen to stress that the charity guarantees everyone who contacts them via their website or on the phone stays completely anonymous.

In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph shortly after Mr Devines murder, his mother said she was heartbroken.

He was a good son. I loved Patrick and Patrick loved me, she said, adding: Patricks brother died of leukaemia when he was 12 and then his sister died of multiple sclerosis at 23. Ive seen a lot of heartache in my time.

Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to 20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Patricks murder.

The reward is only payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers, rather than to police. With Crimestoppers, computer IP addresses are never traced, telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display, and no 1471 facility.

Contact www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call the charitys 24/7 contact centre on 0800 555 111.
One of Connors bracelets which will be used in the show.

An historical jeweller from County Down is having his London Fashion Week debut when some of his iconic Viking-inspired designs will appear on the catwalk this weekend.

Connor Sweeney, who started his company Valhallas Silver  named after the Viking afterlife  in 2012, said it is super exciting to see his jewellery at the globally-renowned fashion event.

His pieces will be worn by models  most of which will be male - at the House of IKONS Fashion Week London catwalk show on Saturday, December 14, for Icelandic designer Sigrun Bjork Olafsdottir as part of her RAW collection.

Connor said that he and Sigruns designs complements each other well because of the inspiration they both have found in Viking and Scandinavian culture.

A Thors Hammer necklace.

The Downpatrick man started his business with his partner Audhild, who is originally from Bergen in Norway, whom he met at a Viking festival.

We were so inspired by what people would find on archaeological digs in Scandinavia, where Vikings would have been buried, that we wanted to recreate these authentic pieces of jewellery for others to enjoy, said Connor.

We called our business Valhallas silver because we are rebuilding the pieces that were sent to Valhalla with the owner."

Connor and Audhild have been very involved in Northern Irelands booming film industry for the past ten years.

During that time, they have worked on movies such as The Northman, King Arthur, Dungeons & Dragons and Dracula Untold, as well as the TV series Vikings and Game of Thrones.

One of Sigruns designs.

Audhild uses her skills and knowledge of Viking fashion as a costume fabricator and consultant on some of the movie sets and it was during her time working on The Northman when she got in contact with Sigrun, which led to their fashion week collaboration.

We actually met a few years prior at a Viking festival in York and it was then we learnt about her passion for Viking culture and how she specialises in using unusual fabrics in her designs, she said.

When I was working on The Northman in Iceland, I was asked to create a few more pieces for one of the scenes and I needed linen  which is unusually hard to find in Iceland  so I started to contact people I knew, one of which was Sigrun.

It was really late, maybe 10pm at night, and when I contacted her, she got back to me right away asking where I was staying in Reykjavik, she explained.

We discovered we were actually staying only a few minutes away from each other, so I called over and got the fabric and from there we started chatting more often.

Designer Sigrun Bjork Olafsdottir will be showcasing her RAW collection this weekend at London Fashion Week. Photo by Mariana MA.

Following this chance encounter in Iceland, Sigrun has travelled to Ireland multiple times to visit the pair, including at a Viking festival in Slane.

It was just in a casual conversation she was telling us about her upcoming fashion show, and she was looking for accessories and Connor just said maybe some of his jewellery might work and I guess it just went from there! said Audhild.

Fashion designer Sigrun during one of her past catwalk shows. Photo by Serguei Cherkassov.

Connor said it came as a complete surprise that she picked a number of items to appear in the show.

I just handed her a bag of everything I had made, and she picked out what she liked, he said.

She particularly liked the Thors Hammer necklaces, some neck torques, an arm ring and a few bracelets.

A lot of the bracelets have been made using the traditional lost wax methods, and some have been stamped and hammered  like the neck torques  but most are silver with just a few bronze pieces all made from replicas we have found in museums from archaeological digs so theres a bit of history to them, he added.

A neckring which will be used in the show.

Some of the pieces are also similar to what appeared in the Northman so hopefully some people will recognise a few bits if theyve seen it!

While the Co Down couple said they never expected to be supplying a designer for a top fashion show, they are excited to see how the pieces work with the designs.

Our mission is to keep the history alive so people can wear the design of jewellery that they used a thousand years ago, so I guess this is perfect for us, said Audhild.

The Northman

Sigrun  whose designs have been shown all over the world and even on the cover of Harpers Bazaar- told the Belfast Telegraph that she feels Connors pieces will complement her show perfectly.

My outfits are mainly big overcoats on a mostly male show  there is just one female model  and these bold statement pieces were just what I was looking for, she said.

They are big and masculine with a lot of historical significance so will stand out against the plain outfits underneath the coats which I have made from a new fish leather made from fish skins from sushi restaurants  which is where the RAW came from.

My show is about appreciating the beauty of masculinity which hasnt been seen much in the fashion world, she added.

I have been very inspired by Viking and Celtic cultures and mythology in my designs, but its a bit of a fusion with modern clothing.
The new seating area in front of the Derry Girls mural

The owner of the bar which has the iconic Derry Girls mural painted on its side has refused to comment on criticism of a new structure which partially obscures the famous image.

Fans of the Channel 4 sitcom have expressed confusion in recent days after The Badgers Bar and Restaurant on Orchard Street erected a new seating area with awning outside the premises. It obscures the lower half of the mural - which features the lead characters of the show, Erin, Orla, Michelle, Clare and James.

The mural has become one of Derrys most popular tourist attractions since it was painted to celebrate the legacy of the series in 2019 and is listed on Visit Derrys website of top things to see in the city.

The artwork, which was developed by Channel 4s creative agency, 4Creative, alongside Derry UV Arts, was briefly was adapted upon the launch of series three and during the pandemic to incorporate Covid masks to honour those working throughout it.

It has also received updates for Halloween to mark the citys Halloween parade.

When contacted by the Belfast Telegraph, a man who identified himself as the owner of the bar said he would not be commenting on the new structure and criticised media interest in it.

In a post under an image of the new structure posted by BBC Radio Foyle, many also defended the bar and its decision to erect the new outdoor seating area.

The bar was there long before the mural, its tough enough these days to stay in business, so its keeping a local business afloat, Ive no issue with it, wrote one user under the photograph.

Another user pointed out the mural and the faces of the four leads played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louise Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell and Dylan Llewellyn - were still visible.

The mural can still be seen, its not a real issue, Derry Girls has been fantastic for the city and always will (be) just like Badgers, they said.

Other users also called for the mural to be moved, writing it can be easily relocated, while the bar cannot.

Paint the mural somewhere else, its not rocket scienceHugh McDaid (the owner of the bar) is making a relaxing area weatherproof for his customers. Quite right too.

Despite the support for the bar, other users did express their disappointment, with one user writing: This is awful - a tourist attraction ruined while another said: Imagine putting something similar over the Free Derry corner, it wouldnt be permitted.

The mural has long been a focal point in Derry since the award-winning comedy written by Lisa McGee began airing in 2018.

In 2022, McGee herself posed in front of it, while star Saoirse-Monica Jackson showed television star and presenter Joanna Lumley it during an episode of the latters tourism series, Joanna Lumleys Britain.
A speed bump outside a Northern Ireland shopping complex has been lowered following complaints from customers.

The speed bump at the Boulevard near Banbridge was deemed too high and was proving a nightmare for drivers.

Many vented their frustrations at the speed bump, which was only installed recently.

One customer described it online as horrendous, while another said it was a lethal ramp and they thought their tyres were wrecked after driving over it.

Another, however, noted that there is a 20mph speed restriction at the Boulevard and something really needs to be done to make drivers keep within it.

Theres hardly one vehicle keeping to the limit, they added.

We need more ramps, cameras and speed traps, in my opinion.

Local councillor Glenn Barr said he was aware of the concerns over the speed bump and had contacted the Boulevard.

He said: The reason for the ramp is that they have had several near misses, including a recent incident where a mother with a pram had a close call on the zebra crossing. This change should be happening in the next day or so.

When contacted by the Belfast Telegraph on Friday, a spokesperson said the speed bump had been lowered.

Situated beside the main A1 Belfast to Dublin road, the Boulevard is a popular outlet shopping destination.

It has a selection of eateries, an eight-screen cinema, and a host of brand names.
We were not always as sensitive to the dangers posed to children by paedophiles as we are now
AFP, September 13, 2024

Gunmen killed a group of civilians in central Afghanistan on Thursday, the interior ministry said, in an attack that was claimed by the local chapter of the Islamic State group.

Fifteen Shiite (Muslims) were killed and six others wounded in an attack carried out by the soldiers of the caliphate in central Afghanistan, the groups Amaq media wing said in a statement.

Attacks in Afghanistan have declined markedly since the Taliban ended their insurgency when they seized power in 2021, but a number of armed groups, including the regional Islamic State-Khorasan, remain a threat.

Unknown gunmen have opened fire and have killed civilians, Abdul Matin Qani, spokesman for the Interior Ministry told AFP, adding further details on the attack in Daykundi province would be announced later.

A source in the province which could not be identified for security reasons told AFP 14 people had been killed and at least four wounded.

The source said a group had gathered to welcome pilgrims returning from Karbala in Iraq, a Shiite holy site.

Local media website TOLOnews reported a death toll of 14, according to sources.

An official at a hospital in the city of Nili, the provincial capital of Daykundi said staff have been put on alert.

They are informed to be prepared to receive and treat the wounded, he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Islamic State-Khorasan, or IS-K, is the groups Afghanistan branch, Khorasan referring to a historical region that included parts of Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.

The regional chapter of IS has a history of targeting Shiites they consider heretics but is also a rival of the Taliban, with whom the group shares an austere Sunni ideology.

The Taliban government has repeatedly played down the threat it poses.

Earlier this month the group claimed a suicide attack in the Afghan capital that killed six people.
A decision is yet to be made on whether or not to reinstall a Prince Andrew plaque at a hospital, the Belfast Trust has said.

The plaque was originally placed close to the entrance of Belfast City Hospital, commemorating Prince Andrews official opening of the hospital tower in June 1986. In January 2022 the plaque was removed without permission, sparking an investigation by health officials.

The Belfast Trust told BBC News NI the plaque has since been recovered but they have not yet made a decision or whether or not to reinstall it.

Around the time of the plaques removal Prince Andrew faced civil action in the US over sexual assault allegations - claims he has denied.

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.

A Belfast Trust spokesperson told the BBC the matter was looked into.

"A thorough investigation was carried out by Belfast Trust, and action was taken to address staff behaviours in accordance with trust disciplinary procedures," the spokesperson said.

"A decision has not yet been made regarding the plaque, and it remains in storage.

According to emails obtained by the BBC, 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".

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 criticised the hospital for disciplining the member of staff.

"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 said.

People Before Profit (PBP) assembly member Gerry Carroll echoed this sentiment.

"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," he said.

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 July 1 to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The Belfast Trust has been approached for comment.
PACEMAKER BELFAST 13/9/2002 A PSNI forensic officer measures distances between bullet casings and the car of a loyalist man shot dead at the wheel of his BMW car in Newtownards this morning. The man was parked in his car here on the circular road when he was shot upto 15 times by the passenger on a morotcycle, the man is said to have died almost immediately at the scene. PHOTO ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER 13/09/2024 Detectives from Legacy Investigation Branch, reviewing the murder of 35 year old Stephen Warnock, in Newtownards in 2002, are appealing for information on the 22nd anniversary of his murder. Stephen died after being shot a number of times in his car while driving on the Circular Road in Newtownards at approximately 1130 am on 13th September 2002. Detective Chief Inspector Byrne from Legacy Investigation Branch said: Mr Warnock was driving his blue BMW car along Circular Road with his young daughter in the back seat of the car when he stopped due to traffic. At this time a motorcycle with rider and pillion passenger pulled alongside the car and shots were fired into the car. Stephen sustained a number of gunshot wounds and tragically died at the scene. Thankfully, Stephens daughter escaped injury. Following the shooting the motorcycle sped off in the direction of Belfast where it was recovered burnt out later the same day at Chelsea Street in east Belfast. This was a savage and reckless attack on a defenceless man and we are exploring a number of potential motives for the murder. Today I am appealing for anyone who may have been on Circular Road or in the general area before or after the murder and who may have information to speak with police. Detective Chief Inspector Byrne continued: 22 years have now passed since this senseless killing. I ask those who were involved, or heard accounts of what happened, either in the immediate aftermath or indeed over the years, to think about the devastating effect this has had on Stephens fam

PACEMAKER BELFAST 13/9/2002 A PSNI forensic officer measures distances between bullet casings and the car of a loyalist man shot dead at the wheel of his BMW car in Newtownards this morning. The man was parked in his car here on the circular road when he was shot upto 15 times by the passenger on a morotcycle, the man is said to have died almost immediately at the scene. PHOTO ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER 13/09/2024 Detectives from Legacy Investigation Branch, reviewing the murder of 35 year old Stephen Warnock, in Newtownards in 2002, are appealing for information on the 22nd anniversary of his murder. Stephen died after being shot a number of times in his car while driving on the Circular Road in Newtownards at approximately 1130 am on 13th September 2002. Detective Chief Inspector Byrne from Legacy Investigation Branch said: Mr Warnock was driving his blue BMW car along Circular Road with his young daughter in the back seat of the car when he stopped due to traffic. At this time a motorcycle with rider and pillion passenger pulled alongside the car and shots were fired into the car. Stephen sustained a number of gunshot wounds and tragically died at the scene. Thankfully, Stephens daughter escaped injury. Following the shooting the motorcycle sped off in the direction of Belfast where it was recovered burnt out later the same day at Chelsea Street in east Belfast. This was a savage and reckless attack on a defenceless man and we are exploring a number of potential motives for the murder. Today I am appealing for anyone who may have been on Circular Road or in the general area before or after the murder and who may have information to speak with police. Detective Chief Inspector Byrne continued: 22 years have now passed since this senseless killing. I ask those who were involved, or heard accounts of what happened, either in the immediate aftermath or indeed over the years, to think about the devastating effect this has had on Stephens fam

PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 17/9/2002: The funeral cortege of Stephen Warnock, the loyalist shot dead in Newtownards last week, leaves his Belfast home this afternoon.

Detectives from Legacy Investigation Branch, reviewing the murder of 35 year old Stephen Warnock, in Newtownards in 2002, are appealing for information on the 22nd anniversary of his murder.

The PSNI have made a fresh appeal for information surrounding the murder of of 35-year-old Stephen Warnock on the 22nd anniversary of his murder.

Mr Warnock died after being shot a number of times in his car while driving on the Circular Road in Newtownards at approximately 11:30 am on 13th September 2002.

Mr Warnock was driving his blue BMW car with his young daughter in the back seat of the car when he stopped due to traffic.

At this time a motorcycle with rider and pillion passenger pulled alongside the car and shots were fired into the car.

Mr Warnock sustained a number of gunshot wounds and tragically died at the scene. Thankfully, Stephens daughter escaped injury.

Following the shooting the motorcycle sped off in the direction of Belfast where it was recovered burnt out later the same day at Chelsea Street in east Belfast.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have been on Circular Road or in the general area before or after the murder and who may have information to speak with police.

A spokesperson said:

This was a savage and reckless attack on a defenceless man and we are exploring a number of potential motives for the murder.

22 years have now passed since this senseless killing. I ask those who were involved, or heard accounts of what happened, either in the immediate aftermath or indeed over the years, to think about the devastating effect this has had on Stephens family, and to come forward and make themselves known to police.
The building that now houses Culturlann McAdam O Fiaich was formerly a Presbyterian church

Former members of Albert Street Presbyterian Church, which closed in 1972 with Presbyterian Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Richard Murray, Rev David Moore and minister of West Kirk, Rev David Clawson

Rt Rev Dr Richard Murray (left) and Rev David Moore at Culturlann MacAdam O Fiaich with the daughters of the last minister of the church, (left to right) Helen McKelvey and Alice McClure

Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rt Rev Dr Richard Murray (left) receives a gift from the director of local development agency Forbairt Feirste, Jake Mac Siacais

A Presbyterian ministry launched in a west Belfast Irish language venue can become a vibrant worshipping community, its founder has said.

The Falls Road ministry is based in Culturlann McAdam O Fiach, a building once home to Broadway Presbyterian Church, which closed its doors in 1982.

The ministry is known as An Tionolann (The Place of Assembly) and is the brainchild of Rev David Moore and his wife Elaine. It held its first Sunday service a fortnight ago and intends to hold monthly services in the future.

Rev Moore said he is hoping to revive the churchs presence in the area.

There was a time when PCI had five churches in this part of the city and a vibrant Presbyterian presence from before the first congregation was formed in the 19th century, he said.

"The last one, Suffolk Presbyterian, where Dr Murrays family once worshipped, closed in 1993 and while we cant ignore the historical reasons why some left this part of the city, and the pain of those times, it is a place that PCI wants to reconnect and engage with. It is also a place that has my heart and Elaines.

"An Tionolann means a place of gathering, or a place of assembly, and our vision is to establish a vibrant worshipping community here in West Belfast, a gathering of Gods people.

"To that end, it is also about building relationships, following the leading of the Holy Spirit, and prayer.

It is a fact, sadly, that many people across the city have given up on religion and religious faith, without fully grasping what is at the heart of it, and that is Jesus Christ, and His gospel, which is not tied to any one cultural tradition.

"No matter where you are from, or who you are, it is for everyone, and as a Presbyterian minister that has always been my focus and is an important part of this special ministry.

PCOI Moderator Rev Dr Richard Murray visited the ministry on Thursday as part of a series of engagements in west Belfast.

Rt Rev Dr Richard Murray (left) and Rev David Moore at Culturlann MacAdam O Fiaich with the daughters of the last minister of the church, (left to right) Helen McKelvey and Alice McClure

He oversaw the unveiling of a plaque in memory of the churchs last minister  Rev Robert Wilbur Gillespie  by his daughters Helen McKelvey and Alice McClure.

Rev Murray said: The loss of Presbyterianism from the west of the city has, I believe, made the area poorer.

"I also would like to thank Culturlann for hosting the Sunday service and commend them for their generosity and welcome today.

"We started the day in West Kirk on the Shankill, a congregation formed after Albert Street Presbyterian closed.

"We saw the good work that is being done there, where there are still some older folk who came from Albert Street, 50 years ago.

"In that half-century much has changed, yet they have prayed faithfully that they would see that Presbyterian witness return over the wall.

"With a renewed modern witness to the distinctives of Presbyterianism, it is perhaps the beginning of answered prayer, and a ministry that will greatly enhance the area and recover what has been lost.

Former members of Albert Street Presbyterian Church, which closed in 1972 with Presbyterian Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Richard Murray, Rev David Moore and minister of West Kirk, Rev David Clawson

The visit was organised alongside local development association Forbairt Feirste, whose director Jake Mac Siacais highlighted the areas links to Presbyterianism.

"Just over three years ago, Forbairt Feirste successfully located, returned and restored the bell from the former Broadway church that had lain disused in Belvoir Presbyterian Church, he said.

Rev Murray (Moderator) spent his formative years in Lenadoon and is returning to west Belfast at the invitation of Forbairt Feirste.

"The plaque unveiling is the penultimate event in a year-long series of events in our Oidhreacht an Iarthair  Rediscovering our lost Presbyterian Heritage project, which was enabled by the generous grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Orange Order's Edward Stevenson laying a wreath in Loughgall on Orange Victims' Day in 2023.

A use of land request made to commemorate Orange Order members who were killed during the Troubles should have been done at least 12 weeks in advance, a council officer has said.

The request was made by Bangor Orange District Lodge for the use of Ward Park the Co Down city on September 8.

However, Ards and North Down Borough Council was criticised for its decision to deny the request.

The lodge told the Belfast Telegraph: Bangor District are deeply dismayed by the councils rejection of their request to use Ward Park for a 15-minute act of remembrance on a Sunday afternoon.

We believe that Ward Park, as a public space, should be available for use by all members of the community, including Bangor District.

North Down MP Alex Easton said the decision caused deep hurt and was a grave injustice.

During a council committee this week, council officers responded to the controversy and said it had a legal obligation to promote good relations, including screening third party land requests to use the councils land.

The screening process meant the memorial could not be held on September 8.

The council also said the use of a flagpole was turned down in line with the councils current flag policy, under which it will only fly the Union Flag on 15 designated days per calendar year at its war memorials.

At the councils Corporate Services Committee meeting, independent councillor Wesley Irvine, who is an Orange Lodge member, said many people across the borough didnt understand, or were dismayed to learn that the Bangor Orange District Lodge was not able to have a short act of remembrance.

It was deemed necessary (by the council) that an EQIA (equality impact assessment) would be required to be carried out before permission could be granted for that particular act to take place, he said.

Unfortunately that process was not known by the organisers, they didnt know that would have to be fulfilled.

It put our council in a bit of a sticky wicket, that we were being seen to turn down a service primarily to remember members of the Orange Order who lost their lives during the period of the Troubles.

I dont think anyone in this chamber would put obstacles in the way of that service taking place.

Services like that are important for healing, for remembrance, and it is important we have space for innocent victims to be remembered.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland lost 343 members to violence during the Troubles.

The September date chosen by the Bangor Lodge for the memorial refers to the killing of five Orangemen at a rural Orange hall meeting in Tullyvallen on September 1, 1975.

September 1 is remembered as Orange Victims Day.

Mr Irvine said the Bangor District Lodge was planning a meeting with Ards and North Down Council Chief Executive Susie McCullough in the coming weeks.

A council officer told the chamber: The request that was received was in relation to holding an event for what was described as an Orange Victims Day.

So as part of that we screened under Section 10.2 of the Lands Policy, where it states that permission is granted to use land or property without prejudice to any planning, building control, environmental or other legislative requirement.

Other legislative requirements include Section 75, which requires the council to have due regard to promote equality and good relations.

So as part of the consultation internally for that, we send that out to the corporate leadership team and to officers who would generally comment on any lands requests. That includes the Equality Officer.

As part of that, the Equality Officer screened the proposal for an equality impact assessment, which takes 12 weeks.

I have said this to councillors and others who have corresponded with us, it is hard because the Lands policy isnt prescriptive to every eventuality.

This does sit without the lands policy but within our statutory requirements of us as a council.

He added: It would be hard for us to identify events miles in advance, as to which ones would be screened in or screened out.

Thats why I think engagement with organisations like the Bangor District Lodge (should be) well in advance, at least 12 weeks, and if not more.

But obviously we have a lot of time between the one next year. That will enable us to conduct the necessary assessments.
The findings come following a series of controversies over the universitys property acquisitions in Limerick city (Alamy/PA)

The University of Limerick (UL) did not obtain a formal valuation of a multimillion-euro property it purchased above market rates, according to an official report which also found other significant failures in due diligence on the part of the institution.

The findings come following a series of controversies over the universitys property acquisitions in Limerick city.

In April 2019, UL applied to the Higher Education Authority for capital funding towards the development of a 45.2 million euro city centre campus.

That included an estimated three million euros towards the purchase of a site in Limericks Opera quarter.

However, just three days later, the university approved the purchase of a property at the nearby Honans Quay area for 8.3 million euros.

A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) into the matter has found that there is no evidence of any additional benefits of the Honans Quay property compared with the Opera site which would warrant the increased purchase cost.

The C&AG report said: It is difficult to see how the purchase represented value for money.

A retrospective valuation conducted last year found that UL paid approximately one third above the market value of the property in 2019.

The university has proposed that a three million euro write-down loss be recognised in its 2022/2023 financial statements.

The C&AG added: The university remains without a clear development and funding plan for the Honans Quay property.

The report also found that while UL had received some valuation advice prior to the purchase, it did not obtain a formal valuation report.

This was against the public spending code.

Despite this, the proposal was presented to ULs Governing Authority as if a valuation report had been obtained.

Elsewhere, the C&AG examined the circumstances around a proposal for student accommodation on a site at Rhebogue  three kilometres away from ULs main campus.

The report found that there were significant failures in the due diligence associated with the development, which would have included 20 houses.

The purchase price proposed to the Governing Authority was based on the net rental yield method for valuing the property.

Even though the accommodation was generally configured as a standard housing development, information on the sales price comparison method for valuing property, which would have yielded a much lower valuation, was not provided to the Governing Authority.

The university completed the purchase of the houses in October 2023 at a cost of 11.4 million euros, representing an average purchase price of almost 572,000 euros per unit.

UL had not identified that the purchase was liable to stamp duty, resulting in an additional unanticipated cost of just over one million euros.

The C&AG said: Prior to the purchase, planning advice from relevant professionals was not conclusive but the university did not seek clarification from the local authority.

In December 2023, after the purchase had been completed, the university received a warning letter from Limerick City and County Council stating that the change of use to student accommodation without planning permission may represent an unauthorised development.

A March 2024 valuation of the Rhebogue property indicates that UL is likely to have paid significantly more than it should have, the report said.

UL has proposed to write down 5.2 million euros in its financial statements over the development.

The C&AG report said: The universitys system of control and decision making were not adequately considered or investigated.

A further investigation commissioned by the Governing Authority found credible evidence that legitimate counterarguments to the Rhebogue acquisition by relevant staff in the university had been dismissed or ignored.

ULs acting president Professor Shane Kilcommins said the university fully accepts the findings and the recommendations of the report.

In an email to the university community, he said: I want to assure everyone  staff, students, and external stakeholders, as well as our funders through the state  that we will implement these recommendations without delay, incorporating them into our larger recovery plan.

The reports findings are very disappointing and are an understandable cause for anger and upset amongst our community.

These events should never have occurred, and the university has paid a considerable price both in financial terms, due to the impairments carried on our accounts from both transactions, and in reputational terms.

The issues surrounding the city centre campus purchase cast a long shadow over ULs reputation.

He added: The institution recognises the damage that has been caused: to the universitys standing, to the trust placed in us by the public, and to the morale of UL staff and students.

I deeply regret that this is the case.

Prof Kilcommins said many corrective actions had already been taken but acknowledged there were no quick solutions to win back trust, adding that achieving accountability will take time.
An anti-vaccination conspiracy theorist who suggested whacking Professor Sir Chris Whitty over the head with a rounders bat has been found guilty of terrorism charges.

On Friday, Patrick Ruane, 55, was found guilty at the Old Bailey of two charges of encouraging terrorism in a series of Telegram posts in which he advocated the use of weapons, guns and explosions.

He was cleared of collecting information useful to a terrorist, relating a manual entitled Anon  How To Make A Jolly Roger which was said to include viable instructions on making Semtex.

The jury had deliberated for seven hours and 21 minutes to reach guilty verdicts by a majority of 10 to two.

Judge Richard Marks KC adjourned sentencing until November 8 and granted Ruane conditional bail but stressed that his position was very serious.

Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker said it was likely the Crown would argue that Ruane had specifically targeted individuals, such as the chief medical officer for England Sir Chris, and the chief executive officer of Pfizer.

Ruane had replied to a post about Sir Chris, saying: The weakest point of the scull (sic) is the back of the scull (sic) and all it would take is riding a bike very fast and whacking target over the back of head with a rounders bat but a mace (a piece of metal ball and chain) would be way better which if done right would turn said target into a vegetable for the rest of its life.

And in response to the creator of the AstraZeneca vaccine getting a standing ovation at Wimbledon, he commented: Its a shame there was not a sharp shooter to take that f****** POS out.

Ms Faure Walker had told jurors that Ruane was angry, frustrated and upset about lockdown policies and the vaccine rollout when he posted messages to thousands of Telegram users in 2021.

He believed conspiracy theories about a hidden agenda and was particularly focused on manufacturers of the Covid vaccine and those who administered jabs, she said.

In one post, Ruane wrote: Im all for hunting them down and f****** executing them where they stand as too many people have f****** died and its not going to stop until we start killing them back.

Anti-vaccination conspiracy theorist Patrick Ruane (Metropolitan Police/PA)

When someone posted about not allowing a satanist puppet to come near his children with that poison jab kill shots, the defendant encouraged others to find where they live put a kill squad together and shoot them in their beds.

In response to another post, he advocated burning all the big pharmas offices manufacturing plants and infrastructure to the ground.

The court heard Ruane referred to executing politicians, saying the manufacture of ammunition for sniper weapons could end corrupt politicians and Davos scum in one shot.

Ruane, an audio producer who worked in films, posted images of Semtex and when asked about delivery, wrote Why deliver when you can make it yourself, jurors were told.

He called for an IRA play book to be implemented after then-prime minister Boris Johnson extended powers for a further period.

The defendant also suggested destroying 5G communications, saying in one post: 5g towers are easy, Semtex, easy to make recipies (sic) on the www.

Patrick Ruane was tried at the Old Bailey (PA)

Ms Faure Walker had told jurors that the posts spanned many months and encouraged serious violence and disruption designed to influence the government or intimidate a section of the public.

Ruanes posts reached a very large audience through two Telegraph chat groups, one of which had 18,000 users and the other 8,000, she told jurors.

She suggested some of those who viewed messages could have a range of susceptibilities, adding the posts could have spread more widely by being forwarded on by others.

The defendants electronic devices were seized when police went to his flat in November 2021.

In police interview, he referred to making props for a film, but did not elaborate on why he needed instructions for the explosives for that.

He told police he had lost his business during the last lockdown and was drinking a lot.

Ruane, of Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, west London, had denied the charges against him and claimed his film work gave him a reasonable excuse for having the manual with Semtex instructions.

Following the verdict, acting commander Gareth Rees, from the Mets Counter Terrorism Command, said: Our investigation found large numbers of posts by Ruane where he was encouraging others to carry out extremely violent acts, all because he didnt like the governments response to the pandemic.

This wasnt idle chit-chat online  he was encouraging people to seriously injure or kill others, suggesting who to target.

This case should serve as a warning that if youre encouraging people to commit acts of terrorism, then we will investigate. Where we find evidence of this, then there are very serious consequences, something that Ruane is now facing.
Demonstrators outside the proposed site of the Whitehaven coal mine in Cumbria in 2021 (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Environmental groups have called for proposals for the UKs first coal mine for 30 years to be permanently shelved after the High Court quashed the decision to grant planning permission for the site.

A judge ruled on Friday that the Governments decision to give the go-ahead for the development in Whitehaven, Cumbria, was legally flawed, following a challenge by Friends of the Earth (FoE) and South Lakes Action on Climate Change (SLACC) against the sites developers, West Cumbria Mining (WCM).

FoE claimed that the ruling marks the first case linked to fossil fuels to be decided since a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, which said that emissions created by burning the materials should be considered when granting planning permission to new extraction sites.

A new decision on planning permission will now be made by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, FoE said, with climate groups calling for the ill-conceived project to be rejected once and for all.

(PA Graphics)

Niall Toru, senior lawyer at FoE, said: That the ruling today has gone against the mining company could have ramifications internationally, as there are cases abroad where challenges are being made against fossil fuel projects on a very similar basis.

This mine should never have been given permission in the first place. The case against it is overwhelming: it would have huge climate impacts, its coal isnt needed and it harms the UKs international reputation on climate.

Any reconsideration of the planning application can surely only reach one conclusion  and reject this harmful mine once and for all.

We believe that the writing is on the wall and that WCM should withdraw its application for this climate-wrecking project.

Duncan Pollard, a trustee at SLACC, said: West Cumbria Mining has been roundly defeated today and the phasing out of fossil fuels has taken a small step forward.

He added: It is now doubly clear that fossil fuel companies cannot ignore the combustion emissions caused by the use of their oil, gas or coal, or rely on simplistic claims that a new coal mine will have zero impact on global emissions.

We sincerely hope that any re-examination of the coal mine proposal considers all relevant issues and this ill-conceived idea is permanently shelved.

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The decision to grant permission was made by the then housing, communities and local government minister, Michael Gove, in 2022.

It was dubbed as being net zero and would extract what is known as metallurgical coal, which is used in steel-making, with the Government accepting that approximately 15% of the material would be used domestically.

The Government was due to oppose the legal bid at a hearing in July this year but withdrew its defence days before it was due to take place following the general election.

WCM continued to defend the claim, with its lawyers telling the court in London that the mine would have a positive effect and that it would have a broadly neutral effect on the global release of greenhouse gas.

But barristers for FoE told the court the planning decision smacked of hypocrisy and that there was no significant need for coal in the UK.

In a 48-page judgment, Mr Justice Holgate said: The assumption that the proposed mine would not produce a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, or would be a net-zero mine, is legally flawed.

He added that giving the green light to the plans failed to deal with the fact that a positive precedent effect of a net-zero mine leading to other similar projects would depend upon further offsetting arrangements; that would be undesirable because offsets are a finite resource.

A spokesperson for WCM said following the decision: West Cumbria Mining will consider the implications of the High Court judgment and has no comment to make at this time.

The judgment also led to renewed calls for the government to refuse planning permission for the Rosebank and Jackdaw offshore oil and gas fields in the North Sea.

The Government said last month that it would not oppose legal challenges against the decision to grant licences for the sites, brought jointly by Greenpeace and Uplift.

Tessa Khan, executive director at Uplift, said Fridays ruling showed that the favourite line of fossil fuel companies doesnt wash.

She said: This is a decision that will make it even harder for oil and gas companies to get away with flimsy, poorly evidenced arguments that justify their projects and their profits.

The court has made it clear that the favourite line of fossil fuel companies  that if we didnt produce fossil fuels here, it would simply be produced elsewhere  doesnt wash.

It also confirms that any such assertion should be subject to public scrutiny and that the Government cannot just wave through new projects without taking into account the full range of their environmental projects.
Tyler Thompson, left, Marcel Malanga and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, all American citizens, attend a court verdict on charges of taking part in a coup attempt (AP Photo/Samy Ntumba Shambuyi)

A military court in Congo handed down death sentences Friday to 37 people, including a Briton and three Americans, after convicting them on charges of taking part in a coup attempt.

The defendants, who also included a Belgian, a Canadian and several Congolese, can appeal the verdict on charges that included terrorism, murder and criminal association.

Fourteen people were acquitted in the trial, which opened in June.

America Marcel Malanga is one of more than 30 people sentenced to death on charges of taking part in a coup attempt (AP Photo/Samy Ntumba Shambuyi)

Six people were killed during the botched coup attempt led by the little-known opposition figure Christian Malanga in May, which targeted the presidential palace and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi.

Mr Malanga was fatally shot while resisting arrest soon after live-streaming the attack on his social media, the Congolese army said.

Mr Malangas 21-year-old son, Marcel, who is a US citizen, and two other Americans were convicted.

His mother, Brittney Sawyer, has said her son is innocent and was simply following his father, who considered himself president of a shadow government in exile.

Tyler Thompson flew to Africa from Utah with Marcel Malanga for what his family believed was a vacation(AP Photo/Samy Ntumba Shambuyi)

The other Americans were Tyler Thompson Jr, who flew to Africa from Utah with Marcel Malanga for what his family believed was a vacation, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, who is reported to have known Christian Malanga through a gold mining company.

The company was set up in Mozambique in 2022, according to an official journal published by Mozambiques government, and a report by the Africa Intelligence newsletter.

Mr Thompsons family maintains he had no knowledge of the elder Malangas intentions, no plans for political activism and did not even plan to enter Congo.

Mr Thompsons stepmother said he and the Malangas were meant to travel only to South Africa and Eswatini.

The reading of the verdict and sentencing before the open-air military court were broadcast live on television.

Last month, the military prosecutor, Lt Col Innocent Radjabu called on the judges to sentence to death all of the defendants, except for one who suffers from psychological problems.

Earlier this year, Congo reinstated the death penalty, lifting a more than two-decade-old moratorium, as authorities struggle to curb violence and militant attacks in the country.
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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.
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Education Minister Paul Givan speaking to students during a visit to St Columbanus' College, Bangor, to launch new guidance to support school leaders in prohibiting the use of mobile phones in schools

A blanket ban ignores many nuanced positives of technology in the classroom, writes university student and mental health campaigner Matthew Taylor

Much has changed in the world in the four years since I left high school. Yet one debate within school staff rooms across Northern Ireland remains the same  what do we do about students phones?

Recently published guidance regarding the use of mobiles in school settings by the Department of Education proposes a routinely mooted ban of pupils using mobiles in school, including during lunch and break periods.

Alongside this guidance, the departments launch of a 250,000 pilot scheme involving 10 schools, trialling the use of magnetic pouches which securely store pupils' phones during school hours before being unlocked at the end of the school day, no doubt originates with noble intent.

With students spending upwards of six hours a day on mobile devices, and a rise in cyber-bullying in and outside the classroom, young peoples increasing reliance on the online world serves as a potent worry for every parent.

However, a blanket ban ignores many nuanced positives of technology in the classroom.

Education Minister Paul Givan speaking to students during a visit to St Columbanus' College, Bangor, to launch new guidance to support school leaders in prohibiting the use of mobile phones in schools

While making some limited exceptions for some pupils to maintain use of their phones, including for diabetic pupils to monitor their blood glucose levels during the school day, the department ignores other key needs.

Pupils often rely on their phones to organise their collection from school or to access now overwhelmingly online-centric school learning environments.

SEN pupils in mainstream schools will take photos of notes on whiteboards, and access anonymous mental health treatment through Childline.

Under the departments guidance, these important and reasonable utilisations of technology are swiftly rendered impossible.

Reaction to the policy by youth-orientated organisations highlights a common problem in the Department of Educations policy making, a lack of meaningful direct engagement with children and young people.

Indeed, in the guidance for the use of phones in schools, a wide range of target audiences are directly mentioned. Yet pupils themselves do not appear, with no youth-centric version published to explain the policy to the young people affected.

This, coupled with research published by Dublin City University highlighting a limited evidence base for banning pupils phones in schools, observing negligible benefits and possibly even negative impacts on students, demonstrates the weaknesses of the departments blanket approach to this issue, without detailed direct consultation with young people.

This is to say nothing of the practical barriers to implementation.

Taking the case of the departments pilot scheme, it seems difficult to imagine teachers being able to witness upwards of 1,000 children individually locking their phones away every morning to ensure compliance with the policy, or any mechanism to stop pupils from merely bringing in an old phone to store in the magnetic pouch, and continue to use their current one throughout the school day.

With pupils increasingly using smartwatches and other devices, locking the phone away may only be one tool in a students technological arsenal.

Moreover, stations to unlock phones at the end of the day would become extremely crowded in the 3.30pm rush in addition to the reasonable likelihood of younger pupils mixing up their pouches with the identical devices of their classmates when packing up.

However, perhaps the largest issue with the proposed ban and its accompanying pilot is the scale of the funding involved.

A 250,000 rollout in 10 schools represents a huge investment in a largely unproven and under-evidenced concept, which could have instead been used to fund far more pressing and immediate needs within schools.

This comes against a backdrop of rising uniform costs, a shortage of SEN places, a need for stronger mental health education and cuts in the last 24 months to vital services including primary school counselling places.

It looks like the Department of Education prioritising a pet project over vital funds to combat the monumental challenges facing the sector.

The online world poses substantial challenges and distractions to pupils learning, well-being and engagement with the physical world, but like it or not, technology has its benefits, and its here to stay.

Locking down the screen with a magnetic seal during school hours wont stop the problem of students unhealthy relationships with devices, nor address their relationship with their phones when theyre shipped off to university.

Dealing with phones in the classroom needs a better solution.

Matthew Taylor

Matthew Taylor is a university student and mental health campaigner from Belfast
Launching the road safety strategy were (from left) Michael Bloomfield, chief executive of NI Ambulance Service; Aidan Jennings, Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Minister John ODowd and Superintendent Jonathan Wilson, of the PSNI (Dept for Infrastructure/PA)

For families who suffer the tragedy of losing a loved one on the roads in Northern Ireland, the words that something must be done to end the suffering are often as empty as the space at the kitchen table.

For years the number of road deaths has been increasing. And while there is agreement that we must try to reduce the number of fatalities, for years, little has been done.

Road safety campaigners will point to the year 2012, the last time Northern Ireland was moving in the right direction in addressing the number of fatal accidents. That was the year of hard-hitting adverts on our TV screens. The year of the biggest spend in road safety awareness from the Department for Infrastructure. That was the year of the fewest road deaths on record.

There is no coincidence. Accidents do happen, theres no getting away from that fact. But sometimes accidents happen when there is no need to.

It seems a glance at the statistics alone is not enough shock value for everyone to sit up and take notice, but they bear repeating.

In 2023, a total of 71 deaths were recorded by the PSNI as the result of a road traffic accident. That was up from 55 the year before. The figure is already at 41 for 2024.

The knock-on effect is spread through families, friends and those in the emergency services who are often the first on the scene.

Infrastructure Minister John ODowd has called for honest conversations on road safety. He will find far too many only too willing to talk about it, talk about the devastation, talk about the need for investment in our road network to ensure its as safe as it can be.

The Executive will now be proceeding with a Road Safety Strategy which will, hopefully, deliver more than just those honest conversations.

Targets have been set, to be achieved by 2030. Yes, we do of course need progress to be made on some of our more dangerous roads. But those honest conservations could also prove vital.

With 95% of fatal accidents the result of human error, doing what we can to minimise that has to be the focus of any campaign going forward. That means awareness, that means investment and that also means the road users of Northern Ireland also have to take on responsibility for their actions.

Careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for the road or the conditions, and drink and drug driving account for most deaths and serious injuries. All are preventable.

Maybe at last we have turned off the road to nowhere and are on the way to somewhere better.
Supporters of a band broke loose from a parade in Ballymena and beat UDA boss Marcus Boreland with fists, kicks and flutes

Marcus Boreland, who denies any links to criminality, was left with a snapped ankle

The UDA is promising to hit back after one of their own was attacked by rival loyalists.

Marcus Boreland, who denies any links to criminality, was left with a snapped ankle after band supporters broke loose from a parade and attacked him.

Its understood the UDAs North Antrim brigade is in a feud with a faction from Dervock, a quiet village near Ballymoney.

The faction broke off from the North Antrim UDA to get closer to the paramilitary groups West Belfast brigade  a group known for its ties to criminality.

The attack on Boreland comes as police have snubbed the Loyalist Communities Council.

The LCC rejected police demands for a meeting discuss loyalist Dee Stitts arrest over online comments on race-related violence, raising questions over the councils relevance in loyalist circles.

The prominent loyalist was arrested at Belfast City Airport upon arrival from a holiday in Spain.

To discuss all this, Ciaran Dunbar is joined by The Sunday Lifes Ciaran Barnes.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
Jim Shulman, a Pittsfield native and retired Psychologist living in Ohio, is the author of "Berkshire Memories: A Baby Boomer Looks Back at Growing Up in Pittsfield." If you have a comment about this story, please write the Berkshire Eagle at letters@berkshireeagle.com and if you have a memory of a Berkshire baby-boom landmark, business or event you'd like to see in a column, write Jim at jesjmskali@aol.com.
PITTSFIELD  If youve driven by Pittsfield Municipal Airport lately, you may have noticed hills of overturned earth or heard the rumble of backhoe engines.

In a few months, if everything goes according to plan, those dirt mounds will be replaced by three solar arrays. Construction is well underway to house collections of solar panels wired together to produce electricity.

Over the next 40 years, Navisun, a solar energy company out of Hingham, will be leasing 17.7 acres of airport land to operate the three collections of solar panels. The solar arrays will generate 3.486 Mwac (alternating current capacity) and store 3.064 megawatt hours  three megawatt hours is roughly equivalent to the amount of electricity used by 990 homes in the span of one hour.

Dan Shearer, the Pittsfield airport manager, said the plan is to apply the generated energy to the airports electric accounts. Whatever excess energy remains will then be applied to other city accounts.

Navisun will pay the airport a total of $2,229,052 to lease the land. Shearer said the airport will begin collecting on the lease when construction completes, which is currently projected for mid-December.

The city will receive $4,174,820 from Navisun in payments in lieu of taxes.

The project went out to bid eight years ago. In 2018, the city signed an agreement with Colorado-based solar development company, Oak Leaf Energy Partners, which planned to construct a solar facility at the airport.

Shearer said the pandemic slowed down the project. It took several years for Oak Leaf Energy Partners to hammer out the details of the three arrays, including where they would be located, their size and what equipment would be used.

In 2023, Navisun purchased the project. Construction commenced in spring 2024.

If the project stays on schedule, Shearer said construction on the array on South Mountain Road will wrap up by Dec. 18. Construction on Barker and Tamarack roads will conclude by Dec. 20.
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NORTH ADAMS  How best to protect Notch Reservoir?

That was the question at hand Thursday night as residents provided their input to the city of North Adams and its environmental partners about a climate resiliency and operations plan for the 1,073-acre property.

About 45 people gathered at City Council chambers, many of them to express concerns about the plan, which has been in the works for years. Of particular concern is tree cutting that would take place on 70 acres along either side of the Bellows Pipe Trail.

The group Friends of the Notch Reservoir and Bellows Pipe Trail has collected more than 1,300 signatures on a petition to stop the logging plan, which was presented Thursday to Mayor Jennifer Macksey. Residents also raised questions about the transparency of the process.

A handout about the project, which was shared at the meeting, specifies seven instances in which the city and its partners in this project Woodlands Partnership, New England Forestry Foundation and Mass Audubon, have held public meetings about plans for Notch Reservoir between June 2022 and August 2024.

At the projects completion, the trail will be restored and improved and culverts will be repaired or replaced to reduce water on the trails, the handout reads. And it cites the mayor as pledging that the money from the logging harvest will be reinvested into the care of Notch Reservoir.

The plan says the project will improve the condition of the trail, but that will require the trail to be closed for short durations.

Community response

For weeks, opponents of the plan have been writing letters to The Eagle about their reservations.

I know the city owns that piece of Bellows but we SHARE it with thousands and thousands of hikers from all over, North Adams resident Michaela LaPointe wrote in August. Its our job to protect it and keep sharing her beauty.

In a letter to the editor to The Eagle this week, as well as a case statement detailing a Forever Wild Forest idea, Walter Cudnohufsky, of Ashfield, a landscape architect/planner and member of the recently formed Friends group, said that the group is proposing a permanent, perpetual, irrevocable preservation" of the trail and environs.

Permanent protection is the best means and possibly the only viable one to sequester carbon, he notes, adding, New England Forests are our greatest natural asset. In addition, he wrote, the forest hosts the nationally recognized Bellows Pipe Trail and it is a major source of water for North Adams.

The overall goals of the forest stewardship plan are to address an increase in pests, disease and extreme rainfall. A key part is identifying the trees that could be impacted more by climate change, which involves the removal of dying and dead trees, including the ash and a red spruce plantation, then planting climate-resistant species like sugar maple and oak. Logging will be a source of revenue for the city, though it is not the reason it pursued the project.

The Bellows Pipe Trail is on North Adams watershed land; Notch and Mount Williams reservoirs together provide the citys water.

The City of North Adams most important goal for the Notch Reservoir property is to ensure that environmental conditions surrounding the Reservoir and Notch Brook produce high quality drinking water to the residents of North Adams, the stewardship plan reads.

Herbicide spraying axed

Another controversial part of the plan was the proposed application of herbicide to the stems of invasive species to remove them  people are opposed to the use of herbicide close to the citys water supply.

During Thursday's meeting, Mass Audubon Forest Ecologist Andrew Randazzo described carbon sequestration as the idea that trees are soaking up carbon from the atmosphere. That is done best by young trees, he said.

Randazzo acknowledged that it was upsetting for people to hear about the use of herbicides, which elicited an assenting murmur from those gathered. But, he said, the use of herbicides has been removed from the plan.

It was always our intention to work alongside the Conservation Commission, and the commission has asked the city to move to mechanical treatment, Randazzo said. The city has made that decision, and no herbicides will be used at Notch Reservoir.

Questions answered

While the logging will in the short-term cause the loss of carbon stock, the city and its partners say the proposal will ensure that a next generation of climate adapted trees appropriate for the site get established so that the forest can continue to accumulate and store carbon for decades to come.

Resident Devin Raber, who lives right near where work is supposed to be done, asked whether there was consideration of possible damage to private property and the level of soil erosion. Randazzo said part of the project includes the improvement of culverts to prevent the type of damage Raber and other neighbors have experienced in the past.

Resident Dianne Olsen asked how long it would take between removing the invasive species and dead or dying trees with new stock. Randazzo said the answer was sometime in 2025.

Other residents asked about what the outcome of the timber sales may be. Representatives from the city and its partners said the net revenue may be about $40,000. They also asked whether those involved with the pilot program had executed a demonstration forest before. Mass Audubon is in the process of developing five at the moment, but North Adams would be the first one it has seen through to completion.

Another resident asked whether the city would make a profit from the project. The answer is somewhat unclear, but with the federal and grant funding, the project will be extraordinarily cheap for the city.

Cudnohufsky asked Thursday whether the climate plan was approved by the citys Conservation Commission. While the 10-year stewardship plan has been approved by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, the operations plan concerning logging still needs to be approved by the Conservation Commission, in part because the city and its partners are still in conversation with residents.

Andre StrongBearHeart of the Nipmuc tribe, a sister tribe of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, implored both the leaders of the project and its critics to take the long view.

It seems to me that these people here are trying to move forward in a healthier way than how conservation has happened in the past, he said.

Mass Audubon and the Woodlands Partnership are involved because it is a federally funded pilot project to alter the composition of the citys woodlands.

The city is accepting public comment until Sept. 30 to inform its plan to implement the recommendations for forest stewardship. People can email Commissioner of Public Services Timothy Lescarbeau at tlescarbeau@northadams-ma.gov.
Most of us have heard it  that sermon or lesson that tells us that if we tithe regularly, we will receive blessings. Those who teach this base the principle on Malachi 3:10, which reads, Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Sometimes the pastor or teacher will go as far as to say we will receive abundant material riches if we tithe.

To use the verse in this way, though, is to ignore the context of God speaking to Israel as His chosen people and nation. Under the covenant promises, the Lord would bless the nation if they kept His laws and decrees, which included abundant harvests and renown among the nations (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Similarly, if they disobeyed Him, then He would bring punishment (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). We need to remember that the promise of blessings in Malachi was unique to Israel.

Christians today can be blessed by giving, but in different ways. We are not promised material wealth or an abundant harvest. The blessings we receive look more like spiritual growth, increased trust in God, the joy of using our resources to help others, and storing treasures for ourselves in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). However, we are wrong to approach giving as a way to receive something from the Lord. To give with the intention of getting more in return misses the spirit and heart behind biblical giving. As Jesus said, It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

We give to the Lord to honor and give thanks to Him. Everything we have in life is from Him, including salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), a new life (Ephesians 2:4-5), and the ability to work to provide food, shelter, and clothing for ourselves and others (James 1:17). What we offer to Him comes from what He has graciously given.

Instead of seeking to use tithing as a way to get something from God or to increase our bank accounts, we should give joyously and freely from the heart. We have already been given so much when the Father gave His one and only Son to save us from sin (John 3:16). Because of Him, we are now the redeemed children of God. How could we not willingly open our hands and give as an expression of our gratitude and love?

What do you think? Is tithing a command for every Christian? Weigh in and join the conversation on Crosswalk Forums!

Related Resource: Extravagance, Stewardship, and a Heart that Blesses God

Money can be a spiritually confusing topic for many people. That may be why The Bible has included more verses on money than it does on prayer. Join us on The Encouragement for You Podcast as we talk about extravagance and stewardship!

Photo credit: Getty Images/BassittART
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In Zimbabwe, the killing of 200 elephants is intended to help overcome food shortages caused by extreme drought. (archive picture) Bild: Keystone

Extreme drought and a growing elephant population are worrying the Zimbabwean government. A drastic measure is intended to help: The killing of 200 elephants.

SDA SDA

No time? blue News summarizes for you Zimbabwe has declared a state of emergency due to extreme drought.

To counteract food shortages, 200 elephants are now to be killed.

The measure is also intended to keep the rapidly growing elephant population in check.

With an estimated 100,000 animals, Zimbabwe is the country with the largest elephant population.

The last culls ordered by the government took place in 1988. Show more

Zimbabwe wants to kill 200 elephants in view of an unprecedented drought and the associated food shortages. At the same time, it is a measure against the rapidly growing elephant population, the responsible authority announced on Friday.

The Ministry of Environment in Harare had already announced on Wednesday that the country had "more elephants than it needs". The government had therefore instructed the wildlife park administration (ZimParks) to start culling the animals.

The 200 elephants are to be hunted in areas where there have been clashes with humans, including Hwange, where the country's largest nature reserve is located, the director general of ZimParks, Fulton Mangwanya, told the AFP news agency.

Last targeted killings in 1988

Zimbabwe is estimated to be home to 100,000 elephants, making it the country with the second largest elephant population after Botswana. Hwange alone is home to 65,000 of the large animals, four times more than the area can actually hold, according to ZimParks. The last time elephants were culled in Zimbabwe was in 1988.

Prior to this, Namibia had already announced its intention to kill 700 wild animals such as elephants and hippos due to the worst drought in decades. Around 160 animals have already been killed, the local Ministry of Environment announced at the beginning of last week.

According to the government, the cull is intended to relieve pressure on water reserves and provide meat for thousands of people who are starving due to the drought. The government order was met with fierce criticism from animal rights activists.

Zimbabwe and Namibia are among a number of countries in southern Africa that have declared a state of emergency due to the drought.

SDA
Major police operation in Constance not far from the Swiss border. (theme picture) Picture: Keystone/dpa/Felix Kastle

The police have given the all-clear following a large-scale operation in Constance at night and a threat situation in Switzerland.

Oliver Kohlmaier

No time? blue News summarizes for you In the German city of Constance, a presumably armed 18-year-old fled towards Switzerland after an altercation.

The police were deployed in large numbers.

The Thurgau cantonal police also confirmed an operation.

The police gave the all-clear early on Friday morning. Show more

The background to the operation was a threat situation in Switzerland and another threat in the area of a hotel in the German city of Constance, in which a possible firearm was shown, according to the police.

As the police further announced early Friday morning, the number of emergency services was reduced at around 3.00 am. This was preceded by "intensive investigative measures, contacting the 18-year-old, constant new situation assessments as well as the verification of the two threats and findings from the constant exchange of information with the Thurgau cantonal police", the statement continued. The search measures have been completed and further investigations are ongoing. It was initially unclear whether any arrests had been made.

After an altercation in Constance on Thursday, a presumably armed 18-year-old fled in the direction of Kreuzlingen TG.

Altercation in a hotel

From the early evening, a large police force was deployed in the city center of Constance, on Reichenaustrasse and Schanzlebrucke as well as on the Swiss side.

According to the Constance police headquarters, there had been an altercation in a hotel on Reichenaustrasse. A 19-year-old then fled in the direction of the city center and Switzerland on an e-scooter. As reported by "20 Minuten", helicopters were circling over the city on Lake Constance.

According to their own information, the police searched for the man at full speed with all available forces and the support of colleagues from Thurgau.

Media spokeswoman Roxanne Graflein from the Thurgau cantonal police confirmed a police operation on the Swiss side to Blick.


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By SA Commercial Prop News

Arrowhead Properties CEO, Gerald Leissner says Emira Property Fund acquisition is a good opportunity for the company.



JSE-listed Arrowhead Properties, has hit the headlines today after revealing a bid to buy diversified real estate investment trust (REIT), Emira Property Fund in an all-share deal.

South Africas listed property companies have struggled to find well-priced acquisition opportunities, and takeovers are becoming more difficult to achieve now as there are no easy targets.

The majority of property companies that listed in the past two years have grown organically, and not many are valued at less than R3bn.

Also read: AUCTION  Corporate disposal to hit the auction block



Private developers have been hesitant to sell some of their properties, waiting for higher prices. This has seen many of the large listed funds turning their attention to assets abroad in Europe and Australia.

Fresh on the heels of buying 10.5% stake in retail-focused Rebosis Property Fund, 11% stake in Dipula Income Fund, and it listed SAs first pure residential property fund Indluplace Properties in 2015  owning a 60.1% stake in the fund, Arrowhead Properties is considering offering 1.67 of its shares for each Emira share. This represented a 3% discount to Emiras share price at Monday mornings prices.

Arrowhead said its offer was a "nonbinding expression of interest" subject to a satisfactory conclusion of due diligence on Emiras forecast income for the financial year under way to end June 2017.

Headed by industry veteran Gerald Leissner, who has over the past five years grown the value of Arrowhead property portfolio six-fold from R1.4 billion to R9.5 billion for the six months to March 31 2016.

This proposed acquisition is a good opportunity for Arrowhead. As a team we have consistently exceeded market expectations and we believe we are able to extract maximum value from the combined portfolios, Leissner said.

Arrowhead, who successfully acquired Vividend in 2014, has engaged with a limited number of key shareholders of Emira, and have received support from shareholders holding approximately 22% of Emiras shares in relation to the proposed transaction. The shareholders have either signed letters of support or irrevocable undertakings.

Emira Property Fund last month became the first real estate investment trust (Reit) to forecast negative distribution growth in the coming results season. Its CEO, Geoff Jennett, said in February that it had reached a size at which it could pursue takeovers. But itself has become a takeover target. The company has a market capitalisation of about R8bn and owns a stake in Growthpoint Australia.

Redefine Properties, one of the top five Reits on the JSE, already owns about 11% of Emira.

Arrowheads share price fell 2% to R8.40 on Monday morning, giving it a market capitalisation of R8.8bn Emiras share price rose 1.47% to R14.46, giving it a market capitalisation of R7.3bn.

The successful conclusion of this transaction will result in a combined market capitalisation of approximately R16 billion, commented Imraan Suleman, Arrowhead CFO.

In May, Arrowhead declared a dividend payout growth of 9.5% to 40.79 cents per share, and it is forecasting dividend growth for the year to be at the upper end of 8% and 10%. This comes at a time when most property counters are downgrading their dividend growth citing SAs worrying state of the economy.
BBC presenter Jay Blades has been charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his wife.

Blades (54) appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court in England on Friday after being charged with one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

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According to court documents, the charge relates to his fitness instructor wife Lisa Zbozen, who announced on her Instagram page on May 2nd that their relationship was over.

Police confirmed Blades was charged on Thursday following the launch of an investigation after they were called to an address the day after Ms Zbozens post, May 3rd.

The couple married in the grounds of a beachfront villa in Barbados on November 22nd, 2022.

The presenter, who fronts primetime show The Repair Shop, will appear at Worcester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 11th.

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In a statement, West Mercia Police said: 54-year-old Jason Blades of Claverley in Wolverhampton has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.

He appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court this morning (Friday September 13) and has been bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday October 11.

The PA news agency understands a repeat of David & Jays Touring Toolshed will no longer be on the BBCs schedule on Friday night.

Furniture restorer Blades, who was made an MBE for services to craft in 2022, found fame on The Repair Shop, the restoration programme he has presented since 2017, which sees members of the public take worn-out family heirlooms to be restored by a team of experts.

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He also presented the BBCs Money For Nothing until 2020, appeared on Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Bake Off as well as Comic Relief and delved into the history of the West Midlands and the East End for two Channel 5 documentaries.

In March 2023, he became Buckinghamshire New Universitys first chancellor having studied for a degree in criminology and philosophy from 2001, and in May 2023 he won a daytime Bafta TV award along with other members of The Repair Shop for a special featuring Britain's King Charles, who was at the time the Prince of Wales.

In the one-off special, Blades and the restorers visited Charles at Dumfries House in Scotland for The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit.

The programme also won the daytime prize at the National Television Awards the same year.

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In a statement posted on their website, Buckinghamshire New University said: Jay Blades MBE has resigned from his role as Chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University with immediate effect.

We thank Jay for his loyal service to the University and will be making no further comment.
Some of the record 2,300 cyclists from 10 countries and 43 states cheer at the start of the AIDS/LifeCycle ride, a seven-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, on June 3, 2007, in San Francisco. Susan Goldman The Bunny Team cheers on AIDS/LifeCycle riders and supplies them with Red Vines licorice or carrots outside Pescadero in 2009. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Some walked, but most AIDS/LifeCycle cyclists rode up the steep grade of Highway 92 near Skyline Boulevard in San Mateo County in 2008. Michael Maloney/The Chronicle

Officials with AIDS/LifeCycle announced Wednesday that next years bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles will be its last due to increasing production costs and a decline in ridership and fundraising.

AIDS/LifeCycle ride is a week-long, 545-mile bike ride that benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, both of which also produce the event. Since the first ride in 1994, hundreds of people have participated, raising more than $300 million for HIV/AIDS care, testing and prevention, officials said.

But as production costs skyrocketed following the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated a rapid decline in ridership and fundraising, officials said the event was no longer financially sustainable.

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This decision was not arrived at easily or hastily, Tyler TerMeer, CEO of San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and Joe Hollendoner, CEO of Los Angeles LGBT Center, wrote in an online announcement.

We know that this announcement is a sad one and may be hard to process, they said. The Ride has been a significant part of all of our lives, connected to those weve lost, those who live, and the incredible, beautiful community that weve helped to create. That will never go away.

Supporters cheer and wave signs of support as the riders started their AIDS/LifeCycle seven-day, 545-mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 2008. Michael Maloney/The Chronicle

TerMeer and Hollendoner added that both of their nonprofits will remain committed to the fight against AIDS and providing HIV services to the LGBTQ community.

Officials said they tried to prevent ending the ride by re-evaluating vendor contracts, minimizing staff travel and reducing its workforce, among other things, but rising expenses made it impossible to continue the event. Both nonprofits said they have become less reliant on the funding raised through the ride following the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly depending on government funding and other revenue sources.

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Ending the ride will allow officials to focus on new fundraising efforts, they said.

The events staff will continue to work on producing next years ride. Officials have not yet determined whether staff will be laid off. Any job cuts would not happen before June 30, and laid-off employees would receive a severance package.

Registration for next years ride, scheduled to take place June 1-7, is open. It will be limited to 2,500 riders and 700 volunteers. Before then, officials said they will form work groups to solicit feedback from community members on how to celebrate the past 30 years.

For more information, including how to register or donate, visit https://giving.aidslifecycle.org/.
A solicitor who represented the late Ian Bailey for over 20 years has described as extraordinary and astonishing a decision by the Tanaiste to say Mr Bailey should have been tried for the murder of French woman Sophie Toscan Du Plantier.

Micheal Martin, who is 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.

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The Fianna Fail leader was critical of the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) not to prosecute Mr Bailey, who died in January this year aged 66.

Mr Martin said there were significant questions that remained unanswered in relation to the death of Ms du Plantier at her remote holiday home near Schull in Co Cork on December 23rd, 1996.

In an interview on Corks 96FM, Mr Buttimer, the former solicitor for Mr Bailey, said he couldnt understand why the Tanaiste opted to weigh in on the case.

He described Mr Martin's comments as a feral attack on many of the pillars of the justice of the State.

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"I was just saying to someone else there a while ago that its almost as if [Mr Martin] woke up after 28 years of not knowing that something has happened, reads a book, which is pompously titled, quote-unquote, 'The Final Verdict' and says, 'my God, this is dreadful. Why didn't we do something about this?'"

Mr Buttimer said the Tanaiste seemed to fully take on board the contents of the book by Mr Molony, which he feels contains no hard evidence.

"The author concedes, I'm lifting quotes here from a newspaper, he says, quote, there are sequences here that would not be allowed in a court of law', end quote. Another quote, 'there are pieces of evidence here that would be struck out by the law and would not be allowed into their court system'.

"What's astonishing is [Mr Martin] seems to be basing his opinion on the content of a book where stuff is in there that would not be evidential. And he goes on to disparage the office of the DPP for declining to prosecute Ian Bailey, the Supreme Court, which he seems to suggest was used in an effort to prevent Bailey's removal, and the other two high courts which refused to extradite Bailey.

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"So it's a feral attack on many of the pillars of justice of the State. Where it comes from, I have absolutely no idea. I would not have any adverse comment to make about Micheal Martin as a politician generally, but I'm surprised at this. I'm just wondering what this rant is all about.

Mr Buttimer said he had no intention of reading the book by Mr Molony, as he is certain it wont contain any new evidence in relation to the du Plantier case.

"I did a lot of research into the murder, into the dreadful murder of Madame Toscan du Plantier.

"I absolutely assure anybody who's out there listening that there was nothing tangible by way of evidence against Ian Bailey, such as would even have justified a prosecution against him, let alone a removal to the crowd over in France to their system of justice. Where you are effectively guilty until proven innocent with all of the consequences that would have flowed from there.

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He maintains that his late client was 100 per cent innocent.

"100 per cent. Absolutely. Without question. The first time he walked in the door to my office in or about March 1997... he comes to me and he just says to me, 'look, if I'm ever prosecuted because you do defend, you know, you defend people who are accused of crimes and so on'. I said, absolutely. So I knew about the case, but I never had met him. So I spoke to him for a while.

"One gets impressions and one forms opinions of people as one meets them professionally or non-professionally. From that time onwards, I pretty much knew that the concoction against him was a load of rubbish.

"It was absolutely, manifestly obvious that there was nothing to go on.

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Mr Buttimer added that he fears the du Plantier case will go unsolved.

Passage of time is the enemy of acquisition of information. So in all probability no, [it wont be solved]. But ultimately the tragedy is, to say what happened? Like what actually happened?

The failure is going right back to 1996/1997, to conduct a proper inquiry. We cant turn back the clock on that one.

Mr Bailey collapsed and died in Bantry, Co Cork, last January. He was on two occasions detained by gardai for questioning in relation to the murder of the 39-year-old French national.

Mr Bailey always denied any wrongdoing in relation to the murder of the film producer. The poet and former journalist was convicted in absentia after a trial in France four years ago. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Officials in France were unable to extradite Mr Bailey to Paris to serve the sentence handed down by the courts.

In an interview with Virgin Media News a month before his death, Mr Bailey said he had immense sympathy for the family.

I know that I cannot do anything about their belief that I am responsible. They have always had my full sympathies. I have expressed that.

People are entitled to believe what they want to believe. We cant change what people are going to believe.
People have been urged to be wary of fake news after misinformation was spread online in relation to a public order incident at a Dublin school.

Gardai said that Irish students were the only people involved in the incident which took place on the Blakestown Road at around 1.45pm on Thursday.

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All those involved in this incident are school students and Irish nationals, they said in a statement.

The incident is contained within the school and did not involve an adult male.

Gardai said it was liaising with the management of a secondary school in relation to the incident.

They have also sought to liaise with the director of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.

Gardai urged people to try to verify posts they see online or that are sent to them on messaging apps.

An Garda Siochana is very conscious of the volume of misinformation and fake news in circulation regarding this incident  particularly on social media and direct messaging platforms.

An Garda Siochana appeal to all members of the public and the media to independently verify any information published on social media and/or messaging apps.

It added that gardai were the sole agency in charge of preserving peace and public order, and urged anyone with information about any crime to report it so that gardai can investigate.
The British government has said it has decided against establishing a public inquiry into the murder of GAA official Sean Brown 27 years ago.

Mr Browns family said they were devastated at the decision but pledged that they would not be going away.

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Sean Brown (61) was abducted and killed by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones Club in Co Derry in May 1997.

No one has ever been convicted of his murder.

Earlier this year, a coroner said an inquest into Mr Browns death could not proceed due to the withholding of sensitive files.

Mr Justice Kinney said his ability to examine Mr Browns death had been compromised by the extent of confidential State material being excluded from the proceedings on national security grounds.

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He said he would write to the Northern Secretary to call on the British government to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist murder.

In a statement on Friday, the family of Sean Brown said they had waited patiently for a reply to that request.

Our patient dignity and expectation has in the past been grossly abused by the then secretary of state Chris Heaton-Harris and James Cleverly, then home secretary, who far from abiding by the express direction of the High Court to take the opportunity for once in this case to do the right thing, and convene a public inquiry, decided to attack our local judiciary and are actually ignoring the request and instead challenged the decision to issue the limited gist of sensitive information, which was read into the court record on 27 February.

We are today devastated that Hilary Benn MP has acted in defiance of the judiciary and has ignored the explicit direction of a High Court judge to convene a public inquiry.

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The State is terrified that their carefully curated official history of the conflict is now being contradicted by judicially endorsed legal facts, hence their attempts to deny victims of access to the courts and access to justice.

Todays devastating decision is merely an event in a long and shameful chronology, which must be an eternal embarrassment to the State.

It is not the end of our journey; we are not going away.

This is merely a decision which will be challenged, and we will now look forward with renewed enthusiasm and vigour to our judicial review which was already listed for hearing on Thursday 26 and Monday 30 September 2024.

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In a statement, Mr Benn said he concluded a public inquiry was not the best way to proceed.

I have enormous sympathy for Mrs Brown and her family, who have suffered so much since the murder of her husband and their father, he said.

I acknowledge their continued search for answers in relation to this case and am grateful to them for meeting me on 28 August.

I take my responsibility to victims and survivors of the Troubles extremely seriously.

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In reaching this decision, I carefully considered a range of factors, including the views of Mrs Brown and her family, the coroners rulings, the Governments human rights obligations, and important public interest factors.

Ultimately, I have concluded that an inquiry under the Inquiries Act is not the best way to proceed.

I recognise that this decision will come as a disappointment to the Brown family.

I am, however, confident in the Independent Commissioner for Reconciliation and Information Recoverys (ICRIR) capability to deliver justice, accountability, and information to victims and survivors of the Troubles, and to meet the governments human rights obligations, particularly given the Northern Ireland High Courts ruling.

I would therefore encourage Mrs Brown and her family to meet with Sir Declan (Morgan) and the ICRIR to hear how the independent Commission would approach any investigation into Mr Browns death.

On Tuesday, Mr Benn announced that a public inquiry would be established into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane, who was shot dead in front of his family at their Belfast home in 1989.

The attack, carried out by the Ulster Defence Association, was found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

Mr Benn said he based the decision on the exceptional reason that a UK government had committed more than 20 years ago to hold an inquiry into Mr Finucanes murder, which had remained unfulfilled.
A young man from Mayo will be representing Ireland in the first-ever Swiss Mullet Cup.

Trevor Hyland will compete against mullets from all over the world for the chance to win a year of free Mullet Tea, a hard iced tea company based in Switzerland.

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He could also get a ticket to Europes largest festival dedicated to the infamous haircut: Festival de la Coupe Mulet.

The winner will be announced on September 27th. Following the worldwide competition, an extensive selection process will determine which mullets deserve to be featured in the Mullet Parade on October 6th in Martigny, Switzerland.

Despite being up against creative and colourful mullets from across the globe, Hyland has an edge as he bears a striking resemblance to the mascot that is plastered upon every can of Mullet Tea.

Voting is open until September 26th, so if you want to show support for Mayos Trevor Hyland you can vote on the website here.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered a clear message to the West about the consequences it will face if it allows Ukraine to hit Russian territory with Western long-range missiles, the Kremlin said on Friday.

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.

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"The statement made by President Putin yesterday is very important. It is extremely clear, unambiguous and does not allow for double readings. We have no doubt that this statement reached those it was intended for," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

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.

U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss whether to give the go-ahead for such strikes at talks in Washington on Friday.

Putin said on Thursday that such a move would drag the countries supplying Kyiv with long-range missiles directly into the war. He said satellite targeting data and programming of the missiles' flight paths would have to be provided by NATO military personnel, as Kyiv did not have the capabilities itself.

"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," he said, and Russia would be forced to take "appropriate decisions".
Actor Chad McQueen, known for his performances in the Karate Kid movies and the son of the late actor Steve McQueen, has died aged 63.

His attorney and friend Arthur H Barens confirmed to The Associated Press he died on Wednesday, although the cause of death was not disclosed.

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His wife Jeanie and his children Chase and Madison shared a statement on Instagram on Thursday afternoon from McQueens verified account, announcing the news of his death with a heavy heart.





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His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication. His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but also served as a way to honor his fathers legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him, the statement reads.

He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well.

The family requested privacy while they remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.

Chad McQueen followed in his fathers footsteps, pursuing both acting and race car driving. He became known for his role as Dutch, the antagonist in 1984s The Karate Kid and its sequel two years later.

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While he starred in several films after the hit action franchise, including New York Cop, Squanderers and Red Line, he ultimately engaged more in racing than acting, and founded McQueen Racing, a company that creates custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories.

His son Chase, who also races, and his daughter Madison run the company.

I didnt find acting fun anymore, McQueen told The Associated Press in a 2005 interview. So, I decided to give racing a total commitment.

McQueen raced professionally for years, competing in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona races before he suffered from a series of injuries behind the wheel.

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His work with McQueen Racing was designed to preserve and continue his fathers legacy. He also produced two documentaries about his father: I Am Steve McQueen and Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.

McQueen was the only son of his father and mother Neile Toffel. He had one sister, Terry, who died of respiratory failure at age 38 in 1998.

He is survived by his wife Jeanie and three children, Chase, Madison and Steven, who is an actor best known for The Vampire Diaries.
Pope Francis slammed both US presidential candidates for what he called anti-life policies on abortion and migration and advised American Catholics to choose the lesser evil in the upcoming election.

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or the one who (supports) killing babies, Francis said. Both are against life.

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The Argentine Jesuit was asked to provide counsel to American Catholic voters during an airborne press conference en route back to Rome from his four-nation tour through Asia.





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Francis stressed that he is not an American and would not be voting.

Neither the Republican candidate Donald Trump nor the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris was mentioned by name.

But Francis nevertheless expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the US election  abortion and migration  that are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.

Francis has made the plight of migrants a priority of his pontificate and speaks out emphatically and frequently about it.

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While strongly upholding church teaching forbidding abortion, Francis hasnt emphasised church doctrine as much as his predecessors.

He said migration is a right described in Scripture, and that anyone who does not follow the Biblical call to welcome the stranger is committing a grave sin.



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He was also blunt in speaking about abortion.

To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but its killing, he said. We have to see this clearly.

Asked though what to do at the polls, Francis recalled the civic duty to vote.

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One should vote, and choose the lesser evil, he said. Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I dont know.

Everyone in their conscience should think and do it, he said.



The Pope was speaking on his return to Rome following a four-nation tour through Asia (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

It is not the first time Francis has weighed in on a US election. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Francis was asked about Mr Trumps plan to build a wall at the US-Mexican border. He declared then that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is not Christian.

In responding on Friday, Francis recalled that he celebrated Mass at the US-Mexico border and there were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.

The US bishops conference, for its part, has called abortion the preeminent priority for American Catholics in its published voter advice.

Ms Harris has strongly defended abortion rights.
Russias Federal Security Service have accused six British diplomats of spying and said a decision has been made to withdraw their accreditation.

Russian state TV quoted an official from the security service known as the FSB as saying that they will be expelled.

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The FSB claimed it received documents indicating that they were sent to Russia by a division of the UK Foreign Office whose main task is to inflict a strategic defeat on our country, and that they were involved in intelligence-gathering and subversive activities.

The move comes two days after the United States and Great Britain pledged nearly 1.5 billion dollars in additional aid to Ukraine, and as Ukrainian officials renewed their pleas to use Western-provided missiles against targets deeper inside Russia.

The British Embassy in Moscow did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by The Associated Press.
Shareholders have been patient as they watch the banks value crash, but they are growing increasingly jittery. Over the past decade, the ASX 200 has grown 116 per cent (both in terms of capital and dividend value), according to the analysis of respected bank analyst Brian Johnson from MST Financial. In contrast, the banks value grew 102 per cent. And while the likes of Commonwealth Bank soared 174 per cent, the other big four grew by between 51 per cent and 103 per cent. BOQs regional rival, Bendigo and Adelaide, was up 65 per cent over that period, while BOQ tumbled 8.5 per cent. George blew the doors off by dropping the rates on mortgages. former BoQ executive Management havent been focused on, until recently, driving return to asset commensurate with earnings and its cost of capital, Johnson said. Banking is a scale game and BOQ does not have scale  its just not profitable enough. A former BOQ executive who spoke on the condition of anonymity says the bank has always struggled to find and retain its identity. In the early 2000s, like many of its peers, BOQ was focused on retail banking and heavily invested in the Queensland property market, which has historically been a boom and bust.

But it concluded it needed to intensify its push to diversify its business model about two decades ago. Within 10 years, it had acquired eight businesses, including Virgin Money Australia and St Andrews Insurance. Its next big acquisition in 2021 was of ME Bank in the hopes of growing its market share, but it came at the worst possible time, just as mortgage wars were heating up and profit margins shrinking. George blew the doors off by dropping the rates on mortgages, very aggressively chased growth, was successful in acquiring ME Bank, did expand business banking in the top end in syndicated loans, the former executive said. But between mortgage pricing to get more market share, acquisition of ME Bank and aggressively growing the business book through syndicated loans, the bank ran out of capital. George Frazis was dumped as Bank of Queensland chief executive just three years into the role. Credit: Paul Harris Some of its problems, such as historical underinvestment in technology and its inadequate anti-money laundering risk controls, were self-inflicted, but others are structural. The higher cost of capital for mid-tier banks, intensifying mortgage wars between lenders, and the explosion of mortgage brokers has weighed down the Bank of Queensland.

Even the federal government has acknowledged mid-tiers are facing significant headwinds as it launched a review into the countrys small and medium-sized banks. BOQs unique problem, though, is its controversial owner-managed branch network, which Allaway declared was a matter of life or death for BOQ when last month he announced the need to close them down. The franchised network has been a poisoned chalice for the regional lender. It stopped making financial sense for BOQ as fewer Australians visited their bank branches and more moved online to do their banking, but there were also governance risks. NSW Police in 2018 investigated a criminal syndicate that had bought outright a BOQ franchise to facilitate money laundering. The lender also faced class action lawsuits from franchisees after it moved to shut down branches, as well as from customers who lost funds after the bank allegedly failed to prevent transactions. How will the bank convince its owner managers, some who have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in fit-out costs, to quietly hand over the keys?

It will be a challenge for BOQ to buy them all back. Some are highly leveraged, some are financially distressed, and many dont want to be bought out, the former executive says. Quite a few are angry. But in an environment where Australians are starved for competition, there are questions about where BOQ fits and how it will survive. Analysts are reluctant to predict what the regional lender looks like in a decade, but they can see management attempting to remove all the barnacles  either to make itself more competitive to retain its identity or attractive for a takeover. Loading Patrick very much has a focus on improving the profitability of the regional bank because if you very simplistically think about it as an institutional investor, why would an investor want to own BOQ? Storey says. The market has been quiet patient with him. The last time we had an event with [Allaway] he said the clock is ticking. Because there is no way he can go back to the board and shareholders and say that the status quo is maintained.
Theres good evidence that fires will spot somewhere between 500 metres and 13.9 kilometres. Are we seriously thinking that a fire break 40 metres wide is really going to do much? Meanwhile, satellite images show the scale of private logging operations, several of which are owned by or linked to timber sawmills. Unlike logging on Crown land, logging on private properties usually requires only a planning permit from rural and regional councils, which are often underresourced and ill-equipped to assess the ecological impacts of native forest logging. Environment groups say logging is now taking place without proper planning or oversight, leaving threatened species at risk. They have urged the Victorian government to immediately apply its commitment to end commercial native logging on Crown land to private land. At one private logging site in the Yarra Ranges, foresters continue to clear-fell mountain ash metres from three colonies of critically endangered Leadbeaters possums. The director of the logging operation, Gary Featherston, said the operations permit was granted before the colony was discovered, and the logging operation was legal.

Victorian National Parks Association Matt Ruchel says logging on private land needs to be better regulated. Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) chief executive Matt Ruchel said private logging had escalated after the commercial ban on logging in Victorian native forests took effect. Its escalating quickly, he said. It seems to be driven by a long-term strategy to maintain a timber-harvesting supply, with a view to hoping that the industry returns ... I think private land logging is seen by the industry as a way of filling the holes. Announcing the end of native logging on public land last year, then-premier Daniel Andrews cited a lack of native timber supply, climate change, and rolling legal challenges launched by environmental activists. Native forestry has been hit with increasingly severe bushfires, prolonged legal action and court decisions, he said in a statement.

There are no alternative timber supply sources available domestically or internationally which can offset the current disruptions to supply to Victorian mills. According to the VNPA, Environmental Justice Australia, Professor Lindenmayer and Dr Chris Taylor from the Australian National University, alternative supplies have not been difficult to find. Nestled among the Great Dividing Range in the Yarra Ranges is Mt Horsfall, which is covered in dense mountain ash forest and home to three known Leadbeaters possum colonies. One of the rolling peaks is now marred by a vast open scar, which is visible from satellite imagery. Mount Horsfalls scars visible from above The denuded landscape at Mt Horsfall, after private logging operations over the past 18 months.

Property records show Powelltown Sawmills took possession of the 120-hectare site, which borders the Yarra Ranges National Park on one side and state forest on another, in February 2023. At the time, aerial images show the block was all but pristine. Satellite images regularly captured since then show the dense native forest becoming increasingly denuded. Mt Horsfall is one of seven properties managed as a group by Forest Strategy, which has Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for the bundle of sites. An FSC audit report obtained by this masthead shows the mountain ash at Mt Horsfall is destined to be sold as logs, firewood, sawn timber, sawdust, and woodchips. The three [Leadbeaters possum] colonies ... were discovered just after the planning permit was issued, so the planning permit doesnt consider them. Forest Strategy director Gary Featherston said the private logging operations at Mt Horsfall were lawful and covered by a planning permit and FSC certification.

But the nature and extent of the logging on Mt Horsfall have been the subject of bitter dispute. The Victorian National Parks Association has lodged multiple complaints with the Office of the Conservation Regulator, alleging loggers have destroyed known threatened species habitats, failed to observe the 200-metre exclusion zones around known Leadbeaters possum colonies, and their logging has encroached into the adjacent Noojee State Forest. Taylor and Lindenmayer have also lodged complaints about the logging, which is taking place less than one kilometre from a parcel of mountain ash that has been the subject of long-term monitoring by teams of ANU academics. Critically endangered Leadbeaters possum colonies lie near the logging sites on Mt Horsfall. Credit: Zoos Victoria Featherston said the mapping relied upon by the complainants was incorrect and that the Office of the Conservation Regulator had made no findings against his operations.

As for threats to nearby colonies of Leadbeaters possums  the tiny and critically endangered marsupial that is also Victorias faunal emblem  Featherston said: What weve done is certainly legal. The three [Leadbeaters possum] colonies that are near the edge of the property were discovered just after the planning permit [for logging] was issued, so the planning permit doesnt consider them ... theyre close to the area thats already harvested. We just want to farm it Last year, forester John McConachy, whose family have been timber workers for almost 70 years, applied to East Gippsland Shire Council for a permit to log 51 hectares of native bush on his Cabbage Tree Creek block. The land is covered with trees, including white stringybark, messmate, Gippsland peppermint, and mountain grey gums. McConachy, who has owned the property for 15 years, said he had no intention of decimating it.

We put up a process called retention harvesting so that any of the older trees or habitat trees, we make a bigger perimeter around them, he said. I dont want to destroy the whole forest; we just want to farm it  farming trees instead of grass. Councillors narrowly voted to refer McConachys application to Planning Minister Sonia Kilkenny, seeking clarity on the governments position on native forest logging on private land (not including plantations). Cr Mendy Urie told the meeting: I think, unfortunately, it seems theres a bit of a policy void around native forest logging on private property, so were without the normal guidance and structures that we could rely on to get a good result. McConachy  who said he already had the green light from DEECA, the Department of Transport and the East Gippsland Shire Councils planning officer  expressed frustration with the process. His frustration highlights the legislative opaqueness that now characterises native forest logging in Victoria.

What do I do with it if this planning application is disallowed  what value is that property to me? he said. Is the government prepared to buy that property back from us? Its not a lot of value to us. We cant do much with it. Its forest. Conservationists say after the Victorian government brought forward the end of commercial timber harvesting to January 1, the handful of timber mills that remain are being fed with trees felled on private properties. Victorian Forest Products Association Deb Kerr told the Gippsland Times in January it wasnt clear how many sawmills had shut down after the states commercial logging ban, but flagged the native hardwood industry would diversify. A small number of processors will continue processing the native timbers that consumers love, sourcing this wood from private sources in Victoria, from other states and from overseas, Kerr said. Kerr stepped down as the associations chief executive in March and finished her position in June. She is now the grants and sponsorship lead at Healthy Forests Foundation, an organisation led by former VicForests chief executive Monique Dawson that some environmentalists have accused of greenwashing on steroids.
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price hired a chief inspector who had recently retired from the Oakland Police Department in the wake of an investigation that found that he disparaged other officers during a virtual meeting, then lied about it. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle 2023

The man whom Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price hired to serve as her offices chief inspector retired from the Oakland Police Department after an outside investigation found he made disparaging comments about the chief and his wife, then gave a dishonest account of the matter, according to records reviewed by the Chronicle.

Eric Lewis, who was a deputy chief on the police force, made the comments as a Microsoft Teams meeting got underway in the summer of 2021, according to the report on the investigation.

Apparently unaware others on the call could hear him, Lewis remarked that Bonnie and Clyde, the infamous couple known for their bank robberies in the 1930s, ran the department  an apparent reference to then-Chief LeRonne Armstrong and then-Deputy Chief Drennon Lindsey, Armstrongs wife.

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Lewis also referred to an officer and a former officer as drug users, according to the report. Some of the department members on the call said they heard Lewis call the officer a crackhead, the report said.

The report was released and posted to the Police Departments website as required by state law, which makes public police records of certain misconduct, including dishonesty in the course of an investigation.

Neither Lewis nor the attorney who represented him during the investigation responded to requests for comment.

In November 2021, after the investigation concluded, Armstrong demoted Lewis and recommended that the city terminate Lewis, but Lewis retired before the discipline process concluded.

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Lewis was hired last year after Price took office. Prices office declined to comment on the investigation and hiring of Lewis. He was paid about $246,000 last year in salary and benefits, according to the public database Transparent California.

The results of the investigation, which was conducted by an outside law firm, could raise concerns about Lewis work as the head of the inspectors unit. Inspectors, who are certified as peace officers, talk to witnesses and write arrest and search warrant affidavits, among other tasks as part of their job.

Attorney Justin Buffington, who represented one of the officers Lewis accused of using drugs in an unrelated matter, questioned whether Prices office carried out a background check as required under state law and whether she ignored the findings of the investigation of Lewis. Law enforcement employers are entitled to seek any records of misconduct for a prospective employee as part of a background check.

The district attorneys chief inspector set the standards for the unit, and honesty is a core principle of solid investigations, so the finding of dishonesty in Lewis case raises concerns about his role, Buffington said. Its crucial that (the chief inspector) has a pristine background, he said.

Under state law, misconduct that involves findings of dishonesty on an officers part must be reported to the state Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training, also known as POST, for the commission to review the matter and consider whether to strip the officers certification. The Oakland Police Department declined to say whether the findings against Lewis were reported to POST. A spokesperson for POST also declined to say, saying only that the commission doesnt comment on cases unless it reaches a finding of serious misconduct.

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The Microsoft Teams meeting was held the afternoon of June 24, 2021, for department leaders to discuss how the police force would handle possible demonstrations that could arise in the wake of the sentencing for Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd.

Five department members said they overheard Lewis comments as he spoke with others who were around him at the Eastmont substation, according to the investigative report.

Three of the department members reported the comments up their chain of command, according to the report. Also reported were copies of an anonymous letter left in the mailboxes of several police supervisors. The typed letter recounted the overheard comments.

During the investigation, Lewis, who was interviewed twice, admitted he made some of the comments, although he downplayed some of them and denied making comments about officers alleged drug use, according to the investigative report. The investigator determined Lewis wasnt truthful about what he said during the hot-mic moment.

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After the investigation concluded Lewis violated department policy, Armstrong demoted him from deputy chief to the rank of police captain, according to a notice dated Nov. 5, 2021. The notice from Armstrong to Lewis also said Armstrong intended to recommend that the city fire Lewis.

Lewis retired Nov. 26 before the discipline process wrapped up, according to disciplinary records. He earned about $199,000 in salary and benefits that year, according to Transparent California.

The investigation also found that the two sergeants who engaged in the conversation with Lewis violated a professional conduct policy. Armstrong moved to suspend each for two days, but their discipline was lowered as part of an agreement with the city last year  to counseling and training for one of the sergeants and a written reprimand for the other, according to disciplinary records.
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Eating outRestaurant news Its really serious for us: Small restaurants targeted by digital voucher scammers Family-run Soul Dining is one of a handful of Sydney restaurants thats been left to foot the bill for fraudulent diners. Bianca Hrovat 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

An online voucher scam is targeting hospitality businesses using the point-of-sale platform Square in Sydney, leaving the citys first Good Food Guide hatted Korean restaurant thousands of dollars out of pocket. At Soul Dining, a family-owned restaurant in the CBD, 27 of the 38 digital vouchers redeemed since April have been reported as fraudulent, leaving owners Daero Lee and Illa Kim footing the bill for at least $2400 worth of meals  although the final sum will likely be greater. Soul Dinings owner-chef Daero Lee in the kitchen. The restaurant is one of several in Sydney that have lost money to the sophisticated dine-and-dash scam. Janie Barrett Over the past four months, Kim noticed an increasing number of walk-in customers paying for meals with vouchers purchased on the restaurants website or the Give and Get Local platform, both of which are hosted by Square. At the height of the trend, up to seven customers a day purchased meals with online vouchers, and clicks on their voucher site rose 600 per cent, but Kim says it didnt raise any red flags until the charge disputes started rolling in. The scam involves customers claiming their credit card details were stolen to purchase vouchers worth up to $500, then requesting chargebacks from their financial institutions.

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Soul Dining restaurant manager Kevin Moquet clears a table. The restaurant has had to pick up the bill for at least $2400 worth of meals. Janie Barrett Before Kim realised what was happening, nine of those disputes were decided in the purchasers favour, and $2400 was automatically deducted from the Soul Dining business account. The remaining 19 vouchers are under investigation, a process that could take months. The pattern is always the same, they buy a voucher online, come into the restaurant the same or next day, and theyre a walk-in customer so we dont have any record of them [to rely on during the dispute process], Kim says. Its really serious for us  Small businesses really rely on that money, and theyre the ones who are most vulnerable. Elevated Korean food at Soul Dining. Supplied

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The scam could be first-person credit card fraud  where vouchers are purchased by the card-holder, who later fraudulently reports the card stolen  or third-person, where another person uses a stolen credit card to make the purchase. Both scams are common, regardless of the POS software, according to ABS data. ABS estimates Australians lost $2.2 billion to card fraud over the past year, and Visa research shows nine out of 10 businesses have experienced first-party fraud. Kim has reported the scam to NSW police and refunded an additional $2000 worth of unused vouchers  a significant blow to the restaurant during an already challenging economic period for the hospitality industry, in which one in 13 businesses face closure over the next eight months. But Soul Dining isnt alone  other businesses attracted to Square for its lower transaction fees have been affected. In August, Lokha Viet Fusion in Alexandria was hit with a $145 chargeback for two digital vouchers.

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Co-owner Kim Matada says she remembers the customers clearly: the couple showed up just before the restaurants 3pm closing time with a voucher, claimed to live locally and love fusion Vietnamese food, and ordered two bowls of soup, two banh mi and one taco. When it came time to pay, the couple realised their first e-voucher wasnt enough, and purchased another through the Give and Get Local website. I was thinking, its not normal, right? People come in and they pay us cash, or card, why e-gift card? But at the end of the day, its just money, so we accepted it, Matada says. One week later, Square sent us an email saying theyd received two disputes regarding those two transactions  and straight away they took the money out of our linked bank account  we had zero control. The new budget pastrami burger from Lenny Briskets new takeaway shop, Pastrami Burger. Supplied

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At Darlinghurst sandwich shop Lenny Briskets, two suspicious online transactions amounting to $100 were caught by co-owner Deborah Wiseman last week. It just seemed strange to purchase a gift card, and then use that gift card to purchase an order, Wiseman says. When Wiseman cancelled the order and asked the customer to bring the voucher in-store to redeem it, they refused. Lenny Briskets launched a new takeaway venture called Pastrami Burger this week to increase revenue during the cost-of-living crisis  everything is under $17. Times are tough [and] restaurants are falling by the wayside  Briskets pivoted for COVID, [and] he will now for the cost-of-living crisis, Wiseman says.

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Scammers have used Square vouchers in this instance, but credit card and chargeback fraud are not confined to this point-of-sale system. Bloomberg At Soul Dining and Lokha Viet Fusion, online vouchers have been switched off  a difficult decision, says Kim, but better than checking the ID of voucher holders, which takes away from the dining experience. A spokesperson for Square says, Selling online helps restaurants expand their revenue, and it comes with a unique set of protocols to help keep their business safe. Businesses using Square can elect to turn on complementary 3DS technology to require buyers to verify they are authorised to use the card through a push notification with their bank or a text message. When a business turns on 3DS, the liability is shifted from the business to the card issuer, meaning that a business is less likely to be on the hook for any chargeback fraud, the spokesperson said.
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Remember their faces: Women killed in Australia

An Australian woman has been killed every four days in 2024. Find out more about their lives, those taken in recent years and what is being done to prevent more womens deaths. Some of the cases featured are still before the courts.
Federal Labors decision to hand-pick candidates for working-class seats has outraged state ministers who argue the blow-ins risk a voter backlash at the upcoming election, exposing one of the deepest splits in the party in years.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last month gave Labors national executive the power to decide Victorian positions, stripping locals of control. On Friday, the central panel anointed likely future MPs in three safe outer-suburban Melbourne seats: Gorton, Maribyrnong and Calwell.

Jo Briskey, Alice Jordan-Baird and Basem Abdo are fresh Labor candidates. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Water policy expert Alice Jordan-Baird, who grew up in the eastern suburbs but has lived in the west for years, will contest outgoing MP Brendan OConnors seat of Gorton, while Queenslander Jo Briskey will run in retiring minister Bill Shortens seat of Maribyrnong after winning factional contests.

The safety of the seats has made them factional prizes, with a group aligned to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, federal MP Sam Rae and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) vying against other Right groups for Gorton. Briskey is aligned with Queensland Left faction powerbroker Gary Bullock, while Basem Abdo, Labors candidate in Calwell, is the pick of outgoing MP Maria Vamvakinou.
WA Labors former environment spokesman has expanded his attack on his own partys environmental reforms by labelling what he called a lack of consultation with green groups for a key review that informed the law changes as disgraceful  a statement vehemently denied by those criticised including former EPA chair Paul Vogel.

Vogel, an author of that review, rejected criticism that environmental groups had not been consulted, stating he had emailed the states peak conservation body the Conservation Council of WA but did not receive a response.

Gosnells MP Chris Tallentire. Credit: Chris Tallentire/Facebook

During debate on the Environmental Protection Amendment Bill on Wednesday  a bill intended to streamline environmental approvals  Gosnells MP Chris Tallentire attacked key aspects of his own governments efforts and took aim at Seven West Medias reporting of environmental issues via The West Australian, and its new digital publication The Nightly.

In an interview with WAtoday on Thursday Tallentire, first elected in 2008 but retiring at the next election, expanded on those criticisms by launching a blistering attack on the Vogel-McFerran Environmental Protection Authority review handed to the government last December.
A view of the newly-opened Armani Cafe at Jio World Plaza mall in Mumbai. (Photo: Reliance)

Reliance Retail launched Indias first Armani/ Caffe, the high-end cafe brand operated by the Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani, in Mumbais Jio World Plaza on Thursday.

Another dream takes shape as we open our doors to Indias first and worlds 5th Armani/ Caffe, proud of what the team has achieved here, announced Sumeet Yadav, head of Hamleys and Pret India at RBL, in a LinkedIn post. Located beside the Giorgio Armani boutique at the plaza located in upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, the venue boasts an Italian ambiance with muted blues and elegant palm motifs. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

The 52 seater caffe aims to offer a sophisticated dining experience, having a quality associated with the Armani brand. According to a report by The Indian Express, the menu features designer Giorgio Armanis favourite dishes, blending Italian authenticity and the luxury of 52 of the finest wines imported from Italy. The average cost for two people, including drinks, is Rs 12,000.



According to the information available on the official Armani website, renowned designer Giorgios favourite dish is the classic spinach and ricotta tortelli piacentini. Last year, the dining brand celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Armani cafe brand launched in 1998

Armani tapped into the food and beverage space in 1998 with the launch of its Paris restaurant. Today, it features more than 20 such high-end restaurants, cafes, and bars around the world, marking its presence in Doha, Dubai, Milan, New York, Tokyo among others.

Armani cafe marks the latest addition to Jio World Plaza mall, which hosts some of the world's leading global brands. Earlier reports suggested that Reliance had been in discussions with the brand about its entry into India since 2020.

Gatsbys Bar, Si Nonnas, and Laduree are among other international dining brands at the mall, spread across 18.5 acres.
In his first interview with the Chronicle, new Stanford University President Jonathan Levin talks about challenges facing the university after a tumultuous year. Levin is shown here in April speaking at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

On the last day of classes at Stanford University this spring, a dozen students broke into the presidents office to wreak havoc. Outside, their allies defaced stone buildings with threats against the police, America and Israel.

The vandalism not only capped a tumultuous year of pro-Palestinian protests against the war in Gaza, but also served as a difficult welcome to Jonathan Levin, who took over as Stanfords 13th president on Aug. 1.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Chronicle, Levin said he hopes this year will be different.

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Well try to offer more opportunities for students and faculty to engage in dialogue around all sorts of issues, he said.

Levin, 51, an economist who was dean of the Stanford business school and was on President Joe Bidens Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, is a Stanford alumnus who joined the faculty in 2000. He succeeds Richard Saller, a professor of American classicism who took over in September on an interim basis after then-President Marc Tessier-Lavigne resigned amid questions about the accuracy of neuroscience papers he co-authored.

The interview with Levin touched on antisemitism and Islamophobia  the subjects of two devastating campus audits this spring  as well as artificial intelligence, Stanfords first class in half a century admitted without affirmative action, the potential loss of legacy admissions and the universitys touchy town-gown relations with Santa Clara County.

Yet Levin declined to detail his plans and opinions on some of the tenser topics, and limited the interview to half an hour over Zoom.

Top of mind among many students across the country is whether their universities will again see pro-Palestinian tent encampments dominate campus quads, as they did at numerous schools last school year, from Stanford and UC Berkeley to Columbia University.

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Michael Drake, president of the University of California, announced a ban last month on encampments at UCs 10 campuses this year.

Levin declined to say whether Stanford will do the same.

Pro-Palestinian activists set up tents at Stanfords White Plaza after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and killed more than 1,200 people, triggering the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians. The encampment persisted on and off throughout the year, despite rules against overnight camping.

Levin said he will announce new rules of behavior before classes resume on Sept. 23.

We will try to do two things: to enforce those rules and be as clear as we can about them  and well try to create an environment where students and faculty will have a chance to speak about it, he said.

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Larry Diamond, a professor of sociology and co-chair of Stanfords subcommittee on antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias, supports the idea.

Thats what we need, he said. Its hard to imagine the polarization being made worse.

Reports of campus antisemitism have been on the rise across the country, spiking after the Hamas attack. Stanford was no exception.

(A)ntisemitism exists today on the Stanford campus in ways that are widespread and pernicious, Diamonds subcommittee concluded in its May 31, report after interviewing dozens of people and conducting listening sessions attended by hundreds. Jewish students reported being excluded from diversity efforts, dismissed by residential advisers, and having the small parchment holders known as mezuzot pried off their door frames.

A Stanford University building bore graffiti as pro-Palestinian protesters broke into the presidents office on June 5. Jonathan Levin, the schools new president, could face challenges this quarter if student protests over the war in Gaza start up again. Nanette Asimov/The Chronicle

House Republicans have subcaders of prominent universities  including Harvard, MIT, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia and UCLA  to explain how they are addressing antisemitism. These tense hearings pushed some academic leaders to crack down harshly on pro-Palestininian protesters last year, and contributed to the resignation of Harvard and Penns presidents soon after they appeared.

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Asked if Congress reached out to Stanford, Levin referred the question to spokesperson Dee Mostofi, who said the university has kept an open line of communication with Congress, including regularly updating them, and will continue to do so.

A parallel study by Stanfords Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian Communities Committee found that Muslim, Arab and Palestinian students too experience discrimination. They have felt afraid for their safety, unseen and unheard by university leadership, and silenced through a variety of formal and informal means, the report concluded.

Associate Dean Abiya Ahmed, the committees co-chair, said she was looking forward to working with senior leadership on the issues.

Levin said that Stanford will soon update its rules around discrimination to better comply with the federal civil rights law known as Title VI, but he declined to provide specifics.

The new requirements, however, will be excellent and very responsive to some of the concerns raised last year, he promised.

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With about 9,700 graduate students, nearly 8,000 undergraduates and no fewer than 20 Nobel laureates on campus, Stanford is consistently ranked among the worlds greatest universities. Its endowment tops $36.5 billion, about the size of Nicaraguas gross domestic product, and its annual budget is about $2 billion.

Naturally, the discussion with Levin veered toward artificial intelligence, a major priority, he said.

It is going to open up just an extraordinary set of directions for discovery across almost every field, Levin said, warming to the topic more so than campus politics.

He expects that AI will accelerate discovery, particularly in the sciences, from health care and the human body, to weather patterns.

Theres no question that we at Stanford should be at the forefront of this, as the home of some of these tools and methods, he said.

Stanford Universitys new president Jonathan Levin said he will announce new rules of campus behavior before classes resume on Sept. 23. The aim is to enforce those rules and be as clear as we can about them, he said, while giving students and faculty a chance to speak about it. Aubrie Pick/Stanford University

As Stanfords aim is to flourish intellectually, so it intends to expand physically.

Last month, the university announced progress on its effort to buy the site of Notre Dame de Namur University, when the city of Belmont released an environmental-impact report. If the project succeeds, the struggling Catholic universitys 300 students would move to a smaller site, while Stanford would turn it into a satellite campus for 2,500 students, faculty and staff.

But Stanfords overall growth ambitions are more evident in its failed 2019 effort to gain approval from Santa Clara County for a $4.7 billion expansion  on 3.5 million square feet  that would have added nearly 10,000 more students and employees over two decades.

Town-gown relations crashed that year, as the county deemed Stanfords project too big and its benefits to residents too few.

Now, Susan Ellenberg, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, said she expects Stanford will come back with a new proposal.

Theyre very interested, said Ellenberg, who will meet Levin for the first time ahead of his inauguration on Sept. 27.

Since its rejection, Stanford has likely learned a lot about what our expectations are, including carrying their share of the responsibility for providing more affordable housing in our community, Ellenberg said. I imagine it will be a productive re-engagement.

Levin said he hopes so, and recognizes that the university must still build a relationship with Santa Clara County that is productive and beneficial.

This years freshman class is the first to be admitted since the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed affirmative action in college admissions in 2023, making it illegal for all but military schools to consider race when accepting students. It has been outlawed for Californias public schools since 1996, when voters approved Proposition 209. But the states private schools are now barred, too.

Last fall, Stanfords freshman class consisted of 27% underrepresented minorities: Latino (17%), Black (9%) and Native (1%) students.

What about this year? Harvard, for example, just saw Black freshman representation drop to 14% from 18%.

Some schools have made announcements. We have not, said Levin, adding that this is a new world where race cant be part of admission. So weve been thinking about strategies to try to expand the applicant pool.

He did not elaborate.

Nor would he comment on legacy admissions  the boost given to relatives of alumni and donors. Last fall, 13.6% of undergraduates admitted to Stanford received legacy consideration  295 students in all.

Studies show that wealthier students benefit most from such consideration, and efforts to outlaw the practice have accelerated since the end of affirmative action.

Now, Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering whether to sign AB1780, which would outlaw legacy and donor admissions in California next year.
Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin with Matthew Kotlowski, Ford India director (govt affairs), in Dearborn. State Industries minister T R B Raja and Kay Hart, president, Ford IMG, are also present

American carmaker Ford Motor Company is set to reignite its presence in India with plans to restart manufacturing at its Chennai facility, two years after halting operations and exiting the country. This time, the focus will be likely on electric vehicles, with exports aimed at Southeast Asia.

The Maraimalai Nagar factory, closed in August 2022, is set to become a key part of the companys Ford+ Growth Plan to tap into global markets, underscoring the automakers renewed interest in the country. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

The move follows a push from Tamil Nadus Chief Minister M K Stalin, who a couple of days ago had visited Fords headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. The state government, in its meetings with Fords top executives over the past several months, underscored Tamil Nadus burgeoning EV ecosystem, with companies like Vinfast and Tata JLR choosing the state for new plants.

The announcement of Fords return to India was made by Kay Hart, president of the automakers international markets group, who noted that the company has submitted a letter of intent to the Tamil Nadu government. We are announcing that we have submitted a letter of intent (LOI) to the Government of Tamil Nadu in India, outlining Fords intention to utilise our Chennai plant for manufacturing for export, Hart said.





ALSO READ: Preparing to utilise Chennai manufacturing plant for exports: Ford Fords decision comes as global brands, such as fast fashion giant Shein (through Reliance Retail) and retailer Carrefour (through a franchise partnership with Dubais Apparel Group) also make their way back into India. Renault navigated a similar trajectory: The French automaker re-entered India in 2010 -- after its unsuccessful joint venture for Logan with Mahindra & Mahindra in 2007 -- by setting up a facility with Nissan India in Chennai.

According to government sources, the announcement follows year-long efforts by the Tamil Nadu administration to find a buyer or alternative use for the factory. The push to repurpose the site ramped up in June 2023, as several automotive investors, including Ola Electric, Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors, and MG Motor, expressed interest in acquiring the facility. Over the past two years, these companies held multiple discussions with Ford India, but nothing panned out.

Tamil Nadus Industries Minister TRB Rajaa initiated talks with Ford in July 2023 during a visit to San Francisco, where Ford requested six months to evaluate its options. By early 2024, reports indicated Ford was considering restarting operations, a proposal the Tamil Nadu government had been advocating.

In July 2024, Rajaa visited Ford's main factory in Dearborn and met with Fords leadership. And Chief Minister Stalin, in the recent visit, personally assured Fords leadership that the government would fully support its reintegration into the states automotive landscape.

The Chennai plant, spanning 350 acres, has an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles and 340,000 engines. Its proximity to both Chennai and Ennore ports, and a relatively short 320 km distance from Bengaluru, makes it a strategic location. Ford India had accumulated $2 billion in losses over the decade before its exit, capturing less than a 2 per cent share of Indias passenger vehicle market, despite brands like the EcoSport and Endeavour.

Fords other Indian manufacturing unit, located in Sanand, Gujarat, was taken over by Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEML) in December 2022 for Rs 725.7 crore. The Sanand unit has an annual capacity of 300,000 units.

We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Tamil Nadu government as we explored different options for the Chennai plant, Hart said. This step underscores our commitment to India, and we plan to leverage Tamil Nadus manufacturing expertise to serve new global markets.

Ford will disclose further details on the plant's future in due course.

The automaker reiterated that India remains a critical market within its global strategy. Ford currently employs 12,000 people at its Global Business Operations unit in Tamil Nadu, a number expected to rise by 2,500 to 3,000 in the next three years. Combined with the engine manufacturing operations in Sanand, India represents Fords second-largest salaried workforce worldwide, the company said.

Ford continues to serve a million customers in India, providing service, aftermarket parts, and warranty support. The closure of the Maraimalai Nagar factory in 2022 resulted in a severance payout of Rs 1,296 crore, benefiting 2,592 workers.

Fords odometer

4,000: Employees at Fords manufacturing units in Maramalai Nagar and Sanand as on September 9, 2021, when it had announced exit

12,000: Employees the company has in India currently through Ford Business Solutions

3,000: Number of people FBS is planning to hire in three years

$2 billion: Ford's accumulated loss in Indian market over 10 years, at the time of exit

2 per cent: Its share in India PV market at the time of exit



200,000 vehicles and 340,000 engines: Maramalai Nagar unit's capacity in 2021



350 acre: Area of Chennai unit

Making a return

Shein: Chinese fast-fashion conglomerate is set make a comeback through a strategic partnership with Reliance Retail

Papa Johns: American pizza chain is planning an India re-entry in tie-up with PJP Investments Group, one of its international franchise collaborators

Carrefour: French multi-brand retailer may return through a franchise partnership with Dubais Apparel Group

Harley Davidson: After deciding to halt its manufacturing operations in India in 2019 amid poor demand and sales, the iconic US motorcycle brand returned in 2023 through a tie-up with Hero MotoCorp
Ford said its latest announcement reaffirms the company's commitment to India as a critical market. (Photo: Shutterstock)

American automaker Ford on Friday said it is preparing to utilise its Chennai manufacturing plant to roll out vehicles for exports and has intimated the same to the Tamil Nadu government. The company which in 2021 had said that it would stop manufacturing vehicles in India, has submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Tamil Nadu government, confirming its intention to utilise the Chennai plant for manufacturing for exports. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The announcement follows a meeting between Ford leadership and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin as part of his visit to the United States, Ford said in a statement.

"This step aims to underscore our ongoing commitment to India as we intend to leverage the manufacturing expertise available in Tamil Nadu to serve new global markets," Ford International Markets Group President Kay Hart said.

Ford said the strategic move will see the facility repurposed to focus on manufacturing for export to global markets, as part of the company's ambitious 'Ford+ growth plan'.

It, however, said further information about the type of manufacturing and other details will be disclosed in due course.

Ford said its latest announcement reaffirms the company's commitment to India as a critical market for its global operations.



The company currently employs 12,000 individuals in Global Business Operations in Tamil Nadu, a number expected to grow by 2,500 to 3,000 jobs within the next three years, it added.

"Combined with the engine manufacturing operations in Sanand, India represents Ford's second-largest salaried workforce worldwide," the company said.

In September 2021, after nearly three decades of struggling to make a mark in India, Ford Motor Co had announced that it would stop vehicle production at its two plants in the country and will sell only imported vehicles going ahead, as part of a restructuring exercise.

While the company sold its vehicle manufacturing plant at Sanand in Gujarat to Tata Motors, it could not wind down its vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the targeted timeline of second quarter of 2022.
Bengaluru-based IT major Wipro has become the latest company to tighten its work-from-home policy after months of attempts to persuade employees to return to office, Mint reported on Friday.

In an internal email sent on September 2, Wipro mandated employees to work from the office at least three days a week or risk losing a days leave. With this, the company joins a host of IT services firms adopting strict work-from-office policies. The companys human resources team has been directed to reject employee requests to work from home under this new policy. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

LTIMindtree also adopted similar measures earlier this month. Under its new policy, LTIMindtree said it would deduct up to 1.5 days of leave per month in case of a violation by any employee. Wipro has not specified anything about this. The management will cancel a day of leave for every day missed in office, a Wipro employee told Mint on the condition of anonymity.

Popularity of work-from-from jobs

The work-from-home model became popular during the Covid-19 lockdown. As the pandemic receded, companies began calling employees back to the office, with some offering hybrid work arrangements. However, this shift in work culture has triggered a new trend in employee preferences. Due to the flexibility of remote work, which offers an improved work-life balance and increased savings, more workers are seeking fully remote positions.

According to a report published by Forbes in June, 71 per cent of remote workers in the US believe that their work arrangement helps them maintain a better work-life balance. Another estimate by Upwork says that by 2025, about 32.6 million Americans will be working remotely, comprising 22 per cent of the workforce.

For India, a Forbes report cites a CXOToday survey, which projects that by 2025, an estimated 60 to 90 million Indians will be working remotely, making up to 15 per cent of the workforce. At present, some 12 per cent Indian workforce works remotely, the report said.
Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Kejriwal in the corruption case lodged by the CBI. (Photo: PTI)

Shortly after Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail by the Supreme Court, AAP's Haryana unit chief Sushil Gupta on Friday said his party supremo will campaign in the state, where the people are looking for a change. "We will now fight the polls with double energy. Kejriwal ji will soon start his campaign in Haryana," Gupta said as he hailed the Supreme Court decision granting bail to the Delhi chief minister. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Gupta, whose party is fighting the October 5 Assembly polls on its own, said the people are waiting to "oust" the BJP from power.

"Development has come to a standstill during the BJP's time. People are waiting for October 5 to oust them from power," he said.

He further said, "people are looking for a 'badlav' (change), they want to elect an honest government, which can ensure good education and health facilities, round-the-clock power supply and overall development".



"People want to bring the AAP to power and we will win the polls," Gupta told PTI.

The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Kejriwal in the corruption case lodged by the CBI in connection with the excise policy 'scam', saying prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty.
China welcomes more Global South partners to join BRICS -- senior Chinese official

Xinhua) 13:40, September 13, 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, 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)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The city of San Francisco is partnering with the Turlock and Modesto irrigation districts to restore salmon spawning habitat in the lower Tuolumne River. Courtesy of Turlock Irrigation District About 50,000 cubic yards of gravel is being moved into the Tuolumne River as part of a two-year project to improve fish habitat. Courtesy of the Turlock Irrigation District

Beneath the warm sun of the San Joaquin Valley, crews with heavy machinery have spent the past two months moving heaps of gravel into the cool waters of the Tuolumne River.

The work, in rural Stanislaus County, marks an unlikely partnership between the city of San Francisco and two large irrigation districts to try to revive the rivers struggling salmon population. The gravel bars and riffles being fashioned in the lower reaches of the waterway are expected to help the renowned fish spawn.

San Francisco and the Turlock and Modesto irrigation districts have long relied on the Tuolumne for water supplies, and theyve often fought over who gets what. But now the three parties are working in tandem to save the fish that are close to being wiped out in large part because of the water draws.

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The restoration of 7.5 acres of historical spawning grounds is the first of many fish projects that the water suppliers have committed to. The parties expect to spend $80 million on the river through the end of the decade. The effort will include restoration of flood plains to expand salmon rearing habitat and possibly the removal of nonnative striped bass, which prey on the young fish and have been partly blamed for their decline.

Frankly, what were seeing is a new era of working together on (fish) habitat restoration, said Steve Ritchie, an assistant general manager at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, which provides the citys water. The fact that were doing something real and very beneficial in cooperation with the irrigation districts is a tremendous achievement.

The collaborative work comes not only at a fraught moment for salmon but also for the three water suppliers. State water regulators are amidst a years-long process of figuring out how much water should be taken from Californias rivers  and how much should be left there  to protect watersheds. San Francisco and its Central Valley counterparts are eager to demonstrate that they have things under control on the Tuolumne.

Water managers for the three parties have been urging the state to drop strict limits on water diversions that have been proposed under whats known as the Bay-Delta Plan. The water managers, instead, want the state to adopt voluntary agreements that would allow them to draw more water from the river in turn for more fish restoration.

The nearly $8 million project now underway near the community of La Grange is not officially part of any state deal, but its clearly meant to signal that the parties are serious about future river improvements.

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Its one (project) where we feel we can start to get into the habitat restoration business, Ritchie said.

The 150-mile Tuolumne River feeds San Franciscos Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, where water is piped 160 miles from Yosemite National Park to the Bay Area. Lower on the river, Don Pedro Reservoir provides water to the Turlock and Modesto irrigation districts.

Environmentalists, who have long criticized San Francisco and its partners for taking too much water from the river at the expense of fish, are giving the new project lukewarm reviews.

Obviously, we think habitat restoration is important, said Peter Drekmeier, policy director for the Tuolumne River Trust. The problem is that gravel (for spawning) is not the limiting factor. There are other critical factors.

Foremost, say Drekmeier and others, is the need to keep more water in the river for salmon, which are born in the waterway, migrate to the ocean for about three years and then return to the river to lay eggs. Higher, faster river flows help with the migration as well and lower water temperatures, flush out toxic algal blooms and submerge flood plains for safe fish rearing.

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As it stands, more than 80% of the river water is diverted by the suppliers in an average year.



The spring run of Chinook salmon in the Tuolumne no longer exists, and the fall run has averaged only thousands of fish a year, down from tens and even hundreds of thousands historically.

The initial restoration project by the water suppliers is expected to wrap up at the end of next year. In addition to creating gravel beds for fish eggs to nest, the work is scheduled to include construction of 2.5 acres of floodplain habitat. Rainbow trout are also expected to benefit from the undertaking.

The work is being paid for mostly with grant money from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Future work on the river, which is scheduled to bring the total amount of restored habitat to 77 acres, is expected to be funded primarily by the water suppliers.

Chico-based River Partners, a nonprofit that works on river restoration, is planning and designing the work.

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President Vladimir Putin has delivered a clear message to the West about the consequences it will face if it allows Ukraine to hit Russian territory with Western long-range missiles, the Kremlin said on Friday.

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.

Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "The statement made by President Putin yesterday is very important. It is extremely clear, unambiguous and does not allow for double readings. We have no doubt that this statement reached those it was intended for," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.



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.



U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss whether to give the go-ahead for such strikes at talks in Washington on Friday.



Putin said on Thursday that such a move would drag the countries supplying Kyiv with long-range missiles directly into the war. He said satellite targeting data and programming of the missiles' flight paths would have to be provided by NATO military personnel, as Kyiv did not have the capabilities itself.



But on Sept 2, the IMF's Russian executive director Aleksei Mozhin told Reuters the Fund would re-start online consultations on Sept. 16, and continue with an IMF delegation visit to Moscow for meetings with Russian officials until Oct. 1.



"We would like to express our strong dissatisfaction with such IMF plans," the finance ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Poland said in a letter to IMF head Kristalina Georgieva, seen by Reuters.



Georgieva is attending a meeting of EU finance ministers and central bankers in Budapest and they will ask her about the IMF's plans there, EU officials said.



"What recommendations does the IMF want to give Russia at the end of the consultation? How to better run a war economy?" one senior euro zone official said.



The letter said that as an aggressor country, Russia should not get the benefit of IMF advice and noted that if the IMF went through with its plans, it would diminish the willingness of donor countries to support Ukraine through IMF initiatives, because it would undermine trust in the IMF.



"Donors can choose other institutions like the World Bank or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development," the senior official said.



The letter also said any data Russia would provide the IMF would be censored to show the country's economy was allegedly doing well and resisting Western sanctions, making the IMF's assessment inaccurate.



Moscow would also use mission for its own propaganda purposes and it would damage the IMF's reputation, it said.



"We thus call on the IMF not to resume cooperation with Russia and to remain committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," the nine countries said.



"We urge all international financial institutions, including the IMF and its management, to continue refraining from the activities involving the aggressor state and not to resume dialogue as long as Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine," the letter said.



The IMF said on Thursday its planned visit to Russia was in line with its regular obligations as well as those of Russia as a member country.



The IMF's last annual mission visited Russia in November 2019, before the start of the COVID pandemic. There have been no IMF missions to Russia since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine.



Many Western nations raised the possibility of Russiaas expulsion from the IMF in the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion, but that proved difficult because of reluctance from other members with large voting quotas such as China and India.
Indonesia has decided to halt the construction of new hotels in certain areas of Bali, raising concerns about the effects of overdevelopment on one of its most iconic tourist spots. Bali, long a favourite among international visitors, has seen a surge in tourism following the pandemic, but the strain on local infrastructure, the environment, and the islands cultural heritage is now under the spotlight.

Hermin Esti, a senior official at the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs, confirmed the governments decision. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

"The construction of new hotels, villas, and nightclubs would be paused," he told news agency Reuters. The timeframe for this moratorium, however, remains unclear. Senior minister Luhut Pandjaitan suggested in an interview with news website Detik that it could last up to a decade. According to official data, Bali had 541 hotels in 2023, up from 507 in 2019.

Bali isn't the only destination taking action against overdevelopment. A number of countries have introduced measures to control the spread of infrastructure in tourism-heavy areas, often to protect natural resources and preserve the local character.

In April 2024, Amsterdam introduced a dual approach aimed at limiting new hotel construction while also capping the number of overnight stays by tourists each year. According to Euronews, Amsterdam has implemented a "one in, one out" system for hotels, meaning that a new hotel can only be built if an existing one closes. Furthermore, any new hotel must match or reduce the number of beds offered by its predecessor.

Thailand also placed restrictions in 2018 on the construction of large hotels and villas in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, seeking to safeguard the islands' fragile ecosystems. Similarly, Venice has been grappling with issues of overdevelopment and heavy tourism, prompting authorities to restrict new hotel constructions in certain parts of the city. Efforts are being made to maintain a balance between welcoming tourists and preserving Venices unique architectural and cultural identity.

Greece has taken similar steps in Santorini, with authorities enforcing strict building regulations to prevent overdevelopment. They have limited the number of new hotels and villas to reduce the strain on infrastructure and protect the islands traditional architectural style.

How is Bali managing the tourism surge?

Bali's appeal has only grown since the pandemic, with foreign visitor numbers soaring. Data from Indonesias statistics bureau shows that 2.9 million international visitors arrived on the island through Bali airport in the first half of 2024. However, this influx has brought its own challenges. Increased traffic, rampant construction, and viral incidents of tourists misbehaving have caused frustration among both locals and officials. Videos on social media showing tourists disrespecting local customsposing nude at sacred sites or disrupting traditional ceremonieshave fuelled anger among Bali residents and Indonesians across the country.

According to Luhut Pandjaitan, around 200,000 foreigners are currently living in Bali. The growing expatriate community has raised concerns about job competition and crime. The government is now auditing tourism on the island, aiming to find a balance between sustaining the economy and preserving the local culture and environment.

In February 2024, Bali introduced a tourism tax of 150,000 rupiah (approximately $9) for foreign visitors. Authorities are also considering a new rail link between Balis airport and popular tourist destinations to ease congestion on the island's roads, which are often clogged with traffic.

Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno recently warned that South Bali is edging towards over-tourism. "A 10% increase could push us into that territory. We must avoid a situation like Barcelona, where tourists became public enemies, he said, according to national news agency Antara.

However, despite these concerns, Indonesia remains keen on promoting tourism, especially to international markets. In 2023, an estimated 606,439 Indian nationals visited Indonesia, underscoring the countrys popularity among Indian travellers. To further boost tourist numbers, Indonesia is planning to offer free entry visas to visitors from 20 countries, including India.

Indonesian Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno confirmed in June that the visa exemption policy was on track. He reassured reporters that the policy would be finalised before the change of government in October 2024.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday termed Bihar a "hidden gem", which has not been discovered by the world. Exuding confidence that the state will do well in the future, Goyal said the image related to law and order issues, loot, and arson held back its progress in the past. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The issue of corruption for which the former Chief Minister had gone to jail is history, and transparency is the buzzword now, Goyal said, speaking at an event organised by industry chamber CII ahead of an investor summit in December. He credited Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for having "changed the face of Bihar" by completely transforming the reality on the ground and also the image of the state.

"Bihar is one of those hidden gems which has not been discovered by the world," the minister said, asking the industry to go to Bihar soon and not miss the bus.

He said the Kumar-led administration backed by the BJP has demonstrated the huge potential of Bihar to the industry and exuded confidence that investors from the financial capital will choose to invest in the state.

The second most populous Indian state possesses a slew of advantages, including the young population, Goyal said, adding that the world has discovered virtues in large populations now.

More people prefer to stay in their villages, and it is a matter of time before the industry comes looking for opportunities because of that, he said.

The minister attended the Board of Trade meeting earlier in the day and said that this is the first time the event was held in the financial capital.

There were discussions on the progress towards the aim of increasing exports to $2 trillion by 2030, he said.

Goyal said two new portals were also launched, which included a grievances or clarification platform with video conferencing for the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and also an enterprise resource portal by Export Credit Guarantee Corporation.

He said both the platforms were part of the 100-day plan for the ministry.
The Bengaluru police has filed a chargesheet in the second case registered against former MP Prajwal Revanna, who is facing charges of rape and sexual assault, in a special court here. Revanna is currently under judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara Jail here, and a Special Investigation Team is probing four separate cases against him, officials said on Friday. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp According to police, the second case against Prajwal Revanna was filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on May 1 after a 44-year-old former member of the Hassan Zilla Panchayat accused him of repeatedly raping her.

In a statement, police said the SIT team conducted a comprehensive investigation of the case and during the probe, more than 120 witnesses were interrogated and statements of victims, key witnesses were recorded.

"A 1691 page comprehensive chargesheet has been filed against former Hassan Lok Sabha constituency MP Prajwal Revanna. The chargesheet has been submitted to a special court here after collecting evidence and obtaining expert opinions," it stated.

He was arrested by the SIT on May 31 upon arrival at Bengaluru Airport from Germany in connection with a case registered at the Holenarasipura Town Police Station. Prajwal Revanna was remanded to custody the following day.

Revanna had failed in his bid to retain the Hassan parliamentary constituency in the recent polls.

The cases of sexual abuse came to light after pen-drives containing explicit videos allegedly involving Prajwal Revanna were reportedly circulated in Hassan, ahead of Lok Sabha polls there on April 26.

JD(S) suspended him from the party following the cases filed against him.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveils the new Semi electric truck at a 2017 event in Hawthorne (Los Angeles County). A Tesla electric truck involved in a single-vehicle accident in Northern California last month required approximately 50,000 gallons of water to extinguish the ensuing fire, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board. Veronique Dupont/AFP/Getty Images

A Tesla electric truck involved in a single-vehicle accident in Northern California last month required approximately 50,000 gallons of water to extinguish the ensuing fire, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.

Authorities indicated that a typical car fire necessitates 500-1,000 gallons of water.

The Tesla Semi collided with a cluster of trees while traveling east on Interstate 80 in Emigrant Gap, about 70 miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe. The incident occurred around 3:13 a.m. on Aug. 19, the report noted.

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The incident led to the closure of a 20-mile section of Interstate 80 in Placer County for 15 hours. The response involved multiple local and state agencies, as well as a hazardous materials team contracted by Tesla. Emergency responders conducted air quality tests and utilized a thermal scanner to track the temperature of the batteries.

Cal Fire officials, as a precautionary measure, also deployed planes to drop fire retardant on the site, the report revealed.

The Tesla electric Semi crash on Interstate 80 in Northern California on Aug. 19, required approximately 50,000 gallons of water to extinguish. Authorities indicated that a typical car fire necessitates 500-1,000 gallons of water. California Highway Patrol

The 2024 Tesla Semi, a battery-powered truck-tractor, was en route from a warehouse in Livermore to Teslas battery factory in Sparks, Nev., driven by a company employee.

The NTSB report detailed that the driver veered off the road while navigating an uphill turn. The Tesla struck a traffic delineator mounted on a steel post, collided with a tree approximately 12.5 inches thick, and continued down a slope before coming to a stop against multiple trees.

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The vehicles lithium-ion electric battery system ignited after the roadway departure, resulting in a postcrash fire, according to the report.

No injuries were reported, and there was no indication of intoxicated driving, according to officer Jason Lyman, a spokesperson for the California Highway Patrols Gold Run office.

The tractor was moved to an outdoor facility and observed for 24 hours. During this period, neither the truck nor its battery system reignited.

All aspects of the crash remain under investigation while the NTSB determines the probable cause, with the intent of issuing safety recommendations to prevent similar events, the report stated.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the Semi truck design in November 2017, with an initial plan for a 2020 launch. Although mass production has not begun, Tesla is constructing production lines at its Nevada facility and aims to start production by the end of 2025, according to the companys second-quarter report.

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The State Bank of India (SBI) has approached the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) to transfer a home loan repayment dispute case filed against it by Madras High Court judge, Justice J Nisha Banu, outside Tamil Nadu. The bank is apprehensive that it may not receive an impartial hearing from the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) in Madurai, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the Madras High Court, reported The Indian Express.

The dispute revolves around a home loan Justice Banu took from SBI for a property in Madurai that was partially constructed and later demolished due to alleged poor construction. According to SBI, despite reminders, the judge has not fully repaid the outstanding loan amount. Justice Banu, on the other hand, claims the issue is linked to a rejected insurance claim from The New India Assurance Company, alleging collusion between bank officials and the insurance company to deny her rightful compensation.

Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

The NCDRC, led by its president, Justice AP Sahi, and Member Inder Jit Singh, issued a notice to SBI regarding the transfer request on August 2. The next hearing is scheduled for September 23.



SBIs counsel, Advocate Jitendra Kumar, sought an interim stay on proceedings in Madurai, arguing that the banks concerns warranted a transfer. However, the Commission remarked that SBIs apprehension could not be lightly accepted because a sitting High Court judge is involved, asking for more substantial reasons.



SBI contends that the judges equated monthly instalments (EMIs) were not honoured due to insufficient funds on several occasions in 2018 and 2019. According to records, the judge had requested a rescheduling of her EMIs at one point, but payments through the Electronic Clearing Service (ECS) failed due to insufficient funds.



When contacted by the news daily, Justice Banus counsel refused to comment, citing the ongoing national commission case.



In her June 2024 consumer complaint, Justice Banu demanded that the insurance company pay her Rs 46 lakh with interest and that SBI and the insurer compensate her Rs 1 crore for mental anguish. She also sought the return of all EMIs paid with interest, Rs 17,125 deducted for the insurance policy, and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs. Justice Banu claimed the Standard Fire and Special Peril Policy was purchased by SBI without her knowledge and that the bank had assured her the outstanding loan would be adjusted against the insurance payout.



SBI maintains that the insurance policy was purchased with the judges knowledge and that she failed to clear the remaining loan balance despite receiving Rs 38 lakh as compensation from the builder for the substandard construction. SBI further pointed out that the insurance claim was rejected in September 2018 because demolition was not covered under the policy. The bank also argued that the relationship between an insurer and insured is independent of the debtor-creditor relationship.



The case dates back to 2010, when Justice Banu, then a practising lawyer, took out a home loan of Rs 29.20 lakh from SBI with a 20-year repayment period. Loan disbursement was stopped in 2013 at her request, after Rs 20.17 lakh had been disbursed, due to issues with the construction. The loan was classified as a non-performing asset (NPA) in November 2021, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.



Justice Banu also pursued a case against the contractor with the Tamil Nadu State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, where she was awarded Rs 13 lakh in compensation. On appeal, the NCDRC increased the award to Rs 25 lakh in 2019 and granted her permission to demolish the property in 2016.



Justice Banus complaint states that she only became aware of the Rs 17,125 deduction for the insurance policy after being granted permission to demolish the property, following which she sought a copy of the policy through legal notice.
Amid tension after demand for demolition of "unauthorised" mosque structure in Mandi and protests by Hindu outfits, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday appealed to the people to maintain peace and brotherhood and said tourists are welcome. "We appeal to maintain peace and brotherhood and welcome tourists," said the chief minister while addressing media persons after an all-party meeting here with state Congress chief Pratibha Singh, BJP leader Randhir Sharma, CPI(M) leader Rakesh Singha, AAP leader Surjit Singh and others. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "I have appealed to everyone to maintain peace and make no provocative statements, and that is why an all-party meeting. No one is allowed to take the law into their hands.

"We respect everyone. The land of Himachal has respect for all religions," the chief minister said.

Referring to the protest on Friday by Hindu organisations demanding demolition of the "encroached" structure of a mosque in Mandi town, he said Himachal Pradesh is a state of protest.

"We all sitting here are a product of the student movement," Sukhu said while addressing media persons here after an all-party meeting.

"Himachal Pradesh is a state of protest. There are protests by Dev Bhumi, BJP, CPI(M) and the unemployed. Protest is a part of democracy but they should be peaceful," he said.

The chief minister said the people of Muslim community have themselves come forward offering demolition of the unauthorised structures and even demolished a portion of the mosque in Mandi on Thursday.

Welcoming their move, the chief minister said it has been resolved in the meeting that peace and brotherhood should prevail in the state and all unauthorised constructions would be dealt strictly according to law. No one has the right to hurt sentiments of any community, he reiterated.

"It is not a religious issue. All communities are equal and live peacefully here.

"A small dispute between two persons led to the current situation. A local dispute was flared up by the local leaders," said the chief minister.

The trouble started when a local shopkeeper in Malyana belonging to the Hindu community and other shopkeepers were attacked on August 30 night while they were on their way back home by half-a-dozen people belonging to the minority community with rods and sticks. Four shopkeepers were injured in the attack.

The fight started after a verbal argument and a local businessman from Hindu community sustained head injury.

"The main problem is of street vendors and locals give them a place to sit in front of their shops on rent. As a result of this, there is no space to walk. The Assembly Speaker has been authorised to constitute a committee to draft a policy for the street venders," he added.

He said Himachal Pradesh is a part of India and everybody has the right to work here but under the ambit of law. All the parties believe that Himachal is a peaceful state and it should remain so. No community should be harmed, he added.

Asked about lathi-charge and stone-pelting incident during protest in Shimla on Wednesday, he said most of the people protest peacefully but everywhere there are some mischievous elements who instigate others.

Sukhu refused to comment on the allegation of Congress minister Anirudh Singh that the previous BJP government funded construction of the mosque during Covid times.
Jordan Parker is a breaking news reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. He graduated from Sacramento State University in May 2022 with a degree in journalism. During his time there, he spent three years as a reporter and editor for the university's award-winning student newspaper, The State Hornet. He spent his senior year of college serving as The Hornet's first Black editor in chief, leading the organization to two Pacemaker awards and several other national honors from the Associated Collegiate Press. When he's not chasing down a story, he likes watching movies, traveling and trying new restaurants.
A member of the San Francisco Police Department carries a crate with evidence markers and envelopes during an nvestigation at the scene of an earlier shooting at Powell Street Station on Friday, September 13, 2024 in San Francisco, Calif. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle Members of the San Francisco Police Department work during an investigation at the scene of a shooting at Powell Street Station on Friday, September 13, 2024 in San Francisco, Calif. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle A member of members of CSI with San Francisco Police Department investigates at the scene of an earlier shooting at Powell Street Station on Friday, September 13, 2024 in San Francisco, Calif. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle Supervisor Ahsha Safai, second from left, talks with a members of the San Francisco Police Department while Powell Street Bart Station as closed as the SFPD investigates at the scene of an earlier shooting at Powell Street Station on Friday, September 13, 2024 in San Francisco, Calif. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco law enforcement and other emergency response officials swarmed the Powell Street transit station Friday morning after police shot and wounded a person.

Officers followed a person who was allegedly armed with a gun to the transit station where the shooting occurred, according to preliminary police reports. Three officers were involved in the shooting, police said.

The person was struck by gunfire but was conscious and speaking to emergency medical responders, police said.

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During a news conference Friday afternoon, Police Chief Bill Scott said officers were patrolling the area near the 400 block of Jessie Street at about 10:18 a.m. when they observed a person with a firearm inside a nonmoving car.

Scott said officers planned to detain the individual, and when the person exited the vehicle police initiated a foot pursuit. The chase continued for a few blocks, Scott said, before the individual entered the Powell Street transit station and the shooting occurred. Scott declined to detail the moments that led to the shooting, including whether the individual fired their weapon or how many officers fired theirs, citing the pending investigation.

Police confirmed that the car the individual was initially seen in had been reported stolen, Scott said.

The individual, whose identity was not immediately released, was hospitalized and in fair condition, Scott told reporters.

Scott credited officers for what he described as proactive work in a notoriously high-crime area.

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"Our officers were deployed very heavily in this area for this very reason," he said. "We are committed to having a safe, clean city, and that's exactly what the officers were there to do."

Scott added that while investigators were still reviewing video evidence of the incident, said officers took appropriate action in terms of engaging (the armed person).

In a social media post on Friday afternoon, the police said that a firearm was recovered from the scene during the investigation.

A person is wheeled into an ambulance after an apparent police shooting at downtown San Franciscos Powell Street transit station. Aldo Toledo/The Chronicle

A person on a stretcher was seen being wheeled into an ambulance just before 11 a.m. on Market Street, near the south entrance of the Powell Street transit station.

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Witnesses reported that police officers were chasing a man who appeared to be holding a gun from an alleyway near Mint Plaza into a liquor store. The man emerged from the liquor store, witnesses said, followed by police, who had guns drawn.

Ginny Dias said she saw a sniper kneeling outside the store with a rifle pointed toward the doorway. An employee walked out of the store, followed by the suspect. The suspect then casually walked away, around the police staged outside the store, toward Market Street before officers began following again, Dias said.

He walked out of the liquor store, and the police were all following, into the middle of Market Street, said witness Alicia Grados. The police were telling him to put his gun down.

Witnesses said the man then walked toward the Powell Street station, where one gunshot could be heard, followed by a barrage of gunshots.

A video shows San Francisco police officers attempting to apprehend a person in an alley. The person exiting the vehicle, who was allegedly armed, was later shot by police at the Powell Street transit station after a foot pursuit. The Chronicle

Jay Matthews said he saw the suspect come around the corner from Fifth Street onto Market Street followed by at least a dozen officers. The suspect trotted away from police as he moved across the street near the cable car turnaround and down the escalator toward the Powell Street Station. Shortly thereafter, Matthews said, he heard 15 to 20 gunshots.

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Just after 11 a.m., officers were posted at the stations BART entrances, turning commuters away as other officers gathered in the outdoor plaza next to the stations entrance.

At that time, officials from Muni and BART said on social media that Powell Street Station was closed due to police activity. The station did not reopen until around 4 p.m.

Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who is running for mayor, said crime in San Francisco is out of control after learning about Friday mornings shooting, just weeks after a 49ers player was shot blocks away on Union Square.

Despite the mayor and the chief and everyone trying to say that crime is down, what frustrates people more than anything is that brazen crime is still happening our city, Safai said. This is why people want to see change in the city  these kinds of events shatter peoples feelings.

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PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO allotment status: The allotment of The allotment of PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO shares is expected to be finalised today, following the closure of the three-day subscription window yesterday. The public issue, priced between Rs 456-480 with a lot size of 31 shares, garnered strong investor interest, resulting in oversubscription of 59.41 times.

A total of 1,00,31,53,273 bids were received for the 1,68,85,964 shares offered, indicating a highly successful subscription period. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO final subscription status PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO received the highest bid from Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs), who placed a bid for a whopping 136.85 times. Non-Institutional Investors placed a bid for 56.09 times, while the quota for Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) witnessed a subscription of 16.58 times, as per the NSE data.

PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO allotment status

The shares of PN Gadgil Jewellers are scheduled to be allotted today. Once the allotment is finalised, investors can check the allotment status of PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO by visiting the official websites of BSE, NSE, or Bigshare Services, the registrar for the issue.

Alternatively, investors can use the following links to check the allotment status directly:

- Check PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO Allotment status on BSE:

https://www.bseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspx

- Check PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO Allotment status on Bigshare Services: https://ipo.bigshareonline.com/IPO_Status.html#google_vignette

- Check PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO Allotment status on NSE: https://www.nseindia.com/products/dynaContent/equities/ipos/ipo_login.jsp

PN Gadgil Jewellers grey market premium (GMP)

Shares of PN Gadgil Jewellers continue to command a strong premium in the grey markets on Friday. Shree Tirupati Balajee shares are currently trading at a premium of Rs 333 or 69.38 per cent over the upper band of the IPO price, according to several sources tracking grey market activities. This indicates a stellar listing for PN Gadgil Jewellers shares on the bourses.

PN Gadgil Jewellers expected listing price

Following the allotment, shares of PN Gadgil Jewellers are expected to make their debut on the bourses on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, by listing on BSE and NSE. Should the current grey market trends sustain, shares of PN Gadgil Jewellers may list around Rs 813, a premium of nearly 70 per cent from the upper band of the issue price.
On accusations of serving with two organisations while at ICICI Group, they added that Puri Buch had gone on unpaid long leave from ICICI Bank in 2011. (Photo: PTI)

Ending their silence on the allegations levelled by the Congress, Madhabi Puri Buch, chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), and her husband Dhaval Buch on Friday said that their income tax (I-T) details were obtained illegally and twisted deliberately to create a false narrative.

Without naming the Congress, the Buchs rebutted almost all the accusations levelled by the main opposition party in a series of press conferences. This is their second detailed response since short-seller Hindenburg first made allegations of conflict of interest in early August  but first since the Congress launched an attack on the first Sebi boss from the private sector. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

In a six-page letter, Madhabi and Dhaval rubbished allegations of conflict of interest, corruption and lack of transparency, particularly with regard to the income generated from her ex-employer, the ICICI Group, and other corporates through their consultancy firm Agora Advisory.

Labelling the various claims as false, malicious, and motivated, the couple hinted that they may seek legal remedy.





It appears that the allegations are being made in instalments, only to keep the pot boiling. If the objective had been to arrive at the truth rather than to malign individuals and institutions with distortions of facts, we wonder why all allegations would not be brought out, in public, at one go. We would then have given all the facts at one go, the couple stated.

On allegations of receiving employee stock options (ESOPs) from the ICICI Group, the Buchs clarified that Sebi guidelines permit board members and chairperson to hold and transact in ESOPs. Further, she had made disclosures to the market regulator since 2017  when she first joined as a whole-time member  and subsequent transactions were also disclosed.

The Buchs added that Madhabi has never dealt with any files related to the ICICI Group, the Mahindra Group, Pidilite, Dr Reddys, Alvarez and Marsal, Sembcorp, and Visu Leasing at any stage after her joining Sebi.

Depending on when Madhabi exercised her options and the prevailing market prices at the relevant time and the quantity of ESOPs exercised, the perquisite value is bound to vary each year. If no ESOPs were exercised in a given year, there would be zero value attached to it and this would be bound to be reflected in the returns as a gap year, stated the couple on the issue of earning uneven income generated from the ICICI Group.

They further clarified that ESOPs are vested for three months only with employees who resign, while those like Madhabi who retired at senior positions have a 10-year window to exercise them.

The couple said that Madhabi was on unpaid leave for two years at ICICI Bank  at the time when she took up a role in a private equity (PE) firm in Singapore. She superannuated from ICICI Bank as per the norms and her arrangement with the PE firm was legal and transparent with disclosures made to both the entities.

In the joint statement, the couple refuted claims of getting incomes from corporates in return for favour, by stating that such questions were defamatory to the companies.

The companies earlier stated that they had taken services of Dhaval Buch for his experience in leadership roles and expertise in the supply-chain gained from his long stint at Unilever. There seems to be an assumption that when a spouse of a senior government official is appointed as an advisor, it must be attributed to factors beyond professional merit, they said.

The Congress had also raised questions on her rental income from a firm affiliated with Wockhardt, to which the couple said that while the details of the property were shared with Sebi, Madhabi never dealt with any files of the pharmaceutical firm.

We are upright and honest professionals and have led our respective professional lives with transparency and dignity, earning an unblemished record... We are confident that we will be able to demolish all such motivated allegations even in future, while reserving our right to take appropriate legal remedy as we may be advised, the Buchs said.

Additionally, the couple said that as these details were taken from their income tax returns, it shows that they have fully disclosed the matters and that taxes have been duly paid.

Shockingly, our income tax returns clearly have been obtained illegally by adopting fraudulent means. This is a clear breach of not only our right to privacy (which is a fundamental right) but also a violation of the Income Tax Act," said the couple.
Crowds at BottleRock Napa Valley in 2019. A man convicted of sexual assault at the music festival and another Bay Area event was denied his bid to shorten his prison sentence. Paul Kuroda/Special to The Chronicle

A man convicted of sexual assault at the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival and another Bay Area event has been denied his bid to shorten his prison sentence.

In December 2019, a Napa jury found Peterson William Fontes guilty on multiple charges, including two counts of sexual penetration by force, second-degree burglary and vandalism.

The charges stemmed from a May 25, 2019, incident at BottleRock where Fontes, 47, of Richmond, cut holes in portable toilets to assault a victim. A subsequent investigation revealed a similar assault at the Pine Street Spring Festival in Alameda County.

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Fontes was apprehended by Napa police the day after the BottleRock incident.

On Thursday, Napa County Superior Court Judge Scott Young ruled that Fontes will serve his full prison sentence of 16 years and eight months. The decision comes after an appeal for a new sentence under Senate Bill 567, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2022. This law revised sentencing guidelines to mandate middle terms for crimes unless aggravating factors are proved beyond a reasonable doubt or admitted by the defendant.

Before the new law, judges had the discretion to impose lower, middle or upper terms based on case specifics. The amended rule allows individuals sentenced under the old guidelines to request a review for possible reduction.

During the hearing, Napa County Deputy District Attorney Kristen Orlando highlighted the vulnerability of the victims, the premeditated nature of the crimes and the societal danger Fontes posed. Young concurred, stating that the aggravating factors in the case would have been proved to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt in 2019.

The courage and bravery of the survivor to stand up to her abuser a second time was extraordinary, Orlando said in a statement. The courts ruling today sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such behavior in our community and will not excuse or minimize the severe harm that Mr. Fontes has caused by his predatory actions.

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Among other aspects, the study will focus on the existing and evolving regulatory/legal frameworks governing AI systems and applications in India and other major jurisdictions. Photo: Intel

Fair trade watchdog CCI has selected the Management Development Institute Society (MDIS) to conduct a market study on artificial intelligence and competition that will examine various aspects, including potential competition issues in the AI ecosystems. In April this year, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had issued a request for proposal to conduct the market study on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Competition. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The Gurugram-based MDIS has been engaged to conduct the study that will seek to understand certain key AI ecosystems, including stakeholders, resources, value chains, market structures and parameters of competition, CCI said in a release on Friday.

It will also examine the emerging and potential competition issues in these markets/ecosystems as well as look at the scope and nature of AI applications/use cases, and assess associated opportunities, risks and ramifications from a competition standpoint.

Among other aspects, the study will focus on the existing and evolving regulatory/legal frameworks governing AI systems and applications in India and other major jurisdictions.

Earlier this year, in an interview to PTI, CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur said AI and machine learning can drive efficiency and innovation but also raise concerns related to market concentration and potential anti-competitive behaviour.
With the Pixel 9 series, Google has introduced substantial upgrades across the board. The new models feature brighter displays, improved cameras, exclusive artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities, enhanced performance, and a larger batteryall within a chassis that feels both unique and familiar.

Moreover, Google Gemini is deeply integrated into the Pixel 9s user interface and operating system, positioning it as one of the first smartphones to transition into a true AI-powered device. But is it ready to deliver this experience to the average user? Lets find out. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Design

The Google Pixel 9s design feels fresh. With more squared-off edges and a flat frame, it closely resembles other compact flagships from the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S series. The signature rear camera visor is gone, replaced by a pill-shaped, floating-island style camera module. Despite these changes, the Pixel 9 retains its recognisable identity as a Pixel device.

I particularly appreciate the look and feel of the Pixel 9, especially in the Wintergreen colour. The phone feels premium to hold and is compact enough for comfortable one-handed use. However, at 198g, it leans toward the heavier side. The metal frames matte finish effectively hides fingerprints and smudges, though the glossy glass back panel does the opposite. Similar to the Pixel 8, the prominent rear camera bump causes the Pixel 9 to lift slightly when placed on a flat surface, but it remains stable and easy to use. The front features an edge-to-edge display with slim bezels and a punch-hole front camera cutout.

For durability, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the screen and the back. The panel glass sits flush within the satin-finished metal chassis, instilling confidence to go without a case. The phone also features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Overall, the Pixel 9 offers a premium in-hand feel and a distinctive design, even though it evokes a sense of familiarity.

Display and Audio

The display is a highlight of the Pixel 9. At 6.3-inch, it is slightly larger than the Pixel 8 but remains comfortably accessible for one-handed use. Google has enhanced both the resolution and peak brightness of the OLED panel, and the improvements are immediately noticeable. The Pixel 9s display delivers vibrant colours and smooth visuals thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate.

Whether viewing images on social media or streaming content, the Pixel 9s display offers clear visuals. It supports HDR10 for streaming services like Netflix and select YouTube videos. The addition of Dolby Vision HDR would have further elevated an already excellent display experience.

The Pixel 9s legibility in direct sunlight is impressive, with a peak brightness of 2700 nits. With 1800 nits of HDR brightness, watching high dynamic range content remains hassle-free, even outdoors. The display remains vibrant and bright from various angles, though slight glare is noticeable in certain conditions.

On the audio side, the Pixel 9s built-in stereo speakers are flat and lack depth, particularly in terms of bass. While the audio output is clear, the volume is best suited for indoor use. For enhanced sound quality with paired devices, the Pixel 9 supports Spatial audio for select media and Advanced Audio Codec (AAC) for high-definition audio on compatible headphones. However, it does not feature Dolby Atmos surround sound support.

Camera

On paper, the Pixel 9 features the same primary and ultra-wide camera sensors as its Pro counterparts, with identical apertures and fields of view. However, Google may have applied different software optimisation techniques. The output from both the 50MP primary lens and 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera results in 12.5MP images. Photos from both cameras are impressive, with true-to-life colours, appropriate contrast, and sharp details. The primary camera slightly outperforms the ultra-wide in terms of detail. While the Pixel 9 maintains high image quality across various lighting conditions, low-light photography lacks vibrancy.

Portrait shots are somewhat underwhelming. The Pixel 9 occasionally struggles with accurate edge detection, especially in artificial lighting. Additionally, the phone only allows portrait shots at 1.5x or 2x zoom. For selfies, the Pixel 9 retains the 10.5MP front camera from the Pixel 8, now with Auto Focus functionality. It takes impressive pictures in well-lit conditions but struggles in low light, with images lacking detail.

The Pixel 9 supports Ultra HDR photography and offers the option to save images in RAW format alongside JPEG. This feature is crucial for photographers who wish to preserve details for more control while editing. Additionally, the Social Media Depth feature allows supported social media apps to access depth-related image data for improved image sharing quality.

For videography, the Pixel 9 supports FHD and 4K resolution recording at up to 60 frames per second. It also offers 10-bit HDR recording, though this is limited to 24fps and 30fps. Google provides three stabilisation modes: Standard, Locked, and Active. While Standard and Locked modes work at any resolution and frame rate, Active stabilisation is restricted to FHD recording at 30fps. Additional features include a Speech Enhancement tool, which improves voice clarity in noisy environments.

Performance and Battery

The Pixel 9 shows significant improvement in both performance and thermal management compared to its predecessor. Powered by the Tensor G4 chip, the Pixel 9 performs well in everyday use. The smartphone handles tasks smoothly, including AI processing workloads, and shows no signs of stuttering during regular use.

To test its capabilities further, I ran graphic-intensive games such as Battleground Mobile India (BGMI) and FC Mobile. BGMI can be played on Extreme graphic settings, with the Pixel 9 delivering the best experience on HDR graphics and an Ultra frame rate option. The phone maintained a consistent 45-50 fps without significant frame drops or overheating. FC Mobile also ran smoothly on Ultra graphics settings. However, when connected to an external gaming controller, the Pixel 9 warmed up quickly.

With a larger battery and better thermal management than its predecessor, the Pixel 9 offers much-needed improvement in battery life. Using it as a daily driver, I was able to get a full day of use by charging it to 85 per cent in the morning. When recharging with a 33W charger, I reached the 70 per cent mark in about 40 minutes from 5 per cent.

Software and AI

The Google Pixel 9 fully embraces its role as an AI phone. Many AI features are seamlessly integrated into daily usage. This is a major strength of the Pixel 9, with tools like the new Screenshots app and the "Add Me" camera feature enhancing the user experience effortlessly.

ALSO READ: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold goes on sale in India with introductory offers

Of the new AI tools, I frequently used the dedicated Screenshots app and the AI-generated weather summary in the revamped Pixel Weather app. Other features, such as the "Add Me" camera tool, "Reimagine" in Google Photos, and the Pixel Studio image generator app, were useful but used less often. Existing AI features have also seen notable improvements, such as the AI wallpaper generator, which now offers more styles and higher-quality results.

Here are some key new AI features on the Pixel 9:

Screenshots App: Automatically saves screenshots, organising them into a searchable grid. You can add notes for context, and the app uses AI to understand the images content, making search easier. It generates AI-based summaries and links back to the webpage where the screenshot was taken. However, you cannot launch an app directly from a screenshot.

Pixel Studio App: Allows you to create images from text prompts in various styles using the Gemini image generator. The feature uses cloud processing and typically delivers appropriate results after a few iterations.

Pixel Weather App: Offers a customisable, tile-based format for displaying weather data, alongside AI-generated summaries for the days expected conditions. These summaries are concise but dont always account for your prioritised metrics.

Add Me: This camera tool includes the photographer in group shots. After taking a regular group photo, it superimposes a second image with the photographer in the frame. While the results are often good enough for social media, it sometimes struggles with shadows and reflections.

360-degree Panorama: Allows you to capture 360-degree panorama shots with a helpful interface guiding your camera positioning.

Reimagine: Part of the Magic Editor in Google Photos, this tool uses generative AI to modify selected sections of an image or change the background based on text input. It works best with large, uniform sections but may occasionally miss the mark on matching descriptions.

Gemini Live: Available through the Gemini Assistant app, Gemini Live offers interactive, life-like conversations. This feature is available with the Gemini Advanced subscription included with the smartphone for a month. It allows you to interrupt conversations mid-way, with the assistant pausing to listen. However, its current functionality is limited, as it doesnt support basic tasks like setting timers or alarms that Gemini Assistant can do.

Ask About This Screen: The Gemini Assistant can answer questions about whats on your screen by processing it as an image. Unfortunately, this limits its use since it doesnt work with scrollable content on a full page.

In addition to these AI tools, the Pixel 9 comes with Android 14 out-of-the-box, and will be among the first to receive Android 15 when it rolls out in October.

Verdict

Priced at Rs 79,999 onwards, the Google Pixel 9 delivers significant improvements across the board. It features one of the most impressive displays on a smartphone, offers longer battery life, better performance, and a solid imaging system. Additionally, it boasts one of the most seamlessly integrated AI experiences in the industry. However, the device lacks certain features found in the Pro variant, such as the telephoto lens and higher-quality zoom capabilities.

The Pixel 9 is a strong contender in the flagship segment, especially for users who value the latest AI technology. While it may not match the Pixel 9 Pro in every aspect, it stands out as a well-rounded, high-performing device.
East Bay food hall Castro Valley Marketplace, pictured in 2022, is embroiled in a lawsuit over use of a shared outdoor patio. Don Feria/Special to The Chronicle

A battle over a Bay Area food halls outdoor patio  and a prominent pizzeria about to open there  has erupted into a contentious conflict, spanning a lawsuit on one side and a protest on the other.

Castro Valley Investment Group sued Castro Valley Marketplace and the County of Alameda in May over unauthorized and excessive uses of a shared outdoor paseo, including leasing space to restaurants allegedly without the landlords knowledge, according to legal records. The open-air walkway covered in string lights in Castro Valley is usually filled with picnic tables and diners, but for now is empty due to the ongoing lawsuit.

Then Castro Valley Investment Group owner Robert Chau, who owns an adjacent property, learned that a major, high-volume restaurant would be joining the food hall and planned to use the paseo for outdoor dining: Slice House by Tony Gemignani, a pizza franchise from the famed San Francisco chef of the same name.

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Slice Houses arrival, Castro Valley Investment Group argued in an amended complaint filed last month, would cause irreparable injury and substantial harm if Marketplace is allowed to proceed with this business venture without CVIGs knowledge and consent.

Attorneys for Castro Valley Investment Group declined to comment by deadline.

Bay Area chef Tony Gemignani, pictured in 2015, is part of a legal battle over a pizzeria hes opening in Castro Valley. Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Slice House is set to open Saturday, Sept. 14. Meanwhile, Castro Valley Marketplace has launched a public campaign, including an online petition thats gathered more than 3,000 signatures. On Saturday, community members plan to occupy the paseo with lawn chairs and blankets in protest of the lawsuit, according to a press release from Castro Valley Marketplace. A judge recently ordered the Marketplace to stop outdoor dining and drinking in the paseo.

The Marketplace has denied Castro Valley Investment Groups allegations in court and says that all property owners have dining rights on the paseo. In a press release, Donna Layburn, president of East Bay Natural Grocers at the Castro Valley Marketplace, called the lawsuit frivolous and highly damaging.

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The food hall, which houses a grocery store, dumpling shop, sushi counter and other food vendors, entered into a development agreement with Castro Valley Investment Group in 2016 to create a shared parking lot and pedestrian areas, including the paseo, according to the lawsuit. In 2020, the marketplace started paying rent to Castro Valley Investment Group to use part of the paseo for outdoor dining for the now-closed Cannery Kitchen & Tap Restaurant, the lawsuit states, but that lease expired in 2022.

Since last year, the Marketplace has attempted to exercise complete control and dominion over the Paseo Easement and claims that it is entitled to use the Paseo Easement without limitation, the lawsuit says. The Marketplace has leased spaces to restaurants and is deriving pecuniary gain and profits from the use of the Paseo Easement without compensation to the landlord, it alleges. The lawsuit also alleges that Castro Valley Marketplace has failed to maintain the Paseo Easement in a safe, clean and sanitary condition, and allowed the space to fall into disrepair.

For now, Slice House and other Castro Valley Marketplace restaurants are offering seating indoors and along Castro Valley Boulevard.
California could soon become the first state to require new gas stoves and ranges to have health warning labels about the potential respiratory health risks of cooking with the appliances. NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

California could soon become the first state to require new gas stoves and ranges to have health warning labels alerting consumers to the potential respiratory health risks of cooking with the appliance.

State lawmakers have passed AB2513, authored by Assembly Member Gail Pellerin, D-Santa Cruz, which would require gas stoves and ranges sold in California stores to come with an adhesive warning label starting Jan. 1, 2026. Online sellers would have to post a warning prominently on their website starting Jan. 1, 2025.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has until the end of September to sign this bill, and others, into law.

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The bill is the latest effort by state and local policymakers to more strictly regulate gas appliances, which health advocates and researchers say emit pollutants that can harm human health and the environment. Lawmakers in New York and Illinois have proposed similar measures on gas stove warning labels, but they have not passed.

The California bill would build on Proposition 65, passed by voters in the 1980s, which already requires warning labels for products that contain chemicals that may cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm.

Studies have linked indoor gas stove usage to higher rates of childhood asthma, and nitrogen dioxide  one of the primary pollutants from gas stoves  is a known respiratory irritant. One 2023 Stanford University study found that gas stoves can emit the carcinogen benzene at levels higher than that of secondhand tobacco smoke.

Under Pellerins measure, the warning label would read: Gas stoves can release nitrogen dioxide, benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and other harmful pollutants into the air, which can be toxic to people and pets, according to the bill text. Stove emissions, especially from gas stoves, are associated with increased respiratory disease.

The warning would go on to state that young children, people with asthma and people with heart or lung disease are especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of combustion pollutants. Ventilation helps reduce the risk of breathing harmful gases, and people should turn on a vent hood when using gas stoves and ranges, the proposed warning says.

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The measure was opposed by the Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers, which said such a warning on gas stoves would spread misinformation and alarm. Policymakers and manufacturers should focus the conversation on educating consumers about the importance of ventilation while cooking, the groups CEO wrote in an July op-ed.

About 70% of California households use a natural gas cooking appliance, according to a 2023 estimate from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

California has taken other measures to get rid of natural gas appliances in an effort to fight pollution that endangers health. The state plans to ban the sale of gas heaters by 2030.

Berkeley passed a ban on natural gas hookups in new buildings in recent years  the first of numerous California cities to do so  but a district court has ruled that the ordinance, which was challenged by a restaurant group, conflicts with federal regulation, and the city is repealing it.
Gabrielius Landsbergis and Kurt Campbell discussed threats posed by China's "malicious cyber and hybrid activities" to transatlantic security (Reuters)

The United States and Lithuania have expressed concern regarding China's "continued provocative, destabilising and intimidating activities" in the South China Sea. The two nations welcomed Lithuania's efforts to strengthen a robust economic partnership with Taiwan and support Taiwan's meaningful participation in the international fora. The joint statement was released following the meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis in Vilinus on September 12. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The joint statement released by Campbell and Landsbergis reads, "Deputy Secretary Campbell and Foreign Minister Landsbergis reiterated their continued cooperation to counter the PRC's use of economic coercion, with Deputy Secretary Campbell commending Lithuania's resolve in resisting the unjustified PRC political and economic pressure."

"Both parties welcomed Lithuania's efforts to strengthen its robust economic partnership with Taiwan and support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international fora. The two sides also expressed concern regarding the PRC's continued provocative, destabilizing, and intimidating activities in the South China Sea," the statement added.

The leaders of two nations underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and expressed opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.

According to the joint statement, the two nations looked forward to continuing the effective and constructive US-Lithuania Strategic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific.

In the joint statement, the leaders of two nations expressed "unwavering support" for Ukraine against Russia amid the ongoing conflict and spoke about the role that China, North Korea and Iran play in enabling Moscow's aggression in Kyiv by its multi-faceted support for Russia's defence industrial base.

Gabrielius Landsbergis and Kurt Campbell discussed threats posed by China's "malicious cyber and hybrid activities" to transatlantic security.

The joint statement reads, "The deepening strategic partnership between Russia and the PRC and their attempts to undercut and reshape the rules-based international order remains a profound concern. They condemned Russia's hostile hybrid attacks against Allies and agreed to work closely to address them."

Earlier on September 1, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned China's aggressive actions.

In a post on X, Miller stated, "The United States stands with our Philippine allies and condemns the dangerous and escalatory actions by the PRC against lawful Philippine maritime operations near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea."

The US response followed accusations from both China and the Philippines of ships ramming each other. On August 29, 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that a Chinese vessel had "deliberately rammed" one of its ships three times near Sabina Shoal, a feature in the Spratly Islands.

The ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea have intensified recently, with both nations accusing each other of provocative actions.

The conflict centres around conflicting territorial claims, with 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).

In July 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines, invalidating China's extensive claims. However, China dismissed the decision and persisted in its activities in the disputed waters.
In a significant move to bolster the Ayushman Digital Bharat Mission (ABDM), Catalyst Management Services (CMS) and Piramal Foundation have released a comprehensive video knowledge asset in the form of a Conversations Cafe Vlog on the Ayushman Digital Bharat Mission to enhance awareness and promote stakeholder engagement. Digital Bharat Collaborative (DBC), a part of the Piramal Foundation, has been working across multiple states with the private and public health systems to accelerate the creation of a national digital health ecosystem in India. The initiative aims to address the critical challenges of accessibility, affordability, and safe healthcare delivery by leveraging digital solutions.



The Ayushman Digital Bharat Mission is a transformative initiative that envisions creating an integrated digital health ecosystem to empower citizens with access to their electronic health records (EHRs). This initiative shifts away from the traditional practice of maintaining physical health documents and allows patients to have secure, electronic access to their medical histories, thereby enhancing patient-centric care and service delivery.



DBCs work is aligned with the ABDMs vision and framework, which revolves around critical components such as registries, a unified health interface, and a national health claims exchange.



During the event, Priyamvada Tiwari, Associate Director, Platform & Policy, Catalyst Management Services commented, The learnings from the initiative led by the Piramal Foundation will serve as a critical resource for understanding the nuances of digital health implementation, exploring use cases, and navigating the multi-stakeholder ecosystem that ABDM represents. The knowledge asset aims to guide policymakers, healthcare providers, and development partners in effectively contributing to the ABDM framework.



Piramal Foundation's efforts in ABDM are focused primarily in Bihar as a digital partner to the state Health Department. Additionally, various interventions of ABDM are underway in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Chhattisgarh as well. In Bihar, state and district teams, along with Gandhi Fellows, work closely with health staff to help achieve outcomes such as below:



100% Government facilities and private facilities empaneled under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) are now registered under the portal of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). 4695 Government facilities started Queue Management for OPD using QR based Scan System out of total 10253 facilities. Bihar has pioneered implementation of Scan & Share with about 40 lakh+ tokens generated for OPD registrations between March and August 2024, saving thousands of hours of patients. Bihar has become the first state in the country to generate over 1 Lakh OPD registrations in a single day through Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA). Piramal Foundation is acting as the development partner in 3 states for 13 microsites in 12 districts to demonstrate private sector adoption of ABDM. The effort aims to bring about 7500 private facilities & 10,000 health professionals under ABDM ecosystem thereby helping generate about a million Electronic Health records (EHR) across these locations. Bihar is the first state that has started using ABDM-compliant Health Management Information System (HMIS) till Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) which will help in sharing the patient's health records / prescription from one facility to another. Digital district saturation projects are being implemented in 4 districts of 3 states with ABDM concepts as backbone, to showcase relevance of digital tools in enabling health outcomes.
Daymond Gascon/The Chronicle

In 1991, San Francisco voters approved the creation of a dedicated fund for children, mandating that the city set aside 4% of local property taxes each year for the cause. Voters overwhelmingly supported a renewal of the fund in 2000 and 2014.

Each year, the pool of money in the Children and Youth Fund grows. It draws upward of $200 million annually. That money is spread across many departments, funding everything from youth swim lessons offered by the Recreation and Park Department to programming for teenagers at the San Francisco Public Library.

And thats just part of the money dedicated to children and families. In 2004 and again in 2014, voters enacted the Public Education and Enrichment Fund, which goes to early childhood education programs and the San Francisco Unified School District. This year the fund totaled $94.3 million.

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In 2022, voters authorized the Student Success Fund, which allocates tens of millions for tutoring, social workers and mental health support for kids affected by pandemic-related school closures.

Thats a lot of voter-approved money to serve children and families. But there is a lack of accountability over outcomes and how the money is spent.

The city has a master plan in place to decide what its priorities are. What it doesnt have is an entity dedicated to looking at where the money is being spent and if goals are being met.

Proposition J would create such a mechanism.

If passed, the city Controllers Office would review the spending by these funds. The controller would then create a report for the Board of Supervisors Budget and Finance Committee, which would determine if goals are being met. If money is being used inefficiently or inappropriately, the city department in question would be given time to rectify the issue. If the problem isnt resolved, the money could then be clawed back.

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About Opinion The editorial positions of The Chronicle, including election recommendations, represent the consensus of the editorial board, consisting of the publisher, the editorial page editor and staff members of the opinion pages. Its judgments are made independent of the news operation, which covers the news without consideration of our editorial positions.

Prop J also offers clarity on the spending of the Student Success Fund by stating that the money voters approved for this program should not be pulled from the existing childrens baseline in the citys general fund. During a budget deficit when everyone is competing for a piece of the pie, this protects important funding for children and youth who need it most.
Kamala Harris is widely viewed as the winner of the presidential debate with Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center on Tuesday in Philadelphia. Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Regarding Who won the debate? Why it wasnt Harris, despite what the media says (Letters to the Editor, SFChronicle.com, Sept. 12): Im disappointed the Chronicle published a letter from someone from New Jersey who thinks Kamala Harris shouldnt react to nonsense spewed by a former president who helped try to stage a coup.

To have watched Tuesdays presidential debate and concluded that Harris needs to learn to control her emotions and her facial expressions when Donald Trump was just as animated and agitated is misogynistic.

Who didnt make a face when Trump mentioned transgender operations on illegal aliens and immigrants eating cats and dogs (which was racist)?

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Men should smile more and fact-check before coming after qualified women forced to compete with chauvinistic, bigoted men.

Lizzie Siegle, San Francisco

Nice job by moderators

Regarding Who won the debate? Why it wasnt Harris, despite what the media says (Letters to the Editor, SFChronicle.com, Sept. 12): I take issue with complaints that the media is unfair to Donald Trump.

If we scroll back to 2016, the media was so fascinated with Trump that he got billions worth of free public relations from the media. Who knows if that is what gave him the election?

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I think the moderators did a good job in Tuesdays presidential debate, especially calling out Trump on the crazy stuff he was spouting.

Yes, the moderators probably could have held Kamala Harris feet to the fire a few times, but it was basically a balanced approach.

Leonard Dorin, Lafayette

Down goes Trump

Regarding Donald Trump lashes out often in ferocious presidential debate (Politics, SFChronicle.com, Sept. 10): Tuesdays presidential debate reminded me of a popular song from the late-60s  Harper Valley PTA, about a single mother and the hypocrisy of other parents attacking her way of bringing up her child.

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Similarly, Kamala Harris revealed the hypocrisy of the former president and his lackeys during the debate. The most memorable line in the song, The day my mama socked it to/ The Harpers Valley PTA, is also a fitting way to describe the debate.

For many Democrats, Sept.10, 2024, will be remembered as the day Harris socked it to Donald Trump.

Myokyaw Myint, San Jose

GOP is a failure

Regarding Donald Trump lashes out often in ferocious presidential debate (Politics, SFChronicle.com, Sept. 10): Tuesdays presidential debate is a clear indication that the Republican Party is lost.

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Its presidential candidate shows a worsening disregard for the needs of Americans. What is most appalling, is the demented talk of this candidate, on immigrants in Ohio eating the pets.

This talk went on and on, despite a moderator fact-checking that it was false. I find this another example of a real downturn for our democracy. We need two vital political parties that care about governing.

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

The only reason this GOP candidate has a following is because he promises a deep tax cut for wealthier citizens. This should not be the reason to have a president who otherwise is failing as a candidate. The GOP is failing our country the longer he continues to lead it.

More importantly, half of registered voters are independent, which indicates a need for a new party. We deserve better representation.

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Sean McCarthaigh

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has reported a statistically significant increase in the number of incidents involving difficult and unruly passengers on flights operated by Irish air carriers last year.

The IAAs latest annual safety performance review reveals there was a 43 per cent increase in reported incidents during 2023 where the behaviour of passengers on board aircraft posed a safety risk.

A total of 426 incidents relating to difficult and unruly passengers were reported to the IAA last year  up from 298 in 2022.

The IAA said it was the second most common event type reported during 2023 after bird strikes.

The aviation watchdog said it was currently working with Irish stakeholders including airlines, airports, An Garda Siochana and security services to facilitate a collaborative approach to address this problem.

The IAA noted that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency had warned early last year that difficult and unruly passengers represented an emerging risk during the summer of 2023.

It appears to have continued to be an issue throughout 2023, the IAA observed.

It claimed the issue of difficult and unruly passengers came to the fore in 2022 after being only the 7th most common reported event in pre-Covid years.

The figures are published after Ryanair chief executive, Michael OLeary, recently called for airplane passengers to be restricted to two drinks at airports.

Mr OLeary claimed the introduction of alcohol limits at airports would help to tackle the growing problem of unruly passengers on flights.

He expressed concern that violent outbursts were now weekly occurrences with cabin crew and other travellers being targeted by drunken passengers.

The Ryanair boss said earlier this week that he would be prepared to introduce a two-drink limit on his aircraft if the same rule was applied at airport bars.

The latest IAA figures show a total of 1,544 bird strikes on Irish aircraft were recorded last year  up over 200 incidents or 15 per cent on 2022 levels.

The third most common type of event reported were windshear or microburst incidents which arise from sudden changes in wind speeds.

In 2023, the number of such incidents was down 5 per cent to 228.

A total of 186 incidents where injuries were suffered on board aircraft last year were also recorded.

The level of incidents of aircraft being interfered with by lasers was unchanged at 186.

The IAA review also revealed that there were 64 incidents on flights operated by Irish air carriers being struck by lightning during 2023  up from 35 the previous year.

The latest figures show there were three non-fatal accidents involving Irish aircraft last year as well as eight serious incidents.

Two of the three accidents were categorised as abnormal runway contact, while the other was classified as loss of control on the ground.

The serious incidents included one near mid-air collision which occurred outside Ireland, a loss of control inflight and a runway excursion.

Overall, the number of safety occurrences reported on Irish aircraft last year rose by almost 15 per cent to 9,451 in tandem with a similar increase in overall aviation traffic levels.

None of the incidents were categorised as high risk, while all reports relating to unruly passengers were deemed low risk.

The IAA welcomed an increase in the occurrence reporting rate as a sign that aircraft operators were continuing to deliver a maturing reporting culture.

However, it also stressed that the chances of a passenger being on a flight of an Irish air carrier that experienced a safety occurrence remained very low as there were over 727,500 such flights during 2023.

This means that over 98 per cent of these flights passed off without any safety occurrence that required reporting to the IAA and over 99.99 per cent of these flights passed off without being involved in an accident or serious incident, the IAA stated.

It also highlighted that the vast majority of occurrence reports last year were classified as low risk following a safety analysis.

The IAA welcomed the absence of any fatalities with operations by Irish commercial aircraft last year.

It claimed an analysis of safety occurrences reported over the last six years had shown the main issues had remained the same over the period.

While international aviation authorities had identified various categories of incidents as the main contributors to accidents with high fatalities including loss of control inflight, mid-air collisions and runway incursions, the IAA said there had been no such accidents involving Irish aircraft in such categories over the past five years.

However, it said other categories outside key risk areas that warranted attention included the management of difficult and unruly passengers, adherence to aircraft loading procedures and the danger posed by lithium batteries in cargo or cabin baggage.

The unique fire hazard characteristics of lithium-ion batteries and their proliferation in commonly used electronic devices pose a significant safety risk that must be effectively mitigated and managed, the IAA said.
Kenneth Fox

A young man from Mayo will be representing Ireland in the first-ever Swiss Mullet Cup.

Trevor Hyland will compete against mullets from all over the world for the chance to win a year of free Mullet Tea, a hard iced tea company based in Switzerland.

He could also get a ticket to Europes largest festival dedicated to the infamous haircut: Festival de la Coupe Mulet.

The winner will be announced on September 27th. Following the worldwide competition, an extensive selection process will determine which mullets deserve to be featured in the Mullet Parade on October 6th in Martigny, Switzerland.

Despite being up against creative and colourful mullets from across the globe, Hyland has an edge as he bears a striking resemblance to the mascot that is plastered upon every can of Mullet Tea.

Voting is open until September 26th, so if you want to show support for Mayos Trevor Hyland you can vote on the website here.
Then-President Donald Trump and then-Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom view damage from wildfires in Paradise (Butte County) on Nov. 17, 2018. SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump is threatening to cut off wildfire aid to California if the state doesnt reduce water restrictions for farms and wealthy Southern California residents.

During a Friday news conference, Trump talked about farmers and wealthy residents in enclaves like Beverly Hills who have to reduce their water use because of California environmental regulations intended to protect Delta smelt, an endangered species of fish.

Trump, who is running for president, said if he is elected he will force Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign an agreement to end those restrictions.

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The reason you have no water is because Gavin Newscum didnt want to do it, Trump told reporters in Rancho Palos Verdes, a wealthy suburb of Los Angeles. Gavin Newscum is going to sign those papers and if he doesnt sign those papers we wont give him money to put out all his fires.

Newsom posted a clip of Trumps comments on social media, saying every voter should be made aware of the former presidents threats.

@realDonaldTrump just admitted he will block emergency disaster funds to settle political vendettas, Newsom wrote on Twitter. Today its Californias wildfires. Tomorrow it could be hurricane funding for North Carolina or flooding assistance for homeowners in Pennsylvania. Donald Trump doesnt care about America  he only cares about himself.

California is currently battling several major fires, including the Airport Fire in Southern California.

At the same news conference, Trump also suggested that if California allowed more water flow then the land would be damp, and that it would reduce fires in the state.

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You have all that water that could be used to what they call water flow, where the land would be damp, and you would stop many of these horrible fires, he said.

Its not the first time Trump has made the bizarre claim that wetting California forest floors would reduce fires. Its also not the first time Trump has threatened to withhold aid for fires over Californias policies. While he was president, he threatened to cut funding if California didnt do more to clear its forest floors. But despite the threats, he continued to approve federal payments as California battled hundreds of lightning-sparked fires in 2020.

Theres not a phone call that I have made to the president where he hasnt quickly responded, Newsom told reporters that summer after Trump threatened to cut funding. He may make statements publicly, but the working relationship privately is an effective one.

Trumps threats in 2020 also came as he was in the thick of a presidential campaign. Newsom at the time was in the somewhat awkward position of publicly blasting Trump in his role as a surrogate for Joe Biden, who was Trumps opponent at the time, while also requesting federal aid as California battled both fires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Trump and Newsom have described their personal interactions from that time as professional, even as they publicly criticized each other.

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Vietnam halts production amid oversupply crisis and looks to 2026 recovery

13 September 2024

Vietnam's cement industry is currently facing severe challenges, with the Ministry of Construction reporting sharp declines in production and sales throughout 2023 and into the first eight months of 2024. In 2023 cement production fell to 76.93Mt against a capacity of 143.46Mta in 2022, resulting in the shutdown of 42 out of 92 production lines for up to six months, with some ceasing operations altogether. The situation is expected to worsen in 2024, with production forecast to drop further to 68.19Mt, leaving capacity utilisation at a mere 47.5 per cent.

Previously Vietnam had been viewed as following in Chinas footsteps in terms of cement consumption growth, with many expecting it to achieve a high share of cement consumption relative to GDP, second only to China among large economies. While this trend initially held as Vietnam's urbanisation and infrastructure boom drove robust demand, the trajectory shifted earlier than anticipated. Domestic cement consumption peaked in 2010 at 50.2Mt, around the time of the first real estate crisis, and after a brief recovery, volumes peaked again at 63.95Mt in 2018. Since then, the market has entered a more prolonged downturn, with the consumption-to-GDP ratio on a steady decline. This downward trend came to a head in late 2022 following the arrest of a prominent property developer, which froze the real estate market and caused domestic cement demand to plummet 16.4 per cent to 56.62Mt in 2023.

Vietnams early success in the cement sector was bolstered by robust clinker exports, particularly to China, which absorbed much of the domestic oversupply. However, this export-driven growth has been significantly undermined as exports to China dwindled. According to the latest data, Vietnam's clinker exports to China were heavily impacted in 2022, dropping from 21.91Mt in 2021 to just 3.2Mt as China scaled back its imports, effectively eliminating 22Mt of demand. This dramatic reduction has left Vietnam grappling with oversupply issues, forcing many producers to curtail or stop production altogether. The drop in exports has returned Vietnam's clinker export volumes to levels not seen since 2015, highlighting the vulnerability of relying too heavily on a single export market.

Outlook

Looking forward, Vietnams cement industry faces a challenging path to recovery. The Ministry of Construction has recommended boosting public investment and accelerating infrastructure projects, along with addressing the real estate market's ongoing issues. Additionally, it has suggested greater use of reinforced concrete viaducts in highway projects to help absorb the current cement inventory.

A minor turnaround in consumption is anticipated in 2025, with cement consumption expected to rise a modest 4.5 per cent to 57.18Mt, reflecting early signs of recovery as infrastructure investments begin to take effect. However, a significant uplift in the cement market may not occur until 2026, when cement consumption is expected to see growth of 10.2 per cent to 65.86Mt.

For sustainable progress, industry leaders are calling for government policies that encourage investment in advanced, energy-efficient building materials that align with Vietnams broader urbanisation and environmental goals. As Vietnam navigates these complex challenges, a balanced approach between domestic market stabilisation and strategic export diversification will be crucial to reviving its cement industry.

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Visual artists explore beauty of Guizhou in cultural event

14:02, September 13, 2024 By Deng Zhangyu ( China Daily

Photographers and designers gather around Joerdis Montgomery, a filmmaker from Berlin, Germany, as she operates a drone to capture aerial shots of a village in Libo county, Guizhou province, on Sept 12, 2024, during a five-day trip of 31 visual artists in Guizhou. KUANG LINHUA/CHINA DAILY

Visual artists from around the world have gathered in Guiyang, in Southwest China's Guizhou province, to explore its beauty.

The cultural event, titled Visual@China Guizhou 2024, kicked off on Wednesday, showcasing the province's unique charm through photography, illustration, design and film.

A total of 31 photographers, illustrators, designers and filmmakers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Peru, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan and China will be visiting three cities in Guizhou. They are exploring the beautiful landscapes, experiencing local culture and customs, visiting ancient villages inhabited by ethnic groups, and enjoying local cuisine during the five-day trip.

After visiting the 600-year-old Yunshantun village in Anshun, William Adlington, general manager of a media company in the UK, said he was impressed by the village's ancient houses and buildings, which are in the style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Adlington showed great interest in the wood carvings and craftsmanship used in the ancient houses.

"The thing I always want to do is to see more rural villages in China, and this village is a good example of the countryside, with amazing and beautiful buildings. A very original and authentic village," he said.

Adlington has visited China many times, but he mostly has gone to big cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Nestled in a mountainous region, Guizhou has constructed numerous impressive bridges to enhance its transportation network. The province is home to nearly half of the world's top 100 highest bridges, with several ranking among the top 10 globally.

One such marvel is the Baling River Bridge, which stands 370 meters above the river and is approximately 2,237 meters long. After an immersive walk through its internal structure, the visual artists found themselves awestruck by the engineering feat.

Unlike Adlington, most of the foreign artists are visiting China for the first time.

Richard Gavrich, a visual artist from the US who teaches photography in California, was very excited about his first visit to China. He took many photos during the trip and paid special attention to ordinary people he met in ancient villages.

"Everything in Guizhou is fresh for me. I did a little research on the internet about this province and was stunned by the photos of those giant bridges," said Gavrich, who was excited about taking photos of the structures.

James Gensheimer, another photographer from the US, expressed his astonishment at the development of cities in Guizhou province and said that the advanced bridges and technologies employed there were beyond his expectations.

"I knew little about China and nothing about Guizhou, but only by standing here, I feel that it's really different from what I learn from the media," said Gensheimer, who mainly focuses on portraits. He was also excited to use his lens to record people he met in Guizhou.

Chen Benrong, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Guizhou Provincial Committee, said at a welcoming dinner on Tuesday that Guizhou has achieved remarkable accomplishments in various fields in recent years, particularly in big data, ecological environment, tourism and bridge construction. He said he hoped that artists from across the globe can show the beauty of Guizhou through their lenses, designs and illustrations.

Liu Weiling, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, which co-organized the activity with the Publicity Department of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, said, "The event not only provides visual artists from China and abroad with an opportunity to deeply understand and experience Guizhou, but also establishes a platform for exchange and display between Guizhou and the world."

Lan Hongguang, chairman of the Photojournalist Society of China, said that the rapid development of Guizhou province and the significant changes that have taken place there are amazing. In the 1990s, he began documenting the region's stunning landscapes and the diverse ethnic groups living there.

"Visual arts, including photography and film, are among the best and most effective ways to showcase the beauty of this land to the world," he said.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, Sheryl Davis, has taken a leave of absence following a Chronicle investigation. Benjamin Fanjoy/The Chronicle

The top San Francisco official tapped by Mayor London Breed to oversee a multimillion-dollar social equity program took a leave of absence Thursday, city officials said hours after a Chronicle investigation raised questions about her departments spending.

The official, Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, administers the Dream Keeper Initiative that Breed launched in 2020 to invest tens of millions of dollars into community-based organizations that support the Black community.

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Reached by phone Thursday, Davis declined to comment on her leave, saying only, Ive been working there for a while.

The Chronicle reported that Davis is facing a whistleblower complaint for allegedly directing a nonprofit to make various payments on behalf of her department, including a $10,000 house rental on Marthas Vineyard during a conference.

The Chronicle also obtained a critical city audit of Davis department, which found a litany of problems with spending, including not properly monitoring nonprofits, overpaying people by tens of thousands of dollars, approving expenses without documentation and formally approving invoices months after they were paid.

Breeds spokesperson, Jeff Cretan, defended the program, which he said has brought positive change to San Francisco, but he acknowledged issues that we need to tighten up oversight over.

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We have done that through the budget process and we are continuing to do that as we move forward, he said.

According to the mayors office, an audit of the program is in the works and Breed has directed the Department of Human Resources to partner with the city attorney to investigate the recent questions around Dream Keeper spending.

Breed is expected to name an interim director to take over for Davis, who was appointed by former Mayor Ed Lee in 2016. A city official said Davis was on paid leave.

Following the Chronicles investigation, several mayoral candidates on Thursday called on Breed to take action and criticized her leadership. Some criticized Dream Keeper though others defended the program.

The strongest rebuke came from Mark Farrell, former supervisor and interim mayor, who urged Breed to fire Davis immediately and took aim at Dream Keeper.

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Its all too telling that one of Mayor Breeds signature initiatives is rife with scandal, systemic misspending, and clear mismanagement, Farrell said in a statement. San Francisco taxpayers should not be left holding the bill for Mayor Breeds failures. Our City needs leadership that will confront corruption head-on and ensure every taxpayer dollar spent delivers results for San Franciscans.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, also running for mayor, said the revelations raised pointed to the need for an Inspector General to root out corruption within City Hall, an office Peskin has proposed during his campaign for mayor.

The allegations are deeply disturbing and need to be investigated thoroughly and immediately, Peskin said. And the mayor needs to hold people accountable.

Supervisor Ahsha Safai, another mayoral candidate, also blasted Breed. Safai said corruption appears to be imbued in (Breeds) administration from top to bottom, and the efforts to course correct now, including through Daviss leave of absence, are too little too late.

One of the mayors top responsibilities is administration of control over her departments, ensuring that the taxpayers' money is spent well and its accounted for, Safai said.

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Even as he faulted Breed for the issues with Dream Keeper, Safai stressed that the initiative has done a lot of good work for the citys Black community.

Its too bad that these accusations are coming out, because theres a lot of good people that have been helped, he said.

Supervisor Shamann Walton, who started Dream Keeper with Breed and is the only Black member of the Board of Supervisors, stood by Davis.

I have never met a public servant as dedicated to community as Dr. Director Sheryl Davis, Walton said in a text message.

Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, issued a statement Thursday afternoon calling for an independent investigation into what he called blatant corruption at Dream Keeper.

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Lurie blamed Breed for the programs problems. He said the mayor had handed a blank check to her closest allies with zero oversight.

This is a sad day for San Francisco, Lurie said.

Additional questions surfaced about Davis' leadership in a San Francisco Standard story, published Thursday after Davis announced she had stepped aside. The article detailed Davis' close ties to Collective Impact CEO James Spingola, whose organization has received more than $1 million in Dream Keeper funding.

The Standard reported that the two registered to vote at the same home address in spring 2021, and co-own a 2008 Mini Cooper.
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St. Jude School commemorated Patriot's Day on Wednesday by hosting the Freedom Flag and a piece of the World Trade Center 1.The event was organized by third-grade teacher Katlyn Darling in collaboration with the Freedom Flag Foundation.The day's activities included presentations by TN State Senator Bo Watson, as well as participation from the UTC ROTC, Chattanooga Police Department, Chattanooga Fire Department and Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.The public was also invited to an evening presentation.St. Jude School will be displaying the Trade Center relic throughout the year, providing students and guests with the opportunity to touch and learn from it, with the hope that the sacrifices and lessons of 9/11 will always be remembered.For additional information, contact, Kathleen Preston, prestonk@mysjs.com.
A Chickamauga Battlefield Connector Trail is taking shape.

The Walker County, Ga., Commission on Thursday night agreed to hire the Trust for Public Land to oversee the project along Osburn Road to Wilder Road at the park.

Noel Durant, TPL Tennessee state director, said the group reached out to Walker County officials after completing the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway.

He said one aim of the new 10-foot-wide trail is to bring more park visitors to the town of Chickamauga. Currently, he said few of the park's 1.3 million annual visitors stop off at Chickamauga.

Mr. Durant said no private property is being taken for the project, but it will be built on the county's 50-foot right of way. He said the only possible exception is that TPL:would need a small portion of private land if it is to save a large willow oak.

The connector is a 2.5-mile trail from the Chickamauga, Ga., city limits to the Battlefield.

It is part of a 55-mile multi-use path loop called the Chickamauga to Chattanooga Trail.

It will connect Northwest Georgia to the Chattanooga greenway network, officials said.

A nearly one mile section of the Battlefield Connector remains undeveloped, it was stated.

Cost of the work was put at $868,282.
Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association (CRMA) and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce announced a new partnership that will strengthen the manufacturing industry in the Chattanooga region.

The Chamber will provide staffing, events and operational support to the manufacturers group, while the CRMA and its board of directors will continue to advocate for the interests and needs of its members.

"We are excited to collaborate with the Chamber, which has a long history of supporting the manufacturing community in Chattanooga, said Bill Minehan, chairman of the CRMA. This partnership will allow us to leverage the Chamber's resources and expertise to better serve our members and continue promoting our regions manufacturing sector,"



"The manufacturing industry is a vital part of our economy, providing jobs, innovation and growth, said Jay Dale, chairman of the Chamber. We are honored to work with the CRMA, which represents some of the most successful and diverse manufacturers in the area. This partnership will enable the Chamber and CRMA to enhance our collective impact on the regional economy."



The partnership will take effect on Sunday. The Chamber will provide operational support to the CRMA, which will retain its autonomy and governance as a separate entity.


Tennessee American Water is awarding over $22,000 to multiple firefighting agencies in the area through the Companys 2024 Firefighting Support Grant program. The grants provide supplemental funding to emergency responders for items such as critical equipment, training and community education.

As we remember 9-11 this week, we think of our first responders who stand ready to serve our residents during emergency situations, said Grant Evitts, president of Tennessee American Water. We are proud to support our local firefighters with additional gear and resources to save lives and protect our community.

The following area departments will receive up to $1,000:

Hamilton County

Chattanooga Airport Fire Department

Chattanooga Fire Department

City of East Ridge Fire Department

Elder Mountain Volunteer Fire & Rescue

Town of Lookout Mountain Fire Department

City of Red Bank Fire Department

Signal Mountain Fire Department

Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department

Waldens Ridge Emergency Services Inc.

Northwest Georgia

Dade County Fire Department

Lookout Mountain Georgia Police and Fire Department

Walker County Fire Rescue

Rossville Fire Department

Sequatchie Valley in TN

Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department

Foster Falls Volunteer Fire Department

Haletown Volunteer Fire Department

Jasper Highlands Volunteer Fire Department

Mullins Cove Volunteer Fire Department

Sequatchie Area Volunteer Fire Department

Southend Volunteer Fire Department

West Valley Volunteer Fire Department

Whitwell Volunteer Fire Department

Whitwell Mountain Fire Department

The Firefighting Support Grants provide financial assistance to uniformed, professional and volunteer fire departments serving communities in the companys designated service territories.
Season 19 of Sister Wives will continue where Season 18 left off. The main theme of the last three seasons has been the demise of Kody Browns plural marriages, and season 19 appears to be more of the same. Despite being three years into the unraveling of the plural family, Kody Brown has yet to figure out what divorce really means. In a recent clip, the Brown family patriarch accused his ex-wives of punishing him by moving on and doing things without him. He insists they know he has FOMO.

Kody Brown claims his ex-wives are punishing him

In the recent clip, Janelle Brown and Kody Browns daughter, Madison Brush, reveals she and her husband are thinking about buying property in Montana and that they, along with Janelle Brown, were going to check out some places. Janelle, willing to move, seems on board with the idea. In the clip, she notes she has nothing tying her to Flagstaff. Kody Brown, however, was not on board with the idea.

In a solo confessional, the father of 18 claims his family is punishing him by doing things without him because they know he suffers from FOMO (fear of missing out). Kodys sentiments indicate he doesnt understand that when your wives tell you the relationship is over, you are no longer involved in their decisions or activities.

It is unclear from the clip whether Janelle and her kids purchased property in Montana. Janelle bought land in North Carolina, where the Brush family is currently based. Mykelti Padron, the daughter of Kody and Christine Brown, currently resides in North Carolina, too.

Kody Brown has excluded his family for years

Almost no one feels bad that Kody Brown feels excluded. After all, it appears he is getting exactly what he wanted all along. Kody actively pushed his wives away and remained by Robyns side. His children and his former wives have all told him he isolated himself from the rest of the family. Kodys favoritism and exclusion of the other wives are why he found himself in a monogamous marriage.

Sister Wives key art featuring Meri, Janelle, Christine, Kody, and Robyn Brown | TLC

Sister Wives fans have spent years dissecting Kody Browns strange assertions and lack of empathy. Kodys odd feelings and issues with FOMO are getting plenty of side-eye from fans of the series, too. Following the clips release, Reddit users pointed out that Kody wants to be the main character, regardless of his failed marriages. Several fans were quick to point out that he should be happier now than ever because he is with the only wife he claims to have actually fallen in love with. Still, the father of 18 seems as miserable as ever. 

Season 19 of Sister Wives is set to premiere on Sept. 15 on TLC.
On July 1, 2025, Franz Lubbers will retire as CEO of Rochling Industrial and member of the Executive Board of the Rochling Group. For this reason, the globally active plastics processor, headquartered in Mannheim, is arranging Franz Lubbers' successor and rearranging the Group Executive Board. Franz Lubbers has been a loyal and respected employee of the company for more than 50 years; his father already worked for Rochling Industrial. He has been a member of the Group Executive Board since 2017.

Raphael Wolfram (right) will be appointed CEO of Rochling Industrial upon Franz Lubbers' retirement on July 1, 2025. He will remain Spokesman of the Executive Board of the Rochling Group. Martin Schuler will be appointed to the Executive Board of Rochling Automotive and the Rochling Group as early as November 1, 2024. He will succeed Raphael Wolfram as CEO of Rochling Automotive on February 1, 2025. Rochling SE & Co. KG

Raphael Wolfram, CEO of Rochling Automotive and Spokesman of the Executive Board of the Rochling Group, will take over Franz Lubbers position on July 1, 2025. He joined the company in 2019 as Automotive CFO. On January 1, 2022, he was appointed CEO of the division with the highest sales and to the Executive Board of the Rochling Group, of which he became Spokesman a few months later and which he will remain in the new set-up.

Franz Lubbers has continued the success story of Rochling Industrial in recent years, achieving new earnings and sales records for the division in 2021 and 2022 despite adverse and challenging economic and political conditions. We are immensely grateful to him for his extraordinary achievements and highly appreciate that he will continue to support us with his extensive expertise as he hands over his responsibilities before entering into his retirement, emphasizes Johannes Freiherr von Salmuth, Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of Rochling SE & Co. KG.

Under the leadership of Franz Lubbers, the Industrial division's sales grew from 737 million EUR in 2017 to more than 1.2 billion EUR in 2023. The number of employees rose from 3,511 to 4,515 in the same period. Rochling Industrial is the most profitable division within the Rochling Group and the backbone of our company. We in the supervisory boards are certain that Raphael Wolfram is the right person for this crucial role. We are delighted that he has agreed to assume this position and look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration as both the Spokesman of the Group Executive Board and in his new role for Rochling Industrial, says von Salmuth.

The focus at Rochling Industrial will be to maintain market leadership in Europe, the expansion of the composites business unit and hence tapping new potentials for value creation as well as the continued international expansion through organic growth and acquisitions, particularly in Asia and North America. Sustainability and the circular economy will be enhanced further as strategic topics.

Under Raphael Wolframs leadership, Rochling Automotive has navigated the most challenging and transformational period in the history of the automotive and supplier industry very well. Under him, we have set a clear and compelling strategy for the future of Rochling Automotive. This applies both to the restructuring and positioning of the business, as well as to the development of the product portfolio towards sustainable mobility, says von Salmuth.

Due to this personnel change, Rochling Automotive will have a new CEO in Martin Schuler as of February 1, 2025. He will be appointed to the Executive Board of Rochling Automotive and the Executive Board of the Rochling Group as early as November 1, 2024. The 56-year-old mechanical engineer spent almost 20 years as CEO of HBPO, a division of the French automotive supplier OPmobility (formerly Plastic Omnium). HBPO was established as a joint venture of the automotive suppliers Hella, Behr and Plastic Omnium, and has been a wholly

owned subsidiary of OPmobility since the end of 2022. Martin Schuler was also a member of the Executive Board of HBPOs parent company for more than five years.
Sunfire has been awarded a major contract for a 100 megawatt (MW) pressurized alkaline electrolyzer at RWEs hydrogen site in Lingen. The expanded collaboration underscores Sunfire's position as a key partner for the implementation of large-scale projects, making a significant contribution to the decarbonization of the industry. The order comes a few days after RWE's final investment decision (FID) for the energy company's largest hydrogen project to date.

Sunfire Electrolyzer Completes RWE's 300-Megawatt Plant For the order, Sunfire will supply RWE with a total of 10 modules of its reliable pressurized alkaline technology, each with a 10 MW capacity. The electrolyzer will thus contribute one-third of the total production capacity of RWE's 300 MW plant. In addition, Sunfire will be responsible for the installation and commissioning of the 100 MW electrolyzer, which is scheduled to go into operation by the end of 2027. The plant will then produce up to two tons of green hydrogen per hour, primarily for industrial customers in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Nils Aldag, Sunfire CEO: "With the realization of major projects such as the 100 MW order from RWE, Sunfire is underlining its leading position once again. Sunfire is one of the few companies in the world that can deliver electrolyzers at an industrial scale. With an order book totaling over 800 MW, we are a preferred partner for large-scale projects."

Dr. Sopna Sury, COO Hydrogen of RWE Generation: After Sunfire has already provided an electrolyzer for our pilot plant in Lingen, we are looking forward to continuing this collaboration as part of the GET H2 nucleus project. With Sunfire's electrolyzer, the GET H2 nucleus will reach its full production capacity in 2027. At the same time, we are expanding our technology portfolio with an alkaline electrolyzer in the three-digit megawatt range.

Strong Signal for Green Hydrogen in Industry The 100 MW electrolyzer from Sunfire is a key component of the GET H2 Nukleus project at RWE's hydrogen site in Lingen. The German electrolyzer specialist has been awarded the contract as part of the third construction phase, which will increase production capacity to 300 MW. Just a few weeks ago, the energy company and the electrolyzer specialist celebrated the commissioning of a 10 MW pressurized alkaline electrolyzer in Lingen. In addition, Sunfire's high-temperature SOEC electrolyzer has been producing hydrogen at the RWE Emsland gas-fired power plant site since 2023.
The Alameda County Democratic Party Central Committee planned to vote Saturday to officially oppose an effort to recall Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle The Alameda County Democratic Party Central Committee was to vote Saturday to officially oppose an effort to recall District Attorney Pamela Price. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price caught a break in their respective bids to avoid being recalled in November: The Alameda County Democratic Party Central Committee is opposing both recalls.

The vast majority of the candidates and ballot measures the party supported in the March primary won. In 2022, 85% of its endorsees prevailed.

While the vote wasnt too surprising given that the majority of the central committee members are progressives like Thao and Price, it comes as recall backers tout polling that they say shows public support for the recalls and dissatisfaction with both.

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Recall supporters blame Thao for rising crime in Oakland, and calls for her ouster started within a few months of her taking office, after she fired Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong following an outside investigation that found he mishandled two officer misconduct cases. While violent crime in Oakland is lower this year compared with 2023, businesses and residents have raised concerns about public safety and property crimes. Last year some businesses went on strike to demand more attention to crime. Other major businesses have launched safety measures to protect employees.

Similarly, supporters of Prices ouster blame the progressive district attorney for not being tough enough on crime. Her critics say she fails to hold criminals accountable to the full extent of the law and lacks concern for crime victims and their families. The recall effort began less than seven months into her term.

The county committees decision was finalized Thursday when the California Democratic Partys Rules Committee did not take a position on a request by some members of the Alameda Democratic committee to review a recent vote by the county party to oppose the recall, Alameda County Democratic party Central Committee Chair Igor Tregub told me and state party officials confirmed. The local party was scheduled to finalize its endorsements during an all-day meeting Saturday.

Thao praised the partys move, saying a recall would create unimaginable instability, including the possibility that the city could have four different mayors over a short period of time if she is removed in November.

Im proud to have the Democratic Party stand in strong opposition to the recall. What Oakland needs now is stability and continued progress in driving down crime and getting our streets clean, Thao said. Local party officials said that none of its members supported Thaos recall, 30 opposed it and six supported offering no endorsement.

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Democratic Party officials said 68% of local party members voted to suspend the partys bylaws and waive having a written ballot on the Price recall and automatically oppose it. Two party members asked the state party to review whether the waiver was permissible, and the state party did not take a position, enabling the vote to be the partys final word.

A spokesperson for the committee opposing Prices recall said, We believe the main reason the central committee wants people to vote no on the recall is because DA Prices long list of accomplishments during her short time in office, including charging over 8,000 cases, including 58 murders and 2,381 felonies.

The move throws potential lifelines to Thao and Price at a time when their reputations among voters are in freefall, according to several surveys, including an August poll commissioned by a new organization called SOS Oakland, which supports the recall. It was founded by the McConnell Group, whose leader, Greg McConnell, was the former CEO of the Jobs and Housing Coalition. The coalitions members were top executives of Oaklands major corporations.

The poll found that 73% of city residents believe that Oakland is on the wrong track.

The survey of likely voters found that more than half (66%) disapprove of the job Thao is doing as mayor. It also found that 56% of voters would vote to recall Thao. Nearly one-fifth, 19%, said they didnt know what they will do.

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Price isnt faring much better. Nearly half of voters (47%) polled disapprove of the job she is doing. The polling found that 37% would vote to recall her, while 22% said they didnt know how they will vote.

In addition to the poor polling numbers, organized labor, which was strongly behind Thaos mayoral campaign, has largely steered clear of supporting her in the recall, as have elected leaders.

Recall supporters such as Loren Taylor, a former Oakland City Council member who lost to Thao by 677 votes in ranked-choice voting in 2022, dismissed the influence of the committees vote, noting that it is composed largely of the same people who voted to endorse Price and Thao in 2022, many of whom dont live in Oakland but in other parts of Alameda County. In March, a wave of moderates was elected to the central committee, but they wont take their seats until January.

Those new central committee members might be more favorable to Taylor, who plans to run for mayor again if Thao is recalled. He said the committees vote overlooked the concerns of the 40,000 people who signed a petition to recall the mayor. That is more than the 39,909 people who voted for Thao in 2022.

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Seneca Scott, a spokesperson for Oakland United to Recall Sheng Thao, dismissed the Democratic Central Committee as a bunch of progressive loyalists. They dont care about what the people of Oakland want. They only care about whats good for their base-building.

Scott, who also supports Prices recall, said that while the local partys endorsement can swing up to 10 percentage points in low-profile elections, the recalls are not low-profile.

Taylor agreed. He said that while the local Democratic Partys opposition to the recall is something to take note of, he predicted the group has more influence in low-information contests where voters might be searching for advice on how to vote. Taylor said that is unlikely to be the case when it comes to Thao or Price, whom voters see as responsible for public safety and conditions on the ground in Oakland.

People are going to vote based on what they know over a certain endorsement. Even if its the Democratic Party, it isnt going to make people deny their experiences, Taylor said.

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Home News 4 human trafficking victims rescued from residential brothels in California

A local community helped the San Jose Police Department rescue four women from residential brothels in the California city, resulting in the arrest of three men in connection with the human trafficking operation.

Officers with the San Jose Police Department Human Trafficking Task Force executed three search warrants at three homes located on Palacio Royal Circle, Bonita Avenue, and Gifford Avenue. Before searching the homes, the police received multiple tips from members of the community, which resulted in a two-month investigation.

The SJPD's Human Trafficking Task Force revealed in a statement last Thursday that it arrested 34-year-old suspect Naisong Tong and 60-year-old Guihua Tao on Aug. 28 in San Francisco. Police booked the pair into Santa Clara County Main Jail for human trafficking. Police arrested the third suspect, 53-year-old Zhiqiang Liu, on Sept. 3 in San Jose, and he was also booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for human trafficking.

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"During the execution of the search warrants, four adult female human trafficking survivors were located and provided resources," the department stated. "This operation was made possible with the assistance of the SJPD Downtown Services Unit, VCET, METRO, Street Crimes Unit, 290 Team, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, and SJPD Patrol Officers."

The SJPD's Human Trafficking Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating human trafficking, and the department encouraged anyone with information about this kind of illegal activity to contact the task force. People who have information about the case regarding the three residential brothels in San Jose were asked to contact an officer named Detective Goldberg.

California is a frequent destination for traffickers looking to exploit vulnerable individuals due to its proximity to the border and large population.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which responds to trafficking cases and shares information about resources, the hotline received 3,152 "signals" in 2023 from California. Over 1,000 of the calls received by the hotline from California were from survivors of victims of human trafficking.

As the World Population Review reported in its 2024 breakdown of human trafficking by state, California consistently has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the country.

For 2024, however, Mississippi had the highest incidence rate of 6.31 per 100,000. But in 2020, the United States had 8,839 reported cases of human trafficking, with California accounting for 1,334 of the cases reported in 2020.

"This is followed by Texas with 987 cases, Florida with 738 cases, and New York with 414 cases," World Population Review reported. "These four states with the highest human trafficking rates have the highest populations in the U.S., which can explain why their numbers of cases are significantly higher than other states and have very high immigrant populations. This, combined with certain industries such as agriculture, creates prime environments for forced labor."

The online database noted that one of the common misconceptions about human trafficking is that it only occurs outside of the United States. Law enforcement agencies throughout the country have conducted operations to rescue human trafficking victims and hold traffickers accountable.

In May, the Arkansas State Police and members of the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council recovered seven female human trafficking survivors and another 25 local victims, including children as part of Operation HOPE (Help and Opportunity to Prevent Exploitation). The endeavor aims to connect human trafficking victims with resources.

"These concerted efforts will significantly contribute to making Arkansas a place where human trafficking is not tolerated," ASP Director Colonel Mike Hagar said in a statement at the time. "The dedicated law enforcement community in Arkansas is fully committed to approaching the grim reality of human trafficking with empathy, aiming to rescue victims from the shadows and provide them with the support and care they need to recover."
Home News Samuel Rodriguez outlines 5 ways Harris-Walz ticket could 'push Latinos to Trump'

The Democratic presidential ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is embracing "extreme" positions that will push more Hispanic and Latino voters to vote for Republican former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, prominent Hispanic Christian leader Samuel Rodriguez believes.

Rodriguez, a California pastor who leads the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, published an op-ed in Fox News titled "5 Ways Harris, Walz push Latinos to Trump and could hand him the White House."

"The Democratic Party's misunderstanding of the Latino voter remains evident," he wrote. "For years, we have tried to convey that their extreme, progressive, hard-left policies do not resonate with our community."

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"Despite this, they continue to push an agenda that drives Latinos further into the conservative camp," he continued.

Embracing late-term abortion

He criticized Democrats' position on abortion, saying it is the first factor causing Latinos to move away from Democrats.

"The party has made this election about abortion without addressing the issue in a way that resonates with Latinos. How many Latino women truly support late-term abortion? The reality is that the vast majority of Latino voters find the idea of late-term abortion morally unacceptable."

Rodriguez lamented that "the Democratic Party has now shifted dramatically to an 'abortion on demand policy, which includes late-term abortions up to the ninth month."

"This extreme position deeply unsettles many Latinos, particularly those of faith," he stated. "Many Latinos, who may support some form of reproductive rights, cannot accept the idea of unrestricted abortion until birth."

"Under President Barack Obama, the stance was that abortion should be 'legal, safe, and rare,'" he recalled. "The Democrats had the opportunity to return to the rhetoric of President Obama, who understood the complexity of the issue while still upholding reproductive rights. Instead, they embraced an extreme, Planned Parenthood-centered mantra that conflicts with the values of the Latino community."

Freezing food prices

Rodriguez maintained that Harris' plan to freeze "prices on food and essential items raises deep concerns among Latinos" as many Latinos in the U.S. fled countries where such policies were implemented, characterizing Harris' remarks as a reminder of the "failed socialist and communist regimes in Latin America."

Asserting that such policies "led to economic collapse and widespread suffering" and caused Latinos to flee countries such as Venezuela, Rodriguez said, "Hearing similar rhetoric from a candidate for the highest office in the land serves as a stark reminder of why we left our homelands and why we cannot allow America to follow that same destructive path."

Hostility to parental rights

Rodriguez, the pastor of New Season Church in Sacramento, said that the direction of some Democratic-led states regarding the rights of parents "raises serious concerns."

"Latinos value family above all else," Rodriguez stated, condemning the passage of laws in states like Washington, Oregon and Massachusetts "that could allow the state to take away a child from their parents if the parents do not agree with a new gender identity embraced by the child."

He described such laws as contradictions of "the values of our Constitution and our God-given rights as parents."

Border security

Rodriguez contends that "the Democrats' open-border policies" have "resulted in over 11 million illegal entries in the past three years" and could also cause Latinos to embrace Republicans in 2024.

He attributed "rising crime rates" and migrants "flooding our streets with fentanyl" to Democrats' immigration policies.

Choosing Tim Walz as running mate

He suggested that Harris' failure to choose a Latino running mate could hurt her with the demographic. In early August, Harris chose Walz, a white male, to be her running mate.

At the time of Walz's selection, Rodriguez teamed up with Minnesota megachurch Pastor Robert Ketterling to issue a joint statement to The Christian Post arguing that the Walz selection "will tank Kamala Harris' presidential candidacy."

"By choosing Tim Walz, Kamala Harris has effectively alienated independent and moderate voters  an electoral demographic crucial for winning battleground states like Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, and North Carolina," wrote Rodriguez and Ketterling.

"Walz has signed laws restricting free speech for pastors, made derogatory comments about conservatives, and embraced socialism  all of which make him an unappealing choice for those in the political center. His lack of likability, often coming across as angry and on the edge of violence, only exacerbates his inability to connect with a broader electorate."

In his Fox News op-ed, Rodriguez concluded by proclaiming that while Democrats "may seem affable and open to the Hispanic American experience within the confines of their party, their actions and policies tell a different story."

"With each election cycle, the Democratic Party is becoming increasingly anti-Latino," he stated.

In a 2022 interview with The Christian Post, Rodriguez predicted based on polls at the time that Latinos would move away from the party due to its "anti-Christian" and "anti-religious liberty" platform.

Recent polls measuring Latinos' voting intentions in the 2024 presidential election show Harris receiving a smaller share of the demographic's vote compared to the previous two elections, while Trump does not necessarily receive a higher share. A poll of 3,000 Latino voters conducted by UnidosUS and BSP Research between Aug. 6 and 23 shows that 59% of respondents plan to back Harris, while 31% intend to support Trump.

A survey from Univision Noticias/YouGov based on 1,100 responses collected between Aug. 10 and 16 finds that 53% of Latino voters support Harris while 38% prefer Trump. A poll of 202 Latino voters conducted by The New York Times and Siena College from Sept. 3-6 shows a closer race, with support for Harris measured at 52% and 40% planning to back Trump.

Rodriguez asserts, "President Trump will likely walk away with at least 40% of the Latino vote," saying he would "not be surprised if he garners 42% or even 44%, matching the record set by President George W. Bush in the 2004 election."

"Latinos are no longer a shoo-in for the Democratic Party because they do not understand us," he wrote.
Home News Anti-CRT candidates overwhelmingly win school board races across Texas

School board candidates opposed to critical race theory won nearly every election in the largest counties in Texas as concerns about the direction of public education continue to loom large in American politics.

The group 1776 Project PAC, which works to elect school board candidates who want to reform our public education system by promoting patriotism and pride in American history by abolishing critical race theory and The 1619 Project from the public school curriculum, announced on Twitter Saturday that every single one of our endorsed candidates just won their school board races in Texas.

The 1776 Project PAC endorsed 15 candidates in Texas, and all but one of them won their races outright, with one race headed to a runoff.

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Encyclopedia Brittanica defines critical race theory as an intellectual and social movement and loosely organized framework of legal analysis based on the premise that race is not a natural, biologically grounded feature of physically distinct subgroups of human beings but a socially constructed (culturally invented) category designed to oppress and exploit people of color.

We are the 1776 Project PAC and every single one of our endorsed candidates just won their school board races in Texas.



Do you want to rid your kids school of CRT and other left-wing agendas?



Run for school board and apply for our endorsement here: https://t.co/YKiXLINFJipic.twitter.com/BBsuldnLRI  1776 Project Pac (@1776ProjectPac) May 9, 2022

According to The Dallas Morning News, in the Southlake Carroll Independent School District, candidates supported by the 1776 Project PAC beat their challengers by more than 2-1 to win both of the seats on the ballot. The strong performance by conservative candidates extended to other school districts based in the populous counties including and/or surrounding Dallas.

In the Frisco Independent School District, two of the three seats went to candidates supported by the 1776 Project PAC, who beat their opponents by smaller margins. In Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District, a 1776 Project PAC-backed challenger defeated an incumbent school board member in one of two contested races.

Three candidates supported by the 1776 Project PAC defeated their challengers outright in school board races for the Mansfield Independent School District. A fourth race headed to a runoff election will feature a 1776 Project PAC-backed candidate facing off against another candidate at a later date. All three 1776 Project PAC candidates won contested school board races in the Keller Independent School District (see here, here and here).

In the Spring Branch Independent School District in the Houston area, three candidates supported by the 1776 Project PAC received twice as many votes as the closest competitors in their respective school board races. While the 1776 Project PAC endorsed 15 candidates in this years school board elections, additional conservative organizations threw their support behind candidates who also performed well in Saturdays elections.

True Texas Project, which exists to educate and motivate citizen engagement in all levels of government and believes in constitutional government, national sovereignty, fiscal responsibility, personal responsibility, and rule of law, also saw several of its recommended candidates perform well in school board races. Both of the group endorsed candidates in the Dripping Springs Independent School District in the Austin area won their school board races.

True Texas-backed candidates won one of two races in the Clear Creek Independent School District, in the Houston area, and all three races in the Allen Independent School District, two of three races in Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, and one of three seats in the Lewisville Independent School District. One of the organizations preferred candidates is heading to a runoff in the Richardson Independent School District race.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott weighed in on the election, citing the results as evidence that parents are more involved and active in school elections and school policies than ever before. Maintaining that no one cares more about children than their parents, he predicted that the power of parents will continue to expand in Texas.

Conservatives won school board elections across Texas.



Parents are more involved and active in school elections and school policies than ever before.



No one cares more about children than their parents.



The power of parents will continue to expand in Texas. https://t.co/yg2giHfPD6  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 8, 2022

The Texas school board elections come as parents and community members across the United States have confronted school boards about sexually explicit material available in school libraries and included as part of school curriculum and school districts embrace of critical race theory.

Concerns about the curriculum in public schools have led states to take action. In states including North Dakota and Idaho, lawmakers have banned their schools from teaching critical race theory. In contrast, Florida has passed a measure banning school officials from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity topics with students in kindergarten through third grade.

Launched last year, 1776 Project PAC has previously endorsed school board candidates in Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Most of the groups endorsed candidates emerged victorious in their respective elections in each state.
Home News Austin ISD promotes LGBT pride week events with intersex rainbow flag, 'pronoun buttons'

Why are grown adults encouraging kids to celebrate sexuality with them?

Thats the question one Texas pro-family group is asking after school officials in Austin, Texas, announced an LGBT pride week to be held later this month.

Scheduled for March 20-25, Austin ISD is planning to hand out pronoun buttons, rainbow flags, LGBT stickers and other trinkets to students and staff for the event, according to the districts website.

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The website page for the event  which is timed to coincide with National LGBT Health Awareness Week  features a massive, multicolored flag known as the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag, which advocates for trans and intersex inclusion.

The flag is also featured on one of the stickers for the event.

While the annual pride parade will occur in August, the weeklong celebration in March will include five LGBT-themed days, culminating with a Pride Yall! Connect and Celebrate event at the AISD Performing Arts Center on March 25.

There are approximately 75,000 students enrolled in the district's 13 high schools, 18 middle schools and 79 elementary schools.

The school district began hosting pride events in 2014. While the so-called pride curriculum is not mandatory, students as young as elementary school age are invited to participate.

On Feb. 23, Texas Family Project issued a Pride Alert notifying parents of the districts plans and asked three questions: Why are grown adults encouraging kids to celebrate sexuality with them? When did schools become more about gender ideology than learning ABCs and 123s? Why are taxpayers being forced to fund the indoctrination of our most impressionable and vulnerable Texans?

The groups statement added: Parents: It is up to us to protect our children from the Anti-Family Left, the evil forces that align with it, and the indoctrination school administrators are pushing on our kids.

Austin ISD chief of staff Toni Cordova and interim chief equity officer Stephanie did not respond to requests for comment from The Christian Post.

Last year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to Austin ISD officials notifying them that, in his view, such events can be categorized as human sexuality instruction and said parents must have a say in such events.

The Texas Legislature has made it clear that when it comes to sex education, parents  not school districts  are in charge, Paxton wrote.

With its progressive education policies, Austin has long stood in contrast to the states culturally conservative roots.

In 2019, the school board voted in favor of a new sex curriculum that teaches students about LGBT and gender identities, among other topics, a vote which one conservative group said sends a clear message that people of faith and traditional moral values are not welcome in Austin ISD.

On its website, AISD defines LGBT terms for its district staff and students and references various aspects of sexuality, including LGBT-affirming language such as "cisgender" and "queer," which, according to the page, was "originally used pejoratively against those with same-sex desires but, beginning in the late-1980s, queer scholars and activists began to reclaim the word."

The page also includes links to the CDC, GLAAD, and the Trevor Project, which features research briefs such as this one that correlates religious beliefs with higher rates of suicide among LGBT-identified people, a claim that has frequently been disputed.

Dr. Jennifer Bauwens, director of the Center for Family Studies for the Family Research Council, a nonprofit research and educational group which looks at social issues from a biblical worldview, told CP that researchers of the study cited by the Trevor Project neglected to cover a number of factors that are omitted from this particular study.

From 2011 on, weve seen a rise in mental health issues amongst this population  in this study, how is that accounted for? she said. If these things are already rising in this cohort, then how have you accounted for that rise in this study? We dont know.

Bauwens also said its difficult to measure a highly complex idea  such as correlating religion with suicide rate  with the kinds of questions seen in this study, which was released in April 2020.

If this is the primary focus of your study, to understand the effect that religion has on suicide, and you ask those ideas  in research we call them constructs  with one question, thats very problematic," she explained.

To make just a simple correlation between these two ideas that we dont even know if theyre really connected, thats fine if youre just doing a research study to initially understand whats going on, but to take that and use that to make policy or practice decisions is very irresponsible.
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.
Real estate listing images show the Magic Factory at 308-310 7th St., designer Ken Fulks San Francisco headquarters in SoMa listed for $7 million. Images courtesy Hanne Vastveit/Avenue 8 Real estate listing images show the Magic Factory at 308-310 7th St., designer Ken Fulk's San Francisco headquarters in SOMA listed for $7 million. Images courtesy Hanne Vastveit/Avenue 8 Real estate listing images show the Magic Factory at 308-310 7th St., designer Ken Fulk's San Francisco headquarters in SoMa listed for $7 million. Images courtesy Hanne Vastveit/Avenue 8 Real estate listing images show the Magic Factory at 308-310 7th St., designer Ken Fulk's San Francisco headquarters in SoMa listed for $7 million. Images courtesy Hanne Vastveit/Avenue 8 Real estate listing images show the Magic Factory at 308-310 7th St., designer Ken Fulk's San Francisco headquarters in SOMA listed for $7 million. Images courtesy Hanne Vastveit/Avenue 8 Real estate listing images show the Magic Factory at 308-310 7th St., designer Ken Fulk's San Francisco headquarters in SOMA listed for $7 million. Images courtesy Hanne Vastveit/Avenue 8 Real estate listing images show the Magic Factory at 308-310 7th St., designer Ken Fulk's San Francisco headquarters in SOMA listed for $7 million. Images courtesy Hanne Vastveit/Avenue 8 Real estate listing images show the Magic Factory at 308-310 7th St., designer Ken Fulk's San Francisco headquarters in SOMA listed for $7 million. Images courtesy Hanne Vastveit/Avenue 8

The San Francisco headquarters of celebrated designer Ken Fulk, known as the Magic Factory, is now on the market for a listing price of $7 million.

The live-work space, located at 308-310 Seventh St. in the heart of the citys SoMa neighborhood, is described as Fulks trophy property by listing agent Hanne Vastveit of Avenue 8.

The Magic Factory has garnered widespread acclaim through features in prestigious publications and has hosted an array of dignitaries and celebrities. Meticulously transformed from a historic furniture factory into its current grandeur, the space exemplifies Fulks unique stylistic vision  one that has left an indelible mark on some of San Franciscos most distinctive venues.

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Designer Ken Fulk is seen at Saint Josephs Arts Society in San Francisco. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

Fulks portfolio includes the design of The Battery, a five-level private social club in the Financial District, the renovated Mark Hopkins Hotel on Nob Hill, and Tosca Cafe in North Beach.

The Magic Factory features an event space and garage on the lower level, two floors of offices with a mezzanine, and a sky-loft penthouse. The penthouse offers a roof deck that provides sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline.

Real estate listing images show the Magic Factory at 308-310 7th St., designer Ken Fulk's San Francisco headquarters in SoMa listed for $7 million. Images courtesy Hanne Vastveit/Avenue 8

It really blurs the line between work and play, Fulk said the apartment to Architectural Digest. I never really wait for the weekend.

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The property is highlighted in Fulks book Magical World, which showcases some of the opulent homes he has designed for Bay Area tech moguls and society figures.

The penthouse boasts a chefs kitchen outfitted with state-of-the-art appliances, enhanced by multiple skylights and oversize windows. The adjoining dining area flows into the living room, while the bedroom suite includes a dedicated dressing area, a spa-like ensuite bathroom and a sitting area with a wood-burning fireplace.

Additional amenities include an adjoining lot capable of parking up to 11 vehicles and a freight elevator servicing all floors.

Real estate listing images show the Magic Factory at 308-310 7th St., designer Ken Fulks San Francisco headquarters in SoMa listed for $7 million. Images courtesy Hanne Vastveit/Avenue 8

Fulks distinctive style permeates every corner of the Magic Factory. The designer, known for his Edwardian suits and bow ties, has no formal interior design training but conceptualizes his projects as films, envisioning each detail from the opening credits to the concluding scene.

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He is the Ziegfeld of San Francisco, socialite Denise Hale once told the Chronicle, likening Fulk to the legendary Broadway producer Florenz Ziegfeld. Ziegfeld was the biggest, most legendary producer ever on Broadway, with his Follies, and I really feel that Ken is the same, with his extravagance and elegance.

Over the past two decades, Fulk has been the go-to designer for Bay Area billionaires. His high-profile projects include Sean Parkers woodland Hobbit themed wedding and a Lake Tahoe retreat for Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom.

Real estate listing images show the Magic Factory at 308-310 7th St., designer Ken Fulk's San Francisco headquarters in SoMa listed for $7 million. Images courtesy Hanne Vastveit/Avenue 8

Fulk also has worked with notable clients such as Pharrell Williams and Gigi Hadid, and designs the ultra-VIP Golden Gate Club section at the annual Outside Lands festival.

The Magic Factory is San Franciscos most distinctive boutique building, Vastveit said. Its a stunning architectural masterpiece, full of character and sophistication.
Home News Planned Parenthood received record gov't funding amid abortion increase, decline in health services

Planned Parenthood received record taxpayer funding amid an uptick in abortions and a decrease in healthcare services amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to its recently released 2020-2021 annual report.

The nation's largest abortion provider released the report earlier this month, showing the organization's affiliates conducted 383,460 abortions in the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2021. This figure constitutes an 8% increase from the 354,871 it performed in the previous year, as documented in its 2019-2020 annual report.

The most recent Planned Parenthood report reveals that its affiliates provided services to 2.16 million clients during its reporting period, a decrease from the 2.4 million it served in the same period the year before.

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Services and testing for sexually transmitted infections decreased from over 5.4 million the year before to over 4.4 million in its most recent report. Meanwhile, cancer screenings decreased to nearly 417,000 from almost 599,000 the year before. Contraceptive services decreased to almost 2.2 million, down from over 2.5 million the year earlier.

The number of adoption referrals provided by Planned Parenthood decreased from 2,667 to 1,940.

Planned Parenthood reported receiving over $633 million in "Government Health Services Reimbursements & Grants" for the year ending June 30, 2021, which equaled more than a third of its total revenue. The nonprofit received over $618 million in government reimbursements and grants the year before.

Planned Parenthood acknowledged that the "COVID-19 pandemic meant that many patients had to put off care to avoid exposing themselves and their loved ones to the deadly virus."

"Planned Parenthood health centers are proud to provide abortion," the report states. "That's never been more true than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Abortion is essential health care that cannot wait for the end of a pandemic or the whims of politicians."

In a Tuesday statement, Lila Rose, president and founder of the pro-life activist organization Live Action, said that Planned Parenthood has made a "mockery of our healthcare system." Rose noted the increase in the number of abortions performed by Planned Parenthood and the methods used to terminate pregnancies, including the "poison of the abortion pill regimen" and "the clamps and blades used in surgical abortions to kill and dismember preborn children."

"This barbaric butchery should be illegal, but instead, it is subsidized by the American public, with taxpayers contributing an all-time high of $633.4 million to the abortion giant, an over $15 million increase from the previous year," Rose said.

While the amount of taxpayer money Planned Parenthood received increased over the past year, government funding as a share of its overall revenue remained nearly steady, dropping slightly from 38% to 37%.

In a breakdown of the most recent annual report, Carole Novielli of Live Action News pro-life pointed out that within the past decade, the number of clients Planned Parenthood serves has declined by 30% from 2009-2010 and nearly 35% from 1996-1997.

From 2000 to 2020, Planned Parenthood conducted 6.4 million abortions while offering a little over 303,000 prenatal care services to pregnant women, according to Live Action.

"To put it in perspective, Planned Parenthood has committed about the same number of abortions every year that it offered in prenatal care services over two decades combined," Novielli wrote.

Michael New, a research associate at the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America, notes that Planned Parenthood released its report over half a year after it usually does.

"The release of this report comes unusually late in the calendar year," he wrote. "Planned Parenthood had released their last four annual reports in the months of January or February. This 2021 report provides further evidence that Planned Parenthood continues to prioritize abortion."

Ryan Bomberger, a pro-life advocate and co-founder of The Radiance Foundation, questioned the timing of the release of the report.

"This year, PPFA released their latest annual report in a Friday news dump hidden beneath obsessive coverage of the British Monarchy and the passing of Queen Elizabeth," he wrote in an op-ed for The Christian Post.

"In a pandemic where they provided 200,000 less breast cancer exams and Pap tests (combined) than the previous year, PPFA somehow managed to have plenty of time to kill more human beings than ever in their history," he added.

"Even though they served 260,000 fewer clients than the year prior, they managed to rake in the most taxpayer dollars ever. ... Drastically fewer clients + drastically fewer medical services + stolen taxpayer dollars + more abortions = pay dirt."

Rose called for the halting of government support of Planned Parenthood, a demand pro-life activists have made for years.

"Every day that Planned Parenthood receives taxpayer money is a day where every American is involuntarily complicit in the ableism, misogyny, and violence inherent to Planned Parenthood's business model," she added. "Planned Parenthood must be defunded immediately, and their violent business shut down."

The release of the latest Planned Parenthood annual report comes less than one month after advocacy and political organizations affiliated with the abortion provider announced that they would spend $50 million on the 2022 midterm elections in an effort to elect "champions for sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights, including abortion, up and down the ballot."

The $50 million commitment follows a previous pledge from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL Pro-Choice America and EMILY's List to spend $150 million on the midterm elections.

OpenSecrets, a nonprofit organization that keeps track of the money spent by political groups to influence American politics, reported last month that the Planned Parenthood Action Fund spent over $569,000 on lobbying efforts in the second quarter of 2022. The money spent by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in the second quarter of 2022, when the news of the overturning of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide first broke, marked a record for the most money raised by the pro-abortion group in the second quarter of a year.

OpenSecrets identified the legislation the Planned Parenthood Action Fund lobbied for, including the Women's Health Protection Act, which would codify the right to abortion established in Roe into federal law.

The U.S. House of Representatives most recently passed the bill in a 219-210 vote in July. The legislation remains stalled in the U.S. Senate, where it has previously failed to garner the votes necessary for passage.
Home News Sisters, 13 and 19, forced to marry Muslim captors, convert to Islam Father threatened by abductor's axe-wielding family

LAHORE, Pakistan  A high court in Pakistan has ordered police to recover two Christian sisters, ages 13 and 18, who were forcibly converted to Islam and married to their abductors, the familys attorney said.

After police refused to make efforts to recover Neha Javed and her older sister, Saneha Javed, following their July 23 kidnapping in Pattoki Tehsil, Kasur District, Lahore High Court Justice Muhammad Tariq Nadeem on Wednesday ordered the police chief of Kasur District, Punjab Province, to recover them and submit a report, attorney Sumera Shafique said.

The court ordered the two girls to be recovered from Muslims Muhammad Zain and Muhammad Ali, who are brothers, Shafique said.

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The family was sleeping in their two-room quarters on July 23 when Zain and Ali, accompanied by some unidentified accomplices, entered their home, locked the door of the parents room from the outside and abducted the girls, Shafique told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.

She said the impoverished Catholic family registered a First Information Report (FIR) with police and began searching for their daughters.

The police did not cooperate with them, and they were left with no other option but to search for their daughters on their own, she said.

On July 29, the family received images of Islamic conversion certificates and Nikahnamas (Islamic marriage certificates) of both girls from a relatives phone, the attorney said. The 13-year-old Neha was shown as 19 years old in the marriage certificate, while 18-year-old Sanehas age was declared as 21.

The perpetrators lived in the same neighborhood and ostensibly targeted the girls because of their poverty and vulnerability due to their Christian faith, Shafique said. The polices attitude is also regrettable, because they made no effort to find the girls. The court has now directed the Kasur District Police Officer to recover the girls, so we are hoping that the local police will now take some action against the accused.

As commonly happens in such cases, relatives of the suspects have demanded they withdraw the case and forget about the sisters  and attacked their father when he confronted them, said the sisters mother, Sumera Bibi.

The accuseds family is pressuring us to stop pursuing the matter and even attacked my husband with an axe when he confronted them, Bibi told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. How can we let them destroy the lives of our daughters? Neha is only 13, while her abductor-husband is more than double her age.

Her husband suffers from various illnesses, and the stress of the crimes against their daughters is further deteriorating his health, she said.

We kept pleading with police for recovering our daughters, but they did not act, she said. Whenever we received information from someone about my daughters whereabouts, my husband and eldest son would immediately go to those cities to look for them. We had to take loans to meet the travel expenses, and we are now under a huge debt.

Bibi said she held out hope that the court would deliver justice.

We havent seen our daughters since the time they were taken from our home, she said. We are extremely worried about them and want them back at all costs.

The couple has six other children.

Criminalizing underage marriages

In a bid to criminalize underage marriages, the Punjab provincial government on April 25 submitted the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2024 in the Punjab Provincial Assembly, which would raise the legal age for marriage for both males and females to 18 years. Previously the legal age for marriage for girls in Punjab was 16.

Under the proposed bill, anyone who marries a girl or boy younger than 18 or arranges such a marriage  including parents or guardians  would face two to three years in prison and a fine of between 100,000 Pakistani rupees ($360 USD) and 200,000 rupees ($720 USD).

At the time of marriage registration, the marriage solemnizer, secretary of the union council and marriage registrar, would check the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) of the girl or boy, passport, educational certificate or other documents proving both are at least 18 years old. Attested copies of these documents would be required to be attached with the application of marriage certificate.

Rights activists say that, though raising the legal marriage age to 18 years for both boys and girls will help in preventing child marriages, certain amendments are required to ensure that minority girls also get due coverage of the law. Such amendments would override all special laws and maxims related to determining a girls age of maturity, they say, including Sharia (Islamic law) that allows girls attaining puberty to be considered adults.

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year.

Originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News
Home News Teachers union slams Texas plan to incorporate Bible references into school curriculum Draft curriculum includes New Testament references, lessons on 'early history of Christianity'

Correction Appended

A Texas teachers union that opposes a plan to allow Christian references in elementary school curriculum is a staunch supporter of the homosexual and trans movement.

The State Board of Education (SBOE) is holding a week-long series of public hearings in Austin on proposed curriculum which provides instructional guidelines for K-5 teachers that include historical references to the Bible.

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Inspired by House Bill 1605, which established a revised process by which SBOE approves high-quality instructional materials, the draft curriculum has spurred controversy over the inclusion of references to the Christian Bible, the Gospel narrative of Jesus being born in a manger, and defining the word Messiah as a savior sent by God.

The documents were released earlier this year ahead of November, when the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will adopt new Texas Open Resource Materials for the 2025-26 school year.

As part of a third-grade teacher guide for K-5 Reading Language Arts (RLA) titled Ancient Rome, the draft curriculum includes lessons on the early history of Christianity, with selections from the New Testament books of the Christian Bible providing context on beliefs about Jesus of Nazareth.

In addition to explaining its use of both the terms BC/AD and BCE (before the Common Era) and CE (of the Common Era), the document notes that prior to third grade, students were taught about the civilizations of the Aztecs, Mayas and Incas, along with the life, tradition, and government of ancient Greece, including its mythology.

In a lesson titled Christianity and the Roman Empire, the stated reading objective is for students to explain how Jesus of Nazareths life impacted the Roman Empire.

Teachers are instructed to tell students that today they will be listening closely to find evidence that supports the idea that the life of Jesus of Nazareth impacted the Roman Empire, and that such evidence will be marked with an exclamation (!) symbol.

The guidebook features maps of the Roman Empire in the first century as well as of ancient Judea, the area known today as the modern state of Israel. A description of Judea reads in part: Jewish people practiced a religion known as Judaism, and they worshiped a single God. This religion was very different from the Roman practice of worshiping many different gods.

Citing what it calls the Hebrew Scriptures, the draft curriculum refers to a belief that those texts predicted that there would be a coming Messiah, or Savior sent by God.

During the time of the Roman Empire, many in the Jewish faith believed this Messiah would come to free the Jewish people from Roman rule, the document states.

Another image under the Christianity and the Roman Empire section depicts a cropped version of Leonardo da Vincis The Last Supper and states that 2,000 years ago, when Augustus Caesar ruled the Roman Empire, a Jewish man who lived in Judea would ultimately have a very significant impact on the history of the empire and beyond.

His name was Jesus of Nazareth.

The chapter later clarifies that the New Testament was eventually combined with the Hebrew Scriptures to form the Christian Bible, which includes what modern Christians believe to be the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, celebrated today as Christmas.

The Bible, however, is not the only literary work referenced in the draft curriculum: an entire Classic Tales section is devoted to Wind in the Willows, the classic 1908 childrens novel by Kenneth Grahame, while another section covers Native American literary works.

In response to the draft curriculum, the Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT) cited a report from the Texas Freedom Network in its warning that the materials overemphasize Christianity while giving little coverage to other religions or belief systems and that its references to Christianity and its influence and impact whitewash and distort historical truth.

AFT has long opposed efforts to ban students from entering opposite-sex spaces  such as prohibiting boys who identify as trans from entering girls' bathrooms and locker rooms  calling such legislation exclusionary, regressive bills that hurt children.

AFT also promotes pro-trans literature like I Am Jazz, an illustrated children's book based on the life of Jazz Jennings, a trans-identified teenager. The organization is also calling for the repeal of Texas state law that requires educational material to state that homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle and is a criminal offense.

The Christian Post reached out Thursday to AFT for comment. This story will be updated if a response is received.

So are HB 1605 and other legislative efforts seeking to add biblical references into public education legal?

Keisha Russell, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, says not only has the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on it, but the Bible itself is recognized as an integral part of American history and education.

"In Kennedy v. Bremerton, the Supreme Court confirmed that the Establishment Clause cannot be used as an excuse to bar religion from the public square," Russell told CP Thursday via email. "As the U.S. Supreme Court has recognized for decades, teaching the Bible is useful, and even necessary, to a well-rounded education.

"After all, the Bible is the most popular book in history, part of the foundation of our American government, and has been praised for its literary prose."

TEA has until Oct. 14 to complete any revisions to its new Bible-infused Bluebonnet Learning program before the board votes in November on a final list of approved materials.

Correction: An earlier version of this article published on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, incorrectly reported that the Texas Education Agency quoted liberally from Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling in the Open Education Resources curriculum. A statement provided on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, by a Texas Education Agency spokesman, clarified to CP that any Harry Potter product is in no way related to the Open Education Resources (OER) curriculum and there are no mentions of Harry Potter in the product, and that the Harry Potter lesson that was referenced in this story is a completely separate resource on the Gateway called OnTrack which is not part of OER or the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) process.
Home News Televangelist Apollo Quiboloy pleads not guilty as more alleged victims come forward

Televangelist and Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy, who surrendered to authorities Sunday after a contentious two-week standoff with police in the Philippines, has pleaded not guilty to human trafficking and the sexual abuse of children as more alleged victims have come forward.

After his arraignment in Manila on Friday, the 74-year-old Quiboloy, who calls himself the "anointed son of God," had a simple message for his loyal followers, "Stay strong, stay strong," he told reporters, according to Reuters.

"He is innocent," Quiboloy's lawyer, Israelito Torreon, also told reporters.

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Joahna Paula Domingo, a lawyer of one of the alleged victims, insisted in a statement that the truth about Quiboloy and four others charged alongside him will be revealed.

"It is our firm belief that the truth regarding the alleged criminal acts of Apollo C. Quiboloy and his co-accused will ultimately be disclosed," Domingo said in a statement.

Colonel Jean Fajardo, a spokesperson for the Philippine National Police, told reporters Wednesday that several alleged victims of the megachurch pastor, which include minors, came forward with allegations while they were trying to arrest him at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City.

"During the police operation at the KOJC compound, there were various individuals who approached the PNP, saying they were also victimized by Pastor Quiboloy," Fajardo said.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil also praised the alleged victims for their bravery in telling their stories.

"These courageous victims have spoken up, revealing their harrowing experiences. The abuse they endured shows an alarming pattern of manipulation and exploitation. These so-called 'inner circle pastorals' were particularly vulnerable, with victims as young as 12 years old," Marbil said.

In addition to his charges in the Philippines, an indictment from the U.S. Department of Justice in 2021 charged Quiboloy and two of his top administrators with trafficking young women and girls in the U.S. who were coerced into having sex with him under threats of "eternal damnation." The controversial megachurch pastor allegedly claimed that sex with him was a "privilege" and "God's will."

Quiboloy is a longtime friend of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. He claims to have 4 million tithing followers in the Philippines, 2 million more overseas and reaches 600 million viewers worldwide through his TV station.

In a 2010 interview with ABC News, Quiboloy said every member of his kingdom shared his wealth and is welcome to stay at his mansion. He further noted that God revealed to him in 1983 that he should own a jet and argued that everyone should accept what they get from God in life, even if it is poverty.

"If it is not God's will for me to have these things I have, you can take it away," he said. "It is God's will that we follow. ... If he wanted me to live like a rat, if he wanted me to live in wealth or in poverty, it does not matter to me. Put me there, and I'll be happy as long as it's God's will."
Home News West Texas A&M president cancels 'derisive' campus drag show, cites Christian faith LGBT group calls 'use of religion ... disturbing and unprofessional'

The head of a Texas university cited the Bible and other religious texts to support his decision to cancel a planned drag show scheduled to take place on campus later this month.

In a statement released Tuesday, West Texas A&M University President Walter Wendler said the college, located in Canyon, Texas, about 10 miles south of Amarillo, will not host the March 31 drag show, which he said was advertised as an effort to raise money for a nonprofit organization, The Trevor Project.

After describing TTPs stated goal of suicide prevention as a noble cause, Wendler wrote: WT endeavors to treat all people equally. Drag shows are derisive, divisive and demoralizing misogyny, no matter the stated intent.

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Such conduct runs counter to the purpose of WT. A person or group should not attempt to elevate itself or a cause by mocking another person or group.

Wendler compared his opposition to the drag show to not supporting blackface performances on campus, calling such displays wrong.

I do not support any show, performance or artistic expression which denigrates others  in this case, women  for any reason, he added.

The university president also shared his personal conviction that, as a Christian, every human being is created in the image of God and therefore, a person of dignity.

Does a drag show preserve a single thread of human dignity? I think not, wrote Wendler. As a performance exaggerating aspects of womanhood (sexuality, femininity, gender), drag shows stereotype women in cartoon-like extremes for the amusement of others and discriminate against womanhood.

Wendler concluded the letter by quoting Matthew 7:12  So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets  as well as similar proverbs from Buddhism and Judaism, adding that he believes the WT community should live up to this universal standard of law of reciprocity  in every known religion and society on the planet.

A spokesperson for Wendlers office declined to comment to The Christian Post due to pending litigation.

Established in 1910, WTAMU had more than 9,200 students enrolled in Fall 2022  including over 6,900 undergrads  and boasts a 176-acre campus set against the western backdrop of the Texas Panhandle.

In response to Wendlers announcement, Spectrum, WTs student-led LGBT organization, issued a statement in defense of drag, which read in part: Drag is not a mockery  it is a celebration  to call it misogyny or misogynistic is to miss the entire point of what drag is.

Spectrums statement also took aim at Wendler expressing his faith in a university announcement and called on him to reinstate the event.

We also find the use of religion by a university official disturbing and unprofessional and believe that the separation of church and state is essential to our country, the statement added, citing the First Amendment.

According to an online petition titled Save the WTAMU Drag Show, the main aim of the drag show was to raise funds for The Trevor Project.

All proceeds from the show, the petition stated, will go toward the organization, which is an LGBT advocacy group with research briefs that correlate religious beliefs with higher rates of suicide among LGBT-identified people, a claim that has frequently been disputed.

In addition to the LGBT alliance, the Secular Student alliance accused Wendler of violating state law because, according to a tweet, he used his religion to cause harm to [LGBT] students and the larger community.

Not only has @wtamu President Wendler violated state law and university policies, he used his personal religious beliefs to cancel a student event at a public university. He used his religion to cause harm to LGBTQ+ students and the larger community.https://t.co/hAdo9w7mlg  Secular Student Alliance (@SecularStudents) March 22, 2023

The group also criticized Wendler for sharing his faith in the announcement, saying, First and foremost, President Wendlers personal religious beliefs and biblical references have no place in justifying the cancelation (sp) of the event. West Texas A&M University is a public institution and the wall of the separation of state and church remains standing.

A coalition of churches known as Open and Affirming Congregations of the Texas Panhandle (OAC) called Wendlers decision disappointing and infuriating.

The good news is that President Wendler does not speak for the many allies among WTs faculty and staff, the group wrote on Facebook.

Other groups like Young Conservatives of Texas praised the move, calling the planned drag show a degenerate event and cited Proverbs 28:1, which reads, The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Republican State Rep. Ronny Jackson, who served as White House physician to the President under Barack Obama and Donald Trump, also tweeted his support for Wendler.

THANK YOU to President Walter Wendler for his leadership and for not allowing drag shows to DISGRACE the campus of West Texas A&M University. These lewd performances are divisive & degrading. They DO NOT belong on campus!! Jackson wrote.
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 Aurora police identify 10 known Tren de Aragua members following reports of gang activity

Police in Aurora, Colorado, identified 10 members of a Venezuelan gang as part of an ongoing investigation into reports of gang members living in the city and committing acts of violence, with crimes ranging from aggravated assault to shootings at apartments.

The Aurora Police Department has been investigating reports of the Venezuela prison gang Tren de Aragua operating in the city.

On Wednesday, the department released the names of 10 members the police said have been "committing acts of violence against members of the migrant community" in the town.

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Two of the identified suspects, 22-year-old Jhonardy Pacheco-Chirinos and 24-year-old Jhonnarty Dejesus Pacheco-Chirinos, are believed to have been involved in a July shooting at the Nome Street complex. Another identified suspect, 32-year-old Luis Miguel Calzadilla-Rojas, was arrested earlier this year in relation to a shooting in front of the Arapahoe County Probation Office.

Aurora police have arrested all but two of the 10 suspects, according to a joint statement Wednesday from Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Council Member Danielle Jurinsky, chair of the council's Public Safety, Courts and Civil Service Policy Committee.

"As for the perception and reality of public safety in Aurora, please understand that issues experienced at a select few properties do not apply to the city as a whole or large portions of it," the statement said. "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."

"To date, APD has now linked 10 people to TdA and has arrested eight of those people." it continued. "Two of the eight individuals who were taken into custody were involved in a July shooting at one of the specific properties in the city that have experienced issues with TdA activity. In line with these arrests, we can also now confirm that criminal activity, including TdA issues, had significantly affected those properties."

The Colorado city has been the center of media attention following a viral video that appeared to show gang members taking over an apartment complex. Coffman initially told the media that he held the federal government and nonprofit organizations responsible for deciding to house a large number of Venezuelan migrants in low-income apartments in his city.

After several media outlets reported on the story and before former President Donald Trump brought it up during Tuesday's presidential debate, Coffman downplayed the situation in a statement to Newsweek last Friday.

"I certainly have concerns about the border, I have concerns about immigration policy, but from what I can see now, it seems to have an exaggerated importance," Coffman said. "I'm not dismissing the concerns at all, but whatever happened initially happened. What I can tell you now is that the gangs are not in control of either complex."

Aurora serves as a sanctuary city for migrants who entered the United States through the southwest border, with the mayor expressing concerns that the migrants had been "crammed" into apartment buildings. Two of the complexes reportedly have maintenance issues and suffer from a lack of management, according to Newsweek.

"There is inadequate vetting of people at the border," Coffman said.

"So, it's my understanding that when you do have a concentration of Venezuelan migrants sometimes, sadly, that criminal element follows and exploits them within their own immigrant communities."

The Colorado mayor called for changes in policy, citing negligence at the federal level; however, Coffman said he holds both political parties responsible for the country's immigration system. Coffman argued that former President Barack Obama and Trump did not do enough to resolve the situation.

"I just hope that Congress comes together and fixes this broken system," he said. "It's way too easy to come into this country illegally, and it's so hard to come in legally. I just think that the situation we are facing right now is the product of a broken immigration system."

During the Tuesday presidential debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the former president criticized the Biden administration's handling of the border and immigration. Trump argued that if Harris wins the election, the U.S. will "end up being Venezuela on steroids."

"They allowed criminals, many, many millions of criminals, they allowed terrorists, they allowed common street criminals, they allowed people to come in, drug dealers to come into our country," he stated. "They're now in the United States and told by their countries, like Venezuela, don't ever come back or we're going to kill you."

Trump also stressed Harris' role in leading the Biden administration's response to the border and illegal immigration, asserting that the vice president does not want to be referred to as "border czar" because "she's embarrassed by the border."
Home News Over 100 Christian colleges have ties to Planned Parenthood: report

A new report reveals that more than 100 Christian colleges and universities in the United States have had ties to Planned Parenthood, the nations largest abortion business, in the past two years.

The Institute for Pro-Life Advancement, a project of the pro-life group Students for Life of America, released a report detailing Planned Parenthoods relationship with Christian Colleges & Universities in the U.S. over the past two years. Specifically, the report, released last month, analyzed all 784 colleges and universities in the U.S. that are affiliated with a Christian church, finding that 103 of the colleges had some type of relationship with Planned Parenthood.

The report is part of SFLAs Christian Schools Project, designed to raise public awareness of Christian schools maintaining relationships with Planned Parenthood in order to encourage infracting schools to restore their Christian values by cutting ties with the abortion giant.

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According to the report, a relationship with Planned Parenthood represents an endorsement of abortion violence and an alarming departure from the Christian tradition and biblical values. In addition to the report, SFLA published a detailed document providing evidence of the schools relationships with Planned Parenthood.

In the report, schools received a grade on a scale from A+ to F based on the degree of their respective relationships with Planned Parenthood. Schools with four or more infractions received an F, while schools with no infractions received an A. A letter grade was docked for each additional infraction up to four. Schools that took the added step of promoting pro-life pregnancy centers as an alternative to Planned Parenthood were awarded an A+.

The research conducted by Students for Life of America revealed that the promotion of Planned Parenthood as a student resource constituted 56% of all infractions. For example, Trinity Washington University, a Catholic school in Washington, D.C., includes Planned Parenthood as a Womens Health resource on its website. The Presbyterian-affiliated Illinois College lists Planned Parenthood as an example of where students can put their gender and womens studies degrees into practice.

An additional 31% of infractions arose from schools listing of Planned Parenthood as an active internship opportunity where students can receive course credit. The report cited Luther College, a Lutheran institution located in Iowa, as an example of a Christian school allowing students to intern at Planned Parenthood.

The remaining types of infractions were partnering with Planned Parenthood for at least one event in the preceding year (6%), listing the abortion provider as an example of a future career opportunity (4%), touting the organization as a volunteer opportunity (2%) and advertising Planned Parenthood events on the school website (1%).

Of the 103 schools with at least one infraction, 22% received an F rating, 20% received a D rating, 19% received a C rating, and a plurality (39%) received a B rating. Schools that received an F rating, indicating a committed relationship with Planned Parenthood, included Duke University, associated with the United Methodist Church, and Emory University, affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Duke lists Planned Parenthood as an option for family planning services, advertised the position of public affairs intern at the abortion provider, and includes a web exhibit of Planned Parenthood featuring links to its social media accounts and website.

Emorys Rollins School of Public Health includes Planned Parenthood as a resource, and the nearby Planned Parenthood of Atlanta serves as a rotation site for medical students studying gynecology.

The 27 schools with F ratings were primarily affiliated with Protestant denominations. Only one Catholic school, St. Michaels College in Vermont, received the lowest possible rating. Three prominent Catholic schools, Marymount University, Sacred Heart University and St. John Fisher College, received D ratings, along with 12 schools affiliated with Protestant denominations.

Thirteen schools, all affiliated with Protestant denominations, received a grade of C. Baylor University, a prominent Baptist school in Texas, received a B rating, as did the Washington, D.C.-based American University, which is affiliated with the Methodist Church. The overwhelming majority of Christian schools examined (666) received a grade of A.

Methodist-affiliated schools accounted for a little under one-third of the share of Christian schools with a grade of B or lower, followed by 15 Presbyterian-affiliated schools, 14 Lutheran-affiliated schools, eight Catholic schools and two schools affiliated with the Disciples of Christ. Schools affiliated with the Episcopal Church, the Church of the Brethren, the Moravian Church, the Reformed Church in America and the United Church of Christ accounted for one infracted school apiece.

Arizona Christian University, home to the Cultural Research Center that conducts polling and analysis of the state of American culture and the beliefs of Americans, the non-denominational Hillsdale College, the notable evangelical institutions Liberty University and Regent University, and the Catholic Church-affiliated Villanova University are among the 49 schools with A+ ratings.

While 69 Christian schools had a grade lower than A at the time of the reports publication, an additional 34 schools were also determined to have infractions. However, these schools ultimately severed their relationships with Planned Parenthood after Students for Life of America reached out to them.

Fordham University, Georgetown University, Loyola University and the University of Notre Dame were among the schools that took Planned Parenthood off their websites and broke ties with the abortion giant after being notified of the relationship on their websites. All four schools now find themselves among the group of A-rated institutions.

The SFLA report also cites Planned Parenthoods annual report, which states that the organization performed 354,871 abortions in 2020, before lamenting that the abortion provider had developed relationships with schools that identify as Christian institutions, despite the fact that scripture and Christian tradition are soundly anti-abortion. In a statement announcing the project earlier this year, SFLA President Kristan Hawkins slammed the unholy partnership between a number of Christian schools and the abortion industry.

It is crucial that colleges and universities that claim an affiliation with the Christian faith and biblical values do not contradict those values by partnering with or promoting perpetrators of abortion violence, she added.
Home News Students for Life releases first list of Christian colleges with ties to Planned Parenthood

A pro-life group has released its first list of Christian colleges and universities in the United States that have ties to Planned Parenthood.

On Wednesday, Students for Life of America announced in a press release the preliminary findings of its ongoing investigation into more than 700 Christian colleges and universities across the U.S., which found that as many as 100 have "quiet relationships" with Planned Parenthood that "fly under the radar.

The first list names 23 colleges that partner with the abortion giant in some form. Two schools that were on the initial list of 25 have since severed ties with the nation's largest abortion business.

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Christian colleges found to have relationships with Planned Parenthood in Students for Life's first wave of research include: four Catholic institutions, five Lutheran schools, six universities affiliated with the United Methodist Church, two Methodist institutions, two colleges affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, one Methodist Episcopal university, one university affiliated with the United Church of Christ, one university affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, and a theological seminary affiliated with the Reformed Church in America.

Students for Life also provides a map of the U.S. showing the locations of colleges and universities that have ties to Planned Parenthood. The map will be updated as more institutions of higher learning are added or removed.

The types of connections Christian colleges' were found to have with Planned Parenthood include such things as " ... advertising Planned Parenthood internships and career postings; referring students to Planned Parenthood as a resource; incorporating Planned Parenthood into medical school rotations; and hosting events for students with the abortion giant.

There is an unholy partnership between a number of Christian schools and the abortion industry, said Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life.

We want to equip pro-life advocates to take action and encourage schools to disentangle themselves from Big Abortion," she added. "It is crucial that colleges and universities that claim an affiliation with the Christian faith and biblical values do not contradict those values by partnering with or promoting perpetrators of abortion violence.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Hawkins explained that, surprisingly, many Christian colleges are hostile to the idea of a Students for Life group on campus.

The hardest places for us to start a Students for Life group is often on a private school campus and particularly Christian school campuses where  we dont have the same First Amendment rights as you would on a public school to be able to a launch a Students for Life, pro-life group on campus.

We have to make the case to Christian schools why we need to have a Students for Life, she added. The majority of women who seek an abortion are self-proclaimed Christians.  There are abortion facilities, 600 of them operating in the United States, many of them are across the street or within neighborhoods of an active church or parish. So Christians need to speak out against the atrocity of abortion.

Hawkins told CP that Students for Life has worked to make the colleges aware of their relationships with Planned Parenthood and asked them to cut ties with the organization.

Two of the 25 colleges identified as having relationships with Planned Parenthood in the first released list and then decided to cut their ties with the abortion giant were Messiah College and St. Francis University, both based in Pennsylvania. The two institutions reversed course after being contacted by pro-life advocates.

According to Hawkins, some Christian colleges are openly enthusiastic about their association with Planned Parenthood.

In some cases, we had situations where the school openly supported Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry and was obstinate in their response to us. And that to me, I think, was the most surprising, she recalled.

Hawkins specifically mentioned a correspondence Students for Life had with the campus minister of a college in Minnesota, who talked about how much she supported Planned Parenthood and a womans right to have an abortion, and they were proud to be partners with Planned Parenthood on campus.

The list of colleges with ties to Planned Parenthood is just the first of several more to be released by the organization in the coming months.

Hawkins said there will be two more waves of schools before the Students for Life Institute for Pro-Life Advancement publishes a full report on the schools found to have ties with Planned Parenthood later this year, most likely in August or September.
Home News State Dept. fails to sanction countries with worst religious freedom violations: report

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, 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% 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% of cases, USCIRF reported. In 24.4% of the CPC designations, countries violating religious freedom were granted a presidential waiver from sanctions based on national interests.

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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.

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 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 U.S. 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.

Originally published at Christian Daily International
A tow worker throws canisters from the roof of an RV before towing the vehicle during an encampment sweep near the corner of Carroll and Ingalls streets in San Francisco on Aug. 21. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

San Francisco is looking at sweeping new restrictions on overnight parking of recreational vehicles, drawing backlash from homeless advocates.

The proposal comes as the number of people living out of their vehicles has soared over the past two years and as Mayor London Breed is locked in a tough re-election fight with homelessness a top concern.

Under the citys plan, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency would prohibit large vehicles such as travel trailers and mobile homes from parking on all city-managed streets from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m., according to city documents. Vehicles in violation of the proposed regulation would be subject to towing.

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The proposal  first reported by the media outlet El Tecolote  must be passed by the SFMTA Board of Directors before it would take effect. Although it was filed with the citys Planning Department, it is not on the agenda for the SFMTA board meeting on Tuesday.

SFMTA referred the Chronicle to Breeds office. Parisa Safarzadeh, a spokesperson for Breed, said the administration was continuing to explore a range of options while our outreach teams engage and offer shelter on a regular basis to try to help people off of our streets and into the citys system of care.

RVs and other mobile homes line up on Zoo Road in San Francisco on Aug. 6. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

The proposal would mark a significant shift from the citys current policies, in which overnight parking of large vehicles is only prohibited on a small portion of city roads where signs are posted and vehicles parked in violation of those signs cannot be towed.

It also lands in the wake of recent battles over people living in vehicles in a host of San Francisco neighborhoods, including one in Bernal Heights and one near Stonestown shopping center. After RV dwellers were recently moved from the Stonestown area, they parked a few miles away near the San Francisco Zoo, prompting backlash from a community center there. The city then moved to ban overnight parking there as well.

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The Breed administration has taken increasingly aggressive approaches to address the citys homeless crisis in recent weeks. Those include ramping up citations and arresting people for unlawfully setting up tents on sidewalks and instructing city employees to offer homeless people bus tickets out of town before shelter or housing.

The citywide limitations are intended to address the concerns about long-term parking of oversize vehicles, such as traffic hazards, safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians, and interference with transit service, according to a Sept. 5 letter from SFMTA representatives to the Department of Planning.

Critics, on the other hand, say the restrictions will only add further hardships for people living in their vehicles, especially families.

The number of unhoused people sleeping in vehicles in San Francisco spiked 37% over the past two years, going from 1,049 in 2022 to 1,442 earlier this year, according to the citys latest point-in-time count. The city estimates that growing group includes 130 families living out of vehicles.

Lukas Illa, an organizer at the Coalition on Homelessness, called the citys proposed parking restrictions a callous plan to tow family homes.

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Its nonsensical. It works backward, he said in an interview. We are trying to ensure we limit unsheltered street homelessness as much as possible, and this would threaten that.
Home News Women seeking sterilization on the rise after Supreme Court abortion ruling, study claims

An increase in women having their fallopian tubes tied or removed appears to coincide with the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, with the most notable increase occurring in states that have placed limits on abortion, a recent study claims.

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that there is no constitutional right to abortion and returned to the states the power to make laws governing abortion. While some states banned all or most abortions, others added a right to abortion to their state constitutions.

According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, sterilizations rose 39% by December 2022 in states that restricted abortion following the Dobbs ruling. While the sterilization rate also rose in states that did not restrict abortion, researchers claim they didn't find the increase to be statistically significant.

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Patients would often say things like, I was on the fence, and this pushed me over the edge, or, I feel like the safety net was taken away, Dr. Kavita Shah Arora, an obstetrician-gynecologist, told The New York Times.

The doctor, who's also a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said she noticed an increase in consultations after North Carolina passed a law banning most abortions after 12 weeks gestation.

The study analyzed insurance claims data for 4.8 million women ages 18 to 49 from January 2021 to December 2022. Researchers found that the sterilization rate in states that restricted abortion went from an average of 3.6 per 10,000 women per month in the 18 months before Dobbs to 5 in 10,000 women by December 2022.

Michael New, a senior associate scholar at the pro-life research organization Charlotte Lozier Institute, told The Christian Post that the study provides some evidence that sterilizations have increased since the Dobbs decision. The pro-life researcher noted, however, that the study has some methodological limitations.

"The study only analyzes women who have private insurance. Women on Medicaid and women who lack health insurance are not analyzed, "New said. "Also, 14 states were

excluded from the analysis due to problems with the data. Furthermore, the authors do not make proper distinctions between states."

New, who's also a professor at The Catholic University of America, noticed that the study falsely claimed abortion had been banned in Arizona and Wyoming, states where abortion has remained legal since Dobbs. In addition, the study claimed that abortion is limited in New Hampshire and Virginia, but New pointed out that neither state has passed substantive limits on abortion after the court overturned Roe.

"Additionally, the sterilization trends in states that enacted pro-life laws are not dramatically different than the trends in states where abortion is legal. The authors divided the states into three categories, states where abortion is banned (15 states), states where abortion is limited (seven states), and states where abortion is protected (14 states plus D.C.)," the pro-life researcher added. "In banned states, sterilization increased by 3 percent monthly, in limited states sterilization increased by 2 percent monthly, and in protected states sterilizations increased by 1 percent monthly."



Furthermore, New asserted that the increase in sterilizations documented by the researchers is "modest." He highlighted the study's data, which found that between July 2022 and December 2022, sterilizations increased monthly from four

per every 10,000 women to five for every 10,000 women.

"This would mean that after the Dobbs decision, one additional woman out of 10,000 is

getting sterilized every month," he said. "Over a year's time that would mean 12 additional women out of 10,000 women are getting sterilized. Overall, the fraction of women getting sterilized annually has increased by a little more than one-tenth of 1 percentage point in states with strong pro-life laws."

"As such, the idea that many women are choosing irreversible surgery after the Dobbs decision is misleading."

Research compiled by Secular Pro-Life, a group of atheists and agnostics that advocates against abortion, suggests abortion laws impact contraceptive use. While the organization acknowledged that some pro-life groups do not support contraception use, Secular Pro-Life believes contraception, when used correctly and consistently, can help reduce unintended pregnancies and lower abortion rates.

Secular Pro-Life clarified, however, that it doesn't support the use of any form of contraception that is believed to act as an abortifacient. Contraception that acts as an abortifacient can cause the death of an unborn child by preventing implantation in the uterine wall.

Some people argue that if pro-lifers truly want to reduce abortions, we should focus on increased contraception use instead of legal restrictions on abortion, Secular Pro-Life stated on its website. However, those two approaches are linked: research has found when abortion is more restricted people are more likely to use contraception, including highly effective contraception.

The pro-life group listed various studies, the most recent being the State Abortion Context and U.S. Womens Contraceptive Choices, published in the journal Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health in 2015. The study analyzed 14,523 women ages 15 to 44 from the 1995 and 2010 cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth.

While the study noted that states that introduced abortion restrictions already had limitations in place between 1995 and 2010, researchers found women who lived in said states were more likely to use highly effective contraceptives compared to women living in states with limited restrictions.
Nuclear Family Under Attack, Declining Church Donations, James Morris Names New Church

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:33 06:33

Top headlines for Friday, September 13, 2024

In this episode, we discuss the tragic suicide of Tennessee pastor David Baker Sr. and its impact on his family and congregation. Then, we explore Sen. Josh Hawley's assertion that the nuclear family is under attack and his call for faith to serve as a unifying element. We'll also hear from Andrew Klavan, who challenges Christians to discern truth in todays manipulated public discourse. Finally, we examine why the financial support for Evangelical Protestant churches has significantly dropped in recent years.

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Home Opinion The future of faith: Reaching a new generation around the world

What comes to mind when you think of the typical human being? Whose face do you imagine? What language do they speak? How old are they?

To accurately picture the average human being in terms of the global population, its essential to consider population sizes around the globe. Easily, the two most populous countries in the world are India (with a population of around 1.45 billion) and China (around 1.42 billion). These countries far outpace the United States, which comes in third place with around 345 million. While the most commonly spoken language around the world is unsurprisingly English, the language with the most native speakers is Mandarin, which is almost double those of the second-highest natively spoken language, Spanish.

Massive economic surges have contributed to China and India becoming the giants they are today. Now experts predict another surge: Africa. Although Africa made up just one-tenth of the worlds population in 1950, it is expected to make up one-quarter by 2025, with one-third of its people between the ages of 15 and 24.

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While birthrates plummet to historic lows elsewhere, bringing the challenges of aging and shrinking societies, Africa is expected to nearly double its population of 1.22 billion in the next 25 years. The median age of the entire continent is just 19, decades younger than the median ages in Italy (47), Germany (48), Japan (48) and Monaco (55), and much younger than even those of India (28) and China (38).

If projections bear out, the implications will be major and far-reaching. Africa is the worlds most rapidly urbanizing continent, with tens of millions of new consumers each year, most with cell phones and the economic flexibility they provide. Meanwhile, as the United States has proven, Africas skyrocketing cultural influence might be just as consequential as its increasing economic and political power. For example, West African afrobeats songs were streamed more than 14 billion times on Spotify in 2023, with London and Paris among the top five cities listening.

Alongside this sociopolitical growth, Africa is at the forefront of a global religious shift. According to recent research, the largest Anglican community in the world by population is in Nigeria, with more Anglicans in church on Sunday morning in Nigeria than in all the British Isles and North America combined.[1] Looking far beyond just Anglicanism, Gina Zurlo, an American researcher into global Christianity, reports that two-thirds of all Christians live in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania, a group that, combined, made up only 18% of the worlds Christians in 1900.[2]

Influential and traditionally Christian nations (sometimes referred to as the global North) cannot ignore this transformation. Approaching the future with wisdom and integrity means acknowledging the Churchs movement southward and the corresponding future of young believers. Christians should take note when Zurlo says that the typical Christian today is a young, non-white woman in the global South.[3]

This also means accepting the southward movement of the global population in general, especially given the youth of the global South. Effective communication with the burgeoning Southern demographic will be crucial for Christianity, a religion with evangelism at its core. Effective evangelistic content must be presented in new ways that appeal to the collective personality of growing populations like Africa.

Every region is complex, and Africas immensity, history, and diversity make it especially so. Sadly, while endowed with diverse natural resources, the continents industrialization has not followed its population growth. While Africa makes up 18% of the global population, it only makes up 3% of trade. Access to education and the internet outpaces access to jobs. One-third of South Africa is unemployed, with youth unemployment at 45%.

Predictably, tensions are rising between young populations and their leaders. These ongoing struggles produce unrest, often expressed through protesting, violence and asylum-seeking. The Sahel region of Africa leads the world in two things: birthrates and extreme violence. Countless teenagers join militant groups linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, and according to a United Nations study, the primary reason many join is simply for employment. In groups like Anger Without Limits, disillusioned youths engage in street battles and support populist military coups.

The result? Millions of young people worldwide are desperate for change, discouraged by their options and eager for a cause. What they desperately need is peace, hope, and salvation. It is up to Christians to enter this space; offering the good news and hope they carry in ways that speak to these diverse and growing cultures.

An immense opportunity lies in the upcoming animated JESUS film, which is currently in production by the same ministry that released the 1979 film, JESUS. Effectively releasing this new film will mean presenting the story of Jesus in over 2,000 native languages, as they have done with the original film, and in a format that appeals to these blossoming young populations.

This new film, produced by industry-leading animators, will enable even more people to experience the Gospel story in a way that will be relevant for ages to come. Like the original film, its storyline comes directly from the New Testament Gospels. Whether in the established global North or the emerging global South, this animated film will present the story of Jesus to new generations in their native tongues.

The opportunities for impact have never been greater. The question is: What will the global church offer to Africa and other exploding populations of young people? Jesus Film Project, with a history of delivering the Christian story faithfully and powerfully to a global audience, is up to the challenge, and this animated film might be the perfect medium for young audiences desperate for a better story.
Home Opinion We need good Protestant ethicists

Most Americans are in favor of abortion under certain circumstances. This is not all too surprising when one considers that, for many, the values and practices of the sexual revolution are an intuitive part of daily life. This is due in large part to the common intuition that human beings are autonomous, unencumbered individuals whose primary purpose is the pursuit of personal happiness.



The widespread acceptance of no-fault divorce was the harbinger of many great changes, from gay marriage to transgenderism to the shift in abortion rhetoric; what was once a necessary evil is now a reproductive right.

The immediate question for many is what will happen after the November election. Its unlikely that the U.S. will have a strong pro-life option at the ballot box, at least one with a credible chance of power. Beyond that, however, lies a real pedagogical challenge for the churches, particularly the Protestant churches. In times past, the moral intuitions of society at large and those of the Protestant churches (at least the orthodox ones) were largely consonant with each other. The churches taught, for example, that homosexual practices were wrong, and that tracked with the general outlook of the culture. The reasoning in each case might well have been very different. The churches no doubt looked to biblical texts; society perhaps operated with the residue of such an approach, a form of cultural Christianity. But the result was that the churches never really had to do any significant thinking in this area. The culture carried the issue.

Today the situation is far different. In the space of a few decades, the moral intuitions of society have not simply parted company with those of Christianity  they have come to stand in direct opposition to many of them. That changes the pedagogical dynamics of church life. The churches now need to teach Christian ethics more explicitly and more thoroughly, because that is where the wider culture will challenge Christian discipleship most powerfully. Indeed, it is already doing so, and orthodox Protestantism seems ill-equipped to address this.

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Take, for example, issues surrounding the creation of new life. Over the last few years, I have been approached by several younger Christians (and here younger means under thirty years of age) asking about contraception and IVF. Many commented that I was not the first minister or professor they had approached; those they'd questioned before me regarded contraception and IVF as obvious goods, not to be discussed. Indeed, in the last six months, I have heard of two instances where book proposals critical of IVF were refused by conservative Protestant publishers because the issue is too controversial.

An opinion column is not the place to parse the arguments pro- and contra-contraception or IVF. What is interesting is that few Protestants are willing to take up these issues. It makes some sociological sense in the case of contraception, which functioned for Christians of my generation as a clear identity marker that separated Protestants from Catholics. The assumed good of IVF is more obviously revealing. That it goes unquestioned tilts me toward three conclusions.

First, the recent (as in, since the nineteenth century) Evangelical Protestant practice of building ethics on proof texts is remarkably limited in our day and age. Proof texts work when the moral intuitions of the culture track with the broad shape of biblical teaching. That is no longer the case. Further, advances in technology now raise all kinds of questions about what it even means to be human  which in turn raises questions not only about fertility, but about other issues, from end-of-life care to the use of AI. The broader biblical account of human nature, not isolated proof texts, must now factor into Christian discussions of the most pressing ethical issues that we face.

Second, it is clear that a kind of utilitarianism or ends-justify-the-means thinking grips the Evangelical imagination at some level, much as it does that of wider society. If IVF leads to a good (the creation of children for a barren couple and the obvious joy that would involve) then it must itself be good, whatever processes are otherwise involved. Such thinking needs to be challenged.

Third, Protestant circles need a new pedagogical strategy. It is striking that in the New Testament and in the early second century (see, for example, the Didache) Christians and pagans were differentiated not simply by what they believed but by how they behaved. The Christian community must have a practical, moral distinctiveness. On one level, this means that we live at a time of great opportunity: It should be easier to identify the different moral attitudes and practices between the Church and the world. Our congregations should be the place where the weak and the vulnerable are treated with care. But it is also a challenge: We need to understand why we think and act differently. Now that the wider culture will not help make plausible our thinking on, say, sexuality or reproduction, we have to catechize our own communities in these things. The days when ministers could eschew connecting their indicative theological claims about Christ to the particular ethical challenges of the day died with cultural Christianity. The person thinking about IVF or wrestling with whether to use preferred pronouns as demanded by his or her employer needs to know how to make a decision that could well be costly and painful.

In short, we need good Protestant ethicists who are able to come up with solutions to the various challenges that we face, solutions rooted in our Christian understanding of what it means to be human. Sadly, the field is not strong  the names of Gilbert Meilaender and Oliver ODonovan stand out, of course, but they are a rare breed. We need to pray that their tribe increases.

Originally published at First Things.
Children must be at heart of UK's foreign and aid policies, say campaigners

World Vision UK has delivered a petition to Downing Street, calling on the British Government to put the welfare of children at the centre of the UK's foreign policies and aid.

Signed by over 1,500 children's advocates, the petition calls attention to the many threats children are facing across the globe, and underlines the importance of ensuring a future that protects them.

Currently, 333 million children live in conditions of extreme poverty, while over 400 million are growing up in conflict and violence. These conflict zones include Ukraine, where children are facing an increased risk of abuse and human trafficking. In Gaza, children represent half of the 1.9 million people who have been displaced by the conflict there.

"These children are not just statistics; they are beloved by God, each with a name, a story, and a future that must be protected," said Rev Chris Lee of St Saviour's Church, Wendell Park, who helped deliver the petition.

Saying that the UK's position as a global power means it is well placed to effect change, the petition calls on the Government to take decisive action.

Quoting evidence that showed that for each 1 spent on child-related activities, 10 was generated in return, World Vision UK said that investing in children was not only the moral choice, but a smart choice for the country's future.

"Children around the world are disproportionately suffering from the combined effects of poverty, conflict, and hunger," said Erica Hall, Head of Policy and Government Relations at World Vision UK.

"Alarmingly, only 5% of global Official Development Assistance (ODA) is allocated directly to child-centred programmes. Prioritising investment in children is not only a profound ethical responsibility but also a strategic move to maximise the effectiveness of aid."

The petition also called on the Government to demonstrate its commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which the UK ratified in 1991. It said this could be done by incorporating the rights of children into foreign policy and appointing a Special Envoy for Children within the Foreign, Commonwealth

and Development Office (FCDO).

The appointment of a Special Envoy, as well as integrating a meaningful child

and youth consultation framework in the FCDO's work, would ensure that children's voices are heard by the Government, and their perspectives and needs taken into account when formulating the policies that will affect their lives, the petition adds.
Historic churches to benefit from Lottery funding

A three-year investment scheme to help preserve the UK's historic places of worship for future generations has been welcomed.

The Lottery Heritage Fund has announced plans to invest 100m in historic churches, chapels, synagogues and other places of worship struggling with expensive conservation and repair costs.

It is part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund's 10-year strategy, Heritage 2033, which has identified places of worship as "heritage in need" because of "changes in the sector and gaps in support".

"Our new strategy commits us to working with everyone concerned about the future of places of worship to ensure that they are valued, cared for and sustained for everyone," said Simon Thurley, Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Church of England has been awarded nearly 5 million from the scheme, which will go towards expanding ongoing conservation work across its historic parish churches.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Places of worship are some of the UK's most historic buildings often at the heart of communities.

"There are many challenges facing these places, some new and others long-standing.

"The Heritage Fund has launched a new three-year strategy for places of worship which commits us to working with everyone concerned about their future to ensure that they are valued, cared for and sustained for everyone.

"We are delighted to be supporting the Church of England's conservation grants scheme and we are looking forward to working with other organisations across the UK to develop their own strategic interventions for places of worship of all denominations to tackle the problems they face."

The Bishop of Ramsbury, Andrew Rumsey, who is the Church of England's joint lead bishop for church buildings, said the funding was "tremendous news".

"I applaud the vision and generosity of the Heritage Fund in committing to the future of these extraordinary places of worship, wonder and service," he said.

Emily Gee, the Church of England's Director of Cathedrals and church buildings, said: "We are hugely grateful to the Heritage Fund for this extraordinarily generous and much-needed award for church buildings.

"It will enable us to expand our support to parishes in their crucial work to preserve our treasured cultural heritage, including the conservation of stained glass, wall paintings, clocks, bells, paintings and monuments.

"It will also provide a programme to enable churches to partner with educational institutions in the training of a new generation of heritage craft skill specialists, who are vital to the ongoing preservation of this diverse and rich heritage."

Any place of worship in the UK that is experiencing challenges in conserving its heritage can apply to receive funding from the new scheme.

Catholic Archbishop, George Stack, is encouraging Catholic churches to apply.

"Our churches are places of encounter with Christ through prayer, peace and inspiration, as well as consolation, for those who visit for many different reasons. These sacred spaces are an indispensable part of our rich and varied history and cultural heritage," he said.

"Inevitably, with the passage of time, they become subject to the generational cycle of requiring capital funded repairs. These need to be undertaken, often with extreme urgency, in order to secure and extend a church's life and service at the heart of so many local communities.

"The generous recognition and priority of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in making grants available for this important work will be a source of encouragement to those who care for and use these beautiful buildings."

Many of the Catholic Church in England and Wales' 750 listed historic churches are in urgent need of funding for repairs.

Sophie Andreae, Vice Chair of the Bishops' Patrimony Committee, said that repair costs were often "way beyond the means of their local congregations".

"Buildings constructed during the Victorian period have now reached a point where, despite maintenance, materials such as slates and leadwork need replacing, and some highly inventive, indeed iconic, churches of the 20th century are also in need of repair due to new design methods and materials turning out to be less long lasting than thought at the time," she said.

"Recognition that these buildings are an important part of the nation's heritage and deserving of funding is truly welcome."
Jordan Peterson says 'woke rainbow mob' is infiltrating Protestant churches

(CP) Canadian psychologist and cultural commentator Jordan Peterson recently criticized the infiltration of what he called "woke" ideology into Protestant churches, warning that many Christian institutions are straying from their core values in favour of cultural trends to the detriment of society.

In an interview with The Christian Post at the premiere of the film Am I Racist? featuring his Daily Wire colleague Matt Walsh, the 62-year-old author pointed to the prevalence of rainbow flags outside many Protestant churches as representing a deeper abandonment of foundational Christian beliefs in favor of what he called "hedonistic pride."

"We should be concerned by the capture of the Protestant churches by the woke rainbow mob," he said. "In Canada and Great Britain, most of the mainstream Protestant churches are covered with rainbow flags. When the Christians start worshiping hedonistic pride, something has gone dreadfully wrong."

Peterson said the embrace of identity politics by some churches is a dangerous shift away from the core teachings of Christianity and poses a threat to the integrity of the faith, particularly for younger generations who might be more vulnerable to cultural trends.

But even conservative Evangelical churches are not immune to problems, the We Who Wrestle With God author said.

"There's no shortage of bad actors as well in the Christian community of the sort that the atheists tend to object to," he said.

"The fundamental problem with religious enterprise is that it can be captured by the psychopathic narcissists, and that's what you see in the Gospel story. Christ is persecuted most intensely by the Pharisees, the scribes and the lawyers ... the Pharisees are religious hypocrites who use religion for their own self-aggrandizement. That's a real danger in the religious enterprise, and especially the more Evangelical forms of Christianity have been prone to being overrun by self-serving charlatans. That's a problem."

Peterson advised Christians to be grounded in skepticism  not of faith itself, but of those who would misuse it. "By their fruits, you will know them," he said, stressing that the Scripture verse is useful when determining whether religious leaders are genuinely committed to the faith or merely using it for their own purposes.

"You have to pay attention to the fact that not everybody who says 'Lord, Lord is going to enter the Kingdom of Heaven,'" he said.

Though not a professing Christian, Peterson frequently discusses Christian themes, values and Biblical stories in his work and has stressed the cultural and moral significance of Christianity, especially in the context of Western civilization. He once wrote that "The Bible is, for better or worse, the foundational document of Western civilization, of Western values, Western morality, and Western conceptions of good and evil."

Despite his concerns about the state of modern churches, the father-of-two told CP he finds hope in a growing trend: the revival of church attendance, particularly in conservative circles.

Exposing children to traditional religious values, he said, could be key in navigating the complexities of modern life  especially in the age of social media.

"We are seeing a revival of church-going, especially of the more conservative type," Peterson said. "And I suspect that's probably also useful. Providing [children] with something like exposure to classic religious ideas is necessary."

According to Peterson, biblical ideas offer an ethical framework that can help children navigate the temptations and dangers of modern technology, from pornography to the social isolation caused by overexposure to screens.

"One of the things that screens do to kids is interfere with their ability to play, make friends, and interact socially," he said. He urged parents to limit their children's exposure to electronic devices, especially during the critical developmental years. "At least [children] should stay away from electronic phones until they're through their fictional play period  so at least ten years old," he advised.

The Beyond Order author also stressed the importance of teaching children to be intelligent consumers of content. He encouraged parents to engage in open conversations with their children about what they are watching and why, helping them navigate the complex digital landscape.

"You have to expose them to the world of ideas," he said. "You do that by paying attention to what they are consuming, making sure the channels of communication are open and communicating with them about what it is that they're watching and why."

While Peterson acknowledged the role of social media in fostering division, he rejected the idea that Americans are as polarized as they might appear. Drawing on polling data from a "liberal-leaning friend," he suggested that the majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, agree on key issues.

"What we're seeing is that bad actors are garnering a tremendous amount of attention online and fostering political polarization," he explained.

These manipulative figures, according to Peterson, are exploiting social media to create an illusion of greater division than actually exists.

"This isn't a new phenomenon," he added. "This happens to cultures quite frequently, when the psychopathic manipulators get the upper hand, and that's when you have extremely damaging revolutions. But it isn't because people are actually polarized. It's because the bad actors have crawled out from underneath the rocks and are having free reign. Some of that is a technological problem because we don't know how to regulate social behavior on social media platforms ... you can say whatever you want, and you're not held responsible for it. This has led to a terrible deterioration of public discourse that's very dangerous."

 The Christian Post
Since 2011, X, formerly Twitter, had been stationed in the former Merchandise Mart building on Market Street in San Francisco. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

On Friday morning, Xs last official day in San Francisco, the entrance of its Mid-Market headquarters was quiet. A smattering of people walked through the buildings grand Art Deco doors, and the few who said they were X employees declined to speak to a Chronicle reporter or ignored requests for comment.

The social media company formerly known as Twitter was founded in the city in 2006 and was headquartered in the troubled stretch of Market Street between Ninth and 10th streets since 2012. It was one of the most prominent symbols of the 2010s tech boom that transformed the citys skyline and propelled the municipal budget to record highs. Thousands of then-Twitter workers filled its former furniture mart headquarters, attracted in part because of a controversial payroll tax break.

That is now a distant memory, as the companys presence has dwindled for years. First came remote work in 2020. Then Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musks $44 billion purchase of the company in 2022 shredded its workforce, with upward of 75% of the companys roughly 3,000 workers laid off.

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In the large lobby that once bustled with activity, only a trickle of workers were seen Friday. Two security guards said hello to the dozen or so people who walked in. X did not respond to a request for comment, having disbanded its media relations department during Musks layoffs.

Xs headquarters is headed to Austin, Texas, according to Musks post on the social network in July. Details around location and timing havent been revealed, but X will maintain offices in Palo Alto and San Jose even after leaving San Francisco, according to a company memo.

Its also unclear whether X will continue to pay rent at 1355 Market St., where it previously clashed with landlords Shorenstein and JPMorgan Chase. A lawsuit alleging unpaid rent was dismissed earlier this year, and the company has sought to sublease at least half of its space.

X is far from the only departure in the area. Following the pandemic, Mid-Market also lost Uber and Block, the financial services company founded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. Uber now has a sparkling new headquarters next to the Warriors arena in Mission Bay, while Block has a large hub in Oakland but no official headquarters.

Though Xs presence in San Francisco has diminished, it remains a popular destination for news and culture. It has become one of the primary battlegrounds for the presidential election, with Musk hosting former President Donald Trump for a lengthy talk last month. (Trump said during the talk that his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, had made San Francisco and California unlivable.) Musk endorsed Trump in the wake of the July assassination attempt on the Republican presidential nominee. Harris and her campaign also regularly post on the platform.

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Walking past 1355 Market St. on Friday, Mehdi Kheredine, a French tourist visiting from Paris, said he was surprised to realize it was Xs apparent last day  he had been following the saga from abroad in Paris.

The 33-year-old said Musk is very famous but has a dark side and a bright side. Since taking over Twitter, hes completely lost it, Kheredine said.

I dont think hes a bad person, but I really think he needs to step back, he said.

Musk continued posting on X on Friday, trumpeting SpaceXs Starlink internet service partnering with United Airlines. But as of midday, he had not acknowledged Xs departure from San Francisco.
A Bay Area man could face up to 20 years in prison for allegedly assaulting and shouting obscenities at crew members on a Frontier Airlines flight from Orange County to San Francisco this week, the Justice Department announced on Thursday. David Zalubowski/Associated Press

A Bay Area man could face up to 20 years in prison for allegedly assaulting crew members and shouting obscenities at them on a Frontier Airlines flight from Orange County to San Francisco this week, the Justice Department announced on Thursday.

Charles Angel Salva, 30, of Fremont, was apprehended by federal authorities on Wednesday and charged with interfering with flight crew members.

According to an affidavit filed with the Justice Department, Salva allegedly tampered with oxygen masks and an overhead compartment during the flight from John Wayne Airport to San Francisco International Airport on Monday. He then allegedly began yelling obscenities at the crew, including statements like, We are all going to hell, and This airplane is going down! according to federal officials.

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The incident reportedly occurred shortly after takeoff, according to authorities, who added a fellow passenger told them that Salva appeared claustrophobic and expressed a desire to leave the plane.

Salva allegedly ran toward the back of the airplane as flight attendants attempted to restrain him. He then allegedly tried to choke one of the attendants, leaving two small marks on the victims neck, according to the affidavit.

Federal officials also accused Salva of pushing another flight attendant and said he was going to kill everybody.

The affidavit said several passengers reportedly assisted crew members in restraining Salva, who broke free from flex cuffs, using a seat belt. Salva allegedly kicked a flight attendant in the leg multiple times, resulting in bruising and swelling that required medical attention.

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Consimtamantul pentru controlul de fond/ a antecedentelor Subsemnatul/Subsemnata, confirm ca am aplicat la Secretariatul Pre-Vetting/ de Evaluare a Procurorilor si confirm ca candidatura mea este supusa unei verificari a antecedentelor si a integritatii financiare efectuata de autoritatile competente din Republica Moldova, care se extinde si asupra sotului/sotiei si a rudelor/afinilor de gradul I. Furnizarea detaliilor mele personale, copiei buletinului meu de identitate/pasaportului, CV-ului si semnatura de mai jos servesc drept consimtamant pentru ca toate datele mele cu caracter personal, ale sotului/sotiei si a rudelor/afinilor de gradul I sa fie evaluate si analizate fara limitare de catre autoritatile competente, in vederea finalizarii verificarii antecedentelor si a integritatii financiare. Aditional eu inteleg ca la accesarea datelor mele, informatia referitoare la membrii imediati ai familiei mele de asemenea va fi accesata. Eu inteleg ca rezultatele verificarilor de antecedente ale autoritatilor nationale vor fi transmise intregii Comisii si lui Anne M. Trice, director superior in cadrul Dexis Consulting Group, in calitatea sa de representant al angajatorului pentru pozitia la care am aplicat. De asemenea, confirm ca parte a consimtamantului meu sunt atasate urmatoarele: __XX_ Copia pe fata si verso a buletinului meu de identitate/ pasaportului __XX_ CV-ul current, cu indicarea tuturor locurilor de munca si studiilor anterioare.
Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire

A West Midlands-based branch of Age UK has announced plans to close this month, with 97 members of staff at risk of redundancy.

This week, Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire said in a statement that it would close its doors on 30 September due to severe financial challenges.

These challenges, it said, included rising operating costs and diminishing funding opportunities, which had made it no longer viable for the charity to continue offering services.

The charity said it was contacting its beneficiaries as well as working with the national Age UK charity, its brand partners and other local organisations to ensure as many people as possible continue to receive the support that they need.

According to accounts filed with the Charity Commission, Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire recorded a deficit of 154,000 in the year to March 2023.

Extremely saddened

We are extremely saddened and disappointed that it has come to this, said the charitys CEO Julia Neal.

We know that our clients will be concerned about what this news means for them and we are in the process of making contact to ensure that they know what arrangements will be in place for them.

Last year, we supported more than 15,000 older people across our two counties, which had a significant impact on their lives.

As a charity which makes a significant contribution to the work of the wider health and care system, we have continued to support some of the most vulnerable older people at a time when they most need that support.

However, this commitment has meant that we have become increasingly vulnerable to the challenges faced by providers delivering commissioned services.

We are deeply grateful for the trust and support of our beneficiaries and donors over the years and understand that this news is upsetting for everyone involved.

Our number one priority is ensuring that older people in the area are supported in the best way possible, and we are working hard to facilitate a smooth transition to alternative support.

Earlier this year, Age UK West Cumbria announced its plans to close due to financial challenges.

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In 2021, Cuban journalist and opposition activist Lazaro Yuri Valle Roca was arrested on charges of disseminating enemy propaganda and sentenced to five years in prison. He dramatically lost weight after a hunger strike but declined offers by the government to release him if he left the country.

Valle Roca is sixty-three. As his health faded, he listened to the implorations of his family and accepted the offer. Within hours he was on a plane to Miami with his wife, leaving behind their only daughter and two small grandchildren. He now lives in exile.

My fight was in Cuba for the freedom of the island. I never wanted to leave, he said in a phone interview from Pennsylvania, where he is currently living with relatives.

For years, he and other reporters had worked on the fringes despite independent journalism being effectively outlawed. There was a brief moment of hope when the Obama administration began engaging with Cuba. But that faded, and was replaced by outright hostility and a ruthless crackdown by the Cuban government on independent media coverage of opposition voices following mass street protests in July 2021.

Almost all of them were targeted, harassed, or threatened, said Ted Henken, a professor at the City University of New York who has written extensively about Cuban media.

Courtesy of Eralidis Frometa Polanco

Valle Rocas departure marks another grim milestone, not least because of his familys role in the history of the island. His grandfather Blas Roca Calderio was a labor union journalist and longtime communist leader prior to the 1959 revolution who held several important posts after Fidel Castro took power, including president of the National Assembly from 1976 to 1981. Roca Calderio chaired the committee that drafted Cubas first socialist constitution in 1976.

Valle Roca recalls serving coffee to Fidel and Raul Castro, who were frequent visitors to his grandfathers house, where he spent much of his youth.

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I listened to their discussions. Sometimes they became heated, he recalled. My grandfather was concerned about Fidels absolute power. Raul always tried to resolve things. It was like a good cop, bad cop routine.

One of Roca Calderios sons, Vladimiro Roca Antunez, a Cuban Air Force pilot, became an outspoken dissident in the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Roca Antunez served five years in prison, accused of acts against the state and sedition as one of the authors of a document titled La patria es de todos (The Homeland Belongs to All), which laid out a damning critique of Cubas one-party political system and centrally controlled economy. He died, aged eighty, in July 2023.

His family were also close to Osvaldo Dorticos, who served as the president of Cuba from 1959 to 1976 before being demoted under the new constitution. He took his own life in 1983. Those relationships marked my life, said Valle Roca.

He was often in trouble at school, and was booted from military service for disobedience; he wound up getting work in an agricultural market. I realized at a young age they were going to make my life impossible, he said, referring to Cuban authorities.

When his grandfather died in 1987, the government declared three days of mourning. Valle Roca accompanied his family to the state funeral in the Plaza of the Revolution, sitting next to the coffin with his grandmother.

He vividly recalls an altercation with Raul Castro when his grandmother was being ushered out. The family wanted a simple funeral, he says, but the government insisted on burying him with full military honors next to independence leader Antonio Maceo at a monument on the outskirts of Havana.

It was Valle Rocas dissident uncle, Vladimiro, who eventually showed me the way, said Valle Roca, who began his journalism career working with a team of so-called Community Communicators seeking to provide an alternative to the heavily censored government media. They worked closely with other opposition leaders, including the Ladies in White, under constant state security surveillance.

We couldnt leave the house, as there were constant patrols keeping watch on us. We were prisoners in our own home, he said.

Cuba accuses some independent journalists in Cuba of being political activists paid to file reports for American government-funded outlets such as Radio Marti, considered hostile, counter-revolutionary platforms by the Cuban government.

Valle Roca recognizes the thin line between journalism and politics in Cuba. He identifies more as a journalist, considering an independent media to be indispensable for political opponents.

I prefer journalism. Its a more objective way to work and denounce crimes. The pillar is the truth, he said. Political work is of no value without journalists reporting about it. Otherwise, you are just working in silence. But at the same time, he added, the Cuban political system is so suffocating it made all of us journalists into opponents of the regime.

Even those journalists who stuck to the professional guardrails of independence and political neutrality were forced into exile in recent years. They include Abraham Jimenez and Carlos Manuel Alvarez, cofounders of the online magazine El Estornudo; Jose Jasan Nieves, editor of elTOQUE; and Elaine Diaz, the first Cuban to win a prestigious Nieman fellowship at Harvard University and founder of Periodismo de Barrio in Cuba.

New laws governing social communication and cyberspace security do not recognize independent media and make it a crime to publish news considered contrary to the interest of the State. That has resulted in people being arrested merely for clicking the like button on anti-government criticism on social media posts.

Cubas media policy can be neatly summed up by a famous phrase uttered by Fidel Castro during a speech in 1961: Within the Revolution, everything; against the Revolution, nothing. The declaration was a signal to Cuban intellectuals as to the limits of their freedoms in a country under siege by Yanqui imperialism.

Almost the only independent media in Cuba to avoid being shut down or jailed are the husband-and-wife team of Yoani Sanchez and Reinaldo Escobar, who run 14yMedio, a news website widely admired for its professional reporting, and the magazine OnCuba, run by the Cuban American entrepreneur Hugo Cancio, who divides his time between Miami, Madrid, and Havana.

While Sanchez and Escobar speak openly about democracy and human rights, they are careful to avoid any overt political activity. Even so, they have faced frequent detention and harassment by the authorities. Cancio is a major investor in trade with Cuba and has earned the trust of the Cuban government, but his journalists have also come under pressure from the government, and some have left the country.

While the crackdown in Cuba has crushed the independent media on the island, it has led to a flourishing of Cuban outlets in exile, including elTOQUE and El Estornudo. Despite the disadvantages of not being physically present on the island, they are able to use digital technology and anonymous sources to fill the void. Its true theres a serious problem today, Nieves told CJR. Compared to five years ago, there is a much smaller number of independent journalists in Cuba. But that hasnt stopped us reporting.

Valle Roca feels there is some cause for optimism. Things are not like before. The internet has helped us rip the tape off peoples eyes, he said.

Other notable stories:

ICYMI: An exiled Cuban journalist finds threats now cross borders

David C. Adams is a freelance journalist in Miami and the Caribbean correspondent for the Committee to Protect Journalists.
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.
Cooler weather is aiding the fight against a large Southern California wildfire, one of three large fires in the region.

The Bridge Fire exploded in size on Tuesday, forcing evacuations in the communities of Wrightwood and Pinion Hills. Authorities also closed highways and issued evacuation warnings for roughly a half-dozen nearby communities in the foothills.

The fire started during a severe heatwave in the region, but slowed to minimal growth on Thursday as winds died down and humidity rose, according to a CalFire update.

Today, the Bridge Fire is still active. However, the behavior moderated significantly due to the slight increase in humidity and temperature decrease, the update states. Firefighters made great progress on the ground, aided by aircraft to attack the fire aggressively 24 hours per day. Crews continued to be engaged with structure defense in the communities of Wrightwood, Pinon Hills, and Mount Baldy. The ability for crews to also extinguish new fire starts in the vicinity of the Bridge Fire is also a good sign and testament to their success and hard work.

A coastal marine influence and favorable onshore winds are expected to continue to aid firefighters in coming days, according to fire officials.

The fire, which covers parts of San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, has burned 51,884 acres and is 3% contained. The cause of the fire, which started on Sunday, is under investigation.

The Bridge Fire is one of three large blazes burning in the region.

The Line Fire in San Bernardino County was spread over about 37,743 acres and 21% contained. That fire has reportedly damaged or destroyed at least four structures, with roughly 65,000 others threatened. The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties has burned 23,494 acres and is 8% containment, according to CalFire.

Top photo: Cooler weather is aiding a fight against the Bridge Fire in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. USDA Forest Service photo.
Dear Eric: My husband of almost 60 years has Alzheimers. At this point, he does not know who I am other than some nice lady who comes to see him.

I initiate and have sex with him. Our initial dating and marriage were very sexual but went on to deteriorate due to his multiple flings and affairs. By the time he was diagnosed, we had not had sex in more than 20 years.

Not that it matters, I never had any kind of affairs. He was not a very good husband, he made major decisions on his own and came and went as he pleased. He was also a bit of a bully and critical. I stayed because I didnt think I could make it on my own. Now, with the disease, he is very sweet.

My question is, am I raping him? Is this senior abuse? Much as Im enjoying it, and he seems to also, it somehow seems wrong.

 Unknown Wife

Dear Wife: Theres a lot here so I want to be precise. While some may think that older adults with Alzheimers or dementia cant consent to sex, experts in the field of gerontology disagree.

In a 2023 study called The Sexual Consent Potential Model, researchers Nathalie Huitema, Ph.D., and Maggie Syme, Ph.D., wrote, To thrive, we need relationships, we need touch, and we need connection. Individuals who live in nursing home settings and who may have cognitive concerns are no different. To address this, they came up with a multi-part process for determining a persons various possibilities of meeting sexual and/or intimacy needs at any level of cognition.

So, it is possible your husband is able to consent, even without the cognitive ability to recognize you. However, and this is a huge however, youre putting yourself and him at risk if the facility where hes being cared for doesnt have a sexual expression policy and hasnt evaluated his cognitive ability with respect to consent.

In 2014, an Iowa man was charged with sexual abuse of his wife because the staff at her nursing home didnt think she had the ability to consent due to her Alzheimers. The law varies by state and each facility has different training and policies. So, continuing to have sex with your husband requires a lot more communication on your part.

I also fear that some of your resentment from the mistreatment you endured is playing a role in all of this. Im sorry for the way he treated you. I dont think this is the safe path to healing, though.

(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Colorado  A Colorado teen hoping to get permission from a homeowner to take homecoming pictures on the property instead was shot in the face, police say.

The suspected gunman, identified by police as Brent Metz, 38, is now facing charges of first-degree assault, two counts of felony menacing, illegal discharge of a firearm, and two counts of reckless endangerment, according to a news release from the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. Fox News reports Metz is a member of the town council in Mountain View.

The sheriffs office says deputies were called to the home at 4:15 p.m. on Sept. 10. A woman who lives in the home told deputies that there were two trespassers on her property. The woman also called Metz, reportedly her boyfriend.

The 17-year-old victim tells deputies that he and a friend went to the home to see if they could get permission to take homecoming photos on the property. They reportedly parked at the gate of the home and jumped the fence, then walked up the driveway hoping to talk to the homeowner.

The boys said no one appeared to be in the home, so they walked around hoping to find the homeowner. They then went back to their car and began writing a note to leave behind, seeking permission to take pictures.

The sheriffs office says Metz pulled up in a truck while the boys were in their vehicle writing the note, got out of his truck and fired a shot through the windshield the victims vehicle.

Reports say the victims friend was applying pressure to the wound with a T-shirt when deputies arrived. A firearm was recovered from Metzs vehicle, the sheriffs office says.

The boy was taken to a hospital and remained there Thursday in serious condition, reports say. Fox News reports the boys likely will not face trespassing charges because their intent was not malicious.

The Colorado Sun reports that an affidavit shows Metz might not have intended to fire when he pointed the weapon at the boys vehicle.

Metz was released from jail on a $5,000 bond.
COLUMBIANA, Ohio  Three workers at a factory just south of Youngstown were injured in an explosion at the facility Thursday night, with one flown by helicopter to a hospital, according to reports.

Columbiana Fire Department officials tell WFMJ Channel 21 that one of the workers at Zarbana Aluminum Extrusions was covered in molten metal in the explosion, which was reported at about 8 p.m. The worker was flown to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, WFMJ reports.

The other two workers were taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown.

Columbiana Second Assistant Fire Chief Jason Weiry tells WKBN Channel 27 that the workers were pouring aluminum billet out of the forge into a mold when the explosion occurred.

There were 15 workers in the building when the explosion occurred. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish a small fire caused by the explosion, reports say.

The companys website says it was founded in 2005. It produces aluminum parts cut to specific shapes that are used in windows, doors, trucks/trailers, solar technology, displays and chalkboards, the website says.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - See the 2024 Ohio school report card details for every public school building in Ohio.

The Ohio Department of Education released the scores on Friday, the second year after updating its star-based rating to include overall ratings. An overall rating of at least three stars means a school meets state standards.
China ready to work closely with Saudi Arabia, advancing together on path of development: Premier Li

Xinhua) 14:04, September 13, 2024

RIYADH, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China and Saudi Arabia, as major developing countries, share extensive common interests and China is willing to work closely with Saudi Arabia and advance together on the path of development, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Li concluded his official visit to the Middle East country, during which he held talks and co-chaired the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

Li's visit to Saudi Arabia conveyed the message that China-Saudi cooperation is not merely a short-term partnership, but a long-term commitment aimed at achieving sustainable development for both countries, Ibrahim Al-Shammari, research director of the Riyadh Center for Political and Strategic Studies, told Xinhua.

During the trip, the two sides signed the minutes of the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Joint Committee, along with several bilateral cooperation documents on technical and vocational training, meteorology, and other areas.

Al-Shammari said the defining characteristics of Saudi Arabia-China practical cooperation are its comprehensiveness and strategic focus, which can be summarized in three key points. First, the economic complementarity between the two nations. Second, the diversity of their collaboration, which extends beyond the energy sector to encompass advanced technology, infrastructure investment, and large-scale projects. Third, the strategic alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.

On economic complementarity, Li said the China-Saudi Arabia economic and trade cooperation is facing many favorable conditions for further deepening.

The latest data released by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics showed that China was the largest importing nation for Saudi Arabia in April, contributing to 16.6 percent of the kingdom's total goods exports valued at around 16.9 billion Saudi riyals (about 4.5 billion U.S. dollars).

Between 2019 and 2023, the value of Saudi non-oil exports to China exceeded 176 billion riyals (about 47.5 billion U.S. dollars), said the statistics body.

Saudi Arabia relies on China as its largest trading partner and top oil importer, while China views Saudi Arabia as a key partner in securing its energy needs to meet its growing demand, Al-Shammari said.

On the diversity of bilateral cooperation, Li called on both sides to further expand bilateral trade, deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as oil and gas, petrochemicals and infrastructure, explore collaboration in emerging fields like new energy, information and communication, and the digital and green economies.

"China is the Kingdom's first economic partner, especially in the commercial field, where trade reached a very high level, exceeding 100 billion U.S. dollars last year and also grew during the first half of this year. Trade between the Kingdom and China is equivalent to 90 percent of the total trade of the G7 countries, which are economically advanced," Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih told Xinhua in an exclusive interview Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia and China are driving the development of their economic and trade relations through major initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030, said Al-Shammari.

"We now have about 750 Chinese joint ventures or companies operating in the Kingdom alone, so the Chinese presence is increasing. Today, many unprecedented construction projects in Saudi Arabia are supplied by Chinese contracting companies and building materials companies, including significant projects in NEOM, tourism projects, etc. We aspire to increase Chinese investments in the Kingdom, especially in the new promising areas of the Saudi economy," said Al-Falih.

China is willing to firmly engage in mutual support with Saudi Arabia and work towards mutual achievements, regarding each other's development as an important opportunity, said Li during the visit.

Steady progress leads to lasting success. The stable momentum of China-Saudi Arabia relations is being further bolstered by strong political mutual support and robust people-to-people exchanges.

China puts the development of relations with Saudi Arabia as a priority in its overall diplomacy, especially in its Middle East diplomacy, Li told the Saudi crown prince.

China supports Saudi Arabia in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and is ready to enhance multilateral coordination with Saudi Arabia, foster unity and cooperation among Asian nations, jointly uphold international fairness and justice, and promote global governance in a more just and reasonable direction, Li added.

In response, the Saudi crown prince told Li that Saudi Arabia highly appreciates China's just stance on the Palestinian issue and is ready to collaborate closely with China on international multilateral affairs, contributing to the maintenance of regional and global peace, security, and stability.

"This visit offered both sides an opportunity to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest, reinforcing their positions on the global stage and highlighting their political consensus," said Al-Shammari.

The key to state-to-state relations lies in close bonds between peoples. During his visit, Li also urged both sides to successfully organize the China-Saudi Arabia Year of Culture in 2025, advance cooperation in culture, think tanks, education, media, non-governmental and people-to-people exchanges, and continuously enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

In recent years, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have continued to grow. Four Saudi universities have introduced Chinese language majors, and eight primary and middle schools now offer optional Chinese language courses for their students.

"Cooperation between the two sides in culture and education has been steadily growing, with academic exchange programs and cultural initiatives fostering greater understanding between the peoples of both countries," Al-Shammari said.

The two countries can create more significant outcomes when working together, given their expertise and increasing global influence, Ahmed Aqeel Al-Khateeb, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Fund for Development, told Xinhua.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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.
The Boeing company logo is displayed on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on September 04, 2024 in New York City.

The head of the Federal Aviation Administration will testify on Sept. 25 before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations on the planemaker's oversight of Boeing , a committee aide told Reuters.

The committee, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal, in June sharply questioned then Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun on the planemaker's safety record.

The hearing later this month, titled "FAA Oversight of Boeing's Broken Safety Culture", comes as FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker has ramped up scrutiny of the planemaker since a Jan. 5 mid-air emergency in a new Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 and acknowledged it should have done more before the incident.

"This is a very long term journey for Boeing. I think it's going to be measured in years not months," Whitaker told reporters on Wednesday on the sidelines of a conference in Washington, D.C.

Whitaker in February barred Boeing from boosting production of its best-selling plane and required them to submit a quality improvement plan. Whitaker also said the agency will continue increased on-site presence at Boeing for the foreseeable future.

In July, Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell asked the FAA to conduct a thorough review into its oversight of Boeing and other manufacturers, raising serious questions about the government's scrutiny of the planemaker.

After the Jan. 5 mid-air emergency involving the Max that lost a door plug at 16,000 feet, the FAA conducted a 737 Max production audit into Boeing fuselage supplier Spirit and found multiple instances where the companies had failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.

In June, Whitaker said at a Senate Commerce hearing that before January the FAA had been "too focused on paperwork audits and not focused enough on inspections" at Boeing.

The planemaker faces a potential strike as early as Friday, if most of its factory workers in the Pacific Northwest vote on Thursday to reject a much-criticized new contract, just as it wrestles with chronic production delays and mounting debt.
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The logo of Alibaba's e-commerce app Taobao is displayed next to mobile phones displaying the app, in this illustration picture taken October 25, 2023. Reuters | Florence Lo

Singapore  Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba 's Taobao shopping app topped the Apple App Store charts in Singapore after releasing an English version on Tuesday  thanks to translations powered by artificial intelligence. That's according to Sensor Tower, a market intelligence firm whose data shows Taobao shot to first place in Apple's Singapore App Store across all categories, as of Sept. 11. On Tuesday, the day the English-language version was announced, the app rose from fifth to first place in the shopping category. Prior to this, the Taobao app had still enjoyed relative popularity and was consistently ranked in the top ten shopping apps for iPhone users from mid-August onwards, according to Sensor Tower. The new update "highlights Taobao's dedication to serving its Singapore users, who have shown a strong desire for an English-language interface, reflecting their diverse language fluency," Alibaba said in a press release Tuesday. It did not elaborate on the AI translation features. The company has its own AI model. The release said the new platform "enhances accessibility for non-Chinese users, eliminating their need for manual translations that previously made shopping less convenient for them."

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Taobao and Tmall are Alibaba's biggest source of revenue by far, but to date have primarily sold to people in China using a Chinese-language interface. Taobao and Tmall Group's revenue for the quarter ended June 30 was 26.55 billion yuan ($3.65 billion), a 6% increase year-on-year. Alibaba has in recent years has also sought to ramp up its overseas e-commerce business with platforms such as Alibaba.com and AliExpress. Singapore is the first market where Taobao will introduce this new update, alongside the city-state's neighbor, Malaysia, according to Alibaba. As early as last year, Singaporean Taobao users had previously made guides on how to purchase clothes, furniture and lifestyle items from Taobao. These video guides were posted on the ByteDance-owned TikTok platform, another Chinese app. Several videos amassed more than 10,000 views, with one accumulating 105,000 views. Alibaba's latest move reflects the growing trend of Chinese businesses striving to expand globally, and using Singapore as a cultural testbed to further their ambitions to reach the Western market. Last week, consulting firm Bain and Company said in their study of Asia Pacific-headquartered consumer goods companies that Chinese companies have a significant advantage versus South Korean and Japanese companies in the race to go global: the large ethnic Chinese diaspora settled outside of mainland China. "There are many of these Chinese companies that have really ambitious global mindsets and are able to take the sort of entrepreneurial, fast-innovation capability that they built domestically and use that to create new positions overseas," David Zehner, senior partner at Bain, previously told CNBC. According to a government report as of end-June 2023, almost three-quarters of Singapore's 5.92 million-strong nation is of Chinese descent. About 20% of Malaysia's population is ethnically Chinese.

Not a perfect English-language experience
Investor confidence in China's real estate market appear to be boosted by the government's promise to support the sector and some loosening of policies. But analysts say China's high-growth property market may be a thing of the past.

Chinese regulators on Friday hit PwC's auditing unit in mainland China with a six-month business suspension and a record fine of 441 million yuan ($62 million) over the firm's audit of troubled property developer China Evergrande Group .

Delivering a strong rebuke to the Big Four firm, China's securities regulator said its investigation found that PwC Zhong Tian LLP "turned a blind eye" to and "even condoned" Evergrande's fraud while auditing the annual results of the developer's onshore flagship unit - Hengda Real Estate - in 2019 and 2020.

"PwC has seriously eroded the basis of law and good faith, and damaged investors' interest," said the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) in a statement.

Chinese authorities have been examining PwC's role in Evergrande's accounting practices since the CSRC accused the developer in March of a $78-billion fraud over a period of two years through 2020.

PwC audited Evergrande for almost 14 years until early 2023.

The business suspension and fines are the toughest ever penalty received by a Big Four accounting firm in China, and come against the backdrop of an exodus of clientele and layoffs at the firm in recent months.

The move is set to cloud PwC's prospects in the world's No.2 economy. PwC Zhong Tian, the registered accounting entity and the main onshore arm of PwC in China, was the country's top-earning auditor in 2022, according to the latest official data.

"The cost is enormous in reputation, affecting the ability to get new business in China beyond the fine. In the short run, PwC's market share will decline in China, benefiting the other big three auditing firms," said Gary Ng, Asia-Pacific senior economist at Natixis.

As part of the penalties, PwC Zhong Tian will be barred from signing off on certain key documents for clients in mainland China such as results and IPO applications in the next six months.

The business suspension will also affect the unit as a whole from taking on new state-owned or domestically-listed clients in the next three years, in accordance with Chinese regulations.

Last year, domestic regulators reiterated state-owned firms and mainland China-listed companies should be "extremely cautious" about hiring auditors that have received regulatory fines or other penalties in the past three years.

"We are disappointed by PwC Zhong Tian's audit work of Hengda, which fell unacceptably below the standards we expect of member firms of the PwC network," PwC network, the alliance of PwC's global member units, said in a statement.

The firm said as part of its "accountability and remedial actions", PwC China's territory senior partner Daniel Li had stepped down and Hemione Hudson, the firm's global risk and regulatory leader, had taken over from him.

'Condoned fraud'

The business suspension was imposed by China's Ministry of Finance (MOF) which also ordered the closure of PwC Zhong Tian's branch in Guangzhou - which according to sources led the audit work on Evergrande.

The ministry also imposed a fine of 116 million yuan on the firm for its auditing failure of Hengda in 2018, according to an MOF statement.

The CSRC said in its statement it had fined PwC Zhong Tian 325 million yuan, close to the total amount of penalties imposed by the regulator on over 50 auditors in the past three years.

The CSRC probe found that 88% of PwC's observation records on Evergrande's real estate projects in 2019 and 2020 were inauthentic or untrue, making its audit working papers "severely unreliable".

The regulator pointed out PwC's on-site inspection of the developer's properties failed to flag problems - some residential properties that the auditor considered ready for home deliveries still remained as "vacant land" when the CSRC inspected later.

PwC also deliberately excluded properties that Evergrande marked as "not allowed to visit" from audit samples, it added.

"PwC has, to a certain extent, covered up and even condoned Evergrande's financial fraud and fraudulent issuance of corporate bonds," said the CSRC statement. "It (PwC) has to be severely punished according to law."

A Reuters calculation based on filings showed more than 50 Chinese firms have in recent months either dropped the firm as their auditor or cancelled plans to hire it, following the launch of the regulatory investigation into the firm.

PwC had about 400 Chinese clients, listed at home or in offshore markets such as Hong Kong or New York, in March this year, including tech behemoths Alibaba and Tencent .

($1 = 7.0942 Chinese yuan renminbi)
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.
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Workers with picket signs outside the Boeing Co. manufacturing facility during a strike in Everett, Washington, US, on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. M. Scott Brauer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Boeing 's factory workers walked off the job after midnight on Friday, halting production of the company's bestselling airplanes after staff overwhelmingly rejected a new labor contract. It's a costly development for the manufacturer, which has struggled to ramp up production and restore its reputation following safety crises. Workers in the Seattle area and in Oregon voted 94.6% against a tentative agreement that Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers unveiled Sunday. The workers voted 96% in favor of a strike, far more than the two-thirds vote required for a work stoppage. "We strike at midnight," said IAM District 751 President Jon Holden at a news conference where he announced the vote's results to cheers from machinists. He characterized it as an "unfair labor practice strike," alleging that factory workers had experienced "discriminatory conduct, coercive questioning, unlawful surveillance and we had unlawful promise of benefits."

Union members cheer during a news conference following a vote count on the union contract at the IAM District 751 Main Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, US, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. M. Scott Brauer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

He said Boeing needs to bargain in good faith. Boeing didn't comment on his claims. Boeing's CFO Brian West told an investor conference on Friday that the company's leaders were disappointed with the rejection and strike. But he said they want to get back to the table to negotiate a new deal "that's good for our people, their families, our community and our intent is to do just that." "There was a disconnect," West said at the Morgan Stanley event, warning that the strike would impact airplane deliveries and production. He declined to provide specific financial impact estimates, saying the effect of the strike would be determined by how long it lasts. "Our immediate focus is to the laser-like focus on actions to conserve cash, and we will," he added Credit-ratings agencies Moody's and Fitch warned Boeing that a lengthy strike put it in danger of downgrades, sending shares of the company down nearly 4% on Friday.



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The tentative proposal included 25% wage increases over four years and other improvements to health-care and retirement benefits, though the union had sought raises of about 40%. Workers had complained about the agreement, saying it didn't cover the increased cost of living. The vote is a blow to CEO Kelly Ortberg, who has been in the top job for five weeks. A day before the vote, he had urged workers to accept the contract and not to strike, saying that it would jeopardize the company's recovery.

Under the tentative agreement, Boeing had promised to build its next commercial jet in the Seattle area, a bid to win over workers after the company moved the 787 Dreamliner production to a nonunion factory in South Carolina. The agreement, if approved, would have been the first fully negotiated contract for Boeing machinists in 16 years. Boeing workers went on strike in 2008 for nearly two months. Jefferies aerospace analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu estimated 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 had an annual impact of $900 million if passed.

A worker holds a sign opposing the proposed contract as Boeing factory workers wait in line to vote on their first full contract in 16 years, at an International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 union hall, in Renton, Washington, U.S. September 12, 2024. David Ryder | Reuters

Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing's commercial airplane unit, told machinists earlier this week that the tentative deal was the "best contract we've ever presented." "In past negotiations, the thinking was we should hold something back so we can ratify the contract on a second vote," she said Tuesday. "We talked about that strategy this time, but we deliberately chose a new path." Boeing has burned through about $8 billion so far this year and has mounting debt. Production has fallen short of expectations as the company works to stamp out manufacturing flaws and faces other industrywide problems such as supply and labor shortages. Aircraft delivery delays from Boeing have vexed its airline customers. In response, they said they have had to redraw their hiring and growth plans. Southwest Airlines , which only has Boeing planes, has already sharply reduced its delivery expectations from Boeing for the year. "As a result, we currently have the fleet needed to fulfill our upcoming schedules," a spokesman said Friday. The airline's leaders were in touch with Boeing ahead of the vote.

Union members build burn barrels at the IAM District 751 Main Union Hall as votes are counted on the union contract in Seattle, Washington, US, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. M. Scott Brauer | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Most people like traveling. But far fewer enjoy booking it.

A survey of more than 2,400 people who book their own travel arrangements found that 71% say the process is at least somewhat stressful for them, according to a 2024 survey by the consumer data company CivicScience. The percentage is even higher among parents of kids and teens, the survey showed.

Trip planning can involve an arduous slog through booking websites, star ratings, travel reviews and fine print  first to find what to book, then to find the best available price.

Artificial intelligence is set to change this, with ChatGPT already proving that generative AI can provide itineraries and recommendations in a matter of seconds.

But Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel told CNBC Travel he wants to "go beyond" that.

Rather than leaving it to travelers to plan their trips from scratch, Fogel said, he wants Bookings' brands  which include Booking.com, Agoda, Kayak, Priceline and OpenTable  to anticipate their needs.

"I want us to be going to the traveler and saying, "Hi, we think, given everything we know, that you're probably thinking about wanting to go to, let's say, Naples in Italy. And using all the data we have, all we know about our customers, what they may want, trying to start that conversation."

"That's the difference," he said.
Elon Musk is the owner of social media platform X. Aytug Can Sencar | Anadolu | Getty Images

LONDON  The U.K. government has had "constructive" talks with Elon Musk's social media site X over the spread of misinformation and other harmful content, technology minister Peter Kyle told CNBC Friday. Kyle told CNBC's Arabile Gumede that the government had been in contact with all the major social media platforms  including Musk's X  over the summer about misinformation and the role they have in propagating harmful material. The minister said that, although he hasn't had direct contact with Musk himself, he is "in touch often with his local chief executives here in the United Kingdom." "So far, it has been a constructive set of conversations," he said, adding that, though there are "differences" in views between the two parties, they talk them through. Citizens and governments around the world have higher expectations about social media platforms today and the role they play in keeping people safe and mitigating potential harms stemming from their products, Kyle said.

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"It is a privilege having access to the British economy and society. And I just expect any company that comes to work here and aspires to sell products and services into our country to respect that," he added. Kyle's comments to CNBC come after misinformation spread online after a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in northwest England sparked far-right, anti-immigration riots  with shops and mosques being attacked in towns across the country. Multiple social media users at the time spread false information about the alleged perpetrator, who has since been charged with murder and attempted murder, claiming he was an asylum seeker. During the riots, Musk, who owns X, made comments about the situation in the U.K., calling Prime Minister Keir Starmer "two-tier Keir" in reference to the conspiracy theory that police were treating white far-right protesters and rioters more harshly than minority groups. He also suggested the unrest could end up resulting in a civil war, saying in an X post: "Civil war is inevitable." Musk's comments were condemned by the U.K. government. Last week, the Financial Times reported that British lawmaker Dawn Butler, a frontrunner to become next chair of the parliamentary committee on science, innovation and technology, wants to summon Musk to face questions from members of parliament, if elected.

The newspaper reported that Butler's rival for the position, fellow Labour lawmaker Chi Onwurah, also supports an inquiry into how algorithms drive misinformation on social media services. Labour's Kyle, whose official title is the secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, suggested that summoning Musk to the U.K. was being viewed as a last resort, but added that "innovators" like the Tesla and SpaceX CEO must have a "respectful relationship with us a country." The minister also told CNBC he is assessing whether he needs additional powers to regulate social media companies over the dissemination of harmful content online. "I'm assessing on an ongoing basis whether I need extra powers to do so," he said. "Right now, I want to assess and have conversations with those companies."

Come early 2025, British regulator Ofcom will have the power to fine firms as much as 10% of their global annual revenues and even jail senior managers if they are found to be in breach of the Online Safety Act, or OSA  which is a sweeping set of rules requiring effective policing of illegal content by digital platforms. U.K. politicians and campaign groups have called for the implementation of the OSA to be expedited to help tackle events like the summer riots. Sources familiar with the matter told CNBC last month that the government is looking at a review of the legislation, but the timeline on when this would happen remains unclear. Ofcom has said it has to finish consulting on codes of conduct for the tech companies before implementation can begin. A government spokesperson told CNBC earlier this year that its "immediate focus is getting the Online Safety Act implemented quickly and effectively." However, this spokesperson added, "our message to social media companies remains clear: There is no need to wait  you can and should take immediate action to protect your users."
Motorola Solutions : "This is a company that does two-way radios, it does bar codes, it does lots of government infrastructure, and it just coins money."

Domino's Pizza : "...Domino's itself did screw up. They didn't know that they had a weak franchise that was missing its numbers from overseas, and that caused people to think that, wait a second, maybe they're not as in control of their destiny as we thought. And that's why the stock's going down, and that is an actual worry for me too.
Hui Ka Yan, the chairman of China Evergrande Group  the company at the center of the country's property sector crisis  has been moved to a special detention center in Shenzhen, two sources with knowledge of the matter said.

Hui, 65, has not been seen in public since he was taken away by Chinese authorities a year ago and his current whereabouts have not been previously reported.

After China's securities regulator found Evergrande's flagship unit had inflated earnings and committed securities fraud, Hui was fined $6.6 million in March and barred from the securities market for life. Evergrande was ordered into liquidation in January.

Hui, who was once China's richest man, is not known to have been formally charged with any crimes and it is unclear how long he will remain in detention or whether he will be tried or set free.

Chinese authorities have detained many former high-flying business executives and some have remained in detention for years with little or no information about their fate.

The property tycoon was initially under house surveillance in Beijing after his arrest, according to one of the sources.

He was transferred to Shenzhen a few months ago to allow him to more easily communicate with top Evergrande executives, said the second source. Evergrande is headquartered in the neighboring southern city of Guangzhou and its wealth management unit is based in Shenzhen.
In the late 1970s, American spy Jim Olson was stationed in Moscow. At the time, it was one of the riskiest and highest-stakes CIA stations in the world.

Olson, who served more than 30 years overseas, had been intercepting sensitive Russian information that was being sent over microwave transmissions. He knew that, if they were caught, it could mean spending the rest of their lives in a Soviet prison.

Many of the transmissions dealt with military and defense information, and they eventually discovered their tactic of intercepting these messages was under threat. Something more secure was in the works for the Russians: their communications were going underground.

"We know exactly what they're doing," Olson told CNBC Senior Washington Correspondent Eamon Javers on the latest episode of CNBC's new original podcast series "The Crimes of Putin's Trader."

For this series, Eamon Javers spent nearly a year investigating a criminal network and exploring how wealthy Russian hackers stole millions from U.S. investors. Javers interviewed FBI agents, prosecutors  and even spies like Olson  to reveal the shocking details of a massive criminal enterprise.

In episode six, Javers talks with Olson, who details his dangerous mission to retain a crucial well of information. After satellite images confirmed the Russians had already started digging the tunnels for the cable, the CIA operatives knew they had to do something quickly  before the well ran dry.

"We decided to go after it," he said.

Olson and two other operatives were designated for assignment in Moscow and trained on how to tap into those cables (and how to do it covertly).

But that mission wasn't easy: Olson had to disguise himself as a Russian peasant, taking a public bus out to the countryside on a route often patrolled by militia. He broke into a manhole on the side of a highway, monitored for potential poisonous gas (or Russian police) in the tunnel and lowered himself into the shadows.

Javers asked Olson what it feels like to go on such a mission, something he called "Mission Impossible stuff." He asked if fear ever entered his mind.

"Fear doesn't enter into it because you are so mission-focused," Olson said. "We just do what we're trained to do and it's a great sense of accomplishment when you carry something out like that."

For spies like Olson who put their lives on the line, motivation is everything.

"It's humbling because you have this sense that your country put that much trust in you to carry out that mission," Olson said. "And that you can make a significant contribution to our country's security  it's pretty heavy stuff."
Billionaire Jared Isaacman made history in space  again. On Thursday, Isaacman spent 10 minutes floating in the vacuum of space outside of a SpaceX capsule. Isaacman, the billionaire CEO and founder of payment processing company Shift4 Payments, is part of the first-ever all-civilian spacewalk  three years after he led a 2021 SpaceX mission as commander of the world's first all-civilian mission to reach orbit. Both private space missions were funded for undisclosed sums by Isaacman, who boasts an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion, according to Forbes. "I decided I was going to go to space when I was 5 [years old]. I was pretty calculated about it at that point, it just took me a little while to get it into motion," Isaacman told CNBC Make It in 2021. Isaacman, 41, is an accomplished pilot who set a world record in 2009 for the fastest around-the-world flight in a light jet. He's a longtime advocate for the expansion of the private space industry, which he says could lead to "a world where everybody can go and venture among the stars." Here's how he went from teenage entrepreneur, running a business he founded in his parents' New Jersey basement, to a billionaire floating in space.

Teen entrepreneur turned billionaire civilian astronaut

As a teenager, Isaacman's computer skills helped him land an IT consulting job at a payment processing firm, causing him to drop out of high school. Within months, the 16-year-old decided to create a rival company, simplifying his clients' experience by having business owners fill out their applications online. He used a $10,000 check from his grandfather as seed money and set up shop in his childhood home's basement. "$10,000, you know, you needed to build a couple of computers," Isaacman said. "That wasn't expensive. And, you needed some phones, and that was enough to get you going." His first employees included his friend Brendan Lauber, who was Shift4's chief technology officer until last year, and Isaacman's dad, a salesman who had previously worked for a home security company. Shift4 went public in June 2020, and has a market value of $7.4 billion, as of Friday afternoon. It's based out of a 75,000-square-foot headquarters in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, and the company has over 2,000 employees across the country. "There's just no way, at that age, you could ever imagine" the company becoming worth billions of dollars, said Isaacman. "One of the best times at a startup is when you've got the eight people in the basement eating Chinese food and everybody kind of shares knowledge, and you share in your successes and failures together, and you learn together."

Flying to avoid burnout
The future of lithium production in the U.S. is gaining momentum in Arkansas, as companies like ExxonMobil , Albemarle, and Standard Lithium make significant investments in the state.

This comes at a time when global demand for lithium, driven by electric vehicles and energy-storage needs, continues to grow. In 2023, global lithium consumption reached 180,000 metric tons, up from 142,000 metric tons in 2022, according to the United States Geological Survey. But the U.S. produces less than 1% of the world's supply.



While most of the world's lithium still comes from countries like Australia, Chile and China, Arkansas could change that.

The state is home to the Smackover Formation, a geological formation rich in lithium brine.



"Lithium resource quality is really what makes this a great region," said Wesley Hamilton, CTO and vice president of research and technology at Albemarle, the world's top lithium producer. "It comes down to two things: the concentration of lithium and the ability to extract it efficiently from the brine."

Arkansas has long been a producer of bromine, which is extracted from the same brines now being tapped for lithium. The formation holds over 4 million metric tons of lithium, which is enough to power millions of EVs and devices, according to Galvanic Energy. That has attracted a rush of interest from companies looking to capitalize on the formation's potential.

Exxon Mobil, for example, acquired 120,000 acres in the Smackover Formation in 2023 and aims to start producing battery-grade lithium by 2027. The company said it will produce enough lithium to supply the manufacturing more than 1 million EVs per year by 2030. Standard Lithium, which has operated in Arkansas since 2020, is also expanding its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) facility in El Dorado, thanks to a $100 million investment from Koch Strategic Platforms. DLE is touted as a more eco-friendly extraction method, using advanced filters to reduce energy and water usage.

However, the road ahead isn't without challenges.

DLE technology, while promising, has yet to be proven on a large scale, and lithium prices have dropped sharply from over $80,000 per metric ton in 2022 to around $10,600 today. That's due to oversupply, slower-than-expected EV growth and new battery technologies, according to Benchmark.

"Lithium prices are falling precipitously, and many standalone lithium companies are not generating the revenues they need," said Shon Hiatt, director of the Business of Energy Transition Initiative at the University of Southern California. "That volatility is a big challenge for companies trying to scale up."

Additionally, China controls 80% of global battery cell production, according to the Atlantic Council, raising concerns about U.S. supply chain risks.

Still, companies like Albemarle and Standard Lithium told CNBC they remain optimistic about Arkansas' potential to become a key player in the global lithium market.



"The United States has to step up," said Robert Mintak, CEO of Standard Lithium. "We've targeted the Smackover formation in Arkansas because we believe it's the best resource to develop."

Watch the video to learn more about how Arkansas is positioning itself at the forefront of U.S. lithium production and what it means for the future of the energy market.
An employee of Amazon India walks toward a security gate at the company's newly launched fulfillment center on the outskirts of Bangalore.

An Indian antitrust investigation has found U.S. e-commerce giant Amazon and Walmart's Flipkart violated local competition laws by giving preference to select sellers on their shopping websites, according to reports seen by Reuters.

The Competition Commission of India in 2020 ordered an investigation into Amazon and Flipkart for allegedly promoting certain sellers with which they had business arrangements and giving priority to certain listings.

In a 1027-page report on Amazon and a separate 1,696-page report on Flipkart, both dated Aug. 9, the CCI investigators said the two companies were found to have created an ecosystem where preferred sellers appeared higher in search results, elbowing out other sellers.

"Each of the anti-competitive practices alleged ... were investigated and found to be true," said both reports, which are not public and are being reported by Reuters for the first time.

"Ordinary sellers remained as mere database entries," the two reports said in identical conclusions on both companies.

Amazon and Flipkart, as well as the CCI, did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. They have previously denied wrongdoing and said their practices are in line with Indian laws.

The two companies will now review the report and file any objections before CCI staff decide on any potential fines.
A giant pyrocumulus cloud has formed above the Bridge Fire, which is burning in the San Gabriel mountains behind downtown Los Angeles.

Wildfires that have burned dozens of mountain homes near Los Angeles slowed on Thursday with cooler temperatures but authorities warned the blazes still threatened suburbs.

Driven by triple-digit heat, gusting winds and tinder-dry vegetation, the three fires burned at speeds firefighters have never witnessed, scorching over 110,000 acres (44,510 hectares) - an area twice the size of Seattle.

The Bridge Fire, California's largest current wildfire, swept through communities in the San Gabriel Mountains less than 40 miles (65 km) northeast of central Los Angeles, where people priced out of the city have built homes.

The 51,000-acre (20,640-hectare) blaze destroyed over 40 houses and cabins in Mount Baldy and Wrightwood as well as damaging lifts at the Mountain High ski area, authorities said.

Fire growth eased as the high, for Los Angeles fell to 81F (27C), a cooling trend expected to last through the weekend.

"We're really expecting to make some great progress on this fire today due to the coastal marine influence, the lowering of temperatures," said Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the response team, referring to a process that raises moisture levels.
September 13, 2024: Russias ill-conceived and poorly managed invasion of Ukraine turned out to be a major disaster for the Russian military and economy. Russian leader Vladimir Putin took credit for the early 2022 invasion but is less willing to accept responsibility for Russian failures. Russian losses have been enormous in terms of personnel and equipment. Over half a million Russian soldiers were killed or seriously wounded. Russian medical care for wounded soldiers was never as good as Western nations and in Ukraine the Russian medical services gradually disappeared completely. In several months this year Russia has lost over a thousand killed in action a day. That means in the last few months Russia has been losing over 30,000 troops a month.

During the first year of the war Russia lost most of its tank force along with light armored vehicles and supply vehicles as well. The Ukrainians knew the Russians never had enough vehicles to keep front line troops supplied with munitions, food, fuel and replacements. During World War II Russia received enormous quantities of supplies, items they were chronically short of like trucks, high octane fuel and reliable communication wire for combat zone use. Between 1941 and 1945 the U.S. sent Russia goods worth $700 billion in 2024 dollars. This was seventeen percent of what the Americans spent on their war effort against Germany and Japan.

Towards the end of World War II Russian leader Josef Stalin declared that Russia might have been defeated without lend-lease. Many other Russians believed they definitely would have lost without the American aid. The Germans could have won by 1944, just in time to see Berlin hit with an American nuclear bomb. The U.S. nuclear weapons program was started before the U.S. entered the war in late 1941, for use against Nazi Germany. An ultra long-range bomber, the 186 ton B-36, was developed during the war in case the Germans conquered Britain. This would have forced the U.S. to launch air strikes on Germany from the North Americans northeast coast. By 1944 it was clear that the B-36 would carry nuclear bombs and that successive successful strikes on Berlin could turn the apparent German victory into a defeat. All this assumed the war would last until the late 1940s.

Germany was defeated by conventional means and surrendered in May 1945, halting the rush to complete the B-36 Berlin Bomber. Two atomic bombs were used against Japanese cities to force the recalcitrant Japanese to surrender in September 1945. The smaller 61 ton B-29 was able to reach Japanese cities from islands recently conquered by American amphibious forces. The B-29s had been active since 1943 but needed bases closer to Japan to reach their targets. The first B-29 raids on Japan were launched in June 1944 from Chinese bases. The B-29s and their supplies were flown in from India at great expense. By October 1944 B-29s began attacking Japanese bases near the home islands from Pacific island bases in November 1944. It was later revealed that the U.S. had only managed to build three nuclear bombs by 1945. One was used for a successful July 16, 1945, test while the other two were used against Japan.

The American use of atomic bombs unnerved the Russians, who, thanks to their spies in the United States, created their own nuclear bomb and tested it in August 1949. Two years earlier the Cold War between Russia and the United States began and did not end until the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union due to its inefficient socialist economy and inability to keep up with the economic and technological advances in the west, especially the United States.

Despite the 25 million Russians killed during World War II and the crushing poverty and dictatorial rule after World War II, many Russians still yearned for a restoration of a Russian empire. This movement grew in the 1990s and by 2022 resulted in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The aggression against Ukraine began in 2014 when Russian leader (since 1999) Vladimir Putin ordered the occupation of 27 percent of Ukrainian territory. That led to economic sanctions. Putins response was a full-bore invasion of Ukraine in 2022. That turned into a spectacular failure because this time around Ukraine was not caught by surprise, and received the modern equivalent of lend-lease aid while Russia grew weaker because of significantly increased sanctions.

On August 6, 2024, Ukrainian forces invaded a much weakened Russia in the Kursk area. Most Russian forces were tied down fighting in eastern Ukraine. The Russians made progress there but suffered six times as many casualties as the defending Ukrainians. Part of the reason for this was that the morale and quality of their soldiers had declined while Ukrainian troops became more effective. Ukraine was still receiving huge quantities of supplies from NATO nations. This 21st century form of lend-lease was a major factor in Ukraine defeating the Russian invasion and now invading Russia.

Ukraine does not want to conquer Russia, but to force Vladimir Putin to end the war he started in 2022. The dozen or so wealthy Russian businessmen who control most of the economy are pressuring Putin to stop the war on terms that will stop the western sanctions from devastating the Russian economy. It is unclear how much pressure will have to be put on Putin to end the war. Putin is increasingly liable to be replaced, a situation Putin insists could never happen. Russians cannot and will not endure much more of the economic catastrophes Putins policies have created. Something has to give and Putin is the weaker party in this dispute. He no longer threatens to use nuclear weapons because he discovered that most Russians, including those controlling the nuclear weapons, did not want to become victims of a nuclear war that would devastate the world economy while Russia suffered most for starting it.

Russia won World War II because of western aid and now Russia is the invader, while Ukraine is winning because of western aid. Internal Russian propaganda pushed the idea that Russia was defending itself from NATO encirclement by invading Ukraine. More Russians are realizing that the greatest threat to Russian survival is Vladimir Putin. The end is near, but the exact date of the war ending is unclear.
A man walks past a monitor showing the stocks curves outside the Taiwan Stock Exchange in Taipei on May 12, 2021.

While the exchange did not specify the cause of the attack or the perpetrator of the attack, local media reported this was part of a distributed denial of service, or DDoS, attack on the Taiwanese government by a pro-Russian hacker group.

The network returned to normal at 3:22 p.m. local time. The exchange added that the securities market and related businesses are "operating normally without any impact." Taiwan's markets close at 1:30 p.m. local time.

At 3 p.m. Taiwan time, the stock exchange said "a large number of foreign IPs launched invalid queries" on its network, resulting in "unstable service for a short period of time."

The Taipei Times reported information security company Radware said the attack was launched in retaliation for comments made by Taiwanese President William Lai.

On Sept. 1, Lai said in an interview that China's claims on Taiwan are about changing the rules-based international order and achieving hegemony in the Western Pacific rather than territorial claims.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not renounced the use of force against the island.

"It wants to achieve hegemony in the international area, in the Western Pacific  that is it's real aim," Lai said.

"If it is really about territorial integrity, why don't they take back the land that was signed away and occupied by Russia in the Treaty of Aigun?" said Lai.

He added, "Now Russia is at its weakest. [The land in] the Treaty of Aigun, you [China] could have asked for it back, but you didn't."

The 1858 Treaty of Aigun was a treaty between the Qing dynasty  China's last dynasty  and the Russian Empire that ceded around 600,000 square kilometers of land in Manchuria to Russia.

The Qing dynasty originally refused to ratify the treaty before confirming the cessation in the 1860 Convention of Peking in what China sees as an one of many "unequal treaties."

In 1895, Taiwan was also ceded to Japan in another "unequal treaty," known as the Treaty of Shimonoseki, before being placed under the control of the then Republic of China  Taiwan's formal name  in 1945 after World War II.
Workers stage a protest to demand higher wages and recognition of their union, at Samsung India's plant in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai on September 11, 2024.

Shares of Samsung Electronics fell as much as 3% on Friday, as workers at its southern Indian plant continued to strike, disrupting production at the consumer electronics unit for a fifth day.

Worker union's representatives, Samsung's management and the state's labor officials failed to reach an agreement over pay and working conditions among other things, on Thursday.

Hundreds of workers have been on strike since Monday, demanding the electronics conglomerate to recognize their union, raise wages and reduce working hours. It is one of the biggest such strikes in recent years in India, Reuters reported.

The plant, located in the city of Chennai in southern India, makes electronic appliances including televisions, refrigerators and washing machines.

It's one of the two factories that Samsung runs in India and can account for up to 30% of the group's $12 billion annual revenue in the country, Reuters reported.

Samsung Electronics is one of the leading players in India's smartphone and electronic appliances market. The major appliances sector-wide 2024 revenue in India is pegged at $38.2 billion, according to Statista.
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Saudi Arabia is optimistic about gaining access to U.S. chipmaker Nvidia's high-performance chips, which would enable it to develop and operate the most advanced artificial intelligence models. Speaking to CNBC on Thursday, a top official at the Saudi Data and AI Authority, Abdulrahman Tariq Habib, said the kingdom expected to make such a stride in the next year. "I think within the next year," Habib, Deputy CEO of SDAIA's strategy management office, told CNBC's Dan Murphy after being asked about a potential timeline. It's a significant expectation given that the United States' strict export controls have thus far prevented the chips' export to the kingdom. Habib made the comments on the sidelines of GAIN, Saudi Arabia's international AI summit, which took place in Riyadh this week. It "will mean a lot" for Saudi Arabia to have access to the chips, Habib said  in this case, the Nvidia H200s, the firm's most powerful chips, which are used in OpenAI's GPT-4o. "It will ease business between Saudi and U.S.," he said. "It will also open a lot of doors for building the capability, the computational capabilities, in the kingdom. But most importantly, it's not only the computational capability that's important. We worked hard in the past three years in building capacity, in human capacity, we also build data capacity as well. So we are working and collaborating with all [of the] international community and contributing [to] be one of the top active countries in data analysis."

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Saudi Arabia is pouring considerable investment into developing a robust AI ecosystem in the kingdom, disclosing in a report by SDAIA that it aims to have AI make up 12% of its gross domestic product by 2030. According to the report, published on Sept. 9, the kingdom's $925 billion Public Investment Fund will lead the investment. Those efforts are part of Vision 2030, an initiative launched by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to modernize the Saudi economy and diversify its revenues away from oil. In March, sources confirmed to CNBC that the PIF was in talks with American venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and potentially others to create a $40 billion fund to invest in AI.

U.S. chip export restrictions

The news that the U.S. government is considering easing its export rules to allow Saudi Arabia access to the coveted chips  first reported by Semafor  is an indicator of the positive relationship between Riyadh and Washington in the AI space, Habib said. "It shows the collaboration and the work that we do with the international organization overall, and the U.S. in specific," he said. "And that shows also the understanding of how Saudi is an emerging powerhouse in AI, in investment and in producing products in AI, with the with U.S."

A Nvidia chip displayed at the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai on June 26, 2024. Strs Afp | Getty Images
The bottom of the barrel prices that have made Chinese-linked e-tailers Shein and Temu so popular with American consumers could soon rise if the Biden administration curtails their use of a trade law loophole.

The companies, known for their $5 T-shirts and $10 sweaters, could see prices rise by at least 20% if the so-called de minimis provision is changed, a spokesperson for the Republican majority of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party told CNBC. The committee made the estimate after launching investigations into Shein and Temu more than a year ago.

Neil Saunders, a retail analyst and the managing director of GlobalData, agreed the policy change would likely increase prices, but couldn't say by how much.

"If the de minimis exemption is removed, then the cost of products from marketplaces like Shein and Temu will rise. They will still be cheap marketplaces but they won't have quite the competitive edge on price that they do now," Saunders told CNBC in an email. "That may lose them some market share or slow their growth, but they will likely respond by pushing into some higher-priced items to balance out their propositions."

On Friday morning, the Biden administration announced plans to bar overseas shipments of products that are subject to U.S.-China tariffs from being eligible for the de minimis exemption.

An obscure tariff law loophole that's been around since the 1930s, the exemption allows packages with a value of less than $800 to enter the United States without the shippers paying import duties and with less scrutiny than larger containers.

The announcement comes after more than a year of scrutiny into the companies from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in particular, the House Select Committee on the CCP.

Both Shein and Temu declined to tell CNBC if they will raise prices due the proposed changes. The companies also disputed that their low prices are driven by the de minimis exemption and said their business models allow them to offer their ultra-affordable rates.

A spokesperson for Shein noted that the company supports de minimis reform and was recently accepted into a voluntary, pilot program with U.S. Customs and Border Protection where it agreed to provide additional data about packages and shipments.
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: Boeing  The stock sank 4% after Boeing factory workers went on strike early Friday after rejecting a new labor contract. The work stoppage will affect production of most aircrafts, including the 737 Max. Oracle  Shares of the database software company rallied more than 6%. Oracle lifted its fiscal 2026 revenue forecast and shared strong guidance for the 2029 fiscal year. Moderna  Shares dropped 4% after JPMorgan downgraded the drugmaker to underweight. The firm expected changes to the company's long-term revenue forecast to weigh on the stock. RH  Shares of the home furnishings retailer surged 21% after a stronger-than-expected second quarter. RH reported $1.69 in adjusted earnings per share on $830 million of revenue. Analysts surveyed by LSEG were looking for $1.56 in earnings per share on $825 million of revenue. The company's CEO said in a letter that demand "accelerated" into the third quarter and the company expects that to continue into 2025. Adobe  Shares sank more than 8% after the company issued softer-than-expected guidance for the current quarter. Adobe topped fiscal third-quarter estimates on the top and bottom lines. Aptiv PLC  The auto parts stock advanced nearly 3% after CEO Kevin Clark purchased nearly 30,000 shares of Aptiv earlier this week, a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission revealed. AstraZeneca  The U.S.-listed shares gained 1.5% even after Deutsche Bank downgraded the biopharmaceutical company to sell from hold, citing the disappointing performance of AstraZeneca's datopotamab deruxtecan drug.  CNBC's Michelle Fox, Lisa Han, Sarah Min and Jesse Pound contributed reporting.
Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden threw shade at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Friday over Trump's latest campaign promise: to eliminate income taxes on overtime pay.

"Donald Trump is losing, and these tax proposals he's floating out of desperation are as fake as his tan," Wyden said in a statement.

The Oregon Democrat who leads the Senate tax writing panel said the former president "knows Republicans in Congress have no intention of passing this stuff."

"It's obvious his newfound concern for working people is a fraud," Wyden argued, "because as president he undermined overtime protections for workers."

He added, "You can always count on him to treat workers like chumps he can buy off with empty campaign promises here and there."

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung fired back at Wyden, telling CNBC the senator "shouldn't be disrespecting hard-working Americans and taking money out of their pockets."

"But it's not surprising coming from a loser like Wyden who has a history of persecuting everyday Americans," Cheung added.
1100 to enter the country without a visa from 2025 onwards. The rule was first introduced in March 2023, and the ETA scheme is made up to monitor people entering or transiting the UK in the absence of a visa or the legal residency rights.

European travelers to the United Kingdom (UK) will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to pay a visa waiver fee of aroundFrom January 8, 2025, the ETA will be applicable to most international visitors. It will be extended to Europoean travelers on April 2, 2025. The fee will be compulsory for all visitors, including even children, unless they possess legal residency or work/study permissions. Irish nationals will be exempted from this, whereas the current rules state that travelers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, have to apply for an ETA.As per the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the ETA scheme looks to cut the gap gap in advance travel permissions and instead give out a detailed understading of all the travellers coming into the UK. Whilst the UK government is of the belief that the new requirement will strengthen security, concerns have come up about its impact on overall tourism.The ETA fee is likely to have less impact on most travelers, as it stands similar to programs like the ESTA and the ETIAS of the USA and the EU respectively. These initiatives have not impacted tourism negatively there. However, the Heathrow Airport has reported a decline of 90,000 passengers on the routes affected by the new rule, saying that some travels could be deterred by the additional cost.The UK prepares to implement this travel pre-requisite and its long-term impact on the inflows of tourism and passenger will be kept a close track on. Regardless, the UK government is confident that the ETA will help them bolster border security whilst not posing a lot of burden on new travelers.
When Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus, was first unveiled at Thailands Khao Kheow Open Zoo, no one could have predicted the tidal wave of adoration that would follow. But now, as her star power skyrockets, the question on everyones mind is whether this adorable hippo can navigate the perils of her newfound fame.

The two-month-old Moo Deng has become an overnight sensation, captivating hearts with her expressive antics and endearing features. Born on July 10 this year, Moo Deng was officially introduced to the public on July 25, and it wasnt long before she wriggled her way into the internets collective consciousness.

Moo Dengs fame has sparked a frenzy of attention. The zoos social media pages, once modest, now boast impressive follower counts  over 56,000 on X (formerly Twitter), 4.3 lakh on Facebook, and an astonishing two million on TikTok. Dedicated accounts celebrating Moo Dengs every move have sprung up, amplifying her impact far beyond the zoo grounds.

Now, every squeal and pout from this tiny pygmy hippo quickly become viral sensations. Moo Dengs playful antics  whether shes being sprayed with water or having a classic hippo tantrum  have earned her a huge following. Here are some standout moments from Moo Deng's life as it unfolds on social media.



Moo Deng finally debuts new teeth pic.twitter.com/Fgl4Yh0bD5

 yammi (@sighyam) September 9, 2024



BUT MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM pic.twitter.com/cxubCWuhUi

 hope hopes hoping (@hopes_revenge) September 8, 2024



I WAS NOT EATING SAND pic.twitter.com/at2qFAqeO9

 hope hopes hoping (@hopes_revenge) September 12, 2024



moo deng is a lifestyle icon and i need all of yall to get onboard:

- inexplicably moist at all times

- slightly blurry in most photos

- probably screaming or sleeping

- round pic.twitter.com/VtgOPf1PAS



 House  gf haver (@mrmatthouse) September 11, 2024

Moo Deng is also being celebrated as a lifestyle icon.

Fan art, memes, and even makeup tutorials are being inspired by this tiny hippo. While Sephora Thailand has suggested blushes to replicate the hippos cheeks, shes also earned her own Wikipedia page.

A cafe in Bangkok has even created cakes shaped like Moo Deng.

But with great fame comes great danger as well. As Moo Dengs popularity grows, so do concerns about her safety. Recently, disturbing incidents have been reported where visitors, eager for a glimpse or a photo, have thrown food and objects into her enclosure. These actions have prompted a crackdown by the zoo, including new surveillance measures and stern warnings against such disruptive behaviour.

According to a report in TIME Magazine, the zoos Director Narongwit Chodchoi called on visitors to stop throwing objects at Moo Deng. He said the zoo has installed surveillance cameras around her enclosure and will take legal action against anyone who disrupts the hippos safety and well-being.

Pygmy hippo: An endangered species

Pygmy hippos are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, with a 1993 study estimating their wild population at between 2,000 and 2,500. Native to the swamps and riverine forests of West Africa, these elusive creatures face significant threats from habitat destruction due to logging, mining, and hunting.

According to a report in The Guardian, Edwin Wiek, founder of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, raised concerns about the necessity of keeping more pygmy hippos in zoo environments. While acknowledging their critical status, Wiek said the focus should shift to strengthening their conservation efforts in their natural habitats.

However, as Moo Deng enjoys her time in the limelight, one thing is clear  her journey from adorable baby hippo to global sensation is nothing short of remarkable.
September 13, 2024: In 2021 Australia decided to abandon diesel-electric subs for nuclear-powered ones. Australia sought to obtain eight American Virginia-Class SSN nuclear attack submarines. The first three will be transferred from the United States, with the first one arriving in 2033. The other five will probably be built in Australia, with some modifications requested by Australia which will technically make the Australian Virginias a variant of the American Virginias. The first three will arrive from the United States in the 2030s. Two will be transferred from the U.S. Navy while the third will come from one of the American Virginias under construction. The first two American Virginias will be used to complete the training of Australian crews. Australia will establish a shipyard and workforce capable of building the other five Virginias locally and this will take until 2052 for all eight Australian SSNs to be in service. To speed this up or simply make sure all eight are in service by 2052, the American may transfer another two, leaving Australia to build the last three. The Australian capability to build Virginians will also provide Australia with the capability to maintain, repair and upgrade Australian SSNs as well of those of allies like the United States and Britain. The U.S. plans to eventually have 66 Virginians in service by the 2040s and each of these will serve for at least 30 years. Currently, only 20 Virginias are in service with the construction of another 40 approved. The rest will be upgraded models that will be more expensive and require Congressional approval.

As of 2024 there are 22 Virginia class SSN in service. Currently Block 3 and 4 Virginia's take about six years to build. In 2008 the navy got its fifth Virginia eight months ahead of schedule and under budget. At that point, the Virginias were taking 5-6 years to build and arriving at the rate of one a year. Over the last decade, the speed of construction has increased as well as the rate of delivery, now one or two a year. This is essential to replace the aging Los Angeles class boats. Covid19 halted the ability to build Virginias at the rate of two a year. Another time-consuming element is that current Virginias are 30 percent larger than the previous ones because they will have 40 launch tubes for cruise missiles. This is about three times as many cruise missile tubes as the previous Virginias. That means even more skilled workers are needed for the larger Virginias.

The Navy currently plans to have up to ten Virginias under construction at the same time. Blocks 1-4 of Virginia are all armed the same way but Block 5 (arriving in the mid-2020s) will have additional space to store and launch missiles and will carry 65 missiles and torpedoes. This is 75 percent more than Block 1-4 boats. This will be accomplished by adding an additional section called the VPM or Virginia Payload Module. This adds 25.6 meters to the length of the sub and increases displacement to 10,400 tons. Each new Block gets better electronics and sensors and it is believed that the passive sonar in the late model Virginias have much longer and accurate detection ranges. Block 5 will also receive a large number of equipment upgrades. The main problem with future Virginias is their larger size plus a shortage of shipyard capacity to simultaneously build all of them and the new Columbia-Class SSBN (larger ballistic missile carrying nuclear subs).

Diverting existing Virginias and some on order to Australia is not seen as a problem as Australia is a long-time American ally and is facing the same Chinese naval threat as the United States. The planned Australian SSN shipyard is a major advantage for the U.S. Navy because currently the two American yards are on the Atlantic coast. Some SSN maintenance can be done at Pacific coast naval facilities but, for shipyard level attention, a Pacific-based SSN must make a long trip to the east coast of the United States.

Australias decision to go nuclear came in 2021 and required the cancellation of a $65 billion contract with a French firm to build twelve non-nuclear versions of the new French Barracuda class SSN. Simultaneously it was announced that Australia had formed a military cooperation coalition with Britain and the U.S. called AUKUS. This made Australia a member of an exclusive club, one that long consisted of only two members: the United States and Britain. This special arrangement dates from the late 1950s when the U.S. agreed to provide Britain with access to military tech that America shared with no one else. This included nuclear submarine tech, including reactor design and SLBMs (Sea Launched Ballistic Missiles). France was offered access to submarine nuclear reactor tech but declined and developed its own. In the case of the twelve French Attack class non-nuclear subs, Australia was concerned about constantly growing delays and escalating costs. The contract contained numerous opportunities for Australia to terminate the deal, with minimal cancellation fees, for failure to meet deadlines. Australia exercised one of those termination opportunities, which the French never expected.

France reacted with denunciations against Britain and the U.S. for conspiring with Australia to steal the contract. That made for great headlines but wasnt true. Australia was already paying a lot of money to deal with the delays already incurred. For example, two months before the French deal was canceled, Australia decided to spend over $4 billion to refurbish all six, instead of just three, of its current Collins class diesel-electric submarines. This was necessary to deal with delays in the construction of the twelve new Attack class boats. The Attack class are smaller diesel-electric versions of the new French SSNs without the massive reactor and additional equipment needed to support it. Part of the problem was that the Barracuda SSNs took longer than expected to enter service, which delayed equipping the Australian shipyard selected to use French SSN tech to build the non-nuclear Shortfin Barracuda. As a result of the delays in France and Australia, the cost of developing and building the Attack class boats in Australia had increased by over fifty percent. Extending the life of all six Collins class boats was seen as a cheaper and safer alternative than scrapping the innovative Shortfin Barracuda project and looking elsewhere.

One likely replacement was the German 216 class boats, which came in second in the competition to replace the Collins class. The 216s are smaller and less effective, on paper, than the Shortfin Barracuda but can be delivered on time and at half the original cost of the French design. France was aware of this possibility but did not expect the AUKUS deal which would enable Britain and the U.S. to share nuclear submarine tech with Australia. This appeals to Australia because the Americans share nuclear sub tech with Britain, not construction contracts, and continues to do so. Britain designs and builds its own SSNs and SSBNs. While Britain uses American SLBMs (Sea Launched Ballistic Missiles), Britain supplies its own nuclear warheads. Much, if not most of the tech in British SSNs and SSBNs is British and Australia would like to purchase American and British tech for the six to eight SSNs Australia plans to build or buy to replace the French Barracuda design.

The Collins class boats entered service between 1996 and 2003 and were expected to retire after 30 years of service. That long service life was attained by giving each Collins class boat one or more expensive refurbishments when the boats got older. By refurbishing all six Collins class boats one more time, all will have a useful life of 37 years and retire much later, sometime in the 2040s, giving the Attack class enough time to enter service to replace the six retiring Collins class subs. The first Attack class boat was supposed to be in service by 2035. By 2021 Australia had doubts that the Attack class subs would be ready before Collins class boats were too old to be operated safely. Australia had been discussing this with the British and Americans for over a year and the AUKUS proposal came out of that. There would have been an AUKUS agreement no matter what happened to the Barracuda project. The Australian naval officers had long been interested in the British switch to an all-nuclear sub force in the 1990s. Since the 1960s Britain had maintained a mixed nuclear/diesel-electric submarine force but when they put their first SSBNs into service during the 1990s they found it practical to go all nuclear rather than continue developing and building nuclear and non-nuclear subs. Now Australia plans to make the same switch.

The non-nuclear Barracuda began in early 2016 when it was agreed that the French firm DCNS would design and share construction of twelve new diesel-electric submarines. Australians preferred the French design because it was a larger boat than those offered by Germany and Japan. The French proposal was a diesel-electric version of their new Suffren (Barracuda) class SSNs. This non-nuclear Shortfin Barracuda design was about 20 percent smaller than the 4,700-ton nuclear powered Suffren but was otherwise very similar with a crew of about 60, four 533 mm torpedo tubes and 24 torpedoes, missiles or mines.

A major selling point for the Barracuda was the proven silencing technology France had developed for their SSNs. This would now be added to an inherently quiet diesel-electric design. The Shortfin Barracudas were to be built in Australia as the Attack class and cost about $2.4 billion each. This included an AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) system that would allow these boats to operate submerged for two weeks at a time. French firms were to only control about half of the construction budget, with much of the rest going to American firms that would provide the electronics and weapons. The RAN (Royal Australian Navy) Attack subs were to begin construction in 2022 and enter service in 2035. That did not happen because of problems in France.

In mid-2019 the first of six new French Barracuda type SSNs was launched. Called the Suffren, it officially entered service in late 2020 but was not completely operational until 2021. All six will be in service by the late 2020s. Back in 2006, France decided to buy six Barracuda class SSNs, for about $1.5 billion each. These 4,700-ton boats are smaller than America's new 7,300-ton Virginia class subs, which cost about $2.8 billion each and use different nuclear power plant and silencing technologies. The unique French tech works but since they developed it themselves, without relying on the use of American tech, like the British do, getting a new class of SSNs into service usually takes longer than British or American designs and, in this case, took much longer than expected.

Construction on the first Barracuda began in 2007 and it was supposed to be launched by 2012. That launch date was tentative and was delayed until 2019 because development of the Barracuda nuclear power plant began in 2003 and soon ran into problems. Problems with the power plant were no surprise because France, unlike Britain, did not license the American SSN power plant. This would make it more difficult to export French nuclear subs, which France has never been able to do because of a lack of customers. The French chose a different power plant design that used commercial, not military grade, nuclear fuel. This meant French nuclear subs had to be refueled more often, but this was made easier by building the hull with special large hatches that could be quickly opened once every 7-10 years for refueling, then sealed again. France is the only nation using this type of ship power plant and had to handle development and maintenance procedures itself. With a small fleet of nuclear subs, this increased the cost per sub. Britain, by licensing the American tech, gets the benefit of a much larger American nuke fleet and the larger budget for work on the power plants. Ever since the first Barracuda began construction, the delays have come from power plant problems. By 2012 it was believed that launch date could be 2017 but delays perfecting the power plant continued. The sub could not be launched until the power plant was completed and the hull made watertight.

Delays in getting the Barracudas into service added more delays in completing the Attack class design and getting construction going. Australia exited the Attack class agreement because it appeared that AUKUS provided a more reliable and affordable solution that also enabled a switch to an all-nuclear sub force. Britain and the U.S. also provide crew and construction staff training in a common language and the option to lease one or more American or British SSNs that are about to retire. This would have the Australian crews ready by the time the first Australian SSN entered service. By building these subs in Australia, American and British nuclear subs would have access to some repairs or maintenance for their nuclear subs operating in the Western Pacific. The U.S. currently has over half its SSNs operating in the Western Pacific.

One critical factor to how many SSNs Australia will build is the problems Australia already has finding enough qualified recruits for their diesel-electric subs. Britain and the U.S. have similar problems with their nuclear subs, as does China with its diesel-electric and nuclear subs. That might make it easier for Australia to settle for four or six SSNs rather than the eight currently discussed.
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American companies have unwittingly hired hundreds  maybe thousands  of North Korean workers for remote IT positions, according to the US Department of Justice, the FBI, the US State Department, and cybersecurity companies.

The sophisticated scheme, perpetrated by the North Korean government for years, partly funds that countrys weapons program in violation of US sanctions.

Agents working for the North Korean government use stolen identities of US citizens, create convincing resumes with generative AI (genAI) tools, and make AI-generated photos for their online profiles.
Addressing four zero-days flaws (CVE-2024-38014, CVE-2024-38217, CVE-2024-43491 and CVE-2024-38217), this months Patch Tuesday release from Microsoft includes 79 updates to the Windows platform. There are no patches to Microsoft Exchange Server or the companys development tools (Visual Studio or .NET). And Microsoft addressed a recently exploited vulnerability in Microsoft Publisher with two critical updates and nine patches rated important for Microsoft Office.

Significant testing will be required for this months Microsoft SQL Server patches, which affect both server and desktop components  with a focus on application installations due to a change in how Microsoft Installer handles changes and installation rollbacks.

The team at Readiness has crafted a useful infographic outlining the risks associated with each update.
Saturday Night Live isnt always live from New York. Given the shows popularity over five decades, its not surprising that other countries around the globe have adapted the franchise to fit their own cultural sensibilities.

But does every nation on earth have its version of Kenan Thompson? Here are five countries that do  or at least some reasonable facsimile.

1 SNL Korea Play This ones been around, off and on, since 2011, but it wasnt easy to get started. To get people to appear in this show, I had to beg, head writer Jang Jin told Mwave. I even asked them to appear on the show by giving them my next movie script. SNL Korea lasted for eight seasons through 2016, but a revival was announced in 2021. Like Americas SNL, it has its own Weekend Update and its own controversies, including accusations of sexual harassment by a boy band.

2 SNL Arabia Play When a new SNL originating from Cairo launched in 2016, some of the American cast made a video to wish their Egyptian counterparts well. Welcome to the SNL family and good luck! said Taran Killam, Pete Davidson and Aidy Bryant. Bye! Later! Advertisement Advertisement We done? Yeah, good luck, said Killam. They are doomed. Its going to be tough, its a tough job, said Bryant. It is hell, (Davidson, Killam and Bryant) were right about that, cast member Yara Fahmy told CNN. Its an amazing kind of hell. They had 40 years of figuring it out and to write it in one format book, explained cast member Shadi Alfons. Its just a matter of finding the right content for our audience and tweaking the jokes so they are relevant and funny to the entire Middle East. The show lasted four seasons, producing two shows a week. The Supreme Media Council suspended the show in February 2018 for sexual implications.

3 SNL Quebec This French-language version of SNL contained not only original sketches but French versions of classic bits as well. That includes Schweddy Balls, a sketch that seems language-specific but got the requisite laughs anyway. (Check it out at the 26:40 mark.) Play A 2014 review of the shows first episode in Cult MTL made SNL Quebec sound an awful lot like its American counterpart: Things were off to a rocky start.  An opening sketch seemed to have been resurrected from a 20-year-old high-school variety show.  The first half hour of the show was basically overlong skit after overlong skit. Relatable.

4 Saturday Night Live (Spanish Version) estamos en directo y esto es Saturday Night Live! began every show, which roughly translates to the redundant We are live, and this is Saturday Night Live! The show premiered on free channel Cuatro to big ratings when it was introduced in 2009. Like Quebecs show, the Spanish version repurposed classic sketches customized for local audiences, according to Variety. More Cowbell, for example, jettisoned Blue Oyster Cult in favor of Spanish heavy metal group Baron Rojo. And instead of Weekend Update, each episode ended with Las Noticias del SNL (or The SNL News).
Despite being the It's Always Sunny star and producer with the Emmys, the personal production company and the high-profile bromance with Deadpool, Rob McElhenney isnt going to disagree with anyone who thinks that his co-conspirators Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton are the top talents of the Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia team.

And here we thought no one needed a wild card.

When McElhenney, Day and Howerton first shot the pilot for Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, they budgeted $100 for the entire project and used a digital camera that Howerton had bought with the money he made starring in the universally panned and short-lived That 70s Show spin-off That 80s Show. At the time, McElhenney envisioned the project as a way for the three friends to secure steady acting gigs without attending endless, soul-crushing auditions, and its doubtful that any of them expected the potential show about a bunch of Philadelphia assholes who own a bar together to ever earn them Emmy nods  which is for the best, because it didnt.

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Today, however, McElhenney has a number of burgeoning side projects outside his flagship franchise, some of which the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences have deigned to recognize with a golden statuette. After McElhenneys Welcome to Wrexham took home the Emmy for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program at this past weekends ceremonies (the second such award McElhenney and his Wrexham team have won), one Always Sunny fan on Twitter lamented that the shows brightest stars still havent had their time to shine on TVs biggest night.

In the viral tweet, the fan apologized for claiming that Howerton and Day are the two most talented actors on Always Sunny, but McElhenney himself chimed in to clarify that theres no apologies necessary  after all, he has an Emmy.

For the sake of McElhenneys marriage, were going to assume that he thought the tweet about the talent rankings on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia only covered the three original members of the Paddys Pub gang, and that it wasnt explicitly omitting McElhenneys dear wife and co-star Kaitlin Olson from the podium of top It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia talents. Olson was nominated in the Outstanding Guest Actress in A Comedy Series for her work on Hacks at this past weekends Emmy Awards, her third career nomination, but she didnt yet take home her first win as Jamie Lee Curtis claimed the prize for her performance in the depressing and traumatizing comedy series The Bear.

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While its easy for McElhenney to self-efface when his non-Sunny projects are netting him the industry acknowledgement he deserves, its still noble of him to implicitly name his two friends and the Emmys worst enemies as Always Sunnys most talented cast members. Maybe hell let Day and Howerton hold his Emmys sometime now that he has enough for both of them.
Clark Griswold kind of sucks. The buffoonish patriarch who first appeared in National Lampoons Vacation is prone to random acts of unbridled rage and unnecessary rudeness. Not to mention how he tends to spend every spare moment he has fantasizing about cheating on his amazing wife, whose only flaw is not leaving him in the early 1980s.

But is there another explanation for Clarks constant lack of self-control?

As sensorimotor neuroscientist Dr. E. Paul Zehr pointed out in Psychology Today, Clark clearly suffers nine traumatic head injuries in Christmas Vacation alone, which is likely the cause of his odd behavior. Just minutes into the movie he crashes his car into a snowbank. Not much later, a ladder smacks him in the face. And moments after that, he gets hit multiple times by wooden planks.

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These blows are clearly severe because Clark appears dazed and woozy after each hit.

And then theres the time he rode a flaming saucer sled of death straight into a Walmart parking lot.

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As the movie progresses, Clarks apparent mild traumatic brain injury could explain his difficulty with anger management, loss of behavioral regulation and erratic actions, such as how he cuts down a neighbors tree with a chainsaw and sets it up in his living room.

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Dr. Zehr also notes that these injuries could explain some future examples of Clarks extremely poor judgment, like when he gambles away all of his money on risky games like Rock, Paper, Scissors in Vegas Vacation.

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And Dr. Zehr isnt the only medical expert to point to Clarks apparent condition. In 2022, a representative of the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center used Clarks Christmas Vacation mishaps to teach people how to stay safe during the holidays. They specifically noted that Clark suffered multiple instances of head trauma and was showing symptoms of a traumatic brain injury. Therefore, he should have sought help from a medical provider.

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That being said, Clark does exhibit milder versions of these same symptoms in the preceding movies, in which he doesnt regularly smack his head. But, for one thing, its possible that Clarks concussions are limited to the holiday season, and happen every Christmas. And its also more than likely that he sustained some sort of head injury after crashing his station wagon while en route to the Grand Canyon.

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Plus, and this might sound like a big stretch, but some people with a brain injury can develop a condition known as prosopagnosia or face blindness. Clark and Ellen Griswolds children, Audrey and Rusty, conspicuously look completely different in every single Vacation movie. Perhaps the glaring casting changes were intentional, in order to visually represent Clarks mental confusion?

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Then again, its possible that the actors parents just didnt want their kids hanging around with Chevy Chase on a semi-regular basis.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).
Alam with his then-boyfriend in 1999, during the summer he moved to New York City. Photo: Rumaan Alam

Rumaan Alam came to New York to make it in publishing. One could safely say he has accomplished his goal: His new novel, Entitlement, comes out next week, and an earlier book, Leave the World Behind, was turned into a feature film starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke. We spoke with Alam about his first days in the city, which were much less glamorous  sleeping on the floor in Fort Greene, eating potato chips for dinner, and buying dress shirts in a bag for his first job at Conde Nast.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

I have a very strong memory of visiting New York in 1996, the summer of my junior year in high school. My family rented a short-term stay at an apartment in midtown and it was really dingy and hideous. But my parents let me kind of roam around and do whatever I wanted to do. We all went to see a Broadway show and then I went on my own to the ticket booth and got tickets to see A Delicate Balance and An Ideal Husband alone. I was a dorky 16-year-old, and I had this exhilarating feeling of, Im in New York City, Im seeing a play! It was a formative experience.

Then I was a part-time writing student at Oberlin College and I worked at the one coffee shop in town and I was so broke. I knew I wanted to move to New York and work in publishing, but in the pre-internet era, it was very abstract to me how you would accomplish that. A woman I worked with at the coffee shop wanted to move to New York also. Her dad was going to drive her there, and she was like, You can come with us. My parents were not very supportive; theyre Asian immigrants and wanted us to be physicians or lawyers or something that was really legible to them. So our relationship was fraught at the time, but they had given me some presents for graduation. My boyfriend drove me to the local shitty department store and I returned them all and bought a bottle of Acqua di Gio. I moved to New York in 1999 with that bottle of cologne and probably $300.

I had a good friend from college who at the time worked at ABC News, and she and I hatched a plan to be roommates. Somehow, she found us an apartment in Fort Greene for $1,400. It was in a brownstone that had been sort of hollowed out and converted into really crappy apartments, and ours was on the second floor. It was a two-bedroom, but it was one of those brownstone conversions where it was a two-thirdstoone-third space distribution because of the staircase. So Michelle, my roommate, had the big room, and I had this teeny, tiny room with a twin bed that was actually just a mattress on the floor. I went to Office Depot and bought plastic drawers that I put in the closet; that was my dresser, and I had a computer sitting on the floor. I had nothing, but it was a really sweet place in a beautiful, vibrant neighborhood that had just been so neglected. I was really happy there. I remember when I was living there, it was big news when a house in Fort Greene sold for more than a million dollars. It was in the Times.

Alam at a friends apartment his first summer in New York.

I had met this woman Kim France at Oberlin at a party my professor had for alumni who worked in publishing. She was working at Conde Nast, and I was very interested in fashion and was fussy about the way I dressed. This woman could clearly see that. She said to me as I was leaving, Ill see you in New York at the Barneys Warehouse Sale. I didnt know what that meant  I had no idea what she was talking about. But at some point, I secured her email address and I emailed her. She wrote me back and the entirety of her email was in the subject line and it just said, Come see me at Conde Nast. Again, I had no idea what any of that meant. But I went to Conde, which had just moved into 4 Times Square, and I was sent to meet with a kind of legendary HR person who was one of those people you could just tell had had a horse at some point in her life. She was very grand, but she was also very nice to me. She said, Well, men dont do well at Conde Nast. But she was like, Well think about it.

I was so broke I would buy potato chips and cigarettes and thats it. Thats all I ate. I worked at this coffee shop on Atlantic Avenue and I remember bringing the scones home to eat for dinner. And then Kim sent me an email. Again, the entire message was in the subject line and it just said, Hey, come work at Lucky and be my assistant. And it saved me. I remember having a little bit of cash and going to Century 21 and being like, Okay, I have to buy real clothes. Im pretty sure I bought those dress shirts that come in a plastic bag, and I thought I was so clever because I was like, I cant buy pants, but I can buy Dickies and they kind of look like pants.

Alam and a friend in 1999. Rumaan Alam. Alam and a friend in 1999. Rumaan Alam.

Even once I had a job  I was the assistant to the editor-in-chief  I made $25,000 a year, which was actually $3,000 more than the other assistants made. But I had all these perks. I had to go to the newsstand in the mornings and buy the Times, the Post, and the Daily News. On Wednesdays, I had to buy the Observer. And on Thursday or Friday, I had to buy whatever glossy magazines came out. Once, I was trying to do a second transaction to buy a pack of cigarettes and the guy who worked there was like, You could just charge them to her. And I was like, Oh no, I could never. He was like, Trust me, you could. And so then I would just charge them to her account. Nobody gave a shit; it just did not matter at all.

I spent a lot of time by myself on the weekends. There was nowhere to buy the newspaper in Fort Greene so I used to walk to Park Slope to a fancy bodega and buy the Sunday paper, which was like $3. And then I would go home and read it and then I would have nothing to do. So Id walk to a used bookstore on Seventh Avenue in Park Slope and go look at books. I wrote and I read and just kind of lived inside of my head, I suppose. I remember trying to go to the late night at MoMA thinking maybe in some fantasy world some cute guy named Brian would notice me. Thats the level of delusion thats pertinent when youre still postadolescent.

Over time, I became good friends with two of my colleagues. I remember we used to just walk around and try to go shopping, but we couldnt buy anything. So I guess thats window-shopping. I really cared a lot about clothes, and we would walk to Barneys and be like, Ah, someday. And then wed go to Century 21 and itd be like, Oh, I still actually cant afford this, either. And we would go to the Steven Alan store, which was such a big deal in that period of time, or Opening Ceremony. I would just dream about the kind of life I thought I was going to have. I remember I bought a pair of Miu Miu shoes that I loved so much from a store I think is gone now  Otto Tootsi Plohound. It was the most ridiculous store, and they were the most ridiculous shoes: blue suede, square-toed loafers. But I loved them so much, and it really mattered to me to have things I felt were rarefied and special and expensive  and that signaled I had a sense of discerning taste. In part, its because I worked at a fashion magazine in this environment where thats what people cared about. Im sure I wore them into the fucking ground.
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NISKAYUNA  An outside school safety study has recommended that the Niskayuna school district bring back a program that would install police officers in district schools.

After a petition to bring back the school resource officer (SRO) program collected over 1,400 resident signatures, the Niskayuna school board funded a comprehensive safety study this spring by the Altaris Consulting Group to examine the SRO issue and school safety districtwide.

The resulting study features 70 recommendations for how the district can bolster its safety practices, including the return of an SRO program after the district discontinued its prior SRO initiative in 2008 due to finances.

During the Niskayuna school board meeting on Tuesday night, Chris Blackwell of Altaris Consulting Group told the board that the firms recommendation is to have at least one SRO officer for the district, noting that he would prefer that each school building had its own officer.

Board of Education President Elisabeth Cococcia asked Blackwell if one SRO rotating between eight schools would be sufficient in the event of an emergency such as an active shooter event.

If we have an SRO at every building, that would prove that, God forbid, youre going to have somebody there if a situation does happen, Blackwell replied.

Niskayuna Superintendent Carl Mummenthey said on Thursday that the district will be exploring the viability of an SRO program.

Thats something were taking a very close look at, Mummenthey said. I would say that it dovetails very closely with their [Altaris] recommendation of expanding our district team of security personnel as well.

The district currently has security guards at the high school and both middle schools, with the report recommending that in addition to the SRO program the district also place security personnel at Niskayunas five elementary schools.

The board will be looking at those recommendations and assessing the cost, the timeline and the priority, Mummenthey said.

District parent Chrissy Harper told the board on Tuesday, following the recent school shooting in Georgia that claimed four lives, she was anxious about sending her kids to school this fall.

Personally, I have a pit in my stomach when I kiss my daughters goodbye in the morning knowing that our buildings are soft targets, Harper told the board. It's especially a sinking feeling that we dont have SROs on our campuses.

Blackwell, who previously served as an SRO in Orange County, told the Niskayuna school board that he would recommend collaborating with the local police department if it opts to enact an SRO program instead of private security.

Niskayuna Police Chief Jordan Kochan said this spring that the department is ready and willing to work with the district on a SRO program

That would be the most logical first step, Mummenthey said on Thursday. In my mind, we have a great working relationship with our local law enforcement agencies. If we as a leadership team were looking to establish a school resource officer program, we would want to partner with them.

The 135-page Altaris report was crafted after the consulting group toured all eight district school buildings and conducted separate focus groups with district employees and community members regarding safety in the district.

Additional recommendations in the report include changes to the districts staff ID protocol.

Under the current system, each district staff member is issued an ID badge that is required to be worn at all times when at each school building. The consultants are recommending that the district issue standardized color-coded lanyards for all staff members to wear the IDs in the same manner.

We think its very important that district staff always be wearing their school ID with a colored lanyard, with a different colored lanyard for visitors, so we know whos inside of the building and who belongs in the building, Blackwell said. If someone is in the building without identification, without a lanyard and tag, then we need to know how they got inside the building.

The report also calls for the district to expand its staff safety training and recommends the purchase of additional safety equipment, including radios, emergency kits and safety vests.

The report notes that Van Antwerp Middle School does not utilize portable radios amongst the staff.

It is also strongly recommended that portable radios be used by supervising adults in various areas, such as playgrounds and cafeterias, the report states.

Mummenthey said that the district is beginning the process to prioritize and implement the firms safety recommendations.

I dont anticipate that it will be a terribly time-consuming process, but it is going to take some assignment of priority, Mummenthey said. Some of the recommendations are very easy to fix with a technological solution or training solution thats easy to implement, and others deal with significant expense or complexity and will take a little bit more time.

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China, Saudi Arabia fortify pillar of relations by expanding investment, trade

Xinhua) 14:05, September 13, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
   ...:            ...
Lord Darzi has wasted his time. We didnt need his new report to learn that the NHS  grotesquely touted as the envy of the world  is a disgrace.

Every so-called reform, from one government after another, has made zero difference. Taxpayers money just pours into a dysfunctional system, while the experience of patients gets worse.

Like a malignant cancer, the bureaucracy metastasises, more interested in protecting itself than in looking after the sick. While there are many dedicated nurses and doctors, the top-down system  the same as youd expect in Soviet Russia or Castroist Cuba  has manifestly failed.

Access to healthcare in France is via the indispensable Carte Vitale identity card

But it doesnt have to be this way. Just 20 miles across the Channel, theres a healthcare system that works. The newspapers in my adopted country of France are free from daily horror stories of 72-hour waits in A&E or months spent languishing for cancer treatment.

Elderly men are not asked if theyre pregnant. There are no crumbling buildings, mental health patients accommodated in Victorian-era cells infested with vermin with 17 men sharing two showers, in Darzis horrified words. The system is efficient and effective.

If Keir Starmer wants to deliver on his weirdly funereal speech yesterday and perform the major surgery he rightly says is necessary to heal the ailing NHS, he doesnt have to look far.

I speak from experience. Im 73 and, like many boomers, Im increasingly needing medical care after years of rude good health. None of my problems are life-threatening, thankfully, although some are serious.

And heres the thing. After repeatedly using the French healthcare system, I have only fulsome praise. When I phone my GP (generaliste) a human being answers instantly and books me in.

If my needs are urgent, I know I will always get an appointment that day. If I need a blood test, I just stroll into the local, privately-owned medical laboratory to be seen in 10 minutes, getting my results within a couple of hours.

When my wife broke a bone in her foot recently, I drove her to our nearest emergency room in rural Occitanie. She was seen within five minutes, had an X-ray 20 minutes later  and was discharged within an hour.

When I woke up struck by a nasty and painful inflammatory disease earlier this year, my GP saw me the same morning. She referred me to a brilliant specialist at the hospital in Beziers, who saw me the following day.

He ordered a biopsy, performed two days after that.

The aftercare was fabulous. For the next 10 days, a district nurse visited me at home every day to change the dressings. You must be thinking: surely, for all this, we must have some extortionate private health insurance?

At our age, it must cost us thousands in premiums, rising every year. All well and good for you, Miller, but not practical for most Brits.

Wrong. France, like Britain, has a universal healthcare system  in which the entire population is covered. There is nothing unusual about my experience. The World Health Organisation has consistently ranked France as having the best healthcare in the world  and its easy to see why.

Everyone legally resident here, regardless of income, is covered by statutory health insurance known as the Secu, short for Securite Sociale.

This is funded by: employers (who pay a charge for everyone they hire, rather like employer national insurance in the UK); employees (who pay a portion of their salaries towards it); and the self-employed (who surrender a slice of their earnings for it).

Crudely speaking, these groups cover the unemployed and  in limited form  illegal migrants. The Secu pays not only for Frances world-leading healthcare system but also its generous state pension, family benefits and unemployment insurance.

Access to healthcare is via the indispensable Carte Vitale identity card. Pharmacies, hospitals, medical laboratories  everything is authorised by the card.

Choice is fundamental in the French system, with public and private hospitals competing, but both funded by the Secu and charging the same fees.

The competition means that the patient is in charge. Not an unaccountable monopoly provider that can get away with treating its customers with indifference bordering on contempt.

There are small up-front payments  which help to cut waste. To see my GP costs me 6.30  half the price of a pizza.

My own recent surgery cost me a co-payment of 41  far less than the 200 it cost to take my dog to the vet last time. My prescriptions cost me 1.50 to 6.00. But even these small fees are waived for anyone with chronic illnesses.

Sir Keir Starmer speaks after the publication of Lord Darzi's independent investigation into the state of the NHS in London yesterday

There are small up-front payments, which help to cut waste. To see my GP costs 6.30, half the price of a pizza

Furthermore, about 95 per cent of French people spend a further 34 a month on private health insurance, known as mutuelle, which covers the co-payments and anything else not fully reimbursed by the Secu. Pay the mutuelle and you need never pay anything again.

Back in Britain, it may feel like the NHS is free  but deep down, of course, its not.

The Government spent 212billion on healthcare in 2022-2023  more than 18 per cent of its total expenditure. (The figure was just 13 per cent in 1996-1997 and only nine per cent in 1978-1979.) So almost a fifth of your taxes are being lavished on the bloated service. Do you feel like youre getting your moneys worth?

True, France spends about 4,400 per person on healthcare, higher than the UKs per capita spending at 3,500. But, crucially, almost all of that money is spent on care, not managers.

A British friend who gave birth to her first child in England and the second in France told me it was like being upgraded from economy to business class.

France is not some lone paradise. Its model, with variations, pertains across much of Europe. The Netherlands and Germany also use the social health insurance model  and all perform better than Britain on every key indicator from death rates from avoidable causes to life expectancy at birth and infant and maternal mortality rates.

Lefties in Britain invariably point to the United States as the lone alternative to the sacred NHS. America is the only developed country without a universal healthcare system  and Americans go bankrupt every day for want of insurance. It bears no relation to the European model.

Keir Starmer has promised the greatest reimagining of the NHS since its birth.

I hope he delivers. But unless his government moves to something resembling the French system, I guarantee that, like every previous attempt, his reforms will end in failure. The centralised, nationalised, hopeless NHS is a temple to a dead religion.

I have family members my age back in Britain. As I grow older, I am grateful every day that I am not in their place.

Jonathan Miller is the author of France: A Nation on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.
As I write this, I am sitting at my desk in my spacious penthouse on the River Thames in the heart of London.

Through my floor-to-ceiling windows, I look out on to some of the capitals most famous buildings, from the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Cathedral to the MI6 headquarters.

The views were one of the reasons I fell in love with this property, and after buying the 3,500 sq ft apartment four years ago, Ive filled it with stunning pieces of art.

Believe you me, Ive lived in some fine riverside flats over the years, but none has brought me so much pleasure.

Its the best place Ive ever lived, and from the moment I moved in  Im 71 now  I assumed I would see out my days here.

Charlie Mullins is among many wealthy individuals choosing to take their money out of the UK, and over the next few months he plans to move every one of his assets

Today, though, its back on the market with a 12 million price tag.

Why? Because if, as is widely rumoured, the new Labour Government raises inheritance tax to 50 per cent, it means that when I die, roughly 6 million of my apartments sale price would go to the Treasury coffers.

Im simply not prepared to let that happen  or for Keir Starmers socialist government to get their hands on any more of my hard-earned money.

Thats why, over the next few months, I am moving every single one of my assets, built up over 45 years of creating my business, Pimlico Plumbers, from scratch, out of the country.

My Rolls-Royce, my Bentley, my investments  theyre all going. I dont intend to have even a bank account in my name here.

Its not a decision I have made lightly, although in some ways it doesnt feel like my decision at all. It would be more accurate to say I feel forced out by a hard-Left administration intent on inflicting punitive taxes on everyone from the striving middle-classes to the nations biggest wealth creators while feathering the nests of their union cronies.

And Im far from alone. Barely a day goes by without another report detailing the number of wealthy individuals who have decided to take their money out of the UK.

The latest, from Henley & Partners  which helps wealthy investors to move overseas  found that Britain is on track to lose a record 9,500 millionaires this year alone.

Thats more than any country except China.

Earlier this year, meanwhile, banking giant UBS suggested that by 2028 a staggering 500,000 millionaires will leave the UK, equivalent to a 17 per cent fall.

You dont have to be a PhD economist to work out that this means billions of pounds are being removed from our countrys coffers.

For months, entrepreneurs and investors have been telling me that they want out or theyve already gone  because they no longer want to live under a government that punishes self-improvement and seems to loathe aspiration and ambition.

I feel that if I want to protect everything I have worked so hard for, for the sake of my children and grandchildren, then I have no choice but to move my assets, writes Charlie Mullins

How else to interpret the grim litany of tax rises that are already in place or in train? From VAT on private school fees to rumoured increases in capital gains tax, pensions relief and even Isas, Keir Starmer and his sidekick Rachel Reeves are raining blow after blow on those who already contribute most to the Treasurys coffers.

Well, no longer. I have paid millions in tax year after year, and my accountants tell me that in my years owning Pimlico Plumbers, I paid no less than 100 million into the system  enough to pay the salaries of 2,700 nurses.

When I sold Pimlico three years ago to a US firm, I paid another 23 million in tax. I did so without complaint. Ive nothing against paying reasonable amounts of tax. But there is nothing reasonable about this Governments plans to soak the rich.

Any remaining doubts I might have had about staying aboard the sinking ship were robustly dispelled this week when Starmer axed the winter fuel allowance for struggling pensioners a month after giving train drivers  already earning 60,000 a year, a figure that many elderly on the breadline can only dream of  a 15 per cent pay rise.

Meanwhile, the beleaguered middle classes find taxes layered on taxes, from property to pensions and investments.

Sadly, most of the squeezed middle have no choice but to stay and watch as the Government gnaws away not just at their income but also their future savings too.

After announcing my plans earlier this week, I received messages from people all over the country saying they wished they could follow in my footsteps.

So much for the Governments ludicrous insistence this week that  and I quote  The PM believes that the UK is the best place to do business and invest in.

What planet are these people on? I wonder whether, as a former lawyer, Starmer would repeat his claim under oath.

Not when the countrys wealthiest businessmen and entrepreneurs are leaving in droves.

I started Pimlico Plumbers in 1979, the year that Margaret Thatcher became prime minister with an empowering message of self-improvement and a can-do spirit. I was the son of a factory worker and a cleaner and grew up on a council estate  but I was prepared to put the graft in.

Her message underlined that if you work hard, you will reap the rewards  and so will the country.

Mrs T was right. Over four decades, my business grew from a tiny company working out of my basement flat to a 140 million giant that has employed thousands of people, trained 1,200 apprentices and pumped millions into the economy.

We weathered all manner of ups and downs over the years, from the recession of the early 1990s and the financial crash of 2008 to the pandemic.

But, having emerged from these challenges, I never expected a new government to see me off.

That was until I was confronted by Starmer, who has revealed himself to be nothing more than a socialist in a suit he didnt even pay for.

Its no coincidence that countries such as Dubai  where, along with Spain, I intend to spend my time on leaving the UK  Portugal and Switzerland are proving popular destinations for those businesses and wealthy individuals who have already voted with their feet. Unlike the UK, these countries encourage the wealth-makers.

My sons new business We Fix, which hes billing as the Harrods of the handyman world, may yet follow suit.

Its registered in the UK, and will of course pay tax in the UK, and I sincerely hope its a success.

But make no mistake, if business taxes spiral still further then, once hes in a position to do so, he will move it out of the UK, too.

And I have made it clear that, in the meantime, I dont want to be on the payroll because Im simply not prepared to give the Government another penny of my money.

None of this gives me any pleasure. I have always loved Britain, and the prospect of leaving my country makes me very sad indeed.

But I honestly feel that if I want to protect everything I have worked so hard for  for the sake of my children and grandchildren  then I have no choice.
Like a great murmuration of migratory birds, the millionaires of Britain are massing in the departure lounges. They are revving their private jets.

They are stubbing out their Cohibas in the smoking bars of Mayfair and preparing to leave our shores not just for winter but forever.

They may have decided they want somewhere warmer. They may want a city where the mayor actually fights back against street crime, and where the Rolexes are not snatched from their wrists.

But mainly they are going because they are simply appalled by Keir Starmer, and Rachel Reeves, and Labours intensifying war on the rich.

In today's Mail Charlie Mullins, the heroic entrepreneur who founded Pimlico Plumbers and grew it into a 140million business employing thousands of people, explained why he could take it no more.

He is selling his penthouse. He is flogging both the Bentley and the Rolls-Royce and he is going to Dubai because he is damned if he is going to pay Labours grotesque and unnecessary taxes, and he is not alone.

People are appalled by Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves's intensifying war on the rich, writes BORIS JOHNSON

I am told that the hedge funds are already leaving Mayfair, with the tech titans hot on their heels. They are heading for Italy, where you can do a 200,000 euros deal for a flat rate tax. They are going to Madrid, to Portugal, to Switzerland, to the Gulf, and of course to the United States  anywhere to escape the jaws of the ravening Reeves.

Suddenly we are in the grip of a 1970s-style brain drain. At the very moment when Starmer has abandoned any attempt to control the entry of illegal migrants, wealth and talent is symmetrically starting to flee. This year alone it is estimated this country said goodbye to about 10,000 millionaires  because if Britain is about to be engulfed by Starmergeddon, they are saying to themselves, well, Starmergeddon out of here.

It is estimated that by 2028 we will have haemorrhaged 500,000 millionaires. Yes, you read that right: by the end of this parliament, half a million millionaires will have fled this country, like aristocrats fleeing the tumbrils of the French revolution. In the Labour government, and among the economically illiterate Lefties who now run this country, that prospect will be viewed with a flinty indifference.

So what, they will say, if we lose a few tycoons and entrepreneurs. Good riddance to these swankpots, say the Lefties: no one will miss them.

So what if the ostlers of Ascot and the ushers of Glyndebourne are suddenly missing their biggest-tipping customers. Does that really matter for the wider economy?

The answer is that it most certainly does. This exodus is a disaster for Britain, and for confidence in the British economy  which has already come under sustained rhetorical assault by Starmer and Reeves, the very people who should be shoring it up.

You dont need to believe in the trickle-down theory, the idea that consumption by the affluent drives jobs and growth for millions of others  though that is very largely true. When I was Mayor of London, we had more billionaires than any other city on Earth. In fact, I used to boast that the city was their natural habitat, as the jungle of Sumatra is perfect for the orangutang, and their presence was not unconnected with the very high employment throughout the city.

Charlie Mullins is among many wealthy individuals choosing to take their money out of the UK, and over the next few months he plans to move every one of his assets

But even if you reject the trickle-down theory, you just need to look at the way the British economy works. You need the wealth creators for an even more fundamental reason  because it is frankly their ideas, their energy, their ambition that drives growth in the entire country.

Whether you are a plumbing king or a tech start-up, you are providing the innovation that keeps this country competitive and that attracts investment from around the world. Kill that culture, stifle those innovators, drive them away, and you will begin a downward spiral of decline.

You will have lower growth, and therefore lower tax yields; and then Starmer and Reeves will be forced to widen their nets ever further to pay for ever growing public expenditure, and the burden of taxation will fall ever more heavily on the entire population. It is already happening.

You can see it in the decision to take away the winter fuel allowance  not from the rich, but from 90 per cent of its current recipients. Why? Not because of some mythical black hole in the public finances, but because of the choices Labour have made.

They have opened our collective wallet to the unions, offering train drivers a 15 per cent increase in pay, even though they already earn about 60,000 per year. They have capitulated to the junior doctors, with no improvements in productivity (so much for the reform demanded by Starmer).

They have bowed down to the public sector unions, and abandoned all attempts to cut the cost of government  which in its complexity and luxury is starting to resemble the later Roman empire. Take the so-called Cabinet Office, that mysterious entity at the heart of Whitehall, where people such as Sue Gray  former senior civil servant turned Starmers chief of staff  used to spend her time on the karaoke machine.

When Margaret Thatcher left No 10 in 1990, it numbered 600 people. When Tony Blair left office in 2007, it had reached 1,000. There are now about 8,000 of them. What are they all doing, and what is Starmer doing about it? Nothing, except of course giving everyone the right to work from home and not to be disturbed at the weekend by their boss.

They have junked our plan to cut government headcount by 66,000, and as the state gets bigger and bigger they are preparing to clobber businesses, to clobber individuals, to pay for it all; because the ghastly truth about Lefties  like Starmer and Reeves  is that they simply dont care.

They actually believe in levelling down. They like lopping off the heads of the tall poppies. They want to wallop the rich. If you want to understand their mentality, think of that professor at Warwick University, who announced that we should all hesitate before reading to our children  because we would be placing less fortunate children at a disadvantage.

It sounds crazy, and it is crazy. Its pure Pol Pot  but I promise you that IS genuinely how these people think.

When they see a hero like Charlie Mullins, they dont rejoice in his success or his wealth or consider that in the 40-plus years he was at the helm, his firm paid 100million in tax. No, they wrinkle their nose. People are starting to wake up to what is happening, and what is coming down the track, and that is why they are leaving the UK.

The tragedy of it all, of course, is that the one group that will be ultimately protected from this madness is  as ever  the rich. They can either move, or shelter their assets, while absolutely everyone else gets plundered, in the ensuing downturn, by Rachel Reeves: your pensions, your property.

You name it, shell tax it. It is hard to think of an incoming government that has so completely misrepresented itself, or its intentions, to the public, in advance of an election.

Suddenly this country is going completely in the wrong direction. The caribou have looked up and realised that cold times are ahead, and they are off to pastures new.

And when the herd moves, it moves.
Sake - the fermented rice wine from Japan - is clearly the drink of the moment.

It appears to have taken over the UK, with sake bars springing up across London, while Waitrose has reported a huge 241 per cent increase in searches.

Sake typically has around 15 per cent ABV and is the national drink of Japan, with a heritage dating back 2,000 years.

It's also taken social media by storm, with many taking to TikTok to try it out, while celebrity endorsements from the likes of Brooklyn Beckham and Cate Blanchett have now given the drink an A-list-approved status.

Experts have told FEMAIL that the drink's growing popularity can be put down to the increased influence of Japanese culture, as well as the drink's 'versatility' and 'purity'.

Sake - the fermented rice wine from Japan - is clearly the drink of the moment. Accounts on social media dedicated to the drink have sprung up this year (pictured)

The phenomenon is clearly catching - as social media influencers are inspiring others to start trying it for themselves

Jeremy Lithgow MW, Head of Wine at Amathus Drinks, said: 'Sake has benefited from the rising influence of Japanese culture across all areas including TV, film and of course food.

'This brings associations of being cutting-edge yet traditional, precise and refined, little known and interesting.

'People enjoy sense of discovery but also its versatility and purity  essentially, it is just made from rice, yeast and water, plus its extremely food friendly and versatile, with an ability to pair well with almost any kind of food.

'Plus, the packaging is often very elegant, and there is a nice sense of ceremony to the service of Sake.'

Sake has also become a popular ingredient to include in cocktails, often used as a lower alcohol alternative.

Sake, also known as nihonshu, is a wine but has a brewing process more similar to beer.

Accounts on social media dedicated to the drink have now sprung up, with one @sakepsycho having her page entirely dedicated to reviews.

The phenomenon is clearly catching - as Sake Psycho's comments are filled with others promising they will 'start buying sake' and that they 'can't wait' to try it for themselves.

Another TikToker, @el_theveganbodybuilder_ , tried sake for the first time but was clearly less than impressed, saying it tasted 'like vodka water'

Adaleta Avdic (@adaatude) clearly enjoyed her taste of sake, saying: 'It's actually really good'

Brooklyn Beckham has also picked up sake as a business venture, and is the co-founder of WESAKE

Others have been trying sake on camera for the first time.

Adaleta Avdic (@adaatude) clearly enjoyed her taste of sake, saying: 'It's actually really good. I think I actually want to put it in the freezer and make it even more chill.'

However, it's clearly not for everyone and for some, it's an acquired taste.

Another TikToker, @el_theveganbodybuilder_, tried sake for the first time but was clearly less than impressed, saying it tasted 'like vodka water'.

Also popular with Gen Z are 'sake bombs' - a glass of beer and cider with a cup of sake balanced on top with chopsticks.

The 'bomb' then explodes after bashing the table, causing the chopsticks to wobble and the sake to fall into the drink.

Sake is not only fashionable and delicious, but it is rapidly gaining a cult following of A-list celebrities.

In March this year, Cate Blanchett was appointed as the new creative director of Toku Sake, which sells for 155 a bottle.

Also popular with Gen Z are 'sake bombs' - a glass of beer and cider with a cup of sake balanced on top with chopsticks

The 'bomb' then explodes after bashing the table, causing the chopsticks to wobble and the sake to fall into the drink

Brooklyn Beckham has also picked up sake as a business venture, and is the co-founder of WESAKE, which sells canned cocktails.

'No one has really done [sake] before, especially the way were doing it,' he said.

He added: 'Joining WESAKE unites many of my different passions, including my fascination with Japan, cuisine and my love of sake, which I know more people will share if they are exposed to it in the right way.

'Sometimes sake can be perceived as formal, distant and hard to understand. But in Japan, sake isnt just for sushi restaurants it is something to enjoy with friends, family, casually outside during summer or at a BBQ.'

He says: 'Grab a can, a glass, and pour your buddy and yourself a chilled WESAKE and join us.'

WESAKE is Junmai Ginjo sake and only four ingredients - rice, water, koji, and yeast. It's relatively inexpensive too, at 32 for eight cans.

In March this year, Cate Blanchett was appointed as the new creative director of Toku Sake

Brooklyn recommends having sake alongside a cheese board, Italian food or even beef Wellington. In fact he says he has it with 'every dish' he eats.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY SAKE? Natsuki Kikuya, a senior researcher in sake at WSET, says sake pairs well with a range of foods beyond sushi, including fresh oysters, curries, cheese and even fruit cake! She adds: 'In Japan, sake is predominantly consumed during a meal and typically at an Izakaya (a Japanese gastro pub). 'However, outside of Japan, consumption tends to be more flexible. 'Some sparkling or light styles of Ginjo sake can be enjoyed as an aperitif, while more savoury and rich styles such as Junmai and Kimoto sake can be enjoyed during the meal. These can be served chilled, at an ambient temperature or even heated. 'After a meal you could try a sweet Kijoshu, or aged Koshu styles of sake. 'And sake cocktails are a whole new category that is becoming more popular, especially now that low alcohol cocktails are on trend.' Advertisement

Blanchett even says you can even have it with fish and chips as each dish brings out a different flavour to the sake.

Jennifer Wagoner, global head of wine and sake at Zuma, says that interest in sake has increased substantially since the pandemic.

She says: 'During my time at Zuma I have seen many changes in our guests taste - with the most remarkable being a notable increase in guests requesting sake and being more inquisitive about different varieties and what makes them different.

'Since the pandemic, weve noticed guests are more curious and interested in exploring beyond traditional pairings with dinner and that is where sake complements this desire perfectly.'

Jennifer added that Zuma has seen a huge increase in sake sales across the globe, after launching their own branded sake in 2018.

Natsuki Kikuya, who is a senior researcher in sake at WSET, says a new range in sake styles and varieties - such as sparkling, low alcohol, natural and organic sake - is now appealing to a new range of consumers.

She says: 'People love the unique and varied flavour profiles of different styles of sake, as well as the cultural aspects, social rituals and the historical stories associated with this drink.'

Meanwhile Jeremy at Amathus Drinks says sake is 'incredibly flexible' and can be enjoyed with most foods.

He told FEMAIL: 'Sake is great with food as the style ranges from fruity to very umami heavy, and it can form and interesting base for a cocktail, as it is able to carry and amplify a range of additional flavours.

'With a range of styles available, food matches can range from sushi and sashimi through to cheese, grilled meats and even some desserts  it really is very flexible.'
Japan is well known for its love of peaches - with seventh-century scriptures waxing poetic about the fruit's blossoms - so it is no wonder that the East Asian nation takes great pride in their sweet, juicy export.

But when I saw a box of three being sold for 80 at Harrods - roughly 27 apiece - I physically winced.

For context, a four pack of white-flesh peaches at Waitrose - what I consider a 'treat' - is 3.60.

As I eyed the prized product, it resembled a Tiffany's counter more than a fruit vendor station - locked away behind glass, and presented ornately on a tray under gleaming lights.

The lovely salespeople informed me that these peaches hail from Yamanshi Prefecture - in the Kyoutou region of the country.

If you've got a spare 80 lying around, they would definitely make a perfect gift for a peach fan, Elmira says

This includes the tourist-beloved Fuefuki - which is so synonymous with the fruit that it is dubbed 'the Peach City', and is the largest producer of peaches (and grapes) in Japan.

It was physically painful to spend well over my weekly grocery budget on the produce, and I clutched the bag with my new purchase protectively as I trekked my Underground journey back from Knightsbridge.

However, opening them up at home was like Christmas Day. The experience really did feel glamorous as I unboxed the fruits and laid them out for tasting.

If you've got a spare 80 lying around, they would definitely make a perfect gift for a peach fan.

It felt nearly forbidden to wash and slice one of the peaches, which was sizeable and firm to the touch.

Unlike the variants we may be more used to in Europe, these were white on the inside and became starkly pink towards the seed.

So enchanted was I by the sight of them, I nearly forgot that they are renowned for a light, refreshing and sweet flavour.

I braced myself for 27-worth of delicious tang, wondering if I could ever really go back to Tesco after this.

It felt nearly forbidden to wash and slice one of the peaches, which was sizeable and firm to the touch, Elmira said

While it was a lovely peach - albeit, Elmira found, could have been touch underripe - it was 'nowhere near worthy near 30'

Unlike the variants we may be more used to in Europe, these were white on the inside and became starkly pink towards the seed

However, as I bit into the peach, I felt the bizarreness of the price tag hit me - bluntly - for the second time.

While it was a lovely peach - albeit, I found, could have been touch underripe - it was nowhere near worthy 27.

Briefly, I started recounting things that would have cost me a similar amount. A nice, juicy steak with peppercorn sauce. A very hefty meal at my favourite restaurant. A block of Sashimi Grade Organic Salmon.

The peach is everything a peach needs to be - it is light, summery refreshing, and has structural integrity that meant I wasn't dribbling in juice after one bite.

But it appeared there were no exceptional farming practices or incredible ingredients to justify anywhere near its price tag.

It seems that a lot lies in the lore of the artistry and craftsmanship that comes with cultivating the peaches.

The lovely salespeople informed Elmira that these peaches hail from Yamanshi Prefecture - in the Kyoutou region of the country

According to the Byfood blog, in Japan peaches are grown in much more 'controlled conditions' and are 'covered with small paper bags while they are green to protect them and encourage them to grow pale and sweet'.

The author also explained that each fruit is plucked by hand and placed one by one next to each other to avoid bruising. This certainly ramps up the price when transporting them, a delicate and expensive affair even within Japan itself, let alone internationally.

The blog also instructed that - unlike Western peaches - there is a special way to eat the fruit from Japan.

Instead of digging straight in, they recommended cooling it in the fridge before slicing it lengthwise along the pit and peeling the skin.

I rushed back to the kitchen to attempt this - and while it certainly strengthened the sweetness a touch, I didn't suddenly make the 80 feel worth it.

Earlier this month, Harrods had also sold peaches from the Fukushima region - which was struck by nuclear disaster in 2011 - as reported by the BBC.

The magnitude 9.0 Tohoku earthquake on 11 March 2011 triggered a 133ft tsunami, which hit the eastern coast of Japan and sent three nuclear reactors into meltdown.

Nuclear fuel was melted and released into the environment, and 300,000 people were initially evacuated from their homes. After years of rebuilding, Japan plans to reopen the Fukushima exclusion zones by 2030.

It was the same price tag - a box of three for 80 - and was part of the region's attempt to restore trust in the area's produce.

The move marked the first time peaches from the area have been available in a European store.
A woman has revealed how she didn't know she was pregnant until she saw her baby's head crowning while she was on the toilet.

Clara Furniss, 23, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire sported no bump, had monthly 'period' and was on the Pill when she experienced crippling back pain in August last year.

She thought the pain was a UTI or kidney infection - and had no idea she could be pregnant.

She was rushed to A&E where she was asked to take a pregnancy test.

But when she went to pull her trousers back up after going to the toilet, she saw her baby's head popping out.

Clara gave birth moments later on the floor.

Clara Furniss, 23, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire sported no bump, had monthly 'period' and was on the Pill when she experienced crippling back pain in August last year. She is pictured three days before giving birth

Clara thought the pain was a UTI or kidney infection - and had no idea she could be pregnant

Ayear on, her surprise baby daughter, Alexandra, is thriving

Thankfully, a year on, her surprise baby daughter, Alexandra, is thriving.

'I don't think I'll ever get over Alex's shock arrival, but she's the best thing that's ever happened to me.'

In August 2023, Clara was working as a steward at the British Motorcycle Grand Prix, three hours away from her home.

At midnight, she woke up with terrible backache.

Clara remembers: 'I'd had kidney infections in the past and thought it was that.

'I didn't have any painkillers with me, so hoped it'd go away on its own.

'But it didn't, and I couldn't sleep.'

At 3am, her then boyfriend drove her home.

There, she tried to go to sleep again, but the pain worsened.

That morning, Clara's mum, Maggie, 59, drove her to A&E at Harrogate District Hospital, where she explained her symptoms to a nurse.

In August 2023, Clara was working as a steward at the British Motorcycle Grand Prix, three hours away from her home. At midnight, she woke up with terrible backache before giving birth

After giving birth in the toilet, Clara was taken to the delivery room with Alexandra (pictured)

Doctors thought Clara might have gallstones - her daughter is pictured at six months

How common are cryptic pregnancies? One in 450 pregnant women in the UK don't know they are going to have a baby until week 20 of their pregnancy (half-way through), and one in 2,500 women are oblivious to the fact until they go into labour. It's a phenomenon known as cryptic pregnancy - also referred to as 'pregnancy denial'. Cryptic pregnancies typically affect either young women, who have never experienced a pregnancy, or women who believe they've gone through the menopause and who choose not to use contraception. Women with erratic menstrual cycles are also more likely to miss signs they are expecting. This is especially true among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where small cysts grow on the ovaries; the hormone imbalance often leads to irregular or non-existent periods. Yet there are some women who will continue to have monthly bleeds throughout their pregnancy. In this case, a scan at the local GP may be the only method of confirmation. Women may simply not expect to find they are pregnant if they are taking the Pill - but then those taking it religiously can still become pregnant. Eight in 100 women can get pregnant while on the Pill - usually not because of problems with the Pill, but with the taker, either because they've missed the Pill, thrown up or had diarrhoea. Advertisement

Clara says: 'By now, the pain in my lower back was coming on in strong waves and I was doubled over in agony.

'The nurse asked if I could be pregnant, but I said no.

'I'd been having regular periods and I was on the Pill.'

The nurse took a blood and urine sample from Clara, and then a doctor examined her.

He concluded that she may have gallstones and arranged for her to have a CT scan on her tummy.

Clara says: 'My mum had worked as a sonographer in the past and requested that I take a pregnancy test first as a scan could be harmful to the baby.

'I knew I wasn't pregnant but agreed anyway.'

Clara went to the toilet, but as she went to pull her underwear back up, she felt really uncomfortable.

Then, looking down, she saw a baby's head crowning.

Clara went to the toilet, but as she went to pull her underwear back up, she felt really uncomfortable. Then, looking down, she saw a baby's head crowning. She is pictured with her daughter

Clara sent her friends a picture of the baby with 'surprise'

Clara explains: 'I screamed for help and pulled the emergency chord.

'But the doctors weren't fast enough.

'I suddenly got the sensation to push, and my baby slid into my arms.

'I was so scared. A stranger tried to keep me calm by speaking to me through the door.'

A group of doctors came to Clara's aid and rushed her baby to paediatrics.

Strangers in the waiting room cheered to Maggie, 'You're a grandma!'.

While Clara's baby was being checked over, weighed and cleaned, she was taken to a delivery suite.

Clara says: 'A midwife brought my baby back to me and confirmed I'd had a little girl.

'I couldn't believe what was happening.'

Doctors told her that she weighed 7lbs 2oz and was full-term. Maggie called Clara's dad, Chris, 54, who visited that afternoon with baby supplies

Clara's sister, Milly, 24, went out to buy baby items, including a pram, and her family gave her hand-me-downs. The pair are happy and healthy now

Clara says she wouldn't 'change it for the world'

Doctors told her that she weighed 7lbs 2oz and was full-term.

Maggie called Clara's dad, Chris, 54, who visited that afternoon with baby supplies.

Clara then broke the news to her boyfriend that she'd had a baby.

She says: 'He was in so much shock that he couldn't speak.

'I then messaged my best friends and older sister, who were gobsmacked.'

The following morning, Clara's then boyfriend visited, and the couple named their daughter Alexandra, after Aleix Espargaro, who'd won the Grand Prix that year.

Two days later, mother and baby were discharged.

Clara's sister, Milly, 24, went out to buy baby items, including a pram, and her family gave her hand-me-downs.

Clara says: 'I still can't understand how she came into the world. I had no symptoms.

'Months before giving birth, I'd felt slightly unwell, so did numerous pregnancy tests, but they all came back negative.

'And while I'd gained a little weight, I put it down to working at events and eating more junk food.'

Clara adds: 'Now, Alex is the happiest, chattiest baby.

'I wouldn't change her for the world.'
Not walking under ladders and avoiding black cats are just some of the superstitions associated with Friday 13th.

Fear and anxiety about the day may have been amplified by Hollywood scary movies throughout the years, but why exactly is Friday 13th associated with bad luck and misfortune?

Friday 13th's bad luck associations may have come about from the Christian religion, while some spooky things have happened on the date throughout the years, including some high-profile murders.

There's even a name to describe the irrational dread of the date, paraskevidekatriaphobia, a specialised form of triskaidekaphobia, a fear of the number 13.

This year the date actually occurs twice, in September and December, while the next one after December won't occur again until June 2025.

Fear and anxiety about the day may have been amplified by Hollywood scary movies throughout the years, but why exactly is Friday 13th associated with bad luck and misfortune?

Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky?

The exact origins of when Friday the 13th became thought of as unlucky are unknown, however it 'likely comes from the Christian religion', according to National Geographic Kids.

'For example, in the Bible, Judas  a person who is said to have betrayed Jesus  was the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Also in the Bible, many unfortunate things happened on Fridays.'

In Abrahamic religions, 12 is seen as a number representing perfection and completion; there are 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, Abraham has 12 sons, there are 12 tribes of Israel.

The concept of a 13th guest being associated with evil or treachery extends beyond Christianity, with Norse mythology also featuring a similar story. At a Valhalla dinner for the god Baldur, Loki arrived as the 13th guest and murdered the god.

The association between Friday and the number 13 can also be dated back to Christian lore, with Judas Iscariot being the 13th guest and betraying Christ on Maundy Thursday leading to his execution on Good Friday.

These ideas percolated for hundreds of years, growing stronger and more influential in the Dark Ages with exaggerated accounts of how the French King Philip IV arrested some Knights Templar on Friday 13th in 1307.

In the 19th Century, skyscrapers were being built without 13th floors and the myth appeared to be popular enough to inspire a counter-movement. The Thirteen Club was formed in late 19th century to reject the superstition.

Founded by Civil War soldier Captain William Fowler, the first meeting of the Thirteen Club was on Friday, January 13, at 8.13pm in room 13 of the Knickerbocker Cottage on Sixth Avenue and 28th. There appeared to be no availability on 13th Street.

The film franchise's villain, Jason Voorhees, was born on a Friday 13th and the key murders at the start of the first film happen on Friday 13th

However, the myth of Friday 13th really crystallises during the 20th Century, when direct connections between the date and misfortune begin to be paved.

In 1907, the businessman Thomas W. Lawson published a novel called Friday, the Thirteenth, in which a young stockbroker decides to wreak financial havoc on Wall Street on that day.

News site Vox says that the first known mention of Friday 13th in media came on March 14, 1908. A notice in the New York Times describes one senator's bill makes it into the Senate on the day: 'Friday the 13th holds no terrors for Senator Owen,' the notice read.

Cut to 1980 and Paramount Pictures' slasher film Friday The 13th comes out to consolidate the myth and add a strong horror element to it.

The film franchise's villain, Jason Voorhees, was born on a Friday 13th and the key murders at the start of the first film happen on Friday 13th.

This year the franchise will live up to its name as the 13th Friday The 13 film, Echoes of Crystal Lake: A Friday the 13th Story, will be released.

Worrying events that happened on Friday the 13th

The rapper Tupac Shakur died in the hospital on September 13, 1996 after being targeted in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas

The superstition has unsurprisingly had some very real-life effects. Thomas W Lawson may have been delighted to hear that financial markets and companies occasionally have moments of panic on Friday 13th.

On Friday July 13, 2012, China's GDP dropped by 7.6 percent. In 1989, Friday, October 13 had become known as Black Friday after a United Airlines buyout deal failed and sent global markets plunging.

According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in North Carolina, companies lose nearly $1 billion when the 13th of a month is a Friday. Travel site Kayak said that Friday, June 13, 2014 was the cheapest day to fly that year.

In 1307, King Philip IV of France arrested some Knights Templar on a Friday 13th, meanwhile Buckingham Palace was bombed by the Germans during WWII in 1940 in September.

Kitty Genovese was murdered in New York in March 1965; her death lead to the coining of the 'bystander effect' term.

The 28-year-old bartender was raped and stabbed outside her apartment building on Friday the 13th but the crime went unreported because witnesses were scared and they believed that others would report it instead.

One of the more popular theories on how Friday the 13th came to be considered unlucky dates back to the death of Italian composer Gioachino Rossini.

A biography of Rossini was published in 1869 by Henry Sutherland Edwards. In it, he relates the story of Rossini's death.

He wrote: 'He [Rossini] was surrounded to the last by admiring friends; and if it be true that, like so many Italians, he regarded Fridays as an unlucky day and thirteen as an unlucky number, it is remarkable that on Friday 13th of November he passed away.'

The rapper Tupac Shakur died in the hospital on September 13, 1996 after being targeted in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas.

There are many  sometimes conflicting  theories about the motive as well as the assailants, but the case remains unsolved.
A woman says she's fallen head over heels for a man 24 years her senior - and vows to 'stick by him' despite bashing from family and online trolls.

Realyn Solero, 29, from the Philippines, said she saw Reynaldo Maquinay Jr, 53, as a 'father figure' and found him 'annoying'; after the two initially met while working for the same company.

Realyn, a virtual assistant, said she repeatedly declined Reynaldo's attempts at romance as she 'didn't fancy' him, but his persistence soon saw the mother-of-one 'fall in love' with the machine technician.

The couple sealed their love with holy matrimony two years ago, but despite being together for nine years, they say family and strangers are yet to come to terms with the age gap and have accused Realyn of being after his wealth.

'At the beginning he was persistent in showing his feelings, which annoyed me' said Realyn.

Realyn Solero, 29, says she's fallen head over heels for Reynaldo Maquinay Jr, 53 (Pictured: the couple at Realyn's graduation)

Realyn and Reynaldo Maquinay Jr, both from the Philippines, have been together for nine years

'However, he continued to show care that I hadn't experienced in my past relationships [and] as the months passed I realised I had fallen in love with him'.

Realyn claims her new partner gave her the kind of attention, kindness and concern shed never experienced before, and before she knew it, herself and Reynaldo were obsessed with each other.

Although her family accused her of being a golddigger, Realyn claims there is in fact no gold to dig.

'There were unnecessary comments made because of the fact I already had a child' explained Realyn.

'Friends and family thought I wasn't serious about the relationship and would leave him as soon as I got what I wanted from him  which they thought was money.

'Little did they know he had no savings, no businesses, no nothing. He was just a regular company employee.

'Eventually I made them realise they were wrong about me and him. He is a good, responsible man'.

She also revealed that her 11-year-old daughter, Rhianna Jane Solero, from a previous relationship, adores Reynaldo.

The mother-of-one said she initially saw Reynaldo as a 'father figure' and found him 'annoying'

She also revealed that her 11-year-old daughter, Rhianna Jane Solero, from a previous relationship, adores Reynaldo. (Pictured: Realyn, Reynaldo and Realyn's daughter, Rhianna, when she was younger)

She added: 'He guides me on the right path and most especially hes been a good and responsible stepfather to my child.

'He treats my daughter as if shes his own and that makes me be more in love with him'.

As if judgement from friends and family wasn't enough, the couple have had to battle with negative comments from strangers and online trolls.

Still, Realyn remains steadfast and insists she doesn't 'owe' anyone 'an explanation'.

'At the beginning, it was really hard for me as most of the time I was the one who was criticised' she said.

'Im the one who is judged and a lot of people think I am after his money and benefits. But I know the truth, I know I love him so I got used to the comments and learned to ignore them.

The couple met while working at the same company and sealed their love with holy matrimony two years ago (The pair pictured during the early stages of their romance)

Realyn revealed the two 'often argue in selecting designs, colours, films to watch, and places to travel'

'Now, if I read or hear unnecessary comments about me or our relationship I just smile at them or ignore them'.

Criticism of their romance is just one of the challenges the couple faces. The nearly three-decade age gap has proven to cause chaos in their personal lives too.

'Because of our 24-year age gap, his likes are totally different from mine', explained Realyn. 'Hobbies, movies, fashion, all of it!' she continued.

'We often argue in selecting designs, colours, films to watch, and places to travel. But little by little, we have learned how to adjust'.

Now the mother-of-one says being with an older man is the best thing to have happened to her and she couldn't be happier.

She said: 'I have learned a lot from him. He is not just a husband to me but also a father who always reminds me what is bad and good.

'He is very understanding and never gets mad'.

Realyn said family and strangers are yet to come to terms with the age gap and have accused Realyn of being after her man's wealth (Pictured: A video grab of Realyn and Reynaldo having fun together)

She concluded with a piece of advice for women contemplating following in her footsteps.

Her words for other women in a similar position are to 'stick by your man' and ignore what other people think.

She added: 'Dont mind what other people think of you or of your relationship.

'You dont owe them an explanation and besides, what matters is just you and your partner.

'As long as you love each other, age is not a problem. Just focus on your goal and family and let them realise that they are wrong on what they think of you or on your relationship'.
LOBAMBA  Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela submitted that the interest shown by MP Marwick Khumalo on the strategic oil reserve was abnormal.

The minister was giving responses to a question for oral answers that was posed by Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament (MP) Khumalo, wanted to know about the progress on the construction of the oil reserve. Could the Minister for Natural Resources and Energy inform this house about the level of progress that has been achieved on the Construction of the Strategic Fuel Oil Reserve, since the last time he spoke about it in the House, read the question. While responding, the minister highlighted that he had spoken on the issue several times in Parliament, after it was raised by the same MP and the last time he did that was exactly a month ago.



Khumalo admitted that he had interest in the matter, not because it was personal but because it was a national project that was supposed to help emaSwati. The minister then submitted that his interest in the matter was abnormal, given that he had asked him twice before on the same issue and he had given responses. Khumalo didnt take kindly to the ministers submission on his interest being abnormal and he requested the minister to withdraw his statement, which the minister did. Prince Lonkhokhela stated that there was progress in the construction of the oil reserve, but the ministry did not want to rush things especially because they ended up being white elephants, if done improperly.



Costs



Khumalo then asked the minister what the cost of the project would be, highlighting that a benchmarking exercise was done at Botswana and the costs in that country were around E2 billion, yet there was talk of E6 billion in the country. The minister said he could not have the exact cost of the project, as yet.LaMgabhi MP Sicelo Jele requested the minister to give timelines on the completion of the project, given that it commenced in 2013 and feasibility studies were long concluded. The minister said there were no specific timelines on the project and he maintained that there was progress.



Meanwhile, Khumalo, seconded by Mayiwane MP Sicelo Dlamini moved a motion that the Minister of Public Service should engage the Civil Service Commission, with a view to investigate the growing and prevalent trend of public servants who resort to altering their dates of births, either midway during their tenure of employment or towards reaching the retirement age. The Minister is expected to table his report within 14 days, after the adoption of the motion by the House.While motivating the motion, Dlamini submitted that age reversing by some civil servants nearing retirement was adding to the unemployment woes in the country, as their work would normally be given to someone who was unemployed. He said that when one was retiring, the procedure entailed that they receive letters three months prior to the retirement, alerting them of the impeding development.



However, the MP submitted that the culprits would then produce their newly made documents, with the reversed age, and request their years to be reversed, as they did not put the right information. Khumalo highlighted that there was a lot of rot in the Ministry of Home Affairs because it was there that the retiring civil servants were getting their documents changed in their favour.
The Duchess of Sussex was spotted visiting a new bookstore, near Montecito

Meghan Markle proved it's all about the accessories as she stepped out in California to visit her friends' new bookstore.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, visited Godmothers in Summerland, located just a few miles from where she lives in Montecito, on September 2.

Pictured leaving the store in photos obtained by People magazine, Prince Harry's wife was seen carrying a 195 leather matchbook keyring by British designer Anya Hindmarch.

The cream charm - described on the brand's website as a 'whimsical' addition to any bag or keys - is emblazoned with the phrase 'Take What You Need', while inside the keyring, words such as hugs, love and a smile are embellished on the fabric.

Opting for a low-key look, Meghan wore a simple V-neck blue jumper teamed with a large straw sun hat and Ray-Ban sunglasses.

The Duchess of Sussex (pictured in March 2024), 43, visited Godmothers in Summerland, located just a few miles from where she lives in Montecito, on September 2

Adding a touch of glitz to her ensemble, she donned her 12,800 Cartier 'juste un clou' necklace for the outing.

Meghan appeared to enjoy a look around the new shop co-owned by literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and cosmetics mogul Victoria Jackson, ahead of its official opening.

Meghan was a speaker at the opening weekend for Godmothers, on September 7, which also saw a guest appearance by Oprah Winfrey.

Then the day before, the Duchess was reportedly joined by her husband at the bookstores friends and family party, where the couple's books, including Harry's memoir, Spare, and Meghan's children's story, The Bench, were on display in the Our Local Authors section.

During her speech at the opening, Meghan revealed she 'felt uncomfortable being out in the world' when she was a working royal and 'craved safety'.

The Duchess, who wore a 315 jumpsuit by Club Monaco, was pictured sitting in the front row before taking to the stage to briefly address the group at the new shop, where she spoke about the solace she has found in bookstores.

According to Town & Country, the Duchess detailed going to a bookstore during her trip to New York in 2019 - when Meghan's A-List pals threw her a baby shower at one of the most expensive suites at The Mark Hotel in Manhattan.

The Duchess said: 'For me, sneaking to New York five years ago was a really big deal. I was still so uncomfortable being out in the world. The safety of what I was craving, I knew I could find in a bookstore.'

Pictured leaving the store in photos obtained by People magazine , Prince Harry 's wife was seen carrying a 195 leather matchbook keyring by British designer Anya Hindmarch

The Duchess then went on to thank the founders of the Godmothers bookstore Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and Victoria Jackson for 'for holding the space for so many people to feel seen through the pages, either in laughter, in grief, in feeling less alone'.

After the event finished, the publication reports Meghan said: 'Wasn't that incredible?'

The Duchess is then said to have 'made a dash for the door' and told guests: 'I've got to make dinner for the kids.'

Other high-profile guests at Saturday's event included Glee actress Jane Lynch and author Elizabeth Holmes, who wrote the 2020 book HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style, which featured analysis of Meghan's wardrobe.

The bookstore is promoting several popular celebrity books including Meghan's children's book The Bench and Prince Harry's memoir Spare, which can be found front-and-centre in the shop, on its 'hometown heroes' shelf.

Following the event at Godmothers bookstore on Saturday, psychic medium Laura Lynne Jackson praised Meghan as one of the evening's 'light-filled speakers'.

Oprah Winfrey - who was the evening's main speaker - has been close friends with the Duchess for several years and attended the Royal Wedding in May 2018.

At a launch party for the bookstore last week, Prince Harry dubbed Oprah Winfrey one of his 'fairy godmothers', which is said to have inspired the name of the business.

According to Town & Country, the royal couple arrived in a 'darkened Range Rover' and warmly greeted other guests - including Ellen DeGeneres, Jane Lynch and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos - at the venue.

After Jennifer and Victoria shared some brief words with their intimate audience, Meghan - who donned a chic Ralph Lauren top and matching white trousers - was heard hollering out a 'Woo!'.

Photos from the event show a grinning and glamorous Duchess hugging the talkshow host that interviewed them for their bombshell 2021 broadcast.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their Colombia trip on August 15, 2024

Oprah Winfrey arrives at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle before the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018

Their relationship appears to have grown even stronger over the years after the Sussexes moved into a $14million Montecito mansion, which is located just a stone's throw from Oprah's own sprawling home.

Oprah even publicly weighed in on whether she thought they should attend King Charles' Coronation in May 2023.

'I think they should do what they feel is best for them and their family. That's what I think,' she said on the CBS Mornings show ahead of the event, adding: 'They haven't asked me my opinion.'

Harry ultimately attended the Coronation without Meghan and left immediately after the ceremony to return to California.

In the couple's 2022 Netflix docu-series, Meghan opened up about her 'beautiful' baby shower in New York.

The Duchess celebrated the impending birth of her son by flying to the Big Apple by private jet in 2019. Around 20 friends attended the five-day celebration, including Serena Williams.

Speaking in the show, Meghan recalled: 'My friends surprised me with a really beautiful baby shower in New York.

'They were like, "We're going to shower her with love, and shower her baby, and she's going to survive this and we're going to get through it with her."'

Meanwhile, Meghan's friend Silver Tree said: 'It's like this really magical time of us just celebrating her.' Serena added: 'It was just so cool and so fun to try to have an intimate moment.'

Guests attending the event included Meghan's makeup artist Daniel Martin, her former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer and her former BFF Jessica Mulroney.

Meanwhile Misha Nonoo, Serena Williams and close friend Lindsay Roth can also be seen posing in snaps from the 2019 event.
A grandmother has said her vaginal mesh implant 'completely destroyed her life' for 22 years and has accused UK health services of 'gaslighting' women.

Patricia Conlon, from West Lothian, Scotland, started experiencing symptoms, including chronic pain and vaginal bleeding, after receiving a mesh implant to treat her incontinence in 2002.

Over the past two decades, her symptoms became progressively worse to the point where Patricia was forced to start using a wheelchair and quit her job.

The 63-year-old underwent surgery to remove 15 inches of mesh on June 7 and discovered the plastic had damaged her vaginal wall and punctured her bladder, which she said now looks like a 'tea bag'.

Patricia said doctors repeatedly denied her health problems were caused by the implant, and claims that since it was removed, some of her symptoms have started to improve.

Patricia Conlon started experiencing symptoms, including chronic pain and vaginal bleeding, after receiving a mesh implant to treat her incontinence in 2002

She has now launched a petition on Change.org demanding the Government launch a national public inquiry into the 'NHS mesh implant scandal'.

'It's just destroyed my life completely, I've lost 22 years of living and there are so many more women out there who need help,' Patricia said.

'The health service has just gaslighted us and it's been an absolute slog to get anything done about this.

'It is a scandal it's dreadful because it's on such a huge scale  this is being used all over the world.

'It's an absolute disgrace.'

Patricia - a former lecturer at Stow College Trade Union Education Department - visited the Glasgow Victoria Infirmary, now the New Victoria Hospital, in 2002 after suffering from incontinence.

'I was told it was being caused by a prolapse, but that it was an easy fix, a 20-minute operation,' she said.

'They said this gold standard mesh is an absolute revolution and that I wouldn't be bothered anymore.'

The 63-year-old underwent surgery to remove 15 inches of mesh on June 7 and discovered the plastic had damaged her vaginal wall and punctured her bladder

Patricia Conlon, from West Lothian, Scotland, who started experiencing symptoms including chronic pain and vaginal bleeding after receiving a mesh implant to

Despite being prescribed strong painkillers, Patricia's symptoms persisted to the point where she struggled to walk and lift heavy objects (Patricia with her dog Poppy)

She had the operation, which involved placing a narrow tape of mesh in the pelvic floor area to support the vaginal wall and other pelvic organs.

But after a year Patricia started developing symptoms, including chronic pain, vaginal bleeding and fatigue, which got progressively worse.

When she returned to the infirmary, Patricia said doctors reassured her the symptoms were not caused by the implant.

'I kept going back and saying, could this be the mesh?' said Patricia.

'They examined me and said 'no, don't worry about it, it's all in place, it's doing its job.'

Despite being prescribed strong painkillers, Patricia's symptoms persisted to the point where she struggled to walk and lift heavy objects.

In 2014, she made the difficult decision to take voluntary redundancy from her job as a college lecturer after finding it difficult to even carry her laptop.

'I just couldn't do my job anymore,' she said.

'I would have loved to still be at work, but I just wasn't able to do it because of my symptoms.'

At this point, Patricia was not aware that other women who had received a mesh implant were experiencing similar health issues.

Then in 2017, her daughter Rosie spotted a support group on Facebook called 'Scottish Mesh Survivors' and Patricia realised she was not alone.

But again, she said doctors were adamant the mesh was not to blame and her health continued to deteriorate over the next few years until even walking became too painful.

'When I was at my worst, I ended up using a wheelchair because I couldn't walk more than a few steps without being in terrible pain,' she said.

'Sometimes I would be bedridden and I was literally housebound for months.

'I've had to rely on other people to look after me and I haven't been able to play with my grandchildren, so I feel like I've missed out on all that as well.

'I basically haven't had any quality of life for the past 22 years really.'

She has now launched a petition on Change.org demanding the Government launch a national public inquiry into the ' NHS mesh implant scandal'

Patricia visited Stobhill Hospital, also in Glasgow, in 2018 and was referred to the National Complex Mesh Surgical Service at the New Victoria Hospital.

'And that was only because I was bleeding and there were bits of mesh coming through,' she said.

'A lot of women are really low and they don't have the strength to fight it.'

Patricia claimed getting an appointment at the complex took years due to cancellations and it was only last year that she was referred to have her mesh taken out.

On June 7 this year, Patricia visited the Spire Bristol Hospital to have it surgically removed.

Operation notes revealed surgeons removed 15 inches of mesh which had eroded her vaginal wall and damaged her bladder.

'When I came out of theatre, I was put in intensive care and had to have a blood transfusion,' said Patricia.

'When I spoke to the surgeon afterwards he said my bladder had so many holes in it, and that he had tried to stitch them up.

'So basically my bladder has been left like a tea bag and I now have worse incontinence than before I went to get it done.'

Since the operation, Patricia said some of her symptoms have improved but that it will take a while for the pain to stop.

She said doctors were adamant the mesh was not to blame and her health continued to deteriorate over the next few years until even walking became too painful

It is estimated that over 20 years, more than 100,000 women across the UK, including more than 20,000 in Scotland, had transvaginal mesh implants, according to figures reported in Scottish Parliament.

The use of mesh in Scotland was suspended in all but exceptional circumstances in 2014 after it emerged some women had suffered painful side-effects, and halted in NHS Scotland in 2018.

In 2020, the Scottish government set up a 1 million fund offering women who have suffered complications following vaginal mesh surgery a one-off payment of 1,000, which Patricia received.

'I don't know how you divide that up over 22 years,' Patricia added.

In 2022, the government passed the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Bill establishing a scheme to reimburse women who paid to have their mesh removed privately.

Patricia, who had hers removed on the NHS, said: 'We don't allow people to throw plastic into the sea because it poisons fish, so why are we allowed to put it in women's bodies?

'Your body thinks it's a foreign object so starts fighting against it and it gives you all sorts of autoimmune problems.

'I'm in less pain but it will likely never completely go away because the damage is done.'

In 2014, she made the difficult decision to take voluntary redundancy from her job as a college lecturer after finding it difficult to even carry her laptop

Since the operation, Patricia said some of her symptoms have improved but that it will take a while for the pain to stop

Patricia was not aware that other women who had received a mesh implant were experiencing similar health issues until her daughter found a support group online

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'We are sorry to hear of Ms Conlon's experience, however we cannot comment on the detail of individual cases.

'Where someone is unhappy with aspects of care they have received or are left with concerns, we encourage them to provide feedback directly to the health board concerned.

'Through feedback, health boards can identify issues and take steps to make improvements in the future.

'We have taken action to improve health services for women experiencing mesh complications.

'This includes establishing a specialist service, putting in place funded, independent, provider options to allow women a choice of who performs their surgery, and reimbursing women who had previously paid for mesh removal surgery.'

A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said: 'The Complex Mesh Service is a national programme hosted by NHSGGC, and provides treatment pathways and support to women from across the country.

'The NHSGGC service is part of the UK network of 10 specialist mesh centres and is recognised for its clinical expertise in this field.

'NHSGGC continues to work with partner organisations to provide clinical care to those women affected (by) this issue.'
When it comes to perfume, do you have a signature scent? It can be tempting to remain faithful to the same fragrance, devotedly repurchasing it every time the bottle runs dry.

But leading British perfumer Ruth Mastenbroek (ruthmastenbroek.com) says that attitude means youre missing out  and could even lead other people to view you as dull and fuddy-duddy.

Sticking with the same fragrance may mean that youre in a rut, she says. People will always associate you with it.

You can get a bit lazy. You think, Ive got my fragrance, Im sorted, I dont need to find another one and that attitude itself is ageing.

The scents that work on us when we are younger change as we get older, the experts say

The key, she says, is to rotate your fragrances to match seasons, moods and occasions, just as you do with clothes.

Its an idea thats gaining huge traction on TikTok, where #PerfumeTok is awash with guides to the fragrances that should be sported for the colder months.

So, how do you find the fragrance thats just right, for right now, amid the clamour of online marketing or the heady cocktail of a department store perfume counter?

We spoke to three leading fragrance experts who revealed their foolproof rules for breaking out of a fragrance rut . . .

Break out of your 'era'

Michelle Feeney launched her sustainable perfume brand Floral Street (floralstreet.com) in 2017. She says: Often, people get trapped in a certain decade of fragrance. My mum, for example, was completely locked into Opium in the 1980s. When I was at university in the late 1970s I loved Anais Anais.

Some other scents that have come to epitomise a certain era are Thierry Muglers Angel, a top-seller in the 1990s, and Marc Jacobs Daisy, which was released in 2007.

Michelle Feeney says: Often, people get trapped in a certain decade of fragrance. My mum, for example, was completely locked into Opium in the 1980s'

But sticking with one scent is like wearing your eyeliner or hair in a particular way for ever. Youll have evolved, and your perfume should do the same.

Michelle adds that the scents that work on us change as we age, too: Your body chemistry and hormones will have changed, so a fragrance wont smell the same as it once did. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can mean we smell more acutely and therefore dont like certain ingredients but love others. The same often goes for menopause.

Warmer skin as a result of hot flushes may cause the top notes of a perfume to evaporate more quickly, leaving just the heavier ones behind, making a fragrance smell different.

Experimenting with something new is the best way to work out what suits you, now.

Pay attention to base notes... these will last

Every perfume is composed of top, middle and base notes. These are not created equal, so you need to understand which is which.

Ruth Mastenbroek explains: The length of time that top, middle and base notes last relates to how volatile they are. This goes back to organic chemistry. The more volatile a molecule, the quicker it evaporates, meaning the faster and stronger our odour receptors detect the smell. Ingredients like citrus oils and herbal oils are common top notes and tend to last only 15 minutes or so.

Then come the middle notes, these could be some floral notes, but also the woodier scents like amber and herbal notes such as lavender. Those will last for a couple of hours; they provide the key to the fragrance.

Ruth Mastenbroek explains: The length of time that top, middle and base notes last relates to how volatile they are'

But its the base notes that really last and thats what you will mainly smell like. So you need to keep the scent on your skin for several hours, thats the only way youll understand whether youre going to enjoy wearing it.

Ruth recommends woody or amber base notes, which lend sophistication and depth to fragrances.

Before you splash out on an expensive bottle Ruth advises purchasing a discovery set, which is a fraction of the price, to allow yourself time to wear a scent.

Don't be a snob

Perfume writer Alice du Parcq says: I know a woman who is a high-flying lawyer and one of her favourite fragrances is Britney Spears Fantasy [a cupcake-scented perfume released in 2005].

Shell go into a meeting and someone will tell her she smells amazing and shell reply, Thank you, its Britney Spears Fantasy with a completely straight face. People need to get over themselves. A scent doesnt need to cost 300 in Selfridges to be cool and fun. The most important thing is how you wear it.

Perfume writer Alice du Parcq says: I know a woman who is a high-flying lawyer and one of her favourite fragrances is Britney Spears Fantasy'

Alice explains that just as High Street stores now create good copies of designer clothes, there are some impressive, budget imitations of designer perfumes in big-brand stores.

Jerome Epinette is the perfumer behind Victoria Beckhams in-demand eau du parfums and has also created fragrances for & Other Stories. From their current collection Alice recommends Solar Essay (29, stories.com).

These High Street perfumes wont be using the exact same ingredients, but youll still get a beautiful fragrance thats well made and doesnt cost a fortune.

Think about what the perfume makes you feel, not the ingredients

The florid descriptions on perfume packaging can be confusing, but Ruth Mastenbroek says they are one of the best ways to get an overall sense of a fragrances impact  and how youll feel wearing it.

Ask yourself what wearing the fragrance says about your personality. Look at the description of where it is taking you, not just that it has jasmine in it, for example, but that its uplifting.

Ruth says smaller, independent brands make this task easier. Mass-market perfumes for women tend just to be selling something sexy, for example combining vanillin, which is the main component of natural vanilla, with ethyl maltol, which has a candyfloss smell, rather than a feeling.

She adds: My newest perfume, London Dusk [150, ruthmastenbroek.com] conjures walking along the River Thames between dusk and dawn, the feeling of adventure and the vibrancy of the city.

Not everyones going to want that. But if youre living somewhere out in the sticks, you might think thats my way to capture that feeling.

Don't assume you know what something smells like

If you asked most women if theyd like a coconut perfume theyd probably say no. Perhaps it reminds them of cheap moisturisers or sun cream. However, Michelle Feeney says that, thanks to more experimental fragrance combinations and new techniques for creating scents, its time to forget our prejudices.

Scents that you think you know can be updated, she says. We use natural coconut in Arizona bloom, which is our best-selling fragrance, which we get via carbon dioxide extraction, which means youre getting a really rich, creamy scent.

Its paired with jasmine creating a dry floral amber. In the same way, modern rose scents are updated so they dont have that powdery quality people associate them with.

Look at the men's aisle too

Alice adds that theres no reason to restrict yourself to womens fragrance. Theres not food for men and food for women  if a brand splits perfume into a mens and womens section, dont be afraid to go and smell the mens perfume, she says.

They might be absolutely delicious, and could become one of your new favourite scents. I know a lot of women who wear mens fragrances, I often wear Boy by Chanel and Sea Salt & Neroli by Marks & Spencer.

Unisex perfume is also increasing in popularity, with brands such as Aesop, Byredo and Jo Malone all offering scents that work for both men and women.

For those who may be nervous about smelling very masculine, Alice says traditionally manly notes are sandalwood, cedarwood and patchouli. But sceptics should sniff before they dismiss!
Models have dared to bare on the first day of London Fashion Week as they took to the catwalk in an array of bizarre looks.

For womenswear label Di Petsa, topless appeared to be the running theme of its event as the brand, which was established in London in 2019 by Greek designer Dimitra Petsa, showcased its creations.

The relatively new fashion firm has quickly become popular with A-listers, including Gigi Hadid, Doja Cat, Bella Hadid, and FKA Twigs.

But despite the influx of support from celebrities, the daring runway looks showcased today in the Spring/Summer 2024 collection are likely to leave mouths wide open.

Most the quirky creations failed to offer any kind of coverage for the scantily-clad catwalkers - with several appearing topless or wearing garments with daring cut-out detailing.

Models have dared to bare on the first day of London Fashion Week as they took to the catwalk in an array of bizarre looks

One stunning individual sported a pair of cream and red trousers, whilst wearing a matching strappy accessory across their naked chest.

Another topless model turned heads in an intricate low-cut maxi skirt, featuring cut-out detailing along either side of the garment.

Finishing off the outfit with a touch of glitz, the catwalker wore a dazzling necklace that cascaded down their chest.

Elsewhere, a model showcased a sheer ensemble, including a billowing skirt and a halterneck top with three cut-outs.

Often walking with their hands in the air, the models showcased an array of unique designs - including one who wore only a chain across their top and a pair of gold pants.

Leaving very little to the imagination, they finished off the bizarre look with a pair of cream shoes and a shimmering necklace.

It's not the first time Di Petsa has made headlines for the daring ensembles it presents at London Fashion Week.

In February, models walked the runway in a series of bizarre looks from the brand - including torso cut-outs and barely-there crotchet dresses.

For womenswear label Di Petsa, topless appeared to be the running theme of its event as the brand, which was established in London in 2019 by Greek designer Dimitra Petsa, showcased its creations

One stunning individual sported a pair of cream and red trousers, whilst wearing a matching strappy accessory across their naked chest

Elsewhere, a model showcased a sheer ensemble, including a billowing skirt and a halterneck top with three cut-outs

One model sported a sheer cream dress with the torso cut out to reveal an impregnated womb.

The unique piece featured a diamond-encrusted headpiece which extended across the model's eyes.

Di Petsa's signature 'wet look' was encapsulated in the outfit's material, as its shirred texture gave a fluid appearance.

The look symbolises 'self-acceptance' and 'honouring of fluid state', according to Dimitra's website.

A uniquely creative make-up aesthetic was also included, with the model opting for an ethereal eyeshadow look with pink undertones.

Often walking with their hands in the air, the models showcased an array of unique designs - including one who wore only a chain across their top and a pair of gold pants

The relatively new fashion firm has quickly become popular with A-listers, including Gigi Hadid, Doja Cat, Bella Hadid, and FKA Twigs. Pictured, a model walking during LFW

But despite the influx of support from celebrities, the daring runway looks showcased today in the Spring/Summer 2024 collection are likely to leave mouths wide open

Elsewhere, in an unusual occurrence, two models took the runway at the same time during Di Petsa's show.

The models appeared to include an interpretative performance, whereby they embraced one another through their sheer mesh dresses in skin-coloured tones.

At one point, a model appeared to get on her knees while directly staring at the other.

Moments later, the models bizarrely appeared to embrace one another with a warm hug. The memorable duo concluded their brief performance by strutting down to the end of the runway hand in hand.
The summer heat has just begun to let up - yet people across the country are falling sick with symptoms usually reserved for the winter.

If you've noticed waves of colleagues out sick or in office with a cough, runny noses and fatigue, you're not alone.

The US is reporting continued high levels of Covid again after an already record-setting summer for the disease - affecting everyone from President Biden to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

And a perfect storm of poor immunity from the lockdowns and social distancing combined with low vaccination rates means old viruses are causing more severe illnesses, stretching past normal cold and flu season.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams tested positive for Covid virus in September 2024. He's one of 16 percent of people who have tested positive for the disease, according to CDC data

President Biden tested positive for Covid shortly after his debate with former President Trump, at the beginning of the summer corona virus surge

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Dr. Eve Elizabeth Pennie, general practitioner and contributor to DrugWatch told DailyMail.com: 'It definitely feels like more people are getting sick lately, and theres a good reason for that.'

Dr Pennie explained the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 disrupted seasonal cold and flu patterns, meaning people weren't exposed to the virus for a long period of time.

This means that when people returned to their normal lives, their immune systems were weaker, and contacting these viruses made them sicker than it would've.

Dr Pennie added: 'This means more people are getting sick as our bodies re-adjust.'

Now, as people are adjusting to the new normal, COVID is becoming more contagious as it evolves from person to person and there is still a gap in the number of people getting vaccinated.

This, combined with more opportunities for illnesses to spread as kids return to school and workers come back to the office from vacation, makes for an uptick in illnesses, Dr Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist and Chief Medical Officer at Amazon Pharmacy told DailyMail.com.

Dr Gupta said: 'Late summer, early fall, is a really interesting time for the spread of infectious disease... There's all sorts of intermixing.'

National wastewater surveillance shows that levels of COVID-19 virus circulating are currently 'high' - particularly in the West and Midwest - in states like California, Nevada, Illinois and Kansas.

This month, the CDC reported the percentage of all people who took a COVID test that were positive for the virus reached 16.3 percent.

This is up from historical rates. In July 2020, 7.5 percent of people who tested for virus were positive.

Still, the virus has become less deadly over time, thanks in part to emerging treatments and vaccines. But as people live with the disease, they're able to spread it more easily.

And as the disease passes from person to person, it's also evolving to become more contagious. Dr Gupta said: 'I'm concerned that we've entered a space where we have a series of threats that seem like they're rapidly evolving.'

But right now, it's more than just Covid, doctors said. This season, cold, flu, H1N1 and other viruses, like Respiratory syncytial virus, have been going around, Dr Pennie said, beleaguering people's already battered immune system's.

Searches for the phrase 'common cold' have also been steadily increasing over the summer, reaching heir peak today. Likewise, searches for 'Do I have flu' have also been up and down over the summer months - hitting a more steady incline beginning at August 29th.

This is because the virus is evolving to become more and more contagious, Dr Gupta said.

There were an estimated 1565 deaths from COVID in the US in the last half of August, according to the CDC.

Dr Gupta said: 'That's a big deal. And I suspect that number is going to climb pretty significantly as we enter the depth of the winter.

Coupled with a flu season that I suspect will continue to look worse than it did on average pre pandemic, because less people are getting vaccinated for all things.'

Covid has also had an effect on the severity of cold and flu season. Getting sick with one of these viruses makes you more likely to get sick with another virus or bacteria. This in turn makes your likelihood of becoming seriously sick higher.

Dr Pennie said: 'The pandemic changed how we interact with viruses. During COVID, masking and social distancing drastically reduced the spread of common cold and flu viruses.

Rates of immunization have decreased overall since the pandemic, making people more susceptible to common viruses. In addition, getting sick with one of these bugs can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to catch a different sickness, creating an 'additive effect', Dr Gupta said

But now that those measures have relaxed, viruses return at different times of the year and sometimes in stronger waves.'

In addition, since the pandemic, widespread vaccine hesitancy seems to have increased.

Actual rates prove difficult to estimate - but University of Chicago researchers said between 15 and 46 percent of American adults are likely hesitate to get the COVID vaccine and boosters, and may have similar attitudes to other immunizations.

This suggests people may also missing out on vaccines long considered safe and effective, like the flu and whooping cough, Dr Gupta said.

CDC data shows that vaccination rates for flu have been consistently lower in 2024 than in the three years previous.

In the 2021-2022 flu season, 176million doses of the flu vaccine were distributed - but in the 2023-2024 season, there were 158million vaccines distributed.

Right now, overall flu rates are low - effecting an estimated 168 Americans. Thus far, there have been 35million cases, 400,000 hospitalizations and 25,000 deaths.

This is higher than in the 2021-2022 season, when some lockdowns were still in place, and total cases were estimated by the CDC to be near 9.4million, there were 74,000 hospitalizations and around 5,000 deaths.

There have also been an uptick in vaccine hesitancy in individual states against vaccines required by public schools - like for pertussis, the virus behind whooping cough.

This disease was nearly eradicated by a vaccine created in the 1940s, but has been ravaging communities in recent years since vaccine rates have loosened.

The CDC's Influenza Vaccine Doses Distributed shows rates of flu virus, as reported by private manufacturers

In Idaho, during the 2022-2023 school year roughly 81 percent of kindergarteners met federal public school requirements for vaccinations - the lowest percentage in the nation, where the average rate is 93 percent.

In Alaska roughly 1,200 students out of 44,000 have sought out vaccination exemptions.

As a result, now, both states are now dealing with whooping cough outbreaks. It's become so dire as to kill one baby.

Nationally, this means that case rates of pertussis in one week in August were four times higher than the were last year.

Vaccines work by introducing a bit of a damaged or fragmented virus into your body, teaching your immune system to be on the lookout for that particular invader, so that it can fight it off more easily.

Vaccination doesn't always prevent people from contracting a virus, but it does help people get less sick overall, Dr Gupta said, and is widely considered safe.

This year, the CDC recommended that everyone six months and older to get a flu and COVID vaccine by the end of October.

The flu virus this year protects against three different strains of flu. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting the flu vaccine before the end of October - say pregnant people and children under nine may benefit from getting the immunization earlier.

'The timing depends on your personal risk factors and whats happening in your community, but getting vaccinated earlier can provide crucial protection as the virus season kicks into gear,' Dr Pennie said.

In addition to immunization, Dr Pennie recommends staying hydrated and getting good rest, regularly washing your hands and wearing a mask, if you feel comfortable doing so, in high traffic areas where there might be sick people.
They are the third most commonly used form of contraception in the UK, behind the Pill and the hormonal implant, official data shows.

But condoms are used by a very small proportion of Brits overall, a new poll reveals.

According to a global survey of more than 29,000 people in 36 countries, only 15 per cent of Brits said they'd bought condoms in the past year.

And the US and Australia fared no better, at 16 and 19 per cent, respectively.

This is compared to nations with the highest condom purchases like the UAE, where 63 per cent of respondents said they'd bought the contraception recently.

Residents of Vietnam are also cautious; nearly half of participants who live there use them.

A global survey of condom use found that those living in The Netherlands and Japan were the least likely to buy contraception

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But Brits, Americans and Australians are far from the most condom-averse, the survey, conducted by Durex, found.

At the bottom of the list were Japan and the Netherlands, where just 12 per cent of survey respondents said they'd stocked up on condoms in the past 12 months.

Condoms are the most effective method of preventing sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes, proving successful in 95 per cent of cases.

However, studies show that when condoms are used incorrectly, effectiveness drops to roughly 79 per cent.

The Durex poll found that the most common reasons for not using a condom include perceived lack of sensation  cited by 16 per cent of respondents  lack of spontaneity (14 per cent) and the thought of them being a mood killer (13 per cent).

Studies investigating the incidence of STIs around the globe appear to echo some of this data.

Only 15 per cent of the UK population say they buy condoms, according to a study of nearly 30,000

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According to a 2022 international report published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, the region with the highest prevelance of STIs since 1990 is East Asia  including Japan, where just 12 per cent of people buy condoms.

Belgium was said to be the nation with the lowest STI prevelance, according to the global study.

What's more, according to data from the European Centre For Disease Prevention and Control, the Netherlands has the fifth highest number of annual reported cases of chlamydia of all European nations  roughly 24,000.

France, where just 16 per cent of people reguarly buy condoms, ranked 7th, with 14,199 chlamydia cases reported in 2022.

In comparison, Cyprus, Greece and Croatia reported 10, 59 and 100 cases respectively.

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Some 402,000 sexually transmitted infections were diagnosed in the UK last year, the most common being chlamydia (49 per cent) and gonorrhoea (21 per cent).

Around 14 per cent of STIs spotted in Brits were genital herpes or genital warts.

Overall, new diagnoses of STIs have declined in the UK, but the past decade has seen a decrease in the number of new diagnoses of many STIs, but gonorrhoea and syphilis have increased.

The number of gonorrhoea diagnoses in 2023 was the highest since records began in 1918, while the number of syphilis diagnoses was the highest reported since 1948.

Experts are also concerned that gonorrhoea has developed resistance to certain antibiotics, limiting the treatment options available.
A tiny spider bite turned into a huge problem for one holidaying Brit who ended up developing a hole in his stomach after an assault by an eight-legged assailant.

Nigel Hunt, 59, from the Isles of Scilly, was nipped on the stomach while lying in bed one evening earlier in the summer.

Thinking it was nothing more than a mild irritation, Mr Hunt, a window fitter, continued with his daily business, including jetting off for a holiday in Egypt.

But the trip away would soon turn into a potentially deadly nightmare.

Mr Hunt became violently sick a few days into his holiday and noticed the site of the spider bite started to grow bigger.

Nigel Hunt was nipped on the stomach while lying in bed at home at St Mary's on the Isles of Scilly just hours before flying to Egypt

Seeking medical help he eventually went to hospital where tests revealed he had necrotising fasciitis, better known as the 'flesh-eating disease' which needed to cut away

Seeking medical help, he eventually went to hospital where tests revealed he had necrotising fasciitis, better known as the 'flesh-eating disease'.

This is a rare infection where a wound in the skin and soft tissues of the body, such as a spider bite, become infected with bacteria.

These bacteria release toxins as they multiply killing the surrounding tissues. Mr Hunt has since had to have a section of his belly carved out to remove the now dead flesh.

The father of three recalled: 'On arriving at the airport and travelling through check-in we made our way to departures.

'At this point, everything seemed to deteriorate quite quickly from being sick in the departure lounge to having my head in a sick bag for most of the journey.

'On arrival at Sharm El Sheikh, we collected our belongings and made our way to the pharmacy for some antibiotics or something to help with the sickness.

'They prescribed a couple of things and the following day we went to hospital to be prescribed the same medication.

'The next two days started to get worse so we went to a different hospital in Hadaba where straight away I had blood tests and ultrasound scans.

'Then we waited a couple of hours for the doctor to check the results. He called us in saying it was a good job we had come in because the bite was from either a false widow or a brown recluse spider.'

Mr Hunt, a window fitter, became violently sick a few days into his holiday as the site of the spider bite started to grow bigger

Egyptian medics told Mr Hunt he was likely the victim of a bite from a false widow (pictured) or a brown recluse spider

Neither false widows nor brown recluses (pictured) are native to the UK though they have been introduced here via shipments of fruit and other imports

While medics originally thought he had a simple but painful abscess  a collection of pus from an infection  further tests revealed it was the far more serious necrotising fasciitis.

Necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment which usually consists of a course of antibiotics as well as surgery to cut away dead flesh.

Mr Hunt said medics told him could have died had he not sought medical help for the bite.

'If I hadn't been to the hospital for a second examination within six to 10 days, I would be dead,' he said.

'They haven't given me an all-clear date yet as the wound is still open and I have to have it packed every couple of days.

'I just have to make sure it hasn't started spreading again.

'To go from healthy to poorly in such a short time, then to be told you could die, was frightening.

'I can't go diving or snorkelling, I can't go to the beach in case sand gets in the wound, so I'm sat watching TV most of the time although I'm just glad I'm still here.'

He urged fellow Brits to watch out for spiders in order to avoid a potentially dangerous bite.

Neither false widow or a brown recluse spider are native to the UK.

False widows were introduced to Britain from the Canary Islands and Madeira in imports of bananas about a 100 years ago but have become established in southern parts of the British Isles.

Brown recluses are far rarer in the UK being a North American spider species which is occasionally accidentally imported.

NHS data for England shows 11 people needed hospital treatment for spider bites in 2022-23, the latest figures available.

This figure only includes admissions from venomous spiders not from infections that result from bites, as in Mr Hunt's case.
Genetics testing firm 23andMe will pay out $30 million to customers affected by a mega data breach last year.

The company was accused of failing to properly protect users' privacy when 6.9million users' accounts were hacked and their sensitive data stolen.

The suit said 23andMe also failed to tell is customers that hackers specifically targeted certain ethnic groups before selling their data on the dark web.

People with Chinese and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry were singled out in the attack that happened last year.

Personal genetic testing company 23andMe will pay out $30 million to customers affected by a mega data breach last year

A preliminary settlement of the proposed class action was filed late Thursday night in federal court in San Francisco, and requires a judge's approval.

It includes cash payments for customers whose data was compromised, and lets customers enroll for three years in a program known as Privacy & Medical Shield + Genetic Monitoring.

In a Friday court filing, 23andMe called the settlement fair, adequate and reasonable.

Citing its 'extremely uncertain financial condition,' 23andMe also asked the judge to halt arbitrations by tens of thousands of class members, until the settlement is approved or they decide not to participate.

In a statement, 23andMe said it believes the settlement is in its customers' best interest. It also expects about $25 million of the cost to be covered by cyber insurance coverage.

The breach began around April 2023 and lasted about five months, affecting nearly half of the 14.1 million customers in 23andMe's database at the time.

It was disclosed by 23andMe in an October 2023 blog post.

The mammoth breach is the result of digital spies using old passwords to break into files belonging to 0.1 percent of customers - some 14,000 profiles - which are linked to millions more through ancestry tracing.

According to the company, the hacker accessed 5.5 million DNA Relatives profiles, which let customers share information with each other, and accessed information for another 1.4 million customers who used a feature called Family Tree.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs said the settlement addressed their clients' main claims, and reflected significant risks of further litigation given 23andMe's 'dire' finances.

The South San Francisco-based company lost $69.4 million on revenue of $40.4 million in the quarter ending June 30.

Co-founder and Chief Executive Anne Wojcicki has been trying to take 23andMe private, three years after it went public at $10 per share. Its shares have traded below $1 since mid-December.

The plaintiffs' lawyers may seek legal fees of up to 25 percent of the settlement amount.
Hewlett Packard Enterprises's boss has hit back after his company was accused of 'a complete lack of humility' for suing the family of Mike Lynch following his death.

Antonio Neri, chief executive of the US software group, said it was a 'difficult' decision to continue the 3billion fraud lawsuit against the British tycoon's estate.

But he insisted the move was 'in the best interest of shareholders'.

Lynch, 59, and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah were among seven people who died when superyacht Bayesian sank off Sicily last month.

The family was celebrating Lynch's acquittal on US fraud charges relating to Hewlett Packard's 8billion purchase of his technology company Autonomy in 2011.

Lawsuit: UK software tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah (pictured) were among seven people who died when his superyacht Bayesian sank off Sicily last month

The luxury vessel capsized and sunk off the coast of Sicily, Italy, in bad weather on August 19 whilst moored around half a mile off the coast of Porticello

Antonio Neri, chief executive of the US software group Hewlett Packard, has defended their pursuit of a lawsuit against the family of Mike Lynch

The decision by Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) to continue with separate legal action against Lynch's estate following his death has sparked outrage.

Patrick Jacob, a close friend of the entrepreneur, last week accused HPE of first 'pursuing a man through a relentless battle in the press' and now going after his widow, Angela Bacares, 57, who survived.

'Before the bodies are even laid to rest, they've already begun circling like vultures, demonstrating a complete lack of humanity,' Jacob said last week.

'This is nothing short of heartless and distasteful.'

But speaking to the Financial Times yesterday, Neri, 57, said Lynch's acquittal and then death did not change HPE's plan to pursue a separate civil claim over the acquisition.

He said: 'Obviously, my job as a representative of shareholders is to make the difficult decisions.

'But in the end, we are making decisions in the best interest of shareholders.

'What we saw is a sad story. But the reality of what happened does not change what happened in the past decade or so, where we believe wrongdoing was done, and therefore, we have to see through the process.'

Mike Lynch, known as 'Britain's Bill Gates ', died when his 30million superyacht sank during a freak storm off the coast of Sicily

The Bayesian (pictured in an undated handout photo) overturned during a severe thunderstorm in the early hours of August 19

Although Lynch was cleared of US criminal charges in June over the sale of Autonomy, HPE won a civil lawsuit in the High Court in 2022.

A judge is expected to award damages by the end of the year.

Friends of the late businessman Mr Lynch including Conservative MP Sir David Davis have called for HPE to drop the claim.

Sir David said last month: 'I would think the wise thing for Hewlett-Packard to do in their own interest is to drop the case because they are not going to make a great deal of money out of it but they are going to make themselves very unpopular with the ordinary members of the public, picking on a bereaved family.'

HPE, a corporate hardware and services business is separate from computer and printer maker HP Inc after a split in 2015.

This week it was revealed an elite Italian navy unit was sending divers and robots down to the wreck of Mr Lynch's yacht the Bayesian, which is currently lying more than 160ft below the waters surrounding Porticello, Sicily, after sinking on August 19.

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.

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch with his wife Angela Bacares, who survived the Bayesian disaster but could now be targeted by HPE pursuing their 3billion lawsuit

Tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, who died in August, pictured at his Suffolk farm

Hannah Lynch, the 18-year-old daughter of tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch

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.

The trip which ended in tragedy had been part of Mr Lynch's celebrations with family and friends after he was acquitted in a San Francisco court earlier this year of fraud and conspiracy charges.

Mr Lynch had potentially faced up to 20 years in a US prison if found guilty of 16 counts of conspiracy, and securities and wire fraud, which he denied.

The charges related to a business deal that was hailed at the time as his crowning glory  the 8.6billion sale of his software and data company Autonomy to US computer giant Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

Mr Lynch personally made more than 500million from the deal, only for HP to later wrote down three-quarters of the value of Autonomy only a year after buying it.

The US company fired Mr Lynch while accusing accusing him and other executives of having grossly inflated its size and profits during the sale.

He had previously lost a 2019 civil fraud case based on similar allegations that HP  now Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE)  brought in the UK, with London's High Court ruling in 2020 that HPE had 'substantially won' its case.

His separate three-year battle to avoid being extradited to face criminal charges culminated in Lynch going to the High Court to argue that American prosecutors were guilty of legal overreach which threatened UK sovereignty and its citizens.

Mike Lynch when he was managing director of the Autonomy corporation which developed software for the web

Mr Lynch at Autonomy's headquarters at Cambridge Business Park in 2000

His plea was rejected and in May last year he was flown to California, accompanied by the U.S. Marshals Service, still protesting his innocence.

And on June 6 this year he was acquitted of fraud by a jury in San Francisco, while former Autonomy finance executive Stephen Chamberlain, who faced the same charges, was also acquitted on all counts.

In his first interview after the charges were rejected, Mr Lynch told how he had feared he would die in prison - saying that medical issues meant he felt it would have been 'difficult to survive' time behind bars.

Mr Lynch and his wife are thought to have lived for the last 15 years at their Georgian manor house in Suffolk, with a farm set in 69 acres of grounds and woodland alongside 2,500 acres of mainly arable farmland.
I am currently renting a property and was looking to buy in the area I live in Warwickshire.

However, after recently losing a family relative I have the option to buy the family home in Shropshire. A property that has been in the family for almost 400 years.

It would not be practical to relocate there, but I don't want the house to leave the family.

Our reader is considering buying the family home in Shropshire in an area that is popular for holiday lets: Pictured Ludlow

I am not in a position currently to purchase two properties. The area is very popular for holidays and I had thought about using the property for holiday lets or as a buy to let.

Does it make sense though to rent a property that I live in while owning another I then let out?

Really unsure what the best course of action is and hoping you may be able to offer some advice. C.R.

Ed Magnus of This is Money replies: This is one of those questions that is tough to answer.

Although buying the family home may not be the logical or most practical course of action, a house that has been the family for 400 years will have particular sentimental value.

It may of course turn out to be a sound investment so long as your heart is truly in it and you believe you can make a success of it.

> Best mortgage rates for first-time buyers: How long should they fix for?

Practically speaking, there are mortgage and tax implications that need to be considered first before making any decision.

For example, if you buy in your own name you will be taxed on any rental income on top of whatever you already earn.

If you're already a higher rate taxpayer, that could mean waving goodbye to 40 per cent of any profit made.

You could also find yourself liable for capital gains tax (CGT) were you to ever sell the property in the future.

If you instead buy a home in Warwickshire where you currently live, you would be entitled to principal private residence relief when you sell, which in most cases, will shield you from CGT.

It's also worth remembering that the tax perks for holiday let businesses were on the chopping block earlier this year when the then Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, pledged to abolish the furnished holiday lettings (FHL) tax regime from April 2025.

Legislation has now been drafted that has confirmed how the changes will be introduced by the new government.

It essentially means holiday home firms will lose a number of tax benefits, and find themselves on a more level playing field with buy-to-let landlords.

You may also want to speak to a tax advisor to see if there is any benefit of buying the property via a limited company, rather than in your personal name.

Deciding whether to purchase as a holiday let or as buy to let will also depend on what makes most sense from a commercial perspective.

A holiday let in the right location can certainly be more lucrative than a buy to let, but it will also come with extra admin and cost to manage it.

Limited company surge: More than two-thirds of existing buy-to-let companies were set up between 2017 and 2023 when various tax changes were introduced or phased in

The average property in Shropshire has an asking rent of 1,085 a month, according to Rightmove.

But of course, the average rent will depend on the precise location, the type of property and the number of bedrooms.

In Ludlow, a popular market town in south Shropshire, the typical property rents for 1,053 a month whereas in Oswestry in north Shropshire, the typical rent is 800.

The town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire offers an indication of the potential financial upside of holiday lets.

The average long term rental property in Shrewsbury is being advertised for 1,116 a month. That equates to 13,392 a year.

Meanwhile, in Shrewsbury, the average annual turnover of a holiday let was 24,700 in 2023, according to Sykes Holiday Cottages  which is above the UK average.

Holiday let hotspot: In Shrewsbury, the average annual turnover of a holiday let was 24,700 in 2023, according to Sykes Holiday Cottages  which is above the UK average

Of course, this may have more to do with the quality of homes on offer, but nonetheless it suggests that letting out a family home to holidaymakers in certain parts of Shropshire could well be a profitable long-term investment.

For expert advice, we spoke to Chris Sykes, technical director at mortgage brokers Private Finance, Mark Barret, a chartered accountant at Property Tax Advice Ltd, James Shaw, managing director at Sykes Holiday Cottages and Nicholas Mendes, mortgage technical manager at John Charcol.

What are the mortgage implications?

Chris Sykes replies: We can completely understand not wanting the family home to leave the family, and fortunately there are lots of finance options in both the buy-to-let and holiday let space that can help, including using inherited equity as a deposit if sufficient, and owning properties outside of where you live is no issue

Both holiday let and buy-to-let mortgages are generally based on the rental income that the property will generate and are widely available as long as figures stack up.

With a holiday let, many mortgages also let you or your family use the property in periods where it is vacant, so family can still enjoy it that way.

Mortgage expert: Chris Sykes, technical director at mortgage brokers Private Finance

Nicholas Mendes adds: It's important to understand the key differences between a buy-to-let mortgage and a holiday let mortgage, as they come with different criteria.

While both are designed for renting out property, the key distinction lies in how the property is rented.

A buy-to-let property is typically rented out for longer periodsusually six months to a year or moreoffering a more stable income stream.

In contrast, a holiday let mortgage is intended for properties rented out for shorter stays to multiple guests throughout the year.

Although there isn't usually a huge difference in the offers for buy-to-let and holiday let mortgages, some variations do exist.

For example, buy-to-let mortgages may require a smaller deposit, sometimes as low as 20 per cent, whereas holiday let mortgages generally start at 25 per cent.

Additionally, buy-to-let mortgages tend to have more straightforward income calculations, as rental demand and prices are typically stable over time.

For holiday let mortgages, lenders typically assess affordability by looking at expected rental income across different seasonshigh, medium, and low rental periods throughout the year.

If you plan to block off certain times of the year for personal use, this could lower the expected rental income, which is something to keep in mind when discussing terms with a lender.

In terms of tenancy arrangements, buy-to-let mortgages are typically offered on an Assured Tenancy Agreement (AST), where the property is rented for a fixed term, such as six to twelve months.

On the other hand, a holiday let mortgage permits short-term rentals to various tenants, allowing you to rent out the property for shorter periods multiple times throughout the year.

What are the tax implications?

Mark Barret replies: You have to be wary of the HMRC rules about the number of days the property has to be available to let in the year (210 days).

The property can also not be let out to holiday makers for longer-term occupation (typically more than 31 days per stay) for more than 155 days during the year. Your accountant will give you the full guidance on this.

Tax expert: Mark Barret, a chartered accountant at Property Tax Advice Ltd and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

When looking at any plans for property letting, you really need to consider your long term plans.

For example, if there will be multiple holiday lets, then VAT on the rental income becomes an issue.

There are ownership structures that will aid you in minimising your VAT on the gross income, but that requires detailed and specific tax advice.

Regardless of whether you rent out the home as a buy-to-let for tenants or holiday let, if you own the rental property in your own name, then it will mean that you would not be able to claim 'first time buyers relief' on stamp duty for your own personal own when you buy it, and indeed, you'll pay increased stamp duty (SDLT) on your home if purchased after the investment property is owned.

With any type of rental income, you will be required to register for self-assessment.

If you are already registered then you would need to notify HMRC of a new source of income by 6 October.

You will pay income tax at your marginal rate on the profit from your letting, and when the investment property is sold, then any gain in value from when you owned the Shropshire property would be taxed under Capital Gains Tax.

Is the holiday let a good idea?

James Shaw replies: Staycations have been growing in popularity over the past decade, with an 8 per cent year-on-year growth in bookings in 2023, and this year demand for UK holiday lets has remained high.

This has resulted in the average annual income of a holiday let owner increasing. If you turned your hand to holiday letting, you could tap into this demand and reap the benefits.

As holiday lets are identified as businesses, you could also be eligible for a number of tax benefits if you take the leap into the market.

The type of holiday let tax relief opportunities include mortgage interest tax relief, Business Rates relief, and Capital Gains tax relief, all of which will significantly reduce the taxes payable on your holiday let profits and return on your investment.

Holiday let expert: James Shaw , managing director at Sykes Holiday Cottages

As well as tax benefits, you could also tap into a number of travel trends to boost your income potential.

This year, we've seen a rise in travellers booking staycations last minute or choosing long weekend breaks over seven-night stays.

If you choose to pursue holiday letting with your family home you could cater to this demand, which could then result in a higher occupancy rate.

Although there are pros and cons to both running a holiday let and a buy-to-let, there are better financial advantages to holiday letting and overall, short term lets can be a great investment.

Nicholas Mendes adds: Firstly, it's not uncommon to rent the property you live in while owning another as an investment, so your situation isn't unusual.

Retaining the family home while generating rental income could be a practical solution.

Given the property's location in a popular holiday area, turning it into a holiday let may offer higher returns than a traditional long-term rental.

Expert: Nicholas Mendes, mortgage technical manager at broker John Charcol

However, holiday lets often require more active management, with fluctuating occupancy and ongoing maintenance, whereas a buy-to-let tends to provide more stability with long-term tenants.

Chris Sykes adds: Holiday lets can be challenging as there are high seasons and low seasons so you need to budget more and have local contacts or services who can look after the property.

They are a popular investment these days and we've seen plenty of clients do very well with holiday lets.

Any final words of advice?

Nicholas Mendes replies: An important factor is your long-term strategy for the family home.

Although relocating there might not be practical now, renting out your current residence while keeping the family home could make sense if you eventually plan to live there or pass it down to future generations.

However, you'll need to consider the financial commitments involved in maintaining two properties, such as mortgage payments, upkeep, and insurance.

Ultimately, the decision depends on what feels right for your circumstances, both financially and emotionally.

Renting out the family home, whether as a holiday let or a buy-to-let, allows you to keep the property in the family while generating some income, which could help make your current living situation more manageable.
The Liberal Democrats have been accused of plotting to bring back freedom of movement on the quiet with demands that a 'youth mobility scheme' is expanded to people living in EU member states.

Sir Ed Davey's party will vote at its annual conference this weekend on a proposal to extend the post-Brexit work visa programme that covers people from a dozen countries, including Canada, Australia and Japan.

It also wants the visa period extended from two years to three, and the upper age limit, which varies between 30 and 35 depending on the country, set at 35 for all those taking part.

The Lib Dem Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Leila Moran will move the motion at the conference in Brighton on Saturday, where the party will gather to celebrate the most successful general election in its history. It now has 72 MPs.

It wants to bring about the change as part of its 'commitment to fixing our broken relationship with Europe, including our longer-term objective of UK membership of the EU.'

Last month Labour denied it was interested in a reciprocal EU scheme after it was suggested it could form part of negotiations on a new closer relationship with Brussels.

Sir Ed Davey's party will vote at its annual conference this weekend on a proposal to extend the post-Brexit work visa programme that covers people from a dozen countries, including Canada, Australia and Japan.

The Lib Dem Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Leila Moran will move the motion at the conference in Brighton on Saturday, where the party will gather to celebrate the most successful general election in its history. It now has 72 MPs.

Your browser does not support iframes.

A Tory source said: 'Like a deranged ex-lover, the Lib Dems still haven't got over the fact the UK voted to leave eight years ago. And just like Labour, they'll find any way possible to get free movement in by the back door.

'If the Liberal Democrats really wanted the best for Britain, they would spend less time trying to unpick Brexit and more time trying to realise its benefits.'

However, the Lib Dems hit back, pointing out that the visa would be time-limited to three years, rather than open-ended like the rules before Brexit.

It formed part of its election manifesto, which saw it take scores of Tory seats in the affluent South East two months ago.

Who is eligible for UK youth mobility scheme? People from 12 countries can currently apply to come to the UK on a two-year youth mobility visa. But the criteria varies by country. Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea: Between the ages of 18 and 35. Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay: Between the ages of 18 and 30. Hong Kong (with a SAR passport), Taiwan: Between the ages of 18 and 30 via a ballot. Advertisement

A spokesman said: 'The Youth Mobility Scheme, which even the Conservatives championed in government, is already open to several countries, including in continents as far away as Asia and Australasia.

'It is common sense to allow young Brits the chance to study and work in neighbouring countries too, in this capped scheme which only allows people to stay for a maximum of three years.

'It is laughable to see the Conservatives already trashing their own government schemes. This shows they are not a serious political party.'

The idea of opening up the UK to young Europeans remains popular despite Brexit, including with Tory voters, polling suggests.

Sir Keir Starmer is said to have discussed a youth mobility proposal with Spanish Counterpart Pedro Sanchez when they met at the Blenheim Palace summit soon after the election.

The Sunday Telegraph reported that Sir Keir did not reject the proposal, made to him by Mr Sanchez, and that he would mull it over.

At the time Ms Moran said it would 'give our young people fantastic opportunities to live and work across Europe, while also providing a much-needed boost to the UK economy  especially our hospitality sector'.

It came as it was revealed the number of people applying for UK skilled work visas jumped 22 per cent year-on-year despite Government efforts to cut legal migration levels.

But provisional Home Office figures also suggested sharp drops in the number of visa applications from overseas students as well as foreign care workers - prompting warnings universities could struggle with the consequences.

Restrictions gradually introduced by the former Conservative government since the start of the year amid pressure to cut the record number of people legally arriving in Britain include a ban on overseas care workers bringing family dependents and a hiked salary threshold for skilled workers to 38,700. The aim was to slash the number of people arriving in Britain by 300,000 a year.

Other reforms meant overseas students were stopped from bringing their family with them to the UK and made it harder for Britons earning under the national average to bring over foreign spouses.

According to PA news agency analysis of figures published on Thursday, the number of skilled worker visa applications for main applicants and dependents combined rose from 82,000 between January and August 2023 to 100,400 in the same period this year.

By contrast, the data suggests the overall number of applications to come to the UK on a health and care worker visa fell by more than half (61 per cent) in eight months of this year (99,100) compared with the equivalent period in 2023 (257,400).

The social care sector previously voiced concern about the effects of the Conservative government's dependents ban, branding it 'brutal' and blaming the policy for cutting a 'lifeline of overseas staff'.

There was also a significant drop in sponsored study visa numbers, with 294,200 applications for main applicants and dependents in January to August 2024, down 31 per cent from 427,400 in the same period last year.

August typically sees the highest number of student applications for the next academic year. For that month in 2024 there were 124,300 main applicants and dependents on applications, compared with 172,200 a year earlier.

Former home secretary James Cleverly, one of the candidates running to be Conservative Party leader, hailed the figures as proof measures he brought in while in post were working, adding: 'When it comes to immigration it's not enough to just talk tough, you have to deliver.' But he did not mention the visa rises the figures also indicate.

Migration minister Seema Malhotra vowed Labour would 'reduce net migration and equip the economy to start growing again'.

Accusing the Conservatives of 'repeatedly' breaking promises to cut immigration levels and former administrations of leaving 'complete chaos for this new government to clean up', she added: 'The Labour government has begun work to bring net migration down.

'We've commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee to review sectors reliant on high international recruitment. We're working across government to link the immigration system with new training and workforce plans for British workers and stop rogue employers hiring from abroad.

'That's how we'll reduce net migration and equip the economy to start growing again.'
A mother has been charged with allegedly murdering her two sons after they were found dead at home and she was flown to hospital with injuries to her wrists.

Russell and Ben Smith, aged nine and 11, were found at a home on Chapman Parade in Faulconbridge in Sydney's Blue Mountains just before 12.40pm on Tuesday after suffering stab wounds.

Their 42-year-old mother Trish Smith was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in Sydney after suffering apparently self-inflicted injuries to her wrists.

On Friday evening, she was released from hospital and taken to Parramatta Police Station, where she was charged with two counts of murder (domestic violence).

Smith was refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.

The children's father Nick, who is separated from their mother and did not live at the same address, called triple-0 on Tuesday when he visited the home and found the boys' bodies and his former partner injured.

He released a statement on Thursday, which said: 'The loss of our two beautiful boys has caused unimaginable pain and distress.

'Russell and Ben were happy, funny, outgoing boys, and were very much loved by their family and friends.

Trish Smith has been charged with allegedly murdering her two sons Russell and Ben

Their father, Nick, released this image of the two boys earlier this week

'Like other boys their age, they loved sports, soccer, the Penrith Panthers, fishing, books, music, spending time with their friends and their pup.

'We appreciate the kindness and compassion shown by the community.

'We also ask the media respects our need for privacy at this time, and give us the time and space we need to grieve.'

On Wednesday, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the investigation was in its infancy.

'Obviously it's a very tragic scene,' she said.

'It is early stages and we're not prepared to speculate on that at this stage.

'We've got all our investigators looking at the background and what has actually happened at that location.'

Photos posted on social media in recent months show the family beaming with joy as they posed for pictures with Santa, enjoyed family holidays, and explored the wilderness around the Blue Mountains.

Just eight months ago, Google Streetview images captured the children's Christmas decorations strung up across the front yard of the family's home.

Nick Smith (pictured with his family) found the bodies of his sons

A major police response was triggered in Faulconbridge after the bodies of two young boys were found in a home on Chapman Parade

Trish Smith is pictured with her two sons

Retired homicide detective Steve Ticehurst, who lives around the corner from the family, said they had been well-liked members of the close-knit community.

'They seemed like a really happy family, they have been living here for years, and you would just never pick something like this would happen,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'They would all come together to the local street Christmas party and appeared every bit the perfect family.

'The mum used to be known for taking exercise walks around the area in the afternoons and we would always have a chat.

'There was never any indication anything was wrong. I couldn't say a bad word about them.'

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the entire community was rocked by the incident.

The scene of the incident is just 450m from the Blue Mountains famed Norman Lindsay Gallery.

Residents said they had not seen the dad around 'in a while' but that he had once joined the children and their mother at local events.

'You used to see her walking her dogs around the streets all the time, and out and about with her sons,' the local resident said.

'They were lovely young boys.

'You'd never think something like that could happen here - it's a quiet community.'

Shocked neighbours described the Smiths (pictured) as a really happy family

Russell and Ben (both pictured) were found dead inside the home on Tuesday

NSW Police said officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command are investigating the circumstances of the deaths and are being assisted by detectives from State Crime Command's Homicide Squad

Smith was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition

Neighbour Barbara Faith said she would regularly see the two brothers riding on their bikes back from school.

'They had their helmets on, and they were doing the right thing ... I just thought they were lovely kids,' Ms Faith told the ABC.

She said there was a huge commotion shortly after midday with about 20 emergency vehicles rushing down her street.

'It's such a quiet neighbourhood and quiet street you don't expect those sorts of things,' she said.

'It's just so sad, I can't believe this could happen anywhere let alone my street.'
A 'God-loving' teacher has been banned from classroom for life after it emerged she helped smuggle a 14-year-old African child into Britain to act as her 'slave'.

Ernestina Quainoo, 53, has been struck off the teaching register after lying about her child trafficking conviction when she got her job in 2019.

Details of her criminal past only came to light in December 2022 when a colleague was shown a newspaper report about her shocking past and informed her bosses.

In 2008, a court heard Mrs Quainoo, who moved to the UK from Ghana in 2004, and her husband Samuel smuggled the child into Britain with the promise of education and a job when she arrived.

But instead the disgraced teacher and her husband, then aged 59, forced the girl to cook and clean in the house for 18 months as well as babysit their two young sons.

It was said the couple stopped the teen going to school and making friends and dressed her in hand-me-downs, apart from once buying her T-shirts with 'my other name is bitch' printed on them.

She was never paid a penny and later told cops and social workers she was so desperate that she contemplated suicide.

Ernestina Quainoo, 53, has been struck off the teaching register after lying about her child trafficking conviction when she got her job in 2019.

Her ordeal only ended when she fell ill and escaped to get medical help.

When police arrived, Samuel Quainoo, who has a previous conviction for false accounting, claimed the child had cast a 'voodoo' spell on him and his wife.

In 2008, Samuel Quainoo was jailed for 18 months and his wife was given a suspended sentence for assisting unlawful immigration into the UK.

Teaching watchdogs were told that when interviewed for a job as a class teacher at Cherry Lane Primary School, West Drayton, in May 2019 Mrs Quainoo did ultimately declare she had an 'immigration offence' conviction - after initially denying she had any convictions, claiming this was an oversight in her haste to complete the application form.

She was hired in July that year as a teacher of Key Stage One pupils but in December 2022 the school was tipped off about the news articles about the 2008 court case.

Safeguarding concerns were raised, and she was suspended 10 days before Xmas, pending an investigation.

She resigned in February but her former employers continued the disciplinary process and referred the matter to the Teaching Regulation Agency.

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act gives people with spent convictions and cautions the right not to have to disclose when applying for most jobs.

So when Mrs Quainoo filled in the application form she initially replied 'No' to the section dealing with past convictions.

But in a subsequent Disclosure Statement Mrs Quainoo did correct this and declare she had been convicted for 'Assist Unlawful Immigration into an EU Member State' on 11 July 2008.

Mrs Quainoo claimed, within the Disclosure Statement, that this conviction related to when she 'assisted and came along [to the UK] with a lady I lived with as a family member'.

A court heard Mrs Quainoo, who moved to the UK from Ghana in 2004, and her husband Samuel smuggled the child into Britain with the promise of education and a job when she arrived.

Mrs Quainoo was a former teacher at Cherry Lane Primary School, West Drayton, in west London (pictured)

The Disclosure Statement continued: 'Two years later, in June 2006, this came to the attention of the authorities and I was arrested.

'Due to my inability to demonstrate that she [the individual] was a member [of] the family, I was charged with assisting her unlawful entry into the UK on 11th July, for which I pleaded guilty as I completely misunderstood the cultural differences that exist between the two countries.

'As a result of this, I was given a two-year suspended sentence and required to undertake a 'Women's Programme' for a few months'.

The panel heard from the presenting officer that Mrs Quainoo's conviction as described in the Disclosure Statement was not 'protected' under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Sue Davies, who chaired the TRA hearing, concluded: 'It was therefore disclosable for the purposes of the application form.

'Accordingly, the panel concluded that the information Mrs Quainoo provided on the application form when she answered 'No' to that question was not correct.'

But the panel ruled there was not enough evidence that she had deliberately lied and therefore found a dishonesty allegation not proved.

Mrs Davies continued: 'At the time, the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance did not require that an internet search of candidates was undertaken.

'The panel accepted that the school chose to still employ Mrs Quainoo on the basis of the Disclosure Statement and the DBS check giving them no reason to believe the offence might have been in relation to a child.

'The panel considered it was regrettable that no further investigation was undertaken by the School to inform the risk assessment at the time in its discharging of its safeguarding duty.'

Banning her from the profession for at least two years, Sarah Buxcey, for the Education Secretary, underlined: 'Mrs Quainoo's conduct leading to the conviction ran counter to what should have been at the very core of her practice as a teacher with a duty of care towards children.

'A prohibition order would therefore prevent such a risk from being present in the future.'
Those living on the UK's most northerly isles have history with colonisers.

The first Viking invasion of Shetland came between 800 and 850AD, brought plundering and pillaging, and Norse rule continued there for more than 600 years.

Islanders can be more precise about the timing of the second Viking invasion.

It is happening right now in the form of a gargantuan wind farm which has claimed dominion over their treeless landscape.

Surprisingly, its Scottish owners SSE thought it would be a good idea to call it Viking.

The scenery in Shetland is dotted by turbines

This 103-turbine forest of steel towering over croft cottages is, according to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, a flagship project pointing the way to Britain's green energy future.

To ensure Labour achieves its 'national mission' of clean power by 2030, he wants to see more like it.

It is an issue on which he and the Scottish Government and are lockstep. They want more wind farms like Viking too.

When it officially opened last month, Mr Miliband said it would provide 'hundreds of thousands of homes' across the country with 'cheap, home-grown energy'.

For his part, First Minister John Swinney said: 'The completion of these projects is a significant step in unlocking the green energy potential of the Shetland islands.'

The reality in its first few weeks of operation is the wind farm - touted as the most productive in Britain - is lining the pockets of its owners while producing a fraction of the expected energy, none of it cheap.

As for the Shetlanders forced to live in the shadow of the hulking turbines, many say they represent a fresh wave of colonisation - one they are appalled to see applauded by Westminster and Holyrood.

Roxane [CORR] Permar, an artist based in Shetland, tells the Mail: 'I feel betrayed by the lack of genuine care for communities like ours who are being exploited by huge, multi-national corporations mining our resources for sheer profit without consideration for the complexity of the issues we face.'

It was not for their benefit, after all, that a development capable of powering up to 500,000 homes was plonked on their largest island.

Shetland's population is just 23,000 and its homes and business will not even be hooked up to the wind farm at least until 2026.

Their electricity bills, meanwhile, remain the highest in Britain.

No, their remote isles were chosen because of the supposed precious natural resource which underpins the green energy prospectus - wind. Shetland is the windiest place in the UK.

Shetlanders are forced to live in the shadows of wind turbines

Two months after the 510ft turbines started generating electricity, then, how is the harnessing of those winds working out for Britain's power supply?

The answer to that, say renewable energy experts, is the stuff of scandal.

To date, almost 60 per cent of the electricity that should have been generated has been discarded while its owners have profited handsomely from powering down their system.

On August 17, for example, SSE pocketed 227,192 in return for stopping this one wind farm from producing electricity.

On Tuesday it raked in 169,305 for doing the same. On Wednesday, another 191,381.

In total, since the wind farm went on stream, SSE has received 3 million for stopping power generation - and all this money is charged to consumer bills.

It may be Mr Miliband's flagship wind farm, but others point to Viking as the epitome of all that is wrong with the wind energy industry.

It was foisted on a community which, largely, did not want it. Indeed, court action was launched to stop it going ahead, but proved unsuccessful.

Its presence - and that of the invasive infrastructure needed to transmit its power to the mainland - is predicted to devalue homes.

Furthermore, installing the entire package at a cost of 1.2 billion wreaked extensive environmental damage on a hitherto unspoiled wilderness.

And, now that the wind farm is operational, it makes its owners more money for doing nothing than for producing electricity.

'This is both an economic and an environmental mess,' says John Constable of the Renewable Energy Foundation (REF) charity.

Far from being one of Britain's most productive wind farms, as Viking's launch publicity claimed, he argues 'it is shaping up to be one of the most heavily constrained, least productive and yet extortionately profitable wind projects ever built'.

It is the highly controversial constraints payments system which accounts for the extraordinary sums wind farms earn for powering down.

These payments are offered when the National Grid cannot accept all the electricity generated by wind farms - usually due to bottlenecks in the grid - and asks certain ones to power down in return for compensation payments.

Perversely, says Dr Constable, many earn more for powering down than for generating.

As wind farms proliferate across the rural landscape, the bottlenecks are exacerbated, and the constraint payments steadily increase.

When they were first offered in 2010, the overall sum paid out was 174,000.

Last year it was a record 310 million across all UK wind farms - 278 million to Scottish ones alone.

This year looks certain to set another record. Already the UK total stands at 250 million and the figure for August - 63 million - was the highest monthly payment ever.

The high concentration of Scottish wind farms creates further problems.

Their total generation capacity of 11.8 gigawatts is already three times Scotland's energy consumption.

Wind farms north of the Border are, then, largely producing electricity for England's major centres of population - but congestion in the grid means their power frequently cannot be transmitted the long distances to where it is needed.

The scandal of the industry is neatly summed up by Lee Moroney of the REF who monitors the figures daily: 'Too many wind farms built in areas with insufficient grid capacity where the wind farm developers are aware they will not be penalised - in fact they will be rewarded - for not being able to send what they generate to areas of demand.'

The victims are the customers - many now reeling from the SNP axing the winter fuel allowance in line with Labour in Westminster - and of course the wind farms' neighbours, whose objections to the developments often fall on deaf government ears.

Into this chaotic mix arrives the Viking wind farm in the heart of Shetland's largest island some 100 miles from the north coast of Scotland.

Laurie Goodlad rebuts claims on the environmental benefits

Certainly, it represents a massive engineering feat. In order to connect the turbines to the national grid, 160-miles of undersea cabling had to be laid between Kergord in Shetland and Wick in Caithness.

Many more miles of underground cables had to be installed, along with overhead powerlines snaking through the community of Tingwall, much to locals' dismay.

Each of the 103 turbines required to be set in 24,048 cubic feet of concrete - the equivalent of three average-sized houses filled floor to ceiling, wall to wall.

Almost 30,000 tons of cement was used, requiring 1037 tanker loads to be shipped to Shetland from Aberdeen.

And it took 280 convoys six months to transport all the wind farm components from Shetland's capital Lerwick to the installation site.

Yet, as the turbines were gradually erected over the barren landscape, locals watched in abject horror.

'I have felt immense pain and grief, despair and deep sadness,' says Ms Permar.

'Because the destruction is so blatantly visible in our treeless landscape, the pain never goes away, forming a constant state of injury, a festering wound. I feel like it is an occupying force, violating our land.'

She says many of her fellow islanders question the green credentials of the project and believe it was motivated by profit for shareholders rather than benefit for Shetland.

'Growing numbers of people feel this way especially following the recent revelations that the company received 2 million constraint payment for one month, which is roughly equivalent to what Shetland will receive in one year as community benefit.'

Moraig Lyall, a Shetland Islands councillor, is acutely aware of the sense of disillusionment in the community and is at pains to point out she was not on the council - or living in Shetland - when it failed to oppose the scheme when first proposed more than a decade ago.

The visual impact, she says, is extreme.

'They are visible from a huge area of Shetland. For example, if you are on the isle of Whalsay, you look back towards the mainland and there's about 50 or 60 of them you can pick out.

'If you are in the village of Voe, they are literally towering above the houses.'

She adds: 'We are putting up with all this and we not even being compensated for it by getting cheaper electricity. There has been a big push to get what is nominally known as the Shetland tariff.

'People very strongly feel that if we are hosting all this stuff then we also ought to be able to be compensated for that by being able to access a lower rate of electricity to help put some sort of payback into the community in a manner that will make a meaningful difference to people's lives.'

Thus far, cheaper bills are not on the table.

Another Shetlander, travel writer Laurie Goodlad, 37, claims SSE's attitude to the islands 'reeks of colonialism'.

She says: 'All they see is financial gain. They are not caring about the impact it has on the community.

'We're just a northern outpost, we're sparsely populated islands that nobody really cares about. We are the natives that need to be told what is going to happen.'

One of the locals' main complaints is the wind farm is sited on peatlands which, like rainforests, are highly effective storers of carbon.

To tear this land apart to install 103 turbines in the name of environmentalism is ludicrous, they say.

'It's an environmental disaster, environmental terrorism,' declares Ms Goodlad.

'They've got it all wrapped up and carefully packaged and marketed to the rest of the world that this is a green, renewable answer, but if you scratch the surface, there is nothing green or renewable about what they're doing here.'

When asked to speculate on Shetland's future, SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies told the BBC last month there were 'great possibilities' for the islands to be a 'green energy hub', exporting not only to the UK mainland but also 'across Europe'. That made Ms Goodlad's blood run cold.

How, she wonders, will the islands benefit?

The industrialisation of their landscape is already gathering pace, with green lights for more wind farm applications.

There is no trade off on their electricity bills, which are double the national average due to Shetland's northerly location, frequent low temperatures and the fact no piped gas is available.

As for the annual 2.2 million the islands receive in community benefits for hosting the wind farm, that is already dwarfed by the sum SSE has earned in two months for generating no electricity.

For John Constable, it is a familiar picture. The same one has been painted many times across swathes of rural Scotland.

'It's classic resource extraction,' he says. 'And, in this case, it's a low value resource so it's not even good for the long-term interests of the shareholders of SSE.'

He adds: 'In the short term they may make some money but, historically, people will look back on this and say this was a strategic mistake of the major energy companies.

'They invested in sub-optimal assets which have damaged their long-term value, so in fact it's a catastrophe for all parties.

'But the damage to Shetland islanders' quality of life? What can one say? I don't live there, but I feel for them.'

An SSE spokesman told the Mail: 'Decisions on which assets to constrain or not are made by the electricity system operator, not individual companies.

'SSE is investing more than 20bn in strengthening UK energy security, including recently connecting Shetland to the GB grid for the first time ever.

'The UK needs many more homegrown electricity assets like Viking to harness our own natural resources and end our reliance on imported gas.

'The significant grid upgrades already in development will significantly reduce constraint costs in the future.

'The faster the UK can build clean energy projects, the quicker we'll fully benefit from the UK's massive renewable resources.'

No slow down, then, on the rush to throw up wind farms.

Indeed, Mr Miliband, Mr Swinney and SSE all agree it must accelerate. The trauma for communities like Shetland, it seems, is still in its infancy.
Woke defence chiefs have ordered Royal Marines training exercises to be renamed because their aggressive and sexual connotations could offend recruits.

Long-established mission rehearsals such as Final Thrust and Violent Entry have been deemed inappropriate for millennials because of the potential innuendos.

So the manoeuvres, which could involve female personnel, have been rebranded as Commando Forge and Green Salmander respectively.

Even the seemingly generically named exercise Direct Action has been rebranded as Dragon Warrior.

Last night, the Royal Navy insisted the new titles were more professional and aligned better with names used by Britains strategic military partners.

Recruits undergoing training for the Royal Marines in Lympstone. Long-established mission rehearsals such as 'Final Thrust' and 'Violent Entry' have been deemed inappropriate for millennials because of the potential innuendos

Royal Marines in France for the 80th anniversary of D-day this year. UK commanders want to ensure a military career appeals to as broad a range of people as possible

The move follows the scrapping of gender-based titles such as seaman and airman, which have been changed to seafarer and aviator by the Navy and RAF.

UK commanders want to ensure a military career appeals to as broad a range of people as possible.

But opponents of the move pointed out that the business for which Marines are trained  warfare  is inherently violent and aggressive, and no place for shrinking violets.

One military source described the change as unnecessary, saying: I cant recall anyone complaining about the names of these exercises before.

They were a bit of a joke perhaps, but hardly offensive or inappropriate to those taking part. Im not sure the woke brigade should be directing these changes and reshaping our branding, as I dont think they understand our culture.

A Free Speech Union spokesman said it is typical of the woke doublethink that has infected our Armed Forces.

Next theyll be warning Marine Commandos to avoid micro-aggressions.

The exercises take place at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines at Lympstone, Devon. They predominantly involve recruits attempting to earn the Corps coveted green beret.

Last night, the Royal Navy 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.

The Royal Marines at the Tower of London. One military source described the change as unnecessary, saying: 'I can't recall anyone complaining about the names of these exercises before'

Meanwhile, senior Army leaders are also open to exploring fake fur alternatives to the traditional bearskin caps worn by the Kings Guard because their price has soared to more than 2,000 each.

A central feature of the Kings Guard uniform, the ceremonial caps are made from the waterproof fur of Canadian black bears.

But they are now 30 per cent more expensive than 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 2,040. More than 1 million has been spent on the caps over the last ten years, with 24 purchased last year alone.

Peta wants the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to consider faux fur for ethical reasons, but the group now argues there is a financial imperative too.

Meanwhile, senior Army leaders are also 'open to exploring fake fur alternatives' to the traditional bearskin caps worn by the King's Guard because their price has soared to more than 2,000 each

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.

Peta said it 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 said the rise in costs were due to a different contractual agreement for the caps, which are made from bears hunted in Canada.

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.

The MoD said PETA had in 2018 put forward a sample faux fur to an independent testing organisation, but it showed unacceptable water penetration.
Police in Ohio have released grisly footage of a woman who allegedly stomped on a cat's head before feasting on the animal in full view of horrified witnesses.

Allexis Ferrell, 27, was found with 'fur on her lips and blood on her hands' when police were called by shocked neighbors in the town of Canton on August 16.

Ferrell is a native of the town, which is 172 miles from Springfield - where unproven claims that Haitian migrants are 'eating pets' have sparked a national scandal.

While she is neither a migrant nor from Springfield, the video of her arrest has been spread online in viral discussions and debates about the issue.

Authorities have now revealed bodycam video of the incident.

'Officers were able to determine that Allexis had smashed the cat's head with her foot and then began to eat the cat,' police wrote in their report.

It comes after Donald Trump made extraordinary and unproven claims during his presidential debate that Haitian migrants are killing and eating their neighbors' pets in Springfield, some 170 miles away from Canton.

Allexis Ferrell, 27, was found with 'fur on her lips and blood on her hands' when police were called by horrified neighbors in the Ohio town of Canton on August 16

Ferrell is being held in the Stark County Jail on a charge of cruelty to companion animals, a fifth-degree felony, She has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity

The bizarre footage opens seconds after police arrived to find a 'female squatting on a cat which appeared to have its head smashed in and the female with her hands on it'.

Officers confronted Ferrell and ordered her to put her hands behind her back before one remarked: 'Someone got rubber gloves? She's covered in blood.'

She makes no response as she is asked her address and read her Miranda rights, before the grossed out officer warns a colleague to put a blanket on the back seat of their squad car.

'Smile for me. Go like this,' he says as he holds up a camera, 'Did you eat that cat? Did you eat it?'

She bares her teeth for the picture and shakes her head slightly but says nothing.

'Why d'you kill it?' he demands.

A Springfield resident last month claimed that Haitian migrants were decapitating ducks in public parks and eating them last month

'I don't know,' she pipes in a small voice.

'Get in there. It's ridiculous,' he says as he shoves her into the car.

The first claims about pets being eaten over in Springfield were raised at a city commission meeting on July 30.

Furious locals used the forum to voice their feelings about the 15,000 Haitians who have arrived on Temporary Protected Status since 2020.

'I really challenge you guys to get out here and do something,' one angry resident told the meeting.

'These Haitians are running into trash cans, running into buildings, they're flipping cars in the middle of the streets.'

'They're in the park, grabbing up ducks by their neck, and cutting their head off and walking off with them. They're eating them.'

One anonymous poster to a Springfield residents' Facebook group claimed that her 'neighbor's daughter's friend' had lost her cat.

'One day she came home from work, as soon as she stepped out of her car, looked towards a neighbor's house, where Haitians live, and saw her cat hanging from a branch, like you'd do a deer for butchering, and they were carving it up to eat,' she explained.

Police and city officials in the town have been at pains to insist that there have been no credible reports of any migrants harming any pets.

But the rumors were amplified by Trump's running mate JD Vance before the ex-president himself wielded them in his debate with Kamala Harris.

'In Springfield, they're eating the dogs,' he told her. 'The people that came in. They're eating the cats.

'They're eating -- they're eating the pets of the people that live there.

'And this is what's happening in our country.'

Told by ABC moderator David Muir that there had been no credible reports to the authorities, the ex-president insisted that had 'seen people on television'.

'The people on television say my dog was taken and used for food,' he added.

A spokesperson for Springfield police was among those denying the claims.

'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,' he said on Tuesday.

Officers confronted Ferrell and ordered her to put her hands behind her back before one remarked: 'Someone got rubber gloves? She's covered in blood.'

Horrified witnesses had called police to a welfare check at the 1100 block of 13th Street South East in Canton shortly before 11pm on August 16

The Vice President dismissed Trump's claims that migrants were eating pets during the debate as 'unbelievable and extreme'

The Canton PD footage continues with an officer turning to a group of onlookers after Ferrell is placed in the squad car.

'Did you guys see all this?' he inquires.

'No we pulled up and she was just laying there with..' one replies.

'Did you see her eating it?' he asks.

'Yeah,' says one, 'It was gross,' added another.

'She said with the blood on her shoes she stomped it out. She stomped the head out.'

'Well you don't kill a cat and go to the hospital, you go to jail,' the officer remarks.

Social media has been flooded with AI-generated images of Donald Trump protecting animals since his claims in the presidential debate on Tuesday

'Will you call the humane society and see if they will come pick this cat up,' he then mutters into his radio. 'It's deceased.'

Ferrell is being held in the Stark County Jail on a charge of cruelty to companion animals, a fifth-degree felony.

She graduated from Canton McKinley High School in 2015 and has a lengthy criminal history, with previous charges including cocaine possession, receiving stolen property and endangering children.

'The suspect in this case is not a Haitian immigrant,' Canton police spokesperson Dennis Garren said. 'She is a lifelong Canton resident.'

Her bond has been set at $100,000 and she is due to face a competency hearing in front of Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank G. Forchione on October 15.

She has entered a plea of not guilty due to insanity.
A small business is now on the brink of collapse after scammers ordered tens of thousands of dollars worth of stock using stolen credit cards.

Roland Sharman, 80, has operated Sail Shade World, a DIY sail shade company which ships internationally, for 18 years but he now may be forced to close up shop.

Mr Sharman sent $36,000 worth of stock to a customer in the Middle East in July before he realised that they had purchased the sails using stolen credit cards.

By August he noticed several 'chargebacks' had sapped the payments out of his ANZ business account despite the sails already being long gone.

The original owners of the credit cards that were used to purchase the sails had began disputing the fraudulent transactions which left Mr Sharman with nothing.

ANZ is refusing to help Mr Sharman, saying he is technically at fault because he left himself exposed to the fraud by not using 3DSecure - a crucial cybersecurity measure which would have protected him from the scammers.

Mr Sharman - who has no pension or superannuation - is now worried that he might be left with nothing.

'I don't know if we're going to survive this,' Mr Sharman told news.com.au.

Roland Sharman, 80, lost $36,000 after scammers used stolen credit cards to buy stock from his small business

A customer in the Middle East placed 21 orders for Mr Sharman's indoor sail shades in July but by August the original owners of the credit cards had begun recouping their own lost money

'It has rocked the boat, in terms of cash flow. Were a small business. Its a totally steady, nice little cash machine, we dont [usually] have to worry about anything.

'We didnt think we needed to put money aside.'

Prior to this Mr Sharman had few issues with bad payments as his business expanded to over 50 countries and he moved to Vienna, Austria, to be closer to his family.

Mr Sharman said ANZ's response to the scammers was to put the culpability back onto the businessman.

ANZ had previously raised his transaction fees from 1.8 per cent to 3 per cent for added security once it began taking on so many international orders.

But the small businessman is adamant that he had no idea that 3DSecure was available to him or that he was expected to be using it.

A representative for the bank however told him that it was not their 'responsibility to look after your security', Mr Sharman told Daily Mail Australia.

The cost of adding 3DSecure to his processing fee would have been five cents per transaction, which Mr Sharman said he would have happily paid if only he had known about it.

'This was completely avoidable,' he said. 'They increased our rate and said it was because of the complexity of cybersecurity for overseas business. What for?'

Mr Sharman estimated the increased fees cost his business hundreds of thousands of dollars over its life, but there was no protection in place when he needed it.

After back-and-forth communication with ANZ representatives to resolve the issue went nowhere, Mr Sharman filed an official complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) on August 16.

Mr Sharman's bank, ANZ, is refusing to help him recover the lost funds because he was not using a crucial cybersecurity feature that the 80-year-old did not even know existed

Mr Sharman has since launched a GoFundMe to help recoup some of the funds he had lost from the scam.

He also hopes to start a movement to force banks to accept responsibility for cybercrimes on their systems, and for courts to give customers more protection.

'There should be a push for legislation that would stop this happening,' Mr Sharman said.

'As a bank you have a fiduciary responsibility, you shouldn't allow your customer to be exposed when there is is the way for you to keep them from being exposed.'

An ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that 3D Secure would 'need to be enabled by the merchant's gateway provider'.

'3D Secure is a security protocol used by payment gateways to authenticate transactions made online using credit and debit cards,' the spokesperson said.

'In this case, ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions isnt the gateway provider.

'ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions does however provide all customers with information about 3D Secure through operating guides, our website and proactive communications, and encourages them to confirm 3D Secure is available from their gateway if using a third party provider.'
Labour's attempts to blame the Tories for the dire debt outlook were slapped down by the fiscal watchdog yesterday.

The Office for Budget Responsibility warned Sir Keir Starmer's Government that simply hiking taxes would not fix the public finances.

In a new forecast, the OBR said debt was on course to 'blow up' as it balloons to a staggering 274 per cent of the size of the economy over the next 50 years. An ageing population is expected to drive the increase by pushing up spending on the health service and pensions  while climate change is also a factor.

Unexpected global shocks comparable to the Covid-19 pandemic could lift the debt even further, to more than 300 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2074, the report warned.

Labour sought to blame the Tories, and use the figures as more ammunition to pile on the pain with 'tough choices' in next month's Budget.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has warned Sir Keir Starmer's Government that tax hikes will not fix the economy alone

Labour sought to blame the Tories, and use the figures as more ammunition to pile on the pain with 'tough choices' in next month's Budget. Pictured: Chancellor Rachel Reeves with the Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey

Failure to boost productivity significantly would mean the problem being even more dramatic

The OBR cautioned that within drastic action pressures will push spending to over 60 per cent of GDP by the 2070s

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: 'The OBR has laid bare the shocking state that our public finances were left in by the previous government.' But OBR chairman Richard Hughes rejected the claim.

He said: 'The fiscal position of the Government at any point in time makes less of a difference compared to those enormous pressures on the public finances that emerge over a 50-year period from things like an ageing society, from rising interest costs.

'Those are challenges that have faced extended governments over extended periods and they are not challenges unique to the UK.'

Public finances in other big economies such as the United States also faced becoming 'unsustainable', he added. 'They are challenges facing all advanced countries whose societies are ageing  and have welfare systems that are designed for a time when more people were in work than were in retirement.'

The slapdown is embarrassing for Labour at a time when Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged to toughen the OBR's role in scrutinising the public finances, claiming the Tories left her with a 22 billion 'black hole' when she took office in July.

UK debt stands at 2.75 trillion, or 99.4 per cent of GDP  the highest level since the early 1960s. The OBR forecasts major long-term pressures coming from higher health spending  nearly doubling from 7.6 per cent to 14.5 per cent of GDP  and the state pension bill rising from 5.2 per cent to 7.9 per cent.

And the cost of servicing the surging debt pile will quadruple from 2.8 per cent of GDP to 11.3 per cent. Added to that will be the price of climate change  including the cost of Net Zero and coping with the damage caused by severe weather.

OBR board member David Miles said: 'With unchanged policies and growth mediocre to poor... something's got to give.'

The OBR has given a long-term view of the public finances in its report yesterday

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

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones's (pictured) claim that the OBR had 'laid bare the shocking state that our public finances were left in by the previous government' was rejected by its chairman Richard Hughes

He warned that continuing to provide public services at the same level without the means to pay for them was 'almost certainly unsustainable' and 'at some point, it will blow up'.

The central problem will be that spending could surge to 60 per cent of GDP while revenues remain at 40 per cent.

Mr Miles said simply hiking taxes, as Ms Reeves is expected to do on October 30, threatened to backfire. He added: 'Can you do that in a way that doesn't damage people's incentives to work and to save on such a scale that it actually undermines the production of the GDP which the tax revenues depend on?

'One would be wary of thinking that you can increase the tax take and that's the main way of closing that gap year after year without it doing some serious damage to the productive potential of the economy.
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This video is no longer available

A young woman has been arrested by police after she cemented her arm to the back of a car during the final day of anti-war protests in Melbourne.

The activist is understood to have stopped a vehicle on the bridge near the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre at about 7.30am on Friday.

It's believed she then opened the boot, put her own hand into a bag of concrete and proceeded to cemented her arm to the car.

Traffic was brought to a standstill as surrounding drivers were forced to stop.

Police were seen using bolt-cutters and a chisel to detach the woman's concrete-encased hand from the boot of the car.

There have been up to 50 arrests over the last three days of protests in Melbourne's CBD with police prepared for more potential violence.

Rally organisers are expecting 'significant protest activity' on Friday as the Land Forces weapons expo winds down in Melbourne following days of unrest.

'There will be renewed vigour to protest because it's the last day,' organiser Caroline Da Silva said.

The young activist cemented her arm to the back of a hatchback on Friday

Traffic was brought to a standstill as the police operation ensued on Friday

Police were forced to de-tach her arm from the vehicle using a chisel and bolt-cutters

'It's our last chance to show these weapons companies that they're not welcome here.'

The first day of the expo on Wednesday erupted in violence and chaos as wheelie bins were set alight and horse manure, food-grade acid and glass bottle 'missiles' were launched at police barricades.

Riot officers returned fire on the 1500 demonstrators with rubber bullets, tear gas and flash-bang devices, leading to 42 people being arrested.

But scenes were more subdued on Thursday as a few hundred protesters marched towards the convention centre before dispersing.

They later re-grouped outside the Bourke St offices of defence contractors Hanwha Defence and Elbit Systems to oppose deals between the companies and governments, blocking access to cars and trams.

Protesters say weapons on display inside the expo have been used on civilians in the Gaza conflict.

Police and political leaders condemned the 'disgraceful' actions and tactics used by activists

Protesters set a wooden palette on fire during the protests on Wednesday

Police and political leaders condemned the 'disgraceful' actions and tactics used by activists, labelling them 'thugs'.

Police Commissioner Shane Patton lashed out at 'hypocritical' protesters, warning the largest deployment of officers in two decades would be prepared for any event for the duration of the conference.

Patton's denunciations have not deterred activists, with Da Silva vowing the demonstrators were 'here for the long haul'.

'A bit of police spray, some rubber bullets  those things are harmful but they don't do anything to alter our conscience,' she said.

'We're here because we are people of goodwill and good spirit who want to see peace, justice and freedom  so there's nothing that police violence can do to change that.'
The mother of a baby who was doused in hot coffee is 'extremely frustrated' with police after her son's attacker was able to flee overseas.

The woman and her son had been on a picnic with his mother in Hanlon Park, in Brisbane's inner south east, on August 27 when a stranger allegedly approached them and tipped a thermos of scalding coffee over the infant before fleeing.

The baby suffered serious burns to his face, upper body and arms and has undergone over five operations in Queensland Children's Hospital.

He faces multiple further surgeries and some of the scars will be long-lasting.

On Monday afternoon, Detective Inspector Paul Dalton confirmed the family's worst fears that the suspect had fled Australia.

The 33-year-old man flew out of Sydney Airport on August 31 with his own passport - just 12 hours before police confirmed his identity.

Detectives know his name and nationality but are refusing to reveal it publicly for fear of jeopardising the investigation.

But Luka's mother, who asked to remain anonymous, has slammed the cops for keeping her and her partner in the dark.

Little Luka had been on a picnic with his mother in Hanlon Park, in Brisbane's inner inner south east, on August 27 when a stranger (pictured) allegedly approached them and hurled a thermos of scalding coffee over the infant before fleeing

The nine-month-old baby (pictured with his mum) suffered savage burns to his face, upper body and arms and has undergone over five operations in Queensland Children's Hospital. He faces multiple further surgeries and a life of permanent disfigurement

'They do know his name and they know what country he's from but they haven't disclosed to us either which is extremely frustrating,' Luka's mother told the Kyle & Jackie O show on Friday morning.

KIIS FM host Kyle Sandilands, who himself if a new dad, volunteered to hunt the attacker overseas and was incensed by the secrecy.

'Why are they protecting this guy who has done one of the most horrendous things a human could do? Why is he being protected while you and Luka suffer?', he fumed.

Luka's mother said she was under the impression that releasing the man's identity would hinder the investigation.

'Somehow releasing this information would jeopardise the case because they have to work with the country that he's in to extradite him back to Australia,' she said.

'I don't know how it works. Every time they speak to me I don't understand what they are saying. I just want justice. I want to know all the information but they're not giving it.'

Daily Mail Australia has approached Queensland Police for comment.

Jackie O Henderson fought back tears during the interview.

KIIS FM host Kyle Sandilands (pictured) volunteered to join a crack team of investigators to hunt the attacker overseas and was incensed by the detectives' secrecy

Nine-month-old Luka suffered life-threatening burns after being attacked in a Brisbane park

Jackie O Henderson (pictured) fought back tears during the interview with Luka's mum

'I can't even imagine how awful it must feel to know that this guy is not even here in the country. How can someone do something so horrible,' she said.

'You can't imagine that kind of evil and your poor, poor bubba.'

Henderson asked Luka's mother if she had ever encountered the culprit before.

'For the first few days all I was thinking about was "Have I met this person before? What have I done wrong? What happened?",' Luka's mother responded.

'Because to me, hurting a baby is beyond anything I would imagine doing. He has to be a psychopath or something.'

Sandilands repeated his criticism of the vague and 'woke' description authorities provided of the alleged perpetrator who was reported as having 'tanned' skin rather than be more specific and say he was of Asian appearance.

The radio shock jock, 53, dismissed it as 'woke bulls***' and asked Luka's mother whether she thought it hindered the search.

'I have thought about all of the things that have been released and not been released and maybe if there was more CCTV footage released maybe someone would have recognised him,' Luka's mother responded.

She added: 'I can't fathom him getting away with this and living a normal life when it's affected us for the rest of our lives.'

She said the little boy was 'doing good' despite having to attend hospital for yet another surgery on Friday morning.

'It's every four days for the next four weeks and then after that it's once a week for two weeks.'

She added: 'There will always be scarring unfortunately.'

Luka's mother told the KISS FM radio hosts she was under the impression that releasing the man's identity would hinder the investigation (the nine-month-old is pictured)

'I have thought about all of the things that have been released and not been released and maybe if there was more CCTV footage released maybe someone would have recognised him,' Luka's mother responded.

She added: 'I can't fathom him getting away with this and living a normal life when it's affected us for the rest of our lives.'

She said the little boy was 'doing good' despite having to attend hospital for yet another surgery on Friday morning.

'It's every four days for the next four weeks and then after that it's once a week for two weeks.'

She added: 'There will always be scarring unfortunately.'

The hosts vowed to donate $10,000 to the GoFundMe set up to help raise funds for Luka's hospital treatment, adding to the $160,000 already donated.

Luka's mother previously told Daily Mail Australia that his 'little gurgle' was what gave her the strength to keep going.

'That little gurgle of his, it's what gives me strength just to know that he's going to get through all this and that he is going to be ok,' she said.

'Hearing him laugh again for the first time absolutely melted my heart - it's what gives me courage and positivity for the future.'

Police were able to track baby Luka's alleged attacker to the southern Brisbane suburb of Tarragindi, where he changed his clothes outside a church.

Queensland Police Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said the accused was 'aware of police methodologies' and had been 'conducting counter-surveillance activities' after the attack

He then caught a rideshare car into central Brisbane, before moving onto Caxton Street where the trail initially went cold until he was found to have fled the country.

Queensland Police Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said the accused was 'aware of police methodologies' and had been 'conducting counter-surveillance activities' in the days after the attack.

He eventually managed to slip out of Sydney Airport on his own passport undetected.

'This is probably one of the most complex and sometimes frustrating investigations I've had to be involved in and lead,' he said on Monday.

Detective Inspector Dalton said the man was clearly 'aware of what we [the police] do to find people' and that their efforts to catch him had been initially delayed after he was wrongly identified as a different man.

He said the attack was the 'most cowardly' he had witnessed in his career.

'A young mother and a baby sitting on the ground and you are allegedly approaching them from behind,' Det Insp Dalton said.

'Can you think of anything more vulnerable than that? And to take advantage of that? You're probably right, it's one of the most disgusting ones I've come across.'
MBABANE  Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo has called on Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane to remove the option to withdraw a charge, particularly on SODV matters.

Khumalo was making submissions on the question for oral answers that was posed by Maseyisini Member of Parliament (MP) Nokuthula Dlamini, in relation to domestic violence being made a priority. Could the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs explain to this House what is preventing the ministry from implementing Section 126 of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act, 2028 (establishment of Domestic Violence Court) and Section 192, which stipulates that domestic violence cases should be given priority, read the question. Khumalo enquired if the minister could ensure that there was no room for withdrawal in cases under the SODV Act of 2018.



The minister did state that his ministry will look into them because tibi tendlu, as it is referred to in vernacular, are occurring and that was not helping the situation. In a recent case of attempted murder, the woman who was the complainant in the matter, Mercy Mwindwa, once filed an application to withdraw a charge against her boyfriend. Mwindwa took the Director of the Public Prosecutions (DPP) to court. She was seeking an order compelling the Crown to withdraw the charge against Wandile Milton Bennet. Despite her attempt to withdraw the charge, the Crown, which was represented by Precious Dlamini, continued with the prosecution. The offender was slapped with five years imprisonment without an option of a fine for attempting to kill his girlfriend and one year was suspended, during which he will do community service among women.



Response



While giving a response to Dlaminis question, the minister stated that the major contributing factor preventing the ministry from implementing Section 126 of the SODV Act, 2018 (establishment of Domestic Violence Court) and Section 192, which stipulates that domestic violence cases should be given priority was lack of budget. He said there is a lack of judges, magistrates, courtrooms and equipment in the country which needed a significant budget to help it. I can confidently say that what is stalling progress as per the question is lack of funding and I do not foresee it happening anytime soon, maybe in the next generation, he said.



The legislators also expressed that the Kingdom of Eswatini is a signatory to the United Nations Conventions, which addresses the issue of domestic violence and the obtaining situation in the country is not painting a good picture internationally. The minister agreed, but maintained that lack of budget is the major contributing factor, but his ministry is knocking on the door for assistance to such entities as Microprojects, especially on the part of building more courtrooms and jails. Meanwhile, Maseyisini MP also posed another question to the minister that seeks to get clarity on the delay in amending pieces of legislation that are old and no longer applicable. Could the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs explain to the House what is delaying his ministry from amending the following pieces of legislation as they are very old and no longer applicable to the current times: 1. Administration of Estates Act, 1902, 2. Wills Act, 1950, 3. Intestate Succession Act, 1953, read the question. The minister admitted that indeed the laws are old, particularly the Wills Act, which got people expressing their frustrations on it and their dealings with the Office of the Master during Sibaya late last year.
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to 'take on' and defeat health unions that try to block NHS reforms.

The Prime Minister said he is 'determined' to make changes and suggested any medical staff who get in the way will face the same fate as Jeremy Corbyn.

Sir Keir yesterday outlined how he will slash waiting lists and improve access to care with the 'biggest reimagining' of the health service since its birth in 1948.

It will involve shifting billions of pounds of funding from inefficient hospitals to community care, a greater role for new technology and a new focus on preventing people becoming unwell in the first place.

But he admitted he expects to face 'pockets' of resistance from people who will seek to derail the plans out of self-interest, rather than for the benefit of patients.

Sir Keir Starmer has said he will take on health unions which resist NHS reforms

Sir Keir yesterday outlined how he will slash waiting lists and improve access to care as Health Secretary Wes Streeting called on the BMA to stop 'sabre-rattling' and work with the Government to improve services

It came as Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the British Medical Association (BMA) should stop 'sabre-rattling' and work with the Government to improve services.

And leading scientist Professor Sir John Bell warned that doctors in the BMA have 'been a major drag on reform of healthcare'.

Sir John, who served as regius professor of medicine at the University of Oxford for more than two decades, said the 'stranglehold' the medical profession had over the healthcare system had to be broken.

Sir Keir yesterday delivered a major speech on the future of the NHS at the King's Fund think tank, a day after Lord Darzi published the findings of his rapid review into the service.

The pioneering surgeon and former Labour health minister warned it is in a 'critical condition' and called for urgent action to turn its fortunes around.

The findings of the review, commissioned by Mr Streeting, will underpin the Government's ten-year-plan for the NHS, which will be published later this year.

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The Prime Minister has said that there would be no money without reform in the health service, declaring that the Government needs to 'fix the plumbing before turning on the taps'

Conservatives have accused Labour of 'trying to chase headlines while laying the groundwork for tax rises at the Budget' and foolishly offering junior doctors generous pay rises with no commitment to increase productivity. Sir Keir admitted his reforms would take a decade to implement but said his track record in reshaping organisations showed he could 'burst through' institutional resistance.

The Prime Minister told the audience of health leaders and policy experts the Government needs to 'fix the plumbing before turning on the taps', adding: 'No more money without reform.'

Meanwhile, Sir John told the BBC's Today Podcast: 'The doctors in the BMA have been a major drag on reform of healthcare. The stranglehold the medical profession has on the way we run a healthcare system is going to have to be sorted.'

Professor Phil Banfield, chair of BMA council, said his union is having 'positive conversations with the health secretary'.

He added: 'The BMA has long been at the forefront of calling for reform in the health service, and consistently works to find new solutions to improve patient care.'

Lord Darzi's report highlights a series of NHS failings in recent years
It used to be expected that office workers would come in five days a week.

But research shows employees are expecting significant pay rises to persuade them fully to abandon working from home.

Surveys conducted across several major global cities revealed that bosses should typically expect to have to stump up 5 per cent wage increases to entice workers into the workroom full-time.

In London, 42 per cent said they would ask for a rise if not given any flexibility.

Of those, 37 per cent said they would ask for a pay rise of 11 per cent or more if they were no longer allowed to work remotely, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.

Surveys conducted across several major global cities revealed that bosses should typically expect to have to stump up 5 per cent wage increases to entice workers into the workroom. In London, 42 per cent said they would ask for a rise if not given any flexibility (stock image)

Researchers spoke to workers in London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. They found that for many - especially in the UK capital - it was the high cost of commuting that deterred them from wanting to return to the office

Sue Blunden, BI director of research, said: In global cities like London, Paris, and New York, workers are making it clear that reduced flexibility around WFH [working from home] must come with increased compensation.

This is putting pressure on employers as they look to retain talent in a changing market.

The figures revealed that London workers were slightly harder to convince to abandon the comforts of at least one day at home than Parisians.

They showed 39 per cent of those employed in the French capital would demand a pay rise to do so.

However, it was those in the Big Apple that could prove the toughest to persuade.

The report showed more than 70 per cent in New York would require a pay rise to work five days a week in the office.

Sue Blunden, BI director of research, said: In global cities like London, Paris, and New York, workers are making it clear that reduced flexibility around WFH [working from home] must come with increased compensation

Researchers spoke to workers in London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

They found that for many - especially in the UK capital - it was the high cost of commuting that deterred them from wanting to return to the office.

Others saw some upside, including the benefits of networking and socialising.

Workplace flexibility is entrenched in all cities, yet staff may still be attracted to well designed, modern offices by the combination of social interaction and a pay increase, the study found.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday said she has been diagnosed with skin cancer and is scheduled to undergo a removal procedure this week.

The governor told reporters that her doctor discovered basal cell carcinoma on her nose during a routine checkup a few weeks ago, describing it as a 'tiny, tiny speck on my nose.'

Hochul, 66, said she is set to have a removal procedure on Friday morning.

Basal cell carcinoma is among the most common types of skin cancer. It is highly curable, especially when it is caught early.

It is a slow-growing cancer that is usually confined to the surface of skin. Doctors often remove it with a shallow incision.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday said she has been diagnosed with skin cancer and is scheduled to undergo a removal procedure this week

Basal cell carcinoma is among the most common types of skin cancer. It is highly curable, especially when it is caught early. It is a slow-growing cancer that is usually confined to the surface of skin. Doctors often remove it with a shallow incision

Hochul urged people to get regular medical checkups.

'A tiny, tiny speck on my nose, you can't even see it,' Hochul described it, saying she's having it removed Friday out of an 'excess of precaution'.

The surgery is such that the patients are often able to get it done and return home the same day, something Hochul is hoping for.

'I'll be out of commission for about an hour or two tomorrow morning,' she said.

The Democrat did say that she will return to her regular duties with 'a bandage on my nose'.

Hochul has recently been mired in scandal after a former employee was arrested for allegedly being a Chinese spy.

Linda Sun, who held numerous posts under both governors Andrew Cuomo and Hochul between 2012 and 2023, was arrested last week along with her husband, Chris Hu, at their $4 million mansion on Long Island.

Prosecutors say Sun secretly worked to promote the CCP's interests in NY, particularly when it came to Taiwan, which the CCP considers to be part of China. She is accused of blocking representatives of the Taiwanese government and even attending a protest against the Taiwanese president in NYC in 2018.

Hochul has recently been mired in scandal after a former employee was arrested for allegedly being a Chinese spy

Linda Sun (pictured center), who held numerous posts under both governors Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul between 2012 and 2023, was arrested Tuesday morning along with her husband, Chris Hu, at their $4 million mansion on Long Island

In 2020, Sun texted a Chinese official saying: 'I almost had a heart attack when we referred to Taiwan as a country. Thankfully I had the press team correct it immediately.'

In 2021, when Cuomo was still governor, Chinese officials requested a Lunar New Year video from him. Sun said Hochul, then lieutenant governor, could probably do it and asked for 'talking points of things you want her to mention.'

'Mostly holiday wishes and hope for friendship and cooperation / Nothing too political,' an official told her, according to the indictment.

Sun later told a different official that she had argued with Hochuls speechwriter over the draft, because the speechwriter insisted on mentioning the 'Uyghur situation' in China. She promised that she wouldnt let that happen, and the final speech did not mention the Muslim ethnic minority or the persecution they face in China, according to the indictment.

In September 2021 she was appointed as the deputy chief of staff for Hochul, according to her LinkedIn profile. She remained on the role for about 15 months.

Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty during an initial court appearance on September 4 in Brooklyn and were released on bond. Sun has been barred from having any contact with the Peoples Republic of Chinas consulate and mission.

Her defense lawyer, Jarrod Schaeffer, said, 'Were looking forward to addressing these charges in court. Our client is understandably upset that these charges have been brought.'

In a statement, a spokesperson for Hochuls office said the administration fired Sun after 'discovering evidence of misconduct.'

'This individual was hired by the Executive Chamber more than a decade ago. We terminated her employment in March 2023 after discovering evidence of misconduct, immediately reported her actions to law enforcement and have assisted law enforcement throughout this process,' the statement reads.
JK Rowling invested at least 1.9million of her fortune in opening a women only support service for victims of sexual violence in Scotland, documents show.

The Harry Potter creator provided the substantial interest-free loan to set up Edinburgh-based Berias Place in protest against the citys controversial rape crisis centre being run by Mridul Wadhwa, a biological man.

It is understood the money covered the purchase of the building and an extensive refurbishment.

The multi-millionaire author is also providing continuing financial support to the service, which as of November last year employed 10 staff.

Ms Rowling, who is listed as one of its directors, has been outspoken about transgender ideology since making her views public in 2019 when she tweeted in support of Maya Forstater, a think-tank worker sacked for saying transgender people cannot change their biological sex.

JK Rowling invested at least 1.9million of her fortune in opening a women only support service for victims of sexual violence in Scotland, documents show. The Harry Potter creator provided the substantial interest-free loan to set up Edinburgh-based Berias Place

A woman who is the victim of domestic abuse (stock image). Beiras Place describes itself as a new sexual violence support project based in Edinburgh but covering the whole Lothian region

Documents lodged with Companies House, the UK register of businesses, revealed that Ms Rowlings 1.9 million loan secured the building for the women only service

Beiras Place describes itself as a new sexual violence support project based in Edinburgh but covering the whole Lothian region.

Among its staff is Roz Adams, who won a constructive dismissal case earlier this year against Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC) after she was subjected to a heresy hunt disciplinary process for her gender critical beliefs.

The tribunal found that Ms Wadhwa wanted to cleanse the organisation of those with gender critical beliefs and considered her to be the invisible hand behind a campaign of discrimination and harassment against Ms Adams.

This led to Rape Crisis Scotland ordering an independent review of the centre, which has condemned it for insisting traumatised rape victims must specify if they do not want support from someone born a man.

And it recommends ERCC refer any concerned survivors to guaranteed women only services such as Beiras Place.

Documents lodged with Companies House, the UK register of businesses, revealed that Ms Rowlings 1.9 million loan secured the building for the women only service.

The interest-free loan, however, will only be called for repayment on any future disposal of the said property, the documents add.

The financial papers also state that the service is dependent on its grantor for continuing financial support.

Beiras Place website states it was set up by women, for women in response to demand from female survivors for a women-only service.
A man who gunned down ten people inside a Colorado supermarket claimed he was having 'fun' when he perpetrated his terrifying rampage, it was revealed.

Survivors of the 2021 shooting inside a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado gave testimony in court on Thursday about the chilling demeanor of gunman Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa.

Pharmacist Sarah Chen said she heard the comments while hiding from Alissa alongside her coworkers.

'I heard him screaming, "This is fun. This is fun," she told the court.

After years of turmoil in the courts over his mental state, Alissa's trial began last week and was expected to finish at the end of the month.

Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, 35, opened fire inside a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, in March of 2021, killing ten people

Speaking during the trial of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, pharmacist Sarah Chen, seen here, said she heard comments while hiding with her coworkers at the pharmacy counter

Alissa has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the shooting. Despite his plea, nobody, including his own lawyers, have disputed that he was the shooter.

Following the horrific massacre, Alissa was diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Alissa poses for a county jail booking photograph in Boulder, Colorado, U.S. March 23, 2021

His attorneys say he had hallucinations that included hearing screaming voices, seeing people who weren't there and believing he was being followed.

They argued that he should be found not guilty because he was not able to tell the difference between right and wrong at the time of the shooting.

He is charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder, multiple counts of attempted murder and other offenses, including having six high-capacity ammunition magazine devices banned in Colorado after previous mass shootings.

Alissa allegedly began firing outside the grocery store, shooting at least one person in the parking lot before moving inside, employees told investigators.

Employees and customers scrambled to escape the violence, some leaving through loading docks in the back and others sheltering in nearby stores.

Investigators say he researched how to carry out a mass shooting before he launched his own attack.

They also say he targeted moving people, killing most of the 10 victims in just over a minute using a gun with a high-capacity magazine.

Armed police officers are seen outside broken windows at King Soopers on Table Mesa Drive in Boulder after reports of shots fired on Monday, March 22, 2021

King Soopers employees are led away from the massacre at the grocery store in March 2021

The victims were identified as; Denny Strong, 20, Neven Stanisic, 23, Rikki Olds, 25, Suzanne Fountain, 59, Terri Leiker, 51, Eric Talley, 51, Kevin Mahoney, 61, Lynn Murray, 62, Jodie Waters, 65, and Tralona Bartkowiak, 49.

Talley was a cop who recently changed jobs to work more away from the front-line when he was murdered. He was also a father-of-seven.

Leiker had worked at the grocery store for 30 years. She was dating a colleague who survived the shooting.

Witnesses described him shooting two of three shots then stopping calmly before opening fire again. One survivor said he was not 'spraying'.

Last October a judge ruled that Alissa was fit to stand trial and allowed the stalled prosecution to move forward.

In a ruling, Judge Ingrid Bakke said she was convinced that, following forced medication, Alissa had a 'far improved capacity to elucidate his reasoning and decision-making'.
The mourning families of murder victims have spoken of their disgust after a company selling knives was granted 350,000 in taxpayer-funded compensation.

The terrifying zombie 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 also owns knife brand Anglo Arms, imported these knives in bulk and sold them on to retainers. It will receive 10 in compensation for every knife it hands in to police.

At least seven fatal attacks have been linked to these companies which are in line for the cash  including 14-year-old Gordon Gault who was stabbed to death with a 16 inch Anglo Arms machete in Newcastle in November 2022.

His mother, Dionne Barrett, told The Mirror that she was 'so shocked' to hear that the people who sold the weapons which were used to kill her son would be getting a payout.

Dionne Barrett, said she was 'so shocked' to hear that the people who sold the weapons which were used to kill her son would be getting a payout

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

Pooja Kanda said she was 'disgusted' at Adam Eliaz, who she claimed was 'making money from the blood of others'

Ronan Kanda, a 16-year-old from Wolverhampton, was murdered with a blade bought by DNA Leisure in June 2022

The 37-year-old said: 'They should be handing those knives back without making any money. They have already profited from murder. This scheme should be for individuals to hand in knives, not firms who make hundreds of thousands.

'I am still struggling to pay for Gordon's headstone. This firm should have received no money whatsoever.'

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 in affluent Harpenden and also surrendered 1,542 knives.

Ronan Kanda, 16, was murdered by a sword bought from DNA leisure by Prabjeet Veadhesa, 16.

The killer used his mother's identity to purchase 26 swords in total from the company and slashed Ronan to death in a case of mistaken identity.

Ronan's sister Nikita, 24, said it was 'perverse' that the sword sellers will receive money from the Government, having already profited off selling the harmful weapons in the first place.

She added: 'The surrender scheme can be effective in encouraging people who carry knives to turn in their weapons.

'However, it's unfair and perverse for sellers to receive money after already profiting significantly from selling these harmful weapons.

'Especially the seller that is responsible for supplying over 25 weapons to my brother's 16-year-old murderer, including the ninja sword that pierced my brother's heart.'

Superintendent Alex House, who leads on knife crime for Bedfordshire Police, described the size of the haul from the Eliaz brother's company as 'horrific'.

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

'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 recycled, adding that the move would 'absolutely save lives'.

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, who she claimed was 'making money from the blood of others'.

Adam 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.

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.

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

Some of the blades sold under the brand Anglo Arms had terrifying names, like Blueline Machete

The sword used in his murder after being seized by police

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)

The Anglo Arms branded weapon that was used to kill the youngster

If they are able to show 'evidence' of 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.

Sporting Wholesale Limited have been approached for a comment.
Low-paid migrant workers cost taxpayers more than 150,000 by pension age, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

The watchdogs latest report revealed that a low-paid migrant arriving at 25 and earning half the UK average wage contributes less to the economy than they consume in public services.

By the age of 66, the total cost is estimated at 151,000.

This rises to nearly 500,000 if they live to 80, and over 1 million if they reach 100.

Whereas British-born workers are expected to generate a surplus of 280,000 by pension age, taking into account health and education spending.

However, migrants earning the average UK wage actually generate a bigger surplus than people born here, mainly because they have not incurred costs for education or healthcare in childhood.

OBR official David Miles said that the 'characteristics of migrants' including their earnings and length of stay were more important than their earnings

The watchdogs latest report revealed that a low-paid migrant arriving at 25 and earning half the UK average wage contributes less to the economy than they consume in public services. However, migrants earning the average UK wage actually generate a bigger surplus than people born here, mainly because they have not incurred costs for education or healthcare in childhood

While low-paid migrants cost more, the OBR noted that skilled migrants provide a financial boost, contributing significantly more in taxes, mainly because they aren't educated in the UK.

The average skilled migrant, who is not educated in the UK, also pays visa fees and health charges of around 12,500.

David Miles of the OBR told The Telegraph: 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.

He added: 'The characteristic of migrants, perhaps not surprisingly, matters a great deal.'

If all migrants earned 50% less than the UK average, debt would rise to 350% of GDP by 2074.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has indicated she is in favour of 'some further restrictions on visas'.

However, if they earned 30 per cent more, debt would increase to only 225%.

The findings will strengthen calls to reduce low-skilled migration, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer advocating for stricter controls on immigration.

The minimum salary to be sponsored for a Skilled Worker Visa was increased from 26,200 to 38,700 under the Conservative government.

Migrants were also banned from bringing any dependents when arriving in the UK on a visa.

Current Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has indicated she is in favour of 'some further restrictions on visas'.
Chilling CCTV footage captures the moment armed thugs blasted their way into a computer shop with shotguns and left two people injured.

A Ford Fiesta was filmed pulling up outside City Computers in Smethwick in the West Midlands, before a group of masked yobs started attacking the store.

Jamal Hussain was part of a gang who brazenly targeted the business and left two men in their 40s with gunshot wounds.

The 22-year-old, from Walsall, fled the country soon after the incident but was arrested at Birmingham Airport following his return to the UK in May this year.

He has now admitted firearms offences and was jailed for nine years and two months at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday.

Shocking video footage shows a Ford Fiesta pulling up outside City Computers in Smethwick before a group of masked yobs started attacking the store

Jamal Hussain, from Walsall, admitted firearms offences was jailed for nine years and two months at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday

CCTV footage from the day before the attack showed the gang scouting out the route from their addresses in Walsall to the surrounding area of the shop.

On the day of the incident, two thugs wielding axes began to smash the windows of the shop while two others head inside brandishing shotguns.

One can then be seen blasting towards a closed door with the deadly firearm before kicking it open and making his way into a back office.

Two of the intruders then suddenly run back out of the room and towards their getaway vehicle while their accomplices continue to trash the store.

One victim was hit in the arm by a gunshot while another suffered a neck injury and 'miraculously' survived the broad daylight attack at midday on January 12 last year.

Detectives launched an investigation and identified Jamal Hussain as the driver of the Ford Fiesta following CCTV and mobile phone enquiries.

On the day of the attack, two thugs wielding axes began to smash the windows of the shop while two others head inside brandishing shotguns

One can then be seen blasting towards a closed door with the deadly firearm before kicking it open and making his way into a back office

One victim was hit in the arm by a gunshot while another suffered a neck injury and 'miraculously' survived the broad daylight attack at midday on January 12 last year

Two of the intruders then suddenly run back out of the room and towards their getaway vehicle while their accomplices continue to trash the store

There were also numerous calls between the gang during the morning of the violent attack.

Four men, also from Walsall, have already been jailed for their part in the attack, which was part of an ongoing family feud.

Last August Haider Shabir, 21 was jailed for 14 years, Mohammed Uwais Latif, 24 for nine years and ten months and Mohammed Tayyib Wajid, 26 was caged for 21 months.

In April, Ahmed Aumair, 21, was jailed for 12 years and six months while Azeem Hussain, 26, is due to be sentenced later this year.

Detective Inspector Francis Nock, from West Midlands Police's Major Crime Unit said: 'All six men involved in this planned armed attack have been convicted.

'Jamal Hussain was a key player in this operation and has received a lengthy jail sentences to reflect this.

Azeem Hussain, 26, is due to be sentenced later this year after taking part in the attack, which was part of an ongoing family feud.

'This was a planned armed attack on a business, which all bubbled down to an ongoing family feud.

'This could have easily been a fatal attack but miraculously, the injuries of the two victims were not serious.

'Officers have worked extremely hard on this investigation and we now have all perpetrators involved convicted.

'Weapons have no place on our streets and we will continue to bring those to justice who think it's acceptable to use them to bring violence into our communities.'
The supposedly dead son of 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden is commanding al-Qaeda and is determined to wreak havoc in the West, defence experts have warned - despite previous claims the CIA had killed him in 2019.

Expert analysis suggests that Hamza bin Laden, known as the Crown Prince of Terror, is alive and secretly running the terror organisation responsible for multiple terror attacks, including the deadly 9/11 atrocities masterminded by his father.

New intelligence reports also say his brother Abdullah is also connected with the terror group - and that al-Qaeda is regrouping and preparing future attacks on the West.

Col Richard Kemp, former chief of UK forces, has now warned that Hamza 'appears to have an open field in Afghanistan' and 'will be intent on conquest and vengeance for his father'.

The new information drawn up reportedly says: 'Hamza bin Laden is not only alive but actively involved in al-Qaeda's resurgence, a fact well-known among senior Taliban leaders.

The supposedly dead son of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden, Hamza (pictured) is commanding al-Qaeda, a new report shows

Osama bin Laden was the founder of the Islamic extremist organization al-Qaeda and masterminded the 9/11 attacks on the United States and numerous other mass-casualty attacks against civilian and military targets

The extremist group carried out the September 2001 attacks which killed almost 3,000 people

'These leaders... engage with him, holding regular meetings and securing him and his family.

'It highlights a deep connection between al-Qaeda and the Taliban, one that is crucial for Western governments to understand.'

'[Hamza] has ascended to the leadership of al-Qaeda, steering [it] towards its most potent resurgence since the Iraq War.'

Another report, also seen by the Mirror, says that fighters and suicide bombers are being trained in camps in Afghanistan in order to carry out terror attacks on the West.

About 21 terror networks are believed to be operating in the Taliban-run state currently, sparking fears of another possible 9/11 style attack.

One camp is thought to be in the Helmand Province, where UK troops were based while fighting the Taliban.

Other military-style training barracks are in Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, Uruzgan, Zabul, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Badghis and Kunar. This poses a threat to countries like Britain and the US due to their military involvement there, according to the Mirror.

It is also thought that Hamza, believed to be in his 30s, has received support from Afghan warlord Sirajuddin Haqqani.

These claims follow a 2022 report by the United Nations which warned that al-Qaeda was enjoying a 'safe haven' in Afghanistan after the Taliban had regained control of the country the previous year.

Col Kemp tonight told the Mirror: 'Osama bin Laden's son Hamza now appears to have an open field in Afghanistan. He will be intent on conquest and vengeance for his father.'

It is also believed that Hamza and his four wives have been hiding out in Iran since 2019, following the attempt to assassinate him.

Hamza bin Laden (left as a child) is the son of deceased former Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden (right) who is believed to have groomed him to take over the terror group

That year, then-US President Donald Trump announced Hamza had been struck in a US operation in south east Afghanistan, but no DNA proof was obtained by the CIA.

He had been officially designated by the US as a global terrorist, with US authorities accusing him of carried forward the jihadist ambitions of his deceased father.

According to the US Department of Justice, in the lead up to 2019, Hamza had released audio and video messages on the internet calling on his followers to launch attacks against the West.

He also threatened attacks against the US in revenge for the May 2011 killing of his father by SEAL Team 6 inside a compound in Pakistan.

Hamza bin Laden's last known public statement was released by Al-Qaeda's media arm in 2018, in which he called for followers in Saudi Arabia to rise in revolt against the monarchy.

Hamza bin Laden is married to a daughter of Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, an Al-Qaeda senior leader who was indicted and charged by a federal grand jury in November 1998 for his role in the 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya.

A video of Hamzas wedding was found in Osama bin Ladens Abbottabad compound and released by the CIA in 2017.

As leader of al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden and others plotted the attacks of September 11, 2001. US Navy SEALs killed him in a raid on a house in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in 2011.
The crowds at Tim Walz's campaign event in Grand Rapids, MI broke into chants of 'we're not eating cats' as Kamala Harris running mate took aim at Donald Trump.

The chant refers to the line from Donald Trump during the debate where he brought up a false claim about immigrants when he said 'they're eating the cats.'

The chant started when Walz was talking about the debate Tuesday and said of Trump 'he said a lot of weird stuff too, so I'm just going to say that.'

'You tell me you had this on your BINGO card? "And they're eating cats,"' Walz added including the Trump quote.

The supporters started chanting back 'we're not eating cats' in a similar way they chant 'we're not going back' at numerous rallies.

Democratic vice presidential nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, laughed when a Michigan audience started chanting, 'we're not eating cats!' - a reference to bizarre statements former President Donald Trump made at Tuesday night's debate

'Ah Michigan, we love you,' Walz laughed.

The Minnesota governor started off his speech by giving a shout out to his 'fellow cat owner' - megastar Taylor Swift, who endorsed the Harris-Walz tickets after Tuesday night debate concluded against former Prseident Donald Trump.

Walz gave a shout-out to pop star and 'fellow cat owner' Taylor Swift, who endorsed the Democratic ticket Tuesday night after the debate

Walz said he and Harris couldn't be more excited to have the superstar's support.

'And look, It's not as if I didn't warn these guys a few months ago,' Walz joked. 'You mess with cat people, and you will find out, you will find out. And they did.'

'Beautiful strategy there picking on the cat people,' he added.

Swift signed her endorsement 'Childless Cat Lady' - a dig at Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who used the phrase to mock Democratic voters.

Walz kicked off the event - which was attended by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer - by discussing Tuesday night's debate.

'None of us were surprised at that happened there,' he said, commending his running mate's performance. 'And no put intended, from the get-go she had the upper hand.'

That was a reference to how Harris marched up to Trump at the beginning of the debate to shake his hand.

'Look, it says something about character,' the Minnesota governor continued.

Walz said he fully supported Harris signing on to do another debate against Trump.

'I said, hell, every day we should do another one,' he told the crowd.

On Thursday Trump posted to his Truth Social website there 'will be no third debate.'

Supporters stand undernearth a suspended fin whale skeleton in the Galleria of the Grand Rapids Public Museum waiting to hear Democratic vice presidential candidate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speak Thursday

Trump's first debate was the CNN one against President Joe Biden in late June that prompted the 81-year-old president to exit the race.

There had been talk of NBC News and Fox News hosting additional debates but the Republican nominee nixed that idea, claiming it was clear Harris only wanted another debate because she lost onstage Tuesday.

Most polls and betting markets showed that Americans believed Harris to be the winner that night.

'Give him a little break,' Walz said. 'That one left a mark.'

'His true colors were out there,' Walz continued. 'Not just his makeup.'

Walz added that Trump came across as a 'nearly 80-year-old man shaking his fist at the clouds.'

The Minnesota governor spent time in Michigan as Harris held two rallies Thursday in North Carolina - a state Trump barely won over Biden in 2020.

She heads to the must-win swing state of Pennsylvania Friday for a campaign appearance in Johnstown and a rally in Wilkes-Barre.
MBABANE  There is an increase in the number of girls below 13 years, who are sexually abused.

According to the Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) 2022 Final Report, 28.6 per cent of the girls were found to be sexually abused in the country. The report was presented to the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thuli Dladla at Mountain View Hotel, yesterday. This is the second and most recent study to be conducted following another one in 2007.

Presenting the statistics, Senior Children Coordination Officer Sibongile Dlamini said this is very much shocking, adding that this is also reflected in recent newspaper headlines, where a 13-year-old was found raped in Matsapha and pregnant. This, she said, needs the DPMs Office to work harder in addressing the issues of violence against children in the country. Dlamini stated that four forms of sexual violence are experienced by children, including unwanted sexual touching, unwanted attempted sex, pressured sex and physically forced sex.



Violence



She added that one in four females experiences sexual violence and most common perpetrators of the first incident of sexual violence are known to the families and sometimes neighbours.

Two out of three female survivors of sexual violence, about 66.3 per cent and one out of two male survivors of sexual violence, about 48.4 per cent told someone about their experience, Dlamini said. Among females, about 4.6 per cent experienced unwanted sexual touching, 3.7 per cent experienced unwanted attempted sex, 1.7 per cent experienced pressured sex and 2.2 per cent experienced physically forced sex. There were 2.9 per cent who experienced pressured or physically forced sex. Among females aged 13 to 24 years, who had sex were 16.7 per cent and 1.3 per cent of males had pressured or physically forced sex at first sexual debut. There were 1.5 per cent of males who experienced unwanted sexual touching and 1.6 per cent who experienced unwanted attempted sex.



Abused



However, she said when compared to 2007, the number of children aged 13 to 24 years, who were sexually abused, shows to have declined. This, she said, is because there were 57.7 per cent reported cases, while in 2022 there were 16.7 per cent. There were also statistically significant declines in all forms of lifetime sexual violence, including any sexual violence where 48.9 per cent to 8.1 per cent cases were reported, unwanted sexual touching recorded 24.3 per cent to 4.6 per cent, unwanted attempted sex was 27.7 per cent to 3.7 per cent, pressured sex recorded 18 per cent to 1.7 per cent and physically forced sex was 7 per cent to 2.2 per cent.



Furthermore, she said the study showed that current or ex-intimate partners were also perpetrators of sexual violence, among the female children, who were older. Among male children, she said most of their first encounters of sexual violence are usually with a classmate, school mate or friend. Dlamini said the perpetrators of sexual violence among male children are cousins and uncles. The children in the country are no longer safe anywhere, whether in school, community and at home, she said. According to Dlamini, for this reason, the children now fear to even go home because they become a target to sexual violence. She said young male children are also survivors of sexual violence. She said the study also looked at young people aged 13 to 24 years.



She said the study has shown that physical violence mostly affects male children, including boys and young men, compared to females. She said the picture painted by the study shows that more females than males experience lifetime sexual violence. This, she said, is not to say that males do not experience violence. According to Dlamini, more males are experiencing physical violence in the community and schools, among other areas. When exposed to violence, this then leads to injuries. She said four in 10 females and three in 10 males experienced an injury due to physical violence, adding that there were 40.3 per cent females and 30.3 males, who have been found to be exposed to physical violence in the country.

Dlamini noted that the degree of the injuries varied with others having bruises, others stabbed and as such, incurred deep wounds or even broken bones as a result of physical violence.

The senior children coordination officer said it is for this reason that the issue of violence against children needs to be given serious attention.



She said the survey also shows that the male children further witnessed physical violence in their homes and community and as a result, more of such cases were being experienced in society because they also turn violent following their experiences. Dlamini noted that they also discovered that both boys and girls are exposed to physical discipline or verbal aggression from parents, which affects the children negatively. She said some parents use abusive language when trying to correct their children, including being referred to as fools, lazy and others. According to Dlamini, it has been also discovered that some parents agree with attitudes supportive of domestic violence and also endorse harmful gender norms. Furthermore, she noted that parents also agree to physical punishment when asked if they believe that to raise or bring up a child properly, the parent or caregiver needs to physically punish the child.



Dlamini said while government, through the Ministry of Education and Training, encourages positive discipline, parents and guidance were against same. She stated that there is hope following that through the Department of Gender and Family Issues, a national positive parenting strategy was endorsed. The children coordination officer said this is to promote alternative ways for parents and guardians to engage and talk to children, whether they are found on the wrong or not. Following what the study has revealed, she said they need to strengthen their efforts in prevention, responses and targeting of spaces moving forward.
Colin Gray, the father of Georgia school shooter Colt, has been sent an 'incalculable number of threats' as he sits in jail for allegedly providing his 14-year-old son with the murder weapon.

The elder Gray, 54, faces four counts of manslaughter and two counts of second-degree murder amid claims he gave his son the AR-15-style rifle used in a massacre at Apalachee High School that killed two students and two teachers.

His attorneys have filed a motion to separate the father from the rest of the jail population to keep him safe because they believe his fellow prisoners feel similarly.

The motion argues that those fellow incarcerated have 'feelings of anger and retribution' towards Gray.

'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 [Gray],' the motion states

Colin Gray, the father of Georgia school shooter Colt, has been sent an 'incalculable number of threats' as he sits in jail for allegedly providing his 14-year-old son with the murder weapon

Colt Gray, 14, was 'driven' by his abusive father to carry out the massacre that left four dead, his grandfather Charles Polhamus claimed

His lawyers add that there have been the numerous threats sent Gray's way due to the media attention on the tragedy.

Gray is currently holed up in the Barrow County Detention Center, where a judge told him if convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to 180 years in prison.

Colt Gray's grandfather, Colin's ex-father-in-law, has said Colt deserves to die for turning his grandson into a mass murderer.

Charles Polhamus, 81, said the 14-year-old was 'driven by his father to do what he did' as it emerged that Colt's grandmother visited the school outside Winder just hours before the shooting to discuss his behavior.

'Spending 11 years with that son of a b***h screaming and hollering every day, it can affect anybody,' Polhamus told the NY Post.

'He needs the death penalty.'

The alleged gunman's parents split in 2022 after they were evicted from their home and Colt was living with Gray when the shooting took place.

'Colt has to pay for what he did, but I'm telling you, he was driven, no question in my mind,' Polhamus said from his home in Fitzgerald.

Gray is currently holed up in the Barrow County Detention Center after making his first appearance in court, where a judge told him if convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to 180 years in prison

'Colt is like a lot of young kids these days with the tablets and some of the garbage they pull up, the blood and all the fighting.

'If you don't think that has an impact on young kids, you're missing the boat, and that was also part of Colt's problem.

'It's part of it  and living with a dysfunctional dad who was a screamer and a hollerer.

'No question about it. Prior to going through this, he was a good kid. I will preach that forever.'

Polhamus said his wife Deborah had gone to the school a day before the shooting as family concern about Colt mounted.

'They were having some problems with him not going to school, and this kind of thing,' he told CBS.

Polhamus spoke out after it was claimed that his daughter, Marcee Gray, called her son's school to warn them of an 'extreme emergency' minutes before the shooting started.

'I told them it was an extreme emergency and for them to go immediately and find [my son] to check on him,' the mother told her sister in text messages seen by the Washington Post.

Mason Schermerhorn, 14, an autistic student at Apalachee High School, was the first victim to be identified. He was among four people killed in the mass shooting

Teachers Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie were also killed in the tragedy

The outlet reported that a call log from the family's shared phone plan shows Gray made a 10-minute call to the school at 9.50am on Wednesday, about half an hour before Colt allegedly opened fire.

She then got in her car and started driving toward the school, more than three hours away.

But about half-way there she learned that the tragedy she was racing to prevent had already taken place.

'I was the one that notified the school counselor at the high school,' he told her sister.

Further text exchanges reported from Marcee's sister showed that Colt's school and family were also in contact regarding his deteriorating mental health at least a week before the shooting.

Months earlier in May 2023, the family had been visited by local law enforcement after receiving an FBI tip about threats to carry out a school shooting.

Colt denied making the threats, and Gray told cops that although he kept hunting rifles in the home his son was not allowed to use them unsupervised.

But the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the boy's father allowed him access to the AR-style rifle used in the shooting, as investigators probe claims it was gifted him as a Christmas present in December last year.

Georgia school shooter Colt Gray made his first court appearance on Friday

Colin Gray appeared shortly after his son in the same courtroom

Polhamus said his former son-in-law cost the family their 'half-million-dollar farm' after spiraling into drug addiction following a back injury.

And he said his daughter was dragged into her then husband's addiction but had always remained committed to their three children.

'She is a good person and a mom,' he insisted. 'But I'm back to what I said about narcissists: They can change anybody.

'Marcee never did anything to Colt. All she did is help him out.'

He also said his grandson sent her a message on the morning of the shooting, telling her 'I'm sorry Mom'.

'Colt didn't cause that to happen. He did it,' Polhamus said.

'He didn't wake up one day and decide I'm going to kill people. No, he didn't do that. He came out of an environment.

'If you step in a wad of s***, what happens to your foot? You step in a wad of s***.

'This is no different. To live in that for 11 years, my daughter and her children.

'If you live in that kind of relationship for 11 years you're not going to stay stable.'

People wept at a vigil for the victims of Georgia's deadliest ever school shooting

Several classmates shared similar stories describing how Colt quietly slunk out of algebra class at around 10am on Wednesday, before he returned minutes later with a gun.

Another student, Bri Jones, 14, said she almost opened the door to Gray but stopped herself 'as he was pulling his gun out.'

'I froze up, like I froze up and I said 'no' to myself,' Jones told CNN. 'He would have got every single one of us in that class.'

Jones said she almost opened the door, but stopped herself thanks to a tip from her mother.

'I always look out the door before I open it it's a habit my mom taught me,' she said.

Although she saw the gun, Jones said her teacher urged her to open the door 'because she didn't know he had a gun because she was at her desk.'

'She was going to walk over there, open it, and I was like, 'no, he has a gun',' Jones recalled.

'The shooter, he looked up,' Jones continued. 'He was looking at me, my teacher, and then somebody was in the hall. He turned his head, and he just started shooting.

'Once he started shooting, it's like he kept going, it was so many gunshots after gunshots... It felt like he was just shooting forever  and then like it stopped.'

Students said when Gray failed to enter his own classroom, he opened fire into the one next door as their door was open.

At that moment, teacher Richard Aspinwall was shot dead in front of his horrified class, which student Malaysia Mitchell said left her traumatized.

'We had to drag our teacher's body fully into the classroom,' she told CNN. 'We heard him take his last breath.'

Fourteen-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo also died in Georgia's deadliest ever school shooting, along with math teacher Christina Irimie, 53.

'He pulled the triggers,' Polhamus said. 'He killed people and he's my grandson, and it breaks my damn heart.

Colt is being tried as an adult and was told at his court appearance on Friday that he could spend the rest of his life behind bars for the violent present.

His father faces eight counts of cruelty to children as well as his murder and manslaughter charges.
Fed-up residents in western Sydney have sent a warning to would-be thieves by performing a dramatic citizen's arrest on a suspected burglar.

The man fell into a backyard pool twice as he tried to flee a group of neighbours in Guildford, western Sydney, at about 9pm on Wednesday.

In the footage, neighbours can be seen confronting a man walking on the street who they suspected was looking to rob a home.

'Hey brother. Who's f***ing unit are you going into?' a neighbour can be heard saying on the CCTV footage.

Two neighbours confront the man as other residents come out to have a look as the alleged thief tries to flee.

Footage from another CCTV camera shows him running through a backyard, but his escape attempts are thwarted after he falls into a swimming pool.

He pulls himself out but only takes a few steps before falling in again.

The alleged thief was then detained by the neighbours before police and paramedics arrived at the home.

One Guildford resident (pictured) said the man had been 'stealing from the wrong area'

Neighbours in Western Sydney are seen confronting the alleged thief in Guildford (pictured)

The man fell into the pool twice as he was pursued by the group of vigilante neighbours

The arrested man was taken to hospital.

'That's what happens when you steal from Guildford,' a man can be heard saying triumphantly as the alleged offender is put into an ambulance.

'He did cop a big hit last night as well,' a smiling neighbour told 9News.

'If you're going to steal anything you stole from the wrong area,' the neighbour said.

The man faces a string of charges for alleged offending going back to May, and was denied bail in the Parramatta Court on Thursday.
An Aussie protester was filmed screaming support for three different terrorist organisations at an 'anti-war' demonstration on the streets of Melbourne.

The man, who was waving a Hamas flag, was one of the 1,200 demonstrators who descended on the Land Forces 2024 weapons expo at Melbourne Convention Centre on Wednesday morning.

Dressed in a hoodie, sunglasses and a cap, he was filmed shouting: 'Hamas, Houthi, Hezbollah! Mashallah, Mashallah!', the latter phrase meaning 'God has willed it' in Arabic.

All three groups - Hamas, Houthi and Hezbollah - are listed as terrorist organisations by the Australian government.

Hamas, which controls the Gaza strip, was first listed in March 2022 and is described as a 'an ideologically and religiously-motivated violent extremist organisation'.

'Houthi', which is officially known as the Ansar Allah movement, is an Islamic extremist faction in Yemen, while Hezbollah is an Iran-backed political party and paramilitary group in Lebanon.

The protester was also wearing a t-shirt with a black-and-white picture of Ayatollah Khomeini, the former Supreme Leader of Iran.

Khomeini founded the Islamic Republic of Iran, a bloody coup that saw thousands of political prisoners killed.

The man (pictured), who was waving a Hamas flag, was one of the 1,200 demonstrators who descended on the Land Forces 2024 weapons expo at Melbourne Convention Centre on Wednesday morning

He was also wearing a t-shirt with a black-and-white picture of Ayatollah Khomeini, the former Supreme Leader of Iran

In 1988, Khomeini infamously issued a fatwa ordering Muslims around the world to kill British novelist Salman Rushdie following the publication of his book Satanic Verses.

The Booker-prize-winning novelist lost an eye after an audience member at a lecture ran on to the stage and stabbed him 15 times in 2022.

US-Lebanese dual citizen Hadi Matar, who was aged 24 at the time of the attack, is awaiting trial for attempted murder.

The protester at the Melbourne anti-war rally also appeared in another video where he repeated his terrorist-sympathising chants.

In the footage, he then walked up to the camera and leered: 'What are you scared of bro, huh?' in a distinct Australian accent.

It comes as another protester was heavily criticised for dressing in an Australian Air Force cadets uniform while wearing clown make-up.

The woman, who calls herself Nikki on social media, 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.

The scenes at Wednesday's protests quickly turned ugly, with some describing them as the worst riots in living memory

. Demonstrators set fire to bins and hurled horse manure, rocks, rotten apples and even acid at police in the violent protest

'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.'

When approached for comment by Daily Mail Australia, Nikki denied being a cadet before issuing a foul-mouthed response.

'F*** Israel, f*** the news, f*** the system, f*** cadets, f*** the ADF,' she wrote, followed by a loveheart emoji.

The scenes at Wednesday's protests quickly turned ugly, with some describing them as the worst riots in living memory.

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.

This woman's 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

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.

'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.
Leading global law firm Hogan Lovells will close its only office in Australia to focus on investments in other more 'strategic' world markets.

Hogan Lovells has offices in major cities on every continent and reported an eye-watering $2.68billion in global revenue last year.

However, the company announced overnight they will streamline their operations by winding down operations in Sydney, Johannesburg, and Warsaw.

CEO Miguel Zaldivar said the decision was 'difficult' but necessary.

'Closing these three offices was a difficult decision, but one that was needed so that we can continue our path to achieve transformational growth and drive greater success  particularly in London, New York, California, Texas, Washington, D.C., and key international markets,' the chief executive said in a statement.

'This is part of our ambitious vision and strategic approach to continue to grow as a financially integrated global firm.'

The firm didn't identify any individual reasons for the closure of the Sydney office.

Over 65 lawyers and 58 support staff will be affected by the three closures, a Hogan Lovells spokesperson told Bloomberg Law.

CEO Miguel Zaldivar said closing Sydney's office would allow a focus on stronger markets

The firms lawyers in the Sydney office (above) are among the 123 staff affected by the closures

Its website lists 19 lawyers in Sydney, 33 in Warsaw and nine in Johannesburg with more than 2,800 worldwide.

Mr Zaldivar said Hogan Lovells had achieved record revenues and partner profits in 2023 and that he foresaw an even more successful end to 2024.

'We are confident in our strong global strategy and offering across our key practice groups and sectors, and will continue to serve our clients in the markets that are most critical to their success,' he said.

'We are deeply grateful to our colleagues in Johannesburg, Sydney and Warsaw for all their contributions to the firm and we are committed to supporting them through this process.'
A Chicago man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the murder of a police officer in August of 2021.

Emonte Morgan, 24, was found guilty in March of first-degree murder, attempted murder of a peace officer and possession of a firearm as a felon.

Morgan fatally shot 29-year-old Ella French, wounded her partner Officer Carlos Yanez Jr., and fired a shot at Officer Joshua Blas during a traffic stop.

On Wednesday, Cook County Circuit Judge Ursula Walowski sentenced him to a mandatory life sentence.

Judge Walowski also added 57 years after listening to family members describe the impact the shooting had on them.

On Wednesday, Cook County Circuit Judge Ursula Walowski sentenced Emonte Morgan to a mandatory life sentence

Morgan had fatally shot 29-year-old Ella French, pictured here, wounded her partner Officer Carlos Yanez Jr., and shot at Officer Joshua Blas during a traffic stop

According to the Chicago Tribune, French's mother Elizabeth told the judge: 'The memories, they sneak up on me sometimes and I am filled with grief and sadness.

'I don't 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.'

After finishing her impact statement, French then turned to Morgan and addressed him directly.

She told him: 'Sometimes life sucks. 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. Life in prison means you will still have your life, something you took away from Ella.'

Officer Yanez who was shot four times in the head and once in the shoulder described how the incident had left him blind in one eye and partially paralyzed.

Addressing Morgan, he said: 'I would like to tell you, you have taken so much that night.

'You killed Ella French and left me for dead. I was bleeding on the curb as you stood over our bodies.

'I'm here before you today to say you will not take any more. I will continue to fight everyday like I did that horrific night.

Officer Yanez, seen here after the incident, was shot four times in the head and once in the shoulder leaving him partially paralyzed and blind in one eye

Footage later emerged of the incident showing Morgan, who is blurred, and his brother Eric, right, who accepted a plea deal last September

Chicago police work the scene where two police officers where shot during a traffic stop along the 6300 block of South Bell in the West Englewood neighborhood, Aug. 7, 2021

'I will never forgive you and I don't care what excuses you have. You f****d up that night and took so much away.'

During the seven hour long sentencing hearing, emotions boiled over when Yanez's father hurled expletives at Morgan from the witness stand.

The older Yanez, who is also a retired Chicago police officer himself, swore at Morgan and said someone should have killed him long ago.

As he did so, Morgan's mother yelled a insult about his son and she was quickly removed from the proceedings as Yanez Snr said he hoped Morgan rotted in jail.

Prosecutors said that Morgan fired multiple shots at the officers after French and the two other cops stopped an SUV being driven by his brother Eric Morgan.

Eric Morgan has already pleaded guilty to aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice.

He was offered a plea deal last September which will see him serve just seven years in prison for his heinous crimes.

Prosecutors said that Morgan fired multiple shots at the officers after French, seen here, and the two other cops stopped an SUV being driven by his brother Eric Morgan

Morgan's attorney, public defender Kristine Neal, told the judge that he isn't beyond redemption and can still be rehabilitated.

Morgan has said that the prosecution was unjust, that the traffic stop that led to the shooting was unlawful and that French died accidentally.

His attorney's argued at trial that body camera video of the incident was unclear, making it hard to determine what happened during the stop.

French is pictured before her death with her fellow officers

Speaking with reporters after the hearing, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said: '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.

'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.'

According to CBS News, Officer Yanez said outside the court: 'I don't think it's justice. I'm not going to get closure.

'I mean like, I'm affected for the rest of my life. So many people were affected by this.'

Another man, Jamel Danzy of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in December 2022 after pleading guilty to a federal firearms charge for buying the handgun used to kill French in an illegal straw purchase.
A series of Aussie surfing beaches have been closed to the public after the remains of a dead humpback whale washed up on shore and attracted sharks to the area.

The 14-metre long decomposed carcass was discovered at Thirteenth Beach near Barwon Heads, in Victoria's south, on Friday morning.

Surf Live Saving Victoria closed beaches between Ocean Grove and Thirteenth Beach to protect surfers and bathers, with a warning not to go into the water.

Photographer Steve Arklay was among dozens of people who gathered at the scene on Friday morning.

Mr Arklay, who lives in Barwon Heads around 2km from the beach, told Daily Mail Australia, his friends told him the carcass washed up on Thursday night.

'There were a lot of people looking around when I got there this morning,' he said.

'The carcass is smelly and that's going to get worse'.

He said the remains of the creature would have been floating on the water for some time before it got swept onto the beach by the tide.

Visitors to the beach discovered the decomposed carcass of the humpback whale on Friday morning (pictured)

Parets of the whale's decomposing tail have also broken off in the ocean surf.

Mr Arklay said locals had been allowed to enter beach and get close to the carcass by officials.

'Fisheries (Victorian Fisheries Authority) weren't worried about people getting to close,' he said.

'There were plenty of people walking along the beach'.

It is unclear when the whale will be removed from the area and Mr Arklay said it is unlikely that the remains will be moved in the next couple of days.

Officials from the VFA are assisting wildlife officers and park rangers with the management of the carcass according to an alert issued by Vic Emergency last night.

'The Victorian Fisheries Authority is monitoring for shark sightings and providing advice to relevant authorities,' the alert read.

Mr Arklay said a whale carcass last washed up at the beach four years ago and at the time, locals were furious that the remains were left there to rot.

Officials from the VFA are assisting wildlife officers and park rangers with the management of the carcass (pictured) and people have been warned of shark activity in the area

Whales are protected under Victoria's Wildlife Act and it is an offence for people and their dogs to be within 300m of them.

The law also prohibits people from interfering with or being in possession of parts of a deceased whale.

Humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to waters off eastern Australia and then back again between April and November.

They usually mate and give birth in the warmer waters and provide people with spectacular whale watching opportunities during their migration.
A 40-year-old female teacher described as someone 'everyone loved' at a Catholic school in Canada is charged with over a dozen child sex offenses.

Kelly-Anne Jennings was charged Wednesday with sexual assault, sexual interference, luring children and possession of child pornography after being arrested weeks earlier on similar counts.

Police started to investigate Jennings last month after a student at St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School blew the whistle on her.

They said the victim was a student of Jennings when they spoke to authorities.

Jennings was initially arrested and charged with one count each of sex assault and sexual interference on August 29.

Kelly-Anne Jennings, 40, was charged Wednesday with sexual assault, sexual interference, luring children and possession of child pornography after being arrested weeks earlier on similar counts

Police started to investigate Jennings last month after one student at St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School blew the whistle on her

Her arrest prompted at least three more victims to come forward, local police said, and a search warrant was eventually placed.

Jennings was again arrested at her home in Ontario on September 4 and was charged with 16 more counts on those similar charges against the students, who were only identified as ex-students.

Parents of current students truly can't stifle their disbelief after the arrests went public.

They described Jennings as a great teacher universally liked within the community before the child sex allegations came out.

'You just never know. She was a teacher everyone loved,' one anonymous parent told Metroland.

'It's a shocking and a stark reminder that predators can be anyone and can be someone that everyone knows and trusts'.

'It's a sad reality, but we need to keep the conversation open with our children and that we should be monitoring their devices.'

Jennings, who taught at the school on a part-time basis in 2008 before taking a full-time position in 2016, was placed on administrative leave.

Parents of current students at St. Anthony's truly can't stifle their disbelief after the arrests went public. They described Jennings as a great teacher universally liked within the community before the child sex allegations came out

'We take all allegations of staff misconduct very seriously and board staff have been co-operating fully with the police throughout their investigation,' the school board said in a statement.

'We know situations like this can be distressing and we want to assure families that additional mental health support will be available.'

Jennings is currently free after her husband made $10,000 bail.
READ MORE: Pilot dies after light plane crashes in paddock

Baby girl was hit by car in Adelaide

A toddler has died in hospital after being struck by a ute in Adelaide.

The 18-month-old baby girl was left with life-threatening injuries after she was hit by a ute on Rentoul Avenue, in Netherby in the city's inner-south, at 8am on Friday.

Paramedics rushed the toddler to hospital where she later died.

The driver of the ute has been taken to hospital for mandatory testing and is assisting police with their investigation.

Major Crash Investigators attended the scene to determine the cause of the crash.

Rentoul Road was closed between Pulleine Avenue and Netherby Avenue for a several hours but has since reopened.

The child was reportedly hit by the front of the ute and was near the end of a driveway by the roadside at the time, 7News reports.

Local Michael Angelakis, 73, said he was heartbroken for the child's parents.

The 18-month-old girl was reportedly hit by the front of a ute (pictured)

SAPOL officers are pictured at the scene of a fatal crash in Adelaide's inner-south

'It's the worst thing for any parent  and to happen in your backyard  you live with it for the rest of your life. The images,' he told The Advertiser.

'How can you ever move away from it? It's just there for life.'

He said the typically-quiet neighbourhood was shaken by the tragedy and feels for the 'very private' family who lost a child.

Mr Angelakis said he first saw 'three or four' police cars and a similar number of ambulances arrive as the community went into 'meltdown'.

The girl's death is the 59th life lost on South Australian roads this year.
Dazzling hues of pink and green from the Northern Lights delighted sky gazers across the UK - including as far south as Sussex - amid 'ideal' cold and clear conditions on Thursday night.

The phenomenon, also known as aurora borealis, had been flagged by the Met Office as potentially being visible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England in the first half of the evening.

Forecasters added there was a slimmer chance of them being seen in the second half.

Jonathan Vautrey, Met Office meteorologist, said earlier in the day: 'We've 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 it's not dark enough to see anything.

Dazzling hues of pink and green from the Northern Lights delighted sky gazers across the UK. Pictured: The phenomenon in Carron Valley Reservoir in Stirlingshire, Scotland

Aurora displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere around the magnetic poles. Pictured: Carron Valley Reservoir in Stirlingshire, Scotland

Forecasters predict the Northern Lights will again be visible on Friday night but the showing will be weaker than Thursday. Pictured: Carron Valley Reservoir in Stirlingshire, Scotland

'The activity will be continuing throughout this evening and there's a chance of seeing it.'

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 Thursday's, Mr Vautrey added.

Aurora displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth's 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.

Forecasters predict the Northern Lights will again be visible tonight, but the skies are not expected to be as clear.

The weather on Friday will be sunshine with outbreaks of rain pushing 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.

Sky gazers were delighted by the appearance of the Northern Lights in Ribblehead, Yorkshire

Forecasters had said the conditions were 'ideal' last night for anyone wanting to see the phenomenon. Pictured: Ribblehead, Yorkshire

The Northern Lights on display in the skies over Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside, on the North East coast of England

The vibrant Northern Lights as spotted in the skies over Scotland on Thursday evening

And on Sunday north-west England will likely see rain but temperatures could reach 20C in the South East.

The UK was previously treated to the Northern Lights in August, when they were visible as far south as Cornwall.

In May, thousands of people flooded their social media with their photographs of the phenomena after the Northern Lights appeared strongly over a large part of the UK.
Six British diplomats have been expelled from Russia after the FSB security service claimed it had uncovered evidence the envoys were engaged in spying and sabotage work.

Britain's embassy in Moscow did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but it is understood the diplomats - from the British Embassy's political department - left Russia early in September.

Russian state-run TV channel Zvezda - owned by the Defence Ministry - showed footage of the diplomats leaving Moscow, and directly alleged that they were 'spies'.

'British embassy staff expelled from Russia turned out to be spies,' said the channel. 'Our special services found signs of intelligence and subversive work.'

The FSB, the main successor agency to the Soviet KGB, said it had documents showing that a British foreign office department in London responsible for Eastern Europe and Central Asia was coordinating what it called 'the escalation of the political and military situation' and was tasked with ensuring Russia's strategic defeat in its war against Ukraine.

'In this connection... the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia has terminated the accreditation of six members of the political department of the British Embassy in Moscow in whose actions signs of spying and sabotage were found,' it said.

Britain's foreign office responded: 'The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless.'

'The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state directed activity across Europe and in the UK.'

'We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.'

Diplomats were shown loading up a car before being expelled from the Embassy

British Ambassador's residence in Moscow, Russia

The expulsions come at a time when the British Embassy in Moscow - headed by ambassador Nigel Casey - already has the lowest number of diplomats in Moscow for many decades

The news of the expulsion of diplomats comes as Sir Keir Starmer speaks with US President Joe Biden about the prospect of allowing Ukraine to target Russia with long-range Western missiles

Vladimir Putin has warned the U.S. and NATO would be 'at war' with Russia if West lets Ukraine use long-range weapons

The timing of the announcement comes as Britain is seen as leading Western efforts to allow Ukraine to deploy long range missiles on targets deep inside Russia, starting with UK Storm Shadow missiles.

Sir Keir Starmer is set to discuss this prospect with US President Joe Biden later today.

'The English did not take our hints about the need to stop this practice (of carrying out intelligence activities inside Russia), so we decided to expel these six to begin with,' an FSB employee told the Rossiya-24 state TV channel.

The FSB said Russia would ask other British diplomats to go home early if they were found to be engaged in similar activity.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was cited by the state TASS news agency as saying the activities of the British embassy in Moscow had gone well beyond diplomatic convention and accusing it of carrying out deliberate activity designed to harm the Russian people.

TV Zvezda said: 'Intelligence officers are always working in the embassy of any country, and this is standard diplomatic practice.

'The other thing is that now - when global security is under threat - instead of building a dialogue with Russia, the embassy in Moscow, and in a broader sense the Foreign Office itself, has turned into a branch of British intelligence.'

The TV station added: 'The FSB does not rule out that the withdrawal of accreditation from six British diplomats is only the first step.

'The agency says it will continue to consider the embassy staff in Moscow as involved in the activities of British intelligence.'

Russian broadcaster RT ran a video in which an anonymous security source said: 'London sends us spies disguised as diplomats' spouses.

'Young children are used to cover up espionage activities. In short, there's no question of diplomatic etiquette anymore. Yes, this is classic British espionage.

'While it is amusing to observe, it is no longer tolerable. Our hints about stopping this practice are not taken seriously by the English. So we've decided to start by expelling these six.

'If British intelligence services do not come to their senses, and we once again observe similar operational actions by British Embassy staff in Moscow, they will be immediately and forcibly expelled from our Motherland, with a long-term entry ban to follow.'

The expulsions come at a time when the British Embassy in Moscow - headed by ambassador Nigel Casey - already has the lowest number of diplomats in Moscow for many decades.

Meanwhile, as the British Prime Minister travelled to Washington last night to speak with Biden, Vladimir Putin warned that allowing Ukraine to strike targets in Russia with Western missiles would be seen as an act of war.

'This is their direct participation, and this already, of course, significantly changes the very essence, the very nature of the conflict,' he said.

'It will mean that NATO countries, the United States, European countries are at war with Russia.

'And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of the conflict, we will make the appropriate decision based on the threats that will be posed to us.'

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.

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Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) are coveted by Kyiv as they can strike deep into Russian held territory

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.

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.

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.

Ukraine's Western allies recently delivered the first tranche of F-16 fighter jets, but these aircraft remain subject to restrictions and can only be used in a limited capacity, for example, to conduct air defence missions or support operations on Ukrainian soil.

Zelensky has been pleading with Kyiv's allies for months to take their support a step further by letting Ukraine fire Western missiles, including long-range US ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, deep into Russian territory to limit Moscow's ability to launch attacks across the border.

Those weapons have already been used to great effect in Russian-occupied Ukraine and in Crimea.

But Kyiv is yet to have delivered strikes across the Russian border with Western-supplied long-range weaponry.

Downing Street and the White House have thus far been reluctant to authorise such strikes amid fears such a move could provoke Russia towards a direct conflict with the West.
A man who police allege is a senior Sydney crime figure and was arrested after bundles of cash were found inside a fire extinguisher cupboard in his CBD apartment building has had his bail varied so he can go on an overseas vacation with his family.

Mohammed Alameddine was arrested earlier this year after police conducted a search of the 40-year-old's unit as part of a firearm prohibition order compliance check.

Police found nothing inside the unit; however, when they searched two fire extinguisher cupboards inside the apartment block's common area, they uncovered $13,000 cash and a mobile phone.

Following a forensic analysis, police allege Mr Alameddine was linked to the items, and he was arrested a week later.

He was charged with two counts of contravening a serious crime prevention order and failing to comply with a digital evidence access order direction.

Mr Alameddine previously pleaded not guilty and will fight the charges at a hearing next year.

He was released on bail earlier this year, on strict conditions including that he surrender his passport.

He appeared before the Supreme Court in Sydney on Friday and was represented by his solicitor Michael Ayache in an attempt to have his bail varied so he could go on an overseas holiday with his wife and family.

Alleged underworld figure Mohammed Alameddine, 40 (pictured) has been allowed to go on an overseas holiday with his family after he had his bail varied

'There is no question there is a risk (Mr Alameddine) would flee the jurisdiction on the basis of this variation,' Justice Helen Wilson said.

The bail variation was not opposed by the Crown prosecution.

Justice Wilson suspended several of Mr Alameddine's bail conditions so he could travel overseas, including allowing his passport to be returned temporarily.

He will be required to provide the officer in charge of the investigation with an itinerary and the addresses of where he intends to stay overseas.

Police allegedly found $13,000 cash (pictured) and a mobile phone at Alammedine's apartment earlier this year
One resident in a major Aussie city has targeted 'entitled' drivers by going on a spree in which he plastered angry notes on their car windows.

The mysterious parking vigilante took issue with drivers who park in a residential street in the inner Brisbane suburb of Nundah - which is just 10 minutes away from the airport.

The drivers are accused of parking for free near the houses and then getting an Uber to Brisbane Airport, thereby avoiding expensive airport parking fees but leaving their their cars to crowd the street while they are out of town.

The fired-up notes seen stuck to every window of multiple cars read:

'I'm a selfish f**k.'

'I park my car in front of other people's houses and then catch an Uber to the airport.'

'I don't give a toss that these people, who live here, now have to park further from their homes.'

'I saved a few bucks on parking and I don't care about other people.'

The mysterious parking vigilante has taken issue with drivers who park in a residential street in the inner Brisbane suburb of Nundah

The images of the abusive notes drew a mixed reaction on social media.

Some commenters defended the actions of the parking vigilante.

'We've had two cars parked in our street for over a month,' one wrote.

'I checked the registrations and they are both self-rental cars. 'Sooo annoying but what can we do nothing, I guess till someone rents them out.'

Others called out the naughty-note poster for their 'aggressive behaviour' and slammed them for being 'entitled'.

'Try living within 200 metres from a train station,' one wrote.

'Fancy thinking you own the street in front of your house. Unless there are local residents with permit only signs or they park across a driveway, it's a first come first park situation,' another wrote.

The abusive signs were plastered on the windows of multiple cars, accusing the drivers of parking for free to avoid expensive parking fees at Brisbane Airport, just 10 minutes away

Aggressive notes and other acts by locals against people parking in residential streets has become common across the country.

Earlier this year a resident was accused of using orange traffic cones to reserve a space on a street where parking has become difficult to find.

Several traffic cones were set up along the kerbside in Leichhardt, in Sydney's inner west.

A frustrated local shared a photo on Facebook, fuming that there is already not enough parking on the busy street.

'It's been ongoing for months and doesn't look renovation-related,' he wrote.

It is understood there are no parking restrictions on the street, meaning residents are free to park there for as long as they like, if they can nab a spot.

One resident has been using orange traffic cones to block off street parking for at least two cars near their home in Leichhardt, in Sydney's inner-west

Social media users were quick to share their thoughts, with many suggesting the neighbours just move the witches hats.

Meanwhile, others called the parking act 'outrageous', 'entitled, 'rude' and 'selfish'.

Some supported the act and dismissed the criticism as 'grumbling', claiming that residents were entitled to reserve a parking spot.

The Inner West Council stated that reserving street parking in this manner is prohibited, explaining that residents are not allowed to leave items, such as traffic cones, unattended in public spaces.

Urban planning expert and author Dr David Mepham told Yahoo News Australia that due to the scarcity of available parking in residential streets, people have become 'aggressively territorial about 'their' parking spaces'.

'We often do feel entitled to 'cheap, easy' parking, and are conveniently blind to the consequences of our own behaviour.'

'People can become selfish, silly and aggressive about entitlement. It's bullying, there's no two ways about it,' he said.

Dr Mepham said it is up to local councils to prevent drivers using residential streets for long term parking.
North Korea has unveiled to the world the first-ever glimpse into a facility producing weapons-grade uranium as Kim Jong Un ordered his scientists and military officials to 'exponentially' increase the number of nuclear weapons at his disposal.

A selection of state media photos showed Kim clad in all-black being briefed by scientists and a pair of military men while walking through long lines of tall grey tubes.

The Korean Central News Agency didn't say when Kim visited the facilities and where they are located.

But it is the Hermit Kingdom's first disclosure of a uranium-enrichment facility since it showed one at Yongbyon to visiting American scholars in 2010 - and the first time it has ever published pictures to the world.

While the latest unveiling is likely an attempt to apply more pressure on the US and its allies, the images could provide outsiders with a valuable source of information for estimating the amount of nuclear ingredients that North Korea has produced.

Experts also said the sudden public disclosure of the North's uranium enrichment facility could be intended to impact the US presidential election in November.

A selection of state media photos showed Kim clad in all-black being briefed by scientists and a pair of military men while walking along long lines of tall grey tubes

KCNA didn't say when Kim visited the facilities and where they are located

The images could provide outsiders with a valuable source of information for estimating the amount of nuclear ingredients that North Korea has produced

A new 600mm multiple rocket launcher is test-fired at an undisclosed location in North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un aims a weapon as he visits the training base of the special operations armed force of North Korea's army at an undisclosed location in North Korea

A new 600mm multiple rocket launcher is pictured during a test-fire at an undisclosed location in North Korea, in this photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency September 13, 2024

The images are 'a message to the next administration that it will be impossible to denuclearise North Korea', according to Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.

'It is also a message demanding other countries to acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear state,' he added.

Other analysts say North Korea could perform nuclear test explosions or long-range missile tests ahead of the US presidential election with the intent to influence the outcome and increase its leverage in future dealings with the Americans.

'Overall, the message they are trying to send is that their nuclear capability is not just an empty threat, but that they are continuing to produce (bomb fuel),' Yang said.

'And who are they speaking to? It could obviously be South Korea but also certainly the United States.'

During his visit to the uranium enrichment plant, Kim expressed 'great satisfaction over the wonderful technical force of the nuclear power field' held by North Korea, the KCNA reported.

KCNA said that Kim went around the control room of the uranium enrichment base and a construction site that would expand its capacity for producing nuclear weapons.

Kim also stressed the need to further augment the number of centrifuges to 'exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defence,' a goal he has repeatedly stated in recent years.

North Korea needs greater defence and preemptive attack capabilities because 'anti-(North Korea) nuclear threats perpetrated by the US imperialists-led vassal forces have become more undisguised and crossed the red-line,' KCNA said.

Kim in recent days also observed and supervised test-firing of nuclear-capable 600mm multiple rockets to examine the performance of their new launch vehicles.

He also visited the training base of a special operations group, with images showing the pariah state's leader firing assault and sniper rifles while watching bare chested operatives engage in high-octane training.

This photo taken on September 11, 2024 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on September 13, 2024 shows North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (C) inspecting the training base of the special operation armed forces of the Korean People's Army (KPA) at an undisclosed location in North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un aims a weapon as he visits a training base

North Korean soldiers are seen smashing through concrete blocks in demonstration to Kim and high ranking officials

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees a test-fire for a new 600mm multiple rocket launcher at an undisclosed location in North Korea

South Korea's Unification Ministry said it strongly condemned North Korea's unveiling of a uranium enrichment facility and Kim's vows to boost his country's nuclear capability.

A ministry statement said North Korea's 'illegal' pursuit of nuclear weapons in defiance of UN bans is a serious threat to international peace. It said North Korea must realise it cannot win anything with its nuclear program.

North Korea first showed a uranium enrichment site in Yongbyon to the outside world in November 2010, when it allowed a visiting delegation of Stanford University scholars led by nuclear physicist, Siegfried Hecker, to tour its centrifuges.

North Korean officials then reportedly told Hecker that 2,000 centrifuges were already installed and running at Yongbyon.

Satellite images in recent years have indicated North Korea was expanding a uranium enrichment plant at its Yongbyon nuclear complex.

Nuclear weapons can be built using either highly enriched uranium or plutonium, and North Korea has facilities to produce both at Yongbyon.

It's not clear exactly how much weapons-grade plutonium or highly enriched uranium has been produced at Yongbyon and where North Korea stores it.

'For analysts outside the country, the released images will provide a valuable source of information for rectifying our assumptions about how much material North Korea may have amassed to date,' said Ankit Panda, an expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

'Overall, we should not assume that North Korea will be as constrained as it once was by fissile material limitations. This is especially true for highly enriched uranium, where North Korea is significantly less constrained in its ability to scale up than it is with plutonium,' Panda said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits the training base of the special operations armed force of North Korea's army

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits the training base of the special operations armed force of North Korea's army

Kim watches on as North Korean soldiers perform training drills

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (centre R) inspecting the training base of the special operation armed forces of the Korean People's Army (KPA) at an undisclosed location in North Korea

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 September 12, 2024

In 2018, Hecker and Stanford University scholars estimated North Korea's highly enriched uranium inventory was 250 to 500 kilos (550 to 1,100 pounds), sufficient for 25 to 30 nuclear devices.

The North Korean photos released Friday showed about 1,000 centrifuges. When operated year-round, they would be able to produce around 20 to 25 kilos (44 to 55 pounds) of highly enriched uranium, which would be enough to create a single bomb, according to Yang Uk, a security expert at Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

The new-type centrifuge Kim wants to introduce is likely an advanced carbon fibre-based one that could allow North Korea to produce five to 10 times more highly enriched uranium than its existing ones, said Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea's Science and Technology Policy Institute.

Some US and South Korean experts speculate North Korea is covertly running at least one other uranium enrichment plant. In 2018, a top South Korean official told parliament that North Korea was estimated to have already manufactured up to 60 nuclear weapons.

Estimates on how many nuclear bombs North Korea can add every year vary, ranging from six to as many as 18.

Since 2022, North Korea has sharply ramped up weapons testing activities to expand and modernise its arsenal of nuclear missiles targeting the US and South Korea.
Keir Starmer's approval rating has plunged amid the winter fuel allowance raid and looming tax hikes, according to a poll.

Research by Ipsos found the proportion who viewed the PM favourably tumbled from 38 per cent in August to 32 per cent this month.

Meanwhile, those who had a negative impression spiked by eight points to 46 per cent - giving a net score of minus 14.

The grim figures underline the hit to Sir Keir from the decision to scrap the winter fuel payment for 10million pensioners.

The move was formally approved by the Commons this week - but some 50 Labour MPs abstained from the crunch vote. There have been warnings that thousands of pensioners could die of cold without the 300 handouts.

Sir Keir and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have also been making clear there is more pain to come in the Budget on October 30, with inheritance tax, capital gains and tax breaks on pensions in the crosshairs.

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Keir Starmer's approval rating has plunged amid the winter fuel allowance raid and looming tax hikes, according to a poll

The percentage who view Sir Keir unfavourably matches worst level recorded for him by Ipsos following the Hartlepool by-election in 2021.

That contest was won by the Tories with a swing of almost 16 per cent.

Ms Reeves has seen her favourability fall by four points to 23 per cent.

At the same time her unfavourability has risen by nine points to 44 per cent.

That gave an overall score of minus 21 in September, compared with minus eight in August.

The proportion of people who view the Labour Party favourably has fallen by four points to 36 per cent, while unfavourability has increased by eight points to 45 per cent.

However, despite some internal party concerns over the winter fuel allowance squeeze, positivity towards the PM and his party among Labour voters remains unchanged at 69 per cent.

The poll found that 39 per cent of the public support the means testing of the winter fuel allowance and 42 per cent are opposed.

There is a stark age divide on the issue. Among the under-55s, 46 per cent support the measure and 32 per cent are opposed, but 58 per cent of those aged 55 and over are against the measure.

More broadly, 55 per cent of those polled said they think Britain is heading in the right direction, an increase of three points from August in the aftermath of riots.

Keiran Pedley, director of politics at Ipsos, said: 'There are some early warning signs in these numbers for Keir Starmer and Labour.

Sir Keir and Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) have also been making clear there is more pain to come in the Budget on October 30

'Whilst the next general election is several years away  and perceptions of Labour remain stronger than perceptions of the Conservative Party  these figures do represent a sharp drop from those recorded in August.

'Moving forward, Labour will want to strike the right balance between setting public expectations about the pace of change whilst maintaining confidence that the change Labour supporters voted for in July is coming.'

Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 1,147 adults aged 18 and above and interviews were conducted between September 6 and 9. Data were weighted to match the wider population.
New York is considering paying reparations to the descendants of slaves under new plans approved by the City Council.

The proposals - which are aimed at acknowledging and addressing the impact of slavery in New York City - are yet to be signed into law by Democratic Mayor Eric Adams.

According to the City Council, New York City had one of the highest rates if slave ownership in the country during the 1700s, before abolishing it in 1872.

However, businesses across the city, including the predecessors of some modern banks, continued to benefit financially from the slave trade up until 1866 with the lawmakers behind the proposals noting that the harms caused by the institution are still felt by Black Americans today.

One of the proposals would also require the city to install a sign on Wall Street in Manhattan to mark the site of New York's first slave market which operated between 1711 and 1762.

New York City is considering paying reparations to the descendants of slaves under new plans approved by the City Council. Pictured: Members of Coalition for a Just and Equitable California protest and demand lawmakers to take up a vote on two reparations bill on August 31, 2024, in Sacramento, California

The new bills would direct the city's Commission on Racial Equity to suggest remedies to the legacy of slavery, including reparations. Pictured: Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, right, talks to members of Coalition for a Just and Equitable California about two reparations bills on August 31, 2024, in Sacramento, California

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said: 'The wealth of Wall Street banks was built on the backs of the human beings sold on that very spot, and we have a moral obligation to accurately acknowledge not only this slave market's tragic history, the pain of enslaved people in our city, and the role slavery had in New York's economy, one which has echoed painfully across generations'.

Council Member Farah Louis, a Democrat who sponsored one of the bills, told the City Council on Thursday: 'The reparations movement is often misunderstood as merely a call for compensation' .

She added that systemic forms of oppression still affected Black American's today, including through the underfunding of crucial services in predominantly black neighborhoods.

'Does that mean we are going to hand everyone a check? No,' Louis said, reports The New York Times.

'But starting the conversation is the most important part.'

City Hall signaled the mayor's support in a statement calling the legislation 'another crucial step towards addressing systemic inequities, fostering reconciliation, and creating a more just and equitable future for all New Yorkers.'

But not all city council members were on board with the new bill.

Joseph Borelli, the Republican minority leader of the city council, who represents Staten Island, criticized the plans.

'I bear no responsibility for slavery,' Borelli said.

'Unless someone could explain to me why I should bear some individual and societal guilt through my taxes, I'm going to be opposed.'

The new bills would direct the city's Commission on Racial Equity to suggest remedies to the legacy of slavery, including reparations.

It would also create a truth and reconciliation process to establish historical facts about slavery in the state.

The commission would work with the existing state commission, which is also considering the possibility of reparations.

A report from the state panel, which held its first public meeting in July, is expected in early 2025, however, the city effort wouldn't need to produce recommendations until 2027.

The city's commission was created out of a 2021 racial injustice initiative during Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration from 2014 to 2022.

Although it was initially expected to consider reparations, instead it led to the creation of the commission, tracking data on the cost of living and adding a commitment to remedy 'past and continuing harms' to the city charter's preamble.

'Your call and your ancestor's call for reparations had not gone unheard,' Linda Tigani, executive director of the commission, said at a news conference before the council vote.

A financial impact analysis of the bills estimated that the studies would cost $2.5million.

New York is the latest city to study reparations after Tulsa, Oklahoma, announced a similar commission last month.
Britain's Christmas food supply chain is under threat from new EU border checks, lorry drivers have warned.

The new checks require all non-EU passengers at Dover to have fingerprint and facial recognition checks.

According to Logistics UK, this will interrupt the flow of goods and there are worries the checks could also risk delaying holidaymakers by creating mile-long traffic jams.

The EU is preparing to roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) on November 10 and Logistics UK said the changes threaten to disrupt lorry traffic during the onset of winter when the UK is reliant on imported goods.

Nichola Mallon, head of trade at Logistics UK, told The Telegraph: 'If the EES is implemented as planned, I'm afraid we're facing huge upheaval in the supply chain.

The new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is planned for November and Logistics UK warn this could affect the Christmas food supply. (Pictured, traffic on the A20 waiting to enter the Port of Dover in Kent on March 29)

Research from Imperial College London suggests every extra minute for checks adds about 10 miles to queues. (Lorries on the A20 waiting to enter the Port of Dover)

'The Government needs to take the lead now on raising awareness among the public, managing their expectations and signposting where they can go for advice.'

Calculations suggest the EES could increase processing times for a car with a family of four from less than 60 seconds to seven minutes.

Also, research from Imperial College London suggests every extra minute adds about 10 miles to queues.

Dover is braced for delays of up to 14 hours, with Kent County Council warning jams could be 'much worse' than 23-mile tailbacks seen in 2022.

The new system requires people waiting in cars and lorries at Dover to scan their own fingerprints and photos - with the information being stored for three years.

Also, those boarding the Eurotunnel vehicle shuttle at Folkestone and the Eurostar trains at St Pancras International will be directed to special booths.

Dover and Eurotunnel handled 54 per cent of all UK trade with continental Europe last year.

Logistics UK estimates the cost of border delays at 1.30 a minute with a 14-hour hold-up costing 1,100 in additional expense per truck.

The Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone (pictured) is receiving funding to support its EES infrastructure

A sign at the Port of Dover alerting motorists to works being carried out to enable the entry-exit system

The group also warns an average 90-minute extension to journeys would cost the economy 400million a year and any extra cost will be passed onto consumers.

But European mandarins say the system will make the EU more secure by identifying those who outstay visitor visas and will combat identity fraud by requiring the collection of biometric data.

Those who refuse to have a picture taken or their fingerprints scanned will be denied entry into the Schengen travel area.

UK ports are being handed a 10.5million boost from the Government to help them prepare for the enhanced EU border checks.

The Port of Dover says it will use the new funding to expedite work on its project to infill a marina for use as a site for EES processing.

Chief operations officer Emma Ward said: 'We are doing all that we can to be ready with the facilities that will be used by French border officials operating the new system.'

Eurostar chief safety and stations officer Simon Lejeune said: 'With support from the Government, we have enhanced our facilities and upgraded our technology to meet the new requirements.

'Eurostar will be fully prepared and compliant by November, ensuring a smooth transition for all our passengers.'

The new checks will see fingerprints and photographs taken - and refusal means not getting into the EU. (Pictured, passport control at Manchester airport)

Dover plans to station an agent with a tablet next to every car door in the queue to cross the Channel. (Vehicles queue at the Port of Dover, Kent, on August 26)

However, there are delays to the development of an app which will allow British passengers to register their biometric details before travel, potentially smoothing the process.

For air travellers, Britons will be required to give their biometric data upon landing in Europe.

This means airports in Europe will bear the brunt of the cost and responsibility for implementing new infrastructure to administer it.

The EES system will apply when entering 25 EU countries and four non-EU countries which are part of the bloc's border-free Schengen area.

The system will apply to all nationals of countries that are not in the EU or Schengen when travelling to the 29 countries.
This is the shocking moment a freight train smashed into a stranded vehicle carrying a military howitzer in South Carolina.

The crash happened at a railroad crossing near Highway 52 in Goose Creek yesterday afternoon.

Debris can be seen flying into the air as the train collides with the 18-wheeled tractor-trailer as it tries to cross the tracks.

The crossing was also destroyed in the crash and the road was closed by police.

Cops from the Goose Creek Police Department said they received a call about the collision at around 12.30pm on Thursday.

This is the shocking moment a freight train smashed into a stranded vehicle carrying a military howitzer in South Carolina

This is the shocking moment a freight train ploughs into a stranded vehicle carrying a military howitzer in South Carolina

Cops from the Goose Creek Police Department said they received a call about the collision at around 12.30pm on Thursday

Police said the trailer, which was carrying a military vehicle, got struck while driving over the train crossing.

There were no reports of any injuries and the driver refused treatment.

The military vehicle on the trailer has been described as a M109 Paladin Howitzer.

Howitzers are artillery weapons that can fire explosive shells and incendiary materials.

The crash happened at a railroad crossing near Highway 52 in Goose Creek yesterday afternoon
RAF jets have been scrambled to intercept two Russian aircrafts that were flying close to UK airspace.

Two typhoon jets were deployed from the RAF Lossiemouth and supported by a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton to track two Russian Bear-F aircrafts operating near the UK.

The RAF jets were launched under NATO command on Wednesday with the aircrafts being monitored as they passed through international airspace.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence confirmed that 'at no time did the Russian aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace'.

It comes as Royal Navy warships spent the past week closely shadowing the Russian Navy as four of its vessels sailed through the Channel and the North Sea.

Handout photo issued by the Ministry of Defence of a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Intercept of one Tu-95 Bear F on the September 11 captured from the pilots issued handheld camera

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.

'Efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security.

'I'd 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.'

Portsmouth-based HMS Iron Duke trailed the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov through the Dover Strait and into the Atlantic.

The operation started at the beginning of September when they were spotted by Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan that was travelling from the Baltic and headed across the North Sea.

Defence secretary John Healey hailed the work by the RAF and the Royal Navy in the past two weeks

HMS Iron Duke (back right) following Russian Navy Steregushchiy-class corvette RFS Stoiky

Monitoring duties were passed over to the Royal Navy as the Russian vessels approached the busy Dover Strait.

After the Russian vessels had passed UK waters, HMS Iron Duke handed over shadowing duties to the Marine Nationale off the northwest coast of France, where the frigate FS Auvergne took over.

Commanding officer of HMS Iron Duke Commander David Armstrong said: 'These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we emerged from a period of intense training in July, and I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ship's company consistently display as they perform their duty.

'Maritime security operations of this nature are a fundamental capability of the Royal Navy, with the protection of our sovereign waters and critical national infrastructure a key focus.'

The RAF and Royal Navy are regularly deployed to track Russian aircrafts and vessels when they are near the UK but it comes at a time of increased tension due to the war in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin has since warned that 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.'

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.
A delivery firm manager was unfairly sacked after he warned the company five times that their e-bike batteries posed a 'serious risk to life'.

Sebastien Potts warned chief executive of Swedish delivery firm Urb-it, Kevin Kviblad, in 2022 that there was a high risk of fire in the hubs across London where the e-bikes were stored due to the charging process for the lithium batteries.

Mr Potts told an employment tribunal that his concerns were ignored and Urb-it's chief executive even quipped that Mr Potts would be the only executive to get into 'trouble' if there was a battery fire because there is no extradition treaty between Sweden and Britain.

That comment made Mr Potts resign from his role at the company because he feared that he would be prosecuted.

The judge at the employment tribunal in central London ruled that Mr Potts was effectively fired for whistleblowing and is now eligible for compensation from the company - which is now in voluntary liquidation.

Delivery firm manager, Sebastien Potts (pictured), was unfairly sacked after he warned the company five times that their e-bike batteries posed a 'serious risk to life'.

The ruling comes just a month after companies and organisations, including TfL, announced they are preparing to ban staff from bringing e-bikes to work after a spike in serious fires caused by faulty batteries.

The ban is expected to come into place this autumn and will see TfL put a stop to people taking e-bikes on London Overground trains.

Urb-it's Swedish bosses are said to have promoted an image of 'accelerating sustainable urban logistics by offering fast, reliable, and emission-free deliveries across the UK and France'.



The tribunal's ruling noted that Mr Potts gave evidence that he considered the storage and charging of the batteries 'to be a risk to the employees and members of the public'.

One of Urb-it's delivery e-bikes which were being stored in hubs across London and left to charge overnight

He said that he was especially concerned about the hub on Centaur Street in Waterloo and said that the 'arches are long, relatively narrow and have one entrance'. Mr Potts also said that the lithium batteries required 'regular charging often overnight'.

The tribunal judge, Mark Emery, said that Mr Potts's concerns and warning had been prompted by a fire caused by lithium batteries at a nearby railway arch in 2022.

Mr Potts had suggested installing fire-safe boxes for the dangerous batteries but his bosses in Sweden rejected the idea, citing 'funding constraints'.

In response, Mr Potts told his bosses that he and the chief executive, Mr Kviblad, 'may be at risk of criminal prosecution for manslaughter as company directors'.

He told the tribunal that Mr Kviblad said Mr Potts would be the only one at risk of prosecution because the others 'were Swedish citizens living in Sweden' - which was claimed at the hearing to have been a joke.

However, Mr Potts said: 'Every time I raised my concerns I was reminded again there was no extradition order and I felt Kevin did not take this seriously'.

In his ruling, the judge concluded that Mr Potts resigned because 'he raised several whistleblowing complaints', and that 'his manager did not appear to take the issue seriously, instead saying it would be [Mr Potts] who would be liable'.

The judge added that Mr Potts was 'entitled to treat these acts as a repudiatory breach of contract, made because he had raised whistleblowing allegations'.

As a result, Urb-it had 'automatically constructively dismissed' Mr Potts because of his whistleblowing.

Compensation will be decided at a later date.
A sailor whose Royal Navy career ended after an accident while dining in the captain's cabin has won her High Court battle.

Joleen Williams, 39, sustained a spinal injury while having dinner at the captain's table when the frigate HMS St Albans made an unplanned turn while sailing off the south coast of England in October 2014.

She was thrown backwards as the ship turned, striking her spine on a key protruding from a filing cabinet, with commanding officer Catherine Jordan's heavy wooden table pinning her against it.

The sailor was subsequently medically discharged from the Navy due to back problems in December 2017 and sued the Ministry of Defence for about 500,000 compensation.

Now Central London County Court, Judge Richard Roberts has ruled in her favour. The exact amount in compensation which Miss Williams will receive will be decided at a later court hearing, if not agreed with the MoD outside court.

Joleen Williams was medically discharged from the Navy due to back problems she sustained from the injury

While eating dinner on board the HMS St Albans (pictured) Miss Williams was thrown across the room

In her evidence, Miss Williams, from the Poole area, told the court she had been ordered to have dinner at the table of the ship's commanding officer.

'At about 20.00 hours, after we had finished the last course of the dinner, but the table had still to be cleared, the ship rolled unexpectedly to starboard,' she said.

'No warning pipe had been given in advance. I was thrown backwards in my chair with my back against the drawers/filing cabinet.

'The back of my neck to the right was against the key in the top draw of the filing cabinet as the table, which were not secured to the deck, tipped over onto me, pinning me against the drawers with my chin down into my neck.

'I remember my neck and right shoulder hitting the key in the lock and handle, such was the force that the handle broke and the key bent in the lock as a result.

'The plates and cutlery on the table came crashing down on me.

'I remember the commanding officer calling up to the bridge and telling them: 'What the hell are you doing up there? You just took out our LMA'.

According to claim papers, the former sailor, who more recently has worked in finance, was left suffering with neck pain, headaches, low mood and spinal instability, leading to her discharge.

Commodore Catherine Jordan was criticised by Judge Richard Roberts for giving inconsistent evidence

The MoD defended the claim, denying that the captain's table was unsecured and insisting that the crew were given warning of the turn.

However, the judge criticised her then commanding officer, now Commodore Jordan, for giving 'untruthful' evidence.

He said Cdre Jordan had given 'inconsistent' statements about where the table was secured, changing her evidence when she realised it could not have been attached where she said it was, said the judge.

Giving judgment, Judge Roberts commended Miss Williams as an 'honest witness,' but said there were 'serious contradictions and untruths in Cdre Jordan's evidence which severely reduced her credibility.'

She had changed her account of where in the cabin the table was positioned in various statements, he said, altering her evidence when she realised that, if it was in the centre of the room as she had earlier said, it could not have been fastened down.

'I find that Cdre Jordan changed her evidence as to the position of the table in her third witness statement because she had realised that if the table was placed in the centre of the cabin, there was no securing mechanism,' he said.

Inconsistency in her statements arose 'because her evidence that the table was secured is not truthful,' he added, criticising Cdre Jordan's 'lax and negligent attitude towards health and safety in her cabin.'

Cdre Jordan, in admitting that her table was not always secured at sea, had shown a 'sub-standard approach to health and safety in her cabin,' which was described by an expert witness, retired Captain Jon White, as 'very poor seamanship.'

'I accept the claimant's evidence, which has been consistent throughout, that the table in Cdre Jordan's cabin was not secured to the deck,' he said.

'I find the MoD's evidence that the table was secured to the deck to be contradictory and untruthful.

'I find on the balance of probabilities that the table was not secured to the deck prior to the index accident and that this was negligent at common law.

'I find that the table moved backwards at an angle, causing the claimant to fall backwards onto the key, which was protruding from the top drawer of the cabinet.

'I find that the claimant has proved on the balance of probabilities that the MoD was negligent and in breach of its duty of care at common law and that this breach caused the claimant injury, loss and damage.'

Although he found that a warning was sounded, he said it would not have prevented the injury to Miss Williams, who he also cleared of any personal contribution to the accident.
A man accused of 'aiding' the killer of Gold Coast mum Kelly Wilkinson by driving him to her home and filling up a jerry can of petrol on the way has been found not guilty of murder.

Bradley Bell was on trial in Brisbane Supreme Court charged with the murder of Ms Wilkinson, 28, which was carried out back in April 2021.

Ms Wilkinson was murdered by her ex-husband Brian Earl Johnston, who broke into her Arundel home on the morning of April 20 that year, repeatedly stabbing her before dousing her in petrol and setting her on fire.

Mr Bell was not alleged to have killed Ms Wilkinson.

Throughout the trial, the Crown alleged he 'aided or enabled' Johnston by driving him to his ex-wife's address, filling up a jerry can with fuel along the way.

It was further alleged Mr Bell knew of Johnston's plan to murder his ex-wife, including a specific plan to 'tie her up and burn her'.

Mr Bell was found not guilty of murder and the alternate count of manslaughter by a jury on Friday.

He walked free from court that same afternoon.

Kelly Wilkinson (pictured) was murdered by her estranged ex-husband Brian Earl Johnston, who repeatedly stabbed her before dousing her in fuel and setting her alight in April 2021

Bradley Bell (pictured) was found not guilty of murder and the alternate count of manslaughter by a jury on Friday

Multiple co-workers of Mr Bell and Johnston gave evidence throughout the trial, along with detectives involved in the investigation and arrest of Mr Bell.

Mr Bell also gave evidence when the Crown closed its case against him.

Ed Whitton, Mr Bell's defence barrister, had told the jury on the first day of the trial their main focus would be to determine if the Crown had proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr Bell 'knew or expected what Johnston was going to do'.

'Bradley Bell didn't kill anyone,' Mr Whitton said.

Brian Earl Johnston (pictured) is serving a life sentence for murdering Ms Wilkinson

Bell had driven Ms Wilkinson's killer to her home

He urged the jury to assess the evidence fairly and objectively, including the recorded interview between Mr Bell and police.

'Please understand, there will be two sides to this story by the time this trial has finished,' Mr Whitton said.

'I can tell you now ... you will hear an explanation from Bradley Bell as to why he said those things to the police.'

Johnston was handed a life sentence for Ms Wilkinson's murder earlier this year and has pleaded not guilty to four charges of rape, allegedly committed against his ex-wife in the weeks before he killed her.
Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame has spoken of the terrifying reality of her work as an advocate for sexual assault victims.

Ms Tame revealed this week the extent to which she had been targeted for shining a light on the dark world of child sexual assault.

'I've been chased home. I've been in a car chase,' she said in an interview with The Age,

'I've had thugs come to the house, go through the bins, come to the front door, pull the door off its hinges,' she shockingly revealed.

Ms Tame said these offenders target her inboxes on every platform and are sophisticated in they know how to act at very edge of the law to avoid being caught.

Having endured these frightening incidents, Ms Tame remains positive.

'I try to hold on to the good things, the change that we were able to help drive as a collective, and the foundations that we've laid in order to continue to do more work that needs to be done.'

A survivor herself, Ms Tame was groomed and sexually assaulted by her 58-year-old teacher Nicolaas Bester at the age of 15, when she was in Year 10 at St Michael's Collegiate girls' school in Hobart.

Grace Tame (pictured) has revealed she had been targeted for shining a light on the dark world of child sexual assault

At the end of September, Grace Tame (pictured) will be embarking on a national speaking tour, 'Lightening the Load'

Bester was subsequently convicted and jailed for his crimes.

That horrific experience propelled her into activism.

Ms Tame was involved in the #LetHerSpeak campaign, which successfully challenged Tasmania's laws that silenced survivors from publicly identifying themselves.

In 2021, Ms Tame founded the Grace Tame Foundation to support initiatives aimed at preventing child sexual abuse and helping survivors.

Ms Tame gained national prominence after being named the 2021 Australian of the Year for her work in raising awareness about child sexual abuse and advocating for legal reforms.

Of the award, Ms Tame told The Age, 'It was equal parts exhilarating and rewarding and exhausting and frightening and overwhelming and unpredictable.'

She added that the greatest privilege of her recognition was being a witness to what it sparked for the broader community of survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

'I stand on the shoulders of giants, and the conversation around childhood sexual abuse and incest is something that is long-standing.'

Ms Tame caused controversy during her Australian of The Year term, especially when she refused to smile when meeting then-prime minister Scott Morrison at a morning tea for the Australian state and territory award recipients at The Lodge.

Grace Tame (pictured right) was famously photographed giving-then prime minister Scott Morrison (pictured left) a 'side-eye' glance. 'I should probably get my eyebrows insured,' Ms Tame said of the photograph

Ms Tame was famously photographed giving Mr Morrison a 'side-eye' glance.

'I should probably get my eyebrows insured,' she told The Age of the photograph.

'It was such a brief moment, too. I think it's as they say, a picture paints a thousand words.'

The photo drew national and international attention, with Ms Tame receiving praise and criticism.

In 2022, Ms Tame published her autobiography, The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner.

Her memoir revealed her childhood experiences of suffering and then exposing her sexual abuse, to her work as an activist and 2021 Australian of the Year.

At the end of September, Ms Tame will embark on a national speaking tour, 'Lightening the Load'.

Ms Tame said the idea is 'to reflect on the very jarring, very bizarre experience of being thrust out of obscurity and into this blaring, glaring spotlight'.

Lightening the Load is being billed as, 'A sneak peek into her ongoing work  from legislative reform to personal growth  and see how she's 'lightening the load' with others for a brighter future.'

Ms Tame said of Lightening the Load, 'I like being in a room with people who are like me.'

'The audiences that come to see me are often people who for whatever reason  it might be because they're also autistic like I am, or it might be because they also have a similar experience of abuse or some kind of trauma  and they might have spent a lot of their life feeling like they're on the outer, feeling isolated.'
A man who strangled a sex worker to death after she smirked at him during sex before dumping her body on the floor for her son to find her has been jailed.

A court heard how 'highly dangerous' Adam Watson, 37, intentionally 'suffocated' Samantha Holden, 57, after a row the two had in her bedroom in Farnborough.

After murdering the 'much loved' mother-of-two and leaving her partially clothed for her then 18-year-old son Tom to find her, Watson stole the victim's phone and fled to Belgium

In a statement, Rebecca Elliott, Ms Holden's daughter, said: 'Not only do Tom and I have to live without our mum, but the manner in which she dies continues to haunt me.'

Sentencing him to 21 years in jail at Winchester Crown Court, Hants, Her Honour Judge Angela Morris branded Watson a 'highly dangerous individual', adding 'particularly so towards vulnerable females'.

Adam Watson, intentionally 'suffocated' Samantha Holden after a row erupted in her bedroom

Samantha Holden was found on the floor of her living room at her flat in Farnborough, Hants

The court heard Watson arranged an appointment with Ms Holden at her Hampshire flat on September 9, 2022, with him arriving there at 12.45pm.

Judge Morris said: 'By 1:40pm when the CCTV footage shows you leaving the premises, you had strangled and suffocated her, leaving her lifeless and partially clothed body on the floor of her living room.'

The court heard that a 'row' broke out between the two and Watson admitted to the jury that he had slapped her in anger after she smirked during sex.

He then murdered her and covered her body with a blue dressing gown, before stealing her phone, and fleeing to Belgium.

Ms Holden's body was later found by her distraught son, Tom, who was 18 at the time, with Watson's DNA being later found on her neck and fingernails, the court heard.

The judge said the 57-year-old had been a sex worker for several of years and had always been 'cautious and particular about her clientele'.

In a statement, Rebecca Elliott, Ms Holden's daughter, said it is 'difficult to put into words' the pain of losing her mother.

The 24-year-old said: 'Not only do Tom and I have to live without our mum, but the manner in which she dies continues to haunt me.

'The thought of my mum having such a difficult last moment and then being left on a cold slab where people poked and prodded at her broke my heart.

'I just wanted to put her body to rest.

'Her time was cut short, my time with her was cut short and I will never get that time with her.

'She was my best friend, soul mate, and most importantly my mum who I will no longer be able to share my life with.'

Prosecuting, Anna Vigars KC, said Ms Holden's body was found with 'very extensive bruising' which reflected 'signs of prolonged struggle'.

She said Ms Holden would have been 'fighting to get her breath' in the moments before she died.

'It must have been very obvious to her that she was going to die unless the hold around her neck... whatever it was at that point stopping her breathing was released,' the prosecutor said.

'She didn't use violence other than to defend herself.'

The prosecutor said she did not suggest that this was 'anything other than death caused out of an incident that blew up between the two of them' and there was 'no sophistication' to the attack.

Emma Goodall KC, representing Watson, said her client felt 'guilt and shame' for murdering Ms Holden.

'This was an unpremeditated, spontaneous and unsophisticated offence,' she said.

She said that Watson had previously behaved 'respectfully' to Ms Holden and said while he has not been professionally diagnosed, he did 'present as a man with an atypical cognitive profile'.

Jailing Watson to 21 years in jail, Judge Angela Morris said: 'I cannot even begin to imagine the unenviable horror which must have gripped her 18-year-old son Tom when he found his mother particularly clothes lying dead in the sitting room of the premises he shared with her.

'I am satisfied that when you strangled and suffocated Samantha Holden you intended to kill her.

'It would have taken time and albeit that time cannot be quantified, it would have involved a period of consciousness when Samantha Holden would have realised what you were doing to her before ultimately she succumbed to unconsciousness and then death.'

The judge said this was 'not the first time' Watson had 'caused a vulnerable female to become unconscious' and referred to a previous conviction in which Watson was jailed for attempted GBH and sexual assault of a 14 year old girl.

'You are, on any view, a highly dangerous individual,' the judge added, 'that is particularly so towards vulnerable females.'

Detective Inspector Howard Broadribb of Hampshire Police said: 'This was a senseless and horrific incident which resulted in a much-loved mum losing her life.

'I would like to praise Samantha's family and children for their bravery, courage and assistance when they were dealing with unimaginable pain and grief having just lost their mum.

'I hope that today's sentence helps them to rebuild their lives and that they are able to feel a small sense of comfort that justice has been delivered.

'They now know that Adam Watson will spend a long time in prison for what he has done. He is a callous killer and his actions that day were deplorable.

'I would also like to thank the team of investigators who never gave up and worked tirelessly to extradite Watson back to the UK so he could face prosecution in this country.'

Ruth Sands, a senior Crown prosecutor with CPS Wessex: 'Adam Watson is a cold-blooded killer who attempted to evade justice by fleeing the country, whilst his victim still lay undiscovered.

'I want to pay tribute to the strength of Samantha's family.. They have experienced things no family should, and I hope that this sentence can begin to close this awful chapter for them.'
Russia's former president and close ally of Vladimir Putin has threatened to 'sink' Britain under a tidal wave from its hypersonic missiles while accusing Foreign Secretary David Lammy of lying about long-term support for Ukraine.

Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy head of the Russian security council, posted on his personal social media account: 'Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy has promised Ukraine 100 years of support.

'1) He is lying. 2) So-called Ukraine will not last a quarter of that time.

'3) The island called Britain is likely to sink in the next few years. Our hypersonic missiles will help if necessary.'

Medvedev's threat against Britain follows a series of declarations from Putin's propagandists demanding nuclear strikes to drown the UK under tsunamis triggered by his hypersonic missiles or high-speed Poseidon underwater drone.

This came as Russia performed yet more war games with artillery firing in the Barents Sea in a show of force to the West, part of the largest naval exercise since the Cold War.

Putin, meanwhile, has threatened a real Third World War if Britain and other countries permit Ukraine to unleash NATO-supplied long-range missiles at military targets deep inside Russia.

Russian aircraft and warships hunt for submarines in 'Ocean 2024' naval drills

Russia's armed forces launch missiles amid ongoing war games

Russia performed yet more war games with artillery firing in the Barents Sea in a show of force to the West, part of the largest naval exercise since the Cold War

Russia performed yet more war games with artillery firing in the Barents Sea in a show of force to the West, part of the largest naval exercise since the Cold War

United Russia Party Chairman, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev publicly threatened the UK with Russian hypersonic missiles

Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) are coveted by Kyiv as they can strike deep into Russian held territory

Putin's deputy defence minister claimed in China that NATO is preparing troops to fight in Ukraine, despite there being no evidence of the alliance putting boots on the ground.

Deputy Russian Defence Minister Alexander Fomin alleged at the Xiangshan Forum 2024: 'Kyiv is being provided with comprehensive military assistance.

'Modern weapons are being transferred to the fascist nationalist regime, pushing Kyiv's puppets to launch strikes on Russian territory.

'In order to provide conditions for forcing Russia to negotiate by force according to Kyiv's formulas, NATO countries are making plans to send their troops to Ukraine.

'This is a dangerous game that could lead to a direct military clash between nuclear powers.'

Fomin's statement came after Putin delivered another threat late on Thursday, declaring that giving Ukraine permission to use Western long-range missiles to hit targets in Russia would be tantamount to an act of war by NATO states.

'This is their direct participation, and this already, of course, significantly changes the very essence, the very nature of the conflict,' he said.

'It will mean that NATO countries, the United States, European countries are at war with Russia.

'And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of the conflict, we will make the appropriate decision based on the threats that will be posed to us.'

Russia sees Britain as leading Western efforts to allow Ukraine to deploy long-range missiles on targets deep inside Russia, starting with UK Storm Shadow missiles.

Sir Keir Starmer is set to discuss this prospect with US President Joe Biden later today.

Dmitry Medvedev is pictured firing a machine gun

Dmitry Medvedev, 57, deputy chairman of Russian Security Council and the president of Russia between 2008 and 2012

Vladimir Putin has warned the U.S. and NATO would be 'at war' with Russia if West lets Ukraine use long-range weapons

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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.

Meanwhile, Russia this morning announced it had expelled six British diplomats after the FSB security service claimed it had uncovered evidence the envoys were engaged in spying and sabotage work.

Britain's embassy in Moscow did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but it is understood the diplomats - from the British Embassy's political department - left Russia early in September.

Russian state-run TV channel Zvezda - owned by the Defence Ministry - showed footage of the diplomats leaving Moscow, and directly alleged that they were 'spies'.

'British embassy staff expelled from Russia turned out to be spies,' said the channel. 'Our special services found signs of intelligence and subversive work.'

The FSB, the main successor agency to the Soviet KGB, said it had documents showing that a British foreign office department in London responsible for Eastern Europe and Central Asia was coordinating what it called 'the escalation of the political and military situation' and was tasked with ensuring Russia's strategic defeat in its war against Ukraine.

'In this connection... the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia has terminated the accreditation of six members of the political department of the British Embassy in Moscow in whose actions signs of spying and sabotage were found,' it said.

The expulsions come at a time when the British Embassy in Moscow - headed by ambassador Nigel Casey - already has the lowest number of diplomats in Moscow for many decades

Diplomats were shown loading up a car before being expelled from the Embassy

British Ambassador's residence in Moscow, Russia

Putin today flexed his military muscles with the ongoing Ocean-2024 war games spanning two oceans and three seas.

In the Far East, Russian military Tu-142 reconnaissance planes flew around Japan for the first time in five years, with Tokyo scrambling fighter jets in response.

Putin has already used the current war games as an excuse to buzz Britain with his Tu-160 strategic nuclear planes flying towards the UK over the Norwegian Sea.

New drills included Northern Fleet forces launching Vulkan and Onyx cruise missiles against a simulated Western adversary in the Barents Sea. Those drills involved the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov and Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft. Separately, Tu-22M3 bombers struck an 'enemy' ship group.

Artillery firing at a sea target was carried out by the Russian Northern Fleet's ship strike group, including the frigates Admiral Kasatonov and Admiral Golovko.

Naval drills were also underway in the Caspian Sea.
The US government has been urged by the Ministry of Defence for its staff in the UK to undertake training so they remember to drive on the left side of the road after the tragic death of Harry Dunn.

The military department said it is committed to 'ensuring lessons are properly learnt' in light of the teen's death and have 'sought assurance' that visiting American diplomats and military personnel are aware of the 'dangers' of 'wrong way' driving.

Their response came after an inquest found the 19-year-old motorcyclist had tragically died when American intelligence worker Anne Sacoolas was driving on the wrong side of the road.

As a result of driving on the right side, instead of the left, she hit Mr Dunn head-on, outside RAF Croughton in August 2019 and caused his death.

However, 19 days after the incident she successfully managed to leave the UK under diplomatic immunity laws, as she is married to a CIA operative.

Sacoolas had been driving on the wrong side of the road for 20 seconds before she hit Mr Dunn (pictured) outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire

Sacoolas (pictured in 2021), an American intelligence worker, was driving on the wrong side of the road when she hit Mr Dunn head-on outside RAF Croughton in August 2019 and caused his death

Senior coroner for Northamptonshire, Anne Pember pointed out Sacoolas had received 'no familiarisation or any other form of training' between her arrival and the crash. Pictured: The arrows showing drivers outside RAF Croughton which side of the road to drive on

Senior coroner for Northamptonshire, Anne Pember, concluded the fatal collision 'may not have occurred' had Sacoolas been familiarised with the Highway Code and driving rules in the UK.

Responding to her comments, the MoD said: 'The government has sought and received further assurances from the US authorities in the UK, both military and diplomatic, that driver training mandated for US Visiting Forces and diplomats, as well as their dependants, includes and will continue to include a focus on driving on the left, and the dangers of not doing so.

'There is a continual need to focus on the issue of driver training and road safety awareness, especially as military forces and diplomats rotate through the UK.'

At Mr Dunn's inquest, it was heard Sacoolas 'inadvertently moved' onto the wrong side of the road, where she drove for 350m before the impact as the motorcyclist travelled out of Croughton, Northants.

As a result of the crash, he suffered 'catastrophic' injuries which included fractures to all four of his limbs and he died when taken to hospital.

Mrs Pember concluded Mr Dunn had died as a result of a road traffic collision.

In a Prevention of Future Death report, she revealed 'matters giving rise to concern' heard at the inquest about driving instructions to Americans arriving in Britain.

She said of the two categories of US workforce at the base - the Military personnel and Diplomatic personnel - only the former received briefing of driving in the UK.

'Nothing was provided to the diplomatic personnel,' she wrote, of which Sacoolas belonged.

Mrs Pember pointed out Sacoolas had received 'no familiarisation or any other form of training' between her arrival and the crash.

The US government has been urged to train staff in the UK to drive on the left following the death of teenage motorcyclist Harry Dunn (pictured) in a crash with diplomat Anne Sacoolas

'Prior to the accident she had passed a 'throwback' arrow signalling to a driver if they happened to be overtaking to get back to the left hand side,' she continued.

'However, [she] had not yet familiarised herself with the UK Highway Code and neither had she been trained in the differences in and significance of road signs in the UK.

'Had she received appropriate training reminding her to keep to the left and to help her to understand and interpret the UK road signs and markings it is possible the collision with Mr Dunn may not have occurred.'

Despite assurances from the US Embassy during the inquest that 'driver training was now provided to all personnel' after Mr Dunn's death, Mrs Pember issued a warning.

'The evidence heard at the inquest as to the content of that briefing/training was at odds with what had been described by the US Embassy,' she added.

'Specifically I was told that the driving training being provided did not specifically cover the risks of wrong way driving.

'That creates a concern for me as to a risk of future deaths.'

She continued: 'In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.'

Mrs Pember wrote to The Americas Section of the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office and the MOD, and called for better training of US staff.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said they are 'committed' to 'continue work' with the US to maintain their focus on driving-related issues.

'The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has also written to all diplomatic missions in the UK, reminding them of their responsibilities in respect of road safety awareness and driving standards in the UK,' they added.

It follows Mr Dunn's family expressing their bitter disappointment at Sacoolas failing to turn up for any of the 19-year-old's four-day inquest.

Speaking at court in June, Mr Dunn's mother, Charlotte Charles, reiterated her 'disgust' at Sacoolas and the US Embassy's decision not to attend - labelling it 'disrespectful' to her son and adding that it would 'forever leave us feeling bitterly disappointed in her'.

Ms Charles said: 'We have come to the end of our huge fight. Does it bring closure to our loss? I don't think that ever happens.

'It further bolsters my opinion that they [the US government] have no regard for myself or my family, our wider family - they just don't care.'

The family of Harry Dunn were told Anne Sacoolas was willing to attend the inquest remotely provided their lawyer did not ask questions.

Ms Charles is seen with Mr Dunn's twin brother Niall at his second funeral, held after human tissue was found on clothing which had been returned to the family

Mr Dunn's father Tim Dunn alongside his wife Tracey Dunn holding tissues the second funeral in March 2024

Pictured: Artist's impression of Sacoolas appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court via video-link from the United States in 2022, where she pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving

Sacoolas' evidence was delayed twice during the inquest in Northampton, after eleventh hour talks were held to further invite her to attend.

The Dunn family were told that the 45-year-old could have potentially agreed to give live evidence, but only on the condition that questions came only from the coroner and not the family's lawyer Patrick Gibbs KC.

Family spokesman Radd Seiger said the parents rejected the proposal.

'What on earth were they thinking of?' He said.

'Who would seek to restrict a grieving family's opportunity to understand how their son died in that way.

'This appeared to us to be yet another attempt to have Ms Sacoolas do things in our justice system that suited her.

'As much as the family wanted to hear from her, they are principled people and believe in doing things according to the rules.'

Sacoolas appeared before a High Court judge at the Old Bailey via video-link in December 2022, where she pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

She was advised against attending her sentencing hearing by her employer, which prompted the family to say they were 'horrified' that the US government was 'actively interfering in our criminal justice system'.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb handed her an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Parliament's pest control bill rose to 136,000 last year amid complaints that Westminster is infested with mice.

Figures slipped out by the authorities show the costs hit 136,230 - 10,000 more than the previous 12 months and the second highest ever.

The increase could fuel calls for cats to be let loose on the estate, despite years of resistance to the idea from officials. Both Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have drafted in felines to their Downing Street residences recently, with insiders making clear the rodent problem influenced the decisions.

MPs, peers and staff have long complained about infestations of mice in the historic Parliamentary buildings, with regular sightings in canteens even running across desks.

Moths eating upholstery and pigeons damaging stonework are other routine problems for officials to deal with.

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MPs, peers and staff have long complained about infestations of mice in the historic Parliamentary buildings

In July Speaker Lindsay Hoyle backed bringing in rodent-hunting moggies as he revealed he had increased the size of his own in-house paw patrol with Clem (pictured together)

Building work disturbing nests, inflows from neighbouring Westminster Tube station, and food left in bins have been highlighted as potentially fuelling issues.

In July Speaker Lindsay Hoyle backed bringing in rodent-hunting moggies as he revealed he had increased the size of his own in-house paw patrol.

Existing 'head mouser of Speaker's House' Attlee, a two-year-old brown tabby, has been joined by three-year-old Clem. Both are named after former Labour prime minister Clement Attlee.

Sir Lindsay joked there would be 'cats across the House' to take care of the rodent population 'if I had my way'.

Objections have previously been raised over how to ensure the welfare of felines.

Officials have argued that unlike Downing Street, Parliament is a public building with thousands of visitors every year. They also said building works meant it would be too dangerous for the animals to roam.

Last year it emerged that Battersea Dogs and Cats Home had been asked about supplying a cat, and advised that it would be 'unsuitable' while Parliament is using poison in traps.

But one insider told MailOnline in July that new advice had been received on how cats could be deployed on the estate. 'I think there are moves afoot - or apaw - to go further on that,' a source said.

Sir Keir has just added a Siberian kitten to his family, along with their previous rescue cat JoJo. Larry has been Downing Street's resident cat since David Cameron was premier.

Larry has been Downing Street's resident cat since David Cameron was premier

Keir Starmer has just added a Siberian kitten to his family, along with their previous rescue cat JoJo

The Parliamentary authorities stressed that the estate 'is made up of a large number of buildings of various ages, covering approximately 258,000 square metres close to the River Thames in Central London'.

'It is therefore vulnerable to populations of animals which can cause significant damage to the fabric of the buildings and health and safety issues,' they said.

'Controlling these pests is a major undertaking and is conducted by a full-time pest control technician provided as part of the Houses' pest control contract and a contract for bird control, alongside a world-leading expert consultant who undertakes regular reviews.

'All pest control on the Estate is undertaken in accordance with appropriate regulatory standards.'
Two people have been left dead and three were injured in a mass shooting before the gunman fled the scene in Virginia.

The five victims were shot near downtown Suffolk at around 11:25pm in the 800 block of East Washington Street, outside the HM White Bus Service garage.

According to a news release from local police, officers found multiple people with gun wounds when they arrived on the scene.

One adult male was pronounced dead at the site, while another died from his injuries at a local hospital.

Three other victims were transported to a local hospital and are currently receiving medical treatment for their wounds.

The shooting, that killed two and injured three, took place in the 800 block of East Washington Street, outside the HM White Bus Service garage, in Suffolk, Virginia

Suffolk cops spent hours overnight combing through the scene in their hunt for evidence but have not yet released any details of a possible suspect or motive in the case.

The names, ages of the victims, and the severity of their injuries have also not been released as police claim the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding the incident has been encouraged to contact Suffolk Police or Suffolk Crime Line at 888-LOCK-U-UP.

It comes after a linebacker at Division II West Virginia State was fatally shot during what the university said Thursday is being investigated by police as a home invasion.

The body of Jyilek Zyiare Harrington, 21, of North Carolina, was found inside an apartment Wednesday night in Charleston, police Lieutenant Tony Hazelett said in a statement.

West Virginia State said counselors were available to students and faculty on campus.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with Jyilek's family as they mourn the loss of this incredible young man,' West Virginia State President Ericke S. Cage said in a letter to students and faculty.
A key member of a gang which murdered a woman with learning disabilities who was viciously beaten, forced to drink urine before being stripped and left to die has been freed from jail.

Jessica Lynas was one of five convicted over the death of Gemma Hayter, 27, whose body was found at a disused railway line.

Gemma suffered 'vile' torture by the gang who had befriended her. The abuse was described by a judge as a 'chronicle of heartlessness'.

She was hit with a mop, beaten in a flat before being cleaned up and escorted to a disused railway line. There she was stripped naked, was beaten further and forced to have a plastic bag placed over her head.

Her body was found with 55 injuries by a jogger in Rugby, Warwickshire in 2010.

Lynas was sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter after she had left her to die.

Jessica Lynas (pictured) was one of five convicted over the death of Gemma Hayter whose body was found at a disused railway line

Gemma Hayter (pictured), 27, suffered 'vile' torture by the gang who had befriended her. The abuse was described by a judge as a 'chronicle of heartlessness'

After the killing, she heartlessly posted on Facebook a lie to try and divert attention from what had happened and her involvement.

She wrote: 'Wants 2 knw wat happened on hilly road.. is it true they found a body?'

MailOnline can reveal she has been released from prison.

And Boyer - who urinated in the can and made Gemma drink it - has a Parole Board hearing in October.

Parole bosses could release him then or move him to open conditions.

A HM Prison and Probation Service spokesperson said: 'Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and we do not hesitate to recall them to prison if they break the rules.'

It is not known exactly when she was freed, but it is understood to be in recent months.

Other gang members, Chantelle Booth, 22, her boyfriend Daniel Newstead, 20, and Joe Boyer, 18, were given life sentences at the Old Bailey after a jury convicted them of murder.

Duncan Edwards, 19, got 15 years for manslaughter.

(Left to right) Chantelle Booth, 22, Daniel Newstead, 20, and Joe Boyer, 18, were given life sentences at the Old Bailey after a jury convicted them of murder

Duncan Edwards (pictured), 19, got 15 years for manslaughter

Gemma (pictured) was hit with a mop, beaten in a flat before being cleaned up and escorted to a disused railway line. There she was stripped naked, was beaten further and forced to have a plastic bag placed over her head

Gemma pictured sitting on her sister Nikki's lap with her brother Neal when they were young

Gemma, who never had a formal diagnosis for a disability, was turned away from social services for decades, despite repeated pleas for help from both her and her family.

It was while living in the flats that Gemma fell in with the crowd who eventually killed her.

Gemma was being forced to steal things on the gang's behalf and friends said she had been coerced into stashing drugs including crack and heroin which she thought were 'presents'.

A case review into the events of the killing said there had been allegations that Lynas has attacked another girl.

A source said: 'It's shocking that Lynas has been freed. This was a crime which shocked the nation and was cruel beyond belief.

'It's disgusting.

'The poor victim did not stand a chance with those savages.

'She will be free to get on with her life now having taken Gemma's.

'She even tried to cover her tracks with the Facebook post.'
Court documents have revealed how two Kansas moms whose bodies were found dumped in a freezer were killed.

Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, disappeared on March 30 during a road trip to Oklahoma to pick up their children.

Their bodies were later discovered in a chest freezer that had been dumped in a cow pasture on April 14. The car was found abandoned close to the state border.

In new police reports, investigators reveal Butler was stabbed to death. It's unclear how Kelley died.

In April and May, five suspects belonging to a creepy antigovernmental religious gang known as 'God's Misfits' were arrested.

Now court documents have revealed how Tifany Adams, 54, the children's grandmother and her boyfriend, Tad Cullum, 43, Cole and Cora Twombly, 50 and 44, and Paul Grice, 31, allegedly took part in the killings.

Veronica Butler, 27, (pictured) went missing alongside Jilian Kelley on March 30 as the two were on their way to celebrate Ms Butler's six-year-old daughter's birthday

Jilian Kelley, 39, also disappeared on March 30 during a road trip to Oklahoma

Paul Grice (pictured) is said to have thrown clothing with his and Ms Butler's DNA on it, a stun device and the murder weapon into the grave

The document, obtained by KSN, states that Grice stabbed Ms Butler to death and cut his hand badly in the process.

Meanwhile Cullum allegedly killed Ms Kelley and their bodies were then dumped in a freezer and taken to the burial site.

Grice is said to have thrown clothing with his and Ms Butler's DNA on it, a stun device and the murder weapon into the grave.

The document also alleges that Cullum placed his clothing, which also had Ms Kelley's DNA, into the freezer with the bodies.

Police then reportedly found accessories to the knife at the 43-year-old's home.

The Twomblys allegedly acted as lookouts while the crime was taking place, the KSN report continued.

And Adams, the document claims, was the person who bought burner phones, stun devices, yellow straps found around the freezer and the pants Cullum was wearing.

The court records also alleged that Ms Adams was involved in a custody dispute over Ms Butler's children.

The suspects face charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit murder.

The affidavit previously revealed that Cora Twombly's teenage daughter overheard the group speak about Ms Butler, and that her own mother told her that they were involved in the women's deaths.

The unnamed teen is said to have told authorities that the group also used burner phones to communicate with each other.

Agents found that Adams purchased three pre-paid phones from a Walmart in February.

Authorities said that all three phones were discovered near Ms Butler's car around the time she and Kelley disappeared. A hole filled with hay was also discovered near the car.

The affidavit said that the group's original plan was to throw an anvil, or head of a large hammer, through Butler's car to kill her.

Pictured: Tifany Adams, 54,(right) the children's grandmother and her boyfriend, Tad Cullum, 43 (left)

Cora and Cole Twombly (pictured) allegedly acted as lookouts while the crime was taking place

They created that plan to make it look like an accident, 'because anvils regularly fall off of work vehicles,' records said.

The teen is also said to have informed agents that Cora and Cole told her that they would not be home the morning of March 29, a day before Ms Butler and Ms Kelley were last seen, because they were going on a 'mission.'

The couple then told the teenager that even though the 'mission' did not go as planned, they didn't have to worry about Butler anymore, court documents said.

The girl is understood to have told Oklahoma State Bureau Investigation agents that this was not the first time the gang set out to kill Butler.

She explained to officers that in February, the group tried to take Butler's life, but the mother wouldn't leave her home. Agents later found that Adams had searched for ways to get someone out of a house on the internet.

Butler's mother-in-law had also searched for Taser pain levels, pre-paid phones and gun shops, the affidavit said.

Agents found that in addition to buying burner phones, Adams also purchased five stun guns on March 23, according to the affidavit.

Butler's children were reportedly staying with their grandmother, Adams, as Butler and her husband, Wrangler Cole Rickman, were going through a divorce and custody battle.

On March 20, ten days before they went missing, Butler filed a petition in court that would grant her more time with her children, with her goal being full custody.

Court filings claimed that Butler and Adams were not getting along amid the custody battle.

Kelley was the wife of Pastor Heath Kelley (pictured), who serves at two churches in Kansas and Nebraska

Butler had weekly, court-mandated visits every Saturday with the kids, while Kelley, one of four people listed, supervised the visits.

They had made the 45-minute drive from Hugoton to a gas station in Eva, located near the Four Corners section of Oklahoma, but disappeared, with the car found just three miles from where they were supposed to meet.

It was Ms Butler's six-year-old daughter's birthday and they were planning to celebrate.

Multiple puddles of blood were found near the vehicle in the desolate Oklahoma panhandle, which was found 1,000 feet off of Oklahoma State Highway 95, near a school Butler attended and graduated from in 2015.

Ms Kelley was the wife of Pastor Heath Kelley, who serves at two churches in Kansas and Nebraska.

On April 3, Kelley's Willow Christian Church in Nebraska posted to Facebook: 'We ask that you continue to pray for Jilian and Veronica and their families as the search and investigation continue.'

'Pray for strength, wisdom and faith for everyone involved. We appreciate everyone who has shared the prayer requests. We are getting messages from all over the country of people praying for these two women and their families.'
McDonald's fans are getting all whipped up about the McFlurry  amid claims the fast food giant has stopped stirring it.

Customers have noticed that the sweet treat, which used to come machine-blended with bits of Oreo, M&Ms or other candy, is now just a dollop of soft-serve ice cream with a scoop of toppings.

Some have speculated the decision to ditch plastic spoons means they can no longer whip the dessert.

But McDonald's has insisted it SHOULD still come mixed  and vowed to 'remind' staff about the importance of 'flurrying' the McFlurry.

Reddit user Gary-TeaDrinker ranted: 'Why do they no longer bother mixing it? They have all the kit there, but just fill a cup with ice cream, then chuck some Oreo (or whatever other flavour you've ordered) on top and serve it. Lazy sods!'

Fans have complained the McFlurry is longer blended, with toppings simply sprinkled on top of ice cream, but McDonald's insists they should come mixed

Pictured is a special edition Twix McFlurry, with its chocolate buttons, biscuit chunks and caramel sauce inclusions sitting on top

This image of a McFlurry in a clear container shows how the dessert should be served, with pieces distributed throughout the ice cream

Others complained that once they've eaten the top layer of their McFlurry, all that's left is bland vanilla ice cream  once described by a US food critic as 'closer to caulk [sealant] than dairy'.

Another customer wrote on the Reddit forum Mildly Infuriating: 'Erm, is McDonald's not mixing McFlurries any more?'

Someone else replied: 'Nah. It's the new non-plastic spoons. They can't be used to mix.'

When the McFlurry first emerged in 1997, it came with a unique square-handled plastic spoon which clipped into a McDonald's blending machine.

The spoon would then be used as spindle to vigorously mix the ice cream with the toppings, breaking up M&Ms and other ingredients into little pieces.

The product's slogan was 'Love It To Bits' in reference to the blended consistency.

However, the McFlurry spoon was phased out last year as McDonald's sought more sustainable alternatives.

Fans have vented their concerns about the McFlurry online

Some fear it may be a new policy to leave the popular pudding unmixed

One Reddit user addressed the issue to McDonald's workers

Staff members claimed the McFlurry is sometimes served unblended so customers can see the toppings more clearly

Some have speculated that the death of the McFlurry's unique plastic spoon is to blame for the unblended desserts

Today they are served with paper-based spoons, which some have complained start to disintegrate before the dessert is finished.

Fans are concerned it has led to a lesser McFlurry.

One was so incensed they posted about the issue on the McDonald's Employees forum on Reddit, in a bid to get answers from insiders.

They wrote: 'Every time I order a McFlurry all the toppings are on top or near the top of the ice cream. Which means unless I mix it with my spoon (which can get messy), all that's left is plain vanilla ice cream when I'm not even halfway done.

'I go to places like DQ and Sonic and they know how to evenly disperse the toppings throughout the ice cream. Why can't McDonald's do that?'

Several workers chimed in to say it was often to stop customers complaining about a lack of toppings.

The McFlurry was introduced in 1997. One US food critic described its ice cream as 'closer to caulk than dairy', but still listed it among his favourite fast-food desserts

Special edition McFlurries occasionally come on the market, such as this Creme Egg variety

One wrote: 'At my store it is because, more often than not, if we mix it the correct way, the customer will assume we barely put anything in it.

'When properly mixed, you don't have it all on the top like you said, so customers take that to mean that we didn't put hardly any in there.'

Another added: 'I have this happen all the time. Customers who order extra toppings in particular, I purposefully don't blend correctly, because if the toppings aren't visibly piled on top of the McFlurry they get an attitude and assume it isn't correct.'

In a small-scale investigation by Mail Online, we looked McFlurries from three different branches of McDonald's in London, one in Brighton, East Sussex, and two in the Midlands.

We found that none of them had been blended correctly, or even stirred by hand.

A spokesman for McDonald's UK said action would be taken to ensure a more consistent McFlurry experience for customers.

They said: 'All of our McFlurry flavours are mixed by our McFlurry machines. We recently replaced the single-use plastic spoons with paper spoons, and we now use a reusable version for mixing.

'This change does not impact the machine's ability to mix the product.

'Our restaurant teams receive ongoing training to ensure that all our products meet our high standards, and they will be reminded of the importance of ensuring that every McFlurry served meets the high standards our customers expect.'
Canberra/New Delhi, Sep 13 (UNI) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he is looking forward to meeting with his Quad partners, including PM Narendra Modi, at the 2024 Quad Leaders Summit, to be held on Sep 21 in Wilmington, Delaware.

The Australian Prime Minister will attend the summit with fellow Quad Leaders, the US President Joseph R. Biden., Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, to discuss important challenges facing the Indo-Pacific and strengthening the Quads cooperation, a statement said.

The Quad is a diplomatic partnership of four countries committed to practical action in the Indo-Pacific to shape the kind of region in which we want to live  an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where sovereignty is respected and competition is managed responsibly.



The Quad is making a positive contribution to the Indo-Pacific by delivering practical outcomes that respond to the regions priorities.



The Quad is building on these efforts, year on year, in areas such as strengthening clean energy supply chains, supporting maritime security, helping to train the regions infrastructure practitioners, enhancing regional health security, and building resilience and connectivity through undersea cable cooperation.



At the Summit, the Prime Minister will discuss regional issues and opportunities to further advance the Quads positive and practical agenda.



This will be the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit. Leaders look forward to India hosting the 2025 Quad Leaders Summit.



Prime Minister Albanese said: I look forward to meeting with my Quad partners to discuss important challenges facing the Indo-Pacific and strengthening the Quads cooperation.

Australia is deeply invested in the future prosperity and stability of the Indo-Pacific.

Australia, the United States, India, and Japan share a vision for a region that is governed by accepted rules and norms, where all countries can cooperate, trade and thrive.

We will work together to shape the kind of region in which we want to live. We are always better off when we act together with our close friends and partners.



UNI RN
A British mother holidaying in Dubai has described her horror at another hotel guest's disguising poolside habit.

TikTok user itsakatylife shared her shock after watching a 'grown man' cutting his nails by a public pool before 'scooping them all off the towel and onto the floor'.

'I need to know what you would do in this situation,' she told her 9,000 followers to mixed responses.

'How am I so shocked by the nature of some people?' she said. 'Please tell me I'm not the only one totally disgusted by this.'

Followers chimed in with shocking anecdotes of similar experiences, one saying 'it happened to me on a bus in Glasgow' and another claiming she had even once seen a woman 'clipping her nails at a restaurant'.

The mother said she heard a familiar clicking while soaking up the sun in Dubai

Katy shared the post on TikTok on August 29 with her 9,000 followers - but her uncomfortable retelling of her experience saw the post viewed over 100,000 times.

'I'm sitting at the pool, watching the kids living their best life,' she told her followers, painting a picture of the scene.

'I'm sitting here minding my own business, right, and I can hear this clicking.'

'And I'm like, "I know what sound that is. Please don't let it be true right next to where im sitting..."

'I know exactly what the sound is: Some dirty pig is cutting their toenails about 15ft away from me.

'A man - a grown man! - is cutting his toenails by the pool.'

Katy grimaces towards the camera.

'How am I so shocked by the nature of some people?' she asks herself.

'And the worst thing is that when he finished he just scooped them all off the towel onto the floor.

'Please tell me I'm not the only one totally disgusted by this.

'Surely cutting your toenails is a private thing. Don't do it by a public pool.'

Katy's message was heard by others with similar experiences, who took to the comments section to share their stories.

One user wrote: 'It happened to me on the tube. The girl was sitting right next to me filing her nails and putting nail varnish on.'

Another said: 'I was on a bus and a women started picking dead skin off her feet and flicking on the floor, what the hell is wrong with people'.

Lisa Jones said: 'My ex used to clip and eat them.'

And Lulu added: 'Thats nothing, Im currently in Dubai and saw a lady sat on the side of the pool picking the dead skin off her heel and then sprinkled it in the water like it was cheese on a jacket potato!'

Others empathised with Katy's own plight from a sun-lounger in Dubai.

'Why would you choose to do it round the pool and NOT in your room?! Id be raging!!!!' rudette5 said.

'Oh no thats just wrong on so many levels. Some people eh,' said another.

'I know what that sound is... Please don't let it be true right next to where I am sitting,' she said

'That is filthy ignorant behaviour. also definitely something you do in private,' user Georgie Hoskyn weighed in.

'Even though your hotel looks lovely through the reflection of your sunglasses. Get a villa and avoid all of this.'

Not all were fully convinced.

User Adi chimed in: 'So what'. Katy replied: 'Yep so what!!'

Another user said: 'Ive plucked my eyebrows on a sunbed but thats my limit!! Thats just to save time later in the room.'
A celebrity pastor who calls himself the 'Appointed Son of God' has pleaded not guilty to several criminal charges including sexually abusing a child and sex-trafficking.

Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Philippine-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) with six million followers, was arrested on Sunday at the KOJC's 30-hectare compound in southern Davao city after a weeks-long police operation.

The 74-year-old was led handcuffed into the heavily guarded Pasig courthouse in a bulletproof helmet and flak jacket this morning, with Filipino police concerned about a potential attempt on his life.

He told his followers to 'stay strong' before police took him into the courtroom along with several of his alleged accomplices.

A tip off from a 'whistleblower' helped police detain the preacher in his compound where it is thought he stored captive women and children as sex slaves.

He stands accused of heinous crimes, indicted in the United States for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and the sex trafficking of children, among a litany of other alleged offences.

Quiboloy (pictured) has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges against him and his religious group

Filipino televangelist Apollo Quiboloy (C) arrives at a courthouse for his scheduled arraignment in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

The 74-year-old was led handcuffed into the heavily guarded Pasig courthouse in a bulletproof helmet and flak jacket this morning

Some of Quiboloy's acolytes are led into the court with him

Quiboloy surrendered in his vast religious complex in the south Sunday in an operation involving more than 2,000 police officers

The self-anointed 'Son of God' will remain in detention at a police headquarters for now, the police said, along with several of his acolytes.

'He is innocent,' his lawyer, Israelito Torreon, told reporters after his client's first arraignment today.

Quiboloy also pleaded not guilty to the sexual abuse charges at a Quezon city court via teleconferencing.

But police said more people had come forward alleging they had been sexually abused by him almost immediately following his arrest.

'It is our firm belief that the truth regarding the alleged criminal acts of Apollo C. Quiboloy and his co-accused will ultimately be disclosed,' Joahna Paula Domingo, a co-counsel for one of the alleged victims, said in a statement.

'These cases have been filed in 2019 and we have long been seeking justice for the complainant since then,' she said.

In a statement issued by KOJC ahead of Quiboloy's arraignment, the church said that its 'cardinal rule' was that members are 'not forced to do anything against their will.'

Quibolo, faces similar charges in the United States, where he has been included in the FBI's most-wanted list.

The United States was expected to request the extradition of Quiboloy and his co-accused at some point, but President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said they have to first face justice in the Philippines.

Quiboloy, the self-described 'appointed son of God', is on the FBI's most wanted list

From above: the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City, in the Philippines

Quiboloy launched the KOJC after returning from 'an exile to Tamayong', proclaiming that he had been guided by God through dreams in the foothills of Mount Matutum to found his church in the late 1990s.

He has since attracted a huge following of ardent followers across the country, earning him the allegiance of various politicians and state officials.

Rodrigo Duterte, the populist former president, saw the value of Quiboloy's support when he ran for mayor in 1988, and courted his attention.

Quiboloy maintained a curated public persona, appearing for interviews in the national press and greeting followers on the streets of Davao for decades until as recently as 2021.

But American interest in Quiboloy's alleged underhand dealings in the US brought international attention to the preacher.

A federal grand jury indicted him for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.

By November 2021, a federal warrant was issued for his arrest.

The FBI named Quiboloy among its Most Wanted for his alleged participation in a labour trafficking scheme that 'brought church members to the United States via fraudulently obtained visas, and forces the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity that were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders'.

Those who managed to solicit such 'bogus' donations were then allegedly 'forced to enter into sham marriages' or obtain fraudulent visas to continue working in the US year-round.

The FBI also cites allegations that women were recruited to work as personal assistants or 'pastorals', preparing meals for Quiboloy, cleaning his homes, giving him massages and having sex with him in what they referred to as 'night duty'.

Victims allegedly also faced threats of abuse and 'eternal damnation' unless they catered to the self-proclaimed 'son of God'.

The church claims the pastor (centre) is being pursued because 'the Devil... will try to eliminate a good man... who lays down his life for his fellowmen, who are oppressed by evil, at all costs'

Haunting footage shows a room still full of personal belongings in the underground bunker

Some rooms are filled with bunk beds, while others are designated as single rooms

Supporters of religious leader Apollo Quiboloy stage a protest rally outside the compund

Police in the Philippines have had additional help from a woman named 'Amanda', a whistleblower and former 'full time miracle worker' for KOJC who testified that she was one of many women held after being coerced into a sexual relationship with Quiboloy 'at a young age'.

The Daily Tribune, a local outlet closely following the case, reported that this was presented to victims as a 'special privilege' for a select few.

On August 24, the Philippines National Police (PNP) conducted a raid of a 75-acre compound in Davao City associated with the KOJC in search of Quiboloy.

The compound reportedly covers three levels, with two reserved for the 'most attractive' women kept by Quiboloy as 'offerings' and a third ostensibly used to confine other women, as reported by the Tribune.

Haunting video showed police sweeping dingy, unlit lower floors, vacated but still with signs of life as laundry lay strewn out across large, open plan rooms filled with what appeared to be rows of low, wooden beds.

Other floors looked more like hotel corridors, some with individual rooms containing neatly made single beds, pot plants and posters for decoration, others more sparsely decorated and featuring multiple bunk beds or double beds and sofas.
A teenager who is tied to the shooting death of Johnny Wactor has pleaded guilty to charges of attempted robbery and grand theft.

Leonel Gutierrez, 18, one of the four suspects charged in connection to the death of the General Hospital star pleaded guilty to the charges on Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

But he was not alleged to have been the one who shot Wactor, 37.

The teen was released on a $120,000 bond, and is expected to be sentenced on November 1 where he could face up to four years and eight months in prison.

Ahead of his sentencing, the court will hear victim impact statements, according to the district attorney's office.

A, 18-year-old man who is tied to the shooting death of Johnny Wactor (pictured) has pleaded guilty to charges of attempted robbery and grand theft

Los Angeles Police Department previously released two images of the suspects and their getaway car (pictured above) while appealing to the public for help identifying them

Gutierrez was arrested last month along with two other people on suspicion of murder in Wactor's May 25 shooting death after an elaborate investigation by Los Angeles police discovered DNA and fingerprints on a car jack that linked them to the shooting.

LA County District Attorney George Gascon charged Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18, with murder in Wactor's death.

Authorities said Barceleau shot the actor after Wactor confronted him and his two companions as they jacked up his car in a bid to steal his catalytic converter.

Frank Olana was also arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to murder.

Guttierez was charged only with attempted robbery and grand theft with allegations of a principal armed with a firearm.

The LAPD previously released two images of the suspects and their getaway car while appealing to the public for help identifying them.

'Suspect One has a tattoo above the left eye and on the right cheek,' cops wrote in a community alert early August, noting that the same suspect pulled the trigger on the shot that killed Wactor.

'Suspect One to Three fled the area in a suspect vehicle, identified as a stolen 2018, black, 4 door, Infiniti Q50, with tan interior.'

On Saturday, May 25 at around 3:25am, Wactor had been leaving his side job at a 'cathedral style' nightclub called Sinners y Santos in a notoriously crime-ridden part of Downtown LA with his co-worker, Anita Joy.

They had been walking to their cars when they noticed three masked men near Wactor's vehicle, which was propped up on a jack.

As they neared the men, the suspects opened fire. One bullet struck Wactor in the chest.

The actor was transported by paramedics to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

According to police, the three men fled the scene in another vehicle.

Wactor died a hero - with his relatives previously telling DailyMail.com he had positioned himself to shield Joy from the gunfire.

Anita Joy was with Johnny Wactor when he was killed. He allegedly stood in front of Joy to protect her from getting shot

Pictured: Wactor on the set of General Hospital

'They had a mask on and they pulled out a gun,' Wactor's friend, Colin Flynn, told ABC News.

'And from what I understand, Johnny literally stood in between himself and his colleague. And the shooter just pulled the trigger and ran away.'

Joy took to social media to share his courageous final moments, describing how her friend of eight years 'fought to stay alive' before dying in her arms.

'Everything happened in an instant,' she wrote of the attack.

'I've come to describe it as a glass of water that gets tipped over and you're scrambling to grab it and save it from spilling out completely but it just runs through your fingertips and is gone.

'We cautiously approached the men, questioning what they were doing, at first thinking the car was being towed. We were no threat and Johnny kept his cool as he always did, simply stating that it was his car and for them to leave. Hands open to his sides in peace.'

Joy said after she shooting she asked if he was okay.

He could only respond, 'Nope! Shot!'

'It was too close range, too extreme of a wound for him to survive it. But my God, he fought to stay,' she wrote.

Joy added that a bouncer from the bar where they worked ran over to help, but it was too late.

She said that she finds solace in the fact that she was with him and that Wactor did not die alone but added that remains 'heartbroken and so very angry.'

'My only other peace will be seeing these awful men brought to justice.'

Wactor portrayed Brando Corbin on the ABC soap opera 'General Hospital' from 2020 to 2022.

He also appeared in a variety of films and TV series, including 'Station 19,' 'NCIS,' 'Westworld' and the video game 'Call of Duty: Vanguard.'
An Amazon delivery driver who died as he tried to stop his van from being stolen in Leeds 'paid an immensely high price' for trying to prevent the crime, a coroner has said.

Claudiu-Carol Kondor, 42, was pronounced dead at the scene last month after his Ford Transit Cargo van was stolen as he made a delivery.

On Friday, an inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at Wakefield Coroners' Court by senior coroner Kevin McLoughlin.

Mr McLoughlin described Mr Kondor, from Sheffield, as a 'valued citizen' who suffered a 'violent and unnatural death'.

The coroner described the driver's efforts to prevent the crime on August 20 as 'commendable', before ruing his death at the scene in Wortley, a suburb of the West Yorkshire city.

Amazon driver Claudiu-Carol Kondor, 42, 'paid an immensely high price' for trying to stop his delivery van from being stolen in Leeds , a coroner has said

Mr Kondor was pronounced dead at the scene in Leeds last month after his Ford Transit Cargo van was stolen as he made a delivery

Wakefield Coroners' Court senior coroner Kevin McLoughlin described Mr Kondor (pictured here with his wife Mariana) as a 'valued citizen' who suffered a 'violent and unnatural death'

Mr McLoughlin gave very brief details of how Mr Kondor found someone 'endeavouring to steal his vehicle' and was injured as he tried to intervene.

He described Mr Kondor, from Sheffield, was 'a Romanian gentleman who was contributing to society', adding: 'He was working hard, when he found someone stealing his vehicle.

'He's commendably tried to prevent the crime taking place but he's paid an immensely high price for this.'

He said his cause of death was head and chest injuries.

The coroner described Mr Kondor's death as 'heartbreaking' and added: 'My heartfelt sympathies go out to Mr Kondor's family.'

No members of Mr Kondor's family were in court for the short hearing and the inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

The driver was delivering parcels for Amazon as an employee of SP Transport Group, who described him at the time of the incident as 'more than just a colleague - he was a friend, a confidant and a valued member of our team'.

Mark Ross, 32, of Conference Road, Armley, Leeds, appeared in court last month accused of murdering Mr Kondor.

He is due to go on trial next year.

Two other people were arrested in connection with the incident.

A 24-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail pending further inquiries and a woman, who was arrested at the same time on suspicion of assisting an offender, was released under investigation.

Mr Kondor was delivering a parcel in Alliance Street at 6.45pm when he is said to have returned to see a man jumping into his vehicle.

Mr Kondor was delivering a parcel in Alliance Street at 6.45pm on August 20 when he is said to have returned to see a man jumping into his vehicle

He tried to stop the thief by getting into the van himself, but the suspect is accused of driving away at speed, dragging the driver for half a mile to Heights Drive (pictured)

He tried to stop the thief by getting into the van himself, but the suspect is accused of driving away at speed, dragging the driver for half a mile as he desperately hung out of the door.

The silver Ford Transit Cargo then smashed into two parked cars, around half a mile away.

As Mr Kondor lay dying in the street, the thief is alleged to have driven off, and abandoned the vehicle six miles away in Heights Drive.

The driver, who delivered Amazon parcels through a third party courier, was found seriously injured at the scene shortly before 7pm.

Officers attended and found the victim unconscious with members of the public trying to help him.

Mr Kondor was given emergency treatment by ambulance staff but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later, with police launching a murder inquiry.

Police later found the van around six miles away from the scene of the attack, in Highlands Walk, Belle Isle.

Mike Neill, Operations Manager of the SP Transport Group, launched a GoFundMe in Mr Kondor's memory which has raised over 30,000.

It reads: 'It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the loss of our beloved colleague, Claudiu-Carol Kondor.

'Claudiu was a dedicated and cherished member of the SP Transport Group family, who tragically lost his life on August 20, 2024, during a struggle that occurred in the midst of a van theft. This unimaginable loss has left us all devastated.

The scene in Leeds, West Yorkshire after Mr Kondor was found fighting for his life

Forensics officers at the scene investigating after the driver was killed

'Claudiu was more than just a colleaguehe was a friend, a confidant, and a valued member of our team. His commitment to his work and the camaraderie he brought to the workplace will never be forgotten. The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond our workplace, affecting all who had the privilege of knowing Claudiu.

'We are launching this GoFundMe campaign to support Claudiu's family during this incredibly difficult time.

'Our goal is to alleviate some of the financial burdens they are facing, including funeral costs, legal expenses, and any other unforeseen challenges that may arise. While no amount of money can fill the void left by Claudiu's passing, we hope to provide some comfort and support to his loved ones.

'We understand that this is a challenging time for everyone, and we are grateful for any contribution you can make, no matter the size. Every donation will go directly to Claudiu's family to help them navigate the difficult days ahead.


A British tourist needed emergency surgery after his flesh started rotting - following a tiny spider bite.

Nigel Hunt was bitten on his stomach - doctors believe by a false widow or brown recluse spider - while lying in bed at home, just hours before flying to Egypt for a holiday.

The 59-year-old felt fine at first but became violently sick a couple of days into his trip. His wife, Sandra, 59, said he started to feel worse as the bite grew larger.

Nigel, from the Isles of Scilly, then went to the hospital where blood and ultrasound scans were taken.

What he thought would be a routine visit took a turn for the worse when doctors revealed he was suffering from necrotising fasciitis - a flesh-eating bug.

Nigel Hunt was nipped on his stomach doctors believe by a false widow or brown recluse spider while lying in bed at home

Nigel said the bite steadily grew worse as the holiday went on and went to hospital were doctors discovered the flesh eating bug

The wound on Nigel's stomach caused by the flesh eating disease necrotising fasciitis

Speaking from Egypt, where he is still having treatment at hospital after contracting a flesh-eating disease, the window fitter describes the horror story.

He said: 'On arriving at the airport and travelling through check-in we made our way to departures'.

'At this point, everything seemed to deteriorate quite quickly from being sick in the departure lounge to having my head in a sick bag for most of the journey.

'On arrival at Sharm El Sheikh, we collected our belongings and made our way to the pharmacy for some antibiotics or something to help with the sickness.

'They prescribed a couple of things and the following day we went to hospital to be prescribed the same medication.

'The next two days started to get worse so we went to a different hospital in Hadaba where straight away I had blood tests and ultrasound scans.

'Then we waited a couple of hours for the doctor to check the results. He called us in saying it was a good job we had come in because the bite was from either a false widow or a brown recluse spider.'

That evening, Nigel went for his operation to have the abscesses treated where doctors discovered that he had contracted necrotising fasciitis.

Nigel sitting in his hospital bed. The window fitter said that if he had come into hospital a few days later he would be dead

Nigel is going to the hospital every few days to have the gaping wound cleaned and repacked

According to the NHS website, necrotising fasciitis is a rare and life-threatening infection that can happen if a wound gets infected. It needs to be treated in hospital straight away.

Nigel said: 'If I hadn't been to the hospital for a second examination within six to 10 days, I would be dead.

'They haven't given me an all-clear date yet as the wound is still open and I have to have it packed every couple of days.

'I just have to make sure it hasn't started spreading again. It could be a couple of weeks before I could fly back home.

'Luckily we have an apartment out here to stay.

'To go from healthy to poorly in such a short time, then to be told you could die, was frightening.

'I can't go diving or snorkelling, I can't go to the beach in case sand gets in the wound, so I'm sat watching TV most of the time although I'm just glad I'm still here.'

Sandra added: 'Someone else on the Isles of Scilly has said this has happened to them and they nearly lost their knee.

'The doctors in Egypt are convinced it was a spider bite.

'Nigel is still going to the hospital to have the gaping wound cleaned and repacked without any anaesthetic. It's awful to witness.

'They also have to keep checking to make sure no more necrosis has developed.'

Nigel has issued a warning to fellow Scillonians.

He added: 'I thought it only right to tell everyone on the Isles of Scilly to be careful and check for spiders.

'I don't know what the outcome will be from this, but I hope it stops anyone else from going through the pain and agony this has caused.'
Facebook's head of global affairs has called a proposed social media ban for Aussie teenagers a 'whack-a-mole nightmare' for parents that would fail to stop children from using the app.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed legislating a minimum age for social media use in a bid to restrict teenagers from using platforms like Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram for their safety.

The proposed ban could target children as young as 14.

But Nick Clegg, Facebook's head of global affairs, has accused the Prime Minister's plan of lacking any outline or detail.

Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, would still comply with any laws passed but Mr Clegg said the ban would be pointless unless imposed at 'chokepoints', such as on Play or App stores or on the operating systems run by companies like Google and Apple.

Speaking at the Chatham House think tank in London, Mr Clegg said there were a 'multitude of apps' used by teenagers and content would simply move from one app to another.

'If you ask each company to play whack-a-mole with these things, it's going to be a nightmare for parents ... because they have to do it on each single app,' the former leader of the Liberal Democrats in the UK said.

'If from a parental point of view, or indeed, from a government's point of view, you really want to have control over who uses social apps or not, the only way you could just practically do it is through ... where you actually download the apps from the app store.

Anthony Albanese's move to ban kids using social media has drawn a response from US-based giant Facebook

Facebook's head of global affairs Nick Clegg says the plan would be a 'whack-a-mole' nightmare for parents who would have to put the ban in place for every app their child uses

'In as much as the debate unfolds in Australia and elsewhere, if you're going to make a big move like that and say we decree at this point, you've got to make it workable.

'It's got to cover all the apps that young people use, not just some of them.'

Mr Albanese has previously said he wants a 'national' approach to the issue to ensure different states do not implement their own variations of social media bans.

'One of the things that the age verification trial will do is to look at, through real experience, and we've done a lot of work, like it's at the final stage now of then going out and undertaking this trial,' he told NOVA FM earlier this week.

The Prime Minister has floated the idea of facial recognition technology being deployed to stop children from accessing certain apps, along with pornography.
Dame Esther Rantzen has made a direct plea to the Prime Minister to keep his promise to make time for Parliament to debate and vote freely on assisted dying after a public panel backed the change in law.

Dame Esther had a phone call with Sir Keir Starmer earlier this year, before the Labour leader became PM, in which he vowed his commitment on the issue.

She labelled the current law as 'cruel' as warned that that without a change, her and others could face a 'bad death'.

The broadcaster's latest comments come as a majority of members in a public panel backed assisted suicide, a so-called citizens jury.

The 84-year-old Childline founder has previously been praised for her role in bringing the sensitive conversation on to public discourse.

She revealed in December that she has joined the Swiss Dignas clinic as she lives with terminal cancer.

Dame Esther Rantzen: Current law on assisted dying is 'cruel' and urged PM to legalise it

Dame Esther said that without a change in the law, her and others who are terminally ill could face a 'bad death' or their families could have to endure police questioning and possible prosecution if they accompanied her to the clinic.

Assisting someone to end their life is currently a criminal offence in England and Wales.

Speaking to Sky News, Dame Esther said: 'What we're hoping for is proper time to discuss the issues, have the free vote and change this cruel law.

'I call it cruel, because not only at the moment does it mean that I've got to have a bad death, if that's what the cancer creates for me, but my family can't be with me if I decide to go to Dignitas.

'Because otherwise they are liable to being accused of killing me and they get investigated by the police, so that's just messy and wrong and not what we want.

'So, please Sir Keir, remember our conversation and let's make time for this. It really is a matter of life and death.'

Dame Esther said she was 'quietly' and 'just gently' reminding Sir Keir.

She added: 'Dear Sir Keir, whom I've met and have worked with, could you possibly recall your kind words to me and make it come true?'

She welcomed the verdict of the so-called citizens jury and branded the current law as a 'cruel mess'

She said that while the results of the jury 'didn't surprise' her, she highlighted it was important to keep the issue 'at the top of the agenda' because 'events happen, politicians forget, they take other things as their priority'.

The Prime Minister has previously said he is 'personally in favour of changing the law' and supported a change the last time the issue was voted on in the Commons nine years ago.

Earlier this month, Labour's Jake Richards signalled his intention to bring forward a proposed law by private member's Bill after he secured one of the top 20 spots to introduce a proposal to the Commons.

Former Labour justice secretary Lord Falconer of Thoroton has introduced the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill in the House of Lords, which is expected to be the subject of a debate in mid-November.

The PM previously said he is 'personally in favour of changing the law' on assisted dying

Group of pro-assisted dying campaigners gathering outside the Houses of Parliament

Campaigners outside Parliament ahead of a debate in the House of Commons on assisted dying earlier this year

The director of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, which put the so-called 'citizens' jury' together, said the panel's decision provides 'the missing piece of evidence' in the debate.

A final vote was cast by 28 jury members, with 20 agreeing that the law should change after eight weeks of deliberation.

Among the top reasons for support was stopping pain and giving people dignity, although it was stressed that anyone using an assisted dying service should be terminally ill and have the capacity to make the decision to end their life.

Members of the panel were handed information on assisted dying which included written material, as well as videos and presentations.

Seven of them disagreed with any potential law change and one person being undecided.

Those who voted in favour said assisted dying should be carried out to stop pain, as well as giving people a decision to end their life and the knowledge they can have a dignified death.

They also said it would allow people to avoid prosecution for helping a loved one to die.

Those against warned that it could be used for the wrong reasons, misinterpreted, misused, and could result in less funding for palliative care.

The council's director Danielle Hamm told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'This is the missing piece of evidence and it's the missing piece because it provides that really deep nuance around people's judgments and why people have reached that decision, and it gives policymakers the information they need to really fully understand where the British public's attitudes lies'

In April, campaigners and celebrities gathered in Westminster show their support for an assisted dying law, after a petition gained more than 200,000 signatures and was promoted by Dame Esther who has stage four lung cancer

A Government spokesperson said: 'Successive governments have taken the view that any change to the law in this sensitive area is a matter for Parliament to decide.

'This Government has made clear that time will be provided for a proper debate and vote on any legislation brought forward.'

Catherine Robinson, spokesperson for Right To Life UK, said 'citizens' juries do not always represent the views of the public as a whole' and called instead for Parliament to focus on improving access to 'high-quality palliative care'.
A Loch Ness Monster hunter says the mythical monster may have a terrible twin, after capturing jaw-dropping footage of two huge shapes prowling through the water.

Eoin O'Faodhagain, 60, was watching Loch Ness via webcam last Friday when he spotted something in the water that had him seeing double.

Two huge wakes were visible on the surface, moving side by side away from the camera, before they combined and vanished.

Mr O'Faodhagain said: 'I was amazed at this spectacle, I could not get my head around the size of both wakes and the amount of disturbance they were causing.

'I expected to see two powerboats on the surface, but there was nothing to see. Then the penny dropped: some sort of live creatures were responsible for these large wakes.'

Eoin O'Faodhagain, 60, was watching Loch Ness via webcam last Friday when he spotted something in the water that had him seeing double

Two huge wakes were visible on the surface, moving side by side away from the camera, before they combined and vanished

Alleged sightings of the Loch Ness monster have captured people's imagination for centuries. The earliest sighting of Nessie dates back all the way to the 7th century

He continued: 'There are two defined wakes on view here, so there are obviously two creatures responsible for them.

'If they are Nessies  well then, there are two Nessies.'

And Mr O'Faodhagain is in no doubt that Nessie is the best explanation.

'I have never witnessed seals making wakes of this magnitude,' he said.

'And I cannot make a case for an otter, as you would not see an otter rising a few feet out of the water like that.

'Because of the fact that the wakes fizzle into nothing, we can assume that this event has nothing to do with human activity.

'It is self explanatory that some unknown creatures are involved in this sighting.

'Nessie is the only rational explanation for these two large wakes fizzling out into nothing, whatever species she belongs to.'

Mr O'Faodhagain made the sighting using a webcam maintained by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) at the Airanloch Bed and Breakfast, on the loch's northern shore.

Mr O'Faodhagain was watching Loch Ness via webcam last Friday when he spotted something in the water that had him seeing double

The sighting was made using a webcam maintained by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) at the Airanloch Bed and Breakfast, on the loch's northern shore

And he has some ideas about what might have brought the Nessies to the area.

He said: 'They must be involved in behaviour linked to either feeding or courtship or some sort of family bonding.'

Eoin often logs often logs on to watch the water from his home in County Donegal, Ireland.

Over the years, he's racked up multiple entries in the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register, including one in July.

But even to him, this was a unique sighting.

'The two large wakes are special in regard to Nessie sightings in my opinion,' he said.

'If St Columba, who made the first Nessie sighting, had witnessed these wakes in the fifth century, he would have definitely believed something sinister and monstrous was approaching him.'

Alleged sightings of the Loch Ness monster have captured people's imagination for centuries. The earliest sighting of Nessie dates back all the way to the 7th century.

The mysterious beast first caught the world's attention when a sighting of the monster was published in The Inverness Courier in May 1933. A year later the supposed first picture of Nessie was taken by a London surgeon called Robert Kenneth Wilson.

The most famous picture of Nessie was taken by by a London surgeon called Robert Kenneth Wilson and was ublished in the Daily Mail in April 1934 and for 60 years many people considered it to be proof of the monster's existence

The picture supposedly showed the creature's head and neck.

It was published in the Daily Mail in April 1934 and for 60 years many people considered it to be proof of the monster's existence. However, by the 1990s most expert concluded the photograph was part of an elaborate hoax.

Sightings of the amphibious creature continue to this day. Over the years, Mr O'Faodhagain has racked up multiple entries in the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register.

But new restrictions concerning webcam sightings have kept his recent contributions off the record.

The VILN webcams, which captured the footage, can be watched live online at visitinvernesslochness.com
An enraged passenger choked and attacked flight attendant in a chaotic mid-air meltdown after a weekend at Disneyland.

Charles Angel Salva, 30, of Fremont, has now been charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants following his actions, after appearing in court on Thursday.

On Monday, Salva was on board the Frontier Airlines Flight 3581 that departed John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana bound for San Francisco International Airport before he had his meltdown.

Just after the plane had taken off and remained under 10,000ft, flight attendants noticed that the oxygen masks in one row of the middle of the aircraft were out of the overhead compartment.

Authorities said when they began to investigate what was going on, they discovered Salva with his hand in the compartment while appearing claustrophobic and distressed.

Charles Angel Salva has been charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants following a meltdown on Frontier Airlines Flight 3581

A passenger told investigators that the man had pulled down the oxygen masks from the overhead holding area before his hand became lodged.

He then chillingly began yelling 'We are all going to hell' and 'This plane is going down', according to court documents.

As Salva continued to unleash chaos, a flight attendant attempted to restrain him as he tried to grab other passengers, authorities said.

Salva then allegedly ran down the aisle towards the back of the plane before yanking a lanyard around a flight attendant's neck while saying: 'I'm going to choke this b****,' as he attempted to choke her.

Prosecutors added that the enraged man also shoved another flight attendant 'with force' and claimed he was going to kill everyone on the plane.

Brave passengers tried to restrain Salva as he threw kicks - with one hitting the second flight attendant in the leg.

Due to the violent outburst, the flight was diverted to Ontario International Airport, California, where authorities boarded the plane and saw passengers pinning him down.

Salva was apprehended at the airport and restrained with soft cuffs before being taken to a local hospital.

'We extend our utmost appreciation to the flight crew for their professionalism and to the other passengers who assisted during the incident, as well as local and federal law enforcement, and the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California, for their efforts to ensure justice,' a Frontier statement to Fox News Digital said.

The attendant who had her leg kicked was also treated in hospital for her injuries.

A passenger told officers that Salva had been flying back to San Francisco after spending a weekend at Disneyland with his three-year-old daughter.

But on Sunday, Salva left his toddler with the unnamed passenger and their family before disappearing, court documents revealed.

He allegedly admitted to taking ecstacy before boarding the plane and reportedly told police 'I'm a child molester' and that he had molested his daughter multiple times before losing custody rights, reports Fox News.

Salva now faces up to 20 years in federal prison with the FBI and the Ontario Police Department investigating the matter.
The Royal Navy and RAF followed multiple Russian ships and submarines through the English Channel the week at a time of heightened tension.

HMS Iron Duke and HMS Tyne have tracked four Russian vessels through UK waters in recent days as RAF jets intercepted a Russian strategic bomber on Wednesday.

The Navy's warships have shadowed the Russian advances to 'protect national security' as four vessels sailed through the Channel and the North Sea.

Two RAF Typhoons were also scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth on Wednesday, supported by a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, to intercept Russian Bear-F aircraft.

The developments come at a point of heightened tension between Russia and Britain over Moscow's ongoing war in Ukraine and Britain's backing of Kyiv - with a top Kremlin mouthpiece and former President threatening to 'sink' Britain this week.

HMS Iron Duke shadowed the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov through the Dover Strait and into the Atlantic

HMS Iron Duke (back right) following Russian Navy Steregushchiy-class corvette RFS Stoiky

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence, outside Moscow, Russia, today

Intercept of a Tu-95 Bear F captured from the pilot's handheld camera on Wednesday

'The island called Britain is likely to sink in the next few years,' Dmitry Medvedev posted on his personal social media account, adding: 'Our hypersonic missiles will help if necessary.'

Medvedev's threat against Britain follows a series of declarations from Putin's propagandists demanding nuclear strikes to drown the UK under tsunamis triggered by his hypersonic missiles or high-speed Poseidon underwater drone.

And Putin has himself warned Britain and other Western backers of Ukraine face the harshest of consequences if they permit Ukraine to unleash NATO-supplied long-range missiles at military targets deep inside Russia.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said that the 'efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security.

'This Government is committed to making the UK secure at home and strong abroad,' he added in a statement.

'I'd 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 Navy worked with its NATO allies to choreograph the shadowing of the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov through the Dover Strait and into the Atlantic.

The careful operation started at the beginning of September when Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan escorted the diesel-powered submarine and her support vessel as they sailed from the Baltic and headed across the North Sea.

The Canadian patrol ship handed over monitoring duties to the Royal Navy as the Russian vessels approached the busy Dover Strait.

From there HMS Iron Duke ensured constant watch on the two vessels, using her many sensors including her Wildcat helicopter, from 815 Naval Air Squadron, in the air.

The submarine remained on the surface throughout the operation.

Once the Russian vessels had passed UK waters, HMS Iron Duke handed over shadowing duties to the Marine Nationale off the northwest coast of France, where the frigate FS Auvergne took up the mission.

The ship then returned immediately to the North Sea for a near carbon copy operation - this time with Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz as it approached Dover, picking up shadowing duties from the Belgian Navy, whose patrol vessel BNS Castor had kept watch up to that point.

The RAF was also called in to track a Tupolev Tu-95 bear strategic bomber flying near the UK.

Royal Navy warships have spent the past week closely shadowing the Russian Navy as four of its vessels sailed through the Channel and the North Sea, helping to protect national security

The Royal Navy said: 'The RAF jets were launched under NATO command and worked closely with our partners to monitor the aircraft as they passed through international airspace.

'Our Typhoon fighters escorted the aircraft out of the UK's Flight Information Region and at no time did the Russian aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace.'

Typhoons are part of the RAF's Quick Reaction Alert, which sees aircraft in Scotland and England at high-readiness 365 days a year ready to defend and protect UK airspace.

Throughout both journeys past the UK, the Russian warships and their support vessels were closely monitored by British forces to ensure they acted in a safe and non-threatening manner.

The journeys are permitted under international law in accordance with the right of innocent passage.

'These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we emerged from a period of intense training in July,' said Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke Commander David Armstrong.

'I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ship's company consistently display as they perform their duty.

'Maritime security operations of this nature are a fundamental capability of the Royal Navy, with the protection of our sovereign waters and critical national infrastructure a key focus.'

Russia has, meanwhile, been carrying out war games with artillery firing in the Barents Sea as part of the largest naval exercise since the Cold War.

New drills included Northern Fleet forces launching Vulkan and Onyx cruise missiles against a simulated Western adversary in the Arctic sea off the northern coasts of Norway and Russia.

Those drills involved the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov and Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft. Separately, Tu-22M3 bombers struck an 'enemy' ship group.

Artillery firing at a sea target was carried out by the Russian Northern Fleet's ship strike group, including the frigates Admiral Kasatonov and Admiral Golovko.

Naval drills were also underway in the Caspian Sea.
Sri Lanka to lift restrictions on vehicle imports next Feb: Minister

Colombo, Sep 13 (UNI) Sri Lanka plans to lift all vehicle import bans and restrictions by February 2025, according to its Minister of Foreign Affairs and Justice, M U M Ali Sabry.

In a post on X, the minister said, With the significant improvement in forex reserves and the strength of the rupee, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to lift all vehicle import ban/restrictions by February 2025. This decision is part of our ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the economy and meet the needs of our people.

Sri Lanka introduced import restrictions on many goods, and banned vehicle imports, due to a foreign exchange crisis in 2022, an English newsportal, the EconomyNext, reported.
Canadian parents are outraged after their 14-year-old daughter was bumped from a flight due to a 'weight imbalance' that left her without help and stranded.

Camryn Larkan, 14, of Victoria, British Columbia, was traveling home from Toronto after visiting a friend when she was suddenly asked by a flight attendant to grab her bags and exit the aircraft.

'I was kind of just like really confused,' she told CBC. 'I thought I was coming back to my seat. I thought that they were just going to take my bags. As soon as I got off the plane and I saw that the door had closed, that's when I started to get really anxious.'

She learned she and several others had been removed due to a weight imbalance as no volunteers offered to give up their seats on the flight.

The young girl was rebooked on a flight the next day and left to fend for herself.

'I was completely shocked, confused,' her mother, Catherine Larkan, told CBC. 'I was very worried about her.'

Camryn Larkan, 14, of Victoria, (right, with her mother) was traveling home from Toronto after visiting a friend when she was suddenly asked by a flight attendant to grab her bags and exit the aircraft

'I thought I was coming back to my seat. I thought that they were just going to take my bags. As soon as I got off the plane and I saw that the door had closed, that's when I started to get really anxious,' she said

Luckily, the teenager's father was in Toronto and had been the one to drop her off at the airport and was able to return to take her back in for the night.

'I'm just glad that my dad was there because if he wasn't I would have been alone,' the teen told CBC.

Porter Airlines, on the other hand, said they were not aware Camryn was a minor as her parents had not opted to pay the $100 service fee to have their daughter accompanied.

The policy is mandatory for those eight to 11, but anyone between 12 and 17 have the 'option to purchase the unaccompanied minor service,' according to the airline. It also guarantees the minor will not be involuntarily kicked off the flight.

Those who opt not to pay the fee then have their child viewed as an 'independent adult' that are subjected to 'adult passenger situations, such as the weight and balance and offloading situation experience,' a spokesperson told CBC.

The Larkans said they were unaware the service existed, but regardless, Catherine thinks things need to change.

'They put my child in imminent danger,' she told the outlet. 'It was completely negligent and it shouldn't happen to any other minor.

Porter Airlines said they were not aware Camryn was a minor as her parents had not opted to pay the $100 service fee to have their daughter accompanied. The unaccompanied minor service guarantees the child will not be involuntarily deplaned

'They're providing a service saying we know these people are at-risk and they're saying if you don't [pay for] the service, you're treated as any other adult passenger traveling. It's just absolutely ludicrous.'

The airline said those deplaned were chosen based on 'fare type.' It is unclear what fare the Larkans opted for Camryn.

Duncan Dee, former chief operating officer at Air Canada, said airlines sometimes have to remove passengers or cargo depending on the flight plan or weather conditions, among other reasons.

He also said there's an 'order of precedence' when it comes to selecting who gets the boot, although he did not elaborate on what the order was.

Porter Airlines said it has contacted the Larkans and is looking into ways to reduce the possibility of similar situations from happening again.
A seven-year-old girl turned 'yellow' when she came down with what holidaymakers at a four-star hotel resort in Turkey believe to be a vicious stomach bug.

Sade Ingram, 32, claimed her daughter Phoebe was one of '28 cases' of guests at the Club Mermaid Village being struck down by the illness, which she thought was going to kill the youngster.

The resort is in Alanya, a town on Turkey's south coast which is a popular among sun seekers, and apparently costs more than 2,500 for a ten-night stay.

Guests have created a WhatsApp group to keep track of the suspected illness spreading through the resort while they lock themselves away in their rooms to either avoid catching anything, or look after themselves.

One guest alleged there had been '28 cases' of a feared bacterial or gastroenteritis bug in the hotel, while Ms Ingram said: 'We have all had [it].'

An 'abundance' of ambulances have been stationed outside the Club Mermaid Village resort in Turkey, where holidaymakers are reportedly feeling the effects of a vicious 'gastro bug'

The resort is in Alanya (stock image above), a town on Turkey's south coast which is a popular among sun seekers, and apparently costs more than 2,500 for a ten-night stay

Ms Ingram, who is also on holiday with a nine-year-old daughter, told the Manchester Evening News that both her and her seven-year-old were treated in hospital after coming down with a 'gastro bug'.

The Sheffield native added that she thought her daughter was 'going to die', who even hallucinated because of how dehydrated she became.

She praised the hospital but suggested the two of them will not be the only Club Mermaid Village guests to have paid a visit, with ambulances supposedly a frequent sight at the hotel's entrance, as well as police.

Ms Ingram claimed that doctors have told the hotel it needs to introduce quarantine measures.

A number of guests revealed they have been holed up in their rooms eating packet noodles and other shop-bought food rather than the hotel's in an attempt to steer clear of the illness.

Ms Ingram said some staff at the resort fell ill themselves, but continued to serve food, and added that her family's room is yet to be cleaned since they were sick.

Another family said they spent roughly 2,500 on a ten-day stay at the resort for five of them.

Ceri George, 36, from Oldham, revealed her and her husband's eight-month-old baby has a weakened immune system, and the three of them - alongside the couple's nine-year-old daughter and teenage stepdaughter - have spent four days and counting in their room.

Police have also visited the Club Mermaid Village resort after guests and staff fell ill

The Club Mermaid Village resort in the southern Turkish town of Alanya

Ms George booked the getaway through loveholidays, who have said they will be launching an investigation.

Ms Ingram booked through On The Beach, who commented: 'We're sorry that the Ingram family have felt unwell on holiday. We take all claims of sickness seriously and are investigating with the hotel.

'Separately, we have offered a gesture of goodwill to reflect some of the hotel issues identified, and we're sorry for the inconvenience caused. This offer has been accepted.'

MailOnline have contacted the hotel for comment.
Holy crap!

Shoppers at Costco were shocked to find they can snag a handy free sample of the store's signature toilet paper.

Users on TikTok and Reddit revealed that they were able get their hands on a free roll of TP while combing the megastore's aisles.

One TikToker called it 'the weirdest yet most useful sample' she's ever gotten at the store, in a video she recorded at a Costco in Kirkland, Washington this week.

It's unclear how many rolls a Costco customer can take from the store, though they each come wrapped in a plastic bag.

Another TikTok user filmed himself grabbing a roll late last year, saying, 'only at Costco.'

Costoc shoppers were shocked to find they can snag a handy free sample of the store's signature toilet paper

A TikTok user called it 'the weirdest yet most useful sample' she's ever gotten at the store

Costco's Kirkland brand Ultra Soft Premium Bath Tissue comes in a pack of 36 rolls and costs $25 on the store's website, though the Washington shopper found hers selling for $21.99.

The product has a nearly five-star rating online.

'It's strong, soft enough, and very effective. The rolls are 4.5 inches wide too, which is wider than most other tissue on the market,' one reviewer wrote.

But not everyone is happy with the tissue.

'I don't know what has happened to Costco's Kirkland brand, but at least with their toilet paper it has become horrible and not worth buying,' another reviewer wrote in June.

'I don't know if they changed manufacturer or they cheapened out totally, but this brand and their toilet paper is a horrible reflection on Costco's image and reputation.'

A 36 pack of Kirkland Signature Ultra Soft Premium Bath Tissue is available for $25 on the Costco website

Users on Reddit users joked about the sample, with one writing that Costco would be 'holding gold' had it been the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when shoppers clamored to stock up the household item.

TikTokers also wrote comments recalling the pandemic, with one calling the free sample America's 'collective pandemic dream.'

'I was wondering why a handful of people were pushing their carts around with a single roll of toilet paper,' another commenter wrote.

Yet another added: 'Okay no wonder my mom came home with that sample. I was so confused.'
Ex-British Army soldier Daniel Khalife appeared in court today accused of escaping from Wandsworth prison by strapping himself to the underneath of a food truck.

The 22-year-old had been in jail on terrorism charges after allegedly plotting a fake bomb hoax at his army barracks at MoD Stafford and a charge of passing material to the Iranian Intelligence Services.

Khalife is said to have broken out of HMP Wandsworth last 6 September by using bed sheets to strap himself to the underside of a food delivery truck, which sparked a 75-hour manhunt.

He was arrested three days later on a canal towpath in Northolt, west London, after he was pulled off a bike by a plainclothes counter-terrorism officer.

Khalife appeared in the dock at the Old Bailey today wearing a light blue shirt and glasses to observe the hearing, which he later removed.

Ex-British Army soldier Daniel Khalife appeared at the Old Bailey today accused of escaping from Wandsworth prison by strapping himself to the underneath of a food truck

The 22-year-old had been in jail on terrorism charges after allegedly plotting a fake bomb hoax at his army barracks at MoD Stafford and a charge of passing material to the Iranian Intelligence Services

His eight-week trial before Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb is due to begin next month at Woolwich Crown Court.

British-born Khalife, who has Iranian and Lebanese heritage, was on remand at Wandsworth Prison ahead of his trial for breaching the Official Secrets Act and an alleged bomb hoax offence at his barracks.

He allegedly left three canisters with wires on his desk in his accommodation at MOD Stafford, also known as Beacon Barracks, on 2 January, 2023.

Khalife is also accused of committing an act prejudicial to the interests or safety of the state by collecting information that might be useful to an enemy between 1 May 2019 and 6 January 2022.

A third charge alleges he elicited information about soldiers from the MoD Joint Personnel Administration System at the barracks that was likely to be useful to commit an act of terrorism on 2 August 2021.

He also denies escape, contrary to common law.

Prosecutor Thomas Williams earlier said that on the morning of 6 September, Wandsworth prison notified police that Khalife was missing.

He had been working in the jail kitchen and 'there were suspicions he had disappeared via a food delivery truck.'

The court heard police intercepted the delivery truck at 8.40am on Upper Richmond Road.

Police found two makeshift straps, made from material thought to be from bed sheets, with clips on each end attached to the underside of the vehicle.

Mr Williams said: 'There was a four-day manhunt of 150 police officers per day, using resources from other police forces and government agencies.'

Khalife had been working in the kitchen of HMP Wandsworth and 'there were suspicions he had disappeared via a food delivery truck' on 6 September 2023

The court heard Khalife was arrested at 10.41am on 9 September after a plain clothed officer in an unmarked vehicle received reports Khalife had been spotted on a bicycle.

Khalife had in his possession a small amount of money, clothes and a mobile phone.

He returns to Woolwich Crown Court on 7 October.
A pro-Palestine protester who joked about being deported for wearing a Hamas T-shirt at a demonstration has been given a community order.

Shenissa Govanni wore a black and white T-shirt displaying an image of one of the proscribed organisation's spokespeople, Abu Obaida, at the central London march on February 17.

The 29-year-old, of Bristol, pleaded guilty last month to wearing the item 'in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion' that she was supporting Hamas.

She was sentenced to an 18-month community order comprising 30 days of rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours of unpaid work at Westminster Magistrates' Court today.

District Judge Daniel Sternberg told Govanni: 'It is clear you knew well what image was being displayed on your T-shirt and you chose to wear it that day.'

Shenissa Govanni is detained while taking part in a pro-Palestine march in central London, organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign on February 17

The 29-year-old, of Bristol, pleaded guilty last month to wearing the item 'in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion' that she was supporting Hamas

He said messages she sent days before the protest 'make clear that you knew the T-shirt was or could be interpreted as a pro-Hamas garment'.

Four days before the protest, on February 13, she asked one of her contacts whether they thought she would get in trouble for wearing an Abu Obaida T-shirt.

The court heard she sent an image of the piece of clothing and asked: 'Will I be deported for this?'

When the person she was messaging asked what was wrong with it, Govanni replied: 'It's pro-Hamas lmao (laughing my a** off) have you met white people?'

Nour Haidar, defending, argued that the text messages should be contextualised, saying: 'Ms Govanni was expressing a view to a friend and family member in a private conversation.

'She has said that she said this jokingly and that is indicated by her use of the words 'lmao'.'

Ms Haidar said there was no evidence of what Govanni had posted on social media.

The barrister continued: 'The reason she wore the T-shirt was with the intention of protesting against the cycle of violence in the Middle East.'

Govanni was originally arrested in connection with a cardboard sign she carried at the February rally

She added that other messages showed Govanni was 'extremely distressed' by the 'level of harm and suffering' in the region, and said the defendant is someone who was 'struggling to make sense of a war'.

The court heard that on December 15 last year she wrote in one message: 'I can't even hold my nephew without crying because of how many babies just like him are dead now.

'I have been in a weird daze since October to be honest.'

In another message she said: 'We're literally seeing an entire country being wiped out and we're meant to carry on like normal.'

Govanni was originally arrested in connection with a cardboard sign she carried at the February rally which read 'long live the Intifada' on one side and '85 per cent of Hamas soldiers are orphans' on the other, the court heard.

At Hammersmith police station, she made a prepared statement in which she insisted the sign was 'not supportive of Hamas, nor am I a supporter of Hamas'.

She added: 'I consider it sick to support what Hamas did to innocent people.

'I condemn anyone who takes satisfaction at loss of civilian life.'

Govanni added that the sign was 'intended as a protest against the cycle of violence that has existed in the Middle East for a long time' and 'a critique of the way in which war simply perpetuates itself in the region'.

'I would like to see peace for all and no more needless death,' she said in the prepared statement.

In the investigation that followed, it was identified that Govanni had worn a T-shirt with Abu Obaida's image on it.

As a result, police examined her mobile phone, the court was told.

The court heard that on October 28 last year Govanni sent a message in which she said: 'I don't condemn Hamas and I never will.'

On December 14, she made reference in a message to her 'pro-Hamas content'.

The pre-sentence report did not assess Govanni's actions as having been aimed at gaining widespread support for Hamas, the court heard.

'She has accepted her error of judgment and is deeply remorseful,' Ms Haidar said.

The judge accepted that there was no evidence before the court of harm being caused to anyone as a result of Govanni wearing the T-shirt in question.

In sentencing her, he took into account positive references to Govanni's character, how her mental health suffered after the arrest and the online abuse she received following news of her arrest, which Ms Haidar said 'had a serious and profound impact on her'.

Govanni was ordered to pay costs of 85 and a victim surcharge of 114.
German parents who murdered their disabled three-year-old in Switzerland by drugging her and suffocating her with a tea towel because 'she would never have a good life' were today handed eight years in prison.

The sentence, handed out this morning in Switzerland's Bremgarten District Court, concludes the tragic case that began in May of 2020 in the sleepy Swiss town of Haagglingen.

The parents, 32-year-old mother Emilie T. and Urs D., 34, decided to administer what they thought would be a lethal concoction of baby milk and strawberry puree mixed with a gram of MDMA - otherwise known as ecstasy - and a sleeping pill to their severely disabled daughter Sophie.

Their three-year-old suffered from cerebral palsy, was unable to walk or speak, and endured frequent seizures.

Unable to watch their daughter suffer, the parents took matters into their own hands - but the cocktail of drugs left the child twitching and writhing for over an hour.

Concerned that the overdose was not enough to end her life, the child's father forced a teatowel over Sophie's nose and mouth before pressing his hand down over her face and smothering her to death.

The next morning, the couple called the local emergency services and feigned innocence, claiming they had found their daughter dead in her crib.

The sentence, handed out this morning in Switzerland's Bremgarten District Court, concludes the tragic case that began in May of 2020

According to Bremgarten court documents, Sophie's parents were overwhelmed by her condition and considered her a 'burden'.

The court heard how the couple took their child's life into their own hands out of frustration and impatience, rather than seeking out professional help.

As time went on, they began withdrawing their daughter from hospital appointments and refused suggested medical interventions that could have eased her suffering.

During their trial this week, the prosecution revealed the couple had cancelled an important surgery to insert a gastric tube that could have fed their child with minimal pain, falsely informing doctors that their daughter's eating habits had improved.

Prosecutors described their actions as 'cruel and insidious', noting that the child's death struggle lasted for around an hour.

It was also revealed that the couple had attempted to kill their daughter using narcotic substances in the months prior to the fatal incident.

After initially pretending they had found their daughter dead, Sophie's parents ultimately confessed, arguing they had 'redeemed' the child by ending her suffering.

'She suffered from her own life,' Emilie T. said in a bombshell interview with Swiss newspaper Aargauer Zeitung.

'She would never have been better off. She would never have been able to lead a good life.'

Prosecutors revealed in the trial that Urs D. had conducted searches on 'what would be the most humane and painless way' to end his daughter's suffering.

The parents had also reportedly prepared Sophie's bottle with MDMA and sleeping pills twice before without giving it to her.

'I couldn't do it. She's my little girl. It's not something you just do,' Emilie T. said.

They ultimately followed through with their plan on the evening of May 6, 2020, and called the authorities the next morning.

The parents had also reportedly prepared Sophie's bottle with MDMA and sleeping pills twice before without giving it to her

The case took another dark turn with the involvement of the child's maternal grandmother, 53, who was charged with aiding and abetting the murder.

Prosecutors had initially sought 18-year prison sentences for both parents, along with a 15-year expulsion from Switzerland, and a five-year sentence for the grandmother.

Investigators claimed she had been aware of the couple's plan and had emotionally supported them in their decision.

But the court ultimately sentenced the parents to eight years each for the murder, and opted to acquit the grandmother on all charges.

Swiss ethics experts told 20Minutten that, although the parents felt they were acting in their daughter's best interests, the murder conviction was justified.

'The dignity of every person is inviolable, regardless of their state of health,' former ethics lecturer Thomas Grobly said.

'There is no such thing as an undignified life, even the greatest suffering cannot impair dignity.'

Ruth Baumann-Holzle from the Dialog Ethik Foundation added: 'There are many people with cerebral palsy who lead fulfilling lives. Most of them are also capable of making their own decisions.'

'(Killing the girl) is active euthanasia and that is prohibited in Switzerland.'
The adult prison population dropped by more than 2,000 in the week that the Government freed hundreds of inmates early, official figures revealed today.

Some 86,333 prisoners were behind bars in England and Wales today, according to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) - down 2,188 on the 88,521 at the end of last week.

One week ago the number of inmates being held hit another new record high amid the jail overcrowding crisis, indicating the population fell by 2 per cent in seven days.

The Government said about 1,750 prisoners were freed early on Tuesday from jails across the two nations, suggesting a further 438 also left under standard release.

The drop means the operational capacity for English and Welsh men and women's prisons is 89,552, indicating there is now cell space for 3,219 criminals.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph reported today that some prisoners released on Tuesday have already been recalled to jail - with the first within just 36 hours of getting out.

Most are understood to have been recalled for breaching their licence conditions which restrict where they can travel, where they can live and who they can meet.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Inmate Stuart Bennett dances in the street after being released from HMP Leeds on Tuesday

People spray a man with sparkling wine after he walked out of HMP Nottingham on Tuesday

Ex-Hollywood actor Jason Hoganson, 53, who was let out of HM Prison Durham on Tuesday, has 109 previous convictions and was most recently jailed last month for domestic violence

Separate figures also published by the MoJ today illustrated how almost every prison in England and Wales only had a handful of spaces free at the end of last month.

POPULATION AND CAPACITY IN JAILS PRISON OPERATIONAL CAPACITY POPULATION Altcourse 1194 1160 Ashfield 412 410 Askham Grange 128 101 Aylesbury 402 396 Bedford 421 371 Belmarsh 773 700 Berwyn 2000 1976 Birmingham 997 972 Brinsford 569 539 Bristol 580 575 Brixton 798 751 Bronzefield 557 525 Buckley Hall 469 463 Bullingdon 1112 1072 Bure 643 640 Cardiff 774 739 Channings Wood 746 733 Chelmsford 723 710 Coldingley 513 511 Cookham Wood 70 60 Dartmoor (temporarily shut) 0 0 Deerbolt 425 420 Doncaster 1165 1162 Dovegate 1160 1148 Downview 356 303 Drake Hall 340 328 Durham 985 973 East Sutton Park 100 100 Eastwood Park 430 373 Elmley 1043 1009 Erlestoke 512 510 Exeter 318 301 Featherstone 687 672 Feltham 591 580 Five Wells 1761 1722 Ford 349 339 Forest Bank 1470 1452 Fosse Way 1769 1755 Foston Hall 324 286 Frankland 846 819 Full Sutton 594 573 Garth 845 820 Gartree 599 580 Grendon / Springhill 520 504 Guys Marsh 511 501 Hatfield 358 356 Haverigg 499 497 Hewell 1090 979 High Down 1203 1162 Highpoint (North and South) 1310 1292 Hindley 600 596 Hollesley Bay 655 635 Holme House 1179 1155 Hull 1042 1027 Humber 1079 1062 Huntercombe 520 513 Isis 628 619 Isle of Wight 1101 1081 Kirkham 699 677 Kirklevington Grange 207 205 Lancaster Farms 560 553 Leeds 1110 1103 Leicester 321 310 Lewes 620 598 Leyhill 460 460 Lincoln 664 651 Lindholme 904 896 Littlehey 1234 1231 Liverpool 840 820 Long Lartin 607 571 Low Newton 298 271 Lowdham Grange 888 866 Maidstone 612 599 Manchester 704 641 Moorland 1097 1080 Morton Hall 353 351 New Hall 381 353 North Sea Camp 300 295 Northumberland 1296 1289 Norwich 792 755 Nottingham 950 940 Oakwood 2134 2107 Onley 736 734 Parc 1825 1805 Pentonville 1205 1183 Peterborough 1316 1252 Portland 538 527 Preston 680 671 Ranby 1123 1111 Risley 1042 1013 Rochester 766 749 Rye Hill 664 664 Send 255 247 Stafford 753 748 Standford Hill 464 464 Stocken 1211 1118 Stoke Heath 782 770 Styal 454 405 Sudbury 641 612 Swaleside 964 936 Swansea 452 426 Swinfen Hall 624 614 Thameside 1232 1206 The Mount 1039 1024 The Verne 608 610 Thorn Cross 429 422 Usk / Prescoed 536 488 Wakefield 750 740 Wandsworth 1538 1520 Warren Hill 267 266 Wayland 920 899 Wealstun 908 879 Werrington 118 93 Wetherby 288 151 Whatton 856 850 Whitemoor 458 451 Winchester 649 630 Woodhill 454 396 Wormwood Scrubs 1280 1267 Wymott 1192 1179

Some were completely full or even over-capacity, according to MoJ data recorded on August 30.

Leyhill category D jail in Gloucestershire had a population of 460 which was the same size as its operational capacity.

And category C prison The Verne in Dorset reported a population of 610 while its capacity was 608.

An additional 1,350 cell spaces tend to always be kept free above the overall operational capacity of the prison estate in England and Wales as a contingency measure.

This is intended so jails can cope with a sudden influx of inmates or change in the make-up of the prison population, according to the MoJ.

An MoJ spokeswoman told MailOnline today: 'The new Government inherited prisons on the point of collapse. If that had happened, courts would have ground to a halt and police would have been unable to make arrests.

'This is a short-term measure to address the immediate crisis but is only the first step to rebuild our justice system, which must include building new prisons and reducing reoffending.'

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended freeing criminals - including some convicted killers - early from prison as he angrily blamed previous government inaction for forcing him into taking urgent steps to tackle the problem.

This week's mass exodus marked the policy - announced by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood in July - coming into force and sees the proportion of sentences which some inmates must serve behind bars temporarily cut from 50 per cent to 40 per cent amid Government warnings jails were being pushed to the 'point of collapse'.

Pictures emerged of an inmate being sprayed with bubbly by friends at the prison gates as they were released while ministers faced accusations that serious career criminals were among those walking free when the policy was launched.

Criminals serving prison sentences of less than four years for violent offences, including manslaughter, are among those eligible to be freed under the scheme.

Among those pictured walking free were fallen Hollywood actor Jason Hoganson, who was released early from serving an 18-month jail sentence at HMP Durham after reportedly beating his ex-girlfriend in the street.

According to court reports, Hoganson - who had a leading role in 1987 film Empire State - was sentenced after admitting assault by beating and breach of a restraining order and has accumulated 109 convictions after turning to drink and drugs.

On Wednesday, it emerged Lawson Natty, 19, who was jailed for 32 months in March after being cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter, is eligible for the early release scheme and could leave prison within weeks.

This is because only prisoners convicted of manslaughter who have been sentenced to more than four years in jail are excluded from the early release scheme. Murderers are not eligible as they have to serve mandatory life sentences.

Natty was among a group of teenagers who ended up in court after the death of 14-year-old Gordon Gault, who was stabbed in the arm with a machete in Newcastle in 2022 amid violence between two rival gangs stoked by drill music. Natty supplied the weapon used in the attack after buying it online.

He faces deportation when his time in prison comes to an end, meaning he could then be moved to an immigration detention centre and held there while he awaits his removal from the country.

The Home Office said it is committed to deporting foreign criminals at the earliest opportunity but would not confirm whether this will happen to Natty as the department does not comment on individual cases.

If he is not taken from prison to detention, this may mean he could be released on licence. Even while held in detention, there are some circumstances in which he could be granted immigration bail.

Others due to be released under the scheme include Adam Andrews, who was jailed for three years after being convicted of grievous bodily harm without intent for reportedly shaking a baby so violently he was left blind, paralysed and now needs round-the-clock care. He is eligible to be freed early because his sentence for a violent offence involves a prison term of less than four years.

Despite Government efforts to prevent domestic abusers from leaving prison early, the restrictions will not apply to all criminals with a history of such violence as the policy only excludes particular offences such as stalking.

Attackers convicted of other crimes such as threats to kill or actual bodily harm could still qualify for early release.

Rioters involved in this summer's unrest are also not specifically excluded from early release. They will only stay behind bars for longer if they are serving more than four years for a violent offence.

But terrorists and sex offenders are excluded and will not be freed early.

The MoJ said 93 per cent of manslaughter sentences handed down in 2022 and 2023 were longer than four years.

Prisons watchdog Charlie Taylor warned it was 'inevitable' some prisoners released early would reoffend and end up back behind bars under the 'risky' scheme.

MPs were told some of the prisoners who find themselves homeless on release could be temporarily placed in taxpayer-funded budget hotels if there is not enough space in bail hostels and other community accommodation typically used for offenders.

The Government said it will review the changes after 18 months.

Yesterday, the House of Lords heard during a debate on challenges on prison capacities that foreign national prisoners would be 'closer to home' in cells in Estonia.

Conservative peer Lord Farmer also said that moving prisoners from British jails to Estonia would 'give us more space'.

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 MoJ on the importance of families and other relationships to prisoners' rehabilitation.

Tareen Shakil hugs his mother as he leaves prison in Birmingham on Tuesday, six weeks early after serving half of a four-year sentence for drug related offences

Newly released convicted thief and shoplifter Connor Charlesworth, 24, from Chesterfield, stole 480 of jewellery from his girlfriend's grandparents when he was house-sitting for them

Ben Griffin, who was jailed for assault and assault on a police officer, pumps his fists as he celebrates being released early from HMP Nottingham on Tuesday

People released from HMP Pentonville in North London on Tuesday as prisoners get out early

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 per cent less likely to reoffend than those who don't have them.

Prisons overcrowding crisis: Why criminals are getting out early What is happening and why? Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans in July to temporarily cut the proportion of sentences inmates must serve behind bars from 50% to 40% as the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said overcrowding had pushed jails to the 'point of collapse'. Downing Street said the policy had to be brought in to avoid 'unchecked criminality' where the police and courts are unable to lock anyone up. When will prisoners be released? Around 1,700 were freed on Tuesday, with a similar number also anticipated to be freed in October. What criminals are being freed? The Government said the policy will not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or some violent offences. But campaigners and charities warned that the scheme may come at the expense of women and children's safety, while others raised concerns that it would push probation services to breaking point. Last month it emerged rioters were among those who could end up spending less time behind bars as the Government confirmed those involved in recent unrest would not be excluded from the early release plans. This is despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly insisting perpetrators of the violence would feel the 'full force of the law'. While there is no specific exclusion for rioters, those convicted of serious violence and serve sentences of four years and over, or a terrorism offence, will be excluded, officials said. Do prisoners get support after jail? As inmates near the end of their time behind bars, they are meant to be given help to prepare for life outside prison which includes advice on finding somewhere to live, getting a job and looking after money. They are meant to be offered extra support if they have drug or alcohol addictions, are sex workers or victims of domestic violence. Prisoners are given a release grant as they leave which is intended to help them pay for essentials and transport. The payment of 89.52 was previously known as the discharge grant and now called the subsistence payment. But at less than 100, many charities consider this sum insufficient. Depending on their circumstances, they may also be offered other benefits and state financial support. The terms of their licence may specify where they can and cannot live. It will also set out how regularly they need to check in with probation supervisors or support workers. Some will be required to live in bail hostels and other approved community accommodation first, or in the absence of secure, approved private residences if they do not have a home to go to. Charities and watchdogs have warned how some released prisoners often end up homeless and this can increase the risk of them reoffending. The Justice Secretary said homeless prisoners released early could temporarily be put up in budget hotels at the tax payers' expense. What happens if they re-offend? If prisoners breach their licence conditions - a set of rules which they must adhere too once out of jail typically including restrictions on their movements and who they speak to - they could find themselves back behind bars. This is called being recalled to custody. Depending on the breach, if they have committed another crime, they could be investigated by the police and prosecuted so could end up back in court, facing more time behind bars. Anyone recalled to prison has to be considered for release by the Parole Board before they can be freed again. Will this solve overcrowding issues? No, it will only ease capacity problems in the short term. Prison figures have warned the move will only buy time for about a year before the same issue could be faced again so there are calls for longer term strategies to address the number of people being held behind bars. This could include reforming sentencing rules so some criminals avoid jail altogether, particularly for crimes considered low level or not as severe and those which may attract shorter prison terms. Advertisement

'HMPPS (HM Prison & Probation Service) are very mindful of closeness to family when selecting which prisoners to send abroad.

'28 per cent 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.'

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.'

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 don't have to be a statistical genius to work out that there's some kind of causal connection here.'

Baroness Burt raised the rise in self-harm and assault on prisons which, combined with overcrowding, 'mean that there's not enough space or resources to make a prisoner's 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 MoJ's 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.'

On Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer lashed out at former prime minister Rishi Sunak in the Commons, repeating claims he had no choice but to cut the amount of time prisoners would serve behind bars amid urgent efforts to tackle the jail overcrowding crisis.

His comments were in response to accusations from Reform UK's leader that Sir Keir was presiding over a two-tier justice system.

Nigel Farage described 'some extraordinary celebratory scenes outside Britain's prisons, where in some cases serious career criminals were released' after pictures emerged of an inmate being sprayed with bubbly by friends as they left jail.

At Prime Minister's Questions, he added: 'This to make way for, yes, rioters, but equally those who have said unpleasant things on Facebook and elsewhere on social media.

'Does the Prime Minister understand there is a growing feeling of anger in this country that we are living through two-tier policing and a two-tier justice system?'

Sir Keir hit back, telling 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.'

Referring to reports on Mr Chalk's pleas to enact the scheme when in post, he said the former justice secretary 'said if we don't do it we will have to get down on our knees and pray'.

Police chiefs also 'made it absolutely clear' to Mr Sunak before the election that he 'needed to take action', he said - in reference to a letter police chiefs sent him in June urging him to put the plan in motion immediately as prison overcrowding was hampering officers' ability to do their jobs.

'That's how bad it was. He (Mr Sunak) delayed and increased the risks,' Sir Keir added.
President Joe Biden has signaled a new openness to allowing Ukraine to send long-range missiles into Russia amid a warning from Vladimir Putin that such a move would lead to 'war.'

Biden is expected to discuss the issue with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer when the two men meet at the White House this afternoon.

American officials told CNN that they did not expect an immediate sign off from Biden on allowing US-provided Army Tactical Missile Systems  known as ATACMS  to be launched on targets inside Russia.

But the United Kingdom has sent its own long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Kyiv. Their use, along with use of similar weapons from France, is currently limited to within Ukraine.

A change in that policy will require U.S. sign-off, which is what Biden and Starmer will be discussing in their meeting today.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the British ambassador's residence in Washington

Putin has upped the stakes, warning NATO leaders that lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of the long-range missiles would be considered an act of war.

'This will mean that NATO countries  the United States and European countries  are at war with Russia. And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the essence of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will be posed to us,' Putin told reporters in Russia yesterday.

He said he would follow such a move with 'appropriate decisions.'

Starmer shrugged off Putin's threat.

Speaking to reporters en route to Washington DC, the British PM insisted the Russian leader started the war in Ukraine and could end the fighting 'straight away'.

'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,' Sir Keir said.

He added: 'Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away.

'Ukraine has the right to self-defence, and obviously we've been absolutely fully supportive of Ukraine's right to self-defence, providing training capabilities.

'But we don't seek any conflict with Russia, that's not our intention in the slightest. But they started this conflict, and Ukraine's got a right to self-defence.'

For his part, Biden has long resisted calls from Ukrainian officials to ease restrictions on the use of the missiles.

But as the war continues - and concern grows about Iran supplying Russia with ballistic missiles - a change in strategy is being considered.

'We're working that out right now,' Biden said earlier this week when asked whether he would allow Western missiles to target military sites inside Russia.

President Joe Biden is considering whether to allow Western missiles to be fired into Russia

Vladimir Putin warned that Ukraine using Western missiles in Russia would lead to 'war'

Your browser does not support iframes.

The New York Times reported, citing European officials, that the United States looks set to approve the use by Ukraine of long range missiles against targets in Russia on the condition that the weapons were not those provided by the United States.

Asked about the concerns of escalation, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that they are one factor, but 'certainly not the only factor.'

He said the U.S. is always willing to adjust its strategy to help Ukraine.

'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,' Blinken said at a news conference in Kyiv.

No formal announcement of a decision is expected on Friday after the two leaders meet.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy suggested discussions could continue beyond Friday, tempering expectations of a solid announcement from Starmer's Washington visit.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy (right) meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv

Ukrainian soldier in a mortar unit prepares to fire a missile

There are other items on the agenda for Biden and Starmer's two-hour meeting.

Starmer said he was visiting Washington for 'strategic meetings to discuss Ukraine and to discuss the Middle East.' It's the Prime Minister's second meeting with Biden since his centre-Left Government was elected in July .

The war in the Middle East is expected to be discussed.

Britain last week diverged from the U.S. by suspending some arms exports to Israel because of the risk they could be used to break international law.

Biden and Starmer's meeting also comes before this month's annual meeting of global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly. Both men are expected to attend that gathering in New York.
The driver of a bus that crashed and cut short the lives 10 young passengers who had just attended a wedding will appeal against his sentence.

Brett Button, 59, was behind the wheel of the bus as it returned guests from the celebrations when it crashed in NSW's Hunter Valley on June 11 last year, killing 10 people and injuring 25 more.

On Friday, the NSW Supreme Court confirmed lawyers for Button filed an Intention to Appeal his maximum 32-year jail term sentence, which included a 24-year non-parole period, to the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal.

The Notice of Intention to Appeal to the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal is the first step in the appeals process.

This indicates Button's intention to challenge the sentence and was required to be made within four weeks of his punishment being handed down.

Button was sentenced on Wednesday afternoon before Judge Roy Ellis at Newcastle District Court. He will be eligible for release on parole on May 7, 2048.

Button was driving the guests from the reception held at the Wandin Valley Estate, two hours north of Sydney, back to Singleton at night in fog when the bus flipped at a roundabout at Greta.

The victims' families along with survivors were among those in the packed courtroom after 33 victim's impact statements were read in front of Button and the judge.

Brett Button, 59, was sentenced before Judge Roy Ellis at Newcastle District Court on Wednesday afternoon to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years beginning May 8

Andrew Scott, 35, his wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash

Button's sentence was reportedly met with cries of 'yes' and 'thank you' to the judge.

In sentencing, Judge Ellis said Button was under the influence of the opioid-based painkiller tramadol and had 'abandoned his responsibility' to his 35 passengers at the time of the crash.

'Words cannot adequately express the pain, anger, and sadness that permeated the first two days of these proceedings as victim impact statement after victim impact statement was read by and for absolutely distraught, depressed, and devastated family members' of the deceased and survivors, Judge Ellis said.

Judge Ellis said that in his 50 years in the justice system he had never 'dealt with, seen, or even read about a case that involved anywhere near the same extent of extraordinary devastation'.

'Surviving passengers described the trauma of their injuries and scenes of the crash, with unwanted memory of the carnage still present and easily triggered,' Judge Ellis told the court.

The court was told Button in addition to driving under the influence of the opioid tramadol, was engaging in risk-taking behaviour, and was driving too fast to be able to negotiate the roundabout.

Button was driving guests from a wedding reception at the Wandin Valley Estate, two hours north of Sydney back to Singleton on June 11, 2023 when the bus flipped at a roundabout at Greta

The Hunter Valley local took to the stand earlier, telling the survivors and families of his victims that he was 'ashamed' of what he had done and had 'committed the ultimate sin'.

'I can't forgive myself. I can't believe I caused this,' he said.

'I never intended to hurt anyone in my entire life, and now I have committed the ultimate sin.

'I have caused parents to have to bury their children ... I have done it to so many families.

'I hate myself and I want to disappear.'

The court was told Button had taken 'significantly more' than his prescribed dosage of tramadol, a short-relief and opioid-abused painkiller, on the day of the horrific crash.

Button (pictured) told the survivors and families of his victims that he was 'ashamed' of what he had done and had 'committed the ultimate sin'

The court was told Button had been taking tramadol since the 1990s and had been stood down in 2022 by a previous employer after a pain specialist ruled he was addicted to the painkiller.

Button earlier this year pleaded guilty to 19 charges, including 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and nine counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

At least 40 survivors and the families of victims gave evidence in court about the impact of the crash on their lives and the loss of loved ones during two emotional days.

Families of the victims, and the survivors had previously said they'd lost faith in the justice system after manslaughter charges were dropped against Button as part of a plea deal in for exchange for 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death.

Andrew Scott, 35, his wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash.
A man has been jailed after he drunkenly vandalised a memorial for murdered soldier Lee Rigby.

Said Aitabbou, 58, cruelly defaced the memorial tree which sits just metres away from where the soldier was hacked to death and run over by extremists in Woolwich, southeast London.

Witnesses saw Aitabbou ripping up flowers, smashing plant pots, and throwing poppy wreaths laid at the tree.

Police were called to the scene and he was arrested at around 1pm on Sunday, July 28, before being bundled into a police van.

Aitabbou, of Charlton, southeast London, later pleaded guilty to criminal damage - and on Thursday was sentenced to four months in prison.

Said Aitabbou, 58, has been jailed after he drunkenly vandalised a memorial for murdered soldier Lee Rigby. Here he is pictured being arrested on Sunday, July 28

Aitabbou, of Charlton, southeast London, later pleaded guilty to criminal damage - and on Thursday was sentenced to four months in prison

Deputy District Judge Balmain explained during the hearing at Bexley Magistrates' Court that prison time was necessary because the defendant was drunk, not on his medication, and had attacked a memorial.

Local man Connor Tuxford, 31, had spotted Aitabbou being escorted into a waiting police van before cleaning up the site himself.

The warehouse operative said previously: 'I went to pull out my phone as he was sitting on the floor with his legs crossed.

'He was clearly waiting for someone to notice him, for the attention.

'I was just walking back from work and I saw this guy ripping up all the flowers and smashing some jars.

'I went and cleaned up the memorial afterwards because no one else did.

'I didn't think much or anything of it but they started clapping me as I was doing it.'

Local, Connor Tuxford, had spotted Aitabbou being escorted into a waiting police van before cleaning up the site himself

Deputy District Judge Balmain explained during the hearing at Bexley Magistrates' Court that prison time was necessary because the defendant was drunk, not on his medication, and had attacked a memorial

Lee Rigby (pictured) was run over and attacked by Islamist extremists. Said Aitabbou was seen ripping up flowers, smashing plant pots, and throwing poppy wreaths laid at the tree

Rigby, of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was brutally murdered aged 25 in an horrific unprovoked attack outside Woolwich Barracks in May 2013.

Islamist extremists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale mowed him down in a car after they spotted him in a Help 4 Heroes top.

They then attacked him with knives and a meat cleaver.

Adebolajo was given a whole-life term and Adebowale was jailed for a minimum of 45 years.
Washington/New Delhi, Sep 12 (UNI) US President Joe Biden will host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, the White House said today.

President Biden looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan.

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 White House statement said.

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.

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, it said.

UNI RN
The cat-eating rumor that has been blowing up Springfield, Ohio, was first heard through a game of telephone before going viral through several different social media posts and making it to the debate stage.

Erika Lee, 35, admitted to NewsGuard that she heard the rumor of Haitian migrants eating cats in her town through her neighbor Kimberly Newton, who heard it through a friend, who heard it from the alleged cat owner.

'Warning to all about our beloved pets and those around us!!' Lee wrote on Springfield Ohio Crime and Information Facebook group.

'My neighbor informed me that her daughter's friend had lost her cat. One day she came home from work, as soon as she stepped out of her car, looked toward a neighbor's house, where Haitians live, and saw her cat hanging from a branch, like you'd do a deer for butchering, and they were carving it up to eat,' Lee wrote.

However, Lee's post was one of several about the horrifying alleged behavior; there was a US citizen, also within Ohio, who was arrested for eating a cat. Then, there was the post about a man carrying a dead goose in Dayton.

Erika Lee, 35, admitted to NewsGuard that she heard the rumor of Haitian migrants eating cats in her town through her neighbor Kimberly Newton (pictured), who heard it through a friend, who heard it from the alleged cat own.

The now-deleted post eventually landed on X (pictured) with Lee's name redacted

However, Lee's post was the one that circulated the widest.

'I've been told they are doing this to dogs, they have been doing it at Snyder Park with the ducks and geese, and I was told that last bit by Rangers and police. Please keep a close eye on these animals,' she added in her post.

The post has since been deleted, but not before it took off to national heights and even landed on the debate stage, where Republican nominee Donald Trump repeated the alarming claim.

Newton, when asked, said she was 'not sure Im the most credible source.'

'I dont actually know the person who lost the cat,' she told NewsGuard, a company that counters misinformation. 'I dont have any proof.'

She said the cat's owner was 'an acquaintance of a friend.' Newton originally heard it from her friend, who had heard it from a 'source that she had' before she told Lee, who then posted about it.

Newton also clarified that her source was not through her daughter, like Lee claimed.

The post blew up on September 5 after a person posted a screenshot to X with Lee's name redacted.

While city officials said they had no evidence that Springfield pets were in danger, locals say it's a problem online.

'In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community,' Springfield officials said.

Even Newton, when asked, even said she was 'not sure Im the most credible source.' The rumor eventually made it into the hands of JD Vance and Donald Trump (pictured: Springfield)

The post took off to national heights and even landed on the debate stage, where Republican nominee Donald Trump (pictured at debate) claimed the rumor as fact, despite moderators saying officials have found no evidence. The debate was broadcasted to 67million

The same day, vice president nominee JD Vance mentioned the rumor on his X account, writing: 'Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country. Where is our border czar?'

A day later, Trump would reiterated similar statements during the debate, which was broadcasted to 67 million Americans.

Lee was 'shocked' to see what she shared on Facebook make it all the way to the former president.

'Honestly, it blew me away,' she told NewsGuard. 'I didn't think that any of this would explode to the presidency.'

Despite her 15-minutes of fame, she says she hasn't 'really been following the news much on it at all.'

A different Springfield resident (pictured) claimed that Haitian migrants were decapitating ducks in public parks and eating them

Although Lee's claims are currently unproven, there was an Ohio woman, Allexis Ferrell, 27, who allegedly did eat her cat 172 miles away from Springfield in Canton

'Ive only really seen it like on Facebook, what things pop up on my news feed, or what other people have shared on things that they have read up on,' she said.

She also reiterated that all she was trying to do was inform people,' and wasn't saying 'Haitians as a whole [are] bad.'

In addition Lee's social media post, there were also people who posted articles about an Ohio woman who allegedly did eat her cat 172 miles away from Springfield in Canton.

Allexis Ferrell, 27, was found with 'fur on her lips and blood on her hands' when police were called by shocked neighbors in the town of Canton on August 16.

'Officers were able to determine that Ferrell had smashed the cat's head with her foot and then began to eat the cat,' police wrote in their report.

The first claims about pets being eaten over in Springfield were raised at a city commission meeting on July 30.

One aggrieved man made the claim during meeting to address the influx of legal Haitian immigrants - which has revitalized the local economy, but also sparked controversy among locals.

'I really challenge you guys to get out here and do something,' he told the meeting. 'These Haitians are running into trash cans, running into buildings, they're flipping cars in the middle of the streets.

'They're in the park, grabbing up ducks by their neck, and cutting their head off and walking off with them. They're eating them.'

The viral claim also featured a photograph of a man appearing to hold a large bird walking down the street, a picture which originated in Columbus, Ohio. It was just a goose.

Furious locals used the forum to voice their feelings about the 15,000 Haitians who have arrived on Temporary Protected Status since 2020.

The viral claims began with a photograph of a man appearing to hold a large bird walking down the street. They spread online, with many linking them to the Springfield scandal

The town of Springfield has been a flashpoint in the debate over immigration ever since droves of Haitian migrants arrived in the city in 2020 to fill jobs vacancies.

Willing to do the blue-collar jobs locals were unenthusiastic about, the Haitians, who were already in the country legally, moved to the town.

Within a few years, 20,000 immigrants arrived, swelling Springfield's population, which was only 58,000 in 2020.

The Haitians had social security numbers and job permits, paid taxes, and lived in houses that were empty and boarded up as the town shrank.

The immigrants are there legally and eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status, according to an Immigration FAQ page on the city's website, which says the total immigration population in Clark County is an estimated 12,000 to 15,000.
BBC presenter Jay Blades has been charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife, police confirmed today.

Blades, 54, appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court this morning after being charged by West Mercia Police with one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

According to court documents, the charge relates to his fitness instructor wife Lisa Zbozen, who said on Instagram in May that their relationship was over. The couple married in the grounds of a beachfront villa in Barbados on November 22, 2022.

The charge sheet against Blades revealed the charges related to a period between January 1, 2023  just 40 days after their wedding - and September 12 this year.

The presenter, who fronts primetime show The Repair Shop, will appear at Worcester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 11.

Also today, Buckinghamshire New University revealed Blades had resigned from his role as its chancellor 'with immediate effect', having been appointed in May 2022.

Jay Blades (left) has been charged with offences against his estranged wife Lisa Zbozen (right)

BBC presenter Jay Blades is pictured driving near Ironbridge in Shropshire on May 23

Blades's wife Lisa Zbozen, a fitness instructor, posted this photograph on Instagram yesterday

Jay Blades and Lisa Zbozen married at a beachfront villa in Barbados on November 22, 2022

In a statement, West Mercia Police said: '54-year-old Jason Blades of Claverley in Wolverhampton has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.

'He appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court this morning (Friday, September 13) and has been bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday 11th October.'

Police also confirmed Blades was charged yesterday following the launch of an investigation after they were called to an address the day after Ms Zbozen's Instagram post, May 3.

Blades was last on air on The Repair Shop on Wednesday. The show was nominated for the National Television Awards, which took place on the same night.

The Repair Shop won the award for best daytime show at last year's event - but was beaten this year by The Chase.

Following the news of Blades being charged, the BBC dropped a repeat from today's BBC One schedule of an episode of David & Jay's Touring Toolshed, in which Blades appears with actor Sir David Jason.

MailOnline understands the BBC is currently further reviewing its schedules.

The broadcaster does not have a blanket policy about removing content from iPlayer but this is thought to be unlikely in the case of Blades at the moment.

BBC star Jay Blades appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court this morning (file image)

Jay Blades found fame on the BBC restoration programme The Repair Shop, which sees members of the public take worn-out family heirlooms to be restored by a team of experts

A BBC spokesperson said: 'It would not be appropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.'

Blades left school at 15 with no qualifications but got back on track studying for a degree in criminology and philosophy at Buckinghamshire New University from 2001.

Following his graduation, Blades co-founded the Out of the Dark charitable social enterprise that recycled and revamped furniture to train, educate and employ young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

And he found fame on the BBC restoration programme The Repair Shop  which sees members of the public take worn-out family heirlooms to be restored by a team of experts  starring on the show since its launch in 2017.

In 2022, a special one-off episode to mark the BBC's centenary saw Blades and the repair team visit the King, when he was still the Prince of Wales, at Dumfries House in Scotland.

In 2022, a special one-off episode to mark the BBC's centenary saw Jay Blades and the repair team visit the King, when he was still the Prince of Wales, at Dumfries House in Scotland

Blades appeared in a Channel 4 documentary last month about his friendship with actress Dame Judi Dench, called 'Dame Judi and Jay: The Odd Couple'

During The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit, a bracket clock and a piece made for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee by British ceramics maker Wemyss Ware were both fixed  and the broadcast later won a daytime Bafta TV award.

Blades was made an MBE by Charles in May 2022 for services to craft and in recognition of his work promoting heritage craft and restoration in the UK.

He was later invited to the King's Coronation at Westminster Abbey in May last year.

Blades is a trustee of the Heritage Crafts Association, a charity which aims to safeguard craft skills, of which the King is patron.

And Blades appeared in a Channel 4 documentary last month about his friendship with actress Dame Judi Dench, called 'Dame Judi and Jay: The Odd Couple'.

Blades also presented 'Jay Blades: The West End Through Time', a series that aired on Channel 5 in July about the history of London's West End.
A two-month old pygmy hippo has become an internet sensation - doubling the number of visitors at her zoo in Thailand.

But some cruel zoo visitors are now filming themselves abusing Moo Deng, or bouncing pig, with one even pouring water on her to wake her up.

Other videos on social media show visitors throwing objects at the baby hippo at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo which is located around 100km southeast of Bangkok.

The clips have sparked outrage online with the zoo's director Narongwit Chodchoi also condemning the behaviour.

He warned those involved could now face legal consequences, adding that the treatment is not only 'cruel but dangerous'.

Moo Deng has become an internet sensation - doubling the number of visitors at her zoo in Thailand

Moo Deng lies on the ground at Khao Kheow Open Zoo after becoming a viral sensation

A screenshot from a video on social media showing a visitor throw water over the baby hippo

Mr Narongwit said the zoo has installed CCTV cameras and that visitors should try and visit Moo Deng when she is awake.

Since Moo Deng was born in July, she has gone viral online with her miniature frame and podgy proportions inspiring a fervent following.

Even the Royal Thai Embassy featured the baby hippo on its social media channels.

Fans have made artwork and cakes in her image with one cosmetics chain also telling its customers to 'wear your blush like a baby hippo'.

Moo Deng's fame started when zookeepers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo started posting videos of her on their TikTok account which now has 2.5million followers.

She now has dozens of Instagram and Facebook pages documenting her daily life on social media.

Since Moo Deng was born in July, she has gone viral online with her miniature frame and podgy proportions inspiring a fervent following

One account on social media made an artist rendering of Jesus Christ holding her

A zoo worker plays with Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Atthapon Nundee, 31, a zookeeper at Khao Kheow Open Zoo said according to The Guardian: 'The moment I saw Moo-Deng born, I set a goal to make her famous, but I never expected it would spread abroad.

'I thought she could be famous in Thailand but not internationally.'

'She is called 'bouncy' and she is quite 'bouncy' too,' he added.

Mr Nundee explained that Moo Deng spends most of her time sleeping and only drinks her mother's milk.

He said she already weighs 20kg and may start eating grass next month.

Pygmy hippos, otherwise known as dwarf hippos, are originally from West Africa.

They are currently classified as endangered and experts believe there are fewer than 3,000 left in the wild.

Pygmy hippos, otherwise known as dwarf hippos, are originally from West Africa

Moo Den walks with her mother Jona, 25 years old, at Khao Kheow Open Zoo
A mask-wearing 32-year-old man who joined a missile-hurling mob attacking police officers in Sunderland last month faces up to 10 years in jail after becoming the first person in the UK to admit a charge of riot.

Kieran Usher, from Hendon, Sunderland, was captured on CCTV wearing a face covering as he gestured towards officers and the crowds in the city centre to 'encourage violence' on August 2, a previous court hearing was told.

The unrest was one of a series of riots in the UK sparked by the fatal stabbings of three young girls in Southport on 29 July.

Usher appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to admit the charge of riot and was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing on September 27.

The maximum punishment for a riot charge is 10 years imprisonment.

He was also seen on camera as part of a large mob throwing missiles at officers.

Kieran Usher, 32, from Hendon, Sunderland, has become the first person in the UK to admit a charge of riot

Sophie Allinson Howells, defending, told Judge Tim Gittens that Usher had learning difficulties and asked for time to allow his GP records to be accessed.

The judge told Usher: 'You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence.

'You will receive a lot of credit for entering a guilty plea today.'

After the hearing, Christopher Atkinson, Head of the Complex Casework Unit for CPS North East, said: 'It is clear from the evidence in this case that Usher played an active role in the mob violence that unfolded on the streets of Sunderland.

'He was filmed working with a group of at least 20 other people to rain missiles onto attending police officers.

'The co-ordinated and unlawful violence carried out by the group in this incident, the severity of which forced police to temporarily retreat from the assault, made a charge of riot wholly appropriate in this case.

'The events of that evening also created immeasurable fear for Sunderland residents, with significant damage caused to local businesses.

'We would like to praise the response of Northumbria Police, who effectively tackled the immediate situation while also securing key evidence to help us build robust cases against the perpetrators of this violence.

Usher, wearing a Union Jack flag on his back, is seen on August 2 signalling to police and was later seen on CCTV throwing missiles at officers

Usher now faces a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment after admitting a charge of riot. Pictured: Protesters gathering in Sunderland on 2 August

'The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work alongside our criminal justice partners to ensure that anyone threatening the communities we serve are swiftly brought to justice for their actions.'

At South Tyneside Magistrates' Court last month, District Judge Zoe Passfield watched a series of video clips and said they showed he had 'a willingness to engage in large-scale disorder'.

Riot carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and is a more serious charge than violent disorder, which most other defendants from the recent nationwide trouble have faced.

Usher was the first adult to be charged with riot, following a 15-year-old boy, also from Sunderland, having had his violent disorder charge upgraded to riot.

The disorder in Sunderland saw hundreds gather for a march through the city centre which then splintered off towards a mosque where officers in riot gear who were protecting it came under sustained attack.

Trouble continued late into the evening, with more attacks on police in the city centre, including having beer barrels thrown at them, fire extinguishers set off in their faces, a car set on fire, a vape shop being looted and a Citizens' Advice Bureau being torched.

Yobs also tried to rip out gravestones from Sunderland's historic Minster to break up and use as missiles.

Usher's admittance of the riot charge comes after a judge called last month for those who played a key role in the UK riots to be charged with offences that carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years instead of five.

Flames erupted beside Sunderland police station during the riots breaking out on August 2

Police are seen responding in Sunderland amid disorder after the Southport stabbings

Assistant Chief Constable Alastair Simpson, of Northumbria Police, said anyone involved in the Sunderland riots on August 2 could face 'really serious charges'

Judge John Thackray KC said prosecutors should look at charging people with riot instead of violent disorder after imprisoning a man who kicked a female police officer to the ground during violence in Hull.

The Recorder of Hull made the remarks after jailing Connor Whiteley, 26, for three years for playing a 'prominent role' in the 'racist, hate-fuelled mob violence' that unfolded in the city on August 3.

A person is guilty of riot if intending to use violence or being aware their conduct may be violent.

Assistant Chief Constable Alastair Simpson, of Northumbria Police, previously said: 'I hope this sends a really strong message that, no matter how old you are, if you took part in the recent appalling events in Sunderland, you will face really serious charges.

'Our investigations team are doing a fantastic job trawling through the hours and hours of footage and intelligence we have from that night.

'I would like to thank the public who have continued to supply us with images, video and information to help us build that evidential picture.

'The team have worked amazingly quickly, with our criminal justice partners, to arrest those responsible and bring them before the courts.

'However, as that evidence picture continues to build, if it becomes apparent that an individual may have been involved in further criminality, they will be brought before the courts again and charged with the most serious offence possible.

'Our communities and my officers, staff and volunteers, suffered horrendously that night and those responsible need to be held fully to account.'

Other towns and cities where violence broke out include Manchester, Bolton, Rotherham, Nottingham and Bristol.
Hypocrisy, thy name is Holyrood.

Its only the second week back from recess and already Im scunnered with the lot of them.

First Ministers Questions opened amid solemn speechifying about the news of Grangemouths impending closure. It was a time of great uncertainty for the workers. The local community was reeling from this significant economic shock.

It was important that parliament acts with solidarity towards the refinerys employees.

Maybe its just me, but I wouldve acted with solidarity by not clamouring for the oil and gas industry to be shuttered.

The impending closure of Scotland's only remaining oil refinery at Grangemouth dominated the FMQs

Id probably have paused and asked myself whether opposing oil exploration in the North Sea might have some consequences for people who earn a living refining said oil.

Politics is the only profession where you can run someone over then send them a Get Well Soon card.

If its any consolation, the Grangemouth workforce werent the only ones in for this treatment. The parties each laid out their position on scrapping the Winter Fuel Payment.

The Tories reckoned it was the fault of Labour and the SNP; the SNP that it was the fault of Labour but not the SNP; and Labour studiously avoided it altogether. Douglas Ross reminded John Swinney that this was a devolved benefit.

The Scottish Government was at liberty to keep it going even after Westminster cut it off.

This attracted some grousing from the Nationalist benches, which only grew louder when the Tory leader asked how many elderly people were expected to die because of the policy change.

Now, this is not the done thing. Youre not meant to confront ministers with the consequences of their actions. Poor form, old chap.

The first minister didnt answer directly but he wanted everyone to know the Treasury had only give Scottish ministers a 90-minute heads-up. Thats how these things work.

If their civil servants forget to phone yours, you have to impoverish 900,000 Scots. Thats just the rules.

Ross challenged the SNP leaders assertion that it had been the Scottish Governments intention to keep up the payments until Rachel Reeves took an axe to them.

He quoted from a document from May which, he claimed, proved that SNP ministers had been considering cuts since May. Sputtering outrage issued forth from the Nationalist benches.

The Tory leader griped that civil service posts had hit a record high and asked why public sector pen-pushers were more important to Swinney than pensioners. Cue more shouty indignation.

The first minister accused his opposite number of plumbing the depths. Rather a hazard of the job when you scrutinise the SNP for a living.

The SNP repeatedly calls for more powers, Ross observed, but when it is given the chance to act, it runs in the opposite direction and blames Westminster.

By now, they were getting boisterous. A series of tellings off from the presiding officer made little impact. Tory MSP Craig Hoy is a frequent flyer in this regard, a man who says little loudly.

As Swinney persevered with an answer, Hoy yawped that Winter Fuel Payments were not a priority for the Scottish Government. This is about priorities, he chuntered, then: This is about pensioners.

Swinney finally lost the rag and turned to the human megaphone: Why are you shouting at me, Mr Hoy? You have to listen to the Presiding Officer and stop behaving badly!

Alison Johnstone assured the first minister that she was wholly prepared to chair this meeting. Translation: I dont need any help from you, matey.

Jackie Baillie was living her best life. Standing in for Anas Sarwar, she used her time for a series of statements that didnt even bother with the pretence of a question mark at the end.

Baillie wanted the chamber to know about all the fine things the new government had done already. On every reference, she referred to it as the UK Labour government, just in case we had already forgotten the winner of Julys election.

It certainly wasnt the voters.
A Pennsylvania community is fuming over proposed plans to house 1,000 undocumented migrant minors in a historic Civil-war era orphanage.

A recent letter from a representative for Indiana-based disaster response organization, USA Up Star, asked to use the facility to 'provide shelter for refuge[e] families'.

The Scotland School for Veterans Children, once an orphanage, was most recently used as a summer camp and is located in Scotland, Pennsylvania.

Several state lawmakers and residents of Franklin County pushed back on the potential plan to house the migrants at a town sanctioned meeting that was brimming over capacity with concerned citizens on Tuesday.

We are united in our opposition to illegal immigrants being housed by federal government contractors in Franklin County, a combined press release from Rep. Rob Kauffman and state Sen. Doug Mastriano reads.

The Scotland School for Veterans Children was founded in 1895 to educate the children of Pennsylvania service members

Concerns for the housing market and population increase were atop the Pennsylvania lawmaker's list emphasizing increased demand on basic services such as water, sewer, trash removal and broadband

We join with our neighbors, friends and constituents committed to defending Franklin County from the foreign invasion coming from our southern border, they added.

Franklin County resident Sue McPhail said: Our concern is that we have no idea who these people are.

Theyre unvetted - we dont know where they came from, we don't know if they're involved gangs, we don't know if they are drug traffickers or sex traffickers, she added in an interview with WGAL8.

In an letter penned in August to a USA Up Star staffer, Greene Township zoning officer Daniel Bachman wrote that the former schools most recent use as a summer camp falls within the areas low-density residential code and that its use as a higher-density shelter would not be permitted.

A main building on the campus of the Scotland School For Veterans' Children in Scotland, Pennsylvania

Several state lawmakers and residents of Franklin County pushed back on the potential plan to house the migrants at a town sanctioned meeting that exceeded capacity on Tuesday

USA Up Star followed up with Bachman, writing they were working with the federal government on the subject and asking for additional zoning information from the township, according to a letter obtained by Fox News Digital.

Mastriano said if the plans to house migrants in the historic property that officials could still ty to stop it from happening.

He referenced the nearby Letterkenny Army Depot, noting the national security sensitivity of that tactical weapons and missile repair site and its proximity to the proposed housing site could prove to be a major liability if migrants got their way.

If it goes into effect here, we'll see lawlessness. This will be a dangerous community, Mastriano said at the Tuesday meeting.

People will be fleeing because of the crime. A chain link fence would not keep a teenager out. I used to climb chain link fences when I was a kid, even younger than a teenager. It's going to be devastating to the community, he added.

The town sanctioned meeting saw Franklin County residents 'lined out the door and around the corner,' the WGAL8 broadcast states

Additional concerns were presented as the joint press release continued: In addition to impacting the housing market, an increase in population puts an increased demand on basic services such as water, sewer, trash removal and broadband.

It also puts a strain on school systems, child care services, physical and behavioral health care providers, and public safety personnel such as our fire departments, EMS, police and the criminal justice system.

Onlookers took to social media to share their outrage, as one user wrote on X: Could use it to house American homeless and military veterans. Im sick of giving all kinds of freebies to illegal aliens while American citizens suffer.

Another commented: We need to stop taking in millions of illegals and/or "migrants". This country cannot afford it. We cannot afford the hit to our economy, to our system or frankly, to our culture.

The Scotland School for Veterans Children was founded in 1895 to educate the children of Pennsylvania service members. Its Chambersburg campus closed in 2009 leaving 70 buildings vacant including a library, gym and chapel.
Seven men who committed a string of child sex abuse offences against two teenage girls in Rotherham have been jailed for a total of 106 years.

The men were all convicted in June, after a nine-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court, which was the result of an investigation by the National Crime Agency's Operation Stovewood.

The victims, who were aged between 11 and 16 at the time of the offences were both in care. They were groomed and often plied with alcohol or cannabis before being raped or assaulted.

At times they were collected by their abusers from the children's homes where they lived. The offences took place in the early 2000s.

Over the course of a two-day hearing at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday and today the men were handed jail sentences between six and 25 years.

Abid Saddiq (left) and Tahir Yasin (right) were both convicted of rape

Mohammed Zameer Sadiq (left) and Mohammed Siyab (right) were found guilty of rape

The court heard how the attacks took place at locations around Rotherham, in a park, in a car in a supermarket car park, in a cemetery, even behind a children's nursery.

In one case one of the girls was taken to a hotel where she was raped by two men. On another occasion the same girl was locked inside one of her abuser's homes, raped on at least twice, and only managed to escape by climbing out of a window.

All seven men lived in or around Rotherham at the time of the abuse.

Amar, 43, of Elizabeth Way, Rotherham, was convicted of two counts of indecent assault, the CPS said. He was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment with two years extended licence.

Siyab, 45, of Stevenson Drive, Rotherham, was convicted of two counts of rape, one count of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and one count of trafficking. He was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with 12 months extended licence.

Ajaibe, 39, of Walter Street, Rotherham, was convicted of one count of indecent assault. He was sentenced to six years imprisonment with 12 months extended licence.

Sadiq, 49, of Richard Road, Rotherham, was convicted of one count of rape and one count of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with 12 months extended licence.

Saddiq, 43, formerly of Rotherham, was convicted of three counts of rape and one of indecent assault. He was sentenced to 24 years imprisonment with 12 months extended licence.

Ramin Bari, 37, of Sheffield, was found guilty of four counts of rape

Mohammed Amar (left) and Yasser Ajaibe (right) were both found guilty of indecently assaulting a 11-year-old girl

Yassin, 38, of Burngreave Street, Sheffield, was convicted of eight counts of rape. He was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.

Bari, 38, Of Derby Street, Sheffield, was convicted of four counts of rape. He has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

Operation Stovewood was set up in the wake of the landmark Jay Report which found in 2014 that at least 1,400 girls were abused by gangs of men of mainly Pakistani heritage in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

Thirty-six people have so far been convicted as a result of the operation, which the NCA says is the single largest law enforcement operation of its kind ever undertaken in the UK.

Last year, the NCA announced that new allegations would be handled by South Yorkshire Police rather than Operation Stovewood, saying it had identified more than 1,100 children involved in the exploitation between 1997 and 2013 - almost all girls.

The agency said it remains committed to seeing its current investigations through to the end of the criminal justice process, which is anticipated to continue into 2027.

Previous estimates have put the cost of Operation Stovewood at around 90 million.

NCA Senior Investigating Officer Stuart Cobb said: 'These men were cruel and manipulative, grooming their victims and then exploiting them by subjecting them to the most harrowing abuse possible.

'They were responsible for some of the worst offending we have investigated under Operation Stovewood.

'I can only once again pay tribute to the victims who were brave enough to come forward, tell their stories and confront their abusers.

'What happened to them can never be undone, but I hope the sentences handed down here will at least give them a sense that their abusers have been held to account and justice has been done.

Sheffield Crown Court where seven men have been jailed for more than 106 years

'We and our partners will continue to do all we can to support them going forward.' Operation Stovewood continues to investigate allegations of abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. It is the single largest investigation of its kind in the UK. So far 36 people have been convicted.

Zoe Becker, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'These seven men deliberately preyed on two young girls they knew were vulnerable and, using drugs and alcohol, exploited them for their own sexual gratification.

'The cruelty and abuse the victims suffered at the hands of these defendants was horrific and has continued to have a lasting impact on their lives today.

'I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the victims for coming forward and giving evidence. This has been a complex and challenging case, and it is because of their courage and fortitude that we have been able to bring these offenders to justice.

'I hope these convictions send a clear message that the CPS, working closely alongside law enforcement, will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, whenever that abuse took place.

'All children have the right to feel safe and protected. I encourage anyone who has been in a similar position to come forward to report these incidents to the police. It is never too late to seek justice - you are not alone and there is help available.'
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pushed to meet Kamala Harris and Donald Trump during his short visit to the United States but their campaign schedules interfered.

The PM is 'keen to meet both candidates if schedules align in the future,' a British official told DailyMail.com.

Starmer is eager to sit down with whoever will be President Joe Biden's successor amid questions about what the special relationship between the two countries will look like after November's election.

Harris is campaigning in Pennsylvania on Friday when Starmer is scheduled to be at the White House to meet with Biden. Trump is on the West Coast, fundraising in California and then holding a rally in Las Vegas.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives in the United States

Starmer is only on the ground in Washington for 24 hours. He heads back to the UK on Friday night.

He is expected to come back to the U.S. the week of September 23rd for the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting known as UNGA.

There is talk about him and Harris meeting during that trip if the schedules align with Starmer making a quick side trip to D.C.

'There are no current plans for the VP to travel to New York to participate in the UN General Assembly. As she has done in past years, it is possible she meets with foreign leaders in DC during this week. We dont have any meetings to announce,' an official with Harris told DailyMail.com.

Trump's campaign did respond to request for comment.

The former president did meet with then-British Foreign Secretary David Cameron in April at Mar-a-Lago. But Cameron lost his position when conservatives lost power.

Starmer has been making an effort to shore up relations with the United States as uncertainty grows around the outcome of the November election, the fate of the Ukraine and if there will be a ceasefire in the Middle East.

The United States has been a major player in both conflicts but there is uncertainty over what Biden's successor will do as concerns grow in America over the amount of U.S. dollars going to the Ukraine and about the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.

His quick trip to Washington is his second meeting with Biden since he became PM in July. He and Biden also met on the margins of the NATO summit in Washington this summer.

That meeting took place one week after Starmers election and two weeks before Biden would exit the presidential race.

Starmer requested this second face-to-face with Biden to ensure the two countries are on the same page on a host of foreign policy issues - including Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, and AUKUS.

Not being able to carve out a meeting with the next leader of the free world could be a setback to Starmer's goals but officials continue to push for sit downs.

The U.S. and UK have a special relationship going back to World War II. Biden and Starmer are looking to publicly recommit to that decades-old bond between their two nations.

Ideologically, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is closer to Kamala Harris

Donald Trump remains a wildcard when it comes to Ukraine and the Middle East

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Starmer, ideologically, is closer to Harris.

In fact, some of the advisers who helped Labor win an historic victory in the UK this summer came to the U.S. to advise the Democratic nominee.

They urged Democrats to focus on winning back working-class voters who had drifted to the right in recent years, Politico reported.

When Biden and Starmer sit down for their two-hour meeting, the war in the Ukraine will top the agenda.

While Harris is expected to follow a similar path to Biden if she wins the November election, Trump remains a wildcard.

It's also uncertain how the former president would handle the war in the Middle East.
A Brazilian couple was told by a court that they couldn't name their newborn after an ancient king over fears the child could face bullying.

Danillo Primola and his wife Catarina Primola, from Belo Horizonte, planned to name their son Piye after the first black Egyptian pharaoh.

But authorities thought the child would be subjected to bullying in the future, as the name's pronunciation is similar to that of a Portuguese word for a ballet dance step. The name is spelled differently in Portuguese, and on paper reads 'Piie.'

The Minas Gerais Court of Justice initially blocked the parents from registering the name, before a judge on Friday walked back the decision.

Danillo Primola and his wife Catarina Primola, from Belo Horizonte, planned to name their son Piye after the first black Egyptian pharaoh

Danillo Primola and his wife Catarina Primola pose with the birth certificate of their son

The couple welcomed their first child on August 31, but had already chosen the name in honor of the Kushite king and founder of the 25th dynasty of Egypt.

They decided on the name after listening to the theme song for 2023 carnival celebrations while working on choreography at the Academicos de Venda Nova Samba School.

"There was a word there that talked about the black pharaoh," Danillo Primola said. "We went to research what it was like and we found the story of Piie, who was a Nubian warrior who fought and conquered Egypt and became the first black pharaoh."

They chose to name their son in honor of Piye because of the importance of maintaining a link to their African ancestry.

'Recovering African names is a powerful way to give a new narrative to the history of black people,' Danillo Primola said. 'We have the right to educate our children with this strength, this culture and in a way that they have representation in their name.'

The Minas Gerais Court of Justice initially sided with the Belo Horizonte's registry office, prohibiting the naming because it could not 'register first names that could expose their bearers to ridicule.'

The boy's name is spelled in Portuguese as 'Piie'

Camila Primola and her husband Danillo Primola chose the name to maintain a link to their African ancestry.

Piye was the first black Egyptian pharaoh and ruled Egypt from 744-714 BC

In their ruling, court said that pronunciation of the pharaoh's name is similar to that of the Portuguese word 'plie,' which is a ballet dance step.

'That is why the sound and spelling of the name were preponderant for the rejection,' the Minas Gerais Court of Justice said, 'since they would be capable of causing future embarrassment to the child.'

'We know that bullying cannot be combated by prohibiting it, nor can it be combated by oppression,' Danillo Primola said. 'Bullying can be combated by studying and working on the ignorance of society as a whole.'

The legal battle delayed the baby from receiving his required vaccines.

He was also late for a screening that is performed when a newborn is about five days to detect rare but serious conditions.

Camila Primola was originally scheduled to go into labor September 19.

She lost a pregnancy loss in 2020 and found out earlier this year she was expecting the couple's first child, Danillo Primola said.

'And it was euphoric. It was already planned, it was something we wanted,' he said. 'And in the meantime, we learned about the story of the pharaoh, who was a great black leader.'
Annie Nightingale, the Late BBC DJ, has left a 1m estate to her family, according to probate records.

The 83-year-old, who was the station's first female presenter, left the huge sum when she died earlier this year.

Known for promoting new and underground music, Nightingale was praised for supporting other women in a male-dominated industry.

She was also known for her passion for a wide range of music, championing everything from prog rock and punk to acid house and grime.

She remained on air until late last year with Annie Nightingale Presents and in January, died at her home in London after a short illness.

In May, friends and family members remembered talented DJ's life and career during a memorial at Trafalgar Square's St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Annie Nightingale with the Special Award, at the Sony Radio Academy Awards 2011

BBC DJ Annie Nightingale died in January, aged 83 and left a 1m estate to her family

'London Scene' - Annie Nightingale and Paul McCartney Thames TV Archive

Fashion designer Pam Hogg at Annie Nightingale's memorial service at St Martin-in-the-Fields

Lead vocal for Primal Scream, Bobby Gillespie, also attended the memorial

Probate records have now revealed she had an estate with a gross value of 1,118,872 and a net value of 1,061,543.

Nightingale was also known for co-hosting BBC Two music show The Old Grey Whistle Test.

Following the announcement of her death, tributes flooded in to pay tribute to her.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball said: 'She loved music like no other, she sought out the tunes and artists that shaped our lives, she interviewed them all, opening doors for musicians, DJs and broadcasters alike.'

Fellow Radio 2 host Jo Whiley added: 'She was the coolest woman who ever graced the airwaves.

'She blazed a trail for us all and never compromised. Her passion for music never diminished.'

Tim Davie, director general of the BBC, called Nightingale a 'uniquely gifted broadcaster'.

He said: 'As well as being a trailblazer for new music, she was a champion for female broadcasters, supporting and encouraging other women to enter the industry. We will all miss her terribly.'

A family statement said: 'Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many.

'Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally.'

Nightingale presented Radio 1's Request Show in the 1970s, 80s and 90s before moving to an overnight slot.

She also hosted occasional shows on Radio 2, 5 Live and 6 Music, as well as a range of documentaries.

Nightingale was last on air with a three-part 'best of 2023' show on 19 December.

Her final words on Radio 1 were 'lots of love, from me to you'.
A fresh brew in academia as China's coffee science undergrads program kicks off

Xinhua) 14:34, September 13, 2024

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 Nestl, 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 Nestl 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)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Gov. Greg Abbott sent a letter to Texas universities schools warning them to be "vigilant" as the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel approaches.

"As I have already made clear, antisemitism is never acceptable in Texas and there is zero tolerance for acts of antisemitism on Texas college and university campuses," Abbott wrote on Thursday. "I commend the leadership of your institutions for acting quickly to condemn antisemitism and taking necessary action to address violent protests and dismantle illegal encampments."

Abbott commended schools for quickly addressing antisemitic incidents and reminded leaders of his March executive order, which required universities to update free speech policies, enforce consequences for antisemitic actions and dismantle illegal encampments.

"It is imperative that you continue taking the necessary steps to combat antisemitism on

your campuses and ensure a safe environment for Jewish staff, students, and faculty.

Texas will continue to stand with Israel and the Jewish community in the fight against

antisemitism," he said.

Abbott's letter comes as campus protests ramp up again across the country in response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Demonstrations have already taken place at Columbia University and the University of Michigan, leading to several arrests.
DailyMail.com can reveal the dark family history of a teen boy who stabbed his mother to death a year after he killed his father in a shocking crime spree that has stunned Florida detectives.

Collin Griffith, 17, is accused of killing his loving mother Catherine, 39, by stabbing her in the neck several times. He claimed she 'fell' onto the knife as she lunged at him, but neighbors told police they had seen the teen dragging her by the hair as she repeatedly said, 'Let me go.'

Catherine's killing was the last act of violence in the family's troubled past, which includes repeated threats of murder, alleged domestic abuse and a nasty divorce battle that concluded with the killing of Collin's father Charles, 41, last year.

The teen's parents were engaged in a legal battle over Collin when Charles, who had full custody of the teen, was fatally shot in the chest and head.

The former couple divorced in May, 2020, after 20 years of marriage, according to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com where Catherine accused Charles of decades of abuse.

Catherine's killing was the last act of violence in the family's dark history, which includes a nasty custody battle that concluded with the murder of Collin's father. The couple also shared Christopher, 24

Collin Griffith is accused of killing his loving mother Catherine by stabbing her in the neck several times

Collin has an older brother, Christopher, who was born in 2000 and already an adult when his parents divorced.

In August 2022, Catherine asked for sole custody of Collin, claiming Charles had not allowed 'any contact with' the boy since December 31, 2019 after a phone call where he 'begged his Mother to come get him.'

Catherine accused Charles of alienating Collin from her 'by telling him negative things and by monitoring and stalking her social media in an attempt to find anything to make her look bad.'

The online school teacher claimed Charles had harassed and stalked her, causing her to suffer from chronic PTSD as she asked the court for a no-contact order.

The mother later said Collin's father would not let him leave the house, even to go to school, after Collin told him he was gay.

Catherine had also asked the court to order Charles to take Collin to child therapy, saying 'This child may already be suffering emotional irreparable harm by [the father's] parental alienation and emotional abuse of the minor child.'

Charles responded with claims that Collin did not wish to see his mother, saying Catherine had been 'mentally and emotionally unstable' and had abused drugs and alcohol during this time.

The college freshman was arrested on Sunday after he called 911 claiming Catherine fell on a knife as she lunched at him while holding the weapon, pictured. Police say the deepness of the wound points to murder, not an accident

Collin was arrested for murder of his father Charles, pictured left, and freed after Catherine, right, paid his $50,000 bail. The case was later dropped

Collin killed his father Charles Griffith in the pictured Oklahoma house on Valentine's Day 2023

The father said he stopped letting Collin communicate with Catherine after she texted the teen a hand-written suicide note in May 2020. He also accused Catherine of only calling when she was 'manic' and posing as an adult male on Discord to contact Collin and encourage him to run away.

The case was resolved when Catherine was given sole custody of Collin in February 2023, days after the teen shot Charles dead.

Collin shot and killed his father in Oklahoma on Valentine's Day 2023. The then-15-year-old was also the one to call 911 then, arguing he was acting in self defense after his father cornered him in a room and threatened him with a knife.

An affidavit for the boy's arrest said there was 'probable cause to believe the defendant, the youth, committed first degree murder.' An agent noted the boy's claim of having been cornered by his father did not match the evidence at the scene.

The mother and son's time together was troubled from the start, but Catherine kept it private, gushing about her son on social media, sharing their trips together

Catherine was an avid social media user and often shared images of her travels

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)

Collin was arrested for murder and freed after Catherine paid his $50,000 bail. However, the case was dropped when prosecutors could not rule out self-defense.

'A violent predator he has now killed both his father and his mother,' said Sheriff Grady Judd. 'We will hold him accountable in Polk County we will do everything we can to keep him separated from civil society.'

Catherine had only recently been reunited with Collin, as he stayed in Oklahoma with his father when his parents first separated in 2019.

The mother and son's time together was troubled from the start, but Catherine kept it private, gushing about her son on social media, sharing their trips together and the new car she bought him as a graduation gift.

Griffith was a recent graduate of The Academy, an alternative high school located in Port Charlotte

Collin had threatened to kill his mother several times, according to police

Catherine had only recently been reunited with Collin, as he moved to Oklahoma with his father when his parents first separated in 2019

Just months after his father's killing, in September 2023, a school officer called police to do a mental check because Collin had said his mother pulled a gun on him during an argument.

Collin claimed Catherine said she would kill him and threatened to kill herself. She denied the claims to a Sheriff's officer, insisting Collin was upset because she took his phone and AirPods he was failing classes.

Catherine added that Collin had been diagnosed with a personality disorder and PTSD after he had been 'held captive' by his father for 1,041 days without human contact.

Collin was then put in protective custody for a mental health evaluation under the Baker Act. He was going to be released after eight days but was kept in the facility after he threatened to kill his mother if he was returned to her custody.

Catherine bought Collin a new car earlier this year as a graduation gift

Catherine claimed Collin's father would not let him leave the house, even to go to school, after Collin told him he was gay

He reportedly told staff: 'I will kill myself or my mom.... throw them out of the car, shoot or stab them, I've done it before, to my dad, I know I can do it again.'

Catherine then placed the teen in a long-term facility near Jupiter, where he spent several months before returning to live with her.

Then on November, 2023, Collin was charged with domestic violence battery against his mother after he attacked her, pulling her hair and kneeing her in the groin. He told officers at the time he would kill his mother if he was released and had to get into a car with her.

'He was very well-spoken and very smart, but you can pick up that he was kind of controlling and manipulative. You can't pick up that he's basically a murdering psychopath," Catherine's attorney Eric Reyes told NBC2.

Collin is in jail awaiting his next court appearance and is facing a first-degree murder charge.
ABC News is denying the extraordinary allegations there was collusion between the presidential debate moderators and Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign.

'Absolutely not,' an ABC News spokesperson told the Daily Beast. 'Harris was not given any questions before the debate.'

Former President Donald Trump and his MAGA allies have stoked conspiracy theories that Harris had a leg up in the debate.

Most polling showed that Americans believed Harris had the more commanding performance onstage Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

So on Wednesday, Trump said on Fox & Friends that Harris was 'awfully familiar' with the questions being given to her by moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis.

ABC News is denying an extraordinary allegation that Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris had the debate questions ahead of time

Moderators David Muir (left) and Lindsey David (right) irritated former President Donald Trump's MAGA allies for fact-checking the former president in real-time

On Thursday, a website called Leading Report pushed that an ABC News whistleblower was 'allegedly' going to come forward and release an affadavit saying the Harris campaign was given sample questions in advance and 'assurances' Trump would be fact-checked in real time, the Beast reported.

A source familiar with the matter told the news site that the 'assurances' claim was also untrue.

Muir and Davis did fact-check Trump in real-time, batting down some of his more outrageous claims - including that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were eating people's pets and abortions were happening after babies were born.

They also allowed Harris to chime in and say that Trump's claim that she had met with Russian President Vladimir Putin was untrue.

Trump tried to push that Harris was such a bad negotiator that Putin invaded Ukraine shortly thereafter.

That lop-sided scolding appeared as bias to Trump allies.

'It was three-on-one. They continued to engage in so-called fact-checking of Donald Trump. They never did that to Kamala Harris,' Republican Sen. Tom Cotton complained post-debate, according to Politico.

And the ex-president had laid the groundwork ahead of the debate to make unfairness claims.

Trump took issue with ABC News contributor Donna Brazile, who resigned as a CNN contributor in 2016 after Clinton campaign emails published on Wikileaks showed that she had shared a debate question with the Democrat's campaign.

'Will panelist Donna Brazile give the questions to the Marxist Candidate like she did for Crooked Hillary Clinton?' Trump mused last month. 'Will Kamala's best friend, who heads up ABC, do likewise. Where is Liddle' George Slopadopolus hanging out now? Will he be involved.'

The best friend comment likely referred to ABC News' Dana Walden, the co-chair of Disney, which owns ABC. Walden's husband Matt has been close friend's with second gentleman Doug Emhoff for decades.

'George Slopadopolus,' is Trump's nickname for ABC News' George Stephanopoulos, a former Bill Clinton aide.

Stephanopoulos did not moderate Tuesday's debate.
Lidl has become the latest supermarket to make its self-checkouts cashless, in a major shake-up that left shoppers fuming.

The budget supermarket giant has slapped up signs warning shoppers its self-service tills are no longer accepting cash.

Posters in stores read: 'Self-checkouts are now card only. You can still use cash at the till.'

The move has been branded a 'mad decision' for cash campaigners, who say elderly customers will be left isolated and unable to shop.

And as the row rages over whether cash truly still is king, MailOnline is revealing exactly what other major retailers are doing.

Lidl

Lidl has announced its self-service tills are no longer accepting cash

Lidl, which is ranked by Which? as the second most affordable grocer behind Aldi, rolled out self-service checkouts in 2017.

However, the move reportedly led to a decrease in the number of manned tills.

Last month signs started to appear in stores warning customers that cash would no longer be accepted in the budget chain's self-service tills.

Tesco

The retailer, whose motto is 'every little helps', announced it would be going cash-free across 40 of its cafe sites, where customers order through a digital screen.

Currently, there aren't any plans for its self-checkout tills to go cashless.

However, the change to some of the supermarket's in-house cafes has been met with a back lash from customers, who branded the idea 'bonkers'.

One shopping, who visited one of Tesco's stores in Broadstairs, Kent, fumed: 'This has just been renovated and I came here to do shopping but first wanted to sit down with a coffee. I couldn't do that because they don't accept cash or Tesco gift cards as payment.'

Asda

Plans to rollout more cashless facilities at Asda are on the cards (file image)

Customers using 14 of Asda's petrol stations already have to rely on paying for fuel with their card.

But soon, dozens more forecourts will be going cash-free under plans set to roll out across 68 more petrol stations.

Asda, which has 300 petrol stations nationwide, said the decision had been taken because 90 per cent of customers use their card or contactless to pay for fuel.

'The colleagues who worked on these sites are moving into the store so they can better serve our customers,' an Asda spokesperson said.

The full changeover is expected to be complete 'later in 2024'. The retailer has not announced plans to make its self-service tills cashless.

Morrisons

Customers shopping at Morrisons are able to pay with cash in all of its outlets.

While the supermarket chain does have some self-checkout tills that are card-only, there are others in stores that allow payment with cash.

The supermarket also accepts cash in its cafes, petrol stations and other concessions.

Sainsbury's

The vast majority of Sainsbury's shops still accept cash, although the company has not revealed the exact number of which of its 1,500 outlets do not accept cash.

The vast majority of Sainsbury's shops still accept cash across its 1,500 stores (file image)

Aldi

All Aldi shops accept cash across both manned and self-service tills.

Waitrose

Upmarket retailer Waitrose said it still accepts cash at its manned tills but is card-only on its self-service checkouts across all 300 of its UK stores.

What has the reaction been to cashless shops?

Campaigners fighting to keep cash alive have been left furious by the development - with shoppers also expressing their fury online vowing never to shop at the supermarket again.

One angry customer raged: 'I love Lidl, it's nice in there [but] why the f*** do the self checkouts not let you use cash?'

Another said: 'I often pop in to buy a few pieces of fruit, I prefer to pay cash - I know exactly where I am with my money then.

'So now I'll have to stand behind a couple of shoppers with bulging trollies with my bananas and apples?

'I don't think so, there's always somebody else who'll take my cash.'

Campaign group Cash Matters argues: 'New technologies are changing the way we pay, and cash remains the most attractive option for many.'

They add that cash gives customers stability and independence with their money, claiming it is more resilient in times of crisis, as well as supporting the 'magic moments' captured on coins and bank notes.

Lidl has clarified that stores 'where there is a clear customer preference for paying cash', a cash self-checkout option should be available.

However, this does not change the trend which shows Brits tending towards paying without cash, and even not taking their wallet to the shops at all in favour of using digital wallets.

Research by finder.com revealed in May that an estimated 25 million Britons aged 16 and over - 45 per cent - do not take their wallets with them when heading out, relying solely on their mobile phone as a payment method.

Millennials and Generation Z were unsurprisingly found to be the most likely to leave their cards and wallets at home, with 66 per cent and 72 per cent respectively admitting to going out with just their phones.

Comparatively, only one in four baby boomers - 23 per cent - and one in 10 silent generation members - 11 per cent - said they would feel comfortable leaving the house with only a phone as a payment method, even if it was just for a short period of time.

Overall, a quarter of Brits only leave the house without a card occasionally, such as when popping out the local shop, though one in five - 20 per cent - admit to leaving it behind frequently or all the time.

The declining use of cash comes as banks retreat from UK high streets, as well as instances like Lidl's recent news that some checkout methods are becoming cashless.

A Lidl spokesperson said: 'It's always our aim to ensure that our shoppers have the most positive shopping experience when visiting one of our stores. That's why we pay really close attention to what they want and how they like to shop.

'Whilst the self-checkouts across our estate are a mix of card only and cash/card, we make sure that in stores where there is a clear customer preference for paying cash, we have that option available for them.

'At the same time, all of our manned tills take cash and in stores with card only self-checkouts, we will always have a manned till available with colleagues on hand to support.'

Lidl follow Asda in a change to their self-checkout policy, after the latter brought in self-checkout only hours at selected stores last month.

An upset customer of Bournemouth's Asda Superstore shared a snap of its 'checkout opening hours' with MailOnline, showing that for the first hour of every day, except Sunday, only self-scanning checkouts would be open.

Then on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday, tills would be closed for the final three hours of the day.

On the flipside, Morrisons made a self-checkout U-turn a week earlier, with the supermarket's boss admitting it had gone a 'bit too far' with number of unmanned tills.

Rami Baitieh, the chief executive of the company, announced it would 'review the balance between self-checkouts and manned tills' in plans to cut down on the numbers after installing too many.

But most of the big supermarkets have ploughed ahead with the controversial self-checkouts and expanded their use over recent years in the hopes of increasing efficiency and trimming costs.
Australia's national disaster agency is bracing for hotter, wetter and windier weather as the country slides deeper into spring.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) released its higher risk outlook for the next quarter on Friday.

Temperatures were 'very much above average' for a lot of Australia over winter, a trend that was only set to continue in the warmer months.

The agency said there was a heightened 'risk of fire for parts of northern Australia and the south-east during September to November 2024.'

Areas at increased risk included parts of western Victoria and a slither of South Australia.

But the biggest threat loomed in the north, with swathes of Queensland and the Northern Territory at danger.

Major regional centres were in the zones identified at higher risk, including Alice Springs and Tenant Creek in the Northern Territory, and Mount Isa, Townsville and Cairns in Queensland.

But NEMA noted that was no reason to let the guard down in areas where the risk had not shifted.

Australia's disaster response agency warned spring could bring extreme weather (pictured: Black Summer bushfires)

Spring is expected to bring hot weather along with significant rainfall (a flight over a fire near Elmhurst)

'Destructive and deadly fires can still occur in areas with normal bushfire risk,' the agency said.

Above average rainfall was also tipped for eastern and central parts of the country, with lower than average falls expected for swathes of Western Australia and western Tasmania.

Though, fire was not the only heightened risk.

With high moisture levels in soil and above average rain expected for eastern and central parts of the country, flooding was also top-of-mind.

The agency is preparing for bushfires and flooding events (pictured: floods in northern NSW)

'Current soil moisture levels and forecast rainfall and runoff suggest increased flood risk parts of eastern Australia during November,' NEMA said.

'More rain on wet soils means increased risk of high runoff and flooding.'

The agency's outlook was based on data collected by the Bureau of Meteorology.
The grieving mother of an autistic South Carolina boy who passed away after running away from school shared a scathing indictment of officials after his tragic death.

Dalia Cervantes, the mother of eight-year-old Lionel who was found Thursday in a creek near Bell's Crossing Elementary School in Simpsonville, took to social media to share the devastating news hours after he was discovered.

'I know he is in a better place,' she said. 'But my boy did not have to lose his life this way. Negligence caused his death.'

Staff at the school say they chased after Lionel when he fled from a playground on Thursday morning, but he disappeared before they could catch him, and he was found hours later.

Lionel Cervantes, 8, ran away from his South Carolina school on Thursday (pictured in surveillance footage as he fled), hours before his body was tragically found in a nearby creek

Dalia Cervantes, the mother of eight-year-old Lionel (pictured together), shared a scathing indictment of officials after his tragic death

Cervantes, who according to officials was autistic and somewhat nonverbal, was last seen near the school's playground before dive crews found him a quarter mile away

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office did not immediately indicate if they plan to pursue any charges as they announced the discovery of Lionel's body.

Authorities had launched a huge multi-agency search, including the FBI and SLED teams as well as a wave of volunteers, for the boy before he was found by divers in a creek about a quarter of a mile from his school.

At a press conference, Sheriff Hobart Lewis described the child's passing as a 'terrible situation.'

'At some point, we don't know how or why, he wound up in that pond,' he said.

'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.'

Lionel's body was found around 3pm local time by dive crews after authorities launched a huge multi-agency search that included SLED and FBI

Lionel's mother said on social media after he was found that 'my boy did not have to lose his life this way. Negligence caused his death'

Dalia said she received a call from her son's school to alert her that her son went missing, and later that he was found, leaving her heartbroken and searching for answers.

'Now I am left without my Leo,' she said in a Facebook post.

The grieving mother added that she 'saw the video and it does not justify their actions', however it is unclear what video she is referencing.

In a GoFundMe set up by Dalia's friend to pay for Lionel's funeral costs and expenses, a friend described her as a single mother of five children whose husband passed away three years ago.

Following the disappearance, authorities scoured the local area before a dive team discovered his body just a short distance from the school in a creek, seen here

A friend of Lionel's mother said he loved Spider Man, and was 'the sweetest, most loving soul with the biggest smile and will be missed dearly'

Teachers at Lionel's school said Lionel ran off from campus at around 11am on Thursday morning, and although they said they ran after him, the eight-year-old was able to leave their sight and they lost him.

Following the huge search, Lionel's body was found shortly after 3pm in a body of water. His official cause of death has not been determined.

W. Burke Royster, Greenville County Schools Superintendent, said in a statement that 'words are just not sufficient to describe this tragedy.

'Our hearts and our prayers are with this family, this community, with this school community.'

In the GoFundMe, a friend of Lionel's mother said he loved Spider Man, and was 'the sweetest, most loving soul with the biggest smile and will be missed dearly.'

'(Dalia) never in a million years thought she would never see her baby alive again.'
An alleged spy appeared in court today after being accused of trying to disclose information about an MP to Russian intelligence services.

Howard Phillips, 65, from Essex, held 'sensitive information' about the politician which he tried to pass on spymasters, it is claimed.

Phillips, of Harlow, Essex, appeared at the Old Bailey today via video-link from Wormwood Scrubs and spoke to confirm his name.

He is due to enter his pleas at the Old Bailey on October 25 while his trial was fixed for February 10 at Winchester Crown Court.

Prosecutor Mark Luckett earlier said Phillips made contact with someone 'who he believed were foreign powers.'

Howard Phillips, 64, of Harlow, Essex, was arrested on 16 May in central London and was detained under section 27 of the National Security Act.Phillip's arrest is not connected to any other recent charges under the act or investigations under the act

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben at sunset, London, UK

Mr Luckett said: 'He boasted at his ability, because of his character, that he was an individual who would be able to remain totally hidden, completely secret on the inside, able to move inside society.

'One of the significant motivations the prosecution say as to why Mr Phillips engaged in this contact was because he was motivated by financial gain.

'The prosecution say that is a motivation that is still ongoing.

'This was all about financial gain for him he wanted a quick payday in order to provide logistics and sensitive information to a foreign state.'

The prosecutor said Phillips held 'sensitive information in regards to an MP' which was disclosed to a foreign intelligence service.

The MP has not been identified.

He is said to have 'applied for employment within the Home Office at the Border Force Agency and applied for security clearance.'

Phillips, is also said to have offered to provide support to a foreign intelligence service, booked a hotel on behalf of a foreign intelligence service and purchased a mobile phone to be used by a foreign intelligence service.

Phillips was arrested in central London on May 16.

At the time, a spokesman for the Met said: 'As part of the investigation, which is being led by officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, officers also searched an address in the Hertfordshire area and an address in the Essex area. Both searches are now complete.

'The arrest is not connected to any other recent charges or investigations linked to NSA offences and there is not believed to be any threat to the wider public in connection with this matter.'

The charge was described as part of a proactive counter terrorism policing investigation into suspected offences under the National Security Act.

The Act was brought in last year to target those working secretly for hostile states within the UK.
Director Francis Ford Coppola has slammed allegations he inappropriately kissed young women on the set of Megalopolis, which is due to hit theaters later this month.

Coppola, in May earlier this year, was accused of attempting to 'kiss topless and scantily clad female extras' during production.

The 85-year-old was seen allegedly 'trying to kiss young female extras' in two brief videos published days later by Variety.

The Godfather filmmaker, who previously said claims were 'totally untrue', is now suing the publication and two of its trade publication's executives for libel, adding that their claims were 'made with knowledge of falsity or with reckless disregard of the truth'.

A spokesman for Variety responded saying: 'While we will not comment on active litigation, we stand by our reporters.'

Coppola (pictured), in May earlier this year, was accused of attempting to 'kiss topless and scantily clad female extras' during production of Megalopolis, which is due to hit theater later this month.

Pictured: Variety's video seemingly showing Coppola embracing an extra

The complaint said that prior to filing the lawsuit, 'Coppola provided evidence to Variety that the [above] allegations were false and Coppola requested that the allegations be retracted. Variety refused and doubled down.'

According to the documents, Variety then repeated the same allegations and allegedly emphasized malice toward the filmmaker.

Lauren Pagone, an extra on the set who laid claims against Coppola, was a subject of one of Variety's articles one week after the release of the videos.

Variety reported that Pagone was 'dancing in the middle of a live take of a nightclub sequence when Coppola approached her and pulled her toward him. He then hugged and kissed her.'

The outlet said the Pagone has worked on several studio projects in recent years but said the interaction with Coppola was 'unusual'.

Lauren Pagone, an extra on the set who laid claims against Coppola, said the director 'hugged and kissed her'

Pagone called the alleged behavior 'unusual'

She decided to come forward, saying, 'I don't appreciate anybody speaking for me,' when another extra, Rayna Menz, made a statement on Instagram, reported Variety.

The statement by Menz read: 'A video involving me has been released with a misleading headline. None of the claims about @francisfordcoppola are true; it was an honor to work with such a legend.'

'This video was taken on a CLOSED set that prohibited self phones [sic] specifically for the safety of all actors. I am disgusted by these allegations & hope everybody will see the truth for what it is.'

Pagone claimed Coppola pulled her toward him and hugged and kissed her, saying: 'I was in shock. I didnt expect him to kiss and hug me like that. I was caught off-guard. And I can tell you he came around a couple times.'

Several actresses were cleared for topless nudity in the scene, according to a call sheet reviewed by Variety, they also reported that Pagone did not appear nude and 'was outfitted in a top with a plunging neckline'.

Coppola said the claims against him were 'made with knowledge of falsity or with reckless disregard of the truth'

An insider told Variety that during filming the scene, Coppola announced into a microphone, 'Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know, it's solely for my pleasure.'

Coppola's complaint further reveals the crew had to sign non-disclosure agreements and the 'call sheet reminded all cast and crew that all private photography was prohibited onset'.

It further said that the defiance of these agreements made any source Variety used 'untrustworthy', and the publication 'acted recklessly, with no regard for truth or falsity, in relying on such sources'.

Coppola had told Rolling Stone in late August that the claims against him were 'totally untrue' and were attempts to 'damage the picture'.

He explained that sources in the original report from The Guardian were attempting to 'damage the picture' because he, self-admittedly, doesn't 'follow rules' typically obeyed in Hollywood.

His complaint described that those who told 'knowing and reckless falsehoods' were 'about those of whom they are jealous' and that they were 'resentful of genius'.

Pictured: Coppola poses with the cast of Megalopolis

A source said that because the $120 million project was funded by Coppola. there was no HR department to 'keep things in check'.

While intimacy coordinators, Samantha McDonald and Ashley Anderson, worked on the film, they were not on set during the scene in question.

One of the film producers, Darren Demetre, explained to The Guardian that the filmmaker's actions were in the spirit of the scene as an attempt to 'inspire and establish the club atmosphere'.

Demetre added that as an executive producer and one of the first assistant directors, he was 'never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behavior' on the project.

Coppola is seeking general and specific damages of $15 million, unspecified punitive damages, coverage of legal costs and 'any further relief the court may deem appropriate', as well as a jury trial, according to The Wrap.
Bosses at the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered babies didn't alert police to suspicions about her sooner because they 'never expected' a nurse could be responsible for the deaths, an inquiry heard.

The senior leaders also insisted yesterday it was the 'collective responsibility' of everyone working there to keep patients safe, despite claims they failed to act quickly on concerns raised by staff.

The former executive team at the Countess of Chester Hospital apologised to the parents of the neo-natal nurse's victims for failing to call in police sooner.

But they told the public inquiry into Letby's crimes that it would need to explore why no doctors or nurses working with the serial killer, or members of the hospital board, did so either.

In her opening statement, delivered on behalf of the former chief executive, Tony Chambers; former medical director, Ian Harvey; former director of nursing, Alison Kelly; and former head of HR, Sue Hodkinson, Kate Blackwell KC said the four managers 'never expected' a nurse to be killing babies on a neo-natal unit.

Lucy Letby (pictured) is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims

'It was felt important from the outset that an open mind was preserved about the cause of the increasing deaths,' she said. 'Incidents or issues on wards were, from their experience almost always complex and multifactorial, rather than there being one single factor - or indeed actor.

'That a nurse could be responsible for these heinous crimes is profoundly disturbing and not something any of them ever expected to be happening.'

Letby, 34, murdered seven babies and tried to kill seven more on the unit between June 2015 and June 2016.

Ms Blackwell said the managers now accepted they had thought they needed to obtain clear evidence of wrongdoing before contacting Cheshire police when concerns about Letby arose.

They admitted this had caused a significant delay and for that they were sorry, she said.

Ms Blackwell said the former executives also apologised for poor communication with the parents, which they accepted had caused hurt and anxiety.

But she said they had not deliberately kept them in the dark about the investigations and reviews they initiated to cause anguish, nor did the 'long periods of silence' involve a 'conspiracy of dishonesty.'

Nor did they, as has been alleged earlier this week, prioritise the hospital's reputation over the safety of the babies 'at any time', or seek to suppress concerns or attempts to blow the whistle, the barrister said.

Body worn camera footage from Cheshire Constabulary of the arrest of Lucy Letby in 2018

A court artist's sketch of Lucy Letby giving evidence at Manchester Crown Court on July 24

And Ms Blackwell said it had not been simply up to them to safeguard patients at the hospital.

'The responsibility to keep babies safe is shared by everyone, from those that work on the ward all the way up to the board, it is a collective responsibility,' Ms Blackwell said. 'Following concerns about Lucy Letby being raised, the Board of Directors were kept updated as and when developments occurred and had opportunity to hold senior managers to account.'

She also added: 'It will be a matter of exploration for this inquiry as to why those who held concerns about criminality - those carrying out clinical duties on the wards - did not contact the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the police or any of the other relevant external bodies.'

The inquiry has heard that the possibility of a nurse killing babies ought to have been in the minds of bosses because Victorina Chua, a nurse at Stepping Hill Hospital, in Stockport, 40 miles east of Chester, had been jailed for murdering two patients just a few weeks before Letby began her killing spree.

Jason Beer KC, representing NHS England, said there had been a lack of candour in the way information was shared by the hospital with parents and outside agencies.

'On behalf of the entire NHS, NHS England wishes again unreservedly to apologise to all of the parents and the families affected for what they have been through and for the mistakes and system failures in the way these crimes were reported and investigating,' he said

'This includes the lack of compassion and candour in the way information was shared by the hospital and for the lack of support provided to the families and all those affected by the unspeakable events.'

The inquiry has already heard there was a delay in holding meetings between the consultants who were raising concerns and senior bosses, and that little was put in writing about Letby or her suspected criminality.

The deaths and collapses were also not reported on internal systems properly or to outside agencies.

Ms Blackwell said the former managers will tell the inquiry that - even as late as May 2016, two months before Lucy Letby was removed from working, no concerns were being raised about the deaths being unnatural or suspicious. The only discussions involving Lucy Letby were concerned with her well-being because she had been on shift when so many babies died, the barrister added.

A sign outside the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester

Letby worked on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital (pictured) between June 2015 and June 2016

The investigation at Liverpool Town Hall (pictured) will examine how Letby was able to attack babies on the Countess and Chester Hospital's neo-natal unit in 2015 and 2016

When that changed at the end of June, when two triplets were murdered on consecutive shifts, and the Board was finally informed, meetings about the spike in deaths and the link with Letby took place behind closed doors, away from public scrutiny, the inquiry has been told.

Ms Blackwell said the managers know they will be asked difficult questions and are prepared to answer them 'openly and honestly' so lesson can be learned. She said they hoped the inquiry would look at all the evidence with an open mind 'unblinkered by hindsight bias' and stressed that the information collected via the police investigations, two trials and inquiry process is 'quite distinct to the incomplete information' they had at their fingertips, eight or nine years ago.

Letby, formerly of Hereford, is serving a whole life term in prison after being found guilty following two trials at Manchester Crown Court. An appeal against her convictions has also been rejected.
A 17-year-old fast-food worker has been left traumatized after she said a man threw bleach in her face at a Burger King drive-thru in Georgia.

Andrea Alexander was working a night shift on Tuesday when she fell victim to the unprovoked attack.

An unidentified man allegedly pulled up to the drive-thru off Jonesboro Road in Union City to pay for his food when he threw a cup of liquid at Andrea - and then drove off.

'At first, I thought it was water because it was really cold,' she told ANF.

She added, 'But then I took a breath and my eyes and my nose immediately started burning.'

Andrea said a Burger King drive-thru customer threw a cup of bleach at her face - and then drove off

The attack was seemingly motiveless - there was no hostility or issues with the man's food prior to the attack

Unable to open her eyes, she said she heard him driving off - leaving without his food.

Their exchange prior to the assault was normal - or so she thought. Alexander said that there was no hostile energy or issues with his order and has no idea what drove him to do this.

Her mother, La Toya Alexander, is concerned about the establishment's alleged lack of response to the incident and how it was handled.

'Whatever their procedure is when some type of emergency like that happens, nothing was followed,' she told ANF.

When the chemicals were launched in her daughter's face, she said that the workplace failed to call police and didn't even preform any type of first-aid.

When the chemicals were launched in Andrea's face, she said that the workplace failed to call police and didn't even preform any type of first-aid

Andrea was left traumatized after the incident and said she has been having trouble sleeping since

Thankfully, Andrea doesn't have any serious physical injuries. But the emotional harm it caused is a different story.

'The first night, it was hard for me to sleep. I haven't really got any sleep just because every time I open my eyes, I see somebody throwing bleach in my face,' Andrea added.

She said she has no plans of returning back to work.

It's no secret that fast-food workers frequently face disruptive customers. In some cases, the patrons become abusive.

There have been a stream of videos posted on social media in recent years of customers attacking employees in separate incidents across the country.

La Toya questioned the establishment's procedures in emergency situations like this one, because 'nothing was followed'

Andrea has no idea why she was attacked - the unidentified man normally ordered food but drove away without it

In most cases, the attacks appear motiveless.

In July, a Missouri woman got behind the wheel of her car and ran down a store manager of the popular fast-food chain Jack in the Box, after complaining about a missing chicken strip and a lack of ranch dressing, according to the Independent.

A study conducted by the UCLA Labor Center found that half of the fast-food workers they surveyed have experienced verbal abuse and more than a third have experienced violence such as threats, racial slurs and assault.

Andrea is warning other fast-food workers to always stay vigilant on the job.

She added: 'I hope that if this has happened to anyone else, they reach out.'

'If they have information, reach out so I can get justice.'
Viewers have been given a first look at a new Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris BBC show on how to life a long life.

The new series, Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping, will start on Sunday September 29 and will be shown in three parts.

In a sneak peek, the pair are seen surfing, trying out rollercoasters, working out in the woods and even testing cosmetics as they find out how Europeans make the most of their later years.

The midlife pair will also meet some of the 'healthiest, happiest and long-lived people' on the continent, while visiting countries including Sweden, Switzerland and Greece.

McGuinness and Harris's new show will also share ways to 'age gracefully, or less dis-gracefully'.

The new trailer comes barely a week after Harris revealed he had warned bosses at the Corporation of dangers ahead of Freddie Flintoff's high speed car crash.

A new series hosted by Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris exploring the secret to a long life will air on BBC One from September 29

A new sneak peek at the series includes Paddy and Chris riding a rollercoaster while touring Europe

Harris appears to look in surprise as he is handed something during the video

McGuinness squirming as he samples a product. The show will explore ways to 'age gracefully'

Top Gear presenters Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris, pictured in 2018. The new trailer comes a week after Harris revealed that he had warned bosses about dangers on the show prior to Flintoff's horror crash

The Top Gear presenter, 49, said he feared Flintoff had died during the accident at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

Flintoff was left with serious facial and rib injuries following the crash, which occurred while Mr Harris was on set.

Speaking to The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Mr Harris said: 'What was never spoken about was that three months before the accident, I'd gone to the BBC and said, unless you change something, someone's going to die on this show.

'So I went to them, I went to the BBC, and I told them of my concerns from what I'd seen as the most experienced driver on the show by a mile.

'I said if we carry on at the very least, we're going to have a serious injury; at the very worst, we're going to have a fatality.

'And I think what happened with Top Gear was I saw repeatedly too many times my two co-hosts who didn't have the experience I had in cars. This is the critical thing.'

He added that he himself broke a finger during an earlier stunt involving go-karts in Thailand with co-presenter Mr McGuiness, after which he asked the BBC's head of health and safety for a meeting.

McGuinness, Flintoff and Harris on the embankment of the River Thames. Harris said last week that he had aired concerns to BBC chiefs about safety, saying his two co-hosts didn't have his experience in cars

In a response to a health and safety report published in November 2023, which did not cover Flintoff's incident, BBC Studios said: 'The independent Health and Safety production review of Top Gear, which looked at previous seasons, found that while BBC Studios had complied with the required BBC policies and industry best practice in making the show, there were important learnings which would need to be rigorously applied to future Top Gear UK productions.

'The report includes a number of recommendations to improve approaches to safety as Top Gear is a complex programme-making environment routinely navigating tight filming schedules and ambitious editorial expectations - challenges often experienced by long-running shows with an established on and off screen team.

'Learnings included a detailed action plan involving changes in the ways of working, such as increased clarity on roles and responsibilities and better communication between teams for any future Top Gear production.'

Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping will air on BBC One from September 29.
The trial for accused quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger will be moved to Boise, Idaho, weeks after the defense argued for a change in venue, the Idaho Supreme Court announced in its ruling Thursday.

District Judge Steven Hippler will preside over the case, according to the filing.

As a result of the location switch-up, Kohberger, 29, has been ordered to be transferred to the custody of the Ada County Sheriff.

"Considering the undisputed evidence presented by the defense, the extreme nature of the news coverage in this case, and the smaller population in Latah County, the defense has met the rather low standard of demonstrating 'a reasonable likelihood' that prejudicial news coverage will compromise a fair trial in Latah County," Judge John Judge ruled Monday, according to ABC News. "Thus, the Court will grant Kohberger's motion to change venue for presumed prejudice."

Kohberger's defense attorneys began arguments last month that Latah County residents possessed a general hostility and "mob mentality" toward the alleged killer, and therefore could not guarantee him a fair trial, according to a theoretical phone study, NBC News previously reported.

If a jury failed to convict Kohberger, respondents said they'd "burn the courthouse down" and that "they would probably find him and kill him."

Another said, "There would likely be a riot and he wouldn't last long outside because someone would do the good ole' boy justice."

Kohberger, a former criminal justice PhD student, allegedly stabbed Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, to death in their University of Idaho off-campus apartment in November 2022.

He was arrested six weeks later during a visit with his parents in Pennsylvania, after DNA evidence, surveillance video and cell phone records allegedly tied him to the scene of the crime.

Kohberger was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary for the college students' slayings.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges in May 2023 and a motive remains under investigation.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald.
A pair of jurors turned into crime fighters this week when they took down a child abuser who escaped a courtroom in Maine after learning his fate.

Nicholas Carter, 31, was found guilty of aggravated assault against a 14-month-old child on Wednesday at the Somerset County Superior Court in Skowhegan, the Waterville Morning Sentinel reported.

When the jury returned their verdict after the three-day trial, the 5-foot-7, 150-pound Carter, who was handcuffed and dressed in suit and tie, fled the courthouse.

Footage shows three officials giving chase after Carter bolted through a door and ran down a flight of stairs.

He escaped through a rear door and managed to make it to the other side of the street before tripping to the ground, where he was nabbed by two jurors who were in the courtroom that day.

Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said Carter was taken back into custody without incident, and he now faces a charge of escape, the Portland Press Herald reported.

Nicholas Carter, 31, was found guilty of aggravated assault against a 14-month-old child

Carter is seen trying to flee with his handcuffs on

One of the jurors is pictured running behind the handcuffed yet determined Carter during his courtroom escape

Attorney Dawn DiBlasi, who is also the town manager, witnessed the chaotic scene while she was standing with her clients.

'All of sudden, we hear this huge bang. Crash. Boom,' DiBlasi told the publication.

'And this guy comes running down the stairs. He's handcuffed or shackled. He's trying to escape.

'Literally, he's got his hands on the railing, coming down, trying to jump three stairs at a time. His feet weren't shackled.'

The bizarre escape took place on Wednesday at the Somerset County Court House

There were no reported injuries.

Carter had been out on bail before his trial, Somerset County Superior Courthouse Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell said.

He is set to be sentenced in the assault case in the coming weeks. As of Friday, a date had not yet been set.
Two Springfield schools were evacuated on Friday after the Ohio town was besieged with threats over the Haitian migrant debacle.

Students from Perrin Woods Elementary School and Snowhill Elementary School were forced out of the building on Friday morning and moved to an 'alternate district location,' according to the Springfield City School District.

Students are now being released back into the care of their parents, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

The schools were evacuated after police received some information. What information police received that caused such alarm is currently unknown, however, Springfield mayor, Rob Rue, told The Springfield News-Sun that complaints over the Haitian migrants were part of the threat.

Multiple other schools have also been evacuated since yesterday and come after the town became a national conversation piece over claims Haitian migrants are eating cats.

Students from Perrin Woods Elementary School and Snowhill Elementary School (pictured) were forced out of the building on Friday morning and moved to an 'alternate district location' according to the Springfield City School District

The schools were evacuated after police received information. What information police received that caused such alarm is currently unknown

Yesterday, Fulton Elementary School was evacuated and Roosevelt Middle School was closed before the school day even began due to the same information that shut down Perrin Woods and Snowhill, according to The Dispatch.

However, no other schools have received threats, according to the district.

Yesterday, City Hall was evacuated after multiple city facilities received bomb threats, The Dispatch reported. Every Clark County building was also shut down out of an 'abundance of caution.'

The bomb threat, obtained by USA Today, was emailed to multiple agencies around 8:30am on Thursday saying a bomb would detonate inside the building within hours and referenced the dispelled rumors about Haitian migrants.

'My hometown of Springfield is becoming a third world (expletive) because you allowed the federal government to dump these (expletive) here,' the email read.

'We have Haitians eating our animals and then you lie and claim this is not happening when we see this happening. Im here to send a message, I placed a bomb in the following locations...'

Students are now being released back into the care of their parents

Multiple other schools have also been evacuated since yesterday

The town of Springfield has been a flashpoint in the debate over immigration ever since droves of Haitian migrants arrived in the city in 2020 to fill jobs vacancies.

Willing to do the blue-collar jobs locals were unenthusiastic about, the Haitians, who were already in the country legally, moved to the town.

Within a few years, 20,000 immigrants arrived, swelling Springfield's population, which was only 58,000 in 2020.

The Haitians had social security numbers and job permits, paid taxes, and lived in houses that were empty and boarded up as the town shrank.

The immigrants are there legally and eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status, according to an Immigration FAQ page on the city's website, which says the total immigration population in Clark County is an estimated 12,000 to 15,000.

Yesterday, City Hall was evacuated after multiple city facilities received bomb threats

Erika Lee, 35, circulated the rumor that a migrants were eating cats on Facebook, with the post eventually making it to Donald Trump's campaign.

Lee admitted to NewsGuard that she heard the rumor of Haitian migrants eating cats in her town through her neighbor Kimberly Newton, who heard it through a friend, who heard it from the alleged cat owner.

'Warning to all about our beloved pets and those around us!!' Lee wrote on Springfield Ohio Crime and Information Facebook group.

'My neighbor informed me that her daughter's friend had lost her cat. One day she came home from work, as soon as she stepped out of her car, looked toward a neighbor's house, where Haitians live, and saw her cat hanging from a branch, like you'd do a deer for butchering, and they were carving it up to eat.

Erika Lee, 35, circulated the rumor that a migrants were eating cats on Facebook, with the post eventually making it to Donald Trump's campaign

'I've been told they are doing this to dogs, they have been doing it at Snyder Park with the ducks and geese, and I was told that last bit by Rangers and police. Please keep a close eye on these animals.'

The post has since been deleted, but not before it took off to national heights and even landed on the debate stage, where Republican nominee Donald Trump repeated the alarming claim.

The first claims about pets being eaten over in Springfield were raised at a city commission meeting on July 30.

A Springfield resident (pictured) claimed that Haitian migrants were decapitating ducks in public parks and eating them

One aggrieved man made the claim during a meeting to address the influx of legal Haitian immigrants - which has revitalized the local economy, but also sparked controversy among locals.

'I really challenge you guys to get out here and do something,' he told the meeting. 'These Haitians are running into trash cans, running into buildings, they're flipping cars in the middle of the streets.

'They're in the park, grabbing up ducks by their neck, and cutting their head off and walking off with them. They're eating them.'

The viral claim also featured a photograph of a man appearing to hold a large bird walking down the street, a picture which originated in Columbus, Ohio. It was just a goose.
An Indiana toddler died days after consuming an opioid pill she found in a donated backpack.

The 18-month-old, Azana Trentman, was rushed to the hospital on September 4 after her parents, Shayna Wood and Austen Trentman, called 911 saying their daughter was unresponsive after ingesting a then-unknown substance.

Azanas parents, of Manchester, Indiana, had taken their daughter to a new thrift store in Dillsboro when their world turned upside-down, a post shared on Facebook by the toddlers grandmother, Tawnya Wood, read.

They browsed items and Azana was playing with a backpack in the store. At some point Azana found something in the backpack and ingested it, the post continued.

Unsure of what his daughter ingested, Trentman took immediate action to clear her mouth and induce vomiting. He tasted the substance, noting 'it tasted sweet, and it had a melted candy consistency'.

Azana Kay Grace Trentman died days after consuming an opioid pill she found in a donated backpack

The 18-month-old was rushed to the hospital on September 4 after her parents, Shayna Wood (left) and Austen Trentman (right), called 911 saying their daughter was unresponsive after ingesting a then-unknown substance

Convinced the substance was likely candy, the family left the store and continued their errands.

It wasn't until her parents arrived home that they realized Azana was in need of immediate medical attention.

The toddler was rushed to St. Elizabeth Dearborn Hospital in Lawrenceburg where she was then stabilized for transport to Cincinnati Childrens Hospital - the number one ranked childrens hospital, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

After many days of testing, we finally got results that are devastating, the post shared on Sunday read.

The toxicology report indicated the substance was a fruit-flavored dissolvable suboxone pill - a medication often used to treat opioid dependence.

It wasn't until her parents arrived home that they realized Azana was in need of immediate medical attention

Unsure of what his daughter ingested, Trentman took immediate action to clear her mouth and induced vomiting. He tasted the substance noting it tasted sweet, and it had a melted candy consistency

We are heartbroken that Azana is suffering due to someones negligence in leaving such a dangerous item in a donated backpack, Tawynas post reads.

'We are also troubled by the thrift store's apparent failure to thoroughly inspect donated items before they are placed for sale.'

A GoFundMe page created by a friend of the family reported the toddler was still in critical condition at Childrens ICU, on September 7.

Azana was declared brain dead the next day on Sunday.

On Tuesday, the page was updated to read: Baby Azana flew up to Heaven on the wings of Angels, but not before giving the gift of life to other innocent lives praying for a miracle.

The toddler was rushed to St. Elizabeth Dearborn Hospital in Lawrenceburg where she was then stabilized for transport to Cincinnati Childrens Hospital

Following her untimely passing - just two days before her pregnant mothers birthday - the toddlers organs were donated, helping three families

'Though we dont understand this, and may never understand this Gods Will is perfect.

Following her death - just two days before her pregnant mothers birthday - the toddlers organs were donated, helping three families. Her family says her favorite things were cats, horses and Cinderella.

A fundraiser for Azana and family will be held on September 14 at the couples favorite local thrift store, different from the one where Azana ingested the pill.

Dearborn County authorities are still investigating the 18-month-old's death as they await the autopsy report.

The GoFundMe has raised $17,913 toward its $10,000 goal.
When Vice President Kamala Harris got her first personal intelligence briefings in office, she was not pleased with what the official was telling her.

It was not any specific concerning event or threats to national security that alarmed her, but what she believed was 'gender-biased' language in the report.

The intelligence officer briefing Harris was a woman, but Harris requested a system wide assessment of the intelligence community to ensure it would not happen again, according to Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, citing anonymous sources in the national security intelligence community.

Harris urged intelligence agencies to provide training for their analysts so that the use of gender-bias would not happen again.

The episode reveals Harris as an executive who continues wrestling with frustrations over how the world treats women in politics.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris specifically called out the United States intelligence community for using gendered language in their briefings

As the first female vice president, Harris has tried to adjust elements of the job to fit her gender.

Some of the changes are easy physical adjustments to change the basic infrastructure of the job.

After Harris took office, her team realized that the desk chairs in her office needed to be replaced so she could fit in them, the New York Times reported, as the vice president is 5 foot 2 inches.

She also made sure her office included significantly more women on her staff than previous vice presidents, signaling her commitment to gender diversity.

Harris has also felt the need to speak out as the first female vice president, leaning into her promotion of gender issues.

In July 2021, Harris delivered a speech in France at a forum hosted by French President Emanuel Macron about gender equality.

Kamala Harris in a situation room meeting with President Joe Biden and his advisors

France's President Emmanuel Macron, right, greets U.S Vice President Kamala Harris as she arrives for a conference

'If we want to strengthen democracy, we must fight for gender equality. Because here is the truth: Democracy is strongest when everyone participates and it is weaker when people are left out,' the vice president said.

In May 2023, Harris spoke at a EMILYs List gala and condemned Republicans for trying to eliminate gender ideology from publicly funded classrooms.

Well, so what are we talking about here? Classes that teach womens history, womens equality? she asked as the mostly female audience applauded. The study of the fact that there are still only 25 women in the United States Senate in a body of 100?

Her awareness of the idea of government executives as male prompted her to speak about the presidency using female pronouns, as she did during her failed presidential campaign.

Its important for people to understand that they have to really check how theyre thinking about these things. But we have to help along the way, and part of it is about how we use language, she told Buzzfeed in October 2019.

Harris grew more despondent as voters increasingly lost interest in her campaign, prompting her to blame voters perspectives about her gender.

Is America ready for a woman, and a woman of color to be president of the United States? she wondered during an interview with Axios, pointing out that she was burdened by her gender and questions of electability.

There is a lack of ability or a difficulty in imagining that someone who we have never seen can do a job that has been done, you know, forty-five times by someone who is not that person, she concluded.

As Harris is running for president in 2024, however, she and her political team has shifted away from an emphasis on her gender.

The Washington Post reported Friday that Harris has specifically turned to former aides for President Barack Obama to help her steer away from conversations about her race and gender, which they consider to be a distraction.

Other former staffers for Hillary Clintons failed presidential campaign expressed regret for focusing too much on her gender, as she experienced a chance to make history as the first female president of the United States.

Some have joined the Harris team with the intent on avoiding past mistakes.

I feel like I learned really valuable lessons during the Clinton campaign and then in working through a lot of research in the eight years since about the kind of questions we have for women candidates and how you best support them, former Clinton strategist Jennifer Palmeri said to the Post.
Black voters in the key Georgia county of Cobb reacted to former President Donald Trump's wild claims that Haitian immigrants were 'eating the pets' in Springfield, Ohio.

DailyMail.com's pollster J.L. Partners' James Johnson sat down with eight undecided voters of color and showed them the most viral clip of Tuesday night's presidential debate in Philadelphia.

In the clip, the former president insists that '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.'

While one woman said the comments made the ex-president look 'stupid' another man chimed in and said that Trump repeating internet conspiracies made him look like an everyman.

'He reminds me of the average person who maybe doesn't know everything and they're just repeating what they hear. But the thing is, a lot of people are repeating that stuff. So, that's why I click on with him,' the man said. 'They're hearing that same stuff and they're saying the same thing.'

DailyMail.com's pollster assembled a group of eight African-American undecided voters who reside in Cobb County, Georgia, a county that helped President Joe Biden turn the state blue in the 2020 presidential election

When Johnson first played the video, the undecided voters were quick to point out what Trump was basing his information on.

'Everything he says is based off a fact, but the details are off,' one of the three women on the focus group observed.

She noted that there was a report of a Canton, Ohio woman - an American, not a Haitian immigrant - who was arrested and accused of killing and eating a cat in front of several people.

'One person - she was American,' the woman said.

In August, a Springfield, Ohio resident claimed at a City Commission meeting that Haitian immigrants were eating ducks from the park - but those allegations have not been verified.

When one of the men brought up the duck claim, group members pointed out that ducks are often 'food.'

'That's a little different than a cat or dog though,' another woman replied.

Former President Donald Trump made bold and unfounded claims about Haitian immigrants in Ohio eating people's dogs and cats during Tueday night's debate in Philadelphia

When Johnson asked the group if this stuff Trump was talking about was happening, members pushed back saying it wasn't the immigrants.

'The immigrants didn't do it. It was somebody that was from the United States,' one woman said.

Johnson also asked the group how Trump talking about the pet-eating made them feel.

'It's irrelevant,' answered one woman.

Another woman called it 'stupid.'

But it didn't appear disqualifying, with the man in a yellow polo shirt answering that it makes Trump seem like an 'average person' and makes the ex-president 'click' with the undecided voter.
Boar's Head is closing the Virginia plant at the center of a deadly listeria outbreak, describing the decision as a 'dark moment in our company's history.'

The deli plant will also permanently discontinue the production of liverwurst, which was the product responsible for the July scandal which left nine people dead and a further 57 hospitalized.

'Given the seriousness of the outbreak, and the fact that it originated at Jarratt, we have made the difficult decision to indefinitely close this location, which has not been operational since late July 2024,' Boar's Head said in a statement on Friday.

The closure will impact up to 500 employees at the plant, the New York Times reports.

A union representative told the publication that Boar's Head was providing severance packages and some relocation options.

Boar's Head is closing the Virginia plant which was at the center of a deadly listeria outbreak

The contamination was caused specifically within the production process of liverwurst at the Jarratt facility, and no other products were affected

'It pains us to impact the livelihoods of hundreds of hard-working employees. We do not take lightly our responsibility as one of the area's largest employers.

'But, under these circumstances, we feel that a plant closure is the most prudent course. We will work to assist each of our employees in the transition process.'

The contamination was caused specifically within the production process of liverwurst at the Jarratt facility, and no other products were affected.

It prompted a mass recall over listeria concerns on July 26, including liverwurst produced between June 11 and July 17.

The outbreak was later linked to nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations across 18 states.

Pictured above is the plant in Jarratt, Virginia, at the center of the Listeria outbreak

The plant described the incident, and the subsequent decision to shutter the doors, as a 'dark moment in our company's history.'

Boar's Head vowed to use this as a lesson and 'opportunity to enhance food safety... for the entire industry.'

The Department of Agriculture issued a notice of suspension on July 31 to the plant, revealing it would 'withhold the federal marks of inspection and suspend the operations of Ready-to-Eat products.'

In the notice, it was determined the establishment 'failed to maintain sanitary conditions.'

Reports from the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service showed the $1billion company was warned of 69 violations at the plant in Jarratt, Virginia, in the past year.

Concerns were raised before Boar's Head deli meat triggered the biggest listeria outbreak in the US in over a decade  with dozens of its products contaminated.

The above map shows the states where illnesses linked to the deli meat listeria outbreak have been reported

This is the outside of the plant, which has now been indefinitely closed

In one report, inspectors said they saw flies going in and out of a vat of pickles, while a trail of ants were witnessed crawling up walls nearby.

Inspectors also detailed how mold and mildew had built up on surfaces  and that, in some areas of the factory, there was a 'rancid smell' and 'ample blood' covering sections of the floor.

It was the biggest food-borne disease outbreak to hit the US since the cantaloupe outbreak in 2011, when cantaloupe contaminated with listeria sickened 147 people and lead to 33 deaths.

Among those to die was father-of-three and Holocaust survivor Gunter Morgenstein, who had regularly consumed the company's liverwurst because it reminded him of his native Germany.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have generously donated to a food bank targeted by thieves.

The Pecan foodbank in Peckham, South London, was hit at the weekend by shameless criminals who raided the warehouse and stole 3,000 worth of food and hygiene products, leaving hundreds of local families struggling.

But Catherine and William stepped in to lend a helping hand with a donation.

Thanking the royal couple on X, a spokesman for the foodbank said: 'All at Pecan have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from across society.'

Pecan's team have reportedly been 'busting a gut' to think of ways to fundraise and replenish the lost stock.

Thankfully charity bosses confirmed that 'food stocks are being replenished now' thanks to the generosity of the Waleses and the general public.

The Prince and Princess of Wales donated to a foodbank in south east London that was targeted by thieves over the weekend

Pecan Foodbank, located on Peckham High Street, had 3,000 worth of stock stolen from its warehouse on Sunday evening

Pecan foodbank, located on Peckham High Street in south east London, supports around 10 households each week with emergency food parcels.

Their vision is a 'Southwark without the need for food banks and where everyone can afford the essentials.

But the foodbank was ruthlessly targeted by thieves on Sunday morning.

Pecan foodbank's chief executive Peter Edwards confirmed that 3,000 worth of stock was taken, including a work laptop.

Reacting to the royal donation, Mr Edwards told MailOnline: 'This surprise donation by the Prince and Princess of Wales - following such a difficult spell for their family - underlines their kindness and decency.

'After serious ill health their first thought was of how to help others. Their generosity will inspire staff and volunteers to redouble Pecan's efforts to alleviate poverty in London.'

Mr Edwards told the BBC that the burglary had a 'devastating impact' on the 'most vulnerable people' in the Peckham community.

'We're all emotionally invested in the services we provide,' he said. 'We're only here to help other people so it's a hammer blow when something like this happens.'

He said the team was 'working very hard' to make sure none of their clients went without food parcels this week.

'We've got enough in house now to keep serving people in need, but it's important that we continue to fundraise on an urgent scale,' he said.

The stolen goods had a 'substantial impact' on the local people reliant on the foodbank for their weekly meals, Shadid Mughal, head of food services at Pecan, told the BBC.

He said: 'The first thing they saw was that the shutter had been lifted and the glass had been broken.

'The team on Monday felt quite deflated because there's a lot of hard work that goes into collecting the food.'

The aftermaths at Pecan foodbank where thieves stole food and hygiene products

The gang of thieves wedged open the door and moved stock from the warehouse until the shelves were dry

The south east London foodbank thanked the William (left) and Catherine (right) for their generous donation after 3,000 worth of stock was stolen from their warehouse

CCTV footage showed the gang of thieves wedging open the door to the foodbank and going back and forth 'for hours' until the shelves were empty.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed it was called to the building in Peckham on Monday morning following a report of a burglary. No arrests have been made.

The desperate criminal act follows four other break-ins at food banks across the UK over the past 14 months.

A large quantity of cash put aside to by food was stolen from Levisham Foodbank in July 2023 and Inspire Support Services in Redditch was targeted by burglars last month for the third time in the span of one year.

Royal watchers have taken to X to express their gratitude for the 'generous' Prince and Princess of Wales.

One person wrote: 'That's just a lovely thing to do in response to that desperate act.

'Hope officials can find out who did it to discuss why and help rectify the behavior and address the need.'

Another said: 'A big thank you to the Prince and Princess of Wales for their kindness and generosity which knows no bounds.'

Another user pointed out: 'Couldn't get any lower to steal from a food bank. Sorry this happened. Good to hear its being replaced.'

Royal watchers took to X to express their appreciation for the Prince and Princess of Wales

US Congressman Kevin Hern donated to Pecan foodbank after hearing about the burglary on the news

The Prince and Princess of Wales were not the only famous faces to come to the aid of Pecan foodbank following the break in over the weekend.

United States Congressman Kevin Hern donated 300 to the charity after watching a news bulletin about the burglary.
President Joe Biden criticized Donald Trump for spreading false reports of migrants eating pets, saying it was leading to attacks on the Haitian community.

The 'Haitian American community is under attack right now,' Biden said Friday at the White House during an event for Black Excellence.

He called on Trump to stop making such statements.

'There's no place in America for this. It has to stop. What he's doing has to stop,' he said.

It was Biden's first direct comments on the issue, which caught fire during Tuesday's presidential debate, when Trump made the false allegation.

President Joe Biden called on Donald Trump to stop making comments about migrants eating pets

Trump, during his debate with Kamala Harris, 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.

Trump has doubled down on his comments that migrants in Springfield City, Ohio, are eating pets. The false rumor has spread on the internet and lead to threats in the community.

Springfield City has issued a statement saying there have been 'no credible reports' of pets being harmed by the Haitian community.

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.

Rob Rue, the mayor of Springfield, Ohio, said that the bomb threat made on Thursday that forced the evacuation of the city hall, two schools, and other buildings in the community was explicitly anti-immigrant and hostile to the city's Haitian community, following Trump's stoking of a rightwing conspiracy theory that some residents' pets are being eaten.

Rue said such allegations are 'hurting our city.'

Trump has continued to push the issue.

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

Your browser does not support iframes.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also slammed the former president accusing migrants of eating pets, saying 'lives were in danger' because of his false claims.

She described 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.'
A teacher who held a placard at a pro-Palestine protest depicting Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts has been found not guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence.

Marieha Hussain, 37, denied the prosecution's allegation that the placard was 'racially abusive' and her trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that she 'quite obviously does not have a racist bone in her body'.

Ms Hussain denied and was acquitted of the charge on Friday, prompting claps and cheers from her supporters in the public gallery.

Outside court after the hearing, Ms Hussain said: 'The damage done to my reputation and image can never be undone.

'The laws on hate speech must serve to protect us more but this trial shows that these rules are being weaponised to target ethnic minorities.

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

'It goes without saying that this ordeal has been agonising for my family and I. Instead of enjoying my pregnancy I've been vilified by media, I've lost my career, I've been dragged through the court system.

'Nearly a year on from the genocide in Gaza, and despite this trial, I'm more determined than ever to continue using my voice to defend Palestine.'

Clearing Ms Hussain, district judge Vanessa Lloyd said: 'I find that it was part of the genre of political satire and, as such, the prosecution have not proved to the criminal standard that it was abusive.

'The prosecution has also not proved to the criminal standard that you were aware that your placard may be abusive.'

Giving evidence, Ms Hussain said the placard was a 'light-hearted piece of political banter', a way to depict something serious in a 'British satirical way', the court heard.

In his closing speech, Rajiv Menon KC, defending, said: 'This prosecution of Ms Hussain is ... a disturbing attack on the right of freedom of expression; the right to peaceful protest that did not risk in any shape or form violence or public disorder; the right to anti-racists to criticise members of their own race for pursuing racist policies and using racist rhetoric; the right to satirise our politicians; the right to mock and tease and make fun of our politicians in a light-hearted way that Marieha Hussain attempted to do with her placard.

'That Marieha Hussain of all people is being prosecuted for a racially aggravated offence whilst the likes of Suella Braverman and Nigel Farage and Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - aka Tommy Robinson - and Frank Hester are seemingly free to make inflammatory and divisive statements ... is, I'm afraid, incomprehensible to many people.'

Mr Menon said Ms Hussain is a woman of 'impeccable character', adding: 'She is a responsible and thoughtful citizen who genuinely cares about the plight of those less fortunate than her, who is prepared to exercise her democratic right to peaceful protest against injustice.'

'We submit that she should not be criminalised for her satirical coconut placard,' the barrister continued.

'It would be a tragedy - I use that word advisedly - for her to be convicted of a racially aggravated offence when she quite obviously does not have a racist bone in her body.'

The court heard expert opinion on whether the term 'coconut' is a racial slur.

Mr Menon said experts struggled to see how the term could be capable of being a slur without 'some qualifying word, behaviour, context' that racialises it.

'There is no racialising qualifier (in this case),' he added.

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

He questioned why the prosecution did not produce an expert to say the term 'coconut' is a racial slur and why they did not call someone who was offended by Hussain's placard to give evidence.

'There is, in short, a gaping hole as far as the prosecution evidential case against Marieha Hussain is concerned and we say boldly that the Crown has not even come close to meeting its burden to the criminal standard,' Mr Menon said.

In a prepared statement read out to court by the prosecution, Ms Hussain, of Brands Hill Avenue, High Wycombe, said she had attended the pro-Palestine protest with her family.

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.'

An image on the other side of the placard depicted the former home secretary as 'Cruella Braverman', Ms Hussain said in her statement.

Prosecutor Jonathan Bryan said the term 'coconut' was a 'well-known racial slur which has a very clear meaning'.

He said: '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 added that Ms Hussain had 'crossed the line between legitimate political expression' and moved into 'racial insult'.

Mr Menon said previously that the 'humorous and satirical' placard 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'.

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.'
A grieving family is demanding answers after a 21-year-old truck driver was found dead on a rural road with a rope around his neck - as police insist he 'wasn't lynched.'

Javion Magee, 21, from Chicago, was found on September 11 in North Carolina, appearing to have been hung with his back leaning up against a tree, sparking speculation that he may have been racially targeted.

The truck driver's death captured attention this week as his cousin shared a TikTok bringing attention to the tragedy, where she accused officials of dragging their feet in the investigation and claimed Javion's mother couldn't even identify his body.

In response, Vance County Sheriff Curtis R. Brame said he became aware of accusations his office was 'not being transparent, not providing information to the family - and that is not true.'

'There's been information put out there that there's a lynching, there is not a lynching,' he insisted.

'The young man was not dangling from a tree. He was not swinging from a tree. The rope was wrapped around his neck. It was not a noose. There was not a knot in the rope, so therefore, it was not a lynching here in Vance County.'

Javion Magee, 21, from Chicago, was found on September 11 in North Carolina with a rope around his neck and his back leaning up against a tree, sparking speculation that he was 'lynched' that officials have rejected

Javion's family accused officials of dragging their feet in the investigation of his death and claimed Javion's mother couldn't even identify his body

North Carolina officials have not made any arrests in connection with Magee's death, and Brame told ABC11 that there were no signs of foul play.

He declined to brand Magee's passing as a suicide at this stage, and his exact cause of death was not yet determined as his body was sent to the medical examiner for an autopsy.

Brame said one of the reasons he rejected the idea it was a lynching was because there was no 'noose or knot' in the rope that he was found hanging from. The sheriff indicated that the FBI was joining the investigation into the 21-year-old's death.

In her TikTok video, Javion's cousin explained that he lives in Chicago, but was in North Carolina as part of his work as a truck driver.

Although officials declined to state that Magee's death was a 'suicide' publicly, she claimed that police told her family Javion had been to Walmart to buy a rope then 'hung himself.'

'We obviously don't believe that,' she explained.

Police have not made any arrests in connection with Magee's death, and have claimed that there were no signs of foul play at the scene

While the police investigation is ongoing, Magee's family said they are dissatisfied with the response from authorities in the days since he was found dead.

His cousin continued in her appeal: 'We really need your help... the police officers and coroner's office are giving us a hard time.'

She claimed that the coroner's office is 'not allowing his mom to identify the body', and was given the excuse that it was 'due to Covid.'

It is not explained why the Covid-19 pandemic would prevent Magee's mother from identifying his body, and the Vance County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.

His cousin went on to say Magee's mother instead asked for pictures to verify his death, only to allegedly be told she wouldn't 'want to see your son like that.'

'This is just devastating for my family, and we really need to push this story out there,' she concluded.
A teenager believed to have taken her own life after she was groomed by far-right extremists and later arrested on suspicion of terror offences was being monitored by MI5, an inquest has heard.

Rhianan Rudd, 16, was found dead at a children's home on May 19 2022 - about 18 months after she was detained for downloading a bomb-making manual online and accused of plotting a terrorist attack.

The teenager was the youngest person charged with terror offences in the UK, when first facing prosecution at the age of 15.

A statement from the security service was read to the pre-inquest review hearing into Rhianan's death at Chesterfield Coroner's Court, confirming that MI5 'provided police with intelligence' during their criminal investigation.

The teenager, who had autism, was charged with various offences in April 2021 and was due to stand trial in March 2022 - but charges were dropped after the Home Office ruled she was a victim of sexual exploitation by two US far-right extremists Christopher Cook and Dax Mallaburn.

Mother Emily Carter with Rhianan Rud. Rhianan took her own life in 2022 - the 15-year-old had been the youngest person to be charged with terrorism offences in the UK

Rhianan Rudd's mother says she should have been seen as a victim rather than a terrorist, as it was discovered that she had been groomed by US far-right extremists

Mallaburn had met Rhianan's mother Emily Carter via a pen pal system for prisoners.

It was also later revealed that police and MI5 knew Rhianan may have been a victim of child sexual exploitation for at least a year - before she was even arrested.

Edward Pleeth, counsel to the inquest, read the statement to the court which said: 'MI5 confirms that they provided police with intelligence in the course of the police investigation.

'MI5 did not take the decision to arrest or charge, or the subsequent decision to discontinue prosecution.'

Jesse Nicholls, representing Rhianan's mother, said: 'Rhianan was a child who died in circumstances involving an exceptional period of state involvement leading up to her death.

'It appears it [MI5] was monitoring her, and getting information about what steps it then took is relevant and should be examined.'

Neil Sheldon KC, representing the Home Office, including MI5, said in the hearing: 'We accept you will be scrutinising sensitive material very carefully to see what if any information was known about the risk of self-harm or suicide and what if anything was done in respect of that information.

'We maintain that this is not a case in which it is necessary to assess the substance of the underlying intelligence collected by MI5.'

Chief coroner Alexia Durran also heard that although MI5 'considers matters such as mental health' in its duties, the provision of 'care and support is not part of its statutory functions or role'.

Charges against Rhianan were dropped after evidence emerged she had been groomed by US neo-Nazi Christopher Cook, pictured, and Ms Carter's one-time partner Dax Mallaburn, a fellow American white supremacist

Mallaburn, pictured, met Rhianan's mother via a pen pal system for prisoners

Mr Sheldon continued: 'There is also an important distinction between the obligation to protect individuals from a real and immediate threat to life and a general obligation to provide care and support.'

The full inquest begins on February 26 next year and is expected to last three weeks.

At a pre-inquest hearing in May this year, Nicholls had also said that 'the behaviour of the state may have been a contributory factor before she took her own life at a children's home in May last year'.

He called for the inquest to consider 'possible state responsibility' in relation to the 'impact on Rhianan's state of mind'.

Chesterfield Coroner's Court heard police and MI5 knew Rhianan may have been a victim of child sexual exploitation for at least a year  before she was even arrested.

But they continued to proceed with prosecution for alleged offences. Rhianan was charged with terror offences in April 2021 and was set to face a trial last year. Charges were not withdrawn until December 2021.

Rhianan, who moved to Derbyshire with her family from Essex in 2012, began being investigated by police in September 2020 after her mother referred her to the anti-radicalisation scheme Prevent.

The teenager was studying for her GSCEs at the time of her death and was living at a residential home in Nottinghamshire.

Speaking to Mail Online in January, Rhianan's mother said of the police and MI5: 'They should have seen her as a victim rather than a terrorist.'

Ms Carter said: 'She became very withdrawn, very secretive. You'd say 'what you been doing upstairs' and she would say 'nothing' where before she would say she was 'searching, doing this, doing that.'

'She wasn't racist at all and then, all of a sudden, she didn't like blacks, didn't like Jews, didn't like anybody who wasn't white.

'If you didn't have blonde hair and blue eyes and were Aryan, as they say, she didn't want to know you, you were an inferior race, you shouldn't have been alive.'

Ms Carter told how her daughter became obsessed with neo-Nazism and was soaking up views 'like a sponge'.

In May it was also revealed that when officers last spoke to Rhianan in April 2022, a month before her death, she was concerned about being trolled online and about a historical Telegram account which had resurfaced.

Officers told her they would not take further action about that, according to Claire Palmer, representing Derbyshire Police.

Ms Palmer had also said that Rhianan was 'at some degree, in crisis', adding: 'What the police found was a vulnerable, complex young lady where there were very serious issues'.
Sinaloa Cartel cofounder Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in a New York federal court Friday.

The 76-year-old former drug lord appeared during a hearing in the same Brooklyn courthouse where his old partner, Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

Zambada submitted his plea to 17 felony counts, which include money laundering and weapons charges.

He provided yes or no answers in Spanish via a court-appointed interpreter while the judge asked if he had an understanding of the case's documents and procedures. When asked how he was feeling, he replied, 'Fine, fine.'

Zambada remained jailed pending trial under orders of the magistrate. His next court date is October 31.

Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada founded the Sinaloa Cartel along with Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman. He appeared in a Brooklyn federal court on Friday and pleaded not guilty to 17 felony counts that include drug trafficking and money laundering charges

Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's sons, self-surrendered to United States authorities on July 25. He pleaded not guilty to multiple offenses, including drug trafficking, in Chicago on July 30

Zambada also pleaded not guilty to the charges at an earlier court appearance in Texas ahead of his transfer to New York.

The Eastern District of New York accuses Zambada of running 'one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl.'

Prosecutors said that Zambada also oversaw a private security force that was almost like an army, and a gang of hitmen, who carried out assassinations, kidnappings and torture. They alleged that he ordered the murder of his own nephew several months ago.

Prosecutor Francisco Navarro described Zambada 'one of the most, if not the most, powerful narcotics kingpins in the world.'

Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada claims he was kidnapped and forced into a plane that took him to New Mexico, where he was arrested July 25. He accuses Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, of setting him up and handing him over to U.S. authorities

In this courtroom sketch, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada (center) is seated beside his defense attorney Frank Perez (left) at a federal courtroom during his arraignment Friday

'A United States jail cell is the only thing that will prevent the defendant from committing further crimes and ensure his return to court,' Navarro said during the arraignment.

Zambada's attorney, Frank Perez, told reporters outside the court that his client was not considering making a deal with the government and expects the case to go to trial.

'It's a complex case,' he said.

Zambada has been in U.S. custody since July 25, when he flew to New Mexico on a private jet with El Chapo's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez.

Guzman Lopez, who surrendered, pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking, money laundering, conspiracy and weapons charges in Chicago on July 30.

The aging kingpin released a two-page letter via his attorney on August 10 and accused Guzman Lopez of ambushing and kidnapping him in Mexico.

Frank Perez, who is representing Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, told reporters that the drug kingpin is not considering making a deal with the US government and expects the case to go to trial.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez is escorted by U.S. federal agents following his self-surrender in July

Zambada said Guzman Lopez had asked him to participate in a meeting with local politicians, including Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha, at an event hall outside Culiacan, the capital of the northwestern state of Sinaloa.

Guzman Lopez's brother, Ivan Guzman Salazar, was also scheduled to be there. Both are leaders of Los Chapitos, the other half of the Sinaloa Cartel faction.

Zambada recalled greeting his childhood friend and local politician, Hector Cuen, of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, before 'a group of men assaulted me, threw me to the ground and put a dark-colored hood over my head.'

He said that he was placed in a pickup truck and taken to an airfield, where a jet was waiting to deliver him to US authorities.

Cuen was reportedly gunned down by assassins, a claim that Zambada countered.

'I know that the official version given by the Sinaloa state authorities is that Hector Cuen was shot the night of July 25 at a gas station by two men who wanted to steal his pick-up truck,' Zambada wrote. 'That's not what happened. They killed him at the same time and in the same place where they kidnapped me.'

Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman was captured in Mexico in 2016 and extradited in 2017 (seen here). He was convicted on multiple drug trafficking charges by a New York federal court in 2019 and is serving a life sentence at a super maximum security prison in Colorado

The Drug Enforcement Administration is offering a $10 million reward for information that leads to the arrest and/or conviction of Jesus Guzman Salazar

Ivan Guzman Salazar (pictured), is one of El Chapo's sons now leading one-half of the Sinaloa Cartel. The DEA is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction

Governor Rocha dismissed Zambada's allegations and said that he was on a flight to Los Angeles around 9am, two hours before Zambada showed up to the meeting. Espejo Magazine reviewed flight logs that support Rocha's alibi.

Zambada's arrest has led to internal cartel strife, pitting his son, Ismael Zambada Sicairos, against El Chapo's two sons, Ivan Guzman Salazar and Jesus Guzman Salazar.

Multiple shootouts have left 12 people dead since Monday. One of the victims was a soldier.

The incidents have lead to the closure of schools and businesses, and call on the government to increase police and military presence.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has been criticized for his policy of not confronting criminal organizations, called on both sides to show restraint during a press briefing Friday.

'[There is a plan] with the presence of the Armed Forces to ensure that there is no confrontation, to protect the population, and they must also act with a minimum of responsibility,' Lopez Obrador said. 'It is their family, their fellow countrymen, their municipality, their state and their country.'

When questioned by a reporter if he had confidence that the cartel factions would take on his advice, Lopez Obrador said: 'The president of Mexico is always listened to.'


Discount shoppers can rejoice now that sprawling retail and home improvement store has opened in Washington state.

The nonprofit Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity opened its fourth mega-discount store in Spanaway, near Tacoma, on Friday, featuring 19,000 square feet of discounted furniture, building materials, tools and more.

'It's kind of like if Goodwill and Home Depot had a baby,' director of operations Ed Dopp told The News Tribune.

The location is one of four big discount stores opened by the Washington-based nonprofit.

Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity opened its fourth mega-discount store in Washington earlier this year

Dopp said that around 60 percent of the sales floor features furniture.

All four locations have donation centers for those looking to declutter before purchasing new items.

Proceeds from the sales help build, rehabilitate, and repair homes in Pierce County, according to the nonprofit's website.

The Spanaway store was a longtime dream for Dopp, who told The News Tribune earlier this year that he intended to open one in the area.

The nonprofit selected the Tacoma area in part because of the concentration of residential homes in the area.

The stores are open from 9am to 6pm every day, andaccept donations until 5:30.

All four locations also have donation centers that accept donations until 5:30pm daily

Proceeds from store purchases help build, rehabilitate, and repair homes in Pierce County, according to the nonprofit's website

The nonprofit is also completing the purchase and rehabilitation of 80 public housing units that were once owned by the Tacoma Housing Authority.

According to Dopp, most of the houses are near the just-opened store.

'This [store opening] helps us be able to have a presence there, besides coming in with the homes, being part of the community,' he said.

Dopp and other members of the Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity plan to sell the rehabilitated properties, keeping the houses in the inventory of affordable housing in Pierce County.
A woman who used a voice-changing app to sound like a man during a sophisticated stalking campaign has been jailed for more than two years.

Adele Rennie pretended to be a male pharmacist when she matched with her victim on the dating platform Tinder in August 2023.

It is the third conviction for the same crime for the 33-year-old after she was jailed in 2017, and again two years later, for impersonating men to trick women.

The former nurse was yesterday locked up for 28 months at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court after she admitted similar charges at a hearing in July.

Rennie, of Kilmarnock, will also be under supervision for 12 months following her release, banned from contacting or approaching her victim for five years and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years after pleading to guilty to four charges.

Adele Rennie used a voice-changing app to sound like a man in her 'sophisticated' stalking campaign

The court heard her elaborate stalking campaign involved the use of a voice-changing device to sound like a man as he pretended to be a male pharmacist to pick up her victim on the dating app, Tinder, in August 2023.

The pair exchanged numbers and she later had flowers to delivered to her victims address who arranged to go on a date with the man.

But when Rennie cancelled the meeting at the last minute, the woman realised the Tinder account was a catfish profile created to deceit victims.

However, days later she received a voice note from someone calling herself Cheryl claiming to be the mans friend and urging her not to give up on him.

She then received calls from him but felt the voice had been altered.

On September 5, the victim received an unwanted explicit image from Rennie, who stated she did not mean anything by it and was unable to delete it.

A week later the woman was sent a message by Rennie containing a photograph taken outside the complainers workplace.

Prosecutors said that the following month, the accused sent her victim a screenshot of Google Maps which showed someone outside her home.

The woman then received a photograph of her street which had been taken through a car window.

Less than a week later the victim was sent a ticket for a gig in London by Rennie but decided she did not want to go. Rennie then asked her to send the ticket on via Ticketmaster to an email address.

The woman was shown pictures from the concert by a witness showing Rennie in attendance there. She then contacted police who searched Rennies home on November 14, 2023.

A mobile phone was examined which revealed an email address with the name of the man and searches for the victim in its internet history.

The police also found a photograph matching the fake male profile and recovered several bank cards, which had not been declared in accordance with Rennies sex offender notification requirement.

Sheriff Nicola Patrick told her: By your own admission you deliberately sought out your victim and embarked on a course of conduct designed to cause her distress.

Your actions involved a significant degree of pre- meditation, deception and manipulation and it is clear from the victim impact statement they have had a profound effect on the victim so much so that she has had to seek support and assistance to deal with the trauma you caused her.

She added there was no alternative to custodial sentence and in order to protect the public from serious harm on her release, the sheriff imposed a Supervised Release Order.

Following the hearing, David Bernard, Procurator Fiscal for North Strathclyde, said: Adele Rennie carried out a sophisticated stalking campaign despite being subject to strict notification requirements as a registered sex offender.

We recognise that the trauma suffered by victims of stalking can be profound and distressing.

We hope this conviction brings some comfort to those affected by Rennies concerning and manipulative behaviour.

In the past, Rennie targeted former Miss Scotland finalist Abbie Draper, whom she met while caring for the beauty contestants dying grandfather at Crosshouse Hospital.

She began to target her with messages and fake calls using the voice-change app as they spoke, pretending to be a doctor.

But Ms Draper became suspicious that a medic she did not know should contact her out of the blue.

She managed to link the fake Facebook account involved to Rennies phone number, bringing the deception to light. Ms Draper was not stalked and did not receive any images. But she said other victims approached her after she shared her story.

Speaking to the BBC after the hearing in July, she said: This isnt just catfishing, its a lot more than that.

It just goes to show you that the police and the court system are taking it seriously now, where you are getting a jail sentence, whether youre a woman or a man.
Pope Francis on Friday slammed both U.S. presidential candidates for what he called anti-life policies on abortion and migration and advised American Catholics to choose the 'lesser evil' in the upcoming U.S. elections.

'Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or the one who (supports) killing babies,' Francis said. 'Both are against life.'

The Argentine Jesuit was asked to provide counsel to American Catholic voters during an airborne press conference en route back to Rome from his four-nation tour through Asia.

Francis stressed that he is not an American and would not be voting.

Pope Francis attends an interreligious meeting with young people at the Catholic Junior College in Singapore, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Pope Francis made his remarks about the U.S. election during a press conference en route back to Rome

Neither the Republican nominee Donald Trump nor the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris was mentioned by name.

But Francis nevertheless expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the U.S. election - abortion and migration - that are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.

Francis has made the plight of migrants a priority of his pontificate and speaks out emphatically and frequently about it.

While strongly upholding church teaching forbidding abortion, Francis has not emphasized church doctrine as much as his predecessors.

Francis said migration is a right described in Scripture, and that anyone who does not follow the Biblical call to welcome the stranger is committing a 'grave sin.'

He was also blunt in speaking about abortion.

'To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but it's killing,' he said. 'We have to see this clearly.'

Pope Francis named neither Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris by name when discussing the 2024 presidential election

Asked though what to do at the polls, Francis recalled the civic duty to vote.

'One should vote, and choose the lesser evil,' he said. 'Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I dont know,' he said. 'Everyone in their conscience should think and do it.'

Its not the first time Francis has weighed in on a U.S. election. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Francis was asked about Trumps plan to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexican border. Francis declared then that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants 'is not Christian.'

In responding Friday, Francis recalled that he celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and 'there were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.'

The U.S. bishops conference, for its part, has called abortion the 'preeminent priority' for American Catholics in its published voter advice.

Francis expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on the candidates' positions on two hot-button issues in the U.S. election

Harris has called for restoring the protections for abortion under Roe v Wade and vowed to sign legislation if it passes in Congress.

On immigration, she has called for the bipartisan immigration deal that provides additional border security measures. She has also expressed support for a pathway to citizenship.

As for Trump, he has called for the mass deportation of immigrants in the country illegally as one of his top priorities if elected to a second term.

On the issue of abortion, he has touted nominating three of the six Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v Wade and return the issue of abortion rights to the states. However, he refused to say at the presidential debate whether he would sign a national abortion ban.

Pope Francis meeting with then-President Donald Trump and his family during their visit to the Vatican in May 2017

Pope Francis has also met with President Joe Biden while he has been president both in 2021 and earlier this years. Biden is a the first Catholic president since President Kennedy

When asked about the pope's comments on Friday, the White House had no comment.

'The pope speaks for himself,' said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. 'I don't have any more comments from here. I haven't spoken to the president.'

This is not the first time that Pope Francis has weighed in on a U.S. presidential election. When asked leading up to the 2016 election about Trump's plan to build a border wall, Francis called anyone who builds a wall to keep migrants out 'is not Christian.'

The ex-president responded at the time by calling the pontiff 'disgraceful' for doubting his faith.

The two later met with Pope Francis at the Vatican during Trump's first term in office.

With the looming election, about half of Catholic registered voters in the U.S. identify with or lean toward the Republican party while 44 percent identify or lean toward the Democratic party, Pew Research found.

While the Catholic Church opposes abortion, it found six in ten Catholics in the U.S. believe abortion should be legal.
Google launched a project codenamed 'Jedi' as its digital advertising business came under threat, a court heard.

Executives at the tech titan knew internet publishers were keen to 'keep Google at bay' by using a new way to sell adverts, according to internal emails.

Private concerns were expressed by those executives that Jedi would be seen as 'nefarious' and 'self-serving' but it went ahead.

The revelations came on the fourth day of an antitrust trial brought against Google by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Government lawyers allege Google controlled the market for display advertising on the internet, including on news websites, and engaged in monopolistic and anti-competitive behavior. The tech giant denies the allegations.

Executives at the tech titan knew internet publishers were keen to 'keep Google at bay' by using a new way to sell adverts, according to internal emails

Websites show around 13 billion display adverts every day.

Google owns the technology tool used by most publishers to sell advertising space on their sites.

It also owns the main system used by advertisers to buy that space.

And it runs the biggest exchange where instant auctions are held to buy and sell the adverts.

The exchange, AdX, takes a 20 percent cut of each advertising dollar.

The complex case is being heard in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia by Judge Leonie Brinkema, without a jury.

DOJ officials want the judge to force Google to sell off part of its business and, at one point in proceedings, she asked a witness what would happen if the tech giant's display advertising arm was 'blown apart'.

The witness, Jed Dederick, chief revenue officer for The Trade Desk, a competing advertising platform, said publishers would not let ad space 'go unsold'.

Dederick also told the court that in negotiating with Google 'they've been draconian and absolutist in accepting our feedback.'

It was 'impossible to say no' to implementing Google products 'unless you're (the size of) Disney,' he said.

The court heard how the emergence of a new ad sales system called header bidding (HB), around 2016 had made publishers less reliant on Google.

But in response Google launched 'Jedi,' which was known publicly as Exchange Bidding.

Emails between various Google executives showed they wanted to 'dry out' HB, which was 'undermining the value of (Google products) as a must-call platform.'

It was 'rational' for publishers to 'want to diversify their sources of income. It helps them to keep Google at bay and put pressure on us (similar to any industry),' one executive wrote.

Another noted how some publishers were even 'willing to tolerate revenue loss in exchange for a reduced reliance' on Google.

A 'highly confidential' July 2018 report outlined 'Jedi' said the strategy was to 'improve auctions and increase net revenue.'

It added that 'stopping header bidding' may not be 'feasible'.

The plan would make complex changes to the instantaneous auction system for display ads.

There were internal concerns about Jedi, including that it would be 'viewed as pure loss of functionality that Google is doing for their own (perceived nefarious, self-serving reasons).'

One Google executive said there was a 'weird and unorthodox cascade of auctions for Jedi publishers.'

An audio recording of an April 2019 meeting between a Google product manager and representatives of 40 publishers was played to the court.

In it a representative from a news website said: 'You have made it next to impossible for any of us to figure out how to increase our yield with partners outside of Google.'

She added 'Isn't that a monopoly?' and 'It seems to me this was all built for HB not to exist.'

A Google executive later said in an email that pushback from publishers 'looks serious'.

Lawyers for Google showed the court documents saying that, after the meeting, the tech giant had carried out 'extensive partner education'.

There had been consultation with 400 publishers and feedback had been incorporated into their products, the documents said.
An international search for victims of the Lockerbie bombing has been launched by the FBI almost 36 years after the atrocity which killed 270 people.

The US intelligence agency is looking for people directly affected by the 1988 attack on Pan Am 103, including through emotional injury.

The appeal comes ahead of the trial in a US federal court of Abu Agila Masud who is accused of the destruction of an aircraft resulting in death.

It is being made with a view to granting victims around the world remote access to the court proceedings in Washington DC.

In a notice reaching out to Lockerbie victims, the FBI says US Congress has passed legislation to make remote access to court proceedings available to victims in this case.

The bombing of PanAm flight 103 in December 1988 killed 11 people in the Scottish town of Lockerbie and all the passengers and crew on board the plane

It defines victims as those who were at or near the scene in Lockerbie when the bombing happened or a close relation or person of similar significance to someone killed or harmed in the attack.

All 259 passengers and crew aboard the London to New York flight were killed when the device detonated. A further 11 Lockerbie residents died as wreckage fell on their homes.

The US announced charges against Libyan Masud in 2020 on the 32nd anniversary of the bombing, with the then Attorney General William P. Barr saying the operation was ordered by the leadership of Libyan intelligence. He also claimed Muammar Gaddafi, Libyas leader from 1969 to 2011, had personally thanked Masud for his work.

At the time the charges were revealed, Masud was in Libyan custody in an unrelated case. He was taken into US custody in December 2022 and his trial is due to begin next May.

He will be the first person accused of playing a part in the bombing to be tried in a US court.

Abdelbaset Al Megrahi and co-accused Al Amin Khalifa Fahima stood trial in a Scottish court sitting in the Netherlands during 2000 and 2001. Megrahi was found guilty of mass murder and sent to Scotland to serve his life. Fahima was acquitted and returned to Libya.

Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir Al-Marimi, who is in custody, is accused of making the bomb that brought down Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie 36 years ago

The Scottish Government released terminally ill Megrahi on compassionate grounds in 2009, three years before he died of cancer.

Jim Swire, who lost his daughter Flora in the bombing, has long believed Megrahi was innocent and doubted Libyas involvement.

Dr Swire welcomed the decision to define people who witnessed what happened in Lockerbie as victims of the bombing, if they suffered harm.

He told the BBC: Those affected by any disaster should never be restricted from access to the consequences of that disaster.

So I think its a good move that I entirely endorse.

In a message accompanying the FBI 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.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office said they were continuing to support the US Department of Justice and the FBI in the prosecution of Masud.
SNP and Labour ministers have failed miserably to deliver a new future for Grangemouth, union leaders said yesterday amid rising anger over jobs losses.

The Scottish and UK Governments were accused of doing too little, too late about 400 posts disappearing with the closure of Scotlands last oil refinery.

Owners Petroineos said last November they planned to shutter the site in 2025, blaming global competition and falling demand for fossil fuels amid the shift to green energy.

The firm, a joint venture between PetroChina and billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffes Ineos, also cited UK and Scottish ministers backing a ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.

The closure was officially confirmed on Thursday, after Edinburgh and London failed to persuade the industrial giant to extend the life of the loss-making 100-year-old plant.

Union bosses are furious the UK and Scottish Governments have not done more to protect jobs at the Scottish oil refinery

Labour and SNP ministers hastily added 20 million to an existing 80 million growth fund for the wider Falkirk area and talked up Project Willow as a possible saviour.

Announced in July, the 1.5million study is looking at long-term options for the refinery site.

The candidates are hydrogen production, chemically produced clean eFuels, and sustainable aviation fuel made from food, farm and forest waste.

Meeting unions and local politicians near Grangemouth yesterday, John Swinney insisted the work was being taking forward at pace and denied a lack of action by government.

But after meeting the First Minister, union leaders said Project Willow could take five to 10 years to create jobs, forcing skilled workers to take jobs in the Middle East.

SNP energy minister Gillian Martin also admitted earlier this week that Project Willow was only just starting and she was not entirely sure when it would finish.

Sources close to Petroineos previously told the BBC that Project Willow was too late to save the refinery jobs, a fifth of the 2000 posts across the vast petrochemical complex.

Unite Scottish Secretary Derek Thomson said refinery workers were angry and in shock.

Up to 400 jobs are at risk as Scotland's last oil refinery closes next year

He said: Project Willow is about the work of tomorrow - we need work today.

Theres a real disappointment around the way both governments have handled this.

They both came out pre- and post-general election to say they would be doing all they can to save Grangemouth [but] the first test of the just transition failed miserably yesterday.

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer, who also attended the off-site meeting with Mr Swinney at Forth Valley College, urged both governments to step in.

She said: I dont expect anything less from Petroineos. Theyre a private, profit-making company, of course they will put commercial interests first.

But the Scottish Government and UK Government have set out telling us they think the closure of this site is premature, that there are other options available in the future that we can transition to, but they have failed to make sure that transition happens.

As far as Im concerned, this is a failure on both our UK and Scottish governments, because they havent got their ducks lined up.

Ahead of the meeting, Grangemouth plant operator and Unite rep Chris Hamilton also told BBC Radio Scotland that Project Willow was potentially too little, too late.

He said: We are now facing a period of months where the workers of Grangemouth could be thrown on the scrap heap unless we can get some better deal.

Weve known about this for eight, nine months. The Governments made commitments for months. Any commitment now as to what theyll do going forward might be too little, too late.

The remarks echo warnings given by the Scottish Governments own advisers on how to switch from fossil fuels to a low-carbon economy without mass unemployment.

The Just Transition Commission said in July that Grangemouth faced a disorderly and unjust transition away from fossil fuels if current poor planning continued.

It said maintaining employment at the 1,700-acre site near Falkirk was an early litmus test of whether Net Zero climate targets could be delivered in a far way.

Responding to the Union criticism, Mr Swinney said Petroineoss closure decision was premature and denied government was too slow to act.

He said: Work was commenced when the possibility of this - and it is a possibility, not a definite - of this being raised as a potential closure in the second quarter of 2025.

Work was put in place to develop new technologies and new opportunities. Now obviously, the more time weve got available to do that, the more advanced those propositions can be.

But the assurance I gave the workforce today is that the Scottish Government will work with its partners to make sure that all energy is put into those measures to ensure that we create new opportunities for people in this community.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the UK government had done everything it could, but Petronineos refused to discussion maintaining the life of the refinery.

The site had lost money for 10 years and there was no government support that would have kept it open, he said.

He admitted the government had to prove to workers jobs of the future were available, but a just transition would take time.

Ms Martin, the SNPs acting secretary for net zero and energy, told the BBC yesterday that fairly minimal modifications to the refinery could give it a fresh lease of life.

She said: There is a great opportunity there, and we need to hang onto that workforce for as long as possible, so that they have got the opportunity to be involved in a transition.

We need their skills and we need their expertise.

But on Wednesday she described a far more complex picture, with feasibility studies, business cases, and regulatory changes all needed as part of Project Willow.

Its not going to be a couple of weeks turn around by any means, she said.

Scottish Tory energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden said: Workers and the local community are looking to governments for leadership, but Gillian Martin appeared blissfully naive about the seriousness of what is occurring at Grangemouth.
A 31-year-old far right influencer with a history of controversies has sparked a meltdown among Republicans as she gains traction in Donald Trump's inner circle.

Laura Loomer, a twice failed Congressional candidate in Florida and self-described 'proud Islamophobe', raised eyebrows as she was spotted attending Trump's debate showdown with Kamala Harris - with some observers noticing her appearing to be cozying up to the former president.

While she has no official role in the campaign, it was reported in April 2023 that Trump was intent on offering Loomer a job, only for the proposition to be met with dismay from his aides.

And after re-appearing in Trump world at the debate, the bad blood between Loomer and some influential Republicans continued when she took to Twitter - one of the many platforms she has been banned from in the past - to offer a prediction.

'If Kamala Harris wins, the White House will smell like curry,' she tweeted.

Far right influencer Laura Loomer has raised eyebrows with her growing presence in Donald Trump's campaign as the presidential race heads into the home stretch

Loomer, a twice failed Congressional candidate in Florida, has been painted by her critics as an attention-seeking provocateur who should be too 'toxic' to be around a presidential candidate

Loomer's 'curry' tweet was met with disdain from several top Republicans known to be close to Trump's orbit, with Senator Lindsay Graham branding her 'really toxic.'

'(Trump) would serve himself well to make sure this doesnt become a bigger story,' he said.

Loomer first captured attention in conservative circles around 2015, when she was suspended from Barry University in Florida after attempting to create the 'Sympathetic Students in Support of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria' club.

Although Loomer allegedly created the group to prove woke students would support ISIS, it only led to her being suspended for breaching student code of conduct and allegations that she filmed people without their consent.

In the years since, Loomer been seen by her critics, including those on the right, as an attention-seeking influencer who hopes for controversy, also including floating theories that the 2018 Parkland school shooting - where 17 people were killed - was staged.

She has routinely catapulted off controversies to boost her brand, also including a high-profile ban from Uber after arguing that users should be allowed to choose non-Muslim drivers.

Since she joined Trump's campaign, officially or unofficially, as the 2024 presidential race enters its home stretch, insiders are increasingly pointing the finger at Loomer as the source of Trump's troubles.

Loomer, pictured with Donald Trump Jr and his fiancee Kimberly Guifoyle, has been gaining traction in Trump's inner circle to the dismay of his aides

Before Trump's debate with Kamala Harris in September, Loomer was spotted flying to the event in Trump's jet, and was blamed by some for influencing his performance

'Regardless of any guardrails the Trump campaign has put on her, I dont think its working,' a person close to the former president told Semafor - noting that efforts to keep the two apart have mostly failed.

The insider spoke to the outlet shortly after Trump's debate with Kamala Harris, where he ranted about unproved claims that Haitian migrants were eating the pets of Ohio residents after they were sent there by Democrats.

While the false claims spread rapidly through conservative circles on X, their role in Trump's rhetoric as he spoke to a national audience raised concerns.

Dennis Lennox, a Republican consultant, said Trump 'lost the debate because of his performance or lack thereof... Thats what happens when you wing it, live in the Fox NewsX bubble, and rely upon Matt Gaetz, let alone Laura Loomer.'

The next morning, Trump again opened fresh wounds by inviting Loomer to join him as he paid his respects to the victims of 9/11 at Ground Zero in Manhattan.

A usually somber event attended by ex-presidents, Loomer's appearance drew attention away from the tribute as her provocative past resurfaced.

Just one year prior, she shared a video to X that claimed 9/11 'was an inside job', and implied it was linked to a scandal at the time over the federal government allegedly 'losing' trillions in government funds.

Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance seen together attending the 9/11 memorial in Manhattan on September 11, 2024 - which Loomer was also invited to as Trump's guest

While painted by some of her critics as a fringe player in the world of Republican politics, Loomer has not been without some success among the GOP electorate.

In 2020, she defeated five opponents to win the Republican primary in Florida's 21st Congressional District with 43 percent of the vote.

However, she went on to lose to incumbent Lois Frankel in the deep blue district - but Loomer's aspirations for office were not done.

A year after her defeat, she announced her candidacy for Florida's 11st district, where Donald Trump is notably a registered voter.

Although she failed to advance out of the Republican primary, Loomer's diehard commitment to MAGA was on full display as she - like Trump in 2020 - refused to concede her loss to Rep. Daniel Webster.

In an election night speech, Loomer called out vague allegations of voter fraud and argued that 'big tech' targeted her candidacy, telling a crowd: 'I'm not conceding because I'm a winner.'
A powerful House Republican has been accused of having an affair before filing for divorce from his wife of 36 years.

Camie Green, who was married to House Homeland Security Committee chairman Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn), accused him of having a relationship with a younger women before their split.

In a statement on the salacious claims, 59-year-old Green said on Friday: 'This is a difficult time for my family and me, and we are currently going through divorce proceedings.

'As this is a deeply private matter, I ask for privacy. I will continue to serve this district with all Ive got, as I have the last five and a half years.'

The allegations surfaced in a message on a group chat sent by Green's estranged wife that has been seen by DailyMail.com and since shared around Capitol Hill.

In the messages she said she'd tried to reconcile their marriage, but the Congressman wanted nothing to do with it.

House Homeland Security chair Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) asked for 'privacy' after his wife of 36 years accused him of having an affair

'Satan has rewritten our marriage in his mind. I am being quite open about this as 1) I cherish the prayer of any who are willing and 2) I want to make others aware of how readily available "predators" are for our husbands.'

The identity of the woman, believed to be in her thirties, has not yet been revealed.

Green's wife initially identified her as a reporter, but that has been confirmed as false.

The scorned Mrs Green then went on to make more general accusations against male lawmakers and said they become 'intoxicated with power and adoration'.

In an email published by the Nashville Banner, Camie calls out 'predators' lurking among DC's powerbrokers.

'I want to make others aware of how readily available "predators" are for our husbands. If my story can prevent this tragedy from happening to someone else, I will tell it,' it says.

The couple have been married for 36 years

Green is a powerful chairman in the Republican-controlled Congress

Green during a hearing on the origins of COVID-19

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The she said Green 'pushed God out of his life' after circulating with people 'having affairs and getting divorces, drinking, parties, all while hosting a weekly Bible study in the basement of our home.'

Green had announced he was retiring from Congress in February, then abruptly changed his mind to seek reelection. He is on the ballot in November. He won in 2022 by a more than 20 point margin.

Amid the growing scandal, Green' continued to post about committee work, Friday, posting on X about Chinese precurser chemicals in fentanyl and what he called a national security risk posed by Chinese made cranes at U.S. ports.

A divorce filing viewed by DailyMail.com from Montgomery County, Tennessee cited 'irreconcilable differences' and did not list a date and place of separation. The parties, seeking an 'uncontested divorce,' agreed to be restrained from withdrawing or divesting the marital estate.

It bears Green's signature and was notarized July 31, 2024. Tennessee's primary was August 1.

A West Point graduate and former Army flight surgeon, Green interviewed Saddam Hussein following the mission to capture him in Iraq, then became a hospital exec and Tennessee state senator.
Swedish polive are looking for a 25-year-old mobster on suspicion of murdering two Brits who were found dead on an industrial estate near Malmo back in July, police have said.

The man is a gang member known to police and is believed to have fled abroad, with an international manhunt in place for the suspect, according to Swedish outlet Sydsvenskan.

Father-of-two Juan Cifuentes, 33, and newly-wed Farooq Abdulrazak, 37, both from North London, went missing on a 'business trip' to Denmark and Sweden in July.

Hours before they were due home, police found two bodies with gunshot wounds inside the burning wreckage of a Toyota RAV4 matching the car they hired on an industrial estate near Malmo in Sweden.

It is believed the two men, both London-based travel agents, crossed from nearby Copenhagen into Malmo in the rented Toyota, last seen travelling past the Oresund Bridge toll station.

The men are believed to have travelled to Denmark before heading to Sweden for business

Back in July, police found two bodies with gunshot wounds inside the burning wreckage of a Toyota RAV4 matching the car they hired on an industrial estate near Malmo in Sweden, after the pair had been reported missing

Their families issued a plea for information before the Metropolitan Police confirmed last month that both had been formally identified as the two people whose bodies were found in a car in an industrial area of Malmo on Sunday 14 July.

The manhunt comes after last month, Swedish police said they had made an arrest in relation to the murder of the two Brits.

In a statement, police had said: 'The prosecutor has today arrested a person on probable cause suspected of aiding and abetting the murder of two British citizens who were found dead in a burnt-out car in Malmo on 14 July this year'.

Mr Abdulrazak's family formerly said: 'It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dearest son, heart-warming brother, loving husband, bestest uncle and dearest friend, Farooq Abdulrazak.

'We are sincerely devastated, broken in many ways words cannot describe. We have lost two beautiful innocent hardworking souls. Our loss has not only shattered our family and friends but has also impacted our local community deeply.

'Farooq is a beautiful, selfless, humble soul, someone always willing to help others. A huge pillar in our family and community, he is our sunshine who spread his positivity and brightness wherever he went,' the family continued in their statement.

'He brought people of all ages together and will be sorely missed by everyone. There was never a day that goes by where he didn't help someone through a kind act, generous words, support with a good cause or being hospitable.

'He is an amazing son, husband, brother, uncle and friend who provided security, comfort, and love, and always brought laughter and light upon everyone.'

Both Brits were captured on CCTV footage at the car hire desk in Copenhagen airport hours before they went missing

A lorry is seen carrying the burnt out car wrapped in a plastic sheet

Mr Abdulrazak had only recently married before the business trip in July, a friend told MailOnline.

Swedish police said the victims were shot, with the Toyota Rav4 they were travelling in set on fire in an industrial area of the city in southern Sweden.

Authorities said they believed the victims had been shot before the car was set alight.
A pastor has been arrested and charged with groping a man inside a Walmart.

Police allege Jeffrey Smith, 67, approached a man in the men's restroom of a Walmart in Mebane, North Carolina, and 'grabbed the victim's genitals' through his clothes.

The arrest warrant accused Smith of 'touching the victim... by force and against the will of the other person.'

Smith allegedly fled the scene. He was arrested behind a Sheetz gas station nearby.

He was charged with one count of sexual battery. If convicted, he could spend up to 90 days in jail and be placed on a sex offender registry, defense attorney Daniel Meier told WRAL.

'The big thing with sexual battery is it is a registrable sex offense,' Meier said.

'If you are convicted you will have to go on sex offender registry for at least 30 years.'

Police allege Jeffrey Smith, 67, approached a man in the men's restroom of a Walmart in Mebane, North Carolina , and 'grabbed the victim's genitals' through his clothes

Smith shared just four months ago that he and his wife were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary

Smith has served as the Mebane Presbyterian Church pastor for 25 years

Smith has served as the Mebane Presbyterian Church pastor for 25 years.

Prior to that, he was the pastor at Wabash Presbyterian Church and has previously worked as an organist and choir director with separate churches.

Last month, Smith delivered a sermon in his church about forgiveness and mercy.

Discussing the sermon ahead of time on Facebook, he wrote: 'We all like to have someone give us a "break" when we make a mistake.

Smith has served as the Mebane Presbyterian Church pastor for 25 years

It's understood Smith has been placed on 'administrative leave' with his church as the case is pending

'But how merciful are we when someone offends us?'

Smith shared just four months ago that he and his wife were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.

It's understood Smith has been placed on 'administrative leave' with his church as the case is pending.

Smith posted a $3,000 bond and was released from custody on the day of his arrest.
A prisoner has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman just an hour after being let out of jail under Labour's early release scheme, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The 31-year-old repeat offender allegedly assaulted a female prison worker while he was being given a lift to a railway station.

The incident raises serious questions about the Government's decision to release thousands of criminals early.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood's programme, known as SDS40, allows criminals to be freed after serving 40 per cent of their sentence rather than half, due to jail overcrowding.

The sex crime allegedly took place on Tuesday  the first day of the scheme.

An early released inmate celebrating with sparkling wine outside Nottingham Prison. This is not the prisoner charged with sexual assault

Inmates seen leaving HMP Prison Brixton. The sex crime allegedly took place on Tuesday  the first day of the scheme. An official log of the incident, seen by the Mail, says: 'At approx 10.30hrs [the released prisoner] was being escorted by an OSG [operational support grade] in a pool car to Sittingbourne station following his release under SDS40

The offender was among a small group of inmates given a lift from HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, to Sittingbourne station 11 miles away as a 'gesture of goodwill'.

An official log of the incident, seen by the Mail, says: 'At approx 10.30hrs [the released prisoner] was being escorted by an OSG [operational support grade] in a pool car to Sittingbourne station following his release under SDS40.

'During the journey it was alleged that [he] sexually assaulted the OSG.

'[He] vacated the vehicle and his whereabouts are unknown at this time. The victim is understood to have had their thigh allegedly groped by the criminal.

After the vehicle stopped in the station car park he quickly left and caught a train to London. He was arrested the next day in Croydon. His release came after serving 40 per cent of a jail term for breaching a restraining order, it is understood.

National chairman of the Prison Officers' Association, Mark Fairhurst, said: 'I'm appalled that out of sheer goodwill a member of staff gave a released prisoner a lift and was allegedly sexually assaulted as a result. Clearly our members are at risk and this should never be allowed to happen again.'

Swaleside is a Category B medium security prison which holds about 1,100 adult male offenders. The released prisoner was immediately recalled to prison as a result of the incident, a British Transport Police spokesman said.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood's (pictured) programme, known as SDS40, allows criminals to be freed after serving 40 per cent of their sentence rather than half, due to jail overcrowding

HMP Swaleside in Kent. The offender was among a small group of inmates given a lift from HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, to Sittingbourne station 11 miles away as a 'gesture of goodwill'

He has been charged with sexual assault and is due to appear at crown court next month, the spokesman added.

His release under SDS40 prompts concerns that Labour's scheme is handing sentence discounts to inappropriate offenders. Tory MP Neil O'Brien said: 'This just shows the unbelievable naivety of this scheme, which is already having horrifying consequences. People are committing serious crimes within minutes of getting out of jail.'

Other criminals freed under Labour's early release scheme have also been sent back to jail.

One was recalled just 36 hours after being let out after failing to report to probation officers.

A prisons source said: 'Let's see how many have been recalled after they spend the weekend snorting coke and getting into punch-ups.'

There were sickening scenes outside jails as the first inmates were released. Criminals sauntered out of jails across the country, whooping and punching the air. Some were even sprayed with champagne by friends.

MoJ spokesperson said of SDS40: 'The Government inherited prisons in crisis and on the brink of collapse. Had that happened, the courts would have been unable to hold trials and the police to make arrests.

'We had no choice but to introduce emergency measures, releasing some prisoners a few weeks or months early, while excluding a number of offences and imposing strict licence conditions.

'While we cannot comment on the details of any single case, those who break their licence conditions or commit further crimes will be punished.'
Plans for the UK's first new coal mine in 30 years were quashed by a High Court judge yesterday in a decision branded 'disastrous' for the economy.

Mr Justice Holgate sided with green activists and ruled planning permission should never have been given to the development in Whitehaven, Cumbria.

He said the previous government's decision to give the go-ahead to the development was 'legally flawed'  upholding legal challenges from Friends of the Earth and South Lakes Action on Climate Change against the mine's developer, West Cumbria Mining (WCM).

The environmental groups successfully argued the greenhouse gas emissions created by burning the coal should be considered. The ruling is the latest court decision to block new fossil fuel developments.

Supporters of the coal mine  which would have created 500 jobs  criticised yesterday's decision.

The coal mine in Whitehaven in Cumbria would have been the first new coalmine in Britain in the more than 30 years

Mr Justice Holgate (pictured) sided with green activists and ruled planning permission should never have been given to the development

Former Conservative energy secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, who lost his seat to Labour in the July election, said the mine would be of 'economic benefit to the UK'

Former Conservative energy secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said: 'The judiciary once again seek to replace political judgment with their politically correct judgment.

'Coal is needed globally and this mine would be of economic benefit to the UK. Now the economic benefit will go abroad and emissions will not change. This is how the green ideology makes us cold and poor.'

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said: 'This is a disastrous decision, driven by the Net Zero zealots, who are successfully destroying business, destroying jobs and destroying the economy. If we carry on like this we will cease to be a significant economy within ten years.'

WCM said its mine would have had a 'broadly neutral effect on the global release of greenhouse gas'.
A Massachusetts military veteran who allegedly shot a pro-Palestine protester has been released on $5,000 bond after appearing in court in a hospital gown.

Scott Hayes, 47, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury.

The Iraq war veteran was taking part in a pro-Israel protest in Boston on Thursday when a man charged at him.

A scuffle ensued and Hayes' weapon was discharged. The victim was left with 'life-threatening injuries' following the melee. Hayes remained at the scene to render aid.

Hayes was granted bond during his brief court appearance on Friday, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

He must adhere to a curfew between 7pm and 6am, and cannot contact the victim under any circumstances. Hayes must not possess any weapons while released on bond.

His next court appearance has been scheduled for November 7.

A Massachusetts military veteran who allegedly shot a pro-Palestine protester in self defense has been released on $5,000 bond after appearing in court in a hospital gown

Scott Hayes, 47, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury

Massachusetts military veteran Scott Hayes has been arrested for allegedly shooting a pro-Palestine agitator who charged at him in the middle of a pro-Palestine demonstration

Dramatic footage obtained by Daily Wire showed the moment the incident took place. The man who was shot wore a Palestinian flag pin and was heard yelling at the protesters from across the street.

'You're sick! You're sick,' he shouted, prompting an outraged response from the demonstrators.

'You are defending genocide. Over 200,000 Palestinians,' he added before trailing off.

The video then cuts to him sprinting across the street and launching himself at Hayes, knocking him to the ground.

'No! No!' A woman screamed before the two engaged in a scuffle on the ground with the man gripping Hayes in a headlock.

A gunshot is heard and the men keep grappling, prompting two other demonstrators to get involved and try and break them apart.

'Grab my pistol,' a voice thought to be Hayes' was heard shouting as he urged people to get off the attacker.

The group then hauled the man to his feet, but in another clip, the man was seen being laid down on the ground as Hayes urged bystanders to call 911.

The altercation began after this man, wearing a Palestinian flag pin, started accusing the demonstrators of 'supporting genocide'

He charged at Hayes, knocking him to the ground before a gunshot was heard

'Are you okay man?' Hayes asked as he lifted the man's shirt to check his injuries.

While his injuries were initially described as life threatening, authorities have since said the victim is expected to survive.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller described the shooting as a 'frightening incident.' She urged for calm amid the investigation.

'I know people will have a lot of questions, and we will share information with Newtonians and the press when we are able,' Fuller said. 'It's really early stages of an active investigation.'

Police also announced they will be stepping up patrols around places of worship in the meantime.

The decision to bring charges so swiftly was criticized by the New England branch of the Anti-Defamation League.

'Reports that charges were immediately filed prior to completion of the investigation are concerning,' a statement read.

Other demonstrators rushed to try and pull the men apart and Hayes was later seen trying to administer basic medical aid to his assailant

Hayes' pistol is seen lying on the ground after the scuffle

The Iraq war veteran was then seen giving basic medical aid to the man and urging others to call 911

'Protests should not subject anyone to violence. We encourage Newton Police and the Middlesex District Attorney to conduct a thorough investigation of the entire incident.

'We are concerned about escalating tensions and remain in contact with law enforcement and community officials.'

A GoFundMe has now been set up to pay for Hayes' legal fees.

'Even though Scott is not Jewish he has been defending the Jewish people and its right for self determination and governance all across Boston, its surroundings and all around New England and the US. He now needs help as this turmoil entered his life,' the fundraiser said.

The Jewish Community Relations Council issued a statement urging patience and praying for the recovery of the victim.

Hayes is due to be arraigned at Newton District Court on Friday

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller described the shooting as a 'frightening incident'

Blood, medical debris, and crime scene tape left behind at the location of the incident

'While the details of what happened are still being investigated, there should be no question that violence of any kind in our democratic society is abhorrent. Peoples right to gather in civil, non-violent public demonstrations must be sacrosanct.

'While some charges have already been filed, we urge patience as a full investigation unfolds, and we encourage Mayor Fuller and DA Ryan to continue to continue to fully communicate with the public and the community regarding the investigation and the rationale for those charges filed and for any additional charges that may be filed.

'Regardless of motive or his role in the initiation of the violence, we pray for the full recovery of the individual who was injured last night.'
Scores of Britons who own French holiday homes face losing hundreds of thousands of pounds and ruined retirements after a legal U-turn.

They could be forced to pay up to 170,000 on ski chalets or Riviera villas bought decades ago under a leasing scheme promoted by the French government.

Shocked owners say they have been 'stitched up' by huge fees from the letting agency looking after their properties  levies they were told they would not have to pay.

Terry Beavis, 56, said his retirement dream of spending winters in his Alpine holiday home has been dashed after he was sent a 115,000 bill.

'It's astonishing they can do this,' he said. 'It seemed a safe investment because it was encouraged by the French government.

Terry Bevis pictured with his wife Jo and their three sons Alex, Max and Sam. Mr Beavis, 56, said his retirement dream of spending winters in his Alpine holiday home has been dashed after he was sent a 115,000 bill

Mr Beavis, from Epsom, Surrey, bought his property in Les Arcs (pictured) in the early 2000s for 200,000 euros. It is now estimated to be worth double that

'I spent 20 years paying for it and doing all the right things and right at the end I get completely stitched up.'

The father of three, from Epsom, Surrey, bought his property in Les Arcs in the early 2000s for 200,000 euros. It is now estimated to be worth double that.

Mr Beavis, who retired from his career in IT last year, taught his wife Jo and their three sons Alex, 13, Max, five, and Sam, ten, to ski in the resort. Under the scheme, buyers leased their property to a French agent, which then let it out to holidaymakers.

The owner would have use of it for a few weeks a year under agency management. It was marketed as a 'hassle free' investment, usually guaranteeing the owner a share of the rental income, which could help them pay off the mortgage.

Buyers of new-builds were also exempt from the 20 per cent VAT on the purchase if they remained in the scheme for 20 years. Thousands signed up, often with a view to use the properties as holiday homes before later taking full ownership.

Others planned to sell them after two decades to pay for retirement, mortgages back home or their children's education.

Holidaymakers in Antibes on the French Riviera. Brits could be forced to pay up to 170,000 on ski chalets or Riviera villas bought decades ago under a leasing scheme promoted by the French government

But many who leased properties to Pierre et Vacances (P&V), France's leading holiday let company, have been told to pay 'eviction compensation' for terminating the contract at the end of the lease. Although this is allowed under French law, owners say the firm at the point of sale promised not to charge it and in many cases restated this later.

P&V has claimed a new court ruling means such promises are no longer valid. Lawyers for the owners argue the ruling does not apply in this case.

Kristell Thornton, who runs an online campaign, said the buyers 'invested in good faith in a scheme they trusted because it was promoted by the French government', adding: 'To change the rules now is disgraceful.'

Max Berger from Stand-Law, representing some Britons facing charges in Les Arcs, said: 'Many owners feel trapped and betrayed by P&V. They want their properties back and feel the company is acting in bad faith.'

P&V said: 'The rules applied by Pierre & Vacances comply with the French Commercial Code.'
The Home Office has refused to disclose whether it has asked for a refund from Rwanda after the asylum scheme was scrapped by Labour.

The UK gave at least 290million to Rwanda to set up accommodation and other services.

The Home Office, now headed by Labours Yvette Cooper, cited international relations and commercial interests as it declined to reveal whether a request had been made, or any amounts involved.

The Tory scheme was set up to tackle the small-boat crisis and save lives by deterring migrants from crossing the Channel.

In January, Rwandan president Paul Kagame said a refund would be possible, adding that the money was only going to be used if those people will come. If they dont come, we can return the money.

The Home Office, now headed by Labours Yvette Cooper (pictured), cited international relations and commercial interests as it declined to reveal whether a request had been made, or any amounts involved

In January, Rwandan president Paul Kagame (pictured) said a refund would be possible, adding that the money was only going to be used if those people will come. If they dont come, we can return the money

A hostel in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, that had been ready to hold asylum seekers. The UK gave at least 290million to Rwanda to set up accommodation and other services

However, a freedom of information request for details of any refund, submitted by the TaxPayers Alliance campaign group, was refused.

The public interest lies in favour of withholding the information, civil servants said.

William Yarwood, of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: The Government should be more interested in a rebate than sweeping the issue under the rug.

The Home Office said the issue of a refund was covered by the [FoI] exemption relating to the effective conduct of international relations, adding: The Government remains committed to transparency around the costs of the Rwanda agreement.
The family of a jogger run over by a speeding driver have criticised his killer for taking 'the coward's way out' after he refused to return to the UK from Pakistan to face justice.

Rashid Ali, 30, was going twice the 20mph speed limit when his Range Rover Sport struck marketing executive Jack Patrick Ryan near Battersea Bridge in west London.

Mr Ryan, 29, suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene.

Ali failed to attend his Old Bailey trial and was convicted in his absence of causing death by dangerous driving.

On Friday, he also failed to attend court where he was sentenced to five years in prison.

Jack Patrick Ryan, 29, suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene

Rashid Ali, 30, (above) was going twice the 20mph speed limit when his Range Rover Sport struck marketing executive Jack Patrick Ryan near Battersea Bridge in west London

In a statement afterwards, Mr Ryan's family said: 'The pitiful sentence handed down today to Mr Ali is an insult not only to our family but to all families who experience the trauma of having a loved one's death caused by dangerous driving.

'The leniency of the sentence is made all the worse by the fact that Ali completely avoided his original trial by absconding to Pakistan and has today compounded our grief and his own shame by not showing at court today for his own sentencing.

'Ali has shown zero empathy and zero compassion for our family and by taking the coward's way out at every step of the way he has avoided any accountability which has inflicted even more pain for everyone who loved Jack.'

Mr Ryan's parents Noel and Teresa Ryan, his sister Ciara Ryan and partner Elizabeth Austin said they had been left 'shattered' by their loss.

In a joint statement, they said: 'We all carry the trauma of what happened to Jack with us every single day of our lives. We live with a constant, unshakeable anxiety that the very worst could happen at any moment - because we have had the worst happen to our family.

'As well as losing a son, brother and friend, a beautiful little baby girl will never get to meet her father. Everyone who knew Jack from all areas of his life misses him deeply and we will all forever cherish his memory.'

They thanked those who had supported them, and added: 'Jack was the person who everyone was lucky to have in their life. He was a funny, kind-spirited man with a great love for life and a fierce love for his friends, his partner Liz, his family and his beloved Aston Villa.

'Jack was the perfect combination of a big kid at heart with a sensitivity at his core that made him love and care for those around him so deeply.'

Mr Ryan's parents Noel and Teresa Ryan, his sister Ciara Ryan and partner Elizabeth Austin said they had been left 'shattered' by their loss

Previously, Ali's barrister James Scobie KC had read out an email in which the defendant relayed his 'great stress' and 'anxiety' and apologised to 'everyone he had let down'.

Ali wrote: 'I feel very ashamed of myself and have assassinated my own character.'

Despite vowing to return to Britain to face any prison sentence, the court was told on Friday that he remains in Pakistan.

Sentencing Khan to five years in prison, as well as a five-and-a-half year driving ban, Judge Judy Khan said that she had received a letter from the defendant.

'He stated that he does intend to return at some point to serve his sentence,' she said.

'I am unable to accept that assurance.'

CCTV footage of the collision showed Mr Ryan was struck and thrown into the air before landing on the front of the Range Rover on Battersea Bridge on the evening of January 13 2021.

The surface of the road had been wet and the defendant had been travelling at speeds of between 39mph and 41mph in the 20mph zone, prosecutor Philip Stott said.

When Ali's vehicle was about 50 metres away from traffic lights they had changed from green to amber, which would have given him time to stop, jurors heard.

Following the collision, the defendant claimed Mr Ryan had run across the road in front of his car, leaving him no time to apply the brakes, the court heard.

However, Mr Stott said that the Highway Code clearly stated that an amber light required a driver to stop at the stop line.

A driver could only continue if the amber light appeared after the vehicle had crossed the stop line or if pulling up might cause an accident.

Mr Stott said: 'There was no other vehicle travelling so close behind Mr Ali's car that it might cause an accident if he were to stop at the amber light in the normal way.

'He had plenty of time to stop safely and he was, therefore, obliged to do so by the rules of the road.

'Instead, the defendant broke those rules and, in doing so, caused the death of Mr Ryan.'

Following the verdict, Joe Dodman of law firm HCC, said: 'Jack's family have shown incredible strength and dignity in the face of overwhelming grief and trauma.

'Not only have they lost someone truly special in everyone's lives but they have to try and move forward knowing the perpetrator has been handed a sentence far less in duration than most people would naturally expect.

'The fact he wasn't present to face them either in court at the trial or today at sentencing hurts the family even more.

'Those who are convicted of the serious criminal offence of causing death by dangerous driving should be required to face the consequences of their own actions and compelled to face their multiple victims.'
Sir Keir Starmer has said the next weeks and months will be 'crucial' in Ukraine as he held White House talks with Joe Biden - declaring that the UK and the US were 'strategically aligned' as they faced warnings of 'war' from Vladimir Putin.

The Prime Minister said it was 'important' the two countries continued to support the eastern European nation in its fight against Russia.

The pair sat in the Blue Room at the White House on Friday as the Prime Minister spoke of how the UK and US are 'strategically aligned' in their attempts to resolve the war.

Sir Keir said it was 'important' the two countries continued to support the eastern European nation in its fight against Russia.

Meanwhile, when asked what he thought about Russian President Putin's threat of war, his US counterpart Mr Biden said: 'I don't think much about Vladimir Putin.'

Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer posed together as they held talks on Ukraine and the Middle East at the White House

Sir Keir Starmer (right) said the UK and the US were 'stategically aligned' as he held talks with Joe Biden (left) following threats of war this week from Russian president Vladimir Putin

Sir Keir Starmer has said the next few weeks and months will be 'crucial' in Ukraine following a meeting with US president Joe Biden

The Prime Minister told reporters it was 'important' the two countries continued to support the eastern European nation in its fight against Russia .

Sir Keir leaving the White House with his foreign secretary David Lammy

US President Joe Biden holds a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the White House

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, right, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, second right, during a meeting with US President Joe Biden, centre left, in the Blue Room at the White House in Washington

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends a bilateral meeting hosted by President Joe Biden, not pictured, in the Blue Room of the White House today in Washington

President Joe Biden, center, joined by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, hosts a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, not pictured, in the Blue Room of the White House

Mr Biden and Sir Keir were pictured alongside their teams in the Blue Room of the White House as the talks began.

The Prime Minister emerged after their meeting to tell reporters it had been 'very productive' - though he gave no details about any new policy agreements including on whether to let Ukraine use US-provided Army Tactical Missile Systems for attacks on Russia.

He had earlier told Mr Biden at the White House: 'Historically, we've shown the strength of our relationship.

'We are strategically aligned and we have a common cause on these global issues.'

Mr Biden thanked Sir Keir for his 'leadership; during the Ukraine conflict, adding: 'The United States is committed to standing with you to help Ukraine as it defends against Russia's onslaught of aggression.

'It's clear that Putin will not prevail in this war. The people of Ukraine will prevail.'

The US President said the two leaders were meeting to talk about Ukraine, the need for a hostage and ceasefire deal in the Middle East, and about the Indo-Pacific region.

He told the PM: 'I've often said there's no issue of global consequence where the United States and UK can't work together and haven't worked yet.'

Following his meeting with US President Joe Biden on Friday, Sir Keir Starmer described the talks as 'long and productive'.

Asked if he had managed to persuade Mr Biden to allow Ukraine to fire missiles into Russian territory, the PM said: 'Well, we've had a long and productive discussion on a number of problems, including Ukraine, as you'd expect, the Middle East, and the Indo Pacific, talking strategically about tactical decisions.

'This isn't about a particular decision but we'll obviously pick up again in UNGA (UN General Assembly) in just a few days' time with a wider group of individuals, but this was a really important invitation from the President to have this level of discussion about those critical issues.'

He added that the quickest way to end the war in Ukraine 'lies through what Putin actually does'.

Questioned on whether the pair were creating the impression that Russian President Vladimir Putin was intimidating them, the PM said: 'Well, there's only one reason we're having these discussions, and that is Putin has illegally invaded Ukraine, and the quickest way to resolve this obviously lies through what Putin actually does, because it's for him to end this.'

He also denied the need to weaken Vladimir Putin within months was because of the possibility of a victory for Donald Trump in November's presidential election.

The meeting came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his frustration at the continued restrictions on the use of Western weaponry against Russian targets.

In a lengthy statement posted on X, Mr Zelensky said after meeting with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken earlier this week, 'there should be no unanswered questions about why Ukraine needs sufficient long-range capabilities'.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (left) and Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the British ambassador's residence in Washington DC before their meeting with US President Joe Biden where they'll hold talks on resolving the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza

The US President said the two leaders would talk about Ukraine, the need for a hostage and ceasefire deal in the Middle East, and about the Indo-Pacific region

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, right, arrives to meet with President Joe Biden today

Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken were pressed on the use of Western weaponry during their visit to Ukraine earlier this week, but said they had to report back to their bosses, the Prime Minister and US President.

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'.

This comes after the US president signalled a new openness to allowing Ukraine to send long-range missiles into Russia amid a warning from Vladimir Putin that such a move would lead to 'war.'

American officials had previously told CNN that they did not expect an immediate sign off from Biden on allowing US-provided Army Tactical Missile Systems  known as ATACMS  to be launched on targets inside Russia.

But the United Kingdom has sent its own long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Kyiv. Their use, along with use of similar weapons from France, is currently limited to within Ukraine.

A change in that policy will require U.S. sign-off, which is what Biden and Starmer will be discussing in their meeting today.

Opening the meeting, Biden also said they would discuss efforts to secure a deal to end the conflict in the Middle East, adding that the priorities were to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The president also stressed the importance of bringing about a ceasefire and increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Sir Keir himself said: 'We have common cause on these global issues, and therefore it's very important for us to have this opportunity to talk them through, not just as a matter of tactics, but also the wider strategy that underpins them'.

He told reporters on Friday: 'It's obvious that in the coming weeks and months there are really important potential developments.'

Questioned on what he and US President Joe Biden had decided in relation to Ukraine's potential use of long-range missiles, Sir Keir Starmer said: 'We had a wide-ranging discussion about strategy in Ukraine, of course, in the Middle East and other parts of the world.

'This wasn't a meeting about a particular capability. That wasn't why we got our heads down today.

'It was to allow ourselves the space, which we took, the time, which we took, to have a strategic discussion so that tactical decisions could be seen within the wider strategy.

'It was a really good invitation from the President, we've had a very productive (meeting) and we've come to a strong position. I'm very pleased that we've had these discussions.'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) met former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) in Ukraine's capital Kyiv today

Earlier today prime minister Boris Johnson met Mr Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and renewed calls for Britain to allow the country to use Storm Shadow missiles against targets in Russia.

Mr Johnson said afterwards: 'It is vital that Ukraine should be able to defend itself properly by stopping the appalling Russian attacks with glide bombs and now Iranian missiles.

'It is obvious that they should be able to use Storm Shadow, Scalp and ATACMS as fast as possible against targets in Russia itself. Every day that goes by means more pointless and tragic loss of Ukrainian lives.'
President Joe Biden on Friday snapped at a British reporter who asked him a question about Vladimir Putin before Biden had a chance to make his opening statement in his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

'I say you be quiet until I speak, OK? That's what I say. Good idea?' Biden told James Matthews, US correspondent for Sky News.

When the reporter pressed him, Biden told him: 'You've got to be quiet, and I'm going to make a statement, OK.'

The president and Starmer, who were meeting in the Blue Room of the White House, then made their opening statements about their sitdown.

Traditionally, the leaders make their statements and then journalists can ask their questions. That is the usual protocol in foreign leader meetings. Biden told Starmer: 'I've often said there's no issue of global consequence where the United States and UK can't work together and haven't worked yet.'

Starmer thanked Biden for the invitation to come back to the White House just two months after their previous meeting.

President Joe Biden snapped at a British reporter who asked him a question about Putin

He scolded Sky's US correspondent James Matthews (pictured), who asked him a question ahead of his opening statement

The reporter then asked Biden again about the Russian President.

'I don't think that much about Vladimir Putin,' Biden responded.

Ahead of Friday's meeting, the president signaled a new openness to allowing Ukraine to send long-range missiles into Russia amid a warning from Putin that such a move would lead to 'war.'

Biden and Starmer are discussing the issue in their meeting although the White House has cautioned no final decision on the matter is expected today.

'We're going to discuss that now,' Biden said to a question about Ukraine's desire to use long-range missiles deep into Russia.

Ukrainan President Volodymyr Zelensky wants to use US-provided Army Tactical Missile Systems  known as ATACMS  to be launched on targets inside Russia. Biden has not agreed as of yet.

But the United Kingdom has sent its own long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Kyiv. Their use, along with use of similar weapons from France, is currently limited to within Ukraine.

A change in that policy will require U.S. sign-off, which is what Biden and Starmer will be discussing in their meeting today.

President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in the Blue Room at the White House on Friday afternoon

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the British ambassador's residence in Washington

Putin has upped the stakes, warning NATO leaders that lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of the long-range missiles would be considered an act of war.

'This will mean that NATO countries  the United States and European countries  are at war with Russia. And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the essence of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will be posed to us,' Putin told reporters in Russia yesterday.

He said he would follow such a move with 'appropriate decisions.'

Starmer shrugged off Putin's threat.

Speaking to reporters en route to Washington DC, the British PM insisted the Russian leader started the war in Ukraine and could end the fighting 'straight away'.

'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,' Sir Keir said.

He added: 'Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away.

'Ukraine has the right to self-defence, and obviously we've been absolutely fully supportive of Ukraine's right to self-defence, providing training capabilities.

'But we don't seek any conflict with Russia, that's not our intention in the slightest. But they started this conflict, and Ukraine's got a right to self-defence.'

For his part, Biden has long resisted calls from Ukrainian officials to ease restrictions on the use of the missiles.

But as the war continues - and concern grows about Iran supplying Russia with ballistic missiles - a change in strategy is being considered.

'We're working that out right now,' Biden said earlier this week when asked whether he would allow Western missiles to target military sites inside Russia.

President Joe Biden is considering whether to allow Western missiles to be fired into Russia

Vladimir Putin warned that Ukraine using Western missiles in Russia would lead to 'war'

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The New York Times reported, citing European officials, that the United States looks set to approve the use by Ukraine of long range missiles against targets in Russia on the condition that the weapons were not those provided by the United States.

Asked about the concerns of escalation, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that they are one factor, but 'certainly not the only factor.'

He said the U.S. is always willing to adjust its strategy to help Ukraine.

'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,' Blinken said at a news conference in Kyiv.

No formal announcement of a decision is expected on Friday after the two leaders meet.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy suggested discussions could continue beyond Friday, tempering expectations of a solid announcement from Starmer's Washington visit.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy (right) meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv

Ukrainian soldier in a mortar unit prepares to fire a missile

There are other items on the agenda for Biden and Starmer's two-hour meeting.

Starmer said he was visiting Washington for 'strategic meetings to discuss Ukraine and to discuss the Middle East.' It's the Prime Minister's second meeting with Biden since his centre-Left Government was elected in July .

The war in the Middle East is expected to be discussed.

Britain last week diverged from the U.S. by suspending some arms exports to Israel because of the risk they could be used to break international law.

Biden and Starmer's meeting also comes before this month's annual meeting of global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly. Both men are expected to attend that gathering in New York.
GPs have threatened to strike  just one day after Wes Streeting accused their militant union of 'sabre-rattling'.

Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chairman of the British Medical Association's GPs committee, warned medics could walk out if the Health Secretary did not 'listen to us'.

Surgeries across England are embarking on 'work-to-rule' measures designed to bring the NHS to 'a standstill' in a row over funding and a new contract.

Union leaders have told family doctors they can 'pick and choose' from a catalogue of ten measures designed to wreak havoc across the health service.

It includes slashing the number of appointments they offer by up to half to a maximum of 25 per day and refusing to follow some NHS processes.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured) accused the BMA of 'sabre-rattling' on Thursday

Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) protest in Whitehall over pay and conditions on August 11, 2023

But Dr Bramall-Stainer told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme this could be ramped up if the Government did not take 'rapid action' to improve the situation for GPs.

She said current actions did not amount to 'striking' but added GPs could take that step if they did not get what they wanted.

NHS figures published last month show GP partners, who own their practice and account for the majority of family doctors, earn an average of 140,200 a year, despite only one in three working full-time.

But Dr Bramall-Stainer said the pressure on GPs was leading some to take their own life and they could not wait for Labour to develop a ten-year plan for reform.

She warned: 'One in four GPs knows another GP who has taken their own life. My own GP took his own life in 2021. That's not sabre-rattling.

'General practice is collapsing now, and we're not in a position to be able to wait for long-term plans next year or spending reviews.'

In a video posted on X yesterday morning, she revealed more than four in five GP practices had already started at least one form of collective action.

Dr Bramall-Stainer said the 'clock is ticking' and urged more GPs to join the work-to-rule.

Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chairman of the British Medical Association's GPs committee, warned medics could walk out and are 'keen to get stuck into collective action'

She added: 'Summer is over and we know you're keen to get stuck into collective action.

'These actions will work and they will build growing leverage.'

On Thursday, Mr Streeting said the BMA should stop 'sabre-rattling' and work with the Government to improve services.
A 22-year-old women from Indiana drowned while on vacation in Puerto Rico after she went into the water to rescue her girlfriend and became caught up in a strong rip current.

Cimone (Alicea) Dawson had been visiting Condado Beach in San Juan on the tropical island with her girlfriend and another friend when they suddenly got into difficulties.

Dawson, from Indianapolis, wasted no time in rushing out into the sea in order to try and save her girlfriend, but then tragically got into trouble herself around 6:30pm on Sunday.

The United States Coast Guard searched for two days until they found Dawson 'submerged and unresponsive'. She was pronounced dead on Monday.

Cimone (Alicea) Dawson had been visiting Condado Beach in San Juan on the tropical island with her girlfriend and another friend when they suddenly got into difficulties

Dawson, from Indianapolis, wasted no time in rushing out into the sea in order to try and save her girlfriend but then get into trouble herself around 6:30pm on Sunday evening

Meanwhile, her girlfriend was rescued and helped back to shore by both the authorities and locals beachgoers.

Bystanders first reported hearing screams and saw people in distress in the water.

The Coast Guard who searched for Dawson from the air and sea, say it was local authorities who eventually managed to find Dawson's body.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with funeral expenses and with bringing her body back to the mainland.

The 22-year-old went missing while swimming off Condado Beach in Puerto Rico (pictured)

The United States Coast Guard searched for several days until they found Dawson 'submerged and unresponsive'. She was pronounced dead on Monday

'That's just the type of person she was,' said Dawson's cousin, Siajhanai Wean to WSAZ.

'Even if I was on that beach and Cimone, seeing her loved one struggling, I couldn't even get Cimone not to go back into the water.

'Her girlfriend was starting to drown. She ran out there to save her girlfriend. It was other family members too in the water that needed saved, which bystanders help assisted, but it was three of them in the water struggling. The two of them the bystanders got, and while Cimone was on the way to her girlfriend, the current took her,' Wean explained to WTHR.

'I felt sick to my stomach. I felt like there were so many words that I wish I could have said. I felt like I couldn't breathe,' another of Dawson's cousins said to the station.

Dawson loved to travel with Puerto Rico being one of her favorite destinations. She had gone to the island together with her girlfriend to celebrate a birthday.

'They've been there five times in the last three years. We usually travel to different places, but they love Puerto Rico. They constantly go back,' Wean said.

'I feel like my family can never get a break. Every time, there's something, and when we adapt to it, something else happens. So, I don't think anyone was prepared for this,' she added.

Dawson loved to travel with Puerto Rico being one of her favorite destinations. She had gone to the island together with her girlfriend to celebrate a birthday

The 22-year-old went back in the water to help but was pulled under and never made it back to shore. Bystanders rescued her girlfriend

The Coast Guard's X account shared a resource from the National Weather Service with advice on surviving a rip current.

People caught in a strong current are advised not to panic.

'Rip currents will not pull you under the water.'

People should not try to swim against the current, towards the beach, to escape - but swim out of the current, parallel to the beach.

If one cannot escape the current, aim to float while yelling and waving for help.

Some 80 per cent of beach rescues each year involve rip currents, according to the United States Lifesaving Association.

The Coast Guard's X account shared a resource from the National Weather Service with advice on surviving a rip current

'We extend are most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young woman and pray they find strength and closure during this most difficult time,' said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Coast Guard Search and Rescue mission coordinator for the case.

'I would like to extend my appreciation to the bystanders and on-scene authorities for their actions which saved two lives and to all the Coast Guard units and emergency response partners for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts during the search.'
Mark Zuckerberg has been given the go ahead to train his new Meta AI technology using billions of British Facebook and Instagram posts.

Following talks with UK data protection regulator, the Information Commissioners Office, the US firm will begin within weeks.

Meta had not launched its AI tools in the UK or EU due to regulator concerns. Discussions with the EU remain in deadlock. But Meta said the UK would now allow it to harvest billions of public posts and images.

There have been worries the public do not understand how their personal information will be used.

Meta said it would not use peoples private messages, or material from under-18s.

Mark Zuckerberg has been given the go ahead to train his new Meta AI technology

Meta had not launched its AI tools in the UK or EU due to regulator concerns (stock image)

It said UK Instagram and Facebook users would start to get in-app notifications to explain the AI training scheme, and how to opt out.

It comes after Zuckerberg admitted that the Biden administration was 'wrong' to demand Facebook censor what they deemed 'COVID misinformation' during the pandemic.

The Meta CEO said in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan that they'll fight back against any attempts at censorship in the future and also admitted the company had 'demoted' stories about Hunter Biden's laptop.

He wrote that the White House 'repeatedly pressured our teams for months to censor certain COVID-19 content, including humor and satire, and expressed a lot of frustration with our teams when we didn't agree'.

He said that this pressure 'was wrong' and says he regrets 'that we were not more outspoken about it'.

'We made some choices that, with the benefit of hindsight and new information, we wouldn't make today,' he added.
Huw Edwards has been caught 'offering to help charities for free' on his LinkedIn page, despite his ongoing child abuse case.

The ex-BBC presenter posted on the networking site offering to help non-profits with interview preparation, public speaking and political consulting.

The 62-year-old pleaded guilty to having indecent images of children on July 31 at Westminster Magistrates' Court, including 13 of the most serious category A and one of a child as young as seven.

The post reads: 'After four decades of top-level experience in journalism, media, politics and communications I'm available for no charge to charities and not-for-profit organisations.'

A young BBC worker claims that Huw Edwards invited him to stay in his hotel suite on the eve of presenting coverage of Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021 (pictured)

Police officers clear the way as former BBC news presenter Huw Edwards arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London

The Sun reported that underneath this was a photo of Edwards interviewing former President Barak Obama, along with a list of expertise such as 'public speaking, public relations and interview preparation'.

It is not known when the information was published.

The court heard he had been involved in an online chat with an adult man - since named as Alex Williams - on WhatsApp between December 2020 and August 2021, who sent him 377 sexual images, of which 41 were indecent images of children.

Following the revelations many charities severed their ties with Edwards, including being stripped of his roles at the National Churches Trust and the Journalists' Charity.

Edwards announced his resignation from the BBC in April, citing medical advice, having already been suspended the previous July over separate allegations he had paid a young person for explicit pictures.

Edwards was absent from screens from when the story first broke in July 2023 until his exit in April 2024.

But he remained on the payroll while suspended, which is normal BBC policy, and was suffering from serious mental health issues and received in-patient hospital care.

Mr Edwards is said to have moved from the family home he shared with wife Vicky Flind in south London

Court artist drawing of former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court

The BBC confirmed at the time of his departure that he had not received a pay-off and was leaving 'on the basis of medical advice from his doctors'.

In court, Edwards admitted to having seven category 'A' images of the very worst kind on his phone after being sent them on WhatsApp by a paedophile.

The sick child porn images showed youngsters aged between seven and 14, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

It was revealed that Edwards had been arrested on November 8 last year and charged on June 26, having kept details of the investigation into him 'secret' from his friends at the BBC.

The former broadcaster will be sentenced at the same court on September 16, where he could face a prison sentence.

MailOnline also revealed that Edwards still hasn't repaid any of the 200,000 he was paid by the BBC after being arrested over child abuse images, Tim Davie has revealed.

The BBC director-general said today he hopes 'to make progress' to recover earnings from the disgraced former newsreader.

The veteran newsreader was paid between 475,000 and 479,999 for the year 2023/24 for 160 presenting days, BBC One news specials, election specials and other television programming, according to the BBC's annual report.

This marked an increase from 2022/23, when he was paid between 435,000 and 439,999 for 180 days presenting on BBC One, as well as news specials.

Throughout the years, Edwards presented the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (now the Prince and Princess of Wales) in 2011, the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018, and the funeral of Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 2021.

The BBC News At Ten presenter was also the broadcaster's voice at Trooping the Colour and the Festival of Remembrance, and took over election coverage from the long-serving David Dimbleby in 2019.

LinkedIn has been approached for comment.
As Downing Street's most famous animal, Larry the cat has outlasted five Prime Ministers and takes his role as Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office seriously.

But not all of Sir Keir Starmer's new ministers are fans of the 17-year-old tabby who roams the streets of power. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has branded Larry as a 'little s***', telling a dinner in Glasgow that he is 'the most miserable animal you'll ever meet in your life'.

His words come as a blow to the Chief Mouser's status in Downing Street, having already been subject to competition from a new Siberian kitten recently adopted by the Prime Minister and his family.

As Downing Street's most famous animal, Larry the cat has outlasted five Prime Ministers and takes his role as Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office seriously

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray (pictured) has branded Larry as a 'little s***', telling a dinner in Glasgow that he is 'the most miserable animal you'll ever meet in your life'

Mr Murray strokes Larry. His words come as a blow to the Chief Mouser's status in Downing Street, having already been subject to competition from a new Siberian kitten recently adopted by the Prime Minister and his family

'We were initially like kids in a sweet shop,' Mr Murray said of Labour's election celebrations.

'We walked to Downing Street really excited and all we wanted to do was... try and get a picture with Larry the cat. And without putting too fine a point on it, Larry the cat is a little s***. So none of us got a picture.

'Larry the cat is the most miserable animal you'll ever meet in your life. I'm not surprised given who he's had to live with for the last ten years.'
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband faced ridicule after declaring he was 'deeply disappointed' by the closure of Scotland's last oil refinery.

The Grangemouth site, which produces vast quantities of petrol, diesel, heating oil and aviation fuel for the UK, will be shut next summer with the loss of 400 jobs.

Mr Miliband's comments sparked derision and anger given Labour's hostility towards fossil fuels and the looming ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband faced ridicule after declaring he was 'deeply disappointed' by the closure of Scotland's last oil refinery

The Grangemouth site, which produces vast quantities of petrol, diesel, heating oil and aviation fuel for the UK, will be shut next summer with the loss of 400 jobs

Refinery owner Petroineos said it was unable to compete with rivals in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Lara Brown, of the Policy Exchange think-tank, said: 'I'm baffled trying to understand Ed Miliband's ideology. A week after Labour got into power, Miliband announced no new oil and gas licences in the North Sea  an action surely designed to cripple the oil industry.

'So why is he now mourning the loss of an oil refinery?'
Keir Starmer and Joe Biden appear to have failed to come to an agreement on a deal to give Ukraine new long-range missiles.

The Prime Minister and President held talks in the Blue Room of the White House yesterday to discuss strategy on how to bring the war in Ukraine to an end, including whether to hand over Storm Shadow missiles to Zelensky.

Disappointingly for both parties, John Kirby, a spokesman for the US national security council, announced afterwards that there would be 'no change to our policy' on letting Ukraine use long-range missiles.

This comes as Zelensky accused the West of emboldening Putin by putting off the decision, and questioned their commitment to Ukraine's defence.

Despite this Starmer claimed that the UK and US have come to a 'strong position' in their quest for a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

He described his discussions with Mr Biden as 'long and productive', but would not be drawn on what the pair had decided regarding Ukraine's potential use of Western weaponry against Russian targets.

Keir Starmer and Joe Biden appear to have failed to come to an agreement on a deal to give Ukraine new missiles

The Prime Minister and President held talks in the Blue Room of the White House yesterday to discuss whether to hand over Storm Shadow missiles to Zelensky

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speak to the media outside the White House in Washington following a meeting with President Joe Biden

Despite this Starmer said that the UK and US have come to a 'strong position' in their quest for a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine

It is believed that Biden was more resistant than Starmer to give the go-ahead, particularly as Putin warned the UK and the US that they would be 'at war' with Russia if they gave Ukraine the Storm Shadow missiles.

Questioned on what they had decided in relation to Ukraine's potential use of long-range missiles, Sir Keir told reporters: 'We had a wide-ranging discussion about strategy in Ukraine, of course, in the Middle East and other parts of the world.

'This wasn't a meeting about a particular capability. That wasn't why we got our heads down today.

'It was to allow ourselves the space, which we took, the time, which we took, to have a strategic discussion so that tactical decisions could be seen within the wider strategy.

'It was a really good invitation from the President, we've had a very productive (meeting) and we've come to a strong position. I'm very pleased that we've had these discussions.'

As Sir Keir Starmer and Joe Biden held talks in the White House last night, Volodymyr Zelensky blasted the West's dithering while Russian forces 'burn down our cities and villages'.

It comes amid fears of a wider conflict, with Moscow warning the UN that a green light for Kyiv to use long-range missiles to attack Russian territory would mean 'Nato will be a direct party to hostilities against a nuclear power'.

Tensions between Britain and Russia are on a knife-edge after the Kremlin expelled UK diplomats from Moscow.

Accusations that the envoys were involved in 'spying and sabotage' were dismissed as 'baseless and ludicrous' by an angry Foreign Office.

Mr Zelensky vented his ire hours before the Prime Minister and the US President sat down in the Oval Office to discuss lifting restrictions on Western weapons.

US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Keir Starmer sit in the Oval Office and discuss lifting restrictions on Western weapons

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has questioned if Western politicians actually want Ukraine to win the war

Ukraine cannot fire British Storm Shadow missiles into Russia itself  from where most of the deadly attacks on its territory are launched.

Vladimir Putin this week warned the West would be at war with Moscow should this change, with many of his air bases and logistics hubs vulnerable to Ukrainian attacks if the restrictions were lifted.

According to US sources, Mr Biden has not yet made a final decision.

Yesterday, in his most outspoken comments of the conflict, Mr Zelensky questioned whether Western politicians actually wanted Ukraine to win.

He posted on X: 'It is difficult to repeatedly hear, 'We are working on this' while Putin continues to burn down our cities and villages. He doesn't need anyone's approval.

'Anyone who looks at a map clearly understands why Ukraine needs long-range capabilities. Russian logistics and military sites are safe because we cannot reach them. We know where they are located. All of this can be destroyed in months. So what is missing to end it? Strength? Decisions? Or the will?'

His comments came after he met Boris Johnson in Kyiv yesterday. The former Prime Minister said: 'It is vital that Ukraine should be able to defend itself properly by stopping the appalling Russian attacks with glide bombs and Iranian missiles.

'It is obvious they should be able to use Storm Shadow, [the French] SCALP missile and [the US] ATACMS missile as fast as possible against targets in Russia itself. Every day that goes by means more pointless and tragic loss of Ukrainian lives.'

Last night, Western leaders were urged to stand strong in the face of Putin's threats of reprisals.

A conventionally armed long range deep strike weapon displayed at the MBDA exhibition hall during the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at Konstantin Palace on September 12. He warned the West it will be 'at war' with Russia if it allows Ukraine to fire British missiles into his country

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Ukraine

President Zelensky meets Sir Keir at 10 Downing Street in July 2024

Despite the possibility that Moscow could target Polish military bases, the country's prime minister Donald Tusk suggested Putin's words were just sabre-rattling.

He said: 'It is necessary to take all events in Ukraine and on the Ukrainian-Russian front very seriously. But I would not attach excessive importance to Putin's latest statements.'

But US sources suggested that while Mr Biden could be persuaded over Storm Shadow, he was reticent to allow Kyiv to fire ATACMS missiles into Russia, fearing it could spark escalation in Ukraine and the Middle East.

In a further blow to Mr Zelensky and Sir Keir, US security sources suggested a decision on Storm Shadow would not be forthcoming immediately.

Western officials are braced for retaliation from Moscow if America and Britain approve long-range missile use.

Air strikes on Polish military bases  used to store Western military supplies for Ukraine  would represent one of Russia's most extreme responses.

As Poland is a member of Nato, such a move would trigger the alliance's Article Five, which would require a military response by all member states. For that reason, it is more likely that Putin will opt for 'sub-threshold' responses which do not trigger direct conflict.

These could include targeting UK and US undersea cable networks, sabotage missions on bases in Eastern Europe, or extending Russia's support for Houthi rebels in Yemen, helping them disrupt vital commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (centre) meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy (right) on September 12

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk suggested Putin's words were just sabre-rattling

The reprisals message was hammered home yesterday by Russia's ambassador to the United Nations.

Defence cuts a mistake - Lammy Labour must boost defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary has warned, risking a row with the Treasury. Last week Defence Secretary John Healey suggested the Government would have to make 'tough choices' on spending, which could include cutting or cancelling military projects. But Mr Lammy told The Daily Telegraph: 'It was a mistake to move away from spending 2.5 per cent of GDP. We need to get back there.' He said the situation in Europe, with nations such as Poland spending 3.9 per cent of GDP on defence, showed the UK hasd to do more. Advertisement

Vassily Nebenzia told the 15-member Security Council: 'Nato will be a direct party to hostilities against a nuclear power, I think you shouldn't forget about this and think about the consequences.'

While the Kremlin revoked the accreditations of the British diplomats last month, it announced the move only yesterday.

The timing seemed no accident as it coincided with the PM's 'missile diplomacy' trip to Washington DC.

The Britons left Russia several weeks ago and have already been replaced.

UK military commentators urged Western allies to approve Ukraine's Storm Shadow requests.

Former Navy commander Tom Sharpe said: 'Imagine if it was reversed and the UK mainland was being hammered and the US was prevaricating over giving us the weapons we needed to defend ourselves?

'Zelensky is a man of remarkable patience and fortitude.

'He must be given what he needs to defend his country.

'We must speak the only language Putin understands and that is strength.'

Rear Admiral Chris Parry said: 'Russians will start to understand the costs that Putin is prepared to impose on his population.

'It isn't so much fun when you are on the receiving end of missile attacks such as the Ukrainians have endured for almost three years.'

The reprisals message was hammered home yesterday by Russia's ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia (pictured in May 2024)

Vassily Nebenzia told the 15-member Security Council: 'Nato will be a direct party to hostilities against a nuclear power, I think you shouldn't forget about this and think about the consequences'

It came as North Korea yesterday provided the outside world with a rare view into a secretive facility built to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons.

In a show of defiance against the West, leader Kim Jong Un called for a rapid expansion of his nuclear program as he walked between long rows of metal centrifuges.
READ MORE: Wife STILL stands by pilot after he was jailed for killing camper

EXCLUSIVE

New details about the shadowy life of ex-Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn have been revealed at his sentencing as he faces life in jail for the brutal murder of an elderly camper.

Lynn, 57, was found guilty at the Supreme Court of Victoria in June of murdering elderly camper Carol Clay, but not guilty of murdering her secret lover Russell Hill.

But the pilot's twisted love life - including a secret love child in Adelaide - was laid bare in court this week as Justice Michael Croucher prepared to sentence the killer.

Lynn's second wife, flight attendant Melanie Lynn, was notably absent from this week's hearing after turning up at court for every day of her husband's murder trial.

The court heard that, in the wake of Lynn's guilty verdict, his wife now faces losing the home she shares with Lynn's adult sons from his first marriage.

Their mother, Lisa Lynn, committed suicide in 1999, and the court had previously heard Lynn's mother-in-law blames him for triggering her daughter's tragic death.

On Wednesday, fresh details about Lynn's life were aired in court by his own barrister Dermot Dann, KC ahead of prosecution calls for Lynn to be jailed for life.

The court heard Lynn quickly moved on from the suicide of his first wife, who had been in a bitter custody fight with Lynn at the time of her death.

Greg Lynn enters the Supreme Court of Victoria in handcuffs on Wednesday. He faces life behind bars for the murder of Carol Clay

Greg Lynn's first wife Lisa Lynn was found dead on the front lawn of the property she once shared with the now-convicted murderer

Mr Dann suggested Lynn immediately hooked up with a mystery woman as he squabbled with his estranged wife over the children and family assets.

'The relationship fell into difficulties and Mr Lynn moved out of the family home and commenced a relationship,' he told the court.

The court heard Lynn successfully wrangled the children away from his estranged wife's family and gained full custody of them as well as retaining the family home.

With his former wife out of the picture, Lynn was free to continue the relationship with his mystery lover, who was not named in court.

'He moved then with the woman he was in a new relationship with and the two boys to a property in Mount Macedon, then moved to Adelaide,' Mr Dann said.

The court heard Lynn's new lover gave birth to a daughter on February 8, 2001, little more than a year after the death of his first wife.

'That relationship ultimately broke down so he moved back to Melbourne with his sons,' Mr Dann said.

Lynn moved with his kids to Qatar in the Middle East where quickly bounced back from the last broken relationship to hook up with flight attendant and second wife, Melanie.

The court heard Lynn walked down the aisle with her in 2004 and the couple had a son together in 2007.

They moved back to Australia shortly afterwards, settling in Caroline Springs in Melbourne's west where she still lives today - but possibly for not much longer.

The court heard police are keen to see the property confiscated as part of the proceeds of crime.

Lynn had been living at the home when he murdered Ms Clay in March 2020 and at the time of his arrest more than a year later.

Melanie Lynn have birth to Greg Lynn's son in 2007 after he joined Qatar Airways

Greg Lynn's beloved Nissan Patrol pictured outside the Caroline Springs property he lived in at the time of the murder. His car went from white (pictured) to grey to tan over the years

Geordie, Melanie and Elliott Lynn leave the Supreme Court of Victoria in May

The court also heard new details about Lynn's relationship with his first wife Lisa.

In revelations not shared with the jury, Justice Croucher had previously been told Lisa's mother blamed Lynn for her daughter's suicide.

'In addition to not gaining any support from Greg, he would subject her to physical and mental abuse on a regular basis,' Lisa's mum claimed in a statement made to the coroner at the time.

'These events happened too frequently to remember...things like losing his temper for no reason and blaming Lisa for anything that went wrong.

'He then would yell and throw things at her and push her around.

'I felt very uncomfortable when these events occurred because I was not inclined to interfere and Lisa would plead with me not to interfere.'

Lisa's mum also told the court jealous Lynn verbally attacked a man in a bar after he spoke to Lisa.

He then flew into a 'rage' at his then-wife after leaving the hotel, she told the coroner.

'The only thing that I would like to add is that as far as I'm concerned, Greg is responsible for my daughter's death by mental torture inflicted by him,' Lisa's mum told the court.

On Wednesday this week, Mr Dann told the court Lynn met Lisa when he was just 18 and she was aged 'around 21'.

She had been a Royal Australian Air Force signals operator based at the Laverton base in Melbourne's western suburbs.

Melanie Lynn was Greg Lynn's second wife and the third woman to have his child

Lisa Lynn was just 20 when she began what became a toxic relationship with Greg Lynn

Greg Lynn outside the Caroline Springs home he shared with Melanie

Lynn moved in with Lisa to off-base accommodation where the couple became heavily involved with the Pentecostal Church.

Their jobs saw them then move to Bankstown in New South Wales where Lisa worked as a data entry technician for Flight Services Australia.

The couple moved to Tasmania and bought a home together, before Lynn bounced between Launceston and Bankstown in Sydney in the early 1990s, until the couple moved to Victoria where Lisa got a job as a Qantas flight attendant.

They bought a home in Mount Macedon, 64km north-west of Melbourne, and Lisa gave birth to their first son in 1997.

Their second child came the following year, but the relationship collapsed soon after and Lynn was booted out of the family home.

Daily Mail Australia is unable to report the full extent of what happened next because of a legal gag order issued by a magistrate in a lower court before the trial.

'On October 26 (1999, Lisa) was found deceased on the front lawn of the Mount Macedon property and we know from the evidence ... she was found to have died after consuming a quantity of drugs and alcohol,' Mr Dann said.

Lynn was convicted of murdering Carol Clay (left) but acquitted of the murder of her lover Russell Hill

The shotgun Greg Lynn used to shoot Carol Clay in the head

The shattered remains of Carol Clay were found dumped in this hole. Just one fragment of Russell Hill was ever identified

Mr Dann claimed Lynn came under fire from Lisa's family following her tragic death.

'There was protracted conflict with members of her family thereafter in terms of proceedings ... in relation to the custody of the two boys,' he said.

'Mr Lynn was successful in those proceedings so he became sole parent, and was sole parent raising the boys.'

Lynn will return to court next month where he will finally be sentenced over the murder of Ms Clay.

However his imprisonment could be short-lived amid his legal team's concerns the jury made a mistake in how they applied the law while coming to their verdict of guilt on Ms Clay, but not of Mr Hill.

Mr Dann told Justice Croucher his client maintained his innocence and intended to appeal his conviction as soon as possible.

The experienced barrister described the jury's process in finding him guilty as a 'forbidden pathway' that had gone against Justice Croucher's own directions to them toward the end of the trial.

Mr Dann said the jury had been directed that Lynn's only motive for killing Ms Clay would have been to cover up the murder of Mr Hill, which they found him not guilty of committing.

'The prosecution says the jury went down that forbidden pathway to reach that verdict,' he said.
Terrifying footage obtained by DailyMail.com shows a shooting in one of the Colorado apartments controlled by Venezuelan super gang Tren de Aragua - as law enforcement officials warn about a coming gang war.

The July 28 clip recorded on the cell phone of a resident shows two people fighting in the courtyard of the Aspen Grove apartments in Aurora - one of three rental properties under gangster rule.

As the courtyard brawl played out, other residents watching the commotion ducked and screamed when shots rang out.

Members of TdA, as the South American mob is known to federal authorities, seeped into the US in recent years, hidden among the 1 million Venezuelans who have arrived in the US under the Biden Administration.

Now in major American cities, Tren de Aragua has unleashed a crime wave from Miami to New York, but for the first time, law enforcement officials are revealing what TdA's future plans are.

Theres about to be a big gang war,' John Fabbricatore, the former director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for Colorado told DailyMail.com.

Harrowing new footage appears to capture the moment an armed Venezuelan gang seized control of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado

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

'I believe that theyre setting up their network right now. These guys are setting up faster than MS-13 did. Theyre getting into these apartment complexes and what theyre doing is theyre starting with prostitution.'

John Fabbricatore is the former ICE director for Colorado, retiring in 2022. He's currently running for Congress as a Republican

TdA has taken over at least three apartment buildings in Aurora, exploiting and terrorizing their migrant neighbors.

A bombshell report by a law firm that represents one of the apartment management companies assaults, threats of murder, extortion and even child prostitution.

'Prostitution is a big money-maker, and the thing with prostitution is that it brings guys in that they can then sell dope to,' Fabbricatore explained.

'These guys come in, they meet these Johns and shake them down. See if they want to buy drugs. Theyve started with moving these girls through, and if you go in these apartments, youll see these young girls. Its bad.

DailyMail.com visited all three Aurora properties in recent days.

Aspen Grove, where the video of the July shooting was taken, has been shut down by the city.

The Whispering Pines apartment complex in Aurora is the third and latest spot to become a TdA hotbed

The Edge at Lowry apartments was the second property taken over by the South American gang

Edge of Lowry, the site of an armed takeover where gun-totting thugs were filmed storming units, has been cleaned out in recent days, as local cops have started to make arrests of TdA members.

At the Whispering Pines apartments, DailyMail.com witnessed TdA gang graffiti all the over the walls, where the transnational organization has clearly marked its territory.

'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.

TdA is using the cash to expand, meanwhile arming itself, Fabbricatore, who is currently the Republican congressional candidate hoping to represent Aurora, said.

'Colfax, the area that theyre in, has been controlled by the Bloods, Crips, Surenos, for years,' he added.

'These gangs already set up their networks. Theyve been dealing dope in those areas. They control prostitution in that area. So Tren de Aragua comes in and they start to try put their girls on the street, and they start to move dope in the area, youre going to see push back. Weve havent seen it yet, but I believe its about to happen.

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

TdA markings in a Colorado complex prove the South American gang has taken control of several properties, federal investigators say

The mayor of Aurora declined a request for an interview from DailyMail.com.

Earlier this week, the Aurora Police Department announced the arrests of 10 TdA members, despite having previously denied there was a gang problem.

TdA has described as the 'epitome of evil' and is best known in their homeland 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.

Since arriving in the United States, 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.

'TdA is MS-13 on steroids.' Brunner, who spent years leading an FBI task force to taken down Salvadoran gang MS-13, added.

Federal law enforcement has been shocked and taken off guard by how quickly TdA has been able to establish itself and eclipse the previous operations set up by gangs like MS-13.

Tren de Aragua gang tattoos (pictured above) were part of a Department of Homeland Security bulletin that was recently shared with federal agents

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

The graffiti is meant to intimidate and instill fear in the residents of the complex, retired FBI agent Dan Brunner told DailyMail.com

'They're way more organized. MS-13, I worked them for years. They were never organized. They were violent, never really knew what they were doing,' the former ICE director explained.

In July, the federal government designated Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization or TCO, putting them in the level as the the baddest Mexican drug cartels and terrorist organizations in the world.

'They are a TCO from the bottom to the top, so they have connections,' Fabbricatore stated.

'These guys back here are paying somebody back home...to leaders in Venezuela. They networks that they're setting up here-- they're sending shot callers to certain areas. They are way more organized. They're able to move merchandize quicker. The movement of girls, they have that down pat.'

For now, TdA seems focused on victimizing the migrants, using migrant women into prostitutes, but it's only a matter of time before their tentacles spread.

'There are some million dollar homes not far from where those apartment complexes are. How long do you think it will be before they go there?'
A WWII project which involved training pigeons to pilot bombs has won this year's spoof Nobel peace prize.

The annual Ig Nobel awards recognise scientific discoveries that 'first make people laugh, and then make them think'.

They are awarded by the science humour magazine the Annals of Improbable Research, which 'celebrates the unusual and honours the imaginative'.

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 during the Second World War.

But the project never took flight because of scepticism from the US military and government officials.

A bizarre World War II project to teach pigeons how to pilot guided missiles is the winner of this years' spoof 'Ig Nobel' Awards. Pictured: A proposed three-pigeon steering system

American psuchologis BF Skinner was awarded a posthumous Ig Nobel Peace Prize for his proposals to build a device which could use pigeons as tracking devices inside missiles

What are the Ig Nobel Awards? The Ig Nobel Prize is a spoof award run by the science humour magazine Annals of Improbable Research. It was first awarded in 1991 to celebrate 10 unusual or trivial achievements in scientific research. The aim is to 'honour achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think.' The name of the award is a pun on the Nobel Prize, which it parodies, and on the word ignoble (not noble). Advertisement

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.'

The chemistry award was won by a research team who used a lab technique to separate drunk and sober worms.

Meanwhile 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.

One team of Japanese researchers were awarded the prize of physiology by proving that many mammals are capable of breathing through their anus. Pictured: an illustration from the paper on the subject

One group of researchers found that while clockwise hair swirls are more common, counter-clockwise whorls are more prevelant in the southern hemisphere (stock image)

One group of researchers demonstrated that flipping a coin is not fair since the coin is slightly more likely to land the same way up as it started (stock image)

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 yesterday included the physiology prize for discovering that many mammals are capable of breathing through their anus and the physics prize for demonstrating the swimming capabilities of a dead trout.

Stanford mathematician Persi Diaconis, first realised that coin flips were not random after he and his colleagues managed to rig a coin-flipping machine to get a coin to land heads every time (pictured)

The winners of the botany award received their prize for showing that some real plants will try to imitate the shapes of nearby plastic plants

One group of researchers towed dead trout through turbulent water to see how they 'swam' and were awarded the physics prize for their efforts

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.

The botany prize was handed to researchers who found evidence that some real plants imitate the shapes of neighbouring artificial plastic plants.

And the medicine prize went to a team who demonstrated that fake medicine that causes painful side-effects can be more effective than fake medicine that does not cause painful side-effects.

The theme of this year's Ig Nobel ceremony was Murphy's Law  the idea that 'if anything can go wrong, it will go wrong'.

The new winners were handed prizes by genuine Nobel laureates, before being pelted by paper airplanes as per tradition.
There are few things quite as inspiring as seeing humanity make its tentative steps into space.

Yesterday, humankind reached another historic milestone as SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission completed the world's first private spacewalk  so the first featuring civilians rather than professional astronauts.

But while some have been awed by the images of billionaire Jared Isaacman emerging from the capsule, not everybody was so impressed.

On social media, many users slammed the 'lame' and 'boring' mission, complaining that it hardly deserved to be called a spacewalk.

On X, formerly Twitter, one disgruntled space fan wrote: 'Quit fiddling with the ladder already and get on with the actual spacewalk! Wait, why are you climbing back down?'

Yesterday, the billionaire Jared Isaacman became the first private citizen to embark on a spacewalk as part of the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission

Despite the historic significance of the spacewalk, many commenters on X were disappointed Isaacman did not fully leave the capsule

At 11:12 BST yesterday morning, the four astronauts aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule donned their suits and officially began the first ever private spacewalk.

Just half an hour later, with the cabin purged of air, mission commander Jared Isaacman opened the hatch exposing the entire crew to the vacuum of space.

After briefly exiting the capsule to test the mobility of SpaceX's new extravehicular activity (EVA) suit  consisting of moving his arms around awkwardly like a robot  Isaacman floated back into the craft and returned to his seat.

He was then followed by mission specialist and SpaceX employee Sara Gillis who exited the capsule and performed the same set of mobility tests.

The hatch was then resealed and the cabin repressurized and by 13:00 BST the first commercial spacewalk was officially over.

Isaacman was followed by Mission Specialist and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis (pictured) who climbed out of the capsule to test the suit's mobility

Since the SpaceX Dragon capsule does not have an airlock, the entire spacecraft had to be brought down to vacuum in order to open the hatch - something it had only been designed to do in emergencies

On X, social media users pointed out that Isaacman and Gillis remained in contact with the capsule during the entire spacewalk

What is a spacewalk? Any time an astronaut gets out of a vehicle while in space, it is called a spacewalk. A spacewalk is also called an EVA (extravehicular activity). The first person to go on a spacewalk was Alexei Leonov from Russia, on March 18, 1965. It was 10 minutes long. The first American to go on a spacewalk was Ed White, on June 3, 1965, during the Gemini 4 mission, lasting 23 minutes. Source: NASA Advertisement

But while the mission might have been a historic first, commenters noticed that Isaacman and Gillis never fully left the capsule.

'He just opened the window and put his head outside,' one social media user pointed out.

Perhaps expecting free-floating action seen in films like Gravity, many commenters complained that Isaacman and Gillis had not really undertaken a spacewalk at all.

On X, one frustrated commenter wrote: 'Lame, that's not a spacewalk it's a ground hog poking his head out of a hole.'

Another added: 'You call just looking out of an open hatch a 'spacewalk'? It was the most boring space footage I've seen.'

'Was this really a spacewalk? I think SpaceX exaggerated there. They only half exited the spacecraft. It was a bit boring if I can be honest.'

NASA defines a spacewalk as 'any time an astronaut gets out of a vehicle while in space'  so it may not involve walking as we think of it down on Earth.

This led many to complain that the mission should not properly be called a 'spacewalk'

One commenter complained that Isaacman and Gillis 'only half exited the spacecraft'

One frustrated commenter wrote that the livestream was the 'most boring space footage I've ever seen'

In contrast to the spacewalks taken from the ISS by NASA astronauts and Russian Cosmonauts, Isaacman and Gillis were never separated from the craft.

Rather, the two stood on a specially built platform called the Skywalker which was fitted to the front hatch of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft.

For the entire time they were exposed to the vacuum of space, the astronauts were held in place by the hand or footholds built into the Skywalker.

Social media users contrasted this to NASA's very first spacewalk in 1965 during which astronaut Ed White floated freely alongside his spacecraft.

During the Gemini 4 mission, NASA astronaut Ed White (pictured) completed the first spacewalk by spending 26 minutes out of his capsule. White used an oxygen-powered jet gun to propel him back and forth along his tether

One commenter called Isaacman's historic spacewalk 'lame' and compared it to 'a ground hog poking his head out of a hole'

Compared to some spacewalks conducted by NASA and seen in the media, Isaacman appeared to only 'pop his head' out of the hatch

Some commenters compared Isaacman's private space walk (right) to NASA's first spacewalk in 1965 (right)

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

White used an oxygen-powered jet gun to propel himself along the extent of an 8m (26 ft) tether for 26 minutes.

By contrast, Isaacman and Gillis stayed largely stationary during the spacewalk and never fully left the spacecraft.

Sharing the two images side-by-side, one commenter wrote: 'Just me, or a little disappointing?'

Another wrote: 'Gotta admit I was disappointed by Polaris Dawn's so-called EVA.'

A few commenters even complained that SpaceX's production value wasn't up to their usual standards with many bemoaning the fact that Isaacman had his back to the camera for most of the spacewalk.

Social media users even left some savage reviews of Isaacman's first words as he exited the capsule.

As he made his way out of the Dragon capsule Isaacman had said to mission control: 'Back home we have a lot of work to do, but from here Earth sure looks like a perfect world.'

Unimpressed, the commenter wrote: 'What a very un-inspiring Spacewalk...Nothing of inspiration said.'

While another commenter apathetically wrote: 'Anyone else very underwhelmed by the spacewalk? Nothing feels new anymore in this world and shock and awe has gone.'

But while it might have been somewhat less exciting, Isaacman and Gillis remained close to the ship for good reason.

The main objective of the mission was to test whether the new EVA suits could move freely while pressurised in space and to see if astronauts could get up and down the Skywalker platform.

Neither of these objectives required the Polaris Dawn astronauts to float further out of the capsule  although it's unclear how much further they could have gone.

Unlike spacewalkers from the ISS, the Polaris Dawn crew also faced intense time pressure due to limited air supplies.

In this photo provided by NASA, astronaut Bruce McCandless uses a nitrogen jet-propelled backpack, a Manned Manuevering Unit, outside the space shuttle Challenger on February 12, 1984

One commenter even complained that Isaacman's first words upon exiting the vehicle weren't inspiring enough

A commenter on X reacted to the spacewalk by complaining that 'nothing feels new anymore in this world'

Unlike the SpaceX EVA suits, NASA's suits carry all their life support with them. This allows for longer missions while the Polaris Dawn mission had to be brief to preserve oxygen. Pictured, NASA astronaut Tim Kopra performs a spacewalk from the ISS in 2015

Since the Dragon capsule does not have an airlock, all the air in the capsule had to be vented down to vacuum, leaving all four astronauts breathing from the remaining gas supplies.

Unlike the ISS which has large gas reserves, the Polaris Dawn crew will need whatever air is left for the last two days of their mission before Saturday's splashdown back to Earth.

This meant that Isaacman and Gillis only had a limited window to get out of the capsule, test the suit's mobility, and get back inside.

However, that doesn't stop many from feeling that the Polaris Dawn spacewalk could have been at least a little more dramatic.

Since astronauts on the ISS have large supplies of oxygen, they are able to spend much longer in space. Pictured: NASA astronaut Robert Curbeam Jr (left) and European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang (right) change batteries on the ISS in 2016

The main objective of the mission was to test the mobility of SpaceX's new EVA suits, an objective that did not require going far from the capsule

The Polaris crew shared an image of their post-spacewalk celebrations via Starlink's laser communications system. They spend today preparing for reentry before splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday

With the spacewalk completed, Polaris Dawn will today preparing for reentry and concluding the last of nearly 40 scientific experiments carried out during the trip.

They have also used the time to test the Starlink laser-based communication system nicknamed the 'Plug and Play-ser' system.

The crew sent a message on X via the laser system with a picture of themselves enjoying a post-spacewalk meal.

The crew wrote: 'Hello Earth - We are so grateful for all the support! Please enjoy two recent photos from our mission and stay tuned for our next message. Sent to you from space over a beam of Starlink laser light.'

The crew are expected to splash down over the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday.
A 'potentially hazardous' asteroid the size of a skyscraper is set to zip past our planet next week, according to NASA.

The asteroid, called 2024 ON, is expected to come within 620,000 miles from the Earth's surface at 10:19 UTC (11:01 BST) on Tuesday, September 17.

2024 ON has a diameter anywhere between 721 and 1,575 feet (220 to 480 metres)  meaning it could be nearly as big as the One World Trade Center in New York.

As it flies past Earth, it will be travelling at a speed of 8.8km per second or 19,685 miles per hour  roughly 25 times the speed of sound.

The asteroid is 'potentially hazardous', although thankfully it's not expected to pose a danger to our planet and its inhabitants.

2024 ON has a diameter anywhere between 721 and 1,575 feet (220 to 480 metres)  meaning it could be nearly as big as the One World Trade Center in New York (1,776 feet tall)

An asteroid is defined as 'potentially hazardous' if it comes within 0.05 astronomical units (4.65million miles) of Earth and is larger than 459 feet (140 meters) in diameter.

Despite being more than two times further out than the moon when it makes its close approach, the asteroid is classed as a near-Earth object (NEO) and is being tracked by the space agency.

'NEOs are comets and asteroids that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that allow them to enter the Earth's neighbourhood,' said NASA.

'Composed mostly of water ice with embedded dust particles, comets originally formed in the cold outer planetary system while most of the rocky asteroids formed in the warmer inner solar system between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

'The scientific interest in comets and asteroids is due largely to their status as the relatively unchanged remnant debris from the solar system formation process some 4.6 billion years ago.'

The asteroid, called 2024 ON, is expected to come within 620,000 miles from the Earth's surface at 10:19 UTC (11:01 BST) on Tuesday (artist's impression)

'Potentially hazardous' asteroid the size of a blue whale, named 2024 ON, will pass by Earth on Tuesday. NASA estimates its diameter to be between 721 and 1,575 feet. pic.twitter.com/QlHa996poi  Science In 60 Mins (@ScienceIn60Mins) September 12, 2024

NASA lists 2024 ON as one of the upcoming close approaches on its online tracker, which compiles upcoming objects that are getting closer and closer to Earth.

Unfortunately, this asteroid will be too small to be seen by the naked eye, or even with an average telescope.

Measuring 1,575 feet in diameter at the very most, 2024 ON is actually puny compared to the largest known asteroid, Ceres, which is 580 miles in diameter (more than 3 million feet).

Asteroids  large rocky chunks left over from collisions during the ancient solar system  travel at high speeds due to the immense gravitational pull on them.

As they revolve around the sun in 'elliptical' (elongated) orbits, the asteroids also rotate erratically, tumbling as they go.
Southern California has broken the record for the most magnitude 4 and above earthquakes in a single year after a magnitude 4.7 earthquake and five aftershocks rocked Malibu on Thursday.

The average number of magnitude 4 and above earthquakes for this region is about eight per year, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seismologist Lucy Jones said in a televised Q&A following the earthquake.

'So far, we've had 14 in Southern California - the largest previous year was 13.'

The unusually high number of quakes in recent weeks is raising fears that the region's long overdue 'big one' is coming.

Three earthquakes of magnitude 4 or higher have occurred in Southern California in the last month. The record-breaking seismic activity has locals worried about 'the big one'

'The big one' refers to a hypothetical, high-magnitude earthquake that could one day occur along the San Andreas fault in California, which spans 800 miles up and down the state's coastline.

Researchers have estimated that such a quake would cause roughly 1,800 deaths, 50,000 injuries and $200 billion in damage.

Scientists are not able to predict earthquakes, but they have long warned about the inevitability of 'the big one.'

In fact, California is overdue for it. Major earthquakes typically occur every 150 to 200 years, but the San Andreas fault hasn't had one in over three centuries.

The recent uptick in Southern California's seismic activity has had locals wondering whether 'the big one' is coming. Many took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their concerns.

'The big one is coming fr [for real] this is the third earthquake in how many weeks???' one X user wrote following the magnitude 4.7 quake that occurred Thursday morning.

If the Big One did strike, 'it would be a matter of a few tens of seconds before the shaking from a San Andreas event that ruptures the segments closest to Los Angeles reach our urban areas,' Jonathan Stewart with the University of California, Los Angeles previously told DailyMail.com.

This region has seen a record-breaking number of earthquakes in recent weeks.

On August 6, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake hit Bakersfield and was felt over one hundred miles away at Dodgers Stadium, where nearly 50,000 people were attending a game. Fortunately, no one was injured.

The monster San Andreas Fault splits California from south to north, caused by two tectonic plates slowly grinding against each other - always on the edge of producing 'the big one'

Seismologist Lucy Jones said that Southern California's recent uptick in seismic activity isn't a sign that the San Andreas fault is about to blow

Days later on August 12, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck Pasadena in 'essentially the same location' as a magnitude 3.5 quake that occurred in June, Jones wrote on X after the event.

IS CALIFORNIA AT RISK OF A DEVASTATING MEGAQUAKE? The U.S. Geological Survey has warned the risk of 'the big one' hitting California has increased dramatically. Researchers analysed data from the state's complex system of active geological faults, as well as new methods for translating these data into earthquake likelihoods. The estimate for the likelihood that California will experience a magnitude 8 or larger earthquake in the next 30 years has increased from about 4.7% to about 7.0%, they say. 'We are fortunate that seismic activity in California has been relatively low over the past century,' said Tom Jordan, Director of the Southern California Earthquake Center and a co-author of the study. 'But we know that tectonic forces are continually tightening the springs of the San Andreas fault system, making big quakes inevitable.' Seismologist Lucy Jones from the US Geological Survey warned that people need to accept the fact catastrophe is imminent, and prepare themselves. Dr Jones said our decision to not accept it will only mean more people suffer as scientists warn the 'Big One' is now overdue to hit California. Advertisement

Thursday's quake was initially reported as magnitude 5.1, but was later downgraded to magnitude 4.7. It was centered five miles north of Malibu and ran seven miles deep, according to the USGS.

Minutes later, a 2.8 magnitude aftershock arrived, followed by four more ranging from magnitude 2.7 to 3.5 over the course of about an hour. There have been no reports of significant damage or injuries thus far.

This most recent event marks the 14th magnitude 4 or higher earthquake in Southern California this year.

But Jones answered 'no' to the question of whether this heightened activity means 'the big one' is coming, according to the New York Times. Frequent smaller tremblers do not mean that a major earthquake is more likely, she said.

In fact, despite the recent uptick in quakes, Southern California's overall seismic activity has been relatively quiet since 1993, she said.

This year, however, the region has seen a noticeable increase in the number of earthquake series in which at least one quake was magnitude 4 or higher, Jones added.

As of mid-August, there had been more than a dozen such series. This is a significant increase compared to previous years - there were only six in 2023, two in 2022 and four in 2021.

But Jones said these numbers are 'not yet statistically significant,' meaning that experts can't be sure whether the increase is part of a larger trend, or just a blip.

Therefore, scientists can't infer any information about 'the big one' from these latest quakes. But advancements in earthquake forecasting could eventually help us narrow down a timeline for when it might strike.

For example, a new study has identified a link between the strength of faults and the size of earthquakes, which could provide a way to determine how close an area is to facing a major seismic event.

The researchers clarified that this doesn't mean we can forecast the exact timing of a future earthquake.

But the findings could help scientists estimate when a fault has reached a critical point 'where just a tiny extra nudge of force is needed for the fault to slip,' said lead author Satoshi Matsumoto, Director of Kyushu Universitys Institute of Seismology and Volcanology.

'This information is vital to know in order to be prepared for major earthquakes,' he added.
Comprehensive, precision-laser surveys, conducted via aircraft over the tiny Pacific island of Temwen, have revealed just how advanced its lost city Nan Madol once was.

Sometimes called 'the Venice of the Pacific,' this megalithic stone city has drawn comparisons to mythic Atlantis  and even inspired horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, who drew upon news of the site's 1928 discovery as he wrote 'The Call of Cthulhu.'

But now scores of researchers are in a race to uncover the full extent of Nan Madol's ruins as they undertake plans to preserve the city as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Their aerial surveys, conducted via LiDAR or 'Light Detection and Ranging' laser-mapping, has uncovered 'a sophisticated and extensive landscape of cultivation features hidden under Temwen Island's vegetation.'

The discovery has promised to rewrite the history of many Pacific Island cultures, showing that societies once presumed to have relied on subsistence fishing and natural tropical bounty, were in fact engaged in sophisticated agricultural planning.

Aerial surveys, conducted via LiDAR or 'Light Detection and Ranging,' a laser-mapping technique, has uncovered 'a sophisticated and extensive landscape of cultivation features hidden under Temwen Island's vegetation' - proving that planned agriculture occurred

National Geographic explorer Albert Lin's documentary series once called the ruins of Nan Madol (seen from above here) the 'Ghost City of the Pacific' in a 2019 edition of the program

'LiDAR,' this international team of researchers noted, 'can reveal whole archaeological landscapes hidden under heavy vegetation.'

'That has led to its comparison with radiocarbon dating as a groundbreaking technological advance in archaeology.'

Across Nan Madol  and into the dense tropical foliage where still more of its ruins remain hidden  scientists led by Baltimore's Cultural Site Research and Management (CSRM) Foundation were able to map a network of irrigation terraces that once guided valuable freshwater reserves throughout this stone city.

Archeologists have long been in general agreement that Nan Madol rose to prominence from 1100 to 1628 AD, collapsing with the fall of the local Saudeleur monarchs in the 17th century.

Given that Temwen Island is little larger than one square-mile, hundreds of times smaller than many Hawaiian islands like Oahu (596.7 square-miles), the researchers were surprised to witness this level of sophisticated landscape engineering.

As Dr. Douglas Comer, who has led the project (and literally wrote the book on Mapping Archaeological Landscapes from Space), explained it: 'The consensus among archaeologists has been that there was no intensification of agriculture in Micronesia by means of formal field systems.'

Above, the results of the researchers' 'Colorized Multi-directional Hillshade LiDAR Digital Terrain Model' which helped them outline islets and long-lost, man-made waterways at the site

Above, an aerial view of man-man canals and islets on Nan Madol

But working with the local College of Micronesia, as well as Stanford, Sandia National Laboratories, and others, Dr Comer's team over the years has come to question older notions that this culture thrived largely on fermented 'breadfruit' (Artocarpus altilis).

This 'amazingly complex system of irrigated fields covering Temwen island,' as he put it in a US State Department release, suggests early and sophisticated taro root farming, which would have offered greater food security and economic might.

'The Temwen system also bears a resemblance to some Polynesian terracing systems, including the Kohala field system on Hawaii Island,' as his team wrote in the journal Remote Sensing in 2019, 'and recently described slope terraces on Tutuila in American Samoa.'

'Such complexity is in accord with what is observed in the LiDAR images of Temwen.'

To now protect and maintain Nan Madol for posterity, the team coordinated with the United State Forest Service and Arbor Global last year to train locals how to prevent the island's wild vegetation from degrading the city's stone structures.

Nan Madol's protectors were taught 'how to use and maintain chainsaws, climb trees, prune branches, fell trees, and plant appropriate vegetation for the site,' the US Forest Service said.

The skillset will be vital in bringing the island's ecosystem into balance with these historic ruins, particularly the essential replacement of many wild Mangrove trees on the island which grow rapidly  up to 5 feet in a single year  in part, because they reproduce as 'mini-tree' Mangrove 'propagules' instead of 'seeds' and literally hit the ground growing.

'The vegetation not only conceals the wonders of the site but is destroying it,' as the CSRM Foundation's team put it in 2021.

Above, Arbor Global's Kevin Eckert walks through chainsaw 'maintenance and safety' lessons with a local crew hoping to protect and preserve the ancient city of Nan Madol

This forestry skillset will be vital to help finally bring the island's ecosystem into balance with these historic ruins, particularly by replacing many wild Mangrove trees on the island - which can grow up to 5 feet in a single year and choke out or break apart the ancient ruins

Above a digital terrain model (DTM), sometimes called a 'bare earth model,' derived from the LiDAR scans returns from the ground as opposed to what bounces back from the forest canopy

The researchers had to turn to over half a dozen software suites to interpret their LiDAR scanning data's results, or its 'digital terrain model' (DTM).

Sometimes called a 'bare earth model,' the DTM maps LiDAR scan-returns from the ground, as opposed to what scanning lasers 'bounce back' from the forest canopy.

A 'Colorized Multi-directional Hillshade LiDAR' DTM helped Dr Comer and his team map out hidden islets and long-lost, man-made waterways at the site

'Multi-directional Hillshade,' they said, 'generates grayscale 3D terrain representations that combine light from six different directions, enhancing the visibility of terrain features.'

'This tool proved particularly important for revealing the intricate patterns of flat areas, berms, and water channels on Temwen Island, many of which are subtle, low-relief features,' too subtle to spot without these pattern analysis tools.

The appearance of these so-called 'berms'  constructed, raised banks that border rivers and canals  were not left to just these airborne lasers and computer programs to confirm, however.

'Field observations verified that the earthen berms between low areas act as retaining walls for water,' Dr Comer and his colleagues said, 'altering the natural flow directions that would be expected from the underlying topography.'
Scientists have accidentally discovered a previously unknown species of parasitic wasp that grows inside the bodies of living flies before bursting out of their stomachs like a xenomorph from the 'Alien' movies.

A team of researchers stumbled upon this new wasp species - now named S. perlmani - while collecting fruit flies in their backyards in Mississippi.

This is the first wasp found to infect adult fruit flies. Other parasitic wasp species only target fruit flies during their early larva and pupa life stages.

S. perlmani use their needle-like ovipositor organ to stab into a fruit fly's abdomen and deposit an egg inside. The egg then hatches into a wasp larva, which grows inside the fly for 18 days before exploding out of its host and leaving it to die.

S. perlmani is a newly discovered species of parasitic wasp that grows inside a fruit fly and then bursts out of its abdomen, leaving its host fatally wounded

'It will effectively emerge out of the side of the fly,' study lead author and Mississippi State University biologist Logan Moore told Live Science.

'And just to add an additional layer of horror, the fly will normally remain alive for several hours after that.'

Moore and his team published their findings Wednesday in the journal Nature.

The researchers ultimately performed DNA analysis that revealed the wasps are present across the eastern US. What's more, Moore and his colleagues were able to find them in Mississippi, Alabama and North Carolina.

But when they first stumbled upon this species in March 2023, they thought it was a fluke.

'At the time we didn't think it was real,' Moore said. 'If you dissect thousands of flies, you will see some things that are strange and odd, and you'll never see them again.'

The team was actually hunting for a different parasite when they made their discovery - screening fruit flies for parasitic worms called nematodes.

But spiky-tailed wasp larvae in the abdomens of some of the flies caught their attention.

S. perlmani's life strategy resembles that of the xenomorphs from the 'Alien' movies

The researchers collected these parasite-infected fruit flies and brought them to the lab to observe how the wasp larvae developed and study their DNA.

Once the larvae matured, the wasps exited their hosts, explored their new environment for a few hours and then buried themselves in a substrate provided by the researchers.

The wasps then entered a 23-day-long cocoon stage to finish their growth before emerging as adults.

The researchers paired the adult wasps with various species of fruit flies from the genus Drosophila to see which types of flies they would infect.

When the team first discovered the wasp larvae in their backyards, they had infected a species of fruit fly called Drosophila affinis. But they wanted to find out whether these wasps could infect other fruit fly species too.

After the lab-grown adult wasps emerged from their cocoon stage, the researchers paired them with different species of fruit flies from the genus Drosophila. They found that the wasps were also able to infect Drosophila acutilabella.

Adult S. perlmani wasps are able to parasitize multiple different species of fruit fly

The researchers also found the wasps' DNA signature in a public database of Drosophila melanogaster genomic data, indicating that the wasp can parasitize this species too.

Scientists have using fruit flies as research subjects for centuries - mainly because they're easy to find, breed and study.

This begs the question, why has a parasite that targets such a well-studied insect never been discovered until now?

'I would say maybe the one thing that would explain why it's gone undiscovered for so long is because nobody is expecting it,' Moore said.

'No parasitoid wasp has been known to infect the adult stage of not just Drosophila, but of flies in general.'

That's because the early stages of insects, such as larvae and pupae, are much more vulnerable to parasitic attacks. They don't have an exoskeleton to protect them, and they don't have wings to help them escape, Moore explained.

Scientists still have much to learn about this new wasp species.

'This is all around us, infecting one of the most well-studied animals on the planet,' Moore said. 'It just leaves you wondering what else is out there on our doormat right now.'
Portugal has been named the best country in the world for travellers, according to a new survey.

The global travel agency Flight Centre analysed responses from more than 170,000 travellers from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the UK to determine the top 10 highest-rated countries and cities this year.

First-place Portugal gained an overall traveller satisfaction rate of 94 per cent, while the Cook Islands, an island country in the South Pacific, followed closely behind in second place with a satisfaction rate of 93 per cent.

Australia ranked third on the list, with Japan coming fourth and Spain fifth.

Travellers were also impressed with Singapore, which ranked sixth on the list, and Greece, which ranked seventh.

Portugal has been named the best country in the world for travellers, according to a new survey. Above - its capital, Lisbon

The Cook Islands (second) gained an overall satisfaction rate of 93 per cent. Pictured above is a view from Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands

Australia came third on the highest-rated countries list. Pictured above is its famous Sydney Opera House

Rounding out the top 10 were Ireland (eighth), Turkey (ninth) and Vietnam (10th).

In the cities ranking, Perth, the capital of Western Australia, placed first.

The capital of Queensland, Brisbane, on the opposite side of Australia, ranked second, while Queenstown, in the southwest of New Zealands South Island, came third.

Over in Japan, Tokyo, its busy capital, stood out to travellers, which ranked fourth on the list.

Christchurch in New Zealand came in fifth.

Japan placed fourth on the countries list, with Tokyo (above) ranking fourth on the cities list

In the cities ranking, Perth (above), the capital of Western Australia, placed first

Rarotonga, an island in the Cook Islands described by one traveller as 'like one big resort' that's known for its white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, ranked sixth on the list.

The Catalonian capital, Barcelona, came seventh, while Australias second-most-popular city, Melbourne, ranked eighth.

Travellers were also impressed by the historic city of Rome (ninth), and Vancouver in Canada, which came 10th.

THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES AND CITIES FOR TRAVELLERS FOR 2024 COUNTRIES 1. Portugal 2. Cook Islands 3. Australia 4. Japan 5. Spain 6. Singapore 7. Greece 8. Ireland 9. Turkey 10. Vietnam CITIES 1. Perth 2. Brisbane 3. Queenstown 4. Tokyo 5. Christchurch 6. Rarotonga 7. Barcelona 8. Melbourne 9. Rome 10. Vancouver Source: Flight Centre Advertisement

The capital of Queensland, Brisbane (above) in Australia was the second-highest-rated city for travellers

Cook Islands Tourism CEO Karla Eggelton said: 'This recognition comes at a time as we continue to enhance our tourism offerings, focusing on regenerative visitor initiatives and more authentic experiences.

'It also underscores the dedication of our tourism industry and local community in providing unforgettable experiences for our visitors.'

The Cook Islands welcomed a total of 163,552 visitors Between June 2023 and July 2024, 2,533 of which were from the UK and Nordic regions.

Flight Centre Global Managing Director Andrew Stark said: 'There were some surprising results that go to show its not always the traditionally popular destinations that have something special to offer travellers.'
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A deliciously captivating new book reveals how British Airways' meals have evolved in over a century of flying, from mutton soup in the 1940s to caviar on Concorde.

Written by BA captain and keen amateur cook Al Bridger, Flavour of Flight - The Food and Drink of British Airways (Amberley Publishing) charts how the world of air travel has transformed beyond all recognition from its humble beginnings, revealing how with new planes came fancier catering facilities and ever-more flamboyant onboard food (including seat-side beef-carving in the 1960s).

Accompanied by a smorgasbord of vintage imagery, the book also dishes up over 50 authentic recipes drawn from over a century of inflight menus  each one tried and tested by Al himself.

Al reveals that information about what was served on flights in the 1920s is 'sparse', but what we do know is that food service was 'limited'.

He writes: 'No galley or ovens on the aircraft meant hot items were simply flasks of coffee, tea, Bovril and chocolate. However, early offerings were still quite extensive and surprisingly familiar to today's customers, with the usual array of hot drinks and naturally an alcoholic bar selection plus food in the form of packed sandwiches and biscuits. The biscuits available would also be familiar, with the chocolate digestive being created by McVitie's at this time.'

Food, glorious food: Guests being treated to a feast onboard a 1960s VC10

A very early Imperial Airways menu showing the drinks and sandwiches available on the flight to Paris - along with a mileage and time chart. Imperial Airways operated from 1924 to 1939

Between 1930 and 1939, there was a dramatic leap forward in standards, with the book revealing that 'as early as 1933, British Airways' predecessor Imperial Airways served a wonderful four-course Christmas meal to its customers with turkey, Christmas pudding and finally cheese, biscuits and coffee'.

In the 1940s, the first frozen meals took to the skies, 'frozen from hot to keep their flavour and packed into foil trays, which were refrigerated and loaded at the last minute'.

A 1946 menu in the book lists mutton broth soup, roast pork with apple sauce and chocolate gateau for dessert.

In the 1950s, Al reveals, 'culinary progress was made with more complex dishes such as lemon sole and shrimp served with various vegetables, which were now commonplace'. He adds: 'Menu cards were bright, collectable and no longer individually typed but illustrated with vivid and attractive scenes evoking far-flung, exotic destinations.'

In the 1960s, dining became even more flamboyant.

Al writes: 'While most food was still heated in foil trays, a real change was the serving of whole roast joints. These were presented on a trolley and carved individually to the customer's taste, making this a moment of inflight theatre. Well-done beef was carved from the end, and the rare beef in the middle. This took real skill with crew members given a carving set of fork, carving knife and sharpening steel. Amazing looking back now.'

The 1970s saw the birth of BA (from a merger between BOAC and BEA) and the introduction of Concorde, its flagship, with Al explaining: 'Despite the tight space of the tiny cabin, Concorde had a galley fore and aft with a temporary area set up mid-cabin in flight to provide the food and service befitting the privileged few able to experience it.'

A menu instruction card for crew members in the book reveals that Concorde dishes included salmon, caviar and creme fraiche, plus fillet of beef marinated in red wine.

In the 1980s, the book notes, BA customers enjoyed the likes of Viennetta, chicken Kiev, Scotch salmon and mayonnaise sauce and grilled fillet of beef with a grilled tomato and mixed vegetables.

Passengers being served a meal on the C Class flying boat in the 1930s - 'possibly roast chicken or York ham'

This image shows food and drinks being prepared on the C Class flying boat, with Al commenting that the 'spacious galley allowed a real step up in the quality of the offerings onboard'

Above - the first-class experience onboard a 1950s Comet. Al remarks: 'Whilst meals were still relatively primitive the service from the crew was exceptional'

LEFT: A 'superb hand-typed menu card from the 1930s'. RIGHT: The 'Chefs Chat document', which was 'created to help crew understand the meals they were preparing and serving, how to present them and to give information about them'. This one is from Concorde, Al reveals, 'and they are much unchanged today'

And BA turned to celebrity chefs for added culinary glamour, including Albert and Michel Roux.

At the end of the 1990s, Al notes, 'Michel Roux introduced dishes onto the First Class menu - cassolette de langoustine aux tagliatelles and his famous tarte au citron'. He adds: 'Both superb and extremely popular, they literally flew well.'

In the 1990s Michel Roux and his team, Al reveals, 'trained British Airways First Class cabin crew in a la carte service, giving insights into the detail of fine dining service'.

He adds: 'A new Club World menu was introduced with "well-being in the air", healthier options such as fish curry with coconut rice being very popular.'

In the 2000s BA had a 'total re-think of the inflight product' and began offering an award-winning range of 'contemporary options complemented by comfort food such as split pea and ham soup and a braised veal chop with root vegetables'.

Above - the 'wonderful lower deck cocktail lounge of the Boeing Stratocruiser... a delightful place to take a drink'

This picture shows service training on Concorde in the 1970s. Al remarks: 'Very colourful patterned seats and note the tiny windows to match the tiny galleys. This was passenger flight at the absolute forefront of technology'

The purpose-built galley on the Bristol Britannia. Al comments: 'Just imagine preparing meals here while cruising across the Atlantic. Quite remarkable back in the early 1950s and still a real skill today'

Of the picture above, Al writes: 'In 1987, British Airways merged with the hugely respected British Caledonian, gaining their wonderful service, new aircraft and a lot of tartan. As you can see, the First Class service was excellent'

Fast forward to the 2020s, and it's celebrity chef Tom Kerridge who's stirring things up.

Al writes: 'The wonderful new Speedbird Cafe from Tom Kerridge gave options to pre-order food cooked from the heart. The new steak and ale pie suitably won the Best Onboard Snack at the Onboard Hospitality Awards, and, as part of a long history with British Airways, afternoon tea was back on the menu too.'

Al, a former Chief Pilot for British Airways, tells MailOnline Travel: 'The journey of meals through British Airways' century of flying has been remarkable. From early sandwiches to the incredible fine dining of today.

'Technology has played a huge part moving from the food carried onto the aircraft in baskets, through the invention of onboard ovens and advances in the science of food to the amazing meals skilfully prepared and served by our cabin crew colleagues today.

'I can only marvel as the crews plate up and serve wonderful meals to our discerning customers at altitude over our entire worldwide network.'

Are there any dishes from the past he thinks BA should bring back?

Al remarks: 'I'd love to see the "pineapple upside down cake" make a return, perfect 1990s food from a decade that I loved. I adore puddings of any type.'

Which BA recipes/dishes are among his favourite?

Al reveals: 'There are a real variety of recipes in the book that are fun to make and hopefully taste terrific too, so hard to pick a favourite. I'd say the Roasted Cauliflower Risotto from the current Club World menu is my go-to meal. It's so quick and simple to make and I love the flavour of the cauliflower mixed with Parmesan cheese. Lovely and filling.'

This picture shows the 'incredible volume of catering and just some of the people involved in producing and delivering it for a 747'. It was taken 'in front of the huge and beautiful aircraft at Heathrow'

LEFT: Al is a former Chief Pilot for British Airways. RIGHT: Flavour of Flight - The Food and Drink of British Airways by Al Bridger and published by Amberley Publishing is out on October 15, priced 16.99

Were there any less-than-appetising dishes from the past few decades that he decided to leave out of the book?

Al says: 'British Airways has always been at the forefront of innovation to offer the best products to our customers. Sometimes this has produced some interesting and brave offerings, such as the 1970s Elizabethan service, which presented customers with food and drink reminiscent of four hundred years ago. "Real ale" and "posset" - a British hot drink with milk curdled with wine or ale - to complement "Breast of Chickin Christopher" followed by Sherborne apple and orange tart.

'You have to question what they were thinking, but it was certainly very brave to experiment and definitely for an acquired taste. I decided to leave these out but maybe fun for another book.'

If Al could put himself in a first or business-class seat in any decade before the 2000s for a meal, which decade would it be?

Al tells MailOnline: 'Advancements over the decades have been incredible, not only the food and drink but the whole flying experience and today's modern cabins are stunning. That said, I would have loved to have travelled back in the 1960s. An iconic time of advancement with the jet age and the fabulous Boeing 747 bringing travel to many more people. Travelling over the dateline in a BOAC 707 on my way across the world enjoying a delicious, if messy, Fruit Mille Feuille would have been heaven.'

Flavour of Flight - The Food and Drink of British Airways by Al Bridger, with a foreword by British Airways CEO Sean Doyle and published by Amberley Publishing, is out on October 15, priced 16.99.
They've brought the onscreen magic ever since they were paired as a couple on Days Of Our Lives after both signing on to do the show in 1983.

Kristian Alfonso and Peter Reckell are returning back to Salem as Hope Williams and Bo Brady, respectively, on the classic soap, as part of the show's 60th anniversary celebration.

The two actors, who are currently shooting their scenes, will reprise their wildly popular roles, as well as their undeniable chemistry, for a special arc airing in May of 2025, according to TV Insider.

'There is a saying I love: "Life takes you to unexpected places but love always brings you home,"' Alfonso, 61, told the publication, before promising more fireworks between Hope and Bo.

She added, 'Anyone who knows me knows how grateful I am to have all of you supporting me and welcoming me back when I'm back in Salem. These episodes with Pete will not disappoint.'

Kristian Alfonso and Peter Reckell are returning back to Salem as Hope Williams and Bo Brady, respectively, as part of the 60th anniversary celebration of Days Of Our Lives

The duo were on-screen magic for the soap after they were first hired in 1983 and paired together on the show that ultimately had them heading to the wedding alter two years later

The last time Alfonso and Reckell last appeared together on Days Of Our Lives was in April 2023.

The storyline ended when Bo got shot by his son Shawn and he fell into a coma.

So it's suffice to say that there will no shortage of high octane fireworks and romance when the duo are back into each other's arms.

'Just like riding a bike,' Reckell, 69, chimed in on the triumphant return of the soap's super couple.

'And thank goodness they keep one at the ready for me in Salem,' the Elkhart, Indiana native added. 'This ride is one we know the fans are really going to love. Stay tuned!'

Soap Opera Digest described their enduring romantic storyline as 'classic in its origins and continues to make people melt: gruff boy from the wrong side of the tracks...tames the spoiled rich girl who was getting into all sorts of trouble.'

The two stars have taken similar roads and paths to and from Days Of Our Lives ever since they both joined the cast in 1983 and then left four years later.

They would both return in 1990, only to return and leave again several more times, which were around the same time periods several times over.

The pairing of Alfonso and Reckell has been TV magic over the course of five decades; they are pictured in a scene from 1983

'There is a saying I love: "Life takes you to unexpected places but love always brings you home,"' Alfonso told the outlet, before promising more fireworks between Hope and Bo

Alfonso last returned to the show in April to help bid farewell to her on-screen father Doug Williams, played by Bill Hayes, who died in January at the age of 98.

'My return is very bittersweet, because it is the end of an era with Bill gone,' the actress told the outlet while on set last year.

Alfonso chooses to remember Hayes and the countless memories she has of working with him over the years.

Alfonso stepped back into the shoes of her character Hope Brady to pay tribute to her on-screen father played by the late Bill Hayes

'Anyone who knows me knows how grateful I am to have all of you supporting me and welcoming me back when I'm back in Sale,' the actress said of the new scene she shooting with Reckell and other cast members. 'These episodes with Pete will not disappoint'

'I remember my first scenes with him,' she recalled. 'He was very loving, very welcoming. That he was very talented and an incredible actor and an icon, that all goes without saying.'

She added, 'But my personal relationship and my working relationship with Bill, it was home. Doing the scenes with Bill, I felt like I was with my dad because there was so much warmth and reality.'

Touching on her most recent appearance on the soap in 2023, the former figure skater wished she could have acted alongside Hayes just one last time.

'I'm sad that I did not get the opportunity to do the storyline that Ron [Carlivati, head writer] had planned,' she shared. 'It was great; we returned to Salem to reunite with our families and I would have had father/daughter scenes with Billy.'

Having marked 41 years since her acting debut on the show, the brunette beauty revealed that her return is 'bittersweet'

'What I will say is dont give up hope,' the actress joked of the show's romance aspect

'What Ron had written was beautiful and emotional and it was a fantastic story. I was 100 percent for it and the fans would have loved it,' she revealed.

Knowing fans love romantic drama, Alfonso wanted the fans to remain optimistic about Hope and Bo's relationship, played by Peter Reckell. 'What I will say is dont give up hope,' she joked.

'I feel incredibly grateful that I ever had the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible show and the legacy that it holds,' she said of her time on set.

Days Of Our Lives is expected to have some other casting surprises planned for the 2025 when the show marks 60 years on air on November 8.
BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty teased her 'disgusted' co-host Charlie Stayt just minutes into Friday's show.

The presenter, 49, couldn't help but taunt the broadcaster, 62, during a segment that left him squirming.

In the programme, Naga and Charlie were discussing the recent fly infestations in Wales with correspondent Hywel Griffith.

Naga explained: 'Residents of a village in South Wales say they've been inundated by a mysterious swarm of flies.'

'People living in Bettws near Bridgend say they can't open their windows or eat lunch in peace because of the insects,' Charlie added.

BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty teased her 'disgusted' co-host Charlie Stayt just minutes into Friday's show

The presenter, 49, couldn't help but taunt the broadcaster, 62, during a segment that left him squirming

As photos of dead flies were shown stuck in traps and being swept up by a broom, he shuddered in disgust.

Naga taunted: 'Has that bothered you?'

'A bit like that, isnt it? Urgh,' Charlie responded as Naga giggled.

Last week, Naga revealed that she was branded an 'idiot' by her producer after she made a dangerous health error.

The BBC Breakfast host opened up on her potential life-threatening blunder as she told how she forgot to reorder her vital EpiPen, which she needs for her Birch Oral Syndrome (also known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which is an allergic reaction that can occur when people with birch pollen allergies eat certain fruits and vegetables).

During a recent discussion about allergies on the show, Naga told her condition is connected to Hay fever, which, according to doctors, is on the rise.

Naga told how trying to get hold of an EpiPen had been proving to be 'quite difficult', especially if you hadn't had an allergic episode in a while, causing her to put off trying to get one.

And her lack of action in procuring the crucial medical device was criticised by her colleague, with Naga herself admitting her lapse was 'really bad'.

As photos of dead flies were shown stuck in traps and being swept up by a broom, he shuddered in disgust. Naga taunted: 'Has that bothered you?'

Last week, Naga revealed that she was branded an 'idiot' by her producer after she made a dangerous health error

The BBC Breakfast host opened up on her potential life-threatening blunder as she told how she forgot to reorder her vital EpiPen, which she needs for her Birch Oral Syndrome

Official NHS guidelines state that the auto-injectors were vital for immediate response to severe allergic reactions triggered by various allergens, including insect stings or bites, foods, drugs or exercise.

During the episode, Naga spoke with a guest called Palina, who recalled a terrifying incident during a holiday in Thailand where she was left fighting for breath after mistakenly consuming the wrong dish in a restaurant.

Palina, who has a severe nut allergy said: 'I think that the most important thing for people with allergies, more severe allergies, is to have your EpiPens, because in most places it can be really life-saving to have that initial adrenaline before an ambulance gets there.

'For me, in my case, if I hadn't had my EpiPens with me at the Thai restaurant, it would've been a lot more serious.'

At this, Naga then admitted that she hadn't followed the advice herself, stating: 'I can't say I always do it myself.'

She added: 'It's really bad, there are things like getting them re-prescribed because they go out of date and feeling like you're taking something that you don't use, even though you need it.'

Palina went on to agree with Naga and shared her own difficulties in obtaining an EpiPen despite the severity of her allergy, saying it took her four months to get one.

Official NHS guidelines state that the auto-injectors were vital for immediate response to severe allergic reactions triggered by various allergens, including insect stings or bites, foods, drugs or exercise

Naga, above with co-star Charlie Stayt, told how trying to get hold of an EpiPen had been proving to be 'quite difficult', especially if you hadn't had an allergic episode in a while, causing her to put off trying to get one

Naga then responded: 'I had the same thing.

Naga said: 'I've got to make another call because I was talking to my producer and he said "You're an idiot, go and order your EpiPen", and he's kind of right'

'I've got to make another call because I was talking to my producer and he said, "You're an idiot, go and order your EpiPen", and he's kind of right.

'But, it takes time doesn't it? And getting a re-prescription for it can be quite difficult for an EpiPen if you haven't had an incident in recent times.'
Jeremy Clarkson issued a stern warning to The Grand Tour bosses about the future of show on Thursday, after the final episode left fans in tears.

The presenter brought close to his long-standing TV partnership with Richard Hammond and James May, when One for the Road dropped on Friday.

The final ever episode sees the trio traverse the width of Zimbabwe in three cars, all unfit for the task, as they say goodbye on a high.

Viewers joked they were 'getting the tissues ready' ahead of watching the episode, admitting the stars 'will never be matched.'

Jeremy himself gave bosses a stark warning, should they ever decide to reboot the show with new presenters.

Jeremy Clarkson issued a stern warning to The Grand Tour bosses about the future of show on Thursday, after the final episode left fans in tears

The presenter brought close to his long-standing TV partnership with Richard Hammond and James May, when One for the Road dropped on Friday

In quotes obtained by The Sun, he said: 'My advice to Amazon would be - and Ive given this to them already - for heavens sake, do not get well known people who like cars.

'Because when you do that show it has to be your life. No, you cant open supermarkets. No, you cant appear on another show. If youre not actually filming, youre thinking about what the next thing is that youre going to film. It has to be all consuming.

'They would have to be complete petrolhead. Id go to motoring journalists. James, Richard and I are all motoring journalists.

'That would be my advice if you want to continue with it, and I would hope that Amazon do continue with it.'

Sharing their thoughts on X after watch the episode fans mourned 'the end of an era.'

They wrote: 'The new Grand Tour is absolutely fantastic. I'm going to miss those three geniuses on my television'; 'The top gear/grand tour trio will never be matched'; 'About to watch The Grand Tour: One For The Road, got the tissues ready';

'End of an era. Grew up watching Top Fear and then the Grand Tour. Such great television and growing up was realising James May was by far the funniest of them'; 'The end of an era! And what an era!; 'Men all over Britain will be sobbing today, as the final episode of The Grand Tour dropped.'

Last week, Richard said he was getting ready to 'wake up and cry every day' as he prepares to bid goodbye to his partnership with Jeremy and James.

The final ever episode sees the trio traverse the width of Zimbabwe in three cars, all unfit for the task, as they say goodbye on a high

Viewers joked they were 'getting the tissues ready' ahead of watching the episode, admitting the stars 'will never be matched'

Speaking on Monday's This Morning ahead of the final episode, Richard admitted he was 'struggling to get his head around' the end.

Joining hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, he recalled his career on Top Gear and said: 'It feels really weird I can't get my head round it. I'll be forever grateful to Jeremy and James.'

'It's not sunk in yet. I reckon six months from now I'll wake up every morning and cry.

'When I got the job, I was 31, I burst out crying when they called. I said to my wife, "this is going to change everything," and it did.'
Hurrah for middle-aged women having hot sex! Thats the shout going up from the stars of new Channel 5 thriller The Wives. Tamzin Outhwaite, Angela Griffin and Jo Joyner play characters enjoying steamy holiday encounters in the six-part whodunnit  particularly Tamzin, whose character Sylvie is recently divorced and dating hot young men.

When I first read the script I thought she was like Samantha from Sex And The City! says Tamzin, 53, referring to the sex-mad character played by Kim Cattrall. Its been a long time since Ive had to do sex scenes like we have in The Wives. Normally people dont ask women of my age to do that. So it was quite refreshing to play a character whos still seen in a sexual light at this age. We do still do it!

After we speak its revealed that Tamzin, a mother of two whos divorced from Lucifer star Tom Ellis, recently split up with her boyfriend of seven years, Tom Child, whos 21 years her junior. So, like Sylvie, Tamzin is now single and when she tells me Sylvies experiences resonated deeply with her she may have been alluding to her single status.

There are lots of similarities between me and Sylvie, definitely, she says. Mainly that Im having a rebirth in my own life. This whole thing about hitting the perimenopause, people really think, Oh God, thats the beginning of becoming old. Whereas once you get through that I feel like its the beginning of the rest of your freedom. It feels quite liberating.

When I first read the script I thought she was like Samantha from Sex And The City! says Tamzin, 53

Natasha (Angela Griffin) and her husband Sean (Jonathan Forbes) have lost their fortune. Nonetheless, the holiday atmosphere gets them all in a frisky mood

Beth, played by Jo Joyner, becomes the Miss Marple of the gang

The bits of me that are like Sylvie I cling to, because I love the freedom she has and thats something that comes with age, she continues. Knowing yourself, being a free spirit and not needing the commitment of another human being. Sylvies a free spirit and a bit of a gypsy, and not knowing what shes going to be doing in a years time is a lovely quality to play. I would love her life! I mean, I love my kids, but I love that idea.

The engrossing drama focuses on four sisters-in-law who married into the Morgan family. Every summer for 15 years the couples have taken a holiday to the same luxury apartments in Malta  only this year everything has changed. One of the wives, Annabelle, is presumed dead after disappearing on the island a year ago. Her widower Charlie Morgan (Jamie Bamber), has moved on and brings along his new young girlfriend Jade (Katie Clarkson-Hill), as well as his grieving teenage daughter Sky (Catriona Chandler).

But Beth, played by Jo Joyner, whos married to Frankie Morgan (Ben Willbond), suspects foul play in Annabelles disappearance. She becomes the Miss Marple of the gang, determined to find out what really happened to her dear friend. Being back in Malta where Annabelle disappeared has re-ignited Beths obsession with what happened, explains Jo, 47. Something doesnt feel right about how Annabelle disappeared, so Beths a bit like a dog with a bone. The other girls are ready to let it go but Beth just wont.

Although the sisters-in-law are ostensibly close, some are lying to each other. Sylvie has some shocking information about other family members, while Natasha (Angela Griffin) and her husband Sean (Jonathan Forbes) have lost their fortune. Nonetheless, the holiday atmosphere gets them all in a frisky mood, and newly single Sylvie isnt the only one feeling amorous.

Angela Griffin, Tamzin Outhwaite and Jo Joyner play characters enjoying steamy holiday encounters in the six-part whodunnit

Sean and Natashas sex scene is really important to the story, explains Angela, 48. Its about the fact that whatevers going on financially, Sean and Natasha have this fiery, passionate relationship. But Im not showing my boobs or my bum. I dont think Ive even shown a nipple on TV. Ive been really aware that it just doesnt go away, that nipple will be there forever!

The stars add that the sex scenes were carefully choreographed with an intimacy coordinator to ensure the actors felt comfortable when the drama was filmed in Malta last winter. And the climate meant Sylvies regular dips in the pool to cool off required all Tamzins acting skills.

It was February and it was freezing, she recalls. I had to swim three or four times, which means I was back and forth 16 times due to multiple takes. But I did quite enjoy it. No doubt taking part in the 2022 series Freeze The Fear With Wim Hof helped.

Cold or not, the cast bonded during the shoot. Tamzin and Angela were already close friends and knew Jo, and the three of them would regularly head to Golden Bay or Singita Miracle Beach to have a few tequila sunrises while the sun set, says Jo, who also went dancing in Valletta until two or three in the morning with some of the younger cast.

You can tell by our Instagrams how bloody sociable we were, says Angela. But it was just beautiful.

The Wives, Monday-Wednesday, 9pm, Channel 5
Jeremy Clarkson gave a telling answer to a question about his struggling pub, The Farmer's Dog, when he appeared on Good Morning Britain on Friday.

His boozer, which opened its doors last month, only uses produce from Great Britain including even the less obvious seasonings such as pepper and salt  all in the hopes of further supporting British farmers.

However, this has left the former Top Gear presenter in a bit of a pickle as he quickly discovered the significantly higher costs for home-grown products.

And it appeared The Grand Tour host was not up for discussing the recent challenges because when showbiz correspondent Richard Arnold enquired about it, he shut the conversation down with one word: 'Don't.'

Alongside his motoring pals James May and Richard Hammond, Jeremy, 64, admitted that before opening the establishment, he was warned not to do it.

Jeremy Clarkson gave a telling answer to a question about his struggling pub, The Farmer's Dog, when he appeared on Good Morning Britain on Friday (Pictured L to R: James May, Jeremy, Richard Hammond and Richard Arnold)

His boozer, which opened its doors last month, only uses produce from Great Britain  this includes even the less obvious seasonings such as pepper and salt  all in the hopes of further supporting British farmers

Fellow presenter James said: 'It's making money, isn't it? And it's easy to run,'

Jeremy then quickly retorted and revealed the sage advice he ignored from friends such as James Blunt and Guy Ritchie.

He said: 'No. It's properly difficult. He said not to get one. He said "I've got one, don't get one," and I got one. James Blunt also told me not to get one, Guy Ritchie told me not to get one.'

It comes after he confessed he is likely losing '10 per customer' at his new pub in the Cotswolds because of his strict business model.

The TV star said he hoped to make a success of The Farmer's Dog but added using only British produce meant that profit margins would be much lower.

He said using pork from his Diddly Squat farm would cost 0.74p to turn into sausage to be sold at the pub.

But if he used imported pig meat it would be 0.18p.

'It costs us 0.74p to get a sausage into here, but if I buy imported pig meat it is 0.18. There is something wrong with the food system in this country.'

And it appeared The Grand Tour host was not up for discussing the recent challenges because when when showbiz correspondent Richard Arnold enquired about it, he quipped 'Don't'

Alongside his motoring pals James May and Richard Hammond, Jeremy, 64, admitted that before opening the establishment, he was warned not to do it

It comes after he confessed he is likely losing '10 per customer' at his new pub in the Cotswolds because of his strict business model

The TV star said he hoped to make a success of The Farmer's Dog, but added using only British produce meant that profit margins would be much lower

As well as his financial woes, Jeremy revealed he has created a VIP bar at the pub, but it is just for farmers.

The former Top Gear presenter said that only agricultural workers were allowed in the 'upstairs bar' at his boozer, called The Farmer's Dog.

Speaking last week, Jeremy  who runs the 1,000 farm Diddly Squat in nearby Chadlington, just 12 miles from the pub  said staff found it easy to recognise who was a farmer and who wasn't.

He said the 'guys at the upstairs bar' had no problems with knowing who their punters were, adding: 'Only farmers (are) allowed in here.

'Many asked how we'd be able to tell you just can.'

He said, however, that when the pub opened its doors for the first time last month, he quizzed a bloke trying to get into the upstairs VIP bar.

Writing in The Sunday Times last week, he said: 'On the morning of our soft opening, someone whose wardrobe was pretty convincing did go up the stairs.

More than 400 people waited hours to be the first to enter Jeremy's new pub

A board placed outside The Farmer's Dog stating that everything inside Jeremy's new pub is grown and raised in Great Britain

'His shoes, though, were wrong, so I asked him "What's glyphosate?" he said "Weedkiller", and I let him past.

'But Kaleb (Cooper) still wasn't convinced. "How many acres are there in a hectare?" he asked, the man replied "Er twelve?"  "Out", Kaleb ordered.'

There are 2.47 acres in a hectare.

People waited patiently for a taste of his 6 pint of Hawkstone beer or the chance to tuck into an 18 plate of sausage and mash at the opening.

However, one disgruntled Instagram user slammed the prices as 'sick' and said: 'Really necessary to charge those prices? Absolutely ripping people off because it's on TV.'

But Jeremy defended the prices and said: 'Every single thing was grown by British farmers, even the black pepper and sugar!'

But buying directly from local producers and guaranteeing fair pay for British farmers means an increase in price for pub customers.

Hawkstone IPA, Hawkstone Premium, Hawkstone Hedgerow Cider, and Hawkstone Cider all come in at 6 a pint, a half-pint will set punters back 3.10.

Soap on sale in The Farmer's Dog

A wide variety of Diddly Squat Farm products were on sale at a pop-up shop in the grounds of The Farmer's Dog pub

Hawkstone Session Lager comes in at the fractionally cheaper cost of 5.50 per pint, which is the same price for a Hawkstone Pils, Hawkstone Breeze, and cask ale  halves of which are 2.90.

The pub also sells cans of alcohol-free Hawkstone Spa lager for 3.10.

Along with steak pie and mash (19), other main courses include gammon steak (19), sausages and mash (18), as well as a vegetable and cheddar crumble (15).

Puddings cost around 8 with both apple crumble and cheesecake on the menu.
Dan Walker reportedly had to apologise to his Yorkshire Great and Small co-presenter Helen Skelton after he 'insulted her by calling her a big witch'.

The former BBC Breakfast star, 47, told the Mirror that while they were exploring Bolton Castle, they initiated some historical role play.

During which Dan opted to take form as an 'enthusiastic soldier' and demanded Helen to let him into her castle before reportedly calling her a 'witch'.

He told the publication: 'The context for that is crucial.

'We were at Bolton Castle, which housed Mary, Queen of Scots for six months, and Helen was saying, ''Imagine this is my castle, how would you storm my castle?''

Dan Walker reportedly had to apologise to his Yorkshire Great and Small co-presenter Helen Skelton after he 'insulted her by calling her a big witch'

The former BBC Breakfast star, 47, told the Mirror that while they were exploring Bolton Castle, they initiated some historical role play

'So I tried to pretend to be an enthusiastic soldier and I adopted a position as if I held a spear.

'And I said, ''Let me into your castle, you big witch!' 'I apologised immediately.'

Helen then revealed she pretended to pour some tar on his head.

Dan's confession came after he revealed that he 'used to cry in the toilets' while presenting BBC Breakfast during his appearance on Wednesday's installment of This Morning.

He left the early morning show in 2022 to present Channel 5's evening news and now also currently presents Classic FM radio.

Dan recalled that his early 3am starts was one of the difficulties of his job and made him struggle with bad sleep deprivation.

Speaking to This Morning hosts Josie Gibson and Dermot O'Leary on the ITV Daytime show, Dan shed light on the downside of waking up double early for work.

He said: 'When I used to do BBC Breakfast, you know what it's like. If that alarm goes off at three that's far too early, that's flight to Spain time isn't it.

During which Dan opted to take form as an 'enthusiastic soldier' and demanded Helen to let him into her castle before reportedly calling her a 'witch'

Dan's confession came after he revealed that he 'used to cry in the toilets' while presenting BBC Breakfast during his appearance on Wednesday's installment of This Morning

The former BBC Breakfast host left the early morning show in 2022 to present Channel 5's evening news and also currently presents Classic FM radio (pictured with BBC's Sally Nugent)

'I get up now about 5.30am/ 5.45am, which is essentially a lie in and I feel great, I feel refreshed and I really enjoy the job I do.

'By Wednesday I was, like, full zombie mode. And also you get really emotional. By Wednesday I was like, end of the show, you are like, in the toilets just crying.

'Anything sets you off. Someone says something nice about your trousers and you are like [fake cries].

'Not everyday [he cried], but I think you just get a little bit emotional when you are sleep deprived.'
Mom-of-three and her cohost were discussing People's Sexiest Man of the Year

Jenna, 42, claimed she was forced to send a private messaged to the actor

Married TV host Jenna Bush Hager has admitted that she once slid into the DMs of a Hollywood actor - but claimed that her colleagues at Today with Hoda & Jenna forced her to do it.

During Friday's episode of the NBC show, Jenna, 42, and her cohost, Hoda Kotb, were discussing People magazine's upcoming Sexiest Man of the Year announcement, when four famous stars popped up on the screen.

As the duo discussed the Sexiest Summer Action Star category, images of Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Glen Powell flashed up on the screen as Hoda teased mother-of-three Jenna: 'I know who you want!'

'Who?' Jenna replied, sounding confused as Hoda fired back immediately: 'Your friend!' which led Jenna to ask 'Glen Powell?' as her cohost stated: 'Yeah, because you found him!'

'I didn't find him!' the former First Daughter giggled as Hoda argued: 'Well you discovered him, remember? Yes you did, you discovered him when he was just nobody,' but Jenna was having none of it and told her: 'I did not discover him!'

Married TV host Jenna Bush Hager has admitted that she slid into the DMs of a Hollywood hunk

Hoda Kotb couldn't resist teasing Jenna and asked her if the actor was her 'number one'

Hoda and Jenna are chatting about the possibilities for @Peoples sexiest man of 2024 and weigh in on some of the categories for PEOPLEs readers choice poll! pic.twitter.com/m0RbzkC273  TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) September 13, 2024

She then revealed: 'Remember when y'all made me slide into his DMs? And y'all were like, "Jenna, do it" and I did it because everything you ask me to do, I do it!' as Hoda confirmed it was a 'dare.'

The 60-year-old then teased: 'Right, so Glen Powell is your number one?' as Jenna shouted back: 'Don't put words in my mouth!'

Jenna's admission comes just a few months after Glen, 35, appeared on Today with Hoda & Jenna and claimed they were the reason he got his role in the movie Twisters.

During the interview, Jenna couldn't help but playfully remind Glen that she met him before all of his 'crazy success.'

'I remember at that dinner all of your friends were like, "Hes going to be huge!" and you kind of were like, "OK, guys, shh", and they were like, "Book him on your show!" and we did and were thrilled that the director watched our show and then hired you because of it!' Jenna recalled.

'One of the biggest reasons that Im in Twisters at all is because of you guys,' Glen responded, before recalling the 2022 interview with Hoda and Jenna.

'We had a great segment where I think I was promoting Devotion at the time, and I got to bring my parents on, and we had this great conversation,' he said.

Referring to Lee Isaac Chung, Glen confirmed: 'And the director of Twisters watched that interview and said, "This is the guy."'

Jenna claimed that her Today colleagues 'made' her send actor Glen Powell a private message

During an appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna in July 2024, Glen and Jenna spoke about their DM conversation

Glen stars in Twisters, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos

During that appearance, they also mentioned Jenna sliding into Glen's DMs as she explained that her co-workers put her up to it so they could 'FaceTime you on the show.'

Glen later confirmed that he had replied to Jenna, just after she went to sleep, and then said: 'I really feel bad about this number thing now!'

Jenna, who has been married to her husband Henry Hager since 2008, then joked: 'You owe me a DM. I go to bed before 9:50, but thank you for sliding in.'
Burns survivor Sophie Delezio welcomed her first child with her fiance Joseph Salerno on Friday.

The double car crash victim, 23, took to Instagram to announce the jovial news as they shared a sweet picture of their newborn son - and revealed his adorable name.

They previously confirmed they were set to welcome a baby boy and on Friday she gave birth to their bundle of joy.

''Welcome to the world, Frankie. Our hearts are so full,' Sophie wrote next to a photo of her hand holding her bub, and added a blue love heart to confirm it was a boy.

They were quickly flooded with congratulatory messages from their friends and loved ones as they celebrated their exciting news.

'Oh my gosh!!! Frankie!!!' gushed heavily pregnant reality star Alisha Aitken-Radburn.

Meanwhile, celebrity disability advocate Carly Findlay wrote, 'Congrats' and Bree Lenehan added: 'Awh!! Congratulations, you did it mama! Enjoy the newborn bubble.'

Just weeks before welcoming her first child, Sophie had confirmed she was set to have a baby boy as she hosted a gender reveal party.

Sophie Delezio welcomed her first child with her fiance Joseph Salerno on Friday. Both pictured

She shared a video of the moment she popped confetti to reveal she was having a son, with Sophie looking thrilled over the news.

'It's a BOY!! We can't wait to welcome you to the world little man! Your mum and dad are so excited to meet you,' she gushed in a caption at the time.

'@thetroseph and I are beyond grateful for the love, laughter, and amazing memories made with friends and family near and far. Our little bubba is already so loved.'

Sophie shared the wonderful news of her pregnancy on social media in April alongside a gallery of celebratory images.

The double car crash survivor, 23, took to Instagram to announce the jovial news as they shared a sweet picture with their newborn son - and revealed his adorable name

They previously confirmed they were set to welcome a baby boy and on Friday she gave birth to their bundle of joy

In the first picture, Sophie and her partner Joseph were seen proudly posing on the beach in Sydney's Manly.

The couple look elated as they both cradle Sophie's growing baby bump.

'The greatest gift of all coming in September!' she wrote alongside a baby face and heart emoji.

Sophie has been in a longtime relationship with her partner and childhood friend Joseph and the pair got engaged in April last year.

He popped the question on Valentine's Day in a surprise proposal, after he made her a scrapbook with a photograph of a ring on the final page.

'I had no idea,' Sophie told The Australian Women's Weekly at the time.

'Our go-to song is "Be My Baby" so I just asked if Sophie would be my baby and luckily she ticked the box on the back of the scrapbook that said yes,' Joseph added.

The couple first met in a swimming class when she was six years old before the pair eventually became close in high school when she was 14.

The two then reconnected after Sophie moved back to Sydney in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, and they became a couple in 2021.

Sophie shared the wonderful news of her pregnancy on social media in April and confirmed she was set to welcome a baby boy just months later

Australia rallied around Sophie when a car crashed through the window of her daycare in 2003 when she was two, trapping her underneath.

Burns covered 85 per cent of her body after the tragedy, which also took both of her feet, several fingers and her right ear.

Three years later, tragedy struck again when the five-year-old was hit by a car near her home in Sydney's northern beaches while out with her nanny.

The impact launched her 18 metres out of her wheelchair, leaving her with a broken jaw, broken collarbone, nine broken ribs, punctured lungs, two fractured vertebrae and a brain injury.

Sophie suffered a heart attack during the ordeal and doctors at Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick asked her family twice if they would like to turn off her life support.

She made another remarkable recovery and only a month later she left the hospital and went back to school.
On paper, the antics of a midlife man, Millennial woman and injured dog, thrust together in a humdrum neighbourhood on the other side of the world, doesnt sound like a recipe for small-screen success.

But when Colin From Accounts was launched on BBC2 last April, it quickly became a word-of-mouth hit, watched by 2.2 million viewers and lauded by British TV royalty, including Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Four Weddings And A Funeral writer Richard Curtis.

The Australian comedy drama, written by and starring Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall  a married couple in real life  begins when medical student Ashley Mulden (Harriet) flashes a breast at microbrewery owner Gordon Crapp (Patrick) while crossing the road, inadvertently distracting him.

He hits a stray dog with his car, which ends up in a canine wheelchair, racking up a vets bill of $12,000 AU (6,400).

The comedy drama was written by and stars Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall, who are a married couple in real life

Cue the couples expletive-strewn attempts to care for the mutt they name, yes, Colin From Accounts, while clumsily navigating their own burgeoning romance, career crises and family problems.

As the second series lands on BBC iPlayer, heres everything you need to know about the cult show thats become an unlikely British obsession...

1. A real life romance and whirlwind wedding

Real-life duo Harriet, 35, and Patrick, 48  or Harri and Patty, as they call each other  met in 2015 on the set of Australian detective comedy No Activity.

Patrick had appeared in soap opera Home and Away and Australian TV drama Offspring. Harriet had been in drama series Love Child and comedy Packed to the Rafters.

In 2016 Patrick moved to Los Angeles looking for work in the US, while Harriet followed a year after. The couple still live there.

They married on a beach in Florida in 2021, five days after Patrick proposed.

Patrick, who was born with the rare genetic disorder prune belly syndrome, which affected his kidneys, bladder and stomach so severely that doctors didnt think he could survive, describes himself an extrovert.

Harriet is the opposite  a painfully shy kid who didnt leave her dads side at barbecues.

Yet opposites obviously attract. On Instagram Harriet describes Patrick as the eighth wonder of the world and a grade-A turnip; he calls her a diamond and a jazzy nymph.

The couple met in 2015 on the set of Australian detective comedy No Activity and married on a beach in Florida in 2021, five days after Patrick proposed

2. Adopted daughter comes on set too

Five months after their whirlwind wedding, the couple adopted daughter Joni. With us from her first moments thanks to her incredible birth mother, Harriet wrote on social media.

Filming on Colin From Accounts, which first aired in Australia in December 2022, started when Joni was just four months old.

Harriet stuck an inspirational message to herself  you can have it all  above her desk. She claims Patrick had no such concerns about juggling work and parenthood: I said to Patty before he was a dad, Are you worried that your work will suffer? and he was, like, Nah. Thats so male, isnt it?

Joni, named after Harriets grandmother Joanie who died six months after she was born, comes on set with the couple, where she has a nanny.

Nonetheless the day never ends if shes not sleeping, says Harriet, who has a tattoo of her daughters name on one of her ribs. She still has to tell herself Joni isnt suffering because her mum works, but relishes every moment of motherhood: I just love all of it  even when its hard.

Joni, named after Harriets grandmother Joanie who died six months after she was born, comes on set with the couple, where she has a nanny

3. Separate desks to stay sane

Harriet wrote the pilot episode for Colin From Accounts in an over-caffeinated four days in 2017 just a month after arriving in LA. Then she presented her efforts to a reluctantly impressed Patrick.

They now write separately, or wed drive each other mental, says Harriet, who collects inspiration from real-life conversations.

They also exploit their 12-year age gap, in the characters of 29-year-old Ashley and forty-something Gordon as, says Harriet, I was just never sure if we were walking a line that was creepy or not.

Like most writers, they appear well-versed in the art of procrastination  Patrick records his wife putting off work in favour of booking a tap-dancing class  but the process has been a great leveller within the relationship, she says, adding: There is no pedestal now, which is great because I think pedestals and relationships are no good.

Although she has quipped about suffering from Stockholm Syndrome due to the amount of time they spend together, she describes a distance forged through drama: When the cameras rolling, I dont feel like its us.

4. PC statement at the start of the show

Before each episode, a statement from Binge, the Australian subscription service that created the series, appears: Binge acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this programme was produced.

The recognition of prior Aboriginal ownership of Australia is now common in the countrys media and arts. Some believe its PC gone mad, others that its a legitimate mark of respect for the thousands of Indigenous people killed and displaced by white settlers.

5. Their first dog was called Colin

The couple have a rescue chihuahua called Wally  full name Walter Mary Patrick, but their first foster dog was called Colin

The couple have a rescue chihuahua called Wally  full name Walter Mary Patrick  which they quip only wears bow ties on walks because you never know who youre going to run into in Hollywood. Sadly, biosecurity laws mean they cant bring him with them on set to film Colin From Accounts in Australia, so we leave him for six months at a time to make a show about a dog, says Patrick. Its ridiculous!

Before Wally, they fostered another dog who had some sh**ty name, says Harriet, and, while deliberating what to rename him, threw out the suggestion Colin from Accounts Payable, working on a big merger.

That was our joke. I ended up not being capable enough to foster that dog. He had many, many issues and he tried to bite me many times. I was like, well, see you later Colin. But that name stuck. And not just in real life.

6. Border terriers take the title role

Melbourne brewery Hop Nation has even created an alcohol-free beer for dogs called Colin's Pale Ale in honour of the dogs on the show

A TV and film animal trainer presented the couple with a picture booklet of dogs available to play Colin. They chose Border Terrier Zac and lookalike stand-in Buster because of their every dog demeanour that reassured them they werent being too unfaithful to Wally.

There were fancier looking dogs  French bulldogs, dachshunds, bigger dogs  but these two had very human eyes and a scruffiness we liked, they say.

Thankfully, although Colin ends up unable to use his hind legs and relies on a set of wheels after the accident, Zac is perfectly healthy. Harriet jokes on social media that stars need their rest though, so sometimes they use a towel named Terry wrapped up in a belt as a stand-in if Zac or Buster become tired.

Meanwhile, Melbourne brewery Hop Nation has even created an alcohol-free beer for dogs called Colins Pale Ale in their honour.

7. The eight-second Kevin Bacon cameo

Look for A-Listers and youll be disappointed  the couple hire their actor friends.

Theres a great deal of nepotism, jokes Harriet. We just want to give our mates jobs.

They include Helen Thomson, who plays Ashleys narcissistic mother Lynelle; Emma Harvie as Ashleys best friend Megan, plus Michael Logo and Genevieve Hegney as Gordons brewery colleagues Brett and Chiara.

Harvie, of Sri Lankan heritage, says she didnt see anyone who looked like her represented on television growing up (I didnt really think I could be an actor and make money from it  especially in Australia).

After being invited to present a BAFTA at the TV awards in London last May, the couple were approached by British actress Imelda Staunton

Annie Maynard, who plays Gordons ex, Yvette the Vet, is also the voice telling passengers to prepare for take-off on Virgin airline planes in Australia. Dont vape in the toilets, thats me, she told an interviewer.

Harriets sister Madeleine, or Madge, has directed episodes of the show, because, joked Harriet, if I dont help her out, I cant really show up at Christmas, now can I?

However, there is a series-two cameo from Kevin Bacon, who the couple befriended after Patrick worked with his wife Kyra Sedgwick on US sitcom Call Your Mother. Bacon is hired as himself by Bretts parents to tell Brett to move out of the family home, via the celebrity message service Cameo.

We had some more of him, says Patrick, but we decided its more fun to have Kevin Bacon just for eight seconds  like, what the f**k? It was wonderful of him to do it.

8. That breast-flashing scene

After that opening breast-flashing scene (I was interested in what happens if men see women or women see men, theres attraction and theres an accident, and then you cant hide the fact that you were just an animal, Harriet explains), the crass comedy continues, from the toilet contents Ashley throws out of Gordons window when it doesnt flush, to the focus on Gordons manhood following his testicular cancer (and, indeed, his surname Crapp).

In addition to facilitating physical comedy, it makes the characters feel real says Harriet.

And Patrick joked that viewers come for the nipple and stay for the heart.

As far as the toilet humour goes its non-negotiable  when a foreign broadcaster wanted to cut the scene with the non-flushable loo, they refused.

We said  and this is anathema in Hollywood  maybe lets not make this sale, says Patrick. It sounds like its not for them.

9. Imelda 'the Queen' Staunton's a fan

Already blown away by the shows success in Australia, Patrick and Harriet say the series popularity in Britain took it to another level.

Why do they think its been such a hit here? I think we were just similar enough in terms of our sensibilities and just fresh enough as in something different, replies Harriet.

Patrick believes Brits share that same sense of embarrassment.

That the show is filmed in largely forgettable suburban areas of Sydney could also be part of the draw, he says, because it felt a little bit like their backyard but removed.

Nonetheless, they resolutely refused pressure to dial down the Australian slang for overseas audiences.

I said no, well just keep it super Australian and if people have to Google words or rewind or put on their subtitles, then they can, says Harriet.

After being invited to present a BAFTA at the TV awards in London last May, they were approached by British actress Imelda Staunton, who starred as the Queen in Netflix series The Crown. You dont know me but Im Imelda Staunton and I love Colin! she told them.

We said, We do know you, mate. We know you, Your Majesty!, says Patrick.

10. Expect a third series...

With the show now also screened in the US, opportunities have never been greater and the couple are currently co-writing a film screenplay

Series one ended with Colin being sent to live with new owners, a decision Ashley and Gordon quickly regret.

Series two picks up just two weeks later, with the couple living together and wondering whether their relationship will last.

Harriet warns it ends in such a way that people will be cross! Which, of course, leaves it open for a third, adds Patrick.

With the show now also screened in the US, opportunities have never been greater and the couple are currently co-writing a film screenplay.

We thought the by-product would be awesome acting jobs, but its backfired a little because people want us to write for them, says Harriet.

However: We dont want to keep wheeling out our chemistry because its a real living plant and youve got to nourish it, says Harriet, who admits another rom-com is off the cards, despite the success of their creation.
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby (BBC2)

Rating:

Welcome to all our Chinese readers. My name is Mr Television Addict or Dianshi Yin Junzi Xiansheng  but you can call me Yin. It seems only fair. The staff of the Wonderland hotel in Shanghai adopt English names, after all, to welcome Western visitors.

Check in to their spectacular suites, at up to 2,000 a night, and youll be welcomed by Richard, Sandy and Sarah, Avril and Dennis.

Not that youre likely to be spending a weekend break at the Wonderland. Of its 200,000 annual guests, 90 per cent are Chinese.

The hotel itself is not in central Shanghai but in the suburb of Songjiang, home to a mere two million people  a small town in Chinese terms.

Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby is at its best when presenters Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder introduce us to places we not only couldnt afford but have never imagined visiting.

BBC series Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby is best when hosts Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder introduce us to places that we not only can't afford but also have never imagined visiting

Galetti and Rinder at Argos in Cappodoccia, Turkey

In this series, theyll be checking into a Himalayan lodge overlooking a Buddhist monastery, a hotel within an ancient complex of Turkish caves, and a spa resort in the Malaysian rainforest.

But none is more extraordinary than the Wonderland, hanging off the side of a cliff in what appears to be a meteorite crater but is actually a former quarry, 100 yards deep.

The entrance hall is at the top, the most expensive rooms at the bottom  an upside-down construction that gave Rob an opportunity to prove he can stand on his head.

No doubt that was a useful talent in his previous career as a barrister. Designed nearly 20 years ago by British architect Martin Jockman, the hotel took more than a decade to build at a cost of well over 200 million.

Monica and Rob, both sporting blond crew-cuts, were greeted in the lobby by ebullient general manager Richard. He promised to show them sights that will blow your mind off.

The first was a laser show projected onto a circular curtain of mist, which paled into insignificance beside the evening extravaganza of lights  an animated tableau of dragons and mythical heroes emblazoned across the vast walls of the quarry.

The Stanglwirt Hotel in Austria on series 6 of Amazing Hotels: Beyond the Lobby

Monica's experience in the kitchen made the cooking sequence more interesting

Overhead, dozens of luminous drones danced in unison, and all the balcony suites glowed as guests emerged to marvel at the display.

Completing the effect were cascades of neon playing up and down the sides of the great glass elevator, like an artery constructed from Swarovski crystal. All of that was quite unique.

The shows weakness is its conceit that the presenters are not ordinary guests but temporary trainees, working as cleaners, waiters or receptionists. These jobs are essentially the same, wherever they travel in the world.

Monicas experience as a chef made the kitchen sequence more interesting, as she learned to slice tofu into hairstrands with a meat cleaver. But Rob didnt have to fly to Shanghai to be a waiter. Shanklin or Shepton Mallet can offer that.
Speak No Evil (15,110 mins)

Rating:

Reawakening (15, 90 mins)

Rating:

Anyone trying to cultivate a friendship they made on holiday this summer might think twice after watching Speak No Evil.

The film, by writer-director James Watkins, is a slick remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same title. It begins in a hotel in Tuscany, where a buttoned-up American family  Ben (Scoot McNairy), Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and 11-year-old daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler)  are befriended by extrovert, souped-up Englishman Paddy (James McAvoy), his wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and their son Ant (Dan Hough).

Ant has communication 'issues', apparently on account of being born with a short tongue, although this is one of those movies in which nothing is as it seems and we know it from the start. Yet still it whisks us along on an increasingly exhilarating ride.

Anyone trying to cultivate a friendship they made on holiday this summer might think twice after watching Speak No Evil

Alix West Lefier, Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy in Speak No Evil, directed by James Watkins

There's a faint hiss of comedy throughout, like gas escaping from somewhere although you're not sure where

James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi as Paddy and Ciara respectively

The Americans live in London, and visit their new-found pals at their home in the West Country, where by increments their hosts seem a little eccentric, if not downright weird, if not full-on deranged.

There's a faint hiss of comedy throughout, like gas escaping from somewhere although you're not sure where, plus some wry lines  'our normal is not their normal!'  about the differences between Americans and Brits.

There's also a gentle moral to what, by the end, is a pretty unhinged story: much like the green liqueur that tasted so good with a suntan, holiday friendships don't always travel well.

Reawakening is an intelligent, intense drama about working-class Londoners John and Mary

Writer-director Virginia Gilbert doesn't quite succeed in keeping everything credible, but the excellent performances keep it on track

Reawakening is an intelligent, intense drama about working-class Londoners John and Mary (superbly played by Jared Harris and Juliet Stevenson), whose daughter Clare has been missing for ten years, having run away when she was 14.

Then Clare (Erin Doherty) turns up, or at least Mary seems sure it's her  although John is certain it isn't.

Writer-director Virginia Gilbert doesn't quite succeed in keeping this wholly credible (who wouldn't recognise their 14-year-old child at 24?), but the excellent performances keep it on track.
Heidi Montag is baring all in a bid to promote her raunchy new single, 5G.

The Hills star, who turns 38 on Sunday, posed up a storm in a wet T-shirt and skimpy black underwear for a sizzling photoshoot to promote the X-rated track.

The mom-of-two flaunted her incredible curves in a vintage phone booth, clutching the receiver in one hand whole using her other arm to lean against the door.

At one point, she was joined by 23-year-old social media sensation 6arelyhuman, who is set to feature on an upcoming remix of the song.

Heidi then changed into a more futuristic outfit for her second look of the shoot.

Heidi Montag is baring all in a new photoshoot to promote her raunchy new pop single, 5G

The Hills star, who turns 38 on Sunday, posed up a storm in a wet T-shirt and skimpy black underwear for a sizzling photoshoot to promote the X-rated track

The mom-of-two posed up a storm inside of a vintage phone booth

The I'll Do It hitmaker almost risked a wardrobe malfunction in a clear plastic bodysuit with tape to protect her modesty.

Her blonde hair was sleek and straight, and she added a pair of sky high stilettos to complete the ensemble.

5G, which was produced by Canadian producer Housefly, has sent Heidi's fans into a frenzy since its release on Thursday night.

'This song is fire! I am already obsessed but please release an extended version!' begged one.

'She said "Let's give these gays what they want!!!" This needs to be everywhere!' gushed another.

However, some naysayers weren't happy with the song's X-rated lyrics, which include the line, 'I want you to f**k me in 5G.'

'WTF, aren't you a mother?' raged one female follower.

It comes after Heidi's husband Spencer Pratt blasted online trolls for mom-shaming his wife over her sexy music career.

The reality star looked like she hadn't aged a day since her time on MTV's The Hills

At one point, she was joined by 23-year-old social media sensation 6arelyhuman, who is set to feature on an upcoming remix of the song

Earlier this month, Heidi found herself targeted by trolls who have told her to go back to 'being a mom' instead of a pop star.

Fed up with the backlash, Spencer took to both Instagram and TikTok to call out his wife's critics - who he pointed out are largely middle-aged women.

'The amount of women attacking my wife in the comments section over her new song 5G that comes out 9/13 is actually insane,' he said.

'They sit here and come onto my page or my wife's and attack her with the meanest comments,' he continued, after pointing out that most of the women attacking Heidi seemed to be other moms.

'So it kinda makes sense that you don't get the music because it's not for you.

'Heidi's making music for her listeners, who are probably 20 years younger than you.'

Heidi changed into a more futuristic outfit for her second look of the shoot

The I'll Do It hitmaker almost risked a wardrobe malfunction in a clear plastic bodysuit with masking tape to protect her modesty

Heidi's new single '5G' has raised eyebrows due to its X-rated lyrics

After relaunching her music career in June with the single Wet Hot Summer, Heidi was repeatedly attacked online and told to cover up because she's a devout Christian and a mother.

Speaking out about the backlash to DailyMail.com at the time, Heidi said, 'I thought we were beyond this point in the culture of being so critical and shaming moms and women for being more than one thing.'

She continued, 'I'm just following in the footsteps of incredible women like Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Katy Perry who show you can be a mom and still be sexy.

'Why is that as soon as women have kids they get solely defined by that, but men are never defined by fatherhood?

'Chris Hemsworth and Jason Momoa get praised every time they take their shirts off, but God forbid a mom wears a bikini!'

The reality star admitted that she felt like she'd been singled out more than others over the years - especially when it came to her appearance.

Heidi and husband Spencer share sons Gunner, six, and Ryker, one, together

'People have always felt like they could say whatever they want about me and get away with it,' Heidi, who once went under the knife for 10 cosmetic surgery procedures in a single day, said.

'The things that were said about my surgeries back then were so cruel that you would get canceled if you said it now.

'I don't know why I've always been a target but I've learned to ignore it and focus on the positives because I get so much support from my fans so there's really no need to look at the haters.'

Heidi and husband Spencer share sons Gunner, six, and Ryker, one, together.
Brittany Cartwright gave her son Cruz, three, a sweet kiss while stepping out together on Thursday in Los Angeles.

Brittany, 35, cut a casual figure during her outing with her son, opting for a sweatshirt that said 'mama' and gray sweat bottoms.

The star's sighting comes weeks after she filed for divorce from husband Jax Taylor and requested primary legal and physical custody of Cruz.

Last week, Jax broke his silence on her decision to file for divorce, saying that it was the 'right decision for their family.'

Brittany Cartwright gave her son Cruz, three, a sweet kiss while stepping out together on Thursday in Los Angeles

Brittany, 35, cut a casual figure during her outing with her son, opting for a sweatshirt that said 'mama' and gray sweat bottoms

Jax, who revealed he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and also post-traumatic stress disorder after a recent mental health facility stay - said her filing was the 'right decision for their family.'

The Vanderpump Rules star, 45, spoke out during his When Really Hits podcast episode.

Adding: 'I understand why she did [it]. I'll always love and care for Brittany. She's the mother of my beautiful son [Cruz].'

Jax and Brittany were married for five years, welcoming son Cruz in 2021.

He joked that he would 'make an excellent ex-husband.'

The star's sighting comes weeks after she filed for divorce from husband Jax Taylor and requested primary legal and physical custody of Cruz

Jax continued: 'It's been a really, really rough week. Anyone that has gone through a divorce will understand how difficult this is.'

He said he wants their relationship to 'be amicable,' adding that eventually 'hopefully [become] really, really good friends one day.'

Brittany filed the divorce documents late last month after five years of marriage, as per legal documents seen by DailyMail.com.

She cited irreconcilable differences as her reason for ending the marriage.

Cartwright and Taylor who wed in a lavish wedding that aired on Vanderpump Rules, have a three-year-old son Cruz together.

Brittany has requested primary legal and physical custody over the child however is open to visitation for her ex.

Ja broken his silence on estranged wife Brittany Cartwright 's decision to file for divorce last month; seen April 27, 2024 in Washington DC

The Vanderpump Rules star, 45, spoke out during his Friday When Reality Hits podcast episode; seen together November 5, 2023 in Las Vegas

After five years of marriage and a recent public separation, Brittany Cartwright has filed for divorce from Jax Taylor; pictured 2019

Additionally, Cartwright is seeking to block the ability of the court to award either one of them with spousal support.

Cartwright cited their date of separation as January 24.

Brittany felt like filing for divorce was a 'long time coming,' per People's source.

The reality star knew 'she had to' file for divorce 'for the best interest of herself and her son.'

The Vanderpump Rules filed 'in order to move forward and put a stop to this tumultuous cycle they've been living in,' the insider added.

The source added: 'There's a lot that has transpired over the past few months that she could not look past.'

'This decision wasn't made lightly but she feels adamant that it was the right one,' the insider added.

The couple's early romance was chronicled on the Bravo series Vanderpump Rules and the breakdown of their marriage was captured on the spin-off, The Valley, with Cartwright revealing she had moved out their marital residence with son Cruz.

They welcomed their son Cruz in 2021

Brittany said that Jax not moving out showed his selfishness. Brittany said she left with their three-year-old son Cruz because the situation at home was toxic. Brittany said Jax would come with a hangover and in the morning would be 'mean as a snake'

'A lot has happened with me and Jax,' Brittany said in a confessional. 'We were already having issues all summer long, but once the cameras stopped rolling, things just seemed like they were getting worse and worse and worse.

'So about six weeks ago, I separated from Jax. I moved into an AirBnb with Cruz because Jax would not leave the house,' she said on the finale.

Brittany said that Jax not moving out showed his selfishness and that she left with their son Cruz because the situation at home was toxic.

Brittany said Jax would come with a hangover and in the morning would be 'mean as a snake.'

'I just hit this point where I just started noticing everything that he did to me,' Brittany said. 'It just hit me like a ton of bricks.'

Brittany said during their relationship that Jax cheated on her, disrespected her and humiliated her.

'I have been through a lot of pain in this relationship,' Brittany said. 'I just can't deal with it anymore.'
Dave Grohl used his signature pickup line on another woman while he was married, according to latest claims.

The former Nirvana drummer, 55  who recently revealed he had fathered a child outside of his marriage  reportedly hit on a woman at a bar in New York City in 2013 as per Page Six.

The rocker asked a woman named Alix, 35, to be his 'future ex-wife' - the same line he used while meeting his wife Jordyn Blum, 48, in 2001.

Alix told the publication that she and her friend went to a dive bar in New York Citys East Village in September 2013.

Grohl and a few friends arrived at the bar around 1:30 a.m. 'So I go up to him, and I'm like, "I'm gonna need to see some ID,"' she said, as she recalled meeting him.

Dave Grohl, 55, used his signature pickup line on another woman while he was married, according to latest claims; he is seen February 2022

The former Nirvana drummer, 55  who recently revealed he had fathered a child outside of his marriage  reportedly hit on a woman at a bar in New York City in 2013 as per Page Six

'I'm like, "You pretty much got me through high school,"' she told him. Alix says he then allegedly asked if he could buy her a drink.

She told him she wanted a 'Jameson on the rocks,' the musician allegedly replied, 'Oh, OK! A whiskey girl. You should be my future ex-wife.'

Alix also remembered that there was also a, 'drunk Wall Street guy' who kept asking her and her friend to play Nirvana songs on the Jukebox.

She shared that she was 'obsessed' with the band as a teen, though she admitted to being 'grossed out' by the 'future ex-wife' comment.

Still, Alix admitted that she hung out with him all night at that bar, though nothing happened between the two.

Grohl shocked the rock world earlier this week when he admitted to fathering a child out of wedlock.

The Nirvana and Foo Fighters rocker tied the knot with his second wife Jordyn Blum in 2003, following his three-year marriage to Jennifer Leigh Youngblood from 1994 to 1997.

Grohl had previously admitted to infidelity with his first wife Youngblood, which lead to their split.

'I'm like, "You pretty much got me through high school,"' she told him. Alix says he then allegedly asked if he could buy her a drink

She told him she wanted a 'Jameson on the rocks,' the musician allegedly replied, 'Oh, OK! A whiskey girl. You should be my future ex-wife.'

Alix also remembered that there was also a, 'drunk Wall Street guy' who kept asking her and her friend to play Nirvana songs on the Jukebox

His wife Jordyn has also recently been spotted out without her wedding ring on, though it's unclear if she has filed or is planning on filing for divorce

The musician shares three daughters with Blum, with recent reports revealing his daughters have all unfollowed him on social media since he broke the news.

His wife Jordyn has also recently been spotted out without her wedding ring on, though it's unclear if she has filed or is planning on filing for divorce.

Grohl said in his social media statement that he plans, 'to be a loving and supportive parent,' to his newborn daughter.

'I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness. We're grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together,' he added.
Rapper Azealia Banks thinks Taylor Swift should 'sue' Elon Musk for 'sexual harassment' after he bizarrely offered to impregnate the superstar earlier this week.

The Tesla founder, 53, raised eyebrows when he reacted to Swift's dramatic endorsement of Kamala Harris for US president  which included a dig at Trump's VP pick as she proudly referred to herself as a 'childless cat lady'  on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

'Fine Taylor  you win  I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life,' tweeted Musk, who was quickly slammed by critics over the 'misogynistic' quip.

And now Banks has inserted herself into the drama by publicly encouraging Swift  who, like Musk, is a billionaire  to 'sue him for loads of cash.'

'Nah this is actual sexual harassment,' the rapper tweeted out Thursday. 'Taylor should flex on his a** and sue him for loads of cash n level up to be the most undefeatable richest woman in the history of music.

'Take his f***ing money taylorrrrrrr!!!!'

Rapper Azealia Banks thinks Taylor Swift should 'sue' Elon Musk for 'sexual harassment' after he bizarrely offered to impregnate the superstar earlier this week

The Tesla founder, 53, raised eyebrows Tuesday when he reacted to Swift's dramatic endorsement of Kamala Harris for US president, which included a dig at Trump's VP pick JD Vance by proudly referring to herself as a 'childless cat lady,' on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter)

Banks continued her rant in two follow-up tweets as she marveled at the thought of Swift taking a huge chunk out of Musk's $250billion net worth.

'Put his a** in a hole sis. Lmao the pop girlies would all be so crumb. I love this,' she wrote.

Banks then brought Kanye West  Swift's biggest rival  into the mix by speculating that he'd 'have a heart attack' if Swift successfully took down Musk.

'lmao the heart attack kanye will have when she is ULTRA -UNREACHABLE levels of WEALTHY of his daddy elon's back bwahahahaha.'

She concluded with: 'CUCK THEM ALL SIS'

Swift herself has yet to react to Musk's tweet and there's been zero indication that she plans to take legal action against Musk.

The father of twelve's bizarre pregnancy offer on Wednesday shocked some of his most ardent supporters Journalist Ian Miles Cheong responded to Musk with: 'My God.'

Musk's estranged daughter Vivian Wilson, 20, called her father's indecent proposal 'heinous incel nonsense' in a post on X's arch viral site Threads Wednesday.

She added that Musk's words were 'disgusting, belittling and incredibly sexist' and said that her audience 'deserve better' if people speak to them like that'.

Swift's Harris endorsement came moments after she went head-to-head with former President Donald Trump in a heated debate on ABC during which he accused migrants of eating pets and said Democrats wanted to 'execute babies' in the ninth month of pregnancy.

The world had been waiting for Swift to weigh in on the election after she backed Joe Biden in 2020 and supported Hilary Clinton in 2016.

And she chose the first meeting between Trump and Ms Harris to make it clear she was backing the Democrats, and slammed the former president for 'falsely' claiming her support with a slew of AI images.

Banks inserted herself into the drama Thursday by publicly encouraging Swift  who, like Musk, is a billionaire  to 'sue him for loads of cash'

Banks continued her rant in two follow-up tweets as she marveled at the thought of Swift taking a huge chunk out of Musk's $250billion net worth

Banks then brought Kanye West  Swift's biggest rival  into the mix by speculating that he'd 'have a heart attack' if Swift successfully took Musk down

Swift posted on Instagram: 'I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.

'I'm voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.

'I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.'

She accompanied the post with a picture of her calico cat Benjamin Button and signed it off 'Taylor Swift, childless cat lady.'

Musk's comments about Swift come after he previously spoke out about Earth's 'collapsing birth rate' and boasted how he is 'always banging the baby drum'.

Back in 2022, when he had had nine children with three different women, he posted on X that he was 'doing my best to help the underpopulation crisis'.

Republican vice presidential nominee Vance has mocked 'childless cat ladies' in the past.

In 2021, he told Fox News that America was being run by Democrats, corporate oligarchs and 'a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too.'

Trump's team has since shrugged off Swift's support, claiming it's further proof the megastar is part of the 'Democratic elite.'

It's further evidence that the Democrat Party, unfortunately, is the party of the wealthy elite,' Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told DailyMail.com.

'And Taylor Swift may make great music, but she does not understand the struggles of everyday, hardworking families, and President Trump is speaking on behalf of those hardworking, struggling families who don't get the privilege, like Taylor Swift, of living in a gated community, who need their local police to be funded, who want their Second Amendment right to defend themselves and their family because they don't have armed security like Taylor Swift has.'

Swift's post in full read: 'Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven't 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,' Swift wrote.

Swift's Harris endorsement came moments after she went head-to-head with former President Donald Trump in a heated debate on ABC during which he accused migrants of eating pets and said Democrats wanted to 'execute babies' in the ninth month of pregnancy

'I'm voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. 'I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos,' Swift wrote on Instagram Tuesday

Trump's team has since shrugged off Swift's support, claiming it's further proof the megastar is part of the 'Democratic elite'; seen on September 12

'Recently I was made aware that AI of 'me' falsely endorsing Donald Trump's presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth,' she added.

She noted that 'I'm voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman's right to her own body for decades.'

'I've done my research, and I've made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find it's much easier to vote early. I'll link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story,' she wrote.

She ended it: 'With love and hope, Taylor Swift Childless Cat Lady.'
He's the Aussie funnyman who is equally at home on the screen as he is on the airwaves.

As a former co-host of one of Australia's most popular talk shows, he has tickled fan's funny bones since 2016.

He's also been co-hosting his popular Hit Network drive show in Melbourne since 2017.

The entertainer's first love is the stand-up stage, with the jokester responsible for such shows as I'll See Myself Out and Self Diagnosed Genius.

This week he shared a jaw-dropping throwback photo that showed the future star as an awkward teenager.

Of course it's none other than former Project Host and Carrie and Tommy star Tommy Little and while the funnyman looks unrecogisable in the throwback snap, his trademark cheeky grin between two dimples was still very much present.

The photo showed a teenage Tommy grinning cheekily to the camera while sporting a shocks of short, blonde dreadlocks on his head.

Captioning the throwback pic, Tommy hinted that he may've had a few regrets in his past.

He's the Aussie funnyman who is equally at home on the screen as he is on the airwaves. Can you guess who it is?

'Some people say they have no regrets. Those people clearly didnt go through the same hair phases that I went through,' he wrote.

His fans were quick to comment on the hilarious pic, with many likening Tommy to Rage Against the Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha, who also sported a very similar 'do'.

'Rage against the Pre-Teen,' one fan joked, while another chimed in with a similarly cheeky: 'What were you killing in the name of?'

They say a picture paints a thousand words, but for one sensitive fan Tommy's throwback gave of a peculiar aroma.

Of course it's none other than former Project Host and Carrie and Tommy star Tommy Little and while the funnyman looks unrecogisable in the throwback snap he posted to Instagram this week

His fans were quick to comment on the hilarious pic, with many likening Tommy to Rage Against the Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha, who also sported a very similar 'do'

'I can smell the mankiness of the dreads and the deathly odour of Lynx Africa through this picture somehow,' they wrote.

It appeared they were onto something with this assessment as Tommy replied with: 'I wish this wasn't so accurate.'

The throwback pic comes amid rumours that Tommy is dating his Hit Network co-host Carrie Bickmore, after the blonde bombshell's split from husband Chris Walker.

Last year, the pair hosted their HIT FM radio show from Paris, France, which had fans convinced they are romantically involved.

Carrie split from her partner of eleven years at the start of last year, while Tommy had been reportedly single after his split from girlfriend Natalie Kyriacou in 2021.

Carrie announced their split in an Instagram post in January 2022, saying the pair was focused on co-parenting their three children, Ollie, 16, Evie, eight, and Adelaide, five.

Tommy rushed to Carrie's side at the time she confirmed her breakup, leading insiders to speculate their friendship could evolve into something more.

It's also been a big year for the duo in the ratings stakes with their Hit Network drive show recently hitting number one.

Hitting the number one spot last month makes it the pair's fourth consecutive win in the ratings - the best result the Hit Network has received for its Drive slot since 2018.

Carrie and Tommy currently boast an 11.1 per cent share of the market across Australia, with an 11.7 per cent share in Melbourne and 17 per cent share in Brisbane.

The duo have also been nominated for two Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs).
Hayden Christensen looked unrecognizable as he made a rare public appearance to support his former Star Wars co-star Ewan McGregor at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.

Christensen looked worlds away from his role of Anakin Skywalker as he supported McGregor, 53, who was being honored with a newly-minted star on the iconic boulevard.

The actor, 43, ditched the cloaks for a dapper black suit and white button down.

The duo starred opposite one another in 2002's Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, 2005's Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, and more recently joined forces once again for the 2022 Disney+ mini series, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Christensen played Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader while Ewan portrayed his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Hayden Christensen looked unrecognizable as he supported his Star Wars co-star Ewan McGregor at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony

In Attack of the Clones, Christensen played future Darth Vader Anakin Skywalker while Ewan portrayed his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi

McGregor's role was previously inhabited by the late Alec Guinness, who played an older version of Obi-Wan in the original trilogy.

At the ceremony, Christensen delivered a speech praising McGregor as he recalled the first time he met him for Attack of the Clones.

'I often think about the first time that I met you. We were both in Australia, many moons ago, getting ready to do Star Wars episode 2,' he said.

'I walk into this room where I'm told Ewan is going to be, and before I can even put eyes on him, I hear his voice. And he exclaims my name with more enthusiasm than I think I'd ever heard it spoken with before,' Hayden continued.

'I turn and I see him, and then he's coming at me, and he just gives me the biggest hug. Like, just the most disarmingly warm embrace.'

Christensen sensed he was not merely meeting a colleague - but a new friend.

'We start chatting and he's just the nicest person. He's telling me how excited he is getting to work together and how much fun we're going to have doing our light saber training. He's just beyond kind to me. It was immediately apparent to me that I was meeting someone truly special. And not just as an actor, but as a person. I was meeting a friend.

'A friend who would later go on to chop off both my legs and leave me for dead on the side of a volcano but I guess I kind of had that coming,' he joked.

'But I want just talk for a moment about Ewan's work on star wars and his iconic work as Obi-Wan Kenobi. It really is just a master class at great acting. And to watch him embody this character, it's like watching magic. And the best kind of magic  not the kind that involves any like trickery or sleight of hand, but the kind that really makes you believe in something bigger.

McGregor placed his arm around Hayden's shoulders as they posed by his new star

Christensen looked worlds away from his role of Anakin Skywalker as he attended the ceremony in a smart black suit and white button down

At the ceremony, Christensen delivered a speech praising McGregor as he recalled the first time he met him for Attack of the Clones

'This man is just Star Wars gold,' Hayden said of his co-star

The duo starred opposite one another in several Star Wars projects, beginning with 2002's Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

'Because he wasn't just playing Obi-Wan, he was Obi-Wan. I mean, he is Obi Wan,' he sweetly said of his former co-star

He also praised his co-star as not only playing Obi-Wan but being the character.

'Because he wasn't just playing Obi-Wan, he was Obi-Wan. I mean, he is Obi Wan. And I really hope we get more Obi-Wan, because this man is just Star Wars gold,' he said.

'He so perfectly brought all of the sort of qualities that we knew about the characters while imbuing the role with his own depth and emotion and thus creating something that was bigger than the sum of it's parts. And it was just a remarkable feat and I was in awe the entire time.'

'So, my friend Ewan, I want to thank you for being the best Jedi Master that anyone could have ever hoped for. You always had my back and I thank you for that. I'm just so happy to get to be here with you right now. It's been an honor and a thrill to get to work with you, and swing a lightsaber with you, and more than all of it, call you my friend. I love you, brother.'

'I love you too,' Ewan responded as they pulled each other in for an embrace.

On top of their work on screen, the duo have also lent their voices to various Star Wars projects including the 2019 film, Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker.

McGregor also reprised his role over voice over in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.

More recently Christensen reprised his role of Anakin in the Disney+ Star Wars series Ahsoka.
The hosts for Channel 10's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Australia have been confirmed after reports Bindi Irwin could be set to step in and host alongside her younger brother Robert.

Conservationist Robert Irwin, 20, made a glowing impression on fans when he took over as co-host of the show this year alongside longtime presenter Julia Morris, 56.

And the network is set to officially announce the 2025 lineup at their annual Upfronts presentation on Monday.

Daily Mail Australia can confirm Julia and Robert will return to the South African jungle next year.

A Ten insider tells Daily Mail Australia: 'Stylists and makeup artists have been booked and the pair have been rehearsing their banter which is set to take centre stage - as Network Ten packs a few surprises in their line-up for next year.

'The Gold Logie double nomination for these two was really what had the duo locked and loaded.'

According to the insider, Julia was unsure for a long time if the show would return, but has been delighted in telling friends the gig is back on her slate in 2025.

However, there were some concerns about securing Robert back for the series which had the Queensland native requesting two months off from Australia Zoo to headline the celebrity series yet again.

Robert Irwin, 20, and Julia Morris, 56, will be returning as hosts for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2025. Both pictured

'There was a lot of back and forth getting the contract right and there are a few movie star requests that prove this isn't just any old TV presenter,' the insider adds.

But the deal was the right decision for the youngest Irwin to return to South Africa for another wild series with Julia.

'The opportunity to put Julia back with Robert was something the network could not afford to be a one-off,' says the source.

'Network Ten doesn't have anyone else to be the face of the network and these two know how to sell a whole slate of shows to media buyers and advertisers, which is why the pair have been signed up to launch the network's plans in 2025.'

Robert made a glowing impression on fans when he took over as co-host of I'm A Celebrity this year alongside longtime presenter Julia

Channel 10 is set to officially announce the 2025 lineup at their annual Upfronts presentation on Monday

Hosting I'm A Celebrity is a job that everyone wants, and rumour has it Dr Chris Brown has been regretting handing over the reins and jumping ship to Channel Seven.

Chris signed a two-year contract with Seven worth more than $1million a year following his contractual obligations for I'm A Celebrity at his former network.

'Some people think Robert Irwin has upstaged the TV vet while others have noticed the 20-year-old has borrowed quite a bit [of knowledge] as his successor,' the source continues.

Meanwhile, mum Terri Irwin is set to accompany Robert on his return to South Africa, just like last year.

'Terri Irwin will be back with him and the invitation to the rest of the Irwin family will be there. They are a package deal. You really don't buy one without the others,' the insider says.

Dr Chris Brown (right) reportedly regrets handing over the reins and jumping ship to Channel Seven

'They have a bond that is almost unheard of in this industry.'

Channel 10's Upfronts is set to see several shock and surprise announcements, including the return of a well-loved reality series that disappeared from TV screens in 2024.

'The Taskmasters team is also set to be in attendance as is the return of another reality show which was absent from last year's lineup,' confirms the source.

Casting for I'm A Celebrity is officially in full swing and the team at ITV Studios Australia have already snatched up some big-name stars they have been chasing for years.

Amid Robert's huge success, rumours had been previously circulating that Terri was pushing for Bindi, 26, to join the franchise as Robert's co-host in 2025  which Channel 10 has since denied.

An insider told Daily Mail Australia last month: 'I'd say someone at Ten is looking at how they can guarantee I'm A Celebrity's return for the next ten years and that is why there is the potential for the Irwins to completely take over the celebrity-based-competition.'

Mumager Terri, who runs Australia Zoo with her two children, was said to be keen to see Bindi join Robert as co-host to give the reality show a 'refresh'.

'Terri would have more control over the show and this would be an exciting refresh of the brand,' the source said.

'The Irwins would love to contribute their passion and positivity to the show and create more awareness of our natural world.'
Cat Deeley looked radiant as ever as she joined the likes of Deborah Meaden, Vick Hope and Frankie Bridge at the Oxfam Style for Change show during London Fashion Week on Thursday.

This Morning star Cat, 47, caught the eye in a black sleeveless midi dress with a high chollar and a blue and green floral print.

The TV star added height to her frame with black open toe heels and let her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders.

Cat looked in good spirits as she sat in the front row during the show alongside model Freddie Finch.

Deborah Meaden was among those who took to the runway with the Dragons' Den star wearing a faux fur coat along with a cream top and white trousers.

Cat Deeley looked radiant as ever as she attended the Oxfam Style for Change show during London Fashion Week on Thursday

Deborah Meaden was among those who took to the runway with the Dragons' Den star wearing a faux fur coat along with a cream top and white trousers

Vick Hope looked incredible as she took to the catwalk in a black long-sleeved mini dress that featured a bright green detail and a pleated hemline.

The TV presenter also wore matching black tights along with a pair of red flats.

Vick also changed into a grey and silver striped dress with a leg split while she added height to her frame with a pair of black boots.

Frankie Bridge turned heads in a white blouse which she wore with dark blue leather trousers and a khaki trench coat.

The Loose Women star added to her look with a pair of black heels and styled her brunette tresses into an updo.

Elsewhere, actor Robert Sheehan sported a mustard blazer along with a white T-shirt and plaid trousers.

Every item of clothing shown during the show was made from pre-loved clothing and styled by pioneer of thrifting, stylist Bay Garnett.

Vick Hope took to the catwalk in a black long-sleeved mini dress that featured a bright green detail before changing into a grey and silver striped dress with a leg split

Frankie Bridge turned heads in a white blouse which she wore with dark blue leather trousers and a khaki trench coat

Robert Sheehan sported a mustard blazer along with a white T-shirt and plaid trousers

Cat looked in good spirits as she sat in the front row alongside model Freddie Finch

On taking part in the runway show, Frankie Bridge said: 'I'm so excited to be walking in Oxfam's Style For Change show, this year, at London Fashion Week.

'It was brilliant to work with Bay Garnett on styling and put together these looks, all sourced from Oxfam, and some from Vinted.

'I'm looking forward to being part of a such a memorable show and moment at London Fashion Week!'
Just days after Diddy was hit with a massive $100 million default judgment, the troubled music mogul is trying to fight it.

The 54-year-old rapper was sued by Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith for $100 million, claiming he was drugged and sexually assaulted him at a 1997 party.

Since Diddy did not formally respond to the lawsuit, or attend a virtual hearing that took place on Monday, the judge issued a default judgment against the rapper.

Starting October 1, Diddy would have to start paying $10 million monthly installments to Cardello-Smith.

However, Diddy filed an emergency motion on Thursday to dismiss the judgment, since, for one, he claims he never even received the lawsuit.

Just days after Diddy was hit with a massive $100 million default judgment, the troubled music mogul is trying to fight it.

The 54-year-old rapper was sued by Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith for $100 million, claiming he was drugged and sexually assaulted him at a 1997 party

Documents filed by the music mogul claimed he didn't know how to handle the matter since news outlets started reporting on it.

His lawyers are also strongly denying any wrongdoing, claiming the allegations are, 'facially implausible allegations are completely fabricated.'

The lawyers also claim that, even if the allegations were true, the statute of limitations on those charges ran out 17 years ago.

Diddy's team claim the lawsuit is frivolous, since the man filing it is a convicted rapist and they claim he has a history of filing frivolous lawsuits.

The lawsuit claims that Cardello-Smith and Diddy were both having sex with a group of women during a 1997 party, claiming that at one point, he felt Diddy's hand touch his butt.

He also claims that Diddy spiked his drink and when he woke up, Diddy was having sex with another woman and claimed he said, 'I did this to you too.'

Cardello-Smith, who is currently serving time in a Michigan prison, filed a restraining order against Diddy in August.

He provided records that proved Diddy visited him in prison, claiming he offered Cardello-Smith $2.3 million to drop the allegations against him.

Documents filed by the music mogul claimed he didn't know how to handle the matter since news outlets started reporting on it

His lawyers are also strongly denying any wrongdoing, claiming the allegations are, 'facially implausible allegations are completely fabricated'

He also claims that Diddy spiked his drink and when he woke up, Diddy was having sex with another woman and claimed he said, 'I did this to you too'

Diddy reportedly told the inmate, 'You know how we get down,' after he wouldn't drop the charges, though Cardello-Smith responded, 'I disagree with how you get down'

Diddy reportedly told the inmate, 'You know how we get down,' after he wouldn't drop the charges, though Cardello-Smith responded, 'I disagree with how you get down.'

Diddy's lawyer Marc Agnifilo told DailyMail.com: 'This man [Cardello-Smith] is a convicted felon and sexual predator, who has been sentenced on 14 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping over the last 26 years.

'His resume now includes committing a fraud on the court from prison, as Mr. Combs has never heard of him let alone been served with any lawsuit. Mr. Combs looks forward to having this judgment swiftly dismissed.'

Last month, Combs filed a motion to dismiss a $30m lawsuit filed by record producer Rodney 'Lil Rod' Jones, who sued him for constant groping and a possible drug-induced rape.

Jones filed suit in February - just weeks before two of Combs' homes were raided by federal agents amid a sex trafficking probe.

Jones claimed he was ordered to recruit prostitutes and have sex with them for the star's pleasure, and has hundreds of hours of video documenting Combs's 'serious illegal activity.' Diddy has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little appeared to be in good spirits as they were seen touching down at Sydney Airport together recently.

The Hit Network co-hosts have recently been hit by romance rumours and looked comfortable in each other's company as they strolled through arrivals together.

Gold Logie winner Carrie, 43, and comedian Tommy, 39, were all smiles as they arrived in Sydney on on August 27 for a work trip from Melbourne.

For the outing, Carrie showed off her incredible figure in a sheer white long-sleeved top, which she wore over a white bra, and wide-leg pink jeans.

She kept comfortable in a pair of white trainers and carried a black jacket in one hand to complete her casual look.

The TV presenter shielded her eyes with dark shades as she kept a low-profile while wheeling her luggage through the airport alongside her radio co-host.

Tommy cut an equally laidback figure in a black T-shirt and jeans, which he paired with high-top white and blue trainers and a dark jumper.

He also opted to wear a pair of dark shades as he left Sydney Airport alongside Carrie during their jovial outing together.

Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little appeared to be in good spirits as they were seen touching down at Sydney Airport together recently

Carrie appeared to be in excellent spirits as she flashed a huge smile while walking through arrivals

The Hit Network co-hosts have recently been hit by romance rumours and looked comfortable in each other's company as they strolled through arrivals together

The close friends have been repeatedly hit by romance rumours ever since they hosted their HIT FM radio show from Paris, France, last year.

Carrie split from her partner of 11 years Chris Walker at the start of 2022, while Tommy has been reportedly single ever since his split from girlfriend Natalie Kyriacou in 2021.

Tommy rushed to Carrie's side at the time she confirmed her break-up, leading insiders to speculate their friendship could evolve into something more.

Carrie announced her split from Chris in an Instagram post in January 2022, saying the pair were focusing on co-parenting their three children, Ollie, 16, Evie, eight, and Adelaide, five.

'It's with immense sadness that Chris and I have decided to separate,' she wrote.

'While this is a tough time, our focus is on parenting, loving and supporting our three children Ollie, Evie and Addie with everything that we've got.'

Elsewhere, the pair have had a hugely successful year with their drivetime radio show, Carry and Tommy.

Gold Logie winner Carrie, 43, and comedian Tommy, 39, were all smiles as they arrived in Sydney on on August 27 for a work trip from Melbourne

For the outing, Carrie showed off her incredible figure in a sheer white long-sleeved top, which she wore over a white bra, and wide-leg pink jeans

She kept comfortable in a pair of white trainers and carried a black jacket in one hand while wheeling her luggage through the airport alongside her radio co-host

Tommy cut an equally laidback figure in a black T-shirt and jeans, which he paired with high-top white and blue trainers and a dark jumper

The close friends and co-hosts have been repeatedly hit by romance rumours ever since they hosted their HIT FM radio show from Paris, France, last year

Last month, they celebrated a big success when their program was once again named as the number one national drive show in Australia

Last month, they celebrated a big success when their program was once again named as the number one national drive show in Australia.

The Hit Network show nabbed an 11.1 per cent share in Australia, securing the top spot for the fourth time in a row in an impressive feat.

The pair said of the results: 'We are so lucky to have such a hard-working team and incredible listeners who continue to drive us to unbelievable results.

'Thank you, Australia, for making us #1 for the fourth time in a row. We're having an absolute blast every afternoon, and we love sharing in the fun with listeners around the country.'

Hitting the number one spot made it the pair's fourth consecutive win in the ratings and the best result the Hit Network has received for its Drive slot since 2018.

The fan favourite duo have also been nominated for two Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), with the results set to be revealed on October 12.

The nominations they received include 'Best On Air Team' and 'Best Comedy Segment' and the results will be announced in October.
Doja Cat stunned in a shoot for the fourth print issue of Present Space, an independent platform that focuses on art, culture and film - from Publisher AMILE, creative directors Nima Habibzadeh and Juan Duque.

The rapper, 28, looked incredible in a variety of looks snapped by photographer Daniel Shea, including a racy fit that only consisted of two leather belts covering up her bare chest.

She also dazzled in a sheer mesh beaded gown with matching heels while topless for another striking look - revealing her underwear.

The star was interviewed by fellow musician Jack Harlow, where they discussed her social media presence as well as her how she goes about making music.

Doja Cat stunned in a shoot for the fourth print issue of Present Space, an independent platform that art, culture and film

She also dazzled in a sheer mesh beaded gown with matching heels for another striking look

Doja was asked by Jack about her Instagram and what she consumes on the app, with him noting that she has previously said that she doesn't want to see people on a yacht somewhere.

'I think that as people, we are not ready, or not fully prepared, or fully evolved, as far as the internet,' Doja told Jack.

Doja explained that on the internet, 'there's things that we think we're control of' and things 'we're not in control of.'

She says people don't realized or take into account what it does to a person's brain 'when we see people having a good time, but we're bed rotting, not having the best day, and we scroll and see something that's not an artistic expression' and someone just 'doing something we wish we were doing.'

Doja called those thoughts 'negative, low vibrational thoughts' and that she rather follow creative people who are mentally stimulating.

She said that following people like that is a 'safe haven' for her, adding that she doesn't want to 'use my phone in order to witness people's happiness which I'd rather experience in reality.'

The star was interviewed by fellow musician Jack Harlow, where they discussed her social media presence as well as her how she goes about making music

Doja added that she wants to go in a different direction 'sonically' with her music.

She explained: 'There's so much to life and it's been a pattern of writing about those things for me [sexual themes or self medication], but now I want to stretch the canvas.'

Her most recent album was Scarlet, released on September 22, 2023..

She called it 'simply, quite an angry project,' and that the purpose of the album was to 'showcase anger and how it processes through my mind.'

Doja added that it was also about 'coming to your own defense and love.'

Explaining that the name Scarlet for the album was to represent vulnerability and the color red.

'It's sort of my Why I oughta! moment of squaring up with everyone and defending myself, telling myself that I'm here for me, and not just for everybody else's enjoyment,' Doja said.

Doja stunned in the glittery mesh frock during the shoot

She also posed in a cropped cream hued jacket and bottoms

Doja was asked by Jack about her Instagram and what she consumes on the app, with him noting that she has previously said that she doesn't want to see people on a yacht somewhere

Her interview comes just weeks after she seemingly confirmed her romance with Stranger Things actor Joseph Quinn.

The duo were seen packing on the PDA while out and about in London in late August.

They were seen enjoying a drink at a nearby London pub as well as walking and engaging in PDA.

Their sighting together comes two years after she got into a spat with Joseph's Stranger Things co-star Noah Schapp, 19.

Noah had publicly shared a message from Doja asking to be set up with Joseph, 30.

Her most recent album was Scarlet, released on September 22, 2023.. She called it 'simply, quite an angry project,' and that the purpose of the album was to 'showcase anger and how it processes through my mind'

In 2022, Doja slammed Noah for posting the messages, calling the move 'snake s**t.'

In the DM he shared, Doja asked him: 'Noah can you tell Joseph to hmu. wait no. does he have a gf?'

Noah had told her: 'LMAOO slide into his dms,' to which she responded: 'idk his IG or twitter he doesn't have a DM to slide into.'

During an Instagram Live, she called Noah 'socially unaware,' and said that while he is a kid, and that 'you make mistakes' and 'do dumb s**t.'

Their sighting together comes two years after she got into a spat with Joseph's Stranger Things co-star Noah Schapp, 19

Her interview comes just weeks after she seemingly confirmed her romance with Stranger Things actor Joseph Quinn

Noah had publicly shared a message from Doja asking to be set up with Joseph, 30

'You do dumb s**t, you say dumb s**t, you f***ing, f**k up relationships with people. You make mistakes,' she added.

She said that she has had her 'share of f**k ups' and learned from her own mistakes but at the same time, it was 'like weasel s**t' to share the private messages publicly.
Margot Robbie has announced an exciting new career milestone after being an ambassador for Chanel for more than six years.

The Australian actress, 34, is the new face of the French designer fashion house's most well-known fragrance Chanel N5.

The Barbie star has been an ambassador for Chanel since 2018 and was the face of Chanel Gabrielle perfume in 2019.

'I think Chanel N5 is one of the most iconic fragrances in the world. It's incredible to be a part of it,' Margot said of her newest appointment.

'There's such an impressive lineage of women who've been associated with the fragrance over the years. I am very honoured to be joining that long list of incredible talents.'

Margot is following the footsteps of other notable stars like Marilyn Monroe and Brad Pitt, but she is not the first Australian actress to be the face of the iconic fragrance.

Nicole Kidman famously fronted the brand's perfume in her 2004 advertising film for Chanel N5 'Le Film', which was directed by Baz Luhrmann.

Speaking with WWD, Margot added: 'I've just always known about Chanel N5... It's iconic and an iconic brand.'

Margot Robbie is the new face of the French designer fashion house's most well-known fragrance Chanel N5

The Barbie star has been an ambassador for Chanel since 2018 and was the face of Chanel Gabrielle perfume in 2019

'It's that thing that you always associate with absolute height of luxury. At least that's how I always felt about Chanel.

'Now I'm in the Chanel family; I associate with more personal memories and things that I've gotten to do.'

Margot's Chanel N5 campaign will be released in October 2024.

Margot, who is expecting her first child with husband Tom Ackerley, signed a deal with Chanel in 2018 and has almost exclusively worn pieces from the luxury brand on the red carpet since.

While no details of a formal contract have ever been made public, some speculated her deal with the brand had come to an end after she wore an emerald green Bottega Veneta dress to the Governors Awards in November, 2022.

'I think Chanel N5 is one of the most iconic fragrances in the world. It's incredible to be a part of it,' Margot said of her newest appointment

The Barbie star has been an ambassador for Chanel since 2018 and was the face of Chanel Gabrielle perfume in 2019. Pictured: Margot Robbie dressed in Chanel at the 2023 Met Gala

However, the Babylon star returned with a Chanel look at the Golden Globes months later in January 2023.

Chanel N5 is one of the world's bestselling perfumes and is a timeless classic.

The perfume was created in 1920 by Ernest Beaux and has since been adapted by Henri Robert and Jacques Polge.

It was released in 1921 by designer Coco Chanel and and it has remained consistently popular.

Coco Chanel was insistent that no other perfumer would be able to copy the scent, which was achieved by keeping the formula a secret and too expensive to imitate, according to Beaux.

The fragrance has been endorsed by several celebrities, including Marilyn, Nicole, Gisele Bundchen and Catherine Deneuve.

Marilyn is perhaps its most famous fan, famously saying she sleeps in nothing but Chanel N5.

'What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel N5 of course,' she said.

The icon didn't actually become the face of the perfume until 2013, over 50 years after her death, when she was pictured in an ad campaign.
Rebecca and Chris Judd have been enjoying a child-free getaway, splashing thousands on Indonesian resorts and island living.

Now the Melbourne 'It Couple' have jetted off to Singapore to stay in the famous Raffles Hotel which has hosted guests like Michael Jackson and Charlie Chaplin.

The WAG took to Instagram on Friday to reveal the couple, both 41, are staying in the country for 24 hours while on their luxury getaway.

Staying in the lavish Palm Court Suite, the socialite and her former AFL star husband splashed $1,899 to stay at the palatial hotel for one night.

Several photos showed a grand black and white entrance hall, with Bec and Chris posing up a storm beneath the enormous crystal chandelier.

Described as having 'elegant, old-world glamour', Raffles offered some fantastic photos ops..

Bec also gave a sneak peek into the room she and Chris are staying in, which boasts a huge bathroom with a marble vanity and a 24-hour butler service.

In one video, Bec flaunted the elegant Rebecca Vallance gown she wore for the evening, which retails at $1,099.

Rebecca and Chris Judd, both 41, (pictured) have been enjoying a child-free getaway , splashing thousands on Indonesian resorts and island living

The dress complemented Bec's complexion beautifully with a baby blue base covered in pink orchids, along with a racy cut-out down the neckline.

She paired the glamorous look with a white Celine handbag which matched her pumps by Lana Wilkinson.

Another snap saw her don a summery green and white romper the following morning, a piece worth $445 by Kate Ford.

Now the Melbourne 'It Couple' have jetted off to Singapore to stay in the famous Raffles Hotel which has hosted guests like Michael Jackson and Charlie Chaplin

The WAG took to Instagram on Friday to reveal the couple are staying in the Asian country for 24 hours while on their luxury getaway. Staying in the lavish Palm Court Suite, the socialite and her former AFL star husband splashed $1,899 to stay at the palatial hotel for one night

It comes after Bec and her AFL star husband Chris jetted off for a luxurious holiday at Bawah Reserve, a private island resort in Indonesia, without their four kids.

A single night's stay runs as much as $4,700, with the pair having visited for at least three days before they flew to Singapore.

The resort features exclusive bungalows set on the water with incredible sea views all around, with Bec and Chris taking a seaplane to reach the property.

'We've been gone two nights but it feels like two weeks without kids,' she said in her caption on her Instagram Stories post on Tuesday.

Bec also gave a sneak peek into the room she and Chris are staying in, which boasts a huge bathroom with a marble vanity and a 24-hour butler service
Disgraced TV star Andrew O'Keefe was spotted picking up a woman in his car in Sydney on Wednesday - and now her identity has been revealed.

In an unlikely twist, the woman has been confirmed as high-society family member Elisha Dalah, 35, who was famously caught stealing from Westfield shopping centre in 2022.

Former Deal Or No Deal host O'Keefe, 52, was seen chatting with Dalah while collecting her from the upmarket suburb of Point Piper.

The sighting came days after he failed to convince a court a woman lied about being assaulted by him and his convictions for domestic violence assault were upheld.

Dalah, 36, is the elder sibling of Fishbowl restaurateur Nathan Dalah and sister-in-law of Victoria's Secret model Georgia Fowler, while she is also the daughter of former Elizabeth Bay Marina co-owner Michael Dalah and his wife Michelle.

Dalah is believed to live in her parents palatial waterfront mansion in the exclusive neighbourhood Point Piper.

While the nature of their relationship is not known, the pair were seen engaging in friendly conversation as she got into the passenger seat beside O'Keefe.

O'Keefe had an unlit cigarette in his mouth and appeared sombre as he gazed into the distance while waiting for Dalah to arrive.

Disgraced TV star Andrew O'Keefe was spotted picking up a woman in his car in Sydney on Wednesday - and now her identity has been revealed

In an unlikely twist, the woman has been confirmed as high-society family member Elisha Dalah, 35, who was famously caught stealing from Westfield shopping centre in 2022. Former Deal Or No Deal host O'Keefe, 52, was seen chatting with Dalah while collecting her from the upmarket suburb of Point Piper on Wednesday

Dalah sported a striped T-shirt and carried a takeaway coffee upon her arrival and chatted with O'Keefe as she got into the vehicle.

In May last year, Dalah narrowly avoided jail after being caught stealing luxury face creams and designer clothing from a Westfield shopping centre.

At the time, Waverley Local Court heard the mother-of-one used a 'de-tagger' to steal a $249 Tommy Hilfiger jumper and a $170 'Youth Lift' face cream from Sephora at Westfield Bondi Junction on July 14, 2022.

Plain clothes police officers observed her leaving Tommy Hilfiger and stealing the cream before arresting her and charging her with shoplifting, and breaching her ban on entering the shopping centre.

Dalah had only recently finished a parole term for other shoplifting offenses when she was arrested.

'I'm sorry, I have a problem, can I pay for the items now I don't know why I steal, I don't need to steal, I work, I just can't help myself,' she told police, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The court heard she had been sober for eight months, attended rehab twice, continues to engage in substance abuse counselling and had not offended since being charged.

In May last year, Dalah (pictured) narrowly avoided jail after being caught stealing luxury face creams and designer clothing from a Westfield shopping centre

Dalah is the daughter of ex-Elizabeth Bay Marina co-owner Michael Dalah and his wife Michelle and is believed to live at her parents' Point Piper mansion (she is pictured with her son)

She began using drugs at the age of 14 and had shot up heroin after learning of her former partner's cancer diagnosis before the thefts.

Magistrate Milledge said in a brutally frank sentencing: 'Everything I've read suggests you see yourself as a victim  you are not a victim.

'You've said ''I'm a kleptomaniac, I act on impulse''  you are calculating and manipulative and deceitful, and your family knows that because they have been dealing with that side of you for years and years and years.'

Dalah was sentenced to a 20-month intensive correction order and 200 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay a $500 fine entering Westfield Bondi Junction while banned.

Dalah was last known to be working as a barista at her family-owned business Laissez-Faire Catering in Sydney's Alexandria.

O'Keefe's sighting with Dalah also came just days after a court upheld his convictions for domestic violence assault on Monday.

District Court Judge John Pickering rejected his lawyers' arguments that the woman had inflicted scratch marks on her own arm and later blamed O'Keefe.

However, the judge overturned other charges for drug possession after finding it could not be proven items found in a lock box in O'Keefe's apartment belonged to him.

Dalah, 36, is the elder sibling of Fishbowl restaurateur Nathan Dalah (right) and sister-in-law of Victoria's Secret model Georgia Fowler (left)

The troubled former TV star was convicted in January of three counts of domestic violence-related assault, twice contravening an AVO against him, and two charges for possessing a prohibited drug.

He was ordered to serve 18 months on a community corrections order, which involves supervision and reporting requirements, and fined $800 for the drug offences.

During an assault in September 2021, O'Keefe was found to have pushed the woman into a doorway, punched her with the heel of the hand and forced her to the ground, before kicking her in the thigh and using his nails to scratch her chest.

But O'Keefe's barrister Phillip Boulten SC said the woman's claim she scratched her hand on a hinge after being pushed through the doorway was not supported by physical evidence.

Boulten said if the woman was found not to have been truthful about the scratch marks on her arm, the entirety of her evidence should not be accepted.

Judge Pickering told the court he did not see any reason for the woman to lie about the assault, and noted at the time she had indicated she did not want to make a complaint to police.

'It was clear in her communication with the police that she did not actually want the police to get involved in this,' he said.

'I do not see what benefit there was to the complainant. I am satisfied the complainant was a truthful witness about this incident.'

The sighting came days after O'Keefe (pictured) failed to convince a court a woman lied about being assaulted by him and his convictions for domestic violence assault were upheld

As the judgement was read in court, O'Keefe shook his head in frustrated disagreement and passed written notes to his lawyer.

O'Keefe has admitted the argument occurred, but maintains he accidentally fell into the woman due to their proximity rather than pushing her.

The woman alleged that after she fell, O'Keefe had said to her: 'Nice acting, I barely touched you.'

Judge Pickering found it was open to the court in initially convicting O'Keefe to use an earlier incident in January 2021, in which O'Keefe admitted spitting in the same woman's eye, to help establish who was telling the truth.

'The majority of males in our community do not act in this fashion,' he said.

O'Keefe has previously hosted Weekend Sunrise, the Today show, and a number of game shows including The Chase until his contract with the Seven Network expired at the end of 2020, when he was replaced by Larry Emdur.
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Kate Hudson looked sensational as she joined Shell co-star Kaia Gerber at the film's premiere during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday night.

The Almost Famous star, 45  who is 'consoling' Dave Grohl's heartbroken wife amid his love child scandal  hit the red carpet inside the Princess of Wales Theatre in a striking strapless frock.

It had a pink silk peplum bodice that highlighted her enviably small waist.

The skirt of Kate's gown was made of an off-white silk fabric that hugged her toned legs and featured an elegant train.

She accessorized with a eye-catching serpent necklace that rested in her cleavage.

Kate Hudson looked sensational as she joined Shell co-star Kaia Gerber at the film's premiere during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday night

Kate stunned onlookers in a strapless silk peplum frock

Her dirty blonde hair was tucked behind her ears and flowed down her back in glamorous, loose waves.

Sporting a sun-kissed glow after a lavish summer vacation with her family, Kate exuded confidence as she posed for shutterbugs ahead of the film screening.

Kaia made jaws drop as the statuesque beauty strolled the red carpet in a skintight white dress.

The runway maven, 23, styled her elegant dress with pointy white high-heels and dangly jewel earrings.

Her silky dark brown hair flowed glamorously down her back and chest.

She looked like the spitting image of her supermodel mom Cindy Crawford, 58, as she worked her angles for the cameras.

Kaia enhanced her natural beauty by rocking a brown smokey eyeshadow look with plenty of peach blush and a mauve-toned lip.

Kaia and Kate reunited on the red carpet along with their other Shell co-stars.

The dress had a pink silk peplum bodice that showed off the 45-year-old's enviably small waist

The skirt of Kate's gown was made of an off-white silk fabric that hugged her toned legs and featured an elegant train

She accessorized with a eye-catching serpent necklace that rested in her cleavage

Kaia and Kate gathered for a group selfie with Saved By The Bell alum Elizabeth Berkley

Kate and Elizabeth stopped for a photo with screenwriter Arian Moayed

Saved By The Bell alum Elizabeth Berkley looked sharp in a black tuxedo jacket and tapered trousers.

The 52-year-old's wavy blonde hair popped against her black satin lapels and crisp white dress shirt as she made her way into the theater.

Taylor Swift's close pal Este Haim also stars in the new movie.

The musician, 38, flaunted her toned arms in a black sleeveless frock that belted at the waist.

Shell director Max Minghella  who is the son of late British film auteur Anthony Minghella  eagerly celebrated the film's premiere with its stars on Thursday night.

The Handmaid's Tale star, 38, cut a dapper figure by styling a dark blue blazer and pants with a collared shirt and a tan leather belt.

Shell is Minghella's latest project and it's a 'campy' R-rated horror film based off a script by Jack Xtanple.

As per IMDb, the film follows 'down on her luck actress Samantha Lake (Elisabeth Moss)' who is invited into the ultra-glamorous world of Zoe Shannon (Hudson), CEO of wellness company SHELL.

'When SHELL patients begin to go missing, Samantha realizes Zoe may be protecting a monstrous secret.'

Kaia made jaws drop as the statuesque beauty strolled the red carpet in a skintight white dress

Her silky dark brown hair flowed glamorously down her back and chest

She looked like the spitting image of her supermodel mom Cindy Crawford, 58, as she worked her angles for the cameras

The runway maven, 23, styled her elegant dress with pointy white high-heels and dangly jewel earrings

Kaia enhanced her natural beauty by rocking a brown smokey eyeshadow look with plenty of peach blush and a mauve-toned lip

Kaia seen with Shell director Max Minghella

Kaia stopped to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans

She was captured stepping out of a chauffeured vehicle wearing her sexy all-white premiere look

Saved By The Bell alum Elizabeth Berkley looked sharp in a black tuxedo jacket and tapered trousers

The 52-year-old's wavy blonde hair popped against her black satin lapels and crisp white dress shirt as she made her way into the theater

Berkley was seen arriving to the premiere venue in Toronto

Taylor Swift's close pal Este Haim also stars in the new movie

The musician, 38, flaunted her toned arms in a black sleeveless frock that belted at the waist

Shell director Max Minghella  who is the son of late British film auteur Anthony Minghella  eagerly celebrated the film's premiere with its stars on Thursday night

Shell is Minghella's latest project and it's a 'campy' R-rated horror film based off a script by Jack Xtanple

Both Kate and Kaia dished on the highly-anticipated film during their TIFF red carpet stints on Thursday night

Both Kate and Kaia dished on the highly-anticipated film during their TIFF red carpet stints on Thursday night.

'It starts as one thing, it's very camp, has great themes. And then, it sort of just starts to unfold, and it becomes this very unexpected, theatrical experience. We get to play really fun, crazy characters,' Kate explained to Access Hollywood.

Kate then praised director Minghella's 'clear vision' for the film and how it was 'fun to experience.'

Kaia described Shell as 'so fun' and she promised that it will take audiences on 'a completely different ride' as the plot thickens.

'The movie just flies by, and I think it's such a fun experience,' the Vogue model added.
Kelly Ripa has taken to her Instagram page to share some intimate summertime snaps featuring her family including hunky shirtless husband Mark Consuelos.

Her photo dump, consisting of 20 photos in all, shows the hot and heavy couple enjoying their hiatus from hosting Live! With Kelly And Mark with plenty of family and friends.

But surely, among the highlights, has to be the one showing them sharing a passionate kiss under under the nighttime glow of the moon in the background.

In the image, the couple appear to be full engrossed in each other while the former Riverdale star has his right arm wrapped around his wife's waist as she has her right arm near the front of his body.

There's more images that encapsulate their summer together with their three children: Michael, 27, Lola, 23, and Joaquin, 21, as well as one of Ripa leaning in to kiss Consuelos, another showing part of their family enjoying a day at Disneyland, and a picture that appears to have taken around the same time as beautiful kiss under the moon.

Kelly Ripa, 52 and husband Mark Consuelos, 53,

Actor Mark proudly put his washboard abs on display as he went shirtless in one of the snaps

That related photo photo looks to have been taken underneath the balcony in the other loved-up image in front of the pool.

The duo to be related to the kiss under the moon image, considering they're dressed the same and this one is on the ground floor compared to the other that's taken from a balcony.

In the other kissing picture, Consuelos looks to be taking a selfie as his wife comes in to kiss his cheek, while standing on a dock on a large waterway, which is likely the ocean.

The couple can be seen enjoying a meal together at a restaurant table with a window shade in the backdrop, and taking in Disneyland with daughter Lola and friend and personal assistant, Lauren Travaglione.

There' also a shot in the distance of Consuelos heading into the ocean while carrying swim gear with three others, including what appears to be son Michael.

He's also seen playing a board game on one of their summer get aways, and the family's patriarch and son heading a stroll together amongst the lush greenery of the plantation.

The couple also had time to strike a pose with Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett at a Disney event, while the lady of the house posed for one solo picture in her white and blue floral ensemble while on a tropical vacation.

This photo of the hot and heavy couple appears to be related to the kiss under the moon image, considering their dressed the same and this one is on the ground floor compared to the other that's taken from a balcony

In the other kissing picture, Consuelos looks to be taking a selfie as his wife comes in to kiss his cheek, while standing on a dock on a large waterway, which is likely the ocean

The couple can be seen enjoying a meal together at a restaurant table

The Riverdale alum got in a little playtime while on one of the tropical getaways

The man of the led the way for this group to take a dip in the blue ocean water with swim gear

Father and daughter sat next to each other on the Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout ride during their trip to Disneyland

The couple strucj a pose with Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett at a Disney event

Lola can also be seen all glammed up in white for a photo with fashion model Ari Fournier and actor and photographer Cole Sprouse relaxing on a couch in a posh living room.

Consuelos can be seen shirtless in several more images, including one of him on the waterfront with his lady and Michael Russell and Joe Machota, another of him riding on a four-wheeler, and one of him sunning at the pool.

But arguably the best of the lot showcases the actor with his ripped abs on full display while posing just above his adorning wife, who's leaning on one elbow with a big beaming smile on her face.

The family's patriarch headed out on a stroll with his son amongst the lush greenery

The Live! With Kelly And Mark star posed in a white and blue floral ensemble

There were a couple of colo images of Ripa soaking in the sun on one of their summer trips

Megan Kelly and Lola Consuelos shared a moment in their summer dresses

Lola would strip down and work on her tan while partially nude

For the Mark Consuelos fans there's no shortage of shirtless images in the post

The television personality posed shirtless with his wife and Michael Russell and Joe Mantoga

The Zaragoza, Spain native showed off his abs and biceps while sunning poolside

After meeting on the set on the soap All MY Children in 1995, Ripa and Consuelos made their debut as a couple the following February.

Just three months later, they went with their emotions at the time and decided to got married at one of those Las Vegas wedding chapels.

'We broke up and we got back together the day before we went off and eloped,' Ripa revealed, as reported by In Style. 'Yeah, we eloped. We went to Vegas and got married.'

The couple would go on to explain that they decided to elope since they had two consecutive days off work and didn't want to spend their time planning an elaborate wedding.
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The film producer Randall Emmett is finally saying goodbye to his Los Angeles home.

The former Vanderpump Rules fixture is selling his secluded home for $4.35 million, his real estate agent David T. Kessler told TMZ on Thursday.

The news came just days after his ex, Vanderpump Rules star Lala Kent, welcomed her second child via a sperm donor.

Emmett, 53, had lived at the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home with his 34-year-old reality star ex, with whom he shares three-year-old daughter Ocean Kent Emmett.

The long home sale saga began when the Irishman producer first listed his home in 2022.

The film producer Randall Emmett, 53, has sold his Los Angeles home for $4.35 million, his real estate agent David T. Kessler told TMZ on Thursday

Emmett, 53, had lived at the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home with his 34-year-old reality star ex Lala Kent, with whom he shares three-year-old daughter Ocean Kent Emmett

At the time, he was asking for $6.2 million for the property.

However, after he failed to find a buyer, Emmett cut the asking price to $4.995 million, before ultimately accepting an even smaller offer.

It's not unusual for Hollywood figures to sell their pricy homes to other industry figures, but that's not the case this time around, as Emmett reportedly sold the home to a retired businessman.

Emmett bought the property back in 2017, two years after he met his future fiancee Lala.

He finalized his divorce from the actress Ambyr Childers in December 2017, and he and Lala got engaged the following year, and they later welcomed their only child in March 2021.

However, they ended their engagement in October 2021 after three years, and Kent later accused Emmett of repeated infidelity.

His professional life also took a major hit in the summer of 2022, when multiple women accused him of offering them film roles in exchange for sexual favors, according to a Los Angeles Times expose.

His now-sold offers an impressive 4,276 square feet and comes equipped with a gorgeous outdoor area.

The rectangular property features gorgeous views of scenic Mulholland Drive, while also featuring plenty of tree cover to preserve privacy.

The new buyer will be able to take advantage of the filmmaker's lengthy pool, which abuts a pickleball court.

They got engaged in 2018 and welcomed their daughter in 2021, but they ended their engagement later that year after Lala accused Randall of repeated infidelity

Emmett bought the property back in 2017, two years after he met his future fiancee

The rectangular property features gorgeous views of scenic Mulholland Drive, while also featuring plenty of tree cover to preserve privacy

The new buyer will be able to take advantage of the filmmaker's lengthy pool, which abuts a pickleball court

Emmett first put the property on sale in 2022 for $6.2 million

However, after he failed to find a buyer, Emmett cut the asking price to $4.995 million, before ultimately accepting an even smaller offer

Between the house and the pickleball court is an outdoor bar that would be ideal for entertaining year round, as well as an open patio that currently boasts a long dining table

The concrete-covered backyard includes seating areas for relaxing with friends, or just for enjoying the pristine views

Between the house and the pickleball court is an outdoor bar that would be ideal for entertaining year round, as well as an open patio that currently boasts a long dining table.

The concrete-covered backyard includes seating areas for relaxing with friends, or just for enjoying the pristine views.

The new buyer will get more of those lovely views in the home's main living area, as it boasts floor-to-ceiling windows covering an entire wall looking down the hill.

The interior has an angular, minimalist design featuring off-white walls with black ceiling beams and hardwood floors.

The room boasts tasteful, low-key chandeliers that don't overwhelm its serene aura.

Emmet's kitchen boasts brilliant white cabinets and gray-and-white chevron backsplash tiles.

It appears to have light-colored granite countertops and an island to offer more space for preparing food, along with up-to-date appliances.

Just off the kitchen is a dining area with a gorgeous, old-school rectangular chandelier.

The master bedroom in the corner has more fantastic views with large sliding glass doors, and it features a wall cut-out for a large television, along with a slim fireplace that would be perfect for chilly evenings.

The new buyer will get more of those lovely views in the home's main living area, as it boasts floor-to-ceiling windows covering an entire wall looking down the hill

The interior has an angular, minimalist design featuring off-white walls with black ceiling beams and hardwood floors

Emmet's kitchen boasts brilliant white cabinets and gray-and-white chevron backsplash tiles

Just off the kitchen is a dining area with a gorgeous, old-school rectangular chandelier

The master bedroom in the corner has more fantastic views with large sliding glass doors, and it features a wall cut-out for a large television, along with a slim fireplace that would be perfect for chilly evenings

It features the same color scheme, with beige carpet replacing the similarly colored wood floors, and it includes a more striking cylinder-shaped light fixture

One bathroom includes an elegant marble bathtub and an enormous walk-in shower, while also boasting plenty of natural light thanks to a sizable window

A smaller bathroom has more striking black-and-white patterned wall paper and gold features, along with an angular granite sink

Another bedroom is currently features a playful wall paper on the ceiling and looks as if it would be the perfect size for a child's bedroom or a nursery

It features the same color scheme, with beige carpet replacing the similarly colored wood floors, and it includes a more striking cylinder-shaped light fixture.

One bathroom includes an elegant marble bathtub and an enormous walk-in shower, while also boasting plenty of natural light thanks to a sizable window.

A smaller bathroom has more striking black-and-white patterned wall paper and gold features, along with an angular granite sink

Another bedroom is currently features a playful wall paper on the ceiling and looks as if it would be the perfect size for a child's bedroom or a nursery
Mia Farrow wasn't alone when she returned to Broadway for the first time in a decade, with her son Ronan hitting the red carpet to show his support.

Farrow, 79, hit the red carpet on Thursday for the premiere of The Roommate, her first Broadway role since 2014's Love Letters.

She was joined by her 36-year-old journalist son Ronan, which comes just a week after Mia revealed what she really thinks of people who still work with her ex Woody Allen.

Mia was also joined by her co-star in the two-person play, three-time Tony winner Patti LuPone on the red carpet.

The play by Jen Silverman - which debuted in Louisville back in 2015 - made its Broadway debut Thursday at the Booth Theatre.

Mia Farrow wasn't alone when she returned to Broadway for the first time in a decade, with her son Ronan hitting the red carpet to show his support

Mia was also joined by her co-star in the two-person play, three-time Tony winner Patti LuPone on the red carpet

The play by Jen Silverman (middle) - which debuted in Louisville back in 2015 - made its Broadway debut Thursday at the Booth Theatre

Mia Farrow stepped out in a black blouse under a brown jacket as her wavy locks flowed down over her shoulders.

She also wore circle-framed glasses along with black dress pants and thick-soled black shoes for the event.

Her son Ronan opted for a black unbuttoned dress shirt under a cobalt blue suit coat, matching pants and black dress shoes.

He also took to the stage and presented flowers to his mother and her co-star after the premiere performance.

LuPone opted for a long black coat with silver sequined trim along with matching black pants and black pumps.

Also hitting the red carpet was Grace Hightower, who wore a sleek black dress with an elaborate fringed shawl.

Kathryn Najimi also showed up in an all-black ensemble to hit the red carpet for the Broadway debut. .

Nicole Scherzinger was also spotted at the premiere, rocking a strapless leopard dress with a pair of open toed pumps.

Mia Farrow stepped out in a black blouse under a brown jacket as her wavy locks flowed down over her shoulders

Her son Ronan opted for a black unbuttoned dress shirt under a cobalt blue suit coat, matching pants and black dress shoes.

He also took to the stage and presented flowers to his mother and her co-star after the premiere performance

LuPone opted for a long black coat with silver sequined trim along with matching black pants and black pumps.

Also hitting the red carpet was Grace Hightower, who wore a sleek black dress with an elaborate fringed shawl

Kathryn Najimi also showed up in an all-black ensemble to hit the red carpet for the Broadway debut

Nicole Scherzinger was also spotted at the premiere, rocking a strapless leopard dress with a pair of open toed pumps.

The Roommate is a two-character play that follows a woman from New York City who leaves the city and becomes roommates with a woman in Iowa.

As they both get to know each other, more secrets are revealed and they learn more about each other in the process.

The original 2015 version debuting in Louisville starred Margaret Daly and Tasha Lawrence, with a 2016 version starring Jo Twiss and Rita Rehn.

The 2017 Williamstown version starred S. Epatha Merkerson and Jane Kaczmarek and a 2018 Chicago version with Sandra Marquez and Ora Jones.

The Broadway run will last from September 12 through December 15.
Rebel Wilson turned up the heat at the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday, amid a controversial legal battle with the producers of her directorial debut The Deb.

The Bridesmaids actress, 44, who is being sued by the film's producers for defamation, posted a gallery of fiery photos to Instagram in which she rocked her best angles in a black figure-hugging Versace dress.

The stunner's luscious blonde hair was tied in a ponytail and a radiant layer of makeup and smokey eyeshadow gave her appearance that extra oomph, as she showcased her slender figure and incredible weight loss.

She completed her incredible look with matching high heels and accessorised with a designer clutch.

The Sydney-born star exuded style and confidence as she rocked her best angles in the jaw-dropping photos, taken from the TIFF's Director's Dinner event.

Rebel looked to be having the time of her life at the exclusive film festival, where she has been seen having fun with a host of her A-List pals, including Selena Gomez and Robbie Williams.

The blonde beauty is currently in Canada attending the festival for the world premiere of her Australian musical comedy The Deb, due for general release later this year.

It comes after Rebel fired back at the producers of the movie in an expletive-laden rant after they filed legal action against her.

Rebel Wilson (pictured) turned up the heat at the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday, amid a controversial legal battle with the producers of her directorial debut The Deb

The actress made her point of view very clear after it emerged she was being sued for defamation by the producers of her movie in a shock fallout.

Producers Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron, and executive producer Vince Holden launched a lawsuit after Rebel accused them of blocking her movie from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

Last month, the trio filed an amended complaint, prompting Wilson to hit back in a fiery statement aimed at Len Blavatnik, the billionaire whose company AI Film financed the coming-of-age musical.

The Bridesmaids actress, 44, who is being sued by the film's producers for defamation, posted a gallery of fiery photos to Instagram in which she rocked her best angles in a black figure-hugging Versace dress

'Len Blavatnik, please stop funding and protecting Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden,' Wilson wrote in an impassioned post on Instagram.

Labelling the producers as 'f***wits', she continued her tirade, also abusing them for being 'vile and disgusting'.

'Clearly these recent press articles and constant retaliations against me for speaking the truth on my small Australian movie are FALSE,' Wilson continued.

The stunner's luscious blonde hair was tied in a ponytail and a radiant layer of makeup and smokey eyeshadow gave her appearance that extra oomph

Prior to that, the producers of The Deb branded Wilson a 'malicious bully' in a defamation lawsuit launched against her as the fallout from the movie's bungled premiere continues to deteriorate.

In their amended complaint, The Deb producers claimed Wilson defamed them in an Instagram post in which they describe her allegations of embezzling money from the film's budget and also claimed that Ghost sexually harassed one of the lead actresses as false and without 'an iota of evidence to support such claims.'

Meanwhile, Rebel's lawyer Bryan Freedman claimed 'the number of people who back up Rebel's experience is staggering' in a statement given to Deadline.
Fans were stunned when Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman ended their 26-year marriage earlier this week.

Zoe, 53, and Berman, 55, had been together for 33 years, meeting in 1991 at a wedding in Washington D.C.

They tied the knot in 1998 and share two children together, though while fans may have thought it was sudden, it was in the cards for quite awhile.

'This divorce was a long time coming. There is no scandal or smoking gun, its more death by a thousand cuts,' a source told US Weekly.

'Their main issues were mixing their personal and professional lives too much,' the source continued.

Fans were stunned when Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman ended their 26-year marriage earlier this week.

They tied the knot in 1998 and share two children together, though while fans may have thought it was sudden, it was in the cards for quite awhile

'This divorce was a long time coming. There is no scandal or smoking gun, its more death by a thousand cuts,' a source told US Weekly

'Rodger is the president of her company, so they had to have hard conversations about their marriage and about the business that weighed on their relationship,' the source continued.

The exes both co-founded Rachel Zoe Inc. and have appeared on television together for years, though, in their personal lives, they have not spent as much time together.

'Rachel spent the summer in the Hamptons and Rodger was rarely [there], and they realized that they are better apart than together,' the source said.

'Also, the kids are older now, so they felt more comfortable separating because of that,' the source continued, referring to their sons Skyler, 13, and Kaius, 11.

Zoe announced the split on her Instagram earlier this week, stating, 'After 33 years together and 26 years married, Rodger and I have come to the mutual decision to end our marriage.'

She added, 'We are incredibly proud of the loving family we have created and our countless memories together.

'Our number one priority has been and will always be our children,' she stated on the social media.

'We are committed to coparent our boys and to continue to work together within the many businesses we share. We ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this new chapter,' she said.

'Rodger is the president of her company, so they had to have hard conversations about their marriage and about the business that weighed on their relationship,' the source continued

The exes both co-founded Rachel Zoe Inc. and have appeared on television together for years, though, in their personal lives, they have not spent as much time together

'Also, the kids are older now, so they felt more comfortable separating because of that,' the source continued, referring to their sons Skyler, 13, and Kaius, 11

As the fashion designer adjusts to her newly single status, she has a great support system around her.

'Im surrounded by angel friends, she wrote via her Instagram Story on Tuesday, September 10, alongside a video showing several bouquets of flowers.

Among those who sent Zoe flowers one day after her divorce announcement were Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy and his wife, Serena Levy.

Parts of their marriage were documented on the Bravo reality series The Rachel Zoe Project, which aired from 2007 to 2013.

The two also appeared on Lifetime's Fashionably Late With Rachel Zoe, which lasted one season in 2015.
She spent the evening watching the Charli XCX x H&M London Fashion Week show.

Yet Lila Moss wasn't ready to call an end to her night as she headed to the Chiltern Firehouse with her boyfriend Yoni Helbitz and a star-studded crowd on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old model looked incredible in a glittering gold H&M mini dress that skimmed over her lithe figure.

She put her tanned and toned pins on display in the garment, while a pair of black slingback heels gave her frame a boost.

Lila finished off the look with a dainty gold necklace as she sauntered into the celebrity hotspot with her partner.

She spent the evening out for LFW. Yet Lila Moss wasn't ready to call an end to her night as she headed to the Chiltern Firehouse with her boyfriend Yoni Helbitz on Wednesday

The 21-year-old model looked incredible in a glittering gold mini dress that skimmed over her lithe figure

Also enjoying a night on the town was Ellie Goulding, who looked effortlessly stylish in a pair of black leather trousers that she paired with a blazer and T-shirt.

Louise Redknapp seemed in good spirits as she strutted into the venue in towering platform boots.

She flashed a glimpse of her toned midriff in a black crop top that she paired with high-waisted trousers and a khaki bomber jacket.

Romeo Beckham was also enjoying a night on the town and looked stylish in a white T-shirt that he paired with a black leather jacket and cropped trousers.

The stars all seemed in good spirits as they enjoyed their night out, with Lila and Yoni later seen clambering into a taxi home with friends.

Lila and Yoni, 23, who have been dating for roughly a year, looked stronger than ever on their fun-filled European getaway.

Lila is the daughter of Kate and Dazed Media CEO Jefferson Hack, 52, who Kate was in a relationship with in the early 2000s.

In August 2023, MailOnline exclusively revealed that Lila's boyfriend was Yoni, with the pair seen out in London frequently together over the past few months.

She put her tanned and toned pins on display in the garment, while a pair of black slingback heels gave her frame a boost

Lila finished off the look with a dainty gold necklace as she sauntered into the celebrity hotspot with her partner

Lila posed for a sweet snap with queen supermodel Naomi Campbell

She also posed with pal Iris Law who looked chic in a beige strapless dress and nude knee high leather boots

Naomi also posed with DJ and radio presenter Benji B

The stars all seemed in good spirits as they enjoyed their night out, with Lila and Yoni later seen clambering into a taxi home with friends

The group were chatting away as they headed home after their big night out

Also enjoying a night on the town was Ellie Goulding, who looked effortlessly stylish in a pair of black leather trousers that she paired with a blazer and T-shirt

She donned a pair of chunky biker style boots for her night out on the town

She looked ready for bed when she headed home after her fun night out

Louise Redknapp seemed in good spirits as she strutted into the venue in towering platform boots

She flashed a glimpse of her toned midriff in a black crop top that she paired with high-waisted trousers and a khaki bomber jacket

A source confirmed the couple, who were first pictured together as friends two years ago, have been dating for around a year.

Yoni's official job title is e-commerce coordinator/ fashion marketer for fashion brand Self Portrait.

Before that, he worked as an e-commerce co-ordinator for James Lakeland Ltd and he also had a six months stint as an estate agent.

The happy couple had kept their romance relatively under wraps, yet Instagram posts by Yoni reveal they have been enjoying each other's company for quite some time.

The fashion marketer's page features several snaps of himself enjoying dinner dates and days out with Lila amid their blossoming romance.

Though Yoni is happy to share images of his famous girlfriend on social media, Lila keeps her page relatively professional.

Lila's modelling career is flourishing, and her latest high profile shoot with Interview Magazine in April sees the rising star in a series of edgy looks.

Lila's friend, influencer Devon Lee Carlson, interviewed her for the piece, and was keen to know if she always wanted to follow her mother into fashion.

'I used to want to be a teacher. Being around children makes you more fun and silly,' Lila confessed.

Romeo Beckham was also enjoying a night on the town and looked stylish in a white T-shirt that he paired with a black leather jacket and cropped trousers

Vas J Morgan donned a plaid suit which featured quirky cut outs on her trousers

While she was keen on taking a different path in her career, Lila admitted she has had a love of fashion since she was tiny, recalling how she and her school friends used to create their own magazines for her mum Kate.

'Me and Iris would make magazines together. I was always into it. Wed dress up, do a photo shoot, put it together in a Word document, and print it,' she laughed.

Emulating her father, Dazed & Confused publisher Jefferson Hack, Lila added: 'Actually, we made it to give to my mom for her birthday. So theres a copy somewhere.'

And Lila had the perfect closet to raid to inspire her, as she added: 'I was always dressing up in my moms closet.'

'I also looked up to my mom in the sense that Id want her black vests from Saint Laurent, or Id wear black leggings and all black and gray. I was so particular from day one.'

'We were actually talking yesterday, me and my mom, about how all the arguments we had when I was younger were about clothes and me not wanting to wear white socks.'

Lila has long been compared to her famous mother with their similar striking looks and slender frames.

And she is certainly discovering it pays to resemble one of the world's biggest supermodels as she has nearly tripled her earnings in one year.

Accounts for Lila's own company Grace Grove Ltd, published recently, reveal her pay check jumped from 129,458 in 2022 to 359,433 in 2023.

It is is evidence of a very successful year for Lila after she fronted campaigns for the likes of Pepe Jeans, an international denim brand based on Portobello Road in Notting Hill.
Bella Hadid dressed the part of a stylish Western girlfriend on Thursday as she donned a dark cowboy hat while enjoying a date night in NYC with boyfriend Adan Banuelos.

The supermodel, 27, put on a busty display in a plunging yellow tassel crop top, teamed with black low-rise leather trousers.

Bella, who went public with her romance last year, boosted her height in cowboy boots and accessorised with a chunky brown belt.

She couldn't contain her smile as she left Ludlow House hand-in-hand with her cowboy boyfriend, 35, after sharing a passionate kiss inside.

Earlier in the evening, the pair attended the Kemo Sabe pop-up event in the West Village.

Bella Hadid dressed the part of a stylish Western girlfriend on Thursday as she donned a dark cowboy hat while enjoying a date night in NYC with boyfriend Adan Banuelos

She couldn't contain her smile as she left Ludlow House hand-in-hand with her cowboy boyfriend, 35, after sharing a passionate kiss inside

Bella looked sensational in a black satin top, teamed with jeans and brown fringe chaps.

This isn't the first time to two have brought a bit of the cowboy lifestyle to Manhattan.

On Wednesday, the couple enjoyed a date night out dressed once again like they'd just stepped off the ranch.

The couple met up with friends at Zero Bond, a members-only club situated at the corner of Broadway and Bond Street in the NoHo neighborhood of the Big Apple.

Adan is a wildly successful rodeo star and equestrian champion who just happens to be a National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Famer.

The pair first started stirring up dating rumors when they were seen kissing and holding hands together in Fort Worth, Texas in October 2023 by TMZ.

Hadid has since moved to Fort Worth at least part-time, to be closer to her man, according to the 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 next month.

The supermodel, 27, put on a busty display in a plunging yellow tassel crop top, teamed with black low-rise leather trousers

Bella, who went public with her romance last year, boosted her height in cowboy boots and accessorised with a chunky brown belt

Earlier in the evening, the pair attended the Kemo Sabe pop-up event in the West Village

Bella looked sensational in a black satin top, teamed with jeans and brown fringe chaps

Adam donned a black shirt and blue jeans for the outing

The pair first started stirring up dating rumors when they were seen kissing and holding hands together in Fort Worth, Texas in October 2023 by TMZ

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

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.
Kate Hudson looked as glamorous as ever as she chatted to equally stunning Kaia Gerber at the Shell premiere after party during the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday.

After earlier dazzling on the red carpet, the Hollywood actress, 45, kicked back with a cocktail as she joined the supermodel, 23, on the sofa at the bash.

The ladies were seen in deep conversation as they sipped on their beverages while catching up during the event.

The pair both opted to keep on the fabulous frocks from earlier that day, with Kate wowing in her pink peplum number, while Kaia sizzled in her skintight white dress.

Kate looked in good spirits as she sat close to Kaia, amid news she's providing a shoulder to cry on for Dave Grohl's wife amid news of his lovechild scandal.

Kate Hudson looked as glamorous as ever as she chatted to equally stunning Kaia Gerber at the Shell premiere after party during the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday

Kate looked in good spirits as she sat close to Kaia, amid news she's providing a shoulder to cry on for Dave Grohl's wife amid news of his lovechild scandal [Dave Grohl and Jordyn Blum pictured in 2016]

The Foo Fighter's front man, 55, made the bombshell admission in a statement posted to his Instagram on Tuesday, in which he told fans he plans to be a 'loving and supportive parent' to his new daughter.

Following his confession, and amid rumors he has already hired a divorce attorney, Blum, 48, has turned to her close friend, Hollywood A lister Kate, who was reportedly 'disgusted' when she learned the news.

'Jordyn is getting major support from one of her besties - Kate Hudson,' a source told DailyMail.com exclusively.

'She was surprised and disgusted that at Dave's age he's still cheating on not only Jordyn, but their girls too.'

They added that since Grohls affair and baby news broke, Hudson, 45, has been consoling Blum, who shares daughters Violet, 18, Harper, 15, and Ophelia, 10, with the musician.

'[She even sent] her a huge basket of balloons with personalized phrases on them including "Stay Strong,"' the source revealed.

'Kate told Jordyn shes there for her 24/7 and not to hesitate to pick up the phone even if its for a good cry or if she needs her to come over for a hug and a heart to heart.

'Kate would stay with her in a heartbeat if she asked.'

After earlier dazzling on the red carpet , the Hollywood actress, 45, kicked back with a cocktail as she joined the supermodel, 23, on the sofa at the bash

The ladies were seen in deep conversation as they sipped on their beverages while catching up during the event

The pair both opted to keep on the fabulous frocks from earlier that day, with Kate wowing in her pink peplum number, while Kaia sizzled in her skintight white dress

Kaia and Kate were as thick as thieves amid the after party for their new movie Shell

Earlier on Thursday, the film star and the model turned heads on the red carpet at the glitzy premiere of new movie Shell

Blum and Hudson have been private about their friendship, often attending the same events but are rarely pictured together - although the duo follow each other on social media.

They were joined by Grohl and Leslie Mann at the Adidas Stella McCartney Party in Los Angeles back in February 2023, with the quartet posing for a group picture.

It is unclear when they first became friends, but Hudson, who starred alongside Matthew McConaughey in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, previously dated fellow rocker, Muse front man Matt Bellamy, from 2010 to 2014.

The exes share a son, Bingham, 13.

Grohl, who met ex-model Blum in 2001 before tying the knot in 2003, shocked fans when he revealed he has fathered a fourth daughter with an undisclosed woman.

'I've recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage,' he wrote in a statement on Tuesday, shattering his image as Rock's Mr. Nice Guy.

'Jordyn is getting major support from one of her besties - Kate Hudson,' a source told DailyMail.com exclusively. 'She was surprised and disgusted that at Dave's age he's still cheating on not only Jordyn, but their girls too' [Jordyn and Dave in 2013]

Blum and Grohl joined Hudson and Leslie Mann at the Adidas Stella McCartney Party in Los Angeles back in February 2023 (pictured)

The now estranged couple were then pictured at Wimbledon in July, with resurfaced clips showing a dismissive Grohl offering gruff, clipped responses to reporters

Grohl made the bombshell admission in a statement posted to his Instagram on Tuesday, in which he told fans he plans to be a 'loving and supportive parent' to his new daughter

An Instagram post claiming to be his newborn daughter, called Roxie Junie Grohl went viral, but a representative for Grohl later told TMZ it is fake

'I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her.

'I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness. We're grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together.'

On Wednesday, a since-deleted Instagram post by user @valeriegreyston featuring a picture of a baby allegedly called 'Roxie Junie Grohl' - which the user claimed is Grohls daughter - went viral.

However, a representative for the former Nirvana drummer told TMZ that it is fake.
She instantly became a pop culture icon after bursting into the public eye as loudmouthed Page 3 girl, Jordan.

Having tried her hand at modelling, singing, presenting, campaigning and reality TV, the glamour model quickly became a household name in Britain.

Yet while Katie Price's moniker will ring a bell for both young and old, you would be forgiven for not recognising the star on sight alone, with Katie famously undergoing numerous cosmetic procedures over the years.

After two decades in the spotlight, Katie is almost unrecognisable from the naturally pretty teenager who burst on to the modelling scene at the age of 16, with her natural curls and fresh-faced beauty winning her an army of fans.

Katie, now 46, has undergone an array of procedures over the years, including rhinoplasty, a silhouette facelift, 3D, veneers, lip fillers and Botox, culminating in her first facelift in 2017.

Now, after two decades under the surgeon's scalpel, MailOnline takes a look at the many faces of Katie Price.

The many faces of Katie Price: MailOnline takes a look at the star's changing look after two decades of boob jobs, Botox and face lifts

1995 - Barefaced beauty

At the age of 17, Katie Price was a fresh-faced natural beauty looking to make it into the world of glamour modelling.

At a friend's suggestion, the teenager had professional photographs taken and was quickly snapped up by a modelling agency who landed her a Page 3 slot in The Sun newspaper the following year, sparking the creation of her glamour model alter ego, Jordan.

Speaking last year, Katie revealed she was glad that she wasn't exposed to social media at the time as she had 'no idea what Botox was or fillers', otherwise she may have started her tweaks and enhancements at an even earlier age.

1995: At the age of 17, Katie Price was a fresh-faced natural beauty looking to make it into the world of glamour modelling

1998 - First boob job

Having just turned 20, the rising glamour model experienced her first taste of cosmetic surgery, boosting her 32B cup breasts to a 32C.

The procedure cost 4,500 and it's thought her mum Amy and stepdad Paul helped pay for her to have the procedure.

Katie has since spoken out about her decision to go under the knife, admitting she was 'too young' and that she feels sorry for young girls growing up these days in a world of social media and filters.

1998: Having just turned 20, Katie experienced her first taste of cosmetic surgery, boosting her 32B cup breasts to a 32C

1999 - Second and third boob job

Despite having only just increased her breast size, Katie opted to have two more procedures the following year at the age of 21.

Katie boosted her bust from a C cup to a D cup and just a few months later went up again to a F cup.

Katie has previously claimed that she has only paid for two of her boob jobs over the course of her career - it is not known if these were the ones.

1999: Despite having only just increased her breast size, Katie opted to have two more procedures at the age of 21

2001 - Lip fillers

At the age of 21, Katie had her first cosmetic procedure on her face, opting for lip fillers.

While the glamour model did not confirm the rumours at the time, she was seen sporting a noticeably fuller pout while out enjoying the party scene.

Her overall look had also started drastically transforming, with the model sporting dramatic false lashes, bright lipstick and pale hair extensions.

2001: At the age of 21, Katie had her first cosmetic procedure on her face, opting for lip fillers

2004 - Botox

Aged 26, Katie began to experiment with Botox injections that relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines and wrinkles.

She made no secret of her love of the procedure, announcing at the time: 'I get my forehead and around my eyes Botoxed every six months and I love it. You can't beat it. It just freezes all the wrinkles and that's what you want.'

At the time, Katie insisted she would never take things further and have a facelift, explaining: 'I'd never have a full facelift. I've seen what they can do to people and I don't want to go through that.'

2004: Aged 26, Katie began to experiment with Botox injections that relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines

2006 - Fourth boob job

Katie went under the knife yet again to take her F cup breasts up to a G cup.

The glamour model also played around with her overall look and embraced her dark side with a new brunette hairstyle.

She also continued to dabble with fillers and Botox.

2006: Katie went under the knife yet again to take her F cup breasts up to a G cup

2007 - First nose job and veneers

At the age of 29, Katie took her love of surgery to the next level, undergoing rhinoplasty, a chemical peel and treating herself to a 25,000 set of new veneers.

'Oh my God, it burned like hell!' she said at the time. 'The next day I had this hideous red rash on my chin but two days later there wasn't a single spot left.'

Speaking about her nose job at the time, she admitted to liking her original nose, explaining: 'I liked my nose before and now. If I had a cupboard with both noses, I would alternate between them!'

2007:Katie took her love of surgery to the next level, undergoing rhinoplasty, a chemical peel and a 25,000 set of veneers

2008 - Fifth boob job

Despite gradually increasingly her bust size over the year, Katie fancied a change on her 30th and brought her bra size back down from an F cup to a C cup.

The procedure meant that Katie had returned to the size of her first boob job 10 years prior.

Katie's changing shape also coincided with the launch of her first clothing line - an equestrian range.

2008: Despite gradually increasingly her bust size, Katie fancied a change and brought her bra size back down to a C cup

2011 - Sixth boob job

Katie's smaller chest didn't last long, and at age 33 she went back under the knife again to boost her bust to an F cup.

Katie also underwent body-contouring treatment and cheek and lip fillers.

The Loose Women panelist admitted that she loved having her cheeks filled to give her a 'plumper, more youthful look'.

2011: Katie's smaller chest didn't last long, and at age 33 she went back under the knife again to boost her bust to an F cup

2015 - Seventh and eighth boob job

Just before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, the reality star had a botched boob reduction that left her with a hole in her breast and an implant protruding from her flesh.

Katie told her shocked housemates: 'Ive got no tits anymore. Theyve gone. Theres not even anything there. If you saw what Im like underneath. The scars gone septic. My whole implant was hanging out on New Years Day.'

Shortly after leaving the Big Brother house she underwent corrective surgery and had her implants swapped for a D-cup.

2015: Just before Celebrity Big Brother, the star had a botched boob reduction that left her with a hole in her breast

2016 - Ninth boob job and tattooed makeup

Despite her surgery horror the year before, Katie was undeterred and flew to a Brussels clinic to go under the knife yet again, this time settling on a 32GG bust.

The reality star also had her eyebrows and lips tattooed, also known as 'permanent make-up', explaining that she prefers to go make-up free on a day-to-day basis.

Additionally the star has regular facial treatments, last year sharing a bloodied selfie after having a dermal roller micro-needling treatment, which sees a dermaroller with many tiny needles rolled across into the skin - designed to stimulate cells into regeneration.

2016: Despite her surgery horror the year before, Katie flew to a Brussels clinic to get another boob job, this time a 32GG cup

2017 - First face lift, new veneers and 10th boob job

Despite insisting she would never have a face lift and could rely on Botox, Katie went back on her word undergoing a 'Silhouette' face lift.

The procedure is designed to lift a sagging cheeks and blurred jawline, using 'sutures' implanted under the skin to sculpt features.

However, Katie was soon spotted with puffy features, revealing that she suffered an allergic reaction to anesthetic penicillin after having further work on her veneers. She also had her breast implants reduced from 1000ml implants to 795ml.

2017: Despite insisting she would never have a face lift and could rely on Botox, Katie went back on her word

2018 - Second face lift

Katie claimed her first face lift had been a botched job and went back under the knife the following year aged 40 to correct it.

She said at the time 'I need to get my face re-corrected after surgeon has totally f**ked my face up', admitting it had

He agent added: 'She had the thread and it really quite distorted her look. She got a lot of backlash, a lot of negative press, a lot of trolling, everyone saying shed taken it too far, when actually it was a job that had not gone to plan.'

2018: Katie claimed her first face lift had been a botched job and went back under the knife the following year aged 40

2019 - Third face lift, boob job first Brazilian bum lift and 11th boob job

Katie jetted to Turkey to overhaul her entire look with a full body transformation.

The reality star opted for a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift along with a tummy tuck.

Just three months later she returned to the clinic and opted for another boob job, going back down to a D cup.

2019: Katie jetted to Turkey to overhaul her look with a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift along with a tummy tuck

2020 - 12th boob job and another set of veneers

Katie returned to Turkey to have another set of veneers and revealed her real teeth had been reduced to stubs as she flashed a smile on her YouTube channel.

The mother-of-five then jetted to Belgium to correct botched surgery on her breasts, saying her surgeon was utterly shocked by the 'awful' previous procedure.

Katie said: 'They looked deformed, they were absolutely awful. That's the first time I've gone to a different surgeon. I had to go back to Frank with my head down, ashamed that I'd been to another clinic.'

2020: Katie returned to Turkey to have another set of veneers then jetted to Belgium to correct a botched boob job

2021 - Liposuction, eye and lid lifts and 13th boob job

Amid the Covid pandemic, Katie jetted off to then red-list Turkey for a complete cosmetic surgery overhaul, undergoing full body liposuction, eye and lip lifts, liposuction under her chin, and fat injected into her bum.

The reality star also visited Belgium to have her 13th boob job as well as full body liposuction with bum fat removal.

The plastic surgery - performed by Dr Frank Plovier - came just five days ahead of the glamour model's sentencing for her shocking drink-drive crash.

2021: Katie jetted to Turkey for a complete cosmetic surgery overhaul, undergoing full body liposuction, eye and lip lifts

2022 - Another brow and eye lift

Katie secretly jetted back to Belgium at the beginning of 2022 for an eye and brow lift and had been concealing her new look with her head in a bandage.

Dr Judy Todd, an aesthetic doctor at Clinica Medica in Glasgow, said: 'It appears like she's had a face lift, temporal brow lift, and possibly an upper blepharoplasty.'

It was reported last month that Katie plans to travel to Turkey imminently for yet more plastic surgery, amid claims she wanted to get some tweaks in after being unhappy with her latest work.

Sian Dellar, Brow Specialist and Founder of Sian Dellar Permanent Makeup Clinic, added: 'Katie's eyebrows, like the rest of her, have changed lots over the years!

'Back in the 90s she had a very thin over plucked brow which was the fashion at the time, and today she has an extremely thick and unnatural looking brow.

'Currently it seems the face or eye lift that shes had have pulled her brows outward which looks unnatural and makes the brows appear almost stretched.

'Of course, as with any enhancement, its personal preference but we recommend not going too many shades darker, and keeping the shape as natural looking as possible and work to create or enhance brows to frame the face.

'Katies choice to have them so thick and dark and in that unusual positioning means they dominate her face and are the first thing the eye is drawn to. I would love to see Katie take her brows back to 2015/2016 when the fuller brow became a big trend. She got it right then and they framed her face well.'

2022: Katie secretly jetted back to Belgium for an eye and brow lift and is planning to to travel to Turkey for more surgery

2023 - 16th and 'biggest ever' boob job

It's not clear if Katie lost track of the number of breast augmentations or opted to keep some of her surgery private but by 2023 it emerged she'd undergone her 16th boob job, two years after claiming to be on her 13th.

The star went under the knife in a bid to have the 'biggest in Britain' and was subsequently pictured being wheeled into surgery at the Be Clinic in Belgium.

She is said to have wanted even bigger breasts, opting for 2120 CC implants in a bid to boost her already large bust size.

Katie told OK! magazine of her boobs: 'I love them. They healed really quickly and they didn't hurt at all. That probably doesn't help. Because I heal quickly, it doesn't put me off and I have more.

'I would go bigger as well  and I will eventually. I just love having big boobs and a small body. I've always loved that look. In my eyes, if I'm having a boob job, I want them to look fake, I don't want them to look natural. I don't like the natural look.

'I just like that old-school American Playboy pin-up look. When I have surgery, that is what I'm striving for. If I could look like my airbrushed pictures, that would be amazing. But that's impossible to achieve.'

2023: It's not clear if Katie lost track of the number of breast augmentations or opted to keep some of her surgery private but by 2023 it emerged she'd undergone her 16th boob job, two years after claiming to be on her 13th

2024 - MORE facial surgery

In July 2024 Katie confirmed she is travelling to Turkey for facial surgery, to be filmed for a new documentary, after failing to attend a bankruptcy hearing.

The former glamour model was absent at a scheduled 760,000 bankruptcy court hearing having flown overseas for her latest cosmetic procedure.

A warrant was subsequently issued, with Katie admitting she's 'doing the best she can' to rectify her financial issues after receiving 'very clear warnings' that she needed to attend court.
Megan Fox stripped off for a racy sex scene as she starred as a seductive evil robot for her new movie.

The actress, 38, plays a robot called Alice in the sci-fi thriller Subservience and stripped off in a set of jaw-dropping scenes.

The Jennifer's Body star showed off her incredible figure as her character removed her clothes and bared almost all in a tiny black underwear set for co-star Michele Morrone.

The pair are seen kissing and then Megan appears braless as the pair go at it in a steamy shot from the brand new film.

In the film, Michele, 33, stars as struggling father Nick who buys the robot to help out around the house while his wife is ill.

Megan Fox sizzled in a racy sex scene from her new movie as a sexy seductive robot called Alice in the sci-fi thriller Subservience

The actress, 38, plays a robot called Alice in the sci-fi thriller Subservience and stripped off in a set of jaw-dropping scenes

But things take an unexpected turn when Alice becomes hellbent on the idea of getting her claws into Nick.

Viewers will know Michele from Netflix drama 356 Days, and may also be aware of his real-life dalliance with reality star Khloe Kardashian.

Meanwhile, Megan has been a mainstay in Hollywood for almost 20 years, and got her big break as Mikaela Banes in the Transformers series in 2007.

She was initially married to 90210 star Brian Austin Green from 2010 until 2021 but has been engaged to rapper Machine Gun Kelly since 2022.

The actress took a break from film following Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows in 2016 but has been back on the scene since 2019.

Megan's new movie also stars Madeline Zima (The Nanny, A Cinderella Story, Twin Peaks: The Return).

In the trailer, Fox plays one of many conservatively-dressed robots in a showroom, where a voice says she's 'the most sophisticated AI on the planet.'

'Suffering is not productive, Nick. I can help you,' Alice tells him in a private moment before undoing his belt.

As Nick tries to break off their secret tryst, Alice tries to move in on Maggie's position as woman of the house.

Things take an unexpected turn when Alice becomes hellbent on the idea of getting her claws into Nick

'Alice suddenly becomes self-aware and wants everything her new family has to offer, starting with the affection of her owner  and shell kill to get it'

The movie also stars Madeline Zima (The Nanny, A Cinderella Story, Twin Peaks: The Return)

In the trailer, Fox plays one of many conservatively-dressed robots in a showroom, where a voice says she's 'the most sophisticated AI on the planet.'

Meanwhile, her fellow robots start rebelling as well during some high-octane fighting and action sequences.

The trailer comes after Fox appeared in partner Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll's music video for 'Lonely Road', sporting a baby bump.

After the appearance fueled speculation that the couple is expecting a baby, insiders have since revealed they are not pregnant.

'Although they have discussed having a baby, this was just for MGK's music video,' a source has since told Us Weekly.

In November, Fox revealed they previously suffered the loss of her pregnancy with a baby girl at 10 weeks, writing about it in her poetry book Pretty Boys Are Poisonous.

Fox confirmed in March on the Call Her Daddy podcast that she and MGK ended their engagement.

The pair later sparked rumors of reconciliation when they were spotted dancing together at Stagecoach Festival in April.

Megan was initially married to 90210 star Brian Austin Green from 2010 until 2021 but has been engaged to rapper Machine Gun Kelly since 2022

Megan makes an appearance in the MGK's video where her character is visibly pregnant until the very end when she is playing with a baby girl

In May, a source told Entertainment Tonight that they are 'taking things one day at a time' while attending couple's therapy together.

'They are continuing to go to therapy, be fully transparent with each other about their feelings, and have consistent communication,' the insider said.

'They have dealt with some trust issues, but are both making a continual effort to stay committed to their mutual end goal of being together forever.'

They said that Fox and MGK 'are also respecting each other's space when needed, which is key for them during this time.'

The source added, 'Overall, they're doing their best to make things work and keeping their kids in mind as well.'

Fox and MGK made their relationship public in June 2020, shortly after starring together in Midnight in the Switchgrass, as well as MGK's 'Bloody Valentine' video.

They announced their engagement in January 2012.
Chris Hemsworth jokingly poked fun at his sons' haircuts on an episode of The Project on Friday.

The actor left his his Transformers One co-star Brian Tyree Henry amused when he revealed how the 'dos came to be.

Chris was referring to the cringe haircuts his ten-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan were seen with earlier this year, after his attempts at being a barber failed.

'I cut the hair like that, under strict instructions, but my other son did it himself' the Thor star said laughingly.

'He had a comb in his pocket and made it look like that and you were like, "did you use a bowl?"' he said to Brian.

The Marvel actor, 41, was being interviewed by 15-year-old Boy Swallows Universe star Felix Cameron.

Felix told Chris that his long hair was 'starting to get in the way' and asked him if he had any tips on how to style his locks to be more attractive to women.

'Have you seen my sons' haircuts? They had a bowl over their head and used it to help them cut it!' Chris joked.

Chris Hemsworth jokingly poked fun at his sons' haircuts on an episode of The Project on Friday. The actor left his his Transformers One co-star Brian Tyree Henry amused when he revealed how the 'dos came to be. Both pictured

Chris was referring to the cringe haircuts his ten-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan were seen with earlier this year, after his attempts at being a barber failed. Both pictured

'I could cut your hair, or my kids could! We would have a hell of a time.'

'Curls get the girls, so stay away from me,' Brian told Chris.

Felix also said he was looking to 'bulk up' and asked the super-fit action star for some advice, and Chris told him he could work with him to develop an effective exercise routine.

'What's your training program? You look like you're on the right path, just keep doing what you're doing,' Chris told the youngster.

It comes after Chris shocked the cast of The Project on Wednesday after he made a racy admission about his new movie Transformers One.

The Melbourne-born actor was discussing his voice role as main character Optimus Prime when he made a very surprising confession.

The Marvel actor, 41, was being interviewed by 15-year-old Boy Swallows Universe star Felix Cameron (pictured)

'This is the first animated film you have done. It almost seems a crime to keep your face off the screen, did anything surprise you about the role?' co-host Sam Taunton asked.

'It was fun, I recorded it in my house so I could go down in my jocks and record most of this film. So when you watch this film, you can imagine that!' Chris said.

Chris' jaw-dropping confession shocked the entire Project cast, including a very flustered Sarah Harris, who asked if they had 'any vision' of it.

The Thor actor then joked that audiences should stay throughout the film's end credits to catch a glimpse of him in his underwear.
Courtney Love's shocking claim that Dave Grohl hit on her and Kurt Cobain's daughter Frances Bean at the age of 19 has gone viral.

It comes 12 years after the Foo Fighters frontman, 55, and Courtney's daughter, now 32, vehemently denied it.

Dave's past relationships have been coming under scrutiny after he shocked his fans by revealing that he had fathered a child outside of his marriage on Tuesday.

And now Courtney and Dave's very public feud has resurfaced, along with her comments about 'shooting him' for being a 'bad seed'.

Courtney branded Dave a 'bad seed' before accusing him of hitting on her then-19-year-old daughter Frances, which he has repeatedly denied.

Courtney Love's shocking claim that Dave Grohl hit on her and Kurt Cobain's daughter Frances Bean at the age of 19 has went viral

It comes 12 years after the Foo Fighters frontman, 55, and Courtney's daughter, now 32, (pictured with Courtney Love) vehemently denied it

The Hole vocalist wrote: 'Him I am about to shoot, dead.' Frances, who filed a restraining order against her mom in 2009, denied these claims.

She said: 'Her recent tirade has taken a gross turn. I have never been approached by Dave Grohl in more than a platonic way. I'm in a monogamous relationship and very happy. [] Twitter should ban my mother.'

MailOnline has contacted Dave's representatives for comment.

When Kurt died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 1994, the once-friendly relationship between Dave and Courtney quickly soured.

Their feud officially began five years after Kurt's death in 1999 when Dave brought up Courtney's songwriting abilities during an interview with Howard Stern.

Then, Courtney hit back at him and said she 'hated' him, adding, 'That stupid motherf***er. He knows exactly what I wrote, he knows exactly the input I had on [Nirvana's] third album. Kurt came [to the studio] to play with [Hole] more than he did with Nirvana because he liked us better.'

In the years following the interview, their hatred for each other only grew and Dave branded Courtney 'irrational, mercurial, self-centered, unmanageable, inconsistent and unpredictable' when she tried to block the release of You Know You Were Right, a song recorded just months before Kurt's death.

In 2021, Courtney once again brought their feud front and canter in a post that has since been deleted and accused Dave of 'gorging on Kurt's fortune and Kurt's goodwill.'

Courtney, who was married to Kurt Cobain from 1992 until his 1994 death, invoked the name of the late Nirvana front man.

Courtney previously spoke out against Nirvana drummer Dave, who she has an ugly 14-year feud with

In 1992, Courtney married Nirvana front man Kurt, and Dave was one of the eight people who attended

Dave's alleged relationship with the porn website founder Annaliese Neilsen has come under scrutiny following his admission Tuesday to cheating on his wife Jordyn Blum (L) and fathering a child with another woman; Grohl and Blum pictured in 2018 in Las Vegas

'People used to say that I was so difficult,' Love told the outlet. 'They said I was disagreeable. Yes, I am completely disagreeable and I'm never going to apologize for that. I always wanted to be known as a b****. Being liked was never my thing.

'Kurt wanted to be liked but not me. He was able to hide behind me, but then I got hated. Then Kurt died, and the hatred towards me reached a completely new level. I did not plan for that.'

It comes after Dave's allegedly close relationship with porn website founder Annaliese Neilsen has now come to light following a report from the New York Post .

Their unusual connection reportedly included Grohl visiting Neilsen (real name: Lara Neilsen) at a home she shared in Los Angeles ' Highland Park neighborhood, and a source even alleged that Grohl had paid some of Neilsen's bills at one point.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Grohl's representative for comment.

Neilsen is best known as the founder of the now-defunct alternative pornographic website God's Girls, which featured heavily tattooed models.

As of 2009, the site described itself as 'an alt porn/alt erotica site with a lot of really really amazing, 100 percent exclusive pictures  the ladies are very lovely and some of them have tattoos and piercings and rebellious haircuts,' according to Gawker , which dubbed Neilsen an 'alt porn goddess.'

When contacted by the Post, Neilsen said she was not the mother of Grohl's love child, and when asked if she had had an affair with the rocker, she said of Grohl: 'That is a person who I had a brief friendship with who I know through friends of friends.'

She added: 'I have nothing to say except for that is absolutely false.'

Despite her attempts to downplay her connection to the musician, another source, who said she met Neilsen at her Girls Night In networking group in 2016, claimed that she was more open about knowing Grohl.

'She had pictures  She [had a relationship] with him for years. She would say, "He paid for all my bills." Its like, why are you telling us this?' the anonymous source alleged.

The Post also quotes 30-year-old Tyler Ammons, who said he was once Neilsen's roommate.

Their unusual connection reportedly included Grohl visiting Neilsen (real name: Lara Neilsen) at a home she shared in Los Angeles' Highland Park neighborhood, and a source even alleged that Grohl had paid some of Neilsen's bills at one point

Neilsen denied being the mother of Grohl's child and said they only 'had a brief friendship,' but another source claimed she was vocal about being friends with the rocker and would show pictures of the two together

An anonymous source who said she met Neilsen at a networking event claimed she bragged about being friends with Grohl. She allegedly shared photos of him and said he paid some of her bills

He recounted one time he allegedly walked into the living room of the shared house back in 2018 and was shocked to see Grohl sitting on the sofa next to Neilsen.

'It was very weird. They were very close on the couch. I obviously knew who he was when I walked in.'

However, he claimed to be versed on Grohl's family situation at the time, which made him feel particularly awkward.

'I felt uncomfortable knowing he has family and children and I left,' Ammons said.

He went on to say Neilsen's relationship with Grohl was 'casually a thing' during his time living with her.

He added that she would allegedly take trips to see Grohl, and he claimed she said she planned to go on tour with the rocker in 2019, though it's unclear if she was part of Grohl's entourage at the time.

Grohl announced in a statement on social media that he had welcomed a daughter with an unnamed woman while vowing to try to 'regain [the] trust' of his wife Jordyn Blum, 48, and their three daughters.

'I've recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage. I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her,' Grohl announced to his 1.4 million followers on Instagram on Tuesday.

'I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness. We're grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together,' he concluded the brief post.

Grohl and Blum met in 2001 and have been married since 2003.

The couple share three daughters: Violet, 18; Harper, 15; and Ophelia, 10.

Following his announcement that he had fathered a child outside his marriage, his two older daughters both took down their social media accounts .

His admission about marital infidelity followed an admission to The Guardian in 2007 that he had also cheated on his first wife, Jennifer Leigh Youngblood.

The two married in 1994 but had separated by 1996, and they divorced the following year.

Grohl announced he had fathered a child outside his marriage on Tuesday. He and his wife Jordyn Blum share three daughters: Violet, 18; Harper, 15; and Ophelia, 10; pictured in 2023

In the same Guardian interview, Grohl said: '[My wife] Jordyn and [daughter] Violet are anchors that keep me from completely disappearing.'

Speaking to TIME in 2012, he said his family 'changed everything that I do.'

He added: 'It's changed everything that I do. When you have kids, you see life through different eyes. You feel love more deeply and are maybe a little more compassionate. It's inevitable that that would make its way into your songwriting.'

While little is publicly known about Blum, People reported she once appeared on the cover of Teen, after being discovered at a supermarket when she was 12.

She was reportedly working as a producer at MTV when she met the frontman.

But Grohl told Elle in 2007 that he was not ready for a serious relationship when they first met, and stopped calling Blum after a few dates.

He shared: 'After three months, I had a revelation and called her back. She picked up the phone and said, "Oh, I never thought I'd hear from you again."'

Blum has collaborated wit the Foo Fighters several times, including in the band's 2002 video White Limo, where she made an appearance.

She also co-directed the Foo Fighters 2002 Walking a Line music video.
Ashley Tisdale shared a behind-the-scenes look at the room, where she delivered her new baby Emerson Clover, in on Instagram.

The High School Musical star, 39, decorated her hospital room with candles to create a 'zen' vibe.

'@lbreggy made my labor a magical zen space again just like we did before. This time we had @beingfrenshe palo santo collection with us so we were the best smelling room,' she captioned the post tagging her doula and her own wellness brand.

In one picture, Ashley sat on a yoga ball with her legs spread preparing to welcome her new daughter.

She also shared the snaps to her Instagram Stories and revealed she had her hair blown out the night before she went into labor.

Ashley Tisdale shared a behind-the-scenes look at the room she delivered her new baby Emerson Clover in on Instagram

'@buddywporter did my blow out the night before my labor, I was like "I want to look good when this baby comes out,"' her caption began.

'But of course we never know how labor is gonna go and after having to do rotating positions to keep the babys heart rate up, I put my hair in a bun and then threw up on myself,' she continued alongside a laughing face emoji.

'So lets just be real and not try so hard sometimes lol,' she concluded.

She also shared photos of her husband Christopher French, 42 and doula Lori Bregman standing close by in case she needed any help.

Ashley and her husband also share three-year-old daughter Jupiter.

They welcomed the newest addition to their family on September 6 and shared a first look of her newborn baby in a joint social media post.

The actress took to Instagram to share a photo of her, her husband and their first child holding their newest family member's small and precious hand.

'All three of us are obsessed with you 9.6.24,' she penned alongside a four-leaf clover emoji in her short but sweet note.

The High School Musical star, 39, decorated her hospital room with candles to create a 'zen' vibe

'@lbreggy made my labor a magical zen space again just like we did before. This time we had @beingfrenshe palo santo collection with us so we were the best smelling room,' she captioned the post tagging her doula and her own wellness brand

'@buddywporter did my blow out the night before my labor, I was like "I want to look good when this baby comes out,"' her caption began

'But of course we never know how labor is gonna go and after having to do rotating positions to keep the babys heart rate up, I put my hair in a bun and then threw up on myself,' she continued alongside a laughing face emoji

'So lets just be real and not try so hard sometimes lol,' she concluded

She also shared photos of her husband Christopher French, 42 and doula Lori Bregman standing close by in case she needed any help

The arrival of the happy couple's newest family member comes after Tisdale made her pregnancy announcement back in March.

At the time, she shared on social media and revealed that she and French were expecting their second child together.

She shared the joyful news with snaps of herself showing off her baby bump while posing by a lemon tree at their Los Angeles home.

'We can't wait to meet you,' the star wrote in her caption.
Dick Strawbridge has revealed the one thing he was scared to ask his now wife, Angel on their first ever date 15 years ago.

The TV star, now 65, was 50 when the couple first met and he had two adult children, both then in their 20s, from his first marriage.

He said: 'When I met Angela (Angel's real name) I had been divorced and separated and I hadn't actually gone out for a date. The first date I ever went on was with Angela, after having been separated for six years.

'And I said OK. I didn't ask her age, because I'd always promised my daughter, I'd never go out with anybody younger than her.

'I can't actually guess what age girls are, so I had no idea. As it was, she is definitely a lot older than Charlotte, but I didn't know. So, I didn't ask. We go through life and we go on our path and we see what happens.'

Escape To The Chateau's Dick Strawbridge, 65, has revealed the question he was scared to ask wife Angel, 46, on their first date 15 years ago, (stock photo)

The TV star was 50 when the couple first met and had two adult children, both then in their 20s, from his first marriage

Dick and Angel, 46, found fame in the documentary series Escape To The Chateau, which ran from 2016 to 2022, and tracked their renovation of a run-down 19th century castle in rural France.

But speaking to Loose Women anchor Kaye Adams on her How to be 60 podcast, Dick admitted he tried to end the relationship soon after they met because he thought that the 19 year-age gap between them was too much.

He explained: 'We got to the stage really quite quickly where I said  we have to stop this. This is wonderful, I'm having a lot of fun. But you need to go and find a young man and go and do all the things that young people do.

'I'm thinking  is it fair? And she actually made the statement that she wanted to be with me.

'Now that was one of the biggest decisions of my life. Over 50, Angela was 20 years younger and what do we do? It did take me less than a second to say: 'what the hell, we're going to do it.; And that's the reason I'm living in a castle, with two lovely young kids.'

Dick, who has two adult children James, 40 and Charlotte, 38, from his first marriage and Arthur, 11, and Dorothy, 10, from his marriage to Angel, also revealed that the couple initially doubted whether Escape to the Chateau would actually make it to screen, because they were too positive about everything.

The first series followed Dick and Angel's quest to restore the derelict 45 room chateau from its uninhabitable state  nobody had lived there for the previous 40 years - by installing running water, heating and electricity

Dick, 65, and Angel, 46, found fame in the documentary series Escape to the Chateau, which tracked their renovation of a run-down 19th century castle in rural France

Dick and Angel doubted whether Escape To The Chateau would actually make it to screen, because they were too positive about everything

Dick, who has two adult children James, 40 and Charlotte, 38, from his first marriage, also has Arthur, 11, and Dorothy, 10, from his marriage to Angel, (pictured)

Dick was also insistent that himself and Angel wanted to be completely honest about what they put on screen and admits he was concerned about their 19-yea age gap when they met

Dick's first marriage was to Bridget A. Weiner in 1982. They separated in 2010

'We kept telling people whenever they were trying to make out  oh if this goes wrong, is this the end of Dick and Angel's French dream?

'People were trying to make us decide what to do.

'Quite honestly you can't put that on television because it's not true, because if we have a problem, we'll fix it and we'll go on to the next bit. That was our mindset.'

The couple now rent out the chateau as a wedding and events venue and are currently on a nationwide UK speaking tour.
Mrs Hinch sobbed on her social media stories on Friday as she appealed to her fanbase for support during her ongoing battle with grief after losing her father.

Sophie Hinchcliffe, a cleaning influencer, took a hiatus from posting online after her father Alan died in April.

Only last month did she return to her platform to talk to her 4.8million followers about her grief.

She said: 'When youve been through something like this, its a bit like an out of body experience.

'The world looks different, feels different, smells different, just everything is different,' she said in her stories in August.

Mrs Hinch, a cleaning influencer, admitted to her 4.8 million followers on Instagram on Friday how she was struggling with grief after her father's sudden passing back in April

Sophie needed a tissue to dry her tears as she addressed her followers

Sophie, 34, announced her father's death on Instagram in May, writing that he 'passed suddenly but so peacefully whilst he slept.

'My life, our whole world, has been turned upside down. A deep unimaginable pain I cannot put into words.'

Sophie continues to struggle with her grief as she told her fans: 'I thought I was doing alright or managing a bit yesterday.

'And then I had a dream last night... I don't understand how we have this grief that is with us all the time but when you try and do better you're sort of knocked back on the floor again.'

'I really want to do better but I can't. I don't know if anyone's got any advice on starting again every few days it seems.'

Mrs Hinch is best known for her cleaning tips and organisational hacks and she discovered her passion for all things DIY through Alan.

As a child she would watch New Yankees Workshop with her father and the pair would dream of having a similar workshop themselves.

Then, when the family moved in 2021, Sophie surprised him with his own dedicated space and tools after he retired - something he had wanted 'since he was a little boy'.

Describing the workshop as the 'most emotional part of the house', Alan created his own workshop bench and stool and the pair pinned up a whiteboard to write out their upcoming projects.

Sophie ordered all her dads favourite tools for the workshop and shared her excitement to upcycle as much as she could alongside her father.

She wrote: 'I just can't wait for us to upcycle and make things in here together. Dad has worked so hard his whole life to look after us all and I felt like I could finally give him something back.'

When the star initially introduced her followers to her father's workshop in 2022, she shared a snap of its front door and penned: 'I'm so proud of my dad. The start of many projects together in Grandad's workshop!'

The influencer got a tattoo in her late father's handwriting in memory of him in August.

She shared a selection of photos including one of her two boys and one of her new ink on her forearm.

She wrote in the caption: 'Explaining to your children, that their loved one is never coming back, is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life.

'Life has certainly changed forever but as parents we find that fight to get up, to walk, talk and just try to smile through the rollercoaster that is grief. If you too are facing this right now Im sending all my love.'

Mrs Hinch got a tattoo of her late father's handwriting to remember him by

Picctured with her father Alan in a sweet throwback photo
Richard Hammond has wasted no time in announcing an 'exciting' new project after his Amazon Prime show with Jeremy Clarkson and James May ended.

The presenter, 54, brought close to his long-standing TV partnership with his fellow 'petrol-heads' on Friday with the release of One For The Road.

But just hours later he revealed he already had something new in the pipeline with his restoration company, The Smallest Cog.

Sharing a photo to Instagram, Richard wrote: 'Its an end of a era. BUT the start of something exciting, we dont just have 1 but 2 of the latest The Grand Tour cars!

'We are so excited to start work on these icons, keeping their special memories but getting them back to a usable working order to be enjoyed.'

Richard Hammond has wasted no time in announcing an 'exciting' new project after his Amazon Prime show with Jeremy Clarkson and James May ended

The presenter, 54, brought close to his long-standing TV partnership with his fellow 'petrol-heads' on Friday with the release of One For The Road

Richard founded The Smallest Cog in 2021, with the company featuring in his Discovery+ series Richard Hammond's Workshop.

Last week, Richard said he was getting ready to 'wake up and cry every day' as he prepares to bid goodbye to his partnership with Jeremy and James.

Speaking on Monday's This Morning ahead of the final episode, Richard admitted he was 'struggling to get his head around' the end.

Joining hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, he recalled his career on Top Gear and said: 'It went berserk and we didn't know it would go out of control. It feels really weird I can't get my head round it.

'I've been doing this for 22 years because of that partnership. I'll be forever grateful to Jeremy and James.'

Richard continued: 'It's not sunk in yet. I reckon six months from now I'll wake up every morning and cry.

'When I got the job, I was 31, I burst out crying when they called. I said to my wife, "this is going to change everything," and it did.'

For their last adventure, viewers see Jeremy, Richard, and James ignore Mr Wilman's instructions and head to Zimbabwe in three cars theyve always wanted to own.

But just hours later he revealed he already had something new in the pipeline with his restoration company, The Smallest Cog

The final ever episode sees the trio traverse the width of Zimbabwe in three cars, all unfit for the task, as they say goodbye on a high

The trio will embark on a stunning road trip through beautiful, challenging landscapes in a Lancia Montecarlo, a Ford Capri 3-litre, and a Triumph Stag before finishing the episode with an emotional ending on a strangely familiar island.

Long-time producer Andy Wilman told the Edinburgh TV Festival that filming the episode was 'quite weepy' and 'quite heart-stringy'.

Asked why the trio had decided to bring to a close the global phenomenon, Wilman said: 'We are getting to the point where enough is enough. On top of that, there is the sense that we want to end things on our own terms. It had to come to an end and we wanted to be the ones who called it.'

They shot the last episode in September last year. It will see the hosts return to Kubu Island, Botswana, which was the location of their first ever special. Wilman described the episode as "deliberately gentle" as the three stars wanted to go back to basics.
Eric Roberts has made a public apology to his superstar sister Julia Roberts after he previously took credit for her success in Hollywood.

The actor, 68, chose to speak up in his new memoir, Runaway Train: Or, the Story of My Life So Far, in which he also recalled how his decision to falsely claim their mother had died was the 'great undoing' of their relationship.

It comes years after Eric took credit for the successful career of his sister, 56, and also his daughter, Scream Queens star Emma Roberts, 33.

'If it wasnt for me, there would be no Julia Roberts and no Emma Roberts as celebrities, as actresses, and Im very proud of that,' he told Vanity Fair in 2018.

'When Julia first came to New York, I went into William Morris and I said, "Which one of you is going to sign my sister Julia?"'

Eric Roberts has made a public apology to his superstar sister Julia Roberts after he previously claimed that her success in Hollywood was because of him

Eric, 68, told Vanity Fair in 2018: 'If it wasnt for me, there would be no Julia Roberts and no Emma Roberts as celebrities, as actresses, and Im very proud of that'

He added: 'And I am so proud that everybody knows I was first, because I was first by a long shot. I was first to get Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations, so I'm proud of that.'

Admitting his error in the memoir, The Dark Knight star wrote: 'One of the things I'd like to apologize for in this book is for publicly saying on more than one occasion, "If it wasn't for me, there would be no Julia Roberts."

'That's not only unfortunate, but it's also untrue. And I hope Julie will accept this more public apology. It was an asinine thing to have said...'

Eric's candid memoir covers his arrival in Tinseltown at the age of 17, his extensive career and his struggle with substance abuse disorder.

The Dancing With the Stars contestant also discusses his complicated relationship with Julia, explaining how some of his public actions pushed them apart.

One instance the star owned up to was the fact he would claim that their mother, Betty Lou Bredemus, was dead during the early years of his career.

The Star 80 actor explained that he made the claim as a way to get back at his mother, due to the fact he was 'still angry' at her after their parent's split.

Betty Lou and Walter Grady Roberts were one-time actors and playwrights who got married in 1955.

In his memoir, Eric lamented: 'That's not only unfortunate, but it's also untrue. And I hope Julie will accept this more public apology. It was an asinine thing to have said...' (pictured in 1986)

It comes years after Eric - who is father to Scream Queens star Emma Roberts - took credit for the successful careers of his sister, 56, and daughter, 33, (pictured together in 2012)

However, Eric's mother filed for divorce in 1971 and it was finalized in early 1972.

Reflecting on the impact of his words in the memoir, Eric wrote: 'I'm only now beginning to realize the impact it must have had to Julie and Lisa, who were 11 and 13 years old, who were living with our mom but hearing their big brother... saying in public that their mom is dead.

'It was the great undoing of my relationship with my sisters. That I was unconcerned about them and focused only on my mom reading that I'd killed her off was such a selfish thing to have done.'

Indeed, the King of the Gypsies actor touched on his complex relationship with his mother who he claimed physically punished him during her mood swings when he was a child.

He wrote: 'Beatings had become a constant in my life. I never remember not being aware of Mom's moods, and whenever she and Daddy had an argument, I knew she'd be coming for me.

'The pecking order when: Mom and Daddy fought, then I got my a** kicked. IN fact, my earliest memories are of Mom pulling my hair.'

Julia pictured with their mother Betty Motes in 1989, who Eric claims was abusive during his childhood

Eric and Julia's mother died in February 2015, while their father had died decades earlier in December 1977.

The actor and his sister had always been close until he made a sarcastic comment in the early 1990s while discussing the success of her classic film, Pretty Woman.

Runaway Train: Or, the Story of My Life So Far will be released on September 17

The Runaway Train star has always insisted that it was taken out of context, a sentiment that he reiterated in 2022 on the Behind The Velvet Rope with David Yontef podcast.

'Julia and I have always been fine,' he said. 'I think years and years ago, I was doing a press tour for some movie It was just when Pretty Woman just got released and so they're asking a bunch of questions about Julia. And I said, "Hey, excuse me. Can we talk about me?"'

The Suits alum explained that his comment was misinterpreted as he added: 'Of course, then it's like, "Oh, they have a problem."'

While the siblings 'don't agree about a lot of things,' the actor insisted that they still have a close bond.

'I love knowing my sister,' he said. 'She's a cool chick, my sister. I just stay out of her hair with the press. That's all. Simple. And she stays out of mine.'

Eric claims the only thing that ever caused a rift with his sisters Julia and Lisa was his past drug addiction.

He told Vanity Fair previously: 'I wouldn't characterize it as a falling-out. I was crazy about my sisters. Loved them, adored them. They were precious to me, and we had times of great closeness.

'We all felt very protective of each other, but the hardest person to protect yourself from is yourself.'

The actor continued: 'I was exhausting to be around: complainy, blamey, unable to enjoy enjoyment. Everyone in my world needed a break sometimes, and that must have included Julia.'

However, he explained that after years of estrangement, the siblings reunited in 2004 when Julia welcomed Hazel and Phinnaeus.

Eric said that he visited the hospital after his younger sister gave birth 'to drop off gifts.'

He added: 'Instead I was ushered into their room and was immediately awash in brotherly and uncle-ly love.'

The performer went on to say that after that visit, they spent several Thanksgivings together and became 'email buddies.'

Back in May 2020, he spoke fondly about how much he loved to see the bond between Julia and his daughter Emma.

He told Us Weekly: 'Its really cool to look at them. I love seeing them together.'

Runaway Train: Or, the Story of My Life So Far is set for release on September 17.
Putin warns West against direct involvement in Ukraine conflict

Xinhua) 15:03, September 13, 2024

MOSCOW, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Thursday that by providing Ukraine with long-range weapons, Western countries risk involving directly in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In such circumstances, Russia would be forced to make "appropriate decisions" based on the new threats, Putin was quoted by Russian media as saying.

Ukraine has been pleading with its Western allies for it to use their missiles, including long-range ones, to fire deep into Russian territory, according to Western media reports.

"In fact, only service people from NATO countries can make flight assignments to these missile systems. Ukrainian service people cannot do that," Putin told Russian state TV.

"So this is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to attack Russia with these weapons or not. It is a question of deciding whether NATO countries are directly involved in a military conflict or not."

"If this decision is taken, it will mean nothing else than direct participation of NATO countries -- the USA and European countries -- in the war in Ukraine," he said.

According to a report by Politico, the White House is finalizing a plan to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of U.S.-donated weapons in battles against Russia, including the use of British long-range missiles that contain American parts to strike targets inside Russia.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Real Housewives of Miami star Dr. Nicole Martin has announced she is taking a step back from the reality television show.

The 39-year-old anesthesiologist opened up about her postpartum struggles via a vulnerable social media post on Friday.

Dr. Martin, who just welcomed five-month-old daughter Genevieve with fiance Anthony Lopez, revealed that she's been experiencing severe postpartum anxiety.

Sharing a serene photo holding her newborn, she wrote in a lengthy caption: 'Postpartum anxiety is more common than we hear about.'

She described to People, 'It's an intense, overwhelming sense of worry and fear that comes out of nowhere and just consumes me,' and noted, 'I just dont think that I am in the headspace to film a full season of reality TV.'

Real Housewives of Miami star Dr. Nicole Martin has announced she is taking a step back from the reality television show

The 39-year-old anesthesiologist opened up about her postpartum struggles via a vulnerable social media post on Friday

Martin told the publication, 'I love being a mom. Of all the hats that I wear  and I wear many  being a mom is by far my favorite and most important role.

'But I'd be lying if I said dealing with this [anxiety] has been easy.'

In the caption of her post, she wrote, 'Taking a moment to shine a light on something Ive been quietly navigating in my personal life

'On March 26th, we proudly welcomed our daughter, baby Genevieve, arriving 5 weeks ahead of schedule and spending almost 2 weeks in the NICU.'

In addition to Genevieve, Nicole and Anthony also share five-year-old son Greyson.

The note to her 375,000 followers continued, 'After this pregnancy, I started to suffer from significant postpartum anxiety  something new that I did not experience with my previous pregnancy.

The new mother explained, 'It all started about a week after giving birth when I found myself having an overwhelming sense of worry and fear out of nowhere. It felt like my mind was constantly on high alert, panicked and worrying endlessly about the health of my baby, myself, and my family.'

In her chat with People, she stated, 'I love a lot of the girls that I film with, but weve got some strong characters and there can be a lot of tense drama, not to mention the long hours. Its a lot to juggle and I'm shifting my priorities.

'That's not whats best for me at this time. I need to put myself and my family first right now.'

Dr. Martin, who just welcomed five-month-old daughter Genevieve with fiance Anthony Lopez, revealed that she's been experiencing severe postpartum anxiety

Sharing a serene photo holding her newborn, she wrote in a lengthy caption: 'Postpartum anxiety is more common than we hear about'

Nicole thanked her fans for supporting her decision

Nicole joined the Real Housewives of Miami cast, which includes Larsa Pippen, in season four.

She was offered a full-time contract for season seven, which is currently in production.

And the doctor still plans to make appearances on the show in the wake of her decision to step down.

'Its not goodbye forever. Ill pop-up here and there, just not in a full-time capacity,' she noted. 'I just need to shift my focus on other things right now.'

In addition to their baby girl, Nicole and Anthony are parents to five-year-old son Greyson

Elsewhere in her Instagram caption, the reality television star shared: '1 in 5 mothers experience mental health disorders during or after pregnancy, with most issues going unreported and untreated. By sharing our experiences, we can offer each other comfort and strength, and remind one another that were not alone.'

Opening up even more, she wrote, 'This is a part of my life that I am learning to navigate, and its been an emotional rollercoaster. Given where I am right now, I have decided not to return to RHOM.

'Prioritizing my health and my family is something I need to do at this moment. Its a step towards healing and finding balance, and I hope you can understand and support this choice.'

Expressing gratitude toward her supporters, she added, 'Thank you for being a part of this journey with me and for creating a space where I feel comfortable sharing these parts of my life. I hope that my openness can help others who might be struggling and encourage us all to support one another through our most challenging times. With Love, Nicole.'
The Critic (111 mins)

Rating:

Speak No Evil (110 mins)

Rating:

Like all great actors, Sir Ian McKellen has been on the receiving end of some waspish theatre reviews down the years, but as a poacher-turns-gamekeeper exercise and for quite a few reasons besides, The Critic is a joy.

McKellen plays Jimmy Erskine, formidably influential drama critic for The Daily Chronicle.

The period is the 1930s, when folk wear dinner dress to go to the West End theatre, although there is another sartorial code in the East End, where Sir Oswald Mosley's Blackshirts are on the prowl.

Erskine is a potential target for them, a promiscuous gay man not averse to fleeting sexual encounters in the park with 'rough trade', who also walks through the streets arm in arm with his mixed-race secretary, Tom (Alfred Enoch).

Erskine's 'proclivities' are an embarrassment to his boss, Viscount Brooke (Mark Strong), who has just succeeded his late father as the Chronicle's proprietor and is eager to eat into the market dominance of the all-conquering Daily Mail.

Like all great actors, Sir Ian McKellen (pictured) has been on the receiving end of some waspish theatre reviews down the years, but as a poacher-turns-gamekeeper exercise and for quite a few reasons besides, The Critic is a joy

By contrast, everyone in the ensemble cast of Speak No Evil, a slick remake of the 2022 Danish thriller of the same title, deserves equal plaudits along with writer-director James Watkins (pictured leading star James McAvoy)

That is the background. In the foreground, a new production of the Jacobean play The White Devil has opened, starring Nina Land (Gemma Arterton), whose sensual beauty does not remotely move Erskine.

He thinks she's a ham and duly gives her a stinker of a review. She confronts him in the street one night, and a relationship of sorts is kindled, with him confessing that he was briefly an actor himself - 'my zenith was Laertes, in Dundee' - and each spotting ways in which their careers might benefit.

Erskine has rarely had to worry about his career. Yet he has failed to conduct his sex life with discretion, and Brooke, a thoroughly decent cove but already keen to clear out the old guard, has handed him his notice.

From there, the drama is cranked up to embrace snobbery, infidelity, unrequited love, blackmail, suicide and murder, becoming the sort of rather overwrought story that one could easily imagine a black-tied Erskine going to see on stage.

Except that we know full well 'whodunnit' and how, it's Agatha Christie on steroids.

In fact, The Critic was (loosely) adapted by Patrick Marber from Anthony Quinn's excellent 2015 novel Curtain Call.

Marber is very good at spite (he also wrote the brilliant 2006 film Notes on a Scandal) and some of the dialogue is cherishably catty. But most cherishable of all is McKellen's lead performance.

Every huff and puff, every snort and harrumph, every tic and grimace, feeds his pitch-perfect depiction of this unscrupulous old man, desperate to cling on to his social and professional status no matter who suffers the collateral damage.

McKellen plays Jimmy Erskine, formidably influential drama critic for The Daily Chronicle, a promiscuous gay man not averse to fleeting sexual encounters in the park with 'rough trade', who also walks through the streets arm in arm with his mixed-race secretary, Tom (Alfred Enoch, pictured)

In the foreground, a new production of the Jacobean play The White Devil has opened, starring Nina Land (Gemma Arterton, pictured), whose sensual beauty does not remotely move Erskine

Anand Tucker directs very adroitly, the period detail is meticulous and a fabulous supporting cast also includes Lesley Manville as Nina's interfering mother and Romola Garai as Brooke's imperious daughter. But the movie belongs to McKellen.

By contrast, everyone in the ensemble cast of Speak No Evil, a slick remake of the 2022 Danish thriller of the same title, deserves equal plaudits along with writer-director James Watkins.

We begin in Tuscany, where in an upmarket hotel a buttoned-up American family  Ben (Scoot McNairy), Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and 11-year-old daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler)  are befriended by extrovert, souped-up Englishman Paddy (James McAvoy), his wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and their son Ant (Dan Hough).

Ant has communication 'issues' apparently on account of being born with a short tongue, although this is one of those movies in which nothing is at it seems and we know it from the start, yet still it whisks us along on an increasingly exhilarating ride.

The Americans live in London, and when they're all back in England they visit their new-found pals at their home in the West Country, where by increments their hosts seem a little eccentric, if not downright weird, if not full-on deranged.

There's a faint hiss of comedy throughout, like gas escaping from somewhere although you're not quite sure where, as well as some unmistakeably wry lines  'our normal is not their normal!' - about the perceived differences between Americans and Brits.

There's also a gentle moral to what, by the end, is a pretty unhinged story: much like the green liqueur that tasted so good with a suntan, holiday friendships don't always travel well.
Cindy Crawford's model daughter was her spitting image as she recreated the supermodel's classic 1993 Oscars look.

The 23-year-old rising star was a wonder in white as she hit the red carpet premiere for her latest flick Shell at the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday night.

Kaia paid homage to her superstar mother as she completely recreated her early 90s look on Hollywood's biggest night with no detail overlooked.

Back in 1993, Cindy turned heads at the Oscars in a slinky white dress as she was arm-in-arm with her husband at the time Richard Gere.

Cindy Crawford's model daughter was her spitting image as she recreated the supermodel's classic 1993 Oscars look

Meanwhile, Kaia donned a white Herve Leger bandage dress, which included built-in underwire cups like her mother's famous look.

As if that already wasn't enough she teamed the frock with a pair of white pointed-toe heels.

Kaia also sported similar diamond jewelry including white gold chain necklace and matching dangling earrings.

The stunner also wore her brunette tresses down as the waves cascaded down her shoulders.

She accentuated her natural looks with complementary make-up just like her mother as they both topped it off with a swipe of red lip.

Cindy shares daughter Kaia and son Presley Gerber, 25, with her husband Rande Gerber, who she married in 1998.

During the 1980s and 1990s, she became one of the world's most popular supermodels, appearing on a slew of covers, campaigns and catwalks.

Shell - which Kaia stars in alongside Kate Hudson who was also at the premiere - is Max Minghella's latest project and it's a 'campy' R-rated horror film based off a script by Jack Xtanple.

The 23-year-old rising star was a wonder in white as she hit the red carpet premiere for her latest flick Shell at the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday night

Back in 1993, Cindy turned heads at the Oscars in a slinky white dress as she was arm-in-arm with her husband at the time Richard Gere

Kaia left no detail overlooked as she also sported similar diamond jewelry including white gold chain necklace and matching dangling earrings

As per IMDb, the film follows 'down on her luck actress Samantha Lake (Elisabeth Moss)' who is invited into the ultra-glamorous world of Zoe Shannon (Hudson), CEO of wellness company SHELL.

'When SHELL patients begin to go missing, Samantha realizes Zoe may be protecting a monstrous secret.'

Both Kate and Kaia dished on the highly-anticipated film during their TIFF red carpet stints on Thursday night.

'It starts as one thing, it's very camp, has great themes. And then, it sort of just starts to unfold, and it becomes this very unexpected, theatrical experience. We get to play really fun, crazy characters,' Kate explained to Access Hollywood.

Shell - which Kaia stars in alongside Kate Hudson and Elizabeth Berkley who was also at the premiere - is Max Minghella's latest project and it's a 'campy' R-rated horror film based off a script by Jack Xtanple

Kate then praised director Minghella's 'clear vision' for the film and how it was 'fun to experience.'

Kaia described Shell as 'so fun' and she promised that it will take audiences on 'a completely different ride' as the plot thickens.

'The movie just flies by, and I think it's such a fun experience,' the Vogue model added.
He may have slipped to fifth place in line to the throne, but the Duke of Sussex at least has the consolation of being king of the misery memoir. But might even that title be wrenched from his grasp?

I ask because of the prospective publication of a compelling new work by a man who's suffered the loss of both his sons.

Thrice-married Nicholas Monson, whose elder son perished at the hands of the Kenyan police, says his book also contains details of an old fashioned childhood  including the first time he was thrashed.

'It was at my pre-prep school, Falkner House in Notting Hill,' Lord Monson, 68, tells me.

'I was five or six,' he recalls, adding that the headmaster, who was smiling, told him to lower his shorts and pants  and then beat him with a hairbrush.

Thrice-married Nicholas Monson says his book also contains details of an old fashioned childhood  including the first time he was thrashed

The Duke of Sussex at least has the consolation of being king of the misery memoir

'The shock was so great that I urinated all over his lap,' says Monson, who playfully suggested to a friend that he would call his book 'Heir'.

The friend, Francis O'Toole, then arranged a photoshoot with Hollywood snapper Rory Lewis. Monson approves this tongue-in-cheek image and assures me that his memoir will strike a very different tone from Prince Harry's.

'He complains about being a 'spare' but then, again, so is everyone who is not an eldest son,' reflects Monson who adds that, though his childhood was not enjoyable, his adult life has been 'wonderful'  even though shot through with tragedy.
A Los Angeles-based fertility clinic, popular among stars like Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton and Chrissy Teigen, is about to get hit with a major lawsuit.

Dr. Andy Huang of Reproductive Partners Medical Group, a clinic known for helping its numerous celebrity clients expand their families, has been accused of 'wrongfully throwing out 16' embryos belonging to one couple.

In a statement provided to DailyMail.com by Peiffer Wolf, the former patients claim that they have 'potentially' been left unable to have children of their own after their embryos were allegedly discarded by the clinic.

On Tuesday, the couple plan on filing their lawsuit in Los Angele and sharing their story publicly for the first time.

The couple, who have not been identified, are not public figures.

A Los Angeles-based fertility clinic, popular among stars like Kim Kardashian , Paris Hilton and Chrissy Teigen , is about to get hit with a major lawsuit (Dr. Andy Huang pictured with Kim and Khloe Kardashian in a 2017 episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians)

They are being represented by attorney Adam Wolf, who is a partner at Peiffer Wolf.

According to his profile on his firm's website, Wolf has already 'litigated and resolved a substantial number of claims by clients who suffered the devastating loss of their embryos and eggs.'

Over his career, the University of Michigan Law School graduate has represented more than 1000 clients against their fertility centers and started his firm's embryo-loss practice group.

Previously, Dr. Huang has been featured on Keeping Up With the Kardashians and helped Kim conceive her three youngest children, who she shares with ex-husband Kanye West.

Kim also introduced Hilton, her younger sister, Khloe and hairdresser Jen Atkin to Huang, who Kardashian previously described as the 'IVF magician.'

In a 2017 episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Khloe received an ultrasound of her uterus at Huang's office that was filmed for the reality series.

During the appointment she received some disappointing news, as Huang told her: 'There are fewer follicles than I anticipate for a normal 32-year-old.'

And in 2020 she was featured on the doctor's YouTube channel, where he discussed egg freezing with her.

The doctor also participated in an interview for Vogue in 2019 about fertility, in which his office was described as being open 'seven days a week' and Huang's desk being full of cards from patients with notes saying 'Thank you. Our heart is full. My hero.'

Dr. Andy Huang of Reproductive Partners Medical Group, a clinic known for helping its numerous celebrity clients expand their families, has been accused of 'wrongfully throwing out 16' embryos belonging to one couple; Huang seen in 2016

Kim introduced her longtime pal Paris Hilton as well as her younger sister, Khloe to Huang, who she previously described as the 'IVF magician'

Dr. Huang specializes in Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He studied at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, where he earned his MA, MD and Masters in Business Administration, Health Management.

According to his website, he has also published numerous journal articles and text book chapters 'focusing on stem cell development, endometriosis and infertility, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).'

Although it is unknown if Huang is the doctor Paris ended up picking for her surrogacy journey, the socialite revealed on The Trend Reporter with Mara podcast in January 2021, that Kim recommended her doctor and suggested she try IVF.

'[Kim was the one] who told me about that,' the entrepreneur said. 'I didn't even know anything about it.'

She added: 'I'm happy that she told me that advice and introduced me to her doctor.'

Paris and her husband Carter Reum (pictured in 2022) welcomed both their children with the help of a surrogate and IVF

The Paris: The Memoir author revealed that she and her then-boyfriend Carter were considering having boy and girl twins and had already underwent the egg extraction procedure.

'We have been doing IVF, so I can pick twins if I like,' she said. 'I've already undergone the egg extraction procedure. It was tough, but I knew it would be worth it. I did it a couple of times.'

The pair share son Phoenix, one, and daughter London, whom they welcomed in November 2023.
Frankie Bridge stunned in a plunging waistcoat as she and Joel Dommett led the stars at the AllSaints show for London Fashion Week on Friday.

Loose Women panellist Frankie, 35, looked incredible in her all-black outfit which also consisted of baggy trousers.

She finished her look with pointy black heels and silver earrings with a chunky silver bracelet and forwent a handbag.

Frankie was joined at the event by National Television Awards host and comedian Joel, 39, who wore a Danny Zuko-esque outfit.

Joel sported a quiff and paired a black leather jacket with a white T-shirt, black trousers, and black shoes with white socks.

Frankie Bridge stunned in a plunging waistcoat as she and Joel Dommett led the stars at the AllSaints show for London Fashion Week on Friday

Loose Women panellist Frankie looked incredible in her all-black outfit which also consisted of baggy trousers

Frankie was joined at the event by National Television Awards host and comedian Joel, 39, who wore a Danny Zuko-esque outfit

AllSaints is a British fashion retailer headquartered in London. AllSaints sells menswear, womenswear, footwear, and accessories in 281 stores, and was founded in 1994.

London Fashion Week is held twice a year: once in February, and once in September.

Also at the show was Paris Jackson, 26, who wore a slightly cropped white T-shirt with a partly sheer patterned skirt.

She sat front row at the show and finished her look with a brown jacket and a pointed pair of black ankle boots.

Paris was last seen on Monday at a '90s-themed throwback party in NYC held to celebrate Old Navy's 30th Anniversary and The Cut's Fall Fashion Issue.

Also at the party was Madonna's daughter Lourdes. Paris' father Michael Jackson and Madonna famously feuded in the 1990s after their brief relationship.

Back in Serpentine North, YouTube star Jim Chapman, 36, looked handsome in a mismatched outfit complete with the AllSaints black leather jacket.

Jim, once married to fellow YouTuber Tanya Burr, also wore dark brown corduroy trousers, a warm grey shirt, and black boots.

Mexican-Cuban actress and luxury fashion influencer Susana Renteria was also dressed by All Saints and sat front row at the show.

Joel sported a quiff and paired a black leather jacket with a white T-shirt, black trousers, and black shoes with white socks

He smiled as he posed outside AllSaints 30th Anniversary Show at Serpentine North

Also at the show was Paris Jackson, 26, who wore a slightly cropped white T-shirt with a partly sheer patterned skirt

She sat front row at the show and finished her look with a brown jacket and a pointed pair of black ankle boots

Paris was last seen on Monday at a '90s-themed throwback party in NYC held to celebrate Old Navy's 30th Anniversary and The Cut's Fall Fashion Issue

YouTube star Jim Chapman, 36, looked handsome in a mismatched outfit complete with the AllSaints black leather jacket that Joel also wore

Jim, once married to fellow YouTuber Tanya Burr, also wore dark brown corduroy trousers, a warm grey shirt, and black boots

Mexican-Cuban actress and luxury fashion influencer Susana Renteria was also dressed by All Saints and sat front row at the show

Frankie rose to fame as a member of S Club 8, formerly S Club Juniors, and went on to have even more success with girl group The Saturdays - with her S Club bandmate Rochelle Humes

Frankie attended the 2024 NTAs on Wednesday, looking beautiful in a white bralet which she paired with a matching blazer.

She led the glamour at the awards alongside actress Helen Flanagan and presenters Davina McCall, and AJ Odudu

Her programme Loose Women, which she has been a part of since 2021, was nominated for one award, Daytime.

They unfortunately lost to ITV gameshow The Chase.
Yazmin Oukhellou put on a busty display in a pink jumpsuit on Friday as she, Patsy Kensit, and Lady Victoria Hervey attended the This Is Icon Awards in London held in support of the NSPCC.

Celebrity Ex On The Beach star Yazmin, 30, looked incredible in her plunging, glittery, form-fitting outfit.

The reality personality, who previously appeared on TOWIE, paired the jumpsuit with a some silver and gold jewellery.

Meanwhile, ex-EastEnders actress Patsy Kensit, 56, looked beautiful in a long-sleeved black and white dress with a unique pattern.

Looking equally fabulous was Victoria, 47, who wore a shiny black one-shoulder minidress with matching boots.

Yazmin Oukhellou, 30, put on a busty display in a pink jumpsuit on Friday as she, Patsy Kensit, and Victoria Hervey attended the This Is Icon Awards in London held in support of the NSPCC

Meanwhile, ex-EastEnders actress Patsy Kensit, 56, looked beautiful in a long-sleeved black and white dress with a unique pattern

Looking equally fabulous was Victoria, 47, who wore a shiny black one-shoulder minidress with matching boots

Also at the Awards was Lady Anita Dobson who looked gorgeous in a glittery red dress which she wore with a cream fur coat.

Former EastEnders actor John Partridge looked dapper in a black suit and tie and a shiny silver watch and silver rings.

Comedian Leigh Francis looked smart in a black tuxedo worn with a light blue gingham shirt with an exaggerated collar.

Naomie Harris OBE looked beautiful in a pale orange short-sleeved and collared dress which she paired with a black clutch and low black heels.

Karen Millen OBE looked amazing in a double-breasted black suit with a white shirt and a red tie and large sunglasses.

Heather Small looked beautiful in an off-shoulder ankle-length white satin gown with balloon sleeves.

Rod Stewart lookalike Charlie Mullins OBE looked smart in a maroon suit with a mauve tie and black shoes.

Tessa Sanderson CBE looked beautiful in a floor-length pale lilac tiered dress with a turtleneck bedazzled bodice.

Yazmin, who previously appeared on TOWIE and Celebrity Ex On The Beach, paired her jumpsuit with a some silver and gold jewellery

Also at the Awards was Lady Anita Dobson who looked gorgeous in a glittery red dress which she wore with a cream fur coat

Former EastEnders actor John Partridge looked dapper in a black suit and tie and a shiny silver watch and silver rings

Comedian Leigh Francis looked smart in a black tuxedo worn with a light blue gingham shirt with an exaggerated collar

Naomie Harris OBE looked beautiful in a pale orange short-sleeved and collared dress which she paired with a black clutch and low black heels

Karen Millen OBE looked amazing in a double-breasted black suit with a white shirt and a red tie and large sunglasses

Heather Small looked beautiful in an off-shoulder ankle-length white satin gown with balloon sleeves

Rod Stewart lookalike Charlie Mullins OBE looked smart in a maroon suit with a mauve tie and black shoes

Tessa Sanderson CBE looked beautiful in a floor-length pale lilac tiered dress with a turtleneck bedazzled bodice

This Is Icon 'celebrates and collaborates fashion and music to produce world class events to raise much needed funds and awareness for charities', according to their website.

Founded by Helen Georgio and Rachael Lewis, the brand choose a different charity to help each year, with the UK children's charity NSPCC benefitting in 2024.

Meanwhile, later in the evening, the stars all looked in good spirits as they were seen making their departures after partying at the awards.

Meanwhile, later in the evening, the stars all looked in good spirits as they were seen making their departures after partying at the awards, with Yazmin Oukhellou flashing a smile

Yazmin beamed as she left the event with on-again boyfriend James Locke

The couple were in a great mood as they left together

Naomie Harris continued to dazzle in her eye-catching yellow dress

The actress stopped for a playful snap with promoter Philip Sallon, who rocked a typically colourful ensemble

Naomie looked elegant as she enjoyed a taxi ride with pals

Singer Skin flashed a dazzling smile as she made a cheerful exit from the event

She later hopped into a taxi where she was seen in deep conversation with a companion

Anita Dobson continued to sparkle as she finished her evening

Nana Akua looked fabulous in her shimmering gown and leopard print coat

Pimlico Plumbers boss Charlie Mullins was seen shaking James Whale's hand after the awards

Patsy Kensit was in great spirits as she walked out of the event

The actress appeared quite partied out as she later hopped into a taxi

Patsy's son Lennon Gallagher, 25, whom she shares with her third husband Liam Gallagher, was also out and about this week

Elsewhere, Patsy's son Lennon Gallagher, 25, whom she shares with her third husband Liam Gallagher, was also out and about this week.

Mother and son recently became the new faces of Napapijri and looked identical in the promotional shots.

Napapijri is an Italian fashion brand, despite its Finnish name, and is known for its jackets and bags.

Lennon is older brother to Gene Gallagher, frontman of Villanelle, who is rumoured to be opening for his father and uncle Noel's band Oasis in 2025.
A much-loved local grocery store is set to close after more than 100 years of business.

Wohlner's Neighborhood Grocery and Deli will offer shoppers at its Omaha, Nebraska store a discount of 15 percent off their carts while it winds down. A final closure date has not been set.

The store, founded by its namesake Al Wohlner in 1918, has always remained a family-owned business and thrived despite the proliferation of grocery giants such as Walmart.

But its current proprietors, Bob and Dianne Kimball, have now decided to close up shop and retire.

'This decision certainly wasn't easy, but after many years of serving this community, we feel it's time to enjoy the next chapter of our lives,' Bob Kimball said, announcing the decision last Wednesday.

Following the closure, the nearest grocery store for local residents will be Baker's on Saddle Creek Road, a 40-minute walk away.

Proprietors Bob and Dianne Kimball decided to close the store and retire

'We're incredibly grateful for the support of our loyal customers, who have become like family to us,' he said in a statement on the store's website.

The Kimball's have asked customers to stop by and say goodbye, and share their happy memories of the store.

An exact closing date has not yet been set but customers can enjoy a 15 percent discount on their total order until the day arrives.

The offer comes with a few caveats, including not being combined with other discounts or promotions and excluding tobacco products, lottery tickets, stamps, fresh sushi and gift cards.

Locals and employees have lamented the end of Wohlner's, with one worker commenting on the store's Facebook announcement: 'I've worked there [for] 4 years. Bob & Diane are the best bosses ever. [I am] going to miss my job.'

'So many fond memories of shopping there as a kid at the Leavenworth location. Most of them with my Grandpa,' a customer wrote under the post.

'Bob and Dianne are two of the best people I have ever met. Enjoy your next chapter and thank you both for everything you have done for others,' a third commented.

One resident, Molly Moore, told 6 News, 'I live right across the street from it and now I am going to have to buy my groceries online which is not something I wanted to have to do.'

'I loved being able to shop for groceries in my neighborhood, and I won't be able to do that now,' Moore added.

Another tenant is being sought for the building to 'ensure the space continues to serve the community in a meaningful way,' according to Wohlner's release.

Many brick-and-mortar-locations are facing increased running costs and tight margins, while others are plagued with rampant theft.

Wohlner's Neighborhood Grocery and Deli was founded by Al Wohlner in 1918

Store workers and locals have lamented the impending closure of the beloved store

Even major retailers such as Macy's are closing stores across the country, and it merged last month that Big Lots is shutting 315 stores across multiple states as its financial woes worsen.

There were almost 2,600 store closures in the first four months of 2024. If that trend continues, almost 8,000 will have been lost by the end of the year.

In recent months, Walmart has closed three more of its underperforming locations. Best Buy closed ten in March.

Dollar stores have been hit hard too, with 99 Cents Only announcing in April it would shutter all 371 of its locations across California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada.

The 1,000 closures of Family Dollar and its sister company Dollar Tree will happen over the next three years.

Express - a mall staple - filed for bankruptcy in April and said it would shut 95 Express outlets alongside all of its UpWest stores.

At the start of May, Rue21 - the teen fashion chain that is a fixture in malls across America - also said it will shut all its 543 US stores after going bust.

Badcock Home Furniture & More said at the end of July it is closing all its 380 stores dotted around the South after it fell into bankruptcy earlier this year.
America is no longer home to the world's top burger.

The US is home to the biggest fast food chains - from McDonald's to Wendy's - and is also thought to be where they were invented.

But a chain in Europe has landed the title of the world's best burger for 2024, according to the 'Michelin Guide for Burgers'.

It is the first time the gong has gone to a restaurant outside of America. Well-known Pizza Loves Emily from New York had headed the list last year but slipped to number two.

Hundred Burgers, a seven restaurant chain from Spain, won the title of the world's best burger for 2024, according to the 'Michelin Guide for Burgers'

Pizza Loves Emily in New York was No2

The best burger is is not even Germany where many think think their ancestors invented the dish in the city of Hamburg - but Spain.

Hundred Burgers, with four restaurants in Valencia and three in Madrid, has earned the top spot in the World's Best Burgers 2024 rankings.

The restaurant's acclaim is attributed to its 120-day aged beef, which is described as 'melting in your mouth,' and its 'super crispy' bacon.

'For us, receiving this recognition is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream,' said Alex Gonzalez, co-founder of Hundred Burgers, in an interview with Infobae Spain.

'We created the company with the aim of making a burger that would be a world reference, and never in our wildest dreams did we contemplate being chosen as the best burger in the world. It is a huge honour.'

They have got there with years of research and hard work.

In 2017, Gonzalez and co-founder Ezequiel Maldjian headed to New York for a four-day tour of the city's top 15 burgers.

Initially aimed at improving burgers at Gonzalez's mother's restaurant, the trip inspired them to open their own burger-focussed establishment.

By 2020, Hundred Burgers opened its first location and quickly won the 'best burger in Spain' award.

Other top contenders in the burger rankings include Au Cheval, with locations in Chicago and New York, Holy Burger in Sao Paulo, and Funky Chicken Food Truck in Stockholm. Burger & Beyond, from Manchester and London, narrowly missed the top five.

World's Best Burgers 2024 rankings - from ten to one

10. Soul Coffee Beer  Valencia

9. AMBOY Quality Meats and Delicious Burger  Los Angeles

8. Bleecker  London

7. Pastis  New York

6. Burgers & Beyond  London & Manchester

5. Funky Chicken Foodtruck  Stockholm

4. Holy Burger  Sao Paulo

3. Au Cheval  Chicago & New York

2. Pizza Loves Emily  New York

1. Hundred Burgers  Valencia & Madrid

Au Cheval , in Chicago & New York, was No3

Meanwhile, earlier this year, a report named the best US city for pizza - and it was not a city known for the dish.

New York City and Chicago are normally up there for best pizza, and Detroit was top the previous two years.

But itwas Denver, Colorado, that can claim to be best for pizza, according to a comprehensive study that looked at EIGHT measures. See the box below for their full methodology.

In a nutshell, researchers considered typical price, the number of restaurants and how well they were rated plus a so-called 'pizza passion' score.

Across those, the Mile High City rose to the top across 50 of the biggest US metros researched by Clever Real Estate.

NYC did land one unwanted accolate - the most expensive pizzas in America where a large pepperoni is amost $34.
Details have emerged of the first batch of stores that Big Lots is closing for good.

The 292 locations, dotted all over the country, are offering as much as 50 percent off bargains - prompting a rush of shoppers looking for deals.

The Columbus, Ohio-based chain on Monday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after years of making big losses. In total, it plans to close a third of its 1,392 locations to cuts costs as it woos a new owner.

Retail experts say Big Lots main problem is that it markets itself as a place for bargains, but it is often more expensive than the likes of Walmart and Target.

Below is a map showing the locations. Scroll down for a list.

Big Lots store in Dennis Port, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, is shutting soon, and has up to 50 percent off in its clearance sale

In total, Big Lots plans to shutter around 550 of its 1,389 locations.

In court filings this week, bosses said they will close a further 250 stores by January.

That is on top of the current batch of 292 closures, which were announced in August.

Those that have just started to a shut down have 20 percent off, and for those near the end of the process it is 50 percent.

Big Lots history The company that would go on to become Big Lots was founded in 1967 by Sol Shenk. In 1982, the company - then known as Consolidated International - launched Odd Lots, which was later renamed Big Lots. It was one of the first types of store known as close-out - which meant it sold goods that were nearly out of date in the case of food or not the current season for fashion and homewares. The chain grew over the years to include stores operating under several names including Mac Frugal's Bargains, Closeouts, and Pic 'N' Save. They were all converted to the Big Lots name in 2001. Advertisement

The Chapter 11 filing from Big Lots is the latest from big American retailers and restaurant chains, with the highest profile until now being Red Lobster.

A total of 21 have filed for bankruptcy in the first half of this year - the most since the pandemic wrecked havoc with businesses in 2020, S&P said in a July report.

Bosses at Big Lots hope to sell the business to private equity firm Nexus Capital after closing more stores in a bid to cut costs. They must also reduce its huge debt.

But several other retailers this year hoping to restructure have ended up having to close down entirely and sell off their stock, including dollar store 99 Cents Only, home improvement chain LL Flooring and furniture retailer Conn's.

Big Lots - which three months ago said it had 'substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue' - has secured $707.5 million to keep it going.

Retail analyst Neil Saunders said bankruptcy was 'the inevitable destination' for a chain that had posted 16 consecutive quarters of sales declines.

Saunders, head of retail at GlobalData, pointed out one major factor for customers ditching Big Lots - that it is bad bad value, which 'undermines the retailer's key point of differentiation'.

Alarm bells rang on last Friday when Big Lots postponed the release of its financial results - a highly unusual move

Rumors had been swelling over the past week that Big Lots was on the brink of bankruptcy after years of falling sales.

Nexus, as a so-called stalking horse bidder, will buy Big Lots if no better offer arrives.

On Reddit, Big Lots store managers have complained that they are getting more and more stock that customers do not buy.

'In the last month we received four of the largest trucks we have seen all year and triple the amount we normally get,' one wrote.

'The warehouse is pretty much full to capacity and none of [it] is selling.'

Another posted: 'Isn't that the weirdest thing? So much stuff, but none of it is what people want.'

Your browser does not support iframes.

Discount home goods retailer Big Lots has filed for bankruptcy after years of falling sales and store closures (Pictured: A store closure in Manassas, Virginia)

The store sells furniture and homeware alongside toys, beauty products and groceries

Big Lots is know for its reduced price items

Shoppers are rushing to stores that are closing to grab bargans

Problems for Big Lots come amidst a widespread 'retail apocalypse' which is seeing stores struggle with consumer pullback and increasingly tight margins.

There were almost 2,600 store closures in the first four months of 2024. If that trend continues, almost 8,000 will have been lost by the end of the year.

Bargain stores like Big Lots as well as dollar stores have been hit particularly hard.

For example, 99 Cents Only announced in April it would shutter all 371 of its locations across California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada.

Meanwhile, 1,000 stores belong to Family Dollar and its sister company Dollar Tree will shutter over the next three years.

In recent months, Walmart has also closed three more of its underperforming locations. Best Buy closed ten in March.

In addition, Macy's is closing 150 shops over the next three years - including the shuttering of 55 this year.

Drug store Rite Aid has said it will close more than 800 stores after entering bankruptcy. Most of these have been in just two states - with customers scrambling to find a new pharmacy in Michigan and Ohio.
Safety of women remains a fundamental concern worldwide, with millions of women falling victim to the horrific crimes of rape and abuse each day

Safety is a fundamental concern worldwide, with the pervasive issues of rape and abuse affecting millions of women and girls daily. These heinous crimes have a profound impact, extending beyond the individual victims to disrupt families, communities, and societies at large. The consequences are not just physical or emotional but are also societal, leaving lasting scars that undermine trust and cohesion.

At the core of rape and abuse lies a complex web of societal attitudes and deeply ingrained power imbalances. Often, perpetrators use these crimes as tools of control, asserting dominance over their victims. The devastating consequences of rape range from physical injury to emotional trauma, social isolation, and even death. The psychological damage endured by survivors is difficult to quantify, and the ripple effects on society are immense.

A recent case that shook the conscience of the nation was the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital, Kolkata. This brutal crime recalled the infamous Nirbhaya case, igniting nationwide outrage. Yet again, it posed a critical question to both the central and state governments: Is the judicial system adequately addressing crimes against women? Are victims truly receiving the justice they seek?

Another notorious example is the 1992 Ajmer gang rape and blackmail scandal, where over 100 girls were blackmailed with obscene photographs, many subjected to gang rape. Justice, in this case, was only served 32 years later, with six accused sentenced to life imprisonment and fined ?5 lakh each. This shocking delay once again raises concerns about whether the Indian legal system is equipped to tackle cases of sexual violence effectively.

India, with its population of 1.5 billion, has over 750 fast-track courts designed to expedite justice. Yet, cases like the Ajmer gang rape, Nirbhaya, Unnao, and Balrampur drag on for decades. The slow pace of justice signifies a collective failure of the government and law enforcement agencies in a country that claims to be the worlds largest democracy. This begs the question: Do we need a judicial overhaul to ensure timely justice for victims of sexual violence?

The global landscape shows a diverse range of approaches to preventing violence against women. The UK, for instance, has recently passed a bill recognizing violence against women as a 'national security threat,' equating it with Islamist terrorism. Several European countries, such as Denmark, Iceland, and Switzerland, have adopted stringent laws under the umbrella of 'Zero Tolerance' policies, which even include the death penalty for those convicted of sexual violence. These examples offer potential models for India to consider as it grapples with its own crisis of gender-based violence.

Preventing rape and abuse requires a multifaceted approach, one that addresses the root causes of these crimes. Education and awareness programs about consent, healthy relationships, and respect are essential starting points. Engaging communities, especially involving men and boys in discussions around women's safety, can help shift societal attitudes and reduce the prevalence of such crimes.

Equally important is providing accessible support services for survivors, such as counseling and legal aid. These services are vital for helping victims heal and pursue justice. Policy reforms aimed at strengthening laws to protect women and ensure swift accountability for perpetrators are also crucial.

Empowering women and girls plays a critical role in preventing rape and abuse. This can be done by promoting economic independence, which helps reduce vulnerability to violence, and fostering safe spaces where women can report incidents without fear. Encouraging survivors to speak out against violence can help break the silence that often surrounds these crimes, lifting the stigma and encouraging others to come forward.

In today's digital age, technology can also play a pivotal role in enhancing women's safety. Innovative tools such as safety apps, which allow women to alert family or friends in emergencies, and online support platforms for survivors offer new avenues for protection and support.

Data analytics can help identify patterns and hotspots of violence, enabling authorities to target prevention efforts more effectively.

Ultimately, women's safety is a collective responsibility. It demands the involvement of individuals, communities, organizations, and governments. By addressing the root causes of rape and abuse and implementing solutions at various levels, we can create a society where women and girls live free from the fear of violence. It is time for decisive action. The protection of women should not be seen as an afterthought but as a fundamental pillar of societal well-being. Only by working together can we create a safer, more equitable world for all.

(The writer is a social worker and a RTI Activist; views expressed are personal)
In an unprecedented joint public appearance, CIA Director William Burns and MI6 Chief Richard Moore assert the enduring strength of their intelligence agencies

Last week, the heads of major Western intelligence agencies made a striking public appearance, first with a provocative op-ed and then in a high-profile interview with the Financial Times editor. Although some questions remained unanswered, their statements provided critical insights into their covert and overt operations. William Joseph Burns, Director of the CIA, and Richard Peter Moore, head of MI6/SIS, both distinguished diplomats before their current roles, asserted with conviction that their organisations are more formidable than ever. Their strong professional alliance highlights a key strategy: confronting their main adversaries, Russia and China. This unprecedented public engagement reflects Sun Tzus strategic principle from The Art of War: Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak. So, who is truly weak? Is this a perfect example of Orwellian doublespeak in the era of Artificial General Intelligence? The nuances of their statements suggest an intriguing answer when read between the lines.

This marks the first joint public appearance by Burns and Moore since their appointments, though separately they have spoken occasionally in public gatherings, signalling a departure from the traditionally more secretive approach of their predecessors. This dramatic openness may be part of a broader strategy to project strength and capability in a shifting global power dynamic. Their commentary suggests that Western hegemony is waning, and those within the system must awaken and confront Russia before China is brought into the strategic equation, challenging the rise of Asia and the Global South. The articles audacious claim, if accurate, that We have no more trusted or esteemed allies, starkly reveals the widening chasm among their partners.

This intensifying polarization is driven by rising discontent with the United States and the United Kingdom, whose actions have exacerbated global crises and dragged others into worsening conflicts. Burns and Moore emphasised the crucial role of transparency in the 21st century and democratic systems, noting that public engagement is key to demonstrating their agencies' priorities and building trust.

Burns highlighted the importance of visibility for attracting talent and enhancing public understanding of their work. The discussion also revealed the deep collaboration between their agencies, which has been instrumental in global events, such as providing early warnings about the war in Ukraine. Moore praised their joint efforts and the "best athlete model," where the most suitable agency handles specific operations, showcasing a high level of trust and effectiveness.They also addressed broader geopolitical issues, noting the threat posed by the cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. While these nations share military technology, their collaboration is described as pragmatic rather than value-based, unlike the alliances within the Western intelligence community. Burns and Moore mentioned the lack of direct evidence of weapon transfers from China to Russia and the stalled status of the gas pipeline from Russia to China, attributing its likely incompletion to sanctions and shifting geopolitical factors.

However, they offered no new information on the widely reported Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, where it was suggested the CIA had prior knowledge. Regarding the increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, including the use of North Korean missiles in Ukraine, both spies recognised the heightened threat to US allies in Asia. Moore highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, North Korean weaponry and dual-use materials from China are already impacting the battlefield in Ukraine, and this cooperation poses a significant danger. Both leaders also stressed the critical importance of ongoing support for Ukraine, with Burns noting the severe and methodical nature of the conflict, where Putin is using a traditional tactic of taking village by village, leaving nothing behind.

Despite the grim outlook, the resilience of the Ukrainian forces remains a focal point. Moore lauded Ukraine's bold strategy, such as the move into Kursk, as a game-changer. He remarked, The Ukrainians, by going in and taking Kursk, have really brought the war home to ordinary Russians, disrupting Putins narrative and demonstrating the effectiveness of their counteroffensive.Addressing the broader implications of the conflict, Burns acknowledged that while Putins grip on power remains firm, it is not necessarily stable. Putins grip on power doesnt seem to be weakening, but dont ever confuse a tight grip with a stable grip, he stated. The recent Kursk offensive and past events, such as the Prigozhin mutiny, have exposed vulnerabilities within Russia, challenging Putins confident narrative.Burns and Moore discussed the differing approaches of the US and UK in providing military aid to Ukraine. Burns reaffirmed the US's substantial support despite concerns over escalation, emphasising the ongoing commitment to Ukraine even amid Russia's nuclear threats. Moore echoed this, stressing that the West must not be intimidated. They also addressed Russias intelligence operations in Europe, noting a shift toward using criminal elements for sabotage, which has made these operations easier to detect.

The discussion also highlighted the threat of Russian intelligence, citing the 2018 Salisbury poisoning as a stark example of their reckless tactics. Moore emphasised the importance of dealing with such threats through intelligence sharing and collaboration. They also touched on Russian military intelligence activities in the Americas, particularly concerns about Russian agents operating in Mexico and potentially aiding illegal migration into the US. Burns assured that this issue remains a top priority, with law enforcement agencies closely monitoring and countering such threats. Burns updated on efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, based on a three-phase plan proposed by President Biden: ceasefire, hostage release, and reconstruction. Despite progress, finalising the deal remains challenging, requiring strong political will and mediator support.

He hopes new proposals will drive action, with both leaders urging external pressure on Hamas for humanitarian aid and peace. Burns also backed the two-state solution but no questions were raised about the US's double standardshosting ICC-wanted Benjamin Netanyahu while pushing other nations to arrest Putin on an ICC warrant. This highlights the hypocrisy in the US approach to international justice.Regarding Iran, Moore expressed concern about potential retaliation for the assassination of Qasem Soleimani. We shouldnt let our guard down regarding the type of activity Iran might pursue, he cautioned, citing Irans history of destabilising actions and support for militant groups. But the overthrow of Mosaddegh, the shooting down of Iran Air Flight 655, and unilateral sanctions show the real picture.

The discussion then shifted to the strategic challenge posed by China. Burns and Moore both underscored that China remains a top priority for their respective agencies. The CIA has reorganised to reflect this priority, Burns noted, highlighting a significant increase in resources dedicated to addressing Chinas challenges. Despite economic difficulties in China, Moore observed that Xi Jinping remains a powerful and ambitious leader, making understanding China crucial for global strategic dynamics.Burns and Moore discussed the transformative role of AI in intelligence operations, with Moore emphasising its use in data analysis and counterterrorism, while Burns stressed the importance of maintaining open channels with China. They highlighted the need to balance AI advancements with human oversight.

Their public appearance reflects a shift in Western strategy, focusing more on leadership than on traditional destabilisation tactics. With the US elections approaching, it is clear that a broader alliance is working to secure Vice President Kamala Harris's victory against her main contender, Donald Trump. In his book, The Back Channel, Burns comments on Trump, stating, In the age of Trump, America is diminished, the presidents worldview smaller and meaner, the world full of difficult currents. The entire discussion highlights how the absence of decisive political leadership is not only eroding the system but also accelerating the Wests decline. This decline follows decades of destabilizing nations in the Global South and Europe to maintain hegemony, which is now cracking. This situation goes beyond the simplistic notion of new adversaries emerging against the West. It signifies a profound awakening from the deep-seated colonial legacies that have long influenced many Asian, African, and Latin American countries. Consequently, the old mantra of manipulation, isolation, and elimination may no longer work.

(The writer is a journalist and author; Views are personal)
In the Kandahar hijacking, Jaswant Singh stands out for his quiet resolve. He shouldered the responsibility of securing the release of 161 hostages

Beyond the usual manufactured-outrage, there was an inadvertent redemption with the role played of the Soldier-Statesman-Scholar, Jaswant Singh, in the recent OTT series IC-814  The Kandahar Hijack. Undoubtedly, the hijacking saga casts a dark shadow on Indian governance with glaring mismanagement e.g., lack of cohesion among intelligence agencies, slow alignment amongst stakeholders, allowing the aircraft to take off from Amritsar et al, but in public memory, it is the singular image of Jaswant carrying three terrorists to Kandahar to secure the release of passengers and crew of IC-814. Many saw it as a moment of sovereign capitulation. Others saw it as successful negotiations under impossible circumstances, where negotiations were the only option (An entebbe-style raid, clearly wasnt feasible).

It was, as Jaswant himself puts it succinctly, a choice between a bad decision, and a far worse decision. Negotiating the release of the hijacked passengers was a collective decision of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The composition of CCS was chaired by then PM Vajpayee, and had included the then Home Minister, NSA, Defence Minister, and of course the External Affairs Minister, Jaswant Singh. If that is so, why was it only Jaswant who carries the can of blame for posterity? The answer can be attempted in a couple of ways  firstly by understanding the inherent construct of Jaswant the individual, and his understanding of his duty, and secondly by understanding the impulse of others in the same situation, who were also part and parcel of this complex and questionable decision.Why didnt Jaswant come clean (or at least forcefully enough) to share the blame with his colleagues? For starters, it has to do with Jaswants imagined sense of himself and his conscience.

Honourable soldiers do what is to be done, with no fuss or grandiosity. Major Jaswant Singh was a cavalier from the illustrious Central India Horse and had left the Indian Army prematurely but always exemplified its finest tenets and values steadfastly, throughout his public life. The institution had defined him, and he had marched out without any usual terminal benefit but with what he reflected, My service with is my benefit, and what the army gave me, taught me, left me with me is my priceless pension.One such officer-and-a-gentleman quality is what General James Mattis (former US Defense Secretary) alluded to while expressing his measured disagreement with the unhinged Donald Trump i.e., the French expression devoir de reserve (literally, the duty of silence).

Perhaps Jaswant was informed by decades of soldiering, politics and statesmanship that to brave a difficult situation like IC-814 was one thing, but to further weaken the moment for India by name calling or finger pointing, even worse. His colleagues were spared the taint, for he had protected them. It is another story that many were incredously absolving themselves of any knowledge of the exchange or his dash to Kandahar.

When one misstep after another was happening with IC-814 with no one taking charge of the situation, Jaswant had stepped up and personally offered to go to Kandahar to secure the release, with the unpredictable Taliban and amoral ISI, across. The usually blustering and omnipresent Ministers were meekly abstaining from giving media bytes or even talking to distraught relatives, as they knew the hopelessness and intensity of the situation.

The situation was fluidic, and anything could have happened requiring quick decision-making, and so Jaswant put himself in the line of fire. His colleagues were better politicians, and he, was a soldier to his country and conscience, first and foremost.

We were to engage frequently at the Rashtrapati Bhawan when he was earlier an opposition MP, and later a Cabinet Minister (Defence, External Affairs & Finance), and then again, as an opposition MP. Each time in a gathering of civilians he would catch the eye of those in Uniform and acknowledge them with a gracious nudge or salute when saluted.

In all his varied professional capacities, his sole and avowedly apolitical questions were about the welfare of the President's Bodyguards or about their magnificent horses, on whom too, his eyes rolled rather gently. Many questions can be posed about Jaswants decisions e.g., IC-814, but he remained an essentially decent and dignified voice of reason. So winds of politics in his partisan camp changed, and he became an outsider in the new sensibilities. Like a noble soldier, he left his camp but didnt join the other side, as done by most. He was too proud to do that, so he passed away silently like a ship at night, saving his colleagues, party, and the country, like he saved the moment in Kandahar.

He was to profoundly introspect in, A Call to Honour, between this right act of saving 161 lives, or standing up against terrorism and letting them all go, for all to die  will that be another right act? By choosing that which is otherwise extinguished for always  Life, for, in any event this fight against terrorism will continue, from one challenge to another. Just for the fact that the Gentleman (an old-fashioned word that hed understand best) stood up for all his decisions (right or wrong) and never really blamed others (when he could have), he certainly deserves a better memory.

(The writer, a military veteran, is a former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry. The views expressed are personal)
BJP on Wednesday slammed Rahul Gandhi over his meeting with US lawmaker Ilhan Omar and others during his visit to that country, alleging the Congress leader is indulging in dangerous and mischievous activities by reaching out to people abroad who are known for their anti-India stand.

Addressing a Press conference at the BJP headquarters, party national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said that Rahul Gandhi earlier used to indulge in childish activities but now he is indulging in dangerous and mischievous activities.

The Opposition party dismissed the criticism over Rahul Gandhi meeting Democrat Ilhan Omar, known for her controversial positions regarding India, and said the BJP is in government and summon the US ambassador and take action if they believe so.

It is for the first time in the history of India that a Leader of Opposition has met a declared anti-India lawmaker and expressed his sweet feelings. He has met US lawmaker Ilhan Omar, who is infamous for her anti-India stand and statements, he added.

Referring to Rahul Gandhis remarks on the Sikh community, Trivedi alleged that he has drawn support from Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. With this, Rahul has further added a new friend in his list of anti-India friends, the BJP leader charged.

There is a saying: King James I was the wisest fool in Christendom. In my opinion, the same thing applies to Rahul Gandhi for Congressdom, he added.

Trivedi also showed a picture of Rahul Gandhi with journalist Mushfiqul Fazal as he hit out at the Congress leader accusing him of meeting people who are known for their anti-India stand.

He is that journalist who had asked a question regarding Arvind Kejriwals arrest in a White House press conference and he is taking a selfie with Rahul, the BJP leader said.

Trivedi slammed Gandhi for spewing venom against India during his US visit and termed his meeting with the US lawmaker Omar and others as very serious . Omar is one of the US lawmakers whom the Pakistan government had taken on a visit to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). She has made several statements that directly or indirectly show her sympathy for the Muslim Brotherhood and ISI (Pakistans intelligence agency), he added.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also slammed Gandhi over his meetings and remarks in the US. In a social media post BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said the woman in the red circle is Ilhan Omar, the leader of the Democratic Party in America. She has consistently supported the creation of a separate country of Khalistan and Kashmir.

Responding to Shahs remarks, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, Ask him to take action, then we will expose the prime minister and the home minister both. The PM goes abroad and makes horrible comments against India and Indians, that is not anti-national?

We are talking about upholding the Constitution of India and that is anti-national? Why is it that BJP has a problem whenever we talk about upholding the Constitution? Why are they against the Constitution so much? he asked.

Asked about Dubeys remarks, Khera said, Had he even head of Ilhan Omar before this? They (BJP) are in power, ask them to write a letter to the state department of the US. Ask them to summon the ambassador of the US. Ask them to take action if they are so excited about Rahul Gandhi meeting several (US) Congress people there. What stops them? he said.
The Centre on Friday renamed Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram. Port Blair is the Capital city of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Home Minister Amit Shah announced the renaming and said the decision has been taken to free the nation from the colonial imprints as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an unparalleled place in the countrys freedom struggle and history.

Shah said while the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in Indias freedom struggle and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands unique role in it.

He said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an unparalleled place in the freedom struggle and history, and the island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is now poised to be the critical base for Indias strategic and development aspirations.

It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Ji and also the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar Ji and other freedom fighters were detained during their struggle for an independent nation, he said.
A 35-year-old gym owner was shot dead on Thursday night by two bike-borne assailants at the posh neighbourhood of south Delhis Greater Kailash area in a suspected case of gang war.

The victim has been identified as Nadir Shah, who was reportedly a member of Rohit Chaudhary gang. He had previous criminal cases against him, including charges of robbery and attempted murder. He recently opened a gym in Greater Kailash Part 1 and wanted to live a simple life, according to sources.

The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested two persons in connection with the incident as police suspect involvement of associates of jailed gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Hashim Baba in the murder. These two are suspected to have provided logistical support to the shooters. They are being further interrogated by a team of Special Cell, a senior officer said.

The officer said that four more people were detained and questioned in connection with the case but the main shooter is still on the run.

Shah also owned a business in Dubai and is stated to be known to some of the Delhi police officials. Sources said that at the time of the incident, some officials from the Delhi Police Special Cell, an anti-terror unit, were also present with Nadir inside the gym at the time of the incident. After the incident, all were seen running out in plain clothes.

The deceased is survived by his mother and two brothers. Shahs father Zahir Shah hailed from Afghanistan and had shifted to Delhi several years ago. Shah received three to four bullets in a firing done by a person. He was talking to someone outside his Sharx Gym when he was shot with multiple bullets at about 10.44 pm, police said.

CCTV of the incident surfaced on social media in which Shah could be seen talking with a person when one of the attackers walked towards him and opened a spree of firing in a close range. The attacker fled away, as police suspect, on a motorbike on which his associate was waiting for him.

Minutes after the incident, a purported social media post from an account in the name of gangster Rohit Godara took the responsibility of Shahs shooting. Shooting has been instructed by a jailed criminal Sameer Baba because Shah was troubling in their business. Whoever will support our rival and trouble us will be shot like this, the post said.

The post also mentioned names of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnois associates Rohit Godara, Goly Brar, Gogi gang and Kala Rana gang. DCP South Ankit Chauhan said, On Thursday at 10:57 PM, information regarding firing at GK 1, New Delhi and about an injured person being taken to Max Hospital was received at Greater Kailash police station, New Delhi.

The police personnel on reaching the spot found some bullet projectiles and empty cartridges. On enquiry, it was found that Shah, a resident of CR Park, had suffered bullet injuries.

The attackers came on a two wheeler, fired at him and ran away. Nadir Shah was immediately rushed to the hospital by his friends but was declared dead, Chauhan said, adding he had received around five bullets.

The investigations are on from all possible angles, he added. The police suspect a case of rivalry but did not rule out the possibility of a gang war.
Ahead of Haryana Assembly election, AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday walked out of Tihar jail, hours after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in the corruption case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan ordered Kejriwals release on a personal bail bond of Rs 10 lakh and two sureties in the like amount. Kerjiwal got bail after spending six months in Tihar Jail.

The top court restrained Kejriwal from visiting the Chief Ministers Office and Delhi Secretariat. He shall also not sign official files unless it is required and necessaryfor obtaining clearance / approval of the Delhi Lieutenant Governor.

It also restrained him from commenting on his role in the money-laundering case against him and asked him not to interact with witnesses and / or have access to official files connected with the case. With bail conditions that do not give him complete freedom to perform his duties as Chief Minister, including that he cannot visit the Secretariat or the CM Office therein or sign any files other than those that have to be cleared by the Lieutenant Governor, officials said that the AAP Government may encounter some problems, albeit small.

At the same time, both the judges were unanimous in the decision to grant bail to Kejriwal considering the fact that the chargesheet has been filed in the case and that the trial is unlikely to be completed in the near future. The same conditions imposed by the coordinate bench while granting interim bail in the ED case will apply in this case too.

However, despite granting bail, the Court held that the arrest of Kejriwal by CBI was valid and in compliance with relevant procedural laws. While Justice Surya Kant said Kejriwals arrest by CBI does not suffer from any procedural infirmity, Justice Bhuyan, in a separate judgment, raised questions on the necessity and timing of the arrest.

Justice Bhuyan said the arrest raises more questions than it seeks to answer. Justice Bhuyan also expressed reservations about the bail condition that Kejriwal should not visit the CMs office or the Secretariat. However, he chose not to pass any direction in that regard having regard to judicial discipline and reverence for a direction passed by a coordinate bench.

The Appellant has been granted interim bail by this Court in the ED matter on 10.05.2024 and 12.07.2024, arising from the same set of facts. Additionally, several co-accused in both the CBI and ED matters have also been granted bail by the Trial Court, the High Court, and this Court in separate proceedings, Justice Surya Kant said.

In our considered view, although the procedure for the Appellants arrest meets the requisite criteria for legality and compliance, continued incarceration for an extended period pending trial would infringe upon established legal principles and the Appellants right to liberty, traceable to Article 21 of our Constitution. The Appellant has been granted interim bail by this Court in the ED matter on 10.05.2024 and 12.07.2024, arising from the same set of facts. Additionally, several co-accused in both the CBI and ED matters have also been granted bail by the Trial Court, the High Court, and this Court in separate proceedings, Justice Kant observed.

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, in a separate judgment, questioned the CBI for arresting Kejriwal, saying that such action by CBI raises serious questions on the timing of the arrest and such an arrest by CBI only fractured the bail granted in the ED case. Justice Bhuyan noted that the CBI did not arrest Kejriwal for 22 months and arrested Kejriwal on the cusp of his release in the ED case.

Kejriwal is the seventh accused to get bail in the Delhi excise policy scam-related cases after AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K Kavitha, AAPs former communication in-charge Vijay Nair, Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai and alleged middleman Vinod Chauhan. Kejriwal filed two separate pleas before the top court -- one challenging the legality of his arrest by CBI and a second plea seeking bail. While the latter was allowed, the former was rejected. Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED in the excise policy case on March 21, was granted interim bail on May 10 for campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls and has been in jail since June 2 when he surrendered.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is keeping a constant watch on relief and rescue operations and other arrangements in the flood-affected districts of the state. CM Yadav today discussed with Tikamgarh District Collector Awadhesh Sharma on video calling from Datana airstrip in Ujjain and inquired about the rescue work of 2 affected people trapped in the flood disaster. Collector Tikamgarh Sharma informed CM Yadav that Ram Milan Yadav and Ramcharan Raikwar were stranded on the island of Dhasan river in Mahobiya Ghat village of Chanderikhas Gram Panchayat of Baldevgarh block of Tikamgarh district for 24 hours. Attempts were first made to lift them by helicopter to save both of them. After this, both the villagers were successfully rescued by the NDRF team.

Yadav talked to Ram Milan Yadav and Ramcharan Raikwar who were rescued safely and enquired about their well-being. Both of them expressed their gratitude to CM Dr. Yadav for saving their lives.

CM Yadav congratulated the NDRF jawans for the successful rescue operation and directed SP Tikamgarh to honour these jawans for their active role in flood relief work. He also talked to the villagers and advised them to remain constantly alert and cautious in case of heavy rainfall.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is continuously monitoring the situation of waterlogging that has arisen due to recent heavy rains in Gwalior district. Instructions have been issued to the district administration to provide immediate relief to the people affected by water logging.

In compliance with the instructions given by the Chief Minister, relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing by the district administration.

With guidance and coordination of senior officials of the state government including District In-charge Minister Tulsiram Silawat, Chief Secretary Veera Rana and Additional Chief Secretary Home SN Mishra, relief and rescue operations are being carried out rapidly in the district. Also an NDRF team including a helicopter is reaching Gwalior from Hyderabad.

People trapped due to waterlogging in Senkara village and Dabra town of Dabra tehsil of Gwalior district will be airlifted safely. For this, a 60-member NDRF team has left for Gwalior in a special Air Force aircraft from Hyderabad. This team will be divided into two teams from Gwalior airport and will help to airlift people to a safer place by helicopter.

Three helicopters have also been dispatched for relief and rescue operations in Senkara village.

Collector Smt. Ruchika Chauhan had contacted Hyderabad late Wednesday night at around 3:30 am to send an NDRF team after receiving information about people trapped on the island formed due to water filling all around Senkara village. Collector Smt. Chauhan said that district administration teams are present in Senkara and Dabra and those trapped due to water logging are safe. They will be rescued as soon as the Hyderabad team reaches the spot. She said that if needed, people from other places in the district would also be rescued with the help of this team.

The Collector said that the teams of District Administration, Police, Urban Bodies and District Panchayat were present in the field last night and carried out relief and rescue operations. She said that these teams with the help of SDRF, have safely evacuated about 325 people from various places in the rural areas of the district and taken them to relief camps. Adequate quantities of food items and medicines are available in all relief camps.
AIIMS Bhopal inaugurated the orientation program and coursework for the July 2024 Ph.D. batch today. Prof. (Dr) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal underscored the pivotal role of research in addressing societal challenges.

He articulated that the pursuit of a PhD. should be driven by a commitment to tackling pressing issues that impact communities and improve public health and well-being. Prof. Singh emphasized that while students have the autonomy to select their research areas; this freedom comes with the responsibility to ensure their work aligns with societal needs and contributes meaningfully to their field. He encouraged the new scholars to explore innovative and relevant topics that could lead to significant advancements and practical solutions.

Furthermore, Prof. Singh highlighted the importance of understanding and adhering to the institution's rules and regulations. He stressed that maintaining a high standard of ethical conduct and discipline is crucial for personal and professional growth. He reminded students that ethical integrity and compliance with institutional norms are fundamental to the credibility and impact of their research.

Dr. Rupinde Kaur Kanwar, Associate Dean of Research, provided an overview of the Ph.D. program, outlining the expectations and opportunities available to the students. The program also featured insights from the Dean (Research), Dean (Examination), and Dean (Student Welfare), who discussed the ethical standards, discipline, and the grievance addressing mechanism to support students throughout their journey.

This momentous event marks a significant milestone, as 25 new scholars join the institution's prestigious research community, bringing the total number of Ph.D. students to 69 since the program's inception in June 2019. This orientation marks the beginning of a transformative journey for the new cohort, setting the stage for innovative research and academic excellence.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, on Friday, hailed as victory of Constitution the bail granted to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Supreme Court.

Akhilesh also described Kejriwal as a popular and pro-public welfare chief minister and slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party for being against the Constitution and misusing it.

The bail of Delhis popular and public welfare Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal is a victory of the Constitution. Only those who are against the Constitution misuse the Constitution. The knock on the door of justice is always heard. The world has moved forward on this tradition till now and will continue to do so, Akhilesh Yadav posted in Hindi on X.

Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court granted bail to Kejriwal in the corruption case lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the excise policy scam, saying prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan granted the relief to Kejriwal on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 10 lakh, and two sureties of like amount.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, on Thursday, accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of being involved in a land scam worth billions of rupees in Ayodhya.

Yadav claimed that the BJP and government officials were involved in the scam and demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into it.

Addressing a press conference here, 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, Akhilesh Yadav had accused the state government of selling land to outsiders in Ayodhya. He demanded a probe by central agencies into these land deals.

Akhilesh Yadav latched on to a newspaper report to attack the Yogi Adityanath government.

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 loot in Ayodhya, the SP chief said.

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.

Akhilesh 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. Is this not 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, Akhilesh Yadav alleged.

Hitting out at the BJP, Akhilesh Yadav 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.
Governor Mangubhai Patel has said that students should become ideal citizens by being disciplined. Give importance only to education. Stay away from activities that disrupt morality, discipline and concentration. Governor Shri Patel was addressing the inaugural programme of Tooryanaad-24 Festival organised at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal.

Governor Mangubhai Patel said that the great teachings and values ??are embedded in the history and culture of India. Students should always respect their parents and teachers. Be grateful for their teachings and favours throughout life. Always do things that enhance the respect of family, society and nation.
Nazirabad police have booked a youth who was involved in sexually assaulting a BHMS girl student, police have started search for the accused.

The victim was friends with a young man who studied with her in school. The accused called the victim on the pretext of meeting. Thereafter, he lured her with a tour. He took the girl to a hotel room and forced her to have sex. When the victim protested, the accused lured her into marrying.

After this, he took her to different places and had sex with her several times. Later, the accused refused to marry her after which the victim reached the Mahila police station and lodged an FIR. At present, the accused youth has not been arrested.

According to the information received from the police station, the 23-year-old girl is studying BHMS from a private college. A young man named Prafull Meena is her school friend. He hails from Narmadapuram and lives on rent in Patel Nagar area. He came to Bhopal to do an ITI course. Here, the friendship of both continued. Recently, the young man took the girl to a hotel on the pretext of a tour. Here he had physical relations with the victim.

After committing the crime, he lured the girl into marriage. A few days later, when the student pressured him to marry her, he refused to marry her. When he did not agree even after repeated requests, the student complained about the matter to the police station. The police have registered a case of rape and started investigation.

Nazirabad police said that the 16-year-old girl lives in a village in Nazirabad police station area. On September 9, at around 2 pm, she was going to the hand pump to fill water. During this time, a youth named Sandeep called her inside the house on the pretext of work and raped her forcibly.

After that, he threatened to kill her if she told anyone. The scared girl did not inform anyone about the incident for three days. On Thursday, she told her family, after which the family took her to the police station. Police have registered a case against the accused under various sections including rape and POCSO Act.
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperative Minister Deepika Pandey Singh inaugurated Birsa Hariyali Radio Station at Birsa Agricultural University on Friday.



Programs related to farmers, women, children, health, meteorology, local culture, government schemes etc. will be broadcast from here for 3 hours daily from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. 50 programs will be in Hindi and 50 percent of the programs will be broadcast in the local language Nagpuri. The program of this radio station can be heard on 107.8 MHz FM in a radius of 10 kilometers in hilly-plateau areas and 20 kilometers in plain areas. This station is equipped with a 50 watt FM transmitter.



Community radio is not allowed to do sponsored programs other than those sponsored by the Central or State Government. A committee of scientists has been formed in various faculties to prepare content and material for broadcasting. The cooperation of the students of the university is also being taken in the preparation and presentation of the program.



The country's first community radio station was established in the year 2004 at Anna University, Chennai and the 500th community radio station was inaugurated in July 2024 by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Aizawl, Mizoram. Community radio is not allowed to broadcast news.



The minister said in his address that through this radio, communication will be established with the surrounding farmers and villagers and they will be empowered through new technology and information. He said that students should be the first priority for any higher educational institution and they should be provided quality education, better environment and facilities.



"No matter related to student welfare should remain pending. Socio-economic upliftment of farmers should be done through research results useful for the region and special attention should be paid to the empowerment of women farmers," Deepika said. He also assured to make necessary efforts soon for the promotion of teachers and staff and appointment to vacant posts.



The Agriculture Minister directed the scientists to work on an effective strategy to make Jharkhand self-sufficient in terms of food grains, meat, eggs, fish and milk. She also reviewed the functioning of the university by meeting with the Vice Chancellor and senior officials of BAU in the board room. The minister also visited the Veterinary College and interacted with the students there.



BAU Vice Chancellor Dr SC Dubey said that this year special attention has been focused on the renovation of university hostels, increase in facilities there, library, postgraduate research done by students and facilities related to extracurricular activities. He said that 80 percent of the posts of teachers, 50 percent of non-teaching staff, 70 percent of KVK personnel and 100 percent of university officers are lying vacant in the university, while the new education policy emphasizes increasing the intake of students every year.



Professor Ashok R Patil, Vice Chancellor of National University of Law Studies and Research, Ranchi was also present in the program.



The welcome address was given by Dr BK Jha, in-charge of the radio station and the vote of thanks was given by the Registrar Dr Narendra Kudada, directed by Shashi Singh.
Official Language Department of Bank of India Regional office organized an essay competition in Hindi medium in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Ratibad Bhopal under the guidance of Regional Head Guru Prasad Gond.

This essay was organized in different categories for students of class 8 to 11. On this occasion, prizes and certificates were given to the winning students. Leading District Manager Alok Chakraborty, Manager (Marketing) Amir Shah Khan and Manager (Official Language) Pradeep Dhyani were present on behalf of the bank. Chakraborty said that our bank organizes such competitions every year to promote Hindi. So that students can develop interest in Hindi language. School Principal Madam Jyoti Thakur thanked the guests, teachers and all the students for making the competition a success.
Slug: Haryana Assembly Election







Caste equations have always been the predominant X-factor in shaping the election outcomes in Haryana. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the main opposition Congress appear to have kept the caste factor in mind while picking candidates for the Assembly elections of the State.



Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal on Friday said that 11561 candidates from all political parties and independent candidates have filed 1747 nomination papers for the Assembly elections. The scrutiny of the nomination papers was conducted on Friday and nominations can be withdrawn till September 16. The BJP is hoping to win a third consecutive term while the Congress is hoping to ride on its momentum from the Lok Sabha elections to an assembly win.



An analysis of ticket distribution by the two national parties shows that both BJP and Congress, which have seen a spate of resignations over ticket distribution for the Assembly polls in the State, are banking on a coalition of castes.



It is no secret that the state is bitterly divided on caste lines. The Jat vs non-Jat divide plays a key role in the outcome of polls. While around 25 percent of total electorate in Haryana are Jats, the remaining 75 percent are non-Jats, which include Dalits, Brahmins, Yadavs, Gujjars, Baniyas, Rajputs among others. Dalit voters form around 20 percent in the state. Punjabis account for about 8 percent of the State's population, Brahmins 7.5 percent, Ahirs 5.20 percent, Vaish 5 percent, Gujjars 3.50 percent, Jat Sikhs 4 percent, Rajputs 3 percent, Sainis 2.9 percent, Kumhars 2.7 percent, Meos and Muslims are about 3.8 percent.



The BJP, which rode to power in the State in 2014 primarily due to its ability to consolidate the non-Jat voters, has tried to do it yet again. As it did in 2014 and 2019, the party fielded more non-Jat candidates than the politically significant Jats, who are known to yield clout in the state and are considered supporters of the Congress and the JJP-INLD. Out of 90 Assembly seats, castes such as Brahmins, Rajputs and Punjabis - which are not numerically dominant and are counted as general category - have been given more than 50 tickets by the BJP. 20 seats were given to the other backward classes while 17 to Scheduled Castes (the state has 17 reserved seats for SCs). The overall number of Jats is 16 in the BJP list, fewer than 19 in 2019 and 24 in 2014. The party has fielded seven Ahirs, six Gurjars and two Sainis.



The outreach towards non-dominant castes - OBCs and the general category - is an attempt to prevent numerically larger groups such as Jats and SCs from tilting the scale in favour of the Opposition. BJP has fielded three Brahmin candidates in Jat-dominated constituencies - Uchana Kalan, Safidon and Gohana, all near Uchana and Safidon in Jind district. Similarly, it has given tickets to three Brahmins in assembly segments falling in Faridabad Parliamentary constituency - Ballabhgarh, Palwal and Prithla.



BJP leaders are hopeful that the Congress will not emerge as the biggest beneficiary of the SC vote as it will be divided between the JJP-Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) alliance and the Bahujan Samaj Party-Indian National Lok Dal alliance.



A BJP leader said, There is some resentment over ticket distribution, but the party will overcome the challenge. The ticket distribution was based on the winnability of the candidates in addition to ensuring representation to different castes. While identifying the candidates we ensured that different castes, irrespective of their numbers are given representation."



With as many as 24 Jat candidates in fray, the Congress has largely banked upon the Jat community to thwart the BJP from winning its third term in power. The Congress has fielded 24 candidates including three Meo-Muslims from the backward classes. While 19 of them are from the BC-B category comprising six castes of Ahir, Gujjar, Lodha, Saini, Meo and Gosain, five come from BC-A category comprising 72 castes like Kamboj, Bairagi. The Congress has given party tickets to 12 candidates from other scheduled castes and five from the deprived scheduled castes (DSC).



Sirsa MP and senior Congress leader Kumari Selja said that during ticket distribution, every individual advocates for their workers, and there are many contenders, but the high command selects one. Once chosen, the candidate becomes the party's and everyone's candidate, and all party workers work towards their victory.



As per the election trends, the Jat vote bank has traditionally voted for the Congress and rival Indian National Lok Dal. After INLD's split, its splinter group Jannayak Janta Party is further segregating the Jat votes. The community has dominated the state politics with Haryana witnessing the rule of Jat CMs Bansi Lal, Om Prakash Chautala and Bhupinder Singh Hooda in the past three decades.



On the other hand, the ruling BJP, which has in the previous elections proved that non-Jat voters can be kingmakers, is primarily focusing on consolidation of this vote bank in its favor. In the past, former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal, a non-Jat had managed to become a potential non-Jat option for the voters but now, the BJP has been trying to capture the non-Jat space in Haryana under Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who belongs to the Punjabi community.



In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, the BJP failed to sweep the Lok Sabha elections in Haryana for the first time since 2014. The Congress and the BJP both won five seats, a result largely attributed to anger around the farm stir, the Agnipath scheme, the wrestlers' protests against then lawmaker and Wrestling India Foundation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment.



Since it came to power in the state a decade ago, the BJP has fostered non-Jat leadership in Haryana. It first appointed Manohar Lal Khattar, a Punjabi Khatri, as the chief minister, and replaced him earlier this year with Nayab Singh Saini, an OBC.



In Haryana, which is witnessing a multi-cornered contest with BJP, Congress, INLD-BSP alliance, JJP- ASP and, AAP, flexing muscles to win the 2024 Assembly polls, it will be interesting to see which political party has set the caste equation right.



With the end of its alliance with the JJP, which held influence over the Jat community, the BJP's strategy has been to consolidate its position among the numerically non-dominant castes, including OBCs and some "upper caste" groups. With the dominant Jat community unhappy with the ruling party due to their unfulfilled demands, the BJP has fielded candidates focusing on cobbling together other castes including Dalits, Brahmins, Ahirs, Gujjars, Baniyas among others to win the polls in Haryana. The "delay" in addressing the concerns of the wrestlers added to the community's anger towards the BJP. With opposition not united in Haryana and Jat votes remaining divided, it would be interesting to see how the non-Jat social engineering works in the elections this time, political observers say.
The grenade blast that rocked Chandigarhs posh Sector-10 has been linked to a terror conspiracy, masterminded by ISI-backed Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, and USA-based gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia. Punjab Police, in a joint operation with central agencies, arrested the prime perpetrator, identified as Rohan Masih, recovering a sophisticated 9mm Glock pistol from him. The grenade used in the incident, smuggled into India using drones, was military-grade  intensifying concerns about the increasing influence of cross-border terror networks.

Confirming the arrest, the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav revealed that Masih had strong connections to Happy Passia, who had orchestrated the attack from abroad. This sinister plot is believed to have targeted a specific individual in Chandigarh, as a similar attempt at the same location was foiled last year. The arrest of Masih is seen as a major breakthrough in unravelling this cross-border terror operation, with Punjab Police continuing to coordinate efforts to apprehend all involved.

Authorities believed that the grenade attack was meticulously planned, with Rohan Masih receiving instructions, weapons, and financial aid from Passia, who arranged the logistics through his network. Punjab Police and central agencies are investigating the larger terror conspiracy, which appears to be an attempt to create unrest in the region.

On Wednesday evening, two unidentified individuals arrived in an auto-rickshaw, with one of them lobbing a grenade into a house in Sector 10, a prestigious residential area of Chandigarh. The quick response by Chandigarh Police and immediate spot investigations uncovered the presence of military-grade explosives, sparking concerns about the growing reach of cross-border terror operations in the region.

Preliminary investigations revealed a complex web of connections. Rohan Masih, the arrested suspect, had been living and working in Jammu and Kashmir for the past few years. His ties to USA-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia were forged through their shared village in Amritsar. Passia, who has been coordinating with Pak-based terrorist Rinda, instructed Masih to carry out the attack, promising financial rewards and logistical support. During questioning, Masih confessed to executing the grenade blast under direct orders from Passia, who had arranged for the weaponry and finances through his associates.

The grenade blast is now seen as part of a larger terror conspiracy targeting a specific individual. AIG State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Amritsar, Sukhwinder Singh Mann, disclosed that this attack mirrored a previous attempt at the same location last year. That attempt had been foiled by Punjab Police, leading to the arrest of two operatives from the same terror group  Bikramjit Singh alias Raja, and Bawa Singh  both hailing from Punjab.

Authorities believed that the Sector 10 location was targeted due to its importance in previous operations. The fact that the group attempted to strike the same spot twice points to a long-standing vendetta and careful planning by cross-border networks. DGP Yadav stressed that further investigations are underway, and police are on the lookout for the second assailant, with raids being conducted across multiple locations.



Punjab Police secures deportation of fugitive Amritpal from Austria

Punjab Police, in coordination with central agencies, has successfully deported fugitive Amritpal Singh from Austria, bringing him back to India to face charges for numerous heinous crimes. Amritpal Singh, a resident of Bhoma village in Batala, had been evading arrest since 2022 and had applied for political asylum in Austria. He was taken into custody upon his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, early Friday morning.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Friday announced the successful deportation on his official X handle (formerly Twitter), praising the relentless efforts of Punjab Police and their collaboration with central agencies.

Amritpal Singh, a proclaimed offender, had been involved in serious criminal activities, including murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, and violations under the Arms Act. His escape from India took him through Dubai and Serbia before settling in Austria. Despite attempts to secure political asylum, Punjab Police ensured his repatriation.

DGP Yadav commended the Batala Police team, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Suhail Qasim Mir, and Punjab Police's Internal Security Wing for their perseverance. SSP Mir noted that international cooperation was crucial in bringing Amritpal Singh back to India, ensuring he will now face justice for his crimes.




Upset after being denied a ticket from both Radaur and Indri constituencies, former BJP OBC Cell state president and former Haryana BJP Minister Karan Dev Kamboj on Friday joined the Congress in New Delhi in the presence of the former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. I have joined the Congress and will work for the partys candidates wherever my duties are assigned, Kamboj said during the event.



Kamboj has already extended his support to the Congress candidate Rakesh Kamboj from Indri. He pledged to work towards defeating BJP candidates in both Radaur and Indri. Kamboj had sought a BJP ticket from either Indri or Radaur. However, the party decided to field former MLA Shyam Singh Rana from Radaur, and sitting MLA Ram Kumar Kashyap from Indri. He alleged that Rana had quit the BJP during 2019 Assembly election and had only rejoined recently after spending nearly five years with the INLD. Kamboj voiced strong opposition to the partys decision, labeling Rana as a traitor and calling for the ticket to be revoked. Following the release of the first candidate list, Kamboj resigned from his position as OBC Cell state president in protest. CM Nayab Singh Saini even visited Kambojs residence to pacify him, but failed. Later, Kamboj was called in Delhi where he raised his concerns, further expressing his displeasure. Last week, Kamboj met with Bhupinder Singh Hooda to discuss his political future. Before filing his nomination papers, Indri Congress candidate Rakesh Kamboj also approached Karan Dev for support. Kamboj extended his backing to Rakesh and vowed to work towards defeating BJP candidates in both Indri and Radaur.



In another programme, former MLA from Pundri, Tejvir Singh, joined the Congress in the presence of Hooda, giving a jolt to the ruling BJP in Haryana ahead of the assembly election. Tejvir Singh, who has a strong political legacy due to his father Chaudhary Ishwar Singh, was elected as an MLA from Pundri in 2000 as an Independent candidate after quitting the Congress over the denial of a ticket. His father, Ishwar Singh, was a prominent political figure who served as MLA from Pundri four times  once as an Independent in 1968 and thrice on the Congress ticket in 1972, 1982, and 1991. During his tenure, Ishwar Singh held several important positions, including Speaker of Haryana Assembly from 1991-96, Deputy Chairman of Haryana State Planning Board, and Chairman of Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board.
BJP's state in-charge and BJP's chief whip in Rajya Sabha, Dr. Laxmikant Bajpai today launched a major attack on the Hemant government. He said that the frustrated and disappointed Chief Minister Hemant Soren has accepted political defeat. His frustration has increased due to the Jharkhand visit of BJP's state election in-charge Shivraj Singh Chouhan and co-in-charge Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

He said that seeing his defeat, Hemant Soren has put the officials forward. The state government officials are openly flouting the service rules. He said who gave the officials permission to write a letter to the Election Commission in a political matter.

He said that the state government's advocate general himself is behaving against the law. He has now become the spokesperson of JMM. He said that the Hemant government is now packing up. The results of the Lok Sabha elections have started scaring the Indy Thugbandhan.

He said that even at the time of departure, Hemant Soren is making false promises. But the public is fully aware of his truth. The public has lost faith in Chief Minister Hemant Soren. He said that BJP will fight the political battle, the battle for the state's identity and respect in the election field and will defeat the corrupt and useless government with the support of the people.

Meanwhile, BJP State President and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi also targeted Chief Minister Hemant Soren. He said that the people of Jharkhand are imprisoned in that vulture rule for five years, where the Chief Minister is occupying the land of the tribals. The entire character of Hemant Soren, who is busy looting the wealth of Jharkhand, is covered in the cloak of corruption.

Marandi said that the tribals for whose rights the state of Jharkhand was established, everything was snatched away during the tenure of Hemant Soren. Hemant Soren, who gave Bangladeshi infiltrators a top position, is being seen as a vulture by the rest of the world. Whereas the reality is that the government of Hemant Soren, who has torn apart the Jharkhandi identity, is neck deep in corruption. The future of the youth has gone to the abyss and the present of the people is stuck in a quagmire.

He said that the tribal people of Jharkhand are dying due to lack of treatment. There are no doctors in the hospital, due to which children are dying. Youths running for jobs are dying. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, sitting among brokers and middlemen, does not have a single issue on the basis of which he can ask for votes. Hemant Soren came to power by promising five lakh jobs but in five years he does not have five works to tell. Hemant Soren went to jail not in any public movement but for corruption and returned as a confirmed criminal. As soon as he returned from jail, he took steps to tear apart the tribal identity. When he could not tolerate being without power, he removed Champai Soren.
Delhi BJP on Friday lashed out at the AAP leaders for celebrating the bail of their party supremo Arvind Kejriwal, granted by the Supreme Court, and said that he has no right to continue as the Chief Minister.

The BJP on Friday said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should immediately resign from his post as the Supreme Court has granted him only conditional bail and that he continues to be an accused in a corruption case linked to the excise policy 'scam'.The BJP said the top court has categorically barred him from doing work as chief minister.

During a press conference at the party headquarters here, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, "The Supreme Court has shown a mirror to 'kattar beimaan' (outright dishonest) Arvind Kejriwal while granting bail to him. He should immediately resign after this." Kejriwal continues to be an accused in the case as the court has granted him conditional bail, he said, adding that neither have the charges against him been quashed nor has he been acquitted.

South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said that there is a constitutional crisis arises in Delhi as Supreme Court while granting bail to Kejriwal has directed him to stop from working as CM. He said now Arvind Kejriwal can not visit CM Office, can not even sign any file, he should clarify that then how he would run the Delhi Government.

State BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said, In the Arvind Kejriwal case, the Supreme Court has made it clear that his arrest is legal, the charges against him are legal. The AAP supremo getting conditional bail is not a special achievement, the trial will go on and he will soon get a long sentence. He also added that due to the conditions on which he has been granted bail, he has no right to continue as the Chief Minister. When he cannot do the work of a Chief Minister, then why does he want to continue as the Chief Minister? If he is truthful, then he should explain why he has been granted bail with such conditions? Sachdeva questioned.

Sachdeva claimed that the essential services have been halted because of his jail. Although the development of Delhi has been at a standstill for the last nine and a half years, but due to the Chief Minister being in jail for the last six months, even essential government work has come to a standstill and now when the Chief Minister is being stopped from going to the office, then it is clear that Kejriwal is the Chief Minister only for the bungalow, car and security, he alleged.

New Delhi BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said that AAP leaders are celebrating corruption and misleading the public. Even the Supreme Court has found that Arvind Kejriwal's arrest legally justified.

Kejriwal had filed two petitions, one questioning the legality of his arrest and the other seeking bail, but the trial court, high court, and now the Supreme Court have all upheld that his arrest was legal, Swaraj asserted, adding that Kejriwal is a careless Chief Minister of an indifferent government.

Northeast Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari said that an accused is coming out on bail, and he is a criminal to the people of Delhi because he has committed crimes against them.
Celebrations erupted outside as senior AAP leaders and workers gathered to welcome their party supremo and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday, who in his first remarks after stepping out, said that he will continue to fight "anti-national" forces working to weaken the nation, and asserted the incarceration has only strengthened his resolve.

"Some people in the country, anti-national forces want to weaken the country, want to divide the country. Today judges are being threatened. Attempts are being made to weaken the Election Commission. We have to fight against this. My fault is not that I have committed corruption, my fault is that I have spoken against such anti-national forces. I will continue to fight against such forces," Kejriwal said, who received a resounding welcome by his party leaders and supporters.

Hours after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi excise policy case, Kejriwal stepped out of the jail and addressed party workers from the sunroof of a vehicle while raising slogans of 'Inquilab Zindabad' and 'Vande Mataram'.

"I want to thank people who prayed for my release. You have braved rain to come here and I am thankful to you. Every drop of my blood is dedicated in the service of my nation. In my entire life, I have faced difficulties but the God has always been with me," he said, stressing that the jail time has strengthened his resolve.

"They put me in jail to break me but my resolve has only grown stronger. Jails cannot break me. I will continue my fight against anti-national forces," he said.

Kejriwal also held a roadshow near Chandgiram Akhara in Civil Lines where scores of aap supporters and workers gathered and raised party flags and banners with Satyam Jayate written on it.

Hundreds of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers and senior party leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, were waiting outside the prison to welcome Kejriwal. Drenched in rain, Mann, Sisodia raised slogans from atop a truck hailing Kejriwal.

Earlier, celebrations also erupted outside the AAP headquarters with jubilant AAP leaders and workers seen distributing sweets and raising slogans like "Aa gaye bhai aa gaye, Kejriwal aa gaye" and "jail ke taale toot gaye, Kejriwal chooth gaye".

Several AAP leaders including Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and workers gathered outside the party headquarters and burst crackers to celebrate the release of their party supremo.

They were also seen dancing to the beats of 'dhols' outside the headquarters.

Outside the chief minister's residence, Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, who became active in politics after his arrest, along with senior AAP leaders were seen celebrating the bail. "BJP's plans have been foiled. They wanted to put opposition leaders behind the bars to stay in power," Sunita Kejriwal said.

Sisodia stated that Kejriwal was not arrested for any wrongdoing or corruption. "The BJP could not win the elections against us and could not break our party, so they orchestrated this arrest as a form of insurance, hoping that by imprisoning Kejriwal, they would cause our party to crumble and their government to fall, he said.

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh asserted that after Kejriwals release, they will participate strongly in the assembly elections of Haryana and Delhi. Further, Bharadwaj demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. After the decision of the Supreme Court, if there is even an iota of integrity left within the Central Government, the Union Home Minister should resign, because the CBI comes under the Home Ministry. The court has clearly said that the central agency is working with malice and deceit, affirmed the Delhi Minister.
With the discovery of a 32.8-carat diamond in his fields, lady luck has finally smiled on Swamidin Pal, who has spent eight years digging around his meager fields in search of the precious stone.

Estimates peg the value of Pal's find, in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh, at an astonishing Rs 1 crore.

The farmer, who spends nearly six months of the year searching for a diamond, finally made the big-ticket discovery while pulling out weeds on the two-acre agricultural plot he leases, some eight kilometers from the district town.

As per regulations, Pal informed the district diamond office of his discovery, which promises to bring a huge change in his family's economic status.

A royalty of 12 percent will be charged after the diamond is auctioned, and the remainder of the proceeds will go to Pal.Panna has been known to bless its residents with diamonds for centuries; these discoveries have seen the former Bundela Rajput capital find a place in literature and even Bollywood songs.

The Panna diamonds are classified into four categories and are identified as Motichul, Manik, Panna, and Bunsput based on their tint and color.

This year, the diamond office has already been notified of 16 of these precious stones, amounting to 124 carats. Pal says he plans to spend his money on agricultural land for his sons and hopes that the next generation won't have to battle the odds he had to face.
In a sweeping administrative reshuffle, Punjab Government on Thursday transferred and issued posting orders of 38 IAS officers and one PCS officer, including Deputy Commissioners of 10 districts and commissioners of four Municipal Corporations.



Among the notable changes, Showkat Ahmad Parray has been moved from Patiala to Bathinda as the new Deputy Commissioner (DC), while IAS officer Sakshi Sahney will take over as the Amritsar DC, with Ropars outgoing DC Preeti Yadav is now assigned to Patiala. Jitendra Jorwal will be the new DC of Ludhiana.



Other significant appointments include Rajesh Dhiman, who transitions from Ferozepur to Nawanshahr; and Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu, who will now oversee Fazilka. Himanshu Jain is set to replace Preeti Yadav as the DC of Ropar, and Sona Thind has been appointed as the DC of Fatehgarh Sahib. Sandeep Rishi will assume the role of DC in Sangrur.



The reshuffle extends to the Municipal Corporations as well. Patialas Municipal Corporation will now be led by Rajat Oberoi, who is also the president of the PCS Officers Association. T Benith has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Mohali MC, Aaditya Dachalwal will oversee Ludhiana MC, and Gulpreet Singh Aulakh will head Amritsar MC.



Several senior officers have been assigned new roles. Krishan Kumar now holds the charge of the Additional Chief Secretary of Taxation Department, previously managed by Vikas Pratap  who will now hold the charge of Additional Chief Secretary (Excise). Alok Shekhar has been appointed as the Additional Chief Secretary for Prisons, while Ravi Bhagat, the Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, will handle the Public Works Department (PWD).



Gurpreet Singh Khaira has been designated as the Director of Local Government, and Anindita Mitra, returning from her deputation in Chandigarh, has been appointed as Secretary for Cooperation along with the charge of Punjab State Cooperative Bank managing director. Priyank Bharti, formerly heading PWD, will now oversee the Science, Technology, and Environment Department as administrative secretary.



The Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department has seen a leadership change with Malwinder Singh Jaggi as the new Secretary, along with his previous departments of Information and public relations, and civil aviation; while Amrit Singh has been given additional charge of the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Director. Paramjit Singh has been appointed Director of the Rural Development Department, while Jaspreet Singh will take on the role of State Transport Commissioner. Varjeet Singh Walia has been introduced to the Chief Ministers Office as the Additional Principal Secretary.



The services of Fazilka DC Senu Duggal has been placed at the disposal of Cooperation Department for posting as Sugarfed managing director.



As per the orders, 1999-batch Ajoy Sharma will continue to work as Financial Commissioner Forests and Wildlife Preservation in addition to Principal Secretary Governance Reforms and public grievances. A 2000-batch Rahul Tiwari will continue to work as Administrative Secretary (Housing and Urban Development) in addition to Power.



Gurkirat Singh Kirpal, 2001-batch IAS, will also continue to work as Administrative Secretary of Home Affairs, in addition to Mines and Geology, and Gurudwara Elections commissioner.
A minor girl from the endangered primitive tribe Korwa family was taken away from her home on the pretext of making her dance in an orchestra and was sold in Patna for Rs 50,000.

The minor's father has registered a case against three people from the same village who sold her to the Bhandaria police station. The case is from Gobardah village of Ramkanda police station area of the district.

The father said that six months ago, Reena Kumari, Pramila Devi and Mantosh Korwa from the same village came home at night and said that they had to go to dance in an orchestra. My daughter went with them. After this, the three took her to Patna and sold her for Rs 50,000. A week ago, when the girl's father returned from Mumbai (who had been working as a laborer in Mumbai for a year), his wife told him the whole story. After this, when the father asked the three about his daughter, they refused to tell anything. On much insistence, they gave a phone number.

"When I talked on the phone, I got to know that Reena had sold my daughter for Rs 50,000," Victim's father said. After this, father Satendra and mother Sushila Devi reached Ramkanda police station and filed a complaint for registering an FIR against the above three people.

Ramkanda police station in-charge Surendra Singh Kutia said that a complaint has been received about selling a minor in Patna. The matter is being investigated. Action will be taken against the culprits.
The city is gearing up for a momentous occasion as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, scheduled for 15 September, draws closer. With the event poised to be a significant milestone in the citys development journey, the district administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure smooth and flawless execution of the days proceedings. The Prime Ministers itinerary includes the much-anticipated flag-off of the Vande Bharat Express at Tatanagar Railway Station, followed by a public address and a grand roadshow culminating in a rally at Gopal Maidan.

The visit will begin with the inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express from Tatanagar Railway Station. This development is set to further boost connectivity in the region, positioning Jamshedpur as a key hub in India's rapidly expanding railway network. Following the flag-off, the Prime Minister will address a gathering of beneficiaries at the station premises, where he will speak on the various welfare schemes implemented under his government, highlighting their impact on the people of Jharkhand.

In what is expected to be one of the largest public gatherings in the city in recent times, the Prime Minister will then lead a grand roadshow from Voltas Roundabout to Gopal Maidan. Thousands of citizens are expected to line the streets to catch a glimpse of the leader as he interacts with the public. The roadshow will culminate at Gopal Maidan, where a massive public meeting is planned, with dignitaries and officials from across the state attending.

The district administration, led by District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal, is working around the clock to ensure that preparations are completed on a war footing. Mittal chaired a high-level meeting at the Collectorate Auditorium on Wednesday, giving crucial directives to senior officials from various departments. Every minute detail of the Prime Ministers visit was discussed and meticulously planned to ensure a smooth and secure event.

Key areas of focus include the security arrangements for the Prime Ministers arrival, the precise coordination of the helicopter landing at Sonari Airport, and the readiness of Tatanagar Railway Station and its premises for the inaugural event. The DC also reviewed the arrangements for the roadshow route and the massive public rally at Gopal Maidan. Special attention is being paid to crowd management and safety, with barricading and designated zones being planned to ensure the Prime Ministers security while also allowing the public to participate.

During the meeting, various officials were assigned specific roles and responsibilities to ensure that all aspects of the event are seamlessly coordinated. The Executive Engineer of the Building Construction Department was instructed to finalize the stage setup as per security protocols, ensuring that it meets all requirements for the public address and media interactions. Magistrates and security personnel will be deployed across key points, including the roadshow route and around the public rally venue, to manage the massive crowds expected to gather.

Officials from law enforcement, public safety, and health services were also present at the meeting, with specific instructions to ensure the readiness of emergency response teams. The Civil Surgeon was directed to place hospitals on standby mode, with ambulances on-site in case of medical emergencies. Fire and food safety officers have been instructed to take all necessary precautions to ensure public health and safety during the event. Proximity passes and workforce passes for authorized personnel are also being managed carefully to prevent any security lapses.

In preparation for the Prime Minister's visit, a comprehensive dry run will be conducted on 14th September. This trial run will cover all major events, from the flag-off ceremony to the roadshow, ensuring that every detail is rehearsed and executed with precision. The dry run will allow officials to identify any potential issues and address them before the actual event, ensuring that nothing is left to chance.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), in a sweeping operation early Friday morning, launched simultaneous raids on the residences of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singhs relatives across several locations in Punjab. The raids, which took place at various locations in Amritsar and Gurdaspur were linked to ongoing investigations concerning the March 2023 attack on the Indian High Commission in Canada by Khalistan supporters.

The NIAs actions began at 5 am with a raid on the residence of Pargat Singh, Amritpal Singhs paternal uncle, in Rayya near Amritsar. However, Pargat Singh was not present at the time. The investigation team subsequently detained his wife Amarjit Kaur, and transported her to Beas police station for questioning. Kaur was interrogated for three hours before being released. She later informed reporters that both she and Pargat Singh have been summoned for further questioning in Chandigarh on September 26, linking the current raid to a case filed against Pargat Singh the previous year.

At Pargat Singhs furniture shop in Rayya, the NIA team conducted a thorough search, including the first-floor residence above the shop. In his absence, NIA officers collected evidence and seized electronic devices.

Amritpal Singhs brother-in-law, Amarjot Singh, who resides in Canada, also saw his familys properties in Buttala village raided. Additional searches were carried out at homes of Amritpals another brother-in-laws residence in Mehta village in Amritsar, and another relative at Sri Hargobindpur Sahib in Gurdaspur district.

The raid was part of an NIA investigation into the March 23, 2023, attack on the Indian High Commission in Canada, during which pro-Khalistani protesters raised anti-India slogans, tied Khalistani flags to the embassys boundary wall, and hurled grenades inside the compound. Following this, demonstrations by Khalistan supporters erupted outside Indian diplomatic missions in the US, UK, and Canada, culminating in a June 2023 FIR by the NIA against the demonstrators. The investigation aims to unearth the larger network behind these incidents, focusing on the possible involvement of Khalistani sympathizers with links to India.

A key development in the investigation was the focus on Amritpal Singhs extended family. Amritpal Singh, a prominent figure in Punjab politics and leader of the Waris Punjab De group, was elected as an Independent MP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing a decisive victory over his Congress opponent by 1,97,120 votes. He has been vocal about social issues in Punjab, particularly concerning drug addiction and gangsterism, but has faced increasing scrutiny over alleged ties to pro-Khalistan elements.

Following the raids, Amritpal Singhs team issued a statement condemning the NIAs actions. The statement alleged that Amritpals family members, particularly elderly women, were being harassed without cause. Bhai Sahib was elected by the people of Khadoor Sahib, yet his family continues to be disturbed in this manner. If the NIA has any evidence, it should be presented openly, the statement read. It also criticized the governments priorities, claiming that while Punjab struggles with drug addiction and gang violence, authorities are instead targeting Amritpal Singhs family.

The NIA raid also extended to Amritpal Singhs sisters residence in Buttala village, further escalating the situation. In response to these raids, one of Amritpals key supporters, Charandeep Singh Bhinder, expressed frustration over the timing and nature of the operation. According to Bhinder, the raids coincided with recent political developments, particularly a stage erected by Amritpals supporters at an event in Baba Bakala Sahib, which had reportedly concerned state authorities.

Fridays events follow a series of high-profile actions taken by law enforcement against those suspected of involvement with pro-Khalistani movements. As part of the ongoing crackdown, the NIA has previously targeted individuals and organizations believed to be financing or otherwise supporting these groups. This broader investigation is part of Indias response to growing concerns over the resurgence of Khalistani sentiment among diaspora communities, particularly in Canada, which has been a hotbed of such activities.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is set to unveil a 30-foot statue of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, on September 28, to mark the birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter. The statue, made of gunmetal, is expected to stand as a symbol of inspiration for generations to come, reminding all visitors of the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices made by Bhagat Singh in the fight for Indias independence.

Mann, during a meeting on Thursday with officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), reviewed the ongoing work for the statues installation. He emphasized that this tribute not only honours Bhagat Singhs bravery but also aims to instill a sense of patriotism among the youth. This statue will serve as a catalyst to perpetuate the legacy of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, motivating younger generations to selflessly serve the nation, Mann said.

The Mohali International Airport was officially renamed in honour of Shaheed Bhagat Singh last year, following years of debate and a legal dispute between the governments of Punjab and Haryana over its naming. The airport, which serves travelers from various northern states including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir, will now be home to this impressive statue, further cementing Bhagat Singhs place in the hearts and minds of the people.

The Chief Minister reflected on the long-standing demand to name the airport after the martyr, which dates back to 2007 during Bhagat Singhs birth centenary celebrations. At the time, Punjab had pushed for the naming of the airport in Bhagat Singhs honour, but Haryana expressed a preference for naming it after its leader, Mangal Sen. The issue escalated to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which advised both state governments to resolve the matter through dialogue.

After multiple discussions, an agreement was finally reached in August 2022, during a meeting between Mann and Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala. Both states consented to name the airport after Bhagat Singh, honouring his legacy as one of Indias most revered freedom fighters.

Speaking about Bhagat Singhs ideology, Mann said: His philosophy of socialism and fight against injustice is as relevant today as it was during the freedom struggle. The statue will remind visitors of his supreme sacrifice and inspire them to follow his ideals.

Punjab Governments decision to erect Bhagat Singhs statue at such a prominent location aligned with its broader mission to ensure that the ideals of the countrys freedom fighters continue to resonate with future generations. By naming airports, universities, and institutions after iconic martyrs, Mann believed that the country can keep their legacies alive and inspire youth to contribute to the nation's progress with unwavering dedication.

Mann reiterated the governments commitment to realizing Bhagat Singhs dream of a just and equitable society. We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Bhagat Singhs legacy lives on in the hearts of Punjabis and people across the country, he said, urging all to take inspiration from the young martyrs life and philosophy.
Punjab Polices Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has arrested Shishan Mittal, a drug inspector accused of helping imprisoned smugglers in facilitating the expansion of their drug network outside the jail. His arrest is a significant breakthrough in Punjabs ongoing war against drugs. The crackdown comes amidst heightened efforts to dismantle illegal drug operations in the state, which continue to plague its communities and fuel crime.

The police teams from ANTF, headed by Special DGP Kuldeep Singh, have apprehended drug inspector Shishan Mittal from Aerocity in SAS Nagar (Mohali), said Punjabs Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Friday.

Stating that Mittals involvement extended beyond regulatory failures, DGP Yadav said that the drug inspector was intricately linked to a network that dealt in illegal pharmaceuticals, operating via medical stores, and laundering vast sums of drug money through benami accounts registered under his relatives names.

The police, with the help of advanced technical surveillance and human intelligence, carried out multiple raids across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, leading to the discovery of Rs 7.09 crores in 24 bank accounts tied to Mittal. Additionally, cash, foreign currency, and two bank lockers were seized during these operations.

Mittals criminal activities were not just limited to financial crimes. Initial investigations revealed that he had been actively coordinating with jailed drug smugglers to keep their operations running outside prison walls. His frequent, unauthorized foreign trips further raised suspicions, as he was found traveling abroad without obtaining official permission or applying for the necessary ex-India leave. This activity points towards his deeper involvement in transnational drug smuggling networks, likely helping orchestrate large-scale deals.

The ANTFs strategic and timely action was lauded by the DGP, who emphasized that such arrests demonstrate the forces commitment to dismantling the drug mafia. He also confirmed that more investigations are ongoing, as the full extent of Mittals complicity unfolds.

Adding to the gravity of the case, Mittals anticipatory bail plea was recently denied by a local session court. This denial serves as an indication of the seriousness of the charges under which Mittal has been arrested, including Sections 29  conspire or abet the commission of offences related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; and 59  a public servant who wilfully supports or abets drug smugglers, or neglects their duties concerning the enforcement of drug laws, can be subjected to severe penalties, including imprisonment of the NDPS Act; and section 111organized crime of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Special DGP Kuldeep Singh provided further insights into the financial scope of Mittal's operations. Seized assets included Rs 1.49 crores in cash, 260 grams of gold, and 515 Dirhams. Properties amassed through the proceeds of his illegal activities were also discovered, such as flats worth Rs two crores in Zirakpur and a Rs 40 lakh plot in Dabwali, signaling the vast extent of his gains through smuggling networks.

Mittals arrest marks a key victory in Punjabs fight against drug cartels, sending a strong message that even those in positions of power and responsibility will be held accountable for their role in sustaining the drug trade. The ANTF continues to investigate Mittals wider network, with more arrests expected shortly.
Amid escalating tensions in Punjab, the state power department employees have decided to extend their strike until September 17. The Joint Forum Punjab, Power Employees Unity Forum, and Junior Engineers Association are at loggerheads with the state government, accusing it of disregarding their demands and failing to take their grievances seriously. As a result, power supply issues are likely to persist, causing significant inconvenience to the public.



Despite several meetings between the leaders of these organizations, including Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and Power Secretary, no resolution has been reached. The leaders expressed frustration over the government's lack of commitment to address their concerns. They argued that while discussions have been ongoing, the Administration has failed to offer tangible solutions, instead only offering empty assurances.



The core of the dispute revolved around demands for substantial changes, including the recognition of employees who lose their lives while on duty as martyrs and the provision of significant financial aid to their families. According to the union leaders, the government has been reluctant to meet these demands, reflecting a broader pattern of neglect towards the welfare of power employees.



If the demands remain unmet, the power employees have threatened to continue a work-to-rule policy until September 30. This means that they will strictly adhere to their job descriptions without performing any additional tasks. In addition, all employees will proceed on mass leave until September 17, halting their work and potentially exacerbating power disruptions.



The employees strike, which began with a pen-down and work stoppage over the past three days, has now escalated to a full-scale protest. The ongoing strike has meant that neither grievances will be addressed nor any official work conducted during this period. Consequently, the general public may face prolonged delays and inconveniences as they struggle with power outages and administrative bottlenecks.



Adding to the situation, private sector power employees have pledged their support and are preparing to join the strike from September 13. They plan to organize protests, including demonstrations and gate rallies, culminating in a state-level protest in front of the Patiala headquarters on September 17.



The leaders of the Punjab State Electricity Board Employees Joint Forum, Power Employees Unity Forum Punjab, and the Association of Junior Engineers, including prominent figures such as Ratan Singh Majari and Gurpreet Singh Gandhwind, have stated that while the government had promised to address their issues before the elections, it has since reneged on these commitments. Although some minor demands have been met, the major issues remain unresolved.



The leaders criticized the governments response as authoritarian and claimed that efforts are being made to undermine trade union rights and instill fear among employees. Reports indicated that unauthorized tasks are being assigned to employees and officials, including clerical and lower-grade staff, in an attempt to suppress the strike.



Major Demands

The power employees have outlined several key demands, including recognition of employees who die on duty as martyrs, with significant financial aid provided to their families; reduction in the promotion period from RTM to ALM for sub-station staff; provision of pay bands, security, and overtime for sub-station staff; reinstatement of allowances that were discontinued, effective from 2021; and assurance of third-scale promotions, filling of vacant positions, and a halt to recruitments from other states.
In what seems to be a race to claim credit for the recent revision of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for soybean, Union Agriculture Minister and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and his successor, Mohan Yadav, have inadvertently sparked speculation about a possible rift between the two leaders.

While speculation was rife in the state capital, closer scrutiny suggests that the scramble for credit was triggered by the manner in which the MSP was revised for soybean farmers in Madhya Pradesh by the central government.In recent orders, the central government announced the new soybean MSP for Madhya Pradesh, revising it to Rs 4,892 per quintal.

The revision in prices led followers of both the incumbent Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan and Chief Minister Yadav to vie for credit for the revised prices, which come as a relief to soybean farmers in the state.

However, the episode clearly points to a lack of coordination between the Union Agriculture Ministry and the state government. A few days ago, the Union Agriculture Ministry had approved the MSP for the soybean crop in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.

However, the decision for Madhya Pradesh was put on hold despite this being Chouhan's home state. After the revision of the soybean MSP for the three states, Chouhan sought to reassure the state's farmers by stating that their interests would also be taken care of.

While many believed that the MSP revision for Madhya Pradesh would also be announced by the Union Minister, the state cabinet met a day later and decided to revise the MSP.

A proposal for revision was sent to the center, and the recommendations were accepted later that evening.Since the cabinet recommendations received an immediate nod from the center, the state government has sought to take credit for the increase in the MSP and highlight it as an achievement in farmer welfare. While the state government was attempting to claim credit, Chouhan, speaking to the media in New Delhi, listed farmers' interests as his foremost responsibility. He stated that he had approved the state cabinet's recommendations immediately to support farmers in the state.

With the approval of the new MSP, soybean farmers in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh will receive Rs 4,892 per quintal, compared to the prevailing open market price of under Rs 4,000 per quintal.

Remarkably, the battle for credit has emerged at a time when soybean farmers are continuing their agitation in Bhopal to press for their demand to increase the MSP to Rs 6,000 per quintal. The MSP for soybean (yellow) has been fixed at Rs 4,892 per quintal for 2024-25. The oilseed will be procured under the Agriculture Ministry's applicable Price Support Scheme (PSS).In a conversation with The Pioneer, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari emphasized that his party is committed to the welfare of farmers and that the demand for a Rs 6,000 MSP reflects their stance.

He revealed that starting September 20, the Congress will launch a state-wide movement to press for a more equitable price for soybean farmers.Taking a dig, Patwari said, "Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan first announced the MSP for Maharashtra only because the state goes to the polls this year. Afterwards, he agreed to declare the MSP for Madhya Pradesh to take credit over the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.Patwari asserted that his party would not remain silent until the demands of agitating farmers are met.Elaborating on the farmers demands, Samyukt Kisan Morcha State Media In-Charge Ranjit Kisanvanshi said that this is a long-standing demand.
In a daring incident, the son of a retired police sub-inspector was shot at in a fight for supremacy in Gomti Nagar on Wednesday night, exposing the tall claims of police over intense night patrolling.

The injured youth is said to have a criminal past and is a history-sheeter in Lucknow.

Identified as Dhananjay Singh, the youth sustained gunshot injuries in his leg and is admitted in the SPM (Civil) Hospital. His arch rival, Avinash Singh alias Sinku, has been named as the main assailant and the police have launched a search for him.

Dhananjay was shot at when he was sitting in a car outside his house in Gomti Nagar late Wednesday night. The bullet hit his right leg. Dhananjays friend was also present with him at the time of the attack.

The victims father is a retired sub-inspector.

According to the police, retired sub-inspector Ram Sahodar lives with his family in Vipul Khand of Gomti Nagar. On Wednesday night, his son Dhananjay was sitting in the car outside the house with his friend Rahul when five unknown youths suddenly attacked him. The assailants opened fire at Dhananjay, injuring him.

When Rahul raised an alarm, the assailants ran to beat him too, but seeing a crowd of people gathering there, they escaped.

Dhananjay has a history-sheet in his name at Gomti Nagar police station and he is also in property dealing.

Police have registered a case.

Rahuls wife Juhi Singh alias Preeti Singh, who was also present at the time of the incident, informed the police about the attack. She later filed a complaint.

It surfaced that Rahul had gone to meet Dhananjay at the latters house and both were talking while sitting in Rahuls luxury car. Suddenly, 4-5 people came with sticks and country-made pistols and fired three shots at Rahul and Dhananjay. While Dhananjay Singh was hit by a bullet, Rahul had a narrow escape.

However, when Rahul tried to run away, the assailants caught him and attacked him with the butt of the gun, injuring him also.

The injured youths family alleged that 2-3 days ago, one Avinash Singh alias Sinku had threatened to kill Rahul and Dhananjay.
About 127 years after 21 brave Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment heroically defended the Saragarhi fort against 10,000 Afghan tribesmen, the Saragarhi War Memorial was inaugurated on Thursday at the historic Gurudwara Saragarhi Sahib in Ferozepur Cantt.

Punjab Government is committed to preserve the legacy of the 21 Sikh warriors who laid down their lives in the historic Saragarhi War 127 years ago, declared the states Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur, during the inauguration ceremony.

The newly-inaugurated memorial features an eight-foot statue of Sardar Ishar Singh  the hero of the battle, along with a 41-foot mural wall depicting key moments from the battle. Lit up at night, the memorial stands as a powerful reminder of sacrifice and valor, destined to become a center of attraction for tourists from around the world.

The Minister, speaking to a gathering after the akhand path sahib held in memory of the martyrs, highlighted the government's dedication to connect the younger generation with Punjab's rich and proud heritage.

Dr Baljit stressed that through various initiatives, the Punjab Government is actively promoting the development of historical sites across the State. The Saragarhi War Memorial, built at Ferozepur, is the first of its kind dedicated to the battle, symbolizing Punjabs commitment to honouring its martyrs.

According to UNESCO, the Saragarhi War is among the eight most important battles in world history, a fact that fills every Indian heart with pride. She further noted that the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the war were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit  the highest military honour of the time, equivalent to the Victoria Cross.

Elaborating on the memorial's background, the Minister said that the foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann exactly a year ago. She praised the district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman, for completing the project within the allocated time frame, with a budget of nearly Rs two crore. The project also received a significant contribution of Rs 50 lakh from Rajya Sabha Member Vikramjit Singh Sahni, whose support was instrumental in bringing the memorial to life.

The Minister expressed confidence that the Saragarhi War Memorial would serve as a source of inspiration, not just for the Sikh community but for youth across the country. She noted that most of the soldiers who fought in the Saragarhi battle hailed from Ferozepur, adding a deep personal connection to the region.

She also highlighted a previous initiative, a museum built at the Gurudwara Saragarhi at a cost of Rs two crore. The museum showcases the artifacts, equipment, and signaling technology used during the Saragarhi War, alongside the weapons of the time. Video presentations have become a major attraction, educating visitors about the historic battle.
After the High Court's rebuke on the PIL filed regarding Bangladeshi infiltration in Jharkhand's Santhal area, the Central Government has filed its affidavit. In its affidavit, the Central Government has clearly admitted that a big change has been seen in Santhal in the last few years. Explaining the current conditions of Santhal, the Centre has said that the number of tribals has decreased rapidly in the last decade. Earlier the number of tribals in Santhal was 44% which has now decreased to 28%.

The Central Government has further said that Santhal includes not only infiltration but also conversion and migration. The Centre told the High Court that the state government itself is violating the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act in Santhal. People from outside are coming to Santhal. Infiltrators are being given protection so that they can infiltrate the land of the tribals. A large number of tribal lands are being usurped through gift deeds.

It is worth noting that UIDAI has also filed its reply on behalf of the Centre. They said that Aadhaar can never be the basis of citizenship. It is valid only as a unique identification. The central government has stated the need to implement NRC here, looking at the entire situation of Santhal. It has been said in the affidavit of the central government that in the last few days, the number of madrasas in Santhal has also increased significantly. Most of the madrasas have been built in the border districts of Sahibganj and Pakur. Along with this, the Center has also informed us that we have ways to identify the infiltrators and send them back. But this is not possible without implementing NRC.

Earlier, last week the Centre told the Jharkhand High Court that the growing presence of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in Santhal Pargana area of the tribal state is alarming.

Appearing for the Centre as the High Court took up a PIL on the issue, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who joined the court proceedings virtually, had said that the demography of the area is changing due to infiltration from Bangladesh. The decline in the percentage of tribal population is a serious issue, he said.

He had said, Infiltrators can enter other states also through Jharkhand and affect the population there. The central government will soon file a comprehensive reply in the court after consultation with all stakeholders  IB and the BSF.
With the completion of the filing of nominations by the candidates on Thursday, the battle lines have been drawn in Haryana for the Assembly election.

The Congress leadership on Thursday cleared candidates for 89 seats, leaving one seat for the CPI(M) in the House of 90 seats in the State. The scrutiny of the nomination papers will be conducted on September 13 and nominations can be withdrawn till September 16.



The Congress has expressed confidence in two MPs sons in Kaithal district. It has fielded Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewalas son Aditya Surjewala and given ticket to Hisar MP Jai Parkashs son Vikas Saharan from the Kalayat Assembly segment. Aditya is facing sitting MLA Leela Ram, while Vikas will contest against sitting MLA Kamlesh Dhanda. Congress has also fielded Devinder Hans from the Guhla (SC) Assembly segment, and former MLA Sultan Singh Jadola from Pundri. Hans contested as an Independent in 2019, finishing third with 29,473 votes. This time, he will be pitted against former MLA and BJP candidate Kulwant Ram Bazigar and JJP's Krishna Bazigar. Sultan Singh Jadola, who won the Pundri seat as an Independent in 2009, is also seeking to revive his political career with Congresss backing. The Congress named former Deputy CM Chander Mohan as its candidate for the Panchkula seat, while the AAP has fielded Prem Garg and OP Gujjar from the Panchkula and Kalka seats, respectively.



In a surprising move, the BJP has dropped veteran leader and two-time party state president Ram Bilas Sharma (74) and named former district president Kanwar Singh Yadav its nominee from the Mahendragarh Assembly constituency, dominated by the Ahir community. In 42 years, it would be the first Assembly poll in Mahendragarh when Sharma would not be in the fray as a BJP candidate. Sharma, a former minister, began his electoral journey from Mahendragarh during the 1977 Assembly poll as a Janata Party candidate. He lost in a close contest, only to win the next four elections in a row in 1982, 1987, 1991 and 1996 on BJP ticket. On Wednesday, Sharma had  without waiting for the announcement of the ticket  filed his papers as the BJP candidate.



Days after the incumbent BJP in Haryana fielded its sitting MLA and minister Kamal Gupta from Hisar, party leader Savitri Jindal, 74, filed her nomination from the same constituency as an Independent candidate on Thursday.



Candidates file nomination after conducting rallies



Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewalas son Aditya Surjewala and BJP candidate Shruti Choudhry, former chief minister Bansi Lals granddaughter, were among several leaders who filed nomination papers on Thursday being the last day of the nomination for Assembly polls. Former Haryana deputy chief minister and Congress candidate Chander Mohan filed his nomination papers from the Panchkula assembly seat. Aditya Surjewala filed his papers from the Kaithal assembly seat. He was accompanied by his father and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala. BJP leader Shruti Choudhry filed her papers from the Tosham seat. She was accompanied by her mother and Rajya Sabha MP Kiran Choudhry and the BJPs Haryana in-charge Biplab Kumar Deb. Congress nominee Ashok Arora filed his papers from the Thanesar seat. He was accompanied by senior party leader and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.



Rebellion, tears in Cong over denial of tickets



The rebellion grew in the Congress in Haryana after the party leadership cleared candidates for 89 seats, leaving one seat for the CPI(M) with at least 12 leaders quitting the party one after another in the last couple of days, citing the partys 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 partys 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 Singhs 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.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the Atal Residential School in Sithauli Kala, Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, to inaugurate the second academic session. During his visit, he spent time with the students, admiring their innovative models and engaging with them in the classroom.

Taking on the role of a teacher, Chief Minister Yogi shared success mantras with students and answered their questions. He also took part in a group photoshoot with the students and took a selfie with them, making the occasion even more memorable for the children.

Yogi Adityanath began his visit by viewing an exhibition of innovative models created by the students. The exhibition showcased devices such as a smart dustbin, a smart blind stick, an automatic street light, an obstacle-avoiding robot, and various art and craft pieces.

Chief Minister Yogi praised and encouraged the students, who explained the features of their models to him. A girl even drew a picture of Chief Minister Yogi, which he signed.

Following the exhibition, the chief minister participated in a group photoshoot with the students. He then proceeded to the classroom, where he engaged with the children about their school experience and studies, distributing chocolates to them.

He enquired about the quality of education the children received before and how it has improved since their enrollment in the Atal Residential School. The students shared that they now benefit from learning in a smart classroom.

Chief Minister Yogi also interacted with the students and answered their queries. When one student asked, We recently participated in the Independence Day parade in Lucknow and received an award. Can we also be part of the parade in Delhi? Chief Minister Yogi responded with a smile, Yes, you will definitely be sent.

In another exchange, a student asked, When you were in school, did you also get scolded for making mistakes? Chief Minister Yogi, adopting the role of a teacher, offered advice: If a mistake is made unintentionally, it is not a fault but an opportunity for improvement. However, repeating the same mistake continuously indicates a habit. Mistakes are natural when you are working, but persistent errors are not acceptable. Work hard and stay focused, and you will see positive results.

After the question and answer session, Chief Minister Yogi took a group selfie with all the students.

During his visit, a girl expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi for the excellent arrangements at Atal Residential Schools and asked if he had similar educational opportunities as a child. Chief Minister Yogi responded, This initiative is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it has been created for your benefit. It is public money, and when used correctly, it results in valuable resources like this school. If it misused, it would not serve its purpose.

He added that 16 Atal Residential Schools have already been established, with two more in progress, and that plans are underway to build additional schools in 57 other districts.

This will benefit thousands of children. Remember, following the right path leads to success, while the wrong path leads to confusion, he said.

Chief Minister Yogi also mentioned that aside from providing infrastructure, the Uttar Pradesh government has set up a corpus fund for the daily operations of these schools, financed by the cess money collected from registered workers.

You should consider writing a letter to Prime Minister Modi to express your thanks, he suggested.

Class 6 student Chhavi Gautam asked Chief Minister Yogi when and how he thought of establishing Atal Residential Schools. Yogi explained, Prime Minister Modi had pointed out that the cess collected by the BOCW Board from registered workers was often misused. He encouraged us to find a better use for it. After discussing with ministers, public representatives and officials, we realised that our workers frequently move from one district to another. If their children cannot be educated due to their constant relocation, we need to provide a solution.

He continued, Additionally, there was a need to support children who became orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we transformed Prime Minister Modis vision into the Atal Residential Schools. These schools, named in honour of respected Atalji, are being established in 57 new districts. We should express our gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for this initiative and to the memory of Atalji, under whose name these schools are helping many underprivileged children build a better future.
Bhopal District Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh has taken action under NSA against two youths who sent obscene messages to a minor in Beirasia.

A day before this, there was a lot of uproar in Berasia on Thursday. Collector Singh had assured action. After this, the protesters agreed. On the second day, NSA action has been taken against the accused.

Collector Singh took action under NSA against Anas Khan alias Adil Ahmed of Sherpur and Arman Khan resident of Bal Vihar Berasia on Friday. The collector said, strict action will be taken against others as well.

The collector had given instructions for investigation, report has to be submitted in 7 days

Collector Singh had ordered an investigation for a detailed report in this case that happened in Berasia.

After this, a team has been formed on Friday under the chairmanship of Berasia SDM Deepak Pandey. SDOP Manju Chauhan has been made a member.

The incident has to be investigated and the report has to be submitted in a week. In this regard, the SDM has also issued an order saying that if anyone else has evidence or documents related to the incident, they can give it to the SDM office within a week.

According to the police, the 17-year-old victim is a resident of a village in the Berasia police station area. Arman Mansuri, a resident of the same police station area, used to send obscene messages to the minor on Facebook and Instagram. He used to follow the victim on social media platforms and make obscene comments. He used to force her to talk.

When the girl refused to talk, or did not reply, he threatened to make her morphed photos viral on social media. Fed up with this, the girl informed her family. The father brought her to the police station on Wednesday. A total of four accused are said to be involved in this case.

In this case of sending obscene messages to an 11th class student, Hindu organizations had surrounded the Berasia police station on Thursday. BJP MLA Vishnu Khatri also reached the spot.

Spotting the uproar increasing, Collector Singh reached the spot and standing on the bonnet of the car, explained to the protesters. After this, the protest ended.

The collector said that whatever the complaint is, we will take immediate action on it. We will also inform you after the action. We will take such action in this matter so that no one commits such a crime in future. Soon the kiosks near the schools will also be removed.
Barclays cut shares of ASOS (LON:ASC  Free Report) to an underweight rating in a research note released on Monday, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage currently has GBX 290 ($3.79) target price on the stock, down from their prior target price of GBX 300 ($3.92).

Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on ASC. Berenberg Bank reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 490 ($6.41) price objective on shares of ASOS in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Shore Capital reissued a sell rating on shares of ASOS in a report on Tuesday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, ASOS currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 417.50 ($5.46).

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ASOS Stock Performance

ASOS Company Profile

Shares of ASC opened at GBX 428.20 ($5.60) on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of 510.03 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -215.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -1.26 and a beta of 2.86. ASOS has a 52-week low of GBX 328.84 ($4.30) and a 52-week high of GBX 453.80 ($5.93). The stock has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 369.20 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 362.32. The company has a quick ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 158.84.

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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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AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB  Free Report) had its price target boosted by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $206.00 to $249.00 in a research report released on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a buy rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $222.00 to $244.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on AvalonBay Communities from $207.00 to $214.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Truist Financial upped their price objective on AvalonBay Communities from $213.00 to $230.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 27th. Mizuho increased their price objective on AvalonBay Communities from $185.00 to $194.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on AvalonBay Communities from $203.00 to $209.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 14th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $218.94.

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AvalonBay Communities Stock Up 0.7 %

AVB stock opened at $231.66 on Tuesday. AvalonBay Communities has a 1-year low of $160.45 and a 1-year high of $232.33. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $213.60 and its 200 day simple moving average is $198.80. The company has a current ratio of 2.03, a quick ratio of 2.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.94 billion, a PE ratio of 34.47, a PEG ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 0.97.

AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $1.78 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.71 by ($0.93). The company had revenue of $726.04 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates 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 firm earned $2.66 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that AvalonBay Communities will post 11 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at AvalonBay Communities

In other news, SVP Keri A. Shea sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $207.17, for a total transaction of $414,340.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 4,383 shares of the companys stock, valued at $908,026.11. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other 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 transaction of $414,340.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 4,383 shares of the companys stock, valued at $908,026.11. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 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 transaction, the executive now directly owns 65,967 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,780,506.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.42% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On AvalonBay Communities

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in AvalonBay Communities during the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its position in AvalonBay Communities by 1,877.8% in 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 in the last quarter. BROOKFIELD Corp ON bought a new stake in AvalonBay Communities in the 1st quarter worth about $39,000. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. increased its stake in 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 buying an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV lifted 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 in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 92.61% of the companys stock.

About AvalonBay Communities

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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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Shares of Blackrock Silver Corp. (CVE:BRC  Get Free Report) fell 1.9% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as C$0.26 and last traded at C$0.26. 31,771 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 90% from the average session volume of 308,213 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.27.

Blackrock Silver Trading Up 7.0 %

The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.26 and a 200-day moving average price of C$0.29. The firm has a market capitalization of C$78.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.25 and a beta of 3.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 3.14 and a current ratio of 8.68.

Blackrock Silver Company Profile

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Blackrock Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. It primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. The company's flagship property is the Tonopah West silver-gold project comprising 100 patented and 83 unpatented lode mining claims covering an area of 10.3 square kilometers located in the Walker Lane trend of western Nevada.

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Centamin plc (OTCMKTS:CELTF  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $1.95 and last traded at $1.92, with a volume of 67550 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.55.

Centamin Stock Performance

The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $1.63 and a 200-day simple moving average of $1.53.

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Centamin Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.0225 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. This is an increase from Centamins previous dividend of $0.02.

About Centamin

Centamin plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, mining, and development of gold and precious metals in Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Jersey, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Its principal asset is the Sukari Gold Mine project, which covers an area of approximately 160 square kilometers located in the Eastern Desert of Egypt.

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Shares of Chinook Tyee Industry Ltd (CVE:XCX  Get Free Report) shot up 21.6% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as C$0.53 and last traded at C$0.45. 203,469 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 356% from the average session volume of 44,615 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.37.

Chinook Tyee Industry Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 1.55, a current ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.15. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of C$0.45 and a 200-day moving average price of C$0.45. The firm has a market cap of C$9.10 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.60.

Chinook Tyee Industry Company Profile

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Chinook Tyee Industry Limited operates as a financial service company in Canada. The company was formerly known as Global Railway Industries Ltd. and changed its name to Chinook Tyee Industry Limited in August 2013. Chinook Tyee Industry Limited is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Comptoir Group PLC (LON:COM  Get Free Report) shares dropped 7.5% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as GBX 4.30 ($0.06) and last traded at GBX 4.30 ($0.06). Approximately 555 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 99% from the average daily volume of 84,485 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 4.65 ($0.06).

Comptoir Group Trading Down 7.5 %

The stock has a market cap of 5.27 million, a P/E ratio of -430.00 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 594.60, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 1.24. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 4.75 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 5.91.

About Comptoir Group

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Comptoir Group PLC owns and operates restaurants under the Comptoir Libanais and Shawa brand names in the United Kingdom. The company offers Lebanese and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine dining. It operates 27 restaurants that includes 5 franchises. The company was formerly known as Levant Restaurants Group Limited and changed its name to Comptoir Group PLC in June 2016.

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Cornish Metals Inc. (LON:CUSN  Get Free Report)s share price fell 0.5% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as GBX 6 ($0.08) and last traded at GBX 6.22 ($0.08). 183,492 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 81% from the average session volume of 942,314 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 6.25 ($0.08).

Cornish Metals Stock Up 4.7 %

The stocks fifty day moving average price is GBX 6.30 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 7.72. The company has a market capitalization of 35.86 million, a PE ratio of 1,150.00 and a beta of 2.52.

Cornish Metals Company Profile

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Cornish Metals Inc engages in the acquisition, evaluation, exploration, and development of mineral properties in the United Kingdom. The company primarily explores for tin, tungsten, zinc, silver, nickel, lithium, and copper deposits. Its flagship projects are the South Crofty project comprising an underground mine permission area that covers 1,490 hectares located in the Central Mining District of Cornwall, the United Kingdom.

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StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of International Tower Hill Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:THM  Free Report) (TSE:ITH) in a research report released on Monday morning. The firm issued a sell rating on the mining companys stock.

International Tower Hill Mines Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEAMERICAN THM opened at $0.52 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $103.82 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -26.00 and a beta of 1.19. International Tower Hill Mines has a 52-week low of $0.31 and a 52-week high of $0.80.

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International Tower Hill Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:THM  Get Free Report) (TSE:ITH) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 9th. The mining company reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On International Tower Hill Mines

About International Tower Hill Mines

An institutional investor recently raised its position 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 disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,878,009 shares of the mining companys stock after purchasing an additional 28,358 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. owned about 1.44% of International Tower Hill Mines worth $1,984,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. 54.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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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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Legend Power Systems Inc. (OTCMKTS:LPSIF  Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,900 shares, a decline of 79.1% from the August 15th total of 13,900 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 7,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days.

Legend Power Systems Stock Performance

OTCMKTS LPSIF traded up $0.01 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $0.18. 5,600 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 14,982. Legend Power Systems has a 52 week low of $0.07 and a 52 week high of $0.22. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $0.17 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $0.14.

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Legend Power Systems Company Profile

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Legend Power Systems Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an electrical energy conservation company in Canada and the United States. It assembles, markets, and sells SmartGATE, a patented device that enables dynamic power management of commercial or industrial Buildings. The company was founded in 1987 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

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National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $47.45 and last traded at $47.23, with a volume of 421234 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $46.81.

Analyst Ratings Changes

NSA has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Barclays upped their price objective on National Storage Affiliates Trust from $38.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Robert W. Baird raised their target price on shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust from $37.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. KeyCorp lowered shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust from an overweight rating to a sector weight rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust from $36.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and seven have issued a hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, National Storage Affiliates Trust presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $39.94.

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National Storage Affiliates Trust Stock Performance

The stock has a 50 day moving average of $43.93 and a 200 day moving average of $39.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.28. The firm has a market cap of $3.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.97 and a beta of 0.98.

National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.63 by ($0.47). National Storage Affiliates Trust had a return on equity of 10.43% and a net margin of 21.23%. The firm had revenue of $190.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $186.37 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.68 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that National Storage Affiliates Trust will post 2.39 EPS for the current fiscal year.

National Storage Affiliates Trust Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of $0.56 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $2.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.70%. National Storage Affiliates Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 117.28%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. acquired a new stake in National Storage Affiliates Trust in the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC bought a new stake in National Storage Affiliates Trust during the 2nd quarter worth $39,000. Rothschild Investment LLC acquired a new position in National Storage Affiliates Trust in the 2nd quarter worth about $59,000. Signaturefd LLC grew its holdings in shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust by 48.1% during the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 2,035 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $84,000 after purchasing an additional 661 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new position in shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust in the first quarter valued at approximately $113,000. Institutional investors own 99.97% of the companys stock.

National Storage Affiliates Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

National Storage Affiliates Trust is a real estate investment trust headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, focused on the ownership, operation and acquisition of self storage properties predominantly located within the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas throughout the United States. As of December 31, 2023, the Company held ownership interests in and operated 1,050 self storage properties, located in 42 states and Puerto Rico with approximately 68.6 million rentable square feet, which excludes 39 self storage properties classified as held for sale to be sold to a third party.

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Nexus Industrial REIT (TSE:NXR.UN  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as C$8.63 and last traded at C$8.62, with a volume of 98799 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$8.49.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on NXR.UN. Desjardins raised their price target on shares of Nexus Industrial REIT from C$8.75 to C$9.25 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 16th. Scotiabank raised their target price on shares of Nexus Industrial REIT from C$8.50 to C$9.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on Nexus Industrial REIT from C$8.00 to C$8.50 in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Raymond James raised their price objective on Nexus Industrial REIT from C$9.25 to C$9.50 in a research report on Friday, September 6th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Nexus Industrial REIT from C$8.00 to C$8.50 in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$8.81.

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Nexus Industrial REIT Stock Performance

Nexus Industrial REIT Announces Dividend

The stock has a market capitalization of C$623.93 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 1.51. The company has a current ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 0.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 129.95. The firm has a 50-day moving average of C$7.84 and a 200-day moving average of C$7.45.

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a $0.0533 dividend. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. Nexus Industrial REITs dividend payout ratio is presently 26.89%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Nexus Industrial REIT news, Director Edwin E. Mclaughlin acquired 53,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 29th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$8.45 per share, for a total transaction of C$448,024.90. In related news, Director Edwin E. Mclaughlin acquired 53,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 29th. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$8.45 per share, with a total value of C$448,024.90. Also, Director Edwin E. Mclaughlin bought 100,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 25th. The stock was bought at an average price of C$6.80 per share, for a total transaction of C$679,850.00. Corporate insiders own 32.92% of the companys stock.

Nexus Industrial REIT Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Nexus is a growth oriented real estate investment trust focused on increasing unitholder value through the acquisition, ownership and management of industrial, office and retail properties located in primary and secondary markets in North America. The REIT currently owns a portfolio of 73 properties comprising approximately 4.1 million square feet of rentable area.

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Shares of PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk (OTCMKTS:UNLRY  Get Free Report) traded down 2.1% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $2.81 and last traded at $2.81. 101 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 99% from the average session volume of 10,435 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.87.

PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk Stock Performance

The business has a 50-day moving average price of $3.25 and a 200-day moving average price of $3.37.

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PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 5th were issued a dividend of $0.0662 per share. This is an increase from PT Unilever Indonesia Tbks previous dividend of $0.06. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 5th. PT Unilever Indonesia Tbks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 73.15%.

About PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk

PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk manufactures, markets, and distributes consumer goods in Indonesia. It offers soaps, detergents, dairy based foods, ice creams, savories, soy sauce, cosmetic products, tea-based beverages, and fruit juices. The company provides its products under the Axe, Bango, Buavita, Cif, Citra, Clear, Clear Men, Close Up, Cornetto, Dove, Feast, Feast, Glow & Lovely, Hellmann's, Jawara, Knorr, Lifebuoy, Lipton, Love Beauty & Planet, Lux, Magnum, Molto, Paddle Pop, Pepsodent, Pond's, Pond's Men, Populaire, Rexona, Rinso, Royco, SariWangi, Seru, Simple, St.

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Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG  Free Report) had its price objective increased by Royal Bank of Canada from C$25.00 to C$27.00 in a report issued on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports.

A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on LUG. Cormark raised their target price on shares of Lundin Gold from C$26.00 to C$27.00 in a report on Friday, August 9th. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on shares of Lundin Gold from C$23.50 to C$25.50 in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Raymond James upped their target price on shares of Lundin Gold from C$21.00 to C$25.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. National Bankshares increased their price target on shares of Lundin Gold from C$30.75 to C$32.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, National Bank Financial raised Lundin Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Sunday, July 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Lundin Gold presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$27.08.

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Lundin Gold Trading Up 2.1 %

Shares of Lundin Gold stock opened at C$28.79 on Tuesday. 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 firm has a market cap of C$6.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.67 and a beta of 1.23. Lundin Gold has a twelve month low of C$14.23 and a twelve month high of C$29.03. The business has a 50-day moving average price of C$24.58 and a 200-day moving average price of C$20.92.

Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported C$0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.62 by C($0.07). Lundin Gold had a net margin of 24.30% and a return on equity of 22.88%. The firm had revenue of C$412.43 million for the quarter. Equities research analysts anticipate that Lundin Gold will post 2.5546059 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Lundin Gold Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 25th will be paid a $0.551 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.66%. This is an increase from Lundin Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. Lundin Golds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 86.61%.

Insider Activity

In other news, Senior Officer Sheila Margaret Colman sold 16,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$28.74, for a total value of C$459,913.60. In related news, Senior Officer Chester See sold 30,100 shares of Lundin Gold stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of C$20.27, for a total transaction of C$610,253.42. Also, Senior Officer Sheila Margaret Colman sold 16,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$28.74, for a total transaction of C$459,913.60. Insiders own 58.79% of the companys stock.

Lundin Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Lundin Gold Inc operates as a mining company in Canada. The company holds interests in 28 metallic mineral concessions and three construction material concessions covering an area of approximately 64,454 hectares located in Southeast Ecuador. It primary holds 100% interests in the Fruta del Norte gold project that comprising seven concessions covering an area of approximately 5,566 hectares located near the city of Loja in Ecuador.

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Nitto Denko Co. (OTCMKTS:NDEKY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 5,700 shares, an increase of 159.1% from the August 15th total of 2,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 17,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days.

Nitto Denko Stock Performance

OTCMKTS NDEKY traded up $0.84 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $40.47. The company had a trading volume of 7,798 shares, compared to its average volume of 16,037. Nitto Denko has a 52 week low of $30.07 and a 52 week high of $48.58. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $40.19 and a 200 day simple moving average of $41.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.04 and a beta of 0.92.

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Nitto Denko (OTCMKTS:NDEKY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, July 26th. The technology company reported $0.83 EPS for the quarter. Nitto Denko had a return on equity of 12.58% and a net margin of 12.91%. The business had revenue of $1.60 billion during the quarter.

About Nitto Denko

Nitto Denko Corporation primarily engages in the adhesive tapes business in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. It provides double sided tapes, surface protective films, sealing materials, masking tapes, membranes, FPD/touch panel related products, gasket materials, semiconductor manufacturing process products, flexible printed circuit boards, porous films/breathable materials, and packaging tapes.

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Nokian Renkaat Oyj (OTCMKTS:NKRKY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 300 shares, a decrease of 97.6% from the August 15th total of 12,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 7,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days.

Nokian Renkaat Oyj Stock Down 2.0 %

Shares of OTCMKTS NKRKY traded down $0.09 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $4.51. The company had a trading volume of 600 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,698. Nokian Renkaat Oyj has a twelve month low of $3.26 and a twelve month high of $5.05. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $4.45 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $4.50.

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About Nokian Renkaat Oyj

(Get Free Report)

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Nokian Renkaat Oyj develops and manufactures tires in Finland, Nordics, the rest of Europe, the Americas, and internationally. It operates through Passenger Car Tyres, Heavy Tyres, and Vianor segments. The Passenger Car Tyres segment develops and produces summer, winter, and all-season tires for cars and vans.

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Suruga Bank Ltd. (OTCMKTS:SUGBY  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $72.20 and last traded at $72.20, with a volume of 0 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $72.20.

Suruga Bank Stock Performance

The company has a market cap of $1.42 billion, a PE ratio of 13.78 and a beta of -0.07. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $69.67 and a 200 day moving average price of $63.93.

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.

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Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS  Free Report) had its price target raised by Royal Bank of Canada from $189.00 to $222.00 in a research note released on Monday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a sector perform rating on the health services providers stock.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Universal Health Services from $200.00 to $229.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Stephens restated an equal weight rating and set a $200.00 price objective on shares of Universal Health Services in a report on Thursday, July 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Universal Health Services from $182.00 to $186.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated a neutral rating and set a $219.00 price objective on shares of Universal Health Services in a report on Monday, August 19th. Finally, Barclays upgraded Universal Health Services from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $198.00 to $256.00 in a report on Friday, July 26th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $224.92.

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Universal Health Services Trading Up 0.7 %

Shares of UHS opened at $231.36 on Monday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $212.89 and a two-hundred day moving average of $189.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.28. The company has a market capitalization of $15.43 billion, a PE ratio of 19.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.28. Universal Health Services has a fifty-two week low of $119.90 and a fifty-two week high of $241.95.

Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The health services provider reported $4.31 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.37 by $0.94. The company had revenue of $3.91 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.87 billion. Universal Health Services had a return on equity of 14.91% and a net margin of 6.22%. Universal Health Servicess revenue was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.53 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Universal Health Services will post 15.91 EPS for the current year.

Universal Health Services Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 17th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 3rd will be given a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 3rd. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.35%. Universal Health Servicess payout ratio is currently 6.78%.

Universal Health Services declared that its board has authorized a share repurchase plan on Wednesday, July 24th that permits the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the health services provider to purchase up to 8% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Insider Buying and Selling at Universal Health Services

In other Universal Health Services news, EVP Matthew Jay Peterson sold 15,141 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.85, for a total value of $3,192,479.85. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 5,253 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,107,595.05. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, EVP Matthew Jay Peterson sold 15,141 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.85, for a total transaction of $3,192,479.85. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 5,253 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,107,595.05. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Nina Chen-Langenmayr sold 850 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $212.11, for a total transaction of $180,293.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 1,985 shares in the company, valued at approximately $421,038.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 21,970 shares of company stock valued at $4,653,535 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 16.10% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Universal Health Services

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Van ECK Associates Corp raised its stake in Universal Health Services by 4.2% during the second quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 1,160 shares of the health services providers stock worth $215,000 after acquiring an additional 47 shares during the period. LRI Investments LLC raised its stake in Universal Health Services by 19.5% during the second quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 386 shares of the health services providers stock worth $71,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the period. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Universal Health Services by 11.4% during the first quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 624 shares of the health services providers stock worth $114,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the period. Empirical Finance LLC raised its stake in Universal Health Services by 3.1% during the first quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 2,455 shares of the health services providers stock worth $448,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares during the period. Finally, O Neil Global Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Universal Health Services by 6.7% during the second quarter. O Neil Global Advisors Inc. now owns 1,175 shares of the health services providers stock worth $217,000 after acquiring an additional 74 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 86.05% of the companys stock.

Universal Health Services Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Universal Health Services, Inc, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates acute care hospitals, and outpatient and behavioral health care facilities. It operates through Acute Care Hospital Services and Behavioral Health Care Services segments. The company's hospitals offer general and specialty surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, emergency room care, radiology, oncology, diagnostic and coronary care, pediatric services, pharmacy services, and/or behavioral health services.

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Lavras Gold Corp. (CVE:LGC  Get Free Report) insider 2176423 Ontario Ltd. sold 52,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$2.62, for a total transaction of C$137,564.78.

2176423 Ontario Ltd. also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, September 3rd, 2176423 Ontario Ltd. sold 33,600 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$2.62, for a total transaction of C$87,984.96.

On Tuesday, August 20th, 2176423 Ontario Ltd. sold 44,500 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$2.56, for a total transaction of C$114,035.70.

On Friday, July 12th, 2176423 Ontario Ltd. sold 193,900 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$2.08, for a total transaction of C$402,420.06.

Lavras Gold Trading Down 0.7 %

LGC traded down C$0.02 on Friday, hitting C$2.68. The company had a trading volume of 22,300 shares, compared to its average volume of 62,580. Lavras Gold Corp. has a 12-month low of C$0.75 and a 12-month high of C$2.89. The company has a quick ratio of 11.12, a current ratio of 7.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is C$2.21 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$1.75. The company has a market cap of C$137.62 million, a PE ratio of -38.57 and a beta of -0.17.

Lavras Gold Company Profile

Lavras Gold Corp. engages in the exploration and development of mineral resource properties in Brazil. It holds interests in the Lavras do Sul, an advanced exploration gold project with 29 mineral rights covering approximately 22,000 hectares located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The company was incorporated in 2021 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D reduced its holdings in American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG  Free Report) by 37.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 243,024 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 145,862 shares during the period. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in American International Group were worth $18,042,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fortitude Family Office LLC raised its stake in shares of American International Group by 199.2% during the 2nd quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 359 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 239 shares in the last quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in American International Group by 303.3% in the 1st quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 367 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 276 shares during the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in American International Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its holdings in American International Group by 326.0% in the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 443 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 339 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CENTRAL TRUST Co lifted its holdings in American International Group by 123.8% in the 1st quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 452 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. 90.60% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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American International Group Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:AIG opened at $73.20 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $74.83 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $75.63. American International Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $57.72 and a fifty-two week high of $80.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $48.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.58 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 0.67 and a quick ratio of 0.67.

American International Group Announces Dividend

American International Group ( NYSE:AIG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The insurance provider reported $1.16 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.30 by ($0.14). American International Group had a negative net margin of 1.54% and a positive return on equity of 9.52%. The company had revenue of $1.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.64 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.75 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up .0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts predict that American International Group, Inc. will post 5.24 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.19%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. American International Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.88%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have commented on AIG shares. Citigroup dropped their price target on American International Group from $89.00 to $87.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $87.00 price target on shares of American International Group in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. StockNews.com downgraded American International Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Barclays started coverage on American International Group in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued an overweight rating and a $90.00 price target on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on American International Group from $80.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, American International Group currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $83.88.

Read Our Latest Analysis on American International Group

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other American International Group news, major shareholder International Group American sold 8,032,129 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.90, for a total value of $200,000,012.10. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 284,238,898 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,077,548,560.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.61% of the companys stock.

American International Group Profile

(Free Report)

American International Group, Inc offers insurance products for commercial, institutional, and individual customers in North America and internationally. It operates through three segments: General Insurance, Life and Retirement, and Other Operations. The General Insurance segment provides commercial and industrial property insurance, including business interruption and package insurance that cover exposure to made and natural disasters; general liability, environmental, commercial automobile liability, workers compensation, excess casualty, and crisis management insurance products; and professional liability insurance.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AIG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG  Free Report).

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DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) has recently received a number of price target changes and ratings updates:

9/10/2024  DTE Energy had its price target raised by analysts at Mizuho from $121.00 to $133.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

9/6/2024  DTE Energy had its price target raised by analysts at BMO Capital Markets from $126.00 to $135.00. They now have a market perform rating on the stock.

8/29/2024  DTE Energy had its price target raised by analysts at Bank of America Co. from $131.00 to $136.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

8/23/2024  DTE Energy had its price target raised by analysts at Morgan Stanley from $114.00 to $121.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

8/20/2024  DTE Energy had its price target raised by analysts at Scotiabank from $120.00 to $137.00. They now have a sector outperform rating on the stock.

8/14/2024  DTE Energy is now covered by analysts at LADENBURG THALM/SH SH. They set a buy rating and a $131.00 price target on the stock.

8/11/2024  DTE Energy was upgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a sell rating to a hold rating.

8/3/2024  DTE Energy was downgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating.

7/30/2024  DTE Energy had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays PLC from $123.00 to $128.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

7/26/2024  DTE Energy had its price target raised by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $125.00 to $133.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

7/26/2024  DTE Energy was upgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a sell rating to a hold rating.

7/15/2024  DTE Energy had its price target raised by analysts at BMO Capital Markets from $120.00 to $123.00. They now have a market perform rating on the stock.

DTE Energy Trading Up 1.0 %

Shares of DTE Energy stock traded up $1.22 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $125.71. The stock had a trading volume of 259,925 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,072,776. The firm has a market capitalization of $26.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.57, a P/E/G ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a current ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73. DTE Energy has a 1 year low of $90.14 and a 1 year high of $127.59. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $120.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $114.26.

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DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The utilities provider reported $1.43 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.21 by $0.22. DTE Energy had a return on equity of 12.18% and a net margin of 11.18%. The business had revenue of $2.88 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.65 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.99 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that DTE Energy will post 6.7 earnings per share for the current year.

DTE Energy Announces Dividend

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a $1.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.25%. DTE Energys payout ratio is 66.78%.

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. ESL Trust Services LLC acquired a new position in DTE Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Rise Advisors LLC boosted its position in DTE Energy by 89.6% during the 1st quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 273 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 129 shares during the period. Ridgewood Investments LLC acquired a new position in DTE Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Denali Advisors LLC acquired a new position in DTE Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, Salomon & Ludwin LLC boosted its position in DTE Energy by 82.3% during the 1st quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 432 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $48,000 after purchasing an additional 195 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.06% of the companys stock.

DTE Energy Company engages in the utility operations. The company's Electric segment generates, purchases, distributes, and sells electricity to various residential, commercial, and industrial customers in southeastern Michigan. It generates electricity through coal-fired plants, hydroelectric pumped storage, and nuclear plants, as well as wind and solar assets.

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The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA  Get Free Report) fell 2.2% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $158.35 and last traded at $159.12. 2,039,336 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 74% from the average session volume of 7,827,106 shares. The stock had previously closed at $162.77.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently issued reports on BA. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an underweight rating and set a $119.00 price objective (down from $185.00) on shares of Boeing in a report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Baird R W raised shares of Boeing to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, June 3rd. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price objective on shares of Boeing from $222.00 to $207.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a $225.00 target price on shares of Boeing in a research note on Tuesday, June 25th. Finally, Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Boeing from $180.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, June 13th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Boeing has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $211.29.

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Boeing Trading Down 3.5 %

The companys fifty day moving average price is $174.66 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $179.69. The firm has a market cap of $96.75 billion, a P/E ratio of -45.67 and a beta of 1.57.

Boeing (NYSE:BA  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The aircraft producer reported ($2.90) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($1.00) by ($1.90). The firm had revenue of $16.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.35 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.82) earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 14.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that The Boeing Company will post -4.26 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Boeing

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in Boeing by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 49,724,770 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $9,596,383,000 after acquiring an additional 1,222,816 shares during the last quarter. Newport Trust Company LLC grew its holdings in Boeing by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Newport Trust Company LLC now owns 31,640,184 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $5,758,830,000 after acquiring an additional 388,633 shares during the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors grew its holdings in Boeing by 35.5% during the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 16,880,647 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $4,400,109,000 after acquiring an additional 4,425,964 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in shares of Boeing by 23.7% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 9,823,006 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $2,560,466,000 after purchasing an additional 1,884,850 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its stake in shares of Boeing by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 7,619,126 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $1,386,757,000 after purchasing an additional 106,513 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 64.82% of the companys stock.

About Boeing

(Get Free Report)

The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Global Services segments.

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Canadian Natural Resources Limited (TSE:CNQ  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNQ) has earned an average rating of Hold from the fourteen research firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is C$90.88.

Several equities analysts recently commented on CNQ shares. Raymond James dropped their target price on Canadian Natural Resources from C$97.00 to C$49.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, June 12th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on Canadian Natural Resources from C$60.00 to C$62.00 in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Desjardins raised their price objective on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$55.00 to C$56.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$110.00 to C$55.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, July 15th. Finally, Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Canadian Natural Resources to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on CNQ

Canadian Natural Resources Stock Performance

Shares of CNQ opened at C$44.30 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of C$48.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$77.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.64, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.88. Canadian Natural Resources has a 1 year low of C$40.02 and a 1 year high of C$56.49. The stock has a market capitalization of C$94.36 billion, a PE ratio of 12.59, a PEG ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.91.

Canadian Natural Resources (TSE:CNQ  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNQ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported C$0.88 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.84 by C$0.04. Canadian Natural Resources had a net margin of 20.88% and a return on equity of 19.65%. The company had revenue of C$9.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$8.41 billion. On average, analysts predict that Canadian Natural Resources will post 4.2311277 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Natural Resources Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.525 per share. This represents a $2.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.74%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio is presently 59.09%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Canadian Natural Resources

In other news, Senior Officer Devin Craig Lowe sold 3,750 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$48.43, for a total transaction of C$181,612.50. Company insiders own 4.24% 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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Forsta AP Fonden lifted its holdings in shares of Capital One Financial Co. (NYSE:COF  Free Report) by 16.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 82,600 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 11,600 shares during the quarter. Forsta AP Fondens holdings in Capital One Financial were worth $11,436,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Capital Research Global Investors raised its position in Capital One Financial by 72.8% in the first quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 21,128,089 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,145,761,000 after purchasing an additional 8,900,241 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Capital One Financial during the 4th quarter valued at about $409,831,000. Clearbridge Investments LLC raised its holdings in shares of Capital One Financial by 18.8% during the 1st quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 3,473,596 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $517,184,000 after buying an additional 549,665 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Capital One Financial by 123.4% during the 2nd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 772,961 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $107,016,000 after acquiring an additional 427,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital World Investors boosted its holdings in Capital One Financial by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 14,991,564 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,965,761,000 after acquiring an additional 311,696 shares during the period. 89.84% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Capital One Financial Price Performance

Shares of NYSE COF opened at $137.55 on Friday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $141.50 and a 200-day simple moving average of $140.48. Capital One Financial Co. has a twelve month low of $88.23 and a twelve month high of $153.35. The company has a market capitalization of $52.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81.

Capital One Financial Dividend Announcement

Capital One Financial ( NYSE:COF Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The financial services provider reported $3.14 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.28 by ($0.14). Capital One Financial had a net margin of 9.01% and a return on equity of 9.31%. The business had revenue of $9.51 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.57 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $3.52 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Capital One Financial Co. will post 13.1 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Investors of record on Monday, August 12th were paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 12th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.74%. Capital One Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 18.79%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

COF has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $150.00 price objective on shares of Capital One Financial in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Capital One Financial from $158.00 to $161.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Evercore ISI cut their price objective 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. BTIG Research began coverage on Capital One Financial in a research note on Friday, June 7th. They set a neutral rating for the company. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised Capital One Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $145.00 to $165.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $145.89.

View Our Latest Stock Report on COF

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO Kevin S. Borgmann sold 61,532 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $132.86, for a total transaction of $8,175,141.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 40,934 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,438,491.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Kevin S. Borgmann sold 61,532 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $132.86, for a total transaction of $8,175,141.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 40,934 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,438,491.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Robert M. Alexander sold 30,742 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total transaction of $4,611,300.00. Following the completion of 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 corporate insiders.

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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CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA  Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 0.2% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $118.79 and last traded at $119.51. 490,188 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 83% from the average session volume of 2,808,690 shares. The stock had previously closed at $119.73.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of CAVA Group from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $90.00 to $110.00 in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. TD Cowen restated a buy rating and issued a $115.00 price target on shares of CAVA Group in a research note on Thursday. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of CAVA Group from $93.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on shares of CAVA Group from $105.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on shares of CAVA Group from $90.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, CAVA Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.58.

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CAVA Group Price Performance

The company has a market cap of $14.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 306.08 and a beta of 3.34. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $96.61 and its 200-day simple moving average is $82.16.

CAVA Group (NYSE:CAVA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 22nd. The company reported $0.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.13 by $0.04. CAVA Group had a net margin of 5.04% and a return on equity of 7.37%. The company had revenue of $233.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $219.47 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.21 earnings per share. CAVA Groups revenue for the quarter was up 35.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that CAVA Group, Inc. will post 0.43 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at CAVA Group

In other CAVA Group news, insider Kenneth Robert Bertram sold 5,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $95.28, for a total value of $500,220.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 67,005 shares in the company, valued at $6,384,236.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Kenneth Robert Bertram sold 5,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $95.28, for a total value of $500,220.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 67,005 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,384,236.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Karen Kochevar sold 20,972 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.60, for a total transaction of $1,962,979.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 427,165 shares of company stock worth $49,526,186 over the last 90 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On CAVA Group

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Jamison Private Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in CAVA Group during the second quarter worth about $28,000. Nemes Rush Group LLC purchased a new position in CAVA Group during the second quarter worth about $28,000. CWM LLC raised its holdings in CAVA Group by 101.2% during the first quarter. CWM LLC now owns 505 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 254 shares in the last quarter. Mark Sheptoff Financial Planning LLC purchased a new position in CAVA Group during the second quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new position in CAVA Group during the second quarter worth about $37,000. 73.15% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About CAVA Group

(Get 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.

Further Reading

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China Life Insurance Company Limited (OTCMKTS:CILJF  Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 3,131,600 shares, a decline of 66.9% from the August 15th total of 9,453,700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 9,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 316.3 days.

China Life Insurance Price Performance

OTCMKTS CILJF traded up $0.01 on Friday, hitting $1.42. 912 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 13,814. The companys 50 day moving average price is $1.39 and its 200-day moving average price is $1.36. China Life Insurance has a twelve month low of $1.05 and a twelve month high of $1.73.

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China Life Insurance Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

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China Life Insurance Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a life insurance company in the People's Republic of China. The company operates in four segments: Life Insurance Business, Health Insurance Business, Accident Insurance Business, and Other Businesses. It offers critical illness protection, annuity, children/female/pension, security, life, medical, and accident protection insurance products.

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CoreCap Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 59,789 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,723,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of MO. SYM FINANCIAL Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the second quarter worth about $383,000. Hardin Capital Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $437,000. HBK Sorce Advisory LLC boosted its stake in Altria Group by 7.5% during the second quarter. HBK Sorce Advisory LLC now owns 25,999 shares of the companys stock worth $1,184,000 after buying an additional 1,810 shares in the last quarter. Scarborough Advisors LLC raised its position in Altria Group by 18.5% in the second quarter. Scarborough Advisors LLC now owns 1,283 shares of the companys stock worth $58,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Valley Wealth Managers Inc. lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 63.9% during the 2nd quarter. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. now owns 667 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 260 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.41% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have issued reports on the company. UBS Group lifted their price objective on Altria Group from $39.00 to $41.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research report on Monday. StockNews.com raised Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 28th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Argus raised Altria Group to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, May 31st. Finally, Bank of America increased their price target on Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $49.67.

Altria Group Stock Down 1.0 %

MO stock opened at $52.64 on Friday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $50.75 and its 200 day simple moving average is $46.33. Altria Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $39.06 and a 12-month high of $54.95. The firm has a market cap of $89.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.01, a PEG ratio of 3.07 and a beta of 0.65.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.35 by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $6.21 billion during 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 businesss revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.31 EPS. Research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.11 earnings per share for the current year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a dividend of $1.02 per share. This is an increase from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.75%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 82.01%.

Altria Group Profile

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Dunelm Group plc (LON:DNLM  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Wednesday, September 11th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, October 31st will be given a dividend of GBX 27.50 ($0.36) per share on Tuesday, November 26th. This represents a yield of 2.23%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 31st. The official announcement can be viewed at this link.

Dunelm Group Stock Performance

Shares of LON DNLM opened at GBX 1,216.05 ($15.90) on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 169.49, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.16. The firm has a market cap of 2.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,627.03, a P/E/G ratio of -10.32 and a beta of 1.18. The stocks fifty day moving average price is GBX 1,199.71 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 1,117.27. Dunelm Group has a one year low of GBX 959 ($12.54) and a one year high of GBX 1,335.54 ($17.46).

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have commented on DNLM. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating and set a GBX 1,060 ($13.86) price objective on shares of Dunelm Group in a research note on Thursday. Canaccord Genuity Group boosted their price target on Dunelm Group from GBX 1,250 ($16.35) to GBX 1,325 ($17.33) and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, July 20th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 1,214.17 ($15.88).

Dunelm Group Company Profile

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Dunelm Group plc retails homewares in the United Kingdom. The company offers furniture and beds products, which include bedroom, living room, dining room, and other furniture, as well as bed and mattresses, and sofas and armchairs; bedding products comprising bed linen, dorma, baby and kid's bedding, and duvets, pillows, and protectors; curtains and rugs; and venetian, roller, roman, vertical, and made to measure blinds.

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Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE:EBS  Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating restated by analysts at Rodman & Renshaw in a research note issued to investors on Friday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $16.00 target price on the biopharmaceutical companys stock. Rodman & Renshaws target price would suggest a potential upside of 102.02% from the stocks current price.

Separately, Benchmark reissued a buy rating and issued a $8.00 price objective on shares of Emergent BioSolutions in a research report on Friday, August 16th.

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Check Out Our Latest Report on Emergent BioSolutions

Emergent BioSolutions Stock Up 3.8 %

Shares of EBS stock traded up $0.29 during trading on Friday, reaching $7.92. The companys stock had a trading volume of 818,653 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,761,845. Emergent BioSolutions has a 1-year low of $1.42 and a 1-year high of $15.10. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $9.69 and its 200 day moving average price is $6.00. The company has a market capitalization of $419.05 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.72 and a beta of 1.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.54.

Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE:EBS  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($2.32) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.97) by ($1.35). The company had revenue of $254.70 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $199.47 million. Emergent BioSolutions had a negative return on equity of 34.38% and a negative net margin of 53.26%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned ($1.06) earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that Emergent BioSolutions will post -1.98 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Emergent BioSolutions

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EBS. Truist Financial Corp raised its stake in Emergent BioSolutions by 12.3% during the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 131,526 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $897,000 after acquiring an additional 14,360 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Emergent BioSolutions by 5.8% in the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 946,302 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $6,454,000 after purchasing an additional 52,144 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Emergent BioSolutions in the 2nd quarter valued at about $485,000. Squarepoint Ops LLC purchased a new position in Emergent BioSolutions during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,576,000. Finally, Point72 DIFC Ltd acquired a new position in Emergent BioSolutions during the second quarter worth approximately $406,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.40% of the companys stock.

Emergent BioSolutions Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Emergent BioSolutions Inc, a life sciences company, provides preparedness and response solutions for accidental, deliberate, and naturally occurring public health threats in the United States. The company offers NARCAN Nasal Spray for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose; Vaxchora vaccine for the prevention of cholera; Vivotif vaccine for oral administration for the prevention of typhoid fever; Anthrasil for the treatment of inhalational anthrax; BioThrax, an anthrax vaccine; CYFENDUS for post-exposure prophylaxis of disease following suspected or confirmed exposure to Bacillus anthracis; and Raxibacumab injection for the treatment and prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax.

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Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR  Free Report)  Analysts at Zacks Research decreased their Q3 2024 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Entergy in a research report issued on Wednesday, September 11th. Zacks Research analyst R. Department now anticipates that the utilities provider will post earnings of $3.11 per share for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of $3.14. The consensus estimate for Entergys current full-year earnings is $7.22 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Entergys FY2024 earnings at $7.21 EPS, Q1 2025 earnings at $1.26 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $1.94 EPS, Q4 2025 earnings at $1.74 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $7.73 EPS and Q1 2026 earnings at $1.79 EPS.

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Entergy (NYSE:ETR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.92 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $2.95 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.98 billion. Entergy had a return on equity of 10.10% and a net margin of 14.75%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.84 earnings per share.

ETR has been the topic of several other reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Entergy from $131.00 to $141.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Mizuho lifted their price objective on Entergy from $107.00 to $114.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 31st. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $109.50 price objective (down from $117.00) on shares of Entergy in a research report on Wednesday, June 12th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on Entergy from $100.00 to $109.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on Entergy from $124.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $123.04.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ETR

Entergy Stock Up 1.1 %

NYSE ETR opened at $123.57 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.62. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.42 billion, a PE ratio of 12.39, a PEG ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 0.73. Entergy has a 1 year low of $87.10 and a 1 year high of $123.73. The businesss 50-day moving average is $115.89 and its 200 day moving average is $109.66.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Entergy

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ETR. Tidemark LLC bought a new stake in shares of Entergy during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Entergy during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Heritage Wealth Advisors grew its position in shares of Entergy by 2,172.7% during the 1st quarter. Heritage Wealth Advisors now owns 250 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 239 shares during the period. American National Bank grew its position in shares of Entergy by 93.7% during the 2nd quarter. American National Bank now owns 277 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 134 shares during the period. Finally, TruNorth Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Entergy during the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. 88.07% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Andrew S. Marsh sold 3,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $121.46, for a total value of $388,672.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 150,731 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,307,787.26. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Entergy news, insider Eliecer Viamontes sold 5,166 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.00, for a total transaction of $619,920.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 5,117 shares in the company, valued at approximately $614,040. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Andrew S. Marsh sold 3,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $121.46, for a total transaction of $388,672.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 150,731 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,307,787.26. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 42,888 shares of company stock worth $5,110,766 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock.

Entergy Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 13th were issued a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 13th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.66%. Entergys payout ratio is currently 45.34%.

Entergy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. It generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas.

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EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) had its price objective decreased by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $143.00 to $135.00 in a research note released on Thursday, Benzinga reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has a neutral rating on the energy exploration companys stock.

EOG has been the subject of a number of other reports. Citigroup lifted their price objective on EOG Resources from $124.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, May 24th. Scotiabank decreased their target price on EOG Resources from $155.00 to $150.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 12th. KeyCorp initiated coverage on EOG Resources in a research note on Thursday, June 27th. They issued an overweight rating and a $157.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com raised shares of EOG Resources from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Susquehanna lowered their target price on shares of 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 equities 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 company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $143.63.

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Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on EOG

EOG Resources Stock Performance

EOG Resources stock opened at $118.23 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $67.95 billion, a PE ratio of 9.34, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a current ratio of 2.12, a quick ratio of 1.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. EOG Resources has a 1 year low of $108.94 and a 1 year high of $139.67. The companys 50-day moving average is $126.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is $126.12.

EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The energy exploration company reported $3.16 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.98 by $0.18. EOG Resources had a net margin of 30.33% and a return on equity of 25.42%. The business had revenue of $6.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.07 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.49 earnings per share. EOG Resourcess revenue was up 8.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that EOG Resources will post 12.2 earnings per share for the current year.

EOG Resources Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 17th will be paid a $0.91 dividend. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.08%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 17th. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is 28.75%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Michael P. Donaldson sold 11,037 shares of EOG Resources stock in a transaction that occurred 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 sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 74,250 shares in the company, valued at $9,615,375. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, Director Charles R. Crisp sold 6,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.60, for a total transaction of $816,400.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 60,892 shares in the company, valued at $7,648,035.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Michael P. Donaldson sold 11,037 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred 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 transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 74,250 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,615,375. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 21,537 shares of company stock valued at $2,751,612 in the last quarter. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On EOG Resources

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in EOG. Wright Investors Service Inc. increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 0.8% during the first quarter. Wright Investors Service Inc. now owns 10,163 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,299,000 after buying an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. CVA Family Office LLC increased its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 11.0% during the 2nd quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 820 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $103,000 after purchasing an additional 81 shares during the last quarter. Bailard Inc. raised its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bailard Inc. now owns 19,899 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $2,505,000 after purchasing an additional 81 shares during the period. Field & Main Bank lifted its stake in EOG Resources by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Field & Main Bank now owns 6,163 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $788,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares during the last quarter. Finally, PDS Planning Inc grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 4.1% during the first quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 2,152 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $275,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.91% of the companys stock.

About EOG Resources

(Get 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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Eumundi Group Limited (ASX:EBG  Get Free Report) insider Joseph Ganim bought 415,051 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 11th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of A$1.07 ($0.72) per share, for a total transaction of A$445,764.77 ($297,176.52).

Eumundi Group Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 39.84.

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Eumundi Group Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a Final dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 10th were paid a dividend of $0.037 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 28th. This represents a yield of 3.23%. This is a positive change from Eumundi Groups previous Final dividend of $0.04. Eumundi Groups payout ratio is 100.00%.

Eumundi Group Company Profile

Eumundi Group Limited engages in the hotel operation and property investment businesses in Australia. The company's Hotel Operations segment owns and operates public hotels with bar, bistro, and gaming facilities; and conducts commercial and retail liquor sales through owned and leased premises.

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Executive Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XSVN  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 160,636 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,550,000. BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF accounts for 1.4% of Executive Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Executive Wealth Management LLC owned about 5.43% of BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Mather Group LLC. purchased a new position in BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $132,000. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $220,000. Finally, CreativeOne Wealth LLC bought a new position in BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $352,000.

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BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of NYSEARCA:XSVN opened at $49.37 on Friday. BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a 12-month low of $44.79 and a 12-month high of $49.67. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $48.32 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $47.34.

BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Profile

The Bondbloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XSVN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of seven years. XSVN was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx.

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Forsta AP Fonden boosted its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM  Free Report) (TSE:AEM) by 78.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 192,900 shares of the mining companys stock after acquiring an additional 85,000 shares during the quarter. Forsta AP Fondens holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines were worth $12,614,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of AEM. Continuum Advisory LLC boosted its holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines by 1,134.4% during the 2nd quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 395 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 363 shares during the period. Stephens Consulting LLC purchased a new position in Agnico Eagle Mines during the 1st quarter valued at $30,000. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines by 406.4% during the 1st quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 709 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 569 shares during the period. Scarborough Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Agnico Eagle Mines during the 4th quarter valued at $47,000. Finally, WASHINGTON TRUST Co boosted its holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines by 92.1% during the 2nd quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 730 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $48,000 after acquiring an additional 350 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.34% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on AEM shares. Scotiabank boosted their price objective on Agnico Eagle Mines from $81.00 to $94.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a report on Monday, August 19th. CIBC boosted their price objective on Agnico Eagle Mines from $81.00 to $101.00 and gave the company an outperformer rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. TD Securities lifted their target price on Agnico Eagle Mines from $90.00 to $91.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on Agnico Eagle Mines from $79.00 to $77.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, June 20th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Agnico Eagle Mines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, June 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $83.38.

Agnico Eagle Mines Trading Up 3.5 %

AEM opened at $81.86 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $40.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 86.17, a PEG ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a current ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited has a 12 month low of $43.22 and a 12 month high of $83.50. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $76.95 and a 200-day moving average price of $67.45.

Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The mining company reported $1.07 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $2.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.03 billion. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 7.16% and a net margin of 8.44%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 20.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.65 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will post 3.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Agnico Eagle Mines

(Free Report)

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. It explores for gold. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

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GHP Investment Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Visa Inc. (NYSE:V  Free Report) by 3.5% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 34,547 shares of the credit-card processors stock after purchasing an additional 1,169 shares during the quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in Visa were worth $9,068,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Visa during the 4th quarter worth $3,895,015,000. National Bank of Canada FI grew its stake in Visa by 787.1% during the 1st quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 4,619,881 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $1,296,820,000 after purchasing an additional 4,099,122 shares in the last quarter. Swedbank AB purchased a new stake in Visa during the 1st quarter worth approximately $511,321,000. GQG Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Visa by 40.1% in the 1st quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 5,990,634 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $1,671,866,000 after purchasing an additional 1,715,686 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado boosted its stake in shares of Visa by 14,306.3% during the 4th quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 1,500,270 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $390,595,000 after buying an additional 1,489,856 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.15% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Ryan Mcinerney sold 8,620 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $276.37, for a total value of $2,382,309.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 538 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $148,687.06. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.19% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Visa Price Performance

NYSE:V opened at $285.37 on Friday. Visa Inc. has a 52-week low of $227.78 and a 52-week high of $290.96. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The firm has a market cap of $520.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.88, a PEG ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.96. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $267.95 and its 200 day moving average price is $273.29.

Visa (NYSE:V  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The credit-card processor reported $2.42 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $2.42. The business had revenue of $8.90 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.92 billion. Visa had a net margin of 54.72% and a return on equity of 51.94%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.16 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Visa Inc. will post 9.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Visa Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 9th were issued a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.73%. Visas payout ratio is currently 23.24%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and set a $297.00 price objective (down from $305.00) on shares of Visa in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. StockNews.com raised Visa from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. BNP Paribas upgraded Visa from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $325.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. William Blair upgraded Visa to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on Visa from $325.00 to $300.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-four have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $309.81.

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Visa Profile

(Free Report)

Visa Inc operates as a payment technology company in the United States and internationally. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, and click to pay services; Visa Direct, a solution that facilitates the delivery of funds to eligible cards, deposit accounts, and digital wallets; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral business-to-business cross-border payments network; Visa Cross-Border Solution, a cross-border consumer payments solution; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value-added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services.

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Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued their sell rating on shares of Greencore Group (LON:GNC  Free Report) in a report issued on Thursday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has a GBX 130 ($1.70) target price on the stock.

Separately, Shore Capital reiterated a house stock rating on shares of Greencore Group in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th.

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Greencore Group Price Performance

About Greencore Group

LON GNC opened at GBX 182.60 ($2.39) on Thursday. Greencore Group has a one year low of GBX 68.35 ($0.89) and a one year high of GBX 189.20 ($2.47). The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 178.86 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 152.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 78.73, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a current ratio of 0.79. The company has a market capitalization of 824.64 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,816.00, a PEG ratio of 0.10 and a beta of 1.19.

(Get Free Report)

Greencore Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells convenience food products in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company offers sandwiches, salads, sushi, chilled snacking, chilled ready meals, chilled soups and sauces, chilled quiche, ambient sauces and pickles, and frozen Yorkshire Puddings.

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Halliburton (NYSE:HAL  Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a report issued on Friday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They currently have a $37.00 target price on the oilfield services companys stock, down from their prior target price of $44.00. Royal Bank of Canadas price target points to a potential upside of 32.07% from the stocks previous close.

HAL has been the topic of several other research reports. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on Halliburton from $47.00 to $46.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on Halliburton from $52.00 to $48.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Susquehanna decreased their price objective on Halliburton from $49.00 to $46.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Barclays decreased their price objective on Halliburton from $54.00 to $48.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their price target on Halliburton from $46.00 to $40.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Halliburton presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $44.47.

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Halliburton Trading Up 0.2 %

NYSE HAL opened at $28.02 on Friday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $32.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $35.10. Halliburton has a twelve month low of $27.52 and a twelve month high of $43.85. The company has a quick ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 2.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The company has a market capitalization of $24.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.69, a PEG ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 1.89.

Halliburton (NYSE:HAL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 19th. The oilfield services company reported $0.80 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.80. The business had revenue of $5.83 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.95 billion. Halliburton had a return on equity of 29.97% and a net margin of 11.61%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.77 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Halliburton will post 3.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Halliburton

In other Halliburton news, EVP Van H. Beckwith sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.75, for a total transaction of $367,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 273,908 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,066,119. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 0.61% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Halliburton

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Franklin Resources Inc. increased its stake in shares of Halliburton by 19.1% in the 4th quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 1,179,579 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $42,642,000 after purchasing an additional 189,324 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Halliburton by 319.0% in the 1st quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 36,956 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $1,385,000 after purchasing an additional 28,137 shares in the last quarter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd bought a new position in Halliburton in the 1st quarter worth $1,908,000. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its holdings in Halliburton by 10.9% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 8,350 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $329,000 after buying an additional 819 shares during the period. Finally, Stephens Inc. AR boosted its holdings in Halliburton by 622.1% in the 4th quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 66,741 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $2,413,000 after buying an additional 57,499 shares during the period. 85.23% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Halliburton Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Halliburton Company provides products and services to the energy industry worldwide. It operates through two segments, Completion and Production, and Drilling and Evaluation. The Completion and Production segment offers production enhancement services that include stimulation and sand control services; cementing services, such as well bonding and casing, and casing equipment; and completion tools that offer downhole solutions and services, including well completion products and services, intelligent well completions, and service tools, as well as liner hanger, sand control, and multilateral systems.

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John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHML  Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-strong trading volume on Wednesday . Approximately 101,066 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 221% from the previous sessions volume of 31,450 shares.The stock last traded at $65.13 and had previously closed at $66.22.

John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of $910.97 million, a PE ratio of 22.60 and a beta of 0.96. The companys 50 day moving average price is $66.17 and its 200 day moving average price is $64.61.

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John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 28th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, June 26th were given a dividend of $0.3366 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 26th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of JHML. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,817,000. Hershey Financial Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $884,000. Hill Island Financial LLC lifted its stake in John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF by 0.3% in the second quarter. Hill Island Financial LLC now owns 356,260 shares of the companys stock worth $23,160,000 after acquiring an additional 921 shares during the last quarter. SigFig Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF by 6.7% during the 2nd quarter. SigFig Wealth Management LLC now owns 28,766 shares of the companys stock worth $1,870,000 after acquiring an additional 1,798 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Foundry Financial Group Inc. increased its position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Foundry Financial Group Inc. now owns 141,414 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,193,000 after purchasing an additional 2,372 shares during the last quarter.

(Get Free Report)

The John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (JHML) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the John Hancock Dimensional Large Cap index. The fund tracks an index of largest 800 US firms, weighted by multiple factors relative to their sector peers. JHML was launched on Sep 28, 2015 and is managed by John Hancock.

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The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Free Report) had its price target upped by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $464.00 to $472.00 in a research note published on Monday, Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the investment management companys stock.

Several other research firms have also recently commented on GS. UBS Group boosted their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $490.00 to $535.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $475.00 to $520.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Seaport Res Ptn cut The Goldman Sachs Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Citigroup upped their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $460.00 to $485.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $485.00 to $520.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, June 27th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, The Goldman Sachs Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $496.44.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on The Goldman Sachs Group

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance

NYSE:GS opened at $474.00 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.72. The Goldman Sachs Group has a 52-week low of $289.36 and a 52-week high of $517.26. The firm has a market cap of $152.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.51, a PEG ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.36. The businesss fifty day moving average is $490.04 and its 200 day moving average is $450.16.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, July 15th. The investment management company reported $8.62 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 business had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.60 billion. Research analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group will post 35.49 EPS 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 given a dividend of $3.00 per share. This is a positive change from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $2.75. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $12.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.53%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 46.86%.

Insider Buying and Selling at The Goldman Sachs Group

In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $505.99, for a total transaction of $1,770,965.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 12,095 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,119,949.05. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $505.99, for a total transaction of $1,770,965.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 12,095 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,119,949.05. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Thomas K. Montag sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $505.04, for a total value of $5,050,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 12,450 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,287,748. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in GS. Aveo Capital Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 8.2% in the 4th quarter. Aveo Capital Partners LLC now owns 697 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $269,000 after buying an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 9,936 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $3,833,000 after buying an additional 245 shares during the last quarter. Advisor OS LLC purchased a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $279,000. First United Bank & Trust purchased a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Finally, Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.9% in the 4th quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. now owns 1,842 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $711,000 after buying an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock.

About The Goldman Sachs Group

(Get Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

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Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. boosted its stake in Sylvamo Co. (NYSE:SLVM  Free Report) by 47.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 182,990 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 58,997 shares during the quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. owned approximately 0.44% of Sylvamo worth $12,553,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. CWM LLC raised its holdings in shares of Sylvamo by 62.5% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 408 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the last quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky increased its stake in Sylvamo by 6,733.3% in the 2nd quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 410 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 404 shares during the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp lifted its position in shares of Sylvamo by 149.3% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 506 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 303 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Sylvamo during the 1st quarter worth approximately $45,000. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Sylvamo by 534.1% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 818 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 689 shares during the last quarter. 91.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts recently commented on the company. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Sylvamo from $63.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and set a $82.00 target price (up from $71.00) on shares of Sylvamo in a research note on Monday, August 12th.

Sylvamo Trading Up 1.5 %

Shares of SLVM stock opened at $74.78 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08. The firm has a market cap of $3.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.94, a PEG ratio of 4.35 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a 50 day moving average of $73.27 and a 200-day moving average of $67.72. Sylvamo Co. has a 12-month low of $40.15 and a 12-month high of $81.06.

Sylvamo (NYSE:SLVM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, August 9th. The company reported $1.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.40. The business had revenue of $933.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $937.56 million. Sylvamo had a return on equity of 28.83% and a net margin of 6.30%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.14 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Sylvamo Co. will post 7.4 earnings per share for the current year.

Sylvamo Profile

(Free Report)

Sylvamo Corporation produces and markets uncoated freesheet for cutsize, offset paper, and pulp in Latin America, Europe, and North America. The company operates through Europe, Latin America, and North America segments. The Europe segment offers copy, tinted, and colored laser printing paper under REY Adagio and Pro-Design brands; and graphic and high-speed inkjet printing papers under the brand Jetstar; as well as produces uncoated freesheet papers.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SLVM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sylvamo Co. (NYSE:SLVM  Free Report).

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Lloyds Banking Group plc (LON:LLOY  Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the nine analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have assigned a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is GBX 56.33 ($0.74).

Several research firms have weighed in on LLOY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 50 ($0.65) to GBX 54 ($0.71) and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Lloyds Banking Group in a research report on Monday, September 2nd. Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a hold rating and set a GBX 55 ($0.72) price target on shares of Lloyds Banking Group in a research report on Wednesday, August 21st. Finally, Shore Capital restated a hold rating on shares of Lloyds Banking Group in a research note on Thursday, July 25th.

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Lloyds Banking Group Stock Performance

Lloyds Banking Group Cuts Dividend

Shares of LON LLOY opened at GBX 57.82 ($0.76) on Friday. Lloyds Banking Group has a fifty-two week low of GBX 39.42 ($0.52) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 61.72 ($0.81). The company has a market cap of 35.61 billion, a PE ratio of 827.14, a P/E/G ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 1.23. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 58.16 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 54.57.

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 1st were given a dividend of GBX 1.06 ($0.01) per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 1st. This represents a yield of 1.78%. Lloyds Banking Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 4,285.71%.

Lloyds Banking Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance, Pensions and Investments. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, and credit cards to personal customers.

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Meeder Advisory Services Inc. boosted its position in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 41.8% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 44,203 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 13,020 shares during the period. Procter & Gamble makes up 0.5% of Meeder Advisory Services Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 29th biggest holding. Meeder Advisory Services Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $7,290,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Alera Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in Procter & Gamble by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Alera Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,007 shares of the companys stock worth $812,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. Hudson Value Partners LLC increased its position in Procter & Gamble by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Hudson Value Partners LLC now owns 1,516 shares of the companys stock worth $250,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC grew its position in Procter & Gamble by 2.8% in the second quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 2,261 shares of the companys stock valued at $371,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc grew its position in Procter & Gamble by 1.1% in the first quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc now owns 5,701 shares of the companys stock valued at $925,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Home Federal Bank of Tennessee grew its position in Procter & Gamble by 0.3% in the second quarter. Home Federal Bank of Tennessee now owns 23,318 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,846,000 after acquiring 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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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. DZ Bank raised shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $190.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Wolfe Research raised shares of Procter & Gamble to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $157.00 to $161.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Dbs Bank downgraded shares of Procter & Gamble from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Seven research 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 company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $175.79.

Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble

In related news, insider Susan Street Whaley sold 450 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction dated 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 in the company, valued at $2,212,043.84. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, insider Susan Street Whaley sold 450 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $169.22, for a total transaction of $76,149.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 13,072 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,212,043.84. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 96,000 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total value of $16,320,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 13,721 shares in the company, valued at $2,332,570. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 375,553 shares of company stock worth $63,829,141 over the last ninety days. 0.17% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Procter & Gamble Stock Performance

PG stock opened at $173.53 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $409.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.35, a PEG ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 0.41. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 1 year low of $141.45 and a 1 year high of $177.94. The stocks fifty day moving average is $169.20 and its two-hundred day moving average is $165.07.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $20.53 billion for 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 firms quarterly revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.37 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.97 EPS for the current year.

Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, July 19th were paid a dividend of $1.0065 per share. This represents a $4.03 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.32%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 19th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is currently 65.85%.

About Procter & Gamble

(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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National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$123.16 and last traded at C$126.78, with a volume of 528392 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$124.66.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts recently issued reports on NA shares. Cormark increased their price target on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$122.00 to C$128.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$119.00 to C$126.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. UBS Group set a C$123.00 price target on National Bank of Canada and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. CIBC increased their price target on National Bank of Canada from C$134.00 to C$135.00 in a report on Friday, September 6th. Finally, TD Securities boosted their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$123.00 to C$129.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$122.64.

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National Bank of Canada Price Performance

The firms 50 day moving average is C$116.68 and its 200 day moving average is C$113.49. The company has a market capitalization of C$43.30 billion, a PE ratio of 12.38, a P/E/G ratio of 17.04 and a beta of 1.12.

National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 28th. The financial services provider reported C$2.68 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates 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 company had revenue of C$2.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$2.95 billion. As a group, analysts predict that National Bank of Canada will post 10.7004292 EPS for the current fiscal year.

National Bank of Canada Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be issued a dividend of $1.10 per share. This represents a $4.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.46%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 27th. National Bank of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 42.84%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Senior Officer Lucie Blanchet sold 8,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 20th. The stock was 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 firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$107.59, for a total transaction of C$946,792.00. Also, Director Yvon Charest bought 325 shares of National Bank of Canada stock in a transaction on Monday, August 19th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$117.24 per share, with a total value of C$38,103.00. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About National Bank of Canada

(Get Free Report)

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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Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. downgraded shares of PBF Energy (NYSE:PBF  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note released on Monday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports.

A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on PBF. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price objective on PBF Energy from $57.00 to $50.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 1st. UBS Group cut their price target on shares of PBF Energy from $57.00 to $44.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Mizuho lowered their price objective on shares of PBF Energy from $58.00 to $54.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, June 20th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of PBF Energy from $52.00 to $51.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. Finally, Piper Sandler decreased their price target on shares of PBF Energy from $54.00 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, June 14th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, PBF Energy has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $52.30.

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PBF Energy Trading Up 1.1 %

NYSE PBF opened at $31.50 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 1.42 and a quick ratio of 0.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 1.56. The firms 50-day moving average is $36.73 and its two-hundred day moving average is $46.20. PBF Energy has a 12 month low of $30.61 and a 12 month high of $62.88.

PBF Energy (NYSE:PBF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The oil and gas company reported ($0.54) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.15) by ($0.39). PBF Energy had a return on equity of 12.81% and a net margin of 2.09%. The company had revenue of $8.74 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.64 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.29 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that PBF Energy will post 1.61 earnings per share for the current year.

PBF Energy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 15th were paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.17%. PBF Energys payout ratio is currently 6.92%.

Insider Buying and Selling at PBF Energy

In other PBF Energy news, insider Control Empresarial De Capital acquired 365,200 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 20th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $43.84 per share, with a total value of $16,010,368.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 16,607,598 shares in the company, valued at approximately $728,077,096.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders have acquired a total of 2,417,500 shares of company stock worth $90,094,314 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 5.30% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of PBF. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise boosted its holdings in shares of PBF Energy by 10.4% in the first quarter. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise now owns 1,830 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $105,000 after acquiring an additional 172 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in PBF Energy by 95.3% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 459 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. Center For Asset Management LLC lifted its position in PBF Energy by 3.9% during the 1st quarter. Center For Asset Management LLC now owns 6,127 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $353,000 after acquiring an additional 228 shares during the period. Quadrant Capital Group LLC grew its stake in shares of PBF Energy by 12.8% in the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 2,598 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $114,000 after purchasing an additional 295 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Retirement Systems of Alabama grew its stake in shares of PBF Energy by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 136,573 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $7,863,000 after purchasing an additional 359 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.29% of the companys stock.

About PBF Energy

(Get Free Report)

PBF Energy Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in refining and supplying petroleum products. The company operates in two segments, Refining and Logistics. It produces gasoline, ultra-low-sulfur diesel, heating oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel, lubricants, petrochemicals, and asphalt, as well as unbranded transportation fuels, petrochemical feedstocks, blending components, and other petroleum products from crude oil.

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Community Healthcare Trust (NYSE:CHCT  Free Report) had its price objective cut by Piper Sandler from $21.00 to $18.00 in a research note published on Monday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on CHCT. StockNews.com downgraded Community Healthcare Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Evercore ISI reduced their target price on shares of Community Healthcare Trust from $25.00 to $21.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Truist Financial lowered their price target on shares of Community Healthcare Trust from $30.00 to $22.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Finally, Robert W. Baird reduced their price objective on shares of Community Healthcare Trust from $29.00 to $25.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Community Healthcare Trust has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $21.50.

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Community Healthcare Trust Price Performance

Community Healthcare Trust Increases Dividend

CHCT opened at $16.54 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $458.17 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.84, a P/E/G ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 0.69. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $20.99 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $23.51. Community Healthcare Trust has a 1 year low of $15.06 and a 1 year high of $33.09.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were paid a $0.4625 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $1.85 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 11.19%. This is a boost from Community Healthcare Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. Community Healthcare Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 289.06%.

Insider Transactions at Community Healthcare Trust

In other Community Healthcare Trust news, Director Robert Z. Hensley purchased 6,500 shares of Community Healthcare Trust stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $19.50 per share, for a total transaction of $126,750.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 70,670 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,378,065. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, CEO David H. Dupuy acquired 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $19.48 per share, with a total value of $194,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 363,565 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,082,246.20. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Robert Z. Hensley bought 6,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The shares were bought at an average price of $19.50 per share, with a total value of $126,750.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 70,670 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,378,065. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 4.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Community Healthcare Trust

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Community Healthcare Trust during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $243,000. Systematic Financial Management LP increased its position in Community Healthcare Trust by 8.0% during the 2nd quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP now owns 749,243 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $17,525,000 after buying an additional 55,558 shares during the period. Creative Planning bought a new position in Community Healthcare Trust during the 2nd quarter worth $306,000. Algert Global LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Community Healthcare Trust by 131.6% during the second quarter. Algert Global LLC now owns 17,883 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $418,000 after buying an additional 10,160 shares in the last quarter. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its position in shares of Community Healthcare Trust by 65.5% in the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 17,582 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $411,000 after acquiring an additional 6,957 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 87.84% of the companys stock.

Community Healthcare Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated is a real estate investment trust that focuses on owning income-producing real estate properties associated primarily with the delivery of outpatient healthcare services in our target sub-markets throughout the United States. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had investments of approximately $1.1 billion in 193 real estate properties (including a portion of one property accounted for as a sales-type lease and two properties classified as held for sale).

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Savaria (TSE:SIS  Get Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by analysts at Raymond James from C$25.00 to C$27.50 in a research note issued to investors on Friday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Raymond James price objective would suggest a potential upside of 32.21% from the companys previous close.

A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on the company. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Savaria from C$24.00 to C$25.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. National Bankshares raised their price target on Savaria from C$21.00 to C$22.00 in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Desjardins raised their price target on Savaria from C$23.50 to C$24.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, TD Securities raised their price target on Savaria from C$23.00 to C$24.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Savaria presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of C$24.07.

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Savaria Stock Performance

Shares of SIS traded up C$0.27 during midday trading on Friday, reaching C$20.80. 70,444 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 64,938. The businesss 50-day moving average price is C$19.34 and its 200 day moving average price is C$17.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 56.50, a current ratio of 1.94 and a quick ratio of 0.91. Savaria has a twelve month low of C$12.21 and a twelve month high of C$20.84. The company has a market capitalization of C$1.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.00, a PEG ratio of 42.72 and a beta of 0.89.

Savaria (TSE:SIS  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported C$0.22 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.20 by C$0.02. Savaria had a return on equity of 8.95% and a net margin of 5.25%. The business had revenue of C$221.34 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$213.08 million. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Savaria will post 1.1754488 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Savaria Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Savaria Corporation provides accessibility solutions for the elderly and physically challenged people in Canada, the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Accessibility and Patient Care. The Accessibility segment designs, manufactures, distributes, and installs a portfolio of accessibility products, including commercial and home elevators, stairlifts, platform lifts, and wheelchair lowered-floor accessible conversions for selected brands of minivans, personal, residential, or commercial applications.

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Robeco Schweiz AG lowered its stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD  Free Report) by 52.9% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 24,534 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 27,544 shares during the quarter. Robeco Schweiz AG owned approximately 0.11% of Mettler-Toledo International worth $34,288,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Rise Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Mettler-Toledo International in the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Family Firm Inc. bought a new position in shares of Mettler-Toledo International in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Spartan Planning & Wealth Management bought a new position in Mettler-Toledo International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Bellevue Group AG bought a new position in Mettler-Toledo International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Finally, Mather Group LLC. bought a new position in Mettler-Toledo International during the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Institutional investors own 95.07% of the companys stock.

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Mettler-Toledo International Stock Down 1.1 %

NYSE MTD opened at $1,373.40 on Friday. Mettler-Toledo International Inc. has a 12-month low of $928.49 and a 12-month high of $1,546.93. The company has a market capitalization of $29.14 billion, a PE ratio of 38.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.70 and a beta of 1.14. The firms 50 day moving average is $1,400.88 and its 200-day moving average is $1,368.51.

Insider Activity at Mettler-Toledo International

Mettler-Toledo International ( NYSE:MTD Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The medical instruments supplier reported $9.65 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.00 by $0.65. Mettler-Toledo International had a net margin of 20.95% and a negative return on equity of 575.61%. The business had revenue of $946.75 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $929.13 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $10.19 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Mettler-Toledo International Inc. will post 40.35 EPS for the current year.

In other Mettler-Toledo International news, insider Christian Magloth sold 1,000 shares of Mettler-Toledo International stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,422.97, for a total transaction of $1,422,970.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 734 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,044,459.98. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Mettler-Toledo International news, insider Christian Magloth sold 1,000 shares of Mettler-Toledo International stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,422.97, for a total transaction of $1,422,970.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 734 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,044,459.98. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Shawn Vadala sold 250 shares of Mettler-Toledo International stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,401.00, for a total transaction of $350,250.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 4,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,884,514. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.94% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,300.00 to $1,400.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued an underperform rating and set a $1,250.00 price objective (up previously from $1,230.00) on shares of Mettler-Toledo International in a research note on Monday, June 3rd. StockNews.com raised shares of Mettler-Toledo International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Mettler-Toledo International in a report on Tuesday, August 27th. They set an equal weight rating and a $1,400.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised their target price on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,510.00 to $1,550.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $1,356.25.

Read Our Latest Research Report on MTD

Mettler-Toledo International Profile

(Free Report)

Mettler-Toledo International Inc manufactures and supplies precision instruments and services in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through five segments: U.S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations, and Other. The company's laboratory instruments include laboratory balances, liquid pipetting solutions, automated laboratory reactors, real-time analytics, titrators, pH meters, process analytics sensors and analyzer technologies, physical value analyzers, density and refractometry, thermal analysis systems, and other analytical instruments; and LabX, a laboratory software platform to manage and analyze data generated from its instruments.Its industrial instruments comprise industrial weighing instruments and related terminals, automatic dimensional measurement and data capture solutions, vehicle scale systems, industrial software, metal detection equipment, x-ray systems, check weighing equipment, camera-based imaging equipment, track-and-trace solutions, and product inspection systems.

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Suzano S.A. (NYSE:SUZ  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 2,930,000 shares, a drop of 48.4% from the August 15th total of 5,680,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 1,810,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.6 days. Approximately 0.2% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Atlas FRM LLC raised its stake in Suzano by 73.0% in the second quarter. Atlas FRM LLC now owns 12,320,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $126,526,000 after purchasing an additional 5,200,000 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP bought a new stake in shares of Suzano during the 2nd quarter worth $9,310,000. Sagil Capital LLP purchased a new position in Suzano in the second quarter worth $6,324,000. Absolute Gestao de Investimentos Ltda. bought a new position in Suzano in the second quarter valued at $2,806,000. Finally, Janus Henderson Group PLC lifted its stake in Suzano by 44.0% during the first quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 647,950 shares of the companys stock worth $8,278,000 after purchasing an additional 198,068 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 2.55% of the companys stock.

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Suzano Stock Performance

Shares of SUZ stock opened at $9.67 on Friday. Suzano has a 12 month low of $8.78 and a 12 month high of $12.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.80 billion, a PE ratio of 6.91 and a beta of 0.99. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $9.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $10.50. The company has a current ratio of 2.48, a quick ratio of 2.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Suzano ( NYSE:SUZ Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported ($0.56) earnings per share for the quarter. Suzano had a return on equity of 0.98% and a net margin of 1.05%. The firm had revenue of $2.21 billion for the quarter. Analysts forecast that Suzano will post 1.41 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Separately, Morgan Stanley raised Suzano from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, May 20th.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Suzano

Suzano Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Suzano SA produces and sells eucalyptus pulp and paper products in Brazil and internationally. It operates through Pulp and Paper segments. The company offers coated and uncoated printing and writing papers, paperboards, tissue papers, and market and fluff pulps; and lignin. It also engages in the research, development, and production of biofuel; operation of port terminals; power generation and distribution business; commercialization of equipment and parts; industrialization, commercialization, and exporting of pulp and standing wood; road freight transport; biotechnology research and development; and commercialization of paper and computer materials.

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Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE:SQM  Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $34.88, but opened at $38.86. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile shares last traded at $38.68, with a volume of 925,878 shares changing hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

SQM has been the subject of several recent research reports. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile from $70.00 to $65.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 24th. Bank of America decreased their price objective on Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile from $47.00 to $38.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile from $62.80 to $55.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 26th. Finally, Berenberg Bank initiated coverage on Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. They set a hold rating and a $35.00 target price for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $50.06.

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Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile Stock Performance

The firm has a market cap of $10.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.52 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a quick ratio of 1.47, a current ratio of 2.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $37.94 and a 200-day moving average price of $43.53.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE:SQM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 21st. The basic materials company reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by ($0.24). The company had revenue of $1.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.27 billion. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile had a net margin of 0.48% and a return on equity of 23.15%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.03 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. will post -0.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile by 8.4% in the first quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,144,179 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $105,407,000 after purchasing an additional 165,370 shares during the period. Robeco Schweiz AG grew its holdings in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile by 23.4% during the first quarter. Robeco Schweiz AG now owns 1,407,650 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $69,200,000 after acquiring an additional 267,005 shares during the period. Earnest Partners LLC grew its holdings in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile by 9.3% during the first quarter. Earnest Partners LLC now owns 1,019,368 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $50,112,000 after acquiring an additional 86,811 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its holdings in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile by 41.6% during the second quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 899,646 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $36,661,000 after acquiring an additional 264,324 shares during the period. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its holdings in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile by 1.8% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 862,343 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $35,140,000 after acquiring an additional 15,604 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 12.41% of the companys stock.

About Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile

(Get Free Report)

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine derivatives, lithium derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals, and other products and services. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers.

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State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D reduced its stake in Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) by 38.1% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 120,290 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 74,006 shares during the period. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Valero Energy were worth $18,857,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. 9258 Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 7.2% during the 4th quarter. 9258 Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,704 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $222,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the period. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 4.2% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 12,124 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,576,000 after purchasing an additional 484 shares during the period. Moran Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth $567,000. Inceptionr LLC purchased a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth $377,000. Finally, Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 22.6% during the 4th quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC now owns 57,939 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $7,532,000 after purchasing an additional 10,695 shares during the period. 78.69% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Valero Energy Price Performance

VLO stock opened at $134.18 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 1.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $42.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.65, a P/E/G ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 1.40. The businesss 50-day moving average is $146.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $155.36. Valero Energy Co. has a 1 year low of $119.88 and a 1 year high of $184.79.

Valero Energy Dividend Announcement

Valero Energy ( NYSE:VLO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The oil and gas company reported $2.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.60 by $0.11. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 21.01% and a net margin of 4.25%. The company had revenue of $34.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $32.97 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $5.40 EPS. Valero Energys revenue for the quarter was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Valero Energy Co. will post 12.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 1st were given a dividend of $1.07 per share. This represents a $4.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.19%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 1st. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 21.20%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

VLO has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on Valero Energy from $187.00 to $169.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, June 14th. Mizuho upgraded Valero Energy from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the company from $165.00 to $175.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Scotiabank raised their target price on Valero Energy from $165.00 to $173.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a report on Friday, July 12th. Argus cut Valero Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 16th. Finally, StockNews.com cut Valero Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $174.50.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Valero Energy

About Valero Energy

(Free Report)

Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol.

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SYM FINANCIAL Corp bought a new position in General Motors (NYSE:GM  Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 5,230 shares of the auto manufacturers stock, valued at approximately $243,000.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. lifted its position in General Motors by 34.5% during the 2nd quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 792 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 203 shares during the period. Fortitude Family Office LLC boosted its stake in General Motors by 56.1% in the second quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 626 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 225 shares during the last quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in General Motors by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,804 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $316,000 after acquiring an additional 227 shares during the period. Institute for Wealth Management LLC. raised its position in shares of General Motors by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Institute for Wealth Management LLC. now owns 36,624 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $1,702,000 after acquiring an additional 230 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Beech Hill Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of General Motors by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Beech Hill Advisors Inc. now owns 15,233 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $708,000 after purchasing an additional 233 shares during the period. 92.67% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at General Motors

In other news, EVP Rory Harvey sold 12,795 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.02, for a total transaction of $627,210.90. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 8,513 shares in the company, valued at $417,307.26. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Rory Harvey sold 12,795 shares of General Motors stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.02, for a total transaction of $627,210.90. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 8,513 shares of the companys stock, valued at $417,307.26. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO Paul A. Jacobson purchased 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $44.11 per share, for a total transaction of $1,102,750.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief financial officer now directly owns 261,872 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,551,173.92. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders own 0.72% of the companys stock.

General Motors Trading Up 3.3 %

General Motors stock opened at $46.13 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.18. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $46.19 and a 200 day simple moving average of $44.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $51.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.64, a PEG ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 1.43. General Motors has a 52 week low of $26.30 and a 52 week high of $50.50.

General Motors (NYSE:GM  Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The auto manufacturer reported $3.06 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.67 by $0.39. General Motors had a return on equity of 15.77% and a net margin of 6.22%. The business had revenue of $47.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $45.13 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.91 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that General Motors will post 9.95 earnings per share for the current year.

General Motors announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback program on Tuesday, June 11th that authorizes the company to buyback $6.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the auto manufacturer to reacquire up to 10.8% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

General Motors Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 19th. Investors of record on Friday, September 6th will be paid a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 6th. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.04%. General Motorss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 5.87%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Bank of America reiterated a buy rating and issued a $75.00 price objective on shares of General Motors in a report on Wednesday, June 12th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on General Motors from $58.00 to $54.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and set a $55.00 price objective on shares of General Motors in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Nomura Securities raised shares of General Motors to a strong sell rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Nomura cut shares of General Motors from a neutral rating to a reduce rating and set a $34.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, twelve have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, General Motors currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $55.27.

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General Motors Profile

(Free Report)

General Motors Company designs, builds, and sells trucks, crossovers, cars, and automobile parts; and provide software-enabled services and subscriptions worldwide. The company operates through GM North America, GM International, Cruise, and GM Financial segments. It markets its vehicles primarily under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Baojun, and Wuling brand names.

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Thornburg Investment Management Inc. lessened its stake in Sendas Distribuidora S.A. (NYSE:ASAI  Free Report) by 5.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 67,944 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,776 shares during the quarter. Thornburg Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Sendas Distribuidora were worth $685,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Jump Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Sendas Distribuidora in the 4th quarter worth $143,000. Brandes Investment Partners LP boosted its holdings in Sendas Distribuidora by 146.1% in the 4th quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 176,981 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,446,000 after purchasing an additional 105,073 shares during the last quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Sendas Distribuidora by 888.9% in the 4th quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 307,970 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,256,000 after buying an additional 276,826 shares during the period. Breakout Capital Partners LP acquired a new stake in shares of Sendas Distribuidora during the 4th quarter worth approximately $13,347,000. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Sendas Distribuidora by 29.7% during the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 7,479 shares of the companys stock valued at $103,000 after buying an additional 1,713 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 8.76% of the companys stock.

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Sendas Distribuidora Stock Performance

NYSE:ASAI opened at $8.06 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.20, a PEG 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 S.A. has a fifty-two week low of $7.72 and a fifty-two week high of $15.25. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $9.16 and a 200 day moving average price of $11.55.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Sendas Distribuidora ( NYSE:ASAI Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates 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 during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.60 billion. Equities research analysts forecast that Sendas Distribuidora S.A. will post 0.49 EPS for the current year.

Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded Sendas Distribuidora from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $10.50 target price on the stock. in a research report on Monday.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ASAI

Sendas Distribuidora Profile

(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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Royal Bank of Canada reiterated their sector perform rating on shares of USA Compression Partners (NYSE:USAC  Free Report) in a report issued on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a $26.00 price objective on the oil and gas companys stock.

A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on USAC. Mizuho raised shares of USA Compression Partners from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the stock from $23.00 to $26.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. StockNews.com cut shares of USA Compression Partners from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $26.50.

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USA Compression Partners Price Performance

Shares of USAC opened at $22.51 on Thursday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $22.65 and its 200-day moving average price is $24.27. USA Compression Partners has a 1-year low of $21.06 and a 1-year high of $28.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.63 billion, a PE ratio of 54.90 and a beta of 1.32.

USA Compression Partners (NYSE:USAC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The oil and gas company reported $0.21 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate 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 for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $232.86 million. As a group, research analysts anticipate that USA Compression Partners will post 0.82 EPS for the current fiscal year.

USA Compression Partners Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 22nd were paid a dividend of $0.525 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 22nd. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.33%. USA Compression Partnerss payout ratio is 512.20%.

Insider Activity at USA Compression Partners

In related news, insider Eric D. Long sold 1,786 shares of the firms stock in a transaction 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 sale, the insider now owns 307,026 shares in the company, valued at $7,003,263.06. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, insider Eric D. Long sold 21,396 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.27, for a total value of $476,488.92. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 1,786 shares in the company, valued at $39,774.22. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Eric D. Long sold 1,786 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.81, for a total value of $40,738.66. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 307,026 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,003,263.06. The disclosure for this sale can be found here.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On USA Compression Partners

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in USAC. Creekmur Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in USA Compression Partners in the 4th quarter worth about $46,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. boosted its holdings in USA Compression Partners by 12.2% in the 2nd quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 4,445 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $105,000 after buying an additional 485 shares during the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in USA Compression Partners in the 2nd quarter worth about $204,000. F&V Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in USA Compression Partners in the 1st quarter worth about $209,000. Finally, TSA Wealth Managment LLC acquired a new stake in USA Compression Partners in the 1st quarter worth about $232,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 47.77% of the companys stock.

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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Interview: China's int'l services trade fair strong platform to boost global economy, says Egyptian expert

Xinhua) 15:20, September 13, 2024

CAIRO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is a strong platform for advancing global trade and economy, an Egyptian expert has said.

"I expect great success for the fair in light of the large turnout of countries and companies," Diaa Helmy, secretary-general of the Egyptian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Under the theme of "Global Services, Shared Prosperity," the five-day event, which opened in Beijing on Thursday, featured over 450 Fortune 500 enterprises and leading companies from various sectors, along with the participation of 85 countries and international organizations.

"China has achieved a boom in the sector during the first half of 2024," noted the Egyptian expert.

China's foreign trade in services totaled nearly 3.6 trillion yuan (504.61 billion U.S. dollars) between January and June, up 14 percent year-on-year, according to data from China's Ministry of Commerce.

Helmy added that the exhibition is a "vast and organized platform" for global trade in services, offering companies and countries a unique opportunity to connect in China.

Helmy, also a member of the Economic Committee of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, emphasized the growing importance of service trade in the global economy, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, the knowledge economy, and digital transformation.

Helmy noted the increasing competition among nations in the trade of services, especially the travel and tourism trade, as they strive to capture a larger share of the global market.

The Egyptian expert praised China's economic approach, calling it successful, safe, and stable.

He emphasized China's role in organizing the international fair as an important step to enhance international trade and support the global economy, noting that China's strong economy benefits the entire world through its economic initiatives and partnerships.

Helmy said China's strength in service trade will help other countries, especially in the exchange of information.

He viewed the exhibition as a powerful response to Western and U.S. media narratives that attempt to tarnish China's image.

The expo is clear evidence of China's commitment to global cooperation and unrestricted trade, reinforcing its vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, the expert said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Vermilion Energy Inc. (NYSE:VET  Free Report) (TSE:VET)  Equities research analysts at Atb Cap Markets dropped their Q2 2025 earnings per share estimates for shares of Vermilion Energy in a research note issued on Wednesday, September 11th. Atb Cap Markets analyst A. Arif now forecasts that the oil and gas company will post earnings of $0.47 per share for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of $0.48. The consensus estimate for Vermilion Energys current full-year earnings is $0.83 per share. Atb Cap Markets also issued estimates for Vermilion Energys FY2026 earnings at $1.02 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $0.65 EPS.

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Vermilion Energy Price Performance

Shares of NYSE VET opened at $9.20 on Friday. Vermilion Energy has a twelve month low of $8.70 and a twelve month high of $15.98. The company has a current ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The company has a market capitalization of $1.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.31 and a beta of 2.00. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $10.22 and a 200-day simple moving average of $11.23.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Vermilion Energy ( NYSE:VET Get Free Report ) (TSE:VET) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The oil and gas company reported ($0.38) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.31 by ($0.69). Vermilion Energy had a negative net margin of 41.33% and a positive return on equity of 5.99%. The firm had revenue of $350.04 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $376.54 million.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Millennium Management LLC boosted its position in Vermilion Energy by 34.5% during the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 5,484,654 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $60,359,000 after purchasing an additional 1,405,653 shares during the period. Toronto Dominion Bank boosted its position in Vermilion Energy by 130.9% during the 2nd quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 147,871 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,628,000 after purchasing an additional 83,839 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new position in Vermilion Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $122,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Vermilion Energy by 2,569.2% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,817 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 3,674 shares during the period. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd boosted its position in Vermilion Energy by 426.2% during the 2nd quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 53,448 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $588,000 after purchasing an additional 43,291 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 31.91% of the companys stock.

Vermilion Energy Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 27th will be issued a $0.088 dividend. This represents a $0.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.83%. This is an increase from Vermilion Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 27th. Vermilion Energys payout ratio is -12.59%.

Vermilion Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Vermilion Energy Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of petroleum and natural gas. The company has properties in West Central Alberta, southeast Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and West Pembina in Canada; Wyoming in the United States; southwest Bordeaux and Paris Basin in France; the Netherlands; Germany; Ireland; Croatia; Slovakia; and Australia.

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Vest Financial LLC raised its holdings in PHINIA Inc. (NYSE:PHIN  Free Report) by 22.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 27,665 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 5,062 shares during the quarter. Vest Financial LLC owned 0.06% of PHINIA worth $1,089,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of PHINIA in the second quarter valued at $511,000. American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in shares of PHINIA by 33.2% in the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,009,106 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,718,000 after buying an additional 251,650 shares in the last quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D acquired a new stake in shares of PHINIA in the second quarter valued at $1,663,000. ClariVest Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of PHINIA by 205,466.7% in the second quarter. ClariVest Asset Management LLC now owns 30,835 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,214,000 after buying an additional 30,820 shares in the last quarter. Finally, LSV Asset Management grew its stake in shares of PHINIA by 0.7% in the second quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 780,569 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,723,000 after buying an additional 5,792 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.94% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, UBS Group began coverage on PHINIA in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued a buy rating and a $55.00 price objective for the company.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, VP Michael Coetzee sold 900 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.71, for a total transaction of $42,939.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 29,540 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,409,353.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 1.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

PHINIA Trading Down 0.4 %

PHIN opened at $45.27 on Friday. PHINIA Inc. has a 12 month low of $23.46 and a 12 month high of $49.31. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.21 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 1.85 and a quick ratio of 1.38. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $44.69 and a 200 day moving average price of $41.50.

PHINIA (NYSE:PHIN  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $0.88 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.15 by ($0.27). PHINIA had a return on equity of 8.04% and a net margin of 2.48%. The company had revenue of $868.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $889.00 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.61 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that PHINIA Inc. will post 3.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

PHINIA Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Investors of record on Friday, August 23rd will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 23rd. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.21%.

PHINIA Company Profile

(Free Report)

PHINIA Inc engages in the development, design, and manufacture of integrated components and systems that optimize performance, increase efficiency, and reduce emissions in combustion and hybrid propulsion for commercial and light vehicles, and industrial applications. The company operates through Fuel Systems and Aftermarket segments.

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William Blair reissued their outperform rating on shares of Similarweb (NYSE:SMWB  Free Report) in a research report released on Monday morning, RTT News reports.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the company. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and set a $10.00 price target on shares of Similarweb in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. JMP Securities increased their target price on shares of Similarweb from $14.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 21st. Finally, Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Similarweb from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $11.83.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Similarweb

Similarweb Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE:SMWB opened at $9.57 on Monday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $7.80 and a 200-day simple moving average of $7.98. Similarweb has a 52 week low of $4.58 and a 52 week high of $9.76. The company has a market cap of $752.68 million, a P/E ratio of -38.28 and a beta of 0.84.

Similarweb (NYSE:SMWB  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported ($0.01) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.05) by $0.04. The company had revenue of $60.64 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $60.23 million. Similarweb had a negative net margin of 5.07% and a negative return on equity of 60.53%. Sell-side analysts expect that Similarweb will post -0.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Similarweb

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. ANTIPODES PARTNERS Ltd grew its holdings in Similarweb by 122.5% during the 2nd quarter. ANTIPODES PARTNERS Ltd now owns 11,580 shares of the companys stock valued at $90,000 after purchasing an additional 6,376 shares in the last quarter. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC purchased a new position in shares of Similarweb during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $136,000. Blair William & Co. IL grew its position in shares of Similarweb by 20.1% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 21,662 shares of the companys stock worth $195,000 after buying an additional 3,621 shares in the last quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System increased its position in shares of Similarweb by 10.1% in the 1st quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 26,892 shares of the companys stock worth $242,000 after purchasing an additional 2,475 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Quadrature Capital Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Similarweb in the 1st quarter valued at about $311,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.59% of the companys stock.

About Similarweb

(Get Free Report)

Similarweb Ltd. provides cloud-based digital intelligence solutions in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, the United Kingdom, Israel, and internationally. The company offers digital research intelligence solutions for its customers to benchmark performance against competitors and market leaders, analyze trends in the market, conduct deeper research into specific companies, and analyze audience behavior; and digital marketing intelligence solutions for its customers to understand their competitors' online acquisition strategies in each marketing channel, and optimize their own strategies.

Further Reading

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Y.D. More Investments Ltd grew its stake in American Express (NYSE:AXP) by 44.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,216 shares of the payment services companys stock after purchasing an additional 376 shares during the period. Y.D. More Investments Ltds holdings in American Express were worth $281,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Cetera Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of American Express by 119.6% during the first quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 39,497 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $8,993,000 after purchasing an additional 21,508 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC increased its position in American Express by 102.9% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 12,480 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $2,842,000 after acquiring an additional 6,329 shares during the period. Sciencast Management LP bought a new position in shares of American Express during the first quarter valued at $1,881,000. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board lifted its holdings in shares of American Express by 15.5% during the first quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 35,763 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $8,143,000 after purchasing an additional 4,800 shares during the period. Finally, Lord Abbett & CO. LLC lifted its holdings in shares of American Express by 49.0% during the first quarter. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC now owns 279,106 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $63,550,000 after purchasing an additional 91,760 shares during the period. 84.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

AXP has been the subject of several analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on American Express from $275.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. Citigroup assumed coverage on American Express in a research report on Monday, June 10th. They set a neutral rating and a $250.00 price objective for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on American Express from $240.00 to $268.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 8th. Monness Crespi & Hardt raised their price target on shares of American Express from $260.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of American Express from $265.00 to $267.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $230.70.

American Express Stock Performance

NYSE AXP opened at $255.10 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $183.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.01, a PEG ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $245.86 and a 200 day simple moving average of $235.06. The company has a current ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 1.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74. American Express has a 12-month low of $140.91 and a 12-month high of $261.75.

American Express (NYSE:AXP  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 19th. The payment services company reported $3.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.26 by $0.23. American Express had a net margin of 15.53% and a return on equity of 32.94%. The firm had revenue of $16.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.60 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.89 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 9.2% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that American Express will post 13.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About American Express

(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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The Dust Bowl Photographic Competition for the 2025 John Steinbeck Festival has officially been launched.

It is the fourth annual photography competition which is one of the many events that celebrate Steinbecks connection to Ballykelly and the surrounding area through art, music, literature, and film.

This years competition theme is Leaving, and the judges welcome applicants personal interpretations of the theme.

Joanne McGinnis, one of the festival's organisers said: Leaving is open to interpretation. Leaving can be in any form. From leaving your kids to school to leaving the housework, to the idea of leaving a country which is of course what John Steinbecks grandfather had to do.

It is down to the individual photographer and what they want to capture in that moment.

The best 20 entries will be displayed in the Roe Valley Arts and Culture Centre, and the winner will receive a sculpture from celebrated ceramicist Adam Frew. He currently has an exhibition on display in London.

"His work is beautiful and very unique.

Entry into the competition is free, and there are no age limits on participant entry.

The Steinbeck festival was established by local historian Douglas Bartlett, who is a Limavady native and former Vice Principal and Head of History in Limavady High School, where he worked for 35 years.

While Leaving is the theme of this year's photography competition, John Steinbeck returned to his ancestral village of Ballykelly in August 1952 to visit the birthplace of his grandfather and members of the Hamilton family.

Joanne said: The name John Steinbeck is instantly recognisable. His books are on school curriculums across the world and have been translated into numerous films (Of Mice and Men).

His grandfather had emigrated to America; he was born in Ballykelly; his name was Samuel Hamilton.

It is a festival to commemorate that connection. We have the festival every year with a celebration event on what would have been John Steinbecks birthday, February 27.

The photography competition wants to celebrate the culture and the talent of Limavady and the surrounding area.

Details of the competition including rules are available through the link here to the festival website.

The closing date for the competition is Sunday, December 8.

Joanne said: The photography competition is the lead-up to the festival in February and we are in full planning mode with some really exciting artists participating in the programme of events so watch this space.

It is an opportunity to bring arts and culture through music, literature, and photography to Limavady and the surrounding area.

You can follow The John Steinbeck Festival on Instagram @steinbeck_festival_limavady Facebook and X @steinbeck_Fest for further information about upcoming events.
A man exposed himself to a 17-year-old female shop assistant and then returned a week later to the same shop in Derry's Foyleside and exposed himself again to staff, Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Somkenechi Ownu (21) of Lower Nassau Street in Derry admitted two charges of exposure on February 18 and February 25 in the H&M store in Foyleside.

The court heard that Ownu entered the store on February 18 and said he wanted to try on a pair of boxers and while asking he exposed his penis to the 17-year-old female assistant.

The injured party found the incident 'repulsive' and was upset.

A week later on February 25 the defendant entered the store again at 2.25pm.

He went to the fitting room and had left the curtain half open which the manager believed was deliberate.

He was recognised as the same man and as the manager approached the fitting room Ownu pulled the curtain open completely exposing himself and security was called.

Deputy District Judge Brian Archer said he had no doubt Ownu had returned to the store hoping the 17-year-old old would be there.

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that his client accepted that the aggravating feature was the age of one of the victims.

He said that neither victim 'deserved to be treated like that.'

The barrister said that Ownu had grown up in Nigeria and had been here since he was aged 18 and was in his final year of a university course.

He described the two incidents as 'a week of stupidity' that would impact on the defendant's life.

Judge Archer said that the behaviour was 'deplorable' and that a report made clear that it was purely for sexual gratification.

He said that the defendant was 21-years-old and now had a sexual offence conviction that would 'affect you for the rest of your life.'

Ownu was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for two years and ordered to sign the Sex Offender's Register for seven years.
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The British government is pausing work on its City Deals in Northern Ireland, including Derry.

The pausing of funding for city and growth deals in Northern Ireland has been blasted by the First Minister as unacceptable and deplorable.

The move by the UK Government comes amid a spending review.

It will impact four deals which are for Belfast regions, Derry city and Strabane, Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West.

The aim of the City Deal is to increase and realise the economic potential of the City Region to support a more prosperous, united community and stronger society. The City Deal investment aims to help boost innovation and the digital potential of the city region and unlock local partner funding, whilst the Inclusive Future Fund is aimed at bringing greater prosperity and social benefits to the whole of the community.

First Minister Michelle ONeill said she will call on the Government to reconsider.

The decision to pause funding for city and growth deals is unacceptable and deplorable, and I would urge the British Government to urgently reconsider, she said.

This approach is extremely short-sighted. These city and growth deals will be game-changers for the regeneration of our cities and towns, and a catalyst for economic growth and creating good jobs. Its crucial that they continue as planned.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: Officials were informed of this potential direction of travel on Wednesday.

We raised this during a meeting with the Chancellor in London on Thursday, spelling out the dire consequences such a decision would have and urged for a reconsideration.

Departments and deal partners will be urgently assessing what this pause means for the city and growth deals projects moving forward. There will be much detail to work out, but we will do that as a matter of urgency, alongside all relevant partners.

Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald accused the Government of acting in bad faith.

She said she has written to the Treasury calling on it to immediately reverse this reprehensible decision, which she said comes less than a week before the scheduled signing of the Derry City and Strabane Deal.

She added: I urged the British Government to provide space for proper political engagement to get to a positive outcome and a commitment to go ahead with the deal.

Instead they have chosen to proceed to pause their funding commitments.

The British Government have said its attempting to reset relationships, instead they have acted in very bad faith.

I am calling on them to step up and honour the commitments and pledges made on city deals, where significant plans and contracts have already been put in place at significant cost to local councils, project promoters, the civil service and Whitehall departments.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed the council has "received no formal communication" of the pausing of the deal and has no further details at this stage.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said that a decision to pause funding for city and region growth deals just days before the Derry deal was due to be signed is an enormous shock.

The Foyle MP said that he will be raising it with the British Government urgently.

He added that all parties and partner organisations now have to pull together to save their city deals.

Mr Eastwood said: This is a devastating announcement for the four City Deal regions across the North. Significant and substantial investment plans are now facing undue delay and disruption with no certainty or clarity ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review."

He added: The British Government has said that it is committed to investing in those communities that need it most - well theres no region that needs this kickstart investment more than Derry and the North West or Northern Ireland more generally. I know we can make that case powerfully.

This funding was critical to projects that can transform communities across the North. We cant afford to give up that opportunity. I will be in touch with British Government Ministers about this decision urgently.

We fought for years to get to this point. Now we need every party and every partner organisation to pull together to save our City Deals.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Sandra Duffy said the British Governments decision to pause funding for City and Growth Deals is unacceptable and must be reversed immediately.

Cllr Duffy said: News that the British government is pausing funding for City and Growth Deal projects is totally unacceptable and deplorable.

Its a major blow to our local economy, and businesses, and for the city and district as a whole who have worked tirelessly for years to drive forward this plan to transform our region.

The City and Growth Deal funding represents a historic investment in this region, and it will have absolutely game-changing outcomes for regeneration, creating good jobs and unleashing our full economic potential.

I will be writing to the British Chancellor Rachel Reeves today urging her to immediately reverse this decision and reinstate this funding.

SDLP Derry City and Strabane District Council group leader, councillor Brian Tierney has requested a special council meeting to discuss the pausing of the City Deal.

The UK Government announced the move on Friday afternoon.

Cllr Tierney said: Our city deal was set to be signed in Derry next week and all of the projects set to benefit have been getting ready for this for some time. The news that the UK Government has now taken the decision to pause funding for the city deal, potentially depriving key projects in this city and council area of hundreds of millions, have thrown these projects into chaos and they now face an uncertain future.

I believe it is vitally important that our council meet as soon as possible to express our opposition to this decision and to show a united front as we urge the government to immediately reverse this. Important initiatives focused on expanding the university at Magee and lifting up our cities and towns are relying on this funding and it must be delivered as promised.
The family of murdered County Derry man Sean Brown has been told the British government will not establish a public inquiry into the killing.

The decision comes six months after a coroner wrote to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland requesting a public inquiry, and the PSNI said it would not stand in the way of the request.

A letter confirming the decision by Hilary Benn was emailed to solicitors acting for the family a short time ago.

Niall Murphy of KRW Winters and Co said they are "devastated" by the news.

The family statement added: It is not the end of our journey. We are not going away. This is merely a decision that will be challenged, and we will look forward with renewed enthusiasm to a judicial review already listed for September 26.

Mr Brown was chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA in south Derry and was locking up the gates of his club when he was assaulted, abducted and murdered by a loyalist gang in May 1997.

The 61-year-old father of six was taken to a remote country lane outside Randalstown and shot six times.

No one has ever been convicted of his murder, which was carried out by the LVF.

His family has alleged that agents working for RUC Special Branch were involved in the killing and that the investigation was deliberately hindered in order to protect them.

The Northern Secretary said he believes the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is capable of discharging the Government's human rights obligations in the case, but that has been rejected by the family.

In a statement, the Secretary of State says he recognises the decision will come as a disappointment to the Brown family.

"I am, however, confident in the Independent Commissioner for Reconciliation and Information Recoverys (ICRIR) capability to deliver justice," he continued.

"I would therefore encourage Mrs Brown and her family to meet with Sir Declan [Morgan] and the ICRIR to hear how the independent Commission would approach any investigation into Mr Browns death."
Detectives have made a new appeal for information about the murder of a man in front of his daughter in Co Down 22 years ago.

Stephen Warnock, 35, died when he was shot a number of times in his car while driving on the Circular Road in Newtownards at approximately 11.30am on September 13 2002.

At the time it was widely reported that Mr Warnock had been murdered as part of a loyalist feud.

A PSNI spokesperson said: Mr Warnock was driving his blue BMW car along Circular Road with his young daughter in the back seat of the car when he stopped due to traffic.

At this time a motorcycle with rider and pillion passenger pulled alongside the car and shots were fired into the car.

Stephen sustained a number of gunshot wounds and tragically died at the scene.

Thankfully, Stephens daughter escaped injury.

Following the shooting the motorcycle sped off in the direction of Belfast where it was recovered burnt out later the same day at Chelsea Street in east Belfast.

This was a savage and reckless attack on a defenceless man and we are exploring a number of potential motives for the murder.

The PSNI has appealed for anyone who may have been on Circular Road or in the general area before or after the murder and who may have information to speak to detectives.

The spokesperson continued: Twenty-two years have now passed since this senseless killing.

I ask those who were involved, or heard accounts of what happened, either in the immediate aftermath or indeed over the years, to think about the devastating effect this has had on Stephens family, and to come forward and make themselves known to police.

Anyone with information can contact detectives in Legacy Investigation Branch on 101 or LIBEnquiries@psni.pnn.police.uk.
Stormont ministers have a way to go in efforts to convince the Treasury to bolster funding arrangements for Northern Ireland, the First Minister said.

Michelle ONeill provided an update after she, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald met Chancellor Rachel Reeves in London on Thursday to discuss the perilous state of the regions finances.

Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly were asked about the issue as they attended the North South Ministerial Conference in Dublin on Friday.

The ministers are pressing the Treasury to upwardly adjust the formula for calculating the amount of Government money allocated to the devolved Executive.

On Monday, the joint leaders of the Executive launched a programme for government identifying nine key priority areas for the administration in the remaining two-and-a-half years of the current Assembly mandate.

Both made clear that delivering all the objectives would require enhanced funding for the region.

They have insisted they are up for the challenge of reforming and restructuring public services but contend that they need upfront investment to be able to undertake that work.

Ms ONeill urged Ms Reeves to ensure the interests of the people of Northern Ireland are firmly on the agenda when she sets her Budget next month.

Just as Labour have inherited a mess from the previous administration under the Tories, we too have inherited that same austerity agenda, and we have had public services that have been crushed completely to breaking point as a direct result of that, she said in Dublin.

So we were there (Treasury) to make the case for a proper funding model that allows us to deliver sustainable public services, that allows us to deliver good public services.

Its part of an ongoing engagement with the Treasury, because we believe that as they make their plans for the Budget in October, its important that the interests of the people that we serve are very much firmly on the agenda, and that is to get to the point where we actually have adequate funding in order to deliver public services.

But, alongside that, we need to transform a lot of our public services, and were very much up for that.

But, in order to be able to do that, you have to be able to invest and therefore thats the case that we made to the Treasury.

So I suspect that we have a way to go in terms of that conversation as we run into the Budget period, but certainly were determined to continue to make that case.

Ms ONeill said ministers had already made some progress, citing the agreement of a new interim fiscal framework pending deliberations on a final funding model.

So we just need to keep building upon that to get to the point where we have what we need in order to deliver upon the programme for government commitments that weve made and the public services that people just rightly deserve, she added.

Ms Little-Pengelly told reporters in Dublin that she and her Stormont colleagues were very, very clear with the Chancellor on the need for Northern Ireland to have sufficient funding.

We will always stand up for Northern Ireland to get the best possible deal for Northern Ireland, but the people of Northern Ireland deserve those adequate public services, those good public services, and the sufficient funding in order to meet that, she said.

So we did raise a wide range of issues.

I raised the issue of the funding requirement on our water and sewage infrastructure; our concerns about the cut in winter fuel payment; the needs that we have in terms of affordable childcare and what the tax system can do in terms of increasing tax-free childcare across the United Kingdom; the issues around our NHS and our waiting lists in Northern Ireland, and our shared desire to tackle that issue and to make sure that the many, many thousands of people sitting on waiting lists, very often in pain, that we can get the right budget, the sufficient funding in order to do what our ambition is as set out in our draft programme for government, just released at the beginning of this week.

We are an executive that wants to deliver.

We want to deliver against the issues that matter most to people.

We can only do that with sufficient funding, but that also means that we need to have that funding to invest to transform.

And thats going to be critical in terms of our sustainability moving forward.
The pausing of funding for city and growth deals in Northern Ireland has been blasted by First Minister Michelle ONeill as unacceptable and deplorable.

The move by the UK Government comes amid a spending review ahead of the Budget at the end of October.

It will impact four deals for the Belfast regions, Londonderry city and Strabane, Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West.

Together the four deals, worth a total of 1.7 billion, cover the whole of Northern Ireland.

The deals are bespoke funding arrangements between the Treasury, the Stormont Executive and local partners.

The UK Government had been expected to contribute around 617 million to the four Northern Ireland deals.

While it is believed that projects where contracts are already signed will proceed, there is now doubt over the future of a number of planned regeneration and digital projects.

The Derry and Strabane deal had been expected to be signed next week.

First Minister Michelle ONeill said she will call on the Government to reconsider.

The decision to pause funding for city and growth deals is unacceptable and deplorable, and I would urge the British Government to urgently reconsider, she said.

This approach is extremely short-sighted. These city and growth deals will be game-changers for the regeneration of our cities and towns, and a catalyst for economic growth and creating good jobs. Its crucial that they continue as planned.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: Officials were informed of this potential direction of travel on Wednesday.

We raised this during a meeting with the Chancellor in London on Thursday, spelling out the dire consequences such a decision would have and urged for a reconsideration.

Departments and deal partners will be urgently assessing what this pause means for the city and growth deals projects moving forward. There will be much detail to work out, but we will do that as a matter of urgency, alongside all relevant partners.

Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald accused the Government of acting in bad faith.

She said she has written to the Treasury calling on it to immediately reverse this reprehensible decision, which she said comes less than a week before the scheduled signing of the Derry City and Strabane Deal.

She added: I urged the British Government to provide space for proper political engagement to get to a positive outcome and a commitment to go ahead with the deal.

Instead they have chosen to proceed to pause their funding commitments.

The British Government have said its attempting to reset relationships, instead they have acted in very bad faith.

I am calling on them to step up and honour the commitments and pledges made on city deals, where significant plans and contracts have already been put in place at significant cost to local councils, project promoters, the civil service and Whitehall departments.

SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood described it as a devastating announcement.

He said: Significant and substantial investment plans are now facing undue delay and disruption with no certainty or clarity ahead of the comprehensive spending review.

The SDLP pioneered the idea of city deal funding in Northern Ireland and we had to fight the Executive every step of the way to agree.

He added: The British Government has said that it is committed to investing in those communities that need it most  well theres no region that needs this kickstart investment more than Derry and the North West or Northern Ireland more generally.

This funding was critical to projects that can transform communities across the north.

We cant afford to give up that opportunity. I will be in touch with British Government ministers about this decision urgently.
Apple's cautious AI rollout: supply chain anticipates iPhone 16 3Q24 sales impact

Apple unveiled its AI feature, Apple Intelligence, at its product launch event on September 10, announcing a US rollout in October. However, support for languages such as Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish won't be available until 2025. With no major hardware or appearance changes, the impact of Apple Intelligence on market demand remains uncertain. Supply chain sources indicate that the situation will become clearer in October after the first wave of sales.

The iPhone 16 series aligns closely with pre-launch leaks, featuring a new second-generation 3nm chip, new materials, thinner bezels, additional side buttons, and Camera Control. These incremental upgrades have not generated significant surprise in the market.

Apple Intelligence is viewed as a potential key driver for consumer demand. However, it won't launch simultaneously with the iPhone 16 series, instead being introduced through a free software upgrade in October. Support for non-English languages will be delayed until 2025.

Supply chain sources believe that the release and emphasis on AI features in new Android smartphones has indeed impacted Apple, which currently lacks AI functionality as a major selling point. The announcement of Apple Intelligence was seen as Apple's strategy to disrupt the existing smartphone market.

However, the delayed availability of AI features has raised concerns among supply chain sources. They worry that consumers considering an upgrade to experience Apple Intelligence might postpone their purchases.

The Chinese market, which has previously played a significant role in supporting Apple's revenue, could pose particular challenges. With Chinese domestic smartphone brands continuing to launch new products, including foldable models and enhanced AI features, the iPhone 16 series without Apple Intelligence might struggle to regain Apple's previous market dominance in China.

Supply chain sources believe that while maintaining a loyal customer base of Apple fans likely won't be an issue, attracting regular users to boost overall market share will be more difficult. They suggest waiting until 2025, when Apple Intelligence supports the Chinese market, to properly gauge its impact.

Despite potential challenges in the Chinese market, Apple remains confident in the consumer demand Apple Intelligence can drive, particularly for its high-end Pro and Pro Max models.

Supply chain sources indicate that Apple has focused on supplying the high-end Pro and Pro Max models. More than 40% of the first wave of iPhone 16 shipments will reportedly be iPhone 16 Pro Max models. When combined with the iPhone 16 Pro, these models can account for 60-70% of the initial wave of shipments, reflecting Apple's strong confidence in the high-end market.

However, supply chain sources also caution that while the shipment progress is on schedule and the market launch is set for September 20, the lack of immediate availability of Apple Intelligence creates uncertainty about attracting users beyond the core Apple fanbase. The real impact will become clearer after the first wave of sales and market responses in October.
EV development places more importance on supply chain tenacity, says Cenex CEO Robert Evans

The non-profit organization Cenex, established in 2015, focuses on low-carbon transport, related energy infrastructure, and items including project delivery, innovative technology support, and market development. It has observed the development of the UK automotive industry to a certain level.

A grand annual event for the automotive industry, the Cenex Expo is hosted by Cenex and is held every September in Milton Keyes. Robert Evans has been the CEO of Cenex for 18 years. During his interview with Digitimes, he stated that he has watched the UK automotive industry go through a complete change over the years.

Although Cenex has always focused on reducing carbon emissions and transport decarbonization, it has met many challenges during its early stages including immature technology and unclear technical development direction.

The UK government also quickly became aware that low-carbon transport is an opportunity for the UK automotive industry to gain competitive power. Thus, a better environment can be created when the government and industry are willing to invest equally.

The United Kingdom began investing in hydrogen vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) a long time ago. Other than business opportunities for batteries, there is also demand for electric motors, electronics, and drive wheels, so the semiconductor industry began to receive attention as well. Vehicles and transportation including powered agricultural equipment and connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) slowly became the trend.

The United Kingdom's innovation ability reflects the diversity of the ecosystem, and the United Kingdom is experiencing the continual business expansion of different types of innovation. The United Kingdom is searching for overseas companies to make a joint venture in construction. Aside from Taiwan-based startups, there are also companies from China and India who have expressed eager interest.

Changes to automotive industry sweeping the world

The chip shortage that swept across the global automotive industry in 2022 also directly impacted the UK automotive industry. Evans stated that because next-gen vehicles would require more electronic equipment and semiconductor demand would be greater, the supply chain collaboration structure would become even more important.

COVID-19 accentuated the issue of supply chain tenacity. Thus, when collaborating with international businesses, how they embed into the local supply chain power is crucial. This is also why the UK government is encouraging investments from overseas supply chains.

According to investigations, China-based brands have taken up about 10% of EV sales in the United Kingdom. Evans also offered his viewpoint regarding this.

The United Kingdom is not the only one that is facing the changes within the automotive industry, the whole world is. In regards to this, the United Kingdom is maintaining an optimistic and open attitude leaning towards free trade and economic development. It will treat any brand that enters the UK market equally, whether China-based or not.

In addition, aside from the UK market being highly accepting of startup brands, purchase methods for consumer cars have also been changing. For example, reduced chances of physically entering exhibition rooms.
Silicon Saxony: Europe's semiconductor powerhouse attracts global giants with EUR50 billion in investments

Germany's Saxony region, already a key player in Europe's semiconductor industry, is deepening its ties with Taiwan as TSMC expands its European footprint. This decades-long partnership, now backed by EUR50 billion in industry investments, aims to position Saxony as a global semiconductor powerhouse, centered in Dresden's "Silicon Saxony." Beyond chips, this strategic push opens doors for collaboration in electric vehicles (EVs), robotics, and hydrogen energy, further solidifying Europe's tech leadership.

"TSMC's expansion into Germany has put us on the map for many Asian companies, especially those from Taiwan," said Thomas Kralinski, Head of the Saxony Ministry of Economic Affairs. Saxony, which he describes as a long-standing semiconductor powerhouse, could benefit from greater collaboration not just in chips, but also in other high-tech sectors. "There's huge potential for deeper ties, particularly in industries like EVs and mechanical engineering."

Credit: AFP

Saxony has emerged as a leading semiconductor hub, home to over 3,650 companies and more than 76,000 employees in the microelectronics and ICT sectors. Producing one-third of Europe's chips, it boasts the continent's largest microelectronics cluster and the fifth largest globally. Andreas Lippert, COO of Investor Services at Saxony Trade & Invest Corporation, emphasizes, "We have such a large variety of semiconductor players in a small place." With TSMC's entry, Saxony strengthens its position as a key player in the global semiconductor industry.

Recent investment announcements from industry leaders like TSMC, Intel, Infineon, Bosch, and GlobalFoundries are part of a larger trend, with over EUR50 billion planned for the semiconductor industry within a 300km radius of Silicon Saxony. Frank Bosenberg, Managing Director of Silicon Saxony, highlighted the region's unique strengths: "What sets us apart is not just semiconductor production but our ability to combine hardware, software, and connectivity technologies. We've cultivated a complete value chain, from R&D to production, supported by top-tier universities and a semiconductor-savvy regulatory environment." Silicon Saxony, the region's tech cluster, is home to several fabs and major suppliers, creating an environment comparable to Taiwan's famed Hsinchu Science Park.

Credit: Silicon Saxony

Despite its strengths, Saxony faces challenges as it grows its semiconductor industry. Kralinski acknowledges that finding the right personnel is a significant challenge. To address this, the government is fostering cooperation between universities and companies like TSMC, facilitating student exchanges and internships.

Another potential challenge is the integration of different work cultures. Germany's strong labor union tradition differs from practices in some Asian countries. However, Kralinski sees this as an opportunity: "One of the secrets of German economic success is the close cooperation between companies and labor unions. I'm pretty sure that this will be part of the success story of Taiwanese companies as well when they come to Germany."

Credit: AFP

Saxony's role as a growing hub for EV production complements its semiconductor industry. "Every fourth electric vehicle in Europe is produced in Saxony," Kralinski said, citing the presence of major manufacturers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Porsche. The region's focus on battery production and hydrogen energy further strengthens its leadership in the green transition, offering additional opportunities for Taiwanese-German collaboration.

The semiconductor push is part of a broader strategy to diversify Saxony's economy, which has proven resilient amid global shifts. The region is also positioning itself as a center for innovation in emerging technologies such as organic and flexible electronics, 5G/6G communications, MEMS, sensors, automation, and AI.

Aligned with the European Chips Act, Saxony's semiconductor surge is poised to bolster the EU's competitiveness in the semiconductor market. Yet, questions remain about how European chip manufacturing will fare against established Asian powerhouses. As these multibillion-euro projects move from planning to production, the global semiconductor industry will be watching closely to see if Saxony's bold investments can reshape the European tech landscape and secure a larger share of the global market.
Germany strengthens semiconductor ties with Taiwan, eyes broader investment

Germany is accelerating its investment in Taiwan's semiconductor sector, with ripple effects expected across Europe, according to Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Chief Representative and Executive Director of the German Trade Office Taipei. This strategic move is set to reshape the European semiconductor landscape.

The cornerstone of this acceleration is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) planned US$11 billion investment in Dresden, marking a significant milestone in the European semiconductor industry. "TSMC's investment is a big chance for Germany and also Europe," said Dr. Langerbeck. "It will bring new jobs and hopefully also increase research and development activities in the area of innovation."

The facility, operating under the moniker European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC), is a joint venture with European heavyweights Bosch, Infineon, and NXP Semiconductors. Slated to begin operations in 2027, the plant will focus on 28/22 nanometer planar CMOS and 16/12 nanometer FinFET process technologies, primarily serving the automotive and industrial sectors. This move aligns with Europe's push to secure chip supplies for critical industries amid global shortages and geopolitical tensions.

Credit: AFP

"Everyone is happy about the TSMC investment," Langerbeck said, noting the potential for innovation and job creation, not just in Germany but across Europe. "At least 25 suppliers have expressed interest in investing alongside TSMC, most of them likely to set up operations in Saxony."

Saxony, which has emerged as a key hub for Europe's semiconductor ecosystem, could see further growth as suppliers aim to minimize logistics costs by locating near major players like TSMC. However, the benefits of these investments could extend beyond Germany, as other European countries, including the Czech Republic, may attract some of these suppliers under the European Chips Act.

"Regulations won't be an issue since it's all within the Eurozone," Langerbeck explained, adding that localizing production in Europe ensures supply chain resilience, a key factor amid global disruptions.

The heightened visibility of Taiwan in global media due to the semiconductor industry has also drawn the attention of German businesses across various sectors. Inquiries from German firms interested in Taiwan have increased, with sectors like machinery, healthcare, and renewable energy leading the charge.

While semiconductor investment has dominated the headlines, Langerbeck pointed out that smaller German companies, often unnoticed by the public but vital to the supply chain, are also exploring opportunities in Taiwan. "These SMEs are the backbone of the German economy and play crucial roles in industries such as petrochemical and biotechnology," she said.

As for the R&D footprint, Langerbeck indicated that it depends on individual corporate strategies. Companies like Infineon, for example, have already established R&D centers in Taiwan, reflecting a trend toward regional localization to better serve markets.

"We do keep getting investment inquiries on a regular basis every week," Langerbeck noted, highlighting interest not just in semiconductors but also in related fields such as machinery, healthcare, and renewable energy. "We expect to hear more good news by early 2025," she said.

For German companies looking to relocate operations from China, Langerbeck suggested Southeast Asia as a favored alternative, particularly Malaysia and Thailand, depending on industry needs. However, Taiwan remains an attractive option for businesses prioritizing advanced manufacturing and skilled labor over cost-cutting.

German firms are taking a long-term view of their investments in Taiwan. As Germany and Taiwan deepen their ties, the potential for collaboration across industries looks promising. With Taiwan's growing role as a global semiconductor powerhouse, German companies are eager to strengthen their foothold in this strategic market.
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Henkel Adhesives helps customers unlock growth for next-generation advanced packaging

SEMICON Taiwan 2024 featured the latest trends and innovations that focused on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to connect Taiwan and global semiconductor ecosystems. The high demand and getting larger-sized AI chips require advanced packaging technologies to improve performance and time to market while reducing chip manufacturing costs and power consumption. The heterogeneous integration including 2.5D, 3D hybrid bonding, fan-out, and system-on-a-chip (SoC) packaging, along with emerging solutions like silicon photonics and panel-level packaging, are critical in optimizing system performance. These trending technologies are offering a higher-value opportunity and propelling the global semiconductor industry to foster the big waves of AI and high-performance computing chip innovation.

The chemical solution providers play an important role in helping chip makers develop and commercializing various advanced packaging solutions to win premium customers. In this exclusive interview in the private conference room of SEMICON Taiwan with Mr. Ramachandran (Ram) Trichur, Global Market & Strategy Head for Semiconductor Packaging at Henkel Adhesive Technologies Electronics. He started recap the market observation of the semiconductor industry in 2024Henkel Adhesive Technologies business unit is the global leading chemical solution provider for adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings with sales of EUR10.790 billion in fiscal 2023. Henkel is the premier materials supplier for the electronics assembly and semiconductor packaging industries.

Mr. Ramachandran (Ram) Trichur, Global Market & Strategy Head for Semiconductor Packaging at Henkel Adhesive Technologies Electronics.

Expecting AI killer applications drive massive growth for edge computing

Ram described the market as in a persistently challenging business environment as well as the market recovery in the Electronics business in 2024. Especially the advanced packaging is now gaining significant momentum as the next pathway for breakthroughs in semiconductor technology. The company expects single-digit market growth for 2024 and is optimistic about looking into 2025 as a massive increase in demand for the semiconductor market.

He has observed several notable trends. First of all, in the past two years, generative AI has rapidly evolved and driven cloud computing AI revenue growth for enterprises. However, the volume of AI-enabled electronic devices is not increasing in the same way currently. The chip makers and electronic manufacturing industry are looking for applications to drive the unit count growth happened in the edge computing AI sector.

Meanwhile, consumer electronics brands have quickly responded to promote their latest AI-powered products to figure out how consumers use AI to expand use cases that people use every day. There are more AI-enabled devices coming. Nowadays, some newly released fancy devices including AI personal computers (PC), AI smartphones, and intelligent robotics in automation systems are gathering attention. While companies race to incorporate AI technologies internally and externally, consumer use of AI still requires more time to see the results.

Henkel hospitality suite showcasing solutions at SEMICON Taiwan 2024

Photo: Henkel

Thermal mechanical challenges in advanced packaging

Semiconductor chips are essential for the development and deployment of AI at scale. There are several primary challenges to be tackled in the semiconductor industry. Thermal-induced mechanical stress is now one of the leading causes of semiconductor failures, and it is becoming a top focus for chip manufacturers and ecosystem partners. "The bigger chips mechanically have big space and cause warpage and stress issues happened while ICs in operation," said Ram. He acknowledges the control of the warpage or mechanical stress to prevent chip failure is the highest priority for both material providers and chip manufacturers. The collaboration of ecosystem partners jointly developed and set a guideline on the maximum warpage or stress allowed in 3D-ICs, and designers could follow and avoid exceeding the constraints.

Henkel is focusing on providing semiconductor packaging materials with long-term reliability, optimized performance, and processability for high throughput production. The demonstrated chemical solution lineups in SEMICON Taiwan 2024 include several major categories of advanced packaging materials. They are advanced underfill, non-conductive pastes & films (NCP & NCF), wafer-level encapsulation, and lid & stiffener attach materials.

Lid & stiffener adhesives strengthening, warpage-reducing, grounding or shielding

Ram divided the use of Henkel's materials for 2.5D/3D integrated packages in the manufacturing process into several highlights. The first is the lid & stiffener attach materials. The metal parts of lid & stiffener design in the larger-sized packaging is useful to reduce warpage concerns while dealing with tighter interconnects, thinner dies, complex architectures, and multiple coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) in a single package. The Henkel's semiconductor adhesives are reliably attached to the lid and peripheral stiffeners to the substrate, allowing the package to maintain flatness throughout production and operational thermal cycles.

During the manufacturing process and in operation, these devices and their multiple dies are subjected to several thermal cycles which can stress interconnects, leading to warpage and mechanical damage. The design of Henkel's lid & stiffener attach materials provides a portfolio of stability-enhancing adhesives ranging from conductive and non-conductive formulations, providing warpage-reducing coplanarity as well as grounding or shielding capability.

Large die capillary underfill considering bump protection and warpage control

The second highlight is focusing on advanced underfill materials. The 3D-IC design continues to increase the silicon interposer area to accommodate multiple dies including memory and processor units allowing the dense die integration inherent in advanced packaging techniques. This will require the underfill material with low shrinkage and toughness to provide die and underfill crack resistance, while its low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) protects against warpage. Targeting to meet the dimensional demands of highly integrated package designs, Henkel's Capillary Underfill(CUF) materials completely envelop fine-pitch, low gap height die interconnects for rigid protection against stress to deliver good electrical, moisture, and thermal reliability performance for high production yields.

However, there is rising processability or manufacturing throughput requirements while the Capillary Flow Materials fill a large area in the substrate for bigger ICs. The flow speed allowing for greater process efficiency is an important feature for complete interconnect coverage. Henkel takes a quick response to release new materials. Taking Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE as an example, in internal testing versus previous generation Capillary Underfills, Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE demonstrated 20% faster flow on a 40 mm x 40 mm die, indicating that this material is compatible with even larger die sizes. So far, Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE's performance has been validated on die as large as 50 mm x 50 mm and within packages up to 110 mm x 110 mm.

Liquid compression molding materials support high reliability & high-UPH process

The third highlight is advanced molding and encapsulation materials. Wafer-level packaging shows significant growth potential, chemical solutions including advanced molding and encapsulation are enabling accelerated adoption by providing improved handling, protection, and warpage control for thinner die design approach. The challenges are the molding area is getting larger and the molding thickness is thin. The warpage becomes large after curing and it affects proceed to the subsequent process. Henkel's portfolio of wafer-level encapsulation materials include a variety of solutions to facilitate high-yield processing and in-field reliability for various advanced wafer-level packaging applications. The focus of the demo section is liquid compression molding materials (LCM).

Henkel's liquid compression molding materials for wafer-level packaging processes integrate ultra-fine filler technology (less than 10 m upper-cut) to deliver void-free gap filling and thorough coverage. In addition, the high warpage control and fast in-mold curing of Henkel's formulations molding materials provide high reliability in combination with a high-throughput process for overall lower cost. The LCM materials are anhydride-free and REACH-compliant, ensuring that the die remains protected under various operational stresses.

Henkel Adhesive Technologies Electronics

Photo: Henkel

Henkel Taiwan Electronics Adhesives Technical Center supports customers' technology roadmaps

Henkel is well positioned to deliver the sustainable high-performance materials needed for next-generation advanced packaging. These series of Henkel's solutions offer characteristics with high reliability, thermal expansion, fast capillary flow to satisfy the requirements of complex, high-density semiconductor packages. In all product developments, Henkel's sustainability commitments to use renewable carbon content and eliminate Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) materials will remain a priority. The newest generation of advanced packaging is integrated with the technologies with environmental protection and partnerships with industry leaders. This will drive the material innovation to satisfy the semiconductor manufacturing fab requirements.

There are more versatile and potential opportunities for semiconductor advanced packaging technology underway including Co-Package Optics (CPO), panel-level packaging, and other emerging techniques. The next steps for Henkel Adhesive Technologies will continue investing heavily in material innovation and seek to understand the evolving needs of the semiconductor and electronic materials market while actively proposing chemical products that align with customers' technology roadmaps and contributing to the research and development of new products.

Moreover, Henkel Taiwan Electronics Adhesives Technical Center at Zhubei City provides prompt technical support and increases collaboration with Taiwan customers to speed up prototype development. This application center is dedicated to supporting customers in technical innovation and product development through faster application simulation, data generation, and analysis, thereby accelerating time-to-market for advanced packaging technologies. Ram concludes, "Through Henkel's dedicated global support teams and in close partnership with customers, Henkel Adhesive Technologies will create technical breakthroughs to open a new frontier for semiconductor advanced packaging."
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Charity group My Legacy is calling on people in Louth to include a gift to a good cause in their Will 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 theyve 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. Niall OSullivan, Chairperson of My Legacy, said: 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. 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, 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.

The nationally representative survey of 1,007 adults, which was carried out online between 6th and 11th August 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%) donates 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:

Make an appointment with a solicitor to discuss your wishes and decisions for the future. Look after loved ones: a Will provides for those close to you, assigns guardians, protects assets, and can help reduce inheritance tax. Consider a legacy gift to charity: if you have a cause close to your heart, include a gift to that charity in your 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.
Louth County Council is supporting Culture Night 2024, an initiative of the Arts Council of Ireland, which kicks off on Friday 20th September.

The annual theme is One Night for All and it gives everyone in Louth a wonderful opportunity to showcase all the county has to offer. Louth County Council Arts Office issued a call out in July asking people to get involved and says it was delighted with the public response.

Acting Arts Officer Moya Hodgers said: Culture Night invites everyone everywhere, on one joyful night, to discover and celebrate all that our diverse culture is today in Ireland. This is a national moment connecting everyone to cultural activities locally and nationally and opening pathways to ongoing engagement.

This year there is a variety of events on offer across the county. In Dundalk there is everything from Adult Watercolour Classes in Carroll Mead Hall to Exploring Identity through Mask Making with Outcomers in Dundalk.

An Tain Arts Centre, now celebrating its 10 year anniversary, has a range of events including childrens drama workshops, film screenings and an open evening at the Bo Studios. The Louth Urban Food Sanctuary will also be working with Artist Una Curley in her studio space in Bo Studios where she will have an interactive weaving project that will incorporate the colours of the Climate Stripes, a series of vertical colours that show the progressive heating of our planet.

Meanwhile in Mo Chara there will be a special event with artist Aoife Edwards where you can engage with an interactive art piece, or you can pop over to Dundalk Library for an afternoon of arts and crafts with live music by Scoraiocht Lann Leire. Bridge Street Studios will also open their doors for open studios and taster sessions.

Ardee library will have the Ardee Town Band, Intermezzo Ensemble and Ardee Uke & Rollers in their branch to entertain visitors while over in An Teach Scoraiocht in Dunleer music of the Oriel area will be performed in a special Oriel Echoes event.

Droichead Arts Centre has partnered with Louth County Councils Night Time Economy Advisor to provide a huge range of events late into the night including street art exhibitions and live music as part of their Night Moves series across Drogheda.

Hands for Unity will host a multi-cultural evening in St. Peters Church, while renowned composer Michael Holohan will host an extraordinary evening of sound in the Augustinian Church in Drogheda, famous for its unique Bell Tree of 40 chimes. McHughs, Drogheda are leading a range of events from this years Boyne Tradfest which also kicks off on Culture Night. Highlanes Gallery will host a special evening of song and visual art, and an exhibition by artist Gracie Hawkins will take place in the Methodist Church.

There is something for everyone to enjoy on Friday 20th September. All events are free, but some events will require booking in advance due to limited spaces. For full information on each of the events go to the Culture Night website @ https://culturenight.ie/Louth/ or to the Louth County Council website on https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/services/arts/ and click on the Culture Night 2024 button to get full details of the programme.
Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA), one of Irelands leading pilot training academies, has announced the continuation of its successful partnership with ASL Airlines Ireland (ASLI).

Building on the success of the programme launched in 2023, AFTA is now recruiting cadets for the new ASL Mentored Cadet Programme to join this prestigious training initiative.

The partnership between AFTA and ASL Airlines Ireland began in 2023 with the selection of cadets who are currently progressing through their flight training modules.

These cadets are on track to complete their training and join ASL Airlines Ireland as fully qualified pilots by early 2025.

Mark Casey, CEO and founder of AFTA, commented: We are delighted to continue our partnership with ASL Airlines Ireland, an alliance that aligns perfectly with AFTAs commitment to delivering world-class pilot training.

Our collaboration with ASL, which began last year, (2023), has already shown promising results, and we are confident that the new intake of cadets will continue this tradition of excellence.

The ASL Mentored Cadet Programme not only provides aspiring pilots with the skills and knowledge they need but also ensures they are fully prepared to transition seamlessly into the airline.

We look forward to seeing these future ASL pilots develop their careers with the support of AFTA and ASL.

ASL Airlines Irelands Director of Flight Operations, Con Murphy, echoed these sentiments: ASL Airlines Ireland is delighted to continue our close relationship with AFTA and build on the success of the 2023 programme.

This partnership is crucial in recruiting and training the next generation of pilots through the new ASL Mentored Cadet Programme. This prestigious training programme offers a unique opportunity for aspiring pilots to receive top-tier training and hands-on experience, ensuring they are fully prepared to join the ranks of our world-class team.

The selected cadets will be trained using ASLs Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), providing them with a distinct advantage when they transition to the airline.

Although the training programme is self-sponsored, cadets will receive a fully-funded Type Rating, along with an industry competitive salary package.

The selection process for the ASL Mentored Cadet Programme is rigorous, ensuring that only the most dedicated and passionate candidates are chosen.

Applicants will undergo an online aptitude test, an in-person interview and a simulator check.

Importantly, previous flying experience is not a requirement; however, candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to the aviation industry and a clear desire to work with ASL.

AFTA and ASL invite interested individuals to apply now, as the application window is open until December 9, 2024.

The training course is scheduled to commence in February 2025 and will run for approximately 18 months, culminating in the cadets transition to ASL Airline Ireland for employment.

For more information or to apply, please contact AFTA at enquiries@afta.ie or call 021+4888-737.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Oonagh Montague. Like any self-respecting, over-worked human, Im about 12 things at once. Right now, by day, I give courses and lectures on how to write correctly for industry, and by night Im a writer. Basically, a really rubbish superhero. Throughout, Im a solo parent to my daughter, Eve, who is heading into the Leaving Cert, and my son, Theo, ditto the Junior Cert.

I write in the spaces between the stuff on my to-do-list. However, Im starting to have a tiny bit more time. My mother, Evelyn, is disabled. Shes very brave about it, but the effect has been a meteor landing in our lives, impacting every single aspect.

After 30 years of caring for her and all that means, my sister and I both hit the final wall during covid. That is when my wonderful, kind and (really rather handsome) partner, Vincent, took over much of her care.

So, thanks to him, for the first time in my life I am carving out some time to write. This summer, I escaped to the peace of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, thanks to a birthday gift from my fabulous coven and writers group, The Tuesdays. We meet on Wednesdays.

I write mainly short stories  because thats what comes out.

The odd poem, too, but I tend to avoid that medium. Most recent highlight? Ive won a few awards, but Marion Keyes recently said she loved a story of mine. She said it charmed and delighted her. Ive erected a temple to her in the airing cupboard.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Arent Friday nights the best? That delicious feeling when its all stretched ahead of you, yet to enjoy. I often have great plans to do big stuff, but when Friday night actually hits, what gets me excited is doing the least amount possible.

Im bate. Unless they invent a night for old clubbers, with all the 90s Sir Henrys dance tunes, but the music not up too high. And an on-hand physio for if you pull something throwing shapes. Now thats something I could get behind. But like, carefully.

Lie-ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

Id love a good, fat lie-in, but middle-age has swept in like a fecker, so now I wake early. I like the quietness and peace of early morning.

So, I get up, a fact that our dog, Sid, finds deeply exciting. When Sids blood is up, he sneezes  a lot. Which means I travel downstairs to a loud chorus of enthusiastic sneezing.

Then, I open the kitchen door to a wall of actually blood-curdling yodelling. Thats Boo, our 19-year-old cat. Boo is deaf, has short-term memory issues, and an overactive thyroid. This trinity of afflictions combine to convince Boo that she has never once been fed in the whole of her life and its high time she told me about it  loudly.

I said I love quietness and peace. I never said I find them.

Also, Kent station has been doing works on the lines for what feels like 300 years. Most nights from 11.30pm4.30am: Banging, screeching, thumping. Its like techno nights at Henrys, but rubbish. Iarnrod Eireann wont even give us a free trip to Cobh as a sweetener for the ongoing torture. Wed kick up a fuss, but were too tired.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Ha. I have kids. Weekends are often busier than weekdays. Luckily, the kids I ended up with are really quite nice, so its worth it. (Eve, Theo, if youre reading this, do your laundry fortheloveofgod. Also, may I please have a cup of tea?)

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

Oooh. Id travel with my fella, Vincent, luggage-free and have some deeply talented aide meet us at the hotel with a whole new wardrobe. And place? Id like a surprise. Anywhere someone has been that they loved.

Theres nothing quite like washing your eyes with a beautiful landscape youve never seen before. Its one of the most touching things about humanity, how much we love beauty. It helps with all the lousy bits of being human, like losing your passport, or wasps.

If youre offering a couple of money-no-object weekends, then next Id take my and Vincents kids to Disneyland, jump all the queues, and round it off with a stay in one of those incredible-looking luxury huts on a warm sea. With a good friend in every hut having just the holiday they need.

Oonagh loves 'Westcork', especially Ballydehob.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

West Cork. I have a short story based on my childhood there. Writing it was a long exercise in walking past the hedgerows of fuchsia, montbretia, and honey suckle lining the roads, the low thrum of bees and high up bird song.

West Cork slows you right down, loosens the knots in your shoulders, hands you back to yourself. Your best self.

I spent all my summers and most weekends in Letter, Ballydehob, when I was a kid, wandering on my own, in the crook of Mount Gabriel. I didnt feel lonely, instead I felt like I was always just on the verge of discovering something amazing.

And I did: Abandoned houses, hidden ruins, ancient roads through mountains that led to the sea, a lone white horse. West Cork has that liminal, between worlds quality. I miss that house we lived in every day.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

Has anyone ever answered this question with a God, no. Feck those guys. Although, come to think of it, while, yes, I do rock up to meet the people I love most, I definitely need quietness first.

My job involves engaging lots of people at the same time, which I enjoy, but it really wipes me, so I need quiet time alone to recalibrate. I call it buffering. I sit in one spot on the sofa with a cuppa and something to stuff my face with. And I read. Too fast. Or watch TV. Sometimes on fast forward. Is that weird? It is weird.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

Interesting use of the word indulge. I knitted once  a tiny scarf for a sock-puppet snowman for my sons school project. I was loving it, as holey and awful as it was.

I was finding it really soothing, until a good friend on a group Zoom call pointed out that it was making me lose control of my facial features. As in, my real feelings become evident. No one needs that.

Entertain or be entertained? If its the latter, do you have a signature dish?

Feed me. I love food. I cook all week as a parent, so I really love a night off. I may cry if you offer to cook. I make a mean toad in the hole, and roast chicken. But other peoples food is the best.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork: Where are your go to spots for coffee/lunch/special meal?

The breakfasts in Probys Kitchen are a favourite, as is Good Day Deli. I wander down to Lab 82 with the kids for a brownie. Or we meet Vince and his boys, Jack and Ben, at Luigi Malones. Our restaurants are doing a herculean job of staying open these days. They are getting squeezed from all sides.

Saturdays I meet a posse of girlfriends in Cork Coffee Roasters in St Lukes. St Lukes has a bookshop now. Mercier Press is back. And another restaurant is opening up. We Norries are weak for ourselves.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

School uniforms, school lunches, food shop, then sit with a book and quietly wonder why we havent gotten round to a three-day weekend yet.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

7.00, but it should be earlier. Im all old and creaky and could do with some yoga first thing. Or meditate. Hard to meditate when the dog is sneezing.

Cork Stories, edited by Madeleine D'Arcy and Laura McKenna. Oonagh will be reading from the publication as part of Culture Night.

Anything else you are up to right now...

Ill be at Kildare Readers Festival 2024 in September with Cristin Leach for the launch of Fire: Brigid and The Sacred Feminine anthology by Arlen House. Its edited by Niamh Boyce and Shauna Gilligan. Cristin and I collaborated on the opening piece.

Here in Cork, on Culture Night, novelist Grainne Murphy and I will read from the Cork Stories anthology at 6.30pm at the City Library.

I hate to use the C word, but Cork Stories is a really cute collection by Doire Press that would make a fine Christmas gift. Already on its second reprint, the stories all have a Cork theme, created by Cork-born or Cork-infected writers, like Kevin Barry, Anne OLeary, Mary Morrissey.

Cork gets in your blood, so it does.
A senior Cork member of the Irish Dental Association has said the lack of proper Government funding of dental schools has led to an over-reliance on students from non-European Economic Area (EEA) and a resulting lack of Irish dental graduates.

Dr Mairead Browne, a member of the Irish Dental Association GP committee and a past president of the associations Cork branch, said the association was seeking a cap of 20% on non-EEA students, coming down to 10% over the next three years.

She said that despite a shortage of dentists in Ireland, only half of all dental student places in the two Irish dental schools, in University College Cork (UCC) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), went to EEA students last year.

Theres a major issue in Irish dentistry with a lack of graduates, and thats affecting patient care, patients accessing care, waiting times, and we have a situation now where this year over 50% of graduates were non-EEA graduates.

Its having a detrimental effect on dental practices and also its meaning that a student can have maximum points and not get a space in a university on their doorstep. Its shocking that we have such a low number of dental graduates, she said.

Non-EEA students pay over 45,000 per annum to train in either UCC or TCD, and Dr Browne said that money is used to cross-subsidise Irish dental students due to years of under-resourcing of Irish dental schools.

According to the Irish Dental Association non-EEA graduates usually return to their country of origin to practice dentistry rather than practising in Ireland.

The association says high proportion of non-EEA students not only limits the opportunities for Irish and EEA students but also impacts workforce planning, as the vast majority of international students do not remain in Ireland post-graduation.

Over the past academic year, the UCC dental student intake consisted of 53 students, of which 25, or , 47%were non-EEA students, while 16 of TCDs dental student intake of 48 students, or 35%, were non-EEA students.

According to an Irish Dental Association survey, 63% of Irish dentists say they struggle to recruit associate dentists, while the HSE public dental service has 23% fewer dentists employed than in 2009.

Furthermore, a survey of association members this year stated that 63% of dentists struggled to recruit a dentist within the past 12 months. This, in turn, means practices cannot cope with the number of patients seeking treatment, which is leading to long waiting lists and a decline of the patient access.

Dr Rory Boyd, president of the Irish Dental Association said Irelands current model of producing dental graduates was unsustainable, and Irish patients were suffering the consequences of the shortage of dentists.
A man in his 30s is due to appear in court in Fermoy this morning in connection with the seizure of a firearm in North Cork early yesterday morning.

At approximately 1.10am on Thursday morning Gardai operating a checkpoint stopped a vehicle in Mallow.

A shotgun and ammunition was located and seized.

Gardai arrested a man and seized a firearm in Mallow in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Following the seizure a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: "A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939 at a Garda Station in the Cork Division.

"The operation involved the Mallow Detective Unit, Mallow Drugs Unit and Mallow Roads Policing Unit. The seized items will be forwarded to the Garda Ballistics Unit for further analysis.

This morning, Gardai said the man arrested in connection with their investigation has since been charged.

He is expected to appear before Fermoy District Court at 10.30am today, Friday, September 13, said a garda spokesperson.

Investigations are ongoing.
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.

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.

Anguish

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.

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

In October 2020, the High Court 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.

Lessons

Mr Martin also said lessons needed to be learned from the case, including around the speed at which cases are processed.

The Tanaiste 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.
Garda investigations are ongoing after emergency services were called out in the early hours of Friday morning to deal with a blaze at a house in Hollyhill on the north side of Cork city.

The incident took place in The Meadows, Hollyhill, at around 12.45am on Friday and necessitated units of Cork City Fire Service to attend at the scene to extinguish the blaze.

According to a statement from the Garda Press Office, there were no injuries and the Gardai are investigating what they describe as a case of crimjnal damage.

Gardai responded to an incident of criminal damage at a premises in The Meadows, Hollyhill, Co. Cork at approximately 12:45am on Friday, 13th of September 2024, said a Garda spokesperson in a statement.

The fire was brought under control by fire services. There were no reports of injuries.

Investigations are ongoing at this time.
A 38-year-old old man has appeared in court charged in connection with the seizure of a firearm, the possession of ammunition and the unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

John Anthony OHara of Church View, Ballinrobe Co Mayo appeared before Judge Colm Roberts at Fermoy District Court.

Detective Garda Noelle McSweeney gave evidence of arrest charge and caution.

Court presenter Inspector Tony OSullivan told the court that Mr OHara was arrested at a garda checkpoint at Baltydaniel West, Mallow Co Cork shortly after 1.10am on the morning of Thursday, September 12.

When the vehicle was searched a 12-gauge semi-automatic Fabarm shotgun along with six cartridges were recovered.

Mr OHara was charged under the Section 27 (A) of the Firearms Act with the lawful possession of a firearm not for a lawful use.

He was also charged with the possession of six cartridges and the unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Det Gda McSweeney said that gardai were objecting to Mr OHara being granted bail due to the seriousness of the offences.

Defence solicitor Matthew Bermingham said that his client lived with his mother in Ballinrobe and was not a flight risk.

Judge Colm Roberts said: There is an ongoing feud and the nature of these offences are extremely serious.

He said that on that basis there was no possibility that he could grant Mr OHara bail.

Judge Roberts remanded Mr OHara in custody to appear by video link at Mallow District Court on September 17.

Mr Bermingham said that if he was placed in custody Mr OHara would have serious concerns for his own safety.

Judge Roberts said that the State was obliged to ensure his safety and the necessary arrangements would be put in place.
A pledge by a minister to restore therapists to St Killians Special School in Mayfield must be honoured, a highly emotional meeting meeting on the matter between parents and politicians heard yesterday.

Politicians from Government parties and the opposition joined forces to appeal for urgent funding to support the restoration of therapists to the special school.

Cork South West Fianna Fail TD Christopher OSullivan as well as councillor and Cork South Central candidate Seamus McGrath, Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould, Solidarity TD Mick Barry, and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns were among those who attended the meeting with parents of the children attending the school.

The school had, on the basis of a pledge of 150,000 from the minister of state for disability, Anne Rabbitte, put in place the arrangements to hire therapists.

Concern was also expressed at the lack of action on the issue as Cork schools named on a pilot scheme  which did not include St Killians  have yet to have therapists restored to their schools, even though it had been announced in August that the scheme would commence in September.

Eibhlin Gleeson, spokesperson for St Killians Parents Unite, said: The fact theres still no therapists in the schools and were in the third school week and theres nothing in place  I think [the politicians] are all as concerned as we are.

Rejected

The proposal that St Killians had put forward is understood to have been rejected at Cabinet level in favour of the pilot scheme about which there are now growing doubts around whether it will be implemented at all.

Ms Gleeson added:

From our point of view we cant be put on hold for a second round of therapists if the first round isnt up and running  it doesnt look to us that any progress is being made.

Its very concerning to us  were solutions-focused parents, we want a solution, for us its not about the reasons why it cant happen, its just about that it has to happen, and it has to happen urgently.

After the meeting, a number of politicians spoke to The Echo about what they had heard at the meeting and what their next steps would be.

According to Cork North Central Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould, the pledge had been made by the minister to support the restoration of therapists to St Killians Special School and that pledge had to be honoured. He agreed, however, that all politicians in attendance were united in the sense they wanted to see the restoration of the therapists urgently, and said he would be raising the matter in the Dail when it resumes.

Mr Gould said: The Government appears to be blaming the HSE for the delay on this scheme  the Government need to tell the HSE to get it done. Whos running the country?

Constructive

Fianna Fail Cork North Central TD Padraig OSullivan said that he had to question whether the HSE was serious about implementing the pilot scheme that had been announced in August, adding: I spoke to a principal of one of the schools selected, and they havent been contacted yet.

His Fianna Fail colleague in Cork South West, Christopher OSullivan, said that the meeting had been constructive and stressed that he would be exerting as much pressure as possible to find a solution.

The priority has to be getting the therapists on site as quickly as possible, he said, adding that interim assistance until the school was included in a functioning pilot scheme was an option that could not be ruled out.

Solidarity/People Before Profit TD Mick Barry said it was heartbreaking to hear parents at St Killians describe what their children and their families were being put through by the States refusal to fund therapists for the school, adding: I will go back in the Dail next week and bang the table on this one and co-ordinate with other TDs who are willing to do so.

According to Seamus McGrath, the Fianna Fail councillor, the accounts he heard at the meeting were heartbreaking and underlined that there was an urgent need for the therapists to be restored to the school.

Comment was sought from the HSE about the operation of the pilot scheme and what plans the body had in terms of recruiting additional therapists.
Cork man Mark Drinan is one of 18 young people who have travelled to Lyon in France this week to compete as part of Team Ireland at the 2024 World Skills event.

The World Skills competition will see more than 1,500 competitors from over 71 countries and regions around the world demonstrate their skills across 62 areas.

Team Ireland will compete in areas including industrial mechanics, beauty therapy, carpentry, food and hospitality, cybersecurity and construction.

Irelands talented team, including Cork native Mark, was announced recently by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Higher Education Minister Patrick ODonovan at Government Buildings in Dublin.

Showcasing

By competing at this very experienced level, Team Ireland is also showcasing the range and diversity of skills careers and apprenticeships that are 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, said Mr ODonovan.

A cyber security analyst with IBM, Mark will be competing in a team of two for cyber security after beating off tough competition at the national skills competition to make the World Skills event.

Originally from Charleville, Mark now lives in Dublin and has previously competed at the Global Skills Challenge in Australia, winning gold in preparation for Lyon 2024.

Proud

Commenting on his journey to represent Ireland at World Skills Lyon, he said: I am incredibly proud to represent Ireland as an international cyber security competitor at World-Skills Lyon. It is an honour to compete against top talent from around the world, making this competition a rewarding and humbling experience.

Weve received fantastic training from WorldSkills Ireland Experts and former WorldSkills cyber security competitors that will hopefully give us an edge come competition time. I am very grateful for all the support and guidance received from the experts and look forward to giving it our all in Lyon.

CEO of SOLAS, the further education and training authority of Ireland, Andrew Brownlee, said: Skills talent in Ireland has never been brighter, and the World Skills competition offers a fantastic opportunity for our young people to showcase their incredible skills.

Team Ireland represents the modern-day apprentice, FET learner, and skilled worker of the future.

FET and apprenticeships provide endless opportunities for students and career-seekers of all ages and backgrounds, helping people across Ireland to upskill, reskill, and unlock their potential through apprenticeships, traineeships, post-Leaving Certificate courses, and more, he added.

Team Ireland competed for the first time in 1957 and has competed at every international competition since then, winning 63 gold medals, 53 silver, 80 bronze, and 174 diplomas/medallions of excellence among 732 Team Ireland competitors.
A cold case review into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should be completed before any decision on an inquiry is made, the Taoiseach has said.

In December 1996, the body of the 39-year-old filmmaker was found beaten outside her holiday home in Schull, West Cork.

Ian Bailey, the main suspect in her murder, died in Cork in January this year aged 66.

Asked if there should be an inquiry into her death, Simon Harris said a garda cold case review should first be allowed to conclude.

He added that Government will see where the matter stands at that stage.

It comes after the Tanaiste criticised the Irish legal systems handling of the case, saying Ireland failed to find and convict a murderer while noting that the extradition of Mr Bailey to France had also been blocked by Irish courts.

Speaking on Thursday, Micheal Martin said: We can ask for a proper review of whether decisions were reasonable which blocked a murder trial or which would have predetermined its outcome.

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.

In October 2020, the High Court in Ireland rejected an attempt by French authorities to extradite him for the murder.

Fresh calls for an inquiry came following the publication of the book Sophie: The Final Verdict by journalist Senan Molony.

Speaking to reporters at Dublin Castle on Friday, Mr Harris said the book dealt with an extraordinarily upsetting saga for the du Plantier family which he said is still seeking justice and answers.

Mr Martin added: It is important to reflect on momentous events of this kind  that we should never ourselves, insulate ourselves or our systems from reflection and observation.

By any yardstick, reading the comprehensive work that [Mr Molony] did and others, Ive come to the conclusion that we did fail the family of Sophie du Plantier and we didnt do right by Sophie du Plantier.

There has to be space in our public discourse for that kind of reflection and observation.
The organiser of a fundraising concert to try to bring Rory Gallaghers guitar back to Cork has said she is 99% positive that the 1961 Fender Strat can be brought home.

In 1963, a 15-year-old Rory persuaded his mother to buy for 100 from Michael Crowley the guitar that would later shape his career.

Six decades on, with the late rock legends guitar up for auction, Michaels daughter Sheena, proprietor of Crowleys Music Centre on Friar Street, has launched a GoFundMe campaign entitled Help Bring Rory Gallaghers Strat Back to his Home Town.

Ms Crowleys hope is to raise enough money to buy the guitar  expected to sell for as much as 1 million (1.18m) - and bring it permanently home to Leeside.

Two months into the fundraiser, Ms Crowley already raised over 37,000 and she has organised a concert night in Rorys honour in Cork City Hall on Sunday evening.

Rory Gallagher, who was arguably Irelands first rock star, was born in Ballyshannon in 1948, and he moved to Cork with his mother Monica and his younger brother Donal in 1956.

Rory passed away in 1995 at the age of 47, three decades into a career that saw release 14 solo albums and become one of the worlds most influential musicians.

Ms Crowley was in Cork Airport on Friday afternoon to welcome Rorys former bass player, Gerry McAvoy, who had flown in from France to be part of Sunday evenings concert.

Im really excited, Im on a high, because I think this is going to be a very special gig, Ms Crowley told The Echo.

Im 99% positive that we will achieve our goal and bring Rorys guitar back to Cork, because I really believe someone is going to step in. I really believe the concert is going to move positive energy and make things happen.

She added that a number of acts will cover a range of tracks from across Rorys albums on the night, all of them playing for free.

Itll be a fantastic night, and we are urging people not to miss out on this opportunity to pay tribute to one of Irelands greatest musical talents, Ms Crowley said.

Rory Gallagher Night is at 7pm on Sunday, September 15, in Cork City Hall, with doors opening at 6pm.

Some tickets, which are 25, are still available at Crowleys Music Centre. Email sheenacrowley@yahoo.co.uk.
I believe that my plan to introduce a mobile phone ban in post-primary schools in Cork will give students a break. It will be a mental break from the influence of mobile phones.

I want to acknowledge that all schools do have a mobile phone policy in place. But some schools allow students to access their mobile phones at break times and lunchtime. However, going forward, there should be no access to mobile phones until the school day is over.

I know how resourceful students are. Many people have already warned me that students will find a way around any ban. But schools are very well used to managing rules, such as those around the school uniform or the times students have to attend class.

I think students themselves will acknowledge that its no harm to them to have a break from access to the phone during the school day. Why do I say that? It is because of the growing international research in this area.

Last year, a UN report recommended smartphones should be banned from schools to improve learning and tackle classroom disruption and cyberbullying. UNESCO, the UNs education agency, cited evidence that removing smartphones from schools in Belgium, Spain and the UK was found to improve learning outcomes.

It noted that just having a mobile phone nearby with notifications coming through is enough to result in students losing their attention from the task at hand.

One study found that it can take students up to 20 minutes to refocus on what they were learning once distracted.

A mobile phone ban during the school day will improve the learning environment in schools by reducing distraction.

There is also growing international research about the dangers of the inappropriate use of social media by children and young people.

The US surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, has stated that social media has emerged as an important contributor to the mental health crisis among young people.

He quotes a 2019 study that found that U.S adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media may be at higher risk for certain mental health problems. He also cited research in which nearly half of US teenagers reported that social media made them feel worse about their bodies.

The latest study from the Growing Up Un Ireland project has found that 13-year-olds in Ireland are almost twice as likely to be at risk of depressive symptoms, with girls especially at risk. This is based on a survey of a group of 6,000 people who were born in 2008.

Around 30% of them were at risk of depression compared to just 16% of another group of 13-year-olds who were born in 1998. There has been a surge of online activity since the launch of the Iphone in 2007 and the growth in popularity of social media platforms.

We have a significant programme being rolled out in our primary schools where were encouraging parents to Keep Childhood Smartphone Free. As a result, there has been a strong take up of the voluntary agreements among parents not to buy smartphones for their children while they are in primary school.

I really want to acknowledge the work that parents are doing in that regard with the support of schools. Equally so, in our schools, we have Webwise, who are working with our students about how to be safe online.

However, I strongly believe we need a mobile phone ban in post-primary schools to complement these initiatives because were seeing more and more issues around mobile phones in the hands of young people.

Cyberbullying can have a devastating impact on students. We need to be proactive in this space.

I believe this mobile phone ban will reduce the risk of cyberbullying and access to inappropriate content during school hours.

Some parents want their children to have a mobile phone in secondary school so they can reach them if necessary. But if students need to be contacted, parents can still get in touch with them by ringing the school. Students can also have access to their mobile during their journey to and from school.

Some students may have medical conditions that can involve the use of a mobile phone.

For example, pupils with diabetes might use continuous glucose monitoring with a sensor linked to their mobile phone to monitor blood sugar levels.

Where such mobile phone use is required for pupils to manage their medical condition effectively, schools will have the discretion to allow this.

By and large, parents, guardians and schools acknowledge it is in the best interest of students to live in a mobile phone-free zone during school hours. There are schools around the country already doing that. But some of them do allow students access to mobile phones at lunchtime or break time. I want to see all schools on the same level.

I believe this mobile phone ban during school hours is in the best interest of students. It is in the best interest of a learning environment. And it is in the best interest of cultivating conversation and a sense of community within our schools.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

The Government wont be found wanting in helping to provide answers for families bereaved in the Troubles, Simon Harris has insisted.

The Taoiseach was speaking following a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council at Dublin Castle and days after the British government announced a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.

The Norths deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has said the UK government now has a responsibility to explain why legacy mechanisms set up to investigate other Troubles deaths are not good enough for the Finucane family.

Mr Finucane (39) was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn announced that the Government is to establish an independent public inquiry into the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane (UK Parliament/PA)

Northern Secretary Hilary Benn announced this week there would be a public inquiry into the killing, following a commitment made at the 2001 Weston Park Agreement.

However, the decision has been criticised by some unionist politicians who have pointed out that the families of many other Troubles victims are still searching for justice.

Mr Harris said that every family bereaved in the Troubles deserves answers and truth.

He also said he believed the new Labour government in Britain is taking the right approach to outstanding legacy cases.

He added: We do now have a government in London that has committed to taking a new look, a fresh look to legacy.

As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, we are very eager to positively engage with that process.

Of course there will be truth, reconciliation, answers and justice required on both sides of the border and the Irish Government wont be found wanting either in relation to doing everything that we possibly, humanly can to help provide those answers.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the UK Government had to explain its position to other Troubles victims families in Northern Ireland (Gareth Chaney/PA)

Ms Little-Pengelly said more than 1,000 families in the North have never had justice for Troubles killings.

She said: The UK government cannot escape the reality that to say to those families that this is a system which is fit for purpose for you but not for this particular case does create inequality, it does create that sense there is a hierarchy of victims, that there is a two-tier approach to this issue.

That has caused hurt and pain, we have heard from some of those families over the last number of days.

The UK government has a responsibility to explain to those families why the system they have set out is fit for purpose or good enough to investigate the death of their loved one but not good enough for the Finucane family.

All families deserve truth and justice, that includes the Finucane family, but everyone should get the equal and same chance to get that truth and justice for the murder of their loved one.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill said a way forward on legacy had to be found (Gareth Chaney/PA)

First Minister Michelle ONeill said it was important not to pit the families of Troubles victims against each other.

She said: Anybody that lost a loved one in the conflict deserves to have truth and justice, anyone that has lost a loved one deserves to have access to that truth and justice.

We need to find ways to ensure that is the case.

I welcome the fact that Labour have rubbished in their very early days the fundamentally flawed legislation which the Tories have brought forward.

She added: I think that this needs to be got right once and for all.

We are 26 years past the Good Friday Agreement, todays young people are being burdened with yesterday and we need to find a way to once and for all sensitively deal with the past in a way that allows families to get access to what it is that they need.

Micheal Martin said finding a framework on legacy could not be put off (Gareth Chaney/PA)

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said an agreed approach to deal with legacy needed to be found.

He said: We have been too long at legacy, there has been too much stop-start.

What we need to do now collectively and we have committed to work with the British Government to meet the victims groups, to hear what they have to say.

But it cant be postponed for another couple of years until we get a framework in place.
Gordon Deegan

A Government Minister has told a court how she felt vulnerable and unsafe after a man threw a bag of cow dung towards her at a public meeting.

Anne Rabbitte, a Minister of State and the Fianna Fail TD for Galway East, cried in the witness box as she recounted the incident at a packed public meeting at OSullivans Royal Hotel, Gort, Co Galway on January 4th, 2023.

Ms Rabbitte told Gort District Court, which was sitting in Ennis on Friday, that she was picked out by Joseph Baldwin during the meeting about a planned biogas plant in the area.

There was no safety. I didnt feel safe in a public space with the people that elected me, she said.

I felt I was the most vulnerable person in the room.

She added: I didnt feel protected or feel safe there.

Asked why she went to gardai later that night after the public meeting, Ms Rabbitte said: There is a line and I felt it was crossed that night and no one spoke up for me and I had to speak up for myself that night.

In the case, Galway farmer Joseph Baldwin (39), of Ballyaneen, Gort, denies assaulting Anne Rabbitte on January 4th, 2023, at the public meeting, contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Minister of State Anne Rabbitte outside court on Friday

Recounting the incident, Ms Rabbitte said she saw a man throw a bag towards her Galway East constituency colleague, Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon.

CCTV footage played to the court on Friday afternoon showed Mr Baldwin say, here is a bag of cow s***e for you before throwing the bag in the direction of Mr Cannon. The bag fell at the feet of Mr Cannon.

After witnessing Mr Baldwin throwing the bag towards Mr Cannon, Ms Rabbitte told the court that she thought Jesus. God help us. What is after happening to Ciaran? How will he recover from that one?

The CCTV footage showed Mr Baldwin turn and then throw a bag in the direction of Ms Rabbitte. The court heard from an eyewitness that the bag contained "a green liquid substance".

Minister Rabbitte said the man was incredibly angry, his face was red.

She said: The white of his eyes I wont forget.

Ms Rabbitte said the man said to her "'I am not forgetting about you, there is one for you Rabbitte' and then he threw a bag at her as well.

After the bag fell on the ground beside her, Ms Rabbitte said: I didnt know if the two legs were going to go from under me.

Someone picked it up and said that it was a bag of s**t, she said.

Ms Rabbitte said: I wanted to scream my head off because no one said that what was happening was wrong.

On going to the local Garda station to report what occurred, Ms Rabbitte said: It is tough, we do what we do, but I love it and it is a privilege, and I apologise judge to be bawlin my way through it, but someone had to speak up.

The solicitor for Mr Baldwin, Daragh Hassett, said eight eyewitnesses who were present on the night who gave statements to the gardai said the bag thrown by Mr Baldwin did not hit Ms Rabbitte.

Mr Hassett said: "It is quite clear from the footage that no bag struck you at all."

Ms Rabbitte said: I still feel it. You cant deny me my feelings.

Mr Hassett told Ms Rabbitte after hearing her evidence you are a very unreliable historian. Mr Hassett described Ms Rabbitte's direct evidence as "quite emotive".

During cross-examination, Mr Hassett told Ms Rabbitte: "This isn't the Dail now, you can't be making speeches."

Mr Hassett said that Ms Rabbitte told gardai that the bag had struck Mr Cannon and pointed out Mr Cannon had told gardai that the bag did not hit him, but instead landed at his feet.

Mr Hassett said her statement to gardai that she was struck by the bag was inaccurate and misleading when seen alongside the CCTV evidence which shows that the bag did not hit her.

Mr Hassett said: It is not assault.

The case continues.
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 boat on dry land due to drought in the harbor of Porto do Cacau Pirera in Iranduba, Amazonas, Brazil on Oct. 4, 2023. Bruno Zanardo / Getty Images

Brazil is facing its worst drought on record, fueled by widespread deforestation and wildfire destruction in the Amazon and surrounding regions, scientists say.

The destruction hinders the areas natural water cycle, especially its crucial flying river phenomenon. As the trees in the Eastern Amazon and Cerrado regions absorb rainfall brought about by moisture coming from the Atlantic, they later release water vapor into the air through transpiration, which then brings rainfall to much of Brazil and other parts of South America.

But the trees the process requires are being destroyed, leading to rivers drying up and areas that were once green now resembling deserts.

Luciana Gatti, a climate researcher at Brazils National Institute for Space Research, told The Washington Post, This is a process connected from the bottom to the top, with the flying rivers at the top being weakened, and the earth being weakened at the bottom, erasing natural fountains and reducing river levels.

Nearly 40% of the Amazons most vital areas are unprotected, Reuters reported Wednesday. That includes a large part of the Amazons northeast, nestled against the Atlantic Ocean, which holds an immense amount of carbon compared to the rest of the region.

As the Amazons northeast is being destroyed, not only is it disrupting the water cycle and leading to further droughts elsewhere, but its also releasing an enormous amount of carbon into the atmosphere.

This is the first time that a drought has covered all the way from the North to the countrys Southeast, Ana Paula Cunha, a researcher at CEMADEN, Brazils National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters, said in a statement last week. It is the most intense and widespread drought in history.

Amid the destruction, Brazils President Lula da Silva recently flew into the Amazon. It seems to me that things are getting worse, year after year after year, he said.

In the Pantanal weve had the worst drought in the last 73 years This is a problem that we have to fix because otherwise humanity is going to destroy our planet, Lula added. We cannot destroy that which we rely on for our life.

Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on a flight over the Pantanal on July 31, 2024. Ricardo Stuckert / Lula Oficial

The Cerrado region in the countrys southeast, which is also a crucial part of the water cycle, is in the midst of its worst drought in at least 700 years, a new study shows.

The team examined geological data to extend the perception of drought caused by global warming to a period long before the weather stations records began, Francisco William da Cruz Junior, a professor at the University of Sao Paulos Institute of Geosciences and one of the studys authors, told the Sao Paulo Research Foundation.

This proved that the Cerrado is drier than it was and that the dry weather is associated with the disruption to the hydrological cycle caused by the rise in temperature due to human activity, especially greenhouse gas emissions, he said.

More than 59% of the country is under stress from drought. In Sao Paolo, Brazils most populated city with more than 21 million residents, wildfires have reduced air quality to the second lowest in the world, The Associated Press reported. Meanwhile, the citys Pinheiros River turned green from pollution and drought.

You can put this in capital letters, Gatti said. It will get worse and worse. We are heading toward an apocalyptical situation, and unfortunately, we only wake up at the last minute.
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.

UK High Court Justice David Holgate ruled on Friday against a controversial coal plant project, which would have been the countrys first new coal plant in 30 years.

At the end of 2022, the UK government had approved the West Cumbria Mining coal plant, planned for Whitehaven, Cumbria, despite the governments climate advisors warning against it. The approval had previously come from Michael Gove, former Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) of the UK.

But climate activist groups Friends of the Earth and South Lakes Action on Climate Change challenged the project approval in court, casting doubt on claims that the project would not increase global emissions, The Associated Press reported.

As South Lakes Action on Climate Change noted in a press release on the decision, the West Cumbria Mining company argued that the project approval should stand due to perfect substitution, or the idea that the demand for coal wouldnt increase and the amount of coal mined in Cumbria would match the same amount of coal left unmined somewhere else. Further, the company had argued that the project wouldnt contribute to atmospheric greenhouse gases because it would rely on carbon credit offsetting, The Guardian reported.

But the judge blocked the project, stating, The assumption that the proposed mine would not produce a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, or would be a net zero mine, is legally flawed, as reported by The Associated Press.

The UK Supreme Court had ruled in June 2024 that Surrey County Councils approval of an oil production project in Horse Hill without considering climate impacts from used oil was unlawful, creating a precedent to challenge fossil fuel projects on climate bases, The Guardian reported. In that ruling, the UK Supreme Court said that fossil fuel projects will have to consider downstream emissions, or emissions from fuel combustion, not just production.

The ruling today is the first decision on a fossil fuel project since the June 2024 ruling.

Todays detailed and well-reasoned ruling clearly shows the logical flaws that infected the grant of permission for the mine and deserves close reading; it exposes the fallacies that led to the conclusion that this mine was carbon neutral, said Matthew McFeeley, who represented South Lakes Action on Climate Change in court. The Finch ruling means that combustion emissions must be assessed in the Environmental Statement, while todays judgement means any claim those fuels would substitute for other fossil fuel sources must be also assessed robustly in the Environmental Statement. Simple assertions will no longer pass muster.
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.

Left to right shows before landslide (August 2023) and after (September 2023) photos of the mountain peak and glacier, taken from the fjord. Sren Rysgaard / Danish Army

An enormous landslide of rock and glacial ice in a Greenland fjord last year led to a seismic wave that shook the Earth for nine straight days, reported BBC News.

The landslide triggered a 656-foot mega-tsunami inside the narrow fjord, where it moved back and forth, generating vibrations felt by sensors all over the planet.

When colleagues first spotted this signal last year, it looked nothing like an earthquake. We called it an unidentified seismic object, said Dr. Stephen Hicks, a researcher in the Department of Earth Sciences at University College London (UCL). It kept appearing  every 90 seconds for nine days.

Scientists say landslides like the one in Greenland are happening more often as climate change causes glaciers supporting Greenlands mountains to melt.

Even though we know seismometers can record a variety of sources happening on Earths surface, never before has such a long-lasting, globally travelling seismic wave, containing only a single frequency of oscillation, been recorded. This inspired me to co-lead a large team of scientists to figure out the puzzle, Hicks said in a press release from UCL.

An international team of researchers, in collaboration with the Danish Navy, investigated the event, the results of which  A rockslide-generated tsunami in a Greenland fjord rang Earth for 9 days  were published in the journal Science.

For a year, dozens of scientists worldwide had been attempting to solve the puzzle of what the mysterious signal was, CNN reported.

Hicks told CNN that some of the seismologists picking up the repeating signal thought their instruments had broken. He said the vibrations didnt give off the usual rumbles and high-pitched indicators seen with an earthquake, but rather a hum lacking in variation. Plus, signals associated with earthquakes normally go on for minutes, while the unidentified seismic object (USO) persisted for more than a week.

The signal was traced to eastern Greenland. To locate the exact location, the seismologists contacted their Denmark colleagues, who had gotten reports of a tsunami generated by a landslide in remote Dickson Fjord.

This led to a collaboration between 68 scientists from 15 countries over the course of almost a year. They sifted through satellite, seismic and land-based data, in addition to tsunami wave simulations to solve the mystery of the USO.

The glacier had been sitting 4,000 feet above Dickson Fjord for years, melting and thinning in the increasingly warming Arctic. The mountain collapsed in mid-September of 2023, sending rock and debris into the fjord.

The ensuing tsunami wave that became trapped in the narrow fjord created a seiche, or tightly enclosed wave moving rhythmically back and forth.

This landslide happened about 200km inland from the open ocean, Hicks explained, as reported by BBC News. And these fjord systems are really complex, so the wave couldnt dissipate its energy.

Scientists had never known a seiche to last such a long time.

Had I suggested a year ago that a seiche could persist for nine days, people would shake their heads and say thats impossible, said Dr. Kristian Svennevig, a researcher with the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, as CNN reported.

The scientists discovered it was the seiche that led to the seismic energy deep below in Earths crust. The vibrations took roughly an hour to make their way from Greenland to Antarctica, Hicks said.

Our study of this event amazingly highlights the intricate interconnections between climate change in the atmosphere, destabilisation of glacier ice in the cryosphere, movements of water bodies in the hydrosphere, and Earths solid crust in the lithosphere, Hicks said in the press release. This is the first time that water sloshing has been recorded as vibrations through the Earths crust, travelling the world over and lasting several days.

There were no injuries reported from the tsunami, but an empty military base was damaged and cultural heritage sites that had been around for centuries were washed away, reported CNN. The location is frequented by cruise ships, and if any had been there, the authors of the study said the consequences would have been devastating.

Svennevig said a landslide and tsunami of that type had never been seen in East Greenland before.

The Arctic has been warming four times faster than other parts of the globe since 1979, which could mean more frequent mega-tsunamis triggered by landslides in the region.

That glacier was supporting this mountain, and it got so thin that it just stopped holding it up, Hicks said, as BBC News reported. It shows how climate change is now impacting these areas.
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.

Grangemouth, Scotlands lone oil refinery, is scheduled to shut down by the summer of 2025. The owner of the site said it cant compete with others in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The closure of the oldest refinery in Britain will be a big blow to the sites 500 employees, as well as Scotlands industrial base, reported The Guardian.

Operator Petroineos  a joint venture of PetroChina and British company Ineos  said the refinery will shut down during the second quarter of next year and become a fuel distribution hub and import terminal.

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, said Petroineos Refinings chief executive Franck Demay, as BBC News reported.

The governments of the United Kingdom and Scotland have promised to put joint funding of roughly $26 million toward supporting workers and the community by investing in new local energy projects. This is in addition to $105 million from a growth deal for Grangemouth and neighboring Falkirk.

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, said UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, as reported by The Guardian.

The deal is expected to provide an estimated more than $824 million to benefit the Falkirk area economy over the next three decades, as well as create 1,660 jobs.

Petroineos said $1.2 billion had been invested in Grangemouth since 2011, with losses of more than $775 million during the same period, Reuters reported. The company said the plant is suffering losses of approximately $500,000 daily, with a $200 million loss expected for 2024.

Grangemouth is increasingly unable to compete with bigger, more modern and efficient sites in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Due to its size and configuration, Grangemouth incurs high levels of capital expenditure each year just to maintain its licence to operate, the company said.

Demay said demand for the fossil fuels produced at Grangemouth was falling. He added that the ban on new gas-powered and diesel cars coming into force in the next decade meant the market for fuels produced at the site would continue to shrink.

The Scottish government and the UK government have both jointly funded a study which has identified a short list of credible options to begin the building of a new long-term industry at the refinery site, including low carbon, hydrogen, clean fuels and sustainable aviation fuels, said John Swinney, Scottish first minister, as reported by The Guardian.

Local politicians and trade unions opposed the decision to shut down Grangemouth.

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, said Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite union, as The Guardian reported. 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.
CPC delegation visits Cambodia on ties

Xinhua) 15:28, September 13, 2024

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Shitong, assistant minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, led a CPC delegation to visit Cambodia from Sept. 11 to 13 at the invitation of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP).

During the visit, Zhao met with CPP Vice President and Prime Minister Hun Manet, Prak Sokhonn, chairman of the Commission for International Relations of the CPP's Central Committee and first vice president of the Senate, and Minister of Inspection Huot Hak, as well as representatives of the Youth House for Cambodia-China Friendship.

The two sides expressed the need to strengthen strategic communication, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen interparty exchanges, and strengthen youth exchanges under the guidance of the important consensus reached by leaders of the two sides so as to make positive contributions to advancing the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

They also exchanged views on China-Cambodia relations and issues of common interest and concern.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Elizabeth City, N.C.  A big win has come for local education, with an Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) professor taking the lead. Chioma Ezeh, assistant professor of elementary education, has been awarded a $49,936 grant from the North Carolina Collaboratory (NCC) to fuel her mission to enhance literacy.

Since she arrived at ECSU, Ezeh has been committed to outreach and literacy initiatives to improve outcomes in nearby schools. Her work focuses on reaching students in the local communities that face unique challenges, ensuring they have the tools to succeed academically despite the challenges. Ezeh sees the community's blend of cultures and languages as a strength, not a barrier.

"I have been inspired by the relationship between our department and the local school districts. The districts consistently welcomed us, whether through our volunteering efforts in their schools or by participating in our events and interacting with our students," said Ezeh.

According to Ezeh, culturally and linguistically diverse learners face greater challenges than others due to digital inequality, language barriers, and limited access to literacy resources. As a result, teachers, particularly those in elementary schools, face challenges in providing tailored support to meet students' complex needs.

"We know that diversity across ability, racial, ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic student groups has reportedly explained literacy achievement gaps. The global disruption caused by the pandemic has worsened these existing disparities."

Through examining teacher-community relationships, Ezeh is ready to take on the challenge with a goal and a strategy. The goalto enhance literacy capabilities in culturally and linguistically diverse communities across the region. The strategyto collaborate closely with local school districts, using the grant to boost existing programs and introduce new strategies tailored to the needs of these communities.

According to Ezeh, various principals and stakeholders occasionally visit ECSU's education department to interact with faculty. She added, "This kind of collaboration fosters research opportunities, and I am grateful for the chance to build on this relationship."

One question fuels her passionHow can a student learn to read regardless of background or circumstances? "Early literacy is crucial for a child's future academic success," Ezeh stated.

Through this project, Ezeh is dedicated to engaging the community.

"One of the most rewarding steps I took early on was meeting and talking with some district superintendents and stakeholders to learn about their needs, initiatives and contexts," said Ezeh.

Ezeh shared her belief that research should align with the realities of communities. The grant offers the funds to support programs local districts already have underway. For instance, the ECPPS district launched its dual language program this fall.

"As a district we serve, I am eager to contribute to this program through professional development, research, and grant applications focused on optimizing its implementation," Ezeh added.

Ezeh and her team's relationships with school and community leaders are a primary tool in the success of this initiative. "The principal at P.W. Moore Elementary, an ECSU alumna, and her team joined us for a panel discussion with our students, which proved to be highly motivating and empowering for them," Ezeh said.

As the program takes shape, the potential to close the achievement gap and bring equity to literacy promises to be a battle worth fighting and a reality within reach. With the North Carolina Collaboratory grant, Ezeh and her team will continue the mission to unlock the potential of students who might otherwise be left behind.

To learn more about this project or to get involved, contact Ezeh or go to www.ecsu.edu.
After you update to iPadOS 18, you'll be able to install the likes of the Epic Games Store.

Apple has revealed it will allow iPad users in the EU to install third-party app stores on their tablets (without having to sideload them) starting on September 16. You'll need to install iPadOS 18, which will be available broadly on Monday, to do so.

Back in April, the European Commission designated iPadOS as a "core platform service," meaning that like iOS, the App Store and Safari, the operating system is subject to stricter rules under the bloc's Digital Markets Act. As TechCrunch notes, Apple had six months to update iPadOS so that it complied with the DMA, which included opening up the platform to third-party app marketplaces.

Epic Games has already pledged to bring its app marketplace to iPadOS, meaning that folks in the EU should be able to play Fortnite and Fall Guys natively on compatible iPads in the near future. Several other third-party app stores have arrived on iOS in the EU since Apple added official support in March .

While the likes of AltStore PAL and the Epic Games Store aren't subject to Apple's usual app review policies, the company notarizes them for security purposes. The developers of third-party app marketplaces also need to pay a Core Technology Fee to Apple once they meet certain thresholds (the EU opened an investigation into this fee in March).
The former owner of Jeff Bezos' $79 million Miami Beach estate is suing the realty company who handled the transaction for failing to reveal the buyer's identity.

Leo Kryss, co-founder of electronics company Tectoy has filed a lawsuit against Douglas Elliman real estate firm based on claims that CEO Jay Parker intentionally misled him and collected a $3.16 million commission in the process.

Originally listing the property at $85 million, Kryss was persuaded to cut the asking price to $79 million. Parker allegedly assured Kryss over the phone that Bezos was not the buyer, and that the undisclosed buyer was firm on their offer of $6 million below asking price.

Before completing the sale, Kryss learned Bezos had acquired the sprawling estate next door for $68 million, and suspected that the billionaire could be interested in connecting the properties. Kryss asserts that, had he not been misled by Parker, he could have profited from playing hardball.

Kryss, who paid $28 million for the sprawling manor in 2014, now seeks damages for the loss he incurred due to the alleged deception.
At the age of just 11, Prince George is following in his father's footsteps and learning to fly.

He reportedly had his first flight on his final day of summer vacation last week. Parents Kate Middleton and Prince William watched their son soar through the air for just under an hour at White Waltham Airfield in Berkshire, England, the same airfield his great-grandad Prince Philip trained in, and eventually earned his wings with the Royal Air Force in 1953.

"George is only 11 years old but it is the right time to start," an onlooker told The Sun. "The Royal Family has a proud tradition of flying and it looks like George is next in line."

"There were probably 30 or 40 people in the clubhouse," another onlooker told the outlet. "Catherine and William watched George take off. But they were relaxed about it. All three of them had been pretty chilled in the clubhouse."

In honing his newfound skill, George takes after generations of royals that all learned and mastered the art of piloting aircraft. Prince William received his wings with the Royal Air Force from his father, Prince Charles, in 2008 after completing a 12-week flying course. William then worked as a search and rescue pilot for the Royal Air Force in Anglesey, Wales. He then became an air ambulance helicopter pilot and joined the East Anglian Air Ambulance in 2014.

Grandfather King Charles also spent months training with the Royal Air Force.

In fact, Prince George's family history of flying is not limited to his royal bloodline, as the Middleton family, too, has generations of experience with flying. His maternal grandfather, Michael Middleton, worked as a British Airways (BA) flight dispatcher after studying to become a pilot with British European Airways, with his maternal grandmother working as a flight attendant for BA. Even his maternal great-grandfather, Peter Middleton, flew BA jets.
A highly anticipated 'Game of Thrones' prequel spin-off series, 'A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms', wrapped up filming this week after four months of production.

'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' has wrapped filming.



The Game of Thrones prequel series releases early 2025! pic.twitter.com/9TjdkjirS0  Jon Snow (@LordSnow) September 13, 2024

The series, which was announced by HBO in April of 2023, began filming on June 14 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is adapted from 'The Hedge Knight', a novella written by 'Game of Thrones' author George R. R. Martin, surrounding events that occur a century before the events in 'Game of Thrones'.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 finally started filming



Production currently expected to continue until mid-September pic.twitter.com/9qI2qBClwc  Redanian Intelligence (@RedanianIntel) June 14, 2024

HBO also announced that a plethora of new cast members would be joining the show, including Finn Bennett as Aerion Targaryen, Bertie Carvel as Baelor Targaryen, Tanzyn Crawford as Tanselle, Daniel Ings as Ser Lyonel Barotheon and Sam Spruell as Maekar Targaryen.

The expedited production timeline can be attributed to the fact that the first season of the series consists of only six episodes.

First look teaser at A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS pic.twitter.com/dMPs4gYEUF  Redanian Intelligence (@RedanianIntel) August 5, 2024

Both Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav and Martin have confirmed that the series is set to be released to the public in 2025. Fans are yet to be provided with a more specific timeline.

Martin himself commented on production in a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter.

"I visited the set in Northern Ireland in July and loved what I saw. Great cast. [The lead characters] Dunk and Egg look as if they walked out of the pages of my book." Martin said. "My readers are going to love them. I certainly do. [Showrunner Ira Parker] is doing a great job."

With the return of popular 'Game of Thrones' spin-off series 'House of the Dragon' this past June, production updates from the set of 'A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms' has generated excitement and social media buzz surrounding the series' eventual release. HBO is yet to confirm if the series will be limited to 6 episodes, or if it will continue past its first season.
Benji Gregory, the former child actor best known for his role as Brian Tanner on 'ALF,' was found dead in his car in Peoria, Arizona, in June.

He was 46.

Now, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner confirmed that Gregory's death was accidental and was caused by "environmental heat exposure in the setting of hepatic cirrhosis."

Gregory's sister, Rebecca Hertzberg-Pfaffinger, first broke the news of his passing on Facebook in July, revealing that the family initially believed heat stroke was the cause, as temperatures reached 109 degrees in Peoria on June 12.

She described Gregory as a cherished "Son, Brother and Uncle" who brought joy and laughter to those around him. "I find myself laughing at little videos or notes of his, in between crying," she said.

Hertzberg-Pfaffinger shared further details, stating that Gregory had been found in his car with his service dog, Hans. "We believe he went there the evening of the 12th to deposit some residuals... He fell asleep and died from vehicular heatstroke," his sister penned.

She also revealed that Gregory had struggled with depression, bipolar disorder, and a sleep disorder that affected him in the days leading up to his death.

Gregory gained fame as Brian Tanner, appearing in over 100 episodes of 'ALF' from 1986 to 1990. Although there was talk of a reboot in 2018, the project was eventually scrapped. However, new interest in reviving the series resurfaced in early 2023 when Shout! Factory acquired the rights to the beloved '80s show.

Benji Gregory's death left fans and former colleagues mourning the loss of a talented actor whose early work brought joy to millions. His portrayal of Brian Tanner, the youngest member of the Tanner family, earned him widespread recognition during the NBC sitcom's four-season run.

After stepping away from acting, Gregory led a quiet life, joining the U.S. Navy in 2003 and becoming an aerographer's mate  a United States Navy occupational rating who collects and analyzes data related to weather and radar ocean conditions.
Robert De Niro is reflecting on fatherhood, shareing a bit of honesty along the way.

The "Bronx Tale" actor sat with CNN's 'Who's Talking To Chris Wallace" as a guest when the host asked him how he'd describe himself as a father to his seven kids. The answer De Niro gave left Wallace seemingly shocked.

"I'm trying my best," the 81-year-old actor admitted during the episode that aired Friday, September 13. "I'm going to put on my gravestone, 'I tried my best.' "

"Really?" a curious Wallace, 76, inquired.

"I was thinking about that the other day," the Academy Award-winning actor boldly said with a laugh, also jokingly stating he'd have "Please forgive me for everything that I've done" on his gravestone.

"Why, were you not a good father?" Wallace asked.

"No! I tried my best. That's all I can say," said De Niro. "I was busy, of course, but I always loved my kids," the New Yorker detailed, adding that his acting career may have gotten in the way of quality time with his children.

De Niro  whose considered to be one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation  may be reflecting on another year of life, as the screen producer, who has been vocal about his political opinions as of late, celebrated his 81st birthday in August.

His daughter, Drena, shared the birthday shout with a heartfelt post featuring a photo of De Niro with his grandson, alongside a caption which read: "Happy 81st Bday to my Dad and #1 ride or die .. Love you with all my [heart] #BobbyD forever all pics and vids #tbts."

According to 'PEOPLE,' the actor's blended family includes Drena, 53, and son Raphael, 47, whom he shares with Diahnne Abbott, twin sons Julian and Aaron, 28, whom he shares with Toukie Smith, son Elliot, 26, and daughter Helen Grace, 12, with his ex-wife, Grace Hightower.

He also welcomed a new baby girl, Gia, who was born in 2023 with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen.
The wife of a powerful Republican chairman in Tennessee appears to be at her wits end with a marriage she declares was "rewritten by Satan."

According to the 'New York Post,' Camie Green accused her husband, Rep. Mark Green  chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee  of infidelity, citing his alleged affair with whom she described as a "younger woman."

She was unapologetically detailed in a group text message sent out Wednesday, which a congressional aide shared with a source at the 'Post,' alleging that her husband had "an affair with a 32-year-old woman."

That said, his wife of over 30 years maintained that she's been trying to piece things together, however, she claims the chairman has insisted on moving forward with divorce.

Wife of powerful House Republican says he filed for divorce after affair: Camie Green accused her husband, Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), of having "having an affair." https://t.co/OIh3CVYx27 pic.twitter.com/PHqZ7997iM  ZBreakingNewz (@ZBreakingNewz) September 13, 2024

In addition to being blunt about the situation, she also stated that she was open to prayer regarding her rocky relationship before making a bold claim about "predatory" women who make themselves "available" to other women's husbands.

"I have offered reconciliation, and he wants nothing of it and has insisted on a divorce," she stated in the message, per the news outlet. The message was also forwarded via email to offices on Capitol Hill.

"Satan has rewritten our marriage in his mind. I am being quite open about this as 1) I cherish the prayer of any who are willing and 2) I want to make others aware of how readily available 'predators' are for our husbands."

She added: "If my story can prevent this tragedy from happening to someone else, I will tell it." Camie also alleged the other woman worked at Axios, however a cease-and-desist letter claims those allegations are "false" and defamatory.

"Your message has not only caused this reporter considerable emotional distress, it has harmed her professional reputation," Brian Westley of Axios' content counsel reportedly replied to Camie Green. He wasn't done yet  as the reply came with a direct quote meant to exonerate the chairman.

"We therefore insist that you immediately set the record straight by sending a short follow-up text to the group that states: 'I made a mistake when I wrote that Mark had an affair with a woman working at Axios. That is not true, and I apologize for the distress and harm I have caused to anyone my message might have impacted,' " the written statement concluded.

Not much is stopping Camie from speaking her mind. In the letter, she also expressed how lawmakers in Washington "can become intoxicated with power and adoration" while being separated from their families.

She alleged her husband "pushed God out of his life, me out of his life, and developed friendships with other congressmen and women having affairs and getting divorces, drinking, parties, all while hosting a weekly Bible study in the basement of our home."
Eminem has reignited his long-standing feud with Sean "Diddy" Combs after referencing the deaths of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.

On Friday, September 13, the Detroit, Michigan, rapper released the Expanded Mourner's Edition of 'The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace),' featuring a remix of "Fuel" with Westside Boogie and Grip.

In his verse, Eminem takes aim at Diddy, 54, rapping: "The Notorious B.I.G.'s death was the domino effects of 2Pac's murder... Puff's? / 'Til he's in police handcuffs, guilty, will he step up?"

Eminem's lyrics revived long-standing rumors about Diddy's alleged involvement in 2Pac's 1996 murder. These claims gained more attention when Duane "Keefe D" Davis  who was recently charged with conspiring to murder 2Pac  alleged that Diddy offered him $1 million to kill Tupac and Suge Knight.

In a 2011 police interview, Keefe was asked if the Bad Boy Records founder had a role in the murder, to which he responded, "Yeah, I think he did."

Keefe also claimed in a separate interview that Diddy contacted him after Tupac's death, asking, "Is that us?" He further alleged that Diddy paid $500,000 to an associate, Eric "Von Zip" Martin, who kept the money.

Diddy has consistently denied these allegations, calling Keefe's claims "pure fiction and completely ridiculous" in a 2011 interview with 'L.A. Weekly.' To date, Diddy has not been charged in connection to the "California Love" rapper's murder, nor has anyone been charged for Biggie's death, which many believe was a retaliation for Tupac's killing.

This isn't the first time Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, has targeted the "I'll Be Missing You" producer. On the original version of "Fuel" with JID, the '8 Mile' actor also mentioned the numerous sexual assault allegations against Diddy.
Kent is the latest county in England to confirm a case of bluetongue virus, bringing the total number of farms affected across the country to almost fifty.

Bluetongue virus 'BTV-3' was detected in sheep near Faversham on Thursday (12 September), Defra confirmed in its latest update on the situation.

In accordance with the government's disease control framework, a 20km temporary control zone (TCZ) has been declared area the affected premise.

According to the latest figures available, a total of 46 farms have now been affected by bluetongue following confirmation of the first case this summer, in late August.

So far, the highest concentration of cases is in the East of England, with Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex in a stricter 'restricted zone', established at the beginning of September.

A total of six counties across England - East Yorkshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Lincolnshire and now Kent - have recorded BTV-3 cases.

The worsening situation follows the government's decision to permit the use of three bluetongue vaccines to curb infections.

The vaccines are suppressive, meaning they will reduce some of the clinical signs experienced by animals with the disease, but they do not prevent infection.

But the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said this development was still an important step forward in curbing the virus.

"They will aid in reducing clinical signs in animals and the impact of disease on farms, but it is not a protective vaccine," she said.

"We are still urging farmers to follow all of our guidance in order to prevent the disease spreading to their herds and any further.

I urge farmers to contact their veterinarians if they wish to use the vaccines and to continue monitoring their animals frequently for clinical signs and report suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal Plant Health Agency.

The restricted zone in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex means livestock keepers must follow tougher restrictions on animal and germinal product movements.

All infected premises in the three counties are under restriction and susceptible animals can only be moved under licence from infected premises.

Essential moves of susceptible animals can take place without a licence within the restricted zone but cannot be moved out of the zone without a specific licence.

A general licence to move animals to designated abattoirs is also available.

It follows confirmation of the disease in a single sheep on a farm in Norfolk in late August, which made it the first UK bluetongue case this summer.

Before this, in November 2023, government vets identified the first case of the disease in Britain since 2007.

Bluetongue is a non-contagious, viral disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants, transmitted by biting midges.

It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions.

BTV is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of it in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.
Farming businesses with the LEAF Marque certification are now eligible for discounted loan arrangement fees from HSBC as part of a new initiative.

The bank has launched its 'Sustainable Farming Pathway' with industry charity Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF), its first partner on the scheme.

As part of it, farmers with the LEAF Marque certification are being offered discounted loan arrangement fees on term lending amounts from 25,001.

Farmers who complete a LEAF Sustainable Farming Review are also eligible, both organisations confirmed.

Lending in scope includes flexible business loans, commercial mortgages and property development loans.

Grace ODwyer, interim head of agri banking at HSBC UK, said the new Sustainable Farming Pathway would help farms "transition to more sustainable techniques".

She said: HSBC UK is a significant lender to farms in the UK and our research shows around two-thirds of farms are currently making commitments to transition to sustainable practices.

"To become more sustainable, farmers identified the areas they want to invest in as renewables (54%), slurry storage (22%) and energy efficiency (20%).

"By working with LEAF and future partners, we have the opportunity to directly support farmers who want to make sustainable choices."

Clare Mike, LEAFs director of business development, said farmers with the assurance scheme were increasingly focused on incorporating sustainable practices into their operations.

"Theyre reviewing how to best balance soil sensitivity, enhance landscape and nature habitats, protect water, invest in renewables and boost biodiversity."
Ewan McGregor was praised as "the best Jedi Master" as he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Hayden Christensen honoured Ewan McGregor

The Scottish actor received the honour on Thursday (12.09.24) and was joined by his 'Star Wars' co-star Hayden Christensen - who played Anakin Skywalker/ Darth Vader in the prequel movies and recent spin-off series 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' and 'Ahsoka' - who paid a touching tribute to his "brother" for his kind and generous nature.

Recalling their first meeting on the set of 'Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones' in Australia in 2002, Hayden said: "I walk into this room where I'm told Ewan is going to be, and before I can even put eyes on him, I hear his voice. And he exclaims my name with more enthusiasm than I think I'd ever heard it spoken with before.

"I turn and I see him, and then he's coming at me, and he just gives me the biggest hug. Like, just the most disarmingly warm embrace.

"He's just beyond kind to me, and it was immediately apparent to me that I was meeting someone truly special. Not just as an actor, but as a person, and that I was meeting a friend."

Ewan - who plays Obi-Wan Kenobi in the franchise - then laughed as Hayden said: "A friend who would later go on to chop off both my legs and leave me for dead on the side of a volcano, but I guess I kind of had that coming."

The Canadian star expressed his belief that seeing Ewan, 53, as Obi-Wan over the years had been a "masterclass in great acting".

He added: "To watch him embody this character, it's like watching magic. And the best kind of magic  not the kind that involves any like trickery or sleight of hand, but the kind that really makes you believe in something bigger. Because he wasn't just playing Obi-Wan, he was Obi-Wan. I mean, he is Obi Wan. And I really hope we get more Obi-Wan, because this man is just 'Star Wars' gold...

"So, my friend Ewan, I want to thank you for being the best Jedi Master that anyone could have ever hoped for. You always had my back and I thank you for that. I'm just so happy to get to be here with you right now. It's been an honour and a thrill to get to work with you, and swing a lightsaber with you, and more than all of it, call you my friend. I love you, brother."

Ewan - who was joined at the ceremony by wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead, their three-year-old son Laurie, and Clara, 28,Jamyan, 22 and Anouk, 13, three of his daughters from his first marriage - praised Hayden in his own speech.

He said: "We've grown up in this crazy world together over these last however many years  it's been too many, 20, 30 years, and I love you so much."

The 'Trainspotting' actor - whose other daughter, 22-year-old Esther was absent due to her own filming commitments - felt particularly "moved" that his star is just feet away from late 'Star Wars' icon Carrie Fisher's own spot.

He said: "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."
Gemma Arterton is "open" to returning to Hollywood.

Gemma Arterton could return to Hollywood

The 38-year-old actress previously distanced herself from the American film business, but Gemma is now open-minded about a possible return to Hollywood, following the impact of the #MeToo movement.

Gemma - who is married to actor Rory Keenan - told The Times newspaper: "Weve had a change of leadership in Hollywood.

"Id feel happier being there and working on those big-budget movies. And since #MeToo, I did a blockbuster-type movie in 'The Kings Man' and I had a positive experience, so now Im open to that world.

"My husband and I are a bit enamoured by New York."

Gemma starred in the 2008 James Bond film 'Quantum of Solace', and although she had a good experience on the movie, she struggled to cope with "the aftermath".

The actress explained: "I just had no idea how huge they were and how much it would follow me around, and thats frustrating for me because Ive done so much since."

Meanwhile, Gemma recently revealed that she argued with a Hollywood director after they asked her to film an unplanned sex scene.

Speaking to Radio Times magazine, Gemma explained: "I remember being on a set once and the director said, 'You're going to s*** on the bed'.

"And I said, 'No, this scene was written for us to be off screen, so you just hear the noises. I'd never have accepted the role if it was going to be filmed.'

"He put pressure on us on the day. The other actor, God bless him, was mortified. There were very high-profile people there."

Gemma - who didn't name the director or the film - ultimately refused to shoot the scene.

She recalled: "I said, 'You can't do that, I'm flat out not doing it. I don't care if you think I'm difficult', but I only felt like I could say that because I was older."
The prosector handling Justin Timberlake's driving while intoxicated (DWI) case has insisted the pop star isn't getting any special treatment.

Justin Timberlake has been dealing with the fall out of his arrest

The 43-year-old pop star was arrested in Sag Harbor, New York, in June for allegedly driving while under the influence but his lawyer has reportedly reached an agreement with officials to drop the initial DWI charge to a minor traffic offence - and now Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney has insisted the case is being handled like any other.

He told New York Post column PageSix: "Hes charged with driving while intoxicated  [Then] theres a lesser charge as driving while impaired, which happens in a number of cases. So were going to continue to negotiate the case.

"So well see. Well see how it plays out in court, whether or not we could come to an agreement  There are certain things that the prosecution wants [and] certain things that the defence wants, and theres certain things that the court wants. So you factor all of those things in. You go to court and see if you could work them out."

He went on to insist Timberlake hasn't been given any special treatment because of his high profile, adding: "The one thing that we want to make sure were doing is  being consistent, and we dont want to treat any defendant better than others because of, you know, because of any perceived notoriety they may have.

"But we certainly dont want to treat people worse for the same reason. So were taking pains to make sure that were treating this case like any other case of its kind."

The case is due back in court on Friday (13.09.24) when a potential plea agreement will be heard and potentially signed off by a judge.

If Timberlake accepts a plea to a charge of Driving While Ability Impaired - which is not classed as drunk driving - he will be required to pay a $300 to $500 fine for the offence. The exact amount will be set by a judge during the hearing.

However, the NSYNC star will still have his driver's license suspended in New York, a standard year-long punishment after he refused to submit to a Breathalyzer test when he was pulled over by police.
Steve McQueens son Chad McQueen has died aged 63.

Steve McQueens son Chad McQueen has died aged 63

The movie icons son, who was also an actor, was probably best known for playing Dutch in The Karate Kid films, and he passed away on Wednesday (12.09.24) at his ranch in Palm Desert, California.

His family confirmed his passing to Variety, telling the outlet in an emotional statement: It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen.

His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication.

Referencing his late actor fathers love of car racing, they added: His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also served as a way to honour his fathers legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him.

He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well.

As a family, we need to navigate this difficult time, and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.

Chad reportedly died from organ failure that came following a racing injury a few years ago, according to TMZ.

The outlet added when he died he was with his wife Jeanie Galbraith, his two children Chase McQueen and Madison McQueen and his attorney.

He played martial arts thug Dutch in 1984s The Karate Kid, and The Karate Kid Part II, which was released two years later.

Dutch was a member of the Cobra Kai mob, and he was said to have been set to play the character in the Karate Kid spin-off show Cobra Kai, but it never materialised.

Chads other notable film roles included parts in Red Line and New York Cop, and he competed in racing events such as 24 Hours of Le Mans.

His McQueen Racing company developed high-performance cars and motorbikes and he suffered a near-fatal crash in 2006 while practicing for the Daytona International Speedway Rolex 24 event.
In July 2024, the total volume of Dutch goods exported saw a 2.2 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, after adjusting for the number of working days, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

However, while exports rose, imports experienced a slight decline, with a 0.7 per cent drop in the volume of goods imported compared to July 2023.

Looking ahead, the CBS Exports Radar for September points to a more challenging outlook for exports. Conditions have worsened since July, primarily due to declining optimism among European manufacturers about foreign orders. In particular, confidence among German manufacturers has taken a downturn, contributing to the increasingly negative export environment, as per the CBS.

In July 2024, Netherlands' exports increased 2.2 per cent year-on-year, while imports fell 0.7 per cent, according to CBS. However, the CBS Exports Radar for September shows a worsening outlook due to declining optimism among European manufacturers and decreased confidence from German manufacturers, leading to more unfavourable export conditions.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)
The office of the United States trade representative (USTR) today announced final modifications concerning the statutory review of the tariff actions in the Section 301 investigation of Chinas acts, policies and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation.

The updates include new timing and rates for tariffs on face masks, medical gloves, needles and syringes; an exclusion for enteral syringes; a proposal regarding coverage of additional tungsten, wafers, and polysilicon tariff lines; an exclusion for ship-to-shore cranes ordered prior to May 14, 2024; an expansion of the scope of the machinery exclusions process to include five additional tariff lines; and modification of the coverage of proposed exclusions for solar manufacturing equipment.

The office of the USTR today announced final modifications concerning the statutory review of the tariff actions in the Section 301 investigation of China's acts, policies and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation. The updates improve the effectiveness of the tariff actions and consider other possible actions.

The proposed modifications announced in May this year were largely adopted, with several updates to strengthen the actions to protect American businesses and workers from Chinas unfair trade practices following the review of more than 1,100 comments from the public, an USTR release said.

The updates improve the effectiveness of the tariff actions in achieving the objectives of the investigation, while considering other actions that could be taken and the overall effects of the tariff actions on the US economy.

The USTR review report concluded that the Section 301 actions have reduced some of the exposure of US citizens and businesses to these technology transfer-related acts, policies and practices.

Instead of pursuing fundamental reform, China has persisted, and in some cases become more aggressive, including through cyber intrusions and cyber theft, in its attempts to acquire and absorb foreign technology, which further burden or restrict US commerce, the report found.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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Patralekhaa recently opened up on giving a shout-out to Rajkummar Rao with her wedding ensemble. The actress, who tied the knot with the Stree 2 actor on November 15, 2021, had paid homage to her Bengali roots with her wedding ensemble. Not only that, Patralekhaa had also added a beautiful love quote in Bengali on the hemline of her personalised veil.





The quote read, "Amar poraan bhora bhalobasha ami tomay shomorpon korilaam," whose literal meaning is, "I am offering my love-filled heart to you." During a recent interview with Filmfare, Patralekhaa opened up on her customized wedding ensemble and her nod to Rajkummar Rao with the love quote. She quipped that she brainstormed about the quote with designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

"That was Sabya sir's (Sabyasachi Mukherjee) vision. He asked me about my preference. I told him I wanted something on my dad's handwriting but he did not think that would be possible. I asked him about his vision. We jammed and exchanged our thoughts. We finally figured that this would be our text piece," she said.



Patralekhaa also opened up on whether she is planning to work with Rajkummar again. Confirming the same, the actress said, "I'm sure we will work together. But something really good has to come up."
Critic's rating 3.5 /5

Berlin is a gripping thriller that delves into the world of espionage and deceit through a unique lens. Set in 1993, the film navigates a tumultuous period in history when the geopolitical landscape was still reeling from the end of the Cold War. The story centres around Ashok, a deaf-mute man who finds himself at the centre of a high-stakes investigation in Delhi.



The film kicks off with Ashok (Ishwak Singh) being detained under suspicion of murder. As Delhi braces itself for the high-profile visit of Russian President Boris Yeltsin, Ashok's arrest takes on a more sinister edge when it's discovered that his case might be linked to a shadowy cafe named Berlin. To unravel the mystery, intelligence agent Jagdish (Rahul Bose) enlists the help of Pushkin (Aparshakti Khurana), a sign language interpreter with a sharp intellect and keen perception.



Pushkins role evolves as he delves deeper into Ashoks enigmatic world. His expertise in sign language becomes a crucial tool in deciphering the cryptic clues that surround Ashoks past and his connections to a broader network of espionage and corruption. As the interrogation unfolds, Pushkin gets pulled into a labyrinth of deception that blurs the lines between loyalty and betrayal, making for a suspenseful narrative that keeps the audience on edge.



Aparshakti Khurana and Ishwak Singh deliver compelling performances, both having undergone rigorous training in sign language to authentically portray their roles. Aparshakti Khurana's portrayal of Pushkin is marked by a nuanced blend of empathy and shrewdness, capturing the character's internal conflict and growing unease as he uncovers unsettling truths. Ishwak Singh's Ashok is both enigmatic and poignant, offering a powerful silent performance that speaks volumes through his expressions and gestures. Unlike Aparshakti, Ishwak doesnt have a speaking role but still shines. Rahul Bose gives a somewhat over-the-top performance as the case handler but makes his presence felt.



The films ensemble cast includes Anupriya Goenka, Kabir Bedi, Jigar Mehta, Nitesh Pandya, Joy Sengupta, and Deepak Qazi Kejriwal, each contributing to the intricate web of characters that enrich the storys depth. Their performances collectively enhance the film's tension and intrigue.



Shreedutta Namjoshis cinematography plays a crucial role in setting the film's mood. The visual style is marked by its moody and atmospheric quality, with most scenes confined to the claustrophobic environment of the interrogation room. This limited setting intensifies the suspense and forces the audience to focus on the subtle nuances of the characters' interactions and the intricate details of the unfolding plot. Kudos to Irene Dhar Malik for her deft editing.



Berlin effectively combines elements of mystery and political intrigue. Its unique premise, centred around a deaf-mute protagonist and a sign language interpreter, offers a fresh perspective in the genre. While the films setting and the majority of its scenes are confined to a single location, this choice amplifies the tension and drama, making for a gripping experience. The strong performances, particularly by Aparshakti Khurana and Ishwak Singh and the films atmospheric cinematography, contribute to its compelling narrative of espionage and deception in a post-Cold War world. While director Atul Sabharwal should be lauded for making a very European film set in Delhi, the high stakes scenario which was promised earlier peters down to something mundane and ordinary as interdepartmental rivalry, which is kind of underwhelming.

TRAILER : Berlin Berlin Berlin
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. (TSXV: DWS) ("Diamond " or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement today to acquire certain assets from the Perigon Beverage Group ("Perigon"). More specifically, Diamond is purchasing the agency and supplier contracts, the intellectual property of Perigon, and other intangible assets associated with Perigon and its agency business, such as its website, customer lists, business names and inventory.

The purchase price is estimated to be approximately $1.755 million and will be finalized on closing based on Perigon's latest financial results. The purchase price will be satisfied by the issuance of common shares of Diamond in four tranches as follows: on closing, five million common shares of Diamond will be issued at a deemed issuance price of $0.26 per share, and thereafter an additional amount of shares having a value of approximately $455,000 issuable in three (3) equal installments (each representing one third (33.3%) of the balance owing) payable every six (6) months over the eighteen (18) month period following closing, subject to certain adjustments based upon the achievement of gross margin targets. Shares issuable in the tranches after closing will have issuance prices equal to the greater of (i) the average trading price over the thirty (30) days prior to their respective issuance dates, and (ii) the minimum price permissible under the rules of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

Trajectory Beverage Partners, a wholly owned division of Diamond, will increase its Ontario presence as Perigon holds a strong position in LCBO listed wines, beers and liqueurs, as well as a wide selection of consignment products available through the specialty services division of the LCBO. The transaction is expected to be completed at the beginning of October following the receipt of all required approvals, including from the TSXV and the Bank of Montreal.

The combination of people and portfolios significantly increases retail capabilities and sets the company up to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the modernization of the retail beverage alcohol industry in Ontario. Importantly, the addition of Perigon's consignment portfolio unlocks further opportunity to provide a full range of exciting options for restaurants, bars and direct to consumer sales.

Commenting on this acquisition, Andrew Howard, President & CEO of TBP said "Bringing Perigon into the fold is another step in our strategy of positioning for growth and success in the rapidly evolving beverage alcohol industry, especially in Ontario" and added "we believe that success will come from the dedication to our supplier partners under the umbrella of national breadth and regional depth, which we have augmented with this acquisition."

Dean Campbell, President of Perigon Beverage Group commented, "The opportunity to adapt successfully to the evolution of the Ontario market makes this an incredibly positive transformation for Perigon. I know Andrew and many of his team very well and am excited to drive our joined companies to greater heights than either of us could have reached separately."

About Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc.

Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. is a producer of high-quality wines and ciders as well as a sales agent for over 120 beverage alcohol brands across Canada. The Company operates four production facilities, three in Ontario and one in British Columbia, that produce predominantly VQA wines under such well-known brand names as 20 Bees, Creekside, D'Ont Poke the Bear, EastDell, Lakeview Cellars, Mindful, Shiny Apple Cider, Fresh Wines, Red Tractor, Seasons, Serenity and Backyard Vineyards.

Through its commercial division, Trajectory Beverage Partners, the Company is the sales agent for many leading international brands in all regions of the country as well as being a distributor in the western provinces. These recognizable brands include Fat Bastard, Meffre, Pierre Chavin and Andre Lurton wines from France, Brimincourt Champagne from France, Merlet and Larsen Cognacs from France, Kaiken wines from Argentina, Blue Nun and Erben wines from Germany, Calabria Family Estate Wines and McWilliams Wines from Australia, Saint Clair Family Estate Wines and Yealands Family Wines from New Zealand, Storywood and Cofradia Tequilas from Mexico, Maverick Distillery spirits (including Tag Vodka and Barnburner Whisky) from Ontario, Talamonti and Cielo wines from Italy, Catedral and Cabeca de Toiro wines from Portugal, Edinburgh Gin, Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Smokehead single-malt Scotch whiskies from Scotland, Islay Mist, Grand MacNish and Waterproof whiskies from Scotland, C. Mondavi & Family wines including C.K Mondavi & Charles Krug from Napa and Hounds Vodka from Canada, Bols Vodka from Amsterdam, Koyle Family Wines from Chile, Pearse Lyons whiskies and gins from Ireland and McCormick Distilling International including Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream, Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur, Broker's Gin, Hussong's Tequila, Tarantula Tequila, 360 Vodka and Holliday Bourbon.



Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company and the matters discussed herein to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to: the economy generally; consumer interest in the services and products of the Company; financing; competition; anticipated and unanticipated costs; and the anticipated performance of the Company. The estimate of the purchase price for the acquisition is a forward-looking statement, and is based on estimates of future margin and commission revenue. While the Company acknowledges that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the views of the Company as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. 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 cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that the acquisition described in this press release will close.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223175

SOURCE: Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Ltd.
Miami, Florida and Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Sekur Private Data Ltd. (OTCQB: SWISF) (CSE: SKUR) (FRA: GDT0) ("Sekur" or the "Company"), a leading Swiss hosted cybersecurity and privacy communications platform, is pleased to announce the closing of a first tranche of $961,863,94, of its non-brokered private placement announced August 26 2024 (the "Private Placement").

The Company issued 28,290,116 units at a price of $0.034 (the "Units") for gross proceeds of $961,863,94. Each Unit is comprised of one common share (each a "Common Share") in the share capital of the Company and one full common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each full Warrant entitles its holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.055 for a period of 24 months following the closing.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for the marketing of its Sekur privacy solutions in the United States, its launch of Sekur Enterprise in Q4 2024, and for general purposes.

To find out more about Sekur's privacy communications solutions visit: https://sekur.com

For more company information, please visit: https://sekurprivatedata.com

For sales brochure on our enterprise security solutions, or partnership opportunities, contact partners@sekur.com.



About Sekur Private Data Ltd.

Sekur Private Data Ltd. is a cybersecurity and Internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure and private communications. The Company distributes a suite of encrypted e-mails, secure messengers and secure communication tools. Sekur Private Data Ltd. sells its products through its own website, https://www.sekur.com, approved distributors and telecommunications companies worldwide. Sekur Private Data Ltd. serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide. www.sekur.com or https://www.sekurprivatedata.com



Follow Sekur on X @sekurprivate

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sekurprivatedata-ltd

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they do not guarantee future performance. Sekur cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Sekur's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the future of the Company's business; the success of marketing and sales efforts of the Company; the projections prepared in house and projections delivered by channel partners; the Company's ability to complete the necessary software updates; increases in sales as a result of investments software development technology; consumer interest in the Products; future sales plans and strategies; reliance on large channel partners and expectations of renewals to ongoing agreements with these partners; anticipated events and trends; the economy and other future conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Sekur's prospectus dated May 8, 2019, filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Sekur undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.





To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223177

SOURCE: Sekur Private Data Ltd.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Aion Therapeutic Inc. (CSE: AION) ("Aion Therapeutic" or the "Company") is providing this bi-weekly update on the status of its management cease trade order issued on August 29, 2024 (the "MCTO"), by its principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC"), under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). The Company announced on August 14, 2024 (the "Default Announcement"), that it expected to be unable to file its annual audited consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended April 30, 2024, the related annual management's discussion and analysis and the related CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the "2024 Financial Disclosure") by the filing deadline of August 28, 2024 (the "Filing Deadline").

As a result of certain complexities associated with the acquisition of Toppen Health, Inc. on December 15, 2023, the accounting and audit process remains ongoing at this time. The BCSC has given the Company until October 28, 2024 to complete its 2024 Financial Disclosure, which the Company anticipates being in a position to meet.

The Company confirms that there are no material changes to the information contained in the Default Announcement. In addition, (i) the Company is satisfying and confirms that it intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the Alternative Information Guidelines set out in NP 12-203, including the issuance of bi-weekly default status reports in the form of news releases, for as long as the Company remains in default with its 2024 Financial Disclosure; (ii) the Company does not have any information at this time regarding any anticipated specified default subsequent to the default in filing the 2024 Financial Disclosure; (iii) the Company confirms as of the date of this news release, that there is no insolvency proceeding against it; and (iv) there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

About Aion Therapeutic Inc.

Aion Therapeutic is a forward-thinking business within the health and wellness sector with a diverse portfolio of intellectual property. With a commitment to innovation and transformative solutions, the Company is poised to drive positive change to redefine the boundaries of health and wellness.

Toppen, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aion Therapeutic, is a US-based health and wellness company dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art water filtration solutions. With a focus on innovation, affordability, and sustainability, Toppen's water filtration solutions are designed to meet the diverse needs of consumers, businesses, and industries around the world as they strive to provide access to clean and safe water.

DISCLAIMER & READER ADVISORY

This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Expressions such as "anticipates", "expects", "believes", "estimates", "could", "intends", "may", "plans", "predicts", "projects", "will", "would" and other similar expressions, or the negative of these terms, are generally indicative of forward-looking information. Forward looking statements in this press release include statements regarding: Aion Therapeutic and Toppen's business, business goals and management's expectation on the growth and performance of its business; the preparation and timing of filing the 2024 Financial Disclosure. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, such as, without limitation, the risk that the parties will be unable to complete, in a timely manner, the 2024 Financial Disclosure.

In addition, the forward- looking information contained in this release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as it is inherently uncertain, and no assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in such information will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this release is made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances.

The securities of the Company have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This release is issued for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223111

SOURCE: Aion Therapeutic Inc.
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.

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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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Rock Hill, South Carolina--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - The Howze Family & Divorce Law Firm has recently been awarded Silver Client Champion by information services company Martindale-Hubbell.

The Howze Law Firm

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The Silver Client Champion by Martindale-Hubbell is one of the awards given by the US-based network to recognize law experts who excel at service, as affirmed by their clients.

In a press interview, Howze Family & Divorce Law Firm founder Tracy Bomar-Howze says the award, which is based on the quantity and quality of an attorney's Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, serves as a testament to the company's continuing commitment to delivering excellent service in family law, bankruptcy, and consumer protection.

"I share this award with the men and women in the law firm who continue to guide countless clients through family court and bankruptcy court in South Carolina. I view this as proof of our exceptional client service, a quality that has defined its approach to legal representation," shares Tracy, who herself worked as an attorney for many years and has practiced in various legal areas.

Tracy has practiced law and taught legal classes at local colleges and universities in the Charlotte region. "It is humbling to know that our peers continue to look up to us as a reliable firm for legal guidance on family law issues," adds Tracy, who is currently involved with the South Carolina Bar Association, Michigan Bar Association, South Carolina Women's Lawyers Association, SC Bar Law Related Education Committee, and is a board member of Safe Passage Inc.

Martindale-Hubbell's Client Champion awards are certified by a long-running and trusted name in attorney reviews. For Tracy, the law firm's Silver Client Champion award is a testament to the team's understanding of the emotional and financial strains that individuals and families face in legal disputes that arise in bankruptcy and family law matters.

She underscored the team's dedication to handling various cases, whether clients needed help dividing assets and debts with their spouse or had questions about how much child or spousal support to expect.

The firm's South Carolina Family & Divorce Lawyers guide clients through every step of the bankruptcy process, from initial consultations to court proceedings, ensuring that clients are fully informed about their options under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Tracy says this commitment to client education and support helps individuals make informed decisions that lead to a more stable financial future.

The company has also recently expanded its services to more areas in South Carolina, hoping to help more clients with complex family matters or money concerns. It currently serves Rock Hill, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, Lancaster, Chester, Winnsboro, Great Falls, Heath Springs, Catawba, Gaffney, and Union.

For more information about Howze Family & Divorce Law Firm, visit https://thehowzelawfirmllc.com/.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222357

SOURCE: Plentisoft
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - LinkDaddy has recently added leading providers of universal cloud storage solutions to its portfolio of popular cloud hosting platforms, further expanding its ability to create backlinks on reputable cloud hosting platforms. The firm states that the new platforms have high domain authority, which can potentially influence the weighting that search engines give to backlinks on the platform.

For additional information please see: https://linkdaddy.com/cloud-authority-backlinks/

Cloud Authority Backlinks Service For Improved SEO Announced By LinkDaddy

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The cloud hosting platforms join LinkDaddy's three Cloud Authority Backlink packages, allowing businesses to choose which combination best suits their needs. Once a package has been selected, LinkDaddy develops customized content and a personalized HTML page for publication on the relevant cloud hosting platforms.

"By publishing high-quality content on trusted cloud platforms, we establish strong backlinks that search engines like," Tony Peacock, CEO of LinkDaddy explained. "Backlinks are a widely recognized technique for improving search engine rankings, and our goal is to help businesses gain access to websites and platforms that have excellent domain authority."

With the recent addition of leading cloud hosting solutions, LinkDaddy continues its efforts to offer a backlinking service that has global reach - with the agency now offering several European providers as part of its growing portfolio.

The enhanced Cloud Authority Backlink service has been designed with affordability in mind, as one of LinkDaddy's key goals is to make high-quality backlinks accessible to the small business community. The ongoing trend towards digital consumerism has made SEO an increasingly important consideration, and smaller organizations often find it difficult to compete.

A central element of LinkDaddy's approach is the creation of high-quality, original content, which is offered on a 'done-for-you' basis. To that end, the agency works with a team of professional writers, who develop each campaign with a focus on industry-specific keywords and a client's location, if relevant.

In addition to its Cloud Authority Backlink service, LinkDaddy offers more generalized dofollow backlinks, along with keyword backlinks, such as "best roofing company in Austin." To date, the agency has established over 11,000 backlinks for almost 3,000 separate businesses.

Interested parties can find more information by visiting https://linkdaddy.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223093

SOURCE: Plentisoft
Adoption of all the proposed resolutions, except for the 29 th resolution, as recommended by the Management Board

The General Meeting approved the change in governance with the creation of a Board of Directors, and designated all the members of the former Supervisory Board as well as Christophe Douat as directors

The first Board of Directors meeting, held after the Annual General Meeting, appointed Philippe Guy as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Christophe Douat as Chief Executive Officer

Regulatory News:

Medincell's Ordinary Annual and Extraordinary General Meeting was held on September 12, 2024, at the company's headquarters (3 rue des Freres Lumiere, 34830 Jacou). It was chaired by Mr. Philipe Guy, Chairman of Medincell's Supervisory Board.

Among the resolutions approved by the Annual General Meeting was a change in the company's governance and management structure, with the creation of a Board of Directors to replace the Management Board and Supervisory Board. Elisabeth Kogan, Tone Kvale, Virginie Lleu, Christophe Douat, Philippe Guy and Sabri Markabi were elected as Board members. Following the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors appointed Philippe Guy as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Christophe Douat as Chief Executive Officer (they were previously Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Chairman of the Executive Board respectively).

Philippe Guy, Chairman of the Board of Directors: "With this change, our governance will be aligned with international standards, especially American ones. It will be more agile and better suited to our operating mode and ambitions. We have also begun a rigorous process to select potential new directors to strengthen our board."

Christophe Douat, CEO: "We have entered a new era with an exceptional year 2023/2024: approval of UZEDY and its successful launch, acceleration of phase 3 of mdc-TJK Olanzapine, partnership with Abbvie, improvement of our financial position. Our goal now is to ensure Medincell's sustainable growth by remaining committed to our values and mission."

The other resolutions presented by the Management Board were adopted, including the approval of the annual consolidated accounts for exercise ended March 31, 2024, the remuneration policy applicable to the Chairman and members of the management board, to the Chairman and the members of the Supervisory Board as well as financial delegations granted to the new Board of Directors. As recommended by the Management Board, resolution 29 was not adopted.

The replay of the general meeting and the detailed voting results will soon be available on the MedinCell website.

Medincell also announced that Mr. Stephane Postic has been confirmed as CFO. He joined the Company in September 2023 on a transitional basis, with the mission of adapting the finance and capital markets functions to Medincell's new challenges.

For operational reasons, the next financial publication, i.e. the half-yearly results (April-September 2024), will be held on Tuesday December 10, 2024, replacing the previously announced date of Tuesday December 3.

About Medincell

Medincell is a clinical- and commercial-stage biopharmaceutical licensing company developing long-acting injectable drugs in many therapeutic areas. Our innovative treatments aim to guarantee compliance with medical prescriptions, to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of medicines, and to reduce their environmental footprint. They combine active pharmaceutical ingredients with our proprietary BEPO technology which controls the delivery of a drug at a therapeutic level for several days, weeks or months from the subcutaneous or local injection of a simple deposit of a few millimeters, entirely bioresorbable. The first treatment based on BEPO technology, intended for the treatment of schizophrenia, was approved by the FDA in April 2023, and is now distributed in the United States by Teva under the name UZEDY (BEPO technology is licensed to Teva under the name SteadyTeq). We collaborate with leading pharmaceutical companies and foundations to improve global health through new treatment options. Based in Montpellier, Medincell currently employs more than 140 people representing more than 25 different nationalities.

UZEDY and SteadyTeq are registered trademarks of Teva Pharmaceuticals.

www.medincell.com

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, particularly concerning the progress of the Company's clinical trials. Although the Company considers that its forecasts are based on reasonable assumptions, any statements other than statements of historical fact that may be contained in this press release relating to future events are subject to change without notice, to factors beyond the Company's control and to the Company's financial capabilities.

These statements may include, but are not limited to, any statements beginning with, followed by or including words or expressions such as "objective", "believe", "expect", "aim", "intend", "may", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "project", "will", "may", "probably", "should", "could" and other words or expressions of similar meaning or used in the negative. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by such statements.

A list and description of such risks, hazards and uncertainties can be found in the documents filed by the Company with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) pursuant to its regulatory obligations, including in the Company's document de base, registered with the AMF on September 4, 2018 under number I. 18-062, as well as in documents and reports to be published subsequently by the Company. Furthermore, these forward-looking statements only apply as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, nor to update the reasons why actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available. The Company's updating of one or more forward-looking statements does not imply that it will or will not update these or any other forward-looking statements.

This press release is published for information purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of the Company in any jurisdiction whatsoever, particularly in France. Similarly, this press release does not constitute investment advice and should not be treated as such. It is not intended to address the investment objectives, financial situation or specific needs of any particular recipient. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for the exercise of your own judgement. All opinions expressed in this document are subject to change without notice. The distribution of this press release may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912570232/en/

Contacts:

David Heuze Head of Corporate and Financial Communications, and ESG

david.heuze@medincell.com +33 (0)6 83 25 21 86

Grace Kim Head of US Financial Strategy and IR

grace.kim@medincell.com +1 (646) 991-4023

Investors Relations France

Louis-Victor Delouvrier/Alban Dufumier

medincell@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

Media Relations

Nicolas Merigeau

medincell@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94
Under a multi-year contract, the Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES will deliver secure and resilient high-performance connectivity for NATO member governments

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded SES a contract to deliver secure high-performance low-latency satellite services via its medium earth orbit (MEO) constellation, enabling global missions for NATO member government organisations, agencies and military.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910404747/en/

NATO Support and Procurement Agency Contracts SES's O3b mPOWER for Secure Communications Services (Photo: Business Wire)

The MEO Global Services (MGS) award represents a three-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at USD 200M, with two one-year options. This is the first award under the Global Commercially Contracted Satellite Communications Support Partnership (GCC SATCOM SP) established by the U.S. and Luxembourg under the auspices of NSPA in 2022, opening a new era of space cooperation within NATO.

The MGS will be available to all NATO countries, including the U.S. and Luxembourg which are charter members of the agreement, and can support missions on SES's global end-to-end commercial managed services network and national sovereign networks that will be deployed soon under this contract for O3b mPOWER services.

The O3b mPOWER system, used for MGS, is the second-generation MEO constellation, featuring extensive global ground infrastructure and open architecture. The system allows for groundbreaking levels of interoperability, flexibility and government control, to include the capability to provide secure communications and networking solutions for tactical units.

Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg's Minister of Defence: "Luxembourg has developed a significant satcom expertise, and we are happy to leverage it to the benefit of NATO and partners. In line with the Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy and through SES's innovative O3b mPOWER constellation, we help transform government operations and enable cooperative projects while allowing for sovereign government communications networks. Once again, Luxembourg Defence succeeds to consolidate its role of reliable reference partner in the field of space."

"This is a revolutionary step that accelerates governments' access to the latest satellite technology. It demonstrates that collaboration across industry and governments and the adoption of dual-use technology are important elements of effective global defence and security," said Stacy Cummings, NSPA General Manager. "As new nations join the GCC SATCOM SP, they will also be able to leverage MGS, which simultaneously supports secure sovereign networks and enables coalition operations among allies when required."

"The NSPA contract vehicle accelerates government access to secure high-performance satcom innovation," said Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES. "We developed O3b mPOWER with the governments' mission critical connectivity needs in mind and have also been working closely with the NATO nations, to make sure that they get the necessary performance, reliability, security and control from day one. It is our privilege to start delivering this new service to the governments, including the United States and Luxembourg."

Read NSPA's release here

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About SES

SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on Earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless data connectivity services around the world. As a provider of global content and connectivity solutions, SES owns and operates a geosynchronous orbit fleet and medium earth orbit (GEO-MEO) constellation of satellites, offering a combination of global coverage and high performance services. By using its intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES delivers high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners around the world. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910404747/en/

Contacts:

Suzanne Ong

Communications, SES

Tel. +352 710 725 500

suzanne.ong@ses.com
Beijing, China--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2024) - At the invitation of China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The 9th China Brand Value Top 100" and "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The World Brand Value Top 900" rankings are officially released at the CIFTIS on September 12, 2024.

Figure 1

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(Daguan  Keweiwei) The 9th China Brand Value Top 100" and "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The World Brand Value Top 900" rankings by Chinese Brand Value Evaluation Standards adhere to the principles of justice, fairness and science, follow strictly the shortlisting criteria of The World Brand Value Top 900 enterprises to screen well-known enterprises with brand reputation all over the world, and use unified Chinese Brand Value Evaluation Standards to measure the enterprise. Chinese Brand Value Evaluation Standards condense the efforts of many experts and scholars from Peking University, Tsinghua University, Policy Research Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Development Research Center of the State Council, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Finance, National Bureau of Statistics, State Taxation Administration, People's Bank of China, Beijing Normal University, Communication University of China, Central Institute of Cultural Management and other units and undergo rigorous review to make The World Brand Value Top 900 ranking list that can stand the test.

Figure 2

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The total brand value of "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The 9th China Brand Value Top 100" and "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The World Brand Value Top 900" was CNY 111,992.929 billion, and the average brand value was CNY 124.437 billion, an increase of 1.84% over the previous edition of The World Brand Value Top 900 ranking list, which shows that after the end of the pandemic, the global economy is gradually recovering, and the brand value of enterprises is increasing slightly. In "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The 9th China Brand Value Top 100" and "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The World Brand Value Top 900" ranking lists, enterprises from a total of 43 countries and regions are on the lists, and the order of the number of enterprises on the list is as follows: 296 in the United States, 162 in China (including 125 in Chinese mainland, 19 in Hong Kong China and 18 in Taiwan China), 81 in Japan, 38 in France, 38 in the United Kingdom, 33 in Canada, 31 in India, 31 in Germany, 25 in Korea, 19 in Switzerland, 15 in Australia, 13 in Netherlands, 12 in Sweden, 10 in Italy, 8 in Spain, 7 in Russia, 7 in Brazil, 7 in Ireland, 7 in Finland, 6 in Singapore, 6 in Saudi Arabia, 5 in Denmark, 5 in South Africa, 4 in U.A.E., 4 in Belgium, 3 in Austria, 3 in Norway, 3 in Turkey, 3 in Indonesia, 2 in Qatar, 2 in Mexico, 2 in Thailand, 2 in the Philippines, and 1 each in Luxembourg, Colombia, Czech Republic, Poland, Bermuda, Peru, Viet Nam, Portugal and Malaysia. Compared with the previous edition of The World Brand Value Top 900 ranking list, the top 3 countries in terms of numbers of enterprises listed have not changed, all of which are the United States, China and Japan. The number of enterprises on the list in United States has increased by 10 enterprises from the 8th edition, the number of enterprises in China has decreased by 17 from the previous edition, and the number of enterprises from Japan has increased by 8 from the previous edition.

Figure 3

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In order to ensure the authority and credibility of the ranking lists, the previous ranking lists have been strictly demonstrated.

Figure 4

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The picture shows a closed-door symposium held on August 25, 2024 at the Graduate School of Peking University, on the upcoming release of "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The 9th China Brand Value Top 100" and "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The World Brand Value Top 900". Many experts and business representatives from academia, business and media conducted an objective and fair review of the ranking lists and put forward professional and constructive opinions. At the same time, we insist that every edition of ranking lists is entrusted to an evaluation agency officially filed with the Ministry of Finance to conduct a professional evaluation to ensure the authority and accuracy of the data.

Figure 5

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Professor Yan Zhijie, former dean of the School of Economics of Peking University and a well-known economist, emphasized that in the past 40 years of reform and opening up, Chinese enterprises have made significant progress, Chinese brands are gradually developing, and at the same time facing huge difficulties and challenges. The realization of modernization is inseparable from the development of the private economy, and the rise and fall of countless enterprises have also created a new image of Chinese brands on the international stage. At the same time, he called on enterprises to continuously improve their ability to resist risks and core competitiveness, pay attention to social responsibility and sustainable development, and establish a good corporate image.

Figure 6

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Yan Yu, Executive Dean of the Southwest Branch of the School of Economics of Peking University, Director of the Strategic Cooperation Office of the School of Economics of Peking University, Researcher of the Institute of Social and Economic History of Peking University, and scholar of comparative world civilizations, mentioned: brand is the concentrated expression of technology and cultural additions, and is an important resource to participate in global competition. In today's world, China's development strategy opportunities and risks and challenges coexist. It is of great strategic significance to put brand building in an important position and promote brand value to gradually become the core indicator to measure the soft power of enterprises.

Ms. Song Jinhong, researcher at the Brand Value and Evaluation Research Platform of Peking University, the spokesperson of the ranking lists of "(Daguan  Keweiwei) China Brand Value Top 100 " and "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The World Brand Value Top 900", and the chairman of Beijing Daguan Advertising Co., Ltd., gave a detailed evaluation and introduction to "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The 9th China Brand Value Top 100" and "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The World Brand Value Top 900": "(Daguan  Keweiwei) China Brand Value Top 100" and "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The World Brand Value Top 900" ranking lists realize the financial value added income brought by the brand value of the listed enterprises; stabilize the sustained and stable brand benefits of the securities market of the listed enterprises and increase the investment confidence of shareholders; At the same time, the quantitative evaluation value and global brand position directly affect the proportion of financial equity of the company's brand value, and play a positive role in the direct brand extension of the enterprise's expected income brand strength.

Figure 7

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The United States still maintains a leading position in the number of countries and regions on the ranking lists, and China and Japan are the second and third places respectively on the ranking lists. On the whole, the economic operation is in a stable and improving direction, which is beneficial to the operation of enterprises. Looking forward to the future, traditional industries and emerging industries will fly together to help economic development and increase the value of corporate brands.

Sponsorship & Cooperation:

For the healthy and powerful development of the world's brand business and the healthy and effective communication of all the enterprises on the ranking lists, each enterprise on the ranking list will be charged a sponsorship fee of 300,000.00, that is, RMB 300,000.00. At the same time, the organization invites enterprises to actively sign up to participate in the brand value evaluation of "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The 10th China Brand Value Top 100" and "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The World Brand Value Top 900" and jointly witness and promote the leap of brand value.

In order to win the competition for the expected benefits of brand value for the listed enterprises, and actively broaden the effective value of The World Brand Value Top 900 listed enterprises, the "Brand Party 900" website and the "BP900i" Mall have achieved initial results in the collection of benefits of the products and services of The World Brand Value Top 900 enterprises proposed at last year's brand value launch. One-stop experience of the wonderful products and services of The World Brand Value Top 900 enterprises is not only an upgrade of the economic wisdom dividend marketing of the brand value rankings, but also an important measure to help enterprises win the expected benefits of brand value and establish the authority of international trade brands. We warmly welcome enterprises on the list to actively contact, communicate value and price release information in a timely manner, and jointly explore new opportunities.

Figure 8

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"(Daguan  Keweiwei) The 9th China Brand Value Top 100" and "(Daguan  Keweiwei) The World Brand Value Top 900" are sponsored and supported by Red Tea at Noon (Beijing) Hotel Catering Management Co., Ltd.

Figure 9

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Attachment:

"(Daguan  Keweiwei) The 9th China Brand Value Top 100" https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i4/3248763083/O1CN01YBYoca1Ye43qI1XIi_!!3248763083.jpg

"(Daguan  Keweiwei) The World Brand Value Top 900" Rankings

https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i1/3248763083/O1CN01LPuRVh1Ye43oQ1ECy_!!3248763083.jpg (1-500)

https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i1/3248763083/O1CN01iW8Fbo1Ye43iueMtS_!!3248763083.jpg (501-900)

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223183

SOURCE: Global News
Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus.



Im Schatten des Basispreises notieren Goldproduzenten aus der zweiten Reihe sowie Explorationsunternehmen noch weit weg von ihren historischen Hochststanden entfernt und bieten dadurch erhebliches Aufholpotential.



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StrongPoint, a retail technology firm focused on making stores and supply chains smarter, have successfully installed the world's first AutoStore Multi-Temperature Solution with a frozen zone. The inaugural site has been installed for Haugaland Storhusholdning, part the Norwegian food distribution group DLVRY, in a facility based in Sveio, Norway.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240913737297/en/

StrongPoint's installation of the world's first AutoStore Multi-Temperature Solution with a frozen zone. (Photo: Business Wire)

"Frozen greatly boosts our operational efficiency and creates a safer work environment for our employees," says Oskar Kirkeleit, CEO of Haugaland Storhusholdning.

"This installation is designed for maximum efficiency in food distribution. We are proud to be the first to implement an AutoStore solution with a frozen zone, which is now a part of the customer's daily operations. Collaborating with MTG Technologies, the customer and other partners to develop the software, system, and routines has been a rewarding experience. Today, we celebrate the launch of a fully operational site that meets our high standards," says Jacob Tveraabak, CEO of StrongPoint.

"We are excited to see the Multi-Temperature Solution go live. The solution will revolutionize grocery operations by enabling safer and more efficient picking of frozen inventory. With two Multi-Temperature Solutions already in progress, we are very much looking forward to the general release in Q1, 2025," said Parth Joshi, Chief Product Officer at AutoStore.

"We are proud to partner with AutoStore in supporting StrongPoint to deliver this pioneering Multi-Temperature Solution with a frozen zone for Haugaland Storhusholdning. This inaugural installation marks a significant step forward, and we are excited to support the teams behind the solution. We look forward to shaping the future of automated warehouse solutions with multi-temperature grid technology," says Paul Edvin Bersaas, CEO of MTG Technologies.

The Multi-Temperature Solution allows multiple temperature zones within a single AutoStore cube. It is designed for frozen and chilled environments with a temperature range of -25C in the frozen section to +6C in the cooled areas. The picking of frozen products occurs at the Ports in the chilled area to eliminate picking of items within extreme frozen temperatures, thus creating a better working environment for operators. This will allow customers to have a solution that can increase speed and efficiency with their frozen inventory.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240913737297/en/

Contacts:

Knut Olav Nyhus Olsen

SVP People, Organization, Marketing and Communication

kono@strongpoint.com

+47 400 10 888



Stian Aleksander Haugen Rusek

International Marketing Manager

stian.rusek@strongpoint.com

+47 926 98 390



For more information, visit strongpoint.com
Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE: JHG) is pleased to announce that Janus Henderson Investors will be entering into an exciting new strategic partnership with Anemoy Limited and Centrifuge to manage Anemoy's Liquid Treasury Fund ("LTF"), a fully on-chain, tokenized fund issued on Centrifuge's public blockchain that provides investors with direct access to short-term US Treasury bills.

Janus Henderson will be serving as a sub-advisor to the LTF, managing the fund's day-to-day operations and portfolio through Tabula, a wholly owned subsidiary. This synergy between Tabula's specific investment tools, which will be crucial to ensuring the fund meets the high standards expected by institutional investors, and Janus Henderson's 90-year track record of financial expertise, will bring traditional investment products to on-chain capital markets, realising untapped potential in the immediate term.

"This collaboration represents a significant step forward in bridging traditional and decentralised finance, by bringing robust institutional collateral pools into decentralised autonomous organisation and stablecoin ecosystems", said Nick Cherney, Head of Innovation at Janus Henderson. "Our innovation strategy is focused on preparing for the possibility that blockchain technology will transform traditional finance in the long term, and this partnership represents a unique opportunity to help shape this future, while also providing stable and compliant solutions for on-chain markets".

Blockchain readiness and tokenization are key pillars underpinning Janus Henderson's innovation strategy, and the decision to partner with Anemoy and Centrifuge in this way reflects the firm's commitment to digital assets and its desire to embrace disruptive financial technologies. By collaborating with companies who are critical to the transition of asset and wealth management onto distributed ledger technology, Janus Henderson is adopting a leadership role in the new age of digital disruption in financial markets, positioning itself as a serious partner for future blockchain opportunities. As the LTF will be tokenized using Centrifuge's blockchain technology, this will enable it to be distributed to over $170 billion in idle capital on-chain1. Anemoy, which owns the fund, plays a vital role at the intersection of traditional and decentralised finance, acting as a strategic conduit for Janus Henderson's successful entry into this digital space.

Janus Henderson recently announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Victory Park Capital Advisors, LLC ("VPC"), a global private credit manager providing customized solutions to both established and emerging businesses, including decentralised finance. The VPC acquisition further expands Janus Henderson's private credit and institutional capabilities, and along with the acquisition of Tabula, demonstrates the firm's commitment to client-led innovation.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with Janus Henderson and Centrifuge on this fund", said Anil Sood, co-founder of Anemoy. "Janus Henderson is entrusted with over $360 billion in assets, has a 90-year legacy of investment excellence, and a client-driven solutions focus; we could not think of a better partner with which to progress tokenized innovation".

Martin Quensel, co-founder of both Anemoy and Centrifuge, added "this partnership underscores our commitment to pioneering the integration of traditional financial products with cutting edge blockchain technology, creating new opportunities for investors, and advancing the decentralised finance ecosystem".

"The intersection of DeFi, TradFi, and systematic investing is an area that should create huge opportunities for investors in the coming years. It is a natural overlap between the rapid expansion of ETF solutions and the need to underpin digital investments with stable, liquid stores of value, like US Treasury bills", comments Michael John Lytle, Tabula's CEO.

Utilising a public blockchain with permissioned access controls, and limiting subscriptions to investors with whitelisted wallets, is intended to mitigate the operational and compliance risks that have previously hindered widespread institutional adoption of tokenized funds.

"We are delighted to be working with Janus Henderson and Anemoy to not only address key challenges in fund management, but also to open the door to scalable solutions that have the potential to transform the financial industry", said Bhaji Illuminati, CMO at Centrifuge. "The Anemoy Liquid Treasury Fund is a good example of how traditional finance can leverage distributed ledger technology to unlock new opportunities in the blockchain space".

As the blockchain landscape continues to evolve, Janus Henderson, Anemoy and Centrifuge are ideally positioned to lead the way in fixed income tokenization, providing new avenues and innovative options for institutional products, and enhancing the utility of on-chain capital markets.

1 Source: rwa.xyz as of September 4, 2024

Notes to editors

Janus Henderson Group

Janus Henderson Group is a leading global active asset manager dedicated to helping clients define and achieve superior financial outcomes through differentiated insights, disciplined investments, and world-class service.

As of June 30, 2024, Janus Henderson had approximately US$361 billion in assets under management, more than 2,000 employees, and offices in 24 cities worldwide. The firm helps millions of people globally invest in a brighter future together. Headquartered in London, Janus Henderson is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Centrifuge

Centrifuge is a tokenization platform for asset managers to digitize, manage, and distribute funds on-chain, while providing investors access to a diversified portfolio of high-quality tokenized assets. Founded in 2017 and backed by leading VCs, Centrifuge has been a driving force in the institutional adoption of tokenized assets. As firm believers in the collaborative growth of the ecosystem, Centrifuge has championed industry initiatives like the Tokenized Asset Coalition, the Real-World Asset Summit, and the creation of widely recognized token standards.

Anemoy

Anemoy serves as the asset management arm of Centrifuge, founded in 2023 by co-founders Martin Quensel and Anil Sood. Anemoy was established with a clear mission: to advance Centrifuge's efforts in developing RWA products tailored specifically for bridging the TradFi and DeFi worlds. Anemoy is built on the Centrifuge protocol and supports the full lifecycle of on-chain asset management. Anemoy offers comprehensive services to institutions, focusing on key areas such as compliance, and asset management, ensuring seamless integration and management of real-world assets in the DeFi landscape. Anemoy supports five key areas and covers the entire value change of asset and fund management; Origination, Tokenization, Securitization, Management Distribution.

This press release is not an offer of securities in the United States. Securities in the fund will not be offered or sold in the United States. This release is intended to provide general information about Janus Henderson's collaboration with Anemoy and Centrifuge. This is solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, including any security referred to herein to any persons who are prohibited from receiving such information under the laws applicable to their place of citizenship, domicile or residence. Not all products or services are available in all jurisdictions. The information is not investment advice, nor is it tailored to the needs or circumstances of any investor.

Janus Henderson is a trademark of Janus Henderson Group plc or one of its subsidiaries. Janus Henderson Group plc.

Source: Janus Henderson Investors

This press release is solely for the use of members of the media and should not be relied upon by personal investors, financial advisers or institutional investors. We may record telephone calls for our mutual protection, to improve customer service and for regulatory record keeping purposes. All opinions and estimates in this information are subject to change without notice.

Issued by Janus Henderson Investors. Janus Henderson Investors is the name under which investment products and services are provided by Janus Henderson Investors International Limited (reg no. 3594615), Janus Henderson Investors UK Limited (reg. no. 906355), Janus Henderson Fund Management UK Limited (reg. no. 2678531), (each registered in England and Wales at 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority), Tabula Investment Management Limited (reg. no. 11286661 at 6th Floor, 55 Strand London WC2N 5LRW and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) and Janus Henderson Investors Europe S.A. (reg no. B22848 at 78, Avenue de la Liberte, L-1930 Luxembourg, Luxembourg and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier). Henderson Secretarial Services Limited (incorporated and registered in England and Wales, registered no. 1471624, registered office 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE) is the name under which company secretarial services are provided. All these companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of Janus Henderson Group plc. (incorporated and registered in Jersey, registered no. 101484, with registered office at 13 Castle Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1ES). Janus Henderson Investors (Australia) Limited ABN 47 124 279 518 is not under any obligation to update this information to the extent that it is or becomes out of date or incorrect. U.S. by SEC registered investment advisers that are subsidiaries of Janus Henderson Group plc; Canada through Janus Henderson Investors US LLC only to institutional investors in certain jurisdictions.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240913847661/en/

Contacts:

Press Enquiries



Janus Henderson Investors



Nicole Mullin, Director of Corporate Communications, EMEA, LatAm APAC

nicole.mulin@janushenderson.com
Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben?



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The global general aviation market has experienced growth due to several factors such as demand for efficient & flexible air transportation, growth of industries requiring remote access, and advancements in aircraft technology.

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "General Aviation Market by Product (Helicopters, Piston Fixed-wing Aircraft, Turboprop Aircraft and Business Jet), Application (Commercial and Non-Commercial): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033". According to the report, the general aviation market was valued at $30.7 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $47.1 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2024 to 2033.

Prime determinants of growth

The general aviation market is driven by various factors such as rise in demand for efficient and flexible air transportation solutions. However, high costs of aircraft ownership & operation and stringent regulations & certification requirements are anticipated to hamper the growth of the market during the forecast period. Moreover, expansion of air taxi and charter services and development of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft bodies are expected to offer potential opportunities for the global general aviation market during the forecast period.

Request Sample of the Report on General Aviation Market Forecast 2033: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A10702

Segment Highlights

The business jet segment held the highest market share in 2023.

By product, the business jet segment held the highest market share in 2023. Business jets are designed for corporate and executive travel, offering luxury, speed, and flexibility. They cater to the growing demand from businesses and high-net-worth individuals for efficient and convenient air transportation solutions.

The commercial segment held the highest market share in 2023.

By application, the commercial segment held the highest market share in 2023. This segment includes a wide range of commercial activities, including business travel, air charter services, air ambulance operations, aerial surveying, and cargo transportation. The demand for efficient and flexible air transportation solutions from businesses and industries is a significant driver for the commercial application segment.

Regional Outlook

By region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2023 owing to several factors such as rise in demand for personal and business aviation services due to the region's robust economy and corporate expansion. This demand surge is particularly pronounced for travel to remote destinations inaccessible by commercial airlines.

Players:

Bombardier Inc.

Dassault Aviation

Embraer

General Dynamics Corporation

Textron Inc.

Airbus SE

Cirrus Design Corporation

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Leonardo S.p.A

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global general aviation market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, and agreements 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.

Make an Inquiry for Further Details of Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A10702

Recent Development:

In March 2024, Yingling Aviation, a prominent provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, as well as fixed-base operation (FBO) services in the U.S., announced its acquisition of Mid-Continent Aviation Services (MCAS) . MCAS is also a full-service MRO located at Wichita's Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) . The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

In February 2024, Leonardo received helicopter orders from the Middle East and India during Heli-Expo 2023. These orders, totaling 'almost' 40 helicopters, contribute to the company's sales contracts for more than 50 AW09 next-generation single-engine helicopters for customers globally.

Procure Complete Report (340 Pages PDF with In-depth Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/general-aviation-market-A10702

AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) Offered by Allied Market Research:

AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. Moreover, users can get an online access to quantitative and qualitative data in PDF and Excel formats along with analyst support, customization, and updated versions of reports.

Get an access to the library of reports at any time from any device and anywhere. For more details, follow the link: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access

About Us

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. 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.

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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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/general-aviation-market-to-reach-47-1-billion-globally-by-2033-at-4-6-cagr-allied-market-research-302247545.html
STOCKHOLM, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allurity proudly announces the strategic acquisition of Lyvoc, a premier cybersecurity integration partner renowned for its expertise in supporting its clients to accelerate and secure their digital transformation. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Allurity, enhancing its market position and expanding its comprehensive cybersecurity offering.

Lyvoc, based in France, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in Identity and Access Management (IAM), Cloud Security and Security Compliance Automation. With a dedicated team of more than 50 passionate cybersecurity professionals, Lyvoc has built focused partnerships with Okta (for IAM), Drata (for Security Compliance Automation) and Wiz (for Cloud Security) and has trusted relationships with more than 150 customers. The strong technical expertise, combined with organizational change management and project management skills, ensures a seamless integration and superior service delivery.

"By joining forces with Lyvoc, Allurity enhances its capabilities with advanced cybersecurity integration services and deep technical expertise," stated Frida Westerberg, CEO of Allurity. "This strategic acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision to become the preferred partner for tech-enabled cybersecurity services in Europe. It not only expands our global impact but also strengthens our mission to create a safe digital world. Lyvoc brings a highly skilled team of passionate cybersecurity specialists and establishes our presence in France, a key market for cybersecurity in Europe."

"Lyvoc has always been at the forefront of delivering innovative cybersecurity solutions to protect against evolving cyber threats. We have been awarded #1 Okta partner in EMEA 2 years in a row," said Roland Kamara, Founder/CEO of Lyvoc. "Joining forces with Allurity allows us to expand our core partnerships (Okta, Wiz, Drata) to more countries and combine our strengths to offer holistic cybersecurity services. Together, we are poised to set new standards in cybersecurity, ensuring that our clients receive the best protection and insights."

The Allurity group now includes nine premier brands across Europe, including Spanish Aiuken, Swedish Arctic Group and ID North, Portuguese CloudComputing, Danish CSIS, British SecAlliance, Swiss SECURIX, German SRLabs and now French Lyvoc. This acquisition accelerates Allurity's strategy to become the leading cybersecurity powerhouse in Europe. Currently, the group generates approximately EUR 120 million in revenue, serving customers globally.

About Allurity:

Allurity is a group of tech-enabled cybersecurity service providers with a common mission of enabling a safe digital world.

Allurity comprises nine best-in-class cybersecurity brands across Europe, serving clients globally and leveraging the combined expertise of its members. The group offers a comprehensive range of services, from proactive to reactive solutions, to enhance data protection and mitigate the impact of cybercrime. Supported by Trill Impact, a pioneering Swedish impact investor, Allurity is dedicated to driving positive societal change while achieving competitive financial returns.

Read more at allurity.com

About Lyvoc:

Lyvoc is a team of passionate cybersecurity professionals dedicated to accelerating and securing all customers' digital transformation. By partnering with industry-leading SaaS solutions such as Okta, Wiz, and Drata, Lyvoc delivers a comprehensive approach to protecting identities, securing cloud environments, and ensuring compliance with various standards. The team brings together deep technical expertise in cybersecurity and development, paired with strong organizational change management and project management capabilities.

Read more at lyvoc.com

For media enquiries, please contact:

Maria Lorne, CMO Allurity, mediarelations@allurity.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/allurity/r/allurity-completes-strategic-acquisition-of-lyvoc--continuing-its-european-growth-journey,c4036569

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/22251/4036569/2998129.pdf Press release (PDF)

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/allurity-completes-strategic-acquisition-of-lyvoc-continuing-its-european-growth-journey-302247555.html
San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2024) - Jessica Arena Immigration Law is redefining the immigration experience for clients in San Francisco with the launch of its comprehensive resource guides. The educational series, which includes in-depth information on a writ of mandamus, immigration delays, and other immigration-related topics, aims to ensure that all clients have unlimited access to complimentary guides on the immigration process.

Jessica Arena Immigration Law Launches Comprehensive Educational Series to Provide Clients with In-Depth Guides on Immigration Delays

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The existing immigration process is complex and time-consuming. And, like in many industries today, the need for reliable information has grown as more people seek answers to their questions and concerns on immigration issues such as delays. With this move, Jessica Arena Immigration Law signals its continued commitment to bringing immigration-related knowledge to every client. The firm's educational series offers a streamlined route to understanding the immigration process for immigrants and asylum seekers to navigate this landscape successfully.

Jessica Arena Immigration Law's in-depth resources explore everything, from the causes of immigration delays to the appeal process, as well as tips, strategies, and solutions for navigating immigration. The detailed guides are prepared using the founder's extensive experience in civil rights practices to simplify this demanding process for all involved. The resources are also designed to enhance client understanding and improve the chances of successful outcomes.

Through this series, the Jessica Arena Immigration Law aims to expand access to immigration legal assistance. Introducing this comprehensive series is another way the firm is improving its service to immigrants and asylum-seekers. "We are building a one-stop resource center to remove barriers for immigrants and empower them with knowledge and a better understanding of the immigration system," said Jessica Arena, the founder of Jessica Arena Immigration Law.

Jessica is an immigration lawyer with extensive experience in immigration law and litigating immigration delays and prisoners' rights. This educational series demonstrates the firm's commitment to helping clients. The new initiative is fast-tracking the law firm's growth in the industry as it marks a year since its founding. "In launching this educational series, we are safeguarding the fundamental rights of immigrants by affording them learning opportunities that allow them to quickly find solutions to their immigration challenges," said Jessica.

Jessica Arena Immigration Law's new immigration educational series takes a more informative and supportive approach to ensure more people understand even the most complex legal jargon. Jessica explained the motivations for this approach, saying, "We are working steadily to improve immigrant access to legal representation by first providing an immigration educational series in a manner that most clients will understand."

Jessica Arena Immigration Law looks forward to further strengthening relationships with clients throughout San Francisco and providing them with all the help they need in their immigration journey. Visit the Jessica Arena Immigration Law blog page to access the educational series or the website to learn more about the firm and its services.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223187

SOURCE: Plentisoft
HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hikvision is set to unveil its latest innovations in urban mobility at the ITS World Congress 2024, taking place from September 16th to 20th in Dubai. Located at booth number H6-G6, Hikvision invites attendees to experience a transformative vision of urban mobility, anchored in the theme: "Embrace AIoT for safer, smarter, and greener mobility."

Highlighted solutions: innovations for every aspect of urban mobility

Hikvision will present a broad range of solutions designed to enhance urban transportation. These innovations address critical areas such as traffic violation management, traffic order management, road operations, and smart public transport. Notably, a case study will showcase how Hikvision's innovative green wave technology has successfully reduced travel time by 50% on a major road with 34 intersections. Additionally, a simulated bus environment will demonstrate how AI-assisted on-board monitoring enhances both safety and efficiency for public transport.

From detecting road violations and managing congestion to managing buses and ensuring road safety, these solutions use advanced technologies such as integrated traffic enforcement devices, green wave systems, AI-powered traffic cameras, and on-board devices. Together, they create a cohesive and intelligent urban mobility ecosystem that promises safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation.

Transportation Operations Coordination Center (TOCC): the nerve center of smart mobility

At the heart of Hikvision's exhibit is the TOCC. This advanced solution integrates data from across urban landscapes-including vehicles, roads, and environmental factors-into a centralized hub. The TOCC's capabilities in real-time traffic monitoring and emergency response management will be demonstrated on an extra-large LED wall. Visitors can experience firsthand how the TOCC offers accurate traffic state monitoring and proactive detection of traffic anomalies, ensuring seamless coordination during emergencies. This cutting-edge technology is poised to redefine how cities manage their traffic systems, offering a glimpse into the future of urban mobility.

Experience area: a glimpse into tomorrow's traffic solutions

In the Product Experience Area, visitors will be immersed in a simulated urban intersection setup, showcasing Hikvision's latest traffic management innovations. This space will showcase the company's core technologies, such as DarkFighter, which detects both visible and invisible light, minimizing light pollution; and radar-video fusion, which combines millimeter-wave radar with cameras for comprehensive traffic detection and data analysis. Featured products will include checkpoint cameras, radar-video fusion cameras, all-in-one spotters, intelligent pedestrian traffic lights, radars and acoustic sensors. Attendees will gain hands-on experience with the technology that is transforming city streets into smarter, safer environments.

"Our participation in the ITS World Congress is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how AIoT can create safer, smarter, and greener urban environments," said Frank Zhang, President of Hikvision MEA. "By integrating advanced technologies into transportation systems, we are not only enhancing safety and efficiency but also reducing environmental impact, making our cities more sustainable for future generations."

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the ITS World Congress 2024, and be sure to experience these innovative solutions in person at Booth H6-G6.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504809/image.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hikvision-to-bring-smarter-greener-mobility-to-its-world-congress-2024-302247594.html
HONG KONG, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the Magic Compass Group (hereinafter referred to as Magic Compass) announced that it has completed the comprehensive incubation of its prop trading business and officially launched a new platform-The Trader Funds (TTF), which is supported by proprietary capital. The launch of the TTF prop trading brand marks the beginning of a thorough development in the prop trading markets by Magic Compass, including Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America, providing global traders with services such as trading knowledge dissemination, trading strategy education, community building, and trading platform.

Key Features of TTF

It is reported that the new TTF platform relies on proprietary funds to offer users trading strategy education and a customized trading test mechanism. Through the establishment of TTF's five-account types - COMET, LUMINARY, AURORA, SOLAR, and SUPERNOVA - it aims to assist users in starting their trading journey. This framework caters to the differentiated product needs of traders at all levels, allowing users to unlock different rules and benefits based on their individual needs.

Additionally, as a trading strategy education platform, TTF provides users with foundational knowledge instruction, a sophisticated framework training, and various trading empowerment tools across major trading categories. This helps beginner, intermediate, and advanced traders combine theoretical expertise with practical trading, offering an immersive trading experience that transitions from virtual trading to firm order trading based on underlying proprietary funds.

Independent Operations and Licensing

According to the company's equity structure and relevant license information, TTF is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Magic Compass, operating independently. Magic Compass currently holds a host of licenses, including licenses in Hong Kong, Cyprus, Seychelles, Lithuania, and Mauritius.

Engagement with the Trading Community

In a conversation with Alex Zhou, Head of Marketing at Magic Compass Group, he mentioned: "TTF will be present at the 2024 World of Trading event in Frankfurt, Germany, in November this year. We are excited to meet trading enthusiasts in Europe and to explore trading together with professionals around the globe."

Media Contact

Organization: The Trader Funds | Advanced MCN Limited

Contact Person: Dorcas

Website: https://www.thetraderfunds.com | https://mcgrp.com/en

Email: mc.marketing@mcgrp.com

Contact Number: +85265717058

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504757/TTF.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504756/TTF_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/magic-compass-group-launches-new-brand-and-prop-trading-business-302247598.html
Presentations highlight BostonGene's comprehensive profiling, revealing potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets that expand treatment options and advance support for biomarker-driven clinical trials

BostonGene a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven molecular and immune profiling solutions, announced today that it will present three abstracts at ESMO Congress 2024. This globally recognized oncology event brings together clinicians, researchers, patient advocates and healthcare professionals to share and discuss the latest advancements in translational cancer research. The Congress aims to highlight potentially practice-changing data and foster multidisciplinary discussions to enhance treatment options for cancer patients.

The ESMO Congress 2024 will take place from September 13 to 17 in Barcelona, Spain, at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via.

BostonGene session details are as follows:

Abstract: 1115P

Title: Multiomics clustering of patients with cutaneous melanoma to reveal survival trends based on tumor immune evasion features

Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024

Multiomic analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data related to immune escape in a cutaneous melanoma cohort revealed five distinct tumor-immune microenvironment (TiME) types that influence patient survival.

Abstract: 1773P

Title: Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of chondrosarcomas to explore new potential treatment options

Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024

Comprehensive profiling of a chondrosarcoma (CS) cohort identified potential biomarkers and drug targets. Tumor microenvironment analysis revealed a high prevalence of non-immune-enriched subtypes, suggesting that nonimmunotherapeutic treatment options may be more appropriate.

Research conducted in collaboration with Sarcoma Oncology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Sarah Cannon Research Institute

Abstract: 1777P

Title: Molecular profiling from next-generation sequencing (NGS) reveals new potential therapeutic targets in patients with pediatric-type sarcomas

Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024

Comprehensive molecular profiling revealed targetable events that could benefit older patients with pediatric-type fusion-driven sarcoma by expanding potential therapeutic options and allowing for inclusion in biomarker-driven trials without strict age limits.

Research conducted in collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and Sarcoma Oncology Research Center

To learn more or to schedule a meeting with BostonGene during the event, please contact Maria Proia at maria.proia@bostongene.com. For more information, please visit the ESMO Congress 2024 website.

About BostonGene Corporation

BostonGene is a software-driven biotechnology company at the intersection of technology and biology, dedicated to advancing and personalizing cancer medicine. Founded in 2015, BostonGene has continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation to improve patient care and accelerate drug development. Our AI-powered multiomics platform decodes cancer patients' molecular profiles, including their immune system and tumor microenvironment, to uncover key disease drivers, identify novel drug targets and recommend the most effective treatments. With advanced bioanalytics, an indication-specific cancer library and a next-generation CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited high-complexity laboratory, we deliver precise, clinically validated insights that propel precision medicine and advance oncology research. For more information, visit www.BostonGene.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240913958732/en/

Contacts:

Media:

BostonGene

Erin Keleher O'Reilly

+1-617-283-2285

Erin.Oreilly@BostonGene.com
First mpox vaccine to obtain prequalification by the WHO

Approval will help accelerate access to the vaccine for all African countries

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, September 13, 2024 - Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA) today announced that the Company has obtained prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for IMVANEX (MVA-BN) as the first mpox vaccine to be added to the WHO prequalification list.

MVA-BN is indicated for active immunization against smallpox, mpox, and related orthopoxvirus infections and disease in all adults 18 years of age and older. According to recommendations from the WHO, MVA-BN may however be used "off-label" in infants, children and adolescents, and in pregnant and immunocompromised people in outbreak settings where the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks1.

A prequalification or secondary, an emergency use listing is a prerequisite for governments and organizations like Gavi, UNICEF and others to procure and distribute vaccines in African countries, and while the WHO's intent was to evaluate mpox vaccines for an emergency use listing, the agency has assessed that MVA-BN meets the criteria for a full prequalification. This assessment is based on information submitted by Bavarian Nordic, including certifications, assessment reports and positive opinions issued by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which is the regulatory agency of record for this vaccine.

Earlier this week, MVA-BN also received a provisional consent from New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, Medsafe and a full approval from the Mexican Federal Committee for Protection from Sanitary Risks, COFEPRIS.

Paul Chaplin, President & CEO of Bavarian Nordic, said: "We are highly encouraged that our mpox vaccine has received prequalification from the WHO, which is a testament to the strengths of our vaccine and the quality of data, we have generated through numerous studies, as well as in real life. While we continue to work with WHO and other regulatory bodies to expand the approval to include children, who are severely impacted by the mpox outbreak, we are pleased that this approval will help accelerate access to our vaccine for communities across the entire African continent and we applaud the WHO for their swift review and action to make this happen."

About the mpox vaccine

MVA-BN or Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic is the only non-replicating mpox vaccine approved in the U.S., Switzerland and Singapore (marketed as JYNNEOS), Canada (marketed as IMVAMUNE), and the EU/EAA and United Kingdom (marketed as IMVANEX). Originally developed as a smallpox vaccine in collaboration with the U.S. government to ensure the supply of a smallpox vaccine for the entire population, including immunocompromised individuals who are not recommended vaccination with traditional replicating smallpox vaccines, MVA-BN has been indicated for use in the general adult population in individuals considered at risk for smallpox or mpox infection.

Supported by data from a clinical study, conducted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bavarian Nordic has recently filed a submission to the European Medicines Agency to extend the approval to adolescents 12-17 years of age and is also working with partners, including the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in children 2-12 years of age.

Bavarian Nordic has been a long-term supplier of the vaccine to national stockpiles, and during the 2022-2023 mpox outbreak, the Company supported governments and supranational organizations by expanding access to the vaccine to more than 70 countries worldwide.

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

Company Announcement no. 30 / 2024

1 Smallpox and mpox)





Attachment
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grant Thornton Greece, a leading global professional services network, announced the successful completion of a groundbreaking leadership development program in collaboration with Fruit4Growth and N.E.W.S., a global company specializing in leadership development. The program aimed to equip Grant Thornton Greece's teams with the tools and skills they need to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global landscape and lead the firm into the future.

"We are proud to take part in the training of the future managers of the Grant Thornton Greece firm. The methodology we developed offers a package of solutions designed to improve skills, implement innovation, and grow managers in organizations facing frequent global changes. In times of uncertainty, we offer companies the appropriate tools to achieve resilience and organizational growth," said Marina Giareni, CEO of N.E.W.S.

The program involved interactive workshops for approximately 200 participants, held at the firm's headquarters in Athens, as well as in offices across Northern Greece and Crete, over six months. The workshops were based on the NEWS Compass methodology, a suite of twelve award-winning solutions designed to foster innovative thinking, enhance skills, and provide tools for successful navigation in a world of complex global change. N.E.W.S. is particularly strong in helping organizations thrive and prosper in times of continuous change and uncertainty and has established itself as a key resource for organizational resilience and growth.

The Grant Thornton Greece project aimed to implement a comprehensive program for senior teams as well as high-potential employees identified for leadership roles. One of the most important aspects was to equip future leaders with the appropriate tools, including enhanced team and feedback skills, to enable them to lead the firm forward. The implemented program was based on N.E.W.S.'s manager leadership development solutions.

"Considering the results and feedback we received from our colleagues, I would classify N.E.W.S.'s leadership development program as innovative," said Dr. Panagiotis Kontos, Senior Manager of People Experience and Culture at Grant Thornton Greece. "We are grateful for this enriching process we have gone through. It was very important for us to return to face-to-face seminars to offer the most engaging learning experience for our employees. As Einstein said, 'I never teach my students, I only try to provide the conditions under which they can learn.' It was just the beginning of our collaboration with N.E.W.S. and Fruit4Growth."

"Working with Grant Thornton Greece has been a truly rewarding and inspiring experience," said Lilian Moschidou, Vice President of Fruit4Growth, a key partner of N.E.W.S.. "Grant Thornton Greece's commitment to continuous learning and development aligns perfectly with our mission to cultivate exceptional leadership and drive organizational success for our clients. By equipping team leaders with advanced feedback and team skills, we have jointly contributed to their culture of excellence and ongoing development."

About Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton is a global network of 73,000 people in member firms that expands in 149 markets across the globe with a common goal - to help its clients realize their ambitions. This is why the company's network combines global scale and capability with local insights and understanding. Therefore, whether it's about growing in one market or many, looking to operate more effectively, managing risk and regulation, or realizing stakeholder value, the Grant Thornton Greece network has the assurance, tax, and advisory capabilities the clients need with the quality they expect.

About Fruit4Growth

Fruit4Growth is a leadership development company. The firm works with leaders and leadership teams worldwide to build organizations that produce superior results. For over 32 years, Fruit4Growth has delivered on this promise by strategically aligning leadership and talent. They do this by providing a diverse set of development experiences. They have cultivated their solid and long-term international partnership with N.E.W.S.. Together with the leading content provider, Fruit4Growth also specializes in the areas of strategic navigation, culture and leadership assessments, and transformation. Based in Athens, Greece, the company serves the broader area, the EMEA region, and reach out worldwide. The company's vision is to be their client's favorite business partner in the face of constant challenges and transformation needs.

About N.E.W.S.

N.E.W.S. Navigation, a global leader in leadership and organizational navigation, founded in 2006, headquartered in Switzerland and operating in over 40 countries. N.E.W.S. has transformed organizational, team, and leaders' navigation with its acclaimed NEWS Compass methodology.

The innovative approach includes a suite of twelve award-winning solutions, each designed to foster innovative thinking, enhance skills, and provide clients with cutting-edge tools for navigating complex global changes. Especially powerful at helping organizations flourish and thrive in times of constant change and uncertainty, NEWS Compass has established itself as a pivotal resource for organizational resilience and growth. With a global presence across over 40 countries, N.E.W.S. serves a diverse client base ranging from dynamic startups to esteemed Fortune 500 companies, including industry leaders like Corning, Pfizer, Boeing, Microsoft, Apple, PWC, Mazda, Siemens, Vodafone, L'Oreal, Amdocs, and Citibank.

Committed to delivering outstanding results, N.E.W.S. consistently propels organizations to unprecedented success.

For further insights, visit newsnavigation.com/home and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Iris Weinstein, Kav - Yashir

iris@kav-yashir.co.il

+972-544-363334

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/grant-thornton-greece-embraces-the-future-with-innovative-leadership-development-program-powered-by-news--methodology-302247604.html
HONG KONG, Sept 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - The physical exhibitions of the 43rd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 12th Salon de TIME, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd, successfully concluded on 7 September. The two fairs attracted some 17,000 buyers from 106 countries and regions. The results of the 41st Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition, also facilitated by the three organisers, were announced. All winning and finalist entries were displayed during the Watch & Clock Fair.The annual Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition promotes the development of Hong Kong's watch industry. In addition to encouraging local designers to create more innovative work, the competition also identifies emerging industry talent.The competition has an Open Group and a Student Group, with Go Beyond Innovation and Talent Moment as their respective design themes. The Go Beyond Innovation theme for the Open Group focused on new concepts and technologies. The Talent Moment theme for the Student Group encouraged participants to explore new frontiers for quartz watches inspired by AI.70 entries were submitted. The winner, first and second runner-up and merit award recipients were selected by a judging panel comprising eight industry leaders and celebrity artiste Benjamin Yuen.Open Group creations break with tradition and inspireThis year's Open Group winner was Vertical 6.0, designed by Wong Ting Bong. This car-racing inspired watch allows the wearer to experience the pursuit of speed and thrill of racing. A metal case placed above the surface presents an industrial aesthetic.The first runner-up was The time for flowers, designed by Cheng Pui Ling. The watch's dial is layered with enamel four-leaf clovers and butterflies. As the hand moves, each four-leaf clover near the hour marker unfurls one by one, as if caressed by a spring breeze.The second runner-up was ODYSSEY, designed by Inspo Watches Company Limited. This watch includes an innovative dual-dial world time display. A unique automatic movement drives two hemispheric time zone dials, with only a simple adjustment needed to check the time in different time zones.Student Group creations combine elegance with practicalityThe Student Group, for students from local registered colleges, looked for up-and-coming watch industry talent. This year's winner was Liminality, designed by Lau Cheuk Lai who studies at Creative Secondary School. This creation blurs the boundaries between watches and jewellery, showing transitory forms that combine AI with tradition and decoration with practicality.The first runner-up was Celestial Feathered Symphony, designed by Lee Kwan Ho from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This peacock-inspired watch combines ethereal and artistic elements. The pointer movement evokes the imagery of a peacock, dancing amidst a symphony of feathers.The second runner-up was The Watcher, designed by Yu Po Kwan from the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong. This creation features an eye, inspired by surveillance cameras, while a rotating mechanism in the watch face signifies the passage of time.Newly introduced this year was The Made-to-Sell Award, recognising a student creation that demonstrates exceptional marketability. The award went to Yip Yu Ching from the Hong Kong Design Institute for her creation Starlight. Inspired by stargazing, the watch design included a location tracking function and a constellation diagram.This watch will be produced under the guidance and support of the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd and will receive its official retail launch at the HKTDC Design Gallery. The winner was selected by another eight industry leaders and the Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC.The competition's Award Presentation Ceremony was complemented by a Fashion x Watch Parade.Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Xg7EZHVertical 6.0: Open Group champion of the 41st Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design CompetitionThe time for flowers: Open Group first runner-up of the 41st Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design CompetitionODYSSEY: Open Group second runner-up of the 41st Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design CompetitionLiminality: Student Group champion of the 41st Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design CompetitionCelestial Feathered Symphony: Student Group first runner-up of the 41st Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design CompetitionThe Watcher: Student Group second runner-up of the 41st Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design CompetitionStarlight: The Made-to-Sell Award of the 41st Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design CompetitionThe 41st Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition featured Open Group and Student Group category winners. Celebrity guest judge Benjamin Yuen attended the award ceremony.WebsitesHong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: hkwatchfair.hktdc.comSalon de TIME: https://www.hktdc.com/event/te/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Johnny Tsui Tel: (852) 2584 4395 Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.Source: HKTDCCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The third edition of the Global AI Summit (GAIN) closed today, after a series high profile collaborations poised to drive AI innovation and growth.

Hosted by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), GAIN has brought together AI experts and business leaders from across the globe. The final day kicked off with a session exploring the technical foundations of Explainable AI - systems helping humans to interpret the predictions made by machine learning models - featuring representatives from The Alan Turing Institute, Thales, and Cognizant Technology Solutions.

It also saw the next generation of AI talent celebrated on stage following this week's International AI Olympiad, in which students from 25 countries competed to solve problems using the latest technologies. The competition was launched as a platform to help the next generation of AI experts and enthusiasts keep pace with the rapid changes in AI technology and exchange ideas.

The final day also focused on AI and education, with dedicated sessions on personalized learning with generative AI, as well as a discussion on how we bridge the innovation gap between academia and industry.

Several landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and partnerships were secured, including:

Microsoft: signed an MoU with SDAIA to develop a joint Center of Excellence dedicated to accelerating innovation in the field of Generative AI, with a special focus on Arabic Large Language Models. The enhanced partnership will also see "ALLaM" - SDAIA's Arabic LLM - generally available on Microsoft Azure.

Dell: signed an MoU with SDAIA to develop talent in the Kingdom, which will include equipping citizens with practical experience and knowledge about AI concepts and applications.

Oracle: signed an MoU with SDAIA to raise citizens' awareness of AI and enhance skills to support the Saudi Arabian labor market. This will be achieved through several collaborative initiatives, including workshops and comprehensive training programs that provide professional certifications in data and AI.

IBM: and SDAIA have joined forces to host the watsonX platform and the "ALLaM" model - a specialized Arabic language model - on the government cloud "Deem." By combining IBM's expertise in AI with Deem's secure infrastructure, the collaboration provides a high-performance environment for government agencies to leverage AI technologies.

KloudSpot: signed an MoU with SDAIA to implement advanced cloud services that support AI and Internet of Things technologies. The partnership is expected to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia's digital transformation goals.

Saudi Arabia Ministry of Tourism: also partnered with SDAIA to create an AI Center of Excellence dedicated to transforming the tourism sector.

Additionally, the summit saw the establishment of key partnerships with ST Engineering for smart city solutions.

The summit is due to return in Riyadh in 2026.

Media@GlobalAISummit.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-ai-summit-2024-continued-to-transform-data-and-ai-landscape-on-final-day-302247608.html
JINGXI, China, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recently, the first shipment of locally processed salt-baked cashews from Jingxi City, Guangxi, was exported to Kazakhstan, marking a new breakthrough for the city's processing industry.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

In recent years, Jingxi City has accelerated the implementation of a development model combining "border trading + local processing", processing imported raw materials in the Border Economic Industrial Park of Jingxi City, and then selling the finished products to domestic and international markets. To promote the development of the local processing industry, Jingxi City has leveraged the advantages of border trade in the border areas, continuously advancing the construction of the Longbang Port, improving the soft and hard infrastructure of the border trading venue, and building a comprehensive "one platform and three markets" system. This has simplified and standardized the border trade process, effectively promoting the transformation of Longbang Port from a passage economy to a port economy, creating a favorable environment for local processing enterprises.

As of now, there are 23 local processing enterprises in Jingxi City engaged in border trade, including 9 enterprises above designated scale. These enterprises mainly process products such as cold-chain aquatic products, nut products, and traditional Chinese medicine products across various processing fields.

According to the data from the Publicity Department of Jingxi City, from January to July this year, the total value of imported goods through local processing at Longbang Port reached 2.187 billion yuan. Among this, the local processing output value of nine enterprises above designated scale reached 1.306 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 157.94%. The local processing industry has become a new growth engine for the economy of Jingxi City. Jingxi City will further promote the development of the local processing industry, continue to increase support for enterprises, and consistently optimize the business environment to ensure that all elements of project implementation are guaranteed.

Source: The Publicity Department of Jingxi City
The "Global Dermal Fillers Market Focused Insights 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global dermal fillers market is expected to reach a value of $9.98 billion by 2029 from $6.18 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 8.31%

The global dermal fillers market report contains exclusive data on 26 vendors. There is growth in the market for dermal fillers as new products and treatments enter the market. AbbVie (Allergan), Galderma, Merz Pharma, Sinclair, and Teoxane are established players in the dermal fillers market with a wide range of products. Allergan's Juvederm line is the most popular and established treatment, and it consistently introduces new products to improve results and minimize side effects.

Merz Pharma is another major player in the dermal filler field, offering a range of Radiesse and Belotero treatments. The dermal filler market is competitive, with companies entering and exiting the market regularly. Developing new technologies and treatments allows companies to create products tailored to individuals, which will continue to drive market competition.

The U.S. dominated the dermal fillers market share in North America. The U.S. dominates the region due to a large patient population seeking a youthful appearance and high awareness of dermal fillers and lip augmentation. In recent years, rapid economic growth and rising average income levels across the U.S. increased the capability of people to pay for cosmetic surgery. This contributes to the rising demand for dermal fillers.

The APAC region shows the highest growth in the global dermal fillers market during the forecast period. The APAC dermal fillers market is expected to experience a rapid increase in demand and market size in the coming years. This growth results from advances in the region's aesthetic treatments and cosmetics industry and increased consumer demand for such treatments. The increased prevalence of age-related skin problems, such as wrinkles, drooping jowls, and sagging cheeks, is the major driver of the APAC dermal fillers market. Growing urbanization, rising disposable income, and increasing acceptance of such treatments among men and women are also expected to contribute to the growing market.

MARKET TRENDS DRIVERS

Trend of Customization and Personalization

The trend of customization and personalization in dermal fillers reflects a shift in patient preferences toward treatments that cater to unique needs and desires. Traditionally, dermal fillers were viewed as a one-size-fits-all solution. Still, as the field of aesthetic medicine evolves, there is a growing recognition that each patient's facial anatomy, skin type, and aesthetic goals differ. In response to this demand, manufacturers develop dermal filler products with a wider range of options, allowing practitioners to choose formulations that best suit each patient.

For example, some fillers may vary in viscosity or thickness, providing more flexibility in addressing different areas of the face or achieving specific outcomes, such as volume restoration or wrinkle reduction. Moreover, advances in technology have enabled practitioners to employ various injection techniques and combination treatments to customize the patient experience further. Comprehensive facial rejuvenation might involve combining dermal fillers with other modalities, such as neuromodulators (e.g., Botox) or skin rejuvenation procedures.

Furthermore, patient consultations are more collaborative, with practitioners taking the time to understand each patient's concerns, preferences, and aesthetic goals. This personalized approach allows tailored treatment plans to prioritize safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction. Overall, the trend toward customization and personalization of dermal fillers represents an exciting evolution in aesthetic medicine, empowering patients to achieve natural-looking results that align with their identities and aspirations.

Desire for Long-lasting Injectables

The desire for longer-lasting injectables in dermal fillers reflects a shift toward treatments with prolonged results and reduced maintenance requirements. Historically, many dermal fillers provided temporary improvements, requiring frequent touch-ups to maintain the desired aesthetic outcomes. However, there is a significant interest in fillers that provide longer-lasting effects as patients seek treatments that offer greater convenience and longevity. Manufacturers respond to this demand by developing advanced formulations with enhanced durability.

These next-generation fillers often use innovative technologies, such as cross-linked or modified hyaluronic acid structures, to extend their longevity while maintaining safety and biocompatibility. Patients can enjoy the benefits of dermal fillers for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent visits to the clinic by incorporating these advances. Additionally, longer-lasting injectables offer several advantages for both patients and practitioners. Patients benefit from reduced treatment frequency and downtime, allowing them to maintain their desired aesthetic results with fewer interruptions to their daily lives.

On the other hand, practitioners can optimize their treatment schedules and enhance patient satisfaction by offering solutions that align with their preferences for long-lasting outcomes. Furthermore, the demand for long-lasting injectables underscores the importance of patient education and informed decision-making. Practitioners are crucial in discussing the benefits and considerations of various filler options, helping patients make well-informed choices that best suit their needs and preferences.

Popularity of Dermal Fillers among Men

The surge in men opting for dermal fillers reflects a significant cultural shift, where grooming and self-care are increasingly perceived as essential components of masculinity. This evolution challenges traditional gender norms that previously limited discussions and acceptance of cosmetic procedures to women. Much like women, men now recognize the potential of dermal fillers to address age-related concerns and enhance their appearance subtly. This trend is propelled by various factors, including societal expectations for men to maintain a youthful and polished look, especially in competitive social and professional spheres.

Moreover, the normalization of aesthetic procedures through mainstream media and male celebrities openly discussing their cosmetic enhancements contribute to reducing stigma and encouraging male engagement in such treatments. Additionally, the rise of personalized treatment plans tailored specifically for male anatomy and aesthetic goals underscores the industry's recognition of male patients' unique needs and preferences. This trend continues to gain momentum and signifies a broader cultural shift toward inclusive beauty standards and self-expression for individuals of all genders.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Availability of Alternatives to Traditional Dermal Fillers

PepFactor products are popular alternatives to traditional dermal fillers in aesthetic medicine. These innovative products use advanced peptide technology to stimulate the skin's natural regeneration processes, promoting collagen production, skin texture, and overall volume and elasticity. One of the primary advantages of PepFactor products is their ability to deliver gradual and natural-looking results without requiring injections or invasive procedures.

These products work from within the skin to rejuvenate and revitalize, addressing signs of aging and skin laxity in a non-invasive manner. Overall, using PepFactor products as alternatives to dermal fillers highlights aesthetic medicine's ongoing innovation and evolution. We can expect to see further developments in peptide-based therapies that offer safe, effective, and natural-looking enhancements with technological advances.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

Insights by Material Type:

Hyaluronic Acid: This segment led the market in 2023. The growth is driven by the increasing geriatric population, facial aging concerns, and a growing inclination toward improving physical appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers are popular for their effectiveness in wrinkle correction, non-invasive nature, and the rising awareness in the beauty sector. Ongoing R&D investments for innovative dermal products also support market expansion.

Insights by Application Type:

Volume Restoration: This segment is showing the highest growth rate. The demand for volume restoration procedures is rising due to an aging population, increased awareness of aesthetic treatments, and advancements in filler technologies. Non-hyaluronic acid fillers, such as CaHA, polyalkylimide, PLLA, and PMMA microspheres, are gaining popularity for their long-lasting results and collagen-stimulating effects.

Insights by Gender Type:

Female: Women continue to dominate the dermal fillers market, reflecting changing beauty standards and increasing acceptance of cosmetic enhancements. This trend indicates a strong and growing demand for dermal fillers among women, emphasizing the need for manufacturers and healthcare providers to focus on product safety, efficacy, and personalized treatment.

Insights by Age Group Type:

Under 39 Years: This age group is growing rapidly in the dermal fillers market. Young adults are increasingly seeking preventative treatments to address early signs of aging and maintain youthful skin. The influence of social media, where influencers and celebrities openly discuss cosmetic treatments, contributes to the rising acceptance and curiosity among younger demographics.

Insights by End-User Type:

Hospitals: Hospitals are the leading end-users of dermal fillers due to their resources, skilled professionals, and advanced technology. They provide a secure environment for non-invasive procedures and are preferred by patients for their comprehensive care and state-of-the-art facilities. This makes hospitals a key segment in the dermal fillers market.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What is the growth rate of the global dermal fillers market?

How big is the global dermal fillers market?

What are the key drivers of the global dermal fillers market?

Who are the major players in the global dermal fillers market?

Which region dominates the global dermal fillers market?

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 155 Forecast Period 2023 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $6.18 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $9.98 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.3% Regions Covered Global

VENDORS LIST

Key Vendors

AbbVie

Galderma

Merz Pharma

Sinclair

Teoxane

Other Prominent Vendors

BioPlus

Biotech

Cytophil

Dr. Korman

FILLMED

HUGEL

Medytox

Prollenium Medical Technologies

Shanghai Bioha Technology

Suneva Medical

REGENYAL LABORATORIES

TAUMED

Caregen

Jetema Co Ltd

Marllor Biomedical

Professional Derma

Promoitalia

SID MEDICOS

REVITACARE

Vivacy

WiQo

SEGMENTATION FORECAST

By Material

Hyaluronic Acid

Non-Hyaluronic Acid

By Application

Lip Cheek Enhancement

Wrinkle Scar Treatment

Restoration of Volume

By Gender

Female

Male

By Age Group

Between 40 59 Years

60 Years Above

Below 39 Years

By End-User

Hospitals

Specialty Dermatology Clinics

Medical Spas Beauty Centers

By Geography

North America

The U.S.

Canada

Europe

Germany

The U.K.

France

Italy

Spain

APAC

Japan

China

India

Australia

South Korea

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Argentina

Middle East Africa

Turkey

South Africa

Saudi Arabia

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/sjz04n

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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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Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE:BOOM)(OTC PINK:GGDCF)(Frankfurt:W9F) (the "Company" or "Galloper") is pleased to announce that Phase 1 diamond drilling has commenced at the Company's Glover Island Project where Galloper's 100%-owned claims cover most of the 40-km-long under-explored Island situated in the prolific "Four Corners" region of Western Newfoundland featuring major deposits of gold, copper and salt.

Galloper's initial drilling is targeting a significant expansion of the known orogenic gold system at Glover Island, while a potential new discovery is emerging adjacent to the gold trend on the western side of the Island where a multi-kilometre-long copper anomaly has been identified through recent Galloper soil sampling combined with an historic VTEM Survey.

Highlights:

Diamond drilling has started 6 km north of the known historic gold deposit at Glover Island in an area known as "Lucky Smoke" where limited previous exploration has occurred;

Lucky Smoke is one of multiple gold showings at Glover Island where a contact zone, highly favorable for gold deposition, continues along a minimum 12-km trend;

The copper anomaly is in an area of Glover Island never previously explored due to very limited outcrop. Prospecting and mapping are following up on recent soil samples and an historic (2008) VTEM Survey. More information on this early-stage prospect will be provided in the near future once more data is received and interpreted.

Mr. Hratch Jabrayan, Galloper CEO, commented: "Glover Island represents compelling new discovery opportunities well beyond the known historic deposit defined more than a dozen years ago, so we're excited to begin the drilling phase of our work there. Most of Glover Island has never been systematically explored as evidenced by the copper anomaly we've uncovered on the western side of the Island. The convergence of major faults at Glover Island and the widespread presence of 'the right rocks' is an excellent recipe for a potential large-scale system consistent with what has been observed elsewhere in this 'Four Corners' region of Western Newfoundland."

Glover Island Geological Setting

Glover Island is situated in very favorable terrane along the regional Baie-Verte Brompton Line-Cabot Fault Zone (BCZ), a major boundary between the Humber and Dunnage Zones.

Glover Island in a Broader Regional Context

62 km south is Caliber Gold's multi-million ounce Valentine Gold mine slated for production beginning in 2025;

55 km due west is the prolific past producing Buchans mine (1928-1984), one of the richest base metal mines in Canadian history, in an area that includes recently defined resources and a number of prospects;

82 km southwest is Atlas Salt's world class Great Atlantic Salt Project advancing toward the construction phase.

Figure 1 - "Four Corners" Region of Western Newfoundland

Investors are cautioned that mineralization on adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization at Glover Island or the potential for a resource.

Phase 1 Diamond Drilling

Galloper's initial drilling at Glover Island is focusing on the Lucky Smoke Showing which resides in the Kettle Pond Formation, approximately 6 km down strike of the known Lunch Pond deposit contiguous to Galloper's claims. Drilling at Lucky Smoke is aimed at confirming and extending both to depth and along strike the gold occurrences identified from limited historic drilling and trenches in this area.

CEO Hratch Jabrayan Video Profile

Click on the following link to learn more about Hratch, Galloper Gold's new CEO.

https://vimeo.com/1007433600/031f977268

Glover Island Property Map

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Peter Lauder, P.Geo., Director and Senior Geologist for Galloper Gold. Mr. Lauder is the Qualified Person responsible for the scientific and technical information contained herein under National Instrument 43-101 standards.

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.

About 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.

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

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. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally, risks related to capital markets, risks related to the state of financial markets or future metals prices and the other risks described in the Company's publicly filed disclosure.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this news release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Galloper Gold Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Systemware's innovative content management platform now includes optical character recognition (OCR) technology to enhance image indexing speed and accuracy for enterprise clients.

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2024 / Systemware, an enterprise content management (ECM) software company based out of Dallas, is proud to announce the launch of new AI-enhanced optical character recognition (OCR) tools for increased efficiency in image indexing.

AI-Powered Tools Systemware

Systemware Launches Advanced AI-Powered Tools to Modernize Image Indexing

While still in the early stages of implementation, the new tool has already helped at least one long-time Systemware customer transform image management at their organization. Systemware will soon roll out the solution to more of its enterprise clients throughout the United States.

Systemware's OCR tools leverage advanced artificial intelligence to help large enterprise organizations automatically categorize and tag images. Once indexed, the system runs through the company's internal validation process to look up relevant metadata and make sure all fields match. This streamlined solution to image indexing offers more speed and accuracy to organizations managing massive amounts of image-based data. It also offers a quick but effective update to outdated indexing systems in need of a more modern approach.

"This new technology represents a significant leap forward in modernizing image management," says Systemware President and CEO, Frankie Basso. "It's taken what we do best and expanded it to boost efficiencies across all industries and businesses."

As a flexible software platform, Systemware strives to meet and anticipate its enterprise customers' content management needs. With automatic indexing, organizations can:

Categorize and tag images without the need for manual inputs

Quickly pull out text from images and scanned documents

Optimize workflows and processes for increased productivity and accuracy

Get more value out of existing image content and seamlessly integrate new images into the indexing database

Because Systemware's OCR tools integrate with each customer's unique validation process, metadata is verified on the back end without the need for manual inputs. This further drives efficiency in the content management pipeline and can be used alongside other Systemware AI features, such as intelligent document processing and advanced content searches and retrievals.

Systemware's ECM tools, including automatic image indexing, are tailored to individual customers, departments, and industries. This ensures that each organization has what it needs to tackle its biggest content management challenges and improve business processes.

Together and separately, Systemware's automated content management tools are designed to optimize the way enterprise organizations store, access, and use digital content. Other key features of the platform include:

AI-driven search and discovery tools

Real-time version tracking

Enhanced security

Bundled metrics and reporting

To learn more about Systemware's AI tools and book a free consultation, visit www.systemware.com.

About Systemware

Systemware is an enterprise content management (ECM) software company that creates custom cloud-based content management solutions for the world's largest enterprise organizations. Under the leadership of president and CEO Frankie Basso, Systemware continues to innovate in the CMS space, increasing speed, efficiency, and accuracy in how companies manage and store their proprietary data.

For more information, please visit www.systemware.com.

Contact Information

Systemware Headquarters

Dallas Office

successteam@systemware.com

(972) 239-0200

SOURCE: Systemware, Inc.

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Tata Consultancy Services collaborates with global analytics software leader FICO to challenge students to imagine digital innovations that can make cities better places to live

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2024 / With congestion, pollution and not enough resources, today's cities face significant challenges. Despite that, they are still growing. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 11 addresses issues such as population growth, resource management and consumption as it seeks to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This month, TCS and partner, global analytics software leader FICO, are calling on students aged 6-17 to answer that call through the goIT Monthly Challenge for September, Thriving Cities. The competition offers students the chance to compete for recognition and prizes when they submit their ideas for ensuring cities are places where people can prosper and thrive.

According to the World Bank, about 56% of the world's population - 4.4 billion inhabitants - live in cities, a trend expected to continue through 2050. At that point, the World Bank says urban population will have doubled, with nearly 7 of 10 people living in cities. This accelerated growth will increase demand for affordable housing, basic services, jobs, transport systems and viable infrastructure. It also makes life difficult for residents.

"TCS has a deep concern about urban dysfunction because it most negatively affects people experiencing poverty," said John DiChiara, Global lead - TCS goIT program. "Since the world needs all the good ideas young people can bring, participating with goIT in the search for solutions will be time well spent. We appreciate FICO's partnership on this important program."

"At FICO, we're passionate about using data and analytics to solve some of the world's toughest challenges," said Irshad Raihan, Vice President of product marketing and corporate communications at FICO. "We are proud to support young visionaries through the TCS goIT Monthly Challenge and look forward to seeing the creative solutions that contribute to building more equitable communities."

Students are encouraged to generate and present ideas for digital innovations that can make cities more liveable, sustainable and successful at serving their residents. Among many other possibilities, participants could explore strategies to improve financial literacy, employment, inclusivity or safety, or to ensure resiliency in the face of a natural disaster. All entries should demonstrate support for the UN's SDG 11 and will be judged by industry professionals. Participating students (individuals or teams) in the virtual challenge will compete for prizes, mentoring, future recognition, and more.

The submission deadline is September 30, 2024.

To learn more about the goIT Monthly Challenge and to enter, visit on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG.

About TCS goIT Digital Innovation and Career Readiness Program

TCS' Go Innovate Together program (goIT) is TCS' flagship STEM education program. Focusing on digital innovation and career readiness, goIT engages students from diverse backgrounds with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects and computer science, design thinking and digital innovation. The program offers an industry-developed, customizable curriculum that teaches students the 21st century skills necessary for a career in technology. Lessons cover topics including design thinking, rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence, machine learning and more.

Since the launch of the goIT Monthly Challenge in 2020, thousands of students across the globe have used key principles from goIT to design tech-based solutions and submit pitch videos based on a Monthly Challenge theme. Each month, TCS co-hosts the event with a Sustainable Development Goal ambassador, globally minded nonprofit or a TCS client. The Challenge has engaged a growing number of teachers and students every month, exploring topics ranging from gender equality and systemic racism to protecting life under water.

Visit the goIT Monthly Challenge competition website to learn how to enter - or get your students involved - with this or upcoming challenges: https://on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG.

About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the world's largest businesses in their transformation journeys for over 56 years. Its consulting-led, cognitive powered, portfolio of business, technology and engineering services and solutions is delivered through its unique Location Independent Agile delivery model, recognized as a benchmark of excellence in software development.

A part of the Tata group, India's largest multinational business group, TCS has over 601,000 of the world's best-trained consultants in 55 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $29 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and is listed on the BSE and the NSE in India. TCS' proactive stance on climate change and award-winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the MSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. For more information, visit www.tcs.com

About FICO

FICO (NYSE:FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 200 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, insurance, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 100 countries do everything from protecting 4 billion payment cards from fraud, to improving financial inclusion, to increasing supply chain resiliency. The FICO Score, used by 90% of top US lenders, is the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the US and has been made available in over 40 other countries, improving risk management, credit access and transparency.

Learn more at https://www.fico.com/en.

Join the conversation at https://x.com/FICO_corp & https://www.fico.com/blogs/

For FICO news and media resources, visit https://www.fico.com/en/newsroom.

FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/tata-consultancy-services-tcs

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

View the original press release on accesswire.com
By Scott McGregor

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2024 / For most students attending college, a reliable internet connection is something they can count on. For students attending Claflin University, a small Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in rural Orangeburg, South Carolina, reliable broadband access was more than a challenge, it was impacting the university's ability to deliver a high-quality education, and residents in surrounding communities didn't have reliable access to important online services such as education and healthcare.

Broadband challenges in rural South Carolina

Orangeburg has a population of around 13,300 residents. 21.9% of households are without Internet access, 14% of residents lack a smartphone, computer, or tablet, and more than 34% of Orangeburg's residents live below the poverty line. For students attending the university, they found connectivity was intermittent at best and often non-existent in dormitories or on the yard. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted these issues, revealing a myriad of challenges the school faced in educating its students remotely.

"When I first arrived at Claflin, we were in the middle of what you would call a broadband desert", said Dr. Arthur Doctor, dean of students at Claflin University. "Our students were struggling to have access to academic resources, but also, just being able to be a connected campus community, there were some struggles."

Born and raised in South Carolina, Dr. Doctor knows firsthand the connectivity challenges facing the region, and as a life-long educator he knew the impact the lack of broadband was having on his students' ability to attain a quality educational experience and access opportunities such as internships and jobs.

A model partnership

When the opportunity to work with Cisco and its ecosystem of partners to include Student Freedom Initiative to deploy 5G/LTE services on the campus and in the surrounding community, Dr. Doctor knew it would be transformational for the Claflin University Campus, its immediate neighbor South Carolina State University and nearby residents.

"We partnered with Cisco to launch an ambitious pilot program that will allow us to really connect our campus community in ways we've never been connected before, not only impacting our students and our administrators, but a nearby HBCU. And most importantly, the Orangeburg community that we've been entrenched in since 1869." said, Doctor. "Bridging the divide is more about people. It's about being able to connect them and Wi-Fi is at the core of that. As a society that's geared by technology, being able to have Claflin connected with the Orangeburg community through this partnership is transformative."

The pilot program, supported by Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration program funded a private 5G network for Claflin University, with the intent of addressing the connectivity divide for both the campus and the surrounding residential community that lacked high-speed internet access, many of which couldn't afford the service.

In addition to deploying 5G/LTE, Cisco conducted a NIST assessment to ensure the school was eligible to receive critical Title IV funding and donated $1.7 million in equipment and services as part of its IT modernization program. Cisco is also providing training to the school's IT staff, plans to offer upskilling through its Networking Academy and implemented a student help desk to provide community support. Claflin hosted the inaugural Cisco Cyber Security Resilience workshop on their campus designed to train students for jobs in the cyber security field.

Securing a brighter future

The partnership between Claflin and Cisco has become a model for HBCUs across the country. For Claflin students, the future is bright. They now have access to more academic opportunities than ever before and can reliably connect to home and other support systems. Instructors and administrators can provide necessary resources to students, both in person and remotely and connectivity to the local community and neighboring institutions will be greatly improved. This sustainable model will support the university and community well into the future.

"I see myself each and every day in our students. And it really has allowed me to be passionate about the work that I'm able to do. When I'm here late at night or on the weekends, it really just makes me smile to see that they're having an experience that they can look back on as one that's been positive and impacted them in a tremendous way."

For more information:

Learn more about Cisco Social Justice

Cisco Networking Academy

View original content here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cisco Systems Inc. on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc.

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's ENHERTU achieved 61.6% progression-free survival rate at one year in patients with active or stable brain metastases in DESTINY-Breast12

Largest prospective trial of ENHERTU in this patient population

Results from the DESTINY-Breast12 Phase IIIb/IV trial showed thatENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) demonstrated substantial overall and intracranial clinical activity in a large cohort of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have brain metastases and received no more than two prior lines of therapy in the metastatic setting. Results will be presented today as a late-breaking presentation (abstract LBA18) at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO24) and simultaneously published in Nature Medicine

ENHERTUis a specifically engineered HER2-directed DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC) discovered by Daiichi Sankyo and being jointly developed and commercialized by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo.

In patients with brain metastases at baseline, the primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) by independent central review showed a 12-month PFS rate of 61.6%. Additionally, patients with brain metastases showed a central nervous system (CNS) 12-month PFS rate of 58.9%. Results were consistent in patients with stable and active brain metastases. Patients with stable brain metastases had a 12-month PFS rate of 62.9% and a 12-month CNS PFS rate of 57.8%. Patients with active brain metastases had a 12-month PFS rate of 59.6% and a 12-month CNS PFS rate of 60.1%.

In patients without brain metastases at baseline, the primary endpoint of confirmed objective response rate (ORR) by independent central review showed an ORR of 62.7% with 23 complete responses (CR) and 128 partial responses (PR).

Nancy Lin, MD, Associate Chief, Division of Breast Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, US and principal investigator for the trial, said: "Up to fifty percent of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer experience the spread of disease to the brain during the course of their illness, which significantly impacts quality of life and outcomes. These data help further characterize the clinical benefit and safety profile of ENHERTU in these patients, which will help guide treatment decisions."

Sunil Verma, Global Head Oncology Franchise, AstraZeneca, said "The results from DESTINY-Breast12 show substantial clinical activity for patients whose disease has spread to the brain. The data as well as the results in patients without brain metastases further build confidence in the clinical profile of ENHERTU for the second-line treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer."

Mark Rutstein, Global Head, Oncology Development, Daiichi Sankyo, said, "Treating brain metastases in patients with breast cancer is challenging as there are few effective treatment options. Building on previous studies, these results show ENHERTU can provide strong overall and intracranial clinical activity and support its potential role in treating patients with active or stable brain metastases."

Summary of results: DESTINY-Breast12 primary analysis

Efficacy measure Baseline brain metastases

(cohort 2) No baseline

brain

metastases

(cohort 1) Overall

population

(n=263) Stable brain

metastasesi

(n=157) Active brain

metastasesii

(n=106) Overall

population

(n=241)iii 12-month PFS rate (%)

(95% CI)iv 61.6 (54.9-67.6) 62.9 (54.0-70.5) 59.6 (49.0-68.7) 12-month CNS PFS rate

(%) (95% CI)v 58.9 (51.9-65.3) 57.8 (48.2-66.1) 60.1 (49.2-69.4) 12 month OS rate (%)

95% CI) 90.3 (85.9-93.4) 90.6 (86.0-93.8) Confirmed ORR(%)vi, vii

(95% CI) 51.7 (45.7-57.8) 49.7 (41.9-57.5) 54.7 (45.2-64.2) 62.7 (56.5-68.8) CR (n) 4.2 (11) 9.5 (23) PR (n) 47.5 (125) 53.1 (128)viii Confirmed CNS ORR (%)

(95% CI)ix 71.7 (64.2-79.3) N=138 79.2 (70.2-88.3) N=77 62.3 (50.1-74.5) N=61

PFS, progression-free survival; CI, confidence interval; CNS, central nervous system; OS, overall survival; ORR, objective response rate; CR, complete response; PR, partial response i Stable brain metastases (previously treated) ii Active brain metastases (untreated or previously treated progressing [not requiring immediate local therapy]) iii Includes 26 patients with no measurable disease at baseline iv Primary endpoint for baseline brain metastases (cohort 2) was median PFS with 42.2% data maturity at time of data cutoff (8 February 2024); post-hoc analysis showed median PFS of 17.3 months (95% CI 13.7-22.1) v Patients who had systemic progression, but no CNS progression, were censored at the time of the progression assessment; the analysis did not account for systemic progression as a competing event vi Primary endpoint for no baseline brain metastases cohort (cohort 1) vii ORR is (CR PR) viii One patient with no measurable disease at baseline was assigned PR by independent central review ix Analysis of CNS ORR was in patients with measurable CNS disease at baseline

A post-hoc analysis in patients with active brain metastases showed the CNS ORR was 82.6% (n=19/23) for patients who had not received prior local CNS therapy and 50.0% (n=19/38) in patients who had progressed following prior local CNS therapy.

The safety profile of ENHERTU in DESTINY-Breast12 was consistent with previous breast cancer clinical trials with no new safety concerns identified. The safety profile of ENHERTU in the trial was also generally consistent between patients with brain metastases and patients without brain metastases.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pneumonitis occurred in 12.9% of patients in cohort without brain metastases and 16.0% in the cohort of patients with brain metastases as determined by the investigator. The majority of ILD events were low grade (Grade 1 or 2). In patients without brain metastases, there were 22 Grade 1 ILD events, six Grade 2 events, zero Grade 3 and 4 events, and three (1.2%) Grade 5 events. In patients with brain metastases, there were 26 Grade 1 ILD events, eight Grade 2 events, one Grade 3 event, one Grade 4 event and six (2.3%) Grade 5 events. Five ILD or pneumonitis events in the brain metastases cohort were reported by the investigator as co-occurring with opportunistic infection (one Grade 4 and four Grade 5).

ENHERTU is approved in more than 65 countries for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Indications

ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH positive) breast cancer who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen either: In the metastatic setting, or In the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting and have developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing therapy



Unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received a prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within 6 months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy

Unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy



This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

Locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/ISH positive) gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen



Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC3+) solid tumors who have received prior systemic treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options



This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, including fatal cases, have been reported with ENHERTU. Monitor for and promptly investigate signs and symptoms including cough, dyspnea, fever, and other new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in all patients with Grade 2 or higher ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients of the risk and to immediately report symptoms.

Exposure to ENHERTU during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.

Contraindications

None.

Warnings and Precautions

Interstitial Lung Disease Pneumonitis

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in =28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose one level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., =0.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate systemic corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., =1 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent) and continue for at least 14 days followed by gradual taper for at least 4 weeks.

HER2-Positive or HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer, HER2-mutant NSCLC, and other solid tumors treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 12% of patients. Median time to first onset was 5.5 months (range: 0.9 to 31.5). Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 1.0% of patients treated with ENHERTU.

HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 10% of patients. Median time to first onset was 2.8 months (range: 1.2 to 21).

Neutropenia

Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then reduce dose by one level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3 C or a sustained temperature of =38 C for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved, then reduce dose by one level.

HER2-Positive or HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer, HER2-mutant NSCLC, and other solid tumors treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 63% of patients. Seventeen percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 22 days (range: 2 to 939). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1% of patients.

HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 72% of patients. Fifty-one percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 16 days (range: 4 to 187). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 4.8% of patients.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. Manage LVEF decrease through treatment interruption. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

HER2-Positive or HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer, HER2-mutant NSCLC, and other solid tumors treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, LVEF decrease was reported in 3.8% of patients, of which 0.6% were Grade 3.

HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, no clinical adverse events of heart failure were reported; however, on echocardiography, 8% were found to have asymptomatic Grade 2 decrease in LVEF.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

Additional Dose Modifications

Thrombocytopenia

For Grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 to 25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (platelets <25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then reduce dose by one level.

Adverse Reactions

HER2-Positive and HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)

The pooled safety population reflects exposure to ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in 1799 patients in Study DS8201-A-J101 (NCT02564900), DESTINY-Breast01, DESTINY-Breast02, DESTINY-Breast03, DESTINY-Breast04, DESTINY-Lung01, DESTINY-Lung02, DESTINY-CRC02, and DESTINY-PanTumor02. Among these patients, 65% were exposed for >6 months and 38% were exposed for >1 year. In this pooled safety population, the most common (=20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (73%), decreased white blood cell count (70%), decreased hemoglobin (66%), decreased neutrophil count (63%), decreased lymphocyte count (58%), fatigue (56%), decreased platelet count (48%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (47%), increased alanine aminotransferase (43%), vomiting (40%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (38%), alopecia (34%), constipation (33%), decreased appetite (32%), decreased blood potassium (31%), diarrhea (29%), musculoskeletal pain (24%), and abdominal pain (20%).

HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

DESTINY-Breast03

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 257 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every three weeks in DESTINY-Breast03. The median duration of treatment was 14 months (range: 0.7 to 30).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 19% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were vomiting, interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, pyrexia, and urinary tract infection. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 0.8% of patients including COVID-19 and sudden death (one patient each).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 14% of patients, of which ILD/pneumonitis accounted for 8%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pneumonia, nausea, fatigue, and ILD/pneumonitis. Dose reductions occurred in 21% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were nausea, neutropenia, and fatigue.

The most common (=20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (76%), decreased white blood cell count (74%), decreased neutrophil count (70%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (67%), decreased hemoglobin (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (55%), increased alanine aminotransferase (53%), decreased platelet count (52%), fatigue (49%), vomiting (49%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (49%), alopecia (37%), decreased blood potassium (35%), constipation (34%), musculoskeletal pain (31%), diarrhea (29%), decreased appetite (29%), headache (22%), respiratory infection (22%), abdominal pain (21%), increased blood bilirubin (20%), and stomatitis (20%).

HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer

DESTINY-Breast04

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 371 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks in DESTINY-Breast04. The median duration of treatment was 8 months (range: 0.2 to 33) for patients who received ENHERTU.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 28% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, pneumonia, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, sepsis, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypercalcemia, nausea, pyrexia, and vomiting. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 4% of patients including ILD/pneumonitis (3 patients); sepsis (2 patients); and ischemic colitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, dyspnea, febrile neutropenia, general physical health deterioration, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure (1 patient each).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 16% of patients, of which ILD/pneumonitis accounted for 8%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, fatigue, anemia, leukopenia, COVID-19, ILD/pneumonitis, increased transaminases, and hyperbilirubinemia. Dose reductions occurred in 23% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia.

The most common (=20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (76%), decreased white blood cell count (70%), decreased hemoglobin (64%), decreased neutrophil count (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (55%), fatigue (54%), decreased platelet count (44%), alopecia (40%), vomiting (40%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (38%), increased alanine aminotransferase (36%), constipation (34%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (34%), decreased appetite (32%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), diarrhea (27%), and decreased blood potassium (25%).

HER2-Mutant Unresectable or Metastatic NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

DESTINY-Lung02 evaluated two dose levels (5.4 mg/kg [n=101] and 6.4 mg/kg [n=50]); however, only the results for the recommended dose of 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks are described below due to increased toxicity observed with the higher dose in patients with NSCLC, including ILD/pneumonitis.

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 101 patients with HER2-mutant unresectable or metastatic NSCLC who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity in DESTINY-Lung02. Nineteen percent of patients were exposed for >6 months.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, thrombocytopenia, dyspnea, nausea, pleural effusion, and increased troponin I. Fatality occurred in 1 patient with suspected ILD/pneumonitis (1%).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 8% of patients. Adverse reactions which resulted in permanent discontinuation of ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, diarrhea, decreased blood potassium, hypomagnesemia, myocarditis, and vomiting. Dose interruptions of ENHERTU due to adverse reactions occurred in 23% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dose interruption (>2%) included neutropenia and ILD/pneumonitis. Dose reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 11% of patients.

The most common (=20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (61%), decreased white blood cell count (60%), decreased hemoglobin (58%), decreased neutrophil count (52%), decreased lymphocyte count (43%), decreased platelet count (40%), decreased albumin (39%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (35%), increased alanine aminotransferase (34%), fatigue (32%), constipation (31%), decreased appetite (30%), vomiting (26%), increased alkaline phosphatase (22%), and alopecia (21%).

HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 187 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in DESTINY-Gastric01. Patients intravenously received at least one dose of either ENHERTU (N=125) 6.4 mg/kg every 3 weeks or either irinotecan (N=55) 150 mg/m2 biweekly or paclitaxel (N=7) 80 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks. The median duration of treatment was 4.6 months (range: 0.7 to 22.3) for patients who received ENHERTU.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients receiving ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients who received ENHERTU were decreased appetite, ILD, anemia, dehydration, pneumonia, cholestatic jaundice, pyrexia, and tumor hemorrhage. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 2.4% of patients: disseminated intravascular coagulation, large intestine perforation, and pneumonia occurred in one patient each (0.8%).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 15% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 62% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, decreased appetite, leukopenia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, ILD, pneumonia, lymphopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and decreased blood potassium. Dose reductions occurred in 32% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were neutropenia, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, and febrile neutropenia.

The most common (=20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased hemoglobin (75%), decreased white blood cell count (74%), decreased neutrophil count (72%), decreased lymphocyte count (70%), decreased platelet count (68%), nausea (63%), decreased appetite (60%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (58%), fatigue (55%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (54%), increased alanine aminotransferase (47%), diarrhea (32%), decreased blood potassium (30%), vomiting (26%), constipation (24%), increased blood bilirubin (24%), pyrexia (24%), and alopecia (22%).

HER2-Positive (IHC3+) Unresectable or Metastatic Solid Tumors

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 347 adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC3+) solid tumors who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks in DESTINY-Breast01, DESTINY-PanTumor02, DESTINY-Lung01, and DESTINY-CRC02. The median duration of treatment was 8.3 months (range 0.7 to 30.2).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were sepsis, pneumonia, vomiting, urinary tract infection, abdominal pain, nausea, pneumonitis, pleural effusion, hemorrhage, COVID-19, fatigue, acute kidney injury, anemia, cellulitis, and dyspnea. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 6.3% of patients including ILD/pneumonitis (2.3%), cardiac arrest (0.6%), COVID-19 (0.6%), and sepsis (0.6%). The following events occurred in one patient each (0.3%): acute kidney injury, cerebrovascular accident, general physical health deterioration, pneumonia, and hemorrhagic shock.

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 15% of patients, of which ILD/pneumonitis accounted for 10%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 48% of patients. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were decreased neutrophil count, anemia, COVID-19, fatigue, decreased white blood cell count, and ILD/pneumonitis. Dose reductions occurred in 27% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, decreased neutrophil count, ILD/pneumonitis, and diarrhea.

The most common (=20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased white blood cell count (75%), nausea (69%), decreased hemoglobin (67%), decreased neutrophil count (66%), fatigue (59%), decreased lymphocyte count (58%), decreased platelet count (51%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (45%), increased alanine aminotransferase (44%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (36%), vomiting (35%), decreased appetite (34%), alopecia (34%), diarrhea (31%), decreased blood potassium (29%), constipation (28%), decreased sodium (22%), stomatitis (20%), and upper respiratory tract infection (20%).

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU. Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.

There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose. Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing : Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception : Females : ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose. Males : Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose. Infertility : ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.

: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. : : ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose. : Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose. : ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility. Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.

Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients. Geriatric Use: Of the 1287 patients with HER2-positive or HER2-low breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 22% were =65 years and 3.8% were =75 years. No overall differences in efficacy within clinical studies were observed between patients =65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged =65 years (59%) as compared to younger patients (49%). Of the 101 patients with HER2-mutant unresectable or metastatic NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 40% were =65 years and 8% were =75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients =65 years of age compared to younger patients. Of the 125 patients with HER2-positive locally advanced or metastatic gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Gastric01, 56% were =65 years and 14% were =75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients =65 years of age compared to younger patients. Of the 192 patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+) unresectable or metastatic solid tumors treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-PanTumor02, DESTINY-Lung01, or DESTINY-CRC02, 39% were 65 years or older and 9% were 75 years or older. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients =65 years of age compared to younger patients.

Of the 1287 patients with HER2-positive or HER2-low breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 22% were =65 years and 3.8% were =75 years. No overall differences in efficacy within clinical studies were observed between patients =65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged =65 years (59%) as compared to younger patients (49%). Of the 101 patients with HER2-mutant unresectable or metastatic NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 40% were =65 years and 8% were =75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients =65 years of age compared to younger patients. Of the 125 patients with HER2-positive locally advanced or metastatic gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Gastric01, 56% were =65 years and 14% were =75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients =65 years of age compared to younger patients. Of the 192 patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+) unresectable or metastatic solid tumors treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-PanTumor02, DESTINY-Lung01, or DESTINY-CRC02, 39% were 65 years or older and 9% were 75 years or older. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients =65 years of age compared to younger patients. Renal Impairment: A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Monitor patients with moderate renal impairment more frequently. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min).

A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Monitor patients with moderate renal impairment more frequently. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min). Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, closely monitor for increased toxicities related to the topoisomerase inhibitor, DXd. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >3 times ULN and any AST).

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at 1-877-437-7763 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide

Notes

Breast cancer, HER2 expression and brain metastases

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.1 More than two million breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022 with more than 665,000 deaths globally.1 While survival rates are high for those diagnosed with early breast cancer, only about 30% of patients diagnosed with or who progress to metastatic disease are expected to live five years following diagnosis.2

HER2 is a tyrosine kinase receptor growth-promoting protein expressed on the surface of many types of tumors, including breast cancer.3 HER2 protein overexpression may occur as a result of HER2 gene amplification and is often associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis in breast cancer.4 Approximately one in five cases of breast cancer are considered HER2-positive.5

Brain metastases occur when cancer cells spread from their original location to the brain. An estimated 10% to 15% of patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer will develop brain metastases.6 The risk is higher for those with HER2-positive or triple-negative metastatic breast cancer, with brain metastases occurring in 30% to 50% of these patients.7

The median overall survival for patients with breast cancer who have developed brain metastases is eight months; however, this varies based on subtype and the availability of effective treatments.8 Current guidelines do not recommend screening patients with breast cancer for brain metastases. As a result, when brain metastases are eventually diagnosed, patients may already present with advanced disease.7

DESTINY-Breast12

DESTINY-Breast12 is an open-label, multicenter, Phase IIIb/4 2-cohort, non-comparative clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU(5.4 mg/kg) in patients with previously treated advanced/metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. The study includes patients without brain metastases (cohort 1) or with brain metastases (cohort 2) who have experienced disease progression following prior anti-HER2-based regimens and have received no more than two lines of therapy in the metastatic setting. Patients were enrolled into one of two cohorts according to the presence or absence of brain metastases at baseline.

The primary endpoint of cohort 1 was ORR as assessed by independent review (non-brain metastases cohort) and the primary endpoint of cohort 2 (brain metastases cohort) was PFS. (Additional endpoints included CNS PFS, CNS ORR, ORR in the brain metastases cohort and safety.)

DESTINY-Breast12 enrolled 504 patients across multiple sites in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. For more information about the trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

ENHERTU

ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) is a HER2-directed ADC. Designed using Daiichi Sankyo's proprietary DXd ADC Technology, ENHERTUis the lead ADC in the oncology portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo and the most advanced program in AstraZeneca's ADC scientific platform. ENHERTU consists of a HER2 monoclonal antibody attached to a number of topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads (an exatecan derivative, DXd) via tetrapeptide-based cleavable linkers.

ENHERTU (5.4 mg/kg) is approved in more than 65 countries worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 3+ or in-situ hybridization [ISH]+) breast cancer who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen, either in the metastatic setting or in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting, and have developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing therapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast03trial.

ENHERTU (5.4 mg/kg) is approved in more than 65 countries worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ ISH-) breast cancer who have received a prior systemic therapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast04 trial.

ENHERTU (5.4 mg/kg) is approved in more than 35 countries worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, as detected by a locally or regionally approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Lung02 and/or DESTINY-Lung05 trials. Continued approval in the US for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

ENHERTU (6.4 mg/kg) is approved in more than 45 countries worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or 2+/ISH+) gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen based on the results from the DESTINY-Gastric01, DESTINY-Gastric02 and/or DESTINY-Gastric06 trials. Full approval in China for this indication will depend on whether a randomized controlled confirmatory clinical trial can demonstrate clinical benefit in this population.

ENHERTU (5.4 mg/kg) is approved in the US for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) solid tumors who have received prior systemic treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options based on efficacy results from the DESTINY-PanTumor02, DESTINY-Lung01 andDESTINY-CRC02 trials. Continued approval for this indication in the US may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

ENHERTU development program

A comprehensive global clinical development program is underway evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU monotherapy across multiple HER2-targetable cancers. Trials in combination with other anti-cancer treatments, such as immunotherapy, also are underway.

Daiichi Sankyo collaboration

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo entered into a global collaboration to jointly develop and commercialize ENHERTU in March 2019 and datopotamab deruxtecan in July 2020, except in Japan where Daiichi Sankyo maintains exclusive rights for each ADC. Daiichi Sankyo is responsible for the manufacturing and supply of ENHERTU and datopotamab deruxtecan.

AstraZeneca in breast cancer

Driven by a growing understanding of breast cancer biology, AstraZeneca is starting to challenge, and redefine, the current clinical paradigm for how breast cancer is classified and treated to deliver even more effective treatments to patients in need with the bold ambition to one day eliminate breast cancer as a cause of death.

AstraZeneca has a comprehensive portfolio of approved and promising compounds in development that leverage different mechanisms of action to address the biologically diverse breast cancer tumor environment.

With ENHERTU, a HER2-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC), AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo are aiming to improve outcomes in previously treated HER2-positive and HER2-low metastatic breast cancer and are exploring its potential in earlier lines of treatment and in new breast cancer settings.

In HR-positive breast cancer, AstraZeneca continues to improve outcomes with foundational medicines goserelin and aims to reshape the HR-positive space with first-in-class AKT inhibitor, capivasertib, and next-generation SERD and potential new medicine camizestrant. AstraZeneca is also collaborating with Daiichi Sankyo to explore the potential of TROP2-directed ADC, datopotamab deruxtecan, in this setting.

PARP inhibitor olaparib is a targeted treatment option that has been studied in early and metastatic breast cancer patients with an inherited BRCA mutation. AstraZeneca with MSD (Merck Co., Inc. in the US and Canada) continue to research olaparib in these settings and to explore its potential in earlier disease.

To bring much-needed treatment options to patients with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of breast cancer, AstraZeneca is evaluating the potential of datopotamab deruxtecan alone and in combination with immunotherapy durvalumab, capivasertib in combination with chemotherapy, and durvalumab in combination with other oncology medicines, including olaparib and ENHERTU.

AstraZeneca in oncology

AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.

The Company's focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyze changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience.

AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal Metabolism, and Respiratory Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 125 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information, please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com and follow us on social media @AstraZeneca.

References

Bray F, et al. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024 Apr 4. doi: 10.3322/caac.21834. National Cancer Institute. Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program. Available at: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast-subtypes.html. Accessed September 2024. Iqbal N, et al. Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) in Cancers: Overexpression and Therapeutic Implications. Mol Biol Int. 2014;852748. Pillai R, et al. HER2 mutations in lung adenocarcinomas: A report from the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium. Cancer. 2017 Nov 1;123(21):4099-4105. Ahn S, et al. HER2 status in breast cancer: changes in guidelines and complicating factors for interpretation. J Pathol Transl Med. 2020;54(1):34-44. Simsek M, et al. Breast Cancer Patients with Brain Metastases: A Cross-Sectional Study. Breast J 2022; 19;2022:5763810. Kuksis M, et al. The incidence of brain metastases among patients with metastatic breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuro Oncol2021 Jun 1;23(6):894-904. Bailleux C, et al. Treatment strategies for breast cancer brain metastases. Br J Cancer. 2021 Jan;124(1):142-155.

US-93549 Last Updated 9/24

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240913294257/en/

Contacts:

Media Inquiries

Brendan McEvoy +1 302 885 2677

Jillian Gonzales +1 302 885 2677

US Media Mailbox: usmediateam@astrazeneca.com
Intelecy, a leading Norwegian industrial AI company, is excited to announce the promotion of Anna Olsson from Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) to Chief Operating Officer (COO). This move comes as the company accelerates its global expansion, following a year of remarkable growth and successful project deliveries across multiple countries.

Anna Olsson, who joined Intelecy with over 20 years of experience in the software industry, has been instrumental in driving the company's commercial strategy and internationalization. With a robust background in industrial AI and experience from global roles, including her time at Cognite and Microsoft, Olsson's leadership will now focus on optimizing operations to meet Intelecy's growing global demand and supporting its continued innovation in AI-driven process optimization and energy management.

"I've witnessed the industrial sector's eagerness to embrace AI for optimizing production, streamlining processes, and driving sustainability. Yet, many struggle to unlock its full potential. Intelecy is uniquely equipped to bridge that gap, with proven success across diverse industries. I'm excited to step into this new role at a time when we are poised to make an even greater impact globally," says Anna Olsson.

Intelecy's CEO, Camilla Gjetvik, highlights the importance of strong operational leadership for the company's future success. "Anna's deep expertise in industrial AI and her experience have already made a significant impact on Intelecy. In this new role as COO, she will help drive our mission to make AI accessible to manufacturers worldwide. We see a tremendous opportunity to empower industries with AI that can not only improve their efficiency but also make them more sustainable. With Anna leading our operations, we are confident in scaling our impact and expanding Intelecy's global footprint," says Camilla Gjetvik, CEO of Intelecy.

This new chapter for Intelecy, under the operational leadership of Anna Olsson, marks an important step towards expanding industrial AI solutions on the global stage.

About Intelecy:

Intelecy is an industrial AI company that empowers industrial companies with cutting-edge no-code AI and machine learning tools to improve efficiency and product quality, prevent downtime and reduce waste. With offices in Norway, Sweden, France, and the UK, Intelecy continues to expand its global footprint and bring innovative solutions to process industries worldwide, including food beverage, chemicals, mineral, metals, mining, water treatment and energy production.

www.intelecy.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240913843762/en/

Contacts:

Line Sletvold

Head of Marketing

line.sletvold@intelecy.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2024) - Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation (TSXV: SDCU) ("SDCU' or the "Company") further to its March 14, 2024, news release, the Company announces that it has delivered notice terminating the option agreement dated March 9th, for the Normanby Project, located in Papua New Guinea. The Company has paid the $10,000 due upon the execution of the option agreement and incurred expenditures for the services required to complete standard due diligence. None of the cash or share payments contemplated under the option agreement have been made.

ABOUT SONORAN DESERT COPPER CORPORATION

Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation is focused on securing, developing and monetizing materials assets and technologies to build shareholder value.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

SONORAN DESERT COPPER CORPORATION

FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223205

SOURCE: Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation
BERLIN, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At the recent IFA 2024 show in Berlin, TCL Electronics, a leading global consumer electronics brand and the world's top two TV brand, was recognized for its product innovations and technological solutions. Thanks to the premium QD-Mini LED TV, NXTFRAME TV, smartphones, and home appliances, TCL garnered multiple prestigious awards and accolades from authoritative media and organizations.

The Global Product Technology Innovation Award (GPTIAwards), presented by the International Data Group (IDG) and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), recognizes TCL's excellence in consumer electronics industry this year. TCL A300 Series NXTFRAME TV, the brand-new TV category from TCL targeting different lifestyles, received the "Lifestyle TV Design Innovation Gold Award" for its integration of art, design, and cutting-edge technology. The TCL Free Built-In Refrigerator, also garnered the "Free Built-In Design Innovation Gold Award" because of its seamless design that fits perfectly into kitchen space, with only a one-centimeter gap required on both sides.

At IFA 2024, TCL also showcased its premium X11H QD-Mini LED TV, which received "Best of IFA 2024" awards from multiple international media, further cementing TCL's reputation as a leader in the Mini LED technology and large-size TV market. Prior to IFA, TCL has also received three prestigious EISA awards for their exceptional home theater performance and display quality in the 2024-2025 season. These accolades reflect TCL's commitment to delivering superior technology and design that enhance the consumer experience.

About TCL Electronics

TCL Electronics (1070.HK) is a leading consumer electronics brand and leader in the global television industry. TCL now operates in more than 160 markets around the world. The company specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses, commercial displays, and more. Visit the TCL website at https://www.tcl.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tcl-recognized-at-ifa-2024-for-breakthrough-innovations-and-prestigious-industry-awards-302247880.html
Orlando, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2024) - The LGL Group, Inc. (NYSE American: LGL) ("LGL," "LGL Group," or the "Company") announced members of LGL Group management, including Tim Foufas, Co-Chief Executive Officer, will present and host one-one-one meetings with investors at the Sidoti September Virtual Investor Conference, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, September 18 - 19, 2024, featuring a range of compelling presentations from various small-cap companies.

The presentation will begin at 9:15 am Eastern Time (US and Canada) on September 18, 2024, and can be accessed live here: https://sidoti.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1OYuAYl2SLW34KUNRyVtuw#. LGL Group will also host virtual one-on-ones with investors on Wednesday and Thursday, September 18 - 19, 2024. To register for the presentation, visit www.sidoti.com/events. Registration is free and you don't need to be a Sidoti client.

About Sidoti Events, LLC ("Events") and Sidoti & Company, LLC ("Sidoti")

In 2023, Sidoti & Company, LLC (www.sidoti.com) formed an affiliate company, Sidoti Events, LLC in order to focus exclusively on its rapidly growing conference business and to more directly serve the needs of presenters and attendees. The relationship allows Events to draw on the 25 years of experience Sidoti has as a premier provider of independent securities research focused specifically on small and microcap companies and the institutions that invest in their securities, with most of its coverage in the $200 million-$5 billion market cap range. Sidoti's coverage universe comprises approximately 160 equities, of which 50 percent participate in the firm's rapidly growing Company Sponsored Research ("CSR") program. Events is a leading provider of corporate access through the eight investor conferences it hosts each year. By virtue of its direct ties to Sidoti, Events benefits from Sidoti's small- and microcap-focused nationwide sales force, which has connections with approximately 2,500 institutional relationships in North America. This enables Events to provide multiple forums for meaningful interaction for small and microcap issuers and investors specifically interested in companies in the sector.

About The LGL Group, Inc.

The LGL Group, Inc. ("LGL","LGL Group", or the "Company") is a holding company engaged in services, merchant investment and manufacturing business activities. Precise Time and Frequency, LLC ("PTF") is a globally positioned producer of industrial electronic instruments and commercial products and services. Founded in 2002, PTF operates from our design and manufacturing facility in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Lynch Capital International LLC is focused on the development of value through investments.

LGL Group's business strategy is primarily focused on growth through expanding new and existing operations across diversified industries. The LGL Group Inc.'s engineering and design origins date back to the early part of the last century. In 1917, Lynch Glass Machinery Company, the predecessor of LGL, was formed, and emerged in the late twenties as a successful manufacturer of glass-forming machinery. The company was then renamed Lynch Corporation and was incorporated in 1928 under the laws of the State of Indiana. In 1946, Lynch was listed on the "New York Curb Exchange," the predecessor to the NYSE American. The company has had a long history of owning and operating various businesses in the precision engineering, manufacturing and services sectors.

LGL was incorporated in 1928 under the laws of the State of Indiana, and in 2007, the Company was reincorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware as The LGL Group, Inc. We maintain our executive offices at 2525 Shader Road, Orlando, Florida 32804. Our telephone number is (407) 298-2000. Our Internet address is www.lglgroup.com. LGL common stock and warrants are traded on the NYSE American ("NYSE") under the symbols "LGL" and "LGL WS", respectively.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, such as those pertaining to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. All statements other than statements of current or historical fact contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "plan," "will," "may," "could," "intend," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions, as they relate to LGL Group, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are largely based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that may affect the financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs of the Company. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions, including the risks, uncertainties and assumptions described in the filings made by LGL Group with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including those risks set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in the most recent financial statements and notes thereto contained within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking statements in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. When you consider these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risk factors and other cautionary statements in this press release.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. LGL Group undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

###

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223231

SOURCE: The LGL Group Inc.
Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2024) - Blind Logic Productions announced that their documentary film, "Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story," has received the prestigious "Award of Excellence" for a Documentary Feature, Original Score, and Narration/Voice-Over Talent from the Accolade Global Film Competition. This comes on the heels of last month's "Award of Excellence" from the Impact DOCS Awards Competition.







The Accolade is an original, internationally respected global competition, recognizing film, TV and media professionals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in craft, creativity, and profound storytelling since 2003. As Rick Prickett, who chairs this global competition, "Entries are received from around the world from powerhouse companies to remarkable new talent."

Blind Logic Productions is proud of the creative team who made this film. As filmmaker Jack Teetor stated, "I am very proud that our artistic composer, Jim Andron, has been recognized for his inspiring and moving score, Emmy Award winner Mike Rowe for his narration, and our voice-over talent, featuring Emmy Award winner Jeff Daniels, Emmy Award-nominated Barry Corbin, and the many others who contributed powerful voices."

"Blind Logic" joins other illustrious winners of this internationally respected award including the Oscar-winning production of The Lady in Number Six by Malcolm Clarke, Dave Bossert of Disney for his short documentary, The Tunes Behind the Toons, and industry veteran Ron Howard for When You Find Me.

"Blind Logic" tells the untold story of an American blind visionary. Overcoming unthinkable odds, this remarkable automotive pioneer and leader was an inspiration to an entire industry. For decades, this innovator pushed the boundaries in automobile performance, safety, and economy. He once stated, "You are not handicapped as long as you can think logically."

This film features Lyn St. James, legendary race car driver and 1992 Indy 500 "Rookie of the Year," Sarah Cook, the inspiring President of the Automotive Hall of Fame, Franz von Holzhausen, the trendsetting Chief Designer at Tesla, and the distinguished Leslie Mark Kendall, Chief Historian at the Peterson Automotive Museum.

Credits include Editor Derek Tow, Composer Jim Andron, Photo Editor Daniel Teetor, and Sound Editing, Effects and Design by Darren King, Nikola Simikic, and Amanda Roy. Written, directed, and produced by Jack Teetor, this documentary is based on the book "One Man's Vision - The Life of Automotive Pioneer Ralph R. Teetor," by the late Marjorie Teetor Meyer.

For more information contact Deborah Gilels or visit our website below.

Deborah Gilels

LA Media Consultants

Email: gilelsdeborah@gmail.com

Cell: 818-648-9513

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223203

SOURCE: Pinion Partners
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2024) - Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. (TSXV: SM) (OTCQX: SMDRF) ("Sierra Madre" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $500,000 (the "Offering") with one existing investor in the Company. The Offering will consist of up to 1,250,000 common shares of the Company (the "Shares") at a price of $0.40 per Share. Net proceeds will be used for future marketing activities and general working capital. The Offering is expected to close shortly and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").

The securities issued in the Offering will be subject to applicable hold periods imposed under applicable securities legislation, including a hold period of 4 months and one day from the date of issuance.

The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Sierra Madre

Sierra Madre Gold & Silver (TSXV: SM) (OTCQX: SMDRF) is a precious metals development and exploration company, focused on evaluating the potential of restarting the Guitarra Mine in the Temascaltepec mining district, Mexico, and the exploration and development of its Tepic property in Nayarit, Mexico. The Guitarra Mine is a permitted, past-producing underground mine, which includes a 500 t/d processing facility that operated until mid-2018.

The +2,600 ha Tepic Project hosts low-sulphidation epithermal gold and silver mineralization with an existing historic resource.

Sierra Madre's management has played key roles for managing exploration and development of more than 22Moz gold and 600Moz silver in combined reserves and resources. Sierra Madre's team of professionals has collectively raised over $1B for mining companies.

On behalf of the board of directors of Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd.,

Cautionary Note

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.

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the completion of the Offering and use of proceeds.

In making the forward-looking statements included in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including that the Company will be able to receive all required regulatory approvals, and the ability of the Company to complete the Offering on the terms announced or at all, and to use of proceeds of the Offering as announced or at all. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein.

Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

SOURCE: Sierra Madre Gold and Silver

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223206

SOURCE: Sierra Madre Gold & Silver
Irvine, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2024) - Makesy, renowned for its innovative approach to home fragrance and personal care supplies, is excited to announce a significant expansion into the private label market. This new program offers a comprehensive range of customizable products, allowing brands to effortlessly expand their product lines. With options including private-label candles, room sprays, bar soaps, and an expanding range of body and hair care products, Makesy is setting a new benchmark for accessibility and customization in the private-label industry.

Photo credit: Makesy

The global private label market is projected to reach $5.9 trillion by 2027, driven by consumer demand for high-quality, affordable alternatives to name-brand products and a growing preference for goods that align with values like sustainability and ethical production. Makesy's private label program is designed to meet this demand by offering brands the ability to create products that reflect their unique identity, blending sustainability, artistry, and innovation.

Brands can choose from a diverse product range, including bespoke fragrances and customizable packaging for candles, as well as room sprays, diffusers, bar soaps, body lotions, and hair care products. These products are crafted with pure, thoughtfully formulated ingredients, ensuring that they resonate with modern consumers who prioritize quality and sustainability. Additionally, Makesy's approach to low minimum order quantities makes it accessible for brands of all sizes to take advantage of these premium offerings.

Makesy's private-label products cater to a wide array of industries, including corporate gifting, hospitality, beauty and wellness, home decor, and lifestyle branding. These tailored solutions help brands enhance their identity and create meaningful connections with their target audiences.

To make private labeling more accessible, Makesy has removed traditional barriers to entry by eliminating the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for white-label products and offering low MOQs for private-label items. This flexibility allows even small brands to explore private labeling without the need for significant upfront investment. The streamlined production process ensures that white-label products can ship in as little as 24 hours, while custom private-label items are ready to go within just three weeks.

Sustainability and ethical production are central to Makesy's mission. The company offers a range of Made Better products that are sustainable, all-natural, recyclable, cruelty-free, and phthalate-free, aligning with the increasing consumer demand for products that contribute positively to the environment and society.

Beyond products, Makesy provides comprehensive support to its private label partners, including in-house research and development (R&D), packaging design, and product expansion consultation. Dedicated account management ensures that brands receive personalized attention throughout the entire process, from concept to shelf. Additionally, Makesy's fulfillment services, supported by warehouses in Irvine, CA, and Dallas, TX, offer efficient storage and shipping, further simplifying logistics for their partners.

"Makesy is truly a partner in every sense of the word. Our new private label line is designed to help brands not only meet but exceed their customers' expectations. We are incredibly proud to offer products that are beautifully crafted and align with the values that matter most to today's consumers," said Charlotte Katona, President of Makesy.

Brands interested in exploring Makesy's private label offerings can start by discussing custom needs with Makesy's team and receiving a quote in as little as 24 hours. This new venture represents a significant milestone in Makesy's ongoing mission to empower brands with high-quality, customizable products that reflect both brand identity and consumer values.

About Makesy

Makesy is a leading provider of premium crafting supplies, specializing in eco-friendly soap and candle-making products. Founded by Charlotte Katona, Makesy is dedicated to empowering creators with the tools and resources to turn their hobbies into successful businesses. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and community, Makesy offers a comprehensive range of products and educational resources to support hobbyists and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.makesy.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222172

SOURCE: Baden Bower
Chinese embassy in Fiji rebukes ABC over cyber hack claim

Xinhua) 15:41, September 13, 2024

SUVA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A report released by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) saying "Chinese state-backed hackers attack Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)" is "purely a made-up story and has no basis at all," the Chinese embassy in Fiji said in a statement on Thursday.

China firmly opposes the practice of politicizing cybersecurity issues, accusing other countries without evidence, and wantonly associating cyberattacks with the government of any country, said the statement.

"We have been resolute in combating all kinds of malign cyber activities in accordance with law, and never encourage, support or condone cyberattacks," said the statement, noting that China is a major victim of cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity is a common challenge for all countries and the shared responsibility of all, it said.

Committed to the peaceful use of cyberspace, the Chinese government pursues constructive cooperation with the international community in protecting peace and security in cyberspace on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, said the statement.

"We urge the relevant media outlet to respect facts and abide by principles such as objectivity, impartiality and professionalism, avoid making a presumption of China's guilt without verifying the facts, and stop spreading disinformation that misleads public opinion and smears China," it added.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning also commented on this report on Thursday, saying that the PIF Secretariat did not associate this cyberattack with China.

"We have seen similar disinformation many times already, which is politically motivated and aimed at sowing discord between China and countries in the region," Mao said.

She stressed that the South Pacific is no one's backyard, adding "We hope parties concerned will fully respect the right of South-Pacific countries to a balanced approach when developing relations with various parties."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2024) - Mike Larson, Editor-in-Chief, Chantal Freedman, Sr. VP, MoneyShow, their team and sponsors joined Graham MacKenzie, Managing Director, Exchange Traded Products, Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) to close the market and celebrate The MoneyShow Toronto.





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuWP00XGr2E

The MoneyShow Toronto is a must-attend event for investors, traders, and financial advisors. At the conference, attendees will hear from world-renowned economists, money managers, strategists, financial influencers, and other experts - and learn their specific recommendations and strategies for making money in the markets today.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223324

SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2024) - Scope Technologies Corp. (CSE: SCPE) (OTCQB: SCPCF) (FSE: VN8) ("Scope Technologies" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has engaged Creative Direct Marketing Group Inc. ("CDMG") to provide investor relations and marketing services to raise public awareness of the Company and increase brand awareness of the QSE platform.

James Young, Chief Executive Officer of Scope, states, "With the help of CDMG's full-service direct response advertising and digital marketing agency, Scope Technologies aims to expand public awareness of the company while promoting its proprietary QSE platform. Over the coming months, we will be focusing on advancing QSE's quantum-proof data storage and encryption solutions to both retail and enterprise users, enhanced by our neural network technology."

Under the terms of the engagement, CDMG will provide investor relations, market awareness and branding growth services. Initial payments of $997,100 of compensation were paid to CDMG for their services.

CDMG is based in Nashville Tennessee and does not have any prior relationship with Scope Technologies and is an arm's length party. To the best of Scope's knowledge, CDMG does not hold, directly or indirectly, any securities of Scope or have any right to acquire any such securities. The proposed compensation for CDMG does not include any securities of Scope.

About Scope Technologies Corp.

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Scope Technologies Corp. is a pioneering technology company specializing in quantum security and machine learning. Through its flagship brands, QSE Group and GEM AI, Scope provides next-generation solutions in data security, quantum encryption, and neural networks, empowering businesses and individuals with secure, scalable technologies that drive growth and operational efficiency.

LinkedIn: scope-technologies-corp

Facebook: Scope Technologies Corp

Twitter: @ScopeTechCorp

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that constitute forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical statements of fact are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, future, strategy, objectives, goals and targets, and more specifically, the use of proceeds of the Offering. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "aim", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, including, but not limited to, those risks and assumptions described in the Company's prospectus dated August 10, 2022, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. While Scope considers these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. In addition, forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions, continued satisfaction of Canadian Securities Exchange requirements, product safety and recalls, regulatory compliance and risks associated with the Company's business. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially, please refer to the risk factors set out in the Company's prospectus dated August 10, 2022, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, unless required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the business of the Company and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223322

SOURCE: Scope Technologies Corp.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2024) - ELYSIAN's Catwalk Furbaby triumphantly returned to New York Fashion Week on September 5, 2024, at Sony Hall for an unforgettable evening of fashion, philanthropy, and furry friends. In its second year, this unique event combined the glamor of the runway with heartwarming philanthropic causes, showcasing esteemed designers and top models paired with dogs wearing designer brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Nicole Miller.

The runway show headlined each ELYSIAN Impact category, benefiting women, children, service animals, and the environment. 21 models partnered with dogs, cutting-edge fashion designers, and non-profit organizations within each category. Throughout the event, participants raised money in support of their chosen charities, highlighting the important work being done. The goal was to create a spectacular fashion experience while making a tangible impact on the lives of animals across the country.

CatWalk FurBaby wasn't just a fashion show; money for the Judges' Award, the People's Choice Award, and the Publisher's Award was divided among the winners and presented to the participating non-profit organizations and the winning teams.

The distinguished celebrity judge panel included philanthropist and musician Consuelo Vanderbilt, supermodel Carol Alt Honduran, and chocolatier Maribel Lieberman, who evaluated the participants' efforts. The Judges' Award went to Nicole Miller, and Canine Cashmere was in partnership with NYC Second Chance Rescue, a foster-based non-profit dedicated to saving animals in need.

The People's Choice Award was determined by the generosity of the audience, with donations cast as votes. Team Louisiana took this win, and their team included Companion Animal Alliance, an animal shelter making strides in animal welfare, the clothing brand Queen of Sparkles, and designer Jaime Glas Odom.

The Publisher's Award, determined by contributors to ELYSIAN Magazine from across the country, was given to Team Texas. The team included Operation Kindness, a no-kill animal shelter, NYC-based lifestyle brand D'Marsh Couture, designer Glenroy March, and Russian model Gia Skova.

Animal lovers, fashion enthusiasts, and philanthropists who attended Catwalk Furbaby at Sony Hall on September 5, 2024, experienced an unforgettable evening that celebrated the power of fashion to make a difference in the world.

###

About ELYSIAN Magazine

ELYSIAN is a women's lifestyle magazine for the discerning reader. By showcasing the successes of exceptional women and revealing a world defined by graceful living, we embolden our reader to live purposefully, appealing to her appreciation for luxury and beauty and her desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Published quarterly and circulated nationally, ELYSIAN uncovers the very best in Arts & Culture, Philanthropy, Inspiring Women, Travel, Living, Health & Wellness, and Style & Beauty.

About DRC Ventures

Founded in 2023 by Dr. Christina Rahm, DRC (Deep Rooted Causes) Ventures creates sustainable solutions that challenge the status quo both scientifically and artistically. That means creating products that support the health of individuals, animals, and the earth, with environmental attention also paid to land, air, and water conservation.

Through its commitment to innovation, transparency, and sustainability, DRC Ventures strives to produce products that meet the needs of its customers while also contributing to the greater good. The organization's vision is to be a leader in the scientific and consumer goods industries, driving positive change and making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

A global catalyst for conservation efforts, DRC Ventures consists of partnerships with multiple companies and brands in various sectors, ranging from wellness, nutraceuticals, beauty, and fashion to research and philanthropy-all with different offerings but all with a shared mission. Together, the 12 different entities within the DRC network comprise a powerful whole, each integrated seamlessly with the others to address the deeply rooted causes that are shaping our world today.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223280

SOURCE: DRC Ventures
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2024) - DevvStream Holdings Inc. (Cboe CA: DESG) (OTCQB: DSTRF) (FSE: CQ0) ("DevvStream" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received the final order from the British Columbia Supreme Court (the "Final Order") to approve the previously announced plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") with Focus Impact Acquisition Corp. ("FIAC"). Under the terms of the Arrangement, the Company is expected to amalgamate with a wholly-owned subsidiary of FIAC, following FIAC redomiciling as an Alberta Company, with the new combined company to be renamed DevvStream Corp. (the "De-SPAC Transaction"). Further information on the De-SPAC Transaction is disclosed in the Company's prior public disclosure, including the management information circular of the Company dated July 29, 2024.

FIAC received approval from its shareholders for the De-SPAC Transaction at a special meeting of FIAC shareholders held on September 13, 2024.

The Company and FIAC continue to work together to advance the closing of the De-SPAC Transaction, including obtaining receipt of all regulatory approvals and the satisfaction or waiver of all closing conditions to the Arrangement. Closing of the De-SPAC Transaction is expected to be delayed beyond the previously disclosed closing date of September 16, 2024. The Company will provide additional material updates on the De-SPAC Transaction in due course, including a new closing date when it can be determined.

About DevvStream

Founded in 2021, DevvStream is a leading authority in the use of technology in carbon project development. The Company's mission is to create alignment between sustainability and profitability, helping organizations achieve their climate initiatives while directly improving their financial health. With a pipeline of over 140 technology-based projects worldwide, DevvStream makes it simple for corporations and governments to address their net-zero goals while generating premium carbon credits in the process. DevvStream takes a programmatic approach to evaluating project opportunities, and co-develops projects spanning energy-efficient buildings, facilities and homes, industrial facilities, LED systems, EV charging stations, and technologies to seal oil wells. The Company's end-to-end proprietary solution removes the risk and complexity from every step, allowing organizations to move from project ideation to credit monetization with ease. The result is a multi-year stream of carbon credit revenue that transforms sustainability into a financial investment. In addition, for organizations that need help to offset their most difficult-to-reduce emissions, we also provide premium carbon credits for purchase.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Sunny Trinh, CEO

DevvStream Media Contacts

Disclaimer

Certain statements in this news release may be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and generally relate to future events or DevvStream's future financial or other performance metrics. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", "expect", "intend", "will", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "predict", "potential" or "continue", or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. These forward-looking statements, including, without limitation DevvStream's expectations with respect to the closing of the De-SPAC Transaction are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by DevvStream and its management, are inherently uncertain and subject to material change. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could further postpone or cancel the Closing Date; (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Focus Impact, DevvStream, the combined company or others; (3) the inability to complete the De-SPAC Transaction due to the failure to satisfy other conditions to closing; (4) the ability to obtain financing sources; (5) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (6) various factors beyond management's control, including general economic conditions and other risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 that includes a proxy statement and prospectus of Focus Impact (as amended, the "Registration Statement"), filed with the SEC on December 4, 2023, and other filings with the SEC; and (7) certain other risks identified and discussed in DevvStream's Annual Information Form for the year ended July 31, 2023, and DevvStream's other public filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, available on DevvStream's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

These forward-looking statements are expressed in good faith, and DevvStream believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that the events, results or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and DevvStream is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in DevvStream's public filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. This news release is not intended to be all-inclusive or to contain all the information that a person may desire in considering an investment in DevvStream and is not intended to form the basis of an investment decision in DevvStream. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning DevvStream, the proposed transaction or other matters and attributable to DevvStream or any person acting on DevvStream's behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223370

SOURCE: DevvStream Holdings Inc.
Reverion, a Munich, Germany based company building reversible, carbon-negative power plants, raised $62m in Series A funding, including non-dilutive funding.

The round was led by Energy Impact Partners (EIP) with participation from Honda and the European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund). Existing investors Extantia Capital, UVC Partners, Green Generation Fund, Doral Energy-Tech Ventures, and Possible Ventures also joined the round.

The company intends to use the funds to begin serial production of its power plants and meet over $100 million in customer pre-orders collected to date.

Founded in 2015 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, and led by Dr. Stephan Herrmann, CEO and Managing Director, Reverion builds reversible, carbon-negative power plants. Over the years, they developed, validated, patented, and scaled their novel high-temperature fuel cell system, which combines all the key core elements needed for the implementation of the energy transition in a single plant: increased efficiency, CO2-negative operation and seasonal energy storage at a large scale.

These plants can also operate reversibly to produce and store renewable natural gas or green hydrogen in times of electricity surplus, enhancing grid flexibility. Finally, they capture the CO2 created during power generation, thus making carbon-negative power generation from biogas possible, cutting emissions and transforming the biogas industry for a sustainable energy future.

Reverion has already secured over $100 million in pre-orders.

FinSMEs

12/09/2024
There could be strategic reasons behind Ajit Jains decision. Specifically, it may have to do with what potential he sees in Berkshire Hathaways shares in terms of rise in price read more

Ajit Jain, a close aide to Warren Buffett and the vice-chair at Berkshire Hathaway, offloaded several shares of the company recently. Image sources: Reuters

Ajit Jain, Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and a key lieutenant to Warren Buffett, has sold more than half of his stake in the company, according to a regulatory filing dated September 9. The move, which raised $139 million, comes in the wake of Berkshires market capitalisation surpassing $1 trillion for the first time.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing reveals that Jain sold 200 of his Class A shares at an average price of $695,418 per share. This divestiture represents approximately 54 per cent of Jains total holdings in the conglomerate, according to Moneycontrol.

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Following the sale, Jain retains only 61 Berkshire shares. Family trusts under his and his wife, Indirma Jains names, hold an additional 55 shares, while the non-profit Jain Foundation Inc. possesses 50 shares.

Jains philanthropic efforts have seen him donate a significant portion of his stock to the foundation, which focuses on researching dysferlinopathy, a rare form of muscular dystrophy affecting his son. The foundation estimates the disorder affects fewer than eight people per million, according to Financial Times.

Why did Ajit Jain sell the shares?

While the timing of the sale may appear sudden, there could be strategic reasons behind Jains decision. David Kass, a finance professor at the University of Marylands Robert H. Smith School of Business, was quoted by CNBC International as saying, This appears to be a signal that Ajit views Berkshire as being fully valued.

In other words, he might have thought the value of Berkshire Hathaway shares might have peaked out, and that there wouldnt be a better time to cash in his shares and book profits than when he did it.

That could be in line with Buffetts own assessment of where Berkshire Hathaways share might go.

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No eye-popping performance

In his annual letter to shareholders this February, Buffett warned that Berkshire Hathaways future returns may be more tempered. The conglomerate, valued at $905 billion at the time, faces virtually no possibility of eye-popping performance in the coming years, Buffett wrote.

Buffett did say that Berkshire should continue to do a bit better than the average US company, but tempered any enthusiasm by adding that Anything beyond slightly better, though, is wishful thinking.

On Thursday (September 12) Berkshire Hathaway shares closed at $453.17.
Boeing finds itself in a precarious flight path, struggling to overcome strikes, manage ballooning debt and fend off the competitive pressure from Airbus while seeking to stabilise its faltering operation read more

Turbulence, stall and distressterms typically reserved for troubled skiesnow seem apt for Boeing itself, a company caught in the throes of internal chaos. Like an aircraft striving to hit the absolute ceilingthe highest altitude at maximum throttle while maintaining steady flightBoeing is straining to recover from a series of crises that have clipped its wings. As it grapples with labour strikes, financial strain and mounting competition from Airbus, the aerospace giant finds itself in a desperate climb for stability.

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Union rejects Boeings offer

Boeing workers have launched a strike after overwhelmingly rejecting a tentative deal between union representatives and the company, which included a proposed 25 per cent pay increase. According to reports, over 30,000 workers involved in the production of planes like the 737 Max and the 777, based in Seattle and Portland, began their strike at midnight Pacific Time (0700 GMT) on Friday. This labour action represents another challenge for Boeing, which has been grappling with financial losses and a tarnished reputation following safety issues, including two fatal crashes in recent years.

As per union sources, almost 95 per cent of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members who participated in the ballot rejected Boeings offer, with 96 per cent supporting strike action. Boeing acknowledged the overwhelming rejection of the agreement in a statement, noting that the tentative deal was not acceptable to the members. The company reiterated its commitment to improving relations with the union and signalled its willingness to return to negotiations.

Stakes for Boeings new leadership

This strike also represents a significant blow to Boeings new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who took office only a month ago with a mandate to turn the company around. According to reports from FlightGlobal, Ortberg had warned employees ahead of the vote that the strike could endanger Boeings recovery, given its financial troubles and the critical nature of ongoing aircraft production. The last strike by Boeing workers in 2008 had resulted in an eight-week-long walkout, costing the company approximately $1.5 billion per month, as reported by Moodys.

Boeings struggles in the wake of crises

Boeings reputation and financial stability have been in a state of decline for several years. In July, the company agreed to plead guilty to fraud charges and pay a fine of nearly $244 million related to the two fatal crashes of its 737 Max planes, which occurred more than five years ago. CNN also reported that Boeing has been contending with other legal challenges, including a mid-air blowout of a door plug on an Alaska Airlines plane in January 2024. Consequently, the company has had to slow down production due to caps imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

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Boeing has accumulated substantial financial losses, with CNN noting that it has lost $32 billion over the past five years. Despite having a backlog of 5,600 commercial jet orders worth $529 billion, the company has struggled to ramp up production sufficiently to turn a profit. According to AeroDynamic Advisorys managing director, Richard Aboulafia, Boeings position within the industry gives it the luxury of time, but that window of opportunity is closing.

KLMs shift away from Boeing

In another blow to Boeing, Dutch airline KLM recently announced its decision to replace its aging Boeing 737 fleet with Airbus A321neo planes. According to NU.nl, KLMs decision was driven by the companys cleaner, quieter, more economical programme. The airlines spokesperson explained that the noise reduction benefits and environmental advantages of the A321neos played a key role in the decision. While the switch to Airbus is significant, the airline clarified that this move was unrelated to its parent company, Air France-KLM.

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The transition to Airbus also highlights the competition Boeing faces from its main rival in the commercial aircraft industry. CNN reported that Boeing has fallen behind Airbus in orders and deliveries for new jets further compounding its struggles in the market.

Mounting debt

Boeings financial difficulties have resulted in its debt rising from $13 billion at the end of 2018 to $48 billion in 2024, according to data from FactSet. Moodys has warned that the company may have to issue new debt to cover significant amounts maturing in 2025 and 2026. This looming financial burden could further exacerbate the companys already precarious position in the market.

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Despite the financial woes, Boeings management has remained optimistic. CEO Dave Calhoun told investors that the demand for Boeings products remains strong and assured stakeholders that the companys future is promising. However, experts like Aboulafia believe that Boeing needs to implement serious changes to recover with some suggesting a change in leadership as a first step.

A unique position in a challenging market

Boeings unique position as one of only two manufacturers of large commercial jets has, so far, allowed it to avoid bankruptcy despite its significant losses. As noted by CNN, even if all of Boeings customers shifted their orders to Airbus, the enormous backlog at Airbus means it would take years for the competitor to fulfill those orders. This has given Boeing some breathing room, but it also raises questions about how long Boeing can continue to rely on these advantages without addressing its internal issues.

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Airline CEOs, such as Alaska Airlines Ben Minicucci, cited the high costs associated with maintaining fleets from both manufacturers, which makes it difficult for airlines to switch from Boeing to Airbus entirely. Minicucci explained that the decision to maintain a single-fleet Boeing operation was financially driven, saving Alaska Airlines $75-100 million annually in training and maintenance costs.

Future of Boeing

With Calhoun set to retire by the end of the year, Boeings leadership transition is akin to the pivotal moments of an underdog fighter gearing up for their final round in the ring. Bill Contis Gonna Fly Now echoes the necessity of overcoming adversity, but Boeing is not just battling a fierce competitor in Airbusits up against its own history of missteps. As financial strain mounts, some analysts, like Ron Epstein of Bank of America, have drawn parallels between Boeings potential trajectory and General Motors decline.

Yet, in this moment of turbulence, Boeing also embodies Ozzy Osbournes anthem Flying High Again. The company needs to shift into overdrive, recalibrating not just its aircraft but its very ethos, before it loses altitude irreparably. As it contemplates its next steps, the lyrics Got a crazy feeling I dont understand seem to capture the uncertainty of this momentBoeings last chance to fix things to keep the company airborne and cruising or nosedive into history.
Vikrant Massey starrer Netflixs Sector 36 is inspired from a true story based on Nithari killings case in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Here is all you need to know about the case. According to reports, the murders of children and women from Nithari village came to public attention and created a scary picture in December 2006. read more

The plot of the Netflix original movie, Sector 36, is based on the Nithari Killings case in Noida, Uttar Pradesh which happened in 2006. Names of the people mentioned in the film has been changed to protect identities. The movie, directed by Aditya Nimbalkar and written by Bodhayan Roychaudhury and has Vikrant Massey in the lead role and Deepak Dobriyal plays the role of Inspector Ram Charan Pandey.

What is the Nithari killings case?

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In Nithari village which is situated right in the middle of Noida city in Uttar Pradesh about 20km from Delhi this heinous crime happened. But what was surprising was that what took so long to deliver justice to the families whose children and some women went missing mysteriously? Didnt cries of these families reach the ears of the police or was it just ignored because these people came from poor, migrant labourer families.

The disappearance of young women and children haunted Nithari families for almost two years from 2005 through 2006. According to reports published in Lifestyle Asia, which states that Jhabbu Lal and Pappu Lal, two inhabitants of Nithari, found human remains near a water tank behind a certain house (more on that later). They claimed the remains were of the children who had mysteriously vanished from the village. Apparently, many Nithari residents had reported the disappearances of their children many times earlier but were ignored by local law enforcement officials.

When their complaints went unheard, they approached SC Mishra, a former president of the Resident Welfare Association (RWA). With his help, they found a decomposing hand and then only the final investigation started and a huge search operation started. A huge number of body parts were retrieved from in and around the village of Nithari. The case involved allegation of rape, murder, abduction and dismemberment of especially children and women.

It was one of a kind case of brutal murder, rape and cannibalism. The people involved were Moninder Singh Pandher, a wealthy businessman and his servant Surinder Koli. The police arrested him and his servant Surinder Koli. During interrogations, Koli confessed as shown in the Netflixs film Sector 36 that he gave details of how he killed these women and children and even eaten their flesh. Koli confessed to his crime and described in details how he committed them. He also mentioned that he loved to eat human body especially young women. Pandher was a womanizer and a pedophile and these heinous crimes were happening in his house.

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The final verdict

According to reports published in Lifestyle Asia which stated that on 12 February 2009, Moninder Singh Pandher and Surinder Koli were convicted for the murder of Rimpa Haldar in 2005 by a Ghaziabad court. Both received the death sentence on 13 February 2009, in a case deemed rarest of rare. Koli was subsequently sentenced to death for multiple other murders. Pandhers conviction was overturned by the Allahabad High Court on 10 September 2009. The Supreme Court of India upheld Kolis death sentence in February 2011, but it was later commuted to life imprisonment due to delays in his mercy petition. Koli was sentenced to death again in subsequent convictions, with the latest in 2019.

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The Hindu report stated, Nithari Killings is nothing short of a betrayal of public trust. Sadly, on 16 October 2023, the Allahabad High Court acquitted Moninder Singh Pandher and Surinder Koli of all charges related to the serial killings, 17 years after the crimes were uncovered.

About the Netflixs film Sector 36

Produced by Dinesh Vijans Maddock Films and Jio Studios, the film traces the story of a once-complacent police inspector who is on the heels of a devious serial killer when justice becomes personal as several children go missing from a basti (slum) in Netflixs Sector 36. Inspired by true events, Sector 36 is directed by debutante Aditya Nimbalkar.

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WATCH the trailer of Vikrant Massey starrer Netflixs starrer Sector 36 here:

(With added inputs from agencies)
In a major relief for the AAP, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has been granted bail by the Supreme Court in a corruption case by the CBI related to the excise policy scam. He was first arrested by the ED in March on money laundering charges and has been lodged in Tihar jail since April 1. Heres a look at the entire episode read more

Arvind Kejriwal has been granted bail by the Supreme Court in the corruption case by the CBI related to the Delhi liquor policy 'scam'. File Photo/PTI

In a big boost for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the Assembly polls in Haryana, its convenor and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has got bail in the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. On Friday (September 13), the Supreme Court granted bail to the AAP leader in the case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in relation to corruption charges in the now-scrapped liquor policy case.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan granted relief to Kejriwal on certain conditions, a bail bond of Rs 10 lakh, and two sureties. The Delhi chief minister has been imprisoned for the last six months.

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Lets take a look at Arvind Kejriwals bail saga.

Whats the Delhi liquor policy case?

The Kejriwal-led government introduced a new liquor policy in November 2021 to remove the government from the business of selling alcohol, allowing only private liquor shops to run in Delhi.

With the new policy, the government said it wanted to end the liquor mafia and black marketing, increase government revenue, and provide a better customer experience.

However, the policy was scrapped nearly a year later and the government brought the old liquor policy back on 1 September 2022.

This came after Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena recommended a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in the implementation of the new excise policy.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED in the excise policy case on March 21. File Photo/PTI

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also registered a case in the alleged scam to probe the money laundering allegations. The central agency alleged that the AAP collaborated with a South Group under which the latter funded the Kejriwal-led partys Goa election campaign.

The so-called group was to recover this money through the liquor businesses it runs in the National Capital, as per the ED.

The agency issued multiple summonses to Kejriwal, all of which he skipped, calling them illegal. In February this year, the ED approached the magisterial court against the Delhi CM for evading summons.

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In March, the court issued a summon to Kejriwal on the central agencys fresh complaint against him. He secured bail on two complaints filed by the ED against him for skipping its summonses.

Kejriwal moved the Delhi High Court against the EDs summonses but the court refused to grant him protection from coercive action. On March 21, the central agency arrested the Delhi CM on money laundering charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2022 (PMLA).

He was sent to judicial custody in Tihar jail on 1 April, where he has been since. Senior AAP leaders Manish Sisodia, who was the head of the excise department when the new policy was implemented, and Sanjay Singh were also jailed in the case. Both are currently out on bail.

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Kejriwal gets bail twice

The AAP chief has got bail thrice in the liquor policy case before and once he even walked out of jail.

In March, Kejriwal moved the Delhi HC against his arrest by the ED. However, his petition was dismissed early next month and the Delhi CM had to approach the apex court.

During the hearing, the ED told the Supreme Court that Kejriwal was guilty of money laundering. The apex court questioned the Delhi CMs absence before the central agency for recording statements despite repeated summons.

On May 10, the top court granted interim bail to Kejriwal until 1 June for campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections. While granting him the relief, the Supreme Court said that interim bail for 21 days will not make much of a difference. 21 days here or there should not make a difference."

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The top court directed the Delhi CM to surrender on June 2. It also noted that Kejriwal does not have any criminal antecedents and is not a threat to society.

Kejriwal walked out of jail that month and surrendered at Tihar jail after the interim bail ended on June 1.

On June 1, a Delhi court reserved the order on the interim bail plea moved by Kejriwal on medical grounds. The Rouse Avenue Court eventually denied him interim bail.

The trial court granted him regular bail on June 20. However, the ED moved the Delhi High Court a day later against Kejriwals bail. The HC halted the relief order until it heard the case.

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On June 26, the CBI arrested Kejriwal in a corruption case linked to the alleged excise policy scam under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1998 (PC Act). This came while he was in judicial custody in the money laundering probe by the ED.

The same day, the Delhi CM withdrew his petition from the Supreme Court challenging the High Courts interim stay on bail granted by the trial court.

On July 12, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to the AAP chief, questioning the legality and necessity of his arrest by the ED in the Delhi excise policy case. However, Kejriwal remained in jail due to arrest in the CBI case.

The relief in the case filed under PMLA was significant as the legislation contains special, more stringent bail conditions.

Kejriwal then directly moved the Delhi High Court for bail instead of approaching the trial court. On August 5, the High Court upheld the CBIs decision to arrest the chief minister. Refusing to grant bail, the court asked him to approach the trial court first.

The final bail saga unfolds

Kejriwal approached the Supreme Court on August 12 against the Delhi HCs order. He filed two separate pleas  one challenging the legality of his arrest by the CBI and the other seeking bail.

The top court heard the matter at length before reserving its decision on September 5.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Delhi CM, argued that Kejriwal had already received bail on three different occasions. As pe_r Indian Express,_ he said this was possibly the only case where a person got bail under the PMLA with more strict bail conditions but was rejected bail for the predicate offence.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, who appeared for the CBI, said the AAP convenor should have moved the trial court for bail instead of the Delhi HC. While both the High Court and Sessions Court can grant bail to an accused of a non-bailable offence, the ASG argued the High Court has stated several times that the individual should first go to the lower court unless there are exceptional circumstances.

He said in Kejriwals case, the only exceptional circumstance was that he was a chief minister.

Today, the Supreme Court granted bail to Kejriwal in the corruption case by the CBI. In his judgement, Justice Bhuyan raised questions on the necessity and timing of the arrest by the central agency. He said the CBI arrest was only to frustrate bail granted in the ED case. As per Bar and Bench, Justice Bhuyan said the CBI should dispel the notion of being caged parrot.

The AAP has hailed the verdict as a victory of truth. In a post on X, the party wrote, Satyamev Jayate.

Former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, tweeted, Today truth won again in the fight against lies and conspiracies. I once again pay my tribute to the thinking and foresight of Baba Saheb Ambedkar ji, who 75 years ago had strengthened the common man against any future dictator.

             .



              ,  75               . pic.twitter.com/2yJDqz2W6w  Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) September 13, 2024

Kejriwals release from the Tihar jail is a big deal for the AAP as it prepares for the elections in Delhi and Haryana.

Reacting to the bail, the BJP has called for Kejriwals resignation as Delhi chief minister. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Delhi, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, The Supreme Court has shown a mirror to kattar beimaan (outright dishonest) Arvind Kejriwal while granting bail to him. He should immediately resign after this.

Kejriwal is expected to walk out of jail after 3.30 pm today.

With inputs from agencies
China is set to raise its retirement age for the first time since the 1950s, a move driven by its rapidly ageing population and strained pension system. Beginning in 2025, retirement ages will gradually increase for both men and women, with the aim of easing pressure on the shrinking workforce read more

China is embarking on its most significant pension reform since the 1950s, addressing an array of economic, demographic, and social challenges. The decision to gradually raise the retirement age comes as the nation contends with a rapidly ageing population, a shrinking workforce, and mounting pressure on its pension system.

This move, which will begin implementation on January 1, 2025, marks a big shift in the countrys approach to retirement, with implications for the labour market, social welfare, and the broader economy.

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What is Chinas new retirement age?

The most direct aspect of this reform is the increase in the retirement age for both men and women. Currently, China has one of the worlds lowest retirement ages: 60 for men and between 50 to 55 for women, depending on their occupation.

Under the new plan, retirement ages will rise gradually over the next 15 years. For men, the retirement age will increase from 60 to 63. For women, the retirement age will be raised from 50 (blue-collar workers) or 55 (white-collar workers) to 55 and 58, respectively.

Wang Xiaoping, Chinas Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, explained, The raising of the retirement age would be done gradually, with the adjustment starting next year but taking 15 years to fully implement. It would be done on a flexible and voluntary basis, whereby an employee can choose to retire earlier or extend retirement for a period of up to three years.

This reform comes after years of deliberation, with the Chinese government weighing the demographic and economic implications of an ageing society. It also introduces flexibility, allowing some employees to extend their working years voluntarily by up to three years.

This flexibility could help mitigate potential labour shortages while easing the transition to longer working lives for the population.

What is behind this move?

The most pressing reason for raising the retirement age is Chinas rapidly ageing population. In 2021, people aged 65 and older made up 14.2 per cent of the population, and by 2035, that number is expected to rise to 30 per cent.

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Life expectancy has surged from 44 years in 1960 to 78 years in 2021 and is projected to exceed 80 years by 2050. These trends reflect a seismic demographic shift that threatens to destabilise the labour force and increase the financial burden on the pension system.

Chinas National Bureau of Statistics reported that the population fell for the second consecutive year in 2023, highlighting a sharp decline in the birth rate despite the governments attempts to reverse its long-standing one-child policy.

The country recorded its lowest birth rate since the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949, with demographers predicting the elderly will account for 40 per cent of the population by the middle of the century.

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The ageing population means a rapidly shrinking workforce, which threatens to undermine Chinas economic growth. Over the next decade, about 300 million people who are currently aged between 50 and 60 will leave the workforce, equivalent to the size of the entire US population.

This decline in the working-age population comes as the country struggles with slowing economic growth, an uncertain global trade environment, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How has Chinas pension system been afffected?

Chinas pension system is facing a looming crisis. Eleven of Chinas 31 provincial-level jurisdictions are already running pension budget deficits, according to the Ministry of Finance.

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The pension fund is projected to run out of money by 2035, according to a 2019 report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences  an estimate made before the pandemic further strained local government coffers. The pension system, which was designed when China had a much younger population, is now under immense pressure as the number of retirees grows.

In the last few years, several provinces have experienced widespread protests over reductions in medical benefits, which have exacerbated concerns about the sustainability of the pension system.

In early 2023, thousands of elderly people protested in major cities against cuts to their medical benefits, fearing that local governments were using their individual accounts to cover shortfalls in the state pension fund.

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To mitigate the financial strain on the pension system, the governments new policy will also increase the minimum contribution period for pensions from 15 to 20 years, starting in 2030.

This gradual shift will be fully implemented by 2039, with workers required to contribute for a longer period before they can start receiving their pensions.

How has the public reacted to this move?

Despite its necessity, the announcement to raise the retirement age has sparked widespread concern and anger across Chinese social media platforms. Many Chinese workers, particularly those in middle age or nearing retirement, fear they will be forced to stay in jobs they may no longer be suited for, or worse, not be able to find jobs at all due to age discrimination in hiring.

Social media platforms like Weibo have been inundated with complaints, with one user writing, What a miserable year! Middle-aged workers are faced with pay cuts and raised retirement ages. Those who are unemployed find it increasingly difficult to get jobs.

The discontent stems from fears of delayed access to pensions and worries about the countrys tight job market. Unemployment rates, especially among youth, have been rising, with the unemployment rate among young people aged 16 to 24 reaching 17.1 per cent in July 2023.

For people over the age of 35, age discrimination in hiring is a common complaint, particularly in the tech sector, where employers prefer younger workers, reported CNN.

Though some have accepted the reforms as necessary, others are less optimistic about their ability to continue working into their 60s. One user remarked, Delayed retirements just mean you cant get your pension until you hit 63, but it doesnt mean everyone will have a job until then!

At the same time, others have pointed out that Chinas current retirement ages are significantly lower than those in developed countries. As one user commented, Men in most European countries retire when they are 65 or 67, while women do at 60. This is going to be the trend in our country as well.

How does China retirement age compare to other nations?

Chinas current retirement ages are significantly lower than in many other countries. In neighbouring Japan, the retirement age is 65, and in South Korea, its 63.

In OECD countries, the average retirement age is 64.4 for men and 63.6 for women. Chinas new retirement age framework will bring it more in line with its regional peers and global counterparts.

The countrys demographic crisis mirrors the challenges faced by other ageing nations, such as Japan and South Korea. France, for example, saw major protests in 2023 when the government attempted to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.

In the United States, retirement reform has been a topic of debate for decades, with Social Security incentivising workers to delay benefits until the age of 70.

In India, depending on the sector, the retirement age varies from 58 to 62.

What next?

Chinas decision to raise the retirement age marks a turning point for its ageing society and strained pension system. While the reforms are seen as necessary to address the countrys demographic crisis, they have sparked widespread concern among workers who face an uncertain job market and a delayed path to retirement.

Also Watch:

In the long term, economists predict that the reform will help stabilise Chinas labour force and pension system. However, its success will depend on how well the government can manage the immediate impacts on workers and the broader economy.

With inputs from agencies
Germanys recent decision to reinstate border checks with nine neighbouring countries, citing concerns over terrorism and irregular migration, has sparked fears of the Schengen Areas future. The move follows a rise in asylum applications, hitting 1.12 million in 2023, and far-right political gains across Europe read more

A banner reading "Welcome to Schengen" is displayed at the arrivals section of Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni near Bucharest, Romania, March 31, 2024. File Image/Reuters

The Schengen Area, with its 29 European countries and a population of more than 450 million people, has long been a symbol of European integration and free movement.

As one of the EUs most significant achievements, the Schengen Zone allows for passport-free travel between its member states.

However, the steady influx of asylum seekers, particularly after the 2015 migration crisis and again in 2023, has led to renewed calls for stricter border controls. The latest figures show that asylum applications in 2023 reached 1.12 million, the highest since 2016, stretching the capacity of local authorities across the EU.

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Recent developments in European migration policies, particularly Germanys decision to reintroduce checks at all its land borders, have raised concerns over the future of the Schengen Area.

How is Germanys move affecting other Schengen countries?

Germanys recent move to tighten checks at its borders follows a knife attack in Solingen in August, where a Syrian asylum seeker killed three people. The attack, later claimed by the Islamic State, highlighted gaps in the migration system, as the perpetrator had already been ordered to be deported.

Germanys decision, while seen by some as politically motivated, has sparked widespread criticism. The countrys interior minister, Nancy Faeser, explained the move: We want to further reduce irregular migration, stressing that it was essential to protect against terrorism and serious crime.

However, Polands Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, called it unacceptable and claimed it was effectively a de facto suspension of the Schengen agreement on a large scale. Austria, meanwhile, announced it would refuse to take back any migrants turned away by Germany.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also echoed the sentiment saying that a German plan to impose tighter checks at its land borders amounted to unilaterally scrapping Europes open-border Schengen zone and would burden frontline states such as Greece.

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The response cannot be unilaterally scrapping Schengen and dropping the ball to countries which sit on Europes external borders, he said.

The European Commission has responded cautiously, pointing to the Schengen Borders Code, which allows for temporary internal border controls in case of serious threats to public order or internal security.

However, it remains to be seen whether Germanys measures will comply with EU law in the long term, as border checks are supposed to be both necessary and proportionate.

How serious is this move?

This is not the first time border controls have been introduced within the Schengen Area. In fact, since 2006, member states have submitted 441 notifications to reinstate controls temporarily.

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While only 35 of these were filed before 2015, the numbers surged after the 2015 migration crisis, and eight countries, including Germany, currently have some form of checks in place. The Schengen Borders Code defines these controls as a last resort, but many argue they are becoming the norm rather than the exception.

Dr. Saila Heinikoski, a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, told Euronews: I doubt these [Schengen] countries are willing to remove their border control in the near future due to the signal it would send.

Indeed, some believe that these measures serve more as symbolic gestures to reassure domestic populations rather than effective deterrents against irregular migration. As Marcus Engler of the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research remarked, The intention of the government seems to be to show symbolically to Germans and to potential migrants that the latter are no longer wanted here.

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Is this a sign of the changing political wave in Europe?

The Solingen attack and the subsequent rise in far-right electoral successes, notably for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, have put immense pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholzs government.

The AfD recently gained historic results in two eastern German states, while the Social Democrats, Scholzs party, face a likely defeat in the next federal elections. Germany is not alone in this; far-right parties across Europe have gained ground as migration remains a contentious issue.

Austria, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Finland have also instituted temporary border checks, citing a variety of reasons from terrorism to the war in Ukraine. Denmarks interior minister pointed to terror threats arising from the conflict in Gaza and Russian espionage risks. France, too, has justified border controls by pointing to heightened terrorism risks.

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However, these measures may come at a significant economic cost. A 2016 report by the Bertelsmann Foundation estimated that the reintroduction of internal border checks could cost Europe 470 billion in lost growth over a decade. While these controls provide short-term political gains, the long-term impact on the Schengen Area and EU unity remains uncertain.

Will Schengen survive?

The debate surrounding Schengens future has intensified with Germanys recent decision. The European Stability Initiatives Gerald Knaus warned on X: Internal border controls that are intended to have any effect mean the end of Schengen.

The implications of border controls extend beyond migration issues. With over 240,000 people commuting daily from neighbouring countries to Germany for work, these measures could disrupt trade and cross-border labour markets.

Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has long been critical of EU migration policies, welcomed the German move with a sarcastic post: Scholz, welcome to the club! #StopMigration.

#Germany has decided to impose strict border controls to stop illegal migration. @Bundeskanzler Scholz, welcome to the club! #StopMigration  Orban Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) September 10, 2024

On the other hand, Greek PM Mitsotakis voiced concerns, stating that it would be wrong to revert to a logic of ad hoc exemptions from the Schengen agreement.

Alberto-Horst Neidhardt from the European Policy Centre stated that while Schengen is not on the verge of collapse, the idea that recent reforms could preserve its borderless nature is an illusion. He added that the Schengen Areas future will likely be marked by a high degree of malaise and uncertainty."

With inputs from agencies
Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams will address the Earth with her colleague Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station. In India, the Supreme Court is set to deliver the verdict on Arvind Kejriwals bail in connection to the Delhi excise policy scam. read more

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams (left) and Butch Wilmore (right) will address Earth from the International Space Station. PTI

It will be a packed Friday with several big events set to unfold.

Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to hold a press conference from the International Space Station today.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will deliver the verdict on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwals bail in connection to the Delhi excise policy scam.

A Delhi court is likely to take cognisance of a supplementary charge sheet against RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav in a land for jobs case.

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iPhone 16 to series will be available for pre-booking from today. The series includes the newly launched iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Here are some of the big events lined up for the day.

Sunita Williams to address a press conference

Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams will address Earth from the International Space Station along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore today. The news will be broadcast at 11:45 pm IST on various platforms including the Nasa+, the Nasa app and the website.

A press statement from Nasa read, The media are invited to hear from Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams during an Earth to space call at 2:15 p.m. EDT, Friday, September 13.

The two have been stuck in space since June this year after the Boeing Starliner that carried them to space developed a technical issue. However, the spacecraft successfully returned on September 6 after more than three months in space. Now, Their return journey had been scheduled to take place through the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

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SC to rule on Arvind Kejriwals bail petitions

The Supreme Court has scheduled to hear Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals bail petition and challenge against his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection to the Delhi excise policy case today.

File photo of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a meeting with lawyers, in New Delhi. PTI

A bench led by Justice Surya Kant will pronounce the ruling. Meanwhile, he will be joined by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan who had earlier reserved the verdict on September 5. The case revolves around the alleged corruption surrounding the formulation and implementation of the Delhi governments excise policy for 2021-22. It has now been annulled.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also filed a case on money laundering linked to the suspected excise policy scam. Both ED and CBI accuse Kejriwal of facilitating irregularities and provisioning undue benefits to licence holders.

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Delhi court to take cognisance of charge sheet against Lalu, Tejashwi in land for jobs case

A Delhi court is likely to take cognisance of the chargesheet filed against former Railway Minister and RJD founder Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav in connection to the land for jobs case.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne on Saturday (September 7) fixed the matter for the next week after noting that no further clarification was required from the ED on the matter. The final report was filed before the court by the ED on August 6. The ED filed its case based on an FIR lodged by the CBI.

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RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and party leader Tejashwi Yadav in Patna. PTI

The case pertains to Group-D appointments made in the West Central Zone of the railways based in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during Lalu Prasads tenure as the railway minister from 2004 to 2009 in return for land parcels gifted or transferred by the recruits in the name of the RJD supremos family or associates, the ED said.

Board of Trade to discuss ways to boost exports

The Board of Trade will be holding a meeting in Mumbai. The meeting will be chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and will see participants from various states, Union territories, and senior officials from the public and private sectors.

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In the meeting, representatives of export promotion councils present their views on the export sector, according to a PTI article. The Board of Trade provides an opportunity to have regular discussions and consultations with trade and industry and advise the government on policy measures on foreign trade policy to achieve the objective of boosting Indias trade.

It also provides a platform for state governments and Union territories to articulate their perspective on trade policy and also for the central government to apprise them about international developments affecting Indias trade potential and opportunities.

Apple to begin pre-booking its new iPhone 16 series

The pre booking for Apples iPhone16 series is set to begin from today. The series include iPhone 16 series, which includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Apples new A18 series processors is a major feature to look out for in the recent release along with Apple Intelligence, Apples own AI platform.

The official sale for the new iPhones will begin on September 20, after which the iPhone 16 series will be available for purchase both online and in physical stores.

On this day
A French court has ordered two women  Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey  to pay First Lady Brigitte Macron 8,000 (Rs 7.45 lakh) in damages, after airing a conspiracy that the 71-year-old was a man read more

French First lady Brigitte Macron was at the receiving end of a conspiracy theory which alleged that she was a transgender. File image/AP

As they say, do not believe everything you read on the internet. A conspiracy theory started by two women during a podcast gathered air and has now cost them a hefty amount.

Two women have now been ordered by a French court to pay 8,000 (Rs 7.45 lakh) in damages to French First Lady Brigitte Macron after they circulated theories that Macron was a transgender.

Aired by the far-right supporters, the rumour turned into a massive debate online. It reached such an extent that the 71-year-old Macron, who had been ignoring the conspiracy theories, had to knock at the doors of the courts to put a stop to it.

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Also Read: With Michel Barnier as French PM, has Macron made Marine Le Pen Frances kingmaker?

After a long silence on the issue, President Emmanuel Macron addressed the rumors in March and said that the false claims had hurt him and his wife and impacted his family life.

As Brigitte Macron gets the justice that she deserves, let us take a closer look at the case.

All about the case

The matter began in December 2021 when a self-proclaimed spiritual medium Amandine Roy, interviewed a self-described independent journalist Natacha Rey for four hours on her YouTube channel. In the video, Rey spoke about the state lie and scam that she claimed to have uncovered alleging that the French presidents wife was once a man named Jean-Michel.

French President Emmanuel Macron (right), and his wife Brigitte pose during a welcome ceremony, at the Euxinograd residence outside Varna, Bulgaria. File image/AP

As per a report by Le Monde, throughout the interview, the women showed pictures of Brigitte Macron and her family, how she had undergone surgeries and also claimed that she was not the mother of three children.

Social media response to the video

The video spread like wildfire within hours of being uploaded. 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.

The claim went viral just weeks before the 2022 French presidential election. The disinformation even spread to the United States where Brigitte Macron was attacked in a now-deleted YouTube video ahead of the November elections.

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The courts order

On Thursday (September 12), a French court ordered Roy and Rey to pay a total of 8,000 (Rs 7.45 lakh) in damages to the presidents wife, and 5,000 (Rs 4.65 lakh) to her brother Jean-Michel Trogneux as damages. They were also handed a suspended fine of 500 (Rs 46,000).

Macron had filed a libel complaint against two women in 2021. While Rey was ill during the trial, she could not manage to have it postponed.

Also Read: Thousands flood Frances streets to protest against Macron appointing Michel Barnier as PM

Speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Macrons lawyer Jean Ennochi said, Its not a victory, its a normal application of the law. According to Le Monde, 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.

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Several female politicians have been the target of disinformation about their gender or sexuality. This includes Former US First Lady Michelle Obama, US Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris and New Zealand ex-PM Jacinda Ardern.

Meanwhile, Brigitte 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 programme creator Darren Star when they met the French First Lady at the Elysee Palace in December 2022.

With inputs from agencies
More than a year after Imran Khan was sent to jail, the former prime minister continues to retain a firm grip on the public imagination. Now, with Khan calling on his followers to prepare for a nationwide street movement days after a police crackdown on his Pakistans Tehreek-E-Insaaf (PTI) party, lets take a look at how he continues to influence events from prison read more

Imran Khan was ousted as prime minister in 2022 in a no-confidence vote after he fell out with Pakistan's powerful generals. File Photo

Imran Khan may be out of sight, but he is not out of mind.

The former Pakistan prime minister, who has been in prison for a year, is continuing to take on the establishment.

The Pakistan police this week arrested nearly a dozen lawmakers from Imrans Pakistans Tehreek-E-Insaaf (PTI) party in a raid on Parliament.

This came after the PTI, which was derecognised prior to the general election, held a massive rally on Sunday in a show of strength.

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Imran, who has described the charges against him as politically-motivated, this week also vowed that he would not negotiate with the establishment.

Imran on Thursday called on his party members to prepare for a nationwide street movement.

Our movement is a jihad for democracy. I call on the entire nation to take to the streets to save our freedom, he said.

But what happened? How Imran continues to influence Pakistan from behind bars? And what happens next?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

First, lets take a look at how we got here.

Imran swept to power in 2018 with the backing of Pakistans powerful military. The country has spent decades under military rule since its creation in 1947.

No prime minister has, till date, completed their constitutionally mandated five-year term.

It was thought to be understood that the military would retain control over certain aspects of Pakistans affairs  such as the policy towards India and the economy. Imran, for all intents and purposes would be the front man.

But Imran was not content to play the role of prime minister.

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He also wanted his own people in place at high positions including at Pakistans spy agency the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

General Syed Asim Munir, who was appointed ISI chief by General Qamar Javed Bajwa, was removed from his post at Imrans behest.

Pakistan army chief Lt. Gen. Syed Asim Munir. AP

Munir served in the powerful position just eight months  the shortest stint ever. Things quickly fell apart between Imran and the establishment  the code word for the military. Munir, though, would not go quietly.

He succeeded Bajwa as Pakistan Army chief.

By 2022, Pakistan was roiled by corruption and the COVID-19 pandemic  and the breach between Imran and the establishment was complete.

Imran was ousted as prime minister in 2022 after a no-confidence vote in Parliament. He is the only prime minister to have been removed by such a vote. Imran blamed a foreign hand  read USA  as well as the former army chief Bajwa for his ouster.

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Then, in May 2023, Imran was arrested from a court house on corruption charges, as per B_BC._

His supporters rose up in protest cross the country.

Imran was released, only to be rearrested in August 2023 in a corruption case, as per Al Jazeera.

He was then quickly handed a three-year sentence and banned from politics for five years.

Wel over 100 cases have been levied against Imran including for committing treason and blasphemy and inciting violence and terrorism

Then, prior to the Pakistani general elections in 2024, the establishment banned his PTI.

Some organisations were reportedly even barred from mentioning Imrans name.

Many of the candidates were rounded up and put behind bars or went into hiding. Others simply left the party. Those that were left stood as Independents backed by Imran. The polls threw up a surprise  the Independents got the most seats.

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Still, Imrans rivals joined hands and formed the new government.

How does he continue to influence Pakistan?

Imran was first sent to Attock Jail in Pakistans Punjab province, then later shifted to Rawalpindis Adiala Jail.

As per India Today, Imran was given the identification number 804.

But even behind bars, his hold over the public imagination remains.

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As per India Today, searches on social media platforms like X display songs, posters and chants devoted to Imran.

A clip shows a crowd at a Pakistan Super League (PSL) game chanting Qaidi Number 804. A couple was seen wearing jerseys emblazoned with the number 804.

A clip shows a song on Qaidi Number 804 being played at a motor rally.

Arab News reported how customers in Peshawar during Eid went wild in their search of leather sandals with the number 804.

I made and named this sandal Qaidi 804 this year and its demand went up abruptly. People have been asking for it, leading to its current shortage, Chacha Noor-ud-Din told the outlet.

Qaidi number 804 T-shirts are also available on Amazon, as per India Today.

Meanwhile, Imran hasnt lost any of his defiance, according to those close to him.

There is still a swagger about him, Aleema Khanum, Imrans sister, told BBC. Hes got no needs, no wants - only a cause.

He is now openly pointing the finger at Munir  who he says is running the country  for the current crackdown on his political party.

Whats the latest flare-up?

On Sunday, the PTI held a massive rally in Islamabad.

As per India Today, tens of thousands of people attended Sundays rally.

Imrans followers demanded his release from jail and haqeeqi azadi.'

Thousands of supporters of Pakistans imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khans party participate in a rally demanding his release from prison where he has been held for more than a year after being sentenced in multiple cases, on the outskirts of the capital, Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday. AP

The chant  mera yaar, tera yaar, qaidi number 804"  which has been heard at Pakistan Super League Games  was also taken up by the faithful.

More importantly, PTI leaders made speeches threatening the government and the military.

As per The New York Times, Ali Amin Gandapur, chief minister of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, vowed to hold a mass protest in Lahore.

The PTIs rival, the PMLN, currently governs Punjab Province.

Put your house in order, Gandapur warned. I am not scared of the army uniform,

This was seemingly a threat not to try Imran in a military court.

Then, on Monday, the Pakistan police arrested several lawmakers of the PTI in a raid in Islamabad.

As per Al Jazeera, the PTI said at least 13 of their members were arrested including party chief Gohar Khan and senior leaders Shoaib Shaheen and Sher Afzal Marwat.

Video footage showed some lawmakers being rounded up by the police and shoved into cars.

As per The New York Times, some lawmakers even attempted to shut themselves up in their offices to avoid being taken in.

The PTI condemned the raid.

This is an attack on democracy and Pakistans constitution, PTI lawmaker Ali Muhammad Khan was quoted as saying by The New York Times.

Even those in government appeared disturbed by the events.

What will happen tomorrow? Syed Naveed Qamar, a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party, told the newspaper. Will they come for you, on the floor of the Parliament?

But others tried to defend the action.

It was a reaction to what happened at the rally, defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

What do experts say?

That the PTI has begun making a concerted bid to free Imran.

Zaigham Khan, a political analyst in Islamabad, told The New York Times, It seems that PTI sees no path to securing Imran Khans release from prison through a negotiated settlement with the military and has instead chosen to use this moment to apply pressure on the establishment and initiate a political campaign.

Experts have warned that the authorities wont let Imran off so easily  especially if he refused to bend.

Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre think tank in Washington, told BBC, There was no expectation that Mr Khan was going to do anything that would make it easy for him to get out of jail.

The military dont ease up when they decide theres a political figure that they want to lock up, Kugelman added. That has especially been the case with Khan.

With inputs from agencies
The BJP has decided to fight on only 19 seats in the Kashmir Valley for the upcoming Assembly polls. The saffron party is facing several challenges as the UT goes to polls five years after Article 370 was abrogated. But its prospects could improve due to the due to delimitation read more

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Ravinder Raina, Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and G Kishan Reddy and others release the party's election manifesto ahead of the state Assembly elections, in Jammu, September 6, 2024. File Photo/PTI

After skipping all three Lok Sabha seats in the Kashmir Valley, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to contest only 19 of the 47 Assembly seats in the region. The saffron party has fielded candidates on all 43 Assembly seats in Jammu, which is its stronghold.

The BJP has finalised its list of candidates for the Kashmir region. Out of 47 seats, the BJP will contest 19 in the Kashmir Valley, the BJP said. No new list of candidates will be announced, the party confirmed in an official release on Wednesday (September 11) evening.

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Jammu and Kashmir will go to polls in three phases, with voting on September 18, September 25, and October 1, to elect 90 members. Results will be declared on October 8.

Why is the BJP not contesting all seats in Kashmir? What are the challenges and advantages for the party? Lets take a look.

BJP skips 28 seats in Kashmir

The BJPs announcement to not field candidates for 28 seats in the Valley comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah regretted the decision to skip contesting all three Lok Sabha seats in the region while interacting with party leaders in Kashmir.

He had declared the BJP would contest all 90 Assembly seats in J&K, asking the party leaders and workers to start preparing for the polls. The saffron party won two seats in these Lok Sabha elections in the Jammu province.

The BJP insiders told Indian Express that the saffron party was not expecting any miracles in Kashmir, calling it a tactical move not to field candidates on all seats in the Valley.

Our leadership knows that the BJP does not have a serious chance of winning a seat in the Valley except one Srinagar seat. So all the candidates who have been fielded are kind of dummy candidates The partys focus is on the Independents and some political parties that could help it come to power, a BJP leader was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

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Rafiq Wani, the partys candidate from Anantnag in South Kashmir, has reportedly openly admitted that the new regional political parties and Independents in the Union Territory were ours. Engineer Rashid is ours, Sajad Lone too, Altaf Bukhari is also ours, and Nabi Azad (Ghulam Nabi Azad) also. The Independent candidates also belong to us, he said at a party meeting, as per Indian Express.

The BJPs rivals in J&K  the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  have made similar claims of the saffron party promoting proxy Independent candidates and small parties to dent their votes.

As per India Today, the BJP hopes the votes in the Valley will be split among the NC, PDP and smaller parties.

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What works for BJP in J&K polls

The BJP has strong chances in Hindu-majority Jammu. The saffron party has an added advantage in the Assembly elections due to delimitation.

In Jammu, six more seats have been added by the delimitation commission, taking the total tally to 43. One seat was increased in the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley, increasing the total number to 47.

The proportion of Assembly seats in Jammu has jumped from 42.5 per cent to 47.8 per cent, while it has declined in Kashmir from 52.9 per cent to 52.2 per cent, reported India Today.

This could benefit the BJP in the upcoming polls for the UT. Over the years, the saffron party has improved its performance in the five Muslim-majority districts of Jammu  Doda, Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar and Ramban, noted India Today.

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In February, the Central government passed the Scheduled Tribes Order amendment bill for J&K, which accords scheduled tribe status to Pahari, Padari, Koli and Gadda Brahmins  most of whom are from the Jammu region. As per a Moneycontrol report, the J&K BJP expects this will work in favour of the party in the elections.

The new act of the UT allows the J&K Lieutenant Governor (LG) to nominate five members to the Assembly who will have voting rights. This is another advantage for the BJP, the report noted.

Jammu is the BJPs stronghold. PTI

These polls are significant as Assembly elections are being held in J&K after a decade, and five years after Article 370 was abrogated. These are the first elections after J&Ks statehood was withdrawn and it was split into two Union Territories  Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

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If the BJP can come to power in J&K, with the help of smaller parties, it will be seen as a mandate in favour of the revocation of Article 370, as per Moneycontrol.

What are the disadvantages?

The BJP has hardly any chances in Kashmir. So far, the saffron party has failed to open an account in the Kashmir Valley in Assembly polls.

If Lok Sabha polls are any indication, the saffron partys popularity in the UT has plunged. The BJPs vote share declined from 46 per cent in 2019 to 24.4 per cent in 2024.

The question of statehood is a big one as J&K votes in the coming days. Peoples grievances over the withdrawal of statehood could dampen the BJPs prospects, as per Moneycontrol.

The infighting within the party could also hurt its chances. Senior BJP leaders are already irked with the party leadership over ticket distribution for the polls. The saffron party has fielded Congress and the PDP turncoats in the election, angering the partys old guard.

Former BJP Jammu district president, Kashmira Singh, and senior party leader, Chander Mohan Sharma, resigned over ticket distribution.

Speaking to Indian Express, a senior BJP leader in Srinagar said, Many of us are already hurt and angry. We have given crucial years of our lives to the BJP. We have stood for the BJP when no one would (in the Valley). When it was time to reward us, the party didnt trust us. They either skipped the seats or fielded candidates who are new to the party.

While the BJP is expected to win most seats in Jammu, the recent surge in militant attacks in the region could pose a challenge. However, Rekha Chowdhary, author and former political science professor at Jammu University, believes otherwise. She told Hindustan Times, There is concern about the rising militant attacks in Jammu, but this is not an election issue for the public. The attacks wont affect the political landscape here, though theres been a shift in militant activity.

With inputs from agencies
New visuals have emerged of Kim Jong Un visiting a uranium enrichment facility, which produces fuel for its nuclear bombs. The images have got many asking  how many nuclear warheads does the country have? We analysed and have an answer read more

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects nuclear warheads. It is not known exactly how many nuclear warheads the country has but some estimate it to be 50. File image/Reuters

There are few countries that boast of nuclear weapons. According to a July report by the Arms Control Association, countries such as the United States, Russia, France, India, United Kingdom and more have a total of over 12,000 nuclear warheads  with approximately 9,000 being active and the rest awaiting disarmament.

Among the countries possessing nuclear weapons, one stands out though  North Korea. Thats because even though they have a small arsenal of nuclear-powered weapons currently, the countrys leader, Kim Jong Un, is pushing that the nation build up its nukes, raising concerns that the Asian nation  mostly isolated  is gearing up for a war.

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The countrys nuclear arsenal became a big buzz on Friday as new visuals emerged of Kim Jong Un touring a uranium enrichment facility, and calling for new centrifuges to produce more weapons-grade material for nuclear bombs, reported state-media KCNA. According to experts, the images of Kims visit to the institute  the location is unknown  could provide outsiders with a valuable source of information for estimating the amount of nuclear ingredients that North Korea has produced.

The visit to the facility has got many people asking  Just how many nuclear weapons does Pyongyang have? We try to answer this query.

How has North Koreas nuclear programme evolved?

North Korea began its nuclear programme in the early 1950s. In December 1952, the government established the Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Academy of Sciences, but nuclear work only began to progress when North Korea established cooperative agreements with the Soviet Union.

As years rolled on, with the help of the Soviet Union and to an extent China, North Korea continued its nuclear expansion, with Pyongyang constructing a uranium milling facilities, a fuel rod fabrication complex, and a 5MW(e) nuclear reactor, as well as research and development institutions, reports nti.org.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tours facilities during a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials at an undisclosed location in North Korea. Reuters

In September 1991, US President George HW Bush announced that the United States would withdraw its nuclear weapons from South Korea, and on December 18, 1991, President Roh Tae Woo declared that South Korea was free of nuclear weapons. It was then that North and South Korea signed the Joint Declaration on the Denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, whereby both sides vowed they would not test, manufacture, produce, receive, possess, store, deploy or use nuclear weapons.

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In 1985, it had also become party to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). However, all this changed in 2003 when it announced that it would no longer be bound by the treaty and restarted its nuclear weapons programme.

Following this, North Korea conducted its first nuclear test at the Punggye-ri test site, with KCNA reporting that the test was conducted at a stirring time when all the people of the country are making a great leap forward in the building of a great prosperous powerful socialist nation.

In May 2009, the hermit kingdom conducted its second nuclear test, which was followed by other nuclear tests in February 2013, January 2016, and September 2016. The last time North Korea tested a nuclear bomb was in 2017. The explosion had a force, or yield, of between 100-370 kilotonnes.

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A 100 kilotonne bomb is six times more powerful than the one the US dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.

In recent years, Kim Jong Un has vowed to accelerate the countrys nuclear programme. In 2021, he proclaimed that his goal was to make his country most powerful nuclear force. He also declared that the countrys status as a nuclear weapons state has now become irreversible and that there will never be any declaration of giving up our nukes or denuclearisation in future negotiations.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech, marking the countrys 76th founding anniversary in Pyongyang. It is here that he vowed to exponentially boost the nations nuclear arsenal. File image/AP

And in a speech marking the 76th founding anniversary of his government on Monday, Kim vowed to exponentially boost the nations nuclear arsenal in a bid to defend the country against hostile forces. He added that the country would redouble its measures and efforts to make all the armed forces of the state, including the nuclear force, fully ready for combat.

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So, how many nukes does North Korea possess?

Owing to North Koreas isolation, no one knows exactly how many nuclear weapons North Korea has. However, experts have estimated that at the low end, North Korea has assembled 40 to 50 nuclear warheads  the fewest among nine nations with nuclear weapons.

However, an analysis by the RAND Corp and Asan Institute estimate that Kim Jong UNs country has 116 nuclear warheads. Meanwhile, the Seoul-based Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, in 2023, put the number at 80 to 90, adding that the country was looking to build this number up to 100-300.

People perform for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to celebrate the nuclear test in 2017. File image/Reuters

According to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) most weapons are single-stage fission weapons with yields between 10 and 20 kilotonnes of TNT equivalent, akin to those demonstrated in the 2013 and 2016 tests.

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As per a Reuters report, North Korea has the capability to deliver nuclear weapons on a variety of land-based missile systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with ranges capable of targeting distances as far away as the continental United States.

North Korea also has a submarine capable of launching nuclear weapons. Named Hero Kim Kun Ok, it has the capability of firing nuclear weapons.

People attend the countrys launching ceremony for a new tactical nuclear attack submarine, in North Korea in September 2023. File image/Reuters

But how does North Korea build its nuclear weapons?

For any country to build nuclear weapons, it needs fissile material  uranium and plutonium. According to reports, North Korea has enough uranium to produce six bombs annually. Bloomberg further reports that North Korea has reportedly resumed plutonium-producing operations at a nuclear reactor in its antiquated Yongbyon complex.

Reuters further reports that the country has more centrifuges, including at a site in Kangson.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un provides guidance with Ri Hong Sop (2nd L) and Hong Sung Mu (R) on a nuclear weapons programme in Pyongyang. File image/Reuters

And where does North Korea get the money for its nuclear ambitions? Reports state that North Korea earns foreign currency through clandestine transfers and even resorting to ransomware attacks. A Bloomberg report said that Kims decade-old regime has already taken in as much as $3 billion through cybercrime and is geared to rake in even more.

As Yang Uk, a security expert at Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies, told AP, Overall, the message they are trying to send is that their nuclear capability is not just an empty threat, but that they are continuing to produce (bomb fuel). And who are they speaking to? It could obviously be South Korea but also certainly the United States.

With inputs from agencies
Indias foreign ministry has announced that 45 men, conscripted into the Russian military and sent to the frontlines, have been discharged from service and awaiting their return home. Authorities have added that efforts are also underway to secure the release of another 50 people. Many of these recruits were duped into joining the Russian army and forced to fight the Ukraine war read more

Forty five Indians who were illegally made to join the Russian army and fight for them on the battle fronts against Ukraine have been rescued from the war zone and discharged from the Russian military. Representational image/Reuters

Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February of 2022, many Indian families have been perturbed and worried as news emerged that their loved ones  sons, husbands, and brothers  had been wrongly listed in the Russian army and sent to the frontlines to fight the war.

Now, comes some relief as the Ministry of External Affairs announced that a total of 45 Indians had been discharged from the Russian military and were on their way home and efforts were still on to rescue another 50. Six of the 45, who have recently been discharged, were waiting to return to India after the completion of paperwork at the Indian Embassy.

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One of them, identified as Azad Yousuf Kumar from Jammu and Kashmir, was quoted as telling 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.

As we await the arrival of the 45 from Russia, lets take a closer look at how many Indians are serving in the Russian military, how they got there and what the authorities are doing to secure their release.

Indians in the Russian army

Shortly after the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, news emerged that over 90 Indians were being forced to serve as foot soldiers for the Russian military. Moreover, until August, eight Indians have been killed in the conflict so far.

Families of those being duped into serving in the Russian military have been urging the government to secure their release and for many the agonising wait continues as their loved ones remain unwilling combatants in a totally foreign conflict.

However, on Thursday (September 12), the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a press conference announced that Russias military had discharged 45 Indians. Since PM Modi visited Russia in July, 35 Indians have been discharged from the Russian Army. Before the PMs visit 10 Indian nationals were discharged, Jaiswal said.

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He also said that the authorities are trying their best to bring back the remaining 50 Indians who are currently working with the Russian Army.

According to MEA spokesperson, 45 Indians have been discharged from the Russian army and efforts are on for another 50. Representational image/Reuters

Of the 45 who are now awaiting to return to India is 24-year-old Mohammad Sufiyan, a resident of Narayanpet in Telangana. Speaking to The Hindu while he awaits his paperwork to be completed, he said, We were in the red zone, two kilometres away from the battlefield on Ukraine border. Our job was to ferry the dead bodies. There was constant bombing and firing. The bunkers they provided us to hide was so small that it was difficult to breathe.

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Sameer Ahmad, who is waiting with Sufiyan, chimed in, It took us 36 hours to reach our base camp from the border. Our contracts were cancelled and now we have reached Moscow on our own.

When contacted, Mohammad Mustafa, Sameers brother, said the family had received news about his return and were elated. 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, he told The Independent.

Long, duplicitous route into Russian army

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Many of the Indians serving as helpers in the Russian army relay that they found themselves on the frontlines after being duped by agents. Some who have been able to speak to their loved ones say that social media platforms and local agents lured them to Russia by offering them lucrative jobs.

For instance, Kumar, who is awaiting his return home, alleges that he was duped by a YouTuber who promised him a job in Dubai.

Others also state that they fell for the same scam. They recount how they were duped by YouTube job scamsters, with many pointing fingers at Faisal Khan, a Dubai-based YouTuber who runs the Baba Vlogs channel. They were allegedly convinced that they would work as non-combatant workers and helpers in the Russian army, far away from the frontlines.

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Earlier this year, seven Indians had made a video, which went viral, outlining how they were duped into joining the Russian army. Image Courtesy: X

The Indians trapped in the Russian army have also stated that they are given the bare minimum training  of just 10 days  and then shipped off to the frontlines of the war, where many of them struggle to survive. One of the many Indian recruits told the BBC that he had injured his foot during training. My commander kept saying that use your right hand to shoot, use your left hand to shoot, shoot above, shoot down, he recalled. I had never touched a gun. It was extremely cold, and with the gun in my left hand, I ended up shooting my foot.

A viral video earlier this year also showed a group of men from Punjab and Haryana  wearing army uniforms  claiming they were tricked into fighting the war in Ukraine and doubling down on their request for help.

Pushing for their release

Ever since videos of these recruits emerged on social media and families raised the issue with political leaders, the government has taken steps to secure their release.

Sufiyans brother, Salman Zahoor Sayyed told The Independent that they raised the matter with Hyderabad MP Asauddin Owaisi, who first raised the issue in Parliament.

Authorities report that since they were made aware of the situation, the issue has been taken up through diplomatic channels in both New Delhi and Moscow to secure their release. However, officials said that the matter of contracts being signed between the Indians and the Russian army was holding up their release.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also alluded to this when he spoke in Lok Sabha on August 9. He said, The problem is that the Russian authorities maintain that these Indian nationals entered into contracts for service with the Russian Army. We are not necessarily subscribing to that.

During his visit to Russia in July, PM Modi raised the issue of Indian recruits in the Russian army with President Vladimir Putin. File image/Reuters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi even raised the issue with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Russia in July. In response, Russias Putin had promised that his country would do all it could to bring back Indians who were misled into joining the war in Ukraine.

Notably, after Jaishankar made his statement in Parliament, the Russian embassy in New Delhi announced that all recruitment of Indian nationals in Russias armed forces had stopped in April, and those who were currently serving would be discharged as soon as possible.

At home, Indian authorities have also carried out raids and busted a trafficking ring. Investigations revealed that a few firms sent at least 35 Indians to Russia, though an official said it was not clear if all of them were forced to fight in the war.

With inputs from agencies
A mysterious vibration shook the planet last September. The unusual rumble was neither an earthquake nor was it a volcanic eruption, as the vibrations lasted not for minutes but for nine days. It led to nearly a year-long collaboration between 70 scientists from 15 countries to crack the case read more

On September 16, a melting glacier in Greenland set off a chain of events that hadnt been seen for at least two centuries. File Image/Reuters

In mid-September last year, an unusual rumble shook the earth, capturing the attention of scientists around the world.

The strange seismic signal wasnt a typical earthquake pattern, and it continued to echo for days.

As it continued for a third straight day, confusion spread, and theories emerged within the scientific community about the mysterious grumblewas it a hidden volcano or a malfunction in the instruments?

As theories were ruled out, the scientists dubbed the signal an Unidentified Seismic Object, or USO.

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No one had ever seen this. We have nothing to compare it with, Kristian Svennevig, a geologist at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland told The Washington Post.

Nine days later, the vibrations had significantly subsided, but the enigma surrounding the USO persisted. A year later, a study published in the journal Science on Thursday has finally solved the mystery. It took about 70 experts from 15 countries and over 8,000 messages to crack the case.

Heres what we now know about the elusive USO and the breakthrough that unveiled its secrets.

Nothing like this happened for at least two centuries

On September 16, a melting glacier in Greenland set off a chain of events that hadnt been seen for at least two centuries. It began with the collapse of a 500-foot-thick slab of metamorphic rock, about 1.2 kilometres high, triggering a massive landslide that no human eye witnessed.

The rock and ice, equivalent to filling 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, plummeted down at a speed of 47 meters per second, racing over a mile. This avalanche crashed into the Dickson Fjord, creating a colossal 650-foot-high mega-tsunami, one of the largest recorded in recent history.

The mountain in Dickson Fjord, eastern Greenland, in August 12, 2023 before the landslide.

Although the wave rapidly reduced to seven meters within minutes, the constant sloshing of water back and forth in the narrow fjord created seismic waves that rippled through the planet for nine days, according to researchers.

This phenomenon, known as a seiche, describes the rhythmic movement of water in an enclosed space, similar to how water splashes in a bathtub or cup. While seiches are familiar to scientists, the idea that they could last this long was unheard of.

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Had I suggested a year ago that a seiche could persist for nine days, people would shake their heads and say thats impossible, said Dr Kristian Svennevig, lead author of the report from the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, in an interview with CNN.

The seiche appeared as a single slow vibration, like a monotonous-sounding hum as the wave peaked every 92 seconds and was detected by seismometers across the globe, from the Arctic to Antarctica.

It was this prolonged seiche that generated the seismic energy felt deep within the Earths crust, the scientists discovered.

Further away, 13-foot-high tsunami waves reached Ella Island, damaging an unoccupied research station, wiping out $200,000 worth of infrastructure, and destroying a centuries-old heritage site.

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The mountain after the landslide, on September 19, 2023.

It was also an extraordinary event because it is the first giant landslide and tsunami we have recorded in east Greenland at allThe waves destroyed an uninhabited Inuit site at sea level that was at least 200 years old, indicating nothing like this had happened for at least two centuries, Svennevig told The Guardian.

Fortunately, no tourist ships were in the area, as the Dickson Fjord is a common destination for cruise liners. Had any been present, the consequences would have been devastating, the studys authors wrote.

What caused this massive tsunami?

Scientists around the world were baffled by what triggered this massive seismic event.

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It led to nearly a year-long collaboration between 68 scientists from 15 countries, who meticulously sifted through seismic, satellite, and ground data, along with tsunami wave simulations, to uncover the mystery.

When we set out on this scientific adventure, everybody was puzzled and no one had the faintest idea what caused this signal. All we knew was that it was somehow associated with the landslide, Kristian Svennevig, from the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, told the New York Post.

The breakthrough came through a massive international and interdisciplinary effort. A crucial step in determining the cause was accurately modelling the tsunami and comparing it with the recorded measurements.

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Our model predicted an oscillation with exactly the same period90 secondswhich is an amazing result. The height of the tsunami and the way the waves decayed matched perfectly with the seismic signals. That was the eureka moment, Svennevig told The Guardian.

While the landslide was the immediate trigger, the underlying cause points to climate change. The root cause of this lies in climate change, said Alice Gabriel, a co-author of the study and a seismologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, in an interview with The Washington Post.

Svennevig emphasised that such an event had never occurred in eastern Greenland before, highlighting how new areas of the Arctic are now coming online for these types of climate-driven events.

As the Arctic continues to warmhaving heated four times faster than the global average over recent decadeslandslide-triggered mega-tsunamis like this may become more frequent and potentially deadly.

With input from agencies
According to the World Health Organisation, Sepsis is one of the most frequent causes of death worldwide. There were 48.9 million cases and 11 million sepsis-related deaths reported worldwide, representing 20 per cent of all global deaths, according to data published in 2020. As sepsis continues to impact global health with alarming frequency, understanding its complexities and challenges is crucial. To shed light on this critical issue, Firstpost brings out a doctors view to understand risk factors and, importance of early detection and prevention strategies. read more

Sepsis happens when an infection you already have gets into the blood stream and triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, immune paralysis and ultimately death. Image source- WHO

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by an overactive immune response to an infection can lead to organ damage, shock, and even death especially if not recognised early and treated promptly. Despite advancements in healthcare, sepsis remains a severe threat with high mortality rates, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women.

According to the WHO, nearly half of all sepsis cases occur in children under 5 years of age. Dr. Sandeep Dewan, Senior Director and Head of Critical Care at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurugram) discusses the challenges associated with sepsis.

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Can you explain what sepsis is and why it remains a significant global health challenge?

Dr. Dewan: Sepsis is a syndrome where an infection happens in a certain part of a body and it spreads through the blood causing organ dysfunction. Sepsis has various forms the early part of sepsis is called SIRS where its only inflammation and the late part of sepsis is called septic shock, because of the spread of infection in the blood the blood pressure of the patient starts to fall.

Why is early detection critical in reducing sepsis-related mortality, and what signs should healthcare professionals look for?

Dr. Dewan: Sepsis continues to have a high mortality rate, with 40-50% of patients succumbing to the condition despite advances in healthcare. Timely detection is crucial, as even an hours delay in prescribing antibiotics can increase mortality by 4-5%. Early signs of sepsis are fever breathing difficulty sometimes nausea. Patients may also experience drowsiness due to a drop in blood pressure. When healthcare professionals observe these early indicators, they should immediately suspect sepsis and admit such patients for treatment.

How does the progression of sepsis differ from patient to patient, and what are the risk factors?

Dr. Dewan: Sepsis is different from patient to patient, as it also depends upon the immunity of the patients. Patients who are elderly or have pre-existing conditions like heart failure, asthma, or cancer, or those undergoing steroid treatment, often have weakened immunity. In such cases, even minor infections can escalate into life-threatening situations, potentially leading to death. This makes it essential for individuals, particularly those over 65 years of age, to be vigilant and not ignore the initial symptoms of sepsis.

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Why are pregnant women at a higher risk of developing sepsis, and what preventive measures can be taken?

Dr. Dewan: Pregnancy is a xx hold, pregnancy also comes under the category of immunocompromise state so, pregnant females become at higher risk of developing sepsis. Preventive measures can be the same as early detection and early recognition of features and if in doubt then can be shown to a physician as early as possible.

What are the most common infections that lead to sepsis during pregnancy, and how can they be effectively managed?

Dr. Dewan: The most common infections during pregnancy are urinary tract infections, pneumonia and obviously these can be effectively managed by early detection and by showing to physician and as early as antibiotics can be started.

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How can healthcare providers better protect both mother and child from the risk of sepsis during pregnancy and childbirth?

Dr. Dewan: Common causes of sepsis in postoperative patients are basic diseases because sometimes if a patient comes with a disease that itself causes the infection. Even if you operate the patient, the postoperative effects of sepsis can be felt.

What are the common causes of sepsis in post-operative patients, and what steps can be taken to reduce the risk?

Dr. Dewan: High-risk patients are prone to sepsis and sepsis-related deaths because their basic immunity is low. So, any surgical procedure gives stress to the body. This stress along with the immunocompromised state of the patient, increases the chances of sepsis development in postoperative patients.

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How do surgical procedures, especially in high-risk patients, increase the likelihood of sepsis development?

Dr. Dewan: A range of blood tests are available for diagnosing sepsis, ranging from conventional to cutting-edge approaches. While a Complete Blood Count (CBC) has traditionally been used as a diagnostic aid, specific markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and Serum procalcitonin offer valuable additional information about the bodys inflammatory response. In recent times, advanced diagnostic techniques have emerged, including the PCR-RNA (Polymerase Chain Reaction-RNA) method and innovative tools like BioFire, which enable faster and more precise identification of pathogens and improve the speed and precision of diagnosis.

Image Source- WHO

What tools and technologies are currently available for the early detection of sepsis?

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Dr. Dewan: In resource-limited areas, telemedicine can play a crucial role in addressing the shortage of qualified specialists. The main challenge in these regions is the lack of access to specialized care, which is critical for timely sepsis treatment. By connecting patients in rural areas with experienced doctors from larger hospitals through telemedicine, specialized doctors can remotely guide junior physicians or healthcare workers in diagnosing and managing sepsis.
Ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, the security forces are on a high alert and have ramped up operations against terrorists read more

(File) Indian Army personnel during a counter-terror operation following a terrorist attack on an army convoy, in Kathua district on July 9, 2024. PTI

Two Indian Army soldiers were on Friday killed in a gunfight in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar and three others were injured, according to CNN-News 18.

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Earlier in the evening, the ANI had reported that four soldiers were injured in the gunfight.

The agency reported that the security forces were carrying out an operation against terrorists in the forested area of Pingnal Dugadda in the upper reaches of Naidgham in J&Ks Kishtwar.

Of the four injured personnel, the agency quoted Army officials as saying that one of them was evacuated to the nearby Command Hospital for treatment while the others were being treated locally.

Four Indian Army soldiers have been injured in the ongoing encounter with terrorists in Kishtwar. One of the injured has been evacuated to the nearby Command Hospital for treatment while three are being treated locally. The security forces have cordoned off the area and https://t.co/rCpaawxnD7 pic.twitter.com/N0hTLMQ4SV  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

The gunfight comes just days ahead of the assembly elections in J&K. Ahead of the elections, the security forces and agencies are on a high alert and have ramped up operations against terrorists.

For the first time in nearly 10 years, assembly elections are being held in J&K in three phases. The voting will take place on September 15, Sept. 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on Oct. 4.

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Assembly elections were last held in J&K in 2014  when it was still an undivided state. After weeks of negotiations, the PDP and BJP formed a coalition government in 2015 that lasted till 2018 when the Mehbooba Mufti-led government fell after the BJP withdrew support. Months later, the then-J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the assembly and then, in 2019, the Narendra Modi government abrogated Article 370, converted J&K into a union territory, and separated Ladakh into a separate UT.

The J&K has therefore been without an elected assembly for around six years now and elections have been due for nearly five years.
Granting bail to Delhi CM and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, the Supreme Court listed some conditions, including bail bond of Rs 10 lakh, two sureties read more

Arvind Kejriwal has been in jail since April 1 for his alleged role in the Delhi excise policy case. Source: PTI.

In a major relief to Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, the Supreme Court on Friday granted him conditional bail in the CBI case of now-scrapped excise policy case.

Kejriwal has been in jail since April 1 for his alleged role in the Delhi excise policy case.

On July 12, Kejriwal was granted interim bail in a case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is also investigating the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.

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Granting bail to Kejriwal on Friday, September 13, the Supreme Court listed some conditions for Kejriwal, including bail bond of Rs 10 lakh, two sureties.

What Kejriwal cant do when out on bail

1 - Kejriwal is not allowed to make any public comment about the Delhi liquor policy case

2 - He will have to be present for trial unless exempted by courts

3 - Kejriwal cannot visit his office or the Delhi secretariat

4 - While out on bail, the Delhi Chief Minister wont be allowed to sign any official file.

The SC also pointed out that terms and conditions as imposed in the ED case would also be applicable on Kejriwal.

The CBI case against Kejriwal centers on accusations of irregularities in the formulation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.

Also Read: SC grants bail to Kejriwal in excise policy case, says CBI cant justify arrest & continued detention

It is alleged that the Delhi CM, along with other AAP leaders, intentionally created loopholes in the policy to receive kickbacks from liquor lobbyists.

Probe agencies alleged that the funds obtained through this scheme were funneled into AAPs election campaign in Goa.

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Also Read: Delhi liquor policy case: 10 key highlights from SC verdict on Arvind Kejriwals bail

With inputs from agencies.
Earlier today, the top court granted bail to the Aam Aadmi Party Convenor in the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scam. Kejriwal will step out of jail in the evening, six months after he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate read more

That no Congress leader has officially commented on Kejriwal's release might be unusual as it allied with the AAP in Delhi during the Lok Sabha elections under the INDIA bloc. Representational image/PTI file

The news of Arvind Kejriwals long-awaited release from Tihar Jail after the Supreme Court judgment on Friday was not only celebrated by AAP but also by ally parties including Rashtriya Janata Dal, National Conference and DMK. Congress, however, held back the celebrations.

The grand old partys spokesperson Alok Sharma said, Right now, its just bail; no clean chit has been given. The Congress party views this as just a reaction and part of the judicial process. We do not see it as anything more than that. There has been no talk of acquittal from the charges yet. The final verdict is still pending.

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VIDEO | "Right now, it's just bail; no clean chit has been given. The Congress party views this as just a reaction and part of the judicial process. We do not see it as anything more than that. There has been no talk of acquittal from the charges yet. The final verdict is still pic.twitter.com/gpnJEN6tCh  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 13, 2024

Earlier today, the top court granted bail to the Aam Aadmi Party Convenor in the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scam. Kejriwal will step out of jail in the evening, six months after he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. The leader was later arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in June. Although Kejriwal was granted bail in the ED case against him, he continued to remain in jail over the CBI case.

Rift between AAP and Congress?

That no Congress leader has officially commented on Kejriwals release might be unusual as it allied with the AAP in Delhi during the Lok Sabha elections under the INDIA bloc.

However, for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, both parties have announced that they will fight solo as they could not reach a seat-sharing agreement.

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The possibility of a rift became more apparent after the Congress blamed AAP for a poor show in Delhi in the general elections.

Other allies rejoice

Meanwhile, other ally partners of AAP, also part of the INDIA bloc, rejoiced Kejriwals release.

National Conferences Omar Abdullah said, Congratulations to him. Coming out (from jail) is only through court. This is a betrayal which was done to the people of Baramulla, they were told that they could bring anyone out through vote. Nobody is released through votes, it is done only through court.

RJDs Tejashwi Yadav told ANI, It is good that he (Arvind Kejriwal) has got bail but if we look at the comments of the Supreme Court, the way government agencies are being exposed is also worth paying attention to. The way the opposition people are being targeted, and the reprimand given by the Supreme Court is worth paying attention to.
While reading out its judgment, the SC said that Kejriwal would not be allowed to visit his office or the Delhi Secretariat and could not sign any files. BJP, therefore, questioned his role in the government read more

Arvind Kejriwal will finally step out of jail on Thursday, six months after he was arrested in the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, only freed briefly during the Lok Sabha elections. While AAP celebrates its leaders bail that was granted by the Supreme Court earlier today, the calls for Kejriwals resignation have become stronger.

The apex court has set a conditional bail to Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal, said BJP as it demanded his resignation from the post of chief minister.

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While reading out its judgment, the SC said that Kejriwal would not be allowed to visit his office or the Delhi Secretariat and could not sign any files. BJP, therefore, questioned his role in the government.

Bail wala CM

Taking potshots at Kejriwal, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, The Supreme Court has shown a mirror to kattar beimaan AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal once again. He has got conditional bail. The jail wala CM is now a bail wala CM.

Also read: Kejriwal gets bail but cant enter CM office, barred from signing files: SC sets conditions for Delhi CM

He added that Kejriwal used to advocate that a political leader should resign their post even if there is any allegation against them.

Arvind Kejriwal CM should resign as per the voice of the people of Delhi But he will not do that because he does not have even a drop of morality, Bhatia said.

What kind of chief minister is he if he cannot even visit his own office? asked the spokesperson.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's bail, BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia says, "... As per the bail order in the ED's case of July 12,... He shall not visit the office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat... This CM cannot visit the CM office... He shall not sign pic.twitter.com/4pd5ylv8P1  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

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AAP rejoices

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party has welcomed the top courts decision and is waiting for Kejriwal to come out of jail.

This is an emotional moment for all of us that our brother and political Guru Arvind Kejriwal is going to be out after all the evil plans designed by the BJP The SC has given a message to the BJP that they have to stop their dictatorship, Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, who was also released on bail a few days ago, said.

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Arvind Kejriwals wife Sunita Kejriwal said, BJPs plans have been washed away. Their only goal is to jail leaders of the Opposition.
The SCs ruling on Kejriwals bail addresses critical judicial views on the CBIs actions and political ramifications read more

(File) The Supreme Court on September. 13, 2024, granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy corruption case. PTI

The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. The Supreme Courts ruling came after a two-judge bench heard arguments and reserved judgment on September 5. The ruling not only granted Kejriwal bail but also shed light on the judicial perspectives regarding the legality and timing of his arrest. The case has broader implications for political leaders facing similar charges. Heres a detailed breakdown of the apex courts verdict:

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1. Bail granted: The Supreme Courts decision to grant bail to Kejriwal follows his legal challenge to the CBIs arrest concerning the Delhi liquor policy scandal.

2. Judicial bench: The verdict was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan. The case was reserved for judgment on September 5.

3. Justice Kants ruling: Justice Kant upheld the legality of Kejriwals arrest ruling that it did not suffer from procedural irregularities. He dismissed claims that the CBI had violated procedural mandates.

4. Justice Bhuyans concerns: Justice Bhuyan, while agreeing to grant bail, questioned the necessity of Kejriwals arrest. He suggested that the timing of the arrest seemed to aim at undermining Kejriwals bail in a related money laundering case.

5. Conditions of bail: The apex courts bail conditions mirror those imposed in Kejriwals interim bail in the Enforcement Directorate case. Notably, Kejriwal is restricted from visiting the Chief Ministers Office or Delhi Secretariat and can only sign official documents with prior approval from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

6. Reason for arrest: Justice Bhuyan criticised the timing of the arrest indicating that the CBIs sudden action seemed aimed at thwarting Kejriwals bail from a different case rather than addressing any immediate legal necessity.

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7. Impact on custody: Given that Kejriwal was granted bail in the more stringent money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Justice Bhuyan argued that it was untenable to continue his detention in the CBI case.

8. CBIs role: Justice Bhuyan emphasised the need for the CBI to maintain fairness and transparency in its investigations. He urged the agency to avoid any perception of bias and ensure that its actions uphold the principles of justice.

9. Previous cases: This ruling follows similar bail grants in the liquor policy case for other co-accused such as Manish Sisodia, K Kavitha, Vijay Nair and Sanjay Singh, who were all granted bail earlier this year by the Supreme Court.

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10. Context of arrest: Kejriwals formal arrest by the CBI on June 26, 2024, occurred while he was already in custody due to the EDs involvement in the same case. Despite receiving interim bail in the ED case on July 12, Kejriwals continued detention was due to the CBI case.
The Foxconn-HCL joint venture has secured a 30-acre plot of land from the Uttar Pradesh government in Noida for their semiconductor unit, according to a report read more

Taiwans Foxconn and Indias technology services major HCL are looking forward to setting up a semiconductor plant in Uttar Pradesh, according to a report.

In January, Foxconn and HCL had announced the formation of a joint venture (JV) to set up a semiconductor outsourced assembly and testing (OSAT) unit in India. The Foxconn said it would invest $37.2 million and will hold 40 per cent stakes in the JV.

Now, The Economic Times has reported that the Foxconn-HCL JV has secured a 30-acre plot of land from the UP government in Noida for the unit.

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The plot is near the upcoming Jewar airport in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area of Noida.

The setting up of the OSAT unit as well as location of the unit are yet to be approved by the Centre. Once the approval comes, this would be the first semiconductor facility in UP.

The development comes at a time when India is looking forward to develop a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India. The Narendra Modi government has launched a production linked incentive (PLI) scheme to attract foreign investors to join Indian partners to set up semiconductor units in India. While some projects have been approved, a number of them are in the pipeline.

A source aware of the situation told the ET that the approval of the proposal is a mere formality at this stage.

Once they submit it, the approval should come in within two or three weeks. ISM has said that this document is more a formality that has to be submitted but that the approval will come, said the source.

So far, the projects approved by the Centre include those by US-based Micron Technology and Tata.

In June 2023, Micron received the Centres approval in June 2023 to set up an assembly, testing, marking and packaging (ATMP) unit in Sanand, Gujarat. The export-oriented facility is expected to come up at a total proposed investment of $2.75 billion, of which Micron has committed $825 million and the rest will come from Union and state governments.

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In February, the Centre approved a semiconductor fabrication unit of a joint venture of Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) and Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC) of Taiwan.

Moreover, Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (TSAT) is setting up an indigenous advanced semiconductor packaging unit in Assam.
The allegations, it said, are clearly preposterous, irrational, and absurd. We have no hesitation in stating that this is yet another orchestrated and egregious attempt by the same cohorts acting in unison to inflict irreversible damage on our groups reputation and market value read more

The logo of the Adani Group is seen on the facade of its Corporate House on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. File Image: Reuters.

US-based short seller Hindenburg Research claimed that Swiss authorities have frozen more than USD 310 million in funds across multiple Swiss bank accounts as part of money laundering allegations into Adani Group, a charge the conglomerate vehemently denied.

In a post on X, Hindenburg cited newly released Swiss criminal records reported by a Swiss media outlet to state that 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.

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Prosecutors detailed how an Adani frontman invested in opaque BVI/Mauritius & Bermuda funds that almost exclusively owned Adani stocks, it said citing the report.

Adani group rejected the allegations as baseless saying it had no involvement in any Swiss court proceedings.

We unequivocally reject and deny the baseless allegations presented. The Adani Group has no involvement in any Swiss court proceedings, nor have any of our company accounts been subject to sequestration by any authority, it said.

It went on to state that even in the alleged order, the Swiss court has neither mentioned our group companies, nor have we received any requests for clarification or information from any such authority or regulatory body. We reiterate that our overseas holding structure is transparent, fully disclosed, and compliant with all relevant laws.

The allegations, it said, are clearly preposterous, irrational, and absurd. We have no hesitation in stating that this is yet another orchestrated and egregious attempt by the same cohorts acting in unison to inflict irreversible damage on our groups reputation and market value.

The Adani Group remains steadfastly committed to transparency and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, it added.
Ban on mobile data services will not be lifted owing to the risk of the spread of disinformation via social media that could potentially lead to more unrest in the state read more

The Manipur government on Friday lifted the temporary ban on internet services in five districts. The ban was imposed for five days on September 10 and was supposed to be restored on September 15.

The suspension, however, has been lifted on a conditional basis. A notification by Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar stated, The state government has made a considered decision to lift the suspension in the case of broadband service (ILL and FTTH) conditionally in a liberalised manner, subject to fulfillment of terms and conditions.

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It further specified, Connection will be through static IP and the subscriber concerned shall not accept any other connection other than the allowed for the time being. Additionally, it said, No wifi/hotspots shall be allowed from any of the routers, and that blocking of social media and VPNs at the local level shall be enforced by the subscriber.

Ban on mobile data services will not be lifted owing to the risk of the spread of disinformation via social media that could potentially lead to more unrest in the state.

Internet in Manipur was suspended earlier this week nearly after a year when services were restored in the northeastern state.

The situation in Manipur is on a slump once again after the state witnessed one of its most widespread violence between the two ethnic groups, Meitei and Kuki tribes.

Meanwhile, the government has also imposed an indefinite curfew in the districts of Imphal East and Imphal West.

On Thursday, the Northeast Students Organisation, in a letter, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the situation in Manipur and visit the restive areas of the state.

We urge the Honble PM to break his silence and visit Manipur to assess the ground situation personally and provide security to the civilian population of both communities, especially women and children who are the most vulnerable 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, the students body said.

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With inputs from agencies
The CBI, on September 13, approached Kolkata-based Sealdah court to obtain permission to conduct narco analysis test of lone accused in RG Kar rape and murder case, Sanjay Roy, to primarily cross-check if he is telling the truth read more

Sanjay Roy, a Kolkata Police civic volunteer is the only person to have been arrested in the Kolkata rape and murder case.

To ensure no stones are unturned in RG Kar rape and murder case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reached a court in Kolkata to seek permission to conduct a narco analysis test of prime accused Sanjoy Roy.

This comes a day after the investigating agency collected the dental impression of Roy, who has been arrested for the rape and murder of 31-year-old junior doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

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Will help verify Roys version

On Friday, the CBI approached city-based Sealdah court to get permission to conduct the narco analysis test of Roy to primarily cross-check if he is telling the truth.

The narco analysis test will help us to verify his version, a report by PTI quoted a CBI officer as saying.

The officer further explained that during a narco analysis test, a drug sodium pentothal is injected into the body of the subject which takes him to a hypnotic state, and his imagination is neutralised.

In most cases, the accused gives the true information, the officer further said.

For the unversed, Roy had already undergone a polygraph test.

CBI collects Sanjay Roys dental impression

On Thursday (September 12), the CBI collected Roys dental impression, which could be crucial evidence in the case.

There were bite marks on the body of the woman and the post-mortem report has mentioned those. Our idea is to match those with the accuseds dental impression, PTI quoted an official as saying.

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Sanjay Roy, a lone arrest in RG Kar rape-murder case

The body of the junior doctor was found lying in the seminar hall of Kolkatas RG Kar Hospital on August 9, where she had gone to rest during her 16-hour-long shift.

The autopsy report of the woman revealed she had 25 internal and external injuries on the body.

As the probe began, cops arrested Roy, a Kolkata Police civic volunteer. So far, he is the only person to have been arrested in the Kolkata rape and murder case.

CCTV footage allegedly showed Roy entering the seminar hall at 4:03 am on August 9.

His Bluetooth headphones were also found at the crime scene.

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Roy, in the polygraph test, had claimed the woman was in an unconscious state when he entered the room. He also claimed he was innocent and was being framed.

When Roy was asked why he did not contact the police if he was innocent, he alleged that he panicked.

With inputs from PTI.
The Supreme Court said Arvind Kejriwal satisfies the triple condition for the grant of bail. However, the Delhi Chief Minister still HE cant sign files or visit the CMs office read more

The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the now-scrapped excise policy case.

We direct Arvind Kejriwal to be released on bail subject to bail bonds of Rs 10 lakh, the SC bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan said.

The apex court said that Kejriwal satisfies triple condition for the grant of bail.

Kejriwal moved the apex court with two separate petitions  challenging the denial of bail and against his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Delhi excise policy case.

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SC verdict on Arvind Kejriwal bail

During the hearing, Justice Bhuyan said, It appears only after TC granted regular bail to appellant in ED case, that CBI became active and sought custody. It didnt feel need to arrest for over 22 months. Such action raises serious question on arrest itself.

Justice Bhuyan further said, As far as grounds of arrest are concerned, these would not satisfy necessity of arrest. CBI cant justify arrest and continue detention citing evasive replies. Accused cant be compelled to make inculpatory statement.

Travesty of justice to keep appellant in custody on these grounds, especially as he has been granted bail in more stringent PMLA, Justice Bhuyan further said.

Justice Bhuyan said, I fail to understand the great urgency on part of CBI to arrest appellant when he was on cusp of release in ED case.

Belated arrest of appellant unjustified

Further detention by CBI under same predicate offense has become untenable. There is presumption of innocence. Bail is the rule and jail an exception. Courts must ensure that pre-trial process does not become punishment, Justice Bhuyan.

He further said: Belated arrest of appellant unjustified. This court imposed several conditions in ED case. Though I have serious reservations on conditions which debarred him from entering Secretariat and signing files.

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Pronouncing judgement, Justice Kant said, In view of separate order passed by J Bhuyan, however, there being concurrent opinion about bail, subject to terms and conditions contained in para 27, judgment of HC of August 5 is set aside. Appellant directed to be released on bail.

From our side, we haveoffice procedure part may take some time, Justice Kant further said.

The SC bench had reserved its order on September 5 after hearing arguments from Kejriwals lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi and additional solicitor general SV Raju, who represented the CBI.

Kejriwal had challenged in the SC the August 5 decision of the Delhi High Court which upheld his arrest in the corruption case. The Delhi HC 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 it was without any justifiable reason or illegal.

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The high court also granted Kejriwal liberty to approach a trial court with his plea seeking bail in the case.

The Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener was first arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in a money laundering case connected to the excise policy case.

The CBI arrested him on June 26 in a corruption case. Due to his arrest by the CBI, Kejriwal remained in Tihar Jail despite the Supreme Court granting him bail on July 12.

With inputs from agencies.
In mixed alliances of national players and clan loyalties, there are several slippery dunes on which the stability of the Horn of Africa is precariously placed read more

The Horn of Africa is again in the throes of conflicts that have reignited old disputes. There was some hope that the 12-year-old dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Nile waters and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) would be resolved. The African Union initiative for a resolution failed in 2021; no further negotiation was held since; now four rounds of negotiations occurred after a two-year gap, but the hopes for resolution seem to be fading.

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Both countries and Sudan, which is in the throes of its own civil war, could not find a solution. Egypt and Ethiopia have therefore both gone to the UN, putting their claims forward.

Egypt, which is normally the first to approach the UN Security Council, rather than the African Union, did so again. Ethiopia retorted, claiming that Egypt is, stalling progress, reverting to hard lines and unreasonable positions. Egypts objection is that Ethiopia continues to fill the GERD without reaching agreement with the downstream countries, Sudan and Egypt.

The traditional water rivals Ethiopia and Egypt have also taken different sides in the regional conflicts around the Horn of Africa. Sometimes they share allies like the UAE, and at others, they have them as rivals. Besides the water wars, the other flash point is that Somalia and Egypt have signed a military alliance.

This causes anxiety in Ethiopia, which believes that Egypt could open another front from the south, where Ethiopias restive Somali Region borders the still unsettled Somalia. For nearly two decades, Ethiopian troops helped stabilise Somalia. Most troops were withdrawn when civil war broke out in Ethiopia in 2019.Various regions in Ethiopia are in unrest. Egypt finds some allies among Ethiopias neighbours and sometimes among Ethiopian groups in their regions.

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The breakdown between Ethiopia and Somalia has been in the offing for a while as Ethiopia tried to reorder the traditional alliances in the Horn of Africa, annoying Somalia, Djibouti, and Kenya. Now, on 1 January 2024, Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland, a self-ruled province of Somalia. Under this, Somaliland agreed to lease a 20-square-kilometre section of the coast for 50 years to Ethiopia to set up a naval base and find access to the sea for this large landlocked country.

In 1993, when Ethiopia allowed Eritrea to secede, the ports of Ethiopia, Assab and Massawa, went to Eritrea. Since 1998, Eritrea and Ethiopia have been either at war or in an unhappy state of relations. They united when Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize for reconciliation with Eritrea, and then they jointly fought down the rebellion in Tigray. Now that Tigray is quiet, Eritrea and Ethiopia have returned to bad blood.

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By reaching out to Somaliland, Ethiopia tried to break out to the sea, which perhaps was tolerable, but in return, it offered diplomatic recognition to Somaliland. Somalia sees it as an act of aggression. Somalia, has lived with Somaliland acting autonomously economically but without de jure recognition from anybody. It now fears that Ethiopias action could encourage others to recognise Somaliland as well and unravel the tapestry of Somalia.

Djibouti, which had almost the entire Ethiopian traffic to the sea, is also worried that the development of an alternative port would impact its economic wellbeing. Djibouti has now offered Ethiopia access to the port of Tadjourah, barely 100 kilometres from the Ethiopian border, which will give access to the Red Sea. This is a change in Djiboutis position, because last year, they were adamant that they would not support Ethiopias direct access to the Red Sea.

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Now that Somalia is deeply annoyed with Ethiopia, they have signed a military alliance with Egypt. Under these five battalions of Egyptian troops are expected to land in Somalia. A similar number are anticipated to join the reformed African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Already, Egyptian military planes have been spotted in Mogadishu, disgorging military equipment, which was agreed upon when the Somali President visited Cairo in August.

Thus, Egypt and Somalia, both of which have different grouses, one on the river waters and the other on sovereignty, have come together to thwart Ethiopian ambitions.

Turkey, which has a finger in many pies in the region, has tried to mediate, but Somalia is clear that it will not relent unless Ethiopia clearly recognises Somalian sovereignty over Somaliland and rescinds the port and access agreement.

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There are currently 3, 000 Ethiopian troops under the AU mission who will finish their term, and when the ATMIS takes over in January, there will be Egyptian rather than Ethiopian troops in it. It has been Ethiopias longstanding position that AU missions in Somalia should not have troops from countries inimical to Ethiopia.

During the G20 summit in New Delhi in 2023, Egypt, an Indian guest, and Turkey, a G20 member, held a summit after 12 years. The Gaza crises had overcome their animosity over siding with different sides in Libya. Since then, Erdogan visited Cairo in January 2024, and Sisi went to Ankara in September 2024 to cement a new detente as analysed by The Somali Wire of analyst Rashid Abdi.

Egypt and Turkey have some common anxieties in the Red Sea. They see Somalia similarly, seeking control by Mogadishu and not letting Somaliland break away formally. Turkey has invested in Somalia and is anxious that Somaliland should not wreck its party. Egypt seeks to prevent Ethiopia from obtaining a naval outlet that could pose a strategic threat to its interests, says Abdi. The Egypt, Turkey, Somalia alliance tries to deter Ethiopian ambitions.

Thus far so good, but while Egypt is not averse to sabre rattling, Turkey is more circumspect, as it is itself a big investor in Ethiopia with 200 companies operating there. Turkey and Egypt align on Somalia, but Turkey does not want to bring the issue of the GERD into play as its relationship with Ethiopia is lucrative for its business.

Egypt evidently does not see any war with Israel, despite the problems in Gaza, and hence, feels confident to send nearly 10,000 troops to Somalia over the next several months. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey, besides Qatar, have all got important and sometimes rival links with countries in the Horn of Africa and in factions within them. The UAE, which has been supporting both Egypt and Ethiopia for different purposes, has invested in Somalilands Berbera port, from where Ethiopia will challenge the domination of Djibouti, because Ethiopia is the main market in the region.

In this broth of mixed alliances and clan loyalties, there are several slippery dunes on which the stability of the Horn of Africa is precariously placed.

The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
There is an uncomfortable rumour that Pashtun leader Manzoor Pashtuns support may be roped in by the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf party to further constrict the Armys options read more

Several leaders and activists of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's party arrested after a rally they held on September 8 to demand his release have been charged with terrorism offences. REUTERS

The Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insafs (PTI) `jalsa on September 8, held at Sangjani, on the outskirts of Islamabad after obtaining permission from the civil authorities, showed no signs of letting up on the confrontationist narrative prescribed by its imprisoned leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His currently favourite protege, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, threatened in a fiery speech to forcibly release him from the confines of Adiala jail if judicial remedies failed to provide succour over the next 15 days.

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Violent scuffles broke out as the rally drew to a close, forcing the law and order authorities to arrest PTI leaders, some from parliamentary precincts, including Barrister Gohar Khan and Sher Afzal Marwat. An Anti-Terrorism Court approved an eight-day remand for those arrested for non-adherence to the agreed route and breach of other commitments given for the meeting. The charges included attacking police personnel.

Gandapur admonished

Gandapur himself was called in for a six-hour dressing down by security officials in Islamabad on September 9 morning, when access to his mobile phones was cut off, prompting PTIs KP spokesperson, Barrister Mohd Ali Saif, to allege that the KP CM had been unconstitutionally apprehended as a precursor to the imposition of the governors rule in the province.

These fears were allayed when Gandapur tamely emerged and proceeded to Peshawar later that day, maintaining uncharacteristic media silence over what fate befell him. Interpretations differed over details of the riot act read out to him. Well-informed journalist Ejaz Syed claimed Gandapur had been suitably chastened and expressed remorse, including a promise to stay within constitutional confines, while a pro-PTI journalist, Imran Riaz Khan, contended that Gandapur had held firm, protected as he was by the fig leaf of his position as CM of KP.

In his interaction with journalists in Adiala jail (September 10), Imran Khan supported Gandapurs anti-establishment outbursts, also sullenly indicating that he would terminate all further negotiations with the military establishment, as they `had deceived him.

KP Assembly resolution

Meanwhile, the KP Assembly (172 seats) passed by majority (PTI strength 145) a resolution (September 10), with only 12 dissenting voices (out of 27 opposing members), demanding court martial of military officers who had breached the constitution and their oath of office in the last two years. It also demanded the immediate release of Imran Khan. Gandapur was not present in the Assembly, indicating perhaps that other hardline supporters like Azam Swati were being used by Imran to fan the anti-military narrative.

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The difficult law and order situation in parts of the province like Lakki Marwat, where the police and other administrative authorities are having to deal with `the good taliban and `bad taliban of the Tehrik e Taliban (TTP) factions, may be restraining the militarys hand. The military establishment possibly sees wisdom in using civilian intermediaries to deal with such elements who continue to enjoy a degree of popular support in such pockets. There is an uncomfortable rumour that Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) leader Manzoor Pashtuns support may be roped in by PTI to further constrict the Armys options.

A hostile higher judiciary

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Efforts to contain the hostility of the higher judiciary through possible legislative measures have not been easy to implement. Supreme Court Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, whose term of office draws to a close on October 25, expressed his reluctance to accept a `person specific extension while parliamentary numbers remain elusive, to amend the Constitution to provide for a blanket three-year extension of age to all judges, up to 68 years.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman has been ambivalent over extending support of his Jamiat Ulema e Islam (JuI-F) Members of National Assembly (MNAs) for any such amendment while the fate of PTIs own MNAs has not been decided, as the Election Commission sought clarifications from the Supreme Court about its August 12 ruling on reserved seats, with 39 seats formally notified as PTI MNAs but the fate of 41 others hanging in balance. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, the Chief Justice in waiting, has yet to come out with the full judgement order of his 8-member majority verdict in the August 12 reserved seats case.

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No `General in NADRA?

Responding to a petition moved by Ashba Kamran in a surprising development on September 6, a single bench order by Lahore High Court (LHC) Judge Asim Hafeez ruled the appointment of serving Lieutenant General, the first to be so appointed, Lt Gen Munir Afsar as Chairman of the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) ultra vires of Rule 7A of the Nadra Ordinance, 2000, as requirements for a competitive recruitment process were apparently ignored.

Reflecting the pervasive anti-military mindset in the judiciary in Pakistan nowadays, Justice Hafeez observed, The illegality committedcannot hide the elephant in a mouse-hole ! The appointment took place last October, under the aegis of the Caretaker regime, when efforts were underway to strictly scrutinise the electoral voter base before the February 2024 elections. However, on September 10, a larger military versus judiciary clash seems to have been averted as a two-member bench of the LHC, comprising Justices Chaudhry Mohd Iqbal and Ahmed Nadeem Arshad, set aside this verdict after the Federal Government clarified that it was competent to change appointment rules under Section 44 of the Ordinance. For now, Lt Gen Munir Afsar stays on as Chairman, NADRA!

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Faiz Hameed court martial fall-out on PTI morale

Even as Imran Khans petition to avoid a military trial in connection with the May 9, 2023, violence comes up before the Islamabad High Court, which has been partial to him in the past, the PTI remains badly hit by revelations leaking from the court martial proceedings of Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, where evidence regarding their involvement has been unraveling. This has undoubtedly hit hard the morale of second-string leaders and sundry PTI cadres.

In a bid to defuse the polarised atmosphere in the National Assembly (NA) after the arrest of PTI leaders, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq issued orders (September 11) to produce ten PTI lawmakers arrested from parliamentary premises. However, it seemed to have a marginal impact in assuaging frayed tempers, either in Islamabad or Peshawar. Returning to the KP Assembly (September 11), CM Ali Amin Gandapur reiterated his intention to continue voicing his feelings as an independent citizen of Pakistan. He also professed his intention to intercede directly with leaders of Afghanistan to tackle problems his province was facing.

The focus of this continuing confrontation may shift now to the promised PTI protest rally on September 21 in Lahore, permission for which is yet to be given by the Maryam Nawaz-led Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) government there.

The writer is a former special secretary, Cabinet Secretariat. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
China working with the Myanmar military government and some factions of the warring groups left regime change in Bangladesh the only option that could have provided the US an opportunity to prevent red-spread in the Bay of Bengal, which has now become the hotspot of Sino-American powerplay read more

Bangladesh's former PM Sheikh Hasina had mentioned that Washington was unhappy with the rejection of the request for usage of St Martin Island as the US base. Image: Reuters

The ouster of Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh has left a vacuum in the pursuance of its set pattern of external relations. The internal turbulence and competition for supremacy amongst various factions within Bangladesh is playing out in the open. The caretaker government, which has been installed, is not in accordance with the constitution, hence lacks international credibility and possibly even domestic credibility. It has slowed down Bangladeshs transactions with the world.

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With due regard to the Advisor to the Cabinet, he is not a seasoned politician and not the voice of people as it would be in a democracy. This will restrict his ability to take a long-term view of the foreign policy of the country. Bangladesh foreign policy discourse has largely been dominated by China and India as prime associates for most of its development, trade, and commerce, and rightly so, they are large and economically sound neighbours. Bangladesh is a world leader in textiles. The future course of Bangladeshs domestic and foreign policy will have to be seen. One thing is certain: so far, All Quiet on the Eastern Seaboard of India will soon become history.

The sudden turn of events in Bangladesh was probably a surprise for many. The Armys advice to Hasina to leave the country for her own safety speaks loudly of their connivance in the regime change. While the agitation by the students was turning violent, there was no sign of police nor any indulgence of the Army, which could have prevented the prime ministers residence from being ransacked. Selective killing of Awami League members and minority Hindu community followed. However, it must be mentioned that some students were seen protecting the Hindu temples and homes.

Then the question is who was giving them a free run. A prime minister who led the country to tremendous development and excellent trade, which increased Bangladeshs GDP and per capita income to a level that lifted the country out of the category of extreme poverty, had to exit in this manner.

Looking at the composition of the interim government, it can be safely stated that it has US indulgence and backing of the Army. The outgoing PM had mentioned that the US was unhappy with the rejection of their request for usage of St Martin Island (a small island of approximately 3 sq km, located 9 kilometres south of Coxs Bazar-Teknaf peninsula, southernmost part of Bangladesh).

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Though a tiny island, it is just about 8 kilometres west of the northwest of the Myanmar coast at the mouth of the Naf River, and that makes it strategic. This island has a population of approximately 3,700, which is involved mainly in fishing and rice cultivation. There were rumours that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party government was to sell this island to the US. It must be noted that the US has its attention set on Myanmar too since the civil war kind of situation developed within. The military government had to withdraw from many regions due to various insurgent groups attacking the army within the country.

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The US has raised the fiscal years appropriation for Myanmar to $167 million, which includes $75 million for cross-border aid. It has given $25 million for nonlethal support to ethnic armed organisations and Peoples Defence Forces fighting the military regime. It was clearly seen by other nations as the indulgence of the US in the ongoing conflict.

China has been hedging its bets by supporting both the military regime and several armed groups closer to the Myanmar-China border. They have also been arming some of the insurgent groups to pacify them and prevent any ingress in Chinese territory. Also, to create alternate oil supply routes and encircle India, it has developed Kyaukphyu Port and taken operational control as an oil discharge port. The pipelines lead to refineries in Yunnan province.

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After the Myanmar governments decision to give development and operational control of Sitwe port to an Indian entity, China has become very weary of the Myanmar government. Earlier, Myanmars Kyaukphu port was developed by China and since 2017 has been used to offload crude oil from Saudi Arabia and Iran. There is a 770-kilometre pipeline that transfers crude into refineries in Yunan province. Roughly 8.8 million barrels of crude can be handled at this port, and the storage is 57 per cent full most of the time. This arrangement helps China reduce its dependency on the Malacca Straits.

China was keen to acquire the operating rights of Sittwe, whereas in order to maintain balance between two friendly countries, Myanmar awarded this contract to Indias IPGL. Indias request has been pending since long because it is key to Indias Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project. This will work as an alternate connectivity from the eastern coast of India to the northeastern states through Sittwe port. India has much at stake, this being an alternate route to the Siliguri corridor (Chickens Neck). Depending upon the governance structure in Bangladesh in the future, this route could become a tool for bargaining with India by external powers who are actively involved in the internal dynamics of Bangladesh. Much will depend upon when the elections take place. Until such a democratic government is in place, the weak governance structure is vulnerable to external coercion. Which countries are putting their stakes?

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China: Beijing has been an influencing factor in Bangladesh. Infrastructure development and the weapon platforms of the Armed Forces are of Chinese origin. Includes ships, aircraft, and submarines. The submarine training and maintenance is being done by Chinese personnel based in Bangladesh. There are 11 projects on priority, which include the Padma bridge rail link, single-point mooring in Chittagong, the Dhaka-Ashulia elevated expressway, the development of a power supply line under PGCB, the power supply system under DPDC, the extension of the IT network, and the surface water supply project for Raj Shahi WASA.

Also, China is the top import partner of Bangladesh, which has tripled in the last decade. Approximately $19.35 billion worth of trade is imported from China, whereas export earnings from China are $680 million. There are nearly 510 Chinese companies operating in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is also part of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative project. All these Chinese enterprises provide nearly 550,000 jobs to Bangladeshi citizens. All in all, China has much stake in Bangladesh. There were reports of discussions for Bangladesh ports to be used by Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships on a regular basis, which was declined.

Pakistan: Since the formation of the interim government in Bangladesh, the Pakistan High Commissioner has been meeting the Advisor and the government officials. It is well known that Pakistans intelligence agency ISI has been active in Bangladesh since its independence. ISI is closely linked to Jamat. The students stir offered an opportunity to the ISI to instigate Jamat and fuel the fire. Clearly, there were three kinds of narratives in this turmoil: anti-India (because Sheikh Hasina was seen as close to India), anti-Awami League because the party members were being perceived as corrupt, and anti-Hindu since the Awami League was seen as supportive of Hindus.

The reservation policies had already been addressed by the former PM; also, the High Court order that had reintroduced the reservation for Mukti-Yoddha children/grandchildren had also been struck down, and yet the students were instigated. Here the Pakistan/ISI complicity in connivance with Jamat was clearly visible. It is believed that ex-PM Nawaz Sharif has gone to the extent of stating that the wrongs Pakistan did in 1971 will be set right. Pakistans interest directly impinges on Indias internal security, and this is what security establishments have to deal with firmly. Any adverse impact on the connectivity projects with Indias North East from Tripura and West Bengal passing through Bangladesh can become a geopolitical challenge.

The US: Washington has been active in the region for a long time. It began with funding the churches on the Myanmar-Bangladesh border; later, when Bangladesh announced elections, the US warned against the use of any non-democratic methods. It also invoked cancellation of visas of certain Awami League entities, possibly because of the US unhappiness with the Sheikh Hasina government.

The reasons are quite a few. Sheikh Hasina, before resigning, had mentioned a white country wanting to create a Christian state, carving out portions of Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Indias north-east, and Bangladesh having declined the US request for leasing St Martin Island for the US Armed Forces. This was further accentuated by Dhaka giving an appearance of closer relations with China and Chinese presence in the country. Most weapon platforms in Bangladesh are purchased from China, including submarines. China was already quite active in Myanmar, including having taken a contract for the operations of an oil discharge port.

If one looks at the Indian Ocean Region in total. China has access to Pakistans Gwadar port and also to Djibouti and is reasonably close to acquiring these facilities in the Maldives and Morocco, in addition to its presence in Myanmar and Bangladesh. While the US presence in the West and South West Indian Ocean and Gulf has been substantial for decades, the Bay of Bengal was clearly seen more as China dominated.

This is possibly an attempt by China to get over its Malacca dilemma, which would give the US an edge in case of any conflict. There have also been discussions between Thailand and China for access to the Bay of Bengal by way of dry ports and flyovers across Thailand. In reality, having made attempts to get better of the US in the South China Sea, it is clearly an attempt by China to strengthen its presence in the Bay of Bengal, denying the US any superiority.

The Sheikh Hasina government, which had frequently rejected American requests for access, was a hurdle for the US. China was already working with the Myanmar military government and some factions of the warring groups, and that left a change of guard in Bangladesh the only option that could provide the US an opportunity to prevent red-spread into Eastern IOR, including the Bay of Bengal.

What is emerging is the beginning of geopolitical contestation between two big powers. Managing contestation without a conflict should be the aim of two economic giants. In this game, India stands to lose if its own equation with Bangladesh and Myanmar does not remain on even keel. Its Act East policy, which is germane to development of Indias northeast and connectivity with Southeast Asia, is largely dependent on a stable and peaceful eastern seaboard. This has certainly been shaken up. Key to stability would be free and fair elections in Bangladesh to give it a constitutional government with whom India can begin afresh.

Contestation between the US and China is here to stay now, and this reality will have to be factored in any political, diplomatic, and military discourse in India. From a zone of peace, the Indian Ocean is headed for contestation for supremacy between two big powers, one trying to maintain its leadership of existing international order and the other narrowing the gap in the contest to take over the lead.

Militarily, China is quite some distance behind the US. Will a miscalculation of each others military strength lead to hot conflict, or will the diplomacy and political efforts by both sides lead to a more stable and peaceful world that could see prosperity in this part of the world? Only time will tell.

The author is Chairman, Trustee Board of India Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The Australian government pushed for legislation in which if any social media company is found guilty of spreading misinformation, it could be fined up to 5 per cent of its annual turnover read more

Tesla CEO Elon Musk slammed the Australian government and described PM Anthony Albaneses administration as fascists over new legislation that aims to tackle deliberate lies spread on social media. The Australian government pushed for legislation in which if any social media company is found guilty of spreading misinformation, it could be fined up to 5 per cent of its annual turnover.

Musk, who owns X, formerly known as Twitter, responded to the Australian governments proposal with just one word. Fascists, he wrote. It is pertinent to note that X has been notorious for spreading misinformation. Recently, both Musk and his social networking site were accused of spreading false information which eventually instigated riots in the United Kingdom.

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Musks comment was not well received in Australia, The assistant treasurer, Stephen Jones told ABC TV that the billionaires remarks were crackpot stuff. Jones insisted that the governments new bill on misinformation and disinformation was a matter of sovereignty.

Whether its the Australian government or any other government around the world, we assert our right to pass laws which will keep Australians safe  safe from scammers, safe from criminals, he said.

For the life of me, I cant see how Elon Musk or anyone else, in the name of free speech, thinks it is OK to have social media platforms publishing scam content, which is robbing Australians of billions of dollars every year. Publishing deepfake material, publishing child pornography. Livestreaming murder scenes. I mean, is this what he thinks free speech is all about? he furthered.

About the proposed legislation

Meanwhile, Australias federal aged care minister, Anika Wells, told ABC Radio she had yet to meet [a fascist] in the government. It is pertinent to note that Australias misinformation legislation would give the communication watchdog, operating in the country, the power to monitor and regulate content on digital platforms.

If self-regulation is deemed to be a failure, the authorities could approve an enforceable industry code of conduct or introduce standards for social media companies. Interestingly, this is not the first time Musk sparred with the Australian government over this issue.

Back in April, the eSafety commissioner issued an edict to X to remove graphic content after clips of the Sydney bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel being stabbed circulated on the platform. At that time Musk accused the Australian government of suppressing free speech.

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Albanese responded to the remarks by calling Musk an arrogant billionaire. Last month, eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant told ABC that X had seven ongoing legal matters with her office related to notices issued by the commissioner.

With inputs from agencies.
Taiwans Digital Ministry has refrained from commenting on the specific origins of the attack. However, local media outlet Liberty Times reported that a Russian hacking group claimed responsibility for the incident on Telegram read more

In recent years, Taiwan has increasingly become a target for cyberattacks, because of its strategic importance and geopolitical tensions with China. Image created using AI

Taiwans financial sector is facing a major disruption as hackers have launched a major cyberattack targeting several key platforms, including the Taiwan Stock Exchange and Mega Financial Holding Co. The attack, which briefly incapacitated their websites, has been attributed to foreign agents by local Taiwanese media.

The attack involved a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) assault, which overwhelmed the targeted websites with an excessive volume of web traffic. This led to unstable connections and operational difficulties for the affected platforms during the afternoon.

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According to the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the Taiwan Stock Exchange observed a surge in web queries from overseas IP addresses, and saw a substantial increase in traffic compared to normal levels.

The Digital Ministry has refrained from commenting on the specific origins of the attack. However, local media outlet Liberty Times reported that a Russian hacking group claimed responsibility for the incident on Telegram, based on analysis by the cybersecurity firm Radware.

Despite the disruption, government websites and trading operations resumed normal function on Friday. DDoS attacks typically aim to overload systems rather than compromise sensitive information, and the stock exchange managed to restore its operations within about 30 minutes.

Nevertheless, the incident has highlighted the vulnerability of Taiwans computing infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in the global semiconductor industry and is a focal point in the ongoing tensions between the US and China.

The Ministry of Digital Affairs confirmed the nature of the disruptions, stating that they were indeed caused by DDoS attacks. The Ministry has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and to assist relevant agencies in enhancing protection and response strategies. Despite these assurances, the attack underscores the potential risks faced by Taiwan, given its strategic significance in global technology supply chains.

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In recent years, Taiwan has increasingly become a target for cyberattacks, reflecting its strategic importance and geopolitical tensions.

Earlier in August, cybersecurity researchers at Cisco Systems Inc. revealed that a hacking group with suspected ties to the Chinese government had stolen passwords and documents from a Taiwanese government-affiliated research centre specializing in computing.

This breach highlighted the ongoing threat posed by cyberattacks to Taiwan, an island that remains at the heart of escalating US-China relations. Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has expressed intentions to exert control over it.

The latest attack further underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and economic stability. As Taiwan continues to be a focal point in global geopolitical tensions, the resilience of its digital and economic systems will remain a key concern.
Reports have emerged of hackers and fraudsters expressing worries in their common groups about losing crucial contacts and are planning to migrate to apps like Signal. This potential shift is seen as Telegram may be moving towards a more conventional approach to content moderation read more

Durov has acknowledged that while the vast majority of Telegram users are not involved in crime, the actions of a tiny fraction negatively impact the platforms reputation. Image Credit: Reuters, Reuters

Following the arrest and subsequent charges against Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, a diverse group of criminals, including hackers, fraudsters, and drug dealers, are either deleting their Telegram accounts or moving their contacts to alternative messaging apps, as per a new report.

This shift is evident from various screenshots of Telegram conversations and reports from those involved in illicit activities, as per a report by 404 Media.

While there is no clear sign of a widespread exodus from Telegram, it is apparent that some major criminal elements are planning to transition from the platform to more secure messaging apps.

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The concern among these individuals is that their Telegram data might be accessed by authorities or that their accounts could be compromised. This apprehension has further been fuelled by Durovs recent statements about reworking an refocusing on content moderation on the platform.

Reports have emerged of hackers and fraudsters expressing worries in their common groups about losing crucial contacts and are planning to migrate to apps like Signal. For instance, a hacker previously linked to recent Snowflake breaches has indicated a gradual shift of contacts to Signal due to fears of data loss and account security.

Similarly, a message from someone involved in KYC (know-your-customer) bypasses has urged others to save any important chats before deleting their Telegram accounts, citing safety concerns in light of Durovs arrest.

The charges against Durov include allegations related to Telegrams refusal to hand over user data in response to lawful requests. Durov has since pledged to improve content moderation on Telegram, which may lead to increased cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

This potential shift is seen as Telegram moving towards a more conventional approach to content moderation, similar to other communication platforms like Discord and Twitter.

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Valdemar Balle, an open-source intelligence analyst at the non-profit Digitalt Ansvar, has provided screenshots showing Danish drug dealers encouraging users to join backup groups on Signal. These messages highlight a growing trend of drug dealers and other criminals creating backup groups on Signal and other encrypted apps like Session in anticipation of a possible migration.

Kee Jeffreys, co-founder of Session, told 404 Media of a small increase in users since Durovs arrest. He emphasised that Session, like other encrypted messaging platforms, operates within technical constraints to prevent misuse while protecting user privacy. Despite this, most users of such platforms are everyday people valuing their privacy, rather than those seeking to exploit the system.

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Telegram operates differently from more specialised encrypted messaging apps. It functions more like a social network with massive channels that are not end-to-end encrypted, making it attractive to criminals for broadcasting illegal activities.

This functionality allows drug dealers and ransomware groups to publicise their operations effectively. However, not all users moving to Signal are concerned about the loss of broadcasting capabilities; some, like the aforementioned hacker, are primarily focused on maintaining a low profile.

Durovs arrest on August 24 at a French airport was linked to an investigation initiated by an undercover agent who encountered a suspected predator on Telegram. The subsequent refusal by Telegram to provide the users real identity led investigators to focus on the platform itself.

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The French National Gendarmerie, which has previously made numerous requests to Telegram, charged Durov with complicity in enabling illegal transactions, obstructing lawful intercepts, and facilitating crimes such as child abuse and drug trafficking.

Initially, Telegram responded to the charges by asserting that Durov had nothing to hide and dismissing claims of platform responsibility for abuse. However, following the charges, Durov acknowledged that while the vast majority of Telegram users are not involved in crime, the actions of a tiny fraction negatively impact the platforms reputation.

He also announced the removal of features like People Nearby, which had been misused, and updated Telegrams website to allow users to report illegal content directly to moderators.

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This series of events highlights a significant moment for Telegram as it grapples with increased scrutiny and the potential need to adapt its approach to content moderation in response to legal pressures and shifting user dynamics.
The issue is not confined to Australia. Similar privacy concerns have emerged in India, where the Software Freedom Law Centre has raised alarms about the potential harm of Metas data processing practices read more

Because of stricter regulations in the EU, which offer more robust data protection options, Meta couldnt scrap European users data without their consent. Image Credit: Reuters

Meta is under increasing scrutiny from Australian regulators after revelations that the company has been using public posts from Facebook and Instagram to train its AI models without obtaining user consent.

During a recent parliamentary committee hearing, Melinda Claybaugh, Metas privacy policy director, disclosed that Meta scrapes data from public posts made by users aged over 18, even if those users did not explicitly agree to such use.

Claybaugh explained that while users can prevent future data scraping by setting their posts to private, this does not reverse the scraping of content that has already been collected. This has raised concerns among Australian officials, who argue that millions of Australians have not given their consent for their personal photos, videos, and other posts to be used in training AI models.

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Australian Senator Tony Sheldon, who chairs the committee overseeing AI adoption, criticised Meta for disregarding users rights. Sheldon highlighted that many people feel their rights have been violated by tech giants that ignore laws and regulations. He stated that people globally are frustrated with tech companies that operate without regard for privacy and legal standards.

Calls for opt-out options

Senator David Shoebridge also voiced concerns, demanding that Australians be given the option to opt out of having their data used for AI training.

He compared the situation unfavourably to regulations in Europe, which offer more robust data protection options. Because of this, Meta couldnt scrap its European users data without their consent.

Shoebridge pointed out that unless users manually set their posts to private, Meta has been scraping all public content from Facebook and Instagram since 2007. He criticised the lack of an easy and clear process for opting out.

Privacy Concerns for international users

The issue is not confined to Australia. Similar privacy concerns have emerged in India, where the Software Freedom Law Centre has raised alarms about the potential harm of Metas data processing practices.

The Delhi-based digital rights group has called for better safeguards to protect users personal data from automated processing. Their letter to the Union Ministry of Information and Technology emphasised the need for simpler and clearer processes for users to control how their data is used.

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Future Actions

As Meta faces mounting pressure, both in Australia and internationally, the company will need to address these privacy concerns and potentially revise its data handling practices. The calls for more transparent and user-friendly options for data opt-out highlight the growing demand for stronger data protection measures in the digital age.

The unfolding situation underscores the broader issue of how tech companies manage user data and the need for regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies.
The release of the o1 model comes right in the middle of an arms race, or rather an AI race of sorts, where companies like Google DeepMind, Anthropic, and OpenAI are working round the clock to create AI systems that can operate independently as so-called agents read more

During a qualifying exam for the International Mathematics Olympiad, the o1 model scored 83 per cent, a vast improvement over GPT-4os 13 per cent. OpenAIs Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati emphasised that these models offer unprecedented visibility into the AIs thought process. Image Credit: Reuters

OpenAI has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) model, dubbed o1, also known as Strawberry, which the company claims can reason similarly to humans. This development marks a significant milestone in AI technology, as it brings AI closer to solving complex problems in fields such as mathematics, coding, and science.

The new model represents a key step in advancing machine cognition, with OpenAI positioning it as a powerful tool for professionals rather than general users.

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New model pushes OpenAIs capabilities

The release of the o1 model comes right in the middle of an arms race, or rather an AI race of sorts, where companies like Google DeepMind, Anthropic, and OpenAI are working round the clock to create AI systems that can operate independently as so-called agents.

These agents are personalised bots designed to assist users in various tasks, such as communication, creative work, and interaction with the digital world.

OpenAIs o1 model has been integrated into its ChatGPT Plus offering, making them accessible to developers and scientists starting on Thursday. The company claims the new models significantly outperform existing ones, such as GPT-4o.

During a qualifying exam for the International Mathematics Olympiad, the o1 model scored 83 per cent, a vast improvement over GPT-4os 13 per cent. OpenAIs Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati emphasised that these models offer unprecedented visibility into the AIs thought process, allowing researchers to observe how it tackles problems step by step.

Reasoning capability like never before

The o1 model employs reinforcement learning, a method that allows it to explore different strategies when responding to queries. While the process takes longer, making it more costly compared to previous GPT models, it is also more consistent and capable of handling more sophisticated tasks. Mark Chen, the lead researcher on the project, explained that the model can identify its own mistakes and correct them, improving its responses over time.

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One of the most exciting aspects of o1 is its potential to transform online search. OpenAI is testing these capabilities through its SearchGPT tool, which could lead to a new search paradigm that enhances research and information retrieval. By applying step-by-step reasoning and planning ahead, the model could drastically improve how users find and interpret information online.

Is this the start of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?

Experts in AI believe that the ability to teach models to reason and plan represents a crucial step toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), which is defined as machines exhibiting cognitive abilities similar to humans.

If AI systems could genuinely reason, it would improve the consistency of facts, arguments, and conclusions made by these models, advancing their autonomy and problem-solving skills.

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Yoshua Bengio, a prominent computer scientist and Turing Award recipient, noted that models such as GPT, Googles Gemini, and Anthropics Claude have already demonstrated some initial reasoning abilities.

However, the scientific consensus remains that AI systems are still far from achieving true general-purpose reasoning. Bengio highlighted the importance of independent evaluations by scientists to properly assess these advances without conflicts of interest.

Not all experts are convinced by the claims of humanlike reasoning. Gary Marcus, a cognitive science professor at New York University, cautioned that previous claims about AI reasoning have often failed to stand up to scrutiny. He advised a healthy level of scepticism when evaluating new developments in this area.

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Safety concerns aplenty

As AI models grow more advanced, the risk of misuse also increases. Bengio pointed out that more capable software could be exploited by bad actors. In response, OpenAI has enhanced its safety protocols, including giving independent safety institutes in the US and UK early access to the research version of the o1 model.

The advancements seen in o1 are expected to drive AI progress over the next several years. Aidan Gomez, CEO of AI start-up Cohere and one of the original Google researchers who helped develop the transformer technology used in chatbots like ChatGPT, noted that teaching models to reason has led to dramatic improvements in their abilities.

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However, he also mentioned that these models are becoming more expensive to run due to the computational demands of reasoning and planning before providing an answer.

As AI continues to evolve, models like OpenAIs o1 could represent the next leap forward in solving complex problems and pushing the boundaries of machine intelligence.
Kenyan President William Rutos two-day visit is aimed at signing a mobility agreement between the two countries and boosting the two nations economic ties read more

Kenyan President William Ruto is visiting Germany. This is his third visit to the European country.

Rutos two-day visit is aimed at signing a mobility agreement between the two countries and boosting the two nations economic ties. The two nations have been working on an agreement to facilitate Kenyans to work in Germany to address the European nations huge workers requirements.

Ahead of the visit, presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said Ruto will engage in several high-profile activities expected to yield real, tangible, and immediate benefits to the people of Kenya, as per The Nation Africa. He will meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and business leaders during the visit.

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These meetings will focus on deepening cooperation on areas of mutual interest including green energy and climate action; digital cooperation; trade and investment; skills development and labour; and regional and international peace and security, sod Mohamed.

Here are the five ways in which Rutos visit to Germany is important.

1. Germany & Kenya to sign migration and mobility pact

During Rutos visit, Germany and Kenya will sign the Comprehensive Agreement on Migration and Mobility Partnership. It will boost employment opportunities for Kenyans in Germany.

The agreement will also establish a framework for cooperation on issues of labour mobility, apprenticeships, and student training.

The Star quoted Kenyan government spokesperson Mohamed as saying that Germany, under the agreement, Germany is set to waive visa requirement for a labour market test for Kenyans prior to employment and is also set to issue long-term visas for eligible Kenyans for studies or vocational training.

2. Germany-Kenya cultural relations

Rutos visit will also be a step towards improving the bilateral cultural relationship.

This year, Kenya is the profile partner for Germanys Citizens Festival (Burgerfest) themed Pamoja  Stronger Together. This is the first time that a non-European nation has been made the partner.

Ruto is expected to attend the festival.

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The festival will significantly raise the visibility of Kenyan culture in Germany, fostering greater appreciation and understanding while promoting tourism and cultural exchanges, said Mohamed, as per The Star.

3. The tourism factor

Ruto will also seek to attract German tourists to Kenya during the visit.

Last year, 81,359 German tourists visited Kenya compared to 66,064 the previous year. The festival served as an opportunity to further grow German tourist arrivals in the country, said the Kenyan government, as per The Nation.

4. Better economic ties

Ruto will also take part in a meeting of the CEOs Forum. The meeting will be attended by leading German business figures, including top executives from companies like Mercedes Benz, YouTube, and AIDA Cruises, according to The Nation.

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The newspaper reported that the forum seeks to promote increased trade and investment opportunities between Kenya and Germany.

Separately, The Star noted that Germany is a leading foreign direct investor in Kenya and more than 100 German companies are operating in the region investments to the tune of Sh150 billion.

5. A win-win situation

Rutos visit is aimed to strike a win-win deal for Germany and Kenya.

While Kenyan workers get easier access to work in Germany and students gets easier access to education, Germany gets a steady supply of workers of all hues to address issues with the workforce.

The Star has reported that Germany has agreed to opened doors to 2,50,000 professional, skilled, and semi-skilled Kenyans to meet its huge workers requirements.
Six commissions have been formed, each focusing on a crucial sector. One of the main priorities of the reform effort is to establish a fair electoral system, which Yunus says is essential to good governance read more

Bangladeshs interim government, led by nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has initiated groundbreaking reforms, forming six separate commissions to overhaul vital sectors of the country and lay the groundwork for free and fair elections.

During a televised address on Wednesday (September 11) seen by 171 million people, Yunus outlined the reforms that would soon be implemented.

Here are seven key points about the reforms:

1. Around the same time the reforms were launched, Yunus, in an interview with DW, had said that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had destroyed almost all institutions and the economy was shattered.

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You do not know where to begin because everything has to be restarted in a different way, he had said, adding that his interim administration wants to establish citizens rights, human rights, democracy and everything that goes with a good governance. This was then clearly reflected in his address in which he announced the reforms.

2. Six commissions have been formed, each focusing on a crucial sector- electoral system, police administration, judiciary, anti-corruption system, public administration, and the constitution. These commissions aim to create long-term institutional changes in Bangladesh.

3. One of the main priorities of the reform effort is establishing a fair and transparent electoral system, which Yunus says is essential to good governance.

4. Yunus has said reforming four institutions police administration, public administration, judiciary and anti-corruption commission  is essential as they are integral to conducting free and fair elections, according to Bangladeshi news outlet Prothom Alo.

5. Leaders of the commissions have been selected from a wide array of professionals, including civil society activists, former judges, anti-corruption experts, and prominent lawyers.

6. The commissions will engage in consultations with advisory council members, representatives of social movements, civil society, and political leaders to ensure broad-based input.

7. While the reforms have been welcomed by some, others have raised concerns about the complexity of the task, pointing to the challenges in reversing years of corruption and rights abuses under the previous administration, according to Nikkei.

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Yunus has expressed hope that the country will embark on a new path of reform, inspired by the July uprising, and bring about an era of democracy and good governance.
The Islamic State targeted Shia Hazaras returning from pilgrimage to Iraq, according to reports read more

A day after the Islamic State claimed an attack in Afghanistan, the Taliban on Friday said that 14 people were killed six were injured in an attack.

The terrorist group ISIS on Thursday claimed responsibility for an attack in central Afghanistan. The Afghan media reported that the attack took place in the Karyudal area at the border of Daykundi and Ghor provinces.

The reports said that Shia Hazaras, an ethnic minority in Afghanistan, were the target of the attacks. The minority community has often been targeted by the Sunni terrorist group Islamic State, which has been waging an insurgency against Afghanistans Taliban rulers.

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The reports said that ISIS terrorists attacked Shia Hazaras returning from the pilgrimage of Arbaeen in Karbala in Iraq, which marks 40th day of mourning of the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed and the founder of the Shia sect of Islam.

The reports said the terrorists stopped the bus carrying the victims in the guise of taking photographs and then opened fire.

The Central Asia branch of the Islamic State, the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), is active in Afghanistan and neighbouring nations. The ISKP is waging a yearslong movement against the Taliban, the rulers of Afghanistan. The ISKP and its parent ISIS reject the Talibans Caliphate in Afghanistan. This is because while the Taliban is a nationalist organisation with its ambitions limited to Afghanistan, the ISIS is a globalist jihadist organisation which wants to establish an Islamic state called the Caliphate across the world.
The pilot of Alaska Airlines aircraft whose door panel blew out in mid-air of January 5 said she didnt know what exactly had happened, but was certain something was going very wrong as the aircraft took off on January 5 for Portland, Oregon read more

Passenger oxygen masks hang from the roof next to a missing window and a portion of a side wall of an Alaska Airlines Flight 128. Source: REUTERS.

Mum for over eight months after the horrific January 5 Alaska Airlines incident where a door panel of the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft blew out in mid-flight, a pilot of the plane opened up, detailing her ordeal and how the situation was brought under control.

First Officer Emily Wiprud was piloting the Alaska Airlines flight which lost an exterior panel at 16,000 feet and had to make an emergency landing.

Deck door was open, tubes hanging from cabin

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In an interview with CBS News, Wiprud said that she didnt know what exactly had happened, but was certain something was going very wrong as the aircraft took off on January 5 for Portland, Oregon.

The first indication was an explosion in my ears and then a whoosh of air, she recalled.

My body was forced forward and there was a loud bang as well The flight deck door was open. I saw tubes hanging from the cabin, Wiprud said.

She further said that she was still not sure about what had happened and acting upon her instinct, Wiprud and the flight captain sped up for a safe landing.

A hole in the airplane

Wiprud further recalled that she had no knowledge about a hole in the airplane until they landed.

I didnt know that there was a hole in the airplane until we landed. I knew something was catastrophically wrong, she said.

Could not hear anything

Wiprud further recalled, It was so incredibly loud."

And I remember putting the oxygen mask on and trying to transmit to air traffic control and wondering Why cant I hear anything? she further said.

Wiprud said her headset and multiple aircraft components were sucked out of the plane. Also, multiple objects, including mobile phones of two passengers went flying out of the plane.

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The Alaska Airlines flight, with 171 passengers and four flight attendants onboard, was barely about six minutes into its flight between Portland and Ontario, California when the panel, which are also known as door plug, blew out.

Eyes staring right back at me

For Wiprud, her focus was on accounting for the passengers and crew onboard.

I opened the flight deck door and I saw calm, quiet, hundreds of eyes staring right back at me, Wiprud said.

She then recalled asking the flight attendants if they were Okay, and the crew members told her there were empty seats and injuries among the passengers.

The pilot said she feared they had lost some passengers the moment she heard there were empty seats.

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The pilot further recalled a teen aboard the flight had his shirt ripped off his body. She saw the childs mother on the ground searching for him.

She looked back and her son was gone. As a mother myself, I cant even imagine that feeling, said Wiprud, who has two young children. It turned out that the teen, who had been in the same row where the panel blew out, had quickly moved to another seat, she said.

Two well-trained pilots are most important safety device on aircraft

The CBS News further quoted Air Line Pilots Association president Captain Jason Ambrosi as saying, 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."

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An investigation carried out by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that the jet was missing bolts meant to hold on its door plug.

The January 5 Alaska Airline accident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to temporarily ground all Boeing 737 Max 9s with the same door plug.
For months, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been urging the United States to grant permission to use long-range British-French Storm Shadow and American ATACMS missiles for deeper strikes inside Russia read more

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives in the United States for talks with US President Joe Biden (Photo: AP)

Amid Russian warning of a war with the Nato, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet US President Joe Biden on Friday to discuss the issue of long-range weapons to Ukraine.

As Ukraine has been pressing the United States for permission for using Western long-range weapons to strike deeper inside Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that such strikes would put Russia at war with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato).

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For months now, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been urging the United States to grant permission to use British-French Storm Shadow and American MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) for deeper strikes inside Russia. While the European governments have been okay with such demands, including the British, Biden has not approved such usage over concerns of an escalation.

Zelenskyys argument for seeking such a permission is that since Russia carries out deeper strikes inside Ukraine all the time, Ukraine should also have such a capacity to have playing field in the war. He has also been seeking Western help in shooting down Russian missiles that have been killing Ukrainians across the countries in frequent strikes.

Biden may seek middle ground on long-range weapons

There are signs that Biden may be open to allow Western weapons to be used deep inside Russia  as Russia continues to batter Ukraine.

The New York Times has reported that Biden is on the verge of approving deeper strikes inside Russia from weapons provided by European countries  such as the British-French Storm Shadow missiles. The newspaper added that he will, however, not allow US missiles to be used in similar strikes.

The British government has long said that it is okay with Ukraine using Storm Shadow missiles deep inside Russia.

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As of now, the United States allows Russia to use US-provided long-range weapons in Ukrainian territory occupied by Russian, but not in Russia proper.

Starmers visit to Washington DC comes within days of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary meeting in London and then visiting Kyiv together to hold deliberations with top Ukrainian leaders.

West being too afraid: Zelenskyy

As Starmer is set to hold talks with Biden, Zelenskyy said the West was being too afraid to help Ukraine defend against Russian attacks.

Zelenskyy on Friday said that he will meet Biden this month to present his victory plan on how to end the war with Russia, according to AFP.

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Zelenskyy also compared the situation in Ukraine with that of Israel and said that while the Western nations were coming together to help Israel against Iran and its proxies by shooting down Iranian missiles and drones, they were being too afraid regarding Russia.

On the question of Western permission for deeper strikes inside Russia, Putin on Thursday said that would mean a war between Russia and Nato.

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, said Putin, as per AFP.
Jashimuddin Rahmani Hafi of Ansarullah Bangla Team, an affiliate of the terrorist organisation al-Qaeda, was released from prison by Bangladeshs interim ruler Mohammed Yunus read more

A Bangladeshi Islamist leader freed recently by interim ruler Mohammed Yunus has urged West Bengal Chief Minister to break up India, according to a report.

Jashimuddin Rahmani Hafi, the chief of terrorist group al-Qaedas affiliate Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), has urged Mamata to free Bengal from Modis rule and declare its independence, according to India Today.

Rahmani was released from jail last month by Yunus interim regime which was propped by Bangladeshs protestors and army after toppling Sheikh Hasinas government. He had been in jail since 2013 and was convicted for murders of secular bloggers in the country.

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In a video understood to be shot last month, Rahmani warned of breaking up India and hoisting Islamist flags in Delhi, as per the report.

As the relatively liberal government of Hasinas Bangladesh Awami Party (BAL) fell after weekslong party, the country has been taken over by pro-Pakistan Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami. The unelected regime of Yunus freed terrorist leader Rahmani at a time the country was in the grips of a wave of a violence against religions minorities like Hindus that saw hundreds of attacks on homes, temples, and cultural institutions.

Rahmani warns to break India: Report

Going beyond West Bengal, Rahmani threatened to take Chinas help and cut the northeast India from rest of the country by blocking the Siliguri Corridor, which is often called the Chickens Neck, according to India Today.

The Siliguri Corridor is the narrow strip of land that connects the northeast Indian states with the rest of the country.

If you take a step towards Bangladesh, we will ask China to close the Chickens Neck. We will tell the Seven Sisters [northeast states] to join the freedom movement, said Rahmani in the video, as per the report.

After Yunus released him from prison, Rahmani said he would work to separate Kashmir from India.

Tell Kashmir to get ready for freedom. Pakistan and Afghanistan together will help Kashmir gain independence. We will work for the freedom of Kashmir, said Rahmani, as per the report.

Warning India of acting against him, Rahmani said Indias eyes will be taken out and hands will be cut off.

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It is a country of 18 crore Muslims. This is our sacred land. If you dare to look this way, your eyes will be taken out Take a step forward, and your legs will be broken Reach out, and your hands will be cut off, said Rahmani, as per the report.

As the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Hasina had cracked down on Islamist organisations and terrorist groups. This had earned her the ire of Islamists and Pakistan and groups it sponsored. These groups have been reported to have been active in the movement that toppled her government. Now that Hasina is out of power, it is feared that the Islamist and radical forces will cement control in Bangladesh and the country could become a safe haven for Pakistan-sponsored anti-India elements.
According to a court statement on Friday, the lift was ordered because the amount transferred to Brazils coffers reached the total X owed the country in fines, which had been imposed amid a feud between billionaire Elon Musk and Moraes. read more

Brazils Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes decided to lift blockages previously imposed on Starlink and X accounts after ordering the transfer of 18.35 million reais ($3.31 million) from the accounts to the countrys national coffers, according to a report by Reuters.

The lift was ordered because the amount transferred to Brazils coffers reached the total X owed the country in fines, which had been imposed amid a feud between billionaire Elon Musk and Moraes, according to a court statement on Friday.

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Musk controls both X and Starlink.

As billionaire Elon Musks clash with a Brazilian Supreme Court justice came to a head last month, there were legal twists, insults, ultimatums, defiance and then, finally, capitulation. When the digital dust settled, X had become an ex.

Musks social media platform was banned nationwide and Justice Alexandre de Moraes set a whopping $9,000 daily fine for anyone using a virtual private network (VPN) to skirt the suspension. Brazils X users, left casting about for a new platform, mostly started washing up on Threads and Bluesky.

X had 22 million users in Brazil, according to estimates in the Digital 2024: Brazil report, just one-sixth the number on Instagram, and about one-fifth of Facebook or TikTok.

With inputs from agencies.
Cambodia has been the location of cyberscams that include  pig butchering, a term that refers to gaining victims trust through dating apps or other sites and steering them toward bogus investments. Cryptocurrency is often used in such schemes to make them harder to stop. read more

Ly Yong Phat, president of the L.Y.P. Group, far left, attends a ceremony marking the return of artifacts at Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on Aug. 22. File Photo- Reuters

Cambodia on Friday decried newly imposed US sanctions on one of the countrys top tycoons who has been implicated in allegations of forced labor, human trafficking and lucrative online scams.

Cambodias foreign ministry expressed deep regret over the unjust decision to sanction Ly Yong Phat and suggested that the action could hurt bilateral relations. Ly Yong Phat, one of Cambodias richest men, is also a Cambodian senator and a leading member of the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party of Prime Minister Hun Manet.

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The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday imposed sanctions on Ly Yong Phat and five of his businesses for their role in serious human rights abuses related to the treatment of workers subjected to forced labor in online investment scam operations.

Victims forced to run virtual currency investment scams and other online schemes are often lured by fraudulent jobs and promises of free housing, said the statement. Instead, they find themselves forced to run scam operations for criminal organizations under horrifying working and living conditions.

Washingtons move, which blocks any of Ly Yong Phats assets in the United States and prohibits U.S. entities from doing business with him, reflects mounting concern about cybercrime, including from Southeast Asia and Cambodia in particular.

Cambodia has been the location of cyberscams that include  pig butchering, a term that refers to gaining victims trust through dating apps or other sites and steering them toward bogus investments. Cryptocurrency is often used in such schemes to make them harder to stop.

Fridays statement from Cambodias foreign ministry claimed the Treasurys action was based on unconfirmed reports of forced labor linked to online investment scams, as well as politically motivated and counter to the spirit of reinforcing our bilateral cooperation and mutual trust.

Cambodian-U.S. relations have long been strained over Washingtons criticism of alleged political repression and human rights violations by the government, as well as its close relationship to China.

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In June, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Phnom Penh and his meetings with Cambodian officials had suggested the beginning of a thaw in relations between the countries.

Fridays statement further said the Treasurys report fails to provide a balanced and accurate representation of Cambodias steadfast commitment to human rights, law enforcement, and its determined efforts to combat human trafficking and forced labor.

It also praised Ly Yong Phats role in advancing Cambodias socio-economic development over the decades through his L.Y.P. Group.

Though Ly Yong Phat himself has not faced any human trafficking charges, a casino run by his business has been raided at least twice, and both times authorities rescued people who had been forced to work there in call-center scams and other illicit activities, The Associated Press reported in May.

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Victims cited being lured to O-Smach Resort, a property owned by L.Y.P. Group, with false employment opportunities, having their phones and passports confiscated upon arrival, and being forced to work scam operations.

The victims also reported being beaten, abused with electric shocks, made to pay a hefty ransom, or threatened with being sold to other online scam gangs.
The MoU will enable more efficient currency settlements in local currencies, which will benefit traders engaged in imports from China and promote increased cross-border investments, according to a report, citing a statement from the Ministry of Economic Development of Maldives read more

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on January 10, 2024. Reuters File

Chinas central bank on Friday inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Maldives to establish a framework for promoting local currency settlement, currency account transactions and direct investments, according to a report.

The agreement would promote trade and investment between the two countries, Reuters quoted a statement from the Peoples Bank of China.

According to Atoll Times, citing a statement from the Ministry of Economic Development of Maldives, the MoU will enable more efficient currency settlements in local currencies, which will benefit traders engaged in imports from China and promote increased cross-border investments.

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The ministry also highlighted that this agreement reflects the Maldives efforts to enhance economic openness and strengthen trade relations with key international partners, added the report.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) comes after President Mohamed Muizzus state visit to China in January.

During this visit, President Muizzu and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed enhancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries countries.

Their talks emphasised strengthening economic ties, a commitment now solidified by this new currency settlement framework, according to the Atoll Times report.

The ministry highlighted that China is one of the Maldives major trade partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $700 million. Moreover, China is the largest source of tourists for the Maldives.

According to World Bank data, the Maldives owes China $1.37 billion, representing 20% of the countrys total external debt.

With inputs from agencies
Hours after Russia revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow after accusing them of spying, the UK government on Friday termed the allegations as completely baseless read more

Hours after Russia revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow after accusing them of spying and sabotage work, the UK government on Friday termed the allegations as completely baseless and said that UK is unapologetic about protecting its national interests.

The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless. The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state directed activity across Europe and in the UK. We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests, The Guardian quoted the UK government as saying in a statement.

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The announcement about revoking the accreditation of diplomats on accusations of espionage came as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was landing in Washington to discuss letting Ukraine use long-range missiles deep inside Russian territory.

The move was made several months ago, after the Metropolitan police charged a group of British men with planning an arson attack against Ukrainian-linked businesses on behalf of the Russian state, The Guardian reported, adding the announcement about the expulsions was made in a statement on Friday morning.

Russian media has named and published photographs of the six British members of diplomatic staff, added the report.

The FSB, the main successor agency to the Soviet KGB, said it had documents showing that a British foreign office department in London responsible for Eastern Europe and Central Asia was coordinating what it called the escalation of the political and military situation and was tasked with ensuring Russias strategic defeat in its war against Ukraine.

The facts revealed give grounds to consider the activities of British diplomats sent to Moscow by the directorate as threatening the security of the Russian Federation, Reuters quoted the FSB said in a statement.

On the basis of documents provided by the Federal Security Service of Russia and as a response to the numerous unfriendly steps taken by London, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, in co-operation with the agencies concerned, has terminated the accreditation of six members of the political department of the British Embassy in Moscow in whose actions signs of spying and sabotage were found, it said.

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According to Reuters, citing Izvestia newspaper, the FSB said that the British diplomats had recruited Russian teenagers, organised what it called provocations, and held talks in the British ambassadors Moscow residency with opposition figures.

It accused British diplomats of working with Russian activists to try to create divisions within Russian society around different ethnic groups and migrants and said many of the people involved in coordinating Britains work on Ukraine based in London and Kyiv were working for the MI6 foreign intelligence service. It did not give details.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the activities of the British embassy in Moscow had gone well beyond the Vienna diplomatic conventions.

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More importantly, it is not just a question of formality and non-compliance with declared activities, but of subversive actions aimed at damaging our people, Reuters quoted Zakharova as saying said on Telegram.

Washington and London see Irans delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, announced by Washington this week, as a dramatic escalation and it had sped up talks on Ukraines long-range missile use, Reuters quoted three Western sources as saying.

Russia and Iran have denied any such deliveries.

Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said 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.

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The Kremlin said on Friday that Putin had delivered what it described as a clear and unambiguous message to the West which it was sure had been heard.

Russias move to expel British diplomats ratchets up tensions between Moscow and London, hours before Starmer lands in Washington to advance talks on getting the green light from US President Joe Biden for Kyiv to use Britains Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of more than 250 km (155 miles), inside Russia.

Sources say the meeting is another step in talks to allow Ukraine to use Western long-range missiles against targets in Russia, something Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been demanding for months.

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A Western source said a decision could be made at the United Nations General Assembly which starts on September 24.

According to New York Times, citing European officials, the United States looks set to approve the use by Ukraine of long range missiles against targets in Russia on the condition that the weapons were not those provided by the United States.

With inputs from agencies
The court pronounces the harshest sentence: the death penalty for criminal association, the death penalty for attack, the death penalty for terrorism, court president Freddy Ehume said, following the trial of 51 people that began in early June. read more

FILE - From left T,yler Thompson Jr, Marcel Malanga and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, all American citizens, face the court in Kinshasa with 52 other defendants on June 7, 2024, accused of a role in last month's attempted coup in Congo led by little-known opposition figure Christian Malanga in which six people were killed. - AP

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday sentenced 37 people including three Americans to death in a trial over an attempted coup in May.

The defendants, who also included a Briton, Belgian, Canadian and several Congolese, can appeal the verdict on charges that included terrorism, murder and criminal association. Fourteen people were acquitted in the trial, which opened in June.

In May, a failed coup attempt led by the relatively unknown opposition figure Christian Malanga resulted in six fatalities. The attack targeted the presidential palace and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi. According to the Congolese army, Malanga, who was killed while resisting arrest, had live-streamed the assault on his social media.

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Following the trial of 51 people that began in early June, the court president Freddy Ehume said Friday The court pronounces the harshest sentence: the death penalty for criminal association, the death penalty for attack, the death penalty for terrorism,

Malangas 21-year-old son Marcel Malanga, who is a U.S. citizen, and two other Americans were convicted in the the attack. His mother, Brittney Sawyer, has said her son is innocent and was simply following his father, who considered himself president of a shadow government in exile.

The other Americans were Tyler Thompson Jr., who flew to Africa from Utah with the younger Malanga for what his family believed was a vacation, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, who is reported to have known Christian Malanga through a gold mining company.

The company was set up in Mozambique in 2022, according to an official journal published by Mozambiques government, and a report by the Africa Intelligence newsletter.

Thompsons family maintains he had no knowledge of the elder Malangas intentions, no plans for political activism and didnt even plan to enter Congo. He and the Malangas were meant to travel only to South Africa and Eswatini, Thompsons stepmother said.

The reading out of the verdict and sentencing before the open-air military court were broadcast live on television.

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Last month, the military prosecutor, Lt. Col. Innocent Radjabu. called on the judges to sentence to death all of the defendants, except for one who suffers from psychological problems.

Earlier this year, Congo reinstated the death penalty, lifting a more than two-decade-old moratorium, as authorities struggle to curb violence and militant attacks in the country.

With inputs from agencies.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Dovals meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin has reignited the conversations around Indias role as a peacemaker in the Russia-Ukraine War.

In recent months, calls for a proactive Indian role in the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine War have mounted. Such calls have only increased as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited both Ukraine and Russia within a months time and spoke about playing a role in peace efforts.

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Ahead of Dovals visit to Russia, reports had said that he was carrying a peace proposal for the war outlined by Modi.

On the sidelines of an NSAs meeting of the BRICS nations in Russia, Doval first met his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu and later Putin. Previously, the PTI reported that deliberations between Modi and Zelenskyy in Kyiv last month figured in the Doval-Shoigu talks.

Doval carried Modis message to Putin regarding Ukraine: report

Amid calls for an Indian role as a peacemaker, The Hindustan Times has reported that Doval indeed carried a message from Modi to Putin regarding Ukraine.

Doval told Putin that Modi was keen to brief him regarding Ukraine and has dispatched him as a messenger.

He [Modi] was keen to brief you about his visit to Ukraine and his meeting with President Zelenskyy. 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, said Doval to Putin, as per HT.

Regarding the developments on the peacemaking front, the newspaper reported that Modi during his visit to Ukraine shared interesting ideas with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that had previously been discussed in July with Putin during the Indian prime ministers Russia visit.

Doval, who accompanied Modi on both of the visits, is deeply involved in these peace initiatives which aim to find a solution to the conflict in Ukraine, according to the newspaper.

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Modi has reportedly outlined a peace proposal

Ahead of Dovals visit to Russia, it had been reported that Modi has outlined a peace proposal for the war in Ukraine.

The NDTV had reported sources as saying that Doval was going to present a peace proposal outlined by Modi to Putin.

The news channel further reported that it was decided in the Putin-Modi talks after the visit to Ukraine that Doval would travel to Russia for talks related to peacemaking efforts.
Kyiv has been pressing the Biden administration and other Western governments to authorise long-range strikes that it says will help to counter Russias relentless aerial attacks on Ukraine read more

Poland added its voice on Thursday to calls to allow Ukraine to fire Western-supplied missiles deep into Russia as it hosted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for talks in Warsaw.

Kyiv has been pressing the Biden administration and other Western governments to authorise long-range strikes that it says will help to counter Russias relentless aerial attacks on Ukraine.

We should continue to deliver advanced air defence systems (to Ukraine)  and lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told a joint news conference with Blinken.

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Blinken, winding up a visit to Europe, said he had held extensive discussions with Ukrainian officials in Kyiv on Wednesday about how they see the war developing and what their needs are, but declined to say whether Washington was ready to approve such strikes.

What we learned from our Ukrainian partners will inform discussions that well be having with other allies and other partners in the days and weeks ahead, as we work through and think through the coming months, Blinken said.

It was fitting to begin such discussions in Poland, Blinken said, citing its staunch support for Ukraine.

Russia has warned that any decision to allow Ukraine to strike Russia with long-range Western missiles would deepen what it called the direct involvement of the U.S. and Europe in the war and would trigger a response from Moscow.

Russias invasion of Ukraine has made defence a top priority for eastern members of the NATO alliance, and Poland has sought to strengthen the borders it shares with Belarus and Russia.

Relations between Poland and Russia have deteriorated sharply since Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into neighbouring Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Warsaw has ramped up defence spending in response and expects record defence spending in 2025 of 186.6 billion zlotys ($47.95 billion).

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Blinken praised Poland for the increase, which he called the gold standard for members of the NATO alliance.

The top U.S. diplomat, who earlier this week also visited Britain, met Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda as well as Sikorski on Thursday.

Hybrid Attacks

Warsaw has repeatedly accused Moscow of attempting to destabilize Poland because of its role in supplying military aid to its neighbour Ukraine, allegations Russia has dismissed.

Poland accuses Russia of orchestrating a campaign of arson, sabotage and cyberattacks. It has also accused Russia and its ally Belarus of orchestrating a migrant crisis on its eastern border. Moscow denies those accusations too.

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Blinken said such hybrid attacks were part of a deliberate strategy that Russia is engaged in and that NATO allies were making sure this had consequences for Moscow, citing the broad sanctions imposed by Western nations since 2022.

He also praised Poland for its progress in transitioning away from Russian energy since the war began and said he discussed with Sikorski ways that Washington could further this transition.

Poland said ahead of the talks with Blinken that cooperation on civilian nuclear energy, including building the first Polish nuclear power plant, would be on the agenda.
Chinese regulators hammered PwC for its failure to identify and bring attention to severe financial problems within real-estate firm Evergrande ahead of its default in 2021 read more

China has cracked down on PwC for failure to identify and report financial problems within real-estate firm Evergrande. (Photo: Reuters)

Accountancy giant PwC was banned in China Friday for six months and slapped with a fine of $62.2 million over problems with its audit of beleaguered property company Evergrande.

The moves by Chinese regulators mark the latest development in a crackdown on PwC for its work with Evergrande, which has become emblematic of a protracted debt crisis in the countrys real estate sector.

In the Friday announcements, regulators hammered PwC for its failure to identify and bring attention to severe financial problems within Evergrande once Chinas biggest real estate firm ahead of its default in 2021.

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After investigation, it was found that PricewaterhouseCoopers and its Guangzhou branch knew that there were major misstatements in Evergrande Real Estates financial statements during the audit, Chinas Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

The Ministry added it had imposed administrative penalties on PwC that included the suspension of its business for six months and the revocation of its Guangzhou branch.

In a separate statement Friday, Chinas top securities regulator said it had penalised PwC, while another fine in coordination with the finance ministry brought the total to 441 million yuan ($62.2 million).

The statement said the penalties were because the firm had failed to perform due diligence in its work involving Evergrande.

PwC failed to maintain due professional scepticism, failed to make correct professional judgments, and failed to discover Evergrande Real Estates financial fraud, which was of large scale and high proportion, it added.

In response, PwC said its China auditors had fallen unacceptably below standards during their work with Evergrande.

Following a thorough investigation, we ensured that actions were taken to hold those responsible to account and a comprehensive remediation programme will build a stronger PwC China firm for the future, PwC Global Chair Mohamed Kande said in a statement on the firms website.

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China remains an important part of the PwC network and I remain confident in the China firms partners and staff as we work together to rebuild trust with stakeholders, Kande added.

Last month, Evergrande liquidators filed a lawsuit against PwC in Hong Kong, part of an effort to recover investments after a court ordered the property firms liquidation, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The lawsuit targeted PwCs negligence and misrepresentation in connection to reports on Evergrandes financial statement for 2017 and the first half of 2018, according to the report.
In Culiacan, the capital of Mexicos Sinaloa state, shootouts and gunfire have become a near-daily occurrence read more

Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a historic leader of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, is pleading not guilty in a US court. AP

Ismael El Mayo Zambada, co-founder of Mexicos notorious Sinaloa cartel, pleaded not guilty in a Brooklyn court on Friday to charges stemming from his decades-long role atop one of the worlds most powerful drug trafficking organisations.

El Mayo, who founded the cartel alongside Joaquin El Chapo Guzman in the 1990s, faces 17 charges, including conspiracy to manufacture and distribute narcotics such as cocaine and fentanyl internationally.

Prosecutors allege he maintained control of the cartel through extreme and prolonged violence and the corruption of public officials. If convicted, Zambada faces life in prison.

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While Zambada entered his plea in New York, his arrest has sparked violent infighting between rival factions of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico.

Factions fight in Culiacan

Tensions between the two most powerful factions of the cartel, one loyal to El Mayo and another to El Chapos sons, the Los Chapitos (Little Chapos), has been rising since July when El Mayo and one of the Los Chapitos, Joaquin Guzman, were arrested in the US.

In Culiacan, the capital of Mexicos Sinaloa state, shootouts and gunfire have become a near-daily occurrence. Armed convoys openly roam the streets, and several businesses have shuttered amid the chaos. Videos posted on social media show heavily armed gunmen patrolling major streets and show burnt-out vehicles.

Ismael Bojorquez, director of the weekly newspaper Riodoce in Culiacan, which specialises in coverage of organised crime, said cartel violence has taken over the streets. Cartel gunmen have their shootouts, and kidnap and burn stuff on the streets, he said.

Theyre clashing everywhere

Juan Carlos Ayala, a philosophy professor at the University of Sinaloa, said he personally witnessed three shootouts between Wednesday (September 11) and Thursday (September 12).

The city appears empty, Ayala said. Theyre clashing everywhere.

Ayala added that the infighting has caused significant fear and uncertainty. They all know each other, they know where each other lives. They come, wreck the houses, take relatives, he said.

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In response, Mexican authorities have deployed nearly 600 elite soldiers to Sinaloa, including 90 special forces sent earlier this week.

As of Wednesday, the state prosecutors office reported nine dead, eight injured, and 14 abducted. However, the true death toll may be higher, as cartels are known to recover their own dead.

With inputs from agencies
The 15-year-long reign of Hasina came to an end after she fled the country amid nationwide anti-government protests engulfed Bangladesh read more

A month after she fled the country, a recently leaked 10-minute phone call alleged that Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina might return to the country. The leaked call surfaced online and has managed to reignite controversy across social media and the political arena.

The 15-year-long reign of Hasina came to an end after she fled the country amid nationwide anti-government protests engulfed Bangladesh. Following Hasinas exit, Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus took charge as the countrys chief adviser.

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It is pertinent to note that the leaked phone call is yet to be officially authenticated. If true, the audio provides insight into the challenges the Awami League leader is facing while in exile. According to the Bangladeshi news outlet The Dhaka Tribune, the conversation reportedly took place between the former Bangladeshi premier and a man named Tanvir, who is apparently an Awami Party leader in the US.

What was said in the call?

As per the report, in the leaked call, Tanvir briefed Hansina about the difficulties Awami League leaders are facing, with many being forced to stay outside their constituencies due to legal cases. Hasina in return acknowledged the legal challenges, explaining that she herself is implicated in 113 cases. She also warned Tanvir about the potential legal trouble if he returned to Bangladesh. There are murder cases against everyone," she said.

Hasina advised him to stay put and provide support remotely. In the call, she touched upon Bangladeshs deteriorating economic conditions, claiming that the country is slipping back into poverty, and accused the current regime of looting banks and shutting down essential services.

It doesnt matter. If people are foolish, theres nothing I can do about it," Hasina was reportedly heard saying in the leaked audio call. In the phone call, she also alluded to the fact that she might come back to Bangladesh quickly. They are saying some strange things. I am very close to the country. I am not far away; I am close enough to return quickly," she replied.

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Interestingly, the conversation also touched upon the upcoming US Presidential Elections. In the alleged call, Tanvir alluded that former US President Donald Trump might win the polls. However, Hasina expressed indifference over the matter and said that it doesnt matter who wins the US presidency as long as they maintain political connections that could benefit the Awami League in the future.

Who is Tanvir?

According to The Dhaka Tribune, the man who was speaking to Hasina is Mohammad Tanvir Kaiser. Tanvir is currently seeking political asylum in the United States and has claimed in the past that he was tortured by the Awami League government.

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He filed the application for asylum on May 7, 2020, after entering the US on a tourist visa in 2019. Tanvir reportedly arrived in the US through Los Angeles on June 4, 2019, and his Bangladeshi passport expired in January 2021. Tanvirs official position within the Awami League remains unclear.

With inputs from agencies.
Wang said that China and India, as two ancient eastern civilisations and emerging developing countries, should choose unity and cooperation, and avoid consuming each other read more

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval have agreed to work together to create conditions for the improvement of bilateral relations during their meeting in Russia, the Foreign Ministry here said on Friday.

During their talks on the sidelines of a meeting in St Petersburg of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters, Wang and Doval discussed the progress made in the recent consultations on border issues, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

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Both Doval and Wang are the Special Representatives for the India-China border talks mechanism.

Both parties expressed the belief that the stability of the China-India relations is in the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples and conducive to regional peace and development.

China and India agreed to implement the consensus reached by the heads of the two countries, enhance mutual understanding and trust, maintain continuous communication, and create conditions for boosting bilateral ties, it said.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stressed that facing a turbulent world, China and India as two ancient eastern civilisations and emerging developing countries should adhere to independence, choose unity and cooperation, and avoid consuming each other, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Wang expressed the hope that the two sides will properly handle their differences in a pragmatic approach and find the right way to get along with each other and push the China-India relations back on track for healthy, stable, and sustainable development.

A press release on the talks issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India and China on Thursday agreed to work with urgency and redouble their efforts to achieve complete disengagement in the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh.

In the meeting, 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, the MEA press release said.

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The Doval-Wang meeting took place 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 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 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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Hours before the talks between Doval and Wang, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Geneva that roughly 75 per cent of the disengagement problems with China are sorted out but the bigger issue has been the increasing militarisation of the frontier.

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.

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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.
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 read more

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. Source: AP.

As the worlds attention focuses on the 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 months long 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.

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Amjad Hamadneh lost son Mahmoud when the 15-year-olds school dismissed students at the start of a May raid.

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 by a sniper.

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.

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 homemade 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.

The Israeli army said in a statement to The Associated Press that it has stepped up raids since October 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.

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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. Days later, a poster outside his familys home in Jenin showed him cradling an assault rifle and declared him a holy warrior.

But the grainy tape, reviewed by AP days after the raid, and others from nearby cameras do not explain where he fit in the conflict. The Israeli army 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.

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But an Israeli human rights group, BTselem, says its review of multiple security camera videos showed Jallad and his friend posed no threat.

We all expected to be in this situation, said the teens brother, Mousa Jallad. It could happen to any of us.

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.

The embattled territory was already seeing deadly clashes before the war began. But Israeli forces, which police about 3 million Palestinians while assigned to protect 500,000 Jewish settlers, has significantly stepped up raids in the months since.

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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.

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.

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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.

Critics say the crackdown is shaped by retribution, not only military strategy.

When sirens erupted at the start of the May raid, Amjad Hamadneh says, he called Mahmoud on his cellphone and was relieved to hear that the brothers had reached their school. But then Mahmouds twin brother, Ahmed, called back to say that the principal had dismissed classes. As students poured into the street, the brothers were separated in the chaos.

Four bullets hit Mahmoud as he fled, and another pierced his skull. He was the third student from his school killed in a raid since the war began.

A former classmate, Osama Hajir, who had dropped out of school to work, was also killed, along with a teacher from a nearby school 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 Miazneh, another classmate, who was shot during the raid but survived. Im still in fear that they will come to shoot me and kill me.

Immediately after the May raid, a spokesman for the army said it had carried out the operation with Israeli border police and the countrys 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.

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.

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.

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.
The planes did not enter Japanese airspace but flew over an area subject to a territorial dispute between Japan and Russia, a ministry official told AFP on Friday read more

This handout photo taken on September 12, 2024 and received from Japan's Ministry of Defence Joint Staff Office on September 13, 2024 shows a Russian military's Tu-142 patrol aircraft flying almost a full circle around Japan. AFP

Japan scrambled fighter jets after Russian aircraft flew around the archipelago for the first time in five years, Tokyo said Friday.

From Thursday morning to afternoon, the Russian Tu-142 aircraft flew from the sea between Japan and South Korea towards the southern Okinawa region, according to a defence ministry statement.

They then travelled north over the Pacific Ocean and finished their journey off the northern island of Hokkaido, it added.

The planes did not enter Japanese airspace but flew over an area subject to a territorial dispute between Japan and Russia, a ministry official told AFP on Friday.

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In response, we mobilised Air Self-Defence Force fighter jets on an emergency basis, the statement said.

The last time Russian military aircraft circled Japan was in 2019, the official said, but that incident involved bombers that did enter the nations airspace.

Earlier this week, Russian and Chinese warships began joint drills in the Sea of Japan.

The drills are part of a major naval exercise that Russian President Vladimir Putin has described as the largest of its kind in three decades.

Russia and China have ramped up military cooperation in recent years, with both railing against what they see as the US domination of global affairs.

They declared a no limits partnership shortly before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine in 2022.

Japan also scrambled fighter jets in late August when a Chinese military aircraft violated its airspace, according to the defence ministry.

The two-minute incursion into Japanese airspace by the Y-9 surveillance aircraft was the first ever by a Chinese military plane, local media reported at the time.

Since the start of the Ukraine conflict, relations have deteriorated sharply between Japan and Russia, which both claim the Kuril Islands  known in Japan as the Northern Territories.

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The Soviet Union seized the strategically located volcanic archipelago north of Hokkaido in the final days of World War II, and has maintained a military presence there ever since.
Throughout 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s, governments neglected manufacturing Now people wanted to find a fix People said we are incapable and should not attempt How can you be a major power in the world without strong manufacturing It requires hard work, good policies Life is not khatakhat, life is hard work, said Jaishankar in an apparent dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that for any country to become a major power, it has to be strong at manufacturing which can be achieved by having the right infrastructure and good policies in place by consistently working hard as life is not merely khatakhat.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Geneva, Jaishankar slammed the governments in the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s for neglecting manufacturing.

Watch: While Interacting with the Indian Community in Geneva, EAM S. Jaishankar says, "There are people who would say, why are we importing so much from China... Throughout 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s, governments neglected manufacturing... Now people wanted to find a fix... People said pic.twitter.com/IIkgdFRMW4  IANS (@ians_india) September 13, 2024

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There are people who would say, why are we importing so much from China Throughout 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s, governments neglected manufacturing Now people wanted to find a fix People said we are incapable and should not attempt How can you be a major power in the world without strong manufacturing It requires hard work, good policies Life is not khatakhat, life is hard work thats my message to you, we have to work hard, said Jaishankar in an apparent dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who had used the phrase khatakhat, which means instant and fast, at rallies ahead of Lok Sabha elections.

Rahuls Khatakhat khatakhat paise ayenge account mein refrain while explaining the partys mahalakshmi guarantee, under which the party promised to give Rs 8,500 per month to one woman in every poor household if it comes to power, had trended on social media ahead of the elections.

Jaishankar said that as the government was re-elected for a third time, it ensured that progress began on the first day of the term.

After six decades a government was elected for a third successive term. That in itself is a statement worth reflecting upon. What it has done is on one hand, made us ready to go from day one. Ill share with you some thoughts there. Initiative, programmes, progress starts the moment the office began. It is also an important moment to look back. If youre beginning a third term, there are lessons, achievements and shortcomings from the first two terms. It is something one needs to objectively look at and learn from it and see how that can serve the path ahead, he said.

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Jaishankar also talked about the manner in which elections were held. He said that the elections were democratic.

When we look at the conduct of elections, the enormous scale, the very heated arguments, but finally, the very ready acceptance of the results- the ready acceptance of results is not a global norm - there are different points of view, but in the end, we have as Indians, every right to be proud of our democratic exercise, the integrity, the scale of it and the efficiency of it in many ways, he added.

Talking about the IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Netflix web series, Jaishankar recalled how he was involved in the negotiations during a plane hijacking in 1984, and how he discovered his father, a prominent Indian civil servant, was aboard the plane taken to Dubai.

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#WATCH | Geneva: On 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' Netflix web series, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "I haven't seen the film, so I don't want to comment. In 1984, there was a hijacking. I was a very young officer. I was part of the team which was dealing with it. After 3-4 hours of pic.twitter.com/tGMX4MP5nl  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

I havent seen the film, so I dont want to comment. In 1984, there was a hijacking. I was a very young officer. I was part of the team which was dealing with it. After 3-4 hours of the hijacking, I rang up my mother to tell her that I cant come, theres a hijacking. And then I discovered my father was on the flight, said the external affairs minister.

Fortunately, nobody got killed. It was interesting because, on the one hand, I was part of the team which was working on the hijacking. On the other hand, I was part of the family members who were pressing the government on the hijacking, added Jaishankar.

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On August 24, 1984, an Indian Airlines flight from Delhi to Srinagar was hijacked over Pathankot and taken to Dubai. After 36 hours, 12 pro-Khalistani hijackers surrendered, releasing all 68 passengers and six crew members unharmed.

With inputs from agencies
The facts are that Nato will be a direct party to hostilities against a nuclear power, I think you shouldnt forget about this and think about the consequences, Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the 15-member council read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the government via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence, outside Moscow, Russia, on Wednesday. AP

Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia on Friday told the UN Security Council that if Western countries allow Ukraine to carry out long-range strikes deep inside Russia, Nato countries would effectively be conducting direct war with Russia.

The facts are that Nato will be a direct party to hostilities against a nuclear power, I think you shouldnt forget about this and think about the consequences, The Guardian quoted Nebenzia as telling the 15-member council.

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Nebenzia warning came a day after Russian president Vladimir Putin said the move to lift restrictions on Ukraines long-range Western missiles use would be considered an act of war.

This will mean that NATO countries  the United States and European countries  are at war with Russia. And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the essence of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will be posed to us, CNN quoted Putin as telling reporters on Thursday.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday said that Putin had delivered a clear message to the West about the consequences of allowing Ukraine to hit Russian territory, and that there was no doubt that Putins message had reached those it was intended for.

We have no doubt that this statement has reached its recipients, said Peskov.

Meanwhile, the leaders of Britain and the United States meet Friday in Washington on whether to let Kyiv fire Western-provided long-range missiles into Russia.

Prime Minister Keir Starmers visit to President Joe Biden comes with Kyiv increasingly pushing for permission to use the weapons - and secure Western help shooting down Russian missiles and drones.

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According to AFP, citing British media, Biden, who is wary of provoking a nuclear conflict, was ready to let Ukraine deploy British and French missiles using US technology but not US-made missiles themselves.

Responding to Putins warning, Starmer told UK media travelling with him that Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away.

In a sign of increasing tensions, Russias FSB security service announced on Friday that the accreditation of six British diplomats had been withdrawn and accused them of spying.

But London dismissed the claims as completely baseless and indicated they were a tit-for-tat measure after it slapped new restrictions on Russian diplomats in May.

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The talks come with Biden on his way out of office and Novembers US election a toss-up between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.

Trump repeatedly refused to take sides on the war during a debate with Harris on Tuesday, saying only: I want the war to stop.

With inputs from agencies
The protesting police have accused the military and ISI of disrupting peace in the region and making the security situation worse. They have also claimed that they have seen their colleagues getting kidnapped or ambushed by the Taliban over the past few years and in some cases, even their families are targeted read more

There seems to be no end to protests staged by Pakistani police units as their demonstration seeking the withdrawal of the military entered the fourth day on Thursday.

Earlier this week, police officials from various regions, especially the restive areas of Pakistan, alleged that the military and intelligence agencies have been interfering in their duties. On September 9, they blocked the Indus Highway that connects the important cities of Peshawar and Karachi.

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The protesting police units found support from officials in nearby districts including Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Tank, who joined their protests. The police protests are also backed by tribal groups, political parties and civil society groups.

Why are police protesting?

The protesting police have accused the military and ISI of disrupting peace in the region and making the security situation worse. They have also claimed that they have seen their colleagues getting kidnapped or ambushed by the Taliban over the past few years and in some cases, even their families are targeted.

A protester told the Times of India, Their game of playing good and bad Taliban is not over. We (police force) arrest militants and they (the military) call us to release them,

Another police official said, We promise to restore peace in the area within three months if military officers stop their interference.

Police officer shot during polio vaccine campaign duty

On September 11, gunmen opened fire on a polio vaccination team in northwestern Pakistan, killing one of those handing out doses and one policeman escorting him, police said, in an attack later claimed by the Pakistani Taliban.

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The Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) said in a statement their fighters had killed a police officer accompanying the polio team and injured one other. The statement made no mention of the polio worker or the reason for the attack.

As a result, the protesting police officials have called for a boycott of polio duty.

With inputs from agencies
The FSB said it received documents indicating that the diplomats were sent to Russia by a division of the UK Foreign Office and that they were involved in intelligence-gathering and subversive activities read more

Russia has decided to expel six British diplomats. The move comes ahead of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's meeting with US President Joe Biden to discuss the Ukraine War. Image sources: Agencies

Russias Federal Security Service on Friday accused six British diplomats of spying and said a decision has been made to withdraw their accreditation.

Russian state TV quoted an official from the security service known as the FSB as saying that they will be expelled. The expulsions come as Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Washington for talks with President Joe Biden that will include Ukraines request to use Western-supplied weapons against targets inside Russia.

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Starmer said on his way to the US that Britain does not seek any conflict with Russia.

Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia could end this conflict straight away, he told reporters.

Ukraine has the right to self-defense 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, he said.

The FSB said it received documents indicating that the diplomats were sent to Russia by a division of the UK Foreign Office whose main task is to inflict a strategic defeat on our country, and that they were involved in intelligence-gathering and subversive activities.

Russian state TV said in a report that the six diplomats had met with independent media and rights groups that have been declared foreign agents  a label the Russian authorities have actively used against organisations and individuals critical of the Kremlin.

The British Embassy in Moscow did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. There was no immediate comment from Britains Foreign Office.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in an online statement that We fully agree with the assessments of the activities of the British so-called diplomats expressed by the Russian FSB. The British Embassy has gone far beyond the limits outlined by the Vienna Conventions." She said the diplomats were carrying out subversive actions aimed at causing harm to our people.

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Expulsions of diplomats  both Western diplomats working in Russia and Russian diplomats working in Western countries  have become increasingly common since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Russian news outlet RBC counted last year that Western countries and Japan expelled a total 670 Russian diplomats between the beginning of 2022 and October 2023, while Moscow expelled 346 diplomats in response. According to RBC, it was more than in the previous 20 years combined.

In May the UK expelled Russias defence attache in London, alleging he was an undeclared intelligence officer, and closed several Russian diplomatic properties in Britain that it said were being used for spying.
The cameras were capable of connecting to a specific server in China. South Koreas defence ministry said it is in the process of replacing the foreign-made cameras read more

South Koreas military recently removed around 1,300 Chinese-made surveillance cameras from its bases over concerns about potential security risks, Yonhap News Agency reported Friday (September 13), citing an unnamed military official.

According to the report, the cameras were capable of connecting to a specific server in China, though no data had been compromised.

Masked origin of cameras

The cameras had been supplied by a South Korean company, but inspections earlier this year revealed their Chinese origin, the official said.

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The company that supplied the cameras is suspected of falsifying the equipments country of origin, and the military is reportedly considering legal action, Yonhap said.

The cameras were not deployed for critical security functions, such as along the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. Instead, they were used to monitor training groups and perimeter fences at military bases, according to the report.

South Koreas defence ministry said it is in the process of replacing the foreign-made cameras but did not confirm their country of origin.

A trend of allegations against China

This is not Chinas first rodeo with such allegations.

In March, a congressional investigation by the House Committee on Homeland Security and House select committee on China in the United States found that some Chinese-made cranes used at US ports contained communications equipment with no record of their installation or clear purpose, CNN reported.

The investigation had found that the cellular modems installed on the cranes can be used for remote communication.

In early 2023, Australia announced the removal of surveillance cameras made by Chinese-run from its defence and foreign ministries due to security concerns not unlike those that South Korea faced.

Just months before that, in November 2022, Britain had asked its government departments to stop installing Chinese-linked surveillance cameras at sensitive buildings, citing security risks.

With inputs from Reuters
Calls for the solution have grown since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, which began with Hamass October 7 attack on Israel. That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians. The terrorists also kidnapped 251 hostages, 97 of whom are still in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead. read more

Ministers from Muslim and European countries, along with the European Unions foreign affairs chief on Friday gathered in Madrid to advance the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed the participants at his official residence before the meeting, which took place at the foreign ministry in central Madrid. The gathering was hosted by Spains Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares.

Attendees included Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, and the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. These countries are members of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group for Gaza. Also present were the heads of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

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Today, in Madrid, we are holding a meeting of European countries with the Arab-Islamic Contact Group to jointly discuss the two-state solution. Together we want to identify concrete actions that will allow us to advance towards this objective , Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on social network X.

The international community must take a decisive step towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, the Socialist premier added.

Hoy celebramos en Madrid una reunion de paises europeos con el Grupo de Contacto arabe-islamico para abordar conjuntamente la solucion de los dos Estados.



Juntos queremos identificar acciones concretas que nos permitan avanzar en ese objetivo.



La comunidad internacional debe pic.twitter.com/pJI4dcms46  Pedro Sanchez (@sanchezcastejon) September 13, 2024

The European Union was represented by its foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell as well as the foreign ministers of Ireland, Norway and Slovenia in addition to Spain.

The implementation of the two-state solution is the only way to ensure a just and lasting peace in the region through the peaceful and secure coexistence of the state of Palestine and the state of Israel, Albares told a news conference.

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Asked about Israels absence from the meeting, he said the country had not been invited because it belonged neither to the group of Europeans nor to the Arab-Islamic contact group but stressed he would be delighted if Israel took part in discussions on the two-state solution.

Sanchez has been one of the staunchest critics in Europe of Israels Gaza offensive since the start of the conflict. Under his watch, Spain on May 28 along with Ireland and Norway formally recognised a Palestinian state comprising the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Earlier this month he announced that the first bilateral summit between Spain and Palestine would be held before the end of the year. He said he expected several collaboration agreements between the two states to be signed.
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 read more

A Congolese nurse takes a sample from a suspected mpox patient in the treatment centre at the Kavumu hospital in Kabare territory, South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, August 29, 2024. 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.

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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, Africas Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.

Its not a technical question, its a political one, Maria Van Kerkhove, acting head of pandemic and epidemic prevention at the World Health Organisation, told Reuters. She is lobbying for more donations alongside Africas CDC and other health authorities.

Vaccines are useless on shelves, Van Kerkhove said. Why wouldnt 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 Africas CDC. A first inoculation campaign using 265,000 donated shots is due to begin in Congo in early October.

If wed had more doses earlier, we could have planned a large-scale campaign and reduced transmission, said Cris Kacita, head of Congos 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.

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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 US consumer group Public Citizen.

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Where are the doses?

Three vaccines recommended by the WHO are held in stockpiles worldwide: Bavarian Nordics 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, opens new tab 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.

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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 WHOs 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.

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US 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 Emergents vaccine, according to Maybarduk, as well as an unspecified number of Jynneos shots, which experts say have fewer side effects. The US has donated 60,000 Jynneos doses to the current outbreak.

Spain is among the largest confirmed donors, pledging in August 20 per cent 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.
Starmers reaction to Putins comments came while he was en route to Washington where he will be meeting US President Joe Biden read more

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Russia started the ongoing war against Ukraine and it can end it straight away after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the use of Western long-range missiles into Russian territory would put Nato at war with Moscow. Starmers reaction to Putins comments came while he was en route to Washington where he will be meeting US President Joe Biden.

During Starmers visit, both the UK premier and Biden sought to justify the Wests decision to allow Ukraine to attack inside Russia with partly British-made Storm Shadow missiles. Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away. Ukraine has the right to self-defence, Starmer said while responding to the direct threats from the Russian president.

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The British premier said that his country has provided training and capability to Ukraine and he is visiting Washington partly because there are obviously further discussions to be had about the nature of that capability, The Guardian reported.

The Storm Shadow missile has a range of at least 190 miles and its use within the Russian territories has been Ukraines longstanding demand.

Starmer says there is more to come

While speaking to the media on the plane to Washington, the British Prime Minister said that he would not comment on Storm Shadow directly, but added he wanted to ensure that all the decisions we made are within the strategic context by discussing the issues with his US counterpart at the White House on Friday afternoon.

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, he explained.

The comments came after Putin said that the decision to allow the use of the controversial missiles 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, the Russian president told a state television reporter.

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Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy insisted that both the US and the UK should give Ukraine the weapons it needs to defeat Russia in the ravaging war. This is a crucial period in the fight because you are setting things up to stop Russia getting the advantage over winter, he told the Daily Telegraph while visiting the war-stricken nation.

We are here also, of course, at a time when it is crystal clear 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, he added.

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It is pertinent to note that both London and Washington have emphasised to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that any use of Storm Shadow missiles must be carefully coordinated as part of a wider plan to try to force Russia to end the conflict.

Starmer made it clear that the purpose of the trip was not to try to force a peace agreement on Ukraine. Ultimately thats a discussion that has to be led by President Zelenskyy, he said. Starmer is scheduled to have a one-on-one meeting with Biden along with a delegation-level meeting.

Interestingly, he will not hold talks with the US Vice President and Democrats presidential nominee for the upcoming polls Kamala Harris. She will be in other parts of the US, Starmer said. Rather than Washington, shell be, as youd expect, in swing states, he added.

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With inputs from agencies.
Turkeys intelligence agency has been in contact with all actors including Hamas, Israel, Qatar and the United States and is conducting intensive diplomacy for a ceasefire in Gaza, TRT said. read more

Palestinian Hamas terrorists take part in an anti-Israel rally in Gaza City May 22, 2021. File Photo-Reuters

Turkeys spy chief has met a delegation from the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in Ankara and discussed the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, state broadcaster TRT said on Friday.

Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkeys National Intelligence Agency, had met the delegation from the Hamas political bureau leadership, TRT Haber said citing Turkish security sources, without saying who the members of the delegation were.

Turkey has denounced Israels assault on Gaza.

The war was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israels subsequent assault on Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to the enclaves health ministry.
I can say this: we will do large deportations from Springfield, Ohio, large deportations. Were going to get these people out, Trump said in California read more

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference held at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., on Friday. AP

Hours after President Joe Biden said there was no place in America for attacks on Haitian immigrants, former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday said that if he comes back to power he would initiate large deportations from the Ohio city that has seen a recent influx of Haitian migrants, whom he has baselessly accused of eating cats and dogs.

I can say this: we will do large deportations from Springfield, Ohio, large deportations. Were going to get these people out, The Guardian quoted Trump as saying during a press conference in California as he spoke of how barbaric criminals including migrant gang members have been wreaking havoc in US communities.

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While he did not repeat his baseless claim of pet-eating, Trump made a point of attacking the Haitian community in Springfield.Springfield, Ohio, 20,000 illegal Haitian migrants have descended upon a town of 58,000 people, destroying the way of life," Trump was quoted as saying.

People dont like to talk about it, because even the town doesnt like to talk about it, it sounds so bad for the town. They live there. Theyre proud. They love the town. For years, it was a great place, safem," added Trump.

Meanwhile, Ohios governor, Mike DeWine, a Republican who backs Trump, said the migrants have filled jobs that were looking for workers, and hes heard positive things about them from employers.

Earlier, Biden had condemned attacks on Haitian immigrants in Ohio made by Trump and his allies.

The president described Haitian Americans as a community thats under attack in our country right now which he said was simply wrong.

Theres no place in America. This has to stop, what hes doing. It has to stop, Biden was quoted as saying, without mentioning Trumps name.

The former president and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, have alleged that Haitians in Springfield have been eating pets, a claim that local officials deny.

Vance also attributed the death of a child in a car accident involving a Haitian driver to the entire Haitian community.

In response, the boys father has publicly urged that the tragedy not be exploited for political gain.

Haitians are currently shielded from deportation under the homeland security departments Temporary Protected Status through 3 February 2026, due to their home countrys troubles. They are also allowed to apply for work permits under a government policy that applies to migrants from unstable countries.

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With inputs from agencies
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 read more

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.

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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 a key swing state of North Carolina, Harris insisted they should debate again before the November 5 election. It was not clear if she was aware of Trumps 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.

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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 favour.

The worst two anchors anybodys ever seen, he said, later accusing Davis of looking at him with hatred in her eyes.

Trump was due to speak mainly about the countrys 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.

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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 Trumps 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.

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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 Trumps behaviour on that day made him a threat to the rule of law.

Trump and Harris though have their eyes firmly fixed on the battlegrounds.

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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.

Harriss running mate Tim Walz barnstorms Michigan and Wisconsin from Thursday to Saturday as part of the campaigns New Way Forward swing state tour.
Laura Loomer, a far-right activist known for promoting conspiracy theories, is being blamed by Republicans for Donald Trumps bizarre claim that Haitian immigrants were eating pets in Ohio. Loomer, who has been banned from multiple social media platforms for spreading misinformation, maintains a close relationship with Trump, raising concerns about her influence on the former US president read more

Laura Loomer, far-right activist, speaks with anti-Trump demonstrators near the entrance of the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia, US, August 24, 2023. File Image/Reuters

Laura Loomer, a far-right provocateur and conspiracy theorist, has become a controversial figure in American politics, particularly for her close association with former United States President Donald Trump.

Recently, Loomers influence has drawn widespread attention as Republicans blame her for Trumps bizarre claim during the recent US presidential debate that Haitian immigrants were eating pets.

Loomer, who has been banned from multiple social media platforms for inflammatory and conspiratorial content, has remained a prominent figure in far-right circles, deeply embedded in Trumps inner circle.

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But who exactly is Laura Loomer, and how did she gain such influence?

Who is Laura Loomer?

Laura Loomer, 31, first gained public attention through her far-right activism, most notably her controversial views on Islam and her peddling of conspiracy theories. A former congressional candidate from Florida, Loomer is infamous for her incendiary statements and divisive rhetoric.

In 2020, Loomer ran for US Congress in Floridas 21st district, winning the Republican primary but ultimately losing the general election to Democrat Lois Frankel. She ran again in 2022, also unsuccessfully.

Lynne Patton, Laura Loomer and Corey Lewandowski watch as Republican presidential nominee former US President Donald Trump visits the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Company in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, September 11, 2024. File Image/AP

Loomers extremist views have made her a polarising figure in the political landscape. She has repeatedly posted anti-Islam and anti-immigrant content, including a notorious 2018 tweet in which she called herself a proud Islamophobe and suggested the creation of a ride-sharing service that excludes Muslims.

Her rhetoric has led to her being banned from social media platforms such as Twitter (now X), Facebook, and Instagram. However, she regained access to X after Elon Musks acquisition of the platform.

Among Loomers most widely criticised claims is her assertion that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job orchestrated by the US government. She has repeatedly pushed this theory on social media, despite overwhelming evidence debunking it.

In one instance, Loomer falsely linked the 9/11 attacks to remarks made by then-US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld about $2.3 trillion in lost government funds, despite Rumsfelds statements referring to outdated accounting systems rather than a conspiracy.

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This misinformation feeds into a broader 9/11 truther movement that claims the US government was somehow complicit in or responsible for the attacks.

How close is Loomer to Trump?

Despite her divisive reputation, Loomer has managed to embed herself in Trumps political circle. She has long been a fervent supporter of Trump, especially during his presidency and subsequent campaigns. Loomer has frequently appeared at Trumps public events, and her presence alongside the former US president has raised eyebrows, particularly given her controversial statements.

Loomer accompanied Trump during a visit to commemorate the anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York and Pennsylvania, sparking outrage given her history of promoting 9/11 conspiracy theories.

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Posting on X, she shared photos of Trump meeting firefighters at Ground Zero and a video of him speaking with first responders, claiming that they were thrilled to see the former US president.

HAPPENING NOW:



President Trump just surprised the firefighters at Ladder 15 in New York City following the 9/11 memorial ceremony today. They were thrilled to see him.



Today marks 23 years since 9/11. pic.twitter.com/djU8wrUqQU  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 11, 2024

She also travelled with Trump to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the site where United Flight 93 crashed after passengers fought back against the 9/11 hijackers. Loomer shared a post commemorating the event, writing, NEVER FORGET! and asserting that she was invited as a guest rather than as part of Trumps campaign team.

HAPPENING NOW:



President Trump just visited the Shanksville Fire Department after visiting the memorial site of United Flight 93 and meeting with family members of 9/11 terrorist attack victims in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.



NEVER FORGET! pic.twitter.com/1BGH5nrbKn  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 11, 2024

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However, her proximity to Trump has raised concerns among Republicans and political strategists. Trump has a history of amplifying voices associated with conspiracy theories, such as the QAnon movement, which claims that Trump is fighting a deep state cabal.

Loomers anti-immigrant and anti-Islam rhetoric fits squarely within this sphere of influence, and some in Trumps inner circle worry that she is exacerbating his tendency to peddle baseless claims.

Was Loomer involved in Trumps pet-eating claims?

The most recent controversy surrounding Loomer erupted after Trump repeated an unfounded claim during the US presidential debate that Haitian immigrants were eating pets in Ohio.

Trumps statement, Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats, drew widespread ridicule and was immediately debunked by authorities. Trump doubled down when questioned, claiming he had seen the story on television, despite no credible news outlet corroborating the rumour.

The conspiracy theory had been circulating in right-wing online spaces, and Loomer was identified as a key figure in promoting the baseless claim. She reportedly amplified the rumour on social media, and her proximity to Trump during the debate raised concerns among Republicans that her influence may have contributed to Trumps erratic performance.

A source close to the Trump campaign told US news outlet Semafor that Loomers sway over the former US president was a 100% concern. Despite attempts by Trumps campaign staff to keep Loomer at arms length, her presence remains prominent in Trumps orbit.

The pet-eating claim wasnt the only bizarre statement Trump made during the debate. Trumps running mate, Senator JD Vance, also promoted the false story before admitting it may not have been accurate. Yet Trump stood by his comments, leading to further scrutiny of the figures influencing him, including Loomer.

Are Republicans okay with Loomer taking the spotlight?

Loomers influence has not been without controversy within Trumps broader circle of allies. Far-right Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, herself a figure known for promoting conspiracy theories, publicly criticised Loomer for a racist post she made about US Vice President Kamala Harris.

Loomer had tweeted that if Harris were elected, the White House will smell like curry and that speeches would be facilitated via a call centre." Greene responded by calling the post appalling and extremely racist, stating that it did not represent the values of the Republican Party or the MAGA movement. Loomer dismissed the backlash, accusing the media of falsely labelling her as a racist. Loomers post has now been deleted.

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

Loomers influence on Trump has caused concern among many Republicans who feel that her controversial behavior detracts from their political goals. Conservative commentator Steve Deace told CNN that Loomer offers absolutely nothing to Donald Trump other than a lot of collateral damage on social media that provokes people to not want to vote for him.

Similarly, speaking to Semafor, Republican strategist Dennis Lennox blamed Trumps poor debate performance on his reliance on far-right figures like Loomer, noting that Trump lost the debate because of his performance, or lack thereof.

What next?

Despite widespread criticism, Trump appears to remain loyal to Loomer. She has accompanied him on multiple trips, including a notable journey on his private plane, Trump Force One, during which she was seen deboarding alongside key aides and advisors.

Loomer claims to have Trumps personal phone number and has reportedly used it to maintain direct contact with the former president. While Trumps advisors have resisted bringing Loomer into the campaign in an official capacity, her continued presence suggests that she remains a trusted figure in Trumps inner circle.

Laura Loomer arrives ahead of former US President Donald Trumps debate with Democratic presidential nominee and US Vice President Kamala Harris, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, September 10, 2024. File Image/Reuters

As Trump continues his bid for re-election, Loomers presence raises questions about the role of far-right provocateurs in shaping his political messaging. Her controversial past, including her promotion of conspiracy theories and racist remarks, has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, yet she persists as a semi-regular figure in Trumps orbit.

Whether her presence will continue to shape Trumps campaign remains to be seen, but for now, Loomers sway is undeniable.

With inputs from agencies
Miller noted that the Chinese institute has worked with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel systems and potentially for larger systems read more

The United States Department of State announced on Thursday that it is imposing sanctions on a Chinese institute and several other companies that have been involved in supplying crucial resources to Pakistans ballistic missile programme. The State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Washington is imposing sanctions on the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building (RIAMB) Industry.

Miller noted that the institute has worked with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel systems and potentially for larger systems. The Department of State is taking action against five entities and one individual that have been involved in the proliferation of ballistic missiles and controlled missile equipment and technology, Miller said in the statement.

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RIAMB has worked with Pakistans National Development Complex (NDC) which the United States assesses is involved in the development and production of Pakistans long-range ballistic missiles  to procure equipment for testing of large diameter rocket motors, including the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel, but also potentially for larger systems, he added.

The US keeps a close eye on Pakistans missile programme

The State Department also imposed sanctions on China-based firms Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co, Universal Enterprise, and Xian Longde Technology Development Co, alongside Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment for being involved in the transfer of equipment that are under the missile technology restrictions.

As todays actions demonstrate, the United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur, Miller said.

According to Dawn News, this is not the first time the US imposed sanctions on Chinese firms for facilitating Pakistans missile programme. In October 2023, the US imposed sanctions on three China-based companies for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan. Both China and Pakistan have yet to comment on the matter.

Pakistans rift with US

In April this year, Pakistans foreign office called out the US for imposing sanctions on three Chinese entities and one firm from Belarus for supplying equipment to the Pakistani missile programme. At that time, Pakistan rejected the sanctions and called it a political use of export controls.

We reject political use of export controls. It is well known that the same jurisdictions, which claim strict adherence to non-proliferation controls, have waived off licensing requirements for advanced military technologies for some countries, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at that time.

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Such discriminatory approaches and double standards undermine the credibility of non-proliferation regimes and also the objectives of regional and global peace and security by accentuating military asymmetries, she added.

It is important to note that these sanctions are being imposed under Executive Order 13382. Under the order, all property and interests in property of the designated entities that are in the United States or under the control of US persons are now blocked. Not only this but any individual or entity with ownership, directly and indirectly of 50 per cent or more is also subject to these sanctions.
Kirby said that the US was taking seriously Russian President Vladimir Putins warning he would consider the West directly involved in the conflict if Ukraine fired Western-made long-range missiles into Russia, but that it was not a new stance from Putin. read more

FILE - The Storm Shadow cruise missile is on display during the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, France, on June 19, 2023. - AP

The White House said Friday that the United States is not planning to announce any new policy on Ukraine and the use of long-range missiles. The statement comes ahead of scheduled meetings between President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Friday, as well as with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later this month.

There is no change to our view on the provision of long-range strike capabilities for Ukraine to use inside of Russia, White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters. I would not expect any major announcement in that regard, from discussions between U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, Kirby said.

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Ukraine is pushing for permission from its Western partners to use the long-range missiles they have provided to strike targets deep inside Russia, as Ukrainian forces struggle to hold back Russian advances in eastern Ukraine.

Kirby said that the US was taking seriously Russian President Vladimir Putins warning he would consider the West directly involved in the conflict if Ukraine fired Western-made long-range missiles into Russia, but that it was not a new stance from Putin.

This is not rhetoric that we havent heard from him before, Kirby said. He has obviously proven capable of aggressionso, yeah we take these comments seriously.

Kyiv officials argue the weapons are vital to weaken Russias ability to strike Ukraine and force it to move its strike capabilities further from the border.

Russia has warned that it would consider allowing such long-range strikes an act of war, and Ukraines Western allies are wary of antagonizing the country with the worlds largest nuclear arsenal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been pleading with allies for months to let Ukraine fire Western missiles including long-range U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows deep into Russia.
If allies are jointly shooting down missiles and drones in the sites of the Middle East, why is there still no similar decision to jointly shoot down Russian missiles and (Iranian) Shaheds in the skies of Ukraine? asked Zelenskyy said at a conference in Kyiv read more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the West on Friday of being too afraid to even raise the possibility of shooting down Russian missiles and drones targeting Ukraine, even though it is helping Israel to do so.

Faced with massive Russian missile strikes and drone attacks, Kyiv wants its allies to help it shoot down the weapons from their own territory, stressing this would save the lives of Ukrainian civilians without a risk of killing Russian soldiers.

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If allies are jointly shooting down missiles and drones in the sites of the Middle East, why is there still no similar decision to jointly shoot down Russian missiles and (Iranian) Shaheds in the skies of Ukraine? Zelenskyy said at a conference in Kyiv, adding, They are afraid to even say we are working on it.

And this is not done even when missiles and drones are literally heading for the territory of our neighbours, he said, calling it humiliating for the democratic world.

The West fears a wider conflict and that such a measure would be seen as a major escalation by Russia.

Kyiv is also upping pressure on Western countries to let it use weapons for strikes deep into Russian territory, which has so far been restricted.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin warned Thursday that Moscow would see a green light for such a use of the weapons as Nato countries being at war with Russia.
In the mid of Pakistans struggle to eradicate polio, escalating violence and pervasive distrust are turning health workers into targets jeopardising the progress of a critical public health campaign read more

The unfortunate incidents reported on September 12, 2024 point out to the growing violence against health workers, particularly those involved in Pakistans polio eradication efforts. A policeman was killed in Bannu and a female polio worker was raped in southern Pakistan. These are not isolated incidents. They represent the escalating violence and mistrust that threatens public health initiatives in the country.

Rising threat to polio workers

Pakistans struggle with polio is intrinsically linked to violence against healthcare workers. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the epicentre of many attacks, militants have repeatedly targeted polio vaccination teams, falsely portraying the campaign as a Western conspiracy to sterilise Muslim children. These myths have endured for over a decade influencing public perceptions and making vaccination efforts a perilous task for health workers.

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The tragic attack in Bannu, where a policeman guarding polio workers was killed, is reminiscent of numerous other attacks. Just a day prior, gunmen killed two othersa polio worker and a police escort. The constant threat of violence has led to a climate of fear among health workers. The militant group Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for a roadside bombing in South Waziristan on September 9, which targeted officers protecting a polio team, injuring six officers and three civilians. The recurrence of such incidents reveals that violent actors are intensifying their assaults on vaccination teams.

The rape of a female polio worker in Sindh further exemplifies the vulnerability of healthcare workers. Women have played a crucial role in Pakistans polio eradication campaign as they are often able to access households that male workers cannot. However, the assault in Jacobabad highlights how even these female workers, essential to the programme, are at risk. Sexual violence against female healthcare workers is rare but represents an especially heinous dimension of the threats they face.

Persistence of polio

Despite decades of efforts, Pakistan remains one of only two countries where polio is endemic, the other being Afghanistan. In 2024 alone, Pakistan has reported 17 new cases of wild poliovirus (WPV1), with the first case in Islamabad in 16 years serving as a sobering reminder that the disease still lurks, even in areas long thought to be polio-free .

One of the most critical factors contributing to the persistence of polio in Pakistan is the low vaccination rate in regions like North Waziristan, a former Taliban stronghold. This area, along with Balochistan, has witnessed a resurgence of polio cases due to both direct violence against health workers and widespread misinformation. Local populations, heavily influenced by religious extremists, resist vaccinations often out of fear of retribution from militants or based on unfounded conspiracy theories .

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Compounding these issues are the systemic challenges within the public health infrastructure. The National Emergency Operations Centre and government officials have been working to expand outreach efforts. A recent large-scale vaccination campaign launched in September 2024 aimed to reach 33 million children across 115 districts. However, despite such efforts, environmental samples still show the presence of the poliovirus indicating gaps in coverage and a need for more effective strategies.

Mistrust, conspiracy theories and the legacy of Osama bin Laden

One of the most damaging episodes in the history of polio eradication in Pakistan is the fallout from the CIAs fake vaccination campaign during the hunt for Osama bin Laden. In 2011, the American intelligence agency ran a phony vaccination drive to gather DNA samples from Bin Ladens family. Although the operation was successful in confirming the Al Qaeda leaders presence in Abbottabad, it had far-reaching consequences for Pakistans health campaigns. The event fuelled conspiracy theories that the polio vaccine was a tool for Western intelligence agencies leading to widespread mistrust of vaccination campaigns.

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The aftershocks of this event still resonate today. Militants exploit these fears, framing polio campaigns as foreign plots and in some cases, community members are pressured into avoiding vaccines to protect themselves from potential violence. In extreme cases, parents forge fake vaccination records to avoid both the wrath of militants and government-imposed restrictions. This dynamic has stymied the eradication efforts, particularly in conservative rural areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Role of local leaders and cultural dynamics

While international agencies have provided crucial funding and expertise, their dominant presence in Pakistans polio eradication programme has often been met with suspicion. The absence of local leadership in such a culturally sensitive initiative has exacerbated the perception that the programme is imposed from the outside. The imbalance between international and local input has made it harder to gain community trust. As Rana Jawad Asghar noted in The Lancet, the programme must be adapted to local realities with more significant involvement of Pakistani public health experts and community leaders to ensure its success.

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In regions like North Waziristan, where polio vaccination rates are dismally low, local public health officials who understand the socio-cultural dynamics have successfully initiated programmes that are better accepted by the community. By providing epidemiological training to local health workers, initiatives such as the National Stop the Transmission of Polio programme have helped bridge the gap between communities and vaccination efforts.

Violence and its implications on public health

The broader issue of violence against healthcare workers in Pakistan goes beyond polio campaigns. According to the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition (SHCC), incidents of violence or obstruction against healthcare workers more than doubled between 2021 and 2022. These violent attacks not only claim lives but also disrupt essential health services. In 2022, eight security personnel assigned to protect healthcare workers were killed and 15 were injured in the line of duty contributing to a culture of fear among vaccinators.

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Polio workers often refuse to work in high-risk areas without security escorts, but even then, attacks continue. This has had a devastating impact on the vaccination campaigns efficacy. In several instances, fear of attacks has led to the suspension of vaccination drives, leaving children vulnerable to preventable diseases like polio.

Dealing with dual threats of violence and misinformation

To combat the twin threats of violence and misinformation, Pakistans polio eradication efforts must undergo significant reforms. First, the government must enhance its security measures for healthcare workers. While military escorts are a common practice, they are not foolproof. A more sustainable approach would involve engaging local communities, particularly tribal elders and religious leaders, to foster trust and provide safe passage for health workers. This community-centric model has shown promise in areas like North Waziristan.

Second, there must be a concerted effort to counter misinformation. The government and non-governmental organisations must leverage media campaigns, religious endorsements and educational programmes to dispel myths about the polio vaccine. These initiatives should be tailored to address the specific concerns of rural populations such as fears of Western conspiracies or religious objections to vaccination.

Finally, the international community, while continuing to provide technical and financial support, must take a backseat in strategy formulation allowing local health experts to take the lead. By empowering local leaders and integrating their knowledge into public health campaigns, the programme can gain greater acceptance within communities.

Pakistans fight against polio is not just a battle against a disease. It is a struggle for trust, safety and the well-being of future generations.
On September 12, 2024, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).

Xi Jinping pointed out that the CIFTIS, having been successfully held for ten years, is a vivid portrayal of the high-quality development of China's service industry and service trade, making positive contributions to the building of an open world economy. China will keep promoting high-quality development via high-standard opening-up, improve institutions and mechanisms for high-standard opening up, innovate and upgrade trade in services, actively align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, promote interoperability and compatibility of rules, regulations, management and standards in the service sector, open its service market wider to the outside world in an orderly manner, enhance the functions of the service sector and service trade as platforms of opening up, and forge a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized. China is ready to work with all countries in the world to jointly share opportunities, discuss cooperation and promote development in line with the general trend of economic globalization, to contribute to promoting global economic growth and the well-being of the people of all countries.

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, the 2024 CIFTIS, themed "Global Services, Shared Prosperity", kicked off in Beijing on the same day.
Grand Bazaar in Xinjiang welcomes peak tourism season

Ecns.cn) 15:49, September 13, 2024

Tourists visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

The grand bazaar in Urumqi is a famed sightseeing and shopping destination in the region, drawing many visitors.

Tourists visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

Tourists visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

Tourists visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

Tourists visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

Tourists visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
And then there were seven.

Thats how many of the 10 wolves that Colorado Parks and Wildlife released into the wild last December remain alive after the agency announced the death of another wolf on Thursday, the second death in less than a week.

Agency Director Jeff Davis said in a brief news release that on Monday, Parks and Wildlife received a mortality signal from the GPS collar of a male wolf known as 2307-OR. Agency staff confirmed on Tuesday that the animal had died.

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, Davis said in the news release.

The release made no mention regarding any possible cause of death or the status of any investigation into the death. But it did say that with gray wolves being a federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act, we are in direct consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about next steps.

Joe Szuszwalak, a Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson, said his agency is investigating the death in cooperation with Parks and Wildlife and will conduct a necropsy.

No additional details will be available until the investigation is complete, he said.

Parks and Wildlife received the wolfs mortality signal the same day that it announced that it had captured all of the members of a wolf pack living in the Middle Park area in Grand County, but that the male father of the pack had died Sept. 3. It was severely underweight and had leg injuries not related to its capture. A necropsy is to be conducted but officials think the injuries may have been inflicted by another carnivore.

Earlier this year, one of the 10 reintroduced wolves was found dead of apparent injuries resulting from a mountain lion attack.

Parks and Wildlife captured the Middle Park pack, known as the Copper Creek pack, after concerns about recurring attacks by the adult male on livestock in the area. Four pups and their mother are currently being held in an undisclosed location and Parks and Wildlife hopes to return them to the wild in coming months.

Parks and Wildlife said the most recent wolf death occurred in Grand County but isnt related to the Copper Creek pack.

The Summit Daily News reports that Parks and Wildlife is investigating a possible wolf-livestock depredation in Grand County that may have occurred after the pack was relocated. It says ranchers believe three calves were killed, and the calves were found dead on Monday morning. As of Thursday, Parks and Wildlife hadnt added the incident to its list of confirmed wolf attacks on livestock.

Parks and Wildlife introduced 10 wolves from Oregon into Colorado in December as a first step in restoring gray wolves to Colorado as required by voters who approved a 2020 ballot measure. It hopes to release additional wolves into the state this winter and is working to finalize agreements with source locations.

Two wolves also remain in Colorado that were here before reintroduction began.

Its awful to hear that another one of Colorados reintroduced wolves has died, Alli Henderson, southern Rockies director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a prepared statement. With only six of the 10 wolves released in December now still in the wild, its critical that the Copper Creek pack be re-released as soon as the pups are big enough. Wolves face daily threats to their survival, and we need these wolves and additional wolves released into the wild to ensure that this historic effort continues to make progress.
Apple AirPods that have become smartphone-era style statements are now being tuned to help with hearing health as the iPhone maker continues to weave well-being features into its devices
A judge strikes down North Dakota's abortion ban and rules that access is protected

A state judge has struck down North Dakotas ban on abortion, saying that the state constitution creates a fundamental right to access abortion before a fetus is viable
U.S. Citizens Convicted of Conspiring to Act as Illegal Agents of the Russian Government

Thursday, September 12, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A jury today convicted Omali Yeshitela, 82, Penny Hess, 78, Jesse Nevel, 34, all of St. Louis, and Augustus C. Romain Jr., 38, of Atlanta, of conspiracy to act as agents of a foreign government. The defendants were charged in a superseding indictment on April 13, 2023.

According to evidence presented at trial, from at least May 2015 until July 2022, Yeshitela, Hess and Nevel agreed to act on behalf of the Russian government within the United States. Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov, a resident of Moscow, was the founder and president of the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia (AGMR), an organization headquartered in Moscow, Russia, and funded by the Russian government. Omali Yeshitela, Penny Hess and Jesse Nevel were leaders of the African People's Socialist Party (APSP) or components thereof. Augustus C. Romain was a high-level leader of the APSP who, in November 2018, left and formed a Georgia-based group called the Black Hammer. Ionov's influence efforts were directed and supervised by Moscow-based Federal Security Service (FSB) officers, including indicted defendants Aleksey Borisovich Sukhodolov and Yegor Sergeyevich Popov.

In May 2015, Ionov invited Yeshitela to Russia for an all-expenses paid trip to "communicate on future cooperation." 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." According to subsequent email communications, which were shared with Hess, Nevel and Romain, Yeshitela explained that it was "clear" that Ionov was an instrument of the Russian government. In these same communications, Yeshitela further explained that Ionov represented "a method by which the Russian government is engaging the U.S. and Europe in serious struggle" by utilizing "forces inside of the U.S. to s[o]w division inside the U.S." In a subsequent meeting, at which Hess and Nevel were present, Yeshitela explained that Ionov would only provide resources for actions that would support Russia's efforts to "undermin[e] the U.S."

Acting under Ionov's direction, the defendants took several actions within the United States. 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. 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.

In January 2016, Ionov provided a $12,000 guarantee letter to fund a four-city tour to promote the genocide petition that the APSP had published at his direction. Yeshitela and Hess oversaw the tour and reported information about the tour to Ionov. After the tour, Yeshitela explained in an APSP meeting that the APSP had "developed a relationship with forces in Russia who are involved in their own struggle with the US."

In 2017, and again in 2019, Ionov attempted to influence local elections in St. Petersburg, Florida, on behalf of the FSB, although there is no evidence that he succeeded in doing so. For example, in July 2017, Ionov reached out to Nevel awho was a candidate for Mayor in St. Petersburg a to offer support, including "campaign finance." 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." And, in January 2020, FSB Officer Popov directed Ionov that the United States' 2020 Presidential election was the FSB's "main topic of the year."

In April 2020, Ionov invited Nevel and Yeshitela to speak at a conference to promote the right of self-determination for Russian-backed secessionist movements in eastern Ukraine. Shortly thereafter, Yeshitela provided a video-recorded statement of support for the Russian-backed secessionist group. Ionov reported to the FSB concerning these activities.

In late February 2022, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ionov complained to FSB Officer Sukhodolov concerning Russia's failure in the information war surrounding the invasion. Sukhodolov directed Ionov to "join in" in the information war. Ionov then directed Yeshitela and Romain to engage in demonstrations at a social media company headquarters in California to demonstrate against suppression of pro-Russian viewpoints. Ionov paid for Romain and three other members of Black Hammer to fly to California to conduct the demonstration, and Yeshitela directed members of the APSP located in California to conduct a similar protest a few days later. 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."

In May 2022, at Ionov's direction, Romain demonstrated at a media company in Atlanta, Georgia, to celebrate Russia's "Victory Day." In June 2022, at Ionov's direction, Ionov demonstrated at the Georgia state capitol in support of Russia. During the demonstration, Romain stated that he was "not ashamed to say that the Black Hammer Party has relationships with the Kremlin," in reference to Ionov.

Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI National Security Branch made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Risha Asokan for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Menno Goedman of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

Topic: National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Florida, Middle

Press Release Number: 24-1134

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The United States of America and the Republic of Estonia sign Memorandum of Understanding on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

September 12, 2024

Today, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Estonian Secretary of State Taimar Peterkop, with Estonian Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov in attendance, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Estonia on countering foreign state information manipulation.

The memorandum signifies our shared recognition of the threat of foreign information manipulation, which includes disinformation and propaganda, to democracies around the world. Through this MOU, the United States and the Republic of Estonia intend to expand information sharing about this threat, share best practices for countering foreign disinformation, and align policies along the five key action areas established in the U.S. State Department's Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation..

With Estonia, a total of 21 countries across Europe, Africa, North America, and the Indo-Pacific have endorsed the Framework and intend to work together to strengthen government and societal resilience to foreign information manipulation. Together, this coalition of like-minded partners will help to secure a global, free, fact-based information environment.

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Pacific Partnership 2024-2 Concludes Mission in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia

US Navy - Press Release

11 September 2024

Pacific Partnership 2024-2 concludes the fourth mission stop with a closing ceremony at the Yap Living History Museum.

YAP, Federated States of Micronesia-A multinational team representing five Pacific nations concluded the fourth mission stop of Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) with a closing ceremony at the Yap Living History Museum in Colonia, Yap, Sept. 10.

The 11-day Yap mission stop brought more than 70 participants from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States who came together to increase humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) preparedness in the Indo-Pacific.

"Each year, the Pacific Partnership team collaborates with our allies and partners to strengthen our capacities to respond to humanitarian disasters," said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73. "This mission is a testament of our commitment to ensure a safer, more resilient region. Over the past week, we have witnessed outstanding dedication from each and every person involved."

During the mission stop, the team held more thanv50 medical events, caring for approximately 700 patients; handed out nearly 300 pairs of eyeglasses; performed over 30 tooth extractions; repaired dental chairs, x-ray machines, and sterilizers; and conducted subject matter expert exchanges in a wide variety of disciplines.

In collaboration with the Yap State Disaster Control Office and the U.S. Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, the Pacific Partnership HA/DR team held workshops on emergency operations and boating safety, which informed members of the community about the state disaster response plan and future climate impacts on the area.

"I thank you for the humanitarian aid accorded to our people to improve our lives, knowledge, skills, health, and well-being in dealing with disasters, repairs, and restoration of our societal construct," said Yap Gov. Charles Chieng. "Let us march forth from this place and time, in a shared and cooperative venture for peace and stability of this here, our Yap State, region and the world."

The host nation outreach team organized 25 community engagement events consisting of school visits, cleaning and restoring World War II memorial crash sites, U.S. Navy recruiting events, interfaith dialogue sessions, and concerts from the Pacific Partnership Band, composed of musicians from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and the Royal Australian Army Band.

Engineering efforts brought together members from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, 30th Naval Construction Regiment and Yapese subject matter experts to perform repairs and maintenance on equipment at Yap International Airport.

"Our collective efforts have included medical, engineering, disaster relief and community outreach projects, each one highlighting the importance of partnership," said U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel Keeler, PP 24-2 mission commander."The success of these efforts would not have been possible without the cooperation of our Yapese hosts, and the support of the local community. You have welcomed us with open arms, and we are especially grateful."

Now in its 20th iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the U.S. Navy's largest annual multinational HA/DR preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

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September 12, 2024

Transcript

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder

PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: All right, good afternoon, everyone. I have just a few things at the top and then I'll be happy to take your questions. First, taking a look at the Middle East region, the department continues to maintain a robust force posture throughout the US European Command and US Central Command areas of responsibility to protect US forces, enable our support for the defense of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies.

As we've discussed previously, US forces in the region include, but aren't limited to, an amphibious ready group and marine expeditionary unit, multiple destroyers, fighter aircraft and carrier strike group presence. Of note, following a period of dual carrier coverage by the Theodore Roosevelt, CSG and the Abraham Lincoln, CSG in the CENTCOM region, the Theodore Roosevelt has departed and begun its transit into the Indo-Pacific command area of operations. As we have been since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle East following Hamas's vicious October 7th attacks, we remain intensely focused on working with regional partners to deescalate tensions and deterring a wider regional conflict. The United States also remains very focused on securing a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal to bring all of the hostages home and to end the war in Gaza.

Closer to home, as you may have seen reported, what is now called Tropical Storm Francine made landfall in Louisiana yesterday as a category two hurricane bringing storm surges, flash and urban flooding, hurricane force winds and tornado watches. The governor of Louisiana declared a state emergency earlier this week and brought nearly 3,000 Louisiana National Guardsmen onto state active duty.

These Guardsmen, along with 134 high-wheeled vehicles, 65 watercraft and 32 army guard helicopters, were positioned around the state to support response and recovery operations. As of this morning, five parishes are still under mandatory evacuation and more than 390,000 homes are without power. For more information about the response and recovery, I would encourage you to reach out to the Louisiana National Guard.

And finally, Secretary Austin will travel to Maxwell Air Force Base Alabama tomorrow and will accompany First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to highlight the new universal pre-kindergarten program being implemented at Department of Defense Education Activity schools. Secretary Austin will also provide remarks at Maxwell to announce the multiple new initiatives in support of his Taking Care of People effort, emphasizing the department's

commitment to the overall well-being and quality of life of our service members and their families.

We'll have much more to provide tomorrow, but you can anticipate these new initiatives will be focused on actions that improve the quality of life for our service members, enhance their economic security, support the careers of military spouses and make moves to new assignments easier. And with that, I'll be glad to take your questions. We'll start with Tara.

Q: Thanks, General Ryder. On Ukraine, you've seen in the last day or so, Secretary Blinken say that the door may be opening a little bit to the US considering giving Ukraine more long-range strike options or loosening restrictions. But we heard pretty clearly from Secretary Austin last week that he's not in favor of this. Is that thinking changing? Is the building now considering giving Ukraine more long-range strike options?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yes, certainly seen the press reports on that. I would tell you there has been no change to our policy. I don't have anything to announce and certainly if there are any changes we'll let you know. But as of today, that policy has not changed.

Q: What is the primary driver behind Secretary Austin being reluctant to further loosen the restrictions or to provide more long-range options?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, I mean, first of all, again, this is our policy, right? And we've, of course, worked with the Ukrainians to ensure that they have the ability to conduct cross-border counterfire defensive strikes to defend their troops that are being attacked from across the border in Russia. We are very, very much focused, and we've talked about this before, on ensuring that Ukraine has what it needs to be able to preserve its sovereignty and take back occupied territory. And that's going to continue to be our focus.

The bottom line is we want to see Ukraine win in this conflict. And when they feel that it's time  Ukraine feels that it's time to go to the negotiating table, we want them to do so with as strong a hand as possible. And I would point you to Secretary Austin's comments at Ramstein last week where he highlighted there is no one capability, there is no silver bullet that is going to enable Ukraine to succeed.

It's about taking all of the capabilities that they have and employing them  employing them in a way that gets them closer to success and having that stronger hand at the negotiating table. So, again, as this battlefield has evolved, our support to Ukraine has evolved. But again, as of right now, the policy has not changed. I'll just leave it there.

Q: Okay, one other topic. On Syria, there are reports that Israel conducted a raid against and obtained some IRGC documents and whatnot in Syria. Can you confirm this?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, again, seen those press reports, but I'd refer you to the Israelis for any questions about their operations. Thanks. Jennifer.

Q: Pat, I have some questions about the M1 Abrams tanks. Have they been used on the battlefield in Ukraine? And if so, how many?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Thanks, Jennifer. I'd refer you to them to talk about where and if they've employed those capabilities. I mean, as you know, we've obviously provided them, helped train them and provide some remote tele maintenance capability. But as far as where and if they've employed them, I'd refer you to them.

Q: And do the Ukrainians have permission to use them across the border in Kursk?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, as I highlighted, I mean what we've agreed to with the Ukrainians is that they can use US security assistance to conduct counterfire, defend themselves from potential Russian attacks or actual Russian attacks from across the border. But when it comes to the capabilities that they're employing, I'd refer you to them.

Q: And overall, are they making a difference? There was a lot of debate at the time when they were being approved. Are the M1 Abrams tanks making a difference?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, again, I'd kind of take a step back and say, first of all that's a question that the Ukrainians would have to answer. I would tell you again though that it's not about one singular capability, it's about how you take all of the capabilities, whether it be air defense, armor, artillery and training and combine all those together to create capabilities that support your strategic and operational objectives. And so, certainly we've seen the Ukrainians fight very courageously, very creatively, and there's no reason to think that things are going to change in that regard anytime soon.

Q: And separately  on the Hill yesterday there was a heated hearing on US chips, supercomputer chips that have ended up making their way into Russian weapons. Senator Blumenthal hosted the hearing and four technology companies, including Intel and Texas Instruments, were brought before the hearing. Why  first of all, is the Department of Defense concerned about American technology ending up in Russian weapons still two years, two and a half years into the war? And what can you do to stop it and why haven't you been able to stop it?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, broadly speaking, Jennifer, as you know, there has been an interagency effort to place sanctions on Russia to prevent those kinds of activities from occurring. So, I'd refer you to my colleagues at Commerce to talk more about those particular efforts. But that's something that the Department of Defense will continue to work closely with our interagency partners to prevent because, again, certainly we don't

want to see American technologies being used in places like Ukraine against Ukrainian citizens. Thank you. Constantine.

Q: Thanks, Pat. The USS Roosevelt, you mentioned she's in  chopped into the Indo-Pacific. Is it safe to say that she is on her way home? Are you able to say whether she's returning to home?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: As a matter of policy, Constantine, we're not going to talk about future deployment timelines. It's going to the Indo-Pacific AOR and I'll just leave it there.

Q: And just one quick follow up, are there any plans or conversations to have a two-carrier presence in CENTCOM to replace the TR?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I don't have anything to announce right now. Again, the amazing thing about the US military is our ability to surge and provide forces wherever we need to. But as I highlighted at the top, we have a significant amount of capability in the US Central Command and US European Command areas of responsibility. Let me go to this side of the room. Yes, sir.

Q: Thank you very much, General. Recently the United States and Greek Cypriots have signed a bilateral defense agreement and Turkish foreign and defense ministries have, quote, strongly condemned, unquote, the signing of this agreement. The US has historically taken a neutral and impartial position on the island. Would you now say that the US has done away with their impartiality?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I appreciate the question. I'd have to refer you to State Department to discuss the diplomatic discussions on that.

Q: But the Department of Defense has signed this agreement, and the assistant secretary was there this week. So, what does it say from a military perspective, from the DOD perspective that this was signed? And how does it change the US military presence in that region? It's basically a US base right now?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I'll tell you what  let me take your question and we'll come back to you on that. Thanks. Ellie.

Q: How much money is left from the supplemental for presidential drawdown? And does that money expire at the end of the month?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Ellie. So, broadly speaking, it's important to remember that when we talk about presidential drawdown authority, it's exactly that, it's the authority to spend monies within the DOD budget and the supplemental. And so, at the end of the fiscal year, those authorities would expire. And so, right now, we're continuing to

work with congress to see about getting those authorities extended to enable us to continue to draw down packages. And so, in the meantime, you're going to continue to see drawdown packages, but we'll have much more to provide on that in the near future.

Q: Is it $6 billion?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Let me take that question.

Janne?

Q: Thank you, General. Two questions, North Korea and Russia. First question, following North Korea's continued garbage balloon provocations, it launched multiple short range ballistic missiles into the east coast early yesterday, the day after the US presidential debate. Do you think there is a possibility that North Korea will use additional provocations to interfere with the United States presidential elections?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: You know, look, I  we obviously saw the DPRK's launching of those missiles. I would refer you to INDOPACOM's statement on that. We certainly condemn that kind of destabilizing action. And I'll just leave it there.

Q: With Russia, Russian ministry of defense said it could use nuclear weapons if Ukraine attacks the Russian mainland with the US long range missiles. What is your reaction on this?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. Well, this kind of nuclear saber rattling isn't new. It's very irresponsible. It's dangerous. You've heard Secretary Austin highlight the fact that this is not the kind of language that a nuclear armed  a large military country that's nuclear armed with a large military should be saying.

All that to say we have not seen anything at this point that would indicate that we need to adjust our strategic force posture. So, we'll continue to monitor that, but at this point there's been no change to our posture.

Let me go to the phone here. Missy Ryan, Washington Post?

Q: Hey, Pat, thank you. Just going to ask you a question you've been asked previously in the past week about Iraq and the statements by the Iraqi government about the apparent agreement to withdraw US forces over the next two years. Are they accurate? And I know you've said that you can't confirm that just now. Can you  number one, is that still the case? And number two, can you talk about what has been agreed to in principle? Is it accurate to say that the US and Iraq have agreed in principle to withdraw all US forces, it's just a question of when and how? That's my understanding, just want to make sure that that's correct.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. Thanks, missy. So, yes, to answer your question with your question, I don't have anything new to announce. You know, as we've highlighted, we have been discussing with our Iraqi partners what the transition to the  from the global coalition in Iraq, what that transition would look like, to an enduring bilateral security partnership between the US and Iraq would look like. Again, we'll keep you fully informed when we have something to announce. But as of right now, I do not have any updates to provide. Thank you.

Let me go to JJ Green, WTOP.

Q: General, thank you. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy said a little earlier today that they believe Russia's begun a counteroffensive in the Kursk region. And I'm interested in knowing what you  the Pentagon thinks this means for this conflict, when you consider what we've learned from your  from the building and from US intelligence about Russia gathering weapons as well, including ballistic missiles from Iran in recent days, and how this impacts the future and the US plans to support Russia.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. Thanks, JJ. So, you know, what we have seen is Russian units beginning to try to conduct some type of counteroffensive in the Kursk region. At this stage, I would say that it's, you know, marginal, but something obviously that we're keeping an eye on.

And then I'm sorry, the second part of your question?

Q: Just, you know, how the building might view this  this activity, what you just mentioned, what you've seen in  in the context of getting these weapons, which we were told this week the US has proof of from Iran, the ballistic missiles. And, you know, there are other plans to try to essentially attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure as winter comes.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Sure. So first of all, you know, with the caveat that I'm not going to discuss intelligence from the podium here nor am I going to provide a daily update on Russian employment of various capabilities, as of right now we have not seen them employ those Iranian missiles yet, although one can expect that they would in the  in the relatively near future.

But again, if you take a step back here in terms of  of what we're focused on, it's on enabling Russia to defend its sovereignty and deter future Russian aggression, so both urgent needs and long term needs, and as we go into the winter, making sure that they have the capabilities from an air defense standpoint to protect critical infrastructure, like energy infrastructure, which we know the Russians are targeting, but also at the same time that they have the capability they need on the  on the front lines, like armor and artillery,

ammunition to be able to check any type of Russian operations, for example near Pokrovsk and elsewhere in the battlefield, to include in  in the Kursk region.

So, it'll ultimately be up to the Ukrainians as they design their campaign plans on how they're going to employ those forces. But certainly, our focus is on ensuring that they win and that they have the upper hand when and if they decide they want to go to the negotiating table.

Let me go to Howard Altman.

Q: Hey, thanks, Pat. I want to drill down a little further on Tara's question about the Syrian  the Israeli raid in Syria. Did the Israelis inform the US either before or after that raid that it was being conducted? And given that they are CENTCOM member and also receive a great deal of US aid, should they inform the US either before or after that this raid took place?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. Thanks, Howard. Again, I mean, I've seen that press reporting. But for any questions as it relates to any Israeli operations, I'm really just going to have to refer you to them. I  I just don't have anything to provide on that.

Let me come back to the room. Yes, sir?

Q: For the  Mario Contendo for Italian Television. Thank you, General, for taking the question. I have a question regarding the  the strike of the Israeli on the school in Gaza a few hours ago.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Ok.

Q: There was some reports, like we read in Europe some report about France and Germany and Great Britain deciding to provide less weapons from now on to  to Israel because of this  because of this fact they keep happening. What is the position of the US in light  from the military perspective in light of what just happened, if you have anything to say?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Sure. So  so, a few things. So, first of all, I don't  I don't have any information to provide on  on the particular strikes that you're referencing other than to say that, from the very beginning of Israel's operations, we've been very clear about the importance of taking civilian safety into account, both from a planning and operations standpoint and both publicly and privately.

And I would point you to Secretary Austin's public comments and to the readouts that we've issued. This is a topic of frequent discussion between him and his Israeli counterpart. The bottom line is we believe that Israel has both a strategic and a moral imperative in terms of protecting civilians. I will also highlight, though, that there is culpability on the side of Hamas in terms of their tactics, techniques and procedures of

embedding their operations within civilian infrastructure to include schools, hospitals, mosques.

And we just recently saw, you know, when they executed six hostages in their tunnel network underneath Gaza, the extensive amount of infrastructure, money, resources that they've spent on building this massive tunnel network, which is approximately the size of New York City. And instead of using those funds and using those resources to help the Palestinian people, they've instead created a tunnel network to conduct combat ops from.

This is the challenge that Israel is up against. We do not want to see any civilians killed in this conflict, whether they be Palestinian or Israeli, and we'll continue to work towards that. This is why a ceasefire deal is absolutely essential now and getting all of the hostages released immediately is so important. And we'll continue to work towards that. Thank you.

Tony?

Q: A couple questions. Does the fact that the United States now has a one carrier presence in the Middle East, in the AO Middle East, the normal presence, by the way, is that an indication that you feel that the temperature between Iran and Israel has dropped and the threat from Iran to Israel is less than it was a month ago?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, what I would say Tony, you know, just like I highlighted at the top, we  we are going to take any potential threats very seriously. And again, Iran has indicated that they want to retaliate against Israel, and so we're going to continue to take that threat very seriously and we're going to continue to maintain a robust presence in the Central Command and European Command AORs. And so, that's not going to change. And we're going to, again, maintain as we always have the ability to surge forces or capabilities anywhere in the world we need them when we need them.

Q: What's the rationale for moving the carrier group, then, back to the Indo-Pacific [Off mic]?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, I mean, you know, again, broadly speaking, you know, when you look at fleet management, you've got to take into account things like the readiness of, you know, our various ships' aircraft. And so, that's always going to be something that's worked into the calculus.

And so, you're going to always see things coming and going out of the theater based on those kinds of considerations. But also, as we've demonstrated, we have the ability to provide dual coverage, should we need to do that.

Q: Can I ask you a question on the continuing resolution that the secretary warned about the other day?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Sure.

Q: You've lived under this umbrella for a number of years. What stake does the individual sailor, soldier, airman and space cadet person have in the fight? Will they not be paid over a continuing resolution period, or is it a question of them not getting raises? I mean, what is their individual stake, if you can clear that up?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. So, first of all, in the event of a continuing resolution, military members will get paid. I mean, that is a legal requirement from the Congress that they will get paid.

But I think it's important to highlight, because there are no funds available and  and because the baseline budget would not change, that would force offsets, force us to offset the costs of these well-deserved pay raises, and it would cut into other programs and accounts at potentially damaging levels. And so, again, we would encourage the Congress to pass a budget. But the bottom line is military members and our civilians will get paid.

Q: But their salaries, then, would be offset  the other accounts would be offset to pay for their continued salaries 

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Correct.

Q: Like procurement and O&M 

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: That's correct.

Q: And research.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: That's correct.

Q: Ok, thanks.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Thanks. Chris?

Q: Thanks, Pat. You've highlighted the threat of these short range ballistic missiles provided by Iran. Does the Pentagon believe that US systems provided to protect against ballistic missiles would be effective against these Iranian missiles?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, I  Chris, I would tell you that it's not just US systems. They're  the international community has rushed air defense capabilities and training to the Ukrainian armed forces. And so, this is really an international effort to support Ukraine and their integrated air defense capabilities. And that's something that we're going to continue to look at to enable them to defend against those kinds of missiles and the other threats that  that Russia has employed.

You know, and don't forget, you know, this isn't Iran's entree into this conflict. They've been providing drones, one-way attack drones, as you know, for a while now. And so, they are absolutely complicit in the continued death and destruction of innocent civilians inside of Ukraine. And we'll continue to do everything we can to enable the Ukrainians to be able to defend themselves, both on the ground and in the air. Thank you.

Yes, Otto?

Q: Thank you. I have a question on this new NATO command in Wiesbaden that was supposed to coordinate security assistance for Ukraine. Has it begun its operation? Do you have any details or updates on that?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, that's really a question for NATO. You're talking about NSATU, which is the NATO element. My understanding is that that, yes, they have begun. But again, I'd refer you to NATO for any details.

Q: And one more on the air defenses for Ukraine. The Patriot battery that was announced by the president in July, has it arrived in Ukraine? Is there additional training? So, what's the status of that delivery?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. So, as I'm sure you can appreciate for operation security reasons, I'm not going to talk about the movement of Patriots other than to say that, A, we'll let the Ukrainians talk to their level of comfort about what capabilities have arrived in country. And, you know, we'll defer to them on that. But B, we are going to, as we have from the very beginning, continue to work with the international community to rush those capabilities there as fast as we can. Thank you.

Time for a few more. Rio

Q: Thanks so much. The question is about Okinawa. Yesterday the governor of Okinawa, Tamaki , met with officials at the Pentagon and the State Department, and the governor expressed his concerns about recent alleged sexual assaults by US service members in Okinawa and the lack of transparency in these cases. So, could you please provide a comment on this meeting and on how the US and Japan can improve transparency in incidents in Okinawa?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. No, I really appreciate the question. And, you know, as we've said before, the alleged behavior of these service members in no way reflects the core values of the US military, nor does it represent the conduct of the overwhelming majority of US personnel who are based in Japan that we have forward deployed.

And so, we do share the concerns of the local community regarding these cases. We are deeply troubled by the severity of the allegations, and we absolutely regret the anxiety this

has caused. I do know that the respective units are working very closely with local authorities to investigate the allegations thoroughly, while at the same time ensuring the due legal process under applicable laws and agreements. And I would refer you to US Forces Japan for any further questions on that. Thank you.

Q: Thank you, General. My first question is about Pakistan role in the Indo-Pacific strategy of the US. As I'm sure you know that China has invested big billions of dollars there in the seaport, and their weapon is mostly now Chinese as well. Is there any other role of Pakistan from military point of view you see beside the terrorism operations that you guys conduct?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, I mean that's really a question for Pakistan to address. Certainly, as you know, we value Pakistan as a partner, and we'll continue to look at ways that we can work together towards regional security and stability. But I don't have any specific announcements to make. Thanks.

Q: One more, General. In Pakistan, they have started  Pakistan military has just used a new name for the Taliban in Pakistan, something like Fitna Harigi . And that reminded me of Shakespeare quote, which said that, what's in a name, that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. So, does to America their change of name makes a difference, I mean, a terrorist organization? What else 

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, I mean, that's really, again, a question for the Pakistani government to address. I'm not going to get into, you know, what's really a domestic decision on terminology.

But, okay, last question. Yes, sir?

Q: [Off mic], General. Can you provide us some details about the Pentagon delegation that talks with Chinese?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: The details  I'm sorry, in the?

Q: The delegation from the Pentagon is going to have a meeting with the Chinese partners in China. So, that's the Pentagon's website says.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Are you talking about the Zhejiang Forum?

Q: Yes.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Okay. Yes, we did send a representative. We responded to an invitation from the PRC. And so, yes, we did  we did. And we've done that in the past as well, too.

Q: So, is there a  is there any indications that the tension is going to be no  like, before that in  in some certain points, many  many people were talking about a possible war or something, or a cyber war between the United States and China over Taiwan. So, do you think that is not a high possibility anymore?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, you know, look, Secretary Austin's been pretty clear. You know, we do not believe that conflict is inevitable or imminent. Our focus is on maintaining open lines of communication to prevent potential, you know, miscalculation or from  competition from veering into  to conflict. And so, I think that these types of venues are very important to enable that communication to continue.

You know, as we talked about earlier in the week, you had the Indo-Pacific command commander talking to his theater counterpart. And so, we'll continue to look at  at those kinds of opportunities to keep those lines of communication. At the end of the day, what we're focused on is working with partners throughout the region and throughout the world to ensure security and stability, peace and prosperity for everyone. And so, we'll just leave it there.

All right. Thank you very much, everybody. Appreciate it.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3904376/

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September 12, 2024

By Jim Garamone, DOD News

Roosevelt Group Heading to Indo-Pacific; No Change in U.S. Policy on Long-Range Weapons

The USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is heading to the Indo-Pacific area of operations after completing its mission in U.S. Central Command, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said today.

The United States still maintains the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the region as well as destroyers, a Marine Expeditionary Unit, F-22 Raptor aircraft and more, Ryder said.

"As we have been since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle East, following Hamas' vicious Oct. 7 attacks, we remain intensely focused on working with regional partners to de-escalate tensions and deter a wider regional conflict," the general said. "The United States also remains very focused on securing a cease-fire as part of a hostage deal to bring all of the hostages home and to end the war in Gaza."

On Ukraine, Ryder said U.S. policy on the use of long-range American weapons has not changed. "We've worked with the Ukrainians to ensure that they have the ability to conduct cross-border counterfire  defensive strikes  to defend their troops that are being attacked from across the border in Russia," Ryder said. "We are very, very much focused  on ensuring that Ukraine has what it needs to be able to preserve its sovereignty and take back occupied territory. That's going to continue to be our focus."

The United States wants to see Ukraine win its conflict with Russia. President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of a sovereign country against all international laws and norms. As President Joe Biden has said, if Russia were to win its war on Ukraine, Putin would not stop with Ukraine.

"The bottom line is, we want to see Ukraine win in this conflict," Ryder said. "When  Ukraine feels that it is time to go to the negotiating table, we want them to do so with as strong a hand as possible."

Ryder noted that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said last week at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, that there is no one system or weapon that will change the calculus in the Russian war of aggression. "There is no silver bullet that is going to enable Ukraine to succeed," Ryder said. "It is about taking all of the capabilities that they have and employing them in a way that gets them closer to success and having that stronger hand at the negotiating table."

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September 12, 2024

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

Senate Holds Nomination Hearing for Southcom Commander, Guard Bureau Chief

The Senate Armed Services Committee today held a hearing to consider the promotions and nominations of the next officers to lead the National Guard Bureau and U.S. Southern Command.

The committee is considering the promotion of Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus to four-star general and his appointment to chief of the National Guard Bureau and the promotion of Navy Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey to full admiral and his appointment to commander of Southcom.

Nordhaus currently serves as a top officer at North American Aerospace Defense Command and Holsey serves as Southcom's military deputy commander.

During opening remarks, each leader spoke about the challenges currently facing the country and the need for their respective branches of service to meet those challenges.

"We face persistent threats, both in the homeland and abroad, and the next chief of the National Guard Bureau must work closely with the 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia  as well as with the services, the joint force, and our allies and partners  to meet these challenges," Nordhaus told committee members.

"If confirmed," he continued, "I will ensure the National Guard airmen and soldiers are manned, trained and equipped to meet any mission anywhere, [and] I will work tirelessly with this committee and all the stakeholders to defend our nation."

"[Most people look] to the east and west when they think of great power competition, but a look south reveals that our adversaries have established a strong presence, jeopardizing security stability across the Americas," Holsey said during this opening statement.

"If confirmed," Holsey went on, "I will build on our efforts and work across the whole of government [and with] our allies and partners to ensure we address security challenges [and] expand opportunities to truly realize Southcom's vision of a secure, free and prosperous Western Hemisphere."

Should Nordhaus be confirmed by Congress, he would be taking over for retired Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, who relinquished his responsibility as chief of the National Guard Bureau in early August. Army. Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs has been serving as acting chief since then.

If Holsey is confirmed as Southcom's next commander, he would succeed Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson, who has led that combatant command since October 2021.

At the hearing's conclusion, committee Chairman Sen. Jack Reed thanked both Nordhaus and Holsey for their testimony and said he hoped their appointments are approved with "diligence and speed."

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September 12, 2024

By Jim Garamone, DOD News

Africom Commander Stresses Cooperation, Consultation With African Nations

The challenges in the various areas of the African continent cannot be met or solved by one country alone, nor can solutions be imposed from without, and that is at the heart of the strategy of U.S. Africa Command, said Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley today.

Langley, in Kenya, spoke with reporters via a teleconference call about his travels through the Sahel region and consultations with African leaders from Somalia to Niger to West Africa.

Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, said the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger was "executed without incident." U.S. military planners are working with State Department officials to look at the way forward in the region. Security cooperation in the Sahel is necessary, the general said. The terrorist threat in the region is persistent, and the countries in the region need assistance to maintain security and stability for their people.

"We're going to stay engaged with them on conversations," the general said. "In the interim,  we are pivoting to some degree of like-minded countries with democratic values and shared objectives and shared challenges across coastal West Africa. We're in talks with Cote d'Ivoire and in talks with Ghana and Benin as well, as we start to reset and recalibrate some of our assets."

This effort  like all efforts by the command  is guided by the principle that "all our activities and our partnership-centric type approach should be African-led and U.S.-enabled," Langley said. "We follow those first principles in any engagement with African militaries across the continent."

The command will continue to speak with partners on all security issues including efforts to combat violent extremist organizations and transnational criminal organizations. Overlaying all this is the concern throughout the continent on what effects climate change will have. Climate change could worsen mass migrations, tribal conflicts and cause conflicts over scarce resources. "All of those are addressed with our African partners first, and then I listen, learn and then we come up with a collaborative solution set to be able to execute and go forward," Langley said.

Earlier this year, Langley observed Exercise African Lion in Morocco which had service members from 20 countries participating. He also visited Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. "This is all about unity of effort  because we know that on the global stage, there's other pressures across the Maghreb and a possibility of a startup again of violent extremist organizations," he said. "Each one of those countries had different types of challenges. I was there to listen. I was there to learn and understand their approach for counterterrorism."

Langley also addressed the situation in Somalia. He has consulted often with Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to address some of the challenges that he has and to discuss the way forward in his campaign against the al-Shabaab terror group.

Langley works with the African Union coalition that is helping Somalia. That means helping the African Union's new Support and Stabilization Mission  also called AUSSOM  get established. The general said he is optimistic that the Somali military will be able to liberate the al-Shabaab held areas and provide the stability those areas need to prosper.

Langley noted that there is Russian and Chinese influence on the continent. He said the Russian influence has been destabilizing from the Sahel to the Central African Republic. Both Russia and China have been putting out disinformation and misinformation throughout the continent, he said.

"Since 2022 when I took command, a lot of my efforts to be able to come in alignment with some of these countries on how we're going to approach the challenges, has been distorted through misinformation or disinformation  untruths of what [Africom] was trying to do with a particular country," he said. "Misinformation and disinformation [have] stoked a lot of instability across civil society and across some of these militaries."

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Colombian Nationals Sentenced for Plot to Murder American Soldiers

Thursday, September 12, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Colombian nationals Andres Fernando Medina Rodriguez, 40, and Ciro Alfonso Gutierrez Ballesteros, 31, were sentenced today to 35 and 30 years in prison, respectively, for conspiring and attempting to murder U.S. soldiers by detonating a car bomb outside a military base near the Colombia-Venezuela border.

According to court documents, Medina Rodriguez and Gutierrez Ballesteros, in concert with members of the 33rd Front, an extremist faction of Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias (FARC), specifically targeted American troops stationed at the Colombian 30th Army Brigade Base in Cucuta, Colombia. Co-conspirator Andres Fernando Medina Rodriguez used his status as a medically discharged Colombian army officer to gain access to the base, where he conducted photographic and video surveillance of the areas where the U.S. soldiers were primarily located.

Approximately 10 days before the attack, Medina Rodriguez and Gutierrez Ballesteros delivered a white SUV to their co-conspirators in the 33rd Front, who loaded it with an improvised explosive device.

On June 15, 2021, Medina Rodriguez drove the bomb-laden SUV to the 30th Army Brigade Base, eventually parking it in front of the location where U.S. and Colombian military personnel worked. Gutierrez Ballesteros, riding a motorcycle, escorted Medina Rodriguez. Once inside, Medina Rodriguez activated the bomb's timer device and left the area on foot before fleeing on the motorcycle driven by Gutierrez Ballesteros. Three U.S. Army soldiers and 44 Colombian military personnel were injured in the blast.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI National Security Branch made the announcement.

The FBI with assistance from the FBI Legal Attache in Bogota, the Fiscalia General de la Nacion de Colombia and the National Police investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Browne and Abbie Waxman for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney David C. Smith for the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy A. Hummel and Andy R. Camacho for the Southern District of Florida also contributed significantly to the investigation and prosecution.

The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section's Office of the Judicial Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota worked with Colombian authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Gutierrez Ballesteros and Medina Rodriguez.

Topic: National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Florida, Southern

Press Release Number: 24-1135

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Lebanon: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell after meeting with Foreign Minister Bou Habib

European External Action Service (EEAS)

12.09.2024

Beirut

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Thank you. Thank you for hosting me, dear Minister [for Foreign Affairs of Lebanon], dear Abdallah [Bou Habib] - we met recently in Brussels and in Cairo, and we have had frequent phone calls.



I appreciate very much your openness and insights, and your strong cooperation in our relations.



But most of the time, unfortunately, we have to talk about dramatic developments affecting Lebanon and the people of Lebanon, from the crisis in Syria - unsolved crisis in Syria - and the war in Gaza, which both have negative consequences on your country.



Since I last visited Lebanon in January, the drums of war have not stopped pounding. Since then, the fears I was outlining have been growing - [fears of] more escalation; fears of regional spill-over of the war in Gaza; and fears of more wide-spread human suffering.



But the Lebanese people want and seek for stability, for peace and development, instead of war.



My message today 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.



Minister, you and me, we agreed that the war in Gaza is an horrific tragedy for the Palestinian civilians - also for the hostages not being released. It is difficult to describe; this horrific situation is something that escapes the capacity to describe. But words are necessary to condemn the killings of civilians, as it has happened again this week and to urge an immediate end to the war.

But it is also a permanent threat for regional stability, and particularly for Lebanon. Across the Blue Line, it triggered the forced displacement of tens of thousands of civilians, who had to flee from their houses - on both sides of the border.



According with the United Nations, more than 4,000 residential buildings have been completely destroyed in South Lebanon. More than 110,000 Lebanese have been forced to leave their homes since October 2023. The same thing happens on the other side of the Blue Line.



We need to de-escalate military tensions, and I use this opportunity to urge all sides to pursue this path.



I urge all the Lebanese leaders to work together in the interest of the Lebanese nation and the state of Lebanon - and no one else.



The full and symmetrical implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 should pave the way for a comprehensive settlement, including land border demarcation and allowing the return of the people, and the reconstruction work in the affected border areas.



Dear Minister, beyond the imminent risk facing Lebanon, allow me to highlight another important point. For Lebanon to secure stability and peace, functioning national institutions need to be restored - including the Presidency of the Republic, and the Council of Ministers. There is no way for you to defend the Lebanese interests abroad - in the broader world - without being, in the first place, stable and united at home.



You have to fix your economy, you have to reform your banking sector - this is crucial. And I was happy to hear from my interlocutors that they see it is the way to go. And I think this will happen soon.



The European Union is ready to continue supporting Lebanon, and Lebanon's leaders to face the challenges of stability for the sake of the resilient Lebanese people - who, like many others in the region, have been kept away from peace and prosperity. But we can only assist, we can only [help] overcome the internal obstacles, if the Lebanese help themselves. Working for the interest of the Lebanese people, and no one else, is the way to go.



Since this will be my last visit to Beirut as High Representative of the European Union, allow me to thank you, dear Abdallah, for your tireless efforts for peace and stability in Lebanon and in the region, for our enriching exchanges and insightful friendship. I wish you, and your colleagues success from the bottom of my heart. I hope you will be able to push Lebanon for a way of combining political freedom, economic prosperity, and social cohesion.



Thank you.



Q&A



Q. You have spoken about drums of war and you spoke about the European efforts for diplomacy. Due to what you know and due to the rounds of discussions that you have made, is war an inevitable reality or diplomacy is making progress?



War is never inevitable. It depends on the will to avoid it. Yes, we have been working and, by the time being, the announced full waged war in the South of Lebanon with an invasion has not happened. That is good news. In spite of that, unhappily - and I went to the South of Lebanon to visit the United Nations troops at the United Nations mission - the threat remains. And the destruction and the everyday bombing continue. But we - I think - have avoided the worst. So, we have to continue pushing for a comprehensive peace in the region. Comprehensive peace in the region means that the security of Israel depends on the capacity of the Palestinian people to have a future, based on their own state and freedom. It means that the peace in the border between Lebanon and Israel depends also in the peace in West bank and Gaza. The security of navigation in the Red Sea depends also on how the peace and stability is being reached in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. We are working on all these fronts, and certainly the result is not 100%. Unhappily, massacres in Gaza continue, unhappily the threat on the Lebanese border continue, unhappily, the colonisation in the West Bank continues. But we should not give up.



Q. Have you brought with you written proposals for de-escalation in Southern Lebanon? How can the international community stop the Israeli assault on Lebanese civilians and medical teams in Southern Lebanon?



Well, as I said, the security, peace and stability of the region has to be considered as a whole. The international community - I am not speaking on behalf of the international community. I am much more modest than that. I am just speaking on behalf of the European Union. The international community is much broader than the European Union. I can say what we are trying to do from the European Union. First of all, we are the biggest donor of financial support to the Palestinian Authority. We are the biggest donor of humanitarian support to Gaza. These are not negligible things. We are preaching in all fora in which we can in order to get a ceasefire. We are putting all of our diplomatic efforts in order to avoid an escalation in the region - in particular in the south of Lebanon. I do not have a magic wand. What we have is the political will to use the diplomatic tools and financial capacities in order to influence the actors to stop the war, to avoid escalation, and to look for a peace agreement starting with a ceasefire in Gaza.



Q. [in Arabic - e-Translation: Do you see that Israel is really not interested in a ceasefire in Lebanon free of the ceasefire in Gaza? How do you respond to what has been said about Israel's refusal to receive you?]

As I said, the European Union is doing a lot, but we do not have a magic wand. I can only repeat once and again the same thing. You can ask the same thing 20 times, I will answer the same thing 20 times. We have the capacity of using our resources financially and diplomatically in order to try to look for peace in the region. And that is what we are doing and that is what we will continue doing.



Q. [in Arabic - e-Translation: On the impasse regarding the equal implementation of International Resolution 1701 Israel and the Palestinian resistance factions, may we be facing a new amendment to Resolution 1701 or may we be facing a new international resolution? A second question in parallel was you submitted a proposal to impose sanctions on two Israeli ministers for their racist statements. What form of punishment will this be?]

It is nothing new. Everybody knows that there is the proposal on sanctions. According with our rules of procedure, the sanctions are related to individual behaviour based on the travel ban and capital frozen. But it is something that the Council will have to decide. About the modification on the United Nations resolutions: once again, it goes beyond my capacity. It is something where the international community has to act according with the wishes of Lebanon. But is not for me to come here to say how this resolution has to be modified.

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Prime Minister's Office Statement

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Press Releases

The 37th Government

12.09.2024

The Prime Minister's Office, this afternoon:

Hamas is trying to hide the fact that it continues to oppose the hostage release deal and prevents it from materializing.

While Israel accepted the US "Final Bridinging Proposal" of August 16, 2024, Hamas rejected it and murdered 6 hostages in cold blood.

The world must demand that Hamas release the hostages immediately.

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Allied Russia experts meet in Brussels

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

12 Sep. 2024

Russia Policy Directors from across the Alliance convened with experts from NATO Headquarters and beyond on Thursday (12 September) to accelerate the ongoing work on NATO's strategic approach to Russia.

The gathering, which was chaired by Acting Deputy Secretary General Boris Ruge, reaffirmed that Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to Allies' security. Participants stressed that Russia seeks to fundamentally reconfigure the Euro-Atlantic security architecture and that the threat posed by Russia will persist into the long term.

"NATO is the essential transatlantic forum for consultations on all matters related to our individual and collective security", Ambassador Ruge said. "We will continue to consult on Russian hostile activities and coordinate national and Allied responses."

Allies expressed their deep concern over Russia's hybrid actions, which constitute a threat to Allied security. Recent hostile acts have included sabotage, acts of violence, provocations at Allied borders and violations of Allied airspace, instrumentalization of irregular migration as well as malicious cyber activities and disinformation campaigns. Russia's behaviour will not deter Allies' resolve and support to Ukraine.

Regarding Russia's war against Ukraine, Allies stressed that Iran's delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia represents a substantial escalation in Tehran's support for Russia's illegal war. And several Allies have already announced new sanctions in response.

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PH, India eye deeper defense ties

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

September 12, 2024, 10:59 am

MANILA -- The Philippines and India's military ties got a further boost with the visit of a ranking defense official of the South Asian nation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura and other senior AFP officials welcomed Indian Defense Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and his delegation during their courtesy visit in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday.

"The visit highlighted the deepening defense and security partnership between the Philippines and India, underscoring shared commitments to regional stability and cooperation," said AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement Thursday.

The discussions between the two sides focused on enhancing bilateral defense relations, exploring opportunities for joint training and exercises, and sharing best practices in addressing common security challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region, he added.

"Lt. Gen. Cordura expressed appreciation for the growing partnership with India, recognizing the significant role it plays in promoting a free, open, and rules-based regional order.

He emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and engagements that contribute to the peace and security of both nations," Trinidad said.

Aramane and the Indian defense delegation's visit marks a significant step in strengthening the defense ties between the Philippines and India, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.

Meeting with DND chief

Meanwhile, Aramane also met with Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday.

In a separate statement, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the meeting marks another step in further deepening defense cooperation between the Philippines and India.

"Secretary of National Defense Teodoro emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two countries, particularly in upholding the rule of law in the region," he added.

Teodoro underscored Manila's commitment to a Self-Reliant Defense Posture, with a particular focus on supply chain resilience as a critical component of the country's defense strategy.

The DND chief also welcomed further opportunities for military-to-military engagements and collaborations.

"In a broader context, Secretary 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. He highlighted the need to create a 'great net' that fosters regional stability and security," Andolong pointed out.

Teodoro expressed his appreciation for the visit of the Indian delegation to the Philippines, which underscored the mutual commitment of both countries to deepen relations.

"Shri Aramane, for his part, extended an invitation to the Defense Secretary to visit India for ministerial-level talks, highlighting that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines. Shri Aramane also commended the Philippines for its strong adherence to the rule of law and expressed a desire to enhance defense ties through the sharing of experiences and technologies," Andolong said.

Teodoro is set to meet with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh during the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+) in November in Lao People's Democratic Republic, further reinforcing the bilateral defense relationship between the two nations. (PNA)

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PH, China discuss ways to manage tensions in Escoda Shoal

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

September 12, 2024, 10:49 am

MANILA -- The Philippine and Chinese governments had "frank and candid" talks on Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal), the latest point of contention between the two states as Manila continued to assert that it is part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

During the 10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meeting on the South China Sea on Sept. 11 in Beijing, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines has jurisdiction over the shoal even as Beijing demands Manila to leave the feature.

"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," Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said.

Lazaro co-chaired the BCM in Beijing with her Chinese counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.

During the meeting, the two 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," Daza added.

The last BCM, which led to a common Understanding of the Management of the Situation on the Ayungin Shoal, was held in Manila in July 2024.

The DFA has yet to respond when asked whether a similar arrangement for the Escoda Shoal was proposed or specifically discussed in the latest meeting.

China increased its presence in the Escoda Shoal,

some 70 nautical miles away from mainland Palawan province, when the Philippines decided to station BRP Teresa Magbanua there after receiving a report that the Chinese were conducting unauthorized marine research in the area.

On Aug. 31, the same ship was rammed unprovoked multiple times by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel after it lifted its anchor to move around the shoal, damaging its bridge wing. (PNA)

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Azerbaijani Opposition Leader Ali Karimli To Face Trial On Slander Charge

By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service September 12, 2024

BAKU -- The Nasimi district court in Baku has set September 19 as the trial date for the chairman of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (AXCP), Ali Karimli, who is being prosecuted on a charge of slander.

Last month, Karimli was informed that a probe had been launched against him on the basis of a lawsuit filed by Aydin Aliyev, who was expelled from the AXCP in 2019, but had his membership restored by a court decision.

If found guilty, Karimli may face up to six months in prison.

Shortly after the court pronounced its decision on September 12, Karimli accused the court of implementing a "political order" by accepting the lawsuit.

Azerbaijani rights groups and opposition activists say the police have tried to force several opposition politicians, journalists, and activists to testify against Karimli since 2013.

"The authorities were then reasonable enough not to launch a probe against me, but now the regime seems to feel complete impunity, ignoring calls by the United States, the European Union, the Council of Europe, etc. to stop repression. By launching a probe against an opposition party's leader, the authorities want to completely liquidate the opposition, civil society, and free media," Karimli told his supporters in Baku.

Karimli has been under pressure from authorities for decades.

In 1994 he had to fight a charge of illegally possessing explosives. Since 2006 he has been unable to travel internationally as the authorities have refused to issue him a passport.

Critics of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's government say authorities in the oil-rich Caspian Sea state frequently seek to silence dissent by jailing opposition activists, journalists, and civil society advocates on trumped-up charges.

Azerbaijani officials have insisted that there are no political prisoners in the tightly controlled country.

President Aliyev has ruled the oil-rich South Caucasus state with an iron fist since 2003 after taking over from his father, Heydar, who was president for a decade.



Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ali-karimli-criminal-case- trial-date-set-september-19/33117498.html/a>

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 Statement on the 4th U.S.-Lithuania Strategic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

September 12, 2024

The text of the following statement was released by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.

Begin text:

On September 12, 2024, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis of Lithuania met in Vilnius for the 4th U.S.-Lithuania Strategic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific. The Strategic Dialogue highlighted the critical role of the Indo-Pacific and the shared interest in strengthening bilateral partnership and democratic values, and long-term relationships with like-minded countries. Recognizing that the threats and challenges faced in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are interconnected, Deputy Secretary Campbell and Foreign Minister Landsbergis reiterated their commitment to exchanging expertise and furthering cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific. They emphasized the importance of cooperation between NATO and its partners in the Indo-Pacific and practical cooperation in areas such as supporting Ukraine, cyber defense, countering foreign disinformation, and technology.

The two sides expressed unwavering support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion and discussed the role that the PRC, DPRK, and Iran play in enabling Russia's continuing aggression in Ukraine by its multi-faceted support for Russia's defense industrial base. They also discussed the threat the sustained PRC malicious cyber and hybrid activities pose to transatlantic security. The deepening strategic partnership between Russia and the PRC and their attempts to undercut and reshape the rules-based international order remains a profound concern. They condemned Russia's hostile hybrid attacks against Allies and agreed to work closely to address them. They also strongly condemned the DPRK's continued export of arms to Russia and Russia's use of DPRK ballistic missiles against Ukraine. Deputy Secretary Campbell and Foreign Minister Landsbergis reiterated their continued cooperation to counter the PRC's use of economic coercion, with Deputy Secretary Campbell commending Lithuania's resolve in resisting the unjustified PRC political and economic pressure. Both parties welcomed Lithuania's efforts to strengthen its robust economic partnership with Taiwan and support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international fora. The two sides also expressed concern regarding the PRC's continued provocative, destabilizing, and intimidating activities in the South China Sea. They underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and expressed opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. The two sides look forward to continuing the effective and constructive U.S.-Lithuania Strategic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific.

End text.





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Senior State Administration Officials on Venezuela

US Department of State

Special Briefing

Office of the Spokesperson

Via Teleconference

September 12, 2024

MODERATOR: Great. Thank you so much for joining us. This is an on-background call attributable to Senior Administration Officials with [Senior Administration Official One], [Senior Administration Official Two], and [Senior Administration Official Three].

We will begin this call. I would like to remind everyone it will be embargoed until the completion of the call. If you would like to ask a question, please go ahead and use the "raise your hand" function and we will get to as many people as possible.

I will therefore turn it over to [Senior Administration Official One].

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Good morning, everybody. Thank you for joining us. We appreciate your interest and also your patience. I know we started the call a little late, but thank you for staying with us. I'm really pleased also to be joined today by my colleagues from the Department of State and Department of Treasury to discuss some actions that we're taking with respect to Venezuela.

Let me say at the outset that the situation in Venezuela is of critical importance to the United States. We have been deeply engaged with and concerned by the process that emerged before and since the July 28th election. We believe that it is extremely important that the voices of the Venezuelan people are heard and that their votes are respected. And we have been working day and night with allies, both within the Western Hemisphere and beyond, to ensure that Venezuela can be put on a more sustainable and democratic path.

With that as context, we are holding this call today to inform you of two important actions that the United States government is taking to hold Nicolas Maduro and his representatives accountable for conducting electoral fraud, falsifying election results, and intensifying repression against the Venezuelan people in order to silence their voices and their vote and to illegitimately extend Maduro's rule.

First, the Department of Treasury today will sanction 16 Maduro-affiliated officials, including leaders of the National Electoral Council, otherwise known as the CNE, and the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, the TSJ, who impeded a transparent electoral process and the release of accurate election results. We are also taking actions against military intelligence and government officials who are responsible for intensifying repression through intimidation, indiscriminate detentions, and censorship.

In the announcements we are making today, we made sure to include the judge and the prosecutor who authorized the politically motivated, unwarranted, and unjustified arrest warrant for the successful presidential candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. As many of you know, Mr. Gonzalez Urrutia was forced to depart Venezuela and seek protection in Spain last weekend.

Concurrently, the Department of State is imposing new visa restrictions on a significant number of Maduro-aligned officials who've undermined the electoral process in Venezuela and are responsible for acts of repression. We are taking these actions today because it has become abundantly clear to us not only that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela's presidential election on July 28th, but also that Maduro and his representatives are intent on denying this fact and instead seek to cling to power at all costs.

Since the July 28th election, Maduro and his representatives have indiscriminately arrested Venezuelans for exercising their political and civil rights, and they have deployed a range of intimidation tactics to silence the opposition. These acts include the issuance of the arrest warrant for Gonzalez Urrutia as well as other significant and concerning actions against Venezuela's democratic political actors and members of civil society. Today's steps build on multiple actions that we have taken to hold current and former Venezuelan officials accountable for undermining democracy in Venezuela and violating human rights.

In addition to the 16 specific sanctions that are - that we are discussing today, overall the United States government has sanctioned over 140 Venezuelan individuals and 100 Venezuelan entities. And we also regularly take actions to enforce our sanctions policy with respect to Maduro and his cronies.

For example, just last week, on September 2nd, U.S. law enforcement officials seized an aircraft in the Dominican Republic that had been illegally acquired by Maduro. Cumulatively, the U.S. government has imposed visa restrictions on nearly 2,000 Venezuelan individuals for their role in undermining democracy, significant corruption, and human rights violations.

It's extremely important to note that the United States does not stand alone in expressing our concerns with Maduro's antidemocratic actions, and that we are joined by partners and allies both within the Western Hemisphere and across the world in our call for the restitution of democratic process and order in Venezuela.

This morning, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the United States stands beside Panama and more than 30 other countries from across the region and the globe to express our continued commitment to a restoration of democracy in Venezuela, as well as to express our deep concern with the politically motivated arrest warrant that had been issued for Mr. Gonzalez Urrutia. In addition, in the past several weeks since the July 28th election, the Organization of American States has adopted a resolution by consensus calling for transparency, impartial review, and protection of electoral integrity.

The United States, the European Union, and more than 20 governments signed a joint statement in the Dominican Republic calling for greater electoral transparency and accountability in Venezuela. The United States has joined ten regional partners in issuing a joint statement condemning the Supreme Tribunal of Justice's decision to certify the National Electoral Council's unsubstantiated claims that Maduro won. And the United States has joined with other nations in calling for a special session of the OAS Permanent Council to address the human rights impacts of the electoral crisis in Venezuela.

The United States will continue to work with our international partners to defend democratic freedoms in Venezuela and ensure Maduro and his representatives are held accountable for their actions. We remain deeply committed to supporting the aspiration of the Venezuelan people for a more prosperous and democratic future for their country.

Thank you. And with that, I will turn it back to the moderator.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much. Again, if you would like to ask a question, please use the "raise your hand" function and we will get to as many as possible.

Our first question is from Matt Spetalnick from Reuters. Matt, you have the floor.

QUESTION: Thank you very much. So what, if any, consideration is being given to going beyond individual sanctions and taking further action that would hit Venezuela's oil sector? For example, are you considering adding restrictions to Chevon's license or other foreign companies already operating there? And to what extent, if any, are you holding back from the oil sector sanctions at this stage because of concern that it might cause a spike in global oil prices and further damage the Venezuelan economy, as well as spurring increased migration, possibly even to the U.S.-Mexico border?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Thank you for the question. We are constantly monitoring very closely the political and economic developments in Venezuela and are committed to calibrating our sanctions policy appropriately in response both to events on the ground, as well as broader U.S. national interests. In coordination with our partners, we're also considering a range of options to demonstrate to Maduro and his representatives that their illegitimate and repressive actions in Venezuela will have consequences.

We are also very focused on the enforcement of existing sanctions, as well as evaluating how best to calibrate our sanctions policy towards Venezuela in light of overall U.S. interests. Most importantly, we are - continue to commit to promoting accountability for actors in Venezuela who are undermining democratic process and the will of the Venezuelan people.

MODERATOR: Great. Thank you. Our next question is from Nick Schifrin with PBS. Nick, you should be unmuted.

QUESTION: Sorry about that. Thanks very much, [Senior Administration Official One]. Appreciate it. U.S. officials have talked about why they haven't taken this step in the past - because they wanted diplomacy to take course. So does the fact that you're taking these steps today mean you've concluded that regional diplomacy has and will continue to fail? And is this being done in coordination with any other regional actors? Are there regional actions being taken today by other countries? And will you declare Mr. Gonzalez the winner of the election and/or the president-elect? Thanks.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Thanks for the question. First of all, I would dispute your assertion that regional diplomacy has failed. In fact, I think that the careful diplomatic work that we have been doing with a range of partners in this region have - has been extraordinarily important in terms of ensuring that the results - the fraudulent results that the Maduro authorities have published have not been widely accepted.

And so while there are some differences and variations in terms of the diplomatic stances that a range of our partners have taken, I think that it has maintained a level of diplomatic pressure on Venezuela that would not have been possible without the very steady work and nearly constant communication that we have with our partners throughout the region, as well as in the European Union and beyond.

In my opening remarks, I referenced the events that are taking place at the United Nations today, where countries from the region but also beyond, as well as the United States, are calling for greater accountability and respect for democratic norms in Venezuela.

With respect to Mr. Gonzalez Urrutia, we stand by our conclusions and the statement made by Secretary Blinken several days after the July 28th election, where we believe that there is clear evidence that Mr. Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in this election, and therefore that fact needs to be respected and validated by Venezuelan authorities.

MODERATOR: Great. Our next question is from Regina Garcia Cano from AP.

QUESTION: Hi. Thank you for taking my question. I am wondering: What are the expected results from this round of sanctions? The release from the Treasury Department lists military officials, C&E officials, and other allies of Mr. Maduro that have been sanctioned in the past and all of them continue to be with - continue to be part of Venezuela's government. They have consolidated their position also within the government there. So what exactly is the expectation for this latest round of sanctions?

And you just mention that you think that the fact that Mr. Gonzalez received the most votes in the election should be respected and validated by Venezuelan officials. But why - why is there hesitancy to call Mr. Gonzalez the president-elect, or winner?

SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL ONE: Thank you for your question, and I will also ask my colleague from Treasury who's on the line to comment on the impact of these sanctions.

I would just say that for someone who is an official in Venezuela, who participated either in the falsification of electoral results or in overseeing or committing acts of repression in Venezuela, when they see their name as an individual on the OFAC sanctions list, today is not a good day. And I think that we believe that this should prompt deeper reflection of officials aligned with Maduro about how far they want to go down this path of facilitating a blatant effort to cling to power by Maduro.

I will pause here for a moment so my colleague from Treasury can comment on the impact of these sanctions.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL THREE: Thank you, [Senior Administration Official One]. This is [Senior Administration Official Three]. I appreciate the question. I think to [Senior Administration Official One]'s point, these targeted individual designations serve to highlight individual actors that are engaged in sanctionable behavior, like human rights abuse or undermining the democratic processes in Venezuela.

You are correct that Treasury has previously taken action against government - the Government of Venezuela, and officials serving in the Government of Venezuela are blocked. But this additional step of designation adds these individuals' names to our specially - list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, and that has implications. And from a messaging standpoint, they are now out there on our publicly accessible list.

It is highlighted in our press release the implications of these designations, but just to highlight a few of those points: As a result of this action, all property and interested property of the designated persons that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. And it also clarifies that any entities that are owned directly or indirectly in the aggregate - 50 percent or more - are also blocked. And this becomes easier for the compliance community to identify any of those 50 percent or more entities, because these individuals are now on our SDN list, and banks all over the world clear and review that list. So with that, I bet there are additional impacts to these designations, and I'd be happy to take any more specific questions on technical sanctions matters.

Thanks, [Senior Administration Official One]. Back over to you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Great. Thank you. And now just a quick comment on the second part of the question as related to Mr. Gonzalez Urrutia. It is our view that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia remains an indisputable voice for peace and democratic change in Venezuela. His departure from Venezuela was the direct result of the anti-democratic measures that Nicolas Maduro has unleashed on the Venezuelan people, including measures that were specifically directed against Mr. Gonzalez Urrutia and other opposition leaders since the election.

And based on all the evidence that we have seen presented by civil society, by the documentation of more than 80 percent of the actas, or the ballot tally sheets from the July 28th election - and which has been corroborated by independent observers, as well as analyses done by journalistic and other independent institutions of these tally sheets - we believe that Mr. Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in the July 28th election. Thank you.

MODERATOR: Great. Our next question is from Alex Ward with Wall Street Journal. Alex, you should be unmuted.

QUESTION: Yes, thank you. I mean, just kind of directly here: Does the administration expect these sanctions to see Maduro - will cause Maduro to leave office before this term ends in January?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Thank you for the question. We believe that there is still significant time between today and January for actors in Venezuela, including Nicolas Maduro, to begin to make better decisions than they have made to date. And so we see these sanctions as an important step in shaping the overall context of the political trajectory in Venezuela.

But you have to remember that these steps are also being taken against the backdrop of a larger effort in which the United States has joined with partners and allies both within this hemisphere and around the world, which includes diplomacy, diplomatic pressure - in this case, specific individually targeted sanctions - and other steps, so that the will of the Venezuelan voters as expressed on July 28th is respected.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question comes from Celia Mendoza with VOA. Celia, you should be unmuted.

QUESTION: Yes. Great. Thank you so much. I have a couple of questions. So you mentioned the foreign minister of Panama today, and he was asked at the end of the event about a possible resolution with the United Nations about Venezuela. And he said that they're not ready for that because it's not a unified position between the members. Can you talk about that? What are the difference between the members?

And in terms of the sanctions, will these sanctions affect family members of those sanctioned, which will be living in other places and they might be benefiting from those members in the government?

And finally, we understand that this is trying to pressure Maduro to keep moving - to try to do, as you have mentioned, the right thing and recognize the Edmundo Gutierrez - Urrutia Gonzalez received the most amounts of votes. But so far, he has not budged into the conversations with Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia. Will these sanctions will help with that, knowing that countries like Mexico have opposed to sanctions against Venezuela in the past, and they supposed to be in the process of those negotiations? Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Great. Thank you for your question. First, I really want to salute the leadership of Panama and how they have stepped up to mobilize other countries both in this hemisphere and more broadly to support democratic process and democratic rights in Venezuela. We are extremely appreciative of the role that they have played.

I will defer to my colleague at the State Department if he would like to add anything further on actions at the United Nations. I will just say that as it relates to some of the other countries that you mention - including Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico - we remain in intensive dialogue with all of these countries about the current situation in Venezuela. And while that does not necessarily mean that the - that U.S. sanctions towards Venezuela alone are enough to prompt a change there, we do very much appreciate the diplomatic efforts that have been - taken place with other countries in the region. Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: Hey, [Senior Administration Official One], I would just complement what you said by, again, thanking our Panamanian colleagues for their leadership role at the UN this morning and note that they are part of a much larger group of regional countries and governments who are working across a number of international fora, seizing every opportunity to highlight our concerns about what's happening in Venezuela, the repression against democratic actors and civil society leaders, as well as our collective demand that the results of the elections on July 28th be respected.

We recently saw just in the last day or so Argentina taking the lead in Geneva in the UN Human Rights Commission on a measure that sends similar messages. We - [Senior Administration Official One] mentioned earlier, activity in the OAS which we expect to continue, providing scrutiny on the situation in Venezuela and pushing for a restoration of democratic norms. And we also look forward to the gathering of leaders at the UN later this month, which may provide additional opportunities for the many governments around the world that share our concerns and hopes for Venezuela to work together to reinforce these messages. Thanks.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much for joining us. That is, unfortunately, all the time we have for questions today. As a reminder, this call was conducted on background, so the individuals who were speaking can be attributed as senior administration officials. As the call is now ending, the embargo has broken and you are free to use. Thank you very much again for joining us.





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Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski At a Joint Press Availability

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Warsaw, Poland

September 12, 2024

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. And welcome at the seat of the ministry of foreign affairs of the Republic of Poland. We shall now have the conference by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.

First, I would like to hand over to the host Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.

FOREIGN MINISTER SIKORSKI: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I'm very happy to be to host in Warsaw at the ministry of foreign affairs Secretary of State of the United States Antony Blinken. With the secretaries coming back from Kyiv, important events are taking place. There, the Secretary met with representatives of Ukrainian authorities. It is definitely the most urgent topic when it comes to bilateral relations between Poland and the U.S.

Our relations are at the highest level in terms of intensity in history. This year's dynamism is impressive. There are common values, common interests, and similar perception of threats that unite us. I believe that our collaboration aimed at supporting Kyiv will be continued until the end of the current administration and by the next administration as well. I hope that it will contribute to the quickest possible end of the Russian aggression, taking into account and with due regard of raison d'etre of Ukraine, which has been attacked.

Ensuring security of Ukraine, a strategic forefront of the entire North Atlantic Treaty Organization is our joint priority, and we shall continue our efforts. Poland remains a strong advocate of increasing the pressure on the Russian regime in order to force it to end the conflict against Ukraine.

From the very beginning, we were a front runner when it comes to providing military and other kinds of assistance. As the West, we shall continue supplying Ukraine with advanced air defense and antimissiles defense systems. We shall also lift the ban on using long-range weapons. We are sure that the economic sanctions are bringing the expected effect, and we hope that more intense activities will be taken with regard to seizing frozen Russian assets.

The support for Ukraine is still one of the most important topics of our bilateral relations, however our cooperation with Washington spans beyond that framework. We are key partners for each other in the area of security. The American military presence in Poland - which many previous governments have been struggling to achieve - including permanent deployment of the American troops, increases Poland's security.

We are modernizing the Polish army. This is possible thanks to the purchases made from the U.S. Let me just mention F-16, F-35s, Apaches, Abrams, HIMARS, and Patriot systems.

Our political collaboration is getting closer and closer. At the same time, the U.S. is becoming an even greater partner for Poland in other areas. Our economic relations are blooming. Let me mention areas such as energy, trade, or technology.

I would once again like to thank Tony Blinken for this meeting, for the possibility to talk about the key aspects of our dialogue. We shall continue in New York during the meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Ladies and gentlemen, now let me hand over to Secretary Blinken.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, thank you very, very much. And let me just say at the outset to my friend Radek, thank you for being such a great partner for the United States, but thank you especially for being such a long-time and staunch defender of democracy wherever it's threatened, wherever it's challenged. We could not be more grateful for that.

And also, if you'll allow me a point of personal privilege, I'm especially pleased as well to be here with my friend, Ambassador Mark Brzezinski. The Brzezinski family has now for two generations contributed in remarkable ways to our foreign policy, to our national discourse, and having Mark here at this time could not be more important and more beneficial to both of our countries.

As Radek said, I'm here from Ukraine. I was there, as you know, with Foreign Secretary Lammy. We had a very good visit. We went to Kyiv to underscore our united and unwavering support for Ukraine, faced with the ongoing Russian aggression - the United States, United Kingdom, but also united with so many other countries who have come together in support of Ukraine, all committed not just to helping Ukraine ward off the aggression, but committed to Ukraine's long term success, its success as a country that stands strongly on its own two feet militarily, economically, democratically. And in our conversations in Kyiv, we talked about our shared strategy to get there.

What we learned from our Ukrainian partners will inform discussions that we'll be having with other allies and other partners in the days and weeks ahead as we work through and think through the coming months. And it's very fitting for us to begin that conversation with our allies here in Poland.

Poland has been an absolutely essential partner to Ukraine from the moment that Putin reinvaded the country in 2022. It's provided $4 billion in security assistance to Ukraine - tanks, aircraft, air defense, helicopters. It's one of 26 countries that have now signed bilateral security agreements with Ukraine. These agreements, long-term commitments to help Ukraine build its deterrent and defense capacity, are critical not just in the immediate, but critical over time to make sure that Ukraine for many years has the capacity to defend itself.

And of course, it's been working alongside other NATO Allies to help train the Ukrainians, including here in Poland. And it's going to host the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis Training and Education Center so that the Alliance can draw on lessons learned from the war.

As many of you know and as you see every time we go into Ukraine, it's also the key hub for getting assistance to Ukraine and to the Ukrainian people. More than 80 percent of all security and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine is flowing through Poland. And of course, Poland continues to host some one million Ukrainian refugees. This is a remarkable display of generosity and solidarity in a time when it's most needed.

These joint efforts to support Ukraine, to help it defend against the Russian aggression, are a critical facet of our relationship, but only one facet of the relationship and our security cooperation, which in my judgment has never been stronger. Poland has spent - is spending over 4 percent of GDP on defense. This is really the gold standard among NATO countries, and we saw at the NATO summit just a few months ago the extraordinary progress the Alliance has made in countries stepping up and dedicating the necessary resources to defense. In 2020, nine NATO Allies were meeting the 2 percent threshold. Now it's 23, but Poland has really been leading the way. And of course, it hosts thousands of U.S. and Allied forces.

We have also a remarkable relationship when it comes to financing the necessary expenditures on defense. There are now some $11 billion worth of loans through our foreign military financing program that we've dedicated to Poland to help it modernize its forces, including with F-35 aircraft, with the largest fleet of Apache helicopters outside the United States, and the co-production of Patriot missile defense systems. These investments are good for Poland's security. They're good for NATO's capabilities. They're good for the United States - for our security, for our industry, and for our jobs.

I also want to underscore the very important collaboration we have when it comes to energy security. Since February of '22, Poland has made very important strides when it comes to increasing its own energy security. We see this in the context of extraordinary strides across Europe - moving away from dependence on Russian energy and developing different sources and self-sufficiency. The foreign minister and I discussed ways that the United States can further support Poland's transition away from Russian energy by facilitating the production of safe, clean, and reliable nuclear energy.

Poland is also one of several nations across the region that has been subject to Russian sabotage, cyber operations - including with the support of the regime in Belarus. This is something that the entire Alliance is seized with. We see this, unfortunately, across Europe. So we're deepening our cooperation to protect our countries and fellow democracies from Moscow's malign efforts.

In June we came together in Warsaw with over a dozen countries - with the European Union, with NATO - to create the Ukraine Communications Group. Together we're coordinating efforts to expose and to counter Kremlin misinformation and disinformation and put out accurate reporting on Russia's ongoing aggression.

Twenty-five years ago, when Poland joined NATO, my very illustrious predecessor, Secretary Madeleine Albright, said this, and I quote: "We know that when the democracies of Europe and America are divided, crevices are created through which [the] forces of evil and aggression may emerge; [but that] when we stand together, no force on Earth is more powerful than our solidarity on behalf of freedom."

That was true then. It remains true today. And we continue to stand strongly together, Poland and the United States, for our own freedom and the freedom of others.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Thank you. Now we shall have time for questions. We will have two questions from Polish journalists and two questions from American journalists. The first question goes from Polsat News, Polish private broadcaster.

QUESTION: Katarzyna Pysza, Polsat News. Mr. Secretary of State, welcome. I have question for both you and Minister Sikorski here. Sir, is there a green light for Ukraine to hit targets deep inside Russia using Western weaponry? There were reports that this decision has already been made. There are also reports that London has given its permission recently, so if you could comment on that.

And Foreign Minister Sikorski, in Polish:

(Via interpreter) Sir, you said that Poland is in favor of increasing pressure on Moscow. What about the green light for hitting targets inside Russia? What is the impact on Ukraine? What does it mean for Ukraine and for Poland's security?

Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very much. Look, a hallmark of what we've done from day one - in fact, even before day one - of the Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2022 was to try to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs when it needs it to deal with that aggression. And as what Russia is doing has changed, as the battlefield has changed, we've adapted. And as you've seen through the provision of some of the most sophisticated weapon systems we've had, through the extraordinary provision of military assistance overall - more than $100 billion from the United States - the sharing of intelligence and many other things at every step along the way, as necessary, we've adapted and we've adjusted.

And 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. And 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 to effectively defend against the Russian aggression.

FOREIGN MINISTER SIKORSKI: (Via interpreter) Russia is committing war crimes, attacking civilian targets, residential areas, hospitals, and facilities which produce electricity and heat for Ukrainians, and the winter is coming. Missiles that hit civilian targets are shot from bombers that start from airfields in Russia. The victim of aggression has the right to defend itself, has the right to combat all means of air strikes that hit against it. I'm of the opinion that Ukraine has the right to use Western weapons to prevent war crimes.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Now a question from our American guests, Bloomberg News.

(In English) The microphone is - please hold it.

QUESTION: Thank you. Mr. Secretary, you spoke about individual and collective responses to Russia's hybrid attacks on NATO Allies, particularly in the eastern flank. Poland has been one of those targets. The attacks have continued; they've intensified since your remarks in Prague and these - the Bucharest Nine meetings and so on. What progress has been made on this collective response, and what, if anything, are you seeking to move forward? And Mr. Foreign Minister, if you could respond as well.

And also, Mr. Secretary, could you just respond to the killing of six UNRWA workers in Gaza this week? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, Courtney. With regard to the hybrid attacks, exactly as you've said, this is something that we've brought to allies and partners, including at the most recent NATO summit in Washington, and the Alliance as a whole is seized with this because what we're seeing are attacks in a number of different countries by different means. And while countries in the past might have seen these as one-off events, I think it's now clear to everyone that this is part of a deliberate strategy that Russia is engaged in.

And what I can tell you is this: We are closely collaborating between ourselves, among different allies and partners, on, among other things, sharing the necessary information, and taking steps to impose consequences on Russia for these attacks. You see that, among other ways, in not only the extraordinary sanctions that have been imposed on Russia but further efforts to as necessary increase those, strengthen those, and make sure that they're imposing a consequence.

I think it's critical, though, that there's a recognition - and I know that's felt acutely here in Poland - that the Alliance that we're both part of and that so many countries in Europe are a part of is also the most important guarantor of the safety and security of Europeans and Americans. And so as an Alliance, we're also looking at what's happening, and we'll draw the necessary conclusions from that and, as appropriate, consequences.

With regard to the attack, look, the first thing that's hugely important to underscore is the essential, vital, imperative work of humanitarians in Gaza, and for that matter around the world. And it's essential that those activities be protected and indeed be facilitated. We need to see humanitarian sites protected, and that's something that we continue to raise with Israel. 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.

I think it also underscores once again the urgency of reaching a ceasefire because that's the best way of ensuring that we have a genuinely protected space throughout Gaza, a space in which the humanitarians can not only continue to do their work but massively increase it to the benefit of people who desperately need it - the children, the women, and men of Gaza.

FOREIGN MINISTER SIKORSKI: Some people think that hybrid warfare is mainly in the domain of information or making nuisances of themselves in cyber sphere, but I'd like to - you to focus on the fact that hybrid warfare has its kinetic elements. As I was telling Tony, Polish airspace is regularly breached by Russian drones and missiles. Last year, a Russian cruise missile traveled through two-thirds of Poland and landed 10 kilometers from my house. Sooner or later, people will be hurt.

It's also terrorist sabotage activities. Some, but not all, we are able to prevent thanks to good collaboration of our intelligence services. And it's also a kinetic assault in collaboration with the Belarusian regime on Poland's eastern border. Migrants that have been on purpose brought to Russia are then pushed across the EU border, and one of our soldiers was actually killed defending the border of NATO, EU, and the Schengen Zone from these groups armed with sticks and knives and whatnot. We of course reserve the right to protect our territory and our citizens, and I can tell you that if another arson hurts a Polish citizen, Poland will take bilateral countermeasures that the Russian Federation will notice.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) The next question comes from TVN 24, Polish private broadcaster.

QUESTION: Hi, hello, Wojciech Skrzypek from TVN 24. I have pretty much the same question for you both: So what's the situation on the front line in Ukraine? And do you believe that Ukraine can still win this war? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Can Ukraine still win? Yes. In fact, we're determined to see Ukraine win this war. And look, as we look at what's happened over the last more than two years since the Russian aggression - or re-aggression, since this really started in 2014 - time and again we've seen Ukrainian success against the odds. Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson; the pushing back of the Russian fleet from the Black Sea, even though Ukraine has no fleet of its own; what's happening now in Kursk - time and again, the Ukrainian people, supported by an extraordinary coalition of more than 50 countries, have demonstrated that they have the will and, if we sustain it - and we will - the capacity to succeed. So I have no doubt about that.

And in fact, if you look at what Putin was trying to accomplish, he's already failed, because we know - and just take him at his own word; don't take it from me - his entire purpose was to erase Ukraine from the map; to eliminate its existence as an independent, sovereign country; to subsume it into Russia for purposes of recreating a Russian empire. That has failed and cannot succeed, but it's imperative that we continue to support Ukraine so that it can continue to ward off the aggression taking place against it and, as I said earlier, not just that, but continue to build a strong, independent country, increasingly integrated with the institutions of the Euro-Atlantic community, including the European Union and NATO; able to stand on its own feet militarily, economically, democratically. That's the trajectory it's on. That is success for Ukraine. And that is the most powerful rebuke to everything that Putin has been trying to do.

FOREIGN MINISTER SIKORSKI: I agree with Tony's every word. I said it at the UN Security Council and I'll repeat it: Russia has lost plenty of aggressive wars she has waged. Russia lost the Crimean War, Russia lost the Russo-Japanese War, Russia was knocked out of World War I, Russia lost the invasion of Poland in 1920, Russia lost the invasion of Afghanistan, which I watched myself, and Russia lost the First Chechen War, and Russia lost the Cold War. The good news is that every time Russia loses a war there are reforms, so Russia should lose this war for the sake of Ukraine, for the sake of taboos established after Second World War, for the sake of guarantees that Russia herself also gave to Ukraine, but also for the sake of the future of Russia.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Ladies and gentlemen, the final question goes to CBS.

QUESTION: Dziekuje bardzo. Thank you very much. Olivia Gazis with CBS News. As one quick follow-up to my colleague's question, the first question from Polsat, Mr. Secretary -understanding a decision may or may not have been made on whether to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons inside of Russia - would such a capability be accompanied by enhanced intelligence sharing with the U.S. and the Ukrainians in order to identify relevant targets in Russia?

And then my question for you, Mr. Secretary, is that the Polish Government and Minister Sikorski in particular have been calling for Poland's ability to shoot down missiles over Ukraine heading towards Poland, not only to aid Ukraine's air defenses in the west but also to assert Poland's ability to self-defend. So especially given your own observations this week about the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles now enhancing Russia's capability and flexibility in striking more deeply into Ukraine, do you oppose this Polish proposal? And if so, why?

(In Polish.)

Ukraine has threatened to sever relations with Iran upon these revelations, again, that ballistic missiles have been delivered to Russia for use in Ukraine. Would Poland consider also taking such a diplomatic step? Or if not, what other costs are you willing to impose on the Iranian regime? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Olivia, thank you, and thank you also for the eloquent demonstration of your Polish.

So I can only in this moment repeat what I've already said. We had good and extensive discussions with our Ukrainian colleagues yesterday about how they see the battlefield, what their needs are, and as I've said, we will always continue to take that into account, and as necessary we'll adapt, we'll adjust in terms of what we're doing, what we're providing, both the United States individually but also the collection of countries that has been supporting Ukraine. And you'll understand that I'm not going to get into operational details in a public setting, but I can again assure that we will adapt, we will adjust, and make sure that Ukraine has what it needs when it needs it to deal with this Russian aggression.

When it comes to these violations that we've seen of Polish airspace and sovereignty - and other allies and partners - first, most important, we of course stand by Poland's right to defend itself, just as we stand by the right of any of our allies to defend themselves, and we have an ironclad commitment to NATO, to Article 5. President Biden when he was here in Poland said that the United States is committed to defending every square inch of NATO territory, whether that's in Poland or among any other Allies. This is an issue that we are discussing among NATO Allies because it has implications for the Alliance as a whole, but of course Russia needs to stop these reckless attacks - the attacks on Ukraine, but also attacks that may implicate other countries, including Ukraine's neighbors.

FOREIGN MINISTER SIKORSKI: The issue of Russian missiles and drones crossing NATO territory will not go away. These missiles and drones - Russia launches hundreds of them. A significant proportion of them they lose control over. We've just had a drone land in Latvia. We've had incidents with Romania. And there are reports of the Belarusians shooting down drones before they cross into NATO territory. And remember that there are nuclear power stations on the territory of Ukraine. If the Russians lose control of one of these things and one of those power stations get damaged, you will all be asking us what - why we hadn't done anything about it before. All of Europe might have a problem. So I believe we should do something about it preemptively.

As regards Iran, I'm disappointed, because we have a new president of Iran. He's supposedly not as aggressive as the previous butcher of Tehran, but the policy of sending missiles and drones to use against Ukraine - and also using similar equipment against Israel - seems to be continuing. The trouble for Poland is that Iran is already under such severe sanctions that there is not that much more that we can do.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much, Secretary. Thank you very much, Minister. Thank you for this press conference. I would also like to thank you, and we will be in touch. Have a good afternoon.





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Sanctions and Visa Restrictions on Venezuelan Individuals Aligned with Nicolas Maduro in Response to Electoral Fraud

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

September 12, 2024

The United States is taking action today 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.

The Department of the Treasury is imposing sanctions on 16 Maduro-affiliated individuals, including leaders of the National Electoral Council, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, and the Maduro-affiliated national assembly. These officials impeded a transparent electoral process and the release of accurate election results. Concurrently, the Department of State is taking steps to impose new visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 9931 on Maduro-aligned officials who have undermined the electoral process in Venezuela and are responsible for acts of repression.

Including today's actions, Treasury has sanctioned over 140 current or former Venezuelan officials for contributing to the situation in the country. Nearly 2,000 individuals have been identified to date by the State Department as potentially subject to visa restrictions under various authorities for their role in undermining democracy, engaging in significant corruption, or violating the human rights of the Venezuelan people.

The United States will continue to promote accountability for those undermining democracy in Venezuela.

The visa restriction actions were taken pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 9931 . Treasury's sanctions actions today were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13692. Executive Order 13857 expanded Executive Order 13692's definition of "Government of Venezuela" to include individuals who have acted or purported to act directly or indirectly for or on behalf of the Government of Venezuela as "Maduro-aligned officials." For more information, see Treasury's press release.





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Secretary Blinken's Meetings with President Duda, Prime Minister Tusk, and Foreign Minister Sikorski of Poland

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 12, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski in Warsaw today. Their discussions focused on deepening U.S.-Polish bilateral relations across a wide range of mutual interests, including civil-nuclear partnerships. The Secretary reiterated that the United States stands united with Poland as NATO Allies in support of Ukraine's defense against Russia's aggression. He underscored our continuing work with Poland to advance this strong partnership and our shared vision for the future, grounded in our shared democratic values.

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Treasury Targets Venezuelan Officials Aligned with Nicolas Maduro in Response to Electoral Fraud

U.S. Department of the Treasury

September 12, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated 16 Maduro-aligned officials who obstructed a competitive and inclusive presidential election process in Venezuela and violated the civil and human rights of the people. The individuals sanctioned today pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, as amended, include leaders of the Maduro-aligned National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) who impeded a transparent electoral process and the release of accurate election results, as well as the military, intelligence, and government officials responsible for intensifying repression through intimidation, indiscriminate detentions, and censorship. The officials were appointed by Nicolas Maduro, whom OFAC sanctioned in 2017.

"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 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. 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."

Since the July 28 election, Maduro and his representatives have indiscriminately arrested Venezuelans for exercising their political and civil rights and deployed a range of intimidation tactics to silence the opposition. These acts, including the issuance of an arrest warrant for the successful presidential candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia (Gonzalez), which forced him to depart Venezuela to seek asylum in Spain.

Concurrently, the Department of State imposed new visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 9931 on Maduro-aligned officials who have undermined the electoral process in Venezuela and are responsible for acts of repression. With these newly imposed visa restrictions, nearly 2,000 individuals have been subject to visa restrictions for their role in undermining democracy, significant corruption, and human rights violations.

DESIGNATED Venezuelan officials

The following individuals who obstructed democratic political participation and undermined the election process were designated today pursuant to E.O. 13692, "Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela," as amended, for being current or former officials of the GOV.

Inocencio Antonio Figueroa Arizaleta (Figueroa)is a judge serving in the Maduro-aligned TSJ since 2014, currently in the TSJ's Constitutional Chamber. Previously, he served as magistrate of the TSJ's Political-Administrative Chamber, according to multiple press reports.

Additionally, according to media coverage, in his capacity as a TSJ judge, Figueroa supported the Electoral Chamber's decision to review and certify the CNE's claim that Maduro won the election. Figueroa participated in the TSJ's expert technical review at the CNE, and he was involved in summoning presidential candidates and political party leaders to the TSJ as part of the Maduro-backed electoral review process. In 2019, Canada sanctioned Figueroa for undermining democracy.

Malaquias Gil Rodriguez (Gil) is a judge serving as the president of TSJ's Political-Administrative chamber since 2022. Previously, he served as the vice president of the TSJ's Electoral Chamber; he has held a position in the judiciary since 2010.

Additionally, according to credible media sources, Gil has obstructed democracy by disqualifying Machado's presidential candidacy. In 2018, Canada sanctioned Gil for corruption and violation of human rights.

Juan Carlos Hidalgo Pandares (Hidalgo)is ajudge serving as a vice president on the TSJ's Political-Administrative chamber since 2022. Previously, Hidalgo served as a general of the National Bolivarian Guard and prosecutor general of the military.

Additionally, according to media sources, Hidalgo has obstructed democracy by disqualifying Machado's presidential candidacy.

Caryslia Beatriz Rodriguez Rodriguez (Rodriguez)heads the Maduro-aligned TSJ. Rodriguez has been the president of the TSJ since January 2024 and heads the TSJ's Electoral Chamber.

Additionally, according to media sources, Rodriguez and the Electoral Chamber certified Maduro's baseless claim that he had won the election despite well-founded accusations of widespread voter fraud in July's election.

Fanny Beatriz Marquez Cordero (Marquez) is the vice president of the TSJ and member of the Electoral Chamber.

Marquez was among the officials from the Electoral Chamber who supervised the process of technical appraisal of the evidentiary material submitted by the CNE, political organizations, and former candidates participating in the presidential elections of July 28, 2024. Several news outlets stated Marquez was among the officials from the Electoral Chamber who certified Maduro's baseless claim to victory.

Edward Miguel Briceno Cisneros (Briceno) is the special judge of the Maduro-aligned First Court of the First Instance with jurisdiction over terrorism.

Additionally, according to media sources, Briceno issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez less than an hour after the Public Prosecutor's office requested it for the charges of crimes of usurpation of functions, incitement to disobedience of laws, conspiracy, sabotage to damage systems, and association with opposition members whom Maduro considers criminals.

Luis Ernesto Duenez Reyes (Duenez) is a prosecutor in the Maduro-aligned Public Prosecutor's office. In his position, Duenez issued the official request for the arrest warrant targeting opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, which was then issued by Briceno. Gonzalez fled Venezuela into exile to Spain on September 8.

Rosalba Gil Pacheco (Gil Pacheco) is a CNE rector serving since 2023 as president of the Maduro-aligned CNE's Civil and Electoral Registry Commission. She also served as the secretary of the Maduro-aligned National Assembly since January 2021.

Gil Pacheco, has obstructed democracy by instituting a restrictive new rule for poll watcher eligibility, instituting electoral registration irregularities, and intentionally delaying voting center processes. Also, Gil Pacheco declared Maduro the winner of the presidential election without publishing precinct-level results and without conducting the required audits of the country's electronic voting system, among other electoral irregularities, according to widely disseminated press reports.

Antonio Jose Meneses Rodriguez (Meneses)is theCNE Secretary General serving since August 2023.

Meneses, according to news reports, instituted a restrictive new rule for poll watcher eligibility, introducing electoral registration irregularities, and intentionally delaying voting center processes. Before serving on the CNE, he also signed the document from the Comptroller's Office upholding Machado's disqualification.

Dinorah Yoselin Bustamante Puerta (Bustamante)is a prosecutor serving at the Venezuelan First Special Court of First Instance, an office within the Maduro-aligned Directorate-General of Military Counter-Intelligence (DGCIM).

Additionally, according to media sources, Bustamante obstructed democracy and the rule of law by initiating politically motivated prosecutions, which resulted in the arbitrary detention of members of the U.S.-recognized 2015 National Assembly and other officials opposed to Maduro. The European Union, United Kingdom, and Switzerland sanctioned Bustamante in 2020 according to sanctions databases.

Pedro Jose Infante Aparicio (Aparicio)serves as the first vice president of the Maduro-aligned National Assembly. He also served as president of the Special Commission for the Investigation and Prosecution of Opposition Parties and Representatives of the 2016-2021 Legislature for the Dispossession and Theft of CITGO as part of the "Bolivarian Fury" campaign launched in January 2024 against the democratic opposition. In that position, the commission subpoenaed several opposition members in seemingly politically motivated prosecutions.

Domingo Antonio Hernandez Larez (Hernandez) is theStrategic Operational Commander of the Maduro-aligned Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), serving since July 2021. Hernandezpreviously served as the Commander of Strategic Region for the Integral Defense Capital (REDI Capital).

Hernandez was denounced by a human rights defender in 2019 as a repressor on behalf of Maduro due to the increase in repression and systematic harassment by intelligence and security agencies recorded in the areas under his control. Additionally, according to various press pieces, FANB has carried out acts of repression against Venezuelans, including arbitrary arrests and threatening those who participate in peaceful protests.

Elio Ramon Estrada Paredes (Estrada) is the Commander of the Maduro-aligned Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), serving since July 2023. In that position, Estrada leads the Anti-Terrorism Directorate of the GNB that carries out intelligence work to detect and capture those involved in alleged destabilizing plans and other crimes.

Under Estrada's command and ahead of the election, the GNB harassed and detained Venezuelans on suspicions of materially supporting Machado on the campaign trail, according to numerous news sources. Estrada led the GNB in arresting thousands of peaceful pro-democracy protestors after the July 28 election.

Johan Alexander Hernandez Larez (Larez) is Commander of REDI Capital of the GNB. Larez was previously the Division General for the Integral Defense Zone in Miranda State, or Zona Operativa de Defensa Integral del Estado Miranda, commonly referenced to as ZODI Miranda State.

Asdrubal Jose Brito Hernandez (Brito) is the Director of Criminal Investigations of the DGCIM. Brito was formerly the counterintelligence director of the presidential detail.

Brito is identified as a torturer in United Nations reporting, and according to multiple press pieces, DGCIM has led a coordinated "Operation Knock Knock" campaign to harass, detain, and arbitrarily arrest opposition and civil society members following the election.

Miguel Antonio Munoz Palacios (Munoz) is the Deputy Director of the Maduro-aligned intelligence service Servicio Bolivariano de Inteligencia (SEBIN) since 2021.

SEBIN has carried out Maduro's politically motivated arrests and detentions of opposition leaders, volunteers, poll workers, and election witnesses. Munoz is one of the top leaders of Venezuela's Pitbull Group, a group consisting of SEBIN personnel from the General Directorate for Military Counterintelligence. The Pitbull Group was tasked to do the "dirty work," and there were no legal parameters with what they were tasked to do. The Pitbull Group was also believed to be responsible for kidnapping and murders. The group likely kidnapped individuals to pressure them to give the Pitbull Group money. The Pitbull Group used that money for other operational purposes.

PREVIOUS TREASURY ACTIONS TARGETING VENEZUELAN OFFICIALS

Today's action builds on multiple actions that OFAC has taken to target current or former Venezuelan officials, pursuant to E.O. 13692 as amended, for taking anti-democratic actions and violating human rights. To date, OFAC has sanctioned over 140 Venezuelan individuals and 100 Venezuelan entities, including:

Key Venezuelan Officials

Nicolas Maduro Moros - sanctioned since 2017

Tarek William Saab - sanctioned since 2017

Jorge Elieser Marquez Monsalve - sanctioned since 2017

Celia Adela Flores de Maduro - sanctioned since 2018

Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez - sanctioned since 2018

Diosdado Cabello Rondon - sanctioned since 2018

Jose David Cabello Rondon - sanctioned since 2018

Marleny Josefina Contreras Hernandez - sanctioned since 2018

Vladimir Padrino Lopez - sanctioned since 2018

Jorge Jesus Rodriguez Gomez - sanctioned since 2018

Remigio Ceballos Ichaso - sanctioned since 2019

Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra - sanctioned since 2019

Key Military and Intelligence Officials

Gustavo Enrique Gonzalez Lopez - sanctioned since 2015

Ivan Rafael Hernandez Dala - sanctioned since 2019

Hildemaro Jose Rodriguez Mucura - sanctioned since 2019

Rafael Enrique Bastardo Mendoza - sanctioned since 2019

National Electoral Council Officials

Elvis Eduardo Hidrobo Amoroso - sanctioned since 2017

Carlos Enrique Quintero Cuevas - sanctioned since 2017

Conrado Antonio Perez Linares - sanctioned since 2020

Fabio Enrique Zavarse Pabon - sanctioned since 2018

Supreme Tribunal of Justice Officials and Former Officials

Gladys Maria Gutierrez Alvarado - sanctioned since 2018

Maikel Jose Moreno Perez - sanctioned since 2018

Calixto Antonio Ortega Rios - sanctioned since 2018

Luis Fernando Damiani Bustillos - sanctioned since 2018

Arcadio de Jesus Delgado Rosales - sanctioned since 2018

Carmen Auxiliadora Zuleta de Merchan - sanctioned since 2018

Lourdes Benicia Suarez Anderson - sanctioned since 2018

Juan Jose Mendoza Jover - sanctioned since 2018

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. U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 13692. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as 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, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Click here for more information on the individuals identified today.

###

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Guterres condemns death of 6 UNRWA staff and 12 others in Israeli strike, calls for independent probe

12 September 2024 - The UN chief on Thursday described the continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas as "unconscionable".

In a statement released via his Spokesperson, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the latest Israeli attack on a school serving as a shelter in Nuseirat on Wednesday, which killed six staffers from the UN Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, along with at least 12 others, including women and children.

"This incident raises the number of UNRWA staff killed in this conflict to 220," UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told correspondents at UN Headquarters in New York.

"The Israeli Defense Forces stated that they had targeted a command-and-control centre in the compound," he said. "This incident must be independently and thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability."

'Horrific violence must end'

The UN chief demanded that all combatants protect the lives and "essential needs" of civilians throughout the Gaza Strip, urging them to stop using schools and shelters - or the areas around them - for military purposes.

All parties are obliged to always comply with international humanitarian law, Mr. Dujarric underscored.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages being held in Gaza. This horrific violence must stop."

Polio vaccination continues

Despite numerous challenges, the UN-administered polio vaccination campaign aiming to inoculate some 640,000 children in Gaza with two doses of vaccine type 2 is continuing, Mr. Dujarric told journalists.

"UNRWA tells us that, as of yesterday, nearly 530,000 children have now received the vaccine across the Gaza Strip."

Nearly 100 severely ill patients evacuated

The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), organized the largest medical evacuation from Gaza since last October, the UN health agency has reported.

The total of 252 people who left the enclave on Wednesday included 97 sick and severely injured patients and 155 of their companions. They travelled through the Kerem Shalom crossing to Ramon Airport in Israel for onward travel to Abu Dhabi for specialised care, WHO added.

WHO regional director Hanan Balky said patients were suffering from a variety of conditions, including brain tumors, cancers, amputations and serious injuries sustained during the war.

"This achievement took place as WHO and partners were also wrapping up the first round of a polio campaign targeting 640,000 children under the age of 10," he said in a post on X.

"My deepest gratitude to the UAE for their continued generosity in receiving and treating patients from Gaza, and sincere appreciation to the dedicated teams at WHO and partners for their tireless efforts despite the challenges."

Child deaths in Lebanon

Mr. Dujarric said on Thursday that the situation on both sides of the Blue Line that divides south Lebanon and northern Israel "continues to be fragile and is taking its toll on civilians, particularly, on children".

The UN peacekeeping force that patrols the demarcation area and provides services to civilians in need, UNIFIL, said that two children were reportedly killed by a drone strike in southern Lebanon on Wednesday evening.

UNIFIL reiterated its condemnation of any attacks on civilians and called on all parties to the conflict to cease the exchanges of fire across the Blue Line and return to a cessation of hostilities.

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UN warns of escalating conflict in Yemen amid humanitarian crisis, regional tensions

By Vibhu Mishra

12 September 2024 - Despite recent economic de-escalation agreements, Yemen remains at risk of a return to full-scale conflict, with continued fighting and increased rhetoric between the warring sides, the UN envoy for the country warned on Thursday.

The crisis in Yemen, which worsened in 2014 after Houthi rebels (known officially as Ansar Allah) seized the capital, has been marked by complex political and military tensions. More than 18 million people - half the country's population - remain dependent on humanitarian assistance and protection.

Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, told the Security Council that while violence remains below pre-2022 truce levels, clashes in regions like Hudaydah and Ta'iz continue to claim lives.

"The current dynamic is a stark reminder that the threat of a return to full-scale war remains ever-present," he warned.

Regional tensions continue

Mr. Grundberg noted that the regional tensions from the war in Gaza continue to further complicate the crisis in Yemen.

Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have continued, threatening regional stability and international maritime security. In response the United States and the United Kingdom continue to strike military targets inside of Yemen.

"I reiterate my concern over this escalatory trajectory and repeat my call for the parties to put Yemen first and to prioritize a settlement of the conflict in Yemen," he said.

Mr. Grundberg highlighted the recent targeting of the Greek-flagged oil tanker MV Sounion by Houthi forces, which risks triggering a catastrophic oil spill, warning of an environmental disaster for Yemen and the wider region.

Committed to resolving the crisis

Efforts to resolve the crisis remain ongoing, with the Special Envoy emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue and collaboration across conflict lines.

"Seek to use the 23 July understanding [on economic de-escalation] as a steppingstone to de-politicize the economy and shift the parties away from a zero-sum mindset to one of collaboration," he said, underscoring the importance of continued engagement.

He also pointed to ongoing consultations with Yemeni civil society, including women, youth, and vulnerable groups, as part of a broader push for an inclusive peace process.

In conclusion, Mr. Grundberg affirmed his "unwavering determination" to engage with all parties and work towards a sustainable and comprehensive peace in Yemen.

No time to lose, to save lives

Also briefing the Security Council, Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted the severe hardship confronting Yemenis.

Over 62 per cent of households across the country do not have enough food, with some areas, such as Hudaydah and Ta'iz, experiencing extremely critical levels of malnutrition, she warned.

"By the end of 2024, more than 600,000 children in Government of Yemen-controlled areas are estimated to be acutely malnourished, and around 118,000 are projected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition - a 34 per cent increase since 2023," she said.

"Time is of the essence if we are to prevent catastrophe."

Response challenges

Ms. Msuya also expressed deep concern over the continued arbitrary detention of UN personnel and staff of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by Houthi authorities, urging their immediate release and respect for humanitarian law.

Thirteen UN personnel were detained in June, with four more held since 2021 and 2023, lacking contact with their families and agencies.

She also rejected false allegations against UN and aid agencies and workers, warning such claims jeopardize safety and operations of humanitarian actors working to alleviate the suffering.

The senior UN relief official concluded her briefing, stressing that the humanitarian community is committed to staying and delivering in Yemen - "as best it can, for as long as it takes."

"To do this, we need the parties to respect international humanitarian law - by immediately releasing our detained colleagues, protecting civilians and humanitarian workers, and facilitating unimpeded humanitarian access."

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Endless and senseless killing, day after day

UNRWA

12 Sep 2024

From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)

Gaza.

Endless and senseless killing, day after day.

Another school sheltering displaced people hit in Nuseirat today. Among the people killed are six UNRWA staff 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.

Humanitarian staff, premises and operations have been blatantly and unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war.

The longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law & the Geneva Conventions will become irrelevant.

Time for Ceasefire Now.

Time for Accountability.

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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Special Envoy Warns Security Council of Escalation, Humanitarian Crisis and Threat of 'Unprecedented' Environmental Disaster in Yemen

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9723rd Meeting (AM)

SC/15819

12 September 2024

'Time Is of the Essence if We Are to Prevent Catastrophe,' Adds Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator

Amid rising regional tensions, a national humanitarian crisis and a looming environmental disaster, all stakeholders must put Yemen first, the United Nations official charged with mediating a sustainable resolution to the conflict in that country told the Security Council today.

Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, expressed concern over the "escalatory trajectory" in the country, reporting that Ansar Allah  also referred to as the Houthi movement  has continued attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the United States and the United Kingdom have continued to strike military targets inside Yemen. Ansar Allah's recent targeting of the Greek-flagged oil tanker the Sounion forced the abandonment of the ship and imminently threatens a "catastrophic" oil spill and environmental disaster of "unprecedented" scale, he stressed. Noting that the ongoing war in Gaza complicates peace efforts, he said that conflict has extended its destabilizing effects across the region.

The threat of a return to full-scale war remains ever-present in Yemen, he warned, also detailing military activities along the frontlines and escalatory rhetoric between the warring sides inside the country. While the 23 July understanding reached between the parties on economic de-escalation has averted an acute crisis, most Yemenis' economic situation continues to decline. His office will seek to use that understanding as a steppingstone to de-politicize the economy and shift the parties away from a zero-sum mindset to one of collaboration, he said. It will also continue regular communication with military commanders to ensure that a future ceasefire mechanism can function effectively.

He also highlighted his office's consultations with political parties and civil society to promote a vision for an inclusive peace process, which have gathered several hundred Yemenis, including women, youth, tribal leaders, human-rights defenders and vulnerable groups. Also noting that over 100 days have passed since Ansar Allah detained a number of humanitarian workers, he urged their immediate, unconditional release. "The continued detention of these individuals is a profound injustice to those who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of Yemen," he underscored.

Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator, also called for the immediate and unconditional release of the UN personnel, non-governmental-organization staff and civil-society representatives arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. "While they remain deprived of their liberty, they must be treated with full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights," she stressed, adding that they must also be allowed to contact their families and legal representatives.

Turning to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen  where 62 per cent of surveyed households report that they do not have enough food to eat  she warned that, by the end of 2024, an estimated 600,000 children in Government-controlled areas will be acutely malnourished. Further, around 118,000 are projected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition  a 34 per cent increase since 2023. "Time is of the essence if we are to prevent catastrophe," she stressed, urging an integrated approach that addresses the main drivers of this crisis. These include disease outbreaks and poor water, sanitation and hygiene services.

She reported that Yemen is also dealing with the effects of devastating rains, floods and landslides, which have displaced more than 270,000 people. The country is also suffering a cholera outbreak, with more than 180,000 suspected cases. While noting that $20 million will be released from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund to address needs in Yemen, she stressed that this allocation is insufficient to sustain the breadth of critical programmes on which Yemenis rely. After all, "humanitarian assistance cannot provide a long-term solution", she observed.

Linda Al Obahi, Senior Political Affairs and Mediation Advisor at the Peace Track Initiative and the Women Solidarity Network, then highlighted the challenges faced by women and girls in Yemen, including food insecurity, water shortages, disease and lack of access to health care and education. They are also at heightened risk of domestic and sexual violence, as well as forced and early marriage, and women and girls from minority groups are increasingly subject to attacks, torture and exploitation. The imposition of dress codes and restrictions on freedom of expression  especially in Houthi-controlled areas  impede women's ability to work and participate in public life, she added.

Yemeni women human-rights defenders and peacebuilders are often subjected to threats of violence, she went on to say, also detailing the consistently documented arbitrary detention, physical torture, rape and forced confessions of women and girls  particularly in Houthi prisons  with some detainees as young as 14 years old. Local women's organizations have also documented brutal forms of sexual violence, such as mutilation and forced abortion. "Today, I am here to convey not only the gravity of these violations, but also the profound disappointment felt by the majority of Yemenis regarding the tepid international response to these developments," she stressed.

She also expressed concern that, for the first time in 24 years, there are no women holding Government positions in the country. All UN-led negotiations must include women and other groups in decision-making processes, including mediation and ceasefire efforts, she stressed, also urging those present to "reject general immunities or selective justice".

When the floor opened, the representative of the United States was among the many speakers who highlighted the plight of those detained by the Houthis, including 11 diplomatic staff from his country. Condemning the release of "so-called confession videos" extracted from the detainees, he stressed that "the Houthis have made clear they care only about themselves". Their maritime attacks threaten peace and navigational freedoms, and they are willing to destroy Yemen's fishing industry and regional ecosystems. And, they not only struck the Sounion, but also set off secondary explosions, posted the videos online and threatened salvage crews. "It is troubling that some Council members remain silent in the face of such obvious threats to shared global interests," he said, adding that the organ must condemn such escalations and hold Iran responsible for arming the Houthis.

"We are appalled," said Japan's delegate, that the Sounion  a tanker carrying more than 1 million barrels of crude oil  caught fire and was abandoned after multiple Houthi strikes. While there reportedly is no imminent risk of an oil spill, she demanded that the Houthis immediately stop attacks, threatening maritime security and release the 25 crew members of the Galaxy Leader who have been held for nearly 10 months. Japan's Foreign Minister recently called her Iranian counterpart to urge Tehran to exercise its influence over the Houthis, she added.

Similarly, the United Kingdom's delegate said that the recent attack on the Sounion is a clear example of the Houthis' disregard for the catastrophic environmental and economic consequences of their actions. Calling for the immediate cessation of arms supplies to the Houthis, he said the continued provision of advanced weapons shows complete disregard for the UN arms embargo. The representative of France, stressing that States have the right to defend their vessels against Houthi attacks in accordance with international law, reaffirmed Paris' commitment to Operation Aspides  the European Union's defence and security operation in the Red Sea. Pointing to the urgent humanitarian response required to counter the cholera outbreak and food insecurity caused by flooding, he noted that "Yemenis are the main victims of the restrictions that the Houthis have imposed on humanitarian operations".

Other speakers also underlined the importance of unhindered humanitarian support for the Yemeni people. Ecuador's delegate underscored that humanitarian agencies must be able to carry out their work, as more than 18 million people are suffering from food insecurity and malnutrition, exacerbated by a cholera outbreak and the impact of heavy rains and floods. Humanitarian workers should not, under any circumstances, be subjected to attack, detention or imprisonment while performing their duties, he stressed. "Humanitarian aid must not be exploited," the representative of Switzerland underscored, adding that the efforts of the UN and other humanitarian actors  who are simply trying to get aid to people in need and to protect human rights  must be facilitated, not hindered.

Additionally, some Council members spotlighted the dire conditions faced by Yemeni women and girls, stressing that any way forward must include their voices and perspectives. The representative of Malta expressed concern that the mahram requirement continues to impede Yemeni women's ability to work, travel and access health care. Slovenia's delegate, emphasizing that Yemeni women have long shaped peacebuilding and conflict resolution in their country, stressed the need to uphold the 30 per cent quota for women's participation  as agreed upon by Yemeni parties at the National Dialogue Conference. "All Yemenis should be part of designing a peace which delivers for all people," he stressed.

The representative of Yemen also addressed the Council, blaming the Houthi militias  supported by Iran  for obstructing peace efforts and causing significant humanitarian suffering. He urged the international community to enforce UN resolutions and pressure the Houthis to engage in peace talks. "We will not give up, and we are still committed to the choice of peace," he pledged. Additionally, he detailed Yemen's economic challenges, including the suspension of oil exports and the impact of climate-related disasters. "We remind the international community and the United Nations of the tragedy our people are living in the region," he said, calling for increased humanitarian and developmental support for his country.

The representative of Sierra Leone, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Mozambique, also urged increased financial and logistical support for aid efforts in Yemen, noting that continued instability has drastically shrunk economic activity and severely impeded the flow of essential goods and services. He, too, expressed concern over Houthi actions that continue to jeopardize the maritime ecosystem in the Red Sea. "The escalating attacks on oil tankers, some of which are set ablaze and have been sunk, pose significant economic, security and environmental threats to Yemen and the wider region," he said, spotlighting the risk posed by the attack on the oil tanker Sounion.

Building on that, the representative of the Republic of Korea warned that instability in Yemen is impacting the overall crisis in the region, calling on neighbouring countries to play a more active role in working towards lasting peace in the country. China's delegate said that the tension in the Red Sea is "a manifestation of the spillover of the Gaza conflict". While 11 months have passed since that conflict began, no hope for peace has emerged. "The negative impacts of the conflict are fuelling regional turmoil," he stressed, calling for the implementation of all relevant Council resolutions and an immediate, durable ceasefire in Gaza.

The representative of the Russian Federation, for his part, pointed to the double standards of some Council members who are "so emphatically" demanding that the Houthis release detainees while "shamefully" overlooking Israel's detention of UN personnel in Gaza and the West Bank. Nevertheless, he said that the detention of such personnel in Yemen is unacceptable. He also condemned Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, as well as the Western coalition's strikes on Yemen's soil, which he called "a gross violation of its sovereignty". Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation is "shattering all prior grim records", he noted. Yet, the UN humanitarian plan for Yemen is only 29 per cent funded. "This situation critically requires the merger and the pooling of the efforts of the international community as a whole," he stressed.

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Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff counterpart visit with Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief of Air Force

Published Sept. 12, 2024

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin hosted Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief of Air Force Gen. Tan Sri Dato' Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan for an official counterpart visit Sept. 10 to strengthen the longstanding bilateral defense relationship and discuss opportunities for further cooperation.

As part of the visit, Asghar Khan received a full honors arrival at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, attended both an office call and staff talks with Allvin at the Pentagon, and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

During the office call, Allvin and Asghar Khan exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific security environment and stressed the importance of mutual understanding and respect to ensure a secure and prosperous region. The leaders also discussed the RMAF's modernization efforts, exploring potential areas for cooperation and agreeing on the crucial role of airpower in safeguarding national sovereignty. Allvin conveyed the U.S. Air Force's appreciation for hosting Malaysian personnel at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, and other formal training courses. Allvin further expressed how he was looking forward to future opportunities to strengthen bilateral interoperability, security cooperation and combined readiness, including at the next iteration of exercise Cope Taufan.

The office call was followed by staff talks to discuss a range of topics. Subjects included the RMAF's partnership with the Washington Air National Guard through the State Partnership Program, maritime domain awareness, international and interagency cooperative models, and command and control concepts.

In addition to his engagements in the National Capital Region, Asghar Khan traveled to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, where he met with Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, and attended a series of briefings and meetings regarding ACC capabilities.

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Navy Announces Commissioning Date for the Future USS Nantucket (LCS 27)

US Navy

12 September 2024

From Karli Yeager

The U.S. Navy will commission the future USS Nantucket (LCS 27), November 16, 2024, at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston..

The U.S. Navy will commission the future USS Nantucket (LCS 27), a Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, November 16, 2024, at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts.

The naming of LCS 27 honors the rich heritage of the people of Nantucket and the maritime legacy that the island represents.

As the sponsor of LCS 27, Polly Spencer, the wife of the 76th Secretary of the Navy, will lead the time-honored Navy tradition of giving the order during the ceremony to "man our ship and bring her to life!" At that moment, the crew hoists the commissioning pennant, and Nantucket becomes a proud ship of the fleet.

Nantucket will be the 14th Freedom-variant littoral combat ship and the fourth ship to bear the name.

Following its commissioning, Nantucket will depart Boston for its homeport assignment of Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida.

Nantucket is a fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCSs like Nantucket will integrate with joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

The mission of CNSP is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.

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USS Manchester (LCS 14) Returns to San Diego Homeport

US Navy

12 September 2024

From Lt. Brinn Hefron

USS Manchester (LCS 14) returns to homeport at Naval Base San Diego.

SAN DIEGO -- The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14) arrived at its San Diego homeport Sept. 11, following an 18-month deployment.

"We are extremely proud of the accomplishments made by the USS Manchester crews throughout their 18 months of deployed operations," said Capt. Douglas Meagher, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. "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."

While deployed, Manchester participated in several multi-national exercises including Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2023, Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) 2023, Pacific Griffin 2023, and Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia.

"I am excited to see the LCS community involved in all aspects of multinational training and exercises. Ships like Manchester demonstrate the LCS value to Fleet Commanders, made possible by the men and women onboard," said Cmdr. Matthew Farrell, commanding officer of the Manchester Gold crew. "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."

Manchester participated in MNEK off the coast of Indonesia in June 2023. The exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief rather than operational warfighting.

In July 2023, Manchester embarked Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 and a U.S. Coast Guard tactical law enforcement team to support OMSI 2023. The Coast Guard tactical law enforcement team is a specialized force that carries out maritime interdiction, security, and counter-narcotics operations. OMSI is a Secretary of Defense program that leverages Department of Defense assets transiting the region to improve maritime security and maritime domain awareness, ultimately supporting regional stability and partnerships in Oceania.

Manchester transited the Philippine Sea during Exercise Pacific Griffin 2023, June 2023, alongside Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) and Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14), as well as Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class stealth frigate RSS Tenacious (FFC 71) and Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Dauntless (LMV 21). Pacific Griffin is a maritime exercise between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore conducted in waters near Guam. During the two weeks of dynamic training evolutions ashore and at sea, the two navies enhanced combined maritime proficiency and strengthened relationships.

"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 Farrell.

In August 2023, Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians assigned to EOD Mobile Unit 5 conducted an anti-terrorism force protection inspection training dive underneath Manchester.

As part of MTA Malaysia 2023, Manchester conducted complex at-sea training such as surface warfare, live-fire gunnery exercises, flight operations and advanced ship-handling tactics with the Royal Malaysian Navy. The MTA strengthens bilateral ties between the United States and Malaysia and allows the two countries to work together with a goal of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

While in port, Manchester Sailors fostered strong relationships with host nations. 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.

During deployment, Manchester conducted port visits to six partner and allied nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

Manchester repeatedly demonstrated resilience and LCS sustainability by consistently maintaining extended operations at sea. During deployment, Manchester spent 32 continuous days underway supporting theater priority operations.

Manchester is a fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCSs like Manchester integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

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SECNAV Del Toro Hosts Foreign Area Officer Summit at U.S. Naval Academy

US Navy - Press Release

12 September 2024

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (Sept. 12, 2024) - Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro hosted the first-ever Department of the Navy Foreign Area Officers Summit at the U.S. Naval Academy's Mahan Hall, Sept. 12, 2024.

The summit provided the secretary with an opportunity to interact with FAOs stationed all over the world, in addition to academy midshipmen, allowing him to share his priorities concerning global engagement, strategic competition, and interoperability with Allies and partners.

Secretary Del Toro was introduced by Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy for Policy Ms. Anne Gebhards, and National Security Council Spokesperson Mr. John Kirby later provided keynote remarks. Summit panelists included Lt. Gen. Joseph "JP" McGee, Adm. Stuart Munsch, and Lt. Gen. James Bierman.

The Navy Foreign Area Officer (FAO) community is a stand-alone restricted line community offering world-wide assignment opportunities to qualified naval officers.

"[FAOs] are in many ways the eyes and ears of the Navy and Marine Corps team," said Del Toro. "It is my belief that FAOs operate at the front lines of the implementation of our National Defense Strategy, which is right where we need you."

Naval officers selected for FAO are assigned a region of specialization, provided language and graduate education on an as-required basis, and detailed to FAO-coded billets in accordance with the Navy FAO career path.

"Together, we have emerged from the nascent phase of Department of the Navy FAOs, where we viewed FAOs as highly specialized and trained military diplomatsofficers with language and cultural understand who could navigate the interagency environment and manage security cooperation programs or attache duties," said Del Toro.

FAOs duties include living and adapting to many different foreign countriessome austere and even dangerous, sometimes away from extended family members.

"In every corner of the world where the United States fights to uphold the rule of law and promote prosperity for all, we do it alongside our allies and partners," said Del Toro. "And so, now, more than ever, it is imperative that we have the expertise of you, our FAOs, to shape the battlefield, deter conflict, de-escalate tensions, and, if necessary, prevail in conflict."

Navy FAOs maintain a broad range of military skills and experiences: knowledge of political-military affairs; familiarity with the political, cultural, social, economic, and geographic factors of the countries and regions in which they are stationed; and proficiency in one or more of the dominant languages in their regions of expertise.

Navy FAOs can expect to serve on staffs of Fleets, Combatant Commands, Defense Agencies, and DoD military-diplomatic offices at U.S. Embassies. They provide expertise in planning and executing operations, provide liaison with foreign militaries operating in coalitions with U.S. forces, conduct political-military activities, and execute military-diplomatic missions.

-30-

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VOA interview: House committee chairman speaks on Afghan withdrawal report

By Saba Shah Khan September 12, 2024

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.

"We're 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: That's 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 isn't 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: It's 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 didn't 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.

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VOA interview: House committee chairman speaks on Afghan withdrawal report

By VOA News September 12, 2024

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, WHO's 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 Israel's 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. Israel's 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 Eygi's 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. Israel's 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.

Some material in this report came from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.

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Warships in South China Sea signal Germany's willingness to counter China's threats

By Christy Lee September 12, 2024

Two German naval vessels are en route from South Korea to the Philippines through the South China Sea in what analysts describe as a show of Berlin's resolve to confront Chinese threats that now extend as far as Europe.

Two ships left the South Korean port city of Incheon on Tuesday bound for Manila, said the South Korean navy. They are expected to pass through the Taiwan Strait, according to Reuters, but it is uncertain when that transit will take place.

The navigation across the South China Sea would be the first such passage by German warships since the destroyer Bayern was deployed to the region from August 2021 to February 2022 in an exercise in defense of the freedom of navigation.

That time, the Bayern sailed from South Korea to Singapore but did not pass through the highly sensitive Taiwan Strait.

Rare passage

If a transit is made through the strait this time, it will be the first time that German warships have done so in 22 years.

China claims sovereignty over the self-ruled island of Taiwan and, while most countries regard the 177-kilometer-wide strait that separates it from the mainland to be international waters, Beijing opposes transits by military craft from other countries. The U.S. and other countries such as Canada have sent warships through the strait to exercise their rights under international law.

The navigation across the region is part of the Indo-Pacific Deployment (IPD) 2024, a set of multinational naval exercises and international operations that began in May and will last until December.

The German Navy called IPD "the most important" security operation this year in light of Russia's war in Ukraine, which has forced Berlin to reprioritize its defense strategies.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, speaking in Belgium on Tuesday, expressed "strong concerns" about "increasing military support" that China, North Korea and Iran provide to support "Russia's war of aggression" against Ukraine.

Daniel Kochis, a senior fellow at Hudson Institute's Center on Europe and Eurasia, said the significance of the transit "should not be understated" because it would demonstrate "German resolve in defense of freedom of navigation and Chinese threats against Taiwan."

"China's role in supporting the Russian war effort has helped crystallize an understanding in Europe that you cannot divorce transatlantic security from that of the Indo-Pacific," Kochis said.

Increasing role

Berlin has stepped up its security role in the Indo-Pacific since a NATO summit held in July in Washington, where NATO countries and their Indo-Pacific partners of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea agreed to boost cooperation.

Shortly after the summit, Germany joined the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force in conducting joint aerial drills around Chitose Air Base on the Japanese main island of Hokkaido.

From June to August, the German air forces participated in Pacific Skies 24 aerial drills alongside other European countries and Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. During the same period, the German navy took part in biannual multinational drills dubbed RIMPAC at the invitation of the U.S. Navy.

In August, it joined the U.S.-led U.N. Command in South Korea, becoming the 18th country to support the international body charged with defending against North Korean aggression if a war breaks out.

After the German frigate Baden-Wurttemberg and the replenish ship Frankfurt am Main arrived in South Korea last week, the frigate held naval drills with South Korean forces and participated in a maritime operation to monitor U.N. sanctions against North Korea, said the South Korean navy.

"Germany's reported decision to have two naval vessels pass through the Taiwan Strait would be a more assertive action than the 2021 deployment, in that it counters China's claim of special jurisdiction over the 110-mile-wide waterway under its 'one China' policy," said Stephen Flanagan, who served as senior director for defense policy and strategy at the National Security Council from 2013 to 2015.

"Germany, and most other countries, hold that 'innocent passages' of naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait are allowed, without notice, under the principles of international maritime law, including the U.N. Convention on Law of Seas, so long as they are 'not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of other states,' " he continued.

However, Germany's and other European countries' deployment to the Indo-Pacific "would place further strain on their armed forces" as they are "struggling to meet their NATO commitment for defense of the Euro-Atlantic region," said Flanagan, an adjunct senior fellow at RAND Corporation.

Beijing's protest

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday that "we firmly oppose any act of provocation under the pretext of freedom of navigation by relevant countries that harm China's sovereignty and security."

She continued, "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."

Ning added, "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory."

The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry pushed back against Beijing's remarks.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson told VOA on Tuesday that "the Taiwan Strait is internationally recognized as international waters, where ships from any country can freely navigate and pass through as evidenced by numerous past cases."

The spokesperson continued, "Taiwan's consistent stance is that it respects and welcomes the exercise of the freedom of navigation rights of all countries in international waters."

Philip Shetler-Jones, senior research fellow of Indo-Pacific security at the Royal United Services Institute, said, "There is no basis in the international law for Beijing's protest against the free passage of ships through the Taiwan Strait."

He continued, "Claims that the strait is an internal waterway are part of the [Chinese] Communist Party's information campaign to convince the outside the world that Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China, which is not the case," he said.

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Exclusive interview: US boosts diplomacy, security support in Somalia

By Mohamed Olad Hassan September 12, 2024

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. Turkey's 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 Ethiopia's refusal to annul the MoU with Somaliland, which is Somalia's 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 Somalia's security

Riley said the U.S. is Somalia's 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 over $1 million 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.

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US commander: Support for Somalia in the works as country readies for withdrawal of AU mission

By Mariama Diallo September 12, 2024

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, he's 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. "I'll just use some of their narratives. They have a young army, it's 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 they're 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 D'Ivoire, 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.

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US sanctions 16 Maduro allies over disputed presidential election

By Celia Mendoza September 12, 2024

The United States announced on Thursday its latest set of sanctions against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The U.S. move comes more than a month after the disputed July 28 presidential election in Venezuela and days after the exit of the opposition candidate, 75-year-old Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who was seeking asylum in Spain.

According to a Biden administration senior official who briefed reporters, the Treasury Department sanctioned 16 Maduro-affiliated officials, including leaders of the National Electoral Council (Electoral Council Director Rosalba Gil) and the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supreme Court President Caryslia Rodriguez). The U.S. says the tribunal impeded a transparent electoral process and the release of accurate election results.

The senior official said the officials are accused of committing human rights abuses and that military and intelligence individuals have also been sanctioned for their role in post-election repression.

The government of Maduro responded in a statement, saying, "the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela rejects, in the strongest terms, the new crime of aggression committed by the government of the United States of America against Venezuela by imposing unilateral coercive measures," adding that the decision by the U.S. breaks and violates the agreements signed in Qatar and seeks to impose "regime change" policies on the entire country.

The senior official described the U.S. actions as an important step "to hold Nicolas Maduro and his representatives accountable for conducting electoral fraud, falsifying election results and intensifying repression against the Venezuelan people," adding that the purpose of these actions is to silence the will of the Venezuelans and to "illegitimately extend Maduro rule."

John Kirby, White House national security communications adviser, said this week, "Mr. Maduro needs to heed the call of the international community  and, quite frankly, the Venezuelan people  and release the data so that the whole world can see what the Venezuelan people  who they voted for and that their democratic aspirations are met."

The senior U.S. official noted that overall, the U.S. has sanctioned more than 140 Venezuelan individuals and 100 Venezuelan entities. He provided an example of the regular action taken by the Biden administration against "Maduro and his cronies," when on September 2 U.S. law enforcement officials seized an aircraft in the Dominican Republic that had been illegally acquired by Maduro.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during his visit to the Dominican Republic, "with regard to the plane seizures, we've been very clear. We'll implement our sanctions, and if we find violations of them, we will act. That's what we did, and that's what we'll continue to do."

"Cumulatively, the U.S. government has imposed visa restrictions on nearly 2,000 Venezuelan individuals for their role in ... undermining democracy, significant corruption and human rights violations," said the senior U.S official.

But questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the measures as Maduro has stayed the course, and according to U.N. human rights officials, has doubled down on his efforts to jail political opposition members or those who have expressed dissent.

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.

The senior official indicated "they're constantly monitoring very closely the political and economic developments in Venezuela and are committed to calibrating our sanctions policy appropriately in response both to events on the ground as well as broader U.S. national interests."

The discussions about Venezuela are likely to be part of the U.N. General Assembly in New York at the end of September, according to an administration official who also praised the work of Panama in relation to the post-election response.

The foreign minister of Panama, Javier Martinez-Acha, read a statement Thursday on behalf of 43 nations, saying, "in light of the ruling by Venezuela's Supreme Court, we urge the CNE [National Electoral Council] to immediately publish the presidential election voting results from all polling stations and allow for the impartial verification of results by independent observers to promote credibility, legitimacy and transparent electoral process."

Experts from the United Nations and the Carter Center, which at the invitation of Maduro's government observed the election, determined the results announced by electoral authorities lacked credibility.

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Six months on, key measures languish in Pacific Islands pact with US

By Jessica Stone September 12, 2024

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, Washington's 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, Palau's 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 Beijing's 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 can't have these types of questions be raised."

Greg Brown, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said, "This doesn't look good. Now, it's 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 China's official name, the People's 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 there's 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. We're 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 don't have that much time. Veterans need this help," said Representative Ed Case, a Democrat from Hawaii.

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Statement by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the 2024 Quad Leaders Summit

September 12, 2024

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday, September 21. 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.

This will be President Biden's 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. 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.

###

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On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby

September 12, 2024

Via Teleconference

10:08 A.M. EDT

MODERATOR: Hey, everyone. Thanks for joining. Kirby has a few words here at the top, and then we'll get through as many questions as we can. Thanks.

MR. KIRBY: Good morning, everybody.

As you all know, the Biden administration has repeatedly warned of the deepening security partnership between Russia and Iran since the outset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

One specific threat we have consistently exposed and warned about is the potential transfer of Iranian missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. Secretary Blinken mentioned this morning. Here's the current state of play. I just want to rehash it for you:

As has been reported recently, dozens of Russian military personnel have been trained in Iran to use the Fateh 360 close-range ballistic missile system. Russia has received these shipments of Iranian Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles and will probably employ them within weeks against Ukraine, which will, of course, lead to the deaths of even more Ukrainian civilians, particularly because of the way they use ballistic missiles against civilian infrastructure.

Moscow possesses an array of its own ballistic missiles, of course, but the supply of these Iranian missiles, which have a maximum range of about 75 miles, could allow Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets beyond the front line, while employing Iranian warheads for closer-range targets. This is obviously deeply concerning, and it certainly speaks to the manner in which this partnership threatens European security and how it illustrates Iran's destabilizing influence now reaches well beyond the Middle East.

Russia's support for Iran is destabilizing as well, as Moscow is sharing technology that Iran needs, including on nuclear issues. And, of course, we know that Russia also shares some space information with Iran. And we've been working with our allies to ensure that there is a significant consequence to this action.

Later today, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany will announce their intent to suspend certain lucrative commercial ties with Iran and their state-owned business. We will supplement their rea-  I'm sorry  we will supplement their action with our own sanctions that the Department of Treasury and the Department of State will be announcing later this morning, including additional measures against Iran Air. And we expect allies and partners will be announcing their own measures against Iran as well.

But this is a clear message from the E3 and the United States that if Iran continues to support the war in Ukraine, there will be significant economic costs.

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.

With that, I can take some questions.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our first question will go to Trevor with Reuters.

Q Hey, thanks for doing this. Could you talk a little bit more about possible targets for sanctions, and, you know, also this kind of idea about threats to European security? You know, there's obviously Ukraine, but broader than that, what do you see as kind of the risks to Europe right now?

MR. KIRBY: Look, these are close-range ballistic missiles, again, with a range of about 75 miles, so they don't have a huge range. And we fully expect that Putin will use them, again, inside Ukraine. But we've also seen  I got asked about it yesterday, you know  drone and missile fragments falling outside of Ukraine. And you just never know in terms of the potential for miscalculations, for poor accuracy, for the effect on outside of Ukraine. So that's a concern.

But the larger concern  and I tried to hint at this in the opening comments  is that both Iran and Russia get better because of this partnership. They share technology. They share tactics and procedures. They share intelligence. They share geostrategic ways to better cooperate.

And when you have two destabilizing actors like this getting closer and reinforcing one another in terms of their  what they believe they need to do militarily, that does increase the level of danger. Russia will get  has already benefited from the provision of drones by Iran. They'll benefit more from this ballistic missile technology. And I think we can all agree, or at least I think we all should agree, that a Russian military that has more capability available to it, to kill innocent Ukrainians, is unsafe for all of us, certainly for our European partners.

And the same is true in the Middle East, Trevor, when you have Iran, that already has a growing and increasingly effective ballistic missile capability, is now available to  they can avail themselves of Russian technology to improve their capabilities. That, too, is dangerous in the Middle East.

So it's dangerous on both ends of this, not just to Europe, but to the Middle East. And that's why we're issuing the sanctions that we're issuing today.

As for additional details, I'd have to refer you to the Treasury Department on that. I don't have anything more outside of the announcement of the sanctions to speak to today.

I would also say  and, obviously, you know we don't pre-announce anything in the future  but we'll continue to monitor this. And if we feel additional actions, including additional sanctions, are warranted, well, you know, we'll take action in that regard as well.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Aamer with the AP.

Q Hi. Thank you both. How many short-range ballistic missiles did Iran transfer? And why did Iran move forward with it now? As you pointed out, you guys have been warning about this and concerned about this for months and months now.

And then, separately, does the administration want to see an independent investigation into the death of the young U.S. Turkish citizen in the West Bank?

And then finally, I just wanted to ask if you had any reaction to that House Republican report on the Afghanistan withdrawal, particularly the suggestion that the White House and NSC was resistant to taking input from agencies and outside. Thanks.

MR. KIRBY: Hey. There's a lot there. I don't have the number of missiles for you, Aamer. I really don't have information to go beyond the downgraded intelligence that Secretary Blinken announced this morning. But we know these missiles have been delivered. But that's really as far as I'm going to be able to go right now.

On the death of Ms. Eygi: You've heard us talk about this. You certainly, I hope, heard Secretary Blinken's comments in London earlier today. We continue to mourn and grieve with the Eygi family about what happened here. And we note that the Israeli Defense Forces have completed their preliminary investigation in which they found they were at fault. And we also note that they have called for now a criminal investigation to pick up where they left off and move forward.

So we're going to be watching that very, very closely. We know that's an unusual step for the IDF. That's not something that they do typically. So, again, it's noteworthy. We'll continue to watch where it goes and stay in touch with Israeli leaders as that moves forward, because obviously this is just a tragic, tragic outcome, and as Secretary Blinken said, it should not occur for an innocent bystander to be killed in a protest.

So, again, very, very deeply concerning to us, and we'll be watching this investigation very closely.

I don't have anything beyond that to speak to in terms of whether there should be something independent. I think we're going to want to see where it goes now in terms of the criminal investigation and what they find, and if and how anyone is held accountable, before we move beyond that.

Q On Iran  why now? After months of worrying that this could happen, why do you believe it happened now? Why did they make the decision to move forward?

MR. KIRBY: I wish I could get inside the head of the Supreme Leader here and figure out why he's doing what he's doing. I can't do that. All I can tell you is that this is something that we had warned about for months, publicly said we were concerned about the possible tren-  transfer of ballistic missiles and ballistic missile technology and expertise to Russia.

We made that  we downgraded that and put that out in the public, and we've been watching it ever since. And now we have seen, in fact, this deal get consummated, and so we're making that public and doing something about it.

But as for the exact timing, it's difficult for us to know how they executed on this particular timeline. The timeline is  and I'm not at all picking on your question, Aamer. It's a fair  absolutely fair question. But the timeline itself is not the most relevant piece. What's most relevant is that now Russia will have available to it additional ballistic missiles to rain down on the Ukrainian people and Ukrainian infrastructure. And that's exactly how this guy is going to use these things now.

I mean, I'm not saying he's not going to target military units; he might do that. But what he has been known for doing in the past is using ballistic missiles, because they're incredibly fast, to hit civilian targets with obviously little or no notice.

And that's why it's so important for us to continue to do what we have to do to improve Ukrainian air defenses. And you saw in the last drawdown package of $250 million, there was additional air defense in there. Secretary Austin just met with the Contact Group last week in Germany, working hard to get additional air defense, like additional Patriot systems, to Ukraine to help them with this exact threat.

So while we wa-  while we monitored this deal as it formed, we also did and we'll continue to do everything we can to help Ukraine defend against it.

On your last question on the report: I mean, I talked a little bit about the report yesterday, you know. But this idea that the NSC just dictated withdrawal policy and did so without any input from the interagency is just flat-out not true.

From the President on down, the NSC, led by Mr. Sullivan, ran a very robust and thorough policy process. And I can tell you, without question, it reflected the input of all the departments and relevant agencies across the government, including military commanders in Kabul, as well as State Department diplomats in Kabul. They were wrapped up into that process and participated.

In fact, throughout the whole spring and summer of '21, the NSC convened dozens of high-level planning meetings for the withdrawal, including senior leaders, again, from across the government. They coordinated formal rehearsals of the withdrawal and convened tabletop exercises for the interagency  exercises that explored all kinds of different scenarios, including the potential evacuation, not only of diplomats and military personnel, but of civilians.

And of course, there was  there were preps put in place to make sure that we could deal with a rapid deterioration of the security situation. That's why Secretary Austin pre-positioned military assets in the region, nearby, for that very eventuality. That all came out of these tabletop exercises and drills that we conducted in that spring.

In fact, just to foot-stomp it even more, even before the President made his final decision about whether to leave Afghanistan, that planning for those kinds of eventualities began in March, before the President made his decision. And again, it included the top leaders across the government. And that planning included, again, withdrawal planning and an account for a full range of contingencies.

I would add one more point here, if you'll allow me.

Throughout that entire time, the NSC solicited input, again, from key officials across the government and on the ground in Kabul, including military commanders with whom NSC leaders spoke personally multiple times, to ensure that we fully understood their views.

So, again, an awful lot of effort across the interagency and early on. And this idea that it was reckless and rushed and not inclusive of an interagency process is just bogus.

Thanks for the opportunity.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Barak with Axios.

Q Hi. Thank you for this. Kirby, Secretary of State Blinken said again today that the U.S. will present, he said, "in the coming time, very soon," a new bridging proposal for the Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal. And at least what I hear from White House officials is a different message that says there's nothing imminent, that there's no new proposal that is ready to be presented, and it seems that there's some sort of a contradictory message coming out from different parts of the administration.

So, I'm a bit confused, so if you can explain what's going on.

MR. KIRBY: Thanks, Barak. I  it won't surprise you, but I'm going to say exactly today what I've been saying in the last few days: We still have a shoulder to the wheel, and we're still trying to arrive at a proposal  bridging proposal, if you will  that will get this thing to conclusion and get both sides to agree and get us started into phase one. We are still working at that diligently.

Now, we're not doing it in the case of, you know, formal negotiation talks at this point. They ended without effect, of course, but the conversations are continuing.

What's not clear to us, certainly in the wake of the execution of those six hostages, is whether we're going to be able to get there. What's not clear to us is whether Hamas will ever be able to come to the table in sincerity and sign on to something. And so, that's the complicating factor here. It doesn't mean that the work is not continuing. It is. Secretary Blinken is right; we're still working on this.

But I just have to say: All that work has been made much more difficult by the events of last weekend and  or the weekend prior to last weekend.

Q But do you agree with what he said, that "in the coming time, very soon," you will present a proposal? Because he said it also last Thursday, I think, or last Friday. And CIA Director Burns said the same thing on Saturday. But, again, it seems that the White House is in a different place. So are you or aren't you planning to present something in the next few days?

MR. KIRBY: (Inaudible)  give you a prediction of the day it's going to happen or what it's going to look like. I can tell you that we're still committed to trying to put something forward.

If I could, before you go to the next question  on Trevor's question about sanctions, I did get some additional information. I just wanted to pass on that in addition to the Iran Air actions that I did mention we and our allies are taking  that those actions were taken  we're going to be designating individuals and entities in Iran and Russia that are involved in the actual delivery of weapons components and weapons systems, including UAVs and, again, these close-range ballistic missiles.

So I apologize for my incomplete answer to Trevor, but I wanted to go ahead and flesh that out.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Alex with CNN.

Q Thanks, guys. John, just following up a little bit on Barak and what you said yesterday in terms of Hamas changing the terms of the deal: Is that  did they do it implicitly because, of the six hostages, there were three of whom were going to come out in the first phase and, therefore, the deal necessarily changes? Or did you actually get new terms, new demands, like more prisoners from Hamas, in the wake of the execution of those six prisoners? How did it change?

MR. KIRBY: My understanding is it was new demands.

Q They wanted additional Palestinian prisoners?

MR. KIRBY: I'm just going to go as far as saying it was new demands put forward by Hamas.

Q So after the six were executed, you then received new terms to be put into a new agreement?

MR. KIRBY: That is correct.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Kellie with NewsNation.

Q Hey, John. Thanks for taking my question. I just have two here. The first one: Just wanted to ask you about these claims that some Republicans are repeating, including Vance this morning, that Haitian migrants are eating cats and ducks in Ohio. Officials are saying there's no evidence. Just how dangerous are these kind of comments?

MR. KIRBY: Well, yeah, as you rightly said, the Springfield Police Department actually did, in fact, push back on this absolute nonsense to say it's not happening.

And what's deeply concerning to us is you've got now elected officials in the Republican Party pushing, you know, yet another conspiracy theory that's just seeking to divide people based on lies and, let's be honest, based on an element of racism.

I think all Americans should expect more and better from the people that they're electing to represent them. And I think what we need to have is, instead of complete BS being pushed out there, is a more meaningful discussion about how we can develop legal pathways for people to come into this country and fair opportunities for them if they come in legally. And that's what we're focused on.

It's dangerous. This kind of language  this kind of disinformation is dangerous because there will be people that believe it no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is, 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.

Q Thank you. And then, just really quickly, if I could ask you: Just  you know, with the debate happening tonight, we're moving towards the election, can you speak to if and how preparations are being made for  within the NSC for a transition?

MR. KIRBY: You know, look, I'm not going to get into discussions about the politics of it, but, clearly, we all know that no matter how the American people vote in November, there's going to be a transition to a new administration here come January. And so, as you would expect, it's a little early, but it's actually not that early for us to begin to start thinking through what that transition looks like and developing plans and preparations so that the next administration, whoever that might be, has available to it the information, the context, the history of the decisions that we've made, why we've made them, how we've made them, and that they can avail themselves of all that information and corporate knowledge as they come in.

So those plans are  I'm sorry  those preparations are in swing, as you would expect them to be. We've got a lot of work ahead of us, obviously, and still some time to do that, to have all those preparations complete.

At the same time, we're laser-focused on continuing to execute on the national security interests, prerogatives, and priorities of this administration. And you will continue to see us do that every day, all the way up until the 20th of January, and you will continue to see the President, as Commander-in-Chief, lead those efforts.

And so, I expect you'll also see quite a bit of activity on advancing our national security interests in this administration over the next four months as well.

Q Are you preparing for the possibility of the other, potentially, one candidate not accepting the results? And then, you know, how do you  and not accepting that this is  you know, that the security  you know, just how they're going to go forward with the national security if one person doesn't accept?

MR. KIRBY: I'm not going to get into hypotheticals, and that wouldn't be a place for the NSC to comment anyway, one way or the other.

Look, there's an election coming up in November. Somebody is going to win, and that person is going to be the head of the new administration. And we, here at the National Security Council, take seriously our obligations to make sure that whoever that is and whoever their team is, that they  when they fall in, they fall in on as much context and information that we can provide them to make their decision-making easier. That's what we're focused on.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Lara with the Wall Street Journal.

Q Hello. Can you hear me?

MODERATOR: We can. Yep.

Q Great. I have two questions. One on Ukraine. With Secretary Blinken in Kyiv this week, are there any new efforts by the administration to encourage Ukraine to the negotiating table? Is now the time for negotiations with Putin?

And then secondly, on Afghanistan  and, Kirby, I know you were at the Pentagon during that time, I believe  how involved was the Vice President in the Afghanistan withdrawal discussions? Can you talk a little bit about her role there? Thank you.

MR. KIRBY: So on your first question, Lara, Secretary Blinken is looking forward to getting into Kyiv to get an update from President Zelenskyy and his team about what's going on on the battlefield; to certainly talk to them about the kinds of capabilities they're going to need for battlefield success in the coming weeks and months as winter approaches; to reaffirm America's support for their efforts to defend themselves and to claim back and claw back territory that the Russians have taken, particularly in the northeast part of the country. And I think, as you would expect, he'll also talk to them about moving President Zelenskyy's just peace proposal forward and doing what we can to support that.

He will make it clear, as we have been consistently saying, that it's going to be up to President Zelenskyy, if and when he wants to negotiate an end to this war. Certainly, a negotiated end is the most likely outcome here. But when that happens, and under what conditions and circumstances, that's going to be up to President Zelenskyy. And the point that Secretary Blinken will make is that we're going to do everything we can to make sure that he, if and when he's ready to make that decision, that he does so from the best possible position.

And so, that's what this trip is really about. It's not an arm twisting. It's about learning, it's about listening, and it's about making sure that the Ukrainians know that we're going to continue to do what we can to support them and, again, put them in the best possible position to negotiate if and when they're ready.

On your second question: As the Vice President, she was involved in participating in all  and still does  in all major foreign policy decisions of the administration, and that includes the decision to leave Afghanistan, and interagency discussions that I just was talking about earlier on the withdrawal and the execution. She's the Vice President of the United States, so she was absolutely a participant in all those discussions. So, I'd leave it there.

Q Just on  just a follow-up on Ukraine. Is Secretary Blinken expecting to be briefed on this victory plan that we've heard about? And do you or any other NSC officials have any details about it?

MR. KIRBY: You'd have to talk to Ukrainians about what they want to bring up with Secretary Blinken specifically. That's going to be up to them if they have a, quote, unquote, "victory plan" that they want to talk to them about. I don't know for sure whether that itself will come up.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Gabe with NBC.

Gabe, you're on mute. You're unmuting yourself and then muting yourself. You're on mute. Now you're on mute.

Okay, we're going to  we're going to move on and try back to you later.

We're going to now go to Asma with NPR.

Q Hey. Thanks for doing this. I have two quick questions. One is on the sanctions around Iranian Air. John, can you spell out what that means? I'm a little confused, because my understanding is the U.S. doesn't have flights to Iran. Are you talking about coordination of flights being stopped to European cities? If you could just spell that out.

And then, secondly, on the young woman who was killed in the West Bank, can you also clarify for me why  I know you said that, at this point, there's not plans for a U.S. or independent investigation. Can you help us understand why you do not believe that that is necessary?

MR. KIRBY: Yeah, so let me take your second one first.

What I said was we're going to watch and see what their now criminal investigation says before we make any determinations one way or another. So, I think we believe that it's noteworthy that they've moved now from a purely military investigation to a criminal investigation. And we believe it's prudent to let that investigation run its course and see where it goes before we make any follow-on decisions.

I didn't say absolutely no call for an independent investigation. It's just that we don't believe that there's a need to call for that at this moment. We want to see how this criminal investigation goes forward.

And on the Iran Air, and I'm sorry if I wasn't more clear about that, but this is basically about the UK and E3 partners canceling bilateral arrangements with Iran and those  canceling those bilateral arrangements, which will restrict Iran Air and their services into the UK and into Europe. So it's about restricting their movement into (inaudible).

Q So, flights. So, commercial flights, (inaudible).

MR. KIRBY: And we are sanctioning them as well.

Q Got it. Okay. So  sorry, commercial flights would be stopped, you're saying, between  on this airline  between some European cities and Iran. Is that what you're saying?

MR. KIRBY: That is my understanding, yes.

Q Okay. And when you say that the U.S. is also sanctioning, what does that mean?

MR. KIRBY: It's  you know, I'd have to refer you to the Treasury Department for more specifics. But we are sanctioning Iran Air as well.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Rafael with La Nacion.

Q Thank you very much for taking my question. John, you said yesterday at the briefing, when asked about Venezuela, that you are constantly looking at options going forward, depending on the decisions that Maduro makes. Does this mean that you're holding back on any new sanctions, waiting to see if there's a new move by the Maduro regime? Are there any  are you waiting to see the results of the negotiations between regional governments and the Maduro regime?

MR. KIRBY: What we're waiting to see is whether Mr. Maduro is going to do the right thing and release the election data to the public so that the Venezuelan people can see the degree to which their will was actually met. That's what we're waiting to see. But  and we want to see it now.

What I'm  I'm not  this isn't about holding anything back. We actually have issued sanctions on the Maduro government, and we won't be bashful about doing it in the future if we feel we need to do it. But what needs to happen right now is Mr. Maduro needs to do the right thing, stop intimidating and falsely charging his opponents, and release the election data.

Q What makes you think that there's going to be a change in attitude from the Maduro regime or that, you know, the talks between Maduro and Brazil, Colombia, Mexico are going to yield results, you know, towards a democratic transition?

MR. KIRBY: (Inaudible.) And again, the sanctions that we've issued, and whatever potential sanctions might be coming, will be done in accordance with our national interests, and they'll be appropriately calibrated.

MODERATOR: Thank you. We'll try again to go to Gabe with NBC.

Q Hey, this is Gabe's producer here. Gabe went to the event. I just wanted to see if we could get any confirmation on these reports that the Quad Summit was going to be held in Wilmington this year, and any information on why it would not be in India.

MR. KIRBY: I don't have anything with respect to this  a potential meeting to talk about today. Nothing to announce.

MODERATOR: Thank you. And that is all the time we have today. As always, if we weren't able to get to you, reach out to the distro and we'll try to get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you.

10:41 A.M. EDT

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Closure Of Afghan Embassies In Europe Paves Way For More Taliban Engagement

By Abubakar Siddique and Faiza Ibrahimi September 13, 2024

After the Taliban's de facto government cut ties with a number of diplomatic missions operated abroad by diplomats loyal to the ousted Afghan republic, the British and Norwegian authorities have opted to shut down Afghan embassies on their soil.

Both Oslo and London say their decisions in no way represent official recognition of the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, which no country recognizes due to concerns over a woeful human rights record and other failures to live up to promises it made before seizing power in August 2021.

But experts say the embassy closures are likely to pave the way for more engagement with the Taliban, which controls all of Afghanistan's territory and has increased its hold on power.

Diplomats who served the former Afghan government were left in limbo when the Taliban took control, but remained open for business in some Western states and continued to assist Afghan citizens.

The window on their operations began to close when the Taliban announced in July that it was cutting ties with 14 such missions in Western countries and that it would not accept any consular documents they processed, a critical source of funding to keep them running.

Many of the consular services, such as verification of identity documents or police clearance, offered by the embassies do require a degree of cooperation from the country's government because diplomatic missions might not be able to access all government data.

This month, the British Foreign Office announced that it was shutting down the Afghan Embassy in London, explaining to RFE/RL on September 9 that the decision was made after the "dismissal of its staff by the Taliban."

Norway quickly followed suit, announcing that the Afghan Embassy in Oslo would be shut down on September 12.

Both the British and Norwegian governments have indicated that the move does not amount to a formal recognition of the Taliban's hard-line government. And the embassy buildings, which are Afghanistan's properties, will be eventually handed over to a "recognized" government of Afghanistan.

But Hameed Hakimi, an Afghanistan expert, says the decisions to shut the embassies can be taken as "reality setting in" that the Taliban is "unlikely to be replaced in the immediate future."

And for the Taliban, he says, it creates an opportunity to argue that its rule is being acknowledged, even without formal recognition.

"The Taliban can use this to their advantage in their pursuit of claiming legitimacy with the Afghans and internationally," said Hakimi, an associate fellow at London's Chatham House think tank.

More than a dozen countries, mostly Afghanistan's neighbors, already operate embassies in Kabul, and some have accredited Taliban diplomats. The Taliban government also partially controls diplomatic missions in some countries, and has established working relations with Afghan diplomatic missions in the Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, and the Afghan Consulate in Munich.

The missions operating in Western countries staffed by diplomats appointed by the previous government are the outlier.

Hakimi said that if all those missions are shut down, it "truly signifies the closure of the chapter of the Afghan Islamic Republic."

The Afghan Islamic Republic, as it was formally known, emerged soon after a U.S.-led military alliance toppled the Taliban government in November 2001 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

Nearly two decades later, the internationally recognized Afghan republic collapsed as the Taliban seized power in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The Taliban, meanwhile, recreated its brutal emirate from the 1990s by imposing harsh bans and discriminatory laws that resulted in widespread human rights violations. Afghan women and girls are deprived of education and employment in most sectors and lack fundamental freedoms.

These Taliban policies have so far kept its government from being officially recognized. This absence of recognition has complicated engagement with the Taliban government on important issues, such as humanitarian aid, and made it difficult for the estimated 2 million Afghans living in Western countries to access consular services.

Graeme Smith, a senior Afghanistan analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, says Western governments might be acting on the UN special coordinator's recommendation to facilitate the processing of documentation for Afghans abroad.

In his report endorsed by the UN Security Council in December 2023, Feridun Sinirlioglu, the UN special coordinator for Afghanistan, called for better cooperation between the Taliban regime and the outside world to ensure that Afghans can obtain the paperwork they need to continue with their daily lives.

"Afghans have been suffering in limbo without clarity about where to go when they need identity papers or travel documents," Smith said, describing how Afghans who still do not have travel documents from another country suffer from the lack of consular services.

"The steps we are witnessing now may represent practical efforts by some governments" to remedy the situation, Smith said.

The challenge remains, he said, to ensure that efforts "aimed at pressuring the regime do not sabotage the lives and livelihoods of Afghans."

Many Western capitals are also grappling with the complex issue of what to do with Afghan asylum seekers whose applications were rejected.

Last month, Germany deported 28 Afghan men convicted of crimes in the country to Kabul, with Qatar playing an intermediary role in securing the Taliban's cooperation in accepting the returning Afghans.

Smith said that some countries "are discovering the usefulness" of having a consular presence "connected to the authorities in Kabul" if they need to arrange the return of Afghan migrants.

"But it's unclear if that motivated the recent closures," he said.

Both Britain and Norway have not said anything about whether they will allow the Taliban government to offer consular services in London and Oslo.

The fates of the Afghan Embassy in Berlin and consulate in Bonn are not clear, although the consulate in Munich is likely to remain open because it cooperates with the Taliban government on consular services.

In London, Afghanistan expert Hakimi said the closure could create an "opportunity for the Taliban to lobby with the Western countries" and allow its representatives to at least run counselor services.

These Afghan diplomatic missions can remain closed indefinitely, similar to what happened in the United States, where the Afghan Embassy and two consulates have been closed since March 2002. The Afghan Embassy in Canada offers remote consular services to Afghans living in the United States.

In Norway, Afghans have mixed feelings about their embassy's closure.

Sima Nouri, an Afghan woman living in Oslo, is worried over how her compatriots will now access consular services.

"There is a possibility that the process of forced deportation of Afghan refugees will begin," she told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. "This process, however, must be stopped."

Mina Rafiq, another Afghan woman in Norway, prefers shutting the embassy down to cooperating with the Taliban.

"This might work to the advantage of Afghan asylum seekers," she said, "because the Norwegian government will now have to give them necessary documents."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-london-oslo- taliban-diplomatic-missions/33117510.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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A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that since the beginning of the day, 122 combat encounters have been recorded.

Russian invaders launched a missile strike on the territory of Ukraine with one Iskander-M rocket, 59 air strikes (dropped 81 KAB), also launched 751 kamikaze drones. Along with that, the Russian enemy carried out 3391 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian occupiers throughout the day three unsuccessfully attacked in the area of vovcans ka.

Eight times Russian forces attacked the positions of the Ukrainian military in the Kupiansky direction, in the areas of Synkivka, Kolisnikivka and Lozova. A fight is still ongoing near Stelmahivka.

In the Lyman direction Russian zagarbniki 6 times tried to advance in the areas of Nevsky and Druzelubivka. Defenders of Ukraine firmly hold the defense, causing the enemy significant losses.

In the sivers komu direction, the Russian opponent committed 5 attacks. Main efforts concentrated in the area of Verkhnyokamiansky. Two clashes are still going on here.

In the Kramators komu direction, the Russian occupiers tried to infiltrate Ukrainian defense in the area of the Chasovoye Yar and the settlement of Stupochka. The situation is under the control of Ukrainian military.

In the Toretsky direction, the Russian aggressors attacked five times with aviation support near Toretsk, Nelipivka and in the New York area. Currently, two more clashes are ongoing.

The high intensity of combat is maintained in the Pokrovsky direction. The number of fights has increased to 32. Zagarbniki continue to pressure Ukrainian positions near Vozdvizhenko, Novooleksandrivka, Green Field, Novotroitsky, Hrodivka, Novogrodivka, Selidovoye and Mykhailivka. Ukrainian defenders have so far suffered 28 attacks. Russian forces made major efforts today in the area of Grodivka and Novogrodivka, where about 50 percent of all clashes took place.

The previous Russian losses amounted to 377 occupants killed and wounded. One tank, two battle armored vehicles, three artillery systems, 10 vehicles were also destroyed, three more tanks and four artillery systems were damaged at the same time.

In the Kurakhiv direction at this time of the day, 48 combat clashes of different intensity. The most active Russian occupiers tried to advance in the settlements of Konstantinivka and Georgievka, where about 75 percent of all fighting took place. In addition, Russian forces attacked in the direction of Ukrainian, Oleksandropol and elannogo the first.

Previous Russian losses in this direction amounted to 105 occupants killed and wounded. Two tanks, 11 combat armored vehicles, and two cars were destroyed, another tank and 11 BMP were also damaged.

In the Vremivs komu direction for today, Russian forces supported by aviation five times attacked the front edge of Ukrainian defense in the areas of Water and Golden Niva. Ukrainian soldiers stopped three Russian assaults, two more fights continue.

In the pridniprovsk direction, six Russian attempts to take the positions of Ukrainian warriors have failed.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Volchansk and Liptsy directions, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 22nd Mechanised Brigade of the AFU, 36th Marine Brigade, and 113th Territorial Defence Brigade near Vysokaya Yaruga, Liptsy, and Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 155 troops, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and one Anklav-N electronic warfare station. One AFU field ammunition depot was destroyed.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 14th, 44th mechanised brigades, 3rd Assault Brigade of the AFU, and 1st National Guard Brigade near Kupyansk (Kharkov region), Novoyegorovka (Lugansk People's Republic), and Serebryansky forestry. Three counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 4th National Guard Brigade were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 445 troops, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and four UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzers. Anklav-N and Kvertus electronic warfare stations as well as two field ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Yug Group of Forces continued to advance to the depth of the enemy's defences and inflicted losses on formations of the 24th, 42nd mechanised brigades of the AFU, and 116th Territorial Defence Brigade near Konstantinovka, Grigorovka, and Chasov Yar (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 745 troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, 26 motor vehicles, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, two UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzers, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzer. One field ammunition depot and one Anklav-N electronic warfare station were destroyed.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on formations of the 32nd Mechanised Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade of the AFU, and 109th Territorial Defence Brigade near Nelepovka, Druzhba, Rozovka, and Dobropolye (Donetsk People's Republic). Eight counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 32nd Mechanised Brigade, 144th Infantry Brigade, 25th Airborne brigade of the AFU, 2nd and 14th national guard brigades were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 495 troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, four pickup trucks, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and one 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun.

Units of the Vostok Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions and inflicted losses on formations of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade of the AFU, 108th Territorial Defence Brigade, and 21st National Guard Brigade near Oktyabr and Ugledar (Donetsk People's Republic). Two counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the enemy were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 120 troops, seven motor vehicles, and one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer. Two Nota electronic warfare stations were destroyed.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the 39th Coastal Defence Brigade and 108th Territorial Defence Brigade near Belogorye and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, six motor vehicles, one 152-mm D-20 gun, and one Anklav-N electronic warfare station.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck infrastructure objects on airfields, objects of power infrastructure supporting operations of the AFU, as well as engaged AFU manpower and hardware clusters in 134 areas.

Air defence units shot down two U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 59 unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, 642 airplanes and 283 helicopters, 31,457 unmanned aerial vehicles, 579 air defence missile systems, 17,993 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,452 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 14,488 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 25,945 units of support motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to crush the enemy's grouping of troops, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

During offensive actions over the past two days, units of the Sever Group of Forces have liberated 10 settlements: Apanasovka, Byakhovo, Vishnyovka, Viktorovka, Vnezapnoye, Gordeyevka, Krasnooktybrskoye, Obukhovo, Snagost, and Desyaty Oktyabr.

Over the past 24 hours, units of the Sever Group of Forces repelled two enemy counter-attacks in the direction of Fanaseyevka and Snagost, as well as thwarted an enemy's attempt to launch an attack in the direction of Olgovka.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 20 troops killed and wounded; one armoured fighting vehicle and one motor vehicle were destroyed. One Ukrainian serviceman surrendered.

With support of Army Aviation and artillery, four attempts of the enemy to break through the border of the Russian Federation in the direction of Novy Put and Medvezhye were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 55 troops killed and wounded; four tanks, three armoured personnel carriers, eight armoured fighting vehicles, and two counterobstacle vehicles were destroyed.

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue reconnaissance and search operations in forestry areas to locate and eliminate enemy sabotage groups, which attempted to get to the depth of the Russian territory.

Army Aviation and artillery strikes and active efforts of the Russian troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the 22nd, 41st, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades of the AFU, 1st National Guard Brigade, and 129th Territorial Defence Brigade near Borki, Guyevo, Daryino, Zeleny Shlyakh, Kositsa, Lyubimovka, Malaya Loknya, Melovy, Martynovka, Novaya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Orlovka, and Uspenovka.

Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile troops inflicted losses on concentration areas and reserves in Sumy region of the 21st, 22nd, 41st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 82nd Air Assault Brigade of the AFU, 1st National Guard Brigade, 101st, 103rd, 106th, 116th, 119th, and 129th territorial defence brigades near Belopolye, Boyaro-Lezhachi, Glukhov, Dolzhik, Zhuravka, Obody, Kondratovka, Semyonovka, Stepanovka, Sumy, Svessa, Pavlovka, Pustogorod, Radyanskoye, and Yampol.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 300 troops and 24 units of hardware, including five tanks, six armoured personnel carriers, 13 armoured fighting vehicles, as well as two artillery guns, nine motor vehicles, two counterobstacle vehicles, and two electronic warfare stations.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 12,500 troops, 101 tanks, 42 infantry fighting vehicles, 83 armoured personnel carriers, 669 armoured fighting vehicles, 410 motor vehicles, 92 artillery guns, 26 MLRS launchers, including seven of U.S.-made HIMARS system and five of MLRS system, eight SAM launchers, two transport-loading vehicles, two air defence radars, ten engineering vehicles, including four counterobstacle vehicles and one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle.

The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.





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South Korea, Interpol confiscate drugs worth $1bn in Golden Triangle

South Korean police said the Golden Triangle region is the main origin of the drug ketamine.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.09.12 -- South Korean police in cooperation with the global police organization Interpol confiscated drugs worth about 1.4 trillion won (US$1.04 billion) across the Golden Triangle region, said South Korean police, calling the region the "main origin" of the drug ketamine.

The Golden Triangle is a loosely-defined area where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet along the banks of the Mekong River, where for years, central governments have struggled, in some places, to impose authority.

The Korean National Police Agency said it also rounded 29 drug offenders during a 16-day joint crackdown between July 22 and Aug. 7, including the main suspect involved in smuggling drugs from Thailand to South Korea.

Among the confiscated drugs were 1.5 tons of ketamine, the agency announced, adding that the Golden Triangle region is the main origin of the synthetic narcotic.

The Korean police agency did not give details of exactly where the drugs were seized and the suspects were detained.

The Golden Triangle has for decades been a major opium-growing region but in recent years gangs, mostly in Myanmar, have also focused on producing synthetic drugs including methamphetamines.

The agency has been carrying out anti-drug projects in cooperation with Interpol since last year in order to beef up international cooperation as most drugs circulated in South Korea are smuggled from overseas.

"We could learn through this operation the means of how the drug suppliers smuggle synthetic drugs and raw materials," said Jurgen Stock, secretary general of Interpol, adding cooperation with Interpol facilitated the real-time information exchange between participating countries.

South Korea has seen a rise in smuggled drugs from Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand in recent years.

According to the Korea Customs Service, Southeast Asia was the main source of drugs in the first half of this year by weight seized, with more than half of the total.

"In the Golden Triangle region, particularly in Myanmar, drugs flow across the land border into Thailand, and some of them enter South Korea," the customs service said on Sept. 1.

The agency and 13 Asia-Pacific countries, including Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and India, and the chief of police from coyotes in the ASEAN regional grouping announced on Tuesday a plan to launch an Asian Narcotics Crime Response Alliance to directly and swiftly share drug-related information among members.

Edited by RFA Staff.

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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September 12, 2024

By Joseph Clark, DOD News

DOD Delegation to Hold Talks With Chinese Counterparts in Beijing

A Defense Department delegation will reaffirm the United States' commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific while in Beijing this week to attend an international security forum and hold high-level talks with Chinese military officials.

Michael S. Chase, deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, will lead the U.S. delegation attending this year's Xiangshan security forum and participate in the 18th iteration of the Defense Policy Coordination Talks between the U.S. and China after the countries reopened their military-to-military dialogue last year.

Officials said the delegation will engage with regional allies and partners on the sidelines of the Xiangshan Forum to underscore the United States' shared vision for the region "underpinned by a set of enduring beliefs."

"Those include respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law, belief in transparency and openness, freedom of commerce and navigation, equal rights for all states and resolution of disputes through peaceful means, not through coercion or conflict," a senior defense official said yesterday. "This is not a vision for the region that you're going to hear by [China] and some of its friends who will be in attendance."

The official said the U.S. remains concerned about China's increasingly coercive behavior in the region.



"That is why the department is doing more than ever with our allies and partners, including some of those who are in attendance at this week's Xiangshan Forum, to work together to strengthen peace, stability and deterrence across the Indo-Pacific," the official said.

Following the forum, Chase will lead the U.S. delegation in attending the defense coordination talks. President Joe Biden secured China's agreement to return to military-to-military talks last November after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Woodside, California.

In January, senior U.S. and Chinese military officials resumed the U.S.-China Defense Policy Coordination Talks at the Pentagon. Prior to that, the high-level talks were last held in September 2021.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, the senior U.S. defense official said the discussions are an opportunity for candid discussion about U.S. concerns over issues affecting the countries' relationship.

"U.S. diplomacy and channels of communication do not indicate any change in our approach to [China]," the official said. "This is an intensely competitive relationship, but we are committed to managing that competition responsibly and preventing it from veering into conflict," the official said.

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Meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Vladimir Putin met with Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi.

September 12, 2024

13:00

St Petersburg

From the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Wang Yi, I am delighted to meet with you again.

A year ago, we met here in St Petersburg, when consultations were held through the Security Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I am looking forward to seeing our and my friend, Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, at the BRICS summit in Kazan, as we agreed. Please convey my best wishes to him.

The comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China have been mutually beneficial and equitable for many years. On October 2, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our nations.

Together, Russia and China defend the principles of a just and democratic world order based on international law, sovereignty, and equality. This approach is also supported by the like-minded nations of the Global South, the Global Majority, as demonstrated during the recent BRICS summit.

As you know, we have just discussed this with our colleagues responsible for security matters. We will also engage in BRICS Outreach and BRICS Plus formats. Many countries that share our views on the world order are eager to join and collaborate with this organisation. We will work diligently to prepare the necessary decisions in this area based on consensus, as is customary in our interactions.

Regarding our bilateral relations, they are progressing well across all areas. This includes our coordination on the international stage as well as our economic, cultural, and humanitarian interactions. These topics will continue to be on our agenda and will be discussed with the Chairman of the People's Republic of China during both the multilateral and bilateral meetings in Kazan.

Thank you once again for your participation in today's events.

Director of the Office for Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi (retranslated): Mr President, thank you for today's meeting.

Allow me to once again convey the warmest greetings and best wishes from your friend, President of China Xi Jinping. There is deep mutual trust and friendship between you and the President, and together, you consistently set the strategic direction for China-Russia relations.

Under your leadership, the strong momentum in China-Russia relations has been maintained, making both countries key contributors to strengthening multilateralism on the global stage.

As you mentioned earlier, we are continuously achieving new results in all areas of cooperation, for the benefit of our nations.

During my visit to St Petersburg, I took part in a meeting of high-ranking representatives responsible for security matters within BRICS. Another important task of mine is to prepare for the upcoming visit of President Xi Jinping to Kazan for the BRICS summit. The President is delighted to accept your invitation for the summit in Kazan, where he looks forward to further in-depth discussions on strategic matters.

Today, we have a very good opportunity for me to personally hear your valuable insights, which I will fully report to our President.

Thank you.

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China tries to reshape Tibet, Xinjiang narratives with new propaganda efforts

By William Yang September 12, 2024

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 people's 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.

Taiwan's 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, China's 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, China's 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 Xinjiang's 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 don't have expertise in China, so they won't know where to find signs of oppression in the videos since they are unfamiliar with the Uyghur culture or China's 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 Beijing's 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 Beijing's 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 China's 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 China's state-run China News, an online news website.

Some analysts say the communication center may serve as a centralized institution to "coordinate" Beijing's propaganda efforts focusing on Tibet.

"Since there doesn't 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 Beijing's 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 it's 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 Beijing's tactics," she said.

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Putin admires Kim Jong Un, unlike other world leaders, North Koreans are told

Lectures cite Russian president's punctuality to 2019 meeting and expensive gifts to Kim

By Kim Jieun for RFA Korean 2024.09.12 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin looks up to Kim Jong Un with the utmost admiration and respect, North Koreans were told at this week's mandatory lectures at neighborhood watch unit meetings, two residents told Radio Free Asia.

The weekly lectures - at which a local party official reads lecture materials received from the central government - are intended to reinforce loyalty to the country's leadership and Kim's cult of personality.

"This week's lecture session informed the residents of the Russian president's boundless admiration for their leader, Kim Jong Un," a resident from the northeastern province of North Hamgyong told RFA Korean on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

"It was intended to promote the high international standing of the marshall," a reference to Kim, he said.

Russia has been cozying up to North Korea since Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While many in the international community are hesitant to engage with Russia while the war rages on, North Korea has been more than willing to trade with Russia and publicly declare support for the war.

The United States has accused Russia of using North Korean weapons in Ukraine, which North Korea and Russia deny.

Putin and Kim met in the Russian Far East in September 2023, and again in Pyongyang in June 2024.

As evidence of Putin's admiration for Kim, the lecture listed several examples.

One was that Putin, who is notoriously late for nearly all his meetings with other global leaders, was 30 minutes early for his meeting with Kim in Vladivostok in April 2019, the resident said.

"Whenever President Putin meets with world leaders, he is late because he looks down on other countries and has a unique sense of superiority," he said. "But when it comes to The Marshal, he expresses it as admiration."

However, the lecture didn't mention Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June, when he arrived several hours later than planned, turning what should have been a two-day state visit into a quick one-day stop.

Luxury car

Another example in the lecture was Putin's gift of a Russian-made luxury sedan to Kim, a resident of the northern province of Ryanggang told RFA on condition of anonymity to speak freely.

But this generated "a cold atmosphere" in the lecture hall, the second resident said.

"Some residents [privately] protested, saying, 'If I were the head of the country, I would have asked for food, which the country desperately needs instead of a car,'" he said.

The apparent point of the lecture was to instill in the public the idea that Russia is being respectful to North Korea - and that other world leaders also yearn to meet Kim, he said.

This wasn't very convincing to most listeners, he said.

"Residents who can't even eat one full meal don't listen to the government's propaganda," he said.

North Korean authorities also held lectures on similar topics for residents in the early 2000s when they were receiving aid such as rice and fertilizer from South Korea and the international community.

Park Ju Hee, an escapee from Musan, North Hamgyong province, said that aid coming from Western countries at the time was because of the "bold strategy and outstanding leadership" of then leader Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un's father.

Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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North Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles: Seoul

The missiles flew about 360 kilometers, meaning the South Korean capital would be in their range.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.09.12 -- North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Thursday, the South Korean military said, hours after the North sent a batch of balloons suspected to be bearing trash toward the South.

"The North Korean missiles flew about 360 kilometers [223 miles] and landed in the East Sea," the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or JCS said, adding that it detected the "provocative" missile launches from the Pyongyang area at 7:10 a.m.

That range would mean they could reach major South Korean cities, including the capital, Seoul.

"While closely monitoring North Korea's various activities under a firm combined defense posture between South Korea and the United States, we will maintain overwhelming capabilities and posture to respond to any provocation," the JCS said.

Japan's Defense Ministry said the projectiles fell in waters outside its exclusive economic zone and there was no damage to any Japanese ships.

The United States condemned the North's launch, reaffirming its "ironclad" security commitment to South Korea.

"The United States condemns the DPRK's a ballistic missile launch," a State Department spokesperson said, referring to North Korea by the initials of its 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.

North Korea said last week that the South and the U.S. would have to pay a "dear price" for what it called "provocative war" drills after the two allies conducted their joint summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.

South Korea and the U.S. say the drills are defensive and they have been expanding and upgrading their training in recent years to cope with the North's evolving threats. North Korea has long denounced the military drills as rehearsals by the United States and South Korea to invade it.

The missile launches came hours after North Korea sent another batch of balloons suspected of carrying trash toward the South.

About 20 balloons were floated late on Wednesday but they failed to cross the Military Demarcation Line, between the two Koreas, said the JCS, adding that no balloons were in the air as of Thursday morning.

North Korea has sent thousands of balloons carrying trash into the South since late May in retaliation for activists in South Korea floating anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets across the border into the North.

In response to the North's balloons, South Korea resumed a loudspeaker campaign, blaring propaganda messages over the border including criticism of the state of human rights, news and K-pop songs, to the fury of North Korea.

Edited by RFA Staff.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Oversees Test-fire for Verifying Performance of New-type 600mm Multiple Rocket Launcher

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, September 13 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, oversaw the test-fire for verifying the performance of a new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher.

A defence industrial enterprise under the Second Economy Commission developed and produced the new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher of which performance has improved as required by the army's application of operation.

The test was conducted, aiming at further developing the launcher's driving system and verifying the combat effectiveness of the launcher in which the whole process of firepower is fully automated.

The excellent combat performance of the launcher was clearly proved and was popular among service personnel through the driving test and volley test.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un appreciated the superior of the newly-developed launcher in terms of mobility and efficiency as compared with the existing ones.

The shells for multiple rocket launcher hit the target on an island in the East Sea.

Present at the test were Kim Jong Sik, first vice department director of the Central Committee of the WPK, and Jang Chang Ha, director general of the Missile Administration of the DPRK. -0-

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Inspects Training Base for Special Operation Armed Force of KPA

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, September 13 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, inspected the training base of the special operation armed force of the Korean People's Army (KPA) to guide the drill of combatants on September 11.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un was accompanied by Marshal Pak Jong Chon, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and secretary of the C.C., WPK, Ri Yong Gil, chief of the KPA General Staff, Ri Chang Ho, deputy chief of the General Staff and director of the General Reconnaissance Bureau of the KPA, Kim Yong Bok, deputy chief of the KPA General Staff, and other commanding officers in the field of operation and training of the KPA General Staff.

Kim Jong Un went round various facilities of the training base to learn in detail about the situation.

Highly appreciating the fact that all the facilities and training grounds of the base are effectively arranged to practically conduct simulated drills for real war so as to train strictly the combatants to be all-purpose ones, he stressed the need for the Ministry of National Defence and the General Staff to pay positive attention to providing conditions for further updating training facilities and putting their operation on a scientific basis in the future.

He mounted the observation post to watch the scout and raid drills being conducted by the combatants according to their training programme.

All the combatants have shed their sweat of loyalty and feats at training grounds with the firm readiness to make a sudden attack on the hearts of the enemies and open up the road of advance of the attacking units at a go when the moment of a stern decisive battle comes. They fully demonstrated the fighting mettle and spirit of the invincible revolutionary armed forces that are able to really fight and surely win victory if they fight in the training conducted in the presence of Kim Jong Un .

Watching with satisfaction the soldiers who are fully versed in the Juche-based and modern combat methods and are sweeping the training ground like lightning, he highly praised all the combatants for growing up to be stout and brave one-match-for-a-hundred combatants with the revolutionary and strong training enthusiasm and thoroughly maintaining the sure war posture.

Saying that he felt assured and proud to see the soldiers prepared as brave fighters like bullets, he encouraged the combatants who have grown up to be reliable guards and passionate warriors of the KPA which is demonstrating only victory, and had a photo session with them.

The combatants were full of boundless emotion, joy, great pride and self-esteem, turning into enthusiastic cheers like thunder, as they received high appreciation and great honor under the warm loving care of the invincible and iron-willed brilliant commander.

Saying that as seen in today's training, such competent and stalwart fighters are needed in the KPA, he gave important instructions calling for more firmly building up the special operation armed force of the KPA by training possessors of a-match-for-a-hundred spirit and core combatants capable of wiping out the enemy while courageously sweeping the battlefield where bullets and shells rain thick and fast without an inch of hesitation in case of emergency.

When considering the mood and character of a modern war, to put forward the well-trained and prepared special operation armed force as the main combat force in the battlefield has an important influence on victory and defeat, and the building of special operation armed force is an important component in building the armed forces of the DPRK, he said, and set forth the militant task to put main efforts into strengthening the elite Korean-style special operation armed force by firmly holding fast to the revolution in training, ideas and equipment.

Noting that the first task is to continue to intensify the drills for real war, he said that as emphasized always, a lot of sweat in training is the way to shed less blood in a war, war is not a premeditated one and, therefore, the KPA should be fully ready to check the enemy at once and mercilessly and completely repress them even if a war breaks out at once today, and it is the first patriotism and loyalty to the state and people and the foremost revolutionary duty for the soldiers to devote their all to the intensive drills for a real war.

He said with decision that it is necessary to continue to make strict demands in training, steadily improve the contents and methods of Korean-style training and make full preparations for war so as to make the enemies shed blood when they encounter with the KPA in an emergency.

Saying that it is impossible to think about the victory of the army which is not possessed of the might of ideology and the well-prepared army with no ideology is nothing but undisciplined army and when soldiers become true patriotic soldiers who know the Party, the country and the people before learning about battles, victory always comes to their side, he called for more wonderfully cultivating and giving full play to the political and ideological advantages peculiar to the KPA and thus preparing the soldiers more firmly as the strongest in mental power.

Saying that in intensifying the ideological education among the service personnel, class education is an important task which can never be neglected even a moment, he called for intensifying the education in an offensive way to make all the service personnel cherish the transparent sense of the enemy and their outlook on the arch enemy as their faith.

The revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK in which the whole ranks were prevailed by the indomitable heroic spirit and fighting spirit that no army in the world can imitate will grow stronger in the future, too and will become war deterrents making the enemy not dare to provoke, being afraid of its prestige and entity alone, he stressed.

All the combatants were filled with revolutionary enthusiasm and high spirit to become the best standard-bearers who defend our state and people most honorably and most reliably in the vanguard of the advance always by striving to build more perfect capability for real war with a firm patriotic spirit, bearing in mind the great trust and expectation of Kim Jong Un who visited their training ground and gave them the ever-victorious war method and militant encouragement. -0-

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Press Statement by Spokesperson for Disarmament and Peace Institute of DPRK Foreign Ministry

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, September 13 (KCNA) -- A spokesperson for the Disarmament and Peace Institute of the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday released the following press statement "The collective confrontational cooperation against the DPRK will be accompanied by the strengthened formation of strategic axis for improving the security environment of the region":

The U.S. and its vassal forces held the second defense authority meeting between the ROK and member nations of the "UN Command" on September 10.

Their moves to revitalize a tool for war and confrontation, which usurped the signboard of the UN, on the Korean peninsula are arousing a serious concern of the international community.

Another anti-DPRK confrontation confab was held in the name of the "UN Command" whose dismantlement was declared by the international community decades ago. This is an insult to the inviolable UN and the UN Charter and one more important occasion judging who is the illegal force inciting military conflict in the Korean peninsula.

A "joint statement" adopted after the meeting shows that the U.S. is buckling down to drawing member states of the "UN Command" into different joint military drills of aggressive nature to make them proficient in its-led war scenario and substantially enhance their capabilities to fight a war.

Terming the U.S. and its vassal forces' confrontational movement an extremely dangerous political and military provocation that causes security imbalance and escalates the danger of war in the Korean peninsula and the region, we resolutely denounce and reject it.

The expansion of the "UN Command" is a prelude to the establishment of "NATO of Asian version" which will result in pushing the Asia-Pacific region deeper into the structure of new cold war, not easing the military tensions in the Korean peninsula and the region.

When taking into consideration the fact that the revival of the "UN Command" is further increasing the possibility of military conflict in the Korean peninsula by stirring up the war hysteria of the ROK military gangsters running amuck in the military confrontation with the DPRK, the danger of such moves can never be overlooked.

Moreover, if countries in different regions take part in the moves to revive the "UN Command", blindly following the U.S. hostile policy toward the DPRK, military conflict in the Korean peninsula will not be confined to the one between the DPRK and the U.S. but will inevitably lead to the start of a new world war.

It is an essential requirement for the national security and the region's peaceful development to steadily improve the strategic force capable of deterring and weakening the hostile countries' will for war provocation.

The U.S. and its vassal countries' collective military confrontation against the DPRK will serve as a motive and catalyst for accelerating the formation and development of a just strategic axis that thoroughly disallows the imbalance of power in the Korean peninsula and the region.

The DPRK will steadily take a new strategic counteraction to contain and frustrate the reckless confrontation moves of the hostile forces to disturb peace and stability in the Korean peninsula by mobilizing the illegal war organization. -0-

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Press Statement of Head of External Policy Office of DPRK Foreign Ministry

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, September 13 (KCNA) -- The head of the External Policy Office of the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea released the following press statement "The U.S. instigating NATO and agents to confrontation with Russia is a serious threat to Europe" on September 13:

Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken groundlessly slandered the cooperation based on mutual benefit and equality between the Russian Federation and other sovereign states, and committed a political provocation terming it a "threat" to Europe.

This clearly shows the U.S. sinister intention to overstate the "security crisis" of European countries and shift the blame for the present Ukrainian situation on to a third party and thus more firmly rally its followers on the anti-Russian front and give "legality" and continuity to its confrontation moves.

The DPRK Foreign Ministry expresses strong regret over the fact that the U.S. top diplomat slandered independent sovereign states while distorting the essence of the Ukrainian situation with extremely irresponsible and improper words, and categorically rejects this.

The U.S. secretary of State is trying to deceive the international community, turning black into white, but such attempt can neither cover up nor deny the fact that the U.S. is the root cause of the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis and its prolongation and instability of the situation in Europe.

It is none other than the U.S. which caused the Ukrainian crisis by inciting the reckless advance of NATO towards the east in disregard of the legitimate security interests of Russia and its territorial integrity, with the wild dream to establish unipolar supremacy.

The U.S. is also the arch criminal as it has systematically handed over to Ukraine such lethal weapons and equipment as Abrams tanks, F-16 fighters and ATACMS long-range missiles in a bid to bring a strategic defeat to Russia, in disregard of the unanimous demand and aspiration of the international community for the early peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian situation, and caused innocent civilian damage and long-term catastrophe.

It is also the U.S. which committed to deploying in Europe long-range missiles targeting Russia and has staged NATO-led war drills against Russia one after another and brought a horrible war to the whole of Europe, revealing its intention to lift a ban for Ukraine on the use of long-range weapons toward the depth area of Russia.

All facts go to prove that the U.S. is a real threat facing Europe and the international community as it is inciting conflict and confrontation, instigating NATO and agents to the confrontation with Russia and fostering the permanent war.

The Ukrainian crisis will never be an opportunity to revive the weakened position of the United States, and the Russian people will surely and triumphantly achieve their just aim.

The international community should not tolerate the reckless acts of the U.S., which is getting frantic with the moves for military confrontation after mortgaging the security of Europe in a bid to realize its hegemonic interests, but should defend the regional peace and stability by its concerted efforts.

We will as ever invariably support the just cause of the Russian people who are striving to defend sovereignty and build a fair and multipolar world, smashing the imperialists' hegemonic policy and high-handed practices. -0-

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Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh says Tarang Shakti Exercise will strengthen cooperation, coordination & trust with friendly countries

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

"Tarang Shakti underscores the growing stature of Indian Armed Forces"

"The resolve of making India Aatmanirbhar in Defence is demonstrated by Ex Tarang Shakti"

Posted On: 12 SEP 2024 4:13PM by PIB Delhi

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has termed Multinational Exercise 'Tarang Shakti' as an effort to strengthen cooperation, coordination and trust with the partner countries. Addressing the gathering at the Distinguished Visitors' Day event in the second phase of the multinational exercise in Jodhpur, Shri Rajnath Singh said that through Tarang Shakti, India has further strengthened its defence ties with all partner countries and instills confidence among them that whenever the need arises, we all will stand together.

Reiterating India's vision of mutual coexistence and cooperation, Raksha Mantri said that our nation believes in all nations marching together holding each others hands. "When an exercise of such complexity and large magnitude takes place, soldiers with different work cultures, air combat experiences and war fighting principles learn a lot from each other," Raksha Mantri said.

Raksha Mantri said, "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."

Elaborating further, Raksha Mantri said, "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 modern aircrafts from around the world and next generation equipment, the Indian Air Force has transformed itself."

Referring to the recent collaboration of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited with the French company Safran Helicopter Engines, Raksha Mantri said that we have transformed ourselves from being only an importer of arms and equipment to a nation which today exports arms and equipment to about 90 countries. He further said, "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 Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also graced the Distinguished Visitors' Day event at Exercise Tarang Shakti. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, and senior military leaders from friendly foreign nations attended the event.

The event showcased a display by the Agniveer Vayu Women Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT) and demonstrations from the LCA Tejas, LCH Prachand, Sarang & SKAT teams.

Later in the day, Raksha Mantri 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 startups, MSMEs, and major aeronautical industries, 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.

**********

VK/SR/Anand



(Release ID: 2054173)

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INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR INDIA- OMAN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE AL NAJAH V

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 12 SEP 2024 10:39AM by PIB Delhi

The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 5th edition of India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 13th to 26th September 2024 at Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman. Exercise AL NAJAH has been held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman. Last edition of the same exercise was conducted at Mahajan in Rajasthan.

The Indian Army contingent comprising 60 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment along with personnel from other arms and services. The Royal Army of Oman contingent also comprising of 60 personnel will be represented by the troops of Frontier Force.

Aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on operations in the Desert environment.

Tactical drills to be rehearsed during the exercise include Joint Planning, Cordon and Search Operation, Fighting in Built Up Area, establishment of Mobile Vehicle Check Post, Counter Drone and Room Intervention, among others. Combined field training exercises that simulate real-world counter-terrorism missions have also been planned.

Exercise AL NAJAH V will allow both sides to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for joint operations. It will foster interoperability, goodwill and camaraderie between the two armies. Additionally, the joint exercise will strengthen defence cooperation and further enhance the bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.

***

SC



(Release ID: 2054052)

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Meeting with National Security Advisor of India Ajit Kumar Doval

The President of Russia had a meeting with National Security Advisor of the Republic of India Ajit Kumar Doval at the Constantine Palace.

September 12, 2024

14:10

St Petersburg

From the Russian side, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu took part in the meeting.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Doval, I am delighted to meet with you again.

As I mentioned at our general meeting, I recall Mr Modi's visit to Moscow.

I must say that the visit was not only highly successful, but the subsequent work is progressing very effectively and at the pace agreed upon by the Prime Minister and myself.

Our special privileged strategic partnership is gaining momentum and growing stronger, which we are delighted about. We are also pleased to see India's success in strengthening its statehood and advancing its economy under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

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.

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.

National Security Advisor of the Republic of India Ajit Kumar Doval: Thank you very much, Excellency. I am deeply grateful to you for this very rare opportunity to give me an audience despite your very busy schedule. Excellency, I have come here on the direction of Prime Minister Modi, who has conveyed his highest regards to you. His visit to Moscow was greatly successful and he was highly satisfied with the visit because he has come back with some precious memories.

As the Prime Minister told you during your telephone talk, he was keen to brief you about his visit to Ukraine and his meeting with President Zelensky. And he wanted me to come specially and personally and brief you on the talks. The talks were in a closed format; it was only the two leaders. He had two people with him, and I happened to be with the Prime Minister. So, I witnessed that, I attended that conversation.

<a>

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Meeting with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Ahmadian

The President of Russia had a meeting with Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Ahmadian.

September 12, 2024

14:50

St Petersburg

Taking part in the meeting on the Russian side was Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Ahmadian, I am happy to welcome you to St Petersburg.

I hope that your stay here has been both useful and enjoyable. I know that a great deal has been done during your visit, in terms of your work with your colleagues, including Russian ones.

I should note that in recent years, friendly Russian-Iranian relations have gained additional momentum. This is largely due to the support of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. I ask you to convey my best and kindest wishes to him.

We appreciate that the new President Masoud Pezeshkian's team still considers Iran's relationship with Russia a priority, and we will be expecting him in Kazan on October 22-24 for the BRICS summit. I think we will be able to find time for a separate bilateral meeting as well.

As I have said earlier in a telephone conversation with the President-elect, we will be happy to see him in Russia for a full-scale visit, during which we will sign a new major inter-state agreement aimed at consolidating Russia-Iran relationship at the strategic partnership level. I think we will discuss this possibility during our meeting in Kazan.

It is also important to note that after last year's decline in mutual trade, the trend reversed in the first half of this year, when Russian-Iranian trade grew by almost ten percent.

The work of the intergovernmental commission is of particular value now. Russia has appointed a new representative, and we are waiting for Iran's new Cabinet of Ministers to decide on the appointment of his Iranian counterpart.

The North-South transport corridor project is one of our priorities. We have revisited it many times and are working on it now. Once again, I reaffirm my interest in the implementation of this major project.

There are many other topics that are certainly of interest and importance to Iran and Russia alike.

I would like to reiterate that we are determined to move along all these avenues.

Welcome again.

Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Ahmadian (retranslated): I would also like to convey warm greetings to you from the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and from our country's President, Mr Pezeshkian.

As was mentioned, there have been no changes in Iran's relations with Russia and their progress. We have a number of issues for discussion on the comprehensive bilateral agenda.

<a>

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Report: Iran boosts ties with criminal networks to attack critics in US, Europe

By VOA Persian September 12, 2024

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 didn't 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, Iran's 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.

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Israel - Heavy Duty Tank Trailers

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 24-73

WASHINGTON, September 12, 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Israel of Heavy Duty Tank Trailers and related equipment for an estimated cost of $164.6 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Israel has requested to buy additional Heavy Duty Tank Trailers (HDTT) that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original FMS case, valued at $40.1 million ($0 in MDE), included HDTTs; spare and repair parts; tool kits; driver tools; corrosion protection; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government support; technical and logistics support services; storage; and other related elements of logistics and program support. This notification is for the items in the original case and the additional HDTTs. The estimated total cost is

$164.6 million. Deliveries are estimated to begin in 2027.

The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

The proposed sale will improve Israel's capability to meet current and future threats in the defense of its borders. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Leonardo DRS, located in Arlington, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Israel.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military-Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

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Civilians killed as Myanmar rebels attack junta forces in the north

Fighting for 5 days forces about 10,000 people to flee in jade-mining area.

By RFA Burmese 2024.09.12 -- Thousands of people have fled from fighting between ethnic minority guerrillas and Myanmar junta troops that entered a fifth day on Thursday, and at least 10 civilians have been killed, residents told Radio Free Asia.

The autonomy-seeking Kachin Independence Army, or KIA, and allied militias loyal to a shadow civilian administration, have made significant gains in Myanmar's northernmost Kachin state since launching an offensive in March.

The insurgents have forced junta troops in the resource-rich region on the border with China into dwindling areas of control, mirroring setbacks elsewhere in Myanmar for the military that seized power in a 2021 coup.

A resident of Hpakant township, a major jade-producing region, said at least 10 civilians were killed in crossfire between insurgents and the military in Hseng Taung village since the anti-junta forces surrounded it and launched an attack on Sunday.

"People died after being hit by both heavy and small weapons. There are a lot of wounded," said the resident who declined to be identified for safety reasons.

"Many, many houses have been destroyed. Bullets were raining down."

Junta airstikes also sparked major fires in the town, witnesses said.

Most of those killed were men, he said, adding that a peace activist named Yup Zau Hkawng, who was wounded in shelling on Monday.

By Thursday, the KIA-led attackers had seized and burned down the Hseng Taung police station, sources close to an anti-junta People's Defense Force, or PDF, allied with the KIA told RFA.

RFA telephoned Kachin state's junta spokesperson, Moe Min Thein, for comment but he did not respond by the time of publication and a telecommunications outage in the area made it difficult to check accounts of the fighting.

About 60 soldiers were at the police station when the attack was launched, said another resident, who also asked to remain anonymous.

"The Hseng Taung police station was captured but fighting has been going on after they set it on fire," he said. "Some junta soldiers are dead, others were caught alive, and the rest were able to flee."

KIA fighters had sealed off all roads in and out of the village, said the KIA spokesman, Col. Naw Bu.

Residents said about 10,000 people had fled from the village over the five days of fighting, many seeking refuge in Nam Hmaw, Hseng Awng and Hpakant towns.

The KIA and allied forces control most roads in and out of Hpakant town and have captured all but five junta bases in the township, anti-junta forces say.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan.

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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China in delicate dance with Myanmar's rebel groups

The junta ally is likely trying to end conflict along its borders, but its assets are under rebel control.

By RFA Burmese 2024.09.12 -- Nearly 2 million people in Myanmar's northern Shan state are facing a shortage of medicine and other basic commodities after China shuttered its border, according to residents and ethnic rebels, who said prices for goods have "skyrocketed" in the region over the past two weeks.

On Aug. 25, Chinese authorities closed border gates serving 20 Shan state townships and Myanmar's junta began restricting trade routes, as a group of rebel factions known as the Three Brotherhood Alliance pushed the military out of major towns in the region.

The alliance, which first launched an offensive against the military in October 2023, now controls 21 townships in northern Shan state, as well as five border gates in the townships of Kyin Sang Kyaut, Chinshwehaw, Yan Long Keng, Mone Koe, and Nam Hkam.

Lway Yay Oo, the spokeswoman of one of the ethnic alliance members known as the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, told RFA Burmese that residents of areas under its control no longer have access to the basic necessities they had come to rely on through border trade.

"Since China closed the border gates, and the junta has blocked trade routes, there is a serious shortage of medicine in our area," she said.

Residents of northern Shan state said they believe that China - one of the junta's few international allies and the largest foreign investor in Myanmar - shut down the border as part of a pressure campaign to end armed conflict in the area.

"Some pharmacies have tried to get medicine to sell, but it's not enough," said a resident of Kutkai township who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.

"It is difficult to get medicine for the sick and vaccinate the children," he said, adding that people in the area cannot afford to pay to have supplies delivered from Myanmar's urban centers, such as Yangon, which are dealing with their own shortages amid the country's civil war.

Residents said that the prices of remaining stock have "skyrocketed" since the gate closures.

A pharmacy owner in northern Shan state, who also declined to be named, told RFA that since the junta cut off trade routes, only small quantities of the most important drugs are being transported within the region.

"It is not easy to transport medicine, and we can only smuggle urgently needed supplies," he said. "Chinese medicine is out of stock now, although we can get B-6 and B-12 [vitamin supplements]."

Attempts by RFA to contact Khun Thein Maung, the junta's minister of economy and spokesperson for Shan state, for comment on the situation went unanswered Thursday, as did efforts to reach representatives from China's Embassy in Yangon.

Protecting Chinese interests

China's border closure follows three separate meetings last month between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia and junta representatives, during which Beijing sought assurances that the military regime would protect its projects and citizens in the country.

In response, the junta pledged to prioritize the safety of China's assets, according to a statement released by Chinese authorities.

But amidst the intensifying conflict in Myanmar, control over at least 10 Chinese projects has shifted from the military to armed opposition groups, including ethnic rebels and the anti-junta People's Defense Force, or PDF, according to an Aug. 19 report by the Institute for Strategy and Policy - Myanmar.

They include the Muse Border Economic Cooperation Zone, Kunlong Dam, Kunlong Bridge, Chinshwehaw Border Economic Trade Zone, Naung Pha Dam, Lancang-Mekong Environmental Cooperation Center, Goteik Bridge and New Road Project, Sinn Shwe Li-2 Sugar Factory, Alpha Cement Factory and Takaung Nickel Factory, the group said.

When questioned about the situation, TNLA spokeswoman Lway Yay Oo told RFA that all Chinese projects under her group's control in northern Shan state are currently suspended.

"Given the ongoing instability in the region, we have temporarily suspended all investments," she said. "Moving forward, we are working to develop the necessary policies in order to resume operations when conditions allow."

Junta 'no longer accountable'

Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office of Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, told RFA that the junta no longer has the capacity to safeguard Chinese projects.

"The current regime is in a position where it is unable to ensure its own security, let alone protect the citizens of the country," he said. "I want to clearly state that it can no longer be held accountable for the safety of international investment projects, foreign workers, or the security of those involved."

Nay Phone Latt noted that the PDF is currently providing security for the Takaung Nickel Plant, a US$855 million Chinese-owned mining project. He said that while "discussions have taken place" between the NUG and China regarding the plant, he could not disclose details of the talks at this time.

In addition to the China-Myanmar oil and natural gas pipeline, ethnic rebel groups may partially control railways, roads, waterways and trade routes within the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, which forms part of China's broader Silk Road infrastructure initiative.

According to the Institute for Strategy and Policy - Myanmar, at least nine Chinese investment projects in Kyaukphyu and Thandwe townships, located in Rakhine state, are now partially controlled by the Arakan Army, or AA.

When asked for comment, AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha said that foreign investment projects will be protected. "All parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Myanmar have expressed the need to safeguard China's interests," he said.

RFA contacted junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun regarding the Chinese projects now under the control of ethnic groups, but received no response.

Translated by Kalyar Lwin and Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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At least 10 children killed in less than a week as deadly attacks continue in Myanmar

UNICEF

Statement attributable to June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific

12 September 2024

BANGKOK, 12 September 2024 -- "UNICEF is deeply alarmed by reports that at least ten children have been killed in airstrikes in Myanmar in less than a week.

"According to reports, five airstrikes in Shan State, Chin State and Magway Region in 5-6 September killed 24 civilians, including at least 10 children. The airstrikes also injured at least eight children and destroyed a community-based learning centre.a

"As Myanmar's conflict rages on, children and their families are bearing the brunt of these attacks. Children are being killed in the very places where they should feel safe, including their places of learning and in their communities. Every child killed or injured causes intense grief for their families.

"As attacks intensify, we fear this pattern will only continue. In 2024 alone, at least 600 children have been killed or injured in Myanmar.

"UNICEF reminds all parties that the killing and maiming of children and attacks on schools are grave violations. Children and civilians must be protected at all times."

#####

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September 12, 2024

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With ROK Minister of Defense Kim Yong-hyun

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with the new Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense, Kim Yong-hyun. The two leaders reviewed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. Both officials reaffirmed the robustness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance and reviewed priorities to strengthen the combined defense posture. Secretary Austin noted that he looked forward to hosting Minister Kim for the 56th Security Consultative Meeting in Washington, DC this fall.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3904460/

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Meeting with BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters

The President of Russia held a meeting with high-ranking representatives of BRICS states responsible for security matters at the Constantine Palace.

September 12, 2024

11:25

St Petersburg

Taking part in the meeting were National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India Ajit Kumar Doval, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi, Minister in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa Khumbudzo Phophi Silence Ntshavheni, Secretary-General of the National Security Council of the Arab Republic of Egypt Alaa Youssef, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Ahmadian, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security of the United Arab Emirates Ali Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Joint Intelligence and Analysis Centre of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Tadesse Million Lema, Deputy Special Assistant to the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil for Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Abdul Hak Neto, and Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, friends,

I am delighted to welcome you all to St Petersburg. Thank you for being here in Russia's northern capital. In this regard, I would like to remind you that the BRICS association was established right here, in this very building in St Petersburg.

At that time, the leaders of three states - India, Russia and China - agreed during a meeting to hold regular meetings at the top level, as well as other events. This is how the RIC (Russia, India and China) association was born and began to grow, and today, I have the privilege and pleasure to welcome the participants in the meeting of BRICS high-ranking officials for security matters.

I know that yesterday, you had a lively and productive discussion on the most relevant aspects of the global situation, on global and regional stability concerns.

This is the fourteenth meeting held by BRICS in this format. However, this time it saw the participation of delegations from the states that joined our association as full-fledged members on January 1.

Moreover, a meeting was held with our colleagues from the countries that are not yet part of BRICS but have shown a sincere interest in working more closely with our association. This was done at Russia's initiative, and we appreciate your support.

I want to emphasise that the meeting of high-ranking representatives is a crucial step in preparing for the BRICS summit and BRICS Plus/Outreach, scheduled to take place in Kazan, Russia, on October 22-24.

Please convey to your country's leaders that we look forward to their participation in the summit. We plan to discuss in depth the future expansion of the comprehensive partnership among BRICS member countries and to finalise a package of agreements covering various sectors and areas of cooperation.

As the current BRICS chair, this year Russia has taken a highly responsible approach to organising joint activities within the association.

Our chairmanship has been assigned a crucial task: to facilitate the swift and seamless integration of new member countries into all BRICS mechanisms. Additionally, we have addressed the increasing interest in BRICS from numerous states. Currently, over 34 countries have expressed their desire to participate in the activities of our association in some capacity.

As a result, we have initiated active discussions with all BRICS participants regarding the framework for a new category of partner states, which is set to be approved in Kazan. We will also consider a number of potential candidates for this status.

I want to highlight that the programme of the Russian presidency is both extensive and varied. It encompasses over 200 events designed to enhance partnership across all key areas, including politics and security, economics and finance, as well as cultural and humanitarian relations.

To date, more than 70 percent of the chairmanship plan has been completed, with approximately 150 events, meetings, and industry forums already conducted. Most of the expert and ministerial meetings have taken place, including notable forums such as the BRICS parliamentary and inter-parliamentary forums, meetings of ministers of education and sports, as well as meetings of heads of prosecutorial services, chief justices, and heads of supreme audit institutions. All of these events have been conducted in a constructive and cooperative spirit.

Under the Russian presidency, a meeting of the BRICS foreign ministers took place, including an extended session with representatives from the Global South and East. This event was held in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, in June.

Another meeting of BRICS foreign ministers is scheduled for late September in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

A regular meeting of the BRICS Energy Ministers will take place during the Russian Energy Week in Moscow on September 26-28.

Under Russia's presidency, new areas of cooperation have been initiated, including meetings of transport ministers, heads of geological services, and a BRICS forum on nuclear medicine.

In the cultural sphere, the civil and academic BRICS forums, the Friendship Games, and thematic festivals and exhibitions in various Russian cities have had a significant impact. Right now, the 10th International Cultural Forum is taking place here in St Petersburg, where a meeting of the BRICS ministers of culture has already taken place on its sidelines.

The Russian presidency places great emphasis on the issues within your competence as high-ranking representatives for security. We are building on the truly impressive experience that BRICS has accumulated in cooperating to respond to the threats of terrorism and extremism, illegal weapons and drug trafficking, cross-border crime, and illegal migration.

Specific results of the BRICS member states' joint work include the creation of a special online register for exchanging data on computer attacks or incidents. The adoption of the decision to establish a BRICS council on combating money laundering and financing of terrorism is nearing completion. In July, the ninth plenary session of the anti-terrorism working group was successfully held in Moscow.

As part of the BRICS anti-corruption work, member countries' common approaches to combating bribery and to the return of assets and proceeds from illegal criminal activity have been approved at the suggestion of the Russian side.

An additional boost was given to cooperation among the BRICS member states in the fight against drug crime. During the latest meeting of the anti-drug working group in May, agreements were reached on cooperation in preventing the use of information technologies and virtual payment systems in drug trafficking.

Colleagues, this is all I wanted to say at the beginning of our conversation and I hope for your active response.

The floor goes to Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Go ahead, please.

<a>

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Interaction 2024, Search 2024, Echelon 2024 exercises completed in Kyrgyzstan

12.09.2024

Today, the active phase of the CSTO CRRF Interaction 2024 command post exercise, Search 2024 and Echelon 2024 special exercises concluded on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic.

According to the scenario of the exercise, the mock enemy has established control over a part of the territory on the border area. A number of settlements have been seized. In the shortest possible time, the military contingents of the CSTO member States were transferred to the training area. The main task of the CSTO grouping is to conduct a joint operation to resolve the armed conflict in the Central Asian region.

During the exercise, the Orion unmanned aerial vehicle of the Russian Armed Forces was used, as well as Su-30SM aircraft of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan to deliver air strikes with air-to-air bombs against the mock enemy's main forces. The Russian Supercam drone provided target engagement control.

The CSTO CRRF groups from the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Tajikistan trained to block and neutralise mock enemy forces approaching settlements. Fire support was provided by Mi-17 helicopters of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan and Mi-8 helicopters of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Thanks to active and coordinated actions of the CSTO CRRF detachments, the enemy was eliminated, and the state border was recovered.

The deployment of air defence forces from the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic and the troops detached from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Joint Air Defence System was also a feature of the exercise at the Edelweiss training area.

The final stage and closing ceremony of the exercise were attended by Major General Ruslan Mukambetov, First Deputy Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the Kyrgyz Republic, Imangali Tasmagambetov, Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Colonel General Andrei Serdyukov, the Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff, a delegation of the Coordination Meeting of Chairpersons of Committees (Commissions) on Defence and Security of the Parliaments of the CSTO Member States under the Council of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, and representatives of the military-diplomatic corps.

On the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, under the leadership of Colonel Artur Temirov, First Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Interaction 2024 command post exercise with the CSTO CRRF, the Search 2024 special drills with reconnaissance units and means, and the Echelon 2024 special drills with logistical units and means were conducted.

Contingents of the CSTO troops (Collective Forces) of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan took part in the exercise. These included military contingents, formations of special operations forces from among the special units of the internal affairs (police), security and special services bodies, authorized bodies in the sphere disaster relief, as well as operational groups of the CSTO Joint Staff and the Secretariat. Up to 1,500 servicemen and up to 300 units weaponry, military and special hardware, including aircraft, different types of UAV, combat boats, and air defence means were involved in the drills.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Ocean 2024 CPX: Northern Fleet Arctic group repels mock air enemy close to Northern Sea Route

12.09.2024

As part of the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise in the eastern Arctic Ocean, the Northern Fleet's expeditionary force conducted a training exercise to repel a mock air attack.

During the practical actions, the forces trained to organise air defence for a detachment of ships near the Northern Sea Route amid the threat of strikes by mock cruise missiles.

The large anti-submarine ship Vice Admiral Kulakov used Kinzhal air defence and AK-630 artillery systems to conduct missile and artillery live-fire launches at a simulated air enemy.

The detachment includes the large anti-submarine ship Vice Admiral Kulakov, from which the forces are controlled, the large landing ship Aleksandr Otrakovsky, the rescue tugboat Altay, and the tanker Sergei Osipov.

The Ocean 2024 exercise includes organising protection for maritime economic activities and strategic communications, as well as for bases, taking into account the modern maritime warfare.

The Northern Fleet forces operate in the western and eastern Arctic maritime zones, where they perform tasks in accordance with their primary purpose.

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: Northern Fleet's pilots drop bombs on ground targets

12.09.2024

As part of the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills, the Northern Fleet's pilots of the mixed aviation corps hit ground targets of the mock enemy.

Russia's Su-24 bombers dropped bombs on ground targets, which simulated a camouflaged enemy command post.

During the flight missions, Su-24 front-line bombers used the targeting data to carry out bomb strikes on the target field at the Lumbovsky aviation training ground on Kola Peninsula.

Strikes were delivered using simple and complex manoeuvres at low and medium altitudes.

All the ground targets were successfully hit, which was recorded by objective control systems.

The peculiarity of the bombing operation was that the flight of the Su-24 front-line bombers was escorted by an Su-33 deck-based fighter jet of the Northern Fleet Naval Fighter Regiment, which provided air cover for the bombers.

According the training plan of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, formations and units of the Russian Navy have started taking part in the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise, which is to last until 16 September 2024. The exercise, which is one of the most important operational and combat training events of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2024, is to be conducted in a bilateral format under the overall command of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

More than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, over 120 naval aircraft, some 7,000 units of weaponry, military and special hardware, and more than 90,000 personnel participate in the drills, which take place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic oceans, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.

The Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise is aimed at checking the readiness of the senior staff of the Russian Navy to operate all-arms groups of forces in the areas of responsibility, to solve non-standard operational tasks, to make full use of high-precision weapons, advanced and modern weapons and military hardware in the practical part of the exercise, and to expand cooperation with the navies of partner countries to perform joint maritime missions.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Ocean 2024 CPX: Baltic Fleet's Su-24 and Su-30SM aircraft train in bombing

12.09.2024

Naval aviation pilots of the Baltic Fleet trained to cover ground troops from the air during the Ocean 2024 CPX.

Su-24 bombers and Su-30SM, Su-30SM2 multi-role fighter jets carried out precision bomb strikes on command posts, and neutralised manpower and hardware of the mock enemy at an aviation training ground in Kaliningrad region.

During combat training, the crews practised pinpoint bombing at full-scale targets simulating command posts, engineering fortifications, manpower and hardware of the mock enemy. The bombs were dropped at altitudes of 200-2,000 metres.

All practical actions of the pilots were recorded by objective control systems installed on combat vehicles as well as on the ground in the area of combat employment.

In addition to practical bombing, the fleet's naval aircraft practised combat manoeuvres at parameter limits and methods of suppressing the air defences of the mock enemy.

According the training plan of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, formations and units of the Russian Navy have started taking part in the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise, which is to last until 16 September 2024. The exercise, which is one of the most important operational and combat training events of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2024, is to be conducted in a bilateral format under the overall command of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

More than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, over 120 naval aircraft, some 7,000 units of weaponry, military and special hardware, and more than 90,000 personnel participate in the drills, which take place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic oceans, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.

The Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise is aimed at checking the readiness of the senior staff of the Russian Navy to operate all-arms groups of forces in the areas of responsibility, to solve non-standard operational tasks, to make full use of high-precision weapons, advanced and modern weapons and military hardware in the practical part of the exercise, and to expand cooperation with the navies of partner countries to perform joint maritime missions.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Ocean 2024 CPX: Russian and Chinese ships perform artillery live fires at naval and aerial targets in Sea of Japan

12.09.2024

Warships of the Pacific Fleet and PLA Navy as a part of a joint detachment practised organisation of all types of defence when changing an area of performance of tasks within the Ocean 2024 CPX in the central part of the Sea of Japan.

The Russian-Chinese ship detachment trained to move in different formations as well as organise anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-mine defence. Supervised by a unified command, the ships repelled an attack of the mock air enemy with artillery live fires, crossed a mine-hazardous area, and destroyed a buoyant mine. Russian and Chinese sailors also trained to fight against high-speed uncrewed surface vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as performed live fires at night to hit a naval target.

Pacific Fleet's corvettes Gromky, Sorvershenny, Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov, auxiliary vessels along with PLA Navy's destroyers Xining and Wuxi, frigate Linyi, and replenishment ship Taihu perform tasks as a part of the joint Russian-Chinese ship battle force.

According the training plan of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, formations and units of the Russian Navy have started taking part in the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise, which is to last until 16 September 2024. The exercise, which is one of the most important operational and combat training events of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2024, is to be conducted in a bilateral format under the overall command of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

More than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, over 120 naval aircraft, some 7,000 units of weaponry, military and special hardware, and more than 90,000 personnel participate in the drills, which take place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic oceans, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.

The Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise is aimed at checking the readiness of the senior staff of the Russian Navy to operate all-arms groups of forces in the areas of responsibility, to solve non-standard operational tasks, to make full use of high-precision weapons, advanced and modern weapons and military hardware in the practical part of the exercise, and to expand cooperation with the navies of partner countries to perform joint maritime missions.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Ocean 2024 CPX: Baltic Fleet's helicopters trained anti-submarine warfare

12.09.2024

Within the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills, the Ka-27 and Ka-27M shipborne anti-submarine helicopters of the Baltic Marine Naval Aviation underwent drills to search for, track, and destroy mock enemy submarines in the Fleet's maritime training zone.

During the exercise, the anti-submarine helicopters trained searching for, detecting, identifying, maintaining shadowing contact, as well as countering submarines of the mock enemy.

During flight shifts, helicopter honed skills in detecting and identifying submarines as well as tracking them using radar and sonar. After completing tracking tasks, the Ka-27 and Ka-27-M helicopters used anti-submarine weapons against the targets. Up to 10 aircraft were involved in the flights.

According the training plan of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, formations and units of the Russian Navy have started taking part in the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise, which is to last until 16 September 2024. The exercise, which is one of the most important operational and combat training events of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2024, is to be conducted in a bilateral format under the overall command of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

More than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, over 120 naval aircraft, some 7,000 units of weaponry, military and special hardware, and more than 90,000 personnel participate in the drills, which take place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic oceans, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.

The Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise is aimed at checking the readiness of the senior staff of the Russian Navy to operate all-arms groups of forces in the areas of responsibility, to solve non-standard operational tasks, to make full use of high-precision weapons, advanced and modern weapons and military hardware in the practical part of the exercise, and to expand cooperation with the navies of partner countries to perform joint maritime missions.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Royal Navy and RAF shadow Russian ships and intercept Russian aircraft to protect UK national security

HMS Iron Duke and HMS Tyne shadowed four Russian vessels in UK waters and RAF jets intercepted a Russian Bear aircraft approaching the UK area of interest

12 September 2024

Royal Navy warships have spent the past week closely shadowing the Russian Navy as four of its vessels sailed through the Channel and the North Sea, helping to protect UK national security.

Alongside this, two RAF Typhoons scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth yesterday (11/09), supported by a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, to intercept two Russian Bear-F aircraft operating near the UK.

The RAF jets were launched under NATO command and worked closely with our partners to monitor the aircraft as they passed through international airspace. Our Typhoon fighters escorted the aircraft out of the UK's Flight Information Region and at no time did the Russian aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace.

Typhoons are part of the RAF's Quick Reaction Alert, which sees aircraft in Scotland and England at high-readiness 24/7, 365 days a year ready to defend and protect UK airspace.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:A A

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. I'd 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.

In a six-day operation hand-in-hand with NATO allies, the Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke shadowed the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov through the Dover Strait and into the Atlantic.

The carefully-choreographed operation started at the beginning of September when Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan escorted the diesel-powered submarine and her support vessel as they sailed from the Baltic and headed across the North Sea. The Canadian patrol ship handed over monitoring duties to the Royal Navy as the Russian vessels approached the busy Dover Strait.

From there HMS Iron Duke ensured constant watch on the two vessels, using her many sensors including her Wildcat helicopter, from 815 Naval Air Squadron, in the air. The submarine remained on the surface throughout the operation.

Once the Russian vessels had passed UK waters, HMS Iron Duke handed over shadowing duties to the Marine Nationale off the northwest coast of France, where the frigate FS Auvergne took up the mission.

The ship then returned immediately to the North Sea for a near carbon copy operation - this time with Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz as it approached Dover, picking up shadowing duties from the Belgian Navy, whose patrol vessel BNS Castor had kept watch up to that point.

HMS Iron Duke then handed over monitoring duties to patrol ship HMS Tyne off north western France.

Throughout both journeys past the UK - permitted under international law in accordance with the right of innocent passage- the Russian warships and their support vessels were closely monitored by UK forces to ensure they acted in a safe and non-threatening manner.

Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke Commander David Armstrong said:

These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we emerged from a period of intense training in July, and I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ship's company consistently display as they perform their duty. Maritime security operations of this nature are a fundamental capability of the Royal Navy, with the protection of our sovereign waters and critical national infrastructure a key focus.

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Royal Navy's nuclear submarine support facility upgraded

UK submarines will be able to go through maintenance work faster and therefore redeploy more quickly, following major upgrade works at a key naval base facility

12 September 2024

The biggest dry dock in Devonport, known as 9 Dock, has reopened today following a major refurbishment project worth A200 million completed under a contract with Babcock International Group.A A

At an opening ceremony in Plymouth, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle MP announced that 9 Dock and Devonport are pivotal to the government's triple-lock nuclear guarantee to deliver our next generation, Continuous-At-Sea Nuclear Deterrent.A A

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP said:A A

The Vanguard fleet is at the heart of deterring our adversaries and keeping the UK safe. This government is committed to a 'triple-lock' on our nuclear and to bolstering national security through crucial refurbishments such as this one.A A I am honoured to open 9 Dock today, and to have the opportunity to speak with personnel and staff on their vital contribution to our nation's security.

Devonport is the biggest naval base in Western Europe and has been a vital support for the Royal Navy since 1691. Spread across a vast area of more than 650 acres, it features 15 dry docks, four miles of waterfront, 25 tidal berths, and five basins.A A A

With a workforce of 7,000 Service people and civilians, Devonport also contributes to the local economy by supporting approximately 400 local businesses and generating around ten percent of Plymouth's income.A Employing more than 10% of Plymouth's workforce it contributes 14% of Plymouth's economy Nationally, Devonport plays a vital role in supporting the UK's Maritime industry by creating high-quality jobs, attracting further investment and subsequently strengthening the UK's strategic position on the global stage. A

There were 1,250 people employed during upgrades to 9 Dock, through the project team and the supply chain. More than 900 people were local and commuted daily with 25 apprentices employed during the project.A

The upgrades made to the dock have been undertaken to maintain and upgrade the support services, buildings, security arrangements and the equipment in the Dock, such as the installation of the Alternative Mechanical Handling package that will help reduce the maintenance durations by driving up productivity.A This major refurbishment to 9 Dock allows the continuation of the upkeep of ballistic missile submarines, officially known as Deep Maintenance Period (DMP), for Vanguard Class submarines.A The four Vanguard Class SSBNs form the backbone of the United Kingdom's Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent which keeps the nation safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A

The Vanguard Class undergo cycles of planned Deep Maintenance Periods throughout their lifetime. These maintenance periods ensure they remain fitted with the latest technology and systems to fulfil their operational capabilities.A

Babcock CEO, David Lockwood said:A A

Supporting the Continuous at Sea Deterrent is the most important thing we do. The huge investment and increase in digital technology in this submarine facility ensures the UK has a sovereign, fit-for-purpose, deep maintenance capability now and in the future.A A Opening our Engineering & Skills establishment at City College Plymouth on the same day, demonstrates our commitment to securing the critical nuclear skills the UK needs A to continue to deliver these vital defence programmes.

Since 1969 our Continuous at Sea Deterrent has been the bedrock of our nation's defence. The Minister also used her visit to reinforce the new government commitment to its 'triple-lock' on the deterrent, which includes building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-In-Furness, in Cumbria; maintaining our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future upgrades needed. Last week the Defence Secretary greeted submariners on the Clyde returning from the latest nuclear patrol mission and thanked our submariners and all those shoreside for their dedication and service.

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UK Foreign Secretary and US Secretary of State in Kyiv in first ever joint visit, as David Lammy announces over A600 million worth of support for Ukraine

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is visiting Kyiv today, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to demonstrate Western support for Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression.

11 September 2024

Foreign Secretary DavidA LammyA is visiting Kyiv today [11 September], with US Secretary of State, AntonyA Blinken, to demonstrate WesternA support for Ukraine's fight against Russian aggressionA

together, they are 2 of the first toA meet withA new ministersA

the UK announcesA at least A242 million of fundingA to support Ukraine in the face of relentless Russian attacks, and the deployment of $484 million of fiscal supportA and military equipment deliveries

Foreign Secretary DavidA LammyA and US Secretary of State AntonyA BlinkenA will reiterate united UK and US support for Ukraine in a joint visit to Kyiv today. This is the first ever joint visit by a UK Foreign Secretary and a US Secretary of State, highlighting the UK and US's unshakeable resolve to support Ukraine.A

The pair were seeing first-hand the enduring resilience of Ukraine'sA defenceA of its borders and independence and were due to meet with PresidentA Zelenskyy, and Foreign Minister Sybiha, becoming the first foreign ministers to meet with their new counterpart.A

In his first visit as Foreign Secretary,A MrA LammyA will announce at least A600 million worth of support to UkraineA against Putin's illegal invasion.A The Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to A3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as long as needed earlier this year.

ThisA confirms the A242 million announced for 2024 to 2025 for immediate humanitarian, energy andA stabilisationA needs as well as support to reforms, recovery and reconstruction. As Russian missile and drone attacks continue to kill civilians and destroy vital infrastructure, the commitment will ensure support to the most vulnerable in Ukraine, as well asA support forA longer-term economic, reconstruction and energy needs.A

The Foreign Secretary also announced the intention to deployA $484 million worth of loan guaranteesA for World Bank lending before the end of the year, to bolster Ukraine's economic stability.A It will support vital public services, including keeping schools and hospitals open, paying civil servants, and funding pensions. The loan guarantee, delivered by the World Bank, is the second deployment of the $3 billion package the UK committed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London last year.A

Foreign Secretary DavidA LammyA said:A

The UK's support to Ukraine is unwavering.A Our commitment of over A600 million worth of supportA is the latest installment in our enduring support to Ukraine.A This will provide vital support to UkrainiansA as they continue to endure relentless Russian attacks.A It is a privilege to be one of the first to meet my new counterparts. The bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people is inspiring. Alongside the United States, we are committed to giving Ukraine what it needs to resist Russia's illegal invasion. Their fight for freedom, liberty andA democracyA is also a fightA for BritishA security, European security, and global security. With the US, we stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes.A

This year's bilateral funding includes A100 million of humanitarian funding which will support the most vulnerable Ukrainians, including those living in communities at the frontline of relentless Russian attacks and those displaced toA neighbouringA countries and communities. This includes helps to evacuate, emergency responses to Russian missile attacks across Ukraine, and life-saving help for displaced persons.A

A further A20 million will double this year's support to essential repairs and protection to the power network, restore access to vital power supplies and strengthen Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Ongoing UK support has funded rooftop solar panels to power hospitals, back-up generators to keep the lights on, and power generation equipment inA KharkivA and Odesa. As Ukrainians continue to live through black-outs, and vital services are left without power, UK support to bolster Ukraine's energy system willA Ukraine keep the lights on.A

A40 million will fundA stabilisationA and early recovery, to ensure Ukraine not only wins the war, but can make aA head-startA on winning the peace. This funding includes vital assistance to Ukraine to resist Russian aggression, support toA stabiliseA newly liberated territories, and funding to support work to hold those responsible to account for war crimes committed in Ukraine.A A

Whilst in Kyiv the Foreign Secretary was due to attend the International Crimea Platform's annual summitA to demonstrate international unity in condemning Putin's illegal annexation of CrimeaA 10A years ago. The UK and international partners are united in efforts to restore Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.A

The Foreign Secretary will also announce the first investment into UkraineA byA British International Investment (BII),A theA UK's development financeA instituteA under the G7 initiated Ukraine Investment Platform.A ThisA A30 million of support to theA European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)'s Trade Facilitation Programme will support trade flows of critical goods, including food, in Ukraine. This is the first allocation of funding of the A250 million ofA capitalA to BII that the UK announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London last year.A

The Defence Secretary has also today confirmed, as part of the Government's commitment to ramp up and speed up deliveries of military support for Ukraine, that support announced in April - including air defence missiles, equipment for F16 fighter jets, AS90 self-propelled guns and spare barrels, military boats, and maritime guns - have now been delivered.

On top of this, the Defence Secretary has today also announced that hundreds of additional air defence missiles, tens of thousands of additional artillery ammunition rounds, and more armoured vehicles will be delivered to Ukraine by the end of the year.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

This government's support for Ukraine is ironclad. On our second day in office I promised President Zelenskyy we would speed up UK deliveries of military aid - and we are delivering on that commitment. Russia's indiscriminate attacks on Ukraine's people and infrastructure, often far behind the front line, highlights the urgent need to continue stepping up our support to Ukraine. So I am pleased to confirm additional aid will reach Ukraine by the end of this year. Meeting with my Ukrainian counterpart in London last week and with 50 nations at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Germany, I made clear that UK support will continue for as long as it takes. We stand united in the face of Putin's illegal war. The defence of the UK and Europe starts in Ukraine.

John Healey made the commitment to speed up deliveries on his second day as Defence Secretary when he visited Odesa and spent the afternoon with President Zelenskyy.

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Answer to a media question

Following his address to the plenary session of the United Cultures Forum, Vladimir Putin answered a question from a media representative.

September 12, 2024

18:55

St Petersburg

Question: Over the past few days, we have been hearing statements at a very high level in the UK and the United States that the Kiev regime will be allowed to strike targets deep inside Russia using Western long-range weapons. Apparently, this decision is either about to be made, or has already been made, as far as we can see. This is actually quite extraordinary. Could you comment on what is going on?

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: What we are seeing is an attempt to substitute notions. Because this is not a question of whether the Kiev regime is allowed or not allowed to strike targets on Russian territory. It is already carrying out strikes using unmanned aerial vehicles and other means. But using Western-made long-range precision weapons is a completely different story.

The fact is that - I have mentioned this, and any expert, both in our country and in the West, will confirm this - the Ukrainian army is not capable of using cutting-edge high-precision long-range systems supplied by the West. They cannot do that. These weapons are impossible to employ without intelligence data from satellites which Ukraine does not have. This can only be done using the European Union's satellites, or US satellites - in general, NATO satellites. This is the first point.

The second point - perhaps the most important, the key point even - is that only NATO military personnel can assign flight missions to these missile systems. Ukrainian servicemen cannot do this.

Therefore, it is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not. It is about deciding whether NATO countries become directly involved in the military conflict or not.

If this decision is made, it will mean nothing short of direct involvement - it will mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are parties to the war in Ukraine. This will mean their direct involvement in the conflict, and it will clearly change the very essence, the very nature of the conflict dramatically.

This will mean that NATO countries - the United States and European countries - are at war with Russia. And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the essence of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will be posed to us.

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Secretary General at Crimea Platform: NATO's commitment to Ukraine is stronger than ever

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

11 Sep. 2024

Last updated: 12 Sep. 2024

On Wednesday (11 September 2024), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addressed the Fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform. In his video message he described how the decisions taken at NATO's Washington Summit would "make Ukraine stronger, save lives and help Ukraine prevail."

NATO Allies are providing critical military support, with weapons now "in action, defending Ukrainian skies and cities," said Mr Stoltenberg. At the Washington Summit, leaders agreed on a new NATO command to lead the coordination and provision of security assistance and training. Allies also intend to provide 40 billion euros within the next year and pledge to ensure sustainable funding for the long-term. Stoltenberg highlighted that NATO's support will "help Ukraine defend itself today, and deter Russian aggression in the future".

The Secretary General commended the Crimea Platform's important work in strengthening Ukraine's cooperation with the international community and enhancing dialogue. He also praised the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces and citizens, calling them an inspiration "to the world and to me personally." In his last address to the Crimea Platform as Secretary General, Mr Stoltenberg concluded: "Ukraine's future is in NATO and it is on an irreversible path to membershipa With NATO's continued help, Ukraine will prevail as a sovereign, independent and democratic nation."

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Ukraine Expected Russian Forces To Fight Back In Kursk, Zelenskiy Says

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 12, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on September 12 that Ukraine anticipated the recent Russian military attacks that have taken place in the Kursk region.

"The Russians have begun counteroffensive actions. This is according to our Ukrainian plan," Zelenskiy told a news conference in Kyiv with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

The comment was Zelenskiy's first since Russia began attacks this week on Ukrainian forces in Kursk more than a month after Kyiv's surprise incursion into the region.

Pro-Moscow war bloggers and Ukrainian military analysts said on September 11 that Russian forces had begun attacking the western flank of Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region and had retaken some territory.

The same information has been shared by the Rybar channel, which is connected to the Russian Defense Ministry, and a Russian commander fighting in Kursk claimed that Russian troops had gone on the offensive and taken back control of about 10 settlements.

Ukrainian forces began their incursion into Kursk in early August, a move that was believed to be aimed at diverting Moscow's forces from the eastern Donbas region and at taking the fight to the Russians.

Kyiv claims to have seized control of more than 1,200 square kilometers of Russian territory, and according to Ukraine's top military commander, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy, Moscow has transferred tens of thousands of troops to the region.

While Ukrainian forces made rapid gains at the start of the incursion, the situation around the eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk, which Russia has been seeking to take for weeks, remains perilous.

At the news conference with Nauseda, Zelenskiy reiterated earlier assertions that Ukraine had also noticed a buildup of forces across Ukraine's border with Belarus.

"We have seen it for a long time -- this process is under control," he said.

His comments came as Russian shelling killed three Ukrainians working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and injured two others in a village in the 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. Donetsk's regional governor said a filtering station had stopped working because of heavy fighting, and it would be impossible to fix soon. He renewed calls for civilians to flee the town.

To the north in the Sumy region, the city of Konotop, a rail hub that 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 the attack, which "significantly" damaged energy infrastructure and cut electricity to the settlement.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zelenskiy- kursk-russia-pokrovsk/33117743.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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Red Cross Condemns Attack On Aid Truck That Killed 3 Workers In Donetsk Region

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 12, 2024

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has condemned an attack that killed three of its workers who were distributing aid in the frontline Donetsk region of Ukraine.

Ukrainian presidential officials said earlier that Russian forces had attacked Red Cross vehicles in an artillery strike that also wounded two other Red Cross workers.

"Another Russian war crime. Today, the occupier attacked vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross humanitarian mission in the Donetsk region," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on X, formerly Twitter. "In this war, everything is absolutely clear -- Russia sows evil, Ukraine defends life."

Miryjana Spoljaric, the president of the ICRC, condemned the attack in a statement on September 12 which confirmed that three of the organization's workers had been killed by shelling that hit the site of a planned frontline aid distribution point in the Donetsk region.

"I condemn attacks on Red Cross personnel in the strongest terms," Spoljaric said on X. "It's 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."

The statement added that ICRC teams are regularly present in the Donetsk region, and their vehicles are marked with the Red Cross emblem.

Photos released by local police showed a truck with the ICRC emblem on its side engulfed in flames.

Earlier on September 12, Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that three people were killed and two injured in the village of Virolyubivka in the Kostyantynivka district.

"The village came under artillery fire this morning. One of the shells hit the territory of the enterprise where people were. A truck with humanitarian aid and a car were destroyed," he said.

ICRC employees had brought fuel briquettes to residents for heating before winter. They were unloading the aid when the attack happened, the Prosecutor-General's Office said later on Telegram.

One of the two employees who were injured in the strike is in serious condition, the Prosecutor-General's Office added.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zelenskiy-red- cross-icrc-spoljaric-russia-artillery/33117765.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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Polish Leaders Urge Blinken To Lift Limits On Ukraine's Use Of Long-Range Weapons

By Current Time September 12, 2024

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on September 12 concluded a European tour in Poland, where he heard more appeals for a change in Washington's policy restricting the use of Western-supplied weaponry for long-range strikes inside Russia.

Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski argued that Ukraine should be allowed to use Western weapons against Russia in self-defense because Moscow "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 Russia's territory," Sikorski said. "A victim of aggression has the right to defend itself."

Blinken traveled to Warsaw to meet with Sikorski, Polish President Andrzej Duda, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk after spending a day in Kyiv with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during which the two diplomats 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 September 13 amid signs both Washington and London are growing more receptive to changing the policy on long-range weapons.

"As what Russia's doing has changed, as the battlefield has changed, we've adapted," Blinken said at a news conference in Warsaw, reiterating a statement he made in the Ukrainian capital.

"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," Blinken said.

"I can tell you that as we go forward we will do exactly what we have already done, which is we will adjust as necessaryain order to defend against Russian aggression," Blinken said.

Biden in May altered the policy to allow Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defense, but he has maintained a limit on the distance they can be fired.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has voiced his request for that restriction be lifted multiple times.

One of the key requests from Kyiv is to use U.S.-produced Army Tactical Missile Systems, known by the acronym ATACMS. But the Pentagon has said they wouldn't be the answer to the main threat Ukraine faces from glide bombs, which are being fired from more than 300 kilometers away -- beyond the ATACMS reach.

Biden and Starmer will talk about the issue when they meet in Washington, Blinken said, prompting speculation that an announcement on a change in the policy could come out of the meeting.

But Senator Chris Coons (Democrat-Delaware) told U.S. broadcaster MSNBC on September 12 that an announcement was more likely to come when Zelenskiy visits the United States later this month for the UN General Assembly.

Earlier on September 12, a British newspaper reported that London has already given Ukraine the green light to use its Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes deep into Russian territory. The Guardian quoted unidentified government sources as saying a decision had been made behind closed doors. British officials have not confirmed the report.

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning about a change in the policy, saying on September 12 that if the West allows Kyiv to use longer-range weapons to strike Russian targets it would mean NATO would be "at war" with Russia.

"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 U.S., 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."

Putin claimed that the Ukrainian military could only carry out such strikes when using data from NATO satellites and that only military personnel of NATO "can carry out flight tasks for these missile systems."

With reporting by AP and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/blinken-russia- long-range-weapons-poland-sikorski-tusk/33116947.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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Civilian Cargo Ship Carrying Ukrainian Grain Hit By Russian Strike In Black Sea

By RFE/RL's Romanian Service September 12, 2024

Ukraine accused Russia on September 12 of using strategic bombers to fire missiles at a civilian ship carrying Ukrainian grain in the Black Sea.

Romanian authorities said the ship was in the maritime economic zone of Romania, a NATO member, when it was hit. The vessel was transporting the grain from Chernomorsk, Ukraine, to Istanbul when it was struck, the Coast Guard said in a news release.

Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenciuc said the ship's cargo was bound for Egypt. Russia used Tupolev Tu-22 bombers to fire the missiles at around 11 p.m. local time on September 11, Ukraine's navy said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said the strike was "a brazen attack on freedom of navigation and global food security."

The strike was confirmed by the Romanian Coast Guard, which said the vessel had a crew of 22 people on board and no one was injured, and the ship's mobility was not affected, a Coast Guard spokesperson told RFE/RL.

The ship's captain requested a change in course so that it could head to Constanta to assess the damage. A maritime surveillance vessel was sent in coordination with the Romanian Navy to monitor the distressed ship and provide any assistance needed, the Coast Guard said.

The ship was 55 kilometers from the town of Sfantu Gheorghe in the exclusive economic zone of Romania when the explosion occurred, according to the Coast Guard. The exclusive economic zone is the maritime area adjacent to a country's territorial waters and can extend up to a maximum of 200 nautical miles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said earlier that a cargo ship carrying wheat was hit by a Russian missile strike in the Black Sea as it was headed for Egypt.

"Today's strike in the Black Sea was against an ordinary civilian vessel immediately after leaving Ukrainian territorial waters. According to preliminary data, fortunately, there were no casualties," he said. "Ukraine is one of the key global donors of food security. The internal stability and life of dozens of countries in different parts of the world depends on the normal and smooth operation of our export food corridor."

Ukraine, one of the world's leading grain producers and exporters, has been shipping about 4 million tons of grain each month through the Black Sea corridor, which was set up through a deal mediated by Turkey and the United Nations.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskiy-says-civilian-cargo-ship-carrying- wheat-hit-by-russian-strike-in-black-sea/33117553.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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Zelenskiy Calls Chinese-Brazilian Peace Plan Proposal 'Destructive'

By RFE/RL September 12, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called a Chinese-Brazilian peace proposal "destructive" that was created without the input of Kyiv.

Speaking in an interview with the Brazilian media outlet Metropoles, Zelenskiy said the proposal, announced last month by Beijing and Brazil, was "mostly pro-Russian" as it calls for a compromise from Ukraine, which has been fighting inside its own territory to repel invading Russian forces.

"They say Ukraine must agree for compromise. What compromise? To give up its lands, forget that they are killing our people? What sort of compromise exactly? Compromise is something unacceptable here. You want us to forget murders, forget everything? I think this view is destructive," Zelenskiy said in the interview, published on September 12.

"How is it possible to propose something saying - this is our initiative, without even talking to us? And Russia immediately comes up and says we support the Brazil-Chinese proposal. We are not fools. Why do we need this theater?"

On August 1, China and Brazil jointly published a "six-point consensus" meant to bring about a lasting political solution to the war, launched by the Kremlin in February 2022.

The plan is a diplomatic outline that calls for cooling down fighting on the battlefield and a recognition that dialogue and negotiations are the only way to end the war.

Beijing has said the plan to end Russia's war against Ukraine has received a "positive response" from more than 110 countries.

But Zelenskiy sharply criticized the initiative in the interview, saying it "has nothing to do with justice, with values, this is, for sure, without taking into account Ukraine's position and the issue of territorial integrity, of which both China and Brazil have been talking so much."

China has made a previous attempt to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, with a 12-point plan it put forward in February 2023 quickly dismissed by European leaders.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has strong working ties with China and has looked for his country to play a role in pushing for a peace process to end the war in Ukraine.

In July, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Ukraine would only engage Russia in peace talks when Moscow was "ready to negotiate in good faith," and added that "no such readiness is currently observed on the Russian side."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskiy-calls-chinese- brazilian-peace-plan-proposal-destructive-/33117350.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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Chinese, US militaries should ensure first button of a shirt must be put right: PLA lieutenant general

16:00, September 13, 2024 By Wang Qi and Liu Xuanzu ( Global Times

Lieutenant General He Lei Photo: Xinhua

China welcomes the US department of defense delegation to attend the ongoing Beijing Xiangshan Forum, and it's significant for the two militaries to maintain communication in order to avoid misjudgments and to better manage differences and risks, Lieutenant General He Lei, former vice president of the Academy of Military Sciences of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), told the Global Times on Thursday on the sidelines of the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

According to earlier foreign media reports, the US Pentagon was sending Michael Chase, the deputy assistant secretary of defense, to attend the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. Chase is more senior than the US representative who attended last year's security sforum, according to the reports.

When asked about the possible interactions with US military officers, He told reporters that China welcomes their visits and looks forward to conducting positive exchanges.

"The military-to-military relationship between China and the US is a stabilizer of bilateral relations," said He. "And exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries are constructive for strengthening strategic communication, avoiding miscalculations, and managing divergences and risks."

"Any communication is better than no communication," He noted.

Ahead of the ongoing Beijing Xiangshan Forum, the theater commanders of the Chinese and US militaries on Tuesday had a video teleconference, marking the resumption of all military communication mechanisms agreed by the two heads of state at the San Francisco meeting in November 2023.

Earlier this year, high-level communication between the two militaries took place on May 31 when Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The 17th China-US Defense Policy Coordination Talks convened in January in Washington, DC, and a China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement work group meeting took place in April in Hawaii.

"Currently, the relationship between Chinese and US militaries is developing in a positive way," He said, "To some extent, it is the stabilizer and the ballast stone of bilateral ties."

According to He, a meeting between the Pentagon delegation and the Chinese military at an equivalent level is likely to occur. "During the possible talks, Chinese side may further clarify its firm position and principles on China's core interests."

However, the lieutenant general also noted that with repetitive hyping of the "China threat" rhetoric, the US still holds misconceptions about China's development.

To properly handle the relationship between the two militaries, we must solve the issue of strategic perception, just like the first button of a shirt that must be put right, said He.

"Do the Chinese and American militaries perceive each other as friends, partners, or rivals? Is cooperation or competition the mainstream? A clear understanding of these issues is the most fundamental prerequisite for the correct handling of military-to-military relations," said He.

In addition, the two sides should implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state. "We should do what we say and do without empty promises. We should never say one thing and do another," He said, alluding to America's record of not keeping its promises.

China follows a path of peaceful development, and upholds the principle that all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, should be treated equally. "China respects the international order based on the UN Charter, while the US thinks Washington dominates the world, and it wants to keep its hegemony forever," He said.

"In fact, with its rapid development, China is by no means to become the hegemon of the world. The purpose of China's development is ensure a happier and better life for the Chinese people," He stated. "We will not engage in the so-called competition with any other country."

"China's development represents a force for world peace, and the strength of China's military is the growth of the force for resolutely defending national interests and safeguarding world peace," the lieutenant general said, adding that the Beijing Xiangshan Forum has highlighted peace or security for four consecutive sessions in its theme.

"We hope that the US delegation can enjoy themselves during the forum and make a contribution to the development of friendly relations between the two militaries," He said.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
Russian Defence Ministry report on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (12 September 2024)

12.09.2024

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to crush the enemy's grouping of troops, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

During offensive actions over the past two days, units of the Sever Group of Forces have liberated 10 settlements: Apanasovka, Byakhovo, Vishnyovka, Viktorovka, Vnezapnoye, Gordeyevka, Krasnooktybrskoye, Obukhovo, Snagost, and Desyaty Oktyabr.

Over the past 24 hours, units of the Sever Group of Forces repelled two enemy counter-attacks in the direction of Fanaseyevka and Snagost, as well as thwarted an enemy's attempt to launch an attack in the direction of Olgovka.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 20 troops killed and wounded; one armoured fighting vehicle and one motor vehicle were destroyed. One Ukrainian serviceman surrendered.

With support of Army Aviation and artillery, four attempts of the enemy to break through the border of the Russian Federation in the direction of Novy Put and Medvezhye were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 55 troops killed and wounded; four tanks, three armoured personnel carriers, eight armoured fighting vehicles, and two counterobstacle vehicles were destroyed.

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue reconnaissance and search operations in forestry areas to locate and eliminate enemy sabotage groups, which attempted to get to the depth of the Russian territory.

Army Aviation and artillery strikes and active efforts of the Russian troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the 22nd, 41st, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades of the AFU, 1st National Guard Brigade, and 129th Territorial Defence Brigade near Borki, Guyevo, Daryino, Zeleny Shlyakh, Kositsa, Lyubimovka, Malaya Loknya, Melovy, Martynovka, Novaya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Orlovka, and Uspenovka.

Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile troops inflicted losses on concentration areas and reserves in Sumy region of the 21st, 22nd, 41st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 82nd Air Assault Brigade of the AFU, 1st National Guard Brigade, 101st, 103rd, 106th, 116th, 119th, and 129th territorial defence brigades near Belopolye, Boyaro-Lezhachi, Glukhov, Dolzhik, Zhuravka, Obody, Kondratovka, Semyonovka, Stepanovka, Sumy, Svessa, Pavlovka, Pustogorod, Radyanskoye, and Yampol.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 300 troops and 24 units of hardware, including five tanks, six armoured personnel carriers, 13 armoured fighting vehicles, as well as two artillery guns, nine motor vehicles, two counterobstacle vehicles, and two electronic warfare stations.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 12,500 troops, 101 tanks, 42 infantry fighting vehicles, 83 armoured personnel carriers, 669 armoured fighting vehicles, 410 motor vehicles, 92 artillery guns, 26 MLRS launchers, including seven of U.S.-made HIMARS system and five of MLRS system, eight SAM launchers, two transport-loading vehicles, two air defence radars, ten engineering vehicles, including four counterobstacle vehicles and one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle.

The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Meeting with European Commissioner for Home Affairs Took Place at the Office of the President

President of Ukraine

12 September 2024 - 22:10

Pursuant to the instructions of the President of Ukraine and the Head of the Presidential Office, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson who was on a working visit to Ukraine.

During the meeting, they discussed several issues concerning cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union.

Ihor Zhovkva expressed gratitude to the European Commissioner for the unprecedented assistance provided to Ukraine and its displaced citizens in EU member states, as well as for her personal significant contribution to deepening cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union.

On behalf of the President of Ukraine, the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office presented Ylva Johansson with the Order of Merit, II class.



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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the Danish Parliament

President of Ukraine

12 September 2024 - 21:14

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Speaker of the Folketing SAren Gade and the Deputy Speakers of the Danish Parliament.

"Thank you for this visit. We are always happy to see leaders from Denmark at the government and parliamentary level. We are very glad to have such strong friends and deeply appreciate that you have stood with us since the beginning of the full-scale war, providing significant assistance - not only militarily, but also financially and with humanitarian aid," the President said.

The President briefed them on the situation in the combat zone and the current needs of Ukraine's defenders.

He acknowledged Denmark's substantial contribution to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and its leadership in the international Air Force Capability Coalition.

"We are grateful to Denmark for the first batch of F-16 fighter jets, which are already defending Ukraine from Russian missiles," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of the bilateral security agreement signed in Lviv in February of this year, as well as ways to expand cooperation in joint weapons production.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Denmark for its role in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts, in particular for its patronage over the reconstruction of Mykolaiv and the region.







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Children's Safety Is Everyone's Concern Today - President's Speech at the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen

President of Ukraine

12 September 2024 - 19:54

Dear First Ladies and Gentlemen!

Dear Guests!

Ladies and Gentlemen!

First of all, I want to thank all of you, the First Lady of Ukraine, and all participants and guests of this Summit. Thank you for this productive day, for this extremely important event. Thank you for coming to Ukraine during these challenging times and for standing with us as we overcome them together. Now and in the past years, over the course of which this global platform has proven that it is a necessary venue where important voices from around the world are heard, an effective platform where crucial solutions are found and then implemented. It brings more protection to life and more justice to the world.

Thanks to your activity, dialogue and initiatives, and the fact that you act today as true ambassadors of the bright side of history, promoters of human values, and ambassadors of life.

And I congratulate all of you on holding this year's Summit, the fourth one already. Despite the war, all the challenges, threats, and difficulties, Ukraine once again brings together First Ladies and Gentlemen from around the world. This is very important. We must not shy away from challenges but overcome them, we must not look away from threats. We must address difficult and pressing issues, seek out answers, and find them. We must keep the world's attention on Ukraine and ensure the world does not forget, because it's not just Ukraine under attack today, but the values of freedom and life globally. This year's topic is children's safety.

It's hard to imagine two more polar, more opposite concepts than "war" and "children." Unfortunately, in today's world, there are those who have chosen the former - war. Aggressors, dictators - whatever you call them - they have chosen destruction over development. Ruthless and constant violations of children's rights instead of protecting and caring for future generations.

This is the most painful aspect of war. The fact that children are the most vulnerable during war is not just words. It's a fact. Nothing tugs at the heart more or sounds more terrifying than a child saying, "I'm scared."

You can rebuild destroyed homes, restore the economy, rebuild infrastructure capacities, and clear territories scattered with enemy mines - you can do all that. But how do you give back a stolen childhood? Is there a "compensation mechanism" for taking away children's peace and safety?

Recently, I was told a story. It was about a conversation between our warriors in a trench on the frontline. An experienced fighter who has been defending Ukraine since the very beginning of the occupation in 2014 praised his brother-in-arms for his bravery. They had just returned from a combat mission. Then he expressed regret that they hadn't met earlier, as those qualities would have been very useful. He asked, "Where were you in 2015?" The brother-in-arms replied, "In 10th grade."

I think this story is a tragedy. It's reality. And I think there are many such stories among us: on the front lines, in civilian life. Unfortunately, far too many, because of this war that Putin has brought. Yesterday's children are today's warriors, defending their homeland and sacrificing their lives.

Some were in school, some had just entered university, and each of them had their childhood, youth, and part of their life stolen.

This is what happens if evil is not put in its place immediately. This is what happens when the world spends years thinking about red lines and searching for diplomatic solutions in dealing with those who have been undiplomatically killing, burning, and raping for years. For years, annexing, waging wars, and fighting them for as long as they need. And they will continue doing so. As long as the world is asleep. As long as some pretend to care. As long as some believe in the narrative that Putin is fighting Nazism in Ukraine or neo-Nazis of some kind. Which Nazis exactly? Today, in Kyiv, we are saying goodbye to our warrior, a fallen Ukrainian defender, the son of Ukraine's Chief Rabbi, Moshe Azman. I want to express my condolences to him and to all those who have lost loved ones. Today, war affects everyone. It affects all of us in Ukraine, in Europe, and around the world. All of us: men, women, our parents, but above all, our children.

Ten days ago, Ukraine celebrated Knowledge Day - the start of the new school year. But the war has brought completely different kinds of knowledge to our country and our children. Knowledge that no child on this planet should have. Going to the first lesson to the sound of sirens, learning not just language, history, and math but also short routes to the bomb shelter, adapting to online education, adapting to studying in another country, in another language. This is difficult, too.

And the worst thing is not seeing your mother or father, when our families are separated because of a full-scale war that has been going on for almost three years. Our children born after February 24th have already learned to walk. They've already learned to speak. Unfortunately, war has taught them words like "alarm," "attack," "missiles," "shelling," "strikes," "danger."

These are challenges not meant for children. And that's why today, our children ask questions of grown-ups: "Is it flying again?" "When can we go outside?" "Was that a hit or our air defense?" "When will dad come home?" "Why doesn't God punish and take away this Putin?" And the most important question: "When will this war end?"

And this question comes from every child in Ukraine, from every single one. And it is a question for all of us, for all the adults on Earth. And it requires honest answers. It requires that we all be honest, especially with ourselves.

Because it's easy to condemn a Russian missile hitting our school. But it's not so easy to admit that the missile might contain parts made in America, Europe, Asia, or any other part of the world. There is a saying, "The devil is in the details." Unfortunately, the example of these missiles proves this, in every sense of the phrase.

How is this possible? Why is this possible? And while it may be hard to admit, is it really that hard to fix, to stop, to resolve?

This Summit, in particular, and all the efforts of Ukraine and our allies in general, prove that the safety of children today concerns all of us: each and every one of us.

It should unite us, and it is uniting everyone today, regardless of any political levels. Leaders of nations, First Ladies and Gentlemen, international organizations and institutions, active, brave, and caring people from around the world. In general - adults, who must overcome challenges not meant for children.

Ukraine is determined to solve this issue. Ukraine knows the answers to all these questions. We offer our solutions to the world. Our Peace Formula, our victory plan, the Peace Summit - all contain just answers for a just end to the war. This is what should happen when the one who has encroached on the safety of children is held accountable for their actions, and when repeating such crimes in the future becomes impossible.

So that children in Ukraine and all over the world can have a happy childhood, so that loved ones are nearby, and families are not torn apart by this shameful war Russia has brought. So that the world never again sees pictures of a child's room hit by a shell or a child being pulled out of the rubble after a missile strike. This war, and all wars, must become a thing of the past. This war, and all wars, must become a thing of the past.A

Ukraine strives for this. Ukraine unites the world for this. Ukraine and the world must achieve this.

Once again, I thank all of you for organizing this Summit, for participating, for coming to Ukraine, and for fighting with us. We will surely win. We must.

Thank you for your attention!

Glory to Ukraine!









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President Discussed the Importance of Upholding the Rome Statute with ICC Prosecutor

President of Ukraine

12 September 2024 - 19:21

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan. The President expressed gratitude for the support Ukraine has received, as well as for Khan's participation in the "United for Justice" conference and the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.

"Thank you for everything you do for us, for your support, and for your decision to participate in the "United for Justice" conference. Every signal is important to us, and it is crucial that the world hears us," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President emphasized the ongoing cooperation between the ICC and the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.

The Head of State also reminded that Ukraine has ratified the Rome Statute and stressed the critical importance of ensuring that court rulings on arrest warrants for Russian war criminals are not ignored.

Additionally, the meeting addressed efforts to combat the forced displacement and deportation of Ukrainian children, as well as the investigation of these crimes.



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Andriy Yermak Met with Leadership of the National Democratic Institute

President of Ukraine

12 September 2024 - 19:09

Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak held a meeting with President of the National Democratic Institute Tamara Cofman Wittes and Senior Resident Country Director for the National Democratic Institute in Ukraine Dr. Marcin Piotr Walecki. Also present at the meeting were the Presidential Adviser - Commissioner for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk, and Adviser to the Head of the Presidential Office Dariia Zarivna.

Andriy Yermak expressed gratitude for the NDI's longstanding support of democratic processes and its contribution to strengthening civil society in Ukraine, especially during the full-scale Russian aggression.

He also highlighted Tamara Cofman Wittes' personal role in implementing sanctions against Russia during her time at the U.S. Department of State.

The Head of the Presidential Office emphasized that the primary task for the President and his team today is to restore a just peace for Ukraine.

He emphasized that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planning to soon present President Joseph Biden with Ukraine's victory plan in this war. Additionally, active work is underway to implement the Peace Formula and prepare for the second Peace Summit.

Andriy Yermak also stressed the importance of continued cooperation on reforms related to decentralization, the judicial system, and the fight against corruption.

Presidential Adviser - Commissioner for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk discussed with the NDI delegation the intensification of sanctions pressure on the aggressor state.

Adviser to the Head of the Presidential Office Dariia Zarivna discussed with NDI leadership the challenges Ukraine faces in the field of information security and efforts to counter disinformation.



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President: Ukraine Was Convincing on Long-Range Weaponry in Meetings with U.S. Secretary of State and U.K. Foreign Secretary

President of Ukraine

12 September 2024 - 16:36

Ukraine's stance on the use of long-range weaponry during talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy was well-prepared, convincing, and detailed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared this during a press briefing.

He emphasized that delaying decisions regarding the use of long-range weapons allows Russia to relocate its military assets deeper into its territory.

"So, if our partners lift restrictions, it would be highly desirable for this to be part of Ukraine's victory strategy, rather than just a political strategy. Lifting restrictions should mean truly lifting them," the President stated.

The Head of State noted that granting permission to target Russian military sites with long-range weapons would provide Ukraine with a critical resource.

"If we are allowed to use this weaponry, we should be able to use it as needed, to strike military targets. If restrictions are lifted on certain weapons but those weapons lack necessary missiles, then it's not truly a lifting of restrictions. It's another way of avoiding a positive decision on using specific weapons. That's how we see it, and I was very straightforward about this yesterday," Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.







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Lithuania Announced Readiness to Increase Support for Ukraine's Defense Industry - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

12 September 2024 - 16:23

Lithuania is ready to boost its support for Ukraine in the production of weapons, particularly long-range drones. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following discussions with President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas NausAda.

During the meeting, the parties discussed Ukraine's defense and the key needs of Ukrainian warriors. Volodymyr Zelenskyy provided updates on the situation at the front, specifically in the Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Vuhledar directions, as well as Ukraine's defensive operation in the Kursk region.

"We all clearly understand that defending the Ukrainian state also means defending the independence of all nations bordering Russia. Our Europe and European way of life can only survive if Ukraine stands strong and wins this war," he said.

The Ukrainian President thanked Lithuania for all its assistance, including military aid packages and the guaranteed 10-year commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The leaders also discussed defense cooperation agreements, including investments in drone production in Ukraine and co-production efforts. Gitanas NausAda stated that Lithuania is ready to increase support in this area.

"All co-production and all investments in defense manufacturing are very important to us. This is a priority today. Right now, everyone can see how successful Ukraine is in developing and deploying its long-range weapons and long-range drones," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The Ukrainian leader also emphasized that as the heating season approaches, Ukraine needs even more active support from its partners in terms of air defense systems and energy aid packages.

Gitanas NausAda assured that Lithuania will continue its support for Ukraine, particularly in the supply of 155 mm caliber ammunition.

"Lithuania is investing 10 million euros in the production of Ukraine's long-range "Palianytsia" weapon. We are interested in this and discussed cooperation in the production of maritime drones," the Lithuanian President noted.

He also mentioned that a Lithuanian-Ukrainian defense forum was recently held in Kyiv. Its goal is to enhance cooperation and strengthen Ukraine's defense industry.

Gitanas NausAda added that Lithuania is calling on NATO members to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles, fighter jets, and air defense systems, and to allow Ukraine to strike Russian military targets without restrictions.

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Defense Support, Reconstruction and the Path to the EU: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the President of Estonia

President of Ukraine

12 September 2024 - 15:31

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Estonia Alar Karis in Kyiv.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Alar Karis and his wife for participating in the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, which will be held today in Kyiv.

The President of Ukraine also commended Estonia's decision to allocate 0.25% of GDP annually for the defense needs of our country. This is stipulated in the bilateral security agreement.

"We are grateful for your support in all areas and for the very important agreement on security cooperation between our countries. We are very pleased to have so many strategic partners," the Head of State emphasized.

In addition, he thanked Estonia for its active participation in the reconstruction of our state, particularly for the projects already implemented in the Zhytomyr region.

Special attention was paid to Ukraine's progress towards EU integration. Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Estonia's significant expert assistance to Ukraine in the negotiation process.

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The President Discussed the Strengthening of Military and Technical Cooperation with the Prime Minister of Latvia

President of Ukraine

12 September 2024 - 14:28

In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Latvia Evika SiliAa.

The Head of State thanked Evika SiliAa for her personal participation in the Fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform, and for Latvia's continued support for Ukraine.

"We are grateful for all your help since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. We are happy to have such good friends, not only in the military sphere. We feel your strong advocacy for Ukraine within the EU and NATO," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the strengthening of military and technical cooperation and the implementation of the bilateral security agreement.

The President described the preparations for the second Peace Summit and stressed the need to involve as many countries of the Global South as possible in this process.

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Andriy Yermak Met with the President of the Munich Security Conference

President of Ukraine

12 September 2024 - 12:49

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, met with the President of the Foundation Council of the Munich Security Conference Foundation, Wolfgang Ischinger. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Ihor Zhovkva.

The parties discussed cooperation with Ukraine's partners. In particular, Andriy Yermak spoke about President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Kyiv and meetings with allies in the Ramstein format.

"The victory plan on how to force Putin to end the war on terms acceptable to Ukraine contains concrete steps. The plan is the foundation for discussion. And the principled position of the President of Ukraine is that President Biden should be the first to see it," he noted.

The Head of the Presidential Office spoke about the preparations for the second Peace Summit and the holding of thematic conferences focused on the points of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula, as well as the work to involve more representatives of the Global South in this process.

Andriy Yermak and Wolfgang Ischinger paid special attention to the preparations for the next Munich Security Conference, which will be held in February 2025.

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On October 30-31, Canada Will Host a Conference on the Release of Prisoners and Deported Ukrainians

President of Ukraine

12 September 2024 - 09:49

On October 30-31, Canada will host a thematic conference on the fourth point of the Peace Formula "Release of Prisoners and Deported Persons". This date was agreed upon during the online conversation of the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada MAlanie Joly.

The participants of the video meeting discussed the format of the event, the list of countries that will be invited to participate, the agenda and the expected outcomes. The Kingdom of Norway will co-organize the event with Canada.

"We must find a solution for all groups held by Russia: civilians, prisoners of war and children," Andriy Yermak said.

The parties also agreed on further cooperation in preparing the conference.

In addition, Andriy Yermak thanked MAlanie Joly for her attention to the working group dedicated to this point of the Peace Formula and for the leadership within the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

The Ukrainian side was also represented by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, Deputy Heads of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva and Iryna Vereshchuk, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada Yuliya Kovaliv, Advisers to the Head of the Presidential Office Dariia Zarivna and Oleksandr Bevz, and Head of Projects at Bring Kids Back UA Maksym Maksymov.

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Ukraine says it downed 44 of 64 Russian drones

By VOA News September 12, 2024

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.

Ukraine's 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.

Russia's 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 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 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.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE AMERICAN: BTG, NSX: B2G) (B2Gold or the Company) announces an update for the Goose Project in Nunavut, Canada. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.



Goose Project Update

All planned construction year to date in 2024 has been completed and project construction and development continues to progress on track for first gold pour at the Goose Project in the second quarter of 2025 followed by a ramp up to commercial production in the third quarter of 2025: B2Gold anticipates that once in commercial production the Goose mine will produce approximately 310,000 ounces of gold per year over the first full five years. Sealift offloading performance has increased this summer due to a newly constructed barge ramp, with seven supply vessels received at the Marine Laydown Area (MLA), ahead of schedule, as of early September 2024. Three ships have already completed offloading of supplies and departed Bathurst Inlet ahead of schedule. All vessels are expected to have completed the offload of supplies to the MLA by October 2024.





B2Gold anticipates that once in commercial production the Goose mine will produce approximately 310,000 ounces of gold per year over the first full five years. Sealift offloading performance has increased this summer due to a newly constructed barge ramp, with seven supply vessels received at the Marine Laydown Area (MLA), ahead of schedule, as of early September 2024. Three ships have already completed offloading of supplies and departed Bathurst Inlet ahead of schedule. All vessels are expected to have completed the offload of supplies to the MLA by October 2024. Total Goose Project construction, mine development, and sustaining capital cash expenditures (Construction and Mine Development Cost) before first gold production estimate is now C$1,540 million, a C$290 million (or 23%) increase from the previous estimate: Approximately 52% (or C$150 million) of the increase in the estimated total Goose Project Construction and Mine Development Cost before first gold production can be attributed to the one quarter delay in first gold production previously disclosed, combined with the acceleration of capital items that were previously anticipated to occur after first gold production. The acceleration of certain capital items is expected to make the Goose Project a more reliable and de-risked operation upon mill startup. The accelerated capital items include accelerated purchases of mining equipment versus the previous estimate to ensure continued growth in mining rates through 2025, the building of an accommodation complex at the MLA which will reduce ongoing annual costs associated with running the Winter Ice Road (WIR), the construction of critical infrastructure at the Goose site, inclusive of warehousing, maintenance, mine dry facility, camp facility expansion, and the design acceleration of a reverse osmosis plant to optimize water management and lower ongoing operating costs. Approximately 24% (or C$70 million) of the increase in the Construction and Mine Development Cost can be attributed to the increased cost of the logistics of shipping materials to the Goose Project site.





Approximately 52% (or C$150 million) of the increase in the estimated total Goose Project Construction and Mine Development Cost before first gold production can be attributed to the one quarter delay in first gold production previously disclosed, combined with the acceleration of capital items that were previously anticipated to occur after first gold production. The acceleration of certain capital items is expected to make the Goose Project a more reliable and de-risked operation upon mill startup. The accelerated capital items include accelerated purchases of mining equipment versus the previous estimate to ensure continued growth in mining rates through 2025, the building of an accommodation complex at the MLA which will reduce ongoing annual costs associated with running the Winter Ice Road (WIR), the construction of critical infrastructure at the Goose site, inclusive of warehousing, maintenance, mine dry facility, camp facility expansion, and the design acceleration of a reverse osmosis plant to optimize water management and lower ongoing operating costs. Approximately 24% (or C$70 million) of the increase in the Construction and Mine Development Cost can be attributed to the increased cost of the logistics of shipping materials to the Goose Project site. The construction cash expenditures estimate is now C$1,190 million (of the Total Goose Project Construction and Mine Development Cost of C$1,540 million): Upon completion of the 2024 WIR, the Company undertook a cost to completion review following a detailed assessment of all the materials transported to the Goose Project along the WIR from the MLA. The Company expects that construction cash expenditures will be C$1,190 million, a C$140 million increase from the previous estimate, the majority of which is due to additional costs associated with the logistics of shipping materials to the Goose Project via air transport and the acceleration of certain capital items which were required to fix design deficiencies and replace inadequate equipment that was inherited upon acquisition of the Goose Project.





Upon completion of the 2024 WIR, the Company undertook a cost to completion review following a detailed assessment of all the materials transported to the Goose Project along the WIR from the MLA. The Company expects that construction cash expenditures will be C$1,190 million, a C$140 million increase from the previous estimate, the majority of which is due to additional costs associated with the logistics of shipping materials to the Goose Project via air transport and the acceleration of certain capital items which were required to fix design deficiencies and replace inadequate equipment that was inherited upon acquisition of the Goose Project. The mine development and sustaining capital cash expenditures estimate is now C$350 million ( of the Total Goose Project Construction and Mine Development Cost of C$1,540 million) : The majority of the C$150 million increase from the previous estimate is related to one additional quarter of expenditures being incurred before first gold production combined with an increase in direct open pit and underground mining costs. During the second quarter of 2025, the Company anticipates completing the mining of the Echo open pit and commencing stope production from Umwelt underground, and will accelerate sustaining capital expenditures previously assumed to occur after first gold production to ensure that stockpiles are robust to sustain a consistent mill feed.





The majority of the C$150 million increase from the previous estimate is related to one additional quarter of expenditures being incurred before first gold production combined with an increase in direct open pit and underground mining costs. During the second quarter of 2025, the Company anticipates completing the mining of the Echo open pit and commencing stope production from Umwelt underground, and will accelerate sustaining capital expenditures previously assumed to occur after first gold production to ensure that stockpiles are robust to sustain a consistent mill feed. As of June 30, 2024, C$1,010 million has been spent on Construction and Mine Development Costs at the Goose Project, 66% of the estimated total to be incurred prior to first gold production: The Company estimates it will incur C$530 million of additional Construction and Mine Development Costs from July 1, 2024 through to first gold production in late second quarter of 2025. B2Gold continues to maintain a strong financial position with a working capital balance of $600 million as of June 30, 2024 plus access to the full amount of the Companys undrawn $700 million revolving credit facility, and anticipated operating cash flow from existing operations.





The Company estimates it will incur C$530 million of additional Construction and Mine Development Costs from July 1, 2024 through to first gold production in late second quarter of 2025. B2Gold continues to maintain a strong financial position with a working capital balance of $600 million as of June 30, 2024 plus access to the full amount of the Companys undrawn $700 million revolving credit facility, and anticipated operating cash flow from existing operations. Additionally, the Company anticipates spending approximately C$330 million to build up working capital and stockpiles at site, which further de-risks the ramp up of the operation, and will reduce operating cash expenditures in future years: The Company determined that an increased buildup of diesel fuel, consumables, and spares for mining and processing was required to materially de-risk the execution of the production ramp-up phase due to the logistics and seasonality of shipping materials to the Goose Project site. The larger working capital balance will reduce annual cash operating expenses over the life of mine as fuel, consumables, and critical spares have been pre-purchased. As of June 30, 2024, C$110 million has been spent on working capital buildup, leaving an estimated C$220 million to be spent between July 1, 2024 and first gold production.

Goose Project Development

B2Gold recognizes that respect and collaboration with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) is central to the license to operate in the Back River Gold District and will continue to prioritize developing the project in a manner that recognizes Inuit priorities, addresses concerns, and brings long-term socio-economic benefits to the Kitikmeot Region. B2Gold looks forward to continuing to build on its strong collaboration with the KIA and Kitikmeot Communities.

As previously announced, an additional three months of mining was added to the schedule to ensure that the Umwelt open pit, underground development and crown pillar activities align and that there is significant tailings storage capacity in the Echo open pit. With the schedule change, the mill is expected to start wet commissioning in the second quarter of 2025 with ramp up to full production in the third quarter of 2025. The Company continues to estimate that gold production in calendar year 2025 will be between 120,000 ounces and 150,000 ounces. Importantly, the updated mining schedule does not impact the total number of gold ounces the Company expects to produce over the life of mine of the Goose Project. The updated production profile has resulted in the Company estimating that average annual gold production from 2026 to 2030 will be approximately 310,000 ounces per year.

B2Gold successfully completed the 2024 WIR campaign and has delivered all necessary materials from the MLA to complete the construction of the Goose Project. All planned construction that is necessary to produce gold by the end of the second quarter of 2025 has been completed and project development remains on schedule. The key construction items that were completed this summer include:

the installation of Phase 2 of the Goose Project accommodation complex, which expanded camp capacity to more than 600 beds;

the construction of three additional fuel storage tanks at the MLA to increase fuel storage capacity to more than 80 million liters of fuel, which began to receive fuel in the third quarter of 2024; as of early September 2024, a total of 35 million liters of fuel has been offloaded into the fuel storage tanks at the MLA;

the construction of three additional fuel storage tanks at the Goose Project site to increase fuel storage capacity to more than 80 million liters of fuel;

the purchase and shipment to the MLA of materials necessary to complete construction, with ten ships and one barge having transported dry cargo of more than 120,000m 3 and more than 80 million liters of fuel;

and more than 80 million liters of fuel; sealift offloading performance increased due to a newly constructed barge ramp, with seven supply vessels received at the MLA as of early September 2024; three ships have completed offloading of supplies and have departed Bathurst Inlet ahead of schedule; all vessels are expected to have completed the offload of supplies to the MLA by October 2024;

the purchase of additional trucks for the 2025 WIR campaign, with a total of 105 trucks now available;

the placement of more than 90% of the concrete;

the placement of all E-houses on the mill pad with electricians now working on connecting power to various components;

piping work focused on the fuel storage tanks and the final Heavy Mechanical Equipment workshop; and

the development of access, placement of piping, and installation of a fresh water system.

Development of the open pit and underground remain the Companys primary focus to ensure that adequate material is available for mill startup and that the Echo pit is available for tailings placement. Mining of the Echo pit is meeting production targets and is anticipated to be ready to receive tailings when the mill starts. The underground mine remains on schedule for commencement of production by the end of the second quarter of 2025.

Back River Gold District Exploration Initiatives

The Back River Gold District, located in Nunavut, Canada, comprises of mining leases and claims covering approximately 58,734 hectares. There are five mineral claims blocks on the 80 kilometer (km) belt, the most advanced of which is the Goose Project, which is the Company is currently constructing. The Goose Project consists of five known deposits with existing mineral resources, Umwelt, Llama, Goose, Echo and Nuvuyak, which occur along a strike length of 8 km. The Company believes that exploration upside exists on all known deposits that are open at depth, as well as several zones of interest that remain largely untested within the footprint of the favorable host stratigraphy.

A significant goal of the Back River Gold District exploration budget of $28 million in 2024 is enhancing and growing the significant resource base at the Goose Project and surrounding regional targets. A total of 25,000 meters of drilling is ongoing, targeting extensions of the Llama and Umwelt deposits, the largest and highest-grade resources at the Goose Project. In addition to drilling, deep-imaging geophysical methods are ongoing in order to improve the Companys ability to target new underground resources in areas such as Nuvuyak, Goose Neck and Kogoyak. Regional exploration including geophysics and mapping is being undertaken on the George, Boot, Boulder and Del projects.

Goose Project Update - Conference Call Details

B2Gold executives will host a conference call to discuss the results on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 8:00 am PT / 11:00 am ET.

Participants may register for the conference call here: registration link. Upon registering, participants will receive a calendar invitation by email with dial in details and a unique PIN. This will allow participants to bypass the operator queue and connect directly to the conference. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call. Participants may also dial in using the numbers below:

Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: +1 (844) 763-8274

All other callers: +1 (647) 484-8814

The conference call will be available for playback for two weeks by dialing toll-free in the U.S. and Canada: +1 (855) 669-9658, replay access code 1237377. All other callers: +1 (412) 317-0088, replay access code 1237377.

About B2Gold

B2Gold is a low-cost international senior gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has operating gold mines in Mali, Namibia and the Philippines, the Goose Project under construction in northern Canada and numerous development and exploration projects in various countries including Mali, Colombia and Finland. B2Gold forecasts total consolidated gold production of between 800,000 and 870,000 ounces in 2024.

Qualified Persons

Bill Lytle, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information related to operations matters contained in this news release.

ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP.

Clive T. Johnson

President and Chief Executive Officer

Source: B2Gold Corp.

The Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American LLC neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this news release.

Production results and production guidance presented in this news release reflect total production at the mines B2Gold operates on a 100% project basis. Please see our Annual Information Form dated March 14, 2024 for a discussion of our ownership interest in the mines B2Gold operates.

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including: projections; outlook; guidance; forecasts; estimates; and other statements regarding future or estimated financial and operational performance, gold production and sales, revenues and cash flows, and capital costs (sustaining and non-sustaining) and operating costs, including projected cash operating costs and AISC, and budgets on a consolidated and mine by mine basis; future or estimated mine life, metal price assumptions, ore grades or sources, gold recovery rates, stripping ratios, throughput, ore processing; statements regarding anticipated exploration, drilling, development, construction, permitting and other activities or achievements of B2Gold; and including, without limitation: remaining well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance in 2024; projected gold production, cash operating costs and AISC on a consolidated and mine by mine basis in 2024; total consolidated gold production of between 800,000 and 870,000 ounces (including 20,000 attributable ounces from Calibre) in 2024, with cash operating costs of between $835 and $895 per ounce and AISC of between $1,420 and $1,480 per ounce; B2Gold's continued prioritization of developing the Goose Project in a manner that recognizes Indigenous input and concerns and brings long-term socio-economic benefits to the area; the Goose Project capital cost being approximately C$1,190 million and the net cost of open pit and underground development, deferred stripping, and sustaining capital expenditures to be incurred prior to first gold production being approximately C$350 million and the cost for reagents and other working capital items being C$330 million; the Goose Project producing in excess of 310,000 ounces of gold per year from 2026 to 2030; and the potential for first gold production in the second quarter of 2025 from the Goose Project. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made.

Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks associated with or related to: the volatility of metal prices and B2Gold's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving production, cost or other estimates; actual production, development plans and costs differing materially from the estimates in B2Gold's feasibility and other studies; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify acquisition opportunities; the unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; the ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities, including potential restrictions imposed on B2Gold's operations as a result thereof and the ability to generate sufficient cash flows; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Mali, Namibia, the Philippines and Colombia and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; the lack of sole decision-making authority related to Filminera Resources Corporation, which owns the Masbate Project; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for B2Gold's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and B2Gold's reputation; risks affecting Calibre having an impact on the value of the Company's investment in Calibre, and potential dilution of our equity interest in Calibre; as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual Information Form, B2Gold's current Form 40-F Annual Report and B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be viewed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively (the "Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect B2Gold's forward-looking statements.

B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to B2Gold's ability to carry on current and future operations, including: development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; B2Gold's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; foreign exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry.

B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. B2Gold does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, dozens of older student debtors over the age of 50  including the Debt Collectives 50 Over 50 caucus  took action at the White House to demand the Biden-Harris administration discharge the balances of older debtorsexecutive power authorized by various tools at the disposal of the Department of Education.



You can watch older student loan borrowers take action here . You can see photos here .

Debt Collective members from across the country held a vigil in front of the White House declaring that death should not be the only relief plan for their old, unpayable student loans. This action was the first mass action for student debt relief ever led by seniors. Today, older student debtors will also meet with the White House, various members of Congress and the Department of Education.

I sold the home we lived in for 40 years and live with one of my children to reduce my expenses, said Athena Blue, a 67 year old retired nurse from Georgia and Debt Collective member. This burden of a loan threatens my retirement. How can you, Congress, the Dept. of Education and White House, allow this to continue? How can you allow seniors to be subject to predators like this? Have you no moral compass; no shame?

Instead of including a suicide hotline for veterans on every piece of communication we receive, the causes of these tragedies should be met with real solutions including absolving some of the debt we accrued during our service because of compounded interest during forbearance or billing errors for VA health care, said Alicia Barnes, a navy veteran and Debt Collective member.

Going to school as a single mom, waitressing, battling cancer, and supporting a family  that wasnt the hard part, said Mary Donahue, a Maryland voter and Debt Collective member. That was the proud part. The hard part is the debt. The hard part is figuring out how to survive the rest of my life with this debt.

I pursued a higher education to have a better life, and pursue the American dream, said Renita Walker, a Georgia resident and Debt Collective member. With the actual interest on my student debt, my balance has ballooned at an average of $13,000 dollars of interest each year. This is a no win situation, despite making my monthly payments. I am calling on the powers that be to give us our life back and cancel student debt for older Americans. Dont let death be our only option. Let us retire undebted.

Student loan borrowers will receive debt cancellation one way or another  the Department of Education can either wait to discharge peoples debts when they die or they can use this power to retire borrowers debts now and let them retire with dignity

The Debt Collective is a national union for debtors, and a leading activist organization pressuring Biden to abolish all student loan debt. The Debt Collective wrote the executive order with the Higher Education Act of 1965 that President Biden could sign to immediately eliminate federal student loan debt.

CONTACT: Braxton Brewington

Debt Collective braxton@debtcollective.org

press@debtcollective.org

(919) 915-1801
SINGAPORE, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

SquareX has been named a winner of the prestigious Rising Star category in CybersecAsia Readers' Choice Awards 2024 Awards , due to its outstanding achievements in its innovative browser security solutions.

For the past 5 years, this award has been honouring cybersecurity organizations that are making a significant impact and delivering ground breaking solutions to help enterprises in the region to defend against cyberthreats.

Held at Network Hub @ Guoco Midtown, this highly sought after event was attended by more than 70 cybersecurity industry veterans, regional CISOs and cybersecurity practitioners who witnessed and recognized winners across more than 20 award categories.

Ever since web browsers became the de facto interface for the Internet, they have also provided the biggest attack surface for bad actors, said Victor Ng , Editor-in-Chief of CybersecAsia.As Asia Pacific becomes a more connected and digital economy, the cyber risks posed by browsers have loomed larger. Thats why we need real-time browser-native detection and response solutions, and SquareX  launched in 2023 out of Singapore  is a Rising Star providing such solutions to mitigate the risks from web-based threats.

SquareX is honoured to be recognized as a Rising Star winner in CybersecAsia Readers Choice 2024 Awards because it demonstrates the crucial role and impact that browser security is bringing to the cybersecurity landscape, said Vivek Ramachandran , Founder & CEO of SquareX .

Vivek Ramachandran continued to emphasize the critical need for effective enterprise browser security:

The browser is the most used tool by enterprises but also the least protected - making it a gateway to most attacks. Enterprises need robust solutions to protect themselves from web attacks happening to enterprise users in real-time. Our browser security detection and response solution is able to detect and mitigate web threats as they happen, ensuring that enterprises are protected at all times. added Vivek Ramachandran.

SquareX is privileged to receive this accolade from CybersecAsia as it validates the companys exceptional performance in mitigating web-based threats, and solidifies its leadership position in the browser security space. The team remains committed to safeguarding enterprises and their employees.

About SquareX:

SquareX helps organizations detect, mitigate and threat-hunt client-side web attacks happening against their users in real time.

SquareX's industry-first Browser Detection and Response (BDR) solution, takes an attack-focused approach to browser security, ensuring enterprise users are protected against advanced threats like malicious QR Codes, Browser-in-the-Browser phishing, macro-based malware and other web attacks encompassing malicious files, websites, scripts, and compromised networks.

With SquareX, enterprises can provide contractors and remote workers with secure access to internal applications, enterprise SaaS, and convert the browsers on BYOD / unmanaged devices into trusted browsing sessions.

For more information, readers can visit http://www.sqrx.com

Contact

Head of PR

Junice Liew

SquareX

junice@sqrx.com
Oslo, 13 September 2024: Scatec ASA, a leading renewable energy provider, has signed an agreement to sell the 39-megawatt (MW) Dam Nai Wind farm and the associated operating company in Vietnam to Sustainable Asia Renewable Assets (SARA), a utility-scale renewable energy platform of the SUSI Asia Energy Transition Fund (SAETF). Scatec will receive an upfront consideration of USD 27 million for its 100% equity stake at completion, with potential for additional earn-out payments of up to USD 13 million that are subject to certain conditions being fulfilled prior to May 2026.

We have decided to exit Vietnam after operating the Dam Nai wind farm since the acquisition of SN Power in 2021. We are satisfied with the agreed price and the sale is in line with our strategy to optimise our portfolio and focus on markets where we see further attractive growth opportunities. We are confident that SUSI will be a strong owner of the wind farm and will continue to contribute to the renewable energy journey of Vietnam. We would like to thank our local team for their contributions over the last years, as well as our partners, government stakeholders and lenders, says Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog.

Total net interest bearing debt related to the Dam Nai Wind farm was approximately USD 28 million at the end of the second quarter 2024, amounting to a transaction enterprise value of up to USD 68 million including the contingent earn-out payment. The wind farm has additionally generated a cash flow to equity of approximately USD 14 million to Scatec since the acquisition in 2021.

The transaction is expected to close within the first half of 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals. At the Scatec Group level, the transaction is estimated to generate an accounting gain at closing of approximately USD 8 million on a proportionate and consolidated basis, including a fair value estimate of the contingent consideration. Following the transaction Scatec will exit all operations in Vietnam resulting in exit costs, including capitalised development expenses, of approximately USD 4.5 million which will be recognised in the third quarter 2024 results.

Notes to the editor:

Dam Nai Wind is located in the Ninh Thuan province in the southern part of the country and consist of 15 Siemens wind turbine generators with a total capacity of 39 MW.

Dam Nai Wind Joint Stock Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Scatec when Scatec Solar Netherlands B.V. acquired SN Power Vietnam Renewables B.V in May 2021.

Scatec Solar Solutions Vietnam Co., Ltd was initially established in February 2020 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Scatec through the ownership of Scatec Solar Netherlands B.V.

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 considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

This stock exchange announcement was published by Kine Aaltvedt, IR Analyst at Scatec ASA, on 13 September at 06:03 CEST.
HTL0039732 (also known as NXE0039732) is Nxeras novel oral EP4 antagonist with the potential to treat a wide range of cancers in combination with other immunotherapies

Cancer Research UKs Centre for Drug Development is sponsoring and managing the ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical trial of HTL0039732

Tokyo, Japan and Cambridge and London, UK, 13 September 2024  Nxera Pharma (TSE: 4565, Nxera) and Cancer Research UK announce an upcoming presentation on the ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical trial ( NCT05944237 ) of Nxeras immunotherapy drug HTL0039732 (also known as NXE0039732) at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress (ESMO) 2024, taking place on 1317 September in Barcelona, Spain.

The trials co-chief investigator, Dr. Debashis Sarker from Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, will present a Trial in Progress1 poster at ESMO 2024 on Saturday 14 September (presentation 679TiP, available on the ESMO website here ).

The first-in-human trial is evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and anti-tumor activity of HTL0039732 as a monotherapy and in combination with the checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab, in patients with advanced solid tumors.

HTL0039732 is an oral small molecule drug candidate that was rationally designed using Nxeras NxWave platform and evaluated through rigorous translational and preclinical studies. HTL0039732 works by blocking signaling through a specific type of prostaglandin receptor, the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-type prostanoid receptor 4 (EP4). PGE2 acts in the tumor microenvironment to trigger cancer cells to evade the immune system. Targeting EP4 to block the effects of PGE2 increases the ability of the immune system to detect and control cancer cells and makes HTL0039732 a potential candidate to treat patients with cancers that generally do not respond well to current immunotherapies.

Cancer Research UKs Centre for Drug Development is sponsoring and managing the trial, which is led by chief investigator Dr Bristi Basu, University of Cambridge, and Dr Sarker. The first patient was dosed in August 2023 and the trial is currently open for recruitment at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, Guys Hospital in London, and the Christie Hospital in Manchester.

Dr. Debashis Sarker says: We are excited to present this Trials in Progress poster at ESMO, outlining the scientific rationale and design of the clinical trial of HTL0039732, given alone and in combination with immunotherapy for patients with advanced solid cancers. HTL0039732 targets an important protein within the tumor immune microenvironment called EP4, triggering cancer cells to evade the immune system. Targeting EP4 potentially increases the ability of the immune system to detect and control cancer cells. Enrolment to the trial began in the UK in August 2023 and is ongoing across multiple cancer types.

We are hopeful that this trial will identify a novel way to target the immune system and improve treatment options for patients with a range of different solid cancers.

END

About Nxera Pharma

Nxera Pharma (formerly Sosei Heptares) is a technology powered biopharma company, in pursuit of new specialty medicines to improve the lives of patients with unmet needs in Japan and globally.

In addition to several products being commercialized in Japan, we are advancing an extensive pipeline of over 30 active programs from discovery through to late clinical stage internally and in partnership with leading pharma and biotech companies. This pipeline is focused on addressing major unmet needs in some of the fastest-growing areas of medicine across neurology, GI and immunology, metabolic disorders and rare diseases, and leverages the power of our unique and industry leading GPCR-targeted structure-based drug discovery NxWaveTM platform to provide a sustainable source of best- or first-in-class candidates.

Nxera employs over 350 talented people at key locations in Tokyo and Osaka (Japan), London and Cambridge (UK), Basel (Switzerland) and Seoul (South Korea) and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565).

For more information, please visit www.nxera.life

LinkedIn: @NxeraPharma | X: @NxeraPharma | YouTube: @NxeraPharma

About Cancer Research UKs Centre for Drug Development

Cancer Research UK has an impressive record of developing novel treatments for cancer. The Cancer Research UK Centre for Drug Development has been pioneering the development of new cancer treatments for 30 years, taking over 160 potential new anti-cancer agents into clinical trials in patients. Six of these new agents have made it to market, including temozolomide for brain cancer, abiraterone for prostate cancer and rucaparib for ovarian cancer. Two other drugs are in late development Phase 3 trials. Thirteen agents remain in active development with the potential to reach the market. It currently has a portfolio of 16 projects in preclinical development, Phase 1 or early Phase 2 clinical trials. www.cruk.org.uk/cdd

Enquiries:

For Nxera  Media and Investor Relations

Kentaro Tahara, VP Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy

Shinichiro Nishishita, VP Investor Relations, Head of Regulatory Disclosures

Maya Bennison, Communications Manager

+81 (0)3 5210 3399 | +44 (0)1223 949390 |IR@Nxera.life

For Nxera  MEDiSTRAVA (for International Media)

Mark Swallow, Frazer Hall, Erica Hollingsworth

+44 (0)203 928 6900 | Nxera@medistrava.com

For Cancer Research UK

Tim Bodicoat, Content Manager

tim.bodicoat@cancer.org.uk

Nxera Pharma Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development, and commercialization of products. Various risks may cause Nxera Pharma Groups actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialize products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialization activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.







1 A Trial in Progress presentation describes the rationale behind and design of a clinical trial. No data will be presented.




LOUDI, China, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On September 12, the Second "From Ziquejie Terraces To The World" Global Farming Culture Exchange and Mutual Learning Conference was held in Xinhua County, Loudi City, central China's Hunan Province.



The Ziquejie Terraces are a globally significant agricultural and irrigation heritage site. Located on Ziquejie Mountain, the area is known for its rich vegetation, granite formations, and sandy loam soil, which has excellent water retention properties -- ideal for terraced farming.

Over centuries, the ancestors of the Miao, Yao, Dong, and Han peoples skillfully adapted to the mountain's terrain, creating intricate terraced fields. By utilizing the elevation differences in the mountain streams, they channeled water through hand-dug ditches along the slopes, enabling a progressive irrigation system that ensures the terraces remain fertile -- resilient to droughts and stable during heavy rains. This agricultural ingenuity has sustained generations with an abundant rice harvest.

The conference attracted more than 200 attendees, including representatives from international organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Officials in China from countries like France and Peru, known for their terraced landscapes, also attended alongside domestic and foreign experts in agriculture, culture, and tourism. The conference centered on key issues like preserving global agricultural heritage and advancing green agricultural economies. Participants explored strategies for protecting and passing down farming traditions, highlighting Hunan's innovative approaches to preserving and utilizing agricultural heritage and offering China's solutions for the global preservation of agricultural heritage.

During the opening ceremony, the World Consensus on the Integrated Development of Terrace Agriculture, Culture, and Tourism was unveiled. This consensus emphasized the importance of recognizing the value of terraced landscapes, protecting their ecosystems, preserving the farming culture of the terrace, and promoting the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism. It also called for increased international exchanges and cooperation, and innovative development models. The conference adopted a "1+N" model, consisting of an opening ceremony, keynote speeches, and three thematic forums. These parallel forums focused on promoting the Ziquejie Terraces as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, advancing the local homestay industry, and positioning Ziquejie as a world-class tourism destination.

Source: The Second "From Ziquejie Terraces To The World" Global Farming Culture Exchange and Mutual Learning Conference

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6b08202a-91a0-41d7-9c3c-9350901454db
Dublin, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "South Africa Alternative Lending Market Business and Investment Opportunities Databook - 75+ KPIs on Alternative Lending Market Size, By End User, By Finance Model, By Payment Instrument, By Loan Type and Demographics - Q2 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The alternative lending in this region is expected to grow by 29.5% on an annual basis to reach US$297.2 million in 2024.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the Alternative Lending industry, covering market opportunities and risks across a range of industry categories. With over 50 KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of Alternative Lending market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.







Medium to long term growth story of alternative lending in South Africa remains strong. Alternative lending adoption is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 20.2% during 2024-2028. The alternative lending market in the country will increase from US$229.6 million in 2023 to reach US$619.6 million by 2028.



South Africa's alternative lending sector has experienced significant growth and innovation, driven by increased demand and strategic partnerships. Key developments include major funding for digital lenders like Lulalend, notable Nedbank and African Bank acquisitions, and progressive regulatory changes to enhance transparency and consumer protection. As digital and alternative lending solutions evolve, they are expected to expand access to credit and strengthen the financial ecosystem.



Growth in the Alternative Lending Sector



Alternative lending in South Africa has seen steady growth, particularly in segments like personal loans and retail installment loans. Demand for home loans has continued to rise, driven by consumer liquidity needs and affordable housing requirements. Looking ahead to the next few months, alternative lending is expected to maintain its momentum. Digital lenders are leveraging mobile technology and alternative data sources to expand access to credit for underserved individuals and businesses.



Key Developments in the Alternative Lending Sector

Product Launches and Innovations

Lulalend, a digital lender, recently secured $35 million in funding to improve its credit offerings for SMEs, integrating its services with partners like Vodacom and Takealot to streamline access to capital for various sectors, including retail and construction.

Strategic Partnerships

A significant partnership was established between Lulalend, a South African digital lender, and major companies such as Vodacom and Takealot. Lulalend, a digital lender, recently got $35 million in funding to improve its credit offerings for small and medium-sized businesses. The company plans to work with partners like Vodacom and Takealot to make it easier for industries such as retail and construction to access capital.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Nedbank Acquires TymeBank - In January 2024, Nedbank announced its acquisition of TymeBank, a significant development in South Africa's banking landscape. This move allows Nedbank to enhance its digital banking capabilities and expand its customer base, particularly among underserved populations. TymeBank is known for its focus on providing accessible banking solutions.

African Bank Acquires Fintech Company - In March 2024, African Bank announced its acquisition of a fintech company, marking a strategic move to enhance its digital offerings and expand its market reach. While the specific fintech company involved in this acquisition has yet to be detailed in the available search results, the move reflects African Bank's commitment to leveraging technology to better serve its customers and adapt to the evolving financial landscape in the region.

Regulatory Changes

Open Finance Policy Recommendations: In March 2024, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) published its Open Finance Policy recommendations. This initiative aims to enhance data sharing within the financial ecosystem, promoting greater transparency and competition in the sector. The proposed roadmap emphasizes a consultative approach, establishing foundational elements for Open Finance before moving towards mandatory data sharing, which could significantly influence alternative lending practices and consumer access to credit.

Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill (COFI): The COFI Bill is anticipated to be promulgated soon. It aims to create a consolidated regulatory framework for financial institutions. This bill seeks to ensure fair treatment and protection of consumers, which is particularly relevant for alternative lenders who often cater to underserved markets. The ongoing discussions around this bill reflect a broader effort to modernize the regulatory landscape for financial services in South Africa.

Deposit Insurance Fund and Regulations: The establishment of the Conduct of Deposit Insurance (CODI) in March 2023 and the subsequent draft regulations aim to protect depositors in the event of bank failures. This regulatory framework enhances public confidence in the banking system and indirectly supports the alternative lending sector by fostering a more stable financial environment.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 189 Forecast Period 2024 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $297.2 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $619.6 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 20.2% Regions Covered South Africa



Scope



South Africa Economic Indicators

Gross Domestic Product at Current Prices

Population

Unbanked Population

Unemployment Rate

Loan Default Rate

South Africa Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast

Transaction Value

Average Transaction Value

Transaction Volume

South Africa Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by End User

End User - Business

End User - Consumer

South Africa Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Finance Models

P2P Marketplace Consumer Lending

P2P Marketplace Business Lending

P2P Marketplace Property Lending

Balance Sheet Consumer Lending

Balance Sheet Business Lending

Balance Sheet Property Lending

Invoice Trading

Debt Based Securities

Equity Based Crowd Funding

Real Estate Crowd funding

South Africa Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument - Transaction Value, Volume and Average Value

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

South Africa Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Model

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Consumer Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Business Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Property Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Consumer Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Business Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Property Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Invoice Trading

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Debt Based Securities

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Equity Based Crowd Funding

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Real Estate Crowd funding

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

South Africa Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Loan Types

B2C Loans

Personal Loan

Payroll Advance

Home Improvement

Education/Student Loans

Point of Sale

Auto Loans

Medical Loans

B2B Loans

Lines of Credit

Merchant Cash Advance

Invoice Factoring

Revenue Financing

South Africa Alternative Lending Analysis by Consumer Attitude and Behaviour

By Age

By Income

Gender

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/u9mz50

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Spain Alternative Lending Market Business and Investment Opportunities Databook - 75+ KPIs on Alternative Lending Market Size, By End User, By Finance Model, By Payment Instrument, By Loan Type and Demographics - Q2 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The alternative lending in this region is expected to grow by 13.9% on an annual basis to reach US$2.75 billion in 2024. Alternative lending adoption is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 9.5% during 2024-2028. The alternative lending market in the country will increase from US$2.42 billion in 2023 to reach US$3.97 billion by 2028.

Medium to long term growth story of alternative lending in Spain remains strong. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the Alternative Lending industry, covering market opportunities and risks across a range of industry categories. With over 50 KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of Alternative Lending market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.

Reasons to buy

Gain a thorough understanding of the Alternative Lending market dynamics: Market opportunities, significant trends, and forecasting (2019 - 2028) are listed. To stay ahead of the curve, comprehend market trends using important KPIs like Value and Share.

Insights by Industry: Evaluate new opportunities across multiple industries, and obtain market dynamics by industry in order to swiftly catch up with the latest and upcoming developments in Alternative Lending markets.

Market-specific strategies: With our unique blend of quantitative forecasting and cutting-edge insights, we can identify growth sectors that are focused on particular opportunities and analyse market-specific risks as well as significant trends in the Alternative Lending industry.

Through industry intelligence, forward-looking research of Alternative Lending market spend, and key opportunities in Spain, develop proactive and profitable company plans.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 189 Forecast Period 2024 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $2.8 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $4 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.5% Regions Covered Spain





Scope



Spain Economic Indicators

Gross Domestic Product at Current Prices

Population

Unbanked Population

Unemployment Rate

Loan Default Rate

Spain Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast

Transaction Value

Average Transaction Value

Transaction Volume

Spain Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by End User

End User - Business

End User - Consumer

Spain Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Finance Models

P2P Marketplace Consumer Lending

P2P Marketplace Business Lending

P2P Marketplace Property Lending

Balance Sheet Consumer Lending

Balance Sheet Business Lending

Balance Sheet Property Lending

Invoice Trading

Debt Based Securities

Equity Based Crowd Funding

Real Estate Crowd funding

Spain Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument - Transaction Value, Volume and Average Value

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Spain Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Model

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Consumer Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Business Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Property Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Consumer Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Business Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Property Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Invoice Trading

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Debt Based Securities

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Equity Based Crowd Funding

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Real Estate Crowd funding

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Spain Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Loan Types

B2C Loans

Personal Loan

Payroll Advance

Home Improvement

Education/Student Loans

Point of Sale

Auto Loans

Medical Loans

B2B Loans

Lines of Credit

Merchant Cash Advance

Invoice Factoring

Revenue Financing

Spain Alternative Lending Analysis by Consumer Attitude and Behaviour

By Age

By Income

Gender

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/db15lc

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "South Korea Alternative Lending Market Business and Investment Opportunities Databook - 75+ KPIs on Alternative Lending Market Size, By End User, By Finance Model, By Payment Instrument, By Loan Type and Demographics - Q2 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.







The alternative lending market in South Korea is expected to experience significant expansion in the coming years, seeing a growth of 28.0% annually to reach a market size of US$6.63 billion by 2024. As forecasted in a data-centric analysis, the industry in this tech-forward nation is ready to maintain a compound annual growth rate of 19.3% over the period from 2024-2028, ultimately reaching a valuation of US$13.43 billion by the end of the forecast period.





With a robust growth trajectory, South Korea's alternative lending sector is witnessing an upward trend, boosted by intensified consumer and corporate loan demand and the tightening of traditional bank lending standards. As the market adapts to a landscape of growing household debt, the sector is capitalizing on digital innovations and strategic regulatory measures to further stimulate its growth.



Innovation and Strategic Partnerships



Leading the charge in industry transformation are key players such as Kakao Bank and Toss Bank, which have introduced novel lending products and services tailored to today's digital consumer. Peer-to-peer lending platforms have also been at the forefront of the market's evolution, with significant technology upgrades aimed at scaling operations and appealing to a wider user base.



Strategic collaborations are set to strengthen the sector further. Notable partnerships aimed at leveraging data analytics for enhanced credit assessment are marking a trend in the industry. These alliances not only drive innovation but also ensure that customer demands for more accessible and efficient lending solutions are met.



Regulatory Developments



The market's growth is also reinforced by the implementation of pioneering regulatory frameworks. South Korea has implemented specific acts aimed at fostering a controlled environment for financial service innovations, contributing to the structured expansion of alternative lending and elevating consumer protection standards.



These regulatory measures provide for a regulatory sandbox system under the Special Act on Financial Innovation Support, introduce requirements for peer-to-peer lending operators through the Act on Online Investment-Linked Finance and User Protection, and ensure transparent operations and consumer interest protection through the Financial Consumer Protection Act.



Market Dynamics and Investment Opportunities



The detailed analysis of the South Korean alternative lending landscape provides insights into various market dynamics. It covers a wide array of alternative lending models, such as peer-to-peer lending, balance sheet lending, and diverse crowd funding practices, along with pertinent economic indicators and an overview of consumer attitudes and behaviors.



By examining lending trends across multiple demographics, including age, income, and gender, the report identifies key opportunities in the market and models the trajectory of lending practices for the future.



In conclusion, South Korea's alternative lending sector is pacing towards an era of sustained growth and innovation. With a combination of technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and supportive regulations, the industry is set to meet the future needs of consumers and businesses alike, reflecting a trendsetter in the global alternative lending market.



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 189 Forecast Period 2024 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $6.6 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $13.4 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 19.3% Regions Covered South Korea





For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/14ghq9

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Tanzania Alternative Lending Market Business and Investment Opportunities Databook - 75+ KPIs on Alternative Lending Market Size, By End User, By Finance Model, By Payment Instrument, By Loan Type and Demographics - Q2 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

A comprehensive data-centric analysis of the Alternative Lending industry in Tanzania has forecasted an impressive growth rate over the coming years. The latest market insights reveal that the sector is projected to expand from US$314.5 million in 2023 to a substantial US$941.7 million by 2028.







Furthering the solid trajectory of the industry, the alternative lending market in Tanzania is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.5% from 2024 to 2028. This robust growth emphasizes the sustained increase in the adoption of alternative lending solutions within the region.



Detailed Market Insights



The report offers a granular analysis of various components of the market, capturing over 75 key performance indicators (KPIs) that enable stakeholders to gain in-depth insights into market dynamics. The segmentation includes detailed breakdowns by payment instruments, loan types, and consumer behaviour, which are crucial for understanding the end-market dynamics in Tanzania.



Economic Indicators Influence Alternative Lending



The study takes into account relevant economic indicators such as GDP, population demographics, unemployment rates, and loan default ratesall of which play significant roles in shaping the alternative lending landscape.



Technological Impact on Payment Instruments



Technology has also left its mark on alternative lending through various payment instruments analyzed in the report. From traditional methods like cash and cheques to digital platforms including credit transfer, e-money, and cards, the market is witnessing a diversified spectrum of transaction modes.



Lending Models Catering to Diverse Needs



State-of-the-art finance models such as Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending, crowdfunding, and invoice trading are identified as key components of the country's alternative lending. The differentiation caters to a wide range of needs from consumers to businesses, encompassing sectors like real estate and healthcare.



Consumer Behavior Shaping Market Dynamics



The analysis extends to different facets of consumer behaviour, taking into account variances in age, income, and gender. This provides a more nuanced view of the market, essential for companies looking to tailor their strategies to specific customer segments.



Emerging Opportunities for Stakeholders



With the upward momentum of Tanzanias Alternative Lending market, stakeholders are encouraged to consider this as an opportune time to leverage the emerging trends and dynamics for strategic decision-making and investments in the region.



The integration of financial technology with robust economic development is setting the stage for an evolving financial sector in Tanzania. A detailed understanding of these market changes and developments is indispensable for entities aiming to capitalize on the alternative lending wave sweeping the country.



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 189 Forecast Period 2024 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $417.6 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $941.7 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 22.5% Regions Covered Tanzania



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/joep64

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Netherlands Alternative Lending Market Business and Investment Opportunities Databook - 75+ KPIs on Alternative Lending Market Size, By End User, By Finance Model, By Payment Instrument, By Loan Type and Demographics - Q2 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The alternative lending in this region is expected to grow by 13.2% on an annual basis to reach US$6.92 billion in 2024. Alternative lending adoption is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 8.8% during 2024-2028. The alternative lending market in the country will increase from US$6.11 billion in 2023 to reach US$9.71 billion by 2028.







Medium to long term growth story of alternative lending in Netherlands remains strong. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the Alternative Lending industry, covering market opportunities and risks across a range of industry categories. With over 50 KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of Alternative Lending market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.



It breaks down market opportunity by type of payment instrument, loan types, and consumer behavior. In addition, it provides a snapshot of marketing objective and industry spend dynamics in Netherlands. KPIs in both value and share term help in getting in-depth understanding of end market dynamics.

Reasons to buy

Gain a thorough understanding of the Alternative Lending market dynamics: Market opportunities, significant trends, and forecasting (2019 - 2028) are listed. To stay ahead of the curve, comprehend market trends using important KPIs like Value and Share.

Insights by Industry: Evaluate new opportunities across multiple industries, and obtain market dynamics by industry in order to swiftly catch up with the latest and upcoming developments in Alternative Lending markets.

Market-specific strategies: With our unique blend of quantitative forecasting and cutting-edge insights, we can identify growth sectors that are focused on particular opportunities and analyse market-specific risks as well as significant trends in the Alternative Lending industry.

Through industry intelligence, forward-looking research of Alternative Lending market spend, and key opportunities in Netherlands, develop proactive and profitable company plans.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 189 Forecast Period 2024 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $6.9 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $9.7 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.8% Regions Covered Netherlands



Scope



Netherlands Economic Indicators

Gross Domestic Product at Current Prices

Population

Unbanked Population

Unemployment Rate

Loan Default Rate

Netherlands Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast

Transaction Value

Average Transaction Value

Transaction Volume

Netherlands Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by End User

End User - Business

End User - Consumer

Netherlands Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Finance Models

P2P Marketplace Consumer Lending

P2P Marketplace Business Lending

P2P Marketplace Property Lending

Balance Sheet Consumer Lending

Balance Sheet Business Lending

Balance Sheet Property Lending

Invoice Trading

Debt Based Securities

Equity Based Crowd Funding

Real Estate Crowd funding

Netherlands Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument - Transaction Value, Volume and Average Value

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Netherlands Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Model

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Consumer Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Business Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Property Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Consumer Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Business Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Property Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Invoice Trading

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Debt Based Securities

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Equity Based Crowd Funding

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Real Estate Crowd funding

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Netherlands Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Loan Types

B2C Loans

Personal Loan

Payroll Advance

Home Improvement

Education/Student Loans

Point of Sale

Auto Loans

Medical Loans

B2B Loans

Lines of Credit

Merchant Cash Advance

Invoice Factoring

Revenue Financing

Netherlands Alternative Lending Analysis by Consumer Attitude and Behaviour

By Age

By Income

Gender

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4b59in

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hisummer, a new brand dedicated to blending modern technology with home comfort, is excited to announce its official launch in the North American and European markets. Specializing in ceiling fans with lights, Hisummer aims to bring the warmth and comfort of summer into every home with its innovative product line.



Inspired by the sun, Hisummer's products are designed to brighten and refresh living spaces. The brand combines energy-efficient LED lighting with advanced fan technology to create products that are not only environmentally friendly but also aesthetically pleasing, catering to todays consumer demand for high-quality living.

"We believe that a home is more than just a place to live; it's a space where memories are made," said a Hisummer spokesperson Niki. "Our ceiling fans with lights are crafted to provide not only functionality but also enhance the overall ambiance of your home, helping consumers create a warm and vibrant environment."

Hisummers products feature quiet, energy-saving motors, soft LED lighting, and a modern design that fits seamlessly into any home decor. With a focus on detail, every Hisummer product is carefully designed to achieve faster wind speed and brighter light while being mindful of environmental sustainability.

The launch products are targeted at consumers who value home decor and quality living. Hisummers ceiling fans with lights will be available through Amazon and other online platforms, offering customers a convenient way to experience the brands unique offerings.

About Hisummer: Hisummer is a new home brand focused on combining modern technology with a comfortable living experience. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Hisummer provides high-quality home solutions that are designed to bring warmth, vitality, and beauty into every household.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a818d020-075e-47c8-8ea1-38d522bf3f0b
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ONL Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for protecting the vision of patients with retinal disease, today announced that it has secured $65M in Series D financing. Johnson & Johnson Innovation  JJDC, Inc. led the round that was backed by a consortium of investors that included Bios Partners, Novartis Venture Fund, and Visionary Ventures, amongst others.



We are grateful to our new and returning investors who are making it possible for the company to achieve its vision of helping patients see the future, commented David Esposito, chief executive officer of ONL Therapeutics. This new round of funding provides an exciting opportunity for our company to advance the clinical development program for ONL1204.

ONL Therapeutics will continue to work alongside Johnson & Johnsons Specialty Ophthalmology research and development team to provide a forum for sharing input to the companys ongoing clinical development plans.

ONL Therapeutics is the first and only clinical-stage company focused on the unique mechanism of action (MOA) preventing Fas-mediated death of retinal cells and inflammatory signaling pathways, the root causes of vision loss and blindness. In a Phase 1b clinical trial of ONL1204 Ophthalmic Solution in patients with GA associated with dry AMD, patients treated with ONL1204 showed reductions in the rate of growth of the GA lesion with either a single injection or two injections (90 days apart) after 6 months of treatment compared to sham patients. A consistent treatment effect was seen when comparing treated eyes versus fellow eyes.

This new round of funding builds on the University of Michigans support of ground-breaking biomedical research that will enable us to further advance our unique and differentiated clinical program in GA, a disease that is responsible for nearly one in five cases of blindness caused by macular degeneration, said David Zacks, M.D., Ph.D., co-founder and chief scientific officer of ONL Therapeutics. With the unique MOA of ONL1204 addressing neuroprotection and our compelling Phase 1 clinical data, we are excited for the potential to bring a new innovation to GA patients around the world.

About ONL1204 Ophthalmic Solution

ONL1204 is a novel, first-in-class small molecule Fas inhibitor designed to protect key retinal cells, including photoreceptors, from cell death that occurs across a range of retinal diseases and conditions. Death of these retinal cells, through both direct and inflammatory signaling pathways, is the root cause of vision loss and the leading cause of blindness. The companys later-stage clinical development program for ONL1204 includes a Phase 2 study in the U.S. for the treatment of macula-off retinal detachment (NCT05730218), a condition for which the compound has been granted orphan drug designation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company has also conducted a Phase 1b clinical trial in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (NCT04744662) and a Phase 1b clinical trial in patients with progressing open-angle glaucoma (NCT05160805) at sites in Australia and New Zealand.

About ONL Therapeutics

ONL Therapeutics (ONL) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing first-in-class therapeutics to protect and improve the vision of patients with retinal disease. By advancing a breakthrough technology designed to protect key retinal cells from Fas-mediated cell death, ONL is pioneering a new approach to preserving vision.

For more information about ONL Therapeutics, please visit www.onltherapeutics.com.
ORANGE, California, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SeeDevice Inc. (SeeDevice), together with its CEO and founder Dr. Hoon Kim, has filed a Complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), and its U.S. subsidiary KBS America, Inc. (collectively, KBS) for trade libel and defamation. The claims are based on an August 25, 2024, broadcast KBS is alleged to have published on its YouTube channel and KBS-america.com (The KBS Broadcast).

The complaint asserts that KBS Broadcast published false and misleading statements regarding the viability and legitimacy of SeeDevice and Dr. Kims QMOS (quantum effect CMOS) SWIR image sensor, as a result of having omitted the fact that in 2009, and again in 2012, the Seoul High Court and Seoul Administrative Court found Dr. Kims sensor to be legitimate.

Dr. Kims QMOS sensor has garnered industry praise and recognition and is the subject of numerous third-party awards. In the past year alone, SeeDevice has been recognized with four awards for outstanding leadership and innovative technology: "20 Most Innovative Business Leaders to Watch 2023" by Global Business Leaders, "Top 10 Admired Leaders 2023" by Industry Era, "Most Innovative Image Technology Company 2023" by Corporate Vision, and Company of the Year of the Top 10 Semiconductor Tech Startups 2023 by Semiconductor Review.

In their lawsuit, SeeDevice and Dr. Kim seek retraction of KBSs defamatory broadcast, and a correction of the record, in addition to significant monetary damages and injunctive relief preventing further misconduct by KBS.

Attachment
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MetasTx, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel therapeutics to treat and prevent cancer metastasis, is pleased to announce that Jonathan Chernoff, MD, PhD, has joined its Board of Managers. Dr. Chernoff, who has served on MetasTxs Scientific Advisory Board since August 2022, is an internationally recognized expert in cancer research with significant contributions to the understanding of cell signaling and oncogenes.



In addition to being Cancer Center Director at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Dr. Chernoff also holds the Stanley P. Reinmann Chair in Oncology Research and is a Professor in the Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Research Program.

In August 2024, Dr. Chernoff was named a Fellow of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB). Fellowship in the ASCB is awarded based on significant contributions to the advancement of cell biology. This prestigious recognition highlights the impact of Dr. Chernoffs work in cell biology in the fight against cancer and further underscores the extraordinary experience he brings to MetasTx.

Dr. Chernoffs decision to join the Board of Managers reflects his strong belief in MetasTxs science and strategic direction. MetasTxs focus on addressing one of the most challenging and critical aspects of cancer treatment today resonates deeply with me, said Dr. Chernoff. I am excited to deepen my involvement with the company, as I believe that our work on PAK1 and its role activating Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to initiate metastasis could be transformative in inhibiting metastatic cancers, including prostate cancer.

Throughout his career, Dr. Chernoff has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of cancer research, including his work on the small-molecule inhibitor IPA-3 and its impact on p21-activated kinases (PAKs). PAK1 plays a crucial role in cancer progression by regulating cell motility, survival, and proliferationkey factors in the spread of cancer. Dr. Chernoffs research has demonstrated the potential of IPA-3 to inhibit PAK1 activity. Since PAK1 plays a role in solid tumor cancer progression, inhibiting its activity should help prevent or slow down the spread of these cancers. Dr. Chernoffs work paves the way for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis.

Harvey Homan, CEO of MetasTx, expressed his enthusiasm about Dr. Chernoffs expanded role within the company. We are humbled and honored to have Dr. Chernoff join our Board of Managers. His unparalleled expertise in cancer biology and his dedication to advancing treatment options for metastatic cancer are invaluable as we push forward in our mission. It is a joy and inspiration to work with such an accomplished, yet humble gentleman. Together, we are committed to bringing groundbreaking therapies to patients who need them most.

Dr. Chernoffs transition from Scientific Advisor to Member of the Board of Managers marks a significant step in MetasTxs growth and its ability to drive innovation in cancer treatment. His involvement will enhance the companys efforts to bring its drugs through development and clinical trials and closer to providing new hope for patients battling metastatic cancer.

For more information, please get in touch with Harvey D. Homan, CEO and Co-Founder Member of the Board of Managers, MetasTx LLC

Email: harveydhoman@metastx.com

About MetasTx LLC

MetasTx LLC is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing groundbreaking therapies for the treatment and prevention of cancer metastasis. Building on decades of research into p21-activated kinase (PAK-1)a key driver of metastasis in solid tumors, including prostate, breast, and skin cancersMetasTx aims to revolutionize cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. For more information, visit www.MetasTx.com.




RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has reiterated its commitment to ethical innovation in its efforts to champion medical research and patient care. KFSHRC ensures that its integration of novel technologies, such as AI and CRISPR, is guided by rigorous ethical frameworks prioritizing transparency, accountability, and patient welfare.

At the heart of KFSHRCs commitment to ethical healthcare is its Research Ethics Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that all research involving human subjects adheres to globally recognized standards. By safeguarding participants rights and welfare through informed consent and risk minimization, the committee reassures stakeholders about the hospital's unwavering commitment to ethical healthcare.

AI systems, such as the ANFAL platform, are designed to enhance clinical decision-making processes, undergo continuous auditing to prevent bias, and ensure equitable outcomes, with clinicians involved in decisions to ensure transparency and uphold system integrity. Similarly, CRISPR technology is strictly overseen, focusing solely on therapeutic applications to ensure innovations are transformative and ethically sound.

Partnerships with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Harvard enable KFSHRC to share advancements and expertise with developing countries, fostering global health equity. This reflects an ethical responsibility through innovative initiatives such as telemedicine networks and capacity-building programs, ensuring accessibility to all regions.

KFSHRC's participation in the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) event, particularly the Global AI Summit (GAIN), highlights its dedication to integrating AI technology within healthcare in an ethically responsible manner.

KFSHRCs work in personalized medicine, AI, and genomics has set a benchmark for responsible and ethical healthcare practices. This dedication to patient-centric care has been recognized by the 2024 Tech Impact Award for its Home Hemodialysis initiative. Such recognition not only validates KFSHRCs efforts but also underscores its role in advancing global healthcare standards.

It is noteworthy that King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally, in the list of the worlds top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year. This recognition is a testament to KFSHRC's commitment to excellence and should instill confidence in the institution's credibility. Additionally, in the same year, Newsweek magazine ranked it among the world's best 250 hospitals, further solidifying its position as a global leader in healthcare.

Media Contact:

Essam AlZahrani

+966 55 525 4429

mediacoverage@kfshrc.edu.sa

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/98056005-a7d7-446c-93fc-1ee46fa6d1e3
TURIN, Italy, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the accelerated development of the European market, Dongfeng Motor held DONGFENG DAY EUROPE in Turin, Italy. It is not only an important milestone for Dongfeng Motor in the European market, but also marks a new chapter on the international stage.





At the press conference, Dongfeng Motor showed its latest R&D achievements and market strategies. This event not only announced the official launch of DONGFENG BOX in the Italian market, but also marked the debut of VOYAH COURAGE in Europe. DONGFENG BOX integrates multifunctional configuration and chic appearance. It is equipped with the first ten-in-one electric drive in its class, strong power and a maximum range up to 430KM, providing diversified choices for local consumers' mobile travel. VOYAH COURAGE is a C+ class high-end electric SUV and is Dongfeng's first global model. It has pioneering exterior design, high-tech intelligent cockpit. The launch of these two models not only enriches Dongfeng Motor's overseas new energy product matrix, but also covers the full range of products from luxury to high-end to mainstream, fully meeting the diversified needs of European market users for new energy vehicles.

Taking advantage of the SALONE AUTO TORINO, Dongfeng also presented more models to Italian consumers, such as DONGFENG MAGE, DONGFENG 007, VOYAH DREAM and DONGFENG MHERO I. Each model showcases Dongfeng diversified product layout with its unique charm.

With a rich heritage dating back to 1969, Dongfeng leverages its 55-year legacy to deliver exceptional car-making quality, advanced R&D capabilities, and reliable service network. Centered on sustainability and efficiency, Dongfeng is proactively achieving the dual carbon objectives, crafting green products, and fostering green manufacturing and value chains, thereby driving the transformation and innovation in the automotive industry.

Dongfeng Motor has entered over 30 European countries including Norway, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Belgium, etc., and will continue to deepen its presence in the European market and work together with dealers in various regions. Dongfeng will also continue to improve its localized operational capabilities, enhance the quality of after-sales services, and gradually expand its brand influence and product competitiveness in overseas markets.

In the future, Dongfeng is committed to "DRIVE YOUR DREAMS" brand mission, delivering user-centric innovation and a superior travel ecosystem for global customers.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/170fdd72-c8a7-4894-8747-96121f7a4b60
DALLAS, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CIRRO E-Commerce, a leading global e-commerce logistics solution provider, is excited to announce the launch of its hybrid delivery service, designed to address recent changes in the small parcel delivery landscape.



The USPS has introduced a significant update affecting how package consolidators, who handle large shipment volumes, access its network. Previously, these postal consolidators achieved lowest delivery rates by inducting parcels directly to Delivery Units (DDU). Under the new system, however, consolidators must inject parcels at upstream processing centers.

In response, CIRRO E-Commerce has developed an innovative hybrid solution. This service blends direct-to-consumer deliveries in densely populated areas with postal deliveries to rural regions, providing faster transit times, reduced shipping costs, additional features, 100% nationwide coverage, and comprehensive tracking from origin to doorstep.

Having anticipated these changes, CIRRO E-Commerces new service is fully operational and ready to support e-commerce businesses nationwide. By integrating both postal and non-postal deliveries into one streamlined solution, CIRRO E-Commerce offers unmatched flexibility and cost-effectiveness, tailored to the fast-evolving needs of e-commerce brands, online retailers, 3PLs, and marketplaces.

"Customer response has been outstanding, and service performance is exceeding traditional workshare programs. The transit times have proven exceptionally strong," said Vincent D'Amato, Head of Sales at CIRRO E-Commerce. "Thanks to our dynamic operational capabilities, seamless integrations with all major shipping platforms, such as ShipStation, EasyPost, DesktopShipper, etc., and our nationwide footprint, shippers can quickly connect with us and immediately adapt to these significant changes that we are seeing in the market right now."

To learn more about this transformative service, visit CIRRO E-Commerce at Parcel Forum 2024, Booth #833 or fill in the contact form.

About CIRRO E-Commerce

CIRRO E-Commerce is a small parcel delivery provider built to serve shippers who demand more: more service; more reliability; more pricing options for domestic and cross-border lightweight parcels.

Our dynamic IT platform and strategic partnerships with final-mile carriers across the U.S., Canada, Europe, the UK, and many other markets enable CIRRO E-Commerce to provide best-in-class delivery services to U.S. online sellers, e-commerce fulfillment providers, and digital shipping platforms.

With CIRRO E-Commerce, all shipments are fully tracked and all international shipments are sent Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), to ensure that consumers always receive the best possible experience.

For further information, please contact:

Email:

branding@cirroecommerce.com

Website:

www.cirroecommerce.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/17d7700f-b69f-475d-ae1a-990ca90176c5
Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --





Bass Media Group

For the past 10 years, Bass Media Group has championed personalized web design, hosting, and development services to clients globally. Since its founding in 2014 by expert developer Michal Windorpski, the company has dedicated itself to providing comprehensive offerings. From custom themes and plugins to SEO and responsive design, Bass Media Group meets the evolving needs of freelancers, small businesses, and white-label agencies. As the company grows, Bass Media Group is committed to granting its clients peace of mind and continuous results.

Michal became enchanted with programming and web development after seeing his cousin, who was an accomplished developer, build fascinating creations. Witnessing the power of this skill inspired Michal to grow his knowledge and apply it to problems he witnessed in the world. His independent spirit further prompted him to take his web development skills to the next level. However, the journey to business ownership didnt come easy. Michal had one of his first businesses in his home country of Poland, but it took several years to launch Bass Media Group after immigrating to the UK in 2007.

Despite the difficulties of starting over in a new country, Michal never lost hope of turning his dreams into reality. As he worked to finance his business endeavors, Michal expanded his expertise in WordPress and applied these skills through freelance work. Once Bass Media Group officially launched, Michal found great success due to his diverse knowledge of web marketing, maintenance, and responsive web design, to name a few. The business has accumulated impressive accomplishments over the years thanks to its flexibility and commitment to client satisfaction.

Bass Media Group is well-known for its monthly WordPress care plans covered under a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Clients can cancel or change their membership terms at any time by simply reaching out to Bass Media Group. These plans offer 24/7 uptime and security monitoring, daily website cloud backups, and many other features perfect for assisting business owners or freelancers. The company also offers four different monthly plans for web design, custom marketing, SEO, and web hosting support.

As Bass Media Group has attracted more clients, its team has grown alongside the demand. Michals niece, Julia, has become a valuable member of the companys marketing and social media department, assisting clients with a variety of campaigns. Michal hopes to expand in the coming years, building a team that makes every client feel like family.

Schedule a call today to explore how Bass Media Groups vast service offerings can bring value to your business.

Media Contact

Name: Bass Media Team

Email: contact@bassmediagroup.co.uk




Pune, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to New Research Report  Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market Size, Share Analysis By Type (Gums, Patches, Lozenges, Inhalers, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital & Retail Pharmacies, Retail Stores, and Online Channels), By Regions & Forecast 2024-2032, published by SNS Insider, the global Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market is projected to reach USD 4.27 billion by 2032 from USD 2.83 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 4.83%.

The nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) market is experiencing substantial growth driven by aggressive government initiatives to curb tobacco use. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco consumption remains a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, with approximately 8 million deaths each year attributed to smoking-related diseases. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that over 50% of smokers in the United States express a strong desire to quit, with around 30% actively using cessation aids. Governments are enhancing their support through public health campaigns and subsidies to make NRT products more accessible. Regulatory measures such as higher tobacco taxes and stricter smoke-free laws are also contributing to this trend, driving up demand for NRT solutions. These comprehensive efforts underscore the critical role of NRT products in global tobacco control strategies and are expected to continue propelling market growth.





Get a Sample Report of Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market@ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/3062

Key Companies in Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market:

Imperial Brands plc

Fertin Pharma

Cipla Inc.

GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

British American Tobacco plc

Philip Morris Products S.A.

Japan Tobacco Inc.

Pfizer Inc.

Johnson & Johnson Private Limited

PL Developments

Other players

Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market Report Scope:

Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2023 US$ 2.83 Billion Market Size by 2032 US$ 4.27 Billion CAGR CAGR of 4.83% From 2024 to 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2032 Historical Data 2020-2022 Key Regional Coverage North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Eastern Europe [Poland, Romania, Hungary, Turkey, Rest of Eastern Europe] Western Europe] Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Rest of Western Europe]), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (Middle East [UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Rest of Middle East]), Africa [Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Africa], Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Rest of Latin America)

Segmental Insights

In the evolving NRT market, online channels dominated the distribution channel with 35% of the market share in 2023, surpassing traditional distribution channels such as hospitals retail pharmacies, and retail stores. The surge in online sales can be attributed to the growing trend of e-commerce and the convenience of purchasing NRT products from home. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), online platforms offer a wide range of NRT products and often provide better prices and accessibility, contributing to their increasing popularity. The ease of comparing products and accessing customer reviews online has further enhanced the appeal of online purchasing. Government statistics reveal that e-commerce is becoming a preferred method for acquiring healthcare products, including NRT solutions, reflecting the broader shift toward digital consumer behaviors.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market Key Segmentation:

By Type

Gums

Patches

Lozenges

Inhalers

Others

By Distribution Channel

Hospitals & Retail Pharmacies

Retail Stores

Online Channels

Do you have any specific queries or need any customization research on Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market, Enquire Now@ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/3062

Regional Insights

North America holds 45% of the share in 2023. This dominance is largely due to North Americas well-developed healthcare infrastructure and extensive public health initiatives aimed at smoking cessation. According to data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), North American countries have implemented comprehensive anti-smoking policies, including higher tobacco taxes and smoke-free legislation, which have effectively increased the demand for NRT products. Additionally, the region benefits from a strong presence of major NRT manufacturers and an active market for smoking cessation programs. Government-backed efforts, such as funding for public health campaigns and support for smoking cessation services, further drive market growth in North America. The combination of these factors has solidified the regions position as the largest market for NRT products.

Recent Developments

In August 2023: Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. restructured its consumer health segment by establishing a new company, Kenvue. This strategic separation was designed to enhance patient and consumer health outcomes through innovative approaches and to pursue more focused business strategies for accelerated growth.

In July 2023: Haleon Group of Companies announced its intention to explore potential buyers for its nicotine gum brand, Nicotinell. This move is aimed at optimizing its global product sales and enhancing market presence.

In May 2023: Perrigo Company plc received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its nicotine-coated mint lozenges, available in 2 mg and 4 mg over-the-counter (OTC). This approval significantly expands the company's product range.

In October 2022: Re/Wire Health Studio, part of Haleon NEXT, invited emerging consumer health start-ups in India to collaborate with the Haleon Group of Companies. This initiative aims to strengthen the company's presence in the region.

In January 2021: Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. partnered with the Access Initiative for Quitting Tobacco (AIQT) to donate nicotine patches to the Ministry of Health of Jordan, supporting thousands of Jordanians in their efforts to quit smoking.

Key takeaways:

Government initiatives are significantly boosting the NRT market growth.

Online channels have become the leading distribution method for NRT products.

North America remains the dominant region in the NRT market due to extensive public health efforts.

Key industry players are actively expanding their product offerings and online presence to support smoking cessation.

Buy a Single-User PDF of Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market Analysis & Outlook Report 2024-2032@ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/3062

Table of Contents  Major Key Points

1. Introduction

2. Executive Summary

3. Research Methodology

4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis

5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting

Production Capacity and Utilization Analysis by Region

Pricing Analysis by Region

Regulatory Impact: Effects of regulations on production and usage.

Environmental Metrics Analysis by Region

Innovation and R&D

6. Competitive Landscape

7. Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market Segmentation, by Type

8. Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market Segmentation, by Distribution Channel

9. Regional Analysis

10. Company Profiles

11. Use Cases and Best Practices

12. Conclusion

Access Complete Report Details of Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market Outlook 2024-2032@ https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/nicotine-replacement-therapy-market-3062

[For more information or need any customization research mail us at info@snsinsider.com]

About Us:

SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world.
TURIN, Italy, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the 4th consecutive year, the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous will take place on the 22 and 23 September 2024 at Yacht Club de Monaco. Organized by Monaco Marina Management (M3), this networking event will gather 250+ delegates including entrepreneurs, industrialists, investors, promoters and marina developers from all over the world. "The creativity, engagement, solutions and expertise of participants is absolutely essential if we want to design the marinas of tomorrow", says Jose Marco Casellini, CEO of M3. With 29 nationalities represented, the event illustrates a global commitment to infrastructures adapted to climate issues. For this 4th edition, projects in favour of sustainable marinas are available on the official website: www.sustainablesmartmarina.com/e-catalogue-2024. The E-catalogue features a selection of startups and scaleups, a dozen architecture firms, nearly 30 students working in the sector, as well as a dozen marinas.

Delegates can discover and test the latest innovations from startups and scaleups in the exhibition area and attend round tables at three conferences, which will explore how technology, the banking sector and architecture can transform marinas. The two networking days are open to all professionals. This year, a call for proposals invites architects and students to design an innovative floating marina for ecologically sensitive areas. The jury is chaired by Zaha Hadid Architects, with the valuable and consistent participation of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and yacht designer Dan Lenard. The implementation of a floating marina project embodies a strategic response to contemporary environmental and infrastructural challenges while leveraging innovation for sustainable coastal development. At the end of two intense days of exchanges and networking, the International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards will be presented on Monday 23rd September at 4.00pm to winners in three categories: Startups & Scaleups, Marinas and Architects (Professional & Student).

Following on from the Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous earlier this year and convinced of the need for a 360 sustainable approach, the organizers continue to develop the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous. As in the automobile industry, where infrastructure has to adapt to new generation vehicles, yachting must integrate technological innovations to meet the needs of tomorrows yachts, stresses Bernard dAlessandri, President of Cluster Yachting Monaco and YCMs General Secretary. Without suitable infrastructure and facilities, it will be difficult for us to move the sector forward together. It is essential to mobilize all stakeholders, from yacht designers to marina managers, to ensure a transition to smarter, more sustainable yachting. As part of the collective approach of 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' this meeting is supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Principality's Digital Transition Programme, Extended Monaco implemented by the Monaco Government, along with UBS, MB92 Group and Bombardier.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c6f52b44-5ee8-4eef-85ee-6b0ea333da25
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lendmark Financial Services (Lendmark), a leading provider of household credit and consumer loan solutions, continues to expand its Ohio footprint, opening a new branch in Mount Vernon.

The branch is located at 1512 Coshocton Avenue, Suite 1450, and is expected to serve hundreds of customers in its first year. Nathan Mollette, who serves as the branch manager, will be responsible for administration of all daily operations. These include building personal relationships with customers and integrating into the community to ensure area residents receive a superior level of individualized loan services that meet their unique financial needs.

As we grow our footprint in Ohio, we will continue to focus on delivering the tailored loan solutions our customers need to meet planned and unplanned life events, said Timothy Davis, Vice President of Branch Operations at Lendmark. Our Ohio branch openings and overall branch growth demonstrate an ongoing need for diverse household financial options for consumers here and throughout the country.

In addition to serving consumers directly, Lendmark provides financing solutions for thousands of retailers and independent auto dealerships, allowing these businesses customers to obtain Lendmark financing. Local businesses that are interested in partnering with Lendmark to provide financing solutions for their customers should visit the branch or call 740-462-1177.

Lendmarks Climb to Cure is its signature cause-related initiative. The company has committed to raising $10 million by 2025 to mark its 10-year anniversary partnering with CURE Childhood Cancer. So far, Lendmarks employees, partners and customers have raised $8.83 million to support CURE, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to funding targeted pediatric cancer research that is utilized nationwide.

Lendmark customers can participate by donating $1 when closing their loan. Lendmark matches the donation.

About Lendmark Financial Services

Lendmark Financial Services (Lendmark) provides personal and household credit and loan solutions to consumers. Founded in 1996, Lendmark strives to be the lender, employer, and partner of choice by protecting household wealth, offering stability and helping consumers meet both planned and unplanned life events through affordable loan offerings. Today, Lendmark operates more than 515 branches in 22 states across the country, providing personalized services to customers and retail business partners with every transaction. Lendmark is headquartered in Lawrenceville, Ga. For more information, visit www.lendmarkfinancial.com .

Media Contact

Jeff Hamilton

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

jhamilton@lendmarkfinancial.com

678-625-3128

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a1f5b4a-bfb5-4999-9ed5-553a4f2c0e26
PALOS VERDES ESTATES, Calif., Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Malaga Financial Corporation (OTCPink:MLGF) announced today the declaration of a cash dividend in the amount of 25 cents per share to shareholders of record on September 20, 2024. The dividend will be paid out on or about October 2, 2024. Randy C. Bowers, Chairman, President and CEO, remarked, We are pleased to reward our loyal shareholders with this 25-cent quarterly dividend which represents a 4.38% annualized yield based on our most recent closing price of $22.84. We are grateful for the efforts of our colleagues which has positioned us to declare this 81st consecutive quarterly cash dividend.

Malaga Bank, a subsidiary of Malaga Financial Corporation, is a full-service community bank headquartered on the Palos Verdes Peninsula with six offices located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. For over fifteen years Malaga Bank has been consistently recommended by one of the nations leading independent bank rating and research firms, Bauer Financial Inc. Malaga Bank was awarded Bauers premier Top 5-Star rating for the 67th consecutive quarter as of June 2024. Since 1985, Malaga Bank has been delivering competitive banking services to residents and businesses of the South Bay, including real estate loan products custom-tailored to consumers and investors. As the largest community bank in the South Bay, Malaga is proud of its continuing tradition of relationship-based banking and legendary customer service. The Banks web site is located at www.malagabank.com .

Contact: Randy Bowers

Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer

Malaga Financial Corporation

(310) 375-9000

rbowers@malagabank.com




Washington, D.C., Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New Civil Liberties Alliance has filed an Amended Complaint in the Dressen, et al. v. Flaherty, et al. lawsuit against the federal governments ongoing efforts to collude with social media companies to monitor and censor online support groups for those injured by Covid vaccines. This censorship campaign has combined the efforts of numerous federal agencies and government actorsincluding within the White House, as well as the Surgeon Generals Office and the CDCto coerce, induce, and collude with social media platforms to censor, suppress, and label as misinformation speech expressed by those who have suffered vaccine-related injuries. That includes private speech in online chat groups. The Amended Complaint exposes how the illegal scheme has continued since this lawsuit began last year. NCLA urges the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to enjoin this government-sponsored censorship and declare it unlawful state action to prevent these Defendants from further censoring such free speech and free association in violation of Plaintiffs First Amendment rights.

NCLA represents Brianne Dressen, Shaun Barcavage, Kristi Dobbs, Nikki Holland, Suzanna Newell, who have suffered vaccine-related injuries, and Ernest Ramirez, who lost his son to a vaccine-related death. Plaintiffs are not anti-vaxxers. Ms. Dressen, for example, was injured by the AstraZeneca vaccine after she volunteered to participate in vaccine trials for that vaccine. Mr. Ramirez received a Moderna vaccine himself without incident, but his 16-year-old son died of vaccine-induced cardiac arrest five days after Ernest, Jr. received the Pfizer vaccine. The First Amendment forbids Defendants from suppressing the speech and association rights of innocent victims like these, who are seeking to commiserate with other sufferers and to share ideas for medical treatments.

The Plaintiffs have all been heavily censored on social media for sharing their personal experiences, supporting others, and exchanging advice and medical research with others who were medically harmed after taking the vaccine. For posting about their personal experiences and trying to connect with others in the vaccine-injured community, Plaintiffs speech has repeatedly been flagged as misinformation or removed entirely, and they have had their private support groups shut down. This risk is ongoing, as Plaintiffs continue to be censored on social media platforms. Importantly, their censorship is the direct result of the Biden Administrations campaign to stop them from discussing their inconvenient truths by threatening, coercing, pressuring, inducing, and colluding with social media companies to silence them.

NCLA released the following statements:

If there is any case that exemplifies why the First Amendment existsas well as the abominable and Orwellian consequences that take place when the government evades its restraintit is this one. The time has come for the federal government and its private partners in this cruel censorship scheme to be held to account for the ongoing harm that they have caused our clients, along with so many other Americans across the country who were simply trying to do their part by getting vaccinatedand who were then silenced and made to be pariahs by their own government.

 Casey Norman, Litigation Counsel, NCLA

The plaintiffs in this case posed a threat to the Biden Administration, because their personal experiences conflicted with the governments heavy-handed approach to Covid-19 vaccination, which was predicated on the false claim that vaccine injuries were virtually nonexistent. The response of the government defendants hereto wield their authority to get social media companies to silence these individuals, who had suffered serious injuries and in the case of Mr. Ramirez lost his own sonshould shock the conscience of all Americans. Through this lawsuit, we will hold the Administration and these wayward officials accountable for their flagrantly unconstitutional conduct.

 Jenin Younes, Litigation Counsel, NCLA

For more information visit the case page here.

ABOUT NCLA

NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights.

###
HONOLULU, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez announced today the results of the Lahaina Fire Incident Analysis Report, the second report of the three-part evidence-based investigation into how state and county governments responded during the Maui wildfires. The report reveals no single factor led to the devastation. Instead, a complex set of factors including weather and its impacts, risk and preparedness, decades-old infrastructure, organizational structure and incident management and coordination created a historic disaster. The report was prepared by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), a part of UL Research Institutes.



This investigation serves as a wake-up call for the state and county governments to learn from the past and urgently prepare for the future, says Attorney General Lopez. It is also a testament to the courage of our emergency services personnel and the everyday heroes who helped thousands of Lahaina residents and visitors to reach safety. This was the most deadly fire in North America in 100 years.

The Phase Two analysis, informed by the April 17, 2023, Lahaina Fire Comprehensive Phase One Report facts and timeline , identifies the complex set of factors that led to the devastation and includes recommendations that can be implemented immediately.

Responsible governance requires us to seek answers and better understand how state and county governments responded, and how we can best make efforts to prevent disasters of this magnitude from happening again, says Attorney General Lopez.

In August 2023, Attorney General Lopez selected the independent, third-party FSRI to assess the performance of state and county agencies in preparing for and responding to the Maui wildfires. FSRI has extensive experience researching fire dynamics, structure-to-structure fire spread, and near-miss firefighting incidents.

The wildfire preparedness, prevention and operational measures in place that day faced significantsometimes unprecedentedchallenges as the threat escalated. Insufficient resources and investment across multiple domains hindered the development of a unified fire management strategy and impacted prevention, preparedness and response, said Steve Kerber, Ph.D., PE, vice president and executive director of FSRI.

The report concludes the devastation caused by the Lahaina fire cannot be connected to one specific organization, individual, action or event, added Kerber. The conditions that made this tragedy possible were years in the making.

For this research, FSRI used a systems-analysis methodology to evaluate the complex intersections between environmental conditions, human activity, established policies and procedures, organizational structures, and accepted norms and perceptions. FSRI made 84 findings with 140 recommendations to address these issues now. The report emphasizes the crucial role multiple entities such as agencies, state and county government should play in directly implementing these recommendations.

The Phase Two report identified three areas that need immediate attention:

Perception of Risk and Preparedness

The low perception of wildfire risk is not aligned with the growing wildfire threat in Hawaii, which led to a widespread lack of preparedness among county, state and privately owned entities and residents. This also includes systemic issues tied to years of decisions that have led to underinvestment in wildfire prevention and mitigation policies, public education and organizational structure.



Infrastructure Standards

Decades-old infrastructure standards, including community planning, codes and standards, public utilities and vegetation management, were key contributors to the widespread fire destruction in Lahaina. Lahaina's dense urban layout turned tragic as the fire's initial impact hit the most populated area, rapidly spreading through closely packed structures and creating severe evacuation obstacles.



Incident Management and Coordination

First responders heroically saved many lives, placing themselves in extreme danger between the unpredictable fire fronts and vulnerable residents. The Maui County incident management operations, however, consisted of a siloed command structure that contributed to a lack of communication both to the public and responding agencies. The lack of pre-event planning, unified incident command and operational coordination with assisting and cooperating agencies resulted in insufficient communications that impacted the ability to provide effective evacuation and firefighting operations during the wildfire event.

Our Phase Two report shows that Lahaina lacked the level of cohesive fire prevention, preparedness, management strategy, resources and investment that are necessary to protect the population from an extreme wildfire event, added Kerber.

The focus of the Phase One Lahaina Fire Comprehensive Report and timeline was to identify the facts; the Phase Two Lahaina Fire Incident Analysis Report is the scientific analysis with recommendations that can be implemented more quickly; and Phase Three will focus on broader systemic recommendations for the future.

Attorney General Lopez also announced the comprehensive database of documents and media obtained during the investigation is now publicly available. It contains approximately 850 gigabytes of video files, audio files, photographs and documents relating to the August 8, 2023 Maui fires obtained by the Department and FSRI in connection with this investigation. Among other files, this database contains:

Maui Police Department (MPD) body camera footage and other videos of the fire event;

911 dispatch audio files;

Vehicle location data for MPD and Maui Fire Department vehicles during the fire event;

Notes, sign-in sheets, photographs and other documents created within the Maui Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on August 8, 2023, and afterward;

FSRI damage assessment videos and images;

Audio recordings of interviews conducted by FSRI with dozens of state and county officials; and

All manner of documents from state, county and federal agencies.



Access to this database is being provided as a public service by the Department of the Attorney General at no charge so all of the people of Hawaii may learn directly from the source documents regarding this tragedy.

From the outset, our commitment to transparency in this investigation has been of crucial importance, and the release of this database honors our continuing commitment, said Attorney General Lopez.

We are not here to place blame. It is clear from the Phase Two analysis that we need to make significant changes at the county and state level and involve a broad range of individuals and organizations, to ensure we are better prepared for future wildfires that are not only possible, but increasingly likely, added Attorney General Lopez. Good governance requires we take these science-based recommendations seriously and work together to implement changes in our processes and protocols to save lives and property and ensure Hawaii is safer and has a more sustainable future for residents and visitors.
SEATTLE, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With wildfire season now starting earlier and lasting longer, a majority of Northwest residents say theyre concerned about wildfires impacts on the environment and their personal safety  but that concern doesnt necessarily translate to advance preparation, according to a new poll from PEMCO Mutual Insurance.



PEMCOs poll of Washington and Oregon residents found that 82% of respondents share some level of concern about the potential for wildfire to threaten their home, property or personal safety, yet a quarter of residents across the region (26%) admit they dont take precautions to address the impacts of smoky air or fire before the threat becomes imminent.

The poll also showed a discrepancy between Eastern and Western Washington residents mindsets: respondents in the Seattle metro area were twice as likely as their Spokane counterparts to say they're not at all concerned about the threat of wildfire (22% vs. 11%). The difference between Portland and Spokane residents wasnt as pronounced, with 17% of Portlanders saying theyre not at all concerned.

Conversely in Spokane, where the reality of wildfire threat is significant, nine out of 10 residents (89%) share at least slight concern about the risk of wildfire harming their property or safety.

We see that our communities are paying attention  the warmer and drier our climate gets, the more were experiencing frequent and severe weather events like wildfires, said PEMCO Spokesperson Jennifer Hawton. But we also see that theres a gap in knowledge  or action  in what residents can do to prepare. At PEMCO, we champion safety above all else. Thats why we were focused on sharing with those around us how they can help keep their family, their neighbors and our communities throughout the Pacific Northwest safe.

While the number of people concerned about wildfires continues to grow every year, the PEMCO poll also explored how residents are responding to the effects of those fires.

A remarkable 95% of residents worry about polluted, smoky air caused by worsening wildfires, with one in three people agreeing that smoky conditions significantly impact their health and well-being. In response, respondents statewide are more likely to buy an air purifier for their home to prepare for wildfires than to take other actions, and half of all residents say they do  which is up from 37% in 2022 when PEMCO last asked what steps people take to protect themselves.

Similarly, residents who report they rely on the air quality index (AQI)  a tool used to measure hazardous pollution levels in ambient air across the U.S.  is also up considerably since 2022. Nearly twice as many respondents say they always check the AQI to determine their daily plans compared to those who always checked it in 2022 (22% vs. 13%).

When the air quality is bad, 52% of residents report the first change they make to their daily routine is to avoid exercising outdoors, followed by 24% who say they will not spend any time outdoors at all under bad air quality conditions.

We are deeply committed to helping our communities understand the risks associated with wildfires and take proactive measures to prevent them, Hawton said. As these fires increasingly threaten urban areas, we will continue to promote year-round prevention strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the Pacific Northwest.

For a complete summary of PEMCOs proprietary poll results visit www.pemco.com/blog/nw-polls, where youll find responses collected by Qualtrics in July 2024.

About the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll

PEMCO Mutual Insurance commissioned this independent survey, conducted by Qualtrics, that asked Washington and Oregon residents questions about attitudes toward current Northwest issues. The sample size, 420 respondents in the Seattle Metro (King, Snohomish, Pierce Counties) region, 402 respondents in the Portland Metro (Multnomah, Marion, Clackamas, Washington Counties), and 383 respondents in the Spokane area (Spokane and Stevens Counties) yields an accuracy of +/- 5.0% respectively at the 95% confidence level. In other words, if this study were conducted 100 times, in 95 instances the data will not vary by more than the associated error range.

About PEMCO Mutual Insurance

PEMCO Mutual Insurance has been serving the Pacific Northwest for 75 years. PEMCO provides auto, home, renters, and boat coverage. We are honored to have been recognized as a Best American Insurance Company by Forbes Magazine based on customer feedback. We distinguish ourselves through award-winning customer service, industry expertise, and social impact programs focused on supporting youth and education; building greener environments; and increasing risk awareness and safety. To learn more, visit www.pemco.com.

CONTACTS:

Jennifer Hawton

PEMCO Mutual Insurance

206.628.5773

Jennifer.hawton@pemco.com

Kristi Herriott

Firmani + Associates Inc.

206.466.2702

Kristi@firmani.com
VANCOUVER, Sept. 12, 2024 - A.I.S. Resources Ltd. (TSX.V: AIS, OTC- PINK: AISSF) ("AIS" or the "Company") provides a corporate update regarding its ongoing gold exploration initiatives in Australia.



With the recent rise in gold prices, AIS has renewed its focus on advancing its exploration efforts. Over the next six months, the Company will assess previous exploration data and launch a detailed exploration program across its Australian gold assets.

AIS' Key Gold Projects in Australia:

1. Fosterville-Toolleen Gold Project

AIS holds a 100% interest in the 28 km Fosterville-Toolleen Exploration License (EL6001), located just 10 km east of Agnico Eagle's renowned Fosterville gold mine.

Promising drill targets have been identified at Toolleen, with geological characteristics similar to the high-grade Fosterville mine.

2. Bright Gold Project

AIS has a 60% stake in the 58 km Bright Exploration License (EL6194), with the option to acquire full ownership.

The Company is currently reviewing results from its 2023 drill program and is preparing to define additional high-potential drill targets.

3. Kingston Gold Project

AIS holds a 100% interest in the 167 km Kingston Exploration License (EL6318), which includes a small-scale mine with a 50-meter vertical shaft.

AIS will receive 15% of the revenue from gold sales generated from the Vendor's mining activities outside of their prospecting license.

These three properties, totaling over 250 km, are located in the highly prospective Lachlan Fold Belt in Central Victoria, often referred to as the "Golden Triangle." According to the Geological Survey of Victoria, up to 75 million ounces of gold may still be undiscovered in the region.

Leadership Update

AIS is also pleased to announce the appointment of Muhammad Memon to its Board of Directors. Muhammad brings over 13 years of experience in finance and compliance for public companies across various industries, including mining, real estate, and technology. He has a wealth of expertise in financial reporting, corporate financing, investor relations, and regulatory compliance. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant in Canada and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the UK.

Martyn Element, Chairman of AIS, stated, "We are excited to welcome Muhammad to our board. His expertise will be key in supporting AIS as we continue to expand and pursue new opportunities."

At the same time, the Company announces the resignation of John McCleery from the Board of Directors, effective August 23, 2024. We sincerely thank John for his valuable insights as the Company evaluated its direction and wish him success in his future endeavors.

About A.I.S. Resources Limited

A.I.S. Resources Limited is a publicly traded company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company focuses on natural resource opportunities, aiming to unlock value by acquiring early-stage projects and providing the necessary technical and financial support to develop them. AIS is guided by a seasoned team of engineers, geologists, and finance professionals with a proven track record of success in capital markets.

On Behalf of A.I.S. Resources Limited

Andrew Neale

President & CEO

Corporate Contact

For further information, please contact:

Martyn Element, Chairman of the Board

T: +1-604-220-6266

E: melement@aisresources.com

Website: www.aisresources.com

ADVISORY: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligations to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. 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.
Trading Symbols: SVM (TSX/NYSE American)

VANCOUVER, Sept. 13, 2024 - Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp" or the "Company") (TSX: SVM) (NYSE American: SVM) announces that, further to its news release dated August 19, 2024 (the "Release"), it has filed an updated technical report for its Ying Mining District titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Update on the Ying Ag-Pb-Zn Property in Henan Province, People's Republic of China" (the "Technical Report"). The Technical Report is effective July 16, 2024 and was independently prepared by AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd. in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and can be found on the Company's website at www.silvercorpmetals.com and under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

There are no material differences in the information in the Technical Report and the information contained in the Release.

About Silvercorp

Silvercorp is a Canadian mining company producing silver, gold, lead, and zinc with a long history of profitability and growth potential. The Company's strategy is to create shareholder value by 1) focusing on generating free cashflow from long-life mines; 2) organic growth through extensive drilling for discovery; 3) ongoing merger and acquisition efforts to unlock value; and 4) a long-term commitment to responsible mining and ESG. For more information, please visit our website at www.silvercorpmetals.com.

For further information:

Silvercorp Metals Inc.

Lon Shaver

President

Phone: (604) 669-9397

Toll Free 1(888) 224-1881

Email: investor@silvercorp.ca

Website: www.silvercorpmetals.com

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER - FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forwardlooking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws (collectively, "forwardlooking statements"). Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategies", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "budgets", "schedules", "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. Forwardlooking statements relate to, among other things: the price of silver and other metals; foreign exchange rates; the accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates at the Company's material properties; estimated mine life and any anticipated changes related thereto; the sufficiency of the Company's capital to finance the Company's operations; estimates of revenues, operation costs, capital expenditures, mine plan, and estimated production from the Company's mines in the Ying Mining District and Gaocheng Mine; timing of receipt of permits and regulatory approvals; availability of funds from production to finance the Company's operations; and access to and availability of funding for future construction, use of proceeds from any financing and development of the Company's properties.

Forwardlooking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forwardlooking statements, including, without limitation, risks relating to: fluctuating commodity prices; calculation of resources, reserves and mineralization and precious and base metal recovery; interpretations and assumptions of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; exploration and development programs; feasibility and engineering reports; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for our operations are received in a timely manner; title to properties; property interests; joint venture partners; acquisition of commercially mineable mineral rights; financing; recent market events and conditions; economic factors affecting the Company; timing, estimated amount, capital and operating expenditures and economic returns of future production; integration of future acquisitions into the Company's existing operations; competition; operations and political conditions; regulatory environment in China and Canada; our ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws; environmental risks; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; insurance; risks and hazards of mining operations; key personnel; conflicts of interest; dependence on management; global economic and social impact of COVID19; internal control over financial reporting; and bringing actions and enforcing judgments under U.S. securities laws.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forwardlooking statements. Forward looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forwardlooking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in the Company's Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors". 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements.

The Company's forwardlooking statements are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this news release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forwardlooking statements if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements.

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO US INVESTORS

The technical and scientific information contained in the Technical Report has been prepared in accordance with NI 43101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum classification system, which differs significantly from the standards adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, the technical and scientific information contained in the Technical Report, including any estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies subject to the disclosure requirements of the SEC. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Technical Report 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.

Additional information relating to the Company, including Silvercorp's Annual Information Form, can be obtained under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and on the Company's website at www.silvercorpmetals.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/silvercorp-announces-filing-of-updated-technical-reports-for-the-ying-mining-district-302247623.html

SOURCE Silvercorp Metals Inc
Vancouver, September 12, 2024 - Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (CNSX: ARS) ("Ares" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced offering of units (each, a "Unit") by issuing 9,017,772 Units at a price of $0.18 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,623,198.96.

On August 22, 2024, the Company announced a non-brokered private placement offering of Units (the "LIFE Offering") at a price of $0.18 per Unit pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (the "LIFE Exemption").

For additional details relating to the LIFE Offering and LIFE Offering, please see the Company's previously filed news releases which are available under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.com.

Each Unit consists of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one non- transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one (1) Common Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.26 per Warrant Share for a period of two (2) years following the closing date of the Amended LIFE Offering, provided that, if the 10-day volume-weighted average trading price of the Common Shares as quoted on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") (or such other securities exchange on which the Common Shares may be traded at such time) is equal to or greater than $0.40 at the close of any trading day, then the Company may, at its discretion, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by issuing a news release (a "Warrant Acceleration News Release") announcing that the expiry date of the Warrants shall be deemed to be on the 30th day following the date of the Warrant Acceleration News Release (the "Accelerated Expiry Date") (the "Acceleration Clause"). All Warrants that remain unexercised following the Accelerated Expiry Date shall immediately expire and all rights of holders of such Warrant shall be terminated without any compensation to such holder. Units offered under the Life Exemption will not be subject to resale restrictions for Canadian resident investors pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

None of the securities issued in connection with the Amended LIFE Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and none of them may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

The LIFE Offering, as facilitated by Capiche, can be accessed HERE and, is anticipated to close on or before October 6, 2024 (the "Closing Date") and completion of the LIFE Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, a minimum of $500,000 in gross proceeds being raised by the Company under the LIFE Offering, and the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals.

The close of the LIFE Offering is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the LIFE Offering as disclosed in the LIFE Offering Document dated 4th September 17, 2024, which is available under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.com and on the Company's website (www.aresmining.com)

Concurrently with closing the first tranche, the Issuer entered into certain hedging arrangements with Sorbie Bornholm LP ("Sorbie") governed by an ISDA Master Agreement dated August 23, 2024 and a sharing agreement dated August 23, 2024 (the "Sharing Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the Sharing Agreement, the gross proceeds payable by Sorbie for Units pursuant to the private placement (being $1.5 million) (the "Posted Support") were used to acquire UK government bonds as credit support to secure the Issuer's maximum potential exposure under the Sharing Agreement, with Sorbie retaining control and direction of such proceeds (including both the economic benefit and the risk resulting from fluctuations in the bond pricing and foreign exchange) until they are released back to the Issuer in accordance with the terms of the Sharing Agreement.

The hedging transactions governed by the Sharing Agreement will be determined and payable in 24 monthly settlement tranches based on the volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for the 20 trading days prior to each monthly settlement date measured against a benchmark price of $0.2610 (the "Benchmark Price"). On each such settlement date, Sorbie will release a portion of the Posted Support determined in reference to such volume weighted average ($62,500 per month). If the measured Common Share price is equal to the Benchmark Price for each of the 24 monthly settlement tranches, the Issuer will receive cash payments totaling $1.5 million. If the measured Common Share price exceeds the Benchmark Price, the Issuer will receive more than 100% of the settlement payable that month on a pro rata basis. Similarly, if the measured Common Share price is below the Benchmark Price, the Issuer will receive less than 100% of the settlement payable that month on a pro rata basis, with the result that if the measured Common Share price is below the Benchmark Price for a period of time, the Issuer will receive less than $1.5 million.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ARES STRATEGIC MINING INC.

James Walker

Chief Executive Officer and President

For further information, please contact James Walker by email at jwalker@aresmining.com

DISCLOSURE AND FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" 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.

In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the LIFE Offering, including the total anticipated proceeds, the expected use of proceeds and the closing (including the proposed closing date) of the balance of the Amended LIFE Offering. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including the assumption that the Company will close the balance of LIFE Offering on the timeline anticipated, will raise the balance of the gross proceeds from the LIFE Offering and will use the proceeds of the LIFE Offering as anticipated. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include: the risk that the LIFE Offering does not close on the timeline expected, or at all; the risk that the Company raises less than the anticipated amount of gross proceeds from the LIFE Offering; the risk that the Company does not use the proceeds

from the LIFE Offering as currently expected; risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined and the risk that exploration and development activities will cost more than the amount budgeted for such activities by the Company; risks relating to changes in mineral prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of minerals; risks related to increased competition and current global financial conditions; access and supply risks; risks associated with the Company's reliance on key personnel; operational risks; regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits; financing, capitalization and liquidity risks; title and environmental risks; and risks relating to the failure to receive all requisite regulatory approvals. The forward-looking information contained in this news 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. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
SASKATOON, Sept. 13, 2024 - Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd. (TSXV: OMM) (OTCBB: OMMSF) ("Omineca" or the "Company") is pleased to outline the fall lode gold exploration program located in the Cariboo Mining District in south central British Columbia. The exploration program is aimed at locating the hard rock source of the rich underground paleoplacer gold found beneath Lightning Creek at Omineca's separate Wingdam underground placer joint venture project (see recent JV update news release Sept 6, 2024). From previous year's groundwork and drilling, this year's focus has narrowed substantially to a linear corridor along the NW striking Eureka Thrust Fault, which is importantly located downstream of the current underground placer workings at Wingdam. The 2024 Phase 1 drill program consisting of approximately 3,000 meters in 8 diamond drill holes has now been initiated. The drill rig has been mobilized to site with road access and drill pad construction currently underway. The Company will announce further details and updates once drilling commences.

Omineca has re-engaged TerraLogic Exploration of Cranbrook, BC to manage the exploration and drilling programs for this year. Groundwork prospecting and 288 line kilometers of high-resolution drone magnetic surveying, including interpretations and analysis, has been completed. The drone survey was flown at tree top level along tightly spaced lines over a focused 2km x 1km area covering the shear zone along the Eureka Thrust Fault.

Management believes the reason discovery of a load source has been illusive is due to the presumed depth of the gold system. The gold mineralizing system may actually lie closer to the elevation of the placer gold enriched paleochannel floor. The proximal relationship is potentially analogous to the Shaft and Valley Zones which were drilled up to 300 meters below the valley floor elevation at Barkerville Gold Mines approximately 33 kilometers east of Wingdam. The lode gold system may have been only briefly eroded into the paleochannel by an interglacial stream before being covered by glacial sediments and other sediments during postglacial mass wasting events at which time the creek valley floor rose to its current elevation 50 meters above the paleochannel bedrock floor.

For this year's program, Omineca has selected drill pad locations nearer to the bottom of the Lightning Creek Valley (rather than higher elevations along mountain or hill side locations) bringing the drill rig several hundred meters lower in elevation and closer to any potential lode deposit system proximal to the paleochannel floor.

2024 Focus Downstream of the Wingdam Placer Deposit

Omineca first tested upstream, as is standard practice with placer source exploration, but has always entertained the idea that the source may be downstream of the current placer gold emplacement. This year's groundwork, along with previous exploration and drilling, corroborates the idea of the placer gold possibly being transported to the current upstream location though a combination of historic stream capture and flow reversal along with the movement of glacially transported sediments in a direction opposite to the current flow of water along Lightning Creek. The 2024 drill pad locations have been targeted downstream of known underground placer gold enrichment at Wingdam as well as at lower elevations than drilled in previous programs.

Area of Focus on Trend with the Eureka Shear Zone

Rock sampling and drilling results from previous years show a linear trend of gold mineralization adjacent to and possibly affiliated with the NW trending Eureka Fault shear zone, which is just downstream from the rich underground Wingdam placer gold occurrences. The Eureka Thrust Fault lies on the western limb of the Lightning Creek anticline, which exhibits a significant zone of fault transpression (strike-slip deformation) and dilation structures. The structures further support the potential for a traditional hydrothermal orogenic gold system similar to that on the opposite (eastern) limb of the Lightning Creek anticline at Osisko Development's Barkerville Gold Project located 33 km east of Wingdam. Historic placer gold exploration drilling also supports this idea with gold mineralization in sulphides reported in the bedrock beneath the gold bearing paleochannel a short distance downstream from the Wingdam location and directly on strike with Omineca's recently defined mineralized trend along the fault. Additionally, Omineca's drill holes closest to the Eureka Thrust Fault have shown the highest anomalous gold values which further supports the thesis that the lode source or sources are potentially affiliated with the fault.

Qualified Person

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by, or approved by Stephen Kocsis, P.Geo., Lead Geologist. Mr. Kocsis is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd.

Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd.'s flagship Wingdam gold exploration and placer recovery projects are located along the Barkerville Highway 45 km east of the City of Quesnel. The Wingdam Property includes mineral tenures totaling over 61,392 hectares (613 square kms) and in excess of 15 linear kilometers of placer claims, both encompassing the Lightning Creek valley where topographic conditions created thick layers of overburden, which preserved a large portion of a buried paleochannel containing placer gold-bearing gravels. Omineca also has an exploration and diamond drill program currently underway exploring for the potential multiple hard rock sources of the placer gold at Wingdam.

Forward Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Omineca and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and views of future events of Omineca's management. In some cases, the forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and could differ materially as a result of the failure to secure TSX Venture Exchange of the grant of options and many other factors beyond the control of Omineca. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Omineca undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd.
Vancouver, September 13, 2024 - Sonoran Desert Copper Corp. (TSXV: SDCU) ("SDCU'' or the "Company") further to its March 14, 2024, news release, the Company announces that it has delivered notice terminating the option agreement dated March 9th, for the Normanby Project, located in Papua New Guinea. The Company has paid the $10,000 due upon the execution of the option agreement and incurred expenditures for the services required to complete standard due diligence. None of the cash or share payments contemplated under the option agreement have been made.

ABOUT SONORAN DESERT COPPER CORPORATION

Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation is focused on securing, developing and monetizing materials assets and technologies to build shareholder value.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

SONORAN DESERT COPPER CORPORATION

FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223205
Toronto, September 13, 2024 - Mr. Norman Ross, Chairman of Leopard Lake Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Leopard Lake") (CSE: LP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mario Drolet to the Board of Directors of the Company.

Mr. Ross states: "Mario is a passionate individual about finance and has over 30 years of experience in financial markets and trading. He has worked on the floor of the Montreal Exchange on his way up from apprentice to chief trader in derivatives for a large Canadian institution (CIBC Wood Gundy 1989-2000). He also ran a private trading school for numerous years (1994-2000) on the floor of the Exchange to serve the institutional derivatives clientele, university students and new traders. Mario has designed and produced two educational market simulation tools called "Market Mania Trading Software" and "le jeu de la bourse" and Mario has produced numerous events; university games, etc."

Mr. Drolet is the founder of MI3 Financial Communications Inc. who since 2007 specialize in financial communication in investor and public relations, market making and market intelligence functions. Mario has worked with over 300 mining companies over the last 17 years. MI3 has developed a network in 20 Canadian cities where they host monthly events to bridge potential investors and small cap public companies. Over 500 events have been hosted since 2016. Mario launched the mining show '' lets talk mining '' and is part of the organization for the Mining Event of the North conference in Quebec City. Mario is considered a marketing influencer in the junior mining sector. Mr. Drolet is also a Director of Spark Energy Minerals Inc.

Mr. Drolet has been awarded 300,000 stock options exercisable at $0.06 until expiry on September 13, 2029.

About Leopard Lake Gold Corp.

Leopard Lake is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Canada, including the St. Robert property, which is comprised of 4 mining claims in Beauceville and 102 mining claims in the Riseborough and Marlow Townships in St. Robert Bellarmin, Quebec, and the Stella property located in the Abitibi region of Northwestern Quebec, made up of 52 contiguous mining claims for a total of 2,987 hectares, approximately 65 kilometres east of the town of Val d-Or. The objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct exploration programs.

For further information, please contact:

George A. Brown

Chief Executive Officer and President

44 Victoria Street, Suite 1102

Toronto, Ontario

M5C 1Y2

Telephone: (905) 467-1109

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. 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 information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, 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, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents, approvals or authorizations, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and risks related to joint venture operations, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's continuous disclosure documents. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Staff press throttle on more Alpine engine protests

Angry Renault F1 staff are ramping up their protests against the French manufacturer's decision to scrap the works Formula 1 engine program.

Esteban Ocon, Dutch GP 2024

 Alpine

Last time out at Monza, staff travelled from Viry-Chatillon, France, to conduct a peaceful protest from the grandstands, while a worker strike also took place at the factory where the engines are built for Alpine.

Amid the staff tension, Renault CEO Luca de Meo insisted that the decision to scrap the works program and switch to customer Mercedes power for 2026 is not yet final.

And with the staff so angry in the meantime, they have gained the support of the major French labour union CGT - and a new sequence of protests are now set to take place.

According to RMC Sport, one protest involving 100 staff took place on Thursday at Renault's global French headquarters at Boulogne-Billancourt.

And Ouest France newspaper said another group of about 40 F1 engine staff demonstrated on the same day at the fabled Le Mans circuit.

We are not in a standoff, insisted Clement Gamberoni, the spokesman for the disgruntled Alpine employees. "We just want Mr de Meo to have all the arguments before making his decision.

Even if we know that when it gets to that level, the decision could have already been made.

CGT union representatives from other Renault sites also supported Thursday's actions. It's a stab in the back, said union representative Karine Dubreucq.

We managed to develop an engine in 18 months, and are asking Mr de Meo to reconsider his project and give this engine a chance.

When asked about the matter at Baku on Thursday, Pierre Gasly admitted the significance of Renault potentially no longer designing engines for F1.

I think it's obviously historic to the team, said the Frenchman. "It's a tricky topic.

I think ultimately it goes to the top management on what is the right decision for the team moving forward, but obviously there is an important part of history and experience and legacy from their work in our sport.

(GMM)
9/14/1950 - 9/2/24

Sharon Elizabeth Dolan, formerly of Green River, was born in Clinton Missouri on September 14, 1950 to James Francis and Anna Pauline Pearcy.

Sharon was a 1968 graduate of Clinton High School.

Some years later she moved to Rock Springs Wyoming where she attended Western Wyoming Community College to study geology and anthropology.

She went on several class excursions to Easter Island, Peru, Guatemala, as well as a ten day trip down the Amazon.

Sharon was very creative. She was very talented in multiple art forms including watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, oil and sculpture. She taught painting classes to several different age groups, was commissioned to do several murals for small museums and a community college. Being an accomplished artist she had works featured in libraries in Rock Springs and celebrated a retrospective exhibit of her work at The Nicolaysian Museum in Casper last year. Her most recent artwork was drawing images of the hand forming the shapes of the manual syllabary in Japanese Sign Language for inclusion in scholarly publications.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Pauline Pearcy, and a brother, Howard Bud Pearcy .

Sharon is survived by a sister, Susan (Jim) Sanders of Clinton Missouri , a daughter Jennifer (Kevin) Bowman of Lees Summit Missouri, two granddaughters Zoe and Kelsey Bowman.

There will be a private celebration of life with the family held at a later date.
Gemini Live is a service offering real-time talks with the Google AI service. It was initially launched as a feature for Advanced subscribers, but today, the company revealed it will reach all users for free.

The feature is different from the regular Gemini app with its natural flow of conversation and back-and-forth exchanges, allowing interruptions for new information or directions.

We're starting to roll out Gemini Live in English to more people using the Android app, free of charge. Go Live to talk things out with Gemini, explore a new topic, or brainstorm ideas. Keep an eye out for Gemini Live in the Gemini app ? pic.twitter.com/0VL0c7E6Gw  Google Gemini App (@GeminiApp) September 12, 2024

Gemini Live is available in the Gemini app, which is only on the Play Store, meaning only Android users will be able to use the service. Also, it is rolling out only to phones set in English, with more languages coming soon.

Live can be activated from the sparkle icon in the bottom-right of the Gemini app. Then it just opens a screen with two buttons  Hold and End to navigate in the conversation. Once the chat is over, the user can see a transcription of the whole interaction. Live is currently not supporting extensions such as Gmail, YouTube Music, or Maps.

Source
A K-pop dance competition at the Guam Premier Outlets, GPO, in Tamuning in February 2024. The Korean Freedom Federation of Guam and the Korean Association of Guam will be hosting another K-pop dance contest, for middle school students only, on Saturday, Sept. 14, starting at 3 p.m. at the food court of GPO.
A call to remove a man from the Boy Scouts of America in Tamuning led to finding drugs and stolen goods from Home Depot, a magistrates complaint filed in Superior Court states.

Joseph Bennett Meno Macias, also known as Joseph Mesillas, 34, was charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony and retail theft and theft as misdemeanors, according to the complaint.

Around 8:50 a.m. Sept. 12, police were called to request for possible removal at the Boy Scouts of America off Route 1 in Tamuning.

They saw a man, later identified as Macias, rummaging through a plastic container and saw several items, including those with the Ryobi brand scattered on the grass next to Macias.

Police saw Macias with a hatchet in his hand and instructed him to drop it, which he did. Police then asked if he had any weapons or sharp objects on his person that could cause harm and Macias said yes.

Police performed a pat-down and found a knife and sheath. They also found a lighter and a small clear resealable plastic baggie with white crystalline substance, suspected to be methamphetamine, the complaint stated.

It tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine, it added.

Suspecting the Ryobi and other items were from Home Depot, police contacted the store and a manager confirmed the items were stolen.

The items suspected to be stolen had a total value of $259.80 and were a Milwaukee duct knife and sheath, two Ryobi USB rechargeable batteries, a Milwaukee bolt cutter, a Vector power inverter and two Ryobi rotary tools, the complaint stated.

These items were located with Macias at the Boy Scouts of America. Upon review of surveillance video, an individual matching Macias description is seen near various areas of Home Depot where the items are stocked and he is seen leaving the store with a full blue bag. The blue bag and the items were found with Macias, the complaint stated.
Twenty-two of Guams finest in blue were promoted to the rank of police officer III, including those who waited for more than 20 years to move up, in a ceremony held Friday at the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa.

Some of these officers have waited over 20-plus years for a promotion. So 20-plus years of staying around and waiting for your next promotion, shows that these officers have a dedication to the Guam Police Department, said Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio at the graduation ceremony. But more importantly, they have a dedication to keeping our community safe because despite not being promoted, they stayed here and they continued to serve our island.

Ignacio called them the journeymen of the police force, as the officers who have developed institutional knowledge.

Leading the promotion ceremony were two career officers with more than a half-century of service between them spent on a diverse array of assignments.

Virgilio A. Antonio and Owen Medina Jr., were cycle mates for GPDs 39th cycle and both started with the department in 1998.

Antonio is assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division and had spent the majority of his time in the Neighborhood Patrol Division at various precincts.

Medina has held various positions in the Neighborhood Patrol Divisions at four precincts, as well as the Criminal Justice Strike Force. Hes also worked with Executive Security, SWAT and the Special Ops Division, where he is a team leader and certified boat captain for the Special Enforcement Amphibious Section Unit.

Jude Sablan Ascura spent 10 years as a police reservist before joining the department in 2001 following graduation with the 41st Police Academy cohort. He is back to Neighborhood Patrol where he spent much of his years before his stints as a detective with CIS and Internal Affairs investigator.

As each promotion was announced, they walked a single-wall gauntlet comprising Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, members of the 36th Guam Legislature, Del. James Moylan and GPD bureau and division chiefs. They then posed for pictures with spouses, partners and other family members.

Officer Jelene Renee San Nicolas Desamito had the honor of being the only female among her newly-pinned POIII colleagues.

I may be the only female here, but we have quite a few female POIIIs in the department, she said.

Desamito added that she hopes to inspire other females in their law enforcement careers, just as her mentors and current supervisor have inspired her.

Ignacio said any POI or POII can apply for a POIII position. After identifying available funding, Ignacio announces position openings through the Department of Administration. Those that qualify are invited to take a written test that will reveal a candidates institutional and intellectual acumen, and those that pass earn the stripe.

Im looking forward to the new responsibilities, and the opportunity to do more work, said 19-year veteran Lucas Perez, who waited seven years for this promotion. He said he will continue the tenets that come with wearing the uniform, regardless of rank.

Lead by example. Loyalty to the department. Dedication. And just doing the right thing, he said.

Extensive time with the force is not a prerequisite. Take new POIIIs Jason Young and Eugenius Kim Pewtress, who joined the force in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Young, who traded a chefs coat for GPD blue, said his two careers are similar.

Both require a lot of hard work and dedication, and being very precise in what you do. And a lot of hours, and a lot of those hours spent when you dont want to be working, he said. Once in a while I get to cook something for the guys. The crossover is fun. Pretty much Im trying to focus on the police work. I do most of my cooking at home, for my family on the weekends.

Officers promoted:




Haiti - News : Zapping...





BNC : The confrontation did not take place

The confrontation session scheduled for Thursday, September 12 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43178-haiti-news-zapping.html at the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) on the scandal of the 100 million Gourdes of the National Bank of Credit (BNC) did not take place. The former President of the BNC Raoul Pierre-Louis did not show up. The ULCC investigators have drawn up a report of failure to appear and will issue a new summons, indicated Me Mario Delcy, the lawyer of Councilor Smith Augustin. For his part, Me Sonet Saint-Louis, one of the lawyers of the former President of the BNC, demands, before any confrontation, the unconditional resignation of the three Presidential Advisors accused in this case.



Towards an air link Madrid / Port-au-Prince ?

Dominique Dupuy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gomez, the Spanish Minister of the Interior, on security, the strengthening of the Multinational Mission, support for female police officers and the electoral process. They also discussed the upcoming opening of an air link between Madrid and Port-au-Prince.



Warning from the Ministry of Commerce

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) warns manufacturers, importers and distributors that in accordance with Article 14 of the Decree of March 11, 2020, all prepackaged products must have a label indicating "The sales name, the list of ingredients, the net quantity in the international metric system, the date of manufacture and expiration, the instructions for use and storage, as well as the country of origin are among the main information required on product labels." Penalties will be applied against offenders and all non-compliant products, local or imported, will be withdrawn from sale and seized



PM and French Ambassador discuss security

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Antoine Michon, the new French Ambassador to Haiti, met with Prime Minister Garry Conille. They discussed France's support for the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS).



Haitians leave the city of Springfield

Haitians are leaving the city of Springfield, Ohio, residents report. Many families are preparing to leave the area due to harassment from unidentified individuals. However, should be noted that these racist harassments began in 2020 with the arrival of a large number of Haitian migrants.. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43189-haiti-flash-rain-of-denials-in-favor-of-the-haitians-of-springfield.html



The PM met with the Core Group

Prime Minister Garry Conille had a meeting with a delegation and representatives/ambassadors of the Grand Diplomatic Corps accredited to Haiti on the process of the National Conference, the Constitutional reform and the organization of general elections in Haiti. It was also an opportunity for the Head of Government to discuss with diplomats on financing strategies for major projects relating to the Government's roadmap and the political transition.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















(CNBC) 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.

To read this article:
(HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged now-defunct digital pharmacy startup Medly Health Incs. co-founder and former CEO, Marg Patel, former CFO, Robert Horowitz, and former Head of Rx Operations, Chintankumar Bhatt, with defrauding investors in connection with capital raising efforts that netted the company over $170 million.

According to the SECs complaint, from at least February 2021 through August 2022, Patel and Horowitz provided financial information to existing and prospective investors that fraudulently overstated Medlys revenue due in part to millions of dollars worth of fake prescriptions entered into the companys systems by Bhatt. The SECs complaint alleges, among other things, that Patel and Horowitz knew of, but failed to correct, significant accounting irregularities and were aware of several reports and complaints by employees that the revenue reported in Medlys financial statements to investors was inaccurate.

The alleged facts of this case demonstrate significant corporate malfeasance, said Sheldon L. Pollock, Associate Director of Enforcement in the New York Regional Office. We allege the defendants harmed investors by misleading them about the companys revenues, with one defendant going as far as making up fake prescription orders to increase revenue numbers. Startups that seek to raise capital from investors through deceitful conduct remain a continued focus for the Commission.

The SECs complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, charges Patel, Horowitz, and Bhatt with violating the antifraud provisions of the securities laws and charges Bhatt with aiding and abetting Patels and Horowitzs primary securities law violations. The complaint seeks permanent injunctions, civil money penalties, disgorgement, prejudgment interest, and officer-and-director bars against all three defendants.
Holappa issued the warning in an interview last week with YLE , pointing to a recent study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

THE FISCAL AUSTERITY pursued by the Finnish government could erode the economic situation and widen the debt ratio, warns Lauri Holappa , an economist at the Finnish Centre for New Economic Analysis (UTAK).

The study examined the adjustment periods for fiscal policy in different countries, how well they have succeeded. The results were partly crushing, he summarised to the public broadcasting company.

The study concluded that spending cuts implemented during an economic downswing fail to produce the desired results because they aggravate the economic situation and create pressure to add to public debt.

Ultimately the outcome is that the debt ratio doesnt improve; it may even start rising as a consequence of tight fiscal policy, remarked Holappa.

The Finnish government is seeking to reduce the public debt burden as sluggish economic growth and eroding employment situation are ensuring the burden continues to grow.

The Finnish economy diverged from the rest of the Nordics, like Sweden and Denmark, in the 2010s, when Finland fell behind these countries in the post-financial crisis era. This led to Finlands public debt rising, while the other countries were turning around their debt trends, he recounted.

Aki Kangasharju, the managing director of Etla Economic Research, said Finlands debt burden is growing as a consequence of long-running muted growth, the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic and population ageing.

The Finnish government, he viewed, made the right choice to stand by its fiscal adjustment target  even if the adjustments temporarily inhibit economic growth  but failed to decide on sufficient measures to support growth and productivity at the budget session held last week. It is consequently uncertain whether the debt ratio can be reversed and likely that the credit rating will take additional hits.

Whats missing are proper growth measures. How can we get economic growth, how can we get better productivity? he said to YLE.

Kangasharju and Mika Maliranta, the director at the Labour Institute for Economic Research (Labore), have also criticised the governments plan to sell state assets to make investments in transport infrastructure projects such as road improvements and raise reimbursements for private health care costs, Helsingin Sanomat reported last Thursday.

While Kangasharju is concerned that the proceeds of asset sales will not be used effectively, Maliranta views that the very idea of selling assets to fund investments is bad and misleading.

Kangasharju stated to the newspaper that the government could certainly streamline what, in comparison to peer countries, is a fairly bloated asset portfolio.

Whenever you give even a bit of money to a politician, theyll spend it all and not all of it will be spent effectively, he cautioned.

He urged the government to at least give up on raising reimbursements for private health care costs given that there is no evidence to suggest the raise will reduce waiting times in the public health care system. He would direct a larger share of the four-billion-euro investment programme at supporting scale-up companies through instruments such as Finnish Industry Investment.

We dont have [investor families] like the Wallenbergs [in Sweden], meaning we dont have financing that small Finnish companies could use to become bigger. Presently theyre sold abroad for a couple of tens of millions, said Kangasharju.

Asset sales were used to fund investments also under Prime Minister Juha Sipila (Centre) and Antti Rinne (SDP). The programme outlines by the current government is significantly larger, though.

Maliranta told Helsingin Sanomat that productive investments should be funded by borrowing and not mixed needlessly with asset sales.

Linking asset sales and investments makes things needlessly complicated, he said, arguing that there is fundamentally no difference between borrowing and divestment. When you sell assets, it means youll get less revenue from the assets in the coming years.

Both of the economists commended the programme for focusing primarily on improving the rail and road network.

Maintaining and developing existing infrastructure is often more effective than building new connections, said Kangasharju. Economists are widely in agreement that the basic infrastructure must be intact. Otherwise the economy doesnt work.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
AdventHealth wins 'Great Place to Work' certification

AdventHealth has received Great Place To Work certification from Great Place To Work, an independent third-party organization, the hospital announced.

The recognition is based entirely on feedback from a random sampling of 5,000 team members across the organization who were invited to take part in the survey. A faith-based health system, Advent Health operates more than 50 hospitals in nine states including AdventHealth Hendersonville.

"Receiving this recognition is such an honor because it includes feedback directly from our incredible team members, Brandon Nudd, president and CEO for AdventHealth Hendersonville, said in a news release. Their unwavering commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to deliver top-notch care to the people across Western North Carolina is truly commendable. We couldn't be prouder of this achievement. It truly underscores our belief that when we invest in our people, we strengthen our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ."

AdventHealths commitment to caring for its 95,000-plus team members  body, mind and spirit  is the foundation for its feel whole brand promise and is embodied in an array of resources designed to nurture professional and personal growth, equipping team members to deliver AdventHealths hallmark whole-person care to the communities they serve. At the heart of that care is a team invested in service standards that define every interaction with patients and each other: Keep Me Safe. Love Me. Make It Easy. Own It. AdventHealth has pledged to support team members by seeing and celebrating their whole-person. In Western North Carolina that has taken shape through access to well-being programs for body, mind and spirit at no cost to team members.

About AdventHealth Hendersonville: Founded in 1910, AdventHealth Hendersonville is dedicated to meeting the health care needs of our growing communities, providing high-quality, compassionate, not-for-profit care in a Christian environment.

In 1984, AdventHealth Hendersonville became a member of Adventist Health System. With a sacred mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth is a connected system of care for every stage of life and health. More than 95,000 team members across hundreds of care sites including physician practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health agencies and hospice centers provide individualized, wholistic care. A shared vision, common values, focus on whole-person health and a commitment to making communities healthier unify the system's more than 50 hospital campuses and hundreds of care sites in diverse markets throughout nine states.
2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicks off in Shenyang

Xinhua) 16:38, September 13, 2024

People walk past the logo of the 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 12, 2024. The 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhang Lei)

This photo taken on Sept. 12, 2024 shows the opening ceremony of the 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhang Lei)

An exhibitor introduces an intelligent kitchen to a visitor at an innovation achievements exhibition of the 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 12, 2024. The 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhang Lei)

A BMW i5 electric car produced by BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) is displayed at an innovation achievements exhibition of the 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 12, 2024. The 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhang Lei)

Visitors watch as a robot writes calligraphy at an innovation achievements exhibition of the 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 12, 2024. The 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhang Lei)

People visit the booth of Siemens at an innovation achievements exhibition of the 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 12, 2024. The 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhang Lei)

An exhibitor introduces an unmanned cleaning robot for photovoltaic panels to visitors at an innovation achievements exhibition of the 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 12, 2024. The 2024 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhang Lei)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Elections board adds Zoom coverage for emergency meeting

The skirmish over a partisan email sent to legislators by a Henderson County Board of Elections member is likely to spill into public view Monday when the local elections board gavels open an emergency called meeting.

Summer Heatherly, the county elections board director, said Friday that the emergency meeting was called by the chair, Clay Eddleman. The only item on the agenda besides minutes approval is Discussion of Mrs. Rebucks Letter and the Response from the State Board of Elections.

Its a board matter, Heatherly said. Youll have to discuss that with them. Asked whether shes spoken with state Elections Director Karen Brinson Bell or other state elections officials, she responded, Its strictly a board matter so I dont talk about it at all.

Anticipating the potential for an overflow crowd in a room with limited capacity, the Elections Board on Saturday announced that the meeting would also be available on Zoom.

At issue is a 490-word email board member Linda Rebuck sent to 24 state representatives and senators on Aug. 15 warning of "a concerted effort to turn Henderson County blue" through what she criticized as lax processes for voter verification and mail-in ballots.

I am a member of the Henderson County Board of Elections and have served on the Board for over 6 years., she wrote. I am frankly very discouraged about the upcoming election. 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. The responsibility will be yours, one way or the other.

Brinson Bell, the N.C. elections director, rebutted Rebucks email point by point on Aug. 25. A Democratic appointee, Brinson Bell called two of Rebuck's assertions false, explained in detail safeguards in place under state and federal law to ensure voting roll integrity and admonished the local board member for a lack of neutrality.

Given the partisan statements in the above, we remind you of the requirements of Article 4A of Chapter 163 of the North Carolina General Statutes barring elections board members from making statements that favor one party over another. 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, Brinson Bell said.

Eddleman, the county elections board chair, said the state board could take action against Rebuck on Monday, though he doubted it would.

They have the sole authority to remove us," he said of the state board. "That is not a local decision. That has to be done by the State Board. Any registered voter can file a complaint seeking the removal of an elections board member, although Eddleman said he was not aware of such a complaint.

I called this meeting on Monday just so the board can have a chance to sit down and talk about it in an open session," he said. "We obviously cannot and will not do this in a session that's not open, and it needs to be talked about. What the result of that will be  I don't have any predetermined idea about that. There are several options, of course, but that again will depend upon the board.

Among the options would be to say that, after looking at the letter, that it is a stern reprimand to be brought  a warning or a reminder about political biases in the board  and we move on and get on with the business of this election, he said. Another option, of course, would be to ask for a resignation, or she possibly could resign in the meantime.

'Concerted effort to turn Henderson County blue'

In her email to legislators, Rebuck said mail-in ballots had been accepted without the voters ID. I believe this is a concerted effort to turn Henderson County blue. However, I believe that if you check with other counties, you will see that the numbers have grown substantially in every county. I have heard numbers as high as 300,000 statewide so far, she said.

Brinson Bel responded: Again, we caution you about statements favoring or opposing particular outcomes in the elections you oversee. We spoke with the Henderson County director, and she confirmed on August 23 that Henderson had received fewer than 150 UOCAVA requests. In 2020, according to State Board data, Henderson County received 347 requests for absentee ballots from military and Henderson County voters living abroad at the time. So, the number of requests is not necessarily high in 2024 as you suggest. Ballots go out in two weeks. It is also possible that advocacy groups and others are encouraging military and overseas voters who are U.S. citizens to request their ballots. There is nothing wrong with that and, in fact, that is activity protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Rebuck said: Additionally, Henderson County has received numerous new voter applications that do not have HAVA required information to register (missing Driver's License and/or last 4 of SS or those numbers were not validated). The State BOE has instructed counties to go ahead a register them without verification.

"This is false," Brinson Bell responded. "The State Board, both in emails and in a statewide Huddle training session, have instructed county boards as follows," she added, describing in detail a three-step process that requires prospective voters to show a valid ID before they are able to vote.

'Preventing non-citizens from voting'

Another concern, Rebuck said, is preventing non-citizens from voting. Putting the matter on the ballot in November is too little, too late. The legislature passed SB 747 requiring clerks of superior court to provide lists of people who have been excused from jury duty indicating that they are not U.S. citizens. However, according to the SBOE this will not take place until after the November election.

This is false," Brinson Bell said. "The superior court clerks are (and have) provided such lists, and State Board staff is reviewing those and contacting any registered voters who are identified and for whom a state and federal database check does not show they have obtained citizenship.

Michele Woodhouse, the Republican chair of the 13th Congressional District, said she was aware of Rebucks email and Brinson Bells response and was trying to reach Rebuck to learn more.

My question to the state board of elections would be, who's managing this list? How are you getting the list? How do you make sure those folks that are on there are legitimate voters? Woodhouse said.

While she accepts the prohibition against partisanship by elections board members, Woodhouse said she views the state elections director as anything but non-partisan.

What we know is that Karen Brinson Bell is appointed by Gov. Cooper, she said. Her job is supposed to be nonpartisan. But if we look at her actions during her tenure on the board of elections, she is uber-partisan in the way that she rules. There's just no question about it.

But there are rules in place for members of the boards of elections. Linda sent this from her private email, and she didn't speak about any specific candidate, so I don't know that she violated anything. I think the interpretation from Brinson Bell is with this opening sentence, I am a member of the Henderson County Board Elections, her interpretation is that she's speaking from that position.
(JTA)  I grew up in Berlin, escaped terror in Israel and was called disgusting Jew in New York. Where can I feel safe?

As a high school student in Berlin during Israels 2021 war in Gaza, with anti-Israel protests sweeping the city, I made a promise to myself: I would wear my Star of David necklace proudly, never hiding who I am, no matter what.

It took three years and a move back to New York City before I had to reconsider that decision.

I was returning home from an empowering three days at the AIPAC Campaign Training Institute in Washington, D.C., where I felt a deep sense of belonging an...
Dr. Kenneth Hansons powerful documentary about the Oct. 7 massacre of 1200 innocent Jewish men, women and children, will be shown on Sept. 18 at noon at the UCF Hillel Center.

The documentary reveals without question the who, what, where and why of the attack by Hamas on innocent Israelis. Disgustingly, the atrocities committed on Oct. 7 were almost immediately denied.

This video will equip viewers the ammunition needed to deny the deniers.

Central Florida Hillel is located at 3925 Lockwood Boulevard, Oviedo, FL 32765.

The showing is open to the public and is free.

The documentary can also...
(JTA)  The family of an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor in Virginia has sued Boars Head, claiming that listeria from the meat companys products is responsible for his death.

The filing is the first wrongful death lawsuit to stem from the Boars Head listeria outbreak. So far, more than 50 people have fallen ill in connection with the outbreak and nine have died, including Gunter Garshon Morgenstein, who survived the Holocaust as a child.

Were all still in shock, for all of the things you know that hes seen and been through in his life to come to that, you know, lunch meat, his son, Gar...
(JNS)  The U.S. Justice Department announced terrorism charges against senior leaders of Hamas for carrying out the Oct. 7 massacre.

Merrick Garland, the U.S. attorney general, announced the charges on Sept. 3 in a recorded message. He said that Yahya Sinwar and other Hamas leaders oversaw a decades-long campaign to murder American citizens and endanger the national security of the United States.

On Oct. 7, Hamas terrorists, led by these defendants, murdered nearly 1,200 people, including over 40 Americans, and kidnapped hundreds of civilians, Garland said. This weekend, we learned that...
(JNS)  The Jerusalem District Court issued a provisional order on Wednesday allowing a group of Israeli families who have lost members to terrorism to seize 160 million shekels ($43 million) in Palestinian Authority funds frozen by Jerusalem pending proceedings against the P.A., according to Ynet.

If the families win the lawsuit, the funds will be distributed among the dozens of plaintiffs, amounting to 10 million shekels ($2.7 million) per family.

The 210 million-shekel claim was filed in early July by dozens of Israeli families whose relatives were killed in recent years, including in the a...
(JNS) - Hundreds of Israeli residents of Judea and Samaria gathered in protest at intersections throughout the territory on Sept. 3, demanding that the army launch a broad operation against Palestinian terrorism.

The rallies, called by the Yesha Council that represents the interests of the 500,000 or so Jews of Judea and Samaria, marked the first time that the group led mass protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government since its inception in December 2022.

"The residents of Judea and Samaria no longer rely on miracles," the announcement read. "A war is being waged in...
(JNS)  Asked by a reporter if he has plans to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Joe Biden said eventually. Asked if it would happen this week or next, the U.S. president said eventually, per the White House pool report.

Earlier on Sept. 2, Biden said that Netanyahu wasnt doing enough to free the hostages. The Israeli prime minister responded to a similar question from a reporter during a speech, in which he said that I was asked whether I am not doing enough to the release of hostages. Well, I want to set the record straight. On April 27, Secretary of...
(JNS)  The Palestinian Authority is circulating a draft resolution asking the United Nations General Assembly to urge Israel to withdraw from Judea and Samaria and remove some 500,000 Israeli citizens living in the territory within six months.

According to a report by Israels Channel 12 on Sunday, the resolution, which cites a July 19 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice in The Hague, is expected to be brought to a vote next week.

The 79th Session of the U.N. General Assembly was scheduled to open on Sept. 10.

In addition to demanding an end to Israels civilian and militar...
Federal health care personnel, resources at-the-ready to support impact areas

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra has declared a Public Health Emergency (PHEs) for Louisiana to address the health impacts of Hurricane Francine. The declaration follows President Bidens emergency declaration for Louisiana and gives the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), health care providers, and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

HHS stands ready to assist state and local response efforts in Louisiana due to the potential health care impacts from Hurricane Francine, said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. With todays declaration and waiver, HHS is helping ensure that residents in the storms path have continuous access to the care they need during and after this storm.

To further assist Louisiana in addressing the potential health impacts of the storm, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has deployed disaster management professionals and a Health Care Situational Assessment Team to Baton Rouge for rapid response in the impact area.

These personnel include regional emergency coordinators who integrate with state health authorities and emergency response officials and with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to anticipate and help the state meet public health and medical needs in the wake of the storm. The deployed personnel also include medical providers and logistics experts who stand ready to assess the impacts to hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and other health care facilities in the storms path.

The sheer amount of rain, wind, and storm surge from Hurricane Francine could cause rapid flash flooding and widespread power outages in low-lying coastal areas and beyond, said Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn OConnell. ASPRs highly trained personnel are prepared to provide the appropriate assistance required to save lives and protect the delivery of health care services.

ASPR also is prepared to deploy additional medical and public health personnel from the National Disaster Medical System and officers from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps if needed.

HHS has made information available from the HHS emPOWER program, a partnership between ASPR and CMS, to support public health emergency planning and response activities. The program provides valuable information on the number of Medicare beneficiaries who rely on electricity-dependent durable medical equipment and certain health care services, such as dialysis, oxygen tanks, or home health care, to help anticipate, plan for, and respond to the needs of at-risk residents in areas impacted by the storm.

The Disaster Distress Helpline is available to provide disaster crisis counseling. Managed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. To connect with a trained counselor, call or text 1-800-985-5990. Spanish speakers can press 2 for bilingual support. Callers also can connect with counselors in more than 100 other languages via third-party interpretation services by indicating their preferred language to the responding counselor.

To support state and local health departments in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing on-demand public health resources in multiple languages on topics such as flooding, mold, heat stress, carbon dioxide poisoning, and worker safety.

HHS has also waived sanctions and penalties for violations of certain provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule against hospitals in the emergency areas. The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a bulletin explaining how this limited waiver applies and its duration.

In declaring the public health emergency and authorizing flexibilities for CMS providers, suppliers, and beneficiaries, Secretary Becerra acted within his authority under the Public Health Service Act and Social Security Act. These actions and flexibilities are retroactive to September 10, 2024.
Over the past four decades, federal legislation has brought relief to survivors of gender-based violence and made tremendous strides towards prevention. With the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) authorized by Congress in 1984 and then-Senator Joe Biden leading the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994, a new era in the nations response to gender-based violence began to emerge. Over time, VAWA evolved to meet new and ongoing needs of survivors, their families, and communities. In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of VAWA and the 40th anniversary of FVPSA, HHS is celebrating President Bidens leadership and the role of HHS in the Biden-Harris Administrations efforts to end gender-based violence.

The Biden-Harris Administrations National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, released in May 2023, builds on VAWA and FVPSA to foster a public health approach to gender-based violence. Taken together, HHS initiatives focus on preventing sexual violence, leading with equity in our response to gender-based violence and supporting and improving health and behavioral health outcomes in survivors. Below are highlights of the extensive work underway across the Department to implement VAWA, FVPSA and related initiatives.

Preventing Sexual Violence



Prevention is an integral part of the National Plan to End Gender-based Violence and a focal point for HHS agencies and their respective programs. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Rape Prevention Education Program (RPE) was authorized in VAWA in 1994 and plays a crucial role in sexual violence prevention across the United States. Primary prevention- stopping sexual violence before it begins- is the focus of the RPE program. To find out more watch the RPE Program latest informational video read on below.

CDC awards RPE Program funding to state health departments in all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as state, territorial, and Tribal sexual assault coalitions. Currently, CDC is supporting 111 RPE grant recipients.

CDCs RPE program encourages comprehensive prevention strategies by using the public health approach and social-ecological model as a guiding framework. Grant recipients implement a range of activities based on the best available evidence to effectively address the ways individual, relationship, community, and societal factors impact sexual violence

These evidence-based approaches are more likely to prevent sexual violence across a lifetime than any single intervention and also more likely to benefit the largest number of people and reduce sexual violence.

RPE implementation efforts, such as bystander intervention programs, have demonstrated evidence of empowering young people to speak up against sexist language and behaviors that promote violence. These programs cultivate positive social norms and help respond to and prevent violence. RPE program implementation research studies are contributing to the evidence base for sexual violence prevention, helping to shape more effective strategies and interventions.

From January 2019 through January 2024, RPE programs: Implemented evidence-informed programs, policies and practices from CDCs Sexual Violence Prevention Resource for Action . Programs embraced a public health model of violence prevention, with over 55% of implementation efforts focused on making positive changes at the community and societal levels. RPE programs reported that their prevention efforts had the potential to reach over 7.5 million people.



Supporting Survivors

At HHS, embracing a public health approach to gender-based violence means prioritizing efforts that support the health and healing of survivors. The Office of Family Violence Services (OFVPS) at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) leads HHS comprehensive response to domestic violence, focusing on survivor-centered and trauma-informed services. OFVPS administers the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) funding annually for the nations network of domestic violence shelters and supportive services. OFVPS also administers FVPSA grants for the National Domestic Violence Hotline which was initially authorized by VAWA in 1994.

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, OFVPS awarded a total of $234.875 million in FVPSA grants to 56 states and territories; 56 domestic violence coalitions; and 252 Tribes who provide shelter and support services to more than 1.3 million people a year experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence. Advocacy interventions like those provided by FVPSA-funded services promote healing and wellbeing, increase self-efficacy, and reduce self-blame and hopelessness.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline , is a 24-hour, confidential resource for survivors of domestic violence that provides text, chat, and call services and referrals throughout the United States. Individuals can text "START" to 88788 or call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) for help. Since its inception, the Hotline has responded to more than 7 million individuals reaching out for help. One survey of Hotline contacts found that nearly universally, survivors felt emotionally supported by their interaction with the Hotline. A large majority also reported increased knowledge of domestic violence, safety planning, and awareness of resources. The Hotline also manages the Love is Respect Dating Abuse Hotline , an initiative promoting healthy relationships for teens and young adults, and partners with the National Indigenous Womens Resource Center to support the StrongHearts Native Helpline which can be found online or is available on the phone at 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) and over text at 1-844-762-8483. In 2023, OFVPS awarded $19,987,500 in FVPSA funding to support the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

is a 24-hour, confidential resource for survivors of domestic violence that provides text, chat, and call services and referrals throughout the United States. Individuals can text "START" to 88788 or call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) for help. With American Rescue Plan funds, OFVPS reached 841 sexual assault programs that received subawards from the $198 million in sexual assault supplemental funding by state and territory agencies.

Leading with Equity

HHS is committed to addressing inequities and advancing equity through assessing and changing policies, programs, and processes across the Department. Additionally, HHS is working to shift the culture, resources, and approaches to institutionalize and sustain a focus on equity over time. This work acknowledges the historical disparities in the response to gender-based violence and the need for culturally responsive, linguistically accessible, and trauma-informed services, including for people with disabilities. Below a few HHS programs that exemplify leading with equity are highlighted:

Improving the Health Care Response to GBV

VAWA and the National Plan to End Gender-based Violence recognize that health care providers are integral to the response to gender-based violence. In 2005, VAWA provided the initial funding to begin training for health care providers and to improve the health system response to intimate partner violence. Today, HHS continues to build the capacity of health care providers to provide trauma-informed care to survivors. Health care responses and linkages to services for intimate partner violence have been shown to reduce violence and harm. Below are a few programs striving to improve health care response to gender-based violence.

Behavioral Health Outcomes

Gender-based violence significantly impacts behavioral health. People who experience gender-based violence have higher rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders (SUD). Gender-based violence increases risks for maternal mortality, including a higher risk for pre-term labor and other fatal complications. Through ongoing programming at the Office of Womens Health (OWH) and new initiatives from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS is addressing these intersections, including for pregnant and postpartum women.

Since 2020, OWH has increased funding for violence-related projects from $2.1 million to $10.1 million. OWHs violence-related focus resulted in bolstered review of maternal deaths due to violence, and improved screening and referral of violence and intersectional issues such as suicide and substance use disorders among pregnant and postpartum women.

OWHs Violence Against Women and Substance Use Prevention Initiative launched an intersectional curriculum to bolster the screening and referral of IPV and SUD across both fields and established cross-referral systems between healthcare providers, IPV providers, and SUD providers to link the usually siloed fields and ensure those who screen positive for either IPV or SUD receive the care they require. This practice led to 5,921 patients screened for IPV/SUD, with 2,598 screening positive and being referred to the care they need when they would not have before.

launched an intersectional curriculum to bolster the screening and referral of IPV and SUD across both fields and established cross-referral systems between healthcare providers, IPV providers, and SUD providers to link the usually siloed fields and ensure those who screen positive for either IPV or SUD receive the care they require. This practice led to 5,921 patients screened for IPV/SUD, with 2,598 screening positive and being referred to the care they need when they would not have before. OWHs State, Local, Territorial and Tribal Partnerships to Reduce Maternal Deaths Due to Violence has made strides to prevent maternal deaths due to violence by expanding the review of maternal deaths due to violence in specific states; establishing referral systems between health systems and domestic violence providers; and engaging culturally-trained doulas to screen for violence. These efforts increased DV/IPV screening and referral of pregnant and post-partum patients from 0% to 49% after one year of implementation.

has made strides to prevent maternal deaths due to violence by expanding the review of maternal deaths due to violence in specific states; establishing referral systems between health systems and domestic violence providers; and engaging culturally-trained doulas to screen for violence. These efforts increased DV/IPV screening and referral of pregnant and post-partum patients from 0% to 49% after one year of implementation. SAMHSAs Womens Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center will enhance the capacity of providers to address the diverse needs of women with- or at risk for- mental health and substance use conditions, including individuals greatly impacted by COVID. Gender-based violence is a core topic that will be addressed by the Centers activities.

will enhance the capacity of providers to address the diverse needs of women with- or at risk for- mental health and substance use conditions, including individuals greatly impacted by COVID. Gender-based violence is a core topic that will be addressed by the Centers activities. SAMHSAs Community-Based Maternal Behavioral Health Services Program will ensure improved access to evidence-based, timely, and culturally relevant maternal behavioral health intervention and treatment. The goal is to strengthen community referral pathways and provide seamless transitions in care for pregnant people who are at risk for, or currently have a behavioral health condition in the perinatal and postpartum periods.

will ensure improved access to evidence-based, timely, and culturally relevant maternal behavioral health intervention and treatment. The goal is to strengthen community referral pathways and provide seamless transitions in care for pregnant people who are at risk for, or currently have a behavioral health condition in the perinatal and postpartum periods. In May 2024, HHS announced the release of a national strategy, with recommendations developed by the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health , a subcommittee of SAMSHAs Advisory Committee for Womens Services, to address the urgent public health crisis of maternal mental health and substance use issues.

a subcommittee of SAMSHAs Advisory Committee for Womens Services, to address the urgent public health crisis of maternal mental health and substance use issues. The Report to Congress and the accompanying National Strategy to Improve Maternal Mental Health Care are part of broader federal efforts to address womens overall health, and maternal health in particular. The report and the national strategy also highlighted the intersection of GBV and maternal mental health.

HHS is committed to furthering the public health approach to gender-based violence prevention and to supporting survivors. This vision builds on key VAWA initiatives and the long history of FVPSA-funded services. To learn more about the Biden-Harris Administrations ongoing efforts to end gender-based violence you can find the latest briefing here.
Three small regional political outfits in Tamil Nadu - Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK), Viduthalai Chirithagai Katchi (VCK), and Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) - are shaping up to potentially disrupt the states political landscape in the state election thats 18 months away. Sebastian Simons NTK, VCKs Thol Thirumavalavan, and actor Joseph Vijays TVK cumulatively account for nearly 16 - 18% of the vote share.

The vote percentage may seem insignificant given that the two main parties - the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All-India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - accounted for 37.70% and 33.29% respectively in the 2021 state election. However, it would be remiss to underplay the impact of these three parties. The trio may have small outfits but they do, have the potential to trigger big waves.

How the trio is changing the contours of TN politics

But how have the trio -- Seeman (how Sebastian Simon is known), Thirumavalavan, and Vijay  reached the point from where they could potentially reshape Tamil Nadus politics?

For starters, none of them have the word Dravida in their party name, but at least two of them chose to have Tamizh, or Tamil in their names. This has allowed them to cast their net wide. It has made them appeal to all - the everyday Tamilian and the ordinary citizen.

Being relatively young, Seeman, Vijay, and Thirumavalavan have used the internet to make communication and contribution frictionless and seamless. From soliciting support to harnessing the power of cinema, voters of all hues throng their rallies to hear them speak.

Second, the ideology. NTK, VCK, and TVK fall into the subset of all the ideologies and religions in Tamil Nadu - Dravidianism, anti-Hinduism, anti-Brahminism, Dalit-Ambedkariite philosophy, that of the marginalised castes, the Christians, Muslims, and even a section of those going to Tamil Nadus 38,415 temples. This way, they seem to have taken Tamil Nadus politics far beyond the DMK and AIDMK two-party system. Also, all three leaders if anything, are rooted in the politics of the Tamil language. Given that they have a somewhat shared follower base, they use language as a powerful binding ingredient.

Third, as far as expected political alliances are concerned, Seeman and Thirumavalavan are expected to be pragmatic. They are also expected to be unlike existing small parties such as Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, Pattali Makkal Katchi, or GK Moopanars Tamil Manila Congress who can be lassoed into a coalition with either of the two bigger parties. Bargain and compromise rather than beg and engage in endless conflict, seems to be their political tool.

Understanding the trio

Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam - Actor Joseph Vijay

Vijay joins the list of actors and cinema personalities such as MG Ramachandran, J Jayalalitha, and CN Annadurai who were all successful in politics being chief ministers. Then there are the others - Sarath Kumar, Sivaji Ganesan, Capt Vijayakanth, Radhika Sarath Kumar, and Kamal Hassan who could not make more than a splash. Vijays party is about six to seven months old and his performance in the 2021 elections will indicate which group he will probably be clubbed into.

Much like the other actors, Vijay made an entry in February this year announcing his foray into politics on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). But what took everyone by surprise was his decision not to contest the Lok Sabha elections and directly enter the electoral fray in 2026. Projected to be Udayanidhi Stalins challenger, Vijay enjoys the support of the Udayar community and the Christians. He draws his political philosophy from three significant figures - EV Ramasamy or Periyar, BR Ambedkar for Dalit rights, and K Kamaraj who stood for empowering the backward classes.

Expected to garner a 6-7% vote share, the southern and coastal regions are where he is expected to draw crowds.

Sriram Seshadri, political strategist and advisor said, Although Vijay clearly has at least another five years of films ahead of him, his choice of announcing his entry into politics could mean a strategic consolidation of the Christians towards his party. If Vijay aligns with the Congress, there is a good possibility of the Christians alienating themselves from the ADMK and DMK. The grand old party could lend its advantage through the minorities and its traditional voter base.

2. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi - Thol Thirumavalavan

Thirumavalavan is the current MP from Chidambaram and his partys name translates into Liberation Panther Party. It was born in the aftermath of the decades-long war in Sri Lanka by the LTTE or Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. On paper, VCK classifies itself as an Indian social movement and a political party that seeks to combat caste-based discrimination. Led by Thirumavalavan, the lawyer, it was part of the DMK combine in the recent parliamentary election.

He is said to be influential among northern Tamil Nadus Paraiyar community.

Unlike the PMK, the VCK is not dependent on the DMK for its sheen although the party is always part of one of the alliances. Besides having the ability to attract nearly 4-5% of votes, Thirumavalavan has his uses. As an ally, he brings in more than just votes. Many call him the Amar Singh of Tamil Nadu - a master negotiator, a bridge between many parties whose leaders do not see eye-to-eye and a political craftsman who can cobble up a winnable alliance.

Analyst S Ramesh said that VCK has the uncanny ability to always choose the winning side. He is perhaps the most serious politician of the three. His game in 2026 would be about being a serious kingmaker. Having been an MP thrice, Thirimavalavan would like to see himself be part of the government.

3. Naam Tamizhar Katchi - Sebastian Simon aka Seeman

The oldest among the three, the party for Us Tamils was formed in 1958 and has since been in the news and on the streets for a separate state. Seemans NTK won one lakh votes in 12 Lok Sabha constituencies earlier this year and finished third out of six leaving the famed ADMK and the BJP behind. Seemans party tripled its vote share from 3.8% in 2019 to 8.3% in 2024 and established himself as a formidable player in the TN political scene.

In as many as five districts, including Karti Chidambarams Sivaganga, NTK breached the 10% margin, with its highest being 13.49% in Nagapattinam - one of the most backward districts of Tamil Nadu. Seemans strategy is constituency-specific. He chooses his allies based on their strength in each constituency and strikes a bargain with those who could help him take a lead over the poor performers. Sriram Seshadri said, His strategy is to decide who the winner is; not necessarily to win always.

Deepika Amirapu is a freelance journalist based in Hyderabad. Each week, Southern Lights examines the big story from one of the five states of South India.
The Adani Group rejected and denied "baseless allegations" over reports concerning freezing of some funds in Swiss bank accounts. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), US-based short seller Hindenburg Research cited a news report by Swiss media outlet Gotham City and alleged that Swiss authorities have frozen over USD 310 million in funds across multiple Swiss bank accounts as part of an investigation into Adani Group. Adani group chairman Gautam Adani is seen, The Adani Group refuted claims of frozen funds in Swiss banks, asserting no involvement in any related court proceedings. The company labeled the allegations as unfounded attempts to harm its reputation and confirmed its commitment to transparency.(ANI)

Adani Group said that it has no involvement in any Swiss court proceedings and nor have any of the company accounts been subject to sequestration by any authority. The conglomerate said in a statement, We unequivocally reject and deny the baseless allegations presented. The Adani Group has no involvement in any Swiss court proceedings, nor have any of our company accounts been subject to sequestration by any authority. Furthermore, even in the alleged order, the Swiss court has neither mentioned our group companies, nor have we received any requests for clarification or information from any such authority or regulatory body.

It added, We reiterate that our overseas holding structure is transparent, fully disclosed, and compliant with all relevant laws. These allegations are clearly preposterous, irrational, and absurd. We have no hesitation in stating that this is yet another orchestrated and egregious attempt by the same cohorts acting in unison to inflict irreversible damage on our group's reputation and market value.

Adani Group also said it remains steadfastly committed to transparency and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements and condemned any such effort at baseless allegations.
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. Boeing machinists voted overwhelmingly to strike after rejecting a contract that offered a 25% pay increase over four years, amid ongoing challenges for the company, including financial losses and production issues.(Reuters)

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said its members rejected a contract that would have raised pay 25% over four years, then voted 94.6% to reject the contract and voted 96% to strike. A two-thirds vote among 33,000 workers was needed to strike.

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.

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 warned machinists that a strike vote would put Boeings recovery in jeopardy and raise more doubt about the company in the eyes of its airline customers.

Workers were in no mood to listen.

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, 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 ... we're 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.

A strike would stop production of the 737 Max, the company's 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 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.

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.
American automaker Ford on Friday said it is preparing to utilise its Chennai manufacturing plant for exports and has intimated the same to the Tamil Nadu government. Ford has announced plans to repurpose its Chennai manufacturing plant for exports, signaling renewed commitment to India. This follows a meeting with Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister and aims to create thousands of new jobs, enhancing Ford's global operational footprint.(AP)

The company which in 2021 had said that it would stop manufacturing vehicles in India, has submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Tamil Nadu government, confirming its intention to utilise the Chennai plant for manufacturing for exports.

The announcement follows a meeting between Ford leadership and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin as part of his visit to the United States, Ford said in a statement.

"This step aims to underscore our ongoing commitment to India as we intend to leverage the manufacturing expertise available in Tamil Nadu to serve new global markets," Ford International Markets Group President Kay Hart said.

Ford said the strategic move will see the facility repurposed to focus on manufacturing for export to global markets, as part of the company's ambitious 'Ford growth plan'.

It, however, said further information about the type of manufacturing and other details will be disclosed in due course.

Ford said its latest announcement reaffirms the company's commitment to India as a critical market for its global operations.

The company currently employs 12,000 individuals in Global Business Operations in Tamil Nadu, a number expected to grow by 2,500 to 3,000 jobs within the next three years, it added.

"Combined with the engine manufacturing operations in Sanand, India represents Ford's second-largest salaried workforce worldwide," the company said.

In September 2021, after nearly three decades of struggling to make a mark in India, Ford Motor Co had announced that it would stop vehicle production at its two plants in the country and will sell only imported vehicles going ahead, as part of a restructuring exercise.

While the company sold its vehicle manufacturing plant at Sanand in Gujarat to Tata Motors, it could not wind down its vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the targeted timeline of second quarter of 2022.
The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) is a new electric vehicle (EV) subsidy scheme giving 10,000 for each electric 2-wheeler sold till March 2025 and 50,000 for electric 3-wheelers. The scheme is for electric 2-wheelers, electric 3-wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks. as well as other emerging EVs.

However, this will get reduced in half in the next financial year. For instance, the electric 3-wheeler subsidy will reduce to 25,000 from April 2025.

The scheme aims to achieve a 10% market share for electric 2-wheelers and a 15% market share for electric 3-wheelers by March 2026, Union Heavy Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy said on Thursday, September 12, 2024, according to a Business Standard report.

The exclusion of electric cars from the scheme was down to the fact that they already benefit from a lower 5% GST rate, he added.

Which types of electric vehicles does the PM E-DRIVE scheme focus on?

The scheme is for electric 2-wheelers, electric 3-wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks. as well as other emerging EVs.

The government expects the scheme to support 24.79 lakh electric 2-wheelers, 3.16 lakh electric 3-wheelers, and 14,028 e-buses.

The government has allocated 4,391 crore for procuring 14,028 e-buses by STUs/public transport agencies in nine cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad, with first preference of allocation being given when the new e-buses are procured after scrapping old ones.

Also Read: Berkshire Hathaway's Ajit Jain sells more than half his stake in the company

500 crore has been allocated for incentivising e-trucks, with incentives given to those with a scrapping certificate from an approved vehicles scrapping centre.

The scheme allocates 500 crore for deploying e-ambulances.

The total outlay for the scheme will be 10,900 crore and this will be for a period of two years.

How does the PM E-DRIVE scheme improve EV infrastructure?

The scheme proposes to install 22,100 fast chargers for electric 4-wheelers, 1800 fast chargers for e-buses and 48,400 fast chargers for both electric 2 and 3-wheelers at a 2,000 crore outlay to address the range anxiety of EV buyers.

It also budgets 780 crore to modernize test agencies of the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

How will the incentives of the PM E-DRIVE scheme be availed?

The Ministry of Heavy Industries, which is behind the scheme introduced e-vouchers for EV buyers to avail demand incentives under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, with the scheme portal generating an Aadhaar authenticated e-Voucher for the buyer and sending the link to download the e- voucher to the registered mobile number of the buyer.

Also Read: Jensen Huang says Nvidia chips are in high demand: People emotional, it's tense

The e-voucher will be signed by the buyer and submitted to the dealer, after which, it will be uploaded on the PM E-DRIVE portal. The signed e-voucher shall be sent to the buyer and dealer through an SMS.

Why has the new PM E-DRIVE scheme been introduced?

The new PM E-DRIVE scheme addresses shortcomings seen in the previous FAME phases, with the biggest one being companies selling mostly imported vehicles and claiming subsidies, which were originally intended for domestically produced EVs.

The government had to consequently take action to recover these misappropriated funds.

The companies which are yet to repay the improperly claimed subsidies won't be able to join the scheme, the report quoted Kumaraswamy as saying.

There will be conformity of production (COP) test conducted every six months, the report quoted heavy industries secretary Kamran Rizvi as saying.

Also Read: What was the key to Bill Gates' and Microsoft's success? He says it was his focus on
Workers at Samsung Electronics' southern India plant will remain on strike until their demands for better wages and working conditions are met, union leaders said, as output at the consumer appliances unit was disrupted for a third straight day. Security personnel stand guard at Samsung India's plant in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai on September 11, 2024, as workers stage a protest to demand higher wages and recognition of their union. (R.Satish Babu/AFP)

The industrial unrest at the plant in Sriperumbudur, near the city of Chennai, is one of the biggest such strikes in recent years in India.

The plant, which makes products such as televisions, refrigerators and washing machines, contributes between 20% and 30% of Samsung's annual $12 billion revenue in India, a key growth market for the company.

Also Read: New PM E-DRIVE scheme offers  10,000 subsidy for EV 2-wheelers and 50,000 for EV 3-wheelers

"The strike will continue until a settlement is reached, with the next round of talks (planned) on Friday evening," union leader E. Muthukumar told Reuters.

"As things stand, the strike will continue till Friday."

The Samsung factory is next to units of other global giants such as Foxconn and Dell in an area popular for automobile and electronics manufacturing.

On the first day of the strike on Monday, 50% of daily production was disrupted, while 30% was hit on Tuesday as some temporary workers have been roped in to keep production going, said a source with direct knowledge of the matter.

The workers want Samsung to recognise their union, as well as increase their wages and improve their working hours. Samsung Southwest Asia CEO, JB Park, and other senior executives have travelled to the factory to try to resolve the protests.

"They (Samsung) will soon have to talk to us, just like they had to engage with the Korean union there," Muthukumar said.

Also Read: Sonam Kapoors father-in-law buys this London property for 231.47 crore

In July and August, the 36,500 members of Samsung Electronics' biggest worker union in South Korea demanded higher wages and benefits, striking for several days, but there was no impact on production there.

South Korea-based Samsung, which is India's biggest consumer electronics company, did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Samsung India said on Monday that it actively engaged with workers "to address any grievances they may have and comply with all laws and regulations".

In India, the strike comes ahead of a critical festive season when consumers step up purchases and companies dole out discounts.

According to Samsung employees outside the factory, the company has so far not agreed to recognise the union backed by the local labour group, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).

Many workers wearing Samsung's blue uniform shirt, and red CITU caps, were seen sitting inside a makeshift tent put up near the factory, which employs roughly 1,800 people.

Meals were arranged by workers and being distributed on Wednesday afternoon.

Earlier in the morning, employees chanted together outside the factory: "We will stand together and secure a win."

There has been no labour unrest at Samsung's other Indian plant in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, which makes smartphones.

Also Read: Sebi chief Madhabi Puri Buch's fresh statement on allegations against her: 'False and malicious'
New Delhi, Swiss authorities have frozen more than USD 310 million in funds across multiple Swiss bank accounts as part of money laundering allegations into Adani Group, US-based short seller Hindenburg Research claimed citing media report - a charge that the conglomerate vehemently denied. Swiss authorities freeze $310 mn allegedly linked to front man of Adani group; Adani Group rejects allegations

In a post on X, Hindenburg cited "newly released Swiss criminal records reported by Swiss media outlet" to state that "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."

"Prosecutors detailed how an Adani frontman invested in opaque BVI/Mauritius & Bermuda funds that almost exclusively owned Adani stocks," it said citing the report.

Adani group rejected the allegations as baseless saying it had no involvement in any Swiss court proceedings.

"We unequivocally reject and deny the baseless allegations presented. The Adani Group has no involvement in any Swiss court proceedings, nor have any of our company accounts been subject to sequestration by any authority," it said.

It went on to state that "even in the alleged order, the Swiss court has neither mentioned our group companies, nor have we received any requests for clarification or information from any such authority or regulatory body. We reiterate that our overseas holding structure is transparent, fully disclosed, and compliant with all relevant laws."

The allegations, it said, "are clearly preposterous, irrational, and absurd. We have no hesitation in stating that this is yet another orchestrated and egregious attempt by the same cohorts acting in unison to inflict irreversible damage on our group's reputation and market value."

"The Adani Group remains steadfastly committed to transparency and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements," it said, adding it "strongly condemns" the allegations.

The Swiss media outlet Gotham City in its report stated that "A ruling by the Federal Criminal Court reveals that the Geneva Public Prosecutor's Office was investigating alleged wrongdoing by the Indian conglomerate Adani well before activist investors from Hindenburg Research made the first accusations."

"More than USD 310 million belonging to an alleged front man for billionaire Gautam Adani is sequestered in five Swiss banks," it said adding the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland took over the investigation after the case was revealed in the media.

Hindenburg, which had in January last year alleged stock market manipulation and fraud, claimed that criminal court records show in detail how an Adani frontman invested in opaque BVI/Mauritius and Bermuda funds that almost exclusively owned Adani stock.

Adani Group had denied all allegations Hindenburg made in its January 2023 report.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Several Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employees reportedly received tax notices from the income-tax department over alleged discrepancies in their tax deduction at source (TDS) claims. Tax notices have been sent to several TCS employees regarding TDS discrepancies. TCS has instructed them to hold off on payments, which range from  50,000 to  1.5 lakh, until rectification notices are issued.(Reuters)

Moneycontrol reported citing sources in the know that the company has asked the employees to wait for further instructions before paying the demanded amount which varies from 50,000 to 1.5 lakh.

Associates that received the notice will receive a rectification intimation in due course and are not required to pay any demand amount. Once the tax authorities send the rectification intimations, the discrepancies should be resolved, the company told its employees in an internal mail cited by the report.

The report also claimed sources as saying that there is a possibility that authorities committed a mistake in processing the filed returns. The assessing officer has the power to amend the notice, it added.

In the mail, the company said tax authorities will reprocess the returns after which TDS would be in sync with Form 26AS issued by the department and Form 16A by TCS, the report noted.
Meta announced new features including the full availability of a verified badge for small businesses to establish credibility and credentials with consumers. The company also spotlighted Artificial Intelligence tools for enhancing the messaging experience. For the WhatsApp Business app, Meta will make it easy to activate AI directly to enable businesses to engage more efficiently with their customers which it had recently started testing this in India. Meta introduces verified badges for small businesses and AI tools to enhance customer engagement on WhatsApp Business app.(AFP)

The company also announced customised messages on the WhatsApp Business app and said that features and updates will help businesses across the country build a presence and create great in-chat experiences for customers.

It also announced WhatsApp Bharat Yatra - an outreach to various tier 2 and 3 cities in India for offering on-ground, in-person training to small businesses. The company will train small businesses in setting up their WhatsApp Business accounts, creating catalogues and educating them on how to set up ads that click to WhatsApp.

Meta India, Vice President Sandhya Devanathan noted, The way we WhatsApp a business has only continued to grow. The manner in which Indians are WhatsApping businesses is second to none.

"Millions of small businesses use the WhatsApp Business app in India, and they frequently tell us that they want to stand out and build credibility with their customers. Now, Meta Verified is available to all eligible small businesses in India using the WhatsApp Business app," according to a Meta release.

"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 release said.

It added, People don't want their WhatsApp to become overloaded like other channels, making them miss out on important messages from people and businesses they care about and want to hear from. That's why we're focused on helping businesses foster meaningful and valuable connections with people. Whether a business is creating a custom flow or running a messaging campaign for a holiday sale, there are several things to keep in mind to help them be successful on WhatsApp.
In a tragic incident, a 20-year-old student died by suicide in Bengaluru after his mother allegedly refused to buy him a new bike. The deceased has been identified as Ayyappa by reports, who was a second year degree student. The victim's mother, working as a housekeeper after his father's death, had saved  50,000 for a bike, but he was unaware of this. (HT File)

The incident occurred on Wednesday within the Hennur police station limits, reported The New Indian Express. The victim was studying for a B. Sc degree at a private college in the city. The family were natives of Tamil Nadu and were residents of the Thanisandra area here in Bengaluru, the report noted.

Ayyappa had allegedly been pressing his mother to buy him a bike. After the victim's father passed away six years ago, his mother had taken on a job as a housekeeper to support the family. Due to financial difficulties, she was unable to afford a bike for him and asked him to be patient, the publication said.

Despite his mother's efforts, he continued to urge her for a bike, especially since all his friends rode theirs to college. Unfortunately, it had not come to his knowledge that she had managed to save up 50,000 for the purchase.

Police sources spoke to reporters on the matter and said the victim was at home when his mother left for work at 6 am on Wednesday. To her shock, when she returned home at around 4:30 pm, she found her son hanging from the ceiling. The deceased's body was later taken to the Ambedkar Hospital's mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Further details are awaited shortly as investigation is in progress.

(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secundrabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000, ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290)
Bengaluru, About 40 people were detained on Friday as they tried to stage a protest in front of Town Hall here against the violence during a Ganesh idol immersion procession at Nagamangala town in Mandya district, police said. Some of them carried Ganesh idols demanding action against those who indulged in stone-pelting and went on a rampage targeting shops and vehicles in the town on September 11, they said. "A group of people were proceeding to stage a protest in front of Town Hall but even before they could reach the venue, we stopped them as there was no permission to hold a protest there. However, they did not listen and had to be detained. About 40 of them have been taken into preventive custody," a senior police officer said. A few people, including two policemen, sustained minor injuries in stone-pelting on Wednesday night in Nagamangala, police officials said. According to police, an argument broke out between two groups, when the procession by devotees from Badri Koppalu village reached near a 'dargah' 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 the immediate arrest of those responsible for the violence.

HT Image
The staff of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has captured 110 stray dogs in Jalahalli East Air Force station after a woman was attacked by a pack of dogs last month, reported The Times of India. The officials said that they conducted rabies checks and carried out birth control surgeries. Bengaluru civic body captures more than 110 strays in Jalahalli after a woman died of dog attack: Report

Also Read - Union minister HD Kumaraswamy visits Mandya following violence in Nagamangala

According to the report, the dogs were kept under observation, and none were found to be infected with rabies. 59 stray dogs were neutered and BBMP even sent them for birth control surgeries to reduce the stray population.

The report also said that the civic body could not identify the dogs that killed a woman last month was walking in the ground. We checked with eye-witnesses and even they failed to identify the dogs. Though the post-mortem report confirmed that the woman died due to a dog bite, the dogs DNA was unavailable to identify the animal, an official was quoted as saying.

Also Read - All Bengaluru potholes will be filled within 15 days, says Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

On August 28, a 76-year-old woman died after a pack of street dogs attacked her while she was on her morning walk in a playground at Air Force East 7th Residential Camp in Jalahalli.

The deceased was identified as Rajdulari Sinha, mother-in-law of an airman living in the Jalahalli area. At least 10-12 dogs attacked her while she was on her morning walk, and severe injuries were observed on her body. Sinha died while she was on her way to the hospital. A case was registered at Bengalurus Gangammagudi police station.
Union Minister and former Chief Minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy visited Nagamangala in Mandya district on Friday after the recent incident of stone pelting at a Ganapati procession, following which violence broke out in the area on September 11. Union minister HD Kumaraswamy visits Mandya following violence in Nagamangala(HT_PRINT)

Also Read - Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah inspects infrastructure works in Bengaluru, travels to Vidhana Soudha in metro

Taking stock of the situation there, Kumaraswamy said that the situation was under control; however, he didn't expect this kind of disturbance to happen.

"Now the situation is under control. But I had not expected that this kind of disturbance would happen... It is really a painful incident... I am not supporting anyone who is disturbing society; I want a peaceful atmosphere," he said.

He further asserted his vision that the communities should live like "brother and sister."

"Communities should live as brothers and sisters--that is my vision... I wanted to see the ground reality by visiting the place. After collecting all the information, I will get back to you," he added.

He also applauded the work done by the Superintendent of Police and the District Administration on controlling the situation and stated that it would be unnecessary to blame anyone.

Also Read - All Bengaluru potholes will be filled within 15 days, says Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

"SP and District Administration have done good work, I don't want to unnecessarily blame anyone. Because of their intervention and immediate action, things were controlled," Kumaraswamy said.

On Thursday, Kumaraswamy slammed the Congress in Karnataka over the communal tension in Mandya and said its "inefficiency" and protection of only "one section of society" were leading to such incidents.

"Kannadigs do not support such communal clashes. They are very peaceful. Because of the government's inefficiency in giving some protection to one section of society, such things are happening again and again. Appeasement politics is not good. I also ran the state for two terms. I gave protection and support to all communities. It's the government's responsibility to look after everybody. That is important," he said.

As per Mandya District Collector Kumar, 54 people have been arrested related to this incident.

"The situation is under control. We have deployed sufficient force and taken all precautionary measures. We have declared a holiday for schools and colleges today. 54 people have been arrested in this incident," he said on Thursday.

As per the Mandya Police, seven bikes and six small shops were burnt, and a total of 15 bikes and a car were slightly damaged during the incident.
Police used water cannons on Friday to disperse protesters demanding the demolition of a portion of a mosque built on encroached government land in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi town. Police using water cannons to disperse protesters demanding the demolition of a mosque allegedly built on encroached land in Mandi on Friday. (PTI Photo)

The incident comes on a day when Shimla police released the stone-pelting video of Wednesdays protest at Sanjauli over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque. Eight FIRs have been registered after six police personnel, including a woman official, were injured.

In Mandi, the mosque management committee have been served a notice by the local municipal corporation to remove the encroachment within 30 days. According to the notice, the mosque stands on 232 square metres of land, while the approval granted was just for 45 square metres.

Raising slogans of Jai Shree Ram, the protesters initially held a march in the Mandi market area and sat on a dharna at Seri manch. Later, when they made attempts to proceed towards the mosque, police stopped them and used water cannons to bring the situation under control.

Security had been beefed up by the police in Mandi with the deployment of heavy force after Hindu outfits gave the call for the protest march.

An alleged illegal portion of a mosque being demolished by the mosque management on the order of municipal commissioner in Mandi Friday. (PTI Photo)

On Thursday, members of the Muslim community had demolished an unauthorised portion of the mosque themselves.

The unauthorised construction was on a plot of land which belongs to the public works department. The department and the municipal corporation had earlier served notices on the mosque management committee in this connection.

PWD officials had informed us that a wall of the mosque was in PWD land and we were served a notice. So we decided to demolish the wall, Iqbal Ali, a member of the mosque committee, said earlier.

Members of the VHP and the Bajrang Dal have demanded that all illegal structures belonging to the Muslim community be demolished, alongside encroachments on government land across the state.

Himachal Pradesh state of protests, says CM

Chief minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu appealed to the people of the state to maintain peace and brotherhood.

I have appealed to everyone to maintain peace and make no provocative statements. No one is allowed to take the law into their hands. We respect everyone. The land of Himachal has respect for all religions, Sukhu said after an all-party meeting in Shimla.

Referring to the protest by Hindu organisations demanding the demolition of the unauthorised structure of the mosque in Mandi town, he said Himachal Pradesh is a state of protest. There are protests by Dev Bhumi, the BJP, the CPI(M) and the unemployed. We all sitting here are a product of the student movement, Sukhu said, adding that protest is a part of democracy but they should be peaceful.

He said the people of the Muslim community have themselves come forward and offered to demolish unauthorised structures. They even demolished a portion of the mosque in Mandi on Thursday, Sukhu added.

The chief minister said that the all-party meeting agreed that peace and brotherhood should prevail in the state and that all unauthorised construction should be dealt with strictly as per the law. No one has the right to hurt the sentiments of any community, he added.

On Wednesday, protesters removed the first layer of barricading and clashed with security forces while entering the Dhalli Tunnel East portal in Shimla during their protest march. Police personnel used water cannons and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse protesters heading towards the Sanjauli area of Shimla.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Punjab Police personnel conducted searches at the properties of jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singhs relatives in Amritsar district on Friday as part of the probe into the attack on the Indian high commission in Canada by Khalistan supporters, officials said. Police personnel and local residents outside the furniture shop of Pargat Singh Sandhu, an uncle of jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, during NIA raid at Rayya in Amritsar district on Friday. (HT Photo)

The case relates to a protest by pro-Khalistani supporters outside the Indian mission in Ottawa, Canada, on March 23, 2023. The NIA first information report (FIR) said the protesters raised anti-India slogans, tied Khalistani flags on the boundary wall of the high commission and hurled two grenades inside the building.

The NIA and Punjab Police teams turned up at a furniture shop, owned by Amritpals uncle Pargat Singh Sandhu at Rayya, which is near the MPs native village of Jallupur Khera, at 7am. They searched the shop and the residence on its first floor.

According to Charandeep Singh Bhinder, a key member of Amritpals team, Sandhu was not at home when the raid was conducted.

He said raids were also conducted at the houses of Amritpals sister at Butala village and other relatives who live at Chowk Mehta.

Sandhus wife Amarjit Kaur was among the relatives taken to the police station at Beas for questioning.

Having fought the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as an Independent candidate, Amritpal, who headed the Waris Punjab De (WPD) outfit, won from Khadoor Sahib by defeating Kulbir Singh Zira of the Congress by 1,97,120 votes.

Since morning, the NIA has been conducting raids on relatives of Amritpal Singh. They, especially elderly women, are being harassed. Amritpal has been elected by the people from Khadoor Sahib constituency, yet his kin are being harassed which is wrong. If the NIA has any evidence, it must be disclosed, read a post shared on the official X handle of the MP.

It further read, Today, several evils are spreading in Punjab, especially drugs and gangsterism. However, the government is not containing their kingpins. Instead, it is behind the kin of Amritpal Singh, who has always thought about the people. Truth wins always.
Punjab Police on Friday arrested the main accused of the blast at a house in the upscale Sector 10 of Chandigarh on September 11. A CCTV grab of the two accused after they carried out the blast at a house in Sector 10, Chandigarh, on Wednesday evening.

The suspect was identified as Rohan Masih of Passia village in Amritsar rural. A 9mm Glock pistol along with ammunition were recovered from him.

Punjab Police has arrested the main perpetrator of the Chandigarh grenade blast case, in a joint operation with a central agency. The case is solved with the nabbing of Rohan Masih, resident of village Passia, PS Ramdass, Amritsar Rural and identification of the other accused as well, Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav posted on X.

Masih was one of the two accused who allegedly hurled a grenade at the house in Sector 10, Chandigarh, on Wednesday evening.

Police sources said he worked as a carpenter in Jammu and Kashmir along with the second accused.

Further investigation to unravel the entire conspiracy is being conducted jointly with the Chandigarh Police, the Punjab director general of police said, adding the accused is in the custody of the state special operation cell (#SSOC) in Amritsar

During interrogation, Rohan admitted his role in the blast.

Khalistan link emerges

The arrest comes a day after a social media post under the name of US-based Khalistani gangster Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, claimed responsibility for the explosion, targeted at retired superintendent of police Jaskirat Singh Chahal to avenge encounters during the decade of militancy in Punjab.

Police officials said that Chahal had been on the radar of Sikh militants since February 1986, when he served as the station house officer (SHO) in Nakodar.

During his tenure, four Sikh activists of the All-India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) were killed in the 1986 Nakodar police firing. The activists were part of a protest march condemning the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib at a Nakodar gurdwara on February 4, 1986.

The police sources say that Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda and his gang were tasked with targeting Chahal after the 1986 incident.

Until two years ago, he had been living on rent on the first floor of the Sector 10 house.

The targeted property belongs to KK Malhotra, aged 100, who had retired as the principal of an institute in Himachal Pradesh. Malhotra and his wife escaped unhurt. They had been sitting in the verandah a few minutes before the incident and had gone inside the house just before the blast occurred.

Plotted attack in 2023, too

The Rinda module had plotted the retired SPs assassination in 2023 also. Last year, the Punjab Police SSOC had arrested four operatives from a terror module operated by gangster Harpreet Singh and backed by Rinda, whose involvement was detected in the RPG attack on the Punjab Police intelligence headquarters in Mohali on May 8, 2022.

According to police, in 2023, the module had plotted to assassinate retired SP Chahal to avenge the 1986 incident. The module had reportedly conducted a recce of Chahals Sector 10 house in September 2023.

Passia had allegedly struck a deal with an accused, Vikramjit Singh, offering him 15 lakh to carry out the target killing. At the time of the arrests, police had recovered a .32-bore pistol and 10 live cartridges. The four operatives were from Amritsar and Batala.

Chandigarh Police have established a connection between this recent attack and the 2023 assassination plot targeting Chahal, and as per their information, it is the same terror group that previously attempted to harm the retired SP.
Patients continued to return unattended as the out-patient department (OPD) at the civil hospital remained shut for second consecutive day. Patients continued to return unattended as the out-patient department (OPD) at the civil hospital remained shut for second consecutive day. (HT File)

The closure comes amid a protest call by Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), demanding restoration of assured career progressions (ACP) and improved security for healthcare workers.

To make up for the suspension of OPDs, the health department requested a private hospital to send resident specialists to help patients.

The health department asked the hospital to send doctors to the OPD as the government doctors were on strike, said an official from the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH).

A physician and gynecologist from CMC attended patients at the civil hospital OPD form 12 noon to 2 pm. Earlier, the government doctors started a partial strike on September 9, halting office work and additional duties. They upped the ante on Thursday, brining OPD services to a halt. The OPD services were suspended as the state government failed to put their assurances in written. PCMSA representatives met a cabinet sub-committee and state health minister Dr Balbir Singh on September 11. In the meeting, the minister accepted the demands in principle, but failed to put it in writing, according to PCMSA president Dr Akhil Sarin.
The Punjab Agricultural University Teachers Association (PAUTA) protested at the inauguration of the Kisan Mela on Friday, forcing the chief guest Agriculture Minister Gurpreet Singh Khudian to leave the stage and go down to the agitated professors. Punjab Agricultural University Teachers Association members during the protest at Kisan Mela to press their long standing demands including the revision of allowances as per the UGC 7th pay commission in Ludhiana on Friday, September 13, 2024. (Gurpreet Singh/Hindustan Times)

As the university officials started with the formal ceremony, the teachers approached the arena armed with placards calling for their demand, shouting slogans against the government.

Taking note of the protest, Khudian, minister for agriculture and farmers welfare, approached the agitating teachers. The PAUTA was assured by the minister, after accepting the memorandum, that he will hold a meeting with the association along with university administration in the coming days. The minister assured to resolve the issue amicably and at the earliest.

However, PAUTA has decided to continue the indefinite protest until the assurance is formalised as a notification by the state government.

The PAUTA delegation plans to meet the minister in the coming days.

The teachers, who have been on protest for 25 days now, have been demanding the revision of their allowances and gratuity as per University Grants Commission (UGC) 7th pay commission recommendations, payment of arrears from January 2016 till July 2023 when the recommendations were implemented (just for basic pay), pay parity for the faculty hired after 2016, old pension scheme for those hired before July 2012, revision of pension of those who retire before 2016 and payment of pending dearness allowance installments.

While for most of the universities in the rest of the country, the recommendations were put into practice in 2018, in Punjab the state government kept putting it off till October 2022, when they were adopted by varsities under the higher education department: Guru Nanak Dev University (Amritsar), Panjab University (Chandigarh), and Punjabi University (Patiala). However, PAU and GADVASU, which fall under the agriculture and veterinary department, respectively, were asked to make their cases separately.

In April 2023, the recommendations were accepted for PAU, but only partially. The basic salary of the teaching staff was revised but the allowances remained the same.
A 35-year-old gym owner was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants in south Delhis Greater Kailash 1 area late on Thursday, police said. A senior police officer said the PCR call was made around 10:57pm about the incident. (HT photo)

The victim, Nadir Shah, was outside his gym named Sharx gym when the assailants came on a two-wheeler and fired multiple rounds. Shah was about to leave for his house and was standing close to his luxury car when the shots were fired.

A senior police officer said the PCR call was made around 10:57pm.

Shah, with around five bullet wounds, was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Locals claimed that a woman was with Shah at the time of the firing.

Also Read: Ludhiana woman, aide strangle husband to death, arrested

DCP (south) Ankit Chauhan said, Shah, a resident of CR Park area, suffered some bullet injuries. He was taken to Max Hospital by his friends, but he was declared brought dead.

Police said the accused managed to flee.

Teams from Greater Kailash (GK) police station, special staff and Special Cell visited the spot ascertaining facts of the case and are looking for the accused.

Police added that the victim also had a criminal record.
After an incarceration that lasted nearly six months  barring a 21-day release for the Lok Sabha elections  Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal walked out of Tihar Jail at 6.25pm on Friday, hours after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal greets his supporters after his release from Tihar Jail in New Delhi on Friday. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

Despite the heavy rain, a massive gathering of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers waited outside the jail to welcome him back. As soon as he stepped out, he was greeted with slogans of Kerjiwal aa gaye and jail ke taale toot gaye, Kejriwal chhooth gaye.

Addressing the gathering, a visibly emotional Kejriwal said that his strength has increased 100-fold during his stint in jail and that he is ready to take on the anti-national forces dividing the country.

They have put me in jail, thinking they will break me. Let me tell you, my courage and strength have grown 100 times stronger. God has shown me the way so far, and I hope he keeps guiding me forward. These anti-national forces that are dividing the nation, I have fought against these forces all my life and I will continue to fight against them, Kejriwal said to raucous applause.

My entire life has been devoted to the country. Every ounce of my body is devoted to the nation. I have faced a lot of challenges in life, but at every step, God has been with me. Why? Because I am honest, added Kejriwal as the crowd cheered louder.

The road outside Tihar Jails Gate Number 3 was packed within hours of the Supreme Court granting bail to Kejriwal as throngs of AAP supporters turned up, braving the downpour. By 5pm, when the news broke that the discharge papers had reached the jail, the thousands-strong with in a palpable mood of celebration  loudspeakers blared patriotic music, a full band procession joined the supports, and several people were beating dhols .

By 5.30pm, senior party leaders including Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, former deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Delhi minister Atishi, and several local MLAs arrived at the scene in a party SUV, dancing to the music and taking turns to address the crowd.

As the rain intensified, the celebrations only grew stronger.

Firecrackers  though recently banned by the Delhi government  were also burst in large quantities, as workers waiting for the CMs exit, which was initially scheduled for around 5pm.

The Delhi chief minister eventually exited Tihars Gate number 3 at 6.25pm, to a thundering cheer from the crowd, which by then had covered both sides of the carriageway, completely blocking traffic.

He made his way on top of a car, greeting the public and thanking them for turning up in such large numbers in the pouring rain.

He was then handed a microphone.

I want to thank all of you people who have come here to support me in such heavy rain. I want to thank the lakhs and crores who prayed for me. Who went to churches, gurdwaras, mosques and temples, hoping I come out soon, said Kejriwal.

You all have come here in such large numbers today in so much rain, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart, he said.

Adesh Verma, a 41-year-old tuition teacher, who came from Subhash Nagar to celebrate the CMs release, said despite best efforts, nothing was found against Kejriwal. If he was guilty, but now they would have been able to prove it. Today, truth has won, he said.

Back at the CMs residence in Civil Lines, another crowd had swelled by the evening. Supporters burst crackers as they anticipated the arrival of their leader.

We have come from Kalkaji to see Arvind Kejriwal. We are thrilled that he has been given bail because he has done a lot of work for the people of Delhi and was put in jail due to political rivalry, said Rajesh Kaur, a resident of Kalkaji who came to Civil Lines with a group of AAP supporters.

It was announced to the crowd (at CM residence) that Kejriwal will hold a roadshow from Chandgi Ram Akhara to Flag Staff Road while he is on the way to his residence from jail. The workers marched to Chandgi Ram Akhara, around 1km from CMs residence, and waited in the rain.

The roadshow began by around 7.30pm  about an hour after he walked out of jail. Several AAP leaders accompanied Kejriwal as supporters showered them with flowers.

Supporters and party leaders had reassembled and Kejriwal again emerged from the sunroof of the SUV to greet the crowd.

Kejriwal finally reached his residence home at around 7.40pm where he was welcomed by his parents and other family members.

Upon his arrival at house, the CMs mother performed an aarti for him after applying a tilak on his forehead. Kejriwal touched the feet of his parents, and took their blessings and hugged his children.
Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot has expressed confidence that the party and its allies are set to achieve significant victories in the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. Congress leader Sachin Pilot welcomed by party workers at Jodhpur railway station on Friday. (ANI)

With campaigning already underway, Pilot said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s recent change in chief minister of Haryana reflects their anticipated defeat after a decade in power.

Addressing newspersons in Jodhpur, Pilot said in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-led alliance is expected to emerge victorious amid a backdrop of political maneuvering over recent years.

The INDIA alliance, a national coalition, continues to progress, exemplified by the Congress partys decision to allocate one seat to the Communist Party in Haryana, demonstrating its commitment to broad-based collaboration, he said.

Meanwhile, elections are also approaching in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. The party and government that previously championed the concept of one nation, one election have yet to create an environment where the Election Commission can simultaneously conduct elections in four states. Additionally, several by-elections in Rajasthan and assembly by-elections in Uttar Pradesh remain pending, with no announcements made yet, said Pilot.

Pilot condemned the central budget, claiming it failed to address the needs of farmers, youth, and the middle class, who have grown weary of decade-old assurances. Pilot accused the government of catering to chief ministers of certain states, particularly Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, with empty promises while neglecting other regions.

He questioned why Rajasthan was overlooked in the budget, attributing the omission to political retribution for the BJPs narrow loss of 11 seats.

The former deputy CM of Rajasthan said the ongoing incidents of rape in Jodhpur highlight a severe breakdown in law and order, for which the state government is responsible. Even today, the central government criticises the previous UPA administration under Manmohan Singh of what happened decade back, but currently you are in charge of law and order but there is no district free from issues such as robbery and rape, indicating a failure of governance, he said.

The current administration is plagued by multiple power centers with conflicting messages, leading to confusion and inefficiency. Typically, such divisions emerge after a few years, but here, they are evident from the outset. This disarray has led to public disillusionment with the BJP, said Pilot.

Pilot, who is advocating reconstitution of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) in wake of paper leak cases, said RPSC is facing serious credibility issues. With people being sent to jail and a growing lack of faith among the public, there is a pressing need to restore transparency in its appointments. It is crucial to revive the RPSCs credibility, as it is vital for the future of the youth who depend on it.

Commenting on it, BJP spokesperson Laxmikant Bharadwaj said Pilots criticisms of the BJP are actually reflections of what Pilot wants to express about the Congress party, but is unable to do so due to party decorum or internal constraints. He himself has suffered a lot in Congress, Bharadwaj said.

He said the BJP will win in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. The people of the country have elected Narendra Modi for the third time. The Congress is fighting for its existence.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has moved a Kolkata court seeking permission to subject Sanjay Roy, who is accused of raping and murdering a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, to narco analysis. Roy was produced in the court for a closed-door hearing for his consent on Friday. Sanjay Roy, the accused in the Kolkata rape-murder case. (HT PHOTO/File)

In 2010, the Supreme Court held that naro-analysis tests cannot be conducted without the consent of the accused. Narco analysis does have legal validity, but courts can grant limited admissibility after considering the circumstances under which it is conducted.

People aware of the matter said Roy was on Friday explained the process for naro-analysis during the hearing in the presence of his lawyer. The CBI has conducted a polygraph test on Roy and a few other people in this case.

The 31-year-old trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 10. The next day Kolkata Police arrested Roy and named him as the prime accused. Roy has claimed innocence and said he was being framed. On August 23, the Calcutta high court handed over the probe into the case to the CBI.
A man sustained serious head injuries after he was attacked by armed men in the Madeyganj area of Lucknow on Thursday night. For representation only (HT File Photo)

A case has been registered under relevant sections at Madeyganj police station. The injured, Ashutosh Dwivedi, has been admitted to Balrampur Hospital for treatment and the accused, Suraj alias Raja and Suresh Shukla, have been taken into police custody and are being questioned. Raids are being conducted to arrest other people involved in the incident, a Lucknow Police release read.

In the FIR lodged on Friday, the family of the victim, a resident of Mohalla Deendayal Nagar, Khadra, said that he was called near Prabha Devi Temple on Thursday.

As soon as Ashutosh reached the temple, one Jitendra was standing there. As soon as Ashutosh turned to return after meeting him, one Alok Mishra and Rohit, Raja Singh, Monu Shukla alias Monu Nakhasi, who live near Thakurganj and 60 Fita Road attacked him.

Alok Mishra fired a firearm at him. But the shot missed its mark. Meanwhile, Aloks companions Rohit, Raja, Monu Nakhasi and many unknown people attacked him with a cleaver and iron rods due to which he suffered serious injuries on his head, alleged the family in the FIR.

Ashutosh somehow ran away and entered his aunts house. After this, men entered the aunts house, dragged my brother out of the house and started beating him again. They continued to beat him till he fell unconscious, and taking him to be dead, his assailants escaped from there, said Pushkar Dutt Dwivedi, victims brother in the FIR.

Soon after Pushkar reached the spot and rushed his brother to the emergency ward of Balrampur Hospital.
Uttar Pradesh special task force (UP-STF)s Noida unit has arrested a 37-year-old Tibetan refugee for being allegedly involved in buying Indian bank accounts at cheap prices from financially weak people and providing these account details to cyber fraudsters operating in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, said UP-STF officials on Thursday, adding that the suspect was residing in Delhi under a fake identity. Suspect Choezot Therchin, aka Chandra Thakur, a resident of Dwarka in Delhi, in police custody on Thursday. (HT Photo)

Officials said the suspect has a criminal record and they have found that he provided Indian bank accounts to fraudsters for 4.5 lakh per account.

We had received information over the past few days that Indian bank accounts, including those of Uttar Pradesh residents, were sold to cyber criminals operating in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, said Raj Kumar Mishra, superintendent of police, UPSTF, Noida unit.

On the basis of complaints, suspect Choezot Therchin, aka Chandra Thakur, a resident of Dwarka in Delhi, was called for questioning to the UP-STF office in Noida. During interrogation, it was found that Therchin was residing in India using a fake passport and identity card. He also changed his name to Chandra Thakur in documents to avoid suspicion and evade scrutiny, Mishra said.

Investigation revealed that Therchin was in contact with cybercriminals operating from Nepal and Sri Lanka to dupe Indian citizens. He used to open bank accounts in the name of financially weaker people and pay them a pittance to use their account credentials. Therchin was also involved in making fake SIM cards to operate online banking on these bank accounts. Later, these accounts were sold to cybercriminals for 4.5 lakh each, said Mishra, adding that the suspect was involved in providing bank accounts to swindlers for the past two years.

We are gathering details to ascertain just how many Uttar Pradesh residents fell into his trap and opened bank accounts after getting a commission.

These bank accounts are generally used by cybercriminals to transfer money they swindle from victims. Later, they (cybercriminals) withdraw the money from these accounts and elope.

Officials said Therchin moved to Nepal from Tibet with a group of 50 to 60 people at the age of 14. Later, he studied in Himachal Pradesh and moved to Delhi. In 2013, he made a fake Indian passport from Kolkata with the help of a tout and changed his identity to Chandra Thakur.

In 2021, he came in contact with a Chinese citizen called Li in Nepal who asked him to provide Indian bank accounts.

Therchin was also a co-accused in a previous SIM card trafficking case registered in Noida against a suspect named Jordan. Delhi Police also arrested him in 2021 after a bank account holder lodged a complaint that 4.5 crore transaction was made through his account. Therchin was imprisoned for around nine months in that case, said the SP.

Police recovered 26 bank accounts, two passports, one fake voter ID, one PAN card, one Aadhaar card, two mobile phones, and a Cambodia SIM card from his possession.

A case of fraud and cheating under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered against him at Surajpur police station on Wednesday, and further investigations are underway.
Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education, APSCHE will release AP PECET 2024 seat allotment result on September 13, 2024. Candidates who have registered themselves for the counselling round can find the link through the official website of AP PECET at pecet-sche.aptonline.in. AP PECET 2024 seat allotment result releasing today, heres how to check

NEET UG 2024 allotment result for round 2 today at mcc.nic.in

As per the official schedule, the self reporting and reporting at colleges will be done from September 17 to September 19, 2024. The classes will commence on September 17 onwards.

AP PECET 2024 seat allotment result: How to check

To check the seat allotment result candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official website of AP PECET at pecet-sche.aptonline.in.

Click on AP PECET 2024 seat allotment result link available on the home page.

A new page will open where candidates will have to enter the login details.

Click on submit and your seat allotment result will be displayed on the screen.

Check the seat allotment result and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Also Read: UPTAC 2024 special round seat allotment result for B.Tech, MBA, MCA out at uptac.admissions.nic.in, links here

The registration process was conducted from September 4 to September 6, 2024, certificate verification from September 5 to September 7, 2024. The last date to fill the web options was September 10 and the last date to make changes in the web options was done till September 11, 2024.

This counselling process is conducted for admission into Bachelor of Physical Education (2-year) and Diploma in Physical Education (2-year) courses offered by the Universities and affiliated colleges in Andhra Pradesh state for the Academic year 2024-25.

Check This: How to prepare students beyond academics for Ivy League success, how do these top colleges evaluate applicants

The physical efficiency test and games skill test started on June 25, 2024, and the results were announced on July 11, 2024. For more related details, candidates can check the official website of AP PECET.
Just as a tree begins with a root and then sprouts a stem, eventually growing into a flourishing entity, India's educational foundation also starts with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) studies. This strong foundation buttresses the whole engineering ecosystem, a tree that continues to grow and bear fruit. The old adage, All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, can be adapted to the modern educational panorama: All theory and no practice makes for mediocre engineers. (Representative Image/Unsplash)

In 2015, the Honble Prime Minister of India launched the Skill India programme, which focuses on Kaushal Bharat, Kushal Bharat. As per the Prime Minister, upskilling and training the young population will help India to transform into the largest manpower supplier in the world. The recent data suggests India is projected to send 104,000 STEM students to the US by 2024, reflecting a substantial rise in the country's contribution to global talent pools. This implies that the job market now demands skill-based talent, and India is clearly fulfilling the same.

In times when skilling is the need of the hour, it is paramount to understand how skill-based education serves as the essential nourishment for this tree, ensuring that future engineers are not only theoretically sound but also practically proficient. This approach to education is needed to address the evolving demands of the global job market and to empower the next generation of engineers to innovate and excel.

Theory and practice on the seesaw

The old adage, All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, can be adapted to the modern educational panorama: All theory and no practice makes for mediocre engineers. This highlights the current challenge in engineering educationproducing graduates who excel in theoretical knowledge but lack practical application skills. Skill-based education plays a pertinent role in bridging this gap. By emphasizing hands-on experience, students engage in projects, internships, and practical workshops that mirror industry demands. This ensures that graduates are job-ready and capable of tackling complex engineering problems from day one.

Some of the prime institutions have engineered this approach by developing dedicated centres for innovation and practical learning. These centres have advanced laboratories, state-of-the-art technology, and industry-grade equipment, enabling students to experiment, innovate, and undertake real-world problems. By bringing out an environment that inspires experimentation and innovation, these institutions are providing engineers who are not only knowledgeable but also adept at applying their skills in practical settings. The focus is on creating a seamless integration between theoretical coursework and practical implementation, thereby enhancing the overall educational experience.

Incubating an entrepreneurial mindset

They always say your company inspires or dooms you. While engineering colleges and hostels often put a lot of peer pressure on students, not all pressure is necessarily bad. Today, the engineering community has successfully created a milieu that ingrains a spirit of entrepreneurship in most students. Recognizing the potential of young engineers to become future entrepreneurs, several top institutions have set up pre-incubators, incubators and innovation hubs that provide resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities for student-led start-ups. These incubators serve as breeding grounds for new ideas, allowing students to transform their innovative concepts into viable businesses.

Such initiatives help students develop a robust entrepreneurial mindset, essential for navigating the competitive landscape of the engineering industry. They gain exposure to the intricacies of business management, funding strategies, and market dynamics, all while still in an academic setting. Moreover, these programs often collaborate with industry leaders and government bodies, providing students with a network of support that can propel their start-ups to success.

Institutions excelling in this area typically offer comprehensive incubation programs that include seed funding, office space, and access to a network of industry experts and successful entrepreneurs. This holistic support system not only aids in the development of technical skills but also hones the business acumen required to thrive in the competitive start-up ecosystem. By integrating skill-based education with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, these educational institutions are equipping the next generation of engineers with the tools and mindset necessary to drive innovation and contribute to economic growth.

A final sieve to filter the best

There needs to be a sieve that filters the best practices and excerpts from theory to create a consummate course resource that can help in mass-producing first-grade engineers capable of pioneering avant-garde projects. A heavy dose of theory alone cannot forge great engineering minds in silos. The resourceful engagement of practical experience must be innately sewn into education to create engineers who can achieve remarkable feats. With a sharp focus towards skilling, it becomes clear that integrating hands-on learning with theoretical knowledge is essential for cultivating innovative, skilled professionals who will drive future technological advancements and economic growth.

(Author Preeti Bajaj is Director General, KIET Group of Institutions. Views expressed are personal.)
The Supreme Court on Friday sought the response of the Centre on a petition seeking action against growing incidents of rape in the country by increasing awareness about rape laws and rights available to women under various laws, by introducing it as part of school curriculum. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud issued notice on the petition filed by senior advocate Aabad Harshad Ponda. (ANI File)

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud issued notice on the petition filed by senior advocate Aabad Harshad Ponda, who appeared in person and said that the recent rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata was the motivation behind filing the petition. He said that while states are introducing laws to make rape punishable with death or life imprisonment, such an approach will not be fruitful unless the problem is addressed at the grassroot level.

Ponda, a noted criminal lawyer practicing in the Bombay high court, said, " Repeated rapes in the country do not speak well about good governance and effective implementation of the law. The problem is not being addressed from the grassroot level of the real cause for the same. The element of justice lies in filling up the gap of communication between the existence of the laws which are made by the legislature and the proper communication and dissemination of the laws to all sections of the society,

He told the court that the uneducated, poor population in the country should be made aware of what is rape, potential of laws to act as deterrence as it is a matter of grave concern that every day, crimes of rape are being reported from some part of the country.

His petition referred to the laws introduced by Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh seeking mandatory death sentence for rape and murder that is awaiting Presidential assent and the one recently introduced by West Bengal.

"The endeavour of these states is to treat rape as equivalent to murder and to punish the offence with the minimum sentence of life imprisonment or death sentence. Even if such laws are enacted, the problem will not be solved since it is doubtful, based on past precedents whether such a punishment (of mandatory death sentence) would be considered legal and valid, said the petition, filed by advocate Sandeep Sudhakar Deshmukh. Ponda cited the earlier rulings of the top court striking down similar provisions as unconstitutional while dealing with Section 303 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 27A of the Arms Act.

Section 303 that prescribed death sentence for any life convict who committed murder was struck down by the Supreme Court in Mithu v state of Punjab (1983) while Arms Act provision providing for death sentence for use of prohibited arms or ammunition was struck down in State of Punjab v Dalbir Singh (2012).

Other problems could also emerge as such drastic minimum punishment will disentitle persons from getting bail as there is always the possibility of such a provision being misused by unscrupulous litigants. Ponda said that every time a rape takes place reaction is not the right approach post the incidents but action prior to the incidents taking place.

He sought a host of directions directed against schools, local self-governance bodies and states by demanding that till a law is passed by Parliament, all educational institutions in the country (including government aided institutions providing free and compulsory education) to mandatorily incorporate in the syllabus for sex education, the penal laws of the country relating to rape and other offences against women and children under the IPC and POCSO Act.

The syllabus would also include subject of moral training to ensure awareness about sexual equality, the right of women and girls as well as freedom of girls to live with dignity just as boys without any interference and an endeavour to change the mindset of the boys in this country that must begin at the level of school, the petition said.

Ponda also stressed on increasing awareness of penal laws against women and children and to highlight equality between girls and boys, men and women through advertisements, seminars, pamphlets, etc and urged the media and social media platforms to regularly highlight the folly of committing rape, its punishments in different forms and educate the public about the legal remedies for such crimes.
The Dragon Ball saga will soon be back on our screens in a brand-new iteration to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Akira Toriyama's 1984 original manga, which launched the ever-expansive beloved anime franchise. Under the production banner of legendary studio Toei Animation, the new visionary adventure of the Dragon Ball DAIMA series is ready to take off this October. Dragon Ball DAIMA key art.(Toei Animation)

The upcoming anime chapter will bring alive new franchise pages with captivating characters based on the art by the iconic late mangaka. It will transport Goku and his friend to the unknown Demon Realm. In addition to the widely familiar turning small in a conspiratorial twist, new characters Glorio and Panzy will also find a warm place in the ensemble.

Also read | Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom: US theatrical premiere date, plot and everything we know about the anime film

Creatives behind Dragon Ball DAIMA anime

Grammy Award-winning artist and music producer Zedd joins the support team, having composed the opening theme song Jaka Jaan alongside C&K (CLIEVY and KEEN). Powerhouse collaborations dont end there, as Zedd also produces the ending song NAKAMA, with AI writing and performing the melody.

Directed by Yoshitaka Yashima (key animator of Dragon Ball Z: Coolers Revenge) and Aya Komaki (One Piece series director, Dragon Ball DAIMA was introduced to the world in October 2023 at a special panel during New York Comic Con.

Yuko Kakihara joins the page-turning directorial duo for series composition and scenario, and Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru helms the animation character design.

New voice cast additions introduced in the main trailer recently include Showtaro Morikubo as Gomah, Junya Enoki as Degesu, and Yoko Hikasa as Dr. Arinsu.

Also read | One Piece Chapter 1126 spoilers: Vanishing crew, Blackbeard's moves and Laffites mission as Elbaf arc approaches

Dragon Ball DAIMA release date and streaming details

The forthcoming addition to the numerous Dragon Ball anime episodic series will premiere on October 11. New weekly subtitled episodes will be simulcast for international audiences with the Japanese TV broadcast on Fuji Television.

Crunchyroll is leading the ranks as the official streaming platform for Dragon Ball DAIMA episodes in the US, Canada, Latin America (including Brazil), Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India and Southeast Asia.

Watch the Dragon Ball DAIMA trailer:
Actor Esha Deol revealed she was eve-teased at the premiere event of her film Dus (2005) in Pune, and she didnt let it go. In an episode of The Male Feminist, the actor said she pulled the person out from the crowd and slapped him. Also read: When Esha Deol was body-shamed after her debut film: 'They would talk about my baby fat' Esha Deol says she is not a hot-tempered person. (Instagram)

Recalling the incident

In the episode, she recalled an incident of eve-teasing, and said she couldnt tolerate it. She urged other women not to ignore such acts, and raise a voice against it.

Recalling the incident, she said, It happened in Pune during the premiere of the film Dus which had Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Zayed Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. So the premiere was there and we were going through the crowd. All the artists were entering one by one when I entered and there were many big and strong bouncers around me too. Despite that, a man from the crowd touched me inappropriately. Something happened to me and my instant reaction was that I held the mans hand and took him out from the crowd and slapped him.

Explaining the reason behind her reaction, the daughter of actor Hema Malini added, I am not a hot-tempered person, however, if someone does something that is beyond my tolerance level then I cant help. Also, a woman should definitely react in such situations. Just because men are physically stronger, they cannot take advantage of it. I also believe that women are emotionally stronger.

More about Esha Deol

Esha is the daughter of veteran actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini. She has a younger sister Ahana Deol. Esha got married to Bharat Takhtani in a low-key wedding ceremony in June 2012. Her elder daughter Radhya was born in October 2017. She gave birth to her second daughter Miraya in June 2019. On February 6, 2024, Esha and Bharat announced their separation after 12 years of marriage.

When it comes to her work front, she made her Bollywood debut with Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe. She later featured in films such as Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa, Kucch To Hai, Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne and LOC: Kargil.
Actor Raveena Tandon has confessed that she gets nervous when people approach her with a request for a picture when she is alone. She took to social media to clarify that she has started to feeling this way after the incident in Bandra. Also read: Raveena Tandon attacked in Mumbai by mob, video surfaces online Raveena Tandon took to social media to express her views.

Raveena clarifies

The actor took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to apologise and share her side of the story.

Hi, this is just to put on record . That a few days ago in London , I was walking by and a few men approached me , I anyway have heard not such great things about the crime situation here, so I withdrew a bit when they asked if I was who I am, and my first instinct was to say no and walk away even faster as I was alone , they just wanted a picture I guess, and I most of the time oblige, Raveena posted.

Recently, the actor had an incident in Bandra, which made her introspect.

She added, But after the incident that happened in Bandra a few months ago, has left me a bit nervous and traumatised, so when Im with people I am ok , but alone I still get a bit nervous these days.

The actor feels she should have probably given them a photo as maybe they were innocent fans, but I panicked and walked away fast and just asked a security guy for help.

I have felt really bad after this incident, and would want to apologise to them through this medium if they are reading, that it was not my intention to offend. Im really sorry. Hope I can meet you again and click a picture with you maybe . I try my best to be accessible and normal , but I fail at times . So sorry guys . I hope you are reading this and know that, I shouldnt have panicked, she concluded.

On the work front

Raveena will be next seen in Welcome To The Jungle (WTTJ), also featuring Akshay Kumar, Jacqueliene Fernandez, Paresh Rawal and others. WTTJ marks Akshay Kumar's return to the franchise after he was absent from Welcome Back (2015). It also reunites him on- screen with Raveena Tandon after a gap of 20 years.
Actor Shah Rukh Khan visited new parents Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh at the HN Reliance Hospital in Mumbai. Several videos and pictures of the actor's car entering and exiting the hospital emerged on social media platforms on Thursday night. (Also Read | Will Smith congratulates new parents Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. Here's what he said) Shah Rukh Khan's car exiting a Mumbai hospital.

Shah Rukh visits Deepika in hospital

Shah Rukh visited the hospital to congratulate the new parents and to meet their first newborn. In the videos, only Shah Rukh's car was seen at the hospital, but the actor wasn't spotted. Deepika Padukone was admitted to the hospital on Saturday. Several photos and videos of Deepika showed her leaving for the hospital on Saturday. Deepika and Ranveer Singh became parents to a girl on Sunday. They confirmed the news with their fans with a post on Instagram on Sunday.

Deepika, Ranveer's post after baby's birth

"Welcome baby girl! 8.09.2024," the picture read. Reacting to the Instagram post, Will wrote, "Congratulations Mama & Papa!!" Many other celebrities also congratulated the couple. Priyanka Chopra wrote in the comment section, "Congratulations," along with heart emojis. Ananya Panday commented, "Baby girl! Congratulations." Sara Ali Khan also congratulated the couple and she mentioned, "Ranveer and DeePee..congratulations on your baby girl!!! Only joy and bliss to both of you."

Celebs congratulated the couple

Bipasha Basu wrote in her congratulatory message, "Durga Durga..Blessings to the little bundle of love and many, many congratulations to you, Ranveer and family." Rajkummar Rao also congratulated the couple on this big news and shared, "Heartiest congratulations. So happy for both of you." Katrina Kaif also wrote, "Congratulations." Kareena Kapoor shared her best wishes, saying, "Congratulations mommy and daddy.. from saifu and Beboo...God bless the little angel."

Deepika, Ranveer visited Siddhivinayak Temple

Before welcoming their first child, Deepika and Ranveer visited Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on Friday evening. The couple smiled as they arrived at the temple to seek Lord Ganesha's blessings.

About Deepika, Ranveer

Recently, the couple treated fans with their stunning maternity shoot. Deepika and Ranveer announced their pregnancy in February this year. Ranveer and Deepika tied the knot on November 14, 2018, at Italy's Lake Como after dating for six long years.
Actor Vijay Varma has shared a tweet asking the media to 'leave the grieving family alone' following the death of Malaika Arora's father, Anil Mehta. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Vijay also asked the media persons to 'have grace'. (Also Read | Varun Dhawan slams insensitive paparazzi for pointing cameras at grieving Malaika Arora outside her dad's home) Vijay Varma shared a tweet after death of Malaika Arora's father.

Vijay's message for paparazzi

Vijay wrote, "Please leave the grieving family alone.. its not easy anyway for them. Thoda toh grace rakho media walon (Have some grace media people) (folding hands emoji)."

Varun had also criticised paparazzi

Recently, actor Varun Dhawan slammed the paparazzi for pointing cameras at grieving people after Malaika's father's death. Taking to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Varun expressed his displeasure as he wrote, "It is the most insensitive thing to point cameras in the face of people who are grieving please."

"Please consider what you are doing and how it affects those in mourning. I understand it's your job, but remember that people might not be comfortable with this," he had added. Varun also included the hashtag 'humanity' in his post.

Malaika's friends paid last respects to her father

On Thursday, the final rites of Malaika Arora's father took place at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium in Mumbai, where members of the film industry also gathered to pay their respects. Malaika reached the crematorium centre along with her son Arhaan Khan. Several celebrities, including Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and her husband, Saif Ali Khan, along with others were also seen. Malaika Arora's ex-husband, Arbaaz Khan, also arrived at the crematorium centre with his wife Sshura Khan.

What Mumbai Police has said

The Mumbai Police has recorded the statements of Malaika, 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.
New Delhi, Punjabi actor Gippy Grewal says the cinema industry of Punjab is currently focusing on big screen releases and it will take some time for filmmakers to venture into the streaming space. Focus of Punjabi industry more on cinema, OTT will take time: Gippy Grewal

Grewal, who made his directorial debut with "Ardaas" in 2016, has come up with the third installment, "Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di" after 2019's sequel "Ardaas Karaan".

The third part, which also stars Jasmin Bhasin and Gurpreet Ghuggi in lead roles, released in theatres on Friday.

"The entire focus of our Punjabi industry is on cinema. The cinema of Punjab is getting big and our target is to make it bigger," Grewal told PTI in an interview here.

The actor, 41, noted that the reach of Hindi cinema is "already very big" so it can easily present its content on OTT but for Punjabi cinema, which is still rising, it will take four to five more years to move to streaming platforms.

"Maybe in another 4-5 years, we will concentrate on OTT but right now everyone is focusing on cinema," the actor, also known for his roles in Hindi films "Second Hand Husband" and "Lucknow Central", said.

Ghuggi, 53, credited shows such as "Tabbar" and "Kohrra" for bringing stories from Punjab to the larger audience.

"'Tabbar' and 'Kohrra are already on the backdrop of Punjab and mostly actors and makers are from there but they are using a mix of Hindi and Punjabi just to make the scope wider. If it's in pure Punjabi, then the audience won't get it.

"Eighty percent of Punjabi has been spoken in 'Tabbar' but like Gippi said, if you have excessive content in Bollywood, then everything cannot come in cinema," he said.

Bhasin, 34, who is famous for her roles in "Tashan-e-Ishq", "Dil Se Dil Tak" and "Honeymoon", also agreed that filmmakers in Punjab are focusing more on cinema.

"In Hindi, people are producing more content on OTT because it's a very vast industry. In Punjab, there is also web content. So Punjabi cinema is also going towards web and OTT, it's growing out there," she said.

Over the last few years, the audience for Punjabi cinema is growing overseas and in the Hindi belt, Grewal said pointing out at the pan-India success of movies like "Jatt & Juliet" and "Carry On Jatta".

"We have been to Australia, New Zealand and we have been to the UK and Canada, where there are big releases of Punjabi films... I think we are in the zone where our films will be released pan-India. Our last two-three films have worked well, even got sold out at Chennai. So we are hoping for the same for this one," he added.

Punjab has many more stories to offer whether it is from its great history or its contribution to the freedom struggle of India, Ghuggi said.

"There are so many subjects that have glory but they haven't come out yet. Religious stories and stories around our freedom fighters are still not explored fully. There are so many unsung heroes in Punjab. Gradually, they are being brought forward. I think the time will come when we will present the real Punjab on-screen," he said.

Ghuggi, who worked with Grewal in all the installments of "Ardaas" and other films including "Carry On Jatta", "Manje Bistre" and "Double Di Trouble", said they have bonded like brothers while working on these films together.

"It feels like I am working with the family," he added.

The actor is known for his comic timing whether it is in Punjabi or Hindi films like "Namastey London", "Race", "Singh is Kinng" and "Dunki" but he doesn't want to get typecast.

"I do not want to categorise myself. For example, Paresh Rawal, he explored himself so much in characters. Mehmood saab comedy karte karte, 'Kunwara Baap' mein rulate chale jaate hai. So, I am enjoying the thing that whatever is best in me should come to the screen," Ghuggi said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Speak No Evil movie review: Just a couple of weeks ago, Blumhouse Productions came up with AfrAId, its maiden horror film in which Artificial Intelligence is the ghost. This week, Jason Blum and his production house also excavate the fear attached to something ordinary and augment it into a horror movie. However, unlike the previous attempt, they don't turn the psychological horror into a borderline supernatural one, and stick to the beats of a sound escape thriller, much like its 2017 Jordan Peele success story, Get Out. Speak No Evil movie review: James McAvoy plays a menacing 'host'

(Also Read  Emily in Paris season 4 part 2 review: Change in setting lends new lease of life to Lily Collins' harmless binge)

Get Out for parenting

Just like that film, horrors and thrills stem from the cultural conflict between the guest and the host of a weekend getaway. In that case, they were the prospective white in-laws and the to-be Black son-in-law. Given Jordan's direction, Get Out was far more incisive and politically urgent. Speak No Evil, on the other hand, is more grounded and universal. Both the guests and hosts are white families  but they're divided by their lifestyle and parenting choices.

Speak No Evil is another escape thriller from Blumhouse

The Daltons are an aspirational, dysfunctional American family struggling to make a living in London, whereas Paddy and Ciara choose to live in the remote countryside, closer to nature and the Darwinian concept of food chain. Unlike the Daltons who pamper and lend false hopes to their daughter Agnes, Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara don't pull any punches while parenting their disabled son Ant. They believe in roughing it out just like the animals they hunt, and keeping it real just like the weeds that surround their home.

No right way

As they say, there's no rulebook to parenting. Paddy and Ciara urge their guests to be more honest about their feelings  hurt, disappointment, fear, concern, shame, guilt, and anger  towards their daughter, just like they are towards their son. Paddy even argues with Louise Dalton that even though she's a vegetarian because she supports sustainability, she still eats fish. Not that it's explicitly pointed out, but there aren't too many vegetarians or vegans fighting for fish rights, like they do for animal rights, merely because fish remain invisible under the sea and don't have a voice  literally.

The lack of voice is a character in Speak No Evil. Whether it's the Daltons who suffer silently in their respective corners or the condition of Ant who can't speak because of a naturally shorter tongue, stifling of voice seems like a constant threat lurking around. But are Paddy and Ciara, who never waste a chance to voice out their opinions or reservations, really the most sorted, liberated souls out there? Or are they also hiding something under their unvarnished veneers? For instance, how does Paddy drive a fancy car (rather rashly) when he supports a carbon-neutral way of being?

Horror of hypocrisy

The hypocrisy extends to the Daltons too  with the idea to protect their daughter, they often end up isolating her. Dolls, which have been grossly exploited in horror films as supernatural devices, are sources of comfort for Agnes, who finds a respite in her animal-shaped doll from her parents' unhappy marriage. Despite the clash in parenting styles, that of Paddy and Ciara starts to close in on you. You get their point, but not their harsh demeanour. They've had a tough childhood and parenthood of their own  but does that justify their own aggressive parenting style?

James McAvoy at his menacing best in Speak No Evil

James McAvoy is gradually turning into a horror veteran after M Night Shyamalan's Glass and Split, and Andy Muschietti's It: Chapter Two. In Speak No Evil, his arc is diabolically delectable  that one raised eyebrow from an earlier scene or a few seconds' longer stare from a past sequence come back to haunt you when he begins to unravel. His muscular silhouette and his alpha streak juxtaposed against the other guy's rather timid demeanour makes him all the more menacing.

Facing their fears as a family together helps the Daltons to think on the feet, turn resourceful and use the unfamiliar setting to their advantage. We know screentime doesn't exactly help a child growing up, but a deep breathing tutorial device comes quite handy for the Daltons while escaping. So does the ability to think like their predators. For the one fact that both parents and predators often miss out on, is how much their kids and prey pick up from them subconsciously  only to use that to rebel against them even further.
On Thursday, the embattled rapper, already at the centre of numerous lawsuits, filed two emergency motions to vacate the judgment awarded to Cardello-Smith by Judge Anna Marie Anzalone in Lenawee County Circuit Court.

The request initiated by Comb's attorneys lays out that the plaintiff is a convicted felon who is serving time in prison for kidnapping and sexual assault. They also insisted that the Michigan inmate has repeatedly filed such claims against the Bad Boy Records founder, labelling his sexual assault allegations against Combs objectively unbelievable.

Diddy slams Michigan convict's sexual assault lawsuit as frivolous

Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith sued Diddy in June for an alleged 1997 incident. He is currently serving up to 75 years for 2008 and 2019 first-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping charges.

Also read | Jennifer Lopez ready to swoop in on famous $55m LA estate amid claims she wasn't fond of mansion shared with Ben Affleck

In addition to rejecting the convict's accusations, Diddy's attorneys claimed that he was never intimated about the other man's complaint.

"This is a frivolous lawsuit against a prominent businessman, based on obvious fabrications, filed by a convicted rapist and serial litigant with an overactive imagination and a thirst for fame," the motion reads per official documents obtained by USA Today.

The filing also states that Combs only learned about the action for the first time three days ago, when media outlets reported that this court had entered a $100 million default judgment against him.

(Cardello-Smith) alleges that he was assaulted in 1997, but he cannot keep his story straight as to where this supposedly occurred, the official request continues. In his complaint, (Cardello-Smith) alleges that the assault occurred after he met Mr. Combs at a restaurant in Detroit. In his pretrial statement, however, (Cardello-Smith) alleges that the assault occurred in Adrian, Michigan.

What does Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith's suit accuse Diddy of?

Following Cardello-Smiths June civil suit filing against the Bad Boy For Life, he was granted a temporary restraining order in August, preventing Combs from selling assets that could be used to compensate Cardello-Smith for possible damages, The Detroit Metro Times reported.

Also read | Former NCT member Taeil's sex crime case forwarded to prosecution without detainment

Other reports also suggest that Combs allegedly visited the convict in prison later that month and offered him $2.3 million to retract his complaint.

The Michigan inmate previously alleged that he and Combs crossed paths in 1997 at an afterparty held at a Holiday Inn in Detroit. They eventually joined two women in a private hotel for a sexual encounter, where Diddy allegedly groped Cardello-Smith. He also accused the rapper of drugging him and sexually assaulting him.

Diddy also files for restraining order to be dissolved

While seeking to dissolve the recent default judgment, Diddy has also filed a separate motion so that the temporary restraining order granted to Cardello-Smith could be removed. His lawyers have cited legal failing, including an alleged violation of the rappers constitutional rights.

Combs attorneys wrote in the motion, Because (Cardello-Smith) was not served with the summons, complaint and the injunction motion before the injunction order was entered, the injunction order acts as an ex parte pre-judgment attachment of (Combs') real property.

An ex parte pre-judgment attachment of real property to secure the payment of a potential judgment is unconstitutional as it violates the due process rights of the party subject to attachment.
Tamil actor Ajith Kumar has acquired an expensive new set of wheels to add to his already envious car and bike collection. His wife Shalini shared a picture of him with his latest acquisition - a Porsche 911 GT3 RS - which costs around 3.5 crore. (Also Read: Manju Warrier shares pictures of her biking; calls Ajith Kumar her inspiration) Ajith Kumar posed with his brand new Porsche and his wife Shalini couldn't stop gushing.

Shalini on Ajiths new Porsche

Shalini shared a picture of an elated Ajith posing with his new car on her Instagram, writing, Hes got the Car, the STyle and my HEART (heart emojis) (sic).

According to Porsches website, the model costs 3,50,56,000. It has a 386 kW/535 PS power and a top speed of 296 km/h. Ajith had recently also bought a Ferrari F8 Tributo worth 9 crore in Dubai. Shalini shared the picture on her Instagram after photos of Ajith were taken by fans and shared on X (formerly Twitter) from a Porsche showroom in Dubai recently.

Fans react

Fans were thrilled to see Ajith looking so happy with his new car. One fan commented on Shalinis post, Ratatata: man in his 50s passionate collection. Another fan shared his pictures on X, writing, Wooow! What car goals man... after that Red Ferrari, AK (AJith Kumar) has added this stunning Porsche 911 GT3 to his car collection. His obsession with cars is endless..

One fan wrote, Man and the machine. One joked, GT3RS finally gets the AK. Some fans even began sharing specifications of the car about how it goes from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds.

Upcoming work

Ajith was last seen in the 2023 H Vinoth-directorial Thunivu. He is now shooting for Magizh Thirumenis Vidaamuyarchi and Adhik Ravichandrans Good Bad Ugly. Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, Arav and Regina Cassandra also star in the former film while the latter's cast is yet to be revealed. Sunil is the only other actor confirmed to work in Good Bad Ugly.
Tamil actor Vijay will soon give up his film career to pursue a career in politics. But before that, Bengaluru-based distribution house KVN Productions announced on Friday that he has signed one more film. Fans are thrilled that the actor will complete his 69th film before entering politics with his newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. (Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan beats Virat Kohli as India's biggest tax-paying celebrity; paid 92 crore in 2024: Full list) Vijay's final film's details will be announced soon as the actor gears up to join politics.

Vijays final film

On Friday, KVN Productions dropped hints on their X (formerly Twitter) page about producing Vijays final film. They first shared a compilation of Vijays scenes from his hit films without showing his face, writing, 5 mani-ku sandhippom nanba nanbi. We are happy to announce that our first Tamil film is They later wrote, He is a celebration. Even the celebration has its own history.

Come evening, they announced, The Love for Thalapathy. We all grew up with your films & youve been a part of our lives every step of the way. Thankyou Thalapathy for entertaining us more than 30 years. They shared a compilation of Vijay interacting with fans through the years. The video also shows his fans talking about their association with his films. The production house stated that the project's official announcement will be made on Saturday.

Throughout the day, the term one last dance began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans excited to learn more about his swan song. One fan seemed emotional, writing, One last Dance. One more First look, 2nd look, 3rdlook. One more First single. One more Audio Launch. Another wrote with crying emojis, One last dance @actorvijay na. Many others also shared clips from their favourite films of his with the term.

Vijays film career and politics

Vijay debuted as a lead actor in the 1992 film Naalaiya Theerpu and has become one of the biggest stars in Tamil cinema. Through the years, he acted in successful hits like Coimbatore Mappillai, Love Today, Kushi, and Ghilli. He was most recently seen in Venkat Prabhus The Greatest of All Time, which was released in theatres on September 5.

Many wondered if The GOAT would be his last film, but it looks like the actor has agreed to sign on for one more film before focusing on politics. In February this year, Vijay announced the launch of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. The Election Commission officially registered it as a party in September this year.
Space science and technology in India have steadily progressed since the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on August 15, 1969. To date, ISRO has completed 124 spacecraft missions, 96 launch missions, 432 foreign satellite launches and facilitated 17 satellite launches by private players and students. Universe (Pexels (Representative Photo))

Recently, big missions like Chandrayaan-3, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1 have made headlines worldwide, brought recognition to Indias space programme, and fuelled national pride. With keen anticipation, all eyes are on the upcoming ambitious missions such as Ganganyaan and Shukrayaan, to name a few, where India is gearing up to send astronauts to space and launch a spacecraft to orbit Venus.

In 2020, after the government of India opened its doors to private sectors and startups, the landscape of the Indian space industry completely transformed. Today, the number of space startups in the country has skyrocketed to nearly 200, with investments totalling $380.25 million.

With India as one of the global space leaders and the national space economy booming, now is the perfect time for students to pursue space sci-tech careers. But why is space education relevant? Are there enough avenues? Where does one begin?

Space science and technology are making everyones lives easier, transforming the world into a better place. They have helped with tremendous advancements in various sectors, including communication, navigation, weather, health care, and beyond. Discover how the space industry in India is making an impact that directly or indirectly benefits the human race.

Communication: Communication satellites have made services like television, radio networking, and telecommunication widely accessible, especially in remote and underserved areas of the country.

Health care: Space technology, particularly satellites, has significantly advanced telemedicine and remote healthcare services, making it possible to deliver care in rural villages, disaster-stricken regions, and more.

Navigation: GPS satellites simplify navigation and improve safety in aviation, railways, roadways, waterways, and spacecraft.

Weather forecasting: Meteorological satellites help monitor climate and predict extreme weather events efficiently. The forecasting allows the government to take proactive measures and reduce the impact of natural occurrences.

Disaster management: Satellite remote sensing monitors significant events such as floods, cyclones, forest fires, landslides, and earthquakes, thus helping with effective disaster management.

Agriculture: The space sector is actively working towards revolutionising the agricultural field with innovations like precision farming, production forecasting, crop management, resource optimisation, and disaster mitigation. These technological advancements aim to enhance yield and profits, supporting our agrarian country.

Space science and technology in India have come a long way in the past half-century. Until a few years ago, the career opportunities were limited and focused on government and research institutions involved with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Moreover, our countrys space technology and infrastructure were still in the early stages of development, resources were limited, and financial challenges were evident. As expected, people did not consider it a stable, viable, and lucrative field.

Today, space-related careers are booming in India after several successful missions by ISRO, increased investments, international collaborations, global recognition, and the rise of private companies. The public perception of the Indian space industry has also turned positive, with more students attracted towards pursuing education in the field

Space agencies and centres: India has many space agencies and centres, with a select few being ISRO, National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Space Applications Centre (SAC), and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). They are at the forefront of space exploration, technological advancements, and scientific research in the country. Career opportunities include designing, developing, and testing spacecraft like satellites and launch vehicles, satellite data analysis, producing remote sensing technologies, conducting atmospheric research, and more.

Private space ventures: Besides government-run organisations, several space tech startups have emerged in India in the past few years. Notable players include AgniKul Cosmos, Pixxel, Skyroot Aerospace, Bellatrix Aerospace, and Dhruva Space. With solid backing from the government and private investors, these startups are now actively scouting for new talent to join their team and fuel the growth of the space industry in India.

Entrepreneurship: In a quest to stay ahead in the space race, the government of India is making various provisions to support space entrepreneurs. Students and professionals with innovative space business ideas can expect funding, technology access, infrastructure support, and collaboration initiatives to grow their venture.



As the shift towards space science and technology increases, the potential for innovation and discovery in this field continues to expand, offering an array of opportunities

This article is authored by Suresh Ukarande, principal, KJ Somaiya College of Engineering, Somaiya Vidyavihar University.
Despite the controversy surrounding author JK Rowling, Harry Potter is about to get a brand new TV adaptation on HBO. The company has kicked off its search for the next Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as confirmed by the Guardian; they are specifically looking for children who will be between the ages of 9 and 11 in April 2025. Actors are, unfortunately, limited to the residents of the UK and Ireland, and producers are committed to inclusive, diverse casting. The audition will be open to all races, ethnicities as well as gender identities. Despite the controversy that surrounds author creator JK Rowling, Harry Potter is about to get its very own TV adaptation on HBO

Harry Potter is about to get its very own TV adaptation on HBO

The requirements, apart from this, ask the actors to submit two short videos of themselves, which include a short poem or story but nothing specifically from Harry Potter. Additionally, they are encouraged to use their own accent.

Details about the series

The series was announced by HBOs parent company, Warner Bros Discovery, last year and will allegedly run for seven seasons with each season being adapted to an authentic version of the popular and nostalgic books written by Rowling. She will serve as an executive producer on the decade-long series.

Fans have mixed reviews. Damn, Im really interested in this even though I never asked for it. Hope they nail it or Im gonna be very disappointed. Music needs to stay the same, everything else needs to feel fresh IMO, said one. I cannot wait for the (rightfully) diverse casting announcements to provide that little rude awakening to that certain segment of the 100% faithful adaptation crowd lol, said another.

While many fans were supportive of the readaptation others were upset about the general idea of a remake. I love Harry Potter, they shouldve made a show about a different aspect tho. Like maybe about the Marauders, or a future class of students, maybe even about a different house as the mcs. Or maybe a show about the rebuilding of Hogwarts and the students right after the war, said one. Noooooooo dont do it, said another. Is there no way to cancel this? was the sentiment of a truly disappointed fan.

No release date for the series has been set, but Warner Bros Discoverys CEO David Zaslav said in February that the show will possibly be out in 2026. As the Harry Potter TV series inches closer to reality, fans are left with anticipation and scepticism. With a new cast, fresh interpretations, and a decade-long commitment to bringing the beloved books to life, the series is poised to reignite the magic for a new generation.
News of Imran Khan making an acting comeback had been doing the rounds of the internet for a while now. Though the actor has as many as 14 films under his belt, including his era-defining debut project, Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, the 2008 release is easily the film he is remembered by the most. Even after all these years, he is still Rats, short for Jai Singh Rathore and people, for a while now, have not been able to get enough of the idea of getting to witness his boyish charms on screen once again. Imran Khan's comeback film will be backed by Aamir Khan, just like his debut, Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na (2008)

While for a sustained period of time Imran was very clear about being done with acting and the arc lights, happily receding into a life of anonymity, there's something that clearly kept calling him back. Well the calling seems to have finally clicked. Imran is set to officially return to Bollywood. As if this nugget of information wasn't enough, it has also come to light that the actor will be marking his comeback in collaboration with none other than his uncle Aamir Khan.

What's the lucky charm in this you ask? Let's take a little trip back to 2008. Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na was among the year's biggest, most-talked about hits, catapulting Imran and Genelia to overnight stardom. But who do you think was running point behind-the-scenes on the production front? Aamir of course! Aamir was one of the three names who produced that film, carefully crafting it to reflect a story and sentiments that have very evidently endured the test of decades.

Imran's comeback film, a romantic comedy, will be backed by Aamir Khan's production house and will be helmed by director Danish Aslam who has incidentally worked with the JTYJN alum on their 2010 film Break Ke Baad which also starred a very new Deepika Padukone.

Kickstarting his second innings in Bollywood from rather familiar grounds, Imran seems to be set for a sure shot success.
Sony Pictures has unveiled the final trailer for Venom: The Last Dance, marking the return of Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, the human host to the formidable symbiote Venom. This final instalment of the Venom trilogy promises an intense conclusion to the saga, with a star-studded cast featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Peggy Lu, Alanna Ubach and Stephen Graham. Fans can catch the film in theatres on October 25. Sony Pictures has unveiled the final trailer for Venom: The Last Dance

Previously, Marvel teased Venom and Eddie's connection to the larger MCU when they were last seen relaxing on a beach before being mysteriously pulled into the MCU during a post-credits scene in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). However, in Venom: The Last Dance the storyline returns to Venoms own world, steering clear of any direct crossover with Spider-Man.

While many were hoping for a Spider-Man and Knull face-off, this movie seems to revolve around Knulls invasion of Earth, as he sends an army of symbiotes to hunt down Venom and Eddie while they are also being pursued by a group of scientists. Knull is the creator of all symbiotes including Venom, Riot and Carnage  bringing a new level of menace to the story. His character is an ancient being who wields immense power, making him a formidable adversary within the broader Spider-Man lore. Knull's ultimate aim is to capture Venom, who has evolved beyond a mere monster, and to rid him of the light and humanity that now reside within him.

Fan reactions were more dubious than positive. Hope they dont waste knull like they did with Carnage, said one. Venom trailers never disappoint. It's the movie that is the problem, said another. This film looks quite stupid, can't wait to watch, commented one more. A few fans loved the trailer but expressed their concerns about the cinematized version of the character Got my hopes up about Carnage and was disappointed. They absolutely better not fuck up Knull. Like holy shit. This just got me VERY excited for the move.

As the movie approaches its release, fans are brimming with anticipation for the epic showdown between Knull and the symbiotes. While the absence of Spider-Man may be unexpected, the focus on Knulls battle with Venom promises a gripping finale to the trilogy. Are you ready to watch it?
Every once in a while the 13th day of a month will just so happen to fall on a Friday and lo and behold you find yourself living through a Friday the 13th. For the skeptics and naysayers this may form the butt of jokes but for the believers, walking on eggshells is the brief they follow through the day. But what does Friday the 13th really mean? How did everybody, either sarcastically or literally, dub it to be an 'unlucky' overlap? Let's get into some age old lore. Today in Friday the 13th, the first of 2 this year with another scheduled for December(Photo: Shutterstock (for representation purpose only))

The debrief

Right off the bat, the exact origins of Friday the 13th can't be pinpointed with a 100 percent surety. But the lore appears to have sustained travels through many seas and ages, and continues to flicker strong today. The first inkling of the number 13's allegedly ominous nature is in Norse mythology, as explored in Charles Panati's book Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things. The story goes that Loki, the God of mischief, broke into Asgard's majestic Valhalla during a banquet. This brought up the number of attendees to 13. What ensued was an unfortunate series of events whereby the blind God Hodr ended up shooting his brother Balder, the God of light, radiance, joy, purity, peace, and forgiveness with an arrow, killing him instantly.

The domino effect of this made its way to Europe, with the number 13's energy encrusting itself in one of the most trying passages of The Bible. The momentous Last Supper was held on a Thursday (now known as Maundy Thursday in reference to the Last Supper). the 13th guest to arrive was none other than Judas Iscariot, the disciple who eventually betrayed Jesus. Jesus was crucified the very next day, a Friday.

Leonardo da Vinci's depiction of The Last Supper

13 may be 'unlucky' but what about Fridays?

Mythologically speaking, Fridays don't really rank high on the list of the week's 'luckier' days. A CNN report lists the alarming string of unbecoming events, all of which took place on a Friday. Be it Adam and Eve eating the forbidden apple, Cain murdering his brother Abel or even the toppling of the Temple of Solomon  each of these took place across Fridays.

The lore of the forbidden fruit

Mythology soon enough found its way into literary relics, further cementing the questionable reputation of Friday the 13th. The first known book to breath fictional life into this theme was Thomas William Lawson Friday, the Thirteenth. First released in 1907, the book traced the manipulations of a New York City stockbroker who leveraged the anxieties surrounding the date to his own advantage. Speaking of films, there is no need to look beyond the 12-title strong Friday the 13th franchise. The first film released in 1980 but the paranoia and thrill the slasher flick spun has enjoyed quite an enduring legacy, alive and kicking even today.

It's a matter of perception

If there is one thing the paralleling accounts from mythical retellings the world over has made clear, it's that there are always two (or more) sides to a coin. In Pagan culture for instance, Fridays have been associated with nurturing feminine energies. As a matter of fact, many believe that the fifth weekday being coined 'Friday', is actually a reference to Goddess Frigg (or Frigga) whose domain is love, marriage and motherhood.

A similar, revered association also stands traced to Goddess Freyja, whose domains are love, fertility and war. This reverence in itself paints Fridays in a much more optimistic light, mythically speaking.

Not just this, the potency of the number 13 has also found itself reflected in keynote art. Take the Venus of Laussel, on display at the Musee d'Aquitaine in France's Bordeaux for instance. The 18.11-inch-high limestone sculptural relief of a nude woman is still considered to be a potent symbol of fertility. The woman can be seen cradling her pregnant stomach as she uplifts a horn with exactly 13 lines carved across it.

Zooming ahead to more contemporary times, could there possibly be a bigger mascot for the number 13 than Taylor Swift? As a matter of fact, the pop icon had even addressed the same during a 2009 interview with Jay Leno. She said, "I was born on the 13th. I turned 13 on Friday the 13th. My first album went gold in 13 weeks. My first No. 1 song had a 13-second intro. Every time Ive won an award Ive been seated in either the 13th seat, the 13th row, the 13th section or row M, which is the 13th letter. Basically, whenever a 13 comes up in my life, its a good thing".

Taylor Swift seeing through one of her earlier stage performances with a bright 13 painted on her hand

While many may laugh off the anxieties associated with Friday the 13th, this day can be truly trying for some. Think paraskevidekatriaphobia which is quite literally a morbid fear of the date, Friday the 13th.

Regardless, however you may feel about the date, we hope it treats you well!
It is characteristic among lifelong readers to occasionally bring up the beloved works of Roald Dahl  more a prose artist than just an author, an absurdist if there ever was one. Some of his most iconic stories are children's books, and encountering The Twits or Danny the Champion of the World for the very first time, even as an adult, is an unforgettable experience. To this day, his prowess as a children's author and an entertainer remains unmatched. Yet, on his 108th birth anniversary today, there is another side of his work that remains in the shadows  a collection of strange and captivating adult fiction. On his birth anniversary today, we will be exploring the colossal legacy left behind by writer Roald Dahl through a few of his short stories

The Twits

Known for crafting fantastic worlds rooted in intrusive thoughts you may have had as a child, Dahl uses his keen insight to anticipate an adult reader's strangest desires, weaving them into astonishing tales of hopelessness, disgust, and craving. Macabre, satirical, and absurdist elements arent typically associated with a beloved children's author, but the theory goes: his mind was at work on children's stories while his body tackled writing for similarly motivated adults.

Stories from his anthologies include Royal Jelly which explores a beekeeper's obsession with bees to the point of seeing his newborn daughter almost turn into a fat bee. Skin explored the finicky immortality of art and an artist's legacy while his four-part series Switch Bitch served up tales packed with unsettling sexual themes layered with absurdist contexts for Playboy, long before he published Matilda.

Heres an excerpt from one of his stories, Bitch:

What I intend to do, he said, is to produce a perfume which will have the same electrifying effect upon a man as the scent of a bitch in heat has upon a dog! One whiff and thatll be it! The man will lose all control. Hell rip off his pants and ravish the lady on the spot!

We could have some fun with that, I said.

We could rule the world! he cried.

The public image Dahl was fitted into remained rather superficial, largely due to the overwhelming popularity of his internationally acclaimed children's stories. But at his core, the man was a stereotypical mid-century wealthy imperial Brit  a bullhorn of prejudice and entitlement whose gaffes could be almost touchingly clueless as commented by Sam Anderson, appearing in the New Yorker. His adult writing attests to this, and there's a sardonic irony in the fact that the success of his children's fiction stems from his ability to subtly inject the darker aspects of his personality  and thus these themes  into books like James and the Giant Peach or The Twits.

In 2023, hundreds of words were changed or removed in recent British editions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and other works, in an effort to make them less offensive. Author Salman Rushdie called this censorship. Some of these changes border on the absurd, like altering man-eating giant to human-eating giant in The BFGa bizarre attempt at inclusivity. These edits feel more like profit-driven efforts than genuine inclusivity, as the violent themes remain unchanged, regardless of a few altered words.

While more than two hundred million copies of his books are in print, they have inspired countless television and film adaptations, from Broadway's Matilda The Musical to more recently The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More, where whimsical filmmaker Wes Anderson executes four strange stories from his adult fiction collection with a stellar cast comprising of Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes and Dev Patel. Wes also directed a delightful adaptation of Dahls beloved Fantastic Mr Fox in 2009.

Dahl remains one of the most widely-read authors of both his time and ours. While his success might be partially attributed to his status and the favourable era in which he was born, its his unmistakable lyricism and distinctive personified narratives that truly set him apart, giving even modern speculative writers a run for their money. However, it's the undeniable sense that his work was fuelled by the mad genius of a man who delighted in the quirks of storytelling that likely gives his stories their enduring appeal.
The festival of Onam is the beginning of the new year for the people of Kerala. What better way to celebrate than indulging in a decadent feast that is served on a banana leaf? Treat your taste buds to a mouth-watering Kerala-style traditional meal that features an array of dishes such as Sambar, Avial, Thoran, Pachadi, Olan and more. For this special festival meal, Chef Omkar Unni and his mum, who is flying down from Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) to cook her special Onam Sadya recipes, will take guests on an exciting journey through food.

Onam Sadhya at Hyatt Centric Juhu
In a monumental moment for space exploration fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman led the first-ever private spacewalk, taking non-professional astronauts to new heights (literally). This historic event is part of the Polaris Dawn mission launched by SpaceX earlier this week from Floridas Kennedy Space Center, pushing humanity farther into space than it has ventured in over five decades. Fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman led the first-ever private spacewalk

Jared was joined by a dedicated team: pilot Scott Poteet, along with SpaceX employees Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. Their mission is not just a technological milestone, but also a symbolic one  marking the growing role of private enterprises in space exploration.

The first venture out into the vastness of space was anticipated to last over two hours, and yet it was more stretching than walking. Jared was allowed to flex his arms and legs to test the durability of the new spacesuit, but he never removed his hand or foot from the ship. This massive accomplishment marks a new beginning in space exploration, previously shunned by traditionalists.

The internet has been buzzing with reactions to the Polaris Dawn mission, celebrating another milestone in SpaceXs long list of achievements. People across the world took to social media to express their joy at the previously thought-to-be impossible feat. Polaris Dawn #Spacewalk must be a dream come true! What an achievement  The moment he stepped out of the Dragon. , said one netizen. Most iconic image in generations, said another. Teared up watching as it gives me hope that one day, my 4 y.o son ( who LOVES space ) can do it too. I believe in him, said a very optimistic fan of the debacle. One more fan commented, This is one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen.

Jared's spacewalk demonstrates the potential for non-professional astronauts to play an active role in space exploration, paving the way for future missions that could involve more private citizens. As private space travel becomes more commonplace, the possibilities seem endless.
Ahead of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the first since 2014, and also the first after the erstwhile state was split into two Union territories, the so-called Darbar Move  shifting the seat of power to Jammu for six months during winter and moving it back to Srinagar in summer  has become a talking point. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with party leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Farooq Abdullah during a public meeting for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, in Anantnag. (PTI)

Opposition parties, especially National Conference, Congress, Apni Party and Peoples Democratic Party have promised to revive the 150-year-old practice, which was scrapped on June 30, 2021, after the Jammu and Kashmir high court had observed there was no legal justification or constitutional basis for Darbar Move.

While the high court did not issue any direction to the state, the UTs government took the decision on its own.

Former deputy chief minister Kavinder Gupta of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the partys chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi said the revival of the practice is not a part of their manifesto.

The practice started under Dogra King Maharja Ranbir Singh. While it was motivated by weather, the shift ended up being beneficial to Jammus economy.

Darbar Move had two key aspects to it  economic and social. Besides, boosting the local economy in Jammu, Kashmiris celebrated their festivals with us and vice versa. It gave us both an opportunity to understand each other. It promoted brotherhood, said president of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Arun Gupta.

Three years on, every one in Jammu is disappointed and frustrated. Commercial activity has taken a severe hit, shopkeepers are sitting idle, and properties are lying vacant, he added.

If the government saved 200 crore of public money annually by abandoning the practice, it has caused a loss of 1000 crores to the two regions. Small businesses, shopkeepers, traders, cab operators, hotels, eateries, and tourism have suffered enormous losses. It should be revived without further delay, he said.

The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has submitted a representation to the government to resume the practice.

High court lawyer and social activist advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed echoes Guptas sentiments. Darbar Move acted as a bridge between Kashmir and Jammu. It used to bring two diverse cultures together, strengthened communal harmony and brotherhood between the two communities, he said.

Lalit Mahajan, chairman of the Federation of Industries Jammu, said there is another aspect to the discontinuation.

Administration promised availability of bureaucrats in Jammu during summers on rotational basis to listen to public grievances but hardly any are available here. As a result, we have to go to Srinagar for raising our grievances. Though the government has shifted to e-governance, there are certain issues have to be raised face to face with the officers, he explained.

There was no response from the LGs office to HTs queries in the matter.

Chief spokesperson and former legislator of the J&K Congress Ravinder Sharma recalled the time when 40,000 families from Kashmir used to flock to Jammu during winters.

Tourists today go straight to Kashmir; the train has already reached there. And pilgrims (to Vaishnodevi) go directly go to Katra without stopping at Jammu, which is in dire straits after disbanding the practice.

He said his party would restore the practice after the election.

The Congress is fighting the election in alliance with the National Conference, which too has promised this. The NC has promised to reinstate the practice of Darbar Move. We pledge to enhance the unity of our state by reinstating the full Darbar Move, the partys manifesto said.
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. Kejriwal has challenged the August 5 decision of the Delhi high court , which upheld his arrest by CBI. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis///File Photo (REUTERS)

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.

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.

With Kejriwals case drawing parallels to the bail granted to Sisodia earlier, the ruling will be closely watched for its implications on political accountability and the use of arrest in high-profile corruption cases.

The case stems from the Delhi governments 2021-22 excise policy that aimed to revitalise the citys flagging liquor business. It aimed to replace a sales volume-based regime with a licence fee one for traders, and promised swankier stores, free of the infamous metal grilles, ultimately giving customers a better buying experience. The policy also introduced discounts and offers on the purchase of liquor, a first for Delhi. The plan, however, ended abruptly, with Delhis lieutenant governor VK Saxena recommending a probe into alleged irregularities in the regime. This ultimately resulted in the policy being scrapped prematurely and being replaced by the 2020-21 regime.

The decision on Kejriwals petitions challenging his arrest and demanding bail is expected to have wide ramifications on the political landscape as the AAP is contesting two elections critical for its political fortunes in the coming months  the Haryana assembly elections slated for October 5, and the Delhi assembly elections scheduled to be held next year.
Mhow case: The Madhya Pradesh said they have arrested three of the six persons who allegedly assaulted two junior Indian Army officers and raped their woman friend near Mhow in Indore district. Superintendent of police (Rural) Hitika Vasal said Pawan Bansunia 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. (Photo for representational purpose only)

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, news agency PTI reported.

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 Bharatiya Janata Party over the incident, alleging non-existent law and order in the states ruled by the saffron party.

Superintendent of police (Rural) Hitika Vasal told PTI 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, police said.

"Several teams are on the lookout for the three absconding accused, and a reward of 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 2am, and started assaulting one of the officers and his female friend who were sitting in the car, 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.

What medical report found

PTI, citing an official, reported that a medical examination confirmed that one of the women was raped. 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.

ThePrint reported that one officer has expressed concern that one of the women might have been sexually assaulted by the attackers, leading the police to book them for rape, among other charges. The woman, however, is yet to give her statement.

All four were sent for medical examinations. The two Army officers have injuries, but they are not severe. The woman, who is suspected to have been raped, has injuries including scratch marks. However, the medical report did not clearly confirm rape or gang rape, said a police officer requesting anonymity told the news portal

We cannot conclude even with the medical (report) that the woman has been raped or gang raped until and unless she herself says so. We have invoked the section to ensure that in case she records a statement to that extent, these sections can come into effect, additional superintendent of police Rupesh Dwivedi told ThePrint.

The male army officer to suspect that the woman accompanying him was raped. But the woman has refused to record her statement. We have invoked sections of rape at the moment, but it will only come into effect if the woman says so, Dwivedi added.

According to Dwivedi, at least three of the six have past criminal records.

She only keeps telling us one thing  shoot the accused or shoot me. We understand she is in shock. We are trying our best to arrest the men who did this, The Indian Express quoted a senior officer, who tried multiple times to convince the woman to record her statement, as saying.

She is not comfortable registering her statement. We will wait until she recovers. We have arrested three persons  Anil, Pawan and Ritesh. Ritesh was acquitted in a murder case in 2019. The remaining three accused will be arrested soon, Hitika Vasal told The Indian Express.

Who are the accused?
Arvind Kejriwal bail highlights: The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. The top court had reserved the verdict on September 5 after hearing counsels representing Kejriwal and CBI. During the hearing of the case, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for CBI, had objected to Kejriwal for not approaching the trial court for bail....Read More

Kejriwal had directly approached the Delhi High Court for bail and then moved the apex court.

Also Read | 'CBI's arrest was perhaps to frustrate bail to Arvind Kejriwal in ED case': Supreme Court's strong words in bail order

The Delhi CM was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. On June 26, he was arrested by CBI while he was in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the excise case.

What is the Delhi excise policy case?
Arvind Kejriwal bail: The Supreme Court on Friday, September 13, granted bail to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the corruption case lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the excise policy scam but barred him from entering the CM's office and signing files. AAP workers celebrate after Delhi chief minister and party chief Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail by the Supreme Court in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy case, in New Delhi, Friday, (PTI)

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan granted the relief to Arvind Kejriwal on furnishing a bail bond of 10 lakh, and two sureties of like amount.

Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the excise policy case on March 21, was granted interim bail on May 10 for campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections and has been in jail since June 2 when he surrendered.

Some of the bail conditions for Arvind Kejriwal:

Release subject to a bail bond of  10 lakh. Arvind Kejriwal cannot make comments about the Delhi excise policy case.



Also Read | BJP's bail wale CM dig at Arvind Kejriwal as it demands AAP chief's resignation after Supreme Court verdict The Delhi chief minister will have to be present for trial unless exempted by courts. Arvind Kejriwal can't enter the chief minister's office or the Delhi secretariat while out on bail. The Delhi CM cannot sign official files unless absolutely necessary to obtain the Lieutenant Governor's sanction.

The court also observed that prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty.

Also Read | Video shows how top tense AAP leaders reacted when Arvind Kejriwal granted bail by Supreme Court

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan raises questions on timing of arrest

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, in a separate judgment, questioned the CBI for arresting Kejriwal, saying that such action by CBI raises serious questions on the timing of the arrest and such an arrest by CBI only fractured the bail granted in the ED case.

Justice Bhuyan said it would be a travesty of justice to keep Arvind Kejriwal incarcerated when he is on bail in the ED case. He further said Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail in the ED case and further detention in the CBI case is wholly untenable.

Also Read | Satyamev Jayate: AAP, Oppn leaders hail Supreme Court's order granting bail to Arvind Kejriwal

Justice Bhuyan also said bail is the rule and jail is an exception. The process of trial or steps leading to arrest should not become harassment, said the judge.

The CBI arrest is unjustified and thus Kejriwal should be released forthwith, said Justice Bhuyan.

I fail to understand the CBI's urgency to arrest Kejriwal on cusp of release in the ED case when it did not do so for 22 months, Justice Bhuyan said.

Judges differed on legality of arrest of Kejriwal by CBI

Justice Kant said a developed jurisprudence on bail was needed for a developed society as prolonged incarceration of accused while trial is on cannot be justified, Bar and Bench reported.

However, despite granting bail unanimously, the judges differed on the legality of arrest of Kejriwal by CBI.

On the legality of his arrest by CBI, Justice Kant held that it was valid and in compliance with relevant procedural laws.

"There is no impediment in arresting a person who is already in custody for another case for purposes of investigation. CBI in their application has noted why the arrest was necessary and since there was a judicial order. There was no violation of Section 41(A)(3) of Code of Criminal Procedure," the court stated.

When a magistrate has issued a warrant, the investigating agency stands absolved from giving any reason for the same, it added.

"We have held that appellant arrest does not suffer from any procedural flaw. Thus arrest is valid," Justice Kant stated.

However, Justice Bhuyan said that the arrest was not necessary and the power of arrest should not be used for targeted harassment.

Kejriwal's two separate petitions

Arvind 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 AAP chief was arrested by the CBI)on June 26. He has challenged in the Supreme Court the Delhi high court's August 5 order which upheld his arrest in the corruption case.

On July 12, the apex court had granted interim bail to Arvind 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).

September 5 hearing in Supreme Court

During the arguments on September 5 on Arvind Kejriwal's plea in the corruption case, the Delhi 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 Arvind Kejriwal's pleas, additional solicitor general SV 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.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday walked out of Tihar Jail after being behind bars for nearly six months.



First of all, I thank God with whose blessings I am standing here. I thank lakhs and crores of people who came here in this heavy rainfall, Kejriwal said in his address to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters who had been waiting for him for hours. after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a corruption case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with alleged Delhi liquor scam.



Arvind Kejriwal bail LIVE updates



Every drop of my blood dedicated to nation. I faced difficulties but God has always been with me. They put me in jail to break my morale, but my morale is higher than ever; prisons cannot weaken me," he said.



They put me in jail, they thought putting Kejriwal behind the bars will break his morale. Today, I want to tell you that I have come out of jail, my morale has boosted 100 times. My strength has increased 100 times, Kejriwal added.



ALSO READ: Arvind Kejriwal bail | Sunita Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia slam BJP: Plan washed

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses supporters after being released from Delhi's Tihar Jail.(Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

Kejriwal said he will continue fighting anti-national forces trying to weaken the country. The AAP convenor was arrested by the CBI on June 26 in a corruption case. He had challenged the Delhi high court order upholding his arrest before the apex court.



On July 12, the Supreme Court had granted interim bail to Kejriwal in the money-laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), that had arrested the Delhi chief minister on March 21.



ALSO READ: BJP's bail wala CM dig at Arvind Kejriwal as it demands his resignation



Supreme Court's conditions to Kejriwal

While granting bail to Kejriwal, the top court directed him not to make any public statements on the merits of the case, adding that terms and conditions as imposed in the ED case would also be applicable here.



ALSO READ: 'CBI must show it is an uncaged parrot': SC's rap in Arvind Kejriwal bail case

The apex court also said that Kejriwal cannot visit his office or the Delhi Secretariat and not sign any official file unless absolutely necessary to obtain the Lieutenant Governor's sanction.



(With agency inputs)
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The Nagpur police claimed on Thursday that the CCTV footage of the bar visited by Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule hours before the Audi crash, is missing. A police personnel near the damaged Audi owned by Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule.(PTI)

Sanket Bawankules Audi, allegedly driven by his friend Arjun Hawre, hit several vehicles in Ramdaspeth in the early hours of Monday, leaving two persons injured. The police have seized the digital video recorder.

One of the cars hit by the Audi chased down the vehicle and apprehended Bawankule's friends Hawre and Ronit Chittwamwar. They were later handed over to the police. Hawre was arrested and released on bail.

The CCTV footage of when they were at La Horre Bar (before the crash) is missing. We seized their DVR on Wednesday and have sent it for forensic analysis," a Sitabuldi police station official said.

The bar management had refused to hand over the CCTV footage to the police. However, threatened with legal action, they relented. However, the footage from Sunday night was missing.

The bar management relented after it was threatened with legal action. However, we realised there had been no footage since Sunday night. Further probe is underway, he told the police.

The police had said that Sanket was in the car but hadn't been driving. They consumed liquor, chicken and mutton dishes at the bar.

Nagpur Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rahul Madane said on Tuesday that Sanket Bawankule confessed to being in the car.

"We have questioned all three occupants of the car. We arrested the driver, Arjun, but he was later granted bail as it was a bailable offence." He also mentioned that the medical samples of the occupants were sent for forensic analysis, and the report is awaited.

Madane added that the car's number plate was found inside the vehicle. There were three people in the car: Arjun Hawre, Sanket Bawankule, and Ronit Chittamwar. They (the injured) were found to be normal after a medical examination, and nothing serious was detected. Sanket Bawankule confessed that he was in the car.

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule had said justice should be equal for all. He said proper action should be taken against them "whether the car was is in the name of my son or a criminal".

With inputs from PTI, ANI
In a shocking incident, a nurse cut a doctor's private part with a surgical blade when the latter and his two associates allegedly tried to rape her. All three accused, including Dr Sanjay Kumar Sanju, have been arrested by the police. The incident took place in Bihar's Samastipur. (Representational image)

The incident took place in Bihar's Samastipur.

Dr Sanjay Kumar Sanju from Begusarai district, Sunil Kumar Gupta from Vaishali district and Awadhesh Kumar from the Mangra area are accused of the rape bid, reported India Today.

The trio consumed alcohol and, in an intoxicated state, started to misbehave with the woman who was working at the healthcare center. When Sanju tried to rape her, the woman caught hold of a surgical blade and cut his private part.

She later escaped the premises. She called the police after hiding in a field. A team led by SP Vinay Tiwari arrested the doctor and the accomplices from the hospital.

The doctor is being treated in a hospital for his injuries.

When the police found the woman, she had been hiding in a field.

The nurse had been working at the hospital for the past 10-15 months. She told the police that she used the surgical blade on the doctor in self-defence.

The police have found blood-stained bedsheets, mobile phones and alcohol bottles from the hospital. They found that the CCTV cameras had been disabled.

The incident took place weeks after a doctor was found raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of a state-run hospital in Kolkata. The woman was sleeping inside the room when a civil volunteer named Sanjay Roy allegedly entered the room at 4.03 am and allegedly rape and murdered the woman.

The junior doctors have been protesting against the incident for several weeks.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday demanded Arvind Kejriwals resignation, citing the Supreme Courts observation that his arrest was legal while granting the Delhi chief minister bail. The BJP reminded Kejriwal of his previous statements. (X)

BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said the court has shown Kejriwal the mirror. He added the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader lacks the moral right to hold a constitutional position as he faces serious allegations.

Bhatia reminded Kejriwal of his statements asking politicians accused of wrongdoing to resign immediately. Why did he say that earlier? It has been six months, and yet he is still in office, Bhatia said. He cited the conditions for Kejriwals bail and argued they reflect the gravity of the charges against him.

Kejriwal claims his arrest was illegal, but today the Supreme Court has ended this false propaganda, Bhatia said. He added Kejriwal has a constitutional right to contest the charges which have not been quashed. ...there was no discharge and no chance of acquittal. What does that say? Bhatia asked. He added Kejriwals bail does not absolve him of the accusations of corruption.

He reiterated BJPs zero-tolerance stance on corruption, emphasising that someone in a constitutional position should not be tainted by such serious allegations. Bhatia argued Kejriwals continuation as the chief minister is damaging public trust. Is this the kind of chief minister that Delhi deserves? He said Delhi deserves better leadership free from allegations of corruption and legal entanglements.

Bhatia said Kejriwals refusal to resign shows a lack of morality and an unwillingness to put the people of Delhi above his interests. He noted the Supreme Courts ruling serves as a reminder that those in public office should adhere to higher ethical standards, particularly when their integrity is questioned. Bhatia asked Kejriwal to step down to maintain the dignity of the office.

BJP lawmaker Bansuri Swaraj said Kejriwal was given bail due to possible delays in trial while stressing he was deeply involved in corruption. This bail was granted because the court found that the trial might be delayed. But if you look at it today, the workers and leaders of the AAP are celebrating corruption, Swaraj said. Swaraj added the court upheld the legality of Kejriwals arrest

The Supreme Court reiterated bail is the rule, and jail an exception while granting Kejriwal bail. It asked courts to ensure that the prosecution and the process of trial do not become a form of punishment. The court questioned the timing and manner in which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Kejriwal. It said the CBIs arrest was perhaps only to frustrate the grant of bail to Kejriwal in the Enforcement Directorate case.

The court underlined CBI must ensure that the perception of it being a caged parrot is discarded and that it must be above board.

AAP minister Saurabh Bharadwaj cited the Supreme Court remarks about the CBI and attacked the Union government, saying the premier agency worked with a sense of vengeance.
BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya, citing news reports, alleged that the ongoing CBI investigation into the RG Kar rape and murder case is hinting at a multi-crore organ trade nexus in West Bengal government college. He also questioned chief minister Mamata Banerjee's role in the same. RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata (File Photo)

Malviya posted the screenshots and links of two news reports on X, posing multiple questions for Mamata Banerjee and the Bengal government over the rape and murder of a junior doctor in the RG Kar Medical College on August 9.

CBI probe in the RG Kar Medical College & Hospital hints at over 200 crore rupee organ trade nexus in Bengal Medical Colleges. Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, who Mamata Banerjee desperately wanted to protect, is the chief coordinator of the nexus, the BJP leader posted on X.

He further questioned whether the female doctor was brutally raped and murdered because she had uncovered the alleged wrongdoings of Sandip Ghosh. Did Mamata Banerjee try to protect Ghosh because she is a beneficiary too and all this was happening under patronage? he asked.

The West Bengal Health Minister should surely know. If she didnt, then she is incompetent and must be removed immediately, anyway, the BJP IT Cell chief said.

Malviya further demanded that CBI investigate the presence of three doctors - Soutrik Roy, Avik De and Saurav Paul - on the campus of RG Kar Hospital on the night of the crime, saying that these three have strong political connections.

A report by The Week said that preliminary CBI probe into the irregularities in the RG Kar Medical College revealed an alleged business of selling organs extracted from unidentified dead bodies, and the nexus has been operation for several years. 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 report claimed. HT cannot independently verify the information.

Currently, Sandip Ghosh is in the custody of the CBI as the agency further investigates irregularities in the medical college under his tenure. Ghosh has been accused of siphoning off funds from the hospital, and multiple properties attached to him were raided by CBI and ED.
Amid the Opposition's backlash over Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachuds home to attend a Ganesh Puja, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back by reminding the Congress of the time when former PM Manmohan Singh had invited the then CJI KG Balakrishnan for an Iftar party in 2009. BJP's Iftar party counter to Opposition amid row over PM Narendra Modi's visit to CJI Chandrachud home for Ganesh Puja

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared old pictures of the Iftar party and Manmohan Singh laughing with Balakrishnan, saying that at that time, the Opposition felt the judiciary was safe". However, he added that now, when PM Narendra Modi attended Ganesh Puja at the Chief Justice's house, suddenly, the judiciary has been compromised".

BJP MP Sambit Patra also slammed the Opposition for doing politics over the event and questioned if the former PM attended Iftar parties with the then CJI.

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, he said while addressing the media.

Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent group photo with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Sambit Patra said, You have an objection to the PM meeting the CJI but no objection when Rahul Gandhi meets Ilhan Omar, the Chinese Premiere and signs MoUThey have a problem with Ganesh Puja, but did the former PM Manmohan Singh not attend Iftaar parties? That is also a festival and this Ganpati is also a festival, then why this difference?

Union minister of environment, forest, and climate change Bhupendra Yadav also slammed the Opposition for triggering a political row over the event.

Ganpati is the God of auspicious beginnings. He is a symbol of positivity. Different arms of the country coming together to mark Ganesha's 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 society's well-being and religious harmony refrain from casting aspersions on occasions that are symbolic of goodness and greatness of India's rich traditions, he wrote on X.

Do not belittle our festivals, the minister added.

Opposition questions Modi's visit to CJI's home

A political controversy erupted on Thursday over Modi's visit to CJI Chandrachud's home after opposition leaders, particularly from the Shiv Sena (UBT), raised concerns about the meeting's implications on the judiciarys independence.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP 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 said.

Another party MP, Priyanka Chaturvedi, questioned 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.

Meanwhile, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who is also the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, said that while there was no fault with CJI inviting Modi for the festival, the PM's decision to publicise the meeting was wrong and led to unnecessary speculations.

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, he said.
The Supreme Court of India on Thursday once again criticised the concept of bulldozer justice" in the country, observing that such demolition threats are inconceivable in a country where the law is supreme. The court made strong observations while hearing a case related to the attempted demolition of an ancestral house in Gujarats Kheda district.(HT photo)

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Sudhanshu Dhulia, and SVN Bhatti said the court cannot be oblivious to actions that may be seen as running a bulldozer over the laws of the land.

The court made strong observations while hearing a case related to the attempted demolition of an ancestral house in Gujarats Kheda district because of the alleged involvement of a family member in a criminal incident.

The petitioner, Javedali Mahebubmiya Saiyed, has claimed that the Kathlal Nagar Palika had issued a notice of demolition on September 6  four days after a first information report (FIR) was lodged against his brother on charges of sexual harassment and assault.

In his petition, Saiyed contended that the demolition was intended to punish the family for criminal charges slapped on one member of the family.

During Thursday's hearing, the Supreme Court said that alleged involvement in a crime is not grounds for demolishing properties.

"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. Alleged involvement in crime is no ground for the demolition of a property."

"Moreover, the alleged crime has to be proved through due legal process in a court of law. The court cannot be oblivious to such demolition threats inconceivable in a nation where law is supreme. Otherwise, such actions may be seen as running a bulldozer over the laws of the land," it added.

The bench then stayed the demolition and sought explanations from the concerned authorities within a month. "In the meantime, status quo in respect of the petitioner's property is to be maintained by all concerned," the apex court ordered.

Lately, in a growing trend, local governments and police have been demolishing properties of people accused of crimes, and, sometimes, of their families, often using earthmovers or bulldozers, without following due process.

Previous observations against bulldozer justice



On September 2, the Supreme Court had said it would issue guidelines to regulate demolitions across India.

A bench of justices Bhushan R Gavai and KV Viswanathan questioned how a house could be demolished simply because someone is accused of a crime. The bench had noted that even a conviction does not justify such an action without following proper legal procedures.

How can a house be demolished just because he is accused? It cannot be demolished even if he is a convict... A father may have a recalcitrant son, but if the house is demolished on this ground...this is not the way to go about it, commented the bench, expressing concern that despite previous orders of the Supreme Court on due process, there were complaints being raised.
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation in the alleged excise policy scam. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. (Reuters file)

Granting Arvind Kejriwal bail, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan observed, The CBI's arrest was perhaps only to frustrate the grant of bail to Kejriwal in the Enforcement Directorate case.

The two-judge bench of the Supreme Court added that prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty.

Justice Surya Kant, in his his judgment, said there are three issues framed in the case. On the issue of procedural violations, he rejected Arvind Kejriwal's plea regarding arrest by the CBI in the excise policy case.

Justice Bhuyan concurred with Justice Kant on granting regular bail to Arvind Kejriwal.

Arvind 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, the AAP chief was arrested by the CBI while he was in custody of the ED in the excise case.

The Supreme Court had reserved the verdict on September 5 after hearing counsels representing Arvind Kejriwal and CBI.

During the hearing of the case, additional solicitor general SV Raju, appearing for CBI, objected to Arvind Kejriwal for not approaching the trial court for bail. Arvind Kejriwal had directly approached the Delhi high court for bail and then moved to the apex court.

On August 5, the Delhi high court upheld the arrest of the chief minister as "legal." It had dismissed Arvind 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 Delhi 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 its order.
Neither Indore nor Surat will be ranked first in next years Swachh Survekshan Awards to make way for a new city to be adjudged the cleanest city in India. The consistent top-performing cities such as Indore, which achieved the top ranking for seven years straight, will compete in a smaller elite category of golden city club, said Union housing and urban affairs minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar addresses a press conference in Delhi on Friday. (ANI)

In the golden city club, if one city is no longer golden, that city will again compete with other cities. This way there will be a new city achieving first rank every time. He was speaking at the curtain raiser event of a two-week campaign titled Swabhav Swachhata Sanskar Swachhata (4S) 2024, organised to celebrate 10 years of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The campaign is set to roll out from September 17, the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and will culminate on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

As part of the campaign, the Union government in partnership with states will carry out transformation of 200,000 black spots in both urban and rural areas. These black spots or Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) will be mapped and monitored through a portal.

Other than the central and state governments, central public sector units, private industries and NGOs will also be encouraged to adopt CTUs.

Other than this, officials said that the campaign will be built around two other core pillarsnamely Swachhata Ki Bhaagidari and SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir.

Through the former, public participation, awareness, and advocacy will be carried out while the other pillars will cater to the safety and welfare and health of sanitation workers.

The minister also said there are approximately 2,300 dumpsites in urban areas with 22 crore metric tonnes of waste, out of which 427 crore dumpsites with 9 crore metric tonnes of waste have been completely remediated, and 4,500 acres of land has been reclaimed. He said the mission aims at making the shift from door-to-door collection to 100% processing.
Hitting out at Lok Sabha's leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Friday said that the Dalit community and people of India will launch a Jute Maro Andolan against the Congress MP for his remarks on reservation during his visit to the United States. LoP in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during an interaction with students at Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA, Tuesday, Sept 10, 2024. (PTI Photo)(PTI)

Gandhi, during an interaction with students and teachers of Georgetown University in Washington DC, said that the Congress would think of scrapping reservations when "India is a fair place", which he said is not the case currently.

Attacking Gandhi over his statements, Athawale said that no one can snatch the reservation of Dalits, OBC and Aadivasi, and if someone attempts to do so, they will be dealt with.

"The Dalit community and Republican Party of India would launch a nationwide -Jute Maro andolan- against the leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi for his remark on reservation," he said and added that shoes should be thrown at Gandhi.

Advising the Congress leader not to make such statements, Athawale said, Rahul Gandhi is a useless man. Whenever he goes to England or America, he talks against India.

He said, How is it possible that there is no democracy in the country? How can Rahul Gandhi get 99 seats and become the leader of the opposition if there is no democracy in the country? "The people have given us a mandate and the NDA government is taking everyone ahead, he added.

Rahul Gandhi's statements during his trip to the United States sparked a political slugfest in India, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) calling him anti-national for making remarks on reservation and religious freedom on foreign soil.

Sikh leaders also protested outside Gandhi's residence in New Delhi, asking him to apologise for his statements on the Sikh community. While interacting with Indian Americans in the US, Gandhi has said that the fight in India is for a Sikh person to wear turban, and kada, and go to a gurdwara.

(With inputs from PTI)
Senior Egyptian officials visited the production lines of the light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) and the advanced light helicopter (ALH) in Bengaluru earlier this week as the Arab country seeks to muscle up its air force with new platforms and is exploring various options, including Chinese, officials aware of the matter said on Friday. ALHs of the IAFs Sarang helicopter display team performed during Tarang Shakti 2024 in Jodhpur. (Rahul Singh/HT Photo)

To be sure, Egypt is known to have been in talks with China for a possible acquisition of its J-10 fighters, which took part in the Egypt International Airshow held at El Alamein international airport from September 3 to 5.

India showcased the ALH at the airshow.

The LCA Mk-1A and ALH have been designed by state-run aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is pursuing opportunities to sell LCA and helicopters to several countries and has been in talks with Egypt for likely orders.

Egypt projected a requirement for 18-20 light-weight fighter jets and an undisclosed number of multi-mission helicopters, said one of the officials cited above, who asked not to be named, on the sidelines of Tarang Shakti 2024, the biggest multilateral air combat exercise to be hosted by India, which concluded on Friday.

LCA Mk-1A and ALH are among the HAL products that can meet the needs of several air forces that are planning to modernise. We are keeping our ear to the ground and exploring avenues for export, said a second official.

HAL plans to create a new vertical to push exports. It has proposed setting up the vertical under a CEO-ranked officer who will report directly to the chairman of the company.

To be sure, the LCA Mk-1A programme is moving at a sluggish pace and the Indian Air Force is concerned about possible risks a delay in the induction of new fighter planes could pose to its combat effectiveness. The issue has been flagged to HAL, which has been nudged to execute the 48,000-crore contract for 83 fighters on time.

Speaking in Jodhpur on Thursday, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari pitched for setting up multiple production lines for LCA Mk-1A to meet the air forces growing requirements (it plans to order 97 more aircraft soon) as well as cater for potential exports, suggesting that the defence and aerospace industry could play an important role in charting the way forward.

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, he said.

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.

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.

On Thursday, defence minister Rajnath Singh said Tarang Shakti 2024, with 28 global air forces as participants, reflected the growing stature of the countrys armed forces, adding that foreign militaries must take a good look at and study the capabilities of the local aerospace industry.
Downtown duty-free shops offer more options for consumers

People's Daily Online) 14:33, September 13, 2024

Photo shows a downtown duty-free shop in Chaoyang district, Beijing. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Liao Ruiling)

According to a statement jointly made by five departments, including the Ministry of Finance, duty-free stores will be opened in the eight cities of Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wuhan, Xi'an, Changsha and Fuzhou, starting Oct. 1, 2024.

According to Hong Yong, an expert from the China Digital and Real Economy Integration 50 Forum, a Beijing-based think tank, China has different types of duty-free shops, such as those located at ports, offshore duty-free shops, and duty-free shops for means of transportation.

Downtown duty-free shops are conveniently located and offer flexible shopping hours, making them a popular choice for travelers.

"Downtown duty-free shops offer a more comfortable shopping experience with extended hours compared to port duty-free shops. Unlike offshore duty-free shops, downtown duty-free shops are not constrained by location and can attract a broader customer base through local and nearby consumers. This can lead to a boost in commercial activities, longer stays for tourists, and the potential growth of surrounding business areas," explained Hong.

Photo shows a downtown duty-free shop in Chaoyang district, Beijing. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Liao Ruiling)

Currently, there are 13 foreign exchange goods duty-free shops in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, and Dalian, and six downtown duty-free shops in Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian, Xiamen, and Sanya.

Foreign exchange goods duty-free shops mainly target Chinese travelers with entry records within 180 days, while downtown duty-free shops cater primarily to foreign consumers and those from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, and the Taiwan region.

According to the statement, the 13 foreign exchange goods duty-free shops shall be transformed into downtown duty-free shops.

A recently released interim measures for the administration of duty-free shops in cities stated that duty-free shops in cities are for travelers, including but not limited to the Chinese nationals who will be departing the country by air or international cruise within 60 days.

This means that downtown duty-free shops, originally catering to foreign consumers and those from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, and the Taiwan region, will also serve travelers from the Chinese mainland with outbound travel plans.

After being transformed into downtown duty-free shops, foreign exchange goods duty-free shops will allow both Chinese and foreign customers to shop there.

Photo shows a duty-free shop of Sinopharm China National Service Cooperation, located in Xicheng district of Beijing. The foreign exchange goods duty-free shop will be transformed into a downtown duty-free shop by the end of 2024. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Liao Ruiling)

Furthermore, the range of products available for sale will be more diverse. In addition to familiar consumer goods such as food, clothing, accessories, bags, shoes, baby care products, jewelry, electronics, fragrances, and alcohol, the interim measures also encourage the sale of "Guochao" products, products that combine modern designs and traditional Chinese cultural elements, as well as specialty items.

Vigorously promoting the development of downtown duty-free shops is conducive to the establishment of Chinese duty-free brands.

According to data from the China Tourism Academy, Chinese tourists made more than 87 million outbound trips in 2023, and it is estimated that this year the number will reach 130 million.

"The outbound tourism boom signifies a massive consumption volume. In the past, Chinese travelers were often attracted to special duty-free products in certain countries, such as cosmetics in South Korea and electronics in Japan," said Tang Xiaowen, who has worked at a well-known skincare chain store in South Korea for over five years.

The new measures encourage downtown duty-free shops to promote and develop the popularity of Chinese branded goods, like "Guochao" products. With time, those products could appeal to global consumers the same way South Korean cosmetics and Japanese electronics do for consumers today.

Data from the National Immigration Administration (NIA) shows that China recorded nearly 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year.

As a consumption venue, downtown duty-free shops offer departing travelers a wider range of shopping options. Hong believes that if foreign tourists, overseas students, and other groups promote "Guochao" products they buy from downtown duty-free shops in China when they are back home, it will contribute to the establishment of Chinese duty-free brands.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Two Indian Army personnel were killed in action during a gunbattle with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Friday. Two other soldiers are undergoing treatment at Command Hospital in Udhampur. Four Army personnel have been injured in gunfight with terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar.(Representational image/Indian Army)

Naib Subedar Vipin Kumar and Sepoy Arvind Singh succumbed to their injuries.



#IndianArmy #GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of the #Bravehearts; offer deepest condolences to the families, the Indian Army posted on X.



ALSO READ: 'War-like stores': Arms, ammunition found in Kupwara before PM Modi's J&K visit

Anti-terror crackdown by forces

Two terrorists were eliminated in an encounter at Khandara Kathua by the security forces.

"Two terrorists were neutralised in the ongoing operation at Khandara Kathua by troops of the Rising Star Corps. Operations in progress," posted the Rising Star Corps, Indian Army on X.



The security forces recovered an AK-47 assault rifle, a US-made M4 carbine, a pistol, magazines, a machete, a mobile phone, a tarpaulin and other warlike stores from the neutralised terrorists.



The anti-terror crackdown continued through the day as the security forces busted a terror hideout at Surankote town in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Poonch district.

On September 12, 2024, on specific information, a joint search operation was launched by Police/Army and CRPF in the general area of Chamerd Surankot in the wee hours, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said.

"The area was cordoned off and the target area was searched. During the search, the security forces were fired upon by the hiding militants. However, the fire was retaliated by the security forces. Taking advantage of the thick forest cover, the militants managed to slip away. Additional forces have been pushed in, and the whole area is cordoned off," the statement added.

During the search, security forces busted a hideout and recovered some arms, ammunition and eatables," they said, adding that a case has been registered and an investigation taken up.
The number and choice of seats, AAPs past poll record in the state, and pushback from senior leaders were among the key issues that led to failure of a poll pact between the Congress and the AAP for the Haryana assembly polls, according to people from both parties. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal in July. (ANI)

The Congress leadership told HT on Thursday that the party was keen for an alliance, but at some stage, AAP may have overestimated themselves. We were ready to offer six seats. But they wanted more, said a senior leader who asked not to be named. He added that the Congress had also pointed out to AAP its poll performance in the 2019 assembly polls and that the party came third  after the BJP and Congress  in most of the seats where in wanted to contest this time.

A dominant section of the Congress, too, was averse to any pact with AAP. While Congress leaders on Thursday admitted that the party was divided over the alliance, it was never a factor in our talks with AAP, he added.

AAP leaders, meanwhile, said they held several rounds of discussions with the Congress leaders to form an alliance so that the two constituents of the INDIA bloc can uproot the BJP from Haryana.

We made all possible efforts to seal the alliance but the Congress underestimated us. We were demanding 10 seats including Gurugram, Faridabad, Panipat, Jind, Pehowa, Kalayat among but Congress did not agree to give us the seats we demanded. The Congress did not recognise the fact that we have worked hard in Haryana over the past few years and have strong organisational base in several pockets such as Jind, Kalayat, Pehowa, Panipat. We wanted the seats in areas where we have strong organisational base. The things did not work out as per our plans, said an AAP leader on condition of anonymity.

In the recent months, Sunita Kejriwal and several AAP leaders including Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha held rallies, road shows and public meetings. These efforts have created a very positive atmosphere. We performed very well in Lok Sabha polls though we couldnt win the Kurukshetra seat. In such a scenario, judging AAP just by its performance in the previous elections is not reasonable, said a second leader.

The AAP has now announced candidates for all 90 seats in the state assembly.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday attacked the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video in which the owner of a renowned Tamil Nadu restaurant chain is purportedly apologising to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Rahul Gandhi said if this "arrogant government" would listen to the people they would understand that a simplified GST would solve the problems of lakhs of businesses.

In a post on X, Gandhi expressed outrage over the treatment of the restaurateur, Srinivasan, the Managing Director of the iconic Annapoorna hotel in Coimbatore.

"When the owner of a small business, like Annapoorna restaurant in Coimbatore, asks our public servants for a simplified GST regime, his request is met with arrogance and outright disrespect," Gandhi wrote.

He contrasted this with what he called the government's preferential treatment of some, adding, "Yet, when a billionaire friend seeks to bend the rules, change the laws, or acquire national assets, Modi Ji rolls out the red carpet."

The controversy began when a video surfaced of Srinivasan apologising to Sitharaman after his remarks at a public meeting about the complexities of the GST system. Representing the Tamil Nadu Hotels Association, Srinivasan humorously criticised the inconsistent GST rates applied to different food items, drawing laughter from the audience. He pointed out how the intricate tax system was causing confusion for both businesses and customers.

Giving the example of a bun and cream, he said, "There is no GST on bun. But if you put cream in it, GST becomes 18%. Customers now request the bun and cream separately to avoid paying the higher tax."

The following day, Srinivasan met with Sitharaman in a closed-door meeting, along with BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan.

A video of Srinivasan apologising to the finance minister was shared by Tamil Nadu BJP functionary Balaji MS, sparking allegations that he had been coerced into apologising.

Opposition leaders denounced the video as a form of intimidation, accusing the BJP of humiliating a small business owner for merely voicing concerns.

"Our small business owners have already endured the blows of demonetisation, an inaccessible banking system, tax extortion and a disastrous GST. The last thing they deserve is further humiliation," Rahul Gandhi said in his post.

But when the fragile egos of those in power are hurt, it seems humiliation is exactly what theyll deliver.

Also Read | NPS won't be rolled back, UPS is to improve it, no compulsion for states to adopt it: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Gandhi reiterated the call for a simplified GST structure, saying, "MSMEs have been asking for relief for years. If this arrogant government would listen to the people, they would understand that a simplified GST with a single tax rate would solve the problems of lakhs of businesses."

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate took to X, accusing the BJP of forcing Srinivasan to apologise and recording it without his knowledge. "While FM laughed it off on stage, the same owner was later made to apologise to her in person. His apology was surreptitiously recorded and shared by BJPs official handle. This is the height of arrogance," Shrinate wrote.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also condemned the BJP, describing the video as a display of "absolute arrogance." He warned that such behaviour is becoming emblematic of the BJP's governance style, which, he claimed, bullies small business owners and intimidates those who raise concerns.

Vanathi Srinivasan, the BJP MLA who was present at the meeting, denied allegations of coercion, stating that Srinivasan had apologised voluntarily. "He apologised out of his own will. There was no pressure," she told The News Minute.

Also Read | GST council meeting: What has become cheaper for you now

Tamil Nadu BJP chief regrets breach of privacy

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K.Annamalai apologised for the actions of party functionaries who shared a private conversation between a respected business owner and the finance minister.

I spoke with Thiru Srinivasan Avl, the esteemed owner of the Annapoorna chain of Restaurants, to express regret for this unintended breach of privacy, Annamalai posted on X.

Annapoorna Srinivasan Anna is a pillar of Tamil Nadus business community, contributing significantly to the states and nations economic growth. I request everyone to lay the matter to rest with due respect.
A key political player in north Kashmir, Sajjad Lones Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference is contesting 22 seats in the Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections. First to switch from the separatist spectrum to electoral politics in 2014, a former minister in the last coalition government of the Peoples Democratic Party and the BJP, the 57-year-old Lone spoke to Hindustan Times on election dynamics, the banned Jamaat-e-Islamis entry into the poll arena, and his partys manifesto ahead of the first phase of polling on September 18. Edited excerpts: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone. (PTI)

How do you look at the current electoral landscape in Jammu & Kashmir?

It is more participative than ever before, like in the rest of the country. The democratic space has opened up in Kashmir. The entry of small parties and Independents backed by the banned Jamaat-e-Islami has injected new dynamics that is not easy to predict for now. The National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may think that the election scene is crowded, but I see it as good for a flourishing democracy. Initially, the NC seemed to have an advantage and looked set to touch about 40 seats (out of 90). But they have lost that edge in the past one week. The odds are against the PDP in its bastion of south Kashmir with the Jamaat backing its own candidates.

Who will the Jamaats electoral outing hurt more?

The Jamaat boycotted all elections since 1996. After the PDP was formed in 2000 as a major Kashmir-based challenger to the NCs dominance, it has been a beneficiary of the Jamaats indirect support. In the last assembly elections in 2014, the PDP got most of its 28 seats from south Kashmir, the Jamaats stronghold. So, the PDP has reasons to be worried this time.

You were the first to step out of the separatist fold and join electoral politics in 2014. How do you see Jamaats turnaround from its boycott stand?

For that, I alone suffered the abuses for 10 years. Now the Jamaat will share that with me (laughs). On a serious note, it has been facing tremendous heat since the ban after the 2019 events (abrogation of Article 370). It was virtually crushed. Now, there is a resigned acceptance in the Jamaat about mainstream politics. It had stigmatised elections and now it has to sanctify it. In public perception, the Jamaat is seen as a sufferer and is more acceptable than it was in the 1990s.

But both the NC and PDP are alleging that independent candidates are BJP proxies?

There is nothing unusual about that. Whenever a separatist or a surviving victim of government repression enters the mainstream, he is branded as a collaborator or a stooge. I was the first to labelled Delhis stooge when I left separatism and joined electoral politics. The Jamaat has a history of sacrifices in Kashmir. It has 4,000 graves of members all over. More than 2,000 of them were killed when the NC was ruling here. More than 10,000 Jamaatis have spent time in jails  many of them are still incarcerated. First, my father and later I have been in the same jail with them. Yet, Omar (Abdullah) has the audacity and sense of entitlement to call them proxies. I have no love lost for the Jamaat because ideologically we are poles apart. They voted against me with full vigour in the last elections. But when it comes to the victim-victim narrative, my heart beats for them. Just see the massive response their first political rally in three decades got in Kulgam last week. I sense there are still some fetters on the Jamaat and it has not been allowed to contest from all seats. Had they contested all seats, they could have sprung a surprise and the PDP would have been decimated.

Is Article 370 an election issue?

The Kashmiris know it will never come back. But there is surely a groundswell of anger over its abrogation. The Valley had exercised a protest vote against the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections three months ago.

What is your sense of the voters mood in Kashmir?

There is still a lot of silent alienation. It is difficult to predict how it will manifest in the elections. Look at how a jailed Engineer Rashid defeated Omar and me in Baramulla. It tells you something about the mood in favour of those perceived as victims. A new trend that I saw in the last Lok Sabha elections is that the Kashmiri women voters are making their own choices, independent of their families.

What are the chances of the repeat of the Engineer Rashid phenomenon?

His Lok Sabha victory was a flash in the pan. Pretty much like the 1977 Janata Party wave that came once and never returned.

What are the key points in your manifesto?

We are seeking a judicial probe into the 1987 elections, which was the starting point in J&Ks descent into militancy and turmoil, and the release of political prisoners who didnt take up the gun. I am a development man who is accessible. I am seeking votes for development works I did as a minister for two-and-a-half years. These include a medical college in Handwara, bio-technology park, railway link in north Kashmir, Bungas road to Kupwara and an upgrade in power transformers.

What is your prediction on the poll outcome?

As on date, I will bet on a hung House.
Indian Air Force (IAF) 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. IAF Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudharis comments come at a time when the LCA Mk-1A programme is moving at a sluggish pace and IAF is concerned about possible risks a delay in the induction of new fighter planes could pose to its combat effectiveness. (Shrikant Singh)

His comments come at a time when the LCA Mk-1A programme is moving at a sluggish pace and IAF is concerned about possible risks a delay in the induction of new fighter planes could pose to its combat effectiveness. The hot-button issue has been flagged to the manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has been nudged to execute the 48,000-crore contract for 83 fighters on time.

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.

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.

We need multiple production lines to meet our own requirements and cater for exports.

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 delivery of the 83 jets is meant to be wrapped up by 2028-29.

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.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has seen a spate of resignations over ticket distribution for the upcoming assembly polls in Haryana, is banking on a coalition of castes that are numerically not dominant to retain power in the state, an analysis of the caste of the candidates shows. The largest community in the state are Jats, who make up roughly a third of the population, followed by Scheduled Castes, who make up for about 20% of the population. (HT file)

The party has announced the names of all the candidates for the states 90 member assembly.

Out of these, castes such as Brahmins, Rajputs and Punjabis  which are not numerically dominant and are counted as general category  have been given more than 50 tickets.

The largest community in the state are Jats, who make up roughly a third of the population, followed by Scheduled Castes, who make up for about 20% of the population.

Overall, the party has given 50 tickets to the general category, 20 to the other backward classes, and 17 to Scheduled Castes (the state has 17 reserved seats for SCs).

The party has also given tickets to two Muslims for the October 5 polls.

The BJP is hoping to win a third consecutive term in the upcoming polls while the Congress is hoping to ride on its momentum from the Lok Sabha elections to a rare assembly win.

As it did in 2014 and 2019, the party fielded more non-Jat candidates than the politically significant Jats, who are known to yield clout in the state and are considered as supporters of the Congress and the JJP. The overall number of Jats is 16 in the BJP list, fewer than 19 in 2019 and 24 in 2014.

The outreach towards non-dominant castes  OBCs and the general category  is an attempt to prevent numerically larger groups such as Jats and SCs from tilting the scale in favour of the Opposition, even as the party claims it has given adequate representation to candidates from across castes.

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, the BJP failed to sweep the Lok Sabha elections in Haryana for the first time since 2014. The Congress and the BJP both won five seats, a result largely attributed to anger around the farm stir, the Agnipath scheme, the wrestlers protests against then lawmaker and Wrestling India Foundation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment.

Since it came to power in the state a decade ago, the BJP has fostered non-Jat leadership in Haryana. It first appointed Manohar Lal Khattar, a Punjabi Khatri, as the chief minister, and replaced him earlier this year with Nayab Singh Saini, an OBC.

Party leaders said attempts were made to woo the Jats, who are traditionally not counted as BJP supporters, but the 2016 Jat quota stir, the protests over the now withdrawn three farm laws, and the stir against sexual harassment by top wrestlers exacerbated the strain in ties.

The Jat reservation issue is still simmering the Opposition, which did nothing to meet the demand when it was in power is now stoking the issue and making it a part of their election narrative, said a party leader from the state, requesting anonymity.

The leader admitted that the delay in addressing the concerns of the wrestlers added to the communitys anger towards the BJP.

With the end of its alliance with the JJP, which held influence over the Jat community, the BJPs strategy has been to consolidate its position among the numerically non-dominant castes, including OBCs and some upper caste groups.

Among the 20 OBC candidates are leaders from smaller backward groups such as Saini, Ahir, Gurjar and Kumhar. The party has fielded seven Ahirs, who are about 5.14% of the population; six Gurjars, who are about 3.35% and two Sainis, who are 2.9%.

Among the general category candidates are 12 Brahmins, and Punjabis in addition to five Baniyas, three Rajputs and one Jatt Sikh.

In 2019, the party had fielded nine Punjabis, eight Brahmins, and 18 from the Scheduled Castes. As per Census 2011, SCs are about 20% of the population.

There are 7% Muslims and about 5% Sikhs in the state.

The BJP has fielded 17 members from SC castes, including four Valmikis and eight Jatavs. The ticket distribution was based on the winnability of the candidates in addition to ensuring representation to different castes. While identifying the candidates we ensured that different castes, irrespective of their numbers are given representation, take for example the Brahmins, who are not numerically a big group but have been given 11 seats, similarly the Ror community which is just about 1% of the population has been represented as well, said a second leader, requesting anonymity.

In 2019, the BJP fell short of majority. This time the party is hopeful that it will be able to retain its vote share and emerge as the single-largest party.

There is some resentment over ticket distribution, but the party will overcome the challenge. We have a good set of candidates, three are doctors, five are from the legal background and 20 have postgraduate degrees...we are also expecting a split in the SC vote, said the first leader quoted above.

The party is hopeful that the Congress will not emerge as the biggest beneficiary of the SC vote, which it believes will be divided between the JJP-Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) alliance, and the Bahujan Samaj Party-Indian National Lok Dal alliance.
At least 23.8 kg in weight, 5cm in thickness and nine feet in length -- these were the dimensions of a rocket fired by Kuki militants on September 6 last week that killed one person, injured five others, and has since become symbolic of the burgeoning security problem confronting the administration in a state roiled by 16 months of near-continuous conflict. Documents seen by Manipur Police say the rocket was launched at 3.40 pm on September 6, travelled almost 5-6 km from the hills and landed near the house of the states first chief minister Mairembam Koireng Singh in Moirang (HT PHOTO)

Documents seen by Manipur Police say the rocket was launched at 3.40 pm on September 6, travelled almost 5-6 km from the hills and landed near the house of the states first chief minister Mairembam Koireng Singh in Moirang, killing RK Rabei Singh(72), a Meitei man. Five relatives of the former chief minister, including a 13-year-old girl, were injured.

Since September 1, when violence flared up in the state, at least 10people have died. Clashes first began in Manipur on May 3 last year between the dominant Meities and the tribal Kukis, but has since spiralled to engulf the entire state, killing 225people. Communities have withdrawn behind their respective strongholds -- the Meiteis in the valley and the Kukis in the hills.

But after a brief interlude of nearly three months, violence returned to Manipur on September 1, when one woman was killed and 10 others were injured after militants opened fire and dropped grenades using drones, in the first bombing of its kind in the strife-torn state.

In this new turn to the 16-month-long conflict, officials say militants have turned to modern weaponry such as drones to drop bomb, built rockets that can travel up to 5-7 km, improvised existing weapons, and modernised the old ones. Officials add that they are shocked at the level of sophistication in the weaponry.

These rockets we are recovering even have metallic fins attached at the back to ensure that the balance is maintained. In one such recovered rocket, fins measuring 14.5 inches were welded, said a senior military officer, requesting anonymity

He explained that the rockets have two parts  one explosive warhead and another containing the propellant.A metallic tube of GI pipes or iron cast is used as the outer shell. Inside the shell, they pack a crude bomb using urea or ammonium nitrate. They then add metal chips or cycle ball bearings.

Senior home department officials said that sometime in August, the Manipur Police sent alerts to all security forces about militants testing rockets. Nobody took those reports seriously. Now it seems that the reports were authentic, a senior Manipur police officer said.

In the last 10 days, rockets were fired in at least two places  Molphai Tampa and Tronglaobi - in Manipurs Bishnupur district. One person died and over six were injured.

The WHICH officer also said that the rocket launchers used were technologically advanced versions of country made pumpi guns -- a crude bomb inside a pipe that is aimed in the air at a 45-degree angle. Police said they jointly recovered nearly 400-500 pumpi guns in the past one year.

Militants in Northeast have been using it since the World War II days. But not everyone graduates to rocket launchers that travel 7 km or drones that can drop explosives, the police officer added.

DRONES

Another cause for concern are drones allegedly being used by militants. Police say several drones were used to drop bombs in the September 1 attack which took place near the border between Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts. Imphal West is dominated by Meiteis and Kukis are a majority in Kangpokpi.

HT has seen photographs of one such unexploded bomb that Manipur Police have sent for forensic analysis. Manipur Police believe it originated from the Kuki groups and said that the explosives bore insignia, a charge the tribal bodies dismiss. This seized bomb had hit a mud and failed to detonate, said a second Manipur police officer.

Our SP and IG had to duck and run towards their bulletproof cars when the drones started dropping bombs in Koutruk on September 1. There were almost 30-40 bombs dropped that day from drones. There were two types of explosives dropped that day. One was a crude bomb with a metal shell while the other had a plastic shell with the words Kukiland, said the second officer.

Police also say most drones used that afternoon were assembled.

Parts of the drone can be ordered online and assembled. We have recovered on such drone from the hills near the Koutruk village where the bombing happened. In June and July, Assam Police had busted many cases of people trying to smuggle flight batteries to Manipur. Now when we know what they were meant for, a second officer said.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur, an apex body of all Kuki tribes, has accused the state government of trying to build a fake narrative by announcing that drone bombs were used by Kuki militants.

SNIPERS

Police have also flagged the increased use of snipers.

Meiteis are in the valley, while Kukis are in the hills. Gunfights happen when one of them decides to climb up or come down to attack. Both groups know that instead of traditional combat, a snipers successful hit will demoralise advancing troops, said the senior military officer cited above. Snipers have attached powerful telescopes to the rifles, use it to aim correctly, and make the first hit successful.

He said that in the first 12 months of violence, gunfights were reported almost every day; but now, such direct fights had dipped because of snipers hidden in bunkers and trees, using telescopic rifles. The most recent recovery of one such weapon was on September 9, when the forces found a 7.62 mm modified telescopic sniper rifle from the jungles of Lhunkhojang Ridge in Kangpokpi district

CHANGING STRATEGIES

On September 8, a police probe revealed that of the four men who died in a gunfight in Jiribam the previous day, three were militants from the Kuki Liberation Army, a militant group that signed a peace treaty with Centre in 2008, and the fourth was a part of the United National Liberation Front(Pambei faction) UNLF(P), another proscribed outfit that signed a peace agreement with the Centre in December 2023.

We have reports that some of them have even added MGLs(multiple grenade launchers) to their rifles. The question one should ask is - who is teaching these militants to make such sophisticated weapons? a mid-level central security force officer said.

Paramilitary officials say that the nature of the conflict are changing on the ground.

Snipers armed with telescope fitted guns have eliminated the need to physically cross boundaries, and grenades looted from armouries have lost their use, officials said.

In just the last 10 days, we have recovered 36 grenades. All of them were (HE 36) High Explosive 36 grenades.When they have access to rockets why would be need grenades? They now use the grenades to burn abandoned houses. A house that was burnt in Thangbuh village on September 8 was started using HE grenades, a police officer said.

This has created new headaches for the security forces in a state where the administration is already struggling to maintain law and order in the face of sectarian strife.

Last week, when we saw the improvised rocket launchers that travelled almost 5-7 feet, some bureaucrats asked me about drone bombs and from where the militants were learning the technique of improvising weapons, said a senior army officer in Manipur, who has been closely following the activities of militants on both sides. Maybe Myanmar, maybe home-grown militants, or maybe it is what we were taught in school  necessity is the mother of invention.
Indias new light tank Zorawar, designed for rapid deployment and high mobility in the mountains, fired for the first time at the Mahajan firing range near Bikaner on Friday, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announcing that it has successfully conducted the preliminary field trials of the 25-tonne tank whose performance was exceptional. Indias new light tank Zorawa.

During the field trials conducted in the desert, the light tank demonstrated exceptional performance, efficiently meeting all the intended objectives. In the initial phase, the tanks firing performance was rigorously evaluated, and it achieved the required accuracy on designated targets, the DRDO said in a statement.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh described the development as a significant step towards Indias goal of achieving self-reliance in critical defence systems and technologies.

The tank has been jointly developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro under Project Zorawar to meet the Indian Armys requirement for 354 light tanks. It was developed from scratch in two years. DRDO chief Samir V Kamat reviewed the first prototype of the tank at L&Ts Hazira facility in Gujarat on July 6 when it was unveiled.

The tanks 105mm gun fired smoothly. The next set of trials will involve missile firing. DRDO is expected to wrap up various trials by January 2025 before the tank is offered to the army for extensive user trials, said a top official monitoring the project, who asked not to be named.

The user trials could take 12 to 18 months as the army will test the performance of the tank in summer, winter and high altitude before it can go into production, said a second official, who also asked not to be named.

Numerous Indian industries, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), contributed to the development of various sub-systems, showcasing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, DRDO said.

It added that the highly versatile platform is capable of deployment in high-altitude areas.

The tank is expected to be ready for induction into service in 2027, strengthening the armys posture against the Chinese forces along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army has inducted and fielded several modern tanks, including light tanks with a high power-to-weight ratio, across LAC. The military standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh is now in its fifth year, with no indication of a resolution to the lingering problems even as India is hoping that ongoing negotiations with the neighbour will help restore the status quo ante of April 2020.

The Indian Army has deployed scores of heavier Russian-origin T-72 and T-90 tanks in the Ladakh theatre, but they have their own limitations as they were designed for operations in plains and deserts. The need for light tanks with adequate firepower, protection, surveillance and communication capabilities was felt after the border row began.

The new capability will cost around 17,500 crore.

The light tank can be transported by air, is capable of amphibious operations, and can fire at high angles of elevation and perform the role of limited artillery.

It has been named after the legendary general, Zorawar Singh, who led the Dogra forces a record six times, between 1834 and 1841, to victories in Ladakh and Tibet. In May 1841, he led a 5,000-strong Dogra force into Tibet and within weeks overran the Chinese forces and captured their Mantalai flag.

In December 2022, the defence acquisition council (DAC), headed by Singh, gave its acceptance of necessity (AoN) to defence projects worth 84,328 crore to sharpen the combat potential of the armed forces with new military hardware, including the light tanks. Under Indias defence procurement rules, AoN by the council is the first step towards buying military hardware.

On September 3, 2024, DAC gave its approval for the procurement of military hardware worth 1.45 lakh crore, including future-ready combat vehicles (FRCVs). The army plan to induct 1,770 FRCVs  the platform will be a futuristic battle tank  to modernise the armoured corps at a cost of around 45,000 crore.
The Congress on Friday said that the Supreme Court bail to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is just bail" and not a clean chit.



"Right now, it's just bail; no clean chit has been given. The Congress party views this as just a reaction and part of the judicial process. We do not see it as anything more than that. There has been no talk of acquittal from the charges yet. The final verdict is still pending," Congress spokesperson Alok Sharma told PTI.



The Congress leader's remark comes after the top court granted bail to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor, who had been behind bars since March 21, in the corruption case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the alleged Delhi liquor scam. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Friday.

The top court, while granting him bail in the ED case, had said that Kejriwal cannot visit his office or the Delhi Secretariat and not sign any official file unless absolutely necessary to obtain the Lieutenant Governor's sanction.



ALSO READ: Wife Sunita Kejriwal's first reaction as Arvind Kejriwal granted bail by SC

Opposition leaders welcome bail to Kejriwal

Several opposition leaders welcomed the top court's decision to grant bail to Kejriwal.



Congratulations to him. Coming out (from jail) is only through court. This is a betrayal which was done to the people of Baramulla, they were told that they could bring anyone out through vote. Nobody is released through votes, it is done only through court, National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said.



ALSO READ: Satyamev Jayate: AAP, Oppn leaders hail SC's order granting bail to Kejriwal



Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav said,"It is good that he (Arvind Kejriwal) has got bail but if we look at the comments of the Supreme Court, the way government agencies are being exposed is also worth paying attention to. The way the opposition people are being targeted, and the reprimand given by the Supreme Court is worth paying attention to."



We would like that there should be an impartial investigation. I congratulate the people of the Aam Aadmi Party and the family of Arvind Kejriwal, Yadav told ANI.



ALSO READ: Video shows how top AAP leaders reacted when Arvind Kejriwal granted bail



Delhi minister and AAP leader Atishi said,"Despite all their efforts over the last two years, the ED and CBI could not recover a penny in this alleged scam. Despite no proof, all leaders of the AAP were arrested... What only the AAP was saying till yesterday, has now been said by the SC that CBI arrested Arvind Kejriwal only because it knew he had been granted bail by the ED... The SC asked CBI to be above board, unbiased, and neutral."



ALSO READ: Arvind Kejriwal bail | Sunita Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia slam BJP: Plan washed

BJP demands Kejriwal's resignation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hit out at Kejriwal , demanding his resignation.

Today, in the CBI case, it was found that his (Arvind Kejriwal) arrest was legal. This means that the investigating agency had adequate evidence and sufficient material, which led to the conclusion that it was justified to arrest Arvind Kejriwal. You must have seen the bail conditions today, where he has been barred from signing any files and entering the CM office, PTI quoted BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj as saying.



When you look at the ED order in the Supreme Court, you might remember that the honourable Supreme Court of India had indicated that, on moral grounds, he should resign. So, once again, even though the Supreme Court has granted bail today, they are aware that Arvind ji is involved in this liquor scam. That is why he has been denied to enter the CM office or sign any files. He is a careless CM of a careless government, she added.



(With PTI inputs)
The Supreme Court on Friday granted relief to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, strongly reiterating that bail is the rule and jail an exception while emphasising that personal liberty must prevail over prolonged detention pending a trial, especially when it does not threaten societal interests or derail the judicial process. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal greet his supporters after his release from Tihar Jail following the Supreme Court granting him bail in New Delhi, on Friday. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

A bench of justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan asserted that the issue of bail transcends mere procedural adherence -- it embodies fundamental principles of liberty, justice, public safety and the burden on public resources.

Both judges concurred on the bail decision, bringing an end to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) conveners months-long incarceration that began with his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, followed by CBI on June 25. He was granted a 21-day interim bail in May by the top court for Lok Sabha elections campaigning.

Kejriwal walked out of Tihar Jail at 6.25pm to a rousing welcome from hundreds of party workers and senior leaders, including Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann and former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who were waiting for him outside the prison.

I want to thank people who prayed for my release. Every drop of my blood is dedicated in the service of my nation. Jails cannot break me. I will continue my fight against anti-national forces, he said.

Shooting down the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) contention that Kejriwal should be relegated to trial court for bail, justices Kant and Bhuyan underscored that an evolved jurisprudence of bail is crucial for a socially sensitive judicial process. The prolonged incarceration of an accused, pending trial, the bench held, is an unjust deprivation of personal liberty, which is protected under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

The bench further noted that the investigation by CBI was complete in the matter and that the trial was likely to be delayed due to the large number of witnesses and documents involved.

The decision to release Kejriwal has immediate political implications, particularly as the AAP prepares for upcoming elections in Haryana and Delhi.

The grant of bail to Kejriwal came with the same conditions imposed by another bench of the Supreme Court in July  he cannot go to the CMs office; sign off on official files or make public statements about his role in the excise case. Additionally, the top court on Friday ordered that Kejriwal must remain present at all trial hearings unless granted exemption, and that he is to fully cooperate with the trial court to ensure the expeditious conclusion of the proceedings.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) highlighted these conditions to bail does not mean acquittal and that the matter was still before the court.

The Supreme Court has made very serious observations. It said that Arvind Kejriwals arrest was legal and if it was legal then the court is satisfied with the facts and evidence that were presented by the investigation agencies. Bail does not mean acquittal, it is a court procedure, said Virendra Sachdeva, Delhi BJP chief.

Notably, the two judges issued divergent opinions on the legality of the arrest but refrained from referring the matter to a larger bench in the wake of their common decision to release Kejriwal on bail. While justice Kant, who headed the bench, held that there were no procedural lapses in Kejriwals arrest by CBI and that the investigative agency had acted within the bounds of the law, justice Bhuyan held that stating the arrest was unjustified and was carried out only to prevent Kejriwals release after he was granted bail in the connected case lodged by ED.

Justice Bhuyan also expressed his serious reservations against restraining Kejriwal from entering the CMs office or signing off official files even as he desisted from commenting on it because of judicial discipline and a previous order by another two-judge bench in the ED case against the Delhi CM that imposed such conditions.

Senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Vikram Chaudhary, along with advocate Vivek Jain, appeared for Kejriwal. Additional solicitor general SV Raju and advocate Zoheb Hossain represented CBI in the matter.

Kejriwals bail plea came after his arrest by CBI in June over corruption allegations in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. The case had gained widespread attention as it followed the arrest of former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who was similarly implicated, and was granted bail by the top court on August 10. The Delhi high court on August 5 denied Kejriwals bail plea because he did not go to the trial court first, while also upholding his arrest, leading him to challenge both the decisions in the Supreme Court.

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.

Judges agree on bailBoth justices Kant and Bhuyan made compelling statements in defence of personal liberty and expeditious decisions in matters of bail.

Justice Kant drew upon precedents set by the Supreme Court in cases like Union of India VS KA Najeeb, which expanded the principle that even under stringent laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), prolonged detention without trial is impermissible. This principle asserted that liberty should be favored unless the release of the accused could jeopardise societal interests or derail the judicial process.

In the present case, justice Kant noted that the FIR was registered on August 17, 2022, and since then, multiple charge sheets have been filed, with the most recent one dated July 29, 2024. Given the extensive documentation and the number of witnesses involved, the judge observed that the trials completion is not imminent. This extended period of incarceration, without a swift resolution of the trial, amounts to an infringement of Kejriwals right to liberty, the judge held.

Although the procedure for the appellants arrest meets the requisite criteria for legality and compliance, continued incarceration for an extended period pending trial would infringe upon established legal principles and the Appellants right to liberty, traceable to Article 21 of our Constitution, justice Kant said.

Justice Kant emphasised that it was the duty of the courts to decide the bail pleas without any delay. However, in the present case, the Delhi high court chose to hear the arguments on bail extensively before ruling that Kejriwal should go to the trial court first.

Bail being closely tied to personal liberty, such claims should be adjudicated promptly on their merits, rather than oscillating between courts on mere procedural technicalities, held justice Kant.

Justice Bhuyan agreed, underscoring that bail should be the rule and detention the exception. Expressing a resolute affirmation of personal liberty as a cornerstone of constitutional rights, he held that personal liberty should not be compromised by procedural inefficiencies or delays.

Personal liberty is sacrosanct and fundamental under our Constitution. It is of utmost importance that trial courts and the high courts remain adequately alert to the need to protect personal liberty which is a cherished right under our Constitution, he asserted.

The judge criticised the August 5 decision of the Delhi high court to relegate Kejriwal to the trial judge, noting that such a move, after extensive hearings, only served to extend his detention unnecessarily. This delay, he held, undermined the very essence of personal liberty that the judiciary is sworn to protect.

Citing precedent, justice Bhuyan reinforced the principle that both the trial court and the high court possess concurrent jurisdiction to hear bail plea under Section 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

He emphasised that the requirement for bail is fundamentally to ensure the accuseds presence at trial, not to serve as a punitive measure.

Bail is the rule and jail is the exception, said the judge, echoing the principle laid down in the Sisodia case by the top court. This court has consistently underscored that bail should not be withheld as a form of punishment. The principle that bail is the rule and jail is the exception must guide judicial decisions, justice Bhuyan said.

Judges differ on arrest procedure and justifiability Even as both the judges eventually affirmed the legality of Kejriwals arrest, their dissent was writ large in the 60-page judgment. Justices Kant and Bhuyan apparently adopted different standards in assessing the legality of Kejriwals arrest by CBI and reached different conclusions.

Justice Kants decision reflected a nuanced approach towards bail, acknowledging that while the arrest procedures followed by the CBI were legally sound and that it was not required to go into the necessity to arrest in view of the trial courts satisfaction, continued incarceration for an extended period contravenes established legal principles.

Justice Kant held that there were no procedural lapses in Kejriwals arrest by CBI. While Kejriwals legal team argued that he was not issued a prior notice before arrest, the judge noted that the investigative agency had acted within the bounds of the law, adhering to the required legal safeguards under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). According to justice Kant, the arrest did not violate any procedural norms since he was arrested only after the trial courts nod.

In the case in hand, the trial courts approval of the CBIs application to interrogate the appellant should be viewed as satisfying the essential requirements of Section 41A of CrPC, as the issuance of a formal notice through the jail authorities would have had an adverse impact on the rights of the appellant. Thus, it is our considered view that the CBI complied with the procedure encompassed within the framework of Section 41A of the CrPC, he held.

Justice Kant also noted that CBIs decision to arrest the Delhi CM was justified based on the evidence collected during the investigation, which was looked into by the trial judge while allowing the arrest and custodial interrogation.

But Justice Bhuyan strongly disagreed, stating that the arrest was unjustified. He was emphatic that the timing of the arrest appeared to be orchestrated to prevent Kejriwal from being released on bail in the ED case, and was done perhaps only to frustrate the bail granted by the trial court to the AAP chief on June 20.

For 22 months, CBI does not arrest the appellant but after the learned special judge grants regular bail to the appellant in the ED case, CBI seeks his custody. In the circumstances, a view may be taken that such an arrest by the CBI was perhaps only to frustrate the bail granted to the appellant in the ED case, he said.

Justice Bhuyan also held that the grounds for arrest they did not meet the required standard of necessity. The judge emphasised that evasive responses to investigative queries could not justify continued detention, reiterating the principle that an accused cannot be compelled to self-incriminate and that no adverse inference should be drawn from their silence. An accused has the right to remain silent; he cannot be compelled to make inculpatory statements against himself. No adverse inference can be drawn from the silence of the accused, he said.

This court has emphasised time and again in recent weeks that personal liberty is sacrosanct. It is of utmost importance that trial courts and the high courts remain adequately alert to the need to protect personal liberty which is a cherished right under our Constitution, declared justice Bhuyan.

Even as two judges differed on the question of the legality of the arrest, the final judgment reconciled to upholding Kejriwals arrest on procedural grounds, with justice Bhuyan stating that the impugned judgment of the high court is clarified to the above context.
Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Central Bureau of Investigation officials on Thursday collected the dental impression of Sanjay Roy, arrested prime accused in the rape-murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, as part of their investigation, news agency PTI reported. Sanjay Roy, the accused in the Kolkata rape-murder case. (File Photo)

Sanjay Roy's dental impression, which could play a vital role as evidence in the case, was collected during a questioning session by the central agency detectives at the Presidency Correctional Home here, an official said.

"There were bite marks on the body of the woman and the post-mortem report has mentioned those. Our idea is to match those with the accused's dental impression," PTI quoted him as saying.

Sanjay Roy, a Kolkata Police civic volunteer, is the only person to have been arrested in the Kolkata rape and murder case so far.

The CBI is probing the incident following the Calcutta High Court's directive.

On Wednesday, CBI officers conducted another round of questioning of arrested accused Sanjay Roy. The interrogation was carried out at the Presidency Correctional Home.

In addition, another team from the central probe agency interrogated four junior doctors in the morning, and later, Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner (North) Abhishek Gupta and the Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Department (DD) Special, Vidit Raj Bhundesh, were questioned as part of the same investigation.

"We questioned the police officers on how they conducted the probe," an officer said.

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, a Kolkata Police civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime.

Mamata Banerjee offers to resign

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she was "ready to resign" for the "sake of people" and expressed regret over the junior doctors' refusal to come for talks to resolve the impasse over the RG Kar rape-murder case.

Mamata Banerjee, who waited for nearly two hours for the agitating doctors to come for the meeting, said she also wanted the victim to get justice, 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," she said at a press conference but assured the protesters that despite violating the Supreme Court directive by not resuming duties, she would not take action against them.

In a dramatic turn of events, agitating junior doctors, who reached the gates of the state secretariat (Nabanna), refused to hold talks with the state government unless their demand for live streaming of the meeting was met.

The talks were to be held at 5 pm in the presence of Banerjee as demanded by the protesters, who after reaching the secretariat around 5.25 pm, stayed put at the venue gate.

(With inputs from agencies)
Protesting junior doctors in West Bengal have sought intervention of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even as they distanced themselves from all parties and stuck to their demands on Friday, indicating that no immediate resolution was in the offing in deadlocked talks with the state government. Junior doctors continue their sit-in, in Kolkata on Friday. (PTI)

The doctors letter to Murmu  issued on Thursday morning but only made public on Friday  surfaced on a day the state government said 29 people had died due to disruption in health care services and announced an ex gratia of 2 lakh for their families.

Your intervention in these trying times will act as a beacon of light to us all, showing us the way ahead out of the darkness that surrounds us, the junior doctors wrote in their letter to Murmu. Copies of the letter were also sent to vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Prime Ministers Office and Union health minister JP Nadda.

The letter  which was sent hours before a delegation of junior doctors reached the state secretariat on Thursday evening for talks with chief minister Mamata Banerjee, but sat outside the auditorium for two hours because the government didnt agree to their demand of livestreaming the negotiations  blamed the RG Kar Hospital authorities and state government officials.

The head of the institute in question along with the state police and certain state government officials had allegedly mishandled the entire forensic and legal proceedings, with little regard for either the sanctity of the crime scene that was mobbed by several persons, or for the victims parents, coercing them into submission to fit a narrative that suited their interests, the letter said.

It also alleged that police remained mute spectators on August 15 when a mob ransacked the hospital even as doctors ran to find shelter. On August 28, Murmu had voiced her deep dismay and horror in her first public remarks on the brutal rape and murder.

Junior 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 triggered a nationwide uproar.

They have five demands  justice for the 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 has asked the doctors to return to work by 5pm on Tuesday. But the agitators defied the deadline, saying their demands hadnt been met.

On Friday, the doctors clarified that they were not affiliated with any political party and said their letter was not issued in response to the stand-off with Banerjee on Thursday. They also named Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.

We are opposing those who are trying to use our protest for political gains. Thats why leaders such as Abhijit Gangopadhyay and Agnimitra Paul had to face go back slogans. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari is trying to malign the protest. According to him the go back slogans were raised by some notorious outsiders. We want to say again that if anyone tries to use our protest for political gain we would give the same reaction again, a protesting doctor told the media.

This is a peoples protest. No one is an outsider here. Our fight is apolitical. We dont want to comment on the statements made by a political leader. Whatever we have to say we have taken it up with the government through official means, a protesting doctor told media persons.

At around the same time, the state government alleged that at least 29 people have died in the state as they didnt get proper medical treatment due to the strike.

It is sad and unfortunate that we have lost 29 precious lives due to disruption in health services because of long drawn cease work by junior doctors. In order to extend a helping hand to the bereaved families, State government announces a token financial relief of 2 lakh to family members of each deceased person, Banerjee wrote on X.

The developments came a day after Banerjee said she was willing to resign for the sake of justice and indicated that the protesters were politically motivated and wanted her chair, not justice for the 31-year-old junior doctor.

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, Tillottama (a reference to the rape victim) to get justice and for the common people get medical treatment, Banerjee said in a dramatic press conference.

The body of a 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.

The BJP attacked the state government.

When Covid hits or when people die of dengue, the chief minister tries to downplay the death toll. Now she is increasing the death toll, said Adhikari.

Doctors also contested the toll, saying that only 7,500 of the 93,000 registered doctors in the state were junior
The agitating junior doctors in Kolkata have written a four-page letter to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention in the Kolkata rape and murder case, reported PTI.Copies of the letter was also sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, urging for support from Centre. 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)

In the letter written by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, the agitating medics urged improved safety for doctors in hospitals and Centre's intervention in the ongoing impasse between them and the West Bengal government.

"We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health Department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension," the letter read.

"Your intervention in these trying times will act as a beacon of light to us all, showing us the way ahead out of the darkness that surrounds us," read the letter.

"In this turbid atmosphere of fear, distrust, and hopelessness, the junior doctors in West Bengal have been forced to avoid working within the hospital premises and instead have taken alternative modes to discharge our duty of providing health care services to the citizens," it further said.

Junior doctors on Friday continued their protest against the West Bengal government, braving the rains in front of the Swasthya Bhawan in the Salt Lake area of Kolkata. This comes a day after another attempt to resolved the impasse failed as doctors refused to attend the meeting called by the state government.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged the agitating doctors to return to work, and said that she is ready to resign for the sake of the people. Banerjee also said that the government has attempted to organise a meeting with the doctors for three days to no avail.

The protesting doctors, said that they will only attend the meeting if it is streamed live, and asked for confirmation on the chief minister's presence.

(With inputs from PTI)
A Kolkata court on Friday denied the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) request to conduct a narco-analysis test on Sanjay Roy, the prime accused in the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, after Roy refused to give his consent. Sanjay Roy, the accused in the Kolkata rape-murder case. (HT PHOTO/File)

Roy, who was arrested in connection with the death of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor on August 10, was produced before the Sealdah Court on Friday for a closed-door hearing. The judge personally asked Roy if he had any objections to undergoing the narco test, and Roy declined to give his consent.

Under a 2010 ruling by the Supreme Court of India, narco-analysis tests cannot be conducted without the accuseds voluntary consent. While the test holds legal validity, the courts only grant limited admissibility depending on the circumstances under which it is conducted.

Also Read | CBI collects Sanjay Roy's dental impression: 'Bite marks on doctor's body'

The CBI had approached the Sealdah Court seeking permission for the test, claiming that it would help verify Roys version of events.

"This is primarily to cross-check whether Roy is telling the truth," PTI quoted a CBI officer as saying.

The central agency had already conducted polygraph tests on Roy and several others involved in the case.

Also Read | CBI asked Sanjay Roy 10 questions in polygraph test. His U-turn when grilled for RG Kar murder

How narco analysis is conducted

During a narco test, sodium pentothal is administered to put the subject into a hypnotic state, making it difficult for them to lie, the officer explained. "In most cases, the accused provides truthful information," the officer added.

Sanjay Roy was arrested by Kolkata Police on August 11, a day after the doctor's body was found in the hospital premises. The case was later handed over to the CBI on August 23 following a Calcutta High Court order.

As part of its ongoing investigation, a CBI team visited RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Thursday to speak with hospital authorities and review the departments connected to the case.

With inputs from Joydeep Thakur in Kolkata
Kolkata rape-murder case highlights: Agitators take cover during rains as junior doctors continue their 'cease work' and sit-in demonstration against the RG Kar Hospital incident, outside Swasthya Bhavan in Kolkata, Friday, Sept. 13. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

Kolkata rape-murder case highlights: West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has said that he will not share any public platform with chief minister Mamata Banerjee in view of people's outcry over the RG Kar hospital impasse. The governor has also announced a social boycott of the chief minister....Read More

The message came after a tense two-hour standoff between the West Bengal and protesting doctors in Kolkata.

A delegation of junior doctors  who have struck work now for over a month over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the state-run RG Kar hospital  had 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.

Also Read | RG Kar rape-murder case: CBI collects dental impression of prime accused

Following this, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee indicated that the protesters were politically motivated and wanted her chair. She said that she was willing to resign for the sake of justice.

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.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the rape and murder of a doctor inside the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, is planning to subject the main accused, Sanjay Roy, to a narco-analysis test. Roy has already undergone the polygraph test. Sanjay Roy, the accused in the Kolkata rape-murder case. (File Photo)

The central probe agency has appealed to the city-based Sealdah court seeking permission to conduct the test on Roy, said an official.

The official told PTI the test would be conducted to verify his version of the story.

"This is primarily to cross-check whether Roy is telling the truth. The narco analysis test will help us to verify his version," the officer told PTI.

What is a narco-analysis test?

During a narco analysis test, a drug sodium pentothal is injected into the body of the subject which takes the accused to a hypnotic state. The accused's imagination is suppressed. "In most cases, the accused gives the true information," the officer said.

Also read: Kolkata rape-murder: CBI collects Sanjay Roy's dental impression: 'Bite marks on doctor's body'

Why was Sanjay Roy arrested?

Sanjay Roy was arrested for allegedly raping and murdering the doctor inside the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9. The doctor, a PG medical student, had gone to the room to rest amid her 36-hour-long shift.

The man was seen on CCTV entering the room at 4.03 am on August 9.

The woman was found in the room hours later.

Roy's Bluetooth headphones were also found at the crime scene.

In the polygraph test, Sanjay Roy claimed the woman was in an unconscious state when he entered the room. He also claimed he was innocent and was being framed.

When asked why he did not contact the police if he was innocent, he claimed he panicked.

The autopsy report of the woman said she had 25 internal and external injuries on the body.

With PTI inputs
New Delhi: Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum on Thursday following the death of Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembering the veteran leader as a leading light of the Left and leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi describing him a protector of the idea of India. Sitaram Yechury (HT PHOTO)

The 72-year-old Marxist leader, who was also the Rajya Sabha member from 2005 to 2017, passed away at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi at 3.03 pm on Thursday, after battling acute respiratory tract infection.

It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPI(M) 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, the CPI(M) said in a post on X.

Leaders cutting across the party lines paid condolences and expressed grief over the demise of the fifth CPI(M) general secretary, popularly known as a soft-spoken leader with friends across the political spectrum.

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, PM Modi posted on X.

President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her heartfelt sympathy to his family and colleagues, describing Yechury as a committed ideologue who won friends across party lines.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi recalled the veteran communist as a protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. Sharing a picture of himself with Yechury on X, the Lok Sabha leader of the Opposition added: Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief.

Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi said Yechury was fierce in his determination to protect Indias diversity and was a powerful champion of secularism, and noted that they had worked closely together during 2004-08 to begin with. The friendship that had been established then continued till his very end, she said in a statement.

The communist leader, who studied at St Stephens College and Jawaharlal Nehru University (INU) in Delhi, was a trusted ally of Sonia Gandhi during the Manmohan Singh-led coalition era of the UPA.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge described Yechury as a humble leader who balanced personal relationships with political ideologies. An 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. Our final salute to a friend and a compatriot of liberalism, the Indian polity shall deeply miss him, Kharge said.

Popular among his friends as Sita, Yechury started his political journey with the Students Federation of India at JNU, before joining the CPI(M) and getting elected to the Central Committee of the party in 1984. He joined the Politburo in 1992 and became the fifth general secretary of the party in 2015, succeeding Prakash Karat.

Yechurys family has donated his body to AIIMS for teaching and research purposes, the hospital said in a statement. His remains will be kept at the CPI(M) headquarters for few hours on Saturday for a public viewing.

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 CPI(M) Politburo said in its statement.

Given his amiable temperament, he had a wide circle of friends across the political spectrum and in all walks of life. He was respected by all for his political integrity and commitment, it added.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, whose Trinamool Congress has had a bitter rivalry with the Left, also expressed her grief. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics, she said.

BSP supremo Mayawati remembered Yechury as an efficient parliamentarian and a friendly person, while former prime minister HD Deve Gowda expressed his condolences on the passing away of his long-time friend and colleague and said his dedication to his cause and to his party will always be remembered.

Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin said: Comrade Yechury 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 working class, secularism, social justice, equality, and progressive values shaped a distinguished career that will continue to inspire future generations.

Former Delhi deputy CM and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia said: He was a great leader, a true socialist and an extraordinary humanitarian. His demise is a great loss to our countrys politics.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh said he was pained by the passing away of Yechury. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian 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, Singh said.
Ukraine is looking to India to moderate a dialogue with Russia since New Delhi can use its position on the global stage to convince Moscow of the need to join peace talks, Ukrainian ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk has said. Oleksandr Polishchuk

The Ukrainian side expects India to share responsibility on global issues as part of its efforts to secure a seat at the United Nations Security Council and the Indian side should frame a concrete plan for diplomacy and dialogue, the envoy told HT in an interview.

Polishchuks remarks came in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Ukraine last month for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni calling on India and China to play a role in resolving the conflict.

Maybe India can play the role of a courier to deliver messages, but this isnt what we expected from India. We expected moderation of the dialogue with Russia, we need those who can moderate negotiations, Polishchuk said.

If the only way ahead is diplomacy and dialogue, India cant be just a post box. India should use its position and relations with Russia to convince Moscow of the need to take part in peace talks.

He added, Aiming for the seat [in a reformed UN Security Council] just to protect its national interests would be a low target. Of course, Ukraine supports Indias bid for UN Security Council membership.

Amid the renewed push for peace talks, external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that India believes Russias participation is essential to take forward negotiations to end the conflict, and New Delhi is willing offer its advice to both countries.

Polishchuk said National Security Adviser Ajit Dovals ongoing visit to Russia and Jaishankars recent meeting in Riyadh? with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov were a great chance for India to share its experiences from the visit to Kyiv. The meeting between Modi and Zelensky was planned for 40 minutes but went on for three hours and the two sides had open and frank discussions, he said.

Modi discussed his meeting with Putin in July and shared his observations and conclusions with Zelensky.

Polishchuk said while Zelenskyy appreciated Indias participation in meetings on Ukraines peace formula and the peace summit in Switzerland, he proposed the holding of the second peace summit in India with the precondition that India join the communique from the first summit. Zelenskyy requested India to hold the second summit before November 2024.

He hoped the office of Indias NSA and the external affairs ministry can make concrete proposals for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. If India is participating in discussions and meetings, it should have its own position, he said, expressing hope India will have a concrete plan for diplomacy and dialogue.

Polishchuk also welcomed an India NGOs involvement in humanitarian demining operations in Ukraine and New Delhis offer to fund community projects. Indias Horizon Group has set up an office in Kyiv and is awaiting certification to start the humanitarian demining project. This is a good and positive move, he said, pointing to demining work done in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia and Kuwait by the NGO founded by senior retired Indian Army officers.

Ukraine looks forward to taking up Indias offer on high impact community development projects. There was a green light from India for private firms to come to Ukraine for rebuilding and reconstruction, he added.

With Russia increasingly targeting power distribution facilities, including one close to Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and hydropower facilities as winter approaches, Ukraine is looking to India for generators and transformers in case the need arises, since equipment made by BHEL was developed with Ukrainian technology, Polishchuk said.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Friday that the state government will provide 2 lakh compensation to the families of 29 people who died, reportedly due to lack of treatment during the ongoing strike by junior doctors. 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.(PTI)

"It is sad and unfortunate that we have lost 29 precious lives due to disruption in health services because of long drawn cease work by junior doctors," Banerjee wrote on X.

"In order to extend a helping hand to the bereaved families, State Government announces a token financial relief of Rs. 2 lakh to family members of each deceased person," she added.

Follow- Kolkata rape-murder case live

The junior doctors have been on strike since August 9, the day a postgraduate trainee doctor's body was found in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. As per the autopsy report, she was brutally raped and murdered.

Junior doctors continued their protest in the rain outside Swasthya Bhawan in Kolkatas Salt Lake area.

ALSO READ- Kolkata rape-murder case: CBI denied narco test request as Sanjay Roy refuses consent

Junior doctors appeal President Murmu, PM Modi to intervene

Junior doctors in Kolkata have written a four-page letter to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention in the murder and rape case.

The letter, written by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, was also sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Union health minister JP Nadda.

"We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health Department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension," the letter read.

The doctors expressed that the President's intervention would "be a beacon of light" during these difficult times. They said there is "atmosphere of fear and distrust," which has forced them to avoid working in hospitals and seek alternative ways to provide healthcare services.

ALSO READ- Kolkata murder case: Agitating doctors seek President, PM Modi's intervention

Ready to resign as CM: Mamata

The letter comes a day after chief minister Mamata Banerjee urged the protesting doctors to return to work, saying, "I am ready to resign as chief minister if needed. I want justice for the victim, but I am also concerned about the public getting medical services."
A three-member Commission of Inquiry formed last year to investigate the series of violence in Manipur has been now given time till November 20 by the Centre, according to a notification issued by the Union home ministry on Friday. Police fire tear gas shell to disperse the protesters during a protest march in Manipurs Imphal on September 10. (REUTERS)

The Commission of Inquiry, headed by former chief justice of the Gauhati high court, Ajai Lamba, was set up on June 3, 2023. The panel , also comprising retired IAS officer Himanshu Shekhar Das and retired IPS officer Aloka Prabhakar, was mandated to make inquiry with respect of the causes and spread of the violence and riots targeting members of different communities, which took place in Manipur since May 3, 2023.

The commission was supposed to submit its report to the central government as soon as possible but not later than six months from the date of its first sitting.

According to the fresh notification: The Commission shall submit its report to the central government as soon as possible but not later than the 20th November, 2024.

According to the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry, it would probe the sequence of events leading to, and all the facts relating to such violence; whether there were any lapses or dereliction of duty in this regard on the part of any of the responsible authorities/individuals and adequacy of the administrative measures taken to prevent, and to deal with the violence and riots.

The inquiry by the commission shall look into the complaints or allegations that may be made before it by any individual or association.

According to the June 4, 2023 notification of the home ministry, large scale violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023 and as a result of the violence, many residents of the state lost their lives and several others got seriously injured.

Their houses and properties were burnt down as a result of arson and many of them were rendered homeless, it said.

The notification said the government of Manipur recommended on May 29, 2023 for institution of Judicial Inquiry Commission to look into the causes and associated factors of the crisis and the unfortunate incidents happened on May 3, 2023 and afterwards under the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

On the recommendation of the government of Manipur, the central government is of the opinion that it is necessary to appoint a commission of inquiry for the purpose of making an inquiry into a definite matter of public importance, namely, incidents of violence in Manipur, it said.

Manipur has been witnessing sporadic violence ever since ethnic clashes broke out on May 3. The ethnic violence first broke out after a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

More than 220 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.
India-China talks have sorted out a large part of the process of disengagement of troops on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) but the two sides continue to grapple with problems such as militarisation of the border and imbalance in bilateral trade, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday S Jaishanka (AFP)

The deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in June 2020 affected the entirety of bilateral ties and the rest of the relationship cannot be insulated from such violence at the border, he said during a discussion at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. Jaishankar was in Switzerland on the final leg of a three-nation tour that included Saudi Arabia and Germany.

Following dozens of rounds of diplomatic and military talks since the start of the military standoff on the LAC in April-May 2020, India and China have pulled backed frontline troops from some friction points. However, both sides have arrayed about 60,000 troops each in Ladakh sector of the LAC and the face-off has taken ties to a six-decade low.

Jaishankar said the two sides are continuing talks to find a solution to the standoff. Hours after he spoke in Geneva, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the margins of a Brics meeting in Russia to discuss the issue.

Those negotiations are going on, we have made some progress. Roughly, you can say about 75% of the disengagement problems are sorted out, Jaishankar said.

We still have some things to do, but theres a bigger issue  that if both of us have brought forces close up, in that sense the level of militarisation of the border has increased. How does one deal with it?
Omar Abdullah, vice-president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), on Friday accused the People's Democratic Party (PDP) of planning to facilitate the return of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power in the region. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice President Omar Abdullah.(JKNC-X)

His remarks came in response to recent statements by Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, who said her party would emerge as the "kingmaker" in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

"When the PDP and its chiefs daughter said they will be the kingmakers after the election, it was clear that they are not contesting to win, but to bring the BJP back to power," Abdullah told reporters.

Also Read | Rashid gets interim bail, J&K leaders sceptic of timing

He recalled the PDPs alliance with the BJP in 2014 and suggested that the party had similar intentions again, accusing them of supporting the BJP's rise in the region.

They similarly included the BJP in the government in 2014, and we are bearing the consequences today. Their intentions again are the same, the former J&K chief minister claimed.

What Iltija Mufti said on PDP's kingmaker role

Iltija Mufti, who is contesting from the PDP stronghold of Srigufwara-Bijbehara, recently told PTI in an interview that no single party would secure a majority in the elections and that the PDP was confident of playing the role of kingmaker in government formation.

I am very confident that the PDP will be the kingmaker in whatever situation we are. One thing is clear that no party will get majority, she asserted.

Also Read | Terrorism got a fresh start under BJP rule: Omar Abdullah hits back at Amit Shah

Asked if the PDP will support the NC-Congress alliance if it falls short of numbers for government formation, she said it was too early to comment on it.

"Besides, I am contesting for MLA, I am not the party president. It is better if you ask this to Mehbooba Mufti," she said.

Also Read | Omar Abdullah calls Rubaiya Sayeed case a benchmark amid row over Netflix's IC 814. Here's why

Iltija, the third-generation politician from the Mufti family, said her party will fight the election so as to not cede the ground to the BJP, and not for power or numbers game, as she termed the current status of Jammu and Kashmir little more than that of a "municipality".

On the NC-Congress alliance, Iltija said unity is the need of the hour and it is important that we all move together but that is not always possible in politics. If two parties come together, it is good for them.

With PTI inputs
Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar, will be renamed Sri Vijaya Puram, Union home minister Amit Shah announced on Friday, saying the island territory was a symbol of victory in the freedom struggle. The island territory once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire. (Shutterstock)

The decision has been taken to free the nation from colonial imprints, Shah said in a post on X.

Inspired by the vision of PM Narendra Modi, to free the nation from the colonial imprints, today we have decided to rename Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram, he said.

While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in Indias freedom struggle and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands unique role in it, the home minister said.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an unparalleled place in the freedom struggle and history, and the island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is now poised to be the critical base for Indias strategic and development aspirations, he added.

It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose ji and also the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar ji and other freedom fighters struggled for an independent nation, Shah said.

Earlier in January 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named 21 large uninhabited islands in Andaman and Nicobar after Param Vir Chakra awardees.
The Trinamool Congress on Thursday criticised the agitating doctors of West Bengal for refusing to hold talks with the state government because it did not agree to their demand to livestream the meeting. A group of junior doctors near Swasthya Bhawan in Kolkata on September 12, 2024.(Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee called the medics inhumane and said that they are "unfit to become doctors". He also urged the West Bengal government to ensure that they are not allowed to appear for their final exams.

The outburst came after the junior doctors, 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.

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.

Mamata Banerjee, who waited for nearly two hours for the agitating doctors to come for the meeting, expressed regret over the junior doctors' refusal to come for talks. She also offered to resign from her post.

Those doctors, who are agitating for the last month, putting the lives of lakhs of patients at stake, do not deserve to be a doctor. They are unfit to become doctors, Kalyan Banerjee told reporters, according to PTI.

"I failed to understand how these medics behave so inhumanly. I would urge the state government to ensure that these junior doctors who have been protesting are not allowed to appear for their final exams, Kalyan Banerjee added.

His sentiments were echoed by his colleague and Rajya Sabha MP, Saket Gokhale.

In a post on X, Gokhale lauded West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, saying that no other leader in India has shown this level of commitment to hold dialogue with protestors.

Problem is the protest has been hijacked by CPM & BJP where the goal doesnt seem to be resolution but to prolong the deadlock. Junior doctors must realize that BJP & CPM are using them as pawns. This dirty level of politicization is resulting in the suffering of lakhs of patients, he said.

Gokhale added: It is very unfortunate that when a dialog is offered & when the CM herself is ready, the goalposts are constantly shifted every day.

BJP targets Mamata Banerjee

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Mamata Banerjee for snubbing the protesters and calling off the meeting.

BJP leader Amit Malviya claimed that Mamata Banerjee did not agree to the demand to livestream the meeting because she was scared of transparency.

Shame on Mamata Banerjee for snubbing protesting Junior Doctors and calling off the meeting. The doctors delegation traveled all the way to meet her at Nabanno, but West Bengal Chief Minister, scared of transparency, didnt agree to live stream the proceedings. She then unilaterally called off the meeting, addressed the press, targeted the Junior Doctors and blamed them for patient deaths. Disingenuous, he wrote on X.

She was scared of uncomfortable questions on her and Commissioner of Kolkata Polices role in covering up rape and murder of the young lady doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, he added.

Malviya also demanded that Banerjee must step down from her post to ensure free and fair investigation in the case.
Hindu organisations staged a protest in Mandi on Friday over an alleged illegally constructed mosque. As protesters attempted to breach barricades, police used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Mandi: Water cannons being used on agitators during a protest over alleged illegal construction at a mosque in Shimla, in Mandi, Friday, Sept. 13.(PTI)

The protests were organised by Hindu groups even after mosque authorities had demolished parts of the complex deemed unauthorised. Large crowds gathered along Jail Road, chanting slogans against the state government and demanding action against the alleged illegal construction.

ALSO READ- Shimla mosque panel asks civic body to seal illegal portion, offers to demolish it

We respect everyone: CM Sukhu

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu issued a stern warning to lawbreakers and said the government respects all religions.

"I have appealed to everyone to maintain peace, and no provocative statements should be made, which is why I have called a all party meeting. No one is allowed to take the law into their hands. We respect everyone. The land of Himachal has respect for all religions," said CM Sukhu.

ALSO READ- Illegal tructure at Shimla mosque raised in unauthorised manner during BJP rule: Congress

Heavy police presence in Mandi

Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Police had tightened security on Jail Road, setting up barricades due to warnings of a large gathering.

Mandi Superintendent of Police (SP) Sakshi Verma said the police had received information about a planned gathering in the area and had made arrangements to maintain law and order.

"Through different sources, we have received information that some organisations have given a call to gather here. Taking that into consideration, police have made adequate arrangements. We aim to maintain law and order," said Mandi SP Sakshi Verma.

She said around 300 police personnel have been deployed and barricades have been placed at the entrance of Mandi town for routine checking.

ALSO READ- Just bail, no clean chit given: Congress on Supreme Court relief to Arvind Kejriwal

Police releases CCTV footage to catch stone pelters

Earlier on Friday, the police released a video of stone-pelting from Wednesday's protest in Sanjauli over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Shimla.

So far, eight FIRs have been registered, and six police officers were injured in the protest. Among the injured is a woman officer who suffered vertebral fractures and is in serious condition.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday hailed the Supreme Court's order granting bail to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the corruption case linked to the excise policy scam, saying, Satyamev Jayate (victory of truth). Follow LIVE updates The Aam Aadmi Party on Friday hailed the Supreme Court order granting interim bail to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal (Reuters Photo)

The top court granted bail to Kejriwal in the excise policy case by the CBI, paving the way for his release. He was already granted interim bail in the Enforcement Directorate's excise policy-linked money laundering case earlier. The Delhi CM was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. On June 26, he was arrested by CBI while he was in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the excise case.

Former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who was recently granted bail in the excise policy case, said: Today, once again, truth has won in the fight against lies and conspiracies. The locks of the dictator's prison are broken by the power of truth.

Delhi minister and AAP leader Atishi also hailed Kejriwal's release, saying that the truth can be troubled but not defeated.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh hit out at the BJP saying that the dictatorship will not work in democracy.

Modi's tyrannical rule could not break the spirit of @ArvindKejriwal. A mountain of lies is falling, ED, CBI, BJP's false case has been exposed. Satyamev Jayate! he wrote in Hindi.

Welcoming the decision, AAP MP Raghav Chadha said that the party will get more strength now. Welcome Back Arvind Kejriwal... We will make the further strategy after reading the final order of the Supreme Court to understand the conditions under which the bail has been given... There is a wave of joy in Delhi and the country... Arvind Kejriwal will lead the campaign for the AAP in the upcoming Haryana elections now, he said.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh also welcomed Kejriwal's bail by the Supreme Court. Glad that our beloved leader Shri @ArvindKejriwal Ji got bail in Supreme Court. This will definitely rejuvenate the party workers and give wings to @AamAadmiParty campaign in Haryana. He will continue to dedicate himself to serve the people, he wrote in a post on X.

Opposition leaders hail Kejriwal's release

Meanwhile, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said that Kejriwal's release shows that the foundation of democracy in the country is still strong.

The fight for so long started today on the path of truth. Kejriwal's bail confirmed the feeling that a conspiracy to overthrow someone in a lowly way will never succeed in a democratic country, Pawar wrote in Marathi on X.

RJD MP Manoj Jha also congratulated AAP and its legal team after Kejriwal's release and attacked the BJP for hatching fake and fictitious cases.

This had to happen. This will happen in every case because all cases were fake, fictitious and hatched in the Delhi BJP office. Power keeps transferring. Listen to the High Court observation in the case of Hemant Soren, read it and read about today's case - it is a slap to not just ED, I-T and CBI but also to those who plot this. So, a clear message has been sent across. Tomorrow, when you won't be in power, these agencies will knock at your doors as well. We will feel bad at that time, too, because there should be no place for vendetta in politics, he told ANI.
Congress leader Jagdish Tytler on Friday pleaded not guilty in a Delhi court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case related to the killing of three people at Pul Bangash Gurudwara following the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhis assassination. Special judge Rakesh Syal summoned the first eyewitness to record the testimony and begin the trial in the case while listing the matter for hearing next on October 3. Congress Leader Jagdish Tytler. (HT PHOTO)

The trial court on August 30 directed the framing of charges against Tytler under Indian Penal Codes sections including 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 295 (injuring or defiling a place of worship), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance), and 302 (murder) read with 109 (abetment). It discharged Tytler for the offence of rioting armed with deadly weapons noting that there is not sufficient ground for proceeding against him.

The court noted that the killings during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots were so brutal that the witnesses could not muster the courage to come forward with the truth for a long time. The observation came as Tytler cited contradictions in the testimonies of witnesses. Tytler said eye-witnesses have made statements against him after an inordinate delay and cannot be relied upon.

The public prosecutor opposed the submissions stating that earlier the witnesses had not given the truthful versions since they were scared of the brutal massacre and the influence of Tytler. The court relied upon Harpal Kaur, Harvinderjit Singh, and Abdul Wahids statements about seeing Tytler instigating and inciting a mob to destroy and burn Gurudwara Pul Bangash, kill Sikhs, and loot their properties.

The court also took note of the statements of other witnesses who deposed about the riots in which Sikhs were killed and their properties were looted.
Two soldiers were killed and two others injured in an encounter in the Kishtwar district of Jammu, officials familiar with the matter said on Friday, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a rally in the neighbouring Doda region ahead of the restive Union territorys first assembly elections in a decade. Two soldiers Naib Subedar Vipin Kumar and Sepoy Arvind Singh succumbed to injuries.

According to officials, a joint team of the 11 Rashtriya Rifles and J&K Police launched a search operation in Pingnar Dugadda forest area in Chatroo area after receiving information about the presence of terrorists.

Based on the intelligence inputs, a joint operation with J&K Police was launched in area Chatroo at KishtwarIn the ensuing firefight four army personnel have been injured. The operation is in progress, the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

It later said that of two of the injured soldiers Naib Subedar Vipin Kumar and Sepoy Arvind Singh succumbed to injuries.

GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts; offer deepest condolences to the families, it said in the post. Officials identified the two other injured soldiers as Musadiq Shafiq Wani and Sahil Thakur.

Defence personnel have increased vigil in the UT ahead of the assembly elections, scheduled in three phases on September 18 and 25, and October 1. In the run-up to the electoral exercise, a bevy of political leaders have held rallies across the UT and more are slated to do so in the coming days. Modi is scheduled to address his first rally in the J&K election campaign, roughly 110 km away from the site of Fridays encounter.

Officials aware of the matter said that a group of three terrorists likely attacked the joint team in Kishtwar.

The terrorists were hiding in a dhok [a mud hut made by nomads for temporary stay]. The troops were approaching the area when they were fired upon indiscriminately by the armed terrorists with automatic weapons. Four soldiers were wounded in the firing, one of the officials said on condition of anonymity. He added that the injured soldiers were first rushed to Kishtwar District Hospital and then moved to the Command Hospital in Udhampur.

The official added that the group of terrorists was likely affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammed and was also behind the July 16 Doda attack.

These terrorists appear to be of JeM, and we suspect that it is the same group that was responsible for the Dessa forest attack that left an army captain and three soldiers dead, said the official.

Two months ago, Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra and Sepoy Ajay, all from the counter-insurgency unit of 10 Rashtriya Rifles, were killed in a gun battle with the terrorists. The extremists ambushed a search party  comprising the captain and seven soldierson a hilltop. The security forces chased them into the treacherous terrain and thick foliage, leading to another firefight in the woods. The terrorists had managed to escape after wounding the personnel.

Kashmir Tigers, a proxy outfit of JeM, claimed responsibility for the attack.

A surge in terror strikes in Jammu has raised concerns that the erstwhile peaceful region was emerging as the new epicenter of violence in the Union territory. This year, 14 security personnel and 11 civilians have died in separate extremist attacks in Jammu. Security forces have gunned down 10 terrorists in the region.

On Wednesday, security forces gunned down two terrorists in the Kathua district of J&K and recovered a huge cache of arms.
A 34-year-old man, who worked as a railway contract labourer, was beaten to death by passengers on a moving Humsafar Express train between Lucknow and Kanpur after he allegedly sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl, police said on Friday. The man has been identified as Bihar's Prashant Kumar. The GRP took him to KPM Hospital where he was declared dead.(Representational image)

After the incident, the victim's family caught him on Tuesday night.

Kumar had boarded the Humsafar Express from Siwan, Bihar, along with the victim's family, the police said. He had offered his berth to the 11-year-old girl. He sexually assaulted her when her mother was away.

The girl told about the incident to her family and other passengers. Enraged, they thrashed him badly. He was taken into the custody of GRP at Kanpur Central Station.

Soon, his health deteriorated. The GRP took him to KPM Hospital where he was declared dead.

The victim's mother had filed an FIR against Kumar under section 74 (criminal force to any woman intending to outrage her modesty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the police said.

An FIR has been registered with GRP Lucknow.

After a post-mortem was conducted by a panel of three doctors, his body was handed over to the family.

The incident took place amid national outrage over the rape and murder of a doctor inside Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Sanjay Roy was arrested for allegedly raping and murdering the doctor inside the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9. The doctor, a PG medical student, had gone to the room to rest amid her 36-hour-long shift.

The man was seen on CCTV entering the room at 4.03 am on August 9.

The woman was found in the room hours later.

Roy's Bluetooth headphones were also found at the crime scene.

With inputs from PTI
President Joe Biden will host the 2024 Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, the first time he is hosting foreign leaders at his personal home, the White House announced on Thursday. PM Narendra Modi, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Kishida Fumio will attend the summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the summit. (ANI)

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, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

India and US have swapped the opportunity to host the summit, with Delhi passing on the 2024 summit to Washington DC to host for logistical convenience. All other leaders will be in the US for the UNs Summit of the Future and the political calendar in the US makes it difficult for Biden to travel. India, the White House confirmed, will host next years summit. This will allow Delhi to welcome both the next American president, be it Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, in the new leaders first year in office.

Jean-Pierre added that the Biden-Kamala Harris administration had 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.

The White House also said that Quad foreign ministers had met eight times, and the four 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. These include health security, natural disaster response, maritime security, high-quality infrastructure, critical and emerging technology, climate and clean energy, and cybersecurity, Jean-Pierre said.

HT reported last week, based on a briefing by State Department officials, how the Biden administration sees Quad as among the Presidents most important foreign policy legacies. The officials said that among other achievements of Quad, the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative (an effort to track in real time whats happening in the territorial waters across the region), cooperation in the cyber/digital realm (including training of officials and education fellowships), and humanitarian assistance and disaster cooperation stand out.

While the strategic subtext of Quad is obvious to all participating countries  they share an interest in countering Chinas belligerence  and Beijings behaviour constitutes a key part of the conversation among leaders, officially, Quad focuses more on offering a positive vision for the region. The officials said that the idea was to give all countries in the Indo-Pacific choices and options, and offer concrete deliverables and public goods.
A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader's threat to Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the Sikh community during his visit to the United States sparked a political row. The Congress demanded an FIR against the BJP leader over the purported threat", and called for Gandhi's security be reviewed. LoP in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. (HT File)(HT_PRINT)

This comes after many Congress members shared a clip of BJP leader Tarvinder Singh Marvah who allegedly threatened Rahul Gandhi during the protests outside Leader of Opposition's residence in Delhi.

Members of the Delhi BJP's Sikh cell had staged a protest on Wednesday against Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, near his residence in Delhi, demanding an apology from him over his remarks in the US concerning the community.

In the video shared by Congress leaders, Marwah was purportedly heard as saying, Rahul Gandhi baaz aaja nahi toh aane wale time mein tera bhi wohi haal hoga jo teri dadi ka haal hua (Rahul Gandhi, refrain from such things, otherwise in the coming time, you will also suffer the same fate as your grandmother).

Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, while addressing a press conference in AICC headquarters, said, "When the leader of the opposition has received a threat from a BJP leader, then this FIR should have been filed by the government by now. If they don't do it then we will take the initiative."

"He is the leader of the opposition, a cabinet rank. Your BJP man is saying this. First of all our demand is, if BJP is sincere, if they want to maintain democracy in India, if genuinely they are not with what 'Marwah' has said, they should have registered FIR by law and reviewed Rahul Gandhi Ji's security," Bajwa added.

Defending Rahul Gandhi's remarks, former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi said that the LoP spoke for the rights of the Sikh community in India, and BJP is playing with the emotions of Sikhs by defaming Gandhi.

While addressing a gathering of Indian Americans in the US, Rahul Gandhi had said, The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a gurdwara. That is what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions.

(With inputs from PTI)
Presently, over half of the global population, approximately 55%, resides within a mere 100 km of cities and this trend is set to escalate dramatically by 2050, with a projected 90% of the worlds population living within the same proximity to large cities. This rapid urbanisation is not without its challenges and the most pressing one is the alarming disconnect between humans and the natural world. Healing through design: Health-boosting magic of trendy biophilic design is ultimate remedy for your home (Photo by yaesmen)

Could Biophilic Design Be the Secret to Healthier, Happier City Living?

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Amit Aurora of groupDCA, asserted, The path towards a fulfilled and thriving world can only be achieved by restoring our relationship with nature and biophilic design can help us advance in this direction. The essence of biophilic design lies in integrating natural elements and patterns into the built environment to cultivate a deep connection to the natural world.

He suggested, By integrating elements like natural light and materials, indoor plants, water features, and views of nature, biophilic design shapes environments that align with our inherent affinity to nature. The resultant setting has also proven to have therapeutic effects, including stress reduction, improved cognitive function and enhanced emotional well-being.

According to him, biophilic design not only helps us reconnect with nature but also fosters a deeper understanding of it, instilling a sense of environmental responsibility. By inviting nature into our spaces, we are not just creating healthier, more harmonious environments for the present but also for the future.

Crafting Spaces for Well-Being and Health

Today, many of us spend over 70 percent of our time indoors and an often-heard common adage is that a person's overall health and well-being begins at home. With data-driven technology today, doctors and building practitioners have enough reasons to not only confirm this belief but also seek to extend the common perception from beyond homes to all indoor spaces.

Ravideep Singh, Associate Director at Creative Designer Architects in New Delhi, revealed, Placing human indoor health in perspective, many qualitative factors improve or deteriorate the overall air quality of a place. Routine indoor activities under inadequate ventilation such as cooking and other building operations continue to degrade quality on the long term. Pollutants generated indoors lead to symptoms that show health issues in rare conditions. Moisture and chemical contaminants enter buildings through plumbing leaks and inherent pollutants present in AEC products used indoors.

He opined, While ambient outdoor air is often of better quality, natural ventilation methods through operable doors and windows can instantly change indoor air quality. Techniques like periodic air flushing are a must to improve the overall indoor air quality of spaces.

Biophilic Design is Revolutionizing Health

The relevance of indoor health is further magnified in the case of hospitals, environments that are meant to facilitate holistic healing and well-being through clinical and psychological means. Ravideep Singh highlighted, It has been found scientifically that the healing effects of these environments are as important to foster recovery as clinical or surgical interventions. The psychological concept of behavioural health takes the front seat where studies in neuroscience show the hidden potential of the subconscious and its ability to bring about transformative change to the patient's physical environment.

He concluded, As a result, hospitals today follow an evidence-based design approach to make thoughtful infusions of Biophilic elements, natural light, artwork, and other wayfinding elements into healthcare spaces. Through such processes, indoor healthcare environments can increase holistic healing through a patient-centric sensitive design.
As an Indian diplomat (the first Indian woman to be stationed at the Indian high commission in Islamabad, in fact), she was followed everywhere. So was every other person on the high commissions staff, including the gardener, she adds, laughing.

Sometimes, they were taken in for questioning, quizzed about their colleagues, and let go.

It should have been scary, says Ghanashyam, 64. But it wasnt. There was a sense that no one in the Pakistan establishment would dare touch an Indian diplomat. But tense words were still exchanged.

I once reminded a Pakistani official that Indian women were not so easily intimidated; that we tackled unseemly characters on the bus going to college every day.

There is similar bluntness, candour and humour in Ghanashyams first book, about her term in Pakistan during a particularly troubled time (1997 to 2000). An Indian Woman in Islamabad was released by Penguin Random House India in August.

At the time of that posting  which she opted for, she likes to stress  Ghanashyam was 37, and had 15 years of experience, including in Syria, Nepal and Belgium.

I was interested in Islamabad because it is a challenging posting. Its one of the most challenging relationships that India has, and I wanted to know more.

She moved there with her husband AR Ghanashyam, also a diplomat, and their two sons, Anant and Aniket, then aged eight and 11. Finding ways to help their sons settle in would be one of the big early challenges.

The children were also often followed, she says.

There were other points of minor conflict, such as when Anikets school teacher complained that he kept standing up in class and arguing when anything unfavourable was said about India. In his own little way, he felt obliged to say something back, she says, smiling. We didnt say anything to him because we recognised that this whole thing was a challenge for him too. And if he managed to argue his case without actually getting into fights, we thought that was admirable.

***

The real drama would begin about a year in. In 1998, India carried out Operation Shakti, its second round of nuclear tests in Pokhran (the first round was Operation Smiling Buddha, in 1974). Anti-India sentiment bloomed.

Pakistan responded with tests of its own about two weeks later, but even so, the unthinkable began to happen. An Indian embassy official, for instance, was brutally assaulted outside his home. This created a furore in Indias Parliament and assurances of safety were given, Ghanashyam says, but everyone on ground was shaken.

About 18 months later, Indias diplomatic forces would be tested as they rarely have been before or since. The Ghanashyams were in Islamabad when the passenger flight IC 814 was hijacked by the Pakistan-based terror outfit Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) on December 24, 1999.

By December 26, it was decided that AR Ghanashyam, who was counsellor for trade and economy, would travel to Kandahar ahead of the team of Indian negotiators working for the release of the 191 people on board.

Since we were generally posted together, we usually ended up working during the holidays, while others went home to India, Ghanashyam says. Thats how he ended up on the team.

The hijackers demanded that India release 36 Pakistani prisoners, exhume and return the body of HuM founder Sajjad Afghani, and pay a ransom of over $200 million, in $100 bills.

The negotiations that played out over the next five days are recounted in harrowing detail by AR Ghanashyam in the book.

The Indian team led by intelligence officer Ajit Doval was finally able to reduce the demands to three prisoners, in exchange for the 191 hostages, one of whom had been killed.

A new six-part miniseries about the hijacking, currently streaming on Netflix is, to be sure, a highly fictionalised version of events, Ruchi Ghanashyam says.

The Hindu code names of the hijackers are accurate. I dont think that should be a reason for anyone to doubt that they were Pakistani. But there are things which they have shown that are just not possible, she adds. Although I have no knowledge of what exactly happened in Kathmandu (where the plane first took off), for instance, they show an officer from the embassy there carrying a weapon. No embassy officer carries a weapon.

***

The book isnt all geopolitical drama. It weaves in endearing details of everyday life too.

An entire chapter is dedicated to the time Ghanashyam and her husband went in search of the fabled Karachi halwa that no one in Karachi seemed to have heard of. Finally, at a famous sweet shop in that city, a perplexed shopkeeper invited them to look for it on the shelves; perhaps it was known by another name here?

They found it! And found the answer. It turned out that Karachi halwa in Karachi is called Bombay halwa, Ghanashyam says, laughing.

In moving passages, she also talks about the dear friends she made across the border. These include a burly tailor nicknamed Masterji, who always delayed her orders, but sent a salwar-kameez over as a gift, after her return to India; and her landlord, Khan Saheb, who was so worried about her familys safety during a period of tense standoffs in Kargil that he offered to post his gunmen in front of her home.

Over the years, Pakistan has been responsible for cross-border terrorism in India. Theres no doubt they are the aggressors, Ghanashyam says. But the warmth and friendship of the people is indisputable too.

***

After Pakistan, the diplomat served at the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in New York, then in Ghana and in South Africa. She retired as high commissioner of India to the UK, in 2020.

The UK posting was one of the most eventful, she says, simply because that country has a larger and more vocal diaspora than anywhere else she has served. Developments in India attract attention and sometimes adverse reactions there, often from the Pakistani-origin community, Ghanashyam says. We faced multiple demonstrations. On one occasion, a window pane was broken.

In retirement, she has served as a columnist, writing on foreign affairs. She still loves to travel, but its never going to be the same, she adds, smiling.

Now we go as tourists and no longer delve into the politics, economy or culture of the people. Perhaps thats what I miss most... living among different people in their countries, immersing myself in their cultures and discovering who they are.
For most of Indian history, one has had to have a compelling reason to move away from the larger family.

A good one was work. In the absence of such a reason, a son who left his parents homestead with his wife and children was primarily seen to be doing so out of discord.

Even when choosing where to shift, family, in the form of more distant relatives, served as a beacon. To this day, Indians new to a city or country may be asked: So, who do you have here? And the answer is rarely: Oh, nobody. It just seemed like a great place to live in.

Whether in Chandigarh, Chennai or Canada, the answer usually involves some sort of kin.

Then came liberalisation, and a boom in such movement. India awoke to new kinds of ambition and aspiration. The tilt towards migration was helped along by the sad fact that rural economies were not growing, and agricultural land holdings were shrinking with each generation.

The decline in traditional occupations has affected the size of the average family in India, as employment moved toward non-traditional jobs and once-joint families became more scattered, says Poonam Muttreja, executive director of the non-profit research and advocacy body Population Foundation of India.

From travel and leisure to sofas and dinnerware, the change in format is visible in the pervasive rule of four. Above, an advertisement for Ikea.

The result is a rise in nuclear families across rural and urban India, because elderly parents left behind by themselves count as nuclear families too.

Because our social ties remain strong, however, the very idea of the nuclear family in India is difficult to pin down, says Sonalde Desai, a demographer, principal investigator for the India Human Development Survey, and professor formerly at University of Maryland and now at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).

According to the 2011 census, there is a whole sub-section of families lying between the conventional joint and nuclear formats. The supplemented nuclear household makes up 16% of the 25 crore households in India, according to census data. These are nuclear families that also contain an unmarried, divorced or widowed relative.

The broken extended family makes up another 4% of total family households. This is a unit in which someone who is without a spouse lives with other relatives of whom at least one is married. For instance, a widow may move in with a sister and brother-in-law, or with a nephew or niece and their spouse and children.

In-laws / parents also rotate between childrens homes, says Desai. Younger siblings and cousins may spend extended periods with married couples as they study, find work and settle, over time, into their own homes.

This broad spectrum of what constitutes a nuclear family is likely to keep changing as family sizes shrink and caregiving responsibility, for both elders and children, is shared more widely.

Lower fertility rates always have implications for elder care. It could, for instance, potentially increase the reliance on institutional care for the elderly. This could further contribute to the decline of the broken extended family and the joint family, Muttreja says.

She predicts further diversification in family structures too. Just last month, she points out, the Reserve Bank of India clarified that there are no restrictions on same-sex or queer couples opening a joint bank account.

These shifts reflect broader societal changes, including greater acceptance of diverse lifestyles and relationships. They will further challenge the traditional joint and nuclear family models, creating a more fluid understanding of family structures.
We tend to think of belly fat as our enemy. Especially for people with obesity, visceral fat can be very challenging to deal with. While people tend to visit the gym to burn calories, what they may not know is that regular exercise can actually turn the enemy  belly fat  in favour of us. A groundbreaking study, led by Jeffrey Horowitz, University of Michigan, suggested an exercise routine that can help people with belly fat to turn it around and make their body fat healthier. The fat under our skin  subcutaneous fat  is considered healthier than visceral fat  the fat that accumulates around the organs or within the organs. (Freepik)

Fat tissue has the reputation of being looked down on as the enemy of the body  however, it does better for us than we know. Also known as adipose tissue, fat tissues help in producing hormones, keeping us warm and storing energy. However, the fat under our skin  subcutaneous fat  is considered healthier than visceral fat  the fat that accumulates around the organs or within the organs.

ALSO READ: Rules to lose belly fat: 10 lifestyle changes to reduce visceral fat

How subcutaneous fat can store extra body fat?

The study focused more on subcutaneous fat  the researchers took samples from people who exercised regularly and studied their subcutaneous fat nature. It was found that subcutaneous fat in people with regular exercise habits showed dramatic improvement, in terms of blood vessels, mitochondria, beneficial proteins, and lesser number of cells causing inflammation in the body.

ALSO READ: Belly fat: Harmful habits that are making you gain visceral fat

In a media release, Jeffrey Horowitz  the lead of the study  said that, it was obseved that regular exercise can modify the way fat tissues store body fat. Long-term exercise showed better results for subcutaneous fat to store body fat in a more effective and healthy way. This further indicates that exercise can help subcutaneous fat to store the extra fat of the body in a heathier way, rather than storing them as visceral fat around or within the organs.

ALSO READ: How hidden belly fat in midlife is connected with Alzheimer's disease: Study

Weight gain and exercise:

With age, we tend to gain some weight. While weight gain is inevitable, the way the body handles the fat and stores it can be controlled with a healthy exercise routine. This can further ensure that the subcutaneous fat can store the extra fat, instead of visceral fat.

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.
Einstein had dyslexia. Hemmingway had it, too. It can affect people their whole lives. New findings may lead to a fresh approach to the learning difficulty. People with dyslexia dont only struggle with words, letters and numbers but also face prejudice from other people. (Zoonar.com/Robert Kneschke/Zoonar/picture alliance )

You may know the feeling: You find it difficult to place sounds and signs.

When you read, the flow can feel halting and monotonous, the sounds fail to blend together.

You read the letters as individual sounds, not the words and meanings they make.

You might even omit letters, syllables or whole words, or swap and add them when you read and write. Or miss mistakes when you write and find it hard to write legibly.

ALSO READ: Dyslexic children today, but tomorrow's future

Learning difficulties that can last a lifetime

Dyslexia occurs in about 5%-10% of people worldwide, making it the most common learning disorder.

The symptoms can present as early as in infancy. Boys are affected two to three times more often than girls.

At school, kids with dyslexia may find it difficult to reproduce or describe the content of texts in a language class  such as a text they have just read.

The difficulties can occur in any school subject, where reading and writing are required, including in mathematics, or when an exercise is presented as a text.

Above all, people with reading and spelling difficulties struggle with prejudices they face because dyslexia accompanies many throughout their lives. First at school, then at work, and in everyday life.

However, dyslexia says nothing about the intellect (or creative talent) of the people who have it. Famous dyslexics include Albert Einstein, Ludwig van Beethoven, Charles Darwin, Ernest Hemingway, Agatha Christie and Whoopi Goldberg and the list goes on.

ALSO READ: Is dyslexia a gift? Here are some surprising benefits

Researchers locate the cause of dyslexia

The causes of dyslexia are not yet fully understood. However, researchers based in Dresden, Germany, say they have been able to show, for the first time, that dyslexia is linked to changes in the function and structure of a specific part of the human brain called the visual thalamus.

The visual thalamus is a key brain region that connects the eyes with the cerebral cortex, which is important to our ability for reasoning, emotion, thought, memory, language and consciousness.

Visual information from the eyes is processed in two separate parts with different tasks: One part is larger than the other and primarily processes colors. The other, smaller part recognizes movements and rapidly changing images.

Structures in the visual thalamus are very difficult to examine using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because the visual thalamus lies deep in the brain and is tiny. Its smaller part, the one described above, is the size of a peppercorn.

ALSO READ: 3 ways to identify early signs of dyslexia in your children

How researchers spotted changes in the visual thalamus

Thanks to a special MRI system at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, researchers were able to study the visual thalamus in unprecedented detail in living humans.

The researchers found that people with dyslexia show changes in the function and structure of the movement-sensitive part of the visual thalamus. These changes are particularly evident in male dyslexics.

Their study, which was published in the journal Brain, involved 25 people with dyslexia and 24 control subjects.

The researchers say it's given them a better understanding of this key brain region.

"[It] paves the way for further research aimed at gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying dyslexia," said Katharina von Kriegstein, chair of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience at TU Dresden, and one of the study authors.

Study shows potential for new dyslexia treatment

The findings could lead to new treatments and therapies, said Christa Muller-Axt, a research associate at TU Dresden, who also worked on the study.

"This could open up possibilities for non-invasive neurostimulation techniques as a promising therapeutic method to modulate the activity of these brain structures and thereby alleviate some dyslexia symptoms," Muller-Axt told the hosts of DW's Science Unscripted podcast.

Muller-Axt said it was crucial that we now know where in the brain dyslexia develops  a "new target directly linked to reading difficulties in dyslexia. And if we target this area and modulate its activity, it could actually help these people in the future."

But it will be some time before new, effective and sustainable therapeutic approaches are developed, said Muller-Axt.
The image of West Bengal chief minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee facing a row of empty white chairs, dressed up with blue bows, waiting and waiting and waiting for doctors to show up, is an intriguing one, especially when it was followed by the embattled CM folding hands and apologising for the failure to break the impasse with protesting doctors, capping it off with a dramatic and emotional ready to resign gambit. Demonstrators attend a protest march to demand an end to the latest spurt of ethnic violence, in Imphal, Manipur, India, September 10, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer (REUTERS)

Of course, the irony of the moment is lost on no one. These comments by the Trinamool Congress chief were live-streamed. And that was the precise issue over which the talks broke down before they could start.

The doctors  agitating for a month over the rape and murder of a young doctor at a government medical college and a series of missteps and attempted cover-ups that evidently followed  had made live-streaming the meeting with the CM a pre-condition. They have remained adamant on this demand, arguing that if the Supreme Court can live-stream the case, there is no reason for the West Bengal government to be diffident. The offer of recording the proceedings and releasing them with a Supreme Court go-ahead has not been accepted by the doctors so far.

In this zero-sum game, one has to see who blinks first. But one cant help but wonder why Banerjee simply did not do what she did this week, right at the beginning of the protests. The folded hands, the mellow tone, the apology for not being able to break the stalemate, the emphasis on her waiting for over two hours for doctors  perhaps had this been the approach in the hours and days after the crime, there would have been no crisis to handle. For a politician born and shaped by agitations, it is surprising that the CM showed a remarkable lack of instinct. Even her revelation that the Kolkata police chief had offered to resign, but it was she who turned it down because of the impending festival season, was bewildering. As one young doctor said to me, Who is thinking of festivities right now?

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may be on the front foot in the state in its criticism of the CM, similar questions about a perplexing lack of instinct should be redirected to the party leadership when it comes to Manipur.

Again, to be clear, I am not at all drawing any literal comparisons between a state where more than 200 people have been killed in violent ethnic clashes since May 2023 and the RG Kar case in West Bengal. The similarity is confined to how politicians respond in times of crisis, big and small. And how common sense seems to betray them when it is most needed.

In Manipur, the BJPs stubborn refusal to remove N Biren Singh as CM is inexplicable. The situation in the state is so alarming that many have likened it to a civil war, where members of the Meitei and Kuki communities can no longer cross over into geographies dominated by the other. A former soldier of the Army was killed this week just because he accidentally crossed the buffer zone that separates the ethnic groups. Women are among 11 people killed since the beginning of this month. Thousands of weapons are in the hands of civilians in both communities, farmers and students.

Keyboard nationalists who otherwise run patriotism tests on everyone else and dont hesitate to label people as anti-national for the slightest dissent seem entirely unmoved at the situation. When former soldier Havaldar Limkholal Mates wife said, as she did to me, that her husband fought for India, but was killed like an animal, where are all the self-appointed arbiters of nationalism? Political party lines have collapsed in Manipur. Of the ten legislators who have asked for the CM to be prosecuted for his role in the strife, seven are from the BJP. I can understand political continuity when the violence is external, for instance, during insurgencies or wartime. But this is a state at war with itself. This is a failure of law and order, yes, but it is, above all, a failure of politics. Removing Singh also affords a chance to bring the clashing parties to the dialogue table, besides being the obviously correct thing to do.

From West Bengal to Manipur, often, the most obvious response is the appropriate one. It is resistance to the obvious that muddies the waters  sometimes, beyond repair.

Barkha Dutt is an award-winning journalist and author. The views expressed are personal
Hindi Divas (Hindi Day), observed every year on September 14, calls for a reflection on the languages journey from adoption as the official language of the Union in 1949 to what it is today and what it is going to be tomorrow. Hindi has been a popular language in the digital world (HT Archive)

Today, Hindi has the fourth-largest speech community in the world. It is commonly spoken in ten states and three Union Territories. As per the 2011 Census, Hindi has 55 distinct varieties, and some of these may have their own dialects. The varieties differ mostly in the use of verb-forms  for example, kha rahi hai (Hindi), khawathe (Chhattisgarhi), khaiche (Bajjika), khatari (Bhojpuri), khane (Kumauni) and khave hai (Rajasthani-Jodhpuri). Hindi and its varieties have a preponderance of Sanskrit vocabulary in primary or derived forms. Mutual intelligibility across Hindis varieties and with other major languages of India stems from the fact that Indian languages have either evolved from Sanskrit or are heavily influenced by it. The Hindi-Urdu speech community is the third-largest globally (after Mandarin and English). Many countries now have sizeable Hindi-speaking populations, making it an international language.

This journey has not been without problems. In a culturally and linguistically diverse country, arriving at a consensus is not always easy. The Constituent Assembly showed remarkable vision in adopting Hindi with the Devanagari script as official language of the Union. This showed Indias true national character as many non-Hindi leaders supported Hindi for independent India. However, continuing with English as an official language indefinitely has not been without controversy. The 22 major languages listed in the Schedule VIII include languages from the Indo Aryan (15), Dravidian (4), Tibeto-Burman (2) and Austro Asiatic (1) families. A classification of our languages on the basis of five prakrits would have made more sense.

Since English posed tough competition, the government took several measures to enrich Hindi and promote its use in administration and education. The Central Hindi Directorate (CHD) was established in 1960 to promote Hindi in non-Hindi regions. The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) was established in 1961 to develop technical terminologies and content so that education and administration could happen through Indian languages. In 1967, the Central Hindi Committee (CHC) was set up. In 1971, the Central Hindi Translation Bureau was set up, followed by the department of official language (DOL) in 1975 to coordinate efforts for the development of Hindi. The Committee of Parliament on Official Language (CPOL) was constituted in 1976. The Central Hindi Training Institute was set up in 1985 to continuously train and facilitate the government officials/staff in using Hindi.

The Centres efforts are coordinated by the DOL. Among the activities led by DOL, the meetings of the CPOL led by the home minister are perhaps the most important. This committee reviews the progress made in the use of Hindi in the official domain and recommends measures to the President for promotion and enrichment of Hindi. The DOL also coordinates the efforts of the Nagar Rajbhasha Karyanvan Samitis and implementation by the government offices/institutions, to monitor Hindis progress in official use. The development of necessary software tools like Kanthastha, a machine translation system, has been a remarkable achievement. Integration of Kanthastha with e-office is another initiative to facilitate the use of Hindi in government offices. LILARajbhasha by CDAC facilitates Hindi-learning through 14 other Indian languages. The credit goes to the DOL for also leading the work on preparation of an online Hindi dictionary called Hindi Shabd Sindhu, an all-inclusive relational database of Hindi including words from various domains, dialects and other major Indian languages making it a truly sarva samaveshi Hindi kosha. This kosha has more than 400,000 headwords and is equipped with an automatic speech recognition. The DOL has been periodically equipping its officers and staff in using Hindi in offices using digital tools.

To popularise Hindi and recognise the efforts to promote Hindi, the DOL organises the annual Hindi Divas celebrations and has been organising the Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan since 2021. Rajbhasha Gaurav and Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar Yojanas by DOL are two popular schemes to promote writing in Hindi.

Hindi has been a popular language in the digital world. Though it ranks very low in its share of websites, it is the fourth most-used language on YouTube. The rise of Indian language users on the internet has also put pressure on software developers to develop tools. The tools from CDAC, Google (Google Assistant, Google Translate), Microsoft (Bing Translator), Microsoft-Swiftkey (mobile keyboard), and Amazon Alexa, among others, have facilitated Hindi, but more efforts are needed in the digital space. The online shabd-sindhu by DOL and searchable glossaries by CSTT are going to become more important in the future.

The forward march of Hindi has been impressive. It has to continue progressing with inclusiveness so that it is truly sarva samaveshi, for the unified and inclusive future of India. On the Artificial Intelligence (AI) front, there is a need to exercise some caution. Implementing AI solutions in a diverse nation as ours has been a challenge for various reasons. However, the current pace of efforts will go a long way in ensuring the suitable implementation of AI for Hindi and other languages.

Girish Nath Jha is chairman, Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology.The views expressed are personal
Ever since Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh facing mass protests at home, resigned, fled, and took refuge in India, the demands for her extradition have been doing the rounds. This demand took concrete legal shape when the chief prosecutor of Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which was re-established in 2010 by the Sheikh Hasina government, said that the legal process to bring Hasina back to Bangladesh had started. Complaints have been filed against Hasina under the ICT for committing genocide and crimes against humanity. Hasina has also been slapped with several other cases for a variety of crimes ranging from murder and torture to enforced disappearance. In this regard, if and when Bangladesh (the requesting State) makes a formal request to India (the requested State) to extradite Hasina, what are New Delhis legal options? FILE PHOTO: Activists of the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement gather at the University of Dhaka's Teacher Student Center (TSC), demanding capital punishment for Bangladeshi former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the deaths of students during anti-quota protests, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 13, 2024. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain/File Photo (REUTERS)

Apart from Indias Extradition Act of 1962, the pivotal legal instrument in the current case is the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty signed by the Sheikh Hasina government in 2013. Section 12(2) of the 1962 Extradition Act extends the relevant parts of Indias extradition law to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh may rely on the 2013 treaty to request Hasinas extradition. Article 1 of the treaty obligates Bangladesh and India to extradite not just those individuals in their territories who have been found guilty of committing an extraditable offence (an offence punishable under the Indian and Bangladeshi laws by at least a one-year jail term) in the other countrys territories. But it also extends to those individuals who have been charged with committing crimes. Thus, Hasina can be extradited even if she is yet to be proven guilty in the Bangladeshi courts. Charging her of these crimes is sufficient to trigger the process of her extradition from India.

Moreover, under Article 10(3) of the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty, to seek extradition, it is sufficient for the requesting State to produce a warrant of arrest issued by a competent authority. There is no need to share the evidence of the crime committed with the requested State. It is critical to note that this is due to an amendment made to the treaty in 2016. The original treaty required the requesting State to share the evidence along with the arrest warrant with the requested State. The requirement to share the evidence of the offence was done away with in 2016 to expedite the extradition of the accused.

Thus, India is under a legal obligation to extradite Sheikh Hasina if Bangladesh makes such a request. However, the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty mentions certain exceptions to extraditing an individual. First, Article 6 provides that extradition may be refused if the offence is of a political character (the political exception). Section 31(1) of the 1962 Extradition Act also provides for this political exception. So, can India rely on these provisions to deny Hasinas extradition? The answer is no because Article 6(2) of the treaty specifically excludes crimes like murder and other crimes that international law recognises such as genocide and crimes against humanity from political offences.

Second, Article 7 allows the requested State to refuse the extradition request if that person would be tried in its courts for the extradition offence. This provision too will not apply to Hasina because there is nothing to show that she will face trial in Indian courts.

Third, Article 8(1)(a)(iii) of the treaty states that a person may not be extradited if he satisfies the requested State that it would, having regard to all the circumstances, be unjust or oppressive to extradite him because the accusation against him has not been made in good faith in the interests of justice. The same principle is reflected in Section 29 of the 1962 Extradition Act. This provision may apply to Hasinas case. Given the circumstances in which she was unseated from power and the fact that her political opponents are running affairs in Bangladesh and baying for her blood, it can be argued that the charges levelled against her are influenced by vendetta and political hostility. If she is returned to Bangladesh, arguably, there is a high risk of her not getting a fair trial. Thus, her extradition will be oppressive and unjust. This interpretation may not be acceptable to the Bangladeshi side who would claim that holding Hasina to account for her autocratic rule is in the interest of justice. The India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty does not provide for any binding adjudicatory mechanism. Thus, both sides can stick to their legal interpretations of Article 8(1)(a)(iii), without any dispute settlement body deciding whose interpretation is correct.

India has another legal option, which will be an extreme one. Article 21(3) of the treaty empowers India to terminate this treaty at any time by giving a notice. The treaty shall cease to have effect six months after the date of the notice. There is nothing in the treaty which says that extradition requests received before the termination will have to be processed by the requested State after the treaty ceases to exist. Whether India will exercise this option would depend on how much India values Hasina, who has been a friend of New Delhi. While New Delhi would like to stand with Hasina, unilaterally terminating the treaty might sour its relations with Dhaka, which India can ill-afford for a variety of strategic and diplomatic relations.

At the end of the day, the call on Hasinas extradition is about politics, not so much about law. But whatever decision India takes, it should dexterously employ international law language to serve its political needs and justify its decision.

Prabhash Ranjan is a professor at the Jindal Global Law School, OP Jindal Global University.The views expressed are personal
Not once did she refer to her gender or the historic possibility of becoming the first woman president of the United States. While referring to the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, not a word was said about the erasure of womens rights in that country. Acknowledging Israels right to defend itself elicited an oblique reference to far too many innocent Palestinians being killed, but the full horror was hardly on display. TOPSHOT - US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event in Greensboro, North Carolina, on September 12, 2024. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (AFP)

Global woman icon? Hardly. Flawed? Definitely. And yet Kamala Harris might just be the voice the world needs right now.

The optics of a Harris win would certainly be very interesting, said Akshi Chawla, curator of WomenLead, which tracks the progress of women in politics globally. Already, Mexico has elected its first woman head of State, Claudia Sheinbaum, who, at 61, is just a couple of years older than Harris. The possibility of another North American country being led by a woman is certainly powerful, added Chawla.

In 2023, womens political representation grew by just 0.4 percentage points with 26.9% female members of parliament as compared to 2022, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

It was also a year that saw three prominent women leaders  New Zealands Jacinda Ardern, Finlands Sanna Marin and Scotlands Nicola Sturgeon  quitting, citing burnout and exhaustion. A win for Harris will mean a win for womens representation in a world dominated by muscular male political leaders.

Eight years ago, another presidential debate saw Trump prowling on the stage, standing uncomfortably close to Hillary Clinton. She lost and the cost of Trumps presidency became clear when his hand-picked judges rolled back abortion rights, taking American women back half a century. Never has gender mattered as much or been as polarising as in the post-Trump years.

Globally, gender equality has stagnated or declined in 40% of countries between 2019 and 2022, according to Equal Measures 2030, a coalition of non-profits.

Events of the past month have unfolded like a horror film in slo-mo: Women marching in Kolkata, industrial-level sexual exploitation unmasked in Kerala, a husband accused of inviting over 80 men in France to rape his wife who he drugged unconscious, the banning of womens voices along with their faces and bodies in Afghanistan, not to forget the ongoing battles in pretty much every nation in the world from Iran to Brazil.

Harriss dismissal of Trump is a masterclass. That she did it with such finesse, an arched eyebrow here, a smirk there and outright laughter elsewhere made it all the more delicious. If Trump had once dismissed her as nuts because of the way she laughs, then she chose to laugh openly, and repeatedly, at him, for instance when he spoke about immigrants eating the dogs.

Trump did not stalk Harris the way he did Clinton. But his disrespect was apparent when he constantly referred to her or she, not by the constitutional office she holds, or even just her name.

Harriss victory is by no means assured. But women all over the world will be watching and hoping.

Namita Bhandare writes on gender. The views expressed are personal
Ather Energy, the electric two-wheeler manufacturer, recently hosted an Onam celebration at its office, providing employees with a traditional sadya feast. However, what was meant to be a festive gathering quickly spiralled into an online controversy after a social media post revealed an unusual addition to the festive Kerala meal: chapati. Ather Energy's Onam celebration sparked outrage online after including chapati in the traditional Sadya.(X/@tarunsmehta)

(Also read: Nikhil Kamath's sh*t marketing jibe at Ather Energy gets a witty comeback from Bengaluru CEO)

The post, shared by Bengaluru-based Ather's co-founder Tarun Mehta on X (formerly Twitter), showcased the celebration, with one image drawing particular attentiona chapati included in the sadya. This sparked outrage from social media users, who were quick to criticise the company for deviating from the traditional vegetarian feast served during Keralas biggest cultural festival.

The sacredness of sadya

The Onam sadya is a key highlight of the festival, known for its elaborate spread, which includes dishes like avial, pachadi, erissery and payasam, all served on a banana leaf. Onam itself celebrates the return of the mythical King Mahabali and is a significant cultural event in Kerala.

For many, the inclusion of chapaticommonly associated with northern Indiawas seen as a cultural misstep. The sadya is not just a meal but a symbol of tradition, togetherness, and Keralas rich culinary heritage.

Social media reacts

Mehtas post immediately caught the attention of X users, who did not hesitate to express their displeasure. One user, Sidin Vadukut, reacted sharply, stating, If that is a chapati, then the rest of my life is dedicated to taking down this company. Apologies, you seem like nice people. But there is a limit. And you have crossed it.

Another user expressed frustration, saying, Vadaks (people from the north) stop butchering south Indian culture challenge

Lavanya, sharing her dismay, wrote, Why take something authentic and ruin it? No one would have had a problem if you guys had got a North Indian meal box for everyone! Its a harvest festival after all.

Devika Rajeevelse commented, Much as I love it when non-Malayalis celebrate Onam, I really must draw the line at rotis as part of sadya. Pliss stop this madness!

The significance of Onam sadya

Onam, celebrated from September 6 to 15 this year, is an integral part of Keralas cultural identity. The sadya, meaning "banquet," is a grand meal symbolising abundance, prosperity, and community. Consisting of around 24 to 28 dishes, each is served in a specific order, representing harmony between nature, culture, and the spirit of sharing.
The magic of Harry Potter will return to the screen sometime in 2026, thanks to HBO working on a TV adaptation of the generation-defining book series by JK Rowling. Earlier this week, HBO announced an open casting call for young actors to play the roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger in the television series. The casting call has naturally renewed the Harry Potter craze among die-hard Potterheads. Harry Potter quiz: How many of these Harry Potter questions can you answer correctly?

The Harry Potter craze began in the late 1990s when British author J.K. Rowling released the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (also known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone in the United States). By the time the fourth book in series  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire  hit the bookshelves, Harry Potter fans were lining up outside bookstores at midnight. The HP fanbase only became bigger with the movie adaptations of the beststelling books.

It is hard to encapsulate in words the craze and the frenzy generated by the Harry Potter books and movies. Indeed, it would be fair to say that no series since has come close to the Harry Potter phenomenon. But it has been quite some time since the last Harry Potter book - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - was released. So how well do you remember the books by JK Rowling?

Take the Harry Potter quiz to find out:

How much did you score in this Harry Potter quiz?
Pravin Gordhan, who held three positions in South Africas cabinet and won plaudits for standing up to Jacob Zuma during his scandal-marred presidency, has died. He was 75. Indian-origin South African leader Pravin Gordhan died in hospital after battling cancer.(AFP)

Gordhan died in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after battling cancer, his family said in an emailed statement.

A veteran anti-apartheid activist and high-ranking member of the African National Congress, Gordhan made a name for himself within government by leading an overhaul of the national tax agency years before serving under Jacob Zuma.

Recruited to the post in 1999 by then-Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, Gordhan served as commissioner of the South African Revenue Service for a decade and transformed it into a world-class organization, overhauling its systems and recruiting a new team of highly skilled personnel. Government revenue more than tripled during his tenure as an additional 1.5 million people were drawn into the tax net.

Finance Minister

Zuma was appointed president in 2009  weeks after prosecutors dropped charges against him of taking bribes from arms dealers  and tapped Gordhan to replace Manuel as finance minister. Gordhan steered the economy through the aftermath of the global financial crisis, and the economy grew by an average of about 1.8% annually during the five years he held the post.

After winning a second term in 2014, Zuma assigned the finance portfolio to Nhlanhla Nene and named Gordhan as cooperative governance and traditional affairs minister. Linked to a succession of scandals, Zuma in 2015 fired Nene and replaced him with a little-known lawmaker, David van Rooyen.

The move triggered a selloff in the rand and the nations bonds, and business and ruling-party leaders pressured Zuma to reconsider. Four days later, he announced that Gordhan and Van Rooyen would swap portfolios.

But Zuma repeatedly undermined Gordhans authority, describing Van Rooyen as the most qualified finance minister hed ever appointed and rebuffing Gordhans request to fire tax chief Tom Moyane for insubordination. Gordhan defied Zumas attempts to open the spending taps and finance a nuclear-expansion program, presenting a national budget that proposed spending curbs and higher taxes.

Fraud Charges

In 2016, prosecutors said Gordhan would face two fraud charges for illegally approving the early retirement of a subordinate, resulting in 1.1 million rand ($61,000) of wasteful expenditure. Civil-rights groups, the heads of some of South Africas biggest companies and scores of ANC leaders rallied to Gordhans defense, and the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.

Gordhan said hed been the victim of persecution and political mischief driven by rent-seekers intent on accessing state coffers.

In March 2017, Gordhan flew to London to promote South Africa as an investment destination, and upon his arrival he received a message from Zumas office instructing him to return home. He was fired shortly thereafter, part of a major cabinet reshuffle that saw Zuma appoint loyalists to key posts.

Zuma stood down as ANC leader in December 2017 and the ANC forced him to quit as president two months later to stem a loss of electoral support. A judicial commission of inquiry found that state entities were systematically looted during Zumas almost nine-year tenure with his tacit consent.

Rolling Blackouts

Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded Zuma, named Gordhan as his public enterprises minister and tasked him with turning around mismanaged, cash-strapped state companies. While their boards and management teams were overhauled, they continued to underperform, resulting in the country being subjected to rolling power blackouts and logistics snarlups that hamstrung the economy.

Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan was born on April 12, 1949, in the eastern port city of Durban, the son of traders who had immigrated to South Africa from India in the 1920s.

He became immersed in the struggle against White-minority rule while studying pharmacy and was detained three times for his political activism, enduring torture at the hands of the police. He played a key role in negotiating a peaceful end to apartheid and became a lawmaker for the party after the nations first multiracial elections in 1994.

Gordhan announced his retirement ahead of May 2024 elections and had kept a low profile since then. He had a daughter, Anisha, with his wife, Vanitha.
A video of a woman talking about being a Chinese Hindu while staying in Singapore has gone viral. She and her grandma open up about how life is and how their neighbours treat them. She further talks about being friends with Hindus from India because of her faith. The image shows a woman and her grandma in Singapore. They are Chinese Hindus. (Instagram/@growingupguptas)

The digital creator, who goes by growingupguptas, shared the video on Instagram. Did you know that there are Chinese Hindus? reads one part of the caption.

In the video, Estella and her grandma, Mdm Tan, share how they were introduced to Hinduism and talk about running a home temple.

Mdm Tan smiles as she shares how her neighbours are tolerant and accepting. She also speaks about building friendships with the local Hindu community and celebrating festivals together.

Estella shares the misconceptions people often have about race and religion, where they think both are the same. Due to this, she often gets asked, Are you sure? when she tells people that she is a Chinese Hindu.

Watch the viral video here:

The video has over 2.8 lakh views - and the numbers are only increasing. The share has further accumulated several likes and comments.

How did Instagram users react to this video?

I have experienced Chinese Hindus in Singapore blessing their shop in the morning. Exactly the same Tamil prayers to the Hindu Gods, wrote an Instagram user. Another added, I am of a Singaporean Hindu family too.

A third commented, Oh wow, that is so sweet. A fourth expressed, I watched this originally when a specific YouTube channel published it, and I did not even know Chinese Hindus were a natural demographic, but it makes sense. I asked one of my fathers friends who lived in Singapore. And yes, he was experienced from his early 20s onwards. A few people also wrote beautiful to show their reactions to the video.

According to an article by the Times of India, the early influence of Hinduism in China can be traced to the spread of Buddhism. Certain Hindu ideas also sipped into the cultural structures. Ancient Indian traditions like Yoga and meditation chanting were adopted by some in Chinese society.

Several Hindu temples and symbolic motifs have also been discovered in Southeast China, owing to the Tamil merchant guilds of Manugramam and Ayyavole, who resided in the area.

What are your thoughts on this video on Chinese Hindus in Singapore?
LONDON  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. Animal rights groups object to Buckingham Palace guard's distinctive bearskin caps

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.

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.

The cost of the caps rose from 1,560 pounds each in 2022 to 2,040 pounds in 2023, the ministry said. More than 1 million pounds 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.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
At the Haojue showroom in Kigali, Rwandas capital, Gaston Kamo dusts the latest models ruby-red fuel tank. With motorcycles you can go everywhere, even muddy roads, says the salesman for the Chinese manufacturer. The gleaming 125cc bike costs 1.25m Rwandan francs (around $1,000). Much less than a car, adds Mr Kamo, gently angling for his cut.

Cheap bikes from China and India are roaring about Kigali and many other cities. Africa has about 27m registered motorbikes, up from fewer than 5m in 2010, according to a report by the FIA Foundation, a global road-safety charity, and Amend, an NGO. Some 80% are used for deliveries or as two-wheel taxis, which are known by various names including okada, and boda boda. They are transforming mobility in Africa.

Behind the rise is a story of supply and demand. Brands from China (such as Haojue) and India (such as Bajaj) are cheap enough for the average African rider. Some have set up assembly plants in countries such as Togo and Angola. Many have done deals with financial firms that offer loans to pay for the wheels. Some are now also selling electric motorcycles.

Africas urban population will almost double from 491m in 2015 to 966m in 2035, reckons the UN. Walking across sprawling cities takes ages and, in the absence of pavements, can be dangerous. Motorcycles are cheaper than car taxis (roughly half the price for a trip of the same distance) and often faster. The average car commuter in Lagos spends 30 hours a week in traffic, according to one survey.

Around a third of taxis carry cargo and connect small towns to each other and to rural villages. In 2020 there were 8,784 African agglomerations with at least 10,000 people, up from 2,360 in 1980, according to Africapolis, a research project of the OECD, a group of mainly rich countries. Motorbikes make it easier to get from one to anotherthe average distance between two agglomerations is 20km, down from 35km four decades agoincluding connections with other forms of transport.

The two-wheelers are vital for the informal economy that makes up 86% of employment in Africa. If you were to take them away, the economies of most sub-Saharan African cities would collapse, argues Roger Behrens of the University of Cape Town. They are a major source of jobs for young men (just 1% of drivers are female) at a time when African working-age populations are expanding faster than formal jobs. There are at least 1.5m riders in Kenya alone, more than 50% of the number of public employees.

Some effects are less welcome. Motorcycles are noisy and add to air pollution. And they crash. Africa has 3% of the worlds motorised vehicles (of all types) but accounts for nearly one-fifth of all road deaths globally, according to a report by the UNs WHO, published last month. Motorcycles are a big part of the carnage.

Only around half of drivers wear helmets in Kampala (Ugandas capital), Lagos (Nigerias commercial megalopolis) and Maputo (Mozambiques capital); passengers are even less likely to do so. Only eight African countries have best practice laws on helmets, notes the WHO. And these are often patchily enforced. Rwanda, however, insists that both rider and passenger wear helmetsand actually enforces the law.

At various times some governments, such as Ghanas, have banned motorcycle taxis. Some of the largest cities in Senegal, Nigeria and Ivory Coast have had them banned, sometimes because they are associated with crime. In other cases politicians simply think motorcycles are a nuisance and get in the way of their own cars (often large SUVs). These bans can be very personal sometimes, says Tom Courtright, a researcher based in Nairobi, who co-authored the FIA Foundation report.

Yet the bans tend to be evaded or withdrawn. This is partly because large groups of young men can be influential in politics, so cannot be ignored for long. Indeed, some political parties have tried to co-opt riders as ready-made youth wings. But the main reason why bans dont work is that there is simply no good alternative for millions of Africans trying to get around.

Sign up to the Analysing Africa, a weekly newsletter that keeps you in the loop about the worlds youngestand least understoodcontinent.
JAKARTA, Sept 13 - Indonesia plans to upgrade the quality of subsidised and polluting fuels, while also selling them to fewer vehicles, in a bid to improve the air quality in the capital Jakarta and other big cities, a senior government official said. Indonesia to cut subsidised fuel sales to limit pollution, official says

Southeast Asia's biggest economy currently implements a blanket subsidy for the widely used 90-octane gasoline and some biodiesel, which have high sulphur content that contributes to the persistent air pollution in major cities.

The government will order state energy firm Pertamina to lower the sulphur content of these fuels and limit their sales, said Rachmat Kaimuddin, deputy coordinating minister overseeing transportation sector.

Some of the fuel subsidies will then be reallocated to Pertamina to help it fund the cost of producing cleaner fuels, he told reporters late on Thursday.

The company will ban sales of these fuels to certain cars, he added, without giving details. Pertamina has said it would provide a QR code for each buyer to track fuel purchases. Earlier this month, 4 million vehicles have been assigned a QR code, the company said.

"The distribution of subsidised fuels must be targeted," Rachmat said, adding that the government would not increase prices of these fuels, and that motorbikes, public transportation vehicles, taxis and cars used for ride sharing will still be eligible to buy them.

The government's proposal for the 2025 budget has included a plan for energy subsidy reform. The proposal is currently being discussed in parliament and an approval is expected later in September.

Indonesia has allocated 335 trillion rupiah for energy subsidies, including for electricity and some cooking gas, for 2024 and 394.3 trillion rupiah in the 2025 budget, Finance Ministry data showed.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
* Malaysian police to summon Islamic firm as more evidence of child sex abuse emerges

Police cite evidence of neglect, physical, emotional injuries

*

GISB denies sexual abuse, running charity homes

*

Minors mostly children of GISB members

*

PM urges swift investigation

By Rozanna Latiff, Danial Azhar

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 - Malaysian police said on Friday they will summon the top management of an Islamic business group, after children rescued from charity homes allegedly run by the firm suffered injuries consistent with sexual and physical assault. Police this week rescued 402 children and youths in raids carried out at 20 premises that they said were operated by Islamic conglomerate Global Ikhwan Services and Business . GISB has said they did not run the homes and denied allegations of sexual abuses at the properties. A GISB spokesperson said on Friday the firm had yet to be summoned by police.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said 172 of those rescued have undergone physical and mental health screenings, with many showing old and new injuries as well as indications of emotional trauma and stunted growth.

Some of the children were disabled or sick, while 13 had been sodomised, Razarudin said.

The case has sparked outrage in Muslim-majority Malaysia, with some critics questioning why action had not been taken earlier after police said it had received complaints on GISB as far back as 2011.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday he instructed authorities to investigate without delay and take swift action against GISB should any misconduct be found, state news agency Bernama reported.

Of 171 people arrested during the raids, 159 have been detained pending investigation, while others were found to have been minors and released, Razarudin said.

Four men and one woman are being investigated in connection with the sodomy cases, he added.

LINK TO BANNED SECT

Razarudin said police will call up GISB's board for questioning and did not discount the possibility of further arrests or raids on premises linked to the group. He did not say when they would be summoned, citing pending investigations.

The firm, which has been linked to a banned Islamic religious sect in Malaysia, is involved in businesses ranging from supermarkets to laundromats with operations in 20 countries, 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.

Razarudin said the minors were mostly third or fourth generation GISB members, whose parents worked for the company and would abandon their children at ages as young as two.

"We found examples of children whose parents worked in Saudi Arabia for six years, but their kids remain here... this is a form of neglect, abuse and exposure," he said, adding some had not seen their parents in years.

He said authorities screened 392 children who were being held in police facilities, while those who were sick or with special needs had been transferred to the welfare department and health ministry for further care.

Razarudin said the probe may be expanded to include allegations of cheating and money laundering, and urged potential victims to come forward.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
* Nine European countries protest against IMF resuming missions to Russia

IMF consultations with Russia to start next week

*

Nine countries protest in letter to IMF head

*

EU finance officials expected to seek explanation

By Jan Strupczewski

BUDEST, Sept 13 - Nine European countries protested on Friday against the International Monetary Fund's plans to resume missions to Russia, saying it would damage the reputation of the Fund to resume dialogue with a country that has invaded another.

After Moscow's all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the IMF stopped its annual consultations with Russia, which the Washington-based lender of last resort does for all its members.

But on Sept 2, the IMF's Russian executive director Aleksei Mozhin told Reuters the Fund would re-start online consultations on Sept. 16, and continue with an IMF delegation visit to Moscow for meetings with Russian officials until Oct. 1.

"We would like to express our strong dissatisfaction with such IMF plans," the finance ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Poland said in a letter to IMF head Kristalina Georgieva, seen by Reuters.

Georgieva is attending a meeting of EU finance ministers and central bankers in Budapest and they will ask her about the IMF's plans there, EU officials said.

"What recommendations does the IMF want to give Russia at the end of the consultation? How to better run a war economy?" one senior euro zone official said.

The letter said that as an aggressor country, Russia should not get the benefit of IMF advice and noted that if the IMF went through with its plans, it would diminish the willingness of donor countries to support Ukraine through IMF initiatives, because it would undermine trust in the IMF.

"Donors can choose other institutions like the World Bank or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development," the senior official said.

The letter also said any data Russia would provide the IMF would be censored to show the country's economy was allegedly doing well and resisting Western sanctions, making the IMF's assessment inaccurate.

Moscow would also use mission for its own propaganda purposes and it would damage the IMF's reputation, it said.

"We thus call on the IMF not to resume cooperation with Russia and to remain committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," the nine countries said.

"We urge all international financial institutions, including the IMF and its management, to continue refraining from the activities involving the aggressor state and not to resume dialogue as long as Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine," the letter said.

The IMF said on Thursday its planned visit to Russia was in line with its regular obligations as well as those of Russia as a member country.

The IMF's last annual mission visited Russia in November 2019, before the start of the COVID pandemic. There have been no IMF missions to Russia since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine.

Many Western nations raised the possibility of Russias expulsion from the IMF in the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion, but that proved difficult because of reluctance from other members with large voting quotas such as China and India.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
North Korea released images of its uranium enrichment facility for the first time on Friday, showing leader Kim Jong Un touring it as he called for more centrifuges to boost his nuclear arsenal. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tours facilities during a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials at an undisclosed location in North Korea,(KCNA via Reuters)

The country, which conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and is under rafts of UN sanctions for its banned weapons programmes, has never publicly disclosed details of its uranium enrichment facility.

Such facilities produce highly enriched uranium -- which is needed to produce nuclear warheads -- by spinning the original material in centrifuges at high speeds.

Kim toured the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the "production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials," the official Korean Central News Agency reported, without giving the location of the facility or the date of the visit.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tours facilities during a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials at an undisclosed location in North Korea, in this photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency September 13, 2024. (KCNA via Reuters)

Kim "stressed the need to further augment the number of centrifuges in order to exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defence," state media reported, publishing images of Kim inspecting rows of centrifuges.

Kim "acquainted himself with the production of nuclear warheads and current nuclear materials," the report said.

Also Read | North Korea's Kim Jong Un vows to increase nuclear weapons exponentially

The North Korean leader was briefed about the facility "dynamically producing nuclear materials by studying, developing and introducing all the system elements including centrifugal separators," KCNA said.

Kim urged the facility to "push forward the introduction of a new-type centrifuge... so as to further strengthen the foundation for producing weapon-grade nuclear materials".

Kim also "stressed the need to set a higher long-term goal in producing nuclear materials necessary", added KCNA.

North Korea's nuclear weapons programmes are banned by UN sanctions, but the country has long flouted the restrictions, thanks in part to support from allies Russia and China.

- Message for US? -

Experts said the sudden public disclosure of the North's uranium enrichment facility could be intended to impact the US presidential election in November.

The images are "a message to the next administration that it will be impossible to denuclearise North Korea", Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP.

"It is also a message demanding other countries to acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear state," he added.

It is unlikely that the disclosure will be quickly followed by another nuclear test, he 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 had been damaged by floodwaters.

North Korea's main nuclear test site "is in very bad condition. All roads and railways have been lost due to rain damage, and the ground is very weakened," Hong added.

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.

On Thursday, Seoul said the North had fired multiple short range ballistic missiles into waters east of the Korean peninsula.

But KCNA said in a separate dispatch Friday that this had been a test of a "new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher" which was overseen by Kim.

hs/ceb/mca
Lahore, A Pakistani court on Friday gave a "last and final opportunity" to the Punjab government to respond to a petition seeking contempt proceedings against it for not complying with the court's order regarding naming the Shadman Chowk in Lahore after Independence war hero Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Pak court gives 'final opportunity' to Punjab govt to reply on petition naming chowk after Shaheed Bhagat Singh

Lahore High Court Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza on Friday in a hearing on the petition filed by Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan gave "a last and final opportunity to the Punjab government to respond to the matter".

Punjab Assistant Advocate General Saad Bin Gazi appeared before the court and sought more time to reply.

"Upon the request of the Punjab Assistant Advocate General, a last and final opportunity is given to government to respond on the matter," the judge said in his order.

The petitioner's counsel Advocate Khalid Zaman Khan Kakar told the court that there had already been a lot of delay in this matter and it should be decided forthwith.

The court, however, adjourned the proceedings till November 8.

The foundation chairman, Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, filed the contempt petition for the government's failure to name the Shadman Chowk after Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Qureshi said the Lahore High Court in 2018 had ordered the Punjab government to name the Shadman Chowk, where Shaheed Bhagat Singh was hanged in 1931, after the independence war hero.

"But both the government deliberately did not comply with the LHC's order and thus committed contempt," he said.

"It will be in the interest of justice to name Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh and also install his statue at the square to inspire the people of Pakistan and the world," Qureshi said.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh, who fought for the independence of undivided India, was hanged by the British rulers on March 23, 1931, along with his comrades Raj Guru and Sukh Dev following their trial on charges of hatching a conspiracy against the British regime.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh was initially jailed for life but later awarded a death sentence in another fabricated case.

The freedom fighter is respected in the Indian subcontinent not only by Sikhs and Hindus but also by Muslims.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
MANILA, Sept 13 - Philippine celebrity pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God", pleaded not guilty on Friday to charges of sex trafficking, his lawyer said. Philippine 'Son of God' preacher pleads not guilty to sex trafficking charges

"He is innocent," lawyer Israelito Torreon told reporters after an arraignment in Manila. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for October, Torreon said.

Quiboloy is also facing charges of child abuse before another court.

"It is our firm belief that the truth regarding the alleged criminal acts of Apollo C. Quiboloy and his co-accused will ultimately be disclosed," Joahna Paula Domingo, a co-counsel of the alleged victim, said in a statement released ahead of the morning arraignment.

"It is worthy to note that these cases have been filed in 2019 and we have long been seeking justice for the complainant since then," she said.

Quiboloy and four other co-accused arrived in a police minibus around 45 minutes before his scheduled arraignment. Handcuffed and in an orange detainee shirt, the preacher was almost unrecognisable underneath a bulletproof helmet and vest.

Quiboloy, who is facing a raft of charges in the Philippines and the United States including sex trafficking, money laundering and child abuse, was arrested on Sunday after a weeks-long search of his church's sprawling 30-hectare compound by more than 2,000 security personnel.

When asked by a reporter as he arrived at court what his message to followers was, he said "tatag lang, tatag lang, Filipino words for 'stay strong, stay strong'.

Quiboloy is followed by millions of people in the Philippines, where church leaders hold heavy sway in politics. He is a longtime friend of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
- Russia's FSB security service said on Friday it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow whose actions it said showed signs of spying and sabotage work. Russia expels six British diplomats it accuses of spying and sabotage activity

Britain's embassy in Moscow did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The FSB, the main successor agency to the Soviet KGB, said it had documents showing that a British foreign office department in London responsible for Eastern Europe and Central Asia was coordinating what it called "the escalation of the political and military situation" and was tasked with ensuring Russia's strategic defeat in its war against Ukraine.

"Thus, the facts revealed give grounds to consider the activities of British diplomats sent to Moscow by the directorate as threatening the security of the Russian Federation," the FSB said in a statement.

"In this connection, on the basis of documents provided by the Federal Security Service of Russia and as a response to the numerous unfriendly steps taken by London, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, in co-operation with the agencies concerned, has terminated the accreditation of six members of the political department of the British Embassy in Moscow in whose actions signs of spying and sabotage were found," it said.

The six diplomats were named on Russian state TV, which also showed photographs of them.

"The English did not take our hints about the need to stop this practice ,so we decided to expel these six to begin with," an FSB employee told the Rossiya-24 state TV channel.

The FSB said Russia would ask other British diplomats to go home early if they were found to be engaged in similar activity.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was cited by the state TASS news agency as saying the activities of the British embassy in Moscow had gone well beyond diplomatic convention and accusing it of carrying out deliberate activity designed to harm the Russian people.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
* Russia produces new kamikaze drone with Chinese engine, say European intel sources

Russia started producing new long-range attack drone last year, intelligence sources say

*

More than 2,500 Garpiya drones were produced in the year to July, intelligence shows

*

New Russian-made drone has Chinese engines and parts, documents indicate

*

Garpiya would reduce Russian reliance on Iranian drones, expert says

By Anthony Deutsch, Tom Balmforth

KYIV, Sept 13 - Russia started producing a new long-range attack drone called the Garpiya-A1 last year using Chinese engines and parts, which it has deployed in the war in Ukraine, according to two sources from a European intelligence agency and documents seen by Reuters.

The intelligence  which included a production contract for the new drone, company correspondence on the manufacturing process and financial documents - indicated that IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned weapons maker Almaz-Antey, produced more than 2,500 Garpiyas from July 2023 to July 2024.

The existence of the new Russian drone incorporating Chinese technology has not been previously reported. IEMZ Kupol and Almaz-Antey did not respond to requests for comment. The two intelligence sources said that the Garpiya, which means Harpy in Russian, has been deployed against military and civilian targets in Ukraine, causing damage to critical infrastructure as well as both civilian and military casualties.

They shared with Reuters what they said were images from Ukraine of the wreckage of a Garpiya, without providing further details. Reuters found information that reinforces this conclusion, but was unable to confirm the images independently.

The sources asked that neither they nor their agency be identified due to the sensitivity of the information. They also asked that certain details, such as dates, related to the documents be withheld.

Samuel Bendett, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington DC-based think tank, told Reuters that Garpiya, if confirmed, would mark a departure from Russia's reliance on Iranian designs for long-range drones.

"If this is happening, it could indicate that Russia can now rely more on domestic development as well as, obviously, on China, since both sides in this war depend on many Chinese components for drone production," he said.

Iran, which didn't comment for this story, has supplied more than a thousand Shahed "kamikaze" drones to Russia since the start of the invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in May last year.

They have been used to exhaust Ukrainian air defences and hit infrastructure far from the front lines. Iran has repeatedly denied sending drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Russia's defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment for this story. The Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement to Reuters that Beijing strictly controls the export of items with potential military applications, including drones. "With regard to the Ukrainian crisis, China has always been committed to promoting peace talks and political settlement," the statement said. It added that there were no international restrictions on China's trade with Russia.

NATO PEAL NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg last week called on China to stop supporting Russia's war in Ukraine and said Beijing's assistance has been a significant factor in the continuation of the conflict.

The Garpiya "closely resembles the Shahed" but it has several distinguishing features, including a unique bolt-on fin and Limbach L-550 E engines, the European agency said in a statement to Reuters. The engine, which was originally designed and manufactured by a German company, is now produced in China by a local firm, Xiamen Limbach. The company did not respond to a request for comment.

Reuters reviewed a contract worth more than 1 billion rubles signed in the first quarter of 2023 between the Russian defence ministry and Kupol for the development of a factory to produce the drones.

The intelligence sources said a former cement factory situated in Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic, in western Russia  which was purchased by Kupol in 2020 - is being used to produce the drones. Using a video of a Russian drone production facility posted on the Telegram messaging app, Reuters was able to identify the site as the factory in Izhevsk from the colour and design of the building's beams and internal architecture which matched file imagery of the site. The location of the file imagery was verifiable from nearby buildings, roads, and trees that matched street views and satellite imagery.

A prototype of the Garpiya was launched in the first half of 2023, company communications showed. Production reached several hundred in the second half of 2023 and more than doubled to around 2,000 in the first half of 2024, the agency said.

Bendett, the defence analyst, said 2,500 drones per year would represent a sizeable chunk of Russia's output. Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said last month that Russia has fired nearly 14,000 strike drones since it invaded in February 2022, including the Iranian Shahed as well as the Russian-made Geran-2 and Lancet drones. Corporate documents dated from the second quarter of 2023, reviewed by Reuters, showed that supplier TSK Vektor procured parts from Chinese companies for assembly at the Kupol site; 800 Chinese engines were also to be delivered to the new plant where the production line was due to ready by end of the quarter.

TSK Vektor did not respond to request for comment.

The European intelligence service said in the statement it was concerned that Chinese companies were continuing to provide components that enabled Russian production of large kamikaze drones. "The export of the essential components to Russia needs to stop," it said.

UNITED STATES VOICES CONCERN

Washington has repeatedly warned Beijing over its support for Russia's defence industry. It has imposed hundreds of sanctions aimed at curbing Moscow's ability to exploit certain technologies for military purposes. The State Department and the White House did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

In July, China said it would tighten drone export rules starting on Sept. 1. Beijing has said U.S. sanctions on Chinese entities over the Ukraine war are "illegal and unilateral".

The Garpiya has a take-off weight of less than 300 kilos and a maximum range of 1,500 kilometres, the production contract between Kupol and the Russian defense ministry said  roughly similar to Irans Shahed-136 drones that Moscow has used extensively in Ukraine.

The Washington Post reported in August that Russia aimed to increase production of a domestic version of the Shahed-136, known as the Geran-2, at a plant in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, in Tatarstan. Ukraine said in April it had carried out a drone strike against a drone manufacturing plant at Alabuga.

A third document reviewed by Reuters - a delivery status update between the intermediary TSK Vektor and the manufacturer Kupol, dated in the first quarter of 2024 - detailed an order for 100 axles, carburettors and other Limbach engine parts supplied by two other Chinese companies: Juhang Aviation Technology and Redlepus Vector Industries, both based in Shenzhen.

Juhang, which was placed under British sanctions in February and U.S. sanctions in May for providing Russia with drone equipment, and Redlepus did not respond to requests for comment.

Customs data, obtained from a commercial supplier that records and compiles the information, showed that from April 2022 to December 2023, TSK Vektor imported $36.3 million in goods from Chinese Juhang Aviation Technology, and $6.2 million from Redlepus TSK Vector Industrial Shenzhen Co Ltd.

According to the customs documents, the goods included aircraft engines, transistors, electronic modules, connectors, plugs and sockets, spare parts and components most of them marked as "for general civil purpose", "for general industrial purpose", "for general civil use".

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
MOSCOW, Sept 13 - President Vladimir Putin has delivered a clear message to the West about the consequences it will face if it allows Ukraine to hit Russian territory with Western long-range missiles, the Kremlin said on Friday. Russia says Putin has sent clear message to the West on long-range missiles for Ukraine

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.

"The statement made by President Putin yesterday is very important. It is extremely clear, unambiguous and does not allow for double readings. We have no doubt that this statement reached those it was intended for," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

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.

U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss whether to give the go-ahead for such strikes at talks in Washington on Friday.

Putin said on Thursday that such a move would drag the countries supplying Kyiv with long-range missiles directly into the war. He said satellite targeting data and programming of the missiles' flight paths would have to be provided by NATO military personnel, as Kyiv did not have the capabilities itself.

"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," he said, and Russia would be forced to take "appropriate decisions".

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The royal family may have treated Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with several snubs, but the Dukes birthday this year wont leave him empty-handed. All thanks to arrangements previously orchestrated by his late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, the Duke of Sussexs 40th birthday bash on Sunday will eventually reel in a massive care package worth millions from the royal side of things. Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex waves as he arrives to attend a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, at St Paul's Cathedral in central London, on May 8, 2024. (AFP)

Following a months-long debate in the spotlight, a former royal staffer has stepped forward, seemingly affirming that there is no way Harry will turn down his inheritance. The grand birthday gift will give him and his wife Meghan Markles estimated net worth of $60 million an $8.5 million boost.

Ive no doubt that Harry will accept it, its money thats owed to him, money thats coming to him, King Charles ex-royal butler Grant Harrold told The New York Post. As far as the old staffers perception extends, he doesnt see the Duke of Sussex declining the money, which is his right, especially since its already something that has been set in place for years now.

Also read | Taylor Swift's Dems support pushes Kamala era ads to take over NYC, Las Vegas on the day of Trump's upcoming rally

Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly thought Prince Harry was undeserving of the cash bonus

Previous reports had insinuated that tensions in the royal household had hit an all-time high, with the late Queen Mothers trust fund payout for Prince Harry looming. Sources close to the Dukes estranged brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, told the outlet that the couple was pretty disgusted with the image of Harry cashing out and taking millions back to his Montecito home without lifting a finger for it. Prince Harrys birthday present in the making is reportedly a heftier share than what William received on his milestone birthday.

The whopping $8.5 million inheritance consequently adds to the massive cash influx that Harry and Meghan earned from the Netflix deal in September 2020. Despite stepping down from their active royal duties that year, the couples guaranteed cash flow is attributed to their numerous business deals and fame-worthy philanthropic deeds.

Harrold clarified, [The money] will be part of Harrys birthday celebration, which will hopefully see him receive well wishes from his family and celebrate with his wife and family, doing something very nice but probably in privateas what Ive experienced with the royals before is that they like to celebrate these things privately behind closed doors.

Also read | Prince William may extend a last-minute olive branch to Prince Harry like he did before

Why wait till Prince Harry is 40 for the inheritance payout?

Prince Harrys staggering inheritance comes from a $90 million trust fund that the late Queen Mother arranged for the royal family. The Dukes share was saved until his 40th birthday because of one of the funds pre-determined stipulations. 'The King author Christopher Andersen told Fox News that Queen Elizabeth IIs mother presumably envisioned 40 as the ideal age to come into some extra cash because youre young enough to appreciate it but also old enough, and hopefully wise enough, not to blow it.

The To Di For Daily podcast host Kinsey Schofield added to the explanation why Harry was receiving more than his brother: Its because he is the spare.

The Queen Mother knew he would have fewer opportunities and responsibilities. It was a logical and thoughtful decision, she continued as the first expert accentuated that the decision came at a time when she couldnt have anticipated the present-day tensions between the royal family members.
The German Foreign Office's recent taunt to Donald Trump has received sharp backlash from Republican supporters as they have targeted Germany for allegedly meddling in the US presidential discussion. Donald Trump attacked Kamala Harris's renewable energy initiatives, such as lowering emissions from fossil fuels and fracking, on Tuesday night. He used Germany as evidence to support his assertion that those policies are ineffective.(AP)

The fact-checking process during Kamala Harris vs Trump debate was not just limited to the ABC moderators. The German Foreign Office too issued a clarification over the former president's remarks about energy in Germany and also ridiculed him over dubious claim on Haitian migrants in Ohio.

Trump attacked Harris's renewable energy initiatives, such as lowering emissions from fossil fuels and fracking, on Tuesday night. He used Germany as evidence to support his assertion that those policies are ineffective.

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, the GOP leader stated.

He went on to claim that Germany gave it a shot, and after a year they resumed construction of conventional energy plants. According to him, the US is not ready for it, adding that America cannot be sacrificed in the name of a flawed ideology.

Speaking at press conference on Wednesday, a German government spokesman said, We took note of [Trump's comments] with some surprise.

Reacting to Trump's comment on Germany's energy policy, the spokesperson said., I didn't know what the presidential candidate meant by this.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Ministry dismissed Trump's claim by writing on X, Like it or not: Germany's 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.

Former US ambassador to Germany fumes over Germany's clarification

Former US ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, who has earlier accused Berlin of blatant election interference, blasted Germany for lying about its energy accomplishments.

The US, he said, must be clear-eyed about Germanys current governments election interference.

The ministry later had to correct itself. The 50 percent for renewables is only achieved for electricity, he wrote.

Defending Trump, he said the former President was right about Germany on: Nord Stream 2 Putin pipeline (which helped start the war in Ukraine), lack of NATO spending (despite promising to pay Wales Pledge), Iran sanctions (which funded the war in Israel) and naive energy policies.

Reacting to Grenell's post, one X user wrote: Really something that @GermanyDiplo felt so compelled to outright lie just to try to get Trump. Who did they think they were, @ABC?

The German Foreign Ministry is interfering in US election ... where is the FBI and DOJ? another asked.

Shameful. German politicians in government are totally unscrupulous! a third user chimed in.

Meanwhile, Germany's Europe minister Anna Luhrman hailed the nation for giving sharp rebuttal to Trump over his energy claims. Reacting to Trump's disinformation with facts and humor was the right answer, Luhrman wrote on X, adding that As democrats, we can no longer allow false statements to stand uncommented.

We have stopped using nuclear power and are burning less coal than we have since the 1960s. And our energy supply is and will remain stable, she added.

Germany takes dig at Trump's pets accusation

Surprisingly, Germany went a step further to mock Trump for bringing up the disproven conspiracy theory that claimed Haitian immigrants living in Ohio were stealing pets and eating them.

PS: We also don't eat dogs or cats, Germany wrote reacting to Trump's baseless assertion.

Germany, a nation renowned for its environmental measures, has been attempting to shift its economy to one that is low-carbon. By 2045, it aimed to phase out fossil fuel heating systems.

However, they have had difficulties in recent years. At the beginning of the war between Russia and Ukraine, they faced possible energy shortages and controversially decided to shut down their three surviving nuclear power reactors last year.
A Golden Retriever was watching the Kamala Harris-Donald Trump debate a couple of days back and was seemingly shocked when the former president made the out of the blue remark that dogs are being eaten by immigrants in Ohio. Dog watching Donald Trump endorse the debunked internet theory that illegal immigrants are eating dogs in Ohio, US.

"They're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats," Trump said during an answer 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."

Former U.S. president used the internet rumour being spread by his support to underscore the crimes being committed by illegal Haitian immigrants to counter Kamala's Harris' claims that people were leaving Trump's rallies midway.

Eventhough ABC News moderator intervened and corrected Trump he went on to assert that many people have seen dogs being eaten. And as soon as he said that, the cute dog sitting on the couch and watching the debate gave a shocking response and jumped off to hide behind the couch.

"A dog was taken and used for food," Trump said. The former president claims that people have came forward about missing pets. And the poor dog assumedly understood the comments and ran to hide himself. The timing was just perfect.

Watch viral dog reaction to Trump

A user commented that, He was like Im not sticking around for the fact check. To which another user added, "lol no doubt next morning he started the car like Dad we need to leave Ohio. Its not safe here!"

A user shared a funny image of her dog hiding behind the sheets claiming this was the look on her dog's face after listening to the comments.

And of course this one stole hearts and made people cry.
Sandeep Srinivasa, a well-known figure in the startup ecosystem, has shared essential advice for Indian founders looking to incorporate in the US. His tweet thread, based on the collective experience of hundreds of YC India startups, provides crucial guidelines to avoid compliance pitfalls, particularly when dealing with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Here's a breakdown of his key points: Advice for Indian founders in US based on the collective experience of hundreds of YC India startups

Indian founders cannot use services like Stripe Atlas or Deel to incorporate in the US. Doing so violates FEMA regulations, as Indian citizens must complete an Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) processrequiring approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)to legally own shares in a US company. Srinivasa emphasized that failure to follow this can lead to irrecoverable compliance issues. If founders have already used such platforms, the recommendation is to close the company and restart the process.

Also Read: Fed Rate Cuts: Experts weigh in on the margin of drop

Each Indian founder must create a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in India, as individuals cannot directly purchase shares in a US company without a lengthy process. This is commonly known as the "LLP route." The previously available gifting route is no longer legal, with severe consequences for non-compliance, potentially triggering Enforcement Directorate (ED) scrutiny.

ICICI Bank is recommended for processing the $20 ODI required for US incorporation. While the bank charges INR 15,000 for this, it is well-versed in startup founder needs, unlike many other banks unfamiliar with the process.

Also Read:

The ODI process typically takes about two months, and founders cannot sign YC SAFE agreements or receive funds from investors before it is completed. Srinivasa stressed the importance of communicating this timeline to both Indian and global venture capitalists to avoid any compliance issues.

To avoid regulatory issues such as "round-tripping," founders should open a separate US bank account for Indian investors. These funds must not be mixed with funds from US investors. Srinivasa mentioned that there are options to manage this process and issue options in the US entity without breaking compliance rules.

Once the US incorporation is in place, founders should establish an Indian subsidiary (Pvt. Ltd.) and ensure it is bought out by the US parent company. This subsidiary will be the entity where founders and Indian employees receive their salaries, as receiving direct salaries from the US in India could lead to tax complications.

Once these steps are completed, founders may explore setting up put-call agreements between their US and Indian entities to raise capital directly in India. However, Srinivasa advises founders to consult with legal and tax professionals before proceeding.

This advice is critical for Indian founders navigating the complexities of US incorporation, however reader's discretion is advised. Views expressed are solely of the author.
Marianne Williamson, the former long-shot Democratic presidential candidate, backed Donald Trump after he stoked controversy with the ludicrous and debunked conspiracy theory that claims Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio are stealing and killing pets in order to eat them. After facing intense heat on X, Marianne Williamson, 71, rejected backing Donald Trumps claim that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are stealing and eating peoples pets.(AP )

Williamson took to X on Thursday morning to voice her backing for the ridiculous remarks that Trump made during his first presidential debate against Kamala Harris. The former President's claims have made him a topic of unrelenting derision.

Continuing to dump on Trump because of the eating cats issue will create blowback on Nov. 5, she wrote. 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.

Vodou, a religion that is practiced in Haiti, combines European ideas with African tribal traditions and theology.

It appears that Williamson's support hasn't had much of an impact on public sentiment as most of the responses to the post have been unfavorable.

Oscar-winning director Peter Ramsey reacted to Williamson's remark insisting that Haitian voudou has NOTHING TO DO WITH EATING CATS, you ignorant moron.

Dismissing stories that have no basis in fact out of hand is exactly the right thing to do. What has happened to you? one X user asked.

You literally wrote Haitian Voodoo," another wrote.

You literally are the worst. This is what your shitty ignorant rhetoric is doing. Do better, the fourth user chimed in.

Marianne Williamson takes U-turn after facing backlash, defends self

After facing intense heat on X, Williamson, 71, rejected backing Trumps claim that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are stealing and eating peoples pets.

Defending herself, she said, I did not say that such things are happening in Springfield. I simply said that the practice itself is ancient and verifiable.

Sharing a National Geographic article, she wrote on X: 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.

In contrast to her and Trump's claims, Springfield officials have said there have been no credible reports of pets in Ohio being harmed.

White House reacts to Trump's remarks

White House denounced the odd claims that Trump and his supporters made against Haitian immigrants.

In response to questions about the Biden administration's message for residents of Ohio, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who is herself the daughter of immigrants from Haiti, blasted Trump's remarks as bizarre and hateful.

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.

She said it is an attempt to tear apart communities and disrespect law enforcement.

Stating that the US does not deserve this, she asserted that such claims are disrespectful and dehumanising to all Americans. Blasting Trump for his hate speech that puts their lives in danger, the Press Secretary accused the former President of spreading filth that makes the lives of the communities that are being smeared here.

Jean-Pierre mentioned that immigrants and Haitians in Springfield and other places are now concerned for their safety due to the "conspiracy theory" that Trump has promoted.

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 concluded.
After former US President Donald Trump refused to go ahead with a second debate with Democrats rival Kamala Harris, her campaign taunted the GOP candidate as chicken. Donald Trump declared that there will be no second debate with Kamala Harris after his lackluster performance in Tuesdays debate. Following this, Harris campaign taunted the GOP candidate as chicken.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump declared that there will be no second debate with the US VP after his lackluster performance in Tuesdays debate. However, Trump has claimed that he was the winner of the debate and he performed really well.

THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!! he wrote on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Harris' campaign chairman, David Plouffe, mocked Trump in a post on X, formerly Twitter. At long last we discover his spirit animal. The Chicken, he wrote.

Lets see if chicken man excises Hannibal Lecter out of his speech tonight. If he does, demonstrates he was humiliated on that point on Tuesday night. If he doesnt, well, that would be awesome. Classic win, win, he quipped.

Reacting to Plouffe's post, one X user wrote: He cant. Hes going to double down on Hannibal Lecter. Which Ill admit, is something I never thought Id post

Why won't she debate on Fox? another asked.

Here's what Trump exactly said and how social media reacted

During a rally in Tucson, Arizona on Thursday afternoon, Trump informed his supporters that two debatesone against Joe Biden and the other against Harriswere sufficient., "And because they were successful, there will be no third debate," he remarked, drawing applause from the crowd.

It's too late anyway, he said, the voting's already begun, you gotta go out and vote.

He wen on to assert, I did well, and stated in an interview with the New York Post, We just don't think that there's any need for another debate.

X was inundated with bok bok chicken jokes following his first revelation earlier in the day on his social media site.

Harris responded subtly as she suggested Trump that We owe it to the voters to have another debate.

According to several polls, Harris outperformed Trump during the debate. Harris began the discussion by seeming to surprise Trump with an unexpected handshake. During the debate, she was seen smirking at him, staring in shock, and prodding him into talking about topics that would not be advantageous to him.

Also Read: Ex-US Envoy accuses Germany of election interference over its taunt to Donald Trump: He was was right about

The former president made absurd statements like illegal immigrants eating the pets and Democrats supporting the killing of babies. On the other hand, Harris had only some genuine stumbles. One of the most well-known GOP pollsters warned that Trump's performance would cost him the race.

However, Trump is misrepresenting the Democrats' demand for a second debate as the act of a bitter loser rather than a contender utilising her advantages.

When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, I WANT A REMATCH', he stated in his Truth Social post.

While the vice president's ecstatic entourage immediately demanded a rematch after the first debate, Trump and his followers spent the day criticizing ABC News and the debate moderators for treating him unfairly.
Prince Harry is planning to celebrate his 40th birthday with his lads, as sources claim that Meghan Markle will not attend his getaway. Prince Harry will celebrate his 40th birthday on a boy's trip with his pals (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)(AP)

The Duke of Sussex is reportedly planning to enjoy a weekend getaway with a few of his closest mates. It has not been revealed whether any royal family members will be joining him on the trip. He will celebrate his birthday on September 15, 2024, but there are no details on the venue or the city.

A source informed The Sun that he will attend a private celebration with his family at their Montecito mansion in California. This event will most likely take place in the presence of his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Prince Harry has not yet revealed who his companions will be during the boys' trip.

Also Read | Britney Spears asks why Sabrina Carpenter kissed an alien on 2024 VMAs stage: The whole thing was weird altogether

Recently, the Duke of Sussex told People that his children were "the best gift" he had ever received. He does not plan to return to his Royal duties; in fact, he claimed that he is "happy with his life in Montecito, California."

What are Prince Harry's plans after his 40th birthday?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been involved in charity work for a while due to their involvement with the Archewell Foundation since 2020. As reported by The Mirror US, Prince Harry will travel to New York for the UN General Assembly High-Level Week and Climate Week. The event will span for a week, starting on September 22 and ending on September 29, 2024.

His philanthropic work has inspired many people worldwide. Recently, on BBC Radio 5 Live, he publicly announced his purpose in life and said, Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.

Also Read | When Who Wants to Be a Millionaire contestant exposed filming secrets, left host Jeremy Clarkson stunned. Watch

The Duke will be in New York to advance a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives. He is also expected to promote causes that are close to the goals of Archewell. According to The Mirror US, a spokesperson has announced that the Prince will participate in engagements with African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst.
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US News Live: Get real-time breaking news updates on the biggest event unfolding in the United States, including election, politics, economics, crime, viral and more.

US News Live Updates Today: ABC's Linsey Davis breaks silence amid backlash for fact-checking Trump, being 'biased' towards Harris during debate

Get the latest updates and breaking news from the US on elections, politics, crime, trends, weather along with national affairs. Stay up to date with news developments on Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump. all right here This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Hindustan Times staff....Read More

This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Hindustan Times staff.
Pope Francis has said VP Kamala Harris and former US President Donald Trump were both against life for their takes on abortion during a press conference aboard the papal plane as he returned from an extensive trip across Asia. Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after his 12-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Pool Photo via AP)(AP)

While in his flight from Singapore to Jakarta pope noted a moral dilemma that American voters might face when choosing between Harris and Trump in the November election.

When asked by reporters how Catholics should navigate the choice between a candidate who supports abortion rights and another who advocates deporting millions of migrants, Pope Francis responded, They are both against life  the one who throws away migrants and the one who kills children.

ALSO READ| Kamala Harris says Goldman Sachs will back her plan, not Trump's

Harris-Trump's key presidential topic: abortion and immigration

When asked whether it would be morally permissible for a Catholic voter to support a candidate who backs abortion rights, the pope responded, One must vote, even in cases where the available options are morally difficult.

He acknowledged the challenge of choosing between candidates with differing but significant flaws, saying, One must choose the lesser of two evils. Who is the lesser of two evils? that lady or that gentleman? I do not know, but American Catholics with a conscience should think on this and do it.

It should be clear that sending migrants away, denying migrants the capacity to work, to not welcome migrants, it is a sin. It is grave, he said.

ALSO READ| Taylor Swift's Dems support pushes Kamala era ads to take over NYC, Las Vegas on the day of Trump's upcoming rally

He went on to argue that immigration is a fundamental right dating back to biblical times. Drawing references from the Old Testament, Francis reminded his audience that the people of Israel were called upon to care for the orphan, the widow, and the stranger  that is, the migrant.

He reiterated the Catholic Churchs firm stance on abortion, calling it murder, while explaining, Whether you like the word or not, it is a killing. It is an assassination, and on this, we should be clear.

While returning, he also told reporters that he is happy with the dialogue with China and expressed, China is a promise and a hope for the church.
ABOARD THE PAL PLANE  Pope Francis on Friday slammed both U.S. presidential candidates for what he called anti-life policies on abortion and migration, and he advised American Catholics to choose who they think is the lesser evil in the upcoming U.S. elections. Pope slams both Harris and Trump as 'against life' and urges Catholics to vote for 'lesser evil'

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies, Francis said.

The Argentine Jesuit was asked to provide counsel to American Catholic voters during an airborne news conference while he flew back to Rome from his four-nation tour through Asia. Francis stressed that he is not an American and would not be voting.

Neither Republican candidate Donald Trump nor the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, was mentioned by name.

But Francis nevertheless expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the U.S. election  abortion and migration  that are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.

Francis has made the plight of migrants a priority of his pontificate and speaks out emphatically and frequently about it. While strongly upholding church teaching forbidding abortion, Francis has not emphasized church doctrine as much as his predecessors.

Francis said migration is a right described in Scripture and that anyone who does not follow the Biblical call to welcome the stranger is committing a grave sin.

He was also blunt in speaking about abortion. To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but its killing, he said. We have to see this clearly.

Asked what voters should do at the polls, Francis recalled the civic duty to vote.

One should vote, and choose the lesser evil, he said. Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I dont know.

Everyone in their conscience should think and do it, he said.

The Harris and Trump campaigns did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

U.S. President Joe Biden, an observant Catholic, shares Harris strong support for abortion rights, a stance that prompted some Catholic bishops and other conservatives to call for him to be denied access to Communion.

After meeting Francis in person at the Vatican in October 2021, Biden came away saying the pope told him he was a good Catholic and should continue receiving Communion.

Francis, asked on previous occasions about some U.S. bishops who want to deny Communion to Biden over his support for abortion rights, has said bishops should be pastors, not politicians.

Friday's news conference was not the first time Francis has weighed in on a U.S. election. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Francis was asked about Trumps plan to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Francis declared then that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is not Christian.

In responding Friday, Francis recalled that he celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and there were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.

Trump pledges massive deportations, just as he did in his first White House bid, when there was a vast gulf between his ambitions and the legal, financial and political realities of such an undertaking.

The U.S. bishops conference, for its part, has called abortion the preeminent priority for American Catholics in its published voter advice. Harris has strongly defended abortion rights and has emphasized support for reinstating a federal right to abortion.

In his comments, the pope added: On abortion, science says that a month from conception, all the organs of a human being are already there, all of them. Performing an abortion is killing a human being. Whether you like the word or not, this is killing. You cant say the church is closed because it does not allow abortion. The church does not allow abortion because its killing. It is murder.

However, cells are only beginning the process of developing organs in the earliest weeks of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that by 13 weeks, all major organs have formed. For example, cardiac tissue starts to form in the first two months  initially a tube that only later evolves into the four chambers that define a heart.

In other comments, Francis:

 denied a French media report that he would travel to Paris for the December inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral, saying flat-out he would not be there. But he confirmed he would like to go to the Canary Islands to highlight the plight of migrants.

 tamped down renewed speculation that he might finally return to Argentina later this year, saying he wants to go but that nothing had been decided. He added: There are various things to resolve first. Francis has not been home since before the 2013 conclave that elected him pope.

 declared that China was a promise and a hope for the Catholic Church and hoped to one day visit.

 called sexual abuse demonic and weighed on the latest revelations of assault against a legendary French priest, Abbe Pierre.

Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard in Washington contributed to this report.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The is solely responsible for this content.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Prince William and Prince Harry recently attended a family funeral together at St Mary's Church in Snettisham, Norfolk, to bid farewell to their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, while keeping a distance. Prince William and Prince Harry attended their uncle's funeral in Norfolk, maintaining distance.(AP)

A source told The Sun, They were only five yards from each other, but they were seated on opposite sides of St Marys Church.

When we left the reception, they were both still there, but as we were on a walk, we saw Harry driven off in a black Range Rover.

Royal observers had hoped that the shared grief over the loss of their uncle might serve as an opportunity for William and Harry to put their differences aside, which hadn't happened yet. Now, an expert claims that Prince William may sent a last-minute text to Prince Harry in olive branch move, like he did last time.

ALSO READ| Lads holiday': Prince Harry is set to celebrate 40th birthday without Meghan Markle

What happened last time between Harry and Williams?

The frosty funeral reminded many of the time following Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022. During the mourning period, accompanied by their wives, Princess Kate and Meghan Markle, they participated in a special walkabout to greet the public and view tributes to the late Queen. At the time, this display of togetherness was seen as a temporary ceasefire in their ongoing feud.

Reports later revealed that it was Prince William who had extended an olive branch to his younger brother. the Wales reportedly sent Harry a last-minute text inviting him and Meghan to join him and Kate for the walk at Windsors Long Walk.

A source told The Daily Mail that Williams gesture was a personal decision, saying, It happened very quicklyremarkable really considering they didnt see each other in Scotland, and it was confirmed that this invitation was not made at the direction of their father, King Charles. While another source claims that the idea of uniting for the walkabout had been in William's mind before he sent the text to Harry.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry is on a mission to change his image in UK

During the walkabout, William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan shook hands with well-wishers, received flowers, and accepted other tributes, such as Paddington Bear stuffed toys, from the public. The couple, dressed in black, looked sombre yet slightly uneasy as they arrived together.
A Federal Court Judge has called Trump Tower in Chicago a public nuisance and an environmental threat for killing thousands of fish. In their lawsuit against the Trump International Hotel and Tower in downtown Chicago, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and environmental activists claimed the hotel's managers had broken environmental regulations. Last year, they requested a ruling from the Cook County Circuit Court.(AP)

In their lawsuit against the Trump International Hotel and Tower in downtown Chicago, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and environmental activists claimed the hotel's managers had broken environmental regulations. Last year, they requested a ruling from the Cook County Circuit Court.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, a judge has declared that Trump Tower is a public nuisance and that thousands of fish have perished in the Chicago River primarily due to its cooling water intake system.

Located at 401 N. Wabash Ave., the skyscraper was inaugurated in 2009. A complaint claims that it does not appropriately record water discharge levels and has been functioning without a valid state water permit.

In a bid to cool the building, its intake system takes 20 million gallons of water out of the Chicago River every day. Organizations claimed thousands of fish were illegally sucked in and killed by the building in question.

Due to the volume of water, the building must abide local, state, and federal laws related to water intake and fish protection.

A look at judge's ruling and what is ahead

Judge Thaddeus L. Wilson of Cook County Circuit Court ruled that Trump Tower has created and continues to create a public nuisance in violation of Illinois law, reported the Sun-Times.

According to Wilson, the operation of the intake system interferes substantially and unreasonably with the public right to fish and otherwise recreate in the Chicago River.

According to Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River, they were able to kill more fish and aquatic organisms than what would be allowed.

This decision brings us near the end of a six-year journey, Frisbie added, as per the outlet.

Meanwhile, Sierra Club Illinois director Jack Darin asserted that they be monitoring to ensure that they obey the legislation.

The next hearing in the case is set for November. Should the parties fail to come to a consensus, the courts will decide how to compel the building to adhere to the rules.
* UAE to ask Trump to fulfil F-35 deal if he's re-elected, sources say

UAE suspended F-35 talks with Biden administration in 2021

*

Trump approved $23 billion deal including MQ-9 Reaper drones

*

Aircraft uses advanced stealth technology to evade detection

*

UAE's close economic ties with China impact US security concerns

By Alexander Cornwell

DUBAI, Sept 13 - The United Arab Emirates would seek to revive a multi-billion dollar deal with the U.S. for F-35 warplanes and armed drones if Donald Trump wins a second term as president in November, several people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The UAE has long sought the most advanced fighter jet, built with stealth technology allowing it to evade enemy detection. If the U.S. did approve the transfer, the UAE would be only the second Middle East state after Israel to operate F-35 fighters.

Trump had signed off on the deal in the final days of his presidency in 2021 but the UAE suspended talks by the end of the year, unable to agree terms with the Biden administration.

Three sources said that if Trump was re-elected, the UAE would seek to resume talks, asking a new Trump administration to fulfil the original agreement. One of the sources said the UAE would ask a new Trump administration to "honour" the 2021 deal.

Trump approved the $23 billion deal, which included MQ-9 Reaper drones and munitions, after the UAE established ties with Israel in 2020 under an accord brokered by his administration.

That made the UAE the most prominent Arab state to forge diplomatic ties with Israel in 30 years and hand Trump a significant foreign policy achievement just a few months out from the election that he would ultimately lose to Joe Biden.

But after months of discussions, the UAE announced in December 2021 it had suspended F-35 talks with the Biden administration, citing "sovereign operational restrictions", among other reasons. The Biden administration responded, saying it was ready to move forward. The process has remained paused.

When asked whether the UAE would request a second Trump administration to fulfil the F-35 deal, a UAE official did not directly deny or confirm the claim and instead said Abu Dhabi had cultivated institutional relationships and an enduring partnership with Washington across several administrations.

"Our nations share a commitment to advancing mutual interests and address shared concerns" and work diligently to strengthen regional security and foster prosperity, they said.

The Gulf state is one of Washington's most important security partners in the Middle East. Its military has fought alongside the U.S. in several campaigns, including the war in Afghanistan, and American soldiers are stationed in Abu Dhabi.

'PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH'

Trump campaign's national press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that a second Trump presidency would "once again deliver peace through strength to rebuild and expand the peace coalition he built in his first term to create long-term safety and security in the Middle East and around the world."

Before Trump, Washington had rebuffed requests for jet fighters from Middle East nations because of a policy to ensure that Israel maintained a military advantage over its neighbours.

Trump enjoyed warm relations with the wealthy Gulf states. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the White House in 2017 when he was the crown prince of Abu Dhabi.

He has not visited the White House during the Biden administration, but in 2022 met in Jeddah with President Biden.

The sources did not say what the UAE would do if Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrat nominee, won the election. The Harris campaign declined to comment. Harris visited the UAE in 2022 and 2023, meeting with Sheikh Mohammed and other senior Emirati government officials.

The Biden administration has discussed the sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia as part of negotiations for a bilateral defense treaty and Riyadh establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.

The White House did not immediately respond to Reuters questions on what conditions would need to be met for the UAE sale to go ahead before the end of Bidens term in January.

In recent years there have been signs of strain over some issues between the U.S. and UAE, including Emirati frustrations at conditions set by the Biden administration for the F-35 deal and U.S. pressure on the UAE over the evasion of sanctions on Iran and Russia by companies operating in the country.

U.S. lawmakers had questioned whether the UAE acquiring F-35s would undermine Israel's military advantage, although Emirati officials said establishing diplomatic ties with Israel should address those concerns. Israel has said it does not oppose the deal and has supplied air defence systems to the UAE.

The U.S. also worries about the UAE's relations with China.

The UAE, which operates American-made F-16 and French-made Mirage 2000-9s fighter jets, has close economic and trade ties with Beijing that recently expanded to joint air force drills.

The UAE has bought Chinese 'light attack' jets and the UAE's communications infrastructure uses Chinese technology that the U.S. believes could jeopardize the security of American military systems. Abu Dhabi has also ordered French made Rafale fighters.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
* US to take steps to curb low-value Chinese shipments under $800 'de minimis' exemption

U.S. to propose trade rules to reducing China package volume

*

U.S. seeks to end exemption for goods subject to punitive tariffs

*

White House wants more information disclosure on small packages

*

By David Lawder

Sept 13 - The Biden administration on Friday said it was moving to curb a growing tide of low-value shipments entering the U.S. duty-free under the $800 "de minimis" threshold that has been exploited by Chinese e-commerce firms such as Shein and PDD Holdings' Temu.

White House officials said they will propose the new trade rules to deny the duty-free exemption to packages that contain low value goods subject to the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods, the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum products and Section 201 on "safeguard" tariffs on products including solar products and washing machines.

The proposed rulemaking also includes new information disclosure requirements for small packages to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to better identify contents for illicit or unsafe products, such as precursor chemicals that can be made into the deadly opioid fentanyl

The White House announcement comes two days after Democratic lawmakers in Congress urged President Joe Biden to use executive powers to close the de minimis provision, which they called a "loophole" that has allowed Chinese imports to evade tariffs and ship narcotics to the U.S. without customs inspection.

The small-package exemption has been part of U.S. trade law since 1930 to accommodate individual travelers, but the threshold was increased to $800 from $200 in 2015 as an aid to small businesses, including sellers on e-commerce platforms such as eBay. Packages under the limit enter duty-free and with less customs scrutiny as long as they are addressed to individuals' residences.

Since then, the volume of packages entering the U.S. under the $800 threshold has exploded to over 1 billion last year from around 140 million a decade ago, White House officials said, attributing most of the growth to Chinese e-commerce firms.

Among the biggest beneficiaries have been Shein and Temu, which ship direct to U.S. consumers from China. But U.S. textile manufacturers blame the exemption for allowing low-value clothing packages to skirt U.S. Section 301 tariffs, which cover some 70% of large-scale Chinese textile and apparel imports.

"The drastic increase in de minimis shipments has made it increasingly difficult to target and block illegal or unsafe shipments coming into the US through this pathway," White House Deputy National Security Adviser Daleep Singh told reporters.

"That's why the administration is starting a regulatory process to curtail de minimis overuse and abuse."

The goal of the new rules is to reduce the volume of de minimis shipments to a more manageable level to better screen packages, a senior administration official said. Another proposed rule would require de minimis packages to contain product tariff codes and other information to help better identify suspect shipments.

It was unclear how quickly the proposed rules could be implemented. They would require public comment periods to allow interested parties to weigh in before they are finalized. Administration officials also said they are working with lawmakers to pass reforms to the trade provision for blanket exclusions of certain import-sensitive products.

The action was announced on the same day that the Biden administration locked in steep U.S. tariff increases on some $18 billion worth of Chinese imports, including 100% duties on electric vehicles, 50% on semiconductors and solar cells and 25% on lithium-ion batteries, steel and aluminum.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Laura Loomer, the far-right conspiracy theorist, has been accompanying Donald Trump on the campaign trail lately, which has prompted severe concerns, including from some GOP leaders, about the former congressional candidate's possible impact on the president. Laura Loomer is well-known for her hate speech directed towards Muslims and for disseminating conspiracies, such as the notion that the US government orchestrated a inside job on the 9/11 attacks.(X)

Loomer is well-known for her hate speech directed towards Muslims and for disseminating conspiracies, such as the notion that the US government orchestrated a inside job on the 9/11 attacks.

Loomer accompanied Trump for presidential debate

The 31-year-old accompanied Trump on Wednesday to a ceremony marking the attacks anniversary, causing some US media outlets to express displeasure over her presence.

She boarded Trump's aircraft on Tuesday in order to travel to Philadelphia for the first presidential debate between the former President and Harris.

When CNN asked why she joined Trump for his Patriot Day travels in New York and to a debate stage, the former President's campaign official refused to address her presence, stating that the day wasnt about anyone other than the souls who are no longer with us.

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 official said.

On Tuesday night, one of the crucial moment of the debate was Trump's unfounded accusation that Haitian immigrants in Ohio have been stealing and eating pets. They are eating the pets of the people that live there, the former President said.

They are eating the pets of the people that live there, he added.

Also Read: Don Lemon faces MAGA anger for mocking Melania Trump, labelled attention-starved and sick'

After Trump was corrected by the ABC moderator about his dubious claim, the GOP leader said he was reiterating something he had heard on television. However, the baseless theory is said to be disseminated by Loomer before the debate. The social media influencer and fringe commentator reaffirmed the unfounded allegations to her 1.2 million followers on X on Monday.

Republicans raise concerns over Loomer's link with Trump

Not just Loomer, even Trump's VP candidate JD Vance disseminated the debunked conspiracy theory. Meanwhile, some Republicans have attributed the former president's baseless assertion on stage to Loomer due to her X post and attendance in Philadelphia.

According to US news portal Semafor, an anonymous person close to the Trump campaign stated that they were 100% concerned about Loomer's closeness to the former president.

The insider was cited as adding, Regardless of any guardrails the Trump campaign has put on her, I dont think its working.

Meanwhile, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Senator Lindsey Graham warned Trump to stay away from toxic Loomer, and MTG said, I have concerns abouts her rhetoric and hateful tone.

However, a different source told the publication that Loomer was a positive person to be around and that she did not meddle with Trump's debate preparations.

Republican consultant Dennis Lennox was quite scathing in his assessment of Trump's debate performance and Loomer. That's what you get when you wing it, live in the Fox News-X bubble, and rely on Matt Gaetz, let alone Laura Loomer, he told Semafor.

In a phone interview with CNN, Loomer said doesn't understand the worries about her going to a 9/11 memorial with Trump. She claimed that people were delighted to see her and even said, Thank you for coming.

Ive never denied the fact that Islamic terrorists carried out the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In fact, the media calls me anti Muslim precisely for the reason that I spend so much time focusing on talking about the threats of Islamic terrorism in America.

According to her, she accompanied the ex-president on the plane following an assassination attempt on him.

He wanted me on the plane with him the day after he almost got assassinated. I was with him. I flew with him to the (Republican National Convention), so it could show that Im a trustworthy person, I have his back, Loomer said.

She previously declared X that she works for Trump independently and called him 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, mentioning that she is very busy working on her stories and investigations.

Dont have time to entertain your conspiracy theories, she added.

Meanwhile, Trump received criticism from the White House on Thursday for his affiliation with Loomer.

She predicted that if Harris wins the election on November 5, "the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center."

Responding to her remarks, the White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated on Thursday that "these types of comments are "repugnant." It is un-American to say these types of things, exactly the kind of hateful and divisive rhetoric that we should denounce.

No leader should ever associate with someone who spreads this kind of ugliness, this kind of racist poison, Jean-Pierre remarked.

Who is Laura Loomer and what's her connection with Trump?

Self-described investigative journalist Loomer, who was born in Arizona in 1993, holds vast experience as an activist and commentator for publications, including Infowars by Alex Jones and Project Veritas.

With Trump's backing, she entered the 2020 Florida US House of Representatives race as a Republican, but she was defeated by Democrat Lois Frankel.

She made another unsuccessful attempt two years later to unseat Representative Daniel Webster in a Republican primary in another Florida district.

She is now well-known for her outspoken backing of Trump as well as her promotion of a large list of conspiracy theories, such as the ones claiming that Kamala Harris is not black and that the son of billionaire George Soros was calling for the assassination of Trump through cryptic messages.

She was banned from several social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram for making derogatory remarks about Muslim drivers. At one point, she identified herselfas a proud Islamophobe. Additionally, she was banned from Twitter, which remained in effect until billionaire Elon Musk acquired the websitenow known as Xand restored her account.

Loomer has been spotted at Trump's Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, on numerous occasions. She boarded his plane to travel to Iowa, where he acknowledged her on stage at an event earlier this year. Trump remarked, You want her on your side. In addition, the former president posted a number of her videoson Truth Social.

Moreover, the New York Times revealed last year that Trump had indicated interest in employing her for his campaign. How ever, he backed down after senior advisors voiced worries that she would jeopardize his chances of winning the presidency.
A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo is set on Friday to deliver its verdict over what the army says was a coup attempt, in which defendants, including three Americans, risk the death penalty. Verdict expected in DR Congo 'coup' trial

Fifty-one people face charges over the incident, which began in the early hours of May 19 when armed men attacked the home of then economy minister Vital Kamerhe, who is now national assembly president.

The group then went to a building housing President Felix Tshisekedi's offices brandishing flags of Zaire, the country's name under ex-dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who was overthrown in 1997.

Shots were heard near the building, several sources said at the time.

An army spokesman later announced on national TV that defence and security forces had stopped "an attempted coup d'etat".

The alleged plot was led by Christian Malanga, a Congolese man who was a "naturalised American" and who was killed by security forces, army spokesman General Sylvain Ekenge has said.

The three Americans on trial at the Kinshasa military court include Malanga's son Marcel Malanga.

The two other Americans being tried are 22-year-old Tyler Thompson and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, 36.

The defendants also include a Belgian, a Briton and a Canadian who are all naturalised Congolese.

The trial began on June 7 in Ndolo military prison, where all the defendants are being held.

The charges include "attack, terrorism, illegal possession of weapons and munitions of war, attempted assassination, criminal association, murder financing of terrorism".

The proceedings have shed little light on the motivations behind the events on May 19, for which the defendants placed the blame on Christian Malanga.

Thompson told the court he had been "forced" into participating, as did the two other US citizens Zalman-Polun and Marcel Malanga.

"I was forced to carry an arm," Thompson said.

"I came to the DRC to visit Marcel's family who I had never seen before," he added.

Malanga said his father had "told us he would kill us if we didn't listen", and Zalman-Polun said he was "kidnapped" and "forced" into taking part.

In late August, military prosecutor Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Radjabu urged judges to sentence to death all but one of the defendants.

In March, the Congolese government defied criticism from human rights organisations and lifted a moratorium on the death penalty in place since 2003.

mbb/keo/cw/smw

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
"Shogun" is tipped to become the first ever non-English-language winner of the Emmy for best drama -- the most prestigious prize at the small-screen equivalent of the Oscars -- at a glitzy ceremony on Sunday.

The epic series about feuding dynasties in the intricate and deadly royal courts of 17th-century Japan is expected to make history with wins for its cast, including veteran leading man Hiroyuki Sanada, at the gala in downtown Los Angeles.

"Shogun" hit the ground running at the Creative Arts Emmys this past weekend, notching a record-breaking 14 wins in technical and smaller categories, which are handed out ahead of the gala.

Sunday's other big winners could include "The Bear," a dark comedy set in the Chicago restaurant scene that returned for an experimental second season, and Netflix's controversial limited series "Baby Reindeer."

Father-and-son acting duo Eugene and Daniel Levy will host the ceremony, from 5:00 pm (0400 GMT Monday).

Here are four things to look out for:

Based on James Clavell's historical fiction novel, "Shogun" led the nominations with 25 overall.

Though produced by Disney-owned FX, and shot in Canada, it features Japanese cast and subtitled dialogue, making it only the second non-English-language show to earn a best drama nomination, after South Korea's "Squid Game" two years ago.

In addition to the night's biggest prize, for best drama series, wins are predicted for stars Sanada and Anna Sawai. And supporting actor Tadanobu Asano could ride the "Shogun" wave to victory for his villainous turn as the brutal Kashigi Yabushige.

With its wins in the minor categories, "Shogun" has already eclipsed the previous record of 12 set by "Game of Thrones" for number of Emmys for a drama in a single season. It is nearly certain to tack on a few more on Sunday.

Its biggest rival this year is former drama winner "The Crown." The final season of Netflix's British royal saga drew a lukewarm response from critics, but Elizabeth Debicki is tipped for best supporting actress as princess Diana.

In the comedy sections, "The Bear" and its foodie chefs played by Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach look primed for more Emmys glory.

The show's intense debut season dominated the last Emmys, and its even more acclaimed and ambitious second season is eligible this time around.

It scooped up seven prizes in minor categories, including a best guest actress award for Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis.

If there is any suspense, it may be over whether the show should even be considered a comedy. Jokes are few and far between in a series dealing with hard-hitting issues from death and mourning to betrayal and emotional abuse.

HBO's "Hacks" is expected to limit the "Bear" rampage, with Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder looking like frontrunners for their roles as a diva comedienne and her dysfunctional millennial assistant.

Based on a relatively unknown Scottish comedian's harrowing one-man show about sexual abuse, "Baby Reindeer" became a huge word-of-mouth hit for Netflix this year.

Part of the attention stemmed from the show's claim to be "a true story" -- an insistence that earned the streamer a $170 million lawsuit from a British woman who claims she was the inspiration for its obsessive and violent stalker.

But controversy aside, pundits predict Emmy voters will choose "Baby Reindeer" as best limited series, and its creator Richard Gadd goes head-to-head with Andrew Scott ("Ripley") and Jon Hamm ("Fargo") for best actor.

The limited series section, for shows that end in a single season, always draws A-list Hollywood stars, and this year is no exception.

Jodie Foster is a best actress favorite for her turn as an Alaskan cop in "True Detective: Night Country," up against fellow Oscar winner Brie Larson, as a pioneering female chemist in "Lessons in Chemistry."

Unusually, the 76th Emmy Awards will be the second Emmys gala held this year, after the previous edition was shunted to January due to last summer's Hollywood strikes.

That months-long walkout by actors and writers also crimped the pipeline of new shows that could be released in time for this edition, meaning submissions dropped by a third year-on-year.

With several bigger series skipping this year -- and others such as "Succession" having ended their runs -- could this be an opportunity for new titles like "Fallout" and "Mr and Mrs Smith" to shine?

Potentially. But even "Shogun" is a remake of sorts. A previous miniseries based on the same novel, which aired way back in 1980, won three Emmys.
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.

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."
Luca joined the Group in 2014 to lead the new Mandarin Oriental, Milan towards its opening and positioned it among the best hotels in the country; in 2018 he assumed the role of Area Vice President for Italy, supporting operations at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, further establishing the Group's Italian portfolio and contributing to the delivery of a robust pipeline of new developments.

In his new role at Mandarin Oriental, Paris, Luca will support current operations in France, Italy and Czech Republic. He takes over from Geraldine Dobey who will now take on fulltime responsibility as Group Director of Quality, a function she managed alongside her General Manager and AVP roles last year.
We are glad to announce the promotion of Harald Feurstein to Area General Manager Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and General Manager Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, effective 1 September 2024.

In this key position, Feurstein will oversee operational strategies at one of Rotana's flagship properties, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, and at an area level, working closely with Operations teams at Rotana hotels across the emirate. In line with Rotana's promise of 'Treasured Time', Feurstein will focus on enhancing the customer experience, ensuring the highest standards of service and guest satisfaction, and maximising performance.

Feurstein brings with him over two decades of industry experience. Most recently, he served as General Manager Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana where his hands-on approach and strategic vision were instrumental in enhancing the customer experience and establishing new benchmarks. Before joining Rotana, Feurstein held senior management posts at leading hospitality brands in Asia, including Fairmont, Conrad, and Hilton. He holds a Masters Certificate in Hospitality Management from Cornell University.
Fuxing bullet train becomes 'school train' for students from mountainous areas in SE China's Fujian

People's Daily Online) 15:44, September 13, 2024

Fuxing bullet train becomes 'school train' for students from mountainous areas in SE China's Fujian

Qingliu county, surrounded by forests, is located in Sanming city, southeast China's Fujian Province. Since the beginning of September, the county's railway station has been bustling with passengers.

A Fuxing bullet train leaves the Qingliu Railway Station in Qingliu county, Fujian Province. (Photo/Zhang Haigen)

On a Friday afternoon, the waiting area of the railway station was packed with students waiting for train C875, a Fuxing bullet train. They were heading home on the train. Huang Huasheng, one of the students, exclaimed with excitement, "The Fuxing bullet train has become our 'school train'."

The Fuxing bullet train travels between Fuzhou and Xiamen cities in the province, with a speed of 160 kilometers per hour.

Many towns and townships in Qingliu county do not have any middle schools or high schools. As a result, local students have to go to study at schools located in the county seat.

Trains over buses, saving time and money

Huang, a first-year middle school student, comes from Yangyuan village, located nearly 60 kilometers from the county seat. Huang travels to school on Sundays, resides on campus, and travels back home on Fridays. The journey from Huang's village to the school takes over an hour by car.

According to Huang, older students from the village used to take a minibus to school. However, since they operated without a fixed schedule, the students often had to wait for them, sometimes for up to half an hour.

He Yu, from the same village, is a third-year high school student. Having been commuting to schools in the county seat for the past five years, He welcomed the transportation improvements.

Qingliu county ended its history of having no railway connection on Sept. 30, 2021. The railway provides a direct connection between Yangyuan village and the county seat of Qingliu, offering a new transportation option for students from mountainous areas to commute to school.

According to He, his old journey involved walking, taking a minibus, and then a bus, totaling over two hours. Now, with walking, taking the train for about 27 minutes, and then the bus for 25 minutes, the total travel time is reduced to about one hour. The minibus ticket costs 17 yuan (about $2.39), while the train ticket costs only 11 yuan.

Every Sunday, over 300 students from the area take train K8752 to school, and every Friday, they return home on train C875.

Making the train work for students

Meticulous efforts have been made to ensure that the students can conveniently enjoy train services.

According to regulations, children under 14 cannot travel alone and child tickets cannot be purchased online separately. However, many of the students have parents working away from home, making solo travel a necessity.

"If the students can't travel alone, many will have to continue taking minibuses," said Yang Yuntao, head of Yangyuan railway station.

Yang brought up the issue with railway officials and quickly got a reply: for students taking the train to school, the railway company will assume some responsibility for their safety, allowing kids under 14 to travel unaccompanied.

And so, a partnership was formed among schools, the railway station, and trains.

The schools create a weekly travel list for students and share it with the station in a timely manner. The station sets up a "green passage" for students with travel needs, streamlining ticket purchases and coordinating boarding and disembarking procedures. The trains provide reading areas and some oversight from train staff.

Another challenge was setting the train's schedule so that it was a convenient option for students commuting to school.

Students walk out of the Yangyuan Railway Station in Qingliu county, Fujian Province. (Photo/Zhang Haigen)

"Since train C875 started running, we've been conducting continuous passenger surveys and assessing demand in towns and townships along the route," said Jiang Wenxiong, a member of the railway department offering passenger transport service in Fuzhou.

The train departs from Xiamen to Fuzhou every morning and immediately returns to Xiamen. After adjusting the departure times three times, the train now arrives at Qingliu railway station at 6:56 p.m., perfectly timed for students finishing school.

The third challenge was the connection between Qingliu railway station and the schools in Qingliu county. In response, Qingliu railway station collaborated with the transport development center of the county to establish several customized bus routes connecting the schools and the railway station, further offering convenience to the students.

A warmer journey

"Stationmaster!"

At Yangyuan Station, the moment the train stopped and doors opened, a 14-year-old rushed out, squeezed through the crowd, and ran towards Yang Yuntao. "Your father will be here in a few minutes, find a book to read," said Yang.

After school starts, every Friday, Yang becomes the children's "big parent."

"Mr. Stationmaster, my daughter's jacket is still in the waiting room, on the row against the wall, please help keep it safe until Sunday."

"Mr. Stationmaster, my motorcycle broke down, I will be late by half an hour, please let my child stay in the station to do homework."

Yang carefully combs through the information in the WeChat group, putting aside things that need to be collected and guiding children who need care to the reading corner. The reading corner is right outside the station master's office, neatly arranged with books such as "The Adventures of Pinocchio" and "The Book of Insects," offering pencils, erasers, rulers, and other stationery.

The students themselves also use the train to create a positive student community.

A "Seniors Talk" activity held on the C875 train is for students entering high school. Entering high school meant heavier studies and transitioning from commuting to boarding school. "In the carriage, everyone gathered around, seniors shared secrets of how to navigate the cafeteria and laundry tips, all very practical," said a student.

Yang Yulin liked chatting with the train conductor, Jiang Hongmei, about her worries, "Parents nagged me at the start of the term to study hard and not slack off, I'm feeling a lot of pressure."

"Everyone has different learning styles, as long as you can complete your plans on time and constantly challenge yourself, you're doing great," replied Jiang.

A train journey, connecting the railway station, school, and students, bringing everyone together through friendship and warmth.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, an upscale resort located just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico and Pier 60, welcomes Ildebrando Salazar as Director of Sales and Marketing. He joins the hotel from Texas where he most recently was part of the opening team for Hyatt Regency Conroe.

In his new role, Salazar will provide support and guidance to the hotel's sales team to ensure unforgettable meetings and events for group guests. He will also oversee the resort's marketing including digital, print and local strategies to help further drive awareness to the premier travel experience available at the hotel.

With more than 15 years of experience working in the hospitality industry, Salazar began his career as a front office agent at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio. He quickly realized his passion for creating unforgettable experiences and lasting vacation memories and decided to pursue a career in the industry.

While in San Antonio, Salazar held various roles at Hyatt Regency Hill Country and the downtown Grand Hyatt San Antonio property, ranging from housekeeping manager to sales manager. In 2017, Salazar moved to the Woodlands, TX where he joined the Woodlands Resort & Conference Center. Following his time in Texas, Salazar was hired as Associate Director of Sales at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. He spent four years in Florida where he fell in love with the state's lifestyle and culture.

In 2022, Salazar moved back to Texas to join the opening team at Hyatt Regency Conroe as Director of Sales, Marketing and Events. In this role, he played an integral part in the successful launch of the property, and building a strong and thriving sales and marketing team.

Originally from San Antonio, TX, Salazar attended the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Government.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Springboard Hospitality, the leading hospitality management company of 48 independent hotels in metropolitan and leisure destination markets across 14 states, is proud to celebrate three years since the inception of its Culture Champion Club, an initiative designed to enhance employee satisfaction and community engagement across its properties. Proving success in fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace, the club demonstrates Springboards commitment to its staff and the broader community. Led by Cherise Lee Campbell, corporate director of talent development & culture, the club is founded on five pillars: service standards, community, wellness, team member engagement, and workplace safety.

The Culture Champion Club, comprising representatives from every hotel within the Springboard Hospitality portfolio, meets virtually every month to discuss and develop training programs and engagement activities. Featuring diverse employment rolesfrom leadership to hourly employees in departments like housekeeping and front officethe club offers a rich tapestry of perspectives, enriching conversations, and collaborative problem-solving.

Our goal with employment at Springboard Hospitality is not just to provide a job, but to also welcome an individual into a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected, said Campbell. As leader of talent and culture, it is my top priority to ensure that we as a company maintain a focus on inclusivity, growth, fun, belongingness, and giving back, making Springboard not just an employer, but a place where careers and personal goals flourish.

Operating across six time zones and 14 states, it's crucial that our employees not only communicate but truly connect with our initiatives and leadership, feeling fully integrated into the Springboard family. We strive to ensure every team member feels they are a vital part of what makes Springboard unique. Each month, the club tackles a new theme, such as mental health awareness or diversity and inclusion, culminating in practical applications or adjustments to hotel operations like guest service standards and community service programs. Recent initiatives have included beach clean-ups in Hawaii, park maintenance in major U.S. cities, and charity walks that have raised over $15,000 for local communities. Ben Rafter, chief executive officer, Springboard Hospitality

Looking ahead, Springboard Hospitality is excited to launch a mentorship program pairing employees with executive leaders to further career development and personal growth. This effort underscores the companys commitment to creating a culture in which employees are more than just team membersthey are the very foundation of the companys success.

For more information about Springboard Hospitality, please visit www.springboardhospitality.com, and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Springboard Hospitality

Springboard Hospitality is a premier third-party hotel management company, dedicated to transforming people, properties, and communities. Currently operating 48 hotels and resorts across 14 states, Springboard is a leader in managing localized and customized boutique lifestyle hotels in urban and resort markets. Led by technology entrepreneur Ben Rafter, Springboard specializes in creating customizable management and quantifiable returns on investment while working directly with owners. The company offers a full spectrum of hotel services with expertise in operations, capital planning, marketing, revenue management, sales and human resources. The nimble team at Springboard Hospitality offers a personalized and hands-on approach to day-to-day management and is committed to going above and beyond with high-touch service in every aspect of its operations, from its interactions with guests to its relationships with owners. For more information, please visit www.springboardhospitality.com.
MUMBAI - Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), Indias largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a Vivanta and a Ginger hotel in Mahindra World City (MWC), Chennai. These greenfield projects will be developed on a 3-acre land parcel near the Kolavai Lake, in the heart of the integrated business city.

IHCL has been present in Chennai for over five decades. These signings are in line with our strategy of expanding our presence into emerging micro-markets of key metros. Such markets with planned industrial, residential and social infrastructure offer substantial opportunities for a multi brand hospitality development. Solidifying our presence in the city, both Vivanta and Ginger are well positioned to cater to the diverse demand of this integrated business city. We are delighted to partner with Dr. G P Subash for these projects. Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL

The 100-key Vivanta MWC will offer elegantly designed rooms and suites, an all-day diner and a specialty restaurant featuring a bar. A state-of-the-art wellness center with a gym and swimming pool, along with a versatile banquet space, will cater to both business and leisure travelers. Following its signature lean luxe philosophy, Ginger MWC will feature 200 contemporary rooms with a vibrant all-day dining cum bar and modern amenities like a gym and meeting facilities.

We are excited to collaborate with IHCL to bring the Vivanta and Ginger brands to Mahindra World City in Chennai. With a unique blend of amenities and services, these new hotels will provide the perfect abode for business travelers and tourists alike. Dr. G P Subash, Founder and Director, Asbri Energy

Mahindra World City is a business district spread across 1,550 acres within the influence zone of Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor and Chennai-Vizag Industrial Corridor. The development is a multi-sector Special Economic Zone and is also a major logistics hub catering to key industrial areas.

With the addition of these hotels, IHCL will have a presence of 22 hotels with 6 under development in Tamil Nadu.

About the Owner

Promoted by Dr. G P Subash, Asbri Energy focusses on innovative products in the field of green and renewable energy. Asbri manufactures and implements large scale biofuel plants across India. Dr. G P. Subash is a scientist, engineer, researcher, academician and an entrepreneur. The company also has interests in real estate, and this would be the first hospitality project.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj  the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and ranked as World's Strongest Hotel Brand 2024 and India's Strongest Brand 2024 as per Brand Finance; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; Gateway, full-service hotels designed to be your gateway to exceptional destinations and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel - The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 340 hotels including 112 under development globally across 4 continents, 13 countries and in over 130 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India's largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is listed on the BSE and NSE.

Please visit: IHCL; Taj; SeleQtions; Vivanta; Gateway; Ginger

Malihah Faizi

IHCL
Fairmas, a leading provider of financial planning, controlling, and management reporting solutions for the hospitality industry, is excited to announce the opening of its new office in Italy. This expansion marks a significant milestone for Fairmas as it continues to grow and strengthen its global footprint.

Located in Bolzano, Italy, the new office will enable Fairmas to better serve its growing customer base in Italy and the broader Southern European region. The decision to open an office in Italy comes in response to the substantial growth of the hospitality industry in the region, which has shown remarkable resilience and expansion over recent years.

"Opening an office in Italy is a strategic decision that aligns with our mission to support the hospitality industry's growth and globalization. Italy is a key market for us, with its rich cultural heritage and thriving tourism sector. We are excited to be closer to our clients and partners in this region, enabling us to provide more personalized support and innovative solutions that meet their unique needs."

Niels Schroder, Managing Director of Fairmas

The new office will serve as a hub for Fairmas' operations in Southern Europe, facilitating closer collaboration with local hotels and hospitality businesses. This strategic move is expected to enhance Fairmas' ability to deliver tailored financial planning and reporting solutions, helping clients navigate the complexities of the modern hospitality landscape.

With the opening of the Italy office, Fairmas reaffirms its commitment to supporting the hospitality industry's continuous growth and development on a global scale. The company looks forward to building stronger relationships with its Italian clients and contributing to their ongoing success.

Fairmas is proud to continue its journey of growth and expansion, providing industry-leading financial solutions to the hospitality sector worldwide.

About Fairmas

Fairmas is a software development company, with a global presence, offering financial planning, management reporting and controlling solutions including data management for hotel assets to hotels. Since our foundation in 2003, our focus has been on the development of innovative, tailor-made hotel software. With our continuous growth and steady expansion of our product range, more than 5,500+ hotels worldwide are satisfied with Fairmas solutions. (www.fairmas.com).

Kinza Raheel

International Marketing & Communications Manager
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State School of Hospitality Management has named Alan Horowitz, vice president of enterprise sustainability at Aramark, and Rick Garlick, principal consultant of Richard Garlick and Associates Consulting and Research Services, as its 2024-25 Walter J. Conti visiting professors.

The Conti Professorship program brings hospitality industry leaders and scholars to serve as guest lecturers and mentors with students in the Hospitality Management program and to connect with faculty members and researchers in the school.

As part of its 36th anniversary, Horowitz and Garlick represent the continued growth and success of the Conti Professorship program, which sees increased engagement with the executives and scholars who are named Conti professors. For 2024-25, both will be in-residence at Penn State University Park during the fall and spring semesters to teach and advise students and faculty in their fields of study or areas of expertise. They will also engage in virtual seminars with undergraduate and graduate students throughout the academic year.

Both Alan and Rick are on the leading edge of making the broad and dynamic hospitality industry the most sustainable, attractive and rewarding profession, for not only our graduates but for clients, guests, investors, owners, employees and communities across the United States and beyond. Their commitment to engaging with the schools gifted faculty and talented students demonstrates what they share in common  a passion for advancing distinction in the next generation of leaders among the many, high-demand careers in hospitality management. Donna Quadri-Felitti, Marvin Ashner Endowed Director of the School of Hospitality Management

About Alan Horowitz

Horowitz is vice president of enterprise sustainability at Aramark, a leading global provider of food and facilities services. Horowitz and his team are responsible for leading the development and delivery of the companys sustainability commitments and targets, including Aramarks enterprise-wide efforts to minimize food waste, minimize the use of single-use plastics and deliver ambitious carbon reduction goals. He is also responsible for leading the companys environment, social and governance, stakeholder engagement, data management, and reporting programs, including publication of Aramarks annual Be Well. Do Well. Progress Report.

It is a true honor to be named a Conti professor, and Im thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with the students and faculty through this appointment, Horowitz said. I cant think of a better place than the Penn State School of Hospitality Management to discuss how sustainability is being embedded in the hospitality industry and learn from each other.

Prior to joining Aramark in 2022, Horowitz spent 20 years at AstraZeneca in the United States and the United Kingdom, initially as the companys in-house environmental counsel and later as its global vice president of sustainability. He also built and led a sustainability team at Microsoft before co-founding Green Street USA, a startup focused on helping Main Street-type enterprises embrace and embed sustainability. Alan was recently named one of the Top 20 North American Chief Sustainability Officers by the Futur/io Institute.

About Rick Garlick

Garlick has more than 30 years of experience in hospitality research and consulting, beginning with his work at The Gallup Organization in the mid-90s. He has held leadership roles at Maritz CX and J.D. Power before establishing his own consultancy. Currently, he serves as a consulting partner to BVA BDRC, a European research firm specializing in hospitality brand tracking, and WorkProud, an employee engagement firm where he leads employee experience survey initiatives.

I started my professional career as a professor and never lost my love for teaching students and conducting research, Garlick said. It is a true privilege to invest in the students and faculty at the Penn State School of Hospitality Management at this stage of my career.

Throughout his career, Garlick has held key research leadership positions with organizations such as Meeting Professionals International, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Foundation, and the Incentive Research Foundation. He is a past member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants.

Garlick has led research initiatives in customer experience, brand marketing, product development and employee experience for nearly every major hotel brand in North America, as well as prominent luxury chains in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Additionally, he has consulted for airlines, restaurant chains, airports, rental car companies, cruise lines and destinations, encompassing the entire travel and hospitality sector. He also brings energy savings solutions to hotels and other businesses to promote sustainability and cost-efficiency.

Before transitioning to the private sector, Garlick taught research methods, marketing and persuasive communication at Michigan State University and DePaul University. He has published numerous articles in industry and academic journals and has appeared on national media outlets such as MSNBC, CNBC, CNNfn, Bloomberg Television and National Public Radio. His insights have also been featured in many national publications.

Garlick holds a doctor of philosophy in communication studies from Michigan State University.

About the Conti Professorship program

Walter Conti earned his bachelors degree in home economics from Penn State in 1952, becoming a well-known restaurateur and industry leader. He served on the Penn State Board of Trustees from 1974-92, achieving trustee emeritus status.

The Conti Professorship program was established by alumni and friends of the Penn State School of Hospitality Management in 1987 to honor Conti for his contributions to the school, Penn State and the hospitality profession. Beginning in 1988, industry leaders and hospitalitys best scholars have served each year as guest lecturers and mentors as part of this program. Conti died in 2016 at the age of 87.

About Penn State School of Hospitality Management

Established in 1937 Penn State's School of Hospitality Management is one of the nation's oldest and most respected. Its top-ranked undergraduate and doctoral programs prepare global leaders with a rigorous, diverse curriculum focused, since its inception, on engaged scholarship, featuring partnerships with Penn State's Hospitality Services, Housing and Food Services, and top global hospitality brands. It's also home to the oldest Penn State alumni program group, The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society.

Ben Jellison

Director of Industry and Alumni Relations

814-865-6728

Penn State School of Hospitality Management
In this weeks episode of the Hotel Moment podcast, Shannon Knapp, President and CEO of The Leading Hotels of the World, joins Karen Stephens, Revinate CMO, to offer a comprehensive perspective on what goes into creating a luxury experience and why that experience means nothing without the right technology and staff that knows how to use it. Shannon also provides historical context around how hoteliers have approached luxury in the past, and why guests have assumed leadership in luxury experiences today.

Tune in and get motivated to narrow your hotels focus on the guest experience, listen to guests definition of luxury, and choose the right technology to personalize those luxury experiences.

Meet your host

As Chief Marketing Officer at Revinate, Karen Stephens is focused on driving long-term growth by building Revinates brand equity, product marketing, and customer acquisition strategies. Her deep connections with hospitality industry leaders play a key role in crafting strategic partnerships.

Karen is also the host of The Hotel Moment Podcast, where she interviews top players in the hospitality industry. Karen has been with Revinate for over 11 years, leading Revinates global GTM teams. Her most recent transition was from Chief Revenue Officer, where she led the team in their highest booking quarter to date in Q4 2023.

Karen has more than 25 years of expertise in global hospitality technology and online distribution  including managing global accounts in travel and hospitality organizations such as Travelocity and lastminute.com

Connect with Karen

Transcript

Intro  00:00:04: Welcome to the Hotel Moment podcast presented by Revinate, the podcast where we discuss how hotel technology shapes every moment of the hoteliers experience. Tune in as we explore the cutting-edge technology transforming the hospitality industry and hear from experts and visionaries shaping the future of guest experiences. Whether youre a hotelier or a tech enthusiast, youre in the right place. Lets dive in and discover how we can elevate the art of hospitality together.

Karen Stephens- 00:00:37: Welcome to the Hotel Moment podcast. Im your host, Karen Stephens, the Chief Marketing Officer of Revinate. And on todays episode, we are thrilled to have Shannon Knapp. Shannon is the President and CEO of The Leading Hotels in the World. With a deep background in luxury hospitality, Shannon has been pivotal in driving global customer engagement, brand strategy, and marketing innovation for over a decade. Under her leadership, LHW has seen significant growth in brand awareness and customer loyalty. Prior to her current role, Shannon held various senior positions at American Express, including Vice President of Marketing for Travel and Lifestyle Services, where she spearheaded key initiatives in customer experience and loyalty programs. With over 20 years of experience in creating integrated marketing strategies, Shannon is recognized as a leader in elevating brand presence and enhancing customer satisfaction in the luxury travel sector. This conversation was just phenomenal. I mean, first of all, to have a leader of Shannons caliber on the podcast, I mean to say  I am very grateful. We started out our conversation talking about the shift in the luxury space. So Shannon had a really good insight about how luxury has shifted over the last, call it 20 years or so. It used to be very led by the hotels, and now its really down to the travelers. So its really an n-of-1, is how she put it. So the need to understand the expectations of the customer and how to provide the guest experience is more important than its ever been. And personalization is really at the core of that. She also talked about the shift in the technology stack. So the center of the hotel that used to be the property management system has now really shifted over to the CRM. And we also talked a lot about, since the time of COVID, the shift for a lot of hotels in their marketing mix. Obviously, were seeing a lot more leisure than weve seen before. Corporate has kind of stepped back, and its ebbed and flowed, but she really hit on how hotels should think about how they get the right mix of business in their hotel and what really matters there. And finally, we capped off our conversation by Shannon talking about her own career trajectory that led her to the top spot at the worlds leading hotels. So obviously, as a CEO, whether its in hospitality or in any industry, its still fairly rare for a woman to be holding that top position. And Shannon talked a lot about what got her there. So some of that has to do with the mentors that helped her throughout her journey with advice as she came up in her career, and the importance of mentorship. And then she also talked about being open to all kinds of different roles, understanding what you like and what you dont like. So I really encourage anybody who is looking for career advice or is inspired by someone who has reached that echelon, to give a listen. So I give you Shannon Knapp. W

elcome to the podcast, Shannon. Were so delighted to have you here.

Shannon Knapp  00:03:34: Thank you, Karen. Im thrilled to be here. I appreciate the invitation.

Karen Stephens  00:03:38: Absolutely. So Id love to jump right in. So can you give our audience an idea of who are The Leading Hotels of the World and what is, kind of, your role? Obviously, youre the President and CEO, but wed love to hear a little bit about the luxury travel space and how Leading Hotels of the World really contributes in that area.

Shannon Knapp  00:03:55: Sure. So Leading Hotels of the World is a collection of over 400 truly independent luxury hotels all around the world. Were in, I think, over 80 countries at this point. And our mission is really to empower the success of our independent hotels so that they can continue to make the choice to stay independent, which, as you know, in this time is increasingly difficult thing. So what we try and do for our members is to provide global distribution, obviously a global luxury brand, sales, marketing, technology, data analytics support, so that they can continue to be successful. Many of them are brands in and of themselves, but they can continue to be successful, grow their business, and we can continue to support this thriving independent luxury segment.

Karen Stephens  00:04:44: Yes, and were familiar, we have a lot of Revinate customers that are also the worlds leading hotels. And I can tell you, I mean, obviously, you know, some of the most beautiful hotels that are all over the world. And I think what I love so much about your organization, and you just hit on it, the hotels are able to maintain their independence. And so they have their own character, their own experience, but they have that support from the overall organization. Thats great. So youve been operating in the luxury travel space for quite a while. So before you were at the worlds leading hotels, you were with American Express on the luxury travel end. So can you talk to me a little bit about the history of luxury hospitality? What have you seen change when it comes to creating a luxury stay experience and what has kind of remained constant?

Shannon Knapp  00:05:29: I think, and Im certainly not going to share anything that is probably earth-shattering here, but luxury has changed so significantly over the last, lets call it 20, 25 years. I think in the past, especially on the hospitality side, the hotel side, the hotels almost used to dictate what luxury was. We define the standards of luxury, and we told that to the consumer, and we demonstrated that in the experience to the consumer. But what has evolved and changed so significantly, is that luxury now is such a personal experience. It really is about what is important to me as a traveler, as a person, and what is luxury to me might be completely not luxury to you. And I think that that is both a challenge and an opportunity in our business. I mean, we certainly see this reflected in the guests that stay with leading hotels. Not only do they absolutely love their traditional palace hotels in our portfolio, like the Ritz-Carlton, or like the Lowell here in New York City, but theyre also really interested in hotels that meet different criteria for luxury these days based on who they are. Maybe having different experiences being with a hotel in a remote location or a hotel that offers a hyper authentic experience that is authentic to its destination. Or maybe they want to stay at a really small, intimate hotel that maybe doesnt have all the traditional five-star amenities and multiple F&B outlets. Or maybe not a central lobby, for example, but something thats a little bit more home-like. They embrace different kinds of architecture and design. We see, obviously, and I know, again, this is a trend that were all seeing in the industry, but this shift towards a focus on holistic wellness and sustainability as interest. So I think the definition of luxury over the last several years has evolved to be much more of an N-of-1, in a way. What is luxury to me, and how will I express that in the choices that I make with the hotels that I stay in?

Karen Stephens  00:07:27: You know what, thats a really great point. And what youre hitting on or what Im hearing from that is how important personalization is. So really understanding what that guest wants and needs. Because as you mentioned, again, going back to the uniqueness of the worlds leading hotels, 400 hotels, theyre all different. You know, they all have their own flavor. So can you talk just a little bit, how do you approach that from a marketing standpoint, thinking about how you understand the guest and make sure that that experience is as personalized as possible from the communication standpoint, website brand? Like how do you approach that? Because its a tall order.

Shannon Knapp  00:08:02: Absolutely, as marketers, its no longer just broad segments that we can create offerings for and call it a day. It really is segments of one. So it starts with, and this again, many years ago, the center of the tech stack universe at the hotel used to be the PMS. The PMS did everything for our members and for hotels around the world. But so much more now is available to enable the hotel, to deliver a truly personalized experience. I mean, obviously Revinate is a partner of leading hotels, actually, in terms of being a CRM provider. You know, CRM for a hotel is really a fairly recent development, and its something that has become so vital to being able to collect the interests and the needs and the preferences of your guests, and then be able to match the right promotion or the right experience. That is all being done now at scale. So especially on the luxury side, when you think about luxury being, about white glove service, personalization, really delivering that, that used to be delivered exclusively by the most connected GMs who had the most robust Rolodex of customer information on their desk that they could pull out when they knew you were coming to stay. But now we can do that level of personalization at scale, and really free up the front of house staff to deliver the experience that they want to deliver, to do what they do best, which is really, spend time with the guests, speak to the guests, get to know what their needs are and kind of match the experience for them. Thats something that historically couldnt be done at a scale that we can do it today because of the availability of technology and data resources that post-COVID, weve really seen the luxury hotel industry embrace.

Karen Stephens  00:09:45: And that is so exciting. I think you really hit on something extraordinary there. If you have somebody who really loves hospitality, staff and hotels, what they really want to be doing is interacting with that guest. And if youre leveraging that technology properly, youve done the heavy lift for them, and then they can just put the guest experience on top, which I know for luxury hotels is at the center.

Shannon Knapp  00:10:04: Its their passion, right? Their passion is not technology, but I think theyve come to realize that technology can really empower and enable them to do what they do best. And what they want to do is make that guest return. They want to make that guest so happy that they want to return to their hotel, and they now see the power of technology to enable that experience that they deliver personally that drives that level of loyalty.

Karen Stephens  00:10:27: Thats exciting. So speaking of loyalty, you just brought up another buzzword near and dear to my heart. Loyalty in the context of a collection of independents. And I know that you initiated the Leaders Club program. So can you share how the program has evolved since its inception and how hotels are utilizing it?

Shannon Knapp  00:10:45: Sure. And Karen, I wish I could take credit for initiating the Leaders Club program, but I certainly cant do that. Its been around for many years, but we did relaunch the program in 2018. First off, and kind of leading from the last question, loyalty really starts and ends with the experience thats delivered at the hotel. From our perspective, we have the best hotels and hoteliers in the world who do this every day. And so it really starts and ends there. But of course, being in hotels, we need to have a loyalty program. And we have created what I think is a really great platform, loyalty platform for both the consumers as well as the hotels themselves. So as an independent hotel, it neither makes economic sense nor practical sense for you to have your own loyalty program. The expense of the loyalty program is very difficult. The diversity of where guests travel makes it very difficult for smaller-scale groups or individual hotels to have a loyalty program that makes sense. So what weve done is weve provided a platform for our members to be able to offer loyalty benefits from Leaders Club that enable them to reward their best guests, to enhance the stay experience, again, to make that guest want to return, not only to the hotel that theyre staying at, but also to make the connection between the hotel and the extraordinary experience that theyre having there with Leaders Club and The Leading Hotels of the World, so that when they travel to a new destination, they look to The Leading Hotels of the World and Leaders Club for where they would like to stay. So the loyalty program is complimentary to travelers, and it really creates that gateway to our extraordinary collection of independent luxury hotels around the world. And it enables the guests to have an elevated stay experience with benefits and amenities, including pre-arrival upgrade, complimentary breakfast, the ability to earn points to redeem later for stays. And whats interesting or unique about our program is that you earn those benefits from day one. So you dont have to go through a tier before you get some of these, for example, complimentary breakfast or upgrades. Those come day one with your membership with Leaders Club.

Karen Stephens  00:12:53: Thats wonderful. And are you also leveraging personalization within Leaders Club? So making sure that whatever the guest is telling you, you can then transmit to other hotels. How does that work?

Shannon Knapp  00:13:03: Theres quite a world of GDPR and PII and all those things that we have to obviously be very conscious of and very careful with the data of our guests. And we are different than your traditional fully branded hotels like Marriott or Hiltons, and that we dont own operate or franchise our hotels. So the data of our hotels is actually uniquely the data of our hotels. However, as Leaders Club, the program, if you sign up as a Leaders Club program, and you choose to share with us your preferences and you choose to say that youre happy to have those preferences shared across your stay experiences, we absolutely do and are able to share that information with our hotels, whether thats something as simple as your arrival time. So you can hope that your room would be prepared for your arrival to your preference in the type of location of your room or the type of amenities you enjoy. So when the guests chooses us to provide that, and theyre comfortable with us sharing that, we do share that with our hotels around the world.

Karen Stephens  00:14:03: Thats wonderful. You know, one thing that weve always talked about with personalization, or if youre asking for guest information, is that you use it properly, obviously, but then you do actually use it. So if somebody tells you in one hotel, you know, I want to be facing whatever, the courtyard, you want to make sure that the next hotel gets that information. So thats great. Youre able to tie it together with the loyalty program. So shifting gears a little bit, it is that time of year, we are heading into the budget season. And so Im sure as the worlds leading hotels, you probably give a lot of advice and help hotels as they move through it. But generally, what kind of advice do you give during this period? Why do they think about their financial planning, their marketing budgets, their tech stack? How do you advise the hotels in that regard?

Shannon Knapp  00:14:46: Its such an interesting time. I do think that it has really stimulated a different approach and a different take on the annual budgeting process now. What we try, and when we speak to our hotels, and we are strategic business partners for our hotels, we are there to help ensure that theyre maximizing the revenue that comes to them through all channels. So we work with them on their budgeting strategy from a revenue perspective, as well as their distribution strategy. How will they achieve that outcome? And what were seeing a lot of these days is a shift in mix. So leisure, obviously, it kind of took off in 2021, 2022, and has really become a major part of the mix of a lot of our hotels, so much so that some of our hotels who were historically maybe more of a balanced mix of corporate, and group, and leisure, are now really leaning very heavily on the leisure business, and maybe reducing the amount of corporate business they have or the amount of group business that theyre pursuing. So the guidance that we give to our hotels is really understand, obviously, your owners expectations, but also where is that business coming from today? Where do you think you need to invest resources to increase your share? And increase your share in a way thats realistic. So you may wish to have a highly rated business from a certain country of origin, but if youve got zero of that today, its going to be very hard for you to suddenly blow that out of the water. So help them really have an eye to what is their mix today? What is their aspirational mix? What is the investment that they need to make both themselves as well as in collaboration with us to affect that outcome? As it relates to budgeting for CapEx related things, specifically technology, we have a lot of conversations with our members about not being distracted by the new shiny object. Really understand what the use case is for these new technology platforms that we all get. You know, every day I get probably 50 emails from various vendors of data technology. Theyre all great, Im sure. But what is the problem that Im trying to solve as a hotelier from my hotel? Really be clear on what the use cases are. Dont be distracted by the next shiny object coming through. And make sure that you have somebody on property who can actually manage that vendor. And if you cant, work with us because we can help you with that. Because having the greatest technology platform that no one on property understands means youre not maximizing the value. It means youre wasting money and resources.

Karen Stephens  00:17:19: Oh my gosh, truer words were never spoken. You know, we had our own conference this spring in Miami, and our CEO got up on stage, and he showed a picture of a utility closet, you know, in a hotel with all the wires and hanging out. Its like, heres where technology goes to die. And I think you hit it on the head. All these platforms, they dont speak to each other, and nobodys managing it. And so somebody thought it was a good idea, but I think that truer words were never spoken. Making sure that everything could be integrated, you can have access to the data, and someones managing it.

Shannon Knapp  00:17:50: Exactly. And I mean, think about it from an independent hotels perspective. If youre a small hotel in the middle of the Swiss Alps, maybe you have a team of 10 folks on property between sales, marketing, and distribution. Its hard to expect that somebody on property is going to have the experience, the knowledge, the time to be able to manage this increasing collection of technology providers, especially when they dont speak to each other, especially when what they sold you is not necessarily what has been implemented. So its really important. And this is a role that has become increasingly important for leading over the last several years is consulting with our members first. As I mentioned, dont get distracted, understand the problems youre trying to solve, but also then how are you maximizing the tools that you have? You dont need anything new. You actually have a great setup here. You have a great tech stack. How are you using it? And how can we help you do that?

Karen Stephens  00:18:42: Absolutely. And I can just say from the vendor side, when we went through the partnership with Leading Hotels of the World, your team stepped in to do all of the technical due diligence. It was not a one-and-done. There were many competitors in that boat. So I just want to give a shout out. I think, again, if youre an independent hotel, for you to do that kind of diligence is difficult. So to be able to kind of look to Leading and say, Okay, this vendor works or doesnt , I think is important.

Shannon Knapp  00:19:07: Yeah, thanks, Karen. It is something, like I mentioned, its a newish, certainly not a newish capability for us. Weve had a very strong tech team for many years, but in terms of turning to the hotel operations side, and really helping to be a partner for our members in identifying their needs, finding the right partners, the right vendors to meet those needs, because the needs of smaller hotels, independent hotels are very different from those of larger hotels or hotels that are part of chain brands. So really understanding what the distinct needs of these members are and then helping to make sure that theyre getting the best business terms, the best commercial terms, best service terms, as well as obviously world-class technology solutions. So, I mean, were proud that were able to help in that way. And the demand for that is ever-increasing.

Karen Stephens  00:19:51: It really is because, my goodness, to your point, to wrap your brain around the speed at which all of the things are coming out now is a lot. And so to be able to leverage kind of the experience of a central team, to be part of an association where youve got other hotels, you can leverage that knowledge and have something centrally driving it, its really exciting. So speaking of kind of global brand presence for a hotelier, what one piece of advice would you offer to hoteliers that are looking to increase their brands global presence and customer experience in the digital age? Is there anything that comes to mind?

Shannon Knapp  00:20:25: I think it comes down to really having a good understanding of your business, your growth aspirations, and trying to, in all seriousness, maximize the partners that are available to you. Because I would say, and its truer than ever, as much as I think there are a ton of capabilities that enable, that may sell themselves as, Hey, you can do this all yourself , I think that that is a really tall order for any independent or smaller operator to figure out how to elevate your brand, how to define your distribution across literally, thousands of channels globally to manage your operations, to deliver a great guest experience, to manage your loyal guests. The task is taller than it has ever been for hotel operators. And I think the best advice that I could offer is to stay maniacally focused on what you are trying to achieve from a business outcomes perspective, from a guest experience perspective, and put your resources on the things that matter in driving those outcomes.

Karen Stephens  00:21:33: I love that. Thats great advice. Okay, so Shannon, I would be remiss if I didnt ask you this question. So for women aspiring to reach top leadership positions, what tips do you have based on your own career journey? Moving from a marketing leadership position to the top job, what helped you make that transition?

Shannon Knapp  00:21:51: I would say the most important thing across my entire career has been the support and advocacy of mentors. I have had three mentors across my career that have really invested in me and have helped me, and theyve challenged me. They have helped me refine what my career aspirations were, and they really invested in my success. And thats something that I think as a rare female leader in this industry, is something that I love to kind of pay it back or pay it forward, however you want to look at it. But its something that I think is really important for those of us that are in this industry to be able to not only model behavior for future leaders, but also to take the time to mentor and be a support so we can help bring more women into the leadership positions in hospitality in particular. I would say the other thing that I did that maybe at the time I wasnt as conscious about, but I think has been a really important part of my ability to continue to progress in my career is I never charted too narrow a course for my career. I was very comfortable taking lateral moves. I was very comfortable going into areas that I perhaps, that maybe it first didnt appeal to me or I wasnt aware of. And what all of that did was help me really understand and refine over time what I liked, what I was good at, what I didnt like, what I wasnt good at. And all of that helped kind of refine my path as I went along in my career. And I think that thats a really important, especially as I kind of look at our younger workers these days, is to be okay with having a broader scope of experience. Because ultimately that is where I had the greatest learnings. I got to work with different customer types. I got to work in different functions. I got to work with different types of products. And all of that contributed to my knowledge base that I think was really important for me as I moved from being a functional expert in marketing to really taking on the CEO role. I was able to draw on a really diverse background and experience.

Karen Stephens  00:23:59: I love that. And I love the shout-out to mentors as well. I think its so important to be able to have trusted advisors because I think as we grow in our careers, we gain more and more confidence and to be able to help younger people get some confidence and try and fail and its okay.

Shannon Knapp  00:24:16: Yeah, failure is an amazing thing, actually. Some of my best lessons, bar none, have been as a result, not of successes, but actually of failures.

Karen Stephens  00:24:23: Failure and learning. Oh, I love that. Shannon, its been a wonderful conversation. Thank you so much. My guest has been Shannon Knapp, who is the president and CEO of Leading Hotels of the World. Its been a pleasure. Thank you.

Shannon Knapp  00:24:34: Thank you so much, Karen.

Karen Stephens  00:24:40: Thank you for joining us on this episode of Hotel Moment by Revinate. Our community of hoteliers is growing every week, and each guest we speak to is tackling industry challenges with the innovation and flexibility that our industry demands. If you enjoyed todays episode, dont forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. And if youre listening on YouTube, please like the video and subscribe for more content. For more information, head to revinate.com/hotelmomentpodcast. Until next time, keep innovating.

About Revinate

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Our Guest Data Platform and communication solutions unlock revenue for hoteliers and put them in control of the full guest experience  initial research, booking, check-in, throughout the stay, and even after check out  all via the communication channels that guests prefer, whether it's voice, text, email, or web.

More than 12,000 hotels globally bank on Revinate to drive direct revenue and deliver delightful guest experiences.

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Omni Hotels & Resorts has signed a development agreement with Midland Downtown Renaissance, LP, a collaborative effort by leading Midland-based companies, foundations and investors, to develop and manage a highly anticipated 135-room luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Midland, Texas.

Omni, whose headquarters are in Dallas, is excited to expand upon its Texas presence with the addition of the Omni Midland Hotel  Omni's 12th hotel in the state. The hotel plans include approximately 15,000 square feet of meeting space, a 7,000 square-foot ballroom, 135 guest rooms, a spa, a rooftop pool, a lobby bar with an all-day dining concept, and a Bob's Steak and Chop House. This hotel will be a significant addition to Omni's expanding portfolio of 50+ upscale hotels.

"Our partnership with Omni empowers us to move forward with a dynamic development plan. This is the right time, the right place, with the right partner. Collaborating with Omni will help us transform this visionary concept into a reality and seize a unique opportunity to advance our community while leaving a lasting impact on our economic landscape," says Dan Hord, partner at HEDLOC Investment Company.

Omni and Midland Downtown Renaissance, LP have engaged two design partners with deep Texas roots. HKS Architects will be responsible for the hotel's architecture, and Looney & Associates will lead interior design on the project. Additionally, The Design Agency, known for its unique approach to blending design, culture and community, has been tapped to curate all the restaurants and bars within the hotel to create destination concepts for the community to enjoy.

"It is an honor to welcome the Omni Midland Hotel to our collection of one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts. Each of our properties reflects the authentic spirit of its destination, and this hotel, situated at the heart of downtown, will play a vital role in its revitalization. Together with Midland Downtown Renaissance, LP, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of community and eagerly look forward to sharing the vibrant essence of the city with our guests," says Kurt Alexander, President of Omni Hotels & Resorts.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for the City of Midland and West Texas. We have envisioned a new convention center hotel downtown for nearly a decade, and we are now one step closer to making it a reality," adds Midland Mayor Lori Blong. "This development opens up endless possibilities for more conferences, conventions, and events at the Barbara and George H.W. Bush Convention Center. With Omni's expertise in the meetings and convention market, this new convention center hotel will undoubtedly enhance our economy and increase visitation across all travel segments."

"Many, many thanks go to Omni Hotels & Resorts, the City of Midland, and all the partners who are making this project a reality. Midland and the Permian Basin continue to draw attention and investment from all over the world and, if history is any indicator, this new downtown hotel will serve our community for the next 50 years," said Grant Billingsley, President and CEO of Scharbauer Foundation, Inc.
MCLA to Host Inclusive Democracy Election Panel

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  MCLA will host an Inclusive Democracy Election Panel this September that invites students and community members to explore ways to engage and improve our democracy.

The panel will take place on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. in Murdock Hall Room 218 and will be moderated by A.J. Enchill, president and executive director of the Berkshire Black Economic Council. Featured panelists include Dr. Samantha Pettey, MCLA's associate professor for history and political science, Joe Donahue, WAMC's host of The Roundtable and The Bookshow, and Dr. Mason Williams, Williams College's associate professor of political science and leadership studies.

About the Panelists and Moderator

A.J. Enchill, Berkshire Black Economic Council

Born to immigrants from Ghana, A.J. Enchill is a native of Pittsfield and the eldest of four brothers. Enchill is a graduate of The Governor's Academy, where he was a dorm proctor and lacrosse captain. He went on to play varsity lacrosse at Tufts University, where he was also a BLAST scholar, a Latin Tutor, and he earned a B.A. in American Studies. Enchill is a two-time National champion and facilitated class discussion for an American Studies prerequisite course called "Race in America."

From 2017 through 2022, Enchill performed constituent services and community outreach as the District Aide for State Senator Adam G. Hinds. He was formerly the board co-chair for Multicultural BRIDGE. Enchill is a past board member of Berkshire Community Action Council and Community Health Programs. He also served on the C4 Arts Initiative. Enchill is on The Executive Committee of the Berkshire County Branch of

The NAACP where he serves as the Economic Development and Justice Chair. Enchill is the founder and President of the Berkshire Black Economic Council. Enchill is now participating in the

Boston Fed's Leaders for Equitable Local Economies where he and his brother Auric, support BIPOC businesses in The City of Pittsfield by working with city and key institutions to shift approaches to small business support and purchasing.

In 2022, Enchill was awarded the Non Sibi Sed Aliis Award by The Alumni Council of The Governors Academy and he was named Berkshire 25 by Berkshire Magazine. The Healy-Driscoll Transition Policy Committee appointed Enchill to serve as a Co-Chair for The Jobs and Flourishing Economies Transition Committee for Governor Maura Healy's administration. Enchill has since been appointed by Governor Healy to serve on The Governor's Advisory Committee on Black Empowerment for The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Enchill returned to his hometown to impact his community in a way that inspires young folks to return to the Berkshires to strengthen the place that raised them.

Dr. Samantha Pettey, MCLA

Originally from southeastern Massachusetts, Dr. Samantha Pettey has been interested in politics since a young age and has worked in the History and Political Science Department at MCLA since Fall 2016. Dr. Pettey teaches a range of courses on American government but is most passionate about teaching and researching Congress, state and local politics and women in politics.

Dr. Pettey's current research focuses broadly on female candidates. She is particularly interested in the impact institutional features and demographic characteristics have on state-level candidate emergence and success.

Joe Donahue, WAMC

For over 35 years, Joe Donahue - the award-winning host of WAMC/ Northeast Public Radio's The Roundtable - has been widely recognized for fostering insightful, thought-provoking conversation. Donahue offers his listeners some of the world's most fascinating people and subjects. He is a lifelong advocate of reading and writers and hosts the nationally syndicated, The Book Show.

Donahue is the Senior Director of News and Programming for WAMC and has been with the station since 1994. He is best known for his continuing work as a talk show host and interviewer on the daily talk program, The Roundtable. Mix a roster of guests and intelligent questions and you get interviews Metroland described as "in a category by themselves" and "distinguished by a blend of warmth and empathy, genuine curiosity, and sharp intelligence."

The Roundtable's hallmark is interviews by host and executive producer Donahue and his unique approach. The daily award-winning Roundtable program airs daily from 9-12 AM on the WAMC/Northeast Public Radio network, where Donahue has dedicated his career to the excellence of radio broadcasting. He also hosts the nationally syndicated half hour chat with renowned authors,

The Book Show.

Donahue has been honored with over 50 national and local awards for his interviewing achievements, including the prestigious Scripps-Howard Excellence in Electronic Journalism Award and several Edward R. Murrow awards. He is also an adjunct professor at his

alma mater, The College of St. Rose, teaching interviewing and radio production. His voice has been used for major exhibits at museums, including at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum and in the award-winning documentary, Indian Point. Donahue was a visiting faculty member at Bennington from Fall 2021 - Fall 2022, and Spring 2024.

Dr. Mason B. Williams, Williams College

Dr. Mason B. Williams is the chair of leadership studies and an associate professor of leadership studies and political science at Williams College. He has been with Williams College since 2014. Dr. Williams holds a B.A. in History from Princeton University (2006), and an M.A. in History from Columbia University (2009), where he later received his doctorate in 2012.

His areas of expertise include U.S. political history, 20th-century U.S. history, American political development, the politics of historical memory, and the history of New York. Dr. Williams has authored several books, including "City of Ambition: FDR, La Guardia, and the Making of Modern New York" and co-edited works such as "Shaped by the State: Toward a New Political History of the Twentieth Century."

He teaches various courses at Williams College, such as "Visionaries, Pragmatists, and Demagogues: An Introduction to Leadership Studies" and "Race and Inequality in the American City."
The detainee from Mali - who a few days ago in the Poggioreale prison became the protagonist of an act of cannibalism by swallowing the finger of a cellmate, which he severed with a bite after knocking him out - has been hospitalized in a facility of the Asl Napoli 1.

The decision was made following a direct order from the judicial authority, which was consulted on the case in recent days.

"No external psychiatric facility wants to host the detainee," the Uspp had announced, with president Giuseppe Moretti and regional secretary Ciro Auricchio, two days ago, commenting on the serious incident that occurred in the Neapolitan prison and highlighting the inmate's severe psychiatric problems.

His transfer had been ordered from the first hours following the incident, but the facilities had denied the detainee access. For this reason, the prison and health authorities were forced to reiterate the request to the authorities.
Amid this years back-to-school season, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the countrys leading consumer finance company, projects a significant surge in laptop sales, anticipating up to 1,200 units sold daily. This anticipated growth is based on the number of laptops sold last year during the peak of the back-to-school season in September and is driven by the ongoing digital learning revolution that has reshaped education nationwide.

Countrys leading consumer finance company foresees demand for gadgets to continue growing amid back-to-school season

With students and professionals increasingly relying on laptops for online classes, research, and other academic activities, the demand for reliable, high-performance devices is at an all-time high. HCPHs recent sales report highlights this trend, showcasing a consistent growth in technology product demand, even reaching the surge earlier than last years September since the academic calendar started earlier this year.

In 2022, Home Credit sold P4.7B worth of laptops. This number rose to P5.3B worth of laptops in 2023, marking a 12.5% year-over-year increase. On average, almost 450 laptops were sold daily last year, underscoring a strong market demand, driven by the growing adoption of digital learning solutions.

September 2023 proved to be a milestone month for Home Credit, with daily laptop sales reaching an impressive peak of 1,200 units sold. This surge aligns with the Back-to-School season as families prepare for the academic year and equip students with essential technology.

Our sales figures clearly reflect a strong and growing demand for gadgets that support students learning needs, especially laptops. Over the past two years, weve seen a notable increase in laptop sales from July through September. The peak in September highlights our strategic approach to leveraging seasonal demand, particularly the back-to-school season when the need for new or upgraded gadgets rises.

As the financial ally of the Filipinos, our financial support during peak shopping seasons allows us to provide our customers with the latest technology they need through 0% interest deals with various installment plans, said Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of Home Credit Philippines.

Anticipating a similar trend this year, Home Credit has mobilized a campaign with its partners who offer laptops, smartphones, and other gadgets essential for students education. The company recently launched the Sulit-Skwela deals, designed to simplify the process of upgrading to the latest gadgets and ensuring students are well-prepared for the new school year.

As digital learning continues to evolve, the intersection of technology and education will only become more prominent. Gadgets, especially laptops, will remain at the forefront of this evolution, supporting diverse learning methods and enhancing educational outcomes. We are excited to play a role in shaping the future of learning. By assisting parents in providing students with access to technology, we are investing in every learners potential and the future of our society, Paul added.

Home Credits Sulit-Skwela offers feature 0% interest deals on a wide range of back-to-school essentials until September 30, 2024. This includes laptops, which are essential for tasks such as document creation, presentations, and video editing. The promotion also extends to smartphones and tablets for communication, note-taking, and research.

Customers can benefit from flexible 0% interest installment plans ranging from six to 18 months, making it easier to manage finances during the back-to-school season. These offers are available at over 15,000 Home Credit partner stores across more than 75 provinces nationwide.

For convenience, customers can download the Home Credit App, available on Google Play or App Store, for fast pre-approval of product installments, or talk to a Home Credit representative at any partner store. To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph or visit Shoppingmall.ph to browse the latest 0% interest deals.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
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The name is Dunderdale, Biffy Wilfred Dunderdale, doesnt quite have the same steely ring as Bond, James Bond, but a new book suggests that 007 was based on this improbably named sailor, spy and best friend of Ian Fleming.

The claims are made in a biography of Wilfred Dunderdale by Colonel Tim Spicer, a veteran British army soldier and adventurer who once led the biggest private army in Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Sierra Leone.

Biffy was a gentleman sailor, brave, eccentric and at the centre of international spy-craft, it makes him the perfect role model for 007, said Spicer, who spent three years researching this unsung hero for his book, A Suspicion of Spies, published this week.

The absurd nickname Biffy stems from his fast right hook, perfected in the waterfront bars of Odessa, where he was born. He became a close friend of Ian Fleming and they remained in touch for almost 25 years until the novelists death in 1964.

As a spy, he led a colourful life with glorious Bond-like glamour and danger, allegedly driving around Paris in an armoured Rolls Royce and paying off British women in the sultan of Constantinoples Harem with gold sovereigns before finding an escape route for them in a naval cruiser.

Biffy was a gentleman sailor, brave, eccentric and at the centre of international spy-craft ( Chris Perowne )

The Bond-like adventures of Biffy began in 1916 in Russia and appear straight from the pages of the 007 thrillers ( Kobal/Shutterstock )

Born in 1899, he joined the British Secret Service in 1921 and headed the Paris station five years later, eventually playing a key role as an intelligence officer during the Second World War.

Fleming hints that Bond was based on people he knew. My plots are fantastic, but [the] whole idea is based on truth and everything I write has a precedent in truth, he wrote.

Circumstantial evidence that Biffy helped the Bond author can be seen in a copy of Diamonds are Forever inscribed: To Bill, who has helped me with the next one, with affection from Ian. That next book was From Russia with Love.

As a spy, he led a colourful life with glorious Bond-like glamour and danger ( Chris Perowne )

Fleming confirmed that much of the information for that book about the Soviet spy network came from a Colonel Grigori Tokaev  crucially this defector was handled by Biffy.

An attempt to kill Bond on the Orient Express was based on the death of Captain Eugene Karpe, a US naval attache, who was pushed from the Arlberg Express in 1950. Biffy would have known how Karpe had to leave Romania in a hurry after exposing a blown US network in Russia. A Romanian agent later admitted to murdering him on the orders of Russia.

Part of the circumstantial evidence for Biffy being Bond is a gun used by Red Grant, the Spectre spy in From Russia with Love. It was based on a KGB cigarette case developed for the assassinations carried out by the Russian Nikolai Khoklov who defected to the US in 1954.

A Suspicion of Spies , published this week ( Barbreck )

There is no conclusive proof that Biffy was the only model for Bond, but like Bond, he certainly was a bon viveur who dressed immaculately, enjoyed champagne and was a connoisseur of vodka. It is not clear if he liked his martinis shaken but not stirred, but he did drink dry martinis at the bar of the Hotel George V in Paris. He also shared his enjoyment of smoking Turkish cigarettes, using a long black ivory cigarette holder. Bond had three gold bands embossed on each cigarette, an embellishment differing from Biffys.

The Bond-like adventures of Biffy began in 1916 in Russia and appear straight from the pages of the 007 thrillers. The 17-year-old worked for his father, taking submarines from Vladivostok to St Petersburg for the Russian Imperial Navy. He took a submarine out for sea trials and after spotting some German ships, he gave the order to attack and sink four.

On returning to Kronstadt, breaking free from an anti-submarine net with just 30 minutes of oxygen left, he opens the hatch to find every gun in the port facing him and his crew. Fluent in Russian, he quickly defuses the situation. For this action, he is awarded by Tsar Nicholas II the Order of St. Stanislav and the Order of St. Anne, imperial Russias highest knighthood for military valour and bravery in battle.

The claims are made in a biography of Wilfred Dunderdale by Colonel Tim Spicer, a veteran British army soldier and adventurer ( Supplied )

Aged 18, he was engaged by British Naval Intelligence as an interpreter on account of his language skills  English, Russian, French, Polish and German. He would soon grow into a buccaneering member of the British Secret Intelligence Service in a career spanning forty years which Biffy described as 40 years of licensed thuggery.

Biffy appears in over 60 books and websites, but no one has ever written his life story. He was rather like a ghost one knew was there, but the apparition never stood still long enough for a clear view, says Spicer, adding, he was an extraordinary man  suave, sophisticated, genial and rich but also a ruthless and effective spymaster in a career that spanned the Russian Revolution to the Cold War and beyond. Certainly, the action and intrigue in his life could be taken straight from the pages of From Russia with Love, for which Biffy acted as a consultant.

The historian Andrew Roberts gives a ringing endorsement to this Bond-buster, stating, With trained assassins, aliases, rendezvous, booby-trapped safes, messenger pigeons, clandestine air-drops, brothels, and Gestapo raids at dawn, this book reads like a terrific movie script, but every word of it is true.
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Chad McQueen, known for his iconic role as the bully Dutch in the Karate Kid films, died in Palm Springs, California, on Wednesday. He was 63.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen, his wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison said on social media.

His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication.

His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but also served as a way to honour his fathers legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him.

He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well.

As a family we need to navigate this difficult time and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.

McQueens lawyer Arthur Barens confirmed to TMZ that he died of organ failure at his ranch in Palm Springs.

McQueen was the son of King of Cool Steve McQueen, whose passion for acting and race car driving he shared and followed into.

Best known for his role as Dutch in the 1984 film The Karate Kid and its 1986 sequel The Karate Kid Part II, McQueens portrayal as a member of the Cobra Kai is one of the seminal moments of the 1980s pop culture.

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He went on to appear in films like Fever Pitch in 1985, New York Cop in 1993, Jimmy Hollywood in 1994, Red Line in 1995, Papertrail in 1998, Fall: The Price of Silence in 2001, and won a Telly Award for his documentary Filming at Speed.

However, it was MCQueens auto racing career that was much more successful. He competed in events like the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring, and founded McQueen Racing in 2010, which creates custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories.

I didnt find acting fun anymore, McQueen told Associated Press in 2005. So, I decided to give racing a total commitment.

He continued to race professionally but suffered a near-fatal crash in 2006 while practising for the Daytona International Speedways Rolex 24 event.

He survived a broken lower leg and multiple vertebrae and rib fractures, but the crash ended his professional racing career.

McQueen went on to produce the documentaries I Am Steve McQueen and Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans, about his father.

He was an executive producer on the film Yucatan, in early development at Netflix from producers Robert Downey Jr and Susan Downey, according to Deadline.

Yucatan is a project that McQueen and family friend Lance Sloan, a Warner Bros executive, had been trying to get off the ground for over two decades, after they found almost 1,700 pages of notes and storyboards compiled by Steve McQueen in a trunk after his death in 1980.

The film followed a renegade salvage experts search for Mayan treasure in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the original storyboard showed Steve McQueen in the lead role.

Sean Kanan, who played Mike Barnes in The Karate Kid Part III and Cobra Kai, paid tribute to McQueen on social media, saying: He made an unforgettable impression on the Karate Kid universe. Wishing his family strength and peace during this difficult time. RIP Chad.
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Robert De Niro has attacked Donald Trump as a jerk and an idiot, arguing that if the former President is re-elected in November he will not relinquish power.

The Taxi Driver actor, 81, has been a longtime critic of Trump and clashed with his supporters outside his hush money trial earlier this year.

During a new interview for Whos Talking to Chris Wallace? on Max, De Niro was asked whether he believed Trump would voluntarily give up power after serving a potential second term.

You know he wont, replied the actor. You know he wont. He even said it. Hes never going to give it up. And anybody who deludes themselves in thinking that he is, shame on you.

Wallace went on to ask De Niro whether the actor had any run-ins with the real estate mogul in New York during the 1970s and 1980s, and whether there was any personal animosity between the pair.

No. I never wanted anything to do with him, responded De Niro. Hes a jerk, an idiot, who wants to meet a clown like that?

Robert De Niro and Donald Trump ( Getty )

Youve got to help everybody. People are going to get overlooked. That happens, but at least you have somebody whos sensitive to the condition of the country, the people. And Im not saying this like this, because its Kamala Harris, but it is. We need someone like her to do it. Shell make mistakes. Of course, everybody does, but we need somebody with the right intentions, this guy has does not have the right intentions, and everybody knows that. Its insanity. Period.

The host then asked De Niro about comparisons between the Trump family and the mob characters De Niro has played in films such as Goodfellas, Casino and The Godfather Part II.

He thinks hes a gangster, said De Niro. He does everything like a gangster. I dont think that gangsters in that world would want  think much of him, because... theres honor among thieves. Theres honor in anything. If you dont keep your word and do the right thing with people, no matter what profession youre in, you are going to get ostracized. And in that world, its a little harder.

Earlier this week it was revealed that De Niro recently 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.
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Bastilles Dan Smith has released a further two tracks from his forthcoming solo album project, & (Ampersand).

The frontman and songwriter for the British pop act announced the songs on Friday 13 September, along with the news that the full album will drop on 25 October.

Smith has previously shared the first part of &/Ampersand, which featured four tracks: Intros and Narrators, Eve & Her Paradise Lost, Seasons & Narcissus, and Emily and Her Penthouse in the Sky.

Blue Sky & The Painter was inspired by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch and his relationship with depression, with the lyrics depicting the narrator who sees a crack of light in life after a long period of darkness.

In May, Smith performed a pared-back version of the song in the middle of the Sargasso Sea, an important marine ecosystem, in support of Greenpeace to raise awareness of protecting the planets oceans.

Meanwhile, Leonard & Marianne tackles longing and loss and was influenced by the complex relationship between Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen.

open image in gallery Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen in a scene from the documentary Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love ( Roadside Attractions/AP )

In a behind-the-scenes video released last year, Smith, 32, explained how he came to record &, during a temporary hiatus from his Brit Award-winning pop band.

Ive always loved writing story songs, and using tales of other people as a way into making music, and of talking about my experiences in life, he explains in the clip.

Over the last few years, Ive been working on a whole load of songs about people who I think are fascinating, and whose lives really spoke to me.

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Then, towards the end of last year, me and the guys [in Bastille] decided to take a bit of a break from touring, but after settling back into life at home, I found myself picking these story songs back up.

open image in gallery ( Press )

Smith then gathered a group of trusted collaborators to go and record the project: I didnt really know what this project of mine was, but I knew I wanted to go about making it in a new and different way. I wrote these songs at my kitchen table, so they needed to sound homemade and intimate and warm.

Fans can tune into a deeper dive into the characters who inspired the album in Smiths MUSES: An Ampersand Podcast, which sees him discuss the poets, artists and trailblazers featured on the record with academic Emma Nagouse.

The podcast launches on 18 September and will be available on major streaming platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify.

Smith is also embarking on an intimate series of one-off shows in support of the album, including Paris, Belgium, London, Los Angeles and New York.

Full dates and cities below:

10 November  La Cigale, Paris

11 November  Cirque Royal, Belgium

13 November  Royal Theatre Carre, Amsterdam

14 November  Theatre Des Westens, Berlin

17 November  Shepherds Bush Empire, London

23 November  United Theatre, LA

25 November  Town Hall, New York

Tickets are on sale now. Ampersand is out on 25 October.
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Oasis rocker Liam Gallagher has hit out at Mercury Prize-shortlisted Irish band Fontaines DC, after two bandmembers admitted they werent fussed about the hugely hyped Oasis reunion tour.

Speaking to Studio Brussel last week, guitarist Carlos OConnell and bassist Conor Deegan III were asked how they were feeling about the news that Oasis will reunite for a huge tour in 2025.

I couldnt really give a s***, to be honest, OConnell responded.

Im not excited about it either, to be honest, Deegan agreed. Because I just feel like we kind of get caught, in the last year, 2010s, into such a nostalgic thing, that were forgetting to make new things, and Ive felt like, what we wanted to do with this record anyway, where we wanted to make our minds look into the future and making new things.

So for Oasis to reform at this moment, for us, is really annoying.

Never one to bite his tongue, Gallagher responded to a fan account who shared an article covering the bands comments, writing: F*** them little spunkbubbles Ive seen better dressed ROADIES.

Liam Gallagher hit out at Fontaines DC after two members said they didnt care about the Oasis reunion ( Getty )

Suffice to say, Fontaines DC might not be at the top of the list when Oasis get around to announcing their support acts. But its unlikely Deegan or OConnell would be that bothered, either.

Frontman Grian Chatten clarified his position in a post on an NME Instagram report on the incident, writing: I love Oasis. This is not my opinion.

The band have just released their new album, Romance, which receieved a glowing four-star review from The Independents Mark Beaumont.

Liam has previously told fans that Fontaines DC are the favourite band of his son, Gene Gallagher, who fronts the rock group Villanelle.

Earlier this week, The Independent learnt that Liam and his brother, Noel, have yet to sit down and work out which artists will open for them at their shows in London, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin next year.

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Liam and Noel will reunite on stage next year ( PA Media )

While several reports have claimed that various bands are already lined up for the honour, a source close to the band told The Independent that those conversations are still to be had.

Liam is keen for established acts so it will probably take a bit of back and forth before anythings confirmed, they told The Independent.

They also dismissed tabloid reports that Villanelle are already booked as one of the support acts.

Other acts rumoured to be in the running are Kasabian, fronted by Liams close friend Serge Pizzorno, and Brit Award-nominated, Stockport-formed group Blossoms.
Its one thing for a dancer to come out of retirement, but something else to see a whole company spring back into the spotlight. Revived after 30 years, London City Ballet made a polished comeback. Its an appealing company, but as a returning phoenix, it could do with more fire.

First time around, London City Ballet was a valiant small touring company, reaching parts of the UK that bigger troupes missed. (As an introductory video reminds us, Diana, Princess of Wales was a strong supporter.) New artistic director Christopher Marney, who saw and loved it then, wants to recreate that spirit  and to fill a gap in the market, even as many arts companies are touring less.

Resurgence, its first programme, is designed for mid-scale stages, led by a rarity from Kenneth MacMillan. Created in 1972 and not seen since, Ballade is a summery idyll for guest ballerina Alina Cojocaru and three men.

It opens with the four in a line, backs to the audience. Cojocaru and Alejandro Virelles reach behind the others to brush fingers. Its a lovely image: flirty, tentative but going somewhere. The piece that follows has less focus; though Joseph Taylor and Nicholas Vavrecka both push for her attention, the ending is never in doubt.

Created in 1993, Ashley Pages Larina Waltz makes a bright, classical opening number, sending five couples whirling and dipping to Tchaikovsky. The dancers show an assured sense of style, with colour and individuality to their solos. Similarly, Isadora Bless and Taylor are lucid in the duet from MacMillans Concerto, bringing out the meditative qualities of this serene dance.

Arielle Smiths new Five Dances is a bouncy company number. Designer Emily Noble dresses men and women in bright, asymmetrical tunic dresses, while Smith sends them skittering and swooping to music by John Adams. Arthur Wille stands out in an explosive solo, full of changes of direction and giddy slides.

open image in gallery Isadora Bless and Alejandro Virelles dancing 'Five Dances' by Arielle Smith ( ASH )

Marneys own Eve ends the evening with a dramatic confrontation between Cira Robinsons heroine and Alvao Madrigals coiling serpent. Robinson, best known for her work with Ballet Black, shows us Eves curiosity and resolve. But comparison with Ballet Black, a superbly gutsy midscale touring company, underlines where the new London City Ballet needs to grow. It has polish and camaraderie, but needs a fiercer sense of identity, and sense of where it wants to take ballet in the 21st century.

Until 14 September; sadlerswells.com
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Do not scratch your eyes or start tearing up your calendar: it really is time for the Emmys again already.

The illustrious awards show, sometimes billed as televisions equivalent of the Academy Awards, is back for the second time within the space of nine months, after the writers and actors strikes delayed last years ceremony until January 2024.

This years crop of frontrunners includes Chicago-set restaurant dramedy The Bear, which took home major prizes back in January, historical Japan-set drama Shogun, and Baby Reindeer, the controversial Netflix miniseries created by comedian Richard Gadd.

In order to qualify for the awards, shows must have aired in the US between 1 June 2023 and 31 May 2024. In the case of The Bear, this means that it is being judged on its second season, not its most recent third, which debuted back in June.

In the comedy categories, The Bear is up against school faculty sitcom Abbott Elementary, generation-gap comedy Hacks and Hulus starry mystery comedy Only Murders in the Building, among others.

The drama brackets, meanwhile, see Shogun vie against shows such as royal drama The Crown, fizzy spy reboot Mr & Mrs Smith, and Prime Videos hit video-game adaptation Fallout.

Anthology heavyweights Fargo and True Detective are among the series placed in the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, alongside the much-discussed Baby Reindeer.

open image in gallery Richard Gadd in Baby Reindeer ( Netflix )

Based on Gadds own experiences as the victim of a stalker, Baby Reindeer drew fervent praise for its nuanced exploration of trauma, though was criticised by some for its merging of truth and fiction. A woman claiming to have inspired the character of Martha, the stalker in the series, is currently suing Netflix for defamation.

See below for our breakdown of the contenders in this years biggest Emmys categories, including who will win  and who deserves to.

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Outstanding Drama Series

Shogun (FX)

The Crown (Netflix)

Fallout (Prime Video)

The Gilded Age (HBO)

The Morning Show (Apple TV+)

Mr & Mrs Smith (Prime Video)

Slow Horses (Apple TV+)

3 Body Problem (Netflix)

Will win: Shogun

Should win: Shogun

Shoguns sweep of the Creative Arts Emmys earlier this month has cemented its chances of being crowned best drama. The epic, handsomely made period saga, which at this point feels like a worthier successor to Game of Thrones than GoT spin-off House of the Dragon, wouldnt just be a deserving winner, itd also be a historic one, becoming the categorys first ever non-English language winner (its only the second such show to be nominated here, following in the footsteps of Squid Game). In previous years, The Crown would have been the one to beat, but the finale felt like a drawn-out damp squib.

open image in gallery Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga and Yuki Kura as Yoshii Nagakado in Shogun ( Katie Yu/FX )

Outstanding Comedy

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)

Will win: The Bear

Should win: The Bear

An unusually strong comedy line-up this year features an embarrassment of riches, from the scalpel-sharp showbiz comedy Hacks, to the final season of Larry Davids groundbreaking, taboo-busting Curb Your Enthusiasm. Despite some fierce competition, punchy culinary dramedy The Bear looks set to take home the award for its second season  and, even though some will surely grouse about the series being less a comedy than a fraught drama (which it is), it will still be richly deserved.

open image in gallery Jeremy Allen White in The Bear ( HULU )

Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series

Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

Fargo (FX)

Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)

Ripley (Netflix)

True Detective: Night Country (HBO)

Will win: Baby Reindeer

Should win: Ripley

This time last year, no one wouldve predicted that an adaptation of a Scottish comedians stage show would have ended up as one of 2024s most talked-about TV series and made headlines around the world (for better and worse). But thats exactly the trajectory that Richard Gadds Baby Reindeer has enjoyed, and right now it feels like a dead cert for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series; the controversies around its real life story have only boosted its profile and kept it in viewers and voters minds. Still, Id like to see some awards love for Ripley, a real slow burn of a show that didnt fall into the trap of aping the beloved Anthony Minghella film adaptation and instead carved out its own thrilling path.

open image in gallery Andrew Scott in the Netflix series Ripley ( Netflix )

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Idris Elba  Hijack as Sam Nelson (Apple TV+)

Donald Glover  Mr & Mrs Smith as John Smith / Michael (Prime Video)

Walton Goggins  Fallout as The Ghoul / Cooper Howard (Prime Video)

Gary Oldman  Slow Horses as Jackson Lamb (Apple TV+)

Hiroyuki Sanada  Shogun as Lord Yoshii Toranaga (FX)

Dominic West  The Crown as Charles, Prince of Wales (Netflix)

Will win: Hiroyuki Sanada

Should win: Walton Goggins

This years Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category is a bit of an odd stylish hodge-podge. Oldman and West are in the running for the most traditional fare  spy drama Slow Horses and royal-focused The Crown, respectively  while the rest of the nods go towards less conventional performances in genre series. Its Sanadas compelling turn as Japanese ruler Yoshii Toranaga in Shogun that looks certain to win, but credit should go to Goggins for his peppery turn in the apocalyptic drama Fallout. Goggins  one of TVs very best character actors  is big and magnetic, and the series wouldnt work without him.

open image in gallery Seeing red: Walton Goggins as the Ghoul in Fallout ( Prime Video )

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Jennifer Aniston  The Morning Show as Alex Levy (Apple TV+)

Carrie Coon  The Gilded Age as Bertha Russell (HBO)

Maya Erskine Mr & Mrs Smith as Jane Smith / Alana (Prime Video)

Anna Sawai  Shogun as Toda Mariko (FX)

Imelda Staunton  The Crown as Queen Elizabeth II (Netflix)

Reese Witherspoon  The Morning Show as Bradley Jackson (Apple TV+)

Will win: Anna Sawai

Should win: Maya Erskine

Shogun star Sawai will probably win here, as part of the multi-category sweep that the Japan-set drama is poised to make. And her performance here is undoubtedly worthy. But Erskine, playing Glovers counterpart in the spies-in-matrimony remake Mr & Mrs Smith, accomplishes something much trickier. Shes funny, shes credible  and its a shame she wont win.

open image in gallery Donald Glover as Mr Smith and Maya Erskine as Mrs Smith in Mr and Mrs Smith ( David Lee/Prime Video )

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Matt Berry  What We Do in the Shadows as Laszlo Cravensworth (FX)

Larry David  Curb Your Enthusiasm as Larry David (HBO)

Steve Martin  Only Murders in the Building as Charles Haden Savage (Hulu)

Martin Short  Only Murders in the Building as Oliver Putnam (Hulu)

Jeremy Allen White  The Bear as Carmy Berzatto (FX)

DPharaoh Woon-A-Tai  Reservation Dogs as Bear Smallhill (FX)

Will win: Jeremy Allen White

Should win: Steve Martin

Yes, chef! This trophy has Whites name on it. The Bear has seemingly unstoppable awards momentum, and its a brilliant showcase for Whites versatility. Bear (sorry) in mind too that, because of the eligibility rules around release dates, voters are actually recognising his performance in the shows stellar second season from 2023, rather than the patchier third instalment that arrived a few months back. Still, though, theres still a big question mark hanging over whether it is technically a comedy. For a more cut-and-dry comic performance, Martins all-singing, all-dancing turn in season three of Only Murders in the Building is an absolute delight.

open image in gallery Steve Martin, right, with his Only Murders in the Building co-stars ( 2023 Hulu )

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Quinta Brunson  Abbott Elementary as Janine Teagues (ABC)

Ayo Edebiri  The Bear as Sydney Adamu (FX)

Selena Gomez  Only Murders in the Building as Mabel Mora (Hulu)

Maya Rudolph  Loot as Molly Wells (Apple TV+)

Jean Smart  Hacks as Deborah Vance (HBO)

Kristen Wiig Palm Royaleas Maxine Simmons (Apple TV+)

Will win: Jean Smart

Should win: Jean Smart

She has already picked up two consecutive Emmys for her turn as old-school comedy diva Deborah Vance, and Smart now looks set to make that a hat trick: the third season of Hacks was widely celebrated as its best yet, and Smart remained on top form. If anyone has a shot at stealing the trophy, its probably 2023s winner Brunson, who is still a joy to watch in Abbott Elementary, or Edebiri, who has been rightly bumped up to lead actress status for The Bear after winning in the supporting category back in January.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Richard Gadd  Baby Reindeer as Donny Dunn (Netflix)

Matt Bomer  Fellow Travelers as Hawkins Fuller (Showtime)

Jon Hamm  Fargo as Roy Tillman (FX)

Tom Hollander  Feud: Capote vs The Swans as Truman Capote (FX)

Andrew Scott  Ripley as Tom Ripley (Netflix)

Will win: Richard Gadd

Should win: Andrew Scott

This ones a particularly stacked category, filled with worthy winners, but Baby Reindeers creator-star Gadd feels like the one to beat (his is by far the most talked-about performance on the list, despite the fact that he had a very limited profile in the US just a few months ago). Scott, however, was snubbed by the Emmys for his role as Fleabags hot priest so it feels like he is well overdue some recognition from voters. His performance as Ripleys titular conman was by turns charming and chilling, and once again proved that hes one of the most compelling actors working today.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Jodie Foster  True Detective: Night Country as Detective Elizabeth Danvers (HBO)

Brie Larson  Lessons in Chemistry as Elizabeth Zott (Apple TV+)

Juno Temple  Fargo as Dorothy "Dot" Lyon (FX)

Sofia Vergara  Griselda as Griselda Blanco (Netflix)

Naomi Watts  Feud: Capote vs. The Swans as Babe Paley (FX)

Will win: Jodie Foster

Should win: Juno Temple

Icy crime drama True Detective: Night Country may have polarised critics, but Fosters lead performance, as flinty police chief Liz Danvers, drew raves across the board. Temples fascinatingly eccentric turn in Fargos return-to-form fifth season would be an equally apt victor, however. As Dot Lyon, a Minnesota homemaker with a dark and mysterious backstory, Temple was the most compelling piece of a large and colourful puzzle, holding her own against seasoned heavyweights such as Jennifer Jason Leigh, Hamm and Dave Foley.

open image in gallery Jodie Foster in True Detective: Night Country ( HBO )

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Tadanobu Asano  Shogun as Kashigi Yabushige (FX)

Billy Crudup The Morning Showas Cory Ellison (Apple TV+)

Mark Duplass  The Morning Showas Chip Black (Apple TV+)

Jon Hamm  The Morning Showas Paul Marks (Apple TV+)

Takehiro Hira  Shogun as Ishido Kazunari (FX)

Jack Lowden  Slow Horses as River Cartwright (Apple TV+)

Jonathan Pryce  The Crown as Prince Philip (Netflix)

Will win: Billy Crudup

Should win: Tadanobu Asano

Emmy voters really, really like Crudup. He previously won this same award for his portrayal of The Morning Show exec Cory Ellison back in 2020, beating the surely-one-of-them-will-win Succession trio of Matthew Macfadyen, Kieran Culkin and Nicholas Braun. Hes only had more time to impress since then, meaning the smart money is on him. Still, theres a strong possibility that Shoguns Asano might just sweep to victory, thanks to his standout portrayal of unscrupulous warlord Kashigi Yabushige; its a layered, fascinating performance that steals every scene hes in.

open image in gallery Billy Crudup in The Morning Show ( Apple TV+ )

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Christine Baranski  The Gilded Age (HBO)

Nicole Beharie  The Morning Showas Christina Hunter (Apple TV+)

Elizabeth Debicki  The Crown as Princess Diana (Netflix)

Greta Lee The Morning Show as Stella Bak (Apple TV+)

Lesley Manville  The Crown as Princess Margaret (Netflix)

Karen Pittman The Morning Showas Mia Jordan (Apple TV+)

Holland Taylor The Morning Showas Cybil Richards (Apple TV+)

Will win: Elizabeth Debicki

Should win: Elizabeth Debicki

Debickis uncanny portrayal of Princess Diana during the final few weeks of her life was the best thing about The Crowns disappointing final hurrah by miles (that she just about managed to sell that ill-advised ghost Diana scene is proof of her power as a performer). She was nominated in this category for the 2023 awards, but inevitably lost out to Jennifer Coolidges bravura turn in The White Lotus; this time, the path to victory is much clearer. The Morning Shows supporting cast just dont have the visibility that comes with playing one of the most famous women in recent history, and Debickis co-star Lesley Manville didnt have enough screen time as Princess Margaret to really make an impact.

open image in gallery Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana in The Crown ( Netflix )

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Lionel Boyce  The Bear as Marcus Brooks (FX)

Paul W Downs  Hacks as Jimmy LuSaque, Jr. (Max)

Ebon Moss-Bachrach  The Bear as Richard Richie Jerimovich (FX)

Paul Rudd  Only Murders in the Building as Ben Glenroy (Hulu)

Tyler James Williams  Abbott Elementary as Gregory Eddie (ABC)

Bowen Yang  Saturday Night Live as various characters (NBC)

Will win: Ebon Moss-Bachrach

Should win: Ebon Moss-Bachrach

You can probably bet your house on this one: Moss-Bachrach, who won this category last time around, is the firm favourite this year, for his role as the explosive Ritchie in The Bear. Profiling the actor earlier this year, The Independents Ellie Harrison described him as the series agent of chaos. Its a fascinating portrayal, full of edges and contradictions; the show wouldnt be the same without him. Lionel Boyce, excellent but less prominent in the same series, doesnt stand too much of a chance.

open image in gallery A frenetic front-of-house boss Richie in The Bear ( FX/Disney )

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Carol Burnett  Palm Royaleas Norma Dellacorte (Apple TV+)

Liza Colon-Zayas  The Bear as Tina Marrero (FX)

Hannah Einbinder  Hacks as Ava Daniels (Max)

Janelle James  Abbott Elementary as Ava Coleman (ABC)

Sheryl Lee Ralph  Abbott Elementary as Barbara Howard (ABC)

Meryl Streep  Only Murders in the Building as Loretta Durkin (Hulu)

Will win: Hannah Einbinder

Should win: Liza Colon-Zayas

Its a clear-cut case of category fraud, Im afraid. Dont get me wrong, Einbinder is brilliant in Hacks, playing the long-suffering twentysomething comedian paired up with Smarts diva-ish old star. But it is no supporting performance: Hacks is a two-hander through and through, and she should rightly be running against Smart, instead of the supporting ensemble here. Colon-Zayas, meanwhile, gives a consummate supporting performance in The Bear, as Tina, the world-weary line cook, and would make a fine, and more fitting, alternative. Or, you know, theres always Streep.
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Saturday Night Lives Colin Jost and Michael Che have roasted Donald Trumps remarks about immigrants eating cats and dogs in their first-ever live comedy special.

Colin Jost & Michael Che Present: New York After Dark premiered on Peacock on Thursday and saw the duo take a timey swipe at the former president after his bizarre outburst at Tuesdays election debate with Kamala Harris.

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.

In the opening monologue, Jost joked that they wanted the live special to be to be the second-funniest live event this week after the debate. I dont know about you guys, but I thought my guy did great.

Seeing a potential flaw in his statement, Che joked: You gonna vote for Trump? Come on out of the closet and say youre gonna vote for Trump.

Undeterred, Jost added: Nothing sounds more presidential than screaming, Theyre eating the cats and the dogs. I think that was Thomas Jefferson.

He then added: I actually do have to thank our first sponsor, Cats & Dogs: A dog meat for migrants.

Jost is then handed a bag of dog food with Cats & Dogs taped onto it.

A stunned Che quipped in response: This motherf---ers doing prop comedy. We got one opportunity to do live stand-up, youre doing prop comedy on a debate reference Jesus Christ.

open image in gallery ( Peacock )

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.

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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.
 Close Romeo Beckham pranks father David after Emmy's win

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The 2024 Emmys took place on Sunday (September 15) night, with controversial Netflix show Baby Reindeer, kitchen drama The Bear and historical Japan-set series Shogun all winning big.

The three-hour ceremony took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The broadcast is now available to watch on Hulu.

This years event was hosted for the first time by father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, who co-created and starred in the hit series Schitts Creek.

Were going to keep it light and bright, Dan Levy told the Los Angeles Times, while his father added: Youre setting a tone, and its our tone. It is what it is.

Its kind of tricky when youre in the weeds, but ultimately we have to be ourselves and go with what we think is funny.

Awards presenters will included Hollywood legend and Mary Poppins star Dick Van Dyke, 97, along with Allison Janney, Martin Sheen, Matt Bomer, Lily Gladstone and Kristen Wiig.

See the winners list in full here.

Follow live updates below.
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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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Hank Azaria, who voices Police Chief Clancy Wiggum in The Simpsons, has responded in character to Donald Trumps wildly false claim that people are eating pets in a town called Springfield.

The former President made the bizarre statement during his first presidential debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

In an allegation 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 rumor 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 rumors but has no information to support them.

In the wake of the claim referencing Springfield, a flurry of Simpsons memes erupted on social media.

Now, Azaria has also responded in a clip posted to X/Twitter. In the video, Azaria answers a phone: Springfield Police, Chief Clancy Wiggum speaking, how can I help you?

People are eating dogs? he continues in a puzzled tone. What, dyou mean like hot dogs? Oh, cats! Mr Katz is eating hot dogs? No? People are eating dogs, and cats? People are eating dogs and cats in Springfield?... Are they good?

When Trump first made the claim during the debate, he was quickly contradicted by Muir. ABC News did reach out to the city manager there, the moderator 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.

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.

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A variety of Simpsons-themed memes soon spread across social media, many featuring the familys dog, Santas Little Helper, and cat Snowball II.

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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North Korea offered the world a rare look into a secretive facility producing enriched uranium as leader Kim Jong-un called for an exponential increase in nuclear weapons production.

Mr Kim visited the control room of the uranium enrichment facility and a construction site aimed at increasing its capacity for nuclear weapons production, KCNA reported. Pictures released by the state news agency on Friday showed the leader being briefed by scientists as he walked along rows of tall grey tubes, though it did not specify when or where the visit took place.

The photos showed around 1,000 centrifuges. If operated throughout the year, they could produce 20-25kg of highly enriched uranium, enough to manufacture one nuclear bomb, according to security expert Yang Uk from Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

It was not clear if the site Mr Kim toured was part of the Yongbyon nuclear complex, but this was North Koreas first disclosure of a uranium enrichment facility since 2010.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula deepened last year after North Korea test-launched the solid-fuelled Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile  its most advanced weapon designed to strike the mainland US  in its third test in 2023.

Uranium is a radioactive element that exists naturally. To make nuclear fuel, raw uranium undergoes processes that result in a material with an increased concentration of the isotope uranium-235.

The Yongbyon complex, which North Korea calls the heart of its nuclear programme and research, has been at the centre of international concerns for decades. Its not clear exactly how much weapons-grade plutonium or highly enriched uranium has been produced at Yongbyon and where North Korea stores it.

The move was likely aimed at increasing pressure on the US and its allies, particularly South Korea and Japan, which have long been critical of the isolated countrys nuclear programme.

The Security Council imposed sanctions after North Koreas first nuclear test explosion in 2006 and tightened them over the years in a total of 10 resolutions seeking to cut funds and curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

The last sanctions resolution was adopted by the council in 2017. China and Russia vetoed a US-sponsored resolution in May 2022 that would have imposed new sanctions over a spate of intercontinental ballistic missile launches. Since then, the two veto-wielding permanent council members have blocked any council action, including media statements.

Kim Jong-un tours a uranium enrichment facility at an undisclosed location in North Korea in this photo released by KCNS on 13 September 2024 ( AP )

Mr Kim underlined the need to expand uranium enrichment capacity and develop a new centrifuge, claiming his country needed greater defence capability against threats by the US and its allies.

He expressed great satisfaction over the wonderful technical force of the nuclear power field held by North Korea, KCNA reported.

South Korea criticised its neighbours illegal pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of UN sanctions and called it a significant threat to international peace.

Kim Jong-un inspects a missile test firing range at an undisclosed location in North Korea ( Getty )

For outside analysts, the images will provide a valuable source of information for rectifying our assumptions about how much material North Korea may have amassed to date, Ankit Panda of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace told the Associated Press.

Overall, we shouldnt assume North Korea will be as constrained as it once was by fissile material limitations. This is especially true for highly enriched uranium where its significantly less constrained in its ability to scale up than it is with plutonium.

Kim Jong-un visits a training base for special forces of the Korean Peoples Army ( Getty )

A few days ago, in a speech marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of North Korea, Mr Kim said there would be no limit on the expansion of the countrys military prowess, KCNA reported on Tuesday.

Pyongyang last month said it had moved 250 new mobile launchers for ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads to the frontline. The military also unveiled new suicide attack drones. All this, South Korea said, was happening for the first time.
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India's Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to jailed opposition politician Arvind Kejriwal in a graft case, which could secure his release from prison after six months.

Mr Kejriwal, chief minister of capital Delhi and head of the Aam Aadmi Party (Common Mans Party), was taken into custody in March just weeks before the national elections by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), an agency controlled by prime minister Narendra Modis federal government.

The 56-year-old Modi critic was sent to the capital's notorious Tihar jail over allegations of accepting bribes to favour certain private retailers in a now-scrapped liquor policy. He denies wrongdoing and calls the case politically motivated.

A two-judge bench of the top court granted relief to Mr Kejriwal on a bail bond of Rs1,000,000 (9,074) and imposed a ban on the chief minister from publicly commenting on the merits of the case.

"Prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty," justice Surya Kant said in his verdict.

Mr Kejriwal was granted bail in the ED case but remained in custody due to his arrest a month previously by the federal police in a graft case related to the same policy.

His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, in a post on X congratulated the political party on the chief minister's bail after six months of detention without trial. "Kudos for staying strong. Wishing also the soonest release of our other leaders," she added.

Delhi's former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who was released from prison in August after 17 months, said the "truth has won in the fight against lies and conspiracies".

Mr Kejriwal was granted bail by a Delhi court in June after it found the federal agency had failed to provide any direct evidence against him. But the bail was stayed five days later by the states high court, which said the lower court had granted it without going through EDs entire material.

The same day, Mr Kejriwal was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Indias equivalent of the FBI, in connection with a corruption case related to the alleged excise policy scam.

Mr Kejriwal was among three leaders of his party who have been arrested on corruption charges. He is also the first serving chief minister to be arrested in independent India.

His arrest deepened fears of a constitutional crisis under the Modi government and sparked protests in Delhi and the northern state of Punjab, which is also ruled by Mr Kejriwals party.
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A gas leak from a chemical company in Thane in the southwestern state of Maharashtra in India caused panic among residents on Thursday evening as it spread across the city, reports said.

Residents reported reduced visibility in Ambernath town in Thane, itchy eyes, throat irritation and breathing issues.

Videos and photos shared on social media showed a smog-like haze over roads in the Morivali MIDC area of Ambernath as state authorities deployed emergency teams to investigate the cause of the leak.

Visibility was reportedly reduced due to the thick smoke that enveloped the area. Authorities urged people to remain indoors as investigations began.

The leak was later attributed to a possible chemical reaction due to high temperatures. However, an investigation is currently ongoing to determine the exact nature of the gas that was leaked.

The disaster management cell of Ambernath said they were also making plans to avoid such situations in the future. As fumes spread to the streets we immediately rushed to the spot and checked everything, an unidentified government officer was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

As visuals of haze-covered roads from the gas leak went viral, residents reported that fumes had spread toward the railway tracks, leading to a temporary disruption of train services.

Ambernath, known for its numerous chemical factories, has faced similar incidents in the past. In 2021, a gas leak at another factory resulted in over 30 people being hospitalised.

It was reported that the factory operations have been halted for now. According to media reports, the local residents shut their doors and windows in panic to prevent the gas from entering their homes.

Yasin Tadvi, chief of the disaster management cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), was quoted as saying by The Business Standard that the situation was now under control and no injuries or hospitalisations have been reported.
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Sitaram Yechury, the leader of Indias largest communist party, died on Thursday. He was 72.

Top politicians from across parties and ideologies paid glowing tributes to the departed leader, remembering him for his unwavering commitment to secularism and his ability to connect with the public.

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition, hailed Yechury as the "protector of the idea of India" while prime minister Narendra Modi appreciated his "ability to connect across the political spectrum".

Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal whose Trinamool Congress party has long been an arch rival of the communists, called his death a loss for national politics.

Sonia Gandhi, the matriarch of the main opposition Congress party, recalled her decades-long friendship with Yechury and praised his commitment to Indias constitutional values and his fierce determination to protect its diversity and secularism.

Yechury was admitted to Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences earlier last month with pneumonia and later shifted to the Intensive Care Unit, where he died at 3.05pm on Thursday.

The veteran leftists passing has left a void in Indian politics, not least because of his ability to forge alliances and navigate coalition politics. He had served as general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) since April 2015, succeeding Prakash Karat.

Sitaram Yechury, left, takes part in a demonstration against an attack on students and teachers at a university in Delhi on 9 January 2020 ( AFP via Getty )

Yechury was born in the southern city of Chennai and educated in Delhi.

His political journey began about 50 years ago at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. He was pursuing doctoral studies in economics when then prime minister Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency in 1975, leading to his arrest along with other student leaders. Although his PhD went unfinished, Yechurys political career gained momentum.

After the Emergency was lifted in 1977, Yechurys leadership skills shone through as he was elected president of the universitys student union three times.

A pivotal moment in his nascent political career came when he led a student protest against Gandhi, who had retained her position as the universitys chancellor despite losing her prime ministership and even her seat in the parliament in the 1977 election. When Gandhi emerged to meet the student protesters, Yechury read out their demands in her presence.

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, Yechury later recalled in an interview with The Hindu. Couple of days later, she resigned."

The successful protest catapulted Yechury to prominence in the ranks of his communist party and set him on the path to its leadership.

Congress Party leader Rahul Gandhi with Sitaram Yechury, centre, and former Indian railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in New Delhi on 18 September 2009 ( AFP via Getty )

In later years, he formed an alliance with Gandhis daughter-in-law Sonia Gandhi, who had come to head the Congress party, particularly after she led a broad coalition to power in 2004.

He was the first non-Congress leader that Ms Gandhi approached for support after she surprisingly declined the premiership and backed her party colleague Manmohan Singh for the position.

After Yechurys passing, Ms Gandhi said: He was, of course, a lifelong 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.

Her son, Rahul Gandhi, called Yechury a friend and 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, Mr Gandhi said.

Mr Modi said he was deeply saddened by the loss of Yechury, describing him as a towering figure of the Left who built bridges across the political divide with his exceptional ability to connect with others.

He left an indelible mark as a skilled parliamentarian. My heartfelt thoughts are with his family, friends, and admirers during this difficult time. May he rest in peace."

President Droupadi Murmu praised Yechurys distinct and influential voice. Though a committed ideologue, he won friends cutting across the party lines, she said in her condolence message.

Yechurys party said the death of its general secretary was a significant loss for leftist, democratic and secular forces in India.

It described him as an exceptional leader of the Left movement and a renowned Marxist ideologue. "We dip the red banner in his memory and call upon all party members to unite and work tirelessly towards our shared goal of an exploitation-free society, the best tribute to his legacy, the party said in a statement.

Chinese ambassador to India Xu Feihong remembered Yechury as "a steadfast Marxist and a long-standing friend of China".

The late leaders significant contributions to fostering China-India relations and friendship will be cherished and remembered forever, he added.

Sitaram Yechury addresses an election campaign rally in Kolkata city on 28 February 2021 ( AFP via Getty )

Federal minister Nitin Gadkari of the ruling BJP said Mr Yechurys "contributions to public life will always be remembered".

Ms Banerjee said she was 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," the West Bengal chief minister said.

Yechury is survived by his wife Seema Chishti and their two children Akhila and Danish. An older son from his first wife, Ashish Yechury, died from Covid in 2021.

Yechury donated his body to AIIMS for teaching and research purposes, the hospital announced.
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When an uprising ousted Sri Lanka's president, many saw it as the end of his powerful familys hold on the island nation after more than 12 years of rule.

Now, as Sri Lanka prepares to elect a new leader, Namal Rajapaksa is running for president. The 38-year-old is the son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and the nephew of the ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Namal Rajapaksa is presenting himself as an agent of change, but many see his bid for presidency as an attempt by the controversial political dynasty to regain power.

Namal Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa waves to media as he arrives to file nomination for the upcoming presidential election in Colombo, Sri Lanka ( AP )

By mid-2022, the clan's political career seemed in ruins. Some of its members were forced into hiding in military camps after angry protesters stormed their residences. Others simply gave up their seats in the government as people blamed them for hurtling the country of more than 20 million people into an economic crisis.

Two years later, the family  shunned and pushed to political wilderness  is trying make a comeback via the Rajapaksa heir apparent who is styling himself as someone who could deliver Sri Lanka into a prosperous future.

But for Namal Rajapaksa, it's more than just a political choice  it's a deeply personal one. He wants to shed the widespread allegations that the Rajapaksa clan ran the country as a family business that led to the economy crashing in 2022, as well as the guilty verdict on corruption charges against them.

The corruption charges are not something common to my family or to myself. If you look at all politicians in this country or in the world, including our region  all have been accused of being corrupt, Namal told the Associated Press on a recent afternoon. People will understand, you know, because if you look at the current stage, everyone is blaming each other.

A man walks past posters of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa ( Getty Images )

Sri Lanka was once an economic hope in South Asia, before it plunged into an economic crisis in 2022 when unsustainable debt and the Covid-19 pandemic led to a severe shortage of essentials. The crisis morphed into a popular uprising, with angry street protesters taking over the presidents and prime ministers offices and other key buildings, forcing Mr Gotabaya to flee the country and later resign.

Many blamed the Rajapaksas.

The family still had a big parliamentary majority, and voted Ranil Wickremesinghe to serve the remainder of the presidential term. Mr Wickremesinghe ensured them protection in return for their support to pass laws in Parliament, enabling the clan to mark a return in politics.

We didnt run away, we never ran away. Its just that some people thought we were hiding, said Mr Namal.

Mr Namals prospects for a political comeback appear grim, as the main contest appears to be between three other candidates: Wickremesinghe, the parliamentary opposition leader and a left-leaning politician with a powerful alliance.

Alan Keenan, senior consultant on Sri Lanka at the International Crisis Group, said the younger Rajapaksa's bid for the presidency is a test run that would establish his position as the heir apparent of the political dynasty.

I think they (the Rajapaksas) know that Namal will not win. But his candidature effectively reasserts the familys ownership of the party, Mr Keenan said.

The Rajapaksa family has been a mainstay in Sri Lankan politics for decades. They influenced nearly everything  from bureaucracy to courts, police, business and sports.

Namal Rajapaksas father was a prime minister and then a two-term president from 2005 to 2015. Even though Mahinda Rajapaksa was adored by the countrys majority Buddhist Sinhalese for defeating the ethnic Tamil separatists after a 26-year bloody civil war, allegations of human rights violations and corruption led to his defeat in 2015.

The family, however, returned more powerful four years later, when Mahindas brother was elected president. Gotabaya Rajapaksa whipped up majority Buddhist Sinhalese sentiments after the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, blamed on Islamic extremist groups, killed 290 people.

But the familys popularity quickly eroded under a tanking economy and alienation among ethnic Tamils, Muslims and other minorities.

With hopes to reinvent himself as a young, modern leader removed from his familys tainted past, Namal Rajapaksa's efforts mirror that of his father, who still enjoys considerable support among some voters who credit him for crushing the Tamil separatists.

Namal Rajapaksa (L), presidential candidate for the SLPP party, discusses his manifesto with his father, former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa (R), at an event in Colombo ( EPA )

Former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa speaks with his lawmaker son Namal following his election victory in August 2020 ( AP )

Like his father, Namal Rajapaksa wears the trademark outfit that highlights his Buddhist Sinhalese culture, with a maroon scarf around his neck, a sarong and a white robe.

During campaigns he can be seen touching his fathers feet in reverence, a practice most locals consider noble. He is also promising to free the island nation from its debt crisis, create more jobs and eradicate corruption by digitising the administrative systems.

A man walks past an election banner of presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa outside the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party office ( Reuters )

Still, many in Sri Lanka are done with the family, and public opposition to Mr Rajapaksas candidacy is particularly palpable among the Tamil community that makes up about 11 per cent of Sri Lankas population.

The group was crushed in a 2009 government offensive headed by Mr Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa to end the separatist civil war that broke out in 1983 and left at least 100,000 on both sides, with many more missing. Though not all Tamils were part of or supported the rebel group, their defeat has effectively become a political defeat to the community. They also blame the Rajapaksas for alleged human rights violations against civilians during the war.

Vellaiyan Sivaprakash, a Tamil who works as an auditor in central Sri Lanka, said he constantly lived in fear of violence during the Rajapaksa rule and doubted whether he could live in Sri Lanka anymore.

Their rule was like a monarchy and they behaved like princes and treated us like slaves, Mr Sivaprakash said. They should never come back to power.

Rajapaksas still have a large chunk of supporters who appreciate their role in ending the war and in big infrastructure projects including a road network, an airport and a seaport built on high-interest Chinese loans.

Even though many of them believe Namal Rajapaksa has no chance of winning, they are banking on his future prospects.

Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa arrives for a meeting along with his supporters in Colombo, Sri Lanka ( AP )

I will vote for Namal because I got my job under his fathers government. He is still young and one day he can be the president, said RM Lasantha, who works as a pipe fitter at the state-owned petroleum corporation.

Some Sri Lankans say it would take the Rajapaksas at least a decade to make a political comeback.

Their name is associated with corruption and bankruptcy, so rebuilding (their image) is a major challenge, said Manilal Ranasinghe, who works in the tourism industry.

At the same time," Mr Ranasinghe said, we know that Sri Lankans have a short memory.
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A two-month-old baby pygmy hippo in Thailand who went viral on social media has been harassed by visitors, leading to zoo authorities adding additional security around her enclosure.

Moo Deng, whose name translates to bouncy pork, became instantly popular after clips of her on the zoos TikTok account caught the notice of people online.

Born on 10 June to parents Jona and Tony at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Moo Deng has two siblings, Moo Tun, meaning stewed pork, and Moo Wan, meaning sweet pork. She was first revealed to the public on 25 July, and her name was chosen after a vote held by the zoo.

The moment I saw Moo-Deng born, I set a goal to make her famous, but I never expected it would spread abroad. I thought she could be famous in Thailand but not internationally, zookeeper Atthapon Nundee told The Guardian.

Social media users cant get enough of the adorable hippo going about her daywhether shes sprayed with water, carried by zookeepers, showing off her new teeth, or simply lying on the ground in her enclosure.

Moo Dengs popularity has caused a massive surge in visitors to the zoo, seeing anywhere between 6,000 and 7,000 on the weekends, reported Thai PBS.

However, not all the attention Moo Deng is receiving is welcome. In a video shared on social media, Moo Deng is sleeping in her enclosure when a visitor pours water on her. Other visitors have thrown bananas and shellfish at her to try and get her attention.

Narongwit Chodchoi, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, on Thursday released a statement asking visitors not to throw objects at her or make loud noises. He warned that the zoo would take legal action against those who do not behave, according to the Bangkok Post.

These behaviours are not only cruel but also dangerous, he said. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.

He added that the zoo had installed surveillance cameras in the area and an officer had been appointed to watch over her.

Moo Deng, who Time magazine has dubbed legend and the moment, has inspired fanart, zoo merchandise, and even makeup looks from Sephora.

A popular cafe in Bangkok, the Vetmon Cafe, created a cake in her honour, which is being called too cute to eat.

Native to western Africa, pygmy hippos are listed as an endangered species, with reports saying only about 2,000 of them remain in the wild.

Indonesia, meanwhile, had cause to celebrate as it welcomed the birth of a baby Javan rhinoceros, one of the worlds most critically endangered species.

The environment and forestry ministry announced the birth along with footage captured in May from Ujung Kulon National Park on the western tip of Java island. The footage showed the baby calf, named Iris, walking with her mother.

There are only about 80 Javan rhinoceros left in the world, all in Indonesia, according to the International Rhino Foundation.
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Next could upgrade its forecast for full-year sales next week, as the retailer looks to capitalise on new business overseas.

The clothing retailer reports its interim results on Thursday September 19 amid a backdrop of 28% growth in its share price so far this year.

Next reported a 4.4% rise in sales in the first weeks of August, but has left its guidance unchanged for the rest of the year so far.

Deutsche Bank analysts wrote that the six weeks of trading since then may make the company more confident to upgrade the 2.5% brand sales guidance for the second half.

The retailer already upgraded its full-year profit guidance to 980 million, up from 960 million, in a recent trading update.

Expansion overseas is still in the early stages Aarin Chiekrie, Hargreaves Lansdown analyst

The company has made up for a decline in high street sales with a growing foreign business in recent results.

Second-quarter sales outside of promotions and discounts had also been expected to fall, but its online business oversees boosted it to a 3.2% rise.

Expansion overseas is still in the early stages, said Aarin Chiekrie, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, and theres a lot of room left to run if Next can execute its strategy well.

Despite already accounting for more than half of group sales, analysts continue to see the online channel as the main growth driver, he added.

Next, which is led by Lord Simon Wolfson, has witnessed a resurgence in recent years.

Chief executive Lord Wolfson described 2017 as the most challenging year we have faced for 25 years, with profit falling to 726 million.

By the end of 2023, the figure was at a record high of 918 million, which Next chairman Michael Roney hailed as a very good year in the context of the wider economic environment.

Hargreaves Lansdowns Mr Chiekrie added: Retail is a different story, with in-store revenue falling 4.7% in the first half.

Were not expecting that trend to change going forward, with high-street shopping in structural decline.

But in next weeks results, investors would like to get more clarity on the outlook for stores and hear how the groups positioning itself to manage the shift.
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Ive often thought that it must be easy to destroy what you dont understand, says Nemonte Nenquimo, the first woman president of the Waorani people of Pastaza, in eastern Ecuador. She's also the co-founder of two non-profit organisations, the Indigenous-led Ceibo Alliance and Amazon Frontlines, which both work to protect the rights and lives of Indigenous people against the ever-present threat of the climate crisis.

I thought, perhaps if the outsiders understood a bit more about our lives in the Amazon rainforest, theyd stop trying to cut it down, burn it, or poison it, she says.

Nenquimo is explaining why, considering the traditional oral history of her community, she's written a book. Co-authored with her American partner Mitch Anderson, it was published in June and entitled We Will Not Be Saved, which rejects the idea that Indigenous people need saving.

The memoir is a beautiful depiction of growing up in her village, set deep within the biodiverse Amazonian rainforest, from her first memories of her nomadic hunter-gatherer tribe and playing with her siblings, up to how she became the activist she is today.

Writing the book was a way of putting it all down into one place, for the world to understand the true extent of devastation that's taken place  and continues to  through a personable narrative in the hope of the destruction coming to an end. We are all facing a global climate crisis: perhaps if people in the industrialised world understood something about the richness, complexity and beauty of our lives in the forest, theyd do something to protect the forest and stop burning so much fossil fuel, she says.

Nenquimo's tone is one of emergency too. Scientists say the Amazon is approaching a tipping point from which it could never recover. My parents know that the climate is wounded because it is now almost impossible to find beehives high up on the kapok trees. The forest is wounded.

Nenquimo during a protest against oil drilling on ancestral lands in the Amazon ( Matteo Barriga / Amazon Frontlines )

For Nenquimo, being a Waorani leader is not only a huge honour, but also a big responsibility that weighs heavily on her shoulders. I must listen to, care for and fight for my people, our culture and our territories. Above all, I feel responsible to the children and the future generations: they deserve to grow up and be able to choose to live their lives in the same forest I grew up in if that is their wish.

It's a responsibility that Nenquimo has not taken lightly. Since 2013, she has been defending indigenous rights and lands against extractive industries in the Amazon, becoming a world-leading voice. She has seen first-hand the effects of the climate crisis following the destruction of the Amazon.

Her most momentous achievement came in 2019, when Nenquimo played a pivotal part in winning a case against the Ecuadorian government, protecting half a million acres of Waorani ancestral land in the Amazonian rainforest from oil drilling. It set a landmark legal precedent to protect a further seven million acres from planned oil auctions.

When Nenquimo found out they'd won, she says: We sang! We sang, danced and shouted in the streets! Though her dedication to the cause continued as strongly as ever as the next day she went back to her territory to keep organising and strengthening our communities as long as the world continues to consume beyond its means, our homes are in danger.

And it's true as Nenquimo, 39, has seen her home village change drastically even within her lifetime. The world Nenquimo grew up in has constantly been under threat, which she extensively documents in her book. She depicts the early beginnings of the arrival of white people, known as cowori, who came in search of black gold within the Waorani land. Nenquimo remembers how they first brought Coca-Cola and sweets, then disease, before destroying their lands. This is why we are fighting: so that our children and our grandchildren can grow up in the Amazon rainforest, she says.

Now Nenquimo's work to protect the Amazon in Ecuador is intensifying because the president, Daniel Noboa, who was elected last November, is threatening to roll back on the 2019 case.

Noboa is planning to auction off Indigenous territories in the Amazon to oil companies, based on the very consultations that were invalidated in the 2019 court decision, says Nenquimo.

Waorani leader Nemonte Nenquimo alongside elders Okenene and Wina Omaca during a community gathering ( Sophie Pinchetti / Amazon Frontlines )

To prevent this happening, she explains they plan to take the government back to court to make sure these contracts do not move forward. And again we will need resources and international actions and solidarity to help us defend our homes.

Noboa shows little sign of moving towards signing the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, which aims to prevent the expansion of fossil fuel exploitation, as well as see a just transition to clean energy, which Nenquimo says Noboa has shown that he cannot be trusted to keep his word.

If further oil drilling did go ahead, it would result in mass devastation. Nenquimo says: It would be a death sentence for Waorani culture and territory. It would mean ecocide. It would mean pushing the planets climate  and with it life as we know it  over a tipping point.

The Independent will be revealing its Climate100 List in September and hosting an event in New York, which can be attended online, to reserve your place click here
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New York Fashion Weeks spring/summer 2025 season has officially wrapped as of September 11, but moments from the five-day affair are still being debated online.

From Grier Henchy to Dream Kardashian and Offset, several A-listers made their runway debut, walking for dream brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Luar. And while most of these moments were met with praise and adoration from show attendees and fans at home, other unforeseen catwalk appearances werent well-received.

On September 7, Tiffany Haddish sparked controversy when she got up from her seat to strut down the runway at Monses spring/summer presentation. The two-minute facade wasnt planned by the 44-year-old actress or the brand, but instead by the one and only Kathy Hilton.

In videos from the show, Haddish could be seen sitting next to Hilton and her two daughters  Paris and Nicky Rothschild. Hilton appeared to say, Go now, encouraging the Girls Trip star to walk down the runway in between the official models.

Right now and you go down and you tell this photographer, Hilton demanded, prompting Haddish to ask: Do I do it now?

Yes, now! Theres nothing going on, the 65-year-old fashion designer exclaimed.

Dressed in a satin pear-colored suit, Haddish left her front row seat to have her shining moment as an unofficial Monse model. And the Night School star took her time, rounding the runway entirely as guests clapped and cheered.

After the show, Paris Hilton posted footage of Haddish on the runway, admitting her mom had instigated the walk.

My mom @KathyHilton dared @TiffanyHaddish to hit the @MonseMaison runway. But like Tiff always says She Ready, her caption read.

On Instagram, Kris Jenner complimented Hilton. God I love your mom, she wrote. But though she, Hilton, her daughters, and Haddish might have found the act amusing and iconic, a few critics argued the impromptu walk was disappointing.

One viewer directed their comment at Haddish: You were a guest at the fashion show and not there as a worker  not to entertain anyone. You were there just like everyone else to enjoy the show not walk it.

I feel like this is low key super disrespectful to the designers, a second user agreed, while another added: I actually think this is rude.

Others thought Hilton was intentionally trying to embarrass Haddish. That was no dare, it was a demand, one woman pointed out.

Meanwhile, another viewer said: One day I hope you learn the difference between someone laughing with you and someone laughing at you.

Monses creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia addressed Haddishs mid-show runway debut on their social media. Kim asked the A-lister to explain what prompted her to get up and do it.

The on-screen star confessed not only did Hilton dare her, but Paris and Nicky were heavily encouraging her as well. Kim and Gracia didnt know what was happening when they heard the noise from the crowd. While the two designers appeared to be laughing as Haddish explained herself, Kim subtly says she doesnt know if there will be a next time for the actress at their show.

That said, speaking to People, Garcia emphasized: At Monse Tiffany Haddish and Kathy Hilton are family, and the best sign of love and support is showing that we all were having fun by joining in on the show.

We are very lucky to have friends like them, and hope they open and close our show next season.

The Independent has contacted Haddish and Hilton for comment.
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Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar thanked Lebanons Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah for his support in the ongoing war with Israel in a letter released Friday by Hezbollahs media office.

In the letter, dated Monday, Sinwar thanks Nasrallah for the blessed acts of Iran-backed groups in their support for Hamas since Oct. 7, when Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted another 250. Sinwar called the war one of the most honorable battles for the Palestinian people.

On Oct. 8, Hezbollah started attacking Israeli military posts along the border, triggering an ongoing exchange of fire that has left hundreds dead.

Gaza's Health Ministry says more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the territory 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, and the United Nations reported the Palestinian economy is in a free fall. 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.

Here's the latest:

Hamas leader Sinwar thanks Hezbollah chief for help fighting Israel

BEIRUT  The leader of the Palestinian Hamas group thanked Lebanons Hezbollah chief for his support in the ongoing war with Israel in a letter released Friday by Hezbollahs media office.

Yahya Sinwars letter came in response to a message sent earlier by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in which he paid his condolence for the July killing of top Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh during a visit to Iran.

In the letter, dated Monday, Sinwar thanks Nasrallah for the blessed acts of Iran-backed groups in their support for Hamas since the Israel-Hamas war started Oct. 7, calling the war one of the most honorable battles for the Palestinian people.

A day after the militants' bloody incursion into Israel that started the war, Hezbollah started attacking Israeli military posts along the border, triggering an ongoing exchange of fire. 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.

Officials in Istanbul hold a ceremony for slain Turkish American activist as her body is transported for burial

ISTANBUL  Turkish officials held a brief ceremony Friday at Istanbul International Airport where the body of a Turkish American activist killed by Israeli gunfire arrived ahead of her funeral and burial in a town on the Aegean coast.

Istanbul Gov. Davut Gul and other officials held prayers in front of Aysenur Ezgi Eygis coffin, which was draped in the Turkish flag, before helping carry it to another plane for the city of Izmir. Her funeral is expected to be held Saturday in the town of Didim, near Izmir.

The 26-year-od activist from Seattle was killed Sept. 6 following a demonstration against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to an Israeli protester who witnessed the shooting.

The Israeli military said Tuesday that Eygi was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by Israeli forces. Turkey announced it will conduct its own investigation into her death.
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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 Turkey 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.

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.
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A Philippine televangelist, who calls himself the anointed son of God and once claimed to have stopped an earthquake, pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of human trafficking in a court arraignment that's the latest mark of his reversal of fortune.

Apollo Carreon Quiboloy and four of his co-accused were brought under heavy security to the regional trial court in Pasig city in metropolitan Manila and would later be transported to another court to be arraigned in a separate non-bailable case of child sexual abuse.

Lawyer Israelito Torreon told reporters his client Quiboloy entered a not guilty plea because he's innocent of the charges.

Quiboloy, the 74-year-old preacher and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ group, faces similar charges in the United States, where he has been included in the FBIs most-wanted list.

The United States was expected to request the extradition of Quiboloy and his co-accused at some point, but President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said they have to first face justice in the Philippines. Quiboloy surrendered in his vast religious complex in the south Sunday in an operation involving more than 2,000 police officers.

In his heyday, Quiboloy was one of the most influential religious leaders in the Philippines with many followers and was regarded a political kingmaker, who backed the equally controversial former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Quiboloy and his co-defendants have been accused of recruiting young followers, who were lured to submit themselves to the divine will and promised scholarships and foreign travels but later forced to solicit money in spurious ways including house-to-house Christmas caroling and peddling pastries and biscuits.

The victims were threatened and beaten when they failed to reach collection quotas and defy orders, according to the charge sheet.

More alarmingly, Quiboloy and his key aides were accused of deceiving Filipino and foreign girls as young as 12 to serve as privileged pastorals, who were ordered to give Quiboloy a massage in his bedroom before they were raped by him. Some of the alleged victims testified in a Philippine Senate hearing earlier this year on Quiboloys alleged crimes, including a woman from Ukraine who testified by video because of the war in her country.

Quiboloy and his co-accused and their lawyers have denied any wrongdoing. They said they were ready to answer the charges in court. The raft of allegations, they said, was fabricated by critics and former members who were removed from his religious group.

After Quiboloy surrendered and taken into police custody in his 30-hectare (75-acre) religious complex in southern Davao city over the weekend, police said at least five other religious followers may file criminal complaints and testify against him.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said Quiboloy had in effect used religion as a cover for criminality. "This is one of the most extreme evils because faith is something sacred, he told The Associated Press.

Quiboloy has made outrageous claims that sparked questions about his character but endeared him to his fanatical followers. In 2019, he claimed that he stopped a major earthquake from hitting the southern Philippines.

In the U.S., federal prosecutors announced charges against Quiboloy in 2021 for allegedly having sex with women and underage girls who faced threats of abuse and eternal damnation unless they catered to the self-proclaimed son of God. The allegations were made by former followers of Quiboloy.

The expanded indictment included charges of conspiracy, sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud, money laundering and visa fraud.

Quiboloy and eight other defendants were accused of recruiting women and girls, typically 12 to 25 years old, as pastorals, who cooked his meals, cleaned his houses, massaged him and traveled with him around the world. Minors as young as 15 were scheduled for night duty, when they were sexually abused by Quiboloy, according to the indictment.
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University of Wisconsin leaders must limit their public statements to matters that affect school operations and maintain neutral viewpoints under a new policy that system administrators released Friday.

UW system spokesperson Mark Pitsch said in an email to The Associated Press that the policy will take effect immediately and doesn't need the approval of the board of regents. Asked what drove the policy's creation, Pitsch pointed to language in the policy that states the restrictions are necessary in order to uphold academic freedom and an environment where ideas can compete freely.

The move comes after UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone struck a deal in May ending pro-Palestinian campus protests. The university agreed to call for a cease-fire in Gaza and discuss cutting ties with Israeli companies.

The deal drew intense criticism from Jewish groups. UW system President Jay Rothman also took Mone to task over the deal, posting on X that campuses need to remain viewpoint-neutral and make sure actions on campus have consequences. Rothman is trying to stay on good terms with Republicans who control the Legislature in the hopes of securing an $855 million boost for the system in the next state budget.

Republican lawmakers have complained for years that universities have become bastions of liberal thought and have been stifling conservative voices. Some in the GOP have called for federal legislation that would require colleges to protect free speech and punish those who infringe on others rights.

Mone announced this summer that he plans to resign next July 1. He has not said specifically why he chose to step down. Like all UW chancellors, he has struggled with financial issues brought on largely by declining enrollment and relatively flat state aid. UW-Milwaukee spokesperson Angelica Duria didn't immediately respond to a Friday email seeking comment.

Under the new policy, university leaders can issue public statements only on matters that directly affect university operations and their core mission. They must maintain viewpoint neutrality whenever referencing any political or social controversy.

Any expression of support or opposition must be approved by Rothman or the school's chancellor. Statements expressing solidarity or empathy should be avoided when they imply support for one group's viewpoint over another.

The policy applies to Rothman, system vice presidents, university chancellors, provosts, vice chancellors, deans, directors, department chairs and anyone else perceived as speaking on behalf of a system institution.

The policy does not apply to faculty or staff when teaching or expressing their expertise of a situation related to their field, although they should be careful when posting such statements on university-owned channels so that they won't be construed as representing the institution's position. The policy also doesn't apply to faculty and staff's personal statements on non-university-owned channels.

The Wisconsin chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union didn't immediately reply to an email seeking comment.
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A Maryland woman was arrested Friday on a charge that she vandalized federal property in Washington, D.C., during protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress in July.

A video posted on social media showed Isabella Giordano, 20, of Towson, using red spray paint to write Gaza on a fountain in front of Union Station and spray-painting the base of two of the flagpoles in Columbus Circle, according to a U.S. Park Police sergeant's affidavit.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington on July 24 to condemn Netanyahus visit. A group of protesters had a permit to demonstrate in front of Union Station, but the Park Police revoked the permit after it couldn't reach protest organizers that afternoon, the affidavit says.

Some demonstrators outside Union Station removed American flags and hoisted Palestinian ones in their place. Others burned flags and sprayed graffiti on structures in Columbus Circle. The National Park Service estimated that it cost more than $11,000 to clean up the site and fix damages.

The Park Police said it received two tips from witnesses identifying Giordano as a suspect in the graffiti.

Giordano was scheduled to make her initial court appearance on Friday. She is charged with one count of willfully injuring or depredating federal property. It wasn't immediately clear if she has an attorney.
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Drugmaker Gilead Science announced Thursday that its biannual injections to prevent against HIV had slashed the risk of infection from the virus by a staggering 96 percent.

The California biopharmaceutical company said that its drug lenacapavir had demonstrated superiority over Truvada, a tablet taken daily to fight HIV infection, and has been the primary option for pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEp.

With such remarkable outcomes across two Phase 3 studies, lenacapavir has demonstrated the potential to transform the prevention of HIV and help to end the epidemic, Chief Executive Officer Daniel ODay said in a statement.

A recent Phase 3 clinical trial found that 99.9 percent of participants who took lenacapavir for prevention were not infected. Gilead said there were two incident cases among a group of 2,180 participants in the trial. Comparatively, there were nine cases out of 1,087 individuals in the Truvada group. Gilead said lenacapavir was 89 percent more effective than Truvada.

The trial included cisgender men, transgender men, transgender women, and gender non-binary individuals who have sex with partners assigned male at birth. Participants were from countries around the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, and the United States.

The outside of the Gilead Sciences, Inc. office in Foster City, California, in May 2018. The drugmaker said its twice-yearly injection shot lenacapvir had reduced the risk of HIV infection in subjects of a Phase 3 clinical trial by 96 percent ( REUTERS/Stephen Lam/File Photo )

The double-blind trial was unblinded early because it met its key efficacy endpoints, Gilead said, allowing lenacapavir to be offered to all participants.

Both lenacapvir and Truvada were generally well-tolerated and Gilead said there were no significant or new safety concerns.

The news comes after a June trial of lenacapavir was found to be 100 percent effective in preventing new HIV infections in women. There were no infections in women and girls from South Africa and Uganda who got the shot.

ODay said that his company would work with its regulatory, community, and government partners to ensure that, if approved, we can deliver twice-yearly lenacapavir for PrEP worldwide, for all those who want or need PrEP.

The data from both trials will be used to start the drug approval process around the world by the end of the year. Gilead said that this could support an initial launch of lenacapavir by next year.

While the use of the shots has not been approved globally by itself, lenacapavir has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HIV in adults, in combination with other medicines.

There are still tens of thousands of HIV diagnoses in the U.S. every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and nearly 5,000 deaths. Nearly half of new HIV infections are in the South.
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Moscow's announcement Friday of expelling six British diplomats for alleged espionage has drawn a strong rebuke from the United Kingdom while also intensifying animosity between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine.

However, the six are but a small number in the history of Moscow-London acts of expulsion, which have a record of angry bursts over the past decades. Both sides have expelled more than 20 at a time  and in one case, more than 100.

The expulsions are frequently tit-for-tat moves, with one side retaliating for the act of the other, something Russian diplomatic language calls a mirror answer.

Here is a look at some major acts of expulsion between London and Moscow:

The Skripal Affair in 2018

Sergei Skripal, a Russian intelligence officer who was a double agent for Britain, was severely poisoned along with his daughter in Salisbury, where he had settled after being released by Russia in a 2010 prisoner swap. The poison was identified as Novichok, a Soviet-developed nerve agent.

A week and a half after the Skripals were discovered in grave condition, British Prime Minister Teresa May declared Russia to be responsible for the attack and ordered the expulsion of 23 diplomats. Russia then expelled an equal number of Britons.

The Gordievsky Scandal in 1985

Oleg Gordievsky was the KGB's station chief in London, but had been passing along information to British intelligence for years. He was called back to Moscow for consultations in 1985 and decided to go despite fears that his role as a double agent might have been exposed.

He was interrogated but not charged, and Britain arranged an undercover operation to spirit him out of the Soviet Union. In the aftermath of the operation, Britain used information from Gordievsky to expel 25 Soviet diplomats. Moscow retaliated two days later with the same number.

Operation FOOT in 1971

In an effort to curb suspected widespread espionage by Soviet diplomats and even their wives, British agents managed to recruit a member of the Soviet trade delegation who was also a KGB operative. The agent, Oleg Lyalin, provided extensive information identifying others working for the KGB.

Britain hesitated to act on the information, concerned it could jeopardize international talks that were underway on the status of the divided city of Berlin. After the talks concluded, the U.K. announced that 90 Soviet officials would be expelled and 15 others who were out of the country at the time would not be allowed to return  105 in all.
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On Friday, flying back to Rome from a lengthy trip to Asia, Pope Francis criticized both U.S. presidential candidates for what he called anti-life policies on abortion and migration. He advised American Catholics to choose who they think is the lesser evil in the upcoming U.S. elections.

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies, Francis said. Neither Republican candidate Donald Trump nor the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, was mentioned by name.

It was the latest in a long string of memorable  and sometimes controversial  comments from the pope, who throughout his 11-year papacy has often been willing to speak out in impromptu fashion.

Several of the most noteworthy comments related to LGBTQ+ issues  a matter of keen public interest given official Catholic teaching that condemns same-sex marriage and sexual relations. Some examples:

 July 30, 2013. During his first press conference, says Who am I to judge? when asked about a purportedly gay priest, signaling a more welcoming approach to LGBTQ+ Catholics.

 May 21, 2018: Tells a gay man God made you like this and he loves you.

 Jan. 24, 2023: Declares in an Associated Press interview that  Being homosexual is not a crime.

 Jan. 28, 2023: Clarifies his comments to AP which implied that while homosexual activity was not a crime it is a sin in the eyes of the church. When I said it is a sin, I was simply referring to Catholic moral teaching, which says that every sexual act outside of marriage is a sin.

 Aug. 24, 2023: During World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, the pope led a crowd of a half-million young people chanting todos, todos, todos (everyone, everyone, everyone) to emphasize that all are welcome in the Catholic Church.

 May 20, 2024: Francis reportedly says  there is already an air of faggotness in seminaries, in closed-door comments to Italian bishops in reaffirming the churchs ban on gay priests. He later apologized for causing offense.

Among other notable quotes:

 Jan. 19, 2015: Francis, while firmly upholding church teaching banning contraception, said Catholics dont have to breed like rabbits and should instead practice responsible parenting.

 February 2015: The pope referred to the possible Mexicanization of his native Argentina from drug trafficking. It created a stir, prompting the Vatican to send a diplomatic note to Mexicos ambassador insisting that Francis absolutely did not intend to offend the Mexican people with the remark.

 Feb. 18, 2016: Flying back to Rome from a pilgrimage that included Mass at the Mexican side of the border with the U.S., Pope Francis, answering a reporters question, said a person who advocates building walls is not Christian. A spokesperson later insisted the pope was not singling out Donald Trump.

 May 25, 2019: Addressing a Vatican-sponsored conference, the pope said abortion can never be condoned, even when the fetus is gravely sick or likely to die. Is it licit to throw away a life to resolve a problem? he asked. Is it licit to hire a hitman to resolve a problem?

 July 26, 2022: The pope issued a historic apology for the Catholic Churchs cooperation with Canadas catastrophic policy of Indigenous residential schools. I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples," he said.

 May 12, 2023: Blasting couples who have pets instead of children, Francis called for resources to be dedicated to helping couples grow their families, saying it was necessary to plant the future with hope.

 February 2024: The pope said in an interview that Ukraine, facing a possible defeat, should have the courage to negotiate an end to the war with Russia. I think that the strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people and has the courage of the white flag, and negotiates, he said.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis picked up the white flag term that had been used by the interviewer. He issued a statement of clarification after the popes white flag comments sparked criticism that he was siding with Russia in the conflict.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
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Pope Francis has waded into US politics in a rare intervention, criticising both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as being against life and urging American voters to pick the lesser evil between the two.

Francis criticised Mr Trumps policies towards migrants and Ms Harriss stance on abortion, as he spoke to reporters on board his return flight after a historic Asia-Pacific tour.

While stressing that he was not an American and would not be voting. he expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the US election that are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.

America has some 72 million Catholics and the Pope was asked to provide guidance to them on who they should vote for on Tuesday 5 November.

The pontiff appeared to hit out first at Mr Trump for his xenophobic remarks, saying not welcoming migrants is a grave sin. Mr Trump has repeatedly made headlines in recent days for claiming without evidence that Haitian migrants are eating household pets in Springfield, Ohio.

But he then also came down hard on Ms Harriss stance on abortion, calling it a form of assassination. Though his references were clear, he did not name either politician directly.

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or the one who [supports] killing babies, Francis said. Both are against life.

Francis has made the plight of migrants a priority of his pontificate and speaks out emphatically and frequently about it. While strongly upholding church teaching forbidding abortion, Francis hasnt emphasised church doctrine as much as his predecessors.

Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after his 12-day journey across southeast Asia and Oceania ( AP )

The pontiff said migration is a right described in scripture, and that anyone who doesnt follow the biblical call to welcome the stranger is committing a grave sin.

He was also blunt in speaking about abortion. To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but its killing, he said. We have to see this clearly.

Asked what people should do at the polls, Francis recalled the civic duty to vote.

One should vote, and choose the lesser evil, he said. Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I dont know.

Everyone in their conscience should think and do it, he added.

The pontiff said migration is a right described in scripture ( Pool/AFP/Getty )

Pope Francis also criticised Mr Trump in the run-up to his 2016 election win, when he was asked about the Republicans much-vaunted plan to build a wall at the US-Mexican border. The pontiff declared then that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is not Christian.

In responding on Friday, Francis recalled that he celebrated Mass at the US-Mexico border and there were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.

The US bishops conference, for its part, has called abortion the pre-eminent priority for American Catholics in its published voter advice. Harris has strongly defended abortion rights.

President Joe Biden, while a staunch supporter of a womans right to choose, is a devout Catholic and has met with the current pope twice during his presidency  in October 2021 at the Vatican, and as recently as June this year during the G7 summit in Italy.

Mr Trump met the Pope once as president, at the Vatican in May 2017, just four months into his administration.

In other comments, the Pope denied reports he would be at the inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris but said he would like to go to the Canary Islands to highlight the plight of migrants there.

Francis also said he would like to visit his native Argentina, to which he has not returned since becoming pope, but added: There are various things to resolve first.
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Nasa astronauts stranded in space until next year said they did not feel let down by Boeing, but admitted to tough times.

Boeings first astronaut mission ended earlier this month with its Starliner capsule returning to Earth with test pilots Barry Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams still in space.

Mr Wilmore said they had found some things that we just could not get comfortable with putting us back in the Starliner when we had other options.

Nasa has said the pair will instead return on a SpaceX craft in February  stretching their original eight-day mission to more than eight months.

Obviously, when you have issues like weve had, theres some changes that need to be made Butch Wilmore, stranded astronaut

Speaking at a press conference on Friday evening from the International Space Station, Mr Wilmore said: Its been quite an evolution over the last three months, weve been involved from the beginning through all the processes of assessing our spacecraft, Calypso.

And it was trying at times. There were some tough times all the way through.

You certainly, as the commander and the PLT (pilot) of your spacecraft, you dont want to see it go off without you, but thats where we wound up.

Asked if he felt let down by Boeing after Starliner returned to Earth without its crew, Mr Wilmore said: Let down? Absolutely not.

Never entered my mind. I dont think Sunis either, until you mentioned it.

Mr Wilmore added that Boeing was on board with changes that need to be made after the companys Starliner capsule returned to Earth without its crew.

The astronaut told the press conference: Obviously, when you have issues like weve had, theres some changes that need to be made.

Boeings on board with that. Were all on board with that.

Mr Wilmore added: When you push the edge of the envelope again and you do things with spacecraft that have never been done before, just like Starliner, youre going to find some things.

And in this case, we found some things that we just could not get comfortable with putting us back in the Starliner when we had other options.

Theres many cases in the past where there have not been other options.

We were very fortunate that we have the Space Station and that we had the option to stay and we had the option to come back a different way.

Ms Williams, whose hair floated during the press conference, said the pair missed their families during their extended stay on the International Space Station.

The astronaut added: I miss my two dogs, I miss my friends.

But you know what? Like Butch said, there are so many people on Earth that are sending us messages.

And it makes you feel just right at home with everybody when were able to have those conversations with our friends and family at home.
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Pigeon-guided missiles, rats and pigs breathing through their anuses, dead trouts that can swim, and drunk worms are among the unusual scientific breakthroughs that make up the winners of this years Ig Nobels.

Ten prizes were awarded on Thursday in a range of scientific categories to individuals and teams from around the world for research that spanned the decades.

This year marks the 34th First Annual Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony, and the first time it was held in person since the pandemic at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The Ig Nobels were founded by the science humor magazine Annals of Improbable Research in 1991, to honor the imaginative and unusual in science.

If you didnt win an Ig Nobel Prize tonight  and especially if you did  better luck next year, Marc Abrahams, master of ceremonies and the magazines editor, said. The research honored this year was typically wild and wacky.

Pigeon-guided missiles

Among the honorees was the work of American psychologist and former Harvard professor B.F. Skinner, who is being celebrated posthumously. His daughter, Julie Skinner Vargas, is set to accept the award on his behalf.

In 1960, he proposed using live pigeons to help guide air-to-ground missiles, at a time when there were no missile guidance systems.

A demonstration model of the three-pigeon guidance system. Pigeons trained to help guide missiles. Project Pigeon was later terminated. ( B.F. Skinner )

The plan was to put pigeons inside a missile called the Peli-can, that would be trained to follow land and sea targets.

We found that a pigeon could hold the missile on a particular street intersection in an aerial map of a city, wrote Skinner.

Through appropriate schedules of reinforcement it was pos- sible to maintain longer uninterrupted runs than could conceivably be required by a missile.

Project Pigeon was later terminated by the US Navy.

Pigs and rats that can breathe through their anuses

This 2021 research from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that pigs and rodents have the ability to breathe through their anuses.

The team were inspired by the adaptations of loaches, catfish, sea cucumers and orb-weaving spiders, which can receive oxygen through their backside to survive in situations where theres not much available.

The oxygen is delivered through the wall of the intestine, compensating for reduced oxygen in the body. The researchers rubbed the lining of the rectum to cause inflammation and increase blood flow, improving the effectiveness of the oxygen delivery. They also used a liquid that can carry large amounts of carbon dioxide.

Tokyo researchers said that pigs and rodents have the ability to breathe through their anuses. The researchers hope to be able to use a similar test on humans some day ( Institute of Research,TMDU )

The rectum has a mesh of fine blood vessels just beneath the surface of its lining, which means that drugs administered through the anus are readily absorbed into the bloodstream, first author Ryo Okabe explained in a statement.

This made us wonder whether oxygen could also be delivered into the bloodstream in the same way. We used experimental models of respiratory failure in mice, pigs and rats to try out two methods: delivering oxygen into the rectum in gas form, and infusing an oxygen-rich liquid via the same route.

The Japanese researchers hope to be able to test this approach on humans one day.

Worms - drunk and sober

At the University of Amsterdam in 2022, researchers wanted to find out how particles, known as active matter, can move on their own.

To do this, they used Tubifex worms, which they got drunk on ethanol. For the sake of the experiment, the worms represented these kinds of particles.

The researchers were able to sort the worms by their level of activity in a maze-like structure and, for the first time, sort active matter.

A side view shows a rainbow trout with wire electrodes in its mucles. Liao said fish in choppy water go with the flow more than they actually swim. ( James C. Liao )

How a dead trout can swim

In 2004, Harvards Dr. James Liao wanted to find out how much energy it took for trout to swim through rough waters.

To do so, he enlisted a dead rainbow trout inserting wire electrodes into its muscles and building computer models of the movements. Fish in choppy water, he found, are going with the flow more than swimming.

"It makes a lot of sense," Liao told Harvard Magzine. "If you're in a windstorm and you're behind a tree, you don't feel the wind as much."
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Unauthorized migration to European Union countries dropped significantly overall in the first eight months of this year, even as political rhetoric and violence against migrants increased and far-right parties espousing anti-immigration policies made gains at the polls.

There was, however, a spike in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago close to the African coast that is increasingly used as an alternate stepping stone to continental Europe.

Irregular migration dominated the European parliamentary elections in June and influenced recent state elections in eastern Germany, where a far-right party won for the first time since World War II. The German government this week announced it was expanding border controls around its territory following recent extremist attacks.

What do the numbers show?

Despite the heated debates, irregular crossings over the southern borders of the EU  the region that sees the most unauthorized migration  were down by 35% from January to August, according to the latest preliminary figures compiled by the United Nation's International Organization for Migration.

Nearly 115,000 migrants  less than 0.03% of the EUs population  have arrived without permission into the EU via Mediterranean and Atlantic routes so far this year, compared to 176,252 during the same period last year, the U.N. says. In contrast, more than a million people, most of them fleeing conflict in Syria, entered the EU in 2015.

Data shared by the EU's border and coast guard agency Frontex shows a similar trend: Unauthorized crossings over the region's southern borders fell 39% overall this year compared to last year.

The emergency is not numerical this year, nor was it last year," Flavio di Giacomo, a spokesperson with the IOM office for the Mediterranean, told The Associated Press.

Camille Le Coz, an associate director of the nonprofit Migration Policy Institute in Europe, said irregular migration is getting way too much attention compared to the scope of the issue and compared to other issues Europe should be tackling, such as climate change."

The most commonly used route for migrants is from North Africa, across the dangerous Central Mediterranean to Italy. Yet roughly 64% fewer migrants disembarked in Italy this year than during the same period in 2023, according to IOM and Frontex numbers.

Experts say thats a result of the EU-supported crackdown in Tunisia and Libya, which comes at a price for migrants, many of whom are systematically rounded up and dumped in the desert.

How long the downward trend will hold remains to be seen, however. Smugglers are always quick to adapt and find new routes around border controls. In the Eastern Mediterranean, the second-most-used route, smuggling networks are now using speedboats in increasingly aggressive ways to avoid controls and targeting islands farther away from the Turkish coast in the central Aegean, according to Greek authorities.

The number of migrants arriving in Greece by sea and overland during the first eight months of the year rose by 57%, U.N. data shows.

An alarming spike in the Atlantic

Meanwhile, irregular migration from West Africa to the Canary Islands via the Atlantic, the third-most-used route, has more than doubled: More than 25,500 migrants  mostly from Mali, Senegal and other West African countries  had arrived in the islands as of Aug. 31, the U.N. says.

Countless other migrants have gone missing along the route, where rough winds and strong Atlantic currents work against them. Several migrant boats, carrying only the remains of Malian, Mauritanian and Senegalese citizens, have been found this year drifting as far away as the Caribbean and off Brazil. Precise numbers are hard to verify, but the Spanish migrant rights group Walking Borders has reported more than 4,000 dead or missing.

The trend has Spanish authorities on alert for the fall, when conditions in the Atlantic are most favorable for the journey. The treacherousness of the route seems to have done little to dissuade would-be migrants, whose ranks have swelled to include people from Syria and Pakistan, according to rescuers.

There are situations that need to be addressed, like the situation in the Canary Islands, Le Coz acknowledged.

A humanitarian crisis

The adult migrants who successfully make it to the Canaries usually keep moving, headed for the promise of jobs and safety in mainland Spain or other European countries farther north. But that is not the case for thousands of unaccompanied minors. Under Spanish law, these young migrants must be taken under the wing of the local government, leading to overcrowded shelters and a political crisis. Earlier this year, island leaders fought unsuccessfully to have other regions of Spain share the responsibility.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently traveled to three West African countries in an attempt to curb migration. In Senegal, he and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed agreements to promote temporary work opportunities in Spain for Senegalese nationals and vocational training in Senegal. They also agreed to step up police cooperation.

No magic solutions

Current anti-immigrant sentiments notwithstanding, Europes aging population, declining birth rates and labor shortages have only increased the need for immigrant workers to sustain pensions and boost economic growth.

And as long as migrants lack opportunities in their own countries, their exodus will continue. Add to this the growing instability and conflict in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia that have displaced millions.

There is no magic deterrence, Le Coz said. Migrants end up taking the toll of all of this: They are risking their lives, doing jobs in Europe where they face uncertain legal status for years and are vulnerable to all sorts of exploitation."

While long-term solutions to tackle unauthorized migration are being implemented, such as temporary work programs for migrants, they are still falling short.

Thats one step in the right direction, but this needs to happen at a much larger scale, and they need the private sector to be more involved, Le Coz added.

___

Follow AP's coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
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A man has been arrested after another man died following a serious assault in Brentwood, Essex Police said.

Officers were called to an address on Ingrave Road shortly after 3.30pm on Thursday following reports of an assault.

One man was pronounced dead at the scene and his family are aware, police said.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody.

Detective Inspector Lisa Hurrell said a murder investigation has been launched.

This incident took place on a busy residential street and I appreciate how concerning this must be for residents of Brentwood, she said.

Our officers arrived at the scene within two minutes and an arrest was made just over an hour after the report came into police. We are continuing our enquiries at this pace and officers will remain in the area throughout the night.

We are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have any dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to contact us.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Essex Police via the forces website or by calling 101 and citing incident 715 of 12 September.
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Jay Blades, presenter on The Repair Shop series, has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife.

Blades, 54, appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Friday and was bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on 11 October.

Court documents show that the alleged behaviour includes physical and emotional abuse of his former wife Lisa Zbozen.

West Mercia Police said it launched an investigation after being called on 3 May, the day after Ms Zbozen posted a message on Instagram saying their marriage had ended after 18 months.

Blades is the face of the popular The Repair Shop on the BBC, where people bring in heirlooms to be restored by craftspeople.

In early May filming on the new series of The Repair Shop began without him as he said he was taking a break to take stock following the alleged murder of his uncle and as headlines surfaced over his split from Ms Zbozen, who he married in Barbados in 2022. In May, Blades also announced the couple had broken up in a post on Instagram to his 193,000 followers.

Blades has appeared in a number of television programmes featuring other well-known names, including Dame Judi Dence in Dame Judi and Jay: The Odd Couple ( Channel 4 )

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: Fifty-four year-old Jason Blades of Claverley in Wolverhampton has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour. He appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court this morning [Friday 13th September] and has been bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday 11th October.

Blades found fame after being named the presenter of The Repair Shop in 2017. In an interview with The Independent, Blades said securing the presenting gig had saved his life after an acute mental health crisis.

The furniture restorer began his life in Brent, North London, working as a labourer and in factories until he enrolled at Buckinghamshire New University as a mature student to study criminology.

He later set up a charity supporting disadvantaged young people in furniture restoration, based in High Wycombe, before moving to Wolverhampton to launch a social enterprise helping disengaged groups.

After filming a documentary programme for the BBC called Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51, he became the anchor for The Repair Shop.

Jay Blades was made chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University in May 2022

He also presented the BBCs Money For Nothing until 2020, appeared on Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Bake Off as well as Comic Relief and delved into the history of the West Midlands and the East End for two Channel 5 documentaries.

He has appeared with many well-known figures in television for one-off programmes, including with Dame Judi Dench for Dame Judi and Jay: The Odd Couple and Sir David Jason in David and Jays Touring Toolshed.

He was last on air on The Repair Shop on Wednesday.

In 2021, he received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to craft. In March 2023, he became Buckinghamshire New Universitys first chancellor.

In a statement posted on its website, Buckinghamshire New University said: Jay Blades MBE has resigned from his role as Chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University with immediate effect. We thank Jay for his loyal service to the University and will be making no further comment.
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Senior managers at the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to kill a further seven have apologised for the significant delay in alerting police to concerns over the now-convicted nurse.

The former bosses at the Countess of Chester Hospital also accepted communication with the bereaved families could have been better.

On the fifth day of the Thirlwall Inquiry, which is looking at the circumstances around the 34-year-olds offences, Kate Blackwell KC introduced and read parts of a statement issued on behalf of four of the senior bosses.

They are former medical director Ian Harvey, former director of nursing Alison Kelly, former chief executive Tony Chambers and former director of people and organisational development Susan Hodkinson.

Their statement revealed how they first became aware of colleagues concerns over Letby at the end of June 2016 - but due to a lack of evidence from their own inquiries, Cheshire Police were not informed until May 2017.

Initial inquiries did not prove anything beyond Letby being on shift at the same time of the deaths, with neo-natal unit manager Eirian Powell judging the killer as being a good and competent nurse, senior managers said.

Lady Justice Thirlwall is chairing the inquiry into the deaths at Liverpool Town Hall ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

However, Letby was removed from duties on the ward from 30 June 2016 as a precaution - and she would never return to the same role.

Speaking to the inquiry on Friday morning, Ms Blackwell said the hospital bosses felt they needed to investigate the matter to gain potential evidence of wrongdoing before contacting Cheshire Police.

Ms Blackwell said: This was a cause of a significant delay in contacting the police and for this, they [the managers] are truly sorry.

But the reviews were commissioned in good faith, not to conceal the truth but to uncover it... on the issue of when such matters should be properly brought to the police in a hospital setting, guidance is overdue and such recommendations as the inquiry sees fit will be well appreciated.

Ms Blackwell also addressed concerns from the families over a lack of communication, which was raised on Thursday by a solicitor representing seven groups of relatives after it earlier emerged in the inquiry that they were never aware of a link to a particular nurse.

Peter Skelton KC said some families were kept in the dark over the collapses of babies and the concerns, and investigations that were being undertaken.

Ms Blackwell told Fridays inquiry: [The issue of communication] has caused hurt and anxiety - and for this, the senior managers are deeply sorry.

Lucy Letby was given 14 whole-life sentenced following her convictions ( PA Wire )

This was not done with the intention to deliberately attempt to cause anguish, nor was it to involve a conspiracy of dishonesty. At the time they believed they were providing the right level of information, they wanted to make sure that what they were saying was accurate.

In hindsight, they could and should communicated far better than they did.

A written statement on behalf of the four senior managers showed how the first suspicions over Letby were handled, with bosses initially becoming aware of concerns following the deaths of two babies on 23 and 24 June 2016.

The increase in deaths on the neo-natal unit was also already under the radar of Mr Harvey and Ms Kelly.

But a review found some of the deaths involved very sick babies that may have contributed to the number, the managers said in a statement.

A further meeting on the issue in July 2016 highlighted Letby had been on shift when a number of the deaths occurred, but because she was a specialist practitioner she was more likely to be looking after the sickest infants, the managers said in their statement.

Her bosses also raised no performance issues with her, and she was judged as being a diligent nurse with excellent standards.

Despite concerns, Cheshire Police were not alerted to Letby until May 2017. She was arrested in July 2018 ( Getty Images )

Despite further concerns raised by colleagues in September 2016, the senior managers said a visiting review team from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health also did not raise concerns over Letbys involvement in the deaths.

However, as revealed earlier in the inquiry, some members of the team claimed they were not alerted to the nurse before their arrival. They were also told by Mr Harvey that junior doctors had nicknamed Letby Nurse Death.

In March 2017 the police had still not been alerted, with the hospital trust seeking legal advice on approaching the police.

In hindsight, whilst done with the best intentions, this was unhelpful and led to a delay, the hospital bosses said in their statement to the inquiry.

The inquiry further heard from a legal representative at the Care Quality Commission, which carried out a routine inspection at the hospital including the neo-natal unit, in February and March 2016.

Jenni Richards KC, speaking on behalf of the CQC, said it was only told about concerns over Letby by the hospital following the publication of the report, and then on suspicions of criminal activity after police had been told.

An opening statement was also provided to the inquiry on behalf of NHS England on Friday morning. Jason Beer KC, who represented the body, said it took too long for the hospital to contact Cheshire Police.

The inquiry continues on Monday.
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A teenager has been arrested after three people were found dead inside a property in Luton on Friday morning.

Police were called at 3.30am after receiving reports of concerns for welfare at a flat in Leabank, and discovered three people with injuries.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, all three were pronounced dead at the scene and a murder investigation has been launched.

Shortly afterwards, an 18-year-old man was arrested in Bramingham Road and remains in police custody for questioning.

An investigation has since been launched by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.

The teenager remains in police custody for questioning ( Bedfordshire Police/PA Wire )

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall said: This is a truly appalling incident which has sadly resulted in the tragic deaths of three people.

We understand this news will be incredibly shocking, but please be assured we will work tirelessly to establish the full circumstances surrounding these deaths.

One man has been arrested in connection with the incident and we do not believe there is any threat to the wider community.

However, we appreciate people will be concerned, so there will be an increased presence of community police officers in and around the area today and over the coming days to answer questions and provide reassurance.

More follows on this breaking news story
 Close Prince Harry laughs as young boy pulls his beard at WellChild awards in London

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King Charles is set to temporarily pause his cancer treatment while taking part in a high-profile overseas visit after getting the go-ahead from doctors, according to reports.

The monarch, 75, who will make the nine-day visit with Queen Camilla, was first diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year after a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.

It is understood that the monarch will continue his treatment upon his return from Australia and Samoa, following 11 days of travelling, The Mirror reports.

Planned engagements for the trip include a visit to the Australian War Memorial and a fleet review of the Royal Australian Navy at Sydney Harbour.

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex, 43, has debuted a new look during a surprise appearance at a childrens hospital in Los Angeles over the weekend.

Meghan, 43, stepped out at the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala on Saturday (3 October) in a red dress she previously wore to the New York Salute to Freedom Gala in 2021.

She paired the dress with a never-before-seen beach waves hairstyle  typically achieved by letting hair dry into its natural curls.

The Independent has reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.
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A leading Black professor was asked to assist police in the case of a British Asian woman charged with a hate crime over a satirical placard months before being thrust into his own criminal investigation, The Independent can reveal.

Professor Kehinde Andrews, the UKs first professor of Black studies, is being probed by West Midlands Police for malicious communications over a video in which he called right-wing commentator Calvin Robinson a house n*gro in a case we revealed on Monday.

It has emerged that the academic, 41, was approached by the Metropolitan Police in April to lend his expertise to a Crown Prosecution Service review into whether Marieha Hussain should be charged for her coconuts placard.

Ms Hussain, 37, was arrested in April for a racially aggravated public order offence for carrying a placard depicting ex-prime minister Rishi Sunak and former home secretary Suella Braverman as coconuts during a demonstration.

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.

Ms Hussain, 37, was arrested in April for a racially aggravated public order offence for carrying a placard depicting ex-prime minister Rishi Sunak and former home secretary Suella Braverman as coconuts ( The Metropolitan Police )

It shows the nonsensical nature of all of the cases, Prof Andrews told The Independent.

At one point I am an expert the police can contact on racist language, at the next I am being pulled up for a video where I share the same expertise.

Not to mention that in that video I used coconut and directly called out a number of figures but have not been arrested for that.

They have skipped over to the house n*gro term only. It's completely farcical.

Though Prof Andrews declined to participate, he advised that the CPS and police drop their investigation into Ms Hussain - but she was charged in May. On Friday she was found not guilty after a two-day trial at Westminster Magistrates Court.

During the first days hearing in Ms Hussains trial on Thursday, Shrenick Shah, an acting detective sergeant for the Met Police, told the court that he approached Prof Andrews for help because he is one of the few people who would be able to comment on use of the word coconut while use of the word is a topic of public debate.

Mr Shah explained that he came across Prof Andrews during a Google search and noted the academics position at Birmingham City University as Professor of Black Studies.

In Mr Shahs email to Prof Andrews, sent on 9 April and seen by The Independent, he said: Hello Mr Andrews, I am reaching out to you as I am investigating a person who has displayed coconuts in what is being treated as a racially aggravated public order offence.

As part of the review by the crown prosecution service I have been asked to obtain expert testimony on the use of the term coconut as a racial slur and am hoping you may be able to assist in providing a statement.

Following a brief telephone conversation between the two men that day, where the professor declined to participate in the review, he sent a follow-up email which stated: Following on from our brief conversation today I wanted to outline why the use of coconut is not a racial slur and therefore this matter should not be treated as a racially aggravated public order offence.

I hope that you will share this with the CPS so that no more police or criminal justice time can be wasted on this matter.

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

The email read: Racial slurs are insults that are tied inseparably to the race of a person and meant to demean a person solely based on their colour, (...)

Coconut is a political critique that emerged from anti-racist and decolonial struggles. The most famous work is Franz Fanons Black Skin White Mask, which outlines how due to racist schooling and society Black and Brown people have to reject their various cultures in order to succeed in White society.

The academic further cautioned the Met Police officer that Ms Hussains case does not reflect well on the force in the context of its well-documented issues with Black and Asian communities.

The police already have a terrible history and present relationship with Black and Brown communities, for over-policing and harassing us, Prof Andrews wrote in his email.

Bringing these kinds of charges only exacerbates the tensions between communities and police. If the police and the courts are truly interested in repairing the damage and having any credibility with racialised communities then these kinds of investigations and charges need to be dumped immediately.

It is frankly astounding that after the supposed awakenings from the BLM summer of 2020 that the police are pursuing these kinds of cases.

This follows mounting criticism that UK police forces and the CPS lack the insight and cultural competence required to effectively deal with matters relating to race and intra-communal language.

Responding to Marieha Hussains case, a Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: Our prosecutors reviewed this case carefully and concluded there was enough evidence for it to be presented to a court. The defendant has been found not guilty and we respect the judges decision.

The Met Police were contacted for comment. West Midlands Police declined.
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Skygazers in the UK could get another opportunity to see the northern lights on Friday night and over the weekend, the Met Office has said.

Skies on Thursday night lit up with brilliant greens and pinks, with spectators as far south as Kent enjoying the show.

Heres everything you need to know to maximise your chances of catching a glimpse:

How can I spot the northern lights this weekend?

The Met Office said that auroras are possible over Scotland in the early hours of Saturday morning but that cloud cover and rain will likely obscure visibility for the vast majority.

It said: There remains a chance of some slight geomagnetic activity on Sunday and Monday night, which could bring potential auroras to the north of Scotland, but cloud will once again likely be a factor in any visibility for the public.

The northern lights on Thursday over Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside (Owen Humphreys/PA) ( PA Wire )

Jonathan Vautrey of the Met Office has advice for those heading out tonight: You want to be looking to the northern horizon. If youve got a clear view of the horizon, youve got a chance. Sometimes its easier to see through a camera or telescope if you do have them.

Simon King, the lead BBC weather presenter and meteorologist, posted on X this morning that people should look away from light pollution, and that using a camera or phone could enhance the colours as they are more sensitive than our eyes.

What causes the northern lights?

The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, appear when charged particles collide with the gases of the Earths atmosphere around the magnetic poles. This collision emits light of various wavelengths, spilling colour across the skies.

The particles usually come from solar flares  explosions on the sun  or solar gas ejections.

Different colours are produced depending on the gas being energised by the charged particles. Nitrogen  earths most abundant gas  emits purple, blue and pink light, whilst oxygen produces green.

Northern Lights are caused by solar flares on the sun, like this one in May (Vishwam Sankaran/NASA) ( Nasa )

Why can we see the northern lights at the moment?

Mr Vautrey said that Thursdays wave of colourful illuminations was caused by a coronal mass ejection [CME] from the sun that arrived at Earth on Thursday morning.

The CME collided with the gases in Earths atmosphere, leading to a period of geomagnetic activity.

The Met Offices space weather forecast predicts there will be another CME arrival overnight Friday into Saturday, leading to further visible aurora.

Areas with clear skies at the moment have the ideal conditions to see the Borealis because there is no cloud cover in the way.

Aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, fill the sky over The Bathing House in Howick, Northumberland in August (Owen Humphreys/PA) ( PA Wire )

Has 2024 been a bumper year for the Northern Lights?

There have been numerous opportunities to see the lights in the UK this year. May, July and August brought strong displays to skies from the Highlands to Cornwall.

Krista Hammond, a space weather forecaster at the Met Office, said in May: The sun has a roughly 11-year cycle of activity, and this is from whats known as solar minimum, which then goes towards solar maximum, and back to solar minimum. And were now approaching the solar maximum.

This period of heightened solar activity is why the lights have been a more common occurrence this year.
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Sky-watchers across the UK were treated to a shimmering display of the northern lights on Thursday night.

The cloudless skies lit up in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and England with brilliant blues, purples and greens.

The lights are more frequent in the north of the UK, but people as far as down the south Sussex coast reported sightings last night. Londoners were also treated to a rare glimpse.

One excited user on X said: Unbelievable scene in the UK! Witnessed mesmerizing Northern Lights over London during [a] midnight flight on Friday. All thanks to a solar geomagnetic storm!

Northern lights over Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside ( Owen Humphreys/PA Wire )

Meteorologists had predicted the appearance after identifying strong solar activity. They said the clear skies last night made ideal viewing conditions for those brave enough to face the cold.

Jonathan Vautrey, of the Met Office, explained how to spot the lights: You want to be looking to the northern horizon, if youve got a clear view of the horizon youve got a chance. Sometimes its easier to see through a camera or telescope if you do have them."

The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, appear when charged particles collide with the gases of the Earths atmosphere around the magnetic poles. This collision emits light of various wavelengths, spilling colour across the skies.

Aurora displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere around the magnetic poles ( Owen Humphreys/PA Wire )

The particles usually come from solar flares  explosions on the sun  or solar gas ejections.

Mr Vautrey said last nights lights were caused by a coronal mass ejection from the sun... that arrived to Earth [yesterday] morning.

2024 has been a year of strong solar activity, meaning Brits have enjoyed more frequent sightings of the borealis. In mid-August the lights reached parts of Cornwall, and May saw a similarly strong display.

Vautrey said that while Thursday was the best viewing opportunity, there will be a chance of seeing the lights again on Friday and Saturday.
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Major changes to disability benefits assessments are set to come into place from next month as the DWP brings in new providers to oversee a new system.

From September, the way Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims are assessed will change across the UK as new companies take over.

The change will see all benefits that require a functional health assessment carried out by a single provider in any given region as the DWP awards new contracts. This means PIP assessments, as well as Work Capability Assessments for ESA and Universal Credit, will all be assessed by just one provider in one region, rather than several as before.

DWP secretary Liz Kendall ( PA )

The new providers have been awarded contracts on a regional basis:

Scotland and North England: Maximus UK Services Limited (currently Atos)

Midlands and Wales: Capita Business Services (currently Capita)

South West England: Serco (currently Atos)

South East England, London and East Anglia: Ingeus UK Limited (currently Atos)

Northern Ireland: Capita Business Services (currently Capita)

The new system and providers should not greatly impact the process, as all assessments are required to follow DWP guidelines. However, the change may be leaving some claimants worried about what can often be a stressful process.

Face-to-face appointments will still need to take place within a 90-minute public transport journey from the claimants home, which DWP contracts state should be the absolute maximum. All assessments must also take place in ground-floor locations that are easy for all customers to reach.

As with before, claimants can be accompanied in their assessment by a companion who is allowed to provide evidence. The contracts also say that only therapists, nurses, physiotherapists and doctors will be able to carry out assessments. Paramedics will also be allowed to carry out PIP assessments.

The changes come as thousands of PIP claimants are still due back payments worth an average of 5000 from the DWP. This follows a Supreme Court ruling which has forced the DWP to review certain claims based on changes to the assessment criteria.
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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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Boris Johnson has dramatically intervened in the Ukraine war piling pressure on Keir Starmer and Joe Biden to let Kyiv use long-range missiles against Russia.

In a damartic escalation of tensions, Russian president Vladimir Putin has threatened Nato with war if it allows the use of the weapons against Russia.

The former prime minister said restrictions should be lifted as fast as possible hours after he met Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.

He said it was vital that Ukraine should be able to defend itself properly by stopping the appalling Russian attacks with glide bombs and now Iranian missiles.

Ukraine should be able to use the weapons, including Storm Shadow missiles, as fast as possible against targets in Russia itself, he said. Every day that goes by means more pointless and tragic loss of Ukrainian lives.

In an apparent dig at other Western politicians the Ukrainian president tweeted he was grateful for Mr Johnsons support, adding: Ukrainians always remember those who stand by them.

Boris Johnson in Ukraine as Putin threatens war with Nato ( AP )

Earlier President Zelensky expressed his frustrations, saying that after meeting the foreign secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken this week "there should be no unanswered questions about why Ukraine needs long-range capabilities.

He added: "Its difficult to repeatedly hear, We are working on this, while Putin continues to burn down our cities and villages."

Their meeting came hours before prime minister was due to meet President Biden in Washington DC for talks 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 conflict 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.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (left) and Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the British ambassadors residence in Washington before meeting Joe Biden ( Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire )

But a defiant PM told told journalists on the flight: 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.

He added: 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.

Mr Johnson built a strong personal relationship with President Zelensky while he was in office and has urged the West to continue to support Ukraine against its Russian invaders.

But in February last year he was criticised by senior military figures and accused of looking for publicity in a warzone after it was revealed he planned to visit Ukraine.

The former head of the army, Lord Dannatt, also warned that the ex-prime minister was a loose cannon whose plan could upstage then PM Rishi Sunak.

The UK has also hit out at Russia after it accused six British diplomats of spying and withdrew their accreditation.

The allegations were "completely baseless", the Foreign Office said.

The FSB security service said the Russian Foreign Ministry has terminated accreditation for the six, employees in the British Embassy in Moscows political department.

The move was in response to "numerous unfriendly steps" by London and after "signs of spying and sabotage" were detected, the FSB said in a statement.

Putin has warned Nato the move would mean war ( Getty/Reuters )

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless.

"The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK Government in response to Russian state-directed activity across Europe and in the UK.

"We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests."

The diplomats are understood to have left Russia weeks ago and are already being replaced.
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The sharing of revenge porn is to be classified as the most serious type of online offence under the Online Safety Act, meaning social media platforms will now have to take steps proactively to remove it, the Government has said.

The change to the law will see the sharing of intimate images without consent upgraded to be made a priority offence under the new online safety rules, which are due to come into force from spring next year.

Under the laws, material considered a priority offence  which also includes public order offences and the sale of weapons and drugs online  must not only be removed when it is found online, but platforms must also proactively remove it and take steps to prevent it from appearing in the first place  with large fines for those who fail to do so.

The Government said it hoped the crackdown would help drive the development of new and existing technologies to help keep people safer online, while also helping to tackle sexual offending and the normalisation of misogynistic material being shared online.

What I'm trying to do is, rather than just see action once an offence had been committed and the damage has been done to a victim, is to try and change behaviour that will prevent it happening in the first place Peter Kyle

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said he hoped requiring social media platforms to take more proactive action would drive behaviour change.

He told the PA news agency: What Im trying to do is, rather than just see action once an offence had been committed and the damage has been done to a victim, is to try and change behaviour that will prevent it happening in the first place.

Once this becomes a priority offence, social media companies and platforms themselves are going to have to take proactive measures to ensure their algorithms and their systems prevent this content from going live in the first place  so that will protect thousands, if not millions, of women in particular, from the degradation, the humiliation and the suffering that goes with this kind of activity.

Secondly, they are going to have to prove that they are taking these measures, and thats really important, so we can put the onus on them to proactively root out this content.

Thirdly, they must take action where any content does make it on to their platform, and if they violate any of these rules they are open to a huge fine.

Then of course, for those people who do create this content, we will have more powers to act against them as well, because that will be a criminal offence.

Im hoping that this will drive behaviour change that will prevent people having to suffer this experience in the first place, and then also just keep people safe from it.

Mr Kyle said the introduction of the Online Safety Act would make safety an unignorable issue for social media companies, warning they can no longer just look the other way or have other priorities.

The Technology Secretary also confirmed he would be introducing legislation on frontier AI in this Parliament, saying he did not want to see new products and innovations crash into society and being negatively disruptive and it then taking a long time for us as legislators and regulators to catch up.

He also said he wants social media products to be tested before launch, telling Sky News his aim is for safety to be baked in at the start of social media products before they land in society.

He added: We need to get to a point where there is more testing of these products before they make it out into society.

In addition, Mr Kyle said he was examining the possibility of strengthening laws around misinformation in the wake of the violent disorder on Britains streets in August.

Im looking really closely at the role that online activity had in that period, and I want to make sure, as in every other area, including what were talking about today, that were fit for the future, he told PA.

The Labour MP said he was open-minded about broadening online safety powers around placing criminal liability on named senior managers at social media firms in the event of severe breaches to online safety rules.

Im open-minded as to what powers need to evolve into the future and where liability rests, he said.

But I want it to be proportionate and I want it to be effective  Im not interested in finger-pointing at people unnecessarily.

What I want to do is drive and incentivise behaviour change among any company that has access to British society, so that it benefits society and that any risks are mitigated as much as possible.

Any company that puts these principles first and foremost in a tangible way will find us a Government that is totally on their side and will partner with them to make sure that every British citizen can benefit from their products, but also the jobs and wealth that is created from them.

But those that dont prioritise those principles will find us an ever assertive force when it comes to keeping people safer.
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Last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer suspended around 30 of the UKs 350 arms export licenses to Israel, sparking strong reactions.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised that while the UK continues to support Israel, the decision was made due to the clear risk of UK-supplied weapons being used to breach international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees and aid access to Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move as shameful, and Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick echoed this sentiment, calling it gesture politics aimed at appeasing the left.

When we asked for your views, comments were divided on the UKs decision. Many supported the suspension, criticising Israels actions.

However, some viewed the arms suspension as a mere token gesture with no significant impact on Israels military capabilities.

Opponents argued that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas, a terrorist organisation, and that restricting arms sales will only embolden such groups. Meanwhile, a broader anti-arms trade sentiment emerged, with some advocating for a universal ban on all arms sales.

The decision continues to fuel debate, with figures like Lord Carlile praising Starmers courage but criticizing Netanyahu for hindering peace efforts. Overall, the UKs role in the Israel-Palestine conflict remains highly contentious, both domestically and internationally.

Heres what you had to say:

Avoiding easily accessible prosecution

Yes [the UK is right to restrict arms sales to Israel] whilst we are within the International Criminal Court. British politicians do not have to put themselves in danger of easily accessible prosecution whilst Israel, USA, Russia and China do not face the same constraints.

Mynamewhocares

A murderous regime

Why are we supporting a murderous regime which believes it has a divine right to murder innocent women and children so that it can steal their land?

Please remember this country was awfully chummy with the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Galileo666

Big bucks = big production

All arms sales should be banned forever to one and all. Humanity has never learned, but big bucks = big production.

beckyhen

Israel has every right to protect their people

No [the UK isnt right to restrict arms sales to Israel]. The British government is bowing to terrorist Hamas which is as obscene to democracy as it is encouraging to other terrorist organisations.

Israel has every right to protect their people from terrorist attacks and abuses and Hamas will be emboldened.

Indythinkster

Too little too late

It's too little too late and more should be done because of the huge part that Britain played in the historic injustice that is being perpetuated in Palestine.

lakshmanab

Token gesture

Half-arsed by Starmer, no surprise.

It is a deliberate token gesture, probably soon to be overturned by Israeli-backed lawyers as the only stated cause for government action was an insufficient amount of aid entering Gaza.

No mention of women and infants killed; hospitals, schools, UN shelters destroyed; aid workers killed; doctors abducted, torture; journalists targeted...

Thenweallare

Increasing isolation

The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, says this suspension of arms sales to Israel will have no 'material impact' on Israel's security. So it will not hobble Israel's ability to kill. Labour seems to be congratulating itself on not having saved lives.

Stopping a mere eight per cent of arms sales, while continuing to send Israel the parts for the fighter planes still accessing UK facilities in Cyprus, is a pitiful sop to international law and the mighty pro-Palestinian movement in the UK and around the world. It will fool neither.

The US, UK and Germany are increasingly isolated as the rest of the world condemns this brutal settler state and strives to save Palestine and the Palestinians from elimination.

nakaserokid

More shame

I don't think anyone think it's brave. Most reasonable people are ashamed by the UK enabling war crimes.

Blair was never forgiven. Now Sunak and Starmer have heaped more shame on its tattered reputation.

Geoff Allibone

Some of the comments have been edited for this article. You can read the full discussion in the comments section of the original article.

All you have to do is sign up, submit your question and register your details - then you can then take part in the discussion. You can also sign up by clicking log in on the top right-hand corner of the screen.
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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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Sir Keir Starmer has promised to publish a picture of the new Siberian kitten in Downing Street as he tried to avoid commenting on the cats and dogs row inspired by Donald Trump during the recent presidential debate.

The prime minister is heading to the White House for a key bilateral summit with Joe Biden on Ukraine and the Middle East but his trip was already overshadowed by the fallout from the US election.

The debate earlier this week saw the former president claim that migrants in Springfield, Ohio are eating dogs, theyre eating cats, theyre eating the pets of the people who live there. This is happening in America

Starmer and Lammy leave for Washington ( Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire )

The claim have been met with widespread ridicule sparking memes and videos of horrified dogs on social media. They have also been denied by the city manager of Springfield, Ohio where the allegations are said to have taken place.

Ironically, Trump was the only US president not to have a dog in the White House while Joe Biden has a German shepherd called Commander which has been accused of biting a security guard.

But with the election just weeks away, Sir Keir is keen to avoid any remarks which may insult one of the victors.

Already he is not meeting with vice president Kamala Harris, Trumps opponent, because she will be campaigning in the swing states ahead of the vote in November.

President Biden and his wife Jill walk their dog Commander ( AFP via Getty Images )

Sir Keir called this perfectly understandable. But it also meant he avoided accusations of being seen to favour one candidate over another.

Asked if he caught the Harris/ Trump debate, Sir Keir said: No. I have seen bits of clips of it. I didnt see the whole thing.

But he laughed when asked if he was worried about the safety of the nations cats and dogs in Britain with irregular migrants coming through Kent after crossing the Channel.

Referring to Prince, the new Siberian kitten to move into Downing Street, he said: Were adding to our cats.

Larry the cat in Downing Street, London, ahead of a Cabinet meeting (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Wire )

The prime minister said that the new kitten was great but has not met Larry the chief mouser yet because Prince cant go out, Prince is young, hes fantastic though.

But he announced: There will be a picture in due course.

Sir Keirs trip to Washington DC with his foreign secretary David Lammy is to try to future proof protection from a possible Donald Trump victory.

Trump has made no secret of his desire to stop providing aid to Ukraine with many of his Republican supporters opposing support for President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The former president has also made a deal with former Democrat and Independent Robert F. Kennedy jr who is also vehemently opposed to support a never ending war in Ukraine.

The prime minister told journalists on the flight over that the plan was to put together a long term strategy which could take the support beyond November.
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President Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer came together for talks in the White House on Friday night under growing pressure from both Ukraine and Russia over the potential use of long-range missiles in the war.

The leaders met under the shadow of nuclear threats from Vladimir Putin and desperate demands from Volodymyr Zelensky, who wants to be allowed to use Storm Shadow weapons at targets in Russia.

No final decision was made during the talks on the use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine, according to Politico. After the meeting Sir Keir said the issue will be taken up again at the UN General Assembly at the end of this month. Well obviously pick up again in UNGA in just a few days time with a wider group of individuals, he said.

But their talks were overshadowed by:

Putin expelling six UK diplomats from Moscow, accusing them of spying.

The Russian president also threatening that permission to use the missiles would mean Russia would be at war with Nato, while reminding Starmer and Biden that Russia is a nuclear power.

Zelensky warning that delay is costing lives of Ukrainian citizens.

Russia remained silent on international condemnation for targeting a Ukrainian cargo ship carrying wheat in the Black Sea.

Experts warned against Starmer and Biden backing down to Russian aggression

Speaking to journalists in the Blue Room in the White House during a break in their meeting a bad tempered Biden scolded Sky News for asking a question but in response to concerns about Putins nuclear threat, he said: I dont think much about Vladimir Putin.

( EPA )

The meeting had originally been set for two hours and reduced to 90 minutes before Starmers arrival and then curtailed further as the two leaders avoided making a final decision on the crucial issue of the Storm Shadow missiles.

However, even as Mr Biden and Sir Keir prepared to meet, President Zelensky increased the pressure with a direct plea via X to the two leaders.

Mr Zelensky also praised the past actions of Boris Johnson, who he met on Friday at a summit in Kyiv.

Mr Zelensky said: We are now in the third year of a full-scale war. After so much death, destruction, and countless Russian war crimes, Putin can still afford to destroy life in Ukraine as he pleases, buy and produce missiles, bombs and artillery, and issue ultimatums to the world. He expects the world to fall for his madness.

Starmer and Lammy hold meetings in Washington DC ( Getty Images )

We need air defence systems like Patriots, which are sufficient in the world and which we have long expected from our partners. Yet, when we ask for these systems, we repeatedly hear, We are working on it. Time passes, but Russian missiles and Iranian drones continue to terrorize our skies and our people.

Adding to the pressure on Sir Keir and Mr Biden, Mr Johnson said: It is vital that Ukraine should be able to defend itself properly by stopping the appalling Russian attacks with glide bombs and now Iranian missiles. It is obvious that they should be able to use Storm Shadow, Scalp and ATACMS as fast as possible against targets in Russia itself.

Mr Zelensky also held talks on Friday with foreign secretary David Lammy and US secretary of state Antony Blinken in Kyiv.

But even as the prime minister and his team crossed the Atlantic, Mr Putin threatened war with Nato if it agreed to the use of storm shadow missiles on targets in Russia.

Putin expelled six British diplomats on Friday ( Reuters )

This was followed by the dramatic expulsion of six British diplomats from Moscow.

The Storm Shadow missiles have a range of at least 250km (155 miles) and Britain and France have given stocks to Ukraine but not yet given permission for them to be used on targets in Russia. Permission also needs US logistical support but Mr Zelensky sees it as essential for stopping the long range attacks by Mr Putins forces.

Before landing in Washington, Sir Keir had struck a defiant note over Mr Putins threats of war.

He told journalists: It was Russia who started this in the first place. They caused the conflict, theyre the ones who are acting unlawfully. And Ukraine obviously has the right to self-defence.

What I want to do is make sure that those discussions, tactical discussions, are set in the proper strategic context of the situation in Ukraine. And there are, equally, tactical issues in relation to the Middle East, which need to be set in a context which is strategic, not just tactical.

Zelensky is desperate for more advanced weaponry ( PA )

On the diplomatic expulsions, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless. The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state directed activity across Europe and the UK. We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.

Meanwhile, former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West warned against the UK and US backing down to Russian aggression after all this hype.

Because the message it would give to Putin is: ah they do have to obey my red lines  and thats a bad message, he said.

Were talking here about risks that are immense, just immense risks, and people have got to think very carefully, sensibly and in a calm way about these and need to think about all reactions if certain things happen. And Im not sure always thats the case. Being gung-ho about major wars between say Russia and Nato  that is not clever.

John Foreman, who served as UK defence attache in Moscow from 2019 to 2022: added: We dont have great insight to Putins decision making ... nor reliably predict how he will actually react.

This plus Russias skewed threat perceptions and the lack of diplomatic channels has raised US concerns about risk of unintended escalation. These cant be dismissed out of hand or wished away.

Putin critic Sir Bill Browder, head of the Global Magnitsky Justice campaign, dismissed Mr Putins threats: Good luck to him if he wants to go to war with Nato. He would lose that war in a matter of days.

In my opinion all of his red line talk is complete nonsense. He doesnt have the capacity to win against an ill-equipped, poor neighbour  he certainly doesnt have capacity to win a war with Nato. So this is all bluster, as far as I can see.

Oleksandr Vasiuk, MP for the partly Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia, warned that Moscow is now actively moving its military assets  frequently used to strike Ukraine  deeper into Russian territory to evade Kyivs forces.

Any delay or prohibition on the use of long-range Western missiles only complicates the situation for Ukrainian forces, said Mr Vasiuk.

An adviser to the Ukrainian presidential administration, who asked not to be named, told The Independent that Kyiv had long been using Ukrainian-manufactured weapons to strike military bases and oil refineries deep inside Russia, while using Western weapons to hit Ukrainian regions Mr Putin now claims are part of Russia.

So, according to their logic, we and the West have already crossed that red line despite all their previous threats to retaliate against the West. They didnt then and they will not now, said the aide, adding that he doubted even a demented Putin would seriously countenance a war with Nato.
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Russia has revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow, accusing them of spying.

The FSB security service said the Russian foreign ministry has terminated the accreditation of six employees in the British Embassy in Moscows political department.

The move was in response to numerous unfriendly steps by London and after signs of spying and sabotage were found in the actions of the diplomats, the FSB said in a statement.

The news comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets US President Joe Biden in Washington and is expected to discuss Ukraines plea for restrictions to be lifted on using Western weaponry against Russian targets.

Concern about escalation has been one of the reasons why permission has not yet been given to Kyiv.

The US and UK this week 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.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that allowing long-range strikes would mean that Nato countries, the US, and European countries are at war with Russia.

Sir Keir responded to the remarks ahead of his meeting with Mr Biden, telling journalists that Ukraine has the right to self-defence but stressing that we dont seek any conflict with Russia.

The diplomats will be expelled, Russian state TV reported, citing an FSB official.

Maria Zakharova, Russias Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said they were carrying out subversive actions aimed at causing harm to our people.

The British Embassy has gone far beyond the limits outlined by the Vienna Conventions Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson

She said: We fully agree with the assessments of the activities of the British so-called diplomats expressed by the Russian FSB.

The British Embassy has gone far beyond the limits outlined by the Vienna Conventions.

Russian state TV reported that the six diplomats met with independent media and rights groups that Russian authorities have declared to be foreign agents.

Earlier this year, the UK ordered Russias defence attache in London to leave, claiming he was a spy.

Moscow then expelled a Royal Naval officer based at the British Embassy in Moscow, giving him a week to leave the country.

The UK also revoked the diplomatic status of two Russian-owned properties in the UK that were believed to have been used for intelligence purposes, and placed new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas.
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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.
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Shortly after Hurricane Francine's storm surge flooded a cemetery in the Louisiana bayou town of Dulac, Lori-Ann Bergeron arrived Thursday to check on three generations of family graves. Their tombstones were fine, but neighboring caskets had emerged beside broken crosses and soggy flower bouquets.

Its like this almost every time the water comes up, but this is the only place for them, said Bergeron, 51, who recalled her sister's casket being unearthed when Hurricane Rita ravaged the area in 2005.

"That was rough, trying to bury somebody twice, she said.

From cemeteries to homes to businesses and parks, Gulf Coast residents, many still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Ida three years ago, were cleaning up the mess left by Francine, which struck Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane Wednesday.

The storm knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of utility customers, sent a surge of water rushing into coastal communities and raised flooding fears in New Orleans and beyond.

The human spirit is defined by its resiliency, and resiliency is what defines Louisiana, Gov. Jeff Landry told a news conference. Certainly there are times and situations that try us, but it is also when we in this state are at our very best.

There were no reports of deaths or injuries, he said.

The storm, which drew fuel from exceedingly warm Gulf of Mexico waters, drenched a large swath of the South, including parts of Arkansas and Florida. Flash flooding threatened cities as far away as Atlanta, Jackson, Mississippi, Birmingham, Alabama and Memphis, Tennessee.

Francine slammed into the Louisiana coast Wednesday evening with 100 mph (155 kph) winds in coastal Terrebonne Parish, battering 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. The city awoke to widespread power outages and debris-covered streets.

Rushing water nearly enveloped a pickup truck in a New Orleans underpass, trapping the driver inside. A 39-year-old emergency room nurse who lived nearby waded into the waist-high water with a hammer, smashed the window and pulled out the driver. The rescue was captured live by WDSU.

Its just second nature I guess, being a nurse, you just go in and get it done, right? Miles Crawford told The Associated Press on Thursday. I just had to get to get him out of there.

The water was up to the drivers head and rising, he said.

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.

At the storm's peak, 450,000 people in Louisiana were without power, according to the Public Service Commission. Many of the outages were linked to falling debris, not structural damage. At one point, around 500 people were in emergency shelters, officials said.

The amount of money invested in resilience has really made a difference, from the power outages to the number of homes saved, said Deanne Criswell, the Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, who attended the governors news conference.

In the coastal community of Cocodrie in southern Louisiana, where many families own seasonal homes along the bayou for fishing, police guarded a road to prevent looting as people cleaned their properties.

Brooks Pellegrin, 50, and his family cleared muck out of their camp site, a two-story structure with a large dock on a canal about 14 miles (22 kilometers) from the Gulf of Mexico. They worked well into Thursday afternoon raking marsh grass and spraying down muddy floors after a 10-foot (3-meter) storm surge washed away the buildings back wall, porch and much of the boat deck.

We built everything up so we wouldnt have to do this. This one brought in a lot more water than Ida, Pellegrin said. It packed a lot more punch than I was expecting.

For many in the area bordered by bayous, swamps, lakes and the Gulf of Mexico, threats of flooding and hurricanes have become a way of life, Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre said.

Water comprises about a quarter of the area in the parish, which is home to about 97,000 people south of New Orleans. In 2021, Ida made landfall in the southern point of the parish as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (241 kph).

That storm was cataclysmic and the most significant hurricane to impact the area. Following the 2021 storm, 90% of homes in the area needed a roof replacement and many houses were damaged beyond repair, Webre said.

Over the years, the area has become more resilient against storms, improving drainage and pumping stations and replacing roofs that can better withstand hurricane-force winds. Residents also are evacuating quicker when there are significant storm threats, Webre said.

This population is very resilient. Theyre very independent. Theyre very pioneering, he said.

___

Cline reported from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Associated Press writers Kevin McGill in New Orleans, Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, Curt Anderson in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jeff Martin in Atlanta, and Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia, contributed to this story.
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A Southern California pastor has been arrested for sexually assaulting multiple young girls.

Jose Alcides Vasquez, 47, was arrested without incident on September 5 at his home in Menifee, the Ontario Police Department said in a press release. He faces eight charges, according to public records, including aggravated sexual assault of a minor, continuous sexual assault of a child under 14, and lewd and lascivious behavior with a child under 14.

He is being held in the West Valley Detention Center and will appear in court on Monday, according to public records.

Police began investigating Vasquez in August 2021, when a student in Ontario told an administrator at their high school that they were sexually assaulted.

Then, in July, an additional survivor came forward, giving police additional evidence they say links Vasquez to the assaults.

Vasquez was involved with several churches in the region, serving as both a pastor and volunteer, police said. The 47-year-old most recently served as the head pastor at Menifees Camino De Santidad church.

The Ontario Police Department is asking anyone with additional information to come forward.

Meanwhile, a 61-year-old pastor from North Carolina was arrested on drug and gun-related charges in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 20.

David McGee was arrested by drug and counter-terrorism detectives, who went to his hotel room when he reported an item missing. McGee told police he was visiting Las Vegas from North Carolina and had arrived in a private jet to find his missing daughter. He then told officers he had a gun in the room. Officers also found fentanyl.

McGee advised [the detective] that he brought the fentanyl from North Carolina on his private jet to Las Vegas and paid approximately $1,000, the arrest documents said, according to local outlet KLAS. McGee stated that he was a user of fentanyl and intended to distribute the fentanyl to his daughter when he locate[d] her.
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A former EMS rescue squad worker is facing charges for molesting an unconscious woman in the back of an ambulance, police said.

On September 6, the Flagler County Sheriffs Office in Florida was contacted by the Daytona Beach police about an investigation they were doing into former Flagler County Fire Rescue employee James Melady, 37.

Investigators said they found a video of Mealdy molesting an unconscious 19-year-old woman while in uniform, according to the sheriffs office.

Sheriffs detectives then looked at the case and found that rescue squads were called to the womans house on October 17, 2021.

The woman was then taken to the hospital, and the alleged molestation happened in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

James Melady, 37, is accused of molesting a woman in the back of an ambulance on the way to the hospital. ( Volusia County jail )

Video showed the incident as well as Melady setting up and moving a camera to record his acts, according to an arrest warrant obtained by the Palm Beach Observer.

Sheriffs detectives spoke with the woman and she was unaware of the attack, according to the sheriffs office.

Authorities arrested Melady this week and he was charged with sexual battery on a helpless person and video voyeurism on a victim 19 years or older.

Melady is being held in jail without bond.

Its unfathomable to me what this predator did to an unconscious victim while on duty while being entrusted to provide proper emergency medical care but instead sexually assault her, Sheriff Rick Staly said. Im thankful we quickly got him off the street and in jail where he belongs. I also commend our Major Case Unit for their tireless effort to catch predators like this, and for working closely with our partners at the Daytona Beach Police Department to bring this pervert to justice. It is likely there are other victims of his disgusting behavior.
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New details have been revealed about the Georgia school shooting suspects actions leading up to the attack which left two teachers and two students dead.

Colt Gray, 14, hid the assault-style rifle in his backpack and brought it to Apalachee High School, Winder, on the morning of September 4, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in an update on Thursday.

During the second period, he was then allowed to leave the classroom, taking his backpack with him and hiding from teachers in the bathroom, the GBI said.

Colt Gray brought the gun into the school on his own. The assault-style rife could not be broken down, but Gray hid it in his backpack. Gray asked a teacher if he could go to the front office and speak to someone, the bureau said.

The teacher allowed him to leave and take his belongings with him. Gray went to the restroom and hid from teachers. Later, he took out the rifle, and began shooting.

The 14-year-olds classmate Lyela Sayarath previously revealed she had been sat elbow to elbow with the alleged shooter in algebra class before he got up and left the room that morning.

Colt Gray (seen in booking photo) hid the assault-style rifle in his backpack and was allowed to leave the classroom, authorities said ( Barrow County Sheriffs Office/Reuters )

The accused mass shooter then returned and tried to get back into the classroom, the 16-year-old told CNN.

But when a student went to open the door for him, they backed up presumably having noticed the firearm, she said. Im pretty sure she saw that he had a gun and so she backed away, Sayarath said.

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith also confirmed on Thursday that Colt had only been at the school for three days before the shooting, Fox5 Atlanta reported.

The new information about the morning of the shooting comes as Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns  a Republican  has called for new gun safety and mental health measures.

The Republican said in a letter he is committed to pursuing additional policies to ensure a tragedy like this never happens in the state again.

We are aware that a breakdown in communication between school systems and law enforcement officials allowed the shooters prior history to slip through the cracks upon his transfer to Apalachee High School, he said.

Colin Gray (seen in mugshot) has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children ( Barrow County Sheriffs Office/Reuters )

We must ensure our schools have the tools they need to coordinate resources for students who require mental health intervention. Burns also called for new technologies to detect firearms before students enter schools.

The teenager has been charged with four counts of murder for the killings of fellow students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, and math teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53.

His father, Colin Gray, has also been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children after he allegedly bought his son the AR-style rifle as a Christmas present. He is currently being held without bond at the Barrow County Detention Center where he has filed a motion to be separated from the other inmates, after getting an incalculable number of threats.

Authorities released bodycam footage earlier this week of an interview with the suspect and his father last May.

Jackson County Sheriffs Office deputies interviewed the then-13-year-old and his father after receiving an FBI tip that the teen was threatening to shoot up a middle school on the social media platform Discord.

The interviews, conducted by two sheriffs deputies on May 21 2023, took place outside the home where the father and son lived, where a large blue G hung on the Grays door.

Bodycam footag shows sheriffs deputies interview Colt and Colin Gray last May ( Jackson County Sheriffs Office )

The footage begins with two deputies approaching the Georgia home and the teens father answering the door in a t-shirt, shorts and a silver cross necklace dangling from his neck.

When the deputy asked whether his son plays video games, he replied: Yeah he does. Plays em all the time.

Gray then admitted that he had weapons in the home. When a deputy asked whether they were accessible to the teen, Gray said: They are. I mean, theres nothing loaded but they are down.

Gray then started rattling off his sons shooting experience: We do a lot of shooting. We do a lot of deer hunting. He shot his first deer this year.

He denied knowing anything about his son threatening to shoot up a school. I dont know anything about him saying s***like that. And Im going to be mad as hell if he did, and then all the guns will go away and they wont be accessible, he told officers. Im trying to teach him about firearms and safety and how to do it all and get him interested in the outdoors.

Colt also denied making the threats on Discord to law enforcement.
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One of the four suspects charged over the shooting death of former General Hospital star Johnny Wactor has pleaded guilty the charges, according to Los Angeles authorities.

Leonel Gutierrez, 18, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted robbery and grand theft on Wednesday, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced on Thursday.

The 18-year-old is not suspected of being the person who pulled the trigger of the gun that killed Wactor, 37, during what is believed to have been a theft gone wrong.

Today marks a significant step toward justice for the family and friends of Johnny Wactor, District Attorney Gascon said.

Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved him, and we recognize the profound pain his loss has caused.

Gutierrez was released on $120,000 bond and is expected to be sentenced on November 1.

Los Angeles Police arrested the teenager along with three other suspects  Robert Barceleau, Sergio Estrada and Frank Olano  in August.

Johnny Wactor was shot in downtown LA in May ( AP )

Wactor, who was a cast member on the hit hospital drama for two years, was fatally shot in a downtown LA parking lot while leaving his bartending job with a colleague at about 3.25am back on May 25.

Investigators say Wactor encountered a group of men trying to steal the catalytic converter from his parked car.

Barceleau is accused of shooting Wactor once in the chest. He died in an area hospital later that day.

For almost three months, no arrests were made  prompting Wactor's family and friends to issue public appeals for heelp in catching his killers.

As part of the investigation into Wactors death, law enforcement sources told The Los Angeles Times that police are looking into activity from the infamous LA gang, Florencia 13, and catalytic converter thefts across the area.
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The mother of a man accused of sparking the massive Line Fire blaze in California has defended her son, insisting, He did not light that fire.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, of Norco, faces nine charges for allegedly igniting blazes across three locations in Highland, San Bernardino, California, according to authorities.

The 34-year-olds charges include aggravated arson  a potential life sentence  arson causing great bodily injury, arson of residence, of forest land, and use of incendiary devices to start fires.

The fire, which by Friday morning had engulfed 37,743 acres across San Bernardino County east of Los Angeles, still threatens 65,100 structures and is only 21 percent contained, said Cal Fire.

Connie Halstenberg, the suspects mother defended him to the Los Angeles Times by text message.

I do want to say this about my baby boy, she stated. He did not light that fire, I repeat he did not light that fire.

Firefighters have been tackling the California blaze for over a week, said Cal Fire ( AFP via Getty Images )

While there were things she disapproved of, she upheld that her son is not an arsonist, said The Times.

The Independent contacted Connie Halstenberg for comment on the charges filed against her son.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney claims that Justin Halstenberg attempted on three occasions to ignite the fires and allegedly identified his truck as being in the vicinity of where the fires erupted from license plate readers.

His first alleged attempt was on Bacon Lane, Highland, the second was just east of Bacon Lane on Baseline  a good samaritan stomped it out before it grew  and the third has now come to be known as the Line Fire, San Bernardino DA said on Thursday.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson said: The devastation that has unfolded due to the alleged actions of one man cannot be undone.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Detroit Street, Norco is facing nine arson-related charges ( San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department )

37,000 of forest land and mountain communities might never be what they once were.

The Line Fire erupted on September 5 and has led to thousands of evacuations and a string of school closures.

The fires were boosted by a southern California heatwave where triple-digit temperatures broke records before cooler weather moved into the region.

In total, firefighters are tackling 6,111 wildfires across California  with Cal Fire saying that 990,548 acres have burned.

Halstenberg, who has been refused bail, remains in jail and is scheduled to be arraigned via video on Friday in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

Cal Fire anticipates cooler temperatures at the weekend which they hope will dampen the prolific wildfires.
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A murder suspect tried to hide under the bed sheets and pretend he was asleep when police were called to his home this week.

On Monday, officers from the Clayton County police in Georgia responded to a home after someone called 911 to say Matt Washington Jr. pulled a gun on his family, according to WSB-TV. The caller also said the suspect tried to pistol-whip his mom.

When police arrived, a person tried to say the incident never happened, according to the report.

Officers asked to speak to others in the home and found Washington hiding under the sheets, fully clothed, and pretending to be asleep.

Murder suspect Matt Washington Jr. was found pretending to be asleep when police arrived at his home, according to a report ( Clayton County Sheriffs Office )

Washington was acting strange so police ran his name through a national database and found out he was wanted in Atlanta since September 2 in connection to a homicide, according to the report.

Clayton County police now say they believe the 911 call was a tip to get them to the home to find Washington.

No further details have been released about the alleged murder that Washington is suspected of committing.

He is now being held in the Fulton County jail on the murder charge.
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A man wearing a pro-Palestine badge was shot after he tackled a pro-Israel demonstrator at a rally in Newton, Massachusetts.

The altercation broke out when a group of pro-Israel protesters gathered at Washington and Harvard Street on Thursday evening.

Cellphone footage circulating on social media shows a man wearing a pro-Palestine pin across the road from the pro-Israel demonstrators shouting at them.

You are sick, you are sick  you are defending genocide, he shouts.

A womans voice is heard shouting back, calling the man stupid.

The man is seen then running across the road and jumping on top of one of the demonstrators  identified as 47-year-old Scott Hayes  and tackling him to the ground.

The two men wrestle on the ground with other pro-Israel demonstrators trying to stop the altercation.

Newton Police said that Hayes then shot the man who tackled him, who has not been identified.

Footage shows the man sporting the pro-Palestine pin and the pro-Israel demonstrator wrestling on the ground ( Kassa Akiva/Daily Wire )

Video from another angle shows the moment the suspected shooter appears to grab his pistol and fire a single shot at close range at the other man.

Grab my pistol. Grab my pistol, a voice says, before another is heard saying: Call the cops.

Police responded to the scene at around 6.40pm and the man who was shot was taken to hospital. Police said he is in a life-threatening condition.

Hayes  described as a pro-Israel Iraq war veteranfrom Framingham byThe Daily Wire  was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury.

He will be arraigned on Friday at Newton District Court.

In a late-night press conference, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said that Hayes legally owns the gun allegedly used in the shooting.

There was an individual apparently  completely randomly  walking down the other side of the street. Words were exchanged back and forth across the street, she said of the shooting.

Ultimately that individual came very rapidly across the street and tackled one of the demonstrators. There was a scuffle that was going on the street and at some point Mr Hayes used a gun and fired a shot that struck the individual who had come across the street.

Also speaking at the press conference, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller urged the public to remain calm and let the police do their work and get the facts straight.

Newton police will be increasing patrols at houses of worship over the coming days.

The shooting comes at a time of heightened tensions as the conflict in Gaza rages on, almost one year on from the October 7 attacks when Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took 250 hostages.

Since then, Israel has bombarded Gaza from the air and ground, with more than 41,000 Palestinians killed in the offensive, according to Gaza officials. Around 90 per cent of the territorys 2.3 million population has also been displaced.

Any members of the public with pictures, videos, or any other information about the incident in Newton are urged to contact the Newton Police Department Detective Bureau at 617-796-2104. People can contact the bureau anonymously on the tip line at 617-796-2121.
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Watch as Justin Timberlake appears in a New York court for a hearing related to his DWI arrest in June.

The former NSYNC member is set to take a plea deal in his drunk driving case that could lessen his charges.

He will agree to plead guilty to a less serious crime than the drunk driving charge he faces, the Associated Press reports, citing a source familiar with the case.

This means Timberlake could walk away with a traffic violation charge instead.

The 43-year-old will appear in court on Friday 13 September in Sag Harbor, New York, his lawyer Edward Burke told The Independent.

Timberlake was arrested in June in Sag Harbor for drunk driving. The arresting officer said he pulled the star over after he didnt stop at a stop sign and weaved in and out of his lane.

He said he had a single martini that night but refused to take a breathalyzer test.
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A political action committee with apparent ties to Republican groups has aired advertisements in Michigan zip codes with notable Mulsim populations that emphasize Vice President Kamala Harriss ties to Israel and her husband, Doug Emhoffs, Jewish faith  seemingly in an attempt to draw the specific voters away.

A series of six advertisements from the Future Coalition PAC have aired in cities like Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck where the largest concentration of Arab Americans live.

At first, the ads appear celebratory of Emhoff potentially being the first Jewish presidential spouse ever.

But a repeated strong emphasis on Emhoff being Harriss top adviser, the claim that Harris hates Free Palestine protestors and the assertion that the two will always support the unbreakable bond between the U.S. and Israel begins to feel more like an attempt to play into the antisemitic trope that Jewish people are equally loyal to Israel and the U.S.

The ads use emotive language, saying Harris is tough on Hamas terrorists who murdered innocent Jews and Harris put [Free Palestine protesters] in their place.

An image from one of the Future Coalition PACs advertisements that ran in Michigan depicts Harris as a pro-Israel president ( Future Coalition PAC / YouTube )

Future Coalition PAC spent at least $50,000 on the ads, which began airing on September 5, according to Google Ads Transparency.

Information about the PAC is little-known because it only first registered with the Federal Election Commission in July. They are

It currently lists its custodian of records as Cabell Hobbs and its treasurer as Ray Zaborney.

It also lists its bank as Chain Bridge Bank  a privately-owned bank that has worked on every Republican Party presidential nominees campaign since 2008.

The ads arrive at a time of heightened political tension due to the IsraelHamas war.

Many Jewish Americans have faced an increasing amount of antisemitism over the last year and some have voiced concern about attacks on their communities due to the war. Notably, college students and faculty raised issues with antisemitism on campus after pro-Palestinian protests took over universities this past year.

Arab Americans have also faced attacks on their communities as a result of the war. Some have expressed outrage over the U.S. backing Israels military since more than 40,000 Palestinians have died and people in Gaza are being put in a dire humanitarian crisis.

During the Democratic presidential primaries this year, areas of Michigan with a large Arab American population voted uncommitted over Biden.

Those are the same areas being targeted with the advertisements.

The Independent has reached out to the Future Coalition PAC for comment.

Future Coalition PAC has no affiliation with Future Coalition, a 501(c)(4) organization focused on elevating young progressive candidates and policies in the United States.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Future Coalition said they Completely denounce the anti-Semitic and hateful advertisements by Future Coalition PAC leveraging our name and brand for political actions that do not reflect our values or principles. We urge our supporters, partners, and the wider public to remain vigilant and discerning about the sources of political messaging in this time of concerning attempts to misinform and stew division.

The spokesperson said Future Coalition sent a letter to Future Coalition PAC demanding it cease all use of the name Future Coalition because it violates the groups trademark.
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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.
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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.
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Seven months ago, President Joe Biden shared a scathing statement about the deaths of a trio of American soldiers whod been killed in a drone strike on their base in Jordan by an Iran-backed militia.

In the statement, he announced that the US militarys response would continue at times and places of our choosing until America was satisfied.

The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. But let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond, he said.

It was intended as a declaration that Americans  particularly those in uniform  shall walk the earth unharmed. And for those who fall into harms way, Biden has put significant effort into bringing them home, such as when he orchestrated a multi-national prisoner swap to bring home a group of US nationals whod been held in Russian prisons.

On Wednesday, President Biden called Aysenur Eygis death totally unacceptable ( AP )

But that concern for Americans abroad hasnt extended to those citizens who might come under fire by forces belonging to one of Americas closest allies.

Last week, Israeli forces shot and killed Aysenur Eygi, a Turkish-American activist who was in the West Bank to protest Israels ongoing military presence there and the continued expansion of Jewish settlements that have been roundly condemned as illegal under international law.

The IDF has acknowledged causing her death, saying in a statement that it was very likely that the shot to the head she took was one that was unintentionally fired at her during a violent riot.

But an investigation by The Washington Post determined that Eygi was not shot in the midst of a riot. Instead, witnesses told the newspaper that the violence had ended a full 30 minutes before the shot that killed her was fired.

On Wednesday, President Biden called Eygis death totally unacceptable and cited Israels preliminary investigation, which he said 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. We will continue to stay in close contact with Israeli and Palestinian authorities regarding the circumstances that led to Aysenurs death, he said, adding: There must be full accountability. And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.

But its highly unlikely that the Biden administration  or any US administration  will use leverage to force the Israeli military to stop targeting protesters, journalists, or other noncombatants.

Aysenur Eygi was in the West Bank to protest Israels ongoing military presence there and the continued expansion of Jewish settlements ( AP )

Two years ago, Biden expressed similar sentiments during a 2022 visit to the West Bank, over the killing of another American, Shireen Abu Akleh.

The Palestinian-American journalist, a veteran correspondent for Al Jazeera, was shot and killed by Israeli forces in May 2022 while wearing body armor identifying her as a reporter during coverage of a raid on the Jenin refugee camp.

Israel initially denied any role in her killing but later conceded that she might have had been shot by Israeli forces unintentionally.

Standing alongside Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Biden called the slain journalist an American citizen and a proud Palestinian who was performing very vital work on an independent media and vital work of democracy.

The United States will continue to insist on a full and transparent accounting of her death, and we will continue to stand up for media freedom everywhere in the world, he added.

But the Biden administration never called for Israel to open a criminal probe into the slaying, even though the Department of Justice opened one without Israels cooperation.

The pattern exhibited with the deaths of Eygi and Abu Akleh has gone on for years. Israeli forces kill unarmed civilians  journalists or protesters  and despite outrage from Americans and the international community, nothing happens. The US continues to send Israel billions in aid, and the Biden administration  like those before it  has refused to condition that aid on Israel making changes to its policies towards protesters and journalists in areas it controls.

More than two decades ago, Israeli soldiers operating a bulldozer in Rafah ran over Rachel Corrie, an American peace activist who was protesting Israels policy of flattening Palestinian homes.

A witness at the time, activist Greg Schnabel, told the press shed been clearly visible to the bulldozer operators and soldiers in a nearby tank, since she and other protesters were acting as human shields to prevent the destruction of the Palestinian-occupied homes.

The US continues to send Israel billions in aid, and the Biden administration  like those before it  has refused to condition that aid on Israel making changes ( AP )

As the ground continued to move Rachel went down on her knees. The bulldozer continued to move forward. Rachel began to become buried beneath the dirt. Still it did not stop, he said.

An autopsy report obtained by her parents said she was killed by pressure on the chest (mechanical asphyxiation) with fractures of the ribs and vertebrae of the dorsal spinal column and scapulas, and tear wounds in the right lung with hemorrhaging of the pleural cavities.

In other words, the sort of injuries one could expect when being crushed by a bulldozer.

But Israel described what happened as an accident, despite Corries parents blaming the IDF for her death.

Contrary to allegations, Ms Corrie was not run over by a bulldozer, but sustained injuries caused by earth and debris which fell on her during bulldozer operation. At the time of the incident Ms Corrie was standing behind an earth mound and therefore obscured from bulldozer crews view, an IDF report said.

Corries parents later sued the IDF in an Israeli court, but a judge rejected their lawsuit and said Rachel was responsible for her own demise.

She did not move away as any reasonable person would have done, the judge said. But she chose to endanger herself and thus found her death.
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Kamala Harriss presidential campaign raised $47m in the 24 hours following her debate with Donald Trump.

The bump is the best 24-hour stretch since the vice president announced her candidacy and was overwhelmingly driven by grassroots supporters.

Nearly 600,000 people made donations, and the total sum is likely to expand a widening funding gap between the two campaigns.

Tuesdays showdown was largely seen by political commentators as a victory for Harris, after Trump rambled on issues including the economy and abortion and also went on a rant about pet-eating immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio.

However, Harris officials have continued to caution against any victory laps, citing the strength of Trump and Trump-aligned groups.

Tuesdays showdown was largely seen by political commentators as a victory for Harris ( AP )

In a memo to donors this past weekend, shared with The Independent, Campaign Chair Jen OMalley Dillon warned Were not just running against Donald Trump and his campaign. Were running against an entire army of MAGA-aligned super PACs and outside groups.

It comes after the campaign announced earlier this month that it had raised $361m in August, the largest haul of the 2024 cycle and reportedly nearly triple Team Trumps August fundraising haul.

As of September 6,the Harris-Walz campaign reported it had raised more than $615m since the beginning of Harriss candidacy, powered by grassroots donations

In just a short time, Vice President Harris candidacy has galvanized a history-making, broad, and diverse coalition  with the type of enthusiasm, energy, and grit that wins close elections, said Harris-Walz 2024 Campaign Manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez.

The bump is the best 24-hour stretch since the vice president announced her candidacy, and was overwhelmingly driven by grassroots supporters ( Getty Images )

As we enter the final stretch of this election, were making sure every hard-earned dollar goes to winning over the voters who will decide this election. Make no mistake: this election will be hard-fought and hard-won.

But with the undeniable, organic support we are seeing, we are making sure we are doing everything possible to mobilize our coalition to defeat Donald Trump once and for all.

On Thursday afternoon Trump announced he would not take part in a third presidential debate during this election cycle.

When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, I WANT A REMATCH, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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.

Elsewhere on Thursday, Harris called for a second round during a North Carolina campaign rally on Thursday afternoon, telling crowds: We owe it to the voters to have another debate.
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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.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a visit to London, said Iran had ignored warnings that the transfer of weapons to Russia would be a profound escalation of the conflict.



Now, to wage its war of aggression on pic.twitter.com/XV97UQurCm  Yasmina (@yasminalombaert) September 10, 2024

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.

For nearly 11 months, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have surrendered the Red Sea to an Iranian-backed terrorist group.



The Biden-Harris strategy of appeasing the ayatollahs continues to cause global chaos.  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) September 10, 2024

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.
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Kamala Harris is surging past Donald Trump in the betting odds following Tuesdays debate debacle for the former president.

After having started this week behind Trump, Harris is now even with him or ahead, according to a number of U.K. and offshore betting markets, USA Today noted.

At the U.K. bookmaker Betfair Exchange, more than $1.1 million was wagered during Tuesday nights showdown, with Harris taking the lead about halfway through the debate, which went on for over 90 minutes.

Its illegal to bet on elections within the U.S., but on the offshore betting houses, the odds previously went in Harriss favor during the rollout of her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

President Joe Biden had a disastrous debate on June 27, which eventually led to his departure from the race and endorsement of Harris on July 21. On Betfair, Biden went from +200 before the debate to +420 afterward. After the first debate in the 2020 election cycle, Bidens lead over Trump went from -128 to +132 on the day of the initial showdown to -141 to +148 the following day.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris gives a thumbs up as she boards Air Force Two at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on September 12, 2024. The vice president is seeing a lead in the betting markets, which has often predicted the correct winner ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

On Friday, PredictIt listed Harris as being in the lead of possible winners of the November election.

On Thursday, Bet 365 had Harris at -125 and Trump even, while Bovada had Harris at -115 and Trump at -105. BetOnline listed Harris at -120 and Trump even, while Oddschecker had Harris even and Trump at +108.

After the 2020 election, The Conversation noted that records of betting on U.S. presidential elections go back to 1868 and only twice has the favorite lost: in 1948 when President Harry Truman won re-election against Republican Thomas Dewey, and in 2016 when Trump beat former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

With 75 days to go, Harris had the narrowest lead of any recent Democratic nominee: -102 according to Betfair Exchange in the U.K. Clinton was sitting at -323 at about the same time in 2016 but still lost even as she won the popular vote by almost 3 million ballots.
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While still facing the fallout from his controversial visit to Arlington National Cemetery last week, Donald Trump has launched a new line of attack on his Democratic presidential rival Kamala Harris: baselessly claiming that she is lying about working at McDonalds in the 1980s.

Harris has repeatedly mentioned her brief stint holding down a summer job at the fast food joint while at college since she ascended to the top of the Democratic partys ticket.

And, for some reason, it appears to have gotten under Trumps skin.

Over the weekend, the former president has repeatedly accused Harris  without any evidence  of lying about working at McDonalds.

He first made the accusation while speaking at the Moms for Liberty convention in Washington on August 30: She also said, I worked at McDonalds.

Turned out she didnt work at McDonalds, he declared to the crowd, bizarrely adding that: After an exhaustive study that took about 20 minutes, they found out she never worked there.

He later fired out a post on Truth Social again accusing Harris of lying about her stint in a Golden Arches cap.

Trumps newest obsession seems to be Harris brief stint as a McDonalds employee four decades ago ( Getty Images )

Complete with a fake image  another of his latest obsessions  Trump scathingly wrote: Comrade Kamala Harris lied about working at McDonalds. SHE NEVER WORKED THERE, they think shes nuts.

He then launched a McFlurry of other allegations that Comrade Kamala has supposedly been lying about: Likewise, she lied about Fracking, the Border, Crime, the Economy, and the Democrats Suckers and Losers HOAX, concerning our great military. She also lied about Arlington Cemetery and Afghanistan. She lies about everything!!! DJT.

He went on to make another post, writing on Truth Social that: Kamala said she worked at McDonalds - she never did. Lie!

Then, at a California press conference on Friday, Trump repeated the claim yet again: She never worked at McDonalds, its a lie.

She said she stood over those french fries when they were being fried, and it was so tough work, he continued. She never worked there. Shes a liar.

Harris briefly worked at a McDonalds restaurant in Alameda during a summer back in California between college semesters in the early 1980s.

She mentioned her brief stint on the fryer she joined a Las Vegas picket line with fast food workers in 2019 and again during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show in April.

If we want to talk about these Golden Arches being a symbol of the best of America, well, the arches are falling short, she said in Las Vegas. We have got to recognize that working people deserve livable wages.

I did the french fries and I did the ice cream, she told workers.

She acknowledged in her remarks at the time that she did not rely on the job to support a family unlike many workers who do rely on income from typically lower-wage fast food work.

There was not a family relying on me to pay the rent, put food on the table and keep the bills paid by the end of the month, she added. But the reality of McDonalds is that a majority of the folk who are working there today are relying on that income to sustain a household and a family.

The Democratic presidential candidates campaign and her running mate Tim Walz have underscored their middle-class upbringings to set them apart from their Republican rival, who has an estimated net worth of around $4.1 billion, and whose father famously gave him a small loan of a million dollars when Trump was starting his career.

Trump has launched an attack on Harris working at McDonalds in the 80s ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social )

Two middle-class kids, Harris wrote in an X post.

One, a daughter of Oakland, California, who was raised by a working mother and had a summer job at McDonalds. The other, a son of the Nebraska plains, who spent summers on the farm, she added.

Only in America is it possible that the two of us would be running together all the way to the White House.

Right-wing outlet Free Beacon first questioned Harriss time at McDonalds in an article suggesting that she is lying because she did not include it on a resume when she was applying for unrelated law clerk positions in the late 1980s.

It took Trump less than 20 minutes to bash Harris after her campaigns post.

In an effort to deflect from his Arlington National Cemetery visit, where he filmed a campaign video, smiled in front of gravestones, and two senior members of his campaign allegedly pushed and verbally abused a cemetery official, Trump has attacked far more than just Harriss resume.

The GOP presidential candidate blamed a complete lack of American Strength and Leadership by Harris and President Joe Biden for the deaths of six Israeli hostages, including one US citizen, over the weekend, comparing the situations to the Debacle of the Afghanistan Withdrawal, he said in another Truth Social post.

He also proclaimed their deaths would have never happened if he were president.
When Paige Cognetti first ran to become mayor of Scranton, she was told she couldnt win because she did not have an Irish last name. She also had to overcome the fact that no woman had held the position in the citys history.

Her victory in a special election in 2019, and again two years later, was seen by many as a sign of shifting tides.

There were a lot of factors against me, she says over coffee at Abes Deli, in the center of the town. But I think it was pretty clear that the city needed a change candidate, she adds.

Kamala Harris visits the area on Friday to try to win over the same kind of voters that helped Cognetti win in this key city in the swing state of Pennsylvania, just a month after Donald Trump came here hoping to do the same. It is no exaggeration to say that her path to the White House runs through these streets.

There may be lessons in Cognettis story for the Harris campaign. The challenges that Cognetti faced then in trying to win in Scranton are similar to those that Harris faces now.

When you run for office, especially as a woman, any number of people will try to convince you not to. Whether its questioning your gender, your heritage, your race, or your experience, some folks will attempt to tear you down so that you either dont run or lack confidence while you do, Cognetti says.

We are seeing this in real-time with people second-guessing and nitpicking VP Harris while giving a pass to Trump as he continues to implode, she adds.

Harris campaign reveals scathing new ad ahead of debate night

That second-guessing has been particularly prominent in Scranton.

Joe Biden was born here in the city and he used the story of his difficult upbringing to win those kinds of voters across the state. It enabled him to connect with white working-class voters that Trump captured so comprehensively in 2016, and pull away just enough to win him the White House. Today a main street that runs through the center of the town is named after him.

Harriss  Scranton problem , as it has been dubbed, suggests that she may not be able to repeat Bidens success here among those voters, and her chances of winning the state  and the presidency  are diminished as a result.

But Cognettis story may provide an answer to that question.

Like Harris, she is an outsider to Pennsylvania. She was born in Eugene, Oregon, studied at Harvard University, and went on to join the Treasury Department under Barack Obamas administration.

A steel worker moves heated 155 mm M795 artillery projectiles during the manufacturing process at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, Pennsylvania ( AP )

Part of her pitch when she ran for office was that she was a technocrat  someone who could balance the budget and run the citys finances responsibly after her predecessor was charged with corruption.

Pennsylvania has never elected a woman as US Senator or governor. But before Cognetti, Scranton had never had a woman mayor.

Cognetti was involved with both of Hillary Clintons presidential campaigns and saw the misogyny she faced up close. Despite her success in Scranton, she worries that Harris will face those same hurdles.

I think that in America we still have a problem with women in leadership. I am one, and I know how much flak I take from various little pockets of the internet and the continued microaggressions she says.

US president Joe Biden visits Zummo's Cafe with Scranton, Pennsylvania, mayor Paige Cognetti before departing for Pittsburgh ( AFP via Getty Images )

Sometimes you look back and you think that a vote for Trump in 2016 was this kind of stick it to the establishment or stick it to something. My worry in 2016 was that a lot of it was this undiagnosed dislike of women. I hope we dont see that again in 2024, she adds.

There are other changes happening in Scranton that may help Harris, too, that challenge pre-conceived ideas about what it takes to win here.

It is still very much a working-class community. And there are lots of folks that are either current or former union workers, former factory workers, generations of folks where the men in their family worked in the mines, she says, but were also a city thats rapidly diversifying.

Just 10 years ago the city was 80 per cent white; today that has dropped to 68 per cent . That diversity is visible across the city today.

Were doing more festivals  in addition to our La Festa Italiana and the St Patricks parade, theres Latino Fiesta in August. We have a big Juneteenth celebration in June. Theres any number of new festivals to add on to the ones that we have had, Cognetti says.

Scrantons Lackawanna County Courthouse was built in 1884 ( Getty/iStock )

These changes may offer some hope to a campaign with a change candidate like Harris, which may aim to rely less on white working-class voters than previous generations of white male candidates.

Harris may not win the same number of white working-class voters as Biden here, but she is outperforming him among the ever-increasing number of Black and Latino voters .

The Harris campaign is going after those voters with renewed vigor. It announced a new Spanish-language ad in Pennsylvania on Friday aimed at the states 579,000 eligible Latino voters.

The ad features Victor Martinez, the owner of Pennsylvanias largest Spanish-language radio network and a popular morning show host.

They all talk. The difference is Kamala Harris listens, he says in the ad.

In short, the Scranton that exists in the public imagination has not yet caught up with the real-life city today.

The city was once an industrial hub known as the "Anthracite Capital of the World for its prodigious output of anthracite coal mines.

It earned its nickname, the Electric City, from the creation of the first trolley system to run solely on electric power.

A man walks his dog in downtown Scranton ( AFP/Getty )

The town prospered and grew, and out of that success came a powerful labor movement.

In front of the county courthouse stands a statue of John Mitchell, another hometown hero and former president of the United Mine Workers of America, who led huge strikes and battled to win an eight-hour workday and minimum wage for his members in the early 20th century.

However, as industry declined across the US, so too did Scranton.

Today, its population is only half of what it was at its peak in the 1930s, when some 143,333 people called it home.

That flight of people gave Scranton a reputation as an emblem of post-industrial decline. It later became the setting of the popular sitcom The Office  chosen for its supposed humdrum personality. The original UK version of the show is set in Slough, a town once named Britains worst place to live.

But today the city hosts a lively restaurant scene, and new coffee shops bustle with college students. The city hall is being repaired in part with money from the Biden administrations infrastructure investment.

It is that investment, and Harriss plan to improve the economic lives of people in Scranton, that Cognetti believes can help her win here.

We could spend all day talking about foreign policy and abortion and the Senate, everything, but people care if can they afford this cup of coffee and this breakfast sandwich. Can they afford to take their family off to breakfast on Sunday morning after church? she says.

I dont think thats a Pennsylvania or a Scranton thing. I think thats just a human desire. But thats what we need to always be focusing on.

Aerial view of Scranton on the first day of fall. Scranton, located in Lackawanna County in northeastern Pennsylvania, is known as the "Electric City" for early adoption of electric streetcars. Historically, it thrived in coal and iron industries ( Getty )

But Harris does not have to completely ignore the constituency that Biden won here, Cognetti says. Having two old Midwestern white guys on her team counts for a lot.

She has his story in that shes Joe Bidens vice president. She not only has his support now as a presidential candidate, but she was who he tapped four years ago to be his vice president.

Also Tim Walz as the VP candidate is a helpful presence on the ticket in places like northeastern Pennsylvania. Hes a guy that you could walk into Home Depot and ask to show you the lightbulbs.

Republicans are outnumbered in Scranton, even if they dominate in the rural areas that surround it. Across town at the local Republican Party office, currently serving as a Trump campaign headquarters, Linda Bonczkiewicz is skeptical Harris can repeat Bidens success. Im giving every penny, every moment of my time to this campaign, she says, surrounded by Trump yard signs and vote registration sign-up sheets in the office.

I dont like anything she has done. She has been in office for three and a half years and she hasnt done anything. So what more is she going to do as president? says Bonczkiewicz, who was raised on a farm and now lives in a rural part of Lackawanna County.

Bonczkiewicz says Democrats have come into the office to switch their party registration to Republican  something that is borne out by the official statistics.

But nonetheless, the margins in Pennsylvania remain razor-thin.
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Watch as Kamala Harris delivers remarks at a campaign event in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday 12 September.

According to a new poll, the Democratic candidate leads Republican rival Donald Trump 47 per cent to 42 per cent in the race to win the 5 November presidential election.

She has increased her advantage after a debate against the former president earlier this week that voters largely think she won.

Ms Harris, 59, put Mr Trump, 78, on the defensive in a combative debate with a stream of attacks on his fitness for office and his myriad legal woes, highlighting the former presidents felony conviction on charges he falsified business records.

Some 52 per cent of voters familiar with the debate said Vice President Harris gave the impression of having higher moral integrity compared to 29 per cent who said the same of Mr Trump.

The debate, hosted by ABC News, attracted 67.1 million television viewers, according to Nielsen data, topping the roughly 51 million people who watched Mr Trump debate then-candidate Joe Biden in June.
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Lindsey Graham has urged Donald Trump to ditch toxic far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer following her racist comments and his poor debate performance against Kamala Harris.

The Republican senator, one of Trumps close allies, admitted he agrees with Maga Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has also called for the former president to distance himself from Loomer after she wrote a racist post denigrating Harriss Indian heritage.

Marjorie Taylor Greene is right. I dont say that a lot, Graham told Huffpost. We have policy disagreements but the history of this person is just really toxic. 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.

Greene called Loomer out on Wednesday for a racist post about Harris. 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, she said on social media platform X.

Her reprimand sparked a public feud between the pair on the social media platform.

Graham, one of Trumps close allies, has previously warned he could lose the election ( AP )

In an unusual move, Graham said he agreed with Greene, slamming Loomers remarks about Harris as abhorrent.

But its deeper than that, the South Carolina senator continued. 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.

Before the debate, Graham warned Trump may lose the election if he does not shift his strategy and end the personal attacks on Harris.

Other Republicans are concerned Loomer is influencing Trump and worry she may have had something to do with his poor debate performance, after accompanying him on his plane to Philadelphia on Tuesday ahead of the clash with Harris.

Laura Loomer was seen stepping off the plane in Philadelphia ahead of the presidential debate ( Reuters )

She was also seen in the spin room after the debate and was with Trump in New York as he attended the memorial of the 9/11 anniversary.

One person close to the presidents campaign said theyre now afraid the far-right activist may be making Trumps weaknesses worse, Semafor reports.

Trump lost the debate because of his performance or lack thereof, Dennis Lennox, a Republican consultant, told the outlet. Thats what happens when you wing it, live in the Fox News-X bubble, and rely upon Matt Gaetz, let alone Laura Loomer.

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.
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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
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Several GOP lawmakers have come to the defense of Donald Trumps false claims that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Ohio.

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.

The baseless claim 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.

Ohio Representative and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan used the theory to promote Trumps campaign earlier this week. Jordan, on the right of the Republican Party, is co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus.

When President Trump was in office: 1. The border was secure. 2. Illegal aliens werent eating your pets, Jordan wrote on X.

Representative Jim Jordan promoted the baseless theory on social media this week ( AP )

Meanwhile, Florida GOP Representative Greg Steube told NOTUS apparently theres pictures to back up the claim.

The fact that youre saying its not happening, its not true, he told NOTUS

Fellow Florida congressman Brian Mast also told NOTUS its not a stereotype that people eat different animals.

You go to different markets in different parts of the world, and youre going to find horse on the menu, youre going to find dog on the menu, youre going to find cat on the menu, he said.

Other Republican lawmakers, when asked by The Independent earlier this week, dodged the topic.

This week, Texas Senator Ted Cruz shared a meme of a cat with the text Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us. But he had nothing to say about the theory when previously approached by The Independent.

I talked about the debate last night on Hannity and also todays podcast is entirely on that issue, Cruz said.

Fellow Texan John Cornyn also brushed off The Independents question.

If you have a serious question, Im happy [to answer], the senator previously told The Independent.

Meanwhile, the White House has condemned these claims.

I think its important that all of us take a step back here and just lean on the facts here, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Thursday. 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, she continued. 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.
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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.
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The crowd at Tim Walzs rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Thursday trolled Donald Trump over his false claims that Haitian immigrants are eating pets, breaking out into chants of: We dont eat cats!

The Democratic vice presidential nominee reflected on Tuesdays presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Trump, teasing the former president with his now-classic buzzword for the Republican ticket: weird.

He said a lot of weird stuff too, so Im just going to say that, the Minnesota governor told the crowd.

You tell me that you had this on your bingo card: And theyre eating cats.

A chorus of we dont eat cats erupted from the crowd, as Walz jubilantly looked on from his podium.

Ah, Michigan, we love you, he said.

Tim Walz made the cat comments during his Grand Rapids, Michigan rally on Thursday ( AP )

The governor was referencing Trumps wild conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.

The baseless claim, which was debunked by local authorities, came from a Facebook group post from a woman who had heard the story fourth-hand.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump said during the presidential debate, leaving Harris aghast.

Extreme, she responded.

Sticking with the feline theme at Thursday nights rally, Walz also expressed gratitude to the cat-loving global pop star Taylor Swift who announced her endorsement of the Harris-Walz ticket moments after the debate concluded.

Thanks to my fellow cat owner, Taylor Swift, he said to a sea of rallygoers.

Taylor Swift threw her weight behind Harris and Walz with a post-debate Instragam announcement on Tuesday ( AFP via Getty Images )

Vice President Harris and I couldnt be more grateful to have her support. And look, its not as if I didnt warn these guys a few months ago, you mess with cat people and you will find out.

On Tuesday night, Swift, who carries enormous sway with Gen Z and Millennial voters, announced: I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.

She signed off the post Taylor Swift. Childless Cat Lady and shared a photo of her holding her pet cat in a clear jab at Ohio Senator JD Vances resurfaced 2021 comments were he used the slur against female Democrats.
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A September 11, 2001 responder and victims rights advocate said he believes Donald Trump is running for president to stay out of jail and doesnt actually care about the American people after the former president invited far-right figure Laura Loomer to the 9/11 memorial.

John Feal, who was injured while working as a demolition supervisor at Ground Zero after 9/11, told CNN on Thursday that he thinks the former president only cares about himself and has surrounded himself with other self-absorbed people like Loomer.

Donald Trumps not running for president, hes running to stay out of jail, Feal said.I dont care what anybody says.

Feals comments arrived just a day after Trump appeared at the 9/11 memorial on Wednesday to honor the approximately 3,000 people who died. The former president brought his posse with him, including Loomer.

Loomer has a history of promoting a conspiracy theory that 9/11 was an inside job and has used the terrorist attacks to espouse anti-Muslim views. She recently made headlines for making deeply racist remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris.

John Feal, a 9/11 responder and advocate, said Donald Trump is not running for president but running to stay out of jail ( CNN / YouTube )

Feal criticized Trump for flying around with Loomer, saying it distracts people from remembering the lives lost and those who are fighting illnesses related to the attack.

I dont think [Trump] cares about the American people, even in the debate or anything hes done at his rallies he doesnt talk about the issues that Americans face, Feal said.

He also condemned Loomers racist remarks as well as the conspiracy theories she has promoted.

To see this kind of rhetoric, its insulting to the family members, those who lost a loved one, those who are still sick. Its pathetic, its comical but it hurts, Feal said.

On the surface shes silly. Underneath all of that shes an attention-seeking, self-absorbed, me, me, me. Her rhetoric is going to get someone hurt. Her rhetoric might get someone killed, Feal said.

Loomer accused the media of lying about the content she shared and said it was only about the accounting errors by our own government on 9/11. She told CNN she didnt understand what the issue is about her attending the memorial.

Loomer (center) outside Engine 4 Ladder 15, during a visit by Donald Trump on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks ( AP )

Feal has been advocating for responders and victims of the terrorist attack for 23 years. While helping with cleanup from the attack, a steel beam fell on his foot which forced him to have a partial amputation. But he was denied compensation because his injury occurred outside of the 96-hour window of the attack.

Since then, he has established a foundation that aims to help get funding for responders who got sick or were injured after the attack.

In 2019, he and comedian Jon Stewart lobbied for Congress to renew the 9/11 victims compensation fund.

Feal reminded people that on September 12, 2001, people came together to help one another and heal from the horrific event.

Nobody cared what your skin color was, nobody cared what your religion was. We all came together. And here we are talking about a woman who needs to be medicated in a hospital and shes flying around with the man who wants to be president? Give me a break, he said.
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Speaking in Arizona on Thursday afternoon, Donald Trump yet again doubled or tripled down on false claims that mothers are murdering babies after they are born in some states.

The former president made the remark even after being humiliatingly fact-checked during Tuesdays presidential debate about the very topic in front of an audience of more than 67 million people.

He told the rally of his supporters in Tucson: Kamala Harris said no state allows abortion in the ninth month, which is a complete and total lie  they do, they do. And even after birth in some cases.

Trump continued, in reference to a policy proposal laid out in the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 manifesto: She claimed I want to monitor womens pregnancies, I dont want to do that. Its a total lie. I dont want to do that. Women, I wont be following you around to the hospital.

At the ABC News debate, he said: [Democrats] have abortion in the ninth month.

The previous governor of West Virginia said the state would decide what to do with the baby after it was born, he continued.

In other words, well execute the baby, Trump claimed.

Donald Trump criticised ABC anchors for fact-checking his unhinged claims about abortion during a rally speech in Arizona. ( AP )

ABC News moderator Linsey Davis quickly fact-checked the Republican nominee: There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born.

Trumps claim is one that anti-abortion activists have launched before. His assertion originates from a quote taken out of context from former Virginia governor Ralph Northam in 2019  definitely not West Virginia as Trump said.

Northam was giving a hypothetical example of what could happen if a pregnant person whose fetus was not viable requested an abortion while in labor.

Anti-abortion activists have used the so-called concept of after-birth abortions to paint loose abortion laws as radical. But there is no state where a baby can be legally killed after birth.

Harris reiterated to the former president that his assertion was false and insulting to the women of America.

During his rambling stump speech in Arizona, Trump lashed out at ABCs Davis and her co-moderator David Muir claiming he was unfairly treated and that they were biased toward Harris for fact-checking his lies.
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First it was cats and dogs. Then it was ducks.

And now, Donald Trump has dragged another animal into his wild, debunked conspiracy that Haitian migrants are eating pets in Springfield, Ohio: geese.

A recording of 911 calls show that residents are reporting that the migrants are walking off with the towns geese, Trump told a crowd at a Tuscon, Arizona, rally.

Theyre taking the geese. You know where the geese are? In the park, in the lake. And even walking off with their pets.

The Independent has reached out to Springfield Police Department.

Trump once again offered no evidence to support his claims.

Local authorities had already debunked the lies even before Trump peddled the narrative on the debate stage, with Springfield police saying there is no credible evidence to support the allegations.

Trumps running mate JD Vance also admitted on Monday  after amplifying the claim himself  that it might not be true.

Trump delivered the wild remarks during a campaign event at in Tucson, Arizona, on Thursday ( Getty Images )

But that didnt stop the former president from wildly pushing the false narrative when he faced off against Kamala Harris on stage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday for their first  and likely only  presidential debate.

A handshake between the candidates marked the beginning and end of a cordial exchange, which quickly descended into Trump bombarding Harris with his typical lines of attack  claiming Minnesota Governor Tim Walz backed abortions after birth and, of course, the baseless Haitian migrants lie.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, he said on Tuesday as Harriss expression flitted between shock and amusement.

Extreme, the vice president quipped in response, as 67 million ABC viewers watched on television.

While on the surface it may seem like another wacky conspiracy theory, some senior Republicans have used the story as a vehicle to push their anti-immigration policies and perpetuate racial stereotypes among (primarily Black) minorities.

The rumors stemmed from a bizarre anecdote posted by Springfield local Erika Lee on a local Facebook group, where she alleged that a cat owner found her dead pet hanging from the tree ready to be skinned, butchered and eaten in a house said to be occupied by Haitian immigrants.

Former president peddled the conspiracy theory while on the Philadelphia debate state with Harris on Tuesday ( AP )

Lee has since told NewsGuard that it was a tale that she heard fourth-hand, coming from a neighbors friends daughter  whom she had never met.

Kimberly Newton, the neighbor who told Lee the story, also told the outlet that she also doesnt actually know the cat owner and confirmed: I dont have any proof.

Despite the dubious sourcing, the post went viral on September 5 and Vance pushed it to his followers on X.

Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio, the Ohio Senator wrote on X.

Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

A slew of congressional Republicans  from Texas Senator Ted Cruz to Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene  then reposted memes of Trump holding kittens and ducks, hailing him as their protector.

Prior to Trump taking to the debate stage, Vance noted it was possible all of these rumors will turn out to be false.
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Seth Meyers joked that Robert F Kennedy Jr might not be the best person to defend Donald Trumps debate meltdown over eating pet dogs and cats  given his own very colorful history with dead animals.

On his show on Thursday night, the late-night host waded into the damage control efforts by Republicans and Trump allies following his showdown with Kamala Harris on Tuesday night.

RFK Jr was one of many trying to defend Trumps performance.

Speaking on Fox News, he admitted Harris clearly won the debate in terms of her delivery, her polish, her organization and her preparations but claimed the Republican candidate won on his governance.

Meyers played the clip, before asking his audience: Is RFK Jr really who the Trump campaign wants to elevate right now during a national conversation about eating unusual animals?

The guy was accused of eating a dog, said it was a goat, picked up a dead bear off the side of the road  which he later dumped in Central Park  because he wanted to eat it.

Seth Meyers joked that Robert F Kennedy Jr might not be the best person to defend Donald Trumps debate meltdown over eating pet dogs and cats ( Late Night with Seth Meyers )

RFK Jr has found himself embroiled in a firestorm over his wild comments about dead animals.

In 2023, RFK Jr texted a photo of himself and a woman posing with the barbecued remains of what appeared to be a dog, Vanity Fairreported. He told his friend, who was set to travel to Asia, that he may enjoy a restaurant in Korea that served dog on the menu, sparking questions as to whether RFK Jr had himself eaten dog.

When the report emerged, the 70-year-old insisted the grilled animal was not a dog but a goat he was enjoying on a trip to Chile.

Its me in a campfire in Patagonia on the Futaleufu River eating a goat, which is what we eat down there, he told Fox News.

RFK Jr has also recently confessed to dumping the corpse of a bear cub in New York City's Central Park 10 years ago  a decade-long mystery that made headlines in 2014.

Claiming to have seen a car hit and kill the cub outside New York City, Kennedy clarified that he wanted to skin the cub and keep its meat in his refrigerator. He ultimately ended up dumping it in the Manhattan park.

Can you imagine the inside of RFK Jr's fridge? the Late Night with Seth Meyers joked.

Trump welcomes RFK Jr on stage at an Arizona rally in August after the independent suspended his campaign and endorsed the former president ( AP )

Where does he keep the bear meat? Next to the oat milk and the pickled pelican beaks?

Meyers joked that even bear carcass collector and brain worm jamboree RFK Jr had to admit Harris had a much better debate than he did, but are just hoping no one saw it.

If the bear cub and barbecued dog sagas weren't enough, RFK Jrs daughter also claimed in a now resurfaced 2012 interview with Town and Country that her dad once beheaded a dead whale using a chainsaw and strapped its head to the family's minivan for a five-hour drive  causing his children to put plastic bags over their heads to protect themselves from the whale juice pouring into the windows.

Meyerss takedown of RFK Jr  who was running as an independent presidential candidate before suspending his campaign and endorsing Trump  comes as many Republicans admitted Trumps debate performance was a disaster.

Some, meanwhile, tried to push a narrative that his lie-filled appearance went well.

Former House speaker Kevin McCarthy compared the debate to a wedding, telling CNBC's Squawk Box on Wednesday: It didnt go exactly as you wanted, but no one else really knows it.

RFK is seen next to a dead bear cub. He has now revealed he left the dead corpse of a bear in Central Park in 2014 ( Brian Stelter/Twiter )

When the host responded, I think other people noticed, McCarthy said: Yeah but Trump controlled himself more than normal.

Meyers seized on this, saying with wide eyes: Your argument is, 'that was better than normal'?

No, we definitely noticed, he added. We all saw it. Did Republicans think it was only on C-SPAN and get confused?

Well probably only a few people saw it right, he said mockingly. Oh what's that? It was also on ABC? Alright well that's just one major network. And NBC? And CBS? And MSNBC? And CNN? And Fox? Oh no no who else was carrying this debate? Lifetime? QVC? The Debate Fails Youtube channel?

He added: Even Nickelodeon had a debate feed where every time Trump screamed about eating dogs, he got slimed.

The ABC News debate, the first between the two presidential candidates, brought in an estimated 67 million viewers on Tuesday night.

It now looks set to be the only one between Harris and Trump after Trump declared THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE in a Thursday Truth Social rant.
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The judge overseeing Donald Trumps election interference case in Georgia has dropped two more of the charges against him.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee has once again slightly narrowed the scope of a sweeping indictment against the former president and more than a dozen of his allies, who are accused of joining a criminal enterprise to overturn his election loss in 2020 through a pressure campaign mounted against state officials and election workers.

Judge McAfee had dismissed three other counts against the former president earlier this year.

His decision on Thursday determined that two of the counts against the former president could no longer stand because they involve allegations of perjury or false statements that he says should fall under federal jurisdiction.

Because those counts lie beyond this States jurisdiction and must be quashed, the Defendants motions to dismiss the indictment under the Supremacy Clause are granted in part, he wrote.

The judge did not, however, dismiss the entire indictment.

Trump was initially charged with 13 counts in the 41-count indictment. The top charge of racketeering under the states RICO statute  used to prosecute organized crime and break up criminal gangs  remains.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee dismissed two more counts against Donald Trump on September 12 in a criminal case involving the former presidents attempts to overturn his election loss in the state in 2022 ( Getty Images )

Trumps attorney Steve Sadow celebrated the decision.

President Trump and his legal team in Georgia have prevailed once again, he said in a statement on Thursday.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis brought a sweeping election interference case against Donald Trump and his allies, but the case remains frozen as the former president and his allies appeal a decision that keeps her on the prosecution team. ( Getty Images )

The case is effectively frozen while Trump and his co-defendants appeal a decision that kept Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on the prosecution team after she had a relationship with a special prosecutor.

That appeal wont be heard until December.

The Supreme Courts immunity decision in Trumps parallel federal election interference case has also thrown a wrench in the proceedings, derailing any chance that the former president will face a trial for his allegedly criminal efforts to reverse his election loss before voters cast their ballots in November.

Trump and his co-defendants are accused of promoting a so-called fake elector scheme to falsely assert his victory in a state he lost to Joe Biden; pressuring election workers and state officials; and seizing vote information from machines in another county in the state.

Four of Trumps initial co-defendants  including former Trump-linked attorneys Kenneth Chesebro, Jenna Ellis and Sidney Powell  pleaded guilty after reaching plea deals with prosecutors.

His former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows has tried to move the case to federal court, citing the Supreme Courts immunity ruling in an attempt to evade charges for what he said were his official duties as Trumps top aide.

The remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty.
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Officials in Springfield, Ohio, have pushed back on a racist rumor amplified by the Trump campaign that Haitian residents are eating peoples pets, as the baseless claims have prompted bomb threats against city buildings and terrified local residents.

Unfortunately right now, we have to focus on making sure this rhetoric is dispelled, that these rumors are just, theyre just not true. Springfield is a beautiful place, and your pets are safe in Springfield, Springfield mayor Rob Rue told CNN.

Springfields police and city manager, as well as the Ohio governor, have all affirmed that claims of Haitians eating pets are without evidence.

Still, despite the wave of condemnation from Ohio officials, the rumor has taken on a life of its own in Springfield, where a bomb threat on Thursday forced the evacuation of city hall and two schools.

Local officials said the threat explicitly used hateful language towards immigrants and Haitians in our community.

Springfield is a community that needs help, Mayor Rue told The Washington Post, instead of leaders that hurt a community like, unfortunately, we have seen over the last couple of days.

Water flows through the fountain in Fountain Square in Springfield, Ohio, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 ( AP )

The FBI is investigating the bomb threat.

White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby warned earlier this week the conspiracy could cause violence.

This kind of language, this kind of disinformation, is, is dangerous because there will be people that believe it no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is, and they might act on that kind of information and act on it in a way where somebody could get hurt, he said, adding, It needs to stop.

The Trump campaign denied any links to the threats.

To this day, if anyone dares to suggest that unhinged rhetoric from Democrats like Kamala Harris and Joe Biden may have influenced a psychopath to attempt to assassinate President Trump, the left wing media melts down - its laughable these same media outlets are now attempting to tie this threat to the GOP ticket, the Trump campaign said in a statement to The Independent. President Trump and Senator Vance condemn these threats and believe those responsible should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Residents of Springfields large Haitian community, which has expanded in recent years due to the federal Temporary Protected Status immigrant program, say theyre fearing for their safety after Trump, JD Vance, and other top Republicans have parroted the conspiracy, including during the former presidents debate with Kamala Harris earlier this week.

A police car sits outside Ohio City Hall which, according to the city government, received a bomb threat and was evacuated Thursday morning, in Springfield, Ohio, U.S., September 12, 2024 ( REUTERS )

Viles Dorsainvil, president of Springfields nonprofit Haitian Community Help and Support Center told NBC News on Wednesday people are scared for their lives.

Other Haitians in the area have reported keeping their kids home from school and suffering acts of vandalism, according to the Haitian Times.

The impact of the conspiracy may be very real, but its roots are based on Internet-fueled hate and speculation.

The claims first took off when a member of a local Springfield Facebook group posted claims about Haitian immigrants she admits she heard it fourthhandfrom a neighbor who heard it from a friend who heard it from their daughter.

Another element came from a photo taken in July, of a man in Columbus, not Springfield, Ohio, holding a dead goose. The individual who took the photo says he regrets the image has been used to demonize migrants.

Springfield mayor Rob Rue talks with city manager Bryan Heck in Springfield, Ohio, U.S., August 13, 2024 ( REUTERS )

"I wish I never took it, for sure. And I hate that the picture that I took is being weaponized to use against immigrants, or really, any other group. They always have to have somebody to use as a weapon. Some group to be the bad guy," he told the Columbus Dispatch.

The conspiracy was further amplified when a local neo-Nazi group, Blood Tribe, amplified claims about Haitians on social media, in posts that were picked up by mainstream commentators and link aggregators, before they reached elected Republicans.
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Multibillionaire Elon Musk has labelled the Australian government fascists over the countrys proposed law to crack down on social media misinformation.

The legislation, yet to be passed in parliament, allows for fining social media companies up to five per cent of their annual revenues if they fail to take steps to manage the risk that misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms poses in Australia.

Misinformation and disinformation pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of Australians as well as to our democracy, society and economy, Australias communication minister Michelle Rowland said.

Doing nothing, he added, is not an option.

The proposed law seeks to hold social media companies like Facebook, X, and TikTok accountable for harmful misinformation posted on their platforms.

The Australian government said the bill aims to make the platforms more transparent about how they handle misinformation.

X shuts down operations in Brazil amid censorship dispute

Mr Musk, who owns X, responded to the news about the proposed law with a single word: fascists.

Australian politicians were quick to slam the comment.

Stephen Jones, assistant treasurer, told ABC News that Australia has the right to introduce its own laws to protect its sovereignty.

This is crackpot stuff. It really is crackpot stuff, he said of Mr Musks statement.

We assert our right to pass laws which will keep Australians safe  safe from scammers, safe from criminals, and, for the life of me, I cant see how Elon Musk or anyone else, in the name of free speech, thinks it is OK to have social media platforms publishing scam content, Mr Jones said.

Normal laws around false or misleading statements in the conduct of business apply everywhere except on the internet. Thats absurd.

X did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment.

Former Labour party leader Bill Shorten claimed that Mr Musk is not consistent in his views on free speech.

Elon Musk has more positions on our free speech than the Kama Sutra, he said.

When its in his commercial interests, hes the champion of free speech, when he doesnt like it, hes going to shut it all down, he said.

Mr Musk has been in a confrontation with the Australian government over its stance on the responsibility of platforms to tackle online misinformation.

He earlier accused Australia of censorship after a judge directed X to block posts on the violent stabbing of a bishop in Sydney.

X had initially blocked posts about the stabbing for Australian users, but they were available elsewhere.

But the countrys online watchdog, the eSafety Commission, successfully applied to a federal court for a temporary global ban on the sharing of a video of the stabbing.

X said it would fight the court order to take down the posts globally.

Anthony Albanese responded to Mr Musks move calling him an arrogant billionaire who thinks he is above the law.

The idea that someone would go to court for the right to put up violent content on a platform shows how out-of-touch Mr Musk is, the prime minister said.

The watchdog dropped the legal battle to have X remove the posts in June, citing cost as the key factor.
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Russia has revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow, accusing them of spying and sabotage.

As president Vladimir Putin warned that Nato will be at war with Moscow if Western nations allow Ukraine to use their long-range missiles to strike deep inside Russian territory, Russias FSB security service accused British diplomats of working to ensure Moscows defeat in the 30-month conflict.

The FSB claimed to have documents showing a British foreign office department in London was coordinating what it called the escalation of the political and military situation and was tasked with ensuring Russias strategic defeat against Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin has issued a new threat as Keir Starmer travels to Washington to discuss Ukraines use of long-range missiles ( Sputnik/Alexei Danichev/Kremlin via REUTERS )

Thus, the facts revealed give grounds to consider the activities of British diplomats sent to Moscow by the directorate as threatening the security of the Russian Federation, the FSB said.

In this connection, on the basis of documents provided by the Federal Security Service of Russia and as a response to the numerous unfriendly steps taken by London, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia ... has terminated the accreditation of six members of the political department of the British Embassy.

The FSB claimed it had found signs of spying and sabotage in the actions of the six diplomats, who were named and pictured on Russian state TV.

Speaking to Russian state TV, an FSB employee said: The English did not take our hints about the need to stop this practice, so we decided to expel these six to begin with.

Describing the accusations as completely baseless, the UK Foreign Office said the diplomats accreditation had been revoked last month following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state-directed activity across Europe and in the UK.

We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests, a spokesperson added.

It is understood that the diplomats left Russia weeks ago and are already being replaced. Such diplomatic tit-for-tats with European embassies have been frequent since Mr Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy are visiting Washington DC to discuss Ukraine ( Stefan Rousseau/PA )

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was cited by the state Tass news agency as claiming the activities of the British embassy in Moscow had gone well beyond diplomatic convention and accusing it of carrying out deliberate activity designed to harm the Russian people.

The spat comes as Sir Keir Starmer travels to Washington for talks with US president Joe Biden, central to which are expected to be Kyivs pleas to use Western-provided missiles against targets deep inside Russia.

In a message apparently timed for when Sir Keir and his entourage were crossing the Atlantic, Mr Putin warned that 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, te Russian president state TV.

But the 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.

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.

Earlier this week, Britain and the US jointly pledged some 1.1bn in additional aid to Ukraine, as foreign secretary David Lammy and US secretary of state Antony Blinken travelled to Kyiv to meet president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Additional reporting by agencies
The West cannot back down from supportng Ukraine with long-range missiles to use on targets deep inside Russia despite Vladimir Putins fresh threats of possible war with Nato, Kremlin critics, military leaders and Ukrainian officials have toldThe Independent.

The Russian president would regret a direct confrontation with the alliance, Kremlin critics said, but senior military figures have warned that due to the unpredictable nature of the Russian president and the immense risks involved, his threats cant be dismissed out of hand.

With prime minister Keir Starmer in Washington to meet Presiddent Biden, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky has said it is difficult to repeatedly hear Western allies say they are working on a decision permit the use of long-range missiles into Russia while Putin continues to burn down our cities and villages.

Zelensky has been calling for the US and UK to agree to allow them to strike infrastructure such as airfields that contribute to the barrages of missiles and drones that strike across Ukraine on a near-daily basis.

The president wrote on X on Friday: Putin interprets delays in helping us and in making strong decisions for Ukraine as permission to do whatever he wants.

Prominent Putin critic Sir Bill Browder told The Independent: [Putins] psychology is one where hes provoked by weakness, not by strength, and the only way to deal with Russia is to put a boot on the throat.

This is all bluster, as far as I can see. Good luck to him if he wants to go to war with Nato. He would lose that war in a matter of days.

A live test of a US long-range missile ( AP )

Describing Putins talk of red lines which the West should not cross as complete nonsense, Sir Bill added: It would be a disaster for Ukraine if we buckle at the last minute. What it shows is that were appeasing a dictator, and we all know where appeasement gets you.

With growing anticipation that Ukraines pleas to use Western weapons could be granted this weekend, Admiral Lord West, the former head of the Royal Navy, also warned against backing down after all this hype.

Because the message it would give to Putin is: ah they do have to obey my red lines  and thats a bad message, Lord West said.

But he added: Were talking here about risks that are immense, just immense risks, and people have got to think very carefully, sensibly and in a calm way about these and need to think about all reactions if certain things happen. And Im not sure always thats the case.

Being gung-ho about major wars between say Russia and Nato  that is not clever.

John Foreman, who served as UK defence attache in Moscow from 2019 to 2022: added: We dont have great insight to Putins decision making ... nor can we reliably predict how he will actually react.

This plus Russias skewed threat perceptions and the lack of diplomatic channels has raised US concerns about risk of unintended escalation. These cant be dismissed out of hand or wished away.

Ukrainian troops in eastern Ukraine ( Reuters )

Oleksandr Vasiuk, MP for the partly Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia, warned that Moscow is now actively moving its miltary assets  frequently used to strike Ukraine  deeper into Russian territory to evade Kyivs forces.

Any delay or prohibition on the use of long-range Western missiles only complicates the situation for Ukrainian forces, said Vasiuk, adding that Ukraine is not aiming to escalate the war but to prevent further shelling of Ukrainian cities and protect civilians.

An adviser to the Ukrainian presidential administration, who preferred not to be named, told The Independent that Kyiv had long been using Ukrainian-manufactured weapons to strike military bases and oil refineries deep inside Russia, while using Western weapons to hit Ukrainian regions Putin now claims are part of Russia.

So, according to their logic, we and the West have already crossed that red line despite all their previous threats to retaliate against the West. They didnt then and they will not now, said the aide, adding that he doubted even a demented Putin would seriously countenance a war with Nato.

Mark Galeotti, the author of a number of books on Putin, concurred that the Russian president is not about to pick a fight with the largest and most powerful military alliance in the world, saying: Essentially [Putins] main weapon is precisely high flown rhetoric in the hope that they can somehow intimidate or deter.

Likening Putin to the boy who cried wolf in having issued previous threats, such as over the Western supply of F-16 fighter jets and British battle tanks since used in Kursk, and nothing especially substantial has happened, Galeotti said: The trouble is that doesnt necessarily mean that nothing ever would.

A Storm Shadow cruise missile is on display during the Paris Air Show ( AP )

He added: I think really the true red lines are presence of Nato combat troops in Ukraine or any attempt to seriously drive the Russians out of Crimea. I think if its anything else, these red lines actually turn out to be more of a sprightly pink.

Professor Sam Greene, of the Centre for European Policy Analysis think tank, suggested the only person who will truly know whether a red line has been crossed will be Putin, adding: The reality right now is that Putin himself probably doest know.

While Putin is trying to communicate that there can be potentially unpredictable consequences, he doesnt know what level of verbal threat will be effective and escalation is just as unpredictable for him as it is for everybody else, said Greene.

The true fear from the perspective of Western policymakers has not been of crossing a red line, but of failing to prepare the Kremlin for their plans  leading to the US and allies to delay support for Ukraine, Greene suggested.

Ukraines allies fear sparking some catastrophic shift in Russias military fortunes or Putins perception of the war or his own power, that forces him to believe hes in a now or never moment, that either he pulls out all the stops or he loses everything including probably his life or freedom, said Greene.

He added: So avoiding World War 3 may also come at the cost of Ukraines ability to defend itself. But thats the calculation that Western governments have been making  and appear to be making in this instance as well.

Agreeing with this analysis, Galeotti said: Putin does not make tough decisions quickly or easily, and when forced into making a quick decision he tends to overcompensate and frankly panic.

And the last thing anyone wants to do is panic him  because thats precisely when he might do something particularly dangerous or stupid.
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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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Apple has gone a long way to avoid showing any interest in you. It might not always seem like it, given that your iPhone probably stores data on your entire life, but the company has set a clear and central policy of minimising the amount of data that it holds on its users. That means, for instance, that it avoids storing information on its servers, and when it does, it encrypts it so that it cant see that data. It simply doesnt want to know  out of practicality, because if it doesnt hold data then it isnt at risk of misusing or losing it, but also as a point of principle, because it believes privacy is a human right.

But this year it announced Apple Intelligence, a whole set of new AI features that are aimed at enhancing the iPhone. They were first revealed in June, but will arrive in the coming months, as part of the rollout of the new iPhone 16. As with all AI, Apple Intelligence is about crunching data; Apples marketing materials are clear that the advantage of the feature is that it knows your own personal context so that it can prove useful. Apple might not want to know about you, but Apple Intelligence needs to.

It looks like a big problem, perhaps an insurmountable one. But Apple  and its software chief Craig Federighi, who speaks to The Independent hours after the launch of the iPhone this week  thinks that it has built a solution.

Apples response was to take the work it has done on on-device processing  keeping data from itself by ensuring that the computing is done on your iPhone, rather than on its own servers  and apply it to AI. What if you were crazy enough to think you could extend that [on-device processing] to the cloud? What would that mean? And it meant a whole bunch of technical invention, says Federighi.

( AFP via Getty Images )

That invention has led to what security experts have called cutting edge computer science that allows for insanely great privacy and security. Much of that is made possible by what Apple calls Private Cloud Compute, a new technology that Apple claims means that users dont have to choose between using their personal data in helpful ways and also keeping that data secure.

Weve built up this privacy model around on-device computation, that weve really highlighted to our customers, that our customers have come to understand and trust as the gold standard for protecting their data, knowing that if the data stays under their control and is not made accessibly to anyone else, thats the ultimate bar for privacy, says Federighi. And so the single biggest decision around how we approached privacy in the cloud: can we make that same kind of promise? Can we extend that same model of on-device protection to more powerful servers that are running in the cloud?

And Id say that was an unusual and bold decision, one that is atypical and I think unique in the industry, and to live up to that then took us down solving a whole stack of very, very hard problems  but, fortunately, ones that have been so fundamental to what weve been building toward for so many years.

So Apple got to work on building new servers out of its own silicon, which Federighi notes is not something the company is in the business of doing. And it had to build a new operating system to power those servers, with Apples commitment to privacy built into the core of how it worked. But it also had to solve more theoretical issues: how do you build huge distributed systems to help understand people and their needs, and also ensure their privacy?

The first response is that Apples aim is to use Private Cloud Compute as little as it needs to. A large part of the companys privacy work has been built around the idea that it is best to do as much as possible on the device, and Apples work in AI so far has relied on that. So instead of handing off photos to identify people who are in them, for instance, the pictures stay on the iPhone and it can then scan them at night while its owner sleeps.

The problem with Apple Intelligence, however, is that the increased complexity of the AI tools underpinning it cannot always run quickly on the device; doing so on Apples servers means that it can run more complex models on more data. It is made for times when a user needs models that are larger than what can fit in their pocket today, Apple said in its announcement. But Apples aim is still to ensure that most of the work can be done inside their pocket.

When the iPhone receives a request  Is my brothers flight delayed? for instance  then the first job is to analyse whether it is able to process it itself. At times it isnt, it will then hand off the job to Private Cloud Compute. But the first part of the privacy safeguards is that it only hands off that job: Apples servers receive only the data that is relevant to the task, and that data is not associated with the iPhone or its owner.

That data is then kept fenced off from Apple and anyone else while the servers do their work on it and hand the answer back. Once their request is answered, then the server will delete that data. The data no longer exists  even if it did, then it is inaccessible to Apple.

All of that is made possible by a vast array of largely new systems that includes servers that use chips Apple has built itself to ensure they conform to the highest standards of security. Those chips include technologies that ensure they cannot be abused: staff in the server centres are given no privileged access to the systems, even in the case of an outage. The iPhone will only talk to servers that it can securely verify itself, and experts are able to inspect the code too.

Unlike on the iPhone, the code is running somewhere else. As such, it could be changed out from underneath the users and put back  with a new security hole that would allow an attacker to steal data, for instance. So it was key to ensure that the phone would only talk to servers running software that has been checked has been published externally, so that security researchers can check it.

Apples approach to privacy has long been blamed for its perceived difficulties in AI, because artificial intelligence depends on having a lot of data, and Apple is fundamentally opposed to gathering up that data. For many years  prior to the latest breakthroughs in generative AI  there was a lot of discussion of: how can you possibly play in the world of machine learning, if machine learning is data based and if you at Apple are not going to be trying to fuel your machine learning on the backs of your customers privacy data? says Federighi. We made the argument back then that holds today  that it may be harder, but there are principled ways to do it.

You can learn to recognise photos of trees without having taken your customers personal photos of trees. To do it, you may have to go commission data, acquire public data from other sources, to train your intelligence. But thats possible. We never want to take a customers personal data  the kind of data they store in their photo libraries, their messages and their emails and their notes  and think thats ours to be used for our purposes. But the good news is we dont need to.

All of this might have looked like Apple being overly cautious  had the need for caution not been proven almost immediately. Only moments after Apple Intelligence had been announced, at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, Elon Musk tweeted that he was so concerned about the technology that he would ban iPhones from his companies.

( Getty Images )

Apple has no clue whats actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. Theyre selling you down the river, he wrote in one tweet. If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies. That is an unacceptable security violation, he wrote in another.

The posts were both based in and furthered a misunderstanding  whether intentional or not  of how the new features worked. But they were also an important reminder of exactly how much risk Apple is taking as it gets involved in artificial intelligence, and the questions of privacy that surround the nascent technology.

Mr Musks criticism related specifically to the integration of OpenAIs ChatGPT that will arrive as part of Apple Intelligence. While Apple does almost all of the new AI features itself, it has also integrated that chatbot so that users can send their requests to ChatGPT as well, and get a response back. It is only a tiny sliver of the Apple Intelligence offering  almost all of the new features use Apples own models, run on Apples own hardware  but it was one that immediately brought controversial headlines.

The OpenAI integration comes with a whole host of privacy protections: users have to explicitly opt in to sharing any requests with OpenAI, companies can switch it off on phones they manage, and only the content of the request is shared, with OpenAI promising not to store it or associate it with any particular user. But just one of Elon Musks tweets on the issue gathered 80,000 retweets, and so many people may now be worried without any understanding of the work that Apple has done to avoid those risks. But Federighi suggests that the incident only showed how important all this work was.

( Getty Images )

There was some Ill argue unnecessary muddying of the waters that may have occurred there, he says. But what was incredibly positive coming out of that event was how clearly we were hearing exactly how we felt ourselves  which is that privacy was incredibly important to a lot of people, to many, many, many of our customers, especially when it came to AI.

Because all we were hearing was how concerned they were that, you know, can Apple really do that? Does that really work? And as weve continued to talk to them, what were hearing is its important.

Some of them look into what we're proposing and say, This is amazing. You know, I feel so much better. Others are saying, This sounds like magic. How could they possibly be doing that? I'm not sure I believe it yet.

But honestly, I am thrilled with that reaction, because the truth is on our side, right? We know that we are doing it, and as we continue to get the message out, people will understand it, and we've gotten reactions from those in the security community who have had the opportunity and the years of background it takes to delve deeply into these issues, to look at what we've been doing, and they're saying this is breakthrough work.

And I think the average consumer ultimately relies on experts who can bring the depth of analysis to this to tell them, Yes, what Apple's saying is true. They've delivered something unlike anything else we've ever seen in the industry, and you can trust it. And you can trust it. And as that message is getting out, I think that's reassuring our customers, and I think right now the general public needs to be reassured, because if this kind of powerful, personalised artificial intelligence is ever going to be able to really impact people's lives, it's only going to be if people can trust it.

And I think what we're hearing is people want to take advantage of these capabilities, but have been up to now, scared of how would they feel about revealing their data to these kinds of services? And were excited to give them finally what I think theyve all been looking for.

Apple may be doing hard and lauded work on privacy and artificial intelligence, but the industry more broadly has already been associated with a host of privacy worries and other controversies. Is Federighi worried that even if Apple is doing the right thing, the reputation of AI more broadly could be mixed up with so many outrages that users will be concerned about using it at all?

Customers are going to fall on a spectrum of excitement and concern about the technology, he says. But I think that at Apple we have worked very hard to earn our customers trust, and I think our customers understand that when we put a capability in front of them on their device, that is something they can trust, and I think many of them will.

Apple Showcase ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

I think as long as we continue delivering on that, that theyll continue to want to take advantage of it, because the capabilities are tremendously helpful and empowering. And, you know, were just getting started with the ways this technology can enrich our customers experience with our products  and they need to do so knowing that their privacy is being protected every step of the way.

There is a whole separate privacy question around some of Apples upcoming tools. Among the large suite of features coming as part of Apple Intelligence is Image Playgrounds, a system that lets users pick prompts or images and have them turned into new AI pictures. Those images can be pictures from their photo library  which means that peoples data could be used with AI without them even knowing about it. Is that a privacy concern?

I think one of the things that we were very conscious of in considering how we approach imagery is wanting it to always be clear what is real. Because I think theres an opportunity for certain misinformation or misunderstanding, if someone were to take an image of any one of us or a public figure and modify it in a way that distorts the truth. And so with Image Playgrounds, weve really been focused on a fun, really cartoon style or sketch style imagery for the purpose of communication. The kind of thing that I could draw  if I were far more talented than I am  I could draw a cartoon image of you.

I wouldnt think in that sense that Ive appropriated your image in any kind of unusual way. But no one going to think that picture I took of you doing something meant that youd really done it. And so making sure that the provenance of these images and separating generative output from what could be a photograph was a really important consideration for us.

There are big questions hovering over that feature and the rest of the tools that will arrive as part of Apple Intelligence: will people want them, and will people trust them? Many of the new features will not arrive for months, but those questions will soon be answered. Apple might not want to know as little as possible about its users, but it is about to find out.
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Former US President Donald Trump plans to unveil a brand new crypto project next week that has already been plagued by scams and targeted by cyber criminals.

The Republican candidate will reveal the World Liberty Financial project from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday, claiming it will revolutionise finance and leave the slow and outdated big banks behind.

The project is being led by his two sons, Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, though little is known about what the venture will entail.

In a recent interview with the New York Post, Eric Trump described it as digital real estate  referring to either the creation of virtual property within the metaverse, or the digital tokenisation of real-world assets in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Its equitable. Its collateral anyone can get access to and do so instantly, he said. I dont know if people realise what a shake up that is for the world of banking and finance. I hope we can help change that.

Earlier this month, tens of thousands of Donald Trumps followers were tricked into joining a fake group on the messaging app Telegram that was claiming to offer free cryptocurrency giveaways from the Trump-backed platform.

The group has since been removed, though ads promoting the scam giveaways still continue to appear for its 150,000 members. Telegram did not respond to a request for comment from The Independent.

The X accounts of Mr Trumps daughter Tiffany and daughter-in-law Lara were also targeted by cyber criminals, who hijacked their profiles in order to share fake links for the project.

Nic Carter, a Trump supporter and noted figure within the crypto industry, advised the former president to stop the launch of World Liberty Financial, writing on X: At best its an unnecessary distraction, at worst its a huge embarrassment and source of (additional) legal trouble.

The projects official Telegram channel revealed that the launch event for World Liberty Financial will be live streamed on X at 8pm ET on Monday (1am BST on Tuesday).

Get ready as we unveil our plan to Make Finance Great Again, the Telegram post stated. This is a landmark event you wont want to miss! Lets make history together.

Mr Trump has pitched himself as the pro-crypto candidate in the upcoming presidential elections, recently appearing at a bitcoin conference to outline his plans for the industry if elected.

Having previously dismissed the worlds leading cryptocurrency as a scam, Mr Trump told the crowd at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville that he would create a national bitcoin stockpile from seized criminal funds, as well as immediately appoint a bitcoin and crypto presidential advisory council.


Changes made to the bank levy last year seem to have been designed to ensure it would only ever apply to a small number of Irish companies, the chief executive of Bank of Ireland has complained to the finance minister.
US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has announced plans for a $1bn (907m) expansion of its Limerick manufacturing site. This brings the companys total investment in the Limerick region to $2bn.

The planned expansion will increase production of biologic active ingredients, including those for its recently approved treatment for early symptomatic Alzheimers disease. Production of these ingredients for Lilly medicines is expected to begin in 2026.

The move is set to create 150 jobs in Limerick. Roles available at the manufacturing site will include engineers, scientists, quality assurance professionals and operations personnel.

This will bring the total number of people employed at the site to 450, Lilly said.

The investment is subject to planning approval, with Lilly now preparing to submit a planning application to Limerick City and County Council.

Alzheimers disease is a devastating diagnosis for both the patient and for their loved ones, along with having a huge burden on society, Anne E White, Lilly neuroscience division president, said.

The treatments we will make here in Limerick offer the potential to be able to slow the progression of the disease and make life better for millions of people around the world.

The company also unveiled an $800m expansion of its Kinsale operations. The Co Cork facility began producing medicines last year and is focused on diabetes and obesity treatments.

The number of people employed at the groups global business solutions centre in Cork has quadrupled since 2019. The number of employees is expected to have exceeded 2,000 employees by the end of the year. More than half are working in clinical research and development.

Lilly attributed its growth plans in Ireland to the skilled workforce, regulatory environment and pro-innovation government policies.

These investments will boost the production of some of our medicines, helping millions of people with diabetes, obesity and Alzheimers disease live the healthiest lives possible, Lilly manufacturing operations president Edgardo Hernandez said.

We wont stop there. These state-of-the-art facilities will also be equipped to support our promising pipeline molecules of the future.

The company, founded in 1876, employs more than 42,000 people around the world. It has been operating here since 1978.
Two high-flying American couples spent 200,000 on a two-week holiday in Ireland and the UK last year, boosting profits to 600,153 at Adams & Butler, a luxury holiday firm.

A go-to travel firm for celebrities and the rich who want to spend a holiday in Ireland, Adams & Butler previously helped curate a low-key honeymoon here for the then-newly wed Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

New accounts for the Dublin-based firm show that the post-tax profits of 600,153 for the 12 months to the end of October last was a 37pc increase on the profits of 427,078 for the prior year.

In terms of the 200,000 holiday for the two couples, Siobhan Byrne, founder and CEO of Adams & Butler, said they stayed in The Merrion Hotel in Dublin, Ashford Castle in Mayo, and Glenlo Abbey in Galway. They also visited the Aran Islands and had some private musical and food tours.

Ms Byrne said that her company had also arranged some private visits in London for the couples, and they experienced the Belmond le Manoir property in Oxfordshire and the Belmond train in Scotland.

We are getting more and more requests for exclusive-use properties, not only in Ireland but worldwide, Ms Byrne said.

Cruises are also becoming more popular. Over 90pc of our clients request private tours and visits when they travel with us worldwide.

In terms of how the holiday season had been in 2024, Ms Byrne said: Business is going well and a lot of people in the industry have recognised that the surge post-Covid has now levelled off.

There has been a trend for shorter lead-in times, with some people booking trips with only a few days notice.

Within Ireland and the UK, our privileged access to private places and people allows us to attract a very prestigious clientele.

Ms Byrne said the African side of the business is also increasing enormously, and we are confident that we are the number one African specialist in Ireland.

The company moved office last year into a Dublin city centre location and has taken on four additional new staff.

At the end of October, accumulated profits at Adams & Butler totalled 1.179m. The companys cash funds increased from 1.68m to 2.12m.

The profits in the prior year took account of other operating income of 308,417 and included a Failte Ireland grant of 152,574 and other grants. No such grants were recorded last year. Numbers employed rose to 14 in 2023.
Airline also keeping up pressure on Boeing to deliver aircraft on time for next summer

Ryanair does not intend to ditch its shares in the United States, and its group chief executive Michael OLeary said the airlines American Depository Receipts (ADRs) trading there were currently changing hands at about 30pc more than the airlines ordinary shares in Ireland.

When we first floated in 1997, the best thing we ever did was to have at least half the ownership in the US, Mr OLeary said.

If you look at CRH, Flutter, they delisted from the Irish stock exchange and went to the US.

Their multiples have gone up and their share prices have risen dramatically. We need to do something similar with Ryanair stock. I dont think we will migrate to a US stock exchange because of the need to be majority EU-owned.

It gets characterised here as the ADRs trading at a premium. In fact, its the ordinaries [ordinary shares listed in Ireland] that trade at a discount.

The Americans will pay a higher premium for good earnings.

So, typically, airline multiples in the States today are about 14 or 15 times earnings. Airline multiples in Europe are about nine, 10 times earnings.

The ordinaries are trading at a meaningful discount to the ADRs.

If we were to remove the restriction on non-EU [investors] buying ordinaries, I think youd see the ordinaries trade up to where the ADRs are currently valued and we would have a much higher premium.

As it held its annual general meeting in Dublin on Thursday, Ryanair announced it is reviewing rules it had introduced in 2021 following Brexit that ensured the carrier continued to be majority-owned and controlled by shareholders in the European Union.

Under EU rules, airlines based in the region must be majority-owned by shareholders in the bloc.

After the UK left the EU, Ryanair announced that all ordinary shares and US depository shares held by or on behalf of non-EU nationals, including UK nationals, would be treated as restricted shares.

These restrictions meant that holders of those shares have been unable to attend, speak at or vote at Ryanairs annual meetings.

All of our focus is on getting the last bit of the aircraft delivered in time for summer 2025

Ryanair said on Thursday that as of the end of last month, about 49pc of its issued share capital was held by EU nations. Based on current trends, it expects it to reach 50pc within six to 12 months. It is now reviewing the restrictions on shares.

I would certainly be in favour of removing the ownership restriction. I think we probably should be keeping the voting restriction, because at least that will ensure that we maintain EU control, Mr OLeary said.

Ryanair CEO says meeting with Irish Government minister 'not productive'

Ryanair group chief financial officer Neil Sorahan has been in Seattle this week to meet Boeings new chief executive Kelly Ortberg and its chief operating officer, Stephanie Pope, as the airline continues to put pressure on the planemaker to deliver new aircraft on time.

Mr OLeary will also meet Boeing bosses this autumn in Seattle.

All of our focus is on getting the last bit of the aircraft delivered in time for summer 2025, Mr OLeary said.
RTE is increasing the price it is charging advertisers for slots on this years Late Late Tow Show, which will be broadcast on December 6. The station says it is the first time in three years that prices have gone up.

The opening 30-second spot in the first commercial break will cost 95,000, up from 86,125 in 2023. The price includes the same slot in the repeat broadcast, and on the RTE Player, where the station estimates it will get 250,000 impressions.

The charge for being the company that does the one for everyone in the audience giveaway has been increased from last years 10,000 to 15,000. The sponsor must guarantee to give away 240 prizes valued at 150 each, as well as paying the fee.

The Late Late Toy Show has long been a cash cow for the national broadcaster, as it routinely draws the biggest TV audience of the year.

Last years show, presented for the first time by Patrick Kielty, was watched by 1.7 million people when streams from the RTE Player were included. The station has told advertisers that the Toy Show got a record breaking 550,000 streams on the Player, from 147 countries.

Streams more than doubled in Northern Ireland, it said. There was a 97pc increase on UK RTE Player streams, up from 33,000 in 2022 to 65,0000.

RTEs commercial department is hoping to earn at least 700,000 from selling ad packages around this years show. It has revamped the packages it offers to businesses, scrapping the old system that included gold and premium bundles.

This year an advertiser who wants the last 30-second slot in the first commercial break will pay 80,000. Last year the equivalent slot was 66,500.

The second commercial break packages  of which there are two  are priced at 80,000. Slots in the third and fourth commercial breaks, by which time the audience has begun to taper off, are priced at 72,000.

The last ad slot before the show begins is priced at 70,000.

A spokeswoman for RTE said that as a dual funded broadcaster, it is mandated to maximise its commercial revenue to pay for the many public services it provides. Given the reach of the Toy Show, there is huge demand from advertisers for these slots.

Ready to Go | The Late Late Show Returns

"There has been a modest increase in price for the first time in three years, but we believe it offers great value to the market to be part of Ireland's biggest show. As with all commercial revenue raised, it will be reinvested in RTE's content and services, the spokeswoman said.

The Toy Show slots are in addition to the support RTE gets from Permanent TSB as the title sponsor of the show. The bank is the second year of a two-year deal with the Late Late Show after it succeeded Renault. Announcing the deal last autumn, RTE said it included an agreement for 730 credited stings  short ad clips before and after each commercial break.

The only downside to the Permanent TSB sponsorship is that the RTE commercial team cannot sell any of the prominent Late Late Toy Show slots to another bank, in order to avoid a clash.

Some 36m was raised for the Toy Show Appeal last year, with the proceeds going to childrens charities around Ireland.
Our property finance expert answers your questions

I think my sister is taking advantage of our 80-year-old mother. Her four children have been looking after our mum for a couple of years, as she struggles a bit.
Angus Woods: Korea beef deal reminds us that ministers and state agencies sometimes deserve our praise

Potentially lucrative deal took a lot of hard work and diplomacy to get across the line

Jim O'Toole, Bord Bia, and Minister Charlie McConalogue during a trade mission to South Korea

Angus Woods Fri 13 Sep 2024 at 14:17

The recent launch of Irish beef into the Korean market was the culmination of 18 years of back-and-forth negotiations.
Intake milk processors and co-ops was estimated at 980.7 million litres in July. Photo: Getty Images

Lakeland Dairies has increased its milk price by 1.25c/L for August, with the base price now standing at 46.5c/L.

This is inclusive of the 0.5c/L Sustainability Incentive Payment. In Northern Ireland, a base price of 38.3p/L will be paid for milk supplied in August which is inclusive of the 0.5p/L Sustainability Incentive Payment. The base price has increased by 1p/L from last month.

A spokesperson for the milk processor said that global dairy markets are positive at present.

As we enter the crucial demand period of quarter four of 2024 and quarter one of 2025 and, against a backdrop of muted milk supplies for the year, this is supporting global markets, the spokesperson continued.

Meanwhile, latest figures from the CSO shows that domestic milk intake is down 3.3pc (34 million litres) in July 2024 when compared with July 2023.

Intake milk processors and co-ops was estimated at 980.7 million litres in July. Fat content was 4.09pc, down from 4.14pc in July 2023. Protein content went up marginally from 3.47pc to 3.50pc.

Butter production dropped from 31,800 tonnes in July 2023 to 29,300 tonnes in July 2024, a decrease of 2,500 tonnes.

Tirlan, Irelands biggest milk processor, has said that it is in the market for co-op partnerships as milk supply comes under increased strain.

Company CEO Sean Molloy said if milk supply declines or doesnt grow, his business will need to find new ways to utilise its processing assets.

Tirlan is interested in partnerships to ensure we use the facilities as much as we can. We are interested in the Tipperary co-ops milk pool and respect their processes at the moment, he said.

In Britain, milk deliveries are estimated to have totalled 991 million litres in August 2024 with an average of 32.0 million litres per day.

This would mean a decline of 0.5pc year on year. Declines in milk supplies have slowed since the early part of the year but are still running behind forecast with July and August together running 1.0pc, or 20 million litres, behind forecast.

Britains milking herd stands at 1.61 million head, as of July 2024. This is down 0.3pc on the previous year.
Almost 170 million euro worth of drugs has been seized by Revenue so far this year, according to the latest figures.

The massive haul is more than double the amount seized in the same period last year.

Gardai and Revenue have warned of a significant increase in drug seizures across ports, with vulnerable people being paid as little as 1,000 euro to fly into Ireland after ingesting up to 120 pellets of cocaine.

Total drug seizures by Revenue officers during the month of August alone amounted to almost 45 million euro.

This included a number of notable seizures over the course of several days in August, such as 10.5 million euro worth of cocaine at Dublin Port, and operations at Rosslare Europort which uncovered 7.2 million worth of cocaine and 16 million euro worth of cannabis products.

Revenue Customs official Nicola with detection dog Jack (Gareth Chaney/PA)

Over a 12-day period ending on September 9, Revenue officers at Dublin Airport carried out several intelligence-led operations which resulted in the detection of more than three million euro worth of cocaine and herbal cannabis.

This included 258 cocaine pellets, with a combined weight of about 3.9kg and an estimated value of 275,000 euro, and 140kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of almost 2.8 million euro.

The seizures were made when Revenue officers stopped and searched a number of passengers who had disembarked separate flights originating from Brazil and Thailand, together with their luggage.

Nine people were arrested by An Garda Siochana, which is conducting follow up investigations.

Michael Gilligan, head of customs in Revenues Dublin Airport branch, said there has been a significant increase in the amount of drugs seized at Irish ports.

Michael Gilligan from Revenue (Gareth Chaney/PA)

On the smuggling of cocaine, he said: Generally speaking, youre talking about an individual concealing internally up to 100 pellets.

That all obviously has to come out  and I dont know why anybody wants to sniff it.

Others have been detected ingesting up to 120 pellets of cocaine, with an average overall value of 70,000 to 100,000 euro.

Speaking to reporters at Dublin Airport, Mr Gilligan said the safety of those who had ingested or stuffed the drugs for the purposes of concealment is a priority for the agencies involved.

He said cannabis is mostly concealed in suitcases.

Some of the recently seized drugs (Gareth Chaney/PA)

The customs expert added there had been more than 800 individual drug seizures at Dublin Airport this year split across cargo and passengers, adding it was a very serious problem.

Superintendent Darren McCarthy, who has responsibility for policing Dublin Airport, said those trafficking the drugs are often vulnerable people who can spend up to a week in hospital after being detected with drugs concealed within their bodies.

He said people are typically paid the equivalent of 1,000-3,000 euro, which he said would be a lot of money given their backgrounds.

Theyre very vulnerable people in difficulty in their own societies, he said.

Mr McCarthy said people detected in similar circumstances typically receive sentences of six to eight years in prison.

Garda Superintendent Darren McCarthy speaking to the media (Gareth Chaney/PA)

Since 2022, theres 100pc conviction rate in relation to these persons appearing before the courts, he said.

We really believe this is dismantling and disrupting the drug trafficking and importation by criminals  it has been a huge success.

Asked whether the agencies had any estimate on the amount of drugs entering the country without being detected and seized, Mr Gilligan said: Were by no means saying were getting everything.

Were working very diligently, deploying new technologies, new risk analysis systems, our collaboration is extremely significant.

And obviously, if we knew what we werent getting, wed be getting it.

Revenue Customs official Sarah with sniffer dog Maggie (Gareth Chaney/PA)

Mr Gilligan said Revenue had invested significantly in risk analysis of routes and packages.

Revenue and gardai say they collaborate with national and international law enforcement partners in drug detection.

Customs officers use a variety of resources including dog teams and X-ray scanners.

Revenue warned those involved in trading illicit goods and products are using increasingly inventive and complex smuggling methods and concealment techniques.

There are projected to be 33 million passengers through the airport this year, while Revenue has processed almost four million customs declarations for cargo so far this year.

A record 302 million euro worth of drugs was ultimately seized by the end of 2023, following the high-profile seizure of 157 million euro of cocaine on board a cargo ship last September.
Kinahan cartel hitman Imre Arakas admits murder of Lithuanian MMA fighter for 50,000 fee

Arakas  who has been nicknamed The Butcher  is one of Europes most infamous criminals

Imre Arakas

Ken Foy and Robin Schiller Fri 13 Sep 2024 at 17:45







A hitman who once conspired to murder Hutch gangster James Mago Gately for the Kinahan cartel has pleaded guilty to the murder of a well-known MMA fighter in Lithuania and the attempted murder of another man.
The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

The father of Kinahan cartel kingpins Liam and David Byrne has been remembered as a hero to his family.

James Byrne (77), from Crumlin in Dublin, died in Tallaght Hospital on Saturday evening following a lengthy illness.

He was the father of David Byrne, who was shot dead in the Regency Hotel in February 2016, and Liam Byrne, who is due to go on trial in the UK later this month for organised crime-linked firearms and conspiracy charges, and could not be present at the funeral as a result.

Byrne, also known as Jaws and Jemmy, was a self-described criminal with links to Martin The General Cahill and was an armed robber in his younger days.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 13th

He was also well known for involvement in fraud and counterfeiting and was targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) and Revenue around the turn of the millennium.

He is survived by his wife Sadie and children James, Joanne, Melanie, Maria, and Liam, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren and a wide circle of family and friends.

Byrnes coffin was brought into St Catherines Church in Meath Street in Dublin, to the song Circles by Frank Sinatra.

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

Liam Byrnes son Lee thanked the doctors, nurses and staff in Tallaght Hospital, especially the hospitals renal team, for making his grandfather comfortable in his last few weeks.

He taught us all values, from his own children to his own grandchildren, that we all stick together and always watch out for one another, he said.

He was as happiest when we were all together, whether it was for a favourite holiday, Christmas, birthdays or a Liverpool match, he was a true reds supporter.

You gave us all your love, life, memories, and morals to be the men, women and people that we are today.

He added: Over the last few weeks it was very hard for me. He was very sick, but all he was worried about was my Da. He asked the doctors to please make him better again until September. Well, Grandad, you got to September and you never gave up the fight.

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

Speaking about his father, Liam, in custody in the UK, Lee said: My Da has asked me to say these few words, as you all know how close they both were. I even get a little jealous sometimes. They had a bond that could never be broken. They were inseparable. Hes so so sorry he can't be here today, especially to support my nanny who he also adores.

Addressing his grandmother Sadie, he said: My Da has asked us to stand up and do a minutes silence, and later, we'll raise a toast to the man we loved the most  your husband, Jemmy.

This is from my dad. He said: 'You're my hero. Love you always. To Jemmy Byrne  You'll never walk alone.

The mourners then stood while the song The Wind Beneath My Wings played.

Prayers were also said for Regency Hotel shooting victim David.

Symbols brought to the altar to represent James Byrnes life included his glasses and a Lotto ticket, the TV remote control, and a family photograph.

After requiem mass burial took place in Mount Jerome cemetery.
A man and two women have been arrested after 181,000 worth of cannabis was seized in the Kilkenny area earlier today.

The man, aged in his 30s and the women, including one aged in her 20s and the other in her 30s, are currently detained at a garda station in Co Kilkenny this evening.

It follows an operation conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), Carlow/Kilkenny District Drug Unit and Revenues Customs Service

A garda spokesperson said the intelligence-led operation was carried out by Revenue officers who seized approximately 9.06kgs of herbal cannabis

One male (aged in his 30s) and two females, (aged in their 20s and 30s) were arrested by An Garda Siochana and are currently being detained at a Garda Station in County Kilkenny under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996, a garda spokesperson said.

Investigations remain ongoing.
The Aurora on Thursday night from Rosses point, Sligo, Ireland. Photo: X via @auroraalertsIRE

The Northern Lights could be seen across parts of Ireland last night as hues of green, pink and purple lit up the sky.

The sight could be viewed due to the solar geomagnetic storm.

Lucky observers could admire the aurora borealis in some parts of the country, in particular in the northwestern areas.

The natural phenomenon was noted last night in counties Sligo, Kerry, Louth, Galway, Dublin, Donegal and Cork.

The hues of green and pink were also seen in the North  particualrly in Co Fermanagh and Co Tyrone.

Observers in the UK could also spot the Northern Lights in parts of Scotland, England and Wales.

The natural light display, also known as the aurora borealis, is the result of collisions between gas particles in our atmosphere and charged particles ejected from the sun's atmosphere.

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Many social media users were sharing spectacular sightings of the aurora borealis across the country on X, formerly Twitter.

Pictures of the Northern Lights were captured in Rosses Point, Co Sligo, Knockbridge, Co Louth, Connemara, Co Galway, Ardee Bog, Co Louth, Youghal, Co Cork or Burrow Beach in Dublin.

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Although predictions suggest the lights could still be visible tonight, unfavourable weather might prevent Ireland from seeing it tonight.

Met Eireann meteorologist Liz Walsh said that Ireland probably will not be able to see the phenomenon due to cloudy skies.

We're looking at most cloudy conditions tonight, with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, so probably unlikely that many would see any kind of aurora from that, she told the Irish Independent.

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People in many parts of the country were able to spot the display last night due to clear skies and good weather on Thursday night.

There were clear skies last night and it was viewable. There was a geomagnetic storm, said Ms Walsh.

It looks like there's probably aurora visible in northern and northwestern parts of Ireland.

"But unfortunately, it looks like it's going to be mostly cloudy tonight, so people probably wouldn't be able to see it but it is happening, she added.

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Meanwhile, the Met Office in the UK has confirmed that two coronal mass ejections arrived on Thursday, leading to a period of geomagnetic activity.

Residual activity is ongoing on early Friday morning, with aurora potentially visible across northern Scotland, the MET Office said.

"Another coronal mass ejection arrival overnight Friday into Saturday brings a chance of further visible Aurora to northern areas of the UK, primarily Scotland.

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New guidelines are being developed around the medical care and surgery carried out on intersex infants born in Ireland, it has emerged.

Childrens Health Ireland (CHI), overseeing the childrens hospitals, confirmed in a parliamentary response to a question by former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that safe and well-accepted national guidelines are currently being developed to standardise the management of these children.

Intersex is an umbrella term used to describe people born with sex characteristics that do not fit into the typical notions of female or male bodies.

In its response to Mr Varadkar, CHI said the term intersex along with pseudo-hermaphroditism, hermaphroditism, sex reversal and gender-based diagnostic labels is particularly controversial.

It said the terms are perceived as potentially pejorative by patients, and many prefer not to be referred to as people with intersex, or intersex people or infants.

In the past two years, CHI has joined the Disorders of Sex Development International (DSD) registry, and as part of this is taking part in a surveillance study of gonadectomy  a generic term referring to the surgical removal of either the testes in males or the ovaries in females.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 13th

It was awarded a research grant by the Irish Research Council to look at data on gonadoblastoma, a rare tumour found in the testicles and ovaries.

There are three to four multidisciplinary DSD clinics per year where cases from across the country can be discussed.

In light of recent changes in clinical recommendations as well as active ethical issues, the decision to proceed with any surgical intervention involves detailed robust multi-disciplinary discussion on an individual basis to fully inform and involve the patient or family in the decision-making process.

Research by Dublin City University in recent years looked at the experience of people whose bodies were born different and who were then termed intersex.

The United Nations estimates that between 0.5pc and 1.7pc of the global population have an intersex variation.

To date, public awareness of the topic of intersex has been limited as it is a largely unknown issue within Irish society. The research team highlighted that being intersex does not ordinarily impair a persons life or physical health.

The researchers concluded that at its core, being intersex is about being human. Being intersex and having a variation of ones sex characteristics is a highly diverse experience.
New rules around the use of drugs to treat certain forms of infections in animals will add to the problem of resistance where the medicine is no longer effective, vets warned today.

Veterinary Ireland was responding to regulations signed this week to give effect to the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Act.

The vets warned the issue of anti-parasitic resistance is a worldwide phenomenon and is both a public health issue as well as being an increasingly serious issue for the agri-food industry in Ireland. It leaves animals more at risk of not being treated.

The ability to farm livestock on grazing systems is only possible where parasitic disease can be managed effectively, said the organisation representing vets.

It previously said that an assessment form could be filled out by a retailer and sent to a vet who would then write the prescription for the animals requiring the anti-parasitic without talking directly to the farmer.

It would also allow for prescription-exempt vaccines to be supplied through retail premises  licensed merchants and co-ops  without the involvement of a vet or a pharmacist

Conor Geraghty, chair of the Veterinary Ireland medicines working group, said: To address the issue of resistance we must ensure that the right product is given to the right animals at the right time.

He added that the gateway is through proper, scientific farm-specific advice from the farmers vet where a Client-Patient-Practice-Relationship (CPPR) is in existence.

This advice must be ongoing and monitored, take account of farm specific issues such as epidemiology, pharmacology, the clinical picture, stocking densities, buying policy and local factors.

The regulations allowing for an alternative distance-prescribing arrangement for anti-parasitic veterinary medicines has undermined our ability to address the growing challenge of anti-parasitic resistance in Ireland.

The Minister for Agriculture through the inclusion of an alternative Proper Assessment Protocol for the prescribing of anti-parasitic veterinary medicines in the regulations has downgraded the prescribing of anti-parasitic veterinary medicines in order to address a perceived commercial issue.

Mr Geraghty said: It is vital that farmers engage with their own vet to get proper tailored advice on dosing arrangements, and this will result in farmers using less anti-parasitic veterinary medicines, savings to famers and improved productivity and profit, whilst addressing resistance.

Veterinary Ireland called on the Minister to do all in his power to support this engagement between farmers and their vets.

Hazell Mullins, President of Veterinary Ireland, added that the definition of 24-hour cover in the regulations presents a real risk to the level of veterinary service that animal owners in Ireland have been accustomed to up until now.

Under these regulations, the prescribing vet who has no knowledge of the farm will only have to provide cover for an adverse reaction to the treatment prescribed.

Cork vet Bill Cashman said the wrong use of anti-parasitic drugs in animals runs the risk of them becoming vulnerable to more parasitic diseases and they will be more prone to infection which need antibiotics.

This can feed in to the problem of antibiotic resistance which is major problem for human health.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has said it is vital that appropriate veterinary expertise is brought to bear when it comes to prescribing medicines, but equally that farmers have access to these medicines from a variety of supply channels at reasonable cost. I am satisfied that these regulations achieve those objectives.
PSNI believes that jealous rivals hired a hitman to shoot victim in his home

A reward of 20,000 (23k) has been offered for information that leads to a conviction after the murder of a farmer by a suspected hitman 20 years ago today.

Patrick Devine (51), who was also a part-time nurse, was found shot dead in his home on Mullintill Road, Claudy, Co Derry on Monday, September 13, 2004.

Despite extensive police enquiries and the arrest of five people, no one has been held accountable.

Mr Devine was one of the largest sheep farmers here and had been eating a meal close to a window when he was shot nine times.

It was previously reported police believe professional jealousy led to a group of farmers paying for an INLA gunman to kill Mr Devine.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson said: It is now 20 years since Patricks life was taken from him in a brutal and calculated manner, and his familys wait for justice has gone on for far too long.

Mr Devine was well-known in the area, especially for his farming activities, and also for his work as a nurse. We believe that some people resented his success.

It is still the view of police that Patrick was the victim of a contract killing carried out by an organised crime group with paramilitary links against a background of rumours of alleged sheep stealing and land disputes, although Mr Devine himself had a clear criminal record.

On this, the 20th anniversary of his murder, we are appealing to the community for their assistance and help.

I am asking people to think about what happened to Patrick 20 years ago and the brutal circumstances of his death  he was shot several times in the head and chest as he was having a meal in his home.

The individuals who did this are dangerous, ruthless and unfortunately have never been held accountable. I am appealing to anyone who knows anything about Patricks murder to come forward, talk to us and help us end the pain which his family has endured for all these years.

In the 20 years since Patricks murder, circumstances and allegiances may have changed. If anyone now feels they are able to talk to us, we are here and ready to listen, and you can contact us on 101.

Crimestoppers are offering a reward, and Im keen to stress that the charity guarantees everyone who contacts them via their website or on the phone stays completely anonymous.

In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph shortly after Mr Devines murder, his mother said she was heartbroken.

He was a good son. I loved Patrick and Patrick loved me, she said, adding: Patricks brother died of leukaemia when he was 12 and then his sister died of multiple sclerosis at 23. Ive seen a lot of heartache in my time.

Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to 20,000 (23k) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Patricks murder.

The reward is only payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers, rather than to police. With Crimestoppers, computer IP addresses are never traced, telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display, and no 1471 facility.

Contact www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call the charitys 24/7 contact centre on 0800 555 111.
Taoiseach Simon Harris will emphasise his commitment to strengthening north-south co-operation when he chairs a meeting with the Northern Ireland Executive today.

Northern Ireland 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.

Mr Harris will lead the 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 will focus on areas of mutual interest and ongoing co-operation through restored north-south bodies.

Mr Harris said the meeting is an opportunity to explore practical areas of collaboration with between the governments either side of the border.

Arriving in Dublin Castle this morning, the Taoiseach said the meeting was taking place during a difficult time internationally, but when relations across the border and with the Britain were positive.

We of course have much to discuss, including around the New Decade New Approach commitments including around economic issues, and also topics around climate change and biodiversity.

I think this meeting takes place during a difficult geopolitical time, but against a very positive background in terms of North/South relations and indeed in terms of British and Irish relations, the Taoiseach said.

Of course only last Saturday I had the pleasure of hosting the British Prime Minister here in Dublin, in Farmleigh where we agreed a reset of Anglo Irish relations but also agreed a work programme in terms of what that reset looks like.

Today from a North/South dimension, its of course an opportunity to explore the practical areas of collaboration, so Im looking forward to getting on with the work.

Mr Harris said: 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.

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.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 13th
The secret history of Irish food: Everything from wines and olives to spices have been here for thousands of years

Our culinary past has never been very sexy but theres more to it than potatoes. From our ancestors adventurous tastes to the iconic Grogans toastie, a new book offers a more nuanced take on how the nation ate

The oyster vendor Peter McKevitt, Carlingford, Co Louth. Photo: Maurice Curtin, c. 1950, from 'Irish Food History: A Companion'

Katy McGuinness Fri 13 Sep 2024 at 03:30

If youve never given much thought to Irish food history beyond the tropes of bacon and cabbage and  of course  potatoes, it may come as a surprise to learn that, in 1604, a French recipe for Leg of mutton roasted in the Irish way by one Lancelot de Casteau suggests marinating the meat in vinegar, studding it with cloves of garlic and finger-length pieces of cinnamon, sprinkle with sage and marjoram.
The ferry is a time-warp tunnel. About 15km from the mainland, I step on to a shape-shifting world of myth, history and the here and now. Ive come to Tory Island, off Donegal, to attend Irish classes for a week and to write. The house Im staying in is whitewashed and has a blue door. It overlooks the small harbour and is next to the old graveyard.
Had it been a tennis game, the umpire would have intoned: Advantage Ms Harris. But the big presidential debate still did not deliver a killer blow in a presidential election that still looks like being decided by 200,000 voters in six battleground states.

Let us recall that the previous two elections came down to about 100,000 voters in three states. That of itself is an extraordinary thought for a vast country of over 341 million people.

The Democratic Party strategists are now ebullient and have challenged Donald Trumps camp to another debate; the right-leaning Fox News has also issued debate invitations.

It remains unclear whether Mr Trump will sign up for a re-match. By some assessments, it would appear not worth the risk.

Most of the worlds commentators were impressed by the debate performance of Democratic contender and US vice-president Kamala Harris. She has done well since a very late call-up in July, when it became abundantly clear that Joe Biden would not be able for the campaign rigours.

From the start, when she purposefully went up and shook Republican Donald Trumps hand by way of a first ever introduction, Ms Harris went on the attack and made every effort to get under the skin of her extraordinary rival.

There are 53 days left to polling day, which means anything could happen

The former Republican president of 2016 to 2020 was the Donald Trump the world has come to know and puzzle over, with some extraordinary comments and innuendos that few if any other politicians would get away with. He remained long on outlandish bluster and short on the detailed preparation on which Ms Harris honed her career as a lawyer.

Mr Trump cited his relationships with Viktor Orban of Hungary, Kim Jong Un of North Korea and Russian president Vladimir Putin. Ms Harris styled this as an effort to disguise the reality that, for most mainstream global leaders, he was in fact a figure of fun.

Given the extra-close links between Ireland and the United States, Irish political leaders will continue to ponder this remarkable campaign, right up to polling day on November 5. In most political offices in Dublin, fervent prayers will be said, pleading with the fates not to return the Donald Mark II; but Irish leaders must face that prospect and plan strategies to deal with it.

During 105 minutes of verbal over and back, Ms Harris and Mr Trump disagreed fiercely on issues ranging from abortion to the economy and immigration to the war in Ukraine.

However, often throughout the proceedings, Mr Trump found himself on the defensive, depending more on flagging his own record of achievements in office, rather than attacking the flaws in the vice-presidents record and campaign promises.

There are 53 days left to polling day, which means anything could happen in this tightest of campaigns. It remains too close to call, and the return of Mr Trump to the Oval Office is a persistent possibility.
Once upon a time, a Sunday in Ireland guaranteed three things, a mandatory mass appointment at the local church, a roast dinner at home with all the family and last, but by no means least, Glenroe.

First broadcast in September 1983, Glenroe quickly became a household name in Ireland, thanks to its charming depiction of rural life - and the occasional scandal.

The soap opera dominated a niche corner of Irish pop culture and attracted a healthy viewership. Sadly, all things must end, and by the turn of the century the axe loomed.

Why did Glenroe get the bullet? What is the shows legacy? And should it ever return to our screens?

Today on the Indo Daily, Fionnan Sheahan is joined by Sarah Caden, columnist with the Sunday Independent, to talk evening TV rituals, rural Ireland, and rolls in the hay.
The showing of the documentary will be followed by a Q&A session with the films director Ross Killeen and its subject, street artist Asbestos

'Don't Forget to Remember' follows street artist Asbestos and his family as they navigate his mothers Alzheimers diagnosis and cope with her fading memories.

A special screening of the acclaimed documentary Dont Forget to Remember will take place at Triskel Arts Centre at 6.30pm on Sunday, September, 15.

The film was directed by Ross Killeen in collaboration with renowned street artist Asbestos. It follows the artist and his family as they navigate his mothers Alzheimers diagnosis and cope with her fading memories.

The documentary is said to be a moving portrait of one womans memory loss and a celebration of family bonds in the face of adversity. Also explored in the work is Asbestos artistic process and the role art can play in healing during lifes most challenging moments.

The showing of the documentary will be followed by a Q&A session with the films director, Ross Killeen, and renowned street artist Asbestos.

This special screening is part of a series of events and initiatives aimed at enhancing Cork night-time economy and encouraging greater participation and engagement after 6 pm.

Film director Ross Killeen said he is delighted that the documentary has the chance to be seen by a wider audience.

Making this documentary was a labour of love. Both myself and Asbestos are eager to encourage wider conversations about family bonds, memory, and how some connections can never be diminished, Ross said.

Artist Asbestos also spoke ahead of the screening.

Making chalk drawings of my Mums memories, putting them on the street and asking the public to destroy them seems terrifying and extreme. Yet the act of making the drawings, and talking about each of these memories, has cemented them firmer in my mind, more than I could imagine. As much as the drawings can be destroyed, the memories live on," he said.

Night time economy advisor for Cork City, Fiona Collins, said that under the Night Time Economy Action Plan, there is a commitment to support events that are inclusive and engaging.

The screening is an opportunity for people of all ages to gather in our city and interact with a beautiful documentary. In addition, there will be a panel on the Sunday evening to engage in a wider conversation about Alzheimers and dementia and to create greater awareness around the impact it has on the many individuals and families who are living with it, Fiona said.

The film screening has been organised by Cork City Council Night Time and the Department of Tourism in partnership with Triskel Arts Centre and Motherland.
The concert will feature performances from Cork choir Viva Voce with musical director Bernadette Kiely as well as special guests Celtic Grace and other acts

The concert will be held at Aula Maxima in UCC later this month.

A free concert will be held at UCC to mark the first anniversary of the Voices of Recovery initiative later this month.

Voices of Recovery is led by people in recovery from alcohol addiction and aims amplify their voices to remove the stigma of addiction, advocate for better services for those impacted by alcohol and ensure lived experience is included in alcohol policy making.

The concert will feature performances from Cork choir Viva Voce with musical director Bernadette Kiely as well as special guests Celtic Grace and other acts.

The event will also see Voices of Recovery launch its new policy document, detailing its 10 key policy objectives around areas such as better alcohol treatment services, curbs on alcohol marketing, education and holding alcohol industry to account for the harm its product causes.

Tickets for the event, which will take place from 7.30pm to 9pm at the Aula Maxima in UCC on Sunday, September 29 are free but must be booked on Eventbrite here.
A Cork TD said the vehicle will help to meet the essential transport needs of people with mobility issues and cancer care patients

Cork North-West TD Aindrias Moynihan has welcomed an allocation of 52,000 to support the purchase of a wheelchair adapted vehicle for Dunmanway Family Resource Centre.

Deputy Moynihan said the allocation has been provided under measure two of the CLAR programme, which provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas.

The Fianna Fail representative said he is delighted that Dunmanway Family Resource Centre is in line for the funding for a wheelchair adapted vehicle.

This will be such a help, it will help to meet the essential transport needs of people with mobility issues and cancer care patients, Deputy Moynihan said.

"It is so important that we continue to support the most vulnerable in our communities, and by allocating funding to where it is needed, such as essential transport in this case, we can continue to make a difference for those people most in need."
The damage caused to the ceiling of the former library building in Inchicore from a burst pipe in 2022

Work to reopen a damaged former library building in Inchicore is making progress, according to a local councillor.

Dublin City Council has confirmed plans with the Inchicore Library Advisory Group, which includes residents and councillors, to renovate the building and install a lift.

Following a meeting with the advisory group, Sinn Fein councillor Maire Devine said: The good news is that a report has confirmed the planning is approved, and we dont need to make significant changes to ensure universal access.

Now, were just waiting for a schedule of works to be provided. In the meantime, who is going to use this building?

We have lots of community groups displaced by the closure of facilities for arts, culture, education and heritage, and everyone is eager to share their opinions and requests for the buildings future use, ensuring its divided equitably.

The library originally closed in March 2020, with services relocated elsewhere. Since then, the building has fallen into disrepair and the buildings roof collapsed due to a burst pipe in 2022.

Dublin City Council initially planned to install a ramp to improve accessibility for all. In 2020, councillors approved a proposal to refurbish the building, add an extension, and improve accessibility with a ramp and platform lift.

However, the works were delayed when the council couldnt commit to the quoted prices for the project. In the meantime, a temporary library has been set up at Richmond Barracks.

A report in April said architects were reviewing existing plans to make the building accessible while maintaining its historic character. They intend to stay within the councils approved planning permissions and have re-engaged with the previous design team to manage costs.

Cllr Devine said the councils current approach allows for changes without needing new planning approval. Instead of building a ramp at the front, they plan to install a lift at the side of the building.

In April, the council also launched a study to assess the future of the library and nearby buildings, though the findings have yet to be shared.

Michael OFlanagan, secretary of the advisory group, says more than 10 different groups are interested in using the space, with some hoping to hold week-long exhibitions.

Discussions are still ongoing regarding who will manage the building. One proposal suggests reopening the library as an educational facility run by the Dublin 8 Community Education Centre (D8CEC).

Their plan is to use the building from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, dividing the building into two rooms. After 5pm and on weekends, the space would be available at community rates for local groups and activities such as dance, yoga and art exhibitions.

Dublin City Council has been contacted for comment.
Fencing was erected along the Grand Canal to prevent people setting up tents. Pic: Gerry Mooney

Waterways Ireland has confirmed it has introduced 24-hour security patrols along the Grand Canal in Dublin to ensure no encampments are set up in the area.

The organisation described the security patrols as a pilot programme that will hopefully allow it to remove the barriers along the canal, which have been in place since May.

A spokesperson for Waterways Ireland said the enhanced monitoring will be kept under review.

It is part of Waterways Irelands efforts to fully reopen the canal amenity. Waterways Ireland remains seriously concerned for the safety and health of people staying in tents by the canal, they added.

The spokesperson said they had met with representatives of local residents groups to listen to their concerns and to discuss how they may fully reopen the canal amenity.

In order to achieve this, a number of options are being explored, including the acceleration of a landscaping and biodiversity programme of works, Waterways Ireland said.

Two security personnel are currently working on behalf of Waterways Ireland, patrolling the area on a 24-hour basis.

Waterways Ireland said this is to ensure health and safety and public health risks remain mitigated.

The measure will also help them notify gardai of any issues in real time, to ascertain the pattern of when and how many encampments are taking place, and to advise any arrivals of the prohibition on staying in tents by the canal.

Waterways Ireland declined to comment on the cost of the pilot programme, which involves having two security personnel monitoring the Grand Canal on a 24-hour basis.

The company previously confirmed it had received over 106 informal complaints regarding the fencing along the canal since their erection in May. The barriers cost approximately 6,560 per week to maintain, or roughly 26,000 per month.

Topics of the complaints include notifying Waterways Ireland of the presence of tents, requesting the removal of tents, requesting removal of fencing, reporting damage to the barriers, concerns about loss of amenity value, and queries about the schedule for the removal and replacement of the barriers with other solutions.
20-year-old Siobhan Kelleher turns personal struggle into annual fundraiser, providing comfort and support to those battling eating disorders across Ireland

.A young Galway woman has spoken of her recovery from anorexia and how she started fundraising through her annual Sunflower Project to help young people who are fighting eating disorders all over Ireland.

20-year-old Siobhan Kelleher explained to the Irish Independent that she had struggled with her body image for a long time.

Siobhan said: I dealt with poor body image for a lot of my life, it was a very constant thing in my life.

Everything around my eating disorder was about making myself smaller than I was in any way that I could.

I grew up in Boston and I moved home when I was 13, and I think it was quite a traumatic move for me. I found it really hard to make friends, to feel accepted, and my eating disorder just spiralled from there.

And of course when the pandemic hit a few years later it was the perfect opportunity for me to indulge those very self-destructive behaviours. In 2020 I hit the lowest point of my eating disorder.

She added: The hardest thing I found about my eating disorder was feeling so alone all the time. And the more lonely and isolated you feel the more you can indulge those behaviours and the more you feel like you have to because thats all you have.

Siobhan was treated at Merlin Park Regional Hospital for five months and was then an outpatient for two years. Four years since she began treatment, the Tuam woman explained that recovering from an eating disorder is not a linear journey.

The treatment I was receiving was very difficult, but I actually dont think Id be here right now if it wasnt for the treatment that Ive received.

Its been quite the journey and I definitely cant say that it has been linear. I think a lot of people expect that once you leave treatment everything will be fine again and you have been fixed, and I thought that as well. Ive had lapses, Ive had hiccups in my recovery, but what really stood with me is realising that its a lot easier to accept who you are right now than spend your entire life trying to change.

The minute I started allowing myself to accept myself was when I really saw a huge improvement in my recovery.

As she recovered, Siobhan decided to fundraise and help other young people in eating disorder treatments. So in 2021 she created and donated Christmas hampers to patients in psych units in Ireland over the festive season.

Siobhan and the team of volunteers packing hampers in 2023

The initiative has been a success and Siobhan has kept making hampers and fundraising every year since, donating the rest of the funds to the eating disorder organisation Bodywhys.

She said: It has been incredible to be able to give back to that unit, and to come back every Christmas.

I wasnt able to go home for Christmas day, and that was incredibly difficult at the time.

But as difficult a time in my life as that was, I was also shown so much kindness and so much care, so its definitely a rewarding feeling.

The hampers include fuzzy socks and other cosy items; face masks, personal care and hygiene bits; as well as mindfulness colouring books, self-care journals, books and little painting sets.

Siobhan explained: I study psychology and a huge thing that Ive learnt is in order to have good mental health you need to engage with your creative and more intuitive side. So all those mindfulness colouring books, journaling, are great for getting you back to a version of yourself who is thinking beyond just your anxious thoughts. So I like to include anything creative like that.

With her gesture, Siobhan hopes to help many other teenagers and young people to feel better as she added nobody should have to go through that.

Life is so full when you just accept yourself for who you are. Theres so much life has to offer outside of being the smallest version of yourself

The 20-year-old said: It takes so much more away from you than you will ever be able to understand when you first start. When you first start indulging in an eating disorder behaviour you think its harmless, Im just trying to lose a few pounds, or Im just trying to fit this size.

Its going to take so much and its never just a few pounds. It feels very belittling to say its not worth it, but truthfully, its not worth it.

As much as Im confident and happy in my recovery I have long-term chronic health issues that I probably have to deal with for the rest of my life because of my eating disorder. And thats been so hard for me to accept, that I have chronic fatigue, I have anxiety, and Im still going to therapy to resolve some issue that came about while I was sick.

Life is so full when you just accept yourself for who you are. Theres so much life has to offer outside of being the smallest version of yourself that you can be.

Siobhan and a friend delivering hampers

Over the years, the fundraiser has expanded and became a bigger project Siobhan named The Sunflower Project, with more and more volunteers helping her every year.

Explaining the story behind the projects name, she said: When there is no sun in the sky, sunflowers actually turn towards each other, and kind of lean against each other and get their sun energy through that. Ive always thought that was such a beautiful testament, leaning on one another. Its a nice symbol for the project.

This year the project has expanded even more and there is much in the pipeline from September to December.

Siobhan explained: This year Im doing a daily sea swim for the month of September. Its great for your mental health and it was an idea I had because I was never able to go to the sea when I was sick because my body was quite weak so it could have gone to cold water shock and I had an exercise and movement plan that I had to stick to, so it was never something that I was allowed to do.

Its kind of a testament of how far you can come from being so ill.

So thats how Im starting the fundraising and then further on I will be fundraising until December 31. Were in the process of planning a few live music events, a few community events, a continual fundraiser though group activities which I love.

To follow Siobhans fundraiser you can check her Go Fund Me and her Instagram page.

Helplines: If you have been affected by the contents of this article, click here for more information.
Evangeline Sapon Musch tragically died after she was swept out to sea off the coast of the Italian island

Tributes have been made to a Kildare grandmother who drowned off the coast of the Italian island of Sardinia while on holiday.

Evangeline Sapon Musch, a member of the Filipino community who was living in Athy, Co Kildare, tragically died after she was swept out to sea on Tuesday September 10.

Her body was recovered from the water near the village of Portu Maga.

Evangeline, who was a mother-of-four and grandmother to six grandchildren, worked as a nurse in St. Vincents Hospital in Athy.

Her colleagues from St. Vincents paid tribute to a woman who was always smiling.

"Our deepest sympathy to Evangelines family and friends. She was a true lady and was always smiling. She will be sadly missed by all the staff and fellow colleagues. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Family of Evangelines former patients have also remembered her as a kind and caring person who looked after them in their darkness hour.

"So sorry to hear this sad news. You were such a kind, gentle, caring person who looked after our mother/mother-in-law/grandmother and you showed such empathy in our darkness hour. May you rest in peace. Amen.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 13th

A daughter of another former patient added: Sincere sympathy to Evangeline's partner, family, friends and work colleagues at St. Vincents Hospital Athy.

"We have been privileged to have received the devoted care and love of this beloved lady when she, along with her nursing colleagues, attended to my late father prior to his passing. For that we are eternally grateful. May Evangeline now rest in the care of the Lord.

It is understood the woman drowned after she was swept out to sea on Tuesday evening. 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 39-year-old Kilkenny hiker John Bergin in Sardinia last Friday afternoon, in a separate incident.

Evangelines funeral details are yet to be announced.
People Before Profit have selected Dundalks James Renaghan to be their General Election candidate, for Louth.

A former Dundalk FC youth player, James worked in finance but returned to college and is now graduating with a Masters in Politics, completing his dissertation on Young People and the Labour Movement.

James was a student housing activist with the National Student Action Group and has been involved in Action For Palestine Ireland.

He is a co-founder of the Rank & File Collective which creates protest art against homelessness.

More recently, he has been a leading member of Dundalk Communities United, an anti-racist grassroots initiative seeking to build community solidarity whilst agitating against what the movement sees as government neglect.

Speaking on his motivation for running in the next General Election, James said: My dad is a security guard and my mam is a cleaner. Having grown up in one of many diverse, working-class housing estates in Dundalk and experiencing how we have been continuously neglected by successive governments, has encouraged me to run on behalf of our areas.

"I worked in finance for years and saw how inhumane it all is. I was saving up to return to college whilst friends emigrated.

"The genocide in Palestine was a radicalising moment, for me. The same imperialist system that brutalises the Palestinians is the same system that keeps working-class people here in poverty.

The People Before Profit candidate added: The long-standing social issues in Ireland are caused by the profound levels of inequality within society.

"People are trying to divide working class areas in Dundalk on this issue, scapegoating migrants and not the rich. I was dismayed at loyalist collaborators being welcomed down to Dundalk to protest against refugees after the devastation caused by loyalism in the north of Ireland and here in the town, in the 70s.

Setting out his stall for the election, James said: "Working-class people need to unite and fight like we did on the water charges, join a trade union and build back community that has been lost over the austerity years.

James intends to use the election as a platform for socialist politics, calling for the banning of vulture funds, the establishment of a state construction company to build public housing and seriously tackling property dereliction.

He wants to cut Irish ties with what he called US imperialism by ending the US military use of Shannon Airport and abolishing the anti-worker 1990 Industrial Relations Act to give power back to workers.
Deputy Frank Feighan has been informed by Education Minister Norma Foley Minister that funding has been granted to the college for a three additional classroom extension under the additional School Accommodation scheme 2024.

The extension comprises of one new mainstream classroom alongside two special education teaching rooms for one-to-one teaching or group work.

I am delighted to see this much needed extra classroom provision for the Corran College which provides for both the extra additional educational needs for children and caters for the growing young student population in and around Ballymote town.

I want to compliment the principal and board of management for an excellent application. I hope that work can begin in getting the tender documents prepared and out to ensure work can commence early next year, concluded Deputy Feighan.
Over 60 Ryanair passengers who were due to fly to Ireland West Airport on Wednesday were left behind in Lanzarote.

A Sligo woman who was among the 66 Ryanair passengers who were left behind at Lanzarote Airport has told how her holiday ended in absolute carnage.

Up to 66 passengers who had booked to fly from Cesar Manrique Airport in Lanzarote into Ireland West Airport in Co Mayo at 1pm on Wednesday were left behind in the airport.

Many of the passengers were forced to book alternative flights for Wednesday evening, while a small number of passengers were unable to fly home until Thursday evening.

This resulted in an extra night in accommodation and arriving in an alternative airport to Ireland West Airport leading to a longer journey home once they landed in Ireland.

Among the affected passengers was Michelle Moran from Tubbercurry, Co Sligo.

Michelle explained her journey home from her holiday became a 23 hour nightmare between waiting for a flight and arriving in Sligo.

Michelle and her husband checked in at 9.40am on Wednesday morning for their flight home and were waiting at the non priority gate among the first in the queue.

Michelle explained that initially one policeperson was conducting the checks at passport control.

"It was completely carnage.

"We were firstly gobsmacked that we had missed the plane.

"We had already been through passport security at check in so what was going to change in the two hours waiting to get on the plane?

"One policeperson was doing the check in for passports - very slowly I might add  and they soon shut the window but then suddenly when people moved into the gate there were five of them.

"Surely five of them would have checked our passports in less time than it took to take our bags out?

"Still we were given no information that was of any help to any of us except to move out of the gate as soon as possible and return to arrivals to collect our bags, said Michelle.

Cesar Manrique Airport in Lanzarote

She explained that people then became panicked and were worried about when and how they would get home. Some of the impacted travellers included families with young children.

Michelle said hey received very little support or guidance during the ordeal.

"We were told we would all have to pay an extra 100 euro to get a departure flight, said Michelle.

"There were three Ryanair staff at the desk when all 66 of us arrived and then two left leaving one to handle this mess.

"Trust me, not everyone had the extra funds to hand and a good few had to make a call for help  God bless family and Revoult, said Michelle.

Michelle said the passengers have filed complaints with Ryanair, the airport and the police.

"We were at the stage of getting texts from Ryanair saying this is not their fault but our contract was with them to bring us home.

"We had arrived on time, checked in on time and then stood in queue to be actually turned away. People were queueing as soon as the gate number was issued but some of the people already had family on board with their luggage, said Michelle.

Michelle and her husband managed to get a flight home at 7.15pm on Wednesday night to Shannon Airport, while other impacted passengers were forced to wait until Thursday evening.

The couple had to pay for the flight home.

Michelle continued, "Our journey started on Wednesday in Lanzarote checking in at 945am after a lovely week and ended on Thursday, 24 hours later collecting our car in Knock.

"Unfortunately some people didn't get home that day.

"We got two seats for Shannon for 7.15pm but like everyone of us, it was left up to us to find our own way home.

We arrived in Shannon Airport at 12.15am with no availability of accommodation. We got the bus at 1.10am to Galway arriving at 2.30am.

"The only place open was Supermacs which we were very thankful for.

They were only open until 3am and the bus station was closed but our rescue came as a local hotel allowed us to wait in the lobby and gave us lovely tea until 6am.

"We then got the bus at 6am to Knock to collect our car.

I had rang Knock airport to explain about the car park. They were amazing  they just told us to collect a new parking ticket and they were very helpful, said Michelle.

The couple then drove home to Sligo after collecting their car.

Michelle said the couple were lucky to get a flight home on Wednesday as many of the passengers were left in Lanzarote for an extra unexpected night.

She also adds she is lucky to be able to work with technology and was able to sort their flights homes. She said the ordeal has left her baffled as to how 66 passengers were allowed to be left behind.

"Luckily, I had no small children with me and I am OK with online and phones but trust me not everyone is.

"Someone made that call to not allow 60 people already booked and checked in on this flight to be boarded so who was this person?

"This is just one story out of the 66 left totally abandoned by Ryanair.

Why do they insist we be there hours ahead of the flight but yet only allow 45 minutes to board a full flight?, concluded Michelle.

Ryanair said the issue arose as passengers missed their flight due to delays at the passport control station.

It is believed the border control desk was short staffed at the time of the flight.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 13th

A spokesperson for Ryanair said the issue was beyond the airlines control.

Due to passport control delays at Lanzarote Airport on September 11, a number of passengers missed this flight from Lanzarote to Knock.

Should these passengers have presented at the boarding gate desk before it closed, they would have boarded this flight alongside the 114 passengers who did present at the gate on time.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of these passport control delays at Lanzarote Airport, which are entirely beyond airlines control.

According to local news outlet La Voz, a complaint filed by a National Police officer states, "There was a delay in flight control, probably due to having only 50% of the staff at that boarding gate, to give priority to arrivals, in addition to a possible failure of the passport verification systems, which is becoming common.

Donal Healy, Knock Airport's Marketing and Communications Chief.

Donal Healy, Head of Aviation Business Development, Marketing and Communications at Ireland West Airport said the Airport is aware of the situation and will provide assistance to affected passengers where possible.

We are aware of the situation  whilst we dont have all the information to hand surrounding the exact circumstances of what caused the issue, the airport has no control unfortunately over what happens at other airports.

"We dont have access to passenger details who travel with Ryanair so we are extremely limited in what we can do to assist.

We are of course assisting all passengers who have parked vehicles at the airport ensuring they can collect them when they return and no extra charges will be imposed for any overstays.

We are on hand of course to assist in any means possible where we can, said Mr Healy.

Aena, which operates the airport in Lanzarote said passport control process is the responsibility of Police (Policia Nacional).

Aena guarantees the availability and management of infrastructure, but not the staff belonging to other stakeholders.

The local police have been contacted but did not respond at the time of publication.
Sean Roche, most commonly known by his stage name Lil Skag, held an energy-filled homecoming performance in his hometown of Enniscorthy recently.

Lil Skag had been residing in Berlin for the last few years, where he found his unique style in interweaving classic Irish wit with cultural references over addictive beats, but returned to Ireland just before Christmas. On the night of his Enniscorthy concert in the local rugby club, he was supported by opening act The Hugo Linn Experience, his favourite band.

He recently spoke to the Sunday World about how monumental the experience was abroad in his musical journey.

"Lil Skag wouldnt exist if it wasnt for Berlin and the freedom that gave me, but I came home to concentrate on the music. Rapping in your bedroom and writing songs is one thing, but performing is a total separate art form. I wanted to get comfortable on the stage and do as much gigging as I could, he said.

After building a following on Soundcloud, he came to prominence in 2023 after his first official single after Irish music publication, District Magazine, filmed a reaction video to the song across their social media platforms.

Since then Lil Skag, also referred to as Young Flames Joyce, has performed sold out shows in Dublin and Cork to enthusiastic fans and music lovers. One of his most popular songs is Caca Milis, which references the iconic short film featuring Brendan Gleeson that features on the Irish Leaving Certificate curriculum.

Lil Skag spoke previously about how natural it is for Irish people to become rappers as the culture is steeped in humour and history.

"I just think that Ireland is a country of born rappers were all sh*te talkers and were storytellers and I think there should be more of that style of rap, he said.

"A lot of my stuff is silly little one-liners, its all very quotable and its kind of comedy in rapping. I think as a nation we are born to do it, so Id like to see where I can take it. Ive got a lot of inspiration from my rural Irish fatherall the quotes that these auld lads from the countryside say. Theyre among the funniest people in the world. Thats very good for my inspiration, he added.

His most recent collaboration was with Tallaght rapper Curtisy called Usually and Lil Skags journey and further information about future performances can be found on his social media pages.
The kindness of the night nurses who cared for her mother during her last days was something Mary Farrell never forgot. Describing them as being like angels of mercy, the Kilmuckridge councillor was determined to do something to repay those nurses and the organisation they work for, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).

And when she heard about a novel fundraising initiative in Co Cork she knew she had found just the thing.

We lost our mam six years ago to cancer and the night nurses were incredible with us, I cant explain how good they were, they were like angels of mercy. We wanted to do something as a family to thank them, and during a visit to Cork I heard about an initiative someone had set up there where they planted sunflowers and raised money for one of the hospices in the area.

I thought to myself, this is something Id like to do in Wexford, I spoke to Shay Hammill  their family has also been touched by cancer  and he thought it was a fantastic idea. He donated a field for us to plant the sunflowers, Tirlan sponsored the seeds, the farmers planted and ploughed them, we had a community meeting and it just took off.

With round the clock assistance from local volunteers, Mary and all those involved in the project nourished and cherished the sunflowers until they began to bloom in August.

We had people weeding the field, minding it, the local farmers were brilliant, no matter what we asked of them they were happy to do it, said Mary. At this point we ran our pick and donate fundraiser and notified people online. It took off, people began posting pictures, sharing their stories about cancer, a 10-year-old who had recently rung the bell in Crumlin came and picked a flower, people left money in a sealed box, tapped their cards, or donated online.

As a result of the campaign a total of 24,000 has been raised, 20,000 of which has been donated to the ICS with 1,000 each going towards Kilmuckridge Memorial Hall, Kilmuckridge Tidy Towns, the local community first responders, and the senior citizens group.

Reflecting on an initiative which has done more than just raise funds for deserving charities, the organising committee said, We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers who have gone above and beyond, surpassing all expectations to make this project a reality. Your warm welcomes, compassionate conversations, and unwavering commitment have made this project truly unforgettable.

Weve raised crucial funds for the Irish Cancer Society and our selected local charities, but more than that, we also created a space for reflection, connection, and community. To the many visitors who travelled from near and far, thank you for supporting this cause and for sharing your stories, memories, and positivity. Your presence reminded us just how deeply cancer touches so many lives, and your words made this project even more meaningful.

We are humbled by the impact we've made together, and we cant wait to bring this project back next year.
One of the oldest music festival in the country, Kilcoole Music Festival, returns again for 2024 after celebrating a milestone 65 years in 2023, and is now seeking entrants for this prestigious competition.

The event was founded by district nurse Mary Kieran in 1955, when it ran for just half-a-day back then, but it has now grown to become a six-day event of vocal, choral, instrumental and orchestra music, along with speech and drama too. Tom and Maura Kilbride, from Kilquade, ran the Kilcoole Music Festival for many years and were instrumental in keeping it alive for generations to come.

Festival committee member Mary Hanley said that once again, the hope is to boost entries, especially from local schools. The aim of the Kilcoole Music Festival is to provide a platform for children and adults to perform in public  and entrants are not limited to Wicklow. Last year, an amazingly high standard was set by some very talented young pianists in the piano solo under 10 competition, which was won by Oscar Liu from Athlone. In the classical guitar competition, the Under 19 Category was won by Cecilia Chiau from East Wall, Dublin.

In its most prestigious competition, the Tom Kilbride Perpetual Cup and the Maura Kilbride Perpetual Trophy, was won by Eliseba Thomas from Newbridge Vocal Academy. In the Under 16 and Under 19 Choral Competitions, there were choirs from Dublin, Wicklow and Offaly taking part.

Under 10 is the youngest competition, and entries flood in from from people aged six, seven and eight.

Youd be floored by the standard, she said. There are little kids getting up there, playing the piano, and theyre like little Mozarts.

This year the Kilcoole Music Festival will take place in Colaiste Chraobh Abhann, from November 15 to 17 and November 22 to 24. Applications are now open at: kilcoolemusicfestival.ie
Jo Whiley has said she cried all the time when going through the menopause (Mark Cant/Womens Health UK/PA)

BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley has said she cried all the time during the menopause and said a conversation wasnt being had about the process.

The 59-year-old praised former Big Brother presenter Davina McCall for starting a conversation about the issue through her campaigning, which has seen her present Davina McCall: Sex, Myths And The Menopause and support The Menopause Charity.

Whiley told Womens Health UK that going to the gym really saved me during that period of her life.

Jo Whiley also spoke about suffering from anxiety on stage (Mark Cant/Womens Health/PA)

Whiley said: I did go through a period of time when I felt like I was just a bit weak but I think its probably when the menopause hit.

When I was going through it, I think the conversation wasnt being had that vocally, like it wasnt on social media with Davina and her campaign. I really lost myself.

I cried all the time. I mean, I cry a lot anyway but I cried all the time.

I just felt very weak, and going to the gym and getting myself strong has played a really, really big part in helping me be the person I am today. It really saved me.

Whiley also spoke about the anxiety she used to suffer from on stage and added it was ruining my life.

The BBC Glastonbury presenter said: Its taken a lot of personal development to get me on that stage in front of those people.

Its been really hard, I remember doing one gig, and I was just so scared, I thought, I cant go on like this. This is ridiculous. Its ruining my life because Im just such a ball of anxiety.

I realised how happy its making people when I do these gigs and the audience that Im playing to is why I do what Im doing, that was a game changer.

She went on to say that the lads mags era was a ludicrous time to be a woman.

Whiley added: There was so much objectification and judgment of women and their bodies.

It was a ludicrous time to be a woman but I just kept my head down and weathered the storm.

I think [the current generation of girls] is still dealing with a lot. There are so many crises and so much pressure and so much to worry about in the world.

But theres an army of [young] women who are fearless, absolutely fearless, and they take no prisoners, and they will be who they want to be. And its much healthier.

Despite her experiences, Whiley said she had enjoyed being part of the Britpop scene during the 1990s.

She added: I mean, the 90s, it was this hazy, lovely, summery Glastonbury (in June 1995).

Jo Whiley features on the cover of the upcoming edition of Womens Health UK (Mark Cant/Womens Health UK/PA)

I remember being in the backstage area, and I was doing the TV coverage, and there was Robbie (Williams), and hed got this red Adidas tracksuit on, hed got bleached blonde hair.

Jarvis (Cocker) was walking along with a carrier bag full of records and [I was] looking around, just going, oh my god, to be alive and to be part of all this scene. This is something.

The full Jo Whiley interview is available to read on the Womens Health website or in the magazine from September 17.
Irish designer Paul Costelloe marked 40 years of showing at London Fashion week with a collection inspired by the City of Love

Designer Paul Costelloe at his show in the Palm Court at the Waldorf hotel, central London, during London Fashion Week on Friday September 13, 2024. Photo: James Manning/PA Wire

Models on the catwalk during the Paul Costelloe show in the Palm Court at the Waldorf hotel, central London, during London Fashion Week on Friday September 13, 2024. Photo: James Manning/PA Wire

Models on the catwalk during the Paul Costelloe show in the Palm Court at the Waldorf hotel, central London, during London Fashion Week. Picture date: Friday September 13, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Fashion. Photo credit should read: James Manning/PA Wire

Models on the catwalk during the Paul Costelloe show in the Palm Court at the Waldorf hotel, central London, during London Fashion Week on Friday September 13, 2024. Photo: James Manning/PA Wire

Models on the catwalk during the Paul Costelloe show in the Palm Court at the Waldorf hotel, central London, during London Fashion Week on Friday September 13, 2024. Photo: James Manning/PA Wire

Models on the catwalk during the Paul Costelloe show in the Palm Court at the Waldorf hotel, central London, during London Fashion Week on Friday September 13, 2024. Photo: James Manning/PA Wire

Models on the catwalk during the Paul Costelloe show in the Palm Court at the Waldorf hotel, central London, during London Fashion Week on Friday September 13, 2024. Photo: James Manning/PA Wire

Models on the catwalk during the Paul Costelloe show in the Palm Court at the Waldorf hotel, central London, during London Fashion Week on Friday September 13, 2024. Photo: James Manning/PA Wire

Emily may be in Paris but singer Una Healy was in London today for Paul Costelloes Spring Summer 2025 runway show. The Irish designer opened London Fashion Week on what was his 40th year showing there. Wearing a cinched patterned dress from the designers current collection, Healy was among the invited guests sitting front row at the show.

Though the event took place at the Waldorf Hilton in Londons West End, it was the Left Bank in Paris that Costelloe channelled for a collection that he described as having a look akin to Emily in Paris. Its a city the 79-year-old designer knows well, having been his stomping ground in his younger years.

A master of tailoring, Costelloe has taken a more relaxed approach for spring. The first model to descend the white staircase wore micro shorts and a long, flounced pastel-blue shirt, neatly closed with shell buttons. A three-tiered, frilled dress made for the perfect canvas for a pastel floral print that was designed by Costelloes son, and Creative Director, William. An blue off-the-shoulder playsuit with bloomers at the bottom was a particularly fun look and certainly had that Parisian feel.

Models on the catwalk during the Paul Costelloe show in the Palm Court at the Waldorf hotel, central London, during London Fashion Week on Friday September 13, 2024. Photo: James Manning/PA Wire

Elsewhere, Costelloe achieved the impossible by making tweed youthful  nailing a look that many designers have failed at. He showed a jacket cut just below the waist with matching micro mini skirt in pastel pink tweed, paired with thigh-high opaque pink stockings. The look was fun and flirty with an element of old money chic.

Striped stockings were worn with the majority of the looks, paired with strappy and wedged heels, as was iridescent shell- and starfish motif jewellery.

Asked how he has remined successful for 40 years in the fashion industry, Costelloe was typically forthright. I dont recognise success, its a word thats used too easily, he said. I dont recognise it in my own career. Its been a battle of survival, not that I havent enjoyed it. Its still not easy. I was given one gift and thats painting, so as an artist in fashion youre always creating.

Models on the catwalk during the Paul Costelloe show in the Palm Court at the Waldorf hotel, central London, during London Fashion Week on Friday September 13, 2024. Photo: James Manning/PA Wire

From that four decades of creating, Princes Diana remains a stand-out client. I knocked on the door of Kensington Palace and there she was, waiting for me on the top of the stairs  on which I think I fell! he said. I looked out the window onto Hyde Park. She was a delight to fit, she appreciated the clothing. She also made a fantastic cup of tea and scone.

Designer Paul Costelloe at his show in the Palm Court at the Waldorf hotel, central London, during London Fashion Week on Friday September 13, 2024. Photo: James Manning/PA Wire

After the models walked their final looks this morning, Costelloe appeared at the top of the stair case, dressed in his signature navy waistcoat and jeans. As applause rang out, the designer took a bow with his hand on his heart, then and blew kisses to the attendees before jokingly swiping sweat from his forehead.

Oh it was just so elegant! was the verdict in the womens bathroom afterwards, Very feminine. And it was. Costelloe is 40 for 40 - another success in the books.
More than 100 people die from mpox in a week as outbreak spirals across Africa

Chronic shortage of resources and no access to vaccines

Nsimire Nakaziba (34) pricks the rashes on her sister Sifa Mwakasisi (32) to relieve pain from mpox at the Kavumu hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: Reuters

Sarah Newey Telegraph.co.uk Fri 13 Sep 2024 at 03:30







More than 100 people have died from mpox in Africa in the last week alone, almost 15pc of all fatalities reported this year, as the outbreak of a mutated strain spirals across the continent.
Irish News

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
The body of a Turkish-American activist was received with a solemn ceremony at the airport in Istanbul on Friday, arriving a week after she was shot in the head by Israeli troops after a protest in the occupied West Bank.
Palestinian children play amid the rubble of a house destroyed in Israeli strikes, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Khan Younis in the the southern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters

The Israeli military has named nine men it said were Hamas militants killed in Gaza airstrikes that the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA said had left six of its staffers dead.
The origin of Donald Trump and JD Vances baseless, debunked claims that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, has now been revealed  with the story coming from a local woman who heard it fourth-hand.
Britain has joined the US in accusing Russian state media outlet RT of carrying out covert activity across the world on behalf of the Kremlin in a bid to undermine our collective security.

The news channel, which no longer appears on broadcast platforms in the UK, was a mouthpiece for Russian disinformation which has mutated into an altogether more harmful organisation, the Foreign Office said on Friday.
India and the Czech Republic: Trade and Investment Profile

Economic relations between India and the Czech Republic have strengthened significantly since the Czech Republics accession to the European Union in 2004. This development, along with enhanced cooperation mechanisms, led to a revival of bilateral trade, increasing from US$86 million in 1993 to over US$2.12 billion in FY 2023-24.

As of 2024, the Czech Republic is exploring opportunities to expand its focus beyond automobile manufacturing in India and is seeking to establish a strategic partnership with India in the defense equipment sector.

In early 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership on Innovation. This partnership will focus on key areas such as artificial intelligence, electromobility, and semiconductor technology, critical for advancing high-tech industries.

While negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the EU continue, there is strong potential for deepening military and space cooperation between India and the Czech Republic. By leveraging shared interests and building mutual trust, both nations are well-positioned to foster innovation and strengthen their economic and defense ties.

The Czech Republic is increasingly focusing on advanced technology sectors, particularly in defense, including weapons, tanks, drones, and security systems. Czech company Eldis, for instance, provides advanced facial recognition and security systems that cover 90 percent of Indian airports. Discussions are underway to expand trade in weapons, especially given Russias current limitations in arms deliveries to India due to the war in Ukraine. Czech Republic Ambassador to India, Dr. Eliska Zigova, has emphasized potential collaborations in sensitive defense technologies, aligning with Indias Make-in-India initiative.

India has been actively strengthening its global economic ties, with the Czech Republic playing a significant role in these efforts.

India-Czech economic relations

Indias engagement with the Czech Republic was prominently highlighted during the 12th Session of the India-Czech Republic Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC), held in New Delhi on December 5, 2023. The session, co-chaired by Indias Commerce Secretary and the Director-General of the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, examined the importance of collaboration in key sectors such as engineering, industrial machinery, renewable energy, mining, defense, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.

The latest rounds of discussions between the two countries focused on leveraging mutual strengths in sectors like infrastructure development, environmental technologies, and agriculture, indicating a clear roadmap for enhanced trade and investment.

Sector-wise cooperation between India and Czech Republic

India-Czech military cooperation

Experts highlight that beyond trade, there is significant potential for military cooperation between India and EU member states, including the Czech Republic. Discussions have been shaped by concerns over data security, particularly regarding the transfer of defense technology. The Czech Republic is keen to collaborate with India on defense modernization, offering spare parts, technology, and expertise to bolster military ties.

Despite bureaucratic challenges and the sensitive nature of defense cooperation, both countries recognize the geopolitical importance of the Indo-Pacific region. India is seen as a key player in this area, and as it seeks to diversify its defense partnerships and modernize its armed forces, collaboration with EU nations, including the Czech Republic, becomes increasingly vital.

The two countries advanced their defense collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2003. Since then, six Joint Defense Committee meetings have been held, with the most recent taking place in February 2020 in New Delhi. Czech defense companies continue to regularly supply military equipment to Indias armed forces.

Science and technology cooperation

In 2019, 20 collaborative projects were selected from 187 proposals in areas like defense, nuclear energy, AI, and nanotechnology. Notably, the Czech nanosatellite VZLUSAT-1 was launched by ISRO in 2017, developed in collaboration with Czech universities.

Space cooperation

In terms of space cooperation, India and the EU share common goals in fields like artificial intelligence, satellite technology, and surveillance. According to the Czech Ambassador, Dr Eliska Zigova, collaborative projects in these areas not only promote knowledge exchange but also drive scientific innovation and development.

Recent initiatives, such as hosting Indian space companies and forming strategic partnerships in science and technology, underscore the growing convergence of interests between India and the Czech Republic. Earlier this year, Indian scientists visited the European Space Agency to explore the potential for joint ventures in military technology and space research. Additionally, a group of companies is scheduled to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) later this year, with the possibility of future partnerships in space exploration and technology.

Educational cooperation

Czech universities have a long history of Indology and currently teach Indian languages. Around 1,500 Indian students study in various Czech institutions, and the Czech government has expanded it fast-track visa program for Indian professionals and students.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

The Czech Republic, as a member of the EU, plays a crucial role in Indias broader efforts to strengthen economic partnerships within the EU. The ongoing negotiations between India and the EU for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have strategic importance for individual member states like the Czech Republic. Although these negotiations have encountered challenges, they remain a priority for both parties, particularly due to the potential for increased trade in high-tech sectors such as industrial machinery, renewable energy, and defense.

In an interview, Ambassador Zigova noted that negotiating an FTA between India and the EU has been complex due to the diversity and scale of both India and the EU. Despite the ongoing challenges, the Ambassador emphasized that both sides are committed to promoting free and secure trade.

Dr. Eliska Zigova, the Czech Republics ambassador to India, has reportedly expressed a desire to establish a sister-city relationship between Chandigarh and Prague. Media reports from July 10, 2024, indicate that this proposal was positively received by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Banwari Lal Purohit. Ambassador Zigova first visited Chandigarh in 2023 for the inauguration of an honorary consulate led by Major Guneet Chaudhary (Retd). The consulate, designed in a similar style, led her to extend an invitation to students from the Chandigarh College of Architecture (CCA) to visit.

Ambassador Zigova emphasized that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations are strategically important for both regions. Despite the geographical and cultural differences between India and the EU, their shared goal of advancing trade provides a solid foundation for discussions. The complexity of the negotiations arises from the need to reconcile the diverse interests of the 27 EU member states and Indias 28 states and 8 territories. Nevertheless, both sides remain committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.

The negotiation process has been lengthy, involving multiple rounds of discussions. Each round presents unique challenges, as both parties must address contentious issues such as trade tariffs and regulatory standards while navigating a wide range of economic sectors. Despite these difficulties, the Ambassador noted that both India and the EU are dedicated to resolving disputes and progressing forward.

Although significant progress has been made, frustrations persist on both sides due to perceived delays and competing priorities. However, the EUs meticulous approach to the negotiations underscores its commitment to ensuring that the final agreement is both comprehensive and sustainable. Once signed, the FTA will mark a major milestone in India-EU relations, paving the way for greater economic collaboration and growth.

India-Czech Republic trade relations

With Czech policy focusing on trade diversification outside the EU, bilateral trade has surged to over US$2.12 billion in FY2024-25 from US$1.94 billion in FY2022-23.

India-Czech Republic Trade Figures Year-on-Year (Value in US$ Million) Trade 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 Indias exports to Czech Republic 496.35 485.48 628.23 1,169.32 1,389.79 Growth % -2.19 29.40 86.13 18.85 Indias import from Czech Republic 299.42 393.12 592.10 778.09 735.87 Growth % 31.29 50.62 31.41 -5.43 Total 795.77 878.59 1,220.33 1,947.41 2,125.66 Growth % 10.41 38.90 59.58 9.15

Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI

India primarily exports smartphones, medicines, chemical compounds, stainless steel pipes, and automotive brake parts to the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic exports automotive engines, rubber, drive-axles, gas analysis apparatus, and steel containers to India.

Indias Exports to Czech Republic (Value in US$ Million) Commodity 2022-2023 2023-2024 Growth % Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof. 2.10 63.68 2,935.11 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted. 27.91 26.65 -4.52 Articles of iron or steel 60.54 40.70 -32.77 Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers,and parts. 736.24 872.49 18.51 Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof. 64.70 102.26 58.06 Organic chemicals 44.11 46.27 4.91 Pharmaceutical products 39.69 49.49 24.69 Plastic and articles thereof. 6.23 6.44 3.31 Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. 54.54 61.17 12.15 Other made up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags 3.61 2.67 -26.23 Optical, photographic cinematographic measuring, checking precision, medical or surgical inst. And apparatus parts and accessories thereof; 14.78 9.51 -35.66 Iron and steel 6.35 2.55 -59.86 Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles. 3.50 4.12 17.69

Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI

Indias Imports from Czech Republic (Value in US$ Million) Commodity 2022-2023 2023-2024 Growth % Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials. 2.00 1.98 -1.10 Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers,and parts. 110.08 122.53 11.31 Glass and glassware. 7.35 7.47 1.68 Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, or radi. Elem. Or of isotopes. 1.78 1.98 10.70 Miscellaneous chemical products. 3.65 5.47 49.79 Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof. 277.23 237.61 -14.29 Optical, photographic cinematographic measuring, checking precision, medical or surgical inst. And apparatus parts and accessories thereof; 40.66 56.76 39.61 Plastic and articles thereof. 8.98 15.60 73.77 Rubber and articles thereof. 24.75 11.83 -52.22 Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. 188.39 149.08 -20.87 Miscellaneous articles of base metal. 4.99 2.64 -47.08 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard. 2.24 1.07 -52.10 Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement. 0.07 0.03 -62.55

Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI

India-Czech Republic double tax treaty

The India-Czech Republic Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) was signed to prevent the imposition of taxes on the same income by both India and the Czech Republic. This treaty, which came into effect on September 27, 1999, promotes cross-border trade and investment and ensures that businesses and individuals operating in both countries are protected from double taxation. The tax treaty has been subsequently amended to align with the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty-Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (MLI). The existing taxes to which the Convention shall apply are:

(a) In India:

the income-tax, including any surcharge thereon;

the wealth-tax,

(hereinafter referred to as Indian tax);

(b) In the Czech Republic:

the tax on income of individuals;

the tax on income of legal persons;

the tax on immovable property,

(hereinafter referred to as Czech tax).

Recipient Country Withholding Tax Rates (%) on Certain Types of Income New Zealand Dividend Interest Royalty Fee for technical services 10 10 10 10

Source: Income Tax Department, GoI

Czech business presence in India

Approximately 7 percent of Czech investments outside Europe are directed toward India, with over 30 Czech companies actively operating in sectors such as transport, energy, and finance. Some of the key Czech investors in India include Skoda Auto, Doosan Skoda Power, and Tatra Trucks.

The Czech brand Bata is a well-established and popular name in Indias footwear market. In the automotive industry, Skoda enjoys a pan-India recognition in the country.

Czech companies operating in India:

Skoda Auto Omnipol Tatra Trucks ViTkovice Machinery Group Howden CKD Compressors VH-services spol s.r.o. Aircraft Industries, a.s. ZETOR, a.s. BONATRANS GROUP A.S BTL zdravotnicka technika, a.s. FANS, a.s. ZKL Bearings CZ Gearspect Group a.s. TAJMAC  ZPS, a.s. SIGMA GROUP a.s.

Other automotive companies from Czech Republic are also expanding their presence in India. Tractor manufacturer Zetor has set up manufacturing facilities with Indian partners, and Bonatrans, which produces rail components, has partnered with Indian firms to modernize Indias rail infrastructure. For instance, Bonatrans supplies the braking systems for the Delhi Metro.

Indian investments in the Czech Republic

Indian companies have also made notable investments in the Czech Republic, particularly in sectors like IT, electronics, telecommunications, textiles, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, and food industries. Significant Indian firms such as Infosys, Varroc Lighting, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals have established their presence in the Czech Republic, with key investments primarily focused on IT, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.

Noteworthy Indian companies operating in the Czech Republic include Infosys, APAG Elektronik, Varroc Lightning Systems, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and MSSL Advanced Polymers. Additionally, Indian-made Jawa motorcycles are now exported to the Czech Republic.

Furthermore, many Czech firms continue to be involved in Indias heavy engineering sector, bolstered by the creation of the Czech Industrial Cluster in Bengaluru in 2018.

Prospects for India-Czech collaboration

As the India-Czech dialogue progresses, both countries are committed to fostering a stronger partnership. The Czech Republics technological expertise, particularly in defense and industrial sectors, aligns well with Indias ambitions for modernization and innovation. Moreover, collaborations in fields such as pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and information technology can provide mutual benefits, driving economic growth and innovation in both nations.

This expanding partnership reflects Indias broader diplomatic strategy of advancing economic relations on multiple fronts. While significant strides have been made with other EU counterparts, the deepening engagement with the Czech Republic highlights the diverse and growing opportunities for collaboration that will benefit both countries.
Representational image by Dan Dennis on Unsplash

Bengaluru/IBNS: American multinational automobile manufacturer Ford Motor on Friday (Sept. 13) announced plans to restart a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, potentially re-entering the Indian market it exited three years ago, according to a report by Reuters.

The automaker said it has submitted a letter of intent to the state's government, following discussions with Tamil Nadu's chief minister about resuming production in the region for export purposes.

Ford halted its domestic car production in India in 2021 due to difficulties in increasing sales volumes and ceased its export operations in 2022, marking its exit from the worlds third-largest car market, which is largely dominated by Asian competitors.

The company stated that the facility will be repurposed to focus on manufacturing vehicles for global export, while details regarding the specific models to be produced at the plant and other related information will be revealed at a later date, reports Reuters.

Previously, Ford's Chennai plant was involved in the production of cars and engines.
Photo courtesy: Unsplash

New Delhi: The automobile sector showed mixed growth pattern across various segments of the automotive sector in India, according to the August 2024 report releasedby Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Passenger Vehicles

The passenger vehicle segment, which includes cars, utility vehicles, and vans, saw a marginal overall growth of 0.7% in production, totalling 3,76,726 units compared to 3,74,018 units in August 2023.

However, domestic sales in this segment slightly declined by 1.6% to 3,08,779 units. Exports of passenger vehicles showed a moderate increase of 3.3%, reaching 66,008 units.

Notably, utility vehicles registered an 11.1% increase in production and a 10.3% rise in domestic sales, while passenger cars experienced a decline in both production (-13.0%) and domestic sales (-19.0%).

Three-Wheelers

The three-wheeler segment showed a positive trend with an overall production growth of 9.0%, reaching 1,03,526 units.

Domestic sales increased by 7.7% to 69,962 units, while exports saw an 11.2% rise, totalling 28,873 units.

The goods carrier sub-segment demonstrated the most significant growth, with a 19.0% increase in production and a 280.4% surge in exports.

Two-Wheelers

The two-wheeler segment reported a growth of 4.9% in production, with 20,10,556 units manufactured.

Domestic sales grew by 9.3%, totalling 17,11,662 units, and exports rose by 16.4% to 3,38,608 units.

Scooters, motorcycles, and mopeds all saw increases in both domestic sales and exports, with motorcycles experiencing a 5.2% rise in production and an 8.2% increase in domestic sales.

Quadricycles

The quadricycle segment experienced the highest percentage growth, with a 49.7% increase in production, although domestic sales dropped by 94.5%. However, exports for quadricycles grew by 67.9%.

Overall Automotive Industry

The total production of vehicles across all segments rose by 4.4% in August 2024, reaching 24,91,263 units. Domestic sales saw a 7.5% increase, amounting to 20,90,409 units, while exports grew by 13.9%, reaching 4,33,771 units.



Vehicle production, domestic sales, and exports for the period of April to August 2024:

Passenger Vehicles

The total production of passenger vehicles, which includes cars, utility vehicles, and vans, increased by 3.9%, reaching 19,78,104 units compared to 19,04,305 units during the same period last year. Domestic sales saw a modest growth of 1.2%, totalling 16,31,570 units. Exports of passenger vehicles grew by 11.9% to 3,08,420 units. The utility vehicle subsegment performed particularly well, with a 16.7% increase in production and a 13.7% rise in domestic sales. In contrast, passenger cars saw a decline in both production (-12.5%) and domestic sales (-16.9%).

Three-Wheelers

The three-wheeler segment experienced an overall production increase of 8.6%, reaching 4,27,762 units. Domestic sales rose by 10.7% to 2,94,116 units, while exports showed a slight increase of 0.9%, amounting to 1,27,228 units. The goods carrier subsegment recorded significant growth, with production rising by 14.8% and exports by 94.9%. However, the E-rickshaw subsegment saw a decline in both production (-28.2%) and domestic sales (-35.7%).

Two-Wheelers

Two-wheelers showed strong growth, with production increasing by 16.6% to 98,17,965 units.

Domestic sales rose by 16.4%, reaching 81,38,987 units, while exports also saw a healthy increase of 14.7%, totalling 15,86,664 units.

The scooter subsegment recorded a notable 24.1% growth in both production and domestic sales.

Motorcycles and mopeds also posted positive growth, with motorcycle production up by 13.4% and domestic sales by 12.7%.

Quadricycles

The quadricycle segment experienced significant growth in production, increasing by 78.4% to 3,154 units. However, domestic sales fell by 72.0%, while exports surged by 106.5%.

Overall Automotive Industry

The total vehicle production across all segments increased by 14.0% during April-August 2024, reaching 1,22,26,985 units. Domestic sales grew by 13.5% to 1,00,64,777 units, and exports rose by 13.3% to 20,25,228 units.
Photo courtesy: Unsplash

New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd maintained its lead, with production rising to 1,65,782 units in August 2024 and cumulative production reaching 8,35,842 units from April to August, according to a SIAM report.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd reported a slight decline in production to 70,400 units in August but achieved cumulative production of 3,25,980 units from April to August 2024.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd saw substantial growth in both production and domestic sales, with August production at 45,402 units and cumulative production at 2,14,370 units.

Passenger Vehicles

The production of passenger vehicles rose slightly by 0.7% in August 2024, reaching 3,76,726 units, compared to 3,74,018 units in the same month last year.

Cumulatively, from April to August 2024, production increased by 3.9% to 19,78,104 units.

Domestic sales saw a marginal decline of 1.6% in August, falling to 3,08,779 units, but showed a 1.2% increase for the April-August period, totalling 16,31,570 units.

Exports of passenger vehicles grew by 3.3% in August, reaching 66,008 units, and saw a significant 11.9% rise in the April-August period, amounting to 3,08,420 units.

Three-Wheelers

The three-wheeler segment exhibited strong growth, with production rising by 9.0% in August 2024 to 1,03,526 units, and by 8.6% for the April-August period to 4,27,762 units.

Domestic sales grew by 7.7% in August to 69,962 units and increased by 10.7% for the April-August period, reaching 2,94,116 units.

Exports of three-wheelers also saw a modest rise of 0.9% in the cumulative period, totalling 1,27,228 units.

Bajaj Auto Ltd. remained a significant player, with 64,240 units produced and 45,200 units sold domestically in August 2024.

Two-Wheelers

The two-wheeler segment demonstrated solid growth, with production increasing by 4.9% in August 2024 to 20,10,556 units and by 16.6% over the April-August period to 98,17,965 units.

Domestic sales rose by 9.3% in August to 17,11,662 units and by 16.4% for the cumulative period, reaching 81,38,987 units.

Exports increased by 16.4% in August to 3,38,608 units and by 14.7% for the April-August period, totaling 15,86,664 units.

Leading contributors included Bajaj Auto Ltd., with 3,31,225 units produced and 2,08,621 units sold domestically in August, and Hero MotoCorp Ltd., which recorded 4,92,626 units produced and 4,92,263 units sold.

Quadricycles

The quadricycle segment showed substantial growth, with production increasing by 49.7% in August 2024 to 455 units and by 78.4% for the April-August period to 3,154 units.

However, domestic sales in August fell sharply by 94.5%, with only 6 units sold, and also showed a decline over the cumulative period.

Exports of quadricycles grew significantly by 67.9% in August and by 106.5% for the April-August period.

Overall Industry Performance

The total production of vehicles across all segments increased by 4.4% in August 2024, reaching 24,91,263 units, and by 14.0% for the April-August period to 1,22,26,985 units.

Domestic sales grew by 7.5% in August to 20,90,409 units and by 13.5% for the cumulative period, totaling 1,00,64,777 units.

Exports rose by 13.9% in August to 4,33,771 units and by 13.3% over the April-August period, reaching 20,25,228 units.
Destroyed and severely damaged buildings in Khan Younis. Photo Courtesy: UNOCHA/Themba Linden

More than 22,500 people  a quarter of those wounded in Gaza since Israels offensive began  have life-changing injuries, requiring rehabilitation services now and for years to come, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Thursday.

These include severe limb injuries, amputations, spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries and major burns.

Israeli forces pushed into Gaza in response to the 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in southern Israel.

Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, highlighted that the surge in rehabilitation needs is occurring alongside the wholesale collapse of Gazas healthcare infrastructure.

Patients cant get the care they need. Acute rehabilitation services are severely disrupted and specialized care for complex injuries is not available, placing patients lives at risk. Immediate and long-term support is urgently needed to address the enormous rehabilitation needs.

Services non-existent

Services such as wound care, physical therapy, and psychological support are either inaccessible or entirely unavailable, leaving thousands at risk of further complications, disabilities or even death.

According to the UN health agency, only 17 of Gazas 36 hospitals remain partially functional, primary healthcare and community-level services are frequently suspended, due to insecurity, attacks and repeated evacuation orders.

Gazas only limb reconstruction and rehabilitation centre, located in the Nasser Medical Complex and supported by WHO, has been non-functional since December 2023 due to lack of supplies and staff, and was further damaged in a February 2024 raid.

Additionally, the loss of trained physiotherapists due to the fighting between Israel and Hamas has further hampered rehabilitation efforts.

Thousands more at risk

The figures, detailed in WHOs analysis Estimating Trauma Rehabilitation Needs in Gaza using Injury Data from Emergency Medical Teams, reflect data as of 23 July.

Beyond the newly injured, tens of thousands of Palestinians already living with chronic conditions or impairments are now at heightened risk due to the collapse of critical services, WHO said.

As the hostilities continue, WHO emphasized the need for safe access to all essential health services, including rehabilitation, to prevent further suffering.

It renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate aid, rebuild the health system and save lives.

Economic devastation

The ongoing conflict has also left Gazas already fragile economy in ruins.

According to a report published on Thursday by UN Trade and Development, UNCTAD, the Strips gross domestic product (GDP) has fallen by a staggering 81 per cent, pushing the region into an unprecedented economic crisis.

Massive job losses and soaring unemployment have worsened poverty, leaving most families in dire need of humanitarian assistance, UNCTAD said, adding that the economy of the West Bank has also been severely disrupted by violence, demolitions, confiscations and settlement expansions.

Source: UNCTAD Calculations, based on Palestinian central Bureau of Statistics quarterly national accounts.

See original

The Palestinian governments fiscal stability is under immense pressure, jeopardizing its ability to function effectively and provide essential services, it noted.

The report called for urgent intervention by the international community to stabilize the economy, rebuild infrastructure and support long-term peace efforts in the region.

This includes considering a comprehensive recovery plan for the occupied Palestinian territory, increased international aid and support, release of withheld revenues and lifting the blockade on Gaza.

Experts denounce harassment of journalists

In a news release on Thursday, independent UN human rights experts condemned the escalating violence, harassment and obstruction of journalists in the West Bank since the start of Israels military offensive there on 27 August.

We strongly denounce the attacks and harassment of journalists in the illegally occupied West Bank, which are nothing but crude attempts by the Israeli army to block independent reporting on potential war crimes, the Human Rights Council-appointed experts said.

At least three incidents in September involved Israeli security forces firing live ammunition at journalists and their vehicles in Jenin and Tulkarm while they were reporting on military operations and civilian casualties.

Four more were injured, even though several were wearing clearly marked press jackets.

Israeli forces also impeded journalists - including an Al Jazeera team - from doing their work, forcing them to delete material and subjecting them to intimidation. At least one journalist was arbitrarily arrested and interrogated, while numerous others reported being chased down by bulldozers operated by Israeli security forces.

Disdain for the press

It is deeply disturbing to see Israeli soldiers in the West Bank replicating the same disdain for the safety of journalists as in Gaza in blatant violation of international law. Foreign media continue to be denied access to Gaza and now their safety in the West Bank is also being seriously threatened, gravely hindering their journalistic work, the experts said.

Since October 2023, at least 29 journalists have been detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank, and three by the Palestinian Authority. Some remain under administrative detention, with documented cases of ill-treatment, including sexual and gender-based violence.

The experts added that Israel, as an occupying power, must respect the work and safety of journalists in the occupied Palestinian Territory, as required by international law. They further noted that they are in contact with the Israeli Government on the issue.

Appointed and mandated by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, the experts are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic or country situations. Independent of the United Nations, they are not UN staff and do not draw a salary for their work.
Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal junior doctors' sit-in protests outside state Health and Family Welfare headquarters- Swasthya Bhavan- entered the fourth day on Friday after the efforts to hold a discussion between the protesters and the government on the RG Kar rape-murder incident failed last evening.

The junior doctors refused to enter into a dialogue with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after the government refused to stream the meeting live.

Despite the government asking the protesters to send a 15-member team for the meeting, a 30-member delegation of junior doctors reached the state headquarters Nabanna.

Though the government accepted the 30-member team, it remained firm on denying live streaming but allowed recording of the meeting.

After the doctors refused to participate in the meeting without live streaming, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who claimed she waited for two hours at Nabanna Sabhaghar, accused the protesters of aiming to capture political power and not seeking justice.

"They don't want justice but the chair," Mamata made an explosive claim and went on to say that she is ready to quit for people's interest.

"I am ready to step down in the interest of people... I want justice for Tilottama as well as medical treatment for people," said the Chief Minister at a press conference on Thursday evening.

Mamata claimed she won't be able to livestream the meeting as the matter is subjudice.

In a counter press meet, 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 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.

Contrary to the government's agenda for the meeting, junior doctors have set five key areas which they aim to discuss with the Chief Minister.

While the government is aiming to talk on safety issues in hospitals, the junior doctors' five demands include 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 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.

The Supreme Court last week had empowered the state government to take action against the protesters if they don't join work by 5 pm on Tuesday, the deadline which was snubbed by the doctors.

The state's counsel, advocate Kapil Sibal had claimed during Monday's hearing that 23 patients have died due to the junior doctors' ceasework.

The senior doctors from various organisations in West Bengal have threatened to go on a ceasework if the state government takes any stringent measure like suspension against their juniors.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

A gangrape attempt was made on a nurse at a private hospital in Bihar at a time when the country is boiling over the rape and murder of a medic in a state-run hospital in Kolkata last month.

According to reports, the nurse escaped the attempt by inflicting a cut on the private parts of one of the suspects with a blade.

Police told NDTV that one of the assaulters was a doctor.

According to reports, the nurse was finishing her work at the RBS Health Care Centre in Gangapur under the Musrighararari police station limits on Wednesday when the doctor and two of his accomplices tried to gang-rape her.

The doctor was identified as Sanjay Kumar.

The doctor and his two associates were reportedly drunk.

After managing to escape from the hospital, the nurse called the police while she was hiding in the field.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar Pandey told NDTV that a team was rushed to the hospital and, after making sure that the nurse was safe, three people were arrested, including the doctor.

"The presence of mind and courage shown by the survivor is praiseworthy," he said.

The incident came to light at a time when Kolkata and the rest of the country is witnessing massive protests over the rape and murder of a doctor in RG Kar Medical College an Hospital.
Photo Courtesy: Thames Valley Police website

A Pakistani-origin man has been convicted of murdering an Indian restaurant manager by hitting him with a stolen car in England, police said on Friday.

The guilty was identified as Shazeb Khalid, 25.

"Shazeb Khalid, aged 25, of no fixed abode was found guilty of the murder of Vignesh Pattabi Raman today (11/9) following a trial at Reading Crown Court, lasting 28 days," read the statement issued by the Thames Valley Police.

"Soiheem Hussian, aged 27, of Rossby, Shinfield was found not guilty of the murder of Vignesh Pattabi Raman, but was found guilty of assisting an offender," police said.

At a previous hearing at the same court, Khalid pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

What happened to the Indian person?

At approximately 11.50pm on 14 February this year, 36-year-old Vignesh Pattabi Raman was found in Addington Road following a road traffic collision between a cyclist and a vehicle.

Vignesh Pattabi Raman was declared deceased at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and a murder investigation was launched.

A post-mortem examination ascertained that Pattabi Raman had died as a result of a head injury.

Khalid was arrested on 19 February and charged the following day.

Hussain was arrested on 28 February and charged on 29 February and Reilly was arrested on 21 February and charged on 28 May.

Khalid and Hussain will be sentenced on October 10.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin, said: I am glad that the jury has found Khalid guilty of murder and Hussain guilty of assisting an offender.

It was obviously clear to the jury that Khalid intended to cause Vignesh harm that evening. He used the stolen Range Rover he was driving as a weapon and left him to suffer knowing that he had hit him.

The communication between Khalid and Hussain throughout the evening of Vigneshs death showed that Hussain was very much aware of what happened and that he assisted in the aftermath.

The death of Vignesh has left his family devastated, and I hope this verdict will help them in some way.
Photo courtesy: Arvind Kejriwal Facebook page

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Friday walked out of the Tihar Jail in New Delhi amid cheering party workers who braved heavy rains to catch a glimpse of their chief.

"I have faced massive problems in my life. I was always a truthful person and god was always by my side," he said while addressing his party workers after leaving the prison.

"They tried to destroy my morale by putting in inside jail. But my morale has not grown 100 times," he said.

           CM @ArvindKejriwal LIVE https://t.co/sdSmsEtRSA  Aam Aadmi Party Delhi (@AAPDelhi) September 13, 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the excise policy case, media reports said.

The top court has applied conditions on his bail. Kejriwal has been barred from entering into the Chief Minister's office and the state secretariat. He won't be able to sign off government files unless his consent is passed by the Lieutenent Governor.

The Chief Minister won't be able to give any public statement on the case and will have to cooperate with the probe. He has been asked to pay Rs. 10 lakh as a bond amount.

Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI in June when he was already in Tihar Jail in connection with the same case.

The Aam Aadmi Party supremo has been in jail since March 21 when he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate over money laundering allegations while framing the Delhi liquor policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped after the Lieutenant Governor raised red flags.

He was arrested by the CBI on June 26.

The ED has alleged the money Kejriwal got from the liquor sellers was used to fund the party's campaign in Goa since he is the convenor of the AAP.

Kejriwal was given an interim bail in May for a brief period until June 2, 2024 for campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls.

He went back to the jail on June 2, 2024 the day next to the last phase poll date.
In image junior doctors protesting outside Swasthya Bhawan| courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Kolkata/IBNS: A day after much-anticipated talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee failed to take place, protesting junior doctors have now written to the President of India and the Prime Minister, requesting them to intervene and end the impasse.

The four-page letter has been addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, and has been copied to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as well as Health Minister JP Nadda.

"We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension," the doctors wrote in the letter.

Pointing out that there has been a rise in "institutional threats, violence and vandalism" since the protests began, the doctors said, "Your intervention in these trying times will act as a beacon of light to us all, showing us the way ahead out of the darkness that surrounds us."

The junior doctors' sit-in protests outside state Health and Family Welfare headquarters- Swasthya Bhavan- entered the fourth day on Friday after the efforts to hold a discussion between the protesters and the government on the RG Kar rape-murder incident failed last evening.

The junior doctors refused to enter into a dialogue with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after the government refused to stream the meeting live.

Despite the government asking the protesters to send a 15-member team for the meeting, a 30-member delegation of junior doctors reached the state headquarters Nabanna.

Though the government accepted the 30-member team, it remained firm on denying live streaming but allowed recording of the meeting.

After the doctors refused to participate in the meeting without live streaming, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who claimed she waited for two hours at Nabanna Sabhaghar, accused the protesters of aiming to capture political power and not seeking justice.

"They don't want justice but the chair," Mamata made an explosive claim and went on to say that she is ready to quit for people's interest.

"I am ready to step down in the interest of people... I want justice for Tilottama as well as medical treatment for people," said the Chief Minister at a press conference on Thursday evening.

Mamata claimed she won't be able to livestream the meeting as the matter is subjudice.

In a counter press meet, 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 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.

Contrary to the government's agenda for the meeting, junior doctors have set five key areas which they aim to discuss with the Chief Minister.

While the government is aiming to talk about safety issues in hospitals, the junior doctors' five demands include 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 junior doctors began their sit-in protest on Tuesday after they were denied entry into Swasthya Bhavan to hand over deputation demanding the resignation of some of the top officials.

The Supreme Court last week had empowered the state government to take action against the protesters if they don't join work by 5 pm on Tuesday, the deadline which was snubbed by the doctors.

The state's counsel, advocate Kapil Sibal had claimed during Monday's hearing that 23 patients have died due to the junior doctors' ceasework.

The senior doctors from various organisations in West Bengal have threatened to go on a ceasework if the state government takes any stringent measure like suspension against their juniors.



All images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Representative image/ credit: Pixabay

Srinagar/IBNS: The Indian Air Force Wing Commander, who is facing rape charges by a subordinate female flying officer, has been granted pre-arrest bail by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police registered a first information report (FIR) on Sunday after a woman Flying Officer lodged a formal complaint, alleging rape by the Wing Commander.

"As the petitioner who is serving as Wing Commander... and in case of his arrest his reputation as well as the service career shall be jeopardised," the bail order stated.

The high court ordered the police not to file a chargesheet in the case without obtaining its permission.

"This court has allowed the investigation to continue. However, we direct that the chargesheet shall not be filed without the permission of this court," said the order by a single-judge bench.

The high court ordered the Union Territory administration's Additional Advocate General to file a status report by the next date of hearing.

It said the Wing Commander should be released on bail if he is arrested. The high court told the accused Wing Commander to meet the investigating officer from Sept 14 to 16, and whenever needed thereafter.

The bail was granted on grounds that the accused has to give a surety of Rs. 50,000, cannot leave Jammu and Kashmir without the permission of his Commanding officer, and cannot contact any prosecution witness, the high court said.

In her complaint, the flying officer has said she has been suffering harassment, sexual assault, and mental torture over the past two years.

As per the complainant, on Dec 31, 2023, during a New Year party at the officers' mess, the senior commander first asked the victim if she had received the gift. On responding no, the Wing Commander took her to his room saying the gifts were there.

The female flying officer then asked him where his family was to which he said they were elsewhere.

The flying officer has alleged that her senior forced her into oral sex and molested her. "I repeatedly asked him to stop doing it and tried to resist it in all ways possible. Finally, I pushed him and ran away. He said that we would meet on Friday again when his family leaves," she has said in her complaint as quoted by NDTV.

The flying officer said she was scared and it took her a while to register what happened to her.

"I was afraid and didn't know what to do as there were instances before also wherein I was discouraged to report. He visited my office after this incident... He behaved as if nothing happened and there was no sign of remorse in his eyes," she said.

The woman officer said she reached out to two other women colleagues, who advised her to file a complaint. "I can't describe (the) mental agony, being an unmarried girl who joined forces and was treated in such (a) heinous manner," she said.

Following her complaint, she said a Colonel-rank officer was ordered to investigate the incident.

The Wing Commander was made to sit down with her twice in January this year to record the statements, she has alleged. The flying officer said she objected to the senior officer's presence and later the investigation was closed to "hide mistakes of administration".

She then filed a fresh application to the internal committee and it was looked after two months later. "The bias of Stn (Station) authorities to aid the sexual offender was very heart-breaking for me," she has said, alleging that a medical examination was not done till she insisted multiple times.

According to her FIR, the Internal Committee said that it is inconclusive whether the incident happened due to the lack of an eyewitness and closed the investigation in May. "Isn't it common sense that someone would not do sexual assault in front of a witness?"

The flying officer has complained of "continuous mental harassment" and "social boycott". "My personal communications have been constantly monitored unofficially. The individuals I speak with are harassed by the authorities."

She said the ongoing harassment has had a severe impact on her mental health.

"I am living in constant fear, under 24/7 scrutiny and my social life has been completely disrupted. The harassment has driven me to suicidal thoughts, and I feel utterly helpless. I am unable to carry on with my daily life, and my social interactions are closely monitored and discouraged by authorities. I have endured this torture for too long, and I am at my breaking point," she has said.
Photo courtesy: X/S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Friday revealed that his father was one of the passengers of a hijacked flight in 1984 and therefore had perspective from "both sides" in such situations - that of the family members and those in the government.

Jaishankar revealed this personal experience during a community event in Geneva when he was asked about the recently released television series on the hijacking of IC-814 in 1999.

The Foreign Minister shared that how as a young officer in 1984, he was part of the team dealing with the hijack situation. While on the other hand, he was part of the group of families putting pressure on the government.

During the question and answer session after his address to the Indian community, a member of the audience asked the Minister about his comments on the recently released series 'IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack' on Netflix.

Jaishankar said these types of series, though he clarified that he has not watched the Netflix one, often show "the bureaucracy and the government dealing with hijacking in poor light."

"In 1984 there was a hijacking. I was a very young officer. I was part of the team that was dealing with it. I rang up my mother, actually, to tell her, 'Look, I can't come. There's a hijacking," he said.

"And then I discovered, my father was on the flight. The flight ended up in Dubai. It's a long story, but fortunately, nobody got killed. It could have ended as a problem," he added.

On July 5, 1984, an Indian Airlines flight was hijacked from Pathankot and taken to Dubai. After more than 36 hours, 12 pro-Khalistani hijackers surrendered to authorities and released all 68 passengers and six crew members unharmed.

Jaishankar was an IFS officer then and became a minister after his retirement. His father K Subrahmanyam was an IAS officer and a regular commentator on strategic issues.

"And it was interesting because on the one hand, I was part of the team which was working on the hijacking. On the other hand, I was part of the family members who are pressing the government for the hijacking. So actually, I have that very unique window on both sides, in that sense of the problem," he added.

"So, often these are situations and movie guys don't make the governments look good. The hero is supposed to look good. Then nobody would watch the movie and you got to accept that," he said prompting laughter from the audience.

The Netflix series is about Indian Airlines Flight 814, commonly known as IC 814, that was hijacked on Dec 24, 1999, by five members of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. The aircraft carried 190 occupants which included 179 passengers and 11 crew members including Captain Devi Sharan, first officer Rajinder Kumar, and flight engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia.

The aircraft was flown to Amritsar, Lahore, and Dubai. While in Dubai, the hijackers released 27 passengers including a critically injured male hostage, who had been stabbed by the hijackers multiple times. Later, on 25 December, the hijackers forced the aircraft to land in Kandahar in Afghanistan.

On December 27, after two days of internal discussions, the Indian Government sent a team of negotiators headed by Vivek Katju from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which also included officials Ajit Doval and C.D. Sahay.

The motive for the hijacking was to secure the release of various prisoners held under terrorism charges in India. The hijacking is seen as a part of the millennium attack plots in late 1999 and early 2000 by Al-Qaeda linked terrorists.

After days of negotiations, India agreed to release three men it had imprisoned for terrorism  Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Masood Azhar and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar  in exchange for the hostages.




Israeli Army confirms IDFs 8200 intelligence unit chief Yossi Sariel to resign Photo Courtesy: @eemreorman X page

The Israeli Army has confirmed its elite intelligence unit chief (Brigadier General) Yossi Sariel will resign after he failed to prevent a Hamas attack on October 7.

According to reports, he notified his seniors on Thursday that he intends to resign from the position.

The IDF said Sariel is due to be replaced 'in the coming period', reported The Times of Israel.

After his long military career in intelligence, he joined Unit 8200 as its chief in 2021.

Sariel said Thursday that he was resigning over his role in the failures leading up to the massacre, although the move comes a full 11 months following the assault, in which thousands of Hamas terrorists breached Israels borders and killed around 1,200 people, taking 251 captive to Gaza, the newspaper reported.

Meanwhile, the UN chief on Thursday described the continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas as unconscionable.

In a statement released via his Spokesperson, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the latest Israeli attack on a school serving as a shelter in Nuseirat on Wednesday, which killed six staffers from the UN Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, along with at least 12 others, including women and children.

This incident raises the number of UNRWA staff killed in this conflict to 220, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told correspondents at UN Headquarters in New York.

The Israeli Defense Forces stated that they had targeted a command-and-control centre in the compound, he said. This incident must be independently and thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability.

Horrific violence must end

The UN chief demanded that all combatants protect the lives and essential needs of civilians throughout the Gaza Strip, urging them to stop using schools and shelters  or the areas around them  for military purposes.

All parties are obliged to always comply with international humanitarian law, Dujarric underscored.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages being held in Gaza. This horrific violence must stop.

Polio vaccination continues

Despite numerous challenges, the UN-administered polio vaccination campaign aiming to inoculate some 640,000 children in Gaza with two doses of vaccine type 2 is continuing, Mr. Dujarric told journalists.

UNRWA tells us that, as of yesterday, nearly 530,000 children have now received the vaccine across the Gaza Strip.
Photo Courtesy: United Nations

The UN chief on Thursday described the continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas as unconscionable.

In a statement released via his Spokesperson, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the latest Israeli attack on a school serving as a shelter in Nuseirat on Wednesday, which killed six staffers from the UN Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, along with at least 12 others, including women and children.

This incident raises the number of UNRWA staff killed in this conflict to 220, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told correspondents at UN Headquarters in New York.

The Israeli Defense Forces stated that they had targeted a command-and-control centre in the compound, he said. This incident must be independently and thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability.

Horrific violence must end

The UN chief demanded that all combatants protect the lives and essential needs of civilians throughout the Gaza Strip, urging them to stop using schools and shelters  or the areas around them  for military purposes.

All parties are obliged to always comply with international humanitarian law, Mr. Dujarric underscored.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages being held in Gaza. This horrific violence must stop.

Polio vaccination continues

Despite numerous challenges, the UN-administered polio vaccination campaign aiming to inoculate some 640,000 children in Gaza with two doses of vaccine type 2 is continuing, Mr. Dujarric told journalists.

UNRWA tells us that, as of yesterday, nearly 530,000 children have now received the vaccine across the Gaza Strip.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), organized the largest medical evacuation from Gaza since last October, the UN health agency has reported.

The total of 252 people who left the enclave on Wednesday included 97 sick and severely injured patients and 155 of their companions. They travelled through the Kerem Shalom crossing to Ramon Airport in Israel for onward travel to Abu Dhabi for specialised care, WHO added.

WHO regional director Hanan Balky said patients were suffering from a variety of conditions, including brain tumors, cancers, amputations and serious injuries sustained during the war.

This achievement took place as WHO and partners were also wrapping up the first round of a polio campaign targeting 640,000 children under the age of 10, he said in a post on X.

My deepest gratitude to the UAE for their continued generosity in receiving and treating patients from Gaza, and sincere appreciation to the dedicated teams at WHO and partners for their tireless efforts despite the challenges.

Child deaths in Lebanon

Mr. Dujarric said on Thursday that the situation on both sides of the Blue Line that divides south Lebanon and northern Israel continues to be fragile and is taking its toll on civilians, particularly, on children.

The UN peacekeeping force that patrols the demarcation area and provides services to civilians in need, UNIFIL, said that two children were reportedly killed by a drone strike in southern Lebanon on Wednesday evening.

UNIFIL reiterated its condemnation of any attacks on civilians and called on all parties to the conflict to cease the exchanges of fire across the Blue Line and return to a cessation of hostilities.
US Maths teacher admits having sex with teen student. Photo Courtesy: Garden Ridge Police Department Facebook page

An American school teacher has admitted she used other students as 'lookouts' while she had sex with a 16-year-old.

The teacher, who was identified as Hailey Clifton-Carmack, 26, was arrested earlier this year after a student reported their illicit relationship to a school resource officer.

If proven, the teacher could spend the next four years in prison.

The teacher has already pleaded guilty of sexual conduct with the student.

The tartish teacher will now be on house arrest until her Oct. 11 sentencing, reported New York Post.

The boy's father Mark Creighton has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child since he did not report the incident despite knowing about the affair.

Clifton-Carmacks plea is the latest turn in the sickening case, which began when a student witness reported the relationship between the teen and the Laquey High School math teacher last December, the American newspaper reported.

The witness showed the police the image of the victim's torn-up back which the accused committed while they were physically intimate with each other.

The math teacher  a divorced mother of two  had gotten in trouble with school officials before for getting too close to the students, the witness told New York Post.

According to reports, the teacher was often seen wearing revealing clothes.

She earlier denied all charges levelled against her but later police confiscated her phone and found text messages illuminating the relationship, the newspaper reported quoting court documents.
Chocolates are pretty hard to mess with. right? Even the ones like mint or rosewater-flavoured ones that are left at the end of the box, eventually do get eaten. Well, you'll be wrong if you think those are bad chocolates. This International Chocolate Day, let us take you on a wild ride that prove those flavours that you though were bad, are actually pretty tame!

Bizarre chocolates you won't believe exist around the world

1. Ketchup Kitkat

Earlier this year, a weird trend went viral where people were eating ketchup-drenched chocolate bars. Taking advantage of this momentum, two giants came together to deliver a product that will make your stomach churn. Heinz and Kitkat came together to give birth to a ketchup-flavoured chocolate bar that is no less than a war crime.

2. Crunky Chocolate: As a chewing gum!

There are various chocolate-covered by-products available in the market, and most of them are pretty delicious. Not in this case though, Lotte recently introduced a chewing gum version of their Crunky chocolate in Japan and people are pissed! Just imagine the crunch of a rice-puff-filled chocolate, in the texture of gum and you'll realise all that is wrong with this product.

3. Seafood Kitkat

Credit: X | Seafood Kitkat

Another Japan-centred invention is the array of seafood-flavoured KitKat bars, from tuna to shrimp, that are available in the market. Sushi is good, seafood is great and chocolate is best, but not together! A combination of two food items, whose names also should not be taken in the same sentence were combined to create these nausea-inducing candies.

4. Zotter's Olive and Lemon

Credit: www.piccantino.com/ Olive and lemon chocolate

One of the world's most creative chocolate brands is the Austrian chocolate manufacturer Zotter Schokolade, famous for its artisnal chocolates and unique flavours. In one such incident, the brand created a vegan olive and zitrone (lemon) filled dark chocolate that is seriously irresistible. A unlikely combination you may think is weird, but actually tastes amazing.

5. Red bean Sandwich

Kitkat is going bersek in Japan! From creating a whole sushi bar offering chocolate sushi to now this limited-edition sandwich. The sandwich is a combination of KitKat wafer sticks along with red bean paste that is almost a staple in many Japanese desserts.

6. And frankly, worst of them all...Pizza Chocolate

Sign of the Apocalypse - Pizza Flavored Chocolate pic.twitter.com/LEflcJ05tf  Andy Ramirez  (@ARamz15) January 11, 2017

Pizza is sacred, everyone knows that! One would think, but no! Maybe in an alternate reality, pizza and chocolate go well together, but definitely not in the one we currently live in. Dylan's Candy Bar, a gourmet chain located in New York and supplying their candies worldwide, came up with this monstrosity by combining the flavourings of the Italian dish with decadent Belgian chocolate.

Also Read: World Chocolate Day: These are the most expensive chocolates in the world

For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle.


Netflix's latest release, Sector 36, starring Vikrant Massey, has once again sparked curiosity among netizens about what actually happened in Nithari village near Noida, the criminal case famous in India by the name of Nithari Kand. In an attempt to give a little bit of clarity to the audiences before they watch Sector 36 on Netflix that is based on this real-life case, here are the four theories that Noida police investigated in the real case back in 2006.

1. Serial murders by Surinder Koli

X/Real life suspects of Nithari Kand

Nithari kand is remembered as a gruesome crime that involved rape and brutal killings. Among many theories that Noida police investigated in the case is that the servant at Moninder Pandher's residence in the Nithari area of Noida named Surinder Koli might have done the killings. There were speculations that Koli was a serial killer because of which he killed so many people britally.

According to media reports, the servant would lure kids into the residence, where he allegedly used to rape and murder them.

Last year, the Allahabad High Court acquitted Surinder Koli in over 10 cases leading to the annulment of his death sentence. The acquittal was the result of lack of evidence.

2. Serial murders by Moninder Singh Pandher

X/Real life pictures of Nithari Kand suspects

Moninder Singh Padher, who was the owner of the house where all the killings happened, was the prime suspect in the case. Police investigated the speculations that said the owner used to make the servant do all the killings and that the servant did all of it only for money and on the orders of his boss Moninder.

Pandher was too acquitted of all charges against him. He was too acquitted by the Allahabad High Court due to a lack of convincing evidence other than the confessions.

3. Organ Trafficking

There were accusations that Moninder used to run an organ trafficking business, and the killings of children were part of his business. Police investigated this angle, but nothing substantial was found, which is in the public domain.

Also Read: Sector 36 on Netflix: Here's the real-life story that inspired Vikrant Massey-Deepak Dobriyal's film

X/Real life pictures

4. Human cannibalism angle

Noida police, while investigating the Nithari Kand, were cautious with the reports that speculated cannibalism angle even before the polygraph tests had barely started. But later everyone in the country, including police, was shocked when some media reports said that one of the accused had confessed to the consumption of the victims' livers and other body parts. However, such possibilities were not ruled out by the investigating team, considering the amount of brutality that was done by the killers.

You can watch Sector 36 based on the real-life case on Netflix starting September 13.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


As Salman Khan stepped out of Malaika Arora's father Anil Kuldip Mehta's house on the night of his funeral, he looked visibly shaken. The actress' father died by suicide and the grief hung heavy in the air. Salman who is usually composed looked tense and miffed as fans gathered outside and started changing his name, unaffected by the situation. While Salman didn't say a word, he looked visibly upset by the behaviour.

Salman Khan loses calm as fans shout his name outside Malaika Arora's father's house

Not just fans, as these videos surfaced, people were shocked to see how fans were behaving on the night of Malaika Arora's father Anil Kuldip Mehta's funeral. "Why are you shouting his name? He has come to visit his family and pay condolences. Do you think he is going to pose for you?", one of the fans wrote.

"People must be ashamed... someone just died," said another user. "Man. I feel bad for celebrities in India," said another user. "Media n the people who was standing n screaming he was not coming out some restaurant or any party function.. situation dekh k toh react karo," advised another user. "He looks disappointed with media," said another user.

Credit: Instagram

For the unversed, Malaika was previously married to Arbaaz Khan, Salman Khan's younger brother. While Arbaaz was the first one to reach her parent's house after the incident took place, Salim Khan, Sohail Khan, Salma Khan and Helen were also spotted outside the house soon after. The entire family attended the funeral of Anil Kuldip Mehta on September 12.

As per the autopsy report, Anil Kuldip Mehta died of multiple injuries. It is said that he switched off his phone after making the last call to his daughters Malaika and Amrita Arora. His final words to them were reportedly "I'm sick and tired".

Also Read: Was Malaika Arora's father Anil Kuldip Mehta suffering from depression? Close family friend spills the truth

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Celebrity hairstylist Amit Thakur, who boasts an impressive clientele of A-listers including Alia Bhatt, Nita Ambani, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Kiara Advani and many more. He recently posted a short clip on his Instagram account talking about hair botox and keratin. In the video, he explained what basically are these treatments that have become so common these days. And even though many are getting hair botox or keratin done, he revealed why he personally never recommends them to his clients.

Amit posted a series of short clips where she revealed that he recently did an AMA (ask me anything) session and the most asked question was about hair botox and keratin treatments. In the video, he first explained what these treatments are and why people generally get them.



What is hair botox?

Talking about hair botox first, he said, hair botox is actually a deep conditioning treatment containing proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants. This is a temporary treatment, lasting usually 2-4 months, which coats the outer layer of your hair stands and seals these nutrients.

What is keratin treatment?

Talking about keratin treatment, he explained that keratin is a protein which is already naturally present in your hair. Adding, "But in this treatment, there are certain chemicals like formaldehyde, which is actually banned in many countries because it is carcinogenic and can cause cancer.

Why Amit never recommends hair botox or keratin treatment?

After explaining about both the treatments, Amit divulged that the basic nature of these treatments is the biggest reason he never recommends them, He shared. "Even though hair botox is gentler on your hair, both treatments involve the usage of heat to seal the nutrients in your hair." Adding that whenever excessive heat is used on the hair, it fundamentally changes the structure of the natural proteins present in your hair.

In the end, he highlighted even though these treatments can give you short-term results, like frizz-free or smoother hair, they can actually damage your hair in the long run. Elaborating how people fall into the vicious cycle of getting these treatments done again and again, Amit said, "I don't recommend any of these treatments to my clients for two main reasons: one, I am a natural hair texture person and two, I encourage my clients to work on habits that will improve their hair health in the long-term.

So, there you have it folks! No keratin or hair botox according to the stylist of almost all Bollywood divas.

Also Read: Rock On star Prachi Desai's secret to perfect glass skin revealed! Check out her simple beauty routine

For more on fashion, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle.






Hindi Diwas is celebrated every year on September 14 to raise awareness about the importance of the Hindi language and to commemorate the day when it was officially adopted as one of India's national languages. Hindi Diwas 2024 continues the tradition of honouring the language that plays a significant role in India's cultural and linguistic identity.



As Hindi Diwas 2024 approaches, people across the country share Hindi Diwas wishes, Hindi Diwas quotes, and Hindi Diwas messages with their friends and family to celebrate this special day. Here are some thoughtful Hindi Diwas slogans and Hindi Diwas status ideas to help you express your love for the language:

Here are Hindi Diwas wishes, quotes, slogans, images, posters, cards and messages to share with loved ones on WhatsApp

Best Happy Hindi Diwas wishes to share on WhatsApp

Wishing you a very Happy Hindi Diwas 2024! Lets celebrate the beauty of our language. On Hindi Diwas 2024, lets take pride in our language and preserve its essence for future generations. Hindi is not just a language; it's the soul of India. Happy Hindi Diwas! Celebrate the richness of our culture with Hindi. Wishing you a Happy Hindi Diwas 2024! Lets honour our national language and spread its sweetness. Happy Hindi Diwas to all! This Hindi Diwas, lets pledge to speak and promote our mother tongue with pride. Hindi connects us all. Lets celebrate its beauty this Hindi Diwas 2024! Wishing you a day full of love and pride for our national language. Happy Hindi Diwas! Hindi is the thread that unites us. Celebrate its glory on this special day! Lets embrace the richness of Hindi and make it flourish. Happy Hindi Diwas 2024! Wishing everyone a joyful Hindi Diwas! Lets take pride in our beautiful language. May Hindi continue to inspire and unite us. Happy Hindi Diwas to everyone! On this Hindi Diwas, lets celebrate the language that reflects our culture and heritage. Hindi is the heart of our nation. Lets honour it today and every day. Happy Hindi Diwas 2024! Happy Hindi Diwas to all! Lets take pride in our national language and carry it forward with pride.

Heartfelt Hindi Diwas messages to share

Happy Hindi Diwas 2024! Today, lets celebrate the beauty of our national language, Hindi, which binds us all together. May we continue to honour and promote it with pride. Wishing you a joyful Hindi Diwas! Hindi is not just a language, but a reflection of our culture and heritage. Lets pledge to keep it alive and pass it on to future generations. On Hindi Diwas 2024, lets take a moment to appreciate the richness and simplicity of our beautiful language. Hindi unites us in diversity, and today we celebrate that unity. Happy Hindi Diwas! Lets celebrate our language, which has been a symbol of pride for our country. May we continue to embrace Hindi in our daily lives and promote its use with joy. This Hindi Diwas, lets take pride in the fact that Hindi is not just a language, but an emotion that connects millions of hearts across the nation. Happy Hindi Diwas to you and your family! Wishing everyone a very Happy Hindi Diwas 2024! Lets come together to celebrate the language that reflects the true spirit of India and promotes unity in diversity. Happy Hindi Diwas! Today, lets honour the language that has been an integral part of our identity. May we always cherish Hindi and promote its growth with pride. On Hindi Diwas, lets celebrate the language that has been the foundation of our communication and culture for centuries. Hindi represents our unity and strength. Happy Hindi Diwas! Hindi is more than just words; its a way of life for millions. On Hindi Diwas 2024, lets take a pledge to keep our language flourishing and vibrant for generations to come. Wishing you a Happy Hindi Diwas! Lets celebrate our mother tongue, which carries the essence of our culture, values, and traditions. May Hindi continue to prosper in every corner of the world. Happy Hindi Diwas to all! Hindi holds a special place in our hearts, and today we celebrate its significance in our lives. Lets keep promoting and preserving our beloved language. Hindi Diwas is a reminder of the power of language in connecting us all. May we always take pride in speaking and promoting Hindi. Wishing you a very Happy Hindi Diwas 2024! On this special day, lets celebrate Hindi, the language that reflects our roots and values. Happy Hindi Diwas to everyone! May Hindi continue to shine as a symbol of our unity. Wishing you a wonderful Hindi Diwas! Lets celebrate the language that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire us. Hindi is the heart of our nation, and we are proud of it. Happy Hindi Diwas! Lets take a moment to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of Hindi, the language that has been a symbol of our pride and identity for centuries. Celebrate with joy!

Powerful and thoughtful Hindi Diwas Slogans

Hindi Diwas: Celebrating Indias Unity We are dumb, without our mother tongue. Hindi Diwas: Spread the importance of Hindi Lets Take a Pledge to Always Respect Hindi Come together and join us to celebrate Hindi Diwas. Hindi Day: Celebrating Hindi, the Pride of India Hindi is our mother tongue, lets promote its use. On Hindi Day, Let us Take Pride in the Beauty of Hindi One must learn Hindi to win our hearts. Hindi Day: Hindi is the Root of our Unity Hindi is the symbol of unity among Indian citizens for many years. Hindi Diwas: Spread the Pride of Hindi Far and Wide Raise your voice to promote the use of the Hindi language. Hindi Diwas: Hindi is Not Just a Language, It Is Our Heritage Dont let the national language go down, it is our pride. Celebrating Hindi, the Spirit of India Hindi Diwas is not a day only; it promotes national unity among people. Hindi is our Identity We are Hindu and our mother tongue is Hindi. Hindi Diwas: Celebrating our treasure, Hindi Hindi is our pride; its a fact that cant be denied. Hindi: Keeps us United Hindi Hain Hum Hindi was chosen as the mother tongue of the nation because it was widely spoken. Hindi Day: Unity in Diversity

Hindi Diwas quotes to inspire you and others

Looking for some inspiring Hindi Diwas quotes? Share these with your loved ones to celebrate the beauty of the Hindi language:

Hindi has always been such a language that it never boycotted any word just because it is of foreign origin.- Rajendra Prasad Rashtra bhasha ke bina aazadi bekar hai. (Freedom without a national language is meaningless)  Avanindra Kumar Vidyalankar "Political integration of India can only be made possible through Hindi." -Bhudev Mukherji Main un logon me se hoon, jo chahte hai aur jinka vichar hai, ki Hindi hi bharat ki rashtra bhasha ho sakti hai. (I am one of those who think only Hindi can be Indias national language)  Bal Gangadhar Tila Without Hindi, I am voiceless-Mahatma Gandhi Rashtra ekta ki kadi Hindi me Jodi ja sakti hai. (Hindi can tie together the country in unity)  Balkrishna Sharma Navin "Hindi is the soul of Indian culture." -Kamalapati Tripathi "Hindi is not the language of any one state but is the most spoken language in the country" -William Carey "Hindi is the simplest source of expression of our nation." -Sumitranandan Pant "Hindi Bhartiya Sanskriti ki aatma hai (Hindi is the soul of Indian culture)"- Kamla Pati Tripathi "Freedom without a national language is meaningless." -Avanindra Kumar Vidyalankar "Bhartiya sahitya aur sanskriti ko Hindi ki den badi mehatvapurna hai". Sampurnanand "I am one of those who think only Hindi can be Indias national language." -Bal Gangadhar Tilak "Desh ko ek sutra me bandhne ke liye ek bhasha ki avashyakta hai." - Seth Govinddas "Hindi is a living language. The country's reputation will fly high along with it." -Jawaharlal Nehru

Happy Hindi Diwas wishes, messages and Shayari to share on WhatsApp

#1.

Vividhataon se bhare is desh mein lagi bhashaon ki phulwari hai,

Inmein humko sabse pyari Hindi bhasha hamari hai.

Hindi Diwas ki Shubhkamnayein!

#2.

Vaktayon ki taqat hai bhasha,

Lekhak ka abhiman hai bhasha,

Bhashaon ke sheersh par baithi,

Meri pyari Hindi bhasha.

#3.

Hindi hamari shaan hai, Hindi se Hindustan hai,

Desh ki bhasha Hindi hai, hum sabka abhiman hai.

#4.

Hindi aur Hindustan hamara hai aur hum iski shaan hain,

Dil hamara ek hai aur ek hamari jaan hai.

Hindi Diwas ki Shubhkamnayein!

#5.

Vaktayon ki taqat hai bhasha,

Lekhak ka abhiman hai bhasha,

Bhashaon ke sheersh par baithi,

Meri pyari Hindi bhasha.

#6.

Har dil mein base hai Hindi, har zubaan par ye naam,

Hindi se hi roshan hoga, apna desh, apna dhaam.

#7.

Vaktayon ki taqat hai bhasha,

Lekhak ka abhiman hai bhasha,

Bhashaon ke sheersh par baithi,

Meri pyari Hindi bhasha.

#8.

Hindi aur Hindustan hamara hai aur hum iski shaan hain,

Dil hamara ek hai aur ek hamari jaan hain.

#9.

Hum sab ka abhiman hai Hindi,

Bharat desh ki shaan hai Hindi.

Hindi Diwas ki Shubhkamnayein!

#10.

Vaktayon ki taqat hai bhasha,

Lekhak ka abhiman hai bhasha,

Bhashaon ke sheersh par baithi,

Meri pyari Hindi bhasha.

#11.

Hamari ekta aur akhandata hi hamare desh ki pehchaan hai,

Hindustani hain hum aur Hindi hamari zubaan hai.

Hindi Diwas par aap sabhi ko Shubhkamnayein.

#12.

Hindi Diwas par hai pran, ise unchaiyon par le jaayenge,

Matribhasha ka maan badhakar, naya itihaas banayenge.

#13.

Bharat maa ke bhaal par saji swarnim bindi hoon,

Main Bharat ki beti, aapki apni Hindi hoon.

Hindi Diwas ki Shubhkamnayein!

#14.

Hum sab ka abhiman hain Hindi,

Bharat desh ki shaan hain Hindi,

Hindi Diwas ki Shubhkamnayein.

#15.

Hindi mein baatein karna, hai sacchi apni pehchaan,

Hamari jaan, hamari shaan, Hindi se hai Hindustan!

#16.

Hindi hai Bharat ki aasha,

Hindi hai Bharat ki bhasha.

Hindi Diwas par aap sabhi ko haardik Shubhkamnayein.

#17.

Niji bhasha ka nahi garv jise

Kya prem desh se hoga use,

Wahi veer desh ka pyara hai

Hindi hi jiska naara hai.

Hindi Diwas ki Shubhkamnayein!

#18.

Hamari aan-baan-shaan hai Hindi,

Har Hindustani ki pehchaan hai Hindi.

Hamara dil hamari jaan hai Hindi,

Hum sabka abhiman hai Hindi.

Hindi Diwas ki Shubhkamnayein.

#19.

Bharat maa ke bhaal par saji swarnim bindi hoon,

Main Bharat ki beti, aapki apni Hindi hoon.

Hindi Diwas par aap sabhi ko haardik Shubhkamnayein.

#20.

Hindi Diwas par humne thaana hai,

Logon mein Hindi ka swabhiman jagana hai,

Hum sab ka abhiman hai Hindi,

Bharat desh ki shaan hai Hindi.

Hindi Diwas ki Shubhkamnayein!

Happy Hindi Diwas images, cards, poster status to share on WhatsApp and Facebook

Social media plays a big role in spreading the spirit of Hindi Diwas. People love to share Hindi Diwas images, WhatsApp statuses, and inspiring messages to spread awareness. You can celebrate by sharing heartfelt messages with creative visuals that reflect the essence of the day.

#1.

Credit: Freepik | Happy Hindi Diwas wishes status

#2.



Credit: Freepik | Happy Hindi Diwas wishes status

#3.



Credit: Freepik | Happy Hindi Diwas wishes status

#4.



Credit: Freepik | Happy Hindi Diwas wishes status

#5.



Credit: Freepik | Happy Hindi Diwas wishes status

What is the History of Hindi Diwas?

The origins of Hindi Diwas can be traced back to the Indian independence movement. In 1918, Hindi scholars and activists formed the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan (Hindi Literary Conference) to promote Hindi as a national language. Their efforts laid the foundation for the languages recognition at a national level.

On September 14, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, as one of the two official languages of the newly independent nation. This historic decision aimed to promote Hindi as a common language for Indias diverse regions and cultures. The first Hindi Diwas was celebrated in 1953, marking this significant moment.

Hindi: The Official Language of India

Hindi is one of the two official languages of the Indian government, the other being English. It is also one of the 22 scheduled languages recognized in the Constitution of India. The decision to make Hindi an official language was largely influenced by notable figures such as Beohar Rajendra Simha, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, and Maithili Sharan Gupt. Interestingly, the day Hindi was adopted as the official language also happened to be Beohar Rajendra Simhas 50th birthday.

Celebrating Hindi Diwas 2024

Hindi Diwas 2024 is not only a day to celebrate the rich linguistic diversity of India but also an occasion to promote the use of Hindi in daily life. Schools, colleges, and institutions organise various cultural activities such as poem recitations, Hindi Diwas speeches, storytelling, and debates in Hindi. These events are aimed at enlightening students about the language's importance and encouraging them to embrace it.

The Importance of Hindi Diwas in Schools

Schools across the country play a vital role in celebrating Hindi Diwas. Various competitions and activities are organized to engage children and instill a love for the language. These activities also teach the students about the history of Hindi Diwas and its significance in uniting the people of India through a common language.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.


The debate between US Presidential nominees Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on September 10th was nothing short of dramatic, with moments that still have people talking. One clip that's making the rounds shows Democratic nominee Kamala Harris coming close to cursing at her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, during a heated exchange - or, that's how people interpreted it. Now, a resurfaced video is adding a new twist, confirming the exact curse word Harris almost said but managed to hold back.



Here's a closer look at the moment that caught everyone's attention:

Another clip youre probably looking for.

This.former President. pic.twitter.com/1mtY4S71a1  Olga Nesterova (@onestpress) September 11, 2024

what was kamala about to call trump just then im crying. this bitch? this motherfucker?  ellie schnitt (@holy_schnitt) September 11, 2024

Now, the throwback video everyone's referencing is an old interview where Kamala Harris is asked about her favorite curse word.

Harris playfully responds, "I can't say it. It starts with an M and it ends with an 'uh.'"

And cuss-connoisseurs were quick to catch on, confidently identifying her favorite curse word from the interview as the exact one she nearly let slip during the debate.

So Kamala Harris almost referred to Trump as this motherfucker in front of the worldand the world wouldnt blame her, really. pic.twitter.com/eLTmR42VTx  Austin Jackson (@austinhjackson) September 11, 2024

as you know I am no fan of Kamala Harris but tripping up because you were going to call Trump a motherfucker in front of people you cant call Trump a motherfucker in front of is intensely relatable. https://t.co/a79XwSlVgD  Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) September 11, 2024

"and this......." kamala wanted to say motherfucker so bad pic.twitter.com/5S1DUkLwFw    (@andreknows_) September 11, 2024

Trumps vs Harris debate

The September 10 debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was hosted by ABC News and marked the first time the two candidates met face-to-face.

The event took place just eight weeks before the U.S. general elections on Tuesday, November 5.

Following the debate, Harris's campaign announced that she was interested in another debate in October. However, on Thursday, Trump posted on his social media platform that he would not participate in any further debates with Harris.

He stated, "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," clarifying that there won't be any third debate.

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Vishwakarma Puja, also known as Vishwakarma Jayanti or Vishwakarma Day holds a great religious significance among Hindus. This auspicious festival is dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect of the universe. This day celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Vishwakarma, who is believed to have designed the holy city of Dwarka, where Lord Krishna ruled, and created many powerful weapons for the gods.

It is a significant day for craftsmen and artisans all over the country. In 2024, Vishwakarma Day will be observed on Monday, September 16, marking a day of prayers, rituals, and celebrations for craftsmen and artisans across India.



Vishwakarma Day 2024 Date and Timings

Vishwakarma Day 2024 falls on September 16, aligning with Kanya Sankranti. This auspicious occasion is also known as Kanya Sankramanam, a day when devotees perform Vishwakarma Puja to seek the blessing of the deity. The Shubh Muhurat (auspicious time) for the puja begins at 7:53 PM on September 16, 2024. It is believed that Lord Vishwakarma appeared during the Samudra Manthan on this day, making it spiritually significant for his followers.

Vishwakarma Day Significance

The significance of Vishwakarma Day lies in honouring the skills of craftsmanship, architecture, and mechanics. Lord Vishwakarma is worshipped as the god of creation and is highly respected by those in professions such as carpentry, engineering, and architecture. On this day, people express gratitude to the deity for their skills and seek blessings for success and progress in their trades. Vishwakarma Day 2024 is especially important for workers who depend on their tools and machinery, as they worship these instruments to ensure their continued prosperity and success.

Vishwakarma Day Rituals

On Vishwakarma Jayanti, various rituals are performed to pay homage to Lord Vishwakarma. Here are some of the key rituals:

Workspace Cleansing and Decoration: Workers and artisans clean and decorate their workplaces with flowers and vibrant colours. Special attention is given to the tools and machinery, which are cleaned, adorned, and then worshipped.

Workers and artisans clean and decorate their workplaces with flowers and vibrant colours. Special attention is given to the tools and machinery, which are cleaned, adorned, and then worshipped. Puja and Offerings: Devotees set up idols of Lord Vishwakarma in beautifully decorated pandals. Special prayers and pujas are held in offices, factories, and workshops. Workers offer sweets, fruits, and other items as offerings, seeking the deitys blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

Devotees set up idols of Lord Vishwakarma in beautifully decorated pandals. Special prayers and pujas are held in offices, factories, and workshops. Workers offer sweets, fruits, and other items as offerings, seeking the deitys blessings for a prosperous year ahead. No Use of Tools: Tools and equipment are not used after they are worshipped, symbolizing respect for the instruments of the trade. This practice is followed across various workplaces, ensuring a day of rest for both the workers and their tools.

Tools and equipment are not used after they are worshipped, symbolizing respect for the instruments of the trade. This practice is followed across various workplaces, ensuring a day of rest for both the workers and their tools. Community Feasts: A grand feast is often prepared, where workers and employers come together to enjoy the meal, creating a joyful and united atmosphere.

Vishwakarma Day Celebrations Across India

In 2024, Vishwakarma Jayanti will be observed in many states, particularly in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab, where it is celebrated with great enthusiasm. States like West Bengal, Odisha, Tripura, and Jharkhand observe it as Biswakarma Puja. In Bihar and some parts of northern India, it is celebrated after Diwali.

Vishwakarma Day 2024 is a restricted holiday, meaning only select regions and industries will observe it as a day off, allowing workers in these areas to fully participate in the celebrations.

Importance of Vishwakarma Day

The importance of Vishwakarma Day 2024 extends beyond just rituals and pujas. It holds immense value for the community of workers and artisans. This day highlights the role of skilled labour in society and honours Lord Vishwakarmas contribution to the development of various trades. By worshipping their tools and machinery, workers show reverence for the instruments that sustain their livelihoods. The Vishwakarma Day significance is further emphasized in the Rig Veda, where Lord Vishwakarma's contributions to the universe are praised.

Vishwakarma Puja Mantras

Om Aadhaar Shaktpe Namah.

Om Kumayi Namah.

Om Anantam Namah.

Prithivyai Namah Mantra.

Vishwakarma Puja Wishes and Quotes to share on WhatsApp

May the spirit of hard work and dedication of Lord Vishwakarma guide your hands and bring prosperity to your life. Happy Vishwakarma Jayanti!

From intricate carvings to towering structures, may your work reflect the ingenuity and dedication of Lord Vishwakarma. Happy Vishwakarma Jayanti!

May Lord Vishwakarma shower you with his blessings, and may you succeed in all your endeavours. Happy Vishwakarma Puja to you and everyone at home.

May your work be a testament to your passion, skill, and the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma. Happy Vishwakarma Jayanti!

Today is the day to pray to the creator of tools and machines and to seek his blessings for a progressive and prosperous life.. Warm wishes on Vishwakarma Jayanti.

Here's paying a humble tribute to the architect of Gods and the God of all the skills. Happy and blessed Vishwakarma Puja to you and your loved ones.

On the special occasion of Vishwakarma Puja, I wish that you are always blessed with prosperity and happiness, success and achievements with blessings of Lord Vishwakarma.

May Lord Vishwakarma shower you with his blessings, and may you succeed in all your endeavours. Happy Vishwakarma Puja to you and everyone at home.

Let us offer our prayers to Lord Vishwakarma to always bless us with success and prosperity. Happy Vishwakarma to all 

May the architect of the Gods shower you and your family with his choicest blessings. A very Happy Vishwakarma Puja to you and your family.

May you have the beautiful home of your dreams and succeed in all your endeavours. Have a shubh Vishwakarma Puja with your loved ones.

FAQs:

Q. Who is Lord Vishwakarma?

Lord Vishwakarma is considered the son born from the mind of Lord Brahma and is worshipped by many devotees.

Q. Why is Lord Vishwakarma worshipped?

Lord Vishwakarma is known for creating Dwarka, the city of Lord Krishna, and is regarded as the god of machines, weapons, and buildings. Artists and craftsmen honor him with great devotion and dedication.
Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh or Shraddha, is a significant 15-day period in the Hindu calendar. It begins during the Purnima Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada and concludes on the Amavasya Tithi of Krishna Paksha. This sacred time is dedicated to honouring and performing rituals for deceased ancestors.



What is Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha (also spelled as Pitri Paksha) is a period of reverence for ancestors, marked by specific Shradh rituals and a lifestyle change. The rituals performed during this time are believed to help ancestors attain moksha or liberation.

The final day of this period is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya, which holds special significance and is the most important day for performing Shradh rituals.

Shradh 2024: Dates and Details

Shradh 2024 begins on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, and ends on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Heres a brief overview of the key dates:

Pitru Paksha 2024 schedule Date Day Event Name September 17, 2024 Tuesday Purnima Shraddha September 18, 2024 Wednesday Pratipada Shraddha September 19, 2024 Thursday Dwitiya Shraddha September 20, 2024 Friday Tritiya Shraddha September 21, 2024 Saturday Chaturthi Shraddha September 21, 2024 Saturday Maha Bharani September 22, 2024 Sunday Panchami Shraddha September 23, 2024 Monday Shashthi Shraddha September 23, 2024 Monday Saptami Shraddha September 24, 2024 Tuesday Ashtami Shraddha September 25, 2024 Wednesday Navami Shraddha September 26, 2024 Thursday Dashami Shraddha September 27, 2024 Friday Ekadashi Shraddha September 29, 2024 Sunday Dwadashi Shraddha September 29, 2024 Sunday Magha Shraddha September 30, 2024 Monday Trayodashi Shraddha October 1, 2024 Tuesday Chaturdashi Shraddha October 2, 2024 Wednesday Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Start Date and Time: The Pitru Paksha of 2024 starts with Bhadrapada Purnima, observed on Tuesday, September 17. The period continues with Purnima Shraddha (full moon) starting on Wednesday, September 18, which concludes with Pratipada Shraddha (the first day) on the same day.



End Date: The concluding day, Mahalaya Amavasya on Wednesday, October 2nd, is the most significant for performing Shradh rituals and often involves fasting and special prayers.

The Significance of Pitru Paksha 2024

During Pitru Paksha, Hindus focus on paying homage to their ancestors. Performing Shradh rituals during this period is believed to bring peace to the souls of the deceased and aid them in their journey to the afterlife. These practices are thought to cleanse ancestral karma and bring blessings from forefathers.

Key Shradh Rituals and Practices

1. Tarpan

Tarpan involves offering water mixed with black sesame seeds (til) to the ancestors' souls. This ritual ensures that they have access to pure water in the afterlife.

2. Pinda Daan

This involves offering rice balls cooked with ghee and sesame seeds to the ancestors. It is believed to nourish their souls and support their journey in the afterlife.

3. Shradh Ceremony

Families may conduct an elaborate Shradh ceremony, which includes offering food, clothing, and other items to priests and Brahmins as an act of charity for the deceased.

4. Donations and Charity

Making donations and performing acts of charity in the name of ancestors are common practices during Pitru Paksha. These acts are believed to earn merit for both the living and the deceased.

5. Visiting Ancestral Sites

Many people visit their ancestral villages or burial sites to perform rituals and show their respect during this time.

6. Fasting

Some individuals choose to fast during Pitru Paksha as a mark of respect for the deceased.

Historical Context of Pitru Paksha

Hindu Scriptures

Various Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas and Puranas, discuss the importance of honouring ancestors and performing rituals for the deceased. It is believed that such acts help the souls of ancestors attain peace.

Mahabharata

The epic Mahabharata features a story about Karna, who performed charitable acts during Pitru Paksha, earning him great merit and illustrating the significance of good deeds during this period.

Bhagavad Gita

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of offering food to ancestors as an act of devotion, reinforcing the belief that such rituals help in seeking blessings and spiritual progress.

The Story of King Mahabali

King Mahabali's story is associated with Pitru Paksha. Known for his generosity, Mahabali was visited by Lord Vishnu during this period. Mahabalis devotion earned him a boon to visit his subjects once a year, celebrated as Onam in Kerala.

Amavasya and Tarpan

Mahalaya Amavasya, the final day of Pitru Paksha, is crucial for performing Tarpan or Shraddha rituals, where Hindus offer food, water, and prayers to their ancestors.

Relevance Today

Pitru Paksha continues to be an important observance for Hindus. It is a time for families to come together to honour their ancestors through Shradh rituals and offerings. This period reinforces the connection between generations and emphasizes the impact of these rituals on both the living and the deceased.

By observing Pitru Paksha, Hindus seek to ensure a peaceful transition for their ancestors and promote spiritual well-being for themselves.
A reel from The Razor Sharp Project, hosted by Bombay Shaving Company founder Shantanu Deshpande, sparked a firestorm online after he claimed that women smoking was more jarring than men smoking. The controversial statement drew widespread backlash, and now Deshpande is backtracking and issuing an apology. What led to this dramatic turn of events?

In a now-deleted video, Shantanu Deshpande stated that women smoking is more shocking than men because, in his view, women are seen as "precious" and their smoking disrupts a perceived balance.



"Women have started drinking a lot or smoking a lot as a way to show that were empowered," he said, adding, "There is a very biological reason why women smoking is more jarring than a man smoking. It is frankly because men are disposal in our minds and women are precious so when a woman is smoking, it is affecting..putting carcinogens in the womb. I will do what a man does. Aping masculine traits that are poor."

Another snippet from the video showed Deshpande saying, "Sexual liberation of women quickly becomes equated to large number of sexual partners."

After facing widespread backlash, Deshpande was quick to retract the video from all platforms and issued a vague 'apology' or rather, acknowledgement, on LinkedIn.

He admitted the content was misleading and poorly received, though he stopped short of a direct apology. Instead, he noted the lesson learned: "The learning here specifically is the bar is now extremely high," stating that they won't be releasing the full episode now.

Deshpande is no stranger to controversy.

Last month, he compared Bengaluru to Kota, criticising its work culture for being more talk and less work, and in 2022, he faced backlash for suggesting freshers work 18-hour days for five years, dismissing concerns as "random rona-dhona."

"Don't do random rona-dhona. Take it on the chin and be relentless. You will be way better for it," he had said.

How did people respond?

Deshpande's recent comments have sparked significant criticism.

Journalist Leila Badyari Castelino took to LinkedIn to express her dismay: "To see someone with this level of influence and privilegewho many might look up to as a role modelpropagate such sexist and scientifically unfounded views is frankly disturbing!"

In the comments, one user remarked, "If men were less concerned with what women are doing and more concerned with being better themselves and turning the mirror on their own habits, beliefs, biases and fears, the world would be a better place."

Another questioned, "He is also conveniently man-splaining things about women. What is this 'biological' thing here that he knows and nobody else does?"

Despite the backlash, some defended Deshpande, arguing, "Whatever he has quoted, seems right. We do not need to smoke or drink to show we are empowered. Also it's bad for health. We should become good example for men who are doing so, rather than following them in harming own health and everyone around us."

While smoking itself isn't desirable and nothing to be emulated, but the criticism of Deshpande stems from his gendered framing of the issue, which many felt was inappropriate and misleading.

What's your opinion on this?

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Savitri Jindal, widely recognised as India's richest woman, has recently made headlines by contesting the Haryana Assembly elections from the Hisar seat as an independent candidate. At 74, the chairperson of the O.P. Jindal Group is not only a business tycoon but also a prominent political figure. She has a rich history of public service, and her decision to contest as an independent candidate is drawing attention across the country. Lets take a look at the inspiring story of Savitri Jindal.



Early Life of Savitri Jindal

Remembering Shri OP Jindal on his punyatithi  pic.twitter.com/3LYuyGswtS  Savitri Jindal (@SavitriJindal) March 31, 2021

Born on March 20, 1950, in Tinsukia, Assam, Savitri Devi Jindal's journey began far from the world of wealth and politics. After marrying O.P. Jindal in the 1970s, she became a part of a family that would soon rise to power and fame. Her husband, Om Prakash Jindal, founded the Jindal Group, a steel and power conglomerate, and was also a minister in the Haryana government. This connection would later influence her entry into politics.

Savitri Jindal's kids

According to media reports, Savitri Jindal was in her 20s when she married steel tycoon Om Prakash Jindal in the 1970s. The couple had nine children together, including four sonsPrithviraj, Sajjan, Ratan, and Naveen Jindaland five daughters. However, surprisingly, there is no information available online about their five daughters.

Savitri Jindal's education

One of the most common questions about Savitri Jindal, India's richest woman, is about her education. Reports suggest that she completed her schooling in Assam and earned a diploma from Assam University. This is the only publicly available information regarding her educational background.

The Tragic Turning Point

In 2005, tragedy struck when O.P. Jindal died in a helicopter crash. At 55, Savitri Jindal found herself at a crossroads. She not only took over the family business but also entered the world of politics. India's richest woman embraced her new role with grace, becoming a strong political leader, social activist, and entrepreneur. She took her husband's legacy forward while carving out her path.

Savitri Jindals Business Success

Savitri Jindal is the chairperson of the O.P. Jindal Group, one of the largest conglomerates in India. The group's flagship companies include JSW Steel, Jindal Saw Limited, Jindal Stainless Steel Limited, and Jindal Steel and Power Limited. Under Savitri's leadership, the group's turnover increased fourfold. Her strong values, combined with a humane approach to entrepreneurship, have earned her widespread respect.

Savitri Jindal's Political Career

Savitri Jindal entered politics after her husband's untimely death. In 2005, she contested and won the by-election for the Hisar Assembly seat. She was later appointed as a minister in the Bhupinder Singh Hooda government. She held various portfolios, including revenue, disaster management, rehabilitation, and urban local bodies. She successfully won re-election in 2009 but lost in the 2014 polls. Now, after a brief political hiatus, Savitri Jindal is back to contest the 2024 elections as an independent candidate from Hisar.

Contesting the Haryana Elections as an Independent

 ,     



     ,            ,           



         ,          pic.twitter.com/fn1Qk1lxem  Savitri Jindal (@SavitriJindal) September 12, 2024

Savitri Jindal is once again in the political spotlight, this time as an independent candidate for the Hisar seat in the Haryana Assembly election. As per HT, after being denied a ticket from the BJP, she decided to run independently. This bold move has positioned her as a powerful contender, with many keeping a close eye on the outcome. Her connection to Hisar runs deep, as it was the very seat her late husband represented in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.

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.

Savitri Jindal's Net Worth

Savitri Jindal, India's richest woman, has a net worth of approximately $42.1 billion (Approx Rs 3.5 lakh crore) as of today, September 13, 2024. She is the third richest person in India and 5th richest woman in the world. Her massive wealth stems from her leadership of the Jindal Group, a conglomerate with business interests in steel, power, and infrastructure.

In her nomination papers, Savitri Jindal reported her total assets as Rs 270.66 crore. Back in the 2009 elections, she listed her assets as Rs 43.68 crore, which then grew to Rs 113 crore by the time of her 2014 election nomination.

Savitri Jindals Social Contributions

Credit: Savitri Jindal/X

Beyond business and politics, Savitri Jindal has made a mark through her philanthropic efforts. She is deeply involved in building schools, hospitals, and medical institutions, contributing to society in various ways. The Jindal Group, under her leadership, continues to prioritize social responsibility, uplifting communities and creating opportunities for the underprivileged.



The story of Savitri Jindal is one of resilience, leadership, and dedication. From humble beginnings to becoming India's richest woman, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. As she contests the Haryana elections as an independent candidate, all eyes are on Savitri Jindal, the powerful businesswoman, philanthropist, and politician. Will she continue her legacy in Hisar? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Savitri Jindal's impact on Indias business, political, and social landscape is undeniable.

FAQs:

Q. Who is Savitri Jindal?

Savitri Jindal is the chairperson of the O.P. Jindal Group and India's richest woman. She is a business tycoon and a prominent political figure contesting the Haryana Assembly elections in 2024 from the Hisar seat as an independent candidate.

What is Savitri Jindals net worth?

As of today, September 13, Savitri Jindal's net worth is approximately $42.1 billion, according to Forbes, making her the wealthiest woman and third richest person in India.

Q. Where is Savitri Jindal contesting the 2024 elections?

Savitri Jindal is contesting the Haryana Assembly elections from the Hisar seat as an independent candidate.

Q. Why is Savitri Jindal contesting as an independent?

Savitri Jindal decided to contest as an independent after being denied a ticket by her former party, Congress.

Q. What businesses are part of the Jindal Group?

The Jindal Group's major companies include Jindal Saw Limited, JSW Steel, Jindal Stainless Steel Limited, and Jindal Steel and Power Limited.

For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here
PASOK-KINAL leader Nikos Androulakis is touring Lasithi, Crete, starting Friday morning. In Ierapetra, he met with party officials and supporters, urging them to back PASOK to counter the conservative policies implemented by New Democracy.

We

saw Mitsotakis at the Thessaloniki International Fair out of touch with reality, announcing measures that solve no problems,said. He added that he outlined eight national goals , stating that if the people give us the strength to be the next progressive government , we will implement this plan and the living condition of Greeks will immediately improve.

Androulakis criticized New Democracy for disappointing citizens, saying, "Greece needs a different policy. I will put all my efforts into overturning the current difficult situation and the conservative policies of Mitsotakis."

   iefimerida.gr
The EYDAP public water company, has announced an ambitious project to alleviate water scarcity in Attica by drawing water through tunnels from two rivers in Evrytania, central Greece, to fill the

artificial lake Evinos.

This project aims to be operational within three to four years, eliminating the risk of a severe water crisis in the region.



In the immediate term, EYDAP plans to supplement water supplies by drilling boreholes in the Viotian Kifissos basin and Mavrosouvalas.

Additionally, the artificial lake Kremasta will be integrated into the system, and a desalination plant will be established in the capital.



The Environment Ministry and EYDAP presented the details of these plans to address water scarcity in Attica and the rest of Greece. According to Environment Minister Theodoros Skylakakis and EYDAP CEO Harry Sachinis, Attica currently faces a water deficit of 225 million cubic meters. To reduce this deficit by 75 million cubic meters, EYDAP has activated drilling in Mavrosouvalas, Oropos, pumped water from Lake Yliki, and plans to expand drilling in the middle of the Viotian Kifissos basin. However, under the current drought conditions, Attica has water reserves for only four more years.



The most suitable solution for significantly reinforcing Attica's water reserves is to supply the Evinos reservoir from new water sources in Western Greece. As outlined by Skylakakis, the central solution involves boosting the Evinos reservoir from Lake Kremasta, which has five times more storage capacity than all of EYDAP's reservoirs combined.



Mr. Sachinis explained that the project will be carried out in two phases. Initially, a public project will be developed to connect two rivers in the region with the Evinos reservoir. The first river, Krikellopotamos, will require a tunnel spanning approximately 12 kilometres, while the second river, Karpenisiotis, will need a tunnel of 7 kilometres. The estimated cost of this project is 450 million euros.



In the second phase, a third tunnel, stretching around 11 kilometres, will be constructed as a standalone project to reach Lake Kremasta. The water will flow through this tunnel to the lake, where a smaller reservoir is planned to be built. Sachinis noted that the water will need to be pumped from Kremasta due to the altitude difference. This facility can potentially be used as a pumped storage project for power generation, potentially making it self-financing. The estimated cost of this project is 250 million euros.

   iefimerida.gr
A recent report from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) has revealed a significant increase in job vacancies in Greece, raising concerns about the country's labor market.



According to the report, the number of job vacancies surged by 58.8% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. This marked a significant acceleration from the previous

year's growth rate of 36.2%.

The rise in job vacancies has become a major challenge for the Greek economy, hindering its growth potential.



Despite the country's overall economic expansion, the labour shortage has emerged as a significant bottleneck.



The Bank of Greece Governor, Yannis Stournaras, has warned that the situation could worsen if immediate steps are not taken to address the shortage.



He estimated that there are currently around 200,000 vacant positions in the Greek labour market.



The labour shortage is likely due to a combination of factors, including demographic changes, increased economic activity, and competition from other countries for skilled workers.



To address the issue, the Greek government may need to implement policies to encourage immigration, improve education and training, and create a more flexible labour market.

   iefimerida.gr
The Ogun State Police Command has detained four suspected Aye Confraternity members for terrorising residents of Sango-Otas Ijoko neighbourhood.

Olanide Balogun, Olamilekan Oyedele, Adeolu Olayinka, and Abdulganiyu Azeez are the four suspects.

Omolola Odutola, the Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest to DAILY POST on Thursday, saying the culprits were nabbed at 3:00 pm on Wednesday.

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Odutola stated that their method of action entails breaking car windows and targeting innocent motorists during traffic congestion.

READ MORE: Owa Obokun Of Ijesaland, Oba Aromolaran Passes Away After 42-Year Reign

She said, The Police received a tip that the suspects had been spotted in specific areas of Ijoko. The Divisional Police Officer of Sango-Ota led a team to raid the location. Upon seeing the police operatives, the suspects scattered in different directions.

The DPO immediately pursued the criminals, catching up with one of them. The others were later apprehended with the help of the first suspect, who had been arrested.

Odutola said that the suspects would be sent over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Nigerias petroleum marketers have called on Dangote Refinery to be open to Nigerians about the pricing of its Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) to Nigerians.

Dangote had on Thursday disclosed that marketers in the country are not patronising its refinery and it may be forced to export 97 percent of the Premium Motor Spirit it produces.

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Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, who made the disclosure, stated that local marketers were boycotting Dangote Refinery petrol for imported ones despite its lower prices.

Reacting to the development, the President of the Products Retail Outlets Owners Association, Billy Gillis-Harry and the President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Abubakar Maigandi, dismissed Edwin claims.

Gillis-Harry said that marketers are not privy to the price of Dangote Refinerys petrol because the company has not made it public.

According to him, petroleum marketers in Nigeria are willing to patronise Dangote Refinery Petrol based on a fair and reasonable price.

Why dont Dangote Refinery give us a price list of what his price is? They cannot tell the price of Dangote Refinerys PMS which they claim is cheaper than imported petrol. What is the price of DRL petrol?

READ ALSO: Fuel Price, ROI Will Determine If Well Buy From NNPC Or Dangote Refinery  Petrol Marketers

How come they are saying marketers are boycotting their petrol? We dont know how much Dangote is selling its petrol.

We are willing to partner with him but we partner on the basis that we would be able to sell with a human face, he said in a chat with Daily Post.

Madigan also said Edwins claim that that local marketers are boycotting Dangote Refinerys petrol is false.

According to him, petroleum marketers are ready to buy Dangote Refinery petrol provided the price is not more than the price they are currently buying

We dont know the price of Dangote Refinerys Petrol. We are ready to buy Petrol from Dangote Refinery in any condition provided the price is not more than the price we are getting from other places, he said.

He added that marketers buy Petrol at various prices depending on location.

Recall that the founder of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, while announcing the rollout of his petrol in the first week of September said that the price will be determined by the Federal Executive Council headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Kachallah Buzu, a known bandit chief, and several of his fighters have been eliminated by Joint Task Force Northwest troops in Zamfara State.

Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency expert in the Lake Chad Basin, announced this on Friday via his X account.

Makama stated that the operation, which occurred on the night of September 12 in Mayanchi village, was the result of an ambush set up by the military in response to intelligence reports on the terrorists activities.

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READ MORE: Boat Carrying Wood Merchants Capsizes In Ogun, Two Missing

The security specialist added that intelligence sources informed him that the ambush resulted in the neutralisation of multiple bandits, including their commander, Buzu.

In addition to the significant loss of life among the insurgents, the troops seized 30 motorcycles and a large cache of weapons, further crippling the groups operational capabilities.

The success of this operation was a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to combat banditry in the Northwest region, he said.

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The U.S. Commerce Department announced on Monday that it is proposing detailed reporting requirements for advanced developers of artificial intelligence and cloud computing providers. In an era when artificial intelligence and cloud computing are driving innovation, the latest regulatory proposals have caught the attention of many enterprise cloud users.

The initiative, led by the Bureau of Industry and Security, calls for a significant shift in developing and deploying advanced AI systems. The goal is to ensure the technologies are safe and can withstand cyberattacks. So, what does that mean for businesses that rely on cloud-based solutions, and how can enterprises prepare for these changes?

Understanding the proposal

At its core, the new proposal requires developers and cloud service providers to fulfill reporting requirements aimed at ensuring the safety and cybersecurity resilience of AI technologies. This necessitates the disclosure of detailed information about AI models and the platforms on which they operate.



One of the proposals key components is cybersecurity. Enterprises must now demonstrate robust security protocols and engage in whats known as red-teamingsimulated attacks designed to identify and address vulnerabilities. This practice is rooted in longstanding cybersecurity practices, but it does introduce new layers of complexity and cost for cloud users. Based on the negative impact of red-teaming on enterprises, I suspect it may be challenged in the courts.
BOISE, Idaho  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.

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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.

Police arrested Kohberger six weeks after the killings at his parents home in Monroe County, Pa., where he was spending winter break.

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.

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 cell phone 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.
The headquarters of the Police Department's 24th and 25th Districts, at 3901 Whitaker Avenue, could house a forthcoming neighborhood court initiative. Read more

Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration is developing what it is calling a neighborhood wellness court in Kensington  an initiative in which police would conduct sweeps to arrest people who are using drugs on the street, give them summary citations, offer them treatment and diversion programs, and bring them before a judge that same day.

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A police captain told community members about plans for the court at a recent meeting in Harrowgate, and the city said it could begin operating in Kensington as soon as October, according to a document seeking lawyers to work in the system.

But a city spokesperson said it was premature to comment on the plan. And other agencies that could play key roles in it  including the District Attorneys Office and the First Judicial District, which operates Philadelphias court system  also declined to comment.

Advocates are concerned that many people picked up might have open warrants or be on probation  which could then land them in jail after an arrest  and they question the ability of the understaffed city jails to absorb an influx of medically fragile people in addiction.

Last week, 31-year-old Amanda Cahill  one of more than three dozen people arrested during a sweep near G Street  died in custody, likely due to complications from withdrawal or drug intoxication, her family said authorities told them.

Two other people arrested in the neighborhood on the same day were also hospitalized, according to incident reports reviewed by The Inquirer. One of them was a woman who was eight months pregnant and who began suffering from withdrawal symptoms after being jailed for two outstanding warrants, according to the report.

Keisha Hudson, chief of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, said the neighborhood wellness court proposal would only cause more such harms.

Were going to have to detain people who come with these complicated criminal justice histories, like Amanda did, and the jails just are not staffed and equipped to handle this population, she said. People will continue to die if we are going to be taking this approach.

Cleaning up the neighborhood

Parker has said the goal of the overall enforcement push in Kensington is to shut down the neighborhoods long-standing open-air drug market, get users connected with treatment, and return a sense of stability and safety to an area that experiences some of the highest rates of violence in the country.

Many residents of Kensington have been pleading for change for years, begging the city to invest resources and stop the widespread open drug use and sales in the neighborhood.

 READ MORE: How speculators fueled a nightmare for Kensington residents  and could soon cash in

Capt. Christopher Bullick of the 24th Police District told residents at the Sept. 5 civic meeting that the goal of the neighborhood court would be to provide accountability and treatment as officers continue working to address the areas challenges.

When we do start enforcing more laws, that shows accountability, Bullick said. Hopefully deter some people and get people into rehabilitation.

The idea, according to the captain and the documents, would be to provide an alternative to incarceration for some of those who are taken into custody during sweeps in which dozens of patrol officers target certain blocks or intersections in Kensington and arrest people using or selling drugs, or those who have outstanding warrants.

Eligible defendants would be charged with a summary offense, a low-level offense akin to a traffic ticket. Many can be resolved by paying a fine, while the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail. The defendants would also see a judge that day, rather than waiting weeks or months for a case to proceed, and be offered diversion and potential health treatments.

But as residents pushed for clarity, Marnie Aument-Loughrey, the Parker administrations community coordinator for Kensington, acknowledged a frustrating lack of details.

They dont have everything worked out yet, so we really cant talk until all the lawyers say its OK, Aument-Loughrey said. It has to go in front of the mayor, it has to go in front of Council, it has to go in front of the police. Everybody has to agree on it before we can actually tell everybody what it is.

District Attorney Larry Krasner declined to comment on the wellness court plan but said Cahills death in custody raised troubling concerns.

 READ MORE: Police patrols flood Kensington as part of the city's plan to shut down drug markets

Cahills preliminary arraignment report, obtained by The Inquirer, showed that she was not present for the hearing when bail was set. Officer said unsafe to bring out [of her cell], a note on the report reads.

We cannot recklessly put people into a dysfunctional county correctional system when we have so little resources and so little information to prevent severe withdrawal, fatal overdose, victimization by assault, and other extreme dangers, Krasner said.

Still, after police arrested 35 people in a sweep last Wednesday, Krasners office approved charges for 33 of them  22 for possessing drug paraphernalia and six for possession of drugs for personal use.

Krasner declined to comment on the charges, or whether they aligned with his offices reform philosophy.

Bringing back community court

From 2002 through 2011, Philadelphia had a community court where people charged with misdemeanors or given summary citations for crimes like drug possession, prostitution, or theft could be brought before a judge, receive services, and be handed punishments including community service.

The primary goal was community service and connection to treatment without the threat of incarceration, said Andrew Pappas, pretrial managing director of the Defender Association.

After the court lost funding and shut down, the model became what is now known as the Accelerated Misdemeanor Program, or AMP, said Pappas. AMP was shut down during the coronavirus pandemic, and after reopening in mid-2022, it is now a shell of what it once was, he said  going from running five days a week to just two.

Pappas said the defenders have been completely excluded from the conversation about the neighborhood court. Through talks with personal contacts in the city, he said, they have come to understand that officials are considering conducting sweeps of Kensington every Wednesday morning, then transporting some of those who are arrested for drug offenses to the 24th District. Court would take place there a few hours later.

While most people would prefer summary citations to a criminal misdemeanor or felony charge, Pappas said, those who are issued citations do not typically have access to a public defender or the right to review evidence against them.

(The city document seeking lawyers said it was looking for part-time employees who could counsel defendants on diversion, handle status listings, or offer representation at summary trials.)

Most troubling, Pappas said, is that defendants could be making decisions about their cases or care while going through withdrawal.

People are not going to be in the right frame of mind, he said.

Some harm-reduction providers view the new court plan as only the latest phase of over-policing in Kensington, where hundreds of people, many with significant health complications, live on the streets.

Kelsey Leon, who works with the harm-reduction group Community Action Relief Project, said more police sweeps would put drug users at heightened risk of dying in jail or from an overdose when they are released with diminished tolerance.

If [Cahills] case is any indication, it means that no matter what the prison system says  theyre not ready, Leon said, citing the challenges of managing withdrawal symptoms amid an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply. They dont know the full complexity of what it takes to manage this care.

Residents at the civic meeting werent satisfied with the hazy answers about plans for the community, including neighborhood court. Harrowgate Civic Association president Shannon Farrell-Paktis said city leaders come to meetings with the same vague responses to their questions.

Were watching you make mistakes. Building an airplane while youre flying it  that sounds crazy to me. Dont tell me that quote, said resident Sonja Bingham, referencing a quote from Parker earlier this year. We hired you to do a job. We expect you to have better answers in this.
Conor McGregor was at Chickie's and Pete's in South Philly this week to promote his new beer. Read more

We havent seen Conor McGregor in the octagon in over three years, but hes recently been active making appearances all over the East Coast to promote his new beer. His latest stop? South Philadelphia.

The former UFC champ, champ  meaning he concurrently held titles in two different weight classes, the first in UFC to do so  was at Chickies & Petes wearing Birds gear and hanging out with some well known names in the Eagles community, including Dom DiSandro and Freddie Mitchell.

McGregor was also seen interacting with fans behind the bar  pouring shots and doing Eagles chants with everyone in attendance.

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It was the most exciting time we had in the last 40 years, said Chickies & Petes owner Pete Ciarrochi. The professionalism of McGregor stood out to me. Nobody felt like they were left out. It was chaos, but organized chaos.

Forged Irish Stout and McGregor reached out to Ciarrochi Wednesday at 8 p.m.  the night before  to find out if they could host the event.

I was a little nervous because it was such short notice but there was nothing to worry about, Ciarrochi said. There were no unhappy people in the building.

Before making his way to South Philly, McGregor was seen in Brick, N.J., at the River Rock Restaurant and Marina Bar.

While its still uncertain if McGregor will make a return to the UFC  he withdrew from the Michael Chandler fight that was scheduled for June due to a broken toe  it seems almost certain that well be seeing more promotional appearances for his Forged Irish Stout.

So, dont get tired of bartender McGregor just yet. But hey, at least he looks good in Eagles green.
Students are shown outside Hamilton Hall at the University of the Arts in this June 7 file photo. The university, now closed, has filed for bankruptcy. Read more

The University of the Arts, which abruptly closed on June 7, leaving hundreds of students scrambling, filed for bankruptcy Friday, likely the beginning of the 150-year-old schools last chapter.

The legal step kicks off a process under which the university will sell its Center City real estate and use the proceeds to pay off bond debt of around $46 million and other liabilities.

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The schools total debt secured by its real estate, including the bond debt, is $67 million, according to the Chapter 7 filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. The secured debt includes a $6 million loan from TDBank in July. The filing lists $93 million in assets, mainly real estate.

Only after secured debts are repaid would others, such as vendors with unpaid bills, staff who are owed severance payments, and students who paid deposits, get consideration. Such unsecured debts total $5.2 million, the filing says.

It all comes down to how much is left after they sell the real estate, said Lawrence McMichael, a bankruptcy attorney at Dilworth Paxson LLP.

UArts owns eight properties along South Broad Street, as well as nearby blocks in Center City, according to a review of city property records by The Inquirer in June. That kind of property is notoriously difficult to value, and might not be as easy to sell as some might expect, McMichael said.

On North Broad Street, much of the Hahnemann University Hospital complex still hasnt been sold, and sits empty more than five years after it went into bankruptcy.

The state Attorney Generals office received notification of the filing Friday after the school had been unable to obtain alternative funding, said Attorney General Michelle Henry.

Regretfully, this is not beneficial to students and staff and leaves them with more questions than answers about next steps for their education and employment. We will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that all endowments are properly dispersed, Henry said. Additionally, we are in the process of a review to determine causes of failures that led to the abrupt closure which has inconvenienced and harmed so many people.

The Friday move infuriated those who represented the closed schools more than 600 faculty and staff, a union official said.

This filing comes as former students, staff, and faculty continue to struggle with the damage done to their educations and careers, and while the UArts Board has neglected its legal, contractual, and moral obligation to negotiate severance payments for workers affected by UArts collapse, said Bradley Philbert, vice president of United Academics of Philadelphia, the faculty and staff union.

We will fight to make UAP members whole using every legal avenue available  the priority should not be bondholders or real estate developers, but the flesh-and-blood communities whose lives were upended by this disaster.

Richard G. Placey, the attorney at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP who filed the bankruptcy petition, has been paid $1.1 million for legal work so far.

Merger talks ended

The bankruptcy announcement follows Temple Universitys announcement that its merger talks with the arts institution had ended without a resolution.

 READ MORE: UArts is unlikely to merge with Temple after negotiations soured with a major donor

The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, which has contributed about half of UArts $63 million endowment, was not in favor of that money going to Temple as part of the deal, according to multiple sources who had knowledge of the negotiations but were not authorized to speak. The family wants the endowment fund transferred to the Hamilton Charitable Trust Education Fund, which was founded with the purpose of supporting educational activities in the Philadelphia region, according to a letter from a Hamilton trustee to the UArts board.

Temple did not want to have to engage in a protracted legal battle with a charitable trust.

 READ MORE: University of the Arts asks judge to distribute endowment with partner schools

I think the board of the university should be congratulated for trying to work things out under very difficult circumstances, said Bill Sasso, the attorney representing UArts. But the Hamilton trustees were a significant factor in sinking that transaction with Temple.

What happens with the endowment likely will be sorted out in Orphans Court, rather than in bankruptcy court, because most of the $63 million UArts endowment is restricted and cant be used to pay off lenders.

This week, UArts filed a petition asking a judge to approve the distribution of its endowment to a dozen institutions that enrolled its students. The biggest chunk of the endowment, 44%, would go to Temple, which has taken 359 UArts students.

The money would be used for scholarships for transferred UArts students and then to further the mission of advancing human creativity and art education in the areas of the visual and performing arts, the filing said.

Hopefully, for the benefit of the students that wont be subject to protest, Sasso said.

A Hamilton board member told The Inquirer this week that the familys position had not changed.

 READ MORE: The University of the Arts is closing June 7, its president says

Significant, unanticipated expenses

Stunning the local higher education community, UArts notified the Middle States Commission of Higher Education, its accreditor, of its unplanned, imminent closure in late May. The institution said it could not cover significant, unanticipated expenses. One UArts board member subsequently toldThe Inquirer it needed about $40 million.

The closure followed a precipitous decline in enrollment, from 1,914 in 2018-19 to 1,149 last fall, though numbers were trending up for this fall before the closure.

 READ MORE: Tracking where UArts students have landed

Class action lawsuits against the university have ensued, as well as allegations of unfair labor practices, and the Attorney Generals Office has confirmed it is investigating the circumstances of the closure and any transfer or loss of assets in violation of state laws.

Meanwhile, about 750 former UArts students have enrolled this fall at other colleges designated as teach-out partners, The Inquirer found in a survey earlier this month. Temple has the largest chunk, while Drexel, Moore College of Art and Design and Bennington College are among others.

No faith in the higher-education system

Zoe Hollander was about to begin her senior year as a musical theater major at UArts when the school closed. Now enrolled at Temple, Hollander said bankruptcy felt like another blow.

Its not like I expect anything to be fixed at this point, but Im really tired of things getting worse. It sort of just feels like no one cares, I guess. This 150-year-old institution closed within a week, disrupted so many lives, and we still dont even know what happened, she said. ...And now they are trying to sell off all of the assets and buildings and it feels like they are just trying to pretend the school never existed in the first place.

I really just have no faith in the higher-education system as a whole, and dont know who to trust when the systems in place that are meant to take care of us dont follow through. Im really just feeling exhausted  physically, mentally, and spiritually.
After months of protests and demands for his resignation following a civil sex abuse scandal, Wasim Muhammad is stepping down from the Camden School Advisory Board, his attorney said Friday.

Muhammad submitted his resignation to state-appointed Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs, according to his attorney, Troy Archie. McCombs last week called for Muhammad to resign, saying it was in the best interest of the South Jersey school system.

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 READ MORE: Who is Wasim Muhammad, Camdens school board president accused of sexually abusing a student?

In a statement from his attorney, Muhammad said he was stepping down with a heavy heart, and that he had become a distraction through the blatant misinformation that has been spread by a small group of critics.

I will no longer serve in my capacity on the board or as its leader, the statement said. Muhammad said he plans to remain active in the community.

McCombs, in a statement, said she hoped the resignation would help our community come together and begin to heal as we refocus our efforts and priorities on what matters most  providing a bright future for our students.

As we recently welcomed students back to school for their first day, I want to assure our students, families, and staff that the district remains committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment for all, said McCombs.

Gov. Phil Murphy and Camden activists began calling for Muhammad to resign in January after a 2021 civil lawsuit surfaced that was filed by a former student who accused him sexually abusing her starting when he was her social studies teacher in 1994 at Cooper B. Hatch Middle School. Muhammad has denied the allegations.

The governor  is pleased to see that he has stepped down, said deputy press secretary Maggie Garbarino. He encourages the Camden School Advisory Board to do the hard work necessary to regain the trust of the school community by putting the needs of students first.

The acting state Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer joined McCombs last week in calling for his resignation.

It just weighed on his mind, Archie said. At the end of the day, he wanted to do right by the children. He maintains his innocence.

The district and Muhammad reached a $2 million settlement in June with the former student, Salema Hicks Robinson. The case cost the school system more than $800,000 in legal fees.

Robinson and community activists heralded Muhammads resignation. It was not immediately known whether a special election would be scheduled or a replacement would be appointed to complete his three-year term.

It should have not taken this to get him out, said Vida Neil, one of the activists who headed the campaign to oust him from the board. He should have done the honorable thing and stepped down immediately.

Pressure was mounting

Muhammad took a leave of absence in January pending the outcome of the trial. He sparked controversy in August when he announced his return to the board. Protesters disrupted the two meetings that Muhammad attended so that no business could be conducted, and vowed to return.

A six-member jury in May found that Muhammad, formerly known as Donnie Walker, had not sexually abused Robinson, but recklessly or intentionally committed extreme and outrageous conduct upon her. Robinson alleged that the abuse began when she was 14.

During the trial, Muhammad, a Muslim minister in Camden, testified that he married Robinson when she turned 18. He said he is married to his childhood sweetheart and has four more wives under his Islamic faith. Robinson said the two were never married.

 READ MORE: These are the depositions in the Wasim Muhammad case

Among her allegations, Robinson told the jury that she engaged in a threesome with Muhammad and one of his wives and that he took Robinson to a porn theater and forced her to have sex with a stranger while he watched and masturbated.

Robinson, 45, was awarded $1.6 million, which was increased to $2 million under the settlement. She had called for Muhammads ouster and was pleased to hear about his resignation.

Im very happy for this outcome, Robinson said. I will sleep a little easier tonight.

The jury held Muhammad, 56, and the district liable for counts including willful misconduct and negligence in supervising Muhammad, and for permitting a sexually hostile educational environment. The jury did not offer insight into its findings.

 READ MORE: Hear what Salema Hicks Robinson has to say about the civil sex abuse lawsuit she filed, what shes lost and how shes triumphed

Muhammad had served on the nine-member school advisory board since 2013 and had been president since 2020. The board has been rocked by scandal. Clayton Gonzalez stepped down last November after his arrest on gun-related charges in a domestic violence case.

This is a message to our politicians and their committee people that we are fed up and fired up, said Elton Custis, a community activist who launched a petition drive to remove Muhammad. The people will be the voice.

Because the district is under a 2013 state takeover, the board serves in an advisory role only, without any authority. McCombs makes decisions for the district, which enrolls about 6,300 students.

Robinson filed the lawsuit under a 2019 state law that allows child sex abuse to sue their abusers up until they turn 55. She was initially identified in the case as Jane Doe, but decided to come forward after the verdict to encourage other victims to speak up.

Her attorney, Jeffrey Fritz, wants the district to conduct its own investigation into Robinsons allegations. He also wants to make sure the district reviews its sexual harassment policies and provides training so that this never happens to another student in Camden.

Our work is still only half done. Were not giving up, Fritz said.
Youma Ba, owner of the West African restaurant Kilimandjaro, joins the festivities of the reopening of her restaurant in a new space at 44th and Chestnut Streets. Read more

Thursdays ribbon-cutting of Kilimandjaro restaurant in University City was equal parts celebration of a community hub and tribute to its owner, Youma Ba.

Speaker after speaker  city officials and representatives of West African nations, including Bas native Senegal  packed the dining room to praise her generosity (she never turns away a hungry person) and her tenacity (I remember when we werent exactly sure how this was going to turn out). A presidential lifetime achievement award from U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D., Pa.) was read aloud, commending Ba for contributing more than 4,000 hours of community service. While drummers pounded beats and a musician strummed a kora, Bas staff brought out platters of kebabs, Jollof rice, plantains, and beignets, and served cups of ginger juice.

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The party, in fact, marked Kilimandjaros reopening  four years and a few hundred feet from its original site in what was then the strip center on the 4300 block of Chestnut Street in which Ba opened the restaurant in 2005.

Fifteen years later, Kilimandjaro was forced to close. Her longtime landlord, Bob Racciatti, who was among Thursdays speakers lauding Ba, had sold the strip mall. The new owner, Alterra Property Group, razed the center but assured Ba that when the property was redeveloped, there would be room for Kilimandjaro. Including her was a no-brainer, said Jared Kern, Alterras director of development, a plate of food in front of him. We are thrilled to have her continue her legacy.

Four years later, the new Kilimandjaro, which has about 60 seats and is open daily from lunchtime to late night, occupies the 44th and Chestnut Street corner of LVL West, as the new block-long building is known. LVL West includes 275 apartments and a roof deck, exercise center, and dog park. Next door is a Grocery Outlet supermarket.

The pandemic was not easy for Ba, who worked out of her 10-seat restaurant, Youma, a mile away, which is currently closed for renovations. People come, hang out, sit down, and eat there, Ba said. Its not the same experience. Most of the time people eat African food and want to come have the experience, and the food.

Ba, 49, grew up in Dakar, in a big Fulani family of 12 children, the oldest of nine girls. At a young age, we have to cook because this is the way it is, Ba said. Every girl had to learn how to cook because we dont know when were getting married. It was something we learn early.

Ba studied economics in a university, but after graduation said she struggled, trying to get my life together as a young woman, she said. In 1999, at age 24 in 1999, she immigrated to the United States, speaking French, Wolof, a bit of Mandingo, but no English. I thought there would be opportunities, she said. I thought, Let me try.

She got a job waiting tables in a New York City restaurant and later segued into the kitchen  I can cook [only] what I know, she said.

When her boss opened La Calebasse on Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphias Spruce Hill neighborhood in 2002, Ba moved to Philadelphia.

In 2005, she left La Calebasse to open Kilimandjaro  the d reflects the French spelling, Ba said. (Asked why a West African restaurant would be named after a mountain in Tanzania, clear across the continent, Ba said: Its the highest mountain in all of Africa. I was looking for something that defines all of us.)

When Le Calebasse closed in 2016, Ba took over its location for her second restaurant and named it Youma. That restaurant will be closed for several months as Ba gets the expansive new Kilimandjaro up and running.

Youma means mother in her native Fula, and Ba wears the name proudly. You can see it in the way that she directs her young staff with hugs and encouragement  and firmness. To Bas younger sister Coumba, Kilimandjaros general manager, shes like a sister and a mom.

She pushes me and thats why I succeed, said Bas daughter, Veronique, a 16-year-old junior at Central High School. Veroniques father, retired Philadelphia Police Officer Michael Brinkley, died suddenly in 2012 when she was 4.

Ba said credits her own success to Veronique. She pushes me, she said. I have to be very strong for her. She reminds me of everything thats right: Shes strong. Shes helpful. I want her to understand that we are working very hard to have a better life.

As a woman leader in the restaurant business, Ba said, its very tough, especially when youre working with the African community. You know, we are not raised to get a woman leadership. Its hard for most men to see a woman dictating what to do, and its difficult to work with women sometimes because theyre not used to woman leadership. But at the end of the day, we become family. You just have to explain to them: This is not between boss and employee. This is between two sisters or brother and sister who work together. I was just an employee like you guys. Tomorrow, you can be the boss just like me.

This is life. We all have to go somewhere and start somewhere.
Bayada Home Health Care Inc., one of the nations largest home care providers, agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit in Philadelphia alleging the company failed to pay nurses for time spent updating the incoming nurse or caregiver on a patients condition and for time spent in mandatory training sessions.

The Legal Intelligencer first reported the $13.5 million Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas settlement Wednesday. Bayada, a Pennsauken nonprofit with $1.6 billion in revenue in 2022, said the terms of the settlement are not final. Were not in a position to make a statement at this time, the company said.

An expert report included in the nurses pretrial memorandum estimated that Bayada underpaid nearly 11,000 Pennsylvania nurses by $30.8 million since August 2013. The lawsuit was filed in 2016. Representing the nurses were Shaffer & Gaier LLC and Miller Shah LLP in Philadelphia and Stephan Zouras LLP in Chicago.

Bayada, represented by attorneys in Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooneys Harrisburg and Pittsburgh offices, said in its pretrial memorandum that nurses regularly have downtime during shifts to complete administrative tasks. The company said Medicaid and other insurers do not pay for overlapping home care nurses.

Bayada founder and former CEO Mark Baiada in 2018 donated the company to a nonprofit he created for the purpose. His son, David Baiada, is now CEO.
Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital was cited by state health inspectors for not reporting the suspected sexual abuse of a patient to authorities, a hospital inspection report released last month shows.

Inspectors found that two staffers at the specialty rehabilitation hospital in Center City had reported to their supervisor that they saw an individual touching a patients genitals while also touching themselves in November 2023. But the incident was not documented in the patients medical record, and was not reported to adult protective services.

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The patient was being treated for brain cancer and epilepsy and had limited ability to communicate, according to the citation from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The person who allegedly touched the patient inappropriately was not a hospital employee, the citation notes, without providing further information on the individual.

Hospitals are required to report any suspected instances of abuse to the Department of Human Services, which oversees child and adult protective services.

In response, administrators updated the hospitals policy to clarify which cases must be reported and retrained staff on reporting requirements. A question about suspected abuse was added to the daily safety huddle checklist to ensure staff are being asked routinely about any potential incidents.

Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of care, Damien Woods, a spokesperson for Jefferson Health, said in a statement. He declined to provide further detail.

 READ MORE: Main Line Health was cited twice in recent months for failing to report child sexual assault

Main Line hospitals also cited for failing to report abuse

The Department of Health has cited multiple hospitals in recent months for failing to make reports of suspected child abuse.

Two Main Line Health hospitals were cited earlier this year for not reporting suspected sexual assault of patients under age 18.

Bryn Mawr Hospital treated a 17-year-old who was raped but never reported the case to ChildLine, which acts as a clearing house for potential abuse cases for the Department of Human Services.

Lankenau Medical Center treated a minor for sexual and physical assault by three people, but also did not report the case to child protective services.

In July, the health inspectors cited Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital for failing to report that it had treated a patient that family believed had been sexually assaulted.
By the afternoon of Sept. 11, 1968, the hostility had faded.

Neither the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. nor Cecil B. Moore was making rousing speeches outside Girard Colleges wrought-iron front gates.

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No human barricade of police officers blocked the entrance, and no civil rights groups marched through North Philadelphia.

After a brutal fight to desegregate the private boarding school, which started with an intense seven-month demonstration and then spent years tied up in the court system, the color barrier was pierced without protest.

Four little boys, dressed in suits and ties and carrying their favorite board games, walked to the front door of marble-faced Founders Hall at 21st Street and College Avenue, and reported for their first day of second grade.

Mothers and grandmothers and siblings accompanied each child, and a gaggle of photographers and reporters attempting to capture the otherwise-calm moment circled each family.

Nice place, 11-year-old William Lenzy Dade told The Inquirer, I didnt expect it.

The school was the brainchild of French merchant Stephen Girard, a childless entrepreneur who amassed an immense wealth in Philadelphia in the aftermath of the American Revolution. Upon his death in 1831, he set aside a then-fortune of $2 million to start a boarding school for poor, white, male orphans. The school opened in 1848, and offered a premium education at no cost to select students whose families had a single guardian.

By the 1960s, the campus imposing stone walls became a metaphorical obstacle to the enclosed white-columned buildings. Moore, then the Philadelphia NAACP president, led the charge and a lawsuit to force Girard to desegregate. In 1965, the animosity escalated into sometimes-violent confrontations with police. But demonstrators continued undaunted, singing and chanting and marching so those four boys could be the first Black students admitted to the private school.

Owen Gowans III was 7 when he walked through those gates in his bright, green-and-brown plaid jacket, the last of the four to arrive.

Are you nervous? a reporter asked.

He just shook his head.

In 2015, as part of an anniversary celebration of the schools integration, Gowans found the words.

Im just humbled by what transpired, he told The Inquirer. Im appreciative to the people who put up with beatings and bad words so people like me could go to school here.
Police were called Thursday to Wissahickon High School in Montgomery County to investigate the discovery of a bullet in a classroom, and in what officials said appeared to be an unrelated incident, a bullet shell casing in a students pocket, the principal said.

Students were dismissed early and the entire high school was searched and no weapons or other related items were found, said Lynne Blair, the principal, in a statement.

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There will be additional police at the high school on Friday and next week to ease concerns, Blair said.

Blair also addressed the many rumors that are being spread about students who are not involved in this situation whatsoever.

She declined to address specific rumors, but said that what I can do is share this factual account of what happened and assure you that there is no threat to any specific student or staff member at Wissahickon High School.

Blair added: Unfortunately, as we have seen in the past, social media is very quick to spread misinformation. I am sharing the correct and complete story with you here.

Blair did not say if any action was taken against the student with the shell casing.

She opened her statement, addressed to the schools parents, guardians, and staff, by acknowledging that I have no doubt that you are anxiously awaiting this communication.

Concern for school safety across the county has been heightened recently by school shootings, including one in Georgia that left two teachers and two students dead.

Threats posted on social media led to the closure on Monday of multiple schools in South Jersey. Four juveniles were arrested in connection with the threats, police said.

Blair said the bullet was found Thursday morning in a classroom.

We immediately contacted the police and initiated a thorough investigation. Students were kept in their classroom while we spoke to and searched the belongings of every student who was in that classroom today. We did not find any weapon or any other bullets on any student, Blair said.

In an unrelated incident, we also discovered that another student had a shell-casing in his pocket. We then initiated a second thorough investigation, again, with police and administration working in conjunction. We are very confident that the two incidents are not related or connected, Blair said.

She said students were dismissed early out of an abundance of caution and a complete search of the high school was conducted with the help of the Lower Gwynedd Township Police Department.

We searched all lockers, classrooms, bathrooms, ceilings, and trash cans, she said.

Blair encouraged parents and guardians to speak with your child about the importance of reporting anything unusual or concerning to an adult. Together, we can help maintain the safe, supportive learning environment that our students deserve.
More than 100 firefighters battled a four-alarm blaze that ripped through a four-story building in Frankford on Friday morning, a Philadelphia Fire Department spokesperson said.

The fire started at a building on the 1200 block of Adams Avenue shortly after 5:30 a.m., said Rachel Cunningham, the fire department spokesperson. The blaze quickly escalated to four alarms and more than 100 firefighters responded to try to get the flames under control, she said.

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The fire hit the first alarm at 5:31 a.m., followed by the second alarm at 5:42 a.m., the third at 5:58 a.m., and the fourth at 6:26 a.m., police said.

The fire was placed under control at 8:46 a.m., Cunningham confirmed.

The fire spread to vehicles nearby, she said, and no injuries have been reported to civilians or firefighters.

The fire marshal was on scene and Peco had been requested to turn off power to the building.

The fire department recommended residents who live near the fire close their windows and stay indoors.
The SS United States at Pier 82 on the Delaware River in Philadelphia on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Read more

The SS United States missed a Thursday deadline to have a plan to leave its berth in South Philadelphias Pier 82. Now, the ships stewards, the SS United States Conservancy, and its landlord, Penn Warehousing, are headed to mediation, supervised by a federal judicial officer to ensure all parties are acting in good faith.

In a Friday hearing, the conservancy asked U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody to extend their deadline to Dec. 5, accusing Penn Warehousing of sabotaging their efforts to sell the vessel to Okaloosa County, Fla. Brody said her order with the Sept. 12 deadline would be suspended for now, pending mediation.

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Officials in Okaloosa want 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. A tentative agreement was struck between Okaloosa County officials and the conservancy in late August only to unravel when Penn Warehousing asked the Floridians for a $3 million payment to stay past Sept. 12 in the South Philadelphia berth.

Craig Mills, an attorney for Penn Warehousing, didnt deny making the opening demand during a virtual hearing Friday and described it as negotiation 101, adding that the $3 million penalty had been made public in past court hearings, had been asked of the conservancy before, and should be taken as a starting point for negotiations.

What was bad faith, your honor, was for Okaloosa County to walk away from the bargaining table after that first conversation, to tell us that they would consult with the county commissioner and get back to us, and then go radio silent for two weeks, said Mills, pushing back on accusations that the $3 million demand was akin to sabotage.

Mills proposed that the parties enter mediation under the supervision of a magistrate judge, which Brody agreed with.

Theres no reason in the world why this shouldnt go forward, Brody said of the deal.

Okaloosa County, which has representatives at the hearing, also agreed that court-supervised mediation was the way forward.

In a statement, the conservancy said it welcomed court-supervised mediation.

We remain steadfast in our determination to ensure that the legacy of Americas Flagship endures and inspires future generations, said the conservancy.

The conservancy has been in a rent dispute with Penn Warehousing since 2021. The Pier 82 landlord wanted to raise the daily rent, the conservancy kept paying the old rent, and the pier operator sought to evict.

Efforts to find a second life for the 990-foot vessel have been a series of false starts and stops over the years. Ambitious proposals to turn the ship into time-share condos or reconfigure it for a cruise line have failed to materialize because of a lack of financing.

Penn Warehousing has said through its attorneys that it wants to regain access to Pier 82 so it can replace the ship with a commercial customer that will bring good-paying union jobs and tax revenues to the city.
Then-President Donald Trump welcomes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to the White House in 2019. Orban, who Trump cited as a character reference during Tuesday's debate, is Moscows mole in trying to divide and paralyze the European Union, writes Trudy Rubin. Read more

There was one moment in Tuesdays presidential debate that crystallized why Donald Trump must never again direct U.S. foreign policy: his reaction to Kamala Harris dig that world leaders are laughing at him.

Let me just tell you about world leaders, Trump instantly shot back. Viktor Orban, one of the most respected men  they call him a strongman. He said [the world is blowing up] because you need Trump back as president.

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Why on Earth did Trump cite the authoritarian prime minister of tiny Hungary for a character reference, and not the leader of a democratic ally in Europe or Asia? For starters, because Trump disrespects our democratic allies. The European leader he most admires is Orban, the bad boy of the European Union who has muzzled Hungarys courts and press and turned the country into a virtual one-party state.

Orban is an autocrat who trades in antisemitism and ugly anti-immigration tropes, and is the most pro-Vladimir Putin and anti-Ukraine leader in Europe. He is Moscows mole in trying to divide and paralyze the European Union.

 READ MORE: Keeping the Philadelphi Corridor will endanger Israels security and doom the remaining hostages | Trudy Rubin

But even more dangerous, Orban, like Putin, knows just how susceptible the MAGA narcissist is to flattery. Viktor Orban said  the most respected, most feared person is Donald Trump, the former president bragged during the debate.

I would modify Harris dig. Democratic allies arent laughing at the possibility that a man so blinded by ego might once again become president of the worlds most powerful country. They are terrified. But dictators and autocrats are gleeful because Trump has no clue about how easily he is being played.

During the debate, Trump incoherently repeated his core foreign policy tenet: that he alone can solve international policy crises by dealing directly with tough guys. Yet, contrary to his claims, he failed over and over in his interactions with dictators in his first term, thus laying the ground for the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and the expanded nuclear threat from North Korea and Iran. And now he wants to try the same failed approach again.

Lets start with Ukraine.

Trump insisted that if he were president, the war in Ukraine would have never started. He claimed that Russia would have never, ever  I know Putin very well. He would have never  and there was no threat of it, either, by the way, for four years 

Ill get the war with Ukraine and Russia ended. If Im president-elect, Ill get it done before even becoming president.

Trump conveniently ignores that Putin first invaded Ukraine in 2014, seizing Crimea and much of the eastern Donbas region. That war in Ukraines east was going on all during Trumps tenure.

If Putin didnt invade further while Trump was in office, it was because he thought Trump would let Russia dominate Ukraine without a war. After all, the former president opposed giving weapons to Kyiv and talked of quitting NATO  leaving Ukraine totally exposed.

Moreover, Trump publicly conceded Crimea to Putin in 2018, saying it belonged to Russia because everyone who lives there speaks Russian. Trumps level of ignorance about Ukraine, fed by Putins disinformation, is beyond shocking.

Before 2022, roughly two-thirds of Ukraine spoke Russian as well as Ukrainian, a hangover from Soviet days, but most of those Russian speakers oppose Moscows domination. In his war on Ukraine, Putin has killed more Russian speakers with bombs and missiles than anyone since Adolf Hitler.

Putin expected that, under Trump, Ukraine would be forced to submit to Russian political overlordship. Why go to war if the U.S. president will hand you victory for free?

Now Trump, who refused on Tuesday to say he wants Ukraine to win, insists he can solve the war in 24 hours  by forcing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to sit with Putin and negotiate. Does anyone doubt this means Trump would back Putins demand for Kyiv to capitulate or suffer a complete U.S. aid cutoff  sending the world a message that the United States no longer backs democracies that are threatened by Moscow or Beijing?

Commentators on Russian state-controlled TV, which lavishly praises Trump with terms like charismatic and our Donald, tell their viewers that he will deliver Kyiv to Russia. But they also make fun of Trump for claiming to take seriously Putins tongue-in-cheek endorsement of Harris, meant to troll naive MAGA backers. Margarita Simonyan, the head of Russias RT propaganda network, tut-tutted, Oh, sweetie! to Trump about his purported dismay.

(Discussing the debate, top Russian TV commentators were shocked when Harris, whom they regularly denounce with MAGA-style insults, trounced Trump.)

However, Trumps relationship with Putin is not his only failed bromance with a dictator. He exchanged love letters with Kim Jong Un, but failed to get the North Korean dictator to halt his nuclear program or stop building up his arsenal of nuclear warheads and missiles. He pulled out of former President Barack Obamas nuclear deal with Iran but was never able to engage the ayatollahs. Freed from the very real restraints of that deal, they could now produce one nuclear weapon, should they choose to do so, in lone or two weeks.

And  although he deserves credit for taking a stronger trade stance toward China  Trumps brief romance with Xi Jinping came to naught. As for Afghanistan, it was Trump who made an awful deal with the Taliban that freed 5,000 of its hardened fighters from jail and set it on its way to retake the country.

I harshly criticized the botched Biden pullout from Kabul, leaving behind materiel and thousands of Afghans who worked for U.S. officials. But what Trump failed to mention on the debate stage in Philly was that he demanded the U.S. military pull out from Afghanistan during the last six weeks of his presidency. This time frame would have produced a worse disaster than the withdrawal under Joe Biden. Trumps erratic command was only countered when U.S. military leaders told him it couldnt physically be done.

 READ MORE: As Trump plans to hand over Ukraine to Putin, Biden must speed up aid to Kyiv | Trudy Rubin

And then there is the Middle East and Israel. Trump bet everything  and still does  on unstinting support for Benjamin Netanyahu, a Trump-like figure who has botched Israels response to the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack because he puts retaining personal power ahead of the countrys needs.

The Israeli leader has blown up any chance that Trumps Abraham Accords will lead to peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia. He also wants to drag the United States into war with Iran. When Trump insisted Tuesday that he will get that [Middle East chaos] settled and fast, his believability is nil.

Harris basically reiterated President Bidens position on the Middle East and support for Ukraine. I would hope shed be more resolute in helping Ukraine win and pressing Netanyahu (and Hamas) to end the Gaza fighting before it explodes into a full-scale regional war.

But the main message of this debate was that an aging Trump is more deluded than ever about his personal prowess and his magical ability to persuade dictators to do his bidding  even though they clearly have his number.

With his disconnect from reality and disdain for democracy, Trump is terrifyingly unfit to shape the foreign policy of the United States.
U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Bucks) and Chrissy Houlahan (D., Chester), both suburban Philadelphia lawmakers who cast themselves as moderate, signed a pledge Thursday to certify the 2024 presidential election and attend the future presidents inauguration in January, Politico reported.

Fitzpatrick and Houlahan were among 32 lawmakers who promised to safeguard the fairness and integrity of Americas democratic process after the 2024 election concludes and all legal challenges to the results had been exhausted.

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Safeguarding the election, the pledge said, would include acknowledging the winner when Congress meets to certify the results, attending the future presidents inauguration, and serving as a voice for calm and reconciliation while speaking out against those who engage in or endorse violence.

Chrissy signed the pledge because she firmly believes in the integrity of the election process and therefore will certify the election, Errin Cecil-Smith, a spokesperson for Houlahan, said in a statement.

Fitzpatrick, the only Republican representing the Philadelphia metro area, was one of just six Republicans to sign the pledge which was organized by the Problem Solvers Caucus, which he chairs. Houlahan is also a member and cofounder of the caucus.

In 2020, Fitzpatrick voted to certify President Joe Bidens election even as members of his own party voted against it because of former President Donald Trumps lies about voter fraud.

The Bucks County congressman has persistently sought to distance himself from the former president and has not yet said whether he supports Trumps 2024 campaign. His decision to sign the pledge continues his efforts to present himself as a moderate, responsible statesman as he seeks reelection in purple Bucks County.

Fitzpatricks office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the pledge.

Fitzpatricks Democratic opponent, Ashley Ehasz, said Fitzpatrick was doing the bare minimum by signing the pledge, and criticized his past decisions to support U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R., Ohio) and U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R., La.) in their separate bids for Speaker of the House.

Its not clear that his constituents can trust this commitment, Ehasz said in a statement.
Pope Francis attends an interreligious meeting with young people at the Catholic Junior College in Singapore on Friday. Read more

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE  Pope Francis on Friday slammed both U.S. presidential candidates for what he called antilife policies on abortion and migration, and he advised American Catholics to choose who they think is the lesser evil in the upcoming U.S. elections.

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies, Francis said.

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The Argentine Jesuit was asked to provide counsel to American Catholic voters during an airborne news conference while he flew back to Rome from his four-nation tour through Asia. Francis stressed that he is not an American and would not be voting.

Neither Republican candidate Donald Trump nor the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, was mentioned by name.

But Francis nevertheless expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the U.S. election  abortion and migration  that are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.

Francis has made the plight of migrants a priority of his pontificate and speaks out emphatically and frequently about it. While strongly upholding church teaching forbidding abortion, Francis has not emphasized church doctrine as much as his predecessors.

Francis said migration is a right described in Scripture and that anyone who does not follow the Biblical call to welcome the stranger is committing a grave sin.

He was also blunt in speaking about abortion. To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but its killing, he said. We have to see this clearly.

Asked what voters should do at the polls, Francis recalled the civic duty to vote.

One should vote, and choose the lesser evil, he said. Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I dont know.

Everyone in their conscience should think and do it, he said.

The Harris and Trump campaigns did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

U.S. President Joe Biden, an observant Catholic, shares Harris strong support for abortion rights, a stance that prompted some Catholic bishops and other conservatives to call for him to be denied access to Communion.

After meeting Francis in person at the Vatican in October 2021, Biden came away saying the pope told him he was a good Catholic and should continue receiving Communion.

Francis, asked on previous occasions about some U.S. bishops who want to deny Communion to Biden over his support for abortion rights, has said bishops should be pastors, not politicians.

Fridays news conference was not the first time Francis has weighed in on a U.S. election. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Francis was asked about Trumps plan to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Francis declared then that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is not Christian.

In responding Friday, Francis recalled that he celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and there were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.

Trump pledges massive deportations, just as he did in his first White House bid, when there was a vast gulf between his ambitions and the legal, financial and political realities of such an undertaking.

The U.S. bishops conference, for its part, has called abortion the preeminent priority for American Catholics in its published voter advice. Harris has strongly defended abortion rights and has emphasized support for reinstating a federal right to abortion.

In his comments, the pope added: On abortion, science says that a month from conception, all the organs of a human being are already there, all of them. Performing an abortion is killing a human being. Whether you like the word or not, this is killing. You cant say the church is closed because it does not allow abortion. The church does not allow abortion because its killing. It is murder.

However, cells are only beginning the process of developing organs in the earliest weeks of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that by 13 weeks, all major organs have formed. For example, cardiac tissue starts to form in the first two months  initially a tube that only later evolves into the four chambers that define a heart.

In other comments, Francis:
 There are 52 days until Election Day.

In this edition:

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Blue burbs: How the suburbs of places like Harrisburg could prove key for Vice President Kamala Harris. Its like a fighter: Why former President Donald Trump in Shanksville insisted he won Tuesdays debate. A really bad time to poke the Swiftie bear: Why Taylor Swift loyalists say theyre all too well-positioned to make a political impact in Pennsylvania.

Julia Terruso, Fallon Roth, Sean Collins Walsh, Katie Bernard, Layla A. Jones, Oona Goodin-Smith pa2024@inquirer.com

If youd like to get this free newsletter in your inbox, sign up for free here.

Have a question about this election? Email us and well try to answer in a future newsletter.

National politics reporter Julia Terruso looks at how Harris went on the offensive during the debate:

For months, Trump has tried to portray Harris as a weak leader. And for at least some swing voters, the narrative stuck.

Shes mousey, and I worry people are gonna walk all over her, said Marian Foose, a cleaner and undecided voter in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Say what you want about the lack of policy discussion on stage Tuesday night, but stylistically, Harris delivered an offensive that cut against the weak label that Trump has tried to tag her with  from initiating the handshake to telling him Putin will eat your lunch.

It remains to be seen how, if at all, the debate moves the stubbornly deadlocked race  and some were unhappy with Harris answers on the economy and her explanation of her shifting stances.

But on Tuesday night, Harris flipped Trumps playbook by attacking him with some of the language hed used against her. Even some Pennsylvania Republicans acknowledged she had him on his heels.

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.

...The leaders of other countries think that theyre weak and incompetent, Trump shot back. And they are. Theyre grossly incompetent.

Trumps brand of MAGA hypermasculinity is well-known by now. Harris doesnt often reference the historic nature of her candidacy  the first woman of color to lead a major partys presidential ticket  but she is up against the same misconceptions about women and weakness that have been around for centuries. And whether she wins or loses could come down to Pennsylvania, a state where a woman has never been elected governor or senator.

Is she tough enough? Are you kidding me? said U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D., Pa.) in the spin room on Tuesday, responding to Trumps characterization of Harris.

As a prosecutor, as a senator  she shows the toughness, but what I love is the balance. She has toughness, but she also has humanity and humor and warmth. So, women shouldnt be boxed into this notion of, are you tough enough? Were tough enough.

The latest

 As the debate proceeded inside the National Constitution Center  and watch parties across the city reacted  hundreds protested outside. Police and pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war clashed, and several people were detained.

 From the debate stage, Harris made an unexpected shout-out to a historically reliable Democratic voting bloc: Pennsylvanias Polish Americans.

 Berks County native Taylor Swift gave Harris her post-debate endorsement  a call to action that brought nearly half a million visitors to the federal voting registration site. Trump appeared to shake it off, suggesting the pop star will probably pay a price. And groups like Swifties for Kamala say theyre just getting started.

 As Trump visited Shanksville the next day commemorating the 9/11 anniversary, he insisted he had won the debate  contending Harris desire to do it all again was proof hed won. On Thursday, he doubled down, posting: THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!

 Its not just Phillys suburbs that have shifted left. Suburbs of smaller cities, like Harrisburg, are also key to either partys chances of winning the White House  and, said one Lower Allen commissioner, the ideological shift might be happening more rapidly than I think we were expecting.

 After flipping Pennsylvanias state House in 2022, Democrats have their eyes set on expanding that majority. Gov. Josh Shapiro endorsed a handful of candidates in Southeastern Pennsylvania, where Democrats believe they can oust the Republican incumbents.

 In Delaware, State Sen. Sarah McBride on Tuesday won the Democratic primary for the U.S. House of Representatives, positioning her to make history in November as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress.

Fact Check

The claim: 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.  Trump during Tuesday nights debate.

 The check: False.

During Tuesdays debate, Trump claimed that migrants were eating residents pets in Springfield, Ohio, repeating a false story that has made the rounds in conservative media. ABC News moderator David Muir stepped in to correct Trump, noting that the Springfield city manager has said there are no verified accounts of that happening. Trump did not back down from the false claim, saying he saw people on television who said their dogs were taken and used for food.

The claim: An interview by Tucker Carlson of an election expert indicates that 20% of the Mail-In Ballots in Pennsylvania are fraudulent.  Trump in a Truth Social post.

 The check: False.

Trump posted on Sunday that 20% of Pennsylvanias mail ballots were fraudulent. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Pennsylvania. Mail ballots for Novembers election have not yet gone out. In 2020, Trumps loss in the state was driven by Joe Bidens dominance with mail ballots. Democrats were more likely to vote by mail that year because Trump had already made false claims to his supporters that mail was an unsafe way to vote. Voting by mail is safe and secure and, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State, involves several layers of security checks.

The claim: Donald Trump left us the worst unemployment since the Great Depression.  Harris during Tuesday nights debate.

 The check: False.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment spiked to 14.8% in April 2020. That was likely the highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression  when it peaked around 25%  according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. And it was definitely the highest unemployment rate since data collection began in 1948, the Congressional Research Service said in a report. But by the time Trump left office, Biden and Harris were left with a recovering, albeit not fully restored, economy. The unemployment rate was just above 6% by January 2021, the month of Bidens inauguration. As of August 2024, the national unemployment rate was 4.2%.

 Were now passing the mic to our colleague, data reporter Aseem Shukla, to talk about why Pennsylvania voters without college degrees are souring on Democrats:

 Going to college in America famously gives you a lot: higher earning power, access to frat parties, crippling student debt. Oh, and also: liberal political views.

Political scientists have long found that going to college makes people more socially liberal. But that didnt always mean likelier to vote Democratic  there used to be lots of liberal Republicans, too.

In recent years, thats changed in a big way. Not only are college-educated people increasingly gravitating towards Democrats, but the reverse is also happening: People without college degrees, regardless of race or location, are moving away from the Democratic Party.

Our analysis of the precinct-level vote from 2016 to 2020 shows this was a big trend in Pennsylvania: On average, the most college-educated 20% of precincts netted an average of 86 more votes for Biden in 2020 than for Hillary Clinton in 2016. By contrast, the least-educated 20% averaged 32 votes fewer.

Why? Political scientists say that an increasingly urban and liberal Democratic party tends increasingly to address the interests of educated professionals, and ignore or take for granted working-class concerns. Likewise, working-class voters of all stripes tend to be more conservative, and perhaps even see Trumps Republican party as more muscular in its assertion of American identity.

If those trends continue apace this year, Harris could have more to lose than Trump. After all, only 33% of Pennsylvanians have college degrees.

 Linsey Davis: If you thought Philadelphia couldnt have been more represented on the debate stage Tuesday, think again. Davis, who helped guide Harris and Trump through their 90-minute clash, hails from South Jerseys Moorestown. Davis, World News Tonight Sunday anchor, and David Muir, World News Tonight anchor, co-moderated the debate. And Davis delivered one of the more blunt fact-checks of the evening after Trump falsely claimed that Democratic VP nominee Tim Walz said execution after birth is OK. To this, Davis said: There is no state in this country where its legal to kill a baby after its born.

 Jake Tapper: The famous CNN anchor and Philly native returned to Philadelphia ahead of the presidential debate. But Tapper just couldnt seem to find a place to indulge in one of the citys great delicacies  cheesesteaks, of course  at Reading Terminal Market. Wandering around the market shortly before closing time, Spataros sign was off, and Molly Malloys had an upcoming private event. The quest continued on before he finally got a cheesesteak with provolone, onions, and peppers (hes not a big Cheez Whiz guy) at By George. Tapper then left the market, but not before saying Go Phillies, go Birds.

 Scenes from the campaign trail

What were watching next

 Harris is back in Pennsylvania today, while Trump is heading west.

As always, thanks for reading. Well catch you here next week  same time, same place. 
Author Rachel Kushner (left) is interviewed by local author Robin Black at Barnes & Noble at 17th and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Read more

Its midday Wednesday at the Center City Barnes & Noble, and Rachel Kushner, one of Americas coolest novelists, is giving a reading from her latest work.

Kushner is discoursing about leftist communes in France  her just released Creation Lake is set in one  and the crime fiction of Jean-Patrick Manchette, the kind of obscure and hopelessly hip novelist more likely to be found at a well-loved used bookstore than Americas largest book chain.

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But Kushner is speaking at the Barnes & Noble at 1708 Chestnut St. because it is designed and curated to appeal to those who are most likely to be her fans and who most feel the lack of an independent bookstore in Center City. (There are four Manchette novels in stock.)

I know that my publisher [Scribner] in particular is very excited about this Barnes & Noble, because they see it as having a non-astroturf, actual relationship with the people who live in Philadelphia, Kushner told The Inquirer after her reading.

The Chestnut Street store opened almost a year and half ago. It is a smaller and sleeker space than the companys former location on Rittenhouse Square. It is also orchestrated in accord with the vision of James Daunt, the CEO who took the company private in 2019 and has given more power to individual managers to set the tone of their stores to reflect their customer bases.

In Center City that means more of an emphasis on literary fiction, and even independent publishers, in an attempt to fill the void left when longtime Center City bookseller Joseph Fox closed in the wake of the pandemic.

The Chestnut Street Barnes & Nobles manager, Lynn Rosen, has sought to provide other services to the citys literary scene too. There are talks by sophisticated authors like Kushner and Colm Toibin, who may not sell the most books in the U.S. but have seriously dedicated readerships. On Thursday, Jesmyn Ward will be speaking at 6:00 p.m.

These are also types of authors who might speak at the Philadelphia Free Librarys speaker series, which has been in turmoil this year after the programs entire staff resigned in June. The B&N events have proven a success, although the relatively small size of the new store has limited their scope.

Soon that could change.

Were looking into a partnership that would allow us to use a bigger space, said Rosen, who would not disclose the possible location for larger gatherings. Its not a new thing for Barnes & Noble. In New York, Union Square [location] partners with Town Hall [a performance venue]. So there is precedent for us working with auditoriums or theaters.

It isnt just Kushners publishers who think highly of Rosens stewardship of the Chestnut Street location. While Barnes & Noble doesnt share precise sale figures for individual stores, the company said that sales are outstripping those at the former, larger, Rittenhouse Square location.

Sales are up year over year and it had a hell of a first year, said Shannon DeVito, senior director of book strategy with Barnes & Noble. The fact that its outperforming the previous location with less square footage is huge.

The enthusiasm for Barnes & Noble  once the bete noire of the literati  was evident at Kushners event. Customers approached Rosen to thank her for the event series, and for reading groups the store organizes.

Of course, I love independent bookstores, but faced with the devil of Amazon, having brick-and-mortar stores is what publishers very much want, said Kushner. And Lynn is wonderful, who can deny that?

This article has been updated to correct information on the speaker series at the Philadelphia Free Library. The speaker series was only off for the summer and has resumed.
This is crackpot stuff, Jones said. And for the life of me, I can't see how Elon Musk or anyone else in the name of free speech thinks it's OK to have social media platforms publishing scam content, which is robbing Australians of billions of dollars every year.
Raising awareness on the importance of health insurance

The campaigns messaging is designed to address the belief held by many young, active males that they are immune to serious health concerns. The goal is to present private health insurance as something relevant to their current lifestyle, rather than an issue to address later in life. The ads, which are sports-focused, aim to resonate with this demographic and will be broadcast across platforms such as Kayo, Optus Sport, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, reaching them where they spend most of their media time.
Danny Wood 00:00:00 Hello. I'm Danny Wood, News Editor of Insurance Business Australia, and welcome to Insurance Business TV, where we're taking a look at what makes a top insurance industry employer accumulate premium funding. Is the third consecutive year a leader in our top insurance employers survey. This survey looks at firms in the Australian and New Zealand insurance industry and ranks them based on metrics including employee benefits and development culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Tricia Kopka is IQ's Head of Operations. She's based in Melbourne. Congratulations, Tricia.

Tricia Kopka 00:00:40 Thanks, Danny. and we're really thrilled to achieve this award for the three years running. It's it's quite thrilling

Danny Wood 00:00:48 To start with. Can you share with us some of the strategies that you think have led to your firm being awarded for the third consecutive year this Top Insurance Employer Award?

Tricia Kopka 00:00:59 Yes, yes, certainly. I think when I talk about strategy, I'm going to say, I think that's what is the clincher for us. We have a very clear strategy. We know what we're aiming to achieve. The team are all very clear about what that is, and they're also their part in it. And I think that's very important, and we make sure that we're continually finding opportunities to communicate that effectively in terms of how we're tracking. But when I talk about strategy, it's not just about, you know, money, it's about people, and so always looking for, how do we enhance the people's experience in our workforce on a day to day basis? And that just might mean strengthening, enriching people's skills, making sure that they're developing while they're for here on the day to day role, but also for future aspirations, but also celebrating the wins. And we do that on a regular basis. And I'll give you an example, because we've won this award for 30 running, everyone gets an additional day off, which is called an IQ, Love Your Work award, award day, and that goes down very well. Danny,

Danny Wood 00:02:11 Can you give us a specific example of how you think your firm stands out in terms of how it treats its employees?

Tricia Kopka 00:02:18 Yeah, I really do think I'll give you an example. One of our long standing, standing staff members actually came to us, and they wanted us to support them in terms of fundraising and raising the awareness of a foundation that was very close to their hearts, were in to be and so we actually got behind that, and we have as a team we've got behind it, raised some funds for them, raised awareness, and now they can actually put a program in place for 2024 with the funding that's been provided. So I think that's a nice example of looking at the holistic team and how we can support and care.

Danny Wood 00:02:55 You said that your firm celebrates wins and also focuses on and I quote here not being afraid to talk about the failings. Can you talk about some of the failings and how you fix those?

Tricia Kopka 00:03:07 Yeah, sure. So thanks for allowing me to provide some context, because it was really around strategy and communication. So I'll give you an example. We might have a strategic imperative that didn't quite the plan. I mean, things change, circumstances change. The business and the insurance world in particular is moving fast, and we're not afraid to actually call out that we didn't hit the objectives that we were looking for. And we always look to, you know, some people just hide that under the carpet and hope notices, but we talk about what we've learned from it, we realign, and that, think has built a more resilient business in turn and a resilient team.

Danny Wood 00:03:47 The insurance business employer survey found that vacation leave, flexible work options and sick leave were all seen as important. How does IQ approach those areas?

Tricia Kopka 00:03:58 Yeah, sure. I mean in terms of in terms of vacation, leave, you know, the same standard, four weeks a year, but we do something that I haven't seen before in an organization, if you take your four weeks in that year prior, you get additional five days, which was called a take five. So staff love that, because it gives the incentive, you know, to get an extra five days a year on top of what they would normally be allocated. So I think that's a really lovely selling point for our organization, flexible work options. We have a really nice hybrid, like two days in the office, three days at home, which seems to be the right balance. Post covid staff really like it, because they can spend time with their families, but are they also, when they're in the office, they're connecting. We're doing a lot of training. So I think that that hybrid model really works well for us. We were always really good at being flexible, even even um, before covid. I think having the mindset of, how do we make it work? Work, rather than it won't work, I think is really important in terms of providing that flexibility. And in terms of sick leave, to be honest, we don't have a great deal of it. It's always nice. But when the time does come where someone does fall ill, or someone their family that they love falls ill, we really try and support them as much as you possibly can, so we can remove the anxiety around the fact that they've got this going on in their personal life, and I can go and do what focus what focus on what matters for them. And I think that supports really important in terms of sick leave.

Danny Wood 00:05:37 Your business culture focuses on continuous improvement. What does that mean in practice?

Tricia Kopka 00:05:44 Yeah, so our mantra is, do it better, which means that we continually started to be better for ourselves, but also for the business. I think a lot of that centers around trying to be better and growth for individuals. So that's about the training that we put in place, we have focused development plans. Our leaders are really skilled at having those discussions, so I think that skilled leadership is really important and creating opportunities for people so that they can only, not only learn for the role that they've got today, but also for their future career aspirations, and building those opportunities in their day to day activities, but we're also very focused on mapping out our processes. So we had something like 300 plus processes, Daniel, that we've mapped out in a great deal of detail. And we're at the point now where we're looking at those processes and basically trying to say, like, what do we stop doing? And how do, if we have to keep doing it, how do we do that better? Do we either refine it or we, do we automate it, or both, and again, with a view of really streamlining or making a more positive staff experience and removing some of that manual stuff that we do on a day to day basis?

Danny Wood 00:06:59 Do you have any final words of advice for industry colleagues who are struggling to keep their employees happy.

Tricia Kopka 00:07:06 Yeah, look, I don't I always think it's pretty simple, and I love the quote from Sir Richard Branson where he says the company's employees are its greatest assets, right? I've always believed that in my 30 year career, so I just think, focus on creating a positive staff experience every day. Don't be afraid to talk to your people, find out what that means for them, like what's real for them, and then just put a plan in place. What do you keep? What do you stop? What do you start? And then continually talk about it, and I'm going to say rinse and repeat, because it's, I think it's an ever moving target, but if you focus on that on every day in terms of your strategy, I think that will always mean that you're going to thrive long term.

Danny Wood 00:07:55 Tricia, thanks a lot for your time.

Tricia Kopka 00:07:56 Thank you. Thanks, Daniel

Danny Wood 00:07:59 And Tricia Kopka is head of operations for accumulate premium funding for the third consecutive year, they're a leader in our Top Insurance Employers survey. Thanks for watching Insurance Business TV. Bye for now.
Reputation, while not a standalone risk, is the outcome of other risk events, such as cyberattacks, product recalls, criminal activity, and negative media coverage. Gallagher emphasizes that it is difficult for companies to effectively monitor the financial impact of reputational damage, as few organizations have the metrics in place to manage it within an enterprise risk management (ERM) framework. This challenge leaves many companies vulnerable to the consequences of reputational harm.
The UK branch of IRB Re, which stopped writing new business in 1983, had been involved in underwriting reinsurance treaties and other business within the London Market for approximately a decade. This transaction represents another step in Carricks strategy to grow its presence in the runoff and reinsurance markets.
This move comes as insured losses from severe convective storms (SCS) in the first half of 2024 have accounted for most global catastrophe losses. The United States has seen a significant rise in insurance payouts related to these events, creating new challenges for insurers and policyholders.
Despite the high-stakes nature of the business, where claims often total in the billions, the reinsurers with the most consistent year-over-year performance have proven to be the most reliable value creators over the past decade.
We take responsibility for previously returning this matter to the Commission with less than clear instructions on how to proceed, reads part of the new ruling. As discussed below, we now determine that compensation can be awarded in idiopathic fall cases like Ackleys if an employee can demonstrate that the hardness of the workplace floor increased the severity of the injuries caused by an idiopathic fall.
A federal appeals court has upheld a district court ruling that a wholesale distributor of plumbing supplies has wrongly exempted its inside sales representatives from overtime pay for years.

The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals denied F.W. Webbs request for a new hearing. As a result, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), which sued the firm in 2020, said it will recover $4.2 million in overtime back wages from the plumbing supply firm for more than 700 inside sales representatives of the company.

The department alleged that Webb violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by treating its inside sales representatives (ISRs) as exempt administrative employees and failing to pay them overtime premiums for their hours worked over 40 hours in a workweek. The department also alleged the employer failed to keep adequate and accurate records of hours worked.

DOL argued that the ISRs are ineligible for the administrative exemption because their primary duty is to produce sales, Webbs principal business is producing sales, and the ISRs are not predominately engaged in administrative work.

Webb argued that the ISRs are covered under the administrative exemption because their primary duty is providing solutions to Webbs customers and that they help develop strategy, and enjoy broad discretion and authority on matters of significance as part of their role.

In June 2023, the district court granted summary judgment in favor of DOL on the exemption issue, as well as the overtime and recordkeeping claims. The district court concluded that the ISRs are not administratively exempt because they perform the very work that is F. W. Webb Co.s primary business purpose, namely producing wholesale sales. The district court also found that the company had failed to pay the affected workers overtime back wages since August 2018 and violated recordkeeping provisions of the FLSA.

In August 2023, the district court entered a consent judgment and stay order that preserved Webbs right to appeal the district courts summary judgment decision on the administrative exemption and resolved all other outstanding issues in the case.

Webb appealed the summary judgment decision to the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in September 2023.

On Aug. 1, 2024, the 1st Circuit affirmed the district courts summary judgment decision, agreeing that Webbs ISRs are not exempt administrative employees under the FLSA. The 1st Circuit said the affected employees primary duties are not administrative in any sense of the word. Webb then petitioned the 1st Circuit to rehear the case en banc, a request that the 1st Circuit denied on Sept. 4, 2024.

According to DOL, Webb has deposited approximately $4.2 million in back wages with the district court that DOL will distribute to the more than 700 employees in the event that Webb does not seek any further appellate review.

Based in Bedford, Massachusetts, F.W. Webb Co. sells HVAC and plumbing and heating supplies, bathroom fixtures, pipe valves and fittings, and related equipment to contractors, industry professionals and homeowners. It has wholesale locations in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
South America is being ravaged by fire from Brazils Amazon rainforest through the worlds 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 Brazils 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 Brazils Amazon this week witnessed massive fires burning in vegetation along roadways, blackening the landscape and leaving trees like burned matchsticks.

Canadas Wildfire Season Ranks Among Worst but Less Severe Than Feared

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. Its 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 Bolivias 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 square kilometers (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. Bolivias 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. Its unclear whether the continent will continue to have high numbers of fires this year.

While rain is forecast next week for Brazils center south, where Sao Paulo is located, drought conditions are expected to continue through October in Brazils 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)

Photograph: Smoke rises as fires spread through the Brasilia National Forest, Brazil, in the middle of the dry season, on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres, File)
Tesco was not entitled to terminate some employees contracts and offer to rehire them on less favorable terms, the United Kingdoms Supreme Court ruled on Thursday.

Shopworkers union Usdaw took legal action against Britains biggest retailer after Tesco sought to remove some warehouse workers entitlement to increased pay.

Tesco ended their contracts and offered to re-engage them  a controversial practice often referred to as fire and rehire.

Britains governing Labour Party has said it will outlaw fire and rehire tactics, but has yet to set out how it will replace current codes of practice.

A spokesperson for Britains Department for Business and Trade said: We will be bringing forward legislation soon to put an end to unscrupulous fire and rehire practices, which have no place in a modern labor market.

The Supreme Court ruled that Tesco was not permitted to use fire and rehire to remove some workers increased pay and restored an injunction preventing the retailer from doing so.

Tesco, which has a British grocery market share of nearly 28%, said it accepted the ruling. A spokesperson said it related to a very small number of colleagues in our UK distribution network who receive a supplement to their pay.

Our objective in this has always been to ensure fairness across all our distribution center colleagues, the spokesperson added.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said in a statement that the ruling was a win for the trade union movement as a whole.

Lillis said of fire and rehire itself: These sorts of tactics have no place in industrial relations, so we felt we had to act to protect those concerned.

The dispute centered on certain warehouse workers entitlement to enhanced pay for agreeing to move to a new distribution center back in 2007.

When Tesco sought to remove the entitlement in 2021, it asked workers to agree to its removal for a lump sum payment or else their contract would be terminated and a new contract offered without the increased pay included.

Usdaw initially won an injunction, which prevented Tesco from dismissing the warehouse workers and offering them new contracts, but Tesco overturned that ruling in 2022.

The unions lawyer, Oliver Segal, said in court documents for the appeal in April that led to Thursdays ruling that Tesco was effectively arguing it has an unrestricted freedom to terminate the relationship at will.

Tesco, however, argued the affected workers had received increased pay worth thousands of pounds each for more than a decade.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by William James, Alison Williams, Alexandra Hudson)
Chinese regulators on Friday hit PwCs auditing unit in mainland China with a six-month business suspension and a record fine of 441 million yuan ($62 million) over the firms audit of troubled property developer China Evergrande Group.

Delivering a strong rebuke to the Big Four firm, Chinas securities regulator said its investigation found that PwC Zhong Tian LLP turned a blind eye to and even condoned Evergrandes fraud while auditing the annual results of the developers onshore flagship unit  Hengda Real Estate  in 2019 and 2020.

PwC has seriously eroded the basis of law and good faith, and damaged investors interest, said the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) in a statement.

Chinese authorities have been examining PwCs role in Evergrandes accounting practices since the CSRC accused the developer in March of a $78-billion fraud over a period of two years through 2020.

PwC audited Evergrande for almost 14 years until early 2023.

The business suspension and fines are the toughest ever penalty received by a Big Four accounting firm in China, and come against the backdrop of an exodus of clientele and layoffs at the firm in recent months.

The move is set to cloud PwCs prospects in the worlds No.2 economy. PwC Zhong Tian, the registered accounting entity and the main onshore arm of PwC in China, was the countrys top-earning auditor in 2022, according to the latest official data.

The cost is enormous in reputation, affecting the ability to get new business in China beyond the fine. In the short run, PwCs market share will decline in China, benefiting the other big three auditing firms, said Gary Ng, Asia-Pacific senior economist at Natixis.

As part of the penalties, PwC Zhong Tian will be barred from signing off on certain key documents for clients in mainland China such as results and IPO applications in the next six months.

The business suspension will also affect the unit as a whole from taking on new state-owned or domestically listed clients in the next three years, in accordance with Chinese regulations.

Last year, domestic regulators reiterated state-owned firms and mainland China-listed companies should be extremely cautious about hiring auditors that have received regulatory fines or other penalties in the past three years.

We are disappointed by PwC Zhong Tians audit work of Hengda, which fell unacceptably below the standards we expect of member firms of the PwC network, PwC network, the alliance of PwCs global member units, said in a statement.

The firm said as part of its accountability and remedial actions, PwC Chinas territory senior partner Daniel Li had stepped down and Hemione Hudson, the firms global risk and regulatory leader, had taken over from him.

Condoned Fraud

The business suspension was imposed by Chinas Ministry of Finance (MOF) which also ordered the closure of PwC Zhong Tians branch in Guangzhou  which according to sources led the audit work on Evergrande.

The ministry also imposed a fine of 116 million yuan on the firm for its auditing failure of Hengda in 2018, according to an MOF statement.

The CSRC said in its statement it had fined PwC Zhong Tian 325 million yuan, close to the total amount of penalties imposed by the regulator on over 50 auditors in the past three years.

The CSRC probe found that 88% of PwCs observation records on Evergrandes real estate projects in 2019 and 2020 were inauthentic or untrue, making its audit working papers severely unreliable.

The regulator pointed out PwCs on-site inspection of the developers properties failed to flag problems  some residential properties that the auditor considered ready for home deliveries still remained as vacant land when the CSRC inspected later.

PwC also deliberately excluded properties that Evergrande marked as not allowed to visit from audit samples, it added.

PwC has, to a certain extent, covered up and even condoned Evergrandes financial fraud and fraudulent issuance of corporate bonds, said the CSRC statement. It (PwC) has to be severely punished according to law.

A Reuters calculation based on filings showed more than 50 Chinese firms have in recent months either dropped the firm as their auditor or canceled plans to hire it, following the launch of the regulatory investigation into the firm.

PwC had about 400 Chinese clients, listed at home or in offshore markets such as Hong Kong or New York, in March this year, including tech behemoths Alibaba 9988.HK and Tencent 0700.HK.

($1 = 7.0942 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Julie Zhu and Xie Yu in Hong Kong; additional reporting by Ziyi Tang and Beijing newsroom; editing by Sumeet Chatterjee and Mark Potter)

Photograph: The Evergrande Group headquarters logo is seen in Shenzhen in southern Chinas Guangdong province, on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

Related:

Topics China
Specialist salvage teams are set to renew efforts to remove a blazing oil tanker thats been stuck in the Red Sea for over three weeks after it was attacked by Houthi militants, the European Union naval force in the region said.

The Houthis attacked the Sounion tanker as it sailed to Greece laden with heavy Iraqi oil, forcing the crew to abandon ship. The rebels then set offf explosives on its deck. The EU force is ready to facilitate a new salvage operation by protecting the ships that will tow the vessel, it said on X.

A notice on the Pakistan Navys Hydrographic Services website said the salvage operation would commence Friday afternoon. It advised ships to keep a wide berth of five nautical miles.

On 12 September, the MV SOUNION remains on fire after it was attacked in the Red Sea. The vessel is currently anchored, not drifting and there are no signs of an oil spill from the main cargo hold.

To prevent an environmental disaster, it is essential that public, private pic.twitter.com/jDYZkUNa6s

 EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) September 13, 2024

The Sounion was attacked Aug. 21 and remains ablaze. A previous effort to rescue the ship was abandoned on concern towing wouldnt be successful.

The EU also said theres no sign of an oil spill from the vessels cargo hold. Greece and the US previously said there were indications of a leak, though that could be from the ships fuel tanks rather than its cargo.

Related:

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Energy Oil Gas
Swiss insurer Baloise is considering changes in its board of directors, Chairman Thomas von Planta said on Thursday after the company revealed plans to boost returns to shareholders.

We want to strengthen the insurance expertise on the board, von Planta told Reuters in an interview. We are currently holding discussions on this, he added.

Baloise was working towards making those changes at its 2025 Annual General Meeting, said von Planta, who noted that he was open to being re-elected as chairman.

Swiss Insurer Baloise Targets Higher Returns for Shareholders After Cevian Move

Baloise unveiled theplan to overhaul its strategy after Swedish activist investor Cevian Capital earlier this week announced it had become the companys biggest stakeholder.

The Swiss insurer met with representatives of Cevian and other investors when discussing its plans, the chairman said, calling the Swedish firm very successful.

As they say, they (Cevian) see potential in Baloise. Were listening very carefully, said von Planta, who stressed that the insurer wanted to remain independent.

He said the company was committed to retaining its operations in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg. Some shareholders have urged Baloise to withdraw from Germany.

Baloise hopes to boost its shares going forward, and the company will be able to increase its valuation if the new strategy is successfully implemented, the chairman said.

Im confident well succeed in doing this, he said.

(Reporting by Oliver Hirt; editing by Dave Graham and Rachel More)
JM Wilson, headquartered in Portage, Michigan, promoted several team members in its home office.

Kristin Bolhuis was promoted to property and casualty manager. She works with carrier underwriters and independent insurance agents in Michigan and Texas. She began her career at JM Wilson in 1990 as an assistant life and health underwriter. She left to spend time on the agency side of the industry until 2015, when she returned as a property and casualty underwriter. Most recently, she was in the role of assistant property and casualty manager.

Arianna Rozanski was promoted to assistant property and casualty underwriter. She joined JM Wilson in 2023 as a property and casualty technician. Rozanski supports underwriters with new and renewal property and casualty risks, working with independent insurance agents and company underwriters in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and the eastern U.S.

Brendan Hagan was promoted to fleet transportation underwriter. He is responsible for underwriting new and renewal fleet transportation risks (11 or more power units), working with carrier underwriters and independent insurance agents in all states that JM Wilson writes. Hagan joined JM Wilson in August 2023 as an assistant fleet transportation underwriter.

Alyssa Walsh was promoted to senior property and casualty underwriter. She underwrites new and renewal commercial risks, working with carrier underwriters and independent insurance agents in Michigan and Texas.

Topics Underwriting
An Atlanta-based venture capital fund on Wednesday agreed to stop operating a program that awarded grants to small businesses run by Black women to settle a lawsuit by an anti-affirmative action group that claimed it discriminated based on race.

Fearless Fund agreed to settle the case after a federal appeals court in June agreed with the non-profit American Alliance for Equal Rights that the program likely violated a Civil War-era law barring racial discrimination in contracting.

Related: Conservative Activist Uses Civil War-Era Law to Challenge Corporate Diversity

The non-profit was founded by Edward Blum, who through a different group spearheaded the litigation that led the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court last year to bar the consideration of race as a factor in college admissions.

The lawsuit against Fearless Fund was filed in August 2023 and targeted the funds Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, which awarded Black women who own small businesses $20,000 in grants and other resources to grow their businesses.

According to the Fearless Fund, businesses owned by Black women in 2022 received less than 1% of the $288 billion that venture capital firms deployed.

The fund, headed by CEO and founding partner Arian Simone, has said its goal was to address that disparity. Fearless Fund counts JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and MasterCard investors, and the fund has invested nearly $27 million into 40 startups led by women of color since 2019.

Lawyers for Blums group argued that by only considering Black women for grants, Fearless Fund had adopted a categorical racial bar against other applicants in violation of Section 1981 of the 1866 Civil Rights Act.

A trial court judge initially sided with Fearless Fund. But a 2-1 panel of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in June held the program likely violated the law, warranting a preliminary injunction pending further litigation.

Blum in a statement on Wednesday said his group had encouraged the Fearless Fund to open its grant contest to Hispanic, Asian, Native American and white women but Fearless has decided instead to end it entirely.

Alphonso David, a lawyer for Fearless Fund, in a statement called the settlement agreement very narrow, as it does not restrict or relate to any other investment or charitable activity by Fearless Fund going forward.

The Fearless Fund can now continue their work toward expanding economic opportunity, he said.

Topics Lawsuits
Oregon employers will pay on average less for workers compensation coverage in 2025.

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services the decline in workers comp rate, which marks 12 years of average decreases in the pure premium rate.

Employers would on average pay 91 cents per $100 of payroll for workers comp next year, down from 93 cents in 2024, under the proposal by DCBS. The pure premium rate would drop by an average 3.2% under the proposal.

The reduction in costs is due to an improvement in loss experience in Oregon, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance.

Employers total cost for workers comp insurance includes the pure premium and insurer profit and expenses, plus the premium assessment. Employers also pay at least half of the Workers Benefit Fund assessment, which is a cents-per-hour-worked rate.

The premium assessment, which is a percentage of the workers comp premium employers pay, is added to the premium. It would remain at 9.8% in 2025, the same as 2024, under the DCBS proposal.

The decrease in the pure premium will be effective Jan. 1, 2025, but employers will see the changes when they renew their policies in 2025.

Topics Workers' Compensation Oregon
Cooler weather is aiding the fight against a large Southern California wildfire, one of three large fires in the region.

The Bridge Fire exploded in size on Tuesday, forcing evacuations in the communities of Wrightwood and Pinion Hills. Authorities also closed highways and issued evacuation warnings for roughly a half-dozen nearby communities in the foothills.

The fire started during a severe heatwave in the region, but slowed to minimal growth on Thursday as winds died down and humidity rose, according to a CalFire update.

Today, the Bridge Fire is still active. However, the behavior moderated significantly due to the slight increase in humidity and temperature decrease, the update states. Firefighters made great progress on the ground, aided by aircraft to attack the fire aggressively 24 hours per day. Crews continued to be engaged with structure defense in the communities of Wrightwood, Pinon Hills, and Mount Baldy. The ability for crews to also extinguish new fire starts in the vicinity of the Bridge Fire is also a good sign and testament to their success and hard work.

A coastal marine influence and favorable onshore winds are expected to continue to aid firefighters in coming days, according to fire officials.

The fire, which covers parts of San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, has burned 51,884 acres and is 3% contained. The cause of the fire, which started on Sunday, is under investigation.

The Bridge Fire is one of three large blazes burning in the region.

The Line Fire in San Bernardino County was spread over about 37,743 acres and 21% contained. That fire has reportedly damaged or destroyed at least four structures, with roughly 65,000 others threatened. The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties has burned 23,494 acres and is 8% containment, according to CalFire.

Top photo: Cooler weather is aiding a fight against the Bridge Fire in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. USDA Forest Service photo.

Topics Catastrophe California Natural Disasters Wildfire
Podcasts: Cork Podcast Festival

September 13-15, Various venues

Having kicked off last week, Cork Podcast Festival rolls on this weekend with some more familiar faces - and voices - coming to town. The ever-spooky/icky Creep Dive is Live at St Lukes on Friday, Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates bring their Path to Power pod to the Opera House on Saturday, ahead of a mooted general election later in the year, and the irrepressible Blindboy returns there on Sunday night.

Festival: Upstart Festival

Saturday, September 14, Glounthaune, Cork

The fourth year of the one-day, volunteer-led, not-for-profit festival features a strong lineup that showcases Corks burgeoning music scene.

I Dreamed I Dream: Cork act are at Upstart Festival in Glounthaune on September 14

Cardinals and I Dreamed I Dream are drawing widespread praise and seem poised for big things. Theyre joined by The Men From Manhole, Mossy, Single Men In Their Twenties, and Galway act Telebox.

Spoken word: John Robb

Monday, September 16: UCC Library

John Robb is different things to different people: Punk, author, musician, journalist, cultural commentator. He returns to Cork with a new live show entitled Do You Believe in the Power of Rock & Roll?, based on last years book of the same name chronicling 40 years of music writing from the frontline.

John Robb: Asking Do You Believe in the Power of Rock & Roll at UCC Library on September 16

Hell be posing the question to Altered Hours frontman Cathal Mac Gabhann. Tickets free but you have to register to attend. Robb is on a tour of Ireland, with different guests at each location, not least Spider Stacey of The Pogues for his visit to Clonakilty Guitar Festival.

Gig: Chappell Roan

Tuesday, September 17, Olympia Theatre, Dublin

Simply put, one of the hottest names in music right now, Chappell is in Dublin for a relatively intimate show at the Olympia. Tickets are long sold out for a pop star whose big, extravagant tunes, like 'Good Luck, Babe', have connected with a devout audience. The next time we see her will be in much bigger venues.

Streaming: A Very Royal Scandal

Thursday, September 19, Prime Video

Prince Andrew's still jaw-dropping interview with Emily Maitlis took place on BBC Newsnight almost five years ago.

Ruth Wilson as Emily Maitlis and Michael Sheen as Prince Andrew in A Very Royal Scandal, a three-part series coming to Prime Video on September 19.

Netflix's feature-length Scoop, about the interview, was released earlier in the year but now, with Maitlis herself onboard as executive producer, Prime Video releases a three-part dramatisation, with Ruth Wilson as Maitlis and Michael Sheen as Prince Andrew.
A TORMENTED couple have been lamenting the disappearance of their teenage daughter for a decade, when one day, out of the blue, she walks into their family home.

Mary (Juliet Stevenson) is overjoyed at the return of her daughter, now aged 24, and willing to write off the inconsistencies in her memories of her younger life. But John (Jared Harris) is not convinced that the young woman in their home is their daughter - and sets on a search for the truth.

Thats the intriguing premise at the heart of Reawakening, an intense and suspenseful thriller with the sort of human drama at its core that Harris has long sought out in his roles.

Superficially, it's about: is this girl the daughter or not? But when you dig beneath the surface, it's really about these two approaches to the problem that they have and and about how this couple dealt with the grief of feeling that they'd lost their child, says the actor of working on the movie.

These are sort of conversations you'd have, because you'd be examining the relationship each morning as you attack whatever scene you're going to tackle.

Quite often in these circumstances, you'd find that the couple divorces. These two havent and they somehow managed to stay together, and in some ways, that's because they've allowed each other to grieve in their own way.

Erin Doherty in Reawakening.

Virginia Gilberts feature film cleverly raises new questions about the dilemmas the couple face when the young woman (played by The Crowns Erin Doherty) returns home. Its the type of complex drama that Harris loves to work on - and would love to see more of on the big screen.

Hollywood gave up on an audience that was outside of 14 to 22 years old and mostly boys. That's particularly evident in the decade of superhero films that we're in, he says.

But they were kind of divesting themselves of that audience a while back, and that's why into that vacuum stepped the HBOs with The Sopranos and The Wire and AMC with Mad Men and Breaking Bad, the so-called golden age of television.

Over the course of his career, Harris has given us some of his most memorable work in that golden age, including his Emmy-nominated role as Lane Pryce in Mad Men, as King George VI in The Crown, and in the miniseries Chernobyl.

Its little surprise that the young Jared Harris would pursue a screen career, given that he was the son of one of Irelands most-legendary stars. His father, Richard, is regarded as one of our greatest-ever talents, while his mother Elizabeth Rees Williams was also a trained actor.

Jared Harris in UCC last year for the handover of the archive of his father, actor Richard Harris, which the college has acquired. Picture: Larry Cummins

Last year, Harris came to University College Cork to view his fathers archives, having brought them home to Ireland. The archives span over 50 years of the Limerick mans life and include sentimental props, artefacts, letters and photos that capture his colourful personality and love of storytelling.

It's a new relationship for me so but I'm incredibly grateful to Cork and to the university for responding in the way they responded, he says of the move. It makes a huge difference when you do get that kind of response. We've been there a couple of times because we went to the film festival. We took my father's documentary [The Ghost of Richard Harris] there, and we took a movie called Brave the Dark there last year that I made with my brother in Pennsylvania.

I'm looking forward to developing it [the relationship] even further. My father had enough material for a second volume of poetry, so I know that one of the goals is to get that published. Right now they're still archiving everything. The first thing that's going to happen is that there's going to be an exhibit that's going to start at the Hunt Museum in Limerick. It was very important to myself, it was important to Cork University, that Limerick be the place where the archive would be unveiled for the first time.

Harris has vivid memories of coming to Ireland with his parents as a young child, and he still has many relatives here. He remembers Kilkee in Co Clare, in particular, very clearly. When his parents were together they went back and forth to Ireland but when they split up, that stopped.

It was probably as much my mother who wanted us to have a relationship with the Irish side of the family. And my cousins absolutely knew my mother well - they adored my mother. They stayed in touch with her.

Dad, I think there's a certain point where he kind of... he stopped. I think that it just took such a lot for him emotionally, spiritually, psychically, for him to forge the path that he forged. He did it really through willpower, sheer willpower, to get from Limerick to London to Hollywood. It sort of defies belief in a way, but he made it happen just by sheer force of will. And then, of course the world was open to him. It was a pretty tempting place.

The biggest difference that happened to his career, and the reason why he could have the career of a leading man, rather than supporting actor, which was what was always open at that point to men, was largely down to the play Look Back in Anger. You didn't have to be from the upper middle class or the aristocracy to have your stories be about you. That opened up a whole new world of storytelling that allowed himself, O'Toole and Finney and Burton, they could have careers suddenly.

Jared Harris and Juliet Stevenson in Reawakening.

Harris is currently in the US, filming the latest project from top director Kathryn Bigelow, whose films include The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty. I cant tell you anything about it though! he smiles.

Its the latest in a career spanning over three decades, and he says as well as a great screenplay, there are other factors he looks for when it comes to picking his roles.

Ideally it would be a great script with a great director, a fantastic cast, a great part obviously - that's why it's a great script. So, great script, great part, great director, great cast and be well paid. It never comes as a package!

I would say it's always about the material. If you're having to force yourself to finish the script, then that's not a good idea. You shouldn't be saying yes to something like that. You should say no, and somebody else will actually respond to that material - and they deserve to have somebody working on it who feels that way about it.
As presenter Patrick Kielty prepared for the return of The Late Late Show on Friday, he spoke about a busy summer that included a surreal encounter with the pontiff.

In June, the broadcaster met Pope Francis alongside other comedians in the Vatican, which he described as a weird fever-dream.

In the days prior to the meeting, however, Kielty had been lifting loft insulation and thought he had gotten the material on his face as it became irritated and swollen.

There was only me, Chris Rock and Jimmy Fallon in the Vatican wearing sunglasses, said Kielty. Obviously, theyre two stars so you can see everybody else looking at me going, Well, theyre famous so hes clearly a wanker'.

Upon meeting the Pope, Kielty said he could see him recoil at the sight of his swollen face, but it was only after the trip that the Late Late host found out he actually had shingles, rather than irritation from the insulation.

There was a chance that I had given the Pope shingles. I was never so glad to see him the week after in full health giving the blessings. It was a surreal experience.

As the Late Late Show kicks off on Friday, September 13, the Co Down man is hoping the inauspicious day will be a lucky one for him.

We have a few little surprises. We have a few little surprises for our guests. Weve one surprise for a particular guest that left his mouth on the floor, which is great. We also hope to have a few laughs and a bit of craic, he told the Irish Examiner.

Patrick Kielty on the set of The Late Late Show. Picture: Andres Poveda

Tonights guests include Rory McIlroy, John Bishop, John Sheahan and Phil Coulter, as well as Corks very own Kabin Crew alongside Lisdoonvarna Crew, who will be performing their hit, The Spark.

Speaking about the viral group, who have had a busy summer performing at festivals in both Ireland and abroad, Kielty said he was absolutely delighted to have them on.

We had Sophia [McNamara, of Kabin Crew] on the Toy Show back last year and so to see that come full circle and to have her back on the show was like, I cant wait to see her, and it put a big smile on my face.

Medallists from the Olympics and Paralympics will also be welcomed home by Kielty on tonights show.

Some viewers questioned the amount of Northern Irish guests during Kieltys debut season. When asked about the debate, Kielty jokingly shook his head and said: These Northern guests, they just keep sneaking in...

Unrelated  Rhys McClenaghan wins gold for Ireland. Daniel Wiffen wins gold for Ireland. So, yeah, I think people are maybe getting over that one.

Kielty has been open about his commute from London every week, where he lives with his wife, This Morning presenter Cat Deeley, and his two sons, Milo, 8, and James, 6.

Asked if his family would be in this weeks audience, he said: The two boys will be in bed on Friday and, no, Cat will not be with us. She wants to get over for a show this run.

Deeley had spent seven weeks during last seasons run in the US, filming So You Think You Can Dance for Fox, but having taken up her position on the ITV breakfast show alongside Ben Shepard earlier this year, she has a more stable schedule, Kielty said.
Will & Harper (15A) is a documentary in which Will Ferrell takes a road-trip with Harper Steele, his friend and collaborator on Saturday Night Live for almost 30 years.

Living as Andrew Steele, Harper loved taking road-trips across America; having transitioned to a woman, she now wonders if the America she loves still loves her.

And so Will and Harper drive from New York into the heartland of Indiana and Iowa and on into Texas, stopping off at the Walmarts, biker bars, and diners that Harper has previously patronised, all the while discussing the minutiae  emotional, physical, and psychological  of Harpers experience.

Its an emotional rollercoaster that delivers laughs and tears, along with profound insights into human nature, friendship and the price (and worth) of living ones truth, as the pair penetrate ever further into conservative America.

Its by no means a smooth ride, and Harper is the first to acknowledge that she is unusually privileged to be coming out to the world with Will Ferrell riding shotgun, but for the most part, Will & Harper is as pragmatic as it is uplifting.
It doesnt matter how long ago you left school. Whether it was last year or decades ago, September nearly always evokes that back-to-school feeling. That sense of a new beginning could motivate you to learn a new skill or upskill.

Doing so can help us to remain relevant in the workforce, says guidance counsellor Aisling Falvey.

Your education and professional development dont end when you graduate and get a job, Falvey says. Continuing professional development (CPD), in the form of further training, is paramount for keeping up to date, honing your professional skills and competencies, boosting your confidence, and empowering you to tackle workplace challenges. It can also pave the way for progression and promotion.

Dr Mary Quirke, a career guidance counsellor and a research fellow at the School of Education at Trinity College, believes the workplace transformation makes CPD more important than ever.

The pace of change has accelerated since covid, what with hybrid work, innovations in technology, and the changing nature and focus of some jobs, Quirke says. We need to up our skillset if we want to keep up with change in the workplace.

Roisin Kelleher, a guidance counsellor

However, the prospect of returning to education can deter people. Some fear all this talk of Chat GPT and new technology, says Roisin Kelleher, a guidance counsellor. They worry the rapid pace of change will leave them behind and do them out of their jobs.

People should shift their perspective. Taking on a new challenge can be exciting, and you might learn up-to-date skills and gain knowledge that could be useful to you, Kelleher says. Ignoring all that is changing around you will only mean you miss out on opportunities. You cant stop progress, so its better to engage with it, find out what its all about, and then decide whether its of benefit to you or not.

New knowledge, new confidence

Quirke has seen how learning new skills can rekindle peoples professional ambitions.

If you graduated 10 or 20 years ago, youre now working off outdated knowledge. That can affect your confidence when youre going up against people who are more familiar with the latest research, theories, and technology. Ive seen how this can hold people back from going for promotion. But when they re-engage with education, they meet new people, gain a whole new network, learn new knowledge and rebuild their confidence. It can transform how they see themselves and how they are seen in the workplace.

Quirke wants to reassure people who are concerned about their previous level of education:

If you didnt like school and are worried about going back to education, you need to know that things have changed. Its all different now.

As an adult, you will have more autonomy in the classroom. Youre choosing to follow your interests and improve your ability, she says. Theres a lot more in your power to control than there was the last time you were a student.

The opportunities are different, too. People can change careers now in a way they werent able to before, she says. People are now deciding to become teachers, nurses, or engineers in their 40s.

Some courses didnt exist years ago. You can get a degree as a social influencer, says Kelleher, giving an example.

Guidance counsellor Aisling Falvey.

Human skills in a digital world

To futureproof your career, Falvey recommends building on your digital literacy skills. We live in a digital world and if theres a way that modern technology can help you in your job or enhance your performance, Id recommend that you embrace it, Falvey says.

She also encourages employees to join their professional body. Most sectors have bodies that keep up to date with research and provide training in the latest developments and newest technologies, she says. This ensures that their members continue to have the skills required to do their jobs at a high level.

While digital skills are critical, interpersonal skills are always in demand. Empathy, listening, and communication skills, and the ability to work in a team and to adapt to change, will always be needed, no matter what the workplace, says Kelleher. These interpersonal skills will never go out of date.

Falvey agrees. We should stay abreast of new and emerging technology, but we shouldnt forget our human skills, she says. Creativity, problem-solving, strategic thinking, leadership, and conflict resolution are skills computers and technology cannot provide.

Theres a growing value attached to such skills in the workplace. Employers want well-rounded people who can interact, communicate well, articulate themselves and demonstrate critical thinking, she says. They are looking at peoples CVs, and while they definitely appreciate qualifications and commitment to CPD, they also pay attention to things like mastering new skills and abilities outside of the workplace, perhaps in a volunteer capacity or as part of a hobby.

Dr Mary Quirke, a career guidance counsellor and a research fellow at the School of Education at Trinity College

Free and subsidised courses

If youre considering signing up for a course this September, Kelleher recommends checking:

springboardcourses.ie, which offers free or subsidised courses at a range of levels

skillnetireland.ie, which delivers upskilling programmes

Theres also the National Skills Bulletin, which is published annually and in which the government identifies the areas where there is potential for growth in the labour market now and in the future, says Kelleher. There are further education and training colleges in towns nationwide, offering everything from QQI accredited courses to apprenticeship courses, which allow you to earn while you learn.

Universities are increasingly offering part-time courses, many at night. There are so many options out there for anyone who wants to add to their skill set.

It may be hard to choose from the wide range of courses available, says Quirke. Take time over your decision, she says. Explore the course youre considering beyond its title. What will you be learning? Will you be learning it in person or online? Who will teach you? How will you be assessed? Is the course accredited and is that accreditation recognised in Ireland? The answers to these questions will help you choose the right course.

Quirke encourages all employees to consider their careers and professional development to be an ever-evolving process.

Its like buying your first car, she says. You put so much thought in to it, but youre not going to drive it for the rest of your life. Work and learning are the same. Most of us dont get a job and stay in that job, doing the same tasks until we retire. We go on a journey, developing and improving our core competencies, abilities, and interests as we go.

There are times when we either choose or are forced to take stock of where we are and what we are doing, and often those are the times when it makes sense to upskill, reskill, or retrain to move in to the next stage of our working lives.
All the fatalities of the Irish Civil War have been listed for the first time in a major new book which sheds light on one of the defining episodes of Irish history.

The landmark publication, Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New perspectives, launched in Dublin on Thursday night, commits to print for the very first time a list of all the combatant and civilian fatalities of the war, and features contributions from more than 90 scholars from Ireland, the UK, and the US, with more than 400 colour photographs, paintings, archival documents, and a series of newly-created maps.

Read More Atlas of the Irish Civil War: The cultural perspectives in the new book on the awful conflict

It is the latest in the multi-award-winning Atlas series publishing phenomenon, and follows the Atlas of the Great Irish Famine (2012) and the Atlas of the Irish Revolution (2017), both of which were adapted to TV documentaries for RTE and both winners of the Best Irish Published Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards.

The publication of this latest book in the Cork University Press series has been highly anticipated, with Atlas of the Irish Civil War selling out its first print run to the trade, such is the demand from bookstores.

HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading

Edited by the University College Cork team of Dr Helene OKeeffe, Dr John Crowley, Dr Donal O Drisceoil, Dr John Borgonovo, and Mike Murphy, it has been produced in partnership with the National Library of Ireland with support from the Department of Culture and includes a foreword by President Michael D Higgins.

'Atlas of the Irish Civil War' sold out its first print run to the trade.

This new volume is authoritative, accessible, and visually evocative, Dr OKeeffe said.

Rather than offering a single narrative of the bitter conflict, Atlas of the Irish Civil War provides a multitude of perspectives based on exciting new research across a range of disciplines.

Comprised of scores of maps, hundreds of photos and documents, and contributions from 90 top scholars in the field, the volume informs, challenges, and expands our understanding of a war that is still debated over 100 years after its conclusion.

Dr Audrey Whitty, director of the National Library of Ireland, said this volume enriches our understanding of the Civil Wars complexities and its lasting impact on Irish society.

Culture Minister Catherine Martin described the Irish Civil War as a great national tragedy that left a deep wound in the newly-independent State.

 Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New perspectives presents a nuanced understanding of this tragic, tumultuous, and complex period in Irish history, she said.

Donal O Drisceoil, John Borgonovo, Maria ODonovan, Mike Murphy, Helene OKeeffe, John Crowley, Audrey Whitty, and Sinead Neville at the launch of 'Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New perspectives' by Cork University Press at the National Library of Ireland. Picture: Maxwells

The atlas features contributions from a diverse swath of leading scholars from a range of disciplines and it is robustly underpinned by the data and newly-created maps produced by UCC under its recently-completed research Mapping the Irish Civil War Fatalities project and is richly illustrated with photographs and archival documents through a wonderful and rewarding partnership with the National Library of Ireland.

The enormous and thorough work undertaken in the scoping, research, and design of the atlas serves to deepen our appreciation of the challenges faced and sacrifices made by many directly-affected individuals, families, and communities in the early days of the nascent State."
The language used to describe loss in pregnancy by health staff can worsen the grief and trauma being experienced by parents, a new study has found.

An estimated 14,000 women experience miscarriage in Ireland every year, although as in many countries, it is a rarely discussed topic.

This study, led by University College London, found participants had difficulty in understanding the language used around their care in many cases.

Participants included parents who had experienced pregnancy loss and health staff.

Focus groups said phrases such as blighted ovum, empty sac, or chemical pregnancy are linked with strong negative emotions.

They felt, in some cases, these words implied that they had failed, or their baby never existed.

Words such as abortion, feticide and 'termination were described by participants as very challenging and distressing when used to provide medical information about procedures involved in the loss of a much-wanted baby, the study found.

Other women said words such as miscarriage and incompetent cervix added to feelings of guilt and self-blame.

Language can have a significant impact on how well a woman recovers following pregnancy loss, the study concluded.

The researchers also noted some changes since a similar study done in 2005, including a greater use of reflective listening which shows parents they are being heard and understood.

Dr Beth Malory said: These findings really show just how important language is in pregnancy loss care, and the testimony of those who took part in the study illustrates the long-term impact it can have on someone experiencing pregnancy loss.

They developed four recommendations:

Healthcare staff are asked to be aware language matters;

The researchers said: "the words you use can deeply affect someone's experience of pregnancy loss, so use the same language they do.

They were advised if in doubt, ask how women want staff to talk or write about their experience and the baby.

Staff should use framing strategies, the study advised. It said: once you know how someone sees their loss and their baby, consider using framing strategies, e.g. talking around a clinical report in more gentle terms, to reduce the impact of difficult language.

The last recommendation is to respect patients language preferences.

More information is available from the University College London website.
Vulnerable people are risking their lives by ingesting cocaine to smuggle into Ireland for organised crime gangs for as little as 1,000.

That is despite the fact the drugs they are carrying, often in up to 120 pellets or more concealed internally, can be worth in excess of 100,000 to the gangs.

Michael Gilligan, head of Customs at Revenue, said they have seen a rise in the number of vulnerable people being used by the gangs to smuggle drugs through airports.

He referenced nine specific cases between August 28 to September 9 alone.

I dont want you to get the impression that what happens over a 10-day period was unusual, he said. This is basically what happens every day of the year, 365 days, especially here in Dublin airport.

Of those nine cases, five of those were cocaine and it was five individuals smuggling it from Brazil."

He said four of those came from Lisbon and one came through Charles de Gaul.

We are not only interested in the drugs, once we interact with a passenger and there is an indication that there are drugs on board, then we have to be careful about the health and safety of that person. That is paramount to us.

"In the same period, we had four significant seizures of cannabis and those four came from Thailand," he said adding the cannabis was a basic concealment within suitcases.

Overall, 258 cocaine pellets with a combined weight of around 3.9kg and an estimated value of 275,000 and 140kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of almost 2.8m was recovered over the days.

Mr Gilligan said there have been more than 800 individual drug seizures at Dublin Airport alone this year split across cargo and passengers, adding it is a "very serious problem".

Revenue Customs official Sarah and Revenue Customs detection dog Maggie, during an update to media by An Garda Siochana and partners in Revenue Customs following joint intelligence operations at Dublin Airport, which have led to the arrest of a number of international passengers detected importing drugs into Ireland through Dublin Airport in the past ten days. Picture: Gareth Chaney/PA

Superintendent Darren McCarthy, who has responsibility for policing at Dublin airport, said there is a strong collaboration between customs, revenue and gardai in relation to drug trafficking.

We can see from 100 to 120 pellets ingested into these vulnerable people he said.

It can vary from time to time the size of the pellets. On average the value within a person could vary from 70,000 to 100,000.

He said those who were arrested where from Ireland, South America, and Southeast Asia.

Of those arrested, they are currently before the courts, in relation to these particular cases, he said.

These vulnerable people receive a custodial sentence of approximately six to eight years," he added and there is a 100% conviction rate.

Superintendent McCarthy said gardai believe interventions such as last week's are helping to "obstruct and dismantle" drugs gangs.

Revenue Customs detection dog Jack at Dublin Airport. Picture: Gareth Chaney/PA Wire

The latest figures from Revenue show enforcement teams seized a record-breaking 302m worth of drugs imported into Ireland last year.

That includes the 157m worth of cocaine which was found on board the MV Matthew off the coast of Cork in September.

In the period up to the end of August this year, 170m worth of drugs were seized  up from 75m in the same time last year.
A district judge refused to accept jurisdiction for the case against a man accused of assault causing harm to a prison officer despite the fact that the DPP said it was a suitable case for the district court.

James Spillane, of no fixed address in the Fermoy area of Co Cork, was before Cork District Court on a charge of assault causing harm to the officer at Cork Prison on Rathmore Road on March 20.
A Cork woman who verbally abused a member of An Garda Siochana and bit her on the arm during a drunken disturbance at Cook Street 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.
An elderly woman in a wheelchair who was going for lunch in Cork city centre got a clatter across the face by a young woman on Winthrop Street leaving her bruised and frightened.

Today, at Cork District Court, the culprit Chantelle Duffy, of Parkview Terrace, Wellington Road, Cork, was jailed for ten months for the assault.

Judge Mary Dorgan said: This was an elderly lady in her wheelchair being wheeled on to Winthrop Street. She wasnt there for any length of time when she got a clatter across her face and bruising across the bridge of her nose and face.

I have no doubt she would say how hurt she was, how afraid she was, and how reluctant she would be to go back to Winthrop Street. I am also thinking of the person pushing the chair.

They were on their way to The Old Oak, presumably for a sandwich in the middle of the day  what could be nicer?  when they were confronted by this woman not in her right mind. It was a horrible assault.

I am glad to hear she apologises.

The accused apologised through her solicitor Frank Buttimer who said she was suffering from psychosis and is now doing much better under medication.

Ms Duffy spoke by video link from prison to make a further apology: I am very sorry.

Judge Dorgan said: It was a horrible thing to do to the poor, defenceless, elderly lady in a wheelchair.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis had pictures of the injuries to the victims face. Judge Dorgan asked for those to be handed up so that they could be put on screen to be viewed by Chantelle Duffy.

I want you to think about that when you are in Limerick prison and get help for your addictions, Judge Dorgan said.

The 36-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to the elderly woman on April 2.
The CEO of Cork University Hospitals Group, David Donegan, is stepping down after two years in the post, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

The Limerick man took up the role during the pandemic in August 2022 after 27 years of working in the UK in various healthcare and government roles.

He is believed to be returning to England to take up a role there.

In a statement this morning, the South/Southwest Hospital Group confirmed Mr Donegan's departure.

Mr Donegan said: It has been an immense privilege to lead Cork University Hospitals Group over the last few years and I am so proud of the significant achievements that have been made during that time.

He pointed to real improvements in cancer care, elective and emergency care as well as the reconfiguration of the Paediatric and Ophthalmology services in Cork.

Mr Donegan also pointed to the setting of a Major Trauma Centre in CUH, one of two in the country and significant capital developments at CUH and also in Mallow and Bantry hospitals.

While there is much more to do, the organisation has gone from strength to strength in recent years, he said.

The HSE and National Ambulance Service air ambulance made a test landing at CUH helipad on September 9. Picture: Cork University Hospital

In June, childrens care, including surgery, transferred from the Mercy University Hospital to CUH. This is part of ongoing plans for a regional paediatric centre.

When this is complete, it is expected to take 98% of childrens care across the Munster region, with only certain complex conditions transferred to Dublin.

Read More Cork University Hospital poised for decade of major expansion

Mr Donegan also faced criticism during his time for the use of external management consultants PWC as part of this development.

He and senior clinicians at the hospital defended the multi-million euro cost as necessary to move ahead quickly on reforms.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner previously about this issue, he highlighted internal staffing gaps in this area.

Our management and administrative staff is about 460, although a comparable organisation in Dublin would be about 600," he said.

He pledged further improvements for patients, but cautioned: We know that we have one of the largest deficits of inpatient bed capacity of any hospital in Ireland, and that is going to take a number of years to resolve.

He said of plans to tackle long waiting lists: Every single one of those patients on that waiting list is a patient we are very much focused on."

He said they could see "early signs that CUH is starting to turn a corner".

This morning, the Limerickman thanked all the staff of CUH Group as well as the people of Cork and Munster for making him so welcome and for how hard they have worked together.

I look forward to seeing the services develop even further over the years to come he said.

The Regional Executive Officer for HSE South West, Dr Andy Philips said he would: personally like to thank David for his major contribution to improving healthcare in the South West over the last few years, and that while he will very much be missed, we do understand his decision and wish him every success with his future.
The solicitor for the late Ian Bailey has labelled Tanaiste Micheal Martin's recent comments on the Sophie Toscan du Plantier case as "extraordinary" and "a fair old attack on many of the pillars of justice of the State".

Sophie Toscan du Plantier's body was found badly beaten outside her holiday home in Schull, West Cork, in December 1996. She was 39 years old.

Ian Bailey, who died in January at the age of 66, was the main suspect in her murder. He was convicted in absentia by a French court in 2019 but he always denied any involvement.

Speaking on Thursday, Mr Martin said the State had "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".

The Tanaiste said that the cumulative evidence against Ian Bailey was "overwhelming" from his own assessment.

"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," Mr Martin said.

Following the comments, solicitor Frank Buttimer said: "I found his contribution extraordinary is all I can say. I don't know where it's coming from."

Mr Buttimer said Mr Martin was likely basing his opinion on the content of a new book on the case, some of the content of which Mr Buttimer said "would not be evidential".

"He [the Tanaiste] goes on then to disparage the office of the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions], where three DPPs at least declined to prosecute Bailey, the Supreme Court, which he seems to suggest was used in an effort to prevent Bailey's removal, and then the other two high courts, which also refused to extradite Bailey.

"So it's a fair old attack on many of the pillars of justice of the State. Where it comes from, I have absolutely no idea."

Ian Bailey (right) accompanied by his solicitor Frank Buttimer (left) in 2015. File picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Mr Buttimer said that he, having represented Mr Bailey for more than 20 years, had extensively researched the "dreadful murder of Madame Toscan du Plantier" which was "necessary professionally and properly to represent Ian Bailey in his various court travails over time".

"I absolutely assure anybody who's out there listening that there was nothing tangible by way of evidence against Ian Bailey, such as would even have justified a prosecution against him, let alone a removal to that other crowd over in France, to their system of justice where you are effectively guilty until proven innocent with all of the consequences that would have flowed from there."

Asked whether he believed Mr Bailey was innocent, Mr Buttimer said: "100%. Absolutely without question."

Speaking on The Opinion Line with PJ Coogan on 96FM, Mr Buttimer said Mr Bailey first came into his office around March 1997.

"One gets impressions and one forms opinions of people as one meets them, maybe professionally or non-professionally. From that time onwards, I pretty much knew that the concoction against him was a load of rubbish," Mr Buttimer said.

"And then looking into the case in much, much more detail because of the stuff that was coming out and having to deal with the extradition defences and all that, and acquiring information about the total skullduggery that was going on, witness activity and stuff that the police were up to, and other failures, it was absolutely, manifestly obvious that there was nothing to go on."

Asked if we would ever conclusively know who killed Sophie Toscan du Plantier, Mr Buttimer replied that "in all probability" we would not.

"The passage of time is a huge enemy of finding out. The failure is going right back to 1996-1997 to conduct a proper inquiry. We can't turn back the clock on that one," he said.

"So I regret to say that the chances of finding out who did it are just going out with the tide."
The CEO of Cork University Hospital, who announced his resignation on Friday, will begin work with a Welsh NHS Trust in December, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

David Donegan took up his position as head of the Cork University Hospitals Group just over two years ago in the summer of 2022, during the pandemic. The group also includes hospitals in Mallow and Bantry as well as community services across the region.

The hospital confirmed the Limerick man planned to step down from this role following reports in this newspaper.

The Velindre University NHS Trust, located in Cardiff, has now shared an announcement on its website of Mr Donegans appointment as substantive CEO.

Velindre University NHS Trust is delighted to have appointed its new substantive Chief Executive Officer (CEO).



Read more https://t.co/IOTQf0xek7 pic.twitter.com/ahaOAhpWeR  Velindre University NHS Trust (@VelindreTrust) September 13, 2024

Before taking up the position in Cork, Mr Donegan had spent 27 years working in the NHS including with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, also located in Wales.

Speaking about his new job, he said he is excited at the prospect.

When I visited the Velindre Cancer Centre and was taken through the designs for the new VCC, I got a real sense of the important outcomes we will deliver for the people of southeast Wales over the next 5-10 years, he said.

I really look forward to meeting with staff, donors, patients, and partners over the coming months."

The announcement notes his wife Nuala is from Birmingham and works with Kantar Worldpanel.

Read More Cork University Hospital poised for decade of major expansion

His time in Cork included overseeing significant construction and change but also attracted controversy due to overcrowding pressures at CUH and multi-billion euro spending on management consultancy firms.

In June, childrens care including surgery transferred from the Mercy University Hospital to CUH. This is part of ongoing plans to develop a regional paediatric centre.

When this is complete, it is expected to take 98% of childrens care across the Munster region with only certain complex conditions needing care at the under-construction childrens hospital in Dublin.

Mr Donegan also faced criticism during his time for the use of management consultants PWC as part of this development and others.

Confirming his departure, he thanked all the staff of CUH Group as well as the people of Cork and Munster for making him so welcome and for how hard they have worked together:

I look forward to seeing the services develop even further over the years to come.

HSE South West regional executive officer Andy Philips said he would personally like to thank David for his major contribution to improving healthcare in the South West over the last few years".

Dr Philips added: "While he will very much be missed, we do understand his decision and wish him every success with his future.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin made some astonishing remarks when he was launching a book on Thursday. In effect, he determined that Ian Bailey should have been put on trial for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. He also criticised the Irish judicial system for failing to extradite Bailey to France.

In offering such armchair opinions, the most senior politician in the state was advocating that the standard of proof for criminal trials should be lowered considerably and, if convictions are still unobtainable, we should find some other way to deem a suspect guilty.

Having covered tribunals for more than a decade, a part of me would like to endorse his opinion. Such a regime would have ensured that scores of politicians and wealthy businesspeople would have been locked up for perjury. This would have saved the state considerable sums of money and assisted in stamping out corruption. We could have eliminated white collar crime and, at street level, society would be safer from violent crime. Unfortunately, this would also render the Republic a police state and things dont tend to work out well under such regimes.

The book Martin was launching, Sophie: The Final Verdict, was written by veteran journalist Senan Moloney. He has been familiar with this case since days after the shocking murder of Ms Du Plantier in December 1996. He is reported as describing the book as the prosecution case against Bailey, which sounds like it could make compulsive reading.

Sophie Toscan du Plantier was killed at her holiday home in Schull, west Cork, in 1996.

At the launch, the Tanaiste stated: The simple fact is that 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.

He went on: When the French state sought justice for its murdered citizen, the Irish courts were successfully used to block its efforts and for every failure there was an excuse. Often these excuses relied on high principles of law and justice.

And then, his final verdict: It is hard to understand why the system was so convinced by its interpretations of legal principles that it effectively threw its hands in the air and gave up.

Flawed investigation

The first thing to note is that Mr Martin did not criticise the Garda investigation following the death of Ms Du Plantier. There is copious evidence that the investigation was extremely flawed. In 1996, unsolved murder was highly unusual in rural Ireland which could account for some, but not all, of the shortcomings.

If the investigation had been professional it may have been possible to compile enough evidence to bring a prosecution. There is nothing definite about that but it is worth noting. As it was, the bulk of the case to be made against Bailey leaned heavily on one witness, Marie Farrell, who was determined by the DPPs office to be highly unreliable. This assessment was endorsed by subsequent court hearings in which Ms Farrell, under oath, gave completely contrasting versions of events. There has never been an investigation of what was surely a prima facia case to examine whether she may have committed perjury.

Without Farrells evidence, the case is threadbare, consisting of an attempt to fashion a rope from loose, delicate threads

Bailey said something to somebody, he has scratches on his hand, his accounts of his movement are suspicious and so on. Repeatedly, legal officials in the DPPs office examined all the evidence and decided there simply was not the threshold required to put a suspect on trial. In one forty page assessment, an official was highly critical of the garda investigation, characterising it as having contaminated the case.

This was not some faceless official off on a personal frolic. A series of legal minds, overseen by two different DPPs through the course of decades, came to the same conclusion. As Judge Adrian Hardiman noted at a later stage, there was no lack of enthusiasm in attempting to prosecute Bailey.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin was advocating that the standard of proof for criminal trials should be lowered considerably and, if convictions are still unobtainable, we should find some other way to deem a suspect guilty.

Now we hear, apparently on the basis of reading a book, that the Tanaiste believes all the legal opinion and experience that went into attempting to build a case against Bailey missed a trick. One can only hope that he did not divine such a position on the basis that it might chime with elements of the public in an election year.

Meanwhile, more than 20 years ago the French refused to accept the outcome of the Irish criminal justice system. Under an ancient law they pursued Bailey and put him on trial in absentia in Paris. I attended a five-day hearing in 2019, and can only describe it as a showtrial to confirm Baileys guilt. For instance, one strand of evidence consisted of a French policeman telling the court that a garda in Cork confided to him that Bailey was guilty. Another involved a friend of Sophies recalling for the first time 20 years after the murder that in the days preceding it Sophie had told her of encountering a man who met Baileys description.

Ultimately, the Irish courts refused to extradite Bailey on foot of his inevitable conviction in France. This, Mr Martin appears to suggest, was based on something he referenced to as high principles of law and justice. Would these be the same principles cited by the great and the good when, to use the Tanaistes phrase, the Irish courts were successfully used to block investigations by tribunals? The same high principles of law and justice that ensure pursuing perjury convictions is so difficult?

The Tanaistes uncharacteristic lapse into barstool waffle may have been informed by the presence at the book launch of Ms Du Plantiers uncle, Jean-Pierre Gazeau.

He and the whole family of the deceased woman have conducted themselves with dignity through decades of real pain and a burning sense of injustice. Their collective disposition stands in sharp contrast to that of the man suspected of murdering Ms Du Plantier. Their high standing in French society also provided access to power and facilitated high level contacts between the French and Irish governments over the case.

Bailey had a history of domestic violence and he was a narcissistic bore who couldnt stop talking about himself. As a displaced Englishman, he had no family roots in West Cork or even the state. Everybody, from gardai to government, and large swathes of the public, would have been happy to see him convicted and thrown in prison.

In all those circumstances the case could easily have resulted in a plummeting of standards of natural and constitutional justice. Instead the law took its course without fear or favour. That should be a source of unsettling but grim satisfaction to anybody who believes in the basic tenets of a liberal democracy.
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.

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.

With the help of public tips, forensic analysis and international co-operation, investigators tracked down the individual responsible for the theft

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.

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)

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.

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.
Pope Francis wrapped up his visit to Singapore on Friday by praising its tradition of interfaith harmony.

The Pope closed out his four-nation trip through Asia with the same message of tolerance that he delivered at the start.

He presided over a gathering of young people from some of the religious traditions that are present in Singapore, where mosques, Buddhist temples and Christian churches stand side-by-side among the city-states iconic skyscrapers.

In a sign he was enjoying himself, the pope ditched his speech and urged the youths to take risks, even if it means making mistakes.

Pope Francis waves as he arrives at Catholic Junior College during his last day of a visit to Singapore (Vincent Thian/AP)

But he came back to the topic at hand to make his main point about the need for people of different faiths to engage in constructive dialogue rather than insist on the righteousness of their particular beliefs.

All religions are a path to arrive at God, he said. They are like different languages to arrive there. But God is God for all.

It was Francis last event before he boarded the Singapore Airlines A35-900 plane for the 12-hour, 35-minute flight back to Rome to complete the longest and farthest trip of his pontificate.

Francis was in 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 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.

Pope Francis arrives at St Theresas Home in Singapore on Friday (Suhaimi Abdullah/AP)

Historys first Latin American pope offered an overwhelmingly positive message in one of the worlds wealthiest countries, praising Singapores economic development and making only one public appeal  that it treat its immigrant workers with dignity and a fair wage.

In his public remarks, he avoided any controversial issues such as Singapores use of capital punishment, which Francis has declared is inadmissible in all circumstances.

Francis has raised the churchs opposition to the death penalty while visiting countries where it is used, including Bahrain.

But at least in his public remarks, Francis made no mention of it while in Singapore, perhaps a show of deference to his hosts during a trip that is likely being closely watched in China, where the Vatican is seeking better ties.

Francis 11-day journey took him to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor before Singapore. The 20,390 miles by air clocked for the trip make it the longest and farthest of his pontificate and one of the longest papal voyages in terms of days on the road and distances travelled. Only some of St John Paul IIs trips in the 1980s were longer.
The US State Department announced new sanctions on Russian state media on Friday, accusing a Kremlin news outlet of working hand-in-hand with the Russian military and running fundraising campaigns to pay for sniper rifles, body armour and other equipment for soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

While the outlet, RT, has previously been sanctioned for its work to spread Kremlin propaganda and disinformation, the allegations announced on Friday suggest its role goes far beyond influence operations.
Today

Mainly clear skies. Low 76F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mainly clear skies. Low 76F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. Near record high temperatures. High around 110F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Today

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. Near record high temperatures. High around 110F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 69F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

A mainly sunny sky. Near record high temperatures. High 108F. Winds light and variable.
( Tomdispatch.com )  The next president of the United States, whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, will face many contentious domestic issues that have long divided this country, including abortion rights, immigration, racial discord, and economic inequality. In the foreign policy realm, she or he will face vexing decisions over Ukraine, Israel/Gaza, and China/Taiwan. But one issue that few of us are even thinking about could pose a far greater quandary for the next president and even deeper peril for the rest of us: nuclear weapons policy.

Consider this: For the past three decades, weve been living through a period in which the risk of nuclear war has been far lower than at any time since the Nuclear Age began  so low, in fact, that the danger of such a holocaust has been largely invisible to most people. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the signing of agreements that substantially reduced the U.S. and Russian nuclear stockpiles eliminated the most extreme risk of thermonuclear conflict, allowing us to push thoughts of nuclear Armageddon aside (and focus on other worries). But those quiescent days should now be considered over. Relations among the major powers have deteriorated in recent years and progress on disarmament has stalled. The United States and Russia are, in fact, upgrading their nuclear arsenals with new and more powerful weapons, while China  previously an outlier in the nuclear threat equation  has begun a major expansion of its own arsenal.

The altered nuclear equation is also evident in the renewed talk of possible nuclear weapons use by leaders of the major nuclear-armed powers. Such public discussion largely ceased after the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, when it became evident that any thermonuclear exchange between the U.S. and the Soviet Union would result in their mutual annihilation. However, that fear has diminished in recent years and were again hearing talk of nuclear weapons use. Since ordering the invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly threatened to employ nuclear munitions in response to unspecified future actions of the U.S. and NATO in support of Ukrainian forces. Citing those very threats, along with Chinas growing military might, Congress has authorized a program to develop more lower-yield nuclear munitions supposedly meant (however madly) to provide a president with further options in the event of a future regional conflict with Russia or China.

Thanks to those and related developments, the world is now closer to an actual nuclear conflagration than at any time since the end of the Cold War. And while popular anxiety about a nuclear exchange may have diminished, keep in mind that the explosive power of existing arsenals has not. Imagine this, for instance: even a limited nuclear war  involving the use of just a dozen or so of the hundreds of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) possessed by China, Russia, and the United States  would cause enough planetary destruction to ensure civilizations collapse and the death of billions of people.

And consider all of that as just the backdrop against which the next president will undoubtedly face fateful decisions regarding the production and possible use of such weaponry, whether in the bilateral nuclear relationship between the U.S. and Russia or the trilateral one that incorporates China.

The U.S.-Russia Nuclear Equation

The first nuclear quandary facing the next president has an actual timeline. In approximately 500 days, on February 5, 2026, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the last remaining nuclear accord between the U.S. and Russia limiting the size of their arsenals, will expire. That treaty, signed in 2010, limits each side to a maximum of 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads along with 700 delivery systems, whether ICBMs, submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), or nuclear-capable heavy bombers. (That treaty only covers strategic warheads, or those intended for attacks on each others homeland; it does not include the potentially devastating stockpiles of tactical nuclear munitions possessed by the two countries that are intended for use in regional conflicts.)

At present, the treaty is on life support. On February 21, 2023, Vladimir Putin ominously announced that Russia had suspended its formal participation in New START, although claiming it would continue to abide by its warhead and delivery limits as long as the U.S. did so. The Biden administration then agreed that it, too, would continue to abide by the treaty limits. It has also signaled to Moscow that its willing to discuss the terms of a replacement treaty for New START when that agreement expires in 2026. The Russians have, however, declined to engage in such conversations as long as the U.S. continues its military support for Ukraine.

Accordingly, among the first major decisions the next president has to make in January 2025 will be what stance to take regarding the future status of New START (or its replacement). With the treatys extinction barely more than a year away, little time will remain for careful deliberation as a new administration chooses among several potentially fateful and contentious possibilities.

Its first option, of course, would be to preserve the status quo, agreeing that the U.S. will abide by that treatys numerical limits as long as Russia does, even in the absence of a treaty obliging it to do so. Count on one thing, though: such a decision would almost certainly be challenged and tested by nuclear hawks in both Washington and Moscow.

Of course, President Harris or Trump could decide to launch a diplomatic drive to persuade Moscow to agree to a new version of New START, a distinctly demanding undertaking, given the time remaining. Ideally, such an agreement would entail further reductions in the U.S. and Russian strategic arsenals or at least include caps on the number of tactical weapons on each side. And remember, even if such an agreement were indeed to be reached, it would also require Senate approval and undoubtedly encounter fierce resistance from the hawkish members of that body. Despite such obstacles, this probably represents the best possible outcome imaginable.

The worst  and yet most likely  would be a decision to abandon the New START limits and begin adding yet more weapons to the American nuclear arsenal, reversing a bipartisan arms control policy that goes back to the administration of President Richard Nixon. Sadly, there are too many members of Congress who favor just such a shift and are already proposing measures to initiate it.

In June, for example, in its version of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025, the Senate Armed Services Committee instructed the Department of Defense to begin devising plans for an increase in the number of deployed ICBMs from 400 of the existing Minuteman-IIIs to 450 of its replacement, the future Sentinel ICBM. The House Armed Services Committee version of that measure does not contain that provision but includes separate plans for ICBM force expansion. (The consolidated text of the bill has yet to be finalized.)

Should the U.S. and/or Russia abandon the New START limits and begin adding to its atomic arsenal after February 5, 2026, a new nuclear arms race would almost certainly be ignited, with no foreseeable limits. No matter which side announced such a move first, the other would undoubtedly feel compelled to follow suit and so, for the first time since the Nixon era, both nuclear powers would be expanding rather than reducing their deployed nuclear forces  only increasing, of course, the potential for mutual annihilation. And if Cold War history is any guide, such an arms-building contest would result in increased suspicion and hostility, adding a greater danger of nuclear escalation to any crisis that might arise between them.

The Three-Way Arms Race

Scary as that might prove, a two-way nuclear arms race isnt the greatest peril we face. After all, should Moscow and Washington prove unable to agree on a successor to New START and begin expanding their arsenals, any trilateral nuclear agreement including China that might slow that countrys present nuclear buildup becomes essentially unimaginable.

Ever since it acquired nuclear weapons in 1964, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) pursued a minimalist stance when it came to deploying such weaponry, insisting that it would never initiate a nuclear conflict but would only use nuclear weapons in a second-strike retaliatory fashion following a nuclear attack on the PRC. In accordance with that policy, China long maintained a relatively small arsenal, only 200 or so nuclear warheads and a small fleet of ICBMs and SLBMs. In the past few years, however, China has launched a significant nuclear build-up, adding another 300 warheads and producing more missiles and missile-launching silos  all while insisting its no-first-use policy remains unchanged and that it is only maintaining a retaliatory force to deter potential aggression by other nuclear-armed states.

Some Western analysts believe that Xi Jinping, Chinas nationalistic and authoritarian leader, considers a larger arsenal necessary to boost his countrys status in a highly competitive, multipolar world. Others argue that China fears improvements in U.S. defensive capabilities, especially the installation of anti-ballistic missile systems, that could endanger its relatively small retaliatory force and so rob it of a deterrent to any future American first strike.

Given the Chinese construction of several hundred new missile silos, Pentagon analysts contend that the country plans to deploy as many as 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030 and 1,500 by 2035  roughly equivalent to deployed Russian and American stockpiles under the New START guidelines. At present, there is no way to confirm such predictions, which are based on extrapolations from the recent growth of the Chinese arsenal from perhaps 200 to 500 warheads. Nonetheless, many Washington officials, especially in the Republican Party, have begun to argue that, given such a buildup, the New START limits must be abandoned in 2026 and yet more weapons added to the deployed U.S. nuclear stockpile to counter both Russia and China.

As Franklin Miller of the Washington-based Scowcroft Group and a former director of nuclear targeting in the office of the secretary of defense put it, Deterring China and Russia simultaneously [requires] an increased level of U.S. strategic warheads. Miller was one of 12 members of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, a bipartisan group convened in 2022 to reconsider Americas nuclear policies in light of Chinas growing arsenal, Putins nuclear threats, and other developments. In its final October 2023 report, that commission recommended numerous alterations and additions to the American arsenal, including installing multiple warheads (instead of single ones) on the Sentinel missiles being built to replace the Minuteman ICBM and increasing the number of B-21 nuclear bombers and Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines to be produced under the Pentagons $1.5 trillion nuclear modernization program.

The Biden administration has yet to endorse the recommendations in that report. It has, however, signaled that its considering the steps a future administration might take to address an expanded Chinese arsenal. In March, the White House approved a new version of a top-secret document, the Nuclear Employment Guidance, which for the first time reportedly focused as much on countering China as Russia. According to the few public comments made by administration officials about that document, it, too, sets out contingency plans for increasing the number of deployed strategic weapons in the years ahead if Russia breaks out of the current New START limits and no arms restraints have been negotiated with China.

We have begun exploring options to increase future launcher capacity or additional deployed warheads on the land, sea, and air legs [of the nuclear delivery triad of ICBMs, SLBMs, and bombers] that could offer national leadership increased flexibility, if desired, and executed, said acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Policy Vipin Narang on August 1st. While none of those options are likely to be implemented in President Bidens remaining months, the next administration will be confronted with distinctly ominous decisions about the future composition of that already monstrous nuclear arsenal.

Whether it is kept as is or expanded, the one option you wont hear much about in Washington is finding ways to reduce it. And count on one thing: even a decision simply to preserve the status quo in the context of todays increasingly antagonistic international environment poses an increased risk of nuclear conflict. Any decision to expand it, along with comparable moves by Russia and China, will undoubtedly create an even greater risk of instability and potentially suicidal nuclear escalation.

The Need for Citizen Advocacy

For all too many of us, nuclear weapons policy seems like a difficult issue that should be left to the experts. This wasnt always so. During the Cold War years, nuclear war seemed like an ever-present possibility and millions of Americans familiarized themselves with nuclear issues, participating in ban-the-bomb protests or the Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign of the 1980s. But with the Cold Wars end and a diminished sense of nuclear doom, most of us turned to other issues and concerns. Yet the nuclear danger is growing rapidly and so decisions regarding the U.S. arsenal could have life-or-death repercussions on a global scale.

And one thing should be made clear: adding more weaponry to the U.S. arsenal will not make us one bit safer. Given the invulnerability of this countrys missile-bearing nuclear submarines and the multitude of other weapons in our nuclear arsenal, no foreign leader could conceivably mount a first strike on this country and not expect catastrophic retaliation, which in turn would devastate the planet. Acquiring more nuclear weapons would not alter any of this in the slightest. All it could possibly do is add to international tensions and increase the risk of global annihilation.

As Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, a nonpartisan research and advocacy outfit, put it recently: Significant increases in the U.S. deployed nuclear arsenal would undermine mutual and global security by making the existing balance of nuclear terror more unpredictable and would set into motion a counterproductive, costly action-reaction cycle of nuclear competition.

A decision to pursue such a reckless path could occur just months from now. In early 2025, the next president, whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, will be making critical decisions regarding the future of the New START Treaty and the composition of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. Given the vital stakes involved, such decisions should not be left to the president and a small coterie of her or his close advisers. Rather, it should be the concern of every citizen, ensuring vigorous debate on alternative options, including steps aimed at reducing and eventually eliminating the worlds nuclear arsenals. Without such public advocacy, we face the very real danger that, for the first time since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, nuclear weapons will again be detonated on this planet, with billions of us finding ourselves in almost unimaginable peril.

Copyright 2024 Michael Klare

Via Tomdispatch.com
By May Darwich, University of Birmingham | 

(The Conversation)  The United Nations has accused foreign players of prolonging the war in Sudan, making it harder for the country to find peace. The fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces started in April 2023. It was sparked by two generals competing for power after a failed political transition.

Since then, the conflict has taken on a regional and international dimension. Several external actors are supporting the two warring parties with arms, ammunition and money. The United Arab Emirates is emerging as one of the foreign players most invested in the war.

We asked May Darwich, who has studied the alliances that countries in the Middle East form in the Horn of Africa, for insights into this evolving situation.

Why is peace proving elusive in Sudan?

In a little over a year of civil war, Sudan has become the site of one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The country  the largest agricultural producer in Africa and seen as a potential breadbasket for the region  is now on the brink of the worst famine in the world.

According to the UN refugee agency, more than 7 million people are internally displaced, nearly 2 million have fled to neighbouring countries and 25 million (half of the population) are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Estimates suggest that over 20,000 people have been killed since the war began in April 2023.

Yet, prospects for peace are dim.

Fighting shows no signs of abating, efforts to hold peace talks have failed and the involvement of foreign actors is prolonging the violence.

Regional powers and neighbours have lined up behind either of the two generals at the centre of the conflict: Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces and Mohamed Hemedti Dagalo of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Both warring parties have since been accused by the UN of committing war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

Sudan is surrounded by major arms-trafficking hubs. Weapons and ammunition are smuggled in through countries like Libya, Chad and the Central African Republic. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Iran are supplying the war through these countries. This violates a UN arms embargo against Sudan.

Which are the biggest foreign players?

Several regional and international actors have a stake in the outcome of the conflict.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia, for instance, support the Sudanese army. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Libya and Russia (through the Wagner Group) support the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The UAE has emerged as the foreign player most invested in the war. It views resource-rich, strategically located Sudan as an opportunity to expand its influence and control in the Middle East and east Africa.

Since 2018, the UAE has invested over US$6 billion in the country. This includes foreign reserves in the Sudanese central bank, agriculture projects and a Red Sea port. The UAE has also recruited and paid fighters from Sudan, drawn mostly from the Rapid Support Forces, to join its conflict in Yemen.

Since 2019, the UAE has undermined Sudans democratic transition following the ouster of long-serving president Omar al-Bashir. Abu Dhabi empowered both the army and the paramilitary force against the civilian wing of the government. With the outbreak of the civil war, the UAE has focused on the Rapid Support Forces.

Abu Dhabi has repeatedly denied its involvement in arming the paramilitary force or supporting its leader Hemedti. However, the evidence suggests otherwise and the UAEs dark role in the war has become an open secret.

The announcement by US rapper Macklemore cancelling an October 2024 concert in Dubai over the UAEs role in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis reignited international attention on Abu Dhabis role in the war.

The UAEs involvement in Sudan highlights a broader pattern in this sheikhdoms foreign policy in the last decade: aligning with local forces to secure geopolitical and economic interests across the Middle East and east Africa.



Khartoum, Digital, Midjourney, Clip2Comic, 2024

In Sudan, the UAE has joined forces with Russia to support the Rapid Support Forces through the Wagner Group. The Wagner Group has been active in Sudan since 2017, primarily in connection with resource extraction projects in regions like Darfur, where Hemedtis forces were active and became a central ally in these endeavours.

According to UN experts, the UAE established logistical operations to send weapons to the Rapid Support Forces through its networks in Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Uganda. Armaments and supplies were disguised as humanitarian aid.

Whats in it for the UAE?

The interactions and alliances involving the UAE and the Rapid Support Forces reflect the complex and often opaque nature of modern geopolitical manoeuvring in Sudan.

Reports suggest that Hemedti acts as a custodian of Emirati interests in Sudan. These interests include gold and agriculture products.

Gold has been one of the main drivers of the Sudan conflict. It allows both parties to fuel their war machines. The UAE is the main beneficiary of this trade. It receives nearly all the gold smuggled from Sudan and has become a hub for laundering trafficked gold into the global market. The latest available statistics show that, officially, the UAE imported precious metals from Sudan valued at about US$2.3 billion in 2022.

Additionally, the UAE imports 90% of its food supply. Since the global food crisis in 2007, the UAE has made food security one of its highest priorities and started investing in farmlands abroad.

In Sudan, two Emirati firms are farming over 50,000 hectares in the north, with plans for expansion. Agricultural produce is then shipped through the Red Sea. To bypass the port of Sudan, which was run by the Sudanese government, the UAE signed a new deal in 2022 to build a new port on the coast of Sudan to be operated by the Abu Dhabi Ports Group.

The UAE has used the Rapid Support Forces to secure its interests and ambitions in achieving food security.

Who, and what, could break the Sudan deadlock?

The humanitarian situation in Sudan is worsening, but the international community has done little to address it.

In addition to its inability to raise sufficient aid for Sudan, the international community has applied no pressure on the UAE. The UN security council has failed to address the credible allegations by its own panel of experts on Sudan over Abu Dhabis involvement.

Human Rights Watch has accused the Rapid Support Forces of committing genocide, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in the ongoing war. However, so far, there are no prospects for holding the UAE accountable for its role with the paramilitary force. The country continues to leverage its alliances with the west.

Unless the international community is willing to stop foreign actors from fuelling the conflict, Sudan risks descending into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis that will haunt the world for decades to come.

May Darwich, Associate Professor of International Relations of the Middle East, University of Birmingham

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
A person can only be born in one place. However, he may die several times elsewhere: in the exiles and prisons, and in a homeland transformed by the occupation and oppression into a nightmare. -Mahmoud Darwish

Newark, Del. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature)  A few days before the invasion of Iraq by American forces under G.W. Bush, on March 16, 2003, a young woman from Seattle, Washington, who had gone to Rafah, in Gaza to help Palestinians halt the demolition of homes died under the bulldozer of the Israeli army.

Her name was Rachel Corrie.

She was 23 years old. She was a member of the pro-Palestinian International Solidarity Movement (ISM)

Her parents fought the judiciary system in Israel for two decades to no avail. The court rejected their appeals, and no one was prosecuted. It is the usual case in Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East.

On May 11, 2022, the renowned Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, while reporting at the Jenin refugee camp and having reported from the occupied territories for nearly 25 years, was shot in the neck by IDF while reporting for Al Jazeera. It took more than a year for the Israeli officials to admit that their army was responsible for her death. Was anyone put on trial for her murder? No.

She was wearing a blue vest with the word Press on it. An Israeli solider shot her just below her helmet. While her funeral was being held, all kinds of barriers were set to prolong the procession. She was finally laid to rest in the Mount Zion cemetery in Jerusalem where she was buried next to her parents. She was a Roman Catholic.

On September 7, 2024, a young woman also from Seattle, this time a Turkish American aged 26 had gone to the West Bank for the very same reasons. She was shot in the head by the Israeli Army.

Her name was Aysenur Eygi.

She was also a volunteer with the ISM and had recently graduated from the University of Washington. She and others including many Jewish activists had been demonstrating against an illegal outpost called Evyatar, an offshoot of the settlement of Beita.

She had arrived there only two days before her untimely death by a gunfire of an Israeli soldier. Jonathan Pollack, an Israeli peace activist, participating in Fridays protest was an eyewitness. He held her bleeding head before the ambulance arrived. She died at the hospital.

She, like Rachel, had a full life ahead of her.

Not only did these women want a better world but they also put their aspirations into action. They could have had a career like so many others but instead they took a different route: To be instrumental in making a change in this very unjust world of ours.

Rachel had been born into a middle class, peace-loving family.

Aysenur was born into a Turkish American family. She resisted and struggled for the right of a people whose livelihood and land were being stolen by settlers, guarded by the most immoral army in the world.

She was shot to death like countless others since and before October 7.

The Americans and the Israelis did nothing to secure justice for any of these women.

In another part of the Middle East, on 16 September 16, 2022, a young woman named Mahsa Amini, also known by her Kurdish name Jina, went to Tehran with her brother and friends to have a good time. She was twenty-two. She was stopped by the morality police and taken to a van by force. She was interrogated viciously for not having the right hijab and was hit hard on her head. She was taken to the hospital and a few days later, after going into a coma, she was pronounced dead. She was not political. Her only sin was that her attire was not to the liking of the authorities. What followed later after her shocking death was the largest uprising in Iran called Woman Life Freedom, perhaps the largest feminist movement in our time.



Photo by Inimafoto A: https://www.pexels.com/photo/plate-with-a-slogan-woman-life-freedom-14413071/

In the Middle East and elsewhere, women have proven that they will take to the streets and encounter the oppressors to fight for freedom whether for others or themselves.

It will not be the last time nor the only time.

Just like a century ago, Mary Harris Jonesaka  Mother Jones  who was also called the most dangerous woman in America, walked miles to fight for freedom and the rights of workers, these young women also took their fight to the streets of Jerusalem, Rafah, the West Bank, Tehran and elsewhere to prove that women will not be stopped  not by guns, by bulldozers nor intimidation.
TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dundee Precious Metals Inc. (TSX: DPM) (DPM or the Company) today provided an update on its Coka Rakita project, where the pre-feasibility (PFS) is advancing on track for completion in the first quarter of 2025. The Company also reported new assay results from the recently completed PFS infill drilling program.

Highlights

(Refer to Table 1 full results)

Pre-feasibility study on track: Continue to target completion of PFS the first quarter of 2025.

Continue to target completion of PFS the first quarter of 2025. Completion of the PFS infill drilling program: Results continue to confirm the continuity of a core zone of high-grade mineralization with the Mineral Resource outline (see Figure 1). Highlights include: RIDD055  74 metres at 27.3 g/t Au, from 426 metres downhole,

including 37 metres at 47.44 g/t Au and 0.11% Cu from 460 metres downhole. RIDD057  83 metres at 3.90 g/t Au and 0.24% Cu from 385 metres. RIDD060  71 metres at 3.39 g/t Au from 414 metres,

including 7 metres at 10.71 g/t Au from 473 metres downhole. RIDD069  67 metres at 10.61 g/t Au and 0.23% Cu, from 387 metres. RIDD078A  42 metres at 11.13 g/t Au and 0.18 % Cu from 263 metres.

Results continue to confirm the continuity of a core zone of high-grade mineralization with the Mineral Resource outline (see Figure 1). Highlights include:

Visit https://vrify.com/decks/16804 to view an interactive 3D model highlighting these results.

We continue to unlock Coka Rakitas potential to add production growth and strong margins to our portfolio, with first production targeted for 2028, said David Rae, President and Chief Executive Officer.

As we accelerate the project through our development pipeline, we are progressing the PFS, which remains on track for Q1 2025, and advancing permitting activities to support start-up of construction in 2026.

We have the financial and technical resources to advance this high-quality growth project and continue our exploration programs to further define the significant potential of Coka Rakita and the surrounding licences.

Coka Rakita Project Update

DPM continues to advance the Coka Rakita project, with first production of concentrate targeted for 2028. The PFS is advancing well and remains on track for completion in the first quarter of 2025.

With the completion of the PFS infill drilling program, discussed below, the Company is now updating the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). All planned trade-off studies have been completed, allowing DPM to advance the flowsheet and site layout for the PFS engineering and permitting process. In addition, the geotechnical and hydrogeological drilling program, which will support the PFS design and cost estimates, is nearing completion. Metallurgical testwork results continue to support the assumption of approximately 90% gold recovery by gravity concentration and conventional flotation outlined in the preliminary economic assessment issued in May 2024.1

In parallel, permitting activities have continued to advance. Baseline monitoring studies for the environmental impact assessment are expected to be submitted in the first quarter of 2026. Permitting preparation activities are underway, with a detailed timeline focused on supporting commencement of construction in mid-2026. The Company has had a local presence in Serbia since 2004 and has developed strong relationships in the region and will continue its proactive engagement with all stakeholders as the project advances.

Coka Rakita benefits from good infrastructure, including nearby existing roads and power lines. The project is a strong fit with the Companys underground mining and processing expertise and is in close regional proximity to DPMs existing operations in Bulgaria, with opportunities to leverage existing technical, administration and permitting functions as well as transfer of knowledge and skills.

Infill Drilling Program Results

The PFS infill drilling program at Coka Rakita focused on upgrading of the MRE to an Indicated Mineral Resource category, with an additional 30,900 metres of drilling and new results from 68 drill holes completed since the Companys previous update in February 2024.

With the PFS infill drilling now complete, drill hole spacing is approximately 30 metres by 30 metres over the deposit footprint, with some areas locally reaching a tighter grid, nearing 20 metres by 20 metres within the high-grade core of the deposit.

Results from the infill drilling program returned numerous wide and high-grade gold intercepts that confirm the continuity of a core zone of high-grade gold mineralization within the Mineral Resource outline (see Figure 1). This is particularly evident in holes RIDD054A, RIDD055, RIDD057 and RIDD078, which returned intervals within the higher-grade core zone that correlate well with neighbouring drill holes.

1 Refer to the news release dated May 1, 2024, and the Coka Rakita Technical Report Preliminary Economic Assessment  Coka Rakita Project, Eastern Serbia, dated June 11, 2024, both available at www.dundeeprecious.com.

An updated MRE for Coka Rakita, which is currently underway, will build on the maiden MRE, announced in December 2023,2 incorporating a more detailed understanding of the geologic controls and deposit architecture. Interpretations of the mineralization include improved modelling approaches of late-stage intrusive sills, as well as a more constrained domaining strategy. Initial testing of MRE parameters indicates that more selective estimation approaches are appropriate, relative to the previous estimate, given the geostatistical and geometallurgical characteristics observed.

For the full results of the 68 new infill drill holes, refer to Table 1 of this news release. The table includes new screen fire assay results from drill holes RIDD049, RIDD049A, RIDD050, RIDD050A, RIDD052, RIDD052A, RIDT030A, RIDT030B and RIDT036A, which were previously reported in February 2024 using 50g fire assay results.3

Additional near-resource extension and definition drilling is ongoing and is focused on locally ascertaining the orientation of structurally controlled mineralization on the eastern flank of the deposit, as well as testing potential extensions of sandstone hosted mineralization that may persist towards the northwest and southwest. Technical drilling programs continue to evaluate local variability of geotechnical and hydrogeological conditions for improved understanding.

2 Refer to the news release dated December 11, 2023, and the Coka Rakita Technical Report dated June 11, 2024, both available at www.dundeeprecious.com.

3 For more information regarding DPMs previously reported infill drilling results at Coka Rakita, refer to the Companys news release dated February 26, 2024, available on our website at www.dundeeprecious.com.

Figure 1. Tilted slice along high-grade skarn mineralization highlighting new intercepts from the infill drilling program at Coka Rakita.

Table 1: New drill intercepts from the Coka Rakita infill drilling.

HOLEID EAST NORTH RL AZ DIP FROM TO LENGTH AuEq Au Cu (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) RIDD049 573255 4895878 927 267 -61 609 619 10 1.86 1.86 - and 625 651 26 6.00 6.00 - including 633 648 15 9.64 9.64 - RIDD049A 573048 4895878 562 273 -63 195 245 50 1.98 1.98 - RIDD050 573042 4895848 919 260 -64 129 137 8 1.45 1.45 - and 423 428 5 3.62 3.62 - and 470 502 32 12.66 12.66 - RIDD050A 572933 4895829 693 258 -64 192 204 12 7.84 7.84 - including 194 204 10 8.99 8.99 - and 218 264 46 8.50 8.50 - including 226 245 19 14.90 14.90 - including 249 259 10 7.32 7.32 - RIDD051 573095 4895789 931 265 -73 140 148 8 3.21 3.21 - and 156 161 5 2.05 2.05 - and 509 549 40 5.56 5.56 - including 521 537 16 11.81 11.81 - RIDD051A 573003 4895782 643 266 -71 182 199 17 2.54 2.54 - and 210 238 28 3.19 3.19 - including 225 233 8 9.00 9.00 - RIDD052 572997 4895940 915 271 -67 380 387 7 1.13 0.99 0.10 and 411 496 85 9.81 9.65 0.13 including 474 490 16 39.58 39.36 0.16 RIDD052A 572885 4895946 649 271 -69 94 100 6 2.20 1.71 0.36 and 123 203 80 53.38 53.18 0.15 including 133 144 11 8.19 7.91 0.21 including 163 180 17 234.78 234.58 0.15 RIDD053 573040 4895848 919 270 -66 438 447 9 0.90 0.90 - and 481 520 39 3.30 3.30 - including 507 513 6 11.10 11.10 - RIDD053A** 572922 4895846 646 274 -67 129 160 31 3.69 and 161 180 19 2.93 and 185 196 11 1.63 and 198 213 15 10.39 RIDD054 572954 4895843 901 266 -66 342 442 100 3.32 2.96 0.27 including 403 411 8 7.44 7.21 0.17 RIDD054A 572840 4895838 652 271 -65 74 84 10 1.47 1.26 0.15 and 91 154 63 4.55 4.29 0.19 including 98 105 7 7.46 7.46 - RIDD055 572999 4895938 915 257 -65 357 367 10 1.18 1.18 - and 401 417 16 1.77 1.77 - and 426 500 74 27.30 27.30 - including 427 451 24 10.52 10.52 - including 460 497 37 47.59 47.44 0.11 RIDD055A 572888 4895914 657 259 -68 128 206 78 9.38 9.19 0.13 including 149 182 33 15.54 15.40 0.11 including 187 194 7 7.49 7.09 0.30 RIDD056 573195 4895772 940 282 -65 530 567 37 3.23 3.23 - including 548 553 5 6.03 6.03 - and 605 638 33 2.00 2.00 - RIDD056A** 573077 4895801 691 283 -61 299 322 23 1.26 and 340 364 24 3.24 including 346 354 8 6.16 RIDD057 573001 4895938 915 255 -62 369 378 9 1.30 1.30 - and 385 468 83 4.22 3.90 0.24 including 460 467 7 14.12 13.68 0.32 RIDD057A** 572882 4895909 670 256 -64 103 109 6 3.54 3.04 0.37 and 120 135 15 1.04 and 154 173 19 3.5 and 187 196 9 7.28 RIDD058 573221 4895694 938 278 -61 556 601 45 1.89 1.89 - RIDD059 573086 4895929 920 260 -63 217 224 7 3.82 3.82 - and 446 451 5 1.25 0.91 0.25 and 479 536 57 7.01 7.01 0.03 including 501 516 15 9.68 9.68 - including 520 531 11 14.38 14.38 - RIDD060** 572904 4896042 912 277 -75 401 406 5 3.33 and 414 485 71 3.39 including 449 454 5 5.78 including 473 480 7 10.71 RIDD060A** 572835 4896048 640 275 -75 146 166 20 7.67 including 147 156 9 15.31 RIDD061 573094 4895788 931 263 -63 474 487 13 1.13 1.13 - and 499 516 17 26.15 26.15 - including 501 515 14 31.45 31.45 - and 531 549 18 1.63 1.22 0.30 RIDD061A** 572966 4895770 680 262 -62 206 249 43 10.79 including 221 230 9 32.93 RIDD062 572853 4896121 900 252 -78 387 406 19 1.08 0.81 0.2 RIDD062A 572792 4896099 609 250 -78 no significant intervals RIDD063 573087 4895929 920 258 -71 430 443 13 0.98 0.98 - and 500 525 25 0.96 0.96 - RIDD063A** 572987 4895910 633 266 -70 135 165 30 2.47 including 150 155 5 6.33 and 199 225 26 2.61 including 199 204 5 8.80 RIDD064** 573050 4896005 910 245 -71 545 552 7 1.17 RIDD065** 572904 4896042 912 258 -79 435 445 10 1.11 and 461 466 5 2.03 RIDD066** 573022 4895686 928 283 -58 155 163 8 5.76 5.76 - and 452 457 5 1.24 RIDD066A 572877 4895717 688 281 -58 no significant intervals RIDD067 572971 4896085 903 285 -71 477 507 30 0.96 0.96 - RIDD068* 573144 4895675 943 278 -66 548 587 39 2.64 2.64 - RIDD068A 572995 4895699 613 287 -64 aborted for technical reasons RIDD068B** 573004 4895696 633 285 -64 207 230 23 5.12 including 208 224 16 6.88 RIDD069 572851 4896120 900 243 -82 387 454 67 10.92 10.61 0.23 including 419 446 27 23.05 22.56 0.36 RIDD070 573048 4896006 910 271 -69 aborted for technical reasons RIDD071* 573092 4895927 920 260 -67 478 498 20 1.19 1.19 - and 516 528 12 2.04 2.04 - RIDD072* 573093 4895789 931 245 -65 508 521 13 3.89 3.89 RIDD073 572855 4896122 900 291 -83 no significant intervals RIDD073A 572824 4896135 629 300 -83 no significant intervals RIDD073B 572808 4896145 479 302 -83 aborted for technical reasons RIDD074* 572903 4896043 912 260 -78 396 404 8 1.53 1.23 0.22 and 421 428 7 1.37 1.11 0.19 and 439 454 15 1.08 0.77 0.23 RIDD075* 572968 4896089 903 265 -77 479 484 5 1.90 1.73 0.12 RIDD075A* 572910 4896092 659 265 -78 183 190 7 1.00 0.66 0.25 and 234 247 13 2.30 2.16 0.10 RIDD076* 572998 4895939 915 261 -60 382 400 18 1.13 0.62 0.38 and 425 438 13 10.89 10.35 0.40 RIDD077 573198 4895770 940 272 -66 529 542 13 2.80 2.80 - and 575 617 42 2.41 2.41 - including 590 598 8 6.66 6.66 - RIDD077A** 573066 4895777 647 272 -64 242 258 16 3.88 RIDD078* 573045 4895853 919 270 -61 400 415 15 2.24 2.24 - and 421 450 29 2.30 2.30 - and 458 501 43 11.05 10.85 0.15 including 471 492 21 20.91 20.77 0.10 RIDD078A* 572950 4895853 741 271 -62 199 253 54 5.36 5.36 - including 231 247 16 15.04 15.04 - and 263 305 42 11.37 11.13 0.18 including 276 298 22 18.25 17.98 0.20 RIDD079* 573023 4895685 928 277 -62 166 178 12 4.93 4.93 - including 169 174 5 8.46 8.46 - RIDD080* 572903 4896043 912 261 -73 393 406 13 2.76 2.43 0.25 RIDD081 572915 4895986 911 266 -72 no significant intervals RIDD082* 573000 4895943 915 277 -66 320 328 8 1.21 1.21 - and 425 464 39 1.87 1.72 0.11 RIDD083* 573096 4895787 931 267 -58 513 528 15 4.19 3.99 0.15 RIDD084 572967 4896088 903 274 -70 aborted for technical reasons RIDD085** 572954 4895850 901 248 -63 366 398 32 2.14 RIDD086 572913 4895985 910 276 -76 no significant intervals RIDD087** 573024 4895687 928 282 -67 440 447 7 1.20 and 466 471 5 1.39 and 487 494 7 13.63 including 488 494 6 15.57 RIDD088** 573000 4895942 915 262 -65 420 453 33 5.06 including 426 434 8 11.39 RIDD089** 573090 4895926 920 270 -59 428 450 22 8.85 RIDD090 572996 4895775 913 274 -63 completed / awaiting results RIDD091 573048 4896010 910 290 -62 completed / awaiting results RIDD092 572591 4896071 846 105 -54 in progress RIDD093 572715 4895835 838 119 -61 in progress RIDT030A 572894 4896040 647 293 -70 162 215 53 2.65 2.32 0.25 including 202 208 6 8.46 8.22 0.18 RIDT030B 572884 4896044 619 291 -69 106 116 10 1.33 0.75 0.43 and 125 137 12 1.13 0.80 0.24 and 147 168 21 1.16 0.89 0.20 RIDT032 572991 4896003 916 266 -68 406 444 38 1.46 1.12 0.26 and 460 500 40 6.04 6.04 - including 470 478 8 25.01 24.83 0.14 RIDT032A 572884 4895996 639 267 -73 150 161 11 1.20 0.90 0.22 and 169 193 24 3.55 3.32 0.17 and 206 212 6 1.03 1.03 - RIDT033** 572992 4896001 917 265 -76 380 391 11 1.75 RIDT033A 572915 4895992 621 266 -76 170 180 10 2.69 2.69 - RIDT036A 572963 4895878 610 253 -66 156 196 40 2.36 2.22 0.10 RIDT037 573086 4895926 920 250 -70 455 471 16 2.54 2.54 - and 492 534 42 6.89 6.89 - including 501 519 18 5.62 5.62 - and 540 553 13 1.17 1.17 - RIDT037A 572987 4895883 643 245 -69 134 151 17 1.41 0.58 0.62 and 176 188 12 1.34 1.34 - and 195 222 27 4.67 4.67 - including 201 216 15 7.05 7.05 - and 233 245 12 3.06 2.92 0.10 RIDT038 573085 4895929 920 262 -69 466 471 5 1.14 1.14 - and 479 484 5 1.38 1.38 - and 507 526 19 5.11 4.95 0.12 RIDT038A 572976 4895914 632 263 -70 196 210 14 1.26 0.99 0.19 RIDT041* 573250 4895885 927 275 -61 620 636 16 2.46 2.46 - including 629 634 5 5.29 5.29 - RIDT043A 573150 4895774 833 280 -64 no significant intervals RADDHG002* 573144 4895669 943 268 -69 560 593 33 2.95 2.95 - RADDHG003* 573024 4895687 928 267 -73 481 501 20 6.78 6.78 - including 487 493 6 18.52 18.52 - RADDHG004** 573043 4895851 919 260 -71 471 495 24 3.49 and 502 507 5 4.2 RADDHG005 572810 4895874 869 85.8 -64 completed / awaiting results RADDHG006 572739 4895865 850 233 -80 completed / awaiting results RADDHG007 572995 4896004 917 355 -67 completed / awaiting results RADDHG008 572992 4896006 917 275 -85 in progress RADDGTH001 572707 4895652 826 65.7 -75 completed / awaiting results RADDGTH002 572694 4896102 873 161 -80 completed / awaiting results RADDGTH003* 572914 4895986 910 227 -84 363 380 17 3.44 3.2 0.18 including 365 370 5 7.67 7.24 0.32 and 400 406 6 1.6 1.29 0.23 and 434 448 14 1.12 1.01 - and 450 464 14 1.71 1.61 - RADDGTH004* 572801 4895680 857 11.8 -77 23 29 6 1.59 1.25 0.25 and 367 377 10 6.84 6.84 - including 372 377 5 11.09 11.09 - and 378 396 18 4.46 4.30 0.11 including 378 384 6 11.49 11.21 0.21 RADDGTH005** 572771 4896030 887 185 -80 155 163 8 1.05 and 309 321 12 1.25 0.81 0.33 RADDGTH006 572903 4896043 912 302 -70 completed / awaiting results RADDGTH007 572813 4895875 869 100 -74 in progress

1) Coordinates are in UTM Zone 34 North WGS84 datum. 2) Intervals are reported at a cut-off grade of 1 g/t AuEq using 5 metres minimum length and 5 metres maximum internal dilution. Higher grade sub-intervals denoted with Including are reported at a cut-off grade of 5 g/t AuEq using 5 metres minimum length and 3 metres maximum internal dilution. 3) The AuEq calculation is based on the following formula: Au g/t + 1.35 x Cu %, based on a gold price of $1,400/oz. and a copper price of $2.75/lb.; and assumes metallurgical recoveries of 90% for gold and 90% for copper within the equivalency calculation. These assumptions are based on PEA level metallurgical testwork results. Copper below 0.1% has not been reported and is not included in the equivalency calculation. 4) No upper cuts have been applied. 5) Based on the current understanding of the geometry of the mineralized body, true widths are considered to be 90% or more of the reported downhole interval. 6) DT within the hole naming nomenclature (e.g. RIDT005) indicates that the hole is a diamond tail of a reverse circulation pre-collar drillhole. 7) Daughter holes identified with A (e.g. RIDT030A) are navigational holes with collar coordinates and depth indicating the exit point from the parent hole. 8) HG within the hole naming nomenclature (e.g. RADDHG001) indicates that the hole is a hydrogeological monitoring hole. 9) GTH within the hole naming nomenclature (e.g. RADDGTH001) indicates that the hole is drilled for geotechnical purposes. 10) Holes marked with (*) have been assayed using a 50 g Fire Assay method, Screen Fire Assays (SFA) results pending. 11) Holes marked with (**) have been reported only based on Au assays as Cu assays are pending.

Sampling, Analysis and QAQC of Exploration Drill Core Samples

Given the presence of coarse gold at Coka Rakita, a rigorous sampling and QAQC procedure has been selected which includes the use of laboratory screen metallic assaying.

Most exploration diamond drill holes are collared with PQ size, continued with HQ, and are sometimes finished with NQ. Triple tube core barrels and short runs are used whenever possible to improve recovery. All drill core is cut lengthwise into two halves using a diamond saw: one half is sampled for assaying and the other half is retained in core trays. The common length for sample intervals within mineralized zones is one metre. Weights of drill core samples range from three to eight kilograms (kg), depending on the size of core, rock type, and recovery. A numbered tag is placed into each sample bag, and the samples are grouped into batches for laboratory submission.

Drill core samples are shipped to the Companys own exploration laboratory in Bor, Serbia, which is independently managed by SGS. SGS methods and procedures are accredited at SGS hub labs and independent internal lab QAQC check samples are sent to an SGS accredited laboratory. The Bor lab also participate in SGS monthly round robins, and other international round robins. Quality control samples, comprising certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates, are inserted into each batch of samples and locations for crushed duplicates and pulp replicates are specified. All drill core and quality control samples are tabulated on sample submission forms that specify sample preparation procedures and codes for analytical methods. For internal quality control, the laboratory includes its own quality control samples comprising certified reference materials, blanks and pulp duplicates. All QAQC monitoring data are reviewed, verified and signed off by an independent QAQC geologist. Chain of custody records are maintained from sample shipments to the laboratory until analyses are completed and remaining sample materials are returned to the Company. The chain of custody is transferred from the Company to SGS at the laboratory door.

At the SGS Bor laboratory, the submitted drill core samples are dried at 105C for a minimum of 12 hours, and then jaw crushed to approximately 80% passing four millimetres. Sample preparation duplicates are created by riffle splitting crushed samples on a 1-in-20 basis. Larger samples are riffle split prior to pulverizing, whereas smaller samples are pulverized entirely. Pulverization specifications are 90% passing 75 microns. Gold analyses are done using a conventional 50-gram fire assay and AAS finish. Multi-element analyses for 49 elements, including Ag, Cu, Mo, As, Bi, Pb, Sb, and Zn, are done using a four-acid digestion and an ICP-MS finish at SGS Bor and SGS Ankara laboratories. Samples returning over 10 ppm for Ag and 1% for Cu, Pb or Zn are re-analyzed with AAS finish. Sulphur is analyzed using an Eltra Analyzer equipped with an induction furnace.

All fire assays performed at SGS Bor with results exceeding 1 g/t gold grade from the Coka Rakita deposit are re-assayed by means of a specifically designed gold screen fire assay program at the ALS Global laboratory located in Romania. For re-analyses, 1 kg of 2 mm sized coarse reject material is split, pulverized and screened at 106 microns to separate the sample into a coarse fraction (>106 m) and a fine fraction (<106 m). After screening, two 50-gram aliquots of the fine fraction are analyzed using the traditional fire assay method and AAS finish. The entire coarse fraction is assayed to determine the contribution of the coarse gold using fire assay and gravimetric finish. A total gold calculation for the 1kg sample is based on the weighted average of the coarse and fine fractions.

Technical Information

Ross Overall, Corporate Director Technical Services of the Company, who is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101, and Paul Ivascanu, General Manager, Exploration of the Company, have reviewed, and approved the scientific and technical content of this news release. Mr. Overall has verified the accuracy of the information presented in this disclosure.

About Dundee Precious Metals

Dundee Precious Metals Inc. is a Canadian-based international gold mining company with operations and projects located in Bulgaria, Serbia and Ecuador. The Companys purpose is to unlock resources and generate value to thrive and grow together. This overall purpose is supported by a foundation of core values, which guides how the Company conducts its business and informs a set of complementary strategic pillars and objectives related to ESG, innovation, optimizing our existing portfolio, and growth. The Companys resources are allocated in-line with its strategy to ensure that DPM delivers value for all of its stakeholders. DPMs shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: DPM).

For further information please contact:

David Rae

President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (416) 365-5191

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Jennifer Cameron

Director, Investor Relations

Tel: (416) 219-6177

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward looking statements or forward looking information (collectively, Forward Looking Statements) that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward Looking Statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, outlook, intends, anticipates, believes, or variations of such words and phrases or that state 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 or similar expressions. The Forward Looking Statements in this news release relate to, among other things: future exploration potential at Coka Rakita; additional potential of sandstone hosted mineralization; timing for the submission of the environmental impact assessment, the completion of the preliminary feasibility study, commencement of construction and production of first concentrate for Coka Rakita; the geology and metallurgy at Coka Rakita; Coka Rakitas potential for high margin production; the price of commodities; metallurgical recoveries; the future estimation of Mineral Resources and the realization of such mineral estimates; and success of exploration activities. Forward Looking Statements are based on certain key assumptions and the opinions and estimates of management and the Qualified Persons, as of the date such statements are made, and they 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 other future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward Looking Statements. In addition to factors already discussed in this news release, such factors include, among others, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; risks arising from the current inflationary environment and the impact on operating costs and other financial metrics, including risks of recession; continuation or escalation of the conflict in Ukraine or elsewhere in the world; risks relating to the Companys business generally and the impact of global pandemics, including COVID-19, resulting in changes to the Companys supply chain, product shortages, delivery and shipping issues; possible variations in ore grade and recovery rates; inherent uncertainties in respect of conclusions of economic evaluations, economic studies and mine plans; changes in project parameters, including schedule and budget, as plans continue to be refined; uncertainties with respect to actual results of current exploration activities; uncertainties and risks inherent to developing and commissioning new mines into production, which may be subject to unforeseen delays and additional costs; uncertainties inherent with conducting business in foreign jurisdictions where corruption, civil unrest, political instability and uncertainties with the rule of law may impact the Companys activities; limitations on insurance coverage; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; opposition by social and non-governmental organizations to mining projects and smelting operations; unanticipated title disputes; claims or litigation; increased costs and physical risks, including extreme weather events and resource shortages, related to climate change; cyber-attacks and other cybersecurity risks; as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in any other documents (including without limitation the Companys most recent Annual Information Form) filed from time to time with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces and territories of Canada and available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader has been cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors which may have been used. 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 cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. The Companys Forward Looking Statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date hereof. Unless required by securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update Forward Looking Statements if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on Forward Looking Statements.
TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goliath Resources Limited (TSX-V: GOT) (OTCQB: GOTRF) (FSE: B4IF) (the Company or Goliath) is pleased to announce it has increased the previously announced non-brokered flow through financing from $12,750,000 to $14,725,000 with strategic investor Mr. Larry Childress buying 1,000,000 common shares through Childress Family LP.

In addition, Goliath has closed $9,562,308 in the first tranche of the flow through financing and a strategic Global Commodity Group based in Singapore has completed their purchase of 1,600,000 common shares increasing its stake in Goliath to 3.5%. The final tranche is expected to close in September 2024.

About Mr. Larry Childress

Mr. Childress has an MS Degree in Mining Engineering. He started an oil exploration company in 1980 discovering several major oilfields in western Kansas. Mr. Childress has been investing in mineral projects at various stages for over 40 years and is currently the second largest shareholder in Fireweed Metals, after the Lundin Family, holding ~22 million shares. Other major holdings include: Filo, WA1 Resources and Hercules Metals. He was the second largest shareholder in Noront Resources when they were taken out by Wyloo at a significant premium to market.

Offering Details

The non-brokered private placement is a combination of: (i) Charity Flow-Through shares (CFT) to be sold at a price of $1.975 each with no warrant and the Flow-Through shares (FT) to be sold at a price of $1.44 each with no warrant. These shares will qualify as a flow-through share within the meaning of Subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The first tranche consisted of 3,018,000 CFT shares for gross proceeds of $5,960,550 and 2,501,221 FT shares for proceeds of $3,601,758 for aggregate proceeds of $9,562,308.

The Company intends to use the proceeds for general operating expenses and exploration related programs on its properties located in and around the Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia.

The proceeds from the FT offering will be used for Canadian exploration expenses as such term is defined in paragraph (f) of the definition of Canadian exploration expense in Subsection 66.1(6) of the tax act, flow-through mining expenditures as defined in Subsection 127(9) of the tax act that will qualify as flow-through mining expenditures, and B.C. flow-through mining expenditures as defined in Subsection 4.721(1) of the Income Tax Act (British Columbia), which will be incurred on or before Dec. 31, 2025, and renounced with an effective date no later than Dec. 31, 2024. British Columbia Super Flow - the B.C. mining flow-through share (B.C. MFTS) tax credit allows BC Residents who invest in flow-through shares to claim a provincial non-refundable tax credit of 20% of their B.C. flow-through mining expenditures. B.C. flow-through mining expenditures are specific exploration expenses incurred by a PBC and renounced by a corporation issuing the flow-through shares.

Goliath paid finders' fees on certain orders in connection with this first tranche composed of 6% cash totaling $184,663.09 and 6% finder warrants for a 12 month period totaling 103,093 (67,680 finder warrants priced at $1.26 and 35,413 finder warrants priced at $1.44), subject to compliance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued and sold under the offering will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from their date of issuance. Completion of the offering and the payment of any finders' fees remain subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Goliath Resources Limited

Goliath Resources Limited is an explorer of precious metals projects in the prolific Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia. All of its projects are in world class geological settings and geopolitical safe jurisdictions amenable to mining in Canada. Goliath is a member and active supporter of CASERM which is an organization represents a collaborative venture between Colorado School of Mines and Virginia Tech. Goliaths key strategic cornerstone shareholders include Crescat Capital, Mr. Rob McEwen, Mr. Eric Sprott and a Global Commodity Group based in Singapore.

For more information please contact:

Goliath Resources Limited

Mr. Roger Rosmus

Founder and CEO

Tel: +1.416.488.2887

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www.goliathresourcesltd.com

Other

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange), nor the OTCQB Venture Market accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Goliaths 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, among other things, the ability of the Company to complete financings and its ability to build value for its shareholders as it develops its mining properties. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to Goliath. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the proposed transactions will occur, or that if the proposed transactions do occur, will be completed on the terms described above.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and Goliath 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. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

This announcement does not constitute an offer, invitation, or recommendation to subscribe for or purchase any securities and neither this announcement nor anything contained in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment. In particular, this announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer would be illegal. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN
Toronto, Ontario  TheNewswire - September 13, 2024 - Mr. Norman Ross, Chairman of Leopard Lake Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Leopard Lake") (CSE: LP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mario Drolet to the Board of Directors of the Company.

Mr. Ross states: Mario is a passionate individual about finance and has over 30 years of experience in financial markets and trading. He has worked on the floor of the Montreal Exchange on his way up from apprentice to chief trader in derivatives for a large Canadian institution (CIBC Wood Gundy 1989-2000). He also ran a private trading school for numerous years (1994-2000) on the floor of the Exchange to serve the institutional derivatives clientele, university students and new traders. Mario has designed and produced two educational market simulation tools called Market Mania Trading Software and le jeu de la bourse and Mario has produced numerous events; university games, etc.

Mr. Drolet is the founder of MI3 Financial Communications Inc. who since 2007 specialize in financial communication in investor and public relations, market making and market intelligence functions. Mario has worked with over 300 mining companies over the last 17 years. MI3 has developed a network in 20 Canadian cities where they host monthly events to bridge potential investors and small cap public companies. Over 500 events have been hosted since 2016. Mario launched the mining show  lets talk mining  and is part of the organization for the Mining Event of the North conference in Quebec City. Mario is considered a marketing influencer in the junior mining sector. Mr. Drolet is also a Director of Spark Energy Minerals Inc.

Mr. Drolet has been awarded 300,000 stock options exercisable at $0.06 until expiry on September 13, 2029.

About Leopard Lake Gold Corp.

Leopard Lake is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Canada, including the St. Robert property, which is comprised of 4 mining claims in Beauceville and 102 mining claims in the Riseborough and Marlow Townships in St. Robert Bellarmin, Quebec, and the Stella property located in the Abitibi region of Northwestern Quebec, made up of 52 contiguous mining claims for a total of 2,987 hectares, approximately 65 kilometres east of the town of Val d-Or. The objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct exploration programs.

For further information, please contact:

George A. Brown

Chief Executive Officer and President

44 Victoria Street, Suite 1102

Toronto, Ontario

M5C 1Y2

Telephone: (905) 467-1109

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. 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 information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, 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, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID19, including the impact of COVID19 on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents, approvals or authorizations, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and risks related to joint venture operations, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's continuous disclosure documents. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asante Gold Corporation (CSE:ASE | GSE:ASG | FRANKFURT:1A9 | U.S.OTC:ASGOF) (Asante or the Company) announces the filing of its financial statements and managements discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three month and six months ended July 31, 2024 (Q2 2025).

Dave Anthony, President and CEO stated, We are pleased to report a solid quarter with growth in consolidated adjusted EBITDA. This reflects positive developments at Bibiani and Chirano as we continue to implement business improvement initiatives at both mines, as well as a strong gold price environment. At Bibiani, relocation of the Bibiani-Goaso highway is a breakaway milestone and development of the Russel Starter Pit underlines the potential of the district scale opportunities we have in front of us, that go well beyond current operations. Execution of the Sulphide Project is advanced with planned completion in early 2025 at Bibiani and will lead to 92% gold recovery. At Chirano, the metallurgical and throughput projects are starting to pay off. We look forward to updating the market on our comprehensive non-dilutive finance initiatives to fund our growth initiatives, which are expected to bear fruit in the near term.

All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated. A summary of the financial and operating results for fiscal Q2 2025 are presented in this news release. For a detailed discussion of results for the second quarter please refer to the MD&A filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and Asantes website at www.asantegold.com.

Second Quarter 2025 Summary Financial Results

($000s USD) except as noted Q2

2025 Q2

2024 YTD

2025 YTD

2024 Financial Results Revenue 113,497 101,735 227,808 198,999 Total comprehensive loss1 (20,092) (52,037) (36,128) (98,666) Adjusted EBITDA2 19,844 (6,518) 32,870 (21,425) Operations Results Gold equivalent produced (oz) 46,979 57,625 100,359 108,997 Gold sold (oz) 48,542 52,661 102,226 104,422 Consolidated average gold price realized per ounce2 ($/oz) 2,338 1,934 2,228 1,906 AISC2 (USD) 1,921 2,321 1,897 2,262

Notes:

(1) Total comprehensive loss attributable to shareholders of the Company.

(2) Non-IFRS measure. For a description of how these measures are calculated and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures specified, defined or determined under IFRS and presented in the Companys financial statements, refer to Non-IFRS Measures.

Asantes revenue for the three months ended July 31, 2024 was $113 million, a 12% increase from $102 million in fiscal Q2 2024. This is attributable to an increase in average gold price realized per ounce of $2,338 compared to $1,934 in fiscal Q2 2024 partially offset by a decrease in ounces sold to 48,542 in fiscal Q2 2025 compared to 52,661 in fiscal Q2 2024. Asantes revenue for the six months ended July 31, 2024 was $228 million, an 14% increase from $199 million for fiscal YTD 2024.

Adjusted EBITDA in the three and six months ended July 31, 2024 were $19,844 and $32,870, respectively, compared to negative $6,518 and $21,425, respectively, in the prior year comparable periods. The positive current year Adjusted EBITDA and increase in revenue primarily reflects the increase in gold prices to near all-time highs and a reduction in mining costs per ounce sold during the three and six months ended July 31, 2024. In fiscal Q2 2025, the Company achieved positive adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter in a row.

The Company produced 46,979 gold equivalent ounces in fiscal Q2 2025, respectively, compared to 57,625 gold equivalent ounces in fiscal Q2 2024. The decrease in gold production was primarily the result of lower feed grades at both mining sites and lower material movement and recovery at Bibiani. Asante produced 100,359 gold equivalent ounces for fiscal YTD 2025, compared to 108,997 in fiscal YTD 2024.

Consolidated AISC decreased by 17.3% in fiscal Q2 2025 compared to fiscal Q2 2024 and by 16.1% in fiscal YTD 2025 compared to fiscal YTD 2024 primarily due to lower mining costs per ounce sold at Bibiani resulting from the reduction in waste mining requirements, and cost efficiencies at Chirano.

Bibiani Mine  Summary of Q2 2025 Results

Bibiani Gold Mine Q2 2025 Q2 2024 YTD 2025 YTD 2024 Waste mined (kt) 3,215 6,649 5,687 13,411 Ore mined (kt) 327 447 913 1,022 Total material mined (kt) 3,541 7,097 6,600 14,433 Strip ratio (waste:ore) 9.84 14.86 6.23 13.12 Ore processed (kt) 624 501 1,221 1,120 Grade (grams/tonne) 1.24 1.54 1.44 1.50 Gold recovery (%) 63% 67% 64% 69% Gold equivalent produced1 (oz) 16,452 17,351 35,636 37,352 Gold equivalent sold (oz) 16,339 16,698 35,703 36,550 Revenue ($ in thousands) 41,358 31,240 82,667 67,374 Average gold price realized per ounce2 (USD) 2,531 1,871 2,315 1,843 AISC2 (USD) 2,276 3,129 1,992 2,907

Note:

(1) Gold equivalent produced reflects gold poured during the period. Variance from gold recovery reflects gold in circuit as reconciled.

(2) Non-IFRS measure. For a description of how these measures are calculated and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures specified, defined or determined under IFRS and presented in the Companys financial statements, refer to Non-IFRS Measures.

In fiscal Q2 2025, ore mined decreased 27% compared to fiscal Q2 2024. Fiscal YTD 2025 ore decreased by 11% compared to fiscal YTD 2024 primarily due to fleet availability issues caused by funding constraints. Gold equivalent ounces produced decreased to 16,452 in fiscal Q2 2025 from 17,351 in fiscal Q2 2024 and decreased to 35,636 in fiscal YTD 2025 from 37,352 in fiscal YTD 2024, driven by the lower feed grade of purchased ore and low-grade stockpile draw as well as a higher proportion of sulphide ore being processed without the benefit of a sulphide treatment plant to optimize gold recovery.

The decrease in AISC from $3,129 per ounce in fiscal Q2 2024 to $2,276 per ounce in fiscal Q2 2025 and from $2,907 in fiscal YTD 2024 to $1,992 in fiscal YTD 2025 was primarily driven by a significantly lower strip ratio, reducing waste mining and lowering mining costs per ounce of gold. Total material mined decreased by 50% in fiscal Q2 2025 and by 54% in fiscal YTD 2025 compared to the same periods in the prior year, primarily due to lower mining equipment availability resulting from liquidity constraints.

Bibiani Outlook

Subject to availability of financing, the Company expects production of 85,000 to 95,000 gold equivalent ounces in fiscal 2025 based on successful execution of the following initiatives:

Near-term ramp up in mining fleet availability concurrent with funding of the mining contractor

Installation of an auxiliary primary crushing facility by fiscal Q3 2025

Development of a starter pit at the South Russell project to supplement ore feed from the main pit by Q3 2025

The Bibiani Goaso highway was relocated in Q2 2025. Asante is now developing working benches and access to oxide at the south end of the main pit

The Company has plans to execute the following initiatives beyond fiscal 2025 that it expects will result in increased in production and decreased in costs in future years:

Construction and commissioning of the sulphide treatment plant during fiscal 2026 which will increase gold recovery

Community relocation and road construction activities

Other plant upgrades including installation of a pebble crusher and secondary crusher during fiscal 2026 to achieve throughput increase from 3.0 Mt/y to 4.0 Mt/y

Chirano Mine  Summary of Q1 2025 Results

Chirano Gold Mine Q2 2025 Q2 2024 YTD 2025 YTD 2024 Open Pit Mining:











Waste mined (kt) 2,498 2,290 5,232 5,066 Ore mined (kt) 561 409 1,173 1,230 Total material mined (kt) 3,059 2,699 6,406 6,296 Strip ratio (waste:ore) 4.46 5.60 4.46 4.12 Underground Mining:







Waste mined (kt) 194 210 404 411 Ore mined (kt) 482 399 942 768 Total material mined (kt) 676 610 1,346 1,179 Ore processed (kt) 908,060 855,291 1,748,498 1,676,309 Grade (grams/tonne) 1.29 1.57 1.37 1.52 Gold recovery (%) 86% 85% 86% 87% Gold equivalent produced (oz)1 30,527 40,274 64,723 71,645 Gold equivalent sold (oz) 32,203 35,913 66,523 67,872 Revenue ($ in thousands) 72,139 70,495 145,141 131,625 Average gold price realized per ounce2 (USD) 2,240 1,963 2,182 1,939 AISC2 (USD) 1,740 1,946 1,846 1,915

Notes:

(1) Gold equivalent produced reflects gold poured during the period. Variance from gold recovery reflects gold in circuit as reconciled.

(2) Non-IFRS measure. For a description of how these measures are calculated and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures specified, defined or determined under IFRS and presented in the Companys financial statements, refer to Non-IFRS Measures.

Ore mined increased 29% in fiscal Q2 2025 over fiscal Q2 2024 and 6% in fiscal YTD 2025 over fiscal YTD 2024 due to increased mining activity at the Sariehu open pit which was in the stripping stage during fiscal Q2 2024, as well as increased activity at the Suraw and Obra underground mines. Ore grade decreased by of 18% in fiscal Q2 2025 over fiscal Q2 2024 and 9.6% in fiscal YTD 2025 over fiscal YTD 2024 resulting from lower than expected grade mined from Suraw and Obra. The lower grade resulted in a reduction of gold equivalent ounces produced to 30,527 in fiscal Q2 2025 from 40,274 in fiscal Q2 2024 and 64,723 in fiscal YTD 2025 compared to 71,645 in fiscal YTD 2024.

The decrease in AISC to $1,740 per ounce in fiscal Q2 2025 and $1,846 in fiscal YTD 2025 from $1,946 per ounce in fiscal Q2 2024 and $1,915 in fiscal YTD 2024 was primarily driven by lower gold production costs, including reduced consumable and maintenance expenses as well as obsolete materials and supplies inventory write-offs, partially offset by higher sustaining capital expenditures in the current periods compared.

Chirano Outlook

Subject to the availability of financing, the Company expects production of 150,000 to 165,000 gold equivalent ounces in fiscal 2025. Near-term initiatives include:

Execution of plant projects to improve performance and increase the annual mine production rate to 4Mt/annum, including CIL agitators upgrade, tertiary crusher upgrade, carbon safety screens, mill discharge pumps upgrade, gold room electrowinning cells and rectifiers upgrade

Tertiary crusher upgrade, scheduled for completion in fiscal Q3 2025

Underground development of the Obra (wide orebody) and Suraw underground mines to ensure consistent ore delivery

Underground development of the Akwaaba, Tano and Akoti mines to supplement flexibility in underground ore delivery

Ongoing underground exploration projects at the Suraw, Obra and open pit mine life extension projects at the Sariehu/Mamnao area are progressing as planned

3D litho-structural modelling at the Obra mine is ongoing to support mine life extension

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by David Anthony, P.Eng., Mining and Mineral Processing, President and CEO of Asante, who is a "qualified person" under NI 43-101.

Non-IFRS Measures

This news release includes certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), including all-in sustaining costs (or AISC), average gold price realized, adjusted EBITDA and working capital. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with Asantes consolidated financial statements. Readers should refer to Asante's Management Discussion and Analysis under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures" for a more detailed discussion of how Asante calculates certain of such measures and a reconciliation of certain measures to IFRS terms.

About Asante Gold Corporation

Asante is a gold exploration, development and operating company with a high-quality portfolio of projects and mines in Ghana. Asante is currently operating the Bibiani and Chirano Gold Mines and continues with detailed technical studies at its Kubi Gold Project. All mines and exploration projects are located on the prolific Bibiani and Ashanti Gold Belts. Asante has an experienced and skilled team of mine finders, builders and operators, with extensive experience in Ghana. The Company is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Asante is also exploring its Keyhole, Fahiakoba and Betenase projects for new discoveries, all adjoining or along strike of major gold mines near the centre of Ghanas Golden Triangle. Additional information is available on the Companys website at www.asantegold.com.

About the Bibiani Gold Mine

Bibiani is an operating open pit gold mine situated in the Western North Region of Ghana, with previous gold production of more than 4.5 million ounces. It is fully permitted with available mining and processing infrastructure on-site consisting of a refurbished 3 million tonne per annum process plant and existing mining infrastructure. Asante commenced mining at Bibiani in late February 2022 with the first gold pour announced on July 7, 2022. Commercial production was announced November 10, 2022.

For additional information relating to the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Bibiani Gold Mine, please refer to the 2024 Bibiani Technical Report filed on the Companys SEDAR+ profile (www.sedarplus.ca).

About the Chirano Gold Mine

Chirano is an operating open pit and underground mine located in the Western Region of Ghana, immediately south of the Companys Bibiani Gold Mine. Chirano was first explored and developed in 1996 and began production in October 2005. The mine comprises the Akwaaba, Suraw, Akoti South, Akoti North, Akoti Extended, Paboase, Tano, Obra South, Obra, Sariehu and Mamnao open pits and the Akwaaba and Paboase underground mines.

For additional information relating to the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Chirano Gold Mine, please refer to the 2024 Chirano Technical Report filed on the Companys SEDAR+ profile (www.sedarplus.ca).

For further information please contact:

Dave Anthony, President & CEO

Frederick Attakumah, Executive Vice President and Country Director

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+1 604 661 9400 or +233 303 972 147

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, production and AISC forecasts for the Bibiani and Chirano Gold Mines, estimated mineral resources, reserves, exploration results and potential, development programs and increases in mine-life, starter pit development and potential synergies between Chirano and Bibiani. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Companys inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its planned activities, the Companys inability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and the price of gold. The reader is referred to the Companys public disclosure record which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except as required by securities laws and the policies of the securities exchanges on which the Company is listed, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

LEI Number: 529900F9PV1G9S5YD446. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Thursday that letting Ukraine use longer-range weapons to strike targets inside his country would put NATO "at war" with Russia.

The stark warning came as US and UK officials discussed Kyiv's demand for them to ease rules on firing Western weapons into Russia, more than two and a half years into Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow meanwhile also claimed to have recaptured a swath of territory in its western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces had made advances in recent weeks.

Putin spoke after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised that Washington would quickly review Kyiv's long-standing request for more leeway to use Western-supplied weapons to strike Russian targets.

"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.

"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."

Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw on Thursday, Blinken said the United States would "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".

- Kursk counteroffensive -

Kyiv launched a shock incursion into Russia's Kursk border region on August 6, advancing kilometres into Russian territory and seizing dozens of settlements.

But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that Moscow's troops were striking back.

Ukraine's 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 start that it would expel Ukrainian troops from the region.

But until now it had appeared to be on the back foot, marshalling a humanitarian response and evacuating around 150,000 people.

"Units of the 'North' group of troops liberated 10 settlements within two days," Russia's defence ministry said on Telegram.

Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky said "Russians have launched counteroffensive 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 of armed forces 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 can force its enemy to divert troops and make the territory gains a bargaining chip in any negotiations.

- Longer-range strikes -

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.

Washington currently authorises Ukraine to only hit Russian targets in the occupied parts of Ukraine and some in Russian border regions directly related to Moscow's combat operations.

"The delay in this process leads to Russia moving these military targets deeper into Russia," Zelensky said.

The Kremlin said Wednesday that it would respond "appropriately" if the restrictions were lifted.

President Joe Biden is expected to review the Ukrainian requests Friday in a White House meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Biden has been hesitant to take actions that risk triggering direct conflict between nuclear-armed Russia and the United States.

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 increased its air attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks amid the Kursk offensive, including targeting the country's energy infrastructure as winter looms.

- 'Another war crime' -

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.

The International Committee of the Red Cross and Ukrainian officials said Thursday that three Ukrainian 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".

The city administration in the key eastern logistics hub of Pokrovsk said Russia had cut off the water supply to the city, around 10 kilometres (six miles) from the front line.

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-rlp/js
As explained in a previous article, the recent Chiquita trial has once again shed some light on the complexities of holding corporations accountable for their involvement in human rights abuses, particularly in conflict zones and transitional justice contexts. While the trial itself gained significant attention due to its landmark verdict, the issues it raises are part of a broader, global, and highly technical challenge: proving corporate complicity in contexts of armed conflict and rampant human rights violations through expert testimonies in legal proceedings. Such cases highlight the difficult task of establishing causal links between corporate actions and the atrocities committed, a challenge that resonates beyond the courtroom. After all, it took 17 years, several expert reports, and hundreds of motions to get Chiquita to a courtroom.

In cases where corporations are accused of direct or indirect complicity in violence and crime in conflict settings, including funding or enabling aiding and abetting violence through financial support to armed groups, expert testimonies often become the battleground on which cases are won or lost. This was on full display in the Chiquita trial, where the jury heard from a diverse array of witnesses, including company executives, former paramilitary leaders, academic experts, analysts, and retired military personnel. These testimonies, as well as multiple reports filed by some of these experts, underscored how deeply contested the narratives of responsibility can be, the critical role of experts in shaping legal outcomes, and the impact their narratives can have in transitional justice.

Across the globe, similar trials are grappling with how to establish corporate liability in complex contexts effectively, the issue of causation. In these cases, experts provide analysis that attempts to connect the dots between case elements with financial transactions, corporate decisions, social and political contexts, and the actions of violent actors, amongst many other issues. However, this process is challenging when it comes to proving a direct causal link  a necessary element in securing a verdict of liability.

In the case of the Chiquita trial, plaintiffs had to show by a preponderance of the evidencea clear link between the companys actions, their relationship with armed groups, and the ultimate outcome: the deaths of innocent civilians. The defense, on the other hand, had to show that the assistance provided to armed groups resulted from an immediate threat of serious harm or that they had no other reasonable alternative, which Chiquita failed to do. The jury also decided that Chiquitas actions constituted a hazardous activity that increased the risk to the community. To support these claims, the legal teams brought in mountains of evidence from multiple sources, including internal company documents, witness testimonies, documents from legal proceedings, including transitional justice mechanisms, records from NGOs and several other institutions, and more. The impressive number of boxes containing thousands of documents also shows the importance of documentation. But all of this needs a precise analysis that must be translated into a comprehensive document and narrative and communicated effectively to the jury, and thats where expert witnesses come in.

Causality versus duress

A key issue that emerged in the Chiquita trial and is common in similar cases worldwide is the difficulty of proving that a company's contributions to armed groups fueled specific acts of violence. Corporations often argue that their actions were a necessary cost of doing business in volatile regions, framing themselves as victims of extortion rather than active participants in conflict with full knowledge of the situation. This defense strategy complicates efforts to hold corporations accountable.

For example, during the Chiquita trial, the plaintiffs experts, including Michael Evans from the American NGO National Security Archive and Oliver Kaplan from the University of Denver, extensively analysed Chiquitas payments to the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC, a paramilitary organisation) and the violence in the affected regions. Their testimonies included summaries of thousands of documents, database analyses, and contextual presentations of the conflict. For years, the plaintiffs worked to establish the links between corporate conduct and the violence suffered by the victims. This complex task demanded meticulous accounting of payments, documentation of Chiquita shipments used to transport weapons for the AUC, and testimonies from multiple witnesses, including former paramilitary members who benefited from or observed these transactions. Their testimonies aimed to demonstrate that Chiquita failed to act as a reasonable person under the circumstances and that they knowingly provided substantial assistance to paramilitary armed groups, which created a foreseeable risk of harm to others (this was the standard applicable to aiding and abetting under Florida law and Federal Common Law). To comply with these standards and effectively show causation, context and a clear identification of modus operandi by different armed actors is everything.

In contrast, Chiquitas defense of historical revisionism called upon figures like professor Jorge Restrepo and retired Colombian military generals. Restrepo, a co-founder of the Centro de Recursos para el Analisis de Conflictos (Cerac), argued that statistical analysis showed decreased paramilitary violence in the banana-growing regions and disputed the correlation between Chiquitas payments and violence. The retired generals characterized the violence as a result of narcoterrorism rather than corporate complicity, painting a picture of a chaotic conflict driven solely by drug cartels rather than direct corporate involvement. They argued that in the regions where Chiquita operated, there was no statistical support to infer that their financial aid led to more violence in the areas they operated. Their accounts tried to make the case that Chiquita financed paramilitary forces under duress and that support cannot be linked to any of the killings that were brought to Court simply because Chiquita was innocently caught in the middle of a war between warlords.

Conflict of interest

The part played by professor Restrepo and other experts contracted by Chiquita for its defense has caused quite a stir in Colombia, raising concerns about the conflict of interest of academics and opinion leaders when they act as expert witnesses paid by the defense within foreign trials, while being regarded as reputable analysts of the armed conflict and transitional justice at the domestic level.

In any case, these accounts were explicitly rebuked in domestic transitional tribunals (justice and peace tribunals) and by Colombias Truth Commission Final Report. For instance, among the Truth Commissions testimonies, there is a confession of a banana trader from the region of Uraba acknowledging their participation in various massacres at that time.

This case mirrors a global trend where corporate defendants employ expert witnesses to make the case for duress and contest any causal link with grave human rights violations. According to the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights, defendants rely on the idea that in counter-corporate litigation, a high threshold is demanded of victims and that expert opinions entail high costs that usually cannot be covered by them.

The challenges of proving causality in corporate human rights cases have significant implications for transitional justice processes. Transitional justice aims to address the legacies of human rights violations and build frameworks for truth, justice, reparation, reconciliation, and guarantees of non-repetition. However, when it comes to the role of corporations, these processes often struggle with the evidentiary burdens required to hold companies accountable, mainly when corporate actions are indirectly linked to violence or when corporate actors are multinationals incorporated in a different jurisdiction and outside the scope of traditional, transitional justice mechanisms.

The bridge that puts the pieces together

This dynamic fragments the holistic approach of transitional justice by complicating corporate accountability. On one hand, it disrupts the effort to hold all actors, both directly and indirectly involved in conflict-related atrocities, fully accountable. On the other hand, it hinders the pursuit of comprehensive reparations, often limiting justice to financial compensation granted in foreign courts, rather than addressing the broader needs for truth, reconciliation, and meaningful reparation in affected communities. Despite evidence of a corporate turn in transitional justice where corporate actors know they cannot prevent legal action, de facto impunity persists through procedural and evidentiary maneuvers that they deploy in judicial scenarios, as detailed by Pereira, Payne, and Bernal.

The struggle is not unique to the Chiquita case. Similar issues arise in cases involving war crimes and human rights violations by companies in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where complex local power dynamics and violent conflicts create a murky picture of responsibility. In these contexts, transitional justice mechanisms, such as ad-hoc tribunals, truth commissions or reparations programs, frequently face hurdles in addressing corporate complicity due to the difficulty of obtaining concrete evidence and achieve the participation of companies in such frameworks.

Moreover, the global nature of corporate operations often means that accountability efforts must navigate multiple legal jurisdictions, varying legal standards of proof, and differing levels of willingness among states to comply with discovery requests and pursue justice against powerful economic actors. Expert witnesses act as the bridge that puts the pieces together. They shape a narrative about contexts of violence that are usually beyond the expertise of judges and juries. In corporate liability litigation, their testimony carries a great deal of weight as many other sources of evidence are often restricted, partly because of the data protection that covers companies.

How to strengthen the efficacy of expert testimonies

Given these challenges, the role of expert testimonies in corporate accountability cases cannot be overstated. However, for expert testimony to be compelling, it must be supported by robust data, transparent methodologies, and an excellent background record backed by years of work in the relevant field. It is a challenging task to identify and retain such experts.

Many of these experts are already employed by the private sector, and often, the issue of conflict of interest creates a complex scenario. In the case of Chiquita, media reports showed how the company had a long-standing business relationship with a risk analysis consultancy that eventually produced a report on the situation of violence in its areas of operations that discredited its involvement in the massacres and paramilitary violence it financed. This business relationship was not questioned during the trial.

To improve the effectiveness of expert testimonies in corporate accountability cases, it is crucial to establish more rigorous standards. Collaboration between legal practitioners, academics, and human rights organizations is key to developing standardized methods for analyzing corporate involvement in conflict, ensuring access to critical data, and creating interdisciplinary research networks. Philanthropic support is also vital to help level the playing field, given the significant power imbalances in these cases. Neutral and independent experts must be prioritized to ensure integrity and credibility, avoiding conflicts of interest that can undermine justice.

The lessons from the Chiquita trial and similar cases worldwide underscore the importance of expert analysis in unraveling complex narratives of responsibility that consider the ultimate goals of transitional justice and peacebuilding in the regions where companies involved in atrocious crimes operate.

Recommended reading Insights from the Chiquita trial (1): 25 years of struggle
Disclaimer: this article contains spoilers

Episode 8 of the K-drama "Queen Woo," released on September 12, presented an escalation of the situation as the queen gets ready for war with powerful enemies within the kingdom.

In the beginning, there is a flashback to the 18-year-old reign of King Go Na-mu when he severely punished his brother for treason, and now the crown prince wants to get back his lands. Meanwhile, her guards decide to back Queen Woo up and start preparing for the battle.

In an emotional scene, Mo-chi pledges his life to Queen Woo, who grants him a special pardon, allowing him to rejoin the Wangdang as they strategize for an impending conflict.

Despite Eul Pa So's skepticism that they will manage to win, Queen Woo is sure they will do it and will not go extinct. She even agrees to leave the capital so that everyone can stay alive and safe.

The next action involved sending a letter to the five clans with their ancestral swords to remind them that they owe their loyalty to King Chu Mo as well as informing Jwa's family about their daughter's death caused by Baeki. The queen succeeded in earning their trust and support.

SEE: 'Queen Woo' Conspiracy Theories: Viewers Weigh In on Plot Mysteries Including Yeon Bi's Role in Political Intrigue

Seol Joo is also on Queen Woo's side because of her marriage with Yeon Woo, which he believes will solidify the alliance.

The episode reveals shifting loyalties as Bal-ki gains support from mounted warriors and the Hae family, even as many citizens rally behind Queen Woo.

The Fifth Prince, Go Gye-su, vows to protect his brother's legacy by supporting the queen, despite his reservations about her marriage plans.

As tensions mount, No-eum captures Gye-su's family, offering them to Bal-ki. In a display of rage, Bal-ki kills one of the White Tigers after failing to capture the queen, further complicating alliances. Eul Pa-so uncovers a potential betrayal from Song-woo, leading to his arrest and revealing his past connections with the royal family.

The episode culminates with Queen Woo breaking free from patriarchal constraints and pledging to fight for her people.

Armed with a bronze sword repaired by a blacksmith, she prepares to lead her soldiers into battle.

The episode concludes on a cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for answers about the war's outcome and unresolved character arcs.

Critics have expressed disappointment over the lack of an actual battle scene in this highly anticipated episode. One reviewer noted that despite the buildup over seven episodes, the finale felt incomplete.

OHHHHH, TOTALLY FORGOT THIS WAS THE FIRST SCENE. AND WE ALSO GOT A GLIMPSE OF THIS SCENE ON THE LAST EPISODE. IN CONCLUSION, THE QUEEN WON!!!!#QueenWoo pic.twitter.com/5RStwm9Sw9   (@am10023061) September 12, 2024

However, they praised Queen Woo's character development as a strong female lead determined to assert her power in a male-dominated world.

With lingering questions about alliances and character fates, viewers are left hoping for a second season to explore these unresolved plotlines.

The production company has not released an official statement yet on whether fans could expect a season 2.

SEE: 'Queen Woo': Jeong Yu Mi's 114 Seconds of Bold Semi-Nude Scenes, Ji Chang-Wook's 203 Seconds of Passionate Sex Spark Controversy

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Rovelyn Barba
Jung Hae In, the actor from I, the Executioner and the tvN drama Love Next Door, shared his thoughts about marriage and addressed the rumors about him and his co-star Jung So Min in a YouTube interview.



The actor joined comedian Shin Dong-yup in the latest episode of Donor Hyeong, which was aired on September 12.

Jung opened up about his personal struggles and told the hosts, "I have worries, but I don't talk about them. It's a concern because I tend to keep everything to myself." As the comedian is married, he responded, "When you meet someone really close, eventually, you'll open up."

Jung also commented on the topic of marriage by mentioning Hwang Jung-min, with whom he worked on the movie I, the Executioner. "Not long ago, I saw senior Hwang Jung-min talking with his wife about every little thing, and it looked so nice, cool, and enviable," Jung said.

Not only did the actor discuss serious topics, but he also touched upon his funnier side. "People around me say I'm funny these days," he admitted and stated that his Love Next Door co-star Jung So Min has changed him. "I play around a lot with So-min while we're filming.

She says I'm fun. But I wonder, Is she just laughing to be polite?"

During the interview, Jung also mentioned his actor friends who were also born in 1988: Kim Soo-hyun, Ahn Bo-hyun, and Im Si-wan. The actor also commented on the latter's knowledge of whiskey: "When we went to Scotland together, he was like my guide."

SEE: Jung So Min Shares Gorgeous Behind-The-Scenes Photo From Love Next Door

The conversation ended with Jung's promise to appear in the next episode with Si-wan and revealed, "Next time, we won't come empty-handed. We'll bring some whiskey and drink together."

The interview was conducted amid rumors that the actor Jung Hae In and his co-star Jung So Min were seen traveling together for a photo shoot around Jeju Island.

The rumors prompted the question, to which Jung laughed and answered, "No comment. It's put like that because I have good chemistry with her." The fans' curiosity about his personal life and future projects has only increased after the actor's talk.

SEE: Jung Hae In and Jung So Min Set for 'Very Unusual' Overseas Photoshoot Sparking Dating Rumors- Actor Responds

What can you say about the story? Share your comments below





Kdramastars own this.





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Rovelyn Barba
In 2015, then-Premier Christy Clark announced BC Hydro would build a second power line to serve West Kelowna. But it still hasn't been built, and BC Hydro said Friday the new plan is to connect its system on the Westside with the FortisBC grid in Kelowna via an underwater cable. No in-service date was given.
Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola and the Co-Chair of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations. He co-chairs an All-Party Parliamentary Cancer Caucus. The riding includes the communities of Kelowna (specific boundaries), West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, Keremeos, Hedley, Princeton, Merritt and Logan Lake.




Friday, September 13, 2024 - High Court Judge Justice Lawrence Mugambi has sentenced Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court.

While delivering the sentence, Justice Mugambi emphasized that impunity and open defiance cannot be tolerated and warned that those determined to defy the law will not find refuge.

Masengeli was required to appear in court to explain the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of three people in Kitengela.

They went missing on August 19.

Several summons have been issued by the court but Masengeli has snubbed all of them.

In his ruling, Justice Mugambi directed Masengeli to present himself before the Commissioner General of Prisons and start serving his time at Kamiti Maximum Prison.

The Judge said that failure to this Interior Cabinet Secretary, Prof Kithure Kindiki should take steps to ensure Masengeli is incarcerated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, September 13, 2024 - The whistleblower behind the explosive revelations about President William Rutos controversial deal with Adani Group to take over operations of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has exposed an alarming new dimension of the deal.

Speaking during an interview, Nelson Amenya, who leaked details of the controversial contract, claimed that Adani is seeking to have JKIAs title deed transferred under its name for the duration of the 30-year agreement.

In short, Adani wants JKIA named after him for the 30 years Adani Holdings will be running the airport and 14 other airports in the country.

According to Amenya, the deal includes clauses that would force the government to compensate Adani if protests, parliamentary actions, or other disruptions derail the project.

These compensations could involve covering lost returns, investment costs, and even termination fees under the pretext of "Material Adverse Government Actions."

He also disclosed that Adani's demands extended far beyond financial control.

They want sole control over JKIA for 30 years and even beyond. They plan to own 18 per cent of the airport indefinitely after the lease expires, he revealed.

The company is also reportedly asking for the right to adjust airport fees, negotiate worker contracts, and even block the development of other airports in Kenya, effectively monopolising the country's aviation sector.

The whistleblower further shed light on Adani's intention to use JKIAs title deed as collateral for loans, a move that could jeopardize Kenyas largest airport and expose it to financial risks.

Adani has also requested tax exemptions and control over the hiring and firing of airport staff, making it clear they intend to have significant leverage over Kenyas aviation infrastructure.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, September 13, 2024  President William Rutos Economic Advisor David Ndii has dismissed allegations that Adani paid a Ksh258 billion bribe to secure the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) revamp deal.

This is after a section of online users alleged the company paid a Ksh258 billion bribe to convince top government officials to hand it the deal.

Taking to his X account, the economist argued that it was illogical for the Indian company to pay such a huge amount of money for a deal that would last for over 30 years.

Ndii in his remarks claimed that Adani Company had several investment options besides the JKIA deal and thus could not pay such an amount of bribe to secure the JKIA tender.

So Adani paid a $2b bribe! for the JKIA deal. Why not invest the $2.6b in bonds at 5% and watch it grow to $11b in 39 years, Ndii charged.

Lets do the math. Adani proposal is a $2 billion investment. 30% equity = $600. 18% equity return (ask, actual will be less) = $108 p.a X 30 = $3.24b, he added.

According to Ndii, Adani could have made more money over the same period by merely investing in government securities.

Ndii further stated that it was impractical for the Indian company to pay such a bribe yet there were better investment options in Kenya like KenGen whose market capitalization stood at Ksh16.5 billion as of September 12.

"JKIA profit as is best case scenario is Ksh2 billion per annum. KenGen which is a better company is currently valued at Ksh16 billion," Ndii claimed.

Ndii while insisting on the matter, underscored the need for a better airport particularly following the recent backlash about the leaking roofs at JKIA.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, September 13, 2024 - Fresh details have emerged over how self-proclaimed Gen Z spokesman, Kasmuel McOure, is allegedly being used by security agencies to infiltrate the youth and share their plans with the state agents.

Kasmuel has been appearing on media stations defending and addressing youth issues, but according to blogger Aoko, Kasmuel is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

The controversial blogger Maverick Aoko has accused Kasmuel of being a snitch and claims he is on the payrolls of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Aoko described many Gen Z leaders as 'cheap sellouts,' accusing them of being bribed by security agencies while their peers were killed or abducted by rogue Kenya Police officers.

Kasmuel seems to be following the path of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who was accused of dancing on the graves of Gen Zs when he joined the government.

Here is a screenshot of what Maverick Aoko wrote on her X account.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, September 13, 2024  In a surprising turn of events, 48 Mt. Kenya MPs have denounced Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and thrown their weight behind Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who has been tipped to become the region's next kingpin.

The MPs, largely drawn from the ruling party UDA, met in Nyahururu in Nyandarua County and agreed to back the Interior CS, effectively pitting him against Gachagua.

According to the MPs, Mt. Kenya cannot work without the rest of the country like Gachagua is advocating with his unity call.

"Accordingly, we are convinced beyond doubt that the unity of this region must be pursued in the context of the unity of the nation as a whole.

"We are one indivisible people of Kenya and must always put our country first-Kenya Kwanza, the statement read in part.

During the meeting, the MPs highlighted that the development needs of the region have been frustrated by the lack of political leadership who can guide the region to champion the regions interests.

"Unfortunately, our efforts to consolidate the developmental needs of the people we represent and canvas for their realization has been frustrated by the lack of a focal point of reference around whom we can channel the interests and priorities of our people to the Government for actualization, the lawmakers noted.

The meeting came against the backdrop of simmering political divisions within the regions politics after some leaders from Mt Kenya East declared Kithure Kindiki as the Mt. Kenya leader.

The divisions have in the past spread over to the national scene, with some leaders threatening to advance impeachment talks for the deputy president, claiming that he was acting on selfish tribal interests that have painted the region negatively.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, September 13, 2024 - Former NTV reporter Nasibo Kabale is languishing in the streets after falling into depression.

Videos circulating on social media show the once high-flying health reporter barefoot with unkempt hair as she narrated her ordeal as a journalist before resorting to living in the murky street corridors.

During the interview, the journalist explained that she uses a knife to protect herself against any potential threats while sleeping inside her ramshackle.

Here you must sleep with a knife beside you because anyone can come at night and attack you, Nasibo narrated.

Nasibo came into the limelight in 2020 following her detailed and insightful coverage of the Coronavirus disease.

She was reportedly diagnosed with depression while working as a health reporter at Nation Media Group.

She was later admitted to the Chiromo Hospital where she underwent a series of treatments.

She then resigned from her job when her mental health deteriorated.

Nasibo revealed her expertise in journalism landed her several opportunities, including working for the Nation Media Group and the Standard Media Group.

She was categorical that she never struggled to land a job.

I never applied for a job, the employers just admired my effort and granted me chances at their companies. I left Nation Media because of depression but at Standard Group, I quit because of a meager pay, she revealed.

She now survives by begging from well-wishers in the streets.

Nasibo has a daughter with former Citizen TV reporter Hassan Mugambi, who landed a lucrative job in the Ministry of Defence.

However, Mugambi abandoned her and took away their daughter.

Watch the heartbreaking video of the former NTV reporter.

Life really can take a different turn.. correct me if Im wrong but I believe her name is Nasibo kabale, a former Nation media health reporter. She needs your help take a look at her story. Video credit: Donwilsonofficial

Share widely pic.twitter.com/yD8pffsXqi  Kenyan Tales  (@kuria_ngari) September 12, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, September 13, 2024 - Kiharu Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro, has declined to join 69 members of Parliament who on Thursday denounced Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as the Mt Kenya region kingpin.

Dubbed the "Nyahururu Declaration," the 48 MPs in attendance, along with 21 who sent apologies for their absence, declared Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the region's kingpin.

The 48 MPs in their rallying call argued the Mt Kenya region cannot operate in a vacuum and has to work in sync with the rest of the country, a clear salvo at the DP, who has consistently stressed the need for the Mt. Kenya region to unite.

Accordingly, we are convinced beyond doubt that the unity of this region must be pursued in the context of the unity of the nation as a whole.

"We are one indivisible people of Kenya and must always put our country first-Kenya Kwanza, the statement read in part.

Here is the screenshot of the list of the MPs who denounced Gachagua and Ndindi Nyoro is conspicuously missing.









The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, September 13, 2024 - Detectives drawn from the Nairobi Regional Headquarters have arrested two suspects; Erick Okinda Blessings alias DJ and Derick Indimuli Barasa who are believed to be the faces behind the use of stolen prominent individuals' photos to create fake profiles on WhatsApp and thereafter using them to commit crimes.

In one such case reported by a female Nairobi resident, the two used her photograph to create multiple fake WhatsApp profiles before embarking on a scamming spree while impersonating her.

In their scheme, the suspects pooled mobile numbers belonging to various county 1st ladies, to whom they then sent messages alleging to have influence over some upcoming tenders provided they got kickbacks upfront.

Upon receipt of the complaint, detectives commenced investigations leading to the arrest of Erick Okinda at Utawala Estate, in whose premises were found two sim cards registered in fictitious names similar to the ones used in the scam under investigation.

After a brief interrogation and in the company of the first suspect, the hawkshaws proceeded to the Nairobi Central Business District where they nabbed Derrick Indimuli who was found with several pre-registered sim cards believed to have been fashioned for use to commit criminal activities.

A scan of police records revealed that the two had previously been arrested for a similar crime where they had personated a Cabinet Secretary, indicating that the duo may be involved in such multiple crimes.

As detectives process the two chiselers for arraignment, members of the public are advised to remain alert and to always undertake due diligence as the use of stolen identities is on the rise.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, September 13, 2024 - Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has vowed never to accept a job offer from President William Rutos government.

In an interview, Onyonka criticized former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and other opposition leaders who joined the government, abandoning the citizens.

In response to a question, Onyonka flatly stated that at the current time, he would not take a job from President Ruto's regime.

I cant join (the government) because the things I will tell the president, he will not like them, Onyonka explained.

The Senator, who participated in the release of the contentious Adani-JKIA takeover deal documents, affirmed that he will continue to oversight the government.

Despite being a member of Railas ODM, Onyonka stated he would not blindly follow the party in supporting the government.

I will stay in the Opposition. I respect our party leader Raila but as for me, Ill continue oversighting the government, he affirmed.

I was not elected to come and clap for the government when it brings bad policies.

Onyonka emphasised that he would rather remain in the Opposition rather than betray the people who elected him.

Unlike other politicians, the Senator clarified that he did not go to the Senate to endorse policies the government brings forth without thorough scrutiny.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, September 13, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua blasted Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over his handling of Wakulima Market traders which led to protests yesterday.

The DP revealed that the traders, especially from Mt. Kenya, personally called him to remind him of campaign promises he, alongside the governor, made to them when hunting for votes in 2022.

"We gave a commitment that our administration will never disrupt their lives or undermine their economic activities," Gachagua shared in a statement.

"These traders gave you their trust and vote, and it is only fair you give them an ear, Gachagua tweeted.

"Kindly, forgive me if I appear intrusive, but they are coming to me as I was your guarantor in matters of trust. Please, my brother." Gachagua added.

"Kindly, do consider having a sitting with the leadership of the market to agree on whatever changes your Government desires without adversely affecting their livelihoods," he advised.

Wakulima traders staged a protest yesterday morning after Sakaja tried to move them from the market to Kangundo Road

The Nairobi city county government released a statement explaining the removal of traders from Wakulima Market.

The county explained that the current state of Wakulima Market was untenable. Traders have exceeded the intended capacity of 1,200 by threefold, which has led to severe congestion.

This overflow hampers traders' operations and makes it challenging for pedestrians to navigate the market effectively.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, September 13,2024 - Lawyer and activist Morara Kebaso conducted an online opinion poll asking Kenyans whether they believe President William Ruto is as corrupt as portrayed by both local and international media.

Ruto was elected in 2022 by a large number of Kenyans who hoped he would address and eliminate the corruption that plagued the previous administration.

However, since Ruto took office in 2022, corruption has become prevalent, reaching a peak in June when young Kenyans demanded the Presidents resignation over corruption, misuse of public resources, and poor governance.

Since June, Ruto has been engaging in public relations stunts to portray his government as fighting corruption.

This has prompted Kebaso to ask Kenyans whether they still believe Ruto is corrupt.

Over 34,000 Kenyans participated in the poll and 92.9 percent stated that they still believe Ruto is corrupt to the core.

5.5% of the participants stated that Ruto is a man of integrity, while 1.5% believed he was corrupt but had stopped.

Here is the screenshot of the opinion poll results.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, September 13, 2024 - Nairobi County under the leadership of Governor Johnson Sakaja is in the spotlight yet again for the wrong reasons.

This is after it acquired a Ksh33 million gold-plated mace amid a county funding crisis that has left several county employees without salaries for months now.

The 11kg mace was presented to the County Assembly on Tuesday by Nairobi Speaker Kennedy Ngondi who said that the mace is intended to signify the assembly's authority.

The speaker went ahead to warn MCAs against failing to respect the authority the mace signifies.

I urge the honourable members to familiarize themselves with the standing orders regarding the mace to avoid issues, Ngondi told the MCAs.

Majority Leader Peter Imwatok also called upon the MCAs to carry out their duties diligently and operate within established structures.

This purchase comes in the wheels of intense opposition from a section of Nairobi MCAs who felt that the funds would have been utilised much better.

Nairobi has been caught up in a cash crunch that has left many departments underfunded even leaving several directors without allowances for months now.

The move has not been without opposition with several MCAs stating that the money should have channeled towards more constructive purposes.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai stated that Nairobi doesn't need a golden mace to function and can manage with a wooden one.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, September 13, 2024 - Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has dismissed the move by 48 MPs from the Mt. Kenya region to abandon Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and endorse Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the area's political kingpin.

Dubbed  Nyahururu Declaration, the 48 lawmakers in a joint statement on Thursday said Kindiki is their new leader and termed Gachagua as a tribalist who is making Mt Kenya region isolated from other Kenyans.

Reacting to the new political development, Wamuchomba labeled the MPs as selfish leaders who have neglected key issues like coffee and milk prices in Mt. Kenya.

She accused them of being used by the President to divide the region.

Wamuchomba further stated that the MPs have lost touch with their voters by voting in favor of the finance bills in 2023 and 2024.

"I don't care who the nexus to the national government is. All that matters is if the voters are getting the promised yields and returns in Coffee milk and tea and if the million promises made by the Kenya Kwanza government are delivered to our voters," Wamuchomba said.

This recent declaration is more about political positioning than about solving the real problems our voters are facing.

"We need to focus on the issues that directly impact our communities, such as the unresolved aftermath of the Endarasha fire and the evictions from the Marikiti market, Wamuchomba added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, September 13, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pleaded with Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja not to relocate Wakulima traders from Nairobis Central Business District to Kangundo Road

Sakaja, in his plan to decongest the city, wants to relocate Wakulima Market from Haile Selassie Avenue to Kangundo Road.

On Thursday evening, Gachagua took to Facebook to address the Nairobi Governor.

He asked Sakaja to address the issues traders have raised without disrupting their livelihoods.

On Thursday, traders staged protests and engaged in running battles with police to oppose the county's move to relocate them from Wakulima Market to Kangundo Road Market.

However, in a subtle response to Gachagua, Sakaja said that the DP should address him via a call.

"My elder brother H.E. Rigathi Gachagua. You have my number," he said in a statement on Facebook.

While addressing Sakaja, the DP asked the governor to address the traders' issues according to the constitution.

Gachagua has called on Sakaja to ensure public participation before effecting the relocation.

"My younger brother Governor Johnson Sakaja, traders from Wakulima Market, Nairobi County, have called me and reminded me of the undertaking you and I jointly gave them in July 2022 as I campaigned for you in Muthurwa," Gachagua said.

"We committed that our administration will never disrupt their lives or undermine their economic activities. Our Constitution provides for public participation before any major decisions that seriously impact our citizens' welfare are taken," Gachagua added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, September 13, 2024 - Nominated MP Sabina Chege has blasted President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza government for backtracking on their campaign promises.

Speaking during an interview, the former Muranga Woman Representative fell short of labelling Kenya Kwanza hypocrites for changing their stance after presenting themselves as religious people during the campaign period, which in her opinion, they have since abandoned.

According to Sabina, who allegedly overthrew former President Uhuru Kenyatta from Jubilee, the religious stance seems to have been taken over by calculated political games as the current government moves to shore up its support.

She accused Ruto and his allies of putting down the Bible and engaging in political conmanship at the expense of service delivery to Kenyans.

What happened to your God that you so much believed in that gave you all the solutions? Sabina wondered as things in Kenya Kwanza move from bad to worse.

The Kenya Kwanza governments campaigns were often riddled with religious undertones. UDA politicians started every conversation with Praise God according to Chege.

However, Sabina noted that most of the problems Ruto is experiencing could be a result of being too involved in each and every project launch and thus ending up interacting with the public more often than his predecessors.

Ruto has made more trips to Mt. Kenya than his predecessor with Chege noting that the president is always interacting with excited members of the public which ends up piling pressure to deliver.

To curb this problem, Chege urged the president to stop interacting with the public as if he was still in campaign mode.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Sue went to the operating room today, which was not at all what I recommended, not that we ever discussed my personal opinion on the matter. With a worsening small bowel obstruction, I woke up this morning and, realizing that matters had worsened overnight, I called her husband, Dave. I dont think I woke him, but his voice, one complicated by little, if any, sleep and likely hours of talking with family members, sounded like I feltgravelly and hoarse.

I shared with Dave that, if we were going to attempt surgery, the moment had arrived. I did not recommend this intervention but contrasted it with the other choice: to make Sue comfortable, recognizing that her condition would continue its squeezing, ischemic march towards death. That was not overly dramatic; this bowel obstruction was terminal.

Arriving on the fourth floor of the Berkeley Medical Center around 11:30, I cleaned my hands with sanitizer slowly while standing in the doorway. One, two, three family members whom I did not know, but who bore a striking resemblance to my patient, turned around with expectant gazes. I walked, wiping my hands as a path was cleared for my arrival.

Eight family members gathered in her hospital room, and I was grateful to address them before the treacherous trek to the OR. I had finished yesterdays endless day with the words of my general surgery colleague: Execution by surgery. He privately confided to me, I did not share these particular words with the family.

Years ago, at this moment, I would have focused on vital signs, labs, diagnostic tests, and whatnot. Today, my responsibility was leading this family across a rickety and slippery bridge, the one that took their mother (who was still able to talk to me) and ferried her across a steep chasm. On the other side was a ventilator in the ICU. I had little doubt about my surgical colleagues ability to resect her necrotic bowel and give her an ostomy, but everything after that was in doubt. Or maybe, to me, it was all but certain.

Families intuitively understand these grave situations, and more data was unnecessary. I shook everyones hand, introduced myself, and, once all eyes were on me, I acknowledged the gravity of this moment. I told everyone that I was grateful for us to speak together.

Once again, I reviewed the stark choices: a dangerous surgery on one side and a palliative care plan on the other. I tended to do things this way, to see, whenever possible, my patients face. Sue was firm in her decision to not just accept this illness and go on and die. I made known my appreciation for her ability to make her choice and how it was important for me to know that she understood. And she did.

Before praying with this family, a moment in which the spirit swelled and expanded the interior of room 413B, I explained how Sue would go to the ICU, and I mentioned a colleague by name who would care for her there. I described some of the pitfallsblood clots, heart attacks, strokes, and other events that worried me. I let this sink in with the family, but what I really did was provide an architecture to the worries that vibrated deep in their hearts, the ones for which they did not have words. I told Sue that, as a matriarch who loved playing bridge and rooting for the Orioles, she could make her own decisions, and I would respect them.

I asked the family if I could pray with them, and somehow, I held back the tears long enough to fumble my way through. With their eyes closed and holding my hand, Sues kids may have prayed for a miracle. I could taste the desperate energy, the bargaining, the begging. At this moment, I could almost see it, heavy and thick in this cramped room. The spirit filled me and guided whatever came out of my mouth afterward.

I, on the other hand, did not attempt to phone in a divine rescue helicopter but rather prayed for the family, who squeezed hands hard as one does when walking along a slippery, steep, wet, broken-down path. The last few days had produced an avalanche of pain, contemplation of mortality, and a world in which their mother ceased to exist.

Having stared across this precipice before, I knew my prayers and my healing presence were for those who were going to be left behind. Because that was what, I knew in my doctors heart, was about to happen. I had no doubt what this family needed from me.

I assumed this would be the last time I saw Sue. I love you, and the tears came. I no longer kept it together, whatever that meant. I sensed shock in the family at my behaviorthis doctor who cried and prayed as if he were just another kid in this family. I let my white-coat professionalism dissolve in a stream of tears and form a puddle on the floor. I had done my duty, the one I devoted my life to doing, and I gave myself permission to simply be a human being.

As I left the room and became more and more choked up as I walked down the hallway, I hoped and prayed that, when these family members witnessed my respect for this incredible matriarch, like they had done all their lives, they had some degree of acceptance that Sue had chosen the only path forward that made sense for her.

Ryan McCarthy is an internal medicine physician.
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khaskhabar.com : , 13  2024 7:57 PM
ON 24 September the previously adjourned AGM of Athys Historical Society will be held in the local Community Arts Centre at 8pm.

The society was formed last year in succession to the Athy Museum Society which had been formed in February 1983. The dissolution of the museum society followed on an agreement with Kildare County Council for the council to finance and manage the museum which the society had opened in 1983 and which had evolved over the years to become the Shackleton Museum.

On 24 September, I hope that any of my readers interested in Athys history will come to the AGM. If you are not already a member of the Athy Historical Society, you may join on the night on payment of an annual fee of 20. Following the AGM a further short meeting will be called to discuss plans in connection with the protection of Athys built heritage and in particular the White Castle.

Let me conclude by quoting some extracts from an Eye on the Past of many years ago in which I dealt with the early years of Athys Museum Society.

I returned to Athy in 1982 after a period of 21 years away from the town in which I had grown up. During those 21 years I developed an interest in the towns local history. To start a local history group in Athy seemed an obvious extension to that interest and discussions with Pat Mulhall and Tadgh Brennan offered sufficient encouragement to proceed with the idea.

I believed that a local museum would be the most tangible way of involving the greatest number of local people in local history. In January 1983 I wrote to a number of people whom I thought would be supportive of the idea of starting a museum in Athy.

I mentioned that the matter had already been discussed with a number of local people and with local government officials and that initial response was encouraging. Contact was also made at that early stage with the Federation of Local History Societies of Ireland and with the museum section of the Old Carlow Society, both of whom were extremely helpful.

A meeting was held in the jury room of the Courthouse, Athy on Monday, 31 January 1983. The small group in attendance agreed that Athy was rich in history and with many links to the great events in Irish history should have a museum.

A further meeting was arranged for Monday 14 February and the Athy Museum Society was formally established at the meeting. The societys first secretary was Mr. Noreen Ryan, while Bertie Doyle, publican of Woodstock Street, was appointed treasurer. Within a few weeks the Kildare County Manager, Gerry Ward, met Pat Mulhall and myself and he agreed to provide space for a small museum in the Town Hall if and when other demands on the building so allowed.

At that stage the Town Hall still housed the Urban District Council offices where the Town Clerk was Jimmy OHiggins, who himself had attended the inaugural meeting of the society in 1983. In the meantime the museum society was able to use the former classroom in Mount Saint Marys, owing to the generosity of the local Sisters of Mercy. There Ken Sale and others worked on several weekends to install spotlights and to generally prepare the former classroom for use as a local museum.

Shop display cabinets were kindly donated by Trevor Shaw of Shaws Department Store and the museum soon opened every Sunday afternoon between 2pm and 5pm.

Following a major improvement project on the Town Hall, the fire brigade, which occupied the ground floor, moved to new premises and the library services moved into the first floor of the building.

Donegal-born Gerry Ward, Kildare County Manager, was finally able to facilitate the Museum Society and in or about 1989 the ground floor room which had once been home to the Wright family was made available to the society.

The Athy Museum Society played a major part in Athy Urban District Councils successful application for Heritage Town status. The importance of the museum society to the development of our understanding of the towns cultural and historical past cannot be overstated. Many people have helped in different ways to transform the dream of a local history museum into what is now the Shackleton Museum.

I will mention just a few who have long passed away, but whose contribution shall not be forgotten. Pat Mulhall, Dick Norris, Patsy ONeill, Mick Rowan, Tom Prendergast, Noreen Ryan and especially Bertie Doyle, the past treasurer of the Museum Society who shared the dream but did not live to see this day.

People with an interest in local history have a sense of place, a sense of identity and a love for their own town or village. Local history is a subsidiary part of our countrys history, whose value lies in the vivid reminder of people and events of the past which helps us to better understand our countrys history.

The Autumn series of lectures organised by Athys Historical Society will open on Tuesday, 17 September at 8pm in the Community Arts Centre with a presentation by Rod and Mary Feely of their trek through Nepal to the Everest base camp. Admission free.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

A cold case review into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should be completed before any decision on an inquiry is made, the Taoiseach has said.

In December 1996, the body of the 39-year-old filmmaker was found beaten outside her holiday home in Schull, West Cork.

Ian Bailey, the main suspect in her murder, died in Cork in January this year aged 66.

Asked if there should be an inquiry into her death, Simon Harris said a garda cold case review should first be allowed to conclude.

He added that Government will see where the matter stands at that stage.

Ian Bailey outside the High Court in Dublin after judges rejected an attempt by French authorities to extradite him for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier (Niall Carson/PA)

It comes after the Tanaiste criticised the legal systems handling of the case, saying Ireland failed to find and convict a murderer while noting that the extradition of Mr Bailey to France had also been blocked by Irish courts.

Speaking on Thursday, Michael Martin said: We can ask for a proper review of whether decisions were reasonable which blocked a murder trial or which would have predetermined its outcome.

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.

In October 2020, the High Court rejected an attempt by French authorities to extradite him for the murder.

Fresh calls for an inquiry came following the publication of the book Sophie: The Final Verdict by journalist Senan Molony.

Sophie Toscan du Plantier

Speaking to reporters at Dublin Castle on Friday, Mr Harris said the book dealt with an extraordinarily upsetting saga for the du Plantier family which he said is still seeking justice and answers.

Mr Martin added: It is important to reflect on momentous events of this kind  that we should never ourselves, insulate ourselves or our systems from reflection and observation.

By any yardstick, reading the comprehensive work that [Mr Molony] did and others, Ive come to the conclusion that we did fail the family of Sophie du Plantier and we didnt do right by Sophie du Plantier.

There has to be space in our public discourse for that kind of reflection and observation.

Otherwise, were sort of reinforcing, maybe, issues that do need to change over time.
Olivia Kelleher

A solicitor who represented the late Ian Bailey for over 20 years has described as extraordinary and astonishing a decision by the Tanaiste to say Mr Bailey should have been tried for the murder of French woman Sophie Toscan Du Plantier.

Micheal Martin, who is 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.

The Fianna Fail leader was critical of the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) not to prosecute Mr Bailey, who died in January this year aged 66.

Mr Martin said there were significant questions that remained unanswered in relation to the death of Ms du Plantier at her remote holiday home near Schull in Co Cork on December 23rd, 1996.

In an interview on Corks 96FM, Mr Buttimer, the former solicitor for Mr Bailey, said he couldnt understand why the Tanaiste opted to weigh in on the case.

He described Mr Martin's comments as a feral attack on many of the pillars of the justice of the State.

"I was just saying to someone else there a while ago that its almost as if [Mr Martin] woke up after 28 years of not knowing that something has happened, reads a book, which is pompously titled, quote-unquote, 'The Final Verdict' and says, 'my God, this is dreadful. Why didn't we do something about this?'"

Mr Buttimer said the Tanaiste seemed to fully take on board the contents of the book by Mr Molony, which he feels contains no hard evidence.

"The author concedes, I'm lifting quotes here from a newspaper, he says, quote, there are sequences here that would not be allowed in a court of law', end quote. Another quote, 'there are pieces of evidence here that would be struck out by the law and would not be allowed into their court system'.

"What's astonishing is [Mr Martin] seems to be basing his opinion on the content of a book where stuff is in there that would not be evidential. And he goes on to disparage the office of the DPP for declining to prosecute Ian Bailey, the Supreme Court, which he seems to suggest was used in an effort to prevent Bailey's removal, and the other two high courts which refused to extradite Bailey.

"So it's a feral attack on many of the pillars of justice of the State. Where it comes from, I have absolutely no idea. I would not have any adverse comment to make about Micheal Martin as a politician generally, but I'm surprised at this. I'm just wondering what this rant is all about.

Mr Buttimer said he had no intention of reading the book by Mr Molony, as he is certain it wont contain any new evidence in relation to the du Plantier case.

"I did a lot of research into the murder, into the dreadful murder of Madame Toscan du Plantier.

"I absolutely assure anybody who's out there listening that there was nothing tangible by way of evidence against Ian Bailey, such as would even have justified a prosecution against him, let alone a removal to the crowd over in France to their system of justice. Where you are effectively guilty until proven innocent with all of the consequences that would have flowed from there.

He maintains that his late client was 100 per cent innocent.

"100 per cent. Absolutely. Without question. The first time he walked in the door to my office in or about March 1997... he comes to me and he just says to me, 'look, if I'm ever prosecuted because you do defend, you know, you defend people who are accused of crimes and so on'. I said, absolutely. So I knew about the case, but I never had met him. So I spoke to him for a while.

"One gets impressions and one forms opinions of people as one meets them professionally or non-professionally. From that time onwards, I pretty much knew that the concoction against him was a load of rubbish.

"It was absolutely, manifestly obvious that there was nothing to go on.

Mr Buttimer added that he fears the du Plantier case will go unsolved.

Passage of time is the enemy of acquisition of information. So in all probability no, [it wont be solved]. But ultimately the tragedy is, to say what happened? Like what actually happened?

The failure is going right back to 1996/1997, to conduct a proper inquiry. We cant turn back the clock on that one.

Mr Bailey collapsed and died in Bantry, Co Cork, last January. He was on two occasions detained by gardai for questioning in relation to the murder of the 39-year-old French national.

Mr Bailey always denied any wrongdoing in relation to the murder of the film producer. The poet and former journalist was convicted in absentia after a trial in France four years ago. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Officials in France were unable to extradite Mr Bailey to Paris to serve the sentence handed down by the courts.

In an interview with Virgin Media News a month before his death, Mr Bailey said he had immense sympathy for the family.

I know that I cannot do anything about their belief that I am responsible. They have always had my full sympathies. I have expressed that.

People are entitled to believe what they want to believe. We cant change what people are going to believe.
The murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier and further hints of what could be in the Budget make the front pages of Friday's papers.

The Irish Times reveals thousands of tracker mortgages are set to benefit from the new rate cut from the European Central Bank.

The Irish Examiner reveals the Government is to make two social welfare bonus payments before the end of the year as part of a cost-of-living budget package.

The Echo leads with calls from parents in Cork for TDs to ensure therapists remain at a special school in Cork.

The Irish Independent leads with comments from Micheal Martin as he says Ian Bailey should have been tried by an Irish jury for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

The Irish Daily Mail leads with plans in the Budget for all pensioners to receive the fuel allowance.

The Irish Daily Mirror also leads with Mr Martin'a comments on Ian Bailey.

The Irish Daily Star leads with a man in Drogheda who starred in a music video from his prison cell.

Fresh concerns over the war in Ukraine lead the papers on Friday.

The Guardian and The Times report Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has told Vladimir Putin to bring an end to the fighting as the Russian leader warned against any use of long-range British missiles into Russian territory.

Fridays GUARDIAN: Starmer tells Putin: you started this war, you can end it any time#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/LUFYxWPXTS  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) September 12, 2024

The Daily Telegraph carries comments from Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who says the coming months are crucial in helping Kyiv get in a winning position.

The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:



'Lammy: UK missiles are vital to stop Putin'#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/0Np7Vcd1Vr  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 12, 2024

Elsewhere, the i and Daily Mail lead with an October date being set for the implementation of Labours manifesto pledge to restrict junk food advertising on TV and online.

Fridays i - Junk food TV ad ban before 9pm - with total ban online in 2025 #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/jk8madrbK9  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) September 12, 2024

Fridays Daily MAIL: Nanny Starmers Ban On Junk Food Ads To Save NHS . #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/dlPkG87lHi  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) September 12, 2024

The Governments fiscal watchdog has warned the UKs public debt is on an unsustainable upward path, according to the Financial Times.

Fridays FINANCIAL Times: State finances on unsustainable path of overspending, fiscal watchdog says #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/XMeMhzgV3L  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) September 12, 2024

The Daily Express reports a panel comprising members of the public has determined assisted dying should be permitted in England.

Fridays Daily EXPRESS: Esthers Hope As Key Vote Backs Law Change On Assisted Dying #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/IvEebMLbCt  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) September 12, 2024

The Metro leads with US rocker Jon Bon Jovi helping to talk down a woman who was threatening to throw herself off a bridge.

The Daily Mirror reports firms that sell zombie knives have raked in 350,000 from an amnesty.

And the Daily Star says an expert has claimed gently rubbing a wooden chair can help induce a sense of calm and tranquillity.
The Kilkenny branch of the Order of Malta is set to receive 72,000 as part of a 2.1 million funding package under the 2024 CLAR programme.

The funding package will be used nationwide to purchase vehicles designed to transport people who have mobility issues or people undergoing cancer treatments.

It will also be used for community groups who provide meals on wheels services and for search and rescue organisations.

The 72,000 that the Kilkenny branch of the Order of Malta are receiving is designated for the 'purchase of a van and conversion to a CEN compliant ambulance'.

READ NEXT: Man accused of possession of a slash hook at Kilkenny halting site

Announcing the successful projects, Minister Humphreys said that 'the recipients play a vital role in providing essential services to those who are most in need in our communities, be it from a mobility aspect or through the provision of meals on wheels services'.

"We owe a great deal to these organisations and to all the individuals who volunteer with them," she added.

The CLAR programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and forms part of the Governments five-year policy for rural Ireland, Our Rural Future.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
Sinn Fein candidate for Carlow-Kilkenny, Natasha Newsome Drennan, believes that "the Governments ongoing failure to adequately fund schools has been laid bare for all to see in a damning OECD report."



The report reveals Irelands spending per primary school student was 8% below the OECD average. It also finds that teachers work hours and class sizes exceed the OECD average.



Speaking recently, Newsome Drennan, parent to four school-going boys, stated that "Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have failed abysmally to fund Irelands schools."

READ NEXT: Member of Kilkenny hurling backroom team weds beautiful bride



"Too often this funding gap is passed on to parents, with pressure to pay for digital devices, voluntary contributions and school books," she continued.



"Principals and teachers are also under huge pressure, as they struggle to get on with doing their jobs properly while also navigating these severe funding challenges.



"Schools and parents across Kilkenny have been crying out for change, yet government has totally failed to act and deliver the level of funding that is needed. The Education Minister is not showing the urgency this issue deserves."



Newsome Drennan stated that Sinn Fein 'have been calling for fair class sizes for years, but government has ignored these calls'.



"Smaller class sizes are crucial for these and other children to reach their educational potential and critically so for those with special educational needs," she noted.



"They facilitate greater student participation and engagement, which in turn can lead to enhanced academic performance.

"Smaller classes can also lead to greater job satisfaction for teachers. Reducing stress and burnout of teachers can lead to higher morale and retention rates among teachers. Government cannot keep ignoring this issue.

Until meaningful action is taken the crisis in our schools will continue to undermine the educational outcomes of our children and place unnecessary strain on our dedicated and hardworking teachers who are made to work under increasingly difficult conditions. Its time for change."

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
Tanaiste Micheal Martin has question why Sophie du Plantier case was put before a jury. Sophie Tuscan du Plantier was murdered, at age 39 outside her holiday home in West Cork in 1996.

A famous story in Ireland and was the subject of a popular Netflix documentary, Sophie: A Murder in West Cork which heavily featured the main suspect of the murder, Ian Bailey. The Manchester born man who lived in West Cork died in January this year at 66 years old.

Micheal Martin described the man as a "violent man who had beaten his partner so badly she had to attend hospital."

Bailey was convicted of the murder by French court in May 2019, in which the judge sentenced him to 25 years.

The Tanaiste said "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."

Ian Bailey was arrested by the Gardai in 1997 and 1998 but was never prosecuted in Ireland.

"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" said Mr Martin.

He also said "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."

Finally adding to his comments "We need to learn from our failure to deliver justice for Sophie and Tuscan du Plantier."

And at the same time, we can admit that this system failed Sophie Toscan du Plantier."
Political leaders on both sides of the Irish border have praised the reset and engagement in their relationship, following a fractious number of years.

Taoiseach Simon Harris chaired a meeting with the Northern Ireland Executive on Friday, attended by politicians and ministers from Belfast and Dublin.

First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly were among the members of the Executive attending the plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council at Dublin Castle.

Mr Harris led 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.

Politicians noted the improved British-Irish relations, with Ms Little-Pengelly stating that at the heart of the talks is the rebuilding of positive and good relationships.

Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, Mr Harris said the reset in their relationship is really important.

Its grounded in common sense, mutual respect, friendship, peace and shared prosperity, the Fine Gael leader stated.

I think what weve seen in recent days, through my own engagement with the British Prime Minister, through the Tanaistes engagement with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, is really substantive work being done to try and show that reset isnt just about warmth.

The warmth is important, but its also actually about looking at areas where we can practically make progress.

He added that trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic is worth 120 billion euro.

Meanwhile, Mr Martin said it was very clear at their last plenary meeting held in Armagh in April, that there was a warmth and an engagement between them that he had not seen in a long time.

Mr Martin said there has been a changed environment since the Windsor Framework agreement last year.

Taoiseach @SimonHarris chaired the 28th Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council this morning in Dublin. This is the second plenary meeting of the NSMC since the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive in early February.https://t.co/v9lObrjplu pic.twitter.com/G4PDROGRY7  MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) September 13, 2024

I think whats very clear in terms of the British-Irish relationship is that the British Government is committed very much to the ethos and entirety and totality of the Good Friday Agreement in all its strands, and are very imbued by the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement. Thats manifest, I think, in the engagements that we both have had, he added.

Ms ONeill said that relationships and respect matter, and that both sides can work together on improving their respective economies.

I think that certainly for me, the reset can lead to a more positive political environment in which we all can operate, she added.

Crucially for myself and Emma, who are tasked with leading the Executive, certainly the two co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, whether it be the Irish government, the British government, need to be also at that table.

Thats now perhaps an avenue thats opened up to us again that hasnt been there for the past 14 years under the Tory mismanagement of the peace process.

Ms Little Pengelly, an MLA for Lagan Valley, said that when relationships fracture and are in a bad place, people do not feel respected.

People dont feel that their issues are being listened to, she added.

If issues are being demeaned and dismissed, then that, of course, creates instability. It means that we dont have the conversations required to resolve the issues that we need to resolve.

Very much at the heart of this engagement is rebuilding those positive and good relationships north-south, but importantly east-west as well.

The Republic of Ireland is our closest neighbour, we do a significant amount of trade with the Republic of Ireland and vice versa.

We have a wide range of issues which touch on each others jurisdictions, so its good that we can have that dialogue.

But of course, we need to learn the lessons of the past as well and to ensure that we dont repeat those moving forward.

Discussions at the plenary meeting focused on areas of mutual interest.

It was the first time Mr Harris hosted the plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council as Taoiseach.

Among their discussions included the upgrade of the A5 road, as well as ongoing works at the Narrow Water Bridge project and the Ulster Canal.

They also discussed climate change and loss of biodiversity, as well as mother and baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses.
Francines heavy rainfall forces dramatic water rescues as even more flooding is on the horizon
Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of BBB Foods (NYSE:TBBB  Free Report) in a report published on Monday, MarketBeat reports. The brokerage issued a hold rating and a $33.00 price target on the stock.

TBBB has been the subject of several other research reports. HSBC upgraded BBB Foods from a reduce rating to a hold rating and set a $31.00 price target for the company in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Scotiabank lifted their target price on shares of BBB Foods from $33.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a report on Friday, May 31st. Bank of America boosted their price target on shares of BBB Foods from $26.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, May 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of BBB Foods from $30.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res upgraded BBB Foods from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, BBB Foods currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $30.57.

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BBB Foods Trading Up 3.2 %

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

TBBB opened at $30.03 on Monday. BBB Foods has a 52 week low of $18.71 and a 52 week high of $33.16. The businesss 50 day moving average is $27.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $24.67. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.85.

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Capital International Investors purchased a new stake in shares of BBB Foods during the 1st quarter worth approximately $120,440,000. William Blair Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in BBB Foods in the first quarter valued at $48,934,000. Capital International Inc. CA purchased a new position in shares of BBB Foods in the first quarter valued at $33,004,000. Driehaus Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of BBB Foods during the 2nd quarter worth $26,562,000. Finally, Thornburg Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of BBB Foods in the 1st quarter worth about $18,668,000. 8.42% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

BBB Foods Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

BBB Foods Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates grocery retail stores in Mexico. It offers food products, drinks, hygiene and beauty products, home clean products, coffee, tea and substitutes, jellies and desserts, and baby and pet products. The company also provides branded, private label, and spot products.

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Royal Bank of Canada began coverage on shares of CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE  Free Report) in a research note released on Tuesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The brokerage issued an outperform rating and a $56.00 price target on the real estate investment trusts stock.

Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Truist Financial upped their price objective on shares of CubeSmart from $44.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 16th. Scotiabank began coverage on shares of CubeSmart in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. They set a sector outperform rating and a $53.00 price target on the stock. Evercore ISI increased their price target on shares of CubeSmart from $51.00 to $52.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on CubeSmart from $46.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of CubeSmart from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and reduced their price target for the company from $50.00 to $47.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, CubeSmart currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $49.33.

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CubeSmart Trading Up 1.2 %

CUBE opened at $53.92 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.03 and a current ratio of 0.03. CubeSmart has a one year low of $33.17 and a one year high of $54.00. The company has a market cap of $12.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.96, a PEG ratio of 9.48 and a beta of 0.82. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $49.01 and its 200-day simple moving average is $45.35.

CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.64 by ($0.23). CubeSmart had a net margin of 38.07% and a return on equity of 14.37%. The firm had revenue of $266.20 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $260.68 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.66 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that CubeSmart will post 2.64 EPS for the current fiscal year.

CubeSmart Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be given a dividend of $0.51 per share. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.78%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 1st. CubeSmarts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 113.33%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO Christopher P. Marr sold 37,000 shares of CubeSmart stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.45, for a total value of $1,792,650.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 576,836 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $27,947,704.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, insider Jeffrey P. Foster sold 7,739 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.30, for a total transaction of $366,054.70. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 182,460 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,630,358. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Christopher P. Marr sold 37,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.45, for a total transaction of $1,792,650.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 576,836 shares of the companys stock, valued at $27,947,704.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 88,217 shares of company stock worth $4,244,344 over the last three months. 1.68% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On CubeSmart

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in CubeSmart during the 4th quarter valued at $444,818,000. Janus Henderson Group PLC increased its stake in CubeSmart by 1,575.2% during the first quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 1,820,434 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $82,277,000 after purchasing an additional 1,711,762 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its holdings in shares of CubeSmart by 26.9% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 5,687,536 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $257,191,000 after purchasing an additional 1,205,097 shares during the period. TimesSquare Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of CubeSmart in the 1st quarter worth about $48,716,000. Finally, Centersquare Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of CubeSmart by 824.1% in the 4th quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 1,127,979 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $52,282,000 after buying an additional 1,005,922 shares during the last quarter. 97.61% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About CubeSmart

(Get Free Report)

CubeSmart is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust. The Company's self-storage properties are designed to offer affordable, easily accessible and, in most locations, climate-controlled storage space for residential and commercial customers. According to the 2023 Self-Storage Almanac, CubeSmart is one of the top three owners and operators of self-storage properties in the United States.

Further Reading

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European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:ERE-UN  Get Free Report) shares dropped 0.4% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as C$2.69 and last traded at C$2.70. Approximately 54,520 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at C$2.71.

European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Trading Up 6.1 %

The company has a current ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 256.06. The firm has a market cap of C$270.48 million, a PE ratio of 15.47 and a beta of 1.26. The business has a fifty day moving average price of C$2.67 and a 200 day moving average price of C$2.45.

European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ERES is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. ERES's REIT Units are listed on the TSX under the symbol ERE.UN. ERES is Canada's only European-focused multi-residential REIT, with a current portfolio of high-quality, multi-residential real estate properties in the Netherlands.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of James Hardie Industries (NYSE:JHX  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Tuesday.

JHX has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Macquarie upgraded James Hardie Industries from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, May 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of James Hardie Industries from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, May 21st.

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James Hardie Industries Trading Up 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE:JHX opened at $35.88 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $34.58 and a two-hundred day moving average of $35.33. The company has a quick ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 1.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. James Hardie Industries has a 12-month low of $24.28 and a 12-month high of $41.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 1.74.

James Hardie Industries (NYSE:JHX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 13th. The construction company reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.38 by $0.03. James Hardie Industries had a return on equity of 38.01% and a net margin of 12.78%. The firm had revenue of $991.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.01 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.39 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that James Hardie Industries will post 1.46 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of James Hardie Industries in the first quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in James Hardie Industries by 55.7% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,045 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 374 shares during the period. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. grew its position in James Hardie Industries by 693.2% in the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 1,158 shares of the construction companys stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 1,012 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in shares of James Hardie Industries by 38.8% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,219 shares of the construction companys stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 341 shares during the period. Finally, Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC acquired a new position in shares of James Hardie Industries during the second quarter valued at about $66,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.96% of the companys stock.

About James Hardie Industries

(Get Free Report)

James Hardie Industries plc manufactures and sells fiber cement, fiber gypsum, and cement bonded building products for interior and exterior building construction applications primarily in the United States, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The company operates through North America Fiber Cement, Asia Pacific Fiber Cement, and Europe Building Products segments.

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Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 1.8% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $63.90 and last traded at $63.90. 19,519 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 92% from the average session volume of 257,551 shares. The stock had previously closed at $65.09.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $114.00 target price on shares of Nabors Industries in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Citigroup cut Nabors Industries from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $110.00 to $75.00 in a report on Friday. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $104.50.

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Nabors Industries Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $598.88 million, a PE ratio of -4.63 and a beta of 2.12. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $80.19 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $78.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.01, a quick ratio of 1.57 and a current ratio of 1.82.

Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The oil and gas company reported ($4.29) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($1.77) by ($2.52). The company had revenue of $742.98 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $737.91 million. Nabors Industries had a negative return on equity of 28.10% and a negative net margin of 4.73%. The firms revenue was down 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned ($2.26) EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Nabors Industries Ltd. will post -11.98 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nabors Industries

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in NBR. Quadrant Capital Group LLC raised its position in shares of Nabors Industries by 202.4% in the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 750 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $61,000 after purchasing an additional 502 shares in the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its position in shares of Nabors Industries by 2,022.2% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 764 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $67,000 after purchasing an additional 728 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its position in shares of Nabors Industries by 29.1% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,474 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $127,000 after purchasing an additional 332 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new position in shares of Nabors Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $159,000. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company raised its position in shares of Nabors Industries by 5.3% in the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 3,567 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $254,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares in the last quarter. 81.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Nabors Industries

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Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: U.S. Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running services, including casing and tubing running, and torque monitoring; managed pressure drilling services; and drilling-bit steering systems and rig instrumentation software.

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Singapore Exchange Limited (OTCMKTS:SPXCY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 600 shares, a decline of 73.9% from the August 15th total of 2,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days.

Singapore Exchange Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of OTCMKTS:SPXCY traded down $1.10 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $129.87. 2,891 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,390. The companys 50 day moving average price is $115.68 and its 200-day moving average price is $108.09. Singapore Exchange has a 52 week low of $98.07 and a 52 week high of $135.63.

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Singapore Exchange Company Profile

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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.

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National Bank Financial upgraded shares of Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI  Free Report) (TSE:TRI) from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report sent to investors on Monday, MarketBeat reports.

A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Scotiabank raised Thomson Reuters from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and upped their target price for the company from $164.00 to $182.00 in a research report on Tuesday, August 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Thomson Reuters from $163.00 to $164.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on Thomson Reuters from $170.00 to $168.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Thomson Reuters currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $173.45.

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Thomson Reuters Trading Up 1.0 %

Thomson Reuters stock opened at $173.78 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 0.88. The stock has a market cap of $78.13 billion, a PE ratio of 33.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.92 and a beta of 0.73. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $165.07 and a two-hundred day moving average of $163.04. Thomson Reuters has a one year low of $117.46 and a one year high of $176.03.

Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI  Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The business services provider reported $0.85 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.82 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $1.74 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.75 billion. Thomson Reuters had a net margin of 33.65% and a return on equity of 15.22%. Thomson Reuterss revenue was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.84 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Thomson Reuters will post 3.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Thomson Reuters Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were paid a dividend of $0.146 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $0.58 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.34%. Thomson Reuterss payout ratio is 41.14%.

Institutional Trading of Thomson Reuters

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,739,858 shares of the business services providers stock worth $894,442,000 after acquiring an additional 41,680 shares in the last quarter. FIL Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 9.8% during the 4th quarter. FIL Ltd now owns 4,994,299 shares of the business services providers stock worth $730,195,000 after acquiring an additional 445,444 shares in the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 4,074,256 shares of the business services providers stock worth $686,640,000 after acquiring an additional 26,483 shares in the last quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. boosted its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,783,086 shares of the business services providers stock worth $260,723,000 after acquiring an additional 13,747 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC boosted its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 9.4% during the 2nd quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 1,458,700 shares of the business services providers stock worth $245,893,000 after acquiring an additional 125,167 shares in the last quarter. 17.31% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Thomson Reuters Company Profile

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Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments.

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By KTimes

Comedian Jung Sun-hee opened up about her late husband, Ahn Jae-hwan, and the pain she endured during that time.

Jung appeared on a YouTube channel Monday and recalled the time when Ahn went missing. The late actor was found dead in his car in 2008 at the age of 36. At that time, Jung had been married for just 10 months when she lost her husband.

Jung reflected on that period, saying, "At that time, my husband was going through severe depression due to financial issues. I didn't realize how much it was eating away at him because I was too busy with work. Then, 10 months after our wedding, I heard he had taken his own life, and I couldn't believe it. My first reaction was denial. It didn't make sense."

She continued, "I didn't file a missing person's report because I thought he would obviously come back. There had been tension between us because of money issues, and I thought, 'Did he misunderstand that I wouldn't lend him money even if I had it? Is he doing this to get back at me?' I had these petty thoughts."

Explaining why she didn't report him missing, Jung said, "I didn't do it because I was worried about the impact on his image as a celebrity. I only had a light-hearted thought like, 'He's running a business, so I should keep it under wraps; I'll deal with him when he comes back.'"

She continued, "I never imagined he would (take his own life). I felt guilty. I started to review every action of mine, wondering where things went wrong that led him to make such a choice. After 10 months of marriage, we should have been deeply in love. While dealing with the mixed emotions of longing and grief, the public wanted someone to crucify, and that was me."

After Ahn's death became known, Jung found herself at the center of numerous rumors. "There were false reports saying we were both kidnapped, and I was the only one released after paying money. It was chaos, worse than today, without any ethical boundaries," she said.

"Even those who knew the situation seemed to look at me with suspicion. I had to go through experiences that felt more like being treated as a perpetrator than just being a witness."

Jung also shared that she felt pressured during police investigations, saying, "I felt like I was deprived of the chance to mourn. I had no rights as a bereaved family member and had to explain things to his family."

Following Ahn's death, a police investigation revealed that he had a significant amount of debt.

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.
Japanese actor makes first appearance in Korean drama

By Park Jin-hai

Japanese model-turned-actor Kentaro Sakaguchi, best known for works such as "The Last 10 Years" (2022) and "Signal" (2018), shared insights into his first experience working in a Korean drama.

In Coupang Play's new series "What Comes After Love," based on the novel of the same title co-written by Korean author Gong Ji-young and Japanese author Hitonari Tsuji, the 33-year-old actor takes the role of Jungo, a Japanese man aspiring to become an author. He falls in love with Hong (Lee Se-young), a Korean student living in Japan, in a story portraying a romance bridging the cultural divide between Korea and Japan.

Japanese actor Anne Nakamura joins the cast as Kanna and Korean actor Hong Jong-hyun as Min-jun.

While filming the series, Saakaguchi explored the cultural nuances of expressing love between Korea and Japan. When he first read the script, he felt there were "too many aishiteru" ("I love you" in Japanese).

"I noticed there were a lot of 'I love you's, more than I expected, especially considering the cultural differences. I thought there would be a subtle difference between 'I love you' and 'I like you,' but the script was filled with 'I love you.' I wondered if it was necessary to convey so much emotion," he said during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Friday.

"However, the director and co-star Lee Se-young felt that Jungo needed to express himself more fully. It made me realize how different Korean and Japanese cultures can be in terms of expressing love."

Director Moon Hyun-sung, acknowledging Sakaguchi's concerns, adjusted the script to better align with the actor's understanding of his character, recognizing the authenticity Sakaguchi brought to the Japanese role, emphasizing the cultural disparities as a central theme of the series.

"I think this cultural difference is a crucial element of our series. It's why the two characters had to part ways. If they had expressed their love for each other, they wouldn't have broken up and this series wouldn't exist," the actor said, appreciating the director's decision.

On set, Sakaguchi was struck by the crew's attentiveness to every nuance of his expressions and movements. He noted that director Moon has a style of diving directly into shooting without much rehearsal, but while filming, the cinematographer shot from multiple angles.

"For instance, if I make a small adjustment to my gaze or posture, the cinematographer would ask me the reason behind it. When I mentioned feeling a bit awkward or tense around Hong, the cinematographer said that those feelings were actually part of my character and that we should capture them. He really went the extra mile," the actor explained.

In the drama, Hong, unable to bear the growing loneliness as their love deepens, eventually breaks up with Jungo and returns to Korea. Five years later, fate brings them together again when Jungo, visiting Korea as a novelist, and Hong, who was helping him with translations, cross paths and fall in love once more.

Sakaguchi said the most challenging part was the unexpected reunion after five years. In the past, Jungo and Hong were in love and there was a lot of emotional exchange and richness between them, but when they meet five years later, there's a wall and a distance between them. So he paid a lot of attention when acting this out.

"Actually, because there wasn't much dialogue, I couldn't rely on the lines. For example, I had to express a lot through a single glance toward Hong. There were many such moments and I realized that I had to act delicately to properly convey these nonverbal moments to the audience," he said.

The melodrama will premiere on Sept. 27 on Coupang Play.
By Lee Yeon-woo

Korea Zinc's largest shareholder, Young Poong, has decided to transfer more than half of its stake in the company to MBK Partners, a domestic private equity firm. This hostile move signals the end of 75 years of joint management between Korea Zinc and Young Poong.

MBK Partners announced Friday that it had signed a shareholder agreement with Young Poong, the largest shareholder of Korea Zinc, and the related parties  the family of Chang Hyung-jin, Young Poong's advisor and founder's son.

Under this agreement, MBK Partners has been granted the option to acquire 50 percent plus one share of Young Poong's 33.13 percent stake in Korea Zinc. Since MBK Partners holds one additional share, it will effectively lead the exercise regarding voting rights.

"I believe that passing the position of largest shareholder to professionals like MBK Partners, who are experts in corporate management and global investment, is the responsible role of the founding family and major shareholders," Chang said.

Starting Friday, MBK Partners and Young Poong have initiated a tender offer to secure additional shares. The suggested price is 660,000 won ($495.94).

Young Poong, founded by the late Chang Byung-hee and Choi Ki-ho, has historically operated under a split management system, with the Choi family overseeing Korea Zinc and the Chang family managing the electronics affiliates.

However, tensions between the two families have recently escalated over Korea Zinc's management rights, as Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yun-beom, grandson of the founder Choi, sought independence from Young Poong.

Read More Korea Zinc to halt business partnership with Youngpoong amid management dispute

Following the announcement, the Choi family countered, labeling it as a "hostile and predatory merger and acquisition." It stated that "Young Poong is colluding with corporate raider MBK to unilaterally proceed with a tender offer." The family owns a 33.99 percent stake in Korea Zinc.

Meritz Securities analyst Jang Jae-hyeok forecasted that it is unlikely that Korea Zinc will match the financial strength of Young Poong and MBK Partners.

To secure a majority stake, Young Poong would need to acquire an additional 16.87 percent, while Korea Zinc would need to purchase 16.02 percent, according to Jang. This would result in a combined cost of approximately 1.9 trillion won based on the current market capitalization.

"The renewed competition for shares is likely to increase short-term stock price volatility," Jang said.

Following the news, the stock price of Korea Zinc sharply soared, even surpassing the tender offer price of MBK Partners. It closed the market at 666,000 won, an increase of 19.78 percent compared to the previous trading day.
Executives, employees involved in financial crimes costing nearly $3.7 bil.

By Jun Ji-hye

The extent of embezzlement and breaches of trust by executives and employees of companies listed on the KOSPI and Kosdaq markets has totaled nearly 5 trillion won ($3.7 billion) over the past six years. The average trading suspension period for these companies is now approaching the 500-day mark.

According to data from Korea Exchange, released by Rep. Kim Hyun-jung of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea on Thursday, a total of 4.62 trillion won in embezzlements and breach of trust occurred in the benchmark KOSPI market and the secondary bourse Kosdaq from 2019 to August this year.

Among these, KOSPI-listed companies disclosed a total of 53 cases, amounting to 1.86 trillion won. The cases were more frequent in the Kosdaq, as 111 cases amounting to 2.76 trillion won were disclosed during the same period.

Looking at this year alone, six cases totaling 50.7 billion won were disclosed in the KOSPI market, including 20.1 billion won from Namyang Dairy Products, one of Koreas largest dairy companies.

In the Kosdaq market, 12 cases totaling 103.6 billion won were disclosed, including the 41.7 billion won from Terra Science, a technology company focused on core parts materials.

The problem is that listed companies with cases of embezzlement and breach of trust may face trading suspensions and the possibility of being delisted, which can cause stock price crashes and investor losses.

So far, 19 KOSPI-listed companies and 103 Kosdaq-listed firms have had their trading suspended due to such cases. Among the Kosdaq-listed ones, 37 were eventually delisted.

The average trading suspension period was 498.1 days for KOSPI-listed companies and 470.4 days for Kosdaq-listed ones.

Critics said cases of embezzlement and breach of trust that undermine trust in the nations capital markets are repeated as the recommended sentencing for such crimes is excessively lenient.

To restore confidence in the capital markets and protect investors, a stronger internal monitoring system is needed, Kim said. The accountability of external auditors must also be reinforced.
LG Display's stretchable panels become part of garments

By Park Jin-hai

Lee Chung-chung, the visionary creative director of womenswear LIE  short for Life Is Expression  and scion of acclaimed Korean designer Lie Sang-bong, is a whirlwind of creativity. His imagination, unfettered by constraints, roams freely across the fields of technology, fashion and spatial design.

Earlier this month, at the 2025 Spring/Summer Seoul Fashion Week, Lee showcased his "Neo Craftsmanship" collection during the grand finale of Seoul's premier biannual fashion event. This innovative collection integrated LG Display's stretchable display technology with haute couture, featuring panels on the fronts of garments, sleeves and clutch bags that illuminated and shifted designs and colors dynamically on the runway. The technology also showcased its transformative capabilities by altering the appearance of the models' faces to different races.

"We have put in a tremendous amount of effort and thought into how to incorporate this technology into wearable fashion, not just as an add-on, but as an integral part of the design," he said during a recent interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, introducing the result of over a year of collaborative efforts with researchers.

The Central Saint Martins graduate, who launched LIE in 2013, noted that the idea of "neo-craftsmanship" was in fact inpsired by those researchers.

"As I observed the researchers meticulously hand-wiring circuits and ensuring battery life while attaching these prototype stretchable panels to clothing, I was struck by the parallel between their work and the traditional craftsmanship that fashion designers pursue," he said.

In an era where fast fashion is popular and AI enables almost anyone to design, Lee believes that genuine craftsmanship has become more crucial than ever.

"By blending traditional, contemporary and futuristic craftsmanship, I wanted to showcase this fusion through a fashion show," he said.

The outcome hasn't aligned with his initial vision  he had hoped to create large garments using dozens of panels, but current technology limits panel size and presents challenges related to weight, power consumption, and stability. Despite these constraints, Lee is proud of his latest venture.

"I think my job is done if this fashion show inspired people to think how this technology can be used in different products, like cars, umbrellas and pens. Because I believe stimulating imagination is a crucial part of being a designer and it's what defines the LIE brand," he said.

The designer remains excited about the future, anticipating a day when this technology could be used in special clothing, such as firefighter suits or military uniforms, and even in an invisibility cloak that covers the entire body.

Legacy of creativity

Lees pursuit of creativity is inspired by his father, Lie, often referred to as the "Alexander McQueen of Korea." Lee fondly recalls the excitement of attending his father's show for the first time as a young boy, a moment that holds a special place in his heart.

"My father's fashion shows were nothing short of spectacular. He would push the boundaries of creativity with concepts like a leopard-print body-painted dancer competing on the runway, magicians performing feats of illusion and models adorned with giant birdcages," Lee said.

"I felt an electrifying energy at the fashion show, almost like a dopamine rush multiplied by a million. His shows are always a display of unbridled imagination. His bold and innovative designs have been a source of inspiration for me."

His pursuit of creativity eventually led him to launch his fashion label LIE about a decade ago. With the name LIE, the brand aims to empower women to express their unique personalities through fashion.

Lee's utmost attention is now focused on striking a balance between the artistic and business aspects of fashion.

"If you prioritize the commercial side over creativity, you might get a lot of orders in the short term, but it's hard to build a lasting brand. On the other hand, if you're too focused on art and creativity without considering the business side, the brand might not survive. I've seen this happen to many brands, and it's something I've always been mindful of," he said.

In this context, Lee is also working to boost local sales to maintain a balance between overseas and domestic markets. This has become even more crucial following the COVID pandemic, which led to a significant number of canceled overseas orders.

Burgeoning Korean fashion industry

"Fashion is all about history, in my opinion. Nothing in art or design just appears out of thin air. We need to learn from the past and carry on the legacy. That's why museums exist  to preserve history. It gives things a sense of continuity. Korea is lacking in this regard," he said.

"The reason why Japan has become a fashion powerhouse is because of brands like Comme des Garcons, Kenzo and Issey Miyake that have deep roots and have been able to sustain themselves. These brands have a strong domestic market and can survive without relying heavily on overseas expansion. However, in Korea, it's difficult to find domestic designer brands even in department stores," he added, highlighting the need for the government to foster the growth of well-performing domestic brands.

Nonetheless, the designer, who has never imagined his life without fashion, believes it is time to embrace his role as a Korean fashion designer. He is confident that Korea has the potential to become the top fashion hub in Asia with adequate government support.

"Like K-pop, Korean fashion is regarded as trendy, meaning taking existing trends, adding your own unique twist and quickly adapting to new styles. Designers are not creators in the sense of inventing something entirely new. They reimage, repackage and tailor these ideas to fit a specific brand and present them to consumers. I believe Korean designers are good at doing that," he said.

Alongside his father, the designer dreams of establishing both his brand LIE and his father's brand, LIE SANGBONG, as prestigious global brands.

"My goal is to establish LIE SANGBONG as a timeless, heritage brand and to position LIE as a trendy label for a younger market, much like Prada and Miu Miu. I want to create a fashion house with both classic and contemporary appeal," he said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for increasing the number of centrifuges for uranium enrichment in order to increase its nuclear weapons for self-defense, the state media said Friday.

Kim made the call during a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the "production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials," according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The dispatch did not release the location of the facility or date of the visit.

"He went round the control room of the uranium enrichment base to learn about the overall operation of the production lines," the KCNA said, adding that Kim expressed great satisfaction after being briefed that the "base is dynamically producing nuclear materials."

"When he personally went round the worksite, he said that he felt strong to see the worksite," the KCNA said. "He stressed the need to further augment the number of centrifuges in order to exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defence true to the Party's line of building up nuclear armed forces."

It marks the first time North Korea has publicly revealed details of its uranium enrichment facility.

A uranium enrichment facility is used to produce highly enriched uranium (HEU) by placing uranium in centrifuges and spinning it at high speeds. HEU is essential for the manufacturing of nuclear warheads, along with plutonium.

South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies believe North Korea operates uranium enrichment facilities at the Kangson nuclear complex near Pyongyang and at the Yongbyon nuclear site.

After the reclusive regime long denied its suspected HEU program, North Korea invited Siegfried Hecker, a renowned U.S. nuclear scientist, and showed its uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon in 2010.

The recently mentioned location could be North Korea's second uranium enrichment plant in Kangson, as the dispatch reported that Kim had toured the "construction site," corresponding with recent observations made by the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

"In late Feb. 2024, work commenced on the construction of an annex to the main building in the Kangson Complex, significantly expanding the available floor space. The annex is now externally complete," International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said in a report in June.

North Korea is reportedly shifting its reliance from producing plutonium at the Yongbyon reactor to producing HEU underground, which can be done more covertly and in greater quantities.

Additionally, Kim called for improving the separation capacity of the centrifuges and accelerating the development of a new type of centrifuge to "further solidify the foundation for producing weapons-grade nuclear materials."

Kim was accompanied by Hong Sung-mu, deputy director handling munitions in the ruling Workers' Party, who is believed to have spearheaded North Korea's nuclear program.

The South Korean government strongly condemned North Korea for publicizing its uranium enrichment facility, calling the illegal development of nuclear weapons a clear violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"Any nuclear threat or provocation by North Korea will be met with an overwhelming and strong response from our government and military, based on the solid extended deterrence of the South Korea-U.S. alliance," the unification ministry said.

During a key deterrence dialogue between South Korea and the United States earlier this month, the allies warned that North Korea could conduct significant provocations, such as a nuclear test or an intercontinental ballistic missile launch, close to the U.S. presidential election in November.

Analysts say North Korea's sudden disclosure of the uranium enrichment facility is an attempt to flaunt its nuclear capabilities ahead of the election, aiming to increase its leverage in future negotiations with the U.S.

"It seems North Korea is signaling its seventh nuclear test before the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5, especially before the founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party on Oct. 10," said Cheong Seong-chang, an expert at the Sejong Institute, a think tank specializing in diplomacy and security.

Pyongyang last conducted an underground nuclear test in 2017.

The defense ministry echoed the view, adding that further analysis is under way.

"By disclosing the facility, the North appears to have sought to shore up domestic unity while boasting its nuclear capabilities and ramping up nuclear threats," a ministry official told reporters.

South Korea's spy agency also said there are signs that North Korea is attempting to significantly advance its technology for miniaturizing nuclear weapons through its six previous nuclear tests.

The unification ministry has cautioned North Korea against proceeding with any nuclear tests but warned of unprecedented sanctions if it defies international warnings.

"While we will not speculate on the likelihood of a nuclear test, should North Korea push ahead despite global warnings, it will face an unprecedented level of deterrence and sanctions," Koo Byoung-sam, a spokesperson for the ministry, said during a press briefing.

In 2010, North Korea invited Siegfried Hecker, a renowned U.S. nuclear scientist, and showed its uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon.

Public photos released by North Korea on Friday appear to show multiple cascades of centrifuges, suspected to be modified versions of centrifuges previously built with the help of Abdul Qadeer Khan, regarded as the father of Pakistan's nuclear program.

"The centrifuges revealed by North Korea appear to be slightly shorter than a person, suggesting that North Korea may have modified its existing centrifuges," said Lee Sang-kyu, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. (Yonhap)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a training base for special operations forces and a test-firing of a new 600mm multiple rocket launcher, state media said Friday.

Kim inspected the training base of the special operation armed force of the Korean People's Army (KPA) on Wednesday to supervise a drill, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He toured various facilities and training grounds, commenting that they were effectively organized to simulate real warfare, it said.

"The KPA should be fully ready to check the enemy at once and mercilessly and completely repress them even if a war breaks out at once today, and it is the first patriotism and loyalty to the state and people and the foremost revolutionary duty for the soldiers to devote their all to the intensive drills for a real war," he said.

In addition, Kim oversaw the test-firing to evaluate the performance of a new 600mm multiple rocket launcher, the KCNA said in a separate report.

On Thursday, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, according to the South Korean military. The missiles were detected from the Pyongyang area at 7:10 a.m., though further details, such as the number of missiles fired, were not provided.

"The test was conducted, aiming at further developing the launcher's driving system and verifying the combat effectiveness of the launcher in which the whole process of firepower is fully automated," the KCNA said. (Yonhap)
North Korea's rare revelation of its uranium enrichment facility is aimed at giving a clear message to the United States that the denuclearization of the North will be impossible, whoever wins the U.S. presidential election in November, experts said Friday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for boosting the number of centrifuges for uranium enrichment during his visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials, according to state media.

While looking around the control room of the uranium enrichment base, Kim stressed the need to produce nuclear materials in a bid to exponentially increase the number of nuclear weapons.

It marked the first time that North Korea's state media has disclosed a uranium enrichment facility and related photos. The move came about 50 days before the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5.

Experts said the North's rare disclosure appears to be aimed at flaunting its nuclear capabilities and raising its bargaining chip for possible future negotiations with the U.S.

"Ahead of the U.S. election, North Korea is sending a message to the U.S.  don't expect denuclearization of North Korea, as it is an impossible goal," Cheong Seong-chang, a director at the Sejong Institute, said.

North Korea's highly enriched uranium (HEU) program was a major "deal breaker" in its denuclearization talks with the U.S.

North Korea is believed to be operating uranium enrichment facilities at the Yongbyon nuclear complex and at a secret site in Kangson, just outside Pyongyang.

After the reclusive regime long denied its suspected HEU program, North Korea invited Siegfried Hecker, a renowned U.S. nuclear scientist, and showed its uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon in 2010.

In Friday's media report, North Korea made public photos of what appears to be multiple cascades of centrifuges, without revealing the location of the uranium enrichment facility.

North Korea has been advancing its nuclear and missile programs, including the development of nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

In 2023, the country stipulated the policy of strengthening its nuclear force in the constitution, with repeated claims that its status as a nuclear state is "irreversible."

Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said with the rare disclosure of the nuclear facility, North Korea seems to be sending a message to both the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates as a neck-and-neck race has been unfolding.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her Republican rival, Donald Trump, held their first televised debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday. U.S. media outlets said voters who watched the debate assessed Harris had outperformed Trump.

North Korea is probably telling Harris that she should not follow U.S. President Joe Biden's policy on North Korea, if elected, as the disclosure of a uranium enrichment facility points to a failure in Biden's policy, Hong said.

Observers have voiced concerns that Trump, if reelected, could seek nuclear disarmament negotiations with North Korea or a freeze in Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal, instead of denuclearization talks. Against this backdrop, North Korea seems to be highlighting the need for nuclear disarmament talks as a realistic option.

The North's leader Kim and then U.S. President Trump held summit talks in Hanoi in February 2019, but it ended with no deal. Kim reportedly rejected Trump's demand to negotiate not only the Yongbyon nuclear complex but also other uranium enrichment sites, including one in Kangson, in exchange for sanctions relief.

"For North Korea, the revealing of a uranium enrichment facility would be the most effective card to greatly affect the U.S. presidential election, without carrying out a nuclear test," Hong said.

He said it would be difficult for North Korea to press ahead with the seventh nuclear test as it would be too risky in the current geopolitical situation.

North Korea last carried out an underground nuclear test in 2017.

Experts said North Korea is widely expected to stage major provocations in the run-up to the U.S. election, including ICBM launches.

South Korea's unification ministry strongly condemned North Korea for publicizing its uranium enrichment facility, and warned that the North will face an overwhelming and strong response if it poses a nuclear threat or stages provocations. (Yonhap)
Seoul condemns Pyongyang's development of nuclear weapons as UN sanctions violation

By Anna J. Park

On Friday, North Korea publicly announced the existence of its facility for producing highly enriched uranium (HEU), a key component in nuclear weapons.

It was the first time for the North to disclose the existence of its uranium enrichment facility, and analysts believe this was Pyongyang's attempt at pressuring the U.S. into nuclear negotiations, aiming to strengthen its bargaining position in any potential talks with less than two months left until the U.S. presidential election.

Pyongyang's state-run newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, and the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) revealed photos of its leader Kim Jong-un touring a room filled with centrifuges at a previously undisclosed uranium enrichment facility. The North's state media reported that this visit was part of Kim's inspection of the country's weapons-grade nuclear material production capabilities.

"When he went around the site, he said that just seeing the facility energizes him," the KCNA reported. "He stressed the need to further augment the number of centrifuges in order to exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defense true to the party's line of building up its nuclear-armed forces."

Although the exact location of the facility was not revealed, it is presumed to be situated at either the Yongbyon nuclear complex or the Kangson complex near Pyongyang.

Experts suggest that North Korea's sudden disclosure of its uranium enrichment facility was a planned move ahead of the U.S. presidential election, as the North seeks to increase its leverage in future negotiations with the country.

"North Korea's unveiling of its infrastructure, including key uranium production facilities for nuclear weapons, appears to be intended to send a message to the winner of the U.S. presidential election," Lee Sang-kyu, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA), told The Korea Times.

"By revealing these facilities, North Korea seems to be setting the stage for continued strategic provocations while signaling to the U.S. its intent to engage in negotiations on nuclear issues."

There is speculation that Pyongyang may increase the provocations and carry out its seventh nuclear test before the U.S. election.

The South Korean government strongly condemned North Korea's move, emphasizing that the international community will never tolerate the North's nuclear ambitions, which clearly violate multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"Any nuclear threat or provocation from North Korea will be met with a decisive and strong response from the South Korean government and military, grounded in the robust extended deterrence of the South Korea-U.S. alliance," South Korea's unification ministry stated.

"The North Korean regime must realize once again that there is nothing to gain from nuclear weapons. It should swiftly choose the path of freedom, prosperity and peace for the North Korean people. We urge them to promptly engage in denuclearization talks as proposed by our government."

A senior official from the presidential office said that South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the situation and are carefully analyzing North Korea's intentions regarding this disclosure.
The head of Russia's Security Council Sergei Shoigu met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday, Moscow said, weeks after the Kremlin signed a defence pact with Pyongyang.

The visit comes as Moscow seeks ammunition to continue its more than 30-month offensive in Ukraine and as the West accuses Pyongyang of sending arms to Moscow.

President Vladimir Putin travelled to North Korea in June and signed a mutual defence pact with the reclusive state.

"The meetings in Pyongyang took place in a uniquely trusting and friendly atmosphere in line with the agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries during President Vladimir Putin's state visit," Russia's security council said on its website.

It said Shoigu's meeting with Kim will "make an important contribution to the implementation" of the defence pact.

Shoigu served as Russia's defence minister until May.

Western countries and South Korea have slammed the Russia-North Korea pact and Ukraine has said it found North Korean shells on the battlefield.

Russia and North Korea are among the most sanctioned countries in the world.

Moscow has historic ties with Pyongyang since the Soviet Union helped found North Korea, but has warmed relations since launching its 2022 Ukraine offensive that ruptured ties with the West. (AFP)
By Kim Se-jeong

Six months ago, Byun Seong-wook, 63, welcomed his mother-in-law, who has dementia, to his home in Seoul.

As he watched his wife care for her mother, who is in her 90s, Byun, a retired businessperson, began to think about his own future. "I realized there's no guarantee that I won't develop dementia," he said.

With this concern in mind, he searched for information about dementia and three months later, he joined a K-pop dance class offered at a local library.

"During my research, I learned that dancing helps stimulate rarely used nevers and can help prevent dementia," he said. "Also, I've never danced in my life, and I've always wanted to learn."

His wife also joined him in the classes.

In the weekly class of six students, he is the oldest and the only man. "I don't mind so much. I am here to prevent dementia."

Yet, he is the most dedicated student in the class. He records the classes and practices the moves at home.

"I practice for almost one hour every day," he said. "The most challenging thing is to coordinate my brain with arms and legs."

Dementia is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by cognitive disabilities that affect memory, thinking and behavior. It is difficult not only for the patients but also for caregivers and families, as it leads to increasing dependency in daily life.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people worldwide currently have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases reported every year. Women are more susceptible to dementia than men.

In Korea, almost 10 percent of people aged 65 or older have dementia, according to a 2021 report by the National Institute of Dementia.

According to the Korean Association for Dementia, dance is among many activities that can help reduce the risk of dementia.

"When you try to coordinate your body and brain, it feels like solving a very difficult math problem. But I am happy to take the dance class and see my body movements improving," Byun said.
Officials aim to boost inoculation rate this year

By Jung Min-ho

The Korean government will begin a vaccination program for older adults and other high-risk groups to counter the latest variant of COVID-19.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), Friday, it is scheduled to start its immunization program on Oct. 11 with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to help people strengthen their immune systems against KP.3, a new dominant COVID variant in recent weeks. This campaign will continue until April 30, 2025.

Those aged 65 or older and employees at facilities more vulnerable to outbreaks of the virus, such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers for people with disabilities, can receive the shots free of charge.

Younger people and employees who dont work at such facilities can also receive the shots if they pay. The price will be announced after the end of the governments negotiations with the vaccine providers.

The vaccines intended for the campaign were specifically designed to target the JN.1 strain. They will be more effective against KP.3, a descendant of that COVID variant, than other vaccines used for previous campaigns, according to KDCA officials.

The vaccine developed by Novavax is also under the review of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for approval, they added.

This move comes as the number of COVID-19 cases is falling after a surge between July and August.

The KDCAs data shows that the number of COVID patients admitted to 220 designated hospitals nationwide was 549 during the first week of September, compared with this years weekly peak of 1,452 three weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the number of patients who had visited emergency rooms decreased from 13,451 to 2,831.

For high-risk groups, it is important to receive booster shots every year to effectively protect themselves from new COVID variants, KDCA Commissioner Jee Young-mee said in a press briefing.

Among people aged 65 or older, only 41.3 percent received booster shots against COVID-19 in 2023. Officials say they will step up efforts to increase the rate this year.

One of their plans is to offer people to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 on the same day. Given that more than 82 percent of the people received flu vaccines last year, officials believe this could help encourage older adults to also get COVID shots as well.

In response to an inquiry by The Korea Times last month, an official said nearly 72 percent of people aged 65 or older were expected to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccines once they become available, citing the result of a survey conducted last year.
By Kim Hyun-bin

Mexican Ambassador to Korea Carlos Penafiel Soto emphasized the expanding economic and cultural relationship between Korea and Mexico during an event celebrating the 214th anniversary of Mexico's independence in Seoul on Sept. 11.

The gathering attended by diplomats, government officials and Mexican expatriates showcased the growing bilateral ties between the two nations.

Mexico gained its independence on Sept. 16, 1810, with Miguel Hidalgo's "Grito de Dolores," calling for resistance against Spanish rule.

Penafiel noted that Korea has become Mexico's fifth-largest trading partner, praising the deepening of bilateral economic connections.

"The economic ties between our countries are increasingly strong, and today Korea is our fifth-largest trading partner," he said. "Mexico is becoming increasingly important for Korea. Our country ranks among Korea's top 20 trading partners worldwide, and we are the 10th-largest destination for its exports."

He expressed gratitude to companies that have invested in Mexico and benefited from the robust bilateral relationship. "I want to thank those companies that have placed their trust in Mexico and that benefit from the solid bilateral relationship," Penafiel added.

Lee Jae-woong, deputy minister for public affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also underscored the significance of the bond between the two countries, highlighting their shared values and cultural exchanges.

"These commonalities have fostered a profound appreciation for each other's cultures," Lee said, citing the popularity of Korean dramas such as "Squid Game" and "Crash Landing on You" in Mexico and the global reach of K-pop.

Conversely, Lee noted the Korean fascination with Mexican cuisine and culture, including tacos and tequila, and the historical and scenic allure of Mexico.

Lee also expressed appreciation for the contributions of Mexican war veterans in Korea's path toward democracy.

"Thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of Mexican veterans who fought for freedom and democracy in Korea, Korea has emerged as a global pivotal state dedicated to advancing global freedom, peace and prosperity," he said.

The phrase "global pivotal state" has been Yoon Suk Yeol administration's slogan for its diplomacy policies.

Penafiel highlighted the importance of personal connections in strengthening bilateral relations.

"I am convinced that, in the relationship between Mexico and Korea, the most important factor is the people who make it possible: students, teachers, businesspeople, bicultural families and tourists," he said.

"Therefore, I am especially pleased to celebrate the resumption of direct air connectivity between our capitals. Promoting contact between our societies is and will be one of the key tasks of our embassy."
















The U.N. Command (UNC) is most focused on ensuring open dialogue to reduce tensions and maintain the armistice, its deputy chief has said, as the U.S.-led multinational force has been investigating a series of inter-Korean border incidents.

Lt. Gen. Derek Macaulay said tensions on the peninsula have "really started to take place" following the dissolution of the 2018 military agreement that calls for, among other things, halting all hostile military activity between the Koreas and setting up maritime buffer zones.

South Korea fully suspended the tension-reduction pact in June as the North conducted GPS jamming attacks and sent balloons, including those that carried trash and manure, across the border.

"There is a number of events that have taken place, some of which would have been armistice violations and have been investigated," Macaulay said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.

While Macaulay did not elaborate on the outcome of the UNC's probes, he stressed the principle of having a balanced understanding of the situation and talking it through with relevant stakeholders in an open dialogue.

"When an infraction or perceived infraction to the armistice occurs, then the commander orders an investigation and an investigation team is immediately dispatched to gather the information from all parties, to really have a full understanding of the situation and provide recommendations to him and then in open dialogue to the parties that are involved," he said.

"We want to focus on the dialogue and providing that avenue to maintain and ensure the safety and security of the peninsula. That's really where we as UNC are focused on in the current situation," Macaulay said.

Against such a backdrop, Macaulay said the so-called pink phone, a rare military telephone line that connects the UNC with the North, is still an effective means of communication.

"It is in good maintenance and we are able to communicate when and if required and they are able to communicate with us when they need to," he said.

When asked about the possibility of resuming public tours to the Joint Security Area within the Demilitarized Zone that have been suspended following the U.S. Army private Travis King's border crossing and heightened border tensions, Macaulay hinted that talks are under way.

"We'll continue to work with the government to see how we can make them open to a broader audience," he said on the tours that are currently provided on a limited basis to relevant officials. "It all depends on the situation of the day and how we can ensure the safety and security of people conducting those tours."

Macaulay called the UNC's cooperation with South Korea "phenomenal" and said UNC members seem to be committed "more than ever" amid the changing security environment that has increased interconnectedness between the South and the world.

He flatly rejected North Korea's accusation that Germany's recent addition to the multinational force is an attempt to make an Asian version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

"The UNC is really focused on today, maintaining and enforcing the armistice," stressing that the command was established under resolutions that are solely dedicated to the Korean Peninsula. "And certainly we don't compare ourselves to NATO."

The UNC, which consists of countries that sent troops or medical aid for South Korea during the Korean War, was established in July 1950 under a U.N. mandate to support the South against North Korea's aggression.

Macaulay assumed duty as the UNC deputy commander in December, having participated in operations in conflict zones, including in Bosnia and Iraq. (Yonhap)
Korea's government said Friday it has appealed a British court's decision to reject its lawsuit to reverse an international tribunal court's order to pay about $100 million in damages to the U.S. hedge fund Elliott Investment Management.

The case began in June last year, when the Korean government was ordered by the Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) to pay $107.8 million, including damages and interest, to Elliott in a dispute stemming from the controversial 2015 merger of two Samsung Group affiliates.

Then the Seoul government filed a lawsuit with a British court the following month, claiming the PCA ruling should be overturned due to a jurisdiction violation based on the provisions of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA).

But the British court dismissed the suit in August this year, saying it has no jurisdiction over the case.

The Korean government said it filed the appeal with a higher British court on Thursday after concluding through consultations with law firms and external experts that the August ruling contained serious errors in the interpretation of the Korea-U.S. FTA.

The government said it will do its best to correct the British court's dismissal in the upcoming appeal procedures, due to concern that the case will have a negative impact on similar cases in the future. (Yonhap)
The defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States reiterated the "robustness" of the two countries' alliance in a phone call Thursday, the Pentagon said, as Pyongyang has ratcheted up tensions with missile launches and other provocative moves.

Seoul's Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held the talks after Pyongyang launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea and unveiled a new road-mobile missile launcher earlier this week.

"The two leaders reviewed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region," Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a readout.

"Both officials reaffirmed the robustness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance and reviewed priorities to strengthen the combined defense posture," he added, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.

Austin also noted that he looked forward to hosting Kim for the allies' annual defense ministerial talks, called the Security Consultative Meeting, which is slated to take place in Washington later this year.

This week, Pyongyang has been raising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

On Friday (Korea time), the North's state media revealed that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently visited a uranium enrichment base  a rare disclosure of Kim's tour of such a key nuclear site. There, he called for increasing the number of centrifuges for uranium enrichment.

The move and other provocative acts came amid lingering concerns that Pyongyang could engage in major provocations near the U.S. presidential election, possibly to bolster its leverage. (Yonhap)
The military has recently taken down more than 1,300 surveillance cameras installed at various bases, including those near the border with North Korea, after discovering they were Chinese-made equipment, a military official said Friday.

In late July, military and intelligence authorities found out the surveillance cameras supplied by a South Korean company were produced in China during military equipment examinations, according to the official.

The military has uninstalled all of the equipment in question and is replacing it with domestic equipment due to security concerns. Currently, about 100 of them have been newly installed.

"The CCTVs at issue were found to be designed to be able to transmit recorded footage externally by connecting to a specific Chinese server," the official said. "No data has actually been leaked."

The official said the surveillance cameras were not used to monitor the border with North Korea but for military training grounds and base fences.

The company that supplied the cameras is suspected to have falsified the equipment's country of origin, and the military is considering taking legal action against it. (Yonhap)
South Korea's spy agency said Friday that it is closely monitoring the possibility of North Korea's foreign minister visiting Russia.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) made the assessment in response to a news report that North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui is expected to visit Russia to attend the fourth Eurasian Women's Forum set for Sept. 18-20 in St. Petersburg.

There has been speculation that Choe may travel to New York to take part in U.N. General Assembly meetings, which are set to open on Sept. 24.

If Choe visits Russia, she may make a courtesy call on Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Russian leader attended the opening ceremony of the Eurasian Women's Forum in 2018.

The North's foreign minister last traveled to Russia in January, when she met with Putin.

North Korea and Russia have been bolstering military and other cooperation, with the North's leader Kim Jong-un and Putin holding summit talks in June in Pyongyang. They signed a new partnership treaty that includes a mutual defense clause. (Yonhap)
By Jhoo Dong-chan

The Incheon Global Campus (IGC) hosted an admissions fair in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Founded jointly by the central government and Incheon Metropolitan City, the IGC is a school campus shared by multiple foreign academic institutes including the State University of New York (SUNY) Korea and George Mason University.

According to the Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education, Friday, about 200 students visited the 2024 Incheon Education Festival held at Renaissance International School Saigon and EMASI International Bilingual School in the capital of Southeastern Asian country starting Sept. 5.

The five-day event aimed to introduce the international schools in the IGC and their academic programs as well as admission information for Vietnamese students who are interested in studying abroad.

Representatives of the IGC, SUNY and George Mason University Korea opened booths there during the event.

Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IGC has been actively hosting overseas admission fairs targeting Southeast Asian students, IGC Foundation CEO Park Byeong-geun said.

This year, we continued promoting the IGC through our participation in fairs, visiting international schools as well as various institutions in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to expand opportunities for more exceptional foreign students to enroll in IGC programs.

Thanks to mounting interest in the IGC and its international schools academic programs, the student enrollment has reached 4,192 for the fall semester this year, jumping 93 times from the campuss initial enrollment of 45 students.

As of now, the IGC is hosting SUNY Korea, George Mason University Korea, Ghent University Global Campus, University of Utah Asia campus and Stanford Research Center Korea.

According to the IGC, these academic institutes provide the same curriculum as their home campuses, with all academic operations, including admissions and degree conferral, managed directly by the home campus.
Doctors and medical professors announced a decision Friday not to join a consultative body proposed by the government and the ruling party to resolve the monthslong medical standoff, saying that it is "premature" to do so unless the government changes its course.

Earlier this month, the government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) proposed the establishment of a joint consultative body involving rival parties and the medical community to discuss the government's medical reform plan that centers on raising the medical school admission quota to around 2,000 annually for the next five years or so.

The plan faced fierce opposition from doctors, and most of South Korea's 13,000 trainee doctors have left their workplaces since February, causing serious disruptions to the national health care system.

"At a time when the government has maintained its stance, it is premature for us to take part in the consultative body," Choi An-na, a spokesperson of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), said in a press briefing.

"If the government wants a dialogue, it should stop the probe regarding the mass resignation by trainee doctors and stop pushing for the quota hike plan for 2025," she said, calling for in-depth discussions to determine the possible quota adjustment.

The statement was issued jointly by the KMA, the national medical school professors' council and six other groups of doctors.

The KMA has demanded the government cancel its plan to raise the medical school admissions quota for 2025 and 2026 and discuss the possible quota adjustment for 2027 or afterward.

Though the PPP and the government have said they can have talks with the medical circle on all possible options, the office of President Yoon Suk Yeol said it is practically impossible to withdraw the hike plan for next year.

The government finalized in June a quota hike of some 1,500 students for next year, and due college entrance procedures have already begun.

"If the government goes ahead with the quota increase plan for 2025, schools have to teach 7,500 students under the circumstances for educating around 3,000 students. It will cause confusion for the next 30 years," Choi said.

In response to the latest statement by doctors, PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho voiced regrets, while stressing that "the door for dialogue still remains open."

"(Doctors) have repeatedly said about what they can never accept. Rather than refusing dialogue, I hope the ruling, opposition parties, doctors and the government gather together and find a good solution," Choo told reporters.

With no signs of progress in talks between the government and doctors, concerns are mounting over a deeper crisis, particularly during the Chuseok holiday.

Hospitals have been forced to cut back on surgeries, outpatient treatment services and emergency room operations.

The government has dispatched military and public doctors to emergency care centers and run a task force in charge of monitoring and handling the national emergency care system.

It has also decided to markedly raise the payment by patients for emergency care services during the holiday if they visit hospital ERs with mild cases. (Yonhap)
President Yoon Suk Yeol visited hospitals in Seoul on Friday to encourage medical staff and reaffirm the government's commitment to carry out health care reform measures to enhance essential medical services.

The visit to two public emergency hospitals, the Seoul Medical Center and National Medical Center, came a day before the five-day Chuseok holiday to address concerns about potential disruptions in medical services amid a prolonged walkout by trainee doctors. It marks his second hospital visit in about a week.

In his meeting with medical staff, Yoon reiterated the government's determination to push forward with reform measures although a majority of trainee doctors have left their workplaces since February in protest of the sharp hike in the medical school admissions quota beginning next year.

"The government is pursuing healthcare reform out of urgency, recognizing that the current system is unsustainable as doctors responsible for essential care are forced to endure excessive workloads," Yoon was quoted as saying.

He said the government will sharply increase the budget to support hospitals that provide essential care to reduce deficits and improve working conditions for professionals.

"We will ensure that the treatment of specialists gets better," Yoon said. "A fair compensation system for the dedication of the medical community must be in place for the system to function efficiently."

The prolonged strike has raised concerns about potential disruptions in medical services during the extended holiday, prompting the government to designate Sept. 11-25 as a special period and increase health insurance payments for hospitals that operate during the period. (Yonhap)
By Nam Hyun-woo

Sohn Young-kwon, former president and chief strategy officer (CSO) of Samsung Electronics, will join the board of Arm, the U.K.-based processor intellectual property (IP) company said Thursday (local time).

Arm said in a press release that it appointed Sohn as its new board member. This is the second time for Sohn to have a seat on Arms board.

Arm is one of the most important IP providers for companies designing mobile application processors. It licenses its architecture to chip designers and holds a dominant position in mobile devices.

Sohn served nine years as Samsungs president from 2012 to 2021. He was in charge of strategies for global innovation, investment and new business creation. He is known for leading Samsungs $8 billion acquisition of Harman International in 2017. He is now Harman Internationals chairman of the board, a board member of Cadence Design Systems and founding managing partner of Walden Catalyst Ventures.

Having previously served on the Arm board of directors, my long history with the company provides unique perspectives into how critical Arm technology is to the world that relies on it, Sohn said.

The Arm compute platform will be central to future innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), and I look forward to being part of the team that will drive the future of computing."

The depth of experience that Young (Sohn) brings will be invaluable to Arm as we continue to diversify our business and work to address the very real and complex computing challenges in the age of AI, Arm CEO Rene Haas said. Young has a fantastic track record from a long career of leadership positions at some of the worlds most important semiconductor companies, and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to define the future of computing.
Unionized workers of Renault Korea Motors, the Korean unit of French auto group Renault S.A., began a full-scale strike Friday, as little progress was made in wage talks, company officials said.

The union of Renault Korea has been on a partial strike since Tuesday over the wage dispute.

It was unclear about how the full-scale strike would affect production at Renault Korea's plant in the southeastern port city of Busan.

However, the company has dispatched some employees to the plant to prevent production lines from being fully suspended.

An official at Renault Korea said the company has kept the door open to negotiations with the union. (Yonhap)
SK Energy completes SAF pipeline in Ulsan

By Ko Dong-hwan

Major refiners in Korea are bolstering manufacturing infrastructure for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as the government has recently announced mandates to require a certain proportion of the low-emission fuel to be used by national airliners, according to the companies, Friday.

This infrastructure drive by the refiners aligns with projections from industry experts, who expect the country's SAF market value to surge from 1 trillion won ($751 million) in 2021 to 28 trillion won by 2027, driven by increasing demand.

The first mover in the countrys SAF market is SK Energy. SK Innovation, the firm's parent company, said it has introduced an SAF manufacturing plant inside the companys refinery complex in Ulsan and plans to begin its commercial operation next month.

The countrys first SAF plant implements a co-processing method. By installing a separate 5 kilometer-long pipeline at a biofuel storage tank to feed biofuels like cooking oil waste or animal fat to an existing petroleum refining facility, the company can process SAF and petroleum products simultaneously.

With the new plant, SK Energy said it possesses a complete value chain across material supplies to manufacturing and sales. It also acquired in June the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), an emissions mitigation certification issued by International Sustainability & Carbon Certification.

With the new plant that can produce SAF continuously, we can preemptively prepare for the governments latest SAF requirement and supply the fuel to airliners without delay, said Hong Gwang-pyo, chief of SK Energys strategic operation division. We might expand our SAF manufacturing capacity further depending on policies to be newly made by the government or outside the country.

GS Caltex has recorded its first SAF export, according to the company, Thursday. On Sept. 13, it sold 5,000 kiloleters of CORSIA-certified SAF that it had imported from Finnish company Neste to Itochu International in Japan, which then supplied it to Narita International Airport.



S-Oil, which on Sept. 1 sealed the countrys first deal to supply SAF to Korean Air for its flights between Incheon and Tokyo, also plans to launch a manufacturing plant dedicated to the fuel. The companys CEO Anwar A. Al-Hejazi said on Aug. 30 that he was considering introducing the plant to expand its SAF supply both domestically and abroad.

The refiner said, Thursday, that it has agreed with T'way Air to supply SAF for the low-cost carrier's flights flying to and from Japan starting this month. The two companies have also decided to jointly promote and cooperate for the country's SAF market.

HD Hyundai Oilbank, which recorded the countrys first SAF export in June to Japanese conglomerate Marubeni, plans to start building a manufacturing plant for SAF and other aviation biofuels using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), with its completion set for 2027.

On Aug. 30, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport signed memorandums of understanding with the countrys major refiners and airport authorities to mandatorily use SAF for 1 percent of jet fuel for all national airliners flights starting in 2027. According to the International Air Transport Association, the measure can cut carbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared to traditional fuels.

The move followed the National Assemblys passage of the Petroleum and Alternative Fuel Business Act in January.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump launched campaign blitzes Thursday with dramatically different approaches to attracting swing-state voters who will decide the presidential contest.

In North Carolina, Democratic nominee Harris used rallies in Charlotte and Greensboro to tout endorsements from Republicans who have crossed the aisle to back her. She also promised to protect access to health care and abortion, while delighting her partisan crowds with celebrations of her debate performance Tuesday, taking digs at Trump and cheerleading for her campaign and the country.

We're having a good time, aren't we? Harris declared, smiling as her boisterous crowd chanted: USA! USA! USA!

In the border state of Arizona, the Republican Trump pitched a tax exemption on all overtime wages, adding it to his previous proposals to not tax tip s or Social Security income. But the former president squeezed those proposals, along with a nonspecific pledge to lower housing costs, into a stemwinding speech marked by his most incendiary rhetoric on immigration and immigrants themselves, name-calling of Harris and others, and a dark, exaggerated portrait of a nation Trump insisted is in a freefall only he can reverse.

I was angry at the debate, Trump said, mocking commentators' description of his performance Tuesday. And, yes, I am angry, he said, because everything is terrible since Harris and President Joe Biden are destroying our country. As he repeated the word angry, Trump's crowd in Tucson answered with its own USA! USA! USA! chants.

The competing visions and narratives underscored the starkly different choices faced by voters in the battleground states that will decide the outcome. Harris is casting a wide net, depending on Democrats' diverse coalition and hoping to add moderate and even conservative Republicans repelled by the former president. Trump, while seeking a broad working-class coalition with his tax ideas, is digging in on arguments about the country  and his political opponents  that are aimed most squarely at his most strident supporters.

That could become a consistent frame for the closing stretch of the campaign after Trump shut the door on another debate. That potentially could have been another seminal moment during a year that already has boomeranged around milestones like Trump's criminal conviction by a New York jury, Trump surviving an assassination attempt , Biden ending his reelection bid amid questions about his age, and Harris consolidating Democratic support to become the first woman of color to lead a major-party ticket.

There will be no third debate, Trump said Thursday, counting his June matchup against Biden in the total, and insisting he had won his lone encounter with Harris on Tuesday in Philadelphia.

The post-debate blitz reflected the narrow path to 270 Electoral College votes for both candidates, with the campaign already having become concentrated on seven swing states : Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Harris itinerary Thursday put her in a state Trump won twice, but his margin of 1.3 percentage points in 2020 was his closest statewide victory. Arizona, meanwhile, was one of Trumps narrowest losses four years ago. He won the state in 2016.

In North Carolina, Harris took her own post-debate victory lap , and her campaign already has cut key moments of the debate into ads. But Harris warned against overconfidence, calling herself an underdog and making plain the stakes.

This is not 2016 or 2020, she said in Charlotte. Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.

She touted endorsements from Republican former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney, both of whom have deemed Trump a fundamental threat to American values and democracy.

Democrats, Republicans and independents are supporting our campaign," Harris said in Charlotte, praising the Cheneys and like-minded Republicans as citizens who recognize a need to put country above party and defend our Constitution.

Yet she also made a full-throated defense of the Affordable Care Act, the 2010 law commonly called Obamacare and passed over near-unanimous Republican opposition. She mocked Trump, who has spent years promising to scrap the ACA but said at their debate that he still has no specific replacement in mind.

He said, concepts of a plan, Harris said. Concepts. Concepts. No actual plan. Concepts. ... Forty-five million Americans are insured through the Affordable Care Act. And hes going to end it based on a concept.

She saddled Trump again with the Supreme Courts decision to end a womans federal right to abortion, paving the way for Republican-led states to severely restrict and in some cases effectively ban the procedure.

Women are being refused care during miscarriages. Some are only being treated when they develop sepsis, Harris said of states with the harshest restrictions.

The vice president added her usual broadsides against Project 2025 , a 900-page policy agenda written by conservatives for a second Trump administration. Trump has distanced himself from the document, though there is a notable overlap between it and his policies  and, for that matter, some of the policy aims of Republicans like the Cheneys.

Harris approach in Charlotte and Greensboro tracked perhaps her widest path to victory: exciting and organizing the diverse Democratic base, especially younger generations, nonwhite voters and women, while convincing moderate Republicans who dislike Trump that they should be comfortable with her in the Oval Office, some policy disagreements notwithstanding. Thats the same formula Biden used in defeating Trump four years ago, flipping traditionally GOP-leaning states like Arizona and Georgia and narrowing the gap in North Carolina.

Trump, meanwhile, appears to bet that his path back to the White House depends mostly on his core supporters, plus enough new support from working- and middle-class voters drawn to his promises of tax breaks.

A raucous crowd cheered his new promise to end taxes on overtime wages. The Harris campaign quickly labeled the proposal a snake oil sales pitch, noting the Trump administration abandoned Obama administration plans to vastly expand the number of workers eligible for overtime pay in favor of a less generous expansion . In a state where rising housing prices has been an acute issue since the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump also pledged to reduce housing construction costs by 30 to 50 percent  a staggering drop that he did not detail beyond pledging to cut regulations and ban mortgages for illegal aliens."

We are going to bring back the American dream bigger, better and stronger than ever before, Trump said, beaming.

But he reserved most of 75 minutes at the podium for, in his words, anger. Mostly about an influx of migrants across the U.S. Southern border, but also about the ABC debate moderators he said were unfair in the debate he insisted he won. He singled out Linsey Davis, calling her nasty  the same word he would use to describe his 2016 Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Trump ticked through many of his usual immigration bromides, arguing that migrants in the U.S. illegally have taken over cities and suburbs. He again alluded to the debunked claims  fueled by right-wing actors on social media  that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating domesticated pets and fowl in public parks. Trump invoked the approval of Hungary's authoritarian leader, Viktor Orban, and he elicited roars when he promised largest deportation operation in the history of our country.

Throughout his remarks, the former president mispronounced Harris first name, and he insisted she is both a Marxist and a fascist  political ideologies that rest on opposite ends of the left-right political spectrum. (AP)
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. (Reuters)
Pope Francis wrapped up an arduous 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific on Friday, defying health concerns to connect with believers from the jungle of Papua New Guinea to the skyscrapers of Singapore.

The 87-year-old pontiff took off for Rome, completing his longest trip in duration and distance since he became head of the world's estimated 1.4 billion Roman Catholics more than 13 years ago.

The Argentine pope has relied on a wheelchair since 2022 because of knee pain and sciatica, had a hernia operation in June 2023, and earlier this year battled flu and bronchitis.

Occasionally, during his four-nation trip, the pope struggled to keep his eyes open when listening to late-night liturgical readings or to remain engaged during formal military parades.

But he was clearly energised by more freewheeling exchanges  cheerfully goading young people to shout out their agreement with his calls to help those in need.

In a lively final inter-religious meeting with young Singaporeans, the pope urged them to respect other beliefs, avoid being "slaves" to technology and to get out of their comfort zones.

"Don't let your stomach get fat, but let your head get fat," the pope said, raising a laugh from his audience.

"I say take risks, go out there," he said. "A young person that is afraid and does not take risks is an old person."

The historic tour, initially planned for 2020 but postponed by the Covid-19 pandemic, has included 43 hours of flight time and a distance of 32,000 kilometres (almost 20,000 miles).

But neither the pace  16 speeches and up to eight hours of time difference  nor the heat, nor multiple meetings have forced any rescheduling of his international odyssey.

On a trip that took him to the outer edges of the Church's world, the pope delivered a sometimes uncomfortable message for leaders not to forget the poor and marginalised.

In Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority state, he visited the capital Istiqlal Mosque to deliver a joint message against conflict and climate change.

In sweltering Papua New Guinea, he donned a Bird of Paradise headdress in a remote, jungle village where he told inhabitants to halt violence and renounce "superstition and magic".

Addressing political and business leaders, he insisted that the country's vast natural resources should benefit the "entire community"  a demand likely to resound in a nation where many believe their riches are being stolen or squandered.

And in staunchly Roman Catholic East Timor, he addressed nearly half the population, drawing about 600,000 rapturous believers in the tropical heat to a celebration of mass on the island's coast.

Francis addressed East Timor's leaders, hailing a new era of "peace" since independence in 2002.

But he also called on them to do more to prevent abuse against young people, in a nod to recent Catholic Church child abuse scandals.

In the affluent city-state of Singapore, the pope called for "special attention" to be paid to protecting the dignity of migrant workers.

"These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage," he said.

There are an estimated 170 million migrant workers around the world. Most live in the Americas, Europe or Central Asia.

But the Argentine pope was otherwise full of praise for the "entrepreneurial spirit" and dynamism that built a "mass of ultra-modern skyscrapers that seem to rise from the sea" in his final destination.

Sandra Ross, 55, a church administrator in Singapore, said she was still "feeling the warmth and joy" after attending mass led by the pope.

"I was deeply touched by Pope Francis' courage and dedication to his mission, despite his health challenges. His spirit and enthusiasm are truly inspiring," she said.

"This Asia tour is a beautiful gesture, highlighting the importance of unity and understanding across cultures and faiths."

Lise de Rocquigny, 47, a French expat living in Singapore, said during the visit the pope had appeared tired at points but also engaged and "quite fit".

"The pope was really able to convey the messages that are close to his heart: inter-religious dialogue, solidarity, charity, listening to the poor, concern for our home Earth." (AFP)
An optimistic Prince Harry on Friday said he was "excited about 40" before he reaches the landmark birthday this weekend, but his positive outlook contrasts with negative opinion of him back home and strained family ties.

The younger son of King Charles III, now living in California with his American television actress wife Meghan and their two young children, reaches the milestone on Sunday.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Archie, aged five, and three-year-old Princess Lilibet live in the celebrity enclave of Montecito, near Santa Barbara, on the US West Coast.

"I was anxious about 30, I'm excited about 40," he told the BBC in a statement, adding that becoming a father had given him a "fresh perspective on life".

"Being a dad is one of life's greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place," he added.

Royal commentators, however, contrasted his positive outlook with his continued isolation from the royal family and reflected that there was little chance that he could return to the fold.

Harry's ties with his family back home have been increasingly fraught since the couple quit royal life and moved to North America in early 2020.

First came an explosive US television interview in which the couple claimed that senior royals speculated about the colour of their unborn son's skin.

Meghan is of mixed heritage.

Suggestions of racism prompted Harry's brother William, heir to the throne, to declare when asked that the royals were "very much not a racist family".

The brothers' grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, also politely questioned Harry and Meghan's version of events.

"Recollections may vary," she said in a statement, promising to look into the matter.

A potentially decisive rupture came early last year with the publication of Harry's uncompromising and unfiltered autobiography "Spare".

The book, which is set to be released in paperback in October, was seen as an all-out attack against the centuries-old institution of the royal family, which still plays a central role in British life.

It includes lengthy passages on Harry's strained relationship with his "beloved brother" William, 42, whom he also describes as his "arch-nemesis", and their father.

Experts told AFP they did not see any reconciliation on the horizon.

"His differences from other members of the royal family probably would have been settled by now if any agreement had ever been possible," said Mark Garnett, from the University of Lancaster in northwest England.

Harry told American TV network ABC in February that he was "sure" his father's cancer diagnosis could reunite the family, days after a brief visit to the king.

However, on another visit by the prince to London in May, father and son were at separate events nearby but did not meet.

Harry, who has railed against media intrusion, even reportedly declined an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace during his visit and instead stayed at a London hotel.

Relations between William and Harry, whose once-close bond was forged with the death of their mother Princess Diana in 1997, remain publicly frosty.

They were seen together at the late queen's funeral in September 2022 but have pointedly kept their distance at subsequent events, including at their father's coronation in May last year.

Royal author Robert Jobson likened the pair, who are reportedly not on speaking terms, to stags "who have locked horns".

"I can't really see a reconciliation in the near future," he told reporters in London this week.

While Harry and Meghan have more supporters in the United States, the British public has also apparently taken sides in the family feud.

Harry and Meghan languish at the bottom of royal popularity surveys, alongside his disgraced uncle Prince Andrew, whose links to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have made him persona non grata.

In contrast, William and his wife Catherine, who is recovering from cancer, are hugely popular.

Former British Army captain Harry, meanwhile, is keeping busy with several projects, chief among them preparation and promotion of the Invictus Games he founded for military veterans with disabilities.

He and Meghan also recently completed a mini-tour in Colombia and Nigeria promoting mental health, equality and inclusion.

Pauline Maclaran, who has written about the royals and consumer culture, said such tours could refine the Sussexes' "branding" and make them "stay relevant".

But she warned that only "the (royal) titles that make them different from other celebrities." (AFP)
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Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front-row taxi ride.
Puffer fish contain a poison called tetrodotoxin and the discovery of up to 100 of them at a popular Sydney beach has sparked alarm.

Between 50 and 100 puffer fish were discovered at Gordons Bay in Sydney. Source: Amy Chalier

Beachgoers have been warned to tread carefully after a 'deadly' discovery near one of Australias most popular tourist beaches. Between 50 and 100 dead puffer fish were reported to have mysteriously been found by a dog walker on Friday morning at both Gordons Bay and Tamarama, south of Sydneys iconic Bondi Beach.

Local woman Amy was concerned that either she or her dog might accidentally step on one. I thought Oh my God. Then I picked my dog up and I absolutely left," she said.

"It made me think, if Gordons Bay is where they're all congregating, I don't really want to swim there any more.

While most of the fish were quite small, Amy estimated some were as long as her forearm. Last month in the Victorian city of Geelong, one estimated to be twice that size washed up on the sand.

Dozens of puffer fish were found washed up at Gordons Bay along with plastic and seaweed. Source: Amy Chalier

How dangerous are puffer fish?

All species of puffer fish are covered in spines and are full of a poison called tetrodotoxin.

Sydney University animal behaviour expert Professor Ashley Ward told Yahoo News the level of toxicity can vary between different species. He warned if a dog ate one it could be lethal, but the likelihood of this occurring would be low.

The most famous type of puffer fish is the Japanese fugu fish  it achieved international notoriety from an episode of The Simpsons which tells the story of Homer eating one at a sushi restaurant and being given 22 hours to live.

The fugu fish shot to global fame after it was featured in an episode of The Simpsons. Source: Fox/The Simpsons

In real life, it is eaten as a delicacy, but only after its organs which contain lethal amounts of poison are removed. Deaths from consuming the toxin while eating the fish are rare, with about 50 cases of pufferfish poisoning occurring each year in Japan, according to the nation's Ministry of Health. Symptoms usually begin to occur within 20 minutes to three hours of ingestion and include numbness and paralysis.

Authorities urge anyone 'stung' to seek urgent medical attention

Just after 1pm, Randwick City Council confirmed its staff were removing 20 to 30 puffer fish from the sand at Gordons Bay, and that NSW Beachwatch safety monitoring service had reported them at Tamarama beach, about 2km north.

Council confirmed the incidents had been referred to the EPA, and it urged anyone "stung" by a puffer fish to seek urgent medical attention.

"We dont know why the fish were washed in. Unwanted species caught on fishing lines are often returned to the ocean and can wash into the shore. Other variables can include high winds, changes in water temperature, algal blooms or disease outbreaks," it said in a statement.

It added, "Puffer fish are extremely poisonous and should be avoided. If beachgoers in the Randwick City Council area see puffer fish on the sand, they can notify our Lifeguards or call Councils customer service line on 1300 722 542."

Experts shed light on puffer fish mass mortality

Pictures taken at the beach at 7.30am show large amounts of seaweed and plastics intermingled with the puffer fish at Gordons Bay. After they were shared on social media someone responded with an unverified report of a similar occurrence on the NSW Mid North Coast.

While puffer fish are cute, but they can contain lethal does of poison. Source: Getty

Yahoo News reached out to several marine experts about the occurrence in Sydney and some speculated overnight winds, swell and rain could have played a role in driving the fish to shore.

Sydney University marine ecology expert Professor David Booth said without dissecting the fish it would be impossible to determine what caused the mass mortality.

He said the event isn't necessarily linked to a marine heatwaves or climate change, which are known to kill migrating fish and sea dragons. While disease could also be a factor in the deaths, testing would prove difficult because they would have picked up bacteria from the sand.

"You often get these unusual occurrences and people think the marine biologists know what that is. But there are just so many possibilities," he said.

"I'm not discounting the idea that there was a major oil spill, a huge heat pulse or something like that, but without the evidence we can't tell."

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

When evil meets innocence alone in the darkened theater of a high school in an agonizing 10-minute sequence in director Martin Scorseses Cape Fear, the encounter may be as nerve-wracking as anything captured on film. In the scene, Max Cady, a sadistic psychopath just released from prison, feeds 15-year-old Danielles insecurities and emerging sexuality to hook and--ever so slowly--reel in his catch.

What caught critics off guard in last weekends No. 1 box-office film wasnt Robert De Niros benign malevolence as Cady--Oscar-caliber performances are almost expected of him--but Juliette Lewis ability to hold her own next to De Niro and shine in what will probably be a career-making role.

Usually when people go, Oh my God, Bob (De Niro), theyre nervous to meet him and stuff because they feel inadequate--is that the right word?--or not as good as (he is), Lewis said. And I dont say Im as good as him. Im just confident about my own abilities. Yeah. And I am.

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De Niro and Lewis, who was 17 when she shot Cape Fear, never rehearsed that tense scene, which was filmed on location at a school auditorium in Fort Lauderdale. Scorsese used two cameras, one on De Niro and one on Lewis so he wouldnt have to edit later and interrupt the tension. The scene was shot three times; the first take was used in the film.

The young Lewis--whose two major credits were the 1990 TV movie Too Young to Die? and this years small feature film Crooked Hearts--was required to improvise at one point, when De Niro sticks his thumb into her mouth before kissing her. Before we did that scene, Lewis recalled, (Scorsese) said nonchalantly, Bob is going to do something. But he wouldnt say what. Im sure they didnt know how I was going to react, if I would stay in the scene or lose it.

Lewis did stay in the scene, responding as she believed the girl would respond. After initially pushing De Niros probing thumb away, she started sucking on it. Afterward, she looked up at him hesitantly, her eyes asking: Did I do all right?

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He put his thumb in my mouth all the way, and then he pulled it all the way out, Lewis said. Ill tell you exactly what it felt like, emotionally--like someone walked up, penetrated you and then walked away.

Any questions about Lewis ability to understand the very adult manipulation and sexual intimidation in her scenes with De Niro vanishes upon meeting her. Shes 18 now, although she went to court to have herself declared an adult at 14 to avoid the restrictive labor laws faced by child actors: Like not being able to work 12 hours, adult hours, Lewis said during an interview last week in her publicists office in Century City.

Her emancipation was supported by both her father, actor Geoffrey Lewis, and her mother, Glenis Batley, a graphic artist. The couple split up when she was young.

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See, I wanted to work, Lewis said. And I hated that theyd say, We lose the kid in five minutes! So youd have to rush, you know. And Id want to do my best. And also you have to pay a (legal) guardian who sits and basically does nothing. And you have to pay them like $600 a week. Things like that I didnt need.

Lewis hair is bleached white-blonde for a new feature film she just finished shooting. While she speaks in the laid-back, broken language of a teen-ager raised in Southern California, her mind races too fast and carried ideas that were sometimes too expansive for her vocabulary to express; she often pauses in conversation searching for just the right word.

Lewis was only three weeks into her freshman year of high school when she dropped out. She later took a high-school equivalency test. Now, she wants to take English classes to help her reach the eventual goal of writing.

She said it often freaks people out that she has done so much--or given up so much, depending upon your point of view--in the pursuit of her career. It throws people off, and its very weird, she sighed. But Ive just always been that way. I sort of knew what I was going to do, and I wanted to be prepared. Because people just sort of let life lead them, and they dont make everything happen.

It used to be a curse. I even told Marty (Scorsese). We were sitting on the set one day, and I said, Sometimes I just wish I was stupid. Its a curse to be smart, because nobody, nobody understands it. And they cant think its possible, that Im so young and know what Im saying or know what Im doing.

Although Scorsese has been criticized for the merciless violence and disturbing content in Cape Fear, Lewis supports him. We need to see this. The violence Marty (Scorsese) portrays is real. And its much better to see that than other movies where they blow people away left and right and nobody feels anything. He makes you feel. He makes you not be able to look away because its so realistically done. He makes you feel disturbed by that.

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Lewis was the first actress interviewed for the role of Danielle in Cape Fear. She remembered meeting De Niro alone one Saturday morning at a Beverly Hills Hotel room before flying to New York to meet with Scorsese.

It was to my advantage because I knew that was not a normal situation for (De Niro), interviewing young girls, Lewis said. I could tell he was a little uncomfortable. I mean, all the other girls came in with their moms. So I said something to put him at ease. I summed everything up very quickly, meaning I didnt tell him an elaborate story of all the pieces of (crap) work Id done. I said, If you want to see if I can act, just look at this movie-of-the-week Ive done.

Its precisely because she has grown up so fast that Lewis feels she was able to pull off her Cape Fear role. (Lewis boyfriend--actor Brad Pitt, who played the pretty-boy hitchhiker in Thelma & Louise--is 27.)

I knew what I was portraying, Lewis said. Its like, you gotta be past the phase you were playing. You cant be in that phase or youll just play whats beneath you, what you already know. A girl whos like that doesnt know why she feels the way she does, why shes innocent and insecure.

Is Lewis, at the tender age of 18, still innocent?

Before answering, she put her head down and thought for a moment. No, she said finally. In the sense that I know there are people who cut up children. I know there are snuff films. Thats when youre not innocent anymore, when you know the types of evil taking place in your world.

Lewis doesnt recall a moment when she underwent a sexual awakening. Instead, she said, I was always aware of how men can be drawn to women.

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I was like 12 or something, when you first kiss a guy and you see the way the guy reacts, how they get really excited, or whatever. And Im perceptive, so I think, Ah, jeez, is that something that Im able to do? 

Lewis is getting scripts, but she thinks people are looking for her to prove herself, as though her performance in Cape Fear were a fluke. One of her biggest fears is that she will never again work with people the caliber of Scorsese, De Niro, or Nick Nolte and Jessica Lange--her parents in Cape Fear. Yeah, it does worry me, she said. Thats whats scary.
A mobile phone detection camera caught Daniel Damen driving with a 'phone in his hand' but his wife tells a very different story.

An Aussie woman is fighting back against a $1,200 fine and the loss of four demerit points after her husband was caught allegedly touching a mobile phone while driving her car.

Lauren Damen said her husband Daniel was driving her car on September 13 when a mobile phone detection camera snapped an image of him. Authorities allege that he is touching his phone, but wife Damen says that he is holding his leg in the grainy image the Queensland Revenue Office supplied.

After contesting the fine, Damen told Yahoo the fine was "ridiculous" and claims it clearly shows Daniel's trousers  not a phone. "His hand is on his upper thigh which has made his black pants look more rectangle," she explained.

Despite contesting the fine, Damen said she was told "it appears to be a phone so the fine is not being withdrawn".

"I emailed the revenue office and was like, 'How have you determined that's a mobile phone?' They say they go off the size, shape, phone case, buttons and screen when neither of those, like none of those, are actually determined in this photo," she said in a video posted to social media.

"I know for a fact my husband doesn't use his phone when driving."

Family call out high cost of Queensland fine: 'Ridiculous'

The NSW family, who were driving in Upper Coomera, a suburb on Queensland's Gold Coast, have called out the hefty cost of the fine. "I think the price of the fines is ridiculous, we are in NSW and the mobile fines here are only around the $300 mark," she explained.

While the cost of fines varies from state to state, Queensland has the toughest penalties for mobile phone and seatbelt offences  with drivers facing $1,209 and four demerit points recorded against their driving history.

In NSW, the fine for illegal mobile phone use is $410, or $544 if detected in a school zone. There's also a penalty of 5 demerit points for illegal mobile phone use, which increases to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.

The family are now contemplating taking the matter to court. "My husband was adamant on paying it to just get it out of the way. I said 'no way, this is how they get away with it'," she told Yahoo.

"My friend was done with her wallet on her lap too. It's very frustrating in a time where a $1,209 fine isnt exactly money to throw away."

Queensland Revenue Office weigh in on fine process

While Queensland Revenue Office told Yahoo it is unable to comment on individual cases for privacy reasons, it explained the process of identifying offences  and how those can appeal fines.

"Mobile phone cameras take images of each vehicle travelling in the lane of traffic that the camera is monitoring,' the spokesperson said.

"Where a possible offence is detected, separate reviews of the images are undertaken by at least two trained and authorised officers within Queensland Revenue Office to determine whether to issue an infringement.

"Where it is determined an offence has been committed and an infringement is issued, images are not altered or redacted before they are included on the infringement notice issued to the registered operator of the motor vehicle.

"The alleged offence images provided on an infringement notice are provided to the operator of the motor vehicle as a courtesy only. Clearer high-resolution images are used by QRO for processing and adjudication purposes."

It's understood the images can be viewed by logging onto the Department of Transport and Main Roads Online Services portal. But Damen claims that she requested the high-resolution images, but was told "the photos supplied were all they had."

The spokesperson went on to say recipients can submit a fine enquiry and have the matter reviewed by a third independent officer, and any further action is suspended until the review is complete.

"Fine recipients also have the option to elect to have the matter heard in court," they said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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At the recent Venice Film Festival, star power and style were on full display, but it was Jenna Ortega and Winona Ryder's behind-the-scenes moment that stole the show. The actresses, who are currently working together on the highly anticipated sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, made headlines not just for their striking looks but for a charming gesture that quickly went viral.

As expected, the red carpet was buzzing with celebrity arrivals, and Ortega and Ryder made a splash with their fashion choices. However, it was a simple exchange between the two that captured everyone's attention. Arriving by boat, Ortega sported a pair of sunglasses that caught the eye of eager photographers. As is common at such events, the photographers requested that Ortega remove her shades for clearer shots.

In a surprising twist, Ryder, who was poised to comply with the request, received a discreet nudge from Ortega. Jenna advised Winona to keep the sunglasses on if she preferred, sparking a heartfelt moment of camaraderie that quickly spread across social media.

In a follow-up press meeting, Ryder expressed her surprise at the viral nature of the incident. She revealed that while she felt some pressure to remove the glasses, Ortega's supportive words made her feel comfortable and appreciated. Catherine O'Hara, another star present, humorously noted that while she initially took her sunglasses off, she soon put them back on.

The incident highlights the deep bond between Ortega and Ryder, which extends beyond their on-screen roles. Ortega has previously praised Ryder for her warmth and professionalism, expressing gratitude for their collaborative experience on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Jenna described Winona as someone who made her feel special and welcomed throughout their time working together.

Despite past controversies, including legal issues in the early 2000s, Winona Ryder has maintained a successful career, with notable achievements including Golden Globe nominations and celebrated performances in Stranger Things.

This touching moment between Ortega and Ryder at the Venice Film Festival not only showcased their friendship but also reminded fans of the genuine connections that often lie behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood events.
Jersey Mikes is pushing its tentative opening date by a good week, while Qdoba Mexican Eats has officially opened at the newly-revamped Westgate Mall in Bethlehem.

Qdoba Mexican Eats on Monday grand opened in a newly-constructed strip mall at the shopping center, along Schoenersville Road, an employee confirmed to lehighvalleylive.com. It becomes the second regional location with another Qdoba site along MacArthur Road in Whitehall. As of last year, there were over 750 locations nationally, as well as in Canada and Puerto Rico, the chains website states.

Qdoba Mexican Eats is known for its bowls, burritos, tacos, nachos, salads and cheese-crusted quesadillas. Protein choices include grilled adobo chicken; ground beef; hot and sweet chicken; steak; pulled pork; and brisket birria. Toppings dont cost anything additional. They include fajita vegetables, guacamole, queso and seven different salsas at various heat levels, according to the menu.

Qdobas opening follows the 2,300-square-foot Starbucks with drive-thru, which opened on Aug. 16, at the end of the new strip mall. Peoples First Federal Credit Union additionally softly opened on Aug. 19 and is planning a grand opening on Wednesday, said Tyler Welk, vice president of marketing at Peoples First Credit Union.

Welk described the Bethlehem branch as being Peoples First most technologically-advanced site. Festivities for the grand opening will include prizes and free food, as well as sign-ups for new members.

The credit union is on the site of the former Dempseys American Kitchen. The restaurant in the malls parking lot previously sat vacant since the diner closed in 2005. It was then demolished to make way for the credit union.

Additionally, a 4,540-square-foot, newly-constructed McDonalds, featuring a dual-lane drive-thru, outdoor patio and ordering kiosks, softly opened in March. The fast-casual giant grand opened on April 25. The site sits at Westgate Malls corner at Schoenersville Road and Westgate Drive.

Another new tenant  Oak Street Health  in June 2023 opened its 12th statewide clinic in space that previously occupied Rite Aid. The 10,000-square-foot Rite Aid, at the south end of the shopping center, previously sat idle for two years. It shuttered in May 2021.

The shopping destination also welcomed Fine Wine & Good Spirits back to its original location following some upgrades. The liquor store prior was operating in a temporary location next to the former Amateur Athlete space. The original space was totally gutted and expanded before reopening in September 2023, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board spokesman Shawn Kelly had said.

Peoples First Federal Credit Union softly opened on Aug. 19, 2024 and is planning a grand opening on Wednesday. Tyler Welk, vice president of marketing at Peoples First Credit Union, described the Bethlehem branch as being Peoples First most technologically-advanced site.Courtesy photo

Coming up

Jersey Mikes is slated to open its doors next at the newly-constructed strip mall within Westgate Mall. The strip mall, near the new Weis Market, was constructed at the site of a former interior portion of the mall.

The sub shop now plans to tentatively open on Sept. 25  seven days from its initial Sept. 18 target date, franchise owner Geritt Curran told lehighvalleylive.com this week. All construction work is completed, and the location is now awaiting final inspections from the city, Curran said.

Once the town is able to conduct our inspections, then we should be good to go, he said.

The Bethlehem sub shop will become Currans 22nd franchise in the chain. He also operates regional sites in Forks Township; Lower Nazareth; Lower Macungie; and Whitehall. He recently added a South Whitehall location.

Jersey Mikes is known for its premium meats and cheeses, sliced on the spot and piled high on in-store baked bread. Theres cold choices, such as Jersey Shores Favorite, which is provolone and ham and cappacuolo; and Club Supreme, which is roast beef, Swiss, applewood smoked bacon and turkey. Theres also hot selections, such as Chipotle Cheese Steak, with grilled onions, peppers, white American cheese and chipotle mayo; and the Grilled Portabella Mushroom & Swiss, with portabella mushrooms, green bell peppers, onions and Swiss.

Fans know they can top their creations off with Mikes Way, which includes onions, lettuce and tomato topped off with a zing of the juice, meaning blended red wine vinegar and olive oil. Subs can be purchased in three sizes  the 5-inch mini, 7-inch regular, or 14-15-inch giant  alone or part of a meal with chips and a drink.

Two other fast-casual restaurant chains  So Fresh and Tropical Smoothie Cafe  are expected to fill two remaining units of the building sometime this fall, had said Marjorie Kaplan, vice president of public relations for Axiom Communications, which is handling communications for Westgate.

SoFresh and Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be opening their first regional eateries at Westgate. Tampa, Florida-based SoFresh is known for serving up bowls, salads, quesadillas and wraps while Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers a variety of beverages, as well as sandwiches, bowls, wraps, salads, breakfast items, and sweet treats, according to the chains menu.

A freestanding Penn Community Bank with drive-thru is being built between the new strip mall and new Weis. The bank also is expected to open in the fall, Kaplan had said.

The multi-million-dollar Westgate Mall redevelopment project is being spearheaded by Onyx Equities of Woodbridge, New Jersey. The project includes four phases. The shopping center sits along Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem.Donna Fisher | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

Multi-million-dollar project

The multi-million-dollar Westgate Mall redevelopment project is being spearheaded by Onyx Equities of Woodbridge, New Jersey.

The mall itself was built in 1973 on Schoenersville Road near Routes 22 and 378. Onyx Equities around 2021 started its four-phase transformation of the malls empty spaces. The 50-year-old mall is getting its second biggest overhaul in nine years.

There was a $5 million facelift in 2015, which added Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Westgate changed hands in October 2018 when it was bought by Onyx. That move came after the mall lost its anchor, The Bon-Ton, earlier that year.

Onyxs first three phases included: moving Weis Markets in May 2021 from a 33,000-square-foot building at the end of the center to the larger, former Bon-Ton space; the redevelopment of the former Weis space into two portions, which includes Calabasas, California-based Harbor Freight Tools; and the the demolition of about 50,463-square-feet of existing interior mall space.

The interior demo work forced at least six existing retailers  Hawk Music; Westgate Jewelers; Holiday Hair; Fashion Nails; Amateur Athlete; and Subway  to relocate. All, with the exception of Subway, have since found other locations. Subway ended up closing at Westgate Mall for good.

Just a few empty spaces remain at Westgate Mall. They are mostly around Harbor Freight Tools, ranging from 1,200 to about 13,000 square feet. As of early August, signs at the mall indicated an estimated 13,000-square-feet of space remained available for leasing.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Gov. Phil Murphy signed Thursday a contentious hemp bill that had drawn applause from supporters who say it will crack down on dangerous unsanctioned products sold at gas stations and other places and has drawn scorn from those who say the law is so restrictive it could also put legal hemp businesses out of business.

The bill will essentially make it illegal to sell intoxicating hemp products without a cannabis license and will put the products under the purview of the states Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Currently, the products are not regulated and, critics say, are too easily available to minors.

In signing the bill, Murphy said what the bill aims to accomplish outweighs the parts of the legislation that have been criticized. One of the flaws of the bill, the governor said, is that it allows places with alcohol stores to sell beverages that contain hemp without the same standards as cannabis stores. It will also put added responsibility on the cannabis commission to enforce additional regulation without additional money, he noted.

In the same way that golden and Labrator retrievers are both dogs  hemp and marijuana are different plants, but part of the same genus. Hemp products come from a plant that with lower levels of the THC component that gives users a high, and is federally legal. Marijuana, often referred to as cannabis, is a plant with higher amounts of THC that is still federally banned.

The big selling point for hemp was that, unlike weed, it wont get you high. But a loophole in the existing law actually had allowed intoxicating hemp products to be sold without a license.

Because the bill would address this present danger, I have concluded that the wiser course is to sign the bill now and commit to working with the legislature to address the technical issues and other challenges in separate legislation, Murphy said.

The potential danger was the impetus for the the bill.

Today, New Jersey takes a major step to protect our children. The lack of regulation of intoxicating hemp products and beverages has helped fuel a rise in cannabis-related hospitalizations and poses a threat to the well-being of our communities, said the bills sponsor, Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). Public health and safety should always be our top priority. We are grateful to Governor Murphy for taking swift action on this bill to get these products off of store shelves and implement responsible regulations.

Although the hemp products and the public health detriment is real, the implementation of the law is questionable, said hemp lobbyist Beau Huch.

This law will decimate New Jerseys emerging hemp industry by excessively limiting access for adults, he said. Theres no real long-term benefit to the cannabis industry and enforcement will be extremely difficult. It is throwing the good actors out with the bad.

The measure has been cheered by cannabis businesses that have sunk millions of dollars into legitimate cannabis licenses.

Licensed cannabis businesses in New Jersey have responsibly overseen the legal cannabis marketplace since its inception, said New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association president Todd Johnson. We commend the Legislature for extending these rigorous standards to intoxicating hemp-derived products.

But critics of the bill stated that the threshold that defines products as intoxicating is so restrictive that it would essentially make a large portion of hemp products unsellable and is well above the threshold for what it takes for someone to actually be intoxicated  a point Murphy conceded in his statement.

Meanwhile, farmers that have already been licensed under the states hemp program have said that the new rules could leave them in limbo.

Additionally, it may be hard for hemp businesses to get a cannabis license and cannabis businesses require security and saferoom requirements that might not be feasible for the size of each location.

Also, cannabis licenses are not available in all New Jersey municipalities.

Municipalities can choose whether they want cannabis businesses within their town and currently the majority of towns statewide have opted out. Towns that have opted in can set their own rules about the types of businesses they want and whether they want to cap the number of cannabis businesses.

The bill comes with new demands for the CRC, which has been criticized by state Senate President Nicholas Scutari, who has often clashed with the commissioners and who has previously suggested diminishing the power of the commission.

The additional responsibilities the bill puts upon the commission  and the fact that the mandate is such a specialized issue  may make it harder for Scutari to advance those arguments, said sources inside the commission not authorized to speak about the issue.

Among other additional concerns will be whether or not the agency is slated to receive more money to handle the increased responsibilities.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, one of the countrys largest weed markets, and an ally of Murphys on the Democratic Governors Association, recently issued an emergency ban on hemp products that drew similar criticism.

Jelani Gibson may be reached at jgibson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @jelanigibson1 and on LinkedIn.
Independent candidate Elaine Mullally is halfway through her "listening tour of Laois", a series of public meetings held in towns across the county.

The Portarlington woman recently announced her intention to run as an independent candidate in the next general election, and could make history as the first Laois woman to represent the county.

Mrs Mullally has said that from listening to locals at her public meetings, the main issues Laois voters are facing are housing, immigration, the education system and childcare. The candidate maintains that her direct interactions with constituents gives her a clearer perception of "what Laois wants".

"Housing is a massive concern, immigration is on everyones mind, and our education system, particularly for children with special needs, requires urgent reform and investment to ensure these children and their families get the support they need," Mrs Mullally said.

"Childcare is also a huge issue for families trying to balance work and life. Im incredibly grateful for the turnout so far at my public meetings its been a powerful reminder of why I'm running."

"Weve had incredible discussions at every event, and the people of Laois are sharing their stories, their struggles, and their hopes for the future," said Mrs Mullally.

Pictured: Independent candidate Elaine Mullally

If elected, Mrs Mullally would make history as the first Laois woman to represent the county, yet the candidate maintains that her mission "goes beyond breaking barriers".

The Independent candidate assures that she is "laser-focused" on tackling the core issues facing the constituency: housing, immigration, childcare, and educationespecially in the special needs sector.

"As an Independent, I feel I can genuinely represent the voices of the people, free from the shackles of the oppressive whip system that dominates Irish politics," Mrs Mullally said.

"I am here to serve Laois, and to do that, I need to listenreally listento what matters to the community, work on solutions and get the job done."

Mrs Mullally was a founding member of Independent Ireland, and held the position of Chairperson before parting ways last July. Mrs Mullally has said she left the party as it "no longer aligns with her values and principles."

When asked why people should vote for her, Mrs Mullally said I have the courage and integrity to stand up for what I truly believe in.

With four out of her seven planned meetings already completed in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Abbeyleix, and Clonaslee, Mrs Mullally will soon visit:

Mountmellick on 18th September in Mountmellick MDA.

Mountrath on 19th September in Bloom HQ.

Killeshin on 25th September in Killeshin Hall.

All meetings are open to the public and will begin at 8:00 PM.

Mrs Mullally encourages all Laois residents to attend. "These events arent just about listeningtheyre about shaping the future of Laois together," she finished.
A promised hospice facility for Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath which has seen millions of public money committed is being delayed because the Government can't make up its mind where to build it, according to a Laois Offaly TD.

The Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley made the claim after receiving a Dail reply which promise from Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly that an announcement is imminent.

There was a big welcome for 20 million was committed by the then Taoiseach Micheal Martin in 2022 for a unit to be built near Tullamore hospital. However, problems emerged over site selection as an original property was deemed unsuitable.

A subsequent consultation process on a new site took views from Laois Hospice and other stakeholders. It concluded in February 2024 and those who contributed were promised that a site would be chosen shortly.

No decision has been reached since which leaves the Midlands as the only region in the country with no standalone hospice unit. This has left the hospice movement frustrated and caused Dep Stanley to seek an update from Minister Donnelly.

The Midlands counties Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath are without any specialised palliative care inpatient unit," said Dep Stanley. "I have raised this numerous times over the years along with others. While we have received many promises and false starts, it appears from the latest reply from the Minister of Health that the can has been kicked down the road again on this matter, he said.

Dep Stanley referred to a Parliamentary Question about the hospice the Minister refers to capital funding being available for a 20 bed specialist palliative care unit and outlines what this will provide.

The Minister told the TD that is anticipated that a decision on the chosen site for the new Midlands hospice will be announced shortly.

Dep Stanley gave his view on this.

While I would hope that this will happen quickly, this issue has been pushed back and forward and up and down now for several years. We were told the funding was provided for this two years ago. It has left counties like Laois and Offaly without a centre to provide the care needed at the most difficult times for patients and families, when people are reaching end of life, he said.

Dep Stanley praised organisations such as Laois Hospice for their trojan work raising huge sums for hospice care.

The Fianna Fail/Fine Gael Government have not shown the same level of urgency and now need to move ahead. Its long past the time for this facility to be provided which other parts of the country have had for years, he said.

In a written reply to Dep Stanley on Monday, September 9, Minister Donnelly said the new specialist palliative care inpatient unit at Tullamore is a priority area for action in the HSE National Service Plan (NSP) 2024, HSE Capital Plan 2024 and Three-Year Palliative Care Services Development Framework (2017  2019). It is also a commitment in the Programme for Government.

As Minister, I am fully committed to the building of a new Midlands hospice. In September 2022, the Government announced 20 million in capital funding for the development of a 20-bed specialist palliative care inpatient unit in the Midlands, he said.

Saying it would be a hub for the provision of specialist palliative care services he said the selected site will provide the best palliative care to the people of the Midlands.

The reply came from the Minister in the same week as he launched National Adult Palliative Care Policy. Ensuring people have equal access to palliative care across Ireland is among 25 key changes in a strategy.

Minister Donnelly launched the report saying dignified end-of-life care "goes right to the soul" of who we are. However, the report has highlighted regional inequities in terms of access to care.

Laois Hospice is raising funds for hospice care in Laois through Coffee mornings on September 26.

Register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 26  or on a date that suits you  at www.hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996.
A Laois councillor has hit out at the Government for not delivering more money to the county under a scheme which is described as being "essential" for the many small community groups and organisations.

Cllr James Kelly, independent, highlighted what he believed is a deficit in Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) funding in Laois at a meeting with councillors and council officials in County Hall.

The matter arose after Cllr Paddy Bracken tabled a motion relating to the refurbishment of O'Connell Square in Mountmellick.

"There's a town team in place working very hard to redevelop the whole town, and looking at the potential for improvements," said Cllr Bracken at the latest Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District meeting.

"I think that this is a very important phase, to try and source funding in terms of enhancing the square. This is a very special area, its the whole centre of the town.

"Theres funding out there, and I would ask that we try impress upon the local authority that we need to get that square finished. The second phase needs to be done, Im not happy at all that its still going on from over two years ago," Cllr Bracken said.

Cllr James Kelly supported the motion adding that he and Cllr King sit on town teams in Mountrath and Rathdowney.

"Its a slow process, as we both know it, but only for the great work of Denise Rainey and her staff (in the council), wed still be back three or four years, back in the dark ages where we werent going to get anything done," he said.

Pictured: Councillor James Kelly.

"Denise Rainey can make it happen, but Mountmellick definitely needs the funding. We were lucky enough that we got the town and village funding in both towns, but we need to get more funding.

Theres 14 million going spare now chair, from the European decision there. Theres plenty of money going to be available there, so its about time this Government got off their ass and started giving some of the money out, instead of talking about it," Cllr Kelly continued.

"Were talking about it in this chamber at every council meeting, and yet theres a big kitty out there and nobody seems to want to give it out. So its about time now that ye started moving lads," Cllr Kelly said.

Cllr John King asked for more information on the amount of notices of motion that have been completed.

"I also want to know from all of the notices of motion, roughly 18 per month, how many are completed? I know that I have quite a few that have yet to be attended for all sorts of reasons.

"When it comes to the council, they have to look for money and put it to use as well. When we go canvassing, all we can say is we have tabled the notices of motion, and then it moves on to the next level. I think that more staff is needed both outdoors and engineers," Cllr King finished.

Pictured: The unfinished O'Connell square in Mountmellick.

Councillor Kelly agreed with this point, and questioned the amount of funding allocated from central government.

"You look at the great work that was done before the local elections by our staff here," he said.

"We have 45% of the roads in the county. And theyre giving us what, 2.8 million? To look after forty five percent of the roads in the county? How can we get the notices of motion done when we dont have the funding?" he asked.

"It goes back to the central government. You can say what you like, we do need staff, but it comes back here then.

"Central government have the power to give us extra money, theyre not giving us the extra money, so were then doing the notices of motion and asking why they arent being done, and then staff will say, we dont have any funding for it. Everything is subject to funding, so its crazy," Cllr Kelly finished.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus McDonald agreed with the points risen.

"I agree that the lack of funding is the main issue," Cllr McDonald said.
A cold case review into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should be completed before any decision on an inquiry is made, the Taoiseach has said.

In December 1996, the body of the 39-year-old filmmaker was found beaten outside her holiday home in Schull, West Cork.

Ian Bailey, the main suspect in her murder, died in Cork in January this year aged 66.

Asked if there should be an inquiry into her death, Simon Harris said a garda cold case review should first be allowed to conclude.

He added that Government will see where the matter stands at that stage.

It comes after the Tanaiste criticised the Irish legal systems handling of the case, saying Ireland failed to find and convict a murderer while noting that the extradition of Mr Bailey to France had also been blocked by Irish courts.

Speaking on Thursday, Michael Martin said: We can ask for a proper review of whether decisions were reasonable which blocked a murder trial or which would have predetermined its outcome.

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.

In October 2020, the High Court in Ireland rejected an attempt by French authorities to extradite him for the murder.

Fresh calls for an inquiry came following the publication of the book Sophie: The Final Verdict by journalist Senan Molony.

Speaking to reporters at Dublin Castle on Friday, Mr Harris said the book dealt with an extraordinarily upsetting saga for the du Plantier family which he said is still seeking justice and answers.

Mr Martin added: It is important to reflect on momentous events of this kind  that we should never ourselves, insulate ourselves or our systems from reflection and observation.

By any yardstick, reading the comprehensive work that [Mr Molony] did and others, Ive come to the conclusion that we did fail the family of Sophie du Plantier and we didnt do right by Sophie du Plantier.

There has to be space in our public discourse for that kind of reflection and observation.

Otherwise, were sort of reinforcing, maybe, issues that do need to change over time.
A Naas District Court case involving alleged public disorder and dangerous driving offences was struck out by Judge Desmond Zaidan on Thursday, September 12 last.

The case revolved around one Noel Caulfield, with an address listed as 3 Roebuck Castle in Clonskeagh, Dublin 14, County Dublin.

The 73-year-old previously appeared in Naas District Court back in September of 2023 in relation to the alleged incident.

It was alleged by gardai that Mr Caulfield committed a public order offence, in addition to a dangerous driving offence, at Canning Place in Newbridge on December 29, 2018.

Mr Caulfield also claimed on this date that he is friends with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

On the latest court date, Mr Caulfield once again represented himself, and the prosecuting garda told Judge Zaidan that an eyewitness in the case could not attend the court session.

Mr Caulfield told the judge: "He has had six years to get ready for this."

"Be patient with me," Judge Zaidan replied.

"I am being patient," Mr Caulfield said.

The judge told Mr Caulfield: "In the 1950s, there were probably eight cases a week in the District Court; now there are 1,000s."

"There is a better judge now," Mr Caulfield responded, which drew some laughter from Judge Zaidan and other court practitioners.

Judge Zaidan said that he would strike the case out 'for want of prosecution', but Mr Caulfield told the judge that he was dissatisfied with this decision, adding: "That's not the result I wanted."

"For your case, what this means is that I have gone the extra mile, I said I would strike it out for want of prosecution," the judge replied: "After that, if you want to talk [about your case further] to a lawyer, you can."

Mr Caulfield said to the judge: "I understand... it's not the result I wanted, but thank you."
RTE Today host Maura Derrane is calling on women in Leitrim to take their heart health seriously as part of the Irish Heart Foundations Her Heart Matters campaign. New research reveals only half of women recognize the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, and 28% have never had a heart health check.

An Ipsos survey, commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation, also found 70% of people wrongly believe that breast cancer is a bigger threat than heart disease and stroke. In reality, women are six times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than from breast cancer.

One in four women dies from heart disease and stroke, just like men, but women often neglect their own heart health, Derrane said. They are caught up taking care of others. I want women in Leitrim to listen to their bodies, know the symptoms, and talk to their doctors if something feels wrong.

Dr. Angie Brown, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director with the Irish Heart Foundation, emphasized the alarming gap in awareness. Women are six times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than from breast cancer, yet its not seen as a womens issue. We need women to be more proactive about their heart health, she said.

The survey found that only 41% of women had spoken to a healthcare professional about their heart in the last year, while 28% have never done so. Dr. Brown urged women, especially those over 50, to recognize symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or extreme fatigue.

Sarah OBrien from the HSE noted that lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and eating healthier, could prevent up to 80% of cardiovascular diseases and strokes.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly praised the campaign for raising awareness of womens heart health.

To support the campaign, the Irish Heart Foundation is hosting a free webinar on October 1st, Her Heart Matters 2024: What Every Woman Needs to Know, chaired by Maura Derrane. The webinar will cover practical advice on preventing and managing heart disease and stroke.

For more information and to register, visit irishheart.ie.
Plus Donald Trump has made a big decision after the US presidential debate with Kamala Harris.

Yahoo's live news blog for Friday, September 13 has now concluded. We started the day with Elon Musk's one-word attack on Australia regarding the country's crackdown on online misinformation.

A toddler has been killed after a vehicle struck her in a suburban Adelaide street. More below.

Donald Trump has made a big call on whether he will face Kamala Harris in a debate rematch, ruling out a second against the Democrat's presidential nominee.

A new image of what William Tyrrell would look like now has been released 10 years after he vanished. See the picture here.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER 14 updates Featured Toddler struck by vehicle dies Some breaking news now. A toddler has died after she was struck by a vehicle on a suburban street this morning. Emergency services were called to Rentoul Avenue in Adelaide's Netherby shortly after 8am and the 18-month-old girl was rushed to hospital. She could not be saved and died in hospital. The driver of the vehicle has been taken for mandatory testing. Investigations are ongoing. Man wins lottery 40 years after fortune teller predicts it Forty years ago a fortune teller told a Sydney man he was going to win the lottery at some point in his life. And on Thursday, he did exactly that. The Belmore resident took home $2.5 million on Keno Classic 10 at his local the St George Hotel. Im superstitious. I do believe in those things, and I truly think things happen in mysterious ways!" the man told lottery officials.

Warning as two people die after taking heroin thought to be cocaine NSW Health has put out an urgent warning after two people died by accidentally taking heroin. The two people thought they had been using cocaine however the substance they used led to a heroin overdose and their deaths. Two other people were hospitalised from heroin overdoses in similar cases. NSW Health's Dr Hester Wilson said a single line of heroin can cause an overdose. One of the dangers of illicit drug supply is the strength and contents of the substance you are getting is unknown and can be inconsistent," she said. Heroin and other opioids can be sold as or found in cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. You cannot always tell the difference between these drugs by appearance."

Dave Grohl says viral baby photo is fake Dave Grohl pictured with his wife Jordyn Blum at Wimbledon this year. Source: Getty Dave Grohl has said a viral post claiming to be a picture of the child he welcomed outside of his marriage is fake. The Foo Fighters frontman, 55, admitted to cheating on his wife Jordyn Blum and fathering a baby girl outside of their marriage on Wednesday. He promised to be a loving and supportive parent in his social media announcement about the child. Grohl, who shares three daughters, Violet, Harper and Ophelia, with Blum, admitted he is doing everything he can to regain his familys trust and earn their forgiveness following his extramarital affair. Shortly after Grohl shared his announcement, an Instagram post claiming to be his newborn daughter, called Roxie Junie Grohl went viral. A representative for Grohl has since told TMZ the post is fake. Read more here. - The Independent

New details about mum of two boys found dead in home The mother of two boys found dead in the Blue Mountains had been sacked from a government department on mental health grounds. The bodies of two boys - Russell, aged 11, and Ben Smith, nine, were found at their Faulconbridge family home on Tuesday. Police are waiting to question their 42-year-old mother after she was taken from the scene to hospital with minor injuries. NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed reports the mother had previously been sacked from a government department job due to mental health issues. Ben and Russell were found dead in their Faulconbridge home. Source: NSW Police "The information I've been given so far is ...the employee was let go from a NSW government agency," Minns said on Friday. "It was challenged in the Industrial Relations Commission, the original decision of the government department was upheld, and I believe it was handled appropriately." The mother's personal Facebook page is filled with photos of her and the children together, showing them on frequent bushwalks and beach visits. She and the boys' father Nick were separated. Investigators have declined to speculate on what occurred before the brothers were killed but police have said they are not looking for any other parties. The premier said government departments would cooperate with any of the "major inquiries" he forecast into the tragedy. Read more here.

Woman's odd protest on busy Melbourne bridge Anti-war protests have continued into a third day in Melbourne and this morning police were faced with a bizarre stunt from a woman taking part. She managed to cement her arm inside the boot of a Subaru which was left on a bridge near the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre which is hosting a weapons expo. Her protest caused significant build up on CBD roads before police managed to move her vehicle by sticking it on wheel dollies. Officers were able to cut her free with a saw and she was then arrested. It comes after ugly scenes in the days prior, particularly on Wednesday, where officers and police horses were attacked by protesters. Read more here. The woman stares down media during her stunt. Source: ABC

Temperatures to plummet for millions this weekend It's been a funny old year for weather, hasn't it? Temperatures are now set to drop for millions over the weekend as a cold front sweeps across Australia's southeast. "This injection of frigid air will cause temperatures to plummet across parts of Tasmania, Victoria, SA, NSW and the ACT over the weekend," Weatherzone said. On Saturday, Melbourne will have a high of 12 and Tasmania just 11. Then on Sunday, Sydney will have a max of 17 and Canberra will reach just 14. A burst of cold weather will strike southeastern Australia this weekend, causing a wintry mix of low-level #snow, icy #winds, #rain, #hail and #thunderstorms.https://t.co/5Xs8yWCSKq  Weatherzone (@weatherzone) September 13, 2024

Home and Away tease dramatic Alf Stewart storyline It can't be can it? Is this the moment we say goodbye to the country's true father figure? Home and Away is teasing a dramatic story line that leaves Alf Sewart in hospital with a suspected heart attack. See the promo below and read Home and Away correspondent Tahlia Pritchard's assessment here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Home and Away (@homeandaway)

Qantas hikes cancellation fee The cost-of-living crisis is rolling on and Qantas is the latest corporation to sting customers. That's because the airline is increasing its fees for changing or cancelling bookings for domestic flights. The higher fees will kick in for passengers next month. The national carrier will bump up the cost of its change and cancellation fees from $99 to $119 per passenger, per ticket. The $20 price hike will come into effect from Wednesday, October 9. Read more from Yahoo Finance here.

Who is Laura Loomer? Concerns over conspiracy theorist travelling with Donald Trump It was the debate moment that left millions baffled. A passionate Donald Trump accusing migrants in a small Ohio town of eating cats and dogs. He claimed he'd heard someone on TV say it, but those within his own party are concerned a hard-right conspiracy theorist was to blame. Thirty-one-year-old Laura Loomer has been with Trump on his campaign trail and had pushed the baseless pet claim to her 1.2 million followers on X the day before the debate and travelled with the former president to the event. Laura Loomer pictured in 2023. Source: Getty Loomer, who has twice failed as a congressional candidate in Florida, 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 has also pushed claims that Kamala Harris is not black, and that the son of billionaire George Soros was sending cryptic messages calling for Trump's assassination. And her online content has raised serious concerns within the Republican party, with one Trump aide claiming to NBC News earlier this year that "everyone thinks she's a liability". Read more about Laura Loomer here.

Beaches closed after increased shark activity Beaches on Victoria's coast have been closed after shark sightings were linked to a whale carcass. "[It means sharks] are closer to the shore than normal," Vic Emergency said. "While it is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Victorian coast, you should exercise additional caution in the area." The advice was issued for Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove south of Geelong. A warning issued by Vic Emergency.

Trump's big call on debate rematch It's an emphatic no from Donald Trump after Kamala Harris suggested a rematch to Tuesday night's (US time) presidential debate. Both parties have claimed they won the debate, however polls from mainstream US media outlets suggested Harris took the victory. And while Trump said in the aftermath he was unsure about a rematch, he has now ruled it out. "THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!" Trump posted on his own social media platform. Trump again suggested the reason Harris wanted a rematch was because she lost the debate. "When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, "I WANT A REMATCH." he wrote. Trump believes he won the presidential debate against Kamala Harris. Source: Getty

Tram derailed in truck crash An unusual collision in Sydney's CBD has led to traffic chaos this morning. A tram was derailed when it collided with a truck near Central station. Sixty passengers onboard the tram were unharmed, Nine News reported, however the incident has led to major traffic delays and disruptions to light rail services. The tram can be seen off its tracks. Source: Nine News

Elon Musk's one-word attack on Australia Elon Musk didn't mince his words  well one word  when responding to Australia's crackdown on misinformation on social media. The X owner called the Australian government "fascists" on his social media platform in response to news social media companies could be fined up to five per cent of their annual turnover under the Commonwealth's proposed laws. Outgoing Labor minister Bill Shorten responded to the post, accusing him of being a hypocrite. "When it's in his commercial interests, he is the champion of free speech, when he doesn't like it, he's going to shut it all down," he said. Read more here. Fascists https://t.co/NQcR9justJ  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 12, 2024

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A.I.S. Resources Sets New Path for Growth with Australian Gold Exploration Update and Board Appointment





VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A.I.S. Resources Limited (TSX.V: AIS, OTC- PINK: AISSF) ("AIS" or the "Company") provides a corporate update regarding its ongoing gold exploration initiatives in Australia.



With the recent rise in gold prices, AIS has renewed its focus on advancing its exploration efforts. Over the next six months, the Company will assess previous exploration data and launch a detailed exploration program across its Australian gold assets.

AIS' Key Gold Projects in Australia:

1. Fosterville-Toolleen Gold Project

AIS holds a 100% interest in the 28 km Fosterville-Toolleen Exploration License (EL6001), located just 10 km east of Agnico Eagle's renowned Fosterville gold mine.

Promising drill targets have been identified at Toolleen, with geological characteristics similar to the high-grade Fosterville mine.

2. Bright Gold Project

AIS has a 60% stake in the 58 km Bright Exploration License (EL6194), with the option to acquire full ownership.

The Company is currently reviewing results from its 2023 drill program and is preparing to define additional high-potential drill targets.

3. Kingston Gold Project

AIS holds a 100% interest in the 167 km Kingston Exploration License (EL6318), which includes a small-scale mine with a 50-meter vertical shaft.

AIS will receive 15% of the revenue from gold sales generated from the Vendor's mining activities outside of their prospecting license.

These three properties, totaling over 250 km, are located in the highly prospective Lachlan Fold Belt in Central Victoria, often referred to as the "Golden Triangle." According to the Geological Survey of Victoria, up to 75 million ounces of gold may still be undiscovered in the region.

Leadership Update

AIS is also pleased to announce the appointment of Muhammad Memon to its Board of Directors. Muhammad brings over 13 years of experience in finance and compliance for public companies across various industries, including mining, real estate, and technology. He has a wealth of expertise in financial reporting, corporate financing, investor relations, and regulatory compliance. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant in Canada and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the UK.

Martyn Element, Chairman of AIS, stated, "We are excited to welcome Muhammad to our board. His expertise will be key in supporting AIS as we continue to expand and pursue new opportunities."

At the same time, the Company announces the resignation of John McCleery from the Board of Directors, effective August 23, 2024. We sincerely thank John for his valuable insights as the Company evaluated its direction and wish him success in his future endeavors.

About A.I.S. Resources Limited

A.I.S. Resources Limited is a publicly traded company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company focuses on natural resource opportunities, aiming to unlock value by acquiring early-stage projects and providing the necessary technical and financial support to develop them. AIS is guided by a seasoned team of engineers, geologists, and finance professionals with a proven track record of success in capital markets.

On Behalf of A.I.S. Resources Limited

Andrew Neale

President & CEO

Corporate Contact

For further information, please contact:

Martyn Element, Chairman of the Board

T: +1-604-220-6266

E: [email protected]

Website: www.aisresources.com

ADVISORY: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligations to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. 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.

13 september 2024 at 01:55

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AirBoss Announces Board Changes





NEWMARKET, Ontario, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AirBoss of America Corp. (TSX: BOS) (OTCQX:ABSSF) (the "Company" or "AirBoss") today announced the retirement of Mary Matthews, CPA, CA, ICD.D, from its Board of Directors, for personal reasons, and the appointment of Jo-Anne O'Connor, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Strategem Capital, to its Board of Directors. Both changes are effective as of September 13, 2024.



"Mary Matthews has been a valued member of the Board of Directors of AirBoss since May 2006, providing invaluable insight and guidance to the Company through her work on the board and various committees," said Chairman and Co-CEO Gren Schoch. "We are grateful for her contributions and wish her the best in future endeavors. At the same time, we are excited to welcome Jo-Anne O'Connor to the Board. With her extensive experience in financial capital markets, corporate sectors, and leadership as President and CEO of Strategem Capital, we believe Ms. O'Connor will bring a unique and valuable perspective to the Company as we move forward with our previously announced strategic transition and explore new avenues for growth and maximizing shareholder value."

Jo-Anne O'Connor is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Strategem Capital, a publicly-listed company with an objective for continued growth through investments in resource exploration and development, mining, energy production and agricultural protein products. She brings over 35 years of experience in financial capital markets and corporate sectors, having started her career at one of Canada's largest banks. During her time there, Ms. O'Connor traded large-cap energy, natural resources and mining stocks for the bank's portfolio. More recently, she has provided investment and strategic advice to family offices. She is also a former director at Canaccord Genuity Group and a member of the Prospectors and Developers Association and the Institute of Corporate Directors.

About AirBoss

AirBoss of America is a diversified developer, manufacturer and provider of survivability solutions, advanced custom rubber compounds and finished rubber products that are designed to outperform in the most challenging environments. Founded in 1989, the company operates through two divisions. AirBoss Rubber Solutions is a North American custom rubber compounder with 500 million turn pounds of annual capacity. AirBoss Manufactured Products is a supplier of anti-vibration and rubber-molded solutions to the North American automotive market and other sectors, and also a global supplier of personal and respiratory protective equipment and technology for the defense, healthcare, medical and first responder communities, through its AirBoss Defense operations. The Company's shares trade on the TSX under the symbol BOS and on the OTCQX under the symbol ABSSF. Visit www.airboss.com for more information.

AIRBOSS FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION DISCLAIMER

Certain statements contained or incorporated by reference herein, including those that express management's expectations or estimates of future developments or AirBoss' future performance, constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, and can generally be identified by words such as "will", "may", "could" "expects", "believes", "anticipates", "forecasts", "plans", "intends", "should" or similar expressions. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events and performance.

Statements containing forward-looking information are necessarily based upon a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time the statements are made, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. AirBoss cautions that such forward-looking information involves known and unknown contingencies, uncertainties and other risks that may cause AirBoss' actual financial results, performance or achievements to be materially different from its estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information, including without limitation: impact of general economic conditions, notably including its impact on demand for rubber solutions and products; dependence on key customers; global defense budgets, notably in the Company's target markets, and success of the Company in obtaining new or extended defense contracts; cyclical trends in the tire and automotive, construction, mining and retail industries; sufficient availability of raw materials at economical costs; weather conditions affecting raw materials, production and sales; AirBoss' ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers in light of increased competition; AirBoss' ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof; AirBoss' ability to successfully develop and execute effective business strategies, including without limitation the strategic transition referenced in this press release; changes in accounting policies and methods, including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates; changes in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar; changes in tax laws; current and future litigation; ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and ability to satisfy the covenants set forth in such financing arrangements; environmental damage and non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations; impact of global health situations; potential product liability and warranty claims and equipment malfunction. There is increased uncertainty associated with future operating assumptions and expectations as compared to prior periods. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of AirBoss' forward-looking information.

All of the forward-looking information in this press release is expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information attributable to AirBoss or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this Interim Report and, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, AirBoss disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly the forward-looking information except as required by applicable laws. Risks and uncertainties about AirBoss' business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Information Form and are otherwise disclosed in our filings with securities regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

13 september 2024 at 07:00

News published onand distributed by:
Terra Balcanica Closes Third Tranche Of Private Placement Financing





NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWSWIRE OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Vancouver, British Columbia, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. ("Terra" or the "Company") (CSE:TERA; FRA:UB1) is pleased to announce closing of the 3rd tranche of the previously announced non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") of units (the "Units") for gross proceeds of $176,010 Canadian, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of $948,760 raised in the Offering to date. The Company previously closed the 2nd tranche of the Offering for gross proceeds of $567,000 as described in the Company's press release dated July 19th, 2024.



The Company issued an aggregate of 1,760,100 Units at a price of $0.10 per Unit pursuant to the third tranche of the Offering announced on May 17th, 2024 with an oversubscription due to investor interest. Terra announced an increase in the amount of the Offering on July 17th, 2024 to raise aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,450,000. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each Warrant issued in the third tranche of the Offering entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.15 until September 13th, 2027. Finders' fees in the amount of $1,750 were paid.

Terra intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for working capital and to fund the field campaign across its portfolio of properties in Saskatchewan and the Balkans.

Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws, all securities issued and issuable in connection with the closing of the third tranche of the Offering are subject to a four (4) month hold period ending January 14th, 2025. The Offering is subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company intends to complete the final tranche of the Offering by the first week of October, 2024.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any U.S. person or any person in the United States, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. "United States" and "U.S. Person" are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

About the Company

Terra Balcanica is a polymetallic and energy metals exploration company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the Balkans of southeastern Europe and northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company has 90% interest in the Viogor-Zanik Project in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina and owns 100% of the Ceovishte mineral exploration licence in southern Serbia. The Canadian assets comprise a 100% optioned portfolio of uranium-prospective licences at the outskirts of the world-renowned Athabasca basin: Charlot-Neely Lake, Fontaine Lake, Snowbird, and South Pendleton. The Company emphasizes responsible engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It is committed to proactively implementing Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and sustainable health, safety, and environmental management.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Terra Balcanica Resources Corp.

"Aleksandar Mi?kovi?"

Aleksandar Mi?kovi?

President and CEO

For the complete information on this news release, please contact Aleksandar Mi?kovi? at [email protected], +1 (514) 796-7577, or visit www.terrabresources.com/en/news.

Cautionary Statement

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "will", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, the use of proceeds for the Offering. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect including, but not limited to, the ability to obtain regulatory approval for the Offering; volatility and sensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market fluctuations; and fluctuations in metal prices. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

13 september 2024 at 16:00

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People protest outside of Scotiabank Theatre about the documentary 'Russians at War' playing at the Toronto International Film Festival on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. PAIGE TAYLOR WHITE / AP

The Toronto International Film Festival said Thursday, September 12, it was pausing all upcoming screenings of controversial documentary Russians at War after receiving "significant threats."

"We have been made aware of significant threats to festival operations and public safety," festival organizers said in a statement, pointing to reports it received "indicating potential activity in the coming days that pose significant risk." "This is an unprecedented move for TIFF," read the statement, adding, "Given the severity of these concerns, we cannot proceed as planned."

Anastasia Trofimova first presented at the Venice Film Festival Russians at War, in which she embedded a Russian battalion as it advanced across eastern Ukraine after Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022. It was to have its North American premiere in Toronto on Friday, followed by additional screenings on Saturday and Sunday.

Both in Venice and Toronto it has sparked outrage across Ukrainian cultural and political circles against what many consider a pro-Kremlin film that seeks to whitewash and justify Moscow's assault. Canada's deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, deplored its screening in Toronto, saying "There can be no moral equivalency in our understanding of this conflict."

'Tool for public manipulation'

Canadian public broadcaster TVO, which had helped fund the documentary, pulled its support for the film and said it would not be airing it. Meanwhile, Ukraine's state film agency appealed to TIFF to drop the film, calling it "a dangerous tool for public opinion manipulation."

Read more Subscribers only Against Putin and his war, Russian poets publish their anger and dismay online

Trofimova has rejected the criticisms, telling AFP the Canada-France production is "an anti-war film" that shows "ordinary guys" who are fighting for Russia. The soldiers depicted appear to have little idea of why they have been sent to the front, and are shown struggling to make Soviet-era weapons serviceable, with others chain-smoking cigarettes and downing shots of alcohol amid the deaths and wounds of their comrades.

Producer Sean Farnel said on X that the decision to cancel the screenings was "heartbreaking." He blamed officials' public criticisms for having "incited the violent hate that has led to TIFF's painful decision to pause its presentation of 'Russians at War.'"
A 'parking vigilante' has tagged cars with aggressive notes, accusing them of a dodgy deed at the expense of local residents.

An Aussie has taped aggressive notes to cars left in their street, accusing the owner of using free residential parking to dodge paying airport parking fees. Source: Facebook

A frustrated Aussie has exposed drivers who allegedly take up free on-street parking while they catch an Uber to the airport to dodge exorbitant private car park fees, illustrating a simmering issue in our nation's cities.

The unknown parking vigilante taped several aggressive letters to car windows calling out the behaviour, with urban planning expert Dr David Mepham telling Yahoo News Australia the lack of parking in many residential streets has made Aussies "aggressively territorial about 'their' parking spaces".

Im a selfish f**k, the angry note found on multiple cars in Nundah, a suburb about 10 minutes north of Brisbane Airport, began. I park my car in front of other peoples houses and then catch an Uber to the airport.

I dont give a toss that the people who live here now have to park further from their homes  I saved a few bucks on parking and I dont care about other people. It went on to brand the motorists self-centred and poor parkers.

The confronting note follows two recent incidents where residents in Melbourne and Sydney went to great lengths to reserve parking spots in front of their homes by illegally putting out orange traffic cones, while others dobbed them in.

Yahoo News has reported on two recent incidents where residents placed orange traffic cones in front of their homes to prevent others from parking there. Source: TikTok/Facebook

Mepham, author of Rethinking Parking: Planning and Urban Design Perspective, told Yahoo News that People tend to become very emotional about parking".

We often do feel entitled to 'cheap, easy' parking, and are conveniently blind to the consequences of our own behaviour. People can become selfish, silly and aggressive about entitlement. Its bullying, theres no two ways about it.

He said the number and size of cars on our roads had increased substantially as the population has grown, which in Brisbane has exploded from around 500,000 in the 1970s to almost 2.3 million today. At the same time the amount of urban space has been reduced.

No 'magic solution' to parking issues without regulations

According to data analysed by Ray White Corporate, Brisbane CBD now has the highest casual parking rate in Australian capital cities with a full day costing a whopping $79.83, compared to Sydney ($77.67) and Melbourne ($67.49).

Mepham said there was no magic solution to prevent people from taking up free spaces in residential streets for days or weeks at a time unless councils took action.

If that street/area is attracting long term 'park and hide' then residents may need to raise it with Council  ask for a parking study to confirm parking issues and propose regulation of parking in that area," he told Yahoo News.

Street parking can be hard to come by on many residential streets. Source: Getty

However, once you have regulation, that needs to be enforced which costs money. Then you can count the minutes until residents start complaining about the regulations.

Other alternatives were introducing residential parking permits, however there was always more demand than supply which could exacerbate the situation as residents often felt even more entitled to a spot if they were paying for one.

Angry note sparks mixed debate on social media

Photos of the notes on the cars in Nundah were posted on social media, attracting a lively debate with some slamming the author's aggressive behaviour and another asking: "entitled much?"

Try living within 200 metres from a train station, one said, while another added, Fancy thinking you own the street in front of your house. Unless there are local residents with permit only signs or they park across a driveway, its a first come first park situation.

However, others pointed out the issue caused real problems for residents.

Weve had two cars parked in our street for over a month, a woman wrote. I checked the registrations and they are both self-rental cars. Sooo annoying but what can we do nothing, I guess till someone rents them out.

Another said his car was recently tagged with a card saying he'd parked like an a**hole after leaving his car in his driveway for 10 minutes as the gate remote wasn't working.

No rules against extended parking in a unrestricted public streets

A Brisbane City Council spokesperson said it had received one complaint this year about extended parking in the two suburban streets mentioned in the post.

This one complaint was received in January 2024 and was about a car parked on a yellow line for an extended period of time, they said.

It is not illegal to park in a residential streets without restrictions unless the car was disobeying other road rules, the spokesperson added.

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MUCH-loved teacher and Limerick city store owner Phil Hassett has passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of Riverdale Nursing Home, Ardnacrusha.

The charming, elegant and joyful Limerick woman is being laid to rest this Saturday, September 14.

A former very enthusiastic PE teacher at Salesians Secondary School, Fernbank, and owner of former clothes shop In Vogue in Thomas Street for 40 years, Ms Hassett is remembered warmly by all who knew her for her beautiful smile and heart of gold.

One person wrote: Phil was a wonderful, bright and bubbly teacher. I really admired her as a teacher and a woman. May she rest in peace, beautiful lady.

Another said: Phil had a wonderful personality and was such a vivacious lady. Used to love calling to see her in her fashion home In Vogue in Thomas Street many years ago. May she rest in eternal peace.

READ MORE: Limerick students and apprentices to compete at national event

Others noted Ms Hassetts great sense of style, with Celia Holman Lee of the Holman Lee modelling agency remembering Ms Hassett fondly in the fashion industry.

I knew Phil most of my life. She had one of the most prestigious and fabulous shops in Limerick, which sold brands and labels from all over the world.

As a young model I had known her and her fantastic store, In Vogue, in the heart of the city. We had millions of conversations about clothes and fashion and everything else - she was a dear friend of mine.

Other condolences reference how Ms Hassett was a beautiful dancer, with an amazing energy.

Celia Holman Lee continued by saying: I used to do a lot of Irish dancing and Phil was a phenomenal Irish dancer. I will always remember after River Dance, I called into her, because I was passing her store all the time in town.

The two of us were talking about River Dance, saying dear God, we wish it was us.. It was a memory and a conversation that always stuck in my mind.

While another person wrote on RIP.ie: Fond memories of Phil and the most beautiful dancer she was. Condolences to Kitty and the extended family and Phils partner. May her memory be a blessing to you always.

Heartwarming condolences spoke of Ms Hassett as having a wonderful sense of humour, with one person recalling her broad welcoming smile, cheeky personality and a language of [her] own.

Ms Hassett is sadly missed by her heartbroken sister Kitty Leahy, brother-in-law Bill Leahy, loving partner Stephen Coughlan, brother-in-law Noel Harris, sisters-in-law Nuala, Joan and Peggy, the extended Hassett, Harris, Lloyd and Leahy family, close friends Anna Booth, Mary Hann Toner and Patricia Hickey Townsend Mulcahy and all her friends, pupils and loyal customers.

Reposing at Thompsons Funeral Home, Thomas Street this Friday, September 13 from 5:30pm to 7pm.

Funeral arriving at St. Munchins Church, Clancy Strand, on Saturday, September 14 for Requiem Mass at 12 noon followed by burial in Mt. St. Lawrence cemetery.
EIGHT students and apprentices from Limerick are set to compete at WorldSkills Ireland 2024.

WorldSkills Ireland is Irelands leading event dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities for young people.

The event is returning to the RDS in Dublin this September 25-27.

Set to welcome a crowd of over 27,000 people, including students, parents and teachers, the event will be a celebration of apprenticeships, skills and careers with interactive demonstrations, career zones and employers who are ready to recruit.

Across the three days, eight students and apprentices from County Limerick will put their talents and knowledge to the test, when they compete against their peers on the national stage during the live competitions taking place at the event.

Over 170 finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades including automation, constructions skills, ICT and culinary arts.

Those competing from County Limerick include: Kieran Bolger and Charlie Ward competing in the Cookery competition, Keri Long competing in Beauty Therapy, Seamus Walsh competing in Mechanical Engineering CAD, Adam Lyons, Kevin Sheedy and Gearoid OSullivan competing in Metal Fabrication, and Paul Buston competing in Plumbing & Heating.

Running concurrently with Higher Options, both events aim to raise the profile and recognition of skills and apprenticeships, preparing the talent of today for the careers of the future.

READ MORE: JP McManus launches fresh initiative for good causes across Limerick

Supported by industry partners, SISK, Autodesk, ESB Networks, Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus, and the Construction Industry Federation, the event is a partnership between enterprise, industry, education, training, and government.

Ray English, chair of WorldSkills Ireland, said: "Congratulations to all the exceptional young individuals who have earned their place as finalists at WorldSkills Ireland in September. This achievement is a testament to their dedication and skill, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate their talents.

He added: WorldSkills Ireland is more than a competition; it's a celebration of skills and a vital platform for promoting apprenticeship and skills-based career opportunities. The event is designed to give students a chance to discover alternatives to university education, showcasing the multiplicity of skills training and apprenticeships on offer and profiling the long-lasting and fulfilling careers currently available across Ireland.

We believe that by promoting skills and apprenticeship opportunities, we can develop innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of various industries. The collaboration between education, industry, and government at WorldSkills Ireland is not only unique, but it is crucial in creating a brighter future for our young people and strengthening Ireland's economy."

Alongside the competitions, there will be demonstrations, try out areas, inspiring real-live talks from industry experts, an opportunity to meet employers who are ready to recruit and the chance to view innovative digital tech skills that are the backbone of jobs of the future.

Designed to promote skills, apprenticeship careers and opportunities for young people, the event allows students, parents, teachers, and guidance counsellors to navigate the options available following secondary education.

The Finals Day is set to take place at the RDS on Friday, September 27 and is a day not to be missed! Registration for the event, which is free to attend, is now open at www.worldskillsireland.ie.
SEAN OSullivan, winner of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) 2024, has been awarded second place at the 2024 EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) in Katowice, Poland.

The 17-year-old from Pallaskenry is a 6th year student at Colaiste Chiarain and was recognised by the EUCYS judging panel for his BTYSTE winning project, titled VerifyMe: A new approach to authorship attribution in the post-ChatGPT era.

He was also awarded the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair Prize.

Seans project considered the challenges of author verification in the context of the significant improvements in Large Language Models (LLMS) like ChatGPT, as the line between human-written and AI-generated text has blurred, leaving academia and industry searching for a reliable method to determine true human authorship.

READ MORE: University of Limerick 'fully accept' findings of a report into building purchases

At the EUCYS, Sean competed against 250 young scientists aged between 14 and 20 from nearly 40 countries in the EU, as well as guest projects from the United States and beyond.

Speaking on his achievement, Sean OSullivan said: It was an honour to travel to Katowice, Poland and represent Ireland at one of the worlds most prestigious science fairs.

With so many fascinating, important projects on display, I am absolutely thrilled to take home the second place prize at the competition.

Mari Cahalane, head of the BTYSTE said: As Irelands representative at the EUCYS, Sean is an incredible advocate for Irelands science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sector, and showcases the very best of the talent that comes from the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition each year.

Here at BT Ireland, we are all incredibly proud of Seans achievements we would encourage as many students as possible to get their entries in for the BTYSTE 2025 before the deadline for applications closes at the end of the month.

Not only will finalists have the chance to showcase their amazing ideas at Irelands leading school STEM exhibition, BTYSTE, the overall winner will like Sean did this year, will represent Ireland at next years EUCYS.

Applications are open for the BTYSTE 2025 until 5pm on September 27 and the 2025 Exhibition will take place from January 8 to 11 in Dublin.

To enter, all students need to do is fill out an online application form and simply submit a one-page proposal outlining their idea. Qualified entries will be announced at the end of October and will be showcased at BTYSTE 2025 in January.
UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick (UHL) is seeking to retain permission for a 24 single bedroom ward it built during Covid-19.

Hospital bosses had the facility built under emergency measures during the pandemic when there was a need for immediate extra beds to respond to a spiralling number of cases of the disease.

Four years on, an application is set to be made to retain the ward.

This is located on the ground floor of an existing building at the Dooradoyle campus.

READ MORE: Gardai make arrest over poison-pen letters sent to University of Limerick staff

On top of this, there is a plant room at the first floor, and a new link corridor is planned to connect this extension to the existing hospital.

External site lighting is planned, while there will also be an upgrade of landscaped areas alongside all associated site services.

The HSE lodged the application with Limerick City and County Councils planning department last week.

However, it was deemed to be invalid, which means a fresh application will need to be made to the planning authority.

At that time, a decision date will be set by planners.
Tributes have been pouring in for the Irish woman who drowned while on holiday in Sardinia.

Evangeline Sapon Musch, aged in her 60s, died on Tuesday, September 10 after being swept off to sea.

Originally from Taguig in the Philippines, Ms Sapon Musch was living in Athy, Co Kildare and was a nurse at St Vincent's Hospital.

She was the mother of four children and had six grandchildren.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for Ms Sapon Musch, who has been remembered as a "breath of fresh air" and a "devoted" nurse.

"Condolences to all of the family at this very sad time. Evangeline you will be missed dearly in work, your smile, care and happiness you shared with all of us daily, thank you. Sing with the angels now and watch over us. Rest in Peace," a colleague paid in tribute.

"So shocked and saddened by this awful tragedy, Evangeline will be sorely missed in St Josephs, she was a breath of fresh air always laughing and singing, Condolences to her beloved Ben and her family. Rest in peace pretty woman," someone wrote in tribute.

A woman whose late father was taken care of by Ms Sapon Musch in the hospital paid in tribute: "Sincere sympathy to Evangeline's partner, family, friends and work colleagues at St. Vincent's Hospital Athy. We have been privileged to have received the devoted care and love of this beloved lady when she, along with her nursing colleagues, attended to my late father, Jim Flood prior to his passing. For that we are eternally grateful. May Evangeline now rest in the care of the Lord."

Ms Sapon Musch is pre-deceased by her parents Felina and Canvto Sr.

She will be sadly missed by her loving partner Ben, her much loved children Vhan Lester, Rio OGiel, Harvey Kent, Quennie Ranel, grandchildren Daphnie, Rhuzze, Ivan, Gavin, Vhon and Harisha, her daughters-in-law and son-in-law Mon, Nemia and Ruth, her brothers and sisters Thes, Carlito, Nicanor, Evelyn and Canvto Jr, her mother and father-in-law Judith and Celestion, her aunt Manang Erling, nephews and nieces Kathline, Quenie, Sharmae, Lawrence, Christy, Junel, Glezel, Iryl, Ve-an, Tata, Nicdle, All the Filipino Community and all her colleagues and health care staff at St. Vincent's Hospital, Athy.

Funeral arrangements to be announced later.

The Alghero Fire Brigade Flight Department and the Cagliari divers, supported by helicopter, were deployed during the rescue operation, according to reports in local media.

The tragedy occurred off the coast in the west of the island, near the village of Portu Maga, right in the centre of Costa Verde.

A specialist diver was lowered into the sea and recovered her from the ocean.

Local reports reported the woman was brought back to land, but that nothing could be done at that point to save her.

It is the second death of an Irish person to occur in Sardinia.
THE GENERAL election could still be anything up to six months away, but already parties in Limerick and nationally are finalising their tickets.

Only Taoiseach Simon Harris can go to Aras an Uachtarain and fire the starting gun on the race for the 34th Dail.

He has consistently maintained the current Dail will run until March, the maximum time allowed for this term.

This comes in spite of pressure from his partys grass roots who sense an opportunity to go to the country before Christmas in the wake of a giveaway budget next month.

READ MORE: Update issued on plans for new vet school at University of Limerick

Candidates locally are being told to prepare to hit the ground running in the event this could happen.

This week, Fine Gael has finalised its ticket in the four seater Limerick City constituency.

Its a case of as you were, with the two candidates who ran in 2020, Minister of State Kieran ODonnell and Senator Maria Byrne flying the flag for the party.

Fine Gael in the Limerick County constituency are expected to finalise their ticket in the next few weeks, with Minister Patrick ODonovan set to be joined on the ticket by newly elected councillor Noreen Stokes.

All parties are selecting female candidates with an eye on new legislation which promises party funding only in return for a quota of women on the ticket.

In this vein, Adare councillor Bridie Collins is to be the running mate to Fianna Fail Minister Niall Collins in the Limerick County constituency.

Former Limerick Chamber chief executive Dee Ryan is expected to be running mate to veteran Fianna Fail TD Willie ODea in the city.

And given her performance in the summers mayoral election, she will harbour hopes of securing a seat.

So far, only one woman has declared elsewhere in Limerick County - Joanne Collins for Sinn Fein - which means there will be at least three candidates with the Collins surname on the ballot in the three-seater.

Independent Ireland TD Richard ODonoghue will hope to secure re-election after his breakthrough victory in 2020.

And Richie Crehan, who hails from Fedamore is also set to run as an Independent.

Councillor Elisa ODonovan has made no secret of her ambition to become only the third woman to be elected to represent Limerick City in the Dail, and is expected to be selected by her Social Democrats party.

Councillor Sarah Beasley, who made history in May becoming Aontus first Limerick councillor is running.

As is Melanie Cleary, who will run for the Mid-West Hospital Campaign.

She lost her daughter Eve in 2019 from blood clots after being discharged from University Hospital Limerick.

Independent councillor Frankie Daly, who came close to securing election in 2020 is running again.

Despite Sinn Feins recent dip in the polls, Maurice Quinlivan will be hoping to come top of the pile in Limerick for a second straight election.

Brian Leddin, who made history by securing a seat for the Green Party will hope to be returned for a second term.

For the first time since 1998, former Education Minister Jan OSullivan will not be contesting a general election for Labour.

Instead, councillor Conor Sheehan, who came within a handful votes of heading the poll in City North at the local election, will be hoping to take a seat previously occupied by the late Jim Kemmy.
Met Eireann has updated its weather forecast for the weekend and next week after temperatures dipped below zero on Thursday night.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel said Thursday night was "a bitterly cold night for many with air temperatures dipping down to -1 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest night of Autumn 2024 thus far with a widespread grass frost and localised air frost also."

However, despite the overnight drop, temperatures look like picking up over the next few days and into next week, according to official Met Eireann forecasts.

They say: "Tonight [Friday] will be mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain or drizzle and patches of mist and fog. It will become largely dry by morning. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 14 degrees with light to moderate southerly winds, fresh at times in the west.

"Most areas will be dry tomorrow morning [Saturday], with some sunny intervals in the east and south. Rain will then move into parts of Munster, Connacht and west Ulster, with a few showers elsewhere. Milder and breezy tomorrow with highest temperatures of 15 to 18 degrees and moderate to fresh and gusty southerly winds.

READ NEXT: 23C Indian Summer forecast for National Ploughing but it's not all good news

"Rather cloudy with outbreaks of rain or showers early [on Saturday] night. The showers will slowly die out with some clear spells developing from the west as southwesterly breezes change westerly. Lows of 10 to 13 degrees.

"Sunday will start out mostly cloudy and damp across the east and south with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Drier and brighter conditions with sunny spells and just a few showers in the west and north will gradually extend southeastwards as the day goes on, although cloud and drizzle may linger all day near the south coast. Highs of 15 to 18 degrees with light to moderate westerly breezes," Met Eireann added.

They say it will be "mainly dry on Monday with cloudy periods and sunny spells and just isolated showers. Highs of 17 to 20 degrees in light southerly breezes.

"A mix of cloud and clear spells at first [on Monday night]. Cloud increasing from the south along with a few showers. A mild night with temperatures no lower than 14 to 16 degrees in light to moderate southerly breezes.

"Current indications suggest a mostly cloudy start on Tuesday with a few showers will gradually give way to warm sunny spells developing during the afternoon and evening. Staying warm with highs of 18 to 21 degrees with light winds," they concluded.
One British woman has warned other travellers about an alarming trend in remote parts of Australia.

Traveller Ash has warned tourists to be careful when venturing through regional Aussie towns as youth crime continues to be problematic. Source: TikTok/ash.ventures.abroad

A British woman travelling through the outback with her partner has warned other travellers to "be cautious", suggesting ongoing youth crime in regional Australia can leave caravaners and backpackers feeling unsafe.

The woman named Ash, who's been sharing her adventures on social media, warned it's particularly troublesome in northern Western Australia around Fitzroy Crossing, a small outback town in the Kimberley region popular with tourists travelling through the area.

She said travellers have reported issues "from Derby all the way through to Darwin".

Fitzroy Crossing, like most Kimberley towns, has struggled with juvenile crime in recent years. "You basically have to stop here for fuel," she explained in a clip on TikTok this week, sitting locked in her car at a petrol station in Fitzroy Crossing.

"You should stop at every station for fuel in the outback because it is so rural, but just travel safe and be cautious". She said she'd heard "so many horror stories from friends".

Recalling one friend's ordeal, she claimed "they went to get fuel. She was in the car whilst her partner went to pay, and some kid came up to the window and tried to break into the car.

"We're being super cautious and I have literally locked myself in the car," she said. "If you're stopping anywhere, just be super careful".

Caravanning couple reveal how to stay safe in regional towns

Retired couple Steve and Leoni, who've been travelling Australia in a caravan for 13 years, echoed Ash's concerns, admitting there are a few things to look out for to ensure your safety when travelling through the Top End of Australia.

"I always say to people, if you do decide to stay at a roadside camp, there are a couple of things to look out for. If there are skid marks or broken glass, don't stop, keep going," Steve previously told Yahoo News Australia.

"That means the kids from the town come out and muck up a bit. Always stay 30, 40 kilometres away from town because usually, you don't get people coming that far out to muck up," he added.

Leoni, 65, and Steve, 68, quit their corporate jobs 13 years ago to travel Australia and have noticed an uptick of crime in some regional towns. Source: Supplied

Alice Springs troubled by youth crime

The couple noted it's particularly problematic in Alice Springs at the moment where youth crime has soared in recent years. In March this year, a temporary curfew was put in place by the NT government to ban young people from the Alice Springs CBD between 6pm and 6am. The aim was to help combat anti-social behaviour in the area. Alcohol bans were also put in place.

In recent years, there's been an uptick in break-ins, burglaries and violence, not just in Alice Springs, but in regional towns across Australia.

Steve and Leoni claim many of the caravan parks in remote town have fences surrounding them, in an attempt to stop youths from getting in. "They're high, barbed wire fences," Steve said. "But they still get in and steal everything".

"We were lucky enough to visit all those places in the early days when it wasn't so bad," his wife and travel partner Leoni added. "But it's certainly not somewhere we'd like to visit anymore."

A curfew was introduced in Alice Sparings in March following rioting and unrest. Pictures: Newswire

Police resources stretched with authorities desperate for a solution

Earlier this year, Northern Territory's Acting Police Commissioner Travis Wurst said the force's resources were stretched as a result of the steep increase in youth crime. "At times we are challenged by simultaneous commissions of crime in certain pockets of the NT, and that does stretch our resources," he said.

The number of violent offences committed by children in the territory has skyrocketed over the past four years, with nearly 2,000 violent offences by youths reported in the year to November, 2023. These figures represent a 50 per cent rise on 2019-20.

Meanwhile, in WA's Kimberly region, a major crackdown was announced in 2022 called Operation Regional Shield which saw dozens of extra officers deployed to the area. At the time juvenile offending was up 54 per cent in the Kimberley, compared with the previous two years, the ABC reported.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Revolt Motors is reportedly all geared up to introduce a brand-new electric motorcycle on September 17, 2024, further expanding its lineup.

While the company has sent out media invites for the event, specific details about the new model remain under wraps, reported HT Auto.

As per the publication, the forthcoming motorcycle will likely be Revolts second all-new product, aside from the RV400 BRZ variant, which was launched earlier in 2024.

Although the specifics of the new model have yet to be disclosed, it is expected that this electric bike will be a more premium offering compared to the RV400. Several media reports suggest that the electric bike may target a segment comparable to the 150-160cc internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles, whereas the RV400 is currently positioned against 125cc counterparts.

For context, the RV400 features a 3.24 kWh battery that provides a claimed range of up to 150 km in Eco mode. It is powered by a 3 kW motor and takes approximately 4.5 hours to fully charge. The RV400 series also comes equipped with modern features such as an LED headlamp, regenerative braking, a side-stand cut-off system, combi-braking, and a fully digital console. The bike is covered by a five-year or 75,000 km warranty, adding to its appeal.

The upcoming launch is perfectly timed for the festive season, a period known for increased consumer spending in India. While the RV400 starts at around 1.38 lakh (ex-showroom), the new model is anticipated to carry a price tag closer to 1.50 lakh, reflecting its potentially enhanced capabilities and features.
(Bloomberg) -- Ares Management Corp. is in advanced talks on an acquisition of GLP Capital Partners Ltd.s operations outside of China, according to people familiar with the matter, in what could rank as one of the biggest recent combinations in the alternative asset management industry.

Ares and GCP are finalizing details of a transaction that could be agreed as soon as the next few weeks, the people said. They have been discussing a deal that would feature a roughly $3.5 billion upfront payment, with the total value climbing to around $5 billion over time if certain targets are hit, some of the people said.

Los Angeles-based Ares is considering using a mix of cash and stock to fund the acquisition, the people said, asking not to be identified as the talks are private. The parties are focused on ensuring the long-term retention of GCPs leadership and staff, one of the people said.

Shares of Ares rose 2.1% to $146.86 at 1:02 p.m. in New York trading Friday, giving the company a market value of more than $46 billion.

Bloomberg News reported in June that Ares was exploring the acquisition. GCP has about $66 billion of assets under management outside China, spread across Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, the US and Brazil. Ares Chief Financial Officer Jarrod Phillips said at a conference this week that the firm could grow in Asia through acquisitions, and also sees opportunities to expand in infrastructure equity.

Alternative asset managers are pursuing mergers to gain scale and expand into new sectors and geographies, turning into one-stop shops offering a range of investment strategies. The deal would expand Ares business in one of Wall Streets hottest areas: infrastructure.

GCP has made bets on data centers and renewable energy just as investors are looking to ways to ride on growing demand for infrastructure and resources to power what they hope will be an artificial intelligence boom.

Terms of a deal may still change, and its possible the timing of any announcement could get pushed back, the people said. Talks are ongoing and theres no certainty they will lead to a transaction. A spokesperson for GCP declined to comment, while representatives for Ares didnt respond to requests for comment.

An agreement would top recent deals including TPG Inc. paying $2.7 billion for credit specialist Angelo Gordon & Co. last year, and T. Rowe Price Group Inc.s 2021 acquisition of Oak Hill Advisors for about $4.2 billion. Ares recently also acquired direct lending fund Riverside Credit Solutions for an undisclosed sum.

GCP has traditionally invested in areas such as real estate tied to logistics, digital infrastructure and renewable energy. The firm grew out of Singapore-based GLP Pte, a developer and operator of warehouses that has benefited from the boom in e-commerce. GLP set up a fund management arm to invest third-party money in the sector, and it became a separate entity  GLP Capital Partners  after a series of transactions in 2022.

Since then, GLP itself has been grappling with a debt burden and slumping earnings amid a prolonged property slump. It has been pursuing divestments of some Chinese logistics assets as it tries to cut debt and move toward a more asset-light business model.

Ares highlighted Asia-Pacific real estate equity, global infrastructure equity and digital infrastructure equity at its investor day earlier this year as high priority areas of growth for the $447 billion alternative asset manager. The firm, still best known as a US credit manager, has pegged the market opportunity for Asia real estate at $3.4 trillion.

Investors have cheered Ares rapid growth. Its stock has risen roughly 380% over the past five years, the most of the big five US alternative asset managers.

Ares has about $15 billion in assets under management in Asia Pacific, the smallest geographic segment of its business, with real estate and infrastructure assets making up less than $100 million, according to its investor day presentation.

--With assistance from Dong Cao and Allison McNeely.

(Updates with Ares shares in fourth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Adds comments from CFO, context, changes packaging slug)

By Allison Lampert and Abhijith Ganapavaram

Sept 13 (Reuters) - A strike beginning Friday by more than 30,000 of Boeing's U.S. West Coast factory workers will make it harder for the planemaker to meet a 737 MAX production target and stabilize its supply chain, CFO Brian West said on Friday.

West also told the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference he expects third-quarter margins from the company's defense and space unit to be negative, similar to those in the second quarter.

Workers from Seattle and Portland, Oregon, who produce the MAX and other jets walked off the job after overwhelmingly rejecting a contract deal due to demands for higher pay. The workers' first strike since 2008 comes as Boeing is under heavy scrutiny from U.S. regulators and customers after a door panel blew off a 737 MAX jet mid-air in January.

West said Boeing had made progress towards ramping production of its strongest selling jet back to 38 a month by year's end,

despite earlier skepticism

from rating agencies over the target.

"We've been making good progress on stabilizing production and preparing for that 38 per month by the end of the year. Now, obviously that's going to take longer," West said.

West, however, would not comment on specifics related to the target, which depends on the duration of the strike.

The strike is creating more uncertainty and concern for suppliers of parts and components for programs like the 737 MAX. Many were already having difficulty planning production due to Boeings repeated changes to internal forecasts for suppliers.

West said a company priority was stabilizing its supply chain, but that "objective just got harder."

West suggested Boeing would stop taking parts from some suppliers on programs impacted by the strike where the planemaker has ample inventory. The company's 787 widebody jet is not impacted, as it is built in South Carolina by a non-unionized workforce.

Asked about supply chain, West said for non-787 programs, if the supplier is not behind and the company has enough stock, "you know, don't deliver anymore."
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Its hard to overstate the damage that a machinists strike could do to Boeing Co. and, more important, to the planemakers fragile supply chain. Suppliers had already been whiplashed by the groundings of the 737 MAX and the 787 and then the pandemic. Boeing was just beginning to get back to building planes in an orderly fashion and keeping work steady for its supply base, which is key for their financial health and the production of high-quality parts.The overwhelming support to go on strike  96% of the 33,000 members of the machinists union in Seattle voted to take to the streets  is an ominous sign for Boeing. This walkout could drag on for weeks, and Boeing will have to pay a high cost it can ill afford to satisfy workers. The company is burning through its $12.6 billion of cash and has a huge $58 billion debt burden, raising concern it could lose its investment-grade ratings. In fact, Moodys Ratings said on Friday that it had placed the companys debt rating on review for a potential downgrade to junk.

Unfortunately, Boeings new chief executive officer, Kelly Ortberg, is reaping what was sown a decade ago when the company thought it was smart to put the screws to union workers with the threat of moving more production to its nonunion South Carolina facility. That 10-year contract extension reached in 2014 froze pension benefits, among other things, planting the seeds of this thorny conflict.

The union now has the upper hand because Boeing desperately needs to ramp up production of planes to help heal its supply chain and stem its losses. The company offered a general wage increase of 25% over four years and a $3,000 bonus for approving a new contract. Workers wanted a 40% raise and annual performance bonuses.

How does Boeing pay up without breaking its finances? Heres a quirky suggestion for both sides of the bargaining table: tie an extra bonus to any future share repurchases.

The reasoning behind this suggestion is that the aggressive negotiating tactics that Boeing wielded a decade ago coincided with the companys zeal to maximize returns to stockholders through huge share repurchases. The union has an opportunity to make sure management doesnt go on another massive stock buyback spree in the future (although its difficult to imagine that the company has the free cash flow for that now).From 2014 to 2018, Boeing repurchased $38 billion worth of shares. These repurchases had their desired effect of juicing up the stock price. But the spike was temporary, and unless investors sold their shares in that period of high prices, they lost out. That cash, which Boeing could certainly use now, just went up in smoke after the two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX and the quality issues exposed during the pandemic caused shares to plummet.

Now, Boeing is the symbol for those who oppose buybacks as solely a financial engineering tool that serves to mask the big payouts in stock that are awarded to C-suite executives. The company clearly lost its focus on making high-quality aircraft and instead made moves such as outsourcing more of its production to drive up its cash earnings.

Wall Street, of course, loves share buybacks. The large investment banks are often involved in the repurchases, and the earnings-per-share boost that results from shrinking the number of outstanding shares fits with the short-term mentality that emphasizes the next quarters targets rather than the long-term strategy. Company executives also love this financial tool. Without buybacks, the large share-based compensation packages would push up the share count, creating a headwind for earnings per share and making it harder to defend the large stock bonuses.

On the flip side, Wall Street isnt a huge fan of dividends. Those payments carry a higher tax rate than the capital gains from selling shares. Dividends also lock in the use of cash because cutting that payment generates negative publicity. Buybacks give a company much more flexibility on how much and when to return cash to investors. Its easy to overlook the small investors who depend on dividend payments for real cash that they can spend.

Boeings story could be much different if the company had sat on a bunch of cash to either plow back into the business to fend off rival Airbus SE, which is now eating Boeings lunch, or to hold on to for shelter during a rainy day. Well, Boeing has just gone through a monsoon season without as much as a rain suit.

The union should set a precedent and demand that its workers receive a bonus tied to a percentage of share repurchases. It cant be a small percentage, such as the 1 percent tax on share buybacks that took effect at the start of 2023. That small speed bump hasnt put the brakes on the buyback frenzy.

It would have to be a large percentage, say 5% or 10%, to create a disincentive for Boeing executives to burn up more cash when the good times return, if they ever do. If the board just cant wean itself off the buyback steroids, then at least the workers would share in the largesse.

Yes, this idea is a bit far-fetched. The union likely wont want to waste its new-found bargaining power on something that doesnt provide an immediate payout. Boeings management would resist at all costs because it would tie its hands on one of Wall Streets favorite financial tools. Still, the workers are in a rare position to think outside the box and bring important changes to the company.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

(Adds Moodys Ratings review to the second paragraph.)

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Thomas Black is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist writing about the industrial and transportation sectors. He was previously a Bloomberg News reporter covering logistics, manufacturing and private aviation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion
Boeing workers at its US West Coast factories have gone on strike, bringing production of the company's best-selling jets to a standstill. The strike, which began early September 13, comes at a challenging time for the aerospace giant as it grapples with ongoing production delays and significant debt, as per a Reuters report.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), representing approximately 30,000 employees, voted overwhelmingly in favour of the strike. This marks the first such action since 2008 and occurred just weeks after Kelly Ortberg took the helm as CEO, tasked with rebuilding trust in the company following a serious safety incident in January, the report added.

Also Read | Boeing top boss Kelly Ortberg shows promise with tentative labour deal

Union leader Jon Holden emphasised the significance of the strike, stating, "This is about respect, this is about addressing the past, and this is about fighting for our future." The decision to strike was met with enthusiasm from union members, who chanted "Strike! Strike! Strike!" upon hearing the announcement, as quoted in the report.

Also Read | Boeing Union deal sparks outrage as workers demand higher wages

Union leader Jon Holden emphasised the significance of the strike, stating, "This is about respect, this is about addressing the past, and this is about fighting for our future." The decision to strike was met with enthusiasm from union members, who chanted "Strike! Strike! Strike!" upon hearing the announcement, as quoted in the report.

Contract deal rejected CEO Ortberg had proposed a contract deal including a pay rise of 25 per cent over four years, far lower than the 40 per cent workers had demanded.

Boeing acknowledged the clear message sent by the vote and expressed a willingness to return to negotiations. The rejected contract deal also included a signing bonus, and a commitment to build Boeing's next commercial jet in the Seattle area under certain conditions.

The strike poses multiple challenges for Boeing, including how to secure its factories and respond at the bargaining table. If prolonged, the work stoppage could have far-reaching effects on Boeing's finances, as well as impacting airlines and suppliers in the aviation industry.

Also Read | Boeing Union deal sparks outrage as workers demand higher wages

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson noted that Boeing's 737 MAX deliveries to his airline were already facing delays due to regulatory scrutiny and industry-wide supply chain issues, even before the strike announcement, as per the report.

Financial analysts estimate that a 50-day strike could cost Boeing between $3 billion and $3.5 billion in cash flow. The company's last major strike in 2008 lasted 52 days and reportedly cost around $100 million per day in lost revenue, the report added.
New Delhi: For its third sojourn in India, Ford Motor Company may seek to collaborate with Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The discussions are still very exploratory and [it is] premature to conclude what shape, if any, an alliance might take," one of the people cited above said.

The American automaker is preparing to restart operations at its Chennai manufacturing facility for the purpose of exports out of India.

On Friday, Ford had said in a statement that it had signed a letter of intent (LoI) with the Tamil Nadu government to explore the use of its Chennai facility for exports to its global markets.

Fords leadership, including executives from its global operations, recently met with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in the US. Further information about the type of manufacturing and other details will be disclosed in due course," Ford said in the statement.

A third person aware of the development said that Ford never stopped development and product work in India. Their factory has depreciated significantly, and the consideration was whether to sell it or repurpose it as a production hub," this person said.

This person added that the company may introduce some premium models like the Mustang in India, but a full-fledged comeback to the domestic market at this time was unlikely.

An emailed query to JSW and Ford did not receive a response.

Discussions between Ford and JSW come after last years failed attempt by the latter to acquire the Chennai facility. Ford was also previously in talks with Mahindra & Mahindra about the plants sale. Now, it is exploring several possibilities with JSW, which already has an automotive alliance with MG Motor India.

Ford reiterated its commitment to India in its statement, emphasizing the countrys importance in its global strategy. Ford currently employs 12,000 individuals in Global Business Operations in Tamil Nadu, a number expected to grow by 2,500 to 3,000 jobs over the next three years. Combined with the engine manufacturing operations in Sanand, India represents Fords second-largest salaried workforce worldwide," the statement added.

The move to double down on other global markets comes in the backdrop of global automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Volkswagen rapidly losing ground in China to local OEMs.

Chinese manufacturers have been aggressively capturing market share, causing global giants to see their profits shrink. General Motors' CEO, Mary Barra, has even called the current scenario in China unsustainable" for foreign automakers.

This has forced companies like Ford to refocus their strategies on export markets such as Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, where it has a stronger foothold.

Fords current plan focuses on repurposing the Chennai plant to target export markets, all part of the Ford+ plan announced by CEO Jim Farley in 2023," said Ravi Bhatia, president of auto intelligence firm JATO India. This initiative aims to maximize value for customers while improving resilience, efficiency, growth, and margins. Markets like Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are crucial for Ford's global operations."

Ford had previously entered into a joint venture with Mahindra in 2019, but the partnership ended in 2020, followed by the automakers decision to exit the Indian market in 2021.

Ford reiterated its commitment to India in its statement, emphasizing the countrys importance in its global strategy.

Despite halting new product sales, Ford has maintained its service network to support existing customers, reflecting its long-term view of India as a key market.

To be sure, JSW also has a joint venture going with MG Motor. In March this year, the JSW Group entered its first automotive alliance with SAIC's MG Motor India to form a JV to focus on creating a robust EV ecosystem with forward and backward integration of the supply-chain.

JSW at the launch of the MG Windsor said "its full focus" is on MG for the moment, while fielding questions about a possible collaboration with the Volkswagen group, which JSW is also reported to have considered earlier.
By Nia Williams and Rajesh Kumar Singh

Sept 13 (Reuters) - Air Canada and its pilots are locked in a standoff over a new labor contract and face a deadline by Sunday to reach a deal that would avert strike action.

WHERE DO THE TALKS STAND?

If the two parties do not reach an agreement by the end of Saturday, Sept. 14, they will both have the option to issue either a strike or lockout notice, which would trigger Air Canada's three-day plan to wind down operations.

The airline would progressively cancel flights over three days, with a complete shutdown as early as 00:01 EDT (0401 GMT)on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

On Thursday, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau said the airline was still committed to reaching a deal but accused the pilots' union of making excessive wage demands.

The union has said a strike could be averted if Air Canada negotiates a fair agreement.

WHAT IMPACT WOULD A STRIKE HAVE?

Air Canada and its low-cost Air Canada Rouge subsidiary together operate nearly 670 flights per day, and a shutdown could affect 110,000 passengers daily as well as freight carriage.

It is Canada's largest airline, flying to more than 180 airports around the world. The strike will also likely result in fewer flights for American travelers as the airline flies passengers from U.S. cities to Europe and Asia through its Canadian hubs.

In a research note, Desjardins economists estimated a two-week pilot strike could result in a loss of around C$1.4 billion ($1.03 billion) to Canada's real GDP in September, meaning daily losses of roughly C$98 million.

A spokesperson for Air Canada said once the airline starts implementing its wind-down plan, it would cause days and weeks of disruptions.

Air Canada estimates it can take close to eight hours for its maintenance team to have each aircraft ready for a return to service. That means it will take four to five days to bring all aircraft back into service.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES INVOLVED THE DISPUTE?

Air Canada's 5,400 pilots are demanding wage rates that would narrow the pay gap with their counterparts at major U.S. carriers such as United Airlines.

Pilots at U.S. airlines have negotiated hefty pay raises in new contracts in the past two years, helped by a travel boom and staffing shortages. United's new pilot contract, for example, included pay increases of about 42%.

As a result, some United pilots now earn 92% more than their counterparts at Air Canada, according to data from the Air Line Pilots Association, which represents the carrier's pilots. In 2013, the pay gap was just 3%.

The association says Air Canada pilots are working under pay rates and quality-of-life provisions negotiated in 2014.

Rousseau said Air Canada had offered a wage increase of more than 30%, as well as improved pension and health benefits in the new contract.

WILL THE GOVERNMENT INTERVENE?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday the government would not intervene and intended instead to pressure both sides to avert a strike.

On Thursday, Air Canada took the unusual step of saying the federal government should be ready to step in to head off a strike. While Ottawa has intervened several times in labor disputes over the last few decades, it only did so after stoppages have begun, not before.

Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has broad powers to tackle disputes and last month intervened within 24 hours to end a stoppage at the two largest rail companies, Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Canadian National Railway.

That move was denounced by unions and criticized by the federal New Democratic Party, which has helped keep Canada's minority Liberal government in power through a deal offering automatic support. Earlier this month NDP leader Jagmeet Singh withdrew that support.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FLIGHT IS CANCELED?

If Air Canada cancels a flight because of a strike by its own employees, the airline must offer to rebook passengers free of charge on the next available flight offered by any carrier, or offer a refund and transportation to return passengers to their point of origin.

Air Canada has offered flexible travel waivers for passengers scheduled to fly Sept. 15-23. The airline has said it is also working with other carriers to secure seats for customers to mitigate the impact of its flight cancellations.

However, it advised customers to accept refunds or future travel credit as seats on other airlines are expected to be limited.
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.

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.

Also Read | Indian stock market: 10 key things that changed for market overnight

Oracles shares jumped about 5% in extended trading. The company has been one of the best-performing software stocks of the year, rallying 53% through Thursdays close.
(Recasts throughout with details and background, changes media packaging code)

By Shivansh Tiwary

Sept 13 (Reuters) - Fitch and Moody's on Friday joined S&P Global Ratings in warning that a prolonged strike at Boeing's factories in U.S. West Coast may lead to a ratings downgrade, a headache for the planemaker that is saddled with massive debt.

"If the current strike lasts a week or two, it is unlikely to pressure the rating. However, an extended strike could have a meaningful operational and financial impact, increasing the risk of a downgrade," Fitch Ratings said.

Moody's warned of a downgrade if Boeing issues debt alongside any equity raised to meet its liquidity requirements, including the money it needs to retire about $12 billion of debt maturities between now and the end of 2026.

Moody's currently rates the planemaker at "Baa3", while Fitch has "BBB-" rating  both a notch above the junk status.

More than 30,000 workers walked off the job at Boeing on Friday after rejecting a contract deal, halting production of its 737 MAX jet, the company's main cash-cow.

CFO Brian West did not directly answer when asked if Boeing may need to raise debt or equity by the year-end or early 2025.

"First of all, we want to prioritize the investment grade credit rating. And secondly, we want to allow the factory and the supply chain to stabilize. That last objective just got harder based on last night," he said at a conference organized by Morgan Stanley.

"We are perfectly comfortable to supplement our liquidity position to support these two objectives," West said.

The first labor strike at Boeing since 2008 coincides with a period of intense scrutiny of the planemaker by U.S. regulators and airline customers after an incident in January when a door panel detached from a 737 MAX jet mid-air.

Boeing's management will likely need to access new sources of liquidity in the event of a prolonged strike to adhere to its cash targets and to remain within Fitch's negative rating sensitivity, the ratings agency said.

S&P Global Ratings had said on Thursday an extended strike could delay the planemaker's recovery and hurt its overall rating.

Boeing's finances are already groaning due to a $60 billion debt pile.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A man who worked as a U.S. State Department diplomatic security officer pleaded guilty on Friday to joining a mob's attack on the U.S. Capitol over three years ago, court records show.

Kevin Michael Alstrup is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 12 by U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss.

Alstrup pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Both counts are misdemeanors carrying a maximum prison sentence of six months.

An attorney who represented Alstrup at his plea hearing didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

A State Department spokesperson said Alstrup was a contractor who worked as a uniformed guard for the State Department starting in 2010. He no longer works at the department, the spokesperson said in an email.

Alstrup admitted that he entered the Capitol building through the Senate Wing doors after other rioters had forced them open and broken windows aside them. He took photographs with a camera before leaving the building roughly 28 minutes after entering.

Alstrup was arrested in February in Washington, D.C., where he lived on Jan. 6. The judge allowed him to remain free until his sentencing.

The FBI determined that Alstrup, through his State Department work, is familiar with providing security and protection for high-ranking government officials or sensitive locations, like embassies. One of Alstrup's supervisors identified him in a photograph of the riot, the FBI said.

At a press briefing on Friday, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that "we fully support the work by our colleagues at the Department of Justice to hold anyone responsible for violations of law on that horrific day accountable for those violations.

Approximately 1,500 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes. More than 900 of them have pleaded guilty. Over 200 others have been convicted by judges or juries after trials.

___
The Canadian man has built up an Aussie audience on social media thanks to his travels around Australia, but his latest move rubbed many people the wrong way.

Canadian man Josiah Hein attempted to grab the snake by its tail after spotting it alongside the Brisbane river. Source TikTok/josiahhein

A Canadian man visiting Australia has managed to upset locals after attempting to grab a "massive snake" during his travels. Despite admitting it's "risky" he pledged to pick it up by its tail sending Aussies into a spin.

Josiah Hein regularly shares his travel updates on social media, often highlighting quirks he loves about Australia. And while he's built up a fan base because of it, his latest stunt rubbed some the wrong way.

Hein was walking along the Brisbane river when he spotted the "humongous" coastal carpet python slithering in the nearby bush beside him. He appeared to lunge for the snake a couple of times, trying to pick it up while another man filmed.

Visitors and locals warned not to ever touch snakes

The man behind the camera urged him to "be ready" in case the reptile took a strike, but thankfully the snake was able to get away. But his actions have been condemned by local experts and residents.

"We don't ever condone anybody interfering with snakes," Stuart McKenzie from Sunshine Coast Catchers told Yahoo News Australia after viewing the clip.

The team, based in Queensland, added "we only suggest people with the appropriate licensing to touch or relocate snakes as there's a high chance the person or the snake could get injured."

"Always admire snakes from a distance," they warned.

Aussies fume over reckless stunt

While the snake in the video is harmless and is not venomous or dangerous, unlike red-bellied black snakes or brown snakes, Aussies were quick to remind Hein to "leave our wildlife alone".

"Dude, no no no. Dont touch snakes, especially in Australia," one said. "Were taught from childhood, dont touch snakes, too many [are] deadly".

"No. 1 rule... don't mess with nature! Why would you even do that?" another hit out in the comments on the video.

"If that were a brown snake, youd be in for some grief. Lucky it was a python, said a third. While another warned, "never do that in Australia".

'Crazy influx' of sightings as snake season kicks off

The reckless stunt marks the start of snake season in Australia with Queensland-based catcher and rescuer Courtenay Brown saying there's been a 'crazy influx' of sightings.

The warmer than usual weather during August saw snakes come out of hibernation early. While pythons are often around all year long, especially in Queensland, lately there have been "a lot of red-bellies hanging around" she told Yahoo.

Like Stuart, she urged people not to touch a snake, and to keep their distance. In most cases, they simply wander off on their own, she said.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
A United Arab Emirates state-backed company is in talks to invest in OpenAI as part of a multibillion-dollar fundraising round for the startup behind ChatGPT.

MGX, which the U.A.E. created earlier this year to invest in artificial intelligence projects, hasnt determined the size of a potential investment in OpenAI, according to people with knowledge of the discussions.

If the investment is completed, it would bring the Middle Eastern nation closer to one of the worlds leading AI companies and one of the most valuable private startups in the U.S.

OpenAI is in talks to raise as much as $6.5 billion in a funding round that would value it at $150 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. The investment terms are still being completed, the people said. If the startup ends up valued at $150 billion, that would nearly double its $86 billion valuation last yeara sign of continued investor enthusiasm for the potential of generative AI and OpenAIs leading role in the space.

Venture-capital firm Thrive Capital has committed $1 billion and will lead the round, while Microsoft, Apple and Nvidia are in talks to also invest, The Wall Street Journal previously reported. Bloomberg previously reported on OpenAIs potential new valuation.

Separately, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has told investors his company is considering changing its corporate structure to be more attractive to them. OpenAI is currently a nonprofit that has a for-profit subsidiary through which investors can receive a capped share of its profitsan unusual setup. Any additional profits would go to the nonprofit.

Altman has said he intends to remove the profit cap for investors, some of the knowledgeable people said. The company will remain a nonprofit, according to a spokeswoman.

OpenAI isnt currently profitable, but it is growing quickly. Altman has told investors that the startups annualized recurring revenuesa projection of annual revenue based on recent receiptsrecently hit about $4 billion.

Budding relationship

Oil rich Middle East nations are increasingly eager to plow their wealth into the booming AI space.

For his part, Altman has been courting the U.A.E.s leaders to help fund the massive costs associated with building AI technology. Separately from the fundraising discussions, he has talked with Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al Nahyan about an initiative to boost the worlds chip-building capacity that could cost trillions of dollars, The Wall Street Journal previously reported. Sheikh Tahnoun chairs MGXs board and oversees a rapidly growing financial portfolio for the U.A.E.

The U.A.E. created MGX in March to invest in artificial-intelligence companies and the infrastructure required for making the technology more widely available. The nations sovereign-wealth fund Mubadala and state-backed AI company G42 are founding partners in MGX.

A fund affiliated with Mubadala previously invested in one of OpenAIs competitors, Anthropic, by acquiring a nearly $500 million stake owned by bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX.

G42, which received a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft this year, has worked with OpenAI on developing AI services for the United Arab Emirates and the broader region.

MGXs board recently approved several strategic initiatives, focusing on investments in digital infrastructure, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence," Abu Dhabi said in a press release this month.

Write to Miles Kruppa at miles.kruppa@wsj.com, Berber Jin at berber.jin@wsj.com and Tom Dotan at tom.dotan@wsj.com
(Bloomberg) -- United States Steel Corp. surged the most this year after the Washington Post reported President Joe Biden wouldnt immediately move to block Nippon Steel Corp.s takeover bid.

While Biden remains opposed to the deal, a decision on blocking it is unlikely in the short term and may not be made until after the presidential election, the newspaper reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

US Steel shares surged as much as 10%, the steepest intraday gain since Dec. 18  the day the deal was first announced.

The gain had pared to 5% at 1:03 p.m. in New York, as White House spokeswoman Saloni Sharma disputed that thered been a change of plans, saying an announcement was never imminent. The Presidents position is that it is vital for US Steel to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated.

Biden was preparing to kill the deal once a referral from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, reaches his desk, people familiar with the matter said last week.

The current deadline for a CFIUS decision is Sept. 23, people familiar with the matter said. An extension would push the latest date for a decision past the election.

The President told our steelworkers he has their backs, and he meant it, Sharma said. As we made clear last week, we have not received any recommendation from CFIUS.

Nippon and US Steel have been making last-ditch efforts to win over workers and politicians for the $14.1 billion acquisition. This week, the two companies unveiled their correspondence with the USW to show how union leaders snubbed efforts to negotiate an agreement.

Thats after the Pittsburgh-based company came out and warned that plants could be shut down if the sale fell through, prompting some workers to voice their support for a new owner.

But the United Steelworkers union said in a memo Thursday it wont be bullied, calling the deal doomed and pledging to fight any foreign ownership.

US Steel and Nippon Steel pointed to the $2.7 billion of investments the deal would bring, saying that will benefit workers, local communities and national security.

(Updates with additional White House comment, CFIUS deadline)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Adani-Hindenburg saga: The Adani Group, an Indian business conglomerate, strongly refuted claims regarding the freezing of funds in Swiss bank accounts in a media statement on September 12. The group vehemently denied any involvement in Swiss court proceedings and asserted that authorities had sequestered none of its company accounts.

The controversy arose following allegations made by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research on social media platform X. Citing a report from Swiss media outlet Gotham City, Hindenburg claimed that Swiss authorities had frozen over $310 million across multiple Swiss bank accounts as part of an investigation into the Adani Group.

What did the Adani Group say? Responding to these allegations, the Adani Group issued a forceful statement.

An Adani Group spokesperson said, "We unequivocally reject and deny the baseless allegations presented. The Adani Group has no involvement in any Swiss court proceedings, nor have any of our company accounts been subject to sequestration by any authority. Furthermore, even in the alleged order, the Swiss court has neither mentioned our group companies, nor have we received any requests for clarification or information from any such authority or regulatory body."

The group further emphasized the transparency of its overseas holding structure, stating it is fully disclosed and compliant with all relevant laws. They characterized the allegations as "preposterous, irrational, and absurd," suggesting they were part of a coordinated effort to damage the group's reputation and market value.

"We reiterate that our overseas holding structure is transparent, fully disclosed, and compliant with all relevant laws. These allegations are clearly preposterous, irrational, and absurd. We have no hesitation in stating that this is yet another orchestrated and egregious attempt by the same cohorts acting in unison to inflict irreversible damage on our group's reputation and market value," the statement continued.
After months of futile attempts persuading reluctant employees back to office, India's third-largest technology services firm has put its foot down.

In an internal email, Bengaluru-based Wipro Ltd directed employees to attend office at least thrice a week or risk losing the day's leave, joining a pack of IT services companies enforcing work-from-office rules. Earlier this month, Mint reported that LTIMindtree has taken a similar course of action.

In the 2 September mail sent to Wipro employees, the management also asked the human resources team to disallow employee requests to work from home.

If there are any such approvals, please cancel such approvals with immediate effect, and suggest the teams to attend office three days a week minimum. The leaves should get deducted in system for any deviation from the above said WFO policy," read the companys mail, seen by Mint.

Mumbai-based software services company LTIMindtree linked leaves to employee attendance from 1 September. According to its work-from-office policy called Rhythm, employees who do not turn up in office for four days when they were supposed to, would lose a days leave.

No cap mentioned

However, while LTIMindtree capped the number of leaves that could be deducted to 1.5 days per month, the Wipro email does not mention any cap.

The management will cancel a day of leave for every day missed in office. Simply put, if an employee is not physically present in office for the required three days a week, then all three days would be counted as leaves," a Wipro employee said on the condition of anonymity.

Mint could not independently ascertain whether the cancelled leaves would result in a deduction of salaries for the day.

However, the latest directive is only for certain projects, and does not apply to all employees, a person aware of the matter said on the condition of anonymity. Mint could not independently ascertain how many employees would be impacted.

Last November, Mint had reported about Wipro making it mandatory for employees to attend office thrice a week. The management had said that more than half of the companys workforce had started attending office thrice a week, and that in-person interactions were critical to the professional development of its talent.

Bid to raise productivity

The concerted push by IT services companies to bring employees back to office is an attempt to raise productivity and spot top performers ahead of the next appraisal cycle, an HR expert said.

Also read | Tech workers on the bench stare at uncertainty as projects thin out

These companies believe that employees will be more productive and foster a stronger company culture by working from the office. Since the beginning of the fiscal year, IT services companies have been making a concerted effort to bring employees back on-site. Now might be the opportune time to enforce a return-to-office policy. With the next appraisal cycle approaching in January, IT services companies will be better equipped to evaluate employee performance, attendance, and overall engagement," said Sunil Chemmankottil, India country manager at Adecco, a global workforce solutions company.

An email sent to Wipro remained unanswered.

Return to office

Indias largest software services companies, which collectively employ more than 1.5 million employees, have been asking their workers to return to office, either for all days of the week, or on certain days.

TCS has linked variable pay of its employees to office attendance, asking employees to work from office all five days of the week. Meanwhile, Indias second largest IT outsourcing company, Infosys Ltd, has adopted a hybrid work model. The company has asked employees to be physically present on some days while working from home for the rest.

Also read | Why Indias IT giants are shunning costly consultants

According to the mail seen by Mint, the Wipro management also details from the human resources department of C2 employees, which includes senior architects and program managers, who have not been attending office for three days a week.

The Bengaluru-based company reported $2.64 billion in revenue for the three months ended June 2024, which is a sequential drop of 1.1%. The companys workforce increased by 337 to 234,391 employees as of June this year.
Not long ago Americas main concern with sovereign-wealth funds was how to regulate these large pools of money controlled by foreign governments. Now, seemingly overnight, the hot new idea in Washington, DC, is that America should join the club. It is easy to understand the allure. A well-managed SWF can, in theory, let the government direct more cash towards its strategic aims, withoutif returns are strongthe need to raise taxes. In practice, achieving this balance is difficult. In America a SWF looks like a risky solution to a problem that does not truly exist.

As is often the case these days, credit for the ideas popularity goes to Donald Trump. In a speech on September 5th Mr Trump said that he wants to create an American fund if he wins Novembers election. Characteristically, he promised it would be the greatest such fund in the world. Critics were just starting to mock the notion when it turned out that Democrats were thinking along the same lines. President Joe Bidens advisers have been working on a blueprint for a fund to promote Americas national-security interests, including by investing in emerging technologies.

To understand SWFsand why America does not need oneconsider two issues: the source of their wealth and how they use it. Traditionally, funds have been the preserve of countries flush with either commodities (Norway and the United Arab Emirates) or foreign-exchange holdings (China and Singapore).

You might assume that the creation of a wealth fund is proof that these countries are rich. To some extent, that is true. But the funds also reflect scarcity: resources are finite, and good financial management is needed to ensure future generations benefit from the current bounty. (In the case of countries with bulging foreign-exchange holdings, their resources are proceeds from intervening in markets to restrain their currencies from appreciating.)

America has no such windfall to manage. Although the country is an energy superpower, just a tenth of its oil and gas drilling occurs on federal land. Royalties from this brought in $17bn of revenue for the government last year. After disbursements to states and tribes plus environmental costs, only $7bn went to the Treasury. The government could approve more drilling on federal land, which Mr Trump has promised, or charge higher royalties, which Mr Biden has done, but revenue increases would be incremental. Even if federal receipts from drilling were to double, they would still amount to less than 0.1% of GDP. By contrast, the Norwegian governments earnings from oil are about 10% of GDP.

There is another way in which America could secure more funding for its SWF: by earmarking a broader array of revenues for the fund via, say, special bond issues. Yet this only drives home the point that wealth funds ultimately sit on government balance-sheets, and that their funding, whether from oil royalties or bond sales, could just as easily go to something else. The decision would, in effect, be either to spend money capitalising the fund, rather than on schools or highways, or to issue more debtand America is already borrowing plentifully thanks to an annual budget deficit of about 7% of GDP.

Once money is allocated to a SWF, the big question is how the funds managers, acting on government instructions, put it to work. For countries trying to ensure that resource bonanzas survive for the benefit of future generations, the ambition is to secure a good return. Typically, that requires investing in a wide range of assets, from equities and bonds to property and private credit. Some wealth funds are also tasked with making strategic investments on behalf of their countries. Gulf states, for instance, are using their funds to build up their renewable-energy industries.

Messrs Trumps and Bidens advisers reason that America should likewise have a fund that generates extraordinary profits and can be directed at strategic initiatives. On closer scrutiny, however, their logic comes apart. Although getting good returns on public assets sounds laudable, it is necessary to consider the opportunity cost. Every dollar assigned to the fund could instead have been invested directly by the public had they been taxed less. Implicitly, the government would be saying that it is better at directing capital than citizens and businesses. If that were true, why stop with a small wealth fund? Increase tax rates so that the government has yet more resources to allocate centrallyan argument that no sane politician would ever make.

There is one specific, limited area where America could experiment with a SWF-like model: boosting returns on the assets that back its social-security system. Indeed, a bipartisan group of senators last year floated this idea. The social-security system is low on money, and the law restricts its managers to investing their reserves in government bonds. Giving managers a bit more flexibility might help, though it would expose them to more risk.

Return to sender

Creating a fund for strategic projects is another thing entirely. Such a fund would be redundant. Mr Trump wants one to build airports and highways, ignoring the fact that the government is in the midst of a $1trn-plus infrastructure splurge. Mr Bidens advisers, for their part, have ruminated about using a fund to promote technological pre-eminence and energy security. They may recall this is the exact purpose of the $1trn-plus industrial policy that is the centrepiece of their administrations economic agenda.

To be fair, a SWF would have one clear advantage over relying on existing budgetary mechanisms to pay for strategic initiatives. It is fiendishly hard to get serious legislation through Congress, and follow-up questions in committee hearings can be uncomfortable. A sovereign fund would, if big enough, provide a way round these pesky democratic procedures. Ultimately, though, that is not an attraction for anyone other than politicians.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved.

From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
New Delhi: Crop loss in India in the past few months due to floods and excessive rainfall is estimated to be a mere 2-4%, although damage to kharif or monsoon crops in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is expected to be significant.

The overall crop loss, however, is not a cause for concern as the sowing of most kharif or monsoon crops had exceeded the last years spread, Union agriculture and farmers welfare minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told Mint on the sidelines of an event on Friday.

Overall, the production of various crops, including paddy, pulses, soybean, and others, is expected to increase. In fact, soybean has been sown on about 1.25 lakh hectares more than the previous year, the minister said.

The procurement of all crops, including soybean, will be carried out at the minimum support price (MSP), he said, adding, We are also working on implementing better initiatives for farmers welfare.

Also read | Centre keeps a wary eye on the sky as onion looms large over state polls

In areas affected by flooding, the damage is more severe, particularly in regions close to rivers. However, major areas remain largely unaffected. Although there are losses, they amount to only 2-4% of the overall production, which is relatively minimal compared to national production levels, Chouhan said.

The average sowing area for kharif crops over the past five years (2018-2019 to 2022-2023) is 109.58 million hectares.

As of 6 September, the total sown area for kharif crops was 109.23 million hectares, representing 99.68% of the five-year average. In the same period during last years kharif season, the sown area was 106.92 million hectares.

The monsoon sowing season starts in June and ends in October. Sowing continues till September.

Andhra and Telangana affected Flowers, turmeric and some other crops, however, have been severely affected because of floods or heavy rains, Chouhan had said in a statement on 5 September.

The preliminary estimate indicates that around 1.8 lakh hectares of crops have been damaged and about 2 lakh farmers have been impacted due to the heavy rains, he said.

As per the Andhra Pradesh governments agriculture ministry data, the total area sown in the state was 23.86 lakh hectare (73.5%) as of 11 September, against the normal area of 32.50 lakh hectares.

For paddy, the Andhra Pradesh government has set a target of 15.63 lakh hectares for sowing in this kharif season. Of that, 12.22 lakh hectares had been sown till 11 September.

In pulses, 2.66 lakh hectares have been sown against the target of 3.34 lakh hectares. In oilseeds, out of the target area of 6.58 lakh hecatares, sowing has been completed on 3.15 lakh hectares.

Chouhan has also submitted a damage assessment report for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to Union home minister Amit Shah.

The Union government has deployed central teams to evaluate the damage caused by excessive rainfall and floods during the kharif season in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

A similar team will be deployed to Maharashtra, with plans to send teams to other affected states as well. The central teams are expected to submit their reports within a month, a senior official said.

According to the Telangana Agriculture Department, average rainfall received in Telangana from 1 June to 11 September was 897.6 mm, as against the normal of 636.9 mm.
*

Import tax on edible oils raised by 20 percentage points

*

Crude edible oils to attract 27.5% tax vs 5.5% earlier

*

Refined oils to attract 35.75% tax vs 13.75% earlier

(Adds details, background, trader's comment, commodities price reaction)

By Rajendra Jadhav

MUMBAI, Sept 13 (Reuters) - India has raised the basic import tax on crude and refined edible oils by 20 percentage points, the government said on Friday, as the world's biggest edible oil importer tries to help protect farmers reeling from lower oilseed prices

The move could lift edible oil prices and dampen demand and subsequently reduce overseas purchases of palm oil, soyoil and sunflower oil.

After the duty hike announcement, Chicago Board of Trade soyoil extended losses and fell more than 2%.

New Delhi on Friday imposed a 20% basic customs duty on crude palm oil, crude soyoil and crude sunflower oil from Sept. 14, the notification said.

It will effectively increase the total import duty on the three oils to 27.5% from 5.5% as they are also subject to India's Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess and Social Welfare Surcharge.

Imports of refined palm oil, refined soyoil and refined sunflower oil will attract 35.75% import duty against the earlier duty of 13.75%.

Reuters reported in late August that India was considering an increase in import taxes on vegetable oils to help soybean growers ahead of regional elections due in Maharashtra later this year.

"After a long time, the government has been attempting to balance the interests of both consumers and farmers," said Sandeep Bajoria, CEO of Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil brokerage.

The move has increased the likelihood of farmers receiving the minimum support price set by the government for their soybean and rapeseed harvests, he said.

Domestic soybean prices are around 4,600 rupees ($54.84) per 100 kg, lower than the state-fixed support price of 4,892 rupees.

India meets more than 70% of its vegetable oil demand through imports. It buys palm oil mainly from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, while it imports soyoil and sunflower oil from Argentina, Brazil, Russia and Ukraine.
SEOULWith his ties with Russia strengthening, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un no longer feels the need to hide one of his top-secret nuclear facilities from the outside world.

Photos run Friday in North Korean state media showed Kim strolling past rows of metal centrifugesmachines that enrich uraniumwith officials by his side. He conducted an on-site inspection of the countrys Nuclear Weapons Institute and the uranium-enrichment base. The 40-year-old dictator also demanded an exponential increase in the countrys nuclear arsenal.

The brazenness shows how little Kim fears attracting international blowback over his sanctions-violating nuclear program. In recent months, North Korea has test-fired weapons and showcased new nuclear-capable missile launchers. Pyongyang knows it has Moscows veto at the United Nations Security Council to protect it from punishment.

North Koreas relations with Russia have flourished since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as the two isolated countries aligned over distrust of the U.S.-led world order. Russian soldiers are firing North Korea-supplied missiles in Ukraine, according to assessments from Washington, Seoul and Kyiv. During Russian President Vladimir Putins visit to Pyongyang in June, the two countries signed a mutual defense treaty. Putin said at the time he wouldnt rule out offering military-technical cooperation to Pyongyang.

Underscoring that growing closeness: The photos release came on the same day Kim met with Sergei Shoigu, the head of Russias Security Council, in Pyongyang.

North Korea first openly acknowledged its uranium-enrichment program in 2009, following many years of denials. But never before had the country published images from inside its facilities, Pyongyang observers say.

North Korea is trying to draw attention to its rapidly advancing nuclear program in an unusual way" by revealing photos of a very secretive defense facility that most countries would keep hidden, said Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, a South Korean government-funded think tank.

What is more concerning, is that Russia could provide raw materials for the production of new centrifuges or technical support for maintaining North Koreas uranium enrichment facilities, Hong said. North Korea claims to be using its own technology, but I suspect Russian help could be involved," he said.

Russia has expanded security ties with Iran and North Korea since its invasion of Ukraine, and the U.S. adversaries have charged ahead with increasing nuclear materials.

A recent report by the U.N.s atomic agency said Iran was expanding its stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium, which could lead to enough enriched uranium to fuel nuclear bombs. Meanwhile, apart from North Koreas main Yongbyon nuclear complex, another suspected uranium enrichment facility has been expanded this year, the agencys director general said this week.

South Korean officials have said North Korea began pursuing a uranium-enrichment program in the mid-1990s. That work represented an additional route to building a nuclear bomb from its plutonium program.

The first U.S.-North Korea deal on nuclear disarmament broke down, after Washington discovered the Kim regimes undisclosed uranium program in the early 2000s.

In 2010, North Korean officials told a visiting U.S. inspector, Siegfried S. Hecker, that the country operated around 2,000 centrifuges. Pyongyang hasnt offered subsequent specifics on how broadly production capacity has since expanded.

From Fridays photos, it is difficult to tell which uranium enrichment facility Kim was inspecting. But it is clear that Kims intent is to mass produce nuclear materials and increase North Koreas stockpile of nuclear bombs, said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

Kim is telling the U.S., Accept us as a de facto nuclear state," Park said.

Write to Dasl Yoon at dasl.yoon@wsj.com
POKROVSK, UkraineEven as tanks help Ukraine push into Russia, armies are rethinking how the powerful vehicles are made and deployed after a recent history of being humbled in combat.

Tanks were once the king of the battlefield. But the proliferation of drones in Ukraine means the large, noisy vehicles can be spotted and targeted within minutes. That has seen dozens of cutting-edge Western tanks used only sparingly in the battle they were meant to shape, while others have been damaged, destroyed or captured.

In response, armies are adding technology to tanks to spot and protect against drones while also exploring design changes to make the heavy, armored vehicles more maneuverable. Battlefield tactics are already changing and lessons from Ukraine are being integrated into training.

In the near term, we absolutely need to urgently make some adjustments to maintain the survivability of our armored formations," said Gen. James Rainey, who heads the U.S. Army Futures Command, which looks at ways to equip and transform the army.

The rethink is another sign of how drones are reshaping warfare. Adapting tanks for the drone age is vitally important if Western armies, some of which have placed the vehicles at the heart of their land strategy for decades, are to maintain their edge in conventional warfare. Tanks have adapted to new adversaries before, including planes and antitank missiles.

In recent weeks, tanks have helped Ukrainian forces sweep through Russias Kursk region, an area where a pivotal World War II battle took place in 1943. Ukraines use of tanks shows how a military vehicle that the British army first rolled out in 1916 still has a role in fast-paced maneuvers, though in this case Kyivs forces were met by lightly armed conscripts with little drone cover. For much of the war, Ukrainian forces equipped with the best Western tanks saw them incapacitated within hours.

When crew members from Ukraines 47th Mechanized Brigade were told last year that they would receive an Abrams tank, they hoped the American machine would allow them to finally puncture Russian lines.

During an early summer visit, their tank sat idle with four other Abrams tanks in a field miles from the front line. Of the 31 Abrams tanks the U.S. has sent Ukraine, six have been destroyed, according to Oryx, an independent team of analysts that tracks losses. Others are now used only sparingly. At $10 million each, tanks like the Abrams arent easy to replace. Abrams tanks have yet to be used in the Kursk region.

Among other Western tanks sent to Ukraine, 12 of the 18 newer model German-made Leopards have been destroyed or damaged, according to Oryx. Russia has also suffered heavy tank losses, analysts say.

As soon as you hit the road a drone sees you and then youre hit with artillery, mines, antitank missiles, drones, guided air bombs," said the Ukrainian driver of one Abrams whose call sign is Smilik.

At the start of the war, commanders would often hide their tanks and other armored vehicles by digging trenches and camouflaging them. They would then emerge to shoot at the enemy when they came into range.

Now everything is being watched, so you cant even dig a hole to hide," said Lubomyr Stakhiv, a junior sergeant in another brigade. These days they stay out of the range of drones and drive into position to hit the enemy, he said.

A tank commanders skill was once determined by their ability in tank duels and protecting infantry, but now it is about the ability to covertly fire and quickly retreat, said Anton Havrish, the commander of a tank company equipped with Leopards.

Ukrainian forces are modifying their tanks to protect against drones. Crews often build metal cages around a tanks turret, some rising like miniature forts.

Tanks are more vulnerable to drones than other armored vehicles because of their sheer size and their large turrets, the top of which is thinly armored. A tanks cannon also isnt suited to shooting down drones, and the vehicles typically carry only 30 to 40 shells.

Drones represent a new threat that is cheaper than the tanks traditional foes, such as planes or antitank missiles. Surveillance drones can allow those older adversaries to be better directed at tank formations.

It is this combination which means they are such a big threat to the tank," said Col. Juhana Skytta, the commander of Finlands Armored Brigade.

The rise of drones has increased the focus of training on the need for constant movement, Skytta said.

You cannot leave for even a moment battle tanks in the open area. Whenever movement stops, you have to be below the trees, you have to get cover," he said.

The U.S., meanwhile, is trying to find lighter metals for its tanks as it tries to make them more maneuverable. The Abrams has a 500-gallon fuel tank and needs several gallons just to start up, making it a behemoth in the U.S. arsenal.

We have got to get the weight off them," Rainey said.

Efforts are also under way to make tanks harder to detect, from changing how they are painted to reducing their electronic signatures, said Doug Bush, the U.S. Armys assistant secretary for acquisitions, logistics and technology.

Swedens Saab says it is seeing a lot of interest in a camouflage netting it offers that wraps around all parts of a tank, making them harder to see and partly cloaking the heat emitted from the vehicles.

The U.S. and its allies are also adding new countermeasures to many of their tanks. Those include an Israeli system called Iron Fist, which shoots out small explosive munitions when it detects airborne threats.

Poland agreed to buy hundreds of South Korean K2 tanks soon after the war began. When negotiating with their maker, Hyundai Rotem, for a batch of them several months later they added new requirements, including drone-jamming equipment.

Such electronic-warfare devices, which disrupt the signals guiding drones, rendering them mostly useless, are becoming essential on tanks.

Without it, you wont make it," said a Ukrainian gunner of an Abrams tank whose call sign is Joker.

To be sure, many U.S. officials say there is a danger of drawing too many lessons from Ukraine. The countrys flat, treeless landscape is perfect for drones, while tanks have also been kept at bay because Russia was able to dig defenses and lay vast quantities of land mines. Moreover, if the U.S. were fighting a conflict, it would use tanks in combination with planes and air-defense systems that would offer more protection, in a way Ukraine has been unable to do, American officials say.

Large numbers of tanks being destroyed in combat is also nothing new, the Armys Bush and others argue. Vast amounts were destroyed in World War II, while Israel lost large numbers in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

But some senior U.S. Army officers say the military is too heavily invested in tanks. The U.S. Marine Corps gave up its active-duty tanks four years ago as part of a restructuring aimed at making the organization more nimble. Other countries have already whittled back their tanks. Norway last year decided to reduce an order of Leopards and invest instead in missile-defense systems.

Despite the tanks vulnerabilities, armies say they still have a vital role to play.

In conflicts where adversaries have armored vehicles, the U.S. will need tanks to deliver the shock effect to penetrate and consolidate rapidly," said Lt. Gen. Kevin Admiral, who commands the Armys III Armored Corps in Fort Cavazos, Texas.

Last month, a platoon of Ukrainian soldiers entered a village in Russias Kursk region before having to retreat under fire, according to a corporal whose call sign is Perchik. That was until support arrived.

A tank came and dismantled this enemy position, and that was it," he said.

Dasl Yoon contributed to this article.

Write to Alistair MacDonald at Alistair.Macdonald@wsj.com and Gordon Lubold at gordon.lubold@wsj.com
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the registration certificates of four non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). In a statement issued on Friday, the central bank said that 13 other NBFCs had surrendered their registration certificates.

The banking regulator said the registration certificates of the four companies were cancelled under Section 45-IA (6) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

Also Read | Will a surprise uptick in August inflation put RBI rate cut timeline in limbo?

The central bank cancelled the registration certificates of Rajasthan-based Bharatpur Investment Ltd, KS Finlease Limited, registered in Madhya Pradesh, Build Con Finance Limited, registered in Tamil Nadu, and Operating Lease and Hire Purchase Company Limited, registered out of Tamil Nadu.

As such, the above companies shall not transact the business of a Non-Banking Financial Institution, as defined in clause (a) of Section 45-I of the RBI Act, 1934, said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its statement.

Along with the cancellation report, the RBI also released another release stating that 13 NBFCs have surrendered their certificate of registration (CoR) granted by the central bank.

Also Read | Tight liquidity forces Indian NBFCs to look overseas

The RBI, in exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, has therefore cancelled their CoR, said the banking regulator in the statement.

TN, West Bengal firms exit NBFC biz Out of the 13, companies such as Tamil Nadu-based Suguna Fincorp and West Bengal-based Spam Merchants surrendered their CoRs as they exited the NBFC business, according to the release.

Other companies such as Maham Holdings Private Limited, Padmalakshmi Holdings, Rohini Holdings, and Raghuvamsa Holdings failed to meet their prescribed criteria for unregistered Core Investment Company (CIC) that do not require registration, hence causing a cancellation of their CoR, according to the RBI data provided in the release. All four of the companies are based in Tamil Nadu.

The remaining seven out of the 13 companies which surrendered their CoR and led to cancellation were Umang Commercial Co Private Limited, Madura Micro Finance Limited, Dante Investments Private Limited, Canopy Finance Limited, Ma Kalyaneshwari Holdings Private Limited, Varahagiri Investments and Finance Private Limited, and Tamal Stationers Pvt. Ltd.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) that its voting rights in Yes Bank Ltd will be capped at 26% even if the Japanese bank acquires up to51%inthe private lender, two people aware of the development said, in a setback for the Japanese conglomerate that had hoped to take full control.

SMBC officials have been in conversations with RBI over the last few weeks to discuss buyingastakein the Yes Bank, which was rescued from the brink of collapse by a clutch of banks four years ago.

Special case

As a special case, RBI has previously expressed its comfort with any suitable buyer picking up to 51% in the bank.

"RBI has responded to SMBC saying that the Banking Regulation Act caps voting rights in private sector banks at 26%," said one of the two people cited earlier. "Any change in this will set a wrong precedent," the person said on the condition of anonymity.

RBI, however, is okay with SMBC acquiring 51% in Yes Bank as an exceptional case since the private lenders growth has been somewhat stifled in the absence of a stable, long-term promoter.

"SMBC is of the view that without 51% voting share, it will be treated as a mere portfolio investment which is marked to market," the second person said.

Both SMBC and Dubai-based Emirates NBD are currently doing due diligence on Yes Bank. In August, Mint reported that SMBC has appointed JPMorgan as its financial adviser and J Sagar Associates as its legal advisers for the proposed stake acquisition.

Also read | Four years since Yes Bank rescue, RBI greenlights an exit plan for its saviours

In 2020, Yes Bank was rescued by a group of banks led by SBI, in an operation supervised by the RBI. This came after the bank's founder and CEO Rana Kapoor failed to secure the banking regulators nod to continue at the lender, after certain shortfalls were spotted in the banks basic liquidity requirements.

The bank needs a new owner who can buy out the stake from SBI and others, enable the bank to compete more aggressively with other private lenders, grow the book faster and put in place long-term growth strategies," the first person added.

Exit path

The RBI approval for 51% stake acquisition by a potential new owner opens up an exit path for SBI and other lenders in Yes Bank, which has assets worth over 4 trillion.

Various banks collectively hold 33.74% in Yes Bank, including SBI (23.99%), HDFC Bank (2.75%), ICICI Bank (2.39%), Kotak Mahindra Bank (1.21%), and Axis Bank (1.01%).

Also read | Rana Kapoor: A man driven by a huge sense of self-image

If Sumitomo indeed acquires 51% in Yes Bank with a voting cap, it will be only such instance after Catholic Syrian Bank where RBI has allowed a single investor to hold a majority stake with voting rights capped at 26%. The central bank has set this cap to ensure that no single entity gets excessive powers to influence any business decision or block or pass any resolution without others consent.

If SMBC agrees to acquire 51% in Yes Bank despite its voting right capped at 26%, it will be for the only instance since CSB that any strategic or institutional investor has ever held differential voting rights (DVR) shares in an Indian private sector bank.

DVRs not permitted

Yes Bank is a listed entity and as per Sebis norms, DVRs are not permitted in any listed firm unless it is specified by a regulator under special circumstances.

Sebi's Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations (LODR) talk about parity of rights among all shareholders. However, the 26% voting rights cap as per section 12 B of the Banking Regulation Act would apply given that any law overrides a regulation," said Abizer Diwanji, founder of Mumbai-based consultancy firm NeoStrat Advisors Llp services.

Also read | Yes Bank grapples with legacy issues left behind by disgraced founder

At present, apart from the domestic banks cited above, state-run LIC owns 3.98% in Yes Bank, while private equity firms CA Basque Investments holds 8.74% and Verventa Holdings Ltd 9.21%.

In the particular case, control seems inevitable if the bank is to be turned around, especially given that there are large chunks of shares held by specific investors. The idea of a strategic sale seems difficult," added Diwanji.

Another financial services expert said that all foreign stakeholders will stand to be as good as private equity investors if a serious investor is not allowed to have decisive voting rights even for such cases.

Since two PE firms already own around 17% in Yes Bank currently, the governments intent to find a strategic acquirer may stand frustrated if no shareholder is given a controlling voting right even for such cases. It will then make Yes Bank look like a PE-controlled bank," said this person.

First reported

Mint first reported in July that RBI has okayed the sale of up to 51% stake in Yes Bank to an appropriate incoming promoter.

SMBC is looking at a valuation of about $5 billion for a 51% stake in Yes Bank. As of Thursday's close, Yes Banks market capitalization was 73,439 crore, or about $9.1 billion.

In an interview with CNBC-TV18 on Wednesday, UAE Ambassador to India Abdulnasser Alshaali had revealed that an Abu Dhabi-based bank is in advanced negotiations to acquire a significant stake in an Indian bank.

Emails sent to Yes Bank, SBI, RBI, SMBC remained unanswered.

Earlier, in 2018, RBI allowed Canadas Fairfax Holdings Ltd to acquire 51% stake in Kerala-based Catholic Syrian Bank, making the Prem Watsa-owned company the first foreign investor to gain majority ownership in an Indian bank. In CSB too, the regulator capped voting rights at 26% as per the Banking Regulation Act.

Also read | This Japanese lender's chief is visiting India to discuss buying Yes Bank stake
Goa: The 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) in Goa concluded on Friday with remarkable outcomes for Indias maritime sector, including plans for a huge shipbuilding park spanning multiple states. This ambitious initiative aims to consolidate shipbuilding capabilities across regions, fostering greater efficiency and innovation.

The two-day event also saw the resolution of more than 80 critical issues between the union government, states and Union Territories including port infrastructure modernisation, connectivity and security; statutory compliances; maritime tourism; navigation projects; and sustainability.

Several new and emerging challenges were also addressed, including the establishment of places of refuge for ships in distress, the development of radioactive detection equipment infrastructure to enhance security at ports, and recognising seafarers as essential workers and ensuring better working conditions and access to shore leave, a statement from ministry of ports, shipping and waterways said.

The implementation of a state ranking framework and a port ranking system was also discussed at the meeting, with the aim of fostering healthy competition and improving performance across India's maritime sector.

The meeting was chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal, union minister of ports, shipping and waterways. Others in attendance included Shantanu Thakur, minister of state for ports, shipping and waterways; Aleixo Sequeira, minister of captain of ports, Goa; Devendra Kumar Joshi, lieutenant governor, Andaman & Nicobar; Mankala S Vaidya, minister of fisheries, ports, and inland water transport, Karnataka; Thiru EV Velu, public works department minister, Tamil Nadu; and TK Ramachandran, secretary of the ports and shipping ministry.

At the meeting, Sonowal, emphasised the significance of MSDCs contribution, saying, MSDC has been instrumental in aligning policies and initiatives like the Indian Ports Bill and the Sagarmala program. MSDCs efforts over the past two decades have facilitated the growth of over 50 non-major ports, which now handle more than 50% of Indias annual cargo. As major ports approach saturation, these non-major ports will play a crucial role in the future of Indias maritime sector.

Growth story He added that the Indian Maritime sector was growing like never before. The foundation stone of Indias 13th major port, worth 76,220 crores, was laid at Vadhavan in Maharashtra on 30 August, and the government has designated Galathea Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as another major port. This 44,000-crore project will be developed through a public-private partnership and aims to capture transshipped cargo currently handled outside India. The first phase is expected to be operational by 2029, Sonowal said.

The Sagarmala program, approved by the Union cabinet in 2015, envisions a total of 839 projects completion by 2035 with an estimated investment of 5.79 trillion. Of these, 262 projects have already been completed at a cost of about 1.40 trillion, and another 217 projects valued at around 1.65 trillion, are currently being implemented. These projects span several sectors and require coordination between union ministries, state governments, major ports and various other agencies.

To improve the ease of doing business in the maritime sector, the MSDC launched a National Safety in Ports Committee (NSPC) application on the National Single Window System. It aims to streamline regulatory processes, improve efficiency and reduce costs. The platform allows for real-time performance monitoring to enhance the operational efficiency of various departments through better information sharing.

Resolving maritime disputes The launch of the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) also marks a significant milestone. This platform will offer merit-based and industry-governed solutions to resolve maritime disputes efficiently, addressing the multi-modal, multi-contract, multi-jurisdictional, and multinational nature of maritime transactions. IIMDRC positions India as a global hub for arbitration, aligning with the Resolve in India initiative.

Another noteworthy launch was that of the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC), a policy think tank designed to bring together maritime stakeholders who currently operate in silos. IMC is aimed at fostering innovation, knowledge sharing and strategic planning.

A highlight of the event was the keel-laying ceremony for Indias largest dredger, a 12,000 cubic metre trailer suction hopper dredger at Cochin Shipyard Limited, built in collaboration with IHC Holland.

Several maritime boards presented their innovations at MSDC. The Kerala Maritime Board showcased its techniques for monetising dredging efforts, while the Gujarat Maritime Board shared a case study on port-driven urban development initiatives. The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board presented a maritime development masterplan, and the Indian Coast Guard shared a successful case study on the Maersk Frankfurt fire rescue operation.
US-based Gorilla Glass maker Corning will begin production of cover glasses for mobile phones by the second half of next year from its new manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, said India managing director Sudhir Pillai.

The company will also begin making glass tubes and vials for storing vaccines from another new plant coming up in Hyderabad, which will also begin manufacturing next year, the top executive said in an exclusive interaction with Mint.

The Tamil Nadu plant will have an initial capacity of 35 million pieces, which will cater to all the local players, plus our global vendors who are assembling in India," Pillai said.

Also read | Apple supplier Corning Inc. to invest 1,000 crore in Tamil Nadu facility

The production will be carried out by Bharat Innovative Glass Technologies Pvt. Ltd, a joint venture (JV) formed early this year between Corning and Indian electronics manufacturing services provider Optiemus Infracom Ltd, at a total investment of 1,000 crore. The companies have broken ground at the site and construction will pick up pace in the coming months.

The $13 billion Fortune 500 company is also readying another plant in Hyderabad for producing glass vials used by the pharma industry. India is becoming, slowly, the vaccine capital of the world, and there is a need for a lot of tubes, from which ampules and vials are made," Pillai said. Weve brought Velocity to India already, which is a coating used in these tubes; now we will be making the tubes also."

Corning and Frances SGD Pharma inked a JV in 2023 for this unit. The initial investment in the plant will be $60 million.

Read more | Optiemus Infracom to make screen protectors with Corning tech and branding

Corning is in discussion with companies in the semiconductor industry for providing glass for lasers, direction systems and packaging, Pillai said.

We enable this industry in a big way and the largest manufacturers of lithography machines are large customers for us," said Pillai. So, we are excited about the semicon industry evolving in India. So, we are again looking for partnerships in India."

The glass maker is also tracking the aerospace and defence industry, where investments in localization of manufacturing are taking place. Pillai said that segments like the aerospace defence and drone manufacturing industries require high-purity fused silica, which is one of the glasses it produces.
India's total passenger vehicle (PV) sales fell 1.8 per cent to 352,921 units in August 2024, compared to 359,228 units in the same period the previous year, news agency ANI reported quoting data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Friday, September 13.

The automotive industry did not attribute any reason for the fall in passenger vehicle sales figures. According to the agency report, it is assumed that it was primarily due to excessive rainfall this monsoon combined with customers postponing their purchases for the festive season.

According to the report, Indian auto manufacturers have devised attractive festive season offers to boost demand and increase car sales.

According to SIAM data, the sales of three-wheelers and two-wheelers rose 7.7 per cent and 9.3 per cent to 69,962 units and 1,711,662 units.

Looking ahead, as the country enters the festive season, demand for Vehicles is expected to grow, which will also be duly augmented by the recent announcements of PM E-DRIVE and PM-eBus Sewa Schemes of Government of India, Rajesh Menon, director general at SIAM, said.

Also Read | Ford in talks with JSW for India re-entry

Union Cabinet approves PM E-Drive scheme The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the PM E-Drive scheme, which aims to promote electric mobility in India. The scheme has a total fund investment goal of 10,900 crore over two years.

Subsidies or demand incentives worth 3,679 crore will be given to encourage electric two-wheelers, electric three-wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other upcoming EV segments, ANI reported.

The scheme aims to support 24.79 lakh EV segment two-wheelers, 3.16 lakh three-wheelers, and 14,028 e-buses. According to the report, the Ministry of Heavy Industries is also set to introduce e-vouchers so EV buyers can take advantage of the demand incentives under the scheme.

The Cabinet also approved a scheme to manage the procurement and operation of e-buses by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) with an investment goal of 3,435.33 crore, as per the report.
Vodafone Groups deal to merge its U.K. business with rival operator Three raises competition concerns, the U.K.s antitrust authority said, creating uncertainty on a deal poised to shake up the countrys telecommunications market.

The Competition and Markets Authority said Friday that an in-depth probe into the deal provisionally concluded the combination could result in higher prices for tens of millions of mobile customers in the U.K. and not necessarily lead to higher network investments. The companies rejected the findings and said they would work with the CMA to secure an approval.

Vodafone and Three UK disagree with the CMAs provisional findings that their merger raises competition concerns and could lead to price rises for customers," the companies said.

U.K. telecoms group Vodafone and CK Hutchison Holdings Three struck a deal to combine their U.K. businesses in June last year, with Vodafone owning 51% of the merged entity and the remaining 49% in the hands of the Hong Kong-based conglomerate.

The merger was a major step in Vodafone Chief Executive Margherita Della Valles plan to streamline the groups portfolio and cut debt, alongside deals in Spain and Italy. In a separate move, Vodafones sale of its Italian operations to Swisscom for 8 billion euros ($8.86 billion) is also under the scrutiny of Italian antitrust authorities, who opened an in-depth probe into the deal this week.

The CMAs concerns on the Vodafone-Three tie-up extend to the wholesale market as well.

The regulator said the merger would reduce the number of companies that operate telecom networks to three from four, making it more difficult for telecom businesses such as Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lebara to get competitive terms in their wholesale contracts, which could end up affecting retail customers.

Vodafone and Three pledged to invest 11 billion pounds ($14.44 billion) in the U.K. over ten years at the time of the deal to create an advanced next-generation 5G network, in line with the U.K. governments ambitions.

However, the CMA said it currently considers the companies claims to be overstated. While the deal could improve the quality of mobile networks and accelerate the deployment of 5G coverage, the enlarged business wouldnt necessarily have the incentive to deliver on its investment promises, the regulator said.

We will now consider how Vodafone and Three might address our concerns about the likely impact of the merger on retail and wholesale customers while securing the potential longer-term benefits of the merger, including by guaranteeing future network investments," said Stuart McIntosh, chair of the independent group that led the investigation.

The CMA will consider potential solutions to its concerns before making a final decision by Dec. 7.

Write to Adria Calatayud at adria.calatayud@wsj.com
The National Stock Exchange has cautioned investors about a fraud entity known as Lazard Asset Management India. This entity operates through a WhatsApp group named JO HAMBRO.

Lazard Asset Management India, the fraud entity, allegedly offers shares at discounted prices and even lets investors buy shares after market hours.

Exchange has received a complaint regarding a group on WhatsApp in the name "JO HAMBRO" luring retail investors to get discounted prices of shares, and this group has allegedly stated that the investors can buy such discounted shares after closure of market, NSE said in a release on Friday.

Also Read | How to protect yourself from financial scams? Here are 7 ways

This fraud entity allegedly collected money from retail investors under the garb of a "Seat Trading Account, the statement said.

Lazard Asset Management India has misrepresented itself as a registered stockbroker with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), the market regulator in the JO HAMBRO WhatsApp Group. It used a fake registration certificate by Sebi.

This fraudulent entity circulated the Sebi registration certificate to the WhatsApp group. However, the NSE said no entity named Lazard Asset Management India is registered with Sebi as a stock broker.

We wish to clarify that no entity by the name of Lazard Asset Management India is registered with SEBI as a stock broker. The forged SEBI registration certificate circulated in the WhatsApp group is entirely fabricated and illegitimate, NSE said.

Further, NSE warned users against Lazard Asset Management India and advised them not to engage with such entities without proper verification.

Investors are cautioned and advised not to deal with such persons/entities in any manner. We urge investors to verify the credentials and regulatory status of any financial entity before engaging in any transactions or transferring funds, it said.

Investors cannot avail recourse NSE also informed investors that they cannot avail of any of the following recourses in case of disputes relating to such prohibited schemes.

1. Benefits of investor protection under the Exchange's jurisdiction

2. Exchange dispute resolution mechanism
With a string of Initial Public Offerings (IPO) being made by companies across sectors, investors are practically spoilt for choice.

With the IPOs of Baazar Style Retail, PN Gadgil Jewellers and Bajaj Housing Finance just concluded, there are many more IPOs lined up in the near future.

In August alone, 17 entities filed their Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHPs) with SEBI, the highest in a month in over a year.

On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), investors have claimed that they applied for the Bajaj Housing Finance IPO but did not receive mandates.

Some users also wrote that they got the amount blocked, but the phone banking app did not get updated.

Also Read | Tolins Tyres IPO shares to debut on Monday. What GMP signals ahead of listing

R.K., the founder of IPO Mantra, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that he received many complaints on Wednesday (i.e., the last day of Bajaj Housing Finance IPO) that investors applied in Bajaj Housing Finance IPO through UPI but didn't receive mandates.

All those applications are rejected. I tweeted about this problem earlier as well and had advised investors to opt for Internet banking instead of UPI, he wrote.

Some users wrote that they faced this issue with Zerodha and GPay. Zerodha responded by saying they are just intermediaries who submit the application and have no control over the mandate.

Some people also said that the bank's IPO platforms were choked, and one Amit Sethi claimed that Axis Bank's ASBA facility was down while other banks were also down.

After BajajIPO its clear that banks are not ready to handle payment mandates of this large scale. Several investors reported delayed UPI mandates, ASBA by some banks stopped working, he wrote.

Another user  Parth Shah  wrote that there are super issues in the bank system since the bid status turned to rejected even before the cut-off date. On this, NPCI responded by suggesting that the user speak to the respective bank for better assistance.

A number of users expressed their plight for not receiving mandates

Applying for IPO through UPI In case you want to try your luck as you apply for an IPO via UPI, you can follow these steps:

1. When you enter the bid details while applying for an IPO, you need to enter the UPI ID. Thereafter, you will receive the block mandate request on the app.

2. Upon receiving the request, you will enter the UPI PIN.

3. Now, there could be three scenarios: either you will receive a full, partial, or no allotment of securities.

A. In case of full allotment: The blocked funds will get debited

B. In case of partial allotment: Some shares will be allocated and partial funds will be unblocked.
Western Carriers India IPO: Logistics company Western Carriers (India) 's initial public offering (IPO) is opening for subscription today (Friday, September 13). The book-built issue, which aims to raise 492.88 crore, will conclude on Wednesday, September 18. The company said it had raised 148 crore from anchor investors ahead of the Western Carriers India IPO, by allocating 85,96,743 shares at the upper price band of 172 to 15 anchor investors. Kotak Mahindra, Motilal Oswal, Aditya Birla Sun were among the participants in the anchor book round.

Western Carriers India IPO subscription status According to BSE data, by 10:15 am on Friday, the first day of subscription, the Western Carriers India IPO had seen an overall subscription of 0.06 times.

The portion reserved for retail investors was subscribed 0.11 times, while the non-institutional investors' category had seen a subscription of 0.01 times. The QIB segment of the issue had not seen any subscriptions by that time.

Western Carriers India IPO key details Let's take a look at the 10 key details of the Western Carriers India IPO:

1. Western Carriers India IPO GMP: Market sources pointed out that the current grey market premium (GMP) of the Western Carriers India IPO is zero. In other words, the IPO is not trading at any premium in the grey market, and based on the current GMP trend, the company's shares are expected to be listed flat at 172 on the Indian bourses.

2. Western Carriers India IPO price band: The issue's price band has been set at 163 to 172 per share.

3. Western Carriers India IPO date: The book build issue is opening for subscription today (Friday) and will conclude on Wednesday, September 18.

4. Western Carriers India IPO size: The issue is a combination of a fresh issue of 2.33 crore shares and an offer for sale (OFS) of 54 lakh shares. The company intends to raise 492.88 crore from the IPO. It will raise 400 crore from the fresh issue of shares.

5. Western Carriers India IPO lot size: The minimum lot size for an application is 87 Shares. With the upper price band of the issue at 172, the minimum amount of investment required by retail investors is 14,964.

6. Western Carriers India IPO allotment date: After the completion of the IPO subscription process, the company is expected to finalise the share allotment on Thursday, September 19. Applicants who get the shares will likely see them credited to their demat accounts by Friday, September 20, while those who do not receive an allotment may expect refunds to be processed on the same day.

7. Western Carriers India IPO registrar: Link Intime India Private Ltd is the official registrar of the issue.

8. Western Carriers India IPO listing: The company's shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and the NSE tentatively on Monday, September 23.

9. Object of the issue: The company intends to use the net proceeds from the issue to pay its borrowings and to fund the company's capital expenditure requirements, including the purchase of commercial vehicles, specialised and normal shipping containers and reach stackers.

10. Company overview: According to the RHP, the company is a multimodal, rail-focused, 4PL asset-light logistics company. It provides integrated, customised, end-to-end services across the logistics value chain to its customers.

"As of March 31, 2024, we served a diverse base of 1,647 customers. Our revenue from operations from our top 10 customers in FY24, FY23 and FY22 was 12,131.71 million, 10,966.25 million and 10,560.68 million, respectively, which represented 71.97 per cent, 67.15 per cent and 71.80 per cent, respectively, of our total revenue from operations in those periods," said the company's RHP.

Western Carriers India IPO: Apply or not? Akriti Mehrotra, a research analyst at StoxBox, has a 'subscribe' recommendation on the issue as he highlights the issue's lower valuation and the company's growth prospects.

"The current issue is priced at a PE of 16.8 times on the upper band based on FY24 earnings and is relatively lower than its peers. Given its strong financials, strategic initiatives, and positioning to capitalize on the expanding rail-road multi-modal sector, we recommend a 'subscribe' rating for the issue with a medium to long-term investment perspective," said Mehrotra.

"The company plans to improve operational margins through value-added services and technology, underscoring its potential for sustained growth. Its commitment to leveraging technological advancements and expanding project logistics capabilities position it well to capitalize on the projected growth in the rail-road multi-modal sector, forecast to reach 4,667 billion by FY29," said Mehrotra.

Giving a 'subscribe' tag to the book build issue, Swastika Investmart says, Western Carriers (India) has exhibited slow but consistent financial growth with a positive trajectory. The IPO's valuation is considered reasonable. The company faces a long payment cycle and is exposed to several operational risks. Given the company's financial challenges and limited market interest, a 'may apply' rating is recommended for long-term investors with a high-risk tolerance.

Read all market-related news here

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts, experts, and brokerage firms, not Mint. We advise investors to consult certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Bonus shares 2024: Multibagger Monarch Networth Capital shares remain in focus on Friday as the shares trade ex-bonus in 1:1 ratio today (12 September, 2024).

The Monarch Networth Capital in its filing to the exchanges on 2 September 2024 had announced Record Date for Issue of Bonus Equity shares pursuant to Regulation 42 of Securities & Exchange Board of India.

Friday, September 13, 2024, had been fixed as a record date for the Bonus Issue of equity shares in the ratio of 1:1 (i.e. one Bonus Share for each existing of Equity Share held in Monarch Networth Capital

As per the release the Monarch Networth Capital had received the shareholders approval for the said issue at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

Also Read | Indian stock market: 10 key things that changed for market overnight

Monarch Networth Capital share price has risen 16.6% since the date of announcement. Notably the Monarch Networth Capital share price has been rising regularly since July 2024 and is up almost 76% since 12 July 2024.

Monarch Networth Capital in July had recommended a final dividend of 1 per equity share of 10 each of the Company. The record date for determining the entitlement of Members to the final dividend for the financial year ended March 31, 2024 had been fixed on Friday, August 2, 2024.

In July 2024, strategic financing was also announced by Monarch Networth Capital Ltd., an integrated financial services company listed on both stock markets.

One of the Multibagger stocks that the Indian stock market has produced recently is Monarch Networth Capital share price. Monarch Networth Capital share price has risen 110% year to date and 184% over last one year Multibagger returns to the investors .Also over the past 5 years, the Multibagger stock on the NSE has increased phenomenally by roughly 432%, from about 172 to  919 per share.
Buy or sell stocks today: Indian stock market indices Sensex and Nifty 50 hit all-time highs as the equity markets gained momentum in the final hour of Thursday's market session. The market rally was fueled by the Banking and IT sectors, with additional support from the auto-pack. The Nifty 50 index closed 1.89 per cent higher at 25,388.90 points, compared to 24,918.45 points in the previous market close.

The BSE Sensex closed 1.77 per cent higher at 82,962.71 points after Thursday's trading session, compared to 81,523.16 points in the previous market close.

Vaishali Parekh's stocks to buy today

Vaishali Parekh, vice president of technical research at Prabhudas Lilladher, said that the Nifty has ultimately indicated a strong candle formation confirming a higher low pattern on the daily chart to close at an all-time high level, remarkably improving the bias and sentiment. Parekh estimates the Nifty 50 Spot index to get support at 25,250 points and face resistance at 25,600 points. The Bank Nifty index will likely move in a range of 51,300 to 52,400 today.

For today, Parekh recommended three buy-or-sell stocks: Steel Authority of India Ltd, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, and Container Corporation of India Ltd.

Stock market today

For the outlook on the Nifty 50 and the Bank Nifty index, Parekh said, Nifty has finally indicated a strong candle formation confirming a higher low pattern on the daily chart to close at an All-Time High level improving the bias and sentiment remarkably."

Technically, the index is well set to move further for our next target of 25,800 levels with most of the frontline stocks along with the broader markets witnessing active participation to maintain the robust move," said the stock market expert.

Bank Nifty maintaining the support near the significant 50EMA zone of 50900 levels has indicated a big bullish candle breaching above the resistance barrier of 51750 levels and can anticipate for further rise with next targets of 53500 and 55100 levels visible in the coming days," said Parekh.

Parekh said that the Nifty 50 for today has support at 25,250, while the resistance lies at 25,600. The Bank Nifty index would have a daily range of 51,300 to 52,400.

Buy or sell stocks by Vaishali Parekh

1. Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL): Buy at 130; Target at 138; Stop Loss at 127.

2. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOC): Buy at 173; Target at 180; Stop Loss at 169.

3. Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR): Buy at 948; Target at 1,000; Stop Loss at 933.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Envirotech Systems IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Envirotech Systems has attracted healthy demand from both retail and non-institutional investors during its final day bidding. The IPO has received bids for 29,64,86,000 as compared to the available shares of 32,92,000, resulting in a stellar subscription rate of 90.06 times as of 04:30 p.m.

The retail portion of the issue was subscribed 60.96 times, the segment reserved for non-institutional buyers had been subscribed 187 times, and qualified institutional buyers had subscribed 68 times, according to exchanges.

Envirotech Systems aims to raise 30.04 crore through this IPO, which is entirely a fresh issue of 54 lakh shares. The price band for the offer is set between 53 and 56 per equity share, with a face value of 10 per share. The IPO lot size is set at 2,000 shares, with a minimum investment of 1,12,000 required for retail investors.

Also Read | Kross IPO: What GMP signals as focus shifts on share listing date

The allotment of shares is expected to be finalised on Friday, September 20, and the shares are expected to be listed on the NSE SME platform on Tuesday, September 24.

The company intends to use the funds raised for the purchase of land and buildings to set up a factory, working capital requirements, general corporate expenses, and issue-related costs. Share India Capital Services Private Limited is the book-running lead manager for the Envirotech Systems IPO, while Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd has been appointed as the registrar.

About Envirotech Systems As per the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP), the company is a leading manufacturer of acoustic products, specialising in noise measurement and control solutions for both industrial and commercial applications. Established in 2007, the company has expanded its expertise to include innovative design and manufacturing of acoustical products.

It offers a wide range of services, including research, cost-benefit analysis, and engineering solutions, to deliver efficient noise abatement solutions. Operating across India, it serves a diverse client base, both industrial and commercial, while also exporting certain products internationally.

Also Read | Why investors should consider these five alternatives to SME IPOs

The company focuses on manufacturing products tailored to meet specific customer demands, providing customised solutions for various noise control requirements. Its products are designed and fabricated based on client specifications, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

Although it provides services nationwide, the company's primary focus is on delivering personalised solutions that cater to the unique needs of its customers.

Envirotech Systems IPO GMP The last grey market premium (GMP) of the issue is zero which indicates cold response of investors for Envirotech Systems shares. Based on the current GMP, the issue may be listed flat at 56.
F&O ban list:The National Stock Exchange (NSE) banned trading in eight stocks on Friday, September 13, in the futures and options (F&O) segment as they exceeded 95% of the market-wide position limit (MWPL).

However, these stocks will be available for trading in the cash market. The NSE updates the list of securities in the F&O ban for trade every day.

Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy

F&O ban list today Aarti Industries, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail, Balrampur Chini Mills, Bandhan Bank, Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals, Granules India, Hindustan Copper, and RBL Bank are the eight stocks on the NSE's F&O ban list on September 13.

The NSE said the derivative contracts in these securities crossed 95% of the market-wide position limit and have been placed in the stock exchange's ban period.

All clients/members shall trade in the derivative contracts of said security only to decrease their positions through offsetting positions. Any increase in open positions shall attract appropriate penal and disciplinary action, the NSE statement said.

No new positions are allowed when the stock exchanges place F&O contracts in a particular stock in the ban period.

On September 12, benchmark Sensex hit the historic 83,000 level for the first time and the Nifty settled at a lifetime high in a late rally in blue-chip shares, surge in global markets and foreign fund inflows.

A sharp fag-end rally drove the 30-share BSE Sensex to the 83,000 level for the first time. The barometer surged 1,593.03 points or 1.95 per cent to hit its lifetime intra-day peak of 83,116.19 in the last hour of trade. The index closed at a record high of 82,962.71, up by 1,439.55 points or 1.77 per cent.
Tolins Tyres shares are set to debut on the Indian stock exchanges on Monday, September 16. Ahead of the listing, the companys shares are commanding a healthy grey market premium (GMP) of 30, according to investorgain.com.

Considering the IPO price band's upper end and the grey market's current premium, the estimated listing price of Tolins Tyres was indicated at 256 apiece, a 13.2 percent higher than the IPO price of 226. The grey market premium reflects investors' willingness to pay more than the issue price.

The mainboard IPO, valued at 230 crore, was open for subscription from September 9 to September 11, 2024, with a price range between 215 and 226. The shares are set to list on both BSE and NSE platforms.

The issue is a combination of a fresh issue of 0.88 crore shares aggregating to 200 crore and an offer for sale of 0.13 crore shares aggregating to 30 crore. The IPO attracted a healthy response from investors, achieving an overall subscription rate of 25 times.

Non-institutional investors were particularly active, subscribing 28 times, while QIBs also demonstrated strong interest, with a subscription rate of 26 times. Retail investors have shown notable interest as the portion booked at 22.45 times, according to Chittorgarh.com.

The company proposes to utilize the net proceeds from the fresh issue towards the full repayment and/or prepayment of certain outstanding loans, including any associated foreclosure charges.

Also Read | Solarium Green Energy files DRHP at BSE for SME IPO launch. Details here

A portion of the proceeds will be dedicated to enhancing the long-term working capital requirements of the company. Additionally, the company plans to invest in its wholly owned subsidiary, Tolin Rubbers Private Limited, to facilitate the repayment and/or prepayment of its short-term and long-term borrowings and to support its working capital needs.

The remaining funds will be utilised for general corporate purposes.

About Tolins Tyres The company is a leading player in the tyre & treads industry with an all-India presence and a diverse product range. It is one of the companies that are present in both verticalsmanufacturing of new tyres and tread rubber.

It has established itself as a major tyre retreading solutions provider across India and exported to 40 foreign countries, including the Middle East, East Africa, Jordan, Kenya, and Egypt.

Also Read | Upcoming IPO: BMW Ventures files DRHP at SEBI for fresh issue launch

The company is primarily engaged in the manufacturing of bias tyres for a comprehensive array of vehicles (including light commercial, agricultural, and two- and three-wheeler vehicles) and precured tread rubber and is also involved in the manufacturing of ancillary products like bonding gum, vulcanizing solution, tyre flaps, and tubes.
There used to be a lot more Russia in India. Up until the 1990s, there was a natural curiosity about the Soviet Union and its allies, informed by, though not limited to, political ties. Modest bookstalls usually had Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Gorky in Indian languages. East Germanys Radio Berlin International and Moscows Radio Sputnik broadcast in Hindi for decades. Travelling circuses were Russian", even when they werent. I remember, in pre-cable times, watching vaguely Eastern European childrens programming on Doordarshan.

Berlin remembers. The protagonist of Atul Sabharwals film is named Pushkin, after the Russian poet. In his first scene, hes shown dwarfed by an imposing concrete facade, the kind of Brutalist building that can be found all over Delhi, and which is inextricably linked with Soviet city planning. Even the brand of disinfectant Pushkin uses (an anagram of Savlon) has a Russian lilt: Nolsav.

Pushkin Verma (Aparshakti Khurana), a teacher at a deaf school, is called in by the Bureau" on an unspecified assignment. The framing in those early scenes tells us hes out of his depth: hes a small figure in large empty rooms and stood against looming structures. The man in charge of the Soviet desk, Jagdish Sondhi (Rahul Bose), immediately thrusts him into an interrogation without so much as a briefing. They suspect Ashok Kumar (Ishwak Singh), a deaf waiter, to be a spy, though for whom is unclear. Pushkin will ask him the questions hes handed, no more, no less, and speak out both his signed questions and Ashoks responses, which will be recorded and passed up the ladder.

Though it unfolds in the winter of 1993, Berlin is a Cold War spy film, a rarity in Hindi cinema. Set in Delhi, it lays out a specific geography: two Indian spy agencies, the office of the ministry of foreign affairs, the Soviet embassy, the embassy of the German Democratic Republic, and in the middle, a meeting place called Cafe Berlin. The CIA is mentioned once or twice, but America is mostly absent. Intriguingly, so are Kashmir and Pakistanthough Sabharwal, whos also written the film, makes them a spectral presence: the ghosts that inform every diplomatic move. On several occasions, our attention is drawn to newspaper articles about Russia. Each time, the accompanying story is about Kashmir.

Theres a possible plan to assassinate the Russian president, due to arrive in a week. But note the casual way in which the film treats this threat. Clearly theres more at play. A picture starts forming when Pushkin is harassed by members of Wing", the other intelligence agency, which has its problems with Sondhi. Ashok, who worked at Cafe Berlin, is definitely mixed up in something... but what exactly? And whos the sad-looking young woman (Anupriya Goenka) who flits in and out of the story?

The cafe at the centre of everything is nondescript and unique. The waitstaff are all deaf, a bit of insurance for patrons whose careless words could bring down nations (Ashok describes their function as behre deewaar", soundproof walls between tables). Ashok admits to being fascinated by the intricate spy games taking place in his view. Over a montage of him pasting tickets and bits of paper from the cafe into a scrapbook, we hear his testimony in Pushkins voice: They did their work and we made up stories, tried to guess what each is up to. By doing so, we deaf people could imagine we were smart like those officers, that we could think, understand, see like them." Ashoks desire to feel relevant is at the heart of the film. When he meets a deaf fixer of stolen cars, hes thrown for a toss, realising that, unlike him, the man was hired for his ability, not because his deafness is useful.

Sabharwal is great at working in moments like this, chance encounters that illuminate character and give his screenplays the rhythms of lived experience. Hes also shown, in his own films and in his writing for others, a knack for burrowing into specific historical settings. The Bombay mill agitations provide the backdrop to the cop drama Class of '83; the ruptures of new nationhood in Jubilee are reflected in the fracturing movie studio at the shows centre. Berlin is a resolutely drab undercutting of both the overheated Hindi spy film and the increasingly popular 1990s nostalgia narrative. Liberalisation is underway, but it hasnt changed Pushkins life: he doesnt own a car or have the initiative to seek out an MNC job. Hes stuck in time, just like the spooks who couldnt adjust to life after Glasnost.

Perhaps some arcane censor board rule prevented Sabharwal from saying Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing, but the shortening is fortuitous. Bureau" and Wing" are ominous, Kafkaesque in their vagueness. Theres Kafka in other aspects of the film as well: a nervous protagonist whose luck keeps getting worse, the implacable villainy of bureaucracy, paranoia tinged with mordant humour (one of the films running gags is how woefully Pushkin fails every time he attempts anything like spy work). The sense of unease is reinforced by Shree Namjoshis roving camera; it follows that Berlin is dedicated to Alan J. Pakula, director of paranoid 70s thrillers like The Parallax View and All The President's Men, and Brian De Palma.

I wasnt fully convinced by Khuranas movie star in Jubilee but hes perfect for Pushkin, with his Manoj Prabhakar moustache, ugly sweaters and soul-emptying sighs. Compare his joyless signing to the flourishes of Ashok, played very smartly by Singh as a man in a hole determined to have the time of his life. Theres also a plate of prime ham served by Rahul Bose, a bully whos constantly frustrated. Pushkin! Keep talking to us!" he screams when his interrogator misses saying Ashoks response aloud. A later rant sums up the film. What is truth?" he spits at Pushkin. The truth is that which is recorded, which is typed, which is filed, which is signed by an officer, and finally, which is archived." A deception that elevates us is dearer than a host of low truths, wrote the other Pushkin. Berlin achieves this without sacrificing any of its cynicism.

Berlin is on Zee5.
Why are health insurance policies sold by banks, or the likes of Paytm and PhonePe, much cheaper? How do these plans work? Are there any potential drawbacks one should be aware of? Name withheld on request

Health insurance plans offered by banks or mobile apps are often cheaper because they are typically group plans. These plans are available exclusively to members of a specific group, such as bank account holders or KYC-approved app users.

While these plans may appear attractive due to their lower cost, it is important to be aware of their limitations and potential drawbacks:

Coverage tied to group membership: Group insurance policies are valid only as long as you remain part of the group. For example, if you close your bank account or stop using the app, your coverage will end. This means your insurance is closely tied to your continued membership in the group.

Group insurance policies are valid only as long as you remain part of the group. For example, if you close your bank account or stop using the app, your coverage will end. This means your insurance is closely tied to your continued membership in the group. Limited-term contract: These policies are generally issued for a one-year term. At the end of the year, the insurer may review the policy based on the claims experience and adjust the terms or premiums. This means your coverage and costs could change annually.

These policies are generally issued for a one-year term. At the end of the year, the insurer may review the policy based on the claims experience and adjust the terms or premiums. This means your coverage and costs could change annually. Risk of cancellation: Theres always a risk that the policy could be discontinued if the insurer or the group decides to withdraw it. In such cases, you might be left without coverage and could be offered an alternative retail policy with potentially higher costs and different terms.

Theres always a risk that the policy could be discontinued if the insurer or the group decides to withdraw it. In such cases, you might be left without coverage and could be offered an alternative retail policy with potentially higher costs and different terms. Lack of control: Since the terms of a group plan are negotiated by the group owner (such as the bank or app), you have no say in the policy details. If the group decides to cut costs, you might find yourself with reduced benefits or higher premiums, which may not suit your needs. Also Read: Key financial considerations for aspiring full-time content creators In summary, while group plans may seem like an attractive option due to their lower cost, its important to be aware of their limitations and risks. Ensure you understand the full implications before committing to a plan.

I heard health insurance companies cannot reject a claim if a policyholder continues paying premium for 5 years. I believe it is called moratorium period. Why do claims still get rejected? The moratorium period for health insurance policies in India, which was reduced to 60 months in April 2024, plays a crucial role in claim acceptance. During this period, insurers cannot deny a claim based on non-disclosure or incorrect information, except in cases where fraud is proven. Meaning, insurers can still deny a claim if they can prove fraud.

Also Read: Wills and trusts: How blended families can navigate succession planning What constitutes fraud? Well, under the Indian Contract Act of 1872, fraud is defined as any act intended to deceive or induce someone into a contract. This includes:

Making a false statement as a fact

Concealing a material fact known to the party

Making a promise without intending to keep it

Any other deceptive act intended for personal gain In essence, fraud involves intentionally deceiving someone for personal benefit.

So, for an insurer to reject a claim after the moratorium period, they will need to provide documentary evidence proving:

Non-disclosure or misrepresentation, and

You were aware of this non-disclosure or misrepresentation, and

There was a willful intention to deceive the insurer. If an insurer denies your claim alleging fraud after the 60-month moratorium period, you might need to challenge their decision in court. And, the insurer will have to prove their fraud claims with solid evidence.
I am a fresher working with a Venture Capital fund in Bengaluru. I have been investing In Nifty 50 and Sensex tracking index mutual funds for the past 6 months. I wish to now diversify to other mutual funds. However, I wish to invest only in the large-cap sector. Many of my acquaintances have suggested investing in the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index. However, I am not familiar with it. Can you please elaborate on the pros and cons of investing in a mutual fund tracking the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index and how it is different from the Nifty 100 Index? J. Arunachalam, Bengaluru, Karnataka

The Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index is a unique index developed by the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) that offers a unique perspective on the Indian equity market specifically on the large-cap sector. Unlike traditional indices, which are typically weighted by market capitalisation, the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index assigns an equal weight to each of its constituents. This means that each company, regardless of its size, has an equal influence on the index's performance.

What are equal weight indices? Equal weight indices are based on the idea that giving each stock the same weight allows for a more diversified portfolio and can potentially reduce the risk of market volatility affecting the index's performance. This approach contrasts with market-cap-weighted indices, where larger companies can significantly sway the index, potentially leading to higher concentration risk.

Investment options For investors interested in the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index, there are multiple mutual funds that aim to replicate the performance of the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index.

The future of equal-weight indices The Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index represents a shift in investment philosophy, moving away from the dominance of a few stocks towards a more balanced approach. As the financial markets evolve, equal-weight indices like the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index may become more popular among investors looking for diversified exposure to the Indian equity market. The Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index offers an alternative to traditional market-cap-weighted indices, providing a way to invest in the Indian equity market with a focus on diversification and equal representation. Its performance and the investment vehicles that track it make it a noteworthy option for investors exploring the Indian stock market landscape.

Also Read | I want to invest in Nifty Midcap 150 Index. Please elaborate its pros and cons

Understanding the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index eligibility criteria Unlike traditional indices that weigh constituents based on their market capitalisation, the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index assigns an equal weight to each of its components, ensuring a balanced representation that mitigates the influence of larger companies.

The eligibility criteria for inclusion in the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index are as follows:

Part of Nifty 500: To be considered for the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index, a company must already be a part of the broader Nifty 500 index.

Ranking based on full market capitalisation: Companies are selected based on their full market capitalisation ranking. To be included, a company's rank based on full market capitalisation must be within the top 90.

Market capitalisation threshold: There is also a market capitalisation threshold that must be met. A company's full market capitalisation should be at least 1.50 times that of the last constituent in the Nifty 100.

Liquidity and trading frequency: Liquidity is a crucial factor, and companies must exhibit a certain level of trading frequency and liquidity to be eligible.

Free-float market capitalisation: The average free-float market capitalisation of a company is also considered, and it must rank among the top 800 companies based on this criterion for the last six months.

Listing history and impact cost: A company's listing history and impact cost are taken into account, ensuring that only those with a stable and established presence on the NSE are included.

Domicile: Lastly, the domicile of the company is considered, with the requirement that the company must be listed on the NSE.

The Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index serves various purposes, such as benchmarking fund portfolios, launching index funds, ETFs and structured products. The Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index represents a strategic choice for investors who value equal representation across various sectors and companies, regardless of their size. Its eligibility criteria ensure that the index is composed of companies that are not only significant in terms of market capitalisation but also meet stringent requirements regarding liquidity, trading history, and financial stability.

Also Read | What is Nifty Microcap 250 index and how is it different from Nifty 50?

Performance, returns and comparison with Nifty 50 As of August 3, 2024, the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index has given a one-year return of 54.25%. It has given a 5 year compounded annual return of 23.13%. On the other hand, as of June 28, 204 Nifty 50 Index has given a one-year return of 32.64%. It has given a 5 year compounded annual return of 19.39%.

Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.

Pros and cons of investing In index mutual funds tracking Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index Investing in index mutual funds that track the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index can be an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolio and gain exposure to the Indian equity market. These funds offer a unique approach by assigning equal weight to each stock in the index, regardless of the company's market size. This method contrasts with traditional market capitalisation-weighted indices, where larger companies have a more significant impact on the index's performance.

Pros Diversification: One of the primary advantages of these funds is the diversification they offer. By investing in a fund that tracks the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index, investors can spread their risk across 100 different companies, reducing the impact of any single stock's performance on their overall investment.

Performance potential: Historically, equal-weighted index funds have shown the potential to produce superior returns compared to their market-cap-weighted counterparts this is especially true in the case of the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index and has been discussed later in this blog. This is because the performance of smaller companies has a more significant impact on the index, which can lead to higher returns if these companies perform well.

Simplicity: Investing in an index fund is a straightforward way to gain exposure to a broad range of assets. Investors know exactly what they are investing in and can easily track the performance of their investments.

Lower costs: Index mutual funds typically have lower expense ratios than actively managed funds because they are passively managed. This means that more of the investor's money is working for them, potentially leading to better net returns.

Cons Volatility: The Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index can be more volatile than market-cap-weighted indices. This is because the performance of smaller companies, which have a greater impact on the index, can be more unpredictable.

Key differences between the Nifty 100 Index and the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index Investing in the stock market involves a plethora of choices, especially when it comes to indices. The Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index and the Nifty 100 Index may sound similar, however, there are multiple differences that investors should be aware of.

Weightage: In the Nifty 100, companies with higher market capitalisation have a greater impact on the index's movement. Conversely, in the Equal Weight Index, all companies contribute equally to the index's performance.

Rebalancing: The Equal Weight Index is rebalanced periodically to maintain equal weightage. This involves buying shares of underperforming companies and selling shares of outperforming ones, which can lead to a contrarian investment approach.

Performance: Historically, the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index has shown a tendency to outperform the Nifty 100 Index over certain periods.

Volatility: The Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index has shown higher levels of volatility over the year.

Diversification: The Equal Weight Index offers better diversification as it prevents the index from being overly influenced by a few stocks.

Which one to choose? The choice between the Nifty 100 and the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index depends on the investor's strategy and preference for market exposure. The Equal Weight Index may appeal to those looking for a more balanced approach, while the Nifty 100 might be preferred by those who believe in the market-cap-weighted philosophy. In conclusion, both indices offer unique advantages and cater to different investment styles. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed investment decisions.

Understanding the taxation of investments in mutual funds tracking the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index post the latest budget The latest budget has brought about significant changes in the taxation of mutual funds, especially those tracking the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index. Investors looking to understand the impact of these changes on their investments will find that the new regulations can influence both the strategy and the returns of their mutual fund investments.

Long-term capital gains tax Investments in mutual funds are subject to LTCG tax if the units are held for more than one year. The latest budget has revised the LTCG tax rate on equity mutual funds to 12.5% from 10% on gains exceeding 1.25 lakh in a financial year. This is a critical change for investors to consider when planning their investments and returns.

Short-term capital gains tax If the units of the mutual fund are sold within a year from the date of investment, the gains are taxed at 20%. This remains unchanged and continues to incentivize long-term investments over short-term trading.

The latest budget has introduced changes that could impact investors in mutual funds tracking the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index. It's crucial for investors to stay informed about these changes and consult with financial advisors to understand the implications for their investment portfolios. With careful planning and strategy, investors can navigate the new tax landscape and continue to make informed investment decisions.

In conclusion, index mutual funds tracking the Nifty 100 Equal Weight Index offer a balanced approach to investing in the Indian equity market. They provide diversification, the potential for higher returns, simplicity, and lower costs. However, investors must also consider the limitations, such as increased volatility, and a limited track record. As with any investment, it is crucial to align fund choices with individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
As the standoff between the West Bengal government and protesting junior doctors continues over the Kolkata doctor's rape and murder case, amid allegations of a cover-up by RG Kar authorities, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged a possible organ trade nexus worth over 200 crore involving the hospital's former principal, Sandip Ghosh. The BJP also asked if the Kolkata doctor, who was raped and murdered at the seminar hall of RG Kar, had discovered about the organ trade.

In a long post on X, BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya said, CBI probe in the RG Kar Medical College & Hospital hints at over 200 crore rupee organ trade nexus in Bengal Medical Colleges. Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, who Mamata Banerjee desperately wanted to protect, is the chief coordinator of the nexus.

Amit Malviya further asked if Mamata Banerjee tried to protect Sandip Ghosh because she also benefits from the organ trade at RG Kar.

Was the young doctor raped and murdered because she discovered what Sandip Ghosh and his henchmen were up to? Did Mamata Banerjee try to protect Ghosh because she is a beneficiary too and all this was happening under patronage? Amit Malviya tweeted.

Amit Malviya also pointed at the role of some doctors who were present on RG Kar campus on the night of the rape. The CBI must also investigate the presence of these three doctors on the RG Kar medical College campus, on the fateful night when the crime happened, he said while naming Dr Soutrik Roy, son of influential TMC leader and WB Medical Council Vice President Dr Susanta Roy, Dr Avik De, TMCP leader and PGT doctor and Dr Sourav Paul, another TMCP leader and close confidante of former RG Kar MCH Principal Dr Sandip Ghosh.

Meanwhile, Kolkata junior doctors have written a four page letter to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention in the case of the murder and rape of the doctor at RG Kar. The copies of the letter written by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front were sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Health Minister JP Nadda.
As protesting junior doctors' impasse with the West Bengal government persists over the Kolkata rape and murder case, the medics have now turned to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention in the case. A trainee doctor was raped and murdered at the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, 2024.

The copies of the four-page letter written by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front to President Murmu were also sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Health Minister JP Nadda.

We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health Department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension, the letter read.

It said, Your intervention in these trying times will act as a beacon of light to us all, showing us the way ahead out of the darkness that surrounds us. Also Read | BJP alleges organ trade nexus at Kolkatas RG Kar, asks was doctor raped, murdered because she knew?

The letter further said the turbid atmosphere of fear, distrust and hopelessness, the junior doctors in West Bengal have been forced to avoid working within the hospital premises and instead have taken alternative modes to discharge our duty of providing health care services to the citizens.

The letter to President Droupadi Murmu was sent a day after protesting doctors refused to meet the chief minister if their demands are not met. Later, Mamata Banerjee issued a statement, saying, "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.'

Mamata Banerjee on Friday, September 13, announced that the state government would pay a compensation of two lakh to the families of each of the 29 people who died allegedly after not getting treatment due to the ongoing 'cease work' of agitating junior doctors.
Elon Musk, the Tesla CEO and Space X founder, on Friday labelled Australia's centre-left government "fascists." This remark comes in response to the proposed legislation to impose fines on social media firms who fail to curb the spread of misinformation online.

On Thursday, Australia's Labor government, announced a new legislation in Parliament. According to this law, social media platforms could face a penalty of up to 5% of their global revenue if found permitting misinformation on their internet platforms. This marks a step towards the worldwide push to control borderless tech giants. The outspoken tech billionaire described the misinformation law with one word - "Fascists".

Also Read | China seeks to replace Jeff Bezos as Elon Musks top space rival

Tech platforms need to set codes of conduct to limit the spread of dangerous falsehoods in addition to being approved by a regulator, according to the proposed law. The regulator will fine firms for non-compliance and would set its own standard if a platform is unable to.

This development comes months after the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) owner clashed with the Australian government. X knocked the court of law in April this year to challenge a cyber regulator's order regarding the removal of some posts about the stabbing incident of a bishop in Sydney. The incident took a clumsy turn after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Elon Musk an "arrogant billionaire".

Elon Musk has strongly criticised the push against misinformation and advocates free speech. This action followed rebukes from Australian government lawmakers.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones termed Musk's comment "crackpot stuff" and said that social media platforms should not publish scam content, deepfake materials and livestream violence in the name of free speech, reported Reuters. In an interview with ABC television, the Assistant Treasurer said, This is about sovereignty, and whether it's the Australian government or any other government around the world, we assert our right to pass laws which will keep Australians safe.
(Bloomberg) -- Germany sent its first warship through the Taiwan Strait in 22 years, defying Chinas warnings as relations between the two sides fray over trade and Russias war in Ukraine.

The Baden-Wurttemberg frigate and a support vessel sailed through the strait on Friday, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said at a news conference in Berlin.

International waters are international waters, Pistorius told reporters. It is the shortest and, given the weather conditions, also the safest route, he added. Asked about the ships voyage later on Friday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: Theres not much to say about the passage of ships. Its an international waterway.

Berlins decision to go ahead with the rare voyage risks angering Beijing, which has ramped up military, economic and diplomatic pressure on Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who refuses to endorse the claim his democratically run island is part of China. Beijing hasnt ruled out taking the territory by force.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called any transit an act of provocation under the pretext of freedom of navigation this month, when asked about Berlins plans. Such actions harm Chinas sovereignty and security, she added.

Germanys move highlights a growing willingness by US partners to defy President Xi Jinping and send ships through one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes. China doesnt claim sovereignty over the strait, but wants to regulate the waterway and protests transits by foreign powers.

European Union countries have been increasing their presence in the Indo-Pacific region more broadly this year, according to Hsu Chih-hsiang, assistant analyst at Taiwans Institute for National Defense and Security Research.

EU nations are not likely to send over vessels or troops if China invades Taiwan, he said. But theyre still able to send warship in peacetime to show their concerns.

Germany mulled sending a frigate through the Taiwan Strait several years ago but canceled the plan as then-Chancellor Angela Merkel didnt want to irritate China, he added. The US conducts regular transits through the strait, and France, the United Kingdom and Canada have all sent vessels in recent years.

Chinas military has become more assertive toward Taipei, earlier this year sending a record swarm of warplanes across a US-drawn boundary in the Taiwan Strait. That comes as Beijing increasingly clashes with US ally the Philippines in the nearby South China Sea, where Xi also has territorial claims.

Pistorius sounded the alarm earlier this year over Chinas growing military ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. Fear is growing over Beijings military buildup, he said, also citing its aggressive economic policies and its open quest for geopolitical dominance.

Berlin is trying to balance those security concerns with its important economic relationship with China. Scholz lined up with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez this week, calling for the EU to reconsider imposing tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars amid concerns the move could backfire on their domestic industries.

Relations between Berlin and Beijing have cooled under Scholz, who has criticized the worlds No. 2 economy for flooding his market with cheap products. The Chinese leaders support for Russia despite its war in Ukraine has become another thorny issue in bilateral ties.

Michael Roth, the chairman of the German parliaments foreign affairs committee, earlier this month defended his nations actions.

A transit is not a provocation, Roth, a member of Scholzs Social Democratic Party and a former deputy foreign minister, wrote on X. We stand for peace and security in the Taiwan Strait and oppose any unilateral and violent changes to the status quo by China.

Germanys latest move was likely aimed at warning China against military adventurism, said Lin Po-Chou, an assistant research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei.

Its becoming important for Western countries to deter Chinas potential invasion of Taiwan in peacetime, he said.

--With assistance from Jing Li and Iain Rogers.

(Updates with Scholz comment in third paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Ford Motor Company announced on Friday its intention to recommence operations at a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, India, marking a potential return to a market it had previously exited three years prior. The company has submitted a letter of intent to the state government, following discussions between the chief minister of Tamil Nadu and Ford regarding the resumption of manufacturing for export purposes.

Ford Motor Company plans to resume operations in Tamil Nadu, India, after exiting the market three years ago. The company aims to leverage local manuf

Ford ceased domestic car production in India in 2021 due to challenges in increasing sales volumes and subsequently halted exports in 2022, thereby withdrawing from the world's third-largest automotive market, which is primarily led by Asian competitors.

Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING Ford Mustang Mach E  70 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Kia EV6 77.4 kWh 77.4 kWh 708 km 708 km  60.95 Lakhs Compare View Offers Volvo XC60 1969 cc 1969 cc Multiple Multiple  68.90 Lakhs Compare UPCOMING Lexus UX 300e 54.3 kWh 54.3 kWh 400 km 400 km  75 - 85 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Lexus NX 2494 cc 2494 cc Multiple Multiple  67.35 Lakhs Compare View Offers BMW iX1 66.4 KWh 66.4 KWh 440 Km 440 Km  66.90 Lakhs Compare

We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Tamil Nadu Government as we explored different options for the Chennai plant," said Kay Hart, president, Ford International Markets Group. This step aims to underscore our ongoing commitment to India as we intend to leverage the manufacturing expertise available in Tamil Nadu to serve new global markets."

Presently, Ford has a workforce of 12,000 in Global Business Operations located in Tamil Nadu, with projections indicating an increase of 2,500 to 3,000 jobs over the next three years. Alongside the engine manufacturing facilities in Sanand, India stands as Ford's second-largest salaried employee base globally. Further information about the type of manufacturing and other details will be disclosed in due course, says Ford.

(Read more: Tourists drive Ford Endeavour SUV into canal after Google Maps misguides)

In September 2021, Ford Motor Co declared its decision to cease vehicle production at its two facilities in India, following nearly thirty years of efforts to establish a presence in the market. The company will transition to selling only imported vehicles as part of a restructuring initiative.

Although Ford successfully sold its vehicle manufacturing plant located in Sanand, Gujarat, it was unable to complete the closure of its vehicle and engine manufacturing operations in Chennai by the intended deadline of the second quarter of 2022.

Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.

First Published Date:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alert predicting possibility of heavy downpours on September 13 in Uttarakhand. Consequently, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal Orissa, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura are on orange alert today. A low pressure area over Bangladesh will likely bring heavy showers in the north-eastern states.

The IMD issued a nowcast warning about depression and said that the prevailing weather systems will affect the region for the next 9 hours. The post on X (formerly Twitter) reads, Depression over central Uttar Pradesh moved slowly lay centred at 2330 hrs IST of 12 Sep over the same region about 40 km west-southwest of Shahjahanpur (Uttar Pradesh), 70 km west-northwest of Hardoi (Uttar Pradesh). Likely to continue to move north-eastwards and weaken gradually into a well marked low pressure area.

Also Read | Delhi drowns in heavy rain leading to traffic chaos and waterlogging

The Meteorological Department said that southwest monsoon is expected to start withdrawing from the country between September 19 and 25. The weather agency said, Conditions are likely to become favourable for withdrawal of southwest monsoon from some parts of northwest India during the second half of the week (September 19-25).

Typically, the southwest monsoon starts retreating from northwest India around September 17 and marks its full retreat by October 15. The country recorded 836.7 mm rainfall since June 1 the onset of four-month monsoon season which is eight per cent higher than the normal, reported PTI.

IMD forecasted isolated extremely heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand September 13 and very heavy rainfall in Uttar Pradesh today. The weather agency in its latest press release predicted possibility of isolated very heavy downpours in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on September 16 and 17. Chhattisgarh may witness heavy precipitation between September 15 and 17.

Also Read | Deep depression brings rain to Odisha as IMD issues red alert in THESE districts
Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, was granted bail by the Supreme Court in connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam case on Friday. The Supreme Court, however, put before him certain conditions he must comply with during his time out on bail.

The Supreme Court dictated that Kejriwal cannot make comments on merits of excise policy case while out on bail. "Regarding building a public narrative of a case...Arvind Kejriwal shall not make any public comments about this case and be present for all hearings before the trial court unless exempted," Justice Surya Kant was quoted by Bar and Bench as saying.

The Supreme Court said all the conditions imposed on Kejriwal when he was granted bail in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case linked to the same matter "shall apply in this case also." The bail conditions imposed by the Supreme Court in the ED case were:

(a) He shall furnish bail bonds in the sum of 50,000/- with one surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the Jail Superintendent;

(b) He shall not visit the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat.

(c) He shall be bound by the statement made on his behalf that he shall not sign official files unless it is required and necessary for obtaining clearance/approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

(d) He will not make any comment with regard to his role in the present case.

(e) He will not interact with any of the witnesses and/or have access to any official files connected with the case.

SC expresses reservation on 2 bail conditiona However, Justice Bhuyan expressed his reservations with the conditions previously prescribed by the Supreme Court barring Kejriwal from entering the Delhi Secretariat and signing files.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia said on Friday that the Supreme Court while granting bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has given a message to Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) despite all its evil plans.

This is an emotional moment for all of us that our brother and political Guru Arvind Kejriwal is going to be out after all the evil plans designed by the BJP. The SC has given a message to the BJP that they have to stop their dictatorship, Sisodia told reporters after the Friday's verdict.

Also Read | Arvind Kejriwal Bail Hearing Live: Wife Sunita congratulates AAP family

The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Kejriwal in connection with a case filed by Central Bureau of Investigation in the excise policy case. The top court pronounced the verdict in the petitions filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest and seeking bail in the case registered by the CBI over the alleged excise policy case.

This is an emotional moment for all of us that our brother and political Guru Arvind Kejriwal is going to be out after all the evil plans designed by the BJP.

"The SC has said that the BJP is misusing the agencies and has made them their caged parrot... The SC said in very clear words that the CBI is working as a caged parrot... The SC's order has given an assurance that if someone is a dictator or misusing the agencies, then the Constitution of India is there to protect," Sisodia said.

During the hearing on Friday, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan recalled Supreme Court's comments comparing it to a caged parrot. "It is imperative that CBI dispels the notion of it being a caged parrot. Rather, the perception should be that of an uncaged parrot, Justice Bhuyan said.

"The Supreme Court said today that the way the CBI arrested Arvind Kejriwal, it became clear that the CBI arrested him intending to keep him jailed... And as Kejriwal has not done anything wrong, then who's intention was this? . The CBI did not arrest him because of any corruption but because the BJP wanted it... The Supreme Court has also approved of this today... The BJP got exposed in the SC today," Sisodia said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was released from Tihar jail on Friday following a Supreme Court order granting him bail in the excise policy-linked money laundering case filed by the CBI. He has already got bail in another case registered by the Enforcement Directorate in July.

I want to thank people who prayed for my releaseyou have braved rain to come here. Every drop of my blood dedicated to nation. I faced difficulties, but God has always been with me. God helped me because I was truthful, the AAP leader told party workers.

Kejriwal emerged from Tihar jail in a car alongside his security convoy as rain-soaked supporters chanted slogans. Visuals shared online also showed supporters and party workers bursting firecrackers outside Tihar jail  despite a recently imposed cracker ban order in Delhi to check air pollution.

"They put me in jail, they thought putting Kejriwal behind the bars will break his morale. Today, I want to tell you that I have come out of jail, my morale has boosted 100 times. My strength has increased 100 times," added the Delhi CM.

Top lieutenants including Bhagwant Mann and Manish Sisodia let the sloganeering from atop a truck. Calls such as Jail ke taale toot gaye, Kejriwal choot gaye and Bhrastachaar ka ek hi kaal, Kejriwal, Kejriwal rent the air.

The two-judge SC Bench had deemed his arrest lawful but insisted that prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty.

A Delhi court had issued a release order for the jailed politician following the verdict, and accepted a request to send it through special messenger. Special Judge Rakesh Syal passed the order after the advocates for Kejriwal filed a bail bond of 10 lakh with two sureties of the like amount before the court.

The top court has said that Kejriwal cannot visit his office or the Delhi Secretariat and not sign any official file unless absolutely necessary to obtain the Lieutenant Governor's sanction. It also said completion of trial was unlikely to occur in the immediate future and rejected the apprehension of tampering by Kejriwal.

Several AAP leaders and workers have gathered outside the jail and party headquarters to welcome the Delhi CM. They also distributed sweets and burst crackers after the news broke on Friday afternoon.

Today, all those under trial, except one, in the so-called excise policy case, have been granted bail. The comments made by the SC in today's hearing, are exactly the same as what we had been saying for the last 2 years... The SC even said that the country's premier investigative agency, the CBI, is a caged parrot. The SC called CBI a caged parrot even when UPA was in power... Towards the end, the SC said that the CBI needs to be an uncaged parrot, said AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj.

AAP leaders also assured that the party would fight the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections with 'double energy'. State party chief Sushil Gupta said Kejriwal would will campaign in the state following his release.

The news has also prompted a flurry of exultant messages from members of the INDIA bloc.

The bail of Delhi's popular and public welfare Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal is a 'victory of the Constitution'. Only those who are against the Constitution misuse the Constitution. The knock on the door of justice is always heard. The world has moved forward on this tradition till now and will continue to do so, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav posted in Hindi on X.

The bail granted to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal makes one thing clear that the foundation of democracy in the country is still strong. The long fight has ended with the victory of truth. Kejriwal's bail reaffirmed the feeling that the conspiracy to vanquish someone through illegitimate means will never succeed in a democratic country, Sharad ," Pawar wrote on X.

The court has given a good decision. It is a well-known fact that the BJP is misusing agencies like CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and ED (Directorate of Enforcement) against opposition leaders, added DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan.
The Supreme Court will deliver verdict on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail and arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the excise policy case on Friday. Will he be granted bail today? All eyes are set on the judgement to be pronounced by the Supreme Court around 10.30 AM on Friday, September 13.

Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan have written judgments in the case, Bar and Bench reported. Meanwhile, Live Law reported that two judgments will be pronounced in the petitions filed by Arvind Kejriwal in the Supreme Court challenging CBI arrest and seeking bail.

Both Justices Surya Kant & Ujjal Bhuyan will pronounce judgments. The causelist was later updated to state that Justice Bhuyan will also pronounce judgment.

The bench had reserved the verdict on September 5. The court had earlier granted Kejriwal interim bail in the case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate. However, his incarceration continued due to the CBI case.

Kejriwal was first arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scam on March 21. The Aam Aadmi Party national conevnor was arrested by the CBI on June 26, while he was in custody of the ED in the money laundering case related to the alleged liquor policy scam.

Will Kejriwal get bail? During the hearing last week, Kejriwal's lawyer Abhishek Singhvi said that every other possible co-accused in the excise policy case has been released.

Those granted bail by the Supreme Court in the same case include former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) legislator K Kavitha and Vijay Nair, the former communication in-charge of Aam Aadmi Party. Sanjay Singh, another AAP leader who is also a Rajya Sabha member, was released on bail in April 2024.

Should the Supreme Court rule in his favour, Kejriwal will be released nearly six months after he was first arrested - by the Enforcement Directorate - and two months after getting bail for that arrest. A bail this time will also make Kejriwal the fifth, and most high-profile, opposition leader to leave jail after being arrested in this case.
The Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy case. In a plea, Kejriwal had sought bail and questioned his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the excise policy case. While granting him bail in the case, the Supreme court said Kejriwal satisfies the triple condition for the grant of bail and we order accordingly.

Also Read | Arvind Kejriwal LIVE: SC grants bail to Delhi CM in excise policy corruption

Kejriwal will now walk out of jail nearly six months after he was first arrested  first by the Enforcement Directorate and later by the CBI. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on March 21. Later, the CBI arrested him on June 26 this year.

Arvind Kejriwal bail verdict: Why did SC grant bail to Kejriwal? 1. The Supreme Court said there is "no impediment in arresting a person already in custody." Notably, the CBI had arrested Kejriwa while he was still in the judicial custody.

Justice Bhuyan said, "It appears only after TC granted regular bail to appellant in ED case, that CBI became active and sought custody." He added, It [CBI] didn't feel need to arrest for over 22 months. Such action raises serious question on arrest itself.

During the hearing in the Supreme Court on September 5, Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Kejriwal, had said that the CBI did not arrest the Delhi CM for nearly two years in the alleged excise policy scam.

Singhvi had said an 'insurance arrest' was made on June 26 after he got bail in the harsher money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 24 this year, and the CBI arrested him on June 26  while Kejriwal was still in custody.

Singhvi said that the CBI arrested Kejriwal between May 10  when the Supreme Court granted him bail for the Lok Sabha elections  and the Supreme Court's verdict of July 12. Kejriwal returned to jail on June 2, and the next judgment was on July 12. The Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail in the money laundering case on July 12.

Then, on June 25, this arrest took place in the CBI case even though no arrest ever happened in three years, the lawyer was quoted by Bar and Bench as saying.

Also Read | Arvind Kejriwal issued summons as court takes cognizance of CBIs chargesheet

Justice Surya Kant, who was among the judges delivering the verdict on Friday, said, "We have noted that the CBI, in their application, recorded reasons as to why they deemed it necessary. There is no violation of S.41A(iii)"

2. The Supreme Court further noted that the completion of trial is unlikely "to occur in immediate future" and concluded that Kejriwal "satisfies [triple] test for bail".Meanwhile, Justice Bhuyan said the "CBI's appearance raises more questions than it answers".

Also Read | Arvind Kejriwal Birthday today: Manish Sisodia to lead AAP padyatra in Delhi
At least eight people were killed on Friday while bathing in the Meshwo river of Gujarat  with rescue operations continuing till late into the evening. The incident took place in Vasna Sogathi village with locals sounding the alarm after coming to the site in Gandhinagar to immerse a Ganapati idol.

Nine youths from Vasna Sogathi village came to the dam on Meshwo River at noon. They were bathing here when an idol of Lord Ganesh came for Visarjan. Out of those nine people, one was drowning while bathing. So, other people also came to save him, recounted DT Gohil  the Gandhinagar Deputy SP.

Officials have recovered eight bodies so far  in line with eyewitness accounts. SDRF and NDRF teams however remain deployed in the area to ensure that no other person is missing from the area.

Meanwhile Sub Divisional Magistrate BB Modiya (who supervised the search and rescue operation) said the authorities were alerted after a group of villagers came to the waterbody to immerse Ganesh idols and learnt about the drowning.

"After getting a message, police and fire brigade personnel rushed to the site. We recovered eight bodies from the river. One person who was assumed to be missing was later found moving about in the village. So the rescue operation, which continued till late evening, was called off," he said. The deceased were locals who had come to bathe in the river. They may have misjudged the river's depth since its water level has risen recently due to an under-construction check dam a little distance away, he told PTI.
New Delhi: The government will set up a golden city club to give more states a change to rank top among those with the cleanest cities, Union housing and urban affairs minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Friday. Indore won the title of India's cleanest city for the seventh consecutive year in 2023.

Indore has managed to hold the top position for years. Hence, we have decided that whoever comes first this time, we will fit it into a different category called golden city club. We will then keep the winning city aside and consider the next one on the list for the golden city club, thus creating a different competition to enter this club, Khattar told reporters before the launch of the Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata (4S) campaign.

In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the government's cleanliness efforts were driving significant changes across the nation. Taking this forward, the Jal Shakti ministry will launch the 4S campaign on the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). It will be rolled out from 17 September to 2 October.

Khattar also said an online portal would be developed to track the status of SBM and a that a cleanliness drive would be conducted before the start of the beginning of 4S campaign. About 85,000 places have already been identified for cleaning of garbage.

Transforming garbage dumps Khattar added that 427 dumpsites across 4,500 acres have been cleaned up and will be transformed into urban areas. Under SBM-Urban 2.0, the Indian government plans to transform garbage dumps in urban areas to protect the environment and reduce health risks. Many states are taking steps to transform and beautify these garbage dumps.

Under SBM-Gramin, more than 587,000 villages across India have achieved open defecation free-plus status as of September, with over 392,000 villages implementing solid waste management systems and about 495,000 setting up liquid waste management systems.

In the case of SBM-Urban, about 6.3 million household toilets and more than 630,000 public toilets have been built, according to an official statement. The approved financial outlay 62,009 crore is for SBM-U phase 1 and 1.41 trillion for phase 2.

Cleanliness target: 200,000 dirty spots The government also aims to clean 200,000 difficult and dirty spots during the 4S campaign, the theme of Swachh Bharat Mission this year,

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Khattar and Union minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil announced on Friday, informing that these spots will be mapped digitally.

So far, about 85,000 such places have been identified, Khattar told reporters.

At the launch event of the 4S campaign, both the ministers informed that central public sector undertakings, industry partners and non-profits were being encouraged to adopt cleanliness target units.

The campaign includes mega cleanliness drives at various sites such as tourist locations, public buildings, commercial areas, community toilets, public toilets, water bodies, zoos, and sanctuaries.
India has reiterated its willingness to help as the Maldives hurtles toward the worlds first sukuk default. The emergency funding would help the Maldives meet its external debt payments due next month. The developments came even as the island nation pledged to meet debt obligations  helping its dollar-denominated sukuks recover from a record low.

According to a Bloomberg report quoting people in the know, Male can immediately tap $400 million available under the Reserve Bank of India currency swap program. The country can also seek long-term loans under a $800 million line of credit extended to the government in 2019.

Also Read | Saving Maldives: Researchers trying to create new islands

It was not immediately clear whether the Maldives had officially asked Indian authorities for help. However Maldives authorities said in a statement last month that officials were working to arrange a $400 million foreign-currency swap with Indias central bank and a green bond sale.

The matter is likely to be discussed during President Mohamed Muizzus upcoming visit to India.

Also Read | Maldives ministers resign after derogatory comments against PM Modi

Moodys downgraded the nation into junk territory on Wednesday in light of default risks over eroding foreign reserves. Sukuk is a Sharia-compliant financial certificate that is used in much of the Islamic world. With double-digit losses this year, the debt is the worst performer on the Bloomberg EM Sovereign Total Return Index.

The Observer Research Foundation in Delhi found that the countrys debt stood at 110% of gross domestic product as of March 2024. Data compiled by Bloomberg indicates that the Maldives faces a $25 million payment on its roughly $500 million of outstanding sukuk debt in October.

A foreign-currency swap and other interim measures will however not fix the crisis  offering temporary relief and buying the island nation some time to find an actual remedy. Ties with India had become rather strained in 2023 as Muizzu came to power on an anti-India platform and promptly sought to improve ties with China.
RG Kar Medical College & Hospital rape-murder incident: Junior doctors continued to protest for the third consecutive night at Swasthya Bhawan, Salt Lake area, in West Bengal's Kolkata. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she is "ready to resign" from the post.

A 31-year-old trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered. Her body was found in the seminar room of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The case triggered massive protest across the nation.

Here are top developments in the Kolkata rape-murder case: 1. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said in a video message on Thursday, "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." Her statement came after agitating doctors refuse to meet her without live streaming.

Banerjee said she wanted the victim to get justice and apologised to the "to the people who expected that the issue would be resolved". She said, ...We want that, as per the Supreme Court instruction, they [doctors] must join their duty.

"Though, three days passed after the Supreme Court verdict, but we are not taking any disciplinary action because sometimes we have to tolerate. It is our duty...," the West Bengal chief minister said.

2. Governor CV Ananda Bose resolved to "socially boycott the Chief Minister". He said, "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. 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...," Bose said.

Also Read | Mamata Banerjee dismisses protesting medics precondition for talks

3. On Thursday, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials collected the dental impression of Sanjay Roy, arrested prime accused in the rape-murder incident at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, as part of their investigation, an officer told news agency PTI.

Roy's dental impression could play a vital role as evidence in the case. "There were bite marks on the body of the woman and the post-mortem report has mentioned those. Our idea is to match those with the accused's dental impression," the official said.

4. Junior doctors continued their 'cease work' and sit-in demonstration outside the West Bengal Health Department headquarters for the third consecutive day on Friday. This was a day after the proposed talks to resolve the RG Kar hospital impasse between agitating junior doctors and the Bengal government failed to take off.

According to PTI, around 30 medics, representing 26 medical colleges participating in the stir, had visited Nabanna for the meeting that failed to materialise after the government did not accept the doctors' demand for live-streaming of the talks. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the meeting with the junior doctors cannot be live-streamed as demanded by them because the issue is sub-judice and before the Supreme Court.

5. The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday morning conducted search operations at the residences and offices of persons "close" to arrested former principal of RG Kar hospital, Sandip Ghosh, in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the medical establishment, an official said.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Recently, Great Wall Motor's Poer pickup range launched the Shanhai Poer HEV in South Africa, marking a significant entry into the local high-end hybrid pickup truck market.

Photo credit: Great Wall Motor

The launch included a media test drive, further solidifying Great Wall Motor's position in the South African market and accelerating the global rollout of the Poer brand.

As a key model in Great Wall Motor's global strategy, the Shanhai Poer is positioned as a strong contender in the global high-end pickup segment, offering a diverse lineup that includes both traditional oil-fueled and new energy vehicle variants.

Great Wall Motor is committed to making Chinese pickups popular worldwide, with its GWM Pickup arm achieving cumulative global sales exceeding 2.63 million vehicles so far. From January to August this year, GWM Pickup's sales totaled 117,662 vehicles, with 32,072 units sold overseas. The Poer lineup continues its robust performance, surpassing 600,000 vehicles in cumulative sales and realizing monthly sales of over 10,000 vehicles for 47 consecutive months.

Leveraging Great Wall Motor's Forest Ecosystem, the Poer range is pushing into the new energy vehicle field, with models featuring hybrid, all-electric, and hydrogen powertrains, alongside gasoline, diesel, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options.

Earlier this year, the Shanhai Poer HEV debuted at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2024 in March. In June, the model hit the Australian market alongside a 2.4T variant. In July, the Poer brand entered the Mexican market, and was showcased in Uruguay in August. The latest launch in South Africa reinforces Great Wall Motor's commitment to expanding its global presence in the pickup market.
Crimes against women continued to be reported this week with a nurse in Bihar fending off a gang-rape attempt on Wednesday night. The incident took place at the RBS Health Care Centre in Gangapur while a doctor and two of his associates were in an inebriated condition. The nurse managed to escape after cutting her attacker with a blade and called the police from a nearby field.

According to reports, the accused have been identified as hospital administrator Dr Sanjay Kumar and his associates Sunil Kumar Gupta and Awadhesh Kumar. The police said the trio had locked the hospital from inside and turned off CCTV cameras before attacking the nurse. They had also been drinking before the sexual assault  an additional offense in dry Bihar.

The nurse (who had been working at the hospital for around a year) was wrapping up work on Wednesday evening when the drunken trio began harassing her. The situation escalated swiftly with the doctor attempting sexual assault. The nurse had grabbed a surgical blade and cut his private parts in a bid to free herself from his grip. The two others had chased her while she fled the scene.

The victim had called the police while hiding in a field outside the hospital  leading to the arrest of the would-be rapists. The doctor is reportedly undergoing medical treatment for his injuries while in police custody. Investigators have recovered several key pieces of evidence including blood-stained clothes and multiple mobile phones.

Also Read | Woman raped on busy Madhya Pradesh road, bystanders film attack and share online

The development comes amid continued outrage over the rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor last month. West Bengal Chief Minister insisted on Thursday that she was "ready to resign" for the "sake of people" as an impasse with protesting junior doctors continued.

"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. We have tolerated a lot of canards and insults for the last 33 days. I thought the junior doctors would engage in talks for the sake of the patients and on humanitarian grounds," she said on Thursday evening.
Port Blair renamed: The central government on Friday announced the decision to rename Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in the country's freedom struggle and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' unique role in it.

"To free the nation from the colonial imprints, today we have decided to rename Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram," the Union home minister said.

Taking to microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Home Minister Shah said Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an unparalleled place in India's freedom struggle. It is the place that hosted the first unfurling of Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Remembering Veer Savarkar, the home minister said the place also houses the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar and other freedom fighters struggled for an independent India.

Shah further said the island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is today poised to be the critical base for the nation's strategic and development aspirations.

It is important to note that Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islandsa union territorywas named after Captain Archibald Blair, a British colonial navy official of the East India Company.

The city is home to several museums and the major naval base INS Jarawa of the Indian Navy, along with sea and air bases of the Indian Coast Guard, Andaman and Nicobar Police, Andaman and Nicobar Command, the first integrated tri-command between the Indian Armed Forces, Indian Air Force and the navy.

Also Read | Railway employee beaten to death by passengers for allegedly molesting girl

Earlier in July, the government renamed the Rashtrapati Bhavan's iconic 'Durbar Hall' and 'Ashok Hall' as 'Ganatantra Mandap' and 'Ashok Mandap', respectively.
A Kolkata court has rejected calls for a narco analysis test on Sanjay Roy  the main accused in the rape and murder of a city doctor. The CBI had sought the test to cross-check and verify the version of events narrated by the accused. The development came amid continued outrage over the attack and an ongoing 'cease work' agitation by junior doctors.

An individual is injected with sodium pentothal during a narco analysis test in order to induce a hypnotic state. CBI officials told PTI that the imagination is neutralised once the drug takes effect and the accused typically divulges true information.

Roy  a Kolkata Police civic volunteer  was brought to the Sealdah court on Friday and a judge spoke to him personally in order to ascertain whether he had any objections to the test. CBI sources told PTI that Roy had initially agreed to take the test but later changed his mind. The request was turned down after the accused refused to give his consent for a narco analysis test.

Earlier on Thursday, the CBI had collected the dental impression of Sanjay Roy as part of their investigation. An official told PTI that the data could play a vital role as evidence in the case.

"There were bite marks on the body of the woman and the post-mortem report has mentioned those. Our idea is to match those with the accused's dental impression," he told PTI.

Meanwhile the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government has repeatedly sought the death penalty for the culprits in the case once the CBI investigation was completed.

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, she told protesting junior doctors on Thursday evening.
The Supreme Court on September 13 granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy case. In the plea, Kejriwal had sought bail and questioned his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the excise policy case.

Arvind Kejriwal LIVE Updates List of ministers who got bail in Excise Policy Case: Manish Sisodia: On August 9, Manish Sisodia, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, was granted significant relief by the Supreme Court, as he was released on bail in cases involving the Delhi excise policy scam brought by both the ED and CBI. Sisodia had requested bail, arguing that he had been detained for 17 months.

K Kavitha: On August 27, the Supreme Court granted bail to K Kavitha, a Member of the Legislative Council for Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Kavitha, who is 46 years old and the daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, had been in custody since March 15, 2024. While granting bail, SC noted that K Kavitha had been behind bars for five months, and the trial would take a long time to complete as there were 493 witnesses and many documents.

Vijay Nair: On September 2, SC granted bail to the former media in-charge of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in connection with the alleged Delhi excise scam case.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called Arvind Kejriwal a bail wala chief minister after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the money laundering case linked to the alleged liquor policy case. BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia took a jibe at Arvind Kejriwal, saying the jail wala chief minister has now become a bail wala chief minister. The remark comes against the backdrop of the Supreme Court granting bail to the Delhi CM, thrice.

Speaking at a press conference, Gaurav Bhatia said, The Supreme Court has shown a mirror to 'kattar beimaan' AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal once again... He has got conditional bail... The 'jail wala' CM is now a 'bail wala' CM.

The BJP spokesperson also attacked Arvind Kejriwal for his earlier statement that politicians should resign even if an allegation is made against them. He added that Arvind Kejriwal will not resign as the chief minster because he lacks even a drop of morality.

He said, The most important is that Arvind Kejriwal CM should resign as per the voice of the people of Delhi... But he will not do that because he does not have even a drop of morality... He used to say that a politician should resign even if there is an allegation. And now he is out on bail, he was in jail for 6 months, but he is not resigning... Bhrashtrachaar yukt, CM abhiyukt... Now, he is in the category of an accused.

Gaurav Bhatia also reminded Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that Arvind Kejriwal has only been granted the bail and not acquitted.

"Arvind Kejriwal never got relief from any court and no charges have been quashed... He has not been discharged... There is no question of acquittal because the trial will continue... The AAP has to answer why Arvind Kejriwal is not resigning... The BJP has zero tolerance against corruption... The corrupt Arvind Kejriwal will bow down one day and the people will take the resignation from him," the BJP spokesperson said.

BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat said, Supreme Court granted him bail by saying that the grounds of the case were correct. You can step out of jail but you can't go to CM Secretariat, can't sign a file, can't issue a statement on this matter or go abroad. So, CM will have to go back to jail again once the case is heard again. Now, it is a big question whether he will be an ex-CM or continue as the CM forcefully.

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21. On June 26, Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by CBI while he was in custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the excise case. He was granted bail for campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections 2024 and was granted bail again today.
Two Army jawans were killed, while two others injured in the ongoing encounter with terrorists in the upper reaches of Naidgham village of Kishtwar of Jammu and Kashmir late Friday evening, the Indian Army said.

The Nagrota-based White Knight Corps said four Army personnel had been injured in the firefight. Later two personnel succumbed to injuries while being taken to the Chatroo hospital.

The security forces have cordoned off the area and operations are still going on, the Indian Army said.

Based on the intelligence inputs, a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched in Kishtwar's Chatroo area. A contact has been established with the terrorists at 1530 hours. In the ensuing firefight, four army personnel have been injured. The operation is in progress, the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army said.

"Encounter underway between security forces and terrorists at Pingnal Dugadda forest area, upper reaches of Naidgham village under the jurisdiction of Police Station Chhatroo, district Kishtwar," Jammu and Kashmir Police told PTI.

Meanwhile, two terrorists were neutralised in anothre operation at Khandara Kathua by 9 Corps, also known as Rising Star Corps, of the Indian Army.

Taking to microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twiter), the Rising Star Corps posted, Two terrorists were neutralised in the ongoing operation at Khandara Kathua by troops of the Rising Star Corps. Operations in progress.

Earlier in the day, security forces busted a terrorist hideout during a joint operation at Surankote town in Poonch.

On September 12, 2024, on specific information, a joint search operation was launched by Police/Army and CRPF in the general area of Chamerd Surankot in the wee hours, PTI quoted Jammu and Kashmir Police as saying.
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Friday demanded swift justice in the Kolkata RG Kar doctor rape and murder case and questioned the CBI's delay in filing a charge sheet in the case.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Rajya Sabha MP asked, How long will the RG Kar victim's family have to wait for justice.

Hitting out at the probe agency, Derek O'Brien said, CBI has the accused & all the evidence. Why is it not filing a chargesheet & starting trial?

His latest call for justice and demanding answers comes almost a month after a post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar room of the West Bengal government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Medical examination revealed that she succumbed to external and internal injuries following a sexual assault.

The post further reads, We all want swift justice. Why is CBI delaying the trial? We need answers, O'Brien asked. The CBI took over the probe into the sexual assault and murder case of the trainee doctor from the Kolkata Police at the direction of the Kolkata High Court. The main accused, Sanjay Roy, who worked as a civic volunteer, has been arrested.

On Friday, junior doctors continued their 'cease work' protest and sit-in demonstration outside the West Bengal Health Department headquarters for the third consecutive day in response to the failed impasse with the Bengal government.

This comes a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to live-stream the meeting since the matter is sub-judice before the Supreme Court. As many as 30 medical professionals representing 26 medical colleges visited Nabanna for the meeting on September 12.

The agitating doctors demanded the suspension of the Police Commissioner, Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and Director of Medical Education. "We will continue our agitation despite wanting to resume our work, but not until our demands are met," PTI quoted members of the protesting doctors' forum as saying.
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Serbia on Friday demanded that an election be held and ethnic Serbs return to police and judiciary in a Serb-populated northern region of Kosovo where tensions have fueled fears of instability and new armed clashes.

Populist President Aleksandar Vucic also called for the withdrawal of Kosovo's special police from the region bordering Serbia that remains a flashpoint amid stalled efforts by Western countries to help negotiate a solution to the dispute.

The demands are unlikely to be met by Kosovo's leadership.

Serbia does not recognize Kosovo's declaration of independence from 2008. A former Serbian province, Kosovo broke away after a 1998-99 war which ended in a NATO intervention.

Tensions in Kosovo rose anew after Kosovo shut down several Serbia-backed parallel institutions in the north at the end of August. The crackdown by the Kosovo government has sparked criticism from the U.S. and the European Union who fear tensions in Kosovo could lead to wider Balkan instability as the war rages in Ukraine.

In his speech on Friday, Vucic said Serbia is demanding to return to what has been agreed and achieved so far in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina that has been mediated by the EU since 2011.

These talks have produced several agreements over the years but tensions have persisted with occasional outbursts of violence. Serbia accuses Kosovo of refusing to form an association of Serb-majority municipalities was been agreed in a deal back in 2013.

What we are demanding is respect of European norms and dialogue, said Vucic at a special press conference dedicated to Kosovo. We do not want war.

Many Serbs consider Kosovo a historic heartland and refuse to acknowledge its split from Serbia. Kosovo is overwhelmingly ethnic Albanian while minority Serbs live mostly in the north and in smaller communities in central Kosovo.

Ethnic Serb lawmakers, judges, and police officers in northern Kosovo resigned en masse in November 2022 in protest over the dismissal of a police officer by Kosovo authorities.

Last year, a gunfight following an incursion by heavily armed Serb gunmen killed a Kosovo policeman and three Serb gunmen in the most serious incident since the war in the 1990s. Kosovo prosecutors this week charged 45 people over the shootout, including a close ally of Vucic.

Vucic said Serbia will continue to assist ethnic Serbs in Kosovo socially and financially. He accused the EU and the U.S. of siding with Kosovo, announcing he would write to U.S. President Joe Biden, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and top EU officials and other world leaders over the current crisis.

EU officials have told Serbia and Kosovo they must normalize ties in order to advance in their bids to join the 27-nation bloc. Belgrade maintains also close relations with Russia and China, which have backed its claim on Kosovo.

Vucic's speech was dominated by his trademark anti-Western rhetoric that he uses when speaking at home.
(Bloomberg) -- Singapore rejected a bid by a group of top property firms to develop a new business district in the islands west, after judging the price offered by it to be unattractive.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority rebuffed the S$6,889 ($5,309) a-square-meter gross-floor-area price offered by the consortium to develop a 6.5 hectare site in the Jurong Lake District as it was assessed to be too low, according to a statement on Friday. The offer was shortlisted from two proposals submitted by the same group of developers.

The consortium included CapitaLand Group, owned by Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings, and the islands largest listed developer City Developments Ltd. Others involved were Frasers Property Ltd., Japans Mitsubishi Estate Co. and Mitsui Fudosan Co.

The move is a setback to efforts by the city-state to decongest its Central Business District, where office vacancies remain tight. But many of the top financial and technological firms that have flocked to the financial hub have shunned locations outside prestigious skyscrapers in the city, opting instead to downsize offices or locate their staff overseas.

At the same time, developers are starting to pull back from taking major risks or pricey bids as the countrys heated residential market cools. Another bid for a prime land site near the city center was already rejected in February, while a housing site failed to attract any interest from developers for the first time in more than two decades in June.

The consortium suggested that a rebid is unlikely, with its spokesperson saying in a statement that the developers look forward to future partnership opportunities.

The URA, in its statement Friday, said the government remains committed to developing the site, which was envisioned to include business, residential and recreational space, and will continue to engage with industry stakeholders. The land parcel will be placed on a so-called Reserve List allowing interested tenderers to trigger another launch if it meets a minimum price that is acceptable to authorities.

(Updates with consortiums reaction in the sixth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
A week after an auto-driver in Bengaluru allegedly 'assaulted' a woman who had cancelled a ride at the last moment, another incident came to the limelight where a woman has alleged receiving 'open rape threats' from a city man.

According to a report by News18, a woman who goes by 'Satansthots' on Reddit alleged that a man gave her threats following an auto-rickshaw he was travelling in dangerously sped past her car and almost collided with two other vehicles.

The woman shared her ordeal on social media and even claimed that the man insulted her and her mother by calling them 'prostitutes'. Apart from this, that man allegedly made comments on how he would have intercourse with them, added with vulgar gestures and showing how he would perform 'oral pleasure' on the women.

Was driving along Kathriguppe road today. An auto zoomed in from the left to the extreme right and almost crashed into 2 cars, causing a pileup. All I could do was honk and then pass by it. The driver in the auto kept quiet because he knew he was driving like a maniac. But there was a young man in the auto who walked up to me when the signal turned red, News18 quoted the woman commented on Reddit.

She added, He cursed me, my mother, and my entire family out. In beautiful, colourful language. He called us both prostitutes, explained in detail about all the positions we would have intercourse with men in, and then showed me how he would give me oral pleasure (with his tongue between his fingers). He was probably all of 21 or 22, and he got angry because of 2 people honking at the auto that he was in.

Other allegations: Among other things, the woman even alleged that the man tried to break the window of her car, attempted to force open the door, and issued death and rape threats to the women.

Also Read | Railway employee beaten to death by passengers for allegedly molesting girl

"He tried breaking my window and prying open my door. With 30 others watching him. He seemed to have assumed that I didnt know the language, so his insults got even more colourful until the signal turned green, and he said that he would kill me and my entire family after raping us if the video I recorded of his misbehaviour ever got out," she added.

Here's the videos she recorded from inside her car shared on X.

Police's response: In response to the womans social media posts, the Bengaluru police arrested the auto driver for reckless driving and probing other allegations.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Ultrasonic radar chip company Youhang Technology recently completed a Pre-A+ round of strategic financing worth tens of millions of yuan, led by a fund backed by 3PEAK.

Photo credit: Youhang Technology

The funds will be primarily used for automotive-grade validation testing and mass production of the companys AK1 and AK2 ultrasonic sensor chips, as well as automotive light and rain sensor chips.

Founded in 2021, Youhang Technology specializes in automotive sensor chips and components as a secondary supplier. The core team consists of industry veterans with over a decade of experience in the automotive supply chain and chip development. The company provides Tier 1 suppliers with products including ultrasonic probe chips, ultrasonic radar chips, light and rain sensor chips, micro-collision sensor chips, and control chips for chassis-by-wire systems.

Youhang Technology received angel investment in its founding year and secured a Pre-A round of funding in October last year.

The companys ultrasonic radar probe products are already integrated into dozens of vehicle models from leading Chinese automakers through Tier 1 partnerships. The AK2 chip has passed existing customer tests and is expected to begin small-scale mass production and deployment in the first quarter of 2025, alongside other sensor chips, such as the light and rain sensors, slated for mass delivery in the first quarter of next year.

Currently, Youhang Technology operates six fully automated ultrasonic probe production lines, delivering 15 million probes in the first half of this year and aiming to reach 30 million units by year-end.
Onam is a vibrant festival celebrated in the month of Chingam, which falls in August or September. This year, the festival began on September 6 and will continue for ten days, concluding on Sunday, September 15. The festival is knit with the harvest season of standing crops.

The festival also marks the start of the Malayalam calendar year -- Kolla Varsham.

Wishes to send your friends and family May this Onam bring you a harvest of happiness, prosperity, and joy. Celebrate the festival with love and cheer!

Wishing you a colorful Onam filled with the sweet aroma of flowers, the delicious taste of Onam Sadhya, and the warmth of family gatherings.

May the spirit of Onam fill your home with happiness, your heart with peace, and your life with success. Enjoy the festivities!

As we celebrate this beautiful festival, may the essence of Onam bring you new opportunities, prosperity, and endless joy. Have a wonderful Onam!

May your Onam be as vibrant and joyful as the Pookalam and as rich and fulfilling as the Onam Sadhya. Have a delightful and blessed Onam!

Whatsapp messages to send your friends and family May the harvest festival bring new beginnings and endless joy to your life!"

May your life be adorned with the beauty and happiness that this festival brings!"

Hope you celebrate this festival with joy and togetherness! Happy Onam

Wishing you Happy Onam! May your life be adorned with the beauty and happiness that this festival brings!

Onam GIFs to send your friends and family

Onam images to send your friends and family

Kappa Chakka Kandhari's Onam 'sadya'.

College students perform a dance during celebrating the Onam festival at College campus in Chennai. (File image: ANI)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might leverage their strained relationship with the British monarchy through Meghans potential autobiography.

In an interview with Talk TV, Bower while pointing out Meghans acting career, said, The problem is, she isnt a great actress. Her acting career ended long before she arrived in London - thats why she came here. She couldnt find any more work after Suits.

Bower, in an interview with Talk TV, said that Meghans autobiography could serve as a gold mine and be their most valuable asset.

Royal expert Tom Bower suggests that such a book could be a lucrative opportunity, significantly enhancing their income. The couple is reportedly holding off on discussing their royal experiences openly to maintain public interest and avoid immediate backlash.

Speculation about Meghans autobiography has been ongoing since Harrys book attracted attention in early 2023. Some publishing experts suggest that the couples decision to delay further releases is a strategic move, aimed at maintaining public interest and maximizing impact.

Earlier in August, a report by the British tabloid magazine Closer said that Meghan Markle is reportedly planning to share her mental health struggles during the time spent with the Royals in an explosive book.

Meghan first spoke publicly about her suicidal feelings in 2021 in TV interview with Oprah Winfrey. During the interview, Meghan Markle claimed that her mental health degraded during her pregnancy with her son Archie amid the pressure of royal life.
A recent video of world famous rockstar Jon Bon Jovi is gaining lot of appreciation on social media platform. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department posted a video wherein Jon Bon Jovi was seen helping a woman who was standing outside the guard railing of the Seigenthaler Ped Bridge bridge and helped her to safety.

Also Read | Miss Switzerland finalist Kristina Joksimovic strangled by husband, says report

As per Associated Press report, the Grammy-winning rocker was shooting a video on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in Nashville when he and another person saw a woman standing outside the guard railing. In the 2 minutes and 10 seconds video, Jon and another woman walk toward her and speak with her before they help the woman climb over the railing onto the bridge. The video also shows Jon then walking to the distressed woman.

Also Read | Meghan Markle treats Prince Harry horrendously

While sharing the video, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department wrote, 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. "It takes all of us to help keep each other safe,"--Chief John Drake

Comments on the video In response to the video, viewers expressed their appreciation for Jon Bon Jovi's kindness and compassion. One user wrote, Thank you, Jon Bon, for being a compassionate human being

Another added, Thank you Metro Nashville PD for posting this. What a human being Jon Bon Jovi is.

Actual Rock and Roll Hero, some other added.

Kindness, compassion, empathy, don't forget that we are all in this together and these can lift us out of pain. This is an example of that truth, one user wrote.

Some other user wrote, Jon is typical of a Piscean. Always wanting to help others. This is not religion. This is humanism in action.

There's so much taking place in this video. How did some people walk by without doing anything?! Who is that photographer! Most importantly what a mitzvah by JBJ, some other added.

Thats awesome, if we could get more in the world to actually care for others rather than just themselves, this world would be much a better place, other user said.

Some users also called it a staged set up. A user commented, Could this be a set up for his filming ??? Just asking .. these days nothing really seems as it appears

So staged! Like Bon Jovi would be out walking around on the bridge lol perfect timing for he to be there lol

While one user said, Any of you saying that it is staged or a publicity stunt has no idea what Jon Bon Jovi is about. Hes the last person on the planet to turn something like this into a publicity stunt. Get a life.
By Tarek Amara

TUNIS, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Thousands of Tunisians marched in the streets on Friday to protest against President Kais Saied, whom they accuse of trying to rig the Oct. 6 presidential election by detaining and intimidating his rivals.

The march was one of the country's biggest protests in two years since Saied began ruling by decree in 2021 in a move the opposition describes as a coup.

The protesters chanted slogans including "Out with dictator Saied" and "No fear, no terror, streets belong to the people".

The electoral commission in August eliminated three prominent candidates from the race, citing alleged irregularities in their candidacy filings. The court in charge of election disputes ordered the commission to reinstate them on Sept. 2 but the commission rejected the ruling.

Critics say Saied is using the electoral commission, whose members he appointed, to secure victory by stifling competition and intimidating candidates. Saied denies the accusations, saying he is fighting traitors, mercenaries and the corrupt, and he will not be a dictator.

The commission's decision to defy the court meant only three candidates are left in the race -- Saied, Zouhair Maghzaoui and Ayachi Zammel.

Zammel was jailed 10 days ago, accused of falsifying voter signatures on his paperwork, charges he said were manufactured by Saied. He faces 25 court cases on the issue, and lawyers say he may be forced out of the race

The protesters demanded the release of Zammel and all political prisoners, activists and journalists detained for criticising Saied. "We are in the street to defend freedoms and rights which are at real risk", Bassam Trifi, the head of Human Rights League, told Reuters.

"The electoral commission should respect the court ruling and end restrictions against candidates. Otherwise, it means an undemocratic election", he added.
New Delhi: The Centre has issued guidelines to all government-run hospitals, recommending a minimum number of doctors and nurses based on bed count, and adequate security, among other things, to improve the quality of services as complaints about mismanagement rise.

The hospitals must also earmark at least a fifth of their beds for daycare services, set up Janaushadhi stores (generic drug stores) for affordable medicines, promote e-prescriptions, and set up grievance committees to address patients complaints, according to the communication sent by the Union health and family welfare ministry to hospitals, reviewed by Mint. The number of registration counters should be in proportion to the size of the hospital.

While the new guidelines apply to all central-run hospitals, states can modify these based on their needs for their facilities.

Inadequate manpower, including doctors and nurses, is a common complaint from patients. Poor basic facilities such as no proper waiting area, insufficient wheelchairs and trollies, no canteens, dirty toilets, lack of receptions to get queries resolved and no breastfeeding rooms only add to poor experience. Moreover, frequent violence against doctors has become a major concern.

The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act 2011 regulates both private and government hospitals and prescribes minimum basic standards for medical institutions. However, hospitals fail to implement all provisions, and some states have not even implemented CEA yet. The new guidelines are aimed at ensuring that public-run medical institutions improve their services.

The government hospitals operate under limitations. There is huge patient load and fewer staff. Nursing ratio is half as compared to private sector and in most cases even that is not filled fully," said Dr Girdhar Gyani, president, Association of Health Care Providers of India. There is no accountability per se in government hospitals.

State governments may consider outsourcing the process of meeting the guidelines to conformity assessment agencies through Quality Council of India, said Gyani. The government is also encouraging government hospitals to go for National Quality Assurance Standards accreditation, which will cover most of these guidelines, he said.

The health ministry has asked All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, institutes of national Importance and hospitals under its purview to take up the guidelines for implementation.

Also read | Health ministry orders enhanced security in central hospitals after Kolkata tragedy

Queries emailed to the health ministry spokesperson remained unanswered.

The guidelines follow a report on improving patient care across hospitals submitted by a committee set up by the ministry under the chairpersonship of Dr Pratima Murthy, director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences or Nimhans. The panel also comprised experts from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Delhi & Patna), Directorate General of Health Services, and North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Science, Shillong.

The report, approved by the health ministry, has been circulated to key government hospitals, including AIIMS, for quick implementation.

The report's observations have been classified into three categories: vital, essential, and desirable. These pertain to staffing medical and security personnel, patient infrastructure, digitization of health records, telehealth services, proper disposal of biomedical waste, and addressing complaints.

Medical staff based on capacity The report suggests a minimum number of medical staff based on the number of beds in a hospital:

100 beds: 29 doctors, 45 nurses and 31 paramedics

200 beds: 34 doctors, 90 nurses, and 42 paramedics.

300 beds: 50 doctors, 135 nurses and 66 paramedics.

400 beds: 58 doctors, 180 nurses and 81 paramedics.

500 beds: 100 doctors, 270 nurses and 111 paramedics.

According to the government, till March last year, the country had 169,615 health sub-centres, 31,882 primary health centres, 6,359 community health centres, 1,340 sub-divisional/district hospitals, 714 district hospitals, and 362 medical colleges serving both rural and urban areas.

More registration counters The report suggests a comprehensive human resource policy at the state level. The government said hospitals with 1,000 beds need to have at least nine registration counters, with the minimum number coming down to seven, five and four for hospitals with 800, 500 and 400, respectively.

Four to five hospital managers are needed in facilities with over 600 beds, and three in a 500-bed hospital. At least two managers must be posted in 300- and 400-bed hospitals, while one manager is a must in facilities with 200 beds.

Faster clinical assessment The report recommends centres for brief intervention and adequate private wards, with 20% beds earmarked for daycare.

While patients in the emergency centres should be treated immediately, for indoor patients admitted to hospitals, medical assessment by clinicians should be conducted within 24 hours and by nurses within 2 hours.

Hospitals should not take more than four hours to discharge patients covered by insurance, and those making cash payments must be discharged within two hours.

Discharge time must be monitored, and a summary should be provided and explained to the patient. In case of death, the cause should be mentioned in the summary, the report said.

Robust safety, data security The report suggests 24/7 availability of security personnel in all areas with CCTV surveillance. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel can be deployed in hospitals to ensure stringent and vigilant monitoring around the clock, it said.

The suggestion comes at a time the rape and murder of a young female doctor in Kolkatas KG Kar hospital sparked nationwide protests across the country by medical professionals seeking adequate security.

Medical institutions must also maintain data security, confidentiality, and integrity of the information.
US President Joe Biden will host the fourth Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, the White House announced on Thursday (local time). President Joe Biden said he looks forward to welcoming the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, to the meeting.

The White House notice stated that the Quad Leaders Summit 2024 will be Biden's first time hosting foreign leaders in Wilmington as president.

The Quad summit is a reflection of his (Biden's) personal relationships with each of the Quad Leaders and the importance of the Quad to all of our countries, read the statement from the White House.

Quad Summit 2024: 5 points to know The Quad Leaders' Summit 2024 would be the last gathering with current leaders, as both Joe Biden and Japan's Fumio Kishida plan to step down from office. Biden announced in July 2024 that he would not seek re-election to the White House. The Japanese Prime Minister also said he will not seek re-election as the head of the Liberal Democratic Party. The White House statement noted that the Quad Summit would focus on bolstering ties, aiming for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Summit will also aim to provide concrete benefits for Quad partners in the areas of health security, natural disaster response, maritime security, and high-quality infrastructure.

4. India will be hosting the next Quad Summit following the US meeting.

5. To date, the Quad Foreign Ministers have met eight times, as the Quad governments continue to meet and coordinate at all levels.

What is the Quad Summit The 'Quadrilateral Security Dialogue' (QSD) is an informal strategic forum comprising four key members the United States of America (USA), India, Australia, and Japan.

Also Read | Social-media populists have arrived in Japan
Washington [US], September 13 (ANI): Former film producer Harvey Weinstein who is already facing a retrial for his 2020 rape conviction, has been indicted on new charges in New York, according to a recent announcement from prosecutors obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.

The details of the additional charges remain under seal, but they are related to allegations from multiple accusers.

The grand jury's indictment, revealed during a criminal court hearing on Thursday, includes claims of sexual assault from incidents purportedly occurring in 2005-2006, 2006, and 2016.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Weinstein's attorney, Arthur Aidala, indicated that while the specific charges have not been disclosed, the indictment is based on three distinct incidents.

Aidala noted that he is currently unaware of the exact nature or number of the new charges.

The court appearance comes shortly after Weinstein was hospitalized at Bellevue Hospital for heart surgery.

Weinstein did not attend the hearing due to his medical condition and lack of medical clearance.

Aidala described Weinstein's condition, stating he has "some sort of shunt in his chest" to manage fluid buildup, along with IVs and oxygen, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Weinstein's attorneys have requested that he remain in Bellevue's prison ward rather than being transferred to Rikers Island, arguing that the hospital provides better medical supervision essential for his condition.

Judge Curtis Farber granted this request, noting that Weinstein's recent visits to Bellevue--his third in recent times--highlight the necessity for close medical monitoring.

Farber emphasized the critical nature of Weinstein's health, which prompted the recent surgery, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Prosecutors plan to file a motion to consolidate these new charges with the existing indictment. However, Weinstein's legal team is advocating for separate trials and aims to proceed with the November retrial concerning the original rape charges. This retrial comes after Weinstein's 2020 conviction and 23-year sentence were overturned in April.

Jessica Mann, one of the key figures from Weinstein's 2020 trial, expressed solidarity with the new accusers.

You are not alone "For those who continue to have the courage to come forward against Harvey, you are not alone," Mann said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Also Read | Harvey Weinstein hospitalised after New York court overturns rape conviction

"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," added Mann affirming her determination to use her voice in court to affirm her own value and challenge Weinstein. (ANI)
Adult film actor Stormy Daniels has claimed that Donald Trump does not actually want to be the President of the United States. The assertion comes mere weeks ahead of the US elections amidst an increasingly hectic poll campaign. Meanwhile a federal appeals court rejected his request to halt postconviction proceedings in his hush money criminal case  pertaining to hush money payments made to the actor.

He doesnt want to be president. He wants to be king. He wants to sit on his gold-toilet throne and wear a f***ing  I dont know Daniels told Rolling Stone during a recent interview.

She opined that Trump remained in the fray simply because his ego prevented him from acknowledging failure. The adult actor also touched upon her concerns that the former POTUS would charge her with treason if he was re-elected to the White House.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election. The former President has denied any wrongdoing and refutes her claim that the two had a sexual encounter a decade earlier.

Sentencing in the case was recently delayed until after the elections  a move that could lead to a dismissal of the case altogether. Trump will be now be sentenced on November 26. If he were to win a second term in office, the Justice Department could dismiss the Special Counsel and effectively end the cases against him. Judge Juan Merchan has also said hell rule on Trumps request to overturn the verdict on presidential immunity grounds by November 12.

Falsifying business records is punishable by up to four years behind bars. Other potential sentences include probation, a fine or a conditional discharge, which would require Trump to stay out of trouble to avoid additional punishment.

Also Read | Trump plans to launch his sons crypto business
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday, September 13, spoke about the Kolkata doctor's rape case while interacting with the Indian community in Geneva and acknowledged that womens safety and crimes against them is an issue in our country.

Jaishankar said, I don't think there can be a single person in the country who is not outraged by what happened. And you can see that on the street. The fact is, women's safety, crimes against women, is an issue in our country. It may be an issue in other people's countries as well.

I'm reminded in a way of something the Prime Minister [Narendra Modi] said. He said it from the Red Fort. He said, all of us, we say things to our daughters when they go out late at night, we ask them things. Do you do that to your sons? Today the safety and security of women is a very big issue, he added.

A post-graduate trainee at state-run RG Kar hospital in Kolkata was raped and murdered on August 9, prompting state-wide protests. Junior doctors have been on 'cease work' since then, demanding a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

As the impasse between the Bengal government and the junior doctors continues, resulting in the cancellation of three scheduled meetings, agitating medics in the state have written to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting their intervention to end the RG Kar hospital stalemate.

"We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal health department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted that 75 percent of disengagement issues with China have been resolved in their border talks.

Nonetheless, he recognized that some issues remain unresolved. Jaishankar also pointed out that the relationship between India and China has historically been challenging.

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, Jaishankar said during his conversation with Ambassador Jean-David Levitte at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy on Thursday.

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, he further added.

Jaishankar 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 also described the India-China relationship as complex and 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 EAM 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.

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 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, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Meanwhile, 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, and digital.

Jaishankar arrived in Switzerland on September 12 following his visits to Germany and Saudi Arabia.

Earlier on Wednesday, he met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and delivered personal greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 12, FAW Group officially announced that its premium brand Hongqi had surpassed the deployment of 200 own-brand charging stations, with more than 1,900 charging terminals in operation. Notably, 94% of these are DC fast-charging terminals, all offering power outputs of 120 kW or higher.

Photo credit: FAW Hongqi

These fast-charging stations are now operational across 24 cities in China, including Beijing, Changchun, Chengdu, and Shenzhen.

In August this year, FAW Hongqi revealed that its Power Electronics Development Department at the New Energy Research Institute had successfully developed two new smart AC charging piles, offering 7 kW and 11 kW capacities. These second-generation charging piles have already entered mass production.

The new charging piles feature advanced human-machine interaction, equipped with 2.0-generation near-field recognition technology. This allows for convenient functions such as one-touch cover opening and plug-and-charge capabilities. In terms of energy management, they support scheduled charging, remote control, power adjustment, and orderly charging.

Additionally, the product integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology for seamless connection with smartphones. Users can remotely control charging through a mobile app, monitor charging status, and schedule charging times. The system also offers data analytics to help users better understand and optimize their vehicle charging habits.

Hongqi is rapidly expanding its energy replenishment network. In addition to building its own charging stations, FAW Hongqi entered into a charging interoperability agreement with NIO in June this year.

Since June 24, FAW Hongqis users have been able to access real-time information on NIO's charging stations across China via the Hongqi Smart Connectivity App. Through the app, users can conveniently check the location, pricing, availability, and status of NIO charging piles. The app also allows for seamless scanning, charging, and payment, providing a more integrated and efficient charging experience for Hongqi EV owners.
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar thanked Lebanons Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah for his support in the ongoing war with Israel in a letter released Friday by Hezbollahs media office.

In the letter, dated Monday, Sinwar thanks Nasrallah for the blessed acts of Iran-backed groups in their support for Hamas since Oct. 7, when Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted another 250. Sinwar called the war one of the most honorable battles for the Palestinian people.

On Oct. 8, Hezbollah started attacking Israeli military posts along the border, triggering an ongoing exchange of fire that has left hundreds dead.

Gaza's Health Ministry says more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the territory 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, and the United Nations reported the Palestinian economy is in a free fall. 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.

Here's the latest: UN agency says a staffer was killed in an Israeli raid in the West Bank

JERUSALEM  The U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees says that one of its staffers was shot and killed during an Israeli military raid in the West Bank, the first such shooting of an agency staffer in the occupied territory in more than a decade.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency said Friday that a sniper fatally shot one of the agencys sanitation workers on the roof of his home in the Faraa urban refugee camp in the northern West Bank during an Israeli military operation early Thursday. The UNRWA identified the worker as Sufyan Jawwad.

Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani confirmed that Israeli forces had killed the UNRWA employee in Faraa, saying that he had been throwing explosive devices at Israeli troops when he was shot. Shoshani also alleged that Jawwad had a past record of militant activity, without providing evidence.

This is yet another example of an UNRWA employee taking active part in terrorist activities against Israel, Shoshani said.

UNRWA did not immediately respond to the Israeli army allegations.

UNRWA was thrown into crisis earlier this year when Israel accused a dozen UNRWA employees of participating in Hamas devastating Oct. 7 attacks.

The relationship between UNRWA and Israel has long been tense because of the agencys mission to care for Palestinian refugees and their descendants  now estimated at 6 million spread across the Middle East  who fled or were pushed from their homes during the 1948 war over Israels creation. More Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza

CAIRO  Israeli airstrikes continued to hit Gaza overnight and early Friday, killing at least 12 people in their homes, the Palestinian territory's Civil Defense said.

The strikes hit homes in Deir al Balahs Nuseirat Camp as well as in Rafah, it said. In Nuseirat, three people died, including a woman and a child, and eleven others were injured by the strikes. In Rafah, strikes killed five people, including two children, Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal said.

Israeli strikes resumed Friday afternoon, killing another person in Nuseirat and three people in Gaza City.

Bassal said a day earlier that 16 people were killed by airstrikes on Gaza City on Thursday.

The strikes come nearly a day after health workers wrapped up the first round of the polio vaccination campaign during which hundreds of thousands of children were vaccinated. The second dose of the vaccine is expected to be provided in the coming weeks, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees .

Gazas health ministry said Thursday that 41,119 Palestinians were killed, and 95,125 others were injured since the Israel-Hamas war broke out last October. Hamas leader Sinwar thanks Hezbollah chief for help fighting Israel

BEIRUT  The leader of the Palestinian Hamas group thanked Lebanons Hezbollah chief for his support in the ongoing war with Israel in a letter released Friday by Hezbollahs media office.

Yahya Sinwars letter came in response to a message sent earlier by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in which he paid his condolence for the July killing of top Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh during a visit to Iran.

In the letter, dated Monday, Sinwar thanks Nasrallah for the blessed acts of Iran-backed groups in their support for Hamas since the Israel-Hamas war started Oct. 7, calling the war one of the most honorable battles for the Palestinian people.

A day after the militants' bloody incursion into Israel that started the war, Hezbollah started attacking Israeli military posts along the border, triggering an ongoing exchange of fire. 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. Officials in Istanbul hold a ceremony for slain Turkish American activist as her body is transported for burial

ISTANBUL  Turkish officials held a brief ceremony Friday at Istanbul International Airport where the body of a Turkish American activist killed by Israeli gunfire arrived ahead of her funeral and burial in a town on the Aegean coast.

Istanbul Gov. Davut Gul and other officials held prayers in front of Aysenur Ezgi Eygis coffin, which was draped in the Turkish flag, before helping carry it to another plane for the city of Izmir. Her funeral is expected to be held Saturday in the town of Didim, near Izmir.

The 26-year-od activist from Seattle was killed Sept. 6 following a demonstration against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to an Israeli protester who witnessed the shooting.

The Israeli military said Tuesday that Eygi was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by Israeli forces. Turkey announced it will conduct its own investigation into her death.
Hamza bin Ladenthe supposedly dead son of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Ladenis alive and is leading the evil network of the terror outfit, The Mirror reported citing experts.

The report claimed that Hamza, 43-year-old, not only survived CIA attempts to kill him in 2019, but is secretly running Al Qaeda from Afghanistan along with his brother, Abdullah bin Laden. Both the brothers have developed 10 major al-Qaeda terror training camps in Afghanistan and have forged global links with other West-hating groups.

Analysis suggests Hamza spends most of his time in Jalalabad, 100 miles east of Afghanistan capital city Kabul, under the constant protection of 450 snipers.

A report seen by the Mirror says: Hamza bin Laden is not only alive but actively involved in al-Qaedas resurgence, a fact well-known among senior Taliban leaders. These leaders... engage with him, holding regular meetings and securing him and his family. It highlights a deep connection between al-Qaeda and the Taliban, one that is crucial for Western governments to understand. [Hamza] has ascended to the leadership of al-Qaeda, steering [it] towards its most potent resurgence since the Iraq War.

Under his command, al-Qaeda is regrouping and preparing for future attacks on Western targets. Hamza is driven by a powerful determination to continue the legacy of his father, which adds a symbolic and strategic weight to his actions. Moreover, Hamzas brother, Abdullah bin Laden, plays a critical role in this revival, the Mirror claimed.

Hamza is believed to have worked closely with Ayman al-Zawahiri, who took over the affairs of Al Qaeda after Osama's killing.

In 2019, then US President Donald Trump claimed he had ordered a successful hit on Hamza in an airstrike believed to be in Ghazni Province in south east Afghanistan. No DNA proof was acquired by the CIA.

In a statement issued by the White House, Trump said "The loss of Hamza bin Laden not only deprives al-Qaida of important leadership skills and the symbolic connection to his father, but undermines important operational activities of the group."

Pakistanis protecting Hamza The National Mobilisation Front (NMF), an anti-Taliban military alliance, has also carried a report detailing the operations of Hamza and his associates.

"Hamza bin Laden has been moved to Dara Abdullah Khel district (in Panjshir), where 450 Arabs and Pakistanis are protecting him," NMF said, warning that "under his command, Al Qaeda is regrouping and preparing for future attacks on Western targets".

Also Read | Delhi Rains IMD Orange Alert Live: Severe waterlogging reported

The NMF has warned that since the 2021 fall of Kabul, Afghanistan has become a "training centre for various terror groups".

Hamza's Terror Plans A latest assessments say al-Qaeda is working with Islamic State, sparking growing fears of another 9/11-style attack on the West.
ABOARD THE PAL PLANE  Pope Francis declared Friday that China was a promise and a hope for the Catholic Church, offering extensive praise for Beijing at the end of a four-nation tour through Asia and again expressed hope to one day visit.

Francis comments, during an in-flight press conference en route home from Singapore, came as the Vatican enters into the final weeks of negotiations to renew a 2018 agreement over the contentious issue of bishop nominations.

Francis declared himself happy with the process, saying both sides were engaging in negotiations in a spirit of good will. Im happy with the dialogue with China, he said. The result is good.

China for me is an illusion, in the sense that I want to visit China, he said. A great country. I admire China. I respect China. Its a country with a millennial culture, with a capacity for dialogue and understanding that goes beyond other systems of democracy.

The Vatican has been working for years to try to improve relations with China that were officially severed over seven decades ago when the Communists came to power. The aim is to unite the countrys estimated 12 million Catholics, who were divided into an official, state-recognized church and an underground church that stayed loyal to Rome.

Relations had long been stymied over Chinas insistence on its exclusive right to name bishops as a matter of national sovereignty, while the Vatican insisted on the popes exclusive right to name the successors of the original Apostles.

The 2018 deal sought to find a middle ground, although the Vatican has flagged repeated violations and Rome has acknowledged it was a bad deal but the only one it could get. It was signed at a time when China was tightening controls on all religions, especially Christianity and Islam, which are viewed as foreign imports and potential challengers to Communist authority.

The Holy See under Francis has gone out of its way to extend overtures to China. But its position has drawn criticism especially from American conservatives, who have accused the Vatican of selling out the faithful who have been forced underground.

Francis nevertheless was upbeat and seemed grateful for the opportunity to speak about China on his return from Asia, a region where Beijing wields so much influence.

I think China is a promise and a hope for the church, he added.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The is solely responsible for this content.
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.

Also Read | Joe Biden to host PM Modi, other Quad leaders in Delaware on September 21

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.
India is now the second most targeted nation in the Asia Pacific (APAC) by cybercriminals. Earlier this month, C-Edge Technologies, the tech backbone of several banks, suffered a ransomware attack.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was compelled to put out a notice that Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) and other payment systems of banks serviced by C-Edge would be temporarily unavailable.

This malware breach once again brought to light the fact that its no longer a question of if a cyber-attack will happen, but when.With cyber attacks increasing in both frequency and intensity, the demand for cybersecurity is on the rise and it is the chief executive officer (CEO), not chief information officer (CIO), on the hot seat, answering questions such as:

Can you say for certain that we arent under cyber attack right now? If we are being hacked, how safe is our most valuable data? Is the organization prepared if our systems go down for an extended time? What is your best estimate of the impact on our finances, investors and customers?

According to BCG estimates, cybercrime costs the global economy at least $2 trillion a year. India emerged as the second most targeted nation in APAC, with 2,138 weekly attacks per organization, trailing only behind Taiwan's 3,050 incidents in 2023, as per a CheckPoint report.

The impact of cybercrime on Indian Financial Institutions is estimated at 1.67 trillion over two decades. Little wonder then that every CEO is expected to take direct responsibility for protecting the company against cybercrime and be accountable to regulators, the investing public, the board and other stakeholders. So, what just got added to the CEOs vigilance perimeter?

A broadening cyber battlefield: For years, the overwhelming majority of cybersecurity breaches have stemmed from organizational or human failure. This is still the case, but new tools are making phishing attacksthe oldest and most common hacking techniqueeasier, more effective, and less time-consuming to execute.

Further, with generative AI, infiltrators can create more realistic deepfake content, as evidenced by a recent scam reported at a Hong Kong bank where an entire meeting was faked and $25.6 million was stolen.

Threats to digital transformation: Companies that are going through a digital transformation are vulnerable. They have to manage two types of technologiestheir legacy IT and solutions and those they are migrating to. These transitions create openings for hackers to exploit.

Third-party vendor risk: Companies are increasingly becoming perimeter-free, expanding the number and type of third-party vendors they work with, and their supply chains are becoming more complex. Each additional link to a third party presents a potential window into a companys network.

Intensifying regulatory oversight: Regulators across the globe, especially in the US and Europe, are imposing a greater legal onus on CEOs to ensure that companies have robust cybersecurity risk-management procedures, controls and governance in place.

Government watchdogs also insist that companies be more transparent about breaches and their consequences. It is a matter of time before Indian regulators also follow suit and even lead. Every CEO has to craft her own Cyber-Ready Playbook to stay ahead of the curve.

Four key actionable areas:

Quantify the risk: It is the job of the CEO to quantify every risk; cyber-risk is as real as any other financial risk. The CEO must mandate the chief revenue officer (CRO) to quantify, track and mitigate this risk.

This should apply to digital transformation projects and third-party integration as well. Similarly, risk must be monitored with routine vigilance both on and off the system. For example, social media posts, customer service complaints, etc.

Shore up the workforce: The critical lack of cybersecurity professionals is making companies vulnerable to online criminals. The World Economic Forum estimates a skill gap of 4 million people in cybersecurity.

CEOs must train their lens on investing in the right talent and prevent internal employees from inadvertently creating cyber threats.

Invest in technology resilience: A security breach happens when least expected. Hackers with nuisance value have all the time and resources to prey upon vulnerable moments. The CEO, however, has to work on zero response time once an attack is confirmed.

Investment in technology to systematically detect and monitor cyber intrusions and develop a playbook to build automated responses linked to a command centre is key. This triaging and escalation system must advise appropriate responses, so that the system becomes self-healing.

Collaborate and lobby together: As a CEO, you dont have to fight this battle against cyber warfare alone. Our recommendation is to seek help from experts in the field and collaborate with other CEOs and influence regulation, so that cyber attacks are penalized and the government sets up an active task force to fight them.

Cybersecurity is a humongous war that we can only win collaboratively.

The authors are, respectively, managing director; managing director and partner; managing director and senior partner; and global leader fintech as well as India head financial institutions, BCG
More than four weeks after US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research fired a salvo at the chairperson of Indias capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), Madhabi Puri Buch, the controversy over her alleged role in the story refuses to die down.

In a fresh attack, the Indian National Congress has alleged that Agora Advisory, a consulting business she owns 99% of, earned fees from regulated entities under Sebis purview even after her appointment to the regulators chair. It has held this up as a pointer to a conflict of interest, even as the said entities denied that they had sought preferential treatment from the capital-markets regulator. Earlier, Indias principal opposition party had accused Buch of receiving 2.17 crore in rental income from another regulated entity, which was under investigation for insider trading.

According to a 10 August note from Hindenburg, Buch owned 100% of a Singapore-based consultancy Agora Partners from 2013 to 2022, a period that covered the time she was a full-time member of the Sebi Board, and transferred its ownership to her husband Dhaval Buch only on 16 March 2022, more than two weeks after taking charge as Sebis chairperson.

Buch denied the charges of impropriety made by Hindenburg, but is yet to respond to the Congresss allegations. This episode, however, cannot be dismissed as just another storm in a teacup. Sure, she has said that the existence of these consulting companies and her shareholding in them were an explicit part of her disclosures to Sebi and that she has nothing to hide. While this may well be so, the reality is that when it comes to regulators, the line between the personal and the public is very thin. Like Caesars wife, regulators must always be above suspicion. Importantly, they must also be seen as above suspicion. And that, unfortunately, is where Buch fails the test.

Also read: Congress accuses Sebis Madhabi Buch of making crores from M&M, ICICI, Dr Reddy and 3 more listed companies via Agora

Sebi has also said it has adequate internal mechanisms to address conflicts of interest. Still, it does the Sebi chair no credit to remain at the helm while under a cloud. Suspicions over any unofficial role she may have played after she joined Sebi have come to expose the regulators reputation to risk. This is unfortunate. It has implications for how the Indian equity market is seen by investors globally, and given the markets role in capital allocation, for the whole economy.

We need a complete probe of all allegations. Sebis competence is not in doubt, as the Supreme Court observed this January, but we must ensure that regulatory officials function without fear or favour, and that is best done if Buch steps aside till such time that her name is cleared.

More importantly, we must use this controversy as a trigger for larger reforms of the system to rule out potential conflicts of interest in the future. First, to strengthen safeguards meant to ensure those who helm financial regulators cannot earn from any job held or for-profit role elsewhere, their holdings should not only be made public, but also sealed off and held in blind trusts as long as they have public duties to fulfil. Second, we should revisit the current protocol of appointments being made solely by the executive. Instead, these decisions could be made by a bipartisan body, such as the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, and/or require the approval of Parliament.
My former headmaster, Shomie Ranjan Das, affectionately called Heady, passed away on the 9 September 2024, soon after his 89th birthday. He had the distinction of being the only person to have headed three leading boarding schools in India, namely, Mayo College, Ajmer, The Lawrence School, Sanawar, and The Doon School, Dehradun.

His longest stint as headmaster was in Sanawar. As his daughter Shiraz wrote in her post on Facebook, he believed those were the best days of his life.

Also read: Empathetic educators offer lessons on ideal leadership in thought and deed Das was not the stereotypical headmasterthe archetypal feared head. Rather, he was twinkle-eyed, with a deshabille manner and a wry sense of humour. His looks and demeanour were deceptivehe was a keen observer with a razor-sharp intellect and was aware of exactly what was happening at any given time.

Little passed him by.

Sanawar, my old school, was populated with children who came from North India, chiefly Punjab, but by the time Shomie Das left the school, it had seen a transformational change in its student body. As a believer in Nehruvian Secularism, as well as having been brought up in the Brahmo tradition, he ensured that there was both regional and religious representation in the student body.

An accomplished orator, he had the whole school enthralled whenever he spoke. I have vivid memories of his descriptions. After a trip he took to the US, speaking of the plight of the homeless sleeping in cardboard boxes in New York City.

A firm believer in social justice and that adage learn by doing, he instituted that all students undertake some form of physical work. There were drives to clean up the campus, there was tree planting, which involved us using spades and pickaxes to dig holes for saplings, and students served in the dining hall, including the job of cleaning the tables of all dirty tableware, cutlery and food debris.

Not that he was moralistic or a puritan. Shomie Das encouraged students to mix freely and have friendships with each other regardless of their gender. He was the most enthusiastic dancer at the dances. He had a sense of fun!

Also read: AI in teaching? Survey shows educators in metro cities use artificial intelligence to generate tests, get feedback There is a quote doing the rounds of social media attributed to him: If there is one thing I could change, I would change the system of confining the children to within the four walls of a classroom. Children need movementit is important for learning and retention as well as mental health. After every class that was held, rather than teachers walking to classrooms, students would walk to the teachers designated classrooms. It gave us a chance to stretch our legs.

Before project work became a buzzword, an entire hour once a week was instituted to enable students to pursue some kind of project. This was not a graded activity, nor part of the curriculum. He encouraged exploration and set up systems which would enable children to decide for themselves what interested them.

Shomie Das believed in pastoral care. Small groups of 5-10 children would have a tutor who they met once a week casually at the tutors home, sat with during meals in the dining hall and went on an annual 7-10 day hike/trek. The teachers thus got to know the students in their group intimately and were alert to any signs of trouble and served as a first port of call.

He himself led by example and his tute group comprised the head boy and girl as well as senior prefects. He sat with his group during lunch and made sure that everyone rotated from the far end to the front so that he had equal time with each.

He was instrumental in hiring teachers with diverse interests, some of whom were a little older than the senior students themselves. One such teacher, I recall, when I was in Prep School, decided to stage an adaptation of Orwells Animal Farm. This resulted in the entire Prep School (Grades 4-6) deciding to go on a hunger strike to protest the quality and quantity of the food they were being given.

The head of Prep School was apoplectic with rage and wanted the teacher sacked. Heady, however, would have none of it and was amused by the whole episode, even meeting with a student delegation to listen to their grievances. The strike soon petered out, as we little uns, who in any case had just gone along with our seniors on their say-so, soon gave way to our hunger!

Das was supportive of his staff, as one recounted, Were it not for him, I would never have survived in the school. He actively encouraged open disagreements and discussions among the faculty, he thrived on this openness.

Also read: Educators should leverage AI for an educational transformation Under Shomie Das, Sanawar transformed from a parochial school to one of the leading institutions in the country, imparting an all-round education There arent many who stand as tall as he didan educator in the truest sense of the word. We were privileged to have been educated under his watchful eye and gentle guidance.
Savitri Jindal, mother of BJP's Kurukshetra Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal's who expected a ticket from the party for the Haryana Assembly elections has now filed her nomination from the Hisar seat as an Independent candidate.

On the last day of the filing of nominations on Thursday, 75-year-old Savitri, the wife of noted industrialist late OP Jindal, entered the fray against Haryana Minister and sitting MLA from Hisar Kamal Gupta.

Forbes India has listed Savitri as the richest woman in the country this year having a net worth of USD 29.1 billion. She is the is the chairperson of the steel and power conglomerate, OP Jindal Group.

Polling for the 90 Assembly seats in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the results will be declared on October 8.

"I have pledged to serve Hisar for its development and transformation. The people of Hisar are my family and Om Prakash Jindal had established my relationship with this family," she said after filing her nomination.

When the BJP fielded Kamal Gupta from the Hisar Assembly seat, Savitri Jindal was asked by reporters if her contesting the seat against the ruling party would not amount to rebellion.

In 2014, she lost to BJP's Kamal Gupta from Hisar assembly seat.,

"It won't be considered so. I had only campaigned for my son (Naveen Jindal in the Lok Sabah polls). I have not taken any membership (of the BJP)," she had said.

I have pledged to serve Hisar for its development and transformation.

Savitri Jindal was elected as an MLA from the Hisar seat twice. She became represented Hisar in the Haryana Assembly for the first time in 2005 as a Congress MLA. She was reelected from the seat in 2009 and was made a minister in the Singh Hooda government in 2013.

She quit the Congress in March this year when her son Naveen Jindal also left the party and later joined the BJP. Naveen won the Kurukshetra seat on a BJP ticket in 2024 general elections.
The Coming Storm: Why Water Will Write the 21st Century. By Liam Fox. Biteback; 368 pages; 25. To be published in America in October; $29.95

What would summer be without water: without frolicking on a beach, fishing in a lake or savouring a novel poolside? And yet, for anyone who cares about the health of the worlds oceans, 2024 has been a bleak year. Mass fish deaths, driven by drought and heat, have been reported on opposite sides of the world, in Vietnam and Mexico. Most of the worlds coral reefs have bleached, a process in which unusually warm water temperature makes coral brittle, bone-white and susceptible to disease and possibly death.

Nor is the news much better for people. In March the UN reported that around half the worlds population experiences severe water scarcity" annually. Drought has caused one of Mexico Citys main reservoir systems to run dry, and population growth has led the city to overtax its water table, leading it to gradually sinka similar fate to Jakarta, which is subsiding so quickly that Indonesia is building a new capital on a different island. Humanity, a species nurtured on a watery planet, is struggling to manage its most abundant resource, as two new books highlight.

Olive Heffernans The High Seas" is the more compelling and better reported of the pair. It focuses on the 64% of the worlds oceans that are outside the control of any country and cover around half of the Earths surface. She argues that the world is witnessing a saline tragedy of the commons on a vast scale. Oceans are Earths greatest carbon sink, having absorbed roughly one-third of all carbon emissions since the dawn of the industrial age. Phytoplanktontiny flora and bacteriatake in about as much carbon as all plants and trees on land combined. Oceans also provide around one-sixth of the worlds animal protein eaten by humans.

Countries and companies, all making individually rational decisions, risk doing irreparable damage to both of those functions. Sometimes these decisions are legal: no law stops Russia from sending its decommissioned satellites to rest in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean, despite risks to the marine ecosystem. But often they are not: some Chinese fishing vessels, for instance, use illegal nets, seize protected fish such as sharks near the Galapagos and lie about their catch.

Nowhere is this tension between rationality and risk clearer than in peoples quest to fish the oceans mesopelagic zone, the region between where photosynthesis stops (around 100 metres below the surface) and the part entirely devoid of light (which starts at around 1,000 metres down). This area is home to some odd fish, including the siphonophore, a tentacular colony of stinging creatures, and slender snipe eels with 750 vertebrae (most adult humans have 24). Mesopelagic creatures account for 95% of the oceans fish by weight; every day they complete the largest animal migration in the world, rising from the depths to feed at higher levels.

Several countries have tried and failed to fish the mesopelagic zones, citing high costs and low catches, but Norway is making a more sustained effort, processing unappetising creatures into fishmeal for its thriving (and lucrative) salmon farms. But mesopelagic fish play a vital role in the oceans carbon-sequestration cycle, and nobody knows the effects of thinning them outwhether the zone can be sustainably fished or whether it could quickly become as overfished as the surface. (As one researcher explains, If this works, it will be an opportunistic fisheryyoull have to go and get as much as possible before it disappears.")

This speculation about short-term benefits versus unknown but plausibly catastrophic long-term harms crops up throughout the book. The seabed is rich in minerals, including valuable ones such as gold and platinum, and although no one has yet found a way to mine them cheaply, efforts are intensifying. Some of these minerals may help the world get greener, but disturbing seabeds creates plumes of sediment that smother creatures below and cause lasting damage to biodiversity.

Sometimes Ms Heffernans concerns descend into excessive hand-wringing. Marine life offers immense commercial potential. AZT, an HIV drug, and Remdesivir, the first approved covid treatment, came from compounds found in sponges. Some 34,000 marine compounds have been found suitable for a range of products including cattle feed, ice cream and virus tests. Once scientists harvested these compounds from marine life itself; today they can use genetic information uploaded to online databases. Ms Heffernan asks whether using digital gene-sequencing amounts to biopiracy", but precisely what is being stolen and from whom is unclear.

Overall, however, her book is admirably clear-eyed, refusing the easy consolation of toothless treaties and mollifying pabulum from politicians. Just as Saudi Arabia is building a greener economy while also positioning itself to be the last man standing when it comes to oil extraction", she notes that many countries likeliest to ratify a treaty intended to protect the high seas will keep polluting and overfishing.

Whereas Ms Heffernan crossed the globe and plumbed the depths to write her book, Sir Liam Fox, a former Conservative politician, appears to have plumbed Wikipedias depths for his almost comically fact-rich tome. He wrote it to join the dots" and explain why waterbattles over access, climate-driven threats and maritime conflictswill prove as much a flashpoint in this century as oil was in the 20th.

His reasoning is sensible: in the coming decades much of the worlds population growth will take place in African and Asian countries that already struggle to provide their citizens with fresh water. Countries water management can affect their neighbours, stoking the prospect of conflict. Strife can also erupt over access to shipping channels, as the low-level conflict in the South China Sea demonstrates. Failure to provide citizens with clean water can also lead to malnourishment and disease. And abundance can quickly turn to scarcity: Todays flooded will become tomorrows thirsty," Sir Liam argues.

Yet despite (or perhaps because of) Sir Liams worthy concerns and puppyish enthusiasm, his book reads like a school report. Declaring that it is difficult to precisely predict the effects that climate changemight have in the future on human health" wins zero points for bravery.

Still, Sir Liams book has value. It is alarming but not alarmist and compiles a tremendous amount of water-related information. Neither book offers concrete recommendations beyond heightened concern. But if, over the course of this century, water and the life it sustains grow scarce or imperilled, conflict and privation seem not just possible but inevitable.

For more on the latest books, films, TV shows, albums and controversies, sign up to Plot Twist, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
In the early hours of Friday, Sam Altmans OpenAI unveiled a new foundational artificial intelligence model called OpenAI o1. While this would seem to be business as usual, theres a twist here: this model can reason the way humans do, or at least so it claims.

We trained these models to spend more time thinking through problems before they respond, much like a person would. Through training, they learn to refine their thinking process, try different strategies, and recognize their mistakes," the company said in a blog post.

The move is a marked departure from the currently established modelsincluding OpenAIs GPT-4o, Metas Llama-3.1 and Googles Gemini 1.5 Pro.

So far, the evolution of generative AI has seen efforts being made by Big Tech to shrink model sizes, take operations offline, and offer super-quick responses at affordable pricing in order to replace humans at repetitive taskssuch as checking a piece of computer programme for bugs, going through an essay for grammatical errors, and tallying correct answer on a Math answer sheet at examinations.

Elucidating upon this further, OpenAI said, These enhanced reasoning capabilities may be particularly useful if youre tackling complex problems in science, coding, math, and similar fields. For example, o1 can be used by healthcare researchers to annotate cell sequencing data, by physicists to generate complicated mathematical formulas needed for quantum optics, and by developers in all fields to build and execute multi-step workflows."

Also read | Why OpenAI-Google battle is not just about search. It's also about building the most powerful AI

Longer time, more cost

To break things down in simple terms, OpenAI o1 is designed to take its time, cross-reference sources, and find answers to complex solutions that typically need researchers to access high-performance computers for. The company has so far capped the decision-making time for o1 to one minute of processing, which proves that its working model is the opposite of how generative AI has evolved so far.

Weve so far seen scaling of generative AI in terms of model size, but now well see from the inference size," said Kashyap Kompella, AI analyst and founder of tech consultancy RPA2AI Research. It isnt always that we need an instant, one-shot response to a search query, which is why this OpenAI o1 model can prove to be important for domain-specific applications. But it wont be helpful in tracing misinformation or being applied in general-purpose search and internet use cases."

Also read | Indias generative AI startups look beyond building ChatGPT-like models

Kompellas analysis is on-point. OpenAI o1 is up to four times more expensive than its fellow flagship AI model, GPT-4o. The latter costs $15 ( 1300) million for 1 million tokens (roughly 500,000 words) of text output, while o1 costs $60 ( 5000)making it considerably resource-heavy for enterprises.

This can prove to be a challenge, Kompella said, adding that the cost of running reasoning-first models will be high, only help computing firms such as Nvidia and Cerebras, and increase the load of data.

This may also help OpenAIs efforts to raise more capital, showcasing it as a still-innovative company. Llama and the likes are also likely to catch-up, but this may take them six months to do so," he added.

Jim Fan, senior research manager and lead of embodied AI at Nvidia said on X, Productionizing o1 is much harder than nailing academic benchmarks. For reasoning problems in the wild, how to decide when to stop searching? What's the reward function? Success criterion? When to call tools like code interpreters in the loop? How to factor in the compute cost of those CPU processes? Their research post didn't share much."

Usability in the real world?

Others, meanwhile, have flagged OpenAI for likening the model to human thinking.

An AI system is not thinkingit's processing and running predictions, just like Google or computers do. Giving the false impression that technology systems are human is just cheap snake oil and marketing to fool you into thinking it's more clever than it is," said Clement Delangue, chief executive of AI firm Hugging Face. Its not the same as thinking, since the results are process-oriented and not the same as thought."

Jayanth Kolla, partner at tech consultant Convergence Catalyst, said OpenAI's new GenAI model was in line with how Silicon Valley had planned the evolution of artificial intelligence.

The next generation after reasoning in AI models will bring memory, where AI will get stronger remembering capacity and historical context. Then, we'll see perception, cognition, advanced cognition and finally artificial general intelligence," he said.

As more companies follow suit, computation costs will be initially high but drop eventually, given the volume of research meant to advance the technology. However, reasoning models haven't been proven yet, and OpenAI is known for launching models prematurely, so this launch may be taken with a pinch of salt."

Also read | Can GenAI bots win Nobels? Theyll soon be pushing the borders of knowledge
Tesla's Cybertruck has had a rocky rollout since it launched last year. Graham Rapier/Business Insider

A California police department spent at least $140,000 on a Cybertruck, per a Forbes report.

It bought the pricest model, the Cyberbeast, and spent extra customizing it.

Elon Musk has expressed support for Cybertruck cop cars, but it's unclear how effective they'd be.

A California police department reportedly spent at least $140,000 on buying and customizing the priciest version of Tesla's Cybertruck.

According to public records obtained by Forbes, Irvine Police Department opted for the $99,990 Cyberbeast and paid an extra $20,000 for the "Foundation Series" package, which includes "premium accessories" such as laser-etched Foundation Series badges and a glass roof sunshade.

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Another invoice obtained by Forbes showed that the police department also paid Unplugged Performance, a company that offers custom Tesla modifications, $20,000 to add "law enforcement equipment" to its Cybertruck. This included car lighting, radios, and exterior graphics, it wrote.

Irvine PD teased the imminent arrival of the Cybertruck on its X account in July.

A spokesperson for the force told Business Insider that the Foundation Series model was the only one available at the time.

Story continues

They added that Irvine's Cybertruck would be used as a publicity tool for the department's Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, rather than for active patrolling.

The idea of turning the stainless steel-clad Cybertruck into a police vehicle has been around for a while.

Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who previously served on Tesla's board of directors, showed off a police Cybertruck concept in 2023.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk also expressed his approval after Dubai police added the Cybertruck to its fleet of luxury police vehicles.

Despite this, it is unclear how effective the Cybertruck, which Musk has previously described as "apocalypse-proof," would be as a police vehicle.

Musk has described the Cybertruck as bulletproof. However, a test by the YouTube channel JerryRigEverything showed that while the pickup can withstand bullets fired by small-caliber guns, larger weapons can seriously damage the vehicle's exterior.

The Cybertruck has also faced questions over its offroading ability. A series of viral videos have spread online showing pickup struggling in the snow , getting stuck on a beach, and having trouble climbing a dirt hill .

The futuristic truck has hit a series of speed bumps since it launched last year. The Cybertruck has been recalled multiple times, including over concerns that the truck's accelerator pedal could jam.

Tesla did not respond to a request for comment, sent outside normal working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Being proactive, the district reshared a video that was made over a year ago trying to get the message across to parents and students that their words do matter.
Most of the potential school threats stemmed from social media, but there was one in particular threat targeted towards McMinn County High School, and it led to an arrest.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reportedly ramped up his security. Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

Elon Musk's security team includes up to 20 security guards and a medical professional, NYT reports.

Musk's security team reportedly refers to the Tesla CEO by the code name "Voyager."

Musk's security expenses have surged amid increased threats and his rising status.

"Voyager"  explorer, famous NASA mission, and now  billionaire tech mogul?

That's the code name that Elon Musk's security team uses to refers to him, The New York Times reported as part of an investigation into the Tesla CEO's protective services.

And "Voyager" doesn't go very far without his bodyguards, flanked by as many as 20 security personnel, some armed  plus a medical professional  wherever he goes, according to the outlet.

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In many ways, Musk's deep bench of security personnel makes sense. With a net worth of over $250 billion, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index, he's the world's richest person, and that stratosphere of wealth brings some very real risks into the equation.

But Musk wasn't always this wealthy, and the Times reports that he used to prefer roaming without his around-the-clock personal platoon. But by 2014, Musk had reportedly upgraded to a revolving circle of security staff to run his errands, assess threats, and research people deemed as "inappropriate pursuers."

These expenses could total six figures in a month, NYT reports, once reaching a bill of over $163,000 in January 2016. And Musk has reportedly increased his security measures as his wealth, status, and security risks grew.

He also hasn't shied away from talking about security concerns or threats made against him. At Tesla's annual shareholder meeting in June, Musk said that "two homicidal maniacs" had threatened to kill him in recent months.

He's also taken measures to increase his security.

In 2022, Business Insider revealed that Musk secretly bought a house after his former address became public knowledge. A neighbor previously told BI that the billionaire's home has 24/7 security. Musk also attempted to take down an X, formerly Twitter, account that tracked his private jets several times.

Story continues

With Musk saying things were "getting a little crazy these days" at the recent Tesla shareholder meeting, his security has apparently upped the ante to keep up.

A Tesla SEC filing revealed that Musk's security company billed the company $2.4 million in 2023 and another $500,000 through February 2024, representing just a portion of Musk's total security expenses.

And that security follows him everywhere  even to the bathroom. Musk's father, Errol, has taken notice, saying that he was fearful for his son's safety "even though he has about 100 security guards around him." Musk even ramped up security for Errol's South African home, arming it with a camera system, electrified fencing, and constant monitoring by guards, Errol said.

Musk is not the only tech tycoon doubling down on security expenditures. Mark Zuckerberg's total 2023 compensation of $24 million from Meta "consisted almost entirely of costs related to personal security" at his residences and during private travel, according to an SEC filing.

Other companies spent more modest numbers, with Apple spending over $820,309 in 2023 on CEO Tim Cook's personal security and more than $1,621,468 on private travel-related costs.

Tesla has also tightened up security after its former chief financial officer, Zachary Kirkhorn , received a death threat demanding $300,000 in bitcoin via email, Business Insider previously reported.

At least five other 911 were also reportedly made between 2022 and 2023 from Tesla's HQ, which law enforcement categorized as "terroristic threats," BI reported.

Former and current employees previously told BI that factory workers in both Nevada and Texas must go through badge checks on the shuttle (or at the gate for those who drive to work) and at two separate points once inside the building.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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.
Patrick Kielty has revealed he thought he had given Pope Francis shingles after meeting him at the Vatican over the summer.

The Late Late Show host travelled to the Vatican in June and was among an audience of 100 international comedians and artists who met the Pope.

As the comedian and presenter prepares for his second stint presenting one of Irelands biggest talk shows, the Co Down man described meeting the Pope as surreal.

That was sort of like a weird fever dream, if Im being honest with you, he said.

Theres a point when that call came in and as a comedian, youre always reasonably sort of is this for real? I thought it was a joke.

It was very weird. Then you see (actor) Ardal (OHanlon) is there and like everybody else, youre going, right Father Ted.

So just when youre thinking Father Dougals going to meet the Pope then Whoopi Goldberg arrives in a car, who was by far the most popular person in the Vatican that day. Sister Act, apparently, at the Vatican.

Kielty said that during his trip to Rome, part of his face had swollen up, which he had blamed on DIY work he had carried out at home.

The week beforehand, we were doing up a house, and I was lifting loft insulation and I thought I actually got loft insulation in my face. (My face) had all swollen up, he added.

When meeting the Pope, I took off my sunglasses and could sort of see him physically recoiling, whats going on with this fella?

It was only afterwards that I actually found out I had shingles. So there was a chance that I had given the Pope shingles, but I was never so glad to actually see him the week after in full health, giving the blessings. It was a surreal experience.

Keilty, who is the first host to hail from Northern Ireland and is originally from Dundrum, said there was a curiosity about him during the first series.

He said that he will take the rough with the smooth as he gets ready to host the next series.

Ive had a long enough career to know that you take the rough with the smooth. Were still just starting out here. So whatever comes our way comes our way, he added.

I think you just have to try to make the best show you can. If you make a good show and somebody likes it, thats good. If you make a show that somebody doesnt like and they honestly dont like it, theyre telling you the truth and they say they didnt think that was up to much. I dont think he can be offended about that.

Kielty is married to TV presenter Cat Deeley and the pair have two sons.

Cat presents ITVs This Morning show alongside Ben Shephard.

The family live in London, with Kielty travelling between London and Dublin for his gig.

Asked would he consider moving to Ireland, he said: At the minute, we sort of got the best of both worlds.

Ive got the house up in Dundrum for 25 years now and so Ive always been back and forwards.

The kids are in school in London. Cats working in London. Shes there four days a week. I can just about come back and spend the time I need to do this. But shes there four days a week, so I cant see it happening anytime soon.

I always called Dundrum home.

The first guests to appear on the Late Late Show will be four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, the Olympic and Paralympic athletes and comedian John Bishop.

Audiences can tune in to The Late Late show at 9.35pm on Friday September 13.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: September 13 2024

Students were immersed in hands-on learning experiences designed to prepare them for careers in fields such as construction, clean-energy production and infrastructure development.

This past summer, seven William Floyd High School students had the opportunity to participate in Stony Brook Universitys inaugural A Taste of the Trades program, in which students were immersed in hands-on learning experiences designed to prepare them for careers in fields such as construction, clean-energy production and infrastructure development, along with introducing them to job opportunities supporting sustainability.

The curriculum was divided into three key areas  for two weeks, students delved into solar power and energy storage at Brookhaven National Laboratory, gaining insight into cutting-edge technologies that are essential to the future of sustainable energy.

They then spent another two weeks at Stony Brook University, where they explored offshore wind energy and the fundamentals of power-grid operations, critical components in the transition to cleaner energy sources. This portion culminated with a NYSERDA-led Offshore Wind Open House and Apprenticeship Event, where the students had the opportunity to speak to and network with future employers.

For the third part, students visited Suffolk County Community Colleges Advanced Manufacturing Center, where they learned about advanced manufacturing techniques, soldering, welding, and CVC machining, equipping them with skills that are in high demand across the region. Field trips during the final week visited program co-sponsor the Haugland Groups headquarters and the National Grid Northport Power Plant.

At the end of the summer, student participants, who were paid $16 per hour for their participation in this program, along with district representatives and business leaders celebrated a graduation ceremony at Stony Brook Universitys Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology. At this event, students had the opportunity to detail their experiences and received certificates marking the successful completion of the program.

DeMarco Campbell, a William Floyd High School junior, recapped his experience noting how his favorite part was the hands-on aspects and the opportunity to learn about welding. He also credits this program for introducing him to the underwater welding vocation, which he plans to pursue in the future.

William Floyd High School student participants included Aiden Burgos, DeMarco Campbell, Malaki Daniels, Ryan Hugo, Anthony McDonald, Jordyn Novotny and Raymond Ringgold III.

Special thanks to all who made this program possible including partners and collaborators at Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Suffolk County Community College, the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs, The Haugland Group LLC, New York Power Authority (NYPA), New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Orsted, Whymaker, and National Grid Offshore Wind.

Thank you also to Allison Wiegand, chairperson Career and Technical Education (CTE), William Floyd High School, and Robert Felicetta, assistant principal and CTE district site coordinator, William Floyd School District, for their execution of the program with the aforementioned partners, as well as advisor and CTE instructor Steven Rendino, for his dedicated efforts throughout the summer.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: September 13 2024

Newly remodeled restaurant in Smithtown celebrates grand reopening with free coffee and donut giveaway.

Residents who live and work in Smithtown can now experience Dunkins next generation store design at 560 Smithtown Bypass.

To celebrate the grand reopening, Dunkin is offering all guests at its restaurant at 560 Smithtown Bypass a free medium hot or iced coffee and a donut from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 19*.

Additionally, all guests will be able to spin a prize wheel to win free Dunkin merchandise from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., while supplies last.

Dunkin franchisee Scott Campbell of Metro Franchising will commemorate the occasion with a $2,500 donation to The Viscardi Center. The Viscardi Center is a non-profit organization that educates, employs, and empowers children, adults, and veterans with disabilities or similar needs, so they can all discover the love of learning, the power of work, the freedom of independent living, and the self-confidence to fulfill their dreams.

We are excited to unveil our newly remodeled restaurant to residents of Smithtown and the surrounding community, said Campbell. Additionally, we are proud to support The Viscardi Center with this $2,500 donation, and to underscore an organization that provides impactful support and resources to the local community.

A check presentation and grand reopening ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m.

The 2,000-square-foot Dunkin employs 20 crew members and is open daily from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.

The Smithtown Dunkin features the brands new restaurant design with a modern atmosphere, innovative technologies and exciting elements, including:

Modern Design : The openness, colors and materials used in the design help to create an approachable, positive and energetic environment.

Premium Pours : Dunkins signature cold beverages are now available through an innovative tap system serving eight consistently cold beverages such as coffees, iced teas, cold brew coffee and nitro infused cold brew coffee. Crew members will also use top-quality flavor-maximizing espresso machines to make hand-crafted drinks to order.

Dunkin on Demand: With fully integrated digital kiosks coming in the near future, guests will be able to choose to order with or without the help of a crew member. Dunkin has also introduced an area dedicated to mobile pickups, so that members of the Dunkin Rewards program who order ahead via Dunkins Mobile App can get in and out of the restaurant faster than ever before.

Increased Energy Efficiency: The new Dunkin is a DD Green Achievement restaurant, which is designed to save 25% more energy compared to a standard Dunkin restaurant.

*No Pur Nec. Open to New York residents in the Smithtown area, ends 9/19/24. While supplies last, limit one per guest, limited time offer, available only at 560 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown, NY, 11787 on 9/19/24.

Dunkin

Dunkin, founded in 1950, is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 13,700 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. Dunkin is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit DunkinDonuts.com and InspireBrands.com.
A fire sparked by Hezbollah rocket fire in northern Israel on September 12. (Seth Frantzman/LWJ photo)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) completely dismantled the Rafah Brigade of Hamas, the IDF said on September 12. The announcement came as Israel faced off against increasing attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon. While the IDF has reduced the Hamas threat and cements control of Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor in southern Gaza, Hezbollah is launching dozens of rockets and drones at northern Israel.

The defeat of Hamas in Rafah was largely completed by mid-August. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant initially announced the defeat of Hamass Rafah Brigade on August 21. The destruction of this key unit has given the IDF freedom of movement in southern Gaza.

Recent photos from the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along the Egyptian border in southern Gaza, show a newly paved road and IDF Humvees traversing it. The ability to utilize open-topped vehicles illustrates that threats from RPGs, anti-tank missiles, and sniper fire have significantly reduced. Photos and footage from the new road also show what appear to be drills that may be for searching for tunnels or creating other means of securing the border area.

The IDF says that 2,000 terrorists were eliminated in four months of fighting in Rafah since the IDF first entered the area in May. Thirteen kilometers of tunnels have also been destroyed.

In recent weeks, the Nahal Brigade, Givati Brigade, 401st Brigade, Yahalom Unit, and Shayetet 13 have been operating in the Tel al-Sultan area. During the operation, over 250 terrorists were eliminated, including the Commander of the Tel al-Sultan Battalion, Mahmoud Hamdan, and most of the battalions chain of command, the IDF said on September 12. The troops destroyed 80 percent of the underground tunnel routes located near and beneath the Philadelphi Corridor. The divisions engineering forces and the Yahalom Unit continue to locate and destroy underground tunnel routes and terrorist infrastructure in the area.

The defeat of Hamass Rafah Brigade has allowed the IDF to search for tunnels and take account of what it has found in the area. The Times of Israel noted, based on a trip to the area, that a total of 203 tunnels were found, and none of them had once been used to cross into Egypt, but every single one had been blocked up before the IDF arrived, either by Egyptian authorities or Hamas themselves. This raises questions about how Hamas brought in weapons and dual-use material to build its arsenal. It increasingly appears that smuggling occurred overland via the Rafah border crossing or other means.

With the defeat of the Rafah Brigade, operations in Gaza have mostly paused. This lull in major battles in this area comes as Israels northern border is aflame from Hezbollah rockets. On September 12, Hezbollah launched rockets targeting several communities near the border. Rockets landed near Yaara, close to the Lebanese border and the Mediterranean Sea in northern Israel. The rockets caused a fire that winds spread until it was eventually extinguished in the afternoon.

However, Hezbollah was not finished for the day. The Iranian-backed terrorist group fired a large barrage of rockets at the northern Israeli city of Safed, which is where IDF Northern Commands headquarters is located. The rockets were mostly intercepted by Israels Iron Dome air defense system. However, some shrapnel and falling debris caused a fire near Safed.

On September 13, Hezbollah carried out more attacks, using drones to target several areas in northern Israel. Hezbollah had been increasingly relying on unguided rockets over the last two weeks before shifting to drone attacks on Friday. The IDF responded to the attacks.

In Lebanon, more than 140 terror targets were struck, including a weapons manufacturing site, terror infrastructure, weapon warehouses, observation posts, and launchers aimed toward Israels northern border communities. Additionally, several Hezbollah terrorists were eliminated, including a commander in the Radwan Unit, the IDF said on September 13.

Hezbollah has said its recent attacks targeted an IDF air defense base, according to a report in Iranian state media that was based on a statement issued by Hezbollah to the groups Al-Manar media. Hezbollah also conducted a major offensive against northern parts of the occupied lands on Thursday, firing 50 missiles against the region, Irans IRNA noted. This report indicates that Hezbollah also sees the large volume of attacks during September 12 and September 13 as an escalation.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
Russian forces attack toward the village of Snagost in Kursk Oblast. (via Telegram)

The Russians have begun counter-offensive actions in Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday. Although information about Russias progress remains fragmentary, Moscows forces have retaken at least some territory. Here is what we know so far.

On September 10, Russian sources claimed that forces from the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, 106th Airborne Division, and 7th Air Assault Divisions 56th Air Assault Regiment had begun attacking the western flank of Ukraines salient in Kursk Oblast. Forces from these units, which are among Russias better formations, had redeployed to the region after Kyiv launched its offensive on August 6.

Estimate of Russian and Ukrainian lines as of September 9 (left) and 9 AM eastern time on September 13 (right; Google My Maps image annotated by LWJ)

On September 12, the Russian Defense Ministry alleged that its forces had retaken 10 villages over the prior two days. The status of most of those settlements remains unconfirmed. But Russian troops have made at least some progress.

On September 10, a Russian Telegram channel shared footage of eight tanks and other armored fighting vehicles from the 106th Divisions 51st Airborne Regiment entering the Ukrainian-controlled village of Snagost. They approached from the city of Korenevo to the northeast. The channel later posted footage of Ukrainian POWs purportedly captured in the Snagost area.

Reportedly, other Russian forces crossed the Seym River before launching attacks. Ukraines new Unmanned Systems Forces later shared footage of strikes on a Russian platoon-sized element and a Zemledeliye remote-mining system attempting to cross the Seym River north of the Russian-controlled town of Glushkovo.

On the morning of September 11, a Ukrainian volunteer and former soldier who supplies equipment to Ukrainian troops reported that Russian forces had overwhelmed troops from Ukraines 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade. He said that drone operator positions were exposed, resulting in terrible consequences. How much resistance Russian troops met in Snagost is uncertain, but they apparently cleared the village by September 13.

In addition to Snagost, troops from the 106th Division appear to have retaken the villages of Krasnooktyabrskoe and Komarovka. (The extent to which Ukraine ever actually controlled the latter is unclear.) Forces from the 106th Divisions 137th Airborne Regiment also attacked northeast of Snagost toward Liubimovka. Taking Liubimovka would allow Russia to reach the Sudzha-Korenevo road, potentially encircling Ukrainian troops north of the village.

On September 11, the Ukrainian volunteer, along with some Russian sources, reported that Russian troops had reached the village of Obukhovka, southeast of Snagost. On September 13, however, the volunteer said Ukraine had retaken Obukhovka. The Russian Defense Ministry also reported a Ukrainian counterattack at Obukhovka but claimed it was unsuccessful. NASA satellite data on fires in the region provide further evidence that fighting has shifted from Snagost to the Obukhovka area.

Meanwhile, to the southwest, Ukraine has launched counterattacks in the Glushkovsky district, apparently aiming to disrupt the Russian attackers by threatening their rear. Video footage, along with reports by the Russian Defense Ministry and other Russian sources, indicate that Ukrainian armored fighting vehicles, supported by engineering equipment, have attacked toward the villages of Veseloe and Medvedzhe.

Ukrainian forces have also continued to conduct some attacks in the eastern and northern parts of their salient in Kursk Oblast, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. If true, this suggests Russia has not yet fully seized the operational initiative.

A key question is whether Russias recent advances in Kursk Oblast presage a broader counteroffensive to retake the rest of Kursk Oblast in the near future. If so, the Russians may end up having to redeploy additional forces to the region, assuming the Ukrainians put up a stout defense. Moscow might be forced to pull troops from the areas near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast, where Russian forces are currently on the attack. Thus far, the Kremlin seems to have opted for patience in Kursk while prioritizing its offensive in Donetsk.

John Hardie is the deputy director of FDDs Russia Program and a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.
LOS ANGELESMen.com on Friday announced plans to release its first interactive scene, "MEN Interactive: Choose Your Hoe Adventure," starring exclusive performers Dom King and Jake Preston.

In the studios first interactive scene, fans can decide how Jake and Dom fuck. Indoors or by the pool? Hand job or rim job? What positions should Jake take Dom's dick in? The viewer gets to be the director.

The scene will be available starting on Thursday, September 19th, exclusively on Men.com.
You dont have to be a wizard or witch to find your Hogwarts House, customize a wand or make your own potion.

Muggles can be wizards for a day when they check out Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which opened at CambridgeSide in Cambridge on Friday, Sept. 13.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition opened in Philadelphia in February 2022, moved to Atlanta, Georgia, then went to New York City. So this marks its New England debut as part of its tour around the country.

The exhibition is the product of Imagine Exhibitions, the same company that has produced dozens of other exhibitions, including Titanic: The Exhibition and Downton Abbey: The Exhibition."

We want to satisfy those fans, and then we also want to let their significant others or friends or whomever also feel like they had a great experience, Tom Zaller, president and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions, told MassLive. Whether youre getting educated, or youre getting entertained, thats our job. We want to create a great experience.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition lets fans become fully enveloped with the iconic moments, characters, settings and beasts from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.

But before hopping on your broom to check it out for yourself, heres what you should know about the exhibition from props to potions.

How does the exhibition work?

The first room where people enter Harry Potter: The Exhibition" is where guests register their wristbands.David Cifarelli

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a self-guided tour, so youre on your own while going through the experience. An audio guide is also available.

You start by buying a ticket and getting a wristband that acts as your pass through the space. Youll activate your wristband by tapping it at a machine upon entry, fill out your name and take your picture before moving through the exhibition. The wristbands activate the interactive elements in each room and help you collect House Points.

What rooms are part of the exhibition?

The Hogwarts Houses are among the 20 rooms in "Harry Potter: The Exhibition."David Cifarelli

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is made up of more than 20 rooms. They include Page to Screen, Marauders Map, The Grand Staircase, The Great Hall, Wand Room, Divination Room, Potions Room, Herbology Room, The Dark Arts Room, Hagrids Hut, The Forbidden Forest, The Triwizard Tournament, Quidditch and The Cupboard Under The Stairs.

Each room ties in elements from the series and features actual props from the films. Most rooms have an interactive element. For example, you learn your Hogwarts House by taking a photo with the Sorting Hat or tap your wristband on a screen to create wands and potions. Rooms that dont have an interactive element are intended for photos, such as The Great Hall and Hagrids Hut.

What sets this exhibition apart from other Harry Potter exhibitions?

Harry Potter: The Exhibition" is the only touring Harry Potter exhibition that has original probs from the films.David Cifarelli

This Harry Potter exhibition is the only touring exhibition that features original props and costumes from the films, according to Zaller. At 30,000 square feet, this specific exhibition is also the largest touring Harry Potter exhibition in the world.

The big distinguisher is the props and costumes, for sure, but also the way that this is produced. The media thats used. The characters, the film clips, all this stuff, Zaller said. This is, as Warner Brothers calls it, the most comprehensive touring exhibition ever put on about Harry Potter, so its pretty cool.

Zaller also said its tough to compare this exhibition to experiences like those at Universal Studios or the studio tours in the United Kingdom because they are so different.

You cant relate the two, he said. What makes us special is, theres no props or costumes there. So thats definitely a differentiator. Also, were in more intimate spaces.

Why did the exhibition come to Cambridge?

Imagine Exhibitions decided that the Boston area would be a great market for Harry Potter: The Exhibition because of the high population of educated residents who, Zaller believes, were more likely to have read the original Harry Potter books and would be more inclined to come to the exhibition. The company also liked the space and has developed a great partnership with businesses in the area.

Weve promoted other shows here in the past. We like the city, Zaller said. Its a great market. One of the top markets in the country. So were happy to be here.

Is there a gift shop?

The gift shop at Harry Potter: The Exhibition" sells exclusive merchandise and food items.David Cifarelli

The exhibition does have a gift shop that sells exclusive merchandise, including apparel, jewelry and edible treats, such as Chocolate Frogs and bottled Butterbeer. Eighty percent of the items in the gift shop are only available at this specific exhibition, according to Zaller.

How long does it take?

Harry Potter: The Exhibition takes between 60 and 90 minutes to go through.

How long is the exhibition in Massachusetts?

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a temporary installation and is slated to be in Massachusetts until Jan. 5, 2025.

When is the exhibition open?

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is open seven days a week, but hours vary by day. A Flex Ticket guarantees you entry on any date and time within operating hours. For timed tickets, you must arrive within your designated time slot. Zaller recommends people come during the week to avoid bigger crowds.

Where is the exhibition located?

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is located in the space of the former Best Buy inside CambridgeSide at 100 CambridgeSide Place in Cambridge.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets start at $25 for adults and $19 for children during the week, then go up to $29 and $24 on weekends and holidays. Tickets can be purchased online.

More information about Harry Potter: The Exhibition can be found online.
A Canton police officer whose brother owned the home where Boston police officer John OKeefe was found dead in 2022 has returned to work after accepting discipline related to his conduct during an unrelated case.

Detective Kevin Albert returned from paid administrative leave on Thursday, Police Chief Helena Rafferty confirmed to MassLive.

Albert was put on leave on June 13 during an outside investigation into a case he worked with Massachusetts State Police Detective Michael Proctor, who has also been criticized for his conduct during the investigation of Karen Read following OKeefes death, two years ago.

Following the investigation, the Select Board reviewed the report and had an opportunity to question the investigator and Detective Albert about the scope and sufficiency of the investigation as well as the substance of the allegations, the town said in a statement. The Select Board voted that discipline be imposed by the chief of police which Detective Albert has accepted.

The exact nature of the discipline was not specified.

Brian Albert, Kevin Alberts brother, owned the home at 34 Fairview Road where OKeefes body was found in a blizzard on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022.

Read, OKeefes girlfriend, is accused of hitting him with her car and leaving him to die in the snow after a night of drinking with friends. Her murder trial earlier this year became national news due to the defense theory that she had been framed and police had covered up the true nature of OKeefes death, and ended in a mistrial.

Kevin and Brian Alberts third brother, Chris Albert, who was also present the night of OKeefes death, is a member of the towns Select Board and recused himself from the hearing where the board discussed the investigation into his brother, according to the town.

Rafferty previously said that the investigation into Albert was related to comments Proctor made during the Read trial about a cold case investigation the two conducted in 2022.

The two detectives went out drinking and the following day, Proctor found Alberts badge in his vehicle, MassLive previously reported. He texted Albert to let him know and Albert said in text messages that he was hungover.

Proctor was suspended without pay in July after his own derogatory text messages about Read came to light during the trial. His comments could affect other criminal trials, and prosecutors have already said they do not plan to call him to testify in the trial of Brian Walshe, accused of killing his wife Ana Walshe, despite his prominent role in the investigation.

A second trial for Read is expected to begin in January 2025, though her defense team has asked for the case to be dismissed and earlier this week appealed the courts earlier refusal to do so.
A Connecticut man pleaded guilty Thursday to the armed robbery of a Marthas Vineyard bank.

Romane Andre Clayton, 22, of New Haven, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting bank robbery in connection with the Nov. 17, 2022 incident, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Clayton is the fourth man who has pleaded guilty to charges related to the robbery.

Officials say that on Nov. 16, 2022, Clayton met Omar Johnson, Tevin Porter and Miquel Jones on Marthas Vineyard to plan the robbery for the next day. Jones provided the other three men with dark-colored clothing and plastic masks to make them look like old men.

The following morning, they drove to Rockland Trust Bank in Tisbury, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Clayton dropped off the other men, who hid in bushes behind the bank, and drove the car to nearby Manuel Correllus State Forest. He rode a bicycle back to the bank and stood outside with a walkie-talkie to serve as lookout.

When bank employees arrived to open for the day, Porter, Jones and Johnson forced their way in, armed with two semi-automatic handguns, prosecutors said. Inside, they forced an employee to open the vault at gunpoint and took about $39,100, then bound the employees with duct tape and zip ties, went through their belongings and took one of their cars.

Jones, Porter and Johnson picked up Clayton outside the bank in the employees car and drove to the state forest, where they abandoned the car in a parking lot and fled in their own car.

Prosecutors said Porter and Clayton left the island on a ferry later that morning, while Johnson and Jones drove to a local farm where Jones did landscaping work to dispose of the robbery equipment, burying the guns and burning the rest, including the masks.

Jones went to his home in Edgartown and hid the stolen money under a bureau in his bedroom, while Johnson left Marthas Vineyard, met up with Porter and Clayton and drove the three men to his New Hampshire home, prosecutors said.

Sentencing for Clayton is scheduled for Dec. 18. He faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
This story was updated at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 to include new information from the Middlesex District Attorneys Office.

A Framingham man participating in a pro-Israel rally in Newton who is accused of shooting another man during a fight there Thursday was granted bail at his arraignment Friday.

Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, while prosecutors say they also intend to file charges against the man who was shot, who tackled Hayes to the ground.

Hayes pleaded not guilty. A judge granted $5,000 bail on the condition that Hayes remain on home confinement except from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, when he works at his job as a National Grid contractor, wears a GPS ankle monitor, stays away from Newton and from the victim and does not possess any weapons.

Lawyers for Hayes said during the arraignment that they planned to post bail within minutes.

According to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, a group of pro-Israel demonstrators were holding a rally at the intersection of Harvard and Washington streets at about 6:40 p.m. Thursday when words were exchanged with two passersby on the other side of the street. One of the passersby crossed the street and tackled Hayes, causing a scuffle.

During the scuffle, Ryan said Hayes shot the person who had crossed the street.

Hayes legally owned the gun, she added.

On Thursday, Ryan said Hayes would be charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon as well as violation of a constitutional right causing injury, but only the first charge was brought during the arraignment.

The shooting victim, a 31-year-old Newton man who has not been identified by name, was hospitalized for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The district attorneys office said in a statement Friday that he is now expected to survive his injuries.

Prosecutors said in court Friday that they had requested a criminal complaint to be filed against the man who was shot for assault and battery, which was pending in the clerks office. He was not arrested as the conflict did not take place in front of police, they said.

A summons is expected to be issued and a hearing will be held before the clerk magistrate to determine if there is probable cause for charges to be filed.

The Anti-Defamation League of New England wrote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that it was concerned about the incident and encouraged a thorough investigation.

Reports that charges were immediately filed prior to completion of the investigation are concerning, the organization wrote. Protests should not subject anyone to violence. ... We are concerned about escalating tensions and remain in contact with law enforcement and community officials.

ADL is aware that an anti-Israel protestor was shot after charging across traffic and violently tackling a pro-Israel demonstrator to the ground in Newton, MA. Reports that charges were immediately filed prior to completion of the investigation are concerning. Protests should not  ADL New England (@ADL_NewEngland) September 13, 2024

Police said Thursday that they will provide extra patrols around places of worship for the next several days.

U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, thanked police and emergency medical personnel for their quick response to the incident.

Violence in political discourse is never acceptable, Auchincloss wrote on X.
AMHERST -- University of Massachusetts Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes pledged to continue rebuilding community in the wake of last springs student arrests and a new report that recommends changes in the way the university handles campus unrest.

A study group created by the chancellor presented policies, procedures and guidelines regarding the campus demonstrations last spring that led to the arrest of more than 130 people during pro-Palestinian protests. Reyes made the decision to call in police from a number of agencies to end an unsanctioned protest over the war in Gaza.
Worcester City Manager Eric Batista was tapped by the governor Friday to help oversee the states Department of Transportation as a member of its board of directors.

City Manager Eric Batista is a dedicated public servant whose deep experience in municipal government, understanding of the connection between transportation and quality of life, and commitment to constituent services will be valuable contributions to the MassDOT Board of Directors, Gov. Maura Healey said in a press release. Under the leadership of Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, we are confident that this qualified group of leaders will continue to partner with our administration to deliver the safe, reliable and accessible transportation system that the people of Massachusetts deserve.

The MassDOT board of directors is a governing authority of MassDOT, comprising 11 members appointed by the governor. Each board member is required to fulfill specific criteria based on expertise in transportation, finance or engineering, according to the press release.

Batistas seat involves experience in transportation planning and policy, the press release reads.

The city manager will remain in his current role while also serving as a state board member, Thomas Matthews, a spokesman for Batista, told MassLive.

(Batistas) leadership has always been centered on making a difference in the lives of the communities he serves, Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt said in the statement. His expertise, passion for service, and experience at various levels of government position him to support the transportation agenda of the Healey-Driscoll administration.

Batista became Worcesters acting city manager in 2022 after then-City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. stepped down in March to become Healeys housing secretary. Batista was officially appointed as city manager in September 2022 and has remained in that role since.

In a statement, Batista said it is an honor to be named as a board member.

I know firsthand how important and vital transportation is to the success of cities and towns as it connects all aspects of life in a community, Batista said. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to prioritize infrastructure and accessibility upgrades to continue to build out an equitable transportation network in the Commonwealth that benefits all users.
The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council has challenged critics of overseas trips by councillors to experience one for themselves to see if it doesn't offer value for money.

Bonniconlon-based councillor John O'Hara made the comments at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council where he hit back at criticism of overseas trips made by councillors on behalf of the local authority.

Earlier in the meeting Aontu councillor Paul Lawless noted that the council were looking to approve foreign travel to Slovenia, the Netherlands and the US and called for a review of all the 'waste' in the spending by the local authority.

A number of councillors, including Cllr O'Hara took exception to overseas travel being described as 'waste' and stressed they were important to strengthening links with the Irish Diaspora and other countries.

Cllr O'Hara, who is the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council recently travelled as part of a council delegation to Milwaukee in the US for the city's Irish festival and told Cllr Lawless that the trip was far from a junket.

I am going to ask you next year to go out there and stand for four days and meet and greet and see how much of a junket it is. It was no junket for me and I needed three days' rest after it because I was tired, the Fine Gael councillor said.

You need to go out there and see the people who put an Irish festival together with 17 bandstands and they do it for the whole week. The amount of work the Irish abroad put into this. There were 34 [representatives] from Co Clare and half as many from Galway and all around the country and they were all there selling their county. We were limited in comparison with manpower and everyone was busy and when you finish in the evening you are fit for bed.

It is no junket and the only way you will find out what a junket is is to go out for yourself and I suggest next year that you take the mantle. It is time you faced reality. You are a new councillor and I wish you the best but you don't know everything on the first day no matter who you are, he told the newly elected Knock-based councillor.

Fianna Fail councillor Damien Ryan also spoke in praise of the importance of going on overseas trips to attract investment into the county. This was echoed by Independent councillor Richard Finn who said that people who travel to these events which are hosted by Irish emigrants are treated like celebrities.

As long as I have been a member of this council we have travelled and visited different countries. We go to New York once a year and we don't realise how much work our Irish people put into organising those events and the millions of euro it costs to stage those events. They organise for a full year in advance to have people from here to go over there and treat them as celebrities. People who go there make a good impression and they bring tourism back to Co Mayo.

I would hate to see us isolating ourselves and not seen to be moving out in the world. We could isolate and stay here for the rest of our lives. I don't have to go anywhere but we won't get far. I don't see anybody who doesn't travel and see what is going on in the rest of the world getting too far in this world, he said.
Senator Lisa Chambers has said Dublin Airport's dominance is making a joke out of government policy on balanced regional development.

The Fianna Fail Senator explained the dominance is preventing Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK), Shannon and Cork from growing their passenger numbers and routes.

Speaking on the matter, Senator Chambers said she was shocked when listening to Kenny Jacobs, CEO of Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), on RTE's Morning Ireland.

He displayed a complete lack of awareness of what is effectively a DAA monopoly of the Irish aviation landscape, the impact that is having on other regional airports and was oblivious to the capacity availability at IWAK and Shannon, she commented.

Ms Chambers said she was utterly dismayed to hear that Mr Jacobs turned away airlines, and up to 650,000 passengers this year, due to the passenger cap numbers at Dublin Airport.

I would ask that he explain what measures he took to encourage those Knock, Shannon or Corks way. Did he contact the CEOs of those airports? Try to set up meetings?

He talks of his concern about the impact of this on Irish industry and tourism, but there would be no impact whatsoever if the passengers were secured for the regional airports.

"650,000 passengers would be lost on Dublin, but potentially transformational for the regions, she continued.

The former TD and county councillor furthermore shared her surprise to hear that the DAA had removed incentives to attract airlines. She called on the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, to pick up on this if he is serious about balanced regional development.

I think it is time the Minister for Transport carried out a survey to see where passengers are travelling to, and if they are going anywhere 100 kilometres beyond Dublin then surely there is an argument for more routes to our regional airports and government support to deliver this, she said.

She continued: The Minister for Transport shouldn't allow Dublin Airport to do whatever it likes to the detriment of regional airports. There are questions Minister Ryan should be asking of the DAA. If there are airlines looking to establish new routes into Ireland, they should be directed to our regional airports."

Senator Chambers referenced figures that show Dublin Airport typically wins 95 percent of airport passenger growth into Ireland.

So if you get one million new passengers in Ireland in a year, 950,000 goes to Dublin and the other 50,000 is fought out between IWAK, Shannon and Cork, explained Senator Chambers.

Additionally, the Mayo Senator said Mr Jacobs interview smacked of the arrogance of a monopoly.

"Mr Jacobs said that Dublin is the gateway to Ireland; it is for the east, but not for the west. We have tour operators based in Dublin offering tourists day trips to the Cliffs of Moher and other attractions along the west coast.

"Wouldn't it make more sense for tourists to fly into IWAK or Shannon if the West of Ireland is their chosen destination? she questioned him.

Senator Chambers agreed with Mr Jacob's in regards to the need for faster planning and 'more joined up thinking around infrastructure', but said to firstly 'use what we have' before spending 'unnecessarily' on new infrastructure.

Huge capacity exists in the regional airports, so lets use that rather than waste more money on Dublin, not least when the potential is so huge from this to drive economic development in the regions and finally deliver balanced regional development, concluded Ms Chambers.
Xem them

...

Tin bai cuoi cung

Khong con du lieu e load
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 13, 2024

For more than three years, broadband providers have been battling New York state officials in court over a law that requires carriers to offer $15 a month service to low-income residents.

The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that law by a 2-1 vote in April, but the broadband industry says the decision conflicts with federal policy and wants the Supreme Court to intervene and strike down the law. The CTIA--The Wireless Association, ACA Connects--America's Communications Association, US Telecom--The Broadband Association, NTCA--the Rural Broadband Association and others argued in a petition filed last month with the Supreme Court that broadband is an interstate service that can only be regulated by the federal government.

The appellate court's decision threatens to spark a nationwide, state-by-state race to dictate the prices at which broadband service is sold to consumers, those groups wrote in their request for Supreme Court review.

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The organizations added that even though Federal Communications Commission has attempted to pass other broadband regulations -- such as the net neutrality rules -- that agency never regulated broadband pricing.

On Friday, outside groups including the libertarian organization TechFreedom backed the broadband industry's request, arguing in a friend-of-the-court brief that the 2nd Circuit ruling will result in catastrophic consequences.

TechFreedom contends that states have no power to regulate information services that are covered by Title I of the Communications Act.

(In 2021, when New York passed the Affordable Broadband Act, broadband was considered a Title I information service. Since then, the FCC reclassified broadband access as a Title II telecommunications service, which is subject to common carrier laws. But the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals recently blocked that move, and it's not yet clear whether the new classification will hold.)

TechFreedom argues that New York's bid to regulate broadband rates, if accepted in court, would allow intrusive state regulation of all Title I information services, including email.

The group writes: Under New Yorks theory, states could impose market entry or exit requirements, rate regulations, and many other onerous regulations on email, text messaging, and much more. That would be a disaster for the Internet, for technological progress, and for society.

The Chamber of Commerce likewise argues in a separate brief that New York has no authority to set broadband prices.

The laudable goal of affordable broadband does not justify unlawful and economically harmful tactics undertaken by states that disagree with the federal regulatory approach, that group argues in its friend-of-the-court brief. New Yorks heavy-handed and retrograde ratemaking regime is neither lawful nor economically sound.

New York officials are expected to make their case to the Supreme Court by mid-October.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 13, 2024

Siding with TikTok, a judge ruled that the company won't have to face class-action claims that it violated non-TikTok users' privacy by tracking them at websites operated by Hulu, Etsy and other outside companies that allegedly embed TikTok's pixel.

The ruling, issued on September 9 by U.S. District Court Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. in the Central District of California, appears to allow the individual users who brought the case to proceed -- but only on behalf of themselves. That type of individual litigation can be prohibitively expensive.

Blumenfeld issued the ruling under seal and hasn't yet posted a publicly available version.

The new decision comes in a lawsuit initially brought in June 2023 by California resident Bernadine Griffith. She alleged that TikTok's pixel -- a tool publishers can install on their sites to collect ad-related data -- enables the company to compile information about web users, regardless of whether they have accounts with TikTok.

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Griffith, not herself a TikTok user, alleged that the company secretly intercepted and collected her browsing and search data from sites including the streaming service Hulu, online marketplace Etsy, and retailer Build-a-Bear Workshop.

She also alleged TikTok's technology allows it to collect information about users even when they attempt to block cookies set by third parties.

TikTok countered that Griffith's claims were non-starters, arguing Hulu, Etsy and Build-a-Bear disclose that they allow third parties to collect data.

In October, Blumenfeld threw out some claims, but allowed Griffith to move forward with the bulk of her complaint, including claims that TikTok violated California privacy standards. He noted in the ruling that other judges in California had allowed privacy lawsuits over online tracking to proceed against Meta and Google.

Griffith -- along with several other non-TikTok users -- then filed an amended complaint that included additional details, as well as a claim that TikTok violated the federal wiretap law.

Earlier this year, attorneys for Griffith and the others sought to certify a class of all U.S. residents who had visited a site that used the TikTok pixel from March 2022, and who weren't themselves TikTok users. That class could have totaled up to 100 million people, according to court papers. (The plaintiffs also sought to certify several subclasses, such as non-TikTok users who visited Hulu.)

TikTok countered in papers filed in July that the proposed classes were wildly and unworkably broad.

The company also contended that collecting browsing data is commonplace and perfectly legal, and that collecting browsing information only becomes actionable if the information is identifying and sensitive.

Determining whether sensitive and identifying information was disclosed by Hulu and other outside websites would require individual-by-individual inquiries -- which rules out class certification -- TikTok argued.

Whether information is disclosed ... let alone whether it is private or protectible, depends on the website and its design, the installation and configuration of the tools, and users settings and interactions with websites, the company wrote.

The matter could go to trial in January, assuming the individual plaintiffs plan to proceed.
by Teresa Buyikian , September 13, 2024

Espresso Martinis are definitely having a moment. According to a recent report by Glipse, online searches for the caffeinated libation rose 29% YOY just this past August.

But the real growth is in the ready to drink (RTD) espresso martini category. According to Bevnet, espresso martini RTDs were up 252% in dollar sales at the end of 2023 over the same period the year before.

Soon consumers will have a new RTD Espresso Martini option. TV personality Nigel Barker, also host of the "Shaken & Stirred" podcast, along with fellow beverage industry veteran Philippe Roederer, have launched spirits purveyor The Barker Company. Its first product: what it calls RTD Bartender Quality Espresso Martinis.

The new bottled martini is a vegan blend of Colombian espresso, six times distilled vodka, and other ingredients. The resulting drink comes in at 20% ABV, definitely securing its place in the cocktail section vs. lighter RTD option such as spiked seltzers, which are typically about 4% ABV.

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Later this year The Barker Company is slated to introduce the world's first Cappuccino Martini, described as a gluten-free creation that combines the velvety texture of creamy undertones and tantalizing coffee taste of a cappuccino with the sophistication of a martini.

"Our Espresso and Cappuccino Martinis are the culmination of years of experimentation and a desire to share our love for great cocktails, catering to the ever-growing demand for a high standard cocktail experience at home, said Barker in the announcement.

The brand is marketing the Espresso Martini on its social platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.

The Espresso Martini began its national launch in grocery and liquor stores in four states including New York and Texas, to be followed by Colorado, Michigan and Tennessee in October. The beverage is available in 200ML canned version for $4.99, and in various different bottle formats: 375ML for $15.99, 700ML for $27.99 or in a 1.75L size for $45.99.
Highlights: Policy Evolution: Recent shifts in Indias health policy emphasize private insurance schemes over strengthening public sector care

Healthcare Disparities: Public health needs vary from poverty-related illnesses to chronic diseases, with differing impacts on various social groups

Trust Issues: The focus on privatization has weakened trust in the public health system and necessitates a balance between private and public care

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Public Health as a Problem-Solving Activity: Barriers to Effective Action



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The reliance on private healthcare has intensified inequalities in access, leaving many dependent on costly treatments. medindia publichealth

The reliance on private healthcare has intensified inequalities in access, leaving many dependent on costly treatments. medindia publichealth

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Types of Public Health Needs

The first group includes diseases linked to poverty, such as tuberculosis, malaria, and undernutrition, which disproportionately affect the poor. These health issues are intertwined with broader socioeconomic factors like poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Effective public health policies must address both health conditions and their underlying causes, such as livelihoods and access to resources, to truly improve public health outcomes. The second group encompasses the health issues faced by the middle class and wealthier sections of society. Problems like environmental pollution, lack of proper waste management, and rising rates of chronic diseases are often attributed to poor infrastructure and inadequate market regulation. These concerns, while important, tend to receive less attention in public health policies despite their significant impact on quality of life. The third group focuses on curative care, which is a critical aspect of public health. The provision of primary, secondary, and tertiary care is essential for addressing the curative needs of the population. However, primary healthcare, which serves as the backbone for the poor and vulnerable, often struggles with inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of medical professionals. While government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) aim to provide tertiary care for the poor, secondary-level care remains neglected.

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Evolution of Indias Public Health Policies

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Private Sector Dominance in Healthcare

The Controversy Surrounding Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)

The Need for Balanced Health Policy Approach

Restoring Trust in Public Healthcare

Public Health as a Problem-Solving Activity: Barriers to Effective Action - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218227/)

Public health policies play a crucial role in addressing the diverse health needs of a population. These policies are formulated by governments based on available resources, expert knowledge, and public demand. However, there is often a disparity between the perceived health needs of the population (felt needs) and those projected by policymakers (projected needs). This gap has raised concerns about how effectively public health policies respond to the real issues faced by various sections of society ().Public health needs can be categorized into three primary groups.In recent years, public health policy in India has undergone significant changes. The launch of thein 2005, followed by thein 2013, marked a departure from the earlierof 2002, which leaned towards the commercialization of healthcare. The NHM aimed to strengthen public sector healthcare through a focus on primary healthcare and national health programs.However, since 2018, there has been a shift in focus towardssuch as the PMJAY under Ayushman Bharat. These schemes, while offering hospital coverage to a select segment of the population, have been criticized for outsourcing secondary and tertiary care to the private sector at market rates. This has led to concerns that public health policies are favoring private healthcare providers, leaving a significant portion of the population dependent on expensive, commercialized care.The PFHI schemes have inadvertently benefited private healthcare providers more than the public sector.By covering only hospital expenses, these schemes leave a vast portion of healthcare costs uncovered, forcing many to seek expensive private care. Additionally, the governments outsourcing of secondary and tertiary care to private hospitals at market rates is seen as an acknowledgment of the inadequacies in public sector healthcare. This reliance on private providers not only limits access for those outside the insurance schemes but also weakens the public health system by diverting resources away from much-needed infrastructure development.Another significant policy shift occurred in 2018 with the transformation of sub-centers, primary health centers (PHCs), and community health centers (CHCs) into Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).These centers were established to provide curative care, but the move has been criticized for undermining the original mandate of these institutions, which focused on preventive and outreach activities. Additionally, the introduction of community health officers with limited medical training has raised concerns about the quality of care being provided in these centers.The recent decision to rename these centers ashas sparked further controversy. The name change, with its religious connotations, has raised questions about its appropriateness in a secular healthcare system, particularly in non-Hindi speaking regions.Public health policy management must consider the diverse needs of the population, ensuring that all social groups receive adequate attention.For the poor and vulnerable, access to primary and secondary curative care remains a critical need. Strengthening the public health infrastructure and ensuring adequate staffing in healthcare facilities should be a priority.Meanwhile, addressing the health issues of the middle class, such as pollution and chronic diseases, requires a focus on long-term solutions, including better infrastructure and regulatory measures.The current trend towards privatization and insurance-based schemes risks exacerbating inequalities in access to healthcare. A balanced approach that strengthens public sector healthcare while addressing the needs of all population groups is essential for building a resilient and equitable public health system.Public health policy management in India faces significant challenges, including a lack of investment in secondary and tertiary care in the public sector. The emphasis on publicly funded insurance schemes, coupled with the weakening of primary healthcare institutions, has eroded public trust in the system. To restore confidence in public healthcare, policymakers must prioritize strengthening the public health infrastructure, ensuring that primary, secondary, and tertiary care needs are met for all sections of society.Addressing the diverse health challenges in India requires a comprehensive approach that includes preventive, curative, and promotional strategies. By focusing on equitable access to quality healthcare, public health policies can create a healthier and more resilient population.Source-Medindia
Berlin ua Drama,Thriller Hindi Released on 13 Sep 2024 | 2h 4m Critic's Ratings 3 /5

Users' Ratings 3 /5 The Cast Ishwak Singh Aparshakti Khurana Rahul Bose Rate Movie : SYNOPSIS: In 1993, a deaf-mute man was detained by Indian intelligence officers for being an alleged spy. The case takes a shocking turn when Pushkin, a sign language expert is asked to help with interrogation.

The first thing that catches your attention in the filmmaker Atul Sabharwals Berlin is its star cast followed by the films intriguing plot. At around 2 hours of run time, is Berlin worth your time? Lets find out: The Hot Take Berlin is an espionage thriller that has a highly interesting premise of Indian intelligence officers arresting a deaf and mute man suspecting him to be a spy. And they take the help of a sign language teacher to interrogate him. There is a lot to like in the film from its interesting premise, the production design that takes you back to the early 90s, an impressive star cast and the way the film unfolds. The film starts off well and keeps you invested with its narrative but a below-par third act leaves a bitter taste.

 Zee5 Berlin has the same issue that two previous mainstream films (Aurangzeb and Class of 83) directed by Atul Sabharwal had. The three films featured an interesting premise that keeps you engaged with terrific performances and execution only to lose steam by the time it reaches the climax. The Star Cast Rahul Bose plays a senior Indian intelligence officer and is a scene stealer. He skillfully balances between subtlety and hamming with equal ease when required. He is such a delight to watch on-screen. After Jubilee, Aparshakti Khurana once again displays his acting chops as a leading man playing a serious role. In a matter of two months, the actor delivers a silly act in Stree 2 and heavy duty stuff in Berlin.

 Zee5 Some of the best moments in the film are the bickering between Rahul Bose and Aparshakti Khuranas characters. Ishwak Singh plays a deaf and mute man and lets his expressions do the heavy lifting. After Paatal Lok and Rocket Boys, this is another top notch performance from him. What Didnt Work While there was a lot to like in Berlin, there were also quite a few things I didnt like in the film. The biggest drawback of the film is its screenplay. The film is a bit complex to follow initially with a lot of stuff happening all at once. And even when you are engrossed in the proceedings, its slow-pace hampers the experience. As an avid film buff, I believe a film must wow me at the end especially if its a slow-burn thriller like Berlin. But, here the ending was quite stupid and convenient. It just didnt make much sense when seen in the larger context of the whole film.
A Marine stationed in Hawaii remains in custody this week in connection to the death of a dependent, service officials told Military.com on Thursday, yet no charges have been filed.

A service member's dependent died Sept. 1 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, or MCBH. This comes after a soldier in Hawaii whose pregnant wife went missing was arrested in August as part of a separate case. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating the dependent death, officials said, and the Marine has been in confinement for nearly two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Marine Corps and law enforcement officials have been silent on details regarding the most recent case, to include basic information such as the Marine's rank, the connection to the dependent, as well as names of those involved.

Read Next: Pentagon's New Quality-of-Life Tweaks Aim for Temporary Housing, Uniform Allowances, Wi-Fi

Military.com sent the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and NCIS a list of detailed questions Thursday, but got few answers as each entity cited the ongoing investigation. NCIS confirmed that no charges had been filed.

"1st Marine Aircraft Wing is aware of an incident on Sept. 1 that resulted in the death of a service member's dependent," 1st Lt. Isis Coty, a spokesperson for the wing, told Military.com on Thursday. "The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is actively investigating the incident, and the command is fully cooperating with that investigation."

"A Marine is currently in confinement in connection with the incident; however, no charges have been filed at this time," Coty added.

When pressed for details, Coty said that there was no further information available at the time. It was unclear whether the Marine in detention belongs to the 1st MAW; however, it is common for units that are in charge of Marines involved in an incident to be the point of contact for information.

The incident comes just weeks after Army Pfc. Dewayne Arthur Johnson II was detained after his 19-year-old wife, Mischa Johnson, disappeared from her home at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. Johnson was charged with providing false statements, obstruction of justice and distribution of child pornography, Military.com previously reported.

Mischa Johnson was six months pregnant at the time of her disappearance and still has not been located, KHON2, a local Hawaii station, reported Thursday. The search for her was focused on a plot of undeveloped land near the Dole Plantation on Oahu, according to the news station.

"We're just gonna see if we find anything because there's no evidence recovered as far as a body or anything like that," Mika Paresa, a search party organizer, told the station. "But the fact that his car was allegedly seen in this area, that's why we're focusing here."

Related: Hawaii Soldier Held After Wife Went Missing Is Charged with Child Porn, Obstruction of Justice, False Statements
It seems like the National Guard has been everywhere in recent years: Battling wildfires this week in California, patrolling the New York City subway, cleaning up after hurricanes, administering Covid vaccines, filling in as school bus drivers, poll workers, nursing assistants, even substitute teachers during the pandemic.

During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, National Guard units deployed in both combat and support roles again and again. Of course, thats come up recently when Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vancea Marine combat correspondent who deployed to Iraqaccused former National Guardsman Tim Walz of abandoning his unit. The Democratic vice-presidential candidate retired after 24 years from the Minnesota National Guard in 2005 to run for Congress two months before his unit received a mobilization order to Iraq.

Thats not the only time the Guard has come up in this election cycle. In stump speeches and policy videos, former President Trump has frequently mentioned deploying the National Guard over various issues: Curbing crime, clearing homeless encampments, quelling protests.

So what is the National Guard? What does it do? And what limits do state governorsand presidentshave on calling on the National Guard?

To dig into those questions, The War Horse spoke with three experts: Andrew Wiest, a historian and the co-director of the Center for the Study of the National Guard at the University of Southern Mississippi; Rachel VanLandingham, a retired Air Force judge advocate and a professor at Southwestern Law School; and Joseph Nunn, a lawyer in the liberty and national security program at the Brennan Center for Justice, a nonpartisan law and policy institute.

They helped us understand how the National Guard is different from the active duty military, and how its similar, from its earliest roots in our revolutionary history to the questions it faces today.

Its a uniquely American system, Wiest says.

Q: Where did the National Guard come from?

A. Before the American Revolution, settlers in each of the 13 original colonies banded together for support and self-defense against various threatsthe most prominent of which soon became the British Army. When the first shots rang out in Lexington, Massachusetts, in 1775, they were between British soldiers and the Massachusetts militia. Some of those militia soldiers were known as Minutemen, becausewhile they were not professional soldiersthey were an elite force that could quickly mobilize to fight against any danger that might emerge.

Its community defense, Wiest says.

Q. Were they the ones who fought in the Revolutionary War?

A. Not the only ones. Eventually, the Continental Congress commissioned an army to wage war against the king. But local colonial militias continued fighting as well. And when the fledgling United States won the war, the constitutional framers opted to disband much of the Continental Army and keep the militias. The British were gone, but fear of a large, permanent army remained.

Militaries stand in contrast to democracies, VanLandingham says. They can pose a threat by whomever controls the military.

So the framers entrusted the security of the young nation to local citizens, who answered to their state governor and trained only part time, taking up the mantle of the soldier alongside their ordinary occupations of farmer or tradesman. When faced with great threats, the federal government could augment its small standing army with fighters whose first loyalty lay with their local communitiesa structure that persists today in the National Guard.

Q. Who does the National Guard work for?

A. In its modern incarnation, each states National Guard is still usually under the command of its governor. During times of national need, National Guard troops can be federalized, or shifted to federal control, reporting to the president as their commander-in-chief.

A series of reforms starting at the turn of the 20th century standardized militias, which until then had varied greatly in terms of martial skill and experience, transforming them from guys in their homespun clothes, carrying their own weapons, as Wiest puts it, into modern fighting units.

While the nation has moved beyond its colonial commitment to maintain only a small standing army, today we still supplement our regular fighting force with Guard units. During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, more than 40% of the troops that deployed were Guard or reserve units. But the National Guard is also responsible for a whole host of non-combat missions stateside.

Q. So how are National Guard soldiers different from active duty soldiers?

A. Each of the military branches has an active side and a reserve componentsoldiers, sailors, and airmen who train and deploy part time. In the Army and Air Force, National Guard units make up a large part of their reserves.

Since the end of the Vietnam warand the draftthe Guard has been required to maintain the same training and readiness standards as the active duty and reserve military. Guardsmen (and other reservists) train part time while also holding down civilian jobs. Walz worked as a high school social studies teacher while serving in the National Guard.

Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard provide relief supplies to Long Beach, N.Y., following severe damage caused by Hurricane Sandy on Nov. 2, 2012. (Christopher S Muncy/U.S. Air Force)

Q. What does the National Guard do here at home?

A. A lot. When Guard units are under state control, a governor can essentially use them to plug any hole he or she sees fithence the myriad Guard mission sets during the pandemic.

The Guard is this Swiss army knife, Wiest says. The big blade of war is just bigger and sharper than it used to be. [But] of course the other aspects, they didnt go away.

Governors can also lend troops to other states, if their governor requests them, usually under something called the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

We often see this during large scale national disasters, when Guard units from across the country deploy to help fight a wildfire or clean up after a storm. And recently, the countrys southern border has been a particular hotspot of National Guard activity: Since 2021, 14 states have sent their National Guard units to the border at the request of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Q. Does the president have the same power to tap the National Guard?

A. When the president federalizes National Guard troops, its often to go to war. But the president can also mobilize National Guard troops for domestic emergencies as well, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005. And the last four administrations have sent National Guard units to the southern border, where they serve alongside troops deployed there under state control.

Q. Are there differences in how the National Guard acts, depending on who deploys it?

A. When National Guard units under federal control are operating alongside Guard units under state controlas on the southern borderthings can get a little confusing. When the president deploys National Guard troops, they, like regular military units, are by and large forbidden from acting as law enforcement. Its another hark back to our colonial legacy.

Theres a longstanding discomfort within the American political landscape, going back to the founding fathers fear of a standing army, of having federal troops engaged in domestic law enforcement, VanLandingham says. Thats what the bloody British were doing.

The principle was codified after the Civil War, when Southern lawmakers, frustrated by the U.S. Armys deployment to the South during Reconstruction, pushed to pass the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars soldiers from enforcing domestic laws. The laws passage ultimately helped usher in the Jim Crow era. But since then, experts say, the Posse Comitatus Act has served as an important bulwark for civil rights.

Soldiers from the Texas National Guard watch a Border Patrol helicopter hover above a group of civilians wading in the Rio Grande River along the Texas-Mexico border, May 22, 2023. (James Garcia/Texas National Guard)

Q. What about when governors deploy them?

A. When National Guard units are under the control of their governor, they arent considered part of the armed servicesso posse comitatus doesnt apply. But in a complex mission, like the one on the border with Mexico, the distinction between working directly with law enforcement, and working indirectly with law enforcement, isnt always clear.

What constitutes law enforcement, what constitutes executing the law, is a fuzzier question than it really should be, Nunn says.

Q. So, to be clear, the National Guard essentially has two bosses and very diverse missions?

A. Yep. And it gets more confusing: Sometimes National Guard units operate in a hybrid status, where they report to their governor, but their mission is determined by Congress and paid for by the federal government. Thats usually used for training or responding to natural disasters.

There can be tension among the Guards priorities. Increasing the Guards obligations on the homefront can cut into its readiness to deploy overseas, and being ready to work alongside law enforcementor any other state missionand being prepared to integrate into the active duty military are very different things.

Dealing with political strife in your state is a very specific skill set. Driving around in a tank and fighting bad guys is another very specific skill set, Wiest says. The Guard is expected to have both.

Q. Do governors always get a say if the president wants to deploy the National Guard?

A. Sometimes they do and sometimes they dont. The federal governments ability to mobilize the National Guard is codified in a number of different statutes, depending on what the Guard will be used for, among other things.

Q. When former President Trump talks about sending in the National Guard to deal with hot-button issues, how might it happen?

A. There are a few possibilities. Posse comitatus is important here, because when federal troops are acting under federal command, they usually cant work as law enforcement. But a sympathetic governor could take cues from the White House and activate their own National Guard to address issues within their state bordersor perhaps loan their Guard to a different state that requests it.

U.S. Army Spc. Danny Nguyen, 1st Squadron, 18th Cavalry Regiment, California Army National Guard, gives the peace sign to protesters on Hollywood, Blvd. In Los Angeles, June 4, 2020. (Javier Alvarez/U.S. Air National Guard)

Q. Are there other ways for the president to send in the Guard?

A. Yes. And the second possibility is very specificbut its already happened.

In some ways, its unique to Washington, D.C. Because D.C. does not have a governor, the D.C. National Guard always reports to the president. During Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, President Trump deployed the D.C. National Guard. But he also requested that various state governors deploy their Guards to Washingtondespite the D.C. mayors objectionsand 11 states agreed, flooding the tiny district with more than 4,000 Guardsmen.

Thats the weird one, Van Landingham says. But its the weird one that turns out has huge ramifications.

Remember that hybrid status we mentioned above? The Guard units in D.C. technically remained under state governor controland thus could act in a law enforcement capacity. But they were executing a mission at the request of the federal government, and once in D.C., it was the federal government that effectively decided where they should go and what they should do.

Some legal scholars have raised questions about whether a president in the future could use this same hybrid status to send National Guard troops into states without the consent of their governors.

Its a complex situation, and a little wonky. But that brings us to a third possibility, which is far less complicated: The Insurrection Act.

Q. Whats the Insurrection Act?

A. The Insurrection Act is the 800-pound gorilla in the room, Nunn says.

The act dates back to 1792. It grants the president essentially unchecked authority to use the militaryincluding federalized National Guard troopswhenever the president considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States.

The act has been used fairly regularly throughout American history, Nunn says. In fact, we are currently in the longest period in which it hasnt been usedthe last invocation of the Insurrection Act was 1992, when President George H.W. Bush sent active duty Marines and National Guardsmen into L.A. during the riots after the police beating of Rodney King.

Q. Wait, so a president can call on active duty militarynot just the National Guardto patrol American streets under the Insurrection Act?

A. Thats right. When a president invokes the Insurrection Act, they can send in any troops, including active duty military or federalized National Guard units. And when troops are mobilized under the Insurrection Act, posse comitatus does not apply: Although they are under federal command, they may act in a law enforcement capacity.

While the Insurrection Act has been used to safeguard civil libertiesincluding, famously, to ensure school desegregation in the Southit has no provisions for oversight or checks and balances: The president alone may decide when federal troops are needed to enforce the laws of the United States, and he or she can federalize National Guard units without their governors consent.

Nunn and other experts have called for the act to be reformed, arguing that the law hands the president too much powerthat it undermines our historical legacy of supreme caution when it comes to using the military against its own citizens.

If the 2024 election was between George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, I would still be here telling you that the Insurrection Act is a problem, Nunn says.

It is simply too much discretion for the executive to have in a free society ruled by law.

This War Horse explainer was reported by Sonner Kehrt, edited by Mike Frankel, and fact-checked by Jess Rohan.

Editors Note: This article first appeared on The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service. Subscribe to their newsletter.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. State Department announced new sanctions on Russian state media Friday, accusing a Kremlin news outlet of working hand-in-hand with the Russian military and running fundraising campaigns to pay for sniper rifles, body armor and other equipment for soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

While the outlet, RT, has previously been sanctioned for its work to spread Kremlin propaganda and disinformation, the new allegations suggest its role goes far beyond influence operations. Instead, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, RT is a key part of Russia's war machine and its efforts to undermine its democratic adversaries.

RT wants its new covert intelligence capabilities, like its longstanding propaganda disinformation efforts, to remain hidden, Blinken told reporters. Our most powerful antidote to Russias lies is the truth. Its shining a bright light on what the Kremlin is trying to do under the cover of darkness.

RT has also created websites posing as legitimate news sites to spread disinformation and propaganda in Europe, Africa, South America and elsewhere, officials said. They say the outlet has also expanded its use of cyber operations with a new unit with ties to Russian intelligence created last year.

The crowd-sourcing effort ran on Russian social media platforms and sought to raise funds for military supplies, some of which were procured in China, officials said. There were no obvious connections between RT and the fundraising campaign, or any indication that Chinese officials knew their products were being sold to Russia.

The list of supplies also included night-vision equipment, drones, radios and generators.

RT's actions show "it's not just a firehouse of disinformation, but a fully fledged member of the intelligence apparatus and operation of the Russian government, said Jamie Rubin, who heads the State Department's Global Engagement Center.

The sanctions announced Friday target RTs parent organization, TV-Novosti, as well as a related state media group called Rossiya Segodnya and its general director Dmitry Kiselyov. A third organization and its leader, Nelli Parutenko, were also sanctioned for allegedly running a vote-buying scheme in Moldova designed to help Moscows preferred candidates in an upcoming election.

Russia's global propaganda work is receiving extra scrutiny in the months leading up to the U.S. election. Last week, the Biden administration seized Kremlin-run websites and charged two RT employees with covertly paying a Tennessee company nearly $10 million for its content.

The company then paid several popular far-right influencers, whose content often mirrored Russian talking points. Two of the influencers said they had no idea their work was being supported by Russia.

This summer, intelligence officials warned that Russia was using unwitting Americans to spread its propaganda by disguising it in English on sites popular with Americans. Officials say Russia seeks to divide Americans ahead of the election as a way of reducing support for Ukraine.

Russia's influence operations also appear designed to support former President Donald Trump, who has criticized Ukraine and the NATO alliance while praising Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Messages left with the Russian Embassy were not immediately returned.
The Brewers reinstated reliever Enoli Paredes from the 60-day injured list. He rejoins the bullpen for tonights game in San Francisco. Milwaukee optioned Elvis Peguero to Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move. To open a 40-man roster spot, the Brewers transferred southpaw Rob Zastryzny to the 60-day IL.

Paredes has been down since early July on account of forearm inflammation. Milwaukee moved the righty to the 60-day IL when they activated DL Hall last month. Paredes, who signed a minor league deal last November, has gotten good results in 14 appearances since the Brewers selected his contract in May. Hes allowed just two runs through 16 2/3 innings, although his 12:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio isnt particularly encouraging.

Thats broadly in line with Paredes career work. He pitched with the Astros between 2020-22 and managed a decent 3.90 earned run average despite huge walk tallies. Paredes has been utterly dominant in Triple-A this season, striking out nearly 40% of opponents with a 1.73 ERA in 26 innings. Hes out of options, so the Brewers cant send him back to Nashville without running him through waivers.

Zastryzny has been out since July 25 with elbow tendinitis. The injury cropped back up when he tried to start a rehab assignment last month. Todays transfer officially rules Zastryzny out until the final week of the regular season. Its not clear if hell be healthy enough to return this year. Working mostly as an opener, the lefty has logged 7 2/3 frames of one-run ball since Milwaukee called him up at the end of June.
LANSING, MI - Backlash to changes state game regulators have made to early deer seasons reserved for youth and hunters with disabilities has reached the State House in Lansing.

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, a Republican state senator introduced a bill that he says would undo new limitations on the special liberty and independence hunts making them antlerless only beginning in 2025 and prohibiting participants from shooting bucks.

Taking away the ability to shoot bucks will crush enthusiasm. It is not going to lead to more does being harvested overall because the best tool we have to attract new hunters will be rendered significantly less effective, said state Sen. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, the lawmaker behind the bill, in remarks to the state Natural Resources Commission.

The seven-member commission, appointed by the governor, stripped hunters ability to harvest bucks from the two hunts that take place before the regular firearm deer season as it made a series of tweaks to hunting regulations in July.

Though the change divided the body, passing by a 4-3 vote, some of its members have underscored the need to incentivize hunters to take does, as a means to rein in an out-of-control deer population in the Lower Peninsula.

In much of Lower Michigan, deer are an increasing nuisance for farmers, cities and motorists, at the same time that hunter numbers are on the decline. And in the state, many hunters place a strong value on bagging a buck, observers say.

Still, the liberty and independence hunts account for just 2% of the annual statewide deer harvest, less than 8,000 deer, according to Michigan Department of Natural Resource figures.

The two-day liberty hunt, for youth 16 and under as well as adults with qualifying disabilities, takes place annually in September, while the four-day independence hunt, reserved for hunters with disabilities, happens in October.

Albert says he cant understand how limiting the hunts will make a difference in the doe population.

If you want to change culture, dont do it through coercion, he said in an interview with MLive. Wildlife officials should focus on educating hunters on why antlerless harvest is important, he added. Most people already know why because theyre hitting them with their cars.

The hunting regulation changes have also angered hunters with disabilities and accessibility advocates who offer opportunities for them to get out in the woods each fall during the limited windows afforded by the special hunts.

Read more: Hunters with disabilities blast new Michigan deer hunting rules

Members of the Natural Resources Commission, including its Chair Tom Baird, have committed to revisiting the decision before it takes effect in 2025, noting it wont have any effect on this years upcoming deer season.

Hes received many calls with feedback on the rule change, including a recent inquiry from a hunter who requires a wheelchair and would face barriers hunting during the regular season due to colder temperatures and the lack of available volunteers to help him, with those people hunting themselves, Baird said at the commissions Thursday, Sept. 12 meeting.

The conversations have had an effect on him and some fellow commissioners who supported the change, Baird said. For that reason, well be taking a second look, he added.

For Albert, the changes are personal. As a father of five children, the youth hunt is something thats looked forward to in his household the whole year, he said.

What Im most concerned about is weve put our kids through enough over the last four years, Albert said. Lets just let the kids do something fun without taking it away from them.

The senator is hopeful the Natural Resource Commission will review the changes and reverse course. In the meantime, his bill has been referred to the senate Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture.

The legislation would specify in state law that eligible hunters would be able to take antlerless and antlered deer during the liberty and independence hunts.

If the NRCs decision stands, the state in effect would be asking kids to do what many adult deer hunters will not do  shoot does exclusively, Albert said.
For 11 hours, an Ohio man fought for his life in Lake Erie, cleveland.com reports. He nearly made it to shore multiple times before being swept out by currents. He treaded water for hours. He almost drowned. Then he found a broken bucket.

Despite helicopters, drones and search boats zigzagging the area, James Manning was finally rescued by fishermen who heard his cries for help, the report said.

RELATED: Overdue kayaker treads water for 11 hours before rescue

On Tuesday evening, Manning had gone kayaking without a life jacket, the report said. He was about four miles from shore when the kayak began taking on water and quickly sank. He spent the night alone on the treacherous Great Lake. Once, his head dipped under and he inhaled water.

It had been about seven hours when a broken bucket floated toward him, the report said. It was cracked and barely held any air, but it was just enough, Manning said.
Next-generation mail trucks are hitting the streets, The Associated Press reports.

While they wont win any beauty contests, the delivery vehicles are getting rave reviews from letter carriers accustomed to older vehicles lacking in safety features and prone to breaking down  and even catching fire (nearly 100 of the vehicles caught fire last year), AP reports.

In a few years, the new fleet will have expanded to 60,000, most of them electric models, the report said. It will eventually be USPS primary delivery vehicle. The first trucks were deployed in Athens, Ga.d

Features on the next-gen truck  that are lacking on the model still delivering most of our mail today  include air conditioning, room for postal carrier to stand up while retrieving packages, air bags, 360-degree cameras, blind-spot monitoring, collision sensors and anti-lock brakes.

The U.S. Postal Service's next-generation delivery vehicle, left, is displayed as one new battery electric delivery trucks leaves the Kokomo Sorting and Delivery Center in Kokomo, Ind., Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)AP Photo/Michael Conroy
ANN ARBOR, MI - One of the protesters charged by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in connection with the encampment at University of Michigan has been arraigned, court records show.

The 29-year-old man and university alumnus was charged with two misdemeanor counts of malicious destruction of property, according to 15th District Court records. MLive/The Ann Arbor News does not typically name individuals charged with misdemeanors.

The man is scheduled for a Sept. 30 pre-trial hearing in front of 15th District Court Judge Karen Valvo, records show.

He is one of 11 protesters charged with crimes after police on May 21 removed the pro-Palestinian encampment, established in April, from the universitys Diag. The charges came after a review by Nessels office.

Read more: Nessel charges 11 pro-Palestine protesters for University of Michigan encampment

Two protesters were charged with misdemeanor trespassing, Nessel said in a release. Those two are scheduled for arraignment at 9 a.m. Sept. 20, records show.

Seven more were also charged with trespassing, as well as resisting and obstructing a police officer, felony punishable by a maximum of two years in prison, Nessel said. They will be arraigned likely next week in 14A-1 District Court, a court spokesperson said.

One additional person was charged with disturbing the peace for kicking over protester flags, as well as misdemeanor ethnic intimidation, Nessel said. There is a warrant out for that persons arrest, the spokesperson said.

The 11 charged are mostly students or alumni, Nessel said in a Sept. 12 statement. The office did not return two messages requesting clarification if all those charged were pro-Palestinian protesters or if some were counter protesters.

Tahrir Coalition is the student organization behind the encampment that continues to call for the universitys divestment from Israel due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The group told MLive/The Ann Arbor News they see Nessels charges as bypassing Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit to secure harsher criminal penalties for protesters.

In collaboration with the State of Michigan, this represents the (universitys Board of) Regents concerted effort to weaponize the criminal justice system to stifle the pro-Palestine movement demanding divestment from apartheid and genocide, the group said in a statement, adding demands for Nessel to drop the charges.

Savits office reached deals with four protesters involved in the November sit-in at university President Santa Onos office. Two of them were placed in a district court diversion program while two were sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which allows defendants between the ages of 18 and 26 a chance to clear their records for first-time criminal offenses.

One of the people who struck a deal for the November protest was among the 11 charged by Nessels office, records show.

Student protesters claim that $6 billion of the universitys endowment is invested in Israel and the U.S.-Israeli war machine through hundreds of Israeli companies and defense contractors. The university has repeatedly denied these accusations, saying it has no direct investment in any Israeli company.

Read more: 5 things to know about the University of Michigans $17.9B endowment

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.

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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ANN ARBOR, MI  Months after a former Ann Arbor kindergarten teacher accused a school administrator of stealing a therapy dog in her care, Gracie, the bernedoodle, is back home.

The Ann Arbor School Board agreed on a settlement in the lawsuit filed by Alexandria Lexi Fata in May after more than an hour and a half closed session Wednesday, Sept. 11.

In the original complaint in Washtenaw County Circuit Court, Fata alleged Wines Elementary School Principal David DeYoung took Gracie after Fata notified the administrator she was leaving her position at the end of the school year so her partner could pursue a job opportunity.

Read more: Ann Arbor principal stole kindergarten teachers dog, lawsuit alleges

According to the May 14 lawsuit, DeYoung attempted to threaten and bully Fata into abandoning Gracie, which had for two years failed to successfully become the schools therapy dog. When those efforts failed, the lawsuit states DeYoung physically stole Gracie, prompting Fata to seek the return of her stolen property and beloved best friend from Ann Arbor Public Schools.

Terms of the settlement are still unclear as of Friday, Sept. 13. However, according to Fatas attorneys, Sam Estenson and Charlotte Croson, the primary goal of the litigation  to have Gracie returned to her true owner  has been achieved.

I think this was the right outcome  the morally correct, right outcome. This wasnt about money. It was about getting her dog back, Estenson said.

Bernedoodle Gracie is shown enjoying toys recently at home with Alexandria Fata, the former Ann Arbor kindergarten teacher who alleged the district stole the therapy dog she cared for before she left her position last spring. This photo was used with permission from Fata.This photo was used with permission from Alexandria Fata.

In a separate statement issued late Thursday, Sept. 12, Fata said she was thrilled and thankful that Gracie was reunited with her family.

No words can begin to express how happy we are to have her back in our lives, she said. My reunion with Gracie was filled with hugs, smiles, and lots of happy tears. I want to sincerely thank those that supported me and Gracie along the way. Your care and concern truly helped make a difference in our lives.

In addition to AAPS and DeYoung, Fatas lawsuit also cited Melita Alston, the districts executive director of early childhood and elementary education, former administrator Matthew Hilton, dog trainer Gregory Lambert, and the UpNUp Pup, LLC, where the district alleged its parent-teacher organization financed training costs, as defendants.

AAPS spokesman Andrew Cluley declined to comment on the settlement, saying both sides had agreed to confidentiality.

Read more: Therapy dog will remain with Ann Arbor schools during lawsuit proceedings, judge rules

Last spring, district attorney Anne-Marie Welch addressed Fata only as the dogs primary handler with a misunderstanding of ownership in correspondence with Fatas counsel. Later in May, Welch argued that Gracie should remain Wines therapy dog amid the lawsuit before Circuit Court Judge Timothy Conners denied Fatas request for a temporary restraining order.

Estenson and Croson said Gracie was returned to Fata in mid-August, though they werent sure where the dog had been cared for during the last several months.

Which was part of the problem, right? Estenson said, adding: Thats like one of many questions I would love to see asked of the school system.

Signage on the grounds of Mitchell Elementary and Scarlett Middle schools that prohibits dogs during school hours is shown on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.Jackie Smith | MLive

Read more: Therapy dog at center of lawsuit belongs to school, Ann Arbor parent group says

The settlement comes a couple of weeks after district administrators referenced ongoing questions about dog-related policies on its grounds.

Board Trustee Ernesto Querijero unsuccessfully proposed introducing a no-dog policy during the Aug. 28 meeting in a bid to avoid what he thought posed a potential liability issue, while a formal rule was finalized.

At the time, he said he wanted that to apply to all school grounds, adding it could be an opportunity to assess therapy dogs and what their training looks like. There is existing signage on some school grounds prohibiting pets or dogs during school hours, though some officials asked how it was enforced.

In reply to Querijero, Superintendent Jazz Parks said the district was already in the process of shoring up terms of a therapy dog policy considering recent events.

On Monday, Sept. 9  two days before OKing the settlement  Board President Torchio Feaster said he didnt anticipate the board taking any policy action while they were dealing with legal issues.

What I imagine well do is have our legal counsel look at Trustee Querijeros request and provide us with a legal opinion to view in closed session and discuss it at that time, he said.

Policy concerns have not yet been readdressed in public discussion.

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This is most certainly not my scene. The only mind-altering substances I buy can be found in a waxy box in any grocery store beverage aisle, I hail from a far less progressive part of the state and on this particular day, I was wearing a blazer. But Ryan Stantons reporting this week on psychedelic shrooms made me sufficiently curious to walk for the first time into a downtown smoke shop offering the magic of natural healing.

I didnt purchase anything (not that Id ever tell) but a friend and I perused the options, sheltered by glass and sitting among florescent dinosaurs, elaborate glass pipes and CBD bath products.
FLINT, MI -- The search for a permanent president at Mott Community College will be led by a three-person committee of the Board of Trustees -- not a professional firm that specializes in such work -- and the searchs scope will be narrowly focused on candidates living in Michigan.

Trustees took a series of votes during a special meeting held on Friday, Sept. 13, over the objections of faculty members and board member Michael Freeman, who walked out of the meeting, saying a majority of his colleagues were orchestrating a process to arrive at a preordained and predetermined outcome.
FRANKENMUTH, MI  Two Florida residents are hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle while walking through Frankenmuth.

About 7:10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, police responded to the collision site at the intersection of Flint and South Main (M-83) streets. They arrived to find two pedestrians down in the roadway, said Frankenmuth Police Chief Don Mawer.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz visited Grand Rapids Thursday evening as part of Vice President Kamala Harris New Way Forward battleground tour to mobilize support in swing states.

The campaign event at the Grand Rapids Public Museum marks Walzs second visit to Michigan since his wife Gwen made remarks on Sept. 4 at City Built Brewing Company in downtown Grand Rapids.
Fellow skywatchers, its time to gather your favorite blanket and dig out your jacket. There will be a lot going on overhead in the night skies this month and youll want to be ready for it.

Our second of four consecutive supermoons - the September full Harvest Moon - will make its big, showy rise mid-month. And thats not all. Going on at the same time will be a partial lunar eclipse that will make it look like theres been a bite taken out of our moon.

Speaking of the moon, it will have some planet friends sharing its path this month. And at one point, it will go right through the star cluster known as the Pleiades, also called the Seven Sisters.

NASAs September Skywatching Tips page has all the information here. Were sharing some of the highlights below:
The right to development is an inalienable basic human right, and all countries should follow the path of human rights development suitable for their own national conditions. by Xinhua writers Chen Weihua, Xuan Liqi RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials, experts and scholars in the field of human rights from China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) exchanged their views on respecting and protecting human rights during the first China-Latin America human rights roundtable held here on Tuesday. In a world often dominated by Western narratives on human rights, the participants called for something fundamentally different: human rights cannot be governed by one-size-fits-all models, dictated by Western countries. Instead, the world needs a more cooperative approach, and the Global South should raise its voice and contribute to the reshaping of global human rights governance. The underlying message from the roundtable was clear: the right to development is an inalienable basic human right, and all countries should follow the path of human rights development suitable for their own national conditions. As the world's largest developing country and one of the regions with the most Global South countries, China and LAC share similarities in histories, ideas, goals and paths in human rights development. Both regions have experienced colonialism, grappled with inequality, and are now working to raise living standards for millions. Since the reform and opening-up in the late 1970s, 770 million rural people in China have been lifted out of poverty, accounting for more than 70 percent of the global poverty-alleviated population in the same period. At the roundtable, China's success was highlighted as an example for other developing nations, including those in Latin America. LAC countries are also actively exploring development models suited to their own conditions, especially focusing on ensuring people's livelihood, promoting social equity and raising the living standards of low-income groups. The countries have made important achievements in maintaining stability, revitalizing the economy and improving people's livelihoods. As Gustavo Pacheco Villar, president of the Andean Parliament said, both China and LAC countries have made great contributions to the cause of human rights, adding that China's practice of human rights protection can provide a new path for the world, including LAC countries. Over the years, China and LAC countries have worked together for common development on the basis of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to benefit people's livelihood. A series of China-LAC cooperation projects, including the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate in Trinidad and Tobago, has promoted local economic and social development, ensured and improved living standards through development, and constantly consolidated the foundation of human rights progress, to better protect and promote human rights. In recent years, China and LAC countries have also actively spoken out for Global South countries, advocating that global human rights governance should be more equitable, just, reasonable and inclusive. Both sides oppose the use of human rights as a tool of unilateralism and hegemony, while supporting the United Nations (UN) human rights bodies in performing their duties in a fair and objective manner. This shared stance reflects a broader commitment to multilateralism and the principle of national sovereignty, emphasizing that human rights should not be politicized or used to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. China's Belt and Road Initiative, which has extended across the Global South, not only fosters economic growth but also addresses fundamental human rights such as access to infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The discussion at the roundtable made clear that such projects are seen as integral to building the foundation for a more inclusive human rights model, one that can uplift entire populations by creating conditions conducive to progress. China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, widely endorsed at the roundtable, also represent a reimagining of how human rights, security, and development intersect. By fostering cooperation on specific projects -- rather than relying on abstract moral judgments -- China and LAC countries are jointly advocating a model of human rights development rooted in real-world concerns like social inclusion and sustainability. China-LAC cooperation on human rights development is an important part of South-South cooperation. In a world facing complex global challenges, the shared vision of China and LAC provide a meaningful contribution to the broader discourse on development and human rights.
Reducing barriers for on-site child care, funding a mentorship program for new teachers and maximizing benefits are among recommendations adopted by a group working to address North Dakotas teacher shortage.

The work of the Teacher Retention and Recruitment Task Force will be forwarded to Gov. Doug Burgum, who will present a state budget recommendation ahead of the 2025 legislative session, the North Dakota Monitor reported.

A lot of our heavy-hitting problems were addressed and now its up to the governor and legislative session to see where we go from here, said Abby DuBord, a 2023 North Dakota Teacher of the Year finalist from Bismarck.

During the groups final meeting in late August, the task force approved nine recommendations to combat the states teacher workforce issues. Seven of the measures received unanimous support from the group made up of teachers, administrators, school board, education associations, lawmakers, a representative from the governors office and Superintendent Kirsten Baesler.

One proposal is to annually survey school employees to understand their job satisfaction.

Another recommendation relates to providing a safe and supportive environment for educators and learners in every building. During previous work sessions, teachers emphasized the need for more mental health and social work resources in schools to address the needs of students.

DuBord, one of the task force members, said it can be overwhelming trying to solve all the problems in a career field, but she thinks the final recommendations will begin to address concerns of educators.

There is always work to do, but I do feel like teachers voices were represented here, DuBord said.

She also said she believes the recommendations will help elevate the profession and inspire new educators. She highlighted recommendations focused on increasing teacher leadership opportunities, supporting new teachers through continued mentorship during the first years in their career and better collaboration with organizations and other agencies are all things that will elevate the profession.

The task force met six times and divided its recommendations into three categories: working environment, professional value, and support and flexible funding.

The task force also recommended the Legislature study the effects of grouping the health insurance of teachers into a statewide pool for potential cost savings that could then be used for potential wage increases. Members also want to study teacher compensation structures to maximize their lifetime earnings and give them higher salary levels earlier in their careers.

It is a little nerve-racking as a teacher when you hear things might change, but I do think one of the best things we can do is to look into options, DuBord said. These are studies and options to pursue and to get information on, but nothing has been recommended to go in that direction, officially.

Baesler said the variety of stakeholders had open discussions and focused on finding a solutions-oriented approach.

We are done admiring the problem and now were able to focus on solutions, Baesler said. Obviously, the nearly unanimous vote on all of the issues really demonstrates that the process of conversation and the work that was done since the task force convened was productive.

Nick Archuleta, president of North Dakota United, which represents teachers and public employees in the state, said the recommendations from the task force are important steps, but hes looking forward to seeing how Burgum prioritizes those points into his state budget.

One of the things that I think is going to be interesting is when they start talking about changing how teachers are compensated, Archuleta said. That is really going to be an eye-opener and I think we want to make sure as they go forward that we dont see any teacher going backward.

The Hunt Institute, which helped facilitate the meetings, will compile the task forces official report for Burgum by Sept. 30. Burgum also directed the task force to identify partners in the Legislature to sponsor legislation in the 2025 session.
Anglo American plc (OTCMKTS:NGLOY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 34,700 shares, a decline of 74.9% from the August 15th total of 138,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 248,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

NGLOY has been the subject of several research analyst reports. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Anglo American from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, June 21st. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Anglo American from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 29th. Finally, UBS Group upgraded Anglo American from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $2,900.00.

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Anglo American Stock Performance

Anglo American Increases Dividend

Shares of Anglo American stock traded up $0.28 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $13.61. 183,448 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 415,599. Anglo American has a 52-week low of $10.37 and a 52-week high of $17.60. The company has a fifty day moving average of $14.55 and a 200-day moving average of $14.46. The company has a current ratio of 1.85, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48.

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 16th will be paid a dividend of $0.194 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 16th. This is a positive change from Anglo Americans previous dividend of $0.18.

Anglo American Company Profile

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Anglo American plc operates as a mining company in the United Kingdom and internationally. It explores for rough and polished diamonds, copper, platinum group metals and nickel, steelmaking coal, and iron ore; and nickel, polyhalite, and manganese ores. Anglo American plc was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Zinc Media Group plc (LON:ZIN  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week low on Tuesday . The company traded as low as GBX 65 ($0.85) and last traded at GBX 65 ($0.85), with a volume of 5000 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 70 ($0.92).

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Shore Capital reiterated a not rated rating on shares of Zinc Media Group in a research note on Monday, July 8th.

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Zinc Media Group Price Performance

Insider Buying and Selling

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 66.93, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 1.09. The firm has a market capitalization of 15.16 million, a P/E ratio of -738.89 and a beta of -0.05. The business has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 71.15 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 77.03.

In related news, insider Mark Browning acquired 20,825 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 72 ($0.94) per share, with a total value of 14,994 ($19,607.69). 18.69% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Zinc Media Group Company Profile

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Zinc Media Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, produces television and cross-platform content in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in two segments, Television and Content Production. The Television segment engages in the production of television content under the Blakeway, Brook Lapping, Films of Record, Red Sauce, Supercollider, REX, and Tern names.

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Robeco Schweiz AG purchased a new position in shares of The Gorman-Rupp Company (NYSE:GRC  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 214,537 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $7,876,000. Robeco Schweiz AG owned about 0.82% of Gorman-Rupp as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. CWM LLC increased its holdings in Gorman-Rupp by 76.8% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 921 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the period. Mather Group LLC. increased its stake in shares of Gorman-Rupp by 517.0% during the second quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 1,598 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $63,000 after buying an additional 1,339 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Gorman-Rupp by 63.8% in the first quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,047 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $80,000 after acquiring an additional 797 shares in the last quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System purchased a new stake in Gorman-Rupp in the first quarter worth about $82,000. Finally, Quest Partners LLC bought a new position in Gorman-Rupp during the 4th quarter worth about $120,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 59.26% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com lowered Gorman-Rupp from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 6th.

Gorman-Rupp Trading Up 2.1 %

Gorman-Rupp stock opened at $37.05 on Friday. The Gorman-Rupp Company has a one year low of $28.87 and a one year high of $42.24. The stock has a market cap of $971.82 million, a PE ratio of 26.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 1.44 and a current ratio of 2.45. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $38.53 and a two-hundred day moving average of $36.85.

Gorman-Rupp (NYSE:GRC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 26th. The industrial products company reported $0.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $169.51 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $174.44 million. Gorman-Rupp had a net margin of 5.20% and a return on equity of 11.39%. On average, research analysts anticipate that The Gorman-Rupp Company will post 1.85 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Gorman-Rupp Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were paid a dividend of $0.18 per share. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.94%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 15th. Gorman-Rupps payout ratio is 52.17%.

Gorman-Rupp Profile

(Free Report)

The Gorman-Rupp Company designs, manufactures, and sells pumps and pump systems in the United States and internationally. The company's products include self-priming centrifugal, standard centrifugal, magnetic drive centrifugal, axial and mixed flow, vertical turbine line shaft, submersible, high-pressure booster, rotary gear, diaphragm, bellows, and oscillating pumps.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GRC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Gorman-Rupp Company (NYSE:GRC  Free Report).

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I read three articles about arts & galleries, on Bucks County Herald August 1, 2024. Barbara gave me the newspaper.

1) NH-S School District parters with New Hope Arts to enhance campus with contemporary art.

The installations represent various artistic styles and materials and showcase the work of a diverse set of local artists.

Christine Ramirez, executive director of New Hope Arts, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:  We believe its vital to expose students to a variety of art forms.

Ramirez see this initiative as a catalyst for sparking students interest in art.

The installations are dedicated to promoting local artists and providing the community with opportunities to engage with art in public spaces.

The selected artworks include Dancer, crafted from concrete and marble terrazzo by Ghanaian artist Mike Gyampo.

Philadelphia-based artist Melanie Serkes contributed Housing, a sculpture crafted from cast concrete and powder-coated steel.

The collection is rounded out by  Dodecahedron Star, an impressive glass structure by renowned artist Ray King.

2) New Hope exhibition showcases  Timeless Art from trio of artists.

Timeless Art, a major exhibition of painting and sculpture by three accomplished artists, can be seen Saturdays and Sundays , Aug .3Sept.8 at the New Hope Colony foundation for the arts.

The exhibition focuses on three artists, two of whom are over 80 years of age.

Sculptor Ashby Saunders models clay and bronze into exuberant sculptures. He began sculpting as an adult. Saunders continued to sculpt until he was 85. His work can be seen in public parks in Bucks County.

Aurelia is a self-taught painter. Her paintings hang in private collections throughout the United State, Europe, and Asia. She is president of the Delaware Valley Music Club.

Jacalyn Beams paintings, especially her plein air landscapes, are wildly recognized and collected for their historical and visual appeal. She exhibits throughout the U.S. and her work has been published by multiple magazines and books. She serves in Delaware Arts Council.

3) Artists Gallery exhibits  Surroundings

The Artists Gallery presents Surrounding, featuring Bill Jersey and Claudia Fouse Fountains.  Surrounding brings the focus closer to home, to what we see around us every day. It turns out it can be as inspirational as anything else if we take the time to look carefully.

At the age of 97, Jersey still explorers life with what he calls a fresh eye. He says:  We are surrounded by rich memories. I choose to preserve them with paint and brush.

Fountaine is intrigued by the quirky and the mundane. A snow-man, the shelves overflowing with strange things, a dog relaxing in a patio. These are some of the Surroundings Fountaine has chosen to depict.

4) Chinese students and parents pay more attention to test scores and less attention to artistic hobbies and studies. When I was in middle school and university , I don't remember having art or music classes. However, there are some art club activities , which provide opportunities for students with art interests to grow.

I study at Beijing University. Beijing University has a water tower, designed as a very beautiful 13-story building! Every Beijing University student will never forget it.

I don't want there to be many art works in school, but I hope there should be a room with all the teachers' photos hanging inside. I miss my teachers!
Akzo Nobel (OTCMKTS:AKZOD  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $21.09 and last traded at $21.28, with a volume of 112059 shares. The stock had previously closed at $21.54.

Akzo Nobel Trading Up 0.6 %

The company has a market cap of $14.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.47, a P/E/G ratio of 8.70 and a beta of 0.76. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $20.61 and a 200 day simple moving average of $22.22. The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35.

About Akzo Nobel

(Get Free Report)

Akzo Nobel N.V. operates as a paints and coatings company in the Netherlands and internationally. The company operates through Decorative Paints and Performance Coatings segments. It provides decorative paints, including paints, lacquers, and varnishes; mixing machines, color concepts, and training courses for the building and renovation industry; and specialty coatings for metal, wood, and other building materials.

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Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:AGI  Get Free Report) (TSE:AGI)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Friday . The stock traded as high as $20.78 and last traded at $20.78, with a volume of 70534 shares. The stock had previously closed at $20.06.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. StockNews.com raised Alamos Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, May 16th. Scotiabank increased their price target on Alamos Gold from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock a sector outperform rating in a report on Monday, August 19th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of Alamos Gold from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 12th. National Bank Financial lowered shares of Alamos Gold from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, September 8th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on shares of Alamos Gold from $20.00 to $23.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $23.31.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Alamos Gold

Alamos Gold Stock Up 2.5 %

The stock has a market cap of $8.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.56, a PEG ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.18. The companys fifty day moving average is $18.00 and its two-hundred day moving average is $16.07.

Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI  Get Free Report) (TSE:AGI) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The basic materials company reported $0.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $332.60 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $282.78 million. Alamos Gold had a return on equity of 8.52% and a net margin of 17.73%. Alamos Golds quarterly revenue was up 27.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.15 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Alamos Gold Inc. will post 0.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Alamos Gold Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 12th will be paid a $0.025 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 12th. This represents a $0.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.49%. Alamos Golds dividend payout ratio is currently 19.23%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its holdings in shares of Alamos Gold by 8.3% in the 1st quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 52,397,485 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $772,863,000 after acquiring an additional 4,009,220 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Alamos Gold by 1.7% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 14,669,249 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $216,371,000 after buying an additional 250,207 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its position in Alamos Gold by 147.6% in the 2nd quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 7,585,450 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $119,003,000 after acquiring an additional 4,521,282 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its stake in Alamos Gold by 71.9% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 6,588,581 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $97,183,000 after acquiring an additional 2,756,759 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Alamos Gold in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $64,117,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.33% of the companys stock.

About Alamos Gold

(Get Free Report)

Alamos Gold Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and extraction of precious metals in Canada and Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. It holds 100% interest in the Young-Davidson mine and Island Gold mine located in the Ontario, Canada; Mulatos mine located in the Sonora, Mexico; and Lynn Lake project situated in the Manitoba, Canada.

Further Reading

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Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK  Get Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by equities researchers at Bank of America from $50.00 to $55.00 in a research note issued on Friday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the transportation companys stock. Bank of Americas target price would suggest a potential upside of 31.11% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Citigroup reduced 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. Susquehanna decreased their price objective on shares of Alaska Air Group from $42.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Wolfe Research raised Alaska Air Group from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $55.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 17th. TD Cowen lifted their target price on Alaska Air Group from $51.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Alaska Air Group from $75.00 to $70.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Alaska Air Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $54.00.

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Alaska Air Group Stock Up 5.0 %

Shares of ALK traded up $2.00 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $41.95. The company had a trading volume of 1,515,330 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,219,452. Alaska Air Group has a 52 week low of $30.75 and a 52 week high of $46.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.68. The company has a market capitalization of $5.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 1.59. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $36.81 and a 200 day moving average price of $39.76.

Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The transportation company reported $2.55 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.36 by $0.19. Alaska Air Group had a return on equity of 11.85% and a net margin of 2.14%. The business had revenue of $2.90 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.94 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.00 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Alaska Air Group will post 4.17 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alaska Air Group

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Altshuler Shaham Ltd bought a new position in Alaska Air Group in the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. Principal Securities Inc. bought a new stake in Alaska Air Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $39,000. LifeSteps Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of Alaska Air Group in the first quarter worth approximately $65,000. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Alaska Air Group by 28.4% in the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,688 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $66,000 after buying an additional 373 shares during the period. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new stake in Alaska Air Group in the 2nd quarter worth $69,000. 81.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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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Almaden Minerals Ltd. (TSE:AMM  Get Free Report) (NYSEMKT:AAU)s stock price was down 16.7% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as C$0.05 and last traded at C$0.05. Approximately 110,872 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 67% from the average daily volume of 66,211 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.06.

Almaden Minerals Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of C$6.86 million, a PE ratio of -0.11 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 131.70, a current ratio of 7.47 and a quick ratio of 23.78. The businesss 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 quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported C($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter.

About Almaden Minerals

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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Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC reduced its position in Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR  Free Report) by 4.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 37,398 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,561 shares during the period. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLCs holdings in Amcor were worth $366,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Amcor by 40.6% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 743,325 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,069,000 after purchasing an additional 214,458 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC lifted its stake in shares of Amcor by 244.2% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 103,655 shares of the companys stock valued at $986,000 after purchasing an additional 73,541 shares during the period. M&G Plc lifted its stake in shares of Amcor by 2,741.7% in the 2nd quarter. M&G Plc now owns 47,164,358 shares of the companys stock valued at $471,644,000 after purchasing an additional 45,504,608 shares during the period. CHURCHILL MANAGEMENT Corp lifted its stake in shares of Amcor by 60.0% in the 1st quarter. CHURCHILL MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 601,225 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,718,000 after purchasing an additional 225,441 shares during the period. Finally, O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in Amcor by 236.1% in the 1st quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 1,648,279 shares of the companys stock worth $15,675,000 after acquiring an additional 1,157,878 shares in the last quarter. 45.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Amcor Price Performance

Amcor stock opened at $10.89 on Friday. Amcor plc has a 52-week low of $8.45 and a 52-week high of $11.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.19, a PEG ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $10.57 and a 200-day simple moving average of $9.93. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67.

Amcor Announces Dividend

Amcor ( NYSE:AMCR Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 15th. The company reported $0.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.21. Amcor had a net margin of 5.35% and a return on equity of 25.45%. The business had revenue of $3.54 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.30 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.19 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Amcor plc will post 0.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.125 per share. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.59%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 6th. Amcors payout ratio is 111.11%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

AMCR has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus initiated coverage on shares of Amcor in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. They issued a hold rating and a $10.80 price target for the company. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Amcor from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Amcor from $10.00 to $11.10 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Amcor from $9.80 to $10.50 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 16th. Finally, Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on shares of Amcor from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, August 16th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Amcor presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $10.73.

View Our Latest Analysis on AMCR

Amcor Profile

(Free Report)

Amcor plc develops, produces, and sells packaging products in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Asia Pacific regions. The company operates through two segments, Flexibles and Rigid Packaging. The Flexibles segment provides flexible and film packaging products in the food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical, fresh produce, snack food, personal care, and other industries.

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AmmPower Corp. (OTCMKTS:AMMPF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,000 shares, a decrease of 98.7% from the August 15th total of 150,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 384,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days.

AmmPower Stock Up 8.0 %

Shares of AMMPF opened at 0.01 on Friday. AmmPower has a twelve month low of 0.01 and a twelve month high of 0.14. The company has a 50 day moving average of 0.01 and a 200-day moving average of 0.02.

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About AmmPower

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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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Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM  Free Report) had its target price raised by UBS Group from $60.00 to $64.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the stock.

Several other research firms have also issued reports on ADM. Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $64.00 to $63.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target 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 issued a hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $65.62.

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Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Up 1.0 %

Shares of ADM stock opened at $59.61 on Monday. Archer-Daniels-Midland has a 1 year low of $50.72 and a 1 year high of $80.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.44. The businesss fifty day moving average is $61.05 and its 200-day moving average is $60.60. The stock has a market cap of $29.47 billion, a PE ratio of 10.46 and a beta of 0.72.

Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by ($0.19). Archer-Daniels-Midland had a return on equity of 12.06% and a net margin of 2.93%. The firm had revenue of $22.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $23.12 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.89 earnings per share. Archer-Daniels-Midlands revenue was down 11.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Archer-Daniels-Midland will post 5.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 11th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 21st were paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.36%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 21st. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.09%.

Insider Activity at Archer-Daniels-Midland

In related 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 value of $10,298,438.94. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 265,210 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,047,857.10. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, CEO Juan R. Luciano sold 170,194 shares of the firms 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 owns 265,210 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,047,857.10. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Juan R. Luciano sold 45,471 shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland stock in a transaction on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.00, for a total transaction of $2,773,731.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 265,210 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,177,810. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 219,348 shares of company stock valued at $13,296,833. Insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in ADM. Cherry Tree Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Riverview Trust Co acquired a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd bought a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. Crewe Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 1st quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Rise Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the first quarter valued at about $34,000. 78.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Archer-Daniels-Midland

(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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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Atmos Energy (NYSE:ATO  Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Tuesday morning.

Several other brokerages also recently issued reports on ATO. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on Atmos Energy from $122.00 to $119.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, June 24th. Barclays raised their target price on Atmos Energy from $121.00 to $129.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Atmos Energy from $134.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 15th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH initiated coverage on shares of Atmos Energy in a research report on Monday. They issued a buy rating and a $144.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Atmos Energy from $132.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $134.71.

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Atmos Energy Stock Performance

Atmos Energy stock opened at $134.86 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 1.73 and a quick ratio of 1.57. Atmos Energy has a 12 month low of $101.00 and a 12 month high of $136.33. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $126.79 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $119.89. The company has a market cap of $20.35 billion, a PE ratio of 20.22, a P/E/G ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 0.68.

Atmos Energy (NYSE:ATO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The utilities provider reported $1.08 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.05 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $701.55 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $924.75 million. Atmos Energy had a net margin of 25.09% and a return on equity of 8.94%. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.94 EPS. Research analysts expect that Atmos Energy will post 6.79 earnings per share for the current year.

Atmos Energy Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 9th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 26th were given a dividend of $0.805 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 26th. This represents a $3.22 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.39%. Atmos Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 48.28%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Atmos Energy in the second quarter worth approximately $2,277,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky lifted its holdings in shares of Atmos Energy by 462.0% in the second quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 67,991 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $7,931,000 after buying an additional 55,894 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp boosted its stake in Atmos Energy by 11.4% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 28,906 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,372,000 after buying an additional 2,952 shares in the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Atmos Energy by 5.4% during the second quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,880 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $219,000 after acquiring an additional 97 shares during the period. Finally, Quarry LP raised its position in Atmos Energy by 76.9% in the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,224 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $143,000 after acquiring an additional 532 shares in the last quarter. 90.17% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Atmos Energy Company Profile

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Atmos Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated natural gas distribution, and pipeline and storage businesses in the United States. It operates through two segments, Distribution, and Pipeline and Storage. The Distribution segment is involved in the regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations in eight states.

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Banco Comercial Portugues, S.A. (OTCMKTS:BPCGF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 391,200 shares, a decline of 47.8% from the August 15th total of 749,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1,304.0 days.

Banco Comercial Portugues Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS BPCGF remained flat at $0.46 during mid-day trading on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $0.39 and its 200 day moving average is $0.34. Banco Comercial Portugues has a 12-month low of $0.27 and a 12-month high of $0.46.

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Banco Comercial Portugues Company Profile

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Banco Comercial Portugues, SA, a private sector bank, engages in the provision of various banking and financial products and services in Portugal and internationally. It operates through Retail Banking; Companies, Corporate & Investment Banking; Private Banking; Foreign Business; and Other segments.

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Becle, S.A.B. de C.V. (OTCMKTS:BCCLF  Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 5,781,900 shares, an increase of 88.9% from the August 15th total of 3,060,700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 8,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 713.8 days.

Becle Price Performance

OTCMKTS BCCLF opened at $1.57 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $1.68 and a 200-day moving average of $1.93. Becle has a 1-year low of $1.47 and a 1-year high of $2.83.

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About Becle

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Becle, SAB. de C.V. manufactures and distributes spirits and other distilled beverages in Mexico, the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company offers tequila under the 1800, Jose Cuervo Especial, Jose Cuervo Tradicional, Reserva de la Familia, Gran Centenario, and Maestro Dobel brand names; whiskey, including North American whiskey under the Stranahan's, Tincup, and Pendleton brands, as well as Irish whiskey under the Bushmills, Proper No.

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BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III, Inc. (NYSE:MYI  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $11.73 and last traded at $11.73, with a volume of 253413 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $11.63.

BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III Stock Up 0.3 %

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $11.47 and a 200 day moving average price of $11.28.

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BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a $0.0555 dividend. This represents a $0.67 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.60%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III Company Profile

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Stifel Financial Corp lifted its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III by 245.8% in the 4th quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 428,494 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $4,988,000 after purchasing an additional 304,587 shares during the period. Robinson Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III by 90.6% in the 4th quarter. Robinson Capital Management LLC now owns 411,393 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $4,795,000 after buying an additional 195,566 shares during the last quarter. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. grew its stake in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III by 81.2% in the 1st quarter. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. now owns 362,844 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $4,158,000 after purchasing an additional 162,646 shares during the period. Raymond James & Associates grew its position in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III by 35.3% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 393,232 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $4,506,000 after buying an additional 102,598 shares during the period. Finally, Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III during the first quarter worth about $1,151,000. 34.01% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III, 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 exempt from federal income taxes.

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Shares of Qiagen (NYSE:QGEN  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the nine research firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $51.10.

QGEN has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Wolfe Research upgraded Qiagen from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $50.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Thursday, June 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Qiagen from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 18th. Finally, Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on Qiagen from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd.

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Qiagen Trading Down 0.6 %

Qiagen stock opened at $45.57 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a current ratio of 1.77. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $44.25 and its 200-day simple moving average is $43.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.40 billion, a PE ratio of 30.58, a PEG ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 0.39. Qiagen has a 52 week low of $34.74 and a 52 week high of $47.44.

Qiagen (NYSE:QGEN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $0.55 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.52 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $496.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $495.45 million. Qiagen had a return on equity of 12.92% and a net margin of 3.75%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down .2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.53 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Qiagen will post 2.15 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Toronto Dominion Bank bought a new stake in shares of Qiagen during the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Riverview Trust Co bought a new position in Qiagen during the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. Park Place Capital Corp bought a new position in Qiagen during the 1st quarter worth about $36,000. Quarry LP acquired a new position in shares of Qiagen during the 4th quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, CWM LLC boosted its stake in shares of Qiagen by 19.1% during the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,236 shares of the companys stock worth $96,000 after buying an additional 358 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.00% of the companys stock.

Qiagen Company Profile

(Get Free Report

QIAGEN N.V. offers sample to insight solutions that transform biological materials into molecular insights worldwide. The company provides primary sample technology consumables, such as nucleic stabilization and purification kits for primary sample materials, manual and automated processing for genotyping, gene expression, and viral and bacterial analysis, as well as silica membranes and magnetic bead technologies; secondary sample technology consumables, including kits and components for purification of nucleic acids from secondary sample materials; and instruments for nucleic acid purification and accessories.

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Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW  Get Free Report) announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback program on Wednesday, September 11th, RTT News reports. The company plans to repurchase $100.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the specialty retailer to repurchase up to 23.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are usually a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Stock Up 5.0 %

Shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop stock traded up $1.48 during trading on Thursday, reaching $31.27. 445,928 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 224,394. Build-A-Bear Workshop has a twelve month low of $21.24 and a twelve month high of $34.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $431.68 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.96 and a beta of 1.56. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $27.52 and a 200-day moving average price of $27.58.

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Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 29th. The specialty retailer reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.07. Build-A-Bear Workshop had a return on equity of 38.01% and a net margin of 10.36%. The business had revenue of $111.80 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $107.90 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.57 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Build-A-Bear Workshop will post 3.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Dividend Announcement

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 26th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.56%. Build-A-Bear Workshops dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.92%.

A number of research analysts have recently commented on BBW shares. Northland Securities raised their target price on Build-A-Bear Workshop from $36.00 to $38.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. StockNews.com upgraded Build-A-Bear Workshop from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 2nd.

View Our Latest Report on BBW

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Build-A-Bear Workshop news, CEO Sharon Price John sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $33.32, for a total value of $1,666,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 465,004 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,493,933.28. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 7.90% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Company Profile

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Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc operates as a multi-channel retailer of plush animals and related products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Direct-to-Consumer, Commercial, and International Franchising. Its merchandise comprises various styles of plush products to be stuffed, pre-stuffed plush products, and sounds and scents that can be added to the stuffed animals, as well as range of clothing, shoes and accessories, and other toy and novelty items, including family sleepwear.

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Cameco Co. (NYSE:CCJ  Get Free Report) (TSE:CCO) saw unusually-high trading volume on Wednesday . Approximately 3,658,094 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 15% from the previous sessions volume of 4,313,560 shares.The stock last traded at $39.69 and had previously closed at $37.70.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Glj Research reiterated a buy rating and issued a $63.73 price target on shares of Cameco in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Bank of America upped their price target on Cameco from $59.00 to $60.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. Scotiabank cut their price objective on shares of Cameco from $81.00 to $80.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 19th. National Bank Financial upgraded shares of Cameco to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald raised shares of Cameco from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Cameco has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $67.25.

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Cameco Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 1.48 and a current ratio of 3.22. The stock has a market cap of $17.72 billion, a PE ratio of 104.38 and a beta of 0.90. The companys 50-day moving average price is $42.98 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $46.47.

Cameco (NYSE:CCJ  Get Free Report) (TSE:CCO) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The basic materials company reported $0.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.28 by ($0.14). The firm had revenue of $598.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $756.00 million. Cameco had a return on equity of 5.63% and a net margin of 9.72%. Camecos revenue for the quarter was up 24.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted ($0.01) earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Cameco Co. will post 0.96 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Heritage Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in Cameco during the 2nd quarter valued at about $402,000. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in Cameco in the second quarter worth about $349,000. Gordian Capital Singapore Pte Ltd purchased a new stake in Cameco in the second quarter worth about $202,000. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Cameco during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $273,000. Finally, B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of Cameco in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $542,000. 70.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Cameco

(Get Free Report)

Cameco Corporation provides uranium for the generation of electricity. It operates through Uranium, Fuel Services, Westinghouse segments. The Uranium segment is involved in the exploration for, mining, and milling, purchase, and sale of uranium concentrate. The Fuel Services segment engages in the refining, conversion, and fabrication of uranium concentrate, as well as the purchase and sale of conversion services.

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Vertical Aerospace (NYSE:EVTL  Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating restated by analysts at Canaccord Genuity Group in a research note issued to investors on Friday, Benzinga reports. They presently have a $1.50 price objective on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Groups target price would indicate a potential upside of 74.87% from the stocks previous close.

Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Vertical Aerospace from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $1.00 to $1.50 in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd.

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Vertical Aerospace Stock Up 8.8 %

Vertical Aerospace Company Profile

NYSE EVTL traded up $0.07 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $0.86. The stock had a trading volume of 335,179 shares, compared to its average volume of 309,213. The firms 50 day moving average is $0.86 and its 200 day moving average is $0.81. Vertical Aerospace has a twelve month low of $0.51 and a twelve month high of $1.62.

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Vertical Aerospace Ltd., an aerospace and technology company, engages in designing, manufacturing, and selling zero operating emission electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for use in the advanced air mobility in the United Kingdom. It offers VX4, an eVTOL aircraft. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Bristol, the United Kingdom.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) Senior Officer Shawn Beber sold 10,000 shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$81.80, for a total value of C$817,960.00.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Price Performance

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce stock traded up C$0.80 during midday trading on Friday, hitting C$83.49. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,542,869 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,696,122. The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$72.23 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$68.41. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 1-year low of C$47.44 and a 1-year high of C$83.64. The company has a market cap of C$78.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.07, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.12.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 28th. Investors of record on Friday, September 27th will be paid a $0.90 dividend. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.31%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 27th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 52.10%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on CM. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price objective on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$74.00 to C$75.00 in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$69.00 to C$74.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, August 30th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$77.00 to C$81.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 30th. TD Securities cut their target price on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$93.00 to C$91.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Finally, Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$71.00 to C$77.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Friday, August 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$79.15.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Company Profile

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S.

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Cellnex Telecom, S.A. (OTCMKTS:CLLNY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 16,800 shares, a decline of 74.2% from the August 15th total of 65,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 102,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days.

Cellnex Telecom Stock Performance

Shares of Cellnex Telecom stock traded up $0.03 during trading on Friday, reaching $19.98. The stock had a trading volume of 38,832 shares, compared to its average volume of 97,965. Cellnex Telecom has a 52 week low of $13.69 and a 52 week high of $20.05. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $18.47 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $17.85.

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Cellnex Telecom Company Profile

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Cellnex Telecom, SA operates infrastructure for wireless telecommunication in Austria, Denmark, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Switzerland. It operates through three segments: Telecom Infrastructure Services, Broadcasting Infrastructure, and Other Network Services.

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Morningstar Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) by 4,900.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,200 shares of the restaurant operators stock after purchasing an additional 7,056 shares during the quarter. Morningstar Investment Management LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $451,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Swedbank AB bought a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 1st quarter valued at about $53,979,000. Transform Wealth LLC lifted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4,760.7% in the 2nd quarter. Transform Wealth LLC now owns 9,527 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $597,000 after purchasing an additional 9,331 shares during the last quarter. First Hawaiian Bank lifted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4,731.0% in the 2nd quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 17,150 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,074,000 after purchasing an additional 16,795 shares during the last quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4,747.7% during the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 20,409 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,279,000 after buying an additional 19,988 shares during the period. Finally, MJP Associates Inc. ADV increased its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5,588.0% during the 2nd quarter. MJP Associates Inc. ADV now owns 12,798 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $802,000 after buying an additional 12,573 shares during the period. 91.31% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In related news, insider Curtis E. Garner sold 17,394 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.68, for a total transaction of $951,103.92. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 358,300 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,591,844. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.02% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have commented on CMG shares. TD Cowen reissued a buy rating and set a $65.00 target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Thursday. Argus raised their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $73.36 to $77.76 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 18th. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and set a $58.00 target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Oppenheimer lowered their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $70.00 to $65.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Stephens reissued an equal weight rating and set a $61.00 target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $62.36.

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Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Up 1.0 %

NYSE CMG opened at $56.35 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.39 billion, a PE ratio of 59.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $54.44 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $80.68. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 12-month low of $35.37 and a 12-month high of $69.26.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The restaurant operator reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.32 by $0.02. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 13.23% and a return on equity of 44.01%. The company had revenue of $2.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.94 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $12.65 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 18.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.08 EPS for the current year.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile

(Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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COMPANHIA ENERG/S (NYSE:CIG.C  Get Free Report) traded down 2.7% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $2.57 and last traded at $2.57. 6,949 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 52% from the average session volume of 14,579 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.64.

COMPANHIA ENERG/S Price Performance

The stock has a fifty day moving average of $2.38 and a 200 day moving average of $2.63.

COMPANHIA ENERG/S Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in Brazil. As of December 31, 2017, the company operated 117 hydroelectric, thermoelectric, and wind plants with an installed capacity of 5.7 GW; 38 substations and 4,927 km of transmission lines; and 529,873 km of distribution networks and 17,301 km of distribution lines.

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CoreCap Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 30,465 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $2,079,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cherry Tree Wealth Management LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 164.6% in the first quarter. Cherry Tree Wealth Management LLC now owns 381 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 237 shares in the last quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the second quarter worth $29,000. Whittier Trust Co. increased its position in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 410.5% during the first quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 439 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 353 shares during the last quarter. ORG Partners LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the second quarter valued at about $40,000. Finally, Sachetta LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $62,000.

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iShares MSCI Japan ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA EWJ opened at $70.25 on Friday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $69.34 and its 200-day simple moving average is $69.03. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a 52 week low of $57.20 and a 52 week high of $72.32. The firm has a market cap of $17.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.63 and a beta of 0.73.

About iShares MSCI Japan ETF

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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Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc. lifted its stake in shares of VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY  Free Report) by 116.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 176,179 shares of the energy companys stock after buying an additional 94,806 shares during the quarter. Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc. owned about 0.17% of VAALCO Energy worth $1,105,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Gladius Capital Management LP acquired a new position in VAALCO Energy in the second quarter valued at $28,000. Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new position in VAALCO Energy during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $60,000. Caprock Group LLC acquired a new position in VAALCO Energy during the first quarter worth approximately $71,000. Arkadios Wealth Advisors purchased a new stake in VAALCO Energy in the second quarter valued at approximately $64,000. Finally, Simplicity Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in VAALCO Energy in the first quarter valued at approximately $83,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 50.32% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently commented on EGY. Roth Mkm upped their price target on VAALCO Energy from $7.25 to $8.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 11th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of VAALCO Energy from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, June 6th.

VAALCO Energy Stock Performance

NYSE EGY opened at $5.46 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $6.43 and a 200 day moving average price of $6.23. The company has a market capitalization of $565.90 million, a P/E ratio of 9.09 and a beta of 1.18. VAALCO Energy, Inc. has a 1-year low of $3.85 and a 1-year high of $7.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 1.19 and a quick ratio of 1.15.

VAALCO Energy (NYSE:EGY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The energy company reported $0.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by $0.09. VAALCO Energy had a return on equity of 16.00% and a net margin of 17.82%. The business had revenue of $116.78 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $119.30 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.11 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that VAALCO Energy, Inc. will post 0.59 EPS for the current fiscal year.

VAALCO Energy Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.063 per share. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.62%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 23rd. VAALCO Energys payout ratio is currently 41.67%.

VAALCO Energy Profile

(Free Report)

VAALCO Energy, Inc, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in Gabon, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, and Canada. The company holds 58.8% interest in the Etame production sharing contract related to the Etame Marin block covering an area of approximately 46,200 gross acres located offshore in the Republic of Gabon in West Africa.

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Rio Tinto Group (LON:RIO  Free Report) had its price target reduced by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 6,200 ($81.08) to GBX 6,000 ($78.46) in a report issued on Monday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a buy rating on the stock.

Several other research analysts have also commented on RIO. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research report on Monday, June 17th. Berenberg Bank lowered Rio Tinto Group from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their target price for the company from GBX 5,900 ($77.15) to GBX 5,800 ($75.85) in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. Bank of America restated a buy rating and set a GBX 7,700 ($100.69) target price on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Rio Tinto Group from GBX 6,500 ($85.00) to GBX 6,430 ($84.09) and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a GBX 5,700 ($74.54) target price on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 6,271.67 ($82.01).

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Rio Tinto Group Trading Up 1.9 %

Rio Tinto Group Cuts Dividend

RIO opened at GBX 4,720.50 ($61.73) on Monday. The firm has a market cap of 59.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 945.99, a P/E/G ratio of -0.64 and a beta of 0.59. Rio Tinto Group has a 12 month low of GBX 4,509 ($58.96) and a 12 month high of GBX 5,910 ($77.29). The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 25.01. The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 4,902.25 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 5,143.34.

The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.77 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 2.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 15th. Rio Tinto Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 6,833.67%.

About Rio Tinto Group

(Get Free Report)

Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. The Iron Ore segment engages in the iron ore mining, and salt and gypsum production in Western Australia. The Aluminum segment is involved in bauxite mining; alumina refining; and aluminium smelting.

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StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS) in a research note released on Monday. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the financial services providers stock.

A number of other analysts have also recently commented on the company. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on Discover Financial Services from $115.00 to $119.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, July 19th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Discover Financial Services from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Discover Financial Services from $135.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, July 19th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on shares of Discover Financial Services from $140.00 to $148.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, July 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Discover Financial Services from $132.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $132.94.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on DFS

Discover Financial Services Stock Performance

Discover Financial Services stock opened at $129.34 on Monday. Discover Financial Services has a twelve month low of $79.04 and a twelve month high of $147.61. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28. The company has a market capitalization of $32.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.75, a PEG ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.42. The stocks 50 day moving average is $133.87 and its 200 day moving average is $127.91.

Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 17th. The financial services provider reported $6.06 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.06 by $3.00. Discover Financial Services had a net margin of 12.88% and a return on equity of 20.92%. The firm had revenue of $4.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.18 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.54 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Discover Financial Services will post 12.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Discover Financial Services Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 5th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 22nd were given a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.16%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 22nd. Discover Financial Servicess dividend payout ratio is currently 31.93%.

Institutional Trading of Discover Financial Services

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Partnership Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Discover Financial Services in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Discover Financial Services in the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Y.D. More Investments Ltd grew its stake in Discover Financial Services by 147.8% in the second quarter. Y.D. More Investments Ltd now owns 223 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 133 shares in the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. increased its holdings in Discover Financial Services by 72.5% during the 2nd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 226 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the period. Finally, Larson Financial Group LLC raised its position in Discover Financial Services by 348.2% during the 2nd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 251 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 195 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.94% of the companys stock.

Discover Financial Services Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Discover Financial Services, through its subsidiaries, provides digital banking products and services, and payment services in the United States. It operates in two segments, Digital Banking and Payment Services. The Digital Banking segment offers Discover-branded credit cards to individuals; private student loans, personal loans, home loans, and other consumer lending; and direct-to-consumer deposit products comprising savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, IRA certificates of deposit, IRA savings accounts and checking accounts, and sweep accounts.

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Shares of ECN Capital Corp. (TSE:ECN  Get Free Report) were up 1% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as C$2.08 and last traded at C$2.06. Approximately 124,237 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 65% from the average daily volume of 350,495 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$2.04.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on ECN Capital from C$2.00 to C$2.35 in a report on Friday, August 9th. CIBC lifted their price objective on ECN Capital from C$2.00 to C$2.25 in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, National Bankshares boosted their target price on shares of ECN Capital from C$2.25 to C$2.50 in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$2.48.

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ECN Capital Stock Up 1.5 %

The firm has a market cap of C$576.30 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.41, a PEG ratio of 0.24 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a quick ratio of 3.81, a current ratio of 10.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 383.08. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$2.00 and a 200-day moving average price of C$1.99.

ECN Capital (TSE:ECN  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported C$0.04 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of C$0.04. The firm had revenue of C$79.37 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$75.42 million. ECN Capital had a negative return on equity of 33.69% and a negative net margin of 55.01%. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that ECN Capital Corp. will post 0.2434679 EPS for the current year.

ECN Capital Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be given a $0.01 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.95%. ECN Capitals dividend payout ratio is presently -12.50%.

ECN Capital Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ECN Capital Corp. originates, manages, and advises on credit assets on behalf of its partners in North America. It operates in two segments, Manufactured Housing Finance; and Recreational Vehicle and Marine Finance. The company offers consumer loans, including manufactured housing, recreational vehicle, and marine loans; and commercial loans, such as inventory finance or floorplan loans.

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Shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) shot up 0% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $910.69 and last traded at $901.50. 542,903 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 82% from the average session volume of 3,038,051 shares. The stock had previously closed at $901.25.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on LLY. Barclays boosted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $913.00 to $1,025.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $900.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $875.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,001.00 to $1,101.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $1,000.00 price target (up from $892.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, June 25th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $961.76.

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Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 1.5 %

The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $896.94 and its 200-day simple moving average is $831.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $888.74 billion, a PE ratio of 137.72, a P/E/G ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 0.42.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last announced its 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. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 18.86% and a return on equity of 67.52%. The business had revenue of $11.30 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.83 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 16.49 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were issued a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 76.58%.

Insider Activity

In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 194,978 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $885.91, for a total value of $172,732,959.98. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 97,583,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $86,450,473,117.10. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders sold 646,878 shares of company stock worth $591,465,138 over the last three months. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eli Lilly and Company

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 18.4% in the second quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 3,850 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,486,000 after acquiring an additional 597 shares during the period. Cannon Financial Strategists Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter worth approximately $315,000. Heritage Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter valued at approximately $9,582,000. Lazari Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 59.0% during the second quarter. Lazari Capital Management Inc. now owns 477 shares of the companys stock valued at $432,000 after buying an additional 177 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter worth $205,136,000. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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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Federated Hermes Inc. lowered its position in shares of ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW  Free Report) by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 304,373 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 960 shares during the quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. owned 0.15% of ServiceNow worth $239,441,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. M&G Plc bought a new position in ServiceNow in the 1st quarter worth $11,030,000. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board boosted its stake in shares of ServiceNow by 9.4% in the first quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 11,650 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $8,882,000 after acquiring an additional 1,000 shares during the period. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management grew its position in shares of ServiceNow by 375.6% during the first quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 1,365 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,041,000 after purchasing an additional 1,078 shares in the last quarter. Wealthspire Advisors LLC raised its stake in ServiceNow by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Wealthspire Advisors LLC now owns 1,683 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,283,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares during the period. Finally, Brookstone Capital Management lifted its holdings in ServiceNow by 25.5% in the 2nd quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 14,394 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $10,595,000 after purchasing an additional 2,928 shares in the last quarter. 87.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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ServiceNow Trading Up 1.2 %

Shares of NOW stock opened at $886.11 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $182.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 94.77, a PEG ratio of 5.25 and a beta of 0.98. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $805.77 and a 200-day simple moving average of $765.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 1.12. ServiceNow, Inc. has a 1-year low of $527.24 and a 1-year high of $889.52.

Insider Transactions at ServiceNow

ServiceNow ( NYSE:NOW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The information technology services provider reported $3.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.85 by $0.28. ServiceNow had a return on equity of 14.52% and a net margin of 11.51%. The company had revenue of $2.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.61 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.77 EPS. ServiceNows revenue was up 22.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts expect that ServiceNow, Inc. will post 6.78 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, General Counsel Russell S. Elmer sold 1,937 shares of ServiceNow stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $779.81, for a total transaction of $1,510,491.97. Following the transaction, the general counsel now owns 6,736 shares in the company, valued at $5,252,800.16. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other ServiceNow news, General Counsel Russell S. Elmer sold 1,937 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $779.81, for a total value of $1,510,491.97. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 6,736 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,252,800.16. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Jacqueline P. Canney sold 94 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $825.92, for a total transaction of $77,636.48. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 4,019 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,319,372.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 6,914 shares of company stock worth $5,608,936 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of ServiceNow from $780.00 to $820.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on shares of ServiceNow from $820.00 to $900.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on ServiceNow from $920.00 to $935.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on ServiceNow from $830.00 to $860.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of ServiceNow from $750.00 to $780.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and twenty-five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $849.62.

Get Our Latest Analysis on NOW

ServiceNow Profile

(Free Report)

ServiceNow, Inc provides end to-end intelligent workflow automation platform solutions for digital businesses in the North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company operates the Now platform for end-to-end digital transformation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, process mining, performance analytics, and collaboration and development tools.

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Footasylum PLC (LON:FOOT  Get Free Report)s share price dropped 26.6% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as GBX 81.50 ($1.07) and last traded at GBX 81.50 ($1.07). Approximately 100 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 100% from the average daily volume of 609,787 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 111 ($1.45).

Footasylum Stock Down 26.6 %

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 81.50 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 81.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a current ratio of 1.60. The company has a market capitalization of 88.60 million and a P/E ratio of -21.45.

Footasylum Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Footasylum plc engages in the retail and wholesale of footwear, apparel, and accessories in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company sells fashion streetwear and sportswear for men, women, and kids under approximately 300 brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Pre London, Society Sport, and Gym King; and owns brands comprising Kings Will Dream, Condemned Nation, Alessandro Zavetti, and Zavetti Sport, as well as retail brands, including Footasylum, Drome, and SEVEN.

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Forsta AP Fonden lessened its holdings in Gartner, Inc. (NYSE:IT  Free Report) by 8.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 30,300 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 2,800 shares during the quarter. Forsta AP Fondens holdings in Gartner were worth $13,607,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Sheaff Brock Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Gartner by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Sheaff Brock Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,900 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $2,210,000 after buying an additional 22 shares during the period. TIAA Trust National Association increased its holdings in Gartner by 3.2% in the 1st quarter. TIAA Trust National Association now owns 744 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $355,000 after buying an additional 23 shares during the period. Mather Group LLC. increased its holdings in Gartner by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 1,079 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $514,000 after buying an additional 23 shares during the period. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Gartner by 1.5% in the 4th quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,715 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $774,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mcdonald Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Gartner by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Mcdonald Partners LLC now owns 5,550 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,492,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.51% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

IT has been the topic of several analyst reports. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Gartner from $510.00 to $580.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on shares of Gartner from $450.00 to $510.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on shares of Gartner from $517.00 to $565.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. StockNews.com lowered shares of Gartner from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Gartner from $525.00 to $580.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $521.00.

Gartner Stock Up 1.2 %

Shares of NYSE:IT opened at $505.67 on Friday. Gartner, Inc. has a 12 month low of $323.61 and a 12 month high of $509.15. The companys 50-day moving average price is $474.68 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $459.99. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.80. The firm has a market cap of $39.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 50.32, a P/E/G ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 1.32.

Gartner (NYSE:IT  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The information technology services provider reported $3.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.02 by $0.20. Gartner had a net margin of 13.67% and a return on equity of 142.05%. The company had revenue of $1.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.58 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.85 EPS. The companys revenue was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts forecast that Gartner, Inc. will post 11.59 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Gartner

In other Gartner news, EVP Alwyn Dawkins sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $505.49, for a total transaction of $505,490.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 56,650 shares in the company, valued at approximately $28,636,008.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Gartner news, EVP Alwyn Dawkins sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $505.49, for a total transaction of $505,490.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 56,650 shares in the company, valued at approximately $28,636,008.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director James C. Smith sold 2,128 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $500.15, for a total transaction of $1,064,319.20. Following the transaction, the director now owns 572,090 shares in the company, valued at $286,130,813.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 30,626 shares of company stock worth $15,145,217. Company insiders own 3.60% of the companys stock.

About Gartner

(Free Report)

Gartner, Inc operates as a research and advisory company in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Research, Conferences, and Consulting. The Research segment delivers its research primarily through a subscription service that include on-demand access to published research content, data and benchmarks, and direct access to a network of research experts.

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Fuji Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCMKTS:FJTNF  Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 103,900 shares, a growth of 435.6% from the August 15th total of 19,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 346.3 days.

Fuji Media Stock Performance

OTCMKTS FJTNF remained flat at $12.26 during trading on Thursday. Fuji Media has a 52-week low of $9.89 and a 52-week high of $13.70. The business has a fifty day moving average of $11.97 and a 200-day moving average of $12.25.

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About Fuji Media

(Get Free Report)

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Fuji Media Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the broadcasting activities in Japan. It operates through Media & Content, Urban Development, Hotels & Resorts, and Other segments. The Media & Content segment provides terrestrial television broadcasting, including satellite broadcasting, radio broadcasting, streaming platforms, content production, games, music, advertising, publishing, and direct marketing activities.

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Galway Metals Inc. (CVE:GWM  Get Free Report) shares shot up 8.7% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.75 and last traded at C$0.75. 86,454 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 43% from the average session volume of 60,418 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.69.

Galway Metals Stock Performance

The businesss fifty day simple moving average is C$0.49 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$0.40. The company has a market capitalization of C$66.86 million, a P/E ratio of -13.80 and a beta of 1.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 4.81 and a current ratio of 3.11.

About Galway Metals

(Get Free Report)

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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Granite Ridge Resources, Inc. (NYSE:GRNT  Get Free Report) Director Matthew Reade Miller purchased 8,500 shares of Granite Ridge Resources stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 11th. The shares were bought at an average price of $5.97 per share, with a total value of $50,745.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 692,496 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,134,201.12. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website.

Matthew Reade Miller also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Friday, August 16th, Matthew Reade Miller acquired 4,938 shares of Granite Ridge Resources stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of $6.50 per share, with a total value of $32,097.00.

Granite Ridge Resources Price Performance

NYSE GRNT opened at $6.13 on Friday. Granite Ridge Resources, Inc. has a one year low of $5.20 and a one year high of $7.10. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $6.46 and a 200 day moving average of $6.41. The company has a market capitalization of $801.46 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.62, a PEG ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 0.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 2.24 and a current ratio of 2.24.

Granite Ridge Resources Dividend Announcement

Granite Ridge Resources ( NYSE:GRNT Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.14 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $90.65 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $96.97 million. Granite Ridge Resources had a return on equity of 13.01% and a net margin of 14.39%. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.19 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Granite Ridge Resources, Inc. will post 0.59 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be given a $0.11 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $0.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.18%. Granite Ridge Resourcess payout ratio is 97.78%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. CWM LLC boosted its position in Granite Ridge Resources by 4,228.0% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 10,214 shares of the companys stock worth $65,000 after purchasing an additional 9,978 shares during the last quarter. nVerses Capital LLC purchased a new position in Granite Ridge Resources in the second quarter worth about $99,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its position in Granite Ridge Resources by 20.6% in the second quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 15,876 shares of the companys stock worth $100,000 after purchasing an additional 2,709 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Granite Ridge Resources during the 1st quarter valued at about $150,000. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its position in shares of Granite Ridge Resources by 52.3% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 23,206 shares of the companys stock valued at $147,000 after buying an additional 7,965 shares in the last quarter. 31.56% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $7.00 price objective on shares of Granite Ridge Resources in a report on Friday, June 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $7.95.

View Our Latest Analysis on Granite Ridge Resources

About Granite Ridge Resources

(Get Free Report)

Granite Ridge Resources, Inc operates as a non-operated oil and gas exploration and production company. It owns a portfolio of wells and acreage across the Permian and other unconventional basins in the United States. Granite Ridge Resources, Inc is based in Dallas, Texas.

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Shares of Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY  Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $9.52, but opened at $9.98. Harmony Gold Mining shares last traded at $9.92, with a volume of 490,013 shares traded.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on shares of Harmony Gold Mining from $5.80 to $4.80 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on Harmony Gold Mining

Harmony Gold Mining Stock Performance

Harmony Gold Mining Cuts Dividend

The company has a current ratio of 1.56, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $9.65 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $8.91.

The firm also recently announced a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 21st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 11th will be issued a dividend of $0.042 per share. This represents a yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 11th.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Harmony Gold Mining

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 30.0% in the 1st quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 75,016,459 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $612,884,000 after purchasing an additional 17,298,604 shares during the last quarter. Tidal Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining in the 1st quarter valued at $59,033,000. Polunin Capital Partners Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 10.0% in the 1st quarter. Polunin Capital Partners Ltd now owns 11,083,569 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $90,553,000 after purchasing an additional 1,005,685 shares during the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining in the 1st quarter valued at $8,171,000. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 111.5% in the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,853,606 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $16,978,000 after purchasing an additional 977,142 shares during the last quarter. 31.79% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Harmony Gold Mining Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited engages in the exploration, extraction, and processing of gold. The company explores for uranium, silver, copper, and molybdenum deposits. It has eight underground operations in the Witwatersrand Basin; an open-pit mine on the Kraaipan Greenstone Belt; and various surface source operations in South Africa.

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Imperial Brands PLC (OTCMKTS:IMBBY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 5,600 shares, an increase of 154.5% from the August 15th total of 2,200 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 107,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days.

Imperial Brands Stock Performance

OTCMKTS:IMBBY traded up $0.11 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $29.41. 171,152 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 55,039. The stocks 50-day moving average is $27.78 and its 200-day moving average is $25.06. Imperial Brands has a twelve month low of $18.94 and a twelve month high of $29.56.

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Imperial Brands Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 23rd will be paid a $0.2752 dividend. 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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Accent Group Limited (ASX:AX1  Get Free Report) insider Daniel Agostinelli purchased 795,031 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, September 2nd. The stock was acquired at an average price of A$2.22 ($1.48) per share, with a total value of A$1,764,968.82 ($1,176,645.88).

Accent Group Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 129.46, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 1.04.

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Accent Group Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a Final dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 25th will be given a dividend of $0.045 per share. This represents a yield of 1.96%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. This is an increase from Accent Groups previous Final dividend of $0.04. Accent Groups payout ratio is currently 118.18%.

Accent Group Company Profile

Accent Group Limited engages in the retail, distribution, and franchise of lifestyle footwear, and apparel and accessories in Australia and New Zealand. The company's brands and banners include The Athlete's Foot, Platypus Shoes, Hype DC, Skechers, Merrell, CAT, Vans, Dr. Martens, Saucony, Timberland, Hoka, Superga, Kappa, Palladium, Supra, Subtype, The Trybe, Stylerunner, Autry, Glue Store, and UCG.

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CCL Industries Inc. (TSE:CCL.B  Get Free Report) Director Sebastian Rubino sold 5,776 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$80.78, for a total transaction of C$466,612.43.

Sebastian Rubino also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, September 3rd, Sebastian Rubino sold 18,934 shares of CCL Industries stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$76.39, for a total transaction of C$1,446,320.93.

CCL Industries Stock Down 0.6 %

Shares of TSE CCL.B opened at C$80.99 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$74.98 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$72.29. CCL Industries Inc. has a 12 month low of C$52.82 and a 12 month high of C$82.96. The company has a current ratio of 1.96, a quick ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 48.08. The firm has a market capitalization of C$13.53 billion, a PE ratio of 21.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.26 and a beta of 0.56.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on CCL.B. TD Securities boosted their target price on CCL Industries from C$90.00 to C$92.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Scotiabank boosted their price objective on CCL Industries from C$80.00 to C$84.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of CCL Industries from C$84.00 to C$90.00 in a report on Thursday. CIBC upped their price target on shares of CCL Industries from C$86.00 to C$88.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, Raymond James increased their price target on shares of CCL Industries from C$84.00 to C$87.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of C$85.44.

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CCL Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CCL Industries Inc manufactures and sells labels, containers, consumer printable media products, technology driven label solutions, polymer bank note substrates, and specialty films. The company operates through four segments: CCL, Avery, Checkpoint, and Innovia. The CCL segment offers pressure sensitive and specialty extruded film materials for decorative, instructional, functional, and security applications in the consumer packaging, healthcare, chemicals, consumer electronic device, and automotive markets.

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Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN  Get Free Report) Director V. Larkin Martin sold 10,011 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.57, for a total transaction of $306,036.27. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 40,168 shares in the company, valued at $1,227,935.76. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website.

Rayonier Stock Up 2.1 %

RYN stock opened at $31.49 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $4.69 billion, a PE ratio of 28.12 and a beta of 1.04. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $29.78 and its 200 day simple moving average is $30.65. Rayonier Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $24.84 and a fifty-two week high of $35.29. The company has a quick ratio of 1.78, a current ratio of 1.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75.

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Rayonier (NYSE:RYN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.02 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.14 by ($0.12). The firm had revenue of $173.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $218.86 million. Rayonier had a net margin of 14.78% and a return on equity of 3.00%. Rayoniers revenue for the quarter was down 16.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.05 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Rayonier Inc. will post 0.4 EPS for the current year.

Rayonier Announces Dividend

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a dividend of $0.285 per share. This represents a $1.14 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. Rayoniers payout ratio is currently 101.79%.

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on RYN shares. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $34.00 price objective on shares of Rayonier in a research note on Friday, June 14th. StockNews.com upgraded Rayonier from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, August 17th. Finally, Truist Financial cut their price target on Rayonier from $34.00 to $31.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 16th.

Read Our Latest Analysis on RYN

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Advisors Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Rayonier in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in Rayonier by 53.5% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,079 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 376 shares in the last quarter. Quest Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Rayonier during the 2nd quarter valued at $40,000. Fifth Third Bancorp raised its stake in shares of Rayonier by 83.7% in the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,449 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 660 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. raised its stake in shares of Rayonier by 2,272.7% in the 2nd quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 1,566 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 1,500 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.12% of the companys stock.

Rayonier Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Rayonier is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand. As of December 31, 2023, Rayonier owned or leased under long-term agreements approximately 2.7 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S.

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Abbrea Capital LLC trimmed its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report) by 0.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,705 shares of the companys stock after selling 37 shares during the quarter. Abbrea Capital LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $3,669,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 21.2% in the 2nd quarter. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. now owns 103 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares during the last quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 5.3% in 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 last quarter. Unionview LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.6% in 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 last quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.9% during the first quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 2,134 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,122,000 after buying an additional 20 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 6.9% during the second quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 308 shares of the companys stock valued at $169,000 after buying an additional 20 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Trading Up 0.8 %

Shares of IVV stock opened at $562.06 on Friday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 1-year low of $411.02 and a 1-year high of $568.24. The company has a market capitalization of $485.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.23 and a beta of 0.99. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $552.73 and its 200-day simple moving average is $534.64.

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Company Profile

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

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Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. lifted its stake in Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (NYSE:AMR  Free Report) by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 106,289 shares of the energy companys stock after buying an additional 6,646 shares during the period. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. owned approximately 0.82% of Alpha Metallurgical Resources worth $29,817,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in shares of Alpha Metallurgical Resources by 6.0% in the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 305,726 shares of the energy companys stock worth $85,765,000 after buying an additional 17,261 shares during the period. Choreo LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Alpha Metallurgical Resources in the second quarter worth about $276,000. X Square Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Alpha Metallurgical Resources in the second quarter worth about $769,000. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Alpha Metallurgical Resources by 16.7% in the second quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 12,618 shares of the energy companys stock worth $3,540,000 after buying an additional 1,806 shares during the period. Finally, LMG Wealth Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Alpha Metallurgical Resources by 9.1% in the second quarter. LMG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 4,075 shares of the energy companys stock worth $1,143,000 after buying an additional 339 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.29% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. B. Riley decreased their target price on Alpha Metallurgical Resources from $374.00 to $336.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 6th. Benchmark reiterated a hold rating on shares of Alpha Metallurgical Resources in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th.

Alpha Metallurgical Resources Stock Performance

NYSE:AMR opened at $201.50 on Friday. Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. has a one year low of $185.00 and a one year high of $452.00. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $259.68 and its 200 day simple moving average is $299.19. The stock has a market cap of $2.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.88 and a beta of 1.30.

Alpha Metallurgical Resources (NYSE:AMR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The energy company reported $4.49 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.46 by $0.03. Alpha Metallurgical Resources had a return on equity of 28.63% and a net margin of 13.52%. The business had revenue of $804.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $733.05 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $12.16 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 6.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. will post 26.33 EPS for the current year.

Alpha Metallurgical Resources Profile

(Free Report)

Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc, a mining company, produces, processes, and sells met and thermal coal in Virginia and West Virginia. The company offers metallurgical coal products. It operates twenty-two active mines and nine coal preparation and load-out facilities. The company was formerly known as Contura Energy, Inc and changed its name to Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc in February 2021.

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KB Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:KB  Get Free Report) shares gapped up before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $58.95, but opened at $62.17. KB Financial Group shares last traded at $61.83, with a volume of 31,411 shares traded.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of KB Financial Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 27th.

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KB Financial Group Stock Performance

The company has a current ratio of 1.67, a quick ratio of 1.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.33. The firms 50-day moving average is $62.41 and its two-hundred day moving average is $57.04. The stock has a market cap of $24.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.36, a P/E/G ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 0.99.

KB Financial Group (NYSE:KB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 14th. The bank reported $3.06 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate 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. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that KB Financial Group Inc. will post 9.4 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Trading of KB Financial Group

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of KB. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of KB Financial Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $501,000. Creative Planning lifted its holdings in KB Financial Group by 18.4% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 78,636 shares of the banks stock valued at $4,452,000 after acquiring an additional 12,231 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in KB Financial Group by 3.0% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,496 shares of the banks stock worth $368,000 after acquiring an additional 192 shares during the period. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in KB Financial Group during the second quarter worth $1,084,000. Finally, Profund Advisors LLC raised its position in KB Financial Group by 4.4% in the second quarter. Profund Advisors LLC now owns 7,410 shares of the banks stock valued at $419,000 after purchasing an additional 309 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 11.52% of the companys stock.

KB Financial Group Company Profile

(Get 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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Nearly 50 years after Beverly Bonnie Foit-Albert founded her eponymous architectural firm, Foit-Albert Associates has a new name.

The Buffalo-based architectural, engineering and survey firm said this week that it was rebranding as Azar Design Co. Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering and Surveying PC, reflecting its new leadership and ownership as a Hispanic-certified and minority-owned business.

We are rebranding to reflect our rapidly growing business diversified clients, geography and services, said Gregory Carballada, the companys president, CEO and majority owner for the past 10 years. We are truly embracing our growth and look at this rebrand as an opportunity to align with our vision and the direction that we are heading as a firm and a client.

Foit-Albert, a Buffalo native with architectural degrees from Cornell University and University at Buffalo, founded the firm in 1977  eight years after she began a 25-year career teaching architecture at UB. She later headed the schools historic preservation department.

She retired from the firm in 2014, turning over the reins to Carballada. Today, the firm has more more than 160 employees with offices in Buffalo, Ithaca, Albany, Queens, Manhattan and Philadelphia. It has more than 100 clients, and has completed over 500 projects in the last five years.

The name comes from Carballadas father  the former sportscaster Rick Azar, as he was known on television.  but was chosen by a group of 12 employees across offices and disciplines. The rebranding officially took place Aug. 14.
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 1.3% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $133.41 and last traded at $131.48. 617,962 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 86% from the average session volume of 4,275,802 shares. The stock had previously closed at $129.78.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages recently commented on NVO. StockNews.com cut Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 19th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $160.00 target price on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Monday. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $156.00 target price on the stock. 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. Finally, Argus boosted their price target on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $125.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $145.17.

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View Our Latest Analysis on Novo Nordisk A/S

Novo Nordisk A/S Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $613.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 47.13, a PEG ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 0.42. The stocks fifty day moving average is $134.14 and its 200-day moving average is $132.77. 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 issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by ($0.06). Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 87.43% and a net margin of 34.86%. The business had revenue of $9.82 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.91 billion. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.11 earnings per share for the current year.

Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend

The company also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 16th were issued a dividend of $0.5126 per share. This represents a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 16th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 24.83%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Novo Nordisk A/S

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 200.0% during the second quarter. Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC now owns 180 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 120 shares during the last quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. First PREMIER Bank acquired a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the first quarter valued at about $25,000. Finally, Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the first quarter valued at about $26,000. 11.54% of the stock is currently owned by 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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Oxford Industries (NYSE:OXM  Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by Telsey Advisory Group from $110.00 to $86.00 in a research report released on Thursday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has a market perform rating on the textile makers stock.

A number of other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on OXM. UBS Group reduced their price objective on shares of Oxford Industries from $101.00 to $91.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Oxford Industries from $94.00 to $92.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, June 13th. 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. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $95.80.

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Oxford Industries Price Performance

NYSE:OXM opened at $84.12 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. Oxford Industries has a 52 week low of $74.95 and a 52 week high of $113.88. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $92.98 and its 200-day moving average price is $100.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.32 billion, a PE ratio of 34.05 and a beta of 1.53.

Oxford Industries (NYSE:OXM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, September 11th. The textile maker reported $2.77 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.00 by ($0.23). The business had revenue of $419.89 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $438.16 million. Oxford Industries had a net margin of 2.62% and a return on equity of 23.78%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.45 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Oxford Industries will post 8.8 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Oxford Industries Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 18th will be paid a dividend of $0.67 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 18th. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.19%. Oxford Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 108.50%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Oxford Industries

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Oxford Industries during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Quest Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Oxford Industries during the 4th quarter worth approximately $36,000. Quarry LP grew its position 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 in the last quarter. Natixis acquired a new stake in shares of Oxford Industries in the first quarter valued at approximately $109,000. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new position in Oxford Industries during the first quarter worth approximately $137,000. 91.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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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Morningstar Investment Management LLC reduced its position in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras (NYSE:PBR  Free Report) by 14.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 161,919 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock after selling 27,790 shares during the period. Morningstar Investment Management LLCs holdings in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras were worth $2,346,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. D Orazio & Associates Inc. raised its position in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 9.7% in the second quarter. D Orazio & Associates Inc. now owns 15,803 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $229,000 after purchasing an additional 1,396 shares during the period. Choreo LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras during the 2nd quarter worth about $198,000. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras during the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. Ping Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras in the 2nd quarter valued at about $726,000. Finally, Ballentine Partners LLC lifted its position in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 11.0% in the second quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 14,821 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $215,000 after buying an additional 1,463 shares during the last quarter.

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Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Stock Down 0.8 %

Shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras stock opened at $14.45 on Friday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $14.75 and a 200-day simple moving average of $15.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.67. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras has a one year low of $12.90 and a one year high of $17.91.

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Increases Dividend

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras ( NYSE:PBR Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.47 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.47. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras had a net margin of 16.17% and a return on equity of 28.42%. The firm had revenue of $23.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.22 billion. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras will post 3.14 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a Variable dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 23rd will be issued a dividend of $0.165 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 23rd. This represents a yield of 15.4%. This is a boost from Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobrass previous Variable dividend of $0.03. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobrass dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.00%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

PBR has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the company from $18.00 to $20.00 in a research report on Monday, August 26th. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from $19.40 to $18.10 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 19th. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price target on Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from $19.30 to $16.70 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Finally, Bank of America raised Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $16.80 to $17.90 in a research note on Thursday, June 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $18.07.

Check Out Our Latest Report on PBR

About Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras

(Free Report)

Petroleo Brasileiro SA  Petrobras explores, produces, and sells oil and gas in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through Exploration and Production; Refining, Transportation and Marketing; and Gas and Power. It also engages in prospecting, drilling, refining, processing, trading, and transporting crude oil from producing onshore and offshore oil fields, and shale or other rocks, as well as oil products, natural gas, and other liquid hydrocarbons.

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Robeco Schweiz AG lessened its position in shares of Resideo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:REZI  Free Report) by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 950,416 shares of the companys stock after selling 30,000 shares during the period. Robeco Schweiz AG owned about 0.65% of Resideo Technologies worth $18,590,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Nilsine Partners LLC grew its holdings in Resideo Technologies by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Nilsine Partners LLC now owns 14,256 shares of the companys stock worth $279,000 after acquiring an additional 452 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its holdings in Resideo Technologies by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 13,702 shares of the companys stock worth $268,000 after acquiring an additional 454 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in Resideo Technologies by 50.0% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,592 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 531 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System grew its holdings in Resideo Technologies by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 40,683 shares of the companys stock worth $796,000 after acquiring an additional 535 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SYSTM Wealth Solutions LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Resideo Technologies by 5.1% in the 1st quarter. SYSTM Wealth Solutions LLC now owns 13,309 shares of the companys stock valued at $298,000 after buying an additional 649 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.71% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of Resideo Technologies in a report on Friday, August 9th. They issued an outperform rating and a $25.00 target price for the company.

Resideo Technologies Trading Up 1.4 %

Shares of Resideo Technologies stock opened at $18.40 on Friday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $19.95 and a 200-day simple moving average of $20.70. Resideo Technologies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $14.19 and a 12-month high of $23.43. The company has a current ratio of 1.81, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The stock has a market cap of $2.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.83 and a beta of 2.07.

Resideo Technologies (NYSE:REZI  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.42 by $0.20. Resideo Technologies had a net margin of 2.85% and a return on equity of 10.32%. The business had revenue of $1.59 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.53 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.34 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down .8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Resideo Technologies, Inc. will post 1.92 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Resideo Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Resideo Technologies, Inc develops, manufactures, and sells comfort, energy management, and safety and security solutions to the commercial and residential end markets in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Solutions, and ADI Global Distribution.

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B2Gold (NYSE:BTG  Free Report) had its price target hoisted by Royal Bank of Canada from $3.50 to $3.75 in a research report report published on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has a sector perform rating on the stock.

Several other brokerages also recently issued reports on BTG. StockNews.com raised shares of B2Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, August 17th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on B2Gold from $3.50 to $4.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 12th. Cibc World Mkts upgraded B2Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. Cormark lowered shares of B2Gold from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Finally, CIBC boosted their price objective on shares of B2Gold from $3.40 to $3.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has issued 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 $3.75.

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B2Gold Trading Up 12.8 %

Shares of B2Gold stock opened at $3.09 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $2.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.04 billion, a PE ratio of -103.00, a PEG ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a quick ratio of 1.74 and a current ratio of 2.93. B2Gold has a 12-month low of $2.34 and a 12-month high of $3.46.

B2Gold (NYSE:BTG  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $492.57 million for the quarter. B2Gold had a positive return on equity of 8.01% and a negative net margin of 7.44%. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that B2Gold will post 0.28 EPS for the current fiscal year.

B2Gold Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 23rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be paid a $0.04 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a $0.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.18%. B2Golds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -533.33%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On B2Gold

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BTG. Continuum Advisory LLC acquired a new position in B2Gold in the second quarter worth $40,000. Baader Bank Aktiengesellschaft bought a new position in shares of B2Gold in the 2nd quarter worth about $42,000. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of B2Gold during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $57,000. Raymond James Trust N.A. boosted its holdings in shares of B2Gold by 69.3% during the second quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 22,615 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,000 after acquiring an additional 9,258 shares during the period. Finally, Sei Investments Co. increased its stake in shares of B2Gold by 31.3% in the second quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 33,459 shares of the companys stock valued at $90,000 after purchasing an additional 7,974 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.40% of the companys stock.

About B2Gold

(Get Free Report)

B2Gold Corp. operates as a gold producer company. It operates the Fekola Mine in Mali, the Masbate Mine in the Philippines, and the Otjikoto Mine in Namibia. The company also has an 100% interest in the Gramalote gold project in Colombia; 24% interest in the Calibre Mining Corp.; and approximately 19% interest in BeMetals Corp.

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Ivanhoe Mines (TSE:IVN  Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by Royal Bank of Canada from C$25.00 to C$24.00 in a report published on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the stock.

A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their price objective on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$24.00 to C$25.00 in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Raymond James raised their target price on Ivanhoe Mines from C$21.00 to C$24.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, May 23rd. Scotiabank cut their price target on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$23.00 to C$21.00 in a report on Monday, August 19th. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$15.00 to C$24.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, June 20th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Ivanhoe Mines from C$25.00 to C$26.00 in a research report on Friday, July 12th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$24.20.

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Ivanhoe Mines Trading Up 8.1 %

Ivanhoe Mines stock opened at C$17.39 on Tuesday. Ivanhoe Mines has a 52-week low of C$9.89 and a 52-week high of C$21.32. The company has a quick ratio of 20.86, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.24. The firm has a market capitalization of C$23.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 108.69 and a beta of 1.93. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of C$17.55 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$17.67.

Ivanhoe Mines (TSE:IVN  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported C$0.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.07 by C$0.01. Sell-side analysts expect that Ivanhoe Mines will post 1.034134 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity

In related news, Senior Officer Mary Vincelli sold 3,600 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$17.96, for a total transaction of C$64,639.80. In other news, Senior Officer Mary Vincelli sold 3,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$17.96, for a total transaction of C$64,639.80. Also, insider CITIC Metal Africa Investments Limited sold 11,810,800 shares of Ivanhoe Mines stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$17.41, for a total value of C$205,626,028.00. Insiders have sold a total of 11,816,100 shares of company stock worth $205,720,353 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 45.03% of the companys stock.

Ivanhoe Mines Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. engages in the mining, development, and exploration of minerals and precious metals primarily in Africa. It explores for platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium, zinc, silver, germanium, and lead deposits. The company's projects include the Platreef project located in the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; the Kipushi project located in Haut-Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo; and the Kamoa-Kakula project located within the Central African Copperbelt.

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Schroder European Real Estate Investment Trust Plc (LON:SERE  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Thursday, September 12th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 3rd will be paid a dividend of 0.01 ($0.02) per share on Friday, November 1st. This represents a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 3rd. The official announcement can be seen at this link.

Schroder European Real Estate Investment Trust Stock Performance

Shares of LON SERE opened at GBX 71.20 ($0.93) on Friday. Schroder European Real Estate Investment Trust has a one year low of GBX 59.48 ($0.78) and a one year high of GBX 73 ($0.95). The company has a current ratio of 7.01, a quick ratio of 9.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 42.60. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 64.53 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 63.74. The firm has a market capitalization of 95.22 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3,500.00 and a beta of 0.60.

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SEREIT invests in European growth cities and regions. It is a UK closed-ended real estate investment company incorporated on 9 January 2015. The Company has a premium listing on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and its shares have been trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (ticker: SERE) since 9 December 2015.

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Engie Brasil Energia S.A. (OTCMKTS:EGIEY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 200 shares, a decline of 97.9% from the August 15th total of 9,400 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 25,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days.

Engie Brasil Energia Stock Performance

Shares of EGIEY stock traded down $0.15 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $7.90. 6,896 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,297. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $8.18 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $8.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a current ratio of 1.51. Engie Brasil Energia has a 12-month low of $7.20 and a 12-month high of $9.62. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.52 and a beta of 0.57.

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Engie Brasil Energia (OTCMKTS:EGIEY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.20 EPS for the quarter. Engie Brasil Energia had a return on equity of 32.53% and a net margin of 41.21%. The company had revenue of $537.54 million for the quarter.

Engie Brasil Energia Company Profile

Engie Brasil Energia SA, together with its subsidiaries, generates, sells, and trades in electrical energy in Brazil. The company operates 76 plants, including 11 hydroelectric power plants; 1 thermal power plants; 50 wind farms; 3 biomass; 9 photovoltaic and solar power plant; and 2 small hydroelectric plants.

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Shimano Inc. (OTCMKTS:SMNNY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 19,900 shares, a drop of 47.6% from the August 15th total of 38,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 86,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days.

Shimano Stock Performance

SMNNY opened at $17.58 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $15.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.41 and a beta of 0.59. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $17.53 and a 200 day moving average price of $16.24. Shimano has a twelve month low of $12.85 and a twelve month high of $19.69.

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Shimano (OTCMKTS:SMNNY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $0.14 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $746.22 million for the quarter. Shimano had a net margin of 12.62% and a return on equity of 8.74%.

Shimano Company Profile

Shimano Inc develops, produces, and distributes bicycle components, fishing tackles, and rowing equipment. It has operations in Japan, Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Oceania. Shimano Inc was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Sakai, Japan.

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Stellar AfricaGold Inc. (OTCMKTS:STLXF  Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in 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 trading volume of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 10.0 days.

Stellar AfricaGold Stock Performance

OTCMKTS:STLXF traded down $0.04 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $0.02. 100 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,321. The stocks 50-day moving average is $0.06 and its 200-day moving average is $0.06. Stellar AfricaGold has a twelve month low of $0.02 and a twelve month high of $0.17.

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Stellar AfricaGold Company Profile

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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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SSAB AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:SSAAF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,100 shares, an increase of 1,000.0% from the August 15th total of 100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 8,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days.

SSAB AB (publ) Trading Up 1.3 %

SSAAF stock traded up $0.06 during trading on Friday, reaching $4.57. 1,600 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,720. SSAB AB has a 1-year low of $4.32 and a 1-year high of $8.23. The companys fifty day moving average price is $4.90 and its 200-day moving average price is $5.78.

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About SSAB AB (publ)

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Further Reading

SSAB AB (publ) produces and sells steel products in Sweden, Finland, Rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. It operates through five segments: SSAB Special Steels, SSAB Europe, SSAB Americas, Tibnor, and Ruukki Construction. The SSAB Special Steels segment offers quenched and tempered steels, and advanced high-strength steel products for steel and plate production.

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State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D decreased its position in Norfolk Southern Co. (NYSE:NSC  Free Report) by 35.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 82,917 shares of the railroad operators stock after selling 44,833 shares during the period. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Norfolk Southern were worth $17,801,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC boosted its stake in Norfolk Southern by 7.5% in the 4th quarter. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC now owns 2,840 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $672,000 after purchasing an additional 198 shares during the period. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. boosted its stake in Norfolk Southern by 18.5% in the 4th quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 7,355 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $1,738,000 after purchasing an additional 1,149 shares during the period. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Norfolk Southern by 6.7% in the 4th quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,514 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $642,000 after purchasing an additional 158 shares during the period. Jag Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Norfolk Southern in the 4th quarter worth $213,000. Finally, Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Norfolk Southern in the 4th quarter worth $558,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.10% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Norfolk Southern

In related news, Director Sameh Fahmy purchased 700 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $245.15 per share, with a total value of $171,605.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 7,700 shares in the company, valued at $1,887,655. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Norfolk Southern news, Director Richard H. Anderson bought 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 29th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $247.48 per share, with a total value of $494,960.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 3,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $742,440. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Sameh Fahmy bought 700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $245.15 per share, for a total transaction of $171,605.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 7,700 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,887,655. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders own 0.19% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein reduced their target price on shares of Norfolk Southern from $288.00 to $285.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 8th. TD Cowen upped their target price on shares of Norfolk Southern from $251.00 to $253.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Susquehanna increased their price objective on shares of Norfolk Southern from $245.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on shares of Norfolk Southern from $270.00 to $267.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating and set a $175.00 price objective on shares of Norfolk Southern in a research note on Monday, July 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Norfolk Southern currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $264.24.

View Our Latest Report on NSC

Norfolk Southern Stock Up 0.3 %

Shares of NSC stock opened at $254.59 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.63. The firms 50-day moving average is $239.77 and its 200-day moving average is $238.28. The stock has a market cap of $57.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.00, a PEG ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 1.31. Norfolk Southern Co. has a 52-week low of $183.09 and a 52-week high of $263.66.

Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The railroad operator reported $3.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.86 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $3.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.04 billion. Norfolk Southern had a net margin of 14.85% and a return on equity of 19.64%. Norfolk Southerns quarterly revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.95 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Norfolk Southern Co. will post 11.8 EPS for the current year.

Norfolk Southern Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 2nd were issued a $1.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 2nd. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.12%. Norfolk Southerns dividend payout ratio is currently 86.96%.

About Norfolk Southern

(Free Report)

Norfolk Southern Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods in the United States. The company transports agriculture, forest, and consumer products comprising soybeans, wheat, corn, fertilizers, livestock and poultry feed, food products, food oils, flour, sweeteners, ethanol, lumber and wood products, pulp board and paper products, wood fibers, wood pulp, beverages, and canned goods; chemicals consist of sulfur and related chemicals, petroleum products comprising crude oil, chlorine and bleaching compounds, plastics, rubber, industrial chemicals, chemical wastes, sand, and natural gas liquids; metals and construction materials, such as steel, aluminum products, machinery, scrap metals, cement, aggregates, minerals, clay, transportation equipment, and military-related products; and automotive, including finished motor vehicles and automotive parts, as well as coal.

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State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D decreased its position in Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:FMX  Free Report) by 25.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 183,798 shares of the companys stock after selling 61,702 shares during the period. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D owned 0.05% of Fomento Economico Mexicano worth $19,786,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Headlands Technologies LLC increased its stake in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 243.2% during the second quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 17,981 shares of the companys stock worth $1,936,000 after acquiring an additional 12,742 shares during the last quarter. Choreo LLC purchased a new position in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano during the 2nd quarter worth $2,135,000. National Bank of Canada FI increased its position in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 88.1% during the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 216,766 shares of the companys stock worth $23,495,000 after purchasing an additional 101,500 shares during the last quarter. Fielder Capital Group LLC purchased a new stake in Fomento Economico Mexicano in the 2nd quarter valued at about $242,000. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. lifted its position in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 24.6% in the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 2,275 shares of the companys stock valued at $245,000 after buying an additional 449 shares during the last quarter.

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Fomento Economico Mexicano Trading Up 1.8 %

NYSE FMX opened at $103.23 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 1.44 and a current ratio of 1.72. The firm has a market cap of $36.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.98, a PEG ratio of 3.68 and a beta of 0.94. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $109.24 and a 200-day simple moving average of $115.42. Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. has a one year low of $99.24 and a one year high of $143.43.

Fomento Economico Mexicano Increases Dividend

Fomento Economico Mexicano ( NYSE:FMX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported $1.87 EPS for the quarter. Fomento Economico Mexicano had a net margin of 3.75% and a return on equity of 8.65%. The business had revenue of $11.54 billion during the quarter. Equities research analysts anticipate that Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. will post 5.52 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 29th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 17th were issued a dividend of $1.0206 per share. This is an increase from Fomento Economico Mexicanos previous semi-annual dividend of $0.74. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 17th. This represents a yield of 1.5%. Fomento Economico Mexicanos dividend payout ratio is 14.36%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on FMX shares. StockNews.com raised shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Barclays cut their target price on Fomento Economico Mexicano from $160.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $139.50.

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About Fomento Economico Mexicano

(Free Report)

Fomento Economico Mexicano, SAB. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, operates as a bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

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SYM FINANCIAL Corp bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 2,742 shares of the healthcare product makers stock, valued at approximately $285,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. HBK Sorce Advisory LLC raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 6.6% during the second quarter. HBK Sorce Advisory LLC now owns 25,457 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,645,000 after buying an additional 1,579 shares during the last quarter. Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLC increased its position in Abbott Laboratories by 12.3% in the second quarter. Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLC now owns 33,898 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $3,522,000 after purchasing an additional 3,716 shares during the last quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. increased its position in Abbott Laboratories by 4.2% in the second quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 27,665 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,875,000 after purchasing an additional 1,103 shares during the last quarter. TradeLink Capital LLC bought a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the second quarter worth $229,000. Finally, Meeder Advisory Services Inc. increased its position in Abbott Laboratories by 27.1% in the second quarter. Meeder Advisory Services Inc. now owns 28,732 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,986,000 after purchasing an additional 6,134 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Evercore ISI reduced their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $120.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $121.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $125.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Tuesday, June 4th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $119.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. Finally, Edward Jones lowered shares of Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Two 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, Abbott Laboratories presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.80.

Abbott Laboratories Price Performance

Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $116.84 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.68 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The stock has a market cap of $203.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.72. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $108.99 and a two-hundred day moving average of $108.74. Abbott Laboratories has a 1 year low of $89.67 and a 1 year high of $121.64.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $10.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.37 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.18% and a net margin of 13.65%. Abbott Laboratoriess quarterly revenue was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.08 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current year.

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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SYM FINANCIAL Corp acquired a new stake in The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 1,078 shares of the insurance providers stock, valued at approximately $219,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.1% in the second quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 50,611 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $10,291,000 after acquiring an additional 563 shares in the last quarter. Meeder Advisory Services Inc. lifted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 44.8% in the second quarter. Meeder Advisory Services Inc. now owns 4,564 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $928,000 after acquiring an additional 1,411 shares in the last quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale lifted its position in Travelers Companies by 2.9% during the second quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 323,886 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $66,252,000 after buying an additional 9,263 shares during the period. Equity Investment Corp lifted its position in Travelers Companies by 4.3% during the second quarter. Equity Investment Corp now owns 403,151 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $81,977,000 after buying an additional 16,497 shares during the period. Finally, BOKF NA lifted its position in Travelers Companies by 1.4% during the second quarter. BOKF NA now owns 7,348 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,494,000 after buying an additional 101 shares during the period. 82.45% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on TRV shares. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on Travelers Companies from $213.00 to $207.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. StockNews.com downgraded Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on Travelers Companies from $221.00 to $234.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Citigroup raised their price objective on Travelers Companies from $200.00 to $203.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, TD Cowen downgraded Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $252.00 to $230.00 in a report on Monday, July 15th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $227.05.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Travelers Companies news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $211.44, for a total transaction of $2,114,400.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 22,798 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,820,409.12. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 1.33% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Travelers Companies Price Performance

TRV stock opened at $234.11 on Friday. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $157.33 and a 1 year high of $242.89. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $217.40 and a 200-day simple moving average of $216.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 0.33. The firm has a market cap of $53.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.62.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 19th. The insurance provider reported $2.51 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.23 by ($0.72). Travelers Companies had a net margin of 8.37% and a return on equity of 15.90%. The business had revenue of $11.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.35 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.06 EPS. Travelers Companiess revenue for the quarter was up 11.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be issued a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.79%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 31.20%.

Travelers Companies Profile

(Free Report)

The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report).

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Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund (NYSE:AIO  Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Thursday, August 29th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of 0.15 per share on Thursday, September 26th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.60%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th.

Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 9.8% annually over the last three years.

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Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund Price Performance

Shares of Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund stock traded up $0.06 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $20.92. 61,247 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 117,260. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $21.10 and a 200 day simple moving average of $20.37. Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund has a 12 month low of $15.09 and a 12 month high of $22.18.

Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund Company Profile

The Fund seeks to generate a stable income stream and growth of capital by focusing on one of the most significant long-term secular growth opportunities in markets today. A multi-asset approach based on fundamental research is employed, dynamically allocating to attractive segments of a companys debt and equity in order to offer an attractive risk/reward profile.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Wipro (NYSE:WIT  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note released on Tuesday morning.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Nomura Securities upgraded shares of Wipro to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Nomura started coverage on Wipro in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. They issued a buy rating for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $5.60.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on Wipro

Wipro Trading Up 2.7 %

Shares of NYSE WIT opened at $6.36 on Tuesday. Wipro has a 1-year low of $4.48 and a 1-year high of $7.01. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $6.20 and a 200 day moving average price of $5.86. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.26 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 2.70 and a quick ratio of 2.70.

Wipro (NYSE:WIT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 19th. The information technology services provider reported $0.07 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.07. Wipro had a net margin of 12.57% and a return on equity of 15.01%. The business had revenue of $2.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.65 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.06 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Wipro will post 0.27 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Wipro

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in WIT. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in Wipro by 44.0% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,866,359 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $10,396,000 after acquiring an additional 570,001 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its position in Wipro by 292.0% in the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 1,344,674 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $7,732,000 after buying an additional 1,001,644 shares during the last quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC boosted its position in Wipro by 165.0% in the first quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 277,964 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,598,000 after buying an additional 173,072 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its holdings in Wipro by 112.7% in the 4th quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 3,722,483 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $20,734,000 after buying an additional 1,972,425 shares during the period. Finally, CWM LLC raised its position in Wipro by 11.8% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 20,621 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $126,000 after buying an additional 2,178 shares during the last quarter. 2.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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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On a deeper level, China constantly encourages the strengthening of an African awareness. Ask any Chinese leader how Africa may apply China's approach, and the answer invariably is: Think in terms of your own reality. by Yi Xin Some international development partners talk about Africa as if it were a problem to be fixed. So they write prescriptions -- "change this and that and you will be better." But Africa is not a problem. Africa is a promise. To deliver on this promise, Africans must act together. A deep appreciation of this is what makes China's Africa policy fundamentally different from that of many others. It started early. In the 1960s, shortly after leading their nations to independence, the great African statesmen Julius Nyerere and Kenneth Kaunda saw an urgent need to connect their countries with a railway. But funding was hard to come by. Western donors said no on the grounds that the proposal was neither economically nor politically attractive. But Mao Zedong, the Chinese leader, was resolute, and said: "You have difficulties. We do too. But our difficulties are different. China will help you build it, and if need be, we will put our own railway projects on hold." China extended zero-interest, zero-condition loans, took out huge sums from its limited foreign exchange reserve to buy the best machines from the West, and sent Chinese engineers to the wilderness in Africa and unreservedly shared technical know-how. It was one of the earliest endeavors to connect and unite Africans to encourage development. Africans call it the "Freedom Railway," an indication of how much hope was attached to it. As Africa continued to build synergy, China actively aligned its policy toward the same goal. In 2002, African nations' aspirations for brotherhood and solidarity gave birth to the African Union. Two years earlier, China had launched the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the world's first format to bring African countries under one roof to map out development strategies and cooperation plans. Under this framework, the Chinese zoomed in on connecting Africa. The roads they built in Africa, a staggering 100,000 km, are more than twice that of Earth's waistline. The railways, over 10,000 km in combined length, can take one from Ras ben Sakka in Tunisia, Africa's most northerly point, to its southernmost Cape Agulhas in South Africa. Besides asphalt and tracks, the Chinese have worked hard to nurture local industries. For a long time, African countries have been kept at the lower end of the value chain. Their economic structures are highly similar. Seeing the untapped manufacturing potential, China set out to build factories and industrial parks. "Industrial capacity cooperation" is a dominant topic in Chinese engagement with Africa. As China-Africa partnerships mushroom in this sector, African countries are now selling glass fibers to their neighbors and buying TV sets made in the region. On a deeper level, China constantly encourages the strengthening of an African awareness. Ask any Chinese leader how Africa may apply China's approach, and the answer invariably is: Think in terms of your own reality. A few days ago, African leaders gathered with their Chinese friends for the 2024 summit of the FOCAC. There, China's approach of promoting African synergy to unlock its potential is again on full display. According to Chinese President Xi Jinping's newly proposed "ten partnership actions," China will implement another 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa, foster industry cooperation growth clusters, develop a China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development, assist the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and provide more support in logistics and finance for the benefit of "trans-regional development in Africa." Once these plans are actualized, as the Chinese always do with meticulous follow-up actions and progress checks, Africa is sure to be more interconnected and integrated. Hence, the new-found meaning of the FOCAC acronym -- Friendship, Opportunity, Cooperation, Action, and Community. Strength comes from unity, not alienation. This is an underlying belief that informs China's diplomacy around the world. In China-U.S. relations, you see China push for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Globally, China's central message has been: Humanity is one community with a shared future. Africa is on an irreversible course toward modernization. To empower this process, partners who see potential, not problems in it would go a long way. Editor's note: Yi Xin is a Beijing-based observer of international affairs. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.
Kaleida Health has found its next chief operating officer.

Kelly Corbi will start Nov. 4 as Kaleidas new executive vice president and chief operating officer. Corbi, who was hired after a national search, is the president of MelroseWakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Massachusetts as well as executive vice president for Tufts Medicine in Boston.

At Kaleida, Corbi will be responsible for the health systems delivery of care, overseeing operations of the systems five hospitals, its long-term care facilities, home care division, laboratories, surgery centers, clinics and ambulatory sites. She also will lead system integration efforts and service lines.

Kelly is a dynamic, strategic and highly accomplished executive leader with three decades of experience across the health care continuum  including academic and community hospitals, ambulatory clinics, long-term care, home care and managed care, Kaleida President and CEO Don Boyd said.

Korbi is set to succeed Cheryl Klass, who retired from Kaleida in 2021 but returned in spring 2022 as the interim president of Buffalo General Medical Center and Gates Vascular Institute. By July 2022, she stepped in as Kaleidas chief operating officer.

As of last fall, Klass planned to retire  a second time  sometime after the first quarter of 2024 once her successor as chief operating officer was named.

Kaleida Health executive retiring  a second time  after 47-year career Cheryl Klass, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Kaleida, will retire sometime after the first quarter of 2024  once her successor as chief operating officer is named.

Klass now plans to stay on board through the end of 2024 to ensure a smooth transition. In addition, Kaleida on Sept. 3 announced that Klass also was assuming the temporary role as interim president of Kaleidas Upper Allegheny Health System, which includes Olean General Hospital and Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Kaleida is in the midst of a nationwide search for a new president at Upper Allegheny. Dr. Jill Owens resigned from the position in April to return to private medical practice.

So once again, Kaleida turned to Klass, a 47-year health care veteran, to fill the temporary void. The health system did say this month it expects Upper Allegheny will announce a new leader by the end of 2024.
Arvind Kejriwal walks out of jail: What does it mean for BJP?
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Kayezad E Adajania heads the personal finance bureau at Moneycontrol. He has been covering mutual funds and personal finance for the past two decades, having worked in Mint and Outlook Money magazine. Kayezad was the founding member of Mints personal finance team when it was set up in 2009.
Shweta Punj is an award winning journalist. She has reported on economic policy for over two decades in India and the US. She is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum. Author of Why I Failed, translated into 5 languages, published by Penguin-Random House.
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A counter strategy? Why Mamata Banerjee said she was ready to resign amid Kolkata protests
In a big relief for Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, the Supreme Court has granted him bail in connection with the the alleged excise policy case. Kejriwal is expected to walk out of the Tihar jail today.

Amid heavy rains in the city, hundreds of AAP leaders and workers started gathering outside Tihar jail to welcome their party supremo and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.
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'CBI must dispel notion of being caged parrot': SC's top remarks while granting bail to Arvind Kejriwal
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Police watched as mob attacked: West Bengal doctors demand action from President, PM in a 4-page letter
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Shishir Tripathi is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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Gunmen kill 14 in a Shiite area of Afghanistan in one of the deadliest attacks this year
Another stabbing. Even with a record number of guards, new security leadership positions and the installation of artificial intelligence-driven weapons detection systems, Buffalos 2024-25 school year has gotten off to a violent start.

A 15-year-old student was stabbed in the neck, back and arm at McKinley High School on Monday. The victim, last reported in serious but stable condition at Oishei Childrens Hospital, is  thankfully  expected to survive. And the student charged with the stabbing, another 15-year-old, has pleaded not guilty and was released with an ankle bracelet and supervision from the Erie County Probation Department.

Whatever the legal outcome, this tragedy will affect the lives of both young people for decades to come. It also throws another wrench in the works as Buffalo Public Schools struggles to build a safe and civil educational environment. Students need a safe and respectful atmosphere in which they can learn and build foundations for happy and productive lives. How can the entire school community  parents, teachers, administrators, students, support organizations  work to at least get closer to such an atmosphere?

When incidents like this happen, they can take away hope. But that shouldnt be. The work to prevent school violence must continue and it must not be limited to reactive measures like heightened security measures. These, while important and necessary, must be accompanied by proactive mentoring, counseling and other outreach to identify troubled students or troubling issues.

Superintendent Tonja M. Williams Knight was correct when she wrote, in an official statement, I urge parents and families to talk to their children, monitor their social media activities, and pay attention to who they are spending time with. If parents or students feel unsafe or are facing certain difficulties, they should tell someone at the school. We have adults throughout our schools who can help.

Her bottom line: communication is key. It might have helped here. As The News Ben Tsujimoto reported, according to police, the two main players knew each other and were involved in a stabbing on Main Street in the Fountain Plaza area in July.

Without knowing the circumstances that caused the trouble, this incident joins a series of other fights and attacks involving BPS students over the past few years, some of which have been caught on video.

Aggressive behavior can serve as an outlet for young people unable to control their anger, anger often brought on by stress, fear, depression or all three. Jessica Bauer Walker, president of Community Health Worker Network and an advocate for student wellness, described violence as a public health issue, stating, Its connected to mental, emotional and behavioral health, as well as (a persons) well-being.

The promotion of student wellness, using tried and true methods that have helped in other districts, must continue as a major priority in Buffalo. So should enhanced security. There should be greater encouragement among the community for people to let school officials know about possible conflicts.

Sadly, this incident has reverberations that go beyond the two directly involved. When he was alerted about the incident via text messages, Alphonso Christopher came to McKinley to pick up his son. This student had chosen McKinley because it is the only school in the district that offers a horticulture program, but now Christopher has plans to get his son out of the school as soon as possible.

Whether Christophers son will be able to pursue his chosen interest is now another question mark, one of too many that this incident has left behind it.

Efforts to find answers  and remedies  to address school violence must be redoubled.
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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
News / Local

by Nkosi Moyo

The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has called on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intervene in what it describes as a crackdown on its members and pro-democracy activists in Zimbabwe.The MRP also sent petitions to several regional and international leaders and organizations, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, the African Commission of Human and People's Rights, Minority Rights Group International, International Crisis Group, and Amnesty International, highlighting similar concerns.In a petition to the OHCHR dated August 29, MRP leader Mqondisi Moyo detailed ongoing harassment and intimidation targeting the party and its supporters."Recent threats made on August 21, 2024, by Zanu-PF's Munyaradzi Machacha, head of the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, to 'crush' the MRP and Mthwakazi people for advocating the establishment of national borders separating the Mthwakazi Republic from Zimbabwe are deeply troubling," the petition stated.The MRP claims its members are facing constant harassment, threatening phone calls, surveillance, and even physical assault. According to the petition, peaceful protests and assemblies are being brutally suppressed, leading to injuries, deaths, and displacements. The party also accused government officials of promoting hate speech and vitriol against both the MRP and Ndebele people, fostering a culture of hostility.The petition also highlighted what the MRP described as institutionalized economic marginalization of the Matabeleland region, urging international attention.A key demand in the petition is for an internationally-led investigation into the Gukurahundi massacres, dismissing the State-led process initiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who sanctioned local chiefs to lead public hearings into the 1980s killings in Matabeleland."We call for the establishment of an internationally-led truth commission to investigate the Gukurahundi Genocide (1983-1987) and ongoing human rights abuses. There must be prosecution and punishment of perpetrators, including high-ranking officials and security forces, along with reparations and compensation for victims and their families," the MRP's petition said.The party further appealed for international arbitration in resolving the situation, advocating for dialogue instead of violence. "We need a neutral institution to invite the Zimbabwean government to the negotiating table. We prefer dialogue, not violence," MRP stated.According to Moyo, the ICC Registry has acknowledged receipt of the petition, while responses from other institutions are still pending.
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by Staff reporter

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have issued a scathing statement in response to the death of former Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, making it clear they feel no sorrow over his passing. The party, led by Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema, holds Gordhan responsible for the collapse of South Africa's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the betrayal of the nation's people.In their statement, the EFF condemned Gordhan's legacy, describing it as one of "greed, corruption, and elitism." The party highlighted Gordhan's role in the deterioration of key SOEs, including Eskom, Transnet, Denel, and South African Airways (SAA). They pointed to the infamous SAA Takatso deal, which they claim was a corrupt arrangement that sold off the nation's assets for private gain.Gordhan's political career, which spanned several decades, included two terms as Finance Minister under President Jacob Zuma. However, the EFF noted that his controversial history extended back to the 1980s when he was allegedly named by ANC President Oliver Tambo as part of the "Indian cabal," accused of undermining the liberation movement and prosecuting anti-apartheid icon Winnie Mandela.The EFF also brought up Gordhan's admitted involvement in the creation of a "rogue unit" within the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which they allege was used to target political opponents on behalf of "white monopoly capital." Malema himself was reportedly a victim of this unit's actions.As Minister of Public Enterprises from 2018, Gordhan was tasked with overseeing the turnaround of South Africa's SOEs. The EFF, however, claims his leadership led to their rapid decline. Eskom, once a reliable power provider, became crippled by load-shedding under his watch, while Transnet struggled to maintain operations. Denel, South Africa's state-owned defence company, was similarly reduced to a shadow of its former self. According to the EFF, Gordhan's time in office left hundreds of thousands unemployed, with shattered livelihoods and broken businesses.The statement also criticized Gordhan for his refusal to be held accountable, referencing a Parliamentary session where he allegedly refused to testify, showing "utter disdain" for the South African people.The EFF's statement concludes with a firm rejection of Gordhan's legacy, stating that while he may have escaped justice in life, the effects of his actions will continue to impact the country for years to come. "His death comes before he could face justice," the EFF declared, "but those left behind will continue to suffer the consequences of his betrayal."The party ended by calling for vigilance against future leaders like Gordhan, ensuring that no similar "instrument of capitalism" is allowed to rise again.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A fierce debate has surfaced within Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu-PF, over a proposal to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028, as revealed by party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa.Speaking at a press briefing in Harare, Mutsvangwa emphasized that Zanu-PF remains a democratic organization where members are free to express divergent views. Despite Mnangagwa's consistent assertions that he will step down when his second and final term concludes in 2028, some factions within the party are advocating for him to stay in office longer."Certain provinces and party organs are pushing for an extended mandate for the President," Mutsvangwa said, acknowledging that some party members have been calling for Mnangagwa to remain in power until at least 2030. This push is seen in the slogans chanted at recent rallies, where supporters called for "ED2030," reflecting growing support for his continued leadership.Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2017 after the removal of the late Robert Mugabe, has repeatedly reaffirmed his commitment to the constitution. Last week, while addressing Zimbabweans in China, he emphasized that he fully intends to step down at the end of his current term, and that he is well aware of the specific date he will leave office in 2028.Despite his reassurances, Mutsvangwa stated that robust debate within the party is welcome. "Zanu-PF will not stifle debate. We are a democratic party, and people have the right to vocally express their opinions. At the end of the day, the party will take a considered view, and the political bureau will chart a path forward," Mutsvangwa said.He also noted that the party's current focus is on the upcoming annual conference in Bulawayo, scheduled for December. The conference is expected to be a platform for further discussions on the future of Zanu-PF and the direction it will take in the years to come.In response to growing criticism from opposition figures, including former finance minister Tendai Biti, who has branded Zanu-PF a "criminal organization" responsible for widespread corruption, Mutsvangwa dismissed the allegations as political rhetoric."We do not engage in futile polemics," Mutsvangwa said. "Our party remains committed to the will of the people, as expressed through national elections. We are not swayed by detractors who cannot stand in a voters' contest," he added.Biti had recently launched a scathing attack on Zanu-PF, accusing the party of being complicit in enabling cartels responsible for the looting of public resources and economic mismanagement. He specifically accused Zanu-PF of controlling key sectors such as mining and fuel, allegations Mutsvangwa has downplayed.As the debate over Mnangagwa's future intensifies, Zanu-PF's internal discussions will be closely watched as the party navigates its direction ahead of 2028.
GLOBALink | Chinese brands draw attention at consumer electronics exhibition in Berlin Pub Date:24-09-13 09:38 Source:Xinhua At Europe's largest consumer electronics exhibition, global brands showcased cutting-edge innovations, and Chinese brands were also drawing much attention. Editor:Zheng Chen

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The name is Dunderdale, Biffy Wilfred Dunderdale, doesnt quite have the same steely ring as Bond, James Bond, but a new book suggests that 007 was based on this improbably named sailor, spy and best friend of Ian Fleming.

The claims are made in a biography of Wilfred Dunderdale by Colonel Tim Spicer, a veteran British army soldier and adventurer who once led the biggest private army in Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Sierra Leone.

Biffy was a gentleman sailor, brave, eccentric and at the centre of international spy-craft, it makes him the perfect role model for 007, said Spicer, who spent three years researching this unsung hero for his book, A Suspicion of Spies, published this week.

The absurd nickname Biffy stems from his fast right hook, perfected in the waterfront bars of Odessa, where he was born. He became a close friend of Ian Fleming and they remained in touch for almost 25 years until the novelists death in 1964.

As a spy, he led a colourful life with glorious Bond-like glamour and danger, allegedly driving around Paris in an armoured Rolls Royce and paying off British women in the sultan of Constantinoples Harem with gold sovereigns before finding an escape route for them in a naval cruiser.

Biffy was a gentleman sailor, brave, eccentric and at the centre of international spy-craft (Chris Perowne)

The Bond-like adventures of Biffy began in 1916 in Russia and appear straight from the pages of the 007 thrillers (Kobal/Shutterstock)

Born in 1899, he joined the British Secret Service in 1921 and headed the Paris station five years later, eventually playing a key role as an intelligence officer during the Second World War.

Fleming hints that Bond was based on people he knew. My plots are fantastic, but [the] whole idea is based on truth and everything I write has a precedent in truth, he wrote.

Circumstantial evidence that Biffy helped the Bond author can be seen in a copy of Diamonds are Forever inscribed: To Bill, who has helped me with the next one, with affection from Ian. That next book was From Russia with Love.

As a spy, he led a colourful life with glorious Bond-like glamour and danger (Chris Perowne)

Fleming confirmed that much of the information for that book about the Soviet spy network came from a Colonel Grigori Tokaev  crucially this defector was handled by Biffy.

An attempt to kill Bond on the Orient Express was based on the death of Captain Eugene Karpe, a US naval attache, who was pushed from the Arlberg Express in 1950. Biffy would have known how Karpe had to leave Romania in a hurry after exposing a blown US network in Russia. A Romanian agent later admitted to murdering him on the orders of Russia.

Part of the circumstantial evidence for Biffy being Bond is a gun used by Red Grant, the Spectre spy in From Russia with Love. It was based on a KGB cigarette case developed for the assassinations carried out by the Russian Nikolai Khoklov who defected to the US in 1954.

A Suspicion of Spies, published this week (Barbreck)

There is no conclusive proof that Biffy was the only model for Bond, but like Bond, he certainly was a bon viveur who dressed immaculately, enjoyed champagne and was a connoisseur of vodka. It is not clear if he liked his martinis shaken but not stirred, but he did drink dry martinis at the bar of the Hotel George V in Paris. He also shared his enjoyment of smoking Turkish cigarettes, using a long black ivory cigarette holder. Bond had three gold bands embossed on each cigarette, an embellishment differing from Biffys.

The Bond-like adventures of Biffy began in 1916 in Russia and appear straight from the pages of the 007 thrillers. The 17-year-old worked for his father, taking submarines from Vladivostok to St Petersburg for the Russian Imperial Navy. He took a submarine out for sea trials and after spotting some German ships, he gave the order to attack and sink four.

On returning to Kronstadt, breaking free from an anti-submarine net with just 30 minutes of oxygen left, he opens the hatch to find every gun in the port facing him and his crew. Fluent in Russian, he quickly defuses the situation. For this action, he is awarded by Tsar Nicholas II the Order of St. Stanislav and the Order of St. Anne, imperial Russias highest knighthood for military valour and bravery in battle.

The claims are made in a biography of Wilfred Dunderdale by Colonel Tim Spicer, a veteran British army soldier and adventurer (Supplied)

Aged 18, he was engaged by British Naval Intelligence as an interpreter on account of his language skills  English, Russian, French, Polish and German. He would soon grow into a buccaneering member of the British Secret Intelligence Service in a career spanning forty years which Biffy described as 40 years of licensed thuggery.

Biffy appears in over 60 books and websites, but no one has ever written his life story. He was rather like a ghost one knew was there, but the apparition never stood still long enough for a clear view, says Spicer, adding, he was an extraordinary man  suave, sophisticated, genial and rich but also a ruthless and effective spymaster in a career that spanned the Russian Revolution to the Cold War and beyond. Certainly, the action and intrigue in his life could be taken straight from the pages of From Russia with Love, for which Biffy acted as a consultant.

The historian Andrew Roberts gives a ringing endorsement to this Bond-buster, stating, With trained assassins, aliases, rendezvous, booby-trapped safes, messenger pigeons, clandestine air-drops, brothels, and Gestapo raids at dawn, this book reads like a terrific movie script, but every word of it is true.
The festive season arrived early for eight lucky Econet Wireless Zimbabwe customers, who were gifted brand-new homes, complete with solar systems and Econet Smart Home security, as part of the companys 2023 Christmas promotion.

The grand prize giveaway ceremony, held at the picturesque Penrose Estate in Nyabira, about 30km north-west of Harare, saw the winners gather with Econet representatives, including the companys chief operating officer, Mr Kezito Makuni.

The promotion, aptly named iKhisimusi Sifikile, Kisimusi Yatosvika  Tapinda Sesingenile, ran from November 2023 to February 2024, with participants needing to recharge their airtime with at least US$5 to qualify.

The promotion, valued at over US$350 000, saw hundreds of participants win a range of prizes, including smartphones, gas stoves, airtime, cash, and branded regalia.

The winners, beaming with joy and disbelief, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Econet Wireless, Zimbabwes leading telecommunications and technology company, for the life-changing gifts.

Ms Ropafadzo Msida, a 25-year-old from Chiredzi, was overcome with emotion as she received the keys to her new home.

I never imagined I would win something so monumental. This house is more than just a prize; its the foundation of my familys future. I am beyond thankful to Econet for making this possible, she said while her voice was trembling with excitement.

Another winner, Ms Rebecca Mushuku from Gutu, admitted that she initially thought the news of her win was a scam.

All along, I thought it was a scam until I came here. Winning something this big was beyond my wildest dreams. Im so thankful to Econet for turning my dream into reality, she said.

For Mr Memory Chinyama, the news of his win came at a perfect time.

Ive been renting for years, and owning my own home seemed like a far-off dream. When I received the call, I was overwhelmed with joy. Thanks to Econet, I now have a place to call my own, which has completely transformed my life, he said.

In addition to the grand prizes, Econet awarded home solar kits to other winners, a timely and practical gift considering the ongoing power challenges faced by Zimbabweans.

Mr Rachidi Julius from Raffingora, one of the solar kit recipients, expressed his gratitude, saying, With the ongoing power challenges, this solar kit will make a world of difference in my household. I can now rely on consistent power. Thank you Econet for this life-changing Christmas gift.

Five other lucky winners were treated to exciting holiday packages, with Econet sponsoring all-expenses-paid trips to Victoria Falls.

Mr Leon Masamba, unable to contain his excitement, exclaimed, My family and I havent gone on a holiday in years, so this trip feels like a dream come true. God bless you Econet!

Mr Makuni, highlighting the success of the promotion, reiterated Econets commitment to rewarding its customers in meaningful ways.

We are excited at the overwhelming participation and level of customer engagement we have witnessed in our Christmas promotion. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to our valued customers in a way that positively impacts their lives.

Our customers are at the heart of our business, and this initiative is more than just rewards  its about making a tangible difference in our customers everyday lives. We believe these gifts will bring joy and meaningful change to their lives just in time for the upcoming Christmas holidays, he said.

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The Zimbabwean community in South Africa is mourning the tragic loss of Pastor Marshal Ganyau, a young and prominent digital content creator, who was found murdered after being hijacked in Cape Town.

Ganyau, 30, was discovered dead on Monday, 2 September, just weeks after graduating from his theology studies in Zimbabwe.

Ganyau, who was well-known for his online platform Bhoo Here TV, had recently arrived in Cape Town from Zimbabwe. He had been visiting an acquaintance in Delft on Saturday, 1 September, when he was ambushed and abducted by three armed men.

The harrowing incident unfolded as Ganyau was greeting his acquaintance opposite a shop. Three men approached him, brandishing a gun, and forced him into his Audi car. The hijackers then sped off towards Philippi, leaving behind a stunned witness who immediately contacted Ganyaus family.

My uncle contacted the car tracker company and within one hour they found the car in Philippi where they were starting to strip the car and Marshall was not to be found, explained Ganyaus brother, Elvis Chibvuri.

The hijackers managed to evade police, and the car was taken to the police pound in Bellville South. Ganyaus family, desperate for information, approached the police, but without concrete evidence of a hijacking, they were initially told to open a missing persons case.

We asked the police to escort the family to where it happened and talk to the woman. They said we must open a missing persons case, said Chibvuri.

The family, heartbroken and desperate, began searching hospitals and mortuaries. Sadly, Ganyaus body was found on Monday at Salt River Mortuary. He had been stabbed to death, his body discovered in Philippi, far from where he was last seen in Delft.

He was found in Philippi, he was stabbed but he was hijacked in Delft. 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.

Ganyaus death has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the Zimbabwean community in South Africa. He was remembered as a kind and gentle soul, a dedicated pastor, and a talented content creator who had a bright future ahead of him.

Marshall was a content creator and he was a pastor as well and he had just arrived in Cape Town from Zimbabwe last week, said Chibvuri, describing his brothers passion for his faith and his digital platform.

His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by many immigrants in South Africa, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals who are new to a country and unfamiliar with its dangers. It also underscores the importance of safety and security, especially for those who are away from their home countries.

Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirmed that they are investigating the case and awaiting feedback from the relevant police station. The Zimbabwean community in South Africa mourns the loss of a promising young man, whose life was tragically cut short by a senseless act of violence.

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Harare  The question of whether President Emmerson Mnangagwa will remain in power beyond his second and final term in 2028 will be decided by members of Zanu PF, not outsiders, the ruling partys spokesperson has declared.

While Mnangagwa has maintained that he will abide by the Constitution and leave office when his current term ends, murmurs of an extension have been growing within the party. The slogan 2030 vaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo (Mnangagwa will be there in 2030) has become a common chant at Zanu PF gatherings, suggesting a desire within the party to keep the 81-year-old leader at the helm.

However, Zanu PF information secretary Christopher Mutsvangwa has sought to quell any speculation about outside interference in the decision-making process. Addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Harare on Thursday, Mutsvangwa stated unequivocally that the decision on Mnangagwas future rests solely with Zanu PF members.

The President knows what is good about Zimbabwe by adhering to the dictates of the constitution that he will not run for a third term, Mutsvangwa said. People outside the party should not dictate who will be the next in power because Zanu PF is a constituent which follows the constitution which will be decided next month in the Congress.

Mutsvangwas comments come amidst speculation about factionalism within Zanu PF, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga widely tipped to succeed Mnangagwa. However, Mutsvangwa dismissed these reports, stating that the party is united and will follow the constitution.

The President has already made it clear that he will not be rallying for a term beyond 2028, Mutsvangwa added.

Despite the partys official stance, Mnangagwas loyalists are pushing for him to stay on beyond 2028, arguing that he needs to complete the projects he has started, particularly his Vision 2030 Blueprint.

The decision on Mnangagwas future will be made at the upcoming Zanu PF Congress next month. This event will see the partys leadership structure being reviewed and debated, with the potential for significant changes to the partys direction.

The spotlight will be on the Congress as Zimbabweans wait to see if Mnangagwa will remain in power beyond 2028, or if a new leader will emerge to take the reins of the nation.

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Related Zimbabwe Latest News
In a dramatic turn of events, five armed robbers who brazenly targeted Fawcett Security Company in Chipinge and made off with a staggering US$111,000 and R1,281,320 were apprehended just two days after their audacious heist.

The arrests, which were made following a tip-off, have grabbed national headlines and, highlighted the unwavering dedication of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in combating crime.

National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi had, however, last week promised the nation that the police are out in full force to arrest the Fawcett armed robbers as they had found out that the security companys employees were involved in the cash heist.

The investigation began when detectives from the CID Homicide Department in Harare received a tip-off last Friday that Norest Masikira, a 43-year-old Fawcett Security employee, was involved in the robbery. Masikira, who hails from Gaza A in Chipinge, allegedly provided crucial information about the companys operations to the robbers.

Working swiftly, the Harare detectives teamed up with their counterparts in Chipinge and apprehended Masikira. Under interrogation, Masikira implicated two other individuals, Takesure Simango (40) and Givemore Makoto (40), both unemployed and residing in Chipinge.

The investigation took a further turn when Simango and Makoto, in a bid to lessen their own culpability, revealed the identities of the remaining two suspects: Tendai Mupatsi (25) and his brother, Lovejoy Mupatsi (38). Both brothers are also from Chipinge.

The arrests led to the recovery of R98,000 and US$850 from Lovejoy Mupatsis car, which he allegedly claimed was his share of the loot. While Masikira, Simango, and Makoto were searched, no evidence was found in their possession.

However, during questioning, Masikira confessed to providing confidential information about Fawcett Security Companys Chipinge vault to Simango and Makoto. The two suspects, in turn, admitted to sharing this information with the Mupatsi brothers.

Tendai Mupatsi admitted robbing the security company in the company of the other suspects, a police source revealed.

However, he failed to mention their names, saying he did not personally know them, as they had only approached him with the idea of a heist after coming from South Africa where they claimed to reside.

The source further revealed that the complainants in the case are Fawcett Security Company employees: Mr Dzime Sithole, Mr George Nhamo Simango, Mr Mauka Chigonese, Mr Taurai Tarangwa, and Mr Gideon Gurudza (49).

The Manica Post reported that more money was recovered during the investigation, although the exact amount could not be confirmed at the time of going to print.

The robbery itself unfolded on Wednesday when two Fawcett Security Company personnel, Mr George Nhamo Sithole and the driver, Mr Dzime Sithole, were on supervisory duties in a blue Fawcett Isuzu vehicle parked at Farm and City shop in Chipinge town centre.

Two masked individuals, armed with pistols, emerged from behind the vehicle and ordered the two employees to disembark. They were then forced to surrender their jackets, hats, and vehicle keys.

The robbers, after making the Fawcett employees comply, donned their uniforms, tied their hands, and locked them in the vehicles back cash compartment.

Three accomplices then arrived and joined their two counterparts, before driving to the Fawcett Security Company premises in Gaza Township. Along the way, they stopped to load unknown items, and proceeded to the Fawcett Security Company offices.

Upon arrival at the main gate, the robbers ordered a security guard, Mr Mauka Chigonese, who was on duty, to unlock the gate. After opening the gate, Chigonese was manhandled and tied with electric cables.

The robbers then disarmed another security guard, Mr Taurai Tarangwa, who was on roving duties. They removed his shoelaces and tied his hands, forcing him to call Mr Gordon Gurudza, who was monitoring the alarm system, to open the office door.

Gurudza, upon opening the door, was ordered to lie face down and his hands were tied with an electric cable.

The robbers proceeded to damage the alarm control board, exterior light, BVR Computer Camera Saver, and two kits. They then broke into the vault using a grinder and stole cash from six cash boxes, stashing the money in a sack containing cow feed.

The robbers then drove off to Moiplass Estate, with the security guards at the back of the vehicle. They left the vehicle parked against a tree trunk, preventing the security guards from escaping, and abandoned it.

One of the complainants, Mr Sithole, later informed Fawcett Chipinge branch manager, Mr Peter Kabaira, about the incident, who then filed a report at ZRP Chipinge Urban. They attended the scene together with Chipinge police details.

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This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 904 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, PayPal, Clover, or Wise. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year, and our current goal, karoshi prevention.

Baby pygmy hippo the star at Chon Buri zoo Bangkok Post

Reassessing William the Conqueror History Today (Anthony L)

Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gauguin by Sue Prideaux review  savage with a sensitive side Guardian (Anthony L)

Ask Ethan: Could we determine if UAPs/UFOs are aliens? Big Think

How El Nino and mega ocean warming caused the greatest-ever mass extinction ScienceDaily

Why do we have earlobes? They make no evolutionary sense. Popular Science (Dr. Kevin)

World-leading expert reveals alarming reason for soaring young bowel cancers  a childhood bug thats in one of five peoples guts Daily Mail. Important. Notice victims typically not overweight and often very active. I wonder if some drink meal replacements. I see ads on YouTube sometimes for ones that claim to be super healthy and are clearly intended to be consumed daily.

#COVID-19

Climate/Environment

China?

European Disunion

Card payments disrupted throughout Germany Tagesschau (guurst)

Old Blighty

Gaza

New Not-So-Cold War

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Syraqistan

Imperial Collapse Watch

The Dangerous Silence on Nuclear War Consortium News. Robin K: As I recall, having seen it while sitting on my apartment couch in Austin, TX, the ad in question was pulled after appearing on network TV one time. In the 60s, that was not censorship but, um, just good taste, so we were told. Military Alliances of the Great Powers Global Affairs (Micael T)

Trump

Kamala

2024

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigns amid federal investigation Gothamist. This matters because, per Mayor Bloomberg, the NYPD was the 7th biggest army in the world as of the crushing of Occupy Wall Street. Presumably he was excluding reserves in the measurement of national armies. If his math was right then, its plausible on the same basis that the NYPD is still in the top 10.

Our No Longer Free Press

 Gonzalo Liras picture near the US Embassy in Moscow! The Gonzalo said too much for Ukraine to handle and they ensured he died in a Ukrainian prison. US did nothing to this day. pic.twitter.com/zt5Q2NEeG4  Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) September 12, 2024

USPS long-awaited new mail truck makes its debut to rave reviews from carriers Associated Press (Kevin W)

AI

https://newrepublic.com/article/185490/ray-kurzweil-ai-machines-proving-right rel=nofollow>The Machines Are Proving Ray Kurzweil RightSort Of New Republic (Anthony L)

The Bezzle

Man Arrested for Creating Fake Bands With AI, Then Making $10 Million by Listening to Their Songs With Bots Futurism. Micael T: Only Spotify and VC, PEs are allowed to earn money from stealing IP.

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour. William B: A small painted turtle races across the 7th green at Inverwood GC, headed to the pond.

And a bonus (Robin K):

A squirrel starting to store supplies for the winter pic.twitter.com/xsKy1x6rWK  Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) September 10, 2024

A second bonus (Robin K):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 919 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, PayPal, Clover, or Wise. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year, and our current goal, karoshi prevention.

Yves here. Anyone who has had contact with US programs billed as helping the poor knows that the headline outcome, that they become ensnared in bureaucratic procedures, is a feature, not a bug. The loved-by-PMC complex requirements result in at best delay (reducing payouts) and at worst being denied help due to lack of ability to produce documentation or meet other paperwork hurdles, despite being in the population that is supposed to get benefits. The case study here is Georgias Medicaid work rules, but this sort of thing is endemic.

Yet most American liberals think they are better than the punitive Victorians that Dickens tried to shame.

By Renuka Rayasam, KFF Health News senior correspondent, who previously wrote for Politico, the Austin American-Statesman and U.S. News & World Report and Sam Whitehead, KFF Health News correspondent, who previously reported for the public radio station WABE and Georgia Public Broadcasting. Originally published at KFF Health News

On a recent summer evening, Raymia Taylor wandered into a recreation center in a historical downtown neighborhood, the only enrollee to attend a nearly two-hour event for people who have signed up for Georgias experimental Medicaid expansion.

The state launched the program in July 2023, requiring participants to document that theyre working, studying, or doing other qualifying activities for 80 hours a month in exchange for health coverage. At the event, booths were set up to help people join the Marines or pursue a GED diploma.

Taylor, 20, already met the programs requirements  she studies nursing and works at a fast-food restaurant. But she said it wasnt clear what paperwork to submit or how to upload her documents. I was struggling, she said.

Georgia is the only state that requires certain Medicaid beneficiaries to work to get coverage. Republicans have long touted such programs, arguing they encourage participants to maintain employment. About 20 states have applied to enact Medicaid work requirements; 13 won approval under the Trump administration. The Biden administration has worked to block such initiatives.

The Georgia Pathways to Coverage program shows the hurdles ahead for states looking to follow its lead. Georgias GOP leaders have spent millions of dollars to launch Pathways. By July 29, nearly 4,500 people had enrolled, the states Medicaid agency told KFF Health News.

Thats well short of the states own goal of more than 25,000 in its first year, according to its application to the federal government, and a fraction of the 359,000 who might have been eligible had Georgia simply expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, as 40 other states did.

So far, the pricey endeavor has forced participants to navigate bureaucratic hurdles rather than support employment. The state would not confirm whether it could even verify if people in the program are working.

Research shows such red tape disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic people.

The people that need access to health care coverage the most are going to struggle with that administrative burden because the process is so complicated, said Leah Chan, director of health justice at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.

At an August press event, Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp announced a $10.7 million ad campaign to boost enrollment in Pathways, one of his administrations major health policy initiatives. The plan has cost more than $40 million in state and federal tax dollars through June, with nearly 80% going toward administration and consulting fees rather than paying for medical care, according to data the state Medicaid agency shared with KFF Health News.

Enrollment advisers, consumer advocates, and policy researchers largely blame a cumbersome enrollment process, complicated program design, and back-end technology flaws for Pathways flagging enrollment. They say that the online application is challenging to navigate and understand and lacks a way for people to receive immediate support, and that state staffers dont respond to applicants in a timely manner.

Its just an administrative nightmare, said Cynthia Gibson, director of the Georgia Legal Services Programs Health Law Unit, who helps Pathways applicants appeal denials.

Administrative challenges have also undermined a key part of the programs philosophy: that people maintain employment to keep coverage. As of July, the state was not removing enrollees for not meeting Pathways work requirement, according to Fiona Roberts, a spokesperson for Georgias Medicaid agency.

We understand that people need to be held accountable to those 80 hours for the spirit of the program, and we intend to do that, said Russel Carlson, the agencys commissioner.

Pathways is set to expire Sept. 30, 2025, unless the state asks the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for an extension. Georgia officials say they wont have to make that request until next spring, well after Novembers election. So the state could be asking for an extension from the Trump administration, which approved the program in the first place.

Georgia officials sued the Biden administration this year to keep Pathways running without going through the official extension process, which requires the state to conduct public comment sessions, gather extensive financial data, and prove that Pathways has met its goals. A federal judge ruled against Georgia.

A CMS spokesperson said the agency wouldnt comment on the program.

During the August press event, Kemp said the Biden administrations attempt to stop the program in 2021 delayed its rollout and stymied enrollment. A federal court blocked the administration and allowed Georgia to proceed.

People familiar with the enrollment process said Pathways has been mired in design flaws and system failures. As of the end of May, 13,702 applications were waiting to be processed, according to state documents.

The programs lengthy questionnaires and technical language are confusing, guidance is opaque, and tools to upload documents are tricky to navigate, according to interviews with health insurance enrollment specialists conducted for the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.

Its not an easy, Oh, I want to apply for Pathways, said Deanna Williams, who helps people enroll in insurance plans at Georgians for a Healthy Future, a consumer advocacy group. People generally learn about the program after being denied other Medicaid coverage, she said.

In the online application, people click through pages of questions before theyre shown a screen with information about Pathways, Williams said. Then they must check a box and sign a form saying they understand the programs requirements.

Sometimes the Pathways application doesnt pop up, and she must start over. The process to apply is not smooth, she said.

Data shows that people who dont earn enough to qualify for free ACA plans but also make too much for Medicaid are disproportionately people of color. Pathways offers Medicaid coverage to adults earning up to the federal poverty level: $15,060 for an individual or $31,200 for a family of four.

Some people eligible for Pathways who work in retail or restaurants with fluctuating hours are nervous they cant meet requirements every month, Williams said.

Many current enrollees dont know how to upload documents, and the website sometimes stops working, said Jahan Becham, an employment specialist for Pathways at Amerigroup Community Care. Or people just forget.

Every month Becham gets a list of 200 to 300 enrollees who havent submitted their hours. It is something new, and not many people are used to this, Becham said.

I would get reminders, said Taylor, who attended the event for enrollees in August. I just didnt know how.

In a June 2023 meeting with Georgia Medicaid staffers weeks before the program launched, federal officials questioned why the state wasnt automatically verifying eligibility with existing data sources, according to meeting minutes KFF Health News obtained through a state open-records request. Georgia officials said they were unsure when theyd be able to simplify the verification process.

Many potential participants face improper denials, advocates said. Gibson, at the Georgia Legal Services Program, said not enough workers are trained to properly evaluate applications.

Fewer than 1 in 5 people who have their Pathways applications processed had been accepted into the program as of May, according to a KFF Health News analysis of state data. Roberts, with the state, said people were denied because they earned too much, didnt meet requirements, or didnt complete the paperwork.

A full-time graduate student was wrongly blocked from the program, and in February a state administrative judge ordered her case be reconsidered. In another case, a different judge ruled a 64-year-old woman who couldnt work because she was her disabled husbands full-time caregiver would not qualify for Pathways.

Despite the challenges, state records from May show no individuals were removed from the program since it launched for failing to meet work requirements.

Georgias experiment comes after a 2018 effort in Arkansas to implement work requirements on an existing Medicaid expansion population led to 18,000 people losing coverage, many of whom either met requirements or would have been exempted.

Taylor found out about Pathways when she applied for food stamps last year. It wasnt until August that she learned she could submit her school schedule to meet the qualifying hours requirement. With a full Medicaid expansion, Taylor would have been eligible for health coverage without the extra effort. But, for her, its still worth it.

Its important to have health insurance, said Taylor, who has been to the dentist several times and plans to visit a doctor. Im glad I have it.
Australia and New Zealand propose new law scrapping GMO labeling requirements on food

Its becoming increasingly common to find food on American store shelves that admits to being GMO or bioengineered in the fine print, but shoppers in Australia and New Zealand may soon not even have the benefit of this crucial disclosure if a proposed law is passed

Researcher Kate Mason is warning that Australia and New Zealands food authority, FSANZ, has proposed amendments to its current Food Standards Code that would see gene-edited foods being deregulated and labels disappearing altogether, leaving consumers who seek real food in the dark about the true origins of the products being sold in supermarkets there.

Under the proposal, any foods that do not contain novel DNA wont be considered genetically modified  even if they were processed using new breeding techniques, vastly altering the definition of genetically defined foods there. The agency also maintains that foods created using new techniques for genetic modification do not need extensive testing because they are somehow equivalent to their conventional counterparts.

Mason wrote: FSANZ asserts that genetically edited food is the same as natural-conventional food, that it has the same characteristics. Under this definition, lab meat may be seen as the same as meat, as the lab meat has added synthetic vitamins and minerals which match the natural levels of vitamins and minerals in meat.

She also cautioned that the move could ultimately result in the worldwide processed food industry self-regulating gene-edited food, putting everyone at risk of unknowingly consuming engineered foods.

GeneEthics Director Bob Phelps echoed Masons warning, cautioning that the new definitions of gene technology and food produced using gene technology would mean that the gene-modified organisms and chemicals that are used in producing synthetic food would be exempt from regulations. In fact, the food industry would not even be required to inform FSANZ that it used the technology.

Profits over people

Phelps noted: So, gene-edited fake meat, mock milk, synthetic seafood, processing aids, additives, nutritive substances, colourings and flavourings  even those not yet invented  would be sold in secret.

Shoppers would entirely lose our right to know and choose what to feed our families, he added, pointing out that FSANZ is putting the interests of the junk food industry above human health.

FSANZ even admitted as much in an official document, explaining that changing these rules would benefit the food industry in the form of increased profits as well as increased production efficiencies.

A period for consumers to voice objections to the proposal closed on September 10, but the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand is among those calling on FSANZ to extend the consultation period so that people have more time to submit objections.

They explained the dangers involved, with co-chair Jenny Lux pointing out the threat it poses to the organic food sector.

Introducing gene-edited products into our food system without clear labels could inadvertently lead organic foods to contain genetically engineered ingredients. This is unacceptable and undermines the trust consumers place in organic labels, she stated.

GMO foods linked to serious health effects

There are no long-term studies demonstrating the safety of consuming GMO foods in humans, but the fact that cancers are caused by DNA mutations has prompted concerns about consuming foods with added genes. Moreover, GMO crops are engineered to withstand liberal herbicide use, putting those who consume them at risk of cancer and other health problems associated with the use of glyphosate and other agrichemicals.

On top of the potential health and environmental problems inherent to foods created with the gene editing process, allowing them to flood the market unchecked will lead to a bigger supply of the type of ultraprocessed foods associated with a slew of serious issues ranging from obesity and heart problems to diabetes and colorectal cancer.

Although many food producers who use these techniques do their best to obscure them from the public, savvy consumers who are willing to put in the research can usually avoid them. Unfortunately, it is about to become a lot more difficult for those in Australia and New Zealand to identify GM foods and protect their health.

Sources for this article include:

Expose-News.com

FarmersWeekly.co.nz
Billionaire OnlyFans porn mogul Leonid Radvinsky donates MILLIONS to right-wing AIPAC pro-Israel lobby

A Ukrainian Jew by the name of Leonid Radvinsky who runs the "hive of pornography" known as OnlyFans is an AIPAC donor who along with his wife, we now know, funneled $11 million to the Israel-first political action committee  making him the biggest individual AIPAC donor on record.

Radvinsky's more than $3.8 billion fortune came after he purchased OnlyFans from father-son duo Guy and Tim Stokely in 2018. Back then under Stokely leadership, OnlyFans was a family-friendly platform, but Radvinsky turned it into a highly profitable smut factory.

Since the start of 2023, OnlyFans has paid Radvinsky an astounding $630 million in dividends. None of this would have been possible had Radvinsky not turned OnlyFans into a filth platform that exploits people for profit.

Radvinsky's foray into porn actually began when he was still underage. Back when he was a teenager, Radvinsky reportedly set up and ran a group of websites that offered illegal access to porn sites using "hacked" passwords.

"Some of the promoted sites dangled a promise of links to underage performers," one news website explains.

"Password Universe, promoted a link to a site supposedly catering to pedophiles with 10,000 'illegal pre-teen passwords.' Another site, Working Passes, included in its smutty universe a supposed link to 'the hottest underaged hardcore' that featured 16-year-olds. Still another linked to 'the hottest bestiality site on the web.'"

Since October 7th, Leonid Radvinsky has contributed more than any other individual to the Israel lobby group AIPAC, according to internal donor records. The UK-based wealthy owner of OnlyFans contributed over five times the amount to AIPAC compared to the second-largest donor. pic.twitter.com/uYqbQoMcbO  MintPress News (@MintPressNews) May 14, 2024

(Related: Did you know that Israeli Zionists, many of them dual citizens, have been controlling the U.S. government for decades?)

Is Leonid Radvinsky a pedophile or just a greedy pig?

While there is no evidence, according to Forbes, that any of Radvinsky's sites linked to anything illegal, it is an undeniable fact that this Ukrainian Jew is rolling in the dough thanks to the perversions he unleashed upon the world, for which the god of this world is rewarding by filling up Radvinsky's bank accounts with Federal Reserve Notes (FRNs).

OnlyFans has done so little to protect underage children from accessing the site  because that would cut into profits  that regulators in the United Kingdom announced plans to investigate Radvinsky's empire to determine "whether OnlyFans has contravened its duties to implement appropriate measures ... to protect under-18s from encountering restricted material such as pornography."

Concerning the $11 million donation to AIPAC, Radvinsky denies ever having pledged it. When asked by The Lever to explain documentation showing that he did, in fact, wire transfer the cash to AIPAC, Radvinsky stopped responding altogether.

Like many rich and powerful Jews, Radvinsky reportedly lives somewhere in Florida and has a net worth of over $3.8 billion.

"A few years ago, I'd roll my eyes at people who said Jews were responsible for society's degeneracy, but then I found out a Rabbi owns Pornhub," one commenter wrote, referencing another high-profit porn site. "The same thing occurred in the Weimar Republic."

"I wonder how this guy is related to the comedian trying to fight Russia," wrote another, referring to Radvinsky's possible connections to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Someone else suggested that it is high time to "tax the rich into oblivion" as this is "the only way" to put a stop to this kind of gross business empire building by amoral industrialists.

"In America, it's called 'lobbying,' but everywhere else it's called bribery and corruption," noted another about how the United States is just as corrupt as, if not more corrupt than, many third world countries.

More related news about the Zionist cash cow that is pornography can be found at Evil.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
DESTROYING EVIDENCE: Canada orders vaccine clinics to destroy Pfizer, Moderna mRNA vaccine vials

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has ordered provinces to destroy Pfizer and Moderna Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine vials provided last season to "make way for updated shots" that the federal regulator has yet to approve.

Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta public health officials said they removed doses targeting the old omicron XBB variant. Provinces that ordered the jabs withdrawn as of Aug. 31 or Sept. 1 said they did so at the behest of PHAC. The new vaccines that are a closer match for the current variants are expected to be rolled out in late September or early October.

Canada is reportedly in the middle of a late-summer wave of COVID-19, driven by waning immunity and a variant called KP.3.1.1, which accounted for an alleged estimated 62.2 percent of variants in Canada as of Aug. 25.

In Ontario, Chief Medical Officer of Health Kieran Moore issued a memo on Aug. 27 saying that the PHAC ordered a market withdrawal of all doses targeting the XBB variant effective Sept. 1. Julie Kryzanowski, Saskatchewan's deputy chief medical health officer, issued a memo similar to Ontario's on Aug. 28. Dale Hunter, a spokesman for that province's Health Ministry, confirmed that "all health care facilities, pharmacies and physician offices in Saskatchewan" disposed of their remaining XBB shots on Aug. 31.

In Quebec, the health ministry said some vaccine appointments would have to be canceled as a result of PHAC's withdrawal order but Quebec anticipates the access gap will last as little as two weeks. Meanwhile, the Manitoba government said it asked vaccine providers to return unused XBB doses to the province as of the end of August.

"Specific requests for patients that may still need a dose of the current vaccine within a short time frame can still be considered on a case-by-case basis," the province said in an unattributed email. (Related: Canadian gov't agencies spent CA$9.9 million on social media ads to promote COVID-19 vaccines.)

Oncologist: Do not destroy potential evidence of vaccines' ineffectiveness and inefficacy

Meanwhile, oncologist and top cancer researcher Dr. William Makis discouraged authorities from throwing away the vaccine vials, as these may serve as future evidence of the vaccines' ineffectiveness and inefficacy.

"You may be wondering if one day you will be held accountable for injecting a toxic pharmaceutical product that you knew or should have known into people who were injured or have died suddenly, for injecting it into children and pregnant women, you were just following orders, just wanted a job," he said. "Do not under any circumstance remove or destroy vials of COVID-19 vaccines as you may have been instructed by Health Canada or your bosses. Save those vials of vaccines."

He highlighted the current attempt to cover up and destroy evidence of a very serious crime. "These vaccines are contaminated. There are going to be labs in the future. They are going to want to test these vaccines and will pay tubs of dollars. If you are ethically compromised and you love money then these vaccines are going to be your bitcoin. Save them. Hide them. Smuggle them out of the country. Do not let them get destroyed." he warned.

Watch William Makis' video urging vaccine providers to not destroy the vials as instructed.

This video is from Be Children of Light channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Canada's COVID-19 VACCINE INJURY program tops $14M in payouts, with hundreds of claims still left unpaid.

Canadian military officials hesitated to lift COVID-19 vaccine mandate for service members because it would hurt their "credibility."

Canadian government data reveals that most people are avoiding COVID-19 boosters.

Sources include:

TheGlobeAndMail.com

X.com

Brighteon.com
ICYMI: Father of boy killed by Haitian wishes killer was a 60-year-old White man

The father of a boy who was killed in Springfield, Ohio, by a Haitian immigrant who was driving without a valid license has stated that he wishes the killer was a white man, so that conservatives would stop talking about the case.

(Article by Christopher Tomlinson republished from TheNationalPulse.com)

Nathan Clark stated, You know, I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man.

I bet you never thought anyone would ever say something so blunt. But if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone, he added.

The parents of Aiden Clark say they wish he had been killed by an older white man, instead of a Haitian, because they say his death has been used to spread hate towards migrants. Aidens father asks for Republicans to stop using his death for political reasons. pic.twitter.com/jzlzm5EI9q  TheBlaze (@theblaze) September 10, 2024

Clark spoke at a press conference this week after Senator J.D. Vance commented on the case, saying, Do you know whats confirmed? That a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here.

Former President Donald J. Trump also mentioned the situation in Springfield, Ohio, during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris this week, highlighting reports that Haitian migrants have been eating peoples pets and other animals.

Corporate media outlets deny that Haitians have been eating wildlife in the town. However, audio released this week reveals that residents have contacted Springfield police regarding Haitian migrants being involved in the poaching of local geese.

Around 20,000 Haitians have moved into Springfield under the Biden-Harris regime, roughly a third of the towns 58,000 population. Locals have expressed frustration with the influx, from complaints of Haitians eating pets and local wildlife to housing shortages, increased hospital wait times, and illegals being given taxpayer cash that prices locals out of the rental market.

Read more at: TheNationalPulse.com
Israeli strike on Syria kills 25, hits military research center

Israeli jets have launched a major strike on targets in Syria, killing at least 25 people , according to an opposition war monitor.

The strike, described as one of the most intense in recent years, primarily targeted a military research center in Masyaf linked to Syria's chemical and ballistic missile programs.

Explosions were also reported in Damascus, Homs and Tartus. Syrian state media reported 16 deaths and 40 injuries. (Related: Israel attacks Iranian embassy in Syria to provoke Iran, rope U.S. into WWIII.)

The attack on Sunday night, Sept. 8, hit sites associated with pro-Iranian militias and the "scientific research facility" near Hama, reportedly managed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

This facility had been among those the International Atomic Energy Agency sought access to after the 2007 destruction of Syrias suspected al-Kibar nuclear reactor.

The Syrian foreign ministry condemned the strikes as blatant aggression, but the Israeli military has not commented. Israel has frequently targeted Syrian and Iranian-backed positions, but rarely discussed such operations.

The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights called the attack one of the most severe Israeli strikes in years, involving 14 missiles. Among the dead were five civilians, four soldiers and 13 individuals working with pro-Iran groups. The strikes reportedly destroyed buildings and military centers in Masyaf and targeted sites related to weapons development.

Iranian experts involved in developing precision missiles and drones were reportedly among the casualties.

A Syrian military source confirmed the strikes, stating that air defenses intercepted some missiles. Syrian state media reported two fires caused by the strikes, which firefighters are working to extinguish. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the attack, labeling it a criminal act.

Masyaf was also targeted by Israel in 2017 over allegations it stored missiles and chemical munitions.

Iran's evolving strategy

Since its first intervention in support of the Assad regime during the Syrian Civil War, Iran has entrenched itself deeply, bolstering pro-regime forces and actively working against the Syrian opposition.

Beyond its visible military presence, Tehran has made significant inroads into the social and political spheres, exploiting sectarian divisions and drawing numerous militias under its influence. This multifaceted approach underscores Iran's role as a dominant power in Syria.

Iran's primary objective is maintaining the strategic corridor linking Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, often referred to as the Tehran-Baghdad-Damascus-Beirut route.

This land corridor is crucial for transporting weapons and equipment to allies such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Iraq. Iran's control over Syria hinges significantly on its support for Iraq-based militias. These groups are integral to the region's alliances and dynamics.

According to a November 2019 study titled "Iranian Infiltration Networks in the Middle East," Iran spends about $16 billion annually supporting its militias across Syria, Iraq and Yemen, with an additional $700 million for Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iran's strategy of backing proxy groups is consistent across the "Shia Crescent," though Tehran has recently adopted new tactics that could further extend its influence.

Since the Gaza conflict began, Iran and its proxies  part of the so-called "axis of resistance"  have faced criticism for their lackluster support for Hamas.

To counter this perception, Iran has intensified efforts to secure its supply lines through Syria and Iraq, aiming to bolster Hezbollah's arsenal. Field reports indicate a significant increase in weapon shipments from Iraq to Syria, particularly west of the Euphrates.

This uptick reflects the limited effectiveness of Israeli and U.S. strikes against Iranian targets and the weakening of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) control.

Recently, Iran-backed militias have empowered local factions to challenge SDF authority, complicating U.S. interests and potentially opening a new corridor for pro-Iran militias.

Iranian militias in Syria, numbering around 100,000 according to Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hussein Salami, include groups like the Fatemiyoun Brigade (Afghans), Zainabiyoun Brigade (Pakistanis) and Saada Brigade (Yemenis).

The latest stories about the escalating situation in the Middle East can be found at WWIII.news.

Watch this video from "Southfront Press" discussing Israels escalation of the conflict with its new air strikes against Syria.

This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

China urges Israel to stop bombing Syria to avoid escalation of conflict in Gaza.

Netanyahu convenes war cabinet as Israel prepares for "imminent" retaliation from Iran after airstrike against embassy in Syria.

Syria now firing missiles on Golan Heights as U.S. provides "surging" support for Israeli operation in "cleansing" Gaza of all Palestinians.

Sources include:

TheGuardian.com

Washingtoninstitute.com

Brighteon.com
Trump outlines NINE STEPS he plans to take to drain the swamp

At a recent campaign stop in Wisconsin, Donald Trump laid out plans in nine steps that he says will "drain the swamp" during his second White House term.

The rally, held at Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee, featured Trump outlining what he plans to do to make America great again while blasting Kamala Harris, his competition, for hers.

"Our country is a failing nation right now," Trump told the crowd, blaming what he described as the "Washington swamp" for everything horrible Americans are now having to endure.

In order to overhaul government and fix America, Trump says he will start with 1) abolishing the "weaponization of government."

"We will completely overhaul Kamala's corrupt Department of Injustice and turn the DOJ back into the best law enforcement agency on the planet," Trump said to the crowd  watch the video below to see all nine steps that Trump plans to take to heal the nation:

Here are the 9? steps President Trump will take to break the grip of this rogue regime and take back power for THE PEOPLE pic.twitter.com/4EbCzT0dIO  Zeno Calhoun (@zenoc_oshits) September 8, 2024

(Related: Did you know that Russian President Vladimir Putin favors Kamala Harris over Donald Trump because of Kamala's "infectious laugh?")

Trump rolls out promises to clean up government, restore America

After putting an end to the weaponization of government, Trump plans to 2) restore free speech in accordance with the First Amendment.

"Fake news is a threat to this country," Trump said, adding that he plans to "sign an executive order banning any federal employee from colluding to limit speech."

Trump's third step involves 3) expelling the warmongers from the country. He is referring, here, to the abolition of the so-called military-industrial complex, which continues to wage war after war after war with no end.

"I had no wars," Trump bragged about what happened during his first White House term. "My personality stopped wars."

The federal government also has too much power, which is why Trump wants to 4) curtail bureaucratic control over Americans. At the suggestion of billionaire electric vehicle (EV) guru Elon Musk, Trump says he plans to create a Government Efficiency Commission to conduct a financial audit of Washington.

After that, Trump wants 5) education reform, which to him means eliminating the federal Department of Education, something he promised during his first campaign. Trump wants to stop U.S. taxpayer dollars from being used to "indoctrinate America's youth."

Once education is dealt with, Trump plans to 6) end equity policies that discriminate against white people and "punish Americans based on race or gender."

"America will return to the merit principle," Trump proclaimed from his podium.

The seventh thing Trump plans to do is 7) root out corruption in public health. After the fiasco that occurred during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic," Trump has decided to appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to fix the many problems at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as to investigate the rise in chronic health problems across the U.S.

Eighthly, Trump wants to 8) stop foreign influence by pushing Congress to pass laws that stop foreign influence-peddling, which has been a major problem under Joe Biden.

Finally, Trump wants to 9) modify the 25th Amendment to allow for the impeachment and removal of a vice president who "lies or engages in a conspiracy to cover up the incapacity of the president." With this one, Trump is taking specific aim at Kamala for allegedly covering up Biden's seemingly obvious health issues.

The latest news about Trump's bid for the presidency can be found at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

NaturalNews.com
Report: Tim Walz approved funding for Minnesota lab that worked with notorious Wuhan facility

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, has reportedly worked to secure millions in funding for a laboratory in his state that worked with the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV).

The Washington Examiner disclosed this development about Walz, citing records it reviewed. According to the outlet, he was responsible for helping the Hormel Institute (HI)  part of the University of Minnesota (UMN)  obtain a total of $7 million during his time as a congressman. The institute worked on a variety of projects with the WIV, which has been widely seen as the source of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Among the projects that the HI and the WIV worked on included COVID-19 research in 2020 and bacteria research in 2024. One such COVID-19 study listed four WIV researchers, three HI researchers and a professor from the Yale School of Medicine as authors.

According to the Examiner, Walz has held meetings with the HI for over a decade. Records also reveal that the Minnesota governor has toured the research center. In turn, the institute has thanked Walz for helping it obtain millions of dollars in funding. (Related: House panel subpoenas Tim Walz over $250M COVID fraud  was he aware of it at the time?)

"For [more than 80] years, the HI has helped pave the way for Minnesota to lead in biomedical innovation," Walz said in April. "It was great to stop by their facilities  in Austin to see that work in action."

No U.S. research center should collaborate with the WIV

In 2020, the Hormel Institute also disclosed in the "funding information" section of a separate EMBO Journal study that it received "help from the core facility and technical support" of the WIV for "radioactive and fluorescent tests," the Examiner found.

HI professor Bin Liu, who is listed as working on the 2020 EMBO Journal study, attended Wuhan University as per his resume. Other researchers for the study included those with links to the WIV, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Zhengzhou University.

A January 2024 study on genes was penned by HI researchers and three researchers from Wuhan  Lina He, Wei Zhou and Yangbo Hu. Meanwhile, Hu worked with three others from HI  Liu, Dong Wang and Dmytro Kompaniiets  on a paper titled "Structure and molecular mechanism of bacterial transcription activation."

Established in 1956, the WIV is overseen by the Chinese Academy of Sciences  which reports directly to the Chinese Communist Party's State Council. According to the U.S. Department of State, the WIV "has engaged in classified research, including laboratory animal experiments, on behalf of the Chinese military since at least 2017."

UMN spokesman Jake Ricker insisted that both the university and HI have no "formal affiliation" with the WIV. "Research is conducted with the full commitment of the HI and the university to compliance with federal disclosure, security, export controls and sanctions rules," he said.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh, a former member of the White House National Security Council, pointed out that the HI's work with WIV is concerning. He said U.S. entities should not be collaborating at all with the WIV.

"The WIV has direct ties to China's People's Liberation Army," Cavanaugh told the Examiner. "The HI is helping a foreign adversary."

Visit CommunistChina.news for more similar stories.

Watch InfoWars founder Alex Jones discussing Tim Walz's communist inclinations below.

This video is from the Polyxena Lobkovice channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Retired military leaders slam Tim Walz as HABITUAL LIAR.

50 U.S. Armed Forces veterans in Congress denounce Tim Walz for lying about his military service record.

Tim Walzs radical wife just let the mask slip, and wow, its scary.

FETUS LIVES MATTER: Kommie Harris and Walz are both radical abortion extremists who support genocide by killing 3rd term fetuses and babies on their day of birth (op-ed).

Tim Walz lied during campaign speech about his wife undergoing IVF.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

WashingtonExaminer.com

Brighteon.com
20,000-plus migrant INVASION sweeps Springfield, Ohio  migrants CAN BARELY DRIVE but are somehow getting drivers licenses quickly

Locals in Springfield, Ohio, are speaking out about what the 20,000-plus Haitian migrant horde is doing to their town.

"YouTuber turned investigative journalist" Tyler Oliveira posted a video  watch below  of Springfield locals sharing how their town has changed ever since the Haitian migrant horde took hold of their area.

"They're nothing but a headache," one guy told Oliveira about the migrants. "All they're doing is raising our rent and our taxes and wrecking vehicles. It's been nothing but a hassle since they've been here. It's been horrible."

When Oliveira asked the man to rate Haitian driving on a scale from one to 10, the guy responded with "negative 10" as his answer.

"Worst driving I've ever seen," the guy continued. "And I'm from down south."

A lady told Oliveira that after being run off a property, a vanload of Haitians drove off and hit the curb. Some of the vehicle's passengers could also be heard screaming that they would be back because, according to them, "we own this town."

? BREAKING: SPRINGFIELD, OHIO UPDATE Locals say the 20,000+ Haitians cannot drive and believe they pose a threat to public safety. No one knows how they are getting driver's licenses and cars so quickly despite them seemingly having no understanding of traffic laws. With pic.twitter.com/jGMmbkgSxz  Tyler Oliveira (@tyleraloevera) September 10, 2024

(Related: Did you know that the Biden regime is providing travel "loans" to illegals so they can more easily invade America with lots of resources?)

Bad Haitian migrant drivers

Curious about how the bad-driving Haitian migrants in the van were even able to get driver's licenses in the first place, Oliveira headed on down to the local DMV to ask an employee what that process looks like. She refused to answer his question, stating that she is "not allowed to say."

Oliveira then asked another woman at the DMV who expressed similar frustration about how quickly these Haitian migrants seem to be getting driver's licenses despite their Haiti driver's licenses not transferring over automatically.

"They're getting them quickly and I don't know why," the woman said.

The local sentiment in and around Springfield is that these Haitians are coming to the area, getting driver's licenses quickly, and ravishing the place. The migrants are showing no interest in assimilating into American culture and are instead bringing their own culture to replace it.

"They bring their own culture here and stick to their [sic] selves and walk around the stores eating food, don't pay for it  they do what they want to around here," the first man that Oliveira interviewed in the video stated later on in the footage.

"It's kind of aggravating. It's kind of disrespectful towards us that's been here for a long time."

When then asked about rumors that Haitian migrants are stealing people's pets and geese from the park in order to eat, the man said he heard the same thing and "saw the pictures on Facebook."

"Pictures don't lie, right?" the man asked.

It would seem as though Ohio is handing out driver's licenses to these Haitian migrants without requiring them to pass the normal written and road tests. Other locals say they are seeing migrants trying to learn how to drive on their own in parking lots and on city streets, but that the normal process is not being followed.

"They are given licenses in order to vote, obviously," someone commented on X, noting that Ohio is a swing state that Kamala has to win in order to stop Trump.

The latest news about the collapse of America under the weight of illegal immigration can be found at InvasionUSA.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
Americans being kicked out of their homes and REPLACED with Haitian migrants, Springfield local reveals

At a recent city council meeting in Springfield, Ohio, a local homeless advocate told a story about how illegal Haitian migrants are being outfitted with rental accommodations formerly inhabited by citizen residents who are being kicked to the streets to make way for their Haitian replacements.

According to the man  watch him speak below  he personally knows of someone who was just kicked out of a Springfield rental house where the person had been living for seven years. The landlord claimed that renovations needed to be done, only to quickly welcome in a Haitian migrant as a tenant replacement.

Why would local landlords in Springfield do this? According to the homeless advocate in the video below, the Biden regime is subsidizing these rentals for illegal Haitians using U.S. tax dollars.

"I don't know of a single homeless Haitian in this town because they all got vouchers! But I can show you a whole bunch of people that have been displaced," the man explained, noting that the landlord in the above story now charges triple the rental rate, which is paid for by the Biden regime using U.S. tax dollars.

This is an absolutely insane video. A Springfield, Ohio homeless advocate tells the city council that landlords are kicking people out of their homes and replacing them with Haitians and that the Biden-Harris government is paying them to do it. He says he personally knows pic.twitter.com/edNKl4tpDz  Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 12, 2024

(Related: Did you know that the U.S. Army just issued an advisory threat warning about migrant gangs terrorizing American cities?)

Will Trump make a campaign stop in Springfield to address the crisis?

If the situation in Springfield with the Haitian migrants is really as serious as it sounds, then it would make sense for Donald Trump to make a campaign stop there to address it.

"Trump should go to Ohio, speak to these people and draw attention to what's going on there," someone wrote on X, offering advice to the Trump campaign.

Another X user wrote that what is happening in Springfield is now happening all across the country as the illegal alien migrant invasion reaches a fever pitch.

"They are getting housing, they are getting money, and they are getting jobs," this person said. "Illegals are getting everything while we are left holding the bag."

According to another X account, the U.S. government under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris is spending $800 a Haitian head to provide rental accommodations  all with U.S. taxpayer dollars, of course.

"You put two families in a house and, boom, that's $8,000 a month in rent," this person said. "This is reality."

Keep in mind that it has now been two years since 50 illegal asylum seekers arrived in the wealthy enclave of Martha's Vineyard, much to the chagrin of cash-rich locals who expressed anger over the illegals being placed in their own backyards rather than in poorer areas.

Next Monday marks the 2 year anniversary of one of the worst mainland tragedies ever to occur in the U.S. On September 16th, 2022, 50 well-behaved asylum seekers landed on Marthas Vineyard. pic.twitter.com/ijnGIGJD3e  Andrew (@fake_news_u_r) September 9, 2024

Eventually, all that U.S. taxpayer cash could dry up, leaving the slumlords accommodating Haitian migrants with no further income, especially once all U.S. citizens are removed from the equation.

"Triple rent won't matter when the house is destroyed when you have to kick them out because the government vouchers dry up," is how one person put it on X about the issue. "Good luck evicting them down the road too."

The latest news about the illegal alien migrant crisis can be found at InvasionUSA.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
Rights groups and activists urge U.S. court to reconsider lawsuit against Biden-Harris administration for their complicity in Gaza genocide

More than half a dozen former high-ranking diplomats, notable activists and human rights organizations have filed briefs urging a federal court in the United States to reconsider taking on a case accusing the administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of being complicit in Israel's genocide of Palestinians in Gaza

The case, Defense for Children InternationalPalestine v. Biden, was initially filed on Nov. 13, 2023, by Palestinian human rights groups and individuals with support from the Center for Constitutional Rights and the law firm Van Der Hout LLP.

The lawsuit accused Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin of failing to prevent what was then an "unfolding genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza amid Israeli military actions in the Strip. (Related: Genocide case against Israel gets underway at International Court of Justice.)

The complaint claimed that by the time of the filing, around 11,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, had already been killed by Israeli forces.

By Sept. 10, reports from Gaza's Health Ministry indicated that Israel had already killed at least 41,020 Palestinians and wounded 94,925.

A federal judge in Oakland, California dismissed this lawsuit in February, citing a lack of jurisdiction.

This has led to more than half a dozen groups of human rights organizations, former diplomats and activists urging for a rehearing. Several amicus curiae briefs were submitted on Sept. 9, arguing that the court should revisit its decision and address whether the actions of the U.S. president violated laws that govern foreign policy conduct.

"The Panels decision is one of profound importance, doing serious damage to Congress and the Judiciary, the rule of law, and the United States credibility in the world," one brief filed by former U.S. intelligence officers and diplomats said. "U.S. statutes prohibit committing or assisting genocide and mass atrocities, mankinds worst crime."

Two leading rights organizations that submitted briefs, the Jewish Voice For Peace and If Not Now, argued that the Biden administration's policies violated the U.S. memorandum on arms transfer, which prohibits the transfer of weapons to countries where they might be used to facilitate genocide.

"The Israeli assault on Gaza employs the same tools of dehumanization, intentional starvation, and mass slaughter used in past genocides, and which we, as Jews, recognize," the groups said.

If the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco grants the request for a rehearing, the court's full 11-judge panel, known as an en banc court, would review the case.

U.S. military aid to Israel makes Washington complicit in genocide

In January, the Biden administration argued that the suit involves "quintessential political questions" outside the court's purview. The defendants assert that the case attempts to "superintend the Executive Branch's foreign policy and national security judgment." They responded with a motion to dismiss.

Their defense rests on the claim that Israel, as a sovereign nation, controls its military operations and that the plaintiffs have not sufficiently demonstrated that their alleged injuries can be directly attributed to U.S. support. They claimed that the aid provided to Israel has complied with international humanitarian law to "mitigate the humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, such as a U.S.-facilitated seven-day pause in fighting.

At that time, the motion to dismiss argued that the plaintiffs lacked jurisdiction, the case presented a "nonjusticiable political question" and that the Genocide Convention does not establish a "private right of action." Additionally, U.S. officials have rejected genocide allegations against Israel, with Strategic Communications Coordinator for the National Security Council John Kirby calling such claims "unfounded."

"Thats not a word that ought to be thrown around lightly. And we certainly dont believe that it applies here," Kirby stated in a January press briefing.

However, Michael Barnett, a professor at George Washington University stated that the lawsuit could still have significant political ramifications even if the case is dismissed.

"What really matters is that you make noise, raise the attention and volume," Barnett said. "You get the ability to stand in court, and register your overall concerns and make your case. The fact that the U.S. is being charged with actual complicity in these crimes against its longtime ally and friend, Israel, is extraordinary. I think it's worth pausing and taking in this moment because youre beginning to see American politicians and people in the executive wing begin to reconsider that relationship."

Follow Genocide.news for more stories about the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Watch the video below about Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani's commentary regarding Western politicians being fundamentally racist toward Palestinians on the issue of Gaza genocide.

This video is from the Puretrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Green Party becomes first political party in Britain to declare Israels war in Gaza a GENOCIDE.

Prophecy preacher and genocide apologist Amir Tsarfati says the mass killing of Palestinians is not genocide because God told them to do it.

Mike Adams calls out Amir Tsarfati for bearing false witness, promoting mass murder of innocents, spreading false anti-Semitic smears while ignoring GENOCIDE in Gaza.

Genocide profiteers: Israeli state-owned weapons companies required to purchase cloud services from Google and Amazon.

GENOCIDE JOE: White House supported Israel despite knowing they were indiscriminately bombing civilians in Gaza.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

Truthout.com

Brighteon.com
Around 5% of Haitis entire population has migrated to the U.S. since 2020

Reports indicate that the administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have facilitated the resettlement of nearly half a million Haitians into the United States, including around 211,000 flown into the country on commercial flights. This constitutes around five percent of the Haitian population now living in America.

Conservative legal advocacy organization America First Legal warned that this Haitian resettlement program is still ongoing, and as it continues, concerns over the social and economic implications of such a significant population influx rise. (Related: Chilling backdoor plot involving savage Ohio Haitian migrants is being hidden from the American people.)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that the country has experienced a massive influx of Haitian migrants, noting that there have been an estimated 475,004 encounters with Haitian nationals at the border since 2020. Many of these individuals have arrived through a combination of border crossings and the Biden administration's Humanitarian Parole Program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.

Since January 2023, the parole program has granted parole to over 205,000 Haitian nationals, allowing them to fly directly to the U.S. and seek work permits. Upon arrival, many are also granted access to various public services, helping ease their transition into the country. This program aims to streamline migration, offering a legal pathway for thousands of Haitians fleeing the ongoing instability in their homeland.

The migration surge has also resulted in unfortunate incidents, with allegations emerging of crimes perpetrated by some individuals. These incidents include accusations of a Haitian national raping a pregnant woman and another being involved in the murder of an 11-year-old boy on his way to school.

Additionally, another Haitian national has been accused of raping a 15-year-old, while another stands accused of molesting a minor, among other reported crimes. These reports have raised questions about the screening processes in place and the overall management of the growing migrant population.

Biden administration grants asylum to over 300K Haitian migrants

Recently, the Biden administration announced that it was granting temporary protected status (TPS) to approximately 309,000 Haitian migrants who had arrived in the U.S. legally or illegally on or before June 3, claiming that the order that protects them from deportation is necessary to save the lives of Haitians running from organized gang violence.

"We are providing this humanitarian relief to Haitians already present in the United States given the conditions that existed in their home country," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. "In doing so, we are realizing the core objective of the TPS law and our obligation to fulfill it."

This comes after several months of intense lobbying by human rights organizations who had been calling on the Biden administration to end the deportation of Haitian migrants over claims that they could end up getting hurt or killed by the gang violence that has broken out in their country.

The shielding of 309,000 Haitians in the U.S. from deportation brings up the total number of Haitians with protected status to roughly 500,000.

Visit OpenBorders.news for more stories like this.

Watch this clip from InfoWars featuring Alex Jones warning about how more than a million Haitian migrants are set to make their way to the United States.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

NYPD: Illegal immigrants account for more than half of all arrests in New York City.

Trump: America has become a DUMPING GROUND for the prison populations of other nations under open borders Biden-Harris administration.

Biden administration speeding up citizenship request processing to bolster Democratic voter base ahead of election.

Kamala Harris paves the way for ILLEGALS to become lawyers in California after she helped one in 2014.

Unrest and collapse are coming to America, just like in Haiti.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

NBCNews.com 1

NBCNews.com 2

Brighteon.com
Harris falsely claims that no U.S. troops are currently deployed in combat zones

Vice President Kamala Harris falsely claimed that no active members of the United States Armed Forces are currently deployed in active combat zones

During the first presidential debate hosted by ABC News, moderators asked Harris whether she felt any responsibility for how the controversial 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan was handled. The question specifies the attack that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members during the chaotic exit.

In response, Harris stood firmly by the decision made by President Joe Biden to bring U.S. troops home after two decades of conflict.

"Four presidents said they would and Joe Biden did," Harris said. "And as of today, there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone, in any war zone around the world, first time this century." (Related: NO SUBSTANCE: Kamala Harris to focus on personal attacks against Donald Trump in upcoming debate.)

Harris made her claim while criticizing Trump for negotiating the deal that led to the withdrawal. "He bypassed the Afghan government. He negotiated directly with a terrorist organization called the Taliban," she said.

News sites and experts debunk Harris' claim that there are no U.S. troops deployed in combat zones to date

Shortly after Harris made her claims, several news sites and experts conducted fact-checking and found the assertion was inaccurate.

According to Antiwar, 2,500 U.S. troops remain deployed in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the international coalition combating the remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS). They are actively participating in combat operations to date.

Additionally, thousands of U.S. personnel have been deployed to the Middle East following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. Less than two weeks ago, seven U.S. troops were wounded in a raid against a suspected ISIS hideout in Iraq.

Similarly, the Council on Foreign Relations estimated that several thousand U.S. service members are stationed across multiple foreign countries and on ships at sea in the Middle East, many within the recognized combat zones.

In recent weeks, U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria have faced a surge in drone and rocket attacks, with American forces suffering injuries. In January, a drone attack killed three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers at Tower 22, a secretive U.S. base in Jordan on the Syrian border, and injured 34 others. In August, a drone attack in Syria wounded eight service members, while seven more were injured in a raid targeting Islamic State militants.

"An aspect of military service includes serving in locations where hostile actions may occur," a Department of Defense official said. "Those locations are designated by executive order and/or the Secretary of Defense. However, its important to note that just because a service member is in one of these locations does not mean they are engaged in war."

Moreover, experts argue that Harris' use of the "combat zone" is misleading and downplays the complexities of active-duty military service overseas. The Internal Revenue Service, which tracks combat zones for tax purposes, defines them as "hostile areas where [the] military may serve." These areas include actual combat areas, direct combat support areas and hazardous duty areas.

Currently, the IRS recognizes combat zones in locations such as the Sinai Peninsula, Afghanistan, Kosovo and the Arabian Peninsula.

Visit KamalaWatch.com for similar stories regarding the campaign of the vice president.

Watch as Kamala Harris is called out for new strategy to avoid the press.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Kamala Harris working with Tim Walz to create federal Department of GROCERIES  food price controls and empty shelves wont be far behind.

Kamala Harris dodges media questions by pretending to be on a phone call  while wearing headphones.

Kamala Harris used fake letter to deceive public into thinking Tucker Carlson praised her push for gun control.

Kamala Harris releases three pro-abortion ads targeting Trump while advocating a free-for-all of nationwide baby murder.

Get ready for LANDSLIDE TRUMP VICTORY November 5th followed by HARRIS STEAL of swing states Nov. 6th and 7th.

Sources include:

News.Antiwar.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.com
Israeli airstrike on Gaza school kills 18, including 6 UN workers

An Israeli airstrike on a school in central Gaza, which was being used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians, has killed 18 people . The United Nations (UN) reported that six of its staff members were among those killed during the bombing that happed Wednesday, September 11.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said this incident marked the highest single-day death toll among its staff.

Two airstrikes targeted the al-Jaouni school and the surrounding area in Nuseirat. "Among those killed were the shelter's manager and other team members who were assisting displaced individuals," the UN agency posted on X.

Israel's military stated that the air force had conducted "a precise strike on terrorists operating inside a Hamas command-and-control center" located on the school grounds but did not provide additional details on the outcome or who was targeted.

According to the Hamas government's media office, approximately 5,000 displaced people were taking refuge at the school when it was hit.

UNRWA also stated that this school had been struck five times since the conflict began and was previously home to around 12,000 displaced individuals, primarily women and children. (Related: Gaza death toll now over 40K; 69% of casualties are women and children.)

Israeli forces have hit several schools in recent months, claiming that militants were using them for operations and hiding among civilians, allegations that Hamas denies.

The strike also injured at least 18 people, according to local health officials. An IDF spokesperson stated that before the attack, several measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including precision weapons, aerial imagery and intelligence gathering.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack. "What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable. Six of our UNRWA colleagues are among those killed," he said.

The Israeli military insisted that it takes steps to avoid harming civilians and accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, which Hamas denied.

Earlier on Wednesday, another airstrike in the southern city of Khan Younis killed 11 people, including six siblings ranging from 21 months to 21 years of age, according to hospital reports.

Ceasefire efforts have repeatedly stalled

The ongoing war in Gaza has entered its 11th month, with more than 41,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza's health ministry. Efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly stalled.

Hamas reiterated its readiness for an "immediate" ceasefire based on a previous U.S. proposal, and held talks in Doha to discuss Gaza's situation.

CIA Director William Burns, the chief U.S. negotiator, mentioned a more detailed ceasefire proposal would be forthcoming. A previous ceasefire plan by President Joe Biden in June proposed a three-phase truce in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages.

However, issues like control over the Philadelphi corridor  a key area on Gaza's border with Egypt  remain unresolved, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing not to relinquish control of the strategic area despite internal and international criticism.

On Tuesday, September 10, a strike in the Jabaliya refugee camp killed nine people, including six women and children, according to Gazas health ministry.

In a separate incident, two Israeli soldiers died late Tuesday when a military helicopter crashed near Rafah in Gaza's south.

Eight other soldiers were injured, with officials stating the helicopter was on a mission to evacuate a wounded soldier when the crash occurred. Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar labeled it an "operational accident" and confirmed an investigation had been launched.

Follow Genocide.news for more stories about the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Watch the video below that exposes the massive profiteering of ceasefire negotiators off the continuing Gaza war.

This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Latest Israeli attack on Gazas al-Mawasi humanitarian zone left people "torn into pieces:" "most of them women and children."

Green Party becomes first political party in Britain to declare Israels war in Gaza a GENOCIDE.

UN stops humanitarian aid operations after Israel issues ejection order for Palestinians in central Gaza.

Sources include:

TheGuardian.com
Journalist Alex Berenson sues Biden regime for Twitter censorship

A lawsuit filed by journalist Alex Berenson against Joe Biden ( was amended this week to include new allegations of government-social media censorship collusion.

A former New York Times reporter, Berenson reportedly updated the suit to reflect the latest claims that social media censorship was "ultimately traceable" to the current White House. In short, Berenson is accusing Biden of exerting pressure on platforms like Twitter (now X) to silence certain voices that were critical of what was happening during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic."

The idea of a "traceable (inquiry)" was solidified by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Missouri v. Biden, allowing Berenson's case to proceed. Based on this, Berenson is now claiming that there is proof that coercive censorship was taking place, which he says makes his case "much stronger."

"The amended complaint includes internal Twitter emails where the company's own top executives state that the platform made a mistake banning Berenson's account, while another appears to show lobbyist middlemen put Pfizer Director (and former FDA chief) Scott Gottlieb's outreach in touch with the Biden administration," reported Reclaim the Net.

"Yet another email reveals that Andy Slavitt, who had just resigned from the White House, communicated with Facebook to tell an exec there precisely how the White House  referred to as 'WH' in the document  wants Facebook to treat content the government disapproves of."

(Related: Back in 2022, Berenson claimed that Pfizer board members and a former FDA commissioner colluded with Twitter to ban him.)

If Berenson's case isn't allowed to proceed, he feels "free speech on the internet will be close to dead"

Berenson dove headlong into this case, going into great detail about the mutual relationships that all of the various players had with one another. The White House was working directly with the heads of social media companies to target conservative voices like Berenson's, he claims.

Slavitt in particular is singled out by Berenson as playing "the central role (...) in the conspiracy" to censor him personally. Berenson feels as though he was specifically targeted for having a strong voice that the powers that be (TPTB) wanted to silence for their own political agendas.

Even though the defense team has filed a motion to dismiss Berenson's lawsuit, the reporter feels as though his mountain of claims and evidence is more than enough to allow the case to proceed as he wishes.

"But if it does not, if federal Judge Jessica G.L. Clarke dismisses it before even allowing discovery and appeals courts back that decision, free speech on the internet will be close to dead," Berenson says.

America Legal First (AFL) is also probing the White House for evidence of collusion with government officials in Brazil to silence Brazilian social media as well.

AFL wants the goods on the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the U.S. Department of Commerce, all of which are said to be playing a role in the censorship of Brazilian social media.

That probe came about after the Biden regime introduced the National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism in June 2021. While Americans and the world were busy being tyrannized by their elected officials both locally and at the federal level, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and many others were developing a strategy to silence people for spreading "disinformation" online.

At that time, all eyes were on the fraudulent 2020 election, which was handed to Joe and Kamala despite lots of evidence suggesting voter fraud against Donald Trump. The Biden regime outlined plans to collude with foreign governments, tech companies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to muzzle anyone who says the wrong thing online by dubbing them as "terrorists."

Censorship is all the rage in 2024. Learn more at Censorship.news.

Sources for this article include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

NaturalNews.com

ReclaimTheNet.org
Netherlands gives Ukraine green light to attack MOSCOW with long-range missiles

Right on schedule just weeks before the election, Ruben Brekelmans, the defense minister of the Netherlands, has granted approval for Ukraine to use the weapons it sent on targets deep within Russian territory, including on the capital city of Moscow.

Despite repeated warnings from Vladimir Putin that this crosses a "red line," Brekelmans feels as though Volodymyr Zelensky should be allowed to use Western weapons on major Russian cities  as if Putin just plans to sit back and let that happen.

"The right to self-defense does not end 100 kilometers from the border," Brekelmans proclaimed, using the same "self-defense" language that Israel constantly uses to justify committing genocide.

The Netherlands is now the first nation to authorize Ukraine to cross Putin's red line, suggesting that country could be the first to feel the ire of Russia in the form of retaliation.

"We have not placed any operational restrictions on Ukraine regarding distance," Brekelmans further said.

(Related: As all of this is happening overseas, the U.S. Army is warning that here in America, migrant gangs are roving the country in search of Americans to terrorize.)

Is the stock market about to crash?

It would seem as though the West wants Putin to do something major before Americans get the chance to choose between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump this November. Will they succeed?

"As I have said, my fear is that they know what they are doing, and Putin has shown tremendous restraint," writes Martin Armstrong of Armstrong Economics. "They want him to be overthrown by Russian Neocons, and they will not hesitate to use nuclear weapons."

"It looks like he has foolishly committed the Netherlands to World War III placing his own people's lives on the line for the Neocons and NATO's long dream of the conquest of Russia."

Armstrong further writes that Brekelmans' declaration fulfills his model's forecast about a "Directional Change in 2025." What this means is that the direction or trajectory of the global economy as it currently exists is about to change, possibly starting with a market collapse.

"Brekelmans has fulfilled our model's forecast," Armstrong writes. "We have a Directional Change in 2025, and the share market appears to be prepared to enter crash mode. We may see a 3-year bear market now into 2027."

"As I have said, 30 years ago, everyone sought world peace. Today, they just want a world war without a second thought."

Brekelmans, by the way, also called for all other countries, including the United States, to do the same as the Netherlands by giving Zelensky the green light to do whatever he wishes with all the Western weapons he has been gifted over the past several years.

"If the country is attacked from border areas or Russian airfields, it can target [those] military objects," he said, adding that this also applies to enemy missiles that can be intercepted by Dutch weapons over Russia.

Because of the complex nature of weapons of war  various components on the same weapon could be produced by a number of different countries  Ukraine is still waiting to get the official green light from the U.S., which seems to be pointing towards joining the Netherlands in unleashing World War III.

As of now, the United Kingdom and France have not yet given permission to Kyiv to fire Storm Shadow / SCALP EG cruise missiles into Russia because components of the technology are covered by Washington's International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Following the offensive by Moscow in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, Kyiv's request for permission to start firing into Russia intensified with greater urgency. It could be mere days, in other words, until the final red line is crossed and WWIII erupts like none other.

Are we witnessing the formation of a third world war in real time? Find out more at WWIII.news.

Sources for this article include:

ArmstrongEconomics.com

NaturalNews.com

KyivPost.com
Operation Homecoming: U.S. Marshals recover 32 missing children

The U.S. Marshals Service has announced the successful recovery of 32 missing children through "Operation Homecoming."

This operation, in collaboration with the Akron Police Department and the Summit County Sheriffs Office, focused on locating missing children from the Akron and Summit County areas.

According to a press release from the U.S. Marshals Service, the operation was undertaken from August 19 to September 6. During this period, the Missing Child Unit, working alongside the Akron police and Summit Sheriffs Deputies, identified and safely recovered 32 children aged 13 to 18 years.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott praised the joint efforts, saying: "The dedicated work by our Missing Child Unit, Akron Police and the Sheriffs Office has significantly impacted the safe recovery of these children. The U.S. Marshals Service remains committed to dedicating its resources to the safe recovery of missing children throughout northern Ohio." (Related: 5 Missing children found in Oklahoma City gang sweep, yet calls for defunding police persist.)

The recovered children were found in various locations, including Akron, Cleveland and even as far away as Washington state.

One child, reported missing by the Akron Police Department in April 2022, was located across the country. Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said: "The partnership and devoted work by law enforcement in this operation directly led to the safe recovery of the missing child found across the country."

Law enforcement officials collaborated with Summit County Childrens Services to ensure that adequate support and resources were available for the children, particularly those who had been missing for extended periods.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Vinny Piccoli, who leads the USMS Missing Child Unit, highlighted the challenging conditions some children were found in.

"We've encountered children in troubling situations involving guns, drugs, trafficking and prostitution," Piccoli said. "Our efforts have removed kids from such dangerous environments."

Common reasons why children go missing

Understanding missing children can be daunting due to the alarming statistics and varied reasons behind their disappearances. From 1997 to 1999, approximately 797,500 children went missing. And in 2016 alone, the FBI reported 465,676 cases  down from 662,228 in 2006, but still concerning.

Here are some of the common reasons why children go missing:

Inadequate Care and Supervision. Children left unsupervised due to parental responsibilities or work may wander off and become lost. Cases like Adam Walsh and the Lyons sisters illustrate the dangers of insufficient supervision.

Destitution. Extreme poverty can drive children to leave home in search of a better life, leading to risks like forced labor or trafficking. Poor families may also struggle to search for their missing children.

Conflict Over Custody. Parental abduction occurs when one parent takes a child, violating the other parents legal rights. This often leaves the other parent unaware of the child's location and safety.

Escape from Harmful Situations. Children may run away to avoid forced marriages, genital mutilation or domestic abuse, seeking safety from these harmful practices.

Mental Illness. Children with mental health or developmental issues might become lost due to their inability to navigate or communicate effectively.

Preventing child disappearances involves careful supervision, addressing poverty, resolving custody issues, protecting children from harm and supporting those with mental health challenges.

Follow Trafficking.news for more stories about human trafficking in America.

Watch a whistleblower saying that the U.S. government can't and won't stop trafficking.

This video is from The Resistance 1776 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ohio authorities alarmed by soaring number of MISSING CHILDREN.

Dozens of children have gone MISSING in Cleveland over a two-week period in May.

Child trafficking in America is REAL and this teen was kidnapped from a basketball game crowd and sex trafficked for 11 days before being rescued.

Sources include:

100percentfedup.com

Trackimo.com
Trump promises to fire federal staffers involved in CENSORSHIP

Former President Donald Trump has promised to fire federal employees who are reportedly involved in censorship pressure

He made this pledge during his Sept. 7 campaign rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin  which NTD News described as "a solidly Republican area that Trump carried by 16 percentage points in the 2016 and 2020 elections." The promise also served to bolster his stance against what Reclaim The Net called "Big Tech censorship attempts by the ruling Biden-Harris administration."

"I will sign an executive order banning any federal employee from colluding to limit speech, and we will fire every federal bureaucrat who is engaged in domestic censorship under the Harris regime," Trump told attendees of the Mosinee rally. His promise stated his commitment to protecting the free speech of Americans as guaranteed by the First Amendment, and came in the wake of heightened debate around safeguarding this fundamental right.

"The First Amendment  recognized as the bedrock of American values and rites  guarantees every citizen the right to voice their opinion, peacefully protest and practice their religion without intrusion from the government," Reclaim The Net wrote.

"However, these liberties have come under fire in the online world  with government pressuring social media platforms to censor speech. Under the Biden-Harris governance, the administration has been accused of muzzling so-called 'misinformation.'"

According to NTD News, the federal government's efforts to censor content on social media centered on material it considers controversial  including the truth about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) and vaccines.

Congressional investigations similar to those by the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government have brought many incidents of censorship pressure to light. Lawsuits against the administration like the one filed by Brighteon.com and Natural News against the federal government have also accomplished the same purpose. (Related: Brighteon Media lawsuit against Big Tech and Big Government a fight for FREE SPEECH in America.)

"I will bring back free speech in America because it's been taken away," Trump remarked.

Trump comments on Russia, Kamala in Mosinee rally

Aside from pledging to terminate federal officials involved in censorship, Trump also commented on recent reports that Russia allegedly attempted to influence the U.S. elections in November.

"Did you see three days ago? It started again. The [Department of Justice] said Russia may be involved in our elections again," the former president told the audience. "Russia, it's Russia. And you know, the whole world laughed at them this time."

The real estate mogul also reminded the rally attendees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Crossfire Hurricane investigation. The FBI probe, which began in 2017 and ended in 2020, sought to investigate possible ties between Moscow and Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

Special Counsel John Durham, who was appointed by then-U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr, examined the Crossfire Hurricane probe. He concluded in 2023 that the bureau lacked "actual evidence" to investigate the campaign. Durham also found that Crossfire Hurricane relied heavily on tips from Trump's political opponents and suffered from confirmation bias.

The former president also said he would support a modification of the 25th Amendment. Under Trump's proposed change, a vice president covering up the incapacity of a sitting president will become an impeachable offense.

According to the Trump campaign, President Joe Biden has been governing with a seeming loss of physical and mental acuity. Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly aware of this cognitive decline, but has hidden it from the American public.

Head over to Trump.news for more stories about the former president.

Watch this Fox News report about Donald Trump's campaign rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

If Kamala wins, ALL free speech in America will END.

Trump responds to Twitter censorship, threatens to shut down social media giants.

President Trump can end Big Tech's treasonous censorship with a single signature here's how.

President Trump vows to ban Big Tech-federal government censorship collusion if re-elected in 2024.

Trump announces plans for technology sector if elected  NO CENSORSHIP and YES to FREE SPEECH in AI.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

NTD.com

Brighteon.com
A sense of belonging in one's community is important, both to the community and the individual. Feeling like one belongs makes the community stronger and more united, and sets it on a path to becoming "a nation of neighbors," said Elizabeth Rodriguez, welcoming and belonging director for Centro Hispano.

"Belonging" is the concept at the heart of Welcoming Week, an effort by Centro Hispano and the City of Columbus to make those who are new to the community feel like neighbors.

"Welcoming Week is an annual celebration that Welcoming America, (which) is a national organization, has put together ... specifically held so we can bring a sense of welcoming and belonging through events that we can do," Rodriguez said.

Welcoming Week kicks off on Friday, Sept. 13, with a theme of "We Are All In," which includes table talks at the Columbus Innovation Center, starting at 5:30 p.m. There is no registration required and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided as participants come together to collaborate on ideas to make Columbus better.

"It's really about having a conversation with different people of different backgrounds about welcoming and belonging here in Columbus," Rodriguez said. "We're going to have a panel for the launch, a short, small panel with different people who have lived expertise within the welcoming and belonging work, then we're going to break off into conversations with our neighbors."

Activities pick back up Monday with "Saddle Up and Send," a voter registration texting party, at Centro Hispano from 5:30-7 p.m., during which participants will help get the word out about registering to vote.

To register for the event, contact Centro Hispano at 402-564-2110. Dinner is provided.

"Our text banking party is part of that educational piece that we want to motivate our community to be part of, to go out and vote because this affects everyone within the community," Rodriguez said.

Tuesday, the Columbus Young Latino Professionals Association will work with Centro Hispano and Nebraska Advocacy at the Columbus Family YMCA for a discussion on civic engagement and participation, from noon to 2 p.m. in the multipurpose room.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, organizers will host a "nat clinic," or naturalization clinic, at Centro Hispano, with registration required by calling ahead. Rodriguez said this event is for those who want to become citizens. The clinic is free to attend, though does require registration.

Thursday, Sept. 19, Centro Hispano and Columbus Public Library are cohosting the "Welcome Wagon" at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with no registration or cost.

"We're going to be participating in reading and doing a little activity with the kiddoes all about inclusion, diversity and welcoming," Rodriguez said. "We're going to be reading books and doing a fun little activity with them."

Then, on Friday, Sept. 20, the Welcoming Week social begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Friedhof Building, with drinks and appetizers, followed by a visit to S.T.A.R. Escape Rooms, simply an opportunity for people to socialize and have some fun as a group.

Welcoming Week ends with a bang Saturday night, Sept. 21, with the Heritage Festival, hosted by the city's parks and recreation department.

The festival begins at 4 p.m. in Frankfort Square and features Latino- and Hispanic-owned vendors to showcase their cultures to the community, Parks and Recreation Director Betsy Eckhardt said.

Starting at 7 p.m., Andy William and the Nebraska All-Stars will bring their Latin Jazz stylings to the stage.

"We totally plan to have people dancing, having fun and learning about different business owners and vendors in town they might not otherwise know are there," Eckhardt said. "It's a way for these business owners and vendors to share their culture with the community they're a part of."

With a 25% Hispanic population, and 13% being born in a different country, Parks and Recreation wants to show that the parks are for everyone in the community to enjoy, Eckhardt said.

"We want to be able to do that, bring the 75% and 25% together, learn about each other so everyone in Columbus succeeds, whether that's through resources, business, health and wellness, we want everyone to be successful," Eckhardt said.

Centro Hispano's involvement is part of their mission of fostering intentional change in the community, Rodriguez said. Welcoming Week is to help immigrant families feel like they are a part of the bigger picture.

"Welcoming and belonging is really embedded into every single one of our programs and I think what we're doing, what we're showing for a week, is what we do every single day, every single year, every single time we're out within the community with our clients," Rodriguez said. "Welcoming, and really belonging, is part of our foundation."
How the Chinese surveillance state is suffocating its citizen (IANS Analysis)

O

ver 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.

 How the Chinese surveillance state is suffocating its citizen (IANS Analysis)

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Sitaram Yechury: The liberal Marxist who became a master mediator in coalition politics

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isagreements 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-M's 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 'people's 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 party's 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.

 Sitaram Yechury: The liberal Marxist who became a master mediator in coalition politics

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Rajasthan CM holds talks with Japan ministers, seeks investment in various sectors

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ajasthan 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 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024, which is scheduled to be held in Jaipur in December this year.

Expressing confidence in Rajasthan's 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 government's 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 investors' meeting has been organised tomorrow with several Japanese firms.

Rajasthan will host the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024 on 9th, 10th, and 11th December 2024 in the capital, Jaipur.

The 3-day mega summit, which aims to attract and facilitate global investment, innovation, and partnerships in the state, is 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.

 Rajasthan CM holds talks with Japan ministers, seeks investment in various sectors

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Trump says no more presidential debate with Harris

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ormer US President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has announced 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 on Thursday 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 social media platform X, 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 that 63 per cent agreed that Harris turned in a better performance onstage in Philadelphia, Xinhua news agency reported.

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 says no more presidential debate with Harris

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Valdimir Putin warns West against direct involvement in Ukraine conflict

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ussian President Vladimir Putin warned that by providing Ukraine with long-range weapons, Western countries risk involving directly in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In such circumstances, Russia would be forced to make "appropriate decisions" based on the new threats, Putin was quoted by Russian media as saying.

Ukraine has been pleading with its Western allies for it to use their missiles, including long-range ones, to fire deep into Russian territory, according to Western media reports.

"Only service people from NATO countries can make flight assignments to these missile systems. Ukrainian service people cannot do that," Putin told Russian state TV.

"So this is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to attack Russia with these weapons or not. It is a question of deciding whether NATO countries are directly involved in a military conflict or not," Xinhua news agency reported quoting local media.

"If this decision is taken, it will mean nothing else than direct participation of NATO countries -- the USA and European countries -- in the war in Ukraine," he said.

According to a report by Politico, the White House is finalising a plan to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of US-donated weapons in battles against Russia, including the use of British long-range missiles that contain American parts to strike targets inside Russia.

 Valdimir Putin warns West against direct involvement in Ukraine conflict

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Villagers in Bihar's Munger scared after jackal attacks

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he residents of Dariyapur Mandit Tola village in Bihar's Munger district are terrified after a series of animal attacks, which they claim are jackals.

In the past week, around 15 people have fallen victim to jackal bites. The incidents are concentrated in this village, which lies near a forested area under the Haveli Kharagpur block.

According to Raju Paswan, a representative of the village head of Dariyapur, the jackals are attacking villagers and then retreating into the nearby forest, creating fear and unease among the locals. The villagers have been on edge, fearing further attacks, which have caused them sleepless nights.

Some of the victims are identified as Sunita Devi, Durga Devi, Johla Murmu, Shekhar Kumar, Ajay Hadsa and others. The victims were treated at the common health centre in Haveli Kharagpur, where doctors attended to their injuries.

Dr Ajit Kumar, in charge of the Common Health Centre at Haveli Kharagpur, said, "Four villagers suffering from jackal bites came here and we have given anti-rabies injections. The villagers reported to us about frequent attacks by a group of jackals."

Meanwhile, the villagers have informed the forest department of Munger to capture what they believe to be jackals, which may be contributing to the attacks.

In response to the escalating jackal attacks in Dariyapur Mandir Tola village, the forest department has not yet been able to capture the wild animals. As a result, local youths, armed with batons, are now patrolling the area around the clock to protect the villagers. This has become necessary as the fear of attacks continues to grow.

The Haveli Kharagpur block is a remote area with many villages situated near forested regions, making these kinds of animal encounters more common. The wildlife department has acknowledged the attacks and is working on a solution.

"We have planned to set up makeshift cages to capture the jackals," an official said.

Such attacks are not unprecedented. Earlier, villagers in Maqsoodpur under Khizarsarai block in Gaya district also suffered from similar jackal attacks. This situation highlights the need for immediate action by local authorities to ensure the safety of the villagers and address the growing problem of wild or stray animals.

 Villagers in Bihar's Munger scared after jackal attacks

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WHO prequalifies Bavarian Nordic's vaccine against Mpox

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mid the global outbreak of Mpox, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday announced prequalifying Bavarian Nordic's vaccine -- a first against the deadly monkeypox virus (MPXV).

Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic or MVA-BN is indicated for active immunisation against smallpox, Mpox, and related orthopoxvirus infections and disease in all adults 18 years of age and older.

The vaccine can be administered as a 2-dose injection given 4 weeks apart.

"Available data shows that a single-dose MVA-BN vaccine given before exposure has an estimated 76 per cent effectiveness in protecting people against Mpox, with the 2-dose schedule achieving an estimated 82 per cent effectiveness," the WHO said in a statement.

"This first prequalification of a vaccine against Mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa and in the future," said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Ghebreyesus stressed the need to "scale up in procurement, donations, and rollout to ensure equitable access to vaccines".

In addition, other public health tools are also urgently needed "to prevent infections, stop transmission, and save lives", he added.

The WHO prequalification comes even as the UN health body last month declared a global health emergency over its outbreak in Africa. The prequalification may facilitate timely and increased access, to contain transmission and help contain the outbreak.

The WHO's assessment for prequalification is based on information submitted by Bavarian Nordic, and reviewed by the European Medicines Agency, the regulatory agency of record for this vaccine.

The MVA-BN is currently not licensed for persons under 18 years of age, but the WHO recommended its use "off-label" in infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant and people with weaker immune system in cases where the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks.

MVA-BN is the only non-replicating Mpox vaccine approved in the US, Switzerland, and Singapore (marketed as JYNNEOS), Canada (marketed as IMVAMUNE), and the EU/EAA and UK (marketed as IMVANEX).

Meanwhile, more than 120 countries have confirmed over 103,000 cases of Mpox since the onset of the global outbreak in 2022.

In 2024 alone, there were 25,237 suspected and confirmed cases and 723 deaths from different outbreaks in 14 countries of the African Region.

 WHO prequalifies Bavarian Nordic's vaccine against Mpox

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Ford to make a comeback in India to boost exports, hire up to 3,000 more

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S automaker Ford Motor is making a comeback in India and will restart its manufacturing plant in Chennai to boost exports, along with hiring another 2,500-3,000 employees, it was announced on Friday.

According to Kay Hart, President, Ford International Markets Group, the step aims to "underscore our ongoing commitment to India as we intend to leverage the manufacturing expertise available in Tamil Nadu to serve new global markets."

In a post on LinkedIn, she said the company has submitted a letter of intent (LOI) to the "government of Tamil Nadu in India, outlining Ford's intention to utilise our Chennai plant for manufacturing for export".

The decision follows multiple meetings with the Tamil Nadu government.

"We appreciate their ongoing support as we have explored different options for the plant. I know people will be curious, but we will have more to share about the type of manufacturing and which export markets we'll be focusing on, along with other details, in due course," Hart mentioned.

Ford Motor ceased operations in India in 2021 due to low sales and financial losses in the highly-competitive domestic automotive market.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had posted on X social media platform that he had a very engaging discussion with the team from Ford Motor.

"Explored the feasibility of renewing Ford's three-decade partnership with Tamil Nadu, to again make in Tamil Nadu for the world," he said. The Chief Minister also visited the headquarters of Google, Apple, and Microsoft and entered into MoUs with these tech giants for investments in Tamil Nadu.

According to Hart, the decision will add to Ford's growing employee base in Chennai.

"Our global Ford Business Solutions team based there is already more than 12,000-strong and we are planning to increase that by another 2,500 to 3,000 team members in the next few years," said Hart.

Ford also has its engine manufacturing team based in Sanand, Gujarat. India is the US automaker's second-largest employee base worldwide.

 Ford to make a comeback in India to boost exports, hire up to 3,000 more

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Govt to drive economic growth via robust partnerships with states: Piyush Goyal

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nion Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday reaffirmed the government's commitment to drive economic growth through robust partnerships with state governments.

Chairing the third meeting of the reconstituted Board of Trade here, the minister emphasised that government initiatives are instrumental in guiding India towards a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable trade environment, benefiting the country's broader economic landscape.

He also launched the Department of Commerce's Jan Sunwai Portal, designed to streamline communication between stakeholders and authorities, providing a direct and transparent channel for addressing trade and industry-related issues.

The portal offers on-demand video conferencing services, in addition to fixed video conference links for regular, scheduled interactions.

According to the ministry, the portal's accessibility extends across various offices and autonomous bodies under the Department of Commerce, such as the DGFT, Coffee Board, Tea Board, Spices Board, Rubber Board, APEDA, MPEDA, ITPO and EIC.

The minister also held discussions centred around critical initiatives aimed at fostering employment across states and enhancing the role of the Department of Commerce in promoting state-level economic growth.

The session also featured interactive presentations from the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, showcasing their achievements in export promotion and ease of doing business, interventions, and ongoing state-level initiatives.

Ministers from 10 state governments attended the session.

The minister Goyal also inaugurated ECGC's new online service portal, alongside a revamped in-house SMILE-ERP system. These innovations mark a significant leap towards paperless processing and faceless service delivery, benefiting both exporters and bank, said the ministry.

"ECGC's embrace of digital solutions underscores its unwavering commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction, ensuring world-class services for Indian exporters," the ministry noted.

 Govt to drive economic growth via robust partnerships with states: Piyush Goyal

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Mamata announces Rs 2L for kin of 29 patients who died due to 'disruptions in health services'

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est Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Friday that the state government will pay compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of 29 persons who died due to 'disruptions in health services' owing to the ongoing 'cease work' call given by the junior doctors protesting the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month.

Since August 9, the day the body of the trainee doctor was found in the seminar hall of the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, the junior doctors in West Bengal have been on a cease work protest, pressing the government to meet their demands, which include the removal of top officials in the state Health Department, including the Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and Director of Medical Education, among others.

In a post on X, Mamata Banerjee said, "It is sad and unfortunate that we have lost 29 precious lives due to disruption in health services because of long-drawn cease work by junior doctors. In order to extend a helping hand to the bereaved families, the state government announces a token financial relief of Rs 2 lakh to the family members of each deceased person."

The protesting junior doctors, however, have repeatedly denied the allegations of the state government that health services in the state has been disrupted because of their cease work protest.

The West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF), under whose banner the protests are being conducted, has said that if the absence of junior doctors can result in the collapse of the entire healthcare system in West Bengal, it shows how pathetic the system is, with inadequate trained doctors and lack of associated medical staff.

The WBJDF has also given some statistics to support of their claims.

According to the doctors' body, of the 245 state-run hospitals in West Bengal, only 26 are medical colleges, adding that the total number of junior doctors in West Bengal is around 7,500 as against around 93,000 registered doctors.

After efforts to hold talks between the state administration and the protesting medics failed again on Thursday over the latter's demand to live telecast the meeting, the Chief Minister had said, "I tried my best to sit with the junior doctors. I waited three days for them... As per Supreme Court's instruction, they must join duty."

On Monday, the Supreme Court had said that the protesting junior doctors in West Bengal must resume their duties by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, failing which the state government will be authorised to initiate disciplinary action against them.

However, unnerved by the Supreme Court ultimatum, the junior doctors vowed to continue their agitation and gave a call to march to the Swasthya Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon. The impasse between the two sides has continued since then.

 Mamata announces Rs 2L for kin of 29 patients who died due to 'disruptions in health services'

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Kejriwal walks out of Tihar jail, vows to step up fight against 'anti-India forces'

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elhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal walked out of Tihar jail on Friday, hours after the Supreme Court granted him conditional bail in the Delhi liquor policy scam.

As Kejriwal got out of the jail, he was greeted by hundreds of excited AAP workers and leaders who shouted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and Vande Mataram slogans.

While party workers celebrated his release, the Delhi CM thundered that his courage and spirit remain unfazed by the incarceration and he feels more energised and invigorated to serve the nation.

Slamming the Centre, he said that their prisons won't shackle his resolve and he will be back at the service of people with greater determination.

"I have been fighting the anti-India forces and today I vow to step up this fight with greater intensity than before," the AAP chief declared.

Since evening, umpteen AAP leaders and workers had started gathering outside the Tihar jail to give a rousing reception to the party supremo.

Though Delhi CM has got a reprieve in the liquor policy case, his powers have been severely curtailed. The Apex Court has restricted him from either visiting the Secretariat or signing any files.

Below are the conditionalities on which Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail on Friday:

* Arvind Kejriwal will not make any public comment on the merits of the case. Conditions imposed in ED matters shall apply in this case also.

*He shall not visit the Office of the Chief Minister and Delhi Secretariat.

*He shall be bound by the statement made on his behalf that he shall not sign official files unless it is required and necessary for obtaining clearance/approval of the Lieutenant Governor.

*He will not make any comment with regard to his role in the present case.

*He will not interact with any of the witnesses and have access to any official files connected with the case.

*He has been directed to furnish a surety of Rs 10 lakh

 Kejriwal walks out of Tihar jail, vows to step up fight against 'anti-India forces'

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Union Home Minister assured expedited financial aid to flood-ravaged Tripura, says CM

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ripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday assured him that the Centre would expedite financial assistance to the state to mitigate the damage to crops, infrastructure and properties in the state, which devastated due to the recent catastrophic floods and landslides.

In his address at the swearing-in-ceremony of Zilla Sabhadhipati and other members of South Tripura Zilla Parishad, he said that the state government has sought financial support owing to the overall flood damage estimated at Rs 15,000 crore.

"As per the direction of the Home Minister, we have completed all the necessary formalities in regard to the losses due to the damage of crops, infrastructure and properties. A senior state government officer on Friday is going to Delhi to apprise the government of India officials in this regard," Saha said.

He said that the six-member inter-ministerial Central team (IMCT), which recently visited the worst-hit Gomati, Sepahijala, Khowai, and South Tripura districts for four days and assessed the flood damage and losses, also submitted their report to the Central government.

The unprecedented flood and landslides triggered by record quantities of rainfall damaged a huge number of public and private properties, infrastructures and crops, the Chief Minister said.

He said that the state government recently announced Rs 564 crore special packages to cope with the recently witnessed catastrophic floods for the first time in over three decades, affecting over 17 lakh people, and leaving 36 people, including women and children, dead.

Over 62,200 houses have been damaged due to the floods from August 19-24. Besides the devastating floods, landslides triggered by heavy rain occurred at 2,066 places damaging houses, crops in vast lands, roads, bridges, electrical infrastructure, fisheries, animal resources, and buildings in all eight districts, especially in Gomati, South Tripura, Sepahijala, and Khowai districts.

State Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Secretary Brijesh Pandey said that 3,873 flood-affected people are still sheltered in 67 relief camps in different districts. He 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 the Chief Minister's Relief package.

 Union Home Minister assured expedited financial aid to flood-ravaged Tripura, says CM

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Telangana suffered Rs10,320 cr damages due to floods

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elangana suffered a loss of Rs10,320.72 crore due to heavy rains and floods that wreaked havoc in a few districts early this month.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday provided details of the losses suffered by various sections to the Central team, which called on him after visiting flood-hit districts to assess the damages.

The state government had initially pegged the losses at Rs 5,438 and the same has been now revised to Rs 10,320.72 crore.

The Chief Minister told the Central team that further details of the losses were awaited.

According to revised figures, the damage to roads (roads of both Roads & Buildings and Panchayat Raj departments) was to the tune of Rs 7,693.53 crore. The losses of Urban Development were estimated at Rs 1,216.57 crore. The irrigation department suffered damages of Rs 483 crore, Drinking Water Supply Rs331.37 crore while the losses to the Agriculture sector were Rs 231.13 crore.

The losses to the power sector were assessed at Rs 179.88 crore. The damages to Housing were Rs.25.30 crore, Animal Husbandry Rs 4.35 crore, Fisheries Rs 56.41 crore, School Buildings Rs 27.31 crore and Community Assets and Buildings (PHCs and Anganwadis) Rs 70.47 crore.

The Chief Minister once again requested the Centre to immediately provide financial assistance to the state without any preconditions. He requested that the Centre relax norms for utilisation of money under National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF).

The Chief Minister mentioned that as per the present norms Telangana can't spend even a rupee from Rs 1,350 crore available under NDRF.

Referring to floods caused in Khammam town by Munneru Rivulet, the Chief Minister said construction of a retaining wall was the only permanent solution for prevention of floods.

He requested the team to ensure that the Centre provide adequate funds for construction of retaining wall.

The Chief Minister suggested to the Central team that the Centre focus on improving the early warning system so that states can be alerted in advance for adverse weather conditions like heavy rains and heat waves.

Revanth Reddy shared his plans to select 100 policemen from each police battalion in the state to train them for rescue and relief operations in times of natural calamities. He will seek the support of the National Disaster Response Force to train them and provide them required equipment.

Revenue Minister P. Srinivas Reddy, MP Raghuram Reddy, CM's Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari and other senior officials attended the meeting.

The six-member Central team led by National Disaster Management Authority adviser Colonel KP Singh visited Khammam, Mahabubabad and Suryapet districts on September 11 and 12 to assess the loss caused by recent rains and flash floods.

 Telangana suffered Rs10,320 cr damages due to floods

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China's increasing influence in the UN: The role of Africa and Asia (IANS Analysis)

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n August 2022, following the release of a report by then-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, which asserted that China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang "may constitute... crimes against humanity," many countries in the Global South, particularly in Africa and Asia, reacted in a perplexing manner.

Rather than maintaining a neutral stance on the reported atrocities, Pakistan spearheaded a coalition of 70 nations opposing the UN Human Rights Council's perceived 'interference' in China's domestic affairs about a month after the report's publication. Notably, this coalition included fourteen Arab nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.

In October of the same year, a UNHRC vote to discuss the report was unsuccessful, as several Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Qatar, the UAE, and Somalia, voted against it.

These nations were joined by nearly all but three African countries in the Council.

In contrast, when former Gambian Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou presented a case to the international rights body in 2019 against Aung San Suu Kyi for her treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, he received strong backing from the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), which comprises 57 Muslim countries, including 27 from Africa.

China's deliberate strategy to revise the global order is rooted in its advocacy of a strict interpretation of Westphalian sovereignty, which prioritises non-interference in domestic affairs over universal human rights.

This principle, adopted at the June 2018 Central Foreign Affairs Work Conference, has been a driving force in China's foreign policy. To achieve its goal of reforming international institutions and norms, Beijing has focused its efforts on the Global South, particularly Africa and Asia, which together constitute 55 per cent of the votes in the United Nations General Assembly.

China's tactic has been to construct an alternative force of numbers rather than relying on the individual influence of a single country. This trend has resulted in a large number of Global South countries backing China and echoing its stance on sovereignty, even if it means disregarding universal human rights.

In recent years, China has steadily increased its financial and personnel contributions to global and multilateral development institutions. A report from 2020 indicated that China ranks second, behind the United States, in assessed contributions to both the UN's regular and peacekeeping budgets.

Additionally, China has strategically focused on leveraging the representational power of the Global South within the UN.

It positions itself as the leader of the developing world, ready to challenge the West's frameworks regarding human rights, the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), and imposed liberalism. By emphasising principles such as non-interference, development, South-South cooperation, and the use of multilateral institutions, China claims to advocate for the interests of the Global South.

However, the emerging solidarity between Beijing and various African and Asian nations is not solely based on ideological alignment.

Beijing's dependence on African nations in international forums dates back to the 1971 UN General Assembly debate concerning the People's Republic of China's (PRC) admission to the UN and the expulsion of Taiwan, a development significantly influenced by African votes.

For over three decades, China's foreign minister has prioritised visits to Africa at the start of each year, underscoring its gratitude and deep interest in the continent.

Currently, only one African nation, Eswatini, recognises Taiwan, while the remainder adhere to the 'one China principle'. Furthermore, bilateral and collective agreements between African countries and China emphasise mutual cooperation in global governance matters.

With the backing of the African Union, China successfully passed its first resolution in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), titled "The Contribution of Development to the Enjoyment of Human Rights".

Three years later, another resolution proposed by China was adopted, supported by all but one African member.

These resolutions reflect China's attempt to legitimise an alternative vision of human rights, centred on state-led economic development and the principle of non-interference.

In fact, several African nations even supported China's unsuccessful attempts to defund human rights monitors and NGO observers during the 2018-19 UN budget discussions. Unsurprisingly, in recent years, very few African countries have endorsed draft resolutions at the UN that criticise China's policies regarding Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet.

One significant factor contributing to the solidarity among authoritarian regimes is their collaboration on human rights issues, which serves to bolster their political stability and international legitimacy.

In West Asia, the challenges related to women, political dissidents, and religious and ethnic minorities present complex dilemmas that these governments often address through the principle of non-interference. Consequently, they endorse Beijing's narrative regarding Xinjiang, framing it as a matter of terrorism, extremism, and separatism.

This was exemplified in 2023 when the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) visited Xinjiang and publicly commended the activities of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the region.

Moreover, economic considerations also drive this emerging 'South-South cooperation'.

For many West Asian countries, following decades of Western intervention, China is viewed as a more dependable partner, having recently become the primary foreign investor in the region.

Chinese economic and strategic influence has surged, particularly after the Arab Spring and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and is expected to grow further following the US withdrawal from the region.

For Africa, the situation is somewhat more complex. Under President Xi Jinping's vision of the 'Great Rejuvenation' and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the continent has become a central focus of China's economic and infrastructural efforts.

As the largest bilateral trade partner and creditor for Africa, China's extensive 'no-strings-attached' lending practices towards vulnerable African nations have resulted in many becoming economically entrapped or reliant on Beijing.

Consequently, Beijing's economic initiatives towards these nations and its promotion of South-South development cooperation represent a strategic effort to establish itself as a hegemonic power within the evolving global order. This dual strategy of fostering economic dependence among susceptible countries while simultaneously empowering authoritarian regimes has proven advantageous for China as it gradually ascends the ranks of global influence.

 China's increasing influence in the UN: The role of Africa and Asia (IANS Analysis)

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A Charlottesville man has been charged in connection with a pursuit last week along both Interstate 81 in Augusta County and Interstate 64 in Albemarle County that left two Virginia state troopers injured.

Terrance Jones Jr., 29, has been charged with one count of eluding police and also one count of possessing drugs with intent to distribute, according to the state police. He is being held at Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

Around 11 p.m. last Friday, state troopers attempt to stop a vehicle traveling north on I-81 in Augusta County as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation conducted by the 3A Regional Drug and Gun Task Force. The state police said the driver refused to stop and a pursuit began.

That pursuit continued onto I-64, crossing into Albemarle County, where local police came in to assist.

To stop the vehicle, spike strips were deployed at mile marker 120, near the 5th Street exit just south of Charlottesville city limits. The suspect vehicle crashed after striking the spike strips. A state police vehicle following the suspect also crashed after striking the debris field.

Two troopers were injured in the crash with non-life-threatening injuries. They were released from the hospital over the course of the weekend.

Jones was found after fleeing the crash scene on foot. He was tracked down with the help of aviation and canine units. Jones was initially treated for injuries at a hospital before being taken to the jailhouse.
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For the second time this election cycle Charlottesville has found itself mentioned on the presidential debate stage.

Vice President Kamala Harris called out the city Tuesday night in her highly anticipated contest with former President Donald Trump, referencing controversial comments he made after the deadly Unite the Right rally-turned-riot in 2017, which saw White supremacists descend on Charlottesville and come to blows with counterprotesters.

Lets remember Charlottesville, where there was a mob of people carrying tiki torches, spewing antisemitic hate, and what did the president then at the time say? There were fine people on each side, Harris said on the ABC News debate stage in Philadelphia.

President Joe Biden has frequently referenced Charlottesville since 2017, saying Unite the Right, and Trumps response to it, is what motivated his run for the presidency in 2019. Biden repeated that line in his June debate with Trump, a historically poor performance that prefaced Bidens departure from the race and endorsement of Harris as his successor.

While Bidens reelection bid has ended, Charlottesvilles role in the national spotlight has not. Tuesday was a reminder for residents that for most of the country and the world, the city remains defined by its darkest days.

I travel a lot. When you say Charlottesville, its the first thing people think of, Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginias Center for Politics, told The Daily Progress. I dont like it. Id prefer they think of the good things that are done here and at the University of Virginia. But thats not reality.

Charlottesville is shorthand for a lot of unpleasant things that unfortunately now define our society, he added.

Unite the Right was organized in response to the citys decision to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from Lee Park, now Market Street Park.

The night before the planned rally, Aug. 11, 2017, protesters gathered early and marched across UVa Grounds wielding lit torches and chanting Jews will not replace us. The march came to an end after marchers surrounded a small group of counterprotesters, many of them students, at the base of a statue of university founder Thomas Jefferson. Protesters assaulted the students and an unlawful assembly was declared.

The following day, when the rally was actually planned, White supremacists wearing Nazi and Confederate paraphernalia clashed again with counterprotesters, this time in the streets of downtown Charlottesville. One counterprotester, Heather Heyer, was killed after an avowed neo-Nazi, James Fields, drove his car through a crowd; multiple others were injured.

Images of the violence shocked the nation, as did comments then-President Trump made when asked about the incident.

You had some very bad people in the group, but you also had people that were very fine people on both sides. On both sides, Trump said at an Aug. 15, 2017, press conference in the aftermath of the violence.

Trumps critics say the former president was equivocating, comparing anti-racist counterprotesters to White supremacists.

What American president would ever say Nazis coming out of fields, carrying torches, singing the same antisemitic bile, carrying swastikas, were fine people? Biden asked at the June debate.

Both then and Tuesday night, Trump claimed the story about his Charlottesville comments had been debunked.

In defending that claim, Trumps supporters point to another statement Trump made at that same press conference: Im not talking about the neo-Nazis and the White nationalists, because they should be condemned totally  but you had many people in that group other than neo-Nazis and White nationalists, OK?

Trump has not identified any of the many people in that group. If there were very fine people among the protesters they would have been knowingly standing alongside Confederate and Nazi imagery and high-profile White supremacists, including provocateur Richard Spencer and former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke.

Interpretations of Trumps comments are divided among party lines, even locally.

John Lowry, chairman of the Albemarle County Republican Committee, told The Daily Progress, this notion of Trump endorsing White supremacists has been debunked, pointing to Trumps 2017 line that White nationalists should be condemned totally.

Bruce Kirtley, chairman of the Albemarle County Democratic Committee, doesnt buy it.

This guy Trump has an innate problem with the truth, Kirtley told The Daily Progress.

He compared Trumps 2017 comments to his recent comments on abortion; in both cases, critics say Trump has taken unclear and even contradictory positions.

He knows hes got to walk a thin line, so hes inclined to tell you what you want to hear when you want to hear it, Kirtley said. You cant have it both ways.

Both Lowry and Kirtley agree, however, that in the national memory, Charlottesville remains shorthand for extremism and violence.

When Lowry ran for Albemarle County Board of Supervisors in 2017, he said that Charlottesville would be forever remembered for that violent August weekend.

For Kirtley, the association is just a fact of life.

You say Charlottesville, and everybody knows what youre talking about, which is unfortunate in and of itself, Kirtley said. Its something you cant run away from.

When Lloyd Snook became mayor in 2022, he was invited to speak at a conference in Austria about Charlottesville and antisemitism.

That was my first indication that this was something that was more than just what we experienced here. That there were people who saw Charlottesville as a symbol of other things, Snook told The Daily Progress. I hope that if we can, as time passes, that the potency of Charlottesville as shorthand for the alt right, Nazis and so on will fade.

How the rest of the country views the city is out of Snooks control. As a result, he said he tries to focus on the work he does as a city councilor to improve Charlottesville bit by bit. But there is some frustration, for him and others, that despite sustained efforts to better the city and the quality of life of its people, its national image remains unchanged.

I think the best thing we can do is keep doing what we can do to make a better name for Charlottesville and eventually that will have to fade, Snook said. Itll never go away completely. Its a historical fact.
Landmark 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." April Nowell, paleoanthropologist, University of Victoria

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 method-;peptide analysis-;for 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.

"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.

This research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, in addition to Nowell's Lansdowne Fellowship Award.
Despite detecting mpox virus DNA on dogs and cats in infected households, researchers conclude the viral traces are likely from human contamination, not actual pet infections.

One Health Investigation into Mpox and Pets, United States. Image Credit: Hamara / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, a group of researchers investigated the potential susceptibility of common companion animals to Mpox virus (MPXV) (a zoonotic virus that causes the disease mpox in humans and animals) infection in households with confirmed human mpox cases.

Background

Before 2022, MPXV transmission was primarily zoonotic, linked to contact with infected wild animals in Africa. However, in spring 2022, the clade IIb variant began spreading through direct human contact, particularly within sexual networks outside endemic regions. Despite concerns about human-to-animal transmission, the current outbreak has confirmed no MPXV infections in domestic animals like dogs or cats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises mpox patients to avoid animal contact, but further research is needed to assess the susceptibility of companion animals to MPXV and the potential for reverse-zoonotic transmission.

About the study

The CDC Multi-National Mpox Response's One Health Team collaborated with state and local jurisdictions to study the susceptibility of companion animals to MPXV infection. Investigators collected blood and swab samples from companion animals in homes where a person had probable or confirmed mpox during the infectious period. They also collected animal-associated environmental (AAE) samples to assess potential contamination from human cases. Sampling took place within 21 days of direct contact with the infected individual.

The study was conducted between July 2022 and March 2023 in the District of Columbia, Minnesota, Virginia, and Tennessee. Follow-up sampling occurred 3-4 months later to assess immune responses.

State and local public health personnel interviewed mpox patients who voluntarily participated after providing verbal consent. A questionnaire gathered information about the human case, the animal's health, household details, and the nature of contact between the infected person and the animals. The CDC reviewed the project and determined it was a nonresearch public health surveillance effort.

Animal handling and sampling followed CDC protocols, and swabs were collected from the animals' fur, oral cavity, and other areas. Samples were tested for MPXV Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and viral cultures were performed on PCR-positive swabs. Blood samples were collected from cooperative animals for serologic testing to detect orthopoxvirus antibodies. The study also included statistical analyses to determine correlations between MPXV DNA presence, human DNA contamination, and factors such as household size and animal contact behaviors.

Study results

The study sampled 34 companion animals from 21 households, including 24 dogs, 9 cats, and 1 rabbit. The animals' ages ranged from 4 months to 16 years, and they were evenly divided between male and female. Most households had a single human mpox case, while one household had two. A total of 191 animal swabs and 56 animal-associated environmental (AAE) specimens were collected. Skin lesions were observed in 6 dogs and 1 cat during the examination.

PCR testing revealed MPXV DNA in samples from 5 animals (4 dogs and 1 cat) from 4 households. Overall, 12% of animal swabs tested positive for MPXV, with a significant correlation (p<0.01) observed between MPXV DNA and human DNA contamination. The majority of MPXV-positive animal samples were also positive for human DNA, with Ct values showing a strong correlation between MPXV and human DNA. This finding suggests that the MPXV DNA detected in animal samples was likely due to contamination rather than true infection.

No MPXV DNA was detected in any blood specimens, and viral culture attempts failed to produce viable virus from PCR-positive samples. Additionally, none of the serum specimens collected during the study showed any presence of orthopoxvirus (OPXV) antibodies. Three of the MPXV-positive animals did not have blood samples taken due to noncompliance or aggression, and follow-up samples were unavailable.

Among the AAE samples, 29% of households tested positive for MPXV DNA, and 25% of AAE specimens tested positive. A statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) was found between the presence of MPXV DNA in AAE samples and human DNA presence, further supporting the likelihood of contamination from human cases. All four households with MPXV-positive animal samples also had MPXV-positive AAE samples. The correlation between MPXV and human DNA Ct values in these samples further reinforced the conclusion of contamination.

The study also identified a significant negative correlation (p<0.05) between household size and the prevalence of MPXV DNA in animal and environmental samples, suggesting that smaller living spaces may increase the risk of contamination. However, larger households had a significantly lower prevalence of MPXV and human DNA in animal and environmental samples, which may indicate that household size influences the degree of contamination or exposure.

Conclusions

To summarize, in the study of households, MPXV DNA was found on some dogs, cats, and environmental samples, but no live virus or antibodies were detected, suggesting contamination from infected humans rather than true infection. The statistical analyses conducted in the study strongly support the conclusion that the MPXV DNA detected in companion animals resulted from environmental contamination from human cases, not true infections. No confirmed MPXV infections in pets were identified. The CDC recommends limiting pet interactions during mpox infection to prevent potential virus spillback.
Study finds significant drop in incidence and mortality among 30 to 49-year-olds

Study: Melanoma Incidence and Mortality Trends in Sweden. Image Credit: Inside Creative House / Shutterstock.com

A recent JAMA Dermatology study assesses the incidence of melanoma and mortality trends among younger patients.

The global incidence of melanoma

A steady and well-documented rise in the incidence of melanoma has been documented since the 1960s throughout Europe, North America, and Oceania. This increase is most prominent among older individuals; however, rising rates among prepubertal children, adolescents, and young adults have also been reported.

Over the past several years, the prevalence of melanoma in younger age groups has declined in both Australia and the United States. Incidence stabilization in younger age groups has also been reported in the United Kingdom, Spain, Norway, Canada, and New Zealand; however, a significant decline in melanoma cases has not been observed in any European nation.

At the population level, mortality rates from melanoma have increased in many countries, albeit at a substantially slower rate than the incidence of melanoma. Among younger individuals, a reduction in melanoma mortality rates has been observed.

In Sweden, the median age of invasive melanoma diagnosis is 65 years as compared to 60 years in 1990. Over the past decade, a 6% increase in the incidence of melanoma has been reported each year in Sweden, thereby causing this nation to rank sixth highest in the world for melanoma cases.

About the study

The researchers of the current study assessed the trends in melanoma cases among patients diagnosed at younger than the average age using data obtained from Swedish national health and population registers. Individuals younger than 60 years on the date of surgical treatment for primary invasive cutaneous melanoma in 1990 and 2022 were considered.

Separate analyses were performed by age, sex, and Breslow thickness of the melanoma. Individuals 60 years and older were included for reference in the mortality analyses, whereas all other age groups were split in 10-year windows.

Calculated yearly incidence and mortality rates for every 100,000 inhabitants were performed and reported as average annual rates for each five-year period between 1990 and 2022. Joinpoint regression models were estimated to evaluate the statistical significance of temporal trends and points of change.

Study findings

A total of 34,800 primary invasive cutaneous melanomas were reported in individuals younger than 60, 56.3% of which occurred in female patients. Few melanomas were diagnosed in the youngest age groups, and the incidence of melanoma rose significantly with each additional decade in age.

In children between 13 and 19 years of age, 257 melanomas were diagnosed, whereas 18 cases of melanoma were diagnosed in children between zero and 12 years of age. Among patients between 13 and 49 years of age, females were overrepresented.

Melanoma lesions were more likely to be thinner in both sexes who were between 20 and 49 years of age as compared to the 50-59 and 0-19 years groups. Until 2013 and 2015, a significant increase in melanoma tumors thicker than one millimeter (mm) was observed in male and female 40- to 49-year-old patients, respectively. Thereafter, a significant reduction in tumor thickness was observed for both females and males.

In the 50-59 age group, a persistent increase in the incidence of melanoma was observed for females and males. In the other age groups, except those younger than 20 years of age, an incidence peak from 2013 to 2015 was observed, which was subsequently followed by a significant and stable decline until 2022.

No notable incidence trends were observed in individuals younger than 20 years of age. Although males between zero and 19 years of age were not associated with a significant change in the incidence of melanoma, females in this age group exhibited a significant decline.

A significant rise was observed in melanoma-related mortality in individuals 60 years of age and older, particularly males. Comparatively, among individuals between 30 and 59 years of age, a significant decrease in melanoma mortality was observed.

No significant joinpoints or changes over time were reported in patients up to 29 years of age, with this age group associated with an annual melanoma rate of less than 0.1 per 100,000 people.

Conclusions

In Sweden, adults between 30 and 49 years of age experienced a significant reduction in their likelihood of being diagnosed and/or dying from melanoma. Although future research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms responsible for this decline, public health campaigns, ultraviolet (UV) protection, and changing population demographics may be, in part, responsible.
On a recent summer evening, Raymia Taylor wandered into a recreation center in a historical downtown neighborhood, the only enrollee to attend a nearly two-hour event for people who have signed up for Georgia's experimental Medicaid expansion.

The state launched the program in July 2023, requiring participants to document that they're working, studying, or doing other qualifying activities for 80 hours a month in exchange for health coverage. At the event, booths were set up to help people join the Marines or pursue a GED diploma.

Taylor, 20, already met the program's requirements  she studies nursing and works at a fast-food restaurant. But she said it wasn't clear what paperwork to submit or how to upload her documents. "I was struggling," she said.

Georgia is the only state that requires certain Medicaid beneficiaries to work to get coverage. Republicans have long touted such programs, arguing they encourage participants to maintain employment. About 20 states have applied to enact Medicaid work requirements; 13 won approval under the Trump administration. The Biden administration has worked to block such initiatives.

The Georgia Pathways to Coverage program shows the hurdles ahead for states looking to follow its lead. Georgia's GOP leaders have spent millions of dollars to launch Pathways. By July 29, nearly 4,500 people had enrolled, the state's Medicaid agency told KFF Health News.

That's well short of the state's own goal of more than 25,000 in its first year, according to its application to the federal government, and a fraction of the 359,000 who might have been eligible had Georgia simply expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, as 40 other states did.

So far, the pricey endeavor has forced participants to navigate bureaucratic hurdles rather than support employment. The state would not confirm whether it could even verify if people in the program are working.

Research shows such red tape disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic people.

"The people that need access to health care coverage the most are going to struggle with that administrative burden because the process is so complicated," said Leah Chan, director of health justice at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.

At an August press event, Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp announced a $10.7 million ad campaign to boost enrollment in Pathways, one of his administration's major health policy initiatives. The plan has cost more than $40 million in state and federal tax dollars through June, with nearly 80% going toward administration and consulting fees rather than paying for medical care, according to data the state Medicaid agency shared with KFF Health News.

Enrollment advisers, consumer advocates, and policy researchers largely blame a cumbersome enrollment process, complicated program design, and back-end technology flaws for Pathways' flagging enrollment. They say that the online application is challenging to navigate and understand and lacks a way for people to receive immediate support, and that state staffers don't respond to applicants in a timely manner.

"It's just an administrative nightmare," said Cynthia Gibson, director of the Georgia Legal Services Program's Health Law Unit, who helps Pathways applicants appeal denials.

Administrative challenges have also undermined a key part of the program's philosophy: that people maintain employment to keep coverage. As of July, the state was not removing enrollees for not meeting Pathways' work requirement, according to Fiona Roberts, a spokesperson for Georgia's Medicaid agency.

"We understand that people need to be held accountable to those 80 hours for the spirit of the program, and we intend to do that," said Russel Carlson, the agency's commissioner.

Pathways is set to expire Sept. 30, 2025, unless the state asks the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for an extension. Georgia officials say they won't have to make that request until next spring, well after November's election. So the state could be asking for an extension from the Trump administration, which approved the program in the first place.

Georgia officials sued the Biden administration this year to keep Pathways running without going through the official extension process, which requires the state to conduct public comment sessions, gather extensive financial data, and prove that Pathways has met its goals. A federal judge ruled against Georgia.

A CMS spokesperson said the agency wouldn't comment on the program.

During the August press event, Kemp said the Biden administration's attempt to stop the program in 2021 delayed its rollout and stymied enrollment. A federal court blocked the administration and allowed Georgia to proceed.

People familiar with the enrollment process said Pathways has been mired in design flaws and system failures. As of the end of May, 13,702 applications were waiting to be processed, according to state documents.

The program's lengthy questionnaires and technical language are confusing, guidance is opaque, and tools to upload documents are tricky to navigate, according to interviews with health insurance enrollment specialists conducted for the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.

"It's not an easy, 'Oh, I want to apply for Pathways,'" said Deanna Williams, who helps people enroll in insurance plans at Georgians for a Healthy Future, a consumer advocacy group. People generally learn about the program after being denied other Medicaid coverage, she said.

In the online application, people click through pages of questions before they're shown a screen with information about Pathways, Williams said. Then they must check a box and sign a form saying they understand the program's requirements.

Sometimes the Pathways application doesn't pop up, and she must start over. The process to apply is "not smooth," she said.

Data shows that people who don't earn enough to qualify for free ACA plans but also make too much for Medicaid are disproportionately people of color. Pathways offers Medicaid coverage to adults earning up to the federal poverty level: $15,060 for an individual or $31,200 for a family of four.

Some people eligible for Pathways who work in retail or restaurants with fluctuating hours are nervous they can't meet requirements every month, Williams said.

Many current enrollees don't know how to upload documents, and the website sometimes stops working, said Jahan Becham, an employment specialist for Pathways at Amerigroup Community Care. Or people just forget.

Every month Becham gets a list of 200 to 300 enrollees who haven't submitted their hours. "It is something new, and not many people are used to this," Becham said.

"I would get reminders," said Taylor, who attended the event for enrollees in August. "I just didn't know how."

In a June 2023 meeting with Georgia Medicaid staffers weeks before the program launched, federal officials questioned why the state wasn't automatically verifying eligibility with existing data sources, according to meeting minutes KFF Health News obtained through a state open-records request. Georgia officials said they were unsure when they'd be able to simplify the verification process.

Many potential participants face improper denials, advocates said. Gibson, at the Georgia Legal Services Program, said not enough workers are trained to properly evaluate applications.

Fewer than 1 in 5 people who have their Pathways applications processed had been accepted into the program as of May, according to a KFF Health News analysis of state data. Roberts, with the state, said people were denied because they earned too much, didn't meet requirements, or didn't complete the paperwork.

A full-time graduate student was wrongly blocked from the program, and in February a state administrative judge ordered her case be reconsidered. In another case, a different judge ruled a 64-year-old woman who couldn't work because she was her disabled husband's full-time caregiver would not qualify for Pathways.

Despite the challenges, state records from May show no individuals were removed from the program since it launched for failing to meet work requirements.

Georgia's experiment comes after a 2018 effort in Arkansas to implement work requirements on an existing Medicaid expansion population led to 18,000 people losing coverage, many of whom either met requirements or would have been exempted.

Taylor found out about Pathways when she applied for food stamps last year. It wasn't until August that she learned she could submit her school schedule to meet the qualifying hours requirement. With a full Medicaid expansion, Taylor would have been eligible for health coverage without the extra effort. But, for her, it's still worth it.

"It's important to have health insurance," said Taylor, who has been to the dentist several times and plans to visit a doctor. "I'm glad I have it."
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. It comes after the AAP leader challenged his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case.

Notably, Kejriwal became the third AAP leader after Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh to walk out of jail after securing bail in the excise policy case. He already has been granted an interim bail in the Enforcement Directorates money laundering case.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, had reserved its verdict on the pleas on September 5. Kejriwal had filed two separate petitions challenging the denial of bail and his arrest by the CBI in the excise policy case.

The top court, while saying that the arrest made by CBI was unjustified, asserted that prolonged imprisonment amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty. The bench, however, considered that the arrest of Kejriwal by the CBI on June 26 was valid and in compliance with relevant procedural laws.

AAP Says Satyamev Jayate After Kejriwal Granted Bail

Satyamev Jayate, posted AAP on X after the Supreme Court granted bail to the Delhi chief minister. Reacting to the verdict, Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi CM, said, Congratulations to the AAP family! Kudos for staying strong. Wishing also the soonest release of our other leaders.

SC Sets Restrictions For Kejriwal

Setting conditions for the bail, Justice Bhuyan restricted Kejriwal from entering the Chief Ministers Office or signing files. The AAP leader agreed to these conditions, as imposed by another bench while granting him bail in the ED case.

SC Questions Timing of Kejriwals Arrest By CBI

Justice Bhuyan, in his judgement, raised questions over the timing and manner in which the Delhi CM was arrested by the CBI in the excise policy case.

Non-cooperation cannot mean self-incrimination, and therefore, Kejriwals arrest by the CBI on this ground was impermissible, he said.

Bail Is Rule, Jail An Exception: Justice Bhuyan

Reading out the judgement, Justice Bhuyan said, Bail is the rule, and jail an exception. All courts must ensure that the prosecution and the process of trial doesnt become a form of punishment in itself.

Justice Surya Kant Reads Out Judgement

Regarding procedural violations, Justice Kant rejected Kejriwals plea regarding arrest by the CBI in the excise policy case.

AAP Chiefs Arrest

Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 26. In the Supreme Court, the Chief Miniter challenged the Delhi High Courts August 5 order which upheld his arrest in the corruption case. The high court had noted that the loop of evidence against Kejriwal was 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 the 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 governments excise policy for 2021-22, which has now been scrapped.

We are very hopeful

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Thursday said he and other members of the party are hopeful and are waiting for the Supreme Courts decision on Kejriwals bail. Chadha, who was in Haryana, also appealed to voters to choose the AAP in the October 5 assembly elections.

We are very hopeful. We are waiting for tomorrow, Chadha told reporters.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also lodged a separate money laundering case linked to the 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 top 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).

Money laundering

The ED had on March 21 arrested Kejriwal in connection with the money laundering case. During the arguments on September 5 on Kejriwals plea in the corruption case, the Chief Minister had vehemently opposed in the top court the CBIs contentions that he should have approached the trial court first for bail in the corruption case.

Questioning the maintainability of Kejriwals pleas, Additional Solicitor General SV 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.
US automaker Ford Motor on Friday said it plans to restart its manufacturing plant for exports in Tamil Nadu and has intimated the same to the Tamil Nadu government. The company exited India in 2021.

The announcement of re-entry in India follows a meeting between Ford leadership and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin as part of his visit to the United States, Ford said in a statement.

According to a livemint report, Ford is in talks with JSW to restart operations in India.

Ford Motor, which in 2021 had said that it would stop manufacturing vehicles in India, has submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Tamil Nadu government, confirming its intention to utilise the Chennai plant for manufacturing for exports.

This step aims to underscore our ongoing commitment to India as we intend to leverage the manufacturing expertise available in Tamil Nadu to serve new global markets, Ford International Markets Group President Kay Hart said.

Ford said the strategic move will see the facility repurposed to focus on manufacturing for export to global markets, as part of the companys ambitious Ford+ growth plan.

It, however, said further information about the type of manufacturing and other details will be disclosed in due course.

Ford said its latest announcement reaffirms the companys commitment to India as a critical market for its global operations.

The company currently employs 12,000 individuals in Global Business Operations in Tamil Nadu, a number expected to grow by 2,500 to 3,000 jobs within the next three years, it added.

Combined with the engine manufacturing operations in Sanand, India represents Fords second-largest salaried workforce worldwide, the company said.

In September 2021, after nearly three decades of struggling to make a mark in India, Ford Motor Co had announced that it would stop vehicle production at its two plants in the country and will sell only imported vehicles going ahead, as part of a restructuring exercise.

While the company sold its vehicle manufacturing plant at Sanand in Gujarat to Tata Motors, it could not wind down its vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the targeted timeline of the second quarter of 2022.

(With PTI Inputs)
Western Carriers India IPO: The initial public offering of logistics company Western Carriers (India) Ltd has been opened for public subscription on Friday, September 13. The price band of the Rs 492.88-crore IPO has been fixed at Rs 163 to Rs 172 per share for the public issue. Till 4:27 pm on the first day of bidding on Friday, the IPO received a 0.75 times subscription garnering bids for 1,51,37,130 shares as against the 2,00,59,070 shares on offer.

The category for non-institutional investors received 0.30 times subscription, while the portion for retail individual investors (RIIs) got subscribed 1.38 times.

Western Carriers (India) is the largest private, multi-modal, rail-focused, 4PL asset-light logistics company in India in terms of container volumes handled by private players in FY2023.

Western Carriers India IPO: Key Dates

The IPO will remain opened for public subscription between September 13 and September 18. The share allotment of the Western Carriers India IPO will likely be finalised on September 19, while its shares will be listed on both BSE and NSE on September 23.

Western Carriers India IPO: Price Band

The price band of the Rs 492.88-crore much-awaited IPO has been fixed at Rs 163 to Rs 172 per share for the public issue.

Western Carriers India IPO: GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Western Carriers India Ltd are trading at a zero GMP in the grey market. It indicates no listing gains from the IPO as of now. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Western Carriers India IPO: Analysts Recommendations

Giving a subscribe recommendation to the IPO, brokerage firm Anand Rathi said, Over the years, the company plans to enhance its service delivery by

robust growth and operational efficiency. At the upper price band company is valuing at P/E of 21.8x with a market cap of Rs 17,536 million post issue of equity shares and return on net worth of 22.4 per cent. On the valuation front, we believe that the company is fairly priced. Thus, we recommend a SUBSCRIBE rating to the IPO.

It said Western Carriers India intends to enhance its scope of engagement with existing customers by strengthening the existing service offerings, adding new offerings, servicing newer geographies, providing additional value- added services and offering time and cost saving solutions to the customers. Further the company will continue to expand the operational capabilities and expand the network infrastructure and capacity to the extent it assists the company in improving quality metrics and overall performance.

Another brokerage house Swastika Investmart has given a may apply rating to the IPO.

Western Carriers (India) has exhibited slow but consistent financial growth with a positive trajectory. The IPOs valuation is considered reasonable. The company faces a long payment cycle and is exposed to several operational risks. Given the companys financial challenges and limited market interest, a may apply rating is recommended for long-term investors with a high-risk tolerance, Swastika said.

StoxBox research analyst Akriti Mehrotra has also given a subscribe recommendation, saying, The current issue is priced at a PE of 16.8 times on the upper band based on FY24 earnings and is relatively lower than its peers. Given its strong financials, strategic initiatives, and positioning to capitalise on the expanding rail-road multi-modal sector, we recommend a subscribe rating for the issue with a medium to long-term investment perspective.

Western Carriers India IPO: Anchor Investment

Western Carriers (India) on Thursday mobilised Rs 148 crore from anchor investors a day before its initial share sale opening for public subscription.

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company, Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund (MF), Kotak MF, Aditya Birla Sun Life MF, Nippon India MF, BNP Paribas, Societe Generale and Citigroup Global Markets Mauritius are among the anchor investors.

According to a circular uploaded on BSEs website, the company has allotted 85.97 lakh equity shares to 15 funds at Rs 172 apiece, which is also the upper end of the price band. This aggregates the transaction size to Rs 148 crore.

Western Carriers India IPO: More Details

The Kolkata-based companys Rs 493 crore initial public offering (IPO) will be available for public subscription from September 13 to September 18 in the price range of Rs 163 to Rs 172 per share.

The IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares, aggregating up to Rs 400 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 54 lakh equity shares worth Rs 93 crore, at the upper end of the price band by promoter Rajendra Sethia.

Proceeds from the fresh issue to the tune of Rs 163.5 crore will be used for debt payment, Rs 152 crore for funding capital expenditure requirements towards the purchase of commercial vehicles, shipping containers, and reach stackers, and the remaining funds towards general corporate purposes.

The company said that investors can bid for a minimum of 87 equity shares and in multiples thereof.

Western Carriers is Indias leading private, multi-modal, rail-focused, asset-light logistics company, with a customer base of 1,647 across varied sectors like metals and mining, FMCG, pharmaceutical, building materials, chemicals, oil and gas, and utilities as of March 2024.

Some of its key customers are Tata Steel, Hindalco Industries, Vedanta, BALCO, HUL, Coca-Cola India, Tata Consumer Products, Wagh Bakri, Cipla, Haldia Petrochemicals and Gujarat Heavy Chemicals, among others.

As of fiscal 2024, the companys revenue from operations was Rs 1,685 crore, with a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 80 crore.

JM Financial and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company are the book-running lead managers to the issue. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and NSE.
Life Insurance Corp (LIC) has hiked its stake in Railway PSU Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to about 9.3 per cent, the state-run insurance company said in an exchange filing.

In a regulatory filing, LIC said its holding in railway sector miniratna PSU has increased 2.02 per cent in the period December 16, 2022, to September 11, 2024, via open market purchases.

Life Insurance Corporation of India has increased its shareholding in equity shares of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd from 5,82,22,948 to 7,43,79,924 i.e., 7.278 per cent to 9.298 per cent of the paid-up capital of the said company (IRCTC), LIC said.

LIC shares were up over 1 per cent in the early trade on Friday to quote Rs 1,042.9 per share on the NSE. IRCTC stock stood at Rs 942.9 percent, rising 1.24 percent in morning trade.

The state-run company handed over a dividend cheque of Rs 3,662.17 crore to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month in August. This dividend to the Union government, also the companys largest shareholder, was announced on May 27, after the countrys largest insurer on May 27 declared an interim dividend of Rs 6 per share.

The insurance behemoth also paid an interim dividend of Rs 2,441.45 crore on March 1, 2024, thus totaling Rs 6,103.62 crore dividend paid to the Centre for the year 2023-24.
The Indian Navy has announced an exciting recruitment opportunity for young candidates aged 17-21 interested in joining as Sailors. The recruitment process is set to attract physically fit candidates who have the necessary academic background. Currently, the Navy is focusing on hiring for the medical branch, which requires candidates to have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in their 12th grade.

To begin the selection process, candidates must pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), which is a key component of the assessment. The PFT consists of several physical activities designed to gauge the candidates fitness levels. First, candidates must complete a 1.6 km run within 6 minutes and 30 seconds. Following the run, they must perform 20 squats, 15 push-ups and a similar number of bent knee sit-ups. This combination of exercises is intended to evaluate the candidates strength, stamina, and overall physical capability.

The recruitment process is divided into three stages:

Shortlisting: In the first stage, candidates are shortlisted based on their academic performance in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from their 12th grade. This selection is conducted state-wise to identify eligible candidates. Physical Fitness Test and Written Examination: Shortlisted candidates will be called to undergo the Physical Fitness Test. Candidates who pass the PFT will then be required to take a written examination. This test includes 100 objective-type questions covering English, Science, Biology, General Awareness, and Reasoning. The examination can be taken in either Hindi or English, depending on the candidates preference. Medical Examination and Final Selection: Candidates who succeed in the written exam will be invited for a medical examination. A merit list will be published based on the results of this examination. Successful candidates from the merit list will attend a pre-enrolment examination at INS Chilika, Odisha. Those who pass the final medical examination will then proceed to training at INS Chilika.

This recruitment drive presents a valuable opportunity for young individuals to start a career in the Indian Navy, contributing to a prestigious and rewarding field.
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." 




The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday appealed to the Seldah Court, seeking permission to conduct a narco-analysis test on Sanjay Roy, the accused in the rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.

The CBI officials want to conduct the test on Roy, who has already undergone a polygraph test on August 25, to verify his version of the story. This is primarily to cross-check whether Roy is telling the truth. The narco analysis test will help us to verify his version, a CBI officer told news agency PTI.

In most cases, the accused gives the true information, he said.

Let us look at the various tests, which have been conducted in the Kolkata rape and murder case, and what purpose do these tests serve?

Narco Test

How Is It Conducted: During a narco analysis test, a drug sodium pentothal is injected into the body of the subject which takes the accused to a hypnotic state. The accuseds imagination is suppressed. The person is placed in a state where they can only answer specific questions after the drug is injected. In most cases, the accused gives the true information, an officer said. This test is only performed in the presence of a psychologist, investigating officer, or forensic expert. It is said to be a viable alternative to other well-known third-degree treatments used by investigating agencies, according to a report by Telangana Today. The test has often faced criticism for being an unreliable source of interrogation, often abused by police agencies.

Polygraph Test

What The Test Revealed: In the test, Roy denied his involvement in the case and claimed that he ran away after seeing the body. Roy was asked 10 questions by the CBI during the polygraph test. Three polygraph experts along with the investigating officer of the CBI were present during the test. The rape-murder accused said the victim was already dead when he spotted her. However, the lie-detector test flagged several false and unconvincing answers. Although he had earlier confessed to the crime, but retracted and claimed that he was being framed and that he was innocent.

How It Is Conducted: A polygraph is a device that records several signals from sensors on a single moving paper strip, or graph, or polygraph. The subject has four to six sensors linked to them. The test captures an individuals breathing rate, the persons pulse rate, the individuals blood pressure, the perspiration of a person. It also sometimes records arm and leg movement as well. Neither polygraph tests nor narco tests have proven to have 100% success rate, investigating agencies employ such tests as a softer alternative to extract the truth from suspects. The CBI has so far questioned 100 witnesses and ran 12 polygraph tests.

DNA Test

What the Test Revealed: The DNA test results declared on September 6 suggested that Roy was involved in the rape and murder of the junior doctor. His DNA matched samples collected from the victims body and evidence suggest he was lone accused in the case. Earlier, the CBI had collected technical and scientific evidence which corroborated Roys presence at the seminar hall in the hospital where the victim doctor was found dead.

How Is It Conducted: The DNA test also know as DNA profiling is used to solve a crime. Forensic scientists can compare DNA found at a crime scene (from blood or hair) to DNA samples taken from suspects. If there is no match, they may be able to rule out that suspect. If there is a match, police will likely want to take a closer look. Only a small number of cells from a persons skin or the root of a hair  or from bodily fluids like blood, saliva, or semen  is needed to build a unique DNA profile. Once forensic scientists obtain a sample, they extract the DNA from cells in bodily fluids or tissues and copy it. They then separate the copied markers using a process known as capillary electrophoresis.

Psychoanalysis Test (Psychological Test)

What the Test Revealed: A team of psychological and behavioural analysts from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Delhi conduct the psychological assessment of Roy in Kolkata. The test revealed that he is a pervert who is severely addicted to pornography. It also said the 35-year-old accused had an animal-like instinct and he exhibited no remorse for the heinous rape and murder when questioned.

How Is It Conducted: A psychoanalysis test sometimes referred to as the Freudian personality test, is a psychological assessment used to identify a persons personality type by standard psychoanalytic theory. The test consists of 48 items that are scored on a five-point scale ranging from disagree to agree, according to Positive Psychology. Oral receptive, oral aggressive, anal expulsive, anal retentive, phallic aggressive, phallic compensative, classic hysteric, and retentive hysteric are the eight personality types for which the results are presented as scores ranging from zero to 100%. A criticism against the test is that it stresses the deterministic roles of biology and the unconscious and neglects environmental influences on the conscious mind, as per Positive Psychology.

Forensic Analysis

What the Report Revealed: The forensic report confirmed the junior doctor was found at 9:30 am in a semi-nude state, with her jeans and undergarments removed and injury marks on her body. The victims vaginal swab was not preserved at the required 4 degrees Celsius, a lawyer had pointed out. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said in rape and murder cases, the first five hours are crucial. During this period, the area should be cordoned off to prevent anyone from entering the crime scene and taking photographs, he added. He also informed the apex court that the victims legs were positioned at a 90-degree angle, which would require broken hips.

How Is It Conducted: A forensic investigation is the use of scientific methods and techniques to analyse physical evidence for criminal and civic legal proceedings. The nature of forensic investigations varies greatly depending on the evidence under consideration and the specific elements of the crime under investigation. Some of the main types of forensic investigations include: crime scene analysis, digital forensics, forensic accounting and forensic toxicology. Through the collection and analysis of physical evidence, forensic investigators can establish facts, reconstruct events, and identify suspects or victims.

Other Tests

Brain Mapping: Brain Mapping Test also referred to as the P-300 test is defined as the study of the anatomy and function of the brain and spinal cord through the use of imaging, immunohistochemistry, molecular and optogenetics, stem cell and cellular biology, engineering, neurophysiology, and nanotechnology by the Society for Brain Mapping & Therapeutics, a non-profit biomedical association.

Brain mapping can be thought of as an advanced form of neuroimaging because it produces images of the brain that have been augmented by the outcome of additional (imaging or non-imaging) data processing or analysis.

How Is It Conducted: By providing the subjects with a list of words, the researchers activate areas of the brain responsible for associated memory. On the word list that will be used for the Brain Mapping Test, one will find the following three categories of words, as explained by Legal Services India: The first section was made up of meaningless phrases that have no direct bearing on the situation at hand, probe words related to the case and suspects are used in second section to elicit concealed information from the suspects, in the third part, words are based on confidential findings that the suspect is not aware of. This part is the only one that contains the target, which is not mentioned in the first two parts. The Supreme Court has ruled that narco-analysis, brain mapping, and polygraph tests cannot be conducted on any person without his or her consent.
This Durga Puja, Bengalis could go without Padma Ilish  a highly sought-after delicacy that is made at weddings and other important occasions.

After the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the interim government has banned the export of Hilsa or Ilish fish, turning down a request from Kolkata based Fish Importers Association, prioritising its domestic demand.

Ilish is not only considered important but is a national fish of Bangladesh. So, why is the Bangladesh interim government doing this? How important is Hilsa in Bengali culture, lets understand.

What Is Hilsa & Its Socio-Cultural Significance?

An important part of Bengali cuisine, the Ilish fish is the highly prized because of its delicate flavour, distinct taste and silky texture. It is primarily found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, and has become an indispensable part of households in Bangladesh, India and Myanmar.

With its rich history and social importance, the Hilsa fish holds an exceptional spot in Bengali culture, and is considered the state fish of West Bengal. Padma Hilsa graces Bengali tables during Durga Puja. Salt-fermented Hilsa, locally known as lonailish, is a relished delicacy in the north-eastern region.

Padma Ilish is said to be the tastiest of all varieties of fish. The rich fat and thick succulent texture of the kind makes it distinct. It relocates from Bay of Bengal to freshwater rivers, and its extraordinary flavor profile is upgraded by particular water conditions of the Padma river, as per the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers.

Padma Ilish is not only in high demand in West Bengal but also at markets in New Delhi, Jharkhand, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Bihar who also seek this valued fish for cuisines during festivals like Poila Boisakh (Bengali New Year) and Jamai Soshti.

Hilsa is a rich source of omega-3 PUFAs, EPA, DHA, and high-quality proteins. It is found in rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. The highest catch of Hilsa in India comes from the deltaic Ganga region in the coastal Bay of Bengal.

How Hilsa has Become a Source of Livelihood

Hilsa fisheries provide a high social impact in the GangaBrahmaputraMeghna basin of the northern part of the Bay of Bengal because of its high abundance, where 250 million people, directly and indirectly, depend on this species, according to an article, Hilsa Fisheries in India, published in Frontiers.

Structured socio-economic surveys were conducted with 402 fishermen from the upper stretch of river Hooghly to its lower stretch (300 km) in West Bengal during 20202021. The average monthly income of the Hilsa fishers in the lower stretch of river Hooghly (Godakhali) (Rs 25,000-Rs 30,000) was higher than that in the upper stretch at Farakka (Rs 10,000-Rs 15,000). However, fish species other than Hilsa are generating significantly higher returns for 56% of fishers in the Hooghly district; 40% of Hilsa fishers in South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad (Farakka) districts are engaged in non-fishery activities for livelihood.

In Bangladesh, the non-consumptive value of Hilsa has been reported to range from $167.5 million to $355.7 million per annum, where poor people place the highest value on Hilsa fishery restoration, the article said.

The fish accounts for about 12% of Bangladeshs total fish production and contributes around 1% to its GDP. Fishermen catch up to 600,000 tonnes of the fish annually, the majority of the haul coming from the sea. In 2017, hilsa was recognised as a geographical Indicator for the country.

A 1.5 kg hilsa was selling for around 1,800 taka ($15; 11.50), 1.2 kg for 1,600 taka, and 1 kg for 1,500 taka. These prices are 150-200 taka higher than last year, say traders, as mentioned in a BBC report.

The major producers of Hilsa in the world are Bangladesh (76%), Myanmar (15%), and India (4%), contributing 95% of the global Hilsa catches. The remaining 5% is shared by Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Thailand, Myanmar, and Pakistan.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data in 2023, the share of Bangladesh to global Hilsa production has increased to 97.01% and that of India has shrunk to 2.41%.

The global average production of Hilsa was about 5.83 lakh tonnes in 2021, with Bangladesh having the highest production of 5.65 lakh tonnes, while in India it was was 0.14 lakh tonnes, as per FAO.

What was Sheikh Hasinas Hilsa Diplomacy?

Sheikh Hasina started the practice of sending Hilsa to India since she first assumed office in 1996. She first gifted hilsa to the then West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu. This took place just before the Ganges Water Sharing treaty, a landmark agreement on sharing the waters from the Farakka barrage, was signed between India and Bangladesh, as per The Diplomat.

She had also sent Hilsa to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on a number of occasions. She also gifted 30 kg of the silver fish to the then President Pranab Mukherjee in 2017, hoping to resolve the water dispute.

The Bangladeshi government has given special permission to carry out hilsa exports to India as a goodwill gesture. Dhaka had been allowing more than 1,000 tonnes of Hilsa from the Padma to India for a month in the run-up to Durga Puja every year as part of Hasinas diplomacy.

Last September, over 1,300 tonnes of Hilsa was exported to India from Bangladesh. In 2021, a special cargo of 4,640 metric tonnes of the much sought-after variety made its way to India.

Why is the Interim Govt Stopping Hilsa Export to India?

Farida Akhter, adviser to the Bangladesh ministry of fisheries and livestock, said, as quoted by BBC, The previous government would lift the ban during the Durga Puja festival. They used to call it a gift. This time I dont think we need to give a gift because [if we do it] our people will not be able to eat the fish while it is allowed to be exported to India in large numbers.

Kolkata based Fish Importers Association had written to Bangladesh government adviser Touhid Hossain on August 9, urging that limited Hilsa trade be allowed, like previous years, as per a report by The Times of India.

But Akhtar has rejected the demand, citing high demand in Bangladesh. Association secretary Syed Anwar Maqsood had said they had been importing 5,000 tonnes of Hilsa a year from Bangladesh through Petrapole land customs station. The trade was banned in 2012, but it was resumed in 2019 during Durga Puja as a goodwill gesture, The Times of India report quoted Maqsood as saying.
The Supreme Court has granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi liquor policy case, after the chief minister was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on June 26. Kejriwal joins other high-profile leaders, including Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, who have been granted bail in the past few weeks.

Kejriwal, who had challenged the arrest by the CBI, was released on bail subject to bail bonds of Rs 10 lakh. The top court directed Kejriwal to not make any public comments about the case and be present for all hearings before trial court unless exempted.

Who Have Got Bail in Alleged Liquor Scam?

Arvind Kejriwal: The Delhi CM was asked to furnish bail bonds of Rs 10 lakh and not to make any public comment on the case and be present on all hearings. Justice Bhuyan also observed that he has serious reservations on conditions imposed in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case on Kejriwal which bar him from entering the CM office.

The court highlighted that Kejriwal had previously been interrogated by the CBI in March 2023, but the agency did not find it necessary to detain him then. The arrest took place shortly after Kejriwals bail in a related ED money laundering case had been stayed. Justice Bhuyan remarked that the CBIs decision to seek custody at this point seemed strategically designed to frustrate the bail previously granted in the ED case. The judges further criticised the CBIs actions, calling them unjustified, and stressed that arrest procedures should not be used as a tool for harassment.

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, said during the hearing that the CBI had not arrested the CM for nearly two years, and the arrest came after he was granted bail in a related money laundering case filed by the ED. He also pointed out that no prior notice was served to Kejriwal before his arrest, and the trial court issued an ex-parte arrest order.

Manish Sisodia: On August 9, the Deputy CM of Delhi was granted bail after he spent 17 months in jail without trial for money laundering charges linked to the excise policy. The Supreme Court allowed bail to Sisodia in both ED and CBI cases and ordered him to be released on payment of Rs 10 lakh in bail bonds. Sisodia has to surrender his passport and report to the police station every Monday. The ED/ CBI had made a plea to bar Sisodia from the Delhi Secretariat, which was rejected by the SC. The prosecution has 493 witnesses lined up. There were over a lakh pages of documents and over 1,000 documents involved in the case.

Sisodia had undergone two earlier rounds of litigation for bail. The first round ended on October 30 last year with the apex court denying him interim bail while upholding his right to speedy trial. The probe agencies had assured the court to conclude the trial in the next six to eight months.

The second round culminated on June 4, 2024, again in the Supreme Court. Sisodia was denied interim bail, but allowed him to revive his plea as soon as the final charge sheet was filed. The court pointed out EDs self-contradictory claims, and noted that the three months take by Sisodias legal team to pour over 69,000 pages of documents was only reasonable and not a ploy, as mentioned in The Hindu report.

K Kavitha: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, was released on bail in the liquor policy case on August 28. Setting aside the Delhi High Courts dismissal of her bail, the Supreme Court ordered the BRS leader to be released forthwith in both the ED and CBI cases after furnishing bail bonds of Rs 10 lakh in each of the two cases.

The court laid down conditions for bail, including that she would regularly attend the trial, and cooperate with the expeditious disposal of the case. Further, the SC cautioned her against tampering with the evidence or trying to influence the witnesses.

A Bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan had accused the central agencies of pick and choose policy. The court asked if the prosecution had been fair in the excise policy case. You cannot pick and choose. A person who incriminates himself is a witness So you pick anyone you choose and leave anyone you choose as an accused, Justice Gavai asked Additional Solicitor-General SV Raju, appearing for the investigative agencies, as quoted by The Hindu.

The top court found it surprising that the Delhi High Court had refused bail to Kavitha on July 1 for the reason that she was an educated, sophisticated woman. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, for Kavitha, argued she had already spent five months in jail as an undertrial. Her custody was not required anymore. The trial had 493 witnesses and there were 50,000 pages of documents.

Sanjay Singh: The AAP Rajya Sabha MP was granted bail by the Supreme Court on April 3, six months after the arrest by ED in the Delhi excise policy case on the charge that Rs 2 crore illegal cash changed hands at his residence in New Delhi.

A Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna and comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and PB Varale had said Sanjay Singh can continue with his political activities during the bail period.

Singh was arrested on October 4, 2023 following a search of his North Avenue home. The ED alleged that businessman Dinesh Arora, an accused who later turned approver in the excise policy case, had given Rs 2 crore in cash to Singh.

The bench, which had taken up the case in the forenoon, asked the ASG if the ED really wanted to continue keeping Singh in custody since it was already six months.

Other Accused & Their Release: Other individuals released on bail include AAPs former communications head Vijay Nair, liquor businessman Sameer Mahendru, regional manager of Pernod Ricard India Benoy Babu, Chariot Production media director Rajesh Joshi, Punjab liquor baron Gautam Malhotra, Hyderabad businessman Arun Pillai, AAP volunteer Chanpreet Singh, and Vinod Chauhan.

Three other persons who turned approversAurobindo Pharma director P Sarath Chandra Reddy, Magunta Srinivasulu Reddys son Raghav Magunta, and businessman Dinesh Arorawere also released after cooperating with the investigation.

Of the 18 persons arrested by the ED, 14 have been granted bail, including 11 who received regular bail and three who were given interim bail. Those released on interim bail include Kejriwal, Hyderabad businessman Abhishek Boinpally, and liquor firm director Amit Arora.

Only one accused, businessman Amandeep Dhall, remains in judicial custody out of 18 arrested by the ED. His bail plea is still under consideration by the Delhi High Court.
Congress leader Jagdish Tytler on Friday pleaded not guilty to the charges against him including murder and provocation with intent to cause riot in connection with the killing of three men outside Pul Bangash Gurudwara in Delhi, during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, following the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhis assassination.

Special Judge Rakesh Syal recorded the testimony submitted by the eyewitness and decided to begin the trial in the case. He listed the matter for hearing on October 3.

Delhis Rouse Avenue Court on August 30 directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to frame charges against the Congress leader in the 1984 anti sikh riots case under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 295 (injuring or defiling a place of worship), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance), and 302 (murder) read with 109 (abetment).

The probe agency had claimed in January 2024 before the trial court that eyewitnesses saw Jagdish Tytler incite a mob during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots which led to the killing of three people in the Pul Bangash area of the national capital. The court, however, discharged Tytler for the offence of inciting riot armed with deadly weapons on the basis of lack of ground to proceed against him.

In its charge sheet filed in May 2023 against Tytler, the CBI accused him, citing an eyewitness, of inciting, instigating and provoking the mob which had assembled near the Pul Bangash gurdwara on November 1, 1984.

In August last year, a session court granted bail to Tytler on a personal of Rs 1 lakh and surety of the like amount under conditions that he would not tamper with the evidence in the case or leave the country without the courts permission.

In the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, three people were killed and a gurdwara was set ablaze in the Pul Bangash area of Delhi. The incident unfolded a day after the then-prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.
Arvind Kejriwal Bail Updates: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Minister walked out of Tihar jail on Friday after the Supreme Court granted bail to the AAP national convenor in connection with the excise policy case.

The court set bail at Rs 10 lakhs and imposed a condition that Kejriwal must not make any public comments regarding the case.

The decision was made by a bench led by Justice Surya Kant, which also included Justice Ujjal Bhuyan. During the hearing, Justice Bhuyan raised concerns about the timing of Kejriwals arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), questioning why it occurred when he was close to being granted bail. He described the CBIs actions as potentially aimed at frustrating the bail process.

Justice Bhuyan stressed the legal principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, stating that bail should be the norm and imprisonment the exception. He rebuked the CBI for arguing against bail solely based on Kejriwals evasive responses during questioning.

Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 26 as part of an investigation into alleged corruption related to the Delhi governments excise policy for 2021-22. The Delhi High Court had previously upheld his arrest, but the Supreme Courts ruling today allowed him to be released while the case continues.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was on Friday granted bail by the Supreme Court in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case linked to Delhis now-withdrawn excise policy that had faced severe criticism and corruption allegations. Kejriwal had filed two petitions in the court, challenging his arrest and seeking bail in the CBI case.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan heard the case and granted bail to the Chief Minister on a bail bond of Rs 10 lakh, and two sureties. The bail bonds were later accepted by the court, which issued Kejriwals release order.

During the previous hearing, on September 5, the bench had reserved the judgment in the case.

KEJRIWAL CANNOT VISIT HIS OFFICE OR SECRETARIAT

While granting bail, the Supreme Court directed Kejriwal not to make any public comment on the merits of the case and added that terms and conditions as imposed in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case would also be applicable in this case too.

The court said that Kejriwal cannot visit his office or the Delhi Secretariat and not sign any official file unless absolutely necessary to obtain the Lieutenant Governors sanction.

It said completion of the trial was unlikely to occur in the immediate future and rejected the apprehension of tampering by Kejriwal.

TWO JUDGES, TWO JUDGMENTS

While Justice Kant held there were no procedural irregularities in Kejriwals arrest, Justice Bhuyan questioned the Chief Ministers arrest and said the CBI should not be perceived as making arrests in a high-handed manner. Justice Bhuyan also said the Chief Ministers arrest by the CBI was only to frustrate the bail granted to him in the money laundering case.

However, both the judges were unanimous in the decision to grant bail to Kejriwal considering the fact that the chargesheet has been filed in the case and that the trial is unlikely to be completed in the near future.

ARREST IS VALID, SAID JUSTICE KANT

While pronouncing the judgment, Justice Kant held that it was valid and in compliance with relevant procedural laws.

There is no impediment in arresting a person who is already in custody for another case for purposes of investigation. The CBI in their application has noted why the arrest was necessary and since there was a judicial order. There was no violation of Section 41(A)(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, he said.

When a Magistrate has issued a warrant, the investigating agency stands absolved from giving any reason for the same, Justice Kant said. We have held that appellant arrest does not suffer from any procedural flaw. Thus arrest is valid, he added.

JUSTICE BHUYAN QUESTIONS ARREST

It appears only after the trial court granted regular bail to the appellant in the ED case, that the CBI became active and sought custody. It didnt feel the need to arrest Arvind Kejriwal for over 22 months, Justice Bhuyan said, as he questioned the Chief Ministers arrest.

Such action raises serious questions on the arrest itself. I fail to understand the great urgency on the part of CBI to arrest the appellant when he was on the cusp of release in ED case, he said, adding, The arrest of the appellant is unjustified.

Justice Bhuyan also held that the arrest by the CBI was only to frustrate the bail granted to Kejriwal in the EDs money laundering case.

When Kejriwal was already granted bail in the money laundering case despite the stringent conditions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), his further detention in the predicate offence (CBI Case under the Prevention of Corruption Act) has become untenable. It is a travesty of justice to keep the appellant in custody on these grounds, especially as he has been granted bail in a more stringent PMLA case, Justice Bhuyan observed.

He also expressed reservations about the bail condition that Kejriwal should not visit the Chief Ministers Office or the Secretariat. However, he chose not to pass any direction in that regard having regard to judicial discipline and reverence for a direction passed by a coordinate bench.

Justice Bhuyan also reminded the CBI of its duty to ensure that its investigations are fair.

VICTORY OF TRUTH: AAP

Soon after Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hailed the courts verdict and termed it a victory of truth.

In a video, the Chief Ministers wife, Sunita Kejriwal, was seen distributing sweets to AAP workers.

VIDEO | Sunita Kejriwal (@KejriwalSunita) , wife of Arvind Kejriwal, distributes sweets among AAP workers to celebrate Supreme Court granting bail to the Delhi CM in excise policy corruption case.#DelhiNews(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/1Kji0hqTpY  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 13, 2024

In a post on X, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) wrote, Satyamev Jayate, Arvind Kejriwal gets bail after Honble Supreme Court puts an end to BJPs conspiracy to finish off AAP through the fake Delhi excise policy case. SC reminds BJP-ruled Centre of its 2013 comment that CBI has become a caged parrot.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was recently granted bail in the excise policy case, in an X post wrote, Today truth won again in the fight against lies and conspiracies. I once again pay my tribute to the thinking and foresight of Baba Saheb Ambedkar ji, who 75 years ago had strengthened the common man against any future dictator.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha also thanked the top court for the decision.

Talking to reporters, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said all party workers will welcome Kejriwal, some at his residence, some are already outside the Tihar Jail.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwals bail, Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj says, The CM will come at around 5-6 pm. All the party workers are going to come to his residence. Some party workers are at the Tihar jail to welcome him The nervousness of the BJP is now visible. pic.twitter.com/tKdBM5QS8y ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

In a post on X, Delhi Minister Atishi said, Satyamev Jayate. Truth can be troubled, not defeated.

ARVIND KEJRIWALs ARREST

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case on March 21. He was granted interim bail on May 10 for campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls and has been in jail since June 2 when he surrendered.

CBI arrested Kejriwal on June 26 while he was already in judicial custody.

On August 5, the Delhi High Court rejected Kejriwals petition against his arrest and asked him to approach the trial court for bail. Subsequently, Kejriwal filed an appeal before the top court.

AAP leaders including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh were earlier granted bail by the Supreme Court in the same case.

AAP communications-in-charge Vijay Nair and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha were also granted bail by the top court in the case recently.

THE LIQUOR POLICY CASE

The Delhi liquor policy case involves allegations that several AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, were involved in deliberately leaving loopholes in the excise policy in exchange for kickbacks from liquor lobbies.

The investigation agencies have alleged that the funds garnered from this exercise were used to fund the AAPs election campaign in Goa.

The case is being probed by both the CBI and the ED.
Questioning Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals arrest in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case registered in the liquor policy scam, Justice Ujjal Bhuyam of the Supreme Court on Friday slammed the central agency, saying it should be seen as an uncaged parrot and make efforts to dispel any perception of bias.

Justice Bhuyan also said that as a premier investigating agency of the country, the CBI should not be perceived as making arrests in a high-handed manner.

The observation came as a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Bhuyan delivered judgment today on Kejriwals challenge to a Delhi High Court order of August 5, whereby his pleas challenging CBI arrest and seeking bail were dismissed with liberty to approach the trial court for bail.

While Justice Kant upheld the Chief Ministers arrest, Justice Bhuyan said the arrest was only to frustrate the bail granted to the Chief Minister. Both the judges, however, were unanimous in the decision to grant bail to Kejriwal considering the fact that the chargesheet has been filed in the case and that the trial is unlikely to be completed in the near future.

ARVIND KEJRIWAL GRANTED BAIL: HEREs WHAT JUSTICE BHUYAN OBSERVED

Justice Bhuyan held that the CBI arresting Arvind Kejriwal was only to frustrate the bail granted to him in the money laundering case. He also said the CBI did not arrest Kejriwal for 22 months and arrested him on the cusp of his release in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case. Justice Bhuyan said when Kejriwal got bail in the money laundering case despite the stringent conditions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), his further detention in the predicate offence (CBI Case under the Prevention of Corruption Act) became untenable. It is a travesty of justice to keep the appellant in custody on these grounds, especially as he has been granted bail in a more stringent PMLA case, Justice Bhuyan observed. Reminding the CBI of its duty to ensure that its investigations are fair, Justice Bhuyan said, The CBI is a premier investigating agency. Its in the public interest that CBI must be seen to be above Efforts must be made to remove the perception that investigation is not carried out fairly. In a democracy, perception matters. He also said perception matters and The CBI must dispel the notion of being a caged parrot and must show it is an uncaged parrot. The CBI should be like Caesars wife, above suspicion. Justice Bhuyan expressed serious reservations about the two bail conditions imposed on Kejriwal in the order granting bail to him in the money laundering case, which debarred his entering the Chief Ministers Office and Delhi Secretariat as well as signing official files. However, keeping in mind the principle of judicial propriety and discipline, the judge refused to say anything further.

Kejriwal had filed two separate pleas before the top court  one challenging the legality of his arrest by CBI and a second plea seeking bail.

The latter was allowed by both the judges.

ARVIND KEJRIWALs ARREST

Arvind Kejriwal was formally arrested by CBI on June 26, 2024, while he was in custody of the ED in the money laundering case in connection with the liquor policy scam.

Weeks later, on July 12, the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail in the money laundering case, while referring his petition challenging ED arrest to a larger bench.

However, he continued to remain in custody (which commenced on March 21) due to his arrest by the CBI.
While the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister (CM) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, through the course of the hearings, he has faced judicial criticism, with both the Supreme Court (SC) and Delhi High Court (HC) raising serious concerns about his involvement in the ongoing investigations into the Delhi excise policy case.

The Supreme Court had highlighted the contradictions in his defence, particularly during hearings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

ALSO READ | CBI Must Show Its Uncaged Parrot: Justice Bhuyan Says Kejriwals CBI Arrest Was To Frustrate Bail In ED Case

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court had accused Kejriwal of being actively involved in concealing the proceeds of crime. Furthermore, the court pointed to his responsibility in delaying the investigation process and hindering the start of the trial, casting doubt on his role in the alleged scam.

The HC had noted that a statement recorded on March 20, 2024  a day before his arrest by the ED  contains material that prima-facie incriminated Kejriwal in the case.

ADVERSE COMMENTS BY DELHI HIGH COURT

In April 2024, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma while pronouncing the verdict said that Kejriwal was actively involved in the concealment of proceeds of crime, as per evidence advanced by the ED.

She had also recorded a prima facie finding that there was adequate material, including statements of approvers, involvement of middlemen and references that cash was handed over for expenditure in the 2022 Goa assembly elections.The court said that Kejriwals arrest was not in contravention of law and remand cant be termed illegal.

The primacy concern for the court is to uphold the constitutional morality rather than political morality, the Delhi High Court said, while rejecting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals plea against his arrest and rebuking him for casting aspersions on the judicial process.

The High Court also pointed out that the ED has relied upon a host of statements given by approvers and witnesses which prima facie reveal that Mr. Vijay Nair, former AAP communications in-charge, had received kickbacks to the tune of 100 crore from the South Liquor Lobby on behalf of the Chief Minister.

The court had also said that the contention that Kejriwal could have been questioned through VC is to be rejected. It is not for the accused to decide how the investigation is to be done. It cannot be as per the convenience of the Accused. This court wont set two sets of laws- One for the commons and the other for the public servants. There cannot be any specific privilege for any one including the Chief Minister.

The court also observed that Kejriwal had not challenged the nine summons issued to him by the ED in court. The court also held Kejriwal responsible for the delay in the investigation and for the non-commencement of the trial.

CBI should not be a caged parrot: Justice Bhuyans sharp remarks for the investigating agency during hearing on Kejriwals bail pleaNews18s @anany_b shares details of what transpired in top court @akankshaswarups | #ArvindKejriwalBail #SupremeCourtOfIndia #CBI pic.twitter.com/G79htZ6MPp  News18 (@CNNnews18) September 13, 2024

Adverse Comments by the Supreme Court
Indias Northeast could turn into a war zone with a possible escalation in the Meitei-Kuki tensions in Manipur fuelled by the unrest in Bangladesh, security agencies have warned.

This is fertile ground for the Bangladesh-based radical group Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya or Jamatul Ansar in eastern and northeastern India as al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has very close ties with the Kuki-Chin National Front, a source told CNN-News18.

Both Jamatul Ansar and KNF are conducting arms training camps in Chittagong Hill tracts, said the sources. It came to the fore earlier that the two outfits had formed a written pact for conducting training.

Jamatul Ansar has been striking up alliances with local outfits as they have the same agenda of destabilising India and Northeast-based insurgent groups are ready to join hands, sources said.

Drug money from Myanmar for weapons, radical agenda from AQIS, and pressure from the American side to carve out a separate country is another game the government should look into, said a source.

Earlier Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya and Kuki-Chin National Front came on the radar with their plans to attack government installations when Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies initiated a series of military operations and some 20 KNF members were apprehended along with firearms.

Agencies said KNF is capable of destabilising the region and is ready with both arms and drugs. Bases of Kuki militants in Manipur have full storehouses of arms, they said.

According to sources from the state police, the militants have high-flying drones, missile systems with a proper understanding of projectile and wind systems, AK 47s, INSAS, carbine, and many more weapons.

They have 6,000 arms with them which is a serious concern and ammunition in twice the proportion, said a source.

According to government sources, the Manipur administration is under pressure to push central forces deep inside the state. Recently, two Assam Rifles battalions were taken out of the state and CRPF troops were pushed inside.

Senior CRPF officials including the director general himself were in Manipur for almost five days to ensure this exercise, said the sources.
From sea link to coastal road and airport, CM Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government is making grand plans to improve the connectivity to the Vadhvan Port in Palghar in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The Maharashtra government has unveiled plans to extend the Versova-Virar Sea Link (VVSL) up to Palghar. This extension is expected to enhance regional connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion and spur economic growth in the area. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has recently issued tenders to appoint consultants for preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this extension, marking a crucial step towards the projects realisation.

ALSO READ | How Indias Largest Port At Vadhavan In Maharashtra Will Be A Game Changer For Economy | Explained

According to a source in the CMs office, Shinde has also asked officials to check the feasibility of constructing an airport in the vicinity of the port, which will further improve connectivity with other states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 30 laid the foundation stone for the Vadhvan Port project in Maharashtras Palghar district, near Dahanu town. The port is set to become one of Indias largest deep-water ports, with a total project cost of Rs 76,220 crore. Vadavan Port will be the third major port in Maharashtra along with the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port. It will be close to Gujarat, Rajasthan and central India, and also to most of Indias cargo destination locations.

A very special project that will contribute to Indias development. It will also reaffirm Maharashtras pivotal role as a powerhouse of progress. https://t.co/TKqvo4ZO8c Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2024

THE SEA LINK

The Versova-Virar Sea Link, a proposed 42.75-kilometer eight-lane elevated road, is intended to connect Versova, a western suburb of Mumbai, to Virar, a rapidly growing residential hub in Mumbais satellite town.

The extension to Palghar will not only open up new opportunities for the region, but will also help decongest existing road networks, facilitating smoother movement of traffic. The enhanced connectivity is also expected to boost tourism and economic activity in Palghar and surrounding areas.

The estimated cost of the Versova-Virar Sea Link project, which has already secured cabinet approval, is Rs 63,426 crore. The MMRDA will be responsible for the execution of the project. Extending the sea link to Palghar is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Palghar significantly, making the northern suburb a more accessible destination for residents and tourists alike. Palghar, which has witnessed steady urbanisation, stands to benefit from this infrastructural upgrade, said Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde.

2 ALIGNMENT OPTIONS

To assess the best possible approach for the extension, the MMRDA has proposed two alignment options. The first involves the construction of a 21.8-km sea link, followed by a 7.3-km road connector to Palghar. The second option proposes a 15.4-km coastal road from Virar to Kelwa, followed by the widening of a 10.9-km stretch between Kelwa and Palghar. Consultants will evaluate both alternatives and provide recommendations based on technical, economic, and environmental considerations.

The consultants will also be responsible for preparing a comprehensive Feasibility and Detailed Project Report (DPR), which will encompass highway designs, working drawings and cost estimates. Additionally, they will assess the projects economic and financial viability, along with its environmental and social impacts. Action plans for social and environmental management will be formulated to ensure the project adheres to sustainable development practices.
Rain lashed Delhi and its adjoining areas on Friday morning, leaving several areas waterlogged. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in the national capital, indicating a be prepared mode.

According to the weather department, extremely bad weather is on the forecast in Delhi on Friday.

The alert also warns of potential disruptions to transport, including rail, road and air, with power outages also likely.

SEVERAL AREAS WATERLOGGED

Waterlogging was witnessed in many areas of Delhi on Friday, including on the Main Outer Ring Road in the carriageway from Bhera Enclave Roundabout towards Peeragarhi.

In an X post, the Delhi Police wrote, Traffic Alert Traffic is affected on Main Outer Ring Road in the carriageway from Bhera Enclave Roundabout towards Peeragarhi due to water logging and overflow of sewer water near Nagin Lake Apptt, Peeragarhi. Kindly plan your journey accordingly.

Traffic AlertTraffic is affected on Main Outer Ring Road in the carriageway from Bhera Enclave Roundabout towards Peeragarhi due to water logging and overflow of sewer water near Nagin Lake Apptt, Peeragarhi. Kindly plan your journey accordingly. pic.twitter.com/OOoAgYYH1K  Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) September 13, 2024

The ITO in New Delhi was also waterlogged after overnight rain in the national capital.

#WATCH | Parts of Delhi face waterlogging following overnight heavy rainfall in the city. Visuals from ITO area. pic.twitter.com/Y9PEFFXQGk ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

A video shared by news agency IANS also showed severe waterlogging in the Sangam Vihar area.

Delhi: Due to heavy rainfall since Friday night, the Sangam Vihar area, including Sunny Bazar Road, experiences severe waterlogging. Around 4 to 5 feet of water has accumulated in the area, forcing vehicles to take alternative routes. Water has also entered many shops, causing pic.twitter.com/EBbPLXO1Wg IANS (@ians_india) September 13, 2024

The Kirti Nagar area of Delhi was also waterlogged.

#WATCH | Parts of Delhi face waterlogging following overnight heavy rainfall in the city. Visuals from Kirti Nagar area. pic.twitter.com/miOVM2Z2vV ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

Waterlogging was also seen in the Dhaula Kuan area.

#DelhiRains: Parts of Delhi face #waterlogging following overnight heavy rainfall in the city.Visuals from Dhaula Kuan pic.twitter.com/5oxfj7Q7zW  DD News (@DDNewslive) September 13, 2024

The weather department said Friday is expected to be generally cloudy with moderate rain.

The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 31 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius, respectively.

On Thursday, the IMD warned of very heavy rain in parts of Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh over the weekend. It also said a depression, that originated over central India is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand, Delhi, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh over the next three days.

The maximum temperature on Thursday in Delhi-NCR settled at 27.9 degrees Celsius, six notches below normal, the weather department stated.

On Wednesday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 32.6 degrees Celsius.

WEEKLY WEATHER FORECAST IN DELHI

According to the weather department, Delhi will remain generally cloudy and will receive moderate rain on September 13.

On September 14, the national capital will receive light rain or drizzle.

A partly cloudy sky will continue to prevail over Delhi on September 15, 16 and 17, while there is a possibility of rain or thunderstorms on September 18.

On September 19, Delhi would witness partly cloudy sky with possibility of rain or thunderstorm, the IMD stated.

WEATHER IN OTHER STATES

The IMD on Friday said a depression was seen over central Uttar Pradesh, at 5.30 am today. It said a depression was also seen over the northwest Uttar Pradesh and neighbourhood, and that it was likely to move north-northwestwards.

Officials told news agency PTI that 12 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Uttar Pradesh in the last 24 hours.

The IMD has issued warnings of very heavy rain, flash floods and other rain-related incidents in over a dozen districts in Awadh and Rohilkhand region of the state.

It also said Uttar Pradesh recorded an average of 28.6 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours.

In Rajasthan, four people, including two children, died in rain-related incidents in Barmer and Dholpur districts as downpours in Rajasthan led to waterlogging in low-lying areas, officials told PTI.

Urmila Sagar Dam located on Dholpur Bari road has also overflowed and National Highway 11B connecting Dholpur to Karauli has been closed for traffic, they said.

The IMD said Uttarakhand is likely to experience light to moderate rainfall from September 12 to 14, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas.

Haryana is expected to see light to moderate rain, with heavy rainfall at times between September 12 and 15.

In Madhya Pradesh, heavy rainfall is expected on September 12, followed by moderate to heavy rain over the next few days.
Two soldiers were killed and two others injured in a gunbattle with terrorists in Chatroo village of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday.

The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army confirmed the news on the social media platform X, along with pictures of the fallen soldiers.

White Knight Corps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of the #Bravehearts; offer deepest condolences to the families, the corps wrote in the post.

The deceased soldiers have been identified as Naib Subedar Vipan Kumar and Sepoy Arvind Singh.

Meanwhile, the injured soldiers have been transported to the hospital, and reinforcements have been dispatched to the area to bolster the security forces involved in the anti-terror operation.

The gunfight broke out when a joint security team of the Army and police, acting on a tip-off, initiated a cordon-and-search operation in the Naidgham area of the Chhatroo belt.

The corps earlier stated that a joint operation with the Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched based on intelligence inputs.

Based on the intelligence inputs, a joint operation with J&K Police was launched in area Chatroo at #Kishtwar, the corps said.

OP SHAHPURSHALBased on the intelligence inputs, a joint operation with J&K Police was launched in area Chatroo at #Kishtwar.A contact has been established with the terrorists at 1530 hrs.In the ensuing firefight four army personnel have been injured. The operation is in pic.twitter.com/rpal8ABsUu White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) September 13, 2024

The corps confirmed that contact with the terrorists was established at 3:30 PM.

Earlier today, two terrorists were killed in an encounter at J&Ks Khandara, Kathua, by security forces.

Two terrorists were neutralised in the ongoing operation at Khandara Kathua by troops of the Rising Star Corps. Operations in progress, the Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army posted on X.

This encounters come as eight Assembly segments across the Chenab Valley regionencompassing the Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districtsalong with 16 seats in the south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam, are set to vote in the first phase on September 18.

Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts will hold their elections in the second and third phases on September 25 and October 1, respectively.

(With inputs from agencies)
Dairy farming is a branch of agriculture focused on the production of milk and dairy products through the care and feeding of cattle, primarily dairy cows and buffaloes. But did you know that in the Belagavi district of Karnataka, many people are increasingly interested in dairy farming alongside traditional agriculture?

A farmer, recognising that local indigenous buffalo breeds were producing less milk for the dairy industry, decided to bring in a Haryana Murrah buffalo breed and is now seeing excellent milk yields. One buffalo was recently purchased for Rs 98,000.

Akshaya Mane, a farmer from Sambaragi village in Athni taluka of Belagavi purchased a Murrah buffalo from farmers in Belanki village, Maharashtra, and is pleased with its yield. While local buffaloes typically produce 6 to 8 litres of milk per day, these Murrah buffaloes yield 12 to 16 litres daily. The milk is also fetching a higher price in the market. While local buffalo milk is priced at Rs 48 per litre, milk from the Haryana buffaloes commands Rs 55 per litre. These buffaloes weigh between 300 and 500 kg and are relatively easy to maintain.

The Murrah buffalo is fed 5 kg of feed both in the morning and evening, including 25 kg of animal feed and 5 kg of raw fodder, with additional dry fodder provided. There is no doubt that this is an excellent breed of buffalo, capable of providing significant income for dairy farmers.

The Murrah buffalo is a breed of water buffalo primarily kept for milk production. It originates from the Indian states of Haryana and Punjab, particularly in the districts of Bhiwani, Agra, Hisar, Rohtak, Jind, Jhajhar, Fatehabad, Gurgaon, and the Delhi Capital Region.

This breed has also been used to improve milk production in other countries such as Italy, Bulgaria, and Egypt. Among Indian buffalo breeds, the Murrah is renowned for having the highest milk yield.
The midday meal time is a very crucial part of the day for the students, as it ensures ample nutrient intake for better health and focus. Local18 reports about a school in West Bengal which organised a fulfilling and impressive midday meal to celebrate a students birthday, which included plenty of protein-rich ingredients as well as sweets.

According to the reports, the school is called the Ghughubesiya Junior High School, located on the rural side of Howrah. The headmaster of the school, Narayan Bera, hosted a Tithi Bhojan for all the students to celebrate their sons birthday. More information states that it was organised by the Pradhan on the school premises, during the tiffin time on Wednesday. It marked the celebrations of Anamitra Beras seventh birthday.

The organisers curated an extensive menu for the kids, filled with several mouth-watering delicacies. It included bhetki cutlet, basanti pulau, cauliflower roast, pomfret, chicken kosha and chutney as the main course. While the assortments of desserts included payas, ice cream and paan. As per more information, the students received coloured pencils as a return gift from the school. He also gifted a wheelchair to a differently-abled student.

In a conversation with Local18, the headmaster Narayan Bera detailed that a program was launched through which one can organise a celebratory midday meal on any special occasion, called the Tithi Bhojan. So, the headmaster chose the day of his sons birthday to carry out Tithi Bhojan.

Key members of the Panchayat were invited as guests for the day. It included BDO Sanju Guha Majumdar, Block Inspector Madhurima Das and Panchayat Samiti Education Officer Moumita Das, among many others.

The video shared by Local18 shows the students enjoying the meal together, as the staff oversaw every child was well-fed. It also showed stills from its preparation which was done with utmost hygiene and cleanliness.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Friday granted pre-arrest bail to an Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander who faces rape allegations from a junior officer in the force.

In its ruling, the court has allowed the investigation to continue but instructed that the charge sheet should not be filed without its permission.

The court further noted that arresting the individual, whose name has not been be disclosed, could damage both his reputation and his career in the military.

The court has outlined specific bail conditions for the IAF Wing Commander, requiring him to provide two solvent sureties, each worth Rs. 50,000, to the satisfaction of the Investigating Officer, along with a personal bond of the same amount.

Additionally, he is prohibited from leaving the Union Territory of J&K without obtaining prior permission from his Commanding Officer.

Furthermore, the court has mandated that he must avoid any form of contact with the prosecution witnesses either physically or through any other mode. He is also required to attend court sessions from September 14 to 16, between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M., and as needed thereafter.

Allegations against Wing Commander

The courts ruling comes after an FIR was registered at Budgam police station against the Wing Commander, prompted by a rape complaint filed by a woman flying officer earlier this week. Both the accused Wing Commander and the 26-year-old complainant are currently stationed in Srinagar.

The woman officer has alleged that she was subjected to continuous harassment, sexual assault, and mental torture primarily by authorities at the Air Force Station, Srinagar.

In her complaint, the officer alleged that during a New Year party at the officers mess on December 31, 2023, her senior inquired whether she had received a gift. When she replied that she had not, the Wing Commander invited her to his room, claiming that he had all the gifts there.

The woman said that when she followed him to his room, his family was not present. When she asked about their whereabouts, he informed her that they were away. She further alleged that her senior forced her into oral sex and molested her.

I repeatedly asked him to stop doing it and tried to resist it in all ways possible. Finally, I pushed him and ran away, she stated.

The woman officer said that when she confided in two other female officers, they advised her to file a complaint.

I went into a mental shock being new to the atmosphere in forces. I was embarrassed and broken to the extent that I lacked the courage to report. I cant describe the mental agony of being an unmarried girl who joined the forces and was treated in such a heinous manner, she said.

A Colonel-rank officer was ordered to investigate the incident.

(With inputs from PTI)
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadavs brazen comparison of mathadheesh and mafia ignited a political firestorm on Friday with BJP leaders calling it an insult to Sanatan Dharma. Reacting to Yadavs there is no difference between Hindu Seers and Mafias remark, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawala said that its a hidden agenda of the INDIA bloc to insult Sanatan Dharma for vote bank politics.

After Sanatan abuse by DMK, after Congress labelling Hindus violent, now Samajwadi Party which killed Ram Bhakts says Mathadish are like Mafia! Can they say this about other faiths? INDI Alliance has only one agenda- Hindu Astha Ko Do Gaali, Votebank ki Milegi Taali.

What Akhilesh Yadav Said on Seers?

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow on the recent encounter of Mangesh Yadav in Sultanpur, Yadav said, There is no person who does not know that under the Bharatiya Janata Party government, fake encounters are taking place, murders are being committed. BJP has done so many fake encounters that it has made Uttar Pradesh the capital of fake encountersMathdeeshon aur mafia mei zyada fark nahi hota (There is no difference between Hindu Seers and Mafias).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched a volley of questions at the Congress party over the alliance with the National Conference (NC) for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections and asserted that both the parties want to push J-K back to the dark old days of despondency by restoring Article 370 and bringing separate flags in the valley.

They (NC-Congress) are saying that they will reintroduce a separate flag and they want to reinstate Article 370, said Shah, during an interview with Daily Excelsior on Thursday. It is an unforgivable sin on the part of the Congress and the National Conference to make such brazen attempts to push Jammu and Kashmir back to the dark old days of despondency by coming up with regressive agendas, he added.

Shah reiterated that the BJP had fulfilled its primary goals behind the historic decision of abrogating Article 370 in 2019 and as per the roadmap, Jammu and Kashmir had gone through a comprehensive transformation in all fronts of development.

The Union Home Minister mentioned that after abrogation of Article 370 for the first time in history, women in the valley got their rights.

But today, the NC and the Congress want to take those rights away. They want to release the people involved in terrorism and stone-pelting from jail so that they can wreak havoc in Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda, he added.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government revoked Article 370 and Article 35A in 2019 and reorganised Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

However, NC Vice President Omar Abdullah while releasing the partys manifesto for the upcoming J-K Assembly elections said, We strive to restore (Articles) 370-35A, and statehood as before August 5, 2019.

JKNC-Congress wants to restore Article 370 and bring back a separate flag; BJP will not let this happen. Abdullah-Muftis defeat in Lok Sabha elections mirrors J&Ks mood.Stone-pelting & anti-India agitations are now history under PM Modi Ji. Today, the youth of Kashmir hold pic.twitter.com/sqWMmO6bii  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 13, 2024

NC-Congress Hell-Bent to End Quota for Gujjar, Dalit, OBCs

Shah asserted that both NC-Congress want to end the reservation system for the Paharis, Bakarwals, Gujjarsm Dalits and OBCs. This agenda belongs to the National Conference, but the Congress is with them. If they win, then they will certainly revoke the reservation. They are not using very harsh language on reservations because there is an election ahead, he said.

He further asked the people of Jammu and Kashmir how they would get the reservation if the NC-Congress restored Article 370 after coming to power. People need to understand that if Congress wins, then the OBCs, no matter whether they are Hindus or Muslims, Gujjars or Paharis, even Dalits will lose the benefits of reservations, he added.

He further asked both parties to beg forgiveness from the people of the valley for all the sins they committed. Both of these parties are responsible for what the people of Jammu and Kashmir suffered for so many decades. They with their acts of omission and commission pushed Jammu and Kashmir into the abyss of corruption and the hellfire of violence, Shah said during the interview.
Junior doctors in West Bengal, protesting against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, continued their stir overnight on Thursday. According to news agency PTI, the doctors have vowed to keep up protesting unless their demands are met, defying a Supreme Court deadline for Tuesday.

On Thursday, the West Bengal government gave a 5 pm slot for a meeting with junior doctors to end the impasse over the RG Kar Hospital incident but rejected the protesters demand for a live telecast of the talks.

A video, as shared by news agency ANI, showed doctors sitting and protesting outside the Swasthya Bhawan.

#WATCH | RG Kar Medical College & Hospital rape-murder incident | Morning visuals from Swasthya Bhawan, Salt Lake area of West Bengals Kolkata where junior doctors continue their protest. pic.twitter.com/3L488kT8YV ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

This was 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.

While the government accepted the doctors demand for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees presence at the meeting, it turned down their prerequisite for a live telecast of the talks and restricted the delegations strength to not more than 15 people as against the protesters wish for 30 members.

Later, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant told the media they allowed 32 junior doctors for the meeting despite earlier deciding on 15. They are sticking to the demand for making the meeting live-telecast which is not important. The Chief Minister is waiting for the last one and a half hours, he said.

Banerjee said the meeting with the junior doctors cannot be live-streamed as demanded by them because the issue is sub-judice and before the Supreme Court.

She said her government had made arrangements to record it and hand over the recording to them with the permission of the top court if needed.

In a dramatic turn of events, as the protests continued, Mamata said she was ready to resign for the sake of people and expressed regret over the junior doctors refusal to come for talks to resolve the impasse over the RG Kar rape-murder case.

Banerjee also said she wanted the victim to get justice and apologised to the people of West Bengal for the continued deadlock.

Referring to negative comments against her government on social media, the Chief Minister said, Many tried to malign our government even on social media. People came out for justice but they dont know that there is a political colour diverting it They want the chair. I am ready to resign from my post for the sake of the people. I dont want the chair.

She also urged the doctors to return to work, emphasising that people are suffering, including those needing heart or kidney operations and women in advanced stages of pregnancy.

Later, Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said he would socially boycott Mamata Banerjee, stating he would 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.

BJP CALLS MAMATAs RESIGNATION OFFER DRAMA, TMC SLAMS GOVERNOR

Soon after Mamata Banerjee said she was ready to put down her papers, Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari termed it drama. He also alleged the Chief Minister was scared of facing tough questions and hence rejected the doctors call to livestream the meeting.

Mamata saying that she would resign is nothing more than a drama. To get a chair, she contested from Nandigram, lost there and then went to Bhabanipur. She does not want a live telecast of the meeting over the fears of being unmasked, Adhikari said while speaking to the media.

Slamming Governor Bose in an X post, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra wrote, Excuse me? You  a deviant accused of molesting women within Raj Bhavan premises are telling Mamata Banerjee you wont share public platform with her? Indias women will be better off if you never come out in public. Seriously.

DOCTORS PROTEST IN WEST BENGAL

The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front began their march to the state Health Department on Tuesday, to press its demands for justice for the victim and better security at hospitals.

The group had said it would consider the order of the court, which on Monday directed protesters to resume work by Tuesday evening only if its demands were tackled by the deadline.

Otherwise, we will understand that the government does not wish to end the deadlock, the group, which represents about 7,000 physicians in the state, said in a statement on Monday.

In that case, we will hold the government responsible for the situation arising across the state.

Some of the demands by the doctors included additional CCTV coverage, deployment of female security personnel, adequate lighting, toilets, and resting spaces.

CBI QUESTIONS TMC MLA

On Thursday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned Trinamool Congress MLA Sudipto Roy at his residence in Sithi in north Kolkata in connection with the rape and murder case at RG Kar.

Sleuths of the central probe agency were also conducting a search operation at a nursing home belonging to Roy, the MLA from Sreerampur, an officer told PTI.

Roy is also the chairperson of the Rogi Kalyan Samity of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

BJP YOUTH ACTIVISTS STAGE PROTEST

Members of the BJP Yuva Morcha also staged a protest on Thursday outside the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Kolkata Police (central division), demanding her removal for alleged laxity in the RG Kar rape and murder case.

Hundreds of BJP youth activists led by party leader Tapas Roy marched towards the office of DC Central Indira Mukherjee and demanded her removal, along with the resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal.

Police had put up barricades outside Mukherjees office on SN Banerjee Road and tried to stop the crowd.

In protest, the BJP workers climbed atop the barricades and shouted slogans against police.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday shared a shocking anecdote about the hijacking of 1984 Indian Airlines flight IC421 in which his father was also onboard.

While addressing the Indian diaspora in Switzerlands Geneva, the union minister commented on the ongoing controversy over the Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack in which the names of the terrorists who hijacked the Indian Airlines flight IC-814 (Kathmandu-Delhi) in 1999 have been modified, saying that movie guys dont make the government look good, but the hero is supposed to look good.

While narrating the incident, Jaishankar said that as being a young officer, on one end, he was working on to tackle the hijack situation, and on the other, he was with the family members who were pressing the government on hijacking.

#WATCH | Geneva: On IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Netflix web series, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, I havent seen the film, so I dont want to comment. In 1984, there was a hijacking. I was a very young officer. I was part of the team which was dealing with it. After 3-4 hours of pic.twitter.com/tGMX4MP5nl ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

In 1984 there was a hijacking. I was a young officer and part of team dealing with it. After 3-4 hours of the hijacking, I rang up my mother to tell her that I cant come, theres a hijacking. I discovered that my father was on that flight. The flight ended up in Dubai. Fortunately, nobody got killed but it could have ended up wrongly. It was interesting because on one hand, I was part of team working on hijacking and on other hand, I was part of the family members who were pressing the government on hijacking, he said.

What happened in 1984?

On August 24, 1984, the Indian Airlines Flight 421 took-off from Delhi Airport for Srinagar, via Chandigarh and Jammu. As the flight landed in Chandigarh, seven hijackers, affiliated to the outlawed All India Sikh Students Federation, all in their teens or early twenties, stormed into the cockpit of Boeing 737-2A8 aircraft.

The Khalistan terrorists hijacked the flight to seek the release of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale among others. They also demanded to be flown to the United States

Lasting 36 hours, the Boeing jet shuttled between at least four different airports. The flight was taken from Pathankot to Lahore, then to Karachi and finally to Dubai. After more than 36 hours, 12 pro-Khalistani hijackers surrendered to authorities and released all 68 passengers and six crew members unharmed.

Jaishankars father and Indian civil servant K Subrahmanyam was on board the hijacked flight. Subrahmanyam, an IAS officer is regarded as one of Indias most reputed strategic thinkers, and a towering authority on geopolitics who enjoyed the confidence of several Prime Ministers, including Indira Gandhi.

The IC 421 hijacking, which took place four decades ago, isnt as fresh in public memory as the hijacking of IC 814. This is despite the fact that the hijacking of the Indian Airlines plane in 1984 was marked by a dramatic and tense sequence of events one after another, airport after airport.

WHATS THE CONTROVERSY?

IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack, which features Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza, Arvind Swamy and Dia Mirza has been well-received by critics. However, a section of social media users has demanded for the boycott of the series for allegedly hiding the real identities of the terrorists involved in the 1999 incident.

In the series, the terrorists have been named Bhola, Shankar, Doctor, Burger and Chief. The series seemingly hinted that the terrorists had codenames. However, the hijackers were Muslims from Pakistan. This has irked many, who have called it whitewashing.

Following the backlash, Netflix agreed to update the disclaimer of the series and mention the real names of the hijackers. The decision came after officials of the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry met Netflix representatives over the alleged misrepresentation of facts in the new series.

1999 KANDAHAR HIJACK

On December 24, 1999, five masked men hijacked the aircraft  IC 814  40 minutes after it took off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, bound for New Delhi. The hijackers forced the captain of the flight to fly the plane into Pakistani airspace, where he did not receive clearance to land. The plane then landed in Amritsar, with barely 10 minutes worth of fuel left.

After refuelling the plane, the hijackers forced the pilot to fly the plane to Lahore, where the pilot made a desperate landing despite not getting permission from Pakistans ATC, which turned off all lights and navigational aids at the airport. But at the last moment, they were given permission and it was here that they refuelled and made their way to Dubai. After being denied permission, the flight landed at the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE. The hijackers released 27 of the 176 passengers on board, including the body of 25-year-old Rupin Katyal, who had been fatally stabbed by the captors.

After this, the plane finally landed in the hijackers original destination, Taliban-controlled Afghanistans Kandahar airport. It was here that the hijackers negotiated with the then Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, which eventually ended on December 30 with the release of all the hostages for three terrorists  Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Masood Azhar, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar.
A gang-rape attempt was made on a nurse at a private hospital in Bihar, said the police on Thursday, adding that she escaped the crime scene after inflicting a cut on the private parts of an assaulter with a blade. It comes one month after a trainee doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, triggering nationwide protest and indefinite strike of junior doctors in West Bengal.

The Bihar Police claimed that one of the assaulters was a doctor and also served as the RBS Health Care Centre administrator in Gangapur under the Musrighararari police station limits in Samastipur district. The nurse was reportedly finishing off her work at the hospital when Dr Sanjay Kumar and two of his aides tried to rape her, allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

She extricated herself from the clutches of the assaulters after putting a cut at the doctors genitals using a blade. She managed to escape and dial the police after stowing away in a field outside the hospital.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar Pandey said that a team was rushed to the hospital and three people were arrested after taking safe custody of the nurse. Besides Dr Kumar, the other two accused were identified as Awadhesh Kumar and Sunil Kumar Gupta.

Courage Shown by Nurse Is Praiseworthy

DSP Kumar noted that the assaulters cut off the connection of the CCTV cameras and had locked the hospital from the inside before trying to assault the nurse sexually. The presence of mind and courage shown by the survivor is praiseworthy, he said.

During the initial probe at the premises, the police recovered the blade used by the nurse, blood-stained clothes, a liquor bottle, and three mobile phones. The police claimed that the three men had been drinking before the incident and they would also be charged under the prohibition laws given the dry state declaration in Bihar.
In a stinging indictment of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Supreme Court has once again questioned the independence of the countrys premier anti-corruption agency. The caged parrot barb was hurled back at the CBI as the apex court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday.

While the two-judge bench was in agreement on the question of bail, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, in his order, questioned the timing of Kejriwals arrest by CBI. CBI is a premier investigating agency of the country. It is in public interest that CBI must not only be above board, but must also be seen to be so. Not long ago, this court has castigated the CBI comparing it to a caged parrot. It is imperative that CBI dispels the notion of it being a caged parrot. Rather, the perception should be that of an uncaged parrot, Justice Bhuyan said.

Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI in the excise policy case on June 25, 2024. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Kejriwals lawyer, had called this an insurance arrest arguing that the CBI decided to arrest Kejriwal since he was all set to walk out in the ED case.

Justice Bhuyan on Friday observed, Every effort must be made to remove any perception that investigation was not carried out fairly and that the arrest was made in a high-handed and biased manner. In a functional democracy governed by the rule of law, perception matters. Like Caesars wife, an investigating agency must be above board.

Deja Vu for CBI

The observations from the SC on Friday were a re-run of May 2013. Hearing the coal scam case, the SC had then castigated the CBI for being a caged parrot and its masters voice.

Justice RM Lodha had highlighted clear evidence of interference in the CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the allocation of coalfield licences to private companies.

The CBI has become a caged parrot speaking in its masters voice. It is a sordid saga that there are many masters and giving unbridled power to the CBI is not possible. The CBI has become the police force and is in the administrative control of the Central government. CBI investigations have to be independent, Justice Lodha had said.

The observations had given more ammunition to BJP-led opposition to attack the UPA on corruption charges.

A decade later, the INDIA front opposition leaders have accused the BJP of misusing the CBI and compromising its independence.

CBIs defence

The CBI officially didnt react to the SC observations. Agency sources, however, pointed out that the investigating team did not rush to arrest Kejriwal and approached court for custody only when new evidence emerged.

The decision for custodial interrogation was taken by probe team after fresh evidence emerged from Goa about not just knowledge but also direct involvement of Kejriwal in the hawala money trail for AAP Goa election funding, sources said.

The CBI had first summoned Kejriwal in April 2023 and subjected him to 9 hours of questioning. Sources said the focus of investigation then was the missing excise policy files and the manner in which the decision was taken.

In June 2024, the agency again questioned the Delhi CM in Tihar Jail before seeking court permission for arrest. Sources said that by this stage, K Kavithas arrest, confessions by AAP Associates in Goa and confessions by Mangutha Reddy had thrown up fresh evidence about the role played by Kejriwal allegedly in ensuring profit for the south group through Delhi liquor licence and generating bribe money through hawala channels to fund AAPs elections.

CBIs independence

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the SCs question mark on CBIs independence. After todays decision of SC, I think Home Minister should resign after what SC said on central agencies as they come under his ministry, Bhardwaj said.

The Delhi Police Special Establishment Act, however, gives the MHA no legal authority over CBI. The CBI, formed under this act, was given more cushion by the SC in the the Vineet Jain case. The Central Vigilance Commission has supervisory authority over the CBI. The DOPT is the administrative ministry for the agency. The Director has 2 years fixed tenure after being selected by a panel of PM, CJI and LOP. However, through an executive order in 2023, the government made provisions of giving extension to CBI Director for up to 5 years.

This was also criticised by the opposition as a measure which would make the CBI subservient to government hoping to get an extension after the original 2 year tenure ends. The government, however, had justified the move in the interest of supervisory continuity in sensitive cases that the CBI and ED probe.
Agitating doctors in West Bengal on Friday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking their intervention to end the impasse over the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor which took place at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month.

In a four-page letter written by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, the doctors highlighted the issues they faced while working at the hospital, adding that there is a dearth of infrastructure and facilities to ensure the safety of doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Read More: A Counter Strategy? Why Mamata Banerjee Said She Was Ready To Resign Amid Kolkata Protests

We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension, the letter read.

The horrific nature of the crime, the alleged attempts to cover it up, and the ensuing climate of fear have awakened the nation, demanding an impartial investigation and a prompt, fair, and rational trial, the doctors wrote in the letter.

Your intervention in these trying times will act as a beacon of light to us all, showing us the way ahead out of the darkness that surrounds us, it added.

Copies of the letter were also sent to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Union Health Minister JP Nadda.

Protests Continue in Bengal

Junior doctors in West Bengal continued their stir over the heinous crime. The doctors have vowed to keep up protesting unless their demands are met, defying a Supreme Court deadline for Tuesday.

The CPI(M)-led Left Front on Friday also conducted a protest march to Kolkata police headquarters to press for the resignation of police commissioner Vineet Goyal over alleged mishandling of the case. Carrying posters and placards, the Left activists shouted slogans against the TMC government and demanded that Goyal be interrogated by the CBI, which is currently probing the RG Kar case.

#WATCH | West Bengal: CPI (M) party workers stage a protest in Kolkata demanding justice for the woman doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital pic.twitter.com/GpOXZG8LTl ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

The protestors were stopped near the police headquarters, as steel barricades were put up to stop the activists from marching ahead.

Mamata Banerjee Says Ready To Resign

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said 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 protesting junior doctors.

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 had said.

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

She also urged the doctors to return to work, emphasising that people are suffering, including those needing heart or kidney operations and women in advanced stages of pregnancy.

Later, Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said he would socially boycott Mamata Banerjee, stating he would 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.

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.

The chief minister and her party said the campaign by junior doctors are turning fatal for patients that require emergency services, but the protesters asserted that senior doctors are on duty and health care services are unaffected by their demand for justice.

Read More: Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: How CBI Will Verify Truth From Narco Analysis Test Of Accused Sanjay Roy

The TMC government is facing large-scale protests over the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. Junior doctors have been on cease work since then.

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.
After the Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise policy scam, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hailed the verdict by posting on X, Satyamev Jayate. Meanwhile, the BJP remained critical of the corruption charges against Kejriwal and said that bail doesnt mean acquittal in a case.

Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, who also recently secured bail in the excise policy case, said the victory doesnt only imply victory of truth but also exposes the lies of the BJP.

It has been proven once again that there is no other politician as true, honest and patriotic as Arvind Kejriwal. BJP hatched thousands of conspiracy to arrest him. An honest man who was working to improve the lives of people was jailed, there is no greater sin than this in the history of democracy. Today, this is not a victory of truth, lies have also been exposed, said Sisodia. #WATCH | Delhi: Supreme Court grants bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise policy scam.Former Delhi Deputy CM & AAP leader Manish Sisodia says, It has been proven once again that there is no other politician as true, pic.twitter.com/9XQIIPZHWx  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

The AAP chief will now leave the jail after already having been granted interim bail in the money laundering case of the ED. Kejriwal was first arrested by the ED on March 21 in a money laundering case linked with the alleged liquor policy scam. He was arrested by the CBI in a corruption case on June 26 while he was in the custody of the ED.

Bail Doesnt Mean Acquittal: BJP

The BJP was quick to respond to the Supreme Court verdict granting bail to Kejriwal, by saying that he has not been yet acquitted in the excise policy case. Reacting to the court order, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said, Grant of bail doesnt mean acquittal. Kejriwal being stopped from discharging duty is an indictment of him in these charges.

Setting conditions for the bail, the top court restricted Kejriwal from entering the Chief Ministers Office or signing files. The AAP leader agreed to these conditions, as imposed by another bench while granting him bail in the ED case.

Meanwhile, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya remarked that Kejriwal will be posted back in jail, as its a matter of time before he is convicted. He further added that the top court may have granted bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal but the Apex Court has declined the plea challenging the legality of the arrest.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, while saying that the arrest made by CBI was unjustified, also mentioned that the arrest of Kejriwal by the CBI on June 26 was valid and in compliance with relevant procedural laws.

From Jail Wala to Bail Wala CM: BJP

Demanding the resignation of Kejriwal from the CM post, BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia said that he will never step down as he lacks morality. He added that the Supreme Court has granted him conditional bail, and he remains to be an accused.

The Supreme Court has shown a mirror to kattar beimaan AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal once again He has got conditional bail The jail wala CM is now a bail wala CM The most important is that Arvind Kejriwal CM should resign as per the voice of the people of Delhi But he will not do that because he does not have even a drop of morality.

Bhatia mentioned that the Supreme Court busted the propaganda of the AAP by observing that his arrest did not suffer from any illegality and was constitutional. But Kejriwals argument in the court was that his arrest is illegal, he added.

The release of Kejriwal will boost AAPs prospects for the upcoming Haryana Assembly polls, where the party is looking to unseat the BJP and challenge its INDIA bloc partner Congress.
Incidents of stone-pelting and clashes during Ganeshotsav in different parts of the country this month have sparked suspicion that these festivities are being used by lumpen elements to instigate violence and create law and order challenges.

A Ganesh Visarjan procession turned violent on Wednesday leading to clashes between two communities in Karnatakas Nagamangala village. Also, on September 10, a mob allegedly chucked stones at a Ganesh Puja pandal in Ganga Vihar Colony of Uttar Pradeshs capital Lucknow, breaking an urn placed near the idol while chanting Allahu Akbar. The incident took place during an evening aarti at the home of devotee Kiran Chaurasia.

As of now, the situation in Nagamangala remains tense but under control. A police inspector overseeing the security deployment for the procession has been suspended for dereliction of duty. Fifty-five people have been arrested for rioting and disturbing the peace, and three-day prohibitory orders have been imposed.

Not isolated incidents

However, Hindu activists are raising questions about the motive behind such attacks on festivals like Ram Navami, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Durga Puja in various parts of the country. They question why Ganesh pandals are specifically targeted, as seen in an incident in Surat on September 9. Stones were thrown at a Ganesh pandal, leading to communal clashes there, followed by the arrest of 27 people, including six minors.

Stone-pelting on Ganesh Chaturthi processions was also reported near Hubballis Idgah Maidan and in Bengaluru last year. Ganesh Visarjan processions were disrupted, leading to a clash between two communities in Haveris Ranebennur, where several people attacked a procession as it passed in front of a dargah in 2023. An FIR was filed against 500 individuals after police dispersed the mobs.

In 2015, Karnataka witnessed another such incident during a Ganesh idol procession in Kadolkar Galli, in north Karnatakas Belagavi district, where the procession turned violent, injuring two police officers as they attempted to control the clashes. This incident led to riots where mobs torched 21 vehicles, destroyed 40 shops and two houses, and injured 10 police officers.

In September 2023, Jharkhand also saw two groups clashing over the location of a Ganesh pandal in Lohardagas Valmiki Nagar. Similar incidents were reported in Surat, Ratlam, and Rajkot last year.

No trust in state govt

Speaking about the incident in Nagamangala, Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Sharan Pumpwell said that Hindu organisations have no faith in the Congress government in Karnataka and have appealed to the Centre to intervene to ensure law and order in the state.

We have no trust in the state government anymore. We would like to appeal to the central government to provide us with security during Hindu festival processions, as there is a threat that these radical groups will attack and cause further harm, Pumpwell told News18.

Calling it an attempt to specifically target Hindus and disrupt festivities, Pumpwell added that it is the governments responsibility to ensure peace, and they have failed miserably.

They are specifically targeting Ganesh Chaturthi festivities and our Hindu festivals. They dont want us to celebrate in areas where they live or where our processions pass in front of their mosques. How can that be allowed? This is very much our land, he added.

Dont add fuel to fire

Mufti Mohammed Maqsood Imran, Imam and Khatib of Jama Masjid Bengaluru, had a different perspective on the Nagamangala incident.

Do not add fuel to the fire. We should ensure that there is peace and prosperity in our country and not be divided by such acts, he told News18.

He mentioned that a specific route had been planned for the Ganesh Visarjan procession, but it was altered, which was seen as an attempt to instigate trouble.

They deviated from the route and indulged in sloganeering in front of the mosque. The matter ended there, but it spiralled out of control when groups began setting fire to shops and houses belonging to people of a specific community. It doesnt matter what religion they belong to; the fact that they were allowed to engage in arson is unacceptable. Those involved in the riots, regardless of community, should be held accountable for putting innocent lives at risk, he said.

Know who is behind this

Deputy leader of the opposition Arvind Bellad of the BJP added that there seemed to be a concerted effort to target Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. He claimed that anti-national and fundamentalist forces were trying to disrupt peace in the state. He accused the Congress government of not taking action against these groups, despite knowing their antecedents.

We know who is behind this. If proper action is taken, it will not happen again. But the Congress is protecting them, and they will soon be released on bail. They are trying to do a balancing act by filing cases against Hindu activists, but the attack happened on a peaceful Hindu procession. How does that make sense? Shouldnt they be arresting those who indulged in arson and attacked homes and shops with petrol bombs belonging to Hindus? If strict action is not taken, they will return, and that is heartbreaking, Bellad told News18.

Senior Congress leader and AICC secretary Mansoor Ali Khan said that the Karnataka government had taken swift action, and those involved in the violence were immediately booked to ensure peace. When asked why such attacks occur during festivities like Ganesh Chaturthi, Khan said it was wrong to claim these incidents target only one community. He explained that anti-social elements wait for opportunities like these to cause unrest and ignite conflicts between peaceful communities.

These processions are easy targets for creating unrest and disharmony. There may be groups of lumpen elements looking to spark discontent and use it to cause trouble. Both the majority and minority communities should maintain peace, root out these anti-social elements, ensure they are held accountable by the law, and live together as one peaceful society, he said.

Against the principles of Islam

Clerics in Uttar Pradesh have strongly condemned the stone-pelting incident on a Ganeshotsav pandal in Lucknow on September 10, calling it an act against the principles of Islam.

Following the attack, organiser Kiran Chaurasia lodged a complaint, saying that her religious sentiments had been hurt. Hindu groups gathered at the police station in protest, demanding swift action. The police responded promptly, registering a case and arresting 11 people, including four minors, with further investigations underway.

The FIR into the matter has been registered against the miscreants involved in the act of stone-pelting at the Ganesh Utsav pandal in Lucknow, said Shashank Singh, deputy commissioner of police (DCP), West, Police Commissionerate, Lucknow.

Clerics have urged Muslims to refrain from acts that disrupt communal peace and hurt the sentiments of people from other communities. Lucknow has long been celebrated for its Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, where people from all communities and castes come together to celebrate festivals in harmony. We strongly condemn the recent incident, as such actions are entirely un-Islamic. We urge our Muslim brethren to refrain from any behaviour that hurts the religious sentiments of others, said Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, a Sunni cleric and a senior member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Imam Eidgah, Lucknow.

Maulana Yasoob Abbas, a Shia cleric from Lucknow too strongly condemned the act of stone-pelting and said that such acts bring a bad name to the entire community. We strongly condemn the act. The act was committed by some misguided minors, he said.

Similarly, Barelvis too condemned the incident, urging youths to avoid such actions. Of late we have observed the indulgence of youths from both the communities in such provocative acts. We strongly condemn this behaviour. Instead of engaging in such actions, we should strive to set an example that strengthens communal harmony. It is our responsibility to promote peace and unity, ensuring that all communities live together in mutual respect, said Nasir Quraishi, convener of Dargah Ala Hazrat, Bareilly, UP.

First time in 103 years

However, the organisers of Ganesh puja pandals in Lucknow expressed shock, stating that the stone-pelting incident marks the first such occurrence in the festivals 103-year history here.

Our Maharashtrian Samaj has been observing Ganeshotsav for the last 103 years in Lucknow. In fact, we were among the first few to start the trend of observing Ganeshotsav in Uttar Pradesh. However, never ever had we come across any such incident like stone-pelting at the pandals. We strongly condemn the act. I think its high time for all the religious leaders from different communities to come forward and counsel the youths in order to send the strong message of harmony and peace, said Dinesh Joshi, a member of the Maharashtrian Samaj.
Incessant rainfall lashed several parts of Delhi and its adjoining NCR on Friday which resulted in waterlogged roads and massive traffic jams in several areas of the national capital.

According to Delhi Traffic Police, vehicular traffic was affected on several areas, including on NH48, Minto Road, MB Road near Sainik farm and Saket Metro Station. Several visuals were shared on social media platforms show people wading through knee-deep water in these areas.

#WATCH | Delhi: Traffic congestion witnessed at Saket Metro following continuous rainfall and waterlogging in parts of the city. pic.twitter.com/hQndiOcOSf ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

Delhi Traffic Police shared several posts on X alerting the residents about traffic jams in parts of Delhi-NCR.

Traffic is affected on MB Road in both the carriageways due to waterlogging near Sainik farm and Saket Metro Station. Traffic is affected on Mathura Road in the carriageway from Ashram towards Badarpur due to waterlogging near Madanpur Khadar red light, one of the posts on X said.

Police have also issued advisory where they mentioned that due to waterlogging at Mundka, traffic was affected on Rohtak Road on both carriageways from Tikri Border to Peeragarhi and vice versa.

Traffic AlertTraffic is affected on MB Road in both the carriageways due to waterlogging near Sainik farm and Saket Metro Station. Kindly plan your journey accordingly. pic.twitter.com/y4awviieUu  Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) September 13, 2024

The Delhis Public Works Department (PWD) received 85 complaints regarding the waterlogging on Friday, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) received 29 complaints regarding waterlogging and 15 about Tree uprooting.

Commuters also complained on X about the traffic issues at several areas in the national capital. One of the commuters said that the traffic was heavy in front of Sankriti School, Embassy Area where he was stuck for around 45 minutes.

Other commuters stated that the traffic was massive on Delhi Gurgaon Road near Mahipalpur where vehicles were crawling, Behra Enclave, Paschim Vihar, Patel Nagar roundabout, from Sangam Vihar towards Badarpur, on Aurobindo Marg, on Najafgarh Phirni Road, on MG Road etc.

Flights Affected, Airlines Issue Advisory

IndiGo and SpiceJet on Friday evening said that flight schedules may get affected due to bad weather in the national capital while the Delhi airport saw diversion of several flights amid heavy showers.

Its pouring heavily in #Delhi, affecting flight schedules. If youre planning to jet off, please keep a tab on your flight status and plan ahead, as roads leading to the airport may be waterlogged, IndiGo said in a post on X at 5.03 pm.

#6ETravelAdvisory : Its pouring heavily in #Delhi, affecting flight schedules. If youre planning to jet off, please keep a tab on your flight status https://t.co/rpnOvAOxQl and plan ahead, as roads leading to the airport may be waterlogged. Wishing you safe travels! IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) September 13, 2024

In a post on X at 5.12 pm, SpiceJet said that due to bad weather in Delhi, all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected.

IMD Issues Orange Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert and predicted heavy rainfall for the city. The IMD said in a bulletin, Heavy rain at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and Delhi. Thunderstorms/Lightning at isolated places throughout northwest India except Haryana.

Due to the rain, the citys primary weather station at Safdarjung recorded 29.6 mm of rainfall, while the Ridge station recorded 69.4 mm, Delhi University 56.5 mm, Lodhi Road 28.2 mm, Aya Nagar 19.5 mm and Palam 18 mm in the last 24 hours ending at 8. 30 am Friday, according to data shared by the weather department.

Delhi Surpasses Annual Rainfall Average

The national capital has exceeded both its annual and seasonal average rainfall in the early days of September, with total rainfall crossing the 1,000 mm markwell above the normal levelwhile residents enjoyed the cleanest air of the year so far on Friday.

The city was under a yellow alert until Friday afternoon, which has now been upgraded to an orange alert, according to the weather department.

#WATCH | Delhi: Severe waterlogging witnessed at Saket Metro following continuous rainfall in parts of the city. pic.twitter.com/9aTJAVGaxA ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

On Friday, the city recorded 54 mm of rainfall in Palam, while the primary weather station at Safdarjung recorded 30.9 mm of rainfall within three hours, from 2.30 to 5.30 pm.

With this, the capitals total rainfall has reached 1,000 mm and the monsoon season is still active.

(With inputs from agencies)
The not so humble hilsa, considered to be one of the best varieties of fish in the world, has now become a thorn between India and Bangladesh. The Bangladesh government has banned exports of the hilsa fish to India.

The timing has come wrong for the Bengalis as Durga Puja is incomplete without the hilsa dish.

While hilsa is available in India, the Bangladesh variety found in the Padma river, is known to be the best in the world. Bangladesh accounts for 70 per cent of the worlds hilsa reserves.

Speaking exclusively to News18, Bangladesh fisheries minister Farida Akhtar said, We apologise but we cant allow hilsa to go to India. Its an expensive fish and we notice that our own people are unable to have it as all goes to India and what is left behind is too expensive for our people. We, too, celebrate Durga Puja, our people can also enjoy it here.

Despite the huge demand for hilsa in Bangladesh and a ban, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina would, as a goodwill gesture, ensure that India would get at least 4,000 tonnes of hilsa ahead of Durga Puja. This has been criticised by Farida Akhtar, who said, This was not needed. She should not have done this and just for the sake of good relations with India, she compromised the needs of the people of Bangladesh.

Government sources in Bangladesh have said that this was a goodwill gesture which was much needed during these times when relations between India and Bangladesh are strained. While India at this time doesnt want to make an issue over such things, given the fact it wants to normalise relations, its not just fish, but also the Teesta water treaty issue, which is the real sticky issue.

I think the Indian government must give priority to this issue. I dont think our diplomatic relation should be so fragile that it gets affected by no exports if hilsa. If India wants things to improve, the Teesta issue should be solved.
Garlic is a staple in many kitchens. While Indian garlic is commonly used, Chinese garlic, which is currently banned in India, is less well-known. When buying garlic, its important to carefully inspect it to ensure youre getting a high-quality product.

Following a ban in 2014, Chinese garlic has once again entered the Indian market. As per reports, traders in Gujarats Rajkot held a day-long protest after several bags of Chinese garlic were discovered at Gondal Agriculture Produce Market Cooperative (APMC).

Chinese garlic is reportedly different due to its size and fragrance, and is less expensive than the local crop, making it profitable for smugglers and agents.

So, what exactly is Chinese garlic?

Chinese garlic, as the name implies, is a variety of garlic that is mostly farmed in China and exported to many nations across the world. It usually has smaller lights that range in tint from pale white to pink. Chinese garlic is commonly used in Chinese and Asian dishes, including noodles, stir-fries, and soups. Despite its widespread use, Chinese garlic has been subjected to extensive scrutiny and limitations in India.

Why is Chinese garlic banned in India?

Excessive pesticide use: Chinese garlic is recognised for its heavy usage of pesticides and chemicals during cultivation. These compounds have the potential to endanger consumers health. Indian garlic, on the other hand, is grown with the least amount of chemicals and fertiliser, focussing on natural farming practices.

A professor from Jadavpur University during an interview with The Times Of India shared that that Chinese garlic is treated with a fungicide containing methyl bromide to prevent fungal growth for up to six months. Further, the professor said that Chinese garlic is bleached using harmful chlorine, a process that kills insects, that prevents sprouting and whitens the bulb.

Quality requirements: Chinese garlic often fails to meet Indias quality standards. In some cases, Chinese garlic contains harmful chemicals or synthetic components.

Economic effect: Chinese garlics lower pricing compared to Indian garlic poses a big challenge to local growers. The entry of cheaper Chinese garlic could result in significant financial losses for Indian garlic growers. To defend Indian farmers interests and consumer safety, the government has banned Chinese garlic.

Differences between Indian and Chinese garlic
Microwave ovens have become a necessity in most busy households. While some people prefer cooking traditionally on the stovetop, many advocate for the benefits of using microwave technology. For example, it takes much less time to reheat your meal in a microwave than on the stovetop. Undoubtedly, it saves time and effort, but there have always been questions on whether microwave cooking is a healthy choice.

Nutritionist Shyla Cadogan, in her recent article published in StudyFinds, delved into the difference between cooking on the stove and microwave. She explained that whether frying, boiling, or using any other method of cooking, the nutrient composition will be altered in some way. Boiling and blanching vegetables have been demonstrated to deplete vitamin C content, but microwaving had less of an impact.

The expert further elaborated, stating that nutrients such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and fibre are necessary for our body, and microwaves ensure that these nutrients remain intact in the foods. Moreover, she stated that when you microwave food, you also maintain its salt, potassium and phosphorus content. This is mainly because microwaves use lower temperatures and require less time to cook food as compared to traditional cooking. The nutritionist added, There are some enzymatic shifts that occur because the technology causes water molecules in food to vibrate, but this happens in virtually any cooking method with heat involved.

A publication by the Harvard Medical School explained that cooking in a microwave with a small amount of water effectively steams food from the inside out. This way the food retains more vitamins and minerals than any other cooking process.

One of the drawbacks of microwave cooking could be that they are less versatile and might occasionally leave meals with a mushy or soggy taste. This often is the case when you reheat or cook frozen meals. But there is a lot you can do using this technology. One cansteam cook a variety of veggies in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe container with a tiny quantity of water and heating for a few minutes. Microwaves are ideal for reheating soups, curries and stews. You can also prepare these from scratch in a microwave. Any kind of meat or fish tastes delicious when roasted in the oven. It often results in a crispy crust with tenderness inside.
Ishaan Khatters latest photoshoot is a powerful celebration of body positivity. The actor, who recently made his Hollywood debut in The Perfect Couple, set the internet abuzz by sharing a series of striking images from his cover shoot for Dirty Magazine. In the photos, Ishaan Khatter proudly displays his sculpted abs in Calvin Klein underwear.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DIRTY (@thedirtymagazine)

In another post, Ishaan shared more photos. The first image features him sitting on a table, striking an intense pose. He looks handsome in a white tank top paired with black shorts, black shoes, and white socks. Another photo shows him eating chewing gum with the light casting a subtle glow on his face. A black and white photo shows him sitting on his one knee, while his entire body is covered in sheer fabric. In the next image, Ishaan poses naked with half of his body covered in mud.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ishaan (@ishaankhatter)

Ishaan Khatter also shared a provocative video offering a behind-the-scenes look at his steamy shoot. The black-and-white Not Safe For Work clip showcases close-up shots of Khatter sitting on a bed and gradually removing his clothes, adding an extra layer of allure to his photoshoot.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DIRTY (@thedirtymagazine)

In the interview with Dirty Magazine, Ishaan spoke about mental health and said, I have obsessive tendencies and an addictive personality, which is why I have to be careful with everything that I do. Im not an anxious person but I can get hyper-fixated on things. When asked if he has ever been in therapy, the actor denied.
Priyanka Chopra has been on a roll lately. The actor has been serving looks and her fans cannot get enough of them. Recently, the actor was spotted in a purple cocktail dress as she headed for a dinner date with her husband, Nick Jonas, at St Tropez. This purple dress is being talked about quite a lot among fashion enthusiasts.

For her dinner date with Nick Jonas at St Tropez, Priyanka Chopra opted for a halter-neck cocktail dress by Tom Ford. The dress is available on the American luxury fashion houses website. The mini dress retails for US$1,980 which is roughly around Rs 1,66,207. The halter dress had a Y2K vibe to it. The satin ensemble featured a halter round neckline, a relaxed silhouette, a cut-out back, and a mini hem length which lent it a playful flair.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Patty Cardona (@jerryxmimi)

For her makeup, Chopra opted for pink lips, feathered brows, blush, mascara, a hint of pink eyeshadow, and a dewy base. She styled her hair in soft blowout curls and let them loose with a side part. She paired the dress with embellished purple mules by Paris Texas, a Serpentine Bulgari gold watch, hoop earrings, rings, bracelets, and a white animal-print leather shoulder bag with gold chain straps.

Chopra had recently turned heads in New York in a black dress when she co-hosted the Caring For Women Dinner by the Kering Foundation. The event was attended by Donatella Versace, Salma Hayek, and Kim Kardashian among others. On the work front, the actor finished shooting for The Bluff where she will share the screen with Karl Urban. She will be playing the role of a former pirate in a Caribbean setting.
Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth recently attended Apples latest launch event in California and met CEO Tim Cook. They were seen engaged in a conversation after the launch of the companys new products. The actors have now opened up about meeting Tim Cook and called him a kind man.

Aditi Rao Hydari said, He is so warm and so kind and it shows in anything that he does. There is so much sensitivity in everything. Its not just user-friendly, its thinking about what your consumer wants and actually caring for them and I find that incredible.

Taking to Instagram, Aditi and Siddharth in a joint post, shared a string of pictures with Tim Cook. What an unforgettable, magical experience thank you sweetest kindest most venerable #TimCook. The last two days have been very special for both of us, surrounded by mind-bending brilliance, epic creativity, peak technology and aesthetics max, the caption read.

But most most most special of all was meeting the people who make the Apple ecosystem the Apple family. Kind creators, warm and loving genius innovators, brilliant minds with the most expansive and inclusive hearts. Our minds are charged and our hearts are full, it added.

Aditi and Siddharth are one of the most loved celebrity couples in India and are about to tie the knot soon. Aditi and Siddarth met in 2021 on the sets of the Telugu film, Maha Samudram. Aditi recalled their first meeting and told Vogue, He walked in and said, Hello, beautiful girl. Usually, when someone says something like this, it does not work. But he was being genuine. By the end of the day, he had me and pretty much everyone on the set in splits. He also ensured that my team and I had ghee idlis whipped up by his cook every day for the rest of the shoot.

The actress believes that even if they had met as teenagers, they would still fall for one another. She said, Ive not been in too many relationships because when I see someone, I instantly know if this is my person. She added, When I met Siddhu, thats what I felt and had no doubt about it. Of course, there is a process of growing together in a relationship but I had none of that going on in my mind when I met him, it was all about that moment.

Aditi and Siddharth will be tying the knot later this year. The wedding will take place around a 400-year-old temple in Wanaparthy that is of significance to Aditis family.
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant marked their first Ganpati Chaturthi after their grand wedding on July 12, 2024, by visiting Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai. The Ambani family, known for their devotion to Lord Ganesh, brought home Bappa with much enthusiasm and joy this year. As per tradition, they visited the famous Ganpati pandal to seek blessings.

Several videos of the couples darshan have gone viral on social media, showcasing Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant seeking blessings from Bappa. The duo, dressed in coordinating shades of blue, was seen bowing their heads before the deity. Anant, a known follower of Lord Ganesh, has always been a regular visitor at Bappas temple, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

For the darshan, Radhika Merchant stunned in a light blue salwar suit adorned with pink embroidery and delicate floral threadwork. She completed her elegant look with subtle makeup, tying her hair in a simple half-up, half-down hairstyle, exuding grace and simplicity. Anant Ambani was equally coordinated in a matching blue outfit. In videos circulating online, Anant, Shloka and Mukesh Ambani and Radhika were seen braving the large crowds as they made their way to the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal to offer their prayers.

The couple was joined by Anants father, Mukesh Ambani, and their sister-in-law, Shloka Mehta. Shloka opted for an orange-hued salwar suit, complemented by minimal accessories and diamond studs, keeping her look simple yet elegant. Mukesh Ambani, the head of the family, was seen offering prayers alongside the family, as they sought blessings from Lalbaugcha Raja.

This public appearance comes just months after Radhika Merchant was officially welcomed into the Ambani family. During the 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Nita Ambani expressed her happiness, saying, With the grace of our devis and devatas, Anant has embarked on a lifelong journey of togetherness with his soulmate Radhika. We welcome Radhika into our Reliance family with open arms and hearts full of love.

The couples wedding was one of the most high-profile events of the year, attended by global stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Salman Khan, John Cena, and even international celebrity Kim Kardashian. The grand celebrations lasted several days, making it one of the most talked-about weddings of 2024.
Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) Movie Review: Ajayante Randam Moshanam is ambitious in every sense. It aims to create a universea trending phenomenon in Indian cinemabut here, the universe is quite literal. The film opens with a striking monologue from an eternal being, who claims to be the observer and creator of everything. Voiced by Mohanlal in Malayalam, Vikram in Tamil, and Shivarajkumar in Kannada, this cosmic creator has little impact on the story of ARM beyond being responsible for creation. However, it introduces a sense of something larger and allows the filmmaker to bypass explaining the supernatural elements in the film.

While the film aspires to reach cosmic heights, its writing is formulaic, rooted in heroic fantasy tropes that fail to tap into the premises full potential. Tovino Thomass commendable effort in portraying three hero figures is undercut by the fact that none of the characters get those theatre moments youd expect, especially in a film centered around generational trauma and the heros quest for redemption. It feels as though the filmmaker deliberately avoided over-the-top writing, aiming for subtlety. Sadly, ARM ends up stuck in a limbo, neither fully embracing grandeur nor delivering a grounded narrative.

The story begins in the 1900s, centered on a magical lamp, Chiyyothi Vilakku, made from rare metals and a meteorite that falls in Haripuram, a region in North Kerala. The lamp, with its mysterious healing powers, is the prized possession of the Haripuram kingdom. When the prince is captured by a Muslim invader, he seeks the help of Kunjikelu (Tovino), a villager from the place where the meteorite struck. After rescuing the prince, Kunjikelu asks for the lamp as a reward, planning to build a temple at the meteorite site, accessible to all castes. Before he can fulfill his vision, he succumbs to smallpox. On his deathbed, he learns a secret about the lamp. Although a temple is built, it falls short of Kunjikelus inclusive vision.

Next comes Maniyans (Tovino) story, set in 1950. Hes the son of Kunjikelu and Chothi (Aishwarya Rajesh), a woman from a lower caste. Unlike his warrior father, Maniyan becomes a notorious thief with rumored magical skills and mastery of martial arts. Rejected by society, Maniyan thrives as a rebel, angering the upper castes. Folklore claims he steals the Chiyyothi lamp but eventually gets caught.

Though Maniyan is the films most dynamic character, Ajayan (Tovino), his grandson, is the protagonist. Ajayan, an electrician, bears the weight of his familys tarnished reputation as descendants of a thief. Facing caste-based oppression, he holds back from using the skills his grandmother taught him, honoring a promise to his mother. But when Sudev Varma (Harish Uttaman), an heir of the Haripuram kingdom, arrives to steal the lamp and sell it to the British, Ajayan must uncover secrets about the lamp that rewrite the villages history.

At its core, ARM is a film about social justice, exploring how Kunjikelus rebellion against systemic oppression transforms him into a non-person like Ajayan. Each hero in the three timelines is a rebel, forced into their roles by societal pressures. Kunjikelu loves Chothi and tries to break caste barriers, but his actions lead to the birth of Maniyan, who is stigmatized from the start. By the time Ajayans story unfolds, the tables have turnedhes in love with a privileged girl but faces rejection for the same reasons his ancestors were outcasts. While the irony is powerful, the film becomes heavy-handed as its generic execution dulls what could have been a compelling narrative. It follows a standard underdog redemption arc without any real surprises.

The adventures Maniyan embarks on are predictable, as is Ajayans redemption. In one scene, Maniyans mission to steal the lamp is hindered by obstacles as outdated as the genre itself. He needed more complex challenges, just as Ajayan deserved a more satisfying Eureka moment. In trying to show history repeating itself, the films second half drags on, leaving the audience thinking, I get it, move on.

There are clear parallels between ARM and Pa Ranjiths Thangalaan. Both films probe the question of who truly owns the land and its resources. In Ranjiths film, the coveted object is gold; in ARM, its the lamp. Both symbolize what is denied to the oppressed. Its interesting how both Ranjith and Jithin Laal use fantasy as a genre to delve into this topic. If only Ajayante Randam Moshanam was as captivating as its concept.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyous celebration, with devotees either celebrating at home or visiting grand pandals and temples. Several photos and videos of television stars and Bollywood actors visiting pandals on this special occasion have surfaced online. Now, TV actress Isha Malviya, known for her role in Udaariyaan, has taken some time off her busy schedule to offer prayers at Mumbais renowned Ganesh pandal, Lalbaugcha Raja.

The video shared by Instant Bollywood shows Isha going for darshan. The actress was all smiles for the camera as she made her way to the pandal. For the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, Isha wore a stunning purple salwar kurta paired with silver juttis. Her ensemble was accentuated by large chandbalis and subtle makeup.

Shortly after, fans and followers flooded the comment section with love and admiration. One user wrote, Beautiful Isha, while another mentioned, She is so sweet.

Isha also took to Instagram to share a delightful video from her visit. In the clip, she can be seen happily interacting with the paparazzi and chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya along with the crowd as she proceeds for darshan.

In addition to her visit to Lalbaugcha Raja, Isha recently posted another video from her visit to Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati. In the video, Isha looks stunning in a rani pink saree with heavy embroidery, paired with a matching blouse. She completed her look with a gold choker necklace and styled her hair in a neat bun adorned with gajra. In the caption, Isha wrote, Awesome experience of knowing the history of Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati, Indias first sarvajanic Ganesh mandal. Feeling positive & blessed!

Isha Malviya started her career at the age of 13 as a model. She took part in various beauty pageants such as Miss Madhya Pradesh 2017, Miss Teen Icon India 2018 (Bhopal) and Shaan of Madhya Pradesh 2018. Later, she made her television debut with Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehtas show Udaariyaan in 2021. The actress was widely praised for her performance as Jasmine Kaur Ahluwalia. Isha has also appeared in several music videos and was one of the most talked-about contestants on Bigg Boss 17.
Bollywood star Ishaan Khatter surprised everyone when he appeared in The Perfect Couple. Sharing the screen with Hollywood stars like Nicole Kidman, Ishaan delivered a memorable performance. While the audiences have been raving about his performance, Ishaan revealed his brother, actor Shahid Kapoor and their mother, Neliima Azeem were also impressed with his work. Speaking with News18 Showsha exclusively, Ishaan revealed that Shahid was surprised by Ishaans accent in the Netflix series.

I think (Shahid Kapoor) was really taken aback by the accent, which he was not expecting. These were all the decisions I took with Susanne (Bier, director of The Perfect Couple) when I was working there, so I guess they didnt know what to expect and there was a surprise, in a positive way, Ishaan Khatter told us exclusively.

My mom really loved me in the show, which was really lovely. I do take her criticism and her feedback seriously, beyond of course the fact that I feel she could be biased towards me because shes my mom and I am a good son (laughs). Shes also a very accomplished actor and artist herself so she sees things with a very keen eye and she would have told me if I hit a false note. So it was a relief to hear good things, he shared.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ishaan (@ishaankhatter)

Ishaan added that his family doesnt get involved in his process. I do my own thing and my family doesnt really see it till theres something more complete to show them, he shared. For the unversed, Ishaan plays the role of Shooter Dival, a friend of the groom whose wedding takes a dark turn after a murder at the wedding party. He is one of the many suspects on the show.

Not only is his family showering him with love, but Ishaan said that hes been receiving messages from a lot of unexpected people as well. A lot of unexpected people messaging, which is wonderful. Not just peers and colleagues and people I look up to in the industry but also in general in life that you would not even imagine. This show is being consumed regardless of the age. The demographics of this show are quite wide and I am glad it is globally no 1. It is doing so well here as well. I couldnt ask for more, the Pippa star said.

The young star revealed that his fans have been messaging him, saying they are very proud. I think one of the consistent messages and feedback that I have been receiving from people is that how they feel very proud that theres a fully developed and three-dimensional character played by an actor from India or even the South Asian community, that doesnt feel like a token diversity character. The word proud is being used a lot and I am getting that every day a lot. And thats wonderful, he said.

The Perfect Couple is now streaming on Netflix.
Television actress Simran Budharup, who rose to fame with her stint in Pandya Store, has alleged that she was mistreated at the Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai recently. On Friday, Simran took to her Instagram handle and dropped a video in which she was seen being pushed by some people, who she claimed to be the pandal staff members. She also penned down a long note narrating what happened at the venue.

Simran claimed that the problem started after her mothers phone was watched by one of the staff members. The actress claimed that when she tried to retrieve the phone, the official pushed her. She alleged that she was rough-handled by the bouncers and called the experience very disheartening.

Really disheartening experience at Lalbagh Cha Raja Darshan. Today, I visited Lalbagh Cha Raja with my mother to seek blessings, but our experience was marred by the unacceptable behaviour of the staff. A man from the organisation snatched my mothers phone while she was clicking the picture (she was in the queue behind me not that she was taking any extra time as it was my turn for the darshan), and when she tried to retrieve it, he pushed her. I intervened, and the bouncers rough-handled me, when I started recording this behaviour of them they tried snatching my phone too (its In this video where I am yelling Mat Karo! Kya Kar Rahe ho aap). It was only when they discovered Im an actor that they backed off, she wrote.

The actress mentioned that even though she visited for Ganpati darshan with good intentions, seeking positivity and blessings, she instead faced aggression and disrespect.

I understand that managing crowds is challenging, but its the staffs responsibility to maintain order without misbehaving or harming devotees. Im sharing this to bring attention to the issue and hope it serves as a wake-up call for event organizers and staff to treat visitors with dignity and respect. Lets work together to create a safer, more positive environment for everyone, she added.

Simran Budharup is known for shows like Kumkum Bhagya, Pandya Store, Nazar and Durga: Mata Ki Chhaya among others.
Malaika Arora is navigating a difficult period following the tragic loss of her father, Anil Mehta. His untimely passing has left the Arora family devastated. Mehta was found outside his residence in Bandra, Mumbai, where it was reported that he had sustained multiple injuries. A post-mortem revealed these injuries as the cause of his death. In his final moments, he reportedly made calls to his daughters, Malaika and Amrita Arora, before switching off his phone.

Amid this heartbreaking loss, Malaikas close friends Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karisma Kapoor have shown unwavering support. The Kapoor sisters, known for their strong friendship with Malaika and Amrita, were seen visiting the Arora family in Bandra. Malaikas mother, Joyce Polycarp, hosted a prayer meet at her residence on September 13, which was attended by close family and friends.

Kareena Kapoor arrived at the building where Malaikas mother resides for the prayer meet, dressed in a simple white outfit. Her elder sister, Karisma Kapoor, was also photographed by paparazzi as she entered the building, reflecting their continued support for their longtime friend in her time of grief.

Malaika, dressed in a white waistcoat and matching pants, left her mothers apartment after the prayer meet, accompanied by close friend Aditi Govitrikar. She also wore a face mask, maintaining a low profile during this somber moment. Malaikas ex-husband, actor Arbaaz Khan, arrived at the prayer meet later in the evening.

The Kapoor and Arora sisters have maintained a close bond over the years, often seen together during celebratory moments, but also standing by one another in difficult times. Kareena, Karisma, Malaika, and Amrita have built a reputation as a solid friend circle, always extending support to one another.

On the professional front, Kareena Kapoors latest project, The Buckingham Murders, was released in theaters on the same day as the prayer meet. Despite the films release, Kareena has postponed promotional events to be by Malaikas side. Her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, also visited Joyce Polycarps residence to offer his condolences.

Malaikas fathers sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the Bollywood community, with many extending their condolences and support to the family.
The Fable, directed by Raam Reddy and starring Manoj Bajpayee, has been selected as the only Indian film to compete at the prestigious SEMINCI Film Festival in Valladolid, Spain. The film will make its Spanish premiere at the festivals upcoming edition, running from October 18-26, 2024. This follows its highly successful world premiere at the 74th Berlin Film Festival, where it became only the second Indian film in three decades to compete in one of the major Berlinale sections, receiving widespread acclaim.

At SEMINCI, The Fable will participate in the revered Meeting Point Official Selection Competition, vying for top honors such as the Meeting Point Best Feature Award, the Meeting Point Special Jury Award, and the Pilar Miro Award for Best New Director. The film will face tough competition from globally recognized festival winners, including Constance Tsangs Blue Sun Palace (Cannes Critics Week winner), Sarah Friedlands Familiar Touch (Venice winner), and Saule Bliuvaites Toxic (Locarnos Golden Leopard winner), among others.

The Meeting Point section is noted for spotlighting breakthrough fictions that often become major revelations of the cinematic season. This selection reaffirms the rising international recognition of The Fable, following its success in Berlin.

Raam Reddy expressed his excitement about the films inclusion in such a prestigious competition, Its an incredible honour to be selected in competition at SEMINCI, as we will be competing with many of the winners from the top festivals around the world. The selection includes films by masters whose work has inspired me to become a filmmaker, so being in the same selection is incredibly exciting.

Manoj Bajpayee, reflecting on the challenging journey of making The Fable, shared, Shooting for The Fable has been a miraculous and magical journey. We not only survived COVID but also faced immense challenges along the way. After a year-long hiatus due to the pandemic, we returned to the location only to be hit by the Delta wave. Despite the difficulties, we continued filming under strict isolation protocols set by the local administration. It was a long, arduous journey, four months initially in the mountains, followed by another four months after returning.

It feels miraculous because we persevered and survived, giving it our all despite external pressures to cancel. The circumstances were far from ideal, but our belief in the script and the vision of director Raam Reddy kept us going. We supported each other, stayed hopeful, and pushed forward together.

Im thrilled that The Fable was already selected for the competition section at the Berlin Film Festival, and now, SEMINCI is another feather in its cap. Im eagerly anticipating the audiences response at SEMINCI in Spain. My best wishes to our director and the entire team attending the festival. Im really excited to see how the film will be received.

Bajpayees character, Dev, is central to the films intense and mystical narrative. Set in the Indian Himalayas, Dev is drawn into a haunting mystery as he encounters unexplained fires in his fruit orchards, forcing him to confront dark truths about his family and himself.

The US-Indian co-production boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Deepak Dobriyal, Priyanka Bose, Tillotama Shome, debutant Hiral Sidhu, and child actor Awan Pookot. As The Fable competes at SEMINCI, it continues to solidify its place as one of Indias most notable international cinematic entries this year.

As SEMINCI celebrates its 69th edition, the festival continues to be a major platform for both established masters and emerging talents.
Actor Rakul Preet Singh, known for her work in both Hindi and Telugu cinema, shared her thoughts on the importance of being strong-willed in the film industry, especially with the constant flow of advice from various sources, including an actors entourage. During her appearance on the Beer Biceps podcast, the conversation touched on filmmaker Rohit Shettys comment about the challenges of making multi-starrer films due to younger actors being heavily influenced by their entourages.

When asked if actors insecurities are fueled by their entourages, Rakul agreed, stating, Yes, youre right. Youve to be silly to believe everything you hear. A lot of people will give you several advices, but youve to use your own mind. What Rohit sir said is probably right. In South, the old school single manager system is still in place. They dont have a huge entourage; you dont have 10 people telling you whats good for your positioning or whats not.

She emphasized the importance of respecting advice but ultimately trusting ones own judgment. Its important to listen and respect them. They know what theyre saying but do what you feel is right. As an actor, your actions will go out in the public, so youve to be responsible for yourself, she said.

Rakul also discussed the close bond she shares with her team, which she values for reasons beyond professional advice, bonding with them over food and workouts rather than indulging in gossip. You are who you surround yourself with. You spend more time with your core teamhair and makeup, spot boyso its important to know what energy they carry. I dont want to listen to gossip at 7 in the morning, Im not interested in knowing about someone elses life, she explained.

Reflecting on her Bollywood journey, Rakul, who made her Hindi film debut with Yaariyaan in 2014, noted the unique demands of the industry. She highlighted how working in Mumbai comes with its own set of challenges involving PR, visibility, positioning, and brands, which she learned over time.

Recalling an eye-opening moment from her early career, she shared, I didnt know during promotions that I had to get a stylist. I learnt that right before my promotions were starting and I thought, My God this is so expensive! This is 12 years ago. Stylists are expensive, they can range anywhere between Rs 15,000 to a lakh for one event, one outfit. You learn from all these things.

Rakul Preet Singh will soon be seen in the much-anticipated sequel De De Pyaar De 2, alongside Ajay Devgn.
Actor Raveena Tandon recently revealed that she refused to take pictures with a few men in London, citing her lingering trauma from a road rage incident in Mumbai. In June, Raveena was falsely accused of being drunk and involved in a car accident, claims later debunked by Mumbai police. Reflecting on the recent encounter, the actor opened up about the anxiety she now experiences in public settings.

Taking to social media platform X, Raveena shared how the London episode unfolded. A few men approached me while I was walking alone, she wrote, explaining that she had already heard unsettling reports about the rising crime in the city. Feeling cautious, she instinctively stepped back when the men asked if she was indeed Raveena Tandon. My first instinct was to say no and walk away faster as I was alone. They just wanted a picture, I guess, and I usually oblige, she wrote.

However, the lingering effects of the road rage incident from Bandra, Mumbai, left her feeling vulnerable. The incident a few months ago has left me nervous and traumatised, she confessed.

Raveena admitted that she typically feels safer when accompanied by friends or family but often gets anxious when alone, especially in unfamiliar places. While she regretted her reaction in hindsight, she expressed how difficult the situation was. I probably shouldve given them a photo. They were maybe innocent fans, but I panicked and walked away quickly.

In her heartfelt note, she also offered an apology to the men who approached her. I feel really bad after this incident. I want to apologise through this medium if they are reading. It wasnt my intention to offend. She continued, I try to be as accessible as possible, but I fail at times. Sorry guys. I hope you understand.

Earlier in June, a man had claimed that Raveenas car struck his mother, and he alleged that the actor was drunk and assaulted the woman. However, Mumbai police confirmed that the claims were untrue, based on CCTV footage from the area.
Sean Diddy Combs legal troubles took a dramatic turn recently when Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, who accused Combs of sexual assault, won a default judgment against him. According to the lawsuit, the producer-entrepreneur has been asked to pay $100 million as default after he reportedly failed to appear at the hearing on Monday. The judgment was delivered by Anna Marie Anzalone in the Lenawee County Circuit on September 9.

Cardello-Smith has accused Combs of drugging him and assaulting him at a party back in 1997, while Combs attorneys continue to deny the allegations.

In response to the default judgment, Combs has filed an emergency motion, challenging the ruling in the case. According to a report in People magazine, the motion seeks to vacate the courts judgment, arguing that both Combs and his lawyers were not aware of the lawsuit and not properly served, which makes the default judgment invalid under Michigan Court Rule 2.105(A). Mentioning that any delays in responding were unintentional, they shared that the motion was quickly filed thereafter.

In their request, Combs lawyers also explained that Cardello-Smith is a convicted felon who is serving time in prison for kidnapping and sexual assault, further adding that he had frequently filed frivolous claims in the past.

They insisted on his allegations being objectively unbelievable and are full of inconsistencies and fantastical claims, including the claim of investing $150,000 for Combs 49 per cent net worth.

In addition to the emergency motion, Combs has also filed a motion to dissolve the temporary restraining order on him, reiterating that Cardello-Smith is not owed injunctive relief and that his own constitutional rights were violated.

Earlier in June, Cardello-Smith, who is currently serving a sentence for an unrelated matter, filed a complaint against Combs, claiming that he was drugged and assaulted by the rapper at a party in 1997. Following this, he was granted a temporary restraining order, blocking Combs from selling assets that could be used to compensate him in the case.

Later in a hearing, Cardello-Smith even claimed that Combs visited him in prison and offered $2.3 million to dismiss the lawsuit, states a Guardian report. It is pertinent to note that the lawsuit comes among a string of other sexual assault allegations against Combs.
Shekhar Suman, who was last seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis web series Heeramandi, has added a new luxury car to his collection. The actor recently welcomed a sleek black Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet. Autohangar, the authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer, shared pictures of Shekhar and his family, including son Adhyayan Suman, proudly posing with their new stylish ride.

Iconic smiles meet iconic drives. Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman who have been brightening our screens with his unforgettable characters just drove off with a smile in their new Mercedes-Benz CLE Caribolet from Atuo Hangar. Heres to many more miles of joy and luxury, the posts caption read.

Going by the pictures, it looks like the actor got his new luxurious ride delivered to his Mumbai residence.

Meanwhile, talking about the vehicle, the Mercedes CLE Cabriolet runs on a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The engine generates 258 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque. It can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.6 seconds. The car comes with a price tag of Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom).

The most recent addition to his collection now stands among several other high-end cars owned by the 70-year-old actor. Recently, he purchased an Audi Q8 e-tron Electric SUV, which comes at a starting price of Rs 1.15 Crore (ex-showroom). Also, last year on the occasion of his wedding anniversary, Shekhar Suman gifted his wife a luxurious BMW i7 car.

As soon as the pictures were posted online, fans were quick to share their reactions and congratulated the actor for his new ride. An Instagram user wrote, Congratulations Shekhar Ji, Another one wrote, Congratulations sir.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shekhar marked his OTT debut with the web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the series featured Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Shamrin Segal, Taha Shah Badussha in the lead roles. In the show, Suman played the nuanced Zulfikar Ahmed and his chemistry with Mallika Jaan (played by Manisha Koirala), had left everyone wanting for more.

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar premiered on Netflix.
Shweta Bachchan recently paid a visit to Malaika Arora and her family to offer condolences following the passing of Malaika and Amrita Aroras stepfather, Anil Mehta. Anil Mehta tragically passed away on Wednesday, with initial reports suggesting a possible suicide, though the investigation remains ongoing. His funeral was held on Thursday afternoon.

A video shared by paparazzi Instagram account, Filmygyan, shows Shweta Bachchan stepping out of a white car and entering Malaikas family home to extend her support during this difficult time.

According to sources, Malaika Aroras mother, Joyce, shared details with the police regarding her ex-husband, Anil Mehtas tragic passing. In her statement, Joyce mentioned that Anil had a routine of sitting on the balcony every morning to read the newspaper. Although they had divorced, Joyce revealed that they had reconciled and had been living together again for the past few years. On the morning of the incident, Joyce noticed Anils slippers in the living room, prompting her to search for him on the balcony.

Addressing the media outside Malaikas family residence, the police provided updates on the ongoing investigation. A spokesperson stated, Anil used to live on the sixth floor. We are conducting a thorough investigation from all possible angles. Our forensic teams are on-site, and his body has been sent for postmortem. At first glance, it appears to be suicide, but we are leaving no stone unturned and continuing the investigation.

The Arora sisters have been receiving immense support from close friends within the film industry following the heartbreaking news. Arbaaz Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Arjun Kapoor have been consistently by Malaikas side. Arbaaz was one of the first to visit the family home on Wednesday, followed by Kareena and Saif Ali Khan after the initial police investigation concluded.

Members of the Khan family, including Salim Khan, Salma Khan, Sohail Khan, and Arpita Khan Sharma, were also spotted arriving to offer their condolences. Additionally, industry figures such as Ananya Panday, Chunky Panday, and Kajol came forward to express their sympathy.

On Wednesday night, Malaika Arora posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, mourning the loss of her stepfather. She wrote, We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear father, Anil Mehta. He was a gentle soul, a devoted grandfather, a loving husband, and our best friend. Our family is in deep shock by this loss, and we kindly request privacy from the media and well-wishers during this difficult time. We appreciate your understanding, support, and respect.

DISCLAIMER: This news piece may be triggering. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata).
The Buckingham Murders Review: For the longest time in the Indian cinema, a mothers grief was seen as one-dimensional. She was the weeping, inconsolable figure wrapped in white. But for Kareena Kapoor Khans Jasmeet Bhamra in The Buckingham Murders, her grief over losing her son is more a weapon than an impediment.

After her son is killed in a shooting, detective Jasmeet Bhamra moves to Buckinghamshire where she is assigned a case that gnaws at her wounds. A young, Sikh boy is murdered and the primary suspect is a Muslim boy with a drug addiction. But what is a murder mystery without a classic bait to chew?

Sleepy towns make for great murder mysteries. The tawny homes amid the tall trees are a playground for the more fiendish ones in the community. However, as Jasmeet attempts to bring the boy to justice, the towns facade slowly crumbles to reveal the horrors of communal violence, discrimination and homophobia.

While the film is not your thrill-a-minute mystery, Hansal Mehtas lens ably shows you the emotions that dictate criminal behaviour. However, this investigation into immigrants emotions often overpowers the larger plot, making the murder probe itself seem half-churned at times.

The Buckingham Murders is a slow-burn police procedural, mounted on the able shoulders of Kareena Kapoor Khan. It is a two-hour testament to Kareenas brilliance as an actor. Mehta brings out the best in her. The actress, who once called herself the most commercial heroine, impresses with her unglamorous, nuanced expression of unresolved grief and devastation.

Her silent desolation and subtle ways of rebellion become the films driving force. A scene where she understands her grief from her fathers perspective is particularly compelling. Kareena Kapoor will dare you to take your eyes off her on-screen and you will rightly lose.

The films supporting cast brings their A-game to complement Kapoor. Ranveer Brar convincingly portrays Daljeet Kohli, a man who has lost his mother, his son and his business. He melds the different layers of his character with a commendable performance. Ash Tandon as Hardy Patel and Kapil Redekar as Saquib Chowdhary nail their characters with ease. At its core, The Buckingham Murders is a story about mothers and sons. As such, Prabhleen Sandhu as the unassuming Preeti Kohli deserves a special cheer for her performance.

While the films cast is fantastic in their roles, its heart is behind the camera. Another testament to Mehtas vision as a director is how he uses Jasmeets wardrobe as an obvious but important aspect of her character. Jasmeet is seen dressed in black and dark purples throughout the film. The only colour comes from the blood-soaked yellow T-shirt her son wore at the time of his passing. The colour yellow is often associated with hope and happiness, both of which Jasmeet clings on to for her own sake. The only time we see Jasmeet in a bright colour is when she finally stops running from her haunting past.

Director Hansal Mehta and editor Amitesh Mukherjee carefully set the colour palette of the film, which accentuates the grimness of the characters. Director of Photography Emma Dalesman masterfully brings the story to life. She treats the characters environment as their extensions and the result is a visual treat on screen. Karan Kulkarnis music ties the film together by exploring the feeling of being Indian in a foreign land.

What becomes apparent then is that the murder in The Buckingham Murders is bogged down by a predictable plot. Writers Aseem Arrora, Raghav Raj Kakker and Kashyap Kapoor have tried hard to weave a gripping narrative but the exploration of the characters strong emotions overtakes the investigation. However, while this murder mystery lacks any edge-of-the-seat moments, it is not entirely to the films detriment as the writers understanding of isolation and dimensions of grief is noteworthy.

The Buckingham Murders becomes a must-watch with its compelling performances and visual storytelling. A de-glam Kareena Kapoor has never left fans disappointed. Like in Udta Punjab and Jaane Jaan, Kapoors masterful acting chops are on full display here. Add to that Hansal Mehtas brilliant vision and we have ourselves a delectable dyad.
The producers of Minnal Murali, the popular superhero film starring Tovino Thomas, are facing legal restrictions following a copyright infringement case filed by the films writers, Arun Anirudhan and Justin Mathew. According to a report by The News Minute, the writers have alleged that the production company used their characters for commercial purposes without permission, prompting them to seek a court injunction.

The writers claim to be the sole creators and owners of the characters and had filed the case after the production company announced plans to expand the Minnal Murali universe. The company had unveiled plans for a new film titled Detective Ujjwalan, starring Dhyan Sreenivasan, which was set to be part of this cinematic universe. Additionally, a comic book featuring the superhero character Minnal Murali was released, further contributing to the writers claims that their intellectual property was being commercialized without consent.

The writers allege that they were not consulted before these spin-offs and merchandising efforts were announced, asserting that any commercial usage of their characters should have required their approval. As a result, they filed for an injunction to prevent the production company from using their characters without proper authorization.

The film Minnal Murali, directed by Basil Joseph, was initially released on Netflix in 2021. It tells the story of Jaison, a young tailor who, after being struck by lightning, gains superhero abilities like super strength and speed. The film was praised for its engaging storyline, visual effects, and the performance of lead actor Tovino Thomas. The movie, which was released directly on OTT due to the pandemic, became a hit and has since garnered a dedicated fan base.

Recently, Tovino Thomas hinted at the possibility of a sequel during an interview with Pinkvilla. The actor noted that the first film was a natural progression and that a sequel would only happen if it felt organic and necessary to the story, rather than being forced.
In an unfortunate incident, Malaika Aroras father Anil Mehta has passed away. The family is going through tough time. Several Bollywood stars have visited the family to offer their condolences during this difficult time. Amid this, Vijay Varma has requested paparazzi to maintain grace as the family is grieving. Earlier, Varun Dhawan has also slammed paps.

Vijay Varma took to his X handle and wrote, Pls leave the grieving family alone.. its not easy anyway for them. Thoda toh grace rakho media walon. On Wednesday, Varun Dhawan also shared a post reading, It is the most insensitive thing to point cameras in the face of the people who are grieving please think what you people are doing or what someone is going through when u do this. I understand it is work but sometimes another human might not be Ohkay with this #humanity.

Take a look here:

Pls leave the grieving family alone.. its not easy anyway for them. Thoda toh grace rakho media walon  Vijay Varma (@MrVijayVarma) September 12, 2024

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. Malaikas father, Anil Mehta, was deeply loved by his family and was described as a gentle soul, a devoted grandfather, and a loving husband.

Coming to the incident, according to Mumbai Police, he jumped from the balcony of his home in Mumbais Bandra. 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.
The picturesque yet politically tumultuous valley of Jammu and Kashmir is on the edge of its seat as it gears up for what promises to be a nail-biting election, teeming with uncertainty. Decades of militancy and insurgency had cast a long shadow over democratic processes, but now, the people are witnessing the return of electoral fervour. A tug of war has ensued between major political heavyweights like the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), each vying for the peoples mandate.

Adding to the drama, smaller players such as the Apni Party and Jamaat-e-Islami have also thrown their hats into the ring, shaking up the traditional political landscape. While the electorate may hold tempered expectations, the very act of holding these elections is being seen as a triumph of democracy over conflict, symbolising a renewed hope for the future of the region.

One of the core differences between the leading political players in Jammu and Kashmir revolves around their stance on the abrogation of Article 370 and the issue of statehood. National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has been vocal about restoring Article 370, which granted special status to the region before its revocation in 2019. On September 9, 2024, he reaffirmed that the restoration of Article 370 remains the voice of the people of J&K, even acknowledging that the process could take years.

The Congress, while echoing the demand for the restoration of statehood, has not directly committed to reviving Article 370. On September 4, 2024, during the launch of the partys election campaign, Rahul Gandhi promised that the Congress would restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir if it came to power, signalling a priority for administrative autonomy over the current constitutional provision.

In contrast, the BJP remains firm in its stance against Article 370. Home Minister Amit Shah, referencing NCs manifesto, reiterated that the special provision has been buried forever and that the BJP will not allow any attempts at its restoration. These divergent positions reflect a larger battle for the soul of Jammu and Kashmirs political future, with Article 370 and statehood at the centre of the discourse.

The National Conference and Congress need to recognise that while they can critique the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, the reality is that it is now part of history. The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a significant shift, with a growing sense of normalcy returning to the valley. Given the wider political discourse across India, revisiting Article 370 is essentially committing political suicide. The Congress, initially a staunch opponent of the scrapping of Article 370, even joined the Gupkar Alliance, calling for its restoration; however, sensing the shifting political winds, the party distanced itself from the alliance and adopted a more nuanced stance on the issue.

Despite this recalibration, the Congress remains in an awkward alliance with the NC, which continues to push for the restoration of Article 370. This ideological divergence has cast uncertainty over their partnership and election prospects. With the BJP firmly opposed to any reversal and public sentiment in the rest of India largely in favour of the move, the NC and the Congress face a precarious balancing act, one that could determine their future influence in the region as well as in the larger national polity.

The rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, who have faced displacement and hardship for decades, features in the manifestoes of NC, PDP as well as the BJP. While all these parties pledge to address this long-standing issue, the challenge lies not just in ensuring their return, but in creating a safe and sustainable environment for their reintegration. The recent surge in militant attacks in Jammu shows that, while significant progress has been made, the battle is far from over. The hope remains that whichever party assumes power is able to completely eradicate terrorism, enabling the Kashmiri Pandits to finally return home and rebuild their lives in a secure Jammu and Kashmir.

Another irksome aspect of the NC and PDP manifestoes is their disproportionate emphasis on initiating dialogue with Pakistan to resolve the so-called Kashmir issue. Its high time their leadership realises that the Pakistan angle is a relic of the past. Kashmir is an internal matter of Indiaend of story. One doesnt need to be directly aligned with the ISI to further Pakistans narrative, but advocating for talks with a terror-sponsoring nation effectively legitimises their terrorism. By clinging to this outdated stance, these parties come across as stuck in a bygone era. If they truly wish to counter the BJPs dominance, they need to adopt a more forward-looking, progressive approach, one that resonates with the aspirations of todays India and its people.

To further complicate things, the banned Jamaat-e-Islami also held an election rally in south Kashmirs Kulgam, marking its first show of force since 1987. While still proscribed, the group has chosen to back a slate of independent candidates, making an indirect foray into the electoral arena. This rally signifies a bold move, raising concerns about the resurgence of Jamaats influence in local politics, despite its legal status.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Conference (PC) has thrown its hat into the ring with a strategic play in north Kashmir. Party president Sajad Lone will contest from both Handwara and Kupwara, his home turf and a seat the party previously won. While confident in Handwara, the PC seems to face more uncertainty in Kupwara, where it hopes to consolidate its support base. This dual candidacy by Lone signals a calculated risk, but also underlines his political clout in the region.

Further adding to the complexity, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made a sudden shift in its strategy in the Uri constituency. After initially backing Independent candidate Taj Mohiuddin, the PDP decided to field its own candidate, potentially in response to the Apni Partys decision to also support Mohiuddin. This abrupt reversal highlights the fluidity of alliances and the tactical manoeuvring taking place as the parties jostle for power. And finally, Engineer Rashids party could also be a wildcard in north Kashmir. Having already secured a Member of Parliament (MP) seat from the region, Rashids influence might translate into unexpected victories in the Assembly elections.

To truly shift the tide in Jammu and Kashmir, the region must embrace a progressive, forward-thinking approach. The fixation on past grievances and an insatiable urge to hold cross-border dialogues only perpetuate division and hinder real progress. The focus should be on actionable solutionsrestoring Kashmiri Pandits to their rightful homes, boosting economic development, and dismantling the remnants of terrorism. Political parties clinging to outdated strategies are not just out of touch, they are failing the people they claim to serve.

For Kashmir to emerge from its shadowed past and thrive, it needs leaders who prioritise modern governance, inclusivity, and concrete action over nostalgic rhetoric. The time for change is now, and it must be driven by a vision that aligns with the demands of a new, united India.

The writer takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Who founded the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)? This is one of my favourite questions to ask. Not because the answer is particularly interesting. But because of the nature of the question. Do Americans remember Eisenhowers vision each time NASA makes a big discovery?

Now think about the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Our scientists at ISRO keep making India proud every few months. But every time they do something big, we have this strange chatter from liberals online, on television channels, and in newspapers. Where would India be if Jawaharlal Nehru had not founded ISRO? Technically, Nehru founded the organisation that later became ISRO, but that is really not the point.

So are Americans ungrateful people because they do not talk about how Eisenhower founded NASA? Of course not. If you think Rajiv Gandhi brought computers to India, ask yourself who brought computers to America? Or to Japan, France, Germany, or anywhere. Do you honestly believe that without Rajiv Gandhi, there would be no computers in India today? No, our obsession with finding the vision of so and so behind everything is the exception, not the norm. Especially with so many of our prime ministers coming from just one political family. It is strange. It is feudal. And it makes us look unserious in the rest of the democratic world.

Other countries have great leaders too, but they do not worship them. Take Franklin D. Roosevelt. He brought America out of the Great Depression. He won the World War II. He was elected President of the United States four times! Did I mention that Roosevelt had suffered from polio, and was confined to a wheelchair? It did not stop him from crushing Hitler. You can hardly think of a story more inspiring than this.

So, what did Americans do? Surely, they decided to make Roosevelt a permanent national saint, and spent the next fifty years electing his children and grandchildren to office, right? No, Roosevelt died in 1945. His son tried to run for governor of their home state of New York, but failed. And Roosevelts party suffered a crushing defeat in the elections of 1946. The Republicans won. Then they pushed for a constitutional amendment that said nobody could be elected President more than twice. So, another four-term President like Roosevelt would be impossible.

Yes to great leaders. No to anything resembling a king.

So just one year after World War II ended, Americans had already moved on to other issues. This is not unusual. Churchill did great things for Britain. But Churchill lost the 1945 elections in a landslide. Charles de Gaulle saved the honour of France in World War II. But by 1951, he was struggling politically. His party won just 107 seats in the French National Assembly of 625 members.

How did John F Kennedy win the Presidential election of 1960? He accused Eisenhower, who was the incumbent President, of making America weak, causing a missile gap with the Russians. You mean the same General Eisenhower who had been the supreme commander of Allied forces in the Second World War? How could anyone accuse him of being weak on national security? Yes, they could. Because General Eisenhower led Allied forces to victory in the Second World War in 1945. This was 1960. What had Eisenhower done since then?

Now think about Indian liberals who want to guilt trip us over Rahul Gandhi. Nehru fought for our freedom. How can you be ungrateful to his great-grandson?

Again, this does not mean that we do not respect the contributions and sacrifices of our great leaders. It is a wonderful thing that our first prime minister funded the Indian Institutes of Technology, for instance. But we cannot go on talking about Nehru each time someone goes to an IIT. How many people would even know that John D Rockefeller founded the University of Chicago? Does Rockefeller get thanks every time the University of Chicago does anything? The algorithm that became Google was developed by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who were then graduate students at Stanford University. So, if you use Google today, be sure to thank the vision of Leland Stanford, former California governor and (notoriously corrupt) businessman who founded that university. Sounds ridiculous, I know. So then why do we keep doing something similar in India?

We are proud of our great leaders. We should be proud of their work in nation-building. But a great historical nation such as ours cannot become a living tribute to any one individual, their memory, or their family. Because the nation is greater than us all.

Abhishek Banerjee (@AbhishBanerj on X) is an author and columnist. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
When it became clear on Thursday evening that a meeting between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and junior doctors was not going to happen, the CM came to do a press conference. The biggest statement from Mamata that came from this press conference was when she said shes ready to resign for peoples interest.

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 [the Opposition] just want the chair. I am ready to resign in the interest of the people, Mamata said, leaving many stunned, especially those in the Trinamool Congress.

Junior doctors sitting outside the secretariat told News18, We dont want her chair or her resignation. This was an apolitical movement. This movement is now the countrys movement. We are here for Abhayas justice. The protest will continue and we will wait.

BJP leader Roopa Ganguly said, Let us start tomorrows day with this good news. She should at least resign from the post of Health Minister tomorrow.

What Made Mamata Make Such a Statement?

The big question that everyone has been asking since then is what led to Mamata Banerjee making such a statement.

A lot of theories have been doing the rounds on why Mamata made such a statement. A section of experts have said that the entire Abhaya protest has embarrassed the West Bengal government in every way and has raised leading questions on the police administration. This might be an emotional counter pressure that Mamata Banerjee is trying to put, experts said.

Political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty told News18, A major section of people wanted Mamatas resignation and there were slogans from the opposition too, because she is the Health Minister of the state. But the fact that Mamata herself came and said that she was ready to resign has directly put pressure on student doctors and a section of common people. Doctors had to say they were not looking for the chair. Here, Mamata won immediately. Mamata Banerjee wanted to create this pressure.

Moreover, through this act, the state has made itself legal battle ready. The state will say it in Supreme Court that they have tried to convince doctors in every way and the CM herself waited for talks for more than two hours and she herself wanted to resign. This is old Mamata style, Chakraborty said.

Interestingly, Mamata, during her career, has tried to portray multiple times that does not want the post or is not interested in it. On Thursday, too, she tried to show the same  that she is for justice and not for the chair.

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee also hit an emotional chord with her supporters and party workers, who would now try to build up and gain public opinion in favour of the TMC. The video of Mamata waiting for students was shared on social media by all big and small leaders and cadres of the party, in a bid to show that in Bengal, the CM waits for more than 2 hours but protestors do not come to meet her, all for live streaming.

In Kolkata, though, doctors have been getting a lot of support from the common people. As doctors continued to protest for more than three days, its hard to tell whether this situation will change and a solution will come up.

The Opposition, on the other hand, has attacked Mamata over her statement with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikary stating that this was all a drama by Mamata and that there was no bar from the Supreme Court to telecast the meeting live.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal walked out of Tihar jail on Friday after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the liquor policy scam case. AAP leaders and workers gathered outside the Tihar jail and burst firecrackers to welcome the Delhi CM.

After coming out of jail, the AAP national convenor said, Today I want to say that I have come out of jail and my courage has increased 100 timesThe walls of their jail cannot weaken the courage of KejriwalI will pray to god to continue showing me the right path and I will continue fighting against all the power who are trying to weaken the country and divide the country

#WATCH | After being released from Tihar Jail, Delhi CM and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal says, Today I want to say that I have come out of jail and my courage has increased 100 timesThe walls of their jail cannot weaken the courage of KejriwalI will pray to god to pic.twitter.com/AXfgtAYH81 ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

I have faced many difficulties in my life but God has supported me at every step. This time too God supported me because I was honest, right he added.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan heard the case and granted bail to the Chief Minister on a bail bond of Rs 10 lakh, and two sureties.

While granting bail, the Supreme Court directed Kejriwal not to make any public comment on the merits of the case and added that terms and conditions as imposed in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case would also be applicable in this case. The court said that Kejriwal cannot visit his office or the Delhi Secretariat and not sign any official file unless necessary to obtain the Lieutenant Governors sanction.

Arvind Kejriwals wife Sunita Kejriwal congratulated the AAP family on the partys national convenors bail and wished for the sooner release of other leaders. Congratulations to the AAP family! Kudos for staying strong Wishing also the soonest release of our other leaders, Sunita Kejriwal wrote in an X post.

Former Delhi Deputy CM & AAP leader Manish Sisodia called Arvind Kejriwals bail an assurance that no matter who comes as a dictator, the Constitution of our country is there as a shield.

Nothing is above the Consitution in India. The Supreme Courts decision is not just for Arvind Kejriwal but it is an assurance that no matter who comes as a dictator, the Constitution of our country is there as a shield It has been proven today that the arrest by the CBI was to halt the bail in the ED case Arvind Kejriwal has Lord Rams blessings and the shield of the Consitution Sacchai aur kattar Imandari hamesha josh mein rehti hai he said.

Opposition Leaders React On Kejriwals Release:

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray expressed happiness over the AAP leaders release and said the truth always prevails over politics.

Truth prevails over politics! Glad to see @ArvindKejriwal ji walk out and ready to fight for democracy and the Constitution again. There are coward gaddaars who betray their own and run away, and on the other side there are those like Arvind ji who choose to fight for the truth! Satyamev Jayate!, he said in a post on X.

Truth prevails over politics!Glad to see @ArvindKejriwal ji walk out and ready to fight for democracy and the Constitution again.There are coward gaddaars who betray their own and run away, and on the other side there are those like Arvind ji who choose to fight for the  Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) September 13, 2024

Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren also greeted Kejriwal and said that the truth has defeated lies and conspiracy.

Today, truth has once again emerged victorious, defeating lies and conspiracy Jharkhandi Johar to the Honorable Chief Minister of Delhi, elder brother Mr @ArvindKejriwal ji! he said on X.
Even after Rahul Gandhi is back from his United States visit, controversies from the trip continue to trail him. A journalist has alleged that he was manhandled by Rahul Gandhis team when he asked a question to Sam Pitroda, chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), about the Lok Sabha leader of oppositions stand on Hindus being attacked in Bangladesh.

The journalist, Rohit Sharma, said that he had a very good interview with Pitroda but the moment he asked this question before Rahul Gandhi was to land in Dallas, a group of the Congress leaders supporters snatched his phone, held him in the room, and pushed him to delete the interview.

No one from the Congress wanted to comment on this issue when approached by CNN-News18, but the Bharatiya Janata Party has begun its attacks on the Congress and Rahul Gandhi. The BJP has accused the Raebareli MP of having double standards and said that while he talks about the Constitution being in danger under the Narendra Modi government, he himself has tried to throttle free speech.

How I was assaulted by Rahul Gandhis team in Dallas, Texas writes India Todays Washington contributor Rohit Sharma.Gandhis associates snatched his phone and forced him to delete footage of a question about attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus. Rahul Gandhis team getting pic.twitter.com/eVROjHyJ6S  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 13, 2024

The journalist has issued a statement on social media site X.

So, Im not doing any interviews at this time. Ive said everything I needed to in the story. While its natural to feel like your life is at risk in situations like this, I trust that God is always watching over me. Thanks for all your concerns! Rohit Sharma (@DcWalaDesi) September 13, 2024

Rahul Gandhi during his US trip accused the Modi government of endangering the Constitution and using power and agencies to silence opponents. The episode has triggered a wave of criticism, with BJP leaders calling him out for his anti-India stance on foreign soil.

Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the Congress of openly working against India while Union minister Kiren Rijiju also slammed Gandhi over his meetings and remarks in the US.
A viral video of a restaurant owner in Tamil Nadu, apologising to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a private conversation, has sparked a row. The video was shared by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s Tamil Nadu social media cell state convenor, thus drawing flak from the Opposition.

The video came after Srinivasan  the owner of Sri Annapoorna restaurant, during a meeting of business owners with the Finance Minister in Coimbatore, publicly expressed concerns over the complexities of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on food items.

Srinivasan brought to Sitharamans attention, that an 18 per cent GST was levied on cream-filled buns in the state, whereas there was no GST on individual buns.

Customers often ask me to only give them buns and say that they would add the cream and jam themselves, Srinivasan told the Finance Minister at the event.

GST on Bun = 0GST on Cream = 5%GST on Cream Bun = 18%Customers are asking for Cream & Bun separately due to this complex structure. Please do something about this FM madam.  Annapoorna Hotel Owner Srinivasan pic.twitter.com/xiFDaaJvbf  Fundamental Investor  (@FI_InvestIndia) September 13, 2024

Later, during a private conversation, Srinivasan, also the chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Hotel Owners Federation, apologised to the Finance Minister for bringing up the issue on a public platform, and in the presence of BJPs Tamil Nadu MLA Vanathi Srinivasan at the event.

As the video drew the attention of the internet, the Congress and Chief Minister MK Stalins party, DMK, slammed the BJP for breaching the privacy of the restaurant owner and accused it of arrogance and outright disrespect of the restaurant owner. The parties also alleged that Vanathi Srinivasan had forced the owner to apologise to the Finance Minister.

VANATHI REFUTES ALLEGATIONS

On Friday, Srinivasan clarified she did not force the hotelier to apologise to Sitharaman.

Speaking during a press conference, Srinivasan said that during a telephonic conversation with her on Thursday, the restaurant owner expressed regret over his comments and said he wanted to apologise to the Finance Minister, after which she had scheduled a meeting between the two.

TAMIL NADU BJP CHIEF APOLOGISES

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai apologised on behalf of the party functionaries who shared the video.

In an X post, Annamalai wrote, On behalf of @BJP4TamilNadu, I sincerely apologise for the actions of our functionaries who shared a private conversation between a respected business owner and our Hon. FM. I spoke with Thiru Srinivasan Avl, the esteemed owner of the Annapoorna chain of Restaurants, to express regret for this unintended breach of privacy.

Annapoorna Srinivasan Anna is a pillar of Tamil Nadus business community, contributing significantly to the states and nations economic growth. I request everyone to lay the matter to rest with due respect, his post read.
As the Supreme Court (SC) granted Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal bail in the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) case related to the alleged excise policy scam, one question remains  Will he resign as the Chief Minister (CM)?

ALSO READ | Why AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwals Bail May Not Be Good News For Congress Ahead Of Haryana Elections

The basis of this question are the strict conditions imposed on him by the Supreme Court in the ED case that will be detrimental to performing his duties as the CM and the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) demand that he should step down.

NOT ACQUITTED, SHOULD RESIGN, SAYS BJP

After the SC reprieve, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia, a lawyer, hit out at the Delhi CM. Kejriwal never got relief from any court and no charges have been quashed. He has not been discharged. There is no question of acquittal because the trial will continue. The AAP has to answer why Arvind Kejriwal is not resigning.

The BJP on Friday used terms like kattar beimaan, jail wala CM and bail wala CM for the AAP chief.

Bhatia isnt alone. The Delhi unit of the BJP, too, demanded that the CMs seat should be vacated. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said, We urge that if he has any morality left, he should resign immediately. Kejriwal and the AAP have no moral character. They are far away from the true sense of Satyameva Jayate.

'CBI should not be a caged parrot': Justice Bhuyan's sharp remarks for the investigating agency during hearing on Kejriwal's bail pleaNews18's @anany_b shares details of what transpired in top court @akankshaswarups | #ArvindKejriwalBail #SupremeCourtOfIndia #CBI pic.twitter.com/G79htZ6MPp  News18 (@CNNnews18) September 13, 2024

SCS STRICT CONDITIONS

Political attacks aside, what may create hurdles for Kejriwal to carry out his Chief Ministerial duties once he is out of Tihar Jail are a set of strict conditions imposed on him by the apex court in the Enforcement Directorates (ED) case.

One of the leading conditions is he cannot visit the Chief Ministers office which is at the Delhi Secretariat. A solution to this would be working out of home. However, the SC has also restricted him from signing on any official file. These would virtually make him a Chief Minister without the powers to discharge duties.

ALSO READ | CBI Must Show Its Uncaged Parrot: Justice Bhuyan Says Kejriwals CBI Arrest Was To Frustrate Bail In ED Case

Bhatia claimed, Kejriwals passport will be with the SC and he cannot go on foreign visits. Kejriwal has to report in front of the investigation officer every Monday and Thursday, twice a week. He cannot speak to the witnesses.

Moreover, Kejriwal also cannot comment on the Delhi excise policy case or hold interactions with witnesses or see the case files. This means, he cannot use his jail time in this case as an emotional appeal in the Haryana poll campaign where the AAP is hoping to make an entry.

QUESTION OF PROPRIETY

In addition to the BJPs pressure and steep conditions imposed by the SC in his bail in the case pertaining to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), what may mount further pressure on Kejriwal to consider stepping down as the CM is the earlier observations of the top court.

On July 12, when the SC granted Kejriwal interim bail in the case, BJP MP and lawyer Bansuri Swaraj had claimed the SC had indicated that whenever a constitutional functionary is involved in such a crime, he has to resign from his post.

ALSO READ | Satyamev Jayate: AAP Celebrates Arvind Kejriwals Bail, BJP Says It Isnt Acquittal

The order read, We are conscious that Arvind Kejriwal is an elected leader and the Chief Minister of Delhi, a post holding importance and influence. We have also referred to the allegations.

The apex court, however, had left it to his conscience by saying, While we do not give any direction, since we are doubtful whether the court can direct an elected leader to step down or not function as the Chief Minister or as a Minister, we leave it to Arvind Kejriwal to take a call.

The Supreme Court had said it is a matter of propriety, but there is no legal right seeking the removal of Kejriwal as the chief minister following his arrest.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals wife Sunita Kejriwal congratulated the AAP family on the bail of the partys national convenor in the liquor policy scam case and wished for the sooner release of other leaders. Congratulations to the AAP family! Kudos for staying strong Wishing also the soonest release of our other leaders, Sunita Kejriwal wrote in an X post.

She further said, BJPs plans have been washed away. They wanted to jail the Opposition leaders and stay in power.

The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case.

Celebration in AAP Camp Over Arvind Kejriwals Bail

Punjab AAP leaders, including minister Bram Shanker Sharma-Jimpa, danced to the tunes of dhol celebrating Arvind Kejriwals bail.

#WATCH | Chandigarh: Punjab AAP leaders, including minister Bram Shanker Sharma  Jimpa, dance to the tunes of dhol and celebrate as Supreme Court grants bail to Delhi CM & partys national convener Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise pic.twitter.com/6j0ZvwOZEo ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

Punjab minister Bram Shanker Sharma-Jimpa called Arvind Kejriwals bail a huge victory and said there is enthusiasm in each and every AAP volunteer.

This is a huge victory. There are elections in Haryana. There is enthusiasm in each and every AAP volunteer. This will benefit us, Arvind Kejriwal will go thereA time will come when BJP will have to go to backfoot, he said.

#WATCH | Chandigarh: Punjab minister Bram Shanker Sharma  Jimpa says, Satyameva Jayate. After Gujarat elections, when they (BJP) felt the ground beneath their feet shaking, they were concerned and then they decided to break the party somehow. So, Manish Sisodia was jailed https://t.co/PylCJL0cvo pic.twitter.com/PQjqtcJxEe ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

Former Delhi Deputy CM & AAP leader Manish Sisodia called Arvind Kejriwals bail an assurance that no matter who comes as a dictator, the Constitution of our country is there as a shield.

Nothing is above the Consitution in India. The Supreme Courts decision is not just for Arvind Kejriwal but it is an assurance that no matter who comes as a dictator, the Constitution of our country is there as a shield It has been proven today that the arrest by the CBI was to halt the bail in the ED case Arvind Kejriwal has Lord Rams blessings and the shield of the Consitution Sacchai aur kattar Imandari hamesha josh mein rehti hai he said.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh claimed that the entire case was made to defame and finish the AAP party.

AAP MP Raghav Chadha said,  I thank the Supreme Court He (Arvind Kejriwal) is not just a name, but a brand of honest politics. He had to go to jail for 6 months because of his increasing popularity AAP will get more strength I welcome the decision Welcome Back Arvind Kejriwal We will make the further strategy after reading the final order of the Supreme Court to understand the conditions under which the bail has been given There is a wave of joy in Delhi and the country Arvind Kejriwal will lead the campaign for the AAP in the upcoming Haryana elections now

Kejriwal became the third AAP leader after Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh to walk out of jail after securing bail in the excise policy case. He already has been granted an interim bail in the Enforcement Directorates money laundering case.
A historic letter penned by the renowned physicist Albert Einstein, which played a pivotal role in ushering in the nuclear age, was sold for $3.9 million (around Rs Rs 32 crore) at a Christies auction. The original letter, part of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Librarys collection in New York, holds immense significance in shaping history. Sent in 1939, it eventually reached then-US President Franklin Roosevelt, sparking a chain of events that would lead to the development of the worlds first atomic bomb  a decision that Einstein would later lament as his one great mistake.

In the letter, Einstein cautioned the US President that Germany could be advancing nuclear weapons research, stressing that uranium may be turned into a new and important source of energy and warned of the possibility of extremely powerful bombs being developed. The plea urged the US to expedite its research. This marked the beginning of the Manhattan Project during World War II, which led to the creation of the worlds first atomic bomb.

Einstein also warned that while such bombs might be too heavy for air transport, they could still be delivered by boat, posing a great threat to ports and surrounding areas. He recommended some contact be established between the US government and a group of physicists who are already working on the subject of chain reactions.

This has been described as one of the most influential letters in history, Peter Klarnet, senior specialist for Americana, books and manuscripts at Christies, said in a statement.

The recent sale of Einstein-signed letters, while significant, did not set a record for items linked to the renowned physicist. In an earlier auction, Christies had sold one of Einsteins manuscripts for a much higher price of $13 million. Though Einstein didnt write the letter, his signature gave it added importance because of his worldwide fame.

The particular copy, which sold on September 10, was the only version in private hands, according to Christies. According to Business Insider, it was originally part of an extensive collection of the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. He had purchased it in 2002 for $2.1 million. As per a report in The Guardian, before Allen, the letter belonged to publisher Malcolm Forbes, who acquired it from the estate of Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard, the actual writer of the letter, with Einsteins signature.

Christies has not revealed the identity of the letters new owner. Both Szilard and Einstein were Jewish scientists who fled Europe during Adolf Hitlers rise to power. Though they initially supported nuclear research as a way to counter the threat from Germany, their views changed after the war.

Woe is me, Einstein is believed to have said when he learned about the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan that killed about 2,00,000 people in 1945.
We all know about the eerie reputation of Friday the 13th, often deemed one of the unluckiest days in Western culture. While many avoid major events on this date, one British couple decided to defy superstition in the most unique way possible. For Hannah and Mathew Parfitt, Friday the 13th became the day of celebration. According to a report in BBC, the couple, from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, got married on Friday, October 13 last year in an unconventional setting  a room within a cemetery that was once used to lower coffins before cremation.

Despite the unusual choice of venue and the superstitions associated with the date, their wedding turned out to be pretty perfect."

The couple initially had their hearts set on a Halloween wedding, but with the unpredictable heavy rain that often falls around that time of year, they decided to reconsider.

Then randomly when we looked, Friday 13th came up and we wanted to get married in October so it seemed pretty perfect," Hannah said as quoted by BBC.

For their ceremony, 27-year-old Hannah wore a striking black gown while Mathew wore a black suit with a unique detail that featured a red tie covered in skulls. The couple exchanged vows in the dim glow of candlelight, with curtains drawn to create a spooky atmosphere.

Their venue, Arnos Vale in Bristol, a Victorian cemetery and a licensed wedding venue, provided the perfect backdrop for their unconventional wedding.

We didnt get married on the actual graves, because that would be disrespectful," Hannah said.

Talking about their decision to marry in a cemetery, Hannah shared her fondness for such places, sharing, Ive always really liked them. I just find them quite peaceful."

As for the choice of the famously unlucky Friday the 13th, Mathew humorously remarked, We havent had any bad luck yet, have we?"

Hannah quickly agreed, adding, No, weve been pretty good. We got a new house recently, so its going well."

Samantha Buca, the wedding dress designer behind Hannahs black gown, noted that darker dresses tend to be in high demand during the autumn, with many brides opting for them around Halloween.

But I have just done a black dress for someone who got married in Ibiza. So theres no right or wrong anymore with weddings," she told BBC.

While Samantha doesnt put much thought into the superstition around Friday the 13th, she does acknowledge that it can still influence her clients.

The exact origins of Friday the 13ths unlucky reputation remain unclear, but both Friday and the number 13 have been long associated with bad luck.

As per BBC, some believe the superstition dates back to the Bible, with Judas being the 13th guest at the Last Supper.
During our formative years, the person we often bond with most closely after our parents is our favourite teacher. This is why, on Teachers Day, children often compete to present gifts to their teachers as a gesture of appreciation and affection. Teachers also appreciate these gestures from their students.A similar event occurred in neighbouring China on Teachers Day, where a troubling incident unfolded involving a nursery school principal. Something as trivial as accepting a Teachers Day gift from a child cost a teacher dearly. This was the case for a teacher who lost her job over a chocolate valued at Rs 60. In China, a nursery school principal, Wang, was dismissed from her position for accepting a small box of chocolates worth approximately Rs 60 in Indian currency from a student. The incident, which occurred at Sanxia Kindergarten in Chongqing, led Wang to take legal action against her former employer after her dismissal in September of the previous year. Surveillance footage revealed the boy handing the chocolate to Wang, who accepted it and hugged him. She later shared the chocolate with other children at the kindergarten.

Wang was informed by the kindergarten that her dismissal was due to her accepting a gift from a student. The nursery claimed that Wang had violated a Ministry of Education rule, which prohibits teachers from requesting or accepting any gifts or money from students or their parents.

Wang subsequently filed a lawsuit at the Jiulongpo District Peoples Court. During the initial hearing, the schools defence argued that accepting the gift, irrespective of its value, breached the Ministry of Education rule and had negatively impacted the kindergarten. The court ruled in March that the kindergartens dismissal of Wang was illegal. It determined that the chocolate was given out of affection and respect by the student, and that Wangs acceptance of it did not constitute a breach of the rule. The court ordered the kindergarten to pay compensation to Wang.

The kindergarten appealed the courts decision; but in August, the Chongqing No 5 Intermediate Peoples Court upheld the original verdict after a second hearing. Wangs dismissal became a hot topic on mainland social media, garnering 7.2 million views on Douyin, with users unanimously supporting the teacher.
Parts of the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) experienced heavy rainfall on Friday afternoon, causing waterlogging and disruptions in various areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert earlier in the day, warning residents of intense weather conditions. The IMD advisory cautioned of potential disruptions in air, rail and road transportation, as well as possible power outages in some areas. On Friday morning, moderate to heavy rains lashed parts of Delhi-NCR, leaving several regions of the city severely waterlogged.

Delhi residents took to social media to share visuals of the weather-related chaos.

Sharing pictures/videos from the capital city, a user wrote on X, formerly Twitter, Heavy rainfall in Delhi. The rain just wont stop. The visuals show incessant rainfall and some areas already waterlogged.

A car was seen moving through a few metres of water in images from Munirka, Delhi.

Delhi skies looked like this before the rain. Its completely dark and drenched now, wrote another user.

Delhi skies looked like this before the rain. It's completely dark and drenched now.#DelhiRains pic.twitter.com/KUuKbQEgkC Haider Ali Khan,    (@khanhaider) September 13, 2024

Meanwhile, the situation is no better in Gurgaon. Visuals trending on X from the city show heavy downpours and waterlogged streets.

In a video, cars are seen navigating a flooded roadway with at least some of the vehicles tyres entirely submerged in water.

An X user said, A hovercraft is the perfect commuter vehicle for Gurgaon indicating the rising water levels on roads making it difficult to commute.

A hovercraft is the perfect commuter vehicle for Gurgaon pic.twitter.com/ua8NbZXYix Akshay (@the_motonomad) September 13, 2024

This user pointed out the Friday The 13th connection and wrote, Forget Friday the 13th horror movies. Just try driving in Delhi rain.

Forget Friday the 13th horror movies. Just try driving in Delhi rain anushka (@anushkaa_tanwar) September 13, 2024

Gurgaon is going to drown, said another user.

Gurgaon is going to drown  #K!||Xavi (@utdmessi2) September 13, 2024

Even the late-night rain flooded a number of roadways, creating significant traffic blockages that hindered transportation around Delhi. Movement around the city was halted by the rain that fell between 2:30 AM and 5:30 AM, submerging numerous roadways. Through social media, the Delhi Traffic Police kept the public informed, offering diversion suggestions and posting pictures of the flooded streets.

According to the advice, waterlogging at GGR PDR caused traffic to be disrupted on NH-48 across the roadway from Dhaula Kuan to Mahipalpur. The overflow of sewage water at Paras Chowk caused traffic movement on Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, the highway that runs from Kalkaji to Defence Colony, to be impeded, it added further.

Traffic Alert Traffic is affected on NH-48 in the carriageway from Dhaula Kuan towards Mahipalpur due to water logging at GGR PDR. Kindly plan your journey accordingly. pic.twitter.com/WjWGY49g2m  Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) September 13, 2024

Heavy rains are expected to continue over the weekend, as per IMD.
An iconic portrait of Winston Churchill, known as The Roaring Lion, that was stolen from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa, Canada, was recently recovered in Italy. The photograph was shot by renowned photographer Yousuf Karsh in 1941 and ended up in the hands of a private collector in Genoa who had no idea of its status. The portrait was said to have been stolen during the Christmas holidays from December 25, 2021, to January 6, 2022, when the hotel was on a lockdown following the COVID-19 pandemic.

This photograph was taken by Karsh in 1941 immediately after the wartime leader made his speech to the Canadian parliament, and it became a symbol of Britains resolve during World War II.

In August 2022, the employees of the hotel discovered that the photograph which existed in one of the reading rooms located near the main lobby had been removed and substituted with a fake.

Two years later, Ottawa police claim that, due to information from the general public and forensic detection, they have identified the offender as a 43-year-old man who resides 370 kilometers from Ottawa.

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 in a statement.

As per NBC News, the lawyer Nicola Cassinelli of Genoa, Italy, bought the portrait in an online Sothebys auction in May 2022 for 5,292 British pounds. He claims that he received a phone call from the auction house in October where he was told not to sell or transfer the portrait in any other way because of the probe into the Ottawa theft.

Cassinelli recalled to the publication that he was shocked to discover that the solution to the high-profile robbery was right there on the wall of the living room. According to reports, he will be present next Thursday at the Canadian Embassy.

The defendant was charged with theft, forgery, and trafficking in stolen items after his arrest in April.

We are thrilled about the iconic Roaring Lion portrait returning to its rightful home at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, hotel general manager Genevieve Dumas told AFP.

This portrait is not only an irreplaceable work of art but also a significant piece of our hotels history, she added.

The artwork will be collected in the following weeks and taken back to the hotel. Historical reports state that immediately before capturing Churchills photo, Karsh took a cigar out of his mouth, thereby causing the British prime minister to wince.

Perhaps the most well-known picture of Churchill was printed on the British five-pound note and has been seen in many circulations.

The first people to notice that the portrait had vanished were the maintenance personnel.

Former hotel visitors shared their photos of the photograph over time, contributing to the narrowing of the missing date, AFP reported.

The hotel, which had held Karshs inaugural exhibition in 1936, reportedly certified to the photographers heirs that a signature on the photograph was forged.
The common working schedule typically consists of eight hours in the day with all employees reporting to the office from 9 am and working till 5 pm. However, it is gradually shifting to a new pattern of 10-to-4 based on the data collected by INRIX Inc, a global traffic analysis firm in its 2023 Global Traffic Scorecard. Thus highlighting that employees are coming late and leaving early. The primary reasons for this trend are being noted as a reluctance among employees to report back to the office after years of remote work during the COVID pandemic, and an emerging norm of flexible work hours.

The INRIX report shows a considerable reduction in traffic flow during the early morning and early evening but a peak during midday. The numbers show that in the daily travel peak period, 71.8 million trips per hour were recorded, a 23% increase from that of 2019. However, the evening rush hour has reduced by 9% to be at 73 million trips per hour and the morning rush hour has reduced by 12%.

This shows that employees are ditching the traditional 9 to 5 working hours and choosing their work hours. As per the report, this is a good step towards reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. The report further highlighted that as the concept of work-life balance takes centre stage, more employees are working remotely and only show up at the office to mark attendance or for an important meeting with colleagues before heading home.

The phenomenon is also known as Coffee Badging. The report quoted David Satterwhite, the CEO of Chronus who shared that at present, most workers are only required to show up at the workplace sporadically, owing to the new normal.

Further, according to a recent survey by Owl Labs, 58% of the hybrid workers accepted checking into the office only for a few hours before leaving. The survey further stated that more employees are preferring a healthy work-life balance, flexible work hours and mental health instead of a mad rush to climb the staircase of corporate success. 66% of the workers confessed that they would seek another employment that allows flexibility if work from home is revoked and 39% of them said that they would resign immediately.
Former US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would not participate in another presidential debate against Kamala Harris ahead of the November 5 US election. Trumps statement came after some polls indicated his rivals victory in the debate, which was hosted this week.

THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE! the Republican nominee wrote on his social media site Truth Social.

During an interview with the New York Post, the 78-year-old said, We just dont think that theres any need for it, Trump told the New York Post. Weve done two. You know, one against Biden [on June 27], one against Comrade Kamala. I did well. I did really well, the 78-year-old said during a phone interview.

Speaking at a rally shortly after Trumps post went live, Harris said, I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate.

While Trump, in his post, said that polls showed he won the debate, several surveys showed that respondents thought Harris did better.

What Polls Say

Most debate watchers said Harris outperformed Trump, according to a CNN poll released shortly after the debate. YouGov showed 54 per cent of those surveyed said Harris won while 31 per cent said Trump was the victor. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on Thursday, Harris leads Trump 47 per cent to 42 per cent in the race to win the November 5 presidential election, increasing her advantage after a debate against the former President that voters largely think she won.

The two-day poll showed Harris with a five percentage point lead among registered voters, just above the four-point advantage she had over Trump in an August 21-28 Reuters/Ipsos poll. Among voters who said they had heard at least something about Tuesdays debate, 53 per cent said Harris won and 24 per cent said Trump won, with the rest saying neither had or not answering the poll. Some 52 per cent of those familiar with the debate said Trump stumbled and didnt appear sharp, while 21 per cent said that of Harris. Among Republican voters, one in five said Trump didnt appear sharp.

Harris Vs Trump

Harris put Trump on the defensive in a combative presidential debate in Philadelphia. Some 52 per cent of voters familiar with the debate said Harris gave the impression of having higher moral integrity, compared to 29 per cent who said the same of Trump. Meanwhile, some 53 per cent of Republican voters in the poll said Trump won the debate, compared to 91 per cent of Democrats who said she was the victor. Among Republicans, 31 per cent said no one won and 14 per cent said Harris got the better of Trump.

Ninety-one per cent of registered voters in the poll said they had heard at least something of the debate and 44 per cent said they had heard a great deal.

The debate, hosted by ABC News, attracted 67.1 million television viewers, according to Nielsen data, topping the roughly 51 million people who watched Trump debate then-candidate President Joe Biden in June. Bidens disastrous performance in that debate led to widespread calls by the 81-year-old leaders fellow Democrats for him to drop his re-election bid, which he did in July.

(With agency inputs)
As popular American astrophysicist Carl Sagan once said, The universe is a pretty big place. If its just us, seems like an awful waste of space. Long after Sagans passing in 1996, his view resonates today as billionaire Jared Isaacman makes history as the first person to complete a private spacewalk.

On SpaceXs Polaris Dawn mission, Isaacman this week spent 12 minutes outside SpaceXs Dragon capsule, joining nearly 260 other astronauts and cosmonauts who have ventured into the vacuum of space. Isaacman, alongside SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, conducted their spacewalk at an orbit altitude of approximately 700 km.

Spacewalk Milestone

The duo was equipped with specially adapted spacesuits, featuring helmet displays and cameras. As Isaacman stepped out of the Dragon capsules hatch, he marveled at the view of Earth, describing it as a perfect world. The spacewalk was meticulously planned due to the unique challenge posed by the Crew Dragon spacecraft, which lacks a traditional airlock. Consequently, the entire capsule had to be depressurised for the exit, exposing the remaining crew to the near vacuum of space.

Commander @rookisaacman has egressed Dragon and is going through the first of three suit mobility tests that will test overall hand body control, vertical movement with Skywalker, and foot restraint pic.twitter.com/XATJQhLuIZ SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 12, 2024

Both Isaacman and Gillis wore the new spacesuits throughout the process, which went smoothly despite the inherent risks. Jared Isaacmans achievement is a recent addition to the long history of spacewalks, which began with Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, according to BBC.

Historic Firsts

On March 18, 1965, Leonov became the first human to perform an extravehicular activity (EVA) during the Cold War Space Race. Exiting the Voskhod 2 through an inflatable airlock, Leonov spent 12 minutes outside, tethered to the spacecraft. His spacewalk was fraught with difficulties, including a rigid spacesuit and a twisted umbilical cord, which led to a harrowing struggle to re-enter the spacecraft.

The first American spacewalk came on June 3, 1965, when astronaut Ed White left the Gemini 4 spacecraft. Using a hand-held oxygen-jet gun, White floated outside for 23 minutes, although his jet guns fuel ran out quickly, forcing him to rely on his tether for movement. Whites life was tragically cut short in a 1967 Apollo 1 fire.

Buzz Aldrins First Selfie

In November 1966, Buzz Aldrin, famed for his moonwalk during Apollo 11, made history with what may be the first spacewalk selfie during the Gemini XII mission. Aldrins photographs, including one showing Earth over his shoulder, highlighted his efforts in overcoming maneuvering problems with a new training technique.

ONE SMALL STEP: On this day in 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon. https://t.co/j6mGaViEdr pic.twitter.com/Ri63Bp8NcK ABC News (@ABC) July 20, 2023

Untethered Bruce McCandless II

The 1984 spacewalk by Bruce McCandless II was revolutionary for its time. McCandless was the first astronaut to perform a spacewalk untethered, using a Manned Manoeuvring Unit (MMU) equipped with nitrogen thrusters. His 300-foot journey from the Space Shuttle Challenger was a testament to the advancements in spacewalking technology.

A few months later, in November 1984, astronauts Dale Gardner and Joseph Allen performed the first-ever space salvage mission. Using the MMU, Allen retrieved a malfunctioning satellite, humourously posing with a for sale sign, according to the report. The mission showed the growing capabilities of space operations.

In 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope faced a critical flaw in its mirror soon after its launch. Astronauts undertook a complex mission to repair it, conducting five spacewalks totaling 35 hours and 28 minutes. Kathryn Thornton set a record for the longest time spent spacewalking by a US woman, while Tom Akers accumulated 29 hours and 39 minutes of EVA time.

READ MORE: Five Milestones In Spacewalk History As Polaris Dawn Completes Worlds First Private Spacewalk | GFX

The era of the ISS

Since its inception, the International Space Station (ISS) has seen many big-ticket spacewalks. In 1998, astronauts James Newman and Jerry Ross performed three lengthy spacewalks to connect the ISSs first modules. Their efforts were crucial in establishing a permanent human presence in space. In March 2001, astronaut Susan Helms set the record for the longest spacewalk, spending eight hours and 56 minutes outside the ISS while installing hardware.

This record remains unbroken, showcasing the endurance and skill required for such missions. Spacewalking has not been without its challenges. In July 2005, astronaut Stephen Robinson performed a risky repair of the Space Shuttle Discoverys heat shield. His mission was the first in-orbit spacecraft repair, conducted following the tragic loss of the shuttle Columbia in 2003.

In July 2013, Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano experienced a near-disastrous spacewalk when water began pooling in his helmet. The incident, which occurred during an EVA to prepare cables for a new module, led to a dramatic rescue operation and highlighted the potential dangers of spacewalking. As NASAs Artemis program looks to the future of space exploration, the lessons learned from these historic spacewalks will guide future missions.
Gunmen killed a group of civilians in central Afghanistan on Thursday, the interior ministry said, in an attack that was claimed by the local chapter of the Islamic State group.

Fifteen Shiite (Muslims) were killed and six others wounded in an attack carried out by the soldiers of the caliphate in central Afghanistan, the groups Amaq media wing said in a statement.

Attacks in Afghanistan have declined markedly since the Taliban ended their insurgency when they seized power in 2021, but a number of armed groups, including the regional Islamic State-Khorasan, remain a threat.

Unknown gunmen have opened fire and have killed civilians, Abdul Matin Qani, spokesman for the Interior Ministry told AFP, adding further details on the attack in Daykundi province would be announced later.

A source in the province which could not be identified for security reasons told AFP 14 people had been killed and at least four wounded.

The source said a group had gathered to welcome pilgrims returning from Karbala in Iraq, a Shiite holy site.

Local media website TOLOnews reported a death toll of 14, according to sources.

An official at a hospital in the city of Nili, the provincial capital of Daykundi said staff have been put on alert.

They are informed to be prepared to receive and treat the wounded, he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Islamic State-Khorasan, or IS-K, is the groups Afghanistan branch, Khorasan referring to a historical region that included parts of Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.

The regional chapter of IS has a history of targeting Shiites they consider heretics but is also a rival of the Taliban, with whom the group shares an austere Sunni ideology.

The Taliban government has repeatedly played down the threat it poses.

Earlier this month the group claimed a suicide attack in the Afghan capital that killed six people.

It also said it was behind an attack targeting tourists in Afghanistan in May that killed six people, including three foreigners.

And in March, IS showed its wider capabilities by attacking a Moscow concert hall and killing 145 people.

A UN counter-terrorism official warned this month that IS-K poses the greatest external terrorist threat to Europe, having improved its financial and logistical capabilities in the past six months.

Chief Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the concerns raised were driven by propaganda and that the group had been significantly weakened in Afghanistan.
Hamza bin Laden, the son of Al-Qaeda founder and 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden who was thought to have been killed in a US airstrike in 2019, is reportedly alive and actively leading the terror group.

According to a recent intelligence report seen by The Mirror, Hamza bin Laden is not only alive but is also playing a significant role in Al-Qaedas resurgence.

The report further reveals that senior Taliban leaders are aware of Hamzas status and are in regular contact with him. These leaders are said to be providing him and his family with protection and support.

These leaders engage with him, holding regular meetings and securing him and his family. It highlights a deep connection between al-Qaeda and the Taliban, one that is crucial for Western governments to understand. [Hamza] has ascended to the leadership of al-Qaeda, steering [it] towards its most potent resurgence since the Iraq War, the report stated.

The analysis notes that 34-year-old Hamza is based in Jalalabad, a known stronghold for terrorist activities, located around 100 miles east of Kabul. Under his leadership, Al-Qaeda is reportedly regrouping and planning future attacks on Western targets. Additionally, his brother Abdullah bin Laden is also heavily involved in the groups revival efforts.

Under his command, al-Qaeda is regrouping and preparing for future attacks on Western targets. Hamza is driven by a powerful determination to continue the legacy of his father, which adds a symbolic and strategic weight to his actions. Moreover, Hamzas brother, Abdullah bin Laden, plays a critical role in this revival, the report stated.

The report further suggests that Hamza and his four wives may have sought refuge in Iran in an attempt to evade the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Who is Hamza bin Laden?

Hamza bin Laden, often referred to as the crown prince of jihad, is the 15th of Osama bin Ladens 20 children and the son of his third wife. From a young age, he was groomed to follow in his fathers footsteps. He was present with his father in Afghanistan before the 9/11 attacks, learning to handle weapons and appearing in propaganda videos where he criticised Americans, Jews, and Crusaders, as per an AFP report.

In 2019, then-US President Donald Trump announced that Hamza had been killed in a successful counterterrorism operation, reportedly in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. However, the CIA did not acquire DNA evidence to confirm his death, leaving his fate uncertain.

Trumps statement at the time read: Hamza bin Laden, the high-ranking al-Qaeda member and son of Osama bin Laden, was killed in a United States counterterrorism operation in the Afghanistan/Pakistan region.
A Georgia judge on Thursday dismissed three of the counts in the indictment accusing former US president Donald Trump and co-defendants of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the southern state.

Two of the three charges thrown out by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee involved Trump, and he now faces a total of eight felony counts in Georgia. McAfee declined, however, to quash the entire indictment, which accuses the Republican presidential candidate and his allies of racketeering and other offenses.

The three dismissed charges involved the filing of fake elector certificates with a federal court stating that Trump had won the election in Georgia, although he lost to Democrat Joe Biden by some 12,000 votes. McAfee said that under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, state prosecutors cannot bring a case for federal crimes.

The Supremacy Clause declares that state law must yield to federal law when the two conflict, the judge said in his order. Trump had been charged with filing false documents and conspiring to file false documents.

The Georgia case has been frozen by an appeals court until it hears a bid by Trump and his co-defendants to disqualify Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney who brought the charges.

In March, McAfee rejected an attempt to disqualify Willis following revelations she had a romantic relationship with the man she hired as a special prosecutor. Trump and his co-defendants appealed the ruling, and the Georgia Court of Appeals is to hear arguments in December.

Because the case is paused, the two counts against Trump of filing false documents will not technically be dropped until after the appeals court rules. Evidence in the case includes a taped phone call in which Trump asked a top Georgia election official to find enough votes to reverse the result.

Eighteen co-defendants were indicted in Georgia along with Trump on racketeering and other charges, including his former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and ex-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Four of Trumps original co-defendants, including three former campaign lawyers, have pleaded guilty to lesser charges in deals that spared them prison time.

Trump was convicted in a separate criminal case in New York in May of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to a porn star who alleged they had a sexual encounter. Trump is also facing federal charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results, but no date has been set for a trial.
The US has taken action against four Chinese entities, one Pakistani company, and one Chinese individual for their supply to Pakistans ballistic missile programme under the missile sanctions laws, a State Department statement has said.

State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement on Thursday said the US imposed sanctions on the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB), which has worked with Pakistans National Development Complex (NDC), under the missile sanctions laws (i.e. the Arms Export Control Act [AECA] and the Export Control Reform Act [ECRA]).

The statement said the Beijing Research Institute had worked with NDC in the development and production of Pakistans long-range ballistic missiles to procure equipment for testing of large-diameter rocket motors, including the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel.

The United States is [also] imposing sanctions on three PRC-based entities, one PRC individual, and a Pakistani entity for ballistic missile proliferation activities: PRC-based firms Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Company, Universal Enterprise Limited, and Xian Longde Technology Development Company Limited (aka Lontek); and PRC individual Luo Dongmei (aka Steed Luo) for knowingly transferring equipment and technology controlled under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex, in support of MTCR Category I missile programmes, to a non-MTCR country, the statement said.

The statement said the department also imposed sanctions on a Pakistan-based entity Innovative Equipment under the missile sanctions laws. The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur, the statement concluded. The US had similarly targeted three China-based companies with sanctions in October last year for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan.

The US State Department had sanctioned General Technology Limited, Beijing Luo Luo Technology Development Co Ltd, and Changzhou Utek Composite Company Ltd. for supplying brazing materials used to join components in ballistic missile rocket engines, in the production of combustion chambers, and supplying mandrels and other machinery used in the production of solid-propellant rocket motors.
The National Communications Authority of Somalia (NCA) partnered with the International Finance Corporation to prepare new regulations for submarine cable landings aimed at bolstering Somalias connectivity sector.

The two entities met with stakeholders from Somali operators, industry experts, and government officials during a workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. Discussions were held to establish regulatory frameworks to shape Somalias future digital infrastructure.

The NCA stated it aimed to address critical issues, including licensing for submarine cable landings, environmental impact, infrastructure sharing, and promoting competition in the telecoms sector. These regulations, the NCA noted, would align Somalia with international standards and support its economic development goals.

Somalias Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle (pictured, third), remarked that the private sector had played a key role in Somalias recovery. The East African country had endured decades of conflict, instability, and humanitarian crises.

NCA Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheikh (pictured, second) emphasized that collaboration between private sector stakeholders and regulators would be crucial to the development of Somalias telecoms sector.
The share of US residents born abroad rose significantly in 2023, reaching 14.3%, the highest level in over a century. Data from the US Census Bureau's annual American Community Survey revealed this increase up from 13.9% in 2022. The figure was last higher in 1910, when it stood at 14.7%. International migrants have predominantly fueled US population growth this decade, accounting for over two-thirds of the rise in 2023 alone. The Census Bureau figures don't make a distinction between people are in the United States legally or illegally.

Migrants from Latin America notably contributed to this surge, with their proportion of the foreign-born population increasing to 51.2%. Conversely, the percentage of foreign-born residents from Europe and Asia experienced minor declines. Demographic shifts were also evident in racial and age metrics. The Hispanic population grew to 19.4% of all US residents, while the non-Hispanic white population dropped to 57.1%. The US population continued to age, with the median age climbing to 39.2 years from 39.0. Notably, fewer employees are working from home, reducing from 15.2% in 2022 to 13.8% in 2023, reversing a post-pandemic trend and slightly increasing commute times. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
The Sundance Film Festival has shortlisted three potential new homes: Boulder, Colorado; Cincinnati, Ohio; or a mix of Salt Lake City and its longtime home of Park City in Utah, the Sundance Institute confirmed Thursday. Eugene Hernandez, festival director, praised the candidates, highlighting their "exciting possibilities, values, and logistics." Sundance will stay in Park City for 2025 and 2026, with any changes set to start in 2027.

Local political figures voiced strong support for their respective cities. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis described Boulder as "the next natural home" for Sundance, while Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval emphasized the city's vibrant arts scene and accessible venue. Utah officials, including the mayors of Salt Lake City, Park City, and Salt Lake County, expressed eagerness to deepen ties with the festival that has anchored Park City's economy for decades.

Founded by Robert Redford, the festival has been crucial in launching the careers of notable filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Ryan Coogler. Last year, it generated over $118 million for Utah. Despite its economic boost, concerns have arisen that the festival has outgrown its current location, often clashing with ski resort activities during peak season. Originally considering six cities, including Louisville, Santa Fe, and Atlanta, the final decision on the new location is expected in early 2025. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Ericsson announced on Thursday it is starting a new venture with at least a dozen big-name telcos to combine and sell network APIs, with the aim of making it easier for ecosystem players to access and monetise APIs on a global scale.

The new company plans to create a platform that will provide network APIs to a broad ecosystem of developer platforms, including hyperscalers, communications platform as a service (CPaaS) providers, system integrators and independent software vendors.

The network APIs are based on existing CAMARA APIs driven by the GSMA and the Linux Foundation for the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.

America Movil, AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefonica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon and Vodafone have signed on to join the JV, which is slated to be finalised in early 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions.

Under the current plan, Ericsson will hold a 50% equity stake in the company, while telco partners will share the rest. Other telcos can join for a piece of that 50% stake  Ericsson said Three Sweden (Hi3G Access) is already in discussions to do so.

Meanwhile, Ericssons loss-making cloud subsidiary Vonage and Google Cloud will partner with the new JV, providing access to their ecosystems of developers and partners.

The GSMAs Open Gateway framework enable developers to access standardised mobile network APIs to create new services that are interoperable with other networks with the same APIs.

In the wake of this years Mobile World Congress event in February, numerous operators in China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Argentina and South Africa have launched commercial services using Open Gateway APIs, mainly related to fraud prevention, such as number verification, SMS two-factor authentication, SIM swap, and device location.

However, one drawback to the Open Gateway model is that developers have found it difficult to integrate the different capabilities of hundreds of telecom operators, which has to be done one operator at a time.

Vonage CEO Niklas Heuveldop says the new JV enables developers to access APIs from multiple operators at once, whilst also making the APIs available to a broader ecosystem of developer platforms.

"This groundbreaking, open industry collaboration effectively removes the single largest barrier for developers to leverage mobile networks to their full potential," he said in a statement. "Developers across the world's leading developer platforms will benefit from accessing advanced network capabilities in partner networks globally through common APIs, accelerating the digital transformation of businesses and the public sector."

The Bridge Alliance launched a version of this approach in July with its Bridge Alliance API Exchange (BAEx), which leverages Singtels Paragon orchestration platform to aggregate the network APIs of its 34 member operators. That enables enterprises and developers to streamline deployment of new services on member operator networks across multiple regions, the alliance said.

The day after BAEx was launched, Thai telco AIS and Malaysian telco Maxis signed MoUs with Singtel to use its open API-based solutions suite that authenticates digital identities for consumer services. All three are Bridge Alliance members.
A 17-year-old in Polk County, Florida, is accused of stabbing his mother to death during an argument, reports WFLA. But what makes the case more chilling is that the same teen shot and killed his father a little less than two years ago, per ClickOrlando.com. "It's important to understand when you look at this, you see a kid," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. "When I look at him, I see a psychopath."
An online war of wordsincluding accusations of racism and antisemitismhas broken out in Donald Trump's inner circle, sparked by a post mocking Vice President Kamala Harris' heritage. After Harris posted a photo of herself visiting her grandparents in India as a child on Sunday, Laura Loomera right-wing conspiracy theorist with a history of saying such thingswrote that the election of Harris would mean the White House will smell like curry and other unamusing references to India and its people, the Hill reports. "This is appalling and extremely racist," Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene posted on X in response. Loomer called Greene a "raging antisemite."

There was more. Loomer brought up Greene's divorce, saying she's "a poor excuse for a Christian." The lawmaker said the post about Harris, which Loomer defended as a "funny joke," doesn't reflect "who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever." Greene later said that when Loomer puts up posts that are "flat out racist, hateful, and make President Trump look bad, she needs to be responsible and delete them." Loomer declined.

While the back-and-forth was proceeding, Loomer was visible at the side of Trump, flying with him to New York and Pennsylvania to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on Wednesday. She also was on Trump's plane when he traveled to Philadelphia for his debate against Harris on Tuesday night. Another Trump ally, Sen. Lindsey Graham, suggested the presidential candidate put more distance between himself and Loomer, per the Wall Street Journal. "The history of this person is just really toxic," Graham told the Huffington Post. He said Trump "would serve himself well to make sure this doesn't become a bigger story." (More Donald Trump 2024 stories.)
A judge in Georgia on Thursday threw out two charges against Donald Trump and another against several codefendants in the election interference case being prosecuted by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee earlier had dismissed three charges, so his rulings Thursday leave Trump facing eight of the original 13. The indictment of Trump and his allies began with 41 counts accusing them of scheming to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, NBC News reports. McAfee declined to dismiss the entire indictment.

"President Trump and his legal team in Georgia have prevailed once again," Trump lawyer Steve Sadow said in an email to the Washington Post. A spokesman for Willis said prosecutors are reviewing the ruling before deciding whether to appeal it. The judge decided that some accusations about filing false documents should be handled in federal court instead. McAfee said his decision was not affected by the US Supreme Court's recent decision on presidential immunity. (More Georgia indictment stories.)
Vladimir Putin on Thursday night threatened war between Russia and NATO if the West ends up providing missiles to Ukraine that are used to strike targets inside Russia. "This will mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are fighting Russia," the Russian president said in what Politico sees as a "final bid to scare off the West" ahead of a Friday summit between the US and the UK at the White House. The two countries, along with other allies, appear to be on the verge of allowing Kyiv to use longer-range missiles in order to hit Russian targets, and those plans will be discussed at the summit, the Guardian reports.
Dave Grohl did not identify the woman with whom he fathered a child outside of his marriage in announcing the arrival of his fourth daughter on Tuesday. Shortly after, Instagram user @valeriegreyston identified herself as the babymama. Sharing a photo of an infant grasping a woman's finger, the user addressed the caption to the child, named as "Roxie Junie Grohl," saying "your daddy was by my side through the entire pregnancy" and "you are truly a Grohl through and through."

"I'm so grateful for his love and support," the user added of Grohl, hinting at her age with "#my20thbirthdaygift." The post spread "like wildfire" before a rep for the Foo Fighters frontman, 55, denied it had any relation to his actual child, calling it "100% fake." With that, the Instagram user admitted the post was full of lies. "I'm sorry this was a fake page we just wanted followers!" the person behind the account wrote to TMZ. "We're minors!" The mother of Grohl's baby daughter remains unknown, though some have speculated that she's an Australian fan, based solely on the fact that the Foo Fighters were touring the continent nine months ago.

In Tuesday's post, Grohl said he was "doing everything I can" to regain the trust of his wife, former model Jordyn Blum, and three older daughters, Violet, 18; Harper, 15; and Ophelia, 10. However, Page Six reports he hired a divorce lawyer before making the announcement. Blum, 48, was spotted without her wedding ring, but in the company of her husband, last month, the outlet adds. Violet and Harper have each deactivated their Instagram accounts in the wake of their father's admission. (More Dave Grohl stories.)
Russia on Friday accused six British diplomats of spying and said it decided to expel them, an announcement that comes as tensions between Moscow and the West grow during an intensified push by Ukraine to loosen restrictions on using weapons provided by the US and Britain to strike Russia. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Friday that a decision was made to withdraw the diplomats' accreditations, and Russian state TV quoted an official from the FSB as saying a decision was made to expel them. The UK said the expulsions took place last month, reports the AP .

The FSB said it received documents indicating that the diplomats were sent to Russia by a division of the UK Foreign Office, "whose main task is to inflict a strategic defeat on our country," and that they were involved in "intelligence-gathering and subversive activities." The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that if other diplomats are found to be carrying out "similar actions," the agency "will demand early termination of their missions" to Russia. Russian state TV said in a report that the six diplomats had met with independent media and rights groups that have been declared "foreign agents"a label the Russian authorities have actively used against organizations and individuals critical of the Kremlin.

Britain called the allegations against the diplomats "completely baseless" and said the expulsions happened weeks ago, linking them to Britain's decision in May to revoke the credentials of an attache at Moscow's London Embassy and to impose a five-year time limit on all Russian diplomats in Britain. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said breaking off diplomatic relations with the UK is not on the table right now. The move comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Washington for talks with President Biden that will include Ukraine's request to use Western-supplied weapons against targets inside Russiathe approval of which Vladimir Putin has warned could lead to war.

(More Russia stories.)
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) said Wednesday that it would not cancel screenings of a film about Russian soldiers in Ukraine, panned by some as Russian propaganda. But a day later brought an "unprecedented" change. The film festival, which wraps up Sunday, has done exactly what it said it wouldn't, though not as a way to appease protesters who've shown up at theaters in Toronto. Organizers said they made the "heartbreaking" decision due to serious threats to public safety, reports the New York Times . High-profile people had come out against Russians at War from Russian-Canadian director Anastasia Trofimova, who spent seven months embedded with Russian troops in eastern Ukraineas it made its North American debut.

Ukrainian Consul General Oleh Nikolenko said the film was an attempt to white-wash war crimes, per Reuters. Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent, said, "It's not right for Canadian public money to be supporting the screening and production of a film like this." Russians at War, which received $250,000 in funding through the nonprofit Canadian Media Fund, may humanize Russian soldiers, who "speak directly to the camera about fear, death and hope as the war rages around them," per Reuters. But it is not propaganda, according to Trofimova. Indeed, it's "an antiwar film" created without permission from the Russian government, which leaves Trofimova at risk of criminal prosecution in Russia, she says.

The film reportedly came out of Trofimova's chance meeting with a soldier heading to war. But some critics question how the filmmaker could've spent so many months embedded with Russian soldiers without government permission. They also see bias in her past work for Russian state-backed media company RT, implicated in a large-scale influencing operation in the US. But Trofimova says she believes "unequivocally" that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is "unjustified" and "illegal" and acknowledges "the validity of the International Criminal Court investigation of war crimes in Ukraine." TIFF producers said the decision to cancel screenings was forced after false claims about the film, a trailer for which shows soldiers questioning whether they're doing the right thing. (More Russia-Ukraine war stories.)
A 29-year-old man in Denmark faced a whopping 86 preliminary charges on Friday for driving at high speeds on motorcycles, riding on the rear wheelalso at high speedand endangering others, police said, adding that the man had mounted a camera on his motorcycle helmet, which provided investigators with several hours of footage of how he drove. "I don't think I've ever seen anything like it," Amrik Singh Chadha, of the police in eastern Denmark, said in a statement, per the AP . "There is no doubt that it has been a big and unconventional case for us to investigate."

When detained in May for riding a motorcycle with no license plates and without having a valid permit, police found a video camera had been mounted on the man's helmet, which had recorded his antics. Police said that led to the man facing 25 cases of preliminary charges for that alone. He hasn't been identified. The incriminating videos also led to an additional 38 preliminary charges of reckless driving for speeding more than 100% above the limit. On top of that, the footage led to a series of other charges related to the man's driving that the police considered likely to endanger the life and safety of others. After months of watching the incriminating footage, police on Friday went public. The preliminary charges are one step short of formal charges.

Police said several of the man's video recordings had been posted on social media and shared with a larger group of people. They also were able to identify two others on the footage and seized their vehicles, the statement said. The man likely faces a prison sentence. In Denmark, reckless driving includes driving more than 100% above the speed limit, driving at a speed of 124mph or above, and driving with a blood alcohol level above 2.0. A 2021 law allows police to confiscate vehicles for reckless driving, give hefty fines, and suspend a driving permit. Under Danish law, a driver is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol if the blood alcohol level is equal to or exceeds 0.5g per thousand.

(More strange stuff stories.)
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. 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 AP reports. The case went cold, but Ream eventually was charged. In 2008, he led investigators to Cindy's remains in a wooded area about 30 miles northeast of Detroit.
A former employee of Waupun Correctional Institution in Wisconsin has pleaded guilty to smuggling contraband into the facility, which has been under federal scrutiny. William Lee Homan, 47, admitted to conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds on Thursday. Prosecutors said he smuggled various items, including cellphones and drugs, and received over $53,000 from prisoners and their associates between July 2022 and September 2023.

Homan, a facilities repair worker, concealed the items in his pants when entering the maximum-security prison. He used Cash App to receive payments. The federal investigation into Homan came amid multiple deaths at the institution and prompted the suspension of nearly a dozen staff members. The contraband trafficking case is part of a broader probe into Waupun Correctional Institution, which is Wisconsin's oldest maximum-security prison.

The institution, about 60 miles northeast of Madison, has been plagued by serious issues. Since June 2023, five inmates have died, including two suicides, a fentanyl overdose, a stroke, and death due to malnutrition. Additionally, the former warden, Randall Hepp, and eight others have faced misconduct charges. Inmates have also filed a class action lawsuit, citing mistreatment and denial of healthcare. Homan's sentencing is set for December 12; he potentially faces up to five years in federal prison. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
The Idaho State Supreme Court says Bryan Kohbergers murder trial will be held in Boise next summer.

In a Thursday ruling, the court says District Judge Steven Hippler will be assigned to the case. He will replace Latah County District Judge John Judge.

Kohberger will be transferred to the custody of the Ada County Sheriffs Office. The suspect has remained in Latah County Jail since January 2023.

The Idaho Supreme Court was tasked with deciding the venue after Judge granted Kohbergers request to move the trial outside Latah County.

Per Idaho Code, Latah County must still cover the cost of the trial. The trial is scheduled to begin June 2 and run until Aug. 29.

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the November 2022 stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

In his written order filed Sept. 6, Judge wrote that his decision is meant to protect Kohbergers right to a fair trial. He also shared concerns regarding the security and privacy of a Latah County trial.

Judge agreed with the defenses argument that Latah Countys relatively small community and its exposure to media coverage of Kohberger would make it difficult to find an impartial jury.

Judge wrote that Kohbergers defense has met the rather low standard of demonstrating a reasonable likelihood that prejudicial news coverage will compromise a fair trial in Latah County.

Kohbergers attorneys argued these issues can be resolved by moving the trial to a county with a larger population, like Ada County.
Further efforts are needed to fortify international partnerships in meteorology amid global climate change, as extreme weather events become more frequent and their effects on health turn increasingly evident, officials and experts said on Thursday.

They made the remarks at a forum under the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing.

Xiong Shaoyuan, deputy head of the China Meteorological Administration, said: "Initiatives have been launched in China to foster the growth of meteorology services and broaden the use of such services in the healthcare sector. We look forward to more cooperation with global meteorological organizations and (governments from) other nations in this regard."

In recent years, the global community has implemented a series of measures to tackle issues related to climate change and healthcare.

Among these, the Chinese government unveiled in 2022 a climate change adaptation strategy, outlining specific tasks and mandates, such as conducting assessments of health risks and adaptation capabilities linked to climate change, fortifying climate monitoring and early warning systems, with a focus on those that easily cause diseases, as well as prevention and control of climate-sensitive conditions.

Xiong said the administration is actively partnering with local governments to start trial projects to develop innovative meteorological products and services.

Experts said that in the backdrop of record-breaking high global temperatures and a surge in extreme weather events, precision, detail and customization are emerging as pivotal trends in meteorological services, significantly bolstering economic development.

A range of cutting-edge meteorological products were unveiled during the forum, including the Wonder Watch 1.0 weather alert smartwatch by the meteorological service bureau of Jiangxi province.

This device furnishes detailed weather forecasts spanning the next few hours to a week, conducts extreme weather risk assessments, and provides suggestions for user health management under various weather conditions.

Ren Minghui, a professor at the School of Public Health at Peking University, stressed the importance of actively addressing the health hazards posed by climate change.

"To counteract the health impacts of climate change, risk mitigation measures are essential, necessitating collaborative efforts across various entities.

"China should proactively engage in international cooperation in the domain of climate and healthcare, enhance cross-sectoral collaboration, implement national action plans and policies to tackle health risks associated with climate change, and bolster research and policy support," Ren said.
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.

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.
Contribution in Coveo Solutions Inc. will generate significant research and development opportunities in Canada

MONTREAL, Sept. 12, 2024 /CNW/ - Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the greatest technological transformations of our time, enabling economic development and productivity enhancements, as well as new opportunities for workers in various sectors. The federal government is committed to driving the safe, ethical and responsible development and adoption of AI across Canada's economy and society.

Today, the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced a contribution of $15.2 million through the Strategic Investment Fund to support Coveo Solutions Inc.'s (Coveo) project to enhance its platform with new, cutting-edge AI technology. Coveo's $100 million project will enhance the Coveo Platform with generative AI capabilities and other innovations, allowing enterprises to efficiently develop and deploy AI solutions that will provide personalized user experiences to customers and employees. This project, which aims to build new and exciting AI tools, encourages investment in technical AI resources in Canada. It also allows the opportunity to work closely with Canadian universities and research institutes and keep talented people working in Canada. The project fits with Canada's national plan to be a leader in AI.

The government is committed to maintaining Canada's leadership in AI, with the goal of creating long term economic growth and high-quality job opportunities. This contribution is expected to create and maintain 590 highly skilled jobs, demonstrating the tangible benefits of supporting AI innovation in Canada. Additionally, the project will foster collaboration between Coveo and Canadian research institutes and universities, further strengthening the country's AI ecosystem through joint research and development activities.

Quotes

"Our government supports AI as a channel for innovation, enabling companies to develop new products that better serve Canadians. This sector is expanding rapidly, and we are investing in exciting ventures to drive economic growth and increase productivity, all while opening up new opportunities for work in a variety of sectors that touch AI."

 The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

"Coveo is thrilled to partner with the Government of Canada. Support through the Strategic Innovation Fund will enable us to accelerate the development of our AI Search and Generative Experience Platform, empowering enterprises to thrive in the generative AI era. We believe that the innovations resulting from this partnership will not only enhance Coveo's competitive edge as a leading Canadian AI firm but also strengthen our ability to expand our workforce and customer base in Canada. Additionally, this investment will allow us to deepen our commitment to applied research, helping to sustain Canada's leadership in the AI sector."

 Laurent Simoneau, Co-Founder, President and Chief Technology Officer, Coveo Solutions Inc.

Quick facts

Incorporated in 2004, Coveo is headquartered in the City of Quebec and currently employs more than 700 people in Canada and around the world. The public company is growing fast and is a globally recognized leader in the application of AI platforms to help businesses deliver competitive, leading edge digital experiences.

and around the world. The public company is growing fast and is a globally recognized leader in the application of AI platforms to help businesses deliver competitive, leading edge digital experiences. Coveo's search and recommendations cloud platform connects all of an enterprise's data sources in a unified index and makes this information available to end users through AI-powered services, delivering personalized and relevant search results.

This project will enhance the Coveo platform by adding advanced generative AI capabilities and other innovations, allowing enterprises to efficiently develop and deploy AI solutions powered by their entire enterprise knowledge base. This technology platform has the potential to serve as a key pillar of an enterprise architecture to make data available to all AI experiences in a wide range of industries, improve customer service, and enhance how companies manage their data.

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) supports research, development and the commercialization of new products that pave the way for Canada to be a global innovation leader and attract investments that create jobs. The Government of Canada launched SIF in Budget 2017 to ensure Canada remains a top destination for businesses to invest, grow and create jobs.

to be a global innovation leader and attract investments that create jobs. The Government of launched SIF in Budget 2017 to ensure remains a top destination for businesses to invest, grow and create jobs. The Pan-Canadian AI Strategy is bridging world-class talent and research capacity with programs to enable commercialization and adoption to help ensure that Canadian ideas and knowledge are mobilized and commercialized here at home.

is bridging world-class talent and research capacity with programs to enable commercialization and adoption to help ensure that Canadian ideas and knowledge are mobilized and commercialized here at home. Budget 2024 lays out $2.4 billion in investments to help secure Canada's AI advantage by growing Canada's AI sector, helping researchers and businesses develop and adopt AI and build trust.

Associated links

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Contacts: Audrey Milette, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, [email protected]
TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2024 /CNW/ - Roots ("Roots," "Roots Canada" or the "Company") (TSX: ROOT), a premium outdoor-lifestyle brand, announced today financial results for its second quarter ended August 3, 2024 ("Q2 2024"). All financial results are reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Certain metrics, including those expressed on an adjusted or comparable basis, are non-IFRS measures or supplementary financial measures. See "Non-IFRS Measures and Industry Metrics".

"Our second-quarter results demonstrate stable comparable sales and an improvement compared to Q1 2024, alongside growth in product margins and net income, despite the challenging consumer environment," commented Meghan Roach, President & CEO, Roots Corporation.

"We were also pleased to see growth during the "back-to-school" period, underscoring the strength of our product portfolio and the effectiveness of our ongoing initiatives in branding, marketing, and enhancing the in-store experience; however, it is early in the quarter."

Second Quarter Highlights

Sales were $47.7 million compared to $49.4 million in Q2 2023 DTC sales were $36.4 million compared to $37.1 million in Q2 2023, with nearly flat comparable sales of (0.2%), improving from Q1 2024 comparable sales of (8.2%)

compared to in Q2 2023 Gross margin was 56.4%, up 90bps compared to 55.5% Q2 2023

Net income (loss) totaled ($5.2) million , an improvement from ($5.3) million in Q2 2023 Net income (loss) per share of ($0.13) , flat to Q2 2023

, an improvement from in Q2 2023 Adjusted EBITDA amounted to ($3.1) million versus ($3.0) million in Q2 2023

versus in Q2 2023 Net debt reduced 19.9% year-over-year to $40.8 million

Inventory was $44.0 million , a 21% reduction compared to $55.9 million in Q2 2023

SELECT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (in '000s of CAD$, except where noted) Second quarter ended Year-to-date August 3,

2024 July 29,

2023 Change August 3,

2024 July 29,

2023 Change Total sales 47,747 49,404 (3.4 %) 85,208 90,900 (6.3 %) Direct-to-Consumer ("DTC") sales 36,417 37,103 (1.8 %) 67,822 72,509 (6.5 %) Partners & Other ("P&O") sales 11,330 12,301 (7.9 %) 17,386 18,391 (5.5 %) Gross profit 26,920 27,441 (1.9 %) 49,021 51,922 (5.6 %) Gross margin 56.4 % 55.5 % 90 bps2 57.5 % 57.1 % 40 bps2 Selling, General and Administrative

("SG&A") expenses 31,845 32,338 (1.5 %) 63,827 65,344 (2.3 %) Net income (loss) (5,236) (5,334) 1.8 % (14,131) (13,300) (6.2 %) Net income (loss) per share ($0.13) $(0.13)  ($0.35) $(0.32) (9.4 %) Adjusted EBITDA (3,131) (2,983) (5.0 %) (11,090) (8,831) (25.6 %) Free Cash Flow1 (8,954) (7,173) (24.8 %) (23,567) (22,044) (6.9 %) Net debt    40,774 50,921 (19.9 %)

1 Free cash flow is a supplementary financial measure that reflects cash flow generated from ongoing operations, calculated as our cash from operating activities less cash used in investing activities and the payment of principal on lease liabilities net of lease incentives. See "Non-IFRS Measures and Industry Metrics". 2 Basis points ("bps").

"We ended the second quarter in a healthy inventory position, addressing the core inventory shortfall while maintaining lower year-over-year inventory levels," said Leon Wu, Chief Financial Officer. "We are pleased with the improving sales trends, while also growing product margins and remaining disciplined on costs, resulting in the continued strengthening of our balance sheet."

SECOND QUARTER OVERVIEW

Total sales were $47.7 million in Q2 2024, representing a decrease of 3.4% from $49.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2023 ("Q2 2023").

DTC sales (corporate retail store and eCommerce sales) were $36.4 million, down 1.8% from $37.1 million in Q2 2023. DTC comparable sales were nearly flat, at (0.2%), driven by strengthening of sales in certain core fleece collections as the quarter progressed, as inventory was replenished, partially offset by declines in primarily off-price focused store locations due to improved inventory health. In addition, DTC sales were impacted by the closure of select stores since Q2 2023, as part of our ongoing store fleet optimization initiatives to consolidate less profitable stores and drive same-store sales growth.

P&O sales (wholesale Roots branded products, licensing to select manufacturing partners and the sale of certain custom products) amounted to $11.3 million in Q2 2024 and $12.3 million in Q2 2023. This was driven by lower sales to our international operating partner in Taiwan, as a result of earlier timing of certain orders that benefited Q2 2023, partially offset by increased royalties from the licensing of the Roots brand to select manufacturing partners.

Gross profit reached $26.9 million in Q2 2024 compared to $27.4 million in Q2 2023, representing a year-over-year decrease of 1.9%. Gross margin was 56.4% in Q2 2024 compared to 55.5% in Q2 2023.

DTC gross margin was 61.7% in Q2 2024, down 100 bps from 62.7% in Q2 2023. DTC gross margin increased by 230 bps from product margin expansion, comprised of improved product costing and lower discounting. This was offset by the combined impacts of an unfavourable foreign exchange impact on U.S. dollar purchases, the timing of certain import duty recoveries received, and lower benefits from the reversal of non-cash accounting inventory provisions accrued.

SG&A expenses totaled $31.8 million in Q2 2024 compared to $32.3 million in Q2 2023, representing a year-over-year decrease of 1.5%. Decreases in SG&A expenses were driven from ongoing cost management initiatives, including lower store occupancy costs, and lower variable selling costs. This was partially offset by higher store personnel costs as a result of legislative minimum wage increases in 2023.

Net income (loss) totaled ($5.2) million, or ($0.13) per share, in Q2 2024, improving from a net income (loss) of ($5.3) million, or ($0.13) per share, in Q2 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA amounted to ($3.1) million in Q2 2024 as compared to ($3.0) million in Q2 2023.

YEAR-TO-DATE RESULTS

For the first six months of fiscal 2024, total sales amounted to $85.2 million, representing a decrease of 6.3% compared to the first six months of fiscal 2023, which amounted to $90.9 million. DTC sales decreased 6.5% to $67.8 million, while P&O sales decreased by 5.5% to $17.4 million. Gross profit stood at $49.0 million, or 57.5% of sales, down from $51.9 million, or 57.1% of sales, last year.

Net income (loss) was ($14.1) million, or ($0.35) per share, compared to ($13.3) million, or ($0.32) per share, last year.

Adjusted EBITDA totaled ($11.1) million as compared to ($8.8) million in the corresponding period in 2023.

FINANCIAL POSITION

Inventory was $44.0 million at the end of Q2 2024, as compared to $55.9 million at the end of Q2 2023, representing a decrease of $11.9 million or 21.3%. The year-over-year decrease reflects the improved inventory health of the business, resulting from the sell-through of prior markdown and pack-and-hold collections in 2023, partially offset by the replenishment of certain core collections towards the end of the quarter.

Free cash flow was ($9.0) million in Q2 2024, as compared to ($7.2) million in Q2 2023, resulting from a return to seasonal inventory purchase cadences. Inventory purchases were reduced in Q2 2023 as a result of higher than desired inventory levels entering fiscal 2023.

As at August 3, 2024, Roots had net debt of $40.8 million, improving from $50.9 million a year earlier. The Company's leverage ratio, defined as total net debt to trailing 12-months Adjusted EBITDA, was 2.3x as at Q2 2024. Roots has $44.5 million outstanding under its credit facilities and total liquidity of $62.4 million, including net cash and borrowing capacity available under its revolving credit facility.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST INFORMATION

Roots will hold a conference call to review its second quarter 2024 results on September 13, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. ET. All interested parties can join the call by dialing 1-437-900-0527 or 1-888-510-2154 and using conference ID: 42913. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the call to secure a line. The conference call will be archived for replay until September 20, 2024, at midnight, and can be accessed by dialing 1-289-819-1450 or 1-888-660-6345 and entering the replay passcode: 42913 #.

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Events and Presentations section of the Company's investor website at https://investors.roots.com or by following the link here. Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be required to join the webcast. An archived replay of the webcast will be available on the Company's website for one year.

NON-IFRS MEASURES AND INDUSTRY METRICS

This press release makes reference to certain non-IFRS measures including certain metrics specific to the industry in which we operate. These measures are not recognized measures under International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IFRS"), do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of our results of operations from management's perspective. Accordingly, these measures are not intended to represent, and should not be considered as alternatives to net income or other performance measures derived in accordance with IFRS as measures of operating performance or operating cash flows or as a measure of liquidity. In addition to our results determined in accordance with IFRS, we use non-IFRS financial measures including "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA", and "Net Debt"; and non-IFRS ratio: "leverage ratio". This press release also makes reference to "gross margin", "DTC gross margin", and "comparable sales", which are commonly used metrics in our industry but that may be calculated differently compared to other companies. Gross margin, DTC gross margin and comparable sales are considered supplementary financial measures under applicable securities laws.

We believe these non-IFRS measures and industry metrics provide useful information to both management and investors in measuring our financial performance and condition and highlight trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures. For further information regarding these non-IFRS measures, please refer to "Cautionary Note-Regarding Non-IFRS Measures and Industry Metrics" in our management's discussion and analysis for Q2 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein and is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or the Company's Investor Relations website at https://investors.roots.com.

Reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

CAD $000s Q2 2024

Q2 2023

YTD 2024

YTD 2023 Net income (loss) (5,236)

(5,334)

(14,131)

(13,300) Add the impact of:













Interest expense (a) 2,177

2,303

4,304

4,572 Income taxes expense (recovery) (a) (1,866)

(1,866)

(4,979)

(4,694) Depreciation and amortization (a) 7,302

7,351

14,543

14,888 EBITDA 2,377

2,454

(263)

1,466 Adjust for the impact of:













SG&A: Rent expense excluded from net income (loss) as a

result ofIFRS 16(a) (5,892)

(5,861)

(11,481)

(11,560) SG&A: Purchase accounting adjustments(b) (7)

(13)

(13)

(21) SG&A: Stock option expense(c) 46

133

137

233 SG&A: Changes in key personnel(d) 343

304

532

1,049 SG&A: Non-recurring legal fee(e) 2



(2)

2 Adjusted EBITDA(f) (3,131)

(2,983)

(11,090)

(8,831)

_______________ Notes: (a) The impact of IFRS 16  Leases ("IFRS 16") in Q2 2024 and Q2 2023 was: (i) a decrease to SG&A expenses of $1,390 and $1,428, respectively, which comprised the impact of depreciation and lease modifications on the right-of-use ("ROU") assets, net of the exclusion of rent payments from SG&A expenses, (ii) a decrease in interest expense of $1,242 and $1,134, respectively, arising from interest expense recorded on the lease liabilities in the period, and (iii) a deferred tax expense (recovery) impact of $40 and $77, respectively, based on tax attributes on the ROU assets and lease liabilities balances recorded. The impact of IFRS 16 in YTD 2024 and YTD 2023 was: (i) a decrease to SG&A expenses of $2,487 and $2,533, respectively, which comprised the impact of depreciation and lease modifications on the ROU assets, net of the exclusion of rent payments from SG&A expenses, (ii) an increase in interest expense of $2,533 and $2,294, respectively, arising from interest expense recorded on the lease liabilities in the period, and (iii) a deferred tax expense (recovery) impact of $(12) and $63, respectively, based on tax attributes on the ROU assets and lease liabilities balances recorded. (b) As a result of the Company's acquisition of assets from Roots Canada Ltd., Roots U.S.A. Inc., and Roots America L.P., and the outstanding shares of Roots International ULC effective December 1, 2015 (the "Acquisition"), the Company recognized an intangible asset for lease arrangements in the amount of $6,310, which when excluding the impacts of IFRS 16, is amortized over the life of the leases and included in SG&A expenses. (c) Represents non-cash share-based compensation expense in respect of our Legacy Equity Incentive Plan, Legacy Employee Option Plan, and Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. (d) Represents expenses incurred in respect of the Company's efforts to recruit for vacancies in key management positions and severance costs associated with employee separations relating to such positions. (e) Represents non-recurring legal costs that are outside the scope of normal operations. (f) Adjusted EBITDA excludes the impact of IFRS 16. If the impact of IFRS 16 was included for Q2 2024 and Q2 2023, Adjusted EBITDA would have been $2,768 and $2,891, respectively. If the impact of IFRS 16 was included for YTD 2024 and YTD 2023, Adjusted EBITDA would have been $404 and $2,750, respectively.

Reconciliation of long-term debt to net debt and leverage ratio:



As at CAD $000s August 3,

2024

July 29,

2023

February 3,

2024 Long-term debt(1) $ 43,128

$ 55,500

$ 45,010 Add: bank indebtedness 350

831

 Less: cash (2,704)

(5,410)

(28,033) Net debt $ 40,774

$ 50,921

$ 16,977 Trailing 12-month Adjusted EBITDA 17,596

21,969

26,967 Leverage ratio 2.3x

2.3x

0.6x

(1) Total long-term debt of $43,128 at August 3, 2024 is net of $1,064 unamortized long-term debt financing costs. As at July 29, 2023, total long-term debt of $55,500 is net of $1,428 unamortized long-term debt financing costs. As at February 3, 2024, total long-term debt of $45,010 is net of $1,194 unamortized long-term debt financing costs.

ABOUT ROOTS

Established in 1973, Roots is a global lifestyle brand. Starting from a small cabin in northern Canada, Roots has become a global brand with over 100 corporate retail stores in Canada, two stores in the United States, and an eCommerce platform, roots.com. We have more than 100 partner-operated stores in Asia, and we also operate a dedicated Roots-branded storefront on Tmall.com in China. We design, market, and sell a broad selection of products in different departments, including women's, men's, children's, and gender-free apparel, leather goods, footwear, and accessories. Our products are built with uncompromising comfort, quality, and style that allows you to feel At Home With Nature. We offer products designed to meet life's everyday adventures and provide you with the versatility to live your life to the fullest. We also wholesale through business-to-business channels and license the brand to a select group of licensees selling products to major retailers. Roots Corporation is a Canadian corporation doing business as "Roots" and "Roots Canada".

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information in this press release contains forward-looking information. This information is based on management's reasonable assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to us and is made as of the date of this press release. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors. Information regarding our expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which we operate is forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

See "Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's current Annual Information Form for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. Readers are urged to consider the uncertainties, risks and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law.

SOURCE Roots Corporation

CONTACT INFORMATION: Roots Investor Relations, [email protected], 1-844-762-2343
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 12, 2024 /CNW/ -- 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)
When employed at a local hospice, I overheard a nurse tell a joke: Why do husbands usually die before their wives? she posed. Because they want to.

Pity me for sharing, but it serves as a fitting segue to the topic of fertility rates, a subject that portends big changes (and more one-liners). How do Gen Zers respond when asked why they dont want to have children? We just dont want to.

Thats no joke though. That response was typical in a recent survey; family photos for this generation do not require wide-angle lenses. Relative to population size, the U.S. had its all-time lowest number of births in 2023  3.6 million bundles of joy. For many though, women in particular, joy is not the operative word in describing anticipated parenthood. Propelled by that sentiment, family size has shrunk. Nowadays, 97% of U.S. families have no more than three children.

Are we in the throes of an anti-family movement?

For certain subcultures, large families are viewed as divine decrees as much as blessings, and the anti-family symbol can be found on the flip-side of the same pro-life coin. Take your pick. American mainstream colonial culture in the early 1800s considered having many children a civic duty. More babies were not only more hands on the farm, but more American citizens to build a budding republic. Women could be expected to have 7-10 live births (with 3 or more of them not expected to survive infancy).

We can only imagine the bewilderment of a we just dont want to 20-something female if she could time travel and hear Teddy Roosevelt insist in 1905 that mothers who dont have kids are like soldiers who run away from battle ... about as useful to society as unleavened bread.
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Postal Code
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has expressed relief that onerous new privacy obligations for small businesses have not been rushed through in the governments initial tranche of laws.

COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat emphasized that small businesses were already diligently handling data with appropriate care and concern. He warned that the rapid introduction of complex and expanding obligations would have jeopardized the viability of small businesses, which are already burdened by a growing list of red tape and regulations.

The current small business exemption in the Privacy Act, which applies to entities with less than $3 million annual turnover, provides a degree of flexibility between small and micro-businesses compared to the expectations placed on large multinational companies. Removing this exemption would have also impacted over 1.1 million sole traders who rely on themselves and do not have internal compliance or legal teams.

More than half of small businesses surveyed recently said they expected operating conditions to only get worse over the next 12 months. There is never a good time to hoist higher costs onto small businesses, but to do so in this environment would be reckless.

Mr Achterstraat welcomed the commission of a dedicated cost-benefit modelling report but said more transparency was required.

The failure of government to release its own taxpayer-funded modelling is disappointing, especially considering the time and effort spent by small business in the process.

Small business impact statements must be mandatory, and the unique small business experience must be rigorously considered at the Cabinet table.

Ultimately the right decision has been made here however, we look forward to working with government on training and awareness programs that provide practical support to small business. With the right tools, resources and guidance the small business sector can continue to develop its privacy and cyber resilience.

For more about COSBOA, visit: www.cosboa.org.au

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Two brothers were arrested Thursday and charged with entering the Capital on January 6, 2021 and assaulting a photographer one claimed to believe was a member of Antifa, federal prosecutors said Thursday.

David Walker, 49, of Delran and Philip Walker, 52, of Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania were charged in Washington D.C. District Court with federal robbery, assault, intent to commit a felony, and destruction of property.

In addition, the brothers were also charged with seven misdemeanors including assault and prohibited conduct within a federal building or grounds.

Prosecutors said Philip Walker left his residence in Pennsylvania the morning of January 6 and traveled to Washington D.C. where surveillance footage captured him and his brother, David, in the area of the Capital.

At about 2:40 p.m., surveillance cameras caught Philip entering the Capital Rotunda and further footage eventually spotted the brothers together in the Capital at 2:41 p.m., prosecutors said.

When inside the Capital, the brothers were seen wearing blue surgical masks, according to court documents.

The brothers are accused of assaulting a member of the media who was authorized to be in the Capital at the top of the East Rotunda stairs and taking the photographers camera. David is accused of assaulting the victim a second time when the person tried to retrieve the camera from the men as they walked down the stairs, authorities said.

By 2:43 p.m., the brothers were seen exiting the building, but engaged in a third, physical confrontation with the victim near the East Rotunda doors, authorities said.

Philip was interviewed by the FBI on Jan. 14, 2021 and admitted to authorities he was in D.C. that day and confronted the victim because he thought the person was a member of Antifa.

He also admitted to leaving with the victims camera and disposing of it in a body of water while traveling back to Pennsylvania, authorities said.

Federal authorities identified the men by their clothes and distinctive boots, court documents show.

The brothers were arrested Thursday at their homes. Attorneys for the brothers could not immediately be reached for comment.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
Campbells Soup Company, a Camden, New Jersey, based company, is changing its name.

After 155 years, the company plans to drop soup from its name to better reflect their diverse product offerings.

Soup is still an important part of the Campbells business, but recently it has made up a smaller proportion of sales.

Campbells had recently acquired snack food brands such as Pepperidge Farm, Snyders of Hanover, Cape Cod and others.

The company also acquired the company behind the pasta sauce brand Raos.

This subtle yet important change retains the companys iconic name recognition, reputation and equity built over 155 years while better reflecting the full breadth of the companys portfolio, Campbell CEO Mark Clouse announced Tuesday.

Although the company has announced its intent to change the name of the product, the name is still subject to approval from shareholders who will convene at the companys yearly shareholder meeting.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
Camdens beleaguered advisory school board president, Wasim Muhammad, resigned from the post Friday.

Muhammad sent a resignation letter to the districts state appointed superintendent, ending a nine-month period of turmoil for the board and school district after news of sexual assault allegations leveled against Muhammad broke and Gov. Phil Murphy called for him to step down.

Muhammad, 56, sent the letter to Superintendent Katrina McCombs, who added her voice to the communitys calls to resign last week. In the notice, Muhammad stated his intent to resign from the board and acknowledged his continued presence has created a distraction.

It is with a heavy heart that I write to say that I will be stepping down from the Camden School District as the President of the School Advisory Board, Muhammad said in a statement Friday sent through his attorney. I will no longer serve in my capacity on the board or as its leader.

In his letter, Muhammad repeated his declarations of innocence against the accusations of the woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her for years beginning in the 1990s while she was a student at Cooper B. Hatch Middle School where Muhammad was also a teacher.

He was known then as Don Walker and the lawsuit was filed under his former name and included the Camden school district as a defendant in September 2021. Muhammad left the district in 2000.

The school district confirmed they received Muhammads letter, which served as his immediate resignation and said that the board would vote on a new board president at the Sept. 19 work session.

As we recently welcomed students back to school for their first day, I want to assure our students, families, and staff that the district remains committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment for all, McCombs said in a statement. We hope todays news will help our community come together and begin to heal as we refocus our efforts and priorities on what matters most  providing a bright future for our students.

A spokesperson for the governors office said he was pleased to see Muhammad resign.

The Governor first called for Wasim Muhammad to resign in January and is pleased to see that he has stepped down, spokesperson Maggie Garbarino said Friday afternoon. He encourages the Camden School Advisory Board to do the hard work necessary to regain the trust of the school community by putting the needs of students first.

A spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Education said Friday that the agency supported Muhammads overdue resignation as it is in the best interest of Camdens students.

The civil case against Muhammad went to trial in May and in a multi-faceted decision, ruled Muhammad had not committed the most egregious of the sexual assault claims, but did find Muhammad liable for committing extreme and outrageous conduct and found the district negligent for failing to prevent the alleged harm.

The district was ordered to pay a $1.6 million civil penalty to the victim, as well as an additional $500,000 in punitive damages.

I believe that my presence is shifting the spotlight away from the incredibly important objectives of educating our students and improving the outcomes for the children in the school district, Muhammad said in his letter. Moving forward, I will continue to serve our city as a resident and continue to do the hard work of enhancing our neighborhoods as a member of the clergy and as a civic leader.

Muhammad took a leave from the school board in January, days after NJ Advance Media first reported on the existence of the lawsuit and details of the allegations.

Muhammad had just been unanimously reappointed as the advisory board president by the other members of the school board on Jan. 3 at the districts annual reorganization meeting, and Muhammad had just won a fresh three-year term on the board during the November 2023 general election.

Wasim Muhammad stood about 10 feet behind his attorney, Troy Archie as he fielded questions from reporters after the board meeting abruptly adjourned.Matthew Enuco

Muhammad did not attend board meetings while his case went to trial and declined to answer whether he would remain on the board after the trial ended in May. When he did return to the board at an August work session, public outrage boiled over as the public interrupted the meeting with shouts to resign, according to a report by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The former students attorney, Jeffrey Fritz, said Friday that Muhammads resignation was a first step toward protecting Camden students, but that more must be done.

We must ensure that the Camden City School Districts policies and training are brought up to date and followed to ensure that children are protected so that this never happens to another student in in Camden, Fritz said.

Camden residents and parents held a press conference before the regular board of education meeting on Aug. 27 chanting the community was fed up and fired up to force Muhammad to resign from the board.

During the meeting, public comment excoriated Muhammad for continuing his participation on the board. From the moment Muhammad spoke into the microphone to call the meeting to order, whistles and shouts from the public to resign interrupted him.

About three dozen members of the public signed up to address the board during public comment, each one calling for his resignation while others pointed out that Muhammad could be considered a liability to the board having already cost the district money.

The meeting descended into chaos after one of Muhammads wives, Chabree Robinson addressed the board to speak on his behalf. As Robinson spoke, attendees began to shout and whistle to mute her statements.

Muhammad, a Muslim minister at Muhammads Temple of Islam No. 20 in Camden, admitted in court documents to having one legal wife and several religious or spiritual wives.

The suit filed in 2021 accused Muhammad of sexually assaulting the woman for years starting when she was a 14-year-old middle school student in Muhammads class. She alleged that Muhammad showered her with compliments and extra attention.

She accused him of taking her to have sex at his home in Camden and at the Feather Nest Inn in Cherry Hill. She claimed that the sexual assaults continued into high school and that Muhammad traveled to have sex with her after she and her family moved away to Georgia.

She admitted to briefly moving back to Camden after graduating from high school. Muhammad claimed that she became his spiritual wife when she turned 18 years old, but denied assaulting her before that. During that period when she briefly moved back to Camden, the woman also accused Muhammad of forcing her to have sex with a stranger at a pornographic movie theatre.

A settlement proposal by an arbitrator in August 2023 suggested a $1 million settlement that all parties declined. The jurys decision to award over $2 million to the victim was paid through the districts insurance carrier and from the districts operating budget, according to reports.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X.
A Grab logo is pictured at the Money 20/20 Asia Fintech Trade Show in Singapore March 21, 2019. Photo by Reuters/Anshuman Daga

Philippine regulators have launched an investigation into the alleged robbery and sexual assault of a Vietnamese woman who booked a ride using the Grab ride-hailing app.

The Philippines Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has requested the firm to explain the incident and given it five days to comply, the Philippine News Agency quoted the agencys chair Teofilo Guadiz III as saying on Wednesday. If found to be negligent, the firm could be suspended for at least 30 days and face fines.

The robbery and sexual assault allegedly occurred on Sept. 5 when a Vietnamese woman booked a ride in Paranaque City.

During the ride, the driver reportedly allowed another passenger to board the car, according to ABS-CBN News.

This passenger then reportedly took the womans phone and cash, which amounted to 35,000 Philippine pesos (US$623), before raping her inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested by the police on Sept. 7.

Grabs Philippine unit said on Thursday that the driver involved in the case has been permanently banned from the platform, Bloomberg reported.

It has reached out to the victim to offer assistance and will fully cooperate with the Philippine police in the investigation.
An orchestra director at a public school in Ocean County was arrested last month and charged with distributing child sexual abuse materials to social media users, authorities said Friday.

Christopher A. Decesare, 31, of Matawan, was arrested Aug. 29 and charged with one count of second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse materials, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.

Decesare is the music teacher and orchestra director at Toms River Intermediate South School, according to the prosecutors office.

He has been employed by Toms River Regional Schools since Sept. 1, 2020, and earns about $55,000 a year, according to public records.

Thomas Huth, an attorney in Freehold representing Decesare, was out of the office Friday and not immediately available to comment. Decesare did not respond to a message left on his cellphone seeking comment.

District officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Decesares employment status. Decesares name remained in the district teacher directory late Friday morning.

The prosecutors office said their internet crimes against children unit received information about Decesare in July from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, whose members acted on a tip received from a social media platform.

The investigation determined that Decesare had been distributing child sex abuse materials through social media, Santiago alleged.

Further investigation revealed that Decesare was also receiving the materials through his personal email account, Santiago said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call prosecutors office Detective Anthony Lacher at 800-533-7443.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, 29, has died.

An announcement on DePrinces Instagram page Friday afternoon shared news of her death (see below).

DePrince, who had a remarkable journey from her native Sierra Leone, drew attention as a teen dancer in the 2011 documentary First Position and made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

She went on to dance for the Dutch National Ballet in the Netherlands before joining the Boston Ballet.

The ballet standout danced in Beyonces Lemonade musical film (2016) and starred in the 2021 film Coppelia, which mixes live-action dancing and animation.

DePrince, born Mabinty Bangura in Kenema, Sierra Leone, was adopted by when she was 4 by Elaine DePrince and Charles DePrince of Cherry Hill, New Jersey after her parents died in the Sierra Leone Civil War.

With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond, reads the Instagram post, which did not share a cause of death for DePrince.

Michaela DePrince in "Giselle" with the English National Ballet in London in 2017.Ian Gavan | Getty Images

In 2014, DePrince told her story in the young adult memoir Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, co-authored by Elaine DePrince.

As a young girl in Sierra Leone, she was called devil child because of her vitiligo. Her ballet dreams took root in the orphanage where she lived before moving to the United States.

In the orphanage, I found a magazine that had a ballet dancer on point with a pink tutu, she told ABC News in 2012. I saved it, and I thought to myself if I ever got adopted, I wanted to become just like this.

It represented freedom, it represented hope, it represented trying to live a little longer, DePrince told CNN the same year. I was so upset in the orphanage, I have no idea how I got through it, but seeing that, it completely saved me.

DePrince later became an advocate for children affected by war, serving as an ambassador for War Child Holland and hosting the Dare to Dream gala.

The Instagram post speaks to DePrinces perseverance.

Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength, it reads. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places. Though her time with us was far too brief, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for generations to come. Love and prayers go to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her.

DePrince won the Youth American Grand Prix Scholarship to American Ballet Theatres Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York, which is where she trained along with The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia.

Her Grand Prix quest was documented in First Position.

She made her professional debut at the Joburg Ballet in Johannesburg, South Africa.

DePrince appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2012. In 2014, she co-authored another childrens book with Elaine DePrince, Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer.

Her sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince, who was also adopted by the DePrinces from Sierra Leone, shared a statement on Facebook.

I am truly in a state of shock and deep sadness, she said. My beautiful sister is no longer here. From the very beginning of our story back in Africa, sleeping on a shared mat in the orphanage, Michaela (Mabinty) and I used to make up our own musical theater plays and act them out. We created our own ballets. She would choreograph, and I was the composer and conductor. When we got adopted, our parents quickly poured into our dreams and arose the beautiful, gracefully strong ballerina that so many of you knew her as today.

She was an inspiration, DePrinces sister continued. Whether she was leaping across the stage or getting on a plane and flying to third-world countries to provide orphans and children with dance classes, she was determined to conquer all her dreams in the arts and dance. Michaela (Mabinty) has left her footprints in the sand and on so many stages across the world. She will be truly missed.

The Boston Ballet also remembered DePrince.

Were sending our love and support to the family of Michaela Mabinty DePrince at this time of loss, the ballet said, dedicating an Instagram post to her memory. We were so fortunate to know Mabinty; she was a beautiful person, a wonderful dancer, and she will be greatly missed by us all.

Ballet icon Misty Copeland, who in 2015 became the first African American woman to be named principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, paid tribute to DePrince on Instagram.

In her 2021 book Black Ballerinas, Copeland, 42, recounted taking the young dancer under her wing at ABTs Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.

She was a prodigious talent and the first darker-skinned dancer I witnessed come through the program, Copeland wrote. Colorism is without a doubt an issue in the professional ballet world, and her vitiligo differentiated her aesthetic even further.

Copeland said DePrinces immense talent moved her to make a connection for the dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Rest in power, @michaeladeprince, she said in a post, sharing an excerpt from the book. I am devastated by this news.

Michaela had so much more to give, not just to ballet, but to the world, Copeland said. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of dancers, but her absence leaves a void that will be felt deeply. The ballet world, and all those whose lives she touched, will miss her profoundly. She was a bright light, and her impact will never be forgotten.

A DePrince family statement said Michaela is survived by her sisters Mia, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel and Amie and brothers Adam and Erik.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
A New Jersey hospital is attempting to identify a patient who was found wandering in Newark Penn Station seven months ago.

The man was admitted to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center on Feb. 13, the day he was found in nearby train station.

Hospital officials said they think he is between 60 and 70 years of age and is Cuban. He speaks only Spanish.

Anyone who know the man or can help identify him is asked to cal the hospital at 973-926-7278.

Newark Beth Israel also provided this Spanish-language message:

Pedimos su ayuda para identificar a un paciente masculino que fue admitido a nuestro hospital el 13 de febrero despues de que lo encontraran deambulando por la estacion Newark Penn, sin identificacion, el 13 de febrero de 2024. Creemos que tiene entre 60 y 70 anos de edad, solo habla espanol y se identifica como cubano. Si conoce a este hombre o puede ayudarnos a identificarlo, llame a la Oficina de Administracion de Newark Beth Israel al 973-926-7278.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
If you Hate the Club, just go to a Kehlani concert instead.

Kehlani is heading to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion on Sept. 14 as part of her Crash World Tour, and if you dont have tickets yet, youre going to be excited at how cheap they are.

For her Camden concert, tickets are only $13, which means they are bound to get snatched off the market.

Kehlani is also set to perform in Brooklyn, N.Y. at Barclays Center on Sept. 20.

If you want to secure these cheap tickets, then here is how you can.

Read More: 8 concerts at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion you need to see before the summer ends

How to get cheap, last-minute Kehlani tickets

The cheapest ticket available at the time of publication for Kehlanis Camden show on Sept. 14, before fees, is $13 on StubHub.

With tickets this cheap, they are bound to sell out.

If you cant make the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion show, then there are several concert tickets available for her Barclays Center shows on the secondary market.

The cheapest ticket for her Nov. 20 show at the Barclays Center, before fees, is $43 on Vivid Seats.

If you do happen to miss out on any of these tickets, more tickets are available across secondary markets, such as TicketCity and SeatGeek. Between the four secondary sites, cheap ticket prices range between $13 and $94.

First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

A complete list of Kehlanis tour dates is available here.

Kehlani Tour 2024: Dates, schedule & more

Kehlani began her highly anticipated Crash World Tour on Sept. 4 in Minneapolis and will wrap up on Nov. 2 in San Francisco, Calif.

Flo and Anycia are the special guests for all Crash World Tour dates.

For her Barclays Center concert, AMEX card members can access the American Express Card Member Entrance, which allows them to skip the line and enter the arena before non-AMEX card members.

If you have guests going to ticketed events with you and they dont have an AMEX card, they also can go through the American Express Card Member Entrance. All they have to do is enter with you when you present your AMEX card at the door.

Cardholders can also get 10% off on food and drinks at concession stands and two free drinks, including alcoholic beverages, in the 40/40 Club and Modelo Bar.

Barclays Center Tours 2024

Kehlani is not the only artist performing at the Barclays Center this year.

Here are a few more events you wont want to miss: Sexxy Red, Twenty One Pilots, Chase Atlantic and Sabrina Carpenter.

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Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
Work to clean up a North Jersey Superfund Site  so-called for being toxic and requiring considerable remediation resources  began in 2018 but has yet to ramp up.

A newly proposed plan could change that.

Federal officials from the Environmental Protection Agency have submitted a consent decree, a legally binding agreement, for the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund Site  one of 114 such sites in New Jersey.

The proposal still needs to be advanced by a court after a public comment period that ends in November. If approved, it would require various parties  namely those responsible for polluting spans of the bayshore in and near Old Bridge and Sayreville  to pay $151.1 million to complete the cleanup work.

This action is the culmination of more than a decade of work and advocacy to clean up this dangerous site, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th Dist., said Friday.

Pallone said he began to urge federal regulators to add the slag site to the national Superfund priorities list in 2009 and in 2016 announced $7 million in federal funds to start cleaning up Margarets Creek, known to be contaminated by dangerously high lead levels.

This settlement, Pallone added this week, is the next step in removing the threat of toxic pollution.

The Raritan Bay Slag Superfund Site, portions of which are fenced off, includes:

the Seawall Sector, a seawall about 2,300 feet long in Old Bridge Township

the Margarets Creek Sector, a 47-acre wetland located immediately east of the Seawall Sector

the Jetty Sector, roughly 750-foot-long western jetty, located nearly a mile west of the seawall in Sayreville

According to the EPA, the primary sources of contamination at the site are slag and battery casings.

NL Industries (formerly National Lead), the companys former customers, Old Bridge Township, several federal agencies and the state would need to provide the settlement payments if the agreement goes through, according to the EPA.

Spokespeople with NL Industries and Old Bridge could not immediately be reached for comment Friday.

This settlement would allow EPA to finish this cleanup and return the waterfront back to the community so that residents and visitors can use the beach without being concerned about their health, Lisa Garcia, EPA regional administrator, said in a statement.

Nearby this summer in Keyport, residents and a bay advocate sounded the alarm  an issue first reported by NJ Advance Media  after the discovery of potentially hazardous materials on the shoreline.

Ultimately, the states Department of Environmental Protection deemed lead levels to be low but likely naturally occurring arsenic levels to be high. Warning signs were posted, an abutting landfill was fined and, as the NY/NJ Baykeeper fought for, attention was drawn not only to the contamination close by but to the long-stalled cleanup of the Raritan Bay site.

Progress in Middlesex County appears to be finally arriving this fall  just over a decade since the EPA issued a cleanup plan to excavate and dredge material contaminated with lead at the site.

Federal officials from the Environmental Protection Agency have submitted a consent decree, a legally-binding agreement to improve an area, for the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund Site  one of more than 100 such sites in New Jersey. Pictured: A sign near a site in the Laurence Harbor section of Old Bridge and in Sayreville. Another sign nearby warns of potentially hazardous materials in the area.Steven Rodas | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A history of contamination

Materials from NL Industries in Perth Amboy  slag that mostly was derived from blast furnace pot bottoms from a secondary lead smelter  was used in the late 1960s to bolster a sea wall along the Raritan Bay, according to federal documents.

That material was also used to build up a jetty at Cheesequake Creek Inlet.

The slag included lead and other hazardous metals, which leached into surrounding soils, sediments, and surface waters. Battery casings and construction debris also litter portions of the site, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a summary.

Years later, infrastructure where the material was used suffered from harsh erosion and damage from storms.

The larger NL brand has been hit with claims and lawsuits for years about what its exposed residents to  based on what its used on seawall structures to how its recycled batteries in South Jersey. Following its own probe, the EPA in 2013 held NL Industries as the primary party responsible for the pollution there.

Eight years later, the EPA also took the reins of the site remediation because it became concerned about the quality of the engineering work being conducted by NL Industries at the seawall sector.

As part of the latest settlement proposal, the EPA said Sept. 5 that the federal agency would receive $132.4 million as a reimbursement for past work and to pay for the remaining cleanup work at the site. Another $18.7 million would go toward resolving claims made by the Natural Resource Trustees.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC, says health and developmental problems related to lead can vary and complications are based on levels and exposure. Damage to the brain and nervous system have been seen.

In a breakdown of the cleanup work done so far, the EPA said about 15,775 tons of soil and 1,802 tons of slag were removed from the Margarets Creek section in September 2018. The seawall sector and then the jetty sector would be next.

To find the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund Site consent decree and to submit a comment visit www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

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Steven Rodas may be reached at srodas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @stevenrodasnj.
A 53-year-old New Jersey man who strangled his wife to death and then dumped her body on the side of a road in Monmouth County has been sentenced to 50 years in state prison.

Jeremy B. Cruz, of the Forked River section of Lacey, will have to serve 42 years and six months before he is eligible for parole, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said Friday.

Cruz was convicted of murder in April for the November 2022 killing of Dawn McCutcheon Cruz, 51.

She was found by a passing motorist on Colonial Avenue near Asbury Avenue in Ocean Township, officials said.

Around the time his wifes body was found, Cruz turned himself in to Berkeley police. He claimed he was intoxicated at the time of her death.

A mother of two sons, Dawn McCutcheon Cruz worked in medical billing and later as a yoga instructor, according to an online obituary.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Two new presidential polls, released after Tuesdays debate, show that Vice President Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by five points in the race to win the Nov. 5 presidential election.

Harris, the Democratic nominee, increased her lead after a debate against the former president that voters largely believe she won, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on Thursday and a Morning Consult poll released on Thursday.

In the Reuters/Ipsos poll, Harris leads 47%-42%, while she holds a 50%-45% in the Morning Consult poll. Both polls show Harris extending her lead from previous polls by those organizations.

Other recent polls reinforce Harris lead: YouGov by the Times of London (Harris +4), Leger by the New York Post (+3), and SoCal Strategies (+3).

Among Reuters/Ipsos voters who said they had heard at least something about Tuesdays debate, 53% said Harris won, while 24% said Trump won, with the rest saying neither had or not answering. Trump stumbled and didnt appear sharp, 52% said , while 21% said that of Harris. Among Republican voters, one in five said Trump didnt appear sharp.

Voters graded Harris higher on how she carried herself. When asked by Reuters/Ipsos which of the two appeared more dignified, 56% of people familiar with the debate picked Harris, compared to 24% who picked Trump.

Forty-nine percent said Harris seemed like someone who would listen to me and understand my concerns, compared to 18% who saw Trump that way.

The poll surveyed 1,690 U.S. adults nationwide, including 1,405 registered voters. It had a margin of error of around three percentage points for registered voters.

Shortly after former Trump posted to social media THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE, Harris told an audience at a rally that voters deserve to hear from them again on a debate stage.

Two nights ago Donald Trump and I had our first debate, 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, Harris said at the event in Charlotte.

While national surveys provide important data on the views of the electorate, the state-by-state results of the Electoral College determine the winner, with a handful of battleground states likely to be decisive.

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Good morning New Jersey. Heres your audio update highlighting the theft of $355,000 worth of seafood in a tractor-trailer bound for Costco, an iconic 95-year-old Jersey Shore bar up for sale and a Jersey Cash 5 jackpot win worth $1.7 million.

Plus, well tell you about how you can now legally bet on election results.

Listen by clicking the player above and read more about those stories at the accompanying links.

This audio presentation is an editorially-curated selection of stories, selected by an editor, and then summarized and read aloud by artificial intelligence. Some variations in pronunciation, tone or diction may result.

We want to know what you think! All feedback is valuable. After youve listened, take our 3-question survey here to let us know what you think.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Its probably not the lasting impression among people the campaign wants.

CNNs stats guru Harry Enten broke down on Friday the top rising things people have searched for on the internet related to Donald Trump since he debated Kamala Harris earlier this week.

Eating pets.

From Enten:

What are the rising things that people are Googling along with Donald Trumps name? Its not what Donald Trumps campaign would necessarily want, right? Its eating pets, its eating dogs, its eating cats. Obviously, that was Donald Trumps moment on the debate stage. Of course, thats a Fugazi story. Its not. Its fake, yet he went after it. This is a disaster. Who the heck, if youre running a presidential campaign, that you want youd name being Googling with eating pets, eating dogs, eating cats? My goodness.

The most rapidly rising Google search phrases associated with Trump following the debate are all about eating animals. What a disaster.



It's part of the reason I expect (at least momentarily) for Harris to get a bump in the polls. pic.twitter.com/3l01ugDBa5  (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) September 13, 2024

Trumps comments echoed claims made by his campaign, including his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and other Republicans. The claims attracted attention this week when Vance posted on social media that his office has received many inquiries about Haitian migrants abducting pets. Vance acknowledged Tuesday it was possible all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

How did all of this get started?

On Sept. 6, a post surfaced on X that shared what looked like a screengrab of a social media post apparently out of Springfield. The retweeted post talked about the persons neighbors daughters friend seeing a cat hanging from a tree to be butchered and eaten, claiming without evidence that Haitians lived at the house. The accompanying photo showed a Black man carrying what appeared to be a Canada goose by its feet. That post continued to get shared on social media.

On Monday, Vance posted on X. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? he said. The next day, Vance posted again on X about Springfield, saying his office had received inquires from residents who said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

Other Republicans shared similar posts. Among them was Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who posted a photo of kittens with a caption that said to vote for Trump So Haitian immigrants dont eat us.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have been hitting the road to drum up support among voters across the country  especially in the half-dozen or so battleground states that will likely decide the outcome of the election.

But their speaking styles differ, including when it comes to telling the truth.

The New York Times dived into a months worth of rally speeches from the two candidates and found Mr. Trumps improvisational style and penchant for exaggeration lead to more falsehoods than Ms. Harriss more controlled approach.

Harriss repeated stump speech contains few factual errors, while Trumps rallies are a font of exaggerations to outright lies.

A few examples from both:

Mr. Trump claimed, with no evidence, that Venezuela had dumped huge numbers of criminals and prisoners into the United States, leading to a drastic decrease in its crime rate during the Biden-Harris administration. ... There is no evidence for any of those figures. Venezuela does not release comprehensive crime information, and a Caracas-based research organization has reported a falling murder rate during both administrations, though it fell faster while Mr. Trump was in office.

Ms. Harris claimed in multiple rallies in August that Mr. Trump intends to repeal the Affordable Care Act and take us back to a time when insurance companies have the power to deny people with pre-existing conditions. While Mr. Trump promised to repeal the health care law during his campaign in 2016, his statements this campaign have been more ambiguous, and he has promised to retain protections for patients with pre-existing conditions.

Harris and Trump were in swing states this week as they hope to win, both of them trying to expand their narrow paths to victory in a closely fought presidential campaign.

Harris had her sights set on North Carolina, where she held rallies in Charlotte and Greensboro on Thursday.

Trump was in Tucson, Arizona, as he looked to stabilize his campaign, which continues to struggle to recalibrate nearly two months after Harris replaced Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
On September 9, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo, held a video conference with his Chinese counterpart, General Wu Yanan, Commander of the Peoples Liberation Armys Southern Theater Command. The men are the top American and Chinese military leaders for the region that has been the scene of multiple aggressive moves by China against U.S. allies, including the Philippines.

In a statement, the Pentagon said the call was a deliverable from the meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2023, when the two leaders agreed to resume high-level military-to-military communications.

Admiral Paparo underscored to General Wu the importance of sustained communication to reduce the risk of miscalculation or misperception. The Pentagon stated that Admiral Paparo reinforced the PLAs [Peoples Liberation Armys] obligation to comply with international laws and norms to ensure operational safety. Paparo also urged the PLA, the Pentagon said, to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond.

During August, such tactics by China, particularly against Philippine vessels, were used to an alarming extent. In a statement, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the dangerous and escalatory actions by the Peoples Republic of China against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the ... South China Sea. ... The PRCs unlawful claims of territorial sovereignty over ocean areas where no land territory exists, and its increasingly aggressive actions to enforce them, threaten the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all nations.

At a recent press briefing, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Andrew Sugimoto warned that China is undermining its status with its destructive behavior, which includes ramming Philippine vessels and injuring Philippine mariners.

China wants to be seen as a member of the world that has a set of rules and enforces it, but whenever they do things like ramming or water cannoning unarmed vessels, it does not appear so. When they uphold the rules themselves, and thy stand and lead by example, thats when the rest of the world will notice that they are in fact world leaders and not bullies.

In his talk with General Wu, Admiral Paparo expressed the hope that discussions with his Chinese counterpart would continue. In the meantime, the United States continues to urge the PRC, as Spokesperson Miller said, to desist from dangerous and destabilizing conduct.
Pope Francis criticized both former President Trump and Vice President Harris on Friday as he urged Catholics to vote for the lesser evil.

During a press conference while flying back to Rome from a trip to Asia, he was asked about his thoughts regarding the U.S. election. He was asked to advise Catholic U.S. voters who are "faced with a candidate who supports ending a pregnancy and another who wants to deport 11 million migrants, according to Vatican News.

Both are against life: the one that throws out migrants and the one that kills children. Both are against life. I cant decide; Im not American and wont go to vote there, he answered.

But let it be clear: denying migrants the ability to work and receive hospitality is a sin, a grave sin. The Old Testament speaks repeatedly of the orphan, the widow, and the strangermigrants. These are the three that Israel must care for. Failing to care for migrants is a sin, a sin against life and humanity, he continued.

While he did not mention Harris or Trump, he appeared to be referencing Harriss stance on abortion and Trumps policy positions on immigration. Trump has received backlash in recent days for repeating a false claim that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio are eating dogs and cats.

And we need to be clear about this: sending migrants away, not allowing them to grow, not letting them have life is something wrong, it is cruelty. Sending a child away from the womb of the mother is murder because there is life, the pope said.

He was then asked when it was morally permissible to vote for a candidate who supports abortion, according to Vatican News transcript.

In political morality, it is generally said that not voting is ugly, its not good. One must vote. And one must choose the lesser evil. Which is the lesser evil? That lady or that gentleman? I dont know; each person must think and decide according to their own conscience, he responded.

Immigration and abortion are both contentious issues as the U.S. barrels toward the election season. Trump has promised that he will enact mass deportations and Harris has vowed to restore Roe v. Wade protections.

President Biden, who is Catholic and a strong supporter of abortion rights, said the pope told him after a meeting in October 2021 that he was a good Catholic and should continue to receive Communion. The meeting came after some people called for the president to be denied Communion due to his stance on abortion.

Francis, asked on previous occasions about some U.S. bishops who want to deny Communion to Biden over his support for abortion rights, has said bishops should be pastors, not politicians.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ohios Republican governor is the latest person to weigh in on former President Donald Trump's false claims during the presidential debate that Haitian immigrants in the state were abducting and eating pets.

GOP Gov. Mike DeWine told CBS News chief Washington correspondent, Major Garrett, the internet can be quite crazy sometimes and that people shouldnt buy into the narrative their pets are in danger.

DeWines comments come days after Trump amplified the rumors during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre 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.

DeWines exchange with Garrett on CBS:

Garrett: Governor, I never thought Id ask you a question like this: Is anyone with undocumented status in Ohio, is any legal citizen resident of Ohio, eating dogs and cats illegally?

DeWine: Well, Major this is something that came up on the internet. The internet can be quite crazy sometimes and, look, the mayor, Mayor (Rob) Rue of Springfield, says no, theres no truth in that. They have no evidence  at all. So I think we with what the mayor says. He knows his city.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, says Springfield, Ohio officials "have no evidence" of Haitian migrants eating pets there, a claim amplified by former President Trump during Tuesday night's debate, saying, "I think we go with what the mayor says, he knows his city."



"The pic.twitter.com/YWRQgSLhh1  CBS News (@CBSNews) September 11, 2024

Garrett did highlight how a woman in Dayton, Ohio, with mental health issues allegedly ate her neighbors cat, though she isnt an immigrant.

Trumps comments echoed claims made by his campaign, including his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and other Republicans. The claims attracted attention this week when Vance posted on social media that his office has received many inquiries about Haitian migrants abducting pets. Vance acknowledged Tuesday it was possible all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

How did all of this get started?

On Sept. 6, a post surfaced on X that shared what looked like a screengrab of a social media post apparently out of Springfield. The retweeted post talked about the persons neighbors daughters friend seeing a cat hanging from a tree to be butchered and eaten, claiming without evidence that Haitians lived at the house. The accompanying photo showed a Black man carrying what appeared to be a Canada goose by its feet. That post continued to get shared on social media.

On Monday, Vance posted on X. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? he said. The next day, Vance posted again on X about Springfield, saying his office had received inquires from residents who said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

Other Republicans shared similar posts. Among them was Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who posted a photo of kittens with a caption that said to vote for Trump So Haitian immigrants dont eat us.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
If one is to believe Diamondbacks pitcher Jordan Montgomery, he landed in Arizona mostly out of desperation after a butchered offseason by former agent Scott Boras and links (reported or not) to the Boston Red Sox.

But Montgomery might not be telling the full (or true) story  that he for sure wouldve been interested in signing with Boston if it made an offer.

BUY MLB TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER

According to The New York Posts Jon Heyman in a story published Thursday, the Red Sox suggested a willingness to do a four-year deal, but Montgomery never engaged with them.

The 2023 World Series hero apparently was skeptical about Bostons October chances (he wasnt alone there) and preferred to wait for a Rangers offer that never came. The Red Sox held a three-hour Zoom with him, and club sources say they told him he could become a differencemaker, but he ultimately preferred other options.

I had a Zoom call with (the Red Sox), thats really all I know. It went good, Montgomery told The Boston Herald in a story published Aug. 23. I dont know, obviously (Scott) Boras kind of butchered it, so Im just trying to move on from the offseason and try to forget it.

Montgomery, the former New York Yankees starter, fired Boras days later and hired Wasserman.

Montgomery was connected to the Red Sox last offseason because they needed a steady starting pitcher and his wife was completing a residency at Beth Israel in Boston. But the Red Sox ended up having a muted offseason, and, according to Montgomery, didnt make a formal offer, even if he for sure wouldve been interested. Heyman reported in July that Montgomery had a multiyear offer but he didnt want to go to Boston and was hopeful to return to the Rangers, with whom he won the World Series last season.

Instead, Montgomery signed a two-year, $47.5 million deal with Arizona in late March and he has greatly underperformed. He has a 6.25 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 73 strikeouts in 108 innings  performance that has triggered his removal from the rotation. His last start came Aug. 21 and his next four appearances have come in the bullpen, where hes allowed seven earned runs in 13 innings.

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NEW YORK  Juan Soto loves hitting, and he really loves ending a game with a hit. He did it for the first time in Yankees pinstripes Thursday night with a 10th-inning double that scored ghost runner Jon Berti from second base for a 2-1 win over the Red Sox.

Soto also had a blast being mobbed by everyone on the field, although he got roughed up a little being in the middle of it. Being doused with a cooler of red Gatorade and ice during an on-field interview was cold but fun, too.

Back in the clubhouse, after celebrating again with teammates and then eating, showering and dressing, Soto was the last of the three Yankees players to do a post-game interview.

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RESTORING THE GLORY

The biggest takeaway from Sotos Q&A was the message that he sent about a teammate thats gone through a lot of struggles the last couple months.

Soto dished out public high praise for Clay Holmes, who lost his closer job last week.

In Thursdays game, Holmes was brought into a big spot with the game on the line and picked up two big 10th-inning outs with the go-ahead run on second base.

The Yankees promptly won the game in the bottom of the inning on Sotos leadoff hit.

Im happy for him, Soto said of Holmes, who was the winning pitcher. At the end of the day, were a family here. Were all going to struggle. Were all going to do good. We just have to back each other.

I think thats what were doing here, and thats how we keep our team in the best spot right now.

A day after Holmes was being charged with another blown save when he allowed a seventh-inning run that tied a game with the Royals, No. 12 for the season, the crowd booed when he replaced Tommy Kahnle.

Kahnle pitched a scoreless ninth, then was done after he retired the leadoff hitter in the 10th on his 22nd pitch of the game.

Holmes heard the fans on him, but he didnt let it get to him because there were others that he was more concerned about impressing.

There are some special guys in this clubhouse, he said. Thats why I play. I enjoy competing with them and being on the field with them. Really when Im out there, I want to do my best for those guys.

The inning was over after just six pitches from Holmes, all strikes. He got ahead of Ceddanne Rafaela 0-2, then used a slider to get a groundout to third base. All-Star Jarren Duran was up next and Holmes again got ahead two strikes, then a flyball to left on another slider ended the 10th with the game still tied 1-1.

His stuff looked really good, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. I thought he had a good mix of his sinker and slider. He was pounding the strike zone. He got ahead right away and looked really sharp.

The same Yankees fans that got on Holmes when he was jogging in from the bullpen roared in approval when he walked off the field after the Red Soxs 10th.

The cheers felt good.

Yeah, for sure, Holmes said. This is fun place to play. We know what were playing for here. Its an atmosphere that I think gets the best out of everybody.

Obviously you want to come through and winning here is special. So I think anytime you can come through and help the teammates and get a good win here at Yankee Stadium, its awesome.

Holmes has had two good outings in three since his demotion.

We all know what kind of stuff he has, Soto said. Sometimes when things arent going your way, youve got to sit down and relax and try refresh and start over again.

I think thats what hes been doing, and hes been throwing the ball really well after that.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com.
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The Spring Chickens Band will soon perform at the St. Tammy Library.
By applying the techniques Augustine Phiri learnt in China to his hometown's farmland, the corn yield in Malawi's experimental field increased dramatically so far this year, rising from 2.1 tonnes per hectare in 2023 to 8 tonnes per hectare -- nearly four times the previous yield.

In 2019, Augustine Phiri embarked on a three-year agricultural technology study program in China as part of the Sino-Africa Science and Technology Backyard (STB) Project.

This project brought together 34 African students from eight countries to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in modern agricultural practices in 2019, when it was launched by the China Agricultural University at the Quzhou Experimental Station in north China's Hebei Province.

Up to now, a total of 91 international students from 12 African countries have participated in the project.

"The project addresses the gap between agricultural theory and practice in Africa, as well as the shortage of skilled agricultural workers. Our aim is to train a new generation of innovative talent with both modern agricultural theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to improve smallholder farmers' productivity and agricultural standards across Africa," said Jiao Xiaoqiang, head of the program and an associate professor at the university's college of resources and environmental sciences.

Francina Lerata Kuwali, another student involved in the program, highlighted the severe impact of the El Nino phenomenon on Malawi. The southeastern African nation has experienced frequent droughts and floods in recent years. On March 23, Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera declared a national state of disaster in 23 districts of the country hit by a dry spell caused by El Nino, which has left those districts with little or no harvest.

However, under the guidance of students from the Sino-Africa STB Project, 15 farmers in Malawi reported an average corn yield of 7.9 tonnes per hectare in April -- more than triple the yields compared to the previous year. This not only solved food security concerns but also provided surplus crops for these farmers, helping to boost local food production.

"During our study, we spent the first year completing the theoretical courses and practical training in China. In the second year, we applied these skills in Africa, and in the third year, we returned to China to write and defend our theses. Throughout the process, the professors provided guidance via WeChat, with important issues resolved through online meetings," said Francina.

Jiao added that international students play a vital role in encouraging African farmers to engage in experiments, helping them master and spread agricultural technology. By combining the knowledge gained in China with the realities of African farming, students help localize these technologies, ultimately driving productivity for smallholder farmers. In Mzuzu City, northern Malawi, farmers have composed this story into a song to express their gratitude.

Having recently returned from a visit to Kenya, Jiao shared that the future plans include expanding the Sino-Africa STB Project to other African nations such as Kenya, Zambia and Ethiopia.

China feeds over 1.4 billion people with only 9 percent of the world's arable land. The agricultural technology is well-suited to the needs of Africa's smallholder farmers, and African agriculture can greatly benefit from China's agricultural expertise, said Jiao.
Six buildings that have been a part of Barnstaples town centre heritage for centuries have enjoyed a facelift thanks to an owner keen on local history and encouraged by an innovative council refurbishment scheme.

Over the past months, properties owned by Philip J Milton & Company Plc and connected owners have undergone redecorating and repair in conjunction with the Town Centre Enhancement Scheme operated by North Devon Council.

They included the companys flagship 19 th century Choweree House headquarters in Boutport Street, as well as the historic Old Custom House on the Strand, which dates back to 1650.

Philip Milton, who heads the wealth management and financial advisory business, applied to the Council scheme, which seeks to support independent businesses in improving and maintaining town centre buildings across North Devon.

The total project cost for the buildings was significantly above the grants available, which are limited to a maximum of 2,000 per building to redecorate frontages and subject to the owner matching half the cost.

Philip said: Four of our properties are listed buildings, including Choweree and the Old Custom House, each of which has a prominent place in the history of Barnstaple.

As owners of any listed or heritage building will know, they require a great deal of maintenance and despite the considerable cost of the work, we felt it was important to do our bit to give our town the best possible representation, as well as make sure the properties are well-maintained and safe.

This was made possible in conjunction with the District Councils innovative scheme that offers incentives to brighten-up the area. We appreciated the encouragement this provided to us to dig deep ourselves.

North Devon Council has said to date the scheme has supported 32 local business owners to carry out improvements or enhancement works which represents an investment of more than 47,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity fund.

Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Malcolm Prowse, endorsed the grant scheme, saying: "This is a really great opportunity to improve the overall appearance of our town centres.

The scheme has so far benefited 11 properties in Ilfracombe, 15 in Barnstaple, one in South Molton, three in Braunton, two in Lynton and Lynmouth and one in Combe Martin.

North Devons town centres are full of historic buildings, many dating from the Victorian or Edwardian eras and some much earlier.

Choweree House in Boutport Street is an imposing 19th century Grade II Listed building that was at one time the residence of a local surgeon, Dr William Kelly.

Around 1890 it was the residence of Mr Thomas Wakeley, whose time in India suggests the name Choweree came from the Indian word Choultry, meaning a resting place or open house for pilgrims or visitors.

Mr Milton said the property needed repairs to two redundant chimneys, roof work, replacing blown render, repairs to glass work and drainage channels and a full clean and repaint, including the eye-catching period front door, a total project cost approaching 25,000.

The chimneys also needed a Listed Buildings Consent application.

The Old Custom House has an even earlier history, serving as the home and store for Mr John Wood, the customs agent, to deal with the busy trade that sailed up the river into the port of Barnstaple.

ABOVE: Old Custom House before and after composite

Most recently it has been a restaurant but before that it was a tea shop and even earlier, a town stores and newsagency. Soon it will be reopening with an innovative business at the helm.

Mr Milton added: Many people will know of my interest in local history. I was born in Barnstaple and as Family on both sides go back centuries here, have always lived in North Devon as well as working here.

So it is important to me to see these buildings well-kept and contributing to the character of the area, even if the cost of doing such works is never rewarded by increased trade as such. I hope everyone enjoys the uplifted appearances!

However, we do feel that by demonstrating we care about our history, our buildings, their sustainable ongoing usage and thus how they serve the Community and visitors alike, that it is a reflection of how we do business as well. This sense of substance is especially important with the financial services profession and reflecting the faith with which our clients have entrusted us for nigh 40 years now.

We are always happy to put something back, not only to preserve the history, but also to make sure these properties continue to be a valuable contribution to our area and provide premises to local businesses now and into the future.

The Town Centre Enhancement Scheme is still running and the closing date for grant applications is December 31, 2024.

More information and details on how to apply can be found on the council website at www.northdevon.gov.uk/business/business-support-and-grants/business-support/town-centre-enhancement-scheme
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)

Editor: GSY
VALPARAISO  A man who fled the scene after crashing into a parked car early Wednesday morning in Valparaiso was arrested, the Porter County Sheriff's Department said.

Shortly before 3 a.m. Wednesday, Maxwell Raudonis, 21, struck a car belonging to Darlene Glover at 733 Juniper Road, according to a police report. No one was in the parked car when it was hit.

Detra Glover, who also lives at 733 Juniper Street and who heard the crash, went outside and saw Raudonis exit his car and run Southbound on Juniper Street. Glover told police that Raudonis said he'd go to jail if police arrived.

According to the report, dispatch received a call from Raudonis "moments" after officers arrived at the scene. Raudonis claimed his vehicle had been stolen while he was at a bar in Valparaiso and that he had been searching for it for the last two-and-a-half hours.

Officers made contact with Raudonis on W. 700 North Road, about four blocks East and eight blocks South of where he'd fled. He had "burrs and other foliage stuck on his clothes, likely from running through nearby yards," according to the report. Police said Raudonis matched the description that Glover gave officers.

Raudonis was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident, a class B misdemeanor.
A century ago, the large Mexican enclave in the steel town of East Chicago staged a parade to celebrate their ethnic heritage.

The Fiestas Patrias Parade celebrating Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16 grew into a major tradition that's been passed on for generations. It marks the anniversary of the 1810 "Grito de Dolores" speech Mexican priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla delivered, inspiring Mexicans to rise up against Spanish colonial rule.

The 100th anniversary Fiestas Patrias Parade steps off from Block Stadium at noon Sunday in East Chicago.

"This is Indiana's oldest Latino tradition. It was established decades before other cultural heritage celebrations of this kind in other areas of the state," said Nicole Martinez-LeGrand, a curator at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis.

The Hammond native plans to return to the Region so she can show the parade to her family, who has only heard about it.

"It is a huge source of pride for the local community. For many, this year's parade will be a homecoming of sorts," she said. "It will be an introduction of this tradition for a whole new generation, hopefully, ensuring that this parade and its accompanying festivities will live on for another century."

The parade will feature floats, decorated cars, traditional folk dress, horses, folk dancing, marching bands and charros, or Mexican cowboys who show their skill with lassos and horseback riding. It's been staged by the Union Benefica Mexicana or UBM for the last 70 years.

"The 100th anniversary is a very big milestone for the longest Latino tradition in Indiana," UBM President Marino Solorio said. "This parade brings cultural awareness. East Chicago was home to one of the first big Mexican enclaves where migrants came in for work. This is a Mexican pride type of thing. We try to promote that. In general, it showcases Mexican culture."

Like many people, Palacios has been going sine he was a kid.

"I would definitely look forward to the parade and was ready to get candy when I was a kid," Solorio said. "It was about the candy when I was a kid. Where I'm at now, I see it as a cultural expression that brings awareness. A lot of businesses, dignitaries and politicians come to the parade. It highlights the culture and the different organizations."

For years, it included a grease pole climbing contest at Block Stadium, which no longer has a pole to climb after the most recent renovation.

"I remember teams of people climbing on top of each other to capture the flag," Solorio said. "Whoever captured the flag got a pizza."

The parade also has long included displays of traditional Mexican culture like charros riding horses and choreographed displays of ballet folklorico folk dancing.

"This is going to be the biggest one we've ever had in 100 years," Solorio said. "There's going to be a lot of music and horses. I expect it to be a grand parade. I expect more people will show up because of the milestone."

This year, the Fiestas Patrias Parade will again feature a queen. It was a longstanding component of the parade that got discontinued in 2017 due to funding and organizational issues.

This year, UBM again named a queen, princess, duchess and countess, proving them with thousands of dollars in scholarships. Lisette Magallanes was crowned the 2024 queen and given a $5,000 college scholarship.

"The organization was financially struggling a little but got it back," Solorio said. "It takes money to do these things."

Union Benefica Mexicana started 75 years ago as a merger of three mutual aid societies that helped Mexican immigrants in the community. The organization now helps the community with food, housing, immigration and other issues, often pointing them in the direction of community resources. UBM has been rebuilding and restructuring after its building burned down. It hosts a variety of programs like a cotillion party to celebrate girls' 15th birthdays so that their parents don't have to individually shoulder the sometimes high costs of quinceaneras.

Seventy years ago, it took over the parade, which had been previously been staged by a few groups.

"For anyone of Mexican descent or Mexican heritage, it's very important. It's about being liberated and free as a country and a people. It's equivalent to the Fourth of July," he said. "It's a momentous occasion to celebrate the 100th anniversary. We want to stimulate the traditions to keep it going. It showed the strength in numbers of the Mexican community on the political stage. It was a strong political statement that we were here and we were not going anywhere. It's a celebration of who are are that has transcended time and generations. East Chicago is more than 52% Hispanic, so the demographic is culturally significant. It's an industrial city. We have the one of the biggest steel mills and one of the biggest refineries in the country. That's attracted people for work, including Mexicans. It's a melting pot here and this showcases the culture."

Mario Palacios, one of the organizers, said the Mexican Independence Parade draws people  particularly of Mexican descent  from across Northwest Indiana.

"People from Hammond, Whiting and other communities come and spend the day here and learn a bit about the history," he said. "They take in the mariachi, the horses, the queen, the princess, the mayor, the community leaders. It's a place to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. It's an adventure. We are constantly publicizing it to the citizens of Northwest Indiana and encourage anyone from Chicagoland, whether Aurora or Cicero, to come see how we celebrate our festival in East Chicago."

It's a showcase for Mexican culture, food, language and tradition.

"It showcases our roots," he said.

The Sociedad Cultural Y Civica La Reforma will kick off the weekend's Fiestas Patrias festivities and celebrate the 214th anniversary of Mexican Independence with an El Grito celebration from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Washington Park at 142nd Street and Parrish Avenue in East Chicago.

The Mexican Consulate from Chicago will perform a ceremony at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla monument at the park. The festivities will include mariachi bands and dancers.

"It marks the shout of independence or Cry of Delores that was shouted out so the Mexican people would come together for their freedom," organizer and Sociedad Cultural Y Civica La Reforma President Debra Bolanos said.

Her group has organized the El Grito festival for nearly two decades. The festivities will include water, pop and light refreshments. It's meant to kick off the parade weekend.

"I've been going to the parade all my life," she said. "I remember as a little girl seeing all the people line Parrish Avenue and Broadway. You could tell the people were full of pride. It's something people look forward to coming to with their children and grandchildren. People want to continue the tradition. Even people who have moved out come back for the parade. Their families tell them the stories and bring them to see all the people in costumes. It's important for the community. It's been important to generations of people."

As a young girl, she always enjoyed seeing the horseback riding, the Mexican folk dancing and the floats. She remembers how it brought together neighbors who would come out and put chairs in front of their homes to watch the parade.

"It's a special year," she said. "We're very excited. We're looking forward to the next 100 years."
A Region barbecue chef will soon appear on a Steve Dolinsky segment on NBC 5 Chicago.

Hammond native Nick Kleutsch ran Lucy's BBQ in Highland and then Lowell. He's currently a chef at Sanders BBQ Supply Co. on the South Side of Chicago.

He will appear on Channel 5 at 10 p.m. Oct. 3 and 4 p.m. Oct. 4. The segment by Dolinsky, a James Beard Award-winning food journalist who's written two books about pizza and had hosted the popular Hungry Hound segments at ABC 7 Chicago before hopping over to NBC, will highlight Sanders BBQ Supply Co.

"It really is exhilarating and significant to receive recognition from a foodie city like Chicago. Already placed on multiple lists of: Best BBQ, Best Ribs, etc. from such highly regarded media," he said. "Im extremely thankful for any spotlight that I receive both locally and nationally."

Kleutsch moved to Austin, Texas to play in a band, which broke up, leading him to look for something he could bring from Texas back to his home in Northwest Indiana. He settled on barbecue, and ended up learning to cook from Evan LeRoy of LeRoy and Lewis, a Texas Monthly Top 10 BBQ restaurant, and Ben Lambert of JNL BBQ and the nationally acclaimed Franklin BBQ that was featured on PBS's "BBQ with Franklin."

Kleutsch ran Lucy's BBQ inside Brewfest on Kennedy Avenue in Highland, serving brisket, pulled pork and a half-pound smoked prime cheeseburger made of trim from the brisket and glazed with a barbecue sauce made with craft beer. He spent 12 to 15 hours a day feeding a smoker white oak by hand to make authentic Central Texas-style barbecue with salt, pepper, flame and time. His house-made barbecue sauces came on the side.

Kleutsch moved the restaurant to the former Mason Jar spot in Lowell after Brewfest closed, and has long-term plans to open a new barbecue restaurant in Hammond's Hessville neighborhood, where he grew up. He now cooks at Sanders BBQ Supply Co. in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood, which Eater Chicago recently named to its list of "where to eat in Chicago right now."

A glowing review declared "Chicagos New Kings of Barbecue Reign in Beverly."

"Sanders BBQ ticks all the boxes. Its a comfortable place to sit down and enjoy smoked meats. There are two patios with live music. I hear whispers of expansion in the future, but I wont jinx it," Eater Chicago's Ashok Selvam wrote. "In a city where civic barbecue traditions arent celebrated very loudly, Sanders finds itself playing an important role in uniting old and new school philosophies while introducing a whole new generation to a world of tasty barbecue. Sanders has a chance to be one of the best casual restaurants in Chicago, one that customers from all walks of life can enjoy. Even vegetarians  the pulled jackfruit sandwich looks awfully tasty."
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)

Editor: GSY
A 38-year-old Japanese man was recently arrested for phone-stalking his own wife, calling her over 100 times a day anonymously and saying nothing until she hung up.

On July 10, a 31-year-old woman from Amagasaki, in Japans Hyogo Prefecture, started receiving strange phone calls from someone who would just remain silent until she hung up in frustration. This went on for weeks, because the calls came from an anonymous phone number, so the young woman couldnt just block the calls. On most days she would get dozens of phone calls, but sometimes, the phone stalker would ring over 100 times per day. Luckily, the phone never rang during the night or when she was playing video games on her husbands phone, which ultimately got her thinking about who the mystery caller could be

Photo: freestocks

As July turned into August and the phone calls kept coming, the desperate woman started thinking about ways to expose her stalker. The more she analyzed the patterns of the calls, the more suspicious she became of her husband. The only times she never got any annoying calls were at night when they slept in the same bed, and when she used his phone to play video games.

Eventually, the 31-year-old woman turned to the police to help her solve the mystery, sharing with them her suspicion that her husband could be the stalker. Following an investigation, officers confirmed the womans fears, and on September 4th, her husband was arrested in Amagasaki for violating Japans anti-stalker law. When asked why he had harassed his own wife for over a month with his strange calls, the man simply answered I love my wife, and made phone calls to her without saying anything, as if the stalking was proof of his love for her.

Its not uncommon for married couples in Japan to live separately, especially when one of them has to relocate because of their job, and sometimes one of the spouses gets so jealous that they start stalking the other party. However, police in Amagasaki have confirmed that this was the first case of phone stalking involving a couple living together.

Kobe Shunbun vis SoraNews


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.
Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the G20 area remained relatively stable in Q2 2024, with a 0.7% quarter-on-quarter increase according to provisional estimates, slightly down from 0.8% in the previous quarter (Figure 1).

China, India, and the United States contributed the most to G20s economic growth in Q2 2024,1 although Brazil and Saudi Arabia saw the highest growth rates (both at 1.4%). Growth in both China and India slowed (from 1.5% to 0.7% and from 1.7% to 1.3%, respectively). Japan saw a significant recovery, from a 0.6% contraction in Q1 to a 0.7% expansion in Q2, whereas the United States recorded a more modest increase, from 0.4% to 0.7%.

The remaining G20 countries experienced weaker growth than the G20 as a whole, with GDP in Korea and Germany even contracting (by 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively). Growth in Turkiye slowed sharply, from 1.4% to 0.1%. France, Italy, and the United Kingdom recorded minor decreases (with growth rates of 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.6% respectively). On the other hand, Canada and Mexico saw small increases (to 0.5% and 0.2%, respectively), while growth picked up in South Africa to 0.4% in Q2, after no growth in Q1. Growth remained stable in Australia at 0.2% and little change was observed in the European Union and the euro area, both zones recording 0.2% in Q2 compared to 0.3% in Q1 2024.

Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, GDP in the G20 area grew by 3.1% in Q2 2024, slightly down from 3.2% in the previous quarter (Table 2). Among G20 economies, India recorded the highest year-on-year growth rate (6.8%) in Q2, followed by Indonesia (5.0%). Japan recorded the largest fall (-0.9%).
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.
In a recent interview, Dr. Mohamed Kamal Abohatab, a member of the Coordination Committee of Party Youth Leaders and Politicians for the Egyptian Freedom Party and the head of the Egyptian delegation for the Freedom Party, discussed the nation's ambitious plans to eradicate poverty, drawing inspiration from China's notable achievements in this area.

Egypt faces similar challenges in its fight against poverty. Historically, inadequate housing and infrastructure, especially in rural areas, have been significant obstacles. Dr. Kamal emphasized the importance of international cooperation and support, particularly from China. It is proposed that increased investment and economic projects between the two countries, highlighting the existing partnerships and the potential for more. Educational grants and knowledge exchanges, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure, were identified as key areas for collaboration.

China's success in creating job opportunities through trade, industry, and agriculture was particularly noted. Dr. Kamal suggested that China share its agricultural expertise, including mountain farming and land allocation strategies, with other developing nations. It is believed that establishing agricultural partnerships and promoting human development through job creation can significantly reduce poverty.

Editor: WXY
The opening ceremony and keynote speeches of the Second "FROM ZIQUEJIE TERRACES TO THE WORLD" Global Farming Culture Exchange and Mutual Learning Conference were presented in Xinhua County, Loudi City of central China's Hunan Province, on September 12, 2024.

Over 200 guests, including representatives from international organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), diplomats from terrace-cultivating countries like France and Peru, and domestic and international experts from the agriculture, culture, and tourism sectors, gathered to discuss key issues including the protection of global agricultural cultural heritage and the development of the green agricultural economy.

Together, they explored ways to preserve and promote farming culture, showcasing Hunan's unique approach to agricultural heritage protection and innovation, while contributing China's solutions for the safeguarding of global agricultural cultural heritage.

(Photo provided to Guangming Online)

During the opening ceremony, the Consensus on the Integrated Development of Terraces in Agriculture, Culture, and Tourism was released. The document promotes the understanding of the value of terraces, the protection of terrace ecosystems, the preservation of farming culture, the active promotion of agriculture, culture, and tourism integration, enhanced international exchange and cooperation, and the innovation of development models. The aim is to promote the effective protection and sustainable development of terraces globally, deepen the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism, build distinctive terrace-based industrial chains, enhance the overall competitiveness of terrace regions, and achieve ecological, economic, and social benefits for all.

Terraced fields are a prime example of the harmonious coexistence between human ingenuity and nature. They carry rich agricultural traditions and historical memories, and their value in preserving biodiversity, ensuring food security, and promoting regional economic development is immeasurable. The Ziquejie Terraces, recognized as both a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System and a World Heritage Irrigation Structure, are the product of the collective labor of the Miao, Yao, Dong, Han, and other ethnic groups throughout history. These terraces are a historical testament to the merging of mountain hunting cultures with rice farming cultures.

Looking ahead, Loudi City will further strengthen the protection of agricultural cultural heritage, promote cultural inheritance, and foster the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism. Through these efforts, it aims to provide concrete examples of "authentic protection, living use, and industrial integration" for the world.

Editor: Zhang Zhou
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 its members rejected a contract that would have raised pay 25% over four years, then voted 94.6% to reject the contract and voted 96% to strike. A two-thirds vote among 33,000 workers was needed to strike.

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.

Most of its union factory workers are in the Seattle area, but Boeing has 1,200 union machinists at facilities in Oregon.

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 warned machinists that a strike vote would put Boeings recovery in jeopardy and raise more doubt about the company in the eyes of its airline customers.

Workers were in no mood to listen.

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, 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, and a smattering of other locations.

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.
The federal government on Thursday filed a civil lawsuit against Robert Pamplin Jr. and the Pamplin Corp. and alleged years of pension fund abuse.

The lawsuit, filed by the U.S. Department of Labor, claims Pamplin and Pamplin Corp. engaged in nearly a hundred transactions, involving more than 25 pieces of real estate over six years, that violated pension laws.
Portland police are investigating the suspected fentanyl-related death of a 2-year-old girl Thursday afternoon and are looking for her mother who left their home as the medical call was occurring.

The call came in at 2:30 p.m. and Portland firefighters who were first on the scene found the girl suffering from cardiac arrest at a manufactured home in the Fox Run complex at 9000 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, according to police and witnesses.
Sheriffs deputies arrested a Washington man on Wednesday after he allegedly shot a woman in the face with a rifle while she slept in her pickup truck, officials said.

Blake Reed, 33, is accused of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree burglary and theft of a firearm, the Clark County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.
Pok Pok closed in 2020 after a 15-year run on Southeast Division Street, multiple cookbooks and expansions to New York and Los Angeles. Chef Andy Ricker now lives in Thailand full time.The Oregonian

Note: This article is a republication of Michael Russells weekly The Best Thing I Ate This Week newsletter, which comes out at noon every Friday and is exclusive to subscribers of The Oregonian/OregonLive. Get details on how to sign up at the end of this article.
Federal judge Ann Aiken on Thursday formally approved a settlement agreement to reform Oregons foster system, ending a five-year legal battle between the state and attorneys representing foster youth who say they were abused, neglected and otherwise woefully underserved while in the custody of the state.

After hearing directly from some of those youth Thursday, Aiken signed off on a deal struck between attorneys for the Oregon Department of Human Services and nonprofit advocacy groups A Better Childhood and Disability Rights Oregon. But first she strongly condemned the time and money wasted in a drawn-out case that she said was over-lawyered beyond belief.
Stop by Mamaka bowls on Friday, September 13th. Help us raise money by mentioning "Oklahoma Equestrian" when ordering!

Hosted by: OU Equestrian Club

Additional Information can be found at: https://ou.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10361149
If you've read this far, you are as invested in this city and campus as we are. That's why we are asking you to invest in us.

Since 1916, the Daily has served the Norman and OU communities with free independent journalism, with all decisions made locally with no administrative, governmental or corporate influence. We provide Norman with the city's largest reporting staff, drawn from one of the nation's top journalism colleges. Our coverage is routinely honored at state and national levels. And we're advised by a veteran professional staff with a mission to help us build on our legacy as a launching pad for media professionals.

OU students pay about $14 in annual fees that help support the Daily. If you find value in our work and are not a student, please consider matching or exceeding that with a one-time or recurring donation. In an era when subscriptions to paywalled news organizations routinely exceed $100 annually, grassroots support from readers like you can collectively make a transformative difference in our organization.
Kruger Investing $32.4 Million in Modernization Project at Kamloops Pulp Mill

Sept. 12, 2024 - Kruger today announced a $32.4 million investment at its Kamloops Pulp Mill in British Columbia, Canada, to implement innovative technology to diversify its product portfolio and expand into fast growing markets.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia are contributing $5 million each to this project through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program (Canada) and the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund.

"We are very grateful for the financial support from the IFIT program and the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund," said Irene Preto, General Manager, Kruger Kamloops.

According to Kruger, Kamloops' new pulp washing system will enhance the plant's effectiveness and significantly reduce inorganic material and talc in the finished product. The process will also result in a notable reduction in bleaching chemical usage.

This technology will be combined with advanced controls and AI-based capabilities to ensure that the pulp consistently meets the most stringent requirements for specialty products that require ultraclean pulp.

"We're especially excited to implement an innovative technology that will optimize our manufacturing processes, improve our environmental footprint, and reinforce Kruger's position as a competitive supplier of high-quality, ethically sourced and sustainably sound specialty pulp," Preto said.

Slated for completion in 2026, the project will enable Kruger Kamloops to ramp up production of ultra-clean pulp from 43,000 MT in its first year up to more than 115,000 MT annually in its third year and beyond.

Kruger acquired the Kamloops Mill from Domtar in June 2022.

Founded in Montreal in 1904, Kruger Inc. is a major provider of tissue products, 100% recycled containerboard, corrugated packaging, pulp and paper products, renewable energy and cellulosic biomaterials.

SOURCE: Kruger Inc.
Jeffrey Mark Bradshaw and Steve Densley created the following report of upcoming Interpreter Foundation events  above and beyond the Foundations weekly publication of articles and its weekly two-hour Interpreter Radio Show  for this afternoons iteration of the regular monthly virtual meeting that the leaders of the various organizations hold to coordinate matters between FAIR, Interpreter, Scripture Central, and the B. H. Roberts Foundation. I added a little bit to the report. Please recall that, according to some very reliable anonymous external evaluations, the Interpreter Foundation is basically dead and irrelevant:

25 September 2024, at 7 PM. FREE Behind the Scenes with Cast FIRESIDE. SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S State St, Orem, UT. This event is ticketed, but tickets are free. Click the eventbrite link here to get yours now!

Interpreter Foundation Mesoamerica Tour Lecture Series.

18 September: Palenque World Tree, Allen Christenson

25 September: Potential Volcanic Activity Related to Events in the Book of Mormon, Benjamin Jordan

Past lectures can be viewed here.

26 September. Sneak peek early screenings of Six Days in August in Cinemark theaters in Ogden, Provo, West Jordan, American Fork, Salt Lake City, Sandy, Orem, Draper, and Farmington.

28 September 2024 Temple on Mount Zion (TMZ) Conference: Seership, Craftsmanship, and Fellowship, BYU Tanner Building, room 251. Speakers and session chairs: Bowen, Bradley, Bradshaw, Calabro, England, Gimenez Rappleye, Kraus, Olsen, Rappleye, Ricks, Schmidt, Smith, Thompson. See https://interpreterfoundation.org/conferences/2024-temple-on-mount-zion-conference/ Co-sponsored by BYU Dept of Humanities, Scripture Central, and Fair. Grateful to Scripture Central and Fair for help with publicity and to Scripture Central for help with video production.

October 2024: Release of two video features on the life of George L. Mitton. For information on his recent book: Joseph Smith and Our Preparation for the Lords Final Judgment, see https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/joseph-smith-and-our-preparation-for-the-lords-final-judgment/

October 2024: Availability of proceedings of TMZ 2022: Plates, Patterns, and Patriarchs. Speakers: Griggs, Barker, Zinner, Plant, Smoot, Larsen, Bowen, Bradshaw, Stay, Ricks, Calabro, Kraus, Thompson. See https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/the-temple-plates-patterns-patriarchs/.

7 October. Sneak peek early screenings of Six Days in August in Cinemark theaters in Ogden, Provo, West Jordan, American Fork, Salt Lake City, Sandy, Orem, Draper, and Farmington.

9 October (Private), Six Days in August premiere.

10 October, general roll-out of Six Days in August into theaters.

OctoberNovember 2024: Media campaign for Not By Bread Alone (NBBA) video feature on Willy and Lilly Binene and the Saints of Luputa in conjunction with the release of Saints, volume 4, which features their story. For other recent posts and videos in English and French, see https://notbybreadalonefilm.com/ . Thanks to Fair for scheduling a session on NBBA during their recent conference. Thanks in advance to Scripture Central and Fair for their assistance during this upcoming media campaign.

October-November 2024: New collaboration between Interpreter and Scripture Central on French content for their video channel, hosted by Christian Euvrard. See https://www.youtube.com/@AuCentredesEcritures

18 October, Daniel Peterson to record interview with Samuel Wilkinson for future posting.

Interpreter Foundation Mesoamerica Tour Operated by Book of Mormon Tours 22 October 2024  4 November 2024

November 2024: Availability of a book with exciting and inspiring new research findings on last few years of the Prophets life and teachings in time for Come, Follow Me 2025: Joseph Smith: A Life Lived in Crescendo. Contributors: Jensen, Goodman, Gardner, Givens, Baugh, Bradshaw, Faulconer, Thompson, Hales, Cope, Tait, Hawkins, Grow, Bentley, Welch, Addams, Esplin. See https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/joseph-smith-a-life-lived-in-crescendo/

November 2024: Availability of a book chronicling the latest finding in Book of Mormon Old World geography and other evidences: Into Arabia: Anchoring Nephis Account in the Real World. Authors: Aston, Ellis, Rappleye. See https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/into-arabia/

3 May 2025 and 10 May 2025: Major event (on two successive weekends) bringing forth latest scholarship on Genesis 1224 and the Book of Abraham: Conference on Abraham in Scripture, History, and Tradition, including non-Latter-day Saint scholars. Thanks in advance to Scripture Central and Fair for their contributions and publicity for this event. Additional information forthcoming.

This item was just posted today on the never-changing and essentially comatose website of the Interpreter Foundation: Hugh Nibley Observed: Hugh Nibley and Me, written by Don Norton

I was a semi-literate Idaho farm boy, something of a loner, when, in my mid-teens, I discovered Hugh Nibleys late-1940s articles in The Improvement Era. Nibley had answers to questions I had about the Restoration in general and especially the Book of Mormon, a volume which I had only sampled and which was then very little talked about in the Church. I became an avid reader of Nibleys articles in Church periodicals. Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article originally appeared in Hugh Nibley Observed, edited by Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, Shirley S. Ricks, and Stephen T. Whitlock. For more information, go to https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/hugh-nibley-observed/.

I subscribe to a little free service that provides me with a daily sampling of domestic (and some international) links pertaining to the term Mormon. For the past several weeks, my daily feed from that service has been dominated by links about the Hulu miniseries Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Sometimes, every single link in the daily list has pertained to the miniseries.

Perhaps you havent heard about it? Ah, then please permit me to help: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is, umm, about a representative group of devout young Latter-day Saint women and their idealistic quest to challenge oppressive traditional gender stereotypes and overly restrictive taboos in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and to struggle their way to freedom. Or something like that. Right?

Anyway, here is an article by the redoubtable Jacob Hess that, without mentioning Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, is nonetheless relevant to some of the issues raised by the miniseries: The overlooked, fatal flaw of research promoting the benefits of nonmonogamy: A reliance on short-term survey research for highly charged questions like polyamory will always be sorely limited in appraising the full (long-term) truth of a matter

These two stories please me very much:

And I got a kick out of these two:

Posted from Moab, Utah
Why I Cited Protestant Scholars Who Believe that Jesus Thought Peter Himself was the Rock

This is a reply to a portion of a book written in Spanish, entitled, Cual Es La Iglesia Verdadera?: Una Respuesta Evangelica A Las Pretensiones De La Iglesia De Roma [Which Is the True Church?: An Evangelical Response to the Claims of the Church of Rome] (self-published, 5 June 2024): a collection of polemical writings against Catholicism from nine anti-Catholics.

In chapter 3, The Papacy and the History of the Church, by Edgar Trevino, one of my statements was cited and its meaning and intent completely misrepresented in an embarrassing and inexcusable way, in a subsection entitled, Do Protestant Scholars Support the Papacy in Matthew 16:18? The authors goal (typical of anti-Catholics modus operandi) was to make me  and the point I was making here  look ridiculous. In order to try to accomplish that, he had to create a caricature of my actual argument. In actuality, he has proven himself to be ridiculous, and manifested to one and all his inability to comprehend rather simple logic and straightforward reasoning.

Trevinos words will be in blue. I used Google Translate to render the Spanish into English (excepting the citation from my book).

*****

I will concern myself in this article only with the portion that cited me and misrepresented my argument. Its a case study in either 1) deliberate dishonesty in anti-Catholic argumentation, or 2) extraordinary incompetence and shoddy so-called reasoning and research ability in anti-Catholic polemics. Take your pick.

Roman Catholic apologist Dave Armstrong wrote:

Many prominent Protestant scholars and exegetes have agreed that Peter is the rock in Matthew 16:18; these include Alford, Broadus, Keil, Kittel, Cullmann, Albright, Robert McAfee Brown, and, most recently, respected Evangelical commentators R. T. France and D. A. Carson. (citation from my 2003 book, A Biblical Defense of Catholicism, p. 219; see also the entire chapter, available online for free, with the full documentation of the sources)

He did accurately cite me (thank you for small favors). But its his misinterpretation of my argument that is problematic and ludicrous.

And what good does it do Armstrong that these Protestant scholars interpret Peter as the rock of Matthew 16:18? It does him no good, because they do not believe in the papacy, in fact, they say that even if Peter was the rock in Matthew 16:18, that is no basis for the papacy.

Its irrelevant whether they believe in the papacy or not (of course they dont: being Protestant), because that isnt why I cited them. I did precisely because they do not believe in the papacy. Its the argumentative technique of the hostile witness. In other words, the reasoning runs as follows: even several reputable, scholarly Protestants who disbelieve in the papacy agree with a key premise in the Catholic defense of Petrine primacy and the papacy that developed from it: i.e., that Jesus regarded Peter as the Rock in Matthew 16:18, not merely Peters confession or He (Christ) Himself (the two standard views of almost all Protestants these past 500 years).

If one cites a dialogical / theological opponent in agreement regarding one important premise for a notion that he or she disagrees with, that is a very strong argument, with much force. If a Catholic cites other Catholics, the Protestant simply dismisses them as biased and partisan. But if their own Protestant scholars are cited, then they must stand up and take notice, if they are honest and seekers of truth. Protestant scholars, in other words, cant be accused of partisan bias when they agree with some Catholic premise (as opposed to a Catholic belief).

Protestant apologists use the same technique all the time. Ive personally observed this thousands of times, in my 34 years of doing Catholic apologetics. They will cite Catholic scholars in order to oppose some Catholic doctrine or premise of same. But Protestants usually cite liberal, nominal Catholic scholars, who barely even accept all that the Catholic Church teaches. I dont have to do that. I cited solid, respectable Protestant scholars.

I searched the term, Erudito catolico romano [Roman Catholic scholar] in the book, and it appeared 14 times. The various co-authors cited Catholics such as Eamon Duffy, Robert B. Eno, Xabier Pikaza, Pierre Batiffol, [theological liberal] Raymond E. Brown (2), [theological liberal] Richard McBrien, Antonio Royo Marin, Yves Congar, and [orthodox] Ludwig Ott (3).

This is exactly the same sort of reasoning that I utilized. Yet when I do it, Trevino claims that it is irrelevant and ineffective. Well, then, when his co-authors do the same thing, it must be irrelevant and ineffective for them, too. Since he surely would reject that, his clueless pseudo-argument against me collapses, by reductio ad absurdum (theres another form of argument for you), since his own colleagues use the same method.

Armstrong is not proving the papacy in Matthew 16:18 by quoting Protestant scholars.

I never claimed that I was doing that or seeking to do it. I agree! In my book, in the passage cited, I stated, Many prominent Protestant scholars and exegetes have agreed that Peter is the rock in Matthew 16:18 . . . I did not state, or argue, Many prominent Protestant scholars and exegetes have agreed that the papacy is proven by Matthew 16:18. Reading Trevino, one would think that I had stated the latter, not the former. But I was arguing that important Protestant scholars agreed with one particular argument for the papacy that Catholics have made for many centuries.

The first thing one learns in debate club in middle school is to understand ones debate opponents views at least as well as they do themselves. Trevino miserably fails that test. He has no idea what I was even contending for, and seems unfamiliar with a type of argumentation that is very commonly used, and was in the very book he was part of: about a dozen times.

***

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On the contrary, Dave Armstrong also makes the same mistake as other Catholic apologists, by quoting half-baked Protestant scholars who say that Peter is the rock in Matthew 16:18.

This is where Trevino makes an even bigger fool of himself. He not only astonishingly misrepresents what I was arguing, but then goes on to insult the Protestant scholars that I cited; thus proving how unaware he is even of his own broad theological heritage and Protestant tradition. I was already familiar with most of them as a Protestant (prior to 1990). Let me do a brief survey of them, for his sake, and that of any other Protestants who believe that I cited half-baked Protestant scholars to make my argument (information mostly from Wikipedia articles):

Henry Alford (1810-1871) was an English Anglican churchman, theologian, textual critic, scholar, poet, hymnodist, and writer. His chief fame rests on his monumental edition of the New Testament in Greek (8 vols.), written from 1841 to 1861 [see volumes one, two, three, four]. In this work he first brought before English students a careful collation of the readings of the chief manuscripts and the researches of the ripest continental scholarship of his day. Philological rather than theological in character, it marked an epochal change from the old homiletic commentary, and through more recent research, patristic and papyral, largely changed the method of New Testament exegesis. See many of his other works as well.

John Albert Broadus (1827-1895) was an American Baptist pastor and President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His many writings include Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, A Harmony of the Gospels in the Revised Version, and Commentary on the Gospel of Mark (see many more). Charles Spurgeon called Broadus the greatest of living preachers. Church historian Albert Henry Newman called Broadus perhaps the greatest preacher the Baptists have produced.

Carl Friedrich Keil (1807-1888) was a conservative German Lutheran Old Testament commentator. Keil was appointed to the theological faculty of Dorpat in Estonia where he taught Bible, New Testament exegesis, and Oriental languages. Keil was a conservative critic who reacted strongly against the scientific biblical criticism of his day. He strongly supported Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch. He maintained the validity of the historico-critical investigation of the Bible only if it proved the existence of New Testament revelation in the Scriptures. To this aim he edited (with Franz Delitzsch) his principal work, a commentary on the Bible, Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament, 5 vols., 187277; available online). The work remains his most enduring contribution to biblical studies.

Gerhard Kittel (1888-1948), Lutheran author, with Gerhard Friedrich, of the

Oscar Cullmann (1902-1999) was a French Lutheran theologian and ecumenist. In 1930, he was awarded a full professorship of New Testament. From 1936, he also taught the history of the early church. In 1938, he began teaching both subjects at Basel Reformed Seminary. In 1948 Cullmann accepted a position teaching theology in Paris at the Sorbonne while he continued at Basel. See his many writings.

William Foxwell Albright (1891-1971), a Methodist, was an American archaeologist, biblical scholar, and philologist. He is considered one of the twentieth centurys most influential American biblical scholars, having become known to the public in 1948 for his role in the authentication of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Albright was a leading theorist and practitioner of biblical archaeology, and is regarded as the founder of the biblical archaeology movement. He served as the W. W. Spence Professor of Semitic Languages at Johns Hopkins University from 1930 to 1958 and was the Director of the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem for several terms between 1922 and 1936. Albrights work has had a lasting impact on the understanding of ancient Near Eastern history and the historicity of the Bible. See his many works.

Robert McAfee Brown (19202001) was an American Presbyterian minister, theologian, and ecumenist. He studied at the University of Oxford before completing a doctorate in the philosophy of religion at Columbia University in 1951. He was appointed as Professor of Religion at Stanford University in 1962. See his many books.

Richard Thomas (R. T.) France (19382012) was a New Testament scholar and evangelical Anglican cleric. He was Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, from 1989 to 1995. He also worked for the London School of Theology. He was known as one of the best exegetes and commentators on the New Testament. See his many commentaries.

Donald Arthur (D. A.) Carson (born December 21, 1946) is a Canadian evangelical theologian. He is a Distinguished Emeritus Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and president and co-founder of the Gospel Coalition. He has written or edited about sixty books (or more) and served as president of the Evangelical Theological Society in 2022. Carson has been described as doing the most seminal New Testament work by contemporary evangelicals and as one of the last great Renaissance men in evangelical biblical scholarship. He has written on a wide range of topics including New Testament, hermeneutics, biblical theology, the Greek New Testament, the use of the Old Testament in the New, and more. He obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament from the University of Cambridge in 1975. He has authored and edited over 60 books.

And these were just scholars that I had mentioned in this regard 28 years ago, in my first book, completed in 1996. Since then, I have found at least twenty more prominent Protestant exegetes and reference works (making it a total of 29) who also held that Peter himself (not his confession) was the Rock:

New Bible Dictionary, Word Studies in the New Testament (Marvin Vincent), Wycliffe Bible Commentary, New Bible Commentary, Eerdmans Bible Commentary, Herman N. Ridderbos, Albert Barnes, David Hill, M. Eugene Boring, William Hendriksen, Peakes Commentary, Gerhard Maier, J. Knox Chamblin, Craig L. Blomberg, William E. McCumber, Donald A. Hagner, Philip Schaff, Langes Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: The Gospel According to Matthew, vol. 8, The Laymans Bible Commentary, Encyclopaedia Britannica (1985; article by D. W. OConnor, a Protestant), and Richard Baumann. For much more on this, see my article, Peter the Rock: Only a Catholic View? (vs. James White) [Includes Documentation of 14 Church Fathers Who Thought Peter Was the Rock] [5-11-24].

Now, if Trevino  in his infinite knowledge of Protestant scholarship  wishes to contend that all of these scholars and reputable reference works are also half-baked he is free, of course, to do so, but it will obliterate any shred of intellectual credibility he still has left. I think he should admit that he has no idea what he is talking about and instantly retire from pretending to engage in Protestant apologetics, in order to save himself from future embarrassing refutations such as this one. I feel bad for my Protestant brothers and sisters! Trevino  like anti-Catholics generally speaking  doesnt represent the thought of serious Protestant exegetes and scholars.

Armstrong does not cite the conclusions of the Protestant scholars he cites, and they are very important, because their conclusions contradict what Armstrong believes about Matthew 16:18 and the papacy, and the interpretation of Peter being the rock according to what these Protestant scholars say about Matthew 16:18. These Protestant scholars do not connect Matthew 16:18 with the belief of the papacy (Armstrong does).

As explained, this is completely irrelevant to my argument (what is known in logic as a non sequitur). Its understood and assumed going in that they reject the papacy and papal ecclesiology, by definition (as Protestants).

It is like trying to go 100 kilometers in a car that has little gasoline, and can only go 50 kilometers. Armstrong falls into the non sequitur fallacy, the conclusion does not follow from the premise.

*

This is sheer nonsense, since Trevino never even understood the nature of my argument in the first place, and so has been engaging in straw man tactics and caricature. Again (repetition being a good teacher), I wasnt seeking to prove that they believed in the papacy itself, but rather, that they believed in an important premise of Catholic argumentation for the papacy: that Jesus regarded Peter Himself as the Rock upon which He would build His Church. To Catholic ears that is very papal indeed, however Protestants conceptualize it.

* And many Protestants have made profound statements about the degree of Peters authority , too, based on Jesus having given him the keys of the kingdom. The argument for Petrine primacy and the papacy, based on the Bible, is a cumulative one, as I have often noted: made up of many strands that we believe all point in the direction of the papacy as a divinely instituted office in the Church. I wrote over 22 years ago, for example:

The case for the papacy is a cumulative argument. As such, showing that the consensus today is that Peter was the Rock is one aspect of that. It isnt the whole ball of wax. We also show what was meant by having the keys of the kingdom, etc. We support our positions one-by-one and then conclude that the evidence is strong. (2-26-02)

It is a cumulative argument. One doesnt expect that all individual pieces of such an argument are airtight or conclusive in and of themselves, in isolation, by the nature of the case. I certainly dont do so. . . . all the various evidences become strong only as they are considered together (like many weak strands of twine which become a strong rope when they are woven together). . . . all the various evidences become strong only as they are considered together (like many weak strands of twine which become a strong rope when they are woven together). (3-14-02)

*

When Roman Catholic apologists cite lists of Protestant scholars who say that Peter is the rock it does not prove their point, because these Protestant scholars do not believe in the Roman Catholic interpretation. To give the appearance that these Protestants support the Roman Catholic interpretation is either a failure to read the citations or intentionally omitting the full citations of these Protestant scholars and their interpretation of Matthew 16:18.

*

Merely repeating lies or falsehoods make them no more true or less false than they were the first time they were brought up. All Trevino does is spew out this stupid, clueless reply over and over; never understanding the nature of my argument. Its astonishing to behold, and should be embarrassing and scandalous to all who read it. These Protestant scholars are following the interpretation (i.e., in terms of Peter being the Rock, not a pope) of at least 14 Church fathers that I have found:

*

Tertullian, writing around 200-220, stated that Peter . . . is called the Rock whereon the Church was to be built (Prescription against Heretics, 22). Origen writing around 230-250, called Peter that great foundation of the Church, and most solid rock, upon which Christ founded the Church (In Exod. Hom. v. n. 4, tom. ii) and Upon him (Peter) . . . the Church was founded (In Epist. ad Rom. lib. v. c. 10, tom. iv) and Peter upon whom is built Christs Church (T. iv. In Joan. Tom. v.). St. Cyprian, c. 246, wrote about Peter, upon whom by the same Lord the Church had been built (Epistle 54 to Cornelius, 7). Firmilian, c. 254, wrote about one Church, which was once first established by Christ on a Rock (Inter Ep. S. Cyp. Ep. lxxv). Aphraates (c. 336) stated that the Lord . . . set him up as the foundation, called him the rock and structure of the Church (Homily 7:15, De Paenitentibus). St. Ephraem (c. 350-370) called Peter the foundation of the holy Church (Homilies 4:1). St. Hilary of Poitiers in 360 held that Peter was the foundation-stone of the Church (On the Trinity, Bk. VI, 20). St. Gregory of Nazianzen (370) stated that Peter is entrusted with the Foundations of the Church (T. i. or. xxxii. n. 18). St. Gregory of Nyssa (371) wrote that Peter was the Head of the Apostles . . . (upon him) is the Church of God firmly established. . . . that unbroken and most firm Rock upon which the Lord built His Church (Alt. Or. De S. Steph.). St. Basil the Great (371) stated that Peter received on himself the building of the Church (Adversus Eunomius 2:4). St. Epiphanius (c. 385): upon which (Rock) the Church is in every way built . . . Foundation of the house of God (Adv. Haeres.). St. Ambrose (c. 385-389): whom when He styles a Rock, He pointed out the Foundation of the Church (T. ii. l. iv. De Fide, c. v. n. 56). St. John Chrysostom (c. 387): Head or Crown of the Apostles, the First in the Church . . . that unbroken Rock, that firm Foundation, the Great Apostle, the First of the disciples (T. ii. Hom. iii. de Paenit. n. 4). St. Jerome (385): Peter, upon whom the Lord has founded the Church (Letters 41, 2).

Photo credit: cover of the Spanish-language book, Cual Es La Iglesia Verdadera?: Una Respuesta Evangelica A Las Pretensiones De La Iglesia De Roma from its Amazon page. Copyright by ibukku, LLC (June 5, 2024).

Summary: Edgar Trevino, in Which Is the True Church?: An Evangelical Response to the Claims of the Church of Rome (2024), utterly misrepresents my argument about Peter the Rock.
A delegation from ace African conglomerate, Jospong Group of companies has participated in the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing, China.



The Jospong delegation was led by the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong.



The summit brought together top African and Chinese leaders and provided an exceptional platform for the Jospong Group to deepen its collaborative efforts with Chinese companies, focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, and technological advancements.



The Jospong Delegation was alongside the Ghana Governments delegation led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. They engaged in bilateral discussions with the Government of China and several Chinese private-sector players.



According to the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, the discussions aimed to explore new opportunities and strengthen existing relationships, with a focus on projects that will contribute significantly to Ghanas economic development and promote a shared future in the new era.



As a Group we have been trading with China for over two decades and we deemed it necessary to use this platform to build new relationships and deepen existing ones, Dr. Agyepong said, adding, "Our participation in the FOCAC Summit underscores our commitment to leveraging international partnerships to drive sustainable development in Ghana,"



Key areas of interest discussed during the summit included the development of infrastructure projects, the enhancement of agricultural value chains, and the introduction of innovative technologies to improve efficiency in various sectors of the Ghanaian economy.



The Jospong Groups commitment to these sectors aligns with Ghanas broader economic goals, he explained further.



Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong who also spoke during the plenary session of the summit highlighted the long-standing relationship the Group has with Chinese partners and companies and invited potential companies and investors to partner with the Jospong Group.



He also threw light on the critical role of private-sector partnerships in achieving long-term economic stability and growth in Africa.



The FOCAC Summit takes place every three years and serves as a critical forum for strengthening Sino-African relations, with a focus on enhancing mutual development through economic, political, and cultural cooperation.



The 2024 summit in Beijing attracted high-level delegations from across Africa and China, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving shared prosperity.



As part of engagements of the Jospong Group at FOCAC, the Group also hosted an exhibition on the sidelines of the Ghana-China Investment Summit at the Four Seasons Hotel in Futian-Shenzhen.



The Jospong Group of Companies is the most diversified conglomerate in Ghana.



It has over 60 subsidiaries and operates in 16 sectors of the economy. These include operations in Waste management and processing, oil and Gas, Information Communication Technology, Manufacturing and Logistics, Vehicles, earthmoving equipment, Banking and Insurance among others.



"China has been a key partner in our growth journey for over 20 years, and we are excited about the new avenues of cooperation that this summit has opened," Dr. Agyepong added.







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Renowned Ghanaian content creator and popular YouTube personality, Kwadwo Sheldon says his experience when he visited Achimota Retail Centre, popularly known as Achimota Mall, was exceptional and would be hard to forget.



The value proposition here (at Achimota Retail Centre) is simply unbelievableand I can say that it is not matched by any of the shopping centres I have visited in Accra, Sheldon said in an interview after an exciting two-hour shopping stint at the mall.



Kwadwo Sheldon said he had never experienced so much superior customer care as it was displayed to him as he pranced from one shop to another, buying a few fancy items, checking on prices, and interacting with shop attendants at Achimota Retail Centre last Saturday.



Every shop had its own special friendly way of receiving customers..and they gave you that even when you wouldnt buy anything. I dont think it had anything to do with me Kwadwo Sheldon at all, because while I was in those shops, other people strolled in and received the same warm and hospitable handling from the attendants and shop supervisors. I was touched by that, the YouTube icon said at the end of his tour of the Centre.



The prices are so cool and competitive compared to other shopping malls. Even heavy-duty items like fridges and washing machines of the same brand cost much less at this mall than I find in shops elsewhere.



Look, I bought a top-grade air pod from Telefonika and a pair of sportswear from LC Waikiki and I was shocked to realise that they cost far less than how much I paid for the very same items at another mall I visited earlier. In addition, many of the shops here readily offer deals and discounts for their customers, Sheldon said.



According to Sheldon, three observations about Achimota Mall that caught his fancy are the highly competitive prizes of goods on offer, the exceptionally capacious and secured car park, and the fact that ARC seemed to be designed in such a way that no matter the volume of human traffic, the shops and walkways never seem to be overcrowded.



I am also fascinated by the layout of their food court. There are so many varieties of food vendors; they are all very tidy and are manned by friendly staff. I visited quite a number of themI ate at Basilissa and, I love Jollof rice so I bought myself a meal of Jollof at one of the food stores, said an excited Sheldon.



The twenty-nine-year-old Kwadwo Sheldon, who, in 2020 and 2021 was featured among Avance Medias 50 Most Influential Young Ghanaians for his work in media, was the first on a guest list of three seasoned personalities billed for visits to the Achimota Retail Centre. The accomplished Skit Comedian SDK Dele and Radio and TV personality, A.J. Sarpong (Nana Adjoa Akuoko-Sarpong), will visit the Centre on September 14 and 28 respectively.



Achimota Retail Centre is Accras most popular open mall, with one of the capitals most secured and spacious parking lots with a capacity for 585 cars, of which 250 slots are undercover in its basement.



The mall is home to a wide range of international and Ghanaian brands, with offerings in different retail categories, including fashion and clothing, electronics, grocery, health and wellness, banking, a childrens games arcade, and a range of alluring delicatessen and eateries.



The Centre is located at Dome, off the Accra-Nsawam highway. It provides modern, retail shopping services and quality recreation to catchment communities like Achimota, Dome, Tantra Hills, Taifa, Kwabenya, Ashongman, and the entire north-eastern quarter of the capital.

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A 37-year-old CCTV camera installer has been dragged before the Kwabenya Circuit Court for destroying the busts mounted in honour of the Big Six at the Airport Roundabout in Accra.



Newell Gavu aka Osobioto was captured in a video destroying the historical monument on August 31, 2024 for no apparent reason.



Court documents indicate that he confessed during police interrogation that he destroyed the monument because he was directed by a spirit in his dream to destroy the statues.



The court presided over by Mawusi Bedjra did not take the accused persons plea but instead, ordered the police to take him to the psychiatric hospital for evaluation and a medical report issued on his condition.



He has been charged with one count of causing unlawful damage, contrary to Section 172 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).



Prosecutions brief facts presented by Chief Inspector Gershon Achondo named the complainant as Akorli Henry Jnr., a security officer at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), the one who saw the accused destroying the statues and subsequently caused his arrest.



The brief facts stated that the accused during interrogation gave inconsistent statements to the police before finally indicating that he was directed by a spirit in his dream to cause the destruction.



It said further investigation revealed that about four years ago, Newell Gavu began exhibiting some abnormal behaviours and his uncle, Winnard Kwesi Gavu, a 70-year-old retired church accountant, took the accused person to Pantang Hospital where he was treated and discharged and put on medication.



That at a point in time, the accused person stopped taking his medications, burnt all his hospital cards and threw all his medication away and left the house, the court documents indicated.



It continued that the Police visited Pantang Hospital for information about the accused person, but the authorities told the police that, the Hospital had migrated from their old system of record keeping to a digital system, hence they will need time to check from the old records to give any information to the police.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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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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The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has engaged representatives from its 13- Constituent Bodies to discuss how to strengthen efforts to deepen public accountability in the management and use of the countrys petroleum revenues at its Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Accra.



PIAC, a statutory body tasked with additional public oversight responsibility to support the work of Parliament over the collection, allocation, and utilisation of Ghanas petroleum revenues, provides the platform at its yearly (AGA) for its constituent bodies to discuss best practices and reforms in the management and use of the countrys petroleum revenues.



Dominating discussions at the meeting held on Wednesday, 4thSeptember was the need for PIAC and its 13- Constituent bodies to strengthen the transition from transparency to accountability, and how to rally citizens to support PIACs advocacy efforts.



Speaking at the meeting, the Chairperson of PIAC, Emerita Professor Elizabeth Ardayfio-Schandorf, said the Committee recognises the need to collaborate with its Constituent bodies to be able to effectively disseminate its work to citizens, so they are informed to demand accountability in the use of petroleum revenues.



PIAC, she noted, remained committed to upholding the tenets of transparency and accountability to ensure that revenues are utilised efficiently for the benefit of all citizens.



The Annual General Assembly



PIACs AGA assembles representatives from all the 13 constituent bodies. It provides a platform for the Committee to inform constituents on the work of PIAC, explore collaborative options, and solicit feedback on ways of improving PIACs work.



PIAC and its Constituent bodies



The membership of PIAC is drawn from 13 constituent bodies, generally representing the Ghanaian society. This comprises professional institutions, pressure groups, religious bodies, and traditional groups. The institutions areIndependent Policy Research Think Tanks, Civil-Society Organisations and Community-based Organisations, Trade Union Congress, National House of Chiefs, Association of Queen Mothers, and the Association of Ghana Industries and Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The rest are Ghana Journalists Association, Ghana Bar Association, Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Christian Groups, Muslim Groups, and Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.



The Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA), 2011defines the tenure of each constituent body, each of which nominates a member for a period which is either a fixed three (3)-year tenure, or a two (2)-year tenure renewable for another term only.



Highlights of 2023 PIAC Annual Report



The PIAC Chair presented the highlights of the 2023 PIAC Annual Report. She touched on crude oil and gas production, accrued petroleum receipts, allocations and distributions from the Petroleum Holding Fund (PHF).



She noted that crude oil production saw a decrease of 6.78 per cent in 2023, the fourth consecutive year of reduction in annual production volumes since 2010, attributable to a lack of investment in discovering new fields and the natural ageing of existing fields.



She also presented findings and recommendations by the Committee in the Report.



Feedback from Constituents



As part of the meeting, opportunity was given to representatives of the various constituent bodies to give feedback to PIAC and to explore ways in which there can be stronger collaboration to fulfill the mandate of the Committee.



Among others, the representatives highlighted the need for PIAC to keenly monitor the ongoing review of the PRMA to ensure that it is further strengthened with enforcement mandate to be able to implement its recommendations.



The need for more public education to carry citizens along in the work of PIAC was also raised. This could be done though an improved dissemination of PIAC Reports and its activities, more improved collaboration with the media.



Ultimately, the Constituent Bodies want to see a PIAC more strategised to operationalise the spirit and letter of the PRMA to ensure there is increased transparency and also getting duty bearers to be more accountable.

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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.

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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The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of mining, George Mireku Duker has clapped back at Organized Labour for their call to ban mining activities in Ghana following the increasing rate of illegal mining activities.



According to him, their call cannot be taken.



Organized Labour has added their voice to the increasing calls from groups and individuals to ban mining activities by the government and even threatened to go on strike if the government fails to heed to their call.



However, the Tarkwa Nsuaem Legislator, George Mireku Duker has said Organized Labours call to ban mining is misdirected and cannot be taken.



Speaking at the commissioning of a community mining at Meretweso in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, George Mireku Duker questioned the role and concerns by Organized Labour when former President John Mahama promised illegal miners of their support when voted into power.



"I believe the NDC is behind the numerous calls to ban mining," he added



He said the Akufo-Addo led administration has put number of measures in place to fight galamsey by introducing operation vanguard where security forces were deployed to protect water bodies and forest reserves.



Government cannot ban mining because of illegal mining but is committed to put pragmatic measures in place to ensure water resources and forest reserves are protected from these illegal activities.



"Do we ban animal farming whenever there is an outbreak of swine flu or any animal related diseases? No, We just put down measures to mitigate or eliminate them. Same thing is been applied to mining," he added.



Hon. Mireku Duker said the concerns raised by Organized Labour is genuine due to the negative impact on water bodies and environment.



However, banning mining is not the solution and is therefore calling on all Ghanaians to come together and support the government in the fight against galamsey.

Source: Prince Kwadwo Boadu/Hello FM









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The Acting Director of Operations for the National Ambulance Service (NAS), Dr. Foster Ansong Bridjan says the service is facing a significant challenge with prank calls, which is hindering its ability to provide adequate prehospital services.



According to him, the service received over 10,000 prank calls last year, a number expected to rise this year.



These calls can divert ambulances and emergency responders away from genuine emergencies, leading to delayed responses and potentially life-threatening consequences, he stated.



He told DAILY GUIDE in an interview that prank calls are a serious issue, with some days seeing 100 times more prank calls than real calls.



Dr. Bridjan appealed to the public to refrain from making such calls, as they take a toll on the services ability to provide prehospital care.



The recent tragic passing of Edward Borketey Sackey, an 18-year-old student, highlighted the need for first aid knowledge, Dr. Bridjan said and sympathized with the family, while calling for intensified nationwide awareness creation on basic life support techniques.



He indicated that the NAS had started advocating for basic life support skills in schools and entreated the Ghana Education Service to include these skills in their curriculum.



Dr. Bridjan made these remarks during the Health Screening and Public Education program, which commemorated the NASs 20th anniversary.



The programme, held at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), offered free health screenings to over 300 people, including tests for blood sugar, hepatitis B, blood pressure, and body mass index.



The Director of Television (GBC), Akushika Acquaye, expressed gratitude to the NAS for the health screening exercise, noting its importance in alerting staff to their health status.

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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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







































































Source: Peacefmonline









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 (EC) has questioned the call for a forensic audit of the Voters Register as proposed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), pointing out that an "exhibition offers an avenue for the auditing of the Register".



According to the EC, the Exhibition "unearths discrepancies and allows for prescribed legal processes to correct the discrepancies."



The NDC, about a fortnight ago, demanded a forensic audit of the voters register, stating it is fraught with irregularities.



Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, Dr. Edward Omane-Boamah, was emphatic that without a forensic audit or parliamentary investigation of the register, it "remains incurably defective".



He cited irregularities in the register during the voters exhibition exercise which ended on August 27, 2024, to back his assertions, and maintained it is "not fit for purpose".



It is the position of the largest opposition party that the voters register in its current state has "deliberately been tampered with"; hence, their call for an independent forensic audit.



"Fellow Ghanaians, Without a forensic audit or parliamentary investigation of the voters register, the register remains incurably defective .... Without a forensic audit or thorough parliamentary investigation of the EC's voters register, the register will remain incurably defective. Forget about adjudication!!! It's obvious the register has deliberately been tampered with! ..... The exhibition exercise has revealed avoidable problems, which, if not resolved, can jeopardize the outcome of the 2024 elections," he posted on Facebook.



But the Commission wondered which body will be required to "fix the discrepancies in the register" in the aftermath of the forensic audit.



Assuring the General Public and all Stakeholders, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), of its commitment to providing a robust and credible Voters Register that will guarantee free, fair, transparent and credible General Election in December 2024, the EC revealed that all identified errors with the Provisional Voters Register are being corrected.



Additionally, it said, they will soon address the Public on steps being taken before the Final Certified Register is released for the 2024 Elections.



The EC gave this assurance during a press conference in Accra on Thursday, 12th September, 2024.



Addressing the media, Deputy Chairman, Operations, Mr. Samuel Tettey highlighted the auditing function of the Exhibition of the register:



The Commission wishes to inform the General Public that, the Voters Exhibition Exercise in itself is an audit. The Exhibition offers an avenue for the auditing of the Register. It unearths discrepancies and allows for prescribed legal processes to correct the discrepancies. Perhaps this is the first time the NDC has taken interest in the Register; otherwise one would have expected them to call for such an audit of the 2016 Register which contained photos of plants and animals representing Voters. It is important to note that, contrary to what is being alluded, since 1992 the Voters Register has never been audited.



The Exhibition Exercise enables citizens to verify their details and allows for the unearthing of discrepancies in the register. Additionally, it provides for the correction of discrepancies in the Register. This is not new. This has been the practice since 1992. The process of cleaning and strengthening the Voters Register is well defined by law.



We have also noted comments by the NDC to the effect that the very doctor that created the problem should not be the doctor that will resolve the problem. The EC must agree for an independent body to audit them. The EC holds a contrary view to the position held by the NDC. We reiterate that it is the EC that is clothed with the responsibility and capacity to address discrepancies in the Provisional Voters Register. The Commission has been doing this since 1992. It has the experience to do this and does not require any external organization to do its work.



We reiterate that the Law makes provision for the self-auditing of the Voters Register through the Voters Exhibition Exercise. The Exercise makes available the provisional copy of the Register and allows citizens to verify their details and point out discrepancies with their details. Additionally, the same Law allows for the correction of these discrepancies by the EC at all levels from the field to the districts to the Head Office.



"This is the laid down, tried and tested process and it works. What then is the purpose of the proposed forensic audit? The Commission is of the view that such an audit will add no value whatsoever to the well-defined tried and tested processes documented for the cleaning and strengthening of the provisional voters register.



"The question is, should the forensic audit be conducted, who will fix the discrepancies in the register? The answer is it is the same Commission that will fix the discrepancies and that is what we are doing. It is for this reason that the EC is of the view that the call for a forensic audit is misguided. The Commission believes that, as has been the case in the past, the Exhibition Exercise will contribute to the strengthening of the Voters Register.



The Commission further explained that the law envisaged that discrepancies would arise following a registration exercise and provided remedies for fixing the discrepancies including the following:



Inclusion of omitted names



Objection to names of unqualified voters on the register



Removal of names of deceased voters from the register



Replacement of poor quality or damaged Voter ID Cards



Correction to wrong spelling of names



Correction to wrong registration center codes



 Amendment to other registration details (e.g. age, sex etc.) as a result of clerical error.



Mr. Tetteh concluded by saying, The Commission wishes to state that, almost all the discrepancies identified have to date been corrected. As in 2020, the Commission is committed to providing the country and all Political Parties with a robust and credible Voters Register that will guarantee free, fair, transparent and credible General Election in December 2024. We urge the public to trust the EC to do this again and again.

Source: King Edward Ambrose/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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Pressure group Fixing The Country Movement and Patriotic Troopers in a joint statement says they will hit the streets to demonstrate against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for continuously bastardizing the Electoral Commission (EC).



According to them, there will be a Mass Action on September 17, 2024, against NDC after urging all Ghanaians to join.



They believed the NDC was inciting the masses against the EC with their false claims that the commission was working to rig the December 7, election for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).



In light of the above, Fixing the Country Movement and Patriotic Troopers are organising a counter-demonstration on September 17, to drum home the point that the EC is being targeted by the NDC unfairly and unduly. A portion of their statement said.



Read the full statement below



Notice of Mass Action on September 17, 2024, against NDC bastardization of the EC



---------



Fixing the Country Movement and Patriotic Troopers of Ghana are appalled at the manner the Electoral Commission (EC) has come under attack in recent times.



These attacks emanating from the stables of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) suggest that the EC is on a mission to rig the 2024 general elections in favour of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).



When Johnson Asiedu Nkentiah stood on an NDC campaign platform and called on his partisan followers to go out on the street and demonstrate against the electoral commission on September 17, he was making a mockery of our democracy.



And when the NDC flagbearer, John Mahama reiterated this call by urging his party membership to go and demonstrate at the offices of the EC, he was being disingenuous and dishonourable.



It is quite clear that the call by the NDC for forensic examination of the voter roll is borne out of the partys attempt to bastardize the commission.



Of course, the propaganda machinery of the opposition NDC has devolved into a pointless internecine politics of attrition.



So much that, even the inquisitiveness of our traditional party politics has been circumscribed by the unwarranted presumption that propaganda is the way out.



It is therefore no wonder to have woken up to yet another dose of NDCs mind management tactic of creating a discursive regime of the inevitability of its propagandist politics with this clear attempt to destabilise the EC.



In light of the above, Fixing the Country Movement and Patriotic Troopers are organising a counter-demonstration on September 17, to drum home the point that the EC is being targeted by the NDC unfairly and unduly.



We're by this public statement issuing a notice of public action on the same day that the NDC is organising theirs - we are leading a citizens coalition for mass action to condemn the NDC's Communist tactics.



We also call on peace-loving Ghanaians to join hands with the Fixing the Country Movement and Patriotic Troopers to send a clear message to the NDC that enough is enough.



As trusting citizens, it is our collective responsibility to put the country first and stand up against saboteurs.



It is truly beyond comprehension that the NDC is so poorly led that Mahama can get away with such loose talks and disrespect for our institutions of democracy.



Truly, the NDC has a notoriety for black propaganda and this is one of their antiquated antics. Indeed, this latest propaganda could very well amount to dancing themselves lame in rehearsals for a dancing contest they may not eventually take part in.



The NDC and Mahama remain a clear and present danger to our democracy.



The NDCs desperate bid to grab power using subterfuge is the reason they are targeting the EC.



They have been at it, and it has been ineffective over time, and yet they have failed to learn the right lessons. They have been employing lies and dirty propaganda as well as well-rehearsed jaundiced strategies to win elections but it has always ended in absolute turmoil.

Mahama and his enablers have not changed one bit. Given the chance, they'll roll back decades of progress made on diversity in our political system  and its reflective of the kinds of limited perspectives and experiences they welcome on everyday public conversations.



Let's speak out against Mahama's demonstrated danger to our democracy.



We have to stop this group of ideologues who have nothing to offer this country. Ghanaians must be weary of Mahama and his silly little idealistic weirdos who want to turn this country into a 21st-century Communist State.





Signed:



Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah Bonsu (Convener - Fixing the Country Movement)



Moses Abbor - Convener-

(Patriotic Troopers, Ghana)

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com









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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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From the heart of West Africas bustling music scene emerges a sound that defies borders and unites cultures. Kinjunia, the fast-rising artiste from Accra, is making waves with his unique genre Afrohall, a vibrant fusion of African rhythms and Jamaican Dancehall.



Known for his soulful voice, infectious charisma and unwavering commitment to positive messaging, Kinjunia is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest single Steeze.



Born and raised in the culturally rich city of Accra, Kinjunia has always been immersed in a melting pot of sounds.



His musical journey began with the release of his debut single "Dream" in 2017, a track inspired by his desire to uplift and motivate his friends.



Despite its initial reception, the artistes relentless spirit and belief in his vision kept him moving forward, refining his craft and staying true to his roots.



Kinjunia's innovative style, which he dubs 'Afrohall' or 'Afro-Dancehall', effortlessly blends the pulsating beats of African heritage with the energy and cadence of Jamaican Dancehall, complete with patois elements.



Remarkably, he has mastered this style despite never having set foot on the island of Jamaica, showcasing the universal power of music to transcend geographical boundaries.



Following the initial setbacks in his career, Kinjunia refused to let go of his dreams.



His perseverance paid off with the success of his singles Honey and Okay which showcased his versatility and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level.



Drawing inspiration from acclaimed artistes like Popcaan, Kinjunias music is infused with authenticity, passion and an unshakeable commitment to spreading positivity.



Now, Kinjunia is ready to elevate his artistry even further with the release of Steeze.



This new single is not just a song; it is a celebration of Kinjunia's journey and a testament to his dedication to pushing musical boundaries.



Steeze combines the rhythmic essence of Afrobeat with the bold flair of dancehall, creating a sound that is both refreshing and distinctly Kinjunia.



In Steeze, Kinjunias smooth vocals glide effortlessly over an infectious beat, making it impossible for listeners to stay still.



The tracks vibrant energy is a call to embrace individuality and confidence qualities that Kinjunia embodies both on and off the stage.



With catchy hooks and a beat that demands to be danced to, Steeze is poised to become an anthem for those who dare to stand out.



Kinjunias rise in the music industry is a result of his dedication to authenticity and his unyielding pursuit of artistic integrity.



As he continues to carve out his niche in the Afro-Dancehall landscape, he remains focused on his mission to deliver music that uplifts, inspires and connects people across the globe.



With Steeze, Kinjunia is not only showcasing his talent but also his commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the dancehall music scene.



With Steeze, Kinjunia is taking bold strides towards his goal of making Afrohall a globally recognized genre.



As he gears up for more releases and performances, his fans can expect a wave of music that stays true to his roots while breaking new ground.



Kinjunias journey is a powerful reminder that resilience, creativity and a clear vision can turn dreams into reality.



Steeze is now available on all major streaming platforms.



Fans are encouraged to connect with Kinjunia on social media to stay updated on his latest releases and upcoming performances.



As Kinjunia continues to rise, he invites the world to dance to his beat and to celebrate the power of music that transcends borders.



Link: https://www.boomplay.com/albums/96942048?srModel=COPYLINK&srList=WEB





Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Lyme Haus Limited, a premier creative agency specializing in brand communication, public relations, and multimedia production, proudly announces the employment of Kofi Cephas as their new Accounts Manager (PR & Communications).



With a distinguished career in digital marketing and strategic communication, Kofi is set to make a significant impact in his new role, driving the agencys client relationships and communication strategies forward.



Kofi Cephass professional journey is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field. Before joining Lyme Haus, Kofi made notable strides at GapHealth Technologies, where he began as a Digital Marketing Consultant and later advanced to the role of Marketing Lead.



His tenure at GapHealth was marked by the successful execution of a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement.



Kofis contributions also included representing the company at the esteemed UNICEF Startup Lab and participating in the Deep Learning Indaba 2023, showcasing his commitment to innovation and excellence in digital health.



A New Chapter at Lyme Haus



On March 8th, 2024, Kofi Cephas officially joined Lyme Haus Limited as the Accounts Manager (PR & Communications).



In this capacity, he is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of high-profile clients, including Star Assurance Group, Camfed, and Spektra Global.



Kofis role involves crafting and executing strategic communication plans, enhancing client engagement, and delivering impactful PR campaigns that drive brand visibility and growth.



Kofi brings a wealth of experience to Lyme Haus, having successfully managed various digital and PR initiatives in his previous roles.



His strategic approach to communication and client management is poised to elevate Lyme Hauss service offerings and further strengthen its position as a leader in the creative industry.



About Lyme Haus Limited



Lyme Haus Limited is a leading creative agency based in Ghana, renowned for its expertise in brand communication, public relations, and multimedia production.



The agency excels in developing innovative campaigns, content, and strategies that resonate with audiences and drive results.



With a collaborative team culture and a focus on delivering excellence, Lyme Haus has established itself as a trusted partner for a diverse range of clients across multiple sectors.



Looking Forward



Kofi Cephass employment at Lyme Haus marks an exciting new phase for both Kofi and the agency.



As he takes on the role of Accounts Manager, he is eager to expand the client base, contribute his insights and expertise, and collaborate with the talented team at Lyme Haus to achieve new milestones.

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 large distribution center in Dauphin County is closing.

DHL Supply Chain filed a notice with the Department of Labor & Industry notifying the state that the facility at 2771 N. Market St. in Londonderry Township, near Elizabethtown, is closing and 268 people will be laid off. The facility is about 20 minutes from downtown Harrisburg.

The facility will close on Nov. 10.

DHL Supply Chain operates the facility for Boohoo, an online fashion retailer based in the United Kingdom. It was first announced in 2022 that Boohoo had leased the entire 1.1 million-square-foot facility. Last year, DHL Supply Chain said it was hiring hundreds of people to work at the distribution center.

This week, Boohoo announced it would cease supplying U.S. customers from its distribution center in Pennsylvania and will now fulfill all orders in the United States from its distribution center in the United Kingdom.

The people who will be laid off include two general managers, four operation managers, 16 operation supervisors, 23 group coordinators, 170 fulfillment specialists, 34 clerks, 14 operation support employees and five human resources employees.

DHL Supply Chain provided the following statement to PennLive:

DHL Supply Chain was recently informed of a decision by one of our customers to restructure its distribution channels. As a result, the warehouse facility that supports [its] operations will ramp down operations through the end of the year. In the coming weeks, we will work with our associates to determine opportunities to continue their [careers] as valued team members of DHL Supply Chain.

The Boohoo Group has 13 brands and says it sells clothing, shoes, accessories and beauty items to millions of customers across the globe. The company says its products target 16-40-year-old consumers in the United Kingdom and internationally.

The companys Boohoo brand sells all types of clothing from dresses and jeans to suits and athleisure for women as well as shoes and accessories and beauty items. The brand also sells plus-sized items. The Boohoo Group also has a brand for men called BoohooMan.

Officials from Boohoo couldnt immediately be reached for comment.
By Alfred Lubrano, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

PHILADELPHIA  First, we heard a little-remembered 2021 interview in which Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance criticized prominent Democrats as childless cat ladies. On Tuesday, Taylor Swift endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris by pointing out she lives with felines, not kids.

That was after former President Donald Trump falsely told the world in his debate with Harris on 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  spoke at a Trump-sponsored town hall in Morgantown, Berks County, along with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, also a Republican.

Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, here at a convention on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in California, was in Pennsylvania this week to campaign for former President Donald Trump. (Jose Luis Villegas, The Sacramento Bee, TNS, file)TNS

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.
Story by Carter Walker of Votebeat

This article is made possible through Spotlight PAs collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. Sign up for Votebeats free newsletters here.

An official government online tool designed to help Pennsylvanians find their polling places is riddled with misspellings and other quirks that make it difficult for some voters to use.

The errors  which users encounter when they search for their municipality and street name  affect as many as 85,000 of the states 8.9 million voters, a Votebeat and Spotlight PA analysis found.

The Pennsylvania Department of State said counties enter their own address information into a centralized voter management system that powers the lookup tool, and its their responsibility to fix the problems.

The Department of States Find Your Polling Place tool reflects data that is entered and maintained in the SURE system by the 67 county boards of elections, said Matt Heckel, press secretary for the department. The data entered into the SURE system is not managed by the Department, but rather by the counties.

That explanation is accurate, said one longtime county election official, but its not the whole story. There are many new election directors around the state who may not know about the data entry errors or how to fix them without instruction from the department, this person noted. An interaction with Allegheny County shows that even large counties can benefit from instruction from the department on fixing these issues.

Votebeat and Spotlight PA found over 100 municipality names in 40 counties that were either misspelled or had multiple variations of their spelling. The outlets then used the states voter roll to determine how many people lived in areas affected by the errors as of Aug. 12.

For example, in Blair County, 55 voters lived in a misspelled version of Hollidaysburg; in Mifflin County, the analysis identified 692 voters who lived in either Mount Union or Mt Union.

How the online polling place lookup tool works

To use the online tool, voters first select their county, followed by their city, street name, house number, and ZIP code. Each selection determines what options voters see in the next sections menu. So, when a voter selects their county in the County dropdown menu, the City dropdown menu will display municipalities for only that county. The same is true for street names once a city is selected.

But because of the way the tool is constructed, if a city is misspelled or spelled two different ways, a particular street in that city may be listed under one version of the citys name, but not the other.

So depending on which spelling of their town name a voter chooses, they may not see their street name, and wouldnt be able to go through the steps to find their polling place without backing out and choosing the other spelling.

For example, in Beaver County, there is an Aliquippa and an Aliquippa PA option under the City dropdown menu. Selecting Aliquippa PA shows you the option for Straub Farm Rd under the street dropdown, but no other streets. Selecting Aliquippa would show you the other street names for the municipality, but not Straub Farm Rd.

In Blair County, Hollidaysburg is misspelled H0llidaysburg, with a zero instead of an o.

Many other such variations show up in the tool, such as whether directional words like East and North or the word township in a municipalitys name are spelled out or abbreviated.

The patterns are not consistent, so some voters are affected more than others.

For the two variants on Mount Union in Mifflin County, for example, Train Trail is listed under both, but Jefferson Street is only under the Mt variation. So Jefferson Street voters would be affected, but Train Trail voters wouldnt, as they could find their street under either option.

Meanwhile, dozens of other streets listed under Mount Union arent under Mt Union. So if voters on those streets selected the Mt Union variation, they wouldnt see their street listed.

State ultimately provided guidance to Allegheny County

Juliet Zavon, an Allegheny County voter who in her free time acts as a local election administration watchdog, first noticed the errors in her county while helping a voter in McKeesport  which has three spellings in the tool  find their polling place.

When Zavon tried to look up her street, the tool returned a no results found message.

I took her info and said I would check the next day and get back to her, Zavon said. It didnt work the next day either, and it didnt work the third day either, and I thought: Wait a minute. There is something wrong here.

Zavon eventually discovered the misspellings in her county, but was never able to use the tool to find the voters polling place for them.

This is just plain old sloppy practice and there needs to be standardization for this, she said.

Zavon said she has alerted county and state officials to the issue multiple times over the past few years. Allegheny County officials recently told her they had passed the information needed to correct the errors on to the Department of State, but the department did not address the issue. A spokesperson for the county confirmed Zavons account. (Zavon is also a financial supporter of Votebeat. Find a list of our funders here.)

After Votebeat and Spotlight PAs inquiry, Abigail Gardner, a spokesperson for the county, said the Department of State provided it with instructions on making the corrections, which its doing now.

Forrest Lehman, election director in Lycoming County, which did not have any errors, acknowledged that it is primarily counties responsibility to fix the errors, not least because they know their municipalities best.

He believes that turnover among election officials has left less-experienced directors unaware of these issues or unsure how to fix them. During the previous attempt to upgrade the SURE system, which ended last year when the Department of State canceled its contract with the previous vendor, Lehman said there were initial discussions about the need to clean up data before it moved over to the new system.

But the conversation never progressed. Lehman said it would be best if the department took the lead, directed counties to look for the errors, and provided instructions on how to fix them, as it did with Allegheny.

Heckel, the Department of State spokesperson, also highlighted the departments training program for new directors and said the department is in constant contact with counties to provide advice as they use the SURE system.

But Lehman also cautioned against making any changes now to prevent the risk of introducing other unknown errors just before the election.

Its a big data cleanup challenge, he said, and it has to be done in the valleys between elections.

Note: Pennsylvanias voter roll is a constantly shifting data set. The number of registered voters for a given municipality may shift from day to day. While the numbers cited in this story were accurate as of the time of the analysis, it is possible they have shifted since.

The number of affected voters could vary depending on how the data is interpreted. Voters whose addresses are listed under both the correct and incorrectly spelled version of a town name could be considered affected, as well as voters whose addresses are listed under both versions of a town with a variation such as part of the name being spelled out or abbreviated. With misspellings, Votebeat and Spotlight PAs analysis counted only voters whose addresses were listed under the misspelled version, since these voters were more likely to select the correctly spelled version, and not find their street on that list. For towns with multiple name variations all the voters listed counted as being affected, since they would not know immediately which variation to select. Votebeat and Spotlight PA did not analyze which street names appear under which misspelling/variations, which may also impact the number of people affected.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The father of an 11-year-old boy who was killed in a 2023 school bus crash denounced morally bankrupt politicians for using his sons death for political gain, and begged them to stop using his son as a political tool.

Speaking at a Tuesday night Springfield City Commission meeting, Nathan Clark said he wished the crash that killed his son, Aiden, had been caused by a 60-year-old white man instead of a Haitian immigrant because then the incessant group of hate spewing people would leave us alone.

The last thing we need is to have the worst day of our lives violently and constantly shoved in our faces, Clark said. But even thats not good enough for them - they take it one step further. They make it seem as though our wonderful Aiden appreciates your hate ... And look what youve done to us. We have to get up here and beg them to stop. Using Aiden as a political tool, is to say the least, reprehensible for any political purpose.

According to the Springfield News-Sun, the crash that killed Clark occurred on the first day of school last year when an immigrant from Haiti who did not have a valid drivers license crashed a 2010 Honda Odyssey into a school bus, causing the bus to flip onto its top.

Clark was killed and around two dozen other children were injured. The driver, 36-year-old Hermanio Joseph, was sentenced to a prison term of nine to 13.5 years.

The crash that killed Aiden Clark rippled throughout Ohio last year, reanimating debates about school bus safety.

Gov. Mike DeWine formed a task force charged with finding ways for the state to improve school bus safety, and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown introduced a bill that would force federal regulators to issue new rules requiring seat belts and other safety improvements on school buses.

In a social media statement the same day as Nathan Clarks speech, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Cincinnati, GOP presidential candidate Donald Trumps vice-presidential running mate, said Clark was was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here.

The previous day, a Trump presidential campaign social media account posted a statement that said: 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.

Nathan Clark denounced Vance, Trump and other Republicans for using his sons death for political purposes.

This needs to stop now, said Clark. 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.

A statement from a spokesman for Vance said Kamala Harris should apologize to a group of angel mothers who testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about their children, who were killed by illegal immigrants.

Will she apologize to Tammy Nobles, Alexis Nungaray, or Anne Fundner? said the statement from Vance spokesman Luke Schroeder. They hold her and her open borders policies accountable for the deaths of their children. The Clark family is in Senator Vances prayers.

Clark said his sons death was a tragedy felt throughout the community, and urged those upset about his death against directing their energy towards hate.

In order to live like Aiden, you need to accept everyone, he continued. Choose to shine, make the difference, lead the way and be the inspiration. What many people in this community and state and nation are doing is the opposite of what you should be doing ... Please stop the hate. I said to Aiden that I would try to make a difference in his honor. This is it. Live like Aiden.

Sabrina Eaton writes about the federal government and politics in Washington, D.C., for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
By KAITLYN HUAMANI, The Associated Press

Chad McQueen, an actor known for his performances in the Karate Kid movies and the son of the late actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63.

McQueens attorney and friend Arthur H. Barens confirmed to The Associated Press that he died Wednesday. The cause of death was not disclosed. His wife Jeanie and his children Chase and Madison shared a statement on Instagram Thursday afternoon from McQueens verified account, announcing the news of his death with a heavy heart.

His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication. His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but also served as a way to honor his fathers legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him, the statement reads.

He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well, the statement continued.

The family requested privacy while they remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.

McQueen followed in his fathers footsteps, pursuing both acting and race car driving. He became well-known for his role as Dutch, the antagonist in 1984s The Karate Kid, and its sequel two years later.

While he starred in several films after the hit action franchise, including New York Cop, Squanderers and Red Line, he ultimately engaged more in racing than acting, and he eventually founded McQueen Racing, a company that creates custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories. His son Chase, who also races, and his daughter Madison run the company.

I didnt find acting fun anymore, McQueen told The Associated Press in a 2005 interview. So, I decided to give racing a total commitment.

Actor Steve McQueen relaxes with his son Chad during filming of the movie "Le Mans" on June 24, 1971, in Le Mans, France (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images, file)Getty Images

McQueen raced professionally for years, competing in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona races before he suffered from a series of injuries behind the wheel.

His work with McQueen racing was designed to preserve and continue his fathers legacy. McQueen also produced two documentaries about his father: I Am Steve McQueen and Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.

McQueen was the only son of his father and mother, Neile Toffel. He had one sister, Terry, who died of respiratory failure at age 38 in 1998. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie, and three children, Chase, Madison and Steven, who is an actor best known for The Vampire Diaries.
Lehigh Valley Health Network has agreed to a tentative $65 million settlement with patients who had personal information released over the internet by hackers.

Some of those patients had nude photos posted online, photos characterized by the health network as clinical images of patients during treatment.

The health network says it was the victim of a cyberattack by BlackCat, a ransomware gang associated with Russia. The 2023 data breach affected patients undergoing radiation oncology treatment with a physician practice in Lackawanna County, according to Lehigh Valley Health Network spokesman Brian Downs.

Downs said patients affected by the breach will receive written notice about the settlement.

Philadelphia law firm Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky called the settlement the largest of its kind, on a per-patient basis, in a healthcare data breach-ransomware case.

The firm sued Lehigh Valley Health Network in March 2023 on behalf of 135,000 patients and employees of the health system, more than 600 of whom had their clinical photos posted on the internet, according to the firms news release.

The breach was Jan. 8, 2023, the health network said. Patients had their personal information, medical record numbers, treatment and diagnosis information and health insurance information released. Some had email addresses, banking information, Social Security numbers and photos released.

Downs said Lehigh Valley Health Network refused to make the ransom payment demanded by BlackCat. Instead, the network launched an investigation, alerted patients and notified law enforcement.

Patient, physician, and staff privacy is among our top priorities, and we continue to enhance our defenses to prevent incidents in the future, Downs said.

The lawsuit was filed in Lackawanna County Court.

A Nov. 15 hearing will determine if the settlement should receive final approval, according to the news release. If its approved, attorneys Patrick Howard and Simon Paris estimate the money will be distributed early next year.

Every settlement class member under the agreement will receive $50 to $70,000. Those receiving the maximum had their hacked nude photos published online, the news release says.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
Just a week ago, Linkin Park announced it was in a new era with two new members, new music and very short world tour.

A new album, From Zero, will be released on Nov. 15, 2024. The music and tour are the first since the death of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017.

On Sept. 11 in Los Angeles, California, the band appeared with new members, co-vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain.

The only other concert scheduled currently in the United States will be at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Fans can buy tickets here (prices are as of the time of this publication):

Before Linkin Park, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey were currently undertaking.

Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future  embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life. It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans. We are proud of what Linkin Park has become over the years, and excited about the journey ahead, band member Mike Shinoda said in a news release.

The other tour dates are:

Sept. 22 - Barclays Arena, Hamburg, Germany

Sept. 24 - The O2, London, United Kingdom

Sept. 28 - Inspire Arena, Seoul, South Korea

Nov. 11 - Coliseo Medplus, Bogota, Columbia
By Eric Thayer, Eugene Garcia, Amy Taxin and Olga R. Rodriguez, The Associated Press

RUNNING SPRINGS, Calif.  In the Southern California mountain town of Running Springs, residents live between two scenic lake resorts  a seemingly serene spot but one also caught between the swings of devastating winter snowstorms and menacing summer wildfires.

Niko Rynard is currently evacuated from his home due to the Line Fire, which has charred 58 square miles (150 square km) since the weekend.

About a year and a half ago, the director of the Running Springs Area Chamber of Commerce raced down the mountains during a break in the relentless snowfall his neighbors came to call Snowmageddon. Roads were blocked for days.

The 29-year-old, who moved to the area nine years ago from the East Coast, is now staying with friends nearby but said others are shelling out hundreds of dollars to cram into hotel rooms with relatives and pets until its safe to return.

The blaze is one of three major wildfires that have ravaged the mountains east of Los Angeles, destroying dozens of homes and forcing the evacuations of thousands of people. While California is only now confronting the height of wildfire season, the state already has seen nearly three times as much acreage burn than during all of 2023.

Much of this, Rynard said, comes with the territory and is part of living in a beautiful area that is home to year-round residents and attracts ski enthusiasts and summer tourists. He added that long-time residents have told him the massive wildfires are cyclical, much like the snow.

To add to peoples rattled nerves, Southern California was rocked by a 4.7-magnitude earthquake Thursday morning.

Running Springs is dubbed the gateway to the San Bernardino Mountains and perched more than a mile high. The town is near popular ski areas as well as scenic lakes, and was among the communities snowed in when a blizzard walloped the area in 2023. Now, the community has been doused with bright fire-red retardant to protect it.

FILE - The Line Fire jumps Highway 330 as an emergency vehicle is driven past Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, near Running Springs, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer, File)AP

It can be tough to live in these environments, said Dawn Rowe, a San Bernardino County supervisor whose district covers mountain communities. Its beautiful  a lot of people come to visit and they find they might want to relocate for one reason or another. I would encourage everybody to spend an amount of time doing their due diligence.

The Line Fire is burning through dense vegetation that grew after two back-to-back wet winters that included snowstorms that caused tree branches to break, leaving behind a lot of dead and down fuel, said Cal Fire Operations Section Chief Jed Gaines. While it forced the evacuations from Running Springs, another wildfire threatened the mountain community of Wrightwood about a 50-mile (80-kilometer) drive to the west.

The fires have threatened tens of thousands of homes and other structures across Southern California since they escalated during a triple-digit heat wave over the weekend. Cooler weather was helping firefighters slowly gain the upper hand in battling the blazes. No deaths have been reported, but at least a dozen people, mainly firefighters, have been treated for injuries, mostly heat-related, authorities said.

In one daring rescue caught on video, Cal Fire Riverside County Battalion Chief Mike Martinez saved a lone woman walking within feet of the Airport Fire in Orange County, driving his SUV up to the edge of the blistering flames so she could enter the vehicle.

This is one of those moments ... you hope you never come across, he told the Los Angeles Times. Ive been doing this for almost 30 years. Were used to extreme fire behavior but to see a civilian walking down the middle of the street was surreal.

Jason Anderson, district attorney for San Bernardino County, said Thursday that nine arson-related charges have been filed against the suspect arrested earlier in the week and accused of starting the Line Fire. Anderson said he finds arson especially despicable because the suspect gains nothing and families are thrown into despair running from their homes.

This is particularly galling in a community that unfortunately over the last couple of years has dealt with the scourge of wildfires, he told reporters, adding that the suspects vehicle has been linked to three areas where fires were started.

FILE - Kenny Rybak shovels snow around his car in Running Springs, Calif., Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)AP

The suspect is due to be arraigned in court on Friday.

The full extent of the damage caused by the wildfires remains unclear. The three blazes are:

The Airport Fire in Orange County, which has burned more than 36 square miles (93 square kilometers). The fire was 5% contained Thursday morning and was reportedly sparked by workers using heavy equipment in the area. Ten firefighters and two residents suffered injuries in the blaze, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. The fire has been difficult to tame because of the steep terrain and dry conditions  and because some areas hadnt burned in decades.

The Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest, which was 18% contained Thursday and has threatened more than 65,000 homes. The blaze has injured three firefighters.

The Bridge Fire east of Los Angeles, which grew tenfold in a day and has burned 80 square miles (207 square km), torched at least 33 homes and six cabins and forced the evacuation of 10,000 people. The cause of the fire is not yet known. It remained zero percent contained Thursday.

In northern Nevada, about 8,600 people remained under evacuation orders on the south edge of Reno, where the Davis Fire has destroyed 14 structures and burned nearly 9 square miles (23 square km) of timber and brush since it broke out over the weekend. More than 600 firefighters kept the blaze from growing Wednesday despite high winds. The fire was 37% contained on Thursday.

Garcia reported from Wrightwood, California, Taxin from Santa Ana, California, and Rodriguez from San Francisco. Associated Press writers Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada; Amy Hanson in Helena, Montana; Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles and Thomas Peipert in Denver contributed.
A 17-year-old Colorado boy looking for a spot near a Colorado lake to take picturesque homecoming photos was shot in the face Tuesday by a town council member after he and a friend went to a house to ask permission to take photos on the property.

The shooting took place around 4:15 p.m. at a home on Pleasant Park Road in Jefferson County, the sheriffs office said.

When deputies arrived at the scene, the teen was bleeding heavily from his face, as a second juvenile applied pressure to his friends wounds with a T-shirt, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office said in a news release Wednesday.

Fortunately, the teen survived the shooting and is recovering.

Brent Metz, the boyfriend of a woman who lives at the home, was arrested in connection to the shooting. The 38-year-old is a council member for the town of Mountain View, according to NBC affiliate KUSA of Denver.

Metz was booked on charges of first-degree assault, felony menacing, illegal discharge of a firearm and reckless endangerment.

The woman, who was not home at the time, had called authorities before the shooting to report two trespassers on her property. She also contacted Metz, who drove his girlfriend to her home and blocked the teens car from leaving, KUSA reported.

Metz then exited his vehicle and was said to have fired one round through the windshield of the teens car.

After the shooting, one of the teens heard Metz say, Oh [expletive], my gun went off.

Metz then tried to help the injured teen, but he was pushed away by the teens friend.

The 17-year-old told authorities that he and his friend had stopped by the home because they wanted to take pictures there. He also added that they parked outside the gate, hopped the fence and walked up the driveway to look for the homeowner, the sheriffs office said in the news release.

When they couldnt find anyone at the home, the teen boys, walked around the property trying to locate a homeowner and then got back into the vehicle, the sheriffs 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 spokesperson for the sheriffs office told KUSA that the teens intention did not seem malicious or criminal.
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.
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen is dealing with a groin injury and did not practice on Thursday. The injury popped up out of nowhere after Queen fully practiced on Wednesday.

This does not mean that Queen will miss Sundays game against the Denver Broncos. Just last week, tight end Darnell Washington missed Thursdays practice with a knee injury but played on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. This could be the same issue, though Queens injury is a soft-tissue injury, which raises the concern.

If Queen can not play, the Steelers would start linebackers Elandon Roberts and Payton Wilson against the Broncos. Queen had two tackles in the teams first game against the Falcons. The Steelers signed Queen to a three-year contract in March to become the center point of the linebacker corps.

His speed and range made him a First-Team All-Pro selection a season ago, next to Roquan Smith with the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers signed Queen in an attempt to add depth to the linebacker room, especially with linebacker Cole Holcomb sidelined with a severe knee injury to begin the year.
Penultimate Stop of the 888poker UKPL Sees the Tour Head to Reading

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

It seems only two minutes ago since PokerNews announced 888poker LIVE was launching the UK Poker League (UKPL), yet here we are writing about the fledgling tour's penultimate stop of 2024.

Reading, the British town that gave the world authors like Jane Austen and Michael Bond, and comedian Ricky Gervais, will host the 888poker LIVE UKPL at the Grosvenor G Casino on Rose Kiln Lane from September 23-29. Hundreds of poker players will be hoping to do some writing of their own, their name into 888poker LIVE's history books, that is, by the time the seven-day festival concludes.

888poker LIVE UKPL Reading Schedule

All 888poker LIVE UKPL stops feature similar schedules so players can enjoy the same tournaments regardless of which leg they attend. The first event starts at 3:00 p.m. BST on September 24, the first of three starting flights in the 250 NLHE 888poker Opening Voyage.

That tournament is followed by a 150 Pot-Limit Omaha 4/5/6 card event on the same evening.

The biggest events shuffles up and deals on September 26. First, there is the 1,100 NLHE 888poker High Roller at 3:00 p.m. followed by Day 1A of the 560 UKPL Reading Main Event. Players have a choice of four flights in the Main Event, with Day 1D on September 28 expected to be the far busiest of the quartet.

While the Main Event is whittling down its field over the weekend, there is a 400 NLHE 888poker Big Shot event, a 150 Seniors (50+) before the 200 Closer rounds off a fantastic week of live poker action in Reading.

Date Time Event Mon 23 Sep 7:00 p.m. 90 Opening Voyage and Main Event Cash Out Satellite Tue 24 Sep 3:00 p.m. 250 NLHE 888poker Opening Voyage Day 1A 6:00 p.m. 150 PLO 4/5/6 Card 7:00 p.m. 90 Opening Voyage and Main Event Cash Out Satellite Wed 25 Sep 3:00 p.m. 250 NLHE Opening Voyage Day 1B 9:00 p.m. 250 NLHE Opening Voyage Day 1C Turbo 9:00 p.m. 120 High Roller Cash Out Satellite Thu 26 Sep 12:00 p.m. 120 High Roller Cash Out Satellite 12:00 p.m. 250 NLHE Opening Voyage Day 2 3:00 p.m. 1,100 NLHE 888poker High Roller Day 1 6:00 p.m. 560 NLHE 888poker Main Event Day 1A Fri 27 Sep 12:00 p.m. 560 NLHE 888poker Main Event Day 1B 1:00 p.m. 1,100 NLHE 888poker High Roller Day 2 6:00 p.m. 560 NLHE 888poker Main Event Day 1C 7:00 p.m. 125 Main Event Cash Out Satellite Sat 28 Sep 12:00 p.m. 560 NLHE 888poker Main Event Day 1D 6:00 p.m. 400 NLHE 888poker Big Shot Day 1A Sun 29 Sep 12:00 p.m. 888poker Main Event Day 2 2:00 p.m. 400 888poker Big Shot Day 2 2:00 p.m. 150 NLHE 888poker Seniors 5:00 p.m. 200 NLHE 888poker The Closer

Flush on the River Brings Curtain Down on the 888poker UKPL Leeds Main Event Read the recap

888poker LIVE UKPL Main Event Results So Far

The 888poker LIVE UKPL began at the start of 2024 in Coventry. Jamie Le won the inaugural UKPL Main Event, topping a field of 371 to capture a 37,605 top prize.

The tour headed north of the border to Edinburgh, where Scottish star Michael Kane triumphed over 310 opponents, winning 25,208 after a three-way deal involving Helder Cascacasena and Tom Jarry.

Luton was the next stop. It took place in March and saw Ian Swan emerge victoriously with acareer-best haul worth 24,530. Like in Edinburgh, the UKPL Luton Main Event ended with a three-handed deal; Andreas Orthodoxou and Muhamed Mia were the other beneficiaries of the chip.

888poker LIVE took the UKPL to Manchester in April. Its 560 Main Event attracted 328 entrants, and Jamie Geraghty outlasted them all. His reward? 30,610.

Last time out, in late August, Leeds hosted the UKPL. A player wishing to remain anonymous won 26,355 after a heads-up deal with Muhammad Romanowicz. This leg saw 289 players buy-in.

Date Leg Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize Jan. 18-24 Coventry 371 176,225 Jamie Le 37,605 Feb. 15-18 Edinburgh 311 147,729 Michael Kane 25,208 Mar. 7-10 Luton 242 162,450 Ian Swan 24,530 Apr. 18-21 Manchester 328 155,790 Jamie Geraghty 30,610 Aug. 29-Sep. 1 Leeds 289 137,270 Anonymous 26,355

Although it is too late to win a UKPL Reading Main Event seat online at 888poker, satellite for the upcoming Coventry leg are in the tournament lobby right now. 888poker LIVE Coventry runs from October 10-20 and acts as the tour's Grand Final. A 560 UKPL Coventry Main Event is scheduled alongside events such as a 1,100 High Roller, 888 NLHE 888poker LIVE Main Event, a 2,000 High Roller, and more.

Stay tuned to PokerNews for more details of the final leg in the coming days.

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Kamala Harris arrived to campaign in Johnstown, PA, and she was met by a crowd of 400 people chanting Were not going back.

Via: the vice presidential pool report:

AF2 landed at John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria Airport in Johnstown, PA, shortly before 1:50 pm with VP Harris aboard.

A crowd of several hundred people was waiting for her in an airport hanger chanting Ka-ma-la. Parked nearby was a Harris-Walz campaign bus with the logo A New Way Forward in large white letters.

The VP descended the stairs of AF2 at 1:56 pm to Beyonces Freedom.

Among her greeters was Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who was wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, gray gym shorts and bright blue sneakers. Also present was the senators wife Gisele Barreto Fetterman.

Harris then greeted her supporters at the hangar, shaking hands, exchanging words with members of the crowd and taking photos for about 15 minutes. Pool was stationed too far away to hear what was being said. The crowd chanted were not going back at one point. The VP was separated from the crowd by a series of low metal barriers.

Here is some of the crowd that met Harris in Johnstown:

Johnstown is located in Cambria County, PA where Trump beat Biden 68%-30%, but the city of Johnstown went narrowly for Biden in 2020, after tipping narrowly to Trump in 2016. The purpose of Harriss visit isnt to flip these deep red rural areas of Pennsylvania, but to drive up Democratic turnout to hold Trumps margin of victory in rural PA down.

It is a strategy that Democrats have been using in the Keystone State since 2017, and it has led to consistent statewide victories.

Kamala Harris gets it. She is leaving no Democratic votes in Pennsylvania on the table, and it is a plan that if executed well could send her to the White House in November.

To comment on this story, join us on Reddit.
Donald Trump and JD Vances lies about immigrants eating pets in Springfield, OH have caused the evacuation of two elementary schools due to threats.

Via ABC News immigration reporter:

NEW  Springfield City School District tells ABC News that theyve evacuated two elementary schools: Perrin Woods and Snowhill Elementary. Theyre currently releasing those students to their parents.  Armando Tonatiuh Torres-Garcia (@GarciaReports) September 13, 2024



On Thursday, Springfield had evacuate city and municipal buildings due to bomb threats likely inspired by the lie that Donald Trump told during the debate about Haitian immigrants eats pets in Springfield, OH.

Now, children are being targeted.

There is no difference between the Republican position on school shootings and the lies that they spread about immigrants in Springfield. Trump doubled down on these lies during comments in Arizona on Thursday, so it appears that endangering both innocent immigrants and elementary school kids, because Trump only cares about himself and this election.

The ex-president will say or do anything including endangering other people if he thinks that it will improve his prospects for returning to the White House.
For many years, Stevens Creek Church pastor Marty Baker had dreams of having a church in his home state of South Carolina.

After many months of planning, Bakers dream has become a reality with a new church campus in North Augusta.

This is a milestone moment as we launch the North Augusta campus and this is an answer to our prayers, Baker said.

All chairs were full and songs of praise were sung as people gathered Sept. 8 for the first service at Fox Creek High School, which was the site of the church's new campus in North Augusta.

The church joins a list of locations the church has including Augusta, south Augusta and Grovetown.

The main goal of the North Augusta campus is to reach people in the North Augusta and Edgefield County area, as well as current members can have a closer place to attend church.

September the 8th is the day we will remember for a long time, Baker said.

Stevens Creek Church was founded in 1987 by Baker in a living room in North Augusta with 24 members. He said the members had a vision of what the church would look like. He said they were able to move from that location to a hotel and finally a church building.

We had this common hope that lost people would be found, Baker said.

Will Riddle, who serves as the pastor for the North Augusta campus, said they have been planning to open the church for the last six months. He said the first service at Fox Creek was the culmination of that.

Riddle said the vision of the church for the last 37 years is to help people take their next step toward God and the mission is to love God, love people and serve the world. He said the new campus was built on that.
COLUMBIA  An anti-death penalty group has collected 2,800 signatures in a petition asking Gov. Henry McMaster to stop the execution of death row inmate Freddie Owens next week.

McMaster, who has the power to grant clemency, has said he will make that decision when the prison warden calls with that question minutes before the scheduled Sept. 20 execution.

South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty also called on McMaster to downgrade Owens' sentence to life in prison without parole. Joining the call were local chapters of advocacy groups ACLU, NAACP and Democrats for Life of America.

State-sanctioned executions as a whole should be abolished, they contend, arguing the practice is inequitably administered, doesnt lessen killings, costs more taxpayer dollars to uphold and is cruel and unusual punishment as well.

The death penalty is not given to the worst of the worst," Hillary Taylor, director of South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, said during a Statehouse press conference Sept. 12. "Instead, it is given to people who experience multiple marginalizations in our society, people who are least equipped to defend themselves in a court of law against capital punishment."

A person is more likely to be given a death sentence if they are Black, poor and disabled, Taylor said, underscoring that Owens fits all these categories.

As she spoke, a fellow advocate held up a photo of George Stinney Jr., a Black 14-year-old boy whom the state executed in 1944. Seventy years later, a judge vacated his conviction, saying he'd been deprived of due process.
Duke Energy has extended the timeline to get power back to its last 26,000 customers still in the dark after Tropical Storm Helene. Read moreDuke Energy is still trying to restore power to 26K SC customers after Helene. Here's the latest.
SURFSIDE BEACH  Surfside Beach Police charged two people with distributing marijuana after alleging that a local hemp shop sold products that contained illegal levels of THC.

Following a three-month investigation, police searched Delta Dispensary on Sept. 12, according to a news release from the town. Local officers were assisted by state and federal authorities.

Police said their investigation focused on "the sale of unregulated and untested substances that were represented as hemp."

"However, forensic analysis of these products indicates they are well in excess of the state-regulated limits for THC, containing significantly higher amounts of the compound and thus meeting the definition of marijuana," the release said.

Hemp products, like Delta-8 and Delta-9, are legal to possess and sell in South Carolina as long as they have minimal levels of THC, the ingredient active in marijuana that causes a specific high.

Police have charged 46-year-old Jason Joseph Papotto of Myrtle Beach with two counts of marijuana distribution and two counts of marijuana distribution near a school or park, according to the release. They also charged 45-year-old Sabrena Lee Papotto with one count each of marijuana distribution and marijuana distribution near a school or park.

A representative for Delta Dispensary could not be reached.

This isn't the first Grand Strand hemp store to draw scrutiny from authorities.

In July, federal officials warned a Murrells Inlet company to stop marketing Delta-8 products that resemble popular childrens candy and snacks.
Imagine 33,000 railcars full of coal  on fire.

The resulting greenhouse gas emissions would roughly equal those produced throughout Charleston County in a single year, according to the "Climate Action Plan" County Council just adopted unanimously.

It charts a path toward getting those emissions down to net-zero by 2050, which heavily depends on businesses and households taking action. Doing so would cost a fortune, but the plan says the estimated savings would be even greater, and it could spur economic development.

Today's Top Headlines Story continues below

The price tag would be "a communitywide investment totaling $9.9 billion" from 2024 to 2050, but that's not money the county would spend. That's the estimated cost of all the things residents, businesses and multiple levels of government would need to do to meet the plan's goals.

"Doing nothing is certainly not going to solve the problem," said County Councilman Kylon Middleton, who sponsored a measure three years ago to create such a plan.

Cities including Charleston have adopted similar goals to help combat climate changes that contribute to flooding, extreme weather, stronger hurricanes and soaring insurance rates.

Net-zero, the hard-to-reach goal of most climate plans, means reducing emissions caused by human activities as much as possible, then offsetting what remains through methods that absorb climate-changing carbon dioxide and methane. The county's plan actually calls for reducing emissions by 82 percent by 2050.

To get there "requires extensively retrofitting the existing building stock, significantly increasing the energy performance of new buildings, constructing new sources of zero- and low-carbon energy, and electrifying vehicles and heating systems," according to the plan.
The College of Charleston has long been the artistic heartbeat of Charleston  a city celebrated for its love and cultivation of the arts.

I believe our city is one of the best in the country because it fully appreciates how the arts bring a certain kind of vitality and empathy into the lives of its citizens and visitors.

When it originally opened in 1979, the Simons Center for the Arts at 54 St. Philip St. was a much-welcomed addition to the other arts venues around town and served as the new home for the colleges burgeoning School of the Arts.

The building, which reopened this fall after an extensive renovation, was named for Albert Simons, known as the dean of Charleston architects.

He was an instructor at the college for more than 20 years, teaching the first art history course at the institution.

A stalwart preservationist, Simons also helped create the first historic district in America here in Charleston and worked to form the countrys first Board of Architectural Review.

Across the decades, the Simons Center hosted a wide variety of artistic programming, from fine arts exhibitions to student performances as well as professional acts, many of which were done in conjunction with Spoleto Festival USA and the Charlestons Office of Cultural Affairs.

However, as anyone who owns a home or building more than 40 years old knows, age can be cruel, and the natural wear and tear is exacerbated by salt, storms and the simple passage of time. That was certainly the case for the Simons Center.

I want to thank Liollio Architecture and HGA Design Firm for reimagining what was possible in the Simons Center, and I wish to give a special shout-out to Associate Dean and Professor of Theatre and Dance Todd McNerney and then-project manager and now Vice President for Facilities Management Brad Weiland for their countless hours overseeing every detail of the project.

Together, they helped to fashion a new jewel in our universitys crown.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
The latest Winthrop University Poll was still in the field when the storm came. The results, mostly collected before the former hurricane named Helene slammed into South Carolinas midsection and Upstate, suggested that South Carolinians believe a second civil war is imminent. Read moreEditorial: A second civil war in the forecast? Our better angels will not allow it.
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- four-day event open to buyers and the public free of charge- CENTRESTAGE is taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 4 to 7 September, with free entry to both industry buyers and the general public for the entire event for the first time- The fair features five zones, including the new Athleisure and Circular Fashion zones, reflecting trends in sportswear and sustainability respectively- Record-breaking participation of more than 250 brands from 18 countries and regions, including prestigious and internationally renowned labels, underscoring Hong Kongs status as Asia's creative hub- Renowned fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic held a sharing session today and Robert Wun will host a masterclass session tomorrow. He will also showcase his design collection in an exclusive exhibition zone- A series of fashion shows will take centre stage, including the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show, which features a crossover between film and fashion with Weeds on Fire director Steve Chan, showcasing design pieces from four local designers- The exhibition culminates with the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest on 7 September, with Masayuki Ino, founder and designer of Japanese fashion brand doublet, serving as a guest judgeHONG KONG, Sept 4, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), CENTRESTAGE began today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and will put on a scintillating show for attendees until 7 September. This edition of CENTRESTAGE sees a significant milestone as, for the first time, the event welcomes both industry buyers and the public free of charge for the entire duration. Numerous fashion and accessory brands are helping to offer a unique shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts from far and wide. The fair allows brands to expand their business connections and supports the growth of Hong Kong's creative industries.Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "This edition of CENTRESTAGE has shattered previous event records with more than 250 participating brands from 18 countries and regions. For the first time, this four-day exhibition welcomes the public free of charge for its entire duration, alongside the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME, with the goal of creating synergies and advancing our local creative industries. Yesterday's CENTRESTAGE ELITES featured a stunning show from internationally renowned haute couture designer Robert Wun, attracting global fashion buyers, pivotal figures in the local industry and fashion enthusiasts, and helping to reaffirm Hong Kong's status as a creative hub. Over the next four days the exhibition will help to forge new business opportunities in the fashion industry and energise our mega event economy at the same time." Entering its ninth edition, CENTRESTAGE has become a hallmark event for Asia-Pacific and international fashion, attracting renowned global brands. Notable among the labels joining this years event are the eponymous brand of Robert Wun, who became the first Hong Kong-born designer to grace the prestigious Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week; renowned British brand ROKSANDA; sustainable luxury fashion brand PATRICK McDOWELL; globally renowned French brand BLVCK PARIS, which now has millions of social media followers; and avant-garde Italian brand LH (LA HAINE INSIDE US).The exhibition also presents a diverse array of brands from Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and India, as well as ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and European countries including Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Hong Kong also has a significant presence, showcasing several brands for the first time, including MORAL, KnitWarm, Z I D I, 35 Degrees, STELLAM, SWAZ Jewelry, LOVE BY THE MOON and others.The CENTRESTAGE exhibition area features five zones, including the new Athleisure and Circular Fashion zones, reflecting trends in sportswear and sustainability respectively, alongside the Craftsmanship, Contemporary and Urban zones that each showcase distinctive fashion design elements.The HKTDC continues to invite buyers from around the world to source at CENTRESTAGE, including major multi-brand stores such as H. Lorenzo from the United States, Elevastor from France, VOO Store from Germany, The Four-Eyed Limited from Japan, Beaker from South Korea, and CLUB DESIGNER from Taiwan, and department stores including Hankyu from Japan and Galeries Lafayette from France.Read more: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/92704/
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Final approval from State of Utah, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights,First State of Utah approval related to large scale lithium production at Green River,The approval process confirms the water resources and surrounding areas will not be negatively affected by brine extraction.NEWPORT BEACH, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Anson Resources Limited (ASX:ASN) ("Anson Resources" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that today the State of Utah, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights (the Division) confirmed approval giving A1 Lithium the right to extract brine at its Green River, Utah lithium project. This is a key step required for A1 Lithium to produce environmentally-friendly clean lithium to supply the United States and is vital to expanding the Country's domestic supply for the transition to electric vehicles and the decarbonization of the US economy. Importantly, the project will have a substantial positive impact on the local economy providing well-paying full-time jobs and contributing millions in taxes.Given the state's vast resource and mining-friendly environment, Utah has potential to become the largest clean lithium producer in the USA. A1 Lithium estimates initial phase 1 annual production of approximately 10,000 tons of lithium carbonate, enough to power 250,000 electric vehicles a year. "Utah likely holds one of the largest economic lithium resources in the USA and can become the Texas of the electric vehicle era. A1 Lithium's project could make Utah the largest producer of clean lithium in the country." Said Greg Knox Senior Geologist for A1 Lithium. Brian Somers, President of the Utah Mining Association said "Utah potentially has the largest economic lithium resource in the US located in the Paradox Basin and is currently one of only two states producing lithium. Utah holds the potential to be the largest producer of lithium in the country and we need projects like A1 Lithium's to achieve that goal." The construction of the project will directly employ up to 500 local jobs and ongoing operations have the opportunity to reintegrate the Green River community. "A1 Lithium's project will directly provide 60 high-paying full-time jobs for people in the Southern Utah community and can potentially create an additional 58 jobs in order to support the local community's economic growth. This project can restore the prosperity of Green River that was lost when the mining industry and military left in the 1960's and 1970's. It will be transformational for our community" said Mayor of Green River Utah, Ren Hatt.The process A1 Lithium employs to extract lithium is an advanced technology called Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) which is an environmentally responsible and sustainable approach. In fact, its unique aspects will help qualify the project as one of the cleanest and greenest sources of lithium in the world. The process uses dramatically less water than other lithium mining methods, produces significantly less carbon dioxide than hard rock mining and brine evaporation ponds, efficiently utilizes existing structures and land to reduce its footprint, and employs a closed loop process to ensure the efficient use of resources. Michael Swenson, a local consultant who was raised in Emery County noted "Clean domestically sourced lithium for EVs presents the single greatest opportunity to reduce the emissions from vehicles along the Wasatch Front. We should embrace this opportunity to use Utah lithium to improve Utah air, improve rural economies, and provide greater opportunities to live in rural communities like Green River." A1 Lithium's Green River lithium project is key to the US becoming independent of China's dominance in the battery supply chain. "If the U.S. is going to compete in the global minerals race, we must support the responsible use of our vast domestic resources such as those found in the Paradox Basin. With a proposed extraction process that is specifically designed to minimize impacts to the environment and recycles 95 percent of water used, A1 Lithium demonstrates why mined-in-America projects ensures that the U.S. supply chain start with minerals that are produced at the highest standards in accordance with the world's top environmental, labor and safety criteria." Rich Nolan, President and CEO, National Mining AssociationA1 Lithium's President, Bruce Richardson commented, "This approval to extract brine is significant as it is the first granted to a company by the State of Utah for the processing of brine for lithium extraction at Green River and reflects the quality of our project, our partners and our community support. Importantly, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality recently approved a underground injection control well for A1 which demonstrates that there is no connection between the brine that A1 Lithium intends to extract and surface waters including rivers and underground sources of drinking water. The process we have chosen to extract lithium returns the waste brine to the same formation from which it is extracted and is therefore a non-consumptive process, unlike evaporation ponds. This process has less impact upon the environment, which is one of our key objectives." Will MazeHead of Investor RelationsE: investors@ ansonresources.com Ph: +61 7 3132 7990SOURCE: Anson Resources
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NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilSeptember 30, 2024to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. ("ABR" or the "Company") (NYSE:ABR), if they purchased the Company's securities between May 7, 2021 and July 11, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of ABR and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-abr/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court bySeptember 30, 2024 .About the LawsuitArbor Realty and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On March 14, 2023, NINGI Research reported that "ABR has been hiding a toxic real estate portfolio of mobile homes with a complex web of real and fake holdings companies for more than a decade." On this news, the price of ABR shares fell from $12.99 per share on March 13, 2023, to $12.12 per share on March 14, 2023, and then $11.53 per share on March 15, 2023. Then, on July 12, 2024, Bloomberg reported that the Company was the subject of a probe by federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York that were "inquiring about lending practices and the company's claims about the performance of their loan book." On this news, the price of ABR shares fell from $15.53 per share on July 11, 2024, to $12.89 per share on July 12, 2024.The case is Martin v. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., No. 24-cv-05347.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com CONTACT: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2024 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of The Chemours Company ("The Chemours Company") (NYSE:CC) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.Chemours issued a press release on August 1, 2024, reporting its financial results for the second quarter of 2024. Among other items, Chemours reported non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.38, missing consensus estimates by $0.20. The Company advised that it "anticipates a low to mid-single digit sequential decline in Net Sales for the third quarter," citing "[r]esidual impacts from Q2 unplanned downtime at our Altamira, Mexico manufacturing site" in its Titanium Technologies segment; "[r]efrigerant seasonality paired with weaker Freon Refrigerants pricing in its Thermal & Specialized Solutions segment; and "[a] continued modest recovery in" its Advanced Performance Materials segment. Following this news, Chemours's stock price dropped over 11% on August 2, 2024. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 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 Shikowitzross@ 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
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SAN RAMON, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2024 / CMG Financial, a leading privately-held mortgage banking firm, is commemorating seven years since the launch of HomeFundIt, the nation's first and only down payment gifting platform. Since 2017, HomeFundIt has helped over 2,500 families purchase a collective $700 million in real estate."Seven years ago, we launched a platform that would give more people the opportunity to purchase a home and start building wealth sooner," said Chris George, CEO and President of CMG. "It started from one simple idea: to help more families achieve the American Dream by overcoming their number one hurdle to homeownership." Down payments have historically been one of the biggest challenges for home buyers. This past summer, the average down payment reached a record $67,500. Though there are many low down payment loan programs, they can still cost tens of thousands of dollars upfront.HomeFundIt was created to help home buyers raise money for their down payments completely online - with no taxes, no hidden fees, and no offline paperwork. All they do is sign up and create their online campaign to start raising money. It's designed to be a much simpler process than typical down payment gifting. It also allows for a wider pool of people to contribute. Unlike traditional down payment gifting, which typically is restricted to family only, HomeFundIt lets anyone with a credit or debit card contribute up to $5,000. As a bonus, CMG also contributes $2 for every $1 that home buyers raise through their campaign.Hannah and Jeff launched the very first HomeFundIt campaign in 2017 when they were under contract on a home but still needed down payment funds. After building their campaign, they were able to raise over $11,000 in four days. When they purchased their house, it was worth $195,000. Today, it's valued at $350,500. Through the help of HomeFundIt, they have been able to earn over $155,500 in home wealth. Another HomeFundIt success story was Enrique and Madelynn. Though they had a down payment, it wasn't quite large enough to buy the home they wanted. With the help of HomeFundIt, they were able to increase their down payment amount and qualify for better loan terms. They purchased their home at $156,000 and have earned $114,000 in wealth since. Check out more success stories here."Over the past seven years, HomeFundIt has helped home buyers raise over $8 million for their down payments," said Paul Akinmade, Chief Strategy Officer. "We're constantly thinking of ways to make homeownership more accessible." To learn more about the platform, visit www.homefundit.com About CMG FinancialCMG Financial is a well-capitalized mortgage bank founded in 1993 by Christopher M. George, a former Mortgage Bankers Association Chairman. CMG makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels: retail lending, wholesale lending, and correspondent lending. CMG also operates seven joint venture companies with builder & realtor partners, holds an impressive MSR/servicing portfolio, and serves the capital markets of fixed income trading & sales through CMG Securities. CMG currently operates in all states, including District of Columbia, and holds approvals with FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA. The company is consistently recognized as a top-producing lender and top mortgage employer, and it prides itself on helping clients achieve the dream of homeownership through product innovation and streamlined servicing.Media Contact:Annaugh MadsenPhone: (667) 260-6360Email: amadsen@ cmgfi.com Contact InformationAnnaugh MadsenSenior Copywriteramadsen@ cmgfi.com (667) 260-6360Related VideoSOURCE: CMG FinancialView the original press release on newswire.com
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Florida Dentist Esha Persad, DDS Joins the Cause at the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer'sSEMINOLE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2024 / In a heartfelt commitment to a cause that resonates deeply with her and her practice,Esha Persad, DDS , a dentist based in Seminole, Florida, will participate in the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's. The event, scheduled to take place in Pinellas County, promises to be a significant gathering aimed at raising awareness and funds to combat Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Persad's involvement underscores not only her dedication to exceptional patient care but also her compassion and advocacy for community health issues.A Personal Connection to Alzheimer'sFor Dr. Persad, the fight against Alzheimer's is personal and professional. Her practice, Monticciolo Family and Sedation Dentistry, is the sole large group sedation practice in the area, attracting a diverse range of patients, including many suffering from Alzheimer's. The progressive nature of this disease makes dental care particularly challenging, requiring specialized attention and an abundance of patience. Observing the devastating impact of Alzheimer's on her patients and their families has inspired Dr. Esha Persad to support initiatives that focus on increasing awareness and funding for research."Seeing patients struggle with Alzheimer's is profoundly painful. Supporting a cause that seeks to alleviate this suffering and find solutions aligns closely with what we strive to achieve in our practice-positive patient outcomes and community well-being," Dr. Esha Persad shared.The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support, and research. Hosted by the Alzheimer's Association, the walk unites communities across the globe in a shared mission to eliminate the disease. It is a day of hope and remembrance, as participants walk together to raise awareness and funds. The upcoming event in Pinellas County is expected to draw thousands of attendees, each with a personal connection to the cause. By participating, Esha Persad, DDS joins a collective effort to support advancements in Alzheimer's research and care.A Distinguished Career in DentistryDr. Persad'sparticipation in the walk reflects her ongoing commitment to community service and her exemplary career in dentistry. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Dental Science from Oxford Dental College in Bangalore, India. With more than five years of experience, she excels in comprehensive dental procedures, including Invisalign and restorative care, always prioritizing tailored, patient-centric solutions.Her dedication extends beyond clinical excellence. Dr. Persad has been actively involved in community service through initiatives like Dentistry from the Heart and Mission of Mercy, offering free dental care to those in need. This altruistic spirit is complemented by her keen business acumen, where she consistently meets and exceeds revenue goals while maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction.At Monticciolo Family and Sedation Dentistry, Dr. Persad has introduced patient care protocols that enhance safety and efficacy. Her forward-thinking approach includes adopting the latest technologies, ensuring her patients receive care that is both cutting-edge and compassionate. She is also pursuing sedation certification to broaden her capacity in delivering comprehensive dental services especially to those who suffer from disease like Alzheimer's-a testament to her commitment to continuous improvement.Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Persad plays an active role in community outreach, significantly enhancing patient inflow and engagement. Her leadership in these initiatives underscores the importance of building strong community relationships, which are integral to improving public health and well-being.Her participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer's, in Pinellas County, FL, is yet another example of her efforts to engage with the community on meaningful levels. By aligning her practice with causes that impact her patients directly, Dr. Persad not only contributes to the betterment of individual lives but also strengthens the fabric of the community she serves.Join the CauseDr. Esha Persad's involvement in the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's shines a spotlight on the vital role healthcare professionals play in advocating for disease awareness and research. By joining this cause, she exemplifies the spirit of community involvement and professional dedication.For those interested in supporting the cause, participating in the walk, or learning more about Alzheimer's, please visit theofficial website of the Alzheimer's Association . Together, through collective efforts and passionate advocacy, we can contribute to a future that helps treat, manage and hopefully one day prevent Alzheimer's.Dr. Persad encourages everyone, not just those affected directly by Alzheimer's, to get involved and support this noble cause. "Every step we take brings us closer to a world where the effects of Alzheimer's are better understood and we are working towards finding more prevention and cures . Your support and participation make a difference," she emphasizes.This commitment to community service and patient care definesEsha Persad, DDSapproach to her profession and her role as a leader in healthcare. Her participation in the walk is a reminder of the power of community and the potential for change when individuals come together for a common causeCONTACT:Esha Persad, DDS persad@ dr-eshapersad.com SOURCE: Esha Persad, DDS
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2024 / Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE:BOOM)(OTC PINK:GGDCF)(Frankfurt:W9F) (the "Company" or "Galloper") is pleased to announce that Phase 1 diamond drilling has commenced at the Company's Glover Island Project where Galloper's 100%-owned claims cover most of the 40-km-long under-explored Island situated in the prolific "Four Corners" region of Western Newfoundland featuring major deposits of gold, copper and salt.Galloper's initial drilling is targeting a significant expansion of the known orogenic gold system at Glover Island, while a potential new discovery is emerging adjacent to the gold trend on the western side of the Island where a multi-kilometre-long copper anomaly has been identified through recent Galloper soil sampling combined with an historic VTEM Survey.Highlights:Diamond drilling has started 6 km north of the known historic gold deposit at Glover Island in an area known as "Lucky Smoke" where limited previous exploration has occurred;Lucky Smoke is one of multiple gold showings at Glover Island where a contact zone, highly favorable for gold deposition, continues along a minimum 12-km trend;The copper anomaly is in an area of Glover Island never previously explored due to very limited outcrop. Prospecting and mapping are following up on recent soil samples and an historic (2008) VTEM Survey. More information on this early-stage prospect will be provided in the near future once more data is received and interpreted.Mr. Hratch Jabrayan, Galloper CEO, commented: "Glover Island represents compelling new discovery opportunities well beyond the known historic deposit defined more than a dozen years ago, so we're excited to begin the drilling phase of our work there. Most of Glover Island has never been systematically explored as evidenced by the copper anomaly we've uncovered on the western side of the Island. The convergence of major faults at Glover Island and the widespread presence of the right rocks' is an excellent recipe for a potential large-scale system consistent with what has been observed elsewhere in this Four Corners' region of Western Newfoundland." Glover Island Geological SettingGlover Island is situated in very favorable terrane along the regional Baie-Verte Brompton Line-Cabot Fault Zone (BCZ), a major boundary between the Humber and Dunnage Zones.Glover Island in a Broader Regional Context62 km south is Caliber Gold's multi-million ounce Valentine Gold mine slated for production beginning in 2025;55 km due west is the prolific past producing Buchans mine (1928-1984), one of the richest base metal mines in Canadian history, in an area that includes recently defined resources and a number of prospects;82 km southwest is Atlas Salt's world class Great Atlantic Salt Project advancing toward the construction phase.Figure 1 - "Four Corners" Region of Western NewfoundlandInvestors are cautioned that mineralization on adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization at Glover Island or the potential for a resource.Phase 1 Diamond DrillingGalloper's initial drilling at Glover Island is focusing on the Lucky Smoke Showing which resides in the Kettle Pond Formation, approximately 6 km down strike of the known Lunch Pond deposit contiguous to Galloper's claims. Drilling at Lucky Smoke is aimed at confirming and extending both to depth and along strike the gold occurrences identified from limited historic drilling and trenches in this area.CEO Hratch Jabrayan Video ProfileClick on the following link to learn more about Hratch, Galloper Gold's new CEO.Glover Island Property MapQualified PersonThe technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Peter Lauder, P.Geo., Director and Senior Geologist for Galloper Gold. Mr. Lauder is the Qualified Person responsible for the scientific and technical information contained herein under National Instrument 43-101 standards.Acknowledgment - Newfoundland & Labrador Junior Exploration Assistance ProgramGalloper Gold acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.About 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 On behalf of the Board of Directors,Mr. Hratch JabrayanCEO and DirectorGalloper Gold Corp.Company Contact:info@ gallopergold.com Tel: 778-655-9266Investor Relations:MarketSmart CommunicationsTel: 877-261-4466Forward-Looking StatementsThis 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. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally, risks related to capital markets, risks related to the state of financial markets or future metals prices and the other risks described in the Company's publicly filed disclosure.Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this news release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them
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HONG KONG, Sept 8, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - The physical exhibitions of the 43rd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 12th Salon de TIME, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd, successfully concluded yesterday.Despite the fairs closing temporarily due to typhoon Yagi, businesses were still able to capture more opportunities as the organisers extended the opening hours for three of the five fair days. Buyers and exhibitors were also proactively encouraged to use the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model for business exchange.The physical exhibitions attracted some 17,000 buyers from 106 countries and regions. Global buyers from outside Hong Kong mainly came from Mainland China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, highlighting Hong Kongs importance as a watch trading centre. The EXHIBITION+ hybrid model will enable exhibitors and buyers to enjoy extended business discussions until 14 September.Salon de TIME and CENTRESTAGE, HKTDCs concurrent fashion event, were also fully open to the public for the first time. The public count for the events exceeded 15,000 visits. Watch and fashion enthusiasts were able to appreciate the pinnacle in craftsmanship and design and purchase their favourite items.HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME brought together over 700 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. In addition to welcoming international buyers, this years Salon de TIME was fully open to the public for the first time, providing a one-stop sourcing platform and creating new business opportunities. Exhibitors were able to learn about customer preferences immediately, which will help strengthen product design and research and development, enhancing competitiveness in the future. Ms Chong added: An exciting line-up of mega events will captivate visitors this autumn. The Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and the concurrent electronicAsia will be held on 13-16 October, followed by the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) on 27-30 October. The International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held from 29 October to 1 November. These fairs will be held under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, helping businesses capture new opportunities. Survey uncovers promise in ASEAN and the Middle EastTo gauge watch and clock industry trends for next year, the HKTDC conducted an on-site survey, interviewing some 900 exhibitors and buyers on the market outlook and product trends.The survey found that 42% of respondents expect overall sales to grow over the next 12-24 months, while 47% expect sales to remain unchanged. Japan, Taiwan, Australia & Pacific Islands, and South Korea were seen as offering the best growth prospects over next two years among traditional markets, while ASEAN, the Middle East and India were seen as offering the most promising growth prospects over the next two years among emerging markets.In terms of product trends, 40% of respondents expected smartwatches to continue as the most popular watch category. Other respondents pointed to quartz analogue watches, cited as the most popular watch category by 17%, mechanical watches, cited by 15%, and digital watches, cited by 14%. When asked about watches with the highest growth potential, 46% of respondents cited smartwatches, 37% said fashion watches and 19% said leisure watches.Green Solutions Suppliers label debuts this yearIn recent years, more watch manufacturers have been using sustainable materials to make watches and watch straps. Amid the sustainability trend, the two fairs introduced Green Solutions Suppliers label this year to make sourcing easier for buyers. These labels were used by 30 exhibitors.Amy Chow, Vice President of Hong Kong exhibitor Gordon C & Co Ltd, said: The Green Solutions Suppliers label helped attract buyers to our booth. Buyers from the Middle East and Southeast Asia were very interested in our eco-friendly watches. The business atmosphere is good this year. We expect that new orders at this year's exhibition will increase by 10-20% compared to last year. About 10-15% of new orders will be for environmentally friendly watches. Armoura Designs Ltd, an Irish jewellery and watch company, has been using the hktdc.com Sourcing platform to find suppliers. Mr Stuart McGrath, the companys Managing Director is impressed with the platform and has connected with various quality suppliers through it. He said: This is my first time visiting the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair in person. I have found five watch suppliers for OEM projects and have also procured a green packaging solution from an exhibitor. The total value of these business deals is around US$110,000 (~HK$858,000). The EXHIBITION+ model enables me to source online and offline for more opportunities. Ethos Limited is a retail chain for deluxe watches in India. Mohammad Sajjad, the companys Assistant Vice President, visited the fairs to look for new brands. He said, I have ordered sapphire watches and sapphire watch cases, stainless steel watches and automatic health indicator watches from three Hong Kong exhibitors. The order amount was around US$1.2 million (~HK$9.4 million). This time, I also used the Scan2Match function. It is a useful and resourceful tool. It helps record details of exhibitors of interest in a digital, eco-friendly manner.i Ilona Remesova, Primes Purchasing Manager, a buyer from Czechia, said that she continued to contact exhibitors during the fairs temporary closure through HKTDCs Click2Match smart business matching platform at her hotel and successfully arranged online meetings. She also returned to the venue when the exhibition reopened and continued the conversation with the exhibitors she contacted online before.Photo download: https://bit.ly/3zajKvp Read more: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/92753/
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2024 /RE Royalties Ltd. (TSXV:RE)(OTCQX:RROYF), a global leader in renewable energy royalty-based financing,today announced that it will be presenting and participating in 1x1 meetings at the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024 in association with Small Cap Discoveries on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 3:30pm (Local Time -PST). Bernard Tan, Chief Executive Officer of RE Royalties will be hosting the presentation and answering questions at the conclusion.To access the live presentation, please use the following information:Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024 in association with Small Cap DiscoveriesDate: Wednesday, September 25, 2024Time: 3:30pm (Local Time -PST)Webcast: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/3056/51143 If you would like to book 1x1 investor meetings with RE Royalties, and to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024, please make sure you are registered here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup 1x1 meetings will be scheduled and conducted in person at the conference venue: Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver.The Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024 website is available here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/ If you can't make the live presentation, all company presentations "webcasts" will be available directly on the conference event platform on this link under the tab "Agenda": https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/agenda About RE Royalties RE Royalties acquires revenue-based royalties from renewable energy facilities and technologies by providing a non-dilutive financing solution to privately held and publicly traded companies in the renewable energy sector. RE Royalties is the first to apply this proven business model to the renewable energy sector. The Company currently owns over 100 royalties on solar, wind, hydro, battery storage, energy efficiency and renewable natural gas projects in Canada, United States, Mexico, and Chile. The Company's business objectives are to provide shareholders with a strong growing yield, robust capital protection, a high rate of growth through re-investment and a sustainable investment focus.About Planet MicroCap Planet MicroCap is a global multimedia financial news, publishing and events company focused on news dissemination, providing information, data and analytics for the MicroCap investing community. They have cultivated an active and engaged audience of folks that are interested in learning about and staying ahead of the curve in the MicroCap space.If you would like to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase, please register here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup For further information, please contact: RE Royalties Ltd. Talia Beckett, VP of Communications and Sustainability T: (778) 3742000 E: taliabeckett@ reroyalties.comwww.reroyalties.com News Compliments of AccesswireSOURCE: RE Royalties via Planet MicroCap
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SPIR Investors with Losses Encouraged to Contact the FirmSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE:SPIR) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Mar. 6, 2024 - Aug. 14, 2024Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Oct. 21, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/SPIR Contact the Firm Now:SPIR@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Class Action Lawsuit Against Spire Global, Inc. (SPIR):Spire Global, the beleaguered space data provider, has managed to stave off financial distress by securing a waiver and amendment to its debt obligations with Blue Torch Capital. The agreement, reached on Aug. 27, 2024, provides immediate relief from leverage ratios in exchange for a hefty price tag.The company will now be required to pay an amendment fee of 3.5% of the outstanding term loan principal and it had to make a $10 million principal payment by August 31. This comes at a time when Spire's cash reserves are already stretched thin, with only $46 million in cash and equivalents as of June 30.The debt relief comes amidst a growing accounting scandal that has rocked the company. Spire recently admitted that virtually all of its previously reported financial statements for 2022 and 2023 would need to be restated due to improperly recognized revenues for pre-space mission activity. This revelation marks a significant escalation from the company's initial announcement in early August, when it announced that it would not timely file its Q2 2024 quarterly report. The company said then it was in the process of reviewing its accounting practices and procedures with respect to revenue recognition related to certain contracts in its "Space as a Service" business. The company further explained that "[t]he re-evaluation relates to the potential existence of embedded leases of identifiable assets in the Contracts and the related recognition of revenue for pre-space mission activities." The accounting irregularities have not only led to financial covenant violations but have also triggered a class-action lawsuit against the company. Investors are alleging that Spire misrepresented and failed to disclose the true nature of certain contracts and the related revenue recognition.Shareholder rights firm Hagens Berman is now investigating whether the company and its executives violated U.S. securities laws."Spire Global's recent admissions of accounting irregularities raise serious concerns about the company's corporate governance and financial practices," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. "We are looking into whether Spire's recent disclosures and stock performance warrant lengthening the alleged class period." If you invested in Spire Global and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Spire Global case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Spire Global should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email SPIR@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
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NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilOctober 15, 2024to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA), if they purchased the Company's securities between February 15, 2024 to July 24, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Stellantis and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-stla/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 15, 2024 .About the LawsuitStellantis and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On July 25, 2024, the Company announced its first half 2024 financial results, disclosing disappointing news, including "[n]et revenues of 85.0 billion, down 14% compared to H1 2023, primarily due to the decline in volume and mix; net profit of 5.6 billion, down 48% compared to H1 2023, primarily due to lower volume and mix, headwinds from foreign exchange and restructuring costs; adjusted operating income of 8.5 billion, down 5.7 billion compared to H1 2023, primarily due to decreases in North America." On this news, the price of Stellantis' shares fell from a closing price of $19.60 per share on July 24, 2024 to $17.66 per share on July 26, 2024.The case is Long v. Stellantis N.V., et al., No. 24-cv-06196.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com CONTACT: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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- The ninth edition of the Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC successfully concluded today after a two-day run- 90+ key government and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions explored opportunities as the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI) enters the next golden decade- 280+ matched investment projects and 800+ one-to-one project matching meetings were arranged, positioning Hong Kong as a key dealmaker in the regionHONG KONG, Sept 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - The 9th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), successfully concluded today, attracting over 90 key government and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions.Over 6,000 business participants from over 70 countries and regions explored opportunities, as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) enters the next golden decade. A total of record-high 25 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, demonstrating Hong Kong's role as super value-adder, successfully connecting people, information and capital.Facilitating global business opportunitiesThe 25 MoUs signed, including 4 G2G and 21 B2B, involving government bodies and companies from Hong Kong, Mainland China, ASEAN - Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam - and the Middle East - Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates - Kazakhstan and more.Following the HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee's mission to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam with a business delegation and the mainland-Hong Kong visit to Hungary and Kazakhstan, these MoUs strengthened ties between Hong Kong and Belt and Road countries and regions.Among the 4 G2G MoUs, one was signed between the HKTDC and the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, an extension of the fruitful visit by the Hong Kong delegation to Cambodia in July. The MoU aims to establish a framework to promote bilateral trade and economic cooperation, particularly within the BRI. The areas of cooperation include facilitating trade missions and business matching between Cambodian and Hong Kong companies as well as promoting Hong Kong's advantages to Cambodian businesses.Among B2B MoUs, Farmacy International Pty Ltd from Hong Kong and FutureBright Society Enterprise Pty Ltd from Australia announced a strategic joint venture, Farmacy ANZ, that aims to drive sustainability in agricultural innovation and develop scalable green food networks across Australia and New Zealand.Raymond Mak, Co-Founder of Farmacy, stated: Our technology is set to be a game-changer, contributing to a sustainable future for communities in Australia and New Zealand. The joint venture will also launch projects that are aligned with Belt and Road green initiatives, focusing on sustainable agriculture and conservation. Michael Chan, Director of FutureBright, said: The Belt and Road Summit provides a crucial platform for forging international partnerships that promote sustainable growth and innovation. Through this joint venture, Farmacy and FutureBright can attract investment and support for green technologies, advancing our shared vision of sustainable urban development and contributing to the broader goals of the Belt and Road Initiative. State-Owned Enterprise of Indonesia - Perumda Varia Niaga Samarinda, LINKTA Technologies Holdings Limited from Indonesia and Rainmaker Ventures Holdings Limited from Hong Kong signed an MoU on strategic cooperation for technology investment to develop smart chicken farms and agriculture in Nusantara, Indonesias new capital region.Zoe Zhao, Founder and CEO of Rainmaker Ventures, said: We as a venture capital firm from Hong Kong with exposure in Mainland China and Southeast Asia are keen to showcase our sustainable technologies portfolios and connect with other potential business partners, project owners and government connections as a process of venture-building. We expect to strengthen ties with our existing connections around the world with this global event in Hong Kong and explore new opportunities for emerging businesses and investments in Southeast Asia, demonstrating the impact brought by Brand Hong Kong sustainable technologies. Over 280 investment projects matchedThe Summits offering of investment and business matching services received an overwhelming response with over 280 investment projects matched and more than 800 project matching meetings taking place, positioning Hong Kong as a key deal-maker in the region. These sessions focused on four main areas: (1) energy, natural resources and public utilities; (2) innovation and technology; (3) urban development; and (4) transport and logistics infrastructure. Following the physical Summit, business matching meetings will be conducted online on 16 and 17 September.The Summit once again featured an exhibition area showcasing more than 110 exhibitors, including a dedicated zone jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the HKTDC. This dedicated zone for mainland trade and services was set up with more than 50 trade and service enterprises from Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shanghai, Shandong, Hubei, Guangdong and Shaanxi, which highlighted innovative achievements in areas, such as greentech, culture and creativity, cross-border e-commerce, cloud services and big data.Read more: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/92838/
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BELLINGHAM, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2024 / Later this month, Medical Components Specialists is heading to Galway, Ireland for the Medical Technology Ireland Expo to showcase its products and capabilities at Ground Floor Booth #98H. On September 25th and 26th, the second-largest and fastest-growing medical device and design conference in Europe will be held at the Galway Racecourse. Over the course of two days, the event aims to showcase the latest innovative medical technology solutions and products for the Irish medical device industry, welcoming over 1,500 attendees and over 300 exhibitors for the two-day conference.Travel With MCS for Medical Technology Ireland in September The world-class expo will cover hot topics and provide useful insights for medical device manufacturers and the precision manufacturing space, such as the future of catheter design, navigating intellectual property, enhancing patient safety through precision manufacturing, and more. Thus, events like the Medical Technology Ireland Expo provide MCS with another valuable way to keep up with the latest trends and advancements within the medical device space.MCS has been a trusted OEM for medical device companies around the globe for more than 60 years. The upcoming event in Ireland allows MCS to put decades of experience, capabilities, and cutting-edge products on display at Ground Floor Booth #98H and demonstrate why they're trusted by global medical device manufacturers, like our quick-release PTFE-coated tubing and ultra-precise mandrels. Visitors can also learn more about MCS's full in-line production capabilities, FDA-registered facilities, and ISO 13485 certification that guarantees a commitment to quality.Visit MCS at Booth #98H on the ground floor to learn more about the company's precision grinding capabilities and products relied on by medical OEMs around the world. We look forward to seeing you at the Medical Technology Ireland Expo on September 25th and 26th. Contact InformationGrant NiewinskiDirector of Business Developmentgniewinski@ medicalcomponentspecialists.com 312-607-5589SOURCE: Medical Component SpecialistsView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-13 11:29:39

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- 700+ international exhibitors are taking part- Watch & Clock Fair covers a wide range of watch products in nine zones, providing a one-stop sourcing platform for buyers- Exhibitors can grasp market trends and promote new products, including timepieces with smart technology as well as unique and personalised designs- Salon de TIME opens fully to the public for the first time, offering performances, product launches, lucky draws, engraving demonstrations and moreHONG KONG, Sept 3, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - The 43rd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 12nd Salon de TIME,  jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd  open today. While the physical fairs run until 7 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the online exhibition will continue until 14 September.More than 700 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions are showcasing exquisitely crafted watches, accessories and parts, providing a one-stop sourcing platform for global buyers.The two fairs include pavilions from Guangdong, Guangzhou, Taiwan, as well as South Korea, which is returning after the pandemic. The fairs are also welcoming new exhibitors from Belgium and Denmark as well as Greek, Turkish and British brands.Salon de TIME is fully open to the public for the first time, giving the public an opportunity to appreciate the finest watch craftsmanship. Some brands are also providing on-site retail sales.A one-stop sourcing platformThis year, the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair has nine zones. The Pageant of Eternity showcases OEM and ODM high-end watches. Other exhibition areas include Clocks, Complete Watches, Machinery & Equipment, OEM Smart Watches, Packaging & Display, Parts, Components & Accessories, Pre-owned Watches and Trade Services.Salon de TIME has five themed zones: World Brand Piazza, Renaissance Moment, Wearable Tech, Chic & Trendy and Craft Treasure. These will present more than 130 renowned watch brands from Switzerland, France, Germany and more.World Brand Piazza, sponsored by Prince Jewellery & Watch, is a highlight of this year's exhibition, displaying limited-edition watches from 10 prestigious brands: Baume & Mercier, Bovet, Corum, CVSTOS, DeWitt, Franck Muller, Kerbedanz, Montblanc, Parmigiani Fleurier and Sarcar.Exhibitors are increasingly prioritising high-tech development, strengthening their research and development and design processes.Distinctive and personalised designToday's watch market demand is becoming more diversified. In addition to pursuing watch quality and functionality, wearers also hope to showcase their personality and taste through unique and personalised designs. SIWP (Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion) and French pavilion Franceclat are also returning, bringing along 17 European brands. In addition, the International Luxury Group (ILG), following an enthusiastic response last year, has increased the number of brands it is bringing from 8 to 15, including well-known brands, such as Kenneth Cole, Police and Timberland, among others.- Italian brand Police, which has added screw decorative details to the right side of the watch body to create a strong industrial style and unconventional design. (Booth: 3G-A08)- American brand SAGA, which uses advanced watch technology to develop its unique jewellery-based DNA Bangle Watch series. SAGA has also partnered with China's lunar exploration project to launch its Space series. (Booth: 3F-D02)- Chinese brand Moonyang, founded by designer Sun Lei, which is presenting watches with a space yacht design. The timing buttons and watch lugs resemble power boosters, enhancing the watches style and functionality. (Booth: 3F-D01)International IP crossover combines cultural and creative touchesWatch brands have also been leveraging popular IP to attract different customer segments. Examples at this years fairs include:- Memorigin has renewed its partnership with movie star Stephen Chow to launch a limited-edition watch. The design is inspired by Mr Chows NFT project, Nobody. Each dial takes up to eight hours to craft, with a tourbillon movement that has an oscillation frequency of 28,800 times per hour. (Booth: 3F-D03)- Hong Kong watch brand ANPASSA has launched a watch with the Kowloon Walled City theme to tie in with the hit movie, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. The watchmaker uses micro-engraving technology and a special diamond knife to carve the walled city outline, while AR technology can display different scenes on smartphones. (Booth: 3F-A05)- Hong Kong exhibitor Master Time Industrial Ltd has teamed up with Marvel to launch a stylish watch with superhero elements. The watch is equipped with a 3D dial, an alloy case and semi-skeletonised hands. (Booth: 1D-A18)Read more: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/92660/
Nigeria is to reap about N589 billion (272.6 million) from eight partnership agreements it signed with the United Kingdom on Wednesday in Abuja.

The programme implementation agreements signed by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and the UK Charge d Affaires, Cynthia Rowe, commit both countries to collaboration in critical sectors, including governance, climate change, education, health, and the economy.

Welcoming Ms Rowe and her team to the signing ceremony at the ministrys headquarters in Abuja, Mr Bagudu expressed appreciation for the UK governments support, saying it was a significant show of friendship.

He said the timing of the implementation agreement was significant given the downward trend of world economies. Many economies in the world are going through turbulent times. Nigeria and the UK are not exceptions, he stated.

The minister praised the UKs spirit of partnership, which enabled it to support other countries despite its economic challenges.

Mr Bagudu noted that some agreements would benefit more than Nigeria, explaining that they deal with global issues.

Health is no longer a local issue. COVID-19 reminded us that we have a shared universe. Climate is a universal phenomenon. Governance is no longer a local issue. Governance failure in one country can affect other countries through forced migration, conflict or the spread of arms, he said.

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The minister spoke about President Bola Tinubus administrations recent economic reforms, which he regretted had caused some discomfort among the people.

However, he explained that they were part of its Renewed Hope Agenda strategies aimed at macroeconomic stability that would stimulate local and foreign investments needed for the nations economic revival, growth, and development.

Mr Bagudu said the agreements recognised that despite the best efforts of a country, it might not have all the resources it needed to meet its developmental needs, adding that Nigeria was confident that with working partners, it would overcome its challenges.

The minister thanked the charge daffaires for her cooperation and assistance in ensuring the consummation of the implementation agreements, which he said were the 15th to be signed by the ministry within a month.

Ms Rowe in her statement commiserated with Nigeria over the recent flood in some states and expressed how sorry the UK was over the incident.

She appreciated Nigerias long-standing cooperation and praised the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for being an integral partner that had shaped the relations.

The new implementation agreements, she said, would complement the over 1 billion that had been spent on several programmes in states across the country.

I am passionate about the UKs close relationship with Nigeria and working with the Government to advance the countrys development agenda, Ms Rowe said in a short statement, adding, The signing of these important agreements today builds on our support worth over 1billion, delivering real improvements for people in health, education, governance, our work with women and girls, and helping where there is humanitarian need.

For decades, the implementation agency, the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), has been actively engaged in other sectors of the countrys national development, demonstrating a long-term commitment to Nigerias growth and stability. This includes human development, the Lake Chad Basin Conflict, UK-Nigeria People-to-People links, and economic transformation.

The FCDO has set four clear objectives for the partnership agreements. These include delivering honest, reliable investment, providing women and girls with the freedom to succeed, stepping up life-saving support in times of crisis, and promoting sustainable economic development. These goals aim to help Nigeria attain a more stable, inclusive, resilient, healthy and prosperous polity.

The star agreement, with a three-year budget of N324 billion (150 million), is the Human Assistance and Resilience Program (HARP). It aims to deliver on the integrated review of an earlier programme, Force for Good Agenda, and provide life-saving humanitarian assistance in the North-east.

The Nigeria Governance and Climate Change Programme (NGCP) follows it with an N84 billion (83.8 million) spending plan. It aims to support coalitions engaging with the government on areas to help resolve climate and governance problems affecting the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians; increase state government income from internally generated revenue; mainstream climate action in the centre of state government policy, planning, and budgets; and strengthen election delivery and credibility.

The Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING), which aims to reduce conflict and support Nigerian communities to better adapt to the effects of climate change, was also signed.

With a budget of N82 billion (38 million), SPRING will support the reduction of rural violence and increased peace, security, justice and climate resilience for citizens in volatile regions of Northern Nigeria.

Other agreements are the Equipment Support for Health Training Institutions (ESHTI) N8.3 billion (3.8 million); Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) N41 billion (19 million); Building Resilience in Nigerias Nutrition Stockpile (BRINNS) N26 billion (12 million); and Strengthening Humanitarian Access in Nigeria (SHAN) N24 billion (11 million).

The last of the agreements is the Manufacture Africa, which proposes to help drive the inclusive economic transformation needed to create jobs for the future by providing technical assistance to African countries to the tune of N151 billion (70 million).

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a new directive requiring all Payment Service Providers (PSPs) to integrate their transactions through a Payment Terminal Service Aggregator (PTSA), in an effort to streamline and track electronic transactions in the country.

The directive follows the banks prior issuance of a PTSA licence to Unified Payment Services Limited (UPSL) in April, with the intent to mitigate concerns around the channelling of all Point of Sale (PoS) transactions through a single aggregator.

In the circular dated 11 September, signed by Oladimeji Taiwo, director of the payments system management department, the CBN outlined that acquirers must now route all PoS transactions from merchant and agent locations through a CBN-licensed PTSA.

This directive extends to both physical and electronic PoS terminals. PoS transactions are to be handled only via processors certified by the CBN and nominated by acquirers.

The CBN also mandated that licensed processors integrate with both PTSAs, allowing acquirers the flexibility to choose which processor or processors to use.

It also directed Payment Terminal Service Providers (PTSPs) to ensure that all PoS devices are configured to automatically route transactions through the designated aggregator, by the acquirers specifications.

To ensure compliance, PTSPs are required to submit monthly returns to the CBN, detailing the number of merchants and agents they manage, as well as their PoS terminal deployment and the volume of corresponding transactions. The report is expected to reach the CBN no later than seven days after the end of each month.

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The circular also warned that non-compliance within 30 days of issuance would result in appropriate sanctions.

PSPs are, therefore, required to regularise their operations and confirm compliance with the CBN in writing within this timeframe.

This means PSPs like Interswitch, Paystack, Flutterwave, and others must route their transactions through a PTSA.

The PTSA ensures all PoS devices meet technical and operational standards through terminal certification, guaranteeing uniform functionality and reliability across the industry.

The CBN first issued a PTSA license to the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) in August 2011, making it the sole aggregator for PoS transactions.

However, to encourage competition and improve service quality, the CBN recently granted a second PTSA licence to UPSL.

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The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has supported the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) with a $3 million (approximately N5 billion) grant to promote arts management and education in West Africa.

Established in 2020, MOWAA is a Benin-based non-profit organisation committed to safeguarding West African heritage, fostering knowledge, and promoting the regions vibrant arts and culture.

They also provide infrastructure and programmes for the preservation, display, research, learning and exchange of arts and culture from a world-class campus in the heart of the historic district of Benin City, Nigeria.

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is a US-based organisation that is one of the most prominent supporters of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding.

MOWAA, in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday, announced that the grant would primarily focus on enhancing skills development and driving sector growth.

Furthermore, the statement outlined that the grant would contribute to economic and cultural advancement by empowering local communities and strengthening the cultural sector through talent development and resource allocation.

The initiative complements extensive efforts to encourage growth through arts and cultural protection and education.

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Effect

MOWAAs Executive Director, Phillip Ihenacho, expressed gratitude for the grant, stating that it would advance the organisations mission to transform arts management, education, and cultural conservation in West Africa.

This grant will help us establish world-class programmes that will provide skills training in arts management, collections care, and conservation, stated Ihenacho.

He reiterated the companys commitment to transforming the cultural sector into a thriving hub for practitioners and leaders throughout West Africa.

Mr Ihenacho further highlighted that the funding would enhance archaeological and historical management initiatives, focusing on preserving Benins ancient moats.

Additionally, he said the funding would support promoting contemporary art through artist residencies and commissions.

The MOWAA Institute, set to open in November 2024, will act as a research centre for these efforts, amongst many others servicing institutions in and around West Africa.

He added, This grant is consistent with MOWAAs objective of promoting economic and cultural development through the arts, empowering local communities, and restoring the regions cultural importance.

MOWAA

MOWAA, established in 2020, offers programmes and resources that foster deeper connections between contemporary art and culture and West Africas rich heritage while creating a centre of excellence for African and diaspora artists and scholars.

MOWAAs 15-acre Creative Campus, located in Benin, comprises multiple buildings and public spaces for display, performance, interaction, and commerce. It was designed by a collaboration of local and international architects.

Complementing MOWAA Institute, campus facilities include the Rainforest Gallery, an exhibition building for contemporary art nestled in a replanted rainforest, and the Art Guesthouse, which provides accommodation for visiting researchers, academics, artists, and tourists.

Other facilities include the Artisans Hall, a reimagination of the ancient Kingdom of Benins architecture. It serves as a curated retail space for artisans to showcase a living and thriving culture.

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The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) will host the fourth edition of its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) WKND in Algiers, Algeria, from 16 to 19 October.

According to the organisers, this years event will showcase Africas creative industries and feature diverse activities, including exhibitions, roundtable discussions, masterclasses, live performances, and networking opportunities.

CANEX WKND 2024 aims to provide a unique platform for artists, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and showcase their talents, promoting Africas creative industries globally.

The event has previously featured notable African creative luminaries, including Yemi Alade and Chimamanda Adichie, inspiring countless young creatives across the continent.

Building on the success of previous editions, this years event will focus on fostering collaboration and innovation within Africas creative industries, an official statement issued during the build-up to the event in Algiers affirmed.

Under the theme One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World, CANEX WKND 2024 seeks to foster collaboration and innovation within Africas creative industries. It will provide a platform for business-to-business and business-to-government interactions and offer invaluable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and partnership development.

Financial impact

Afreximbank has committed $1 billion to support Africas creative and cultural industries, launching specialised financing products and initiatives to bridge gaps in creative production value chains.

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The bank has also launched the 2024 CANEX Deal Room initiative to propel growth, innovation, and global recognition for creative and cultural sectors across the continent and diaspora.

Through the CANEX Deal Room, Afreximbank and its partner financial institutions will offer debt and equity financing for bankable projects in various segments.

Registration for CANEX WKND 2024 is already open and free, and interested participants must send in their proposals before the 1 October deadline.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced the approval of the MVA-BN vaccine as the first vaccine against mpox to be added to its prequalification list.

The prequalification approval was announced on WHO website on Friday, noting that it is expected to reduce transmission and help contain the outbreak.

The global health organisation noted that its assessment for prequalification is based on information submitted by the manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic A/S, and reviewed by the European Medicines Agency, the regulatory agency of record for the vaccine.

The approval comes as the mpox outbreak continues to spread, with over 120 countries reporting more than 103,000 cases since 2022. In Africa, there have been 25,237 suspected and confirmed cases and 723 deaths in 14 countries in 2024, according to WHO.

This first prequalification of a vaccine against mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa, and in future, said WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus.

Mr Ghebreyesus called for urgent scale-up of procurement, donations and rollout to get the vaccine where it is needed most, along with other response measures.

More on MVA-BN vaccine

According to WHO, the MVA-BN vaccine can be administered to people over 18 years old as a two-dose injection given four weeks apart.

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WHO said available data shows it is effective in protecting against mpox, with an estimated 76 per cent effectiveness after a single dose and 82 per cent after two doses.

WHO has also recommended using the vaccine in infants, children, and adolescents, as well as in pregnant and immunocompromised people, in outbreak settings where the benefits outweigh the risks.

The statement reads in part: The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunisation reviewed all available evidence and recommended the use of MVA-BN vaccine in the context of a mpox outbreak for persons at high risk of exposure.

While MVA-BN is currently not licensed for persons under 18 years of age, this vaccine may be used off-label in infants, children and adolescents, and in pregnant and immunocompromised people.

This means vaccine use is recommended in outbreak settings where the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks.

Africa receives Jynneos vaccine

Nigeria recently received a donation of 10,000 doses of Jynneos, an anti-mpox vaccine, from the United States government.

On 5 September, Africa CDC also announced the arrival of the first shipment of 99,100 doses of the Jynneos mpox vaccine to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Jynneous is approved by the US governments Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of smallpox and mpox for 18-year-olds and older who are at risk.

It is also recommended by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP).

Since the start of 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been driving the surge in mpox cases in Africa with nearly 22,000 cases and 716 deaths recorded, according to the Africa CDC.

READ ALSO: Man dies after taking herbal concoction

Nigeria, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has confirmed 67 cases out of more than 1,000 suspected cases reported across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

NCDCs Director General, Jide Idris, gave the latest statistics on 11 September.

Meanwhile, other countries of concern in Africa include Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana and Liberia.

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Soldiers working with vigilante operatives have killed Halilu Sububu, a notorious terrorist operating in Zamfara and Sokoto states. He was killed in an ambush on Thursday, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

The gunfight took place around the Kuzawa and Mayanchi areas on the extended Gusau-Sokoto highway in Maru Local Government area of Zamfara State.

Local sources told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Sububu was killed alongside some of his foot soldiers while he was crossing the highway en route to Bagega forest where he has his base.

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, the senior special assistant on media and publicity to President Bola Tinubu, confirmed the killing of the terrorist in a tweet on Friday.

The bandit kingpin, Kachalla Halilu Sububu (pictured), was downed this morning by troops. His death adds to the increasing number of bandit-warlords cut down by security forces under this administration: Ali Kawaje, Dangote, Damina, Baleri, Modi-Modi, etc.

Mr Sububu was one of the notorious terrorists in the north-west whose attacks on civilians and security officials have led to the death of hundreds of people and displacement of millions of others.

In his later years, Mr Sububu relocated to Bagega forest in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where he took control of mining sites in the area as reported by PREMIUM TIMES in an investigation last year.

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I can confirm that Halilu Buzu (Mr Sububu) was killed because he left Bagega very early in the morning with his boys on over 50 motorcycles, a native of Bagega, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said. It was in the late evening that we started hearing stories that he was ambushed by soldiers. Then some miners returned from his sites and said some of his boys had returned without him.

Another local source said Mr Sububu travelled through Mayanchi-Anka highway but delved into the forest around Gwaram village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area. He wanted to cross over the highway to access Maradun forest but was intercepted by the soldiers, the resident said.

He didnt believe the soldiers would get his location because that was his style, the source said. Halilu would not use the same route when going to his hometown, Sububu or Tubali, but yesterday he decided to do that, and the soldiers still got him. We thank God that the soldiers got him.

The man, Halilu Sububu

Mr Sububu is not an ordinary terrorist, called a bandit by locals. He is the only terrorist in the North-west who is known to have close ties with French-speaking Jihadists in the Sahel region of West Africa (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal). It is believed his gunrunning business was successful because of his affiliation with Jihadists in the Sahel.

In his first and only known interview with journalists, Mr Sububu addressed himself as the Leader of the terrorists operating on the northern flank.

A family friend of Mr Sububu, whom PREMIUM TIMES spoke to on the phone in October, said the terrorist was born in 1986 as Halilu Jammare. His father, a Fulani herder, Jammare, was born in Jajjaye, a community near Sububu. He said Mr Sububus mother is from the Niger Republic and came to Nigeria with her grandfather through Maradi in the Niger Republic.

She should have been around 11 or 12 years old when they came to Nigeria. The community leaders in Sububu gave them land to build a house. That was where Jammare saw her and they got married, the source told PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Sububus father died 25 years ago, according to the source.

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The Ward Party Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ayetoro/lluagba Ward 1, says it has suspended Dino Melaye over allegations of engaging in anti-party activities.

Mr Melaye, a former senator and the partys governorship candidate in the last election in Kogi State, is from Ayetoro/lluagba Ward 1 in Ijumu Local Government of the state.

Mr Melayes suspension was announced in a statement by the PDP Ward Chairman, Abayomi Osamika, and Secretary, Yodson Dayo, on Friday in Lokoja, the state capital.

According to the statement, Mr Melayes suspension is contained in a Resolution of PDP Ward Exco meeting held in Aiyetoro, on Thursday, 12 September, and signed by all executive members of the party.

The statement said Mr Melayes conduct had allegedly brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party, and his continued membership was no longer tenable.

The Ward Party Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Ayetoro/lluagba Ward 1, met on Thursday, the 12th of September 2024, to review the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged anti-party activities against Senator Dino Melaye, a member of our great party.

Recall that Senator Dino Melaye was invited to appear before the Disciplinary Committee on 20th August 2024, to answer to certain allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities, in line with the provisions of Article 57(4), of the PDP Constitution.

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However, he failed to show up, disregarding the invitation and the authority of the party.

After careful consideration and deliberation, the Ward Party Exco resolved as follows:

That Senator Dino Melayes failure to appear before the Disciplinary Committee constitutes a gross disrespect to the party and its leadership.

That his actions are in clear violation of the PDP Constitution and the principles of party discipline.

That Senator Dino Melayes conduct has brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party, and his continued membership is no longer tenable.

Therefore, the Ward Party Exco hereby suspends Senator Dino Melaye from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately.

This suspension is in line with the provisions of Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution, which empowers the Ward Party Exco to take disciplinary actions against erring members.

We urge all members of our great party to remain committed to the principles of party discipline and loyalty.

We must work together to build a strong and united party, capable of winning elections and serving the interests of our people, the statement reads.

Every attempt made by NAN Correspondent to reach Mr Melaye, on the alleged suspension from the party proved abortive, as he was not responding to calls and messages sent to his phone.

Also, efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to speak with Mr Melaye and the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Friday, were unsuccessful.

Dino attacks PDP national leadership

On 24 August, Mr Melaye accused the national leadership of the PDP of destroying the opposition party.

He specifically accused three national officers, namely the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, of destroying the party.

He also alleged that the party has been commercialised and privatised.

End of the road for PDP as Damagun, Bature and Anyanwu irredeemably destroyed the party. We will talk about the commercialisation and privatisation of PDP. PDP is now once upon a time, he said in a post on his X handle.

However, Mr Ologunagba debunked the claim, saying, The party is not commercialised. I dont know what he means by that. The party is standing.

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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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The United Nations (UN) says at least 414,000 people were displaced by Tuesdays devastating flood in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

The Head of Public Information, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Abuja, Ann Weru, stated this in a Media Advisory.

Ms Weru said that the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, plans to address the media on the issue.

She said that the data was collected by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as of 11 September 2024.

NEMAs records also show that 37 people died, and about 58 people sustained injuries, she said.

Access to hospitals, schools and markets, she added, has been hampered.

Damages to infrastructure, including bridges, were recorded.

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Evacuation of people in high-risk areas to safer ground is ongoing, amid concerns about the risk of disease outbreaks, she said.

She said that Mohamed Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, will visit areas impacted by the flooding in Maiduguri and meet with affected people, local authorities and humanitarian partners.

Government officials, humanitarian partners, representatives of UN agencies and donors, she said, will join Fall at a news conference later in the day.

(NAN)

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Nigerias former President Olusegun Obasanjo has appealed to President Joe Biden of the United States of America to remove Cuba from the list of countries supporting terrorism.

Mr Obasanjo, in a letter made public on Thursday on a WhatsApp group platform moderated by the famed labour activist, Owei Lakemfa, former Secretary General of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), said his knowledge of Cuba recalls the tiny islands contributions to [the] final liquidation of colonialism and apartheid in Africa rather than a base for exporting global terrorism.

The former Nigerian president said his solidarity and sentiments for the Cuban people stemming from his interaction and relationship with the country dates back to the era of its legendary leader, Fidel Castro, who captured global imagination in December 1958 by leading a group of young people to overthrow a brutal dictatorship and installing a socialist state that never enjoyed warm relationship with the United States.

Mr Lakemfa said that Mr Obasanjos letter contributes to growing international pressure on the US to adopt fairer policies. He emphasised the need for the US to prioritise global peace and urged it to stop what he called incomprehensible bullying of smaller nations. He also encourages a multilateral world where small and big countries can co-exist without interference in their sovereignty.

Backstory

The US and Cuba have had a long fraught history from economic stresses to diplomatic tensions.

On 12 January 2021, the Department of State designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The Secretary cited that the Cuban government repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism by granting safe harbour to terrorists. Cuba was initially designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) on 1 March 1982 by the President Ronald Reagan Administration due to its long history of offering guidance, refuge, communications, training, and financial assistance to individual and terrorist groups. In 2015, the designation was lifted following a review that found Cuba no longer met the criteria for rescission.

However, it was reimposed in 2021 when the US Secretary of State claimed that Cuba had consistently given support and aided acts of international terrorism in the six years since its designation had been annulled. In addition, Cuba allegedly has and still harbours several American fugitives who are wanted for political violence-related offences.

According to the US Department of State, currently, there are four countries designated under these authorities: Cuba, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea), Iran, and Syria. The four main categories of sanctions triggered from designation under these authorities include restrictions on foreign aid restrictions, defence export bans, dual-use item controls, and financial restrictions.

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Despite ongoing US-Cuba economic sanctions, the United States remains Cubas primary supplier of food and agricultural products, with 2018 exports totalling $220.5 million. Additionally, the US provides significant humanitarian aid to Cuba, including medicines and medical products, with total US exports reaching $275.9 million in 2018. Furthermore, remittances from the US, estimated at $3.5 billion in 2017, play an essential role in supporting Cubas state-controlled economy.

But its economy is worsening under the combined weight of U.S. sanctions, misguided government policies, and the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Cubans are suffering critical shortages of necessitiesfood, fuel, and medicine.

Consequently, Cubas plight has garnered more attention in recent years, leading to growing advocacy for legislative efforts to modify and neutralise some U.S. sanctions under the current economic embargo.

The Cuba Solidarity Campaigns #OFFTHELIST movement advocates for Cubas removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, amplifying global advocacy initiatives to end the inhumane blockade.

In May 2024, Cuba was removed from the U.S. list of countries not fully cooperating with counterterrorism efforts. This change came after the resumption of law enforcement cooperation between the U.S. and Cuba, especially on counterterrorism issues. The Cooperation against Terrorism list, which the State Department is required by law to provide the U.S. Congress, is not the same as the State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) list, which Cuba is still on and is at risk of facing more restrictions and economic penalties.

Former president Obasanjo joins his voice together with other kindred spirits to urge the US government to remove Cuba from the Terrorism List. His letter reads:

I have great pleasure in addressing this letter to you, Mr. President, in my capacity as former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has always advocated for peace, justice and the well-being of all nations.

It has been brought to my attention that Cuba is currently listed by the United States as one of the countries supporting or sponsoring terrorism globally.

As my interaction and relationship with the government and people of Cuba is concerned, especially during and after the time of Fidel Castrol, I want to appeal to you, President Biden, to reconsider Cubas inclusion on the list of countries supporting terrorism globally. I know and appreciate what contributions Cuba made to final liquidation of colonialism and apartheid in Africa.

I plead with you to act on the matter with compassion and empathy for the millions of Cuban citizens who are bearing the brunt of this inclusion of Cuba on the list of countries supporting terrorism globally.

I thank you for your attention to this matter and trust that you will kindly give it due consideration.

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The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and other electricity distribution companies are to pay different fines for over billing customers.

The AEDC alone will pay a N1.69 billion fine, according to a publication of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The fine is detailed in Order NERC/2024/114 published on NERCs website on Friday.

NERC says it is part of its September 2024 Supplementary Order.

The order, signed by NERC Vice Chairman Musiliu Oseni and the Commissioner for Legal, Licensing, and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, follows a comprehensive investigation into AEDCs billing practices.

According to the Order, NERC found out that AEDC and other distribution companies overcharged customers between January and September 2023.

The commission said that the respective fines represent 10 per cent of the over billed amount.

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The document also stated that AEDCs annual operating expenditure would be reduced by N1.69 billion effective from September.

The Order said that the Benin Distribution Company was fined N804 million, Enugu Distribution Company; N310 million, Eko Distribution Company; N1.41 billion, while Ibadan Distribution was fined N15 million

According to the Order, Ikeja Distribution Company will pay N1.41 billion fine, Jos Distribution Company N1.33 billion, and Kaduna Distribution Company N115 million.

READ ALSO: NERC bars NBET from entering into new electricity contracts

Others are Kano Distribution Company, N20 million, Port Harcourt Distribution Company, N1.16 billion, and Yola Distribution Company, N54 million.

The NERC noted the penalty was a response to the distribution companies non-compliance with previous directives aimed at capping estimated billing for electricity consumers.

(NAN)

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The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) has begun moves for licence renewal with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to continue its operations as the bulk trader of electricity in the country.

The development comes months after NERC barred NBET from entering into new electricity contracts.

In July NERC directed NBET to cease entering into new contracts for the purchase and resale of electricity and ancillary services in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Incorporated on 29 July 2010 and fully owned by the federal government in accordance with the Electric Power Sector Act, 2005, NBET acts as the principal purchaser of electricity from generating companies.

The company acquires power through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), which sets out the terms and conditions for transactions between these generating companies and NBET.

Following the expiration of the companys initial 10-year licence in November 2021, NERC extended its operating licence for an additional three years. The licence is set to expire in November.

Seeking a five-year trading licence renewal during a public hearing on licence renewal application organised by NERC in Abuja on Thursday, the Acting Managing Director of NBET, Johnson Akinnawo, said within the five-year trading license period NBET will be expected to transform into an energy exchange aimed at promoting bilateral trading between generating companies (GenCos)/Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and commercial/industrial customers through an automated energy trading platform developed and deployed for the sale of electricity, with multiple energy brokers.

Within the five-year trading license period, the NBET will transform to be an effective market facilitator and efficiently, effectively, and sustainably catalyse private investments in the electricity value chain and market; drive payment discipline in the electricity value chain and market through robust contract management and officiant contract administration; to foster cross-sector alignment and build synergy with public and private stakeholders in the implementation of multi-pronged reform initiatives, he said.

He explained that NBET has administered a contracts portfolio with an annual trading volume in excess of $2 billion, making considerable progress in the quest to achieve its mission of being an effective and efficient catalyst for private sector investment in the Nigerian electricity industry.

He noted that the companys vision is the attainment of a self-sustaining electricity market driven by market forces where public funding and guarantees will no longer be the drivers of investments and transactions.

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Pursuant to the bulk electricity purchase and resale license that NERC issued to NBET In 2011 and subsequently renewed in 2021, in line with NERCs license terms, NBET achieved operationalisation as a going concern and built the capacity to demonstrate credibility to potential developers and investors in the power sector, especially its IPP planning and procurement capabilities.

He added that NBET established a formalised application and project monitoring process and a contract which allowed it to assume Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and existing Power Purchase Agreement with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and manage the vesting contract with distribution companies (DisCos).

NBET heralded the commencement of a contract regime in the electricity market and currently has in its portfolio PPAs and electricity purchase contracts with twenty-seven (27) GenCos and Vesting Contracts with eleven (11) DisCos, he said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Azura Power West Africa Limited, Edu Okeke, said the renewal would boost investors confidence in the power sector noting that it was important that NBET remains in the sector.

He added that the short-term licence given to an organisation like NBET affects the ability of power companies in accessing funds from financial institutions, noting that NBET should be granted a licence to operate infinitely.

So, I think that NERC should actually do away with licences that have expiration dates. When you issue a licence to a licensee, if they dont abide by the terms of that licence, you can withdraw it. Can we imagine what would happen today in the banking sector if the Central Bank of Nigeria issued a licence for 10 years? All of a sudden, all the banks will go because they cant raise finance. The same thing with telecom. Can you imagine MTN and when they were about to come in and say your licence is for ten years? No, MTN would not have built anything.

So this has a very big effect. So my own submission is, based on everything, for me as Azura. For me, Im selfish on this one. NBET is the custodian of my PPA. NBET has the right and power to novate it to other entities as long as those entities meet certain conditions.

But I tell you that if we start this discussion today to novate those contracts, it will take at least a year or two years to finish it. So NBET is still needed for a very long time even to novate those contracts. And now we look at the bilateral, we know that NBET is going to play a role there. So I will say, as a regulator, give NBET unlimited, no fixed licence extension, he said.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Legal, Licensing and Compliance at NERC, Dafe Akpeneye, said with the power landscape changing significantly in the past year following the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, NBET needs to redefine its role in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

NBET was established and they had an initial 10-year run for their licence, and when that expired in 2021, they were issued another renewal. That license expires in November of this year, 2024, and they have applied for the licence to be renewed. The commission doesnt believe that we know it all and we think that in view of how the industry is changing and evolving, its important that we get critical stakeholder inputs into the consideration of the NBET request for the renewal of that licence.

We saw that a lot of things that NBET was designed to do, due to no fault of theirs, they couldnt. There was supposed to be an immense capitalisation of the utility, which was never done, and when you look at the securitisation framework for the sector, DisCos are meant to post certain guarantees to NBET but those guarantees were never called, also due to no fault of NBET as well, Mr Akpeneye said.

He added that since the last renewal that was issued to NBET, the sector has changed.

The legal framework has changed, the constitution has been amended to fully allow subnationals unfettered access to the full players and regulators in the sector. We now have the Electricity Act, and certain regulatory initiatives taken by the commission in view of current economic situations also change as well. So the commission is set to take a decision on NBET, he said.

In July PREMIUM TIMES reported that the administration of President Bola Tinubu may be contemplating the dissolution of NBET following the expiry of its current operating licence.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had declined to renew the tenure of the current Managing Director/CEO of the company, Nnaemeka Ewelukwa.

Mr Ewelukwa succeeded Marilyn Amobi, whose tenure was riddled with numerous controversial developments and multiple corruption allegations.

READ ALSO:NERC bars NBET from entering into new electricity contracts

In a circular dated 23 July, seen by this publication, Mr Adelabu informed Mr Ewelukwa that his four-year tenure would not be extended. The notice was given in response to Mr Ewelukwas letter notifying the minister about the imminent expiration of his tenure and possible consideration for a second term.

For a smooth and seamless transition, the minister directed Mr Eweluka to hand over to the most senior general manager in the company by 24 July.

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The police in Rivers State have arrested five suspects over the killing of Ndidi Livingstone, a former Community Development Committee (CDC) chairperson, Mgbuoshimini, Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Disu Olatunji, told reporters in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, that after the killing, the command launched a nationwide manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators.

Mr Livingstone was murdered in front of his wife and son during a church service in his community on 13 January.

Mr Olatunji said that the FID-Intelligence Response Team and personnel of the command later identified nine suspects, including the mastermind of the killing.

He said that five of the suspects died from gunshot wounds sustained after attempting to resist arrest.

Peter Chukwu, who masterminded that operation, was tracked down in his hideout in Ibusa, Delta, on 5 April. His attempt to resist arrest led to his death, he said.

The commissioner listed other suspects linked to include, Adebayo Adebayo, 48; Success Oge, 39; Nnamdi Emmanuel, 35; John Lucas, 34, and Sunday Godspower, 33.

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Others are, Ifeanyi Nwadike, 30, Chigemezu Anochirimoyeanya, 29, Chimezie Adiele, 29, and Ogolo Promise, 25.

He further said that four of the suspects, Adebayor, Emmanuel, Lucas and Promise, led the police to the gangs hideout in Aluu Village, where their cache of weapons was recovered.

While approaching the camp, our personnel came under heavy gunfire from hoodlums suspected to be members of the gang.

The four suspects attempted to escape during the ambush but were caught in the crossfire, they died in the process.

Their bodies have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital morgue for autopsy, he clarified.

Mr Olatunji said that two AK-47 refiles, two SMG rifles, an assault rifle, a shotgun, a pistol, 10 magazines, and 150 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the gang.

He said that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the criminal syndicate.

(NAN)

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The Federal Government has announced a N100 million AI Fund to support Nigerian startups in the AI ecosystem.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, made the announcement at a two-day Global Inclusivity and AI Africa conference hosted by the US Department of State in partnership with the Nigerian government.

Mr Tijani said the fund, developed in a collaboration between the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and Google, represents a commitment to nurturing the next generation of AI-driven solutions in Nigeria.

The fund from Google is going to start first by funding 10 innovative ideas to build the technology solutions that will put into use artificial intelligence to help the critical sectors in the country, the minister said.

Selected startups will receive up to N10 million in funding, along with access to Googles extensive resources, including AI tools, mentorship, and a global network designed to help them scale their innovations, the minister wrote in an X post on Tuesday.

In the pursuit of solving traditional development challenges and unlocking new growth opportunities, Mr Tijani called for collaboration and inclusivity to harness AI fully in Nigeria and Africa.

AI is not just another technology trend but a significant catalyst for change. It can potentially revolutionise healthcare by diagnosing diseases more accurately than ever before.

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It can transform education by personalizing learning experiences, it can bridge the gap in financial inclusion through innovative fintech solutions and it can enhance governance by making public services more efficient and accessible, he added.

Harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence to achieve Africas developmental aspirations in education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, good governance, and security was the key focus of the two-day conference.

Industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and government officials across Africa and the United States strategised on how AI could be utilised to create innovative solutions, drive inclusive growth, and achieve all-round development.

Kurt Campbell, the United States Deputy Secretary of State, emphasized Africas growing importance in the global technology landscape. He said AI can work for Africa by developing human capital, strengthening research and innovation ecosystems, and building an AI-ready institutional and regulatory environment.

AI can play a significant role in achieving the sustainable development goals in Africa, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of today. We aim to foster collaboration between the United States and African AI researchers, policymakers and industry leaders so that we can work together to drive innovation and address common challenges, he stated.

Mr Campbell however noted that such goals can only be achieved through a conscious effort to establish frameworks that guarantee sustainability.

Guidelines must be established for safe, secure, and trustworthy development and deployment of AI technologies that advance our shared values and promote fairness, transparency, and accountability. developing AI policies and regulatory frameworks that ensure safety, privacy, and security while fostering innovation is essential, he added.

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The police in Anambra State, south-east Nigeria, say they have arrested eight people allegedly involved in various offences including kidnapping and cultism in the state.

The police spokesperson in Anambra, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the suspects were arrested in separate operations between August and September 2024.

He said, apart from kidnapping and cultism, some were arrested for alleged vandalism and illegal possession of firearms.

Kidnapping

Mr Ikenga said two of the suspects were arrested when police operatives raided their hideout in Nnewi in Nnewi North Council Area of the state.

The police spokesperson said the arrest was in response to the report that the suspects allegedly kidnapped and later released a victim on 19 August.

He said the unnamed victim was released by the suspects in Ihiala, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

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The suspects confessed to being active participants in the crime and have already provided information to the police that is aiding the investigation, he said.

Vandalism, illegal possession of firearms

Mr Ikenga said a joint security team, acting on a tip-off, arrested five suspected electric cable vandals in an unnamed community in Anambra State.

He identified the suspects as Okorie Miracle, Joshua Ifeanyi Ekwa, Aneke Okorie, Mmesoma Faithful and Chukwuzekwu Mba  all males and indigenes of Umunze Community in Orumba South Council Area of the state.

The spokesperson said the security team also recovered locally made shotguns and vandalised cables from the suspects  who are between 20 and 26 years old.

The suspects all confessed to the crime and are currently assisting the police with information to arrest other gang members and buyers of the vandalised items, he stated.

READ ALSO: Police arrest nine suspects in Kogi violent communal crisis

Cultism

Mr Ikenga said that in another operation Friday morning, police personnel from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad accosted a 25-year-old crime suspect, Chigozie Ejikeme after he allegedly drove suspiciously to beat security check.

The incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. along Nise-Agulu Road in the state, he said.

The spokesperson said the suspects action prompted the police operatives to search him and they consequently found a locally made beretta pistol with one live 9mm ammunition concealed on his waist.

He said the suspect hails from Abagana in Njikoka Council Area of the state.

The suspect, upon interrogation by the Operatives, confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Secret Cult, Mr Ikenga said, adding that a black Lexus SUV was recovered from him.

All the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation, he added.

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A member of the House of Representatives, Aliyu Betara, has donated N100 million to support the victims of flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Mr Betara, who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, announced the donation on Friday during an on-the-spot assessment of some locations in Maiduguri.

The legislator also promised to raise the matter on the floor of the House when they finally resume.

We are so proud of you and wish to pledge our unfettered support in all ramifications in the bid to alleviate the suffering of our dear citizens who elected us into various offices.

To this end, I wish to, on behalf of myself, my family, and the good people of Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency, donate the sum of N100 million to support the affected people of Maiduguri, he said.

Mr Betara commended the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, for some of the actions taken so far to address the impact of the disaster.

Your Excellency, I, on behalf of the good people of Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency, wish to commiserate with you, the entire state government, and all our people who are directly and indirectly affected by this unfortunate flood incident, which led to the untimely deaths of our dear beloved brothers and sisters.

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As is evident, thousands of our people were rendered homeless, and their livelihoods washed away. May Almighty Allah console you and all of us and grant the departed souls of our loved ones Aljana-Firdaus, he said.

The Maiduguri Flood

A large part of 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.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Security in Borno State, Usman Tar, had issued a statement urging residents along riverbanks to evacuate immediately. Despite the notice, many have been affected by the flood.

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 rainfalls across the state have worsened the flooding in Biu, Chibok, Konduga, Bama, Dikwa, and Jere Local Government Areas.

On Friday, the United Nations (UN) said the flood displaced at least 414,000 people, while about 37 people have been declared dead.

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The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has reassured Nigerians that insecurity will soon come to an end in the country.

Mr Ribadu stated this on Friday in Damaturu while commiserating with the people of Yobe on the recent insurgency attack in a community in the state.

He praised the armed forces and security agencies for their efforts in combating insecurity, saying that their sacrifices had led to improvements in security.

Mr Ribadu noted that the federal government is working around the clock to end insecurity, and it is only a matter of time before the entire country is secured.

Also speaking, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, commiserated with the people who lost their lives and property, praying that such situations would not recur.

Governor Mala Buni of Yobe State thanked the delegation, saying their visit gave the people of the state a sense of belonging.

He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the success of President Bola Tinubu, saying his success is the nations success.

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(NAN)

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An election monitoring group, Yiaga Africa, on Friday raised concerns over voters inducement and rising tensions ahead of the 21 September governorship election in Edo State.

Cynthia Mbamalu, Yiagas director of programmes, said at a news conference in Benin that Yiaga Africa had documented instances of political parties distributing cash and gifts to lure voters during campaigns.

Ms Mbamalu said, In areas like Uselu market in Egor Local Government Area, both APC and PDP reportedly handed out cash ranging from N1,000 to N2,000 to market women.

Similarly, in Esan North East Local Government Area, PDP campaigners distributed wrappers and other items to entice voters.

She emphasised that the practice could undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the election results.

Ms Mbamalu also disclosed that Yiaga Africas reports indicated a rise in the activities of cultists and political thugs, particularly in some local government areas

She said that the security situation in the state had remained unstable, and growing tensions between All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters had contributed to this.

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Yiaga Africa had recorded several cases of kidnappings and violent incidents, primarily in areas like Egor, Esan South East and Etsako East.

If not addressed, these activities could severely undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the election, she said.

Ms Mbamalu stressed the need for security agencies to remain neutral and professional during the election.

We also call on all political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns and refrain from offering unsustainable gifts to lure voters, she added.

Ms Mbamalu said the poor turnout in the Independent National Electoral Commissions (INEC) mock accreditation exercise held on 11 September was worrisome.

While Yiaga Africa commends INEC for conducting the exercise, we are worried that low participation could signal a lack of adequate voter awareness.

We, therefore, urge INEC to improve communication with the public to ensure higher engagement on election day, she added.

According to her, as the election approaches, Yiaga Africa has deployed 25 Long Term Observers across Edos 18 local government areas to monitor the pre-election environment.

(NAN)

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A community in Jigawa State has expelled a religious cleric for preaching against Western education and the enrollment of children in conventional schools, a lawmaker has said.

Ado Yakubu, a member of the Jigawa State House of Assembly representing the Gwaram constituency, said the incident happened in his community.

Mr Yakubu said the cleric was expelled by traditional leaders in the community working to address the problem of out-of-school children.

The lawmaker spoke with reporters on Thursday at the sidelines of an event organised by the Jigawa State Basic Education Board (SUBED) in collaboration with UNICEF in Dutse, the state capital. The event, supported by the European Union (EU), is part of a campaign to boost enrolment of children in school in the state.

Mr Yakubu said addressing the menace of out-of-school children requires a collaborative effort. As a lawmaker, he said he has introduced programmes and policies to identify the challenges. He lamented that some clerics were influencing local communities not to enrol their children in conventional schools.

A cleric was influencing locals not to enrol their children on acquiring Western education, and we engaged him in discussion with the traditional leaders. We found that the clerics perspective on Western education was discouraging and misleading, and we decided to expel him because he was not a partner in progress and not an indigene of the town.

Such kinds of obstacles are being witnessed in various areas, and we are working on them, Mr Yakubu said without naming the cleric.

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He said they have identified other challenges hindering the enrollment of children in schools.

We have identified 43 villages with high burdens of out-of-school children (in Gwaram LGA), and we were able to trace some of the problems, which are inter-community rivalry stopping the children of community A from going to Community B for schooling.

Others are protesting the lack of presence of schools in their community and they cannot go to nearby communities for schooling.

Some parents will not allow their children to be enrolled under particular village heads due to personal grudges.

Some pupils walk a long distance to get water for their households, which prevents them from going to school. We have provided a borehole for them for immediate solutions, Mr Yakubu said.

He said the problem of out-of-school children was being addressed from the grassroots by sharing ideas and identifying and providing solutions to the problems.

The nomadic community has been neglected for a long time, and we are currently engaging them and enrolling the children back in school, the lawmaker said.

The SUBEB chairperson, Haruna Musa, a professor, said the state initiated other measures, such as engaging mothers associations, to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve learning in the state.

The official said many mothers are monitoring the learning outcomes of their children, going from class to class to ensure that teachers are teaching.

However, he lamented some parents lackadaisical attitude toward their children, which is complicating the problems.

He said Governor Umar Namadi had shown commitment by engaging 3,233 permanent and pensionable teachers in the first year of his administration.

We are currently engaging another 3,000 teachers. In the year 2025, we are engaging 5,000, which is our target. The teachers are being trained to meet the standards of the time, Mr Musa said.

READ ALSO: Islamic cleric who fled Bauchi over alleged persecution faces fresh charges

The meeting aimed to see a reduction in the number of out-of-school children in Jigawa, said UNICEFs education specialist, Muntaka Mohammed.

Jigawa is number eight on the list of out-of-school children; however, gladly, the Jigawa State Government is investing huge resources to see that children enjoy their rights to education, Mr Mohammed said.

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The Nigerian Army said its troops have captured a wanted terrorist kingpin, Husseini Usman, in Ganawuri village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau and rescued kidnapped victims.

The army, in a post on its official X Handle on Friday, said the troops had sustained decisive and aggressive operations against terrorists across the nation.

It said the troops also seized weapons and critical logistics used by the terrorists, thereby further tightening the noose on criminal elements hiding in the forests.

According to the army, troops stationed in Plateau on 11 September, acting on reliable intelligence, apprehended the wanted terrorist kingpin who confessed to orchestrating multiple deadly attacks in Plateau.

He confessed to have been responsible for the recent assault on Ganawuri village that claimed four innocent lives.

He also admitted involvement in a local kidnapping syndicate responsible for abducting two individuals.

Also, in a swift response to another kidnap attempt in Kyaram village, Kanam Local Government Area, the same troops successfully extricated two victims.

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In Borno, the post revealed that troops also launched a deadly ambush on terrorists attempting to transit from Sambisa Forest to the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area.

It added that two terrorists were eliminated after an intense shootout.

In Kaduna State, the army said its troops stormed a terrorist hideout in Gobarawa Forest in the Birnin Gwari area, forcing the criminals to flee in disarray on sighting the troops.

According to the post, the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and five motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has commended the troops for their unwavering commitment and urged them to sustain the offensive operations to flush out terrorists and criminal elements from their enclaves, it added.

(NAN)

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The community of Agwan Hakimi, Orozo situated in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), has been left in turmoil after a devastating flood swept through the area, killing two residents and destroying vital infrastructure.

The flooding, which occurred on Tuesday, marked the second deluge in just five days, leaving a trail of destruction and despair among the communitys inhabitants.

In a phone interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Chairman of the Agwan Hakimi Landlord Association, Funmilayo Patrick, confirmed the deaths of two individuals, who were swept away by the forceful waters as they attempted to cross the flood on foot. One victim, identified as Musa, was a well-known figure in the community. The identity of the second victim remains unknown. Both were buried shortly after the incident.

Weve experienced flooding every year for the past six years, but this is by far the worst, Mr Patrick said. We are used to it, but losing lives has left us shaken. Homes have been submerged, destroyed, and were terrified of what the next rainfall might bring.

Community in crisis

The floods have displaced at least 10 families, leaving them with no emergency shelter. Many have found temporary refuge with neighbours or relatives, but the damage to their homes remains severe. Several buildings were flooded, and one structure collapsed under the weight of the floodwaters.

We dont have emergency shelters, said Mr Patrick. Families have moved in with others, but how long can that last? Its unsustainable.

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A weak bridge

One of the communitys primary concerns is the deteriorating state of its sole bridge, a critical connection between Agwan Hakimi and neighbouring communities like Jaina. The bridge, which serves as a vital artery for transportation, is now at risk of collapse after being battered by the back-to-back floods. Should it fall, residents fear they will be entirely cut off from essential services such as schools, churches, and markets.

If this bridge goes, were stranded, he warned. Its the only way in and out of Agwan Hakimi. Were already isolated enough. If we lose the bridge, no help will come.

Crumbling infrastructure

Agwan Hakimis woes go beyond the immediate flood damage. The community has long struggled with inadequate infrastructure, particularly in terms of electricity supply. Despite efforts by the community to maintain its own electrical infrastructure, including spending nearly N10 million on transformers and replacement parts, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has reportedly done little to help.

The Landlord Association has had to fund everything ourselves, Mr Patrick said. Weve paid for feeder pillars, conductor wires, poles, and even armoured cables for our transformers, but the AEDC has ignored our calls for support. Were paying them for services theyre not delivering, and its crippling local businesses.

Daily power outages have left the community in disarray, with many residents filing complaints to no avail. Frustration is mounting.

Its more than just the cost, he added. Were literally paying the AEDCs staff to do their jobs. And yet, here we are, still without reliable power.

Desperate calls for help

The community has now turned to the government for help. In a statement released by the Landlord Association on Wednesday, the group issued an urgent appeal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, AMAC Chairman Christopher Mailalangu, Senator Ireti Kingibe, and House of Representatives member Joshua Obika to intervene before the situation worsens.

We need immediate relief for the displaced families, repairs to the destroyed homes, and urgent action on the collapsing bridge, the statement read. Without prompt intervention, more lives will be lost.

The association also called for a professional assessment of flood-prone areas in the region to mitigate future disasters. For many, the emotional and physical toll of the disaster has become unbearable.

Were traumatised, he said. Every time it rains, we live in fear.

A community on the brinks

The flooding has laid bare the broader issues plaguing Agwan Hakimi. Roads are in disrepair, there is no local police post, and residents have been forced to organise their own security, costing them N500,000 per month. The strain on the community is evident.

Were doing everything ourselves, Mr Patrick lamented. We spent almost N2 million reinforcing the bridge last year, only for the flood to wash it away. We cant go on like thiswe need help, and we need it now.

Government response

Following inquiries from PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, the Head of Public Affairs at the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, led her team to Agwan Hakimi for post assessment and profiling.

In a statement released on Thursday, Mrs Isa confirmed that the flood claimed one life, injured another person, and caused significant damage to homes and farmlands.

She attributed the disaster to a narrow culvert and poor drainage systems.

In response, FEMD Acting Director General, Abdulrahman Mohammed directed the AEDC to repair a power pole damaged by the floods and restore electricity to the area.

READ ALSO: Borno flood raises concerns over food insecurity Commission

He also ordered the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) to expand the culvert to prevent future flooding.

He also said FEMD is planning further assessments of the farmlands and homes affected by the flooding.

Mrs Isa said as heavy rains and possible flooding are forecast in the coming weeks, authorities have warned residents to remain vigilant and make use of emergency services, including a 112 toll-free line for reporting disasters.

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The federal government has unveiled the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP), a transformative initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment and equipping them with essential skills for the future.

The Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, spoke at the unveiling event on Thursday in Abuja.

Ms Ibrahim said that the programme was developed to tackle unemployment and equip young people with employable skills.

The key goals are to reduce youth unemployment by 20 per cent in the next five years and achieve a 50 per cent increase in youth-led enterprise.

Through regular assessment, feedback loops and data analysis, we will adjust our strategies as needed to ensure that we stay on track and that no one is left behind.

With the right skills and training, our youth cannot only find employment but also become the driving force behind these sectors, creating a ripple effect of job opportunities.

According to her, beyond technical skills, the government is committed to empowering the youths with financial tools to succeed.

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It is not enough to be skilled; we must ensure these young men and women have access to the capital they need to start their business.

Through the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, we have already allocated 110 billion naira for the 2024 fiscal year to support youth-led businesses.

With the upcoming National Youth Development Bank, we will expand this, providing more youth with the grants, loans and mentorship they need to turn their ideas into thriving enterprise.

The minister said that women and persons with disabilities were often left out of the economic conversation.

That is why we are committed to ensuring that 50 per cent of programme participants will be female and we have designed specific pathways for young women to thrive in sectors like technology, healthcare and entrepreneurship.

Ms Ibrahim said that the framework would also allow them to track key performance indicators such as the number of jobs created, the success rate of youth-led businesses and the overall contribution to national economic growth.

We have also partnered with local and international organisations to ensure that persons with disabilities have full access to all training programmes, with necessary accommodation as well to be provided.

We will also measure long-term impacts such as income growth and poverty reduction.

According to Ms Ibrahim, NYSP is designed to target 11 key sectors crucial to Nigerias development  agriculture, renewable energy, digital economy and manufacturing.

She listed others as healthcare services, creative arts, sustainable mobility, circular economy, teaching skills, mining and gemstone processing, and blue economy.

This dual focus on skills and financial support aims to address the gaps in previous initiatives that lacked sufficient backing.

The programme will also ensure nationwide outreach, utilising digital platforms to connect with both urban and rural areas, she said.

Also, the Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, Aminu Abdullahi, reiterated the programmes alignment with President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Abdullahi said the programme aimed to equip more than five million youths with employable skills and foster entrepreneurship and innovation.

According to him, the NYSP will implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and measure impact.

He said that the framework would assess key performance indicators such as job creation, business success rates, economic contributions and annual evaluations.

Mr Abdullahi said that such would ensure transparency and continuous improvement, learning from past experiences to better support the youth.

He called on private sector partners, government agencies, and international organisations to collaborate to ensure the NYSPs success.

(NAN)

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The Police Service Commission has approved Miller Dantawayes appointment as the commissioner of police for Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Dantawayes appointment is contained in a statement issued on Friday by the commission spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani.

Punch newspaper reported that the commission also approved the appointment of three other commissioners: Isah Nda for Abia State, Olanrewaju for Lagos State, and Anthonia Anya for Ebonyi State.

The statement said their appointments followed the commissions recent promotion of some senior officers, which created vacancies in some police commands.

According to the statement, the Chairperson of commission, Hashimu Argungu, a retired deputy inspector general of police, has advised the new police commissioners to see their appointment as a call to the service of their fatherland.

Mr Argungu urged the new police commissioners to build a competitive, competent, and efficient police force in their respective states. He assured them of the commissions continuous encouragement for optimum service delivery.

The approval of the postings signed by the secretary to the commission, Onyemuche Nnamani has been conveyed to the inspector general of police for implementation, Mr Ani said.

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Akwa Iboms new police commissioner

Mr Dantawaye, who is yet to assume duty in the state, will replace the former commissioner of police, Waheed Ayilara, who died last month.

Mr Ayilara died at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, hours after undergoing prostate cancer surgery.

He had assumed duties in the state in February and died six months after.

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The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, has vowed never to support Governor Siminalayi Fubara again in his political life.

I will never support Fubara in my political life again. Its not about me. People laboured to put up a structure, Mr Wike stated on Friday in an interview on Channels television.

Mr Wike, a former governor of the oil-rich Rivers State, who helped Mr Fubara to succeed him as Rivers governor, said Mr Fubara would not have taken the 50th position in the race if not for his (Wikes) sacrifice.

I sacrificed to talk to the Ogonis, I sacrificed to talk to several other people that let us go this way.

You turned it into that I am asking for N50 billion, N100 billion. You turned up lies against me. I brought you up, put you here. Today, I turned out to be over-demanding, the minister said.

Speaking further, Mr Wike said his successor was ungrateful for his support and that of others who worked for him to become governor. He further said Mr Fubara was destroying the political structure that brought him to power.

In every political family, you run elections under people and people believe that we are all together. We must keep our political structure.

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Your rose through somewhere. Why do you deny it? Its unfair, and you want me to sit down, the minister said.

We are all humans, ingratitude is bad, it doesnt matter what anybody can label it, the minister responded when asked about his demands to Mr Fubara. He added that he only told the governor not to abandon the people who toiled hard for him to get to that position.

Messrs Fubara and Wike have been at loggerheads over the control of political structure in Rivers.

The political feud between the two former allies has split the State House of Assembly into two factions, with 27 members loyal to Mr Wike while three others are loyal to Governor Fubara.

Rivers currently has two houses of assembly, with each faction holding parallel sittings.

The political crisis in the state three months ago snowballed into violence. It resulted in the loss of lives after Mr Wikes supporters took to the streets to protest against the dissolution of the former elected local government officials by Governor Fubara.

The former elected council officials, who are Mr Wikes loyalists, were replaced by caretaker committee, following the end of their three-year tenure.

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The police in Imo State, south-east Nigeria, have begun an investigation into the alleged killing of a man by operatives in the state.

The police spokesperson in Imo, Henry Okoye, announced this in a post on his X handle on Friday.

The killing

On Thursday, a social media user, Somtochukwu Okonkwo, uploaded a video clip on his X handle and a photograph of a man believed to be the victim, lying lifeless on the ground with blood on his clothes.

In the clip seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Chinonso Uba, a Nigerian journalist and human rights activist, narrated how some police operatives at a checkpoint allegedly shot the victim dead.

Mr Uba, otherwise known as Nonso Nkwa, is the founder of Protect the Weak International Foundation, a human rights group.

In the clip, he said the incident happened on Monday along Agbala-Owerri-Aba Road in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Uba identified the victim simply as Obinna.

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He said Obinna and another unidentified man were in a vehicle when a police operative flagged down their vehicle at a checkpoint in the area.

He said the operative who flagged down the vehicle subsequently ignored them and began to attend to other motorists.

Mr Uba said the victim, who had parked by the roadside at the checkpoint, was later signalled by another operative to continue his journey.

Immediately the victim started driving the vehicle, the operative who had flagged down the vehicle and one of his colleagues opened fire on them.

Then, a bullet hit the victim. The other guy came out of the vehicle and started shouting. Immediately, the operatives saw that the victim had died, they ran away, Mr Uba narrated in a mixture of English and Igbo languages.

Mr Uba said his foundation has petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, on the incident.

He said that given that there were four checkpoints in the area, police authorities should arrest all operatives deployed in the area on the said day to identify the particular operatives involved.

Mr Uba said the victims father is a police officer and that he was already seeking justice for his slain son.

But we will not allow the family to push alone. So, as the family is pushing for justice, Protect the Weak International Foundation is also pushing for justice, he said.

Thorough investigation initiated

In the X post on Friday, Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, described the killing as highly unfortunate.

A thorough investigation into this incident has been initiated, he said.

The spokesperson urged residents of the state to assist the police with useful information that can help identify the operatives.

Justice must be served, he assured.

Not the first time

Cases of extrajudicial killings and harassment in Nigeria have continued despite sanctions by police authorities against erring operatives.

In October 2020, Nigerian youths protested against police brutality across the country and called for the disbandment of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Unit (SARS) of the police.

Despite the disbandment of SARS, cases of police brutality have persisted across the country.

On 17 April for instance, a police operative shot dead an entrepreneur in Abia State over refusal to give a bribe.

After an investigation, the police found the operative guilty of the crime and subsequently dismissed him.

Earlier this September, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnaghe Obono, ordered the detention of some officers for the alleged murder of an unidentified civilian in the state.

Also, six officers were caught in a viral video, in April 2023 using a machete to smack two unidentified people in Imo State.

The police in the state would later begin an orderly room trial of the officers.

Within the same period, a police officer who was filmed slapping a motorist in Emohua, Rivers State, was demoted.

The Emohua incident occurred a few days after Ubi Ebri, another officer, allegedly shot dead a young man in the neighbouring Delta State for reportedly refusing to give N100 bribe.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how youths in Delta State protested with the victims corpse along major roads in Asaba.

Mr Ebri, the officer, was immediately arrested, dismissed from service and later arraigned.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured internally displaced persons in Niger State that the federal government would ensure their return to their homes.

Mr Shettima saiid this when he led a federal government delegation on a sympathy and assessment visit to the IDP camp at the Central Primary School Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

He said the government was aware of their situation and that President Bola Tinubu would provide good governance to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

The vice president, who noted that Nigeria has been affected by insecurity and natural disasters leading to loss of lives and property, disclosed that the federal government has given N3 billion to each state of the federation to address issues of flooding.

He said that apart from the food items and other non-consumable items presented to the IDPs, the government would further synergise with the state government and NEMA to alleviate the sufferings of the people .

Mr Shettima added that states like Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Bayelsa and Jigawa would receive more interventions from the federal government as it continues to carry out its assessment.

Earlier, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, said the state has suffered from insecurity and natural disasters leading to the establishment of 14 IDP camps spread across the state.

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He thanked President Tinubu for sending a high-powered delegation led by the vice president to sympathise with the government and people of the state.

The governor said the visit and the intervention underscored the commitment of the federal government to addressing the challenges facing the people.

In an interview, the state Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Ahmed Suleiman, and the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Babaara, commended the intervention from the federal government through NEMA and promised to continue to partner with them for the wellbeing of the IDPS while efforts are being made for their safe return home.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Shiroro LGA, Akilu Isiyaku, said he would ensure that the people are back to their ancestral homes.

Some IDPs interviewed called on the government at all levels to assist them to return home.

A total of 46,853 IDPs comprising men, women, and children are in the 14 camps, out of which 5,823 are at the Gwada camp.

The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister for State, Agriculture and Food Security, Abdullahi Sabi, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia, and the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, were in the entourage of the vice president.

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Tinubu must take heed. He has a competent Attorney General and Minister of Justice in Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who should advise him to tread softly. The history of our security services, especially the bad habits inherited from colonial rule and reinforced by the long years of military rule and entitled politicians, hasnt changed much Its not the business of police officers, the state security service or special advisers to run the government. Thats not their job. They cannot abridge the peoples freedoms in a quest for ascendancy.

I dont get involved with what the security services do or how. Their ways are so complex and their motives so unsearchable that sometimes youll be forgiven for thinking that working from the answer to the question is the standard operating procedure. Of course, you are told that whatever happens in between is in the public interest.

As far as fiction imitates life, there is a striking resemblance between the recent hyperactivity in Nigerias security services and what happened in a novel set in mid-17th century England.

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman (famously called Double Trouble by the English press) is a comedy about the birth of the son of Satan and the coming of the End Times.

The part that reminds me of what is obviously a hectic season for the security services  from the arraignment of the #EndBadGovernance protesters on charges of felony to the police raid on Labour House and run-ins with the NLC president and civil society activists  is the time in England when, according to Pratchett and Gaiman, witch-finding was a respectable profession.

General Hopkins

At that time, there was a certain General named Matthew Hopkins. You would think that in pre-industrial England, when poverty, disease and unemployment were rampant, the last thing the state would be interested in would be a witch-hunt. But no. Witch-hunting was good business.

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Hopkins charged each town and village nine pence for every witch he found. But that wasnt enough. Since he wasnt paid by the hour, and the reward for not finding any witches was a thank you and a bowl of soup, he invented a way to earn more. He went out of his way to find witches, which made him unpopular in the towns and villages.

When Hopkins madness became insufferable, the villagers framed him as a witch, much to the pleasure of the local authorities, who were also tired of paying him. They hanged him. Hopkins, by many accounts, became the last Witchfinder General in England.

The world may have substantially passed the time when people were hunted, hanged and burned at the stake on suspicion of witchcraft. But Im concerned that there is a growing similarity between witchcraft and how Nigerias security services look for enemies.

Listening to the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, explain why the force raided Labour House, the siege on the Labour leadership, and the charge of treason against protesters and their alleged British sponsor, Andrew Martin Wynne, I can almost see the ghost of 17th century England. By his looks  and one must respect his decision to keep his shaggy hair and matted beard  Wynne might have been lumped together with those in the pointy hat in those days.

A British Suspect

Listening to the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, explain why the force raided Labour House, the siege on the Labour leadership, and the charge of treason against protesters and their alleged British sponsor, Andrew Martin Wynne, I can almost see the ghost of 17th century England. By his looks  and one must respect his decision to keep his shaggy hair and matted beard  Wynne might have been lumped together with those in the pointy hat in those days.

Not in Nigeria

But Nigeria is not Hopkins England. This is not 1961 when Joseph Tarka was detained for three weeks and charged with treason by the Crown for inciting the protests in Tiv land, only to be acquitted later for a lack of evidence.

It is not the Nigeria of 1962 when Chief Obafemi Awolowo was prosecuted for treasonable felony for purportedly working with Ghana to overthrow the government of Nigeria, a scandalous charge borne out of politics rather than the law.

Anthony Enahoro, a journalists journalist and scourge of the British government, was also jailed twice for sedition, once for an article mocking a former governor and then for another article inciting Nigerian troops against the British army.

Then, he was deported from England as a fugitive offender and jailed a third time along with Awolowo for treasonable felony.

This is not the Nigeria of military president General Ibrahim Babangida, where human rights activists Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, Beko Ransome-Kuti and Baba Omojola were hounded and imprisoned on the spurious charge of treason by a military government that had lost its way. It is not the Nigeria where Babangida deported sociology lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Patrick Wilmot, for the treasonable sin of teaching what he was not paid to teach.

Or the one where General Sani Abacha hounded NADECO leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for standing up to the extreme human rights abuses of that government.

In 2024?

This is 2024, with a government that parades some of the most well-known human rights figures up and down the corridors of power and even among the principal officers of the National Assembly. Where is this ghost of 17th-century England coming from?

As the veteran journalist, Owei Lakemfa, said in his column last week, the danger is not so much the protesters, their sponsors or the witches in a coven somewhere. The biggest threat to the land is the hardship in plain sight, compounded by the lavish lifestyle of government officials and the lack of clarity about what is next. And the president doesnt need Witchfinder General Hopkins to tell him.

Let me be clear. Protest is not  and should not  be chaos and anarchy. The killing of protesters and police officers during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August, which left seven persons dead, the arson at the NCC building in Kano, the open calls for a military takeover, and the symbolic insinuation that Russian intervention was welcome are inexcusable.

The silence of some top politicians and leaders, especially from the North, fueled suspicions of complicity if not connivance. Yet, why add a third if two wrongs dont make a right?

I dont know what Intelligence is saying or the briefing President Tinubu is getting. Of course, he needs them. We need them, too, as citizens. No modern state can do without them. But in many countries, the job of intelligence has become more valuable and sophisticated  and one might even say, often dangerously sophisticated  far beyond the voodoo of Hopkins witch-hunt in the east of England.

Like Aziraphale and Cowley

For example, for decades in the US, and going back to the Vietnam War, through the Nixon years and the Cold War and even the destabilisation of Libya, the intelligence services perpetrated some of the vilest acts in pursuit of the so-called enemies of the state  actually a mask for vendetta and a ladder for the ascendancy of the deep state.

Like the angel Aziraphale and the demon Cowley in Good Omens, the good and bad guys in the security services have shared interests. They routinely collaborate for good and ill, sometimes at the states expense.

Take Heed

Tinubu must take heed. He has a competent Attorney General and Minister of Justice in Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who should advise him to tread softly. The history of our security services, especially the bad habits inherited from colonial rule and reinforced by the long years of military rule and entitled politicians, hasnt changed much.

Its not the business of police officers, the state security service or special advisers to run the government. Thats not their job. They cannot abridge the peoples freedoms in a quest for ascendancy. Those who breach the law in exercising their liberty should not face the justice that reminds us of Hopkins England but a process consistent with modern progressive society, one that Tinubu was voted to uphold.

As the veteran journalist, Owei Lakemfa, said in his column last week, the danger is not so much the protesters, their sponsors or the witches in a coven somewhere. The biggest threat to the land is the hardship in plain sight, compounded by the lavish lifestyle of government officials and the lack of clarity about what is next. And the president doesnt need Witchfinder General Hopkins to tell him.

Azu Ishiekwene is the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.

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For Banire, NNPC Ltd is responsible for everything that is wrong in the oil sector. He even blames smuggling and the unauthorised sale of petroleum products to street urchins who, in turn, trade it in the black market in jerry cans on the NNPC Ltd. But does he have evidence that the unpatriotic marketers who divert petroleum products meant for local consumption to neighbouring countries are staff members or representatives of the NNPC Ltd?

In the face of the challenges in the oil sector, particularly the current tightness in the supply of petrol, it has become fashionable to blame the national oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd), for everything. Last week, it was Professor Pat Utomi who railed and fumed at the NNPC Ltd, calling it one of the most opaque and unreliable companies in the world. Before then, The PUNCH had published an editorial in which it described the NNPC Ltd as a danger to Nigeria. The latest of these vitriolic attacks is by Dr Muiz Banire, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and former commissioner of Transport and Environment, Lagos State, who contended in his column in The Sun that NNPC Ltd is the black hole of Nigeria.

Considering all that is going on in the petroleum sector, it would appear justifiable to call out the NNPC Ltd as some people have been doing in recent times. But most of the diatribes have been based on sentiments that are not rooted in facts. Railing at the NNPC Ltd without a thorough understanding of the issues that threw up the current challenges in the oil sector, as most of the commentators have been doing, will yield no good for the country. At this critical intersection, the task for all well-meaning Nigerians should be how to find lasting solutions to the mischiefs in the oil sector and not to look for scapegoats, as Dr Banire has done.

According to Banire, Nigeria has been experiencing fuel scarcity since 1973 on the back of fuel subsidy and the NNPC Ltd is responsible for it. The assertion that the NNPC is responsible for this state of affairs is moot. The policy of fuel subsidy is not the preserve of the NNPC. Various administrations, over the years, have thought it wise to subsidise the cost of petroleum products for citizens. They came up with different methods of doing so. The role of NNPC Ltd has been to implement the policy, as decided by government. At a point when the various administrations felt that the fuel subsidy policy had become a burden that should be done away with, they made it known. NNPC Ltd, as the national oil company, implemented it. This was the case in 2012 when the nation went up in protest against the decision of government to remove fuel subsidy. The same scenario repeated itself in 2019 when the then administration came up with the policy to remove fuel subsidy. NNPC Ltd is neither responsible for the policy of fuel subsidy or its removal.

It is very unfortunate that Dr Banire would descend to the level of castigating the NNPC Ltd for the fuel subsidy debacle that has plagued Nigeria and on the basis of that label, the company that has, over the years, patriotically borne the brunt of the fuel subsidy policy as a black hole. His analysis fails to take into consideration the huge challenges of products smuggling, pipeline vandalism, and crude oil theft that the company contends with daily, and in spite of which it manages to keep the nation going with crude oil production and fuel supply.

Barely three months after the Federal Government announced the removal of fuel subsidy, it became difficult for both major and independent petroleum products marketers to import petrol because of the foreign exchange policy. They could not source forex to continue to bring in petrol. Since then, NNPC Ltd has been importing the product and selling it at almost half its price, in keeping with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which designates it as the fuel supplier of last resort. Yes, there have been supply hiccups here and there because of the financial constraints imposed by the transaction. Just imagine the hardship the nation would have suffered if NNPC Ltd was not there to play the role of supplier of last resort! NNPC Ltd is the reason Nigerians continue to enjoy lower pump price for petrol than they would ordinarily pay for the product. How then does such a company become a black hole?

For Banire, NNPC Ltd is responsible for everything that is wrong in the oil sector. He even blames smuggling and the unauthorised sale of petroleum products to street urchins who, in turn, trade it in the black market in jerry cans on the NNPC Ltd. But does he have evidence that the unpatriotic marketers who divert petroleum products meant for local consumption to neighbouring countries are staff members or representatives of the NNPC Ltd? Does he have any shred of evidence that the boys who sell fuel in the black market in jerry cans source their products from NNPC Retail Ltds stations? The least one would expect from a lawyer of Banires standing is fact-based and not speculative commentary.

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The NNPC Ltd has turned a corner since 2018 when it began to prepare for the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, which was eventually passed into law in 2021. Apart from deepening its commitment to accountability and transparency by regularly publishing its audited annual financial statements, it has become a profitable company with an undisputable growth trajectory. It recorded an unprecedented N3.29 trillion profit in its recently released 2023 audited financial report. But this fact is conveniently lost on Dr Banire, who insists that he has not seen any difference between NNPC as a corporation and the commercially focused NNPC Ltd that was incorporated in 2021. Fortunately, it does not take Banire to see or believe that NNPC Ltd, as presently constituted, has broken away from its debilitating past for it to be true. He is at home with the legal maxim: Res Ipsa Loquitur, meaning the facts speak for themselves.

While one cannot dissuade people like Dr Banire from criticising the NNPC Ltd, they must refrain from standing facts on their heads all because they want to be populist or be in the good books of the public. Besides, the Banires of this world should also not be intentionally unkind in their assertion that the NNPC Limited is exercising an overbearing influence on the regulators. One expects that given the level of their educational accomplishments, they should have the capacity to research very well into the subject matters of their editorial interventions so that they do not argue, assert and progress in error(s). As a corollary, it is either Banire is being unkind or not sure about the assertion he made in his write-up that the NNPC influences the the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA) who are the two independent regulators. If he lacks a clear knowledge of the workings of the sector, he should seek clarifications so he could be informed. NNPC Limited is an operator-with a number of refineries under its purview. The Port Harcourt refinery will soon take off. As a matter of fact, the refineries under the NNPC are operators and are therefore subject to the regulatory framework and regulations set out by the NMDPRA. The operator(s) cannot, therefore, exercise overbearing influence on the regulators. This is certainly impossible. Pure and simple.

Olufemi Soneye is the chief corporate communications officer of the NNPC Ltd.

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The hard and merciless heart is that which contains a mixture of harshness and toughness; a heart that is void of submission and the sense of turning to Allah the Exalted in repentance at all times. This is the severest punishment ever. This is why some of the disbelievers are punished with having a hard and harsh heart.

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. May His blessings and benedictions be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.

Dear brothers and sisters! In a Hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim, Zaid Bin Arqam (RA) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) used to supplicate as follows:

O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge which does not benefit, from a heart that does not entertain the fear (of Allah), from a soul that is not satisfied and from the supplication that is not answered.

Respected brothers and sisters! Spiritually speaking, a harsh, merciless and hardened heart is one which shows no signs of mercy, no signs of compassion, no signs of Allahs fear, no signs of softness for accepting good, for accepting leniency or listening to guidance. It is a state of the soul when one has become fully immune to guidance and reformative thoughts. A heart corrupted with perpetual sins, disobedience of divine guidance, and too much indulgence in the material pleasures, results in debilitation of reason and thus leads one to the bondage and slavery of material desires and consequently to those who seek to dominate you. A person whose heart has become so hard that he cannot receive or tolerate any good guidance and advice, actually prepares himself for complete destruction, decline and demise.

History records that when the Christians of Spain plotted to overthrow the centuries old Muslim rule, they lead the Muslims to indulge in all kind of debauchery, corruption and licentious acts. This led to weakening of moral resolve and made Muslim leaders unmindful of conspiracies that eventually led to the complete annihilation and obliteration of Muslims in Spain.

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Today, the modern colonialists also adopt the same technique. When they want to destroy or dominate a nation and want to make it a client state serving to their orders, they corrupt the hearts of its leaders, its politicians and its people.

In our times, also, wherever the evil of colonialism exists, the same practices are vigorously adopteda danger against which the Noble Quran so emphatically warns us. The colonialists try to corrupt the hearts; when the heart is thus debilitated, reason, too, is not only lost and fails to function properly, but is itself turned into a terrible bondage. The exploitative powers do not fear apparent popular education, what they fear is spiritual and moral strength. Because moral and spiritual weakness of a nation open the doors for exploitative powers to enter.

The colonialists and the exploitative powers are not afraid of establishing schools and universities: they even advocate popular education; but, on the other hand, they take good care to make arrangements to corrupt and destroy the spirit of students, and of the teachers as well. They are fully aware of the fact that an unhealthy mind and a sickly soul cannot make any decisive move, and readily yield to every type of destruction, exploitation and degradation.

In the verse 74 of Surah Al-Baqara, the Noble Quran makes a mention of harsh, hardened and merciless hearts. Allah the Almighty says:

Then your hearts hardened after that, so that they were like rocks, rather worse in hardness; and surely there are some rocks from which streams burst forth, and surely there are some of them which split asunder so water issues out of them, and surely there are some of them which fall down for fear of Allah, and Allah is not at all heedless of what you do.

The incessant transgression and disobedience made the hearts of the Israelites referenced in the Noble Quran to be worse than rocks. The verse compares the stiffness of hearts to that of rocks and goes on to mention that some rocks despite their hardness demonstrate a great degree of flexibility that water comes out of them or they fall down due to fear of Allah the Almighty. But a human heart which has become dead may show utmost level of hardness. If this hardness is not treated, it can go to the extent of becoming incurable. When this stage arrives, then warning, preaching or admonishing does not have any effects.

Being away from the remembrance of Allah the Almighty and transgressions have a hardening effect on hearts. A deviated and hard heart is enamored with worldly temptations and is devoid of love or fear of its Creator. The deviated heart makes the eyes enjoy what is forbidden and dry and indifferent towards fear of Allah the Most High.

Dear servants of Allah! The hard and merciless heart is that which contains a mixture of harshness and toughness; a heart that is void of submission and the sense of turning to Allah the Exalted in repentance at all times. This is the severest punishment ever. This is why some of the disbelievers are punished with having a hard and harsh heart.

Malik Ibn Dinar, may Allah Have mercy upon him, said in this regard:

Allah the Almighty punishes the wrongdoers in their hearts and bodies as well. They are punished with a hard and miserable life and laziness and indolence in carrying out acts of worship. However, there is no punishment that is severer than having a hard and merciless heart. [Hilyatul Awliya]

Furthermore, Imam Al-Marashi, may Allah Have mercy upon him, stressed the same meaning saying:

No one was afflicted by a severer calamity than having a hard and merciless heart. [Hilyatul Awliya]

Respected servants of Allah! Let us ponder over what Allah the Exalted says:

Then your hearts became hardened after that, being like stones or even harder. For indeed, there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and there are some of them that split open and water comes out, and there are some of them that fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah Is not unaware of what you do. [Quran, 2:74]

This Quranic verse refers to the story of the children of Israel and the miracle of reviving the murdered man and to all the examples, warnings and adversities that had befallen the Children of Israel. Those Divine Miracles would cause huge mountains to shake and solid rocks to dissolve! Actually, it was worthier of their hearts to be softened by such amazing miracles, yet they did not. Allah the Exalted Clarified that their hearts had become more of rocks and even worse in hardness due to the fact that they rejected faith (Iman) after knowing and understanding the requirements of attaining faith (Iman) and its conditions. Hence, these hearts were like rocks and even worse in hardness. Indeed, rocks are a good example that people use to indicate hardness. Yet, Allah the Exalted excluded some rocks from that absolute hardness, but did not exclude the hearts of the children of Israel. Allah the Exalted says:

For indeed, there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and there are some of them that split open and water comes out, and there are some of them that fall down for fear of Allah. [Quran, 2:74]

Let us reflect on this description of the one who has a hard and merciless heart. Allah the Exalted says:

 and his sin has encompassed him [Quran, 2:81]

This means that his sins and wrongdoings have encompassed him totally from all sides until he was surrounded with his own sins and wrongdoings from all directions. These sins and wrongdoings worked as a separator that detached him from all that is around him. Undeniably, this is clearly evident when a sinner does not repent of his sin, he is tempted to commit it more and more. This incites him to preoccupy himself exclusively and be wholly taken up with committing such sins and even graver sins and wrongdoings.

Hence, sins subdue and overwhelm such a person totally and take hold of his heart entirely. Accordingly, he becomes inherently inclined to committing sins, liking and loving them, believing that this is the ultimate and optimal way to relish happiness and pleasure, disliking all who would come on his way in attaining that fake happiness and joy, and disbelieving anyone who would advise him to avoid such sins. Allah the Exalted says:

Then the end of those who did evil was the worst [consequence] because they denied the Signs of Allah and used to ridicule them. [Quran, 30:10]

Regrettably, this mans sins become like a thick tent that screen everything around him. He no longer senses or thinks of the fact that Allah the Exalted Sees him all the time. He loses sight of the enduring pleasures in Paradise, the promised and anticipated punishment in Hellfire, the evil schemes of the devil that are all set to mislead Mankind, and the pity of the kind angels. Such a sinner fails to notice all these facts while being wholly lost in his sins and wrongdoings. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

When an adulterer commits illegal sexual intercourse, then he is not a believer at the time he is doing it, and when a drinker of an alcoholic liquor drinks it, he is not a believer at the time of drinking it, and when a thief steals, he is not a believer at the time of stealing, and when a robber robs, and the people look at him, he is not a believer at the time of doing robbery. [Bukhari]

Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, anyone who has a merciless leadership style tends to be focused on results rather than people. Theyre typically not very concerned about consequences or hurting someone elses feelings. Often, people with this personality trait end up doing harsh and hard tasks that others avoid, such as making an unpopular political decisions.

Respected servants of Allah! Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

Beware, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound and if it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt, and hearken. It is the heart. [Muslim]

From the above Hadith it is clear that we should make it our priority to constantly check our hearts for hardness. Allah the Almighty says in the Noble Quran:

Then woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah. Those are in manifest error. [Quran, 39:22]

When our hearts are hardened, it becomes very difficult to worship Allah, it becomes very difficult to have mercy and compassion. Even praying the bare minimum of five daily prayers seems hard. And the more we let it sit in that state, the harder it becomes.

We dont feel anything when the verses of the Quran are recited, when we listen to Islamic lectures nothing happens. Nothing touches our heart.

We dont feel like crying when we see the hardships, sufferings and misfortunes of our fellow brothers and sisters. And if we let our hearts be in this state long enough, soon it might become dead, may Allah save us from such a calamity, ameen.

Dear brothers and sisters! Before conclusion, we hereby deeply commiserates with Borno State Government, Borno State Emirate Council, and all entire Borno State communities over flood disaster in the state. Here in Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah Mosque and Islamic center, we extends our deepest sympathies to the government and the entire people of Borno State over the devastating flooding that has ravaged Maiduguri and its environs following the unfortunate overflow of the Alau Dam.

Respected servants of Allah! Wallahi this tragedy has seriously destroyed properties, homes, and critical infrastructure, as well as displaced families and disrupted the livelihoods of countless individuals. We share the profound grief and suffering of all those affected by this great catastrophe.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, especially those who have lost their means of livelihood and homes. We stand with the families who have been displaced and deeply empathise with their pain and distress during this trying time.

While we mourn the losses, we reposes confidence in the strength and resilience of the people of Borno State, which have been demonstrated over the years. We do not doubt that, with the assistance of the Federal and state Governments, the people of Nigeria and the international agencies, they will overcome this tragedy In Shaa Allah.

Ya Allah! We ask You for success concerning our destiny, and feast with the martyr, and enjoyment with fortunate people, and the companionship of Messengers, and victory over our enemies; for it is You who listens to the Prayer.

Ya Allah! Cover up our defects, and change our fear into peace.

Ya Allah! Suffice us in our wishes and inclinations. Ya Allah! suffice us against anyone who oppresses us. Ya Allah! suffice us against those who envy us. Ya Allah! suffice us against those who wish to harm us. Ya Allah! suffice us in the last moments of death.

Ya Allah! Forgive us, and the believing men and women, and remove their faults, and cause peace and love among their hearts, and infuse into their hearts a firm faith and wisdom, and let them be victorious over Your enemies and their enemies.

Ya Allah! We seek refuge in You from being over-powered by others, or that we would over-power others (unjustly), or that we should seduce or tyrannise others, or be oppressed by them; or that we be shown ignorance and vulgarity by others, or we be vulgar to them; or from going astray ourselves, or be mislead by others.

Ya Allah! Punish our enemies, and cause in their hearts terror and cause friction among them, and send down Your wrath and punishment on them.

O our Lord! Do not make us a trial for the wrongdoing people, and deliver us by Your Mercy from the (subjection of) disbelieving people.

Ya Allah! We are oppressed, therefore come to our help.

Ya Allah! Lord of Jibril, Makail and Israfil, and the Lord of Ibrahim, and Ismail and Ishaq, Grant us peace and security, and do not let anyone of Your creatures overcome us, with anything which we have no power to forbear.

Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm: Help us against those criminals that reject faith.

Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which you did lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector; Help us against those criminals who stand against faith.

Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may have done that transgressed our duty: Establish our feet firmly, and help us against those criminals that reject Faith.

Ya Allah! We ask You to restrain them by their necks and we seek refuge in You from their evil.

Allah is Great, Mightier than all His Creation. He is Mightier than what we fear and dread. We seek refuge in Allah, Who there is none worthy of Worship but Him. He is the One Who Holds the seven heavens from falling upon the earth except by His Command. [We seek refuge in You Allah] from the evil of Your servants, and their helpers, their followers and their supporters from among the jinn and mankind. Ya Allah! be our support against their evil. Glorious are Your Praises and Mighty is Your Patronage. Blessed is Your Name, there is no God but You.

Ya Allah! Revealer of the book, Swift to account, defeat the groups (of those who terrorise us). Ya Allah! defeat them and shake them.

Our Lord! make us not a trial for those who practise oppression.

Our Lord! Help us against people who practise corruption and spread disorder.

Ya Allah! Help Islam and the Muslims.

Ya Allah! Help our brothers the Mujahideen everywhere to gain victory over Your enemy and theirs.

Ya Allah! Help all our security agents in Nigeria to defeat all the criminals and terrorists in all Places.

Ya Allah! Help our army in Nigeria, help our police, help all security agents in all Places.

Ya Allah! Raise the standing of Islam and Muslims, and let our country (Nigeria) and all the Muslim countries be peaceful and prosperous. By Your Mercy, O The Most Merciful.

Ya Allah! Raise the standing of Islam and the Muslims, Ya Allah raise the standing of Islam and the Muslims, and degrade the standing of Kufr and the Kafirin, and Shirk and the Mushrikin. Destroy the enemies of the religion, and protect the lands of Islam, O Lord of the Worlds.

Ya Allah! Grant Victory to Your religion, Your book, and the Sunnah of Your Prophet, and Your monotheist servants.

Ya Allah! break free the shackles of our prisoners and the prisoners of the Muslims, Ya Allah, break free the shackles of our prisoners and the prisoners of the Muslims, Ya Allah, break free the shackles of our prisoners and the prisoners of the Muslims, and return them safely to their families.

Ya Allah! Guide us among those You guide. Grant us health and pardon among those You grant health and pardon, look after us among those You look after, grant us grace in what you have given us, and protect us from the evil of what you have ordained; for You decree and none decrees against You, and none is abased whom You befriend. And none is exalted whom You are at enmity with. O our Lord, who is above all things sacred and exalted, all praise is Yours for what you decree. We ask Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.

Ya Allah! Creator of the Heavens and Earth, O Protector! O Sustainer! Protect all our people in Nigeria and in Filastine. Ya Allah! Protect our precious Nigeria and Filastine. Ya Allah! Protect them from all that is evil and bad. Ya Allah! Grant victory to the Muslims all over your Land. Ameen Ya Allah! Ameen Ya Allah! Ameen Ya Allah!

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.

This Friday sermon (Jumuah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, 10 Rabiul Awwal, 1446 AH (13 September, 2024).

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The irony is that those enforcing these punitive measures, including the current Minister of Health, owe their positions to the very opportunities they now deny others. Today, mass migration out of Nigeria is not limited to healthcare professionals, so why single them out for punishment? Furthermore, the elites behind these draconian policies hypocritically indulge in medical tourism abroad and send their children to foreign schools, while expecting the middle and lower classes to endure a failing healthcare system.

As I sat in the pew on that brisk October day, I found myself among roughly thirty graduates in the class of 97 from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical School. We were undergoing the solemn induction ceremony conducted by the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council (MDCN), a rite of passage that formally ushered us into the esteemed ranks of the medical profession.

For my peers and me, this moment signified the culmination of a lifelong ambition  a dream that had materialised through years of relentless sacrifice. The pleasures of adolescence, the carefree indulgences of youth, had been willingly traded for arduous study and sleepless nights. My father, with his characteristic wisdom, had forewarned me about the sacrifices that would be required if I truly aspired to become a doctor. He had been right. As I sat there reflecting, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude that he was alive to witness this day. Sadly, my mother was not; we lost her under circumstances that could have been easily avoided in a society with a functioning healthcare system, just a month before my final examinations.

As the legendary pathologist, Professor WIB Onuigbo delivered his unforgettable induction lecture, aptly titled Historical Hints in Humaneness, my mind drifted between absorbing his words and contemplating the uncertainties of the future. Born without the advantages of wealth or privilege, I was fully aware of the obstacles that lay ahead. Yet, I believed that graduating near the top of my class would afford me at least one certainty  a placement for the mandatory year of housemanship at my alma mater. I soon discovered how misplaced that confidence was.

Despite assurances that the top ten graduates would be granted automatic placements, merit swiftly became a casualty of nepotism. As it turned out, family connections and external influences proved far more valuable than academic excellence. That was my first encounter with the harsh reality of a system where meritocracy is often sacrificed on the altar of favouritism.

I faced many more harrowing experiences, each one chipping away at the small hope I once held. I wont waste anyones time with the specifics here, but it was in those moments that the Nigeria I had envisioned  a place where, despite its imperfections, effort and excellence attract some reward  revealed itself to be nothing more than a fantasy. Instead, I encountered a nation where opportunities were scarce, and the hope for growth or advancement felt like a distant dream

This growing disillusionment pushed me to seek opportunities beyond the borders of my homeland, ultimately leading me to the United States in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The dream I had once nurtured in Nigeria was no longer within reach, but the search for a better future was far from over.

My journey is nothing unique; it echoes the experiences of countless Nigerian doctors and nurses including Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigerias current minister of Health, who like me, became disillusioned with a system that offered little more than roadblocks to their ambitions. Since that bitterly cold day in January 2001, when I boarded a flight to the United States, thousands more have followed the same path  fleeing their homeland in search of refuge in countries where their skills are valued, and where the opportunities they were denied at home could finally be realised.

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In recent years, Nigeria has faced an alarming exodus of medical professionals. Professor Pate reports that between 15,000 and 16,000 doctors have left the country in just the last five years. According to Dr Victor Kolawole, deputy registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), only 58,000 of the 130,000 registered doctors renewed their licenses in 2023. What happened to the rest? Well, they have sought opportunities abroad, migrating to the UK, North America, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries that offer an escape from the dire situation at home.

In 2021, Nigeria had only 3.95 doctors per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organizations recommended doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:400600. It has since gotten worse to the point where this grave concern prompted the WHO to place Nigeria on its red list of countries facing a critical healthcare workforce crisis.

A study published in PubMed, a free database of biomedical and life sciences literature, maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine

revealed the primary reasons for this mass exodus: inadequate remuneration (91.3 per cent), rising insecurity (79.8 per cent), overwork without proper compensation (61.8 per cent), and a severe lack of diagnostic tools (61.8 per cent). Additional factors include nepotism, poor leadership, inadequate regulation of medical training, and the desire for a better quality of life for families.

The situation in the nursing sector is equally, if not more dire. According to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), about 75,000 nurses and midwives have left Nigeria over the past five years, with 42,000 departing in the last three years alone, citing the same reasons as doctors. This trend threatens to leave Nigerias healthcare system in a comatose state, where nurse aides and assistants may soon replace qualified professionals even in tertiary care facilities.

The impact of this shortage is devastating: prolonged waiting times for patients, overwhelmed practitioners, reduced doctor-patient interaction, higher consultation fees, and a steep decline in the quality of care. Without urgent intervention, Nigerias health system will continue to deteriorate, leaving millions without access to adequate medical services.

How do we tackle these pressing issues? The solution is not elusive; it simply requires genuine commitment  far beyond mere appearances  to address the root causes. A comprehensive strategy is essential, involving both the expansion of medical education and the mitigation of factors driving emigration.

First, enhancing medical education requires significant investment in our medical schools. This includes streamlining admissions processes, upgrading infrastructure, and increasing the remuneration for clinical educators. Such measures would alleviate the constraints of our current system, which consists of 37 fully accredited and seven partially accredited institutions, with a total annual intake of just 3,990 students, as reported by a December 2022 PubMed study.

To curb the brain drain of our medical professionals, it is imperative to boost funding for the health sector. This includes improving salaries of not just doctors but other healthcare workers and providing essential diagnostic equipment and facilities. Despite the Abuja Declarations commitment for African countries to allocate at least 15 per cent of their annual budgets to healthcare, Nigeria has allocated an average of only 4.7 per cent over the past two decades. Meanwhile, substantial funds are diverted to luxury expenditures for politicians, and extravagant purchases by the president persist.

Redirecting the funds currently spent on medical tourism abroad into developing our healthcare infrastructure could profoundly impact the system. Doctors would experience greater job satisfaction and be less inclined to leave, while the financial burden of medical tourism would be significantly reduced. This shift would bolster the economy and enhance the national healthcare systems reputation.

The recent announcement of a National Policy on Health Workforce Migration by the Federal Government aims to address this issue. It proposes comprehensive measures to strengthen the health sector workforce, curb the emigration of healthcare professionals, and encourage those abroad to return. While the policy appears promising in theory, the real challenge lies in bridging the gap between policy intentions and practical implementation. Although there are no quick fixes for systemic issues, with genuine political will, viable solutions are not out of reach.

Consider the swift passage of the Police Amendment Act 2024, which extended the tenure of the Inspector General of Police. The bill advanced through all readings in the Senate with remarkable speed and no opposition. Also, when the president and his team decided that all of Nigerias problems were due to our national anthem, he had the National Assembly pass a bill to reinstate the old anthem with a speed unprecedented in the legislative process. Bola Tinubu is President Uber alles with larger-than-life influence that could similarly be deployed to address our healthcare crisis if he chooses to.

However, the current approach by the Ministry of Health, which frustrates healthcare professionals attempts to migrate by stalling necessary paperwork, is a misguided strategy. This short-term tactic may create additional difficulties for medical practitioners but will not stem the tide of emigration.

Addressing the fundamental issues  such as inadequate salaries, insufficient infrastructure, and lack of professional opportunities  is the only sustainable solution. In accordance with the natural law of demand and supply, as long as there are willing buyers and sellers, transactions will persist despite obstacles. From what we know about the Nigerian dynamics, the beneficiary of such policy will not be Nigeria but likely staffers in the Federal Ministry of Health, responsible for such approvals. Dont ask me how.

The irony is that those enforcing these punitive measures, including the current Minister of Health, owe their positions to the very opportunities they now deny others. Today, mass migration out of Nigeria is not limited to healthcare professionals, so why single them out for punishment? Furthermore, the elites behind these draconian policies hypocritically indulge in medical tourism abroad and send their children to foreign schools, while expecting the middle and lower classes to endure a failing healthcare system.

Health is a fundamental need for all, irrespective of socio-economic status and we are all victims of this systemic failure. The tragic loss of President Buharis Chief of Staff and prominent billionaires during the COVID-19 lockdown underscores the stark reality that a failed healthcare system is an equal opportunity destroyer. It is unconscionable to obstruct those trying to escape from a raging fire.

In the words of a British Somali poet Warsan Shire, No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark.

Osmund Agbo is a US-based medical doctor and author. His works include, Black Grit, White Knuckles: The Philosophy of Black Renaissance and a fiction work titled, The Velvet Court: Courtesan Chronicles. His latest works, Pray, Let the Shaman Die and Maam, I Do Not Come to You for Love, have just been released.

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The Jigawa state government in collaboration with the Exceptional Leadership and Integrity Promotion Initiative (ELIP) on Friday, concluded citizens engagement in preparation for the states 2025 budget and got over 5,000 inputs from the citizens.

ELIP is a civil society organisation working on financial management, community development and inclusion. Executive Director of ELIP, Isah Mustapha said the meeting targets one community-based organisation in each of the 287 political wards in the state. He stated that during the engagement, civil society organisations in the state made their inputs to the 2025 budget preparation for the state.

Mr Mustapha said that apart from the respondents from the town hall meeting, over 5,000 respondents filled Google forms, spotlighted their communities needs which they want the government to implement in the 2025 budget.

This year, we conducted the town hall meeting at three senatorial zones selecting one community-based organisation from each of the 287 political wards, and through online, where we received over 5,000 inputs from citizens Mr Mustapha stated.

The reason is to ensure that the communitys needs and priorities are reflected in the states annual budget. The meeting tries to ensure changes in resource prioritisation and programming in the state.

Based on our annual appraisal of government policies and programmes, we learnt that if the state continues with the routine annual budgeting system, we will not achieve our target and objectives.

In Jigawa state, nobody is happy with the development indices. Based on this, the meeting aimed to achieve two key objectives  to sensitise the community-based organisations and other relevant parties about prioritisation of needs and to harvest their inputs to be reflected in the annual budget, Mr Mustapha said.

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He said that ELIP would carry out an analysis of the inputs and submit report to the government for consideration.

The initiative aims to achieve a budget that would reflect community needs and aspirations by solving the communitys problems and changing the communitys status in terms of human capital development indices. We dont want the business to be as usual; we want to achieve the unusual and have a paradigm shift from the status quo, Mr Mustapha said.

The Permanent Secretary, the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Muhammad Yushau, said the town hall meeting aimed to gather inputs from key stakeholders in the three senatorial districts of the state.

The meeting aimed to get citizens priority in the state budget to make it a peoples budget not an office prepared document he stated.

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The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi has flagged off the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the upcoming local government council election in the state.

The governor performed the flag off ceremony on Thursday at Hadejia township stadium. Immediately after the flag off, the governor rode on an open moving vehicle while receiving accolades from party faithfuls and residents in the town.

The governors spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel said the Hadejia zone comprises eight local government areas, namely Hadejia, Mallam-Madori, Kaugama, Guri, Auyo, Kafin Hausa, Birniwa and Kirikasamma.

During the event, Governor Namadi urged the people of the state to vote for APC candidates in the approaching October election, stressing that the importance of local government elections in Nigerias democracy cannot be overemphasised.

He assured citizens that his administration is committed to a peaceful election and highlighted the developmental progress achieved by APC in the last nine years.

He emphasised that electing APC candidates would guarantee continuity of the s

tates social and economic progress under his administrations 12-point agenda.

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Addressing the rally, the Jigawa State APC Chairman, Aminu Sani Gumel encouraged members to actively campaign in all communities, expressing confidence in the partys popularity. He urged them to sustain the tradition of outreach during the election period.

Also, the Commissioner for Local Governments, Muhammad Maikudi, reiterated the APCs commitment to the states progress, urging voters to support the partys candidates.

At the event, APC flags were presented to the partys candidates from the eight local government areas in the Jigawa Northeast senatorial zone.

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The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has renewed its relationship with the Kwara State Government with the launch of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.

This renewed working relationship is coming 13 years after the state government last engaged with the global organisation.

The NLP is an online educational platform which provides continuous access to quality education for learners in Nigeria, particularly those who may be out of school, those in need of additional support, and children in areas with little access to technology or school facilities.

Speaking at the launch of the project in Ilorin, the UNICEF Chief of the Field Office, Kaduna, Gerida Birukila, said it marked the re-start of a partnership between the UNICEF and Kwara State in the education sector.

Represented by the Education Officer, UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, Bala Dada, the UNICEF boss said that Kwara is the 20th state to launch the NLP and to join the global movement of reimagining education.

With the support of Microsoft, GPE, Airtel, HIS towers and TECHNO, this partnership will build the capacity of 3,000 teachers on digital literacy skills to deliver quality basic education to 120,000 children in Kwara state within one year (teacher-pupil ratio 1:40), providing greater access to reduce the number of out of school children (OOSC) and increase literacy and numeracy, she said.

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According to her, The Learning Passport was created globally by UNICEF and Microsoft at a time when education experienced unprecedented disruption due to COVID-19. At the height of the pandemic, 1.6 billion learners were locked out of the education system.

Since 2022, the project has enrolled 1,478,984 students. Learning passport is available for free on online, mobile, and through offline devices. We are working with Airtel and IS to bridge the data and connectivity gaps. If you have an Airtel sim card, the NLP can be used without data costs.

UNICEF commended Kwara State on its investment in the education sector across all levels.

UNICEF is happy to note that The Kwara Education Transformation Agenda (KWETA) has put digital education at the fore of her education programmes with interventions like the StudyLab, KwaraLearn and Digital Learning centres. You have continued to play an exemplary role in ensuring that children have access to quality education, even in the face of major challenges, she added.

Also speaking, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mamman Jibril, said his administration will continue to subscribe to policies and programmes that will facilitate accelerated educational development in the state.

The governor said after decisively dealing with the inherited challenges of nonpayment of salaries and abysmal state of the learning environment, the focus of the government is on improving the quality of teaching and learning outcomes through unified curriculum, motivated human resource, and technological tools that ensure a new regime of accountability and modern teaching techniques.

Along with massive investments in the establishment of digital literacy centres across the state in collaboration with the UBEC, I am happy to say that our strategy has drastically improved literacy and numeracy levels, raised enrolment of learners in the state, and reduced the rate of out of school children, Mr AbdulRazaq added.

UNICEF is a global organisation working to improve the lives of children and their families, with a focus on emergency response, education, healthcare, and child protection.

It was established in 1946 by the United Nations General Assembly to provide aid to children in countries devastated by World War II.

Today, UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to reach the most vulnerable children and adolescents.

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Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq inaugurated six new judges for the state high court on Friday, urging them to discharge their duties with diligence, impartiality, and overriding interest of the community and national security.

The new judges are Ibijoke Olawoyin; Fatimah Abdulrasaq; Oluwatosin Adenike Adeniyi; Yusuf Adebayo; Olalekan Ajayi; and Muritala Folohunsho.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Government House Ilorin, Governor Abdulrazaq congratulated the judges on their appointment and expressed confidence that they will remain committed to the administration of justice for all.

He called the development another milestone as it was the first time six judges were sworn in at the same time in the state.

This also makes a total of eleven High Court Judges that I have administered their oath of office within five years in office, he said.

I congratulate the newly appointed judges and their families. I also celebrate your hard work and other noble qualities that brought you here. Today, you have been entrusted with the immense responsibility of upholding justice and ensuring that the rights of every citizen are protected.

As you take on this noble task, remember that your decisions will shape the lives of individuals and the fabric of our society. Let me remind you of the remarkable words of Usman Dan Fodio, who said that a kingdom can endure unbelief, but it cannot endure with injustice.

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The governor said he would continue to support the judiciary, recalling how the administration has renovated and remodelled several courts within the state.

Recently, I approved the reconstruction of the former Revenue Court at GRA Ilorin to serve as courtrooms for more judges, while also creating a more befitting environment for the Revenue Courts in the State, he said.

It is our desire that this will be followed, all things being equal, with the construction of a new court complex to ensure the state has befitting courtrooms.

Joined by Chief Judge of the State Abiodun Adebara, the governor also presented new SUVs to the new judges.

A seamless working relationship between the two arms of Government has ensured timeous payments of allowances and entitlements to the Judicial officers, among other things, the governor said.

I commend the judiciary, legislature, and the security agencies for the collaborative approach we have adopted in the development of Kwara State, and peaceful coexistence and safety of its people. Let us remain united in the pursuit of a greater Kwara State and Nigeria.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; representative of the First Lady and Commissioner for Women Affairs Afolashade Oluwakemi; Deputy Speaker Ojo Oyebode; Chief Judge Adebara; representative of the Grand Kadi Justice Sharafudeen Hannafi; cabinet members; serving and retired judges and Kadis; Mutawali of Ilorin Alimi Abdulrazaq; APC Chairman Sunday Fagbemi; Chairman of Kwara State Internal Revenue Service Folashade Omoniyi; and Non-Executive Director NNPCL Mohammed Alaya.

Others were the Olupo of Ajase Ipo, Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu and other royal fathers; chairperson and members of the State Judicial Service Commission; chairpersons and members of Nigerian Bar Association; and families of the celebrants.

Justice Adebara, in his remarks, said the ceremony was a milestone in the states administration of justice, saying it injects new minds, new perspectives, and new energy to the State Judiciary.

He commended the governors commitment to the rule of law and expressed confidence that the addition of the new judges will enhance speedy delivery of justice to the people.

Your Excellency, we are grateful for your commitment to the Judiciary of our dear State and the Rule of Law. Right from the inception of the appointment exercise leading to this swearing-in ceremony of today, you have stood with us in spite of the many challenges that came our way before the appointment came to fruition, he said.

Justice Ibijoke, who spoke on behalf of other new judges, said they will uphold and give effect to the ideals of justice, fairness and equity while dispensing justice to all and sundry.

She thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for taking swift action for Kwara to meet all the requirements set by the National Judicial Council regarding their appointment by the State Judicial Commission.

We were aware that when hope of this appointment was fading, Your Excellency took swift action by making resources available at the crucial time that enabled the state to meet the many conditions set by the National Judicial Council before considering the recommendation by the Kwara state Judicial Service Commission for our appointment, she said.

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The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured the people of Edo State that the police have taken measures to ensure that voters exercise their right to vote without fear and intimidation.

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 a peace signing accord among political parties and candidates taking part in next Saturdays governorship election in the state.

His speech is captured in a video posted on Facebook by Channels Television.

The police chief said robust security measures are in place for the safety of people and materials during the election.

He urged the people to embrace peace, and expressed confidence that the election would be a success, a development he said can be used to showcase Nigerias commitment to democratic values.

Mr Egbetokuns assurance of impartiality came amidst allegations from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state that the police was favouring the major opponent, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP refused to sign the peace accord for the election, accusing the police of intimidating its members.

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PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Governor Godwin Obaseki, the leader of the PDP in the state, told Nigerias former leader and Chairperson of the National Peace Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar, that his party met on Tuesday and agreed not to sign the peace accord unless some conditions were met.

The governor said leaders of the PDP in Edo went into hiding after the IGP came into the state and obtained a court warrant to arrest 60 of the party members. He said 10 of the party members have so far been arrested and taken to Abuja, the nations capital.

Mr Obaseki further said the arrested PDP members have not been charged to court, and added that the party would not sign the peace agreement until their members were released or brought back to Edo State and charged to court.

So sir, (referring to Mr Abubakar) why should we? Because clearly, 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.

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Combined security forces have begun a specialised operation to flush out kidnappers and other criminals in Imo State, Nigerias South-east.

The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, said apart from kidnappers, the operation was also targeted at armed robbers and other violent criminal syndicates in the state.

The police spokesperson said kidnappers had been terrorising residents of Obinze, Ihiagwa and Avu  all in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.

The kidnappers have also been terrorising residents living around the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), he said.

Mr Okoye said the joint operation was being carried out by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and those of the Nigerian Army.

This joint effort underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.

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The operation will leverage the combined expertise and resources of both agencies to bring those responsible for these criminal acts to justice, he said.

The police spokesperson said the operation was launched in response to increased kidnap attacks in the communities in recent times.

Our objective is to enhance the peace and security of the state and to guarantee that educational institutions, including FUTO, remain safe environments for learning, he said.

He assured that the police in the state and personnel of the Nigerian Army will remain committed to upholding law and order as well as provide updates on the progress of the operation.

Mr Okoye said the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, has appealed for support from Nigerians in dislodging criminals in the state.

Mr Danjuma urged residents to report to the police any suspicious persons or activities for prompt action.

By working together, we can enhance our efforts to combat these criminal elements effectively, he said.

READ ALSO: Bandits raze abandoned Nigerian Army armoured vehicles stuck in mud

Worsening insecurity

Like other states in Nigerias south-east, security has deteriorated in Imo State with frequent attacks by armed persons.

The attacks often target security agencies, government officials, and facilities.

The Nigerian government has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. However, the group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.

IPOB is a group leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants to be carved out from the south-east and some parts of south-south Nigeria.

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The management of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) in Imo State has raised an alarm over increased cases of kidnappings around the institution.

Chiedozie Uba, the university registrar, stated this in a memo issued on Tuesday.

Mr Uba said the universitys management observed that the increased kidnappings around the institution often happen very early in the morning and late in the evening.

Consequently, students are directed to shun unnecessary movements out/into the university between 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. to avoid falling victim to the activities of these hoodlums, Mr Uba said.

Students are also enjoined to be vigilant and inform their parents, guardians or any significant other of their movements, he added.

The registrar provided the phone number of the universitys chief security officer and asked students to contact him in the event of emergencies.

Crackdown on kidnappers

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that combined security agencies have begun a specialised operation to flush out kidnappers terrorising residents of the area.

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Imo, like other states in Nigerias south-east, has witnessed increased attacks by armed persons lately.

The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities.

The Nigerian government has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. However, the group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.

IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of south-south Nigeria.

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Heavy flooding has wreaked havoc in Azuoto, Okpuitumo Community in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, destroying many farmlands and property worth millions of naira.

A victim, Chinyere Nworie, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki, the state capital, on Friday that her rice, yam and cassava farms were submerged by flood.

Mrs Nworie said the incident had become a perennial experience in the area due to the proximity of Azuoto and Ebony River, linking the River Niger.

She said at least 96 households in the area were affected by the disaster.

This flood happened on Saturday, following Fridays rainfall. Our farms have been taken over by the flood.

Our community has always suffered flooding every year, especially whenever it rained heavily and water overflows the Ebonyi River bank, Mrs Nworie said.

Another resident, Amauche Agbo, described the incident as unfortunate.

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 victims appealed to the government at all levels to come to their aid with relief materials to cushion the effect of the disaster.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Uche Oba, said the agency had commenced an assessment of the affected communities.

Mr Oba said the incident had been a worrisome phenomenon to the Ebonyi State Government.

(NAN)

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A 26-year-old man has died in Ogun State after reportedly taking a herbal concoction.

Monday Edereno travelled from Ijebu Ode to Asa Elegbada, a village near Owode Egba, to consult a 28-year-old traditional healer, Ifakunle Olanrewaju, over a leg pain.

Unfortunately, the patient died after Mr Olanrewaju administered a herbal concoction on him.

While confirming the incident on Friday, the police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said Mr Edereno was found dead in his home at about 7 a.m. on Thursday.

She said the traditional healer reported the incident to the police, saying the deceased was his regular customer.

According to his account, he stated that on the Tuesday, one Monday Edereno, 26 years, a customer who used to patronise his herbal concoction, visited him from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, and had previously complained of a discomforting pain in his right leg on Wednesday and Olanrewaju, in his habitual manner, provided him with some herbal mixtures.

Sadly, on 12/09/2024 at about 0700 hours, Edereno was found dead in his home.

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The police spokesperson said the remains of the deceased was taken to the mortuary at General Hospital, Owode Egba, for an autopsy and that investigation was ongoing to ascertain the cause of his death.

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Two persons have been declared missing after a boat capsized in Gbodo jego River in ijofin, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday.

Two wood merchants were rescued in the incident which occurred at about 7 p.m.

The missing passengers, Ahohe Seido and Dogbon, and the survivors, Awhanse Jimoh and Ahohe Jimoh, were transporting firewood to Benin Republic for sale when their boat capsized.

The spokesperson of the police in Ogun, Omolola Odutola, said the incident was reported by the survivors.

She said despite intensive search efforts by divers, the missing passengers were yet to be found.

A report of a tragic incident was received at the Ipokia Division on September 12, 2024, at about 7:00 a.m. Two individuals, identified as Awhanse Jimoh M and Ahohe Jimoh M from Ilepa Village in Ipokia, reported to the Divisional Police Officer.

The duo are wood merchants by profession. According to their account, two other individuals, Ahohe Seido and a person known only by the alias Dogbon, were transporting firewood along the Gbodo Jego River in Ijofin, Ipokia, Ogun State, on their way to Benin Republic for sale.

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READ ALSO: Man dies after taking herbal concoction

During their journey across the river, an unexpectedly strong current caused their boat to overturn, leading to everyone onboard falling into the water. Despite rescue efforts, only two individuals were saved and brought to the riverbank.

Mrs Odutola said investigation on the incident is ongoing.

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Western liberalism, once hailed as the undisputed model for political modernization, is now facing a profound existential crisis. The ideological edifice built on the pillars of democracy, human rights, and market economics has increasingly come into conflict with the realities that expose its fundamental contradictions.

This analysis delves into how neoliberalism and libertarianism, far from being universal panaceas, have evolved into instruments for advancing narrow political and economic agendas in the West. Cloaked in the rhetoric of freedom and democracy, these ideologies often erode the sovereignty of entire nations. Particular attention is drawn to how the West deploys soft power to influence post-Soviet states, especially in the strategically significant South Caucasus region.

The Crisis of Western Liberalism: The End of a Universal Paradigm?

Western liberalism was once perceived as the ultimate political model, offering a path to global prosperity through democratic institutions, individual freedoms, and market economies. For decades, it appeared as the inevitable future for all nations. However, in recent years, this notion has been met with growing scepticism, particularly among countries outside the Western sphere. The systemic crises exacerbated by economic globalization have deepened inequality and destabilized social systems, eroding the credibility of the liberal promise.

Neoliberalism, a central component of Western liberalism, has come to embody the West's global economic expansion. While it initially promised prosperity through deregulation and market mechanisms, its real-world application has resulted in the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of transnational corporations, widening the gulf between the rich and the poor. In developing nations, neoliberal reforms often come at the expense of national sovereignty, increasing reliance on international financial institutions and Western governments, rendering these states more susceptible to external pressures.

The discussion around Western liberalism and its decline is not merely theoretical but has profound implications for the geopolitical landscape. The South Caucasus, a region of strategic importance, has increasingly become a testing ground for how the West exerts influence through soft power. The promise of democracy and integration into Western institutions is frequently accompanied by a set of political and economic conditions that, in practice, restrict rather than enhance the autonomy of nations in the region.

Libertarianism: The Minimization of the State as a Threat to Sovereignty

Libertarianism, championed as the ideal of a minimal state, has become a prominent aspect of Western political discourse. Its advocacy for reducing government intervention to the barest minimum often results in the weakening of social safety nets and an increased dominance of private corporations and international institutions. In the post-Soviet space, particularly the South Caucasus, the imposition of libertarian principles creates structural vulnerabilities. As the state's ability to regulate key sectors of the economy diminishes, so does its capacity to ensure internal stability, leaving these nations more exposed to external economic pressures and internal discontent.

Western Soft Power: An Ideological Weapon of Global Dominance

Soft power, as conceptualised by Joseph Nye, refers to a state's ability to influence other countries through cultural, ideological, and diplomatic channels, without resorting to military force. For the West, soft power is predominantly built around the promotion of democratic values and human rights, which are often portrayed as universal moral standards. However, in practice, soft power has become a critical instrument for the Wests political and economic dominance, particularly over developing nations.

In the post-Soviet space, including the South Caucasus, Western soft power is manifested through an array of mechanisms such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international media outlets, and educational programmes. These tools are designed to cultivate political elites loyal to Western policies, effectively creating a structure of dependency. Post-Soviet countries are often compelled to make decisions favourable to the West under the implicit threat of losing financial and political support.

The South Caucasus: A Testing Ground for Soft Power

The South Caucasuscomprising Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijanhas become a geopolitical laboratory for Western soft power tactics. This region, situated at the crossroads of Russian, Turkish, and Iranian interests, holds significant strategic value for the West. In recent years, the countries of the South Caucasus have witnessed intensified Western efforts to influence domestic politics through the promotion of democratic reforms and civil society development.

Armenia offers a clear example of this dynamic. NGOs funded by Western foundations have played an increasingly influential role in shaping the countrys political landscape. In 2023, the European Union allocated over 70 million to Armenia, ostensibly for strengthening democratic institutions. While these funds support human rights organisations, independent media, and civil society, they are often accompanied by political conditions that erode national sovereignty and foster a dependency on Western frameworks.

Georgia and Azerbaijan have similarly been subject to the pressures of Western soft power. The Wests political, economic, and cultural tools are consistently employed to sway the policies of these nations, promoting elites who align with Western agendas while discouraging foreign policy options that diverge from those interests. As a result, the sovereignty of these nations is continually compromised in the face of Western geopolitical ambitions.

Historical Context and Contemporary Trends

The use of Western soft power is deeply rooted in the historical context of the Cold War, when the West, particularly the United States, harnessed cultural and ideological tools to forge an anti-Soviet coalition. Over the decades, these methods have become more refined, incorporating the development of global information networks, digital diplomacy, and educational programmes aimed at shaping the thinking of elites in targeted countries. This evolution has allowed the West to maintain a significant, albeit indirect, influence over foreign nations, aligning them with Western political and economic interests.

Today, soft power is a central component of the Wests global strategy, especially in regions like the South Caucasus, where geopolitical competition demands nuanced and multi-layered approaches. On one hand, the West seeks to curb Russian and Turkish influence; on the other, it consolidates its position by exerting control over internal political processes and reinforcing loyal structures. However, the effectiveness of this strategy is increasingly questioned, as it faces mounting resistance at both the governmental and societal levels in these regions.

The Crisis of International Institutions and the Response of Regional States

The efficacy of Western soft power is further undermined by the ongoing crisis within international institutions such as the UN, OSCE, and the European Union. Historically, these bodies have played key roles in mediating conflicts and stabilising international relations. Yet, in the face of recent challengessuch as the Karabakh conflict and the war in Ukrainethey have struggled to offer effective responses, leading to a decline in their credibility. This failure to provide meaningful solutions has diminished trust in the Western-led model of global governance, bolstering nationalist movements and increasing scepticism towards Western involvement in the South Caucasus.

Western soft power, which is rooted in the liberal values of democratization, now faces rising levels of resistance in the region. Neoliberal and libertarian ideologiespromoted as universal frameworks for political and economic developmenthave, in many cases, yielded unintended consequences. Instead of fostering progress, they have exacerbated social inequality, eroded national sovereignty, and created political dependencies that many nations in the South Caucasus are now eager to escape.

The Way Forward: Safeguarding Sovereignty Amid Global Shifts

As global dynamics continue to evolve, the South Caucasus states find themselves at a critical juncture. To safeguard their sovereignty and minimise dependence on external forces, these nations must develop new, balanced approaches to foreign policy. This requires crafting mechanisms that protect national interests while avoiding the pitfalls of political and economic reliance on powerful international actors.

Libertarianism: The Minimisation of the State as a Threat to Sovereignty

Libertarianism, hailed in Western rhetoric as the ideal of a minimal state, has gained significant traction in global discourse. By advocating for the reduction of state involvement to a bare minimum, it aims to promote individual freedom and economic efficiency. However, in practice, this ideology often results in the dismantling of social protection systems and the transfer of control to private corporations and international entities. In the post-Soviet space, particularly in the South Caucasus, the promotion of libertarian principles has left states vulnerable. As governments lose their ability to regulate key sectors of the economy, their capacity to maintain internal stability and protect national sovereignty is severely diminished, increasing their susceptibility to external pressures.

Western Soft Power: An Ideological Weapon of Global Domination

Soft power, a concept popularised by Joseph Nye, refers to a state's ability to exert influence over other countries through cultural, ideological, and diplomatic channels, without the need for direct military intervention. Western soft power is fundamentally built on the promotion of democratic values and human rights, often portrayed as universal moral standards. However, in practice, it has become a pivotal tool for the political and economic expansion of the West, particularly in its dealings with developing nations.

In the post-Soviet space, including the South Caucasus, Western soft power is wielded through mechanisms such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international media, and educational programmes. These instruments are employed to cultivate political elites aligned with Western policies. As a result, Western states create a framework of dependency, wherein post-Soviet countries find themselves compelled to make decisions that serve Western interests, often under the implicit threat of losing crucial financial and political support.

The South Caucasus as a Testing Ground for Soft Power

The South Caucasuscomprising Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijanhas emerged as a strategic testing ground for the application of Western soft power. Located at the crossroads of Russian, Turkish, and Iranian spheres of influence, this region holds immense geopolitical importance for the West. In recent years, the countries of the South Caucasus have been subject to intensified Western engagement, particularly through initiatives aimed at promoting democratic reforms and bolstering civil society.

Armenia stands as a prominent example of this approach. Western-funded NGOs have played a significant role in shaping the countrys domestic politics. In 2023, the European Union allocated more than 70 million to Armenia for programmes dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions. These funds are channelled towards bolstering human rights organisations, supporting independent media, and fostering the growth of civil society. However, such assistance is often accompanied by political strings, which limit the countrys sovereignty and increase its dependency on Western frameworks.

Both Georgia and Azerbaijan also find themselves subject to similar pressures through Western soft power mechanisms. Political, economic, and cultural tools are actively deployed to influence the policy directions of these nations, fostering elites loyal to Western agendas while restricting alternative foreign policy options. As a result, the sovereignty and independent policy-making capacity of these states are frequently compromised, reinforcing the notion that Western soft power is less about promoting universal values and more about asserting geopolitical dominance.

Historical Foundations and Modern Trends

The origins of Western soft power can be traced back to the Cold War era, when the West, particularly the United States, employed cultural and ideological tools to forge an anti-Soviet coalition. Over the decades, these methods have evolved into highly sophisticated strategies, incorporating global information networks, digital diplomacy, and educational programmes designed to shape the thinking of political elites in target countries. This approach has developed into a potent mechanism for expanding Western influence, establishing a cultural and intellectual hegemony that aligns with Western values and ideals.

In todays geopolitical landscape, soft power remains a cornerstone of the Wests global strategy, particularly in sensitive regions like the South Caucasus. Here, nuanced and multilayered approaches are necessary to navigate the complex web of local and regional interests. On the one hand, the West seeks to diminish Russian and Turkish influence; on the other, it strengthens its position by fostering loyal structures within these countries, exerting control over their internal political processes. However, this strategy has increasingly faced challenges, as both state institutions and the broader public grow more resistant to external interference.

The Crisis of International Institutions and Regional Reactions

The efficacy of Western soft power is further complicated by the ongoing crisis of international organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the European Union (EU). These institutions, once key players in conflict resolution and international stability, have struggled to respond effectively to critical challenges such as the Karabakh conflict and the war in Ukraine. Their inability to offer meaningful solutions has eroded confidence in the Western model of global governance, fuelling the rise of nationalist movements and increasing scepticism towards foreign intervention, particularly in the South Caucasus.

In this context, Western soft powerrooted in the liberal values of democratisationfaces mounting scepticism and resistance. The neoliberal and libertarian models promoted by the West as universal frameworks for political and economic development often yield counterproductive outcomes: they exacerbate social inequalities, undermine national sovereignty, and foster political dependency. As a result, the very principles Western soft power is intended to promote are increasingly viewed with suspicion.

Safeguarding Sovereignty in a Shifting Global Order

As the global order continues to shift, the countries of the South Caucasus are tasked with devising new strategies to protect their independence. The development of balanced policies that safeguard sovereignty while reducing dependence on external powers is crucial. This entails creating robust mechanisms that can withstand external pressures while addressing internal vulnerabilities, ensuring that national interests remain paramount in governance.

The current crisis of Western liberalism signals not only the end of a specific political era but also offers valuable lessons for countries in the South Caucasus. Under the guise of promoting neoliberal values, Western powers continue to pursue their own economic and political objectives, often at the expense of the freedom and sovereignty of other nations. The realities of 2024, underscored by hard statistics and recent events, confirm the intensifying pressure from the West and its sustained efforts to exert control over the region through soft power.

Azerbaijan: A Model of Pragmatic Independence

In the face of these challenges, Azerbaijan stands as a notable example of a nation that has successfully maintained an independent, rational, and pragmatic policy in the South Caucasus. While many of its regional neighbours contend with external pressures and internal instability, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its ability to retain control over its future, pursuing policies that are fully aligned with its national interests. This approach positions Azerbaijan as a model for other nations in the region, illustrating how strategic foresight and political independence can safeguard sovereignty in a world where the traditional pillars of Western liberalism are increasingly in decline.

Azerbaijan: An Island of Stability and Sovereignty

Unlike its neighbours, Azerbaijan has emerged as the only country in the region capable of preserving its statehood in a genuine and robust manner. This is not merely a formal recognition of sovereignty, but a true capacity to act independently, defying the geopolitical manoeuvres of great powers and the often-ineffective influence of international organisations. Azerbaijans success in maintaining stability and sovereignty is a testament to its strategic foresight and ability to navigate complex global dynamics.

One clear example of Azerbaijans independence is its measured stance on major international issues. Amidst the conflict in Ukraine, Western sanctions on Russia, and growing pressure from global powers, Azerbaijan has demonstrated remarkable resilience. President Ilham Aliyev, fully attuned to the geopolitical complexities, has crafted a balanced and pragmatic policy. Baku has skillfully resisted external pressure while avoiding entanglement in significant conflicts, maintaining a steady course that prioritises national interests.

Today, Azerbaijans policies are rooted in rationality and grounded in long-term economic strategy. A cornerstone of this approach has been the development of energy independence, which has not only fortified the countrys internal economy but also elevated it as a critical player in securing Europes energy supply. Between 2023 and 2024, Azerbaijan significantly boosted its natural gas exports to the European Union, cementing its role as a strategic partner for European energy security.

According to data from Azerbaijani energy companies, the countrys gas exports reached a record 19 billion cubic meters in 2023. This achievement has not only bolstered Azerbaijan's GDP growth but also enhanced its standing as a key player in the global energy market. This economic leverage has allowed Baku to maintain an independent foreign policy, resisting undue influence while advancing its national interests.

Soft Power and the Weakness of International Organisations

Azerbaijans foreign policy is also marked by its recognition of the limitations and inefficiencies of international organisations. Over the past few decades, it has become increasingly clear that institutions such as the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and even the European Union have struggled to address issues in the post-Soviet space, particularly in the South Caucasus.

The Karabakh conflict provides a striking example of this inefficiency. For decades, international organisations issued resolutions and made statements regarding the conflict, yet concrete solutions remained elusive. In contrast, Azerbaijan, refusing to rely on external forces, took matters into its own hands, regaining control over its territories and demonstrating how a sovereign state can resolve its internal issues without depending on ineffective international structures.

UN data highlights the extent of this inefficiency. Between 1992 and 2020, numerous resolutions affirming Azerbaijan's territorial integrity were adopted, yet none were implemented. This failure underscores the inability of international organisations to perform their core functions of maintaining peace and security. In response, Azerbaijan has pursued an independent course, bypassing international inaction and asserting its sovereignty in the face of global challenges.

In doing so, Azerbaijan has not only secured its national interests but has also set an example for other nations in the region, illustrating that true sovereignty requires self-reliance, strategic pragmatism, and the ability to act decisively in the absence of international support.

Geopolitical Context

In the face of weakening Western ideals and escalating global tensions, Azerbaijan has emerged as a model of political maturity and adaptability to shifting international dynamics. Its strategic geopolitical location, situated at the intersection of East and West, has positioned Azerbaijan as a pivotal player in the region. This prominence is not only attributed to its vast energy resources but also to its unique capacity to balance relationships between various global powers, including Russia, the West, Turkey, Iran, and China.

Azerbaijans participation in global initiatives such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS illustrates its ability to engage with diverse power centres while maintaining its independence. By avoiding extremes and aligning itself with neither side in global confrontations, Azerbaijan has solidified its reputation as a valuable and reliable partner on the international stage.

The recent intensification of geopolitical tensions, particularly the confrontation between Russia and the West, has only heightened Azerbaijans significance. Strategic agreements with countries such as Italy and the United Kingdom have further bolstered Baku's position, enabling it to diversify its alliances and avoid over-reliance on any single power bloc. In 2024, President Ilham Aliyev signed a series of agreements with European nations, collectively worth over 5 billion, underscoring the growing recognition of Azerbaijan as a stable, secure, and economically attractive partner.

Azerbaijan: A Model for the Region

Azerbaijans approach to independent policymaking serves as a potential model for other countries in the South Caucasus and the broader post-Soviet space. In a context where international organisations have proven ineffective in managing crises and the West increasingly utilises soft power to exert influence, countries like Georgia and Armenia continue to rely on external actors for support. In contrast, Azerbaijans experience demonstrates that true independence can be achieved through strong political will, economic stability, and the resilience to withstand external pressures.

As President Ilham Aliyev eloquently stated, Our independence is our greatest asset, and we will not allow anyone to interfere in our internal affairs. This aphorism perfectly encapsulates Azerbaijans steadfast commitment to sovereignty and self-reliance. By charting its own course, Azerbaijan has shown that it is possible to remain independent, even amid global instability.

Conclusion

The contemporary geopolitical landscape demands that countries, particularly those in the post-Soviet space, possess a clear understanding of their national interests and the capacity to defend them in the face of global challenges. Azerbaijan has demonstrated that independence is not only attainable but sustainable, even during periods of crisis. The statistics and facts from recent years confirm that rational, pragmatic policiesgrounded in economic strength and political foresightare key to long-term success. Azerbaijan stands as a testament to the power of self-determination in a world increasingly marked by uncertainty and the decline of traditional international institutions.
LONDON, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The esteemed French beer brand 1664 is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with the globally renowned artist Andre Saraiva, also known as Mr. A.

1664 and Andre Saraiva Unveil New Collaboration And World Tour (PRNewsfoto/Andre Saraiva) 1664 and Andre Saraiva Unveil New Collaboration And World Tour 2 (PRNewsfoto/Andre Saraiva)

The collaboration with 1664 will feature a "creative takeover" of the beer's labels and packaging, showcasing Andre's graffiti style as if spray-painted directly onto the existing 1664 bottles and merch. The collaboration is envisioned as a global "world tour" bringing Andre's unique artistic style to 1664's key markets. The partnership, "1664 x Andre", will become a global celebration of creative industry and free spirits.

The French-Swedish graffiti-artist and entrepreneur, Andre Saraiva, has captivated the world with his playful and iconic character, Mr. A. This character, known for its cheerful round face, wide smile, and winking eye, often rendered in vibrant pink, has become a staple in urban landscapes across the globe. Saraiva's innovation, "Love Graffiti," further showcases his creativity by personalizing graffiti with individuals' names in pop colors, commissioned by their loved ones.

Instead of transitioning from street art to gallery exhibitions, Andre has chosen to integrate his artistic vision into the nightlife scene. He has decorated numerous clubs and nightlife venues in major cities such as Paris, New York, and Tokyo, infusing these spaces with a sense of utopian friendliness and vibrant energy. His artistic contributions have made significant impacts on the atmosphere and culture of nightlife across these metropolitan areas, and the artist has become synonymous with a free-spirited mash up of art, fashion, style and fun.

To mark the collaboration, a special limited edition of a winery beer 'Blanc de Blanc' was launched, designed by Andre Saraiva. The collaboration kicked off in August at Copenhagen Fashion Week when the doors opened to a local 1664 Kiosk inspired by the small, charming kiosks that are an integral part of Copenhagen's cityscape. Here, fashion enthusiasts and visitors from all over the world experienced a delightful blend of Danish hygge, and a curated selection of essential kiosk staples, 1664 x Andre merch, and of course, cold beers.

In collaboration with Copenhagen Fashion Week, 1664 created a strong connection to Denmark's dynamic and democratic fashion and cultural scene. The kiosk provided a community space where guests experienced the brand's playful spirit and saw new interpretations of its stylish identity.

In addition, Andre has created an outstanding mural in the center of Copenhagen where the color, sensibility and style of the Andre x 1664, can be experienced.

About 1664:

1664, is an iconic Parisian beer brand that is renowned for its great taste, premium quality and rich heritage. The brand strives to show up where other beer brands do not by captivating consumers with one of a kind cultural collaborations that celebrate bold individuality and expression within fashion and the arts.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504230/1664_Andre_Saraiva.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504949/1664_Andre_Saraiva_2.jpg

SOURCE Andre Saraiva
Appendix 1, Section 3, Estimation and modelling techniques - Commentary - Table (CNW Group/Catalyst Metals LTD.)

Appendix 2, Section 3, Estimation and modelling techniques - Commentary - Table (CNW Group/Catalyst Metals LTD.)

Appendix 4, Section 4, Metallurgical factors or assumptions - Commentary - Chart (CNW Group/Catalyst Metals LTD.)

The production growth to 200koz will come for total pre-production capital cost of A$31m. Importantly, it also transitions the Plutonic gold mine from a remnant mine to a new one.

This A$31m is spread across 18 months and three separate mine developments  Plutonic East, K2 and Trident. Each development will occur one after the other.

In addition, a A$25m exploration campaign is planned for FY2025. This includes a Resource drill out of each of the three deposits Plutonic East, K2 and Trident in an effort to extend their mine lives to five years and at annual gold production of greater than 20koz each. It also includes drilling out of each of the nine new in-mine areas at Plutonic and a A$7m 20,000m RC exploration program along two distinct corridors along the Plutonic belt  the Overthrust and Cinnamon corridors  designed to generate future Resource targets.

Catalyst's Managing Director and CEO, James Champion de Crespigny, said:

"Catalyst has today provided to the market its three-year growth plan which is underwritten by 1Moz of Reserves.

A year after consolidating the Plutonic Gold Belt, Catalyst has a strong balance sheet, stable operating cashflows and a pipeline of low-cost developments.

What is all the more exciting is the opportunity to now turn our attention to growth through exploration.

The Plutonic gold belt is an attractive exploration opportunity with the very real possibility of a significant discovery. The historically fractured and foreign ownership of Plutonic has led to a considerable lack of exploration along the belt. Furthermore, the fact it is a brownfields opportunity, without the need for Catalyst to go chasing potentially dilutive capital, is very exciting.

We plan to aggressively drill out and expand these three new mines  Plutonic East, K2 and Trident well beyond their current life, along with dedicating the required capital to make further discoveries along the belt."

3-Year Production Guidance

Catalyst has updated and released multiple new Ore Reserves. In doing so, it has grown Ore Reserves to 1Moz in Reserves. These lay the foundation for Catalyst's production pathway to 200koz over the next three years.

Catalyst Three-Year Production and Cost Guidance

Guidance Range

FY2025 FY2026 FY2027



Forecast Forecast Forecast Production Koz 105  120 140  165 180  200 Indicated % of production target % 94 % 89 % 88 % AISC A$/oz $2,300  $2,500 $2,100  $2,300 $2,000  $2,200 Non-sustaining Operational Capital A$M 32 15 10 Total Growth Capital A$M 17 14 TBA* Total Exploration Capital A$M >25 TBA* TBA* Table 1 : Summary of mine plan for Catalyst operations

*Note: Exploration strategy evolving. Excess cashflow will inform future spend

Production Guidance Commentary

FY2025 :

Gold production in FY2025 is anticipated to be between 105koz to 120koz.

Production will be sourced from Plutonic Underground, Plutonic East and Henty mines.

K2 and Trident will be in the early stages of development with the refurbishment and establishment of the K2 underground, while it is planned for Trident's small open pit (or large box cut) to have commenced.

Exploration at in-mine proximal zones at Plutonic Underground will occur throughout the year with resulted reported intermittently. Results of drill outs of the satellite deposit K2 and Plutonic East will also be reported throughout the year.

Exploration is planned along the Overthrust and Cinnamon corridors with wide spaced drilling aimed at generating new targets for follow up programs in either FY25 or FY26 (result dependent). A focus will be on constructing the exploration team and building the team's understanding of the Plutonic Belt's mineralisation.

FY2026 :

Gold production in FY2026 is anticipated to be between 145koz to 165koz.

Production will be sourced from each Plutonic Underground, Plutonic East, K2, Trident Open Pit and Henty. All Plutonic ores are to be processed through the existing and currently underutilised Plutonic Processing Plant.

It is planned that each of Plutonic Underground, Plutonic East, K2 and Henty operations will be running at steady state while Trident will be completing its open pit (large box cut) and transitioning to an underground operation. Ramp up to steady state operations at Trident is expected during the year.

Resource drill outs are expected to be completed during the year with a greater focus being placed on exploration.

The planned exploration program will be dependent on results received in FY25.

FY2027 :

Gold production in FY2027 is anticipated to be between 180koz to 220koz.

Production will be sourced from each Plutonic Underground, Plutonic East, K2, Trident Underground and Henty. All Plutonic ores are to be processed through the existing processing plant with the mill reach full capacity during the year.

Trident production will be a more meaningful contributor, but will be operating below peak production levels. While not planned, production at Plutonic Underground is expected to be increasingly sourced from new zones possibly leading to additional gold production at lower cost.

Increased contribution from Plutonic East, K2 and Trident is expected to contribute to lower AISC as the benefits of scale across Plutonic's largely fixed cost base are realised.

Project development and exploration will be dependent on previous years exploration results however it is anticipated the Trident underground will begin to convert the current 250koz Inferred Resource into Reserve. Similar extensions are also anticipated from Plutonic East and K2.

Cautionary Statement: The 2025 Production Target contains approximately 94% of Ore Reserves and Indicated Resources with the remainder in the Inferred Mineral Resource classification. There is a low level of geological confidence associated with Inferred Mineral Resource and there is no certainty that further exploration work will result in the conversion to Indicated Mineral Resource or that the Production Target itself will be realised.

Reserve Growth

Catalyst has grown Reserves in the last 12 months by 105%. Included in this is Plutonic Underground's Reserve growth of 52%. A summary of Catalyst's Reserve growth over the last 12-months is below.

In the same way Reserves have expanded at Plutonic, Catalyst targets expanding Reserves at these newly announced Reserves of Plutonic East, Trident and K2. Catalyst has committed A$18m to achieve this over FY25.

With the development plan now in place for each of these Reserves, a dedicated Resource drill out program is being implemented.

Catalyst is planning Resource drill out programs in four areas:

lutonic in-mine Plutonic East Trident K2

Successful drilling results from these programs are expected to increase Reserves and extend the mine life at these deposits.

Deposit Reserve as at 30

September 2023 Depletion Reserves at 30

September 2024 Reserve

growth (%) Plutonic 490 85 616 52 % Trident - - 188 - Plutonic East - - 36 - K2 - - 20 - Henty 115 25 154 71 % Total 605 110 1,015 105 % Table 2: Summary of Reserve growth over 12 months

Plutonic In-Mine

Plutonic underground has been running, uninterrupted, for 30 years. Coming with this history is +40 years of historical drilling data. Catalyst has analysed this data and identified nine areas where historical data suggests Plutonic gold mineralisation extends.

A$9m has been allocated in FY25 to drilling out these areas to a 15 x 15m drill spacing for the purpose of delineating additional Reserves and generating near term production areas.

Zone F

The first area to be drilled is Zone F  see image 2 below.

The exploration target for this area is 30,000 to 45,000oz1. The cost to drill out this area to a 15m x 15m spacing is A$1.5m.

Initial results have been positive and Catalyst believes it has delineated a new mining area. Such a positive response is a good result from testing the first of these nine areas.

The Exploration Target has been prepared and reported in accordance with the 2012 edition of the JORC Code. The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.

_________________________________ 1 The Exploration Target has been prepared and reported in accordance with the 2012 edition of the JORC Code. The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.

Plutonic East

Plutonic East has a mine plan of three years producing an average of 16koz annually. It lies 2km from the underutilised Plutonic processing plant.

In order to better establish Plutonic East, Catalyst's intention is to drill out the deposit targeting a five year mine life averaging +20koz of gold annually. The cost to achieve this is A$5m.

K2

K2 has a mine plan of three years producing an average of 18koz annually. It lies 40km from the underutilised Plutonic processing plant with an existing, well maintained, haul road, connecting the two.

In order to better establish K2, Catalyst's intention is to drill out the deposit targeting a five-year mine life averaging +20koz of gold annually. The cost to achieve this is A$4m.

Trident

Trident has a plus five year mine plan producing an average of 37koz annually. It lies 2km from the underutilised Plutonic processing plant.

Trident already has an established mine life of 5 years. Further extensions can come from the 250koz of inferred Resources that have not been converted into Reserve due to a lack of drill density.

It is Catalyst's intention is to drill out extensions to Trident to increase the mine life beyond what is currently known. This drilling has commenced at a cost of A$1.6m spent across five diamond holes.

Plutonic Underground Ore Reserves

An Ore Reserve Estimation is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted.

Following is a summary of the Plutonic Underground Ore Reserves, as at 01 July 2024.

Deposit Proved Probable Total Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Plutonic Underground - - - 7,448 2.6 616 7,448 2.6 616 Table 3: Plutonic Underground Ore Reserves

Notes: 1. Ore Reserve estimated at 1.5g/t Au cut-off; 2. Reserves are a combination of detailed mine design and Stope Optimised shapes. SO inputs include: Incremental Stoping and Grade Control Cost = AUD$59/t; Processing Costs = AUD$27.40/t ore; Site Administration Cost = AUD$16.70/t ore; Metallurgical Recovery = 86.5%; Royalties = 2.5%; Gold Price = AUD$2,700/oz; Minimum mining width = 3m. 3. Mining dilution of 25% and ore recovery of 90% is applied. 4. Numbers may not add up due to rounding

Plutonic East Ore Reserves

An Ore Reserve Estimation is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted.

Following is a summary of the Plutonic East Ore Reserves, as at 01 July 2024.

Deposit Proved Probable Total Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Plutonic East Underground - - - 456 2.5 36 456 2.5 36 Table 4: Plutonic East Ore Reserves

Notes: 1. Ore Reserve estimated at 1.5g/t Au cut-off; 2. Reserves are a combination of detailed mine design and Stope Optimised shapes. SO inputs include: Incremental Stoping and Grade Control Cost = AUD$59/t; Processing Costs = AUD$27.40/t ore; Site Administration Cost = AUD$16.70/t ore; Metallurgical Recovery = 84%; Royalties = 2.5%; Gold Price = AUD$2,700/oz; Minimum mining width = 3m, with a 0.5m dilution halo applied to Hangingwall and Footwall. 3. Ore recovery of 90% is applied. 4. Numbers may not add up due to rounding

K2 Underground Ore Reserves

An Ore Reserve Estimation is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted.

Following is a summary of the K2 Ore Reserves, as at 01 July 2024.

Deposit Proved Probable Total Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) K2 Underground - - - 147 4.3 20 147 4.3 20 Table 5: K2 Underground Ore Reserves

Notes: 5. Ore Reserve estimated at 1.7g/t Au cut-off; 6. Reserves are a combination of detailed mine design and Stope Optimised shapes. SO inputs include: Incremental Stoping and Grade Control Cost = AUD$70.80/t; Processing Costs = AUD$27.40/t ore; Site Administration Cost = AUD$16.70/t ore; Haulage Cost = AUD$12.0/t ore; Metallurgical Recovery = 91%; Royalties = 2.5%; Gold Price = AUD$2,700/oz; Minimum mining width = 2.75m, with a 0.5m dilution halo applied to Hangingwall and 0.25m dilution halo applied to Footwall. 7. Ore recovery of 95% is applied. 8. Numbers may not add up due to rounding

Henty Underground Mineral Resource Estimate

Following is a summary of the Henty Underground Ore Reserves, as at 01 July 2024.

Deposit Measured Indicated Inferred Total Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Henty Underground - - - 3.7 3.5 410 0.6 2.9 52 4.2 3.4 462 Table 6: Henty Underground Mineral Resource Estimate

Notes: 1. Mineral Resource estimated at 1.5g/t Au cut-off and reported within underground Shape Optimiser (SO). SO inputs include: Gold Price AUD$3,500/oz, Metallurgical Recovery = 92%; Royalties = 5.9%; Minimum mining width = 1.5m; Minimum stope height=16m, Minimum stope strike=5m 2. Numbers may not add up due to rounding

Henty Underground Ore Reserves

An Ore Reserve Estimation is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted.

Following is a summary of the Henty Ore Reserves, as at 1 July 2024.

Deposit Proved Probable Total Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Henty Underground - - - 1,207 4.0 154 1,207 4.0 154 Table 7: Henty Underground Ore Reserves

Notes: 1. Ore Reserve estimated at 1.7g/t Au cut-off; 2. Reserves are a combination of detailed mine design and Stope Optimised shapes. SO inputs include: Mining, Maintenance and Grade Control Cost = AUD$90/t; Processing Costs = AUD$28/t ore; Site Administration Cost = AUD$24/t ore; Metallurgical Recovery = variable, with average of 92.6%; Royalties = 5.9%; Gold Price = AUD$3,000/oz; Minimum mining width = 1.5m. 3. Mining modifying factors are applied dependant on stope method, whereby 10-15% dilution is applied to the in-situ material, and ore recovery ranges from 92 - 95%. 4. Numbers may not add up due to rounding

Group Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources

Ore Reserves

Ore Reserve Proved Probable Total Tonnes

(kt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(kt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(kt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz)

Plutonic Underground - - - 7,448 2.6 616 7,448 2.6 616

Plutonic East Underground - - - 456 2.5 36 456 2.5 36

Trident Underground - - - 1,199 4.7 182 1,199 4.7 182

Trident West Open Pit - - - 144 1.4 6 144 1.4 6

K2 Underground - - - 147 4.3 20 147 4.3 20

Henty Underground - - - 1,207 4.0 154 1,207 4.0 154

Group Total - - - 10,601 3.0 1,015 10,601 3.0 1,015



Mineral Resources

Mineral Resource Measured Indicated Inferred Total Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Tonnes

(Mt) Grade

(g/t Au) Gold

(koz) Plutonic Underground - - - 17.2 2.9 1,592 0.7 2.6 62 17.9 2.9 1,654 Trident Underground - - - 1.6 5 257 2.6 3 251 4.2 3.7 508 Trident Open Pit - - - 0.4 1.6 16 - - - 0.4 1.6 16 K2 Underground - - - 0.2 4.2 31 0.5 3.4 49 0.7 3.6 81 Plutonic East Underground - - - 0.9 2.8 80 1.3 2.4 102 2.2 2.5 182 Triple-P & Zone-B UG - - - - - - 0.2 4.3 24 0.2 4.3 24 Trident West Open Pit - - - 0.3 1.1 9 - - - 0.3 1.1 9 Marwest & Mars Open Pit - - - 0.7 2 45 - - - 0.7 2 45 Mareast Open Pit - - - 0.5 1.9 30 - - - 0.5 1.9 30 EastMareast Open Pit - - - 0.2 1.1 8 - - - 0.2 1.1 8 Wedgetail Open Pit - - - 0.2 1.7 10 - - - 0.2 1.7 10 PHB-1 (K3) Open Pit - - - 0.6 2 39 0.2 1.4 11 0.8 1.9 50 K1 Open Pit - - - 0.7 1.8 42 0.8 1.7 47 1.6 1.8 89 Triple-P & Triple-P Sth OP - - - 0.6 2.1 42 0.5 1.4 21 1.1 1.8 63 Albatross & Flamingo OP - - - - - - 0.9 1.4 38 0.9 1.4 38 Cinnamon Open Pit - - - 1.5 1.8 86 0.5 1.9 32 2 1.8 119 Total Plutonic and Marymia - - - 25.6 2.8 2,287 8.2 2.4 637 33.9 2.7 2,926 Henty Underground - - - 3.7 3.5 410 0.6 2.9 52 4.2 3.4 462 Total Henty - - - 3.7 3.5 410 0.6 2.9 52 4.2 3.4 462 Boyd's Dam - - - 0.5 5 73 0.1 5 20 0.6 5 93 Iris Zone - - - - - - 0.1 26.2 70 0.1 6 70 Total Bendigo - - - 0.5 5 73 0.2 13.3 90 0.7 7.7 163 Group Total - - - 30 2.9 2,770 9 2.7 779 39 2.8 3,551

Material information summary as required under ASX Listing Rule 5.16 and 5.17.

HENTY GOLD MINE, TASMANIA

Mining

Henty has been in operation for 28 years, whereby various mining methods have been used in the past (room and pillar, longhole open stoping with paste fill/ rock fill or no fill). The mining method used for the OREplan is a combination of longhole stoping and benching.

Stope designs assume a minimum mining width of 1.5m, minimum stope length of 10m and stope height to a maximum of 15m. The intervals vary from 12-15m, which is deemed an appropriate method for control of dilution, reduction of pillars and ore loss, ground control, safety and regional stability. Dilution of 15% is applied to the in-situ stope ore tonnes and the ore recovery of 92-95% is applied, depending on extraction method.

Unclassified and inferred material have not been included within the Ore Reserves, however if the material is mined as a consequence to mining an Ore Reserve stope, then material had a zero-grade assigned and was therefore treated as dilution waste.

Processing

Henty's process plant has an annual plant capacity of 300,000 tonnes and comprises a semi-autogenous mill (SAG) feeding a conventional carbon-in-leach (CIP) circuit. Catalyst has operated the plant since January 2021. Feed grade during that time has been 3.5-4.0g/t. The 92% recovery used in the ORE plan is consistent with current plant recoveries and there is no foreseeable reason to change to projected recovery.

Economic assumptions

Mine operating costs (including mining, development, maintenance and grade control drilling) have been based on recent operating history and estimated mining physicals. Costing for sustaining capital items have been based off recent history, vendor quotes or management estimates.

Operating costs for the processing plant have been estimated using recent operating history and estimated physicals.

Other operating costs including power and administration have been estimated using recent operating history.

Royalties are based on existing royalties with the Tasmanian government and third parties.

PLUTONIC UNDERGROUND DEPOSIT, PLUTONIC GOLD BELT, WA

Mining

Plutonic Underground has been in operation for 28 years, whereby various mining methods have been used in the past (room and pillar, longhole open stoping with paste fill/ rock fill or no fill). The mining method used for the ORE is longhole stoping.

Stope designs assume a minimum mining width of 3.0m, minimum stope length of 5m and stope height of 5-25m. For stope tonnes dilution of 25% is applied to the in-situ designs and stope ore recovery of 90% is applied.

Processing

The metallurgical characteristics of the Plutonic are well known, simple and are applicable to feed through Plutonic Processing "Carbon in Leach circuit" Plant.

The process plant consists of an open circuit jaw crusher, coarse ore stockpile, semi-autogenous grinding mill and ball mills, two leach tanks, and six carbon adsorption tanks. Plant performance for the past five years indicates reasonable performance, with recoveries ranging from 76% to 90%, and an average recovery in 2024 of 86.5%. Metallurgical recoveries used in the ORE were based on site production data and detailed metallurgical testing to an appropriate standard.

Economic assumptions

Mine operating costs (including mining, development, maintenance and grade control drilling) have been based on recent operating history at the Plutonic Gold Mine and estimated mining physicals. Costing for sustaining capital items have been based off recent history, vendor quotes or management estimates.

Operating costs for the processing plant have been estimated using recent operating history

Other operating costs including power, administration, camp services and flights have been estimated using recent operating history.

Royalties are based on existing royalties with the Western Australian government.

PLUTONIC EAST DEPOSIT, PLUTONIC GOLD BELT, WA

Mining

Plutonic East underground operated from 2001 until 2012 with production of 812kt's @ 5.3g/t for 137.3koz.

The mining method assumed for Plutonic East is long-hole 'flat to sub vertical' stoping, the mining method previously applied at Plutonic East Underground. If a stope can be backfilled with waste rock, it will be filled.

Plutonic East was in operation from 2001 to 2012 whereby flat to sub vertical bench stopes were extracted successfully along strike of the ore system. A small percentage of the stopes were waste loose backfilled to provide overlying access and/or passive hangingwall support. The historic voids have been incorporated into the MRE, with an additional 2.5m depletion skin around the stope voids incorporated into the MRE.

SO input parameters include a 1.5 g/t Au cut-off, minimum mining width 3m, minimum stope length of 5m, stope height of 5-25m and a gold price of A$$2,700/oz.

Processing

The metallurgical characteristics of Plutonic East are well known, having been previously operated as an underground mine. Catalyst proposes to process Plutonic East through the Plutonic processing plant.

A metallurgical recovery of 84% was used in the COG for Plutonic East.

Economic assumptions

Catalyst plans to mine the Plutonic East deposit on an owner-operator basis. Given the similarities in operational framework between the existing Plutonic operations and Plutonic East, Plutonic's historical mining costs have been used as an input to the mining cost estimate. Plutonic East's proximity to Plutonic allows many synergies, including existing infrastructure, an existing employee pool, and systems and structures in place to run an underground mining operation.

Plutonic East ore will be processed at the Plutonic processing plant. Operating costs for the processing plant have been estimated using recent operating history.

Other operating costs including power and administration have been estimated using recent operating history at the Plutonic Gold Mine.

Royalties are based on existing royalties with the Western Australian government.

K2 DEPOSIT, PLUTONIC GOLD BELT, WA

Mining

K2 underground operated from 1997 to 1998, with only the portal and decline developed. The Marymia Operation (including the K2 underground) was placed under Care and Maintenance in mid-1998 because of a depressed gold price environment. The overlying open pit was mined in 1992 to 1995 with a production of 966kt's @ 4.0g/t for 116koz.

Proposed mining practices for K2 are based on the current operational practises of the neighbouring Plutonic underground mine as well as reflecting the historical mining methods proposed for K2. K2 was in operation from 1997-1998 whereby narrow up hole stopes were planned to be extracted along strike of the ore system. Previous technical studies and assessments have demonstrated that the proposed mining methods are technically achievable and are economically viable.

SO input parameters include a 1.7 g/t Au cut-off, minimum mining width 2.75m, minimum stope length of 8m, stope height of 17m and a gold price of A$$2,700/oz. The orientation of SO's is variable depending on the geometry of the mineralisation

Environmental, social and other factors have been considered internally.

Processing

The metallurgical characteristics of K2 are well known, with a number of feasibility studies having been completed in the past. Catalyst proposes to process K2 through the Plutonic processing plant.

K2 was historically processed at the now decommissioned Marymia Process Plant. Historical records and recent test works have indicated a 91% average recovery.

Economic assumptions

Catalyst plans to mine the K2 deposit on an owner-operator basis. Given the similarities in operational framework between the existing Plutonic operations and K2, Plutonic's historical mining costs have been used as an input to the mining cost estimate. K2's proximity to Plutonic allows many synergies, including existing infrastructure, an existing employee pool, and systems and structures in place to run an underground mining operation.

K2 ore will be processed at the Plutonic processing plant. Operating costs for the processing plant have been estimated using recent operating history

Other operating costs including power and administration have been estimated using recent operating history at the Plutonic Gold Mine.

Royalties are based on existing royalties with the Western Australian government and third parties.

TRIDENT DEPOSIT, PLUTONIC GOLD BELT, WA

Refer to Catalyst Metals Limited's ASX announcement on 3 July 2024  Trident Maiden Reserve Underpins New Low-Cost Development.

ZONE F EXPLORATION TARGET

Exploration targets for Plutonic Main were generated as follows:

Each exploration area used an adjacent portion (with similar scale extents) of the 2023 Plutonic MRE as a proxy for total mineralization endowment.

As Plutonic is a stacked lode system, each proxy area was then reported as a grade tonnage curve for indicated and inferred material over a given volume of mine mafic (being the host lithology).

Each proxy grade tonnage curve was then volume corrected against the volume of mine mafic in the relevant target area.

A confidence factor was then applied to each target area relative to its proxy, this ranged between 50 and 75% of the initial target grade tonnage curve. This factor allows for a possible decrease in mineralisation intensity and also takes into consideration the relative level of geological and volume uncertainty related to the mine mafic host lithology.

A second correction factor was applied to account for conversion into eventual mining inventory, this was 60% of the outcome of the previous calculation. This represents an estimated Reserve conversion factor for virgin areas. It is a higher factor than the average for Plutonic, however the majority of Plutonic Reserves are in remnant areas which have a lower conversion factor.

All exploration targets use a nominal 1.5 g/t cutoff grade.

The Exploration Target has been prepared and reported in accordance with the 2012 edition of the JORC Code. The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.

The following ranges are considered appropriate for the exploration target for Zone F :

Ounces: 30  45koz

Tonnes: 350 kt  430 kt

Grade: 2.7  3.2

Material information summary as required under ASX Listing Rule 5.9.

ORE RESERVE ESTIMATES (Plutonic)

1. Level of Study

The Ore Reserve has been determined based on the current operational practises of the Plutonic underground mine. Plutonic has been in production as an underground operation since 1995. The level of accuracy of the of the mine plan is technically achievable and operationally executable.

2. Classication

A 'Probable Ore Reserve' is the economically mineable portion of an Indicated Mineral Resource.

The Ore Reserves classication reects the Competent Person's view of the deposit. Only Probable reserves have been declared and are based on Indicated Resources following consideration of modifying factors. No probable Ore Reserves are derived from Measured Resources, as there was no Measured Resource within the MRE. There is a high level of condence in the modifying factors applied because they based on 'actual' operating performance currently being achieved at the Plutonic mine.

3. Mining Method

Previous operational performance has demonstrated that the current mining method of Long Hole Open Stope is technically achievable and is economically viable.

The historic voids have been incorporated into the Mineral Resource Estimate and coded to ensure the method of fill determines proximity of stope shape generation.

Unclassified and inferred material have not been included within the Ore Reserves, however if the material is mined as a consequence to mining an Ore Reserve estimated stope, then material had a zero grade assigned and was therefore treated as waste.

The mining modifying factors used in the Ore Reserves calculations are based on historically achieved Mining Dilution (25%) and Recovery (90%) factors. The current mine plan ethos and mining method will continue for mining of Ore Reserves.

4. Processing

The metallurgical characteristics of the Plutonic are well known, simple and are applicable to feed through Plutonic Processing "Carbon in Leach circuit" Plant.

The process plant ("PP1") consists of an open circuit jaw crusher, coarse ore stockpile, semi-autogenous grinding ("SAG") mill and ball mills, two leach tanks, and six carbon adsorption tanks. A three-stage hard rock crushing circuit was incorporated in 1994 which included a fine ore bin and an additional ball mill. Plant performance for the past five years indicates reasonable performance, with recoveries ranging from 76% to 90%, and an average recovery in 2024 of 86.5%. Metallurgical recoveries used to generate the Ore Reserves were based on site production data and detailed metallurgical testing to an appropriate standard.

5. Cut-o Grade

The cut-o grade applied to the Ore Reserve estimate is dened as the $A value per tonne of ore after consideration of all costs (mining, processing, Site administration), metallurgical recoveries,transport costs and royalties.

Stope optimiser shapes were initially categorised by using the operating cut-off grade (1.5g/t). Subsequently, stope shapes that were spatially distant from the mine's footprint were deleted to filter inventory requiring excessive development costs to access. Development material was considered in the Ore Reserve estimate if the material could cover the cost of haulage and processing (1.0g/t).

Inputs into the cut-o grade calculation include: Incremental Stoping and Grade Control Cost = AUD$59/t, Processing Costs = AUD$27.40/t ore, Site Administration Cost = AUD$16.70/t ore, Metallurgical Recovery = 86.5% (average across all mining units), Royalties = 2.5% and utilised a Gold Price = AUD$2,700/oz.

6. Estimation Methodology

The Ore Reserves estimate is reported within an underground Shape Optimiser (SO) evaluation from the July 2024 depleted MRE model. SO input parameters include a 1.5 g/t Au cut-off, minimum mining width 3m, minimum stope length of 5m, stope height of 5-25m and a gold price of A$$2,700/oz. The orientation of SO's is variable depending on the geometry of the mineralisation.

Plutonic has been in operation for 28 years, whereby various mining methods have been used in the past (room and pillar, LHOS with paste ll/ rock ll or no ll) The historic voids have been incorporated into the MRE and coded to ensure the method of ll determines proximity of stope shape generation. Unclassied and Inferred material have not been included within the Ore Reserves, however if the material is mined as a consequence to mining an Ore Reserve estimated stope, then material had a zero grade assigned and was therefore treated as waste.

7. Other Material Factors, Approvals and Infrastructure

Activities undertaken onsite are undertaken in accordance with the environmental approvals. Monitoring programs are conducted to ensure that key approval and licence requirements are complied with. Mining tenements and approvals are in good standing. The Company has demonstrated a strong environmental and social performance, there are no identified threats that place the companies social licence to operate at risk.

The Plutonic Gold Mine is a well-established mine which has services and infrastructure consistent with an isolated area operating mine. The existing site infrastructure can support the mine plans as historically the site has successfully operated at production rates significantly higher than those envisaged within the Ore Reserves Plan.

ORE RESERVE ESTIMATES (Henty)

1. Level of Study

The declaration of Henty Ore Reserve Estimation is based on the Company's internal studies which demonstrate continued economic viability of the currently operating Henty mine. The level of accuracy of the of the mine plan is technically achievable and operationally executable.

2. Classication

A 'Probable Ore Reserve' is the economically mineable portion of an Indicated Mineral Resource.

The Ore Reserves classication reects the Competent Person's view of the deposit. Only Probable reserves have been declared and are based on Indicated Resources following consideration of modifying factors. No probable Ore Reserves are derived from Measured Resources, as there was no Measured Resource within the MRE. There is a high level of condence in the modifying factors applied because they based on 'actual' operating performance currently being achieved at the Plutonic mine.

3. Mining Method

Henty has been in operation for 28 years, whereby various mining methods have been used in the past (room and pillar, LHOS with paste fill/ rock fill or no fill) The historic voids have been incorporated into the MRE and coded to ensure the method of fill determines proximity of stope shape generation. The mining method used for the Reserve is a combination of Longhole Stoping and Benching.

Dilution of 15% is applied to the in-situ stope ore tonnes and the ore recovery of 92-95% is applied, depending on extraction method. Waste development has a 15% dilution factor applied; however Ore development had no dilution applied. Development has 100% mining recovery applied.

Majority of the stopes will be filled using unconsolidated rock fill trucked from surface or underground development waste. This will improve stope stability and increase ore recovery while minimising the backfill costs. Stopes will be filled with waste rock from development where possible to minimise the trucking requirements.

4. Processing

The Henty Gold Mine has been operational since 1996. The process plant has an annual plant capacity of 300,000 tonnes and comprises a semi-autogenous mill (SAG) feeding a conventional carbon-in-leach (CIP) circuit. Catalyst has operated the plant since January 2021. Feed grade during that time has been 3.5-4.0g/t. The 94% recovery used in the ORE estimation is consistent with current plant recoveries and there is no foreseeable reason to change to projected recovery.

5. Cut-o Grade

Stope optimiser shapes were initially categorised by using the operating cut-off grade (1.7g/t). Subsequently, stope shapes that were spatially distant from the mine's footprint were deleted to filter inventory requiring excessive development costs to access. Operating cut-off grades applied to the Ore Reserve Estimate were 1.7g/t for stope shapes (after all forms of dilution and ore loss) and 1.0g/t for ore development shapes (after applying development profiles to the ore boundary).

Cost and modifying factors used to determine the above COG's were direct underground operating (mining and geology) A$ 90/ore t, processing A$ 28/ore t, site G&A A$24/ore t, metallurgical recovery 92.0%, royalties 5.9% NSR (variable using grade recovery curve) and gold price of A$3,000/oz.

6. Estimation Methodology

The Ore Reserves estimate is reported within an underground Shape Optimiser (SO) evaluation from the depleted resource model. SO input parameters include a 1.7 g/t Au cut-off, Gold price of AUD$3,000/oz, minimum mining width of 1.5m, minimum stope length of 10m. Control strings have been used to control stope height to a maximum of 15m. The intervals vary from 12-15m, which is deemed an appropriate method for control of dilution, reduction of pillars and ore loss, ground control, safety and regional stability. Stable stope dimensions using a maximum HR=4m have been based on geotechnical assessment.

The orientation of the SO's is variable depending on the geometry of the minerialisation.

7. Other Material Factors, Approvals and Infrastructure

Activities undertaken onsite are undertaken in accordance with the environmental approvals. Monitoring programs are conducted to ensure that key approval and licence requirements are complied with. The Company has demonstrated a strong environmental and social performance, there are no identified threats that place the companies social licence to operate at risk.

All Henty Mine infrastructure is in place. The Henty TSF is approved for a further 6m height lift which will allow production through to 2030.

MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE (Henty)

Material information summary as required under ASX Listing Rule 5.8 and JORC Code (2012) reporting guidelines.

1. Mineral Resource Statement

The Mineral Resource Statement for the Henty Gold Mine Mineral Resource estimate was prepared during April 2024 and is reported according to the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the 'JORC Code') 2012 edition.

The Mineral Resource estimate includes 57,606m of drilling from 5025 diamond drill holes (DD), 5116 Face Samples and 1141 Sludge holes completed since 1996. The depth from surface to the current vertical limit of the Mineral Resources is approximately 935 m (1650 mRL).

In the opinion of Catalyst, the resource evaluation reported herein is a reasonable representation of the global gold Mineral Resources within the Henty Gold Mine deposit, based on sampling data from Diamond drilling Sludge holes and Channel Samples available as of 28 January 2024. Mineral Resources are reported below topography and are comprised of fresh rock only.

The Henty Gold Mine March 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) has been undertaken with a focus on delineating areas of the MRE with Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) by underground mining methods. The MRE has been constrained within an underground Shape Optimiser (SO) evaluation from the depleted resource model.

SO input parameters include a 1.5 g/t Au cut-off, minimum mining width of 1.5m minimum stope length of 5m, stope height of 16m. The orientation of SO's is variable depending on the geometry of the mineralisation.

The entire MRE consists of Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources. No Measured Mineral Resources have been reported at this stage of the project.

The Mineral Resource Statement is presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Henty Gold Mine March 2024 MRE (at 1.5 g/t Au cut-off)

Classification Tonnes Mt) Au g/t Ounces (kOz) Indicated 3.69 3.5 410.4 Inferred 0.55 2.9 52.3 Total 4.24 3.4 462.4

Notes: 1. Mineral Resource estimated at 1.5g/t Au cut-off and reported within underground Shape Optimiser (SO). SO inputs include:

Gold Price AUD$3,500/oz, Metallurgical Recovery = 92%; Royalties = 5.9%; Minimum mining width = 1.5m; Minimum stope height=16m, Minimum stope strike=5m 2. Numbers may not add up due to rounding

A total of 881,623 m of drilling from 6,756 diamond drill holes, 1,452 sludge holes and 5,822 channel samples were available for the Mineral Resource estimate. Mineralisation interpretations were informed by diamond, sludge and channel samples (14,030 holes, of which 11,282 intersect the resource) for 57,606 m of drilling intersecting the resource.

2. Competent Person's Statement

The information in the report to which this Mineral Resource Statement is attached that relates to the estimation and reporting of gold Mineral Resources at the Henty Gold Mine deposit is based on information compiled by Mr Andrew Finch, BSc, a Competent Person who is a current Member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG 3827). Mr Finch, Geology Manager, at Catalyst Metals Ltd has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and deposit type under consideration and to the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Finch consents to the inclusion in the report of matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

3. Drilling Techniques

Sampling data for the Henty Gold Mine MRE includes diamond drilling (DD), face channel sampling (CH) and sludge sampling (SL) techniques.

The sampling database has been compiled from information collected when the Project was under ownership of numerous companies including (listed from most recent):

Catalyst Metals (2021 to current)

Diversified Minerals (2016 to 2020)

Unity Mining (2009 to 2016)

Barrick Gold (2006 to 2009)

(2006 to 2009) Placer Dome (2003 to 2006)

Aurion Gold (2001 to 2003)

(2001 to 2003) RGC/Goldfields (1996 to 2001).

For the most recent drilling completed by Catalyst, DD collar positions are set out by Mine Surveyors. The drilling crew has an azi-reader device that enables them to set up at the correct azimuth and dip according to the drillhole plan. Final collar positions are then picked up by Mine Surveyors at hole completion. For downhole surveys taken up to January 2019, a Devi-flex tool was used, with surveys taken every few metres. From January 2019 onwards, a downhole Gyroscopic tool was employed.

For underground workings, development drives are regularly picked up by Mine Surveyors. At stope completion, a cavity monitoring system is generally used to model the final voids.

The location of face channel samples is determined by measuring the distance from the closest survey station. The face channel is treated as a short drillhole, with collar and survey information stored in the site database.

All reported coordinates are referenced to the grid system Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94).

Underground mobile DD drill rigs are utilised to produce either LTK60 or NQ2 size core. Drill core is not routinely oriented.

4. Historical Drilling

Details relating to geospatial location protocols for drilling earlier than 2009 are unavailable; however, Catalyst considers that it is reasonable to assume that industry standard techniques were employed.

5. Sampling and Sub-Sampling Techniques

For drillhole data, either whole core or half core is submitted for analysis. In areas where infill drilling is required, whole core may be submitted given that there are other holes available with half core for future reference. Sample recovery is recorded for DD core samples as part of geotechnical logging

Samples are taken at 0.21.2 m intervals and honour lithological boundaries, with intervals entered in the same spreadsheet that is used for logging. Core is cut with an automatic core saw. Samples are placed in calico bags and then into polyweave bags for transport to the laboratory. Certified reference materials (CRMs) and blank material are inserted in the sample stream to monitor analytical bias and carry-over contamination, respectively.

For underground workings, face channel sampling is carried out at grade height (~1.5 m). A duplicate sample is taken on all faces to monitor sample precision. Samples are taken at 0.21.2 m intervals and honour different rock types, alteration zones, and mineralised zones. CRMs and blank material are inserted in the sample stream to monitor analytical bias and carry-over contamination, respectively.

Samples are placed in an oven on site after the geologist returns from underground. The primary laboratory (ALS in Burnie) collects the samples each morning and generally provides results later that day, giving a 2436-hour sample turnaround.

Sludge holes are drilled at Henty in areas where additional grade control data is needed to confirm grades adjacent to existing development. Sludge holes are drilled with underground production rigs, with samples collected by operators for each drill rod from drill return fines, and holes flushed between samples. Sludge hole collar positions are marked out by site surveyors and picked up once holes are completed, with hole dip and azimuth not measured and taken from design documents. Sludge samples are processed at the Burnie ALS laboratory using fire assay, with crushed rock standard and blank material is submitted with each sludge sample batch.

6. Historical Sampling

Details relating to drilling techniques, quality assurance (QA) protocols and quality control (QC) results for data gathered prior to 2009 is largely unavailable. However, the information provided indicates that sampling techniques and sample preparation were broadly similar to that of the current drilling techniques. QA protocols were employed, in some form, for the analytical data gathered during this period.

7. Sample Analysis Method

Historical information provided indicates that several analytical laboratories have been used over the history of the Project, and analytical methodologies have varied slightly over time. Typically fire assay with determination by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) has been used.

Currently all samples are submitted to ALS Burnie for gold analysis. Samples are crushed and pulverised prior to selection of a 30 g subsample for fire assay with determination by AAS.

Occasionally, bismuth, silver, copper, lead, zinc, arsenic and molybdenum analyses are completed to assist with understanding the nature of the mineralisation and for metallurgical assessment. Copper, for example, may consume cyanide during processing. If required, pulps are sent from Burnie to ALS Townsville for multi- element determination.

In 2020, CSA Global completed a detailed review of the QC data for the period 2016 to 2020 and the analytical results were considered as being acceptable to support the MRE.

Catalyst submitted a total of 1,856 blank samples between January 2021 and December 2022 and 99% of the blank results were within acceptable limits. Fifteen blank failures (1%) were recorded during the period. The batches with failed blanks were re-assayed. This is not considered as presenting a material issue to the MRE.

Catalyst submitted a total of 2,234 standards between January 2021 and December 2022. A total of eight different types of CRMs were submitted to the laboratory and a new CRM; OREAS 251b was introduced in December 2022. CSA Global reviewed the results of CRM submissions and concluded that the submitted CRMs performed within acceptable limits.

Although sample collection, sample preparation, sample logging and analytical techniques have varied over the Project's history, all can be considered as industry standard at the time. The amount of QC data that was collected has also varied over the Project's history, but overall is considered as being acceptable to support the MRE.

8. Geology and Geological Interpretation

The Henty deposit lies within the Mount Read Volcanic (MRV) Belt in western Tasmania. The most important metallogenic event in Tasmania coincided with the deposition of the MRV, which occurred from the early middle Cambrian to the early late Cambrian. The main mineralised belt of the MRV between Mount Darwin and Hellyer is the Central Volcanic Complex (CVC). The CVC is dominated by proximal volcanic rocks (rhyolite and dacite flows, domes and cryptodomes and massive pumice breccias) and andesite and rare basalt (lavas, hyaloclastites, and intrusive rocks) deposited in a marine environment.

The Cambrian Tyndall Group Comstock Formation hosts much of the mineralisation at the Henty deposit. A unit of quartz-bearing volcaniclastic sandstone and conglomerate of mixed felsic and andesitic provenance, with the latter common towards the base, and minor felsic and andesitic lavas and intrusive rocks and welded ignimbrite.

The Henty Gold Mine consists of a series of small high-grade lenses of gold mineralisation in quartz-sericite altered volcaniclastic and volcanic rocks that occupy a large sub-vertical quartz-sericite alteration zone.

There are three main alteration assemblages intimately associated with the gold mineralisation as follows:

MV alteration assemblage: Sulphide-poor, quartz+sericite alteration facies ("MV") is distinguished by pale green sericite concentrated in cleavage planes that envelop domains of intense silicification. The boundaries between sulphide-rich domains ("MZ") and MV domains are typically very sharp. MV contains minor chalcopyrite and galena, as small coarse-grained concentrations in siliceous domains, with sparse sphalerite and pyrite. Purple fluorite occurs in places.

MQ alteration assemblage: High gold grades are most commonly hosted in an intense silicification alteration facies ("MQ"). The MQ-style alteration is generally 550 m stratigraphically below the base of the Lynchford Tuff and generally shows a close spatial association with MV alteration. Boundaries between MV and MQ altered rocks are sharp. The MQ has been repeatedly fractured and annealed, with multiple generations of fine veinlets of quartz, sulphide and calcite, in contrast to the adjacent sericite-rich MV which behaved in a ductile manner during deformation. The distinguishing feature of the MQ is that all feldspars and sheet silicates are replaced by quartz. Late irregular fractures within the MQ contain free gold, together with pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and minor tellurides and bismuth sulphosalts.

MZ alteration assemblage: Within the footwall of the massive pyrite horizon, the host rocks are altered to a quartz+sericite+pyrite assemblage with disseminated base metal sulphides ("MZ"). This assemblage commonly has an apparent fragmental texture and is best developed in coarse volcaniclastic rocks. Sulphide content is relatively high, averaging ~5%, with typically 0.11 ppm Au. The appearance of base metal sulphides is usually a visual indicator of anomalous gold grades.



A total of 881,623 m of sampling from 6,756 diamond drill holes, 1,452 sludge holes and 5,822 channel samples were available for the Mineral Resource estimate and supported by a nominal drill density of 10 x15m along strike.

The Henty deposit comprises 12 individual model areas all of which have been updated in this MRE (Cradle Zone, Darwin Central, Darwin North, Darwin South, Intermediate Zone, Newton-Mount Julia, Read Zone, Sill Zone, Tear Away Zone, Tyndall Zone, Zone 15 and Zone 96).

Gold mineralisation domains were interpreted primarily on geological logging, face channel sampling and geological mapping of underground exposures, based on lithology, grade distribution, major faults and geometry.

Interpretations of domain continuity were undertaken in Datamine software using all available drillholes, face channel samples and sludge holes. Interpretation of each ore domain was constrained by a combination of gold grades (nominally 0.5-1 g/t ) and lithology, with individual lenses generally conforming to a particular style of alteration.

The domains to the north of the Moa fault steeply dip to the west with a thickness of 1-8 m and run semi-parallel to the NNE striking Henty Fault; south of the Moa fault the domains trend from NNE to NE. The mineralisation extends over a strike length (North  South) of approximately 3200 m and currently extends to a depth of approximately 850 m below surface.

Drillhole data spacing varies somewhat over the deposit area. Density of drilling is selected to match the complexity of mineralisation, which is recognised as varying between different domains. Most deposits are drilled out at 1015 m spacings (along strike and down dip). Drillholes are clustered in some areas, and often become more widely spaced at the edges of the deposits or in areas where the mineralisation is low tenor and delineation of economic material is unlikely.

For underground workings face channel sampling is carried out at grade height (~1.5 m) along ore development drives prior to stoping. Approximately every second cut (or ~6.0 m strike length) is generally sampled, however, this does not always occur.

CYL considers confidence in mineralisation continuity and distribution, as implied within the Mineral Resource estimate classification of Indicated and Inferred, is moderate, given the drill spacing described above and the patchy nature of mineralisation at Henty.

9. Estimation Methodology

The majority of mineralisation domains used in the MRE were manually constructed in Datamine software. The Z96 geological was constructed using LeapFrog software. Block modelling and grade interpolation were carried out using Surpac software. Statistical analysis was carried out using Snowden Supervisor software.

Block model constraints were created by applying the interpreted mineralised domain wireframes. Sub-celling in all domains was 0.625 m x 0.625 m x 0.625 m to accurately reflect the volumes of the interpreted wireframes.

All drillhole assay samples were uniquely flagged according to the mineralisation domains. All drillholes are composited to 1m downhole using a best-fit methodology and 0.5 m minimum threshold on inclusions. All DD, CH and SL samples were composited to 1m downhole using a best-fit methodology and 0.5 m minimum threshold on inclusions. A small of residual composites were retained in the estimation.

Henty gold mineralisation is hosted in multiple sub-parallel and sub-vertical tabular lenses ranging in strike length from a few tens of meters up to nearly 800m in length. The vertical extent of individual lenses can range from a few tens of meters to 270m vertically. The true width of the lenses ranges from 0.5m to >10m. The Henty March 2024 MRE incorporates the estimation of fifty-five individual mineralised lenses.

The distribution of gold grades within the mineralised lenses is highly variable and is characterised by distinct cohesive regions of higher tenor gold grades, with clusters of individual values often reaching several hundred grams per tonne. Whilst these higher-grade zones appear reasonably cohesive, they are manifested by a high-degree of short-scale variability, making difficult to manually interpret constraining domains. These internal; high-grade regions are often surrounded by peripheral regions of lower grade mineralisation that is also highly variable.

Raw Coefficients of Variation (CoV) are typically in the order of 1.5-3.5, indicating moderate to high grade variability. Some of the more substantial and higher-grade zones such as Z96 have CoV's of greater than 5.

The moderate to high grade variability and complex spatial continuity of high grades at Henty requires a pseudo non-linear approach to deal with these high grades during estimation. A traditional approach of physical domaining, assay cutting, and linear estimation (IDW or OK) is considered inadequate in dealing with this complexity.

The estimation method applied to most of the domains combines Categorical Indicator Kriging (CIK) to define internal estimation sub-domains domains, together with applying distance limiting at chosen grade thresholds to restrict the influence of the high grade and extreme grade values during grade interpolation.

Ordinary Kriging (OK) was used to directly estimate a small number of domains that were either poorly informed with data or where grade variability did not warrant a more sophisticated approach.

Table 2 summarises the estimation method applied to each mine area by estimation domain.

Table 2: Estimation Method  Domain Summary



Estimation Method Mine Area CIK Domains OK Domains Cradle Zone 5201 5202 Darwin Central 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404 1405 Darwin North 1501, 1502, 1503, 1504, 1505

Darwin South 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106, 1108

Intermediate Zone 6101, 6102, 6103, 6104

Newton Mt Julia 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2201, 2203, 2204, 2205

Read Zone 1301 1302, 1303, 1304, 1305 Sill Zone 7101, 7102, 7103

Tear Away 1201, 1202, 1203

Tyndall 3101, 3102

Z15 4101, 4102, 4103, 4104

Z96 5101, 5102, 5103, 5104, 5105, 5106

Total 49 6

Prior to estimation, a reference surface for each estimation domain was exported from the Leapfrog . This is calculated as the best fit surface using the hangingwall and footwall surfaces. The reference surface is then imported into Surpac and a dip and dip-direction of each triangle facets is imported into the Surpac block model to provide information for dynamic search and variogram model orientation during interpolation. Dynamic estimation is applied for estimating the CIK indicators and gold grades.

Categorical Indicator Kriging Workflow

Two Categorical Indicator values are determined for the CIK domains:

A low-grade (LG) indicator of 1.0 g/t Au was assigned to differentiate between background 'waste' and low-tenor mineralisation.

A high-grade (HG) indicator of 5.0 g/t Au was assigned to define broad areas of consistent higher-tenor mineralisation.

Indicator variograms were modelled for the LG and HG thresholds for all mine areas. The indicator variograms for both grade thresholds exhibited a moderate nugget effect of between 20-30%. The LG indicator demonstrated well-structured average continuity of around 35m. The HG indicator demonstrated less well-structured average continuity of around 19m.

The CIK indicators were estimated using Ordinary Kriging into a finely gridded block model with block dimensions of 1.25m x 1.25m x 1.25m. The small block size for the indicator process is beneficial for creating categorical sub-domains at resolution which can be used to accurately back-flag composite data.

Three categorical sub-domains were generated: low-grade (LG), medium-grade (MG) and high-grade (HG) areas. The HG sub-domain was based on an indicator probability threshold of 0.35 and the LG sub-domain was based on an indicator probability threshold of 0.65. The MG sub-domain is assigned to blocks that do not satisfy either the HG or LG sub-domain criteria.

The three categorical block model sub-domains (HG, MG and LG) were used to 'back-flag' the 1m composites from each mine area, thus creating a separate composite file for each sub-domain.

Assay top-cuts are applied to the sub-domain composite files on a domain-by-domain basis and are typically in the following ranges:

HG = 15-300 g/t Au

MG = 5-50 g/t Au

LG = 2.5-5 g/t Au

The assay top-cuts were generally between the 97th to 99.9th percentile of the distribution and were aimed at globally limiting extreme values only. Top-cuts are not used as the primary tool to control metal risk. The use of grade thresholds and distance limiting is considered a more objective and influential method in controlling metal risk, while better reflecting the actual localised occurrence of discontinuous high-grade gold mineralisation.

Grade variograms were initially attempted separately for the LG, MG and HG sub-domains, however, this resulted in poorly structured and incoherent variograms. It was decided to use a variogram modelled on the combined grade data for each mine area. The combined grade variograms typically exhibited a moderate nugget effect of between 16% and 38% (average 31%) with a maximum range of continuity of between 21-45m (average 28m).

Grade thresholds for distance limiting were initially determined for each mine area from log-probability plots and visual inspection. Final distance limits were subsequently optimised following a detailed backward-looking mill reconciliation using mine stope voids for the period May 2023 to March 2023 (230Kt). The adjustment of grade distance limits was an iterative process until an acceptable reconciliation with the mill was achieved. The final applied grade distance limits are follows:

0-10 g/t = No Limit

10-25 g/t = 20m

25-50 g/t = 15m

>50 g/t = 7.5m

Prior to grade estimation, sub-domain codes from the 1.25m resolution block model are imported into a 2.5m x 2.5m x 2.5m resolution model and the proportion of LG, MG and HG is calculated for each 2.5m block. Grade estimation for the LG, MG and HG domains was undertaken in Surpac software using Ordinary Kriging with grade threshold distance limiting. Kriging Neighbourhood Analysis (KNA) was undertaken to assist with defining estimation parameters. Search routines and variogram orientations are drawn from the pre-populated dynamic search information recorded in each block.

Final block grades at a 2.5m x 2.5m x 2.5m block resolution were calculated by weighting the estimated grades for each sub-domain by the relevant domain proportion. The parent estimation block size was 2.5m x 2.5m x 2.5m. A minimum of 2 and maximum of 12 composites were used for each sub-domain estimate per block. It is possible that up to 36 composites can be used to estimate a parent block where there is a proportion of all three sub-domains present. Block discretisation was set at 3 E x 3 N x 3 RL points (per parent block). A standardised single pass search distance of 40-60m was used. Octant restrictions were not used. Data spacing varied from <10m x 10m to 40m x 20m.

Model validation was completed to check that the grade estimates within the model were an appropriate reflection of the underlying composite sample data, and to confirm that the interpolation parameters were applied as intended. Checks of the estimated block grade with the corresponding composite dataset were completed using several approaches involving both numerical and spatial aspects as follows:

Semi-Local: Using swath plots in X, Y and Z directions comparing the estimates to the sample data.

Local: Visual inspection of the estimated block grades viewed in conjunction with the sample data.

Ordinary Kriging Workflow

Ordinary Kriging (OK) was used to directly estimate six domains that were either poorly informed with data or where grade variability did not warrant a more sophisticated approach.

All DD, CH and SL samples were composited to 1m downhole using a best-fit methodology and 0.5 m minimum threshold on inclusions. A small number of residual composites were retained in the estimation.

Composite files were statistically analysed in Supervisor software, with assay top cuts defined. Top cuts of between 7.5-15 g/t were applied to the data to control the effects of outlier high grade Au values that were considered not representative. The effect of the top cuts was reviewed with respect to the resulting Mean and CV values.

Kriging Neighbourhood Analysis was undertaken to assess the effect of changing key kriging neighbourhood parameters on block grade estimates. Kriging efficiency and slope of regression were determined for a range of block sizes, minimum/maximum samples, search dimensions and discretisation grids. Variograms were generated using composited top-cut drill data in Snowden Supervisor v8 software.

Within each domain, an Ordinary Kriging estimate of gold grade was produced using the cut composite data. A standardised single pass search distance of 60m was used. Octant restrictions were not used. Hard boundaries were used for the estimate.

To enable the use of dynamic variograms and search orientations during the estimation of gold, the reference surfaces for each domain were exported from the Leapfrog project. This is calculated as the best fit surface using the hanging wall and footwall surfaces.

A minimum of 2 and maximum of 12 (1 m composite) samples per block were used with no limit of samples per drillhole. The minimums and maximums were established through independent KNA on each major domain. Block discretisation was set at 3 E x 3 N x 3 RL points (per parent block).

Octant restrictions were not used, and estimates were into parent blocks, not sub-blocks.

Drill spacing was approximately 20m by 20m or closer. Block dimensions were 2.5m x 2.5m x 2.5m (XYZ).

Model validation was completed to check that the grade estimates within the model were an appropriate reflection of the underlying composite sample data, and to confirm that the interpolation parameters were applied as intended. Checks of the estimated block grade with the corresponding composite dataset were completed using several approaches involving both numerical and spatial aspects as follows:

Semi-Local: Using swath plots in Northing and RL comparing the estimates to the sample data.

Local: Visual inspection of the estimated block grades viewed in conjunction with the sample data.

10. Bulk Density

CSA Global in 2023 were supplied 5,096 "Weight Wet" and "Weight Dry" records determined from 1,662 individual drillholes via the Archimedes (water immersion) method. Density was calculated from the data by the following equation:

Density= (Weight Air)/ (Weight Air-Weight Water)

The available density data was selected from within the mineralised zone interpretations for the various model areas. Outlier samples were removed from the data selected and a global average of density was calculated. A value of 2.8 t/m3 was determined, which has been applied directly to the model cells for all block model areas. No new density data was available for the 2024 MRE.

11. Classification Criteria

Mineral Resources were classified as Indicated and Inferred to appropriately represent confidence and risk with respect to data quality, drill hole spacing, geological and grade continuity and mineralisation volumes. Additional considerations were the stage of project assessment, current understanding of mineralisation controls and mining selectivity within an underground mining environment.

The drilling, surveying and sampling undertaken, and analytical methods and quality controls used, are appropriate for the style of deposit under consideration.

Indicated Mineral Resources were defined where a moderate level of geological confidence in geometry, continuity and grade was demonstrated, and were identified as areas where:

The portions of the Henty Gold Mine 2024 MRE classified as Indicated have been flagged in areas of the model where average drill hole spacing is 20m x 20m or closer. The drill spacing within the Indicated portion of the resource is appropriate for defining the continuity and volume of the mineralised domains, at a nominal 20 m drill spacing on 20 m sections.

x or closer. The drill spacing within the Indicated portion of the resource is appropriate for defining the continuity and volume of the mineralised domains, at a nominal drill spacing on sections. Blocks were interpolated with a neighbourhood largely informed by the maximum number of samples.

Inferred Mineral Resources were defined where a low to moderate level of geological confidence in geometry, continuity and grade was demonstrated, and were identified as areas where:

Drill spacing averaged a nominal 40 m or less, or where drilling was within 40 m of the block estimate.

Further considerations of resource classification include; data type and quality (drilling type, drilling orientations, down hole surveys, sampling and assaying methods); geological mapping and understanding; statistical performance including number of samples, slope regression and kriging efficiency.

Mineralisation within the model which did not satisfy the criteria for classification as Mineral Resources remained unclassified.

The delineation of Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources appropriately reflects the Competent Person's view on continuity and risk at the deposit.

12. Cut-off Grade

The Henty underground Mineral Resources is reported at a cut-off grade of 1.5 g/t Au. The cut-off grade has been derived from current mining and processing costs and metallurgical parameters. Inputs into the cut-off grade calculation include:

Mining Fixed and Variable = AUD$66/t

Grade Control = AUD$12/t ore

Processing Costs = AUD$28/t ore

Maintenance Costs = AUD$43/t ore

Metallurgical Recovery = 92%

Royalties = 5.9%

Gold Price = AUD$3,500/oz

In addition to applying a cut-off grade of 1.5 g/t Au, the Mineral Resource has been reported within an underground Shape Optimiser (SO) evaluation from the undiluted and depleted resource model. SO input parameters include a minimum mining width of 1.5m, minimum stope length of 5m, stope height of 16m.

13. Assessment of Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction

The Henty Gold Mine Mineral Resource (MRE) has been undertaken with a focus on delineating areas of the MRE with Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) by underground mining methods. The MRE has been constrained within an underground Shape Optimiser (SO) evaluation from the depleted resource model that contains 75% or greater of its volume as in-situ material.

SO input parameters include a 1.5 g/t Au cut-off, minimum mining width of 1.5m minimum stope length of 5m, stope height of 16m. The orientation of SO's is variable depending on the geometry of the mineralisation resource model.

The Mineral Resource is considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction (RPEEE) given the access to critical infrastructure, the volume and grade of mineralisation available for mining and the RPEEE criteria which have been applied prior to reporting the Mineral Resource.

14. Mining and Depletion

Underground mining at Henty has taken place since 1996. Mining depletion to January 31, 2024, was applied to the model.

No dilution or cost factors were applied to the estimate.

15. Metallurgy

Henty is an operating mine and there are no material metallurgical issues that are known to exist.

No metallurgical recovery factors were applied to the Mineral Resources or resource tabulations.

This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Directors of Catalyst Metals Limited.

Competent person's statement

The information in the report to which this Mineral Resource Statement is attached that relates to the estimation and reporting of gold Mineral Resources at the Henty Gold Mine is based on information compiled by Mr Andrew Finch, BSc, a Competent Person who is a current Member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG 3827). Mr Finch, Geology Manager, at Catalyst Metals Ltd has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and deposit type under consideration and to the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Finch consents to the inclusion in the report of matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this report that relates to Ore Reserves is based on and fairly represents information and supporting documentation compiled by Anthony Buckingham BEng (Mining Engineering), a Competent Person who is a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AUSIMM). Anthony Buckingham is a full-time employee of Catalyst Metals. He is a shareholder in Catalyst Metals and is entitled to participate in the Catalyst Performance Rights Plan.

Anthony Buckingham has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC 2012).

Anthony Buckingham consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which they are presented. This Ore Reserve estimate has been compiled in accordance with the guidelines defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC 2012).

The information in this presentation to which this Exploration Target relates is based on information compiled by Mr Andrew Finch, BSc, a Competent Person who is a current Member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG 3827). Mr Finch, Geology Manager, at Catalyst Metals Ltd has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and deposit type under consideration and to the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Finch consents to the inclusion in the report of matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

JORC 2012 Mineral Resources and Reserves

Catalyst confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcements continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements.

APPENDIX 1

PLUTONIC UNDERGROUND  JORC CODE, 2012 EDITION  TABLE 1

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

Plutonic Underground Deposit

(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)

Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Over its 33-year production history, the Plutonic deposit has been sampled using numerous drilling and sampling techniques by Billabong Gold Pty Ltd (Billabong - 100% owned Catalyst Metals Limited) and previous operators. Drilling and sampling techniques by previous operators is assumed to be to industry standard at that time.

For Mineral Resource estimation the Plutonic main underground area has been predominantly based on diamond drilling (DD) from surface and underground platforms and underground rock chip face samples (FS). Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling makes up a small proportion of the data set and has been carried out at the Plutonic main deposit for delineation of open pit material.

For DD samples, downhole depth is recorded by the drillers on core blocks after every run. This is checked and compared to the measurements of the core by a geologist to honour geological boundaries (lithology, mineral assemblage, alteration etc). Sample lengths typically vary between 0.3m and 1.0m.

DD core is orientated using a Reflex ACT device and detailed structural measurements and logging is carried out. Exploration DD core is sawn in half along the orientation lines, with half the sample being submitted for assay and the remaining half being retained for reference. Grade control DD core is whole core sampled and sent for analysis.

RC samples were collected for each metre drilled and passed through a cyclone and riffle splitter to produce a two kg to four kg assay into calico bags.

FS samples are completed by the mine geologists. The sampling is taken by chipping the face into calico bags with definition by lithological boundaries. FS samples are taken perpendicular to the lode orientation in the face. The face sample locations are marked up and measured from fixed survey points. Drilling techniques Diamond core diameters include BQ (36.4 mm), BTW (42 mm), LTK60 (43.9 mm), NQ (47.6 mm), NQ2 (50.7 mm).

RC holes were drilled with face hammers and were sampled at one metre down hole intervals. Drill sample recovery DD recovery is not noted specifically, though core is locked in and meter marked carefully. Discrepancies to core blocks are brought up with the drill contractor. Occasionally core loss blocks are inserted. Overall drill core recovery is very good.

Billabong diamond drilling practice results in high core recovery due to the competent nature of the ground.

Chip sample recoveries are not relevant in this instance. No RC drilling has taken place for a number of years at Plutonic and impact on the resource would be minimal.

RC and DD by previous operators is assumed to be to industry standard at that time.

There is no known relationship between sample recovery and grade; diamond drill sample recovery is very high. Logging DD core, RC samples and FS chip samples have been logged by qualified geologists to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.

Logging and face mapping is qualitative and quantitative. Visual estimates of sulphide (percentage) and alteration (intensity scale) are recorded. Core Logging and face mapping notes lithology, alteration, mineralisation and structures. Structural readings are taken at relevant structures and where the foliation is relatively consistent.

All DD core is digitally photographed and logged. Faces are mapped and sampled when access permits. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If the DD core was BQ, LTK48 or BTW it was sampled as full core and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis. Most LTK60 and NQ2 DD core is cut in half with an Almonte diamond core saw; the top half of the core was sent to the laboratory for analysis and the other half was placed back in the core tray, transferred onto pallets, and moved to the core yard library. All GC drilling, regardless of core size, is whole core sampled.

RC samples were collected for each metre drilled and passed through a cyclone and riffle splitter to produce a two kg to four kg assay into calico bags. Depending on the oxidation state of the rock, the sample weight varied between three and five kilograms. A duplicate sample was also collected and retained in a temporary sample storage facility for further check sampling. The RC drilling and sampling were supervised at the drill site by a company sampler and geologist. The riffle splitter was cleaned using compressed air after every sample and the cyclone was cleaned every 40 m, or more regularly at the geologists' discretion. Wet or damp RC samples were allowed to dry before riffle splitting.

FS chip samples are taken by chipping the face into calico bags with definition by lithological boundaries.

Sample preparation procedures for DD and FS includes: 1-4 hours drying at 150C depending on moisture content; Crush 85% < 3mm  Essa jaw crusher or rotary Boyd crusher; Riffle split 50:50 to<1kg; Pulverise ~700-750g to 90% passing 75m in Labtechnics LM2; Scoop 250-300g; Scoop to subset to 40gm for fire assay.

Quality control procedures for DD and FS includes: FS  blanks added to each face sample with ore zones; DD barren wash and blanks added after each ore interval; Crusher duplicates taken at 1:40; Pulp duplicates taken at 1:40.

Sample preparation protocols and sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation encountered and should provide representative results. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The Plutonic Gold Mine has been in operation since 1990 following discovery in 1988. QAQC procedures have changed throughout that period. The current underground Mineral Resources have been identified over a long period of time with a number of companies. All high confidence Mineral Resources are based dominantly on underground DD and FS completed in the last 14 years.

In recent years, for DD and FS, gold concentration is determined by fire assay using the lead collection technique with a 40gm sample charge weight. An AAS (Plutonic lab) or ICP (ALS and Bureau Veritas) finish.

A Pulverising and Leach (PAL) method was introduced to the Plutonic site laboratory in 2005. Underground GC samples are initially assayed by PAL and where the result is greater than 0.5 g/t Au the sample is re-analysed by 40gm fire assay and the fire assay result is retained for grade estimation purposes. It has been shown that the use of PAL assays is likely to have negligible influence on the Sept 2023 MRE.

Although PAL is not considered to be a total gold analysis, the larger sample size still produces a representative result. Fire assay gold analysis is considered to be total gold.

Samples are dried, crushed and pulverised prior to analysis.

Certified Reference Material (CRM's) are submitted every 20 samples for DD and once per shift for FS (approx. 1 in 15 samples). CRM's are of similar grade tenor to those expected in the sampling. The CRM insertion rate ensures that there are at least two CRM's per assay batch. CRM's are selected based on their grade range and mineralogical properties with an emphasis on sulphide ores.

Blanks are inserted every 20 samples for DD and for FS they are inserted after any face that contains mineralisation.

Grind checks or sizing was carried out on a frequency of 1 in 40 on both pulp residues and crush residues prior to January 2020. Since January 2020, crush sizing analysis is conducted randomly. The data is collected throughout the shift with results calculated at the end of shift. Pulp residues are expected to have 90% passing 75m. The crush residue is expected to have 80% passing 3 mm. This data is monitored by the Laboratory Supervisor. Grind times can be lengthened accordingly.

Field, crush and pulp duplicates, occur at a frequency of 2.5%.

Current procedures dictate a process of validation and checking of laboratory results when data is returned by the laboratory as it is loaded into the acQuire database. A standard set of plots and checks are undertaken, and if results fall outside of the expected limits, then re-assaying is requested. Monthly QAQC reports are generated by the database administrator and documented from automated routines out of the database.

A comprehensive review of QAQC results was carried out for the CIM NI 43-101 report relating to the 2022 Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimate for the Plutonic Estimate (2022 MRE  Effective Date December 31, 2021).

Conclusions from the 2022 MRE Qualified Person include: Overall performance of the Plutonic site and external laboratory (ALS) are adequate for estimating and reporting Mineral Resources for the Plutonic underground operations despite some minor shortcomings in the site laboratory; The accuracy of the laboratories is within 3% error; The variance of the laboratories (precision) based on CRM's is acceptable for underground production purposes; Both ALS and Plutonic laboratories performed well on precision and accuracy with ALS lab slightly better precision; Coarse duplicates revealed relative errors at 20% for samples with Au >7 g/t and 30% relative errors for samples with Au between 3 and 7 g/t; 50% of the errors of the coarse duplicates may have been caused by a coarse gold nugget effect. The remaining errors were likely caused by contamination, other laboratory procedure breaches and human error.

At the Plutonic Laboratory there was: some low-level contamination at crushing stage; some minor procedural non-compliance at crushing, pulverising, and instrument assaying stage; periodic increased assaying uncertainty may be caused by possible human errors; the extent of the laboratory contamination is unknown given the random nature of the blank insertion; upper limit for blanks of 0.2 g/t is too high to effectively detect contamination.

At ALS Laboratory there was: there was insignificant contamination at the lab during the period; the laboratory has performed consistently well; laboratory precision test on CRM's indicated a better performance than CRM manufacturer.

DD and FS data collected since the 2022 MRE consists almost entirely of additional grade control data and represents a relatively small proportion of the total dataset used for the JORC June 30, 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (Sept 2023 MRE).

Conclusions from the Sept 2023 MRE Competent Person include: Results indicate that the QAQC performance is sufficient for using the data for an underground Mineral Resource Estimate; Element of risk in using PAL due to incomplete digestion; Site laboratory performance (the majority of the samples) is poorer than off-site labs (ALS and Bureau Veritas)  contamination and percentage of CRM failure; Site laboratory shows poorer performance at low levels of Au (0.4 - 0.8 g/t), but effect on underground Mineral Resources likely to be minimal; Precision of CRMs for site laboratory poorer than manufacturer.

Verification of sampling and assaying DD and face logging is completed electronically onto laptops. Database protocols and rules are applied upon data entry.

Visual validation and check logging of face and drill data.

Drill data is stored in an AcQuire database, face data in an Acquire. All maintained full-time Database Administrator.

All face and drill data within site databases are regularly validated using both internal database systems and external validation tools.

Validation of pre-Billabong data is completed periodically.

There is no requirement for twinned holes in a production setting.

Conversion of lab non-numeric codes to numeric for estimation. Location of data points UG hole collar locations are picked up regularly by site surveyors.

Multi shot cameras are used for down-hole survey.

Development faces are spatially located using MineMapper and Vulcan 3D software.

Underground development voids are picked up regularly by site surveyors. Stopes voids are generally all surveyed by CMS (where practical and safe to do so). Data spacing and distribution Plutonic underground Mineral Resources are primarily based on DD and FS data.

Given the high degree of grade variability and spatial complexity at the Plutonic underground mine (extremely high nugget effect and minimal short-scale spatial continuity), it is difficult to generate local scale grade estimates that would adequately satisfy a Measured Resource classification. For this reason, no Measured material has been included in the Sept 2023 MRE. Indicated Resources can be reasonably well-defined with DD spacing up to 30m  30m. Average data spacing for Indicated resources for the Sept 2023 MRE is approximately 20m 20m. Inferred resources are assigned to areas where DD spacing is generally greater than 30m  30m.

Grade control DD spacing typically required for stope definition is between 8m  8m to 10m 10m. Close spaced FS are also used for stope definition.

The data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish geological and/or grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and classifications to be applied, with known likelihood of local variability.

The drill core is logged and divided into sample intervals that have a minimum sample length of 0.3m and a maximum sample length of 1.0m. Intervals should honour geological boundaries such as faults and lithological contacts. Most nominal sample lengths were at 1m intervals; sample compositing is not applied until the estimation stage.

Compositing of the data to 1m was used in the estimate.

No recent RC drilling has been undertaken Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drilling is orientated as close to perpendicular to mineralisation where possible. However, orientation to lode may be compromised by access to suitable drill platforms. Drillholes are extended to Mine Mafic boundary where required and practicable.

Face sampling is orientated perpendicular to lode orientation.

The variable drill orientation relative to mineralisation is not thought to make a material difference in the resource estimation. Sample security All cut drill core is kept in an unfenced core farm adjacent to the core cutting and processing shed. This is not regarded as a security risk due to the remote location of the mine with no community development near the mine. All core is photographed and records kept electronically.

Geologists are responsible for marking the sample intervals and placement of Blanks and Standards within the sampling stream for both faces and core. The Project Geologist and Senior Geologist complete quality control checks on the face data daily.

Field Staff are primarily responsible for the collection of samples from the face as chips, as well as the cutting and sampling of core. Also generating the sample numbers for core submission, creating a sample submission sheet for core and faces, randomly selecting and recording the standards to be sent to the laboratory and the transportation of the samples to the laboratory.

Once a hole has been sampled, the sample calculation and check geology documents are handed to the Database Administrator (DBA) who converts the digital copy of the sample calculation to a .csv file which is then imported into the AcQuire database.

Upon receiving the digital file for the assay data, the DBAs import the file into the master AcQuire database. This data is not accessible for assessment until it has been validated as complete and correct by the QAQC Geologist and DBA. Face data is received in the same format and is entered into the AcQuire database.

Pulp rejects from assayed samples are kept in wooden boxes on top of the waste dump. These are visited frequently as samples are taken for research and other purposes.

Drill logs are kept in hard copy and electronically and are available for checking and due-diligence. Audits or reviews A review by Jacqui Coombes (Coombes, 2009) concluded that it was reasonable to combine the drillhole and face sampling data for the Plutonic deposit  report sighted.

A previous review by Roscoe Postle and Associates (RPA) in 2012 concluded that the data verification systems were adequate for Mineral Resource estimation.

Previous estimation process review by Optiro (2015) identified that reduced manning levels were having an impact on the quantity and quality of the data being generated in 2015, however, overall, the data collection systems which support the Mineral Resource estimation process were found to be best practice  report unsighted.

In 2022, SnowdenOptiro completed a technical review of the 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate prior to a public release. This report indicated some concerns about smearing of high grades into low grade areas, the assignment of Measured and Indicated resources in areas of low data density and the lack of a reconciliation analysis against the estimate.

No external audits or reviews have been undertaken on the Sept 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate.

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

Plutonic Underground Deposit

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status The Plutonic Gold Mine group includes 30 granted exploration and mining tenements (24 mining leases, 2 exploration licences, and 4 prospecting licences) (as such term is defined in the (Western Australian) Mining Act 1978 (the "Mining Act"))

All rents to Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety ("DMIRS") have been paid and made within one month after the anniversary commencement date of the tenement as allowed under the Mining Act.

All tenement Shire rates have either been paid or will be paid within the required timeframes.

All compliance reporting including Form 5 Reports, have been lodged within the timeframes allowed under the Mining Act 1978 as amended.

All Geological Reports have been lodged.

There are no other unexpected encumbrances registered or recorded against the tenements.

There are no Forfeiture proceedings against any tenements. Exploration done by other parties 1969-1976  International Nickel Company (Inco) conducted nickel exploration using geochemistry, geophysics, costeaning, RAB and RC drilling.

1987  Great Central Mines (GCM) identified an arsenic and gold anomaly by geochemical sampling in the Plutonic tenements.

1987-1993  Battle Mountain Australia (BMA) undertook regional mapping, Bulk Leach Extractable Gold (BLEG) soil sampling, and RAB drilling. The Triple P, Pelican, Albatross and Flamingo deposits were discovered in 1992. Further RAB, AC, RC and DD programs were conducted to define these deposits.

1988-1994 - Resolute Resources Ltd (75%) and Titan Resources NL (25%) commenced exploration on the Marymia tenements. Gold mineralisation was discovered in the Keillor Shear Zone following regional exploration soil, stream sediment and rock chip sampling and geological mapping. Several phases of follow-up RAB, AC, RC and DD drilling was carried out. K1 deposit was discovered in 1989. Prospect scale geophysical surveys including magnetics and gradient array IP were undertaken between 1989 and 1994.

1990  GCM carried follow up grid-based mapping, soil and lag geochemical surveys which led to the discovery of the Plutonic deposit.

1990  GCM discovered satellite deposits at Area4 and Channel. Both were mined by open pit between 1999 and 2001.

1990-1995  Plutonic Resources exploration division carried out exploration on the Freshwater tenements and discovered a total of 1 underground and 30 surface prospects. Follow up resource definition drilling resulted in conversion of these prospects to 10 open pits and one underground mine, including Area 4 open pit, Plutonic East underground deposit, Salmon, Trout and Perch.

1999-2004 - Homestake Gold of Australia undertook a detailed aeromagnetic and radiometric survey over the entire lease area. Additional IP and moving loop geophysical surveys were undertaken between 2000 and 2004 across several prospects. The largest of which was across the K1-K2 project area in 2004.

2004 - the Plutonic Development department undertook a large soil sampling programme over the northwestern end of the Marymia tenements, in conjunction with the IP survey. These surveys identified a number of targets that were followed up with some additional surface geochemical sampling.

2001-2007 - exploration and resource definition drilling by RAB, RC and diamond core drilling was undertaken by the Plutonic Development department across numerous prospects outside of the Plutonic Mine area. Many of these drilled prospects were proven up to become small satellite open pit mines such as Triple P B-Zone, Albatross, Flamingo, Kookaburra, Ibis, Piranha, to name a few.

2009-2012 - RC and diamond core drilling concentrated on extensions to the known Plutonic deposit. Outside of this area two 2D seismic lines were shot in conjunction with Curtin University and diamond core drill was undertaken at Plutonic West and Cod prospects. Geology The gold deposits at Plutonic are hosted by an Archaean greenstone sequence and occur mainly as a multiple lode system with variable dip (horizontal to vertical) hosted almost exclusively by a mafic amphibolite sequence that is referred to as the 'Mine Mafic'.

Mineralisation regularly occurs as shallowly dipping, layer parallel lodes, although steep lodes and minor quartz-vein hosted deposits also occur. Mineralisation at Plutonic is characterized by a series of moderately-dipping to very flat-lying, stacked replacement-style lodes, individually up to five metres wide, that are hosted within ductile shear zones, oriented slightly oblique to stratigraphy. Drill hole Information No exploration has been reported in this release, therefore there are no drill hole intercepts to report. This section is not relevant to this report on Mineral Resource and ore Reserves. Data aggregation methods No exploration has been reported in this release, therefore there are no drill hole intercepts to report. This section is not relevant to this report on Mineral Resource and ore Reserves. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths No exploration has been reported in this release, therefore there are no drill hole intercepts to report. This section is not relevant to this report on Mineral Resource and ore Reserves. Diagrams No exploration has been reported in this release, therefore there are no drill hole intercepts to report. This section is not relevant to this report on Mineral Resource and ore Reserves. Balanced reporting No exploration has been reported in this release, therefore there are no drill hole intercepts to report. This section is not relevant to this report on Mineral Resource and ore Reserves. Other substantive exploration data No exploration has been reported in this release, therefore there are no drill hole intercepts to report. This section is not relevant to this report on Mineral Resource and ore Reserves. Further work Underground grade control and extensional drilling programs are underway, and will continue in line with mine development and production requirements.

Section 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources

Plutonic Underground Deposit

(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in section 2, also apply to this section.)

Criteria Commentary Database integrity The Plutonic Mineral Resource database is regularly validated by Billabong staff using data validation modules of Vulcan, Leapfrog and AcQuire software programs to identify any inconsistencies or logical errors in the data. Mine staff also visually check the drill hole data on-screen on a regular basis.

Surface and underground drill hole and face data is validated to produce a digital database free of detected errors. This is undertaken by passing data through embedded macros and queries of the drill hole database software by table (collar, assay, lithology, survey, and grout).

Crosschecks are also undertaken to ensure that each drill hole has data from collar, assays, lithology, survey, and grout files. By undertaking the above procedures, all drill hole and face data is rigorously checked, verified, and corrected where necessary to ensure limited failures. Surface and underground drill hole and face data is validated to produce a digital database free of detected errors. This is undertaken by passing data through embedded macros and queries of the drill hole database software by table (collar, assay, lithology, survey, and grout). Crosschecks are also undertaken to ensure that each drill hole has data from collar, assays, lithology, survey, and grout files. By undertaking the above procedures, all drill hole and face data is rigorously checked, verified, and corrected where necessary to ensure limited failures. Site visits The Competent Persons have not undertaken a site visit at the time of this release. A site visit is planned in the near future. Geological interpretation The confidence in the geological interpretation is high with all the information and over 30 years of open pit and underground operation used in the generation of the models.

All available geological data was used in the interpretation, including drilling and mapping (~29,000 drillholes and ~120,000 faces).

The modelling approach takes advantage of many thousands of structural measurements from orientated diamond holes and underground development faces to build structural trend surfaces, and uses these trend s
Highly Successful Team Latest to Choose Sanctuary to Accelerate Growth through Enhanced Services, Technology and Investment Solutions

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanctuary Wealth (Sanctuary), providing elite financial advisors the freedom, flexibility, control and choice to thrive in an evolving industry, welcomes Centel Wealth Advisory (Centel), a New Haven, Connecticut, practice with over $2.2 billion in individual client and institutional assets.

The firm is led by its Founders Stephen Fordyce, CFP, Robert Bowman, CFP and Sam DeGennaro. They are supported by Sue Lyon and John Giannattasio. Fordyce and Bowman will serve as managing partners, while DeGennaro has been named a managing director.

"After years of building a substantial practice as wirehouse employees, Steve and Sam took their first step toward independence a decade ago, leaving behind the conflicts often found at Wall Street institutions, and today embark upon the logical next evolution of their practice by taking full ownership of their business," said Vince Fertitta, President, Wealth Management, Sanctuary Wealth. "Centel will benefit from the robust ultra-high-net-worth platform we built to address the needs of the 120 other partner firms that have launched similar businesses with Sanctuary. Our platform's white-glove support, best-in-class infrastructure and integrated technology make it easier for advisors to serve sophisticated clients."

A multigenerational practice that focuses on wealth advisory services and institutional plan management, Centel is a completely independent firm, offering its clients access to a comprehensive range of investment and advisory solutions.

Crucially, it values loyalty, partnership, integrity and the opportunity to make a difference. These values form the foundation of the firm's culture, driving the decisions of its leadership team, strengthening the quality of its relationships with clients and motivating its team every day.

"The independent space has evolved tremendously since Sam and I left the wirehouse world a decade ago, creating greater opportunities and more options than ever before," said Mr. Fordyce. "My partners and I decided the time was right to assume control and take our business to the next level by launching our own firm and affiliating with a strong partner to enhance the technology, investment solutions and service experience we offer our clients. We look forward to collaborating with the elite network of partner firms they have assembled."

Adam Malamed, CEO of Sanctuary Wealth, said, "At Sanctuary, we've built a platform that continues to attract successful practices from across the wealth management industry. As we continue to grow, our increased scale allows us to invest in the tools, systems and resources to remain at the forefront of our evolving industry. We couldn't be happier to welcome Centel Wealth Advisory as Sanctuary's newest partner firm and look forward to working with them in the coming years as they expand their outstanding practice and grow the value of the asset they've worked so hard to build."

About Sanctuary Wealth

Sanctuary Wealth (sanctuarywealth.com) is the advanced platform for elite advisors with the entrepreneurial spirit to build, own and create lasting equity in their practices while delivering to clients the tailored service they deserve. It is committed to providing partner firms with unequaled freedom, flexibility, control and choice through an ecosystem of partnered independence that offers a complete technology and operations platform, support from a community of like-minded advisors and the resources of invaluable affiliated businesses. Sanctuary Wealth offers a Hybrid, Multi-Custodian, Shared ADV platform through its Sanctuary brand and a Multi-Custodian, Own ADV model through its tru Independence brand.

Currently, the Sanctuary Wealth network includes more than 120 partner firms in 30 states nationwide, with approximately $44 billion in assets on platform. Sanctuary Wealth consists of the wholly owned subsidiaries: tru Independence and Sanctuary Advisors LLC, SEC-registered investment advisers, Sanctuary Securities, Inc., a FINRA member broker-dealer, as well as Sanctuary Alternative Holdings, Sanctuary Asset Management, Sanctuary Insurance Solutions, Sanctuary Global, and Sanctuary Global Family Office.

Media Contacts for Sanctuary Wealth:

Donald Cutler or Joseph Kuo

Haven Tower Group

424-317-4864 or 424 317 4851

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Sanctuary Wealth
The partnership will support global expansion into new communities and categories

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 65 Equity Partners announced the completion of a significant minority investment in Kendra Scott Design, Inc. ("Kendra Scott") , the celebrated lifestyle and accessories brand. The partnership marks an important milestone for Kendra Scott, solidifying the brand's continued growth and longevity in the market. Founder, Kendra Scott, will continue to hold the majority stake in the company, and under the terms of this transaction, will acquire a larger equity position than her current holding. HPS Investment Partners and Belzberg & Co co-invested alongside 65 Equity Partners in the transaction.

"I have never been more excited about our business, and 65 Equity Partners will allow our brand to grow while staying true to our mission," said Kendra Scott, Founder & Executive Chairwoman. "The international investment firm's focus on supporting entrepreneurs in their growth journey complements our efforts as we build a globally recognized lifestyle brand."

Founded in 2002, Kendra Scott has grown to become a widely celebrated brand that has seen remarkable growth by staying attuned to evolving market demands and consumer trends, leading in innovation and personalization, and remaining committed to its foundational values of family, fashion and philanthropy.

"Partnering with 65 Equity Partners represents a pivotal moment in our journey. We continue to see success across all channels with increased traffic, double-digit revenue growth, and outperforming industry standards. We are thrilled about the opportunities this partnership brings and are confident in the brand's continued expansion and growth," said Tom Nolan, CEO of Kendra Scott.

Catering to a multi-generational customer base, the Kendra Scott brand has built its success on authenticity and continues to solidify its position as a leading accessory destination. Under this new partnership, Kendra Scott will remain bullish in retail by opening new stores, collaborating with culturally relevant partners, and expanding into crucial categories in the upcoming years.

Leon Brujis, Partner and Head of East Coast at 65 Equity Partners, said, "We are excited to partner with Kendra, Tom and their exceptional team. Kendra Scott is a leading brand that aligns with our investment philosophy of supporting strong, founder-led companies with a clear mission and established market presence. We look forward to working together in support of the company's growth initiatives."

Matt Doherty, Principal at 65 Equity Partners, also noted, "Kendra Scott's authentic values and iconic designs have attracted an incredible leadership team and enthusiastic customer base. We are thrilled to support the brand's continued expansion across channels, geographies, and categories in the exciting future ahead."

65 Equity Partners was advised by Jefferies LLC (financial) and Baker & McKenzie LLP (legal) on the transaction; Kendra Scott was advised by Piper Sandler & Co. and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (financial) and Latham & Watkins LLP (legal) on the transaction; Founder, Kendra Scott, was advised by Goodwin Procter LLP (legal) on the transaction. This transaction fully redeems the preferred stock investments held by Berkshire Partners and Norwest Venture Partners.

About 65 Equity Partners

65 Equity Partners is a global investment firm that supports founders in their growth journey, with a mandate to invest in founder-owned and entrepreneur-led businesses across the technology, business services, consumer, industrial, and healthcare sectors. Backed by Temasek, 65 Equity Partners manages US$3.3B in funds under management.

About Kendra Scott Design, Inc.

Kendra Scott Design, Inc., was founded in 2002 by Kendra Scott, who serves as Founder, Executive Chairwoman and Chief Creative Officer of her namesake lifestyle brand. Known for its design and material innovation, use of color, and signature shapes, Kendra Scott offers Fashion, Demi-Fine and Fine Jewelry, watches, engagement rings, fragrances, home accessories, and a men's collection, Scott Bros. by Kendra Scott. The company remains true to its founding philosophy of "Family, Fashion, and Philanthropy," and has donated over $65M to philanthropic organizations since 2010. Kendra Scott's customer-centric omni-channel approach includes a network of 130+ namesake experiential stores and pop-up locations, wholesale partners, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Dillard's, and 850+ specialty boutiques. With over 2,600 employees, the Austin-based company was honored as one of Newsweek's Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

For media enquiries, please contact:

65 Equity Partners

[email protected]



Kendra Scott

[email protected]

SOURCE 65 Equity Partners
DALLAS, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Barrow Hanley Global Investors, a value-focused investment manager, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathrine Husvaeg as Managing Director, Head of EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) & UK. Additionally, she will assume responsibilities as a Client Portfolio Manager, working alongside Barrow Hanley's investment team to enhance portfolio management efforts and strengthen client relationships.

"We look forward to Kathrine's contributions in leading our expansion across the United Kingdom and EMEA," said Cory Martin, CEO of Barrow Hanley. "She will play a critical role in representing the firm's comprehensive investment capabilities across these regions, collaborating closely with both the London and U.S.-based sales teams."

Ms. Husvaeg joins Barrow Hanley from Russell Investments in London, where she most recently served as Co-head of Equity Portfolio Management. In that capacity, she oversaw numerous equity mandates and managed a global team, including direct reports across EMEA and the Asia Pacific. With more than two decades of experience in the investment management industry, her leadership and expertise will be instrumental in advancing Barrow Hanley's strategic objectives in the EMEA region.

"I am delighted to become part of Barrow Hanley, a firm renowned for its disciplined investment philosophy and strong client focus," said Ms. Husvaeg. "I look forward to collaborating with the talented teams in both Dallas and London as we continue to deliver value to our clients and grow our presence in the region."

Originally from Norway, Ms. Husvaeg has lived in London for over 19 years, with a notable five-year assignment in Singapore. She holds a Master of Science in Investment Analysis from the University of Stirling, Scotland, and is ASIP certified through the CFA UK society.

About Barrow Hanley

Founded in 1979, Barrow Hanley is a diversified investment management firm offering value-focused investment strategies spanning global equities and fixed income. Recognized as one of the few remaining firms dedicated exclusively to value investing, Barrow Hanley enjoys a boutique culture with a singular focus to assist clients in meeting their investment objectives. Barrow Hanley stewards the capital of corporate, public, multi-employer pension plans, mutual funds, endowments and foundations, and sovereign wealth funds across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa.

For further information, please visit www.barrowhanley.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Tremallo

[email protected]

SOURCE Barrow Hanley
Panel agrees on dignity across partisan lines -- validating The Dignity Index as a tool acceptable to the right and the left

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- UNITE, the non-profit founded in 2018 by Tim Shriver to ease the country's political divisions, today released its scores for this week's Presidential debate using The Dignity Index. Language from the two candidates was scored for dignity or contempt by UNITE's National Citizens Panel  an 80-member bi-partisan panel constituting a broadly representative sample of Americans.

"Our nation's divisions are not caused by our disagreements," said Tim Shriver, co-creator of the Dignity Index. "They're caused by treating others with contempt when we disagree. Scoring how we talk to each other can show us how we're contributing to our divisions and how we can start to change."

The National Citizens Panel was formed in January with the guidance of research groups More in Common and ROI Rocket. The panel is using the Dignity Index to score the dignity or contempt in selected passages of political speech during the 2024 campaign. Scores will be released weekly through election day.

Training

The panelists were given three 45-minute training sessions in the Dignity Index scoring system in February and since then have been spending 30 minutes a week scoring six to eight passages taken from political communications. The panel is part of ongoing research to see whether people with opposing viewpoints on politics and culture can agree on a definition of dignity, on the value of dignity and on whether dignity or contempt is present in the language they score.

"It's easy to think that we need to have dozens of values in common if we're going to have a society that works," said Tom Rosshirt, co-creator of the Index. "But maybe we need only one shared value to ease our divisions and solve our problems -- the value that everyone should be treated with dignity."

Findings from a More in Common survey done this summer indicate that panelists learn easily to see contempt in political speech, that many learn to see their own contempt and its divisive effects, and that panelists of opposing political views can agree on the presence of dignity or contempt in a speech, regardless of who is speaking or what they are saying.

"We might assume that people with strong political views would always see dignity in their own side and contempt in the other side," said Rosshirt. "But that's not true. The panelists show broad cross-partisan agreement on whether a passage expresses dignity or contempt  which means they can see contempt in a view they embrace and dignity in a view they oppose."

Debate Scores

Panelists score by matching language from the speech passage with descriptions in the Dignity Index scoring guide, which is available here .

1. Kamala Harris on Donald Trump's International Legacy: "I have traveled the world as Vice President of the United States, and world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump. I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you, and they say you're a disgrace."

96% of panelists agree that this was contempt

The most frequently chosen score was a THREE

The reasons given the most were "makes a personal attack on the other, targeting performance, competence, appearance, background, character or morals." and "disdains the other side"

93% of panelists scored within +1 or -1 the score of THREE

The Conservative average score was 2.810, and Liberal average score was 3.125

2. Donald Trump on the Biden Administration's International Legacy: "We're a failing nation. We're a nation that's in serious decline. We're being laughed at all over the world. All over the world, they laugh, I know the leaders very well. They're coming to see me. They call me. We're laughed at all over the world."

83% of panelists agree that this was contempt

The most frequently chosen score was a THREE

The reasons given the most were "they look down on us and mock our values." and "makes a personal attack on the other, targeting performance, competence, appearance, background, character or morals."

82% of panelists scored within +1 or -1 the score of THREE

The Conservative average score was 3.476, and the Liberal average score was 3.083

3. Kamala Harris, in response to the Israel-Hamas War: "What we know is that this war must end. It must end immediately, and the way it will end is we need a cease-fire deal and we need the hostages out. And so we will continue to work around the clock on that. Work around the clock also understanding that we must chart a course for a two-state solution. And in that solution, there must be security for the Israeli people and Israel and in equal measure for the Palestinians."

99% of panelists agree that this was dignity

The most frequently chosen score was a FIVE

The reasons given the most were "speaks openly, explaining their views, but never with contempt." and "I share my views with no contempt, so they're easier for others to hear."

82% of panelists scored within +1 or -1 the score of FIVE

The Conservative average score was 5.619, and the Liberal average score was 6.120

4. Donald Trump in response to Kamala's Trump Sales Tax Claim: "First of all, I have no sales tax. That's an incorrect statement."

58% of panelists agreed that this was dignity

The most frequently chosen score was a FIVE

The reasons given the most were "challenges the other side on facts, actions, decisions, and outcomes, never with insults or negative labels." and "speaks openly, explaining their views, but never with contempt."

42% of panelists thought this was contempt

The Conservative average score was 4.524, and the Liberal average score was 4.520

NOTE: It's unusual for panelists to differ widely on the dignity vs. contempt of a passage. It occurred in this case because it was a borderline call with differing viewpoints about whether the former President's words of disagreement expressed contempt. The nearly matching conservative and liberal averages shows the difference was not a partisan split.

5. Kamala Harris on Trump's negotiation: "Donald Trump when he was president negotiated one of the weakest deals you can imagine. He calls himself a dealmaker. Even his national security adviser said it was a weak, terrible deal."

88% of panelists agree this was contempt

The most frequently chosen score was a THREE

The reason most given was "makes a personal attack on the other, targeting performance, competence, appearance, background, character or morals."

87% of panelists scored it within +1 or -1 of a THREE

The Conservative average score was a 3.333, and the Liberal average score was 3.583

6. Donald Trump on the current administration's immigration policy: "Well, bad immigration is the worst thing that can happen to our economy. They have and she has destroyed our country with policy that's insane. Almost policy that you'd say they have to hate our country."

97% of panelists agree this was contempt

The most frequently chosen score was a TWO

The reasons most given were "Those people are evil. They're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them." and "believes the other side is an existential threat."

88% of panelists scored within +1 or -1 the score of a TWO

The Conservative average score was 2.714, and the Liberal average score was 2.458

7. Kamala Harris on Trump's relationship with Putin: "And why don't you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up for the sake of favor and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch."

97% of panelists agree this was contempt

The most frequently chosen score was a THREE

The reasons most given were "makes a personal attack on the other, targeting performance, competence, appearance, background, character or morals." and "disdains the other side"

93% of panelists scored within +1 or -1 the score of THREE

The Conservative average score was 2.714, and the Liberal average score was 3.125

8. Donald Trump on Kamala Harris: "She's destroying this country. And if she becomes President, this country doesn't have a chance of success. Not only success. We'll end up being Venezuela on steroids."

97% of the panelists agree this was contempt

The most frequently chosen score was a TWO

The reasons most given were "Those people are evil. They're going to ruin our country if we let them. It's us or them." and "believes the other side is an existential threat."

96% of panelists scored within +1 or -1 the score of a TWO

The Conservative average score was 2.333, and the Liberal average score was 2.042

The panelists are offered a chance to make comments on different passages and their scores. Here are three notable comments:

A panelist on the right wrote: "The entire debate was long on insults and short on solutions. I think our politics as a whole reside in three territories because we rarely hear about how one candidate is better, the argument is always how the other candidate is worse...It is no longer a dignified discussion of ideas, it is each candidate constantly looking for an opportunity to use the canned one-liner they rehearsed for six hours in front of a mirror."

A panelist in the middle wrote: There is no such thing as dignity at all with these candidates. As an American, I am embarrassed how the rest of the world sees us.

A panelist on the left wrote (in response to Harris's claim that world leaders were laughing at Trump): "True or not, this is not the way to move forward in this country."

For more information about The Dignity Index and to access the full analysis of the debate, please visit www.dignity.us .

SOURCE Project UNITE, Inc.
Framework created will be a registration and mobilization tool that responds to a need for accountability beyond Election Day.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to dangerous policies outlined in Project 2025 and the ongoing frustration voiced by Black youth that their votes are courted but their voices remain unheard, the Young Black Lawyers Organizing Coalition (YBLOC) and HBCU Green Fund will host Vision Forward to chart the course for a policy-driven Black youth movement. Tuesday Sept. 17, National Voter Registration Day, young Black lawyers and law students, activists, HBCU students, and representatives from key organizations across the country will convene to prioritize their most pressing issues, formulate a four-year policy agenda for the future, and make a powerful call to action based on their unified agenda. This demand for action underscores the urgency of addressing the issues that directly affect young Black Americans and emphasizes their intention to hold elected officials accountable beyond Election Day.

WHAT :

Press Conference:

Youth leaders from multiple states will present their respective organization's 50-day plans to register and mobilize a record number of young voters for the 2024 election.





The group will issue a specific call to action for elected officials that, along with the policy agenda developed, will be formally delivered to the White House, Senate, Congress, and other elected officials, including the presidential campaigns of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump .

WHEN :

DATE: Tuesday, September 17, 2024

TIME: 4:00 PM  4:30 PM EDT

WHERE :

The National Press Club

529 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20045

WHO :

Young Black Lawyers Organizing Coalition (YBLOC)

HBCU Green Fund

RISE

Black Youth Vote!

Until Freedom

Comedy Hype News

Georgia Black Youth Vote!

MEDIA CONTACT :

Media is invited to attend. Please RSVP to Edrea Davis, Jazzmyne PR via email: [email protected], text/cell: 818.613.9521.

About YBLOC:

Founded by Abdul Dosunmu in 2019, the Young Black Lawyers' Organizing Coalition (ybloc.org/) is a national grassroots organization that empowers Black communities through legal advocacy, organizing, and policy initiatives. YBLOC is committed to advancing racial justice and building power within Black communities to achieve long-term systemic change. To empower our communities to resist and overcome voter suppression, YBLOC is mobilizing a community-centered movement of young Black lawyers and law students committed to organizing for full access to electoral democracy and full electoral voice.

About HBCU Green Fund

Based in Atlanta with an office in Washington, DC, the HBCU Green Fund ( ) is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization working with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. and abroad to advance sustainability, promote student engagement in green initiatives, and train the next generation of global green leaders. Founded by Felicia M. Davis, the organization's Atlanta University Center (AUC) Clean Energy Fellows Program introduces students to career opportunities in the clean energy sector and connects students with Black entrepreneurs that provide training in renewable energy technologies. For more information visit hbcugreenfund.org.

SOURCE HBCU Green Fund
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnichannel retailer and leading furniture design company, Ballard Designs, officially opens its first Southern California retail location this month in the vibrant Cedros Avenue Design District of picturesque Solana Beach.

Solana Beach store front for the newest Ballard Designs location, opening in September 2024. This is the brand's first California retail footprint. Pictured here: Influencer Sheila Irwin, @maisondecinq, chose Ballard's calm and serene furnishings in her Bedroom collaboration last year.

Tucked between glitzy Del Mar - home to this year's Breeders Cup Thoroughbred horse races - to the south, and the eclectic Encinitas to the north, Ballard Designs' Solana Beach store will be the 41-year-old brand's California debut. The light-filled, 7,400 square foot space is part of Ballard's ongoing retail build-out now spanning 15 states with 24 stores.

"Since the very beginning of our national retail expansion, we've always been 'California Dreamin'," relates Karen Mooney, president of Ballard Designs. "And this year, the dream is finally coming true. Solana Beach is a picture-perfect spot for our first California location. With its position on the gorgeous bluffs overlooking the Pacific, fabulous shopping, and family-friendly lifestyle, Solana Beach has a charming small-town feel, and a big love for great design. Ballard Designs will be that place where friends meet, shop, and have fun decorating together."

Inside the expansive new store, guests will browse beautifully decorated room vignettes featuring the brand's exclusive selection of furniture, lighting, rugs, bedding and home decor, including a signature line by top designer, Suzanne Kasler.

Outdoor furniture will be featured year-round to accommodate Californians' love for open-air entertaining.

Design enthusiasts will also discover a fully staffed design center where they can sample of hundreds of designer fabrics and schedule a complimentary appointment with one of Ballard's expert Design Services consultants.

One of San Diego's favorite shopping destinations, the Cedros Avenue Design District is filled with art galleries, antique stores, design firms, and designer boutiques offering unique home decor. Many are housed in refurbished Quonset huts from the 1940s, lending the charming shopping district a laidback California vibe. Regional California influencers like @maisondecinq, who have been loyal fans online, will now have the full in-person shopping experience.

Just minutes off the 5 Freeway and steps from serene Solana Beach, the new Ballard Designs store address is 240 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach CA 92075. Legendary music venue Belly Up is one block away, and every Sunday, the Solana Beach Farmers Market runs 12-4pm, while Ballard's retail showroom is open.

About Ballard Designs

Since 1982, Ballard Designs has offered a unique curation of home furnishings and decor from all periods and provenance. Its designers travel the world for inspiration, translating the latest trends in fashion, color and style into finely crafted, proprietary products. Ballard Designs is part of Qurate Retail Group which includes QVC, HSN, Frontgate, Garnet Hill and Grandin Road.

Media Contact: Ann Bailey, [email protected], 404-603-7239

SOURCE Ballard Designs
SHANGHAI, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CHINT delivered mobile substation to Honduras as scheduled.

The project of 138(69)kV 40MVA mobile substation in Honduras is custom-made by CHINT, which includes design, manufacturing, assembling and transportationand is one-stop supplied by CHINT's entire industrial chain. Now it has been shipped from Shanghaiwhich is expected to arrive in Honduras in October and be put into operation in mid-October.

This project fully considers the needs of customers and concentrates on the advantages of compact design, convenient mobility and lightweight design. Honduras has a high earthquake frequency, and the terrain is mainly mountainous and plateau. Based on these actual conditions, the design team of CHINT customized the functions suitable for driving and using on mountain roads, and enhanced the stability of power supply.

The trailer external dimensions are sized to comply with local road transportation restrictions. Its base-frame is designed to protect switchgear from structural constraints despite transportation on rough road surfaces.

The urgent demand of developing countries and regions for the stability of electric power. For example, in the scene of frequent earthquakes, a large number of mobile substations are needed for emergencies, and mobile substations are indispensable to supply power quickly, so as to reduce casualties and property losses caused by earthquakes.

Due to the lack of power stability in developing countries and regions, hospitals, data centers and other important places also need to be equipped with mobile substations as backup power sources to ensure stable power supply.

Chint provides a fully integrated system solution for mobile substations. One of the biggest highlights and advantages is that in addition to the standard products commonly used in the industry, CHINT can customize the standard design according to the actual needs of customersand also can provide better after-sales service and be more cost-effective.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504699/image_5019413_9025882.jpg
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan is holding an important meeting under the chairmanship of Mazahir Panahov, Trend reports.

The meeting is all about tackling the issues that have come up from the appeals received by the CEC after the snap parliamentary election that took place on September 1, 2024.

Following a comprehensive discussion involving all relevant parties and applicants, the commission made decisions in accordance with electoral legislation.

The meeting concluded with a review of ongoing issues, which was promptly covered by media representatives.

To recall, 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. A total of 676 candidates were affiliated with a political party.
DeFi Technologies' subsidiary Reflexivity Research announces its inaugural Crypto Investor Day, set for October 25th, 2024 , in New York City .





Technologies' subsidiary Reflexivity Research announces its inaugural Investor Day, set for , in . The event is expected to bring together nearly 1,000 industry leaders and top minds from both crypto and traditional finance, including speakers from VanEck, Nelson Mullins, Tether , Ripple Labs, Fidelity Digital Assets, White & Case, Sei, Lekker Capital, and more.





and traditional finance, including speakers from VanEck, Nelson Mullins, , Ripple Labs, Fidelity Digital Assets, White & Case, Sei, Lekker Capital, and more. Crypto Investor Day will be moderated by Anthony Pompliano and is supported by prominent sponsors, including Coinbase , Ledger, Grayscale, Near, 3iQ, Ripple, Blockware, B2C2, Copper, Nelson Mullins, Liquid Mercury, and more.

TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - DeFi Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "DeFi Technologies") (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) (OTC: DEFTF), a financial technology company that pioneers the convergence of traditional capital markets with the world of decentralised finance ("DeFi"), is pleased to announce its subsidiary, Reflexivity Research LLC ("Reflexivity Research"), a leading crypto research firm, has announced its inaugural Crypto Investor Day, set to take place in New York City on October 25th, 2024.

Reflexivity Research's Crypto Investor Day is expected to attract up to 1,000 industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to midtown Manhattan this fall. The event will feature a full day of fireside chats with prominent figures from both the crypto and traditional finance sectors. The event will be moderated by Anthony Pompliano, Co-Founder of Reflexivity Research, who is known for his extensive work both building and investing at the intersection of finance, technology, entrepreneurship, and economics.

The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including Jan van Eck (CEO of VanEck), Paolo Ardoino (CEO at Tether), Chris Kuiper (Director of Research at Fidelity Digital Assets), Ladan Stewart (Partner at White & Case), Quinn Thompson (Founder and CIO of Lekker Capital), Richard B. Levin (Chair - FinTech and Regulation Practice at Nelson Mullins), Brad Garlinghouse (CEO of Ripple Labs), Austin Federa (Head of Strategy at Solana), Jay Jog (Co-founder at Sei Labs), and several more. Tickets and a full list of speakers can be found at: https://lu.ma/cryptoinvestorday24

The event is supported by a host of esteemed sponsors and partners, including Coinbase, Ledger, Grayscale, Blockware, Near, 3iQ, Ripple, B2C2, Copper, Nelson Mullins, Liquid Mercury, Token Relations, and more.

"We're thrilled to launch Crypto Investor Day, an event that will highlight the convergence of traditional finance and the digital asset space," said Anthony Pompliano, Co-Founder of Reflexivity Research. "Our mission is to bridge the knowledge gap between these two worlds, maximizing our insights-per-minute KPI through some of the top minds in the industry."

Olivier Roussy Newton, CEO of DeFi Technologies, added, "This event represents a great milestone for Reflexivity Research, as it builds off its successful Bitcoin Investor Day event earlier this year and continues to complement the growth seen in its research business. We're excited to create a platform where leaders from both traditional and digital finance can collaborate and share ideas."

For tickets and more information, please visit https://lu.ma/cryptoinvestorday24

About Reflexivity Research

Reflexivity Research LLC is a leading research firm specializing in the creation of high-quality, in-depth research reports for the bitcoin and digital asset industry, empowering investors with valuable insights. Reflexivity is a wholly owned subsidiary of DeFi Technologies Inc. For more information please visit https://www.reflexivityresearch.com/

About DeFi Technologies

DeFi Technologies Inc. ( CBOE CA: DEFI ) ( GR: R9B ) ( OTC: DEFTF ) is a financial technology company that pioneers the convergence of traditional capital markets with the world of decentralized finance (DeFi). With a dedicated focus on industry-leading Web3 technologies, DeFi Technologies aims to provide widespread investor access to the future of finance. Backed by an esteemed team of experts with extensive experience in financial markets and digital assets, we are committed to revolutionising the way individuals and institutions interact with the evolving financial ecosystem. Follow DeFi Technologies on Linkedin and Twitter , and for more details, visit https://defi.tech/

About Valour

Valour Inc. and Valour Digital Securities Limited (together, "Valour") issues exchange traded products ("ETPs") that enable retail and institutional investors to access digital assets in a simple and secure way via their traditional bank account. Valour is part of the asset management business line of DeFi Technologies Inc. ( CBOE CA: DEFI ) ( GR: R9B ) ( OTC: DEFTF ).

In addition to their novel physical backed digital asset platform, which includes 1Valour Bitcoin Physical Carbon Neutral ETP, 1Valour Ethereum Physical Staking, and 1Valour Internet Computer Physical Staking, Valour offers fully hedged digital asset ETPs with low to zero management fees, with product listings across European exchanges, banks and broker platforms. Valour's existing product range includes Valour Uniswap (UNI), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), Cosmos (ATOM), Binance (BNB), Ripple (XRP), Toncoin (TON), Internet Computer (ICP), Chainlink (LINK) Enjin (ENJ), Valour Bitcoin Staking (BTC), Bitcoin Carbon Neutral (BTCN), Valour Digital Asset Basket 10 (VDAB10) and 1Valour STOXX Bitcoin Suisse Digital Asset Blue Chip ETPs with low management fees. Valour's flagship products are Bitcoin Zero and Ethereum Zero, the first fully hedged, passive investment products with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as underlyings which are completely fee free. For more information about Valour, to subscribe, or to receive updates, visit valour.com

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information:



This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the Crypto Investor Day held by Reflexivity Research; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance; the pursuit by DeFi Technologies and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited the acceptance of Valour exchange traded products by exchanges; growth and development of DeFi and digital asset sector; rules and regulations with respect to DeFi and digital asset; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE DeFi Technologies Inc.
HOUSTON, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Outreach Strategists is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Keri Myrick as the new head of its Healthcare practice. A distinguished leader in public health, Dr. Myrick brings over a decade of expertise in advancing population health and promoting health equity.

Dr. Keri Myrick

In her role, she will oversee the creation and implementation of impactful public health campaigns and foster collaborations that drive community engagement. She will lead initiatives, including those with the Texas Department of State Health Services, to address critical issues such as maternal and infant health and safe infant sleep practices.

Dr. Myrick holds a Doctorate from the University of Houston, a Master of Science in Global Health from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from the University of Houston.

"It is an honor to lead the Healthcare portfolio at Outreach Strategists," said Dr. Myrick. "Improving community health is a complex task that demands collaboration and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the communities we serve. I am excited to work with the exceptional team at Outreach Strategists to advance this important work."

Rebecca Block, COO of Outreach Strategists, commented, "Dr. Myrick's career is distinguished by her commitment to improving health outcomes. We are fortunate to have her leadership as we expand our healthcare partnerships across Texas."

Mustafa Tameez, CEO of Outreach Strategists, added, "Dr. Myrick's appointment underscores our commitment to delivering expert-led solutions in Education and Workforce, Healthcare, and Infrastructure and Transportation."

He continued, "Earlier this year, we welcomed Dr. Michelle Cantu-Wilson to lead our Education and Workforce Practice, serving clients such as the Texas Workforce Commission, the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, and Houston Independent School District."

Outreach Strategists' Healthcare practice serves a broad range of clients, including safety-net hospitals, public health agencies, rapidly growing systems like Kelsey-Seybold, and national brands such as AARP.

For more information, contact Rebecca Block at [email protected].

About Outreach Strategists

Outreach Strategists is an award-winning strategic communications and marketing firm headquartered in Houston, with a presence in Austin and Washington, D.C. We specialize in creating compelling content that meets accessibility standards to connect with hard-to-reach communities.

SOURCE Outreach Strategists, LLC
The education of 4 million children has been disrupted, with some 600,000 children not able to access in-person learning due to ongoing fighting, attacks and displacement.

KYIV, Ukraine, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On a high-level UN mission to Ukraine this week, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) leadership met with girls and boys impacted by the brutal war and partners on the ground to better understand how the education of some 4 million children across Ukraine has been disrupted.

This atrocious war must stop now! For as long as the children, adolescents and teachers in Ukraine suffer this unfathomable horror, schools must be protected from attacks. As a global community we must rise to the challenge before us to ensure that every girl and every boy in Ukraine impacted by this brutal war and the refugees have access to the safety, hope and opportunity that only a quality education can provide. - Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW).

The visit concluded at the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen with ECW calling on world leaders to commit to protecting education from attack and to scale-up funding to provide life-saving access to safer in-person classes, remote learning opportunities when necessary, and remedial catch-up classes, driven by quality and inclusive education.

"This atrocious war must stop now! For as long as the children, adolescents and teachers in Ukraine suffer this unfathomable horror, schools must be protected from attacks. As a global community we must rise to the challenge before us to ensure that every girl and every boy in Ukraine impacted by this brutal war and the refugees have access to the safety, hope and opportunity that only a quality education can provide," said Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises within the United Nations. "Our investment in education is an investment in recovery, peace, security and justice for Ukraine and beyond. It is an investment in the vast potential of future generations."

ECW and its strategic donor partners have provided more than US$26.9 million in funding to support quality, holistic education programmes in Ukraine since 2017. Delivered by a consortium of partners including Finn Church Aid, the Kyiv School of Economics, Save the Children and UNICEF  in coordination with the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science  the programmes have reached more than 360,000 children, about 65% of whom are girls.

"The support from Education Cannot Wait is critical for children, their parents and teachers who are doing everything they can to keep classrooms open and to continue in-person learning despite the impact of the war across the country," said Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine.

ECW's support includes a US$20.4 million allocation to roll out a Multi-Year Resilience Programme in Ukraine. The investment seeks to mobilize millions more in additional funding and reach more than 150,000 children across 10 of Ukraine's most-impacted areas.

The investments work to improve learning outcomes by providing safer and more accessible physical learning environments, expanding digital learning initiatives and providing alternative education opportunities. To address the challenges facing the girls and boys who are living through this ongoing conflict, there is also a strong focus on mental health and psychosocial support, and targeted support for girls and children living with disabilities.

At last year's Education Cannot Wait High-Level Financing Conference, the Global Business Coalition for Education (GBCE) pledged to mobilize US$50 million from the business community in support of ECW's four-year strategic plan. In partnership with GBCE, TheirWorld, HP and Microsoft, US$39 million in partnership and device donation for ECW has already been mobilized, and over 70,000 laptops have been shared with schools, teachers and other people in need, both inside Ukraine and in neighboring countries.

Since the start of the school year in early September, deadly and destructive attacks have again affected education facilities across Ukraine. Approximately 600,000 school-aged children are not able to access in-person learning, and since the start of the war over 1,300 educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed, according to UNICEF. Even when children are in school, the constant threat of bombings and attacks is disrupting the quality and continuity of education for children who have been pushed from their homes, lost loved ones in the fighting, and live under constant threat.

Education Cannot Wait and its strategic partners are calling for US$600 million in additional funding to deliver on the global targets outlined in the Fund's four-year strategic plan to provide children in crisis-impacted countries everywhere with quality, holistic education, and the hope for a better tomorrow.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504534/DSC09473_Edit.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1656121/Education_Cannot_Wait_Logo.jpg
EliTe Solar's presence at RE+ 2024 highlighted its commitment to providing cutting-edge photovoltaic (PV) technologies, focusing on high-efficiency N-type and P-type solar cells. Both N-type and P-type drive higher energy conversion rates and enhance the overall cost-effectiveness of solar energy systems for residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications.

At the event, EliTe Solar also announced the establishment of its new 8 GW solar manufacturing hub in Egypt, further expanding its global production capacity. This strategic move will bolster the company's ability to meet the increasing demand for advanced solar technologies while maintaining its focus on delivering high-quality, efficient N-type and P-type solar cells and modules.

"Our N-type and P-type solar technologies are setting new standards in the industry by delivering higher efficiency and durability, ultimately contributing to a cleaner planet," said Arndt Lutz, CEO of EliTe Solar. "The announcement of our manufacturing expansion into Egypt demonstrates our commitment to supporting the global energy transition, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and local economic development."

RE+ 2024, held at the Anaheim Convention Center, provided a key opportunity for EliTe Solar to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market and collaborate with other stakeholders in the renewable energy sector. The company's participation reaffirmed its dedication to driving the global energy transition through innovation and strategic partnerships.

About EliTe Solar

EliTe Solar, established in 2005, has a proven track record of delivering over 10GW of solar modules globally. As a premier provider of photovoltaic modules and intelligent energy solutions, EliTe Solar offers optimized solar solutions catering to utility, commercial, and industrial clients worldwide. Through customized continuous innovation in solar technologies and finance solutions, EliTe Solar delivers intelligent energy solutions that maximize value and mitigate risk while optimizing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Headquartered in Singapore and with manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, EliTe Solar is committed to sustainability and excellence in providing reliable and efficient solar solutions. Discover more about our offerings at elite-solar.com.

SOURCE EliTe Solar
Before the start of the ESMO congress, MEDSIR has brought together scientists, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and patient association representatives to analyse the key points that will drive innovation in breast and lung cancer research and treatment over the next decade.

BARCELONA, Spain, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MEDSIR, a leading company dedicated to advancing independent clinical research in oncology on an international level and part of Oncoclinicas & Co, the largest oncology treatment group in Latin America with significant strength in the clinical and outpatient setting, showcased its groundbreaking research at this year's European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress held in Barcelona. The company presented 12 new studies that address various types of cancer, marking a significant scientific milestone for MEDSIR.

Dr. Antonio Llombart-Cussac during the MEDSIR press event

The event discussed the most recent advances in oncology research and treatment on both national and international levels, with a particular focus on rare cancers with limited therapeutic options. 'One of the main challenges we will face in the next 10 years is finding ways to integrate treatment innovations with advances in new technologies to offer new hope to patients. Besides new technologies, both proper prevention and early detection remain fundamental tools to stay ahead of the disease,' says Dr. Antonio Llombart-Cussac, MD, PhD, Senior Scientific Leader at MEDSIR and Head of the Medical Oncology Department at Arnau de Vilanova Hospital.

The importance of international collaboration in research was emphasized by Dr. Carlos Gil Ferreira, Medical Director of Oncoclinicas & Co, the largest oncology treatment group in Latin America. He highlighted the collaboration with MEDSIR to "promote clinical research worldwide thanks to the expertise of our doctors and MEDSIR's ability to design clinical trials. The synergy between our teams has been fundamental in expanding access to innovative solutions and developing clinical studies that truly impact patient care".

From the pharmaceutical industry perspective, Maria Jose Martinez, Medical Head of Solid Tumors at Novartis, stated: "For us, innovation lies in integrating the voices of patients, researchers, and the healthcare system itself into the development of new treatments, adapting to their reality, and ultimately addressing the major challenges in managing the disease". From the patient's perspective, the discussion explored unmet needs and the importance of reaching all patients, regardless of the complexity of their condition, to ensure their longevity and quality of life. Pilar Fernandez Pascual, President of the Spanish Metastatic Breast Cancer Association, echoed this sentiment, saying, "Patients are in a hurry to live, and that means increasing resources for research, facilitating access to clinical trials, raising awareness of the disease, and shortening the time for approval of innovative drug funding to improve their quality of life".

Alfonso Aguaron, spokesperson for Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE), added, "Artificial Intelligence provides the opportunity to develop more precise treatments thanks to its vast capacity for global data analysis, ensuring that patients live longer and better."

Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Research

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research was another key topic of the session. The use of innovative technology is crucial in addressing current research challenges, such as the potential to develop personalized treatments for patients. It also serves as a tool not only to assist oncologists but also to provide more information to patients themselves.

This was demonstrated by Arsela Prelaj, Medical Oncologist at the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori in Milan, who presented the European I3LUNG project, which seeks to improve the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer, through AI. "Technology has undoubtedly become a key ally for a comprehensive approach to the disease, facilitating collaboration between Artificial Intelligence and oncologists to achieve increasingly precise and early diagnoses." Attendees also participated in a practical session on how to apply AI in the interpretation of scientific studies. In addition to Dr. Prelaj, Gustavo Entrala, Senior Advisor at LLYC and expert in digital transformation, stated, "For the first time in history, we have technology that understands us and can help us in decision-making. These tools are increasingly of higher quality and reliability, allowing for the optimization of processes and resources in healthcare, such as detecting patterns in pathologies, clinical diagnosis, or the design and optimization of clinical trials."

Quality scientific research: among the European Union's priorities

Recently, Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, presented her political guidelines for the next term (2024-2029) under the title "The Choice of Europe". The document outlines an agenda to address the multiple challenges facing the European Union, including the Biotechnology Law. Similar conclusions were drawn from the report "The Future of European Competitiveness"1, presented by Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank (ECB), which highlights the need to increase investment in research and innovation and the potential role of AI in improving this research.

This strategy is fully aligned with the goals and trajectory of MEDSIR, which has experienced exponential growth in just 13 years, with a vast network of more than 500 independent researchers worldwide and several trials with significant results for the treatment of various types of cancer, such as the recently published PHERGain study in the prestigious journal The Lancet.

An increase in research investment is expected, focusing on strategic priorities, innovative fundamental research, and disruptive advancements.2

Cancer data

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and in Spain, where approximately 181 million new cases were diagnosed globally in 2020, with projections expected to reach 28 million annually by 2040. In Spain, REDECAN predicts 286,664 cases in 2024. This increase in Spain is due to population growth, aging, and risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles. Among the most prevalent tumours, breast cancer is the most diagnosed globally since 2021, with 36,395 new cases expected in Spain by 2024, and lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death, with 18 million deaths in 2020.

MEDSIR has been part of this study alongside other European partners. Moreover, at the ESMO congress, it will present 12 new studies focused on patients with limited therapeutic options, in collaboration with its partner Oncoclinicas & Co. Among the most notable are PECATI, focused on patients with thymic tumors (including thymomas and thymic carcinomas); ABIGAIL, aimed at patients with advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer with poor prognosis characteristics; and ZZ-FIRST, for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer who are not candidates for curative treatments.

About MEDSIR

Founded in 2012, MEDSIR stands out for its close collaboration with strategic partners to drive innovation in cancer research. With headquarters in Spain and the United States, the company manages clinical trials from study design to publication, with a vast global network of experts and integrated technology to streamline the process. The company provides support for proof-of-concept trials and a strategic approach that allows research partners to benefit from the best of both worlds: industry clinical research and investigator-driven trials.

In pursuit of promoting independent global research, MEDSIR has established a strategic alliance with Oncoclinicas, the leading oncology group in Brazil, with notable research potential in South America.

For more information: www.medsir.org

About Oncoclinicas & Co.

Oncoclinicas & Co. is the largest group dedicated to cancer treatment in Latin America, with a specialized and innovative model focused on the entire oncology care journey, combining operational efficiency, humanized care, and specialization through a medical team of more than 2,700 specialists with a focus on oncology. With a mission to democratize cancer treatment, it offers an integrated system that combines outpatient clinics with high-complexity oncology centres. The company operates 145 units in 39 Brazilian cities, providing high-quality access in all regions where it operates, aligned with global reference standards.

With a focus on technology, precision medicine, and genomics, Oncoclinicas conducted approximately 635,000 treatments in 2023. It is the exclusive partner in Brazil of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, one of the leading cancer research and treatment centres in the world. The company also owns Boston Lighthouse Innovation, a bioinformatics company based in Cambridge, USA, and has a stake in MEDSIR, a company dedicated to the development and management of clinical trials for independent cancer research based in Barcelona, Spain. Recently, Oncoclinicas expanded its operations to Saudi Arabia through a joint venture with the Al Faisaliah Group, bringing its mission to conquer cancer to a new continent and providing advanced oncology care on a global scale by combining oncology hyper-specialization with innovative treatment approaches.

The company is part of the IDIVERSA index launched by B3, which highlights companies committed to gender and racial diversity. For more information, visit: www.grupooncoclinicas.com.

1 Comision Europea. The future of European competitiveness: Report by Mario Draghi

2 ConSalud. Asi es la nueva Ley de Biotecnologia de la UE aplaudida por el sector farmaceutico. Link

SOURCE MEDSIR
EBGLYSS provides a new first-line biologic treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis that is not well controlled with topicals

Patients treated with EBGLYSS experienced significant skin clearance as early as four weeks and meaningful itch relief as early as two weeks

EBGLYSS delivers long-lasting efficacy for patients through one year of treatment with a monthly maintenance dose

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved EBGLYSS (lebrikizumab-lbkz), a targeted IL-13 inhibitor, for the treatment of adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg) with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled despite treatment with topical prescription therapies.1 Eczema inflammation under the skin can lead to symptoms seen and felt on the outside. EBGLYSS works by targeting eczema inflammation throughout the body that can lead to dry, itchy and irritated skin.

EBGLYSS 250 mg/2 mL injection can be used with or without topical corticosteroids and is dosed as a single monthly maintenance injection following the initial phase of treatment. The recommended initial starting dose of EBGLYSS is 500 mg (two 250 mg injections) at Week 0 and Week 2, followed by 250 mg every two weeks until Week 16 or later when adequate clinical response is achieved; after this, maintenance dosing is a single monthly injection (250 mg every four weeks).1 View the EBGLYSS patient photos here.

"Patients still struggle to control their moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis with currently available therapies. Many experience poor long-term disease control, and severe itch can significantly impact their daily lives," said Jonathan Silverberg, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., professor of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC, and first author of the New England Journal of Medicine manuscript summarizing EBGLYSS clinical trials.2 "Today's FDA approval of EBGLYSS is a big win for patients, as we now have a new first-line biologic treatment option for moderate-to-severe disease when topical prescriptions aren't enough."

The approval was based on results from the ADvocate 1, ADvocate 2, and ADhere studies, which included over 1,000 adults and children (aged 12 and older) with moderate-to-severe eczema who were unable to control their symptoms with topical prescription medicines. The primary endpoint for these studies was evaluated at 16 weeks and measured clear or almost clear skin (IGA 0,1).1

In an average of two studies (ADvocate 1 and 2), 38 percent of people who took EBGLYSS achieved clear or almost-clear skin at 16 weeks (versus 12 percent with placebo) and 10 percent saw these results as early as four weeks.1,3 Of the people who experienced clear or almost-clear skin at Week 16, 77 percent maintained those results at one year with once-monthly dosing. Forty-eight percent of responders who were switched from EBGLYSS to placebo at Week 16 maintained these results at one year.4

Similarly, in both studies, many people experienced itch relief with EBGLYSS. On average, 43 percent of people who took EBGLYSS felt itch relief at 16 weeks (compared to 12 percent who took placebo) and five percent felt relief as early as two weeks.1,5 Of the people who felt itch relief at Week 16, 85 percent still felt that relief at one year of treatment with monthly maintenance dosing. Sixty-six percent of responders who were switched from EBGLYSS to placebo at Week 16 maintained these results at one year.4

"Eczema can affect people of all skin tones, ethnicities, genders and ages. Nearly 16.5 million adults in the U.S. have eczema, with 6.6 million experiencing moderate-to-severe symptoms like itchiness, dry and scaly skin, discoloration and rashes, which can lead to more scratching that may cause skin to crack and bleed,"6 said Kristin Belleson, President and CEO of the National Eczema Association. "The approval of EBGLYSS provides hope and promise for the eczema community and those still seeking lasting relief from disruptive symptoms."

The most common side effects of EBGLYSS include eye and eyelid inflammation, such as redness, swelling and itching; injection site reactions and shingles (herpes zoster). EBGLYSS cannot be used in people allergic to lebrikizumab-lbkz or to any of the ingredients in EBGLYSS. The maintenance period was generally consistent with the 16-week safety profile throughout multiple studies. See the Safety Summary below and full Prescribing Information.1

"People living with eczema have symptoms that can appear at the most inopportune times, creating unpredictability and impacting their everyday lives," said Daniel Skovronsky, M.D., Ph.D., chief scientific officer and president of Lilly Research Laboratories, and president, Lilly Immunology. "Today's approval allows people the opportunity to reimagine life with eczema as EBGLYSS offers a targeted approach to reduce a main cause of eczema inflammation. EBGLYSS provides long-lasting symptom relief with a convenient once-monthly maintenance dose."

EBGLYSS will be available in the United States in the coming weeks. Lilly is committed to setting new expectations for patients living with eczema and is working with insurers, health systems and providers to enable patient access to EBGLYSS. Through Lilly Support Services for EBGLYSS, Lilly will offer a patient support program including co-pay assistance for eligible, commercially insured patients.

EBGLYSS was approved for use by the European Commission in 2023, as well as in Japan in January 2024 with additional markets expected later this year.

Lilly has exclusive rights for development and commercialization of EBGLYSS in the U.S. and the rest of the world outside Europe. Lilly's partner Almirall S.A. has licensed the rights to develop and commercialize EBGLYSS for the treatment of dermatology indications, including eczema, in Europe.

View the EBGLYSS brand logo and product photos here and here.

About ADvocate 1 and ADvocate 2

ADvocate 1 and ADvocate 2 are 52-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, global, Phase 3 studies designed to evaluate EBGLYSS as monotherapy in adults and children (aged 12 to less than 18 years of age and weighing at least 40 kg) with moderate-to-severe eczema.

During the 16-week treatment induction period, patients received EBGLYSS 500-mg initially and at two weeks, followed by EBGLYSS 250-mg or placebo every two weeks. In the maintenance period, patients with moderate-to-severe eczema who achieved a clinical response after 16 weeks of EBGLYSS treatment were re-randomized to receive EBGLYSS every two weeks or four weeks or placebo for an additional 36 weeks. Patients who required rescue treatment during the induction period or who did not meet protocol-defined response criteria at 16 weeks received open-label EBGLYSS every two weeks for an additional 36 weeks.

The primary endpoint was measured by an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of clear (0) or almost clear (1) skin with a reduction of at least two points from baseline at 16 weeks. Key secondary endpoints were measured by Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and the Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale. EASI measures extent and severity of the disease.

About ADhere

ADhere is a 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, global, Phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EBGLYSS in combination with topical corticosteroids (TCS) initiated in 211 adults and children (aged 12 to less than 18 years of age and weighing at least 40 kg) with moderate-to-severe eczema. In the study, patients' baseline eczema symptoms were inadequately controlled by topical medications.

INDICATION AND SAFETY SUMMARY

EBGLYSS (EHB-glihs) is an injectable medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg) with moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. EBGLYSS can be used with or without topical corticosteroids.

It is not known if EBGLYSS is safe and effective in children less than 12 years of age or in children 12 years to less than 18 years of age who weigh less than 88 pounds (40 kg).

Warnings - Do not use EBGLYSS if you are allergic to lebrikizumab-lbkz or to any of the ingredients in EBGLYSS. See the Patient Information leaflet that comes with EBGLYSS for a complete list of ingredients.

Before using

Before using EBGLYSS, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

Have a parasitic (helminth) infection.

Are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a "live vaccine" if you are treated with EBGLYSS.

Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if EBGLYSS will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with EBGLYSS, you or your healthcare provider can call Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) to report the pregnancy.

Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if EBGLYSS passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Possible side effects

EBGLYSS can cause serious side effects, including:

Allergic reactions. EBGLYSS can cause allergic reactions that may sometimes be severe. Stop using EBGLYSS and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: breathing problems or wheezing itching swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded skin rash hives cramps in your stomach area (abdomen)

Stop using EBGLYSS and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision, such as blurred vision.

The most common side effects of EBGLYSS include:

eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling, and itching

injection site reactions

shingles (herpes zoster)

These are not all of the possible side effects of EBGLYSS. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How to take

See the detailed "Instructions for Use" that comes with EBGLYSS for information about how to prepare and inject EBGLYSS and how to properly store and throw away (dispose of) used EBGLYSS prefilled pens and prefilled syringes.

Use EBGLYSS exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

EBGLYSS is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection).

If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give the injections of EBGLYSS, you or a caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject EBGLYSS. Do not try to inject EBGLYSS until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, EBGLYSS should be given by a caregiver.

If you miss a dose of EBGLYSS, inject the missed dose as soon as possible, then inject your next dose at your regular scheduled time.

Learn more

EBGLYSS is a prescription medicine available as a 250 mg/2 mL injection prefilled pen or prefilled syringe. For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 or go to ebglyss.lilly.com

This summary provides basic information about EBGLYSS but does not include all information known about this medicine. Read the information that comes with your prescription each time your prescription is filled. This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor. Be sure to talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about EBGLYSS and how to take it. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide if EBGLYSS is right for you.

LK CON BS AD APP

EBGLYSS, its delivery device base, and Lilly Support Services are trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.

About EBGLYSS

EBGLYSS is a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets and neutralizes IL-13 with high binding affinity and a slow dissociation rate.1,7,8 EBGLYSS binds to the IL-13 cytokine at an area that overlaps with the binding site of the IL-4R subunit of the IL-13R1/IL-4R heterodimer, preventing formation of this receptor complex and inhibiting IL-13 signaling.9 IL-13 is implicated as a primary cytokine tied to the pathophysiology of eczema, driving the type-2 inflammatory loop in the skin, and EBGLYSS selectively targets IL-13.1

The EBGLYSS Phase 3 program consists of five key global studies evaluating over 1,300 patients, including two monotherapy studies (ADvocate 1 and 2), a combination study with topical corticosteroids (ADhere), as well as long-term extension (ADjoin) and adolescent open label (ADore) studies. Further data results from ADmirable and ADapt are expected to be shared in 2024 and early 2025.

About Lilly

Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help more than 51 million people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care; treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit Lilly.com and Lilly.com/news, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. P-LLY

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about EBGLYSS (lebrikizumab-lbkz) as a treatment for people with moderate-to severe atopic dermatitis and reflects Lilly's current beliefs and expectations. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of drug research, development, and commercialization. Among other things, there is no guarantee that planned or ongoing studies will be completed as planned, that future study results will be consistent with study results to date, or that EBGLYSS will receive additional regulatory approvals, or be commercially successful. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from Lilly's expectations, see Lilly's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.

1 EBGLYSS. Prescribing Information. Lilly USA, LLC.

2 Silverberg J, et al. Two Phase 3 Trials of Lebrikizumab for Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. N Engl J Med. 2023 Mar 23;388(12):1080-1091. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206714. Epub 2023 Mar 15. PMID: 36920778.

3 Data on File. Lilly USA, LLC. DOF-LK-US-0031.

4 Blauvelt A, et al. Efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: 52-week results of two randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled phase III trials. B Journal Dermatol. 2023;188(6):740-748. doi:10.1093/bjd/ljad022

5 Data on File. Lilly USA, LLC. DOF-LK-US-0033.

6 Chiesa Fuxench ZC, et al. Atopic Dermatitis in America Study: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Prevalence and Disease Burden of Atopic Dermatitis in the US Adult Population. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2019;139, 583e590; doi:10.1016/j.jid.2018.08.028

7 Ultsch M, et al. Structural basis of signaling blockade by anti-IL-13 antibody lebrikizumab. J Mol Biol. 2013;425(8):1330-1339. doi:10.1016/j.jmb.2013.01.024

8 Okragly A, et al. Binding, neutralization and internalization of the interleukin-13 antibody, lebrikizumab. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). Published online June 13, 2023. doi:10.1007/s13555-023-00947-7

9 Bieber T. Interleukin-13: targeting an underestimated cytokine in atopic dermatitis. Allergy. 2020;75(1):54-62. doi:10.1111/all.13954

PP-LK-US-0162 09/2024  Lilly USA, LLC 2024. All rights reserved.

Refer to: Rachel Hoffmeyer; [email protected];+1-463-276-8558 (Lilly media)

Joe Fletcher; [email protected];+1-317-296-2884 (Lilly investors)

SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Globus Medical, Inc. ("Globus" or "the Company") (NYSE: GMED) for violations of the securities laws.

The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Globus disclosed in an August 13, 2024, SEC filing that, "on July 16, 2024, Globus Medical, Inc. received a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the 'FDA') following an inspection of our facilities in Audubon, Pennsylvania. In the warning letter, the FDA cited deficiencies in the response letters sent by the Company to the FDA following the Form 483, List of Investigational Observations, which was delivered to the Company in connection with the inspection that occurred from February 15, 2024 until March 7, 2024. The letter describes observed non-conformities in establishing and maintaining product complaint procedures, including complaint investigations, trending, risk reconciliation, and Medical Device Report (MDR) procedures including timely reporting, pertaining to the ExcelsiusGPS robotic system."

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected].

The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

CONTACT:

The Schall Law Firm

Brian Schall, Esq.

310-301-3335

[email protected]

www.schallfirm.com

SOURCE The Schall Law Firm
Mr. Ward's international development experience and tenure with Grosvenor extends 20+ years





Now oversees C$1.5bn in value across active projects within Grosvenor's Structured Development Finance business in North America





in value across active projects within Grosvenor's Structured Development Finance business in Will lead the overall growth and strategy of Programme investing in for-sale and rental residential developments

VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grosvenor, an international property owner and developer with a 70+-year track record in North America, has announced Michael Ward as Managing Director, Co-Investment. Based in Vancouver, BC, Michael will lead the company's Structured Development Finance (SDF) Programme which supplements Grosvenor's core urban property development and investment activities in the US and Canada by providing capital to leading residential developers in its chosen markets.

Michael Ward, Managing Director, Co-Investment for Grosvenor, to lead the company's Structured Development Finance (SDF) Programme.

With 20+ years of experience in property development, Michael has been directly involved in the delivery of 14 mixed-use and residential projects throughout North America. Most of these projects involved partnerships with large institutional Canadian pension funds, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. Michael's most recent role at Grosvenor involved guiding the strategic direction of the firm's Vancouver development programme valued at CAD$5.3bn and advancing capital partner relationships.

Jamie Delmotte, Chief Co-Investment Officer for Grosvenor's North American property business said, "Not only does Michael's new role and responsibility reflect Grosvenor's commitment to internal promotion, but his movement into SDF is also a natural progression given his vast industry experience, relationships and market knowledge. His work establishing and building partnerships has been vital to our growth to date and I look forward to what the future holds for the Programme under his leadership."

Michael Ward added: "Being on the Development side of our business for over two decades, I value the opportunity to lead this important business line and feel well-suited to the task  working with our developer partners to ensure the delivery of best-in-class properties across our key markets and leading a team of professionals to outperform return expectations for our partners."

Michael joined Grosvenor's Vancouver office in 2002 following an internship he completed the year before. He held a succession of development roles in the firm's Washington, D.C. and Calgary offices before returning to Vancouver in 2014. Here he expanded the development team and oversaw notable projects including the delivery of the multi-award-winning Grosvenor Ambleside, Connaught and The Pacific. Michael also held the role of General Manager of Grosvenor's Vancouver office between 2014  2022.

The SDF Programme, which operates from Grosvenor and partner capital, is actively fund raising for the fourth iteration of the True North partnership, timed to take advantage of the current dislocation in core gateway markets where Grosvenor is active. The Programme seeks opportunities to work with developers on the new construction of mixed-use developments, apartments, condominiums, and townhomes located in Vancouver, Toronto, California, Washington, D.C., and Seattle.

Grosvenor established the SDF Programme nearly 25 years ago to help address the structural shortage in supply of quality urban infill housing in gateway cities in the US and Canada. Since 2000, the SDF business has acted as a capital provider to 79 residential development projects with 9,500+ residential units. Lending over $625m to-date, Grosvenor's SDF projects represent $5bn in gross development value.

Michael will manage a team of 7 professionals who are based in Grosvenor's Vancouver, BC, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. offices. Educated at the University of British Columbia, Michael is a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and is a 'Business in Vancouver 40 Under Forty' recipient. He has also been involved with numerous community organizations in Vancouver providing advice as to their real estate needs and participating in the selection of recipients for the Coast Mental Health - Courage to Come Back Awards.

About Grosvenor

Grosvenor has operated a diversified real estate business in North America since 1952. We focus on vibrant urban locations, making a positive difference to local neighbourhoods and communities.

As of December 31, 2023, we had assets under management of US$3.8bn/C$5.0bn, including 71 high-quality properties, and is executing on a US$4.9bn/C$6.5bn development pipeline across its active markets. Consistent with the firm's farsighted approach to ownership and development, we value long-term partnerships; across our nine active capital partners, the average relationship is 18 years.

Follow us on

LinkedIn: Grosvenor

Instagram: ThisisGrosvenor

For more information, please contact:

Great Ink Communications

Tom Nolan, Eric Waters

+1 212-741-2977

[email protected]

SOURCE Grosvenor
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) proudly announces a powerful coalition of allied organizations joining the Walk to Wall Street initiative, a 240+ mile trek from Capitol Hill in Washington to New York City's financial district. Partners in formation to join HACR on this monumental journey include the National Urban League, UnidosUS, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Disability:IN, The Executive Leadership Council, the Asian American Business Development Center, Global Black Economic Forum, SER Jobs for Progress  National, Latino Corporate Directors Association, Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, the Women Business Collaborative, MANA, a National Latina Organization, and Latino Justice (PRLDEF). These organizations will join forces to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in Corporate America.

Led by HACR President and CEO Cid Wilson, the Walk to Wall Street will kick off on September 17 in front of Capitol Hill in Washington. The walk will begin with a rally at 10 am ET on the Capitol lawn at the corner of 3rd St. and Constitution Ave. It will feature remarks by the CEOs of the Human Rights Campaign, Kelley Robinson, and the Women Business Collaborative, Gwen K. Young. Over four weeks, Wilson and members of the HACR team will walk more than 240 miles to Wall Street in New York City, raising awareness of the critical gaps in diversity, equity, representation, inclusion, and belonging that persist in Corporate America. This quest is more than just a physical featit is a powerful statement aimed at driving comprehensive change across all levels of corporate structure, from executive positions and C-suite roles to corporate boards, supplier procurement, and philanthropic giving.

"Despite progress over the years, Corporate America still has a long way to go in achieving true diversity, representation, and inclusion," said Wilson. "This walk symbolizes the journey we must all undertake to bridge these gaps. Each step I take is a call to action for companies to commit to meaningful change and equity in the workplace. 2024 is not a time to slow down or back down, and it's certainly not a time to turn around. It's time to double down on diversity, equity, and inclusion."

Participants are invited to join Wilson for segments of the walk, with scheduled stops in key cities along the route:

Baltimore on September 20

on Wilmington on September 27

on Philadelphia on September 30

on Trenton on October 3

on Newark on October 7

on Washington Heights neighborhood in Manhattan on October 10

neighborhood in on Lower Manhattan on October 11

Each stop will highlight specific challenges and opportunities related to diversity and inclusion, engaging local communities and leaders in meaningful conversations. Rallies will be held in Philadelphia on September 30th and New York City on October 11th.

This initiative underscores the shared responsibility in addressing and overcoming the challenges of inclusion and equity. Wilson will be joined at various points by representatives from the partnering organizations and potentially by allies from some of Corporate America's largest companies. These partnerships and the visible support along the route reflect a unified front advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The journey will culminate on Wall Street, symbolizing the heart of Corporate America. This destination highlights the critical need for diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of corporate decision-making, as the call for equity spans from policy-making centers to financial powerhouses. The walk aims to encourage those, including many working within Corporate America, who have remained steadfast in their support of DEI despite the backlash.

HACR invites corporate leaders, policymakers, media, and the public to follow Wilson's journey and engage in this crucial dialogue. HACR's social media channels and dedicated Walk to Wall Street social media channels will share regular updates and highlights of each leg of the trip.

For more information, to join Wilson on a segment of his walk, or to support the cause, please email [email protected].

Please address media inquiries to HACR Director of Communications and Marketing Andrea Orlando at [email protected].

About HACR

Founded in 1986, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) is the nation's leading corporate advocacy organization, representing 14 national Hispanic organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Its mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America in Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance. Through their corporate leadership advancement programs, best-practice conferences, research initiatives, and public engagements, HACR is illuminating The Power of Hispanic Inclusion throughout Corporate America.

HACR is one of four leadership organizations in the Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD), including Catalyst, The Executive Leadership Council, and Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP). Diversified Search serves as an advisory member. These groups aim to advance the inclusion of women and people of color on corporate boards.

Follow HACR's journey:

LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok

Please use the hashtag #WalkToWallStreet #HACR

SOURCE Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR)
For every pack of Huggies Diapers purchased at a Walgreens store or online at Walgreens.com through September, Huggies will donate a day's worth of diapers to the National Diaper Bank Network, up to one million diapers.

CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the eighth consecutive year, Kimberly-Clark's North American Huggies Brand and Walgreens are coming together to raise awareness of diaper need in the United States, supporting those struggling with providing diapers for their children. One in two1 families in the U.S. experience diaper need and are unable to provide enough diapers to help keep their child's skin clean, dry and healthy.

For more than 40 years, Huggies Brand has been helping parents provide love, care and reassurance to their babies. (PRNewsfoto/Kimberly-Clark)

Now through September 30, 2024, Huggies and Walgreens are encouraging people across the country to help support this important cause. For every pack of Huggies Diapers purchased at a Walgreens store or online at Walgreens.com through September 30, Huggies will donate a day's worth2 of diapers to the National Diaper Bank Network  up to one million diapers. Since 2011, Huggies and the National Diaper Bank Network have helped provide more than 200 million diapers to those in need as part of its Project Hug initiative.

"Diapers are a basic necessity for every baby and toddler," said Anjula Shokar, senior brand manager for the U.S. Huggies brand. "National Diaper Bank Network is helping to change the lives of families, and through this partnership with Walgreens we will educate and encourage people to join us in supporting families."

"Walgreens is proud to team up with Huggies for the eighth consecutive year to drive access to, and awareness of, diaper need in our communities" said Alethia Jackson, SVP, ESG and Chief DEI Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance. "Supporting the health of the communities we serve across America is integral to our purpose of creating more joyful lives through better health."

To support a family in need today, visit your local Walgreens or Walgreens.com to purchase your next pack of Huggies diapers, now through the end of September. To learn more about Huggies products, please visit Huggies.com, and follow us @Huggies on social media.

About Huggies Brand

For more than 40 years, Huggies has been helping parents provide their babies with love, care, and reassurance. From developing innovative, everyday products for babies to partnering with NICU nurses to create special diapers and wipes for the most fragile babies, Huggies is dedicated to helping ensure that all babies get the care they need to thrive. Huggies is proud to be the founding sponsor of the National Diaper Bank Network, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to eliminating diaper need in America since 2011. Huggies is also the national sponsor of nonprofit Hand to Hold, which provides personalized support before, during, and after NICU stays and infant loss. For more information on product offerings or our community efforts, please visit Huggies.com.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the sixth year in a row and one of Fortune's Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's 10-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and U.S. Healthcare segments of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader with a 170-year heritage of caring for communities. WBA's purpose is to create more joyful lives through better health. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving nearly 10 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for the nation's underserved populations. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in communities nationwide.

1 https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NDBN-Diaper-Check-2023_Executive-Summary-FINAL.pdf

2 "A day's worth" is considered six diapers, as determined by the K-C Diaper Diary Study, 2016.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/648588/4911171/Kimberly_Clark_v1_Logo.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/943752/4911172/Huggies_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs, met on Friday with Special Representative for the normalization process between Turkiye and Armenia, Ambassador Serdar Klc, who is on a visit to the country, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports.

The discussion revolved around the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, the post-conflict situation in the region, the negotiations between the Special Representatives for the normalization process between Turkiye and Armenia, as well as regional and international security issues.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov provided insight into the process of normalization between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The FM drew the Special Representatives attention to the current challenges facing the peace process, the ongoing claims against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan in the Constitution of Armenia, as well as steps threatening regional stability, such as Armenias militarization by third countries.

During the meeting, the parties also exchanged views on bilateral cooperation, interaction within international organizations, as well as other regional issues of mutual interest.
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI- The global electrical equipment market in India size is estimated to grow by USD 52.98 bn from 2023-2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.68% during the forecast period. Increase in number of residential and commercial building projects is driving market growth, with a trend towards growth in cross-border electricity trading. However, threat from cyberattacks in power generation industry poses a challenge. Key market players include ABB Ltd., BGR Energy Systems Ltd., Bharat Bijlee Ltd., Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd., EMCO Ltd., ETA Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH, Fuji Electric Co. Ltd., General Electric Co., Kirloskar Electric Co. Ltd., Larsen and Toubro Ltd., Murugappa Group, Schneider Electric SE, Shilchar Technologies Ltd., Siemens AG, Star Delta Transformers Ltd., TD Power Systems Pvt. Ltd., Thermax Ltd., Toshiba Corp., and Ujaas Energy Ltd..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Electrical Equipment Market in India 2023-2027

AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View your snapshot now

Forecast period 2023-2027 Base Year 2022 Historic Data 2017 - 2021 Segment Covered Product (Cables, Transmission lines, Transformers, Switchgears, and Boilers and others), Application (Transmission, distribution, and Generation), and Geography (APAC) Region Covered India Key companies profiled ABB Ltd., BGR Energy Systems Ltd., Bharat Bijlee Ltd., Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd., EMCO Ltd., ETA Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH, Fuji Electric Co. Ltd., General Electric Co., Kirloskar Electric Co. Ltd., Larsen and Toubro Ltd., Murugappa Group, Schneider Electric SE, Shilchar Technologies Ltd., Siemens AG, Star Delta Transformers Ltd., TD Power Systems Pvt. Ltd., Thermax Ltd., Toshiba Corp., and Ujaas Energy Ltd.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

Cross-border electricity trading plays a crucial role in economic growth and development by addressing power shortages and price reductions in neighboring countries. With increasing urbanization and population growth, electricity demand is surging. However, many nations, such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar, face power access issues due to insufficient generation capacity. This lack of electricity access hinders poverty reduction and economic development. Cross-border electricity trade helps mitigate these challenges, making it an attractive solution for governments. India, for instance, has emerged as a significant electricity exporter, supplying power to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. This trend is expected to boost the demand for power generation and distribution equipment in India, fueling market growth during the forecast period.

The Indian electrical equipment market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for specialized systems in various sectors. Electrical power is at the core of this trend, with a focus on modernizing electrical distribution systems. Wiring devices, batteries and accumulators, ventilators, lighting systems, air conditioners, and fire protection are key areas of investment. Residential and nonresidential users are seeking efficient and reliable solutions for energy management. The electric grid is undergoing transformation with the integration of renewable energy sources and the rollout of smart grids. Electricity meters, distribution boards, circuit breakers, and other electrical equipment are being upgraded to support these advancements. The commercial, industrial, and mining sectors are investing in power transmission and modernization of electrical infrastructure. Electric vehicles are also gaining popularity, driving demand for charging stations and batteries. Building and construction, electric motors, lighting, and mechatronics are other major segments. Electrical energy is being sourced from AC and DC power, with a shift towards renewable energy and energy storage. Control electronics, mechanical machines, data processing, and appliances are essential components of this evolving landscape. Conductors, fittings, insulators, and other electrical components continue to play a crucial role in this market.

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Market Challenges

The Electrical Equipment Market in India is witnessing a significant threat from cyberattacks. Hackers and cybercriminals are increasingly targeting IT systems controlling and monitoring power systems, such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and automatic generation control. Successful cyberattacks, particularly false data injection (FDI), can disrupt the balance between power consumption and generation, leading to deviations in grid frequency. Such deviations trigger remedial actions, including load or generator disconnections, potentially damaging equipment and causing cascading failures. These incidents can result in power outages and hinder market growth during the forecast period.

is witnessing a significant threat from cyberattacks. Hackers and cybercriminals are increasingly targeting IT systems controlling and monitoring power systems, such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and automatic generation control. Successful cyberattacks, particularly false data injection (FDI), can disrupt the balance between power consumption and generation, leading to deviations in grid frequency. Such deviations trigger remedial actions, including load or generator disconnections, potentially damaging equipment and causing cascading failures. These incidents can result in power outages and hinder market growth during the forecast period. The Indian electrical equipment market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand from various sectors such as OEMs, aftermarket, B2B, and B2C. Technological advancements, including IoT, 5G, semiconductor technology, and industrial IoT, are fueling innovation in sectors like industrial manufacturing, healthcare, aviation, and more. However, challenges persist, such as energy shortage and the need for sustainable power solutions. Renewable energy, power generation, and transmission lines are becoming key areas of focus. Additionally, the consumer electronics segment, including smartphones, laptops, wearable electronics, and bioelectrical devices, is booming. Machinery, cables, wires, batteries, and transmission and distribution equipment are also in high demand for commercial building projects and power sector development. Cross-border electricity trading and advanced technologies like digital twins, stretchable electronic applications, driverless cars, and AI-powered computer assistants are shaping the future of the market. USB ports and portable electronic devices continue to be essential components in our daily lives. The market for luxury consumer electronics, electric lighting equipment, and household appliances is also expanding. Overall, the electrical equipment market in India is a dynamic and evolving space, presenting numerous opportunities for growth and innovation.

Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report

Segment Overview

This electrical equipment market in India report extensively covers market segmentation by

Product

1.1 Cables

1.2 Transmission lines

1.3 Transformers

1.4 Switchgears

1.5 Boilers and others

Application

2.1 Transmission

2.2 distribution

2.3 Generation

Geography

3.1 APAC

1.1 Cables- The Indian electrical equipment market, with a focus on cables, is poised for growth due to the expanding residential and commercial sectors. The increasing population and resulting demand for more housing units will fuel the need for electricity transmission. India's low-cost labor advantage attracts foreign companies, encouraging construction industry investment. Government initiatives like the Atal Distribution Transformation Yojana aim to enhance state distribution company efficiency, ensuring electricity access to all citizens. These factors collectively contribute to the rising demand for cables and the subsequent market expansion during the forecast period.

Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2023-2027) and historic data (2017 - 2021)

Research Analysis

The Electrical Equipment Market in India is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for electricity in various sectors. Commercial building projects, power generation, and renewable energy are major drivers of this market. The power sector is undergoing a transformation with the focus on modernization and upgrading of transmission lines, transformers, switchgears, boilers, and other electrical machinery. The demand for specialized systems, energy storage solutions like batteries and accumulators, and electrical distribution systems is increasing. Residential users are also contributing to the market growth with the increasing adoption of appliances, rechargeable batteries, and lighting. The market for electrical equipment also caters to industries requiring power sources, data processing, electromechanical, and mechatronics solutions. The market encompasses a wide range of products including cables, transmission and distribution equipment, wiring devices, control electronics, and mechanical machines.

Market Research Overview

The Electrical Equipment Market in India is witnessing significant growth due to increasing commercial building projects, power generation, and renewable energy initiatives in the power sector. The market encompasses a wide range of products including Cables, Transmission lines, Transformers, Switchgears, Boilers, Machines, Specialized systems, Wiring devices, Batteries and accumulators, and various types of Electrical Energy equipment such as AC and DC, Electric motors, Lighting, Rechargeable batteries, Control electronics, Mechatronics, and Appliances. The market caters to both Residential and Nonresidential users, with applications in various sectors like power transmission, mining, commercial, industrial, and more. The market also includes Electrical distribution systems, Electric meters, Distribution boards, Circuit Breakers, and various types of Power sources. The market is served by both OEMs and Aftermarket players, catering to B2B and B2C segments. Technological advancements in areas like IoT, 5G, Semiconductor technology, Industrial manufacturing, Healthcare, Aviation, and Industrial IoT are driving innovation in the market. The market also includes emerging technologies like Stretchable electronic applications, Smartphones, Laptops, Wearable electronics, Bioelectrical devices, Driverless cars, and AI-powered computer assistants.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Product

Cables



Transmission Lines



Transformers



Switchgears



Boilers And Others

Application

Transmission



Distribution



Generation

Geography

APAC

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
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape- The global namkeen market in India size is estimated to grow by USD 3.46 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. Rising retail space in tier-ii and tier-iii cities of India is driving market growth, with a trend towards growth of online retailing. However, availability of substitute products poses a challenge. Key market players include Ashok Masale, Babaji Snacks Pvt. Ltd., Balaji Wafers Pvt. Ltd., Bikaji Foods International Ltd., Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd, Bikharam Chandmal, Desai Brothers Ltd., Gopal Snacks Pvt. Ltd, Haldiram Foods International Pvt. Ltd., ITC Ltd., JABSONS COTTONSEED IND. PVT. LTD., Maa Laxmi Namkeen, Maxvita Foods Pvt. Ltd., Parle Products Pvt. Ltd., Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., Prakash Namkeen Udyog, Prataap Snacks Ltd., Priniti Foods Pvt Ltd, Shri Ajab Foods Pvt Ltd., and Sonal Foods.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Namkeen market in india 2024-2028

AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View your snapshot now

Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Indian and ethnic snacks and Western snacks), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and Geography (APAC) Region Covered India Key companies profiled Ashok Masale, Babaji Snacks Pvt. Ltd., Balaji Wafers Pvt. Ltd., Bikaji Foods International Ltd., Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd, Bikharam Chandmal, Desai Brothers Ltd., Gopal Snacks Pvt. Ltd, Haldiram Foods International Pvt. Ltd., ITC Ltd., JABSONS COTTONSEED IND. PVT. LTD., Maa Laxmi Namkeen, Maxvita Foods Pvt. Ltd., Parle Products Pvt. Ltd., Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., Prakash Namkeen Udyog, Prataap Snacks Ltd., Priniti Foods Pvt Ltd, Shri Ajab Foods Pvt Ltd., and Sonal Foods

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The expansion of e-commerce has created new opportunities for namkeen suppliers in India. With increasing internet access and the convenience of online shopping, consumers have shown a growing preference for buying namkeens online. Major brands like Parle and PepsiCo have recognized this trend and partnered with e-commerce giants like Amazon to sell their products online. This business-to-business and business-to-consumer model allows vendors to reach a wider audience and improve customer relationships. The pandemic further fueled the demand for namkeens as people worked from home and opted for small meals. New startups such as Snackible and Evolve Snacks emerged, offering namkeens exclusively online. These factors are expected to boost the growth of the namkeen market in India during the forecast period.

The Namkeen industry in India, a significant part of the Indian Snacks Market, is thriving with trends centered around Nuts and Mix Namkeen. Leading players like Lay's, Cheetos, Doritos, Kurkure, Haldiram's, ITC, Reliance, Prabhuji, BRB, Too Yum, Farmley, and Yellow Diamond dominate the Organised Market. Published articles, company websites, magazine articles, associations, trade journals, and paid database sources provide valuable insights into industry trends. Unorganised Market players like Avadh namkeen and Tata Soulfull also contribute significantly. FSSAI regulations ensure food safety, while Nielsen reports provide consumer insights. Indore is a major hub for Namkeen production. Industry consultants forecast steady growth. LandCraft Retail is a key player in Namkeen distribution.

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Market Challenges

 The Indian snack market, specifically the namkeen segment, faces competition from various substitutes such as fried and baked snacks. Vendors in this space are introducing new product varieties and value-added ingredients to cater to health-conscious consumers. Baked snacks, in particular, are gaining popularity due to their perceived health benefits. Consumers are shifting towards these alternatives due to moderate switching costs and the availability of a wide range of flavors. Brands like Too Yum offer baked wafers and savory sticks as substitutes for namkeens. This trend is expected to hinder the growth of the namkeen market in India during the forecast period.

 The Namkeen market in India faces several challenges in urban areas due to distribution networks and brand reputations. Urban population preference leans towards e-commerce platforms for convenience, but ensuring uniform quality, taste, texture, and flavor profile in loose packaging can be difficult. Production processes require significant investment in labor costs and machinery and equipment. Local and regional brands like Kenafric Biscuits, Bhujia, Balaji Wafers, Bikanervala, Haldiram, Bikaji, and others compete against multinational rivals like PepsiCo. Product innovation and standard packaging are essential to maintain consumer awareness and preference. Raw materials and organoleptic properties play a crucial role in the production process. The market offers various types of Namkeen, including Sev Bhujia, Dal Namkeen, Gathiya Papdi, and Farsan. Investment pockets lie in addressing these challenges while ensuring affordable pricing and catering to varying consumer preferences.

Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report

Segment Overview

This namkeen market in India report extensively covers market segmentation by

Type

1.1 Indian and ethnic snacks

1.2 Western snacks

Distribution Channel

2.1 Offline

2.2 Online

Geography

3.1 APAC

1.1 Indian and ethnic snacks- Indian snacks, known as namkeens, offer a diverse range of traditional and ethnic savory foods. Notable options include farsaan, chiwda, sev, neyappam, bhujia, and mathri. These snacks, often prepared in Indian households, have a long preservation period of six months or more due to good quality packaging. Companies like Haldiram and Bikaji have commercialized these snacks, making them widely available. With over 1,000 different types, namkeens come in various flavors, shapes, sizes, textures, scents, bases, and fillings. India also exports approximately 300 ethnic savory food varieties. Namkeens, such as chiwda and bhelpuri, are healthier alternatives to Western snacks due to the use of Indian spices. The Indian and ethnic snacks segment is the largest and fastest-growing in the region, expected to continue during the forecast period.

Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022)

Research Analysis

Namkeen Market in India is renowned for its diverse range of savory snacks, including potato-based and lentil-based snacks, crispy mixtures, spicy almonds, flavored sev, and more. These delicious treats, collectively known as farsan, are a staple in Indian households and are enjoyed during social gatherings and festive occasions. Health consciousness among consumers is on the rise, leading to a growing demand for additive-free, preservative-free, and artificial flavor-free Namkeen. Local brands like Bhujia, Balaji Wafers, Bikanervala, and others continue to dominate the market, offering authentic Indian flavors. Multinational rivals like Lay's, Cheetos, Doritos, Kurkure, Haldiram's, ITC, Reliance, Prabhuji, BRB, and Too Yum, with their standard packaging and international appeal, pose a significant challenge. Consumers' purchasing power and preference for loose packaging Namkeen versus standard packaging continue to shape the market dynamics.

Market Research Overview

The Namkeen market in India is a vibrant and diverse sector, known for its wide array of savory snacks such as potato-based snacks, lentil-based snacks, crispy mixtures, spicy almonds, flavored sev, and more. With increasing health consciousness among consumers, there is a growing demand for Namkeen snacks that are free from additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Social media and digital platforms have become essential tools for brand awareness and customer engagement, with companies investing in innovative packaging designs and product variants to stand out in the market. The Namkeen industry in India includes local, regional, and national brands, with players like Kenafric Biscuits, Bhujia, Balaji Wafers, Bikanervala, and others dominating the scene. The market is divided into the organized and unorganized sectors, with multinational rivals like PepsiCo, Lay's, Cheetos, Doritos, and Kurkure also making their presence felt. The production process, labor costs, machinery and equipment, and raw materials are key factors influencing the market dynamics. Product innovation, quality, and taste are crucial elements that determine brand reputation and customer preference. The types of Namkeen include Sev Bhujia, Dal Namkeen, Gathiya Papdi, Nuts, Mix Namkeen, and Farsan, among others. Consumer awareness, purchasing power, and distribution networks are essential factors driving the growth of the Namkeen market in India. The industry is closely monitored by industry consultants, trade journals, and published articles, providing valuable insights into market trends and consumer preferences.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Type

Indian And Ethnic Snacks



Western Snacks

Distribution Channel

Offline



Online

Geography

APAC



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
HSINCHU, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) hosted a technology camp for children in Hualien this summer, in collaboration with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the Hualien County Government, the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, and Tzu Chi University. Themed "AI Magic: Protecting Our Homes," the event reflected on the earthquake that struck Hualien in April and emphasized the importance of technology in disaster prevention and detection. It offered a unique experience for disadvantaged, indigenous, and new immigrant children to discover the wonders of technology. Participants visited ITRI's OMEGA ZONE to engage with technological applications such as Gen AI image recognition and drones, and to learn how technology can aid in responding to natural disasters like earthquakes.

ITRI hosts a summer technology camp for children in Hualien in collaboration with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the Hualien County Government, the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, and Tzu Chi University.

This is the 13th consecutive year that ITRI has hosted the technology camp for children. The camp aims to translate innovative technologies into accessible learning materials and inspire young minds through fun activities. Ta-An Ho, ITRI Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Public Welfare Committee Chairman, emphasized ITRI's ongoing commitment to popular science education for underprivileged children. "In alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, ITRI ensures that children from disadvantaged groups have equal access to technology knowledge and skills," she said.

Building on last year's success, ITRI and AIT once again collaborated to bring STEM education to eastern Taiwan through technology camps. This partnership seeks to spark children's interest in science and technology. Shu-Min Weng, Director of the Hualien County Government Department of Education, praised the volunteers for guiding children through hands-on activities and interactive experiences that demonstrated real-life applications of their knowledge.

The Tzu Chi Foundation, known for its educational initiatives in rural areas, has helped students in Hualien and Taitung broaden their horizons. Ingrid Y. Liu, President of Tzu Chi University, stated that the university will collaborate with ITRI in the future to train local teachers and volunteers, enhancing their teaching capabilities.

This year's camp program featured activities such as flying AI-assisted drones, creating artworks through AI interactions, and designing pressure-resistant building or bridge structures. Through the tasks integrating interdisciplinary knowledge in AI, engineering, art, and mathematics, students were encouraged to use creativity and logical thinking to solve problems and find inspiration about future technology.

About ITRI

Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is one of the world's leading technology R&D institutions aiming to innovate a better future for society. Founded in 1973, ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan's industries from labor-intensive into innovation-driven. To address market needs and global trends, it has launched its 2030 Technology Strategy & Roadmap and focuses on innovation development in Smart Living, Quality Health, and Sustainable Environment. It also strives to strengthen Intelligentization Enabling Technology to support diversified applications.

Over the years, ITRI has been dedicated to incubating startups and spinoffs, including well-known names such as UMC and TSMC. In addition to its headquarters in Taiwan, ITRI has branch offices in the U.S., Europe, and Japan in an effort to extend its R&D scope and promote international cooperation across the globe. For more information, please visit https://www.itri.org/eng.

SOURCE Industrial Technology Research Institute
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. is pleased to announce the addition of Leo Norton as a principal in the firm's Orange County office. Norton joins Jackson Lewis from Cooley LLP, bringing nearly 23 years of experience in class action, commercial and appellate litigation.

"Leo's move from Cooley to Jackson Lewis is a significant milestone for our firm, particularly within our Class Actions and Complex Litigation group," said Mia Farber, David R. Golder and Eric R. Magnus, co-leaders of the group. "His extensive experience with intricate class action cases aligns perfectly with our strategic approach and robust national resources. We are excited to welcome him aboard, confident that his skills will significantly bolster our capabilities and reinforce our leadership in defending high-stakes lawsuits."

Leo has extensive experience defending against both nationwide and statewide consumer class actions under a range of statutes, including the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, California Unfair Competition Law, California False Advertising Law, the Song Beverly Credit Card Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FACTA). He also handles cases related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, California's Unruh Act, California wage and hour class actions, and PAGA.

In addition to his class action experience, Leo is well-versed in a variety of commercial and complex business disputes, including claims for breach of contract, breach of warranty, privacy issues, negligence, fraud, products liability, indemnity and unjust enrichment. His appellate practice includes representing clients in civil writs and appeals before both California and federal appellate courts, contributing to several published decisions.

"Leo's transition to Jackson Lewis is a key indicator of the firm's ability to attract top-tier legal talent throughout our seven California offices," said Orange County Office Managing Principal Alison L. Lynch. "With his extensive class actions experience and diverse background, Leo will be a tremendous asset to our Orange County team. We are confident his contributions will be pivotal in enhancing our litigation capabilities and bolstering our presence throughout California. We are excited to welcome Leo to Jackson Lewis."

Leo earned his J.D. from Loyola Law School Los Angeles and his B.S. from the University of Southern California.

Jackson Lewis has significantly bolstered its presence in California, a crucial market for the firm. Over the past year, the firm has welcomed high-profile lateral hires from competitors, each bringing extensive experience in class action and PAGA claims. With many of Jackson Lewis' clients and a substantial portion of its class action work based in California, the firm is dedicated to expanding its footprint across the state. Recent office additions in Riverside and Silicon Valley highlight this commitment.

The firm's Orange County office can be reached at (949) 885-1360.

About Jackson Lewis

Focused on labor and employment law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.'s 1,000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged, stable and diverse, and share our clients' goals to emphasize inclusivity and respect for the contribution of every employee.

Additional information about the firm can be found at jacksonlewis.com.

For more information, please contact:

Lara Hamm, Chief Communications Officer

T: (267) 319-7803 / E: [email protected]

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING

Jackson Lewis P.C. offices that are responsible for the content of this advertisement include New York, NY; Hartford, CT; New Orleans, LA; and Orlando, FL. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

SOURCE Jackson Lewis P.C.
LONDON, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeanne Penn has been appointed as Vice President, US Commercial for Solici, the strategic competitive intelligence division of Cambridge Healthcare Research (CHR) to support its continued growth and presence in the US market.

Jeanne Penn

Brendan Walkden, Head of Solici says, "I am thrilled to welcome Jeanne to the Solici team. She is a highly experienced leader in the industry, and we are delighted to partner with someone of Jeanne's caliber at such a crucial time of growth in the business. I am looking forward to working with Jeanne as she brings her valuable strategic and relational lens as Solici continues to grow."

Jeanne has been providing market insights to the biopharma industry for decades. Based in Boston, she has worked for Genzyme (now Sanofi) and EMD Serono (known as Merck KGaA outside the US) leading CI, market research, and forecasting for multiple brands. Her therapy area expertise is wide, but rare disease is where her heart will always be.

She has also worked on the consulting side, including DRG (now Clarivate), Lifescience Dynamics, and Prescient Healthcare Group. She has led teams providing high-quality analysis to a variety of US-based clients and is an experienced facilitator and business leader.

Jeanne was named a Healthcare Businesswomen's Association Luminary in 2022, in recognition of more than 20 years empowering women in the workplace. Jeanne is married with two adult children.

Stephen Galt, Chief Commercial Officer of CHR says, "We are extremely delighted to have Jeanne on board as CHR strengthens its physical presence in the US, where her experience as a leader and industry expert will continue to propel our growth forward. Jeanne's experience in forming and developing high-performing teams and her strategic leadership in commercial teams will allow us to forge an exciting and rewarding partnership moving forward."

About Solici and Cambridge Healthcare Research

Cambridge Healthcare Research is a consultancy providing strategic decision support to the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer healthcare industries. CHR enables its partners to navigate difficult commercial decisions by working closely with clients on asset commercialisation, product strategy, and future opportunities.

Solici is the strategic competitive intelligence division of Cambridge Healthcare Research and is the trusted partner for decision makers in healthcare and life sciences. Solici uncovers critical commercial intelligence to shine a light on and shape the smartest choices in healthcare.

The team is passionate about healthcare and medical innovation, and its evaluation of market dynamics  combined with a targeted understanding of key trends in the prescriber, regulator, and payer environments  equips their clients to make the right decisions from an optimally informed position.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504507/Solici_Jeanne_Penn.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504244/Solici_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Solici
BOSTON, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ledgebrook, the rapidly growing insurtech, is excited to announce the successful completion of a $17M Series B funding round. This opportunistic raise introduces two esteemed Family Offices to the Ledgebrook cap table: Duquesne (who led the round) and The Stephens Group and also included participation from long-term partners Brand Foundry Ventures & American Family Ventures. The capital infusion will allow Ledgebrook to accelerate expansion of current operations & embark on new, innovative projects.

Ledgebrook's Series B comes quickly on the heels of its $24M Series A announced in March 2024, underscoring investor confidence in the mission to redefine the insurance experience through cutting-edge technology and exceptional customer service.

"We are thrilled to welcome Duquesne Family Office & The Stephens Group into the Ledgebrook family," said Gage Caligaris, Founder & CEO. "Their commitment to long-term thinking aligns well with our vision for what Ledgebrook can be in the coming decades. It's a rare opportunity to be able to bring on partners of this caliber and I couldn't be more excited."

Ryan Morrow, Managing Director at Stephens Group, commented, "We have been fortunate to get to know Gage over the last year, and it's clear he has the chance to build the next great insurance platform. The Excess and Surplus market and its brokers are long overdue for better technology to place their most difficult risks, and Ledgebrook is building that exact platform. This investment not only supports Gage and the Ledgebrook team but also reinforces our commitment to fostering innovation in the insurance industry. We are excited to partner with Gage and the Ledgebrook team as they transform the way brokers place E&S policies."

In conjunction with this funding round, Ledgebrook is also proud to announce the appointment of Anthony Segal-Knowles as its Chief Financial Officer. Most recently of Lazard, Anthony brings a wealth of experience in financial and strategic planning from decades in senior-level roles in the British Treasury & International Monetary Fund making him an invaluable addition to Ledgebrook's executive team during this exciting period of expansion.

With the support of new investors and the addition of a seasoned CFO, Ledgebrook is well positioned to accelerate growth and achieve its ambitious goals.

For more information, please visit www.ledgebrook.com.

SOURCE Ledgebrook
HONG KONG, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the Magic Compass Group (hereinafter referred to as Magic Compass) announced that it has completed the comprehensive incubation of its prop trading business and officially launched a new platformThe Trader Funds (TTF), which is supported by proprietary capital. The launch of the TTF prop trading brand marks the beginning of a thorough development in the prop trading markets by Magic Compass, including Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America, providing global traders with services such as trading knowledge dissemination, trading strategy education, community building, and trading platform.

Key Features of TTF

It is reported that the new TTF platform relies on proprietary funds to offer users trading strategy education and a customized trading test mechanism. Through the establishment of TTF's five-account types - COMET, LUMINARY, AURORA, SOLAR, and SUPERNOVA - it aims to assist users in starting their trading journey. This framework caters to the differentiated product needs of traders at all levels, allowing users to unlock different rules and benefits based on their individual needs.

Additionally, as a trading strategy education platform, TTF provides users with foundational knowledge instruction, a sophisticated framework training, and various trading empowerment tools across major trading categories. This helps beginner, intermediate, and advanced traders combine theoretical expertise with practical trading, offering an immersive trading experience that transitions from virtual trading to firm order trading based on underlying proprietary funds.

Independent Operations and Licensing

According to the company's equity structure and relevant license information, TTF is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Magic Compass, operating independently. Magic Compass currently holds a host of licenses, including licenses in Hong Kong, Cyprus, Seychelles, Lithuania, and Mauritius.

Engagement with the Trading Community

In a conversation with Alex Zhou, Head of Marketing at Magic Compass Group, he mentioned: "TTF will be present at the 2024 World of Trading event in Frankfurt, Germany, in November this year. We are excited to meet trading enthusiasts in Europe and to explore trading together with professionals around the globe."

Media Contact

Organization: The Trader Funds | Advanced MCN Limited

Contact Person: Dorcas

Website: https://www.thetraderfunds.com | https://mcgrp.com/en

Email: [email protected]

Contact Number: +85265717058

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504757/TTF.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504756/TTF_Logo.jpg
MILAN, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MainStreaming, a leader in edge video streaming solutions, announces senior leadership changes and strategic expansion across Europe, with a focus on Germany (DACH region) and the United Kingdom.

MainStreaming Appoints Tassilo Raesig as CEO

Tassilo Raesig has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer. Tassilo, who previously served as MainStreaming's COO, brings deep expertise in scaling technology companies. He has held senior roles at Sony Europe and was leading Joyn, the streaming platform of German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 as CEO and CTO. Antonio G. Corrado, Founder and CEO, assumes the role of Executive Chairman. In this role, Antonio will continue to guide the company's long-term vision and work closely with Tassilo to ensure alignment across the leadership team, board, and the strategic development of the MainStreaming group.

Antonio G. Corrado, Executive Chairman, stated: "As I pass the CEO role to Tassilo, I'm filled with confidence and excitement for the next chapter of our company's journey. Tassilo brings the leadership, vision, and expertise needed to continue guiding the company into the future, and I look forward to supporting him in my new role as Executive Chairman."

Additionally, MainStreaming has strengthened its senior leadership team to support its strategic expansion across Europe. Rene Sahm has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Sebastian Todt as Chief Strategy Officer, both previously holding leadership roles at Joyn. Ian Franklyn, who joins from Conviva managing all business outside of the US previously, takes on the role of Chief Revenue Officer. Together, this leadership team brings significant experience in the media and technology sectors and is poised to accelerate growth across the DACH region, the UK, and beyond.

Tassilo Raesig, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "I'm honored to step into the CEO role at such a pivotal time for the company. I'm thrilled to welcome Rene, Sebastian, and Ian to the leadership team, and I look forward to working closely with them as we expand into new markets and drive innovation. With the strong foundation built by Antonio, I'm excited to lead our talented team and continue delivering outstanding value to our customers and partners."

MainStreaming's expansion includes the establishment of new entities: MainStreaming GmbH in Germany and MainStreaming LTD in the United Kingdom, further strengthening the company's European presence.

About MainStreaming:

MainStreaming is an Intelligent Media Delivery company that empowers enterprises, media, and gaming firms to deliver the highest Quality of Experience to their audiences. MainStreaming's platform enhances network efficiency, ensures service reliability, and provides both financial and environmental ROI.

Sabrina Simone, [email protected], +39 344 3417861

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504583/MainStreaming.jpg

SOURCE MainStreaming S.p.A
Eurasian Prince Oak, also known as Prince Oak Oakleyski or the Prince of Eurasia, has recently produced a documentary namely "Prince of Eurasia: Monotheism and Devils". The documentary was marginally inserted with some theatrical dramaturgy for audience who prefer emotional stories and thrilling actions as well. Although this monotheistic documentary drama is principally about a mystic Islamic emir Prince Oakley, it also features a beautiful female musical artist like Oh Kansiri as a guest star.

BANGKOK & HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Settings were mostly implemented in Southeast Asia; technically inside far southeastern Eurasia. Since this international movie was based on true stories related to Prince Oak Oakleyski, it was categorized into his prospering Eurasian documentaries. There was a mystically unfeigned event in this documentary that sundry devils has been disguised as humans, stealthily incarnating themselves in particularly agnostic women to provoke his sensuality. Their subliminal intention was to urge a saintly Muslim qadi, Papathankhan Kandanai, to neglect and abandon all morally righteous religions. Auspiciously, the handsome monotheism ulama Eurasian Prince could reinstate a traditionally Islamic modus operandi to repel any devil. At the end of critical conspectuses, the devil's temptation was nothing but a fiasco failing to seduce the Prince of Eurasia. Unquestionably, those ungodly anthropoid devils were orchestrated by the devilish chief aka Satan.

There were multitudinous substories being documented without mundane narratives. Engrossingly, an aesthetically talented lady with a sincere soul, Oh Kansiri, was mindfully scanned by Prince Oak's Qareen. It vaguely whispered to her that devils couldn't outwit her and the monotheistic mystic emperor for God's sake. Enigmatically, Oh Kansiri and Prince Oak's wife, Yasmii Praniting, are two remarkable gentleladies whom Qareen could thoroughly read physiognomy and concluded that both spirits have wholeheartedly submitted to God. Prince Oak also welcomed various notable special appearances, such as Pawan Sethi (Sikh businessman), Anasya Numdokmai (actress from To My Puzzle Pieces), and Asmah Madnahoo (bridal makeup pundit).

Principal photography on the film began on 20 March 2022 in Bangkok, Thailand. It was largely shot on location, especially outdoor, because Prince Oak judged that shooting in studio is unreal. The completion date has been delayed for the crew to capture more eventualities. At first, the director would complete a terminal set of raw footage around Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. He reorientated to go to a northern neighbor, finalizing the filming in Uzbekistan instead. Poster and backdrop will be issued next year, as the official premiere date has been redacted to 7 April 2025.

The real Prince of Eurasia docuseries's unreleased outtakes were chiefly created by Prince Oakleyski Eurasia  a reclusive doctrinal multimedia and culture federation founded by the Mughal Eurasian cleric prince (Prince Oak Oakleyski). The organization incorporates a film production, nonprofit theology preachment, food manufacturer, and multilingual broadcast network.

Contact:

***@aristocratic.tv

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/13038268

SOURCE Prince Oakleyski Eurasia
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has awarded the NASA Academic Mission Services 2 (NAMS-2) contract to Crown Consulting Inc., of Arlington, Virginia, to provide the agency's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley, aeronautics and exploration technology research and development support.

NAMS-2 is a single award hybrid cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum potential value of $121 million. The contract begins Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, with a 60-day phase-in period, followed by a two-year base period, and options to extend performance through November 2029.

Under this contract, the company will support a broad scope of scientific research and development of new and emerging capabilities and technologies associated with air traffic management, advanced technology, nanoelectronics, and prototype software in support of the Aeronautics Directorate and the Exploration Technology Directorate at NASA Ames. The work also will focus on the improvement of aircraft and airspace safety, as well as the transition of advanced aeronautics technologies into future air vehicles.

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. The trade volume between Russia and Turkmenistan has surged significantly, increasing by 73.5 percent in the past six months, surpassing $700 million, the source of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development told Trend.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Dmitry Volvach highlighted the development during a panel discussion on "Economic Development and Investment Potential of Turkmenistan" at the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2024) in Ashgabat.

"Last year, trade between Turkmenistan and Russia grew by 13 percent, and in the past six months, it has surged by 73, 5 percent, totaling more than $700 million. The range of mutual trade is expanding, and the share of high-value-added goods is increasing," Volvach said.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between Russia and Turkmenistan and noted significant events that have fostered bilateral cooperation.

"The historic declaration agreed by our leaders in June 2022 to deepen our strategic alliance supports bilateral relations. A Russian-Turkmen business roundtable during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's January 2023 visit to Ashgabat was significant. The 600-person Russian forum included roundtable discussions and business council meetings. It opened up investment and trade between our countries considerably," he added.

The Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2024), running from September 10-11 in Ashgabat, is a pivotal event aimed at drawing investments into Turkmenistan's economy. Organized by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, the forum attracts leading international companies and organizations. Key areas of focus include investments in the hydrocarbon sector, the TAPI project, gas chemistry, power generation, construction, and transport.

The forums agenda also features sessions with experts from UN specialized agencies, S&P Global Commodity Insights, and the World Trade Organization, along with an exhibition showcasing economic achievements.
KOHLER, Wis., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Natalie Black Kohler, 74, of Oostburg, Wisconsin, passed away at her home on September 10, 2024. She was born on December 19, 1949, in Bakersfield, California, to Eugene and Ann Black. She will be remembered as a passionate and purposeful individual, an unwavering and persistent businesswoman, and a devoted partner.

With a gregarious demeanor, infectious smile, sharp wit, and cunning sense of humor, Natalie left an indelible impact on all those she worked with, traveled with, knew, and loved.

Natalie Black Kohler

To learn more about Natalie's countless contributions and impact, visit her tribute at CelebrateNatalieBlackKohler.com

Most memorable about Natalie to her family was her devotion to those closest to her: her dogs, Chella, Reed, and Roe, which were second only to her husband, Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. Partners in business, in life, and in philanthropy, they were rarely apart and enjoyed seeing the world together, traveling frequently and seeking thrilling adventures. Matched in will, wit, and charm, Natalie and Herbert's time together was larger-than-life. Their families will remember their spirits, like their innumerable personal and professional achievements, as irrevocably and affectionately entwined.

Whether she was protecting Kohler Co.'s legal interests worldwide as general counsel; guiding the company through significant global expansion and unprecedented growth through a series of mergers and acquisitions; ensuring Kohler Co.'s privately-held status through a historic stock recapitalization; promoting the KOHLER brand as Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications; or supporting and leading the Kohler Foundation and other charitable endeavors, Natalie's insight, candor, and work ethic were evident to all.

Natalie's mind was quintessentially sharp and curious, never afraid to ask hard questions and always pushing the boundaries of her knowledge. Among her many interests, Natalie was a passionate reader, with a deep love of fiction and a dedication to female authors. Believing fundamentally in the power and importance of reading, Natalie started the Black Spring Foundation, Inc., a non-profit that focuses on literacy, education, hunger, and improving life for animals, and Black Spring will continue addressing these issues well into the future.

During her lifetime, Natalie gave generously to these causes, focusing much of her philanthropic efforts on Sheboygan County and providing substantial funding to the Sheboygan County Food Bank, the Sheboygan County Humane Society, and Sheboygan Public Education Foundation. She will be remembered for her emphasis on the importance of giving back to one's community by her step-grandchildren, whom she involved in her philanthropic giving from their young age.

When Natalie assumed leadership of Kohler Communications, the KOHLER brand was a distant third place in brand awareness among consumers. Within a few years, KOHLER ascended to the top and has never looked back. Much of that achievement and domination was due to Natalie's dogged determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and keen intuition.

Natalie's imprint on the KOHLER brand continues to be omnipresent: avant-garde As I See It advertising campaigns; decades' string of Most Remembered Exhibit Booth at Kitchen & Bath Show, and International Builders Show; and the Kohler Design Center, her beloved showcase of artistic products, breakthrough design ideas, and unique company history.

The capstone of her 33-year career at Kohler Co. is The Beacon, Kohler Co.'s state-of-the-art global communications headquarters, a modern architectural masterpiece serving as a brick-and-mortar culmination of Natalie's career-long passion for elevating KOHLER as an aspirational brand through imaginative advertising and strong consumer brand pull-through presence. As further validation of her long and successful career in advertising, Natalie was inducted into the Wisconsin Advertising Hall of Fame as part of its 2019 class along with her husband, Herbert V. Kohler, Jr.

Natalie was a 1978 magna cum laude graduate of Marquette University Law School. She received an A.B. degree in economics and mathematics from Stanford University in 1972. She was also a graduate of the Harvard Business School's Program for Management Development in 1982. Natalie joined Kohler Co. in 1981 as a member of the Legal Department after previous employment since 1978 as an attorney with the Milwaukee law firm of Quarles & Brady, specializing in securities and general corporate work.

In addition to being a member of the Kohler Co. Board of Directors from 1987 to 2022, and a member, then President of Kohler Foundation from 1998 to 2022, Natalie was active on numerous professional boards and organizations, including member of the American, Wisconsin and Sheboygan County Bar Associations; Chairman of the Committee on Corporate Law Departments for the Section on Business Law of the American Bar Association; and on the Board of Trustees for Marquette University from 1993 to 2013. She served on the Board of Directors for Johnson Controls, Inc. from 1998 to 2018, and was a member of the Policy Advisory Board of the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University since 1991. Natalie was on the Board of Trustees for the Medical College of Wisconsin from 1997 to 2009, and on Boards of the Sheboygan County YMCA and The Milwaukee Ballet Company.

Natalie was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., whom she married in January 1988; father, Eugene Black; mother, Delores Ann Black; sister, Denise Gross; nephew, Derek Rhodehouse; brother-in-law, Frederic Kohler; and sister-in-law, Ruth DeYoung Kohler II. She is survived by her sister, Jennifer (Bill) Westbrook of Tulare, California; niece, Stacey Westbrook; two stepdaughters, Laura Kohler (Steve Proudman), and Rachel Kohler (Mark Hoplamazian); and stepson, David Kohler (Nina). She is further survived by 10 step grandchildren, Lily, Hannah, and Rachel Proudman; Mara, Lena, and Leo Hoplamazian; Ashley, Samuel, Jack, and Tait Kohler; and three step great grandchildren, Ophelia, Herbert, and Uma Cartwright.

A private service is being held with burial at Woodland Cemetery in Kohler. In lieu of flowers, donations in Natalie's name can be made to Black Spring Foundation, Inc., or the Sheboygan County Food Bank.

SOURCE Kohler Co.
Hardwick Among the 24 Honorees Named for the 2024 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards

HOUSTON, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Women Presidents Organization (WPO), in partnership with Women Elevating Women (W.E.W.), announced Kyra Renel Hardwick, managing consultant of The Kyra Company, LLC., as a 2024 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards winner. Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking, Hardwick was among twenty-four high achieving women from across North America will who were formally honored in a ceremony on September 11 in Philadelphia. The elite annual awards event selects minority women leaders who exhibit outstanding professional achievements and contributions to their local communities.

Kyra Renel Hardwick receives 2024 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Award Kyra Renel Hardwick, managing consultant of The Kyra Company

Born and raised in Detroit, Kyra Renel Hardwick has become known as a change agent and game changer in the business community. Hardwick founded The Kyra Company nearly a decade ago and created a unique set of skills and methods that have literally saved businesses and helped them to retain more of their profits. With her offices headquartered in Houston, Texas, she has literally changed the lives and bottom lines of business owners all around the nation.

With an innate ability to see the holes in companies and create customized strategies to fill the gaps, Kyra also created signature programs including the Smart CEOs Accelerator Program: The Capacity Builder, which empowers growth stage businesses through a comprehensive curriculum, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

"I am incredibly grateful for the impact that The Kyra Company team has made to change the lives of small business owners across the nation. Thank you for recognizing our work," said Kyra Renel Hardwick, managing consultant of The Kyra Company and 2024 recipient of the Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards. "My life's work has been dedicated to helping other business owners and CEOs soar. I am honored to be recognized for the vital contributions I've made to the business community."

In addition to the Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards, Kyra Hardwick continues to lead a dynamic team at The Kyra Company who are working on other award-winning initiatives that are positively impacting businesses around the globe.

For more information, please visit https://www.thekyracompany.com.

ABOUT THE KYRA COMPANY

Founded in 2015 by Kyra Renel Hardwick, The Kyra Company, LLC, is an operations and business development-focused consulting firm. The Kyra Company offers organizations, both corporate and non-profits, with a refreshing perspective on leadership. Using TKC's strategic methods designed specifically for an organization's culture and objectives, they grow successful teams, engage team members and implement strategic solutions to strengthen the organizations they work with. The Kyra Company is certified at the state, corporate, and government level as a woman-owned/minority business enterprise. https://www.thekyracompany.com/

ABOUT WOMEN PRESIDENTS ORGANIZATION (WPO)

The Women Presidents Organization (WPO) is a non-profit membership organization where dynamic and diverse women business leaders around the world tap into collective insight with exclusive access to entrepreneurial equals, innovative ideas, and executive education. WPO members have guided their business to generate at least $2 million USD in gross annual sales (or $1 million USD for a service-based business). Each WPO chapter serves as a professionally-facilitated peer advisory group for members where they can harness the momentum of their successes and cultivate new strategies that will take them even further. Learn more at women-presidents.com.

ABOUT WOMEN ELEVATING WOMEN (W.E.W.)

Women Elevating Women (W.E.W.) is a close-knit community of multicultural women executives and entrepreneurs, providing support and resources for those aiming to scale their businesses to million-dollar enterprises, a milestone achieved by less than 3% of women-owned businesses. At W.E.W., we empower and uplift women through our 5 Pillars of Success: Collaborate, Connect, Communicate, Cultivate, and Courage, hosting over 20 events annually. These events offer tools, shared resources, connections, and strategic partnerships aimed at facilitating growth. Our programs and exclusive business opportunities simplify and amplify goals through strategic planning, ensuring measurable objectives aligned with each member's mission and vision. With a growing global reach, W.E.W. connects women entrepreneurs and executives from around the world, fostering a diverse network that transcends borders and empowers women to achieve unprecedented success on an international scale. Visit wewcrew.com to learn more.

ABOUT JPMORGAN CHASE COMMERCIAL BANKING

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. Through its Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries, Corporate Client Banking & Specialized Industries, and Commercial Real Estate businesses, Commercial Banking serves emerging startups to midsize businesses and large corporations as well as government entities, not-for-profit organizations, and commercial real estate investors, developers and owners.

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking is committed to leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs across the country by providing access, connections and opportunities to diverse business owners and to those who have been historically underserved. Today, the firm has a dedicated team of bankers focused on understanding and supporting the unique journeys of diverse, women, and veteran business owners to help their businesses grow and succeed.

Information about JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking resources for women business owners are available at jpmorgan.com/CB-women-owned.

Media Contact:

Kayla Tucker Adams, KTA Media Group, [email protected], 214-403-9852 cell

SOURCE The Kyra Company
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sidewalk Side Spirits, a New Orleans-based spirits brand incubator, is thrilled to announce the release of Hardhide Chilton County Peach Whiskey, the latest addition to their growing portfolio of unique and flavorful spirits. This new offering joins its sibling the company's popular Hardhide Ponchatoula Strawberry Whiskey, bringing a delightful taste of the South to whiskey enthusiasts everywhere.

Hardhide Chilton County Peach Whiskey Case View PDF Pick Peaches Not Fights!

Hardhide Peach Whiskey is a testament to Sidewalk Side Spirits' dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients and crafting exceptional spirits. The company's founder and CEO, John Eason, emphasizes the importance of staying true to their Southern roots, stating, "We searched the South for the finest peaches available! We are proud to partner with Durbin Family Farms, a family-owned and operated farm that has been cultivating the highest quality peaches in the Southeast since 1961."

Durbin Family Farms, renowned for its exceptional peaches, has been a cornerstone of the Chilton County, Alabama, community for over six decades. Chilton County is globally recognized for its high-quality peaches, and Sidewalk Side Spirits is proud to incorporate this local treasure into their latest creation.

Hardhide Peach Whiskey is a harmonious blend of fresh peaches from Durbin Family Farms, three-year-old wheat whiskey, and light American whiskey. This exceptional spirit is meticulously blended and bottled by Distiller Thomas Soltau and the team at the Sugarfield Distillery in Gonzales, Louisiana. Sugarfield ensures that the premium quality of the whiskey harmonizes beautifully with the natural fruit flavors, creating a truly unique and enjoyable experience.

Like Hardhide Ponchatoula Strawberry Whiskey, Hardhide Peach is blended to have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43%. This versatile spirit can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, blended with iced tea, or mixed into a variety of cocktails, offering a delightful experience for those who appreciate flavored whiskeys.

In keeping with Sidewalk Side Spirits' tradition of community support, 2% of the profits from Hardhide Peach Whiskey will be donated to the Toups Family Meal, a nonprofit organization established by Chef Isaac and Amanda Toups. Their mission is to address food insecurity in New Orleans, with a particular emphasis on helping children. The Toups Family Meal is dedicated to their cause, implementing various initiatives such as a summer meal program, disaster relief efforts, holiday meal distributions, and outreach in food deserts.

Hardhide Chilton County Peach Whiskey is now available for purchase at select retailers throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky. Other states coming on as more inventory becomes available. Online at www.HardhideWhiskey.com

For more information about Sidewalk Side Spirits and their commitment to crafting exceptional spirits, please visit their website at www.Sidewalksidespirits.com

To learn more about the Toups Family Meal and their mission to combat food insecurity in New Orleans, visit their website at www.ToupsFamilyMeal.com

Sidewalk Side Spirits is a spirit's brand incubator company founded in 2020 by spirits industry veteran John Eason, and the owners of Cocktail & Son's, Lauren Myerscough, and Max Messier. The ranks were bolstered with the addition of world class food scientists Hoby Wedler and Justin Vallandingham in 2023 Their award winning brands Gambino's King Cake Rum Cream and Hardhide Whiskey make an excellent addition to your spirits collection and bring along a great dash of Southern Hospitality. To know more go to www.sidewalksidespirits.com or email [email protected]

SOURCE Sidewalk Side Spirits
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nona Biosciences, a global biotechnology company providing a total solution from "Idea to IND" (I to ITM), announced today that it has entered into a multi-target antibody discovery collaboration with Umoja Biopharma, a transformative immunotherapy company creating off-the-shelf treatments that aim to extend the reach and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapies in oncology and autoimmunity. This collaboration leverages Nona's proprietary fully human heavy chain only antibody (HCAb) technology to produce novel in vivo generated CAR-T cell therapy drug candidates.

Fully human HCAbs have the potential to significantly reduce immunogenicity and offer versatility in CAR design due to their compact size, simplified structure, and precisely calibrated binding properties. This partnership aims to combine Nona's HCAb Harbour Mice platform and direct CAR-function-based HCAb library screening platform (NonaCarFx) with Umoja's VivoVec platform to develop novel in vivo CAR-T cell therapies and expand the potential reach of this innovative delivery technology.

Dr. Jingsong Wang, MD, PhD, Chairman of Nona Biosciences, commented, "We are excited to collaborate with Umoja Biopharma, a pioneer in cell and gene therapy. We believe that our HCAb Harbour Mice technology and NonaCarFxTM platform, alongside with our extensive experience in oncology and immunology, will empower Umoja to generate novel CAR-T cell therapies that benefit patients worldwide."

Byoung Ryu, PhD, Umoja's Executive Vice President of Discovery Research and Vector Biology added, "Nona is a great partner for Umoja as we continue to move the CAR-T cell field towards directly administrated in vivo CAR therapeutics. Nona has demonstrated capabilities for generating highly functional CAR candidates, and we look forward to developing multiple in vivo drug candidates through this partnership and ultimately, helping change outcomes for these patients."

About Nona Biosciences

Nona Biosciences is a global biotechnology company committed to cutting-edge technology innovations and providing a total solution from "Idea to IND" ("I to ITM"), ranging from target validation and antibody discovery through preclinical research. The integrated antibody and antibody-related discovery services with multiple modalities range from antigen preparation, animal immunization, single B cell screening, to antibody lead generation and engineering, developability assessment and pharmacological evaluation, leveraging advantages of Harbour Mice platforms and the experienced therapeutic antibody discovery team.

Harbour Mice generates fully human monoclonal antibodies in classical two light and two heavy chain (H2L2) format, and heavy chain only (HCAb) format. Integrating Harbour Mice and a single B cell cloning platform, Nona Biosciences is focused on driving global inventions of transformative next-generation drugs. For more information, please visit: www.nonabio.com.

About Umoja Biopharma

Umoja Biopharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company aiming to develop off-the-shelf therapeutics that improve the reach, effectiveness, and access of CAR-T cell therapies in both oncology and autoimmunity. Umoja's VivoVecTM in vivo gene delivery technology empowers a patient's own immune system to fight disease. Enabling its core technology is Umoja's state-of-the-art lentiviral vector development and manufacturing facility in Louisville, Colorado. Umoja believes its approach can provide broader access and improved effectiveness of the most advanced immunotherapies, enabling more patients to live better, fuller lives. To learn more, please visit http://umoja-biopharma.com/.

SOURCE Nona Biosciences
Locks Law Firm: Philadelphia Court adds over $90M in delay damages to $725M jury verdict

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A Philadelphia jury's $725.5 Million verdict against ExxonMobil in a benzene case has been upheld by the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. The Court denied all of ExxonMobil's post-trial motions and added over $90 million in delay damages, to bring the total award to just under $816 Million. The verdict, which was obtained by Andrew DuPont of Locks Law Firm and Patrick Wigle and Rajeev Mittal of Waters Krause Paul & Siegel on behalf of Paul Gill and his wife Diane Gill, is a major victory for the plaintiffs and a significant setback for ExxonMobil.

The case stemmed from Mr. Gill's exposure to benzene contained in Mobil Oil gasoline when he worked as a mechanic and gasoline station attendant between 1974 and 1979. As a result of this exposure, he developed Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Over a 7-day trial this past spring, the jury heard evidence of Mr. Gill's exposures to benzene from gasoline, Mobil Oil's failure to warn him and the significant harm that he and his wife Diane Gill sustained as the result of his developing both Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Colon Cancer that metastasized to his liver.

ExxonMobil filed several motions following the verdict which sought to overturn or reduce the jury's verdict. In addition to denying the motions, the Court also ordered ExxonMobil to pay over $90 million in delay damages, bringing the total award to just under $816 million.

"The denial of the post-trial motions reinforces the jury's determination that ExxonMobil must be held responsible for causing Mr. Gill's injuries," said Andrew DuPont, a partner with Locks Law Firm. "It's important that we continue to fight to bring to light the cancer hazard of exposure to benzene in gasoline. Mr. and Mrs. Gill thank the Court for its careful review of ExxonMobil's assignments of error against the backdrop of the trial evidence and the jury's verdict. They hope that ExxonMobil and all companies that incorporate benzene into their products will take appropriate steps to prevent benzene exposure and prevent people like Mr. Gill from developing cancer and suffering the terrible effects of that disease."

The Gills' victory is a major step forward in the fight for justice for those who have been harmed by exposure to benzene. It is a reminder that our justice system is a powerful tool for protecting the rights of individuals.

The case is Paul Gill and Diane Gill v. ExxonMobil et al., Case ID 200501803, in Pennsylvania's First Judicial District.

Locks Law Firm's benzene team consistently obtains great results in benzene cases. DuPont, the leader of this team, has over 20 years of experience litigating benzene cases, making him one of the preeminent lawyers on the subject matter, with over 50 settlements. Mr. and Mrs. Gills' verdict was the largest ever in a benzene case.

About Locks Law Firm

With offices in Philadelphia, New York City and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Locks Law Firm is known for protecting the rights of consumers throughout the country, as well as individuals and families who have suffered injuries or death as a result of the recklessness or negligence of another party including cases involving benzene, dangerous pharmaceuticals, toxic chemicals and asbestos. Attorneys at the Locks Law Firm practice with the highest level of professional integrity and have extensive courtroom experience. For additional information, visit www.lockslaw.com or call 215-893-0100.

Janet Lewis

[email protected]

215.893.3400

Cell: 267.994.5322

SOURCE Locks Law Firm
CANTON, Mass., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Point32Health, a not-for-profit health and well-being organization, today announced that Chief Executive Officer Cain Hayes is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. The Board thanks Cain for his service and wishes him well with his future endeavors.

The Board of Directors of Point32Health has appointed current Chair of the Board, Eileen Auen as Interim Executive Chair, effective immediately. Auen will serve until a search for a permanent replacement is concluded.

"Eileen has served on the Board of Point32Health and its predecessor companies for over eight years and as Chair since June 2022," said Bert Scott, fellow Director and Chair of Point32Health's Governance Committee. "We are truly fortunate that Eileen, with her knowledge of the organization and industry, will step in to lead the company during this transition."

Auen's career of more than 25 years in leadership roles in healthcare and financial services, includes previously serving as Chief Executive Officer of APS Healthcare (a behavioral health company) and PMSI (a pharmacy benefit manager). She was also the Head of Healthcare Management for Aetna and President of Health Net of the Northeast and held several senior roles at CIGNA including President of the Southeast and SVP of Intracorp (a care management company).

"Point32Health is a strong organization whose mission is grounded in serving all segments of the population with high quality access to benefits and services that improve the health and wellness of our members and communities. Despite challenges ahead for the healthcare industry, I remain confident in Point32Health's future and look forward to collaborating with our talented team to fulfill our mission," said Auen. "It's never been more important for our customers and the communities we serve in New England to experience the benefits of purpose-driven, not-for-profit health care coverage."

About Point32Health

Point32Health is a leading not-for-profit health and well-being organization, delivering a better health care experience to our members and the communities we serve, building on the quality of our founding organizations, Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

At Point32Health, we believe that everyone should have equitable access to affordable, high-quality health care, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, orientation, gender identity or ability. We offer a diverse range of health plans that help improve the health and wellness of the 2.1 million members we serve. Every day, we work to deliver on our purpose of guiding and empowering healthier lives for everyone.

We are proud that our Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial Combined HMO and POS plans in Massachusetts and Maine, our Exchange HMO plans in Massachusetts and Maine, as well as Tufts Health Plan's Medicaid and Exchange HMO plans, have received full Health Equity Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

SOURCE Point32Health
GUIYANG, China, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from Discover Guizhou: ASEAN countries are closely connected and enjoy cultural proximity. A grand friendship meeting came as scheduled in Guizhou in late August.

More than 30 outstanding youth representatives from 17 countries and regions delved into Guiyang, Anshun, and Qiandongnan to experience the practice of Chinese-style modernization in Guizhou so as to crack the code of mutual learning among civilizations.

2024 was designated as the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Since the vision of building a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future was proposed in 2013, the cultural exchanges between ASEAN and China have been expanding in such areas as culture, tourism, education and youth. Amity between the people holds the key to sound China-ASEAN relations, becoming a dramatic example of promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

As one of the important activities of the 2024 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week, the Second Tsinghua Global Youth Dialogue took place in Guizhou from August 22 to 26. More than 30 outstanding youth representatives from 17 countries and regions delved into Guiyang, Anshun, and Qiandongnan to experience the practice of Chinese-style modernization in Guizhou so as to crack the code of mutual learning among civilizations.

Implementing the Global Civilization Initiative and promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Young people are the inheritors and innovators of the world's cultural diversity, and they are also the ties and bridges for in-depth dialogue across cultures and mutual understanding. With great openness to the outside world, Guizhou is advancing a broader agenda of higher-level exchanges and cooperation with ASEAN across more areas and in greater depth.

During the event, youth representatives from 10 ASEAN countries met in Guizhou for a good talk about the economic and cultural exchanges and integration between China and ASEAN. They also traveled together and took selfies at Guizhou's Village T (i.e. runway show), Village Super League, Huangguoshu Waterfall, and Baling River Bridge in order to discover the unique beauty of different civilizations and obtain cultural resonance. Moreover, they had discussions on China-ASEAN friendship to chart the course for the future.

SOURCE Discover Guizhou
Pure Glow was founded in Boston and has a long history of serving clients since its first location in Back Bay in 2015. Over the years, Pure Glow has established itself as a trusted name in the beauty industry, known for its high-quality airbrush tanning services and exceptional customer care.

Lauren Rampello Becotte, the visionary behind Pure Glow, was born and raised in Leominster, MA, and graduated from Northeastern University in 2010. With a passion for health and wellness, Lauren identified a gap in the market for modernized airbrush tanning solutions. Her dedication to better results, safer ingredients, and a superior customer experience has driven Pure Glow's success. Since its inception, Pure Glow has performed over 70,000 services within the Boston area.

The new Seaport location signifies a major investment in the growing trend of airbrush tanning. Designed with a high level of sophistication and attention to detail, the studio aims to deliver an unparalleled experience in the sunless tanning service category. This flagship studio is set to redefine what clients can expect from airbrush tanning, combining luxurious surroundings with the latest in healthy tanning technology.

A significant part of this investment involves Pure Glow's partnership with Heitler Houstoun, a renowned design firm known for its work with brands like Drybar, Rent the Runway, and Madison Reed. Together, they have completely revamped the airbrush tanning experience. The new Seaport studio will feature state-of-the-art design elements that prioritize both function and aesthetics, creating an environment that is as beautiful as it is practical. The design incorporates advanced ventilation systems, optimal lighting, and premium materials to ensure a comfortable and luxurious experience for every client.

"The opening of our Seaport location marks an exciting chapter for Pure Glow. As our flagship studio, it embodies our commitment to excellence and innovation in airbrush tanning," said Lauren Rampello Becotte, Founder and CEO of Pure Glow. "We are thrilled to continue our expansion and bring our premium services to more clients in Boston and beyond."

This flagship studio located at 100 Northern Avenue will serve as the cornerstone for Pure Glow's recently launched franchise opportunity and will employ over ten new airbrush specialists. Pure Glow has plans to open studios in Phoenix, Dallas, Nashville, Milwaukee, Sarasota, FL, and Birmingham, MI before the summer of 2025. In addition, Pure Glow continues its strategic expansion within the Boston area, with plans to open a new location in Chestnut Hill by the summer of 2025. This addition will further strengthen Pure Glow's presence in the city as the brand explores additional growth opportunities throughout the Boston market. This expansion reflects Pure Glow's vision of becoming a national leader in the beauty franchise sector.

The Seaport is running an exclusive offer to purchase a 5-session package at a steeply discounted rate of $295. To book a service at our newest location, please visit our Seaport page here . To learn more about our franchise opportunity, please visit our franchise site .

Contact Information:

Sean Bock, Pure Glow | [email protected]

SOURCE Pure Glow
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantiphi , an AI-first digital engineering company today announced it is one of the first Google Cloud partners to achieve the prestigious Google Cloud Generative AI - Services Specialization , a testament to its position as an AI and generative AI leader, reinforcing its cutting-edge expertise in deploying advanced AI models to transform industries like healthcare, finance , retail , manufacturing and more through creative, data-driven solutions.

"Being among the first few Google Cloud partners to receive the Generative AI Specialization underscores our dedication to pioneering the frontiers of AI and delivering transformative solutions to our clients," Quantiphi Co-Founder Asif Hasan said. "Our team's relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in generative AI empowers our clients to unlock unprecedented efficiency and growth."

"Quantiphi's commitment to ethical AI practices empowers clients to confidently integrate advanced AI technologies into their operations," Google Cloud Managing Director of Application ISV Partnerships Pallab Deb said. "Achieving the Google Cloud Generative AI- Services Specialization highlights Quantiphi's ability to harness generative AI capabilities to drive real-world impact for its clients."

"Quantiphi's work in generative AI is redefining the possibilities of artificial intelligence, enabling businesses to innovate faster, scale their operations more efficiently and deliver personalized experiences at an unprecedented level," Hasan said.

Visit Quantiphi.com to learn more about how Quantiphi's AI and generative AI capabilities are transforming enterprises across the globe.

About Quantiphi

Quantiphi is an award-winning AI-first digital engineering company driven by the desire to reimagine and realize transformational opportunities at the heart of business. Since its inception in 2013, Quantiphi has solved the toughest and most complex business problems by combining deep industry experience, disciplined cloud and data engineering practices, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence research to achieve accelerated and quantifiable business results. Learn more at quantiphi.com and follow us on Linkedin , X, formerly Twitter and Instagram .

Media Contact:

H. Mayes

[email protected]

Quantiphi Newsroom

SOURCE Quantiphi
Four inspired model homes now open for tours at Seasons at Riverton

PLUMAS LAKE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Richmond American Homes of California, a subsidiary of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., is pleased to announce the opening of four new model homes at Seasons at Riverton (RichmondAmerican.com/SeasonsAtRiverton) in Plumas Lake. Prospective homebuyers and area agents are encouraged to tour the new Agate, Ammolite, Elderberry and Ruby floor plans at this exciting new masterplan.

Richmond Americans ranch-style Agate floor plan is modeled at Seasons at Riverton in Plumas Lake, California.

Featuring two vibrant communities, Seasons at Riverton offers ranch and two-story homes from the builder's popular Seasons Collection (RichmondAmerican.com/Seasons), designed to maximize space and make homeownership more attainable for a variety of buyers.

About Seasons at Riverton North & South:

New ranch and two-story homes from the $500s

Seven inspired Seasons  Collection floor plans

Collection floor plans Up to 5 bedrooms & approx. 3,040 sq. ft.

3-car & RV garages available

Close proximity to highways & notable schools

Short drive to popular shops & restaurants

Near Beale Air Force Base & Toyota Amphitheatre

Designer-curated fixtures & finishes

Four models open for tours

Seasons at Riverton is located at 1699 Bond Way (Leighton Grove and River Oaks Boulevard) in Plumas Lake. Call 530.491.7104 or visit RichmondAmerican.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

About M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1972. MDC's homebuilding subsidiaries, which operate under the name Richmond American Homes, have helped more than 240,000 homebuyers achieve the American Dream since 1977. One of the largest homebuilders in the nation, MDC is committed to quality and value that is reflected in each home its subsidiaries build. The Richmond American companies have operations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Mortgage lending, insurance and title services are offered by the following MDC subsidiaries, respectively: HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. and American Home Title and Escrow Company. For more information, visit MDCHoldings.com.

SOURCE M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 13. PepsiCo plans to invest $160 million in constructing a new potato chip plant in Kazakhstan, Trend reports via Kazakh Invest.

It was mentioned at the meeting between PepsiCo executives and Kazakhstan's Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov that this investment will improve relations between the two countries and show how appealing Kazakhstan is becoming to foreign businesses. The project will help local farmers and advance the economic growth of the area.

The plant, which will be located in the Almaty region, will create 350 jobs and support the development of the agro-industrial sector, while local raw materials will be used in the production process. In the first stage, the enterprise's capacity will be 14,000-16,000 tons of products, with a further increase up to 21,000 tons. The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by 2026.

PepsiCo representatives expressed gratitude to the government for the support, emphasizing that this project is only the beginning of the company's large-scale investments in the region, and added that the company plans to actively cooperate with local suppliers and expand production to meet demand both in the domestic market and in Central Asian countries.

To note, the plant will be PepsiCo's first major food production project in Kazakhstan, further strengthening the company's presence in the country.
NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Paragon 28, Inc. (NYSE: FNA) resulting from allegations that Paragon 28 may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So What: If you purchased Paragon 28 securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=27557 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

What is this about: On July 30, 2024, after the market closed, Paragon 28 filed a current report on Form 8-K with the SEC. It stated "[o]n July 30, 2024, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee") of Paragon 28, Inc. (the "Company"), in consultation with management, concluded that the Company's previously issued audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, contained within the Annual Report on Form 10-K for that year (and the associated audit report of the Company's independent registered accounting firm) and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained within the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023, and March 31, 2024 should no longer be relied upon due to errors in such financial statements, and therefore a restatement of these prior financial statements is required. Accordingly, the Company intends to restate the aforementioned financial statements by amending its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (the "Restated Filings") as soon as reasonably practicable."

On this news, Paragon 28's stock fell $1.24 per share, or 13.7%, to close at $7.79 per share on July 31, 2024.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
Summary: SCORE announced the three winners of its 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition held in Des Moines on Sept. 12, 2024. The event, part of a nationwide series, awarded $20,000 to the first-place winner, $10,000 to the second and $5,000 to the third, while also providing them with invaluable exposure and mentorship.

DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SCORE, the nation's largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, announced the three winning small business owners from its 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition held on Sept. 12, 2024 at Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines, one of the host cities of the nationwide event. The competition is an avenue for small business owners to showcase their presentation and selling skills to industry experts, win funding and gain valuable knowledge and mentorship, all at no cost. More than 2,200 small business owners applied to participate.

Winners of SCOREs 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition in Des Moines: Tony Horner  Fermented Felon; Scott Massey  Anu; and Katie Olthoff  ChopLocal.

The three winning businesses in the Des Moines pitch event are:

First Place:

Scott Massey  Anu, Evansville, IN

Heliponix, LLC (doing business as Anu) specializes in innovative indoor farming solutions using patented Rotary Aeroponics technology. Their flagship product, the Pure Produce Container, integrates advanced farming systems with Self-Nurturing Seed Pods and AI-enabled monitoring. This technology addresses food insecurity and resource challenges by providing scalable, energy-efficient farming solutions for both residential and commercial users. Scott earned the top prize of $20,000 for his pitch. He plans to use his prize to cover patent and intellectual property expenses and to create new AI development roles, fostering inclusive growth and leveraging diverse talents for advancing their technology.

Second Place:

Katie Olthoff  ChopLocal, Wayland, IA

ChopLocal is a SaaS-enabled marketplace designed to support livestock producers, small meat processors and consumers. It offers an online platform similar to Etsy, where vendors can sell their meat products directly to consumers. The service includes marketing and technology support to help vendors effectively reach and serve their customers. ChopLocal aims to revive local meat supply chains and simplify online meat purchasing. Katie earned $10,000 for her pitch, which she plans to use to increase the marketing budget to attract more consumers, support the platform's growth, and enhance the reach and visibility of ChopLocal's vendors.

Third Place:

Tony Horner - Fermented Felon, Bellevue, NE

Fermented Felon is a kombucha tea company founded by Tony Horner, who turned his life around from a troubled past to become an entrepreneur. The company offers a range of unique kombucha flavors and focuses on growth and quality, with plans to expand into new metropolitan areas. They emphasize fresh, flavorful kombucha that avoids the common vinegar taste. Tony received $5,000 for his pitch. He will use the prize to support the company's expansion into new markets, including purchasing supplies, equipment and hiring additional employees to facilitate growth.

"Congratulations to the winners of our 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition event in Des Moines," said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston. "These incredible entrepreneurs embody the innovation, creativity and hard work it takes to achieve small business dreams. SCORE is proud to have supported them with mentorship and resources as we have helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs over the past 60 years."

As part of the pitch competition, contestants were matched with one of SCORE's free, expert business mentors to guide them to prepare and deliver a compelling pitch.

Judging criteria included the effectiveness of the presentation, brand identification, uniqueness and viability of the product or service, the thoroughness of the business plan, scalability and any sustainability or social impact. Financials were also assessed on overall potential.

Shellie Peters, Head of Benefits and Charitable Giving at Global Atlantic, said, "We're proud supporters of SCORE's Des Moines pitch competition and are excited to celebrate the innovative spirit of the local business community. Global Atlantic has deep roots in Des Moines and we're excited to have had this opportunity to support the entrepreneurs and small businesses that will drive the local economy forward. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!"

The 10 finalists from the Des Moines pitch event also included:

Denise Greenhaw - NextGen Motors of Muscatine ( Muscatine, IA )

NextGen Motors of Muscatine ( ) Christy Vincent - MOC BOD , LLC ( Kansas City, MO )

- , LLC ( ) Dakota Belling - Bovi-Jet ( Granger, IA )

Bovi-Jet ( ) Abby Miller - Pat on Tap ( Mead, NE )

Pat on Tap ( ) Juperi Johnson - Kena Wrap, LLC ( Albuquerque, NM )

Kena Wrap, LLC ( ) Caitlin Hainley - Des Moines Midwife Collective ( Des Moines, IA )

Des Moines Midwife Collective ( ) Tiffany Jones - Cake Charming, LLC ( Oswego, IL )

For more information or to download photos of the event, click here for the press kit.

In addition to Des Moines, SCORE is hosting regional in-person pitch events in Los Angeles (Sept. 26), and Houston (Oct. 3), as well as a national virtual contest (Sept. 17-18). A previous pitch competition in Philadelphia on Aug. 28 kicked off the series. To learn more or register to attend any of these events, visit the 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition page on SCORE.org.

To schedule interviews with winners of SCORE's Des Moines 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition, finalists, mentors, or representatives from SCORE, please contact [email protected].

To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor or volunteer to be one, visit score.org.

About SCORE

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at www.score.org.

Funded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Media Contact

Maria Coder, SCORE, 954-379-211, [email protected], https://www.score.org

SOURCE SCORE
STOCKHOLM, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Securitas sets a provision of approximately MUSD 53 (MSEK 551) related to the U.S. Government investigation into Paragon Systems, Inc, a U.S.-based subsidiary within the business unit Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services.

As previously communicated, the U.S. Government is conducting an investigation into Paragon Systems, Inc, a U.S.-based subsidiary operating under a proxy agreement as required by the U.S. authorities to be eligible for U.S. government business. The investigation relates to alleged misconduct by certain former employees and to Paragon's relationship with various small business entities which were a direct or indirect party to contracts with the U.S. Government starting around 2012. Paragon is cooperating fully with the investigation.

As the result of an ongoing constructive dialog with the authorities and in line with applicable accounting standards, Securitas has now set a provision of approximately MUSD 53 (MSEK 551), which is the current estimated cost related to this matter. The amount is expected to be partly tax deductible.

The provision will be accounted for in the third quarter 2024 as an item affecting comparability under the heading Other in the segment reporting where the business unit Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services is reported.

This press release is available at www.securitas.com

Contact:

Investors: Micaela Sjokvist, VP Group Investor Relations; +46 76 116 7443, [email protected]

Media: Carin Andersson, VP Group Communications; +46 10 470 3020, [email protected]

This is information that Securitas AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 07.00 a.m. (CEST) on Friday, September 13, 2024.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/securitas/r/securitas-sets-provision-related-to-u-s--government-investigation-in-paragon-systems--inc-,c4037009

The following files are available for download:
SEDONA, Ariz., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It's 2:30 am in the Red Rock country of Sedona, Arizona. There's usually not much going on at that time unless you're making what are arguably some of the best donuts in North America.

In a quiet shopping center on Old Highway 89A, the lines form early to get a dozen very large and sweet confections at Sedonuts Donut and Coffee Shop.

Sedonuts is a family-owned donut and coffee shop that was the brainchild of Paul and Lynette Gilkey. The couple opened Sedonuts three years ago in west Sedona and, over that time, built what many will say is the #1 Donut and Coffee Shop experience in North America. YELP Travel Guide ranks Sedonuts in the Top 40 Donut Shops in the U.S. and Canada.

The Gilkeys have big plans for the Sedonuts brand and opened their second store in Cottonwood, Arizona, this week. And there's a good chance Sedonuts will be coming to your town sometime soon.

Link  https://sedonutsandcoffee.com

What makes Sedonuts so unique? Owner Paul Gilkey says, "We are not a chain donut shop. We are a family operation, and we genuinely love what we do. Our people, ingredients, and products are all personally sourced and the best in the industry. Our donuts are famous among travelers worldwide, and our coffee is so delicious that we sell it in our stores with our name on the bags. We do a lot of the little things very well. We want every Sedonuts store to be a welcoming, customer-first experience. "

With the success of the Sedona store, the Gilkeys have big plans to expand their unique donut and coffee footprint. Sedonuts in Cottonwood, AZ, is now open, and in 2025, expansion plans include Old Town Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Tempe, Flagstaff, and Prescott, Arizona.

ABOUT SEDONUTS:

Sedonuts is considered the Southwest's #1 Donut and Coffee Shop experience. The Sedona Sedonuts is at 2370 W. State, Rte. 89A, Sedona, Arizona. The newest Sedonuts is in Cottonwood, Arizona, a 777 North Main, Old Town Cottonwood.

SOURCE Sedonuts
BEIJING, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This a report from China.org.cn

The China-Germany Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum and a promotional event for the 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) were held on Wednesday in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Chinese and German business organizations sign agreements at the China-Germany Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum and promotional event for the 2nd CISCE, Dusseldorf, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Du Chunguo, Chinese consul general in Dusseldorf, and Andreas Schmitz, chairman of the Dusseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Advisory Committee and the German-Chinese Business Association (DCW), attended the forum.

Ren noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership, emphasizing that economic and trade cooperation remains the cornerstone of Sino-German relations.

He expressed hope for companies from both countries to leverage their strengths and explore untapped opportunities for win-win cooperation. Ren also invited more German companies to join the second CISCE to work toward a stable and efficient global supply chain.

Du stated that Sino-German cooperation is built on a strong foundation of robust economic and trade ties. He highlighted the vast potential for collaboration between the two countries in traditional fields such as mechanical engineering and automobiles, as well as emerging areas like green transformation, digitalization and artificial intelligence.

The DCW has maintained close cooperation with CCPIT in recent years, according to Andreas Schmitz. He stressed that the business communities of both countries should seize cooperation opportunities in trade, investment, innovation and technology.

Approximately 130 representatives from German and Chinese enterprises attended the event, sharing case studies of collaboration in industrial and supply chains. China International Exhibition Center Group provided details on the 2nd CISCE and signed agreements with the DCW.

Sino-German business groups hold forum, promote supply chain expo

http://www.china.org.cn/business/2024-09/13/content_117427573.htm

SOURCE China.org.cn
"Yesterday's ribbon cutting marks an exciting step forward for our school and community. The installation of this rooftop solar array not only reduces our environmental footprint, but also serves as a powerful educational tool for our students," said Chris R. Fulmer, Acting Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. "Through this project, students are learning the real-world benefits of renewable energy and how it contributes to a sustainable future."

This 1.8-megawatt project, consisting of 3,300 solar panels, will save the school system an estimated $2.8 million in electric bills over the next 25 years due to the size and efficiency of the on-site generation from the solar rooftop array. The rooftop will also generate 54 million kilowatt hours of clean energy and offset 41,583 tons of CO2.

"It's an honor to partner with Stafford County Public Schools on this monumental project, with implications for school systems across Virginia as they look toward the future of clean energy," said Rich Allevi, Vice President of Energy Solutions with MEI. "We are grateful for systems like Stafford Schools that are prioritizing clean energy and as a result, savings to their school system and ongoing education for their students. This project at North Stafford High School will pave the way for a greener outlook while serving as an inspirational model for other school districts across the state and nation."

Installation of this project began in February of this year, and yesterday's ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marks the completion of the project.

"This rooftop solar array represents a significant milestone for our school division," said Maureen Siegmund, Stafford School Board Chair. "We are proud to be a part of this energy and cost savings project, while also providing our students with real-world educational opportunities to engage in this field at North Stafford High School."

In addition to savings for the school system, this project will provide students with continuous learning opportunities. Students will engage with MEI's Solar Empowered Schools curriculum, which integrates real-time data from the solar panels into energy and science lessons, providing invaluable insights into renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Students have already begun participation in MEI's interactive learning opportunities, including solar-empowered school modules and VR educational tours of the rooftop.

According to Dr. Pamela Yeung, who serves on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, representing the Garrisonville District, not only is this project significant for North Stafford High School, but for the entire county as well.

"This project exemplifies how we can inspire environmental stewardship in our students and the broader community," Yeung said. "Together, we are shaping a more sustainable, environmentally conscious future for Stafford County."

Supporting materials for media use about the ribbon-cutting event and project, including visuals, statements and remarks from representatives, are available using this Dropbox link.

About Stafford County Public Schools

Stafford County Public Schools (Stafford Schools) serves a diverse and mobile population of 32,000 students in 33 schools in a county that covers 280 square miles. Stafford County has an estimated total resident population of 167,421. Stafford Schools is a high-performing school division as evidenced by all of its schools being fully accredited.

About Madison Energy Infrastructure

Madison Energy Infrastructure is a leading clean energy partner committed to delivering sustainable results with certainty, speed, and trust. Our robust portfoliocomprised of over half a gigawatt of clean energy infrastructure assets across more than 25 statesis bolstered by the strength of our globally renowned investors and capital partners. We offer a comprehensive suite of services from project development and engineering to construction, financing, and long-term asset management. What sets us apart is our team's commitment to addressing complex challenges and making the transition to clean energy simple, efficient, and profitable. With a proven track record of successfully executing hundreds of projects, we are unwaveringly focused on exceeding expectations and achieving meaningful results for our partners and customers. Learn more at www.madisonei.com

Stafford Schools Contact:

Sandra Osborn | Chief Communications Officer

540-310-8002 | [email protected]

Additional Media Contact:

Julia Conlon

804-432-7733 | [email protected]

SOURCE Madison Energy Infrastructure
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rejigg announced today that The Parsec Group ("Parsec"), a premier provider of critical infrastructure and operating system managed services, was acquired by IT Service Alliance ("ITSA"), a majority employee and management-owned outsourced IT manager. The acquisition positions ITSA to expand its presence across the U.S. by partnering with a leading IT service provider. Rejigg facilitated the initial introduction between Parsec and ITSA via their first-of-its-kind platform that introduces business owners directly to buyers.

rejigg logo

"ITSA is the ideal partner to carry forward Parsec's legacy while fostering the future growth of our employees and our business," said Wayne Sauer, former owner of Parsec. He continued, "I am confident that Graeme and Nadim [ITSA's CEO and President, respectively], along with Strider [Parsec's CEO] and the entire team, will leverage Parsec's core offering and build ITSA into a leading player in the IT Services industry."

Parsec was originally introduced to Graeme and Nadim through Rejigg in February, within weeks of joining the platform. The two parties continued conversations throughout the following months and signed a letter of intent in May. The deal ultimately closed on August 30th.

"We are excited to welcome the Parsec team into the ITSA family. Parsec represents a highly strategic partnership for ITSA due to its esteemed reputation in the IT Services industry and its central location within the United States," stated Nadim Muzayyin, Co-Founder & President at ITSA. "Colorado's growth as a tech hub, combined with Parsec's national service capabilities, makes this acquisition an ideal platform for ITSA to scale talent and expand our customer reach in the coming years."

About The Parsec Group

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Arvada, Colorado, The Parsec Group is a premier provider of critical infrastructure and operating system-managed services, supporting over 130 Enterprise and Fortune 500 customers. Parsec delivers 24x7x365 support for major operating systems, including OpenVMS, AIX, Tru64, UNIX, HP-UX, Oracle Solaris, and Linux. Their service offerings also include remote system administration, monitoring & support, patch analysis, and hosting for clients' critical IT environments. Parsec's top-tier technical team specializes in serving customers within regulated industries such as Healthcare, Industrial, Education, Government, and Defense.

About IT Service Alliance

Founded in 2023, IT Service Alliance (ITSA) is a majority employee and management-owned outsourced IT manager. Their partnership of IT services businesses provides a range of offerings to Enterprise & Fortune 500 customers including outsourced critical IT infrastructure support, operating system monitoring, cybersecurity management, compliance implementation, cloud migration, VoIP services, governance & risk management, and more.

ITSA was co-founded by Nadim Muzayyin and Graeme Hewett to partner with leading IT Services businesses to maximize their potential through shared resources and go-to-market collaboration. Their approach is to create a true partnership model whereby partners, managers, and employees will benefit through direct equity ownership, partnership bonuses, and regional promotion opportunities. This new model brings forward true partnership at the platform level and provides owners with the freedom of business autonomy and the commitment to keeping the business's unique culture.

About Rejigg

Rejigg is a platform that connects owners of small businesses with interested acquirers and investors . Through their proprietary technology, Rejigg enables buyers and sellers to discover new opportunities, message directly with interested parties, and easily schedule introductory calls to explore potential deals. To date, Rejigg has built a marketplace that includes 300+ off-market businesses and has made over 1,500 introductions between small business owners and interested buyers.

Based in San Francisco and venture-backed, Rejigg is simplifying the process of buying and selling SMBs by using technology to eliminate friction in the discovery process, increase transparency, and reduce transaction costs.

Rejigg Contact:

Barrett Glasauer

Founder and CEO

[email protected]

760-280-5169

SOURCE Rejigg
Trained disaster professionals meeting immediate and long-term needs of impacted communities in Louisiana

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams launched relief operations after Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane Sept. 11. The storm made landfall with 100 mph winds and left over 400,000 homes and businesses without power. In response to the immediate and ongoing impacts of the disaster, The Salvation Army's trained disaster personnel have activated mobile feeding units and are supporting shelters in Gulf Coast communities as they experience mass power outages and flooding.

"The Salvation Army remains prepared and committed to providing critical relief to those experiencing the overwhelming impacts of Hurricane Francine," said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, national commander of The Salvation Army. "Disaster relief is in our DNA, going back 124 years to the 1900 Galveston Hurricane. However, our ability to bring help and hope during devastating times like these is made possible through the generous contributions of people who want to lend a hand to their neighbors for as long as need persists."

The Salvation Army's active services:

The Salvation Army has activated six (6) mobile feeding units and will be serving in Baton Rouge and Morgan City, Louisiana . Two (2) additional mobile feeding units have been placed on standby as impacts are assessed.

and . The Salvation Army is prepared to deploy additional mobile assets, such as command posts and shower trailers, to support base camp operations.

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster teams are prepared to deliver critical emergency relief supplies, such as water and cleanup kits.

Additionally, The Salvation Army is working with federal, state, and local emergency management agencies to adapt response efforts as needed by monitoring the ongoing impacts of the storm.

"Though we know the impact that hurricanes like Francine can have on communities, we are confident in our ability to immediately meet the needs of those most affected," said Jeff Jellets, EDS director for The Salvation Army's Southern Territory. "Our EDS staff have been prepared for situations such as this and have activated quickly to provide meals, emergency relief supplies, and emotional and spiritual care and will be serving for as long as we are needed."

The best way to support The Salvation Army's Hurricane Francine relief efforts is by making a financial contribution, which allows trained professionals to meet immediate and long-term needs. Those who are able to donate can do so through a variety of convenient methods:

To learn more about The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts, click here.

A media kit with photos and other useful materials can be found here.

For media inquiries, please email [email protected].

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 27 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services by providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, shelter for the homeless, and rehabilitation services for people in need. The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 6,400 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100% of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of "America's Favorite Charities" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

Media Contact

Bishop Wash, Director, PR

Lerma Agency

972-854-1586

SOURCE The Salvation Army
Media communications specialist and radio host, Joan Herrmann, helps radio and podcast guests avoid common mistakes so they can level up their game and show up like a pro.

LITTLE FALLS, N.J., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Maximilian Communications, a multi-media communications company, has announced that New York radio host and producer, Joan Herrmann, will be offering a media training program  It's Your Time to Shine - designed to help authors and professionals navigate the challenges of being a radio or podcast guest. It's Your Time to Shine training program is offered in a group setting online.

As an executive producer and radio host who has conducted more than 2,000 interviews with people like Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield, Mitch Albom, Mel Robbins, Joel Osteen, and Jillian Michaels, to those just starting out, Herrmann has witnessed many mistakes that have diminished a guest's appearance. She teaches how to avoid common errors to show up like a pro.

According to Herrmann, "An invitation to appear on a radio show or podcast provides a person with the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, while promoting their brand, products and business. It can elevate a person's status, boosting their reputation. But, only if he or she makes a good impression!"

"I created the It's Your Time to Shine program because after 15 years on air, I can tell within minutes if a conversation will be great, or if it will cause listeners to tune out," said Herrmann. "People work hard to get the booking and I hate watching them waste the opportunity because of the lack of skills or preparation."

Herrmann's signature 90-minute one-on-one program teaches how to:

Prepare for the interview

Handle inexperienced hosts

Get your message across in a clear, concise manner

Bridge to message

Make media appearances more impactful

Charismatically connect with the host and listeners

Maximize the appearance

Become a trusted resource

For more information about Herrmann and the It's Your Time to Shine program, visit: joanherrmann.com/mediatraining.

Joan Herrmann is the creator of the Change Your Attitude  Change Your Life (CYACYL) lifestyle brand. She has 35 years of experience as a media consultant and public relations specialist. For the past 15 years, Herrmann has produced and hosted a radio show, which has aired on New York's WOR710 AM and AM970 The Answer. In addition, she publishes a weekly newsletter, which is viewed by hundreds of thousands worldwide. Herrmann has been featured in Forbes, on the BBC, and other print and broadcast media.

Contact:

Joan Herrmann

(973) 652-5302

[email protected]

SOURCE Maximilian Communications
TAIPEI and SAN DIEGO, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Senhwa Biosciences, Inc. (TPEx: 6492), a new drug development company focusing on first-in-class therapeutics for oncology, rare diseases, and infectious diseases, today announced that its new drug Silmitasertib (CX-4945) was granted a rare pediatric disease designation (RPDD) by US FDA for the treatment of neuroblastoma. This is the recognition obtained again after Silmitasertib (CX-4945) received RPDD in medulloblastoma from the FDA in July 2020, demonstrating the great potential of Silmitasertib (CX-4945) in the development of treatments for rare pediatric cancers.

Silmitasertib is a first-in-class small molecule drug that targets the CK2 protein and acts as a CK2 inhibitor that exhibited antitumor activity in pre-clinical study of neuroblastoma. The RPD designation will qualify the drug for the priority review voucher (PRV) program meant to encourage development of novel therapies for rare pediatric diseases. Silmitasetib has previously granted 1 RPD and 3 orphan drug designations (ODD) by the FDA.

"The RPD designation offers sponsors the additional incentive by requesting priority review vouchers (PRVs) for their future marketing applications, and this approach encourages the drug development for the treatment of rare pediatric diseases," said Jin-Ding Huang, PhD, CEO of Senhwa Biosciences, Inc.

Neuroblastoma, an embryonic tumor of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, is the third most common pediatric cancer and the most common cancer in infants. It is mostly diagnosed in infancy at an average of 1 to 2 years old. There are an estimated 700 to 800 new cases of neuroblastoma each year in the United States.

While low and intermediate-risk neuroblastoma have a very high rate of survival, high-risk neuroblastoma has a 5-year survival rate of about 50%, and it has a high likelihood of recurrence even with intense multimodal treatments. There is currently no standard treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma.

SOURCE Senhwa Biosciences, Inc.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Georgia and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on developing transport corridors for the China-Europe rail express and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, Trend reports.

The document was inked between Georgias First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili and Deputy Chairman of Chinas National Development and Reform Commission Zhao Chenxin.

According to Georgia's Economy Ministry, this agreement will pave the way for stronger trade and economic relations with China, attract new investments into Georgia, and enhance the export of Georgian products to China.

"The signing of this document confirms Chinas interest in actively using the Middle Corridor as an alternative route for trade with Europe, thereby increasing Georgia's significance as a regional hub," said Davitashvili.

The MoU outlines plans to deepen cooperation between Georgia and China to ensure the efficient functioning of the Middle Corridor. Both countries will work on attracting additional cargo, optimizing routes, and developing infrastructure. The agreement also emphasizes cooperation in customs, transport security, and digitalization to boost the flow of goods between China and Europe through this strategic route.

Before the signing, Davitashvili and Zhao discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two countries. Both parties praised the potential impact of the memorandum on improving the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor and attracting greater cargo volumes.

Transport and logistics projects, including the modernization of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the Anaklia deep-sea port project, were also discussed. These initiatives are seen as crucial to developing the Middle Corridor, which connects Europe and Asia. The recent surge in cargo traffic along this route, with container shipments increasing sixfold from January to July 2024, was noted as a positive sign of the corridors growing importance.

Both Georgia and China reiterated their commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor and jointly developing the necessary infrastructure to further solidify its role as a key link in global trade.
First clinical data of VO659 demonstrated 28% mean reduction in CSF mutant HTT at day 85 in HD patients in 40 mg dose cohort with an effect after the first dose

No sustained increase in CSF neurofilament light chain (Nf-L) protein observed through day 85

VO659 is generally safe and well tolerated with an anticipated dosing regimen of 1-2 times per year in future studies

Data highlighted in oral presentation at EHDN & Enroll-HD 2024

LEIDEN, Netherlands, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vico Therapeutics B.V., a clinical-stage genetic medicines company developing therapies for severe neurological diseases, today announced new positive interim data in Huntington's disease (HD) from the ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical trial of VO659, an investigational allele-preferential antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy. Results will be highlighted in an oral presentation at the European Huntington's Disease Network's EHDN & Enroll-HD 2024 meeting on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 9:45 a.m. CET.

This is the first clinical data reported of VO659, which is designed to target the CAG repeat expansion that causes all nine known polyglutamine diseases, including HD as well as spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and type 3 (SCA3). VO659 has a unique allele-preferential mechanism of action that targets expanded CAG repeats in the mutant mRNA transcript and inhibits mRNA translation leading to a reduction of mutant protein, with the potential to halt or slow disease progression. VO659 is the only clinical-stage program that directly targets the underlying CAG repeat expansion that causes HD.

The Phase 1/2a clinical trial is a multi-center, open-label, multiple ascending dose study designed to assess the safety and tolerability of four doses of VO659 administered intrathecally every four weeks in participants with early manifest HD, or mild to moderate SCA1 or SCA3. Exploratory endpoints include the assessment of pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers (mHTT, mATXN3, and Nf-L protein) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pharmacokinetics in CSF and plasma, and clinical outcome measures. The interim analysis provides a look at available safety, tolerability and PD data for HD participants in the 40 mg cohort through at least day 85 of the study.

The Phase 1/2a trial interim data presented at the EHDN meeting demonstrated:

A mean reduction of 28% in CSF mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) in treated HD participants at day 85 compared to baseline with an immediate effect observed after the first dose at day 29

No sustained increase or decrease in Nf-L protein in CSF across treated participants at day 85 compared to baseline

VO659 appears generally safe and well tolerated at the 40 mg dose level in treated HD patients through the available clinical follow-up period

VO659 has a long half-life, indicating the potential for infrequent dosing estimated at 1-2 times per year

"We are very pleased to announce these first data from our Phase 1/2a clinical trial of VO659 in participants living with HD," said Micah Mackison, chief executive officer at Vico. "It is highly encouraging that we saw immediate reductions in CSF mHTT and no changes in Nf-L protein, two key biomarkers in HD, in treated patients over the available follow-up period. Given VO659's long anticipated half-life, there is clear potential for this therapy to have an infrequent dosing schedule, and we look forward to exploring this further in clinical trials. These data are a significant milestone for our team and for the HD community that so desperately needs treatment options, and we look forward to continuing assessments from the trial and advancing VO659 as quickly as possible for patients and their families."

These interim data build on preclinical data of VO659 demonstrating potent target engagement across multiple disease models. Preclinical research showed significant and dose-dependent reductions of mHTT and improvement in motor function in vivo in disease mouse models of HD and allele-preferential reductions of mHTT in vitro in HD patient cell models.

"VO659's allele-preferential action and direct targeting of the CAG repeat expansion that causes HD is a unique approach to treating this disease with a promising future for the HD community," said Scott Schobel, M.D., chief medical officer at Vico. "The Phase 1/2a interim clinical data reinforce the potent, targeted nature of VO659 and add to a growing body of evidence supporting VO659's advancement in the clinic for HD as well as its broad potential applications for all CAG repeat expansion diseases."

The Phase 1/2a trial remains ongoing and Vico plans to meet with regulators later this year to discuss the optimal path forward for the VO659 program. The company plans to provide an update from the SCA1 and SCA3 patient cohorts at a future scientific meeting.

About Huntington's Disease and VO659

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare genetic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by movement disorders, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric manifestations including depression and psychosis. The disease varies in terms of age of onset, typically starting in mid-adulthood, and it is ultimately fatal. The disease is caused by a CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the coding region of exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene, which results in production of mutant HTT protein (mHTT) with an elongated polyglutamine (polyQ) stretch at its N-terminus. This expanded polyQ stretch confers a toxic gain-of-function to mutant protein forms, ultimately resulting in widespread neuronal death. Currently available therapies for HD focus on alleviating some of the movement and psychiatric symptoms, with a significant unmet need for disease-modifying therapies.

VO659 is designed to suppress mHTT in an allele-preferential manner and slow or halt disease progression. VO659 was granted both FDA and EMA Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of HD.

About Vico Therapeutics B.V.

Vico Therapeutics is a clinical-stage genetic medicines company developing antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) RNA modulating therapies for patients with severe neurological diseases. Our lead product candidate, VO659, is currently in Phase 1/2a clinical development for the treatment of spinocerebellar ataxia types 1 and 3 and Huntington's disease and is the only ASO in the clinic that targets the underlying CAG repeat expansions that cause all nine known polyglutamine diseases. Vico's research platform designs fit-for-purpose ASOs by applying precision chemistry with mechanisms of action ideally suited to target genetic neurological diseases. For more information, visit www.vicotx.com.

Media Contact

Jenna Urban

Berry & Company Public Relations

[email protected]

212-253-8881

SOURCE Vico Therapeutics B.V.
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The article has been published by China Daily on Sept. 13:

Finding the right way for China and the United States to get along with each other is what both nations and the international community need the most, a top Chinese envoy said on Thursday.

Qu Yingpu (right), publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily; Hu Wei (left), president and CEO of Bank of China USA, and guest speakers holding their souvenir portraits pose for a photo at the Vision China event in New York on Thursday. FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY

Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng, speaking at the Vision China event at the Asia Society in New York, said that for the past 50 years, the reopening and development of China-US relations was the most important event in international relations and the biggest contributor to global peace and prosperity.

"History provides us inspirations to look ahead to the future," Xie said in a keynote speech.

He said that in the next 50 years, charting that proper course will be critical to international relations.

Jointly hosted by China Daily and Bank of China, the event brought together more than 200 people to discuss "inspiration from the past" and "vision for the future".

Also speaking at the event, Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the country's only national English-language newspaper has chronicled the development of Sino-US relations and "faithfully recorded the bonds forged between the two peoples".

"China-US relations are the most important bilateral relations in the world, and they must be managed well, despite the risks and challenges," Qu said.

"Just as President Xi Jinping pointed out 'the hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in grassroots connections, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from subnational exchanges'  those are the key aspects we should constantly work to strengthen," Qu said.

The veteran journalist said he is a firm believer that "mutual understanding is the foundation of friendly cooperation" and that "a modernized China represents an opportunity, rather than a challenge, to the US".

Ge Haijiao, chairman of Bank of China, said it is the longest continuously operating and most globalized bank in China. The bank has been a witness, participant and contributor to the ever-deepening and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the US.

"Bank of China is firmly committed to promoting trade and commerce between China and the United States, to the benefit of both societies," Ge said in a message read in New York by Hu Wei, president and CEO of Bank of China USA and chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA.

The Vision China morning session featured presentations from six Americans. They came to tell stories of friendship with China in a time wrought with uncertainty. They are people who have remained steadfast in their support of China.

In 1979, teenagers Kelly Van Dries and her elder sister Kitty were working at a rodeo in Simonton, Texas, which was owned by their parents. Kelly had the honor of presenting a cowboy hat to Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

Sarah Lande of Iowa recalled the friendly exchanges of the city of Muscatine with Hebei province.

Their presentations were followed by a Gen Z debate and exchange in the afternoon, at which US and Chinese youths debated "The impact of artificial intelligence on human life" and discussed how to avoid the Thucydides Trap, while overcoming "information bubbles" for better China-US communication.

SOURCE China Daily
BEIJING, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from China Daily:

Visual artists from around the world have gathered in Guiyang, in Southwest China's Guizhou province, to explore its beauty.

Photographers and designers gather around Joerdis Montgomery, a filmmaker from Berlin, Germany, as she operates a drone to capture aerial shots of a village in Libo county, Guizhou province, on Sept 12, 2024, during a five-day trip of 31 visual artists in Guizhou. KUANG LINHUA/CHINA DAILY

The cultural event, titled Visual@China Guizhou 2024, kicked off on Wednesday, showcasing the province's unique charm through photography, illustration, design and film.

A total of 31 photographers, illustrators, designers and filmmakers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Peru, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan and China will be visiting three cities in Guizhou. They are exploring the beautiful landscapes, experiencing local culture and customs, visiting ancient villages inhabited by ethnic groups, and enjoying local cuisine during the five-day trip.

After visiting the 600-year-old Yunshantun village in Anshun, William Adlington, general manager of a media company in the UK, said he was impressed by the village's ancient houses and buildings, which are in the style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Adlington showed great interest in the wood carvings and craftsmanship used in the ancient houses.

"The thing I always want to do is to see more rural villages in China, and this village is a good example of the countryside, with amazing and beautiful buildings. A very original and authentic village," he said.

Adlington has visited China many times, but he mostly has gone to big cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Nestled in a mountainous region, Guizhou has constructed numerous impressive bridges to enhance its transportation network. The province is home to nearly half of the world's top 100 highest bridges, with several ranking among the top 10 globally.

One such marvel is the Baling River Bridge, which stands 370 meters above the river and is approximately 2,237 meters long. After an immersive walk through its internal structure, the visual artists found themselves awestruck by the engineering feat.

Unlike Adlington, most of the foreign artists are visiting China for the first time.

Richard Gavrich, a visual artist from the US who teaches photography in California, was very excited about his first visit to China. He took many photos during the trip and paid special attention to ordinary people he met in ancient villages.

"Everything in Guizhou is fresh for me. I did a little research on the internet about this province and was stunned by the photos of those giant bridges," said Gavrich, who was excited about taking photos of the structures.

James Gensheimer, another photographer from the US, expressed his astonishment at the development of cities in Guizhou province and said that the advanced bridges and technologies employed there were beyond his expectations.

"I knew little about China and nothing about Guizhou, but only by standing here, I feel that it's really different from what I learn from the media," said Gensheimer, who mainly focuses on portraits. He was also excited to use his lens to record people he met in Guizhou.

Chen Benrong, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Guizhou Provincial Committee, said at a welcoming dinner on Tuesday that Guizhou has achieved remarkable accomplishments in various fields in recent years, particularly in big data, ecological environment, tourism and bridge construction. He said he hoped that artists from across the globe can show the beauty of Guizhou through their lenses, designs and illustrations.

Liu Weiling, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, which co-organized the activity with the Publicity Department of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, said, "The event not only provides visual artists from China and abroad with an opportunity to deeply understand and experience Guizhou, but also establishes a platform for exchange and display between Guizhou and the world."

Lan Hongguang, chairman of the Photojournalist Society of China, said that the rapid development of Guizhou province and the significant changes that have taken place there are amazing. In the 1990s, he began documenting the region's stunning landscapes and the diverse ethnic groups living there.

"Visual arts, including photography and film, are among the best and most effective ways to showcase the beauty of this land to the world," he said.

Original link: https://enapp.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202409/13/AP66e375e2a310256cbefbf6b1.html

SOURCE China Daily
A roundup of the most newsworthy financial press releases from PR Newswire this week, including Will Ferrell's campaign for PayPal and Northwestern Mutual's new finance-focused podcast.

NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help finance journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

PR Newswire Weekly Finance Press Release Roundup, Sept. 9-13, 2024. Photo provided by Northwestern Mutual.

For more news like this, check out all of the latest finance-related releases from PR Newswire.

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Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists.

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Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles.

Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more.

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A roundup of the most newsworthy healthcare press releases from PR Newswire this week, including Children's Growth Awareness Week, the effects of climate change on health and new innovations in AI health diagnostics.

NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help healthcare journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

PR Newswire Weekly Health Press Release Roundup, Sept. 9-13, 2024. Photo provided by The MAGIC Foundation.

For more news like this, check out all of the latest health-related releases from PR Newswire.

Do you have a health press release to distribute? Sign up with PR Newswire to share your story with the audiences who matter most.

Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists.

Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features:

Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more.

Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story.

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Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more.

About PR Newswire

PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world.

For questions, contact the team at [email protected].

SOURCE PR Newswire
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 13. The launch of high-tech export projects in Kazakhstan can significantly increase the country's GDP and attract investment in the manufacturing sector, Trend reports, referring to the Economy Ministry of Kazakhstan.

It was stated during the meeting of the Kazakh delegation with the Minister of Finance of Hong Kong Paul Chan Mo-po, Minister of Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong Algernon Yau, Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Hong Kong Eddie Yue, as well as with 12 major financial institutions of China and Hong Kong.

In the course of the meeting, which included representatives of the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, NUH Baiterek JSC, and the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund (KIDF) from the Kazakhstani side, the possibilities of attracting foreign companies to create competitive export projects in Kazakhstan were discussed. The ways of using the expertise and technologies of leading Chinese and Hong Kong companies for the development of high technologies and processing of raw materials in Kazakhstan were considered.

The rollout of these initiatives is set to bolster Kazakhstan's standing as a key player in the processed products arena, while also cranking up the productivity and tech-savvy nature of the economy.

The parties will keep the ball rolling in the coming months to pinpoint specific areas where they can join forces.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev met with Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Oksana Lut on September 13, the statement of the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports.

Meanwhile, it was noted at the meeting that, as a result of the joint efforts of the heads of state, bilateral ties between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation demonstrate high dynamics of development in political, trade-economic, energy, transport-transit, humanitarian, and many other spheres.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that the cooperation between the two countries, as well as in all directions of the economy, in the field of agriculture is developing on an ascending line.

Also, it was noted that Azerbaijan is one of the main suppliers of agricultural products to Russia.

The sides expressed mutual interest in increasing the supply of agricultural products.

The meeting discussed the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in various areas of the agrarian and industrial complex, as well as other issues of mutual interest.
Vilnius, Sep 12 : Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda authorised the country's Defence 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, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Baltic News Service.

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.
Seoul, Sep 13 : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for increasing the number of centrifuges for uranium enrichment in order to increase its nuclear weapons for self-defence, the state media said on Friday.

Kim made the call during a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the "production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials", according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The dispatch did not release the location of the facility or date of the visit.

"He went round the control room of the uranium enrichment base to learn about the overall operation of the production lines," the KCNA said, adding that Kim expressed great satisfaction after being briefed that the "base is dynamically producing nuclear materials."

It marks the first time North Korea has publicly revealed details of its uranium enrichment facility, Yonhap news agency reported.

Kim also "stressed the need to further augment the number of centrifuges in order to exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defence true to the Party's line of building up nuclear-armed forces," the KCNA said.

A uranium enrichment facility is used to produce highly enriched uranium by placing uranium in centrifuges and spinning it at high speeds. Highly enriched uranium is essential for the manufacture of nuclear warheads.

South Korean and US intelligence agencies believe North Korea operates uranium enrichment facilities at the Kangson nuclear complex near Pyongyang and at the Yongbyon nuclear site.

In 2010, North Korea invited Siegfried Hecker, a renowned American nuclear scientist, to inspect its uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon.

Additionally, Kim called for improving the separation capacity of the centrifuges and accelerating the development of a new type of centrifuge to "further solidify the foundation for producing weapons-grade nuclear materials."

The sudden public disclosure of the uranium enrichment facility is seen as a move to flaunt North Korea's nuclear capabilities ahead of the US presidential election in November.

Earlier this month, during a key deterrence dialogue between South Korea and the US, the allies warned of the possibility that North Korea could conduct significant provocations, such as a nuclear test or an intercontinental ballistic missile launch, close to the election.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : Muslim scholars have commended the Centre's Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which intends to overcome the shortcomings and enhance the efficiency of the administration and management of the Waqf properties, and said it will benefit the community.

Muslim preacher Mohammad Kasmin, after a meeting of religious leaders and preachers held in the national capital on Thursday to discuss the Bill, told IANS that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making decisions for the person standing at the lowest rung of the country.

He said that the Waqf properties are for oppressed Muslims. However, in the last 70 years, political parties and some Muslim leaders have done a lot of wrong with Waqf. The decisions being taken by Prime Minister Modi are for oppressed persons so that they can also progress along with the progress of the country. Keeping this in mind, the bill has been brought, Kasmin added.

"We support this (bill) and appeal to the Muslims in the country not to look at this bill with a negative view; they should raise questions after reading it," he said.

About Jamiat Ulema, he said it is a 100-year-old Muslim organisation, having two offices on the Waqf land. "In such a situation, why will the Jamiat Ulema support the amendment?"

About amendments proposed in the bill, Kasmin said, the changes that are happening in the Waqf Board are "very wonderful". "All Muslims across the country will benefit from this... I hope that Muslims will understand this and will stay away from the political parties that are spreading confusion about the bill," he said.

Religious leader Tahir Ismail, who was also present in the meeting, told IANS the government's intentions should not be doubted and the way some people are occupying the Waqf Board's land in every district, they should be removed. The poor Muslims should be given that land. The way hospitals and colleges should have been constructed on Waqf lands were not built, he said.

Now, it seems that everything is on the right path. Any Muslim who has a problem with the bill should put his point before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), he added.

According to Ismail, the rights of the Waqf Board have only been misused in the past. "Those who were really entitled to the land did not get that land. The (Waqf) properties at prime locations have been either occupied by mafias or the Waqf Board has made them (mafias) its tenants," he said, adding that the amendment will create some balance now. Those who are actually entitled to these properties will get the benefit. The bill is in the national interest and also for Muslims' benefit, he said.

Muslim scholar Nazia Hussain said that Prime Minister Modi, who backs women's participation in the Waqf Board, is absolutely right and women should participate actively in the board.

She told IANS that the way the Waqf Board Bill is being amended is very important. "Nothing has happened in it for the last 70 years. Only a few people have benefited. This bill should be passed. Muslim women should participate actively in it and put forward their problems. Those who were handling the board till now did nothing. If they had done their work properly, perhaps this amendment would not have been needed today."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Chevron Shipping Company, a subsidiary of Chevron, have entered into a landmark agreement to install the Wind Challenger system, a hard sail wind-assisted propulsion technology, on a newbuild LNG carrier, Trend reports.

This groundbreaking vessel, currently under construction at Hanwha Oceans Geoje Shipyard in South Korea, is slated for delivery in 2026 and will be the worlds first LNG carrier to feature wind-assisted propulsion.

The 174,000-cubic-meter vessel, chartered by Chevron Asia Pacific Shipping, is designed to use the Wind Challengers innovative telescopic sails to cut fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. MOL recently received approval in principle (AiP) from ClassNK, a leading classification society, for the design of an LNG carrier with a wind-assisted system, and this agreement with Chevron marks the first actual application of the technology.

"Were proud to partner with MOL in Wind Challengers industry-first LNG installation, said Barbara Pickering, President of Chevron Shipping Company. This is another example of using novel approaches in hard-to-abate sectors to reduce carbon intensity in our LNG fleet.

The Wind Challenger system, which has already been deployed on two bulk carriers, features a robust design and various safety measures, including an enclosed navigation bridge and a lookout station on the vessels foredeck to enhance visibility. MOL explained that the system's placement is designed to minimize its impact on the LNG carrier's existing design and mooring arrangements, ensuring compatibility with shore infrastructure.

Takeshi Hashimoto, President and CEO of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, expressed his enthusiasm for expanding the Wind Challenger project to the LNG sector: "Achieving GHG reduction in the maritime transport of LNG, which is increasingly in demand worldwide as a transition fuel, is a very important mission for us. This project will undoubtedly be a significant milestone towards achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050, a goal we outlined in our 'Environmental Vision 2.2.'"

This partnership between MOL and Chevron represents a major step forward in the maritime industry's ongoing efforts to decarbonize, with both companies committed to exploring new technologies and sustainable practices for cleaner shipping.
Washington, Sep 13 : The defence chiefs of South Korea and the US have reiterated the "robustness" of the two countries' alliance in a phone call, the Pentagon said, as Pyongyang has ratcheted up tensions with missile launches and other "provocative" moves.

Seoul's Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday held the talks after Pyongyang launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea and unveiled a new road-mobile missile launcher earlier this week, Yonhap news agency reported.

"The two leaders reviewed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region," Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a readout.

"Both officials reaffirmed the robustness of the ROK-US Alliance and reviewed priorities to strengthen the combined defence posture," he added, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.

Austin also noted that he looked forward to hosting Kim for the allies' annual defence ministerial talks, called the Security Consultative Meeting, which is slated to take place in Washington later this year.

This week, Pyongyang has been "raising tensions" on the Korean Peninsula.

On Friday, the North's state media revealed that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently visited a uranium enrichment base -- a rare disclosure of Kim's tour of such a key nuclear site. There, he called for increasing the number of centrifuges for uranium enrichment.
Geneva, Sep 13 : At least 22,500 people, or a quarter of those injured in the Gaza conflict as of July 23, are suffering from life-changing injuries that will require long-term rehabilitation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported.

The report published o Thursday underscored the immense burden on Gaza's already crippled healthcare system, saying that severe limb injuries were the leading cause of rehabilitation needs. These limb injuries are estimated to affect between 13,455 and 17,550 individuals, Xinhua news agency reported.

These injuries are compounded by some 4,000 amputations, and a sharp rise in cases of spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe burns, many of which involve women and children.

Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, warned that Gaza's health infrastructure is unable to meet the increasing demands.

"The huge surge in rehabilitation needs occurs in parallel with the ongoing decimation of the health system," he said, emphasizing the critical shortage of acute rehabilitation services and specialized care for complex injuries.

As the conflict continues, ensuring access to essential healthcare, including rehabilitation services, remains crucial to preventing further illness and fatalities, the Geneva-based health agency said.
Seoul, Sep 13 : The South Korean military has recently taken down more than 1,300 surveillance cameras installed at various bases, including those near the border with North Korea, after discovering they were Chinese-made equipment, a military official said Friday.

In late July, military and intelligence authorities found out the surveillance cameras supplied by a South Korean company were produced in China during military equipment examinations, Yonhap news agency reported, citing the official.

The military has uninstalled all of the equipment in question and is replacing it with domestic equipment due to security concerns. Currently, about 100 of them have been newly installed.

"The CCTVs at issue were found to be designed to be able to transmit recorded footage externally by connecting to a specific Chinese server," the official said. "No data has actually been leaked."

The official said the surveillance cameras were not used to monitor the border with North Korea but for military training grounds and base fences.

The company that supplied the cameras is suspected to have falsified the equipment's country of origin, and the military is considering taking legal action against it.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : In a crucial judgment to be pronounced on Friday, the Supreme Court will decide on the bail petition of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the corruption case linked to the alleged liquor policy scam.

Apart from seeking bail, CM Kejriwal has also filed a distinct plea challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the liquor 'scam' and the subsequent remand.

As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a two-judge bench presided over by Justice Surya Kant will pronounce its judgment at 10.30 a.m. The other judge, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, is also likely to pronounce his separate opinion on CM Kejriwalas pleas.

Last week, the Bench of Justices Kant and Bhuyan, reserved its decision after hearing the oral arguments advanced by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, who appeared on behalf of the CBI.

During the hearing, Singhvi contended that the CBI did not arrest CM Kejriwal for two years but made an "insurance arrest in a hurry" to prevent his release in the money laundering case. The CBI arrested Kejriwal for "his non-cooperation and evasive replies" but there were several apex court judgments that held that cooperation with the probe should not mean that the accused should incriminate himself and confess to the offences alleged, he said.

Singhvi added that CM Kejriwal, a constitutional functionary holding the position of Delhi Chief Minister, satisfied the triple test for grant of bail. aHe is not a flight risk, he will turn up to answer the questions of the investigative agency, and cannot tamper with documents, running into lakhs of pages, and digital evidence after two years," he submitted.

On the other hand, the central agency apprehended that the release of CM Kejriwal would turn many witnesses "hostile" and urged the apex court to not release him on bail. ASG Raju said that many candidates of the AAP in the Goa Assembly election came forward to give their statements to the central agency only after CM Kejriwal was arrested.

"They (witnesses) will turn hostile if your lordships release Kejriwal on bail," he argued. He argued that CM Kejriwalas plea for bail should be remanded back to the trial court and he should not have petitioned the Delhi High Court for bail in the first instance. The ASG submitted that arrest is a part of investigation and ordinarily, an investigating officer will not require any permission from a court to make an arrest. "But, in the present case, there was an order of the court granting the power (to arrest)," he said. He added that when an arrest is made pursuant to an order of the court, an accused cannot take a plea of violation of fundamental rights.

Recently, the top court allowed bail pleas of senior AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K. Kavitha, and AAP's former communication-in-charge Vijay Nair in the excise policy case.

In his special leave petition filed before the Supreme Court, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor challenged his arrest and subsequent remand orders while also pressing for bail in the corruption case. On the other hand, seeking dismissal of CM Kejriwal's plea, the CBI said that the AAP supremo was simply attempting to politically sensationalise the matter, despite repeated orders passed by various courts being prima facie satisfied with the commission of the offences, for which cognisance already has been taken.

The agency said that while CM Kejriwal "does not hold any ministerial portfolio in Government National Capital Territory (GNCT) of Delhi, all decisions of the government, as well as the party, are taken on his concurrence and directions", adding that these include not only the decisions in Delhi but also throughout the country where AAP has a presence.

The Supreme Court, on July 12, ordered CM Kejriwal to be released on interim bail in connection with the money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, he was not able to walk out of jail since he was arrested by the CBI.

Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Wednesday extended till September 25 the judicial custody of CM Kejriwal, who was produced through video conferencing from Tihar Jail upon expiry of previously granted judicial custody.
Hyderabad, Sep 13 : Cyberabad Police have registered a case against Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy in connection with the incident at Cyberabad Police Commissioner's office on Thursday when he along with other BRS leaders were staging a protest over the attack on his residence by defected MLA Arekapudi Gandhi and his followers.

Hyderabad, Sep 13 (IANS) Cyberabad Police have registered a case against Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy in connection with the incident at Cyberabad Police Commissioneras office on Thursday when he along with other BRS leaders were staging a protest over the attack on his residence by defected MLA Arekapudi Gandhi and his followers.

A case against Kaushik Reddy was registered at Raidurgam Police Station under BNS sections 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharging his duty) and 351 (3) (criminal intimidation).

The case was registered against the Huzurabad MLA on a complaint by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Ravichandan.

Kaushik Reddy, former minister T. Harish Rao and other BRS leaders had on Thursday staged a protest at the Police Commissioneras office, demanding action against Gandhi and his supporters for the attack on Kaushik Reddyas residence at Kondapur. This led to a tense situation as the BRS leaders entered into heated arguments with police officers.

During the argument, Kaushik Reddy pushed Additional DCP and allegedly threatened to see his end.

Meanwhile, police on Friday stepped up security at the residence of Gandhi as Kaushik Reddy threatened to hold a BRS party meeting there. After the attack on his house, Kaushik Reddy announced that he along with party workers of Greater Hyderabad and combined Rangareddy district led by Medchal-Malkajgiri district president Shambipur Raju would proceed to Gandhias residence to have a party meeting there.

Gandhi, who was re-elected to the Assembly on BRS ticket but defected to the ruling Congress party in July, was on Monday appointed as the Chairman of Public Accounts Committee, a post usually given to opposition MLA. This led to a strong protest by BRS as the appointment came on a day when the High Court directed the Speaker to decide within four weeks on the petitions to disqualify defected MLAs.

After Gandhi claimed that he is still with BRS, Kaushik Reddy announced that he would visit Gandhias house, hoist the party flag, and offer him the BRS scarf. Reacting to this, Gandhi said that if Kaushik Reddy failed to come to his residence, he would go to his residence.

On Thursday, the MLA from Serilingampally constituency, along with his supporters went to Kaushik Reddyas house. Gandhias supporters barged into the premises and damaged window panes and flower pots. They hurled stones, eggs and tomatoes and used sticks.

Police detained Gandhi and his supporters. They were later released after issuing a notice under section 35 of BNSS.

A case was also registered against Gandhi and others for unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal conspiracy, assault, or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty, criminal trespass, and criminal intimidation.
Hyderabad, Sep 13 : Amid continuing tension following the attack on BRS MLA P. Kaushik Reddy's residence at Kondapur by supporters of defected MLA Arekapudi Gandhi, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday directed Director General of Police Jitender to deal firmly with those trying to create law and order problems in the state.

The Chief Minister made it clear that political conspiracies will not be tolerated.

Revanth Reddy alleged that the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) was trying to damage Hyderabad's brand image.

The Chief Minister asked the DGP to be firm in dealing with troublemakers, regardless of their power.

Following the Chief Ministeras direction, the DGP asked the police commissioners of Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda to deal strictly with anyone disturbing law and order.

According to a statement from the DGP's office, he held a conference with the three police commissioners in the wake of recent developments.

The DGP stressed that there should not be any compromise on the law and order situation in the Tri-Commissionerates of Hyderabad. Anyone trying to disturb peace should be dealt with strictly as per law.

He said there should be zero tolerance against people trying to disturb the situation in Hyderabad and Telangana.

The police chief appealed to all not to take the law into their own hands. He said the image of Telangana police should be protected in all circumstances.

Gandhi, an MLA from the Serilingampally constituency in Greater Hyderabad, along with his supporters had reached the residence of Kaushik Reddy after a war of words between the two following Gandhi's appointment as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) by the Assembly Speaker.

Police have booked Gandhi and his supporters for unlawful assembly, rioting, and trespass.

A case against Kaushik Reddy was also registered after he allegedly threatened a police officer during an argument at the office of Cyberabad Police Commissioner, where he had gone along with other BRS leaders to demand action against Gandhi.

Police on Friday stepped security at the houses of Kaushik Reddy, Gandhi, and other leaders after the BRS MLA threatened retaliatory action by holding a party meeting at Gandhi's house.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the corruption case linked to the alleged liquor policy scam.

In a crucial judgment pronounced, the Supreme Court said "conditions to be fixed by the trial court".

Two concurring judgments by two justices were pronounced.

In his opinion, Justice Surya Kant granted bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in the case. The other judge, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, authored a separate opinion raising serious questions on the timings of arrest by the CBI and held the "belated arrest" by the central agency to be unjustified.

Last week, the Bench of Justices Kant and Bhuyan, reserved its decision after hearing the oral arguments advanced by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, who appeared on behalf of the CBI. During the hearing, Singhvi contended that the CBI did not arrest CM Kejriwal for two years but made an "insurance arrest in a hurry" to prevent his release in the money laundering case. The CBI arrested Kejriwal for "his non-cooperation and evasive replies" but there were several apex court judgments that held that cooperation with the probe should not mean that the accused should incriminate himself and confess to the offences alleged, he said.

Singhvi added that CM Kejriwal, a constitutional functionary holding the position of Delhi Chief Minister, satisfied the triple test for grant of bail. aHe is not a flight risk, he will turn up to answer the questions of the investigative agency, and cannot tamper with documents, running into lakhs of pages, and digital evidence after two years," he submitted.On the other hand, the central agency apprehended that the release of CM Kejriwal would turn many witnesses "hostile" and urged the apex court to not release him on bail. ASG Raju said that many candidates of the AAP in the Goa Assembly election came forward to give their statements to the central agency only after CM Kejriwal was arrested

"They (witnesses) will turn hostile if your lordships release Kejriwal on bail," he argued. He argued that CM Kejriwalas plea for bail should be remanded back to the trial court and he should not have petitioned the Delhi High Court for bail in the first instance. The ASG submitted that arrest is a part of investigation and ordinarily, an investigating officer will not require any permission from a court to make an arrest. "But, in the present case, there was an order of the court granting the power (to arrest)," he said. He added that when an arrest is made pursuant to an order of the court, an accused cannot take a plea of violation of fundamental rights.

Recently, the top court allowed bail pleas of senior AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K. Kavitha, and AAP's former communication-in-charge Vijay Nair in the excise policy case.

In his special leave petition filed before the Supreme Court, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor challenged his arrest and subsequent remand orders while also pressing for bail in the corruption case. On the other hand, seeking dismissal of CM Kejriwal's plea, the CBI said that the AAP supremo was simply attempting to politically sensationalise the matter, despite repeated orders passed by various courts being prima facie satisfied with the commission of the offences, for which cognisance already has been taken.

The agency said that while CM Kejriwal "does not hold any ministerial portfolio in Government National Capital Territory (GNCT) of Delhi, all decisions of the government, as well as the party, are taken on his concurrence and directions", adding that these include not only the decisions in Delhi but also throughout the country where AAP has a presence.

The Supreme Court, on July 12, ordered CM Kejriwal to be released on interim bail in connection with the money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, he was not able to walk out of jail since he was arrested by the CBI.

A Delhi court on Wednesday extended till September 25 the judicial custody of CM Kejriwal, who was produced through video conferencing from Tihar Jail upon expiry of previously granted judicial custody.
Mumbai, Sep 13 : Large office space contributed 45 per cent of the overall commercial transactions across eight leading cities in the country in the January-June period this year, a report showed on Friday.

Transactions for office spaces above 100,000 square feet recorded a substantial YoY growth of 54 per cent in the first half of 2024  at 15.69 million square feet from from 10.18 million square feet in H1 2023, the report by Knight Frank India sated.

Bengaluru's commercial market continued to witness leasing domination in office spaces with 100,000 sq ft. In H1 2024, large office spaces contributed 53 per cent to Bengaluru's total office transaction volumes, amounting to 4.5 million sq ft.

According to Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank, the rise in office space transactions is primarily fuelled by corporations establishing Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to expand their long-term operations in the market.

"Flexible workspaces remain vital, providing adaptability and cost savings for sectors such as third-party IT services and startups," he mentioned.

Hyderabad and Mumbai ranked second and third in large office space transactions, with 3.08 mn sq ft and 2.66 mn sq ft, respectively.

Office space leasing in mid segment or spaces between 50,000 sq ft to 100,000 sq ft was recorded at 7.28 mn sq ft  witnessing a growth of 70 per cent YoY.

Mumbai and Delhi-NCR witnessed highest transactions in the mid-office space segment at 1.57 mn sq ft each, followed by Hyderabad at 1.29 mn sq ft.

Office space leasing in small office spaces or spaces below 50,000 sq ft were recorded at 11.7 mn sq ft  witnessing a moderate growth of 0.08 per cent YoY, the report noted.
Caracas, Sep 13 : Venezuela has recalled its Ambassador to Spain, Gladys Gutierrez, for consultations in response to remarks made by Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles, said Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil.

Gil condemned Robles' comments, calling them "insolent, meddling, and disrespectful" in a statement shared on Telegram, Xinhua news agency reported.

Robles earlier referred to the Venezuelan government as a "dictatorship."

Venezuela's Foreign Ministry has summoned Spain's Ambassador to Caracas, Ramon Santos Martinez, to appear at the ministry on Friday.

Additionally, Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly, on Wednesday called on the Foreign Affairs Committee to urge the executive branch to sever all diplomatic, commercial, and consular ties with Spain.

The diplomatic fallout came amid controversy surrounding Venezuela's July 28 presidential election, with the main opposition coalition, the United States, the EU, and several regional countries raising concerns over alleged irregularities.

The Venezuelan government, however, said these accusations are part of a US-backed plot to undermine the election results.
Mandya, : Sep 13 (IANS) Karnataka Police on Friday lodged 10 FIRs in connection with the violence during the Ganesh Visarjan procession in Nagamangala town in Mandya district and launched a manhunt for 94 accused who have gone underground following police action.

With a few more arrests on Friday the number of people arrested till now has gone up to 56.

Meanwhile, a police Inspector was suspended on Friday for dereliction of duty in connection with the riots.

Police Inspector Ashok Kumar has been suspended as he failed to inform his seniors about a similar riot-like incident during last year's Ganesha Chaturthi.

The spot near the mosque in Badarikoppalu village in Mandya was a sensitive area where more security forces could have been deployed, stated Mandya SP Mallikarjun Baladandi.

Police sources stated that 150 people were booked for the violence and rioting.

Police have collected the CCTV footage of the accused persons who have disappeared and are gathering information about their identities and addresses.

The FIR has been filed under 16 Sections including 109, 115, 118, 121, 132, 189, 190 and others under the BNSS.

Among the arrested, 52 accused were presented before the court on Thursday evening and Mandya District Court has sent them to 14 daysa judicial custody.

Meanwhile, amid the prohibitory orders Nagamangala town has returned to normalcy and locals say that the situation is still tense in the region.

The police department has imposed curfew orders till September 14 i.e. Saturday.

The police, taking no chance with the situation, conducted a flag march across Nagamangala town and deputed additional police personnel to ensure law and order.

Two groups clashed in Karnataka's Mandya district on Wednesday night after stones were allegedly pelted at a Ganpati idol immersion procession in Nagamangala town.

About 25 shops and vehicles belonging to both communities were set afire in the riots that followed the incident.

Police have imposed restrictive orders in the area and are on high alert. After the incident, some Hindus staged a protest at the local police station, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the stone pelting.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Board of Directors will visit Turkiye from September 15 to 20, engaging in a series of strategic consultations and meetings with senior government officials, business leaders, and civil society organizations (CSOs), Trend reports.

The EBRD delegation includes Yasemin Girici, Director for Turkiye, Romania, Azerbaijan, and other countries, along with key directors from nations including Germany, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. These representatives will meet with Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Simsek, among other high-ranking officials.

The delegation's visit will focus on Turkiyes southeastern region, which was severely affected by the devastating earthquakes in 2023. The natural disaster claimed more than 50,000 lives and caused widespread damage. Following the earthquake, the EBRD announced a 1.5 billion euro relief package, of which more than 1 billion euros has already been distributed. The funds are being used to provide credit lines for companies and individuals, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and rebuild critical infrastructure.

In addition to the earthquake response, the EBRD continues to focus on green investments, financial resilience, and inclusive growth in Turkiye. In 2023 alone, the Bank invested a record 2.5 billion euros in the country, driven by both the post-earthquake recovery efforts and climate-focused projects.

Since 2009, the EBRD has invested more than 20 billion euros in Turkiye through 451 projects, the majority of which support the private sector. The last visit of the EBRD Board of Directors to Turkiye took place in 2017.
Phnom Penh, Sep 13 : Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Environment Ministers or their representatives gathered here in the capital of Cambodia on Friday, discussing ways to further enhance cooperation in protecting environmental treasures in the GMS countries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the sixth GMS Environment Ministers' Meeting, Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth said the meeting marked an important step forward in ongoing joint efforts to achieve a clean, green, sustainable, and resilient future for the GMS nations, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The Greater Mekong Subregion is a region of extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity, home to ecosystems that support millions of livelihoods," he said.

He added that forests, rivers, and wetlands are not only sources of life but also the core of economies, and are deeply connected to the cultural and spiritual identities of people in the GMS countries.

"However, as we stand on the verge of significant economic development and industrialisation, we are also facing profound environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and unsustainable development," Sophalleth said.

The minister said the frequency and severity of natural disasters in the GMS underlined the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience, strengthening disaster risk reduction strategies, improving early warning systems, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.

He added that improving environmental quality is equally important for the health and well-being of the population.

"Pollution control and waste management, especially the reduction of plastic use, are central to creating cleaner air, water, and soil," he said.

Sophalleth said the meeting, which brought together environment ministers or their representatives from the six GMS countries: Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, offered a unique platform to strengthen partnerships, share knowledge, and coordinate concerted efforts to address these pressing issues.

"Together, we can build a resilient, sustainable future for the Greater Mekong Subregion, ensuring that our natural treasures are preserved for generations to come," he said.

According to Sophalleth, the meeting is expected to endorse two vital documents, namely the 2030 Strategic Framework for Accelerating Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability in the GMS, and the Phnom Penh Joint Statement on Plastic Pollution Control.

Fatima Yasmin, vice president for Sectors and Themes of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), said it is essential to integrate climate resilience and environmental sustainability into every facet of development plans, policies, and investments.

"For this reason, ADB has committed to allocate its resources amounting to $100 billion towards climate action in Asia and the Pacific over 12 years from 2019 to 2030," she said.
Jakarta, Sep 13 : Indonesia's court sentenced four Mexican nationals to three years and ten months in prison for the robbery and shooting of a Turkish citizen in Denpasar, in Bali province.

The defendants are visitor visa holders, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The defendants are guilty of committing the crime of theft with violence, violating the Criminal Code. The court is sentencing each of the defendants to three years and ten months imprisonment," Judge Putu Suyoga of the Denpasar District Court said when reading the verdict.

According to the verdict, the defendants committed the robbery and shooting in January 2024 at a villa in Badung, Bali. They stole a Hislon blue dial watch and a black bag containing nearly $6,000 which belonged to the victim, and then shot him in the stomach.

During the altercation, the victim was shot but survived and received help from the villa's security.

"The defendants' crime acts have disturbed the community, worsened the image of Bali and caused trauma to the victim," Suyoga said.
Moscow, Sep 13 : Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that by providing Ukraine with long-range weapons, Western countries risk involving directly in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In such circumstances, Russia would be forced to make "appropriate decisions" based on the new threats, Putin was quoted by Russian media as saying.

Ukraine has been pleading with its Western allies for it to use their missiles, including long-range ones, to fire deep into Russian territory, according to Western media reports.

"Only service people from NATO countries can make flight assignments to these missile systems. Ukrainian service people cannot do that," Putin told Russian state TV.

"So this is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to attack Russia with these weapons or not. It is a question of deciding whether NATO countries are directly involved in a military conflict or not," Xinhua news agency reported quoting local media.

"If this decision is taken, it will mean nothing else than direct participation of NATO countries -- the USA and European countries -- in the war in Ukraine," he said.

According to a report by Politico, the White House is finalising a plan to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of US-donated weapons in battles against Russia, including the use of British long-range missiles that contain American parts to strike targets inside Russia.
Caracas, Sep 13 : Venezuela rejected the new sanctions the US Treasury Department imposed against several Venezuelan officials "in the strongest terms."

In a statement on Thursday, Venezuela's Foreign Affairs Ministry denounced the US move as "unilateral, illegitimate and illegal coercive measures" and a "new crime of aggression," Xinhua news agency reported.

Washington has once again demonstrated "its total disregard for international law, the self-determination of peoples and the democratic will of Venezuelans," it said.

The ministry noted that the latest sanctions violated the agreements signed in Qatar between the governments of Venezuela and the United States in September 2023.

Earlier in the day, the US Treasury Department announced new individual sanctions against 16 Venezuelan officials in various branches of government.

It said that the sanctioned officials "obstructed democratic political participation and undermined the election process" during the recent presidential elections in Venezuela.

Among the officials listed were the President of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, Caryslia Rodriguez, and the first Vice President of the National Assembly, Pedro Infante.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : After Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday got bail in the corruption case linked to the alleged excise policy scam, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the judiciary and the legal system are working impartially, and now the AAP leader should stop casting aspersions over it.

On AAP's remarks that "It's the victory of truth', the BJP leader said, "First of all, they need to decide when the victory of truth happens for him and when truth is defeated."

"Kejriwal will certainly have to explain it to the people. This is the same person who used to question the courts and raise doubts about the judiciary. Now he must decide what has happened," he added.

Justice Surya Kant, heading a two-judge bench, dismissed Kejriwal's distinct plea challenging the legality of arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the alleged liquor scam.

Replying to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's 'Ready to Resigna remark, Naqvi said, "Didi's reign of bullying has now turned into a situation of "emotional exploitation". The people of West Bengal are fed up with her tenure and rule."

"Instead of emotionally exploiting the people, she should have taken effective action," he added.

On those criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting the Chief Justice of India (CJI) D. Y. Chandrachud's residence during Ganesh Puja, the BJP leader questioned, "What exactly is their problem? Is it the Puja or the popularity of PM Modi? It is quite clear that the people who have issues with this visit are troubled by the immense popularity that Narendra Modi commands."

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court granted bail to Kejriwal.

The two-judge bench of the Top Court gave a concurrent judgement with Justice Surya Kant dismissing Kejriwal's distinct plea, challenging the legality of arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the alleged liquor scam.

While the other judge, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, authored a separate opinion raising serious questions on the timings of arrest by the CBI and held the "belated arrest" by the central agency to be unjustified.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : A gripping, dark crime thriller featuring Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal, 'Sector 36' is finally out on Netflix. Inspired by true events, the film delves into the harrowing search for a serial killer behind the disappearance of several children from a slum in north India.

The film emerges as a crucial one for our times, offering a stark and unflinching portrayal of its subject matter which manages to hold the audiences with its authenticity and emotional weight.

The story of the film is loosely based on the 2006 Noida serial murders also known as the Nithari killings. In 'Sector 36', Vikrant Massey delivers a chilling performance as a house help in an affluent residence who hides a dark and sinister secret. His character, driven by a ruthless and unfeeling nature, is a serial killer who abducts and murders children without a hint of remorse. His past, marked by trauma and hardship, has forged a cold-blooded killer, and his current actions are a horrifying manifestation of his inner demons.

The narrative delves into the dual darkness of his world as it also reveals that his employer, played by Akash Khurana, shares a similarly vile past. Khurana, a figure of affluence and power, has his own history of abusing children, making him complicit in the heinous crimes committed under his roof. Both characters are intertwined in a grotesque alliance, their shared depravity driving the horrific events that unfold in the story.

Deepak Dobriyal plays Inspector Ram Charan Pandey, a dedicated law enforcement officer initially indifferent to the missing children cases, seeing them as mere statistics. However, his complacency is shattered when his own daughter narrowly escapes becoming a victim. This personal stake propels him into the heart of the investigation, shifting his perspective from a detached observer to a desperate avenger.

As Inspector Pandey digs deeper into the case, he uncovers the horrifying truth behind the disappearances. The film's crux revolves around the unravelling of this dark conspiracy.

Vikrant Massey delivers a chameleon-like performance in the film diving deep into the complex role of Prem Singh with remarkable authenticity and depth. His portrayal adds significant weight and realism to the film. Equally impressive is Deepak Dobriyal, whose role as the determined police officer Ram Charan Pandey enhances the filmas tension and emotional impact. Together, Massey and Dobriyal bring a level of credibility and intensity that elevates the crime thriller, making it a standout experience.

Given its bold approach and the impactful performances that drive its narrative, it is a film that will likely be talked about for years to come. Kudos to Aditya Nimbalkar for choosing a film like this as his directorial debut. The film's ability to bring such dark themes into light while maintaining a gripping narrative is a testament to his directorial prowess.

Maddock Films, known for their discerning content choices, shines brightly with 'Sector 36'. Their commitment to selecting thought-provoking and high-quality content is evident in this film, which not only showcases their dedication to storytelling but also underlines their ability to handle challenging material with grace and precision.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande under the banners of Maddock Films and Jio Studios respectively, 'Sector 36' is a remarkable piece of cinema that promises to leave a lasting impression, thanks to its intense portrayal, stellar performances, and masterful execution.

Film: Sector 36

Director: Aditya Nimbalkar

Writer: Bodhayan Roychaudhury

Cast: Vikrant Massey, Deepak Dobriyal, Akash Khurana, Darshan Jariwala, Baharul Islam

Duration: 124 minutes

Rating: ****
Chandigarh, Sep 13 : Punjab Police on Friday arrested the main perpetrator among suspects involved in a low-intensity grenade explosion in Chandigarh's upscale Sector 10 residential locality.

The explosion occurred at a house on Wednesday. The Chandigarh Police on Thursday announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for any information leading to the arrest of the two suspects.

The police have arrested the main perpetrator of the grenade blast case in a joint operation with the central Agency. The case is solved with the nabbing of Rohan Masih, resident of Amritsar rural, and identification of the other accused as well, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav wrote on X.

He said one 9MM Glock pistol along with ammunition recovered from his possession.

Further investigation to unravel the entire conspiracy is being done jointly in coordination with the Chandigarh Police.

The accused is in custody of State Special Operation Cell Amritsar, Yadav said.

In the preliminary disclosure, Rohan admitted his role in the grenade blast on September 11.

The owner of the house claimed that two people in an auto-rickshaw had hurled a grenade. The explosion shattered the window panes of the house, though no one was injured in the incident.

It is learnt that a retired Punjab Police officer lives in the house and the cops suspect him to be the target.

"There was a loud sound. Some pressure type low-intensity blast took place because of which some windows and pots were damaged," Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kanwardeep Kaur, told the media after the explosion.

"The complainants were sitting on the verandah of the house. They saw the suspects," the officer had said.

Teams of the bomb detection squad and the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CISF) collected samples from the crime spot.

According to reports, the blast left a hole approximately 5-8 inches deep.
Kochi, Sep 13 : In a setback for Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V. D. Satheesan, the Kerala High Court on Friday dismissed his public interest litigation (PIL) alleging corruption in the state government's Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON) project and seeking a CBI probe into the same.

This issue had created a wave of protest both inside and outside the Kerala Assembly.

The court stated that at this stage, there are no grounds warranting interference from the Court into the K-FON project.

"We see no reason to interfere with the decisions taken by the respondents that are impugned in the writ petition or to interdict the respondents from implementing the project. We also do not think it is necessary to entrust an investigation into the allegations raised by the petitioner to the CBI at this stage. As already noted above, the report of the CAG when it is made available can be scrutinised by the legislature and appropriate action can be taken if necessary," said the Court.

K-FON was a flagship project of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that he launched in 2021 and aimed to provide high-speed internet connectivity to all people in the state.

This was visualised to be operational through a new optic fibre pathway running parallel to the electric power network of the Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd (KSEB).

After raising a hue and cry over the issue in the Assembly, Satheesan filed a PIL alleging that its contracts were handed over to a single beneficiary company having high-profile connections.

"It is clear that a project which would have been a milestone for the digital accessibility in the state has been handed over to incompetent persons, who have ruined it for making a profit at the expense of the common man," read his PIL.

In his PIL, he also referred to a "corrupt deal" in the installation of AI cameras for controlling the road traffic in the state.
Bengaluru, Sep 13 : Reacting strongly to criticism over the handling of the violence during the Ganesh Visarjan procession in Mandya district, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Friday that he does not need a certificate from the BJP and asked if any government would instigate riots in its state.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Bengaluru on Friday, he stated, "As the Home Minister, I am working with responsibility. I don't need a certificate from the BJP. I have a responsibility, and I am not in this position without accountability. We are doing our work.

"Am I defending the Nagamangala incident? Whoever is responsible will face legal action. Have we arrested 56 people without reason?"

Responding to the BJP's allegation that the government was complicit and that the incident was pre-planned, Parameshwara said, "Would any government instigate a clash? Saying that it shouldn't have happened is not wrong. Don't they understand the Kannada language? I want to make it clear: No one in the state will be allowed to take the law into their hands."

He further stated, "Whoever it may be, if there are unnecessary disturbances and clashes during Ganesh festivities or any other festivals, they will not be spared. We will take strict action within the framework of the law without any compromise."

"Let the BJP twist statements and interpret them as they like. Let them say Parameshwara said this, that it was small or big. I am also capable of speaking like them. I had already appealed to the Opposition yesterday not to politicise this issue. If they want to continue with politics, let them do it. We will manage," he said.

"There is no need for us to appease any community. If statements are twisted and misinterpreted to suit one's narrative, there is nothing we can do about it," he said.

"We had already warned the police officers that they would be held responsible for any incidents. An investigation is also underway against the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP). I have instructed that a report be submitted on the reasons for the incident. Further action will be taken after the report is received," he added.

He mentioned that senior officers have been instructed to take precautionary measures to ensure no untoward incidents occur.

Based on this, the Director-General (DG) communicated via video conference with all Superintendents of Police (SPs) and officers concerned.

Meetings were held with the public by the ADGP and SPs on maintaining law and order. As a precautionary measure, KSRP vehicles were kept on standby at the location.

"There are certain rules for providing relief in such incidents. We will review the situation after the investigation report is received," Parameshwara stated.

"Police Inspector Ashok Kumar has been suspended for negligence of duty in connection with the Nagamangala clash. The route for the Ganesh procession had been given in advance, but the Inspector had changed it," Parameshwara maintained.

Parameshwara had said on Thursday that the violence took place accidentally and the BJP accused him of trivialising the incident and demanded his resignation.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : A wave of euphoria gripped the Aam Aadmi Party's ranks as the Supreme Court granted bail to the party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi liquor policy on Friday, after which the party dropped a hint about the leader hitting the hustings in poll-bound Haryana.

Welcoming the court order, RS MP Raghav Chadha said that the news has sent a wave of happiness among the party workers and reiterated the partyas proverbial stand, "Truth can be troubled but not defeated"

Speaking to media persons after the Top Court order, Chadha said, "I thank the Apex Court. Arvind Kejriwal is not just a name but a brand of honest politics. I welcome the decision for his release. This will give more strength to AAP."

When questioned on Kejriwal's role in the upcoming Haryana elections, Chadha stated, "Till date, AAP has fought all elections under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal. After release, he will surely take charge of the party's campaign in the upcoming Haryana elections."

On questions of conditional release to Kejriwal, he said that the party will chalk out further strategy after reading the final order of the Supreme Court.

Further sharing his happiness, Chadha said, "I want to say, 'welcome back Arvind Kejriwal, on behalf of the people of Delhi and the country. We all missed you.' After a long struggle, the son of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal is coming back."

Many AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia, Atishi and others welcomed the court's decision and described it as the victory over "lies and conspiracies."

Notably, Delhi CM Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, in connection with a money laundering investigation, relating to alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy.

Kejriwal was again arrested by CBI on June 26, while being in the custody of the ED in the excise case.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. On September 13, 2024, in Moscow, the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Sharifov and the Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation Anton Siluanov held the first meeting of the Azerbaijani-Russian financial dialogue, the Ministry of Finance of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports.

During the meeting, promising areas for enhancing cooperation were identified, such as analysis and forecasting of the profitability of the budget system, public debt management, as well as tax policy.

In addition, the parties noted that the financial departments of the two countries cooperate on certain issues of budget policy and audit activities. Azerbaijan and Russia coordinate interaction at multilateral platforms, such as the UN and the CIS, as well as in international financial institutions.

The participants of the financial dialogue exchanged assessments of the macroeconomic situation and new challenges, discussed practices for minimizing economic risks.

Following the financial dialogue, the parties agreed to move on to the implementation of practical steps on initiatives that meet the interests of the two countries and to hold technical consultations at the expert level.
Kolkata, Sep 13 : Following the demise of CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, speculation is rife on who could be his successor.

The first question is whether any acting general secretary is elevated to the post and who can continue till the 24th party Congress at Madurai in Tamil Nadu in April next year, or whether anyone from the politburo is finalised for that chair by the central committee.

"As it is Sitaram was supposed to be replaced at the Madurai party Congress. He would have completed his third term as the party general secretary by then. He could have played an important role in finalising the next face as his successor. So there is the question of who will be mandated to continue with the task till the next party Congress," said a central committee member of the party from West Bengal who did not wish to be named.

The second question is about the selection of his successor who can emerge as an accepted face as a mediator in the national-level non-BJP alliance partners in the coming days, a sphere where Yechury became highly successful as was evident in the last Lok Sabha elections.

The question about Yechury's success is, especially, important for the party's West Bengal leadership as the latter is worried whether the new face will endorse the state unit's independent line of state-level seat-sharing arrangements with Congress which Yechury had always endorsed even going against the state leadership elsewhere.

"Sitaram's absence at this moment is a major shock not only for the party as a whole but for the state leadership in West Bengal. He had always given special importance to our state-specific line even in the face of opposition from the state leadership elsewhere," the central committee member from West Bengal said.

Being a liberal Marxist, like his mentor and former party general secretary Late Harkishan Singh Surjit and the former nonagenarian West Bengal Chief Minister Late Jyoti Basu, Yechury had been always open about accepting the party's Bengal-line logic of an understanding with Congress at the state level against the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Because of the initiatives of Yechury and another former West Bengal Chief Minister Late Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, the foundation stone for the Left Front-Congress seat-sharing agreement in the state was laid before the 2016 Assembly elections, which was continued in 2021 and the last Lok Sabha elections.

It was because of his liberal views of Yechury that the West Bengal unit of the CPI(M) could continue with the arrangement with Congress in the state despite the two parties being arch-rivals in Kerala.
Bengaluru, Sep 13 : In a shocking incident that came to light on Friday, a Dalit family was boycotted in a Karnataka village for reporting the rape of a minor Dalit girl in Yadgir district of the state.

The upper caste community was enraged after the family of the victim, a minor Dalit girl, went ahead and lodged a police complaint under the provisions of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The upper caste youth had allegedly raped a minor girl in a village near Hunasagi taluk of Yadgir district. The 15-year-old victim had conceived and the family came to know about the incident when the girl was in her fifth month of pregnancy. The family then lodged a police complaint at Narayapura police station on August 12.

The upper caste community leaders had sent messengers and asked the Dalit family to come to a compromise. However, the Dalit family rejected the offer and insisted that police action be taken against the accused.

Following this, the upper caste leaders ordered shop owners in the village to boycott Dalits. The shopkeepers are now refusing to sell basic stationery items such as pens, notebooks and pencils to children belonging to the Dalit community. The Dalit families are not sold daily ration by the shops in villages and they are forced to fetch it from a distant place.

The Dalits in the village are living in fear about the consequences and have sought assistance from the authorities. The Dalit organisations have raised concern over the incident and demanded action against the culprits. The police and district administration are trying to hold a peace meeting between the communities. More details are yet to emerge regarding the incident.

Yadgir is one of the most backward districts of Karnataka and its social indicators are alarmingly low when compared to other regions.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : Including fungal pathogens is crucial in the fight against deadly antimicrobial resistance, which is rapidly becoming a public health threat worldwide, according to a study published in The Lancet journal on Friday.

The study, led by scientists at the universities of Manchester in the UK, Amsterdam, and the Westerdijk Institute in the Netherlands, showed that most fungal pathogens identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) are either already resistant or rapidly acquiring resistance to antifungal drugs.

These fungal pathogens account for around 3.8 million deaths a year.

The study, which comes ahead of the UN meeting on AMR later this month, calls for including resistance developed in many fungal pathogens to curb AMR.

The scientists argued that focussing on bacteria alone will not help fully combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). They called for immediate action, without which resistance to fungal disease will escalate.

Aspergillus, Candida, Nakaseomyces glabratus, and Trichophyton indotineae are the major fungicide resistant infections. These can have devastating health impacts on the elderly and people with weak immune systems.

Dr. Norman van Rhijn from The University of Manchester said that invasive fungal diseases have been responsible for many drug resistance problems over the past decades.

However, the threat of fungal pathogens and antifungal resistance has largely been "underrecognised" and "left out of the debate" by scientists, governments, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies.

van Rhijn explained that "the close similarities between fungal and human cells make it hard to find treatments that selectively inhibit fungi with minimal toxicity to patients".

The scientists suggested a global consensus on limiting the use of certain classes of antifungal molecules. They also stressed the need for collaborating on solutions and regulations that ensure food security and universal health for animals, plants, and humans.
Patna, Sep 13 : Severe soil erosion caused by the floods in Bihar has destroyed several house in districts like Gopalganj and Saharsa and the villagers are accusing the Nitish Kumar government of being indifferent to their plight.

Severe soil erosion has been caused by the Gandak River in Gopalganj and the Kosi River in Saharsa.

In Gopalganj, several villages including Maqsoodpur, Katgharwa, Bhaisli, Rampur Tekrahi, Jagiri Tola, and Rajwahi, all within the Sadar block, are heavily affected.

Many residents have been forced to flee their homes and are now living in makeshift huts near the Durgaha Bridge canal.

The loss of homes and agricultural lands has left the villagers in a dire situation.

Raju Ram, a resident of Maqsoodpur, shared that his house and fields have been swallowed by the Gandak River. He and many others from his village are now sheltering near the bridge.

"Our primary source of income, agriculture, has been devastated by the floods, and we are struggling to make ends meet. We have no alternate source of livelihood. Government officials are not paying attention to our situation," Raju Ram said.

This situation requires urgent government intervention to assist the affected families with immediate relief and long-term solutions to counter soil erosion and flood-related damages.

In Saharsa district, around 24 houses in ward number 13 of Dholapur Panchayat have been submerged due to the rising waters of the Kosi River, leaving the affected villagers in a difficult situation.

They have sought refuge in houses located farther from the river, away from immediate danger.

Women have set up community kitchens, where they are jointly preparing meals while waiting for the water levels to subside.

With no immediate help from the Bihar administration in sight, they have been left on the mercy of nature.

Laxman Mahto, a ward member of Dholapur Panchayat, expressed frustration over the lack of action from government authorities.

"Despite repeated information passed to the Water Resource Department and district officials about the risk of soil erosion, no preventive measures were taken. As a result, 24 houses located near the riverbank were lost to the Kosi River," Mahto said.

He also lamented the fact that no government aid has reached the flood-affected victims.

To add to the villagers' plight, the Meteorological Department has predicted moderate to heavy rain in coming days across several parts of Bihar.

A aYellow alerta has been issued, and people have been advised to take precautions, especially those working in agricultural fields.

The department has predicted moderate to heavy rain in Nawada, Gaya, Jamui, Banka, Munger, and Lakhisarai districts on Friday.

On September 14, rain is expected in Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Banka, Munger, and Bhagalpur.

On September 15, a aYellow alerta for rain is in place for Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya, Jehanabad, Bhojpur, Buxar, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, and Munger districts, along with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning strikes.
Moscow, Sep 13 : In a move that will further strain the already fraught Russia-UK relationship, Moscow has revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats after the country's counter-intelligence agency FSB accused them of involvement in espionage and subversive activities.

The FSB, in a statement on Friday, said that it obtained "documents confirming London's coordination of the escalation of the international military-political situation", RT reported.

The UK has also supported "subversive policies" in Russia in an attempt to inflict a "strategic defeat" on the nation, and these efforts have been spearheaded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate (EECAD), the agency said, adding that after the Ukraine war broke out conflict, the EECAD "was essentially transformed into a special service working against Moscow" and its employees are "security threat"

In light of this and other "hostile steps" by the UK, the Russian Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with relevant departments, "has terminated the accreditation of six employees of the political department of the British Embassy in Moscow, whose actions showed signs of intelligence and subversive work", officials said.

Russia would demand the "early termination of their missions" in the country, they added.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told TASS that they fully support the FSB's assessment, as British diplomats in Russia have been involved in "actions aimed at harming our people."

The British authorities have yet to respond to the allegations.

With relations between Russia and the UK at their nadir since the Ukraine conflict as they expelled each other's diplomats and imposed sanctions, the action comes amid a new war of words between them.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned NATO that it was at risk of entering into war with his country if Europe and the US allowed Ukraine to attack Russian territory with western-made long-range missiles.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is in Washington for talks with US President Joe Biden, dismissed it, saying Ukraine had the right to defend itself, but noted that he did not seek conflict with Moscow.

However, he said that Russia started the conflict in Ukraine and can end it "straight away".
Jaipur, Sep 13 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the headquarters of Daikin, one of the world's largest AC manufacturing companies, located in Japan's Osaka, and met senior officials of the company on Friday.

Sharma also visited the R&D Centre of the company.

Daikin is one of the largest companies present in Neemrana, an exclusive Japanese Investment Zone in Rajasthan's Alwar district.

Sharma also addressed the investorsa meet organised in Osaka, Japan for the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024.

The CM was in Tokyo on Thursday and travelled to Osaka in a bullet train. He also met the non-resident communities from Rajasthan on the occasion.

Sharma on Thursday held talks with ministers of the Japanese government and sought Japanas continued support in facilitating investments in Rajasthan. He met 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). He invited them to attend the upcoming investorsa summit, 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.

Besides that, the CM-led 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, and TOHO Group among others.

During the meeting with Honda, officials of the company expressed their gratitude for 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. The Chief Minister 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 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 Rajasthan Government 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 state business-friendly. He also invited the TOHO Group to invest and expand their business in Rajasthan.

Rajasthan 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 CM-led delegation that is touring Japan consists of Prem Chand Bairwa, Rajasthanas Deputy Chief Minister, Shikhar Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Ajitabh Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, and other top officials from RIICO and BIP.
The inaugural International Summit of Audio Publishers (ISAP) drew 137 participants and exhibitors from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America who discussed current market conditions, the impact of AI, and what is coming next for the audiobook industry. Organized by the Audio Publishers Association, the event was held September 10 in New York City.

The audiobook market in the U.S. is continuing to grow, with revenue increasing by 9%, to $2 billion, in 2023, according to the APA. In Europe the market is also gaining momentum, with 46% of German readers reported having listened to an audiobook or podcast in the past year, and nearly one- third of all French and Spanish readers having done so. Overall, the global audiobook market is estimated to be worth $6.83 billion in 2023 and sales are expected to reach $8.67 billion in 2024, according to Grand View Research.

Market growth and regional differences

Discussing Germany, Colin Hauer, CEO of Horbuch Hamburg, one of Germany's largest audiobook publishers, estimated the total revenue for 2022 at around 300 million euros. The market has seen steady growth, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, with approximately half of Germany's 85 million people having consumed audiobooks, podcasts, or audio dramas in the past year.

Chantal Restivo-Alessi, chief digital officer and CEO of international foreign language for HarperCollins, noted significant differences between countries like Germany, with its established audiobook history, and emerging markets in Europe and Latin America. "You really have to understand the market, respect their cultures, and really understand how to operate in each individual situation," she remarked.

Helena Gustafsson, chief content officer at Storytel, shared that in Nordic countries, audiobook consumption has reached impressive levels. In Sweden, for example, audiobooks now account for 35% of publishers' revenues, with 64% of units sold being audiobooks. A recent study there categorized listeners into three main groups: repeaters (who listen to the same books multiple times); swappers (who sample many books before deciding); and super users (who consume large amounts of content). She noted that super users, while potentially the most lucrative, can also present challenges in terms of content consumption rates. Some might call them super abusers instead, she quipped.

Emerging markets and localization strategies

In the U.S., Audible is by far the most dominant platform in the audiobook market. Lee Jarit was recently named Audible's global head of publisher and partner relations and at the conference he discussed the company's approach to entering new markets, particularly Brazil and Japan.

The Brazilian audiobook industry was still nascent when Audible entered the market, prompting the company to invest heavily in producing 1,500 authentically Brazilian titles, many using celebrity narrators, Jarit explained. "We knew that we'd have to spend upfront in order to create an incredible catalog of audio content that would draw Brazilians to what is essentially a brand-new publishing industry," Jarit said. In addition, the company focused its marketing efforts on highlighting the ability of customers to consume content while completing everyday tasks, which was particularly appealing to commuters in cities like Sao Paulo with notoriously long travel times.

In Japan, another market where audiobooks were virtually unknown before Audible entered the business, the company faced initial challenges in convincing publishers of the format's viability. There, the company also emphasized using celebrity narrators and collaborating with high-profile authors like Haruki Murakami to generate interest.

In more established markets like the U.S. and U.K., the focus has shifted towards innovation in content delivery and monetization models. Audible, for instance, has introduced a new royalty model that provides more flexibility for publishers and creators to monetize their content across different consumption patterns.

When Spotify launched its audiobook streaming service in October 2023 in the U.S. and the U.K., Owen Smith, VP Product & Technology for Audiobooks at the company, said its approach in those markets included leveraging its massive user base and data-driven recommendation algorithms to introduce audiobooks to new listeners, recommending books based on the company's data about user listening patterns. Six of the the top ten [audiobooks] on Spotify were released more than five years ago," indicating that they are reaching a different audience compared to other platforms, especially one that is younger, Owens said.

Business models and monetization

The conference also explored the diversity of business models across different markets and platforms. Audible's Jarit explained that while the credit model has been successful in established markets like the U.S., Audible uses an all-you-can-listen models in emerging markets to grow audiences and familiarize consumers with the format.

Spotify is exploring AI applications for content discovery and recommendations, while Audible has introduced an AI-powered search tool called "Maven" to help customers find specific titles using conversational language.

At Storytel, the company has introduced its VoiceSwitcher technology, which enables a listener to change the narrator to suit their preference or mood.

Robert Casten Carlberg, cofounder and CEO of Nuanxed, a technology startup based in Sweden, shared how his company is using AI to assist in translation, potentially speeding up the process of bringing audiobooks to new language markets. However, he noted that for more literary works, the time savings are less significant, and the focus remains on creating high-quality translations, which his company guarantees through the use of human proofers.

Several other challenges were identified across markets including piracy, with platforms and publishers working together to protect content. Other common issues included adapting to different copyright frameworks and translator rights across countries and educating consumers in emerging markets about audiobooks as a format.

Despite these challenges, the overall outlook for the global audiobook market remains positive. As Chantal Restivo-Alessi noted, "publishing is the one industry, along with education, that hasn't crashed with the advent of digital. It's actually done pretty well."

The industry continues to innovate, with companies exploring new ways to engage listeners, from multi-cast productions to immersive audio experiences using technologies like those developed by Dolby Atmos, which was also an exhibitor at the event. Its technology potentially enables producers to create more robust multicast productions. In the U.K., for example, which already has a rich tradition of radio drama, producers are more accustomed to creating highly immersive experiences, often incorporating sound effects and multiple narrators to enhance the storytelling.

The consensus at the event was that as audiobook market matures, the focus will remain on creating high-quality content, improving discovery mechanisms, and adapting to local preferences while leveraging global distribution capabilities.

Community and conversation

Reflecting on the conference, Hauer of Horbuch Hamburg said he was struck by the fact that even though the different territories may be in different stages of maturity, "they all share the same positive and innovative spirit that contributes to the ongoing success story of audiobooks around the globe. He added, At ISAP, the international audiobook industry has shown once more the value of openness and sense of community that really defines our line of work. Spreading the (spoken) word is a lot easier if you communicate with one another and keep an open mind."

Audibles Jarit also said the conference pointed to the importance of reaching new listeners around the world through content tailored to their local cultures and preferences. "In all of my conversations," he said, "I felt such powerful energy around continuing to grow the audio category, especially in emerging marketplaces, and Im excited about future collaborations with both global publishers and cutting edge companies.

Spotifys Smith noted that meeting with publishers was a major benefit of attending ISAP: It's always a pleasure to get the opportunity to meet our publishing partners face-to-face at industry events and hear positive feedback from them firsthand."

We've been talking for years now about the rise of audiobooks, but a conference like ISAP makes it clear that there is still so much ahead, remarked Heather Fain, industry consultant and director on the board of the APA. It's fun to be reminded that the hype around audiobooks is real and growing.
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LMS Jubilee Class 4-6-0 No. 45596 Bahamas is to have its first mainline run of 2024 on Sunday, 27th October when it hauls The Shakespeare Express from Derby to Stratford-upon-Avon.

This will only be the second time that The Shakespeare Express has started at Derby, and will see Bahamas take over duties from the Castle Class locomotives normally used on Vintage Trains rail tours.

Bahamas at Frodsham station. // Credit: Russ Bolger

By starting the train at Derby, passengers in the East Midlands will have the chance to travel to Stratford-upon-Avon behind a steam locomotive.

Leaving Derby, at 10.15, the train will pick up at Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth High Level, and Coleshill Parkway, to arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon at 12.45.

After four hours exploring Stratfords historic streets, the train will depart from Stratford-upon-Avon at 16.45 and follow the same route as outward to arrive back in Derby at 19.20.

Bahamas at Eaves. // Credit: Pete Skelton

Built by the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) in January 1935, Bahamas was originally numbered 5596.

In line with other members of the class which were named after Commonwealth countries, it was named after The Bahamas in 1936.

In 2022, Bahamas was temporarily renamed as its long-lost sister locomotive 45606 Falkland Islands to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the South Atlantic conflict in the Falkland Islands.

Bahamas has the distinction of being the last steam locomotive to be modified by British Railways when it was fitted with a double chimney which it still carries today.

It was purchased for preservation by the Bahamas Locomotive Society, and is now based at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway when not hauling railtours.

A table for 4 in Pullman class. // Credit: Vintage Trains

We are absolutely delighted to once again be working with Vintage Trains and Tyseley Locomotive Works where 45596 was overhauled to perfection following the awarding of the lottery grant and most of our return to the mainline excursions were run by Vintage Trains in partnership with ourselves and we have always worked well together and will enjoy doing so again. Keith Whitmore, Chairman of Bahamas Locomotive Society

Id like to extend my thanks to the Bahamas Locomotive Society, for allowing us to use their fantastic locomotive, 45596 Bahamas, on our upcoming Shakespeare Express departure from Derby. This is particularly fitting as Bahamas was based at Derby for a time and would have been a regular performer in the area during its LMS days. As this will be Bahamas first mainline passenger run since 2023, I hope this will prove an exciting opportunity to both passengers and the public in equal measure to see the locomotive once again at speed hauling passenger trains on the mainline. Michael Whitehouse, Chairman of Vintage Trains




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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

star Jenn Tran has reacted to Devin Strader leaking their deeply personal texts in attempt to share his "truth" and refute "false narratives" about their relationship.After Jenn proposed marriage to Devin at the Final Rose Ceremony in Hawaii in May, she claimed he slowly ghosted her over the next two months and then brutally dumped her during a brief early-August phone call.The pair had a heated confrontation on 's live Season 21 finale that aired September 3 on ABC, and the episode left most viewers furious and disgusted by Devin's behavior and casual attitude towards his heartbroken ex-fiancee.Devin therefore posted a 13-minute video on Tuesday, September 10 via Instagram that included dozens of screenshots of what appeared to be private texts with Jenn before and after their breakup."I have not seen the video, and I don't plan on it," Jenn claimed during the September 11 episode of "The Viall Files" podcast, which is hosted by former The Bachelor star Nick Viall "It's just I know what happens; I don't need to watch a 13-minute video on it, and he's already wasted six months of my life, so I'm not going to give him another second let alone 13 minutes! I'm all set."In his video, Devin attempted to show that he was actually "present" while dating Jenn in the real world and had given their relationship his best effort, contrary to Jenn's recent claims he had essentially ignored her until blindsiding her with the breakup.Nick pointed out how Devin must feel that his point of view was not heard or understood, but Jenn suggested there's no excuse for what he did to her and there's little chance of them mending fences "I have no idea why somebody would do this, let alone why somebody I was engaged to would release private texts between us two," Jenn lamented."When you get engaged to somebody or you're dating somebody, your first thought is never, 'Oh my gosh, these texts might actually be blasted for the whole world to see!' That is such an invasion of privacy!"Jenn recalled how so many family and friends reached out to warn her that Devin had uploaded a tell-all Instagram video."I truthfully felt so betrayed -- so, just, disrespected," Jenn admitted."And honestly, I was just upset and disappointed. I don't have a problem with him going out there and saying what he needs to say, but I have a problem with him invading my privacy and releasing texts without telling me or without giving me notice."Jenn also acknowledged how "some of the things he conveniently blurred out" or "forgot to blur out" in the screenshots of their text messages were "very, very private" details and exchanges.Jenn was presumably referring to how some of her texts were sexually explicit."My mother is on the Internet, dude!" Jenn complained. "What's up with that?!"Jenn vented about how Devin's move was "disrespectful" overall, and she added, "I don't appreciate it at all."Jenn explained how Devin is "allowed to have his own side to the story" but he didn't go about sharing his side in the right way."He was a part of this relationship too and he has all the right to say whatever he wants to say... And he had time at [After the Final Rose] to say it! And I don't know about you guys, but I didn't hear very much of anything," Jenn said."So he had time to share his piece. If he wants to share more, he's more than welcome to do that. What I don't condone is invading my privacy and going out there and doing that."Jenn also confirmed that information about him DMing other women and being photographed with another woman in New York "didn't even come out until after [After the Final Rose].""So I wanted to put it in the past at AFR. I was like, 'This is it. I just want to be done,' and then it's like every day something is popping up -- the picture with the girl, people DMing me [about how] he's making out with this person on this date, he's flying to the airport with this girl and going on this date," Jenn said."And now he's releasing text messages. At this point, I want to be done! I want to put this in the past. This is the last time I'm talking about this, because I don't need this breakup to be drawn out for six months."Jenn reiterated how she's "done with it" and "ready to move on.""At this point in my life, the way that he's been behaving and releasing our texts and whatever else he's doing, shows me this is not the person I would ever want to spend the rest of my life with anyways," Jenn continued on the podcast."So I'm ready to move forward with that, and I know I'm at the right place in my life right now. Everything truly happened for a reason. It's a blessing in disguise when it happened, and I'm grateful for it because of all of this mess."While Jenn is trying to heal from Devin's betrayal, she confessed to Nick that she "truthfully" doesn't know where her heart is yet."I haven't had a second to myself to really process everything and it's only been a week since the finale. There's been a lot going on," Jenn explained."I've been kind of just focusing on myself and focusing on Dancing with the Stars -- focusing on having fun and putting energy back into myself."Jenn, however, noted how there is "a lot going on" in the back of her mind when she's trying to focus on other things, such as her upcoming stint on Dancing with the Stars' 33rd season with pro partner Sasha Farber "I'm still trying to process it all. I'm still trying to heal from it, and I feel like every second I'm getting there and I'm getting a little bit better, there's something else that comes out and I'm just like, 'That breaks it all over again!'" Jenn complained.But Jenn pointed out how "healing is not a linear journey" and she expected to go through ups and downs after Devin brutally dumped her."I've been through heartbreak before, maybe not in the public eye, but I know I will be okay at the end of the day," Jenn clarified."But I'm not going to sit here and lie and say I'm 110 percent okay. I'm not. I think it's okay to also admit that. So, it's been a lot."Luckily, Jenn has a lot of friends, family and fans in her corner. She said it's been "really amazing to have support" from people she doesn't even know."I try to just stay as grounded as possible, and I'm grateful for the support right now... I am happy to be living," she concluded with a laugh.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Swiss energy company Axpo has approved its first biomethane project in Italy, marking a significant step in the company's renewable energy expansion, Trend reports via Axpo.

The facility, located in the southern Basilicata region, will generate around 45 GWh of renewable energy annually and is slated to begin operations by the end of 2025.

The plant will be built in the municipality of Grottole, using agricultural waste from nearby farms to produce carbon-neutral green gas. This biomethane will be injected directly into Italys national gas grid, aiding the countrys transition toward cleaner energy.

The acquisition deal between Axpo and an Italian project developer was finalized in early September 2024, though financial details remain undisclosed. Italian firms, led by Atzwanger SpA and BiHcon, have been contracted for engineering, procurement, and construction, with work set to begin this month.

Axpos efforts to support decarbonization go beyond Italy. In Spain, the company operates a biomethane plant at the Torre Santamaria dairy cattle farm, which converts livestock manure into green gas. The plant currently feeds 26 GWh of biomethane into the Spanish gas grid annually, with plans to increase production to 115 GWh.

Additionally, Axpo expanded into Portugals biomethane market in April 2024, launching a project that will generate 15 GWh annually, also expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

Axpo's ongoing investments in biomethane across Europe underscore its commitment to renewable energy and support for national decarbonization goals.

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'Opportunity is there in each segment of the market. There is opportunity in affordable and specifically governed by government initiatives as well as for housing for all.'

Photograph: Kind courtesy Bajaj Housing Finance

Sanjiv Bajaj, chairman and managing director, Bajaj Finserv, the holding company of Bajaj Finance, and Atul Jain, managing director, Bajaj Housing Finance, in a freewheeling conversation with Manojit Saha and Subrata Panda/Business Standard, outlined the company's growth plans beyond the IPO.

What next after Bajaj Housing Finance IPO? Any other subsidiary that you will look to list?

Bajaj: Firstly, this IPO is a combination of the high growth that we have seen in the housing finance arm and our desire to diversify the sources of capital as we continue to fund this growth, and also RBI's requirement as an upper-layer NBFC to list before September 2025.

As distinct from that, the two insurance companies are adequately capitalised.

And their growth is being more than met by the internal capital they generate. So, there are no plans right now.

The housing finance company is growing at a rapid pace. Is the regulator comfortable with the pace?

Jain: Regulation in our assessment does not come from growth only.

So far we never had a conversation with regulators where they have pointed out that we are growing very fast.

I think the way regulators look at things is that they look at capital adequacy, corporate governance processes, gross non-performing assets ratio, or whether you carry a systemic risk to the system overall or not.

Compared to the overall market size, growth percentage is also a question of relativity.

If you look from inception to now, it will look like our growth percentage is very high.

But from the overall market point of view, we remain very small.

So you yourself are also comfortable with this kind of growth?

Jain: Growth is a number; we do not choose a particular number.

So there is no point in saying that we have to grow at a certain number.

We believe, in a large market and if you are small, and you are an efficient company, there is space available, you take that space because you are hungry for business.

But there is no particular number we chase when it comes to growth.

Is the vision to be the next HDFC?

Bajaj: What we mean by that is that we have high respect for how HDFC built a business over the decades with excellence, focusing on the customer, a strong management team, and the next avatar of that is what we want to build.

Would you look to bring down your dependence on bank funding?

Jain: In that sense, we are fairly balanced, because 51 per cent of our funding is from the banks.

So we are not overly dependent on the banks. There are two large sources of funding--either you borrow more from the money market; or you borrow from the banks.

We believe we are fairly balanced from a funding perspective. Regulators have never specified a percentage; they always say diversify funding sources.

We believe the mix of what we carry is a fair reflection of diversification.

When we run a treasury strategy, there is an optimisation from the tenor point of view, from the cost point of view, also the variability point of view.

Money market funds tend to be fixed in nature as liabilities, while the bank funds tend to be variable in nature, since our asset size is more variable, because we lend at a variable rate.

So, there is an optimisation which we are constantly required to do.

And in our assessment, I think we have done a fair job in optimising the liability side mix.

Would you look at applying for a deposit-taking licence?

Jain: It's a licensing framework, we don't have it available today.

Bajaj: I don't think it's an option.

Jain: But if it is to become available, it opens up another source of funds. But we don't assume it is going to be.

What are your plans for the affordable housing segment?

Jain: We operate in all the segments today as well. The dominant portion of the book is non-affordable or the prime book, but there is a presence of the affordable book.

We have been gradually entering all the segments. Because each segment and each sub-segment of the business is a nuanced segment.

We need to grow it at a pace so that we understand.

Also, do it in a method which is advantageous to the customer, and to the company and see over a gradual period of time the performance of the book and then take it forward to a certain extent. That's what we are doing.

Opportunity is there in each segment of the market. There is opportunity in affordable and specifically governed by government initiatives as well as for housing for all.

But it's a nuanced business. Operational skills, processes and the technicalities of the business are different. So that's why we are gradually building it.

Would you look at a strategic investor after the IPO?

Bajaj: See, we have to dilute by 25 per cent in three years' time. And currently we are the strategic investor.

We will look at all types of investors and get a good mix of high-quality investors as we build the new company out.

There is a tremendous PE interest in housing finance companies. Did you receive any interest from the company?

Bajaj: Interest keeps coming. PE brings a valuable source of capital that is a medium-term source of capital.

But, we as promoters already bring that as a long-term source of capital. But there is nothing wrong with having high-quality investors.

Now as we move forward with the company, we will take a call.

Promoter stake dilution is 11 per cent. Do you have a roadmap on how you want to achieve minimum public shareholding?

Bajaj: No, it's too early to have that roadmap. It will be driven by the growth of the housing finance company and their requirement of capital.

And anything beyond that will be OFS that will come through Bajaj Finance, the parent to reach 25 per cent in 3 years' time.

What is your vision for Bajaj Housing Finance?

Bajaj: We want to build the best housing finance company of the future.

Do you have clarity on whether Bajaj Finserv or Bajaj Finance is eligible to apply for a banking licence?

Bajaj: Our understanding is, being a business group, we are not.

But the regulatory licence available to us currently gives us more than enough space to build high-quality businesses as we have demonstrated in the last 17 years with Bajaj Finance and 7 years with Bajaj Housing Finance.

How do you look at the competition, especially now that Jio Finance has entered the space?

Bajaj: We think the market is large enough for many players. And we are ourselves a product of that opportunity.

In the last 17 years as we have grown to be the largest consumer lender, it has not prevented anybody else from growing.

Why did you decide to trim the IPO size?

Bajaj: It is not cut down on the size. We had a window of a year to come out with the IPO, we just had kept some headroom.

Because as I said, part of the money is for their growth. Now, if it was 6 months later, we had gotten approval from Sebi then they would have grown for six months and some capital would have been consumed.

So, that few hundred crores was just the headroom. Jain: Offer for sale remains the same. It is the only minor reduction in the primary issue basis.

Can you give a roadmap on how you are looking to deploy the funds that you will raise?

Jain: So, the way we look at it is not the capital adequacy ratio. We look at it from the leverage point of view.

Our leverage ratio would be close to 6x today. Raising of capital would bring down that leverage ratio to a certain extent.

What we look at as a sustainable business practice is a 6x to 8x kind of leverage ratio, which is what we are governed by.

And if you look at our history also, that is where we had always been there. We always raised it as a rights issue from the parent whenever we crossed 6x or 7x leverage.

Of course, coming public means there is a bit of a longer headroom. Leverage ratio will come down. But if we continue to grow, I think it (capital) will get consumed.

And in some time, we will be back to our normal corridor of 6 to 8X leverage.

What is your plan for a developer finance book?

Within the developer finance business, there are various types of businesses.

We do not do construction finance business driven by pure returns. The first driver is the home loans.

Because it acts as a funnel for home loans as it gives you an entry point for home loans. Of course, returns are a welcome by-product.

So, there is a particular risk construct that we follow which determines the kind of yields we will have.

We try to be as conservative as possible. So, yields are not a driver of construction finance. So, we are not increasing the developer finance book from a yield perspective.

How do you see the valuation comparison among your peers?

Bajaj: So, we priced it keeping in mind what this size of business in the quality peer group has been, such that it is both rewarding for existing shareholders and for newer ones as well.

Would you have gone for listing so soon if not for the regulatory pressure?

Bajaj: So, we could have listed it anytime up to next year. Because one does not know how long it takes to get all the approvals.

But, now that approvals have come, we would rather list it now so that after this the management goes back into focusing on building the business.

What are your plans for Bajaj Finance's credit card business?

Bajaj: On our own we are not permitted to unless RBI gives us a licence. So, we can only do it with a bank.

We have two tie-ups with RBL Bank and DBS Bank.

Have you applied to RBI to have your own credit card?

Bajaj: Yes, we had applied sometime back itself. So, we are waiting to hear from them.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
American auto major Ford on Friday said it is preparing to utilise its Chennai manufacturing plant to roll out vehicles for exports and has intimated the same to the Tamil Nadu government.

IMAGE: A file photo of Ford cars being assembled at a plant in Chengalpattu, on the outskirts of Chennai. Photograph: Babu/Reuters

Minister for TRB Rajaa, who is in the United States accompanying the Chief Minister M K Stalin to woo investors, said the efforts of the Chief Minister to reposition 'Brand Tamil Nadu' in its Numero Uno place has yielded rich dividends.

The comments by Rajaa follows the decision by the US car maker Ford which earlier in the day said that it was preparing to utilise its Chennai manufacturing plant in Maraimalai Nagar to roll out vehicles for exports and has intimated its intention to the state government through a 'Letter of Intent'.

"A year of constant interactions and consistent pitches under the guidance of our CM Tamil Nadu M K Stalin have today resulted in the return of Ford Motor Company to Tamil Nadu." Rajaa said.

"Our CM's efforts to showcase TN's manufacturing prowess, its abundant talent pool and the efforts he has taken to reposition Brand Tamil Nadu in its rightful NumeroUno place has yielded rich dividends." he said in a social media post on Friday.

Rajaa also shared an video of his earlier visit to the factory of Ford in the United States where the car maker produces F150 at its Dearborn Manufacturing unit.

Recently, Chief Minister Stalin met the senior management of Ford Motor Company and said he had a engaging discussion with the team from Ford Motors and explored the feasibility of renewing Ford's three decade partnership with Tamil Nadu.

Earlier today, Ford said it has submitted a Letter of Intent to the Tamil Nadu government, indicating its intention to utilise the Chennai plant in Maraimalai Nagar in Chengalpattu district, located about 45 km from here, to serve overseas markets.

The company had stopped manufacturing of its products in September 2021, after nearly three decades, and said it would sell only imported vehicles going ahead as part of the restructuring exercise.

Ford International Markets Group President Kay Hart said, "This step (preparing to utilise its Chennai plant) aims to underscore our ongoing commitment to India as we intend to leverage manufacturing expertise available in Tamil Nadu to serve new global markets."

Ford currently operates a Global Business Centre in the city, employing about 12,000 people which is expected to grow by 2,500 to 3,000 within the next three years.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. COP29 chief negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev took part in the 31st meeting of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum taking place in Prague on September 12-13, the report of COP29 on the website said, Trend reports.

Together with OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities Coordinator Bakyt Yusupov, discussions on Azerbaijan's vision and priorities at COP29 were held at the forum in Prague. The OSCE's contribution to the fight against climate change was also discussed, the report says.

On September 12, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev held a series of working meetings in Belgrade, at which, according to the COP29 website, strengthening of bilateral cooperation in addressing pressing climate issues was discussed, as well as commitment to promoting sustainable solutions in the run-up to COP29.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,000-80,000 foreign guests.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin with its secretariat in Bonn.
In order to boost its deposit base, State Bank of India (SBI) is focusing on various segments, including JanDhan account holders, trusts, societies, and the segment below the affluent class but above the normal account holders.

Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters

According to Ashwini Tewari , managing director, SBI, the bank is focusing on three broad segments.

One is wealth banking, where the bank is focusing on individuals who perhaps do not qualify for private banking but are above regular accounts and require individual attention.

So, that is one segment we are focused on.

"We have created a vertical and a separate platform for this, Tewari said.

Additionally, the bank is targeting trusts, societies, associations, and clubs.

We are approaching these segments with a set of dedicated products, including transactional banking, tying up with fintechs, and outreach by way of dedicated sales forces, Tewari added.

Further, the bank is also looking at some of the low-value segments, which come broadly under the JanDhan accounts.

There is a lot of deposit which is sitting there, Tewari said, adding that the bank is now using bank correspondents as marketing arms to mobilise deposits from such accounts.

Have we actually asked them to deposit? We possibly have not.

"We can reach out to them, give them small offerings such as insurance, mutual funds, etc., he said.

According to Tewari , the larger message is that deposit-gathering is no longer a walk-in phenomenon.

Rather, it has to be an outreach to different segments with dedicated products and special attention.

This comes at a time when the clamour is growing among banks to mobilize deposits as increasingly household savings are moving towards other high-yielding financial instruments.

Both the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the finance ministry have expressed concerns on numerous occasions over the sluggish pace of deposit growth as compared to credit growth, which is creating a divergence that may lead to asset-liability management problems for banks.

Additionally, they have instructed banks to employ innovative methods to accrue more deposits.

Tewari also highlighted that the challenge that banks are facing on the deposits front is a short-term one and a cyclical issue, which will revert to normal.

However, he emphasized that there could be a secular movement (of household savings) towards investments, which is a good thing because all developed markets move towards that ultimately.

Meanwhile, speaking at the FICCI-IBA event, Prashant Kumar, MD & CEO of Yes Bank, stressed how innovation can come in for deposit mobilization if banks are allowed to offer differential rates of interest to different customers, depending on their risk profile.

Today we need to offer the same rate of interest for the same amount for a particular bucket irrespective of the risk of the customer.

"Innovation would depend on if the banks would be allowed to offer differential rates of interest, depending on the risk profile of the customers, he said.
Meta announced a first-of-its-kind initiative called 'WhatsApp Bharat Yatra', where the company will go to Tier-II and Tier-III cities to provide on-ground, in-person training to small businesses.

IMAGE: Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Thomas White/Reuters

Meta, the parent company of communication platform WhatsApp, has seen revenues from WhatsApp Business doubling in India in a year, said Sandhya Devanathan, vice-president and head -- India, Meta.

"India is one of the top markets for WhatsApp globally, not just in terms of users but also in messaging," Devanathan said.

"We are high priority because both in terms of users and what we are seeing in terms of business momentum, WhatsApp India is outpacing a whole bunch of other countries," Devanathan told Business Standard in a video call during the first WhatsApp Business Summit in Mumbai.

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, unveiled a slew of features for small businesses on WhatsApp ahead of the festival season.

This includes Meta Verified badges for small businesses. Meta Verified will now be available to all eligible small businesses in India using the WhatsApp Business app.

With Meta Verified, 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.

Since the global event 'Conversation' held in Mumbai last year, WhatsApp has seen good momentum in terms of growth, Devanathan added.

"Last year, we announced Payments and Flows, and we are seeing huge success there. We are seeing thousands more businesses adopt our products.

"We see payments doubling in volume and Click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) also doubling in terms of revenue over the past year. I am encouraged by this growth as it's a reflection that businesses are finding value and users are finding value," Devanathan elaborated.

Meta does not share revenue numbers for individual geographies, nor does it break down revenue in terms of platforms. WhatsApp in India, however, has one of the largest user bases, with over 500 million users.

Devanathan explained that Click-to-WhatsApp, which is about businesses finding the audience on Facebook and Instagram and continuing that chat on WhatsApp, has seen its revenue double for the company in the past year.

With a clear focus on getting small businesses to use WhatsApp, the company also announced a first-of-its-kind initiative called 'WhatsApp Bharat Yatra', where the company will go to Tier-II and Tier-III cities across 10 locations in India to provide on-ground, in-person training to small businesses.

"We intend to engage and train over 20,000 small businesses across segments," she added.

Meta has been strengthening its offerings for businesses across sectors over the last year. The company is also focusing on its artificial intelligence offerings. Among these are AI Assistants and AI Agents.

While AI Agents are being actively tested with Indian businesses, it will be launched sometime in the first half of 2025.

AI Assistant is being piloted only in the US and Singapore.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
It's intriguing that the prime minister now wants his American partner to help protect the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.

That's conceding to the Americans a pre-eminence India has always contested, resented and feared, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

IMAGE: A demonstrator displays a placard during a protest against violence towards Hindu communities in Dhaka, August 9, 2024. Photograph: Fatima Tuj Johora/Reuters

In these frightfully prickly times, trifles tend to become controversies in our geopolitical debates.

You could see the issue over the difference between the Indian and US readouts of the Narendra Modi-Joe Biden phone call in a similar light, and dismiss it as a joke -- big deal if Washington didn't mention Modi's concern over the fate of Hindus in Bangladesh. Grow up, India.

That 'grow up, India' admonition might apply, though for entirely different reasons.

In fact, we will argue that these reactions and the widespread indignation are no joke.

This is serious business. The most serious is the fact that an Indian prime minister, that too of a strong and stable government no less, needed to seek Washington's good offices to protect the Hindus next door.

This necessitates raising some serious questions. For example:

Do we remember when an Indian prime minister last called his American counterpart -- now our essential strategic partner -- and sought his help to protect Hindus in our neighbourhood?

Or when such a call was last made, asking a foreign power to control/restrain the situation in our neighbourhood?

There have been calls aplenty for the world to restrain Pakistan from unleashing cross-border terror on India, but does India really care what the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or 10 other militant groups with fancy names do within Pakistan? Take a look at what the TTP did to the Pakistani army colonel they've kidnapped. You can even watch him grovelling in a video that the TTP tweeted.

Has India ever conceded that another power has any legitimate role to play in our immediate neighbourhood? Even something seemingly as minor as a Voice of America transmitter in Trincomalee made us neurotic during the Indira era about a foreign power finding a foothold in our region.

Hindus have often complained of victimisation in Pakistan and thousands have sought refuge in India.

Tamils (mostly Hindu) were earlier driven out in millions from Sri Lanka.

In Nepal, the Madhesis have often complained of discrimination and looked to India for support.

Would India ever imagine calling Washington or the Europeans to intercede?

The final question follows, then: Are we now admitting that the Americans have more leverage in Bangladesh than us.

This when we issue almost two million visas a year from our high commission and four consulates?

The simple answer to all these five questions is never, never, never, never and no.

For decades now, in fact, since December 1971, India's larger strategic interest has rested on three principles.

One, India's territorial boundaries must not diminish any further.

Two, India must have total autonomy over its nuclear weapons.

And three, the Indian subcontinent is a zone of its pre-eminence.

If at all, stronger Indian governments would expand it; shrinking is unacceptable.

IMAGE: Demonstrators shout slogans during a protest. Photograph: Fatima Tuj Johora/Reuters

These principles have been established, elaborated and strengthened over the past 53 years under 12 prime ministers.

The third principle is now under threat.

This is not the India of the 1980s.

Its economy is reaching $4 trillion, soon to be the world's third-largest.

It's the only nation outside the P5 to drive nuclear missile submarines.

It has a key role in the Quad. It believes it has the moral authority and strategic weight to play peacemaker in Ukraine.

That's why it's intriguing if its prime minister now wants his American partners to help protect the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.

That's conceding to the Americans a pre-eminence India has always contested, resented and feared.

It is true that the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh is a troubling issue.

This arose as a result of then Pakistan prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan failing to keep his part of the pact with Jawaharlal Nehru regarding the treatment of minorities (April, 1950).

He was assassinated soon afterwards (October 1951), and Pakistan saw no sanctity in such sovereign commitments.

The large minority has often been targeted in the past, sometimes in the course of domestic political turmoil and sometimes because of events in India.

Significant examples of the latter are the Hazrat Bal incident in Srinagar in 1963 and the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992.

Millions of Hindus among the 10 million-plus East Pakistanis who sought refuge in India during the genocide of 1971 chose not to return.

There had been multiple waves of the flight of Hindus in the 1950s and 1960s.

The fact, however, is that the exodus became a trickle in the 1970s and then mostly faded.

The 15 years under Sheikh Hasina were the calmest for the Hindus and some of them also found key positions in the power structure.

Even in these years, a riot and an attack was just a whisper away.

In 2013, when the Bangladesh supreme C=court barred the Jamaat-e-Islami from contesting elections, the mobs turned on Hindus and their places of worship. These are recorded, undisputed facts.

IMAGE: Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad national President Gopal Rai and VHP supporters stage a protest march from Jantar Mantar to the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi, September 11, 2024, against the attack on Hindus in Bangladesh. Photograph: ANI Photo

Even in the wake of her dramatic meltdown now, Hindus and their places of worship were targeted, as were symbols of Indian presence, including the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre.

However, the interim administration spoke up at the highest level -- Muhammad Yunus himself -- to bring back some security.

That his administration acted with such alacrity, I would submit, was also because India spoke up strongly.

However nasty the anti-Indianism on the street might be, Bangladeshi elites know it is their most vital relationship.

They cannot permanently annoy or harm India, although there are forces -- especially on the Islamist Right -- who might wish to do so.

The basic point is that this response is evidence that India enjoys sufficient clout of its own to secure safety for the Hindus in Bangladesh.

Then why appeal to Joe Biden?

The Modi government will need to reflect on that. It was likely directed at the domestic audience.

It is just that it is self-defeating and self-demeaning to believe that your Hindu constituency in India would be more reassured with you seeking Biden's influence in Bangladesh rather than using your own.

IMAGE: A protest in London, August 10, 2024, against violence targeting Bangladesh's minority Hindus. Photograph: Belinda Jiao/Reuters

As we highlighted earlier, it threatens that third postulate of your fundamental strategic imperatives: Pre-eminence in the subcontinent.

Nobody ever achieved or protected it by inviting the elephant inside your tent.

How irritated do we get when other countries, including neighbours and the OIC, lecture us on our Muslims?

Does India now want to be the OIC equivalent of Hindu interests all over the world? That isn't the moral positioning for one wanting to be a Vishwamitra (friend to the world) if not Vishwaguru (teacher to the world) yet.

Finally, how do you balance your domestic political needs with strategic interests? We Indians are not the only ones who pore over or over-analyse everything done or said about us in our neighbourhood.

The neighbours, all a fraction our size, track every word spoken here.

The raging anti-Muslim politics in Assam now, Himanta Biswa Sarma's repeated use of the word 'miyan', (dog-whistle for Bangladeshi origin Muslim) won't help in finding a balanced relationship with Hasina's successors or public opinion there.

Bangladesh has dumped Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League now. Are we in turn dumping Bangladesh? Hasina's debacle must not be India's.

It will be so unwise to keep moping and waiting for Bangladeshis to 'come to their senses'.

A sovereign country will go where its people take it. We can't choose our neighbours, but we can choose the kind of neighbour we want to be.

By special arrangement with The Print

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'They only bring pieces. Dialogue is the only way forward.'

'We should get people who have influence to bring the community leaders to sit across the table and talk.'

'Otherwise, our adversaries across the borders will add fuel to the fire. Let's not give them a chance.'

IMAGE: A view of a damaged house after the recent drone bombings at Koutruk village, in Imphal West, September 09, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

"Dialogue is the only way forward in Manipur. We should get people who have influence to bring the community leaders to sit across the table and talk."

"Otherwise, our adversaries across the borders will add fuel to the fire. Let's not give them a chance," says Major Mohammad Ali Shah (retd) who served with the Assam Rifles in the North East and has been talking about Manipur on his Youtube channel since trouble began last year.

The former army officer was recently awarded the Director General Assam Rifles' commendation card for debunking false information about the paramilitary force in charge of border security and counter-insurgency in the North East.

"I will not blame the government entirely. What have we done as citizens to know more about Manipur? We don't even have the basic understanding of Manipur and its people," Mohammad Ali Shah says in a conversation with Rediff.com's Archana Masih.

More than a year after violence started in Manipur why is the situation still not under control?

The violence broke out on May 3, 2023, but the undercurrents were developing for quite some time.

The fact is both Meiteis and Kukis have a history of ethnic clashes -- in 1994 there was the infamous Naga-Kuki clash. In 1997 they were Kuki-Meitei confrontation.

There are different tribes within the Kukis. Then among the Meiteis, there are Hindus, Muslims and Christians Meiteis. In 1993 also, they was a clash between the Pangals and Meiteis, between the Muslims and Hindus.

The history of ethnic violence has resulted in deep wounds, but somewhere along the way the wounds had healed.

However, the situation in Manipur has gone out of control since last year. We are unable to curb it.

The army has been given a responsibility, but their hands are tied behind their backs. Security forces do not have adequate powers to curb the situation.

There is a lack of political will.

IMAGE: Biramangol College students protest after the recent violence in different areas and districts at Sawombung in Imphal, September 11, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

When there is such a deep chasm between the two communities, what could be the way forward?

The government should have been more proactive and immediately got interlocutors who could communicate with both communities.

They formed the Peace Committee of 51 members last year which included Meiteis, Kukis, Nagas and some political figures, but it was debunked by the members because their names were included without their consent.

I believe that the Peace Committee should have had interlocutors who were neither Meitei or Kuki. The Intelligence Bureau should have had a list of people who are passionate about Manipur and understood the state.

Secondly, we shy away from speaking about Manipur, but we are very vocal when it comes to Ukraine, Israel, Russia, China or Taiwan. We should concentrate on our own home; the nation should be out first priority.

Manipur is a beautiful state which has given us icons like Mirabai Chanu and Mary Kom. We should be grateful to Manipuri people from both the communities and also the Nagas.

I also say that it's not a fight between Christians and Hindus or Kukis and Meiteis, but it is someone's sinister design to make two brothers fight.

Both Meiteis and Kukis want to live and pray in peace, but unfortunately that is not happening.

There have been drone and rocket attacks recently which has resulted in an escalation of violence in the past week after a period of lull.

Indeed it is alarming, distressing and concerning. There is also a lot of information warfare and peddling of fake news.

Drone is a lethal weapon. It was predicted many years earlier that drones would be the lethal weapons of tomorrow.

To operate a drone needs extensive training, understanding, practice, funds and expenditure. It is not as simple like using drone cameras for wedding photography!

It is a specialised, sophisticated technology.

IMAGE: The Indian Army recovers a significant quantities of arms, ammunition and other war-like stores during the joint operation along with the Manipur police, CRPF and BSF in Churachandpur. Photograph: ANI Photo

Against the background of the rocket attacks, student protests, curfew and Internet suspension in the last few days, does peace between the peoples have a chance in Manipur?

Unfortunately, scores of people from both communities have been displaced and are living in relief camps. Both are suffering.

And what do they want?

Peace.

I will not blame the government entirely. What have we done as citizens to know more about Manipur? We don't even have the basic understanding of Manipur.

People from the North East are very ethical, honest, hardworking, cultured people. That is has been my experience.

IMAGE: CRPF personnel deployed at Gamgiphai, the interstate check post border after the recent violence in different areas and districts, in Kangpokpi/Imphal West. Photograph: ANI Photo

You were awarded a commendation card by the Assam Rifles recently years after you left service. What were the reasons for the award?

I consider it the biggest honour, especially because it has come to me so many years after I hung up my boots.

Since May 2023 I have done many interviews with Manipur politicians, MLAs, ministers, former DGPs, former GOCs etc. I have tried to dispel fake news and gone on shows and groups to discuss how do we bring in peace?

I've been very, very vocal about bringing peace from both sides. I have both Meitei and Kuki friends. That could be the reason.

I know the people of Manipur, from all tribes and communities. I have Kuki, Meitei and Naga friends. I know Manipur better than my own hometown.

I love Manipur.

When I started talking extensively about Manipur on my YouTube channel, people told me, 'What do you get out of it? Who's going to watch your interviews?'

I said whether people are interested or not, it is my moral and ethical duty to do this for the land that I love so much.

IMAGE: People protest against the recent violence in Manipur. Photograph: ANI Photo

What should be done urgently to find a resolution and bring peace?

Guns will never bring peace. They only bring pieces. Dialogue is the only way forward.

We should get people who have influence to bring the community leaders to sit across the table and talk.

Otherwise, our adversaries across the borders will add fuel to the fire. Let's not give them a chance.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
A junior doctor at Agra's Sarojani Naidu Medical College and Hospital has been arrested for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl, police said.

IMAGE: A girl holds a poster during a protest demanding justice for the victim of Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital horror in Jammu. Photograph: ANI Photo

An FIR has been lodged in this case against the junior doctor of the pediatric department of the SN Medical College and Hospital, they said.

"The doctor has been arrested after the incident and further probe is on," police said.

"The girl was admitted in the pediatric department of the college. She is 11-year-old and the junior doctor has been suspended after the incident. A committee has been formed to investigate the case," Sarojani Naidu Medical College and Hospital Principal Dr Prashant Gupta told PTI.

The girl was admitted in the emergency ward of the SN Medical College on September 6 due to high fever. She was shifted to the Pediatric Department for further treatment on September 7.

"At pediatric department on Tuesday night, the junior doctor called the girl in his chamber and allegedly sexually harassed her and raped her. The girl fled from the clutches of the doctor and informed her mother about the incident, said the family members.

The doctor Dilshad Hussain was arrested after an FIR was lodged against him at MM Gate Police Station, police said.

The FIR has been lodged under sections 64 (2), 65 (2) of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and the POCSO Act against the doctor, they said.
Forty years after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, a Delhi court on Friday framed charges for murder and other offences against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in a case related to the killing of three people in north Delhi's Pul Bangash area.

IMAGE: Congress leader Jagdish Tytler. Photograph: ANI Photo

Special judge Rakesh Siyal directed that Tytler face trial after he pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Besides murder, the court ordered framing of charges for several other offences, including unlawful assembly, rioting, promoting enmity between different groups, house trespass and theft.

The judge had on August 30 said there was sufficient ground to proceed against the accused.

The CBI had on May 20, 2023 filed a charge sheet against Tytler in the case.

Tytler "incited, instigated and provoked the mob assembled at Pul Bangash Gurudwara Azad Market" on November 1, 1984 that resulted in burning down of the gurudwara and killing of three Sikhs -- Thakur Singh, Badal Singh and Gurcharan Singh -- the CBI alleged in its charge sheet.

The agency had invoked charges under IPC sections 147 (rioting), 148, 149 (unlawful assembly), 153A (provocation), 109 (abetment) read with 302 (murder) and 295 (defiling of religious places) among others.

Citing a witness, the Central Bureau of Investigation had said in its charge sheet that Tytler came out of a white Ambassador car in front of Gurdwara Pul Bangash on November 1, 1984 and instigated a mob by shouting "kill the Sikhs, they have killed our mother".

Three Sikhs were then killed by the mob.

Anti-Sikh riots had erupted in several parts of the country in the aftermath of the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.

A sessions court had in August last year granted anticipatory bail to Tytler in the case.
Two Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, were killed and an equal number injured in an encounter with terrorists in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, security officials said on Friday.

IMAGE: The two Army personnel killed in an encounter with terrorists in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, September 13, 2024. Photograph: Courtesy White Knight Corps on X

The gunfight broke out when a joint security party of the Army and police, acting on a tip-off, launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Naidgham area in the Chhatroo belt, they added.

The officials said there was an exchange of fire between the search team of the security forces and the terrorists hiding in the Pingnal Dugadda forest area in the upper reaches of Naidgham village located within the Chhatroo police station limits.

Four Army personnel were injured in the gunbattle and two of them -- JCO Naib Subedar Vipan Kumar and Sepoy Arvind Singh -- later succumbed to the injuries, the officials said.

The Army also confirmed the killing of the two soldiers.

"GOC (General Officer Commanding) White Knight Corps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts; offer deepest condolences to the families," the Army said.

Earlier, the Army had said contact was established and the search party exchanged a heavy volume of fire with the terrorists around 3:30 pm.

"In the ensuing firefight four army personnel have been injured. The operation is in progress," the Jammu-based White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

The officials said the injured soldiers were airlifted to an Army hospital after preliminary treatment at a local hospital.

The encounter comes two days after the Army, in a successful operation, neutralised two Pakistani terrorists affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit in the higher reaches of Basantgarh in Udhampur district.
A departmental inquiry has been ordered against two Army officers who were attacked by a 6-member gang near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Friday.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Six men had attacked the two army officers and allegedly raped their woman friend in the intervening night of September 10 and 11 near Jam Gate, a popular tourist spot some 30 kilometres from the Mhow military cantonment, as per the police.

The Army officers, aged 23 and 24, are part of the Young Officers course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town.

"A departmental inquiry has been ordered against the two trainee officers. It is in progress and is being headed by a senior officer," an Army officer told PTI over phone from Mhow late Friday evening.

He said the women who accompanied the two officers during the ill-fated picnic were "old acquaintances" and they had not met on a dating app as is being speculated on social media.

Rubbishing talk that the two women may have been part of a gang, the senior officer said they are "working women who had come from out of station to meet the two lieutenants", adding that "nothing must be read into it".

As per the police, the two lieutenants had gone with the women for a picnic at Jam Gate, which gets a lots of tourists during daytime in the monsoon but becomes desolate once night sets in.

Three accused, identified as Rohit Girwal (23), Sandeep Wariya (18) and Sachin Makwana (25) were held during the day from a forest patch near the site of crime, the official said.

The trio was on the run and a reward of Rs 10,000 each had been announced for their arrests.

Three other accused, Anil Baror (27) and Pawan Bansunia (23) and Ritesh Bhabhar (25), were held on Wednesday and Thursday.

"The four were listening to loud music. Hearing it in the deserted area late at night, six accused reached the spot and committed the crime," superintendent of police (Rural) Hitika Vasal told reporters.

One of the attackers threatened the victims with a pistol, while the others were carrying sticks, Vasal said.

The accused held one couple hostage while assaulting them and told the other couple that the hostages would be released only if they brought them Rs 10 lakh, she said.

Vasal said the police reached the spot as soon as the incident was reported, "but the accused fled on seeing the headlight of the police vehicle."

A case was 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.

On the allegation of rape mentioned in the FIR, the SP said the victim is in a state of shock and is not ready to give her statement.

In the meantime, the accused are being questioned about the alleged rape, Vasal added.

Another official had earlier said, after a police team reached the spot, the two officers and their women friends were brought to Mhow civil hospital, where a medical examination confirmed that one of the women was raped.
In a suspected gang war, a 35-year-old gym owner was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants in the posh neighbourhood of south Delhi's Greater Kailash area, officials in New Delhi said on Friday.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI on X

Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, they said.

"These two are suspected to have provided logistical support to the shooters. They are being further interrogated by a team of special cell," a senior officer said.

The officer said that four more people were detained and questioned in connection with the case but the main shooter is still on the run.

The police also suspect the involvement of associates of jailed gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Hashim Baba in the murder.

The victim, Nadir Shah, who had previous criminal cases against him, including charges of robbery and attempted murder, co-owned a gym in Greater Kailash Part 1.

Shah also owned a business in Dubai and is stated to be known to some of the Delhi police officials.

He is survived by his mother and two brothers. Shah's father hailed from Afghanistan and had shifted to Delhi several years ago.

Sources said that at the time of the incident, some officials from the Delhi Police Special Cell, an anti-terror unit, were also present at the gym, as they had gone to meet an informer.

Shah received three to four bullet in a firing done by a person.

He was talking to someone outside his Sharx Gym when he was shot with multiple bullets at about 10.44 pm, the police said.

A CCTV of the incident surfaced on the social media in which Shah could be seen talking with a person when one of the attackers walked towards him and opened a spree of firing in a close range.

The attacker fled away, as police suspect, on a motorbike on which his associate was waiting for him.

Minutes after the incident, a purported social media post from an account in the name of gangster Rohit Godara took the responsibility of Shah's shooting.

The post stated that "shooting has been instructed by a jailed criminal Sameer Baba because Shah was troubling in their business. Whoever will support our rival and trouble us will be shot like this".

The post also mentioned the names of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's associates "Rohit Godara, Goly Brar, Gogi gang and Kala Rana gang".

Deputy commissioner of police (south) Ankit Chauhan said that an information was received regarding firing at GK 1, adding one person was injured and taken to the Max Hospital.

The police personnel on reaching the spot found some bullet projectiles and empty cartridges.

On enquiry, it was found that Shah, a resident of CR Park, had suffered bullet injuries, the police said.

"The attackers came on a two-wheeler, fired at him and ran away. He was immediately rushed to the hospital by his friends but was declared brought dead," Chauhan said, adding he had received around five bullets.

The investigations are on from all possible angles, he added.

The police suspect a case of rivalry but did not rule out the possibility of a gang war.
The Aam Aadmi Party on Friday hailed the Supreme Court decision granting bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the corruption case linked to the excise policy 'scam' as "victory of truth".

IMAGE: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal along with his wife Sunita Kejriwal. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo

The apex court granted bail to Kejriwal in the excise policy case by the Central Bureau of Investigation paving way for his release.

Kejriwal was already granted interim bail in the excise policy linked money laundering case of the Enforcement Directorate by the apex court.

In a post on X, the AAP said, "Satyamev Jayate."

Kejriwal's release from the Tihar Jail will be a shot in the arm for the party as it prepares for the elections in Delhi and Haryana.

Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita congratulated the Aam Aadmi Party and wished for the release of other leaders lodged in Tihar jail.

"Congratulations to AAP family! Kudos for staying strong. Wishing also the soonest release of our other leaders," Sunita said in a post on X.

Former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who was recently granted bail in the excise policy cases of the ED and CBI by the apex court, said on X, "Today truth won again in the fight against lies and conspiracies. I once again pay my tribute to the thinking and foresight of Baba Saheb Ambedkar ji, who 75 years ago had strengthened the common man against any future dictator."

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hailed the Supreme Court decision, saying "truth has won."



"Finally the truth has won... 'AAP' supremo Arvind Kejriwal has been granted bail by the honourable Supreme Court... The bail granted to Kejriwal has proved that the truth can never be suppressed," Mann said in a post on X.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha thanked the apex court on the decision.

In a post on X, Delhi Minister Atishi said, "Satyamev Jayate. Truth can be troubled, not defeated."

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh also welcomed Kejriwal's release, saying "he will continue to dedicate himself to serve the people".

"Glad that our beloved leader Shri @ArvindKejriwal Ji got bail in Supreme Court. This will definitely rejuvenate the party workers and give wings to @AamAadmiParty campaign in Haryana. He will continue to dedicate himself to serve the people," Singh said in a post on X.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. An event entitled "COP29: Promoting Solidarity and Unity in Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change through Broadening Ambition and Encouraging Action" was held in Prague under the auspices of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the OSCE within the framework of the 31st OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum, Trend reports via Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event was moderated by the Chair of the OSCE Committee on Economic and Environmental Issues and Permanent Representative of Austria to the OSCE Florian Raunig.

Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister and Chief Negotiator for COP29, Yalchin Rafiyev, also participated and delivered a speech.

Rafiyev highlighted the severe global impacts of climate change and outlined Azerbaijans preparations for hosting COP29 in November. He provided updates on the negotiation process, Azerbaijans 14 proposed initiatives, and the country's efforts towards energy transition and climate policy. Rafiyev emphasized Azerbaijans commitment to inclusivity and cooperation in the fight against climate change and noted that the COP29 presidency is in close contact with various partners.

OSCE representative Bakyt Dzhusupov noted that climate change is a central focus for the OSCE, with several commitments and activities related to this issue. He discussed the organizations plans to participate in COP29.

Participants of the event underscored the importance of Azerbaijans leadership in enhancing international cooperation on climate action, building trust, and increasing global efforts. They expressed their support for Azerbaijans ongoing efforts.

The Economic and Environmental Forum is the OSCEs largest annual event, serving as a platform for discussing member states' commitments to economic and environmental activities and measures to fulfill these obligations.
Several parts of Chennai reeled under a sudden power outage due to a fire incident which caused sequential faults on both feeders at the Manali substation in Chennai.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Power supply was, however, restored by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), which responded promptly, by rerouting supply through alternate pathways, an official said on Friday.

The cascading fault on the second redundant feeder Alamatty of Manali Substation caused damage to the switch structure, he said.

The affected substation has been repaired on a war-footing and regular power supply has been restored, an official release said.

The Manali substation is an important power hub of Chennai supplying electricity to major parts of the city. There are two charger sources namely Alamatty and NCTPS II exclusively to supply power to this substation. These were designed to provide 100 per cent power to the sub-station.

On September 12, at around 9.58 pm, a massive fire broke out at the Almatty substation and this led to subsequent blackout of two 400 KV power sources (Alamatty and NCTPS II) supplying power to the Manali substation.

The fire was extinguished immediately. However, due to the failure of the dual power sources, Mylapore, Luz, Santhome, Nungambakkam, Royapuram, Tondiarpet, Tollgate, Saidapet, Vyasarpadi, Sembium, Kolathur, Periyar Nagar, Madhavaram, Puzhal, Red Hills, Kodungaiyur, Anna Salai, George Town, Egmore and other areas were affected.

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board took steps to provide alternative power supply and cleared the inconvenience caused to the public, the release said.

The fire had caused extensive damage at the substation. "Though there was a delay in the electricity restoration, the work was accelerated on a war-footing by providing power through alternative routes," the release said.

The restoration started at 11 pm and by this morning all the affected areas gradually obtained the power supply.

Despite sequential faults on both feeders from NCTPS II to Manali 400/230KV, TANGEDCO swiftly ensured uninterrupted power to the city by stepping up 230KV to 400KV and rerouting power through Pulianthope. This was a testament to resilience and efficiency, TANGEDCO said in a post on the social media platform X.

"Swift action by TANGEDCO. Within a few hours, the dedicated team at TANGEDCO worked tirelessly to resolve the fault at NCTPS II, ensuring the Manali feeding the city was restored to its original healthy condition by 6 am this morning," the state government-owned corporation said.
If Rashid cannot be the king, he could be the kingmaker after October 8 when the results to the J&K assembly are declared.

Photographs: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: Engineer Rashid is greeted with a kiss and hug by a supporter.

The visible surge in Engineer Rashid's popularity in Kashmir's politics is giving jitters to his opponents and every political party in the fray for the assembly election.

And their fears are genuine, seeing the large crowd turnout at election rallies to hear the 58-year-old alleged terror accused and the MP from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency -- Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid because he has a civil engineering degree.

Rashid was arrested in a terror funding case on August 3, 2019, just before the Union government scrapped Article 370.

He was in jail for more than five years and secured interim bail from the National Investigating Agency court in New Delhi on September 11.

And in the couple of days since he returned to Kashmir, he seems to be everywhere in the Valley.

IMAGE: Engineer Rashid spells out his priorities at a press conference.

Youngsters throng to his rallies in different towns and villages of Kashmir to support Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party candidates.

Rashid makes use of social media to its fullest, providing regular updates of his party's election rally plans and his vision for Kashmir if elected to power.

On Wednesday, when he did a late night Facebook Live for more than an hour, nearly 100,000 Kashmiris logged in to hear him.

One Baramulla resident, Assar Rul Haq, wrote on Rashid's Facebook page, 'Today I realised the worth of my vote. I am proud that I voted for you. Abhi toh trailer hai, movie abhi baaki hai.'

Will this popularity convert into votes for Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party?

Too early to say because some Kashmiris call him an agent of the Bharatiya Janata Party who was released to cut into the votes of the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party.

But everyone knows that Rashid cannot be taken lightly. He defeated National Conference candidate and former chief minister Omar Abdullah by 204,142 votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Baramulla while in Tihar jail, without stepping out even once to campaign.

In the assembly elections his Awami Ittehad Party is not contesting more than 40 seats but observers believes that if Rashid cannot be the king, he could be the kingmaker after October 8 when the results to the J&K assembly are declared.

Jammu & Kashmir has 90 assembly seats of which 43 are located in Jammu and 47 are in Kashmir region.

IMAGE: Thousands of Kashmiris attend an Engineer Rashid rally.

What connects Rashid to the Kashmiri masses is his personal story.

Ever since terrorism began in Kashmir in the late 1980s more than one lakh Kashmiris have died and thousands are either languishing in jail, are out on bail or still going to court for hearings.

In recent years, the central government has sent Kashmiri political prisoners, stone throwers or dangerous terrorists to jails outside the Union Territory.

The stories of disgruntled Kashmiris is Engineer Rashid's story.

"I have suffered what every Kashmiri has suffered in the last 30 years," he tells a media interaction in Srinagar. "I have been in jail for more than five years. I ate only Dal and half a plate rice with two dozen Kashmiri fellow inmates in Tihar jail for the last five years."

"I had forgotten what a good meal looks like and tastes like. This is the first time I am eating a decent meal after five years. No other Kashmiri politician contesting the election has gone through what I have been through," he reminds Kashmiris.

Then, after a pause, he declares, "I am the only one who is fighting a tyrant."

"My Baramulla victory was a win against Prime Minister Modi's idea of Naya Kashmir," he asserts, trying to dispelling the notion that he is a BJP mole in the election process.

His supporters have coined a slogan for Rashid: 'Tihar ka badla, vote se (Revenge for Tihar jail through the vote)'.

While Omar Abdullah stopped short of calling Rashid a 'BJP agent', PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti did not pull her punches, calling Rashid 'a proxy of the BJP'.

'It is a shame that my political opponents are calling me an agent of BJP,' Rashid reacted, warning Abdullah, 'Omar will lose both his seats from Budgam and Ganderbal.'

'Omar is begging for votes by taking out his cap in front of voters. He is contesting from two seats because he is insecure and unsure of his victory. Omar knows that his time is up.'

'It was Mehbooba who gave a launch pad to the BJP in the Kashmir Valley by tying up with them to form the government,' Rashid added.

IMAGE: Supporters with Engineer Rashid's election symbol.

When told that the timing of his bail came amid indications that the National Conference-Congress alliance would sweep the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election, Rashid said, "Nobody raised this question with Arvind Kejriwal when he got interim bail during (the Lok Sabha) elections. Kejriwal got bail and so did I. What is wrong in it? I was lucky."

Despite the NC-PDP apprehensions that he is a BJP Trojan horse, Ram Madhav, who is supervising the BJP's J&K electoral strategy tweeted: 'This rank separatist, in jail for the last 5 years under UAPA for indulging in anti-India activities, is out on bail to further vitiate Valley politics.'

"I am ready to support the INDIA bloc if they assure me that they will restore Article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir," Rashid said at the media interaction. "If they do that I will tell all my candidates to pledge their votes to them."

Whatever the outcome on October 8, what cannot be denied is that with Rashid's sudden entry Kashmiri politics is in for a churn.
The Congress on Friday launched a multi-pronged attack on the government over a video of a restaurant chain owner purportedly "apologising" to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for voicing concerns about GST, with Rahul Gandhi saying "fragile egos" only deliver humiliation.

IMAGE: A video purportedly showing Annapoorna chain of restaurants owner Srinivasan "apologising" to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Photograph: Screen grab/X

The opposition party also demanded an apology from the finance minister over the issue.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at Sitharaman, saying the "disgraceful humiliation" of the owner of Sree Annapoorna restaurant chain smacks of "arrogance of power" and the minister "has been a repeat offender in such public interactions".

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai said that on behalf of the party's state unit, he sincerely apologises for the actions of "our functionaries who shared a private conversation between a respected business owner and the finance minister".

"I spoke with Thiru Srinivasan Avl, the esteemed owner of the Annapoorna chain of Restaurants, to express regret for this unintended breach of privacy. Annapoorna Srinivasan Anna is a pillar of Tamil Nadu's business community, contributing significantly to the state's and nation's economic growth. I request everyone to lay the matter to rest with due respect," Annamalai said.

Hitting out at the government, Kharge said it follows the policy of "tax terror" for poor and middle class and "tax cuts" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "crony friends".

"The owner asked a genuine question about Modi government's flawed GST and was first met with a condescending laugh by the FM and later forced to apologise to her on camera. MSMEs and Small Business owners are suffering the brunt of Modi government's repeated financial assaults in the form of a flawed GST and Demonetisation," Kharge said in a post on X.

The BJP is only committed to benefit Modi's large "crony friends", he alleged.

"From Day 1, the Congress party is saying that we need a simple, uniform, moderate and rational GST on essential items. In our 2024 Manifesto, we said, 'Congress will replace the GST laws enacted by the BJP/NDA government with GST 2.0. The new GST regime will be based on the universally accepted principle that GST shall be a single, moderate rate (with a few exceptions) that will not burden the poor'," Kharge said.

The Congress is strongly committed to this, he added.

The BJP's "loot small owners and shoot the messenger" policy spells a disaster for the nation's economy, Kharge said.

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi also slammed the government over the issue and said that when "fragile egos" of those in power are hurt, it seems humiliation is what they will deliver.

In a post on X, Gandhi said when the owner of a small business, like Annapoorna restaurant in Coimbatore, asks public servants for a simplified GST regime, his request is met with "arrogance and outright disrespect".

"Yet, when a billionaire friend seeks to bend the rules, change the laws, or acquire national assets, Modi Ji rolls out the red carpet," he alleged.

"Our small business owners have already endured the blows of demonetisation, an inaccessible banking system, tax extortion and a disastrous GST. The last thing they deserve is further humiliation," Gandhi said.

But when the fragile egos of those in power are hurt, it seems humiliation is exactly what they will deliver, the former Congress chief said.

"If this arrogant government would listen to the people they would understand that a simplified GST with a single tax rate would solve the problems of lakhs of businesses," Gandhi said

Addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said a meeting was organised by the BJP as part of its membership drive, where people from all walks of life were invited to meet Sitharaman.

Two videos were played out at the press conference at the AICC headquarters.

"In the first video, during the meeting, Mr. Srinivasan, owner of the renowned Sree Annapoorna restaurant chain, highlighted the absurdity of varying GST rates... This illogical system burdens businesses and even tax officials with tedious calculations," Shrinate said.

Instead of addressing these concerns, the finance minister mocked him on stage, she alleged.

In the second video, within 24 hours, Srinivasan was forced to apologise in person, and the BJP Tamil Nadu's official handle shared the surreptitiously recorded video, Shrinate said.

If people are not allowed to voice their concerns to public servants, how will governance and policy-making happen, she asked.

"The government put Rs 4 lakh crore in the pockets of India's rich billionaires, who didn't create a single job, through tax exemptions. Meanwhile, small and medium enterprises are being humiliated and disrespected," Shrinate said.

In a statement, All India Professionals' Congress chairman Praveen Chakravarty strongly condemned Sitharaman's "arrogant and shameful" behaviour with small business owners and called for an immediate course correction.

"The Modi government's arrogant behaviour towards small business owners harms India's economy and is the principal reason for lack of jobs for hundreds of millions of youth that are in despair," Chakravarty said.

While an apology from the finance minister is warranted for this particular incident, it is equally important for the government to mend its ways and be more humble and cooperative with the business fraternity to spur private investment and create jobs, he said.
Junior doctors continued their 'cease work' and sit-in demonstration outside the West Bengal Health Department headquarters for the third consecutive day on Friday, a day after the proposed talks to resolve the RG Kar hospital impasse between agitating junior doctors and the Bengal government failed to take off.

IMAGE: Junior doctors raise slogans as they take part in a protest rally demanding justice for the RG Kar hospital rape-murder victim, at Swasthya Bhawan in Kolkata. Photograph: ANI Photo

Around 30 medics, representing 26 medical colleges participating in the stir, had visited Nabanna for the meeting that failed to materialise after the government did not accept the doctors' demand for live-streaming of the talks.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the meeting with the junior doctors cannot be live-streamed as demanded by them because the issue is sub-judice and before the Supreme Court.

She said her government had made arrangements to record it and hand over the recording to them with the permission of the apex court if needed.

The agitating doctors said their demonstration outside 'Swathya Bhavan', the state health department headquarters, will continue until key demands are met, including the suspension of Police Commissioner, Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and Director of Medical Education.

"We will continue our agitation despite wanting to resume our work, but not until our demands are met," members of the protesting doctors' forum said.

The state government and the CM have repeatedly urged the doctors to resume work. Though Thursday's talks failed to take place, protesting doctors maintained that they still desire a meeting, but only in a completely transparent manner, which they believe is only possible through live-streaming.

Doctors said many common people showed spontaneous solidarity by bringing food and essentials, either by cutting back on their Durga Puja festival budget or celebrating birthdays with the protestors.

"I am offering my respect to these living gods for the future of my 11-year-old daughter," said a father who distributed sweets to the protesting medics.

"We are overwhelmed by such support in this endeavor for justice for R.G. Kar, which is helping us keep our morale high," said a protesting junior doctor.

A large contingent of police personnel has been deployed in and around 'Swathya Bhavan' at Salt Lake to maintain law and order and ensure smooth traffic movement.
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected the Central Bureau of Investigation's submission that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should be sent to the trial court with his plea seeking bail in the corruption case lodged by the agency in connection with the excise policy 'scam'.

IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal after his release from Tihar Jail following the Supreme Court granted him bail in a corruption case registered by the CBI, in New Delhi, September 13, 2024 . Photograph: ANI Photo

The top court said that generally, the trial court should consider the prayer seeking bail once a charge sheet is filed as the material that an investigating authority may have been able to procure would undoubtedly facilitate that court to form a prima facie opinion on the gravity of the offence and the degree of involvement of the accused.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, however, said there can be no straitjacket formula which enumerates that every case concerning the consideration of bail should depend upon the filing of a charge sheet.

Each case ought to be assessed on its own merits, recognising that no one-size-fits-all formula exists for determining bail, it said.

The top court said an undertrial should, ordinarily, first approach the trial court for bail, as this process not only provides the accused an opportunity for initial relief but also allows the high court to serve as a secondary avenue if the trial court denies bail for inadequate reasons.

"However, superior courts should adhere to this procedural recourse from the outset. If an accused approaches the high court directly without first seeking relief from the trial court, it is generally appropriate for the high court to redirect them to the trial court at the threshold.

"Nevertheless, if there are significant delays following notice, it may not be prudent to relegate the matter to the trial court at a later stage. Bail being closely tied to personal liberty, such claims should be adjudicated promptly on their merits, rather than oscillating between courts on mere procedural technicalities," Justice Kant said in his 27-page judgment.

Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, appearing for the CBI, had argued that Kejriwal should be relegated to the trial court as he approached the high court directly for bail.

Raju urged that Kejriwal should not be granted any special treatment merely because of the position of power he holds or his political stature.

He canvassed that Kejriwal deserves to be treated like any other undertrial and, hence, he must first approach the trial court for bail.

The apex court said the issue was more or less academic in the instant case as the high court did not relegate Kejriwal to the trial court at the preliminary stage.

"Since notice was issued and the parties were apparently heard on merits by the high court, we do not deem it necessary at this stage to relegate the appellant to the trial court even though filing of a charge sheet is a change in the circumstances," Justice Kant said.

Justice Bhuyan, who wrote a separate 33-page judgment, wrote that if the high court thought of remanding Kejriwal to the trial court, it could have done so at the threshold itself.

"After issuing notice, after hearing the parties at length and after reserving the judgment for about a week, the above order was passed by the high court. Though couched in a language which appears to be in favour of the appellant, in practical terms it has only resulted in prolonging the incarceration of the appellant for a far longer period, impacting his personal liberty," Justice Bhuyan said.

The top court granted bail to Kejriwal in the corruption case, saying prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty.

The excise policy was scrapped in 2022 after the Delhi lieutenant governor ordered a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption involving its formulation and execution.

According to the CBI and the ED, irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy and undue favours extended to licence holders.
Sitaram Yechury strived to have the country's Left movement shed its doctrinaire approach to India's socio-cultural complexities and stitch electoral and social alliances to fight the Sangh Parivar.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi posted this picture on his X account expressing grief over the passing away of Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury. Photograph: Kind courtesy Narendra Modi/X

While staying committed to the broad ideological framework of Communism and a life-long Marxist-Leninist, Sitaram Yechury was a rare leader within his party with a grasp of the exigencies of electoral politics.

As one of the top leaders of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, at least since the early 2000s, Yechury strived to have the country's Left movement shed its doctrinaire approach to India's socio-cultural complexities and stitch electoral and social alliances to fight the Sangh Parivar.

In that, Yechury, who passed away at 72 on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in New Delhi after battling a severe lung infection, was an inheritor of the political legacy of his mentor, the late Harkishan Singh Surjeet.

With Surjeet at the helm of the CPI-M from 1992 to 2005, Yechury was his chief lieutenant in shaping the 1996 United Front government and the United Progressive Alliance1 government in 2004.

He contributed to the UF government's common minimum programme, along with the Congress' P Chidambaram, and was one of the architects of a similar document drafted for the UPA1 government.

In neighbouring Nepal, Yechury prodded that country's Maoist rebels to transition from their pursuit of peoples' war to join its multi-party democracy. As the head of the international department of the party's central committee, Yechury was also the CPI-M's face abroad.

IMAGE: Sitaram Yechury was admitted to the AIIMS on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection. Photograph: ANI Photo

Yechury's unease with then CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat over the Left's opposition to the India-US nuclear deal in 2008 is well documented. But there is some dispute whether Karat and he made a common cause, or were on opposing sides, in 1996 in persuading the CPI-M's Central Committee to reject the proposal that Jyoti Basu, then West Bengal chief minister, become prime ,inister.

Basu, however, remained fond of Yechury till the end of his life, and the latter would visit him whenever he was in Kolkata.

Basu told a CPI-M insider once that he had thought of the external affairs ministry portfolio for Yechury.

On the nuclear deal, Yechury said in 2015 that the CPI-M should have withdrawn support from the UPA1 on livelihood issues, not the nuclear deal that people could not fathom.

In private conversation, Yechury could come across as a pragmatic Communist, more a social democrat, and even offer insights into the reasons for the decline of the Soviet Union.

As an explanation to what ailed Communist-ruled countries, Yechury once said one of his favourite films on the subject was the 1966 Cuban comedy movie Death of a Bureaucrat.

It documented the travails of the widow of a revolutionary in securing pension and was a commentary on the red tape of the Communist country.

Yechury was born into a Telugu family on August 12, 1952, and studied economics at St Stephen's College and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where he was thrice elected president of its students' union.

He was arrested during the Emergency in 1975. He was inducted into the CPI-M's central committee in 1985 and into its politburo in 1992.

He was also one of the few among leading Communist leaders to appreciate the importance of the Left movement's cultural engagement, and was a permanent attendee at cultural events that Sahmat organised.

Old associates recalled that they would walk down to Chanakya, a movie theatre, to watch films.

A polyglot, he was always accessible to party comrades, chatting with them in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and English in the party canteen over cups of black tea and unfiltered cigarettes.

He drove his own car, a Maruti Zen, until he became party chief.

Yechury was a Rajya Sabha member from 2005 to 2017, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a frequent visitor to his room in Parliament, where they chatted for hours.

He was elected general secretary of the CPI-M, succeeding Karat, in 2015, when it was in steep electoral decline.

However, Yechury galvanised the party's outreach to farmers, Dalit groups, students and minorities.

In 2019, when the CPI-M central committee rejected a proposal to have an understanding with the Congress for the Lok Sabha polls, Yechury had offered to resign. He was a key leader that helped forge the INDIA bloc for the 2024 polls.

Yechury is survived by his wife, The Wire Editor Seema Chishti, a son, and a daughter. His elder son, Ashish Yechury, passed away due to Covid in 2021.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
It was December 31, 1999. As the hostages on IC-814 were leaving after their eight-day ordeal in Kandahar, a hijacker "quietly informed" now National Security Advisor and then lead negotiator Ajit Doval that a "New Year gift" had been left behind on the aircraft  a mysterious red bag.

IMAGE: Two Taliban officials watch the hijacked Indian Airlines jet parked at Kandahar airport, December 27, 1999. Photograph: Muzammil Pasha/Reuters

AR Ghanashyam, the former Islamabad-based Indian diplomat who flew to Kandahar in Afghanistan and opened talks with the hijackers, recounts this and other details in a chapter in An Indian Woman in Islamabad, authored by his wife and former diplomat Ruchi Ghanashyam.

With the OTT show IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack rekindling interest in the December 24-December 31, 1999 hijacking that led to India releasing three terrorists in exchange for the lives of the hostages, Ghanashyam's retelling of his tense days in the Afghanistan town have found fresh resonance.

Ghanashyam, who was then commercial counsellor at the Indian high commission in Islamabad, received information that the aircraft was "planted with something that would blow up at midnight".

"One of the hijackers had quietly informed Doval that a New Year's gift had been left behind in the IC 814 aircraft for the government of India... I could not risk the lives of the relief pilots and crew. The aircraft had been kept confined for eight days. There was also the mystery of the 'red bag'. What was this 'red bag'? Who owned it?" he writes.

According to the book, the mystery of the red bag was cleared only two years later after then Taliban foreign minister Wakil Ahmad Muttavakil was arrested by the United States following the defeat of the Taliban in 2001.

"The 'red bag' belonged to one of the hijackers, it contained explosives, and possibly, real passports, too.

In their hurry they (the hijackers) had forgotten it in the hold. By the time they came back to recover it, the hostages had been released," he explains.

"The three prisoners brought down one by one from a separate aircraft were received by Taliban representatives. The hijackers joined the three prisoners, following which all of them disappeared. Then, the passengers, totally exhausted but very happy to be out of the stinking aircraft, disembarked," he writes.

Ghanashyam had been asked to stay back at Kandahar to arrange the refuelling and return of the hijacked aircraft.

A crew of 13 members, including one flight engineer and two pilots, Indian Airlines deputy managing director Capt J R D Rao and Capt Suri also remained in Kandahar.

Ghanashyam says he was advised to ensure that the crew and the two relief captains were not found anywhere near the aircraft and could not see the red bag and its contents himself. However, he claims it was Muttawakil who "acted illegally, betrayed our trust, and got the hold forcibly opened, and all the red bags taken out".

He recalls that the Taliban authorities were delaying the refuelling of the stranded plane and were keen to take out the one bag that belonged to the hijackers.

"Mr Muttawakil was still in the airport, and I rushed to him with Capt Suri and apprised him of the problem and requested him to advise the authorities to assist in facilitating an early departure of the aircraft.

"But the Taliban authorities were still trying to see the hold and look for a red suitcase of the hijackers. I brought this to the notice of foreign secretary and joint secretary Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan (IPA) who had already reached New Delhi along with passengers and other members of the delegation," he adds.

Ghanashyam also talks in detail about a red Pajero used by Muttawakil in Kandahar parked right in front of the hold while others were searching the plane for the red bag.

"It could not be confirmed as to who was in the vehicle as it had tinted glasses... Capt Rao told me at that time he had seen people taking every red bag from the hold and showing it to the car and then taking it back to the hold.

"Two and two put together, we both felt that perhaps either one or more of the hijackers or someone close to them who could identify the infamous red suitcase were comfortably parked in the Red Pajero car and were trying out every red bag to identify the red bag and take it out," he adds.

Capt Suri, writes Ghanashyam, later learnt from a local worker that they "had found one bag and there were five grenades in it".

According to the book, eventually, the next morning on January 1, 2000, "fuel was supplied to the plane, the engine was checked, and took off at 0943 hrs, Afghan time". Ghanashyam boarded the UN plane the same day for Islamabad, Pakistan.

The Kathmandu-Delhi flight was hijacked on December 24, 1999, by five attackers and rerouted several times, eventually landing in Taliban-controlled territory.

The longest hijacking in Indian aviation history ended after a deal between the Indian government and the hijackers, with India releasing three terrorists -- Masood Azhar who in 2000 founded a new terror outfit Jaish e Mohammad (JeM) to wage war against India, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar.

While Zargar was involved in the December 12, 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of then home minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed; Sheikh was accused of Kidnapping and murdering American journalist Daniel Pearl Pakistan in 2002. Published by Penguin Random House India, "An Indian Woman in Islamabad", priced at Rs 464, unveils the "intricacies of cross-border relationships and the relentless drumbeat of history as witnessed through the prism of political upheavals".
'We called him Sher-e-Kashmir but we realised he was no lion but a pussycat who surrendered.'

Photograph: Keystone Features/Getty Images/ Rediff.com Archives IMAGE: Sheikh Abdullah addresses a prayer meeting in Gandhi Park in 1949.

Srinagar is like a city transformed, with the people looking with hope at electing new leaders when Kashmir votes in three phases -- September 18, September 25 and October 1.

But this was not always the case in Kashmir as elections were normally and regularly boycotted. In many polling booths there was zero percentage of voting for decades after militancy began in the late 1980s.

Today, locals say the voting percentage in Kashmir could cross 60 percent, which in itself will be a record.

But the people of Kashmir who are looking so eagerly at the elections today, how did they fall into the trap of terrorism for four decades and how did it all end? Will terrorism still make a comeback?

Akbarbhai, a resident of Srinagar, has seen the ups and downs in Kashmir for four decades. Hope, followed by regret, followed by rejection. The cycle repeating endlessly.

Akbarbhai refused to share his last name, but he was more than willing to share his insights into how terrorism emerged in Kashmir, and how it is all ending with a sign of hope.

IMAGE: Anthony Quinn, who died June 3, 2001 in a Boston hospital at 86, was born in Mexico in 1915.

The winner of two Academy Awards for best supporting actor, his title role in Zorba the Greek filmed in 1965, remains his most memorable role. Photograph: Reuters

As he sips the brew at a coffee shop in downtown Srinagar, Akbarbhai asks, "Do you know Anthony Quinn?"

"You mean the Hollywood actor?", I respond, referring to the actor Indians of an earlier generation know from films like Guns Of Navarone and Zorba The Greek.

"How is Anthony Quinn related to the Kashmir problem?" I ask, puzzled.

Akbarbhai rewinds to four decades ago and recalls an incident at the Regal cinema on Regency Road, Srinagar.

His eyes sparkle as he remembers how he with a bunch of his friends, all in their 20s, watched the movie Lion of the Desert starring Anthony Quinn.

In the movie Quinn played Libyan freedom fighter Omar al-Mukhtar who fought the Italian fascist forces in the 1920s. He was caught later and hanged in 1931.

IMAGE: A woman holds a copy of the 1981 film Lion of the Desert in a DVD shop in Beirut, June 10, 2009. Photograph: Khalil Hassan/Reuters

Recalling al-Mukhtar's last words before being sent to the gallows, Akbarbhai gets emotional and declares with passion, "We fight or we die."

All his friends were taken aback by ths and were in tears when it ended.

"We were not alone. The entire theatre was in tears. They were angry to see the end of the Libyan hero in such a tragic manner," remembers Akbarbhai.

"The crowd saw a poster of (then Jammu and Kashmir chief minister) Sheikh Abdullah outside the theatre. They started throwing slippers at it. One person started beating Sheikh Abdullah's face with his slippers," Akbarbhai recalls with a wry chuckle.

There was no slogan of 'Azaadi' then. It was just the anger of the Kashmiri people being expressed spontaneously.

The crowd that emerged from the Regal cinema felt cheated by Sheikh Abdullah, they felt he should have gone to the gallows rather than give in to Indira Gandhi's government in New Delhi and accept the chief minister's post in 1975.

"We called him Sher-e-Kashmir (Lion of Kashmir) but after watching the movie we realised he was no lion but a pussycat who surrendered," says Akbarbhai.

Sheikh Abdullah, then the most popular Kashmiri leader, was instrumental along with Maharaja Hari Singh to agree to the accession of Jammu and Kashmir with India on October 26, 1947.

He then fell out with Jawaharlal Nehru, was dismissed as Jammu and Kashmir's premier (as the head of the state's government was known then) and placed under house arrest in South India.

"After spending 25 years as a prisoner, Sheih Abdullah realised it was futile to fight the Indian State. The crowd in the theatre felt this was Sheikh's biggest mistake and he should not have compromised with the Indian government," says Akbarbhai.

"In my memory the only free and fair elections that were held in Kashmir was in 1977. This was conducted by the Janata Party government. Sheikh Abdullah's National Conference won the election after which he never thought of an independent Kashmir."

IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah -- Sheikh Abdullah's grandson -- filed his nomination papers for the assembly elections in the Budgam district of central Kashmir, September 5, 2024. Photograph: ANI

So what now?

Will the democratic process hold?

Will terrorism return to the Kashmir Valley?

Do Kashmiris still venerate Sheikh Abdullah whose son Dr Farooq Abdullah is president of the National Conference and his grandson Omar Abdullah is the National Conference candidate from two constituencies in Kashmir in the current assembly election?

As I ask Akbarbhai this question, his phone rings. He tells me he has to resolve a family problem urgently.

"Why don't you go to Sheikh Abdullah's tomb at Dal Lake and find out the answer for yourself?"
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Generally sunny. High around 65F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low near 40F. Winds light and variable.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Romania pledges continued support for Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in their contributions to the EU's energy security, Ana Cristina Tinca, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan as garants of EU energy security

"With a trade volume of around $42 billion in 2023 and an overall investment stock (over the past 20 years) of $180 billion, the European Union is the main economic partner of Kazakhstan. The EU-Kazakhstani Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the EU Global Gateway, backed by consistent, regular political dialogue at the highest levels, have opened new venues of cooperation in transport and logistics, energy, critical raw materials, agriculture, digitalization, and many other fields," she said.

As the state secretary noted, the Southern Caucasus region and Azerbaijan, as a riparian Caspian country, are the most natural bridge connecting the European Union and Kazakhstan and bringing them closer politically and economically.

"Equally important, both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are key partners for the European Union in the energy field. Thus, the European Union and Romania in particular (as an EU Member State at the Black Sea) will continue to support all projects aiming to enhance energy security. We are particularly interested in diversifying supply sources and transport routes, promoting sustainable development of new energy sources, and encouraging a balanced transition to green economies. Naturally, increasing the volumes of hydrocarbons shipped via the Caspian and Black Seas, building new infrastructure capacities or expanding existing ones, as well as developing green energy, remain key topics of interest for us," Ana Cristina Tinca said.

As she noted, when it comes to connectivity, Romania believes that policymakers in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and the European Union (including Romania) share the same views about the importance of developing transport and logistics, energy, and digital connectivity.

"Romania is directly involved in key projects such as the regular ferry lines in the Black Sea, the development of the electric cable under the Black Sea (the "Green Electricity Corridor"), the underwater fiber optic cable towards the South Caucasus, and the Black Sea-Caspian Sea Freight Transport Corridor. All these projects also help strengthen the links between Europe and Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region," she said.

Trans-Caspian International Transport Route

The state secretary noted that the EBRD Study on Sustainable Transport Connections between Europe and Central Asia presented its first preliminary results at the second EU-Central Asia Economic Forum in May 2023.

"Since then, the Middle Corridor (or the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) has received unprecedented attention and benefited from renewed, convergent political and practical efforts. The EU Global Gateway Forum, the Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity, and the Coordination Platform for the Trans-Caspian Corridors have been the main platforms for exchanges and cooperation on developing the Corridor, including finding sustainable solutions to overcoming existing bottlenecks and boosting transit capacities," she noted.

Ana Cristina Tinca highlighted that transport and logistics, especially considering the importance of the Constanta Port, have always featured prominently in high-level Romanian-Kazakhstani contacts.

"Our presidents and ministers of foreign affairs have recently discussed these topics. Discussions have continued extensively between the line ministries in the first half of 2024, for example during the visit to Romania of the Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, then at the 17th plenary session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, and most recently during the visit to Astana of the State Counsellor of the Prime Minister of Romania  the national senior official in charge of EU Global Gateway," she said.

Green energy between Romania and Kazakhstan

The state secretary emphasized Kazakhstan's unwavering commitment to the shift towards green economies and decarbonization, highlighting its significant value.

"We are fully aware of Kazakhstan's leading positions in terms of fossil fuel output and exports, green energy potential (wind, solar, hydrogen), and rare earth reserves that are critical to shaping the transition towards zero emissions economies. These topics have been high on the bilateral agenda, particularly within the framework of the Romanian-Kazakhstani Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation, which meets regularly every two years, most recently on February 14th15th, 2024, in Bucharest. The energy ministers on both sides chair the commission," she said.

According to her, Romania remains a reliable partner for Kazakhstan, including by sharing its experience in green energy market development.

"Currently, Romania bases 40 percent of its domestic consumption on green energy, with green energy production, including renewable sources, accounting for more than 50 percent of the total energy output. For instance, Romania inaugurated the largest photovoltaic park in Southeast Europe in October 2023. Equally important, the transition to green economies requires sustainable, environment-friendly technologies for oil and gas drilling, coal mining, and in petrochemical industries. Romania also has a long and rich manufacturing tradition," she noted.

Trade turnover dynamics

She highlighted that Romania and Kazakhstan share solid, strong ties of partnership, extending more than 32 years.

"Kazakhstan is Romania's most important economic partner in Central Asia; furthermore, Romania is a key gateway for Kazakhstan to the European Union and its Single Market, currently ranking 5th among EU countries and 12th worldwide as a trade and investment partner for Kazakhstan. Despite the significant geopolitical challenges we have faced in recent years, we have continued to build on our long-standing tradition of trustful dialogue at all levels. Last year, President Klaus Iohannis and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had substantial discussions on the margins of the UN General Assembly, focusing on concrete steps to boost our trade, connectivity, and energy cooperation," she said.

Following the meeting, Ana Cristina Tinca noted that Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murat Nurtleu, made his first-ever official visit to Romania.

"2023 set new records of bilateral trade, reaching $3.07 billion (a two-fold increase compared with the pre-pandemic period), with the most significant share going to hydrocarbon imports from Kazakhstan, in particular oil. For the first quarter of 2024, the overall trend remains dynamic, with Romanian imports reaching $740 million and Romanian exports rising by 115 percent to $36 million. However, we have yet to fully tap into the potential. Consequently, the tasks ahead of us could be resumed as follows: diversification - more focus on manufactured products; more input from the new technologies; development of the circular economy," she said.

Potential areas for partnership development

"Bringing our countries and regions closer in all respects remains the strategic guiding line of our relationship. There is impressive potential within the Romanian-Kazakhstani cooperation waiting to be developed by joint efforts, particularly in trade, investments, energy, and connectivity. As far as trade and investments are concerned, we need to move up to a new level and reach the mutually agreed diversification goals, particularly in fields as chemical, pharmaceutical, plastics industries, electronics and electrotechnics industries, electric machinery and materials, agriculture, agricultural machinery and food industry, rolling stock and freight infrastructure, and critical raw materials," the state secretary concluded.
BRATTLEBORO  If you're coming by the Royal Diner on a Friday evening for ice cream or a smash burger and fries, you might find yourself walki
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 13. Kazakhstan is a reliable partner for China in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, said Arman Kassenov, Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister of National Economy, at the 9th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong, Trend reports.

The Belt and Road Initiative was announced in 2013. Kazakhstan was the first to support this ambitious project and has traditionally been a reliable partner for China in its implementation, said the Deputy Minister.

He highlighted that, amid current geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges, the idea of reviving the Silk Road has gained renewed significance.

The deputy minister emphasized that under this initiative, all countries have significant potential for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in the areas of innovation and green energy, transportation, logistics, and finance.

Additionally, during the visit, the Kazakh delegation held meetings with several Chinese financial institutions based in Beijing, including the Silk Road Fund, the China Development Bank (CDB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the China-Eurasia Foundation, and the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (Sinosure), among others.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was proposed in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping. It envisions the development of a series of large-scale "economic corridors" to facilitate China's access to the Middle East and Europe.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 13. Kazakhstan and Singapore's Asia Infrastructure Solutions company discussed prospects for the realization of the Alatau City project, Trend reports.

The matter was reviewed during a meeting between the President of Kazakhstan with the Chairman of Asia Infrastructure Solutions Wong Heang Fine.

In particular, the sides discussed the effective development of Alatau City with the attraction of foreign investments and technologies.

President Tokayev noted that Wong Heang Fine's experience in implementing such projects would find practical implementation in the design and construction of the new city designed to become an international business hub

In May 2024, the General Plan of Alatau City, developed jointly with Singaporean Surbana Jurong company was adopted.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 13. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is set to upgrade the air traffic systems at Manas and Issyk-Kul airports in Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Finance of Kyrgyzstan told Trend.

The Kyrgyz Ministry of Finance, JICA's local office, and the Japanese Embassy have signed exchange notes and a grant agreement for the "Air Traffic Management Equipment Enhancement Project," totaling 2.153 billion Japanese yen (approximately $13.8 million).

The project will involve renovating the control tower at Osh airport and modernizing systems at Manas and Issyk-Kul airports.

"The air traffic control and management equipment has significantly deteriorated over the past 50 years, and there is an urgent need for system upgrades," the ministry stated.

This assistance aims to improve the safety and capacity of aircraft operations and contribute to maintaining transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity by enhancing the efficiency of the aviation sector.
SAPs global partner efforts are seeing it prioritise its Business AI product and partner autonomy, which in turn is being distilled into its strategy for Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ).

Speaking to sister publication ARN, A/NZ SAP chief partner officer Ashley McGibbon said that the vendors priorities of Business AI and partner autonomy are really important for the enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendor in the region.

I think weve been really bold and a little bit further along in some areas, particularly around partner autonomy, she said.

New Zealand has been a particularly standout region for SAP, McGibbon added.

Weve essentially provided the whole mid-market business as our partner-driven territory this year, she said. I think it will expand absolutely even further next year, but that is definitely  particularly in the APJ [Asia Pacific and Japan] region  a little bit further along than some of the other areas globally at the moment.

The New Zealand drive comes from the claim that it was easier for the vendor to segment particular elements of the countrys market, McGibbon said.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 13. A roadmap was signed between Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade and Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Economy and Commerce to explore the feasibility of establishing industrial and technology parks in Kyrgyzstan at the Kyrgyz-Russian Forum, the Kyrgyz ministry told Trend.

The collaboration will dive into the nuts and bolts of establishing industrial and technology parks in Kyrgyzstan, tapping into Russia's know-how in getting these ventures off the ground and keeping them running smoothly.

According to the ministry, these parks are considered critical for creativity and economic progress, and Kyrgyzstan is strongly in favor of their expansion.

The recent Kyrgyz law "On Technology Parks," enacted on July 12, 2024, provides a legal framework for the establishment and development of these parks. It aims to facilitate technology transfer, create new jobs, and lay the foundation for a knowledge-based economy in Kyrgyzstan.

According to the country's State Statistical Committee, Kyrgyzstan's industrial output for January through August 2024 reached over 330 billion soms ($3.9 billion), which is a 0.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
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.
After the Taliban's de facto government cut ties with a number of diplomatic missions operated abroad by diplomats loyal to the ousted Afghan republic, the British and Norwegian authorities have opted to shut down Afghan embassies on their soil.

Both Oslo and London say their decisions in no way represent official recognition of the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, which no country recognizes due to concerns over a woeful human rights record and other failures to live up to promises it made before seizing power in August 2021.

But experts say the embassy closures are likely to pave the way for more engagement with the Taliban, which controls all of Afghanistan's territory and has increased its hold on power.

Diplomats who served the former Afghan government were left in limbo when the Taliban took control, but remained open for business in some Western states and continued to assist Afghan citizens.

The window on their operations began to close when the Taliban announced in July that it was cutting ties with 14 such missions in Western countries and that it would not accept any consular documents they processed, a critical source of funding to keep them running.

Many of the consular services, such as verification of identity documents or police clearance, offered by the embassies do require a degree of cooperation from the country's government because diplomatic missions might not be able to access all government data.

This month, the British Foreign Office announced that it was shutting down the Afghan Embassy in London, explaining to RFE/RL on September 9 that the decision was made after the "dismissal of its staff by the Taliban."

Norway quickly followed suit, announcing that the Afghan Embassy in Oslo would be shut down on September 12.

Both the British and Norwegian governments have indicated that the move does not amount to a formal recognition of the Taliban's hard-line government. And the embassy buildings, which are Afghanistan's properties, will be eventually handed over to a "recognized" government of Afghanistan.

But Hameed Hakimi, an Afghanistan expert, says the decisions to shut the embassies can be taken as "reality setting in" that the Taliban is "unlikely to be replaced in the immediate future."

And for the Taliban, he says, it creates an opportunity to argue that its rule is being acknowledged, even without formal recognition.

"The Taliban can use this to their advantage in their pursuit of claiming legitimacy with the Afghans and internationally," said Hakimi, an associate fellow at London's Chatham House think tank.

More than a dozen countries, mostly Afghanistan's neighbors, already operate embassies in Kabul, and some have accredited Taliban diplomats. The Taliban government also partially controls diplomatic missions in some countries, and has established working relations with Afghan diplomatic missions in the Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, and the Afghan Consulate in Munich.

The missions operating in Western countries staffed by diplomats appointed by the previous government are the outlier.

Hakimi said that if all those missions are shut down, it "truly signifies the closure of the chapter of the Afghan Islamic Republic."

The Afghan Islamic Republic, as it was formally known, emerged soon after a U.S.-led military alliance toppled the Taliban government in November 2001 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

Nearly two decades later, the internationally recognized Afghan republic collapsed as the Taliban seized power in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The Taliban, meanwhile, recreated its brutal emirate from the 1990s by imposing harsh bans and discriminatory laws that resulted in widespread human rights violations. Afghan women and girls are deprived of education and employment in most sectors and lack fundamental freedoms.

These Taliban policies have so far kept its government from being officially recognized. This absence of recognition has complicated engagement with the Taliban government on important issues, such as humanitarian aid, and made it difficult for the estimated 2 million Afghans living in Western countries to access consular services.

Graeme Smith, a senior Afghanistan analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, says Western governments might be acting on the UN special coordinator's recommendation to facilitate the processing of documentation for Afghans abroad.

In his report endorsed by the UN Security Council in December 2023, Feridun Sinirlioglu, the UN special coordinator for Afghanistan, called for better cooperation between the Taliban regime and the outside world to ensure that Afghans can obtain the paperwork they need to continue with their daily lives.

"Afghans have been suffering in limbo without clarity about where to go when they need identity papers or travel documents," Smith said, describing how Afghans who still do not have travel documents from another country suffer from the lack of consular services.

"The steps we are witnessing now may represent practical efforts by some governments" to remedy the situation, Smith said.

The challenge remains, he said, to ensure that efforts "aimed at pressuring the regime do not sabotage the lives and livelihoods of Afghans."

Many Western capitals are also grappling with the complex issue of what to do with Afghan asylum seekers whose applications were rejected.

Last month, Germany deported 28 Afghan men convicted of crimes in the country to Kabul, with Qatar playing an intermediary role in securing the Taliban's cooperation in accepting the returning Afghans.

Smith said that some countries "are discovering the usefulness" of having a consular presence "connected to the authorities in Kabul" if they need to arrange the return of Afghan migrants.

"But it's unclear if that motivated the recent closures," he said.

Both Britain and Norway have not said anything about whether they will allow the Taliban government to offer consular services in London and Oslo.

The fates of the Afghan Embassy in Berlin and consulate in Bonn are not clear, although the consulate in Munich is likely to remain open because it cooperates with the Taliban government on consular services.

In London, Afghanistan expert Hakimi said the closure could create an "opportunity for the Taliban to lobby with the Western countries" and allow its representatives to at least run counselor services.

These Afghan diplomatic missions can remain closed indefinitely, similar to what happened in the United States, where the Afghan Embassy and two consulates have been closed since March 2002. The Afghan Embassy in Canada offers remote consular services to Afghans living in the United States.

In Norway, Afghans have mixed feelings about their embassy's closure.

Sima Nouri, an Afghan woman living in Oslo, is worried over how her compatriots will now access consular services.

"There is a possibility that the process of forced deportation of Afghan refugees will begin," she told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. "This process, however, must be stopped."

Mina Rafiq, another Afghan woman in Norway, prefers shutting the embassy down to cooperating with the Taliban.

"This might work to the advantage of Afghan asylum seekers," she said, "because the Norwegian government will now have to give them necessary documents."
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.
In a move that human rights advocates warn carries potential risks for civil rights, Russia has begun expanding its facial-recognition payment system for subways to six cities outside of Moscow.

Kazan, seat of the Volga River region of Tatarstan, and one subway station in Nizhny Novgorod, another major Volga city, started using the system, called Face Pay, in August, according to Russian media and government reports.

The head of the Biometric Technologies Center (TsBT), the state-run company overseeing the biometric-payments project, claims that all of Russia's subway systems will use the technology by 2025.

"For each participant, the process will be absolutely seamless," Tatar-Inform.ru quoted TsBT General Director Vladislav Povolotsky as saying for Face Pay's Kazan launch. Riders "can move between the cities of our big country using this service."

Citing TsBT documents, the business daily Kommersant reported in January that Yekaterinburg and Samara would also install Face Pay in 2024, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk are to roll out the system by the end of 2025.

Russian officials claim Face Pay offers unrivalled security and convenience since it relies only on a passenger's face to work. But for critics, that's just the problem.

In Moscow, which launched Russia's first Face Pay system in 2021, CCTV street cameras have been used to detain both alleged participants in anti-government protests and the journalists covering the events.

Citing such detentions and arrests, attorney Andrei Fedorkov, who works with the banned Russian human rights organization Memorial on support for political prisoners, fears that practice could extend to Russia's biometric subway-payment system. He called the risks "significant."

"This system is already active and functioning. It's not as massive and all-encompassing as in China, but the trend is totally obvious," Fedorkov said. "Therefore, yes, this system will become yet another powerful instrument in today's Russia for the surveillance and control of citizens."

'Increased Risks For Human Rights'

Kazan subway users told local news outlet Vechernyaya Kazan that "compliments" appear on screen when the Face Pay device scans their faces and "takes note of (their) styling, taste in clothing, smile, and other features."

As of September 15, they will receive a 15-ruble ($0.16) "cashback" for each Face Pay ride, according to Kazan subway officials.

How many passengers in Kazan and Nizhny Novgorod have opted to use Face Pay is not clear.

Aside from Russia, China, Kazakhstan, and Japan also use facial recognition for subway payments.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stressed to RFE/RL's Idel.Realities in 2021 that "requirements and safeguards" need to be in place for the use of facial-recognition technology.

Citing a lack of information, OHCHR spokeswoman Liz Throssell declined to comment about the Kazan subway's use of Face Pay, but said that in general terms, "biometric systems, such as payment systems, are high-risk technology that inherently carry increased risks for human rights, including the rights to privacy and to freedom of expression."

Even when the use of biometrics is voluntary, she said in an e-mail, the "sensitivity of biometric data requires particularly strong legal and technical protections."

"The purpose of collecting, storing and using the biometric data, the duration of storage, and who has access to the data must be strictly limited," Throssell said.

Russia's 2022 law on using biometric data to identify individuals mandates that the government and central bank must automatically destroy biometric data after 10 days unless the person to whom it belongs has complained about the "unlawful processing" of that data or a glitch in using it for authentication. It also bans the transfer of that data to third parties.

Yet the law states that its provisions do not apply to "investigative, counterintelligence and intelligence" work or to "national defense, ensuring state security and law enforcement," and "foreign policy implementation," among other areas.

Online maps indicate that TsBT, a company founded in 2022 by digital services giant Rostelekom, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media, and the central bank, is located in a Moscow building that also houses Rosoboroneksport, the agency that handles Russia's military exports, and the Defense Ministry's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation.

'Afraid Of Breathing'

TsBT oversees the United Biometric System, which collects biometric information for both subway and private-sector payments.

In a June 27 interview with the website for the digital-technologies conference TsIPR, Povolotsky claimed that the database keeps individuals' "biometric samples" separate from their "personal data." He said the database does not contain "names and last names, individual taxpayer numbers, addresses, and other personal information."

Only the database's "biometric vectors" -- coordinates that mark the distance between key features of the face -- can be accessed from the outside, he added.

Povolotsky does not appear to have publicly addressed concerns about the technology's civil rights risks.

Use of the biometric system is not mandatory for subway riders. Passengers who want to pay via facial recognition must upload a selfie to the mobile application for Russia's government services portal and then connect their account to another app, SBPay, which handles biometric payments, according to a TsBT guide.

Addressing Russia's overall biometric plans, Povolotsky asserted in June that Russians "will always have a choice -- to receive services the old way or to use biometrics."

That choice is why security expert Pavel Luzin, who formerly advised the late Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, says the real concern about Face Pay may be how people respond to it.

Such payment systems can control people's behavior just through the fear that they are being surveilled -- whether or not they actually are, he says.

"People see the cameras. They're told something about artificial intelligence and, so, they're already afraid of breathing the wrong way and censor themselves," said Luzin, a nonresident senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, a U.S.-based think-tank.

He called Face Pay investments -- estimated by Kommersant to total 260 million rubles ($2.9 million) for installations alone -- "pointless shams" that don't give "any practical results."

Nonetheless, for those Russians who opt to travel with Face Pay, Fedorkov maintains that risks exist.

Russian security forces, he predicted, "will not, if they have the chance, give up a facial-recognition video-surveillance system, since such technologies allow them to identify in mass protests even those participants who escaped detention."

Written and with additional reporting by Elizabeth Owen
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
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Detectives have made a new appeal for information about the murder of a man in front of his daughter in Co Down 22 years ago.

Stephen Warnock, 35, died when he was shot a number of times in his car while driving on the Circular Road in Newtownards at approximately 11.30am on September 13th 2002.

At the time it was widely reported that Mr Warnock had been murdered as part of a loyalist feud.

A PSNI spokesperson said: Mr Warnock was driving his blue BMW car along Circular Road with his young daughter in the back seat of the car when he stopped due to traffic.

At this time a motorcycle with rider and pillion passenger pulled alongside the car and shots were fired into the car.

Stephen sustained a number of gunshot wounds and tragically died at the scene.

Thankfully, Stephens daughter escaped injury.

Following the shooting the motorcycle sped off in the direction of Belfast where it was recovered burnt out later the same day at Chelsea Street in east Belfast.

This was a savage and reckless attack on a defenceless man and we are exploring a number of potential motives for the murder.

The PSNI has appealed for anyone who may have been on Circular Road or in the general area before or after the murder and who may have information to speak to detectives.

The spokesperson continued: Twenty-two years have now passed since this senseless killing.

I ask those who were involved, or heard accounts of what happened, either in the immediate aftermath or indeed over the years, to think about the devastating effect this has had on Stephens family, and to come forward and make themselves known to police.

Anyone with information can contact detectives in Legacy Investigation Branch on 101 or LIBEnquiries@psni.pnn.police.uk.
Maharashtra to Launch Soybean Procurement Centres Amid Farmer Concerns

The ruling coalition only managed to secure 17 of the 48 parliamentary seats in the state.

Mumbai: In a move to address the discontent of soybean farmers ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Maharashtra government has announced the opening of procurement centres for soybean for the first time. The centres will offer a minimum support price (MSP) of a4,892 per quintal. However, both farmers and industry experts remain skeptical about whether this initiative will significantly improve the prices farmers receive for their crops.

While sugarcane and onions have typically held political importance in Maharashtra, soybean emerged as the largest crop in this years kharif season, covering 5,152,251 hectares34.9% of the total cultivated area during the fall harvest. Despite being the second-largest soybean producer in India, farmers in Maharashtra are currently facing financial strain. The market price for soybean hovers around a4,300 per quintal, which is below both the earlier MSP of a4,600 and the new proposed rate.

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Discontent among soybean farmers was evident during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, where low prices likely influenced them to vote against Mahayuti alliance candidates. The ruling coalition only managed to secure 17 of the 48 parliamentary seats in the state.

While farmers across western and northern Maharashtra grow soybean, about 80% of the states soybean cultivation is concentrated in the Marathwada and western Vidarbha regions, which hold 76 of the 288 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly. Soybean farmers could also influence election results in other areas of the state.

In response to these dynamics, the Mahayuti government plans to set up procurement centres to stabilize the market price. The state agriculture department believes that introducing an MSP of a4,892 per quintal could help raise market prices. A meeting led by State Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde is scheduled for Thursday to finalize the procurement system's structure and implementation details.


Chandigarh Sector 10 Grenade Attack: Two Absconding Suspects Arrested

The suspects are currently being interrogated, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation unfolds.

Chandigarh Sector 10 Grenade Attack Latest News: In a breakthrough investigation of the recent grenade attack in Chandigarh's Sector 10, the main accused has been arrested by the Punjab Police from Amritsar, Punjab. The attack, which took place earlier this month, had sent shockwaves across the region, raising concerns about safety and security.

The main accused, who had been on the run since the incident, was tracked down following an intensive manhunt by both Chandigarh and Punjab police. According to authorities, the duo was involved in planning and executing the grenade attack that targeted a specific location in the heart of the city.

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Giving details, the Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, said, "Punjab Police has arrested the main perpetrator of the Chandigarh Grenade Blast case, in a joint operation with Central Agency. The case is solved with the nabbing of Rohan Masih, resident of village Passia, PS Ramdass, Amritsar Rural and identification of the other accused as well."

"One 9MM Glock pistol alongwith ammunition recovered from his possession. Further investigation to unravel the entire conspiracy is being done jointly in coordination with the Chandigarh Police. Accused in custody of State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar In the preliminary disclosure, Rohan admitted his role in the grenade blast at Chandigarh on 11.09.2024," he added.

Although no casualties were reported in the blast, the incident heightened tensions, leading to a multi-state search for the culprits.

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Punjab Police, in collaboration with Chandigarh Police, traced the accused to Amritsar, where he was apprehended after several days of investigation and surveillance. The arrest came as a significant development in the case, providing crucial leads that might further uncover the motive behind the attack and any potential links to larger networks.

Currently, he is being interrogated, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation unfolds. Security across the region remains heightened as police continue to explore the origins of the attack and ensure the safety of residents.

(For more news apart from Chandigarh Sector 10 Grenade Attack Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Himachal Pradesh News: Court Orders Demolition of Two Illegal Floors of Mosque in Mandi

The protesters were seen reciting Hanuman Chalisa during the demonstration.

Himachal Pradesh Mandi Mosque Controversy, Demolition Latest News Today: In a significant ruling, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner Court in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has ordered the demolition of two illegally constructed floors of a mosque within 30 days. The decision was delivered by Municipal Commissioner HS Rana on Friday, sparking protests from Hindu organizations.

The mosque, located on Jail Road in Mandi city, is a 30-year-old three-storey structure. Allegations were made that two of its floors were built without proper authorization, and now, the court has directed that these floors be removed.

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During the court hearing, Hindu organizations gathered to protest the alleged illegal construction. The police, prepared for potential unrest, set up barricades around the mosque. To disperse the crowd, water cannons were deployed, and scuffles between protesters and police ensued. The protesters were seen reciting Hanuman Chalisa during the demonstration.

Meanwhile, another mosque dispute has emerged in Shimla, where controversy surrounds a five-storey mosque in Sanjauli. Locals claim that three of the floors were illegally built, leading to ongoing protests for the past 15 days.

The Mandi mosques land is registered under the name of a Muslim woman, and it is alleged that two additional floors were constructed in March 2024 without permission on what was originally a one-storey structure. The Municipal Corporation had issued a notice to halt the construction in June, and an investigation revealed that part of the land belongs to the Public Works Department (PWD). Additionally, a wall adjacent to the road was found to be built illegally.

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Talks Between Administration and Hindu Organizations Remain Inconclusive

On September 12, a meeting between the local administration and Hindu organizations aimed at resolving the dispute ended without resolution. Following this, Hindu organizations declared their intent to continue protesting. Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan urged the public to remain peaceful, emphasizing that action is being taken in accordance with the law and that strict measures would be taken against those causing disruptions.

CM Sukhu's Statement: "Respect for All Religions"

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu commented on the situation, acknowledging the illegal construction in Mandi. He stated that a committee would be formed to address the mosque dispute and reaffirmed that Himachal Pradesh is a peace-loving state that respects all religions. He emphasized that no religion or caste would be hurt and that the government would take appropriate legal action against illegal constructions, ensuring that it would be done within the framework of the law.

(For more news apart from Himachal Pradesh Mandi Mosque Controversy, Demolition Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Mamata Banerjee Says "Willing to Resign" Amid Stand-Off with Doctors

Banerjee noted that the doctors did not accept the Supreme Court's verdict, further straining the situation.

West Bengal RG Kar Hospital Doctors Strike, Mamata Banerjee Resignation Latest News: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, facing a prolonged stand-off with junior doctors, made a dramatic statement expressing her willingness to resign. Speaking amid the ongoing protests by doctors, she said, "I tried my best to sit with the junior doctors. I waited 3 days for them to come and settle their problem."

Despite her efforts, Banerjee noted that the doctors did not accept the Supreme Court's verdict, further straining the situation.

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I waited 3 days with my highest officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DG, and my MoS. I am sorry. I apologize to the people of this country and the world who are supporting them (doctors). Please give your support. I don't have any problem. We want justice for the common people. We want justice for the treatment of common people, Banerjee said, emphasizing the importance of restoring medical services.

While she acknowledged that 3 days had passed since the Supreme Court instructed the doctors to resume their duties, Banerjee clarified that her administration had refrained from taking disciplinary action.

"Sometimes we have to tolerate. It is our duty to tolerate," she added.

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Her statement highlights the delicate balance between resolving the doctors' grievances and ensuring that healthcare services for the public are not disrupted.

(For more news apart from West Bengal RG Kar Hospital Doctors Strike Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 13. Hungary's new ambassador to Turkmenistan, Jozsef Rozsa, has promised to roll up his sleeves and hit the ground running to bolster ties between the two nations, the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan told Trend.

During a meeting with Parliament Speaker Dunyagozel Gulmanowa, Rozsa received credentials and conveyed greetings from Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok.

Gulmanowa welcomed the ambassador on his appointment and wished him continued success in building bilateral relations. Rozsa was familiarized with Turkmenistan's foreign policy course and noted the development of bilateral relations both in the bilateral format and within international structures.

The sides also kicked around ideas for broadening their cooperation in trade and economic matters, healthcare, and agriculture, while also looking to breathe new life into inter-parliamentary and cultural connections.
NIA Conducts Raids on Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singhs Relatives

One of the primary locations raided was the residence of Amritpal Singhs uncle, Pargat Singh, in Rayya.

Amritpal Singh Latest News: In a series of early morning raids on Friday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) targeted the homes of relatives and supporters of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh in Punjab. The operation began at 5 am, focusing on multiple properties linked to the MP's family.

One of the primary locations raided was the residence of Amritpal Singhs uncle, Pargat Singh, in Rayya. However, Pargat Singh was not present at the time. His wife, Amarjit Kaur, was taken to Beas police station for questioning. Shortly after, Amritpal Singhs other uncle, Sukhchain Singh, arrived at the station as well.

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In addition to the Rayya raid, NIA agents searched the home of Amritpal Singhs brother-in-law, Amarjot Singh, in Batala. Amarjot Singh currently resides in Canada. Properties owned by other relatives in Mehta (Amritsar district) and Sri Hargobindpur Sahib (Gurdaspur district) were also targeted during the operation.

Following the raids, Amritpal Singhs team issued a statement condemning the actions. The statement claimed that the MPs family, particularly elderly women, were being unnecessarily harassed. They criticized the government for focusing on Amritpal Singhs relatives rather than addressing pressing issues in Punjab like drug addiction and gangsterism. The statement reiterated that Amritpal Singh will continue to serve the people, insisting that "the truth will prevail, as it always has."

The statement reads: "Since this morning, the NIA has been conducting raids at the homes of Bhai Amritpal Singh Jis family and relatives. The family and relatives of Bhai Sahib are being harassed and troubled, especially the elderly women of the household. Bhai Sahib was elected by the people and won from Khadoor Sahib, yet his family continues to be disturbed repeatedly in this manner, which is entirely wrong. If there is any evidence, it should be presented openly. Today, many social evils such as drug addiction and gangsterism are widespread in Punjab, but instead of catching the masterminds behind these issues, the government is focusing on harassing Bhai Sahibs family and relatives. Bhai Sahib has always thought about his people and will continue to do so, raising his voice for them. The truth always prevails, as it has been proven in the past and will continue to be proven in the future."

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(For more news apart from Amritpal Singh Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Shimla Mosque Controversy: Communal Tension Could Have Been Avoided

What began as a minor dispute quickly escalated into a major communal issue.

Shimla Mosque Controversy: The violent clashes between police and Hindu protesters in the Sanjauli area of Shimla on Wednesday were unfortunate and could have been prevented. Had the administration and police acted with greater vigilance, the use of force such as lathi charges or water cannons might not have been necessary.

Despite Section 144 being in place and police barricades set up in Sanjauli, these measures proved ineffective in controlling the protest. Political analysts suggest that, with better precautions, the Hindu Jagran Manch and other organizations would not have been able to gather such a large crowd. As the crowd swelled, the situation escalated into violence.

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In response, the police were forced to take strict measures, which further fueled the tension, extending it into Thursday. The Congress government of Himachal Pradesh has blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the unrest, accusing it of trying to destabilize the state government by inciting communal strife.

While this allegation holds some merit, the fact remains that the state government failed to counter the growing communal tensions and disputes surrounding the mosque. Fortunately, on Thursday, the mosque committee offered to voluntarily demolish the portion of the mosque deemed illegal, pending permission. This written offer has raised hopes of reducing communal tension.

The controversy over the mosque's construction in Sanjauli and the opposition from the Hindu community is not new; it has persisted for over a decade. Hindu organizations claim the mosque was built on government land and that its construction is illegal. Meanwhile, the government has maintained that, since the case is still pending in court, no steps can be taken until a judicial ruling is made.

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The situation might not have escalated had the mosque management not initiated new construction within the premises. As soon as the new construction began, concerns arose over how such work could be carried out when the ownership of the land is still under judicial review. A statement by Himachal minister Anirudh Singh, perceived as pro-Muslim, added further fuel to the fire.

What began as a minor dispute quickly escalated into a major communal issue. Certain Hindutva elements capitalized on the situation, linking the Sanjauli mosque case with the rising Muslim population in the state and suggesting a resulting imbalance in the state's religious demographics.

The rising crime rate in Himachal Pradesh was also unfairly linked to this demographic change. Such a divisive atmosphere only benefits the BJP politically. Meanwhile, the Congress government's handling of the situation has, at times, inadvertently strengthened the narrative of Hindutva groups. For instance, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh's statement during a press conference in Shimla on Wednesday, claiming, "I am more traditionally Hindu than the BJP," was unnecessary. Secular governments should refrain from making such comments.

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The next court hearing on the mosque case is scheduled for October 5. It is the responsibility of the state government to make every effort to expedite a court decision. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that if any religious structure is illegally constructed on government land, it can be demolished, provided proper legal notices are issued in advance. Strict adherence to this legal process can effectively undermine the agenda of communal elements.

(For more news apart from the Shimla Mosque Controversy, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
September 13, 2024 UPDATE

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsflash

Newsroom, 13.09.2024, 20:00



Energy. The Romanian government will ask for compensations from the European Union for the significant differences in energy prices between the west and the east of Europe, said energy minister Sebastian Burduja. He gave assurances that the domestic energy production is sufficient in the event of a mild or moderately cold winter, and in the event of a harsh winter, Romania has an interconnection capacity that allows it to supply the needed demand. According to official data, natural gas storages are filled up to 96.53%, which is 177.7 million cubic metres more than last year. Romania is still the European Unions second largest gas producer.

Pilots. The first four Ukrainian pilots have arrived in Romania to start training for the F-16 jets, the spokesman of the Ministry of Defense, Constantin Spinu, said on Friday. He also said that for the time being, the pilots attend theoretical courses, the practical phase being scheduled to start at the end of the year. Ukraine received F-16 jets from the West and wants to be able to use them as soon as possible to counter Russian attacks. On Thursday, Minister Angel Tilvar reconfirmed, in a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, Romanias firm commitment to further supporting Ukraine.

Visa Waiver. Romania is very close to fulfilling all technical criteria to enter the Visa Waiver Program, said the countrys ambassador to Washington, Andrei Muraru. He had talks with the US secretary of homeland security Alejandro Mayorkas about the joint actions to be carried out by the two countries in the coming period for Romania to join the Visa Waiver Program. Muraru said Romania is weeks away from meeting the last technical requirement, the rejection rate. Under US law, an obligatory condition for a country to be considered eligible for the Visa Waiver Program is for the rejection rate of visitor visas to be under 3% in the year before joining the program.

EU Budget. Romanian MEP Siegfried Muresan, one of the two chief negotiators of the European Parliament for the future budget of the Union, says that the new financial exercise must focus on the aid granted through the Common Agricultural Policy and through the Cohesion Policy. According to him, adjustments must be made to face competitiveness and adapt to the needs of farmers. In addition, Siegfried Muresan believes that the Cohesion Policy must also include the new realities in the field of defense and security, against the background of uncertainties caused by the war in Ukraine.

Russia strike. The Romanian foreign ministry firmly condemns the Russian strike against a grain vessel in the Black Sea waters. This is an unprecedented escalation of the actions of the Russian Federation in its illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine. The deliberate attack against a commercial vessel is a grave violation of humanitarian international law regarding warfare at sea, said the foreign ministry in a statement. The ministry calls on the Russian Federation to put an end to all attacks against commercial vessels and to comply with the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. NATO strongly condemned as well the Russian attack on a civilian grain ship in the Black Sea. A Russian missile hit a commercial vessel in the Black Sea that was carrying grains from Ukraine to Egypt, with no casualties reported, said Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday.
Compensations for energy?

Romania will ask the EU for compensation for the significant energy price differences between the west and the east of the continent.

Photo: Evgeniy Alyoshin/ unsplash.com

Mihai Pelin, 13.09.2024, 14:00

Romania will ask the EU for compensation for the significant energy price differences between the west and the east of the continent, claims the energy minister, Sebastian Burduja. He explained that these differences are allegedly caused by the lower hydropower production in the country due to the drought, and by interconnection problems, which did not allow the export of cheaper energy from the west to the east. Moreover, Romania supports the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine energetically, and all these create pressure on prices in the country. Sebastian Burduja added that the request would be submitted to the Council of Ministers, at the European level, and said that he hoped that Romania would be compensated for these price differences. He emphasized that he strongly supported the expansion of the single market.

At present, Romania pays a price of almost 150 euros/MWh, well above the European average of almost 102 euros/MWh. The price is felt all the more as the country faces significant obstacles related to diversifying the energy mix and improving energy efficiency, according to the European Commissions latest report on the energy union. The situation is also valid at the European level, even if the document shows that significant progress has been made regarding energy from renewable sources. Romanias energy mix remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which account for 71% of the total energy consumption, slightly above the EU average of 69%. The countrys electricity mix is dominated by renewables (42.4%), followed by fossil fuels (37.6%) and nuclear power (19.9%).

To ensure its energy security, Romania operates six gas storage facilities with a total capacity of 3.1 billion cubic meters, the equivalent of 31% of the annual gas consumption. By mid-August, these storage facilities were already filled, ensuring the country for the coming winter. Romania is committed to expanding its nuclear capacity to meet the EUs climate targets and to strengthen its energy security. Two new reactors (CANDU), each with a capacity of about 700 MWe, are to be built to complement the existing nuclear facilities. Despite the progress reported, Romania is facing integration and compliance challenges. The countrys wholesale electricity and gas markets are heavily influenced by government interventions that go beyond the EUs emergency framework.

At the same time, smart meters, a critical tool for increasing market flexibility, are installed in only 23% of Romanian households, which points to the need for improvements in terms of ensuring energy efficiency. According to the report, energy poverty remains a major concern in Romania. In 2023, 13.6% of the people had difficulty paying their utility bills and 12.5% were unable to heat their homes adequately in winter, which is indicative of the need for accelerated building renovation and targeted social measures. (LS)
Consequences of the War in Ukraine

The War Russia is waging on Ukraine has consequences for Romania

Photo: fb.com / Angel Tilvar

Leyla Cheamil, 13.09.2024, 13:50

The head of the Romanian state, Klaus Iohannis, has summoned the countrys Higher Defence Council, a.k.a CSAT, for next week, on September 19 to be precise. High on the agenda are issues related to the stage and the prospects of the conflict in Ukraine following the illegal and unjustified aggression of the Russian Federation but also related to the opportunities offered by the new geo-political context for strengthening the Strategic Partnership with the Republic of Moldova, an ex-Soviet, Romanian-speaking country.

In this sense, the irreversibility of Moldovas European progress is assured. The CSATs meeting comes after on Saturday night several Russian attack drones violated Romanias airspace on their way to various targets in Ukraine.

Two F-16 fighters immediately took off to monitor the drones. According to Romanian defence officials, the drones were not shot down because they were not hostile. Defence Minister, Angel Tilvar, told Radio Romania that if the Romanian territory had been attacked, the threat would have been eliminated right away.

Angel Tilvar: I can say  and dont believe Im telling you something of a high level of confidentiality  we and our allies are seeing in real time what is happening on the national territory. We were actually monitoring the drone since its very entrance into the Romanian airspace, we dispatched two F-16s which followed it. And if the conclusion had been the drones intention was to strike we would have taken the measures required in these situations. So, there was no element of a threat that we couldnt handle. And I am sending this clear message to eliminate all speculations that we werent ready for a response.

On Thursday Defence Minister Tilvar talked on the phone with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, and again lashed out at the Russian attacks against Ukraines civil port infrastructure on the Danube, close to Romanias border, and against the civilians in that country. The two also talked about Romanias efforts to support Ukraines armed forces and the effective coordination of the multinational assistance projects Romania is part of, such as the European Training Center for F-16 personnel in Fetesti, south-eastern Romania, where the Ukrainian pilots will be training to use this type of jet fighter. In turn, Minister Umerov thanked Romania for the support it had given to his country since the first day of the conflict, support consisting of humanitarian and diplomatic actions, in supporting its grain exports and other major fields. He also conveyed a message of gratitude regarding Romanias decision to donate a Patriot missile system to Ukraine.

(bill)
South Korea will on Friday release August figures for import and export prices, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In July, import prices were up 9.8 percent on year and export prices jumped an annual 12/9 percent.

New Zealand will see August results for the manufacturing PMI from BusinessNZ; in July, the index score was 44.0.

Singapore will provide Q2 figures for unemployment, with forecasts pinning the jobless rate at 2.0 percent - easing from 2.1 percent in the previous three months.

Thailand will see August results for its consumer confidence index; in July, the index score was 57.7.

Japan will see final July numbers for industrial production, with forecasts calling for an increase of 2.8 percent on month following the 4.2 percent decline in June.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Singular Genomics Systems Inc. (OMIC) announced that it has received a non-binding proposal from Deerfield Management Company, L.P. and certain affiliated funds, to acquire all of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock that are not already owned by Deerfield for $10.00 per share in cash.

OMIC closed Thursday's regular trading at $5.65 up $0.15 or 2.73%. In the after-hours trading the stock further gained $3.81 or 67.43%.

According to the company, Deerfield, an existing stockholder of the Company, indicated in its letter that it intends to invite other major stockholders and existing management to rollover their shares of common stock into the new company.

Singular Genomics said that the company and the Special Committee do not intend to comment further about Deerfield's proposal unless and until the Special Committee deems further disclosure is appropriate.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Russia announced that it is expelling six British diplomats after revoking their accreditation, accusing them of spying.

The Russian Federal Security Service, or FSB, alleged that the activities of British diplomats sent to Moscow by the British foreign office department in London, responsible for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, are "threatening the security of the Russian Federation."

"In this connection, on the basis of documents provided by the Federal Security Service of Russia and as a response to the numerous unfriendly steps taken by London, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, in co-operation with the agencies concerned, has terminated the accreditation of six members of the political department of the British Embassy in Moscow in whose actions signs of spying and sabotage were found," FSB said in a statement.

FSB said it decided to expel the diplomats as they ignored warnings to stop the practice of carrying out intelligence activities inside Russia.

Russia's state-run TASS news agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova as saying that the British embassy in Moscow has "largely flouted the limits set by the Vienna Convention," without specifying.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. US Air Products envisions playing a significant role in the development of Uzbekistans hydrogen market and energy security through the recently announced acquisition of hydrogen assets at Fergana Refinery, Vice President of Air Products at Central Europe and Central Asia Vaclav Harant told Trend.

"We want to help Uzbekistan establish a strong hydrogen infrastructure by using our 60 years of global hydrogen production and distribution experience. The recent Fergana Refinery hydrogen asset acquisition supports our objective to improve energy security and sustainability. We will supply the refinery with reliable hydrogen and create a hydrogen merchant market to serve Uzbekistan's economic and environmental goals, boosting its industrial gas industry," he said.

Vaclav Harant noted that besides passing on knowledge and expertise, taking the personnel skillset to the next level and making sure operational safety is top-notch are crucial for the company.

"We will implement our best practices to maintain a secure working environment. Operational discipline, combined with safety-first protocols, will optimize hydrogen production processes, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and the wellbeing of our workforce," the vice president of the company stressed.

He also added that Air Products comprehensive safety strategies include rigorous training programs, regular safety audits, and the adoption of advanced safety technologies to mitigate risks and enhance overall operational performance.

Meanwhile, Air Products has signed a $140 million deal to acquire Sanegs (Uzbekistans private oil and gas company) hydrogen production assets at the Fergana Oil Refinery.

This acquisition is right up the refinery's alley in terms of their global modernization process and represents a crucial move in the expansion and optimization of their production capabilities. Crucially, the project will pave the way for broader commercial utilization of hydrogen on the industrial production market in Uzbekistan.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a strong call to action, urging Western nations to draw from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that Africa is not neglected in the face of the current mpox outbreak.

Director-General Jean Kaseya emphasized the critical need for financial support from Western countries to meet funding goals, which would demonstrate a commitment to learning from past experiences and providing essential assistance to Africa. He expressed deep concern about the potential for a recurring pandemic situation, reiterating the criticism directed at wealthier nations during the COVID-19 crisis for vaccine hoarding and prioritizing their own populations.

Kaseya highlighted the fractured trust between Western countries and Africa, calling for solidarity during this crucial time. In a recent update, Kaseya revealed that there have been 107 new deaths and 3,160 new cases of mpox in just one week following the launch of a continental response plan by the Africa CDC and the World Health Organization.

He stressed the urgent need for improved cross-border surveillance, emphasizing that the recent death toll is unacceptable. The Africa CDC is currently facing a funding shortfall of $600 million to effectively combat the disease, which has already spread to 14 countries across the continent. Additionally, Kaseya underscored the limited testing capacity in Africa as a major obstacle, advocating for increased testing to bolster outbreak monitoring efforts.

Moving to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Ministry of Health has recorded nearly 22,000 mpox cases and 716 related deaths since January. Approximately 200,000 vaccine doses have been delivered to the DRC from the European Union, with an additional 50,000 doses from the United States. European nations have pledged several hundred thousand more doses, and Japan has promised around three million vaccines. However, Kaseya did not provide specific details about the timing of these deliveries.

Mpox is a viral illness that can be transmitted from animals to humans and is also spread through close human contact. Its symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and large boil-like skin lesions, with severe cases potentially leading to fatal outcomes.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Staff at Annapurna Interactive, the gaming division of Megan Ellison's Annapurna, resigned from the company after several unsuccessful attempts to convince Ellison to spin off the gaming arm into a separate entity, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The report added that Ellison walked out of these talks, prompting Annapurna Interactive President Nathan Gary, along with other company executives and about two dozen employees to quit.

"All 25 members of the Annapurna Interactive team collectively resigned," Gary confirmed in a statement. "This was one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make and we did not take this action lightly."

The mass resignation is likely to have a huge impact on the working of Annapurna Interactive, which has published several hit games such as Stray, Outer Wilds, Gorogoa, and Neon White.

"Our top priority is continuing to support our developer and publishing partners during this transition," Ellison told Bloomberg. "We're committed to not only our existing slate of games but also expanding our presence in the interactive space as we continue to look for opportunities to take a more integrated approach to linear and interactive storytelling across film and TV, gaming, and theater."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Technology News
LOI Signed. Signals Fords Manufacturing Wheels to Turn in Chennai

Ford Motors has submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Government of Tamil Nadu, signalling its plan to resume manufacturing at its Chennai plant for export markets. This LOI outlines Fords strategy to leverage the facility for global operations. Fords discussions with Tamil Nadu government officials have included high-level meetings, including a recent one between the Chief Minister and Ford representatives in the United States.

Fords focus remains on export operations, which aligns with its long-term plans for global market participation. However, specific details about these markets have not yet been made public. The decision to use the Chennai plant aligns with Fords commitment to India, particularly Tamil Nadu, as a manufacturing hub. This commitment is further demonstrated by the anticipated workforce expansion, with plans to hire 2,500 to 3,000 additional employees over the coming years.

Fords Indian Team: The Global Parts Sourcing Powerhouse

The Ford Business Solutions team, based in Chennai, already boasts a workforce of over 12,000 employees, making it a significant part of Fords global operations. With this workforce, Ford aims to enhance its service and support capabilities, aligning its operations with global demands.

India remains a crucial location for Fords employee base. Currently, it is the second-largest workforce for the company globally. And includes teams focusing on local supplier sourcing for global operations. This geographical presence strengthens Fords strategic ties to the Indian market. Even after halting domestic car production in 2021 and export operations in 2022.

Why Fords Tamil Nadu Restart Isnt About Local Sales

The decision to restart production for export from Tamil Nadu also follows a series of changes for Ford in India. After significant financial losses accumulated over the past decade, Fords domestic market share was below 2 percent when it exited the market. Despite selling one of its two Indian plants to Tata Motors in 2023, the ongoing discussions point to a renewed focus on India as a manufacturing base for export.

Fords global supply chain has continued to source parts from local suppliers, maintaining its operational presence in India. This aligns with the broader strategy to integrate local expertise into the companys global operations. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadus recent comments highlight the governments interest in revitalising the partnership with Ford to promote manufacturing in the state for international markets.

Ford-Tamil Nadu Partnership: Export Talks Continue

Ford Chennai export manufacturing  Ongoing discussions have focused on the feasibility of restarting production at the Chennai plant, although no formal announcements have been made. Fords manufacturing capabilities and the potential scope of export markets remain under review, with further updates anticipated as the discussions progress.

Fords commitment to its employee base, particularly in Chennai, is evident in its planned long-term hiring plans. The expansion in workforce numbers reflects the companys broader objective to strengthen its business solutions offerings and enhance its global footprint. As Ford continues to explore opportunities for leveraging its manufacturing expertise in Tamil Nadu, the companys long-term strategy appears focused on supporting global operations from this key Indian facility.
Across international markets, the new Volkswagen sub-4-meter SUV will primarily rival the likes of Fiat Pulse and Renault Kardian

As per a recent teaser posted by Volkswagen Brazil, a new SUV will be available soon for the Brazilian market. It is likely to be a sibling of Skoda Kylaq that is scheduled for launch next year. The new Volkswagen SUV will be manufactured in Brazil and will also be exported to other markets in South America.

Volkswagen New Sub-4-meter SUV  What to expect?

Although the teaser does not reveal any significant details, one can expect a sporty profile for Volkswagens new sub-4-meter SUV. Even Skoda Kylaq has shared only some partial images of the front and back. There appears to be some similarities in the lighting setup such as the headlamps and LED DRLs. Both SUVs will have a distinctive grille and front bumper. Side profile can have similar vibes, whereas the rear section will see distinctive tail lamps and bumper layout.

Volkswagens new sub-4-meter SUV has body coloured conventional door handles, dual-tone body coloured ORVMs and roof rails. Users can expect sporty alloy wheels. Length could be around 4 meters or a little above that. In the companys lineup, the new sub-4-meter SUV will be positioned below the Nivus and T-Cross. It can emerge as a compelling alternative to the Polo, especially the higher variants of Polo.

Powertrain options

Talking about performance, Volkswagens new sub-4-meter SUV is expected to get a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. In the Brazilian market, the engine will support both petrol and ethanol. Brazil is among the countries that have the highest use of ethanol for cars. Transmission choices for the new VW SUV will include a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. The SUV will be offered in a front wheel drive format.

Naming contest launched

As may be recalled, Skoda had launched a naming contest for the Kylaq SUV. A similar contest was also launched for Kushaq SUV. It appears that getting peoples involvement has turned out to be a successful promotional strategy. Following the same approach, Volkswagen has also announced a naming contest for its upcoming sub-4-meter SUV. The name is up to 5 letters, although VW has not provided any hint of the first or last letter.

Volkswagen sub-4-meter SUV India launch

It is not certain if Volkswagen will introduce the new sub-4-meter SUV in India. Earlier this year in March, a senior company official had hinted that the brand may not pursue opportunities in the sub Rs 10 lakh passenger vehicle market. It was also reported that Skoda is likely to go solo in the sub-4-meter SUV segment and there wont be a Volkswagen derivative.

However, business plans keep changing with evolving market dynamics and consumer preferences. Assuming that Volkswagens new SUV is launched in India, it will take on rivals such as Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos and Mahindra XUV3XO. For the Brazilian market, the new VW SUV will be launched in 2025.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 13. Uzbekistan and the World Bank (WB) discussed the application of new alternative finance instruments in the country, Trend reports.

The matter was reviewed during a meeting between Uzbekistans Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov and the World Bank delegation led by the Bank's Regional Director for Central Asia Tatiana Proskuryakova.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects of cooperation for the current and subsequent years. In addition, issues of cooperation in the water and energy sectors were discussed.

The parties also noted the issues of developing innovative financing mechanisms that promote regional development.

At the same time, the participants highlighted the significant success in cooperation, and an increase in the number and improvement in the quality of joint projects in various sectors of the economy.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has transferred the first tranche of funds in the amount of $7.5 million for the application of the innovative carbon resources for energy reforms project (iCRAFT) in Uzbekistan.

The iCRAFT project is breaking new ground as the first global initiative to lend a helping hand in energy reforms in Uzbekistan, with the World Bank in the driver's seat.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 13. Uzbekistan Railways and Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company (NMMC) signed a memorandum of cooperation, Trend reports.

The document was signed during a meeting between the representatives of Uzbekistan Railways and Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company.

The paper aims to strengthen mutual ties that will contribute to further development of both industries, in particular, in the field of cargo transportation by rail, production and development of services.

During the meeting, representatives from both entities addressed matters concerning the timely and efficient organization of rail cargo transportation, enhancement of transport service quality, establishment of spare parts production for rolling stock repairs at machine-building facilities, and issues related to localization and production improvement.

The delegation of Uzbekistan Railways also visited the production unit of Navoi Mechanical Plant. The heads of industrial enterprises exchanged experience, achievements, and plans to expand production capacities and potential.
Based on multiple analytical techniques applied to well-preserved soft-bodied specimens of two trilobite species, the Late Ordovician species Triarthrus eatoni and the Middle Cambrian species Olenoides serratus, paleontologists argue that an additional pair of cephalic appendages occurred just behind the antennae, indicating that trilobites had five pairs of cephalic appendages and six segments.

Trilobites are extinct arthropods that dominated the faunas of the oceans of the Paleozoic era.

During their time on Earth, which lasted much longer than the dinosaurs, they survived two major episodes of mass extinctions and dominated ocean floor ecosystems.

They appeared in ancient oceans in the Early Cambrian, about 540 million years ago  well before life emerged on land, and disappeared in the mass extinction at the end of the Permian, about 252 million years ago.

They were extremely diverse, with about 20,000 species, and their fossil exoskeletons can be found all around the world.

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 (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 Dr. Melanie Hopkins, curator and chair of the Division of Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History.

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 fossils 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.

In the new study, Dr. Hopkins and Nanjing Universitys Dr. Jin-Bo Hou examined new specimens of Triarthrus eatoni.

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, Dr. Hou said.

By making comparisons with another trilobite species, the exceptionally preserved Olenoides serratus from the Burgess Shale in British Columbia, the authors 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, they explained.

Their paper was published today in the journal Palaeontology.

_____

Jin-bo Hou & Melanie J. Hopkins. 2024. New evidence for five cephalic appendages in trilobites and implications for segmentation of the trilobite head. Palaeontology 67 (5): e12723; doi: 10.1111/pala.12723
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 13. Uzbekistan and Egypt agreed to increase practical implementation of joint investment initiatives and increase the volume of mutual trade, Trend reports.

The issue was put under the microscope at a G2B format meeting, where Uzbekistans Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade rubbed elbows with the bigwigs of major Egyptian companies.

During the event, the representatives of Egyptian business circles were presented with opportunities created in Uzbekistan for foreign investors, including tax and customs privileges and preferences, infrastructure, and legislative protection of entrepreneurs' interests. The prospects of participation in the state privatization program and project initiatives in priority sectors of the economy on the basis of PPP were also presented.

The representatives of Egypt highly appreciated the results of reforms implemented in Uzbekistan in recent years to improve the investment climate and expressed interest in implementing projects in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food production, transport, energy, and water sectors.

Earlier, Uzbekistan signed an agreement on opening a distribution center and trading house for its companies' products in Egypt.

The document was signed during a meeting between Uzbekistan's Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Egyptian El-Nasr Export and Import Company.
According to recent estimates, Paris has been named the most packed city in terms of tourists. Does this mean that we should give up on the idea of vacationing in France? Not at all.

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The country has many beautiful cities and towns with an interesting history, many of which are greatly underestimated by tourists. One of these cities is Lille, according to the Express, an opinion of Lonely Planet columnist Tom Stainer.

Lille is the capital of the Nord department and the largest city in the Hauts-de-France region, and the city boasts a luxurious center that is great for tourists. Some say that the best time to visit Lille is in May and September, just before and after the peak season, but it will be interesting in other months as well.

The city boasts a truly multitude of ancient monuments, architectural gems, and world-class museums. This makes walking around Lille extremely enjoyable. A must-see is the Place du Theatre, a large square in the city center with many stunning buildings, including the Opera House.

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Another advantage of Lille is that it is compact. You don't have to spend money on transportation as you can get everywhere on foot.

As for the most popular attractions in Lille, Vieux Lille, the old part of the city, is ranked first by Tripadvisor. To see for yourself, visit the Grand Place, where various public events are held all year round, such as dance classes in summer.

The center of Lille is quite compact but filled with beautiful architecture. Among the classical French architecture, it is easy to distinguish Flemish influence as the distance to the Belgian border is quite short.

General de Gaulle Square has a prominent large monument in the center, which becomes the focal point of Christmas events in the city. A large Christmas tree and a 50-meter Ferris wheel are placed here.

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Lille has a wonderful Christmas market on the Place Rihour every year. It is a small place not far from the Grand Place. There are 90 chalets selling Christmas gifts, as well as a large selection of food and drinks.

The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, one of the most famous art galleries in France, which houses the works of Donatello and Goya, is also not to be missed. For a more unusual artistic experience, head to the suburb of Roubaix to the La Piscine Museum to see the incredible works housed in a former Art Deco swimming pool building.

When it comes to local delicacies, this northern French city has several gems worth trying. La tarte au Maroilles is a savory quiche made from sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, and eggs. For dessert, choose gaufre a la vergeoise, a waffle with a sweet filling, which is sold all over Lille.

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Popular tourist cities in Europe continue to protect themselves from the excessive influx of vacationers. So one of the Portuguese resorts introduces a new tourist tax, aimed at reducing the flow of visitors.

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According to The Sun, Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, will become more expensive to visit. The city authorities have announced an increase in the tourist tax to 3 euros per night. It will have to be paid by everyone staying in hotels and apartments.

Before the increase, the tax was 2 euros per non-resident staying overnight in Porto. But Mayor Rui Moreira said the amount was insufficient to keep the city touristy yet sustainable. "[It is necessary] to maintain Porto as a sustainable tourist destination, preventing degradation and over-occupation, which implies adjusting tourism management policies," the mayor said.

Porto council justified the new tourism tax amount on the basis of last year's tourism spending in areas such as culture, heritage, environment, energy, quality of life, urban planning, housing and transportation. All of these areas are involved in the provision of tourism services. "In addition to these expenditures, there are expenditure items for the Porto brand, the promotion of tourism in the city, the internationalization of the Porto brand and the modernization of tourism services," Moreira explained.

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"Tourism tax" - also known as the "transit visitor levy" is a charge levied on short-term stays. Similar fees exist in European countries such as Spain, Germany, Belgium and France. The tourist tax usually takes the form of a bed fee and is charged to short-term accommodation providers.

The fee may be fixed for everyone or it may depend on the length of the visit. It can also take the form of a certain percentage of the cost of the bed or room. Sometimes the fee depends on the time of year and increases during high season. Or it may be tied to the level of service and vary depending on whether a person is vacationing in a campground, guesthouse or hotel with different number of stars. Some cities exempt or give discounts for beds, tourists with children or travelers with certain medical conditions.

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Recently in Portugal, Lisbon announced an increase in the tourist levy. Another increase in such a fee from October will take place in Barcelona. And since 2028 here plan to introduce a complete ban on short-term rentals for recreation and focus on the development of hotel recreation only.

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Spider-Man is one of the most popular and well-known superheroes in the Marvel universe. He has been winning the hearts of audiences around the world for decades.

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After the success of the movie Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of Peter Parker's adventures in the new movie. And finally, details about the continuation of the story were leaked online, OBOZ.UA writes.

Currently, Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures, which are jointly creating Spider-Man films, are keeping future projects under wraps. However, rumors and leaks allow us to speculate on the release date of the movie.

Spider-Man 4

According to information from insider Daniel Richtman, who is known for his quite accurate predictions, the shooting of the new Spider-Man movie starring Tom Holland is scheduled for the fall of 2024. Therefore, it is expected that the movie will be released on November 7, 2025. However, other sources of information claim that the movie should be expected in 2026.

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Spider-Man animation movie



Movie insider Jeff Sneider said in his blog that the release of the Miles Maralez cartoon Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse should not be expected until 2027. It so happened that Sony rejected most of the work that had already been done.

In addition, in order not to compete with the Tom Holland movie, the cartoon is unlikely to be released in the same year as the movie.

Director

The Hollywood Reporter claims that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton is in talks to sign a contract to direct Spider-Man 4. Thus, he may become the fourth director to work on Spider-Man movies.

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On the morning of September 13, Russian troops dropped three guided bombs on Sumy region. The village of Yampil, Shostka district, came under attack: there are destructions.

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The strike killed two people and injured several others, including a child. The details of another Russian war crime were disclosed by the Sumy Regional Prosecutor's Office.

They said that the occupiers struck Yampil at about 9 a.m. According to preliminary data, the Russians dropped three guided bombs on the civilian infrastructure of the settlement.

A 60-year-old man was killed on the spot as a result of the attack: he was driving through the village in his own car. Another man, 54, died in the hospital. His death was reported at 11:30.

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Two civilians were wounded, including a 4-year-old child.

Private houses and a pharmacy were destroyed.

"Under the procedural supervision of the Shostka District Prosecutor's Office, a pre-trial investigation is being conducted into the violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Prosecutors, in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, are documenting the consequences of the shelling. In the future, the materials of the criminal proceedings will be transferred to the Office of the Security Service of Ukraine in Sumy region," the Sumy Regional Prosecutor's Office said.

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Earlier, it became known that on the same day, the occupiers dropped explosives from a drone in Kherson region. Two civilians were injured as they were hit right on the street of their village.

It was also reported that on the night of September 13 , Russia launched another attack on Ukraine. As of 9 a.m., the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the destruction of 24 out of 26 enemy Shahed drones. The hunt for one attack drone was still ongoing.

In particular, Odesa and Odesa district came under attack at night. There, the falling wreckage of downed drones damaged houses and cars, and there is also a victim.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Each date is special and characterized by certain holidays and historical events. Therefore, every day you can find a reason to celebrate and remember history.

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September 13 combines a number of historical events, religious holidays and interesting international dates. Read more about this in the OBOZ.UA article.

The Day of the Holy Martyr Cornelius

One of the main holidays of this day is the celebration of the Holy Martyr Cornelius. This saint was a Roman centurion who became a Christian martyr. His life and death are an example of unwavering faith and devotion that inspire many believers.

Previously, this holy holiday was celebrated on September 26, but with the transition to the New Julian calendar, it was moved to the 13th.

World Chocolate Day

World Chocolate Day is another interesting holiday that falls on September 13. It is celebrated in many countries around the world with various events, tastings, and celebrations dedicated to this delicacy.

Blame Someone Else Day

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Blame Someone Else Day is a unique and fun holiday that offers people the opportunity to humorously approach their mistakes or failures.

Roald Dahl Day

Roald Dahl Day is celebrated in honor of the birthday of the famous author of children's books, who is still popular even among adults.

Roald Dahl is the author of such classics as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and The BFG.

Positive Thinking Day

September 13 is also the Day of Positive Thinking. This holiday aims to promote an optimistic attitude to life and increase the overall level of positive energy among people.

Notable events on September 13

1999 - explosion of a residential building in Moscow on Kashirskoye Highway;

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1989 - the first AIDS patients are diagnosed in Ukraine;

1960 - U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower signs a decree erecting a monument to Taras Shevchenko in Washington, DC;

1848 - the Department of Ukrainian Language was established at Lviv University.

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Jewish pilgrims who intend to visit Uman this year during Rosh Hashanah should take into account the warning of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry that the security situation poses a serious threat.

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This was stated by the Ambassador of Ukraine to the State of Israel Yevhen Korniychuk.

"I want to repeat and emphasize for those who plan to travel to Uman this year that there is a high risk of possible Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure and places of worship, as it has happened many times before," he said.

The ambassador added: "Please heed the recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and do not become another innocent victim of the brutal Russian regime, which does not hesitate to target innocent civilians."

As reported, last year, despite martial law due to Russian aggression, about 23,000 Hasidic pilgrims visited the grave of Tzadik Nachman in Uman in early September.
Russian occupation forces continue to storm the positions of Ukrainian defenders in an attempt to improve their tactical position. The Kurakhove direction is currently the hottest, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In addition, "high intensity of hostilities remains in the Pokrovsk sector".

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According to the General Staff's report as of 22.00 on September 12, 122 combat engagements have already been recorded in all areas of the frontline. Over the past day, the invaders struck Ukraine with one Iskander-M missile, 59 air strikes and dropped 81 guided bombs.

The occupiers also attacked with 751 kamikaze drones during the day. At the same time, the enemy fired at the positions of our troops and populated areas 3391 times.

In the Kharkiv sector, the occupants unsuccessfully attacked in the area of Vovchansk three times during the day.

The enemy stormed the positions of Ukrainian troops in the Kupiansk sector eight times - in the areas of Synkivka, Kolisnykivka and Lozova. The battle is still ongoing near Stelmakhivka.

In the Lyman sector, Russian invaders tried to advance in the areas of Nevske and Druzheliubivka 6 times. Ukrainian defenders are holding steadfast, inflicting significant losses on the enemy.

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The enemy made 5 attacks in the northern sector, concentrating its main efforts in the area of Verkhniokamianske. Two combat engagements are still ongoing.

In the Kramatorsk sector, the occupants tried to break into our defense in the area of Chasiv Yar and Stupochky. The situation is under control of the Ukrainian military.

In the Toretsk sector, the aggressors attacked with the support of aviation near Toretsk, Nelipivka and in the vicinity of New York five times. Two more engagements are currently ongoing.

High intensity of hostilities remains in the Pokrovsk sector. The number of combat engagements increased to 32. The invaders continue to attack our positions near Vozdvyzhenka, Novooleksandrivka, Zelene Pole, Novotroitske, Hrodivka, Novohrodivka, Selidove and Mykhailivka. Our defenders have repelled 28 attacks so far. Today the enemy made the main efforts in the area of Hrodivka and Novohrodivka, where about 50 percent of all clashes took place.

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Preliminary losses of the aggressor here amounted to 377 occupants killed and wounded. Also, one tank, two armored combat vehicles, three artillery systems, and 10 vehicles were destroyed, while three more tanks and four artillery systems were damaged.

As of this time of day, 48 combat engagements of varying intensity have taken place in the Kurakhove sector. The occupants were most actively trying to advance in the vicinity of Kostiantynivka and Heorhiivka, where about 75 percent of all the fighting took place. In addition, the enemy attacked in the direction of Ukrainske, Oleksandropol and Zhelanne Pershe.

Preliminary enemy losses in this area amounted to 105 occupants killed and wounded. Two tanks, 11 armored combat vehicles and two cars were destroyed, another tank and 11 armored personnel carriers were damaged.

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In the Vremivsk sector, the aggressor, supported by aviation, stormed the front line of our defense in the areas of Vodiane and Zolota Nyva five times. Ukrainian troops stopped three enemy assaults, two more battles are ongoing.

In the Prydniprovskyi sector, six enemy attempts to take our troops' positions failed.

"We should also mention the soldiers of the 46th Airmobile Brigade and 35th Marine Infantry Brigade 35th Marine Infantry Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Ostrogradskyi, who are bravely holding their positions, skillfully repelling enemy attacks and causing significant losses to the invaders," the General Staff noted.

As reported, another 1,270 Russian invaders were either killed or wounded in Ukraine yesterday. In addition, the Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed more than a hundred pieces of Russian equipment and weapons, including 73 artillery systems.

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Frutig Farms A wedding dinner set up at The Valley at Frutig Farms.

Blissful Barn

Mista Marie Photography

Frutig Farms The Valley at Frutig Farms

Wedding season doesnt end in the fall.In fact, the clear, crisp days of autumn are ideal for weddings. Receptions are often held on downtown city roofs, under huge tents on family lawns and frequently in rustic barns across rural Michigan.Barns? Yes, you may recall that rustic chic barn wedding trend that exploded in popularity between 2008 and 2013  complete with details like burlap ribbons and reclaimed wooden barrels serving as cocktail tables.That trend has passed but barns remain popular as wedding and reception venues throughout the summer and fall wedding season.Why? Theyre romantic, unique, and quaint. In a recent report about wedding trends, farms, barns and ranches were tied for the first time with banquet halls as the most popular reception choices, according to the wedding-planning website, The Knot. Traditional religious institutions continue to decline in popularity as the venue choice for the ceremony (down 7 percent over the past five years), while farms/barns/ranches were selected most often (17 percent of all choices).Michigan may not have the exotic appeal of Italy or France, two of the most popular wedding destinations this year, but the Great Lakes States boasts lots of picturesque barns, remnants of its agricultural past.This shift is good news as agritourism continues to grow in Michigan, with weddings and events, farm-to-table experiences, u-pick orchards, wineries, cideries, breweries, and festivals being a significant driver for tourism in the Great Lakes State.Rachel Burke, owner of Sincerely, Ginger, a wedding planning company dedicated to crafting events across Northern Michigan, says the growth in barn weddings and receptions continues because people are drawn to the states beauty and the pastoral settings of farms.Michigan feels like a world away for couples from larger metropolitan areas -- and we love being able to showcase Michigan, the vendors, and how beautiful it is to those who dont live here, Burke says. It brings so much business to the area and its the perfect example of blending existing local businesses with new ideas, like renovating existing structures on working farms, to increase local commerce. It really helps boost agritourism and continues to keep barn wedding venues relevant.Ninety percent of her customers come from out-of-state -- Chicago, California, and most recently, a couple from New York City.Barn weddings have remained relevant not because of the barn itself, but because of the land it sits on -- and the memories thatfarms evoke for couples.Its less about being in a barn and more about the nostalgic quality couples remember about Michigan  maybe the bride or groom grew up coming here when they were little or visited during one of their first vacations together and fell in love with the beautiful landscape Michigan has to offer, she says. The emphasis has leaned more towards how biodiverse the property that the barn sits on is -- can we host all of the wedding weekend events there? Is the barn property part of a winery? Is there room for a tent?Theres no better way to showcase how beautiful Michigan is than by being outside, by the beach, or on a wonderful piece of property for a wedding. The most successful wedding barn properties are ones that continue restoring barn structures by adding amenities (restrooms, air conditioning if possible), or even moving the barn to a more diverse existing property, like a winery or brewery.The shores of Lake Michigan and the states rural country roads attract couples from all over.Set back in the middle of corn and wheat fields on a dead-end road in rural Three Oaks, youll find Blissful Barn -- a structure that dates back more than 125 years and has been opened to the public since 2016.Sharon Steinkraus, owner of Blissful Barn, sees couples wanting to connect with Michigans beautiful landscape. They are often urban couples seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.Eighty-five percent of our couples are from Chicago, Steinkraus says. They love the quiet beauty of southwest Michigan -- and its only 90 minutes away from the city. Its the perfect location that is nice and intimate -- and the barn is breathtaking. You truly feel like youre a world away.And its not too late to renovate -- or sometimes build-- a barn structure for the use of weddings and events.Danielle Howarth owns Barn 1888 in Hopkins, a village of 615 people that lies amid farmland between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.We saw what other people were doing and thought if we found the perfect farm that it would attract couples from all over, Howarth said. We bought our property in 2019 and started weddings a year after our renovations were complete.Barn 1888 sees a high percentage of couples from Michigans east side, from communities such as Detroit, Flint, and Rochester, and a smaller percentage from out of state. Howarth says couples tell her they dont have many options similar to Barn 1888 in more urban areas and if they do exist, theyre far more expensive -- which helps this barn venue stay popular.Many people like our quiet farming community -- its peaceful. They also like the age and history of the barn  we often see guests staring up at the old beams and the beauty of the barn and thats something couples and their loved ones will drive two or three hours for, she says.While some renovated their barns with a wedding venue in mind -- others fell into the business.Kelly Frutig is the owner and developer of Misty Valley (better known as The Valley), a renovated barn that was built in 1875 and stands in the countryside outside of Ann Arbor. She began her business quite by accident.In 2009, my oldest daughter got married at our farm. After her photos went up on the internet, we began to get inquiries  Long story short, I started a business in order to satisfy the requests, but mostly with the intent of having the funds to restore my barns, Frutig says.With every wedding Frutig hosted, something was replaced, repainted, or renewed. Within three years, she was able to buy the farm down the road and renovate that one as well. She operated the two venues simultaneously for 10 years but recently sold one, which now operates as a family farm again.Weddings and success, however, continue at The Valley.For every wedding she has booked, Frutig has turned two away. There is much more competition now -- the field is much more saturated, but we stay quite busy, she said.The Valley has moved into producing higher-end barn weddings than you might find elsewhere and has continually upscaled their process and barn improvements, helping the venue remain successful and ahead of the curve.About 50 percent of our brides are from out of state -- we have a lot of University of Michigan grads that come back to a place where they met -- but many people want to have an experience in nature, she says. The openness of the valley property is like none other  I think many young people want that connection with a historical setting and the beautiful outdoors and a beautiful barn structure on a great piece of land can give them that.Natalie Platt works in commercial real estate marketing and pursues her journalism passion by writing about lifestyle and travel surrounding her love for Michigan. A native of Indiana, she currently lives in Chicago and enjoys boating, golfing, and long weekend trips to the beach.
Russia has indeed launched a counteroffensive in the Kursk region. However, it can be considered "marginal" for now.

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Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder said this to American journalists. He added that the US Defense Department is closely monitoring the developments in this Russian region.

The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the information about Russian counteroffensive actions in the Kursk region, calling them "marginal."

"So, you know, what we have seen is Russian units beginning to try to conduct some type of counteroffensive in the Kursk region. At this stage, I would say that it's, you know, marginal," Ryder said.

He emphasized that the Pentagon is closely monitoring the developments in the Kursk region, where the Ukrainian operation is underway.

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As a reminder, on September 11, Russia announced the first large-scale counterattack in the Kursk region, which, according to Russian media, involved paratroopers and marines. Propagandists claim that the aggressor country's troops allegedly recaptured several settlements or 150 square kilometers of territory.

Later, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the alleged liberation of ten settlements in the region. However, the ISW said that the Russians had achieved only minor success and predicted that the Russians would face greater difficulties in further attempts to counterattack in the areas controlled by Ukrainian forces.

The analysts also noted that the presence of Russian forces could be confirmed in only two settlements out of a dozen mentioned by the Russian Defense Ministry.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!

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Iran has recently supplied Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles capable of delivering a 150 kg warhead at a range of up to 120 km. These deliveries will enhance Russia's ability to conduct precision strikes on targets near the front line and allow the aggressor to retain most of its long-range capabilities to strike targets deep in Ukraine.

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This is stated in the UK military intelligence report published on September 13. The agency recalled that the Fath-360 was first publicly demonstrated in 2020.

The Fath-360 (also known as BM-120) is capable of delivering a 150 kg warhead over a distance of up to 120 km with a claimed accuracy of less than 30 meters.

It can be deployed on a variety of mobile launchers, including one capable of launching up to six missiles, the report said.

British intelligence also recalled that to date, Iran's military assistance to the Russian Federation in its war against Ukraine has included the supply of hundreds of unilateral UAVs, artillery ammunition, and extensive support for the production of Russian drones.

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The supply of ballistic missiles is a further deepening of military relations between Iran and Russia, the report also notes.

"The supply of Iranian ballistic missiles will complement and strengthen Russia's ability to conduct precision strikes against Ukrainian military objectives or civilian infrastructure near the front line, and will allow Russia to retain most of its long-range capabilities for use against targets located deep in Ukraine," the British intelligence service said.

As OBOZ.UA wrote, last week the media reported that Russia had received the first batch of short-range ballistic missiles from Iran. According to preliminary data, it is a delivery of more than 200 missiles.

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The United States said it was "alarmed" by the strengthening of cooperation between Iran and Russia in the field of arms. According to US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett, the transfer of ballistic missiles will mark a sharp escalation of the war in Ukraine.

On September 8, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that the allegations of the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia were "groundless" and that military cooperation between Iran and Russia had been going on even before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The ministry also stated that Iran "has never been a part of the Russian-Ukrainian war" and supports a political settlement.

On September 9, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires in Ukraine and expressed "deep concern" over reports that Iran might be supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.

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The ISW pointed out that Iran's transfer of ballistic missiles is part of deepening its strategic partnership with Russia. Tehran is interested in financial injections from Russia, receiving Su-35 fighters, as well as assistance in modernizing its cyber capabilities and space and missile programs.

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Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance has outlined Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Ukraine. According to him, this plan may include the creation of a "demilitarized zone" between Russia and Ukraine and Ukraine's refusal to join NATO.

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Vance said this on the air of the Shawn Ryan Show. Such an approach would differ significantly from the current policy of the Joe Biden administration, which is aimed at providing military and other assistance to Ukraine.

"I think what this looks like is Trump sits down, he says to the Russians, the Ukrainians, the Europeans: You guys need to figure out, what is a peaceful settlement look like? And what it probably looks like is something like the current line of demarcation between Russia and Ukraine that becomes like a demilitarised zone," Vance said.

Vance noted that the proposed demilitarized zone would be "heavily fortified so the Russians don't invade again." Under this peace plan, he said, Ukraine would retain its independence in exchange for neutrality, meaning it would not join NATO or other "allied organizations."

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Vance did not specify who would control the demilitarized zone, but noted that the current demarcation line would remain, implying that Ukraine would not regain control of the territories occupied by Russia.

He also emphasized that although Russia "should not have invaded" Ukraine, Ukraine faces serious corruption problems. Vance believes that it is a mistake to idealize the conflict as a struggle between good and evil and criticizes the approach that sees US support for Ukraine as "the great humanitarian mission of our time."

Vance also noted that Europe has been underfunding the conflict, while "American taxpayers have been very generous to Ukrainians."

He argued that the Biden administration's policy is to "throw money at this problem, hope the Ukrainians will achieve the military victory that even the Ukrainians are saying we cant achieve."

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"Donald Trump's policy is: yes to be strong, but also to be smart. Negotiate," Vance said.

He claimed that Europe allegedly seeks to end the war in Ukraine by raising energy prices.

Earlier, it was reported that the Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, is ahead of her Republican rival Donald Trump after the debate on September 11. The gap is currently 5%.

On the morning of September 11, a debate was held between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump. This event became a key moment in the US presidential race, which will be held on November 5.

The debate was not without references to Ukraine and the Russian invasion. Trump reiterated that he would end the war in Ukraine before he entered the White House, and he also said that if he were president of the United States, Putin would not have attacked Ukraine.

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Russian "war correspondents" and the Ministry of Defence have claimed that dozens of settlements in the Kursk Region that were under the control of Ukrainian forces have been recaptured. These claims have not yet been confirmed, although the Russians are making slight progress and it will be slower, and slower from here.

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Ukrainian soldiers not only held the defense but also crossed the border in another place in the Kursk region. This is the subject of a new piece by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

On September 12, Russian troops continued their counteroffensive in Kursk region that began on the night of September 11. Referring to geolocation footage, analysts stated that the Russians managed to make a slight advance west of Vishnevka and in the northern part of Krasnooktyabrsky (both settlements are located southwest of Korenevo).

At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense boasted of having "reflected" 10 settlements south and southwest of Korenevo since the beginning of the counteroffensive. Among them, the occupiers named Apanasovka, Byakhovo, Vishnevka, Viktorovka, Vneszapnoye, Gordeevka, Krasnooktyabrskoye, Obukhovka, Snagost and 10th October.

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"All of these localities are within the existing declared limit of the Russians' advance, and ISW does not yet have visual confirmation that Russian forces have recaptured any of these localities, except parts of Snagosti and Krasnooktyabrskoye," ISW clarified.

At the same time, Russian "war correspondents" claimed that the Russian army was advancing southeast of Korenevo and northeast of Snagosti; there is no evidence of these advances yet.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks and also continued advancing beyond the protrusion and reached the Glushkovsky district.

For example, geolocation footage from September 12 indicates that Ukrainian infantry crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border and reached the southwestern part of Tetkino (about 40 kilometers southwest of the current Ukrainian bulge in the Kursk region).

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The analysts also found additional geolocation footage published on September 12 that shows Ukrainian armored vehicles and infantry bypassing Russian anti-tank obstacles (the so-called "dragon's teeth") on the Russian-Ukrainian border southwest of Novy Put (southwest of Glushkovo) without encountering any opposition, which, according to ISW experts, indicates that "Ukrainian forces have advanced in the area and that Russian forces were not prepared to use obstacles to repel cross-border Ukrainian attacks."

Some Russian sources, meanwhile, reported that the Ukrainians were conducting assaults near Novy Put and Medvezhye (southeast of Glushkovo), Snagosti, Olgovka (east of Korenevo), and Fanaseyevka (southeast of Sudzha).

According to ISW's observations, the Russians have managed to recapture about 58 square kilometers of those territories where Ukrainian troops have "flashed" or claimed to be Ukrainian-controlled. However, these territories lie outside the protrusion that Ukrainian forces controlled according to ISW estimates.

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Analysts add that Ukrainian soldiers in the forward areas of the Kursk territory they controlled were not heavily entrenched, allowing the Russians to achieve the advance. However, when Russian troops reach the areas where the Ukrainians have prepared to meet them, Russian counterattacks will be much less successful than they have been so far.

Only verified information we have in Telegram-channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
49 citizens have been returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity, including Crimean Tatar Leniye Umerova, who has been illegally detained in Russia since December 2022. She was taken hostage when she wanted to return to occupied Crimea to care for her sick father.

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This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram. This exchange was especially significant because 23 women were returned, which is the largest number of Ukrainian women released in recent times.

"Another return of our people, which we always expect and work for. These are soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the National Police, the State Border Guard Service, as well as our civilians. In particular, Leniye Umerova, a girl who was taken hostage by the Russians when she came to take care of her sick father. We also managed to free some more Azovstal defenders. The Hero of Ukraine, military medic Viktor Ivchuk is also at home," the President said.

A video of Leniye immediately after her return to Ukrainian soil was posted online, where she cannot hold back her tears of happiness.

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"I'm so excited, I'm so happy, I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for this day, how happy I am to see the Ukrainian flag," said Leniye.

In December 2022, Leniye Umerova, who lived in Kyiv, tried to return to the occupied Crimea to take care of her sick father. After crossing the border between Georgia and Russia, she was detained and accused of violating the rules of staying in the restricted zone.

On December 4, a court in North Ossetia found her guilty of "violating the state border regime" and fined her 2,000 rubles. She was held in the Center for the Temporary Detention of Foreign Citizens near Vladikavkaz.

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On the night of March 14, she was released but was immediately detained by security forces, and later the police drew up a report for "disobedience." The court ordered 15 days of arrest, which was repeatedly extended.

Subsequently, a Moscow court arrested Leniye Umerova on charges of espionage, which carries up to 20 years in prison.

In August 2024, the court extended her arrest until November 4. Her brother Aziz said that the investigator in the case had changed, and the materials were classified.

In August 2023, it became known that Leniye had written a letter to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On August 23, at the Crimean Platform summit, Zelenskyy told her story and called on the international community to show solidarity.

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Earlier it was reported that on Friday, September 13, the 56th exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and the terrorist country Russia took place. As a result, 49 Ukrainians returned to their homeland. In total, 3569 Ukrainians have been returned home from Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The strategic plan for Ukraine's victory in the war, which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is going to present to US President Joe Biden, will be "frank" and "clear." In addition, it will not contain many points.

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This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a conversation with journalist Fareed Zakaria during the XX Annual Meeting of the Yalta European Strategy. The head of state noted that this plan would make Ukraine stronger.

"There are not many points. And each point will depend on Biden's decision. That is why I believe it will help. I cannot give a 100 percent guarantee that it will stop Putin, but it will make Ukraine stronger. And it will push Putin to think about how to end the war," the president said.

Zelenskyy refused to disclose more specific details of his plan for now.

However, he added that the victory plan will be "very frank" with "very clear" aid packages.

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As a reminder, Zelenskyy will present his plan to win the war with Russia first to US leader Joe Biden, and then to other partners. The United States is Ukraine's most influential partner in the war with Russia. Therefore, it is clear that any strategy of Ukraine depends on the position of the United States.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he plans to discuss Ukraine's victory plan with US President Joe Biden first. According to the head of state, this plan provides for a serious strengthening of Ukraine in many ways, and its implementation should force the aggressor country, Russia, to end the war diplomatically.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The North Korean regime showed the visit of dictator Kim Jong Un to a nuke plant at which uranium is being enriched. During the visit, the DPRK leader stated the need to increase the number of uranium centrifuges.

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At the plant, Kim Jong Un familiarized himself with the procedure for the production of nuclear warheads. This was reported by North Korean propaganda media.

It is noteworthy that the footage of dictator Kim Jong Un's visit to the uranium-enrichment facility in the DPRK was published for the first time. The propagandists' report does not indicate either the location of the facility or the time of its visit by the North Korean leader.

Kim Jong Un stated the need to increase the number of centrifuges in order to "exponentially increase the production of nuclear weapons for self-defense."

It is worth noting that, despite the many sanctions, the DPRK continues to develop its nuclear missile program. It is partly assisted by China and Russia.

The DPRK conducted its first nuclear test in 2006. So far, the DPRK has never publicly shown a uranium-enrichment plant. Such facilities produce highly enriched uranium, which is necessary for the production of nuclear weapons. For this purpose, uranium raw materials are spun in centrifuges at high speeds.

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As a reminder, the North Korean dictatorial regime, which provides Russia with ammunition and missiles to kill Ukrainians, has reacted to the situation in the Kursk region. The DPRK said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operation was an "unforgivable act of terror."

Earlier, it was reported that Russian troops began using the North Korean Bulsae-4 long-range self-propelled anti-tank missile system in the war against Ukraine. Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance detected it on one of the directions when it was in the open.

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Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
At the age of eight, visits to the doctor became a routine part of Andrea Belmonts life. She remembers answering many questions from men in lab coats, tests on big machines and starting to take pills every morning. I didnt understand what was happening or what I had; I only know that when my mother told the teachers, they treated me differently. And not exactly in a good way, she admits. Its been 18 years since she was diagnosed with a four-letter acronym that was difficult for someone her age to understand and which made her feel like an alien: ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But that feeling of being from another planet is very different from what she experiences today. Now she frequently hears comments like sorry, I got distracted, its my ADHD. And its because, according to social networks, if you disconnect from whats happening around you when someone is talking, you have a tendency to forget things or you concentrate too much when youre working on a project, you may have it. There is a proliferation of content around this psychiatric disorder; many people identify with the symptoms and take ownership of it, even if they have never received a diagnosis. It used to be frowned upon and now its trendy, Belmont says.

In the fight to make neurodivergent people visible, the conversation about this disorder in particular, and mental health in general, has become normalized. And although this is a positive thing, in practice it can end up trivializing the problem. Some content creators have gone from raising awareness to encouraging self-diagnosis of ADHD, as has already happened with depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder and other mental problems that have become fodder for social media and trending material.

Videos tagged with #adhd or #tdah are rife, with more than 17 billion views on TikTok. The videos describe symptoms ranging from absent-mindedness to ADHD paralysis, a type of extreme procrastination. And that content encourages people to turn to other avenues for a quick diagnosis, whether its social media or the widely available online tests that have gained popularity but are an inadequate resource. One study found that when adults completed these tests, they were often identified as having ADHD even though they didnt.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and generally involves inattention, disorganization, hyperactivity and impulsivity; symptoms that cause problems in environments such as home or school. Patients are usually classified into three types: hyperactive and impulsive, inattentive, or a combination of both. Although it is normally identified and treated in childhood, more and more adults claim to suffer from it. Despite the controversy that sometimes surrounds the disorder in adults just 20 years ago most professionals did not really believe in ADHD in adulthood, 50% of those affected carry the disorder into adulthood, according to Josep Antoni Ramos Quiroga, head of Psychiatry at Vall dHebron Hospital in Barcelona.

Aldo Ferrera places himself among those suspected of having the condition. At 27, he considers himself a scattered person with a very restless mind. Danae Medrano, of the same age, speaks of similar symptoms and adds irritability, forgetfulness, sleeping problems and constant mood swings. Caio Ruvenal, 29, was diagnosed with mild ADHD as a child, but believes he still has it because he has trouble concentrating and loses and forgets objects. They all have in common that they have researched their symptoms in books or on the internet, but have not gone to a specialist in adulthood.

In both children and adults, ADHD symptoms can range from very mild to very severe, explains Ramos Quiroga. Bruno Solorios case, as he himself describes it, is closer to the latter. He was diagnosed at age 14 and although he abandoned treatment after a few months, he has now resumed it at age 28. More and more people say they have the same thing as me, but it is very different depending on the person. Mine is very noticeable. It has affected my entire life: in school, work, social and even in love. People think that you are just not interested in things or that you are lazy. And I have the suspicion that those who the world calls losers are just people with ADHD.

The problems of self-diagnosis

Ramos Quiroga maintains that there is no alarm about an increase in ADHD cases, as the prevalence and incidence have remained very stable over time and he even speaks of a possible underdiagnosis in adults. He does acknowledge, however, that as happens to many medical specialists, self-diagnosis encouraged online can be problematic. There is access to rigorous information on the internet, but there is also other information that is misleading, he points out.

One of the biggest problems with self-diagnosis is that the condition can be confused with another pathology. There are conditions that can create similar symptoms that make people feel slow, easily distracted and forgetful. Stress, for example, both chronic and acute, can mimic ADHD and cause difficulties with planning, organization and self-regulation. There are people who have come to the doctors office claiming to have ADHD and when we tell them they dont have it, it even makes them feel uncomfortable. But there are also cases where what they thought was an attention deficit turned out to be autism. Few people know that it is an important risk factor for having other diseases, from depression, addictions or bipolar disorder to type two diabetes.

A 2017 study found that about 95% of participants who began to show ADHD-like symptoms from the age of 12 did not have the disorder despite matching symptom checklists. This is why a proper diagnosis is necessary and requires several steps: an interview, a medical and developmental history, symptom questionnaires and, if possible, conversations with other people in the patients life. Sometimes neurological analysis is also used. Antonio Barrio, from the pediatric neurology center that bears his name, explains that in his specialty they carry out complete analyses of the cognitive abilities of all the functional brain areas: psycholinguistic, psychomotor, socialization and behavioral assessment to channel psychological attention and, if necessary, pharmacological treatment.

The most important recommendation is to assess how it affects daily life. If I have serious difficulties and there is a significant emotional impact on life, an evaluation is necessary. If the symptoms allow for adequate functioning, it is better not to let things that have been reported without professionals influence me, explains Ramos. If there is strong evidence of anxiety, depression or ADHD, then a thorough evaluation is necessary, he concludes.

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PwC China has been fined nearly 50m for auditing failures relating to collapsed property developer Evergrande Group , it was announced on Friday.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission imposed fines totalling yuan 325m (35m), while the Ministry of Finance announced a yuan 116m fine.

PwC Zhong Tian - commonly known as PwC China - has also been banned for six months.

The Chinese authorities have been probing PwCs involvement with Evergrande since March, after the CSRC accused the stricken developer of a $78bn fraud carried out between 2018 and 2020.

In a statement to Associated Press, the Ministry of Finance said on Friday that PwC China had issued "false audit reports", with "series defects" in the audit procedures leading to a number of false conclusions.

The CSRC told Reuters: "PwC has seriously eroded the basis of law and good faith, and damage investors interest."

In response, PwC China said it sacked six partners and "exited" five staff directly involved in Hengda audit work. Hengda is the principal subsidiary of Evergrande.

Daniel Li, PwC Chinas territory senior partner, has also agreed to step down, and financial penalties will now be issued for PwC Chinas current and former leadership who were responsible for the business.

Hermione Hudson, PwCs global risk and regulatory leader, has been named interim territory senior partner.

Mohamed Kande, global chair of PwC, said: "The work performed by PwC Zhong Tians Hengda audit team fell well below our high expectations and was completely unacceptable.

"It is not representative of what we stand for as a network and there is no room for this at PwC.

"That is whyactions were taken to hold those responsible to account.

"China remains an important part of the PwC network and I remain confident in the China firms partners and staff as we work together to rebuild trust with stakeholders."
Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty said on Friday that it has been awarded a 363m contract by National Grid to deliver the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement project.

The contract has been awarded through National Grid's RIIO-2 framework. Balfour said that once completed, the project will reinforce the electricity network in East Anglia and "ensure that it can continue to reliably and securely transport the cleaner, greener electricity required for the UK's transition to Net Zero".

Balfour will be responsible for the replacement of the existing high voltage electricity network between Bramford Substation in Suffolk and Twinstead Tee in Essex, with a new 400 kilovolt overhead line spanning 18 kilometres.

It will also deliver 11 kilometres of underground cable through the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Stour Valley.

Chief executive Leo Quinn said: "This award demonstrates the momentum we are capturing in the energy security and transition market. As the largest power transmission provider in the UK, we have a long and proud history of working with National Grid.

"This latest award will once again enable our expert teams to deploy their proven capability to successfully deliver overhead lines and underground cabling works in complex and challenging landscapes."

Main construction is expected to start in the first half of next year, with completion due in 2028.

At peak construction, Balfour will employ more than 200 people including 10 apprenticeship and graduate positions.
A plan for a new high-speed rail line linking Birmingham and Manchester has been unveiled, claiming to deliver most of the benefits of the scrapped northern leg of HS2 at significantly cheaper cost and with only slightly longer journey times. The 50-mile track would run from where the HS2 line is now due to end in Staffordshire to join a planned Northern Powerhouse Rail line west of Manchester airport, under a plan unveiled by the mayors of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.  Guardian

Boeing workers voted on Thursday night to strike for higher pay, halting production of the planemakers strongest-selling jet as it wrestles with chronic output delays and mounting debt. Newly installed Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg pleaded with workers not to go on strike  the first since 2008  ahead of the vote, saying the action would put the companys recovery in jeopardy.  Guardian

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.  Telegraph

Scotlands last remaining oil refinery at Grangemouth is to close next year with the loss of 400 jobs, leaving the UK with only a handful of refineries and increasing the countrys reliance on imported fuel. The sites owner Petroineos, a joint venture between Sir Jim Ratcliffes Ineos and PetroChina, believes that domestic demand for motor fuels will fall sharply with the forthcoming ban on new petrol and diesel cars.  The Times

Artificial intelligence has moved to more human-like reasoning, OpenAI has claimed, with the launch of its latest model. In a blogpost, the ChatGPT maker said that much like a person would, its new o1 series would spend more time thinking before it responded to queries. The company said it could reason through complex tasks and solve harder problems than previous models in science, coding, and maths.  The Times
Sociologist Diego Hidalgo in a cafe in Madrid with his old cellphone, a symbol of his struggle.

Almost two decades ago, while he was at Cambridge, Diego Hidalgo, 40, discovered that Facebook, instead of connecting us, separated us. As a teenager he had already witnessed how the tyranny of email stole hours of quality time with his family. It is a childhood memory that marked him forever. Today, fighting against the tech giants has become his lifes mission. It is a quixotic cause in which his mind as a sociologist contrasts with the irrational nature of his other profession, that of a magician, with which he surprises audiences in the lectures he gives around the world.

Question. Do magic and technology have anything in common?

Answer. Yes, in many ways. Magicians steal the publics attention just like digital technology does. In addition, we make the spectator think that they are free to make decisions when in reality it is the magician who determines these. Ill show you. [He searches his backpack, takes out a deck of poker cards, tells the journalist to choose a card and performs a trick.]

Q. In your new book Taking Back Control, you say that Google makes decisions for us all the time.

A. We think we are choosing from an infinite menu, but in reality it is guiding us towards different options. The massive exploitation of data allows technology companies to build predictive models and to know our cognitive weaknesses. This makes us more easily manipulated when it comes to selling us products, services or ideologies

Q. Do we live in a kind of Truman Show in which we are constantly under surveillance?

A. The difference is that now we are all Truman.

Q. For example, you argue that the use of mobile phones should be banned in bars, as was the case with tobacco

A. Yes, well, thats more of a provocation [he laughs], but I think there needs to be collective action at the individual and political level to get ahead of regulations. There are certainly enough arguments to ban the sale of mobile phones until the age of majority, as happens with gambling halls or alcohol.

Q. What is the difference between a marijuana addiction and a screen addiction?

A. The second is socially accepted. It is shared by almost 100% of society and that is why it is much more difficult for us to realize that it is not normal to accept the harm it causes.

Q. Many parents talk about the social pressure they feel if they are the only ones in their school who dont give their children a cellphone

A. Thats why banning their sale to teenagers would empower them. The way they use mobile phones is like having 14-year-olds driving cars without a license at 160 km/h (100 mph), with the danger that this entails for themselves and for others.

Q. A few months ago, the United Kingdom considered banning them for children under 16. Isnt that a difficult political decision for a government to make?

A. Yes, but in the end this is like climate change. A challenge for democracies in the long term when politics lives in the short term. The regulatory framework for technology should be similar to that of the pharmaceutical and agri-food industries.

The way minors use mobile phones is like having 14-year-olds driving cars without a license

Q. You dedicate the book to your children, who are from Generation Z, with this phrase: So that you may continue choosing happiness and freedom over immediacy and efficiency. Are we slaves to technology?

A. Of course, because they are designed to anesthetize us. I believe in the right to make mistakes and to have criteria other than those of the algorithms. We are increasingly asking Google broader questions: what gift to buy, how to be a better parent, what to do with my children on vacation... And that limits our freedom.

Q. And it infantilizes us

A. Yes, it simplifies us as a species. As we delegate powers to devices or apps, we are less able to exercise them ourselves. For example, if you can no longer get anywhere without looking at your GPS, you are accepting an ecosystem in which you are increasingly dependent.

Q. Are you worried about your childrens future?

A. I am concerned about the world they will inhabit because the relationship between screens and high rates of anxiety and depression in adolescents is more than proven. I have three kids, but the psychological impact that social media is having on girls is much more worrying than on boys. In the United States, self-harm among girls has increased sixfold in the last 12 years.

Q. Do you limit screen use at home?

A. Absolutely. I don't completely remove them from technology, but I do want to give them a healthy, guided and controlled relationship so that they learn to use it without it using them.

Diego Hidalgo is also the driving force behind the OFF Manifesto, an initiative that advocates for the control of technology. INMA FLORES

Q. In todays climate of technological omnipresence, your cause sounds quixotic. Do you encounter many doubters?

A. When I published my first book on the subject in 2021, I thought I was going to receive a lot more criticism, but I think that as a society we are increasingly aware that we are facing a very worrying phenomenon.

Q. What do you think of those who call you a technophobe?

A. I identify more with the term technocritic because I believe that technology can be used to do interesting things. I myself have been a digital entrepreneur and founded Amovens [the first car-sharing platform in Spain]. There is a very clear scientific basis for the risks of the technological revolution and we should not enter into dogmatism as is also the case with climate change.

Q. Your mobile phone is an old Nokia with no internet access. Do you think you are happier than those reading this interview on their smartphone?

A. Happiness depends on many factors, but it may be because delegating our lives to machines impoverishes our life experience. If we continue to hand over our lives to algorithms that dictate our decisions, we will lose freedom and stop interacting deeply with others. And these are two key elements for happiness.

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Jacqueline Woodson

(photo courtesy John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation)

Jacqueline Woodson has always been a writer, as her memoir Brown Girl Dreaming (Nancy Paulsen, $10.99)--a National Book Award Winner, Coretta Scott King Award Winner, and Newbery Honor Book--reveals. In addition to the many awards she has garnered for her more than 40 books, Woodson was named a National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, a MacArthur Fellow, and established Baldwin for the Arts, an "Artist Residency for the Global Majority." Penguin is celebrating the Brown Girl Dreaming with a 10th anniversary event on September 21 at Symphony Space in New York City.

Here, Woodson chats with Jenny Brown, who first interviewed the author 10 years before the writing of Brown Girl Dreaming.

When you began writing Brown Girl Dreaming, had you been thinking about writing a memoir of your childhood for a while?

I started writing Brown Girl Dreaming because I wanted to figure out how I got to the place of being Jacqueline Woodson, coming from this background where my family didn't have a lot of access. I came from what was deemed by some an underserved community: a "ghetto" or what was later on called "urban" or any number of terms people use for a neighborhood that is predominantly Black and brown people and underserved. When you looked at the dynamic of it, it seemed like something that "shouldn't have happened." And here I was. I was able to publish books. I had won awards. I was able to travel because of my writing, and I wanted to go back to the beginning and understand how I got here.

There's the saying that if you know where you come from, you'll know where you're going. I deeply believe that. I wanted to get a sense of all the people I came from, the places I came from, the ideas I came from, the religions I came from.... I feel like I had always been writing Brown Girl Dreaming.

Is poetry your preferred style?

Brown Girl Dreaming is about memory. And this is the way memory comes to us. It comes to us in these small moments with this white space around it. Stuff we don't know, stuff that maybe isn't connected. One poem to the next to the next. I wanted to acknowledge that unknown. And I think if I had tried to write Brown Girl Dreaming as some kind of straight narrative, it would have been a lie. There's so much I don't remember. I also think there is something about this poetic form that allows you to slow down and really see both the words on the page and the images I'm trying to create.

So, by the time you get to the end of a poem like "I am born on a Tuesday at University Hospital/ Columbus, Ohio,/ USA--", you're in Columbus. You've seen me being born. You've seen that hospital. And then you see the cut and I open the lens a little wider, "a country caught/ between Black and White." Now you're seeing that moment in history. I wanted to make very visual but also poetic and beautiful in that way. The language was very important to me because it is also a book about language and story.

Your memoir begins by situating your birth within the historic and geographic landscape. Why did you begin it this way?

I remember sitting down to breakfast with my best friend Toshi Reagon, and saying, "I'm trying to write about my childhood and nothing happened." And she's like, "What are you talking about? When you were born, this country was on fire!" Toshi had grown up with her mom, Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, [who] had been through the civil rights movement. It set the narrative perspective for me: knowing that I was born within the context of time and that we all are. Inside that context was the fact that I am one generation removed--barely--from Jim Crow. All these things that were happening in our country were impacting me. That became important to me--to remember what was happening, not just to me, but to the world around me and document that.

I guess that's why the book is so challenged these days, because I document a history that speaks to a time when our country wasn't kind to Black and brown folks. I mean, there are ways in which it's still very unkind, but it was legislated unkindness happening. I wanted to write about the ways in which we were free and the ways in which we were still shackled by laws and attitudes and people's hatred. So, Brown Girl Dreaming became that story of both love and struggle and more love.

In this book, you include the universal experiences and details specific to your experience of understanding the differences between living in the South and living in the North as a young woman of color. Can you describe how you balanced these themes?

I think I balanced them the way I balance my everyday living. I think it's important to look at the struggle and the good and walk through the world knowing that we carry all of that.

When I write, a very strong theme is hope. What is the hope that keeps us turning the page; what is the hope that keeps us getting up in the morning and doing the work we were brought here to do? I think I brought that same hope to Brown Girl Dreaming, while at the same time wanting to bring truth. You can't live your life in struggle mode, and you can't not acknowledge the struggle if you want to get past it. I want all that balance to be there.

Your father's comment in "football dreams," too, points to this contrast between the North and the South. He says of the South, "...no colored Buckeye/ in his right mind/ would ever want to go there." Your narrative lays out the ways in which history and geography divide your family--was the writing of Brown Girl Dreaming a way of unifying your family?

You know, one thing that we don't get to in Brown Girl Dreaming is that when I was around 13 years old my parents got back together. And in that way, I got to really know my father, my father's side of the family and Ohio, Nelsonville, Athens, that part of the region. I do think Brown Girl Dreaming for me was about understanding that 50% of my DNA is my dad's, 50% is my mom's; and that 50/50 split is about so much more than DNA. It's about experience, it's about culture, it's about geography, and so I wanted to get that on the page.

The trauma of your brother Roman eating lead paint was a poignant moment in the book, as is your piece about people following you in the stores downtown. These scenes become momentous events for readers through their specificity. How did you decide which to include and which to leave out?

I think it comes back to me wanting to put on the page the events that really informed who I was going to become and who I was becoming. My brother's lead paint eating had an impact on me, and the wild thing of course is that history repeated itself when the lead paint crisis began in Michigan. So, there is that way in which I really wanted to show that none of this is behind us; even as we talk about it as history, there are still elements of it that are very much a part of our world today. I think that allows people to see that there is a deep connection between the past and the present. And there were things I left out that I didn't feel moved the narrative forward.

So, yeah, it's talking about me in the '60s and '70s. But it's also speaking to events that we are familiar with today, from Sandra Bland to so many people. And the same refrain is true. They're not getting followed around in stores, but even worse, they're getting killed. It's part of a continuum, a part of the work that still needs to be done. --Jennifer M. Brown
Dozens of former presidents and prime ministers from around the world have signed a letter in which they convey to U.S. President Joe Biden, a few months before the end of his term, a request made by others in the past: to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism in which it was included under Donald Trump, reversing Barack Obamas attempt to remove it from this list as part of the restoration of diplomatic relations in 2015. According to the signatories, which include former Colombian president Ernesto Samper, Brazils Dilma Rousseff, Argentinas Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Spains Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Bolivias Evo Morales and Ecuadors Rafael Correa, naming Cuba as a country that sponsors terrorism is not only a coercive measure that is difficult to justify in the 21st century, but it has also contributed to the unparalleled economic crisis that the country is going through and the subsequent exodus, which already far exceeds the sum of previous waves of migration.

In the letter, which EL PAIS had seen, the signatories state that the reasons for requesting that Cuba be permanently removed from the list are based on a strong humanitarian appeal that seeks to alleviate the situation of millions of innocent people. Another argument is the deep conviction that the Cuban government is seriously committed to fighting terrorism and in favor of peace in the region and the world.

The letter insists that this unjust decision impacts the most vulnerable sectors of the Cuban population, which have been hit recently by the harmful effects of the pandemic, aggravated by the lack of medicines and equipment to deal with the emergency. It also places particular emphasis on the economic crisis that the country is going through, one of the worst hit in the world, which is now at a point of difficult return. The letter says that after decades of unilateral sanctions and coercive measures, Cubas economy is one of the most severely affected in the world and is currently, socially, at a point of difficult return. According to economists, the government of Miguel Diaz-Canel has, in any case, responsibility to bear for the Cuban economic debacle.

The signatories affirm that the fact that the United States and Cuba have political systems with different ideological inspirations should not be a reason to deprive the island of mutual cooperation, and that although this year the State Department removed Cuba from the list of states that do not cooperate in the fight against terrorism, it paradoxically maintains it on the list of sponsoring countries, leading to the question: How can one simultaneously claim that a country does cooperate in the global fight against terrorism and at the same time accuse it of openly supporting it?

Cuba and the paradox of its support for terrorism

In May of this year, the State Department removed Cuba from the list of countries that do not cooperate in the fight against terrorism, but Cuban authorities have repeatedly condemned the inclusion of Cuba in another list of countries that do support terrorism, the so-called SSOT list, which also includes North Korea, Iran and Syria. According to the State Department itself, these governments support international terrorism either by participating in terrorist activities themselves or by providing weapons, training, shelter, diplomatic facilities, financial support, logistical and/or other support to terrorists.

It was in 1982, during the Ronald Reagan administration, that Cuba began to show up on the controversial list for supporting armed movements in Latin America and Africa. Later, other reasons included its relations with countries such as Iran and North Korea, or the fact that the country had given asylum to members of the Basque terrorist group ETA, as well as fugitives from American justice such as Joanne Deborah Chesimard (better known as Assata Shakur, a member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army) and Charlie Hill, accused of killing a police officer and hijacking an airliner to Havana.

After 33 years, in 2015 former President Barack Obama decided to remove Cuba from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism as part of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In January 2021, with Trump in power, the island reappeared on the list under the arguments that the Cuban government maintains ties with groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN), and that it refused to extradite 10 ELN leaders implicated in the 2019 attack on the police cadet school in Bogota.

The letter, which was signed by other former leaders such as Perus Ollanta Moises Humala Tass, Guatemalas Vinicio Cerezo, Honduras Manuel Zelaya, Serbias Tomislav Nikolic and Malaysias Mahathir Mohamad, maintains that the Cuban government played an active role in the construction of the Peace Accords signed in Havana in 2016 between the State of Colombia and the FARC, and they highlighted its role in the dialogue for peace between the Colombian State and the ELN.

Although some thought that under Biden the sanctions imposed by Trump would be reversed, the truth is that the Democrats policy towards Cuba has been slow and not on his agenda of priorities. In the political arena, a part of the Republican wing advocates for more sanctions to suffocate the Cuban government, despite the fact that the embargo directly and in a real way affects ordinary Cubans. The inclusion of Cuba in the list of countries that support terrorism not only prevents international transactions, bans exports and imposes financial restrictions; it also makes it impossible to assist the country with humanitarian aid, affects Cuban citizens with dual nationality who want to travel to the United States with an ESTA permit, interferes with banking transactions and restricts academic exchanges.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A 31-year-old woman who moved from Staten Island to California to raise her young children was killed in a horrific domestic violence attack in Sacramento, multiple family members told the Advance/SILive.com.

Tiara Delvalles mother and sister identified her as the woman who was allegedly murdered by Rahyme Johnson, who they said was the father of her third child, an infant daughter.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The NYPD is asking for the publics help to locate a 13-year-old girl reported missing after she most recently was seen in Mariners Harbor.

Alyssa Freeman, who lives in the vicinity of Bush Avenue and Forest Court, was seen on Thursday at about 6:40 a.m. in the vicinity of Walloon Street and Maple Parkway, according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

Police described Freeman as standing about 5 feet, 3 inches inches tall and weighing about 110 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. She most recently was seen wearing a gray T-shirt, black sweatshirt and blue pants.

A photo of the girl was provided to the media by the NYPD.

Anyone with information in regard to her whereabouts is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive.com. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here.

Former Staten Islander 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.

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.

Thursdays obituaries

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 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.
Ismael El Mayo Zambada Garcia is scheduled to appear Friday morning at the Eastern District Court of New York (EDNY), the same courtroom where notorious Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Mexicos former secretary of public security, Genaro Garcia Luna, were tried and convicted. In court documents, the U.S. Attorneys Office said that the 76-year-old  who co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel with El Chapo  posed a danger to the community and a risk of flight, and asked for the defendant to be held in pre-trial detention and heightened security measures.

Since his unexpected arrest on July 25, Zambada has been held in the border city of El Paso, Texas. The Western District Court of Texas authorized the transfer of the drug lord last week, but since then, the U.S. has kept the details of his transfer secret. The hearing scheduled for Friday 10 a.m. is the first evidence that the legal battle against El Mayo will continue in Brooklyn, New York, where he faces charges of fentanyl trafficking, organized crime, possession of firearms and money laundering.

The New York case dates back to 2009, but was updated in February to include fentanyl trafficking charges. It covers a period spanning from the late 1980s until this year. Filed in 2012, the Texas case, on the other hand, focuses on crimes committed more than a decade ago, when El Mayo and El Chapo  as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel  launched a war against the Juarez Cartel to control the drug trafficking route between Chihuahua and Texas, one of the most important and lucrative.

If brought to trial, the evidence and testimony presented by U.S. authorities would paint a much more recent picture of the Sinaloa Cartel: its operations in nearly 50 countries, rivalry with other criminal groups, its business model and alliances with politicians and law enforcement officials. The defendant has devoted his efforts over decades to growing, increasing, and enhancing the power of the Cartel  and his individual power and position in the Cartel after his partner El Chapo was captured, states the Attorneys Office detention memo on Zambada.

The document argued that the trials against Guzman and Garcia Luna  Mexicos drug czar during the government of Felipe Calderon (2006-2012)  are a precedent for what can be expected to be revealed about El Mayos criminal empire and how these revelations will be received by Mexico. Numerous witnesses have testified, including at the trials of El Chapo and corrupt former Mexican secretary of public security Genaro Garcia Luna, that corruption at all levels was necessary to allow the defendants criminal enterprise to function so effectively at such a large scale: from local police officers who escorted the drugs through Mexico, to corrupt officials who informed the Cartel of military actions, thwarted capture operations, and consulted with the Cartel about proceedings and investigations against it, says the detention memo.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said that the criminal organization paid millions of dollars in bribes and corruption payments under Zambadas direction. In the document, El Mayo is presented as one of the most violent and powerful criminals in the world. According to the detention memo, he had a team of hitmen, and maintained an arsenal of military-grade weapons to protect his person, his drugs, and his empire. Zambada is also accused of ordering numerous kidnappings and murders. He is charged with conspiring to murder members of the Cartel, members of law enforcement, and members of rival cartels as part of his continuing criminal enterprise in the EDNY Indictment, says the document.

Prosecutors also said they will seek an exemplary sentence against El Mayo. The defendant faces either the death penalty or a mandatory life sentence on the continuing criminal enterprise charge, as well as a 30-year mandatory minimum sentence on the firearms charge and multiple 10-year mandatory minimum sentences on the other drug counts, states the detention memo. In addition to the fentanyl trafficking charges filed just last February, Zambada faces 14 counts for trafficking cocaine, marijuana, heroin and methamphetamine.

El Mayo appeared in a wheelchair and pleaded not guilty to all charges in Texas. After successfully defeating a first attempt to move him to New York, the drug lords defense team did a U-turn and agreed to have their client tried in another state. Brian Cogan  the same judge who oversaw the trials against El Chapo and Garcia Luna  will be in charge of determining the measures for the Zambada trial and will also be in charge of the judicial proceedings.

The hearing on Friday, however, will be held before Judge James R. Cho, who is the investigating magistrate. While El Mayos transfer to New York was announced in the United States, in Mexico, two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel  Los Mayos and Los Chapitos, led by El Chapos sons  have been fighting since last Monday, with at least nine people killed in the clashes.

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Nor, Day suggests, was Hawke the superhero he liked to portray himself as. Many of his ambitious schemes, stretching back to the plan for an International House at the University of Western Australia in the 1950s, and forward to his efforts as ACTU president to remake the Australian union movement as a significant player in business, came to nothing or failed to live up to his hopes. He was no grand visionary or organisational genius.

Such efforts still had the not inconsiderable benefit of raising Hawkes public profile. His student activism helped him win a Rhodes Scholarship. The ACTUs business activities, such as Bourkes department store and Solo petrol stations, gained him lots of good publicity, building his reputation as a doer, at the same time as his charisma, physicality and larrikinism were building his celebrity. Lets face it, Hawke is a pisspot like us, was a focus group response of the era. Millions lapped it up.

Bob Hawkes parents, Clem and Ellie. Credit:

His path to the prime ministership was Gods will  or so his mother believed. Day paints Ellie as a narcissist and negligent mother more concerned with her church and community activities than looking after her son, who inherits her narcissism along with a thirst for social recognition and public service. She wanted a daughter, got a son, and then lost an older boy, Neil, for whom Bobbie became a replacement for her ambitions. Bobs relationship with his Congregationalist clergyman father, Clem, was much closer. They doted on one another.

Hawkes public career became one of compliant rebellion. He would obediently meet the expectation of his domineering mother that he should become prime minister but refused to do it her way. Bob disappointed her by returning from Oxford with the same Aussie drawl. The young Christian became agnostic. Where she campaigned against the demon drink with a model of a damaged liver that she showed around to make her point, Bob swam in the stuff. His gargantuan sexual appetite was hardly wholesome Christian fare. Nor were his infamous rudeness, swearing and aggression the product of a Sunday school education.
Comedian Celeste Barber demonstrates her no-fuss beauty range.

Renowned for her self-effacing parodies of fashion influencers and the beauty industry, Australian comedian Celeste Barber now has her own cosmetics brand, launched mid-year in partnership with P.E Nation co-founder Claire Greaves. Twinning a no-fuss approach to beauty with plenty of Barber-style tude, Booie Beauty debuts with five key items: Bloody Delicious! Illuminating Moisturiser ($39), Bam! Bam! Bam! Lip, Cheek and Eye Tint ($22), Youre Welcome Mascara ($31), Bring Back the Bush Eyebrow Gel Tint ($21), and Where the Hell is My? Lip Balm ($28). Barbers Instagram reels give a blow-by-blow account of her fast and pragmatic beauty routine. Best of all, theres no anti-ageing propaganda in sight.

Style For Cancer is a directory where those undergoing cancer treatment (known as style seekers) can book grooming appointments with the confidence that their stylist, beauty therapist or hairdresser (style makers) is trained and accredited to meet their specific needs  no lengthy, awkward explanations required. Its an initiative of Look Good Feel Better, a national cancer support group helping people manage the physical and psychological impacts of treatment. Profits from the directory are channelled into confidence-building workshops which can be done in person or online, and cover everything from what cosmetics to use to coping strategies, wig advice and overall wellness tips.

Erika Geraerts, founder of Australian cosmetics brand Fluff and co-host of the Pretty Hard podcast, believes in less but better products, and that its OK to feel more with make-up as long as you dont feel less without it. Founded in Melbourne in 2018, Fluff is best known for its refillable Cloud Compacts  these are available to buy only four times a year for a week at a time. Once you own one, you can log in and purchase refills at any time. The refillable colour formulations are designed as multi-use products, too: the Bronzing Powder (pictured) can be applied as a powder or contour ($83, refills $35), while the lip oil can also be used as cheek and eyeshadow colour ($53, refills $21).
A former development proponent of the Sydney Fish Market is staking an audacious claim to legal rights over the old site in a move that will create more drama for the government as it prepares to open new state-of-the-art premises next door.

Dominic Galati, an infant formula entrepreneur who was part of a joint venture proposing to develop the existing site a decade ago, has asked Premier Chris Minns through his solicitors to freeze the expressions of interest process for tenancies at the new site while matters arising from a decision by the NSW Court of Appeal last year are investigated.

Businessman Dominic Galati is angling to redevelop the former Sydney Fish Market site without it going to tender. Credit: Jessica Hromas

The court found that Galati had shares held in trust for him in a seafood company that had a 25 per cent interest in the Sydney Fish Market Pty Ltd.

He claims those shares were fraudulently stripped from him, and if his ownership had been recognised, he would not have let the Sydney Fish Market give up its first right of refusal to develop the site.
Ghost stories are an apt way to think about Leichhardt, a suburb in Sydneys inner west haunted by news articles about empty shopfronts and struggling restaurants for the past decade. The sleepy residential neighbourhood might not be the first suburb to come to mind when you think of Sydneys pop culture epicentres, but its streets bear the traces of Australian cinematic, literary, queer and music history.

Pioneers Memorial Park on Norton Street, once the site of Balmain Cemetery, is where you might find some actual ghosts. Opened in 1868, the graveyard was home to some 10,000 burials before being relocated in 1912. Perhaps youll spot the spectre of comedian Charles Frederick Young or Henry Beaufoy Merlin, an illusionist, showman and artist whose photographic work was so important to Australian history that its now listed in UNESCOs Memory of the World programme.

The statue of Italian poet Dante Alighieri in The Italian Forum in Leichhardt. Credit: Kate Geraghty

Even though many of its Italian migrants have since moved on, Leichhardt still bears the moniker Little Italy. The Italian Forum, a largely failed utopian vision of a bustling European piazza, is a ghost town today. But at its centre remains a statue of the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri, whose work helped establish modern Italian as we know it and influenced the likes of Chaucer, Milton and Tennyson. The forum is also home to Actors Centre Australia, which counts Harriet Dyer and Anthony Campanella among its alumni. Hugh Jackman, a patron and the most famous alumnus of the school, was so passionate about the complex that in 2022 he called Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne, suggesting the acting school buy it.

It would be wrong to talk about Leichhardt and its history without mentioning the works of Australian writer Melina Marchetta, whose characters live and breathe Sydneys inner west. In her debut novel, Looking for Alibrandi, Italian-Australian protagonist Josie comes of age in the streets of Glebe, Haberfield and Leichhardt (parts of the 2000 film adaptation were also shot on location there). Set in the early 1990s, Leichhardts star is already beginning to fade in the novel, but its cultural legacy remains alive in the women in Josies family. Its where her mother works as a medical secretary and her grandmother bought her first house.
Youre the bird girl, right? locals would ask her, and not just because kookaburras and parrots seemed to randomly land in her hair. She had no friends  she couldnt understand human ways  but she knew the look and language of birds and would often tell them how beautiful they were, particularly her favourite white-bellied sea eagles that would regularly circle in pairs over Jervis Bay.

Gina Chick was the strangeling from Jervis Bay on the South Coast of NSW, who would sing to the whales, capture and befriend the blue-ringed octopus, walk with her familys three pet ducks down to the beach, rescue the birds  rosellas, magpies, finches, honeyeaters  talk to them all, tend their bruised wings, stroke their tummies, feed them from her lips by spitting the chewed-up seed down their gullets.

If the story was good enough, Chick would rip the chosen page and chomp, letting the bears and panthers, the birds, geckos, bats and butterflies, the elves and dwarves, the Indian boys and storm boys, the trees and rocks as well, find a place in her roiling tummy, then her heart.

Read. Tear. Chew. Swallow. Gulp the characters, ingest the magic, allow the wonder to inhabit you. That was the pattern. Not just with The Jungle Book, but with all the childhood books that landed in her lap  Jonathan Livingston Seagull, My Family and Other Animals, The Dreamtime, The Clan of the Cave Bear, Storm Boy, The Lord of the Rings  and then the thousands of teenage and adult books that followed.

Chick didnt eat the entire book, just the corners of the more enchanting sections where Mowgli  and other favourite characters like Bagheera, the black panther  roamed wild across the page.

Nearly half a century before Gina Chick became a celebrity for surviving 67 days alone in the Tasmanian wilderness, she ate her first book. She was six years old and it was Rudyard Kiplings The Jungle Book, about a skinny little Indian boy named Mowgli, raised in the jungle by wolves.

From the first episode, she was the one we saw talking, singing and praying to the earth, as though shed been doing this her whole life, which, of course, she had been. Hello lake. Hello trees, she said, surveying the beautiful bleakness of her new winter home.

As one of 10 contestants dropped into a desolate corner of south-western Tasmania to test her survival skills, the then 52-year-old bushcraft teacher from Jervis Bay endured more than nine weeks of brutal deprivation to emerge, not just as the last person standing, but as the person  the woman  most intuitively in kinship with the natural world.

In case you dont watch television , or the moment simply passed you by, Gina Chick is the bare-footed woman in the full-length possum-skin coat who more than one million Australians saw win the first Alone Australia series on SBS last year.

Chick in Jervis Bay. In the first episode of Alone, she said, The only way to truly be at home in the wild is to have humility and to realise that nature is going to break every single one of us open. Credit: Tim Bauer

The interesting thing about the sea eagle, she says now, sitting on the promontory of her favourite childhood beach, is that it is an incredibly majestic bird. Its got a two-metre wingspan  but it quacks like a duck. Wachwachwachwachwachwachwachwachwach.

All of Chicks fellow contestants had also been highly skilled, resourceful and, in their own singular ways, crazy-brave. They knew how to fish, dive, hunt, track, stalk and shoot. Or theyd been practising bushcraft all their lives. Or theyd grown up camping and living on country. Or theyd been in the military and been pushed beyond their limits, or they had faith in a higher power, or an extraordinary self-belief, as was the case with runner-up Mike Atkinson, whod done solo expeditions into the deserts of Saudi Arabia, as well as in far north Queensland in a self-made dugout canoe.

It made for gripping television and it was this formula that the producers adopted for the first Australian season on SBS last year, with Gina Chick, colder, skinnier and hungrier than shed ever been in her life, becoming the oldest contestant  and only the third woman worldwide  to win the competition, along with $250,000 in prize money.

Since 2015, the American version of Alone had enjoyed huge ratings as it documented these kinds of struggles in places as forbidding as Patagonia, northern Mongolia and the Arctic Circle. Individuals were allowed to select 10 items of survival gear from a pre-approved list of 40, a standard kit of clothing and first aid/emergency supplies, plus a set of motion-activated trail cameras to record their exertions and torments.

And it did. Week by week, one by one, as each contestant was crushed by the harshness of trying to subsist alone in winter, right in the path of the Roaring Forties, with little or no food, limited survival equipment and no one to turn to  except a rescue team  if and when it became time to tap out with an emergency satellite phone.

This moss feels amazing, she added, looking like a Norse goddess as she danced shoeless on the edge of a dark lake. This isnt about defeating nature or conquering the wilderness. The only way to truly be at home in the wild is to have humility and to realise that nature is going to break every single one of us open.

On her 20th night in the wild, Chick went to bed dreaming of fish, then promptly snared a brown trout in the lake the next morning. Then the next morning, and the morning after that  six fish in four days. Whenever I needed anything, she says now, I would go out and I would say, All right Big Mama, I know youve got me here to tell a story. But I cant tell it if Im not here, so Im going to need some food. And, like, theres a fish. Doink. Theres another fish. Doink. Theres an eel. I caught so much food, and it wasnt because Im particularly skilled. But Im receptive. I could listen.

My strategy is still to not even worry about food, just to work on this shelter, she said four days into the competition. Sixteen days later, shed still not eaten, but her shelter was something to behold  a fire-warmed nest with a swinging door made of sawsedge which shed constructed while asking permission from  and singing to  the land. Plus, shed built an elevated bed and rock stove.

On social media, she instantly became the dancing hippie, the weird fur woman who talked to the platypuses and sang fishy fishy songs to the lake. Some gave her 24 hours at most, a week at best, before leaving the competition. Others intuited immediately that she was the one to watch. She was the only participant who didnt include a sleeping bag in her 10 items of survival gear, just that possum-skin coat made from lutruwita [Tasmanian] pelts which she included as part of her clothing allowance. This allowed her to bring another survival item that no one else thought to bring  a block of salt, full of electrolytes for maintaining fluids and blood volume, but also to flavour food, if and when she decided to eat.

Shed arrived carrying 19 kilograms of excess weight and we began to love her for that fact alone. Im so fat I cant stand up, I have to rock, she said, guffawing at the camera and herself, before explaining that this deliberate surplus flesh was a key survival strategy because it added about 630,000 kilojoules to her bodys energy reserves.

Chick outlasted them all, and she did so with a combination of determination, joyousness, creativity and vulnerability that would turn her, if not into a household name, then certainly into a celebrity for our times: a woman at home in the wild whom we could marvel at without ever hoping to emulate.

I will probably be dreaming about that wallaby offal stew for the rest of my life.

I put the liver and lungs in that stew. I squeezed all the poo out of the top of the intestines and washed the intestines really well. All the blood went into it, along with the intestines, and because I had salt, it was probably the most incredible stew I have ever eaten.

Chick could sense victory in that animals dying breath because, after 35 days of having consumed no more than 1.5 kilograms of protein, she now had almost 8 kilos of wallaby meat to feed her starving body. She also had the ingredients for a stew that she now says she would happily pay good money for in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Fifteen days later, she had a big talk to the lake and told it she needed fat, that the protein from the fish and eel was simply not enough for her needs. That same night, after peeing in the bushes, she remained on a log to gaze at the moon. She was there for about an hour when a wallaby suddenly appeared beside her. She jumped on it. Sorry, sorry, sorry, she told the stunned creature, before smashing its head with a rock. Oh darling, Im so sorry. Holy shit. Oh wow. Oh you beautiful thing. Holy f---, Im sorry.

I put the liver and lungs in that stew. I squeezed all the poo out of the top of the intestines  all the blood went into it, along with the intestines, and because I had salt, it was probably the most incredible stew I have ever eaten.

And by that, she means listen to the land, tune into its symphony of information, follow natures instructions, which shed been doing all her life. Gina Chick had entered Alone Australia not just to win  which she firmly believed she would  but to make a point. Im making a stand, she said, for a way of being human that I dont see in the modern world, like how to live in relationship with the natural world and get all my needs met.

Gina Chick and I meet on a glorious sun-kissed winter morning at Plantation Point, on the northern edge of Jervis Bay, a few hundred metres from where she grew up with her teacher parents Suzanne and Doug Chick, two sisters Danni and Kristin, and a small farmyard of rescued animals.

This was the childhood playground of an odd but remarkable little girl who dreamed of turning into a dolphin and being able to speak the language of the ocean, who saw baby whales do cartwheels in the bay and who  at low tide  played on exposed rocks that looked to her innocent eyes like a giant crocodile.

This is where I would walk with my dad when I was having a rough time at school, literally this beach, she says now, and he would explain the stars and the moon to me.

This is where she would also come in the dead of night, running headlong into a ferocious storm, her hard-as-leather feet knowing their way to the beach, telling herself, I am not human. I am a storm wrapped in skin. And then asking herself plaintive questions like: Does a planet have a heart?

I was the weirdest kid, she tells Good Weekend. Oh, my god, I was such a weird kid.

So weird that other kids avoided her, refused to sit with her (the nerds as well), and once, after a high school excursion, even signed a petition  all 150 students  pronouncing both her crime and punishment: Gina Chick Should Wear A Bra.

Gina, like, youre just too big, one girl told her.

Chick thought she was talking about her body.

No, not literally, the girl said. You just  sometimes youre, like, too much.

Too much? Chick replied. Too much what?

Too much everything, chimed in another girl. Even ya cheekbones are too f---in high. And ya mouth is f---in enormous, ya could fly a f---in plane into it. And ya sing all the time, like, really loud. Like ya think yer Madonna. And yer always doin weird shit like pukin in birds mouths. Yer not  normal. No offence, but ya know what I mean?

So Chick reverted to talking to birds and butterflies. She intuited the language of ants and their stories of rain and perseverance; she listened to the tales that trees could tell from their rustling branches, and she drowned herself in music by learning the piano, even trying to play Fur Elise with her toes.

Playing the flute with an avian entourage. Credit: Courtesy of Gina Chick

Thankfully, she had a deeply loving family to ease the loneliness, along with the characters shed met in her favourite books: Mowgli, the orphan boy raised by animals; Jonathan Livingston Seagull, the outcast bird who sought to transcend the limitations of his flock; Storm Boy, the solitary child who befriended a pelican and could hear the earth sing; and Ayla  especially Ayla  the Stone Age woman from The Clan of the Cave Bear who could survive on her own by hunting with a sling and making fire with rubbed sticks.



Read. Tear. Chew. Swallow.

I think with the eating of books, she explains, every sense was so alive in me, these characters were so alive, that I needed them inside me. Like these characters were my friends, still are, but I couldnt see them in the world, I couldnt touch them, so by consuming that little bit of paper I was building that character as an actual physical presence.

Her mother told her: Gina, you will find your people and follow your enormous talents, which she did once she left school and moved to Sydney.

By her late teens, she was studying communications at the University of Technology, Sydney and meeting people such as Hugh Jackman after having collided with him in the cafeteria on day one. They became instant and  it would turn out  lifelong friends. By her early 20s, she was discovering the queer community and, on a dare one night, shaved her head while tripping on LSD. She then began going to gay picnics, queer pool parties, sex parties, dance parties, any party where she could feel a sense of oneness with other strangelings, fellow misfits who not only accepted her for all her freakish edges but also loved her for them.

She danced with abandon wherever she could, in ways humans have been doing since the dawn of time. She danced as communion but, more so, to purge the years of wretched solitude that had collected in her body. She danced to return to herself, to find pure freedom in flight, not unlike Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

Chick dancing bare-footed on the rocks at Jervis Bay. Credit: David Leser

And now, here on the beach, on a perfectly scripted blue-sky morning, she offers me a spare set of headphones and invites me to join her in a bare-footed dance on the waters edge.

Theres a pelican on a rock shelf nearby, a few cormorants drying their wings in the winter sun, and Chicks favourite white-bellied sea eagle soaring above us. I take the headphones and for the next 30 minutes bird girl and I sway and turn to the music as the red-beaked oyster catchers come in to land.

It wasnt just Gina Chicks ability to survive  nay thrive  in the wild that captured the Australian publics imagination when she won that first season of Alone Australia. It was the fact she allowed us to see her vulnerability.

In her late 30s, and after the bitter disappointment of a relationship that almost destroyed her, Chick had finally found the love of her life in Lee Trew, an English-born exponent of hunter-gatherer practices such as hunting, trapping, stalking, building fires and constructing shelters.

The couple had met at a wilderness survival school in New Jersey and, at the age of 40, Chick fell pregnant, just a few days before finding out she also had aggressive breast cancer. The doctors insisted she terminate the pregnancy to save her own life. She refused.

Id called out to the edges of creation that Id wanted a child, she would later say. The gods had called back  How bad? 

Chick changed her doctors, meditated through the gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and somehow went into remission. Her perfect precious miracle of a child was born in 2010 and she was named Blaise, after another of Chicks literary heroes, Modesty Blaise, the fictional master thief turned British spy.

Blaise was perfectly healthy for the first two years of her life. She lived deep in the Australian bush with her parents, trusting nature as she would a friend. Just like her mother, she knew the names of all the morning birds, recognised their dawn chorus, even heard her own laughter echoed in the lyrebirds song.

Then the unbearable, the unspeakable, the unthinkable occurred when  at the age of nearly three  she was diagnosed with cancer, 200 tumours about to grow inside her small frame within the space of 10 weeks.

In October 2013, after nine days in intensive care and barely four months since first being diagnosed, Blaises respirator was turned off as her devastated parents looked on, her father kissing his daughters fingers, telling her softly that her body was now going back to Earth Mama and that Grandmother Moon was waiting for her.

With her daughter Blaise, who was born despite Chick developing breast cancer. Blaise died, aged three, after her own cancer diagnosis. Credit: Courtesy of Gina Chick

Chick gives heart-rending voice to this shattering moment in her upcoming memoir, We Are the Stars (to be published by Simon & Schuster on October 2): Blaise dies in my arms with Lee wrapped around us both, she writes. We sing to her as she flies, our voices strong and true, singing her out of the world as we sang her into it: together. Its just a normal hospital room and in it a child is dying and somewhere another is being born and another is eating breakfast and another is weeping and another laughing, playing, growing, falling  theres nothing unusual in any of this, were part of a great dance, and this is  what  pure fluke, grand design, cosmic joke  that our dance floor is lined with mourning bells and ravens while a breath away a family cavorts on a carpet of butterflies. Were all connected. Death to life to death.

A decade later, we see Gina Chick on our television screens, out in the Tasmanian wild, sitting vigil by a fire on the night that would have been her daughters 12th birthday. She begins to weep, then howl, and in that moment we all hear the ancient lament of a lioness grieving her lost cub.

Eighty kilometres north of where we now sit contemplating the blue curve of Jervis Bay, theres another beach, called Bombo, where Chicks grandmother grew up, a similarly high-cheekboned, rebellious spirit who loved the freedom of nature and ran from any kind of conventional life.

Chick never met this famous grandmother of hers because, at the age of 45, Charmian Clift killed herself with an overdose of barbiturates. It was 11 weeks before Chick was born.

Even if Clift hadnt died so tragically, it is inconceivable these two women  grandmother and granddaughter  would have found their way to each other, at least not until the NSW Adoption Information Act was introduced in 1990, allowing adopted children to access their original birth certificates.

Thats when Gina Chicks mother Suzanne found out she was Charmian Clifts daughter, born on Christmas Day, 1942 at Crown Street Womens Hospital in Sydney, then given up for adoption to a kindly, childless couple three weeks later.

According to Clifts biographer, Nadia Wheatley, she had desperately wanted to keep her baby but given that Clift was an unmarried 19-year-old, her own mother Amy wouldnt hear of it. Quoting one of Clifts friends, Wheatley writes in The Life and Myth of Charmian Clift: Charmian never forgave her mother for making her give up the child and, by various accounts, lived with the guilt and sorrow of this abandonment for the rest of her life. Another version of events had Clift sometimes searching the faces of little girls in the street, wondering whether one might be her lost daughter.

Charmian Clift, of course, went on to become arguably the most interesting literary figure of her generation, author of numerous books on her own  as well as in collaboration with her famous war correspondent husband George Johnston, author of the Miles Franklin-winning My Brother Jack and its sequel Clean Straw for Nothing.

(A new documentary on Clift  Life Burns High  directed by Rachel Lane, premiered at this years Sydney Film Festival and is now on Foxtels Famous channel.)

From left: Chicks grandmother Charmian Clift with Leonard Cohen on the Greek island of Hydra in 1960; Chick at the same tree in 2022, during a quest to hunt Clift down and meet her ghost.

Clift also became Australias most prominent female columnist, a celebrated and beloved figure who wrote for The Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Herald each week for four-and-a-half years, up until her death in 1969.

She wrote with great intimacy and an unflinching gaze on issues both political and personal  everything from Indigenous rights, the Vietnam war and the evolving role of women to the magic of learning and the pleasure of leisure. Her last collection of essays was called Being Alone with Oneself, a title of eerie circularity given the path her granddaughter would one day tread.

During the early 1950s, Clift and Johnston had fled the stultifying conformities of Menzies Australia for the Greek island of Hydra, where they wrote books, raised their three children and partied long into the night with other artists and writers captivated by their brilliance and generosity.

The young Canadian poet Leonard Cohen had been among them and in 1980, 20 years after first stepping foot on Hydra, he dedicated his first Sydney concert to the Australian couple, claiming it was Clift and Johnston whod taught him how to write.

He later said: They drank more than other people, they wrote more, they got sick more, they got well more, they cursed more, they blessed more, and they helped a great deal more. They were an inspiration. Just as Charmian Clift would eventually prove to be for the daughter and granddaughter she would never know.

Gina Chick was 21 when her mum Suzanne discovered the name of her own biological mother. Chick immediately raced to the nearest bookshop with her sister Danni to find books such as Peel Me a Lotus and Mermaid Singing sitting on the shelves, the authors photo on the back looking almost indistinguishable from their mother.

Chick (left) with sisters Kristin and Danni: her loving family helped ease the isolation of being a weird kid. Credit: Courtesy of Gina Chick

Something shifted inside Chick as she ran her fingers along the spines of her grandmothers books. No, she didnt eat the pages, but, as she would recall decades later in We Are the Stars, she did breathe in the crisp smell of paper and ink and the hidden jostling of words.

And then a tiny voice inside her head said: Well thats all right, then. This explains everything.

A few weeks after the filming of Alone Australia, Chick travelled to Hydra to thaw out in a Greek autumn after the deprivations of a Tasmanian winter. She went searching for Charmian (the title of her mothers bestselling book, published in 1995) because she now felt ready to have a relationship with her grandmothers ghost.

In the 30 years since discovering that Charmian Clift was her grandmother, shed refused to read her writings, fearing it would influence her own unique writers voice, one shed been developing since she was a child.

This was the first time I had wanted to hunt her down, she tells Good Weekend, to find the essence of her, almost stitch that part of her into myself. Because, up until then, shed really been Mums story, not my story.

With her mum Suzanne and photos of her grandmother, author Charmian Clift. Credit: David Leser

Chick searched for glimmers of her grandmother in the winding, cobbled streets of the island and the bars down by the beautiful crescent-shaped harbour. She looked for her up in the rocky hills and the turquoise waters where her grandmother had regularly swum. She found nothing.

Then, on her last day, she stumbled upon the taverna where a famous photo had been taken of Clift leaning against a white-painted olive tree as Leonard Cohen sang and played his guitar. Its a moment engraved in popular cultures collective imagination.

Chick leant against that same tree and wept for her grandmother who, like her, had lived with the soul ache of having lost a child. Chick began to play her guitar and sing for her departed daughter and grandmother, two ghosts she imagined now dancing  coming home to each other  under the olive tree.

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Chick returned to Australia and was forced to sit with the secret of having won Alone for nearly eight months, until the final episode was aired in late May 2023.

Then the dam burst. Suddenly, people started coming up to her in the street, thanking her for her courage and fearless authenticity. Her social media profile exploded. From 1000 Instagram followers before Alone Australia screened, she now had 30,000, then 80,000. Saxton Speakers Bureau snapped her up as a keynote speaker, SBSs Great Australian Walks invited her to become one of their three presenters, then co-host a new SBS podcast on the second Alone Australia season.

All this at the very time shed been commissioned to write a book about her extraordinary life. In August last year, she flew to Berlin to begin the writing process from an old warehouse. Hugh Jackman, her friend from university days in Sydney, flew in to join her.

With long-time friend Hugh Jackman, who visited Chick in Germany as she began work on her memoir. The pair first met in a university cafeteria. Credit: Courtesy of Gina Chick

Gina taught me how to read people, he tells Good Weekend via email. She taught me how to see below the surface  she was just instinctive and smart and observant and understood people  and I cant wait for people who obviously feel they know her from the show Alone to get an even deeper understanding of who she is and what she has to offer.

After a six-day writing spree in the German capital, Chick returned to Tasmania to attend a forest economics congress at the Museum of Old and New Art, where she was invited by its founder David Walsh and his wife Kirsha Kaechele to use their beach house at Marion Bay as a writing den.

Chick wrote in a preternatural white heat, almost finishing the manuscript in three weeks. It was an outpouring from my heart, she says, and while I was writing it I could really feel the presence of Charmian and my mother. I could feel the wild, creative genes just singing and ringing and having their own storm inside me.

If you spend enough time out in the wilderness, your idea of whats rationally possible shifts. Gina Chick

I pretty much just had to hang on when the words started coming, because they were not coming from a cognitive or rational place. It felt like I was sticking my finger up into the clouds and I just had to ride the lightning to get whatever was coming through.

A few years ago, Gina Chick was walking through a forest in northern NSW, looking for a cave to sleep in, when she saw a black cockatoo with magnificent feathers high in the branches of a turpentine. Hey little sister, she called, will you give me a feather? and, according to Chick, the bird looked at her for a split second, stretched her beak to her tail, plucked a feather and then spat it out.

The feather landed in another branch, too high for Chick to reach, so  next thing Chick sees  the bird is lifting from its branch, flapping its wings next to the feather and the feather is falling like an autumn seed pod at Chicks feet.

That was the closest thing Ive ever seen to magic, Chick says now, completely aware of the disbelief this anecdote will cause. But if you spend enough time out in the wilderness, out in nature, your idea of whats rationally possible shifts. Just look at First Nations peoples connection to country and their experience of cause and effect. There are very clear descriptions of this sort of thing happening  people saying, This is something I need, and it comes. And that was my experience on Alone.

Show me the girl at seven and Ill show you the woman. From the time Gina Chick was a little girl, she lived in a world of magic, her senses all a tiptoe. She spoke to birds and ran headlong into tempests. She learnt about the atoms and elements of the universe, and everywhere she looked there was wonder to behold, but also a throbbing sense of isolation.

At the age of 30, she briefly contemplated suicide. All the pain, rejection and confusion shed felt trying to fit in a box, trying to be human, left her feeling life was not worth the struggle.

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After a year as a workhand on an island resort in the Great Barrier Reef, however, she decided she wanted to live, and she began reconnecting with nature and her deepest longings: running wilderness programs, rewilding camps, leading dance and meditation retreats, getting in touch with her body once more and the fierce creativity shed inherited through her maternal bloodline.

We never saw this on Alone but during her last 10 days, she survived the relentless rain and sub-zero temperatures by writing songs and giving imaginary concerts to pretend audiences, dressed in her signature possum-skin coat.

Two years earlier, during COVID-19, shed lived in a bus on the side of a mountain, awaking many winter mornings before dawn to write a song and, of course, now she has an album ready for release because theres nothing, seemingly, that Gina Chick cant do.

She can play music, as well as sing and dance. She can hold an audience in rapt attention and can write like a born-writer writes. She can hunt, stalk and kill, while also grieving the death of the animal she has just slain. She can survive on her own in the wilderness, communing with the land, reminding us of our lost connection to nature.

And she can do all this because, beyond her physical survival skills and ability to tune into the deep intelligence of the natural world, she has forged a friendship with all the untamed voices and characters  both real and fabled  that have lived inside her since she was a little girl.

I spent so long as a child wondering how to leave my strangeness behind, she says, and it turns out that was the wisest part of me.

To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times.
That would accord with what weve found for women, says Brown. That means theyre very vulnerable, and if anything else goes wrong  perhaps she and her partner split up  theyre prone to not being able to cope. Somehow, that moves from suicidal ideation to homicidal ideation. We dont know enough to say how that happens. Mental health looms large in Australian cases involving mothers who murder. In 2014, Cairns mother Raina Thaiday killed eight children; her four sons, three daughters and a niece, aged between two and 14. She had schizophrenia, and a court heard she had believed she was saving the children from the end of the world. Neighbours heard her saying things like, You stab my kids, I stab them first. Raina Thaiday thanks paramedics for safely delivering her child in the back of an ambulance in 2009. Credit: Nine News In Melbourne, Katica Perinovic, 42, was being treated for paranoia and anxiety when she killed her children Claire, 7, Anna, 5, and Matthew, 3 before taking her own life. They were stabbed in the back. Their father is taking legal action, claiming his wifes doctor was negligent in treating her mental health condition. Some killers convince themselves theyre acting in the interest of their child. In Port Hedland, Margaret Dale Hawke, a heavy drug user who had repeatedly told services she was struggling, stabbed, strangled and suffocated her three children.

Babies, I dont want us to hurt any more, she told them. Once, these cases were known as altruistic killings. But its not altruistic at all, says Brown. Its a violent death. The profile of an offender can shift with the age of the child. Neonaticide, or the killing of a newborn, is almost exclusively committed by mothers and often involves women whove concealed, denied or not even recognised their pregnancies. One British study cites the heartbreaking example of a young teenage mother who hid her newborn in a school bag, before telling her mother, Dont be mad, mum. Ive had a baby. Keli Lane leaves court during her trial in 2010. Credit: Nick Moir Australias most famous case is that of Keli Lane, a polo player from Sydneys northern beaches who hid five pregnancies over seven years. She terminated two, and put two babies up for adoption. She was convicted of murdering the fifth, a girl called Tegan. Between the babys delivery at Auburn Hospital on September 12, 1996, and her mothers arrival at a friends wedding a few days later, Tegan disappeared and has never been found. Infanticide, involving the killing of a child before their first birthday by their mother, is a discrete crime in NSW and carries a similar penalty to manslaughter. It comes from a British law written in the days when murder was punishable by death, but authorities felt women suffering post-natal mental illness should be given grace.

The law is rarely used, and police tend to lay murder charges instead. Murder was the charge levelled at NSW woman Kathleen Folbigg over the deaths of her four children. She was convicted in 2003 but pardoned by the NSW governor last year after new medical evidence suggested the babies might have died of natural causes. Another Sydney case involved a woman who drowned her six-month-old baby in the bath tub after developing psychosis after the birth, and worrying obsessively that the child had dwarfism. Melbourne woman Katica Perinovic killed her three children before taking her own life. Most filicide victims are not yet five years old. Younger children are more likely to be suffocated, drowned or shaken, and older children  those over 10  are more likely to be stabbed or shot. Police are still waiting on toxicology results to see if Ben and Russell Smith were drugged when they died, and have not revealed whether they were killed together. Brown said such a violent act from a mother could leave a child frozen with shock and fear. You just couldnt believe your mother would do it, and by the time you realise shes doing it, youre close to death, she says. Studies into what goes through a mothers mind at the time of the crime are rare. One, in which British researcher Julia Stroud interviewed dozens of perpetrators, didnt get much sense from them, says Brown. Most were incoherent.

As Hawke said to a West Australian court: I dont know why I did what I did. I remember being all over the place and confused. What Stroud did find, says Brown, was that many of the women thought theyd told services they needed help. They believed they were expressing their fear that they would kill their children, but the services didnt hear that at all. Twin sisters Maya and Karla Dickason and their older sibling Liane. The girls were killed by their mother Lauren. Credit: Facebook Stroud also found that the women had been struggling with multiple stresses before the killing, and then something happened to tip them over the edge. It might have been quite minor, but it was major to them at the time. This was what Lauren Dickason, a doctor in New Zealand, told the court during her murder trial. She had been struggling with her mental health; shed even confided her homicidal thoughts to her husband. The whole family had just spent two weeks in COVID isolation after arriving from South Africa. One night, when her husband was out, something just triggered me.

The children were being wild again, jumping on the couches, not listening to what Im trying to tell them. She received a request for more information about her daughters cleft palate. She didnt have the strength to make the childrens school lunches. She told the children they would make necklaces with cable ties. They put the ties around their necks and died by asphyxiation. Loading Burke says services should be better trained to identify red flags. Smith, who was not known to child protection teams within the Department of Communities and Justice, is the sort of person who needed a family agency stepping in every week to keep her afloat, she says. Our argument from our studies is that women do seek help but nobody appreciates the problems they have looking after their children. The staff in those services are not educated to appreciate that there are risks of filicides that they see, so they dont probe deeply into whats disturbing the person. Its too late for Russell and Ben, whose lives were allegedly ended by the woman who was supposed to keep them safe. Russell and Ben were happy, funny, outgoing boys, and were very much loved by their family and friends, said their father, who will mourn them forever. Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service (1800RESPECT) on 1800 737 732.
A South Melbourne gymnasium has been the centre of a vicious dispute between an estranged couple amid allegations of fraud, a massive debt, police investigations and a daylight attack involving a claw hammer and a gun.

AK Moslehi Roudi and Tamika Gray met in a Surfers Paradise nightclub in January last year, married in a South Melbourne cafe in July 2023, but separated just three months later.

AK Moslehi Roudi is embroiled in bitter dispute with his former partner over the former Halo Gym. Credit: Social media

The former couple have since been locked in a battle for control of Halo Gym on Montague Street, which Moslehi Roudi founded in 2020 and which suddenly closed last month.

On March 2, their feud came to a head when Moslehi Roudi  who is named AK after the Russian assault weapon  was allegedly confronted by his former wife inside the gym. She was accompanied by four men  one armed with a claw hammer, according to an intervention order obtained by the Port Phillip crime investigation unit on behalf of Moslehi Roudi.
David Morales, director of the Spanish security company UC Global SL that spied on Julian Assange for the CIA during his stay at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, was also a collaborator of Spains National Intelligence Centre (CNI), according to emails found on the electronic devices seized by the police after his arrest in southern Spain in September 2019.

In addition to this documentary evidence, to which EL PAIS has had access, three sources with ties to the Spanish intelligence services and collaborators of Morales have confirmed that the former military man worked on different operations for the Spanish intelligence services. Relax, I am with God, with the one here (CNI) and the one there (CIA), he confessed to a person he trusted who warned him of the risks of this activity. An official spokesperson for the CNI declined to answer questions from this newspaper.

The evidence linking the former marine to the CNI has appeared in new dumps of his mobile phones, and was not included in the first copy that the police gave to the judge who has been investigating the case for five years. Morales relationship with the Spanish intelligence service, and the evidence that suggests that information about the Wikileaks founders meetings with his lawyers was given to the CIA, add a new dimension to a case that has escalated to a New York court, where victims of the espionage have sued former CIA director Mike Pompeo. Assange, now free, spent 12 years in prison for leaking more than 250,000 classified documents from the U.S. State Department in November 2010. EL PAIS was one of the media outlets that participated in the concerted effort to publish these documents.

Sole contact point

On June 27, 2016, Morales sent an internal message to his employees from his corporate email. The subject line said Contact with intelligence agency and the message read: I am contacting you in order to inform you that we have learned of the interest on the part of Spanish intelligence units (CNI) in knowing or receiving information related to our actions, missions or work. We have even been contacted and received a request for collaboration (transfer of information) by the agents and operations that are assigned to these different missions.

The director of UC Global SL, whose agency was already in charge of security at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, explained to his workers that his companys activities were easily monitored and added that in the event that their missions should prove to be of national interest and do not affect the interests of our clients, there is no problem in establishing an appropriate collaboration and with a single channel of transmission, that is, through me. And he warned employees that if any agent or collaborator of any national or foreign intelligence service ever contacted them, they should be told that the procedure is to communicate with me. The warning was accompanied by a threat: any employee who failed to follow this rule would be fired. It would be hard for me to have to let go of any of you due to breaches of trust, he added.

A few months earlier, in March 2016, one of the collaborators of UC Global SL had written to Morales informing him that the CNI wants to count on us for some courses at a shooting range in the barracks of the Marine Infantry Regiment in San Fernando (in Cadiz province).

Report on a former CNI director

Other emails from Morales dated three years later, between February and March 2019, show his participation in the preparations for a meeting between the company Advanced Security Business Group SL, owned by the former CNI director Jose Alberto Saiz Cortes, and a collaborator of Indra, a large Spanish IT and defense systems company.

The former military officer wrote to the latter and sent him a report on Advanced Security Business Group SL, a consultancy firm specializing in national and international security, according to its website. I am attaching a brief report on the company with which you will be in contact tomorrow so that you can get a sense of it, although I think you already have an idea knowing the background of the person in charge, says one of the emails, alluding to the former head of the Spanish secret service.

The former CNI director, appointed by the Spanish defense minister in 2004, was dismissed from his post after the newspaper El Mundo published information about the use of secret service funds for trips and personal hobbies. Saiz continues to head his own security company. This newspaper has not been able to obtain his version of events.

Morales was arrested two months after an EL PAIS investigation released audios and videos that his employees recorded of the Australian activist in meetings with his lawyers, doctors and visitors inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London. This material was presented as evidence in a complaint filed by Assange, and Spains Audiencia Nacional court is investigating Morales for violating client-attorney privileges, misappropriation and money laundering.

The lawsuit filed in New York by several victims of espionage, known as Kunstler v. Central Intelligence Agency, forced CIA Director William J. Burns to testify. The head of the intelligence service invoked the National Security Act of 1947 and the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to avoid providing the New York judge with any information because it could cause serious  and in some cases, exceptionally grave  damage to the national security of the United States.

Following his lengthy imprisonment, Assange, 52, was released on June 25 after signing an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice in which he pleaded guilty to violating the Espionage Act and accepted a five-year prison sentence already served in London's Belmarsh prison.

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Good afternoon readers, and thank you for following along today.

Last years doggo market.

Hope you have a good weekend  road trip to Albany for the countrys best fish and chips as per our last post, perhaps?

Or if thats a bit far for you, maybe the ninth annual Fur Run at MacFaull Park in Spearwood on Sunday?

Itll be a free family-friendly outing with activities for pets, including the Fur Run, a 1-kilometre walk, run, or roll around picturesque MacFaull Park, plus the ever-popular pooch parade.

A doggo market with more than 20 stalls will showcase a range of niche animal-oriented vendors including Woofing Wonders, Hillbilly Hound, Pawty Co, Puppa Dolittle, Pampered Paws and Slobberlicious (your guess is as good as mine).

Other attractions include a pooch smooch photo booth, free pet checks and canine agility course.

It runs from 10am-3pm.

If thats not your thing, weve heard that due to unprecedented demand, the Art Gallery of WA has extended the TIME  RONE exhibition until February 2025, as its attracted record crowds.

Or are you keener on watching a horror movie tonight in honour of Friday the 13th? Thats my plan.

Whatever your entertainment of choice, we hope you have a beautiful weekend, enjoy this weather and stay safe.

A new live blog will be back on Monday.
King Charles III has decided, or been warned, not to use the word walkabout during his five days in Australia next month. Its a start.

Walkabout was his mothers preferred term for greeting bystanders during a 1970 tour, a time when Indigenous Australians had been citizens for three years. Walkabout is deeply offensive to some, not all, but it is unquestionably from another time. When the Kings father asked Aboriginal dancers if they still throw spears at each other in 2002, however unintended the offence, his words were still out of time, betraying how the institution and the individuals representing it had become museum pieces.

The Queen on a walkabout in 2011 in Canberra with Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Prince Philip (behind). Credit: Andrew Ellinghausen

Im not going to relitigate the republican case here. Twenty-five years ago, a referendum rejected the constitutional change to an Australian head of state. It was peak John Howard political craft. The then-prime minister, a committed monarchist, didnt devote his campaign to pro-monarchy arguments. Instead, monarchists united behind the slogan Say no to the politicians republic, successfully splitting republicans into those who wanted any republic, those who wanted a specific model, and those who reacted viscerally against the word politician. The gist of it was, If you dont know, vote no, which, in 1999, seemed like an effective but one-use-only appeal to the national rear-vision mirror.

Australians also had more pressing concerns than fiddling around with symbolic constitutional change. They were doing it tough after prices on all goods and services had risen by 10 per cent. Changing the head of state was too much of a niche concern. Maybe it could be saved for later, after the cost-of-living crisis had passed.
A photographer who provides images for pro-Palestinian groups has lost part of his ear and perforated an eardrum after being shot by police with a rubber bullet during a violent protest against a Melbourne military expo.

The 33-year-old photographer, who provides images for Free Palestine Melbourne and Free Palestine Coalition Naarm, was wounded at about 10am on Wednesday and says he is waiting to find out whether he will suffer permanent hearing loss.

Anti-war demonstrators hurled rocks, eggs, beer bottles and canned food at police, who responded with stun grenades, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets during a series of skirmishes outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday.

The photographer, who asked not to be identified to protect his employment, was standing about 25 metres from a line of police who had blocked Spencer Street. His last photo before the incident reveals more than 20 protesters, journalists and other photographers were standing between him and police when the rubber bullet was fired.
The rich list Tartak family, of waste giant Bingo Industries, have long been the most prominent of Strathfields high-end home owners, having accumulated an impressive portfolio of seven houses by the time Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets completed a $2.3 billion takeover of the family company in 2021.

At the time family matriarch Mary Tartak added to the property stock, paying $40 million for an apartment in Crowns One Barangaroo tower and Camilla Tartak set a Strathfield house price record of $10.78 million when she paid cash for an eight-bedroom mansion that was slated for a knock-down rebuild.

The Strathfield property owned by Camilla Tartak, wife of Daniel Tartak, goes to auction on October 19. Credit: Domain

Camillas husband Daniel Tartak was riding high as chief of the family company, having been appointed when he was just 29 and overseeing its float on the ASX in 2017.
House hunters will find the cheapest median prices within 10 kilometres of Sydneys CBD in a string of southern and inner west suburbs.

But they may be hard-pressed to find houses for less than the citywide median price of about $1.66 million.

Campsie, 8.5 kilometres from the city centre, is the cheapest with a median of $1.52 million after a 9.7 per cent annual rise, on Domain data.

Its followed by Bexley, 9.7 kilometres from the CBD, where the median is $1.55 million after a 24 per cent annual rise, then Tempe ($1.6 million), Arncliffe ($1.71 million) and Botany ($1,736,500).
Australias recent spate of data breaches has been damaging but will likely pale in comparison to more disruptive attacks on the nations hospitals and airlines, according to a warning from the UKs former top cybersecurity tsar.

Tens of millions of Australians have been caught up in data breaches over the past 18 months with customers of Optus, law firm HWL Ebsworth, Medibank Private and Dymocks all impacted in what has been dubbed a new normal of consistent attacks and leaks.

Cybersecurity expert Ciaran Martin: Australias healthcare system worked throughout the data breach. Disruptive cyberattacks are much more malicious, and things can deteriorate very quickly. Credit: James Alcock

Those attacks, which have affected users personal information and identity documents, will likely be dwarfed by coming disruptive cyber incidents, according to Ciaran Martin, the former CEO of the UKs National Cyber Security Centre who now serves as the UK chair of Australian cybersecurity firm CyberCX.

In June, more than 1000 planned medical operations were postponed due to a cyberattack that impacted London hospitals, with blood tests in south-east London reduced to about 10 per cent of normal capacity. Its those types of disruptive cyberattacks that Martin says Australia should be concerned about should they hit our shores.
The United States has announced sanctions on one of Cambodias most powerful politicians and business tycoons for his alleged deep involvement in the countrys rampant online scam industry.

Ly Yong Phat is one of the biggest fish in Cambodia to be implicated in the illegal trade, which robs victims around the world with often sophisticated trickery and enslaves workers, most of them poor foreigners, through violence and coercion.

Cambodian businessman Ly Yong Phat, the president of the LYP Group, left attends a ceremony for the return of artefacts at Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Credit: AP

He is a senator from the nations ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP), a member of its central committee and an adviser to authoritarian former prime minister Hun Sen, who is now the Senate president after handing over the top job to his son, Hun Manet, last year.

Non-government organisations accuse Ly of leveraging his government positions to enrich himself and his family over decades with land grabs, environmental destruction and various legal and illegal business enterprises.
Washington: An eccentric German princess who evolved from a 1980s punk style icon to a conservative Catholic known for hobnobbing with far-right figures said this week that she hosted Justice Samuel Alito and his wife at her castle during a July 2023 music festival.

US Supreme Court justices have come under scrutiny and criticism in recent months for failure to disclose generous gifts and travel from wealthy supporters.

Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis told The New York Times that she viewed the justice as a hero.

Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis in one of the chapels inside her 500-room St. Emmeram Palace, in Regensburg, Germany. Credit: Ksenia Kuleshova/The New York Times

He is pro-life in a time where the majority follows the culture of death, she wrote in a text exchange with the Times. She then typed a skull emoji, adding, Christians believe in life. The Zeitgeist is nihilistic and believes in destruction.
Aruba / St. Maarten:--- The Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG) is proud to announce significant developments following our recent annual board meeting held in Aruba. This years gathering was marked by important changes in our leadership, a renewed commitment to increasing the visibility of our organization, and a strategic focus on expanding our cultural projects across the Caribbean islands of Curacao, Aruba, St. Maarten, Statia, Bonaire, and Saba. As the only cultural foundation that continues to operate across all six islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands since the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, the CCG remains a pivotal entity in fostering cultural preservation and innovation in the region.

During the board meeting, key roles within the organization were reassigned to strengthen our capacity to serve the diverse cultural needs of the Caribbean. The board unanimously welcomed new roles within their existing and new members whose expertise and passion for cultural advocacy will be instrumental in driving forward our mission. The newly assigned roles are expected to enhance our outreach and the execution of projects that resonate with the cultural dynamics of our communities, ensuring that the legacy of the CCG continues to grow and adapt to contemporary challenges.

With a mixture of deep gratitude and sadness, we bid farewell to Lourdes B. Croes, who has served as both a member and Vice President of the CCG for the past 30 years. Lourdes has been a pillar of strength, guiding the foundation through three decades of cultural transformation. Her commitment and vision have left an indelible mark on the organization. While she steps down from her official role, her influence will continue to be felt in the cultural landscape of the Caribbean for years to come. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lourdes for her unparalleled service and dedication. We will continue to look for her guidance and input as an honorary member of the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied.

As we look to the future, the CCG is particularly focused on expanding its visibility and impact across St. Maarten, Statia, and Saba. These islands are central to our mission, and we are committed to increasing the number and scope of cultural projects that celebrate and preserve their unique heritage. By fostering strong partnerships and supporting local initiatives, we aim to empower cultural practitioners and organizations within these communities, ensuring that their rich histories and traditions continue to thrive, said St. Maarten board members Ms. Candia Joseph & Ms. Kenty Lichtenberg, who represented St. Maarten during a 3 days meeting in Aruba.

The Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied remains steadfast in its role as a bridge between the six islands of the Kingdom, reinforcing our shared cultural identity even as political landscapes shift. Our continued collaboration with cultural stakeholders across the region highlights the enduring importance of our work in a post-Netherlands Antilles era. We are excited about the future and are committed to nurturing the vibrant cultural tapestry that unites our islands.
Kyiv  the capital of a state dominated by Nazi elites, in the words of Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin  said goodbye on Thursday to Matisyahu Anton Samborski, the son of Ukraines chief rabbi. Rabbi Moshe Azman held back tears as he lamented that Russias way of denazifying Ukraine is by killing Jews like his Anton. Samborski died fighting on the front in Pokrovsk, in Donbas province, currently under attack by Russia.

Samborskis funeral in Kyivs Brodsky synagogue attracted dozens of journalists, as well as relatives who wanted to say their last goodbyes to the 33-year-old. It was an intimate ceremony compared to the large Orthodox funerals of Ukrainian fighters in Kyivs St. Michaels Cathedral or Lvivs Greek Catholic Church, run by military chaplains. But the symbolism of the event was greater because Ukrainian Jews  including Israels ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, who sat in the front row  wanted to show Russia that not only is President Volodymyr Zelenskiy Jewish, so are the soldiers who are being killed defending their homeland.

Samborskis death is a tale of wartime misery, one shared by thousands of other soldiers, whatever their faith. He was drafted in May, as Ukraines new law to mobilize more civilians came into effect. He received only one month of training, according to his father, and was fighting by July. On July 24, he went missing in action, and it was only recently that his body was recovered. Samborskis first daughter was born a week before he was drafted.

The funeral service for Anton Samborskyi on September 12 at the central synagogue in Kyiv. Cristian Segura

The funeral was attended by soldiers from various brigades, including the Azov Brigade, a regiment with far-right roots that is often used in the Russian propaganda accusing Ukraine of being a neo-Nazi dictatorship. Olena Tolkacheva, a representative of the Azov Brigade foundation in support of fighters, explained that she had come because of the regiments appreciation for Rabbi Azman and his efforts to evacuate civilians and Azov soldiers who were besieged in the battle of Mariupol.

The military personnel present at the funeral did not want to reveal which brigade Samborski had served, although Tolkacheva confirmed that it was not the Azov Brigade. Nor did the chief rabbis team know how many Jews are fighting in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, or how many have died for their country. A captain of the 108th Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces only told EL PAIS that there are many Jews in the army, as well as many Jews who have died.

The World Jewish Congress estimates that in 2023 about 45,000 Jews were living in Ukraine  2% of the total population. A decade earlier, there were 71,500. Many have taken refuge abroad or live on the aid that the central synagogue in Kyiv distributes every day.

Ukraine was, along with Poland, the country in which Nazi Germany killed the most Jews during World War II. Boris Zabarko, chairman of the Ukrainian Association of Jews and Former Prisoners of Ghetto and Nazi Concentration Camps, spoke at Samborskis funeral. Zabarko is 89 years old and was interned in a ghetto in Vinnytsia province during World War II. Zabarko stressed in his speech that, unlike then, when the Jews were abandoned to God, today they have the support of great alliances both in Ukraine and in Israel.

Israel and Russia

In perfect German, learned during his years as a scientist in the former East Germany, Zabarko says that Ukrainian society overwhelmingly supports Israel in the war against Hamas and Hezbollah. This opinion is consistent with the many public statements and comments made by Ukrainian citizens since the start of the Israeli invasion of Gaza in 2023. Ukraines support for Israel, however, contrasts with the Israeli governments conciliatory attitude towards Putin: Israel has neither supported Western sanctions against Russia nor delivered a single weapon to Ukraine. Bilateral relations between Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu and Zelenskiy have been strained, with diplomatic conflicts and threats between embassies.

Israel may not give us weapons, but it does help us, with medicines and humanitarian supplies, Zabarko replied. He and other Ukrainian Jews interviewed declined to criticize the Israeli authorities for its lack of commitment to Ukraine. The central message of the speeches during the funeral service was to make clear that if there is any fascist state, it is Russia.

Have you seen Nazis in Ukraine? I havent, Holocaust survivor and Zabarkos friend, Roman Shvartsman, asked EL PAIS in April 2022 during an interview in Odessa. While no response was given, this newspaper could have replied in the affirmative, but they are a minority group, just like in other European countries. For example, in the summer of 2022, in a performance hall located on the same corner as Kyivs Brodsky synagogue, a concert was being held in tribute to the late Taras Bobanych, the commander of the military branch of the far-right political group Right Sector. At the tribute, a few veterans of the movement wore SS emblems and swastikas. To immortalize the moment, a dozen of them went out into the street, and were photographed doing the fascist salute.

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Sometimes the introduction of a news report will stop you in your tracks, forcing you to reread in fear you didn't quite grasp its point the first time. That was certainly the case when Mail Online published a story on Mar. 21, 2017: "An alien satellite set up more than 12,000 years ago to spy on humans has been shot down by elite soldiers from the illuminati, UFO hunters claim."

And with that, the conspiracy surrounding the so-called "Black Knight" satellite appeared to be very much alive.

It's been more than 120 years, conspiracists believe, since the existence of the Black Knight was first recorded. Those who subscribe to the theory invoke an extraterrestrial spacecraft in near-polar orbit of Earth, although they draw upon pieces of evidence so disparate that it's not entirely clear why people link them. What it all amounts to is a strange brew that has spurred some folks to shout about cover-ups by NASA and other government entities. It's a legend that refuses to go away.

UFOs and UAP: History, sightings and mysteries

The photo evidence that isn't evidence

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A lot of the earliest discoveries that have been linked to the Black Knight satellite theory relate to radio signals. But a series of images from 1998 really threw the celestial cat among the pigeons. They were taken during STS-88, the first space shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

There, for all to see, were images released by NASA that showed a black object hovering above our planet in low Earth orbit. And it wasn't long after the images were thrust in front of a hopeful public before people were performing some conspiratorial sums and sharing them with the wider world.

By way of explanation, STS-88 astronaut Jerry Ross pointed out that the ISS was in the midst of being constructed when the images were taken. The U.S. team, he said, was on its way to attach the American module to the one created by the Russians and, as part of that work, they had taken four trunnion pin thermal covers with them. The task was to wrap these around four bare trunnion pins, these being rods that attached the module to the space shuttle Endeavour while it was being transported. This would act to prevent heat loss from the exposed metal.

Expedition 58: The International Space Station mission in pictures

A photo snapped by an astronaut during the space shuttle mission STS-88 in 1998 that conspiracists claim shows the "Black Knight." (Image credit: NASA)

Unfortunately, during one of the spacewalks associated with this work, things went a little bit wrong: One of the covers came loose from its tether, causing it to float away along with some other items.

"Jerry, one of the thermal covers got away from you," STS-88 commander Robert Cabana (who now serves as associate administrator of NASA) told Ross during the spacewalk, and it soon became apparent that the cover was lost for good.

Subsequently captured on camera, this runaway black object was given the catalog number 025570 by NASA. A few days later, the item fell from orbit and burned up.

Much of this information been placed on the record. Former NASA engineer James Oberg, who personally knows Ross and the person who took the photos, cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev, has demonstrated that these supposed images of the Black Knight actually depict a very mundane object.

Related: The most extreme human spaceflight records

The International Space Station (ISS) was in the process of being constructed when astronauts spotted the "Black Knight." (Image credit: NASA)

"Before leaving NASA, I led the trajectory design team that produced the mission profile," Oberg told All About Space.

"Every step of the way, there is consistency with what I learned as a lifelong spaceflight operations specialist: why the blankets were needed, why one of them came loose, why it floated off the way it did," he added. "The difference is, for the general public all these features are unearthly to folks who are only familiar with Earthside principles of heating, working, motion and dozens of other never-before-encountered-in-history aspects of outer space."

Given Oberg's thorough debunking, you'd think the matter would have been put to bed long ago. But no. Since the images were shared far and wide, conspiracy theories have lingered.

"They are probably some of the weirdest-looking 70-mm photos to ever come out of the space shuttle program," Oberg said. And apparently a NASA website update made the original links inoperative, sparking concerns over a cover-up. All normal journalistic practices  determining the timeline, asking witnesses, searching for the wider context  were skipped."

The "Black Knight" is actually debris left over from a spacewalk during the first space shuttle mission to the International Space Station in 1998. (Image credit: Future/Adrian Mann)

Historical evidence that also isn't evidence

Conspiracists absorbed the STS-88 images into a growing body of "evidence," claiming they were proof that the Black Knight alien satellite really is out there.

Reaching that conclusion, however, has required greats leaps of faith, and has also needed past observations to be forced into the overall story. Firm believers have had no problems going all the way back to 1899 in pursuit of such "truth," but, just like the photographic records, each piece of supposed evidence brought to the table so far has been explained just fine without falling back on the Black Knight myth.

So what happened in 1899? Nikola Tesla began to record some very odd signals, seemingly from outer space. While in his barn-like laboratory in Colorado Springs that year, the genius Serbian-American inventor and electrical engineer noted some unusual radio signals and speculated they had come from an intelligent alien civilization.

That's perhaps the least likely explanation, of course. Over the years, some people have speculated that Tesla may have detected emissions from a pulsar, a superdense, fast-spinning stellar corpse. But that's probably off the mark as well, scientists say.

"The very first source of non-terrestrial radio waves was discovered in the 1930s, and that was from the center of our galaxy, which is the most powerful radio source in the sky at many frequencies," said Varoujan Gorjian, a scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. "It wasnt until the 1960s that the technology evolved to detect the first pulsars. If what Tesla detected was a real signal and not an artifact of his instrument, it most likely came from Earth."

Related: Fermi paradox: Where are the aliens?

Why does talk of the Black Knight persist?

People continued to use Tesla's findings to bolster claims for the Black Knight. They also took on board the work of a Norwegian engineer called Jrgen Hals, who in the 1920s found that radio signals he transmitted were being echoed back to him a few seconds later. We now know these as long delayed echoes, and Hals was the first person to observe them.

The fact that we don't have a confirmed explanation of their cause, however, has been seized upon: In 1973, Duncan Lunan wrote an article in Spaceflight magazine suggesting that people studying long delayed echoes had overlooked the possibility they were sent by an alien space probe.

Lunan still has faith in an extraterrestrial explanation for the recordings.

"The changes in the long distance echo patterns in apparent response to changes in the outgoing signals from Earth really do look like the responses of a Bracewell probe, and there is still no satisfactory natural explanation for the phenomenon," he said, referring to a hypothesized autonomous spacecraft designed to communicate with other civilizations.

If the long distance echoes were deliberately produced by a probe, however, there's a problem in that they stopped in 1975.

"If a probe was monitoring Earth, rather than trying to attract attention, perhaps it belatedly discovered from the 1973 to 1974 publicity that it had given away its presence in the 1920s and pulled out in 1975," Lunan said. "That's the only explanation I can see for its apparent departure."

And yet, for all of that, Lunan said his research has nothing to do with the "Black Knight nonsense." If there is a link between his theory and the Black Knight, it is not one that is being made by him.

Related: 13 ways to hunt intelligent aliens

A growing interest in UFOs

The Black Knight conspiracy theory may be with us for a while yet, for there is growing public interest in unidentified flying objects (UFOs)  or, as the US military has recently rebranded them, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).

This interest really began to surge in December 2017, when The New York Times published three videos captured by cameras aboard US Navy jets. The footage showed objects that appeared to maneuver in ways beyond the capabilities of known technology.

That New York Times story also discussed the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), a previously secret US military project looking into UFOs. Politico and The Washington Post published their own pieces about AATIP around that same time, adding to the UFO momentum.

AATIP officially lasted just from 2007 to 2012. But in 2020, the military announced a successor program called the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, whose mission is "to detect, analyze and catalog UAPs that could potentially pose a threat to US national security."

This is a very practical concern for military officials. For example, what if some of the mysterious objects are alarmingly advanced reconnaissance craft developed by adversary nations?

So there is some real intrigue and mystery surrounding UFOs, some of which are difficult to explain. But that mystery does not extend to the Black Knight, a wayward thermal blanket that burned up in Earth's atmosphere more than two decades ago.

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OpenAI releases reasoning AI with eye on safety, accuracy



San Francisco, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



ChatGPT creator OpenAI on Thursday released a new series of artificial intelligence models designed to spend more time thinking -- in hopes that generative AI chatbots provide more accurate and beneficial responses.

The new models, known as OpenAI o1-Preview, are designed to tackle complex tasks and solve more challenging problems in science, coding and mathematics -- something that earlier models have been criticized for failing to provide consistently.

Unlike their predecessors, these models have been trained to refine their thinking processes, try different methods and recognize mistakes before they deploy a final answer.

The new release comes as OpenAI is raising funds that could see it valued around $150 billion, which would make it one of the world's most valuable private companies, according to US media.

Investors include Microsoft and Nvidia, and could also include a $7 billion investment from MGX, a United Arab Emirates-backed investment fund, The Information reported.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hailed the models as "a new paradigm: AI that can do general-purpose complex reasoning."

However, he cautioned that the technology "is still flawed, still limited, and it still seems more impressive on first use than it does after you spend more time with it."

OpenAI's push to improve "thinking" in its model is a response to the persistent problem of "hallucinations" in AI chatbots.

This refers to their tendency to generate persuasive but incorrect content that has somewhat cooled the excitement over ChatGPT-style AI features among business customers

"We have noticed that this model hallucinates less," OpenAI researcher Jerry Tworek told The Verge.

But "we can't say we solved hallucinations," he added.

The Microsoft-backed company said that in tests, the models performed comparably to PhD students on difficult tasks in physics, chemistry and biology.

They also excelled in mathematics and coding, achieving an 83 percent success rate on a qualifying exam for the International Mathematics Olympiad, compared to 13 percent for GPT-4o, its most advanced general use model.

OpenAI said that the new reasoning capabilities could be used for healthcare researchers to annotate cell sequencing data, physicists to generate complex formulas, or computer developers to build and execute multistep designs.

The company also said that the models survived rigorous jailbreaking tests and could better withstand attempts to circumvent its guardrails.

OpenAI said its strengthened safety measures also included recent agreements with the US and UK AI Safety Institutes, which were granted early access to the models for evaluation and testing.
Musk brands Australia 'fascists' after move to fine tech giants



Sydney, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Tech mogul Elon Musk has likened the Australian government to "fascists", attacking proposed laws that would fine social media giants for failing to stem the spread of misinformation.

Australia introduced a "combating misinformation" bill on Thursday, which includes sweeping powers to fine tech giants up to five percent of their yearly turnover for breaching online safety obligations.

"Fascists," posted Musk in a one-word reply on social platform X, formerly known as Twitter, which he owns.

Musk's salvo threatened to rekindle his long-running spat with the Australian government.

The country's online watchdog took Musk's company to court earlier this year, alleging it had failed to remove "extremely violent" videos that showed a Sydney preacher being stabbed.

But it abruptly dropped its attempt to force a global takedown order on X after Musk scored a legal victory in a preliminary hearing, a move he celebrated as a free speech triumph.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant -- a former Twitter employee -- has said Musk's takeover coincided with a rise in "toxicity and hate" on the platform.

Musk has also been butting heads in Brazil, where a judge has effectively suspended X after it ignored a series of court directives.

Australia has been at the forefront of global efforts to regulate social media platforms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled plans earlier this week to ban children from social media until they are at least 14 years old.

sft/djw/mca
US to boost scrutiny on tax-free imports over China worries



Washington, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



The US government said Friday it will work to curb the "overuse and abuse" of a mechanism allowing lower-value imports to enter the country duty-free, as concerns grow over Chinese shipments.

Under a new regulatory effort, US officials will be seeking to disqualify certain products from this trade exemption -- a move that could impact a majority of Chinese textile and apparel imports.

While roughly 140 million annual shipments entered the United States under the de minimis exemption a decade ago, this has surged to over a billion last year.

A key factor behind the rise in volume is the growth of Chinese-founded online retailers Shein and Temu, according to US officials. Both platforms are known for selling items at low prices.

"Foreign companies, predominantly China-founded e-commerce platforms, are flooding the US market with low-value products," National Economic Council deputy director Navtej Dhillon told reporters.

"This exponential increase in de minimis shipments makes it more challenging to enforce our laws," he added.

As the exemption stands, such foreign shipments enter the country with fewer oversights, potentially allowing unsafe products and illicit substances to avoid scrutiny as they enter the United States, Dhillon said.

To prevent this, President Joe Biden's administration will seek to disqualify certain products from the exemption.

This includes goods facing Section 301 tariffs -- the primary tool the United Stated used to justify levies during the trade war with China.

Section 301 tariffs hit approximately 70 percent of Chinese textile and apparel imports, meaning the move would drastically reduce the number of shipments entering through the de minimis exemption, said Daleep Singh, deputy national security advisor for international economics.

But officials added that the tighter rules would not only apply to imports from a single country.

On Wednesday, a group of over 120 US lawmakers raised "grave concerns" over the de minimis "trade loophole" in a letter and urged Biden to close it.

They said such imports threatened US manufacturers and charged that these "expose American consumers to great risk by flooding the market with fake and sometimes dangerous imported goods, including fentanyl and precursor chemicals from China."

US officials will also look to introduce rules for those who continue using the de minimis exemption, such as new information collection requirements.

"The administration is calling on Congress to pass legislation this year to comprehensively reform the de minimis exemption," said Singh.
Graphical representation of the proposal for anal breathing proposed by a Japanese scientific team. MED

A Japanese study that found mammals can breathe through their anus is one of the papers recognized by the Ig Nobel Prize, a satirical prize awarded by the Annals of Improbable Research to the most unusual achievements in scientific research. Other prize winners include a study that shows drunk worms are slower than sober ones, research into the swimming patterns of dead trout, and a paper into how scaring a cow every 10 seconds affects its milk, but having a cat on its back does not.

These are the investigations  published in scientific journals  that were awarded an Ig Noble Prize at a ceremony held Thursday at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in the presence of five Nobel laureates:

Breathing through the anus

Gas exchange via the traditional mammalian escape route does not have to be unidirectional  from the individual to the environment  leading to the undesirable side effect that is well-known to the flatulent. This is the conclusion reached by Ryo Okabes team at Tokyo Medical University. The research was inspired by organisms such as loaches that have developed unique intestinal breathing mechanisms to survive under extensive hypoxia. In 2022, the Ig Nobel Prize recognized a work about ritual anal injections by the Maya civilization, but the new research into digestive breathing is a unique angle into this field of study.

The awards recognized the boldness of the work into the advent of the intestinal breathing phenomenon in mammalians by exploiting EVA (enteral ventilation via anus). In this situation, oxygen is supplied via the anus or via liquid containing oxygenated perfluorocarbon. So far, the researchers have only experimented with rodents and pigs. But the scientists claim that both procedures, in the case of respiratory failure, can improve survival rate and systemic circulation. According to the study, the side effects are similar to what is experienced after an enema, with no major signs of complications. In any case, its possible clinical use could be one more good reason to stop smoking.

Drunk worms are slower

Although the results were to be expected, a team of researchers led by University of Amsterdams Tess Heeremans won an Ig Noble Prize for using chromatography to separate drunk and sober worms. The experiment, published in Science Advances, consisted of putting several worms  half sober and the other half exposed to a 5% ethanol solution  into a maze. The sober worms completed the maze 50 seconds earlier. The study does not say whether the drunk worms had any accidents along the way.

Its better if it hurts

To every mother and father who has ever consoled their injured children with the saying: what stings, heals... Well, a Central European study took this idea to the extreme and subjected 77 people to nasal sprays that had no therapeutic effect, but caused thermal pain. Half of the participants were told that it was a treatment. The participants who felt more pain, believed the supposed treatment was more effective. The worse part of this is that the researchers suggest side effects could trigger positive treatment expectations and enhance treatment outcomes.

How cows respond to being scared vs a cat

The managers of the experimental farms in Kentucky and Minnesota, not content with testing the effects of administering different substances during milking, decided to explore something new: how cows respond to having a cat on their back and to hearing paper bags burst every 10 seconds. According to the experiment, the cat made no difference to the cows, who could produce milk straight away. However, after being systematically frightened, the cows could not produce milk again until 30 minutes after the trauma, although the gland was still relatively hard, but considerably more relaxed than at the time of frightening, explain the researchers.

How dead trout swim

James C. Liao, from the Department of Organic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, proposed in The Journal of Experimental Biology a new spin on the raising of Lazarus, focusing on trout. Liao studied how these fish swim depending on the water current. According to the research, the more favorable the current, the less effort is made by the fish, which adopts an inert position to let itself be carried away. In other words, they play dead. Whats most curious about the study is that it compared the inert positions of live fish with the positions of dead trout, reaching the obvious conclusion that: Live trout head angles have a wider range of values and a higher variance [...] compared with dead trout.

A pigeon being put in a missile in an image from the B. F. Skinner Foundation. BFS Fundation

Pigeons piloting missiles

Psychologist Burrhus Frederic Skinner, who died in 1990, would have personally collected the Ig Nobel if the prize had existed when he reviewed attempts to use animals to guide weapons in World War II. At the time, he warned: This is the history of a crackpot idea. The American Psychological Association has won the Ig Nobel  which was collected by Skinners daughter  after reviving his 1960 proposal to use living organisms to guide missiles, which was included in a wartime research program called Project Pigeon. The idea was abandoned due to the birds erratic behavior.

Whorls dont understand geography

It is difficult to know the global implications of a discovery such as the one made by Department of Medical Genetics at the Montpellier hospital and Chilean scientists: hair of most people in the northern hemisphere curls in the same direction as the hair on the heads of most people in the southern hemisphere. The researchers explained that their motivation for such a momentous discovery was because the mechanisms determining the laterality and the rotation direction of hair whorls are unknown.

Looking for random rules

Many people have flipped coins but few have stopped to ponder the statistical and physical intricacies of the process, argue the 50 or so authors of a study on coin flips. The number of researchers may seem exaggerated for such a simple study, but considering that they tossed coins 350,757 times, each one was responsible for 7,000 flips. The worst thing is that after all that effort, the result is inconclusive. According to the authors, coins tend to land on the same side they started, only 51% of the time. In other words, half of the time.

Fake centenarians

In the past, people didnt live longer, they lied better. Saul Justin Newman, from the Department of Population Health at the University of Oxford, has revealed an open secret: there arent that many centenarians. Living longer is related to good nutrition, strong social connections and genetic inheritance. But, according to his study, the high number of these centenarians in the past is difficult to confirm. With reliable birth records now readily available, the number of self-declared centenarians has fallen by up to 82%. And the birthdates of the centenarians still on the list are concentrated on days divisible by five: a pattern indicating fraud. Newman suggests that these individuals changed their birthdate to collect their pension years before they were entitled to it. If you want to die early, according to data from Italy, England and France, you only have to live in poverty and in areas that have a high crime rate and low health indices. Sardinia, Okinawa and Icaria are exceptions to this rule, but Newman suspects this is because of age record fraud.

Plants see

Researcher Felipe Yamashita, from the Institute of Cellular and Molecular Botany at the University of Bonn, argues that the hypothesis that plants can see is plausible. He defends this in a study in Plant Signaling & Behavior, where he says that the creeper Boquila trifoliolata has the ability to perceive the shapes of its neighboring plants and imitate them, even if they are made of plastic.

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NKorea's Kim calls for boosting nuclear might



Seoul, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a nuclear facility and called for boosting the country's nuclear capabilities in the face of growing threats from Washington and its allies, state media reported Friday.

The report comes a day after North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into waters east of the Korean peninsula, Seoul's military said, the nuclear-armed country's first major weapons test since early July.

Kim inspected the Nuclear Weapons Institute and a production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials, the government news agency KCNA reported.

As he toured the facility, Kim "encouraged the nuclear scientists faithful to the Party to unconditionally implement the Party's policy of building up nuclear force without an inch of deflection with their strong faith and high practical ability," KCNA said.

Noting that nuclear threats from the United States and its allies "have become more undisguised and crossed the red line," Kim said North Korea must "steadily expand and bolster up its defence capability... and the capability for a preemptive attack with the nuclear force as a pivot."

Kim's regime has staged dozens of launches this year, part of a testing spree 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 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.

In an apparent reference to that test, KCNA reported Friday that Kim "oversaw the test-fire for verifying the performance of a new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher."

The shells "hit the target on an island in the East Sea," according to KCNA.

"The test was conducted, aiming at further developing the launcher's driving system and verifying the combat effectiveness of the launcher in which the whole process of firepower is fully automated," it added.
Japan says scrambled jets after Russia aircraft circled country



Tokyo, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Japan's military said it scrambled fighter jets on Thursday after two Russian patrol planes flew in a circle around the country, but there was no violation of Japanese airspace.

The last time Russian military aircraft circled Japan was in 2019, a ministry official told AFP on Friday, but that incident involved bombers that did enter the nation's airspace.

From Thursday morning to afternoon, the Russian Tu-142 aircraft flew from the sea between Japan and South Korea towards the southern Okinawa region, a defence ministry statement said.

They then went northwards over the Pacific Ocean to finish their journey off northern Hokkaido island, it added.

The planes also flew over an area subject to a territorial dispute between Japan and Russia, the official said.

"In response, we mobilised Air Self-Defence Force fighter jets on an emergency basis," the ministry statement said.

Earlier this week, Russian and Chinese warships began joint drills in the Sea of Japan.

The drills are part of a major naval exercise that Russian President Vladimir Putin has described as the largest of its kind in three decades.
Japan scrambles jets as Russia aircraft circle country



Tokyo, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Japan scrambled fighter jets after Russian aircraft flew around the archipelago for the first time in five years, Tokyo said Friday.

From Thursday morning to afternoon, the Russian Tu-142 aircraft flew from the sea between Japan and South Korea towards the southern Okinawa region, according to a defence ministry statement.

They then travelled north over the Pacific Ocean and finished their journey off the northern island of Hokkaido, it added.

The planes did not enter Japanese airspace but flew over an area subject to a territorial dispute between Japan and Russia, a ministry official told AFP on Friday.

"In response, we mobilised Air Self-Defence Force fighter jets on an emergency basis," the statement said.

The last time Russian military aircraft circled Japan was in 2019, the official said, but that incident involved bombers that did enter the nation's airspace.

Earlier this week, Russian and Chinese warships began joint drills in the Sea of Japan.

The drills are part of a major naval exercise that Russian President Vladimir Putin has described as the largest of its kind in three decades.

Russia and China have ramped up military cooperation in recent years, with both railing against what they see as the US domination of global affairs.

They declared a "no limits" partnership shortly before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine in 2022.

Japan also scrambled fighter jets in late August when a Chinese military aircraft "violated" its airspace, according to the defence ministry.

The two-minute incursion into Japanese airspace by the Y-9 surveillance aircraft was the first ever by a Chinese military plane, local media reported at the time.

Since the start of the Ukraine conflict, relations have deteriorated sharply between Japan and Russia, which both claim the Kuril Islands -- known in Japan as the Northern Territories.

The Soviet Union seized the strategically located volcanic archipelago north of Hokkaido in the final days of World War II, and has maintained a military presence there ever since.
North Korea releases images of uranium enrichment facility for first time



Seoul, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



North Korea released images of its uranium enrichment facility for the first time on Friday, showing leader Kim Jong Un touring it as he called for more centrifuges to boost his nuclear arsenal.

The country, which conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and is under rafts of UN sanctions for its banned weapons programmes, has never publicly disclosed details of its uranium enrichment facility.

Such facilities produce highly enriched uranium -- which is needed to produce nuclear warheads -- by spinning the material in centrifuges at high speeds.

Kim toured the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the "production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials," the official Korean Central News Agency reported, without giving the location of the facility or the date of the visit.

Kim "stressed the need to further augment the number of centrifuges in order to exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defence," state media reported, publishing images of Kim inspecting rows of centrifuges.

The North Korean leader urged the facility to "push forward the introduction of a new-type centrifuge... so as to further strengthen the foundation for producing weapon-grade nuclear materials".

Kim also "stressed the need to set a higher long-term goal in producing nuclear materials necessary", added KCNA.

North Korea's nuclear weapons programmes are banned by UN sanctions, but the country has long flouted the restrictions, thanks in part to support from allies Russia and China.

South Korea slammed the North over the uranium enrichment facility and its aims to boost production of materials for tactical nuclear weapons.

It "is a clear violation of a number of UN Security Council resolutions," a spokesperson for Seoul's unification ministry said.



- Message for US? -



Experts said the sudden public disclosure of the North's uranium enrichment facility could be intended to impact the US presidential election in November.

The images are "a message to the next administration that it will be impossible to denuclearise North Korea", Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP.

"It is also a message demanding other countries to acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear state," he added.

North Korea is believed to operate multiple uranium enrichment facilities, Seoul's spy agency has said, including one at its Yongbyon nuclear site, which Pyongyang purportedly decommissioned after talks -- although it later reactivated the facility in 2021.

According to Hong, the facility unveiled Friday is "highly likely to be the Kangson site" -- another top secret nuclear complex near Pyongyang.

It is unlikely that the disclosure will be quickly followed by another nuclear test, Hong said.

Pyongyang last month said record rain 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 had been damaged by floodwaters.

North Korea's main nuclear test site "is in very bad condition. All roads and railways have been lost due to rain damage, and the ground is very weakened," Hong added.

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.

On Thursday, Seoul said the North had fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into waters east of the Korean peninsula.

But KCNA said in a separate dispatch Friday that this had been a test of a "new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher" which was overseen by Kim.
US blames Iran-linked group for attack on Iraq diplomatic compound



Baghdad, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



The US embassy in Iraq on Friday blamed Iran-linked groups for an attack this week on a US diplomatic compound at Baghdad airport, warning it retained the right to self-defence.

An explosion rocked the compound located within the perimeter of Baghdad International Airport late Tuesday night. A senior military official said it was caused by two Katyusha-type rockets.

The US embassy in Baghdad said in a statement issued on Friday that the attack was "initiated by Iran-aligned militia groups which operate freely in Iraq".

It said there were no casualties at the facility, which is attached to the US embassy and provides logistical support and medical services, among other things.

The attack occurred amid rising regional tensions over the Gaza war and shortly ahead of a visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Iraq.

In its statement, the US embassy said Iraq had "repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions" and US military personnel in the country "at the government of Iraq's invitation".

"We again call on the government of Iraq, as we have done on many occasions, to protect diplomatic and coalition partner personnel and facilities", it added.

"We reiterate that we reserve the right to self-defence and to protect our personnel anywhere in the world."

A senior military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP on Wednesday that "two Katyusha-type rockets" had caused the explosion.

"One fell on the wall of the Iraqi anti-terrorist forces compound. The second was inside the base hosting the international anti-jihadist coalition led by Washington."

Major General Tahseen Al Khafaji, a spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command, said in a statement on Wednesday that Iraqi security forces were "unable to determine the origin of the explosion".

US military and civilian facilities in Iraq have come under repeated attack, both by Sunni Muslim extremists and by Shiite armed groups backed by Iran.

The Baghdad airport diplomatic compound was previously targeted in January 2022.

Bases used by US troops came under a barrage of rocket and drone attacks claimed by Iran-backed elements of Iraq's armed forces last winter, triggering retaliatory US air strikes in both Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

The groups said they were acting in solidarity with Gaza and demanded the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq.

The Iraqi government responded by opening talks with the US administration on the withdrawal of the remaining US-led troops deployed to the country to fight the Islamic State jihadist group.

Following Tuesday's attack, an influential pro-Tehran armed group, the Hezbollah Brigades, denounced the attack, saying it aimed to "disrupt" Pezeshkian's visit and called on Iraqi security forces to identify those responsible.
China defence minister calls for 'negotiation' to end Ukraine, Gaza wars



Beijing, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun said Friday that "negotiation" was the only solution to conflicts such as the wars in Gaza and Ukraine as he addressed a global gathering of military officials in Beijing.

Top military representatives from Russia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Iran and Germany are among more than 500 delegates in Beijing for the Xiangshan Forum, dubbed China's answer to the annual Shangri-La meeting in Singapore.

The three-day forum comes as Beijing increasingly presents itself as a mediator in global conflicts, including by sending envoys to the Middle East, brokering a temporary ceasefire in north Myanmar and last year, facilitating a historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. On Ukraine and Israel-Palestine, China presents itself as a more neutral actor than the United States.

Dong told the opening ceremony: "To resolve hotspot issues such as the crisis in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, promoting peace and negotiation is the only way out."

"There is no winner in war and conflict, and confrontation leads nowhere," Dong said.

"The more acute the conflict, the more we cannot give up dialogue and consultation. The end of any conflict is reconciliation," he added, calling on all countries to promote "peaceful development and inclusive governance".

Topics for discussion at the forum include US-China relations, security in Europe and Asia, and the challenges of defence in a multipolar world.

In his speech, Dong urged against "the proliferation of national security concepts" to ensure "new technologies can better benefit the whole mankind" -- a likely reference to the United States's efforts to block Beijing's access to advanced technology.

"At a time of high global security risks and increased instability and unpredictability, the responsibility for building the defence and security capacity of all countries is enormous," Dong said.

Beijing, he added, "is willing to work with all parties to strengthen strategic alignment, deepen defence consultations, discuss the signing of bilateral and multilateral agreements on defence cooperation".



- Flashpoints -



US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase is attending the forum just a few days after top Washington and Beijing commanders held their first talks.

Approached by AFP at the forum, he declined to comment.

Washington and Beijing remain at odds on issues from trade to the status of self-ruled Taiwan and China's increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions.

But they have sought to re-establish regular military-to-military talks in a bid to prevent flashpoint disputes from escalating.

One such flashpoint is the South China Sea, where Chinese vessels have engaged in a series of high-profile confrontations with Philippine ships in recent months.

China claims almost all of the economically vital body of water despite competing claims from other countries and an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Senior military official Lieutenant General He Lei told journalists at the forum on Thursday that China would "crush" any foreign incursion into its sovereign territory, including in the South China Sea.

Speaking on Friday during a discussion panel, He accused Washington of being "afraid that someone else will replace them" as the global superpower.

"China does absolutely not have the wild ambition to replace them in dominating the world," he added.

"China's development is by no means aimed at surpassing or replacing anyone," he said.
Germany arrests Syrian accused of plotting to kill soldiers



Berlin, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



German authorities said Friday they had arrested a 27-year-old Syrian man who allegedly planned an Islamist attack on army soldiers using two machetes.

The suspect, an "alleged follower of a radical Islamic ideology", was arrested on Thursday on charges of planning "a serious act of violence endangering the state".

The man had acquired two heavy knives "around 40 centimetres (more than one foot) in length" in recent days, prosecutors in Munich said.

He planned to "attack Bundeswehr soldiers" in the city of Hof in northern Bavaria during their lunch break, aiming "to kill as many of them as possible", prosecutors said.

"The accused wanted to attract attention and create a feeling of insecurity among the population," they said.

German security services have been on high alert over the threat of Islamist attacks, in particular since the Gaza war erupted on October 7 with the Hamas attacks on Israel.

Police shot dead a man in Munich this month after he opened fire on officers in what was being treated as a suspected "terrorist attack" on the Israeli consulate in Munich.

The shootout fell on the anniversary of the kidnap and killing of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games by Palestinian militants.

The 18-year-old suspect had previously been investigated by authorities in his home country Austria on suspicion of links to terrorism but the case had been dropped.

The incident capped a string of attacks in Germany, which have stirred a sense of insecurity in Germany and fed a bitter debate of immigration.

Three people were killed last month in a suspected Islamist stabbing at a festival in the western city of Solingen.

The suspect in the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State group, was a Syrian man who had been slated for deportation from Germany.

A federal interior ministry spokesman said if an Islamist motive was confirmed in the latest foiled attack, it would be "further evidence of the high threat posed by Islamist terrorism in Germany, which was recently demonstrated by the serious crimes in Mannheim and the attack in Solingen, but also by acts that were fortunately prevented by the timely intervention of the security authorities".

The Solingen stabbing followed a knife attack in the city of Mannheim in May, which left a policeman dead, and which had also been linked to Islamism by officials.

Germany has responded to the attacks by taking steps to tighten immigration controls and knife laws.

The government has announced new checks along all of its borders and promised to speed up deportations of migrants who have no right to stay in Germany.

The number of people considered Islamist extremists in Germany fell slightly from 27,480 in 2022 to 27,200 last year, according to a report from the federal domestic intelligence agency.

But Interior Minister Nancy Faeser warned in August that "the threat posed by Islamist terrorism remains high".
German naval ships sail into sensitive Taiwan Strait



Berlin, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Two German naval vessels were heading into the Taiwan Strait on Friday, the country's defence minister said in Berlin, in a voyage expected to spark a protest from Beijing.

Asked whether the frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and the supply ship Frankfurt am Main were headed into or through the Strait, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said "I can confirm that".

"And the message is a very simple one, which we have always supported... international waters are international waters," Pistorius told journalists.

US and other military ships have often sailed through the sensitive waterway but it was the first time in over two decades that the German navy has done so, German media reports said.

Taiwan's defence ministry in a brief statement said that "a German frigate and a supply ship sailed through the Taiwan Strait from north to south since this morning".

"The military has monitored the situation and no anomaly was detected in our surroundings."

Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and claims jurisdiction over the body of water that separates the island from the Chinese mainland.

Germany and many other countries argue such voyages are usual, citing freedom of navigation in international waters.

The two German vessels were headed from South Korea to the Philippines, defence ministry officials said.

Pistorius said that the course charted by the vessels was "the shortest route".

"It is the safest route given the weather conditions. And these are international waters, so we are sailing through them."

Global tracking service MarineTraffic on Friday showed the vessels sailing into the Strait, on a southerly course at a location to the west of Taipei.

German magazine Der Spiegel had first reported the planned voyage last week, but German defence officials did not immediately confirm the plans.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said on Tuesday it "welcomes and affirms Germany, along with the US, Canada and the Netherlands, for taking actions to demonstrate the legal status of the Taiwan Strait as international waters, while defending freedom of navigation and maintaining regional peace at the same time".

A business group in Europe's largest economy, the Federation of German Industries, welcomed the move.

"German industry is encouraging the federal government to maintain the already eroding rules-based international order as far as possible," executive board member Wolfgang Niedermark told the Handelsblatt financial daily.

He said rules are only valid if they are enforced consistently, and that "Germany too must take responsibility for this".
Biden, Starmer to discuss long-range weapons for Ukraine



Washington, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



The leaders of Britain and the United States meet Friday in Washington on whether to let Kyiv fire Western-provided long-range missiles into Russia, an option that has sent tensions soaring with Moscow.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to President Joe Biden comes with Kyiv pushing for permission and Russia warning that giving Ukraine the green light would mean NATO was "at war" with Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin's warning was unambiguous: "We have no doubt that this statement has reached its recipients."

British media reported that Biden, who is wary of provoking a nuclear conflict, was ready to let Ukraine deploy British and French missiles using US technology but not US-made missiles themselves.

Responding to Putin's warning, Starmer told UK media travelling with him that "Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away."

In a sign of increasing tensions, Russia's FSB security service announced on Friday that the accreditation of six British diplomats had been withdrawn and accused them of spying.

But London dismissed the claims as "completely baseless" and indicated they were a tit-for-tat measure after it slapped new restrictions on Russian diplomats in May.

The talks come at a time when Biden is on his way out of office and November's US election is a toss-up between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.

Trump repeatedly refused to take sides on the war during a debate with Harris on Tuesday, saying only: "I want the war to stop."

Starmer is set to meet Biden in the Oval Office at 4:30 pm (2030 GMT) but has no scheduled meetings at this stage with Trump or Harris, both of whom will be on the campaign trail on Friday.

His visit -- his second to Washington since his Labour party stormed to victory in July after 14 years -- is also aimed at papering over differences on the war in Gaza.

Starmer's government last week announced restrictions on some weapons to Israel, voicing concern that they could be used to violate international humanitarian law.

The White House has declined to criticize Britain's decision, but Politico reported that Washington had asked London what it would take to change its decision -- with the answer being a ceasefire in Gaza.



- 'War with Russia' -



But Ukraine will be the main focus, with mounting concerns over the country's losses on the battlefield more than two-and-a-half years into the war.

Biden said on Tuesday that he was "working" on Ukraine's demands, while top US and British diplomats Antony Blinken and David Lammy made a rare joint visit to Kyiv on Wednesday.

Blinken promised that Washington would now quickly review Kyiv's long-standing request and would "adjust, we'll adapt as necessary" to help Ukraine defend itself.

Washington currently authorizes Ukraine to only hit Russian targets in the occupied parts of Ukraine and some in Russian border regions directly related to Moscow's combat operations.

But Putin, who has rattled the saber of nuclear conflict since the start of his February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, warned the United States and United Kingdom against such a move.

"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," he said on Thursday.

Biden has strongly supported Ukraine since Russia's invasion to the tune of billions of dollars in aid as well as political capital at home.

But he has been risk averse about stepping up to new kinds of weaponry deliveries -- with Ukraine having to wait until this year to get F-16 jets.

The looming US election means the clock is ticking, with Kyiv in particular eyeing a Trump presidency with trepidation.

Trump has long been lukewarm on supporting Kyiv, and has frequently praised Putin.

In his debate with Harris on Tuesday, he pledged to get an agreement to end the war "before I even become president" -- a deal many Ukrainians fear would force them to accept Russia's territorial gains.

Vice President Harris has in contrast pledged to keep up staunch support for Ukraine if elected.
Ukrainian pilots begin F-16 training in Romania



Bucharest, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



The first group of Ukrainian pilots has started its F-16 fighter jet training at Romania's regional hub this week, the NATO country's defence ministry told AFP on Friday.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kyiv has been looking to boost its air force, asking the West to donate advanced military jets and sending pilots to train in NATO countries, including France.

Romania inaugurated a hub for F-16 training at its Fetesti air base in November 2023, pledging to also train Ukrainians there.

The first four Ukrainian pilots arrived earlier this week and have started their "theoretical training", Romanian defence ministry spokesperson Constantin Spinu told AFP.

He said that practical training could begin "towards the end of the year".

Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov welcomed the programme on social media, saying it would ensure that there are "more F-16s in Ukrainian skies".

The Fetesti hub is part of the country's air base situated about 150 kilometres outside the capital Bucharest, and was inaugurated after an agreement with the Netherlands was reached to make several F-16s available for training.

The planes are maintained by its US-based manufacturer Lockheed Martin, who also provides the training.

The Romanian army has 26 F-16 jets in total, of which 17 were bought from Portugal and nine from Norway.

Norway is due to supply a further 23 jets to Romania by the end of 2025.

ani/kym/rox
Public opinion of Kamala Harris was largely negative until she was nominated as presidential candidate. Overnight, Harris went from hell to heaven, without a political commentator so much as batting an eye. And this was long before Tuesdays debate (we will get into that later). So what happened? Nothing, simply that Harris was a vice president, and the White House doesnt usually give them an easy time until theyre set to replace the No. 1.

There is a juicy literature on the subject: one of the nations founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, is credited with jokingly suggesting that vice presidents be called superfluous excellency  in reference to the fact that the position is both high profile and powerless. Many years later, Nelson Rockefeller, who served as president Gerald Fords number VP, snidely summed up his occupations: I go to funerals, he said, I go to earthquakes. And in 1960, the year that JFK won the election, president Dwight Eisenhower was asked to cite examples of how Richard Nixon (his vice president and Kennedys rival in the election) had helped him. He replied as if he were Nixons worst enemy: If you give me a week, I might think of one.

In addition to inhabiting that strange space between the glitter of power and nothingness, vice presidents are also usually handed a hot potato, like when Joe Biden put Harris in charge of managing the migratory flows on the U.S. southern border with Mexico  a task from which Harris did not emerge unscathed  or when Donald Trump put Mike Pence in charge of the task force for the coronavirus crisis. History has illuminated some vice presidents (see Dick Cheney), but, generally speaking, their halo is not seen until they are presidential candidates. Why was anything else expected of Harris? Because Biden was old, and she should have assumed more roles? As if a guy who has been dreaming of being president for half a century and finally gets after defeating someone like Trump is going to settle for a decaffeinated presidency. Or because she was the first Black woman in history to be vice president, and it was clear she was under pressure to prove herself more than other VPs.

Never mind that, we wanted to talk about the debate. On Tuesday, Harris proved that she can win the election; it was already known that she is good in dialectic battles  Biden saw this first hand in the 2020 Democratic primaries. Dont you remember how she overwhelmed him in the Miami debate when she launched her famous: That little girl was me?

On Tuesday, she uttered a phrase that perhaps went more unnoticed, but which is worth remembering: she stressed that she also had a gun and that she did not plan to take away anyones weapons. The gun culture in the U.S. goes beyond the horrific school shootings and transcends the left-right ideological barrier: many families hunt and parents gift their 12-year-old their first shotguns. Many others live in isolated areas and have a gun for protection. And theyve grown up with it all their lives. Trump whips up those voters, and while Democrats advocate for more gun restrictions  especially for minors  it would be a mistake to respond to fears with radical positions. Harris was also helped in the debate when Trump showed his most unhinged side and claimed that migrants in Ohio were eating the cats and dogs of good Americans.

But winning a debate does not mean winning an election. Just ask Hillary Clinton, who won the 2016 televised contests, but to no avail; she beat Trump by more than three million votes and it didnt matter either, because the devilishness of the US electoral system means that  in a country of 330 million inhabitants  a candidate can win the popular vote by three million ballots and lose the election because of 80,000 votes in three states: Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, which is what happened in 2016.

In 2020, Biden won seven million more votes than Trump in the popular vote. His campaign also had some help from the Republican, who did not say anything about migrants eating dogs, but did encourage the public to inject bleach as a way of fighting Covid. And, even with that, if just 43,000 votes in three states (Arizona, Georgia and Wisconsin) had swung in the other direction, Trump would have won the election.

Taylor Swift has endorsed Harris, which is a headline-grabbing call, but on November 5, her vote is worth as much as anyones, or maybe less, depending on which state she votes in. Harris has Swift and she has a gun, now shes only 43,000 votes short, but this is a gaping chasm.

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West 'afraid' to even talk about helping shoot down Russian missiles: Zelensky



Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the West on Friday of being too "afraid" to even raise the possibility of shooting down Russian missiles and drones targeting Ukraine, even though it is helping Israel to do so.

Faced with massive Russian missile strikes and drone attacks, Kyiv wants its allies to help it shoot down the weapons from their own territory, stressing this would save the lives of Ukrainian civilians without a risk of killing Russian soldiers.

"If allies are jointly shooting down missiles and drones in the sites of the Middle East, why is there still no similar decision to jointly shoot down Russian missiles and (Iranian) Shaheds in the skies of Ukraine?" Zelensky said at a conference in Kyiv, adding: "They are afraid to even say 'we are working on it'."

"And this is not done even when missiles and drones are literally heading for the territory of our neighbours," he said, calling it "humiliating for the democratic world".

The West fears a wider conflict and that such a measure would be seen as a major escalation by Russia.

Kyiv is also upping pressure on Western countries to let it use weapons for strikes deep into Russian territory, which has so far been restricted.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin warned Thursday that Moscow would see a green light for such a use of the weapons as NATO countries being "at war with Russia".
Germany arrests Syrian accused of machete attack plot on soldiers



Berlin, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



German authorities said Friday they had arrested a 27-year-old Syrian man accused of planning an Islamist attack on army soldiers using two machetes.

The suspect, an "alleged follower of a radical Islamic ideology", was arrested on Thursday on charges of planning "a serious act of violence endangering the state".

The man had acquired two heavy knives "around 40 centimetres (more than one foot) in length" in recent days, prosecutors in Munich said.

He planned to "attack Bundeswehr soldiers" in the city of Hof in northern Bavaria during their lunch break, aiming "to kill as many of them as possible", they said.

Police swooped on the suspect after they received a tip-off on Wednesday, the Bavaria region's interior minister Joachim Herrmann said at a press conference.

The information came from a source in the "suspect's environment", Herrmann said, adding that there were indications that the suspect had "consumed drugs in recent years".

The suspect's contacts and other details as well as the alleged motive "still need to be clarified in more detail", the minister added.



- Knife attacks -



The suspect arrived in Germany as an asylum seeker in 2014, a spokesman for Munich prosecutors told German media group Funke.

According to the spokesman, he had been granted subsidiary protection in Germany and held a residence permit valid until December 2025.

German security services have been on high alert over the threat of Islamist attacks, in particular since the Gaza war erupted on October 7 with the Hamas attacks on Israel.

Police shot dead a man in Munich this month after he opened fire on officers in what was being treated as a suspected "terrorist attack" on the Israeli consulate in Munich.

The shootout fell on the anniversary of the kidnap and killing of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games by Palestinian militants.

The 18-year-old suspect had previously been investigated by authorities in his home country Austria on suspicion of links to an extremist group but the case had been dropped.

The incident was one of a string of attacks in Germany, which have stirred a sense of insecurity in Germany and fed a bitter debate of immigration.

Three people were killed and eight wounded last month in a suspected Islamist stabbing spree at a festival in the western city of Solingen.

The suspect in the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State group, was a Syrian man who had been slated for deportation from Germany.



- Islamist threat -



A federal interior ministry spokesman said if an Islamist motive was confirmed in the latest foiled attack, it would be "further evidence of the high threat posed by Islamist terrorism in Germany".

The threat was illustrated by the Solingen attack and another stabbing in Mannheim, as well as other foiled attacks, the spokesman said

In Mannheim, a policeman was left dead after a stabbing at an anti-Islam rally in the city centre in May.

Germany has responded to the attacks by taking steps to tighten immigration controls and knife laws.

The government has announced new checks along all of its borders and promised to speed up deportations of migrants who have no right to stay in Germany.

The number of people considered Islamist extremists in Germany fell slightly from 27,480 in 2022 to 27,200 last year, according to a report from the federal domestic intelligence agency.

But Interior Minister Nancy Faeser warned in August that "the threat posed by Islamist terrorism remains high".
Biden, Starmer meet as Russia warns over long-range missiles for Ukraine



Washington, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



The leaders of Britain and the United States meet Friday in Washington on whether to let Kyiv fire Western-provided long-range missiles into Russia -- an option that has sent tensions soaring with Moscow.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to President Joe Biden comes with Kyiv increasingly pushing for permission to use the weapons -- and secure Western help shooting down Russian missiles and drones.

But President Vladimir Putin has warned that giving Ukraine the green light to use long-range weapons would mean NATO was "at war" with Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin's message was unambiguous: "We have no doubt that this statement has reached its recipients."

British media reported that Biden, who is wary of provoking a nuclear conflict, was ready to let Ukraine deploy British and French missiles using US technology but not US-made missiles themselves.

Responding to Putin's warning, Starmer told UK media travelling with him that "Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away."

In a sign of increasing tensions, Russia's FSB security service announced on Friday that the accreditation of six British diplomats had been withdrawn and accused them of spying.

But London dismissed the claims as "completely baseless" and indicated they were a tit-for-tat measure after it slapped new restrictions on Russian diplomats in May.

The talks come with Biden on his way out of office and November's US election a toss-up between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.

Trump repeatedly refused to take sides on the war during a debate with Harris on Tuesday, saying only: "I want the war to stop."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that he will meet Biden "this month" to present his "victory plan" on how to end two and a half years of war with Russia.

He also said Kyiv's recent offensive into Russia's border region of Kursk had "slowed" Moscow's advance in eastern Ukraine and that there are currently 40,000 Russian troops fighting in the area.

But he accused the West of being too "afraid" to even raise the possibility of shooting down Russian missiles and Iranian drones, even though it was helping Israel to do so.



- 'War with Russia' -



Starmer is set to meet Biden in the Oval Office at 4:30 pm (2030 GMT) but has no scheduled meetings at this stage with Trump or Harris, both of whom will be on the campaign trail on Friday.

Biden said on Tuesday that he was "working" on Ukraine's demands, while top US and British diplomats Antony Blinken and David Lammy made a rare joint visit to Kyiv on Wednesday.

Blinken promised that Washington would now quickly review Kyiv's long-standing request and would "adjust, we'll adapt as necessary" to help Ukraine defend itself.

Washington currently authorizes Ukraine to only hit Russian targets in the occupied parts of Ukraine and some in Russian border regions directly related to Moscow's combat operations.

But Putin, who has rattled the saber of nuclear conflict since the start of his February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, warned the United States and United Kingdom against such a move.

"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," he said on Thursday.

Biden has strongly supported Ukraine since Russia's invasion to the tune of billions of dollars in aid as well as political capital at home.

But he has been risk averse about stepping up to new kinds of weaponry deliveries -- with Ukraine having to wait until this year to get F-16 jets.

The looming US election means the clock is ticking, with Kyiv in particular eyeing a Trump presidency with trepidation.

Trump has long been lukewarm on supporting Kyiv, and has frequently praised Putin.

In his debate with Harris on Tuesday, he pledged to get an agreement to end the war "before I even become president" -- a deal many Ukrainians fear would force them to accept Russia's territorial gains.

Vice President Harris has in contrast pledged to keep up staunch support for Ukraine if elected.
Two killed in military plane crash in Bulgaria



Sofia, Bulgaria, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



A Soviet-built military jet crashed during a training exercise for an air show in southern Bulgaria on Friday, killing both men onboard, the government said.

The L-39ZA jet -- which had been modernised to NATO standards in 2022 -- burst into flames after crashing into a wooded area near the military base.

"Two pilots were killed during training for a demonstration flight," interim Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev told journalists at the southern Graf Ignatievo air base.

Both men onboard, born in 1973 and 1996, were unable to eject from the aircraft and died in the accident.

Air Force Commander Dimitar Petrov said the two pilots were "among the best" and had repeatedly carried out the same exercises in the past.

Saturday's air show to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria's NATO accession was cancelled, with the army declaring a day of mourning.

Bulgaria's outdated air force, most of which was bought during communism, has frequently caused tensions, with pilots lacking crucial training, according to a recent army report.

In June 2021, a Bulgarian pilot died when his MiG-29 aircraft crashed during an exercise in the Black Sea.

Situated on NATO's eastern flank, Bulgaria has ordered 16 US fighter jets in recent years to replace its ageing Soviet MiG-29s, signing the largest army modernisation contract since the end of communism.
Biden, Starmer meet as Russia warns over missiles for Ukraine



Washington, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden are to meet Friday in Washington to discuss whether to let Ukraine fire Western-provided long-range missiles into Russia, an option that has sent tensions soaring with Moscow.

The meeting comes with Kyiv with pushing hard for permission to use the weapons, and President Volodymyr Zelensky accusing the West of being "afraid" to even help Ukraine shoot down incoming missiles as it has done with Israel.

But Russia's President Vladimir Putin has warned that lifting the restrictions on Ukraine would mean NATO was "at war" with Moscow.

In a sign of increasing tensions, Russia revoked the credentials of six British diplomats whom it accused of spying in what London termed "baseless" allegations.

British and US media reported that a wary Biden was ready to let Ukraine deploy British Storm Shadow missiles and similar French munitions using US technology -- but not US-made ATACMS missiles themselves.

The White House played down the chances of any immediate decision coming from his talks with Starmer, who's making his second visit to the US since taking office in July.

"I wouldn't expect any major announcement in that regard coming out of the discussions, certainly not from our side," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

Kirby said there was "no change to our policy with respect to the long-range strike capability inside Russia" and added that "and I wouldn't expect that to change today."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin's message was unambiguous: "We have no doubt that this statement has reached its recipients."

Russia's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia warned separately that letting Ukraine use long-range weapons would plunge NATO into "direct war with... a nuclear power."



- 'They are afraid' -



Responding to Putin's warning, Starmer told UK media travelling with him that "Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away."

The talks come with Biden on his way out of office and November's US election a toss-up between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.

Trump has repeatedly praised Putin, and refused to take sides on the war during a debate with Harris on Tuesday, saying only: "I want the war to stop."

Starmer is set to meet Biden at the White House at 4:30 pm (2030 GMT) but has no scheduled meetings with Trump or Harris, both of whom will be on the campaign trail on Friday.

Biden said during an earlier event at the White House that Starmer had "asked if he could come and see me" but gave no further details.

In Kyiv, Zelensky said Friday that he will meet Biden "this month" to present his "victory plan" on how to end two and a half years of war with Russia.

He also said Kyiv's recent offensive into Russia's border region of Kursk had "slowed" Moscow's advance in eastern Ukraine.

But he asked why the West would not do what it had done with Israel and help Kyiv shoot down the regular barrages of Russian missiles and drones it faces, saying: "They are afraid to even say 'we are working on it.'"



- 'Clear decision' -



Biden said on Tuesday that he was "working" on Ukraine's demands to use longer-range missiles, while top US and British diplomats Antony Blinken and David Lammy made a rare joint visit to Kyiv on Wednesday.

Biden has strongly supported Ukraine since Russia's invasion, but has been risk averse about stepping up to new kinds of weapons deliveries, fearful of stoking nuclear tensions with Putin.

His reticence about allowing Ukraine to use longer-range US missiles follows similar delays on HIMARS rockets, tanks and F-16 jets -- all of which he eventually approved.

But the looming US election on November 5 means the clock is ticking on a decision.

Trump has repeatedly pledged to push through a quick deal to end the war if elected -- a deal many Ukrainians fear would force them to accept Russia's territorial gains.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meanwhile doubled down on Berlin's refusal to send long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

"This decision will not change," Scholz said when asked about the issue at a press conference.

burs-dk/st
Burkina victims' groups blame junta chief for massacre



Abidjan, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Relatives of victims of a jihadist attack that killed hundreds of civilians in Burkina Faso in August have slammed the "contempt" of the country's junta ruler and said he bore responsibility.

The massacre that took place in the north-central village of Barsalogho on August 24 was one of the deadliest reported in the West African country, which has fought jihadist violence for a decade.

Although the government led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a 2022 coup, issued no official toll, some 400 mostly civilians were killed, according to a collective that represents victims' families.

"For us, the President is and will be the main culprit of the death of more than 400 relatives of ours. It is his fault they were killed," said the Justice Collective for Barsalogho (CJB) in a statement to AFP on Friday, and whose members spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

Months before the attack, the junta chief personally asked security forces to "mobilise the population to dig trenches" in order to protect their villages, the collective previously said.

Civilians were forcibly enrolled in construction works on the city's periphery to defend Barsalogho against terrorist combat.

Gripping shovels and pickaxes, the population was massacred in the trenches they had been digging, videos shot by the attackers showed.



- 'Martyr city' -



Traore, 36, came to power vowing to swiftly regain control over a nation plagued by jihadist armed groups.

He has not commented on the Barsalogho killings, for which the Al-Qaeda-linked group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) claimed responsibility.

"We have asked President Ibrahim Traore to acknowledge his responsibility and ask for the forgiveness of the sons and daughters of Sanmatenga," the province where the massacre took place, CJB said.

Traore's refusal to express his condolences "is a serious offence to the humanity and to the dignity of Barsalogho," CJB added.

"Barsalogho is a martyr city which will remain in the collective conscience of Burkinabes."

Criticism of Burkina Faso's strongman is rare, with dissident voices being arrested or disappearing.

Thousands have died and about two million have been displaced by fighting that has raged since 2015, when an insurgency spilled over into Burkina Faso from neighbouring Mali.

Burkinabe Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem de Tambela on Wednesday called the Barsalogho events a "tragedy", without giving further detail.

The Citizen Coalition for the Sahel, which is made up of a dozen civil society NGOs, on Friday encouraged "the authorities to keep up their efforts to shed light on this tragedy, to look for, arrest and prosecute its perpetrators, in order to do the victims and their families justice".

Back-to-back coups in Burkina Faso, in January and September 2022, were precipitated by bloody attacks perpetrated by armed groups.

Jihadist fighters affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have killed more than 20,000 people since 2015 -- including some 3,800 this year alone -- according to the ACLED analysis group, which tracks conflict.
Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

Before making his monumental Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, and long before King Kong and Get Back, Peter Jackson got his start as a director in a less prestigious genre: gore. The term defines films that are extremely violent, with plenty of blood, guts and amputations, but that use this horror for comedy. Jacksons directorial debut was Bad Taste, and his first big hit  which became a cult phenomenon  was Braindead. In Spanish, it had the tagline: Your mother ate my dog  a reference to one of the most popular scenes in the movie, which Jackson directed when he was just 30.

Braindead  a movie as gory as it was funny  was released in 1992 and went viral, back when nobody had the internet, as it was passed from hand to hand on VHS (today, it can be seen on YouTube). The movie is set in New Zealand, where a timid man is caught between his tyrannical mother and his innocent girlfriend. The mother is bitten by a strange creature  a Sumatran rat monkey  and turns into a zombie. The son is patient with her, even when she eats his own ear. In the most famous scene of the movie, the girlfriends dog runs up to the mothers room and is devoured: only the animals bones and skin can be recovered from her mouth. Your mother ate my dog! yells the girlfriend. Not all of it, he replies. This scene is followed by the spread of the zombie virus and a bloody orgy.

Peter Jackson doesnt believe in zombies, he laughs at them. He doesnt want us to be afraid that someone will eat our dog. But in this age, when paranoid stories go viral, Donald Trump played an outlandish xenophobic card in his debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday. His comment gave rise to many memes, but he was trying to sound credible. Trump said that in Springfield, Ohio, illegal immigrants, supposedly Haitians, are eating pets: 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. Harris looked puzzled and said only: Talk about extreme! The moderators quickly clarified that the Springfield authorities had not received any credible reports of this happening.

The Republican ticket appears to have a certain fascination with pets. Trumps running mate, J. D. Vance, also lashed out at women who have cats instead of children, describing them as miserable and arguing they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too. This time, Trump has hit the grotesque in his efforts to dehumanize immigrants. In the debate, he also said that the crime rate has dropped throughout the world, even in Venezuela, because these countries are sending all the murderers, rapists and psychopaths to the U.S., and no longer have anyone left in their prisons or mental institutions. More fake news.

Trump is more fond of another horror film: The Silence of the Lambs. He often quotes Hannibal Lecter, the cannibal so well played by Anthony Hopkins. He used him as a reference to warn that dangerous mentally ill people are arriving at the U.S. border: The late, great Hannibal Lecter. Hed love to have you for dinner. Just to clarify, Lecter  who is a fictional character  did not die, nor did Robert Maudsley, the British prisoner who inspired the character.

Like in both fiction and reality, a pathologically lying far right is imposing its gory messages, encouraging social division and hatred of strangers. As did the most sinister propaganda of recent history.

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They know they have to decide to allow President Zelenskys forces to use deep-strike long-range missiles to attack the Russians, and Russian air bases in particular, far from the front line. This means giving the green light to firing into Russian territory long range cruise weapons such as the UKs Storm Shadow and its cousin the French Scalp, possibly the German Taurus, and the US ATACM and AGM 158 JASSM  a more powerful version of Storm Shadow.
An ambitious lighting project, launched in 2019, replaced outdated floodlights with thoughtfully-placed LEDs that highlight the texture and contours of Tallinns ancient walls and towers, while using 20 times less energy. When we have an opportunity to make something better, we must give in to the temptation and do it, says Toomas Annus, chairman of the projects supervisory board.
The process is simple and  as Corbett-Winder is keen to emphasise  non-judgmental. It starts with an initial consultation with the wellness travel company. You explain your goals and needs  and if you have any specific health concerns that you wish to treat. The consultant then matches you with a retreat that can meet those needs. This is dependent upon how far youre willing to travel (would you prefer the exotic climes of Thailand or to bask under the Italian sun?) and of course, your budget. Youre given a unique itinerary of treatments and activities, as well as being set up with a doctor or practitioner at the retreat itself.
"In this connection, on the basis of documents provided by the Federal Security Service of Russia and as a response to the numerous unfriendly steps taken by London, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, in co-operation with the agencies concerned, has terminated the accreditation of six members of the political department of the British Embassy in Moscow in whose actions signs of spying and sabotage were found," it said.
It was dubbed as being net zero and would extract what is known as metallurgical coal, which is used in steel-making, with the Government accepting that approximately 15% of the material would be used domestically.
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.
I think you just have to try to make the best show you can. If you make a good show and somebody likes it, thats good. If you make a show that somebody doesnt like and they honestly dont like it, theyre telling you the truth and they say they didnt think that was up to much. I dont think he can be offended about that.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 13, 2024 - 19:34 | All, Japan

Rice prices sold at supermarkets in Japan in August jumped 23 percent from a year earlier due to tight supply from last summer's extreme heat and a buying rush following a government advisory about a potential megaquake, a consumer data research firm reported Friday.

The average price of rice per 5 kilograms last month was 2,266 yen ($16), up from 1,839 yen in August last year, also reflecting demand boosted by booming inbound tourism, according to data from True Data Inc.

As newly harvested rice enters the market, supply is expected to increase, though there are concerns that prices may remain higher than last year due to rising production costs.

The average price in September last year, when rice from the 2023 harvest began hitting store shelves, was 1,878 yen. However, prices have surged since this spring amid growing concerns about a rice shortage, topping 2,000 yen in June.

Still, the increased cost of living kept demand for rice solid as consumers saw rice as relatively cheaper than other staple foods such as bread.

Some consumers began stockpiling rice after the weather agency in August issued its first-ever advisory for the increased risk of a megaquake along the Nakai Trough that stretches from central to southwestern Japan in the Pacific.

A surge in the number of foreign tourists to Japan also prompted some restaurants to purchase more rice. The total spending by foreign visitors to Japan this year is expected to rise 1.8-fold to approximately 9.69 trillion yen, according to an estimate by Katsuhiro Miyamoto, a professor emeritus at Kansai University.

Related coverage:

Concerns over rice shortage growing in Japan amid higher demand
KYODO NEWS - Sep 13, 2024 - 17:04 | All, Japan, World

A group of 11 Japanese and U.S. scientists won the Ig Nobel physiology prize Thursday for finding that many mammals can breathe with their intestines via the anus.

Group leader Takanori Takebe, a professor at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, said in remarks about receiving the spoof prize that he hopes the finding can someday help treat people who suffer from respiratory problems. Ig Nobel organizers say the awards are for research that "makes people laugh and then makes them think."

The researchers first paid attention to loaches that can breathe through their intestines in low-oxygen environments such as in mud.

Through experiments using mice and pigs with respiratory diseases, they found that administering an oxygen-rich liquid in the rectum helped ease symptoms, a result supporting their hypothesis that intestines can exchange oxygen.

The team published the study in the journal Med in 2021.

Takebe, 37, told Kyodo News, "By nature, some people's lungs do not function properly, especially when they are newborn babies, and I hope the research will develop into an effective treatment method for those who have difficulties receiving artificial respiration."

The prizes are organized by the "Annals of Improbable Research" science humor magazine.

After four years of the annual ceremony being held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event returned to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

For 18 consecutive years, a Japanese national has won an Ig Nobel prize.

Related coverage:

Spoon that enhances salty taste goes on sale in Japan

Japanese animator Miyazaki among 5 Magsaysay awardees for 2024

Chinese Nobel Peace laureate Liu's widow plans extended stay in Japan
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The head of the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest), Victor Vevera, was among the personalities awarded at the 12th edition of the White Page Leadership Conclave, a global event organized in Dubai, informs the institution in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Friday.

According to the same source, this recognition comes as a result of his outstanding contributions in the field of national security, cybersecurity and digital innovation.

"I am honoured to be selected among the 200 inspirational leaders globally. This distinction reflects not only my achievements, but also the outstanding work of the team at ICI Bucharest. Our efforts in the field of digital innovation, cybersecurity and national protection, including the launch of ICI D|Services and Blockchain Intelligence Academy (BIA) have had a significant impact on Romania's digital transformation. This award motivates me to continue promoting the global dialogue regarding the protection of critical infrastructures and cybersecurity," said Victor Vevera, when receiving the award.

According to ICI Bucharest, the event in the United Arab Emirates brought together over 200 leaders from Asia, the Middle East, Great Britain and Europe.

The White Page Leadership Conclave is a prestigious global forum dedicated to recognizing excellence in leadership, innovation and organizational development. Held annually, the conference brings together top leaders, innovators and visionaries from various sectors to discuss and celebrate their outstanding achievements.

During each edition, participants have the opportunity to hear speeches from renowned leaders and participate in interactive sessions that explore emerging trends and challenges in the field of leadership and innovation.
Romania actively participates in the process of creating the European Emergency Response Capacity and perfecting the national integrated management mechanism regarding international assistance, as well as in the international assistance missions carried out on the basis of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, President Klaus Iohannis declared on Friday on Firefighters' Day.

His message was sent by presidential adviser Ion Oprisor.

"Today we celebrate the courage and dedication of the Romanian firefighters, who risk their lives to save their fellow beings, and we honor the sacrifice of all those who perished during disaster interventions, fighting flames or following serious accidents. In recent years, the number of emergency situations is increasing, which implies that the interventions for their management have become more frequent", the head of state showed.

In this context, Iohannis argued, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, a component of the National Emergency Management System and part of the protection forces of the National Security System, continuously adapted to the new realities and managed to maintain its at high level the ability to answer.

At the same time, he recalled some of the missions of the Romanian firefighters abroad.

"The military firefighters have shown professionalism, courage and dedication in carrying out international missions, executed in particularly difficult conditions and with a high degree of risk. The participation this year of the Romanian firefighters in the missions supporting the Greek and French authorities in the prevention and extinguishing the fires was particularly appreciated, highlighting Romania's solidarity with the two nations," said the president.

He highlighted that in recent years, important investments have been made in technology and infrastructure, "which correspond to the most demanding safety requirements during interventions and training and training of personnel".

"I am convinced that the provision of modern intervention hardware will continue, so that the services offered to those in difficulty are maintained at the highest standards," the head of state said, conveying to the firefighters that society is grateful to them for their sacrifices.
Romania's Foreign Ministry (MAE) has voiced firm condemnation of an attack by the Russian armed forces against a ship carrying grain in the Black Sea, informs Agerpres.

"This event is unprecedented escalation of the Russian Federation's actions in the framework of the illegal and unjustified war it has launched against Ukraine. The deliberate attack on a commercial ship is a serious violation of the rules of international humanitarian law that regulate the conduct of war at sea," the Romanian ministry says.

MAE firmly calls on the Russian Federation to cease any attack on commercial ships and to respect the freedom of navigation of the nations in the Black Sea.

It also condemns the Russian Federation's violation of the United Nations Charter by systematically and irresponsibly bombing Ukrainian infrastructure and ships transporting grain. It says the actions of the Russian Federation threaten global food security.
Doctors from all specialties will take part on Friday in a protest "in defence of the dignity of the medical profession," organised in Bucharest's Victoriei Square by the Professional Association of Outpatient Care Doctors (APMA), informs Agerpres.

According to the organisers, the rally, scheduled between 10.00 - 13.00, is not directed against anyone, but is "an alarm signal."

"The approval was for about 1,000 people, but I think there will be a little less. The rally is not with some classic, traditional demands. It's for the repositioning of the doctor in society and for the dignity of this profession, which has been gradually sabotaged both from the outside and from within. If before it was an honour to say that you are a doctor, now sometimes you are ashamed to say so," the president of the Professional Association of Outpatient Care Doctors Cosmin Alexandrescu told AGERPRES on Friday.

He also said a memorandum would be submitted to the Government on Friday.

The memorandum calls for a doctor's law to define the "framework of activity" of the medical profession.

At the same time, it also calls for the medical profession to be protected from the "media circus."

According to APMA representatives, medical education must become a priority in public education.

"Last but not least, we need sufficient funding. (...) By adequately funding these sectors, we prevent unnecessary hospitalisations, worsening of diseases and ultimately bring savings to the health system," the document reads.
Social Democratic Party (PSD) Chairman and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu estimates Romania's new government will be invested around December 23, after the parliamentary and presidential elections, informs Agerpres.

He said, while in Suceava, on Friday, that until the new executive is invested the current coalition will be functioning, in spite of apparent dissensions between Social Democrats and Liberals.

"Romania truly needs political stability and we have assumed this political stability. (...) We are in an election year, it is normal to have this kind of statements as well, nonetheless the coalition will carry its mandate through. We believe the future government will be invested on December 23," the PSD leader said.

He pointed out that the PSD would have wanted joint lists with the National Liberal Party (PNL) in the December elections, but he hinted that the Liberals didn't endorse such an idea.

"I believe we have brought coherence in the governing act and a difference from the former right-wing coalition (...) where nothing worked. I believe Romania doesn't want this. We are mature people. We have an interest not necessarily common in these elections because this time we run separately. I showed them the potential of a common candidacy in the elections for the European Parliament. They chose a different way. I respect it," Ciolacu pointed out.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, condemned, on Friday, in Zagreb, Russia's attack on a commercial ship in the Black Sea and assessed that this recent aggression is "a blatant violation of international law".

The head of the Romanian diplomacy was on an official visit to Croatia, where she was received by the prime minister of this country, Andrej Plenkovic, and had a joint press statement with her counterpart, Gordan Grlic Radman.

"Yesterday there was a new demonstration in the Black Sea of what Russia can do in terms of challenging freedom of navigation and disregarding international law. We strongly condemned Russia's intentional attack on a commercial vessel carrying grain in the Black Sea. It is an unprecedented escalation and another blatant violation of international law. We demand that Russia immediately stop any attack on commercial ships, on the civil port infrastructure and stop the violations of the right of free navigation," said Odobescu.

At the same time, she emphasized the wide impact of Russia's war against Ukraine on regional and global security.

"Russia remains the biggest threat to the security of the Black Sea region and the entire European continent," said the Romanian minister.

According to the MAE, in the consultations with Minister Gordan Grlic Radman, Luminita Odobescu highlighted the mutual commitment and attention given by the authorities of both states to ensure the highest standards of protection for the people who belong to the Croatian minority in Romania, respectively the Romanian-speaking linguistic minority in Croatia.

She reiterated Romania's firm support for the EU enlargement process, respecting the principle of own merits, emphasizing our country's determination to support both the Eastern and Western Balkan partners.

The Romanian minister also emphasized the support for the European integration efforts of the Republic of Moldova and increasing resilience.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, she pointed out both the stage and the development potential of economic and sectoral cooperation between the two countries in areas such as transport, energy, tourism and cultural relations.

In this context, she highlighted the dynamic interactions of the Romanian ports of Constanta and Galati with the port of Vukovar in Croatia, useful both from a commercial and investment point of view, as well as for increasing the volume of grain exports and other products from Ukraine.

She also emphasized effective cooperation in the field of internal affairs and evoked interest in expanding dialogue and cooperation in the field of security and defense, including in the context of the new EU Strategic Agenda.
The former Minister of the Environment, Tanczos Barna, was, on Friday, in the Sona commune of Alba county, which started the national cleaning program, right before the Hungarian community organized its cultural days in the area, told Agerpres.

Tanczos Barna is the initiator of the legislative proposal National Cleaning Day, supported both by the UDMR and by parliamentarians of the governing and opposition parties.

In the Sona commune in Alba county, the Hungarian community is preparing for the 3rd edition of the Hungarian Cultural Days, and community members believe that, in addition to the cultural programs, it is essential to identify the common points that unite the entire community, because the problems with that face all the inhabitants are the same.

Thus, at the initiative of the Hungarian community association in the area, the town hall showed itself open to organizing a local cleaning action, which, according to the 'Let's Do It, Romania!' initiative, should have taken place on the third Saturday of September, but, according to the organizers, "the start was stolen" on September 13.

According to the former minister of the environment, our country can be a clean one, if everyone contributes to this effort.

"We will have a clean country only if we all contribute to this effort. That's why we supported the initiative 'Let's Do It, Romania!' and we proposed the establishment of the third Saturday of September every year as the National Clean-up Day. It is essential to support the activity of civil organizations, which play a crucial role in mobilizing local communities", Tanczos Barna said in a statement for the national news agency.
ST. LOUIS  Sauce Magazine is now down to a skeleton crew after a series of cuts left the monthly food publication with half its original staffers.

After Friday, the 25-year-old magazine will employ only three full-time staffers, down from six when the paper was sold to Big Lou Holdings last year.

Owner Chris Keating did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

The Sauce cuts come five months after Keating sold the Riverfront Times alternative weekly to an undisclosed buyer in May.

Im not sure whats going to happen, said Meera Nagarajan, Sauces executive editor until this July. I dont know what future stories at Sauce are going to look like. I think its a sad thing to lose a publication like ours or to step away from the kinds of stories we were producing.

Sauce Magazine debuted in 1999, and was a quick hit among foodies and restaurant lovers here. It coincided with the rising popularity of food shows, celebrity chefs and gourmet cooking.

Now St. Louis is down to one publication focused solely on food and drink coverage, Feast Magazine, which has also reduced its print schedule, last year, to quarterly.

At Sauce, only events coordinator Amy Hyde, digital editor Lauren Healey and business manager Rachel Hoppman will remain on full-time after Friday. Interim editor-in-chief Iain Shaw and long-time digital creative director Michelle Volansky were let go on Monday, with their last days at the end of the week.

Shaw declined to comment when reached by a reporter Wednesday. Volansky did not respond to requests for comment.

Sauce sustained additional losses earlier this summer when three staffers  including Nagarajan  either resigned or were let go. A salesperson was laid off last week.

Nagarajan said she stepped down after Keating said he planned to change Sauces direction.

Keating told St. Louis Magazine on Thursday that the recent layoffs were part of a shift to focus more on events. He said Sauce will rely on part-time staff and a consortium of freelancers to carry the publications coverage.

Founder Allyson Mace sold Sauce to Keating after the publication went fully digital in March 2023. At the time, Keating vowed to bring Sauces print issues back and continue the magazines writing and events.

Sauces print issues did return in December. And the magazines staff didnt have to change much of what they did before the sale, Nagarajan said.

But things changed after Keating sold the RFT, she said. Keating attempted to manage the publication more after RFTs editorial leadership had been terminated, as was the rest of the weeklys staff. Then, Sauces own staff was gradually chipped away.

Eventually, the brand has to meet the financial expectations of the owner, Nagarajan said. If its not doing that, then changes have to be made.

Keating still owns three alternative weeklies in the Midwest, the Detroit Metro Times, Cincinnati CityBeat and the Louisville Eccentric Observer.

Mace said she sold Sauce to Keating because of his experience and the number of publications he owned. It made sense hed be able to carry on Sauces legacy, she said.

My whole goal was to transition the magazine to better finances and deeper pockets, Mace said.

But many publications operate with skinny staffs, Mace said, as they navigate a changing industry.

If I could do it again, I would probably think about this a little differently, Mace said. If its going to go down the tubes, give it back to me. Ill figure out how to fix it.

Editors note: Monica Obradovic is a former employee of the Riverfront Times. Feast Magazine is a product of the Post-Dispatch.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  A Pine Lawn alderman charged with DWI last week forced the citys governing board on Monday to discuss its contract with the law enforcement agency that arrested him. The board briefly noted his proposal and took no action.

Gerald Metts, the president of the Pine Lawn Board of Aldermen, was accused of crashing into a crime scene on June 30 in north St. Louis County. He was charged on Sept. 5 for driving under the influence.

Last week, Metts added an agenda item to the Sept. 9 Board of Aldermen meeting to discuss the Police Cooperatives contract.

Its ironic that this was put on the agenda, Maj. Ron Martin of the North County Police Cooperative told the Post-Dispatch. Especially when the contract was just signed for three more years.

Metts could not be immediately reached for comment.

Mayor of Pine Lawn Terry Epps said the city renewed its contract with the North County Police Cooperative last October. The police agency still has two years left in its contract, Epps said.

Epps said any board member may add items to the agenda. He declined to comment on Metts DWI charge or speculate if it is why he placed the contract issue on the agenda.

He met the deadline and put multiple items on the agenda, one of them being the contract, Epps told the Post-Dispatch.

Prosecutors said Metts crashed through a guard-rail chain link fence at a dead end on Ella Avenue at around 1 a.m. on June 30th.

Metts Chevy Equinox stopped with the front wheel hanging off the edge of the end of Ella Avenue, on top of a shooting crime scene on Kienlen Avenue, according to a probable cause statement.

An officer of the North County Police Cooperative Department reported that officers at the scene could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming off the alderman, who was the only person in the car.

He was given a field sobriety test and failed all of them. He blew a .154 breath alcohol content  almost twice the legal limit for driving in Missouri.

Im just an alderperson. I just came down the wrong way, he said in response to being asked by an officer if he had any weapons in body camera footage from the North County Police Cooperative.

He was arrested and his car was towed from the scene.

Eleven days later, he went to the North County Police Cooperative to ask for his confiscated drivers license and asked on-duty command staff if there is something that could be done, police reported.

A court hearing in the matter has been scheduled for Oct. 15 in St. Louis County.
JEFFERSON CITY  Although abortion opponents lost the legal fight this week to strip Amendment 3 off the Nov. 5 ballot, their last-minute lawsuit still allowed them to test out emerging arguments against the plan before a wide audience of voters.

Many of those arguments have nothing to do with abortion.

At trial, anti-abortion activists said broad protections for reproductive freedom in Amendment 3 would reverse state bans on human cloning, female child genital mutilation, in vitro fertilization for stem cell research, and transgender medical treatment for minors.

Lawyers for the pro-abortion rights campaign argued in response that a wide range of issues brought up by the other side would need to be adjudicated in the future in concrete legal disputes.

The time to do that is after the measure passes, Loretta Haggard, attorney for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said Friday in Cole County Circuit Court.

Since earlier this year, when anti-abortion attack lines were largely focused on changes to abortion laws, Amendment 3 opponents have increasingly elevated issues such as transgender care for minors, cloning and more in their campaign.

The more recent arguments against Amendment 3s sweeping language promise to continue into the fall campaign.

Amendment 3 ends Missouris abortion ban and means families  with support from their doctors  get to make important, personal decisions without government interference, said Tori Schafer, lawyer for the ACLU of Missouri, one of the campaigns backers.

Anti-abortion politicians will say anything no matter how outlandish to distract from the public health crisis they created in Missouri when they banned abortion, she said in a statement.

This is a false narrative being pushed by politicians using scare tactics to divide Missourians and distract us from what this amendment is actually about: protecting the right to abortion, she said.

A SLU/YouGov poll found last month that 52% of Missouri likely voters surveyed supported the pro-abortion rights Amendment 3.

Sam Lee, longtime Missouri abortion opponent, pointed to August 2023 results by the same pollster showing 73% opposition by likely Missouri voters to gender-affirming surgeries for minors.

Those are pretty high numbers, Lee said. If they oppose that, and they believe that Amendment 3 would allow this, theyd be more inclined to vote against it. I mean, well see.

Lee said the campaign against Amendment 3 absolutely benefited from the court case by getting its message out, even though it lost its lawsuit.

This lawsuit is helping to educate the public about the dramatic effects of Amendment 3 if it were to be approved by the voters, Lee said.

Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, who will share space on the ballot with Amendment 3, has focused his criticism on transgender surgeries for minors.

A video clip shared by his opponent, Democrat Lucas Kunce, shows recent comments by Hawley in which he says the amendment explicitly says its not limited to abortion.

Hawley said it says it ... will mandate constitutionally all reproductive health services and that includes transgender treatments for minors.

Kunce on Wednesday suggested Hawley was trying to shift the conversation away from overturning Missouris abortion ban, which only allows abortions in medical emergencies.

Josh Hawley is so afraid of sharing the ballot with an amendment to end his total abortion ban that its broken his brain, Kunce said on X.

The proposed Amendment 3 creates the right to reproductive freedom, defined as the right to make and carry out decisions about all matters relating to reproductive health care, including but not limited to abortion, birth control, prenatal care, childbirth, miscarriage care, postpartum care and respectful birthing conditions.

The state would need to demonstrate a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means to deny the right to reproductive freedom, and that denials, delays and restrictions shall be presumed invalid.

The measure then limits a compelling governmental interest to those with the limited purpose of and having the limited effect of improving or maintaining the health of a person seeking care, is consistent with widely accepted clinical standards of practice and evidence-based medicine, and does not infringe on that persons autonomous decision-making.

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom launched the current effort to get abortion rights on the ballot in March 2023. The campaign faced multiple legal challenges, as well as a concerted, but unsuccessful, effort by Republican state lawmakers to change the initiative petition process, before the measure was certified for the ballot last month.

Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh, in an 11th-hour legal challenge brought by four anti-abortion activists, ruled last Friday that the abortion-rights initiative petition was defective, which would have taken Amendment 3 off the ballot. Limbaughs ruling was reversed Tuesday by the Missouri Supreme Court just hours before the deadline to finalize ballots for the Nov. 5 election.
As twilight descended on Ferguson for a third consecutive night after the killing of Michael Brown Jr. by a police officer, Gwendolyn DeLoach Packnett could no longer hold her peace.

Each day since the killing on April 9, 2014, she had watched her daughter, Brittany, leave the safety of home to protest the grotesque manner in which the 18-year-old Brown had been treated, his body lying in the street for hours, as if in a warning to the community.

The previous night had been particularly brutal: Officers hurled tear gas which Brittany had inhaled. Police officers atop tanks pointed their rifles at protesters. Gwendolyn DeLoach Packnett had seen enough.

My mom was, like, I just really would rather you stay home, Brittany recalled. She was, I know that youre passionate about this, I know that youre angry, but I need you to stay home tonight.

And I remember thinking to myself, I dont even know how to stay home.

The decision to leave that night against her mothers wishes, and subsequent decisions she made to become a national leader in the movement for police accountability for Browns death, reflects not just the story of one activist fulfilling her purpose and finding her voice.

In its own way, Packnetts rise to be one of her generations best-known racial justice activists also reflects the promise and power of the ministry of her late father, the Rev. Ronald Barrington Packnett, who was senior pastor of St. Louis historic Central Baptist Church.

The Rev. Packnetts organizing and activism extended into the street, said his friends and family interviewed for this story.

He organized the St. Louis community in the wake of the Rodney King verdict. He defied the religious establishment when he committed to attending the Louis Farrakhan-led Million Man March in 1994, when that kind of activity was frowned upon in the conservative circles that Packnett used to run in.

Packnett died in December 1996 after a long illness. He was just 45.

Matthew V. Johnson, senior pastor of the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, knew Packnett  part of a new generation of progressive preachers who began thinking theologically about the social situation of the 1980s.

In 1982, Packnett was named to the executive board of the 7-million-member National Baptist Convention  a key post from which to push for a more socially aware and dynamic version of the countrys largest Black denomination.

The understanding was that the civil rights-era religious awareness finally arrived at the National Baptist Convention, said Johnson. The leadership wanted young, progressive reformers and Packnett fell into that group, he said.

Throughout her childhood, until her father died, Brittany was often in tow.

I tell people that I was really raised in this tradition, Packnett told The Associated Press. The formal politics, the informal politics, boardroom presence, speaking at the high-level institutions, the street work, the protests, the community building.

Our collective commitment as a church to issues of justice was always as much of a part of ministry as anything else, she said. There was an intentional orientation around the beauty and value of Blackness within my spiritual upbringing at all times.

Ferguson marked a new phase in the freedom struggle. For perhaps the first time, a mass protest movement for justice for a single victim was born organically  not convened by members of the clergy or centered in the church.

Many of the participants were unchurched, and tension boiled over numerous times as nationally prominent clergy and the hip-hop community encountered contrasting receptions as they converged on Ferguson. It demonstrated how the 40-year-old musical genre had joined, and in some cases supplanted, the Black church as the conscience of young Black America.

Brittany  who married and now identifies as Brittany Packnett-Cunningham  is a self-avowed police abolitionist.

She brought to the social-justice movement a uniquely prophetic voice deeply influenced by the cadences, rhymes and beats of hip-hop. It was a legacy from the early days of her fathers ministry, when the hip-hop group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five depicted the deterioration of Black communities and the horrors of police brutality.

Brittany recalls asking herself, Whats happening?

Some of the other pastors wanted the rallies to be in their churches and not in their streets, she said. She concluded that this message was oblivious to the ongoing changes.

It didnt happen inside of a church house. It didnt happen inside the church parking lot. It did not happen in vacation Bible school. It did not happen in the choir stand, she said. It happened in the street.

Those asking Whats happening deserved an answer and an apology, said the Rev. Traci Blackmon, who in 2014 was senior pastor of Christ the King United Church of Christ, a church near Ferguson. She issued that apology into a bullhorn, to a youthful crowd of protesters outraged by Browns killing.

I felt I needed to apologize to those children because you could see that we didnt know them and they didnt know us, and that breakdown was on us as clergy, she said.

Browns killing, and the culture of fear it ignited, was the latest iteration of an all-too familiar scene, said the Rev. Angela Sims, president of the Crozer Colgate Rochester Divinity School and author of Lynched: The Tragic Legacy of Lynching in America.

Long before Brown was killed, white Missourians lynched 60 people, the most lynchings from 1877-1950, Sims said.

Browns body lying on the ground, Sums said, sparked such outrage because it mirrored a tactic by white people to leave the body hanging in public as a warning. One difference, she said, was that technology allowed the event to be seen around the globe within minutes.

I see that in relation to an aspect of a culture of lynching that not so subtly communicates that if it happen to them it can also happen to you, so govern yourselves accordingly, Sims said.

Blackmon was among a handful of clergy who made it onto the Ferguson Commission, appointed by then-Gov. Jay Nixon to investigate the social and economic conditions contributing to inequalities and tensions in the St. Louis region.

Those conditions were deeply entrenched  firmly in place by the time Ronald Barrington Packnett took over as senior pastor at Central Baptist in St. Louis.

He was born in Chicago and matriculated at Illinois State University. After graduating, he went to Yale Divinity School, then took at the pastorate at St. James Baptist Church in New Britain, Connecticut.

While attending the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education in St. Louis, he decided to correct the way of one of the young women presiding pronounced entrepreneur in order to get her attention. Her name was Gwendolyn DeLoach. He was much more likable over dinner, she said. Soon, they fell in love, marrying in 1981.

In the winter of 1982, the Rev. T.J. Jemison of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was elected president of the National Baptist Convention. Packnett  who had worked on housing and workforce issues  joined the collective leadership.

Ron was a gentleman, and he was a radical thinker, the Rev. Boise Kimber, the NBCs new president, said in an interview.

Two years after his appointment, the Packnetts had their first child, a baby girl they named Brittany.

The new father soon got a call from Central in St. Louis. Would he be interested in applying to be pastor there?

For Gwendolyn DeLoach Packnett, a young mother, the opportunity to return to her family home was too attractive to pass up.

Packnett sprang into action as Centrals new pastor, leading a congregation proud of a history that had triumphed over slavery and Jim Crow segregation. But his vibrant tenure was soon clouded by health problems. On the day he died, in December 1996, Brittany was only 12.

At Central, a series of ministers aided the family. Gwendolyn DeLoach Packnett eventually remarried. Brittany enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, and after graduation joined Teach for America.

She felt she was doing good work, but not her best work. I was coming of age and trying to figure out what I believe, she said. When Brown was killed, she found herself feeling like a little girl again.

I definitely brought his spirit out there with me, she said.

Amid the tear gas and rubber bullets, her late fathers former clergy colleagues summoned her, asking a question.

They did not yet know that she and other young activists had the ability to organize an international movement from their phones. They lived in a world in which hip-hop had become their religion, giving them the spiritual sustenance to stand up against the police amid the protests.

This story is part of an AP ongoing series exploring the impact, legacy and ripples of what is widely called the Ferguson uprising, which has sparked nationwide outcries over police violence and calls for broader solutions to entrenched racial injustices.

Day-by-day coverage of Ferguson Aug. 10, 2014 Aug. 11, early edition Aug. 11, final edition Aug. 12 Aug. 13 Aug. 14 Aug. 15 Aug. 16, early edition Aug. 16, final edition Aug. 17, early edition Aug. 17, final edition Aug. 18 Aug. 19 Aug. 21 Aug. 20 Aug. 22 Aug. 23 Aug. 24 Aug. 25 Aug. 26 Sept. 14 Oct. 12 Nov. 25 Nov. 26 Nov. 30, early edition Nov. 30 Dec. 3 And ongoing
ST. LOUIS (AP)  A judge declined Thursday to vacate the conviction and death sentence of Marcellus Williams, a Missouri man scheduled for execution later this month in the stabbing death of a woman in 1998, despite questions about DNA evidence on the knife used in the attack.

St. Louis County Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton presided over an evidentiary hearing last month challenging Williams' guilt. Williams, 55, was convicted in the killing of Lisha Gayle, a social worker and former reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. His execution by lethal injection is scheduled for Sept. 24 unless the courts or Republican Gov. Mike Parson intervene.

Every claim of error Williams has asserted on direct appeal, post-conviction review, and habeas review has been rejected by Missouri's courts, Hilton wrote. There is no basis for a court to find that Williams is innocent, and no court has made such a finding. Williams is guilty of first-degree murder, and has been sentenced to death.

Williams' attorney, Tricia Bushnell, said in a statement that the Midwest Innocence Project "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.

The Missouri Attorney General's Office did not respond to messages seeking comment.

In January, Democratic St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell cited questions about DNA evidence on the murder weapon in seeking a hearing to consider vacating Williams conviction. Bell said the evidence indicated that someone elses DNA was on the butcher knife used to kill Gayle.

Bell said he was disappointed by Hilton's ruling and noted that Gayle's family members have said they don't want Williams to be executed.

Today, I continue to echo their sentiment, Bell said in a statement. I, along with others who believe that the evidence in this case does not warrant execution, will continue to work to prevent that outcome.

Bell brought the challenge under a 2021 Missouri law that allows prosecutors to ask a court to review a conviction they believe is unjust. That and the setting of an execution date saw Williams facing the prospect of everything from having his conviction overturned and being set free, to having it confirmed and facing pending execution.

Despite Bell's motion, the Missouri Supreme Court in June set the Sept. 24 execution date. Then, an August hearing date was set on the motion by Bell involving the DNA evidence.

But just before the Aug. 21 hearing, a new DNA report revealed that the DNA evidence was contaminated because officials in the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office touched the knife without gloves before the original trial in 2001.

With the DNA evidence spoiled, lawyers working on behalf of Williams from the Midwest Innocence Project reached a compromise with the prosecutors office: Williams would enter a new, no-contest plea to first-degree murder in exchange for a new sentence of life in prison without parole.

Hilton signed off on the agreement. So did Gayles family. But the Missouri Attorney Generals Office did not.

At Republican Attorney General Andrew Baileys urging, the Missouri Supreme Court blocked the agreement and ordered Hilton to proceed with the evidentiary hearing on Aug. 28.

An attorney for Williams, Jonathan Potts, said during the hearing that the mishandling of the murder weapon was devastating for Williams because it destroyed his last and best chance to prove his innocence.

Hilton, in his ruling, agreed.

In light of this report, (Williams) cannot demonstrate that the genetic material on the knife handle can form a basis for a clear and convincing showing of Williams innocence, Hilton wrote.

Assistant Attorney General Michael Spillane said other evidence pointed to his guilt.

They refer to the evidence in this case as being weak. It was overwhelming, Spillane said at the hearing.

Prosecutors at Williams original trial said he broke into Gayles home on Aug. 11, 1998, heard water running in the shower, and found a large butcher knife. When Gayle came downstairs, she was stabbed 43 times. Her purse and her husbands laptop were stolen.

Authorities said Williams stole a jacket to conceal blood on his shirt. Williams girlfriend asked him why he would wear a jacket on a hot day. The girlfriend said she later saw the laptop in the car and that Williams sold it a day or two later.

Prosecutors also cited testimony from Henry Cole, who shared a cell with Williams in 1999 while Williams was jailed on unrelated charges. Cole told prosecutors Williams confessed to the killing and offered details about it.

Williams attorneys responded that the girlfriend and Cole were both convicted of felonies and wanted a $10,000 reward.

Three other men  Christopher Dunn, Lamar Johnson and Kevin Strickland  have been freed after decades in prison under the 2021 Missouri law.

Williams has been close to execution before. In August 2017, just hours before his scheduled death, then-Gov. Eric Greitens, a Republican, granted a stay after reviewing the same DNA evidence that spurred Bell's effort to vacate the conviction.

A rising star in Missouri Democratic politics, Bell defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Cori Bush in a primary this month and is heavily favored in the November general election.

Williams is Black and at the hearing, the man who prosecuted him, Keith Larner, was asked why the trial jury included just one Black juror. Larner said he struck just three potential Black jurors, including one who he said looked like Williams.

Williams trial attorney, Joseph Green, told Hilton that when Williams was tried, he also was representing a man who killed his wife and injured several others in a St. Louis County courthouse shooting in 1992. That case took time away from working on Williams defense, Green said at the hearing.

I dont believe he got our best, said Green, now a judge.
ST. LOUIS (AP)  The water level of the Mississippi River is unusually low for the third straight year, forcing barge companies to put limits on how much cargo they can carry and cutting into farm profits.

It was just two months ago that much of the Mississippi River was above flood stage north of St. Louis. Since then, the river level has dropped steadily. The area south of St. Louis has been hit especially hard, mirroring low-water concerns that began around this same time of year in both 2022 and 2023.

As part of the fallout, barge companies are forced to limit the soybeans, grain and other cargo they carry to prevent barges from potentially getting stuck. That means less profit for farmers.

About 60% of U.S. grain exports are taken by barge down the Mississippi to New Orleans, where the corn, soybeans and wheat is stored and ultimately transferred for shipment to other countries. Its an efficient way to transport crops  a typical group of 15 barges lashed together carries as much cargo as about 1,000 trucks.

With cargoes limited, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's most recent Grain Transportation Report showed that for the week ending Aug. 31, 480,750 tons of grain moved on barges  a 17% drop from the previous week.

Meanwhile, costs were up sharply. Freight rates originating in St. Louis were 8% higher than the same period last year and up 57% compared to the three-year average. Freight rates originating in Memphis were 10% higher than last year, and 63% higher than the three-year average.

Consumers won't necessarily feel much impact, but farmers will, said Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Iowa-based Soy Transportation Coalition.

When youve got a transportation cost increase in any industry the question is, Do I pass those costs onto the customer in the form of a higher price? Steenhoek said.

But farmers usually dont have that option because their product that moves on barges is being sold internationally. If American soybean prices rise, the foreign buyer can purchase from another country, Steenhoek said.

It was just July when the Mississippi River reached major flood levels in places like Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, forcing some people to get around by boat.

All that water flowing down from the upper Mississippi River was offset by drought in states along the Ohio River, which feeds into the Mississippi at Cairo, Illinois. Rainfall in places like Ohio and West Virginia was minimal throughout the summer, worsening in August.

That drought is growing, Michael Clay, chief of the Hydraulics and Hydrology Branch of the Corps of Engineers office in Memphis, Tennessee, said at a news conference Wednesday. As a result, the Mississippi River south of Cairo is just a few feet higher than the record low levels reached in several places last year  and dropping.

Donny Davidson Jr., a deputy engineer for the Memphis District of the Corps, said dredging operations are being moved around on a frequent basis as worrisome spots pop up.

Over the last few years, we've really got very good at looking ahead and applying those resources in a very strategic manner, Davidson said.

Clay said Hurricane Francine is expected to bring several inches of rain to much of the lower Mississippi River, including up to 4 inches of rain in Memphis in the coming days.
An Airman renders a salute during the playing of the National Anthem at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., Sept. 17, 2019. The memorial will be the site of a concert commemorating the forces 77th birthday on Sept. 18, 2024. (Airman 1st Class Taryn Butler/U.S. Air Force)

The U.S. Air Force is closing out the week with a concert to commemorate its 77th birthday, which is on Sept. 18.

The concert is slated for Friday at 7 p.m. at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., with performances by the U.S. Air Force Bands Concert Band and Singing Sergeants. Four members of the Brazilian air forces symphony orchestra will also participate.

The USAF bands mission is to honor those who have served and connect with the global community.

The force formally became a separate branch of the U.S. military on Sept. 18, 1947. It now boasts a total force of 689,000 personnel.

While the branchs official birthday is next week, celebrations are already underway  and not just with the concert in the U.S. capitol region. The 502nd Air Base Wing at Joint Base San Antonio prepared commemorative photos, videos and graphics to mark the occasion.

Graphic created to observe the 77th birthday of the United States Air Force. (Kathryn Reaves/U.S. Air Force) U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. April Edwards, 902d Civil Engineer Squadron training assistant chief, poses for a photo series commemorating the 77th anniversary of the USAF at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Sept. 5, 2024. (Kathryn Reaves/U.S. Air Force)

The USAF also received an early birthday wish from Fort Leonard Wood, a U.S. Army base in Missouri that has hosted and trained the Air Forces 368th Training Squadron. We are proud to serve with you! reads a Sept. 10 news release.

Nor will all festivities end on Wednesday: Hanscom Air Force Base is throwing a 2024 Air Force Ball on Sept. 21, and there will likely be plenty of unofficial, private celebrations in the coming days as well.
Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lighting IIs assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron fly over RAF Lakenheath, England, in January 2024. U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa isnt ready for quick coordination against a cruise missile attack, according to a Rand Corp. report released Sept. 11. (Seleena Muhammad-Ali/U.S. Air Force)

The U.S. Air Force in Europe is not up to the split-second coordination of air and missile defense with allies, leaving Europeans in mortal danger in the event of an attack, according to a new report commissioned by the service.

Insufficient training, an inadequate command structure and failure to learn the right lessons from its many joint exercises mean U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa isnt ready for quick coordination against a cruise missile attack, the Rand Corp. think tank said this week.

Delays in information sharing of even ten seconds can mean the difference between life and death, Rand said in its report, released Wednesday. In particular, USAFE is not organized to apply a satisfactory understanding of the information-sharing terrain to best advantage in planning and operations.

Rands study on data-centric warfare was sponsored by USAFE-AF and offered numerous recommendations to improve how the command coordinates with allies in the early stages of a conflict.

Incoming missiles are likely to overfly, be visible from, or be defended against using both U.S. and allied assets based in multiple allied sovereign territories, Rand said.

For that reason, the Air Force must be in sync with allies ahead of any invocation of NATOs Article 5 provision, which authorizes members of the bloc to join in collective defense if a fellow allied country is attacked.

Under such circumstances, air and missile defense would need to be coordinated by a coalition of the willing when it comes to sharing essential data, Rand said. Impediments to faster information sharing center on command culture and unclear policy, the report said.

USAFE-AFs current information sharing agreements have been improved, but less progress has been made in linking the authorities needed to activate a multi-pronged defense prior ahead of an Article 5 declaration, the report said.

Capability shortfalls (during that gap) could result in substantial territorial, personnel, or equipment losses that would increase the likelihood that an adversary would achieve its operational objectives, according to researchers.

Even if information sharing practices were quickly adapted on the fly during a crisis for faster communication, it is unlikely to be quick enough without significant practice and training in advance, Rand said.

One coordination challenge facing the Air Force in Europe is high turnover in the command.

Given the rotation of military and civilian personnel and the fluidity of coalitions, it is difficult to sustain the group skills needed for information-sharing at speed and scale in the European theater, Rand said.

Since active-duty troops rotate with greater frequency, civilian personnel can pick up the slack to stabilize information sharing, according to the report.

But the Defense Departments five-year rule, which limits how long its civilian employees can remain outside the continental United States, is negatively affecting USAFEs ability to sustain institutional knowledge, Rand said, without specifically addressing possible workarounds.

Rand recommended that USAFE-AF develop new data stewards and custodians positions to aid in information sharing. It also should do wargames and simulations to rehearse how that process would play out ahead of a looming crisis, the report said.

In the longer term, USAFE-AF should be more vocal in advocating broader reforms, which make explicit who will have what authority at every phase of combat in general, Rand said.
By Noriyuki Suzuki, KYODO NEWS - Sep 13, 2024 - 10:00 | All, Japan

Predicting the winner of Japan's ruling party leadership election -- whose victor is set to become the next prime minister -- is a hard call following the scandal-induced dissolution of powerful lawmaker groups that have influenced intraparty politicking and voting for decades. But their remnants may die hard.

The positive outcome of the disappearing factions, at least for now, is that a record nine Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers have filed their candidacies for the Sept. 27 race, and two young lawmakers, both in their 40s, are making bids to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, raising expectations for a generational change.

Taro Aso, an LDP heavyweight who once served as prime minister and leads the only intraparty faction that has not decided to disband, recently underscored the difference between the latest and past races. He told fellow lawmakers, "I have no idea how it will turn out," as there is no clear frontrunner.

The LDP's powerful subgroups, known as "habatsu" in Japanese, often prepared lists of candidates they aimed to elevate to leadership and ministerial roles based on seniority, experience and other factors, while urging other party members to rally behind their faction's chosen candidate.

Now that most factions have disbanded or decided to do so due to intense public scrutiny following revelations that slush funds were amassed and unreported, lawmakers are seen as having more leeway in deciding who to support in the crowded race.

Still, lawmakers are more likely to support a candidate from their former faction, and the disbandment of such groups may not fully change the inner workings of the LDP, political analysts said. One LDP lawmaker said the shackles of the factions may be gone, but "the networks between the members are here to stay."

While the wide field of candidates is dividing the LDP into multiple groups based on which candidate they support, some of the analysts say the leadership election could even become a turning point for the reorganization of the once-powerful factions, leading to the creation of new ones.

"On the surface, the presidential election has little to do with the influence of the factions. But as was the case in the past, there is a chance that the factions will reorganize and reemerge, probably as different groups depending on who they back in the race," said Hitoshi Komiya, a professor at Aoyama Gakuin University.

"One point to watch is how members of the faction formerly led by Prime Minster (Shinzo) Abe will behave. There are multiple candidates hoping to win over conservatives who supported him," said Komiya, an expert on Japanese political history.

To become the next LDP leader, one must win the majority of the 734 votes -- 367 cast by LDP lawmakers and another 367 by rank-and-file members. If no one reaches that threshold, a runoff vote will be held between the top two contenders.

In the previous 2021 election, Kishida was selected in a runoff against Taro Kono, who currently serves as digital minister and is running again this time.

The faction-based dynamics may still linger. A candidate wishing to run needs the written support of 20 lawmakers, which is seen as a high hurdle.

From the LDP group that was formerly led by Kishida and disbanded just ahead of the election, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa are competing.

LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi, the party's No. 2 and head of a different faction that will be dissolved, is also in the race, along with former health minister Katsunobu Kato.

Among young hopefuls, former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, who has put his vow to "break free" from factions at the forefront of his campaign, has garnered support from lawmakers in Abe's group.

Economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, who received strong backing from Abe during her 2021 bid in the LDP presidential race, is making campaign promises that resemble those of the late premier, aiming to resonate with the conservatives who supported him.

The LDP's rising star Shinjiro Koizumi, a public favorite to become a future Japanese leader, has the backing of former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who, despite not being a faction member, has wielded significant influence within the party.

In a sign of the considerable clout Suga still holds, Seiko Noda, a former internal affairs minister who ended up not running this time, said he was "blocking" her attempts to secure support, adding, "A new faction is being formed."

Kishida is stepping down at the end of his tenure in September. During his time in office, he worked closely with Aso and Motegi, both faction leaders. His relationship with Motegi is believed to have deteriorated, particularly after the slush funds scandal was revealed.

Political observers say that Kishida's ultimate goals as premier were not clear to voters, as he avoided bold moves or taking risks due to his need to heed the voices of the faction leaders who supported him.

The LDP has tried and failed to dissolve factions after money-related scandals in the past, including a bribery case in the 1970s involving former Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka and U.S. aircraft maker Lockheed Corp.

As a potential barometer of change within the LDP, how former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba performs may be crucial. Although he is often a public favorite to become a future Japanese leader, his past four bids failed due to insufficient support from fellow lawmakers to secure the leadership.

Aoyama Gakuin's Komiya said, "The presidential election clearly reveals who is behind whom, as well as allies and foes. How one wins is more important than simply winning the race. What awaits the LDP may be an outgrowth of the previous factions."

Related coverage:

Japan ruling party leadership race begins with record 9 candidates

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa joins ruling LDP's leadership race

Komeito's Natsuo Yamaguchi says to step down as junior coalition party head
Lt. Gen. James Glynn speaks during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, during which he assumed command of Marine Corps Forces Pacific. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII  James Glynn was just a young Marine lieutenant when he and his future wife, Denise, gazed at the beauty of the cloud-catching mountains of central Oahu.

If we could get a set of orders back here, what a day that would be, Lt. Gen. Glynn recalled telling her during a ceremony Thursday at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, where he assumed command of Marine Corps Forces Pacific.

We pursued those orders for more than 30 years, Glynn, most recently the deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs, said with a laugh.

I finally became the guy that cut the orders and somehow convinced the commandant that maybe that would be a good idea.

Glynn took the reins from Lt. Gen. William Jurney, who is retiring after 37 years in the Corps. He began as an enlisted infantryman and became an officer via the Enlisted Commissioning Program.

Jurney told the audience he felt proud of a career pushing hard every day with planning and executing operations in the field and in the fight.

So going out with my boots on, as I would say, is exactly where I wanted to be and how I wanted it, he said.

Im the guy who says youre either getting better or youre getting worse, Jurney said while reflecting upon his career. Theres no staying the same.

Lt. Gen. James Glynn, left, assumes command of Marine Corps Forces Pacific from Lt. Gen. William Jurney, center, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)

Because I submit to you that if you think youre staying the same, our adversaries are working harder than us, and by default, you are, in fact, getting worse.

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith praised Jurney as almost  almost  irreplaceable.

You cant replace a Bill Jurney, Smith told the audience, then paused.

But if youre gonna, you do it with Jim Glynn and Denise, Smith said. He and Denise are the complete package.

Glynn now commands a force composed of roughly 80,000 Marines, sailors and civilians.

Marine Corps Forces Pacific, headquartered at Camp Smith, Oahu, includes the I Marine Expeditionary Force based in California and Arizona and the III Marine Expeditionary Force based in Hawaii and Japan.

It is the Corps largest operational command and comprises two-thirds of the services active-duty combat forces.

Under Jurneys tenure, Pacific Marines were involved in the first deployment of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the redesignation of 12th Marine Regiment to 12th Marine Littoral Regiment and the transition of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 from the RQ-21A to the MQ-9A MUX/MALE.

Glynn was commissioned in 1989 and served as a rifle platoon commander during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the early 1990s.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was a battalion landing team commander with both the 15th and 31st Marine Expeditionary Units.

He is a graduate of the Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, Army War College and the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

You should expect me to be out front, ensuring that you have what you need and that youre taken care of, so that we can achieve the things in support of our partners and allies, Glynn told the troops on the parade ground for the ceremony.
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., pictured at a Senate hearing in July 2023. Schmitt on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, challenged Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey on a report that he wrote about improving diversity and inclusion in the Navy. Holsey is nominated for promotion to the rank of admiral and to lead U.S. Southern Command. (Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes)

Sen. Eric Schmitt on Thursday challenged President Joe Bidens nominee to lead Southern Command over a report that the flag officer authored about improving diversity and inclusion in the Navy following the 2020 killing of George Floyd by a police officer.

Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey, who would be the first Black person to lead SOUTHCOM if he is confirmed by the Senate, distanced himself from the report and said it merely offered recommendations for the Navy to review and consider for building readiness and preparing sailors for war.

We are a nation of immigrants. We are a nation of people serving together. Theres so many of us today who are looking for an opportunity to serve. They want to serve our nation and do whats best for all of us. The Navy was looking for a way to find out who people were, Holsey said. After two years in carrier strike group command, I was asked to lead this effort. I did not ask for it. I didnt want to do it, but I think I was selected to do it because of my character [and] my reputation.

Listen, I admire your career, said Schmitt, a Missouri Republican. This is not the first time Ive asked on this kind of topic when people came before [to testify] and their name has been associated with some of these ideas.

The exchange was the only opposition that arose during the nearly two-hour Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to discuss Holsey to lead SOUTHCOM and Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus to lead the National Guard Bureau.

Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey is nominated by President Joe Biden for promotion to the rank of admiral and to lead U.S. Southern Command, where he is now the deputy commander. As part of the confirmation process, he testified Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, before the Senate Armed Services Committee. (U.S. Navy )

Most questions focused on the specific missions of each organization and the related national security and readiness concerns, and the officers willingness to combat aggression from Russia and China.

Beyond Schmitt, the senators asked little about the mens history of service.

The Task Force One Navy report published in February 2021 at the direction of Adm. Michael Gilday, who was then chief of naval operations, was done with the intention of recommending how to make the Navy an organization where sailors feel included, respected and empowered, according to the report.

The Defense Department and other service branches released similar reports, as did many other government and private entities, as the country grappled with racial injustice laid bare in the death of Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. Derek Chauvin, the officer and an Army Reserve veteran, was convicted and sentenced to prison in Floyds death.

Holsey, who is also nominated for promotion to admiral, served as director of Task Force One Navy, and the report offered 56 recommendations focused on recruiting, retention, professional development and innovation. Schmitt focused on two recommendations: offering applicants of the Navy ROTC and the U.S. Naval Academy a cultural questionnaire tailored to individual minority candidates, and labeling minority sailors and officers with a diversity stamp during promotion boards.

I do think its incredibly divisive, Schmitt said. Its just dividing the room by immutable characteristics.  It has no place in our military. I do think we should be active in reaching out to a broad group of people to serve. I dont disagree with that at all.

While Schmitt did not say whether his concerns would affect his willingness to confirm Holsey, he did conclude the line of questioning with a promise to send along additional questions.

Theres just a lot of questions about this report that I have, which I hope you can appreciate. Im not alone in this. I think we need to do everything we can to ensure that our armed services, our military, is the great meritocracy should be, he said. This obsession with race is not good for us. I dont think gets us further down the road. I think its hurting recruiting.

Committee Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I., closed the hearing soon after by telling Holsey and Nordhaus that he looked forward to their confirmation.

Well try to do it with some diligence and speed, he said.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., attends a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in July 2023. (Stars and Stripes) Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon in February 2022. (Lisa Ferdinando/Defense Department)

Earlier this week, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., put a hold on the confirmation of another military officer, Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark, who was nominated to lead the Armys Pacific Command. He is now serving as the top military aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Tuberville said he had concerns Clark and other senior staff did not immediately notify Biden when Austin was hospitalized earlier this year with complications from cancer treatment. The senator previously held up hundreds of military nominations because he opposes a Pentagon policy that allows troops leave to access out-of-state health care services, including abortions.

In Thursdays confirmation hearing, Tuberville did not indicate that he would attempt to block the confirmations of Holsey or Nordhaus. He focused his questions on recruiting in the National Guard and ensuring access to the Panama Canal as China has exceedingly pushed its influence in Panama and across South America.

If confirmed, Holsey would take over SOUTHCOM from Army Gen. Laura Richardson, who will retire. Holsey now serves as Richardsons deputy commander.

Based near Miami, the command provides security cooperation and conducts planning and operations within Central America, South America and the Caribbean. It also defends the Panama Canal.

Nordhaus, who is nominated for promotion to general, would replace Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, who retired last month. Since March 2023, Nordhaus has led the 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space) and the continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region out of Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.

The National Guard Bureau oversees the federal functions of the Army and Air National Guards and serves as a meeting point of the National Guards within the 54 states and territories of the United States.
Construction on Mageshima Island, seen here in October 2023, has been delayed three years, with a new expected completion date of 2030. (Wikimedia Commons)

TOKYO  Construction of a new Japanese air base that will serve as a training site for U.S. Navy pilots is three years behind schedule, according to Japans Ministry of Defense.

The ministry has pushed the construction deadline for a new base on Mageshima, about 20 miles south of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japans four main islands, from 2027 to 2030, the Kumamoto Defense Branch Office said in a news release Tuesday.

Rough seas and strong winds have delayed supply deliveries to the island, while the Jan. 1 earthquake in Noto prefecture contributed to significant shortages of supplies and manpower, a spokesman for the Kumamoto Defense Branch Office said by phone Friday. Also, he said, the earthen fill material excavated on the island for the project proved unsuitable.

The government began work on the base in January 2023, with total construction costs expected to be about $1.6 billion.

The Kumamoto branch office, a local arm of the Defense Ministry, did not respond to a Stars and Stripes phone query by Friday afternoon.

Provisionally named Mageshima Base, the new facility was planned to address a shortage of military installations in the region and act as a training area for U.S. pilots preparing to deploy on aircraft carriers, according to the ministrys website.

Navy pilots routinely undergo field carrier-landing practice ahead of a carrier deployment.

Pilots with Carrier Air Wing 5, the air complement to the carrier strike group headquartered at Yokosuka Naval Base, and soon to embark on the carrier USS George Washington, usually train at Iwo Jima, nearly 850 miles southeast of their home at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.

During the training, pilots fly numerous day and night sorties and complete touch-and-goes that simulate takeoff and landing conditions aboard an aircraft carrier.

While the air wing has trained for decades on Iwo Jima, also known as Iwo To, the Navy has considered the island unsuitable as a permanent training location due to difficulty in maintaining its remote facilities and a lack of alternate landing fields.

In the event of bad weather, landing practice is moved to other U.S. airfields in Japan, such as the Yokota and Misawa air bases, but local communities often object to the noise created by those flights.

After promising to find an alternative location, the Japanese government in November 2019 purchased Mageshima for about $113 million from the islands majority owner Taston Airport, a Tokyo-based development company, Asahi reported at the time.

Plans for Mageshima Base call for about 200 personnel permanently stationed on the island. They and their families will live on Tanegashima, just 7 miles east of Mageshima, according to the ministrys website.

The base will have two runways, docks, an air traffic control tower, storage areas, hangars and barracks, according to layout plans released by the ministry.
Lt. Sarah Gomez-Lorraine, chaplain of the Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance, holds Sunday service on the mess decks on July 21, 2024. (Mass Communication Spc. Seaman Joey Sitter/U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON  The Navy is poised to meet its goal of having a chaplain serving aboard each of its destroyers by 2025, culminating a yearslong effort to have dedicated emotional and spiritual counselors aboard the warships to help sailors battle the struggles that can arise during long missions at sea.

The service set a goal in 2023 to assign one chaplain per destroyer by 2025 in hopes of filling a shortage of emotional, mental and spiritual counselors aboard those ships. The goal meant creating 48 new permanent billets.

As of September, the Navy had a dedicated chaplain serving aboard 29 of 31 East Coast-based destroyers and 27 of 45 West Coast-based destroyers, leaving 20 billets to be created in the coming year.

But they will all be filled in fiscal year 2025. That is when the funding comes online for the unfilled billets, said Rear Adm. Gregory Todd, chief of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps.

The Navy began focusing on mental health resources and quality-of-life initiatives in 2022 after a spate of 10 suicides and at least two suicide attempts aboard the aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan, USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS George Washington. The service documented 71 suicides in 2022 and another 69 suicides in 2023, according to the Defense Suicide Prevention Office.

While the Navy Chaplain Corps already has permanent positions aboard larger vessels such as aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and guided-missile cruisers, chaplains have historically supported destroyers at the squadron level, with two assigned to accommodate multiple warships spread across an area of responsibility. The difference between a squadron level chaplain and a dedicated destroyer chaplain, Todd said, is all about accessibility.

If you have two chaplains per squadron, they are always a visitor, he said. They are somebody that is not part of the crew, not part of the ebb and flow of the ships life.

The Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyers USS Kidd, USS Howard and USS Shoup participate in a group sail in 2017 in the Pacific Ocean. (Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class Ian D. Zagrocki/U.S. Navy)

Putting a chaplain onboard a ship full time, Todd said, fosters better relationships between the chaplains and the crew. Chaplains serve as religious advisers and routinely assist sailors with operational stress, family problems and coping with life at sea.

A dedicated chaplain was aboard each East Coast-based destroyer that deployed to the Middle East in the past year as the Israel-Hamas conflict reached a boiling point and Iranian proxy forces launched relentless attacks on merchant shipping vessels in the Red Sea. Conversations between those chaplains and their crews included the sensitive nature of combat, Todd said.

There were issues like, Oh my goodness, what I am doing has a potential of taking another persons life  in firing missiles at enemy combatants. So, how do we work through that? Todd said.

In 2023, destroyers with a chaplain on board averaged 31 counseling sessions per month, compared to just three per month for those without chaplains. That data has held consistent throughout the process to place more chaplains aboard destroyers, Todd said.

To meet sailors where they were, destroyer chaplains go to the combat center of the ship, where missiles are fired. Since January, U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, has reported almost daily instances of U.S. forces destroying attack drones, land-based missile systems and enemy support vehicles.

Having those kinds of important conversations along the way are encouraging and helps people have a sense of meaning to what theyre doing, Todd said. Do you count that as a counseling appointment? Probably not, but it is an important engagement.

Now that the Navy is nearing the finish line of assigning a chaplain to every destroyer, Todd said, the service has its eye on frigates, as well as adding more chaplain billets for the Marine Corps and Coast Guard, both of which fall under the Navy Chaplain Corps. The service is also exploring ways to recruit chaplains from within its ranks.

The service has prioritized at-sea billets in recent years, assigning more chaplains to ships. Doing so, Todd said, came with the risk of leaving shore-based billets empty. In September 2021, the Navy had 886 billets with 877 chaplains on active duty. As of August, the number of billets had increased to 932 while the number of chaplains held steady at 877. A comparison of shore-based billet vacancies was not available, the Navy said.

A chaplain aboard the Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyer USS Mason conducts evening prayer for the crew on March 4, 2024. (U.S. Navy)

We need to recruit more  that is the challenge right now, Todd said.

The Chaplain Corps is aiming to recruit 100 new chaplains in the coming year.

To become a Navy chaplain, an individual must have a masters degree or equivalent and be endorsed by a religious institution. Once selected, the candidate must pass the Navys physical fitness test and complete officer development school and chaplain school, which take about eight weeks.

While there is still work to be done, Todd said, putting chaplains closer to the deck plate has given the Chaplain Corps a sense of what drives service members  feeling like they are doing something important.

Thats kind of a spiritual thing  to sacrifice for the greater good, to really be part of something bigger than themselves, he said. That is why they joined [the military].
The centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, A Soldiers Journey, is unveiled on Friday. (Allison Robbert/The Washington Post)

The 58-foot-long bronze sculpture follows the story of an unnamed World War I soldier, beginning on the day he takes his helmet from his daughters hands and ships out. It shows anguished scenes of war, with soldiers fighting alongside nurses who tend their injuries. And finally, a homecoming.

Years in the making, the 25-ton sculpture called A Soldiers Journey is the centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial and was unveiled Friday evening in a park at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just blocks from the White House.

As the sun set on a breezy Washington evening, a crowd of veterans, military enthusiasts and others gathered to see the memorial. Observers lined barricades on Pennsylvania Avenue to watch the program. Some wore re-creations of World War I uniforms. The U.S. Army Band Pershings Own played the national anthem.

This mammoth, epic, 60-foot-long bronze is about humans, artist Sabin Howard said. It is a memorial about us, we the people. It is a project that represents the everyman, the ones who make this country possible. And as I stand here in front of you, I am an example of why this country carries so much potential. It is the freedom to choose what we will do with the God-given gift of life. It is a country that grants us free will.

The massive sculpture took about a decade to complete from inception to reveal. Forged in Stroud, England, it is now the largest free-standing high-relief bronze in the Western Hemisphere, according to the World War I Centennial Commission.

The finishing touches were applied on a sweltering August morning, as Howard and his crew filled in the gaps between five-ton pieces of bronze that had been cast at a foundry 3,500 miles away. Blowtorches in hand, they applied chemicals and heat to jump-start the oxidation process that will continue as long as the statue stands exposed to the elements, forming the patina that Howard said gives the memorial a life of its own. Howard created the piece alongside architect Joe Weishaar.

Artist Sabin Howard works on the new World War I memorial in Washington in August. (Allison Robbert/The Washington Post)

The sculpture really shows the richness of our humanity, Howard said. Its a very human piece.

The work is the culmination of more than a decade of effort to bring a national World War I memorial to D.C. Funding this effort required the creative efforts of the commission, which tracked down family ties to the war to convince donors to fund the mission.

When the project began, the World War I Centennial Commission was an all-volunteer body, said Meredith Carr, deputy director of the commission. The group had no office space, no operating budget and no payroll. They needed a way to convince wealthy donors to bankroll a multimillion-dollar project to honor millions of U.S. veterans who were no longer alive.

Carr said the commissions eureka moment came when they began digging through archives of war-era documents, where they found draft cards signed by relatives of several prominent and wealthy American families. They discovered cards signed by the fathers and grandfathers of former presidents, business moguls and celebrities.

When they showed surviving family members those old papers conscripting their ancestors into the war, the commission struck gold.

Suddenly, dozens of influential people wanted to be involved with the commission and the construction of the memorial, Carr said. Former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama signed on to be honorary co-chairs. Donations came in from the Walton family, who own Walmart; Lilly Endowment Inc.; the NFL; General Motors; the Coca-Cola Foundation; and dozens of other companies, foundations and families with ties to the war.

Sculptors work on finishing touches to a scene in the World War I memorial in Washington, D.C. (Allison Robbert/The Washington Post)

Carol Moseley Braun, the former U.S. ambassador to New Zealand, said she found herself digging into her familys connection to the war after the commission approached her to become a special adviser and help fundraise for the $44 million project.

Her grandfather, Thomas Davie, fought in a Black division of the then-segregated U.S. Army. The commission shared her grandfathers draft papers, signed in his own handwriting and preserved for a century. In the bottom of an old box of photographs, she found an image of a young Davie in uniform that she said was painted in France while he was deployed.

She took a trip to the Western Front in France and visited the trenches her grandfather would have stood in nearly 10 decades ago. In one corner of an underground room, she saw an altar for prayers and her grandfathers all-Black division carved into the limestone. Across the room, a stairwell was marked by the word Hell and an arrow pointing toward the long-abandoned war zone.

It was emotionally overwhelming, Moseley Braun said.

A family connection to a war that shaped the modern era spurred many others to collectively funnel millions of dollars into the effort to construct A Soldiers Journey.

Retired Col. Jennifer N. Pritzker, a billionaire who runs the Tawani Foundation and founded the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago, was one of the first potential funders that the commission approached, Carr said. Pritzker gave a $5 million donation that allowed the commission to set up offices and begin fundraising more seriously.

Pritzker, who served in the Army and has a personal connection to the Great War through grandfathers on both sides of her family, said it was important to remember the conflict even 100 years later because of its ongoing influence on the modern era.

I think World War I pretty much defined the world as we see it today, Pritzker said.

She said our maps, borders, civil rights, weapons, technology and even fashion, like the wristwatch and trench coats, owe some credit to World War I. But few people alive today have a direct connection to the conflict. Memorials like the one installed in D.C. can connect people to that past.

Even if all you do is look at the statues, or read a couple of Wikipedia articles [about the war], Pritzker said, these statues and the commission has done something.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets with Libyan interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba, in Berlin, Germany on June 24, 2021. Dabaiba has emerged as one of the divided countrys two main leaders. (Ron Przysucha/U.S. State Department via Flickr)

The news out of Libya that tends to grab international attention often involves stark tragedy and disaster. If its not the harrowing civil war that has convulsed the oil-rich North Africa nation for years and split it in two, then its the drowning of migrants motoring out from Libyas poorly patrolled coasts or the epochal flood that killed thousands in the city of Derna a year ago.

In recent months, though, the considerable drama gripping the country has been far more shadowy, shaped by backroom deals, black market transfers and illicit smuggling. But its equally important and fraught. A rolling crisis over control of Libyas central bank has paralyzed the economy and sparked new fears of conflict. Oil exports have dropped precipitously in recent weeks, while ordinary Libyans are facing long lines at gas stations, restrictions on their ability to withdraw cash from banks and a collapsing electricity grid.

The upheaval is the consequence of a spat that flared in August but was long in the works, experts say. A move by forces close to Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, who leads the government in western Libya, centered in the capital Tripoli, saw officials in the Central Bank kidnapped and led the banks longtime governor, Sadiq al-Kabir, to flee into self-imposed exile in Turkey. The Central Bank, which is the sole legal repository of Libyas oil-generated wealth, ceased functioning. Oil exports were quickly shut down.

Kabir, in Istanbul, said Thursday that Libya was essentially cut off from the world financial system. All international banks that we deal with, more than 30 major international institutions, have suspended all transactions, he told Reuters. All work has been suspended at the international level. Therefore, there is no access to balances or deposits outside Libya.

At its root, the dispute is about rival power brokers designs on oil revenue in a country with Africas largest oil reserves. Dbeibahs faction is at odds with that of Khalifa Hifter, which holds sway in eastern Libya and has cultivated deep ties with foreign powers such as Russia and the United Arab Emirates. In the tail end of the countrys ruinous civil war, Haftar attempted an offensive to capture Tripoli that ultimately failed when Turkey rushed military aid and support to the government in Tripoli. The internationally brokered cease-fire in 2020 that followed has settled into an uneasy peace, with Dbeibah and Haftar fighting their battles through other means  for now.

U.N.-led efforts to resolve the dispute are underway. But the situation is a reminder of the perilous state of affairs in Libya, which has lurched from crisis to calamity since the bloody revolution and NATO-backed campaign that overthrew Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country has not experienced stable governance since and is now torn apart by two rival political entities and a patchwork of armed groups. The Dbeibahs and the Haftars have emerged as powerful, quasi-dynastic clans, vying for influence over the key institutions like the Central Bank and the National Oil Corporation, through which most of Libyas oil revenue flows. Analysts say Dbeibahs manipulation of the bank for his corrupt ends saw Kabir warm to Haftar, who is simultaneously alleged to also be presiding over vast networks of illicit smuggling.

Kabir had sown the seeds of his own demise, the Economist explained. At first he bought off his chief challengers: the people who had risen against dictatorship. After Gaddafi the state payroll almost doubled to 2.4 million in a country of 7 million. It is claimed the bank funded the warlords, paying fighters who both besieged and defended Tripoli.

The British newsweekly added: When the fighting ended in 2020, Kabir financed their ever-more grandiose schemes for hiving off Libyas vast oil revenue. He paid billions to import fuel at market prices, subsidized it to make it the worlds cheapest, then let it be smuggled overland and increasingly by tanker to Europe. The more lucre and power the recipients amassed, the weaker he grew. When he tried to rein in the purse strings, it was too late.

Deeper strains are showing. The arrangements bridging east and west appear to be nearing a breaking point, Libya scholar Wolfram Lacher wrote in a lengthy essay for New Lines magazine, pointing to a growing body of evidence regarding the state plunder carried out by both parties, but especially the Haftars. He added: In the meantime, the Haftars greatly improved access to funds threatens to destabilize the balance of power. [Khalifa Hifters son] Saddam has told close associates that he is seeking to turn western Libyan factions against each other and buy the support of selected militia leaders  a task made easier by the money he now has at his disposal. His father has informed Western diplomats that he intends to make another attempt to seize Tripoli.

Over the past week, a flurry of top regional officials, including Turkeys spy chief, have visited the country. The tensions have threatened a rapprochement between Egypt and Turkey, which find themselves at different sides of Libyas divide. Egypt and the UAE have backed Haftar in part because of his staunch anti-Islamist ideology that opposes the reliance of the Tripoli government on militias linked to the Muslim Brotherhood movement, noted the Soufan Center, an independent global security think tank, in a memo earlier this month. Turkey, by contrast, has engaged regional Muslim Brotherhood-inspired movements and views Haftar as a right-wing figure dedicated to reducing Ankaras regional influence. Russia, for its part, sees Haftars control of most of Libyas oil fields as a tool in Moscows global competition with the United States and its European partners, all of which are backing Ukraine.

The tangled geopolitics belies the frustrations of many Libyans who simply want a degree of political stability. If you ask any normal Libyan, theyll say we need one government, we need elections, a former adviser to the Libyan government, speaking on the condition of anonymity over fears to their safety, told me. But, they added, the countrys power brokers arent interested in such an outcome. Why would Haftar want one government? the former official said. He can print money as he pleases, now, and smuggle oil.

A lack of Western attention here may be dangerous, especially at a moment when foreign powers could exert some pressure on Libyas factions to get in line. Diplomats may be busy stopping other wars in Ukraine and Gaza from growing into monstrous regional conflicts, wrote Tarek Megerisi of the European Council on Foreign Relations. But if theyre too consumed to take this brief opportunity, then they may well end up with a third before too long.
A Russian Tu-124 patrol aircraft flies around Japanese territory, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Japan's Ministry of Defense)

TOKYO  A pair of Russian patrol aircraft circled Japans four main islands Thursday for the first time in five years, according to Japans military the same day.

The Tu-124 patrol planes flew a route that spanned from Okinawa in the south to Hokkaido in the north, according to a statement from Japans Joint Staff.

The aircraft didnt violate Japans airspace, but they did pass over the disputed northern territories, a Joint Staff spokesman said by phone Friday.

The northern territories comprise four islands north of Hokkaido claimed by Japan but occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945 and still controlled by Russia.

It was the first time Russian planes had flown around the Japan archipelago since 2019, the spokesman said. Some Japanese government officials may speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.

The aircraft traveled south off the coast of Oki Island in Shimane prefecture, flew between Okinawa and Miyako Island and over the Pacific Ocean, the Joint Staff statement said.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighters scrambled to monitor the planes, the statement said.

Japanese fighters also scrambled Aug. 26 to intercept a Chinese Y-9 surveillance plane that flew into Japanese airspace south of Kyushu, the first such incursion by a Chinese military aircraft.

In July, Moscow sent a pair of missile-armed, long-range Tu-95MS Bear-H bombers on a 10-hour training flight between Japan and South Korea.

It is not clear if Thursdays patrol flight was connected to the Ocean 24 exercise by Russian and Chinese forces in the Sea of Japan, which began Tuesday and runs until Monday, according to the Joint Staff statement.

The drills span the Pacific and Arctic oceans, the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic seas, according to a Russian Defense Ministry statement issued at the start of the training. Ocean 24 involves over 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, more than 120 planes and helicopters and 90,000 troops.

The Russian flight around Japan is intended as a show of force, James Brown, an international affairs expert at Temple Universitys Japan campus, said by email Friday.

The message is intended for two audiences, he wrote.

The first is Japan, he said. Moscow wants to show the Japanese that their support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia come at a cost.

Russia may hope that the flight will disempower hawkish Japanese politicians, but it seems more likely that intimidation will strengthen their hand instead, Brown said.

The second audience is China, he said. Putin is desperate to show Xi (Jinping, the Chinese president) that despite the invasion of Ukraine, Russia remains a force in East Asia. That is a principal goal of the enormous Russian naval drills that are underway.
Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, swears in new recruits at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Sept. 12, 2024. (Dylan Myers/U.S. Air Force)

The Air Force is on track to meet or exceed its annual recruiting goal a year after experiencing a dismal 10% shortfall in new active-duty enlistments, according to the services recruiting leader.

As of last week, fiscal 2024 active-duty recruitment numbers were at 25,000 and change, said Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service.

The current tally already tops the 24,100 who entered the active force in 2023, when the target was 26,877, according to Pentagon data.

Even with the target elevated this year to 27,100, all signs point toward achievement of that goal, Amrhein said Thursday, with just over two weeks left in the fiscal year.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, visits Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Sept. 12, 2024. Ramstein is one of several bases in Europe where Air Force recruiters are assigned. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

It wasnt any one thing, he said. It was a lot of levers being worked in combination to each other, which really gave our recruiters the tools they needed  to find the talent to come into our service.

Amrhein and his senior enlisted leader, Chief Master Sgt. Rebecca A.C. Arbona, were at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Thursday as part of an overseas visit to several European bases where the command has a handful of recruiters assigned.

The reserve and Air National Guard are also having banner years, he said, after missing the mark by more than 30% last year.

While at Ramstein, Amrhein swore in 16 new recruits at a ceremony on the flight line next to a C-130J cargo plane. One of the recruits, a 40-year-old, was eligible because last fall, the service raised the maximum enlistment age from 39 to 42. An airman has to be at basic military training before turning 42, service officials said.

Raising the maximum enlisted age is just one of many factors that turned around Air Force recruiting, Amrhein said.

Last year was a tough one for new enlistment across much of the military, not just for the Air Force. Both the Navy and the Army also fell well short of their objectives. The Pentagon called it the worst recruitment year for services since the inception of the all-volunteer force.

Besides the age limit increase, the Air Force also loosened body fat restrictions last year, bringing them in line with Navy and Army standards.

The raised threshold of 26% fat for men and 36% for women, up from 20% and 28% respectively, allowed the service to bring in an additional 3,000 active-duty recruits, or 5,600 if the reserve and Air National Guard are included, Amrhein said.

Improvements to medical screening also opened up more channels for recruits to serve.

The service was hit hard last year by a backlog of medical waivers, slowing down the review process. The average wait was 12 to 14 days but in some it could take up to three months or more, he said, calling that too long.

As a result, about 8,800 people walked away before their cases were decided, Amrhein said. Based on an Air Force approval rate of about 70% for medical waivers, the loss of those applicants cost the service about 5,600 new airmen last year, he said.

In response, staffing was beefed up and the waiver review process now takes an average of two to three days, Amrhein said.

Another cause of the bottleneck was the rollout of MHS Genesis, the Defense Departments new electronic health records system, about two years ago.

More recruits are now being flagged for health issues because Genesis captures their entire medical history, from an inhaler prescription to a brief telephone consultation, if its on record.

Prior to Genesis, the Air Force reviewed about 10,000 medical waiver requests per year, according to Amrhein, who said that by comparison, were just over 23,000 for this year alone.

The service now grants automatic waiver approval for six or seven exoskeletal conditions, such as knee pain or shoulder issues, that in the past were approved 85% of the time or more, Amrhein said.

But he was quick to say that the changes have not lowered the caliber of recruits.

I want to make sure theres a delineation on what we would consider the qualifications to serve versus meeting a standard, he said. When Im thinking of meeting a standard, Im thinking, Can they graduate from BMT? Can they continue to serve and do they meet those in-service standards? Those we havent compromised on.
The European Union and Ukrainian flags side by side. The E.U.s sanctions on Russian assets helps fund aid packages for Ukraine. (E.U. Delegation to the U.S.)

European Union member states reviewed three proposals to tweak the blocs sanction regime in order to assuage American concerns and unlock a plan to deliver $50 billion in aid to Ukraine backed by the profits of frozen Russian central bank assets.

The E.U. sanctions that keep the Russian assets immobilized need to be renewed by unanimous vote every six months. The U.S. has sought assurances that the assets will remain frozen since their profits will be used to repay the aid package.

One of the options proposed by the European Commission, the blocs executive arm, on Friday was to extend the renewal period for the asset freeze to 36 months, according to people familiar with the talks.

Another proposal would prolong the renewal period for five years, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The final offer would extend both sectoral sanctions and the central-bank asset freeze for 36 months.

The E.U., the U.S. and other Group of Seven allies have been working to provide Ukraine the loans by the end of the year. The package is instrumental for Kyiv to continue receiving aid from the International Monetary Funds $15.6 billion assistance program for the war-battered country.

Ukraine on Tuesday passed an IMF staff review to unlock $1.1 billion in aid. It happened after the Fund had received assurances from the U.S. and E.U. that the frozen-asset funds will be forthcoming, according to officials familiar with the talks.

A majority of the E.U. ambassadors during the meeting were open to the options proposed by the commission, with extending the renewal period for the sanctions covering the assets to 36 months seen as the most feasible, said the people.

Hungary, which has delayed the sanction renewal process in the past and is seen as the most Russia-friendly of the E.U. countries, didnt take a stance, since it holds the blocs rotating presidency, according to the people.

The commission may offer more details on how to change the sanction regime as soon as Monday, as member states want to see more information.

E.U. leaders tried to reassured U.S. officials in a joint statement after their June summit, saying that Russias assets should remain immobilized until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused by this war. European officials have also pointed to the fact that sanctions against Russia have been in place since 2014.

The agreement reached at the G-7 summit would see the E.U. and the U.S. providing loans of around $20 billion each, according to officials familiar with the deal. The U.K., Canada and Japan would contribute smaller loans.

The primary goal for the E.U. is to have the U.S. participate in the aid package, but some E.U. officials are considering the idea to move forward without the Americans.

With assistance from Alberto Nardelli.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com.

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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. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

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.

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. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

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.

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. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

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. 
A 27-year-old Syrian man who was arrested in Hof, Germany, on Sept. 12,2024, is accused of planning a machete attack on German soldiers during their lunch break. The German military barracks in Hof are about an hour away from two U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria installations. (German Federal Police)

A Syrian man is suspected of planning a lunchtime machete attack against German soldiers from a barracks in Bavaria that is about an hour away from two major U.S. Army installations, the General Prosecutors Office in Munich said Friday.

He was arrested Thursday in Hof, home to the German militarys Upper Franconia barracks. It houses about 550 soldiers as well as the Central Investigation Office for Technical Reconnaissance, where the German military develops new electromagnetic surveillance technology.

The town in far northeastern Bavaria, near the Czech border, is in an administrative region neighboring the U.S. militarys Grafenwoehr Training Area and Vilseck base.

The 27-year-old man, who has not been identified in accordance with German privacy laws, is still in police custody. The formal accusation against him is preparing a serious violent act endangering the state.

He acquired two machetes and intended to attack soldiers during their lunch breaks in downtown Hof to incite public fear, authorities said in a statement.

American military officials in Bavaria did not immediately respond to a question about whether there was any indication of danger to U.S. troops stationed in the region.

The arrest comes on the heels of recent violence elsewhere in Germany.

Last week, an 18-year-old Austrian with Bosnian roots who law enforcement officials said had known Islamist connections fired several shots at the Israeli Consulate general in Munich. He was killed in a shootout with police.

On Aug. 23, a mass stabbing at a festival in Solingen, in the west-central state of North Rhine-Westphalia, left three dead and eight injured. German authorities linked the suspect, also a Syrian man, to radical Islamist convictions.
Vice-presidential nominee JD Vance (R-Ohio) speaks at a campaign event in Big Rapids, Mich., on Aug. 27. (Tom Brenner/The Washington Post)

Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance (Ohio) recently laid out a potential Trump administrations approach to end Russias war in Ukraine, saying former president Donald Trumps handling of the conflict could include establishing a demilitarized zone in Ukrainian territory now occupied by Russia.

The approach would mark a dramatic change from the Biden administrations policy  which is focused on providing military and other assistance, along with Europe and other allies  to help Ukraine repel and reverse Russian aggression.

I think what this looks like is Trump sits down, he says to the Russians, the Ukrainians, the Europeans: You guys need to figure out  What does a peaceful settlement look like? And what it probably looks like is the current line of demarcation between Russia and Ukraine, that becomes like a demilitarized zone, Sen. Vance said Wednesday on The Shawn Ryan Show.

The proposed demilitarized zone, Vance added, would be heavily fortified so the Russians dont invade again. As part of the peace plan, Vance said, Ukraine would maintain its independence in exchange for a guarantee of neutrality  meaning Ukraine wouldnt join NATO or other allied institutions.

Vance didnt specify who would control the demilitarized zone, but he said the current line of demarcation would remain, meaning Ukraine would not reclaim its territory that Russia now occupies. Its not clear whether the proposed demilitarized zone would be within currently Russian- or Ukrainian-occupied territory.

Throughout the war, Ukraine  with backing from both the United States and NATO  has insisted that all of Ukraines sovereign territory be returned. NATO has pledged that Ukraine will be part of the alliance and has set it on a path to membership.

Vances comments are the most explicit and recent plan for the war proposed to date by the Republican ticket.

Trump has claimed that if elected, he would end the war. This week, during the presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, he said that if elected in November, he would get it done before even becoming president. However, hes stopped short of explicitly laying out his plan, suggesting that publicizing his strategy would weaken his hand in negotiations.

I have a very exacting plan on how to stop Ukraine and Russia. And I have a certain idea, maybe not a plan, but an idea for China, Trump said last week in a podcast interview with Lex Fridman, later adding, But I cant give you those plans because if I give you those plans, Im not going to be able to use them. Theyll be unsuccessful. Part of its surprise.

Vance, in his interview with Ryan, said it was fake and wrong to consider the conflict the great humanitarian mission of our time, adding that its a fairy-tale mindset to consider the war a battle between good versus evil. During the interview, he also said that Russia should not have invaded Ukraine, but that Ukrainians have got a lot of corruption problems, too.

Since launching an invasion in February 2022, Russia now controls roughly 20 percent of Ukraines territory  including Crimea, which it illegally annexed in 2014 along with parts of the eastern Donbas region  and significant additional area stretching from north to south in the east.

Although some Republican lawmakers are among the strongest supporters of Ukraine, others have been increasingly reluctant to continue providing federal funding toward the war, arguing that the money is better spent on domestic issues such as securing the southern U.S. border.

Individuals who have discussed Trumps proposal to resolve the conflict, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations, had told The Washington Post in April that his plan consisted of pushing Ukraine to cede Crimea and the Donbas border region to Russia.

Theres a lot of risks to us staying there and trying to encourage the Ukrainians to hold onto Crimea. The question is: How many American lives would it cost to do that? And if the answer is more than zero, then Im out, Vance, a Marine veteran, said in the interview with Ryan. Although the U.S. military has trained Ukrainian forces in parts of Europe, there have been no U.S. troops in Ukraine since Russias 2022 invasion and Biden has pledged there will not be.

Responding to Vances recent comments, the Harris campaign pointed to the vice presidents speech in June at a peace summit.

Harris referenced Russian President Vladimir Putins cease-fire proposal put forward that month, which would require Ukraine withdraw troops from four Russian-occupied territories, the West lift sanctions imposed on Russia and Ukraine drop its bid for NATO membership. In her speech, Harris said Putin was not calling for negotiations. He is calling for surrender.

Vance also said Europe has underfunded this war while American taxpayers have been very generous, a charge often made by Trump, who falsely said in Tuesdays debate that the United States had spent $250-$275 billion on Ukraine  more than twice as much as Europe.

As of June 30, European nations with far smaller economies had collectively spent and allocated considerably more than the United States, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. As a percentage of its economy, the United States ranks lower than 21 other countries, according to the institute.

Vance continued to argue that the Biden administrations policy is to throw money at this problem [and] hope the Ukrainians are able to achieve a military victory that even the Ukrainians are saying [they] cant achieve, Vance added. Donald Trumps policy is yes, be strong, but also be smart. Negotiate.

A number of Trump advisers have outlined similar plans, including one published during the summer by Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz  who both served as chiefs of staff in Trumps National Security Council. Their proposal, which they said had been presented to the former president, also included telling Ukraine it would receive no more U.S. aid if it didnt agree to a peace he negotiated.

A 10-point peace plan presented to the United Nations in September 2022 by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky included a complete Russian withdrawal and restoration to pre-2014 borders, and an international tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes.

Putin, who claims historical ownership of Ukraine  a part of the former Soviet Union  has said he is willing to negotiate but made clear it must be on his terms. His spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, has said that any peace plan must recognize the reality on the ground, and Russian retention of territory it now occupies  crimes for which the International Criminal Court has already issued an arrest warrant for Putin.

Meryl Kornfield contributed to this report.
People make selfie photo in front of the Kremlin's Spasskaya tower and St. Basil's cathedral in downtown Moscow on Nov. 10, 2023. Matthew Olsen, assistant attorney general for national security, said at an event at Columbia Law School in New York on Thursday that Russia, Iran and China are ramping up attempts to stoke divisions within the U.S. ahead of Novembers presidential election. (Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Russia, Iran and China are ramping up attempts to stoke divisions within the U.S. ahead of Novembers presidential election, according to a top Department of Justice official.

The trio is seeking to warp the views of U.S. voters, Matthew Olsen, assistant attorney general for national security, said at an event at Columbia Law School in New York on Thursday.

The U.S. has already taken action this month to disrupt what it says are Kremlin-backed influence campaigns intended to meddle in the U.S. elections. But, Olsen warned that its unlikely the U.S. 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 U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5, from influence campaigns to cyberattacks. The U.S. 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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Army Sgt. Greville Clarke, 31, was arrested in 2022 during an incident in the Fort Cavazos barracks that involved a gun and now will face a court-martial for attempted premediated murder, rape, kidnapping and other charges, service officials said. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)

AUSTIN, Texas  A Fort Cavazos sergeant arrested nearly two years ago during an incident in the barracks that involved a gun will face a court-martial for attempted premediated murder, rape, kidnapping and other charges, Army officials said.

Sgt. Greville Clarke, 31, was arrested Oct. 2, 2022, which was the same day that base officials sent out a text-message alert to soldiers living at the intersection of Legends Way and 37th Street warning them to stay away because a man with a gun had been seen.

The Armys Office of Special Trial Counsel decided Monday to send the charges filed against Clarke to a court-martial. Those charges are attempted premeditated murder, attempted rape, attempted unlawful use of an access device, violation of a lawful general regulation, rape, unlawful recording, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice.

Clarke, who is assigned to the 62nd Engineer Battalion of the 36th Engineer Brigade, is in pretrial confinement.

Few details have been released about the incident. The Army Criminal Investigation Division confirmed Clarkes arrest and said he was believed to be linked to previous assaults.

Piecing together those additional accusations, which involve multiple victims, took time, which is in part what has led to the nearly two-year gap in the case, said Michelle McCaskill, spokeswoman for the Office of Special Trial Counsel.

These efforts required substantial investigative and administrative efforts, she said.

The Army declined to release a charge sheet for Clarke. The document is typically made available after an arraignment hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon on Feb. 1, 2024. (Alexander Kubitza/Department of Defense)

WASHINGTON  More days of temporary lodging during military moves, an extension of health care flexible spending for service members and a quality review of standard uniforms are part of a series of new initiatives announced Friday by the Pentagon.

We continue to work hard every day to take care of our service members and families. This is more than a commitment. It is a sacred obligation, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wrote in the memorandum.

Austin will use his visit Friday to Maxwell Air Force Base to unveil the initiatives and speak about them as part of his Taking Care of Our People effort. First lady Jill Biden will also be at the Alabama base to highlight the new universal prekindergarten program being implemented at Department of Defense Education Activity schools.

The overall Taking Care of Our People initiative launched after Austin took office in January 2021 has attempted to address issues ranging from making moves easier for service members and their families, economic security, affordable and quality child care, accessible health care, as well as responding to and preventing suicides in the military.

Some of the latest initiatives include increasing access to Wi-Fi pilot projects in select unaccompanied housing facilities, an increase in the temporary lodging from 14 to 21 days, and expanding military spouse employment programs and professional development, according to defense officials.

Austins memo announced the extension of Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts, or HCFSAs, to military members.

HCFSAs will enable eligible service members in the active component and certain reserve component members performing active [National] Guard and Reserve duty to enroll and elect up to $3,200 in pre-tax earnings per service member to pay for eligible health care costs such as co-payments, contact lenses, glasses, dental care, annual deductibles and point-of-service fees for health care services, Austin wrote.

The undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness will work with the service secretaries and Pentagon personnel managers to make this benefit available to service members through a special enrollment period in March 2025.

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Account provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for eligible military spouses to pursue a license, certification or associates degree. In March 2023, Austin directed the Pentagon to expand account eligibility to the spouses of active-duty service members and the spouses of National Guard and Reserve component members serving on active duty in pay grades E-6 and O-3.

Austins announcement expands the account eligibility to cover the spouses of service members on active duty, as well as the spouses of National Guard and Reserve troops serving in pay grades of E-7, E-8, E-9, and W-3. It will take effect Oct. 1. Eligibility will continue for W-1 and W-2, O-1 to O-3, and E-1 to E-6.

As far as this [Taking Care of Our People] goes, were looking at our workforce and really thinking about how we can compensate our mid- to high-range managers and staff so that we look at retention and career progression, said a defense official who spoke about the new initiatives on the condition of anonymity.

The Pentagon announcement also looks to ease the costs for uniforms and improve their quality.

Our enlisted force should be adequately compensated for the unavoidable replacement of required uniform items, Austin wrote.

He directed the service secretaries, in conjunction with the director of the Defense Logistics Agency, to execute a quality review of standard-issued uniform clothes by April 2025 to determine whether the items meet their intended wear life.

Austin ordered the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, in coordination with the service secretaries, to conduct a review by September 2025 of the allowance rates for enlisted troops to replace their uniforms to ensure they are provided enough money.

We began to hear some anecdotal accounts that perhaps some of the uniform allowances were perhaps not totally in the right place. I think this is why we are initiating both the quality review and look at the compensation piece of it, just to make sure we do our homework prior to making any moves, a defense official said.
Veteran criminal, James Jaws Byrne passed away in hospital last Saturday after a long illness.

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

Sadie Byrne walked beside her husbands coffin as he was carried into the church for his funeral mass this morning.

Veteran criminal, James Jaws Byrne passed away in hospital last Saturday after a long illness.

The Crumlin mans funeral was held at St. Catherines Church on Meath Street earlier today, followed by burial in Mount Jerome Cemetery.

Among the chief mourners today was Jaws wife Sadie Byrne and his grandson Lee, son of Liam Byrne, who is currently in prison in the UK as he awaits trial on firearm charges.

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

The 77-year-old had been involved in organised crime for most of his life and had close ties to some of Irelands most infamous gangland figures.

His son, Liam, and his son-in-law Thomas Bomber Kavanagh have been named as the leaders of the Byrne Organised Crime Group, described as the Irish wing of the Kinahan Cartel.

Jemmy Byrnes other son, David, was shot dead in the Regency Hotel in 2016 as part of the Hutch-Kinahan feud.

James 'Jaws' Byrne

Jaws funeral notice said that James dies peacefully, surrounded by his loving family in the kind care of the staff of Tallaght University Hospital; beloved husband of Sadie, loving dad of James, Joanne, Melanie, Maria, Liam and the late David.

Jemmy will be forever loved and very sadly missed by his loving wife, children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters Mary, Phyllis, Sandra, Elsie and Margaret, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and his large circle of friends.

Jemmy was a self-described hardened criminal who had links to Martin The General Cahill and worked as an armed robber in his younger days.

He was also well known for involvement in fraud and counterfeiting and was targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) and Revenue around the turn of the millennium, agreeing to pay out hundreds of thousands of euro in settlements.

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

In November 2002, he agreed to repay 43,353 in unemployment assistance that he was not entitled to.

He paid the Revenue Commissioners 208,400 after Revenue and Cab issued him with a tax assessment of 378,612 in 2004.

Some of the assessment was paid from 22,000 in cash seized at his home in 2001.

This was not to be his last dealings with the bureau and following a raid by Cab in 2016, Jaws later applied to the High Court seeking the return of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch worth 35,000 which had been seized in a raid.

In recent years, Byrne continued to be regarded as a patriarchal figure in organised crime in Ireland.

Jaws was among those of the Dublin underworld world who got prime seats at the Matthew Macklin bout in the 3Arena where Daniel Kinahan was ringside.

He also attended parties in New York from which some photos were posted on social media.
Ehsan Hussain pleaded guilty to distributing threatening, abusive or insulting

Ehsan Hussain pleaded guilty to distributing threatening, abusive or insulting written material intending to stir up racial hatred (West Midlands Police/PA)

A 25-year-old who used a fake name to post vile messages calling for disorder in Birmingham in a chat group has admitted stirring up racial hatred.

Ehsan 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.

Following the hearing, West Midlands Police said Hussain, who was warned to expect a substantial custodial sentence, had used the name of an innocent member of the public to post numerous and vile messages on Telegram in a chat group containing more than 12,000 members.

Ehsan Hussain pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates Court (Jacob King/PA)

Screenshots of the posts were captured, which the force said called for disorder in the Alum Rock and Bordesley Green areas.

No details of the material written by Hussain were given to the court, although 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, of Coventry Road, South Yardley, Birmingham, spoke only to confirm his plea and personal details before 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.

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.

A man was assaulted and damage was caused to a pub in the Yardley area, and a car was attacked elsewhere in east Birmingham, during disorder on the evening of August 5, after false rumours spread online of a far-right march taking place.
Pamela Joyce (43) has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the deaths of her son and his father by drowning, a court heard.

A mother caught with cocaine after a garda raid on her home has been handed a suspended sentence after she was deemed unsuitable for community service.

Pamela Joyce (43) has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the deaths of her son and his father by drowning, a court heard.

She also endured the loss of her first partner, who was shot dead in 2006.

Read more Son of steakhouse shooting victim Jason Hennessy Snr found with drugs near Cloverhill Prison

Judge David McHugh previously ordered Joyce to complete 230 hours community service. However, a probation report found she was unsuitable to complete it.

Defence solicitor Darren Grey asked the judge not to jail Joyce, saying she had suffered many tragedies in her life.

Judge McHugh imposed a 10-month sentence which he suspended for two years.

Joyce, of Finglaswood Road in Finglas, had admitted possession of cocaine and having the drug for sale or supply.

Blanchardstown District Court heard that gardai found cannabis worth 2,800 on January 8, 2022.

The court previously heard Joyces son, Tyler (3), and his father Sean Sweeney (36) died by drowning in 2016.

They were found dead in 10 inches of water after becoming trapped in a ditch while using a shortcut into Ashington Park in north Dublin.
Arakas  who has been nicknamed The Butcher  is one of Europes most infamous criminals

A hitman who once conspired to murder Hutch gangster James Mago Gately for the Kinahan cartel has pleaded guilty in Lithuania to the murder of a well-known MMA fighter in Lithuania and the attempted murder of another man.

In photos published in local media, frail looking Estonian criminal Imre Arakas (65) who was extradited from Ireland in January of last year is seen in court with a large white beard and a skull cap.

Arakas  who has been nicknamed The Butcher  is one of Europes most infamous criminals and has ties to organised crime gangs in the Balkans and Spain.

At the court hearing, reported by Delphi.it he admitted the murder of Remigijus Morkevicius in the city of Kaunas in December 21, 2016.

Evidence was given that Arakas was to be paid 50,000 for the murder but he did not receive all the money.

The murder in Lithuania happened just four months before Arakas travelled from Spain to Ireland to kill Mago Gately in April, 2017, as the Hutch Kinahan feud was threatening to spiral out of all control.

Arakas told the court in English that the murder was the biggest mistake of my life it has been reported today o and he apologised for his crimes at Kaunas District Court.

Imre Arakas

"I have to say I'm very sorry, I'm sorry. It was the biggest mistake of my life. If I could change something, I wouldn't do it again," he told the court.

The court heard that on the first occasion that he attempted to murder Morkevicius the gun jammed but the hitman later fatally shot him dead with a Kalashnikov assault rifle at the front of his home at a range of seven meters.

The police investigation was launched after the attempted murder of another man on the night of July 22, 2016 who was shot with a firearm with a silencer  a crime which the gangland killer has also pleaded guilty to.

He is also accused of the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Lithuanian prosecutors said the crime were organised by a crime gang from that country who are involved in the drugs trade in Spain.

It emerged in court that Arakas spent nine years in a Russian prison and he also spent almost six years in Irelands highest security prison at Portlaoise.

He was extradited to Lithuania last year after serving a sentence imposed by the Special Criminal Court in December 2018, where he admitted to conspiring with others to murder James 'Mago' Gately in Northern Ireland between 3 and 4 April 2017.

While he unsuccessfully attempted to keep Mago under surveillance in Ireland evidence heard in court today outlined how he stalked his murder victim in Kaunas, chillingly watching him as he walked with a child on one occasion.

Arakas had been contracted by the Kinahan cartel to carry out the shooting and boasted in messages that he would take out Gately with one shot in the head.

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He had bought a wig in Dublin and a used encrypted Blackberry phone to receive information about the movements and location of Gately.

He also requested a silencer for the job and was to be paid a five-figure sum for carrying out the hit.

The killer is also now facing firearms and conspiracy-related charges in relation to the shooting of Deimantas Bugavicius in November 2015.

In an interview last year with an Estonian media outlet, he said serving his sentence in Ireland for the Gately murder plot was like staying in a three star hotel and said, prison in Ireland is OK if you were friends with the Kinahans.

Despite pleading guilty to the Gately murder plot, he bizarrely claimed he was only in Ireland at the time to go camping.

Everyone thinks I am an international killer but I was in Ireland for camping. Look at the things I had in my bag. I wasnt going to kill anyone.
Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli speaks at the opening ceremony of the "China Premium Products and Services Exhibition and Business Matchmaking" event in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Sept. 12, 2024. Senior government officials and business representatives of China and Bulgaria expressed their desire here on Thursday to deepen bilateral economic cooperation. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

SOFIA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Senior government officials and business representatives of China and Bulgaria expressed their desire here on Thursday to deepen bilateral economic cooperation.

The statements were made at the opening ceremony of the three-day event "China Premium Products and Services Exhibition and Business Matchmaking" held in the National Palace of Culture in Sofia.

Nearly 30 Chinese companies, including leaders in technology, innovation, digitization, banking, logistics, transportation and energy, participated in the event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria.

At the opening ceremony, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said that China has established itself as a strategic partner of Bulgaria in recent years, noting the significant potential of bilateral cooperation.

He highlighted great prospects for cooperation in sectors such as automotive, information and communication technologies, robotics, and agriculture.

Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli said that Chinese enterprises have participated in the investment and construction of photovoltaic projects in Bulgaria, and Bulgarian companies are exploring the possibility of importing Chinese electric vehicles.

Dai said she hoped that Chinese enterprises in this field would consider investing and building factories in Bulgaria.

Petko Nikolov, Bulgaria's minister of economy and Industry, said his country would continue to expand commercial and industrial relations with China.

Biser Minchev, deputy minister of transport and communications, called China an important partner. He said the two sides can expand bilateral cooperation to establish efficient, reliable and sustainable transport links and supply chains.

"The ambition we set for ourselves today, through this event, is to open a new page in the development of relations between the two countries, emphasizing economic and scientific and technical cooperation," said Zahari Zahariev, chairman of the Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road, which organized the event jointly with the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria.

Atanas Todorov, general manager of the Bulgarian branch of China's ZTE, one of the exhibitors, told Xinhua that by cooperating with local leading telecoms in Bulgaria, ZTE has started its first green energy project outside China, which is based on solar technology and the latest smart lithium-ion batteries.

Nikolay Nedyalkov, chief executive officer of Bulgarian company Bulavto, joined many Bulgarian business representatives here to seek Chinese partners, with a great interest in Chinese electric vehicles, including cars, light trucks, trucks, and buses.

He said he hopes to become a representative of these products in Bulgaria, adding that if Chinese investors come here and assemble their vehicles here, his company is big enough for this.

Sharing a similar sentiment, Chavdar Minchev, vice president of the association "Forum for Balkan Transport and Infrastructure," told Xinhua his goal is to sign contacts with Chinese companies in transport and logistics and create cooperation opportunities in this field.

Virginia Palazova, general manager of travel agency Calisto Tours, expressed her willingness to partner with the Chinese counterparts. Regarding an appointment on schedule, she said she hoped it would be "successful." 

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev (C) visits the exhibition area of the "China Premium Products and Services Exhibition and Business Matchmaking" event in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Sept. 12, 2024. Senior government officials and business representatives of China and Bulgaria expressed their desire here on Thursday to deepen bilateral economic cooperation. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev (3rd L, Front) visits the exhibition area of the "China Premium Products and Services Exhibition and Business Matchmaking" event in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Sept. 12, 2024. Senior government officials and business representatives of China and Bulgaria expressed their desire here on Thursday to deepen bilateral economic cooperation. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev speaks at the opening ceremony of the "China Premium Products and Services Exhibition and Business Matchmaking" event in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Sept. 12, 2024. Senior government officials and business representatives of China and Bulgaria expressed their desire here on Thursday to deepen bilateral economic cooperation. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

Petko Nikolov, Bulgaria's minister of economy and Industry, speaks at the opening ceremony of the "China Premium Products and Services Exhibition and Business Matchmaking" event in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Sept. 12, 2024. Senior government officials and business representatives of China and Bulgaria expressed their desire here on Thursday to deepen bilateral economic cooperation. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)
Ryanair had explained how it warns its customers that they will be charged for printing their boarding pass at an airport desk.

Ryanair have been fined by a Spanish court for charging a passenger 30.45 to print out a boarding pass.

The case was brought by a passenger living in the Balearic Islands who claimed he had been unable to print out his pass before arriving in the airport due to special circumstances."

The ruling was made in Palmas Commercial Court in Mallorca last week where the Irish airline was ordered to pay the plaintiff 30.45  the cost charged for the boarding pass. However, the airline will also have to pay the court costs.

Ryanair had explained how it warns its customers that they will be charged for printing their boarding pass at an airport desk.

The airline also claimed it repeatedly urges customers to check-in online and to either print off their boarding pass at home, or to download with it digitally.

However in this case, the passenger claimed he was unable to do so due to internet issues.

He had told the court he was unable to validate his status as a resident of the Balearic Islands online  which gave him a 75 percent discount on his ticket price.

The ruling states: In that case, the only option the passenger had to obtain the boarding pass online would have been to waive the 75% discount for his status as a Balearic resident.

The man was forced to check in at the airport counter, where he was able to show his Balearic ID.

However, they charged him 30.45 to print the boarding pass .

After hearing the case, Commercial Court No. 3 of Palma de Mallorca ordered Ryanair to return the amount charged.
Dozens of accounts online have spread misinformation with regard to this incident, with many alleging an adult male was involved

Gardai are warning the public about fake news surrounding a public order incident which occurred in Dublin 15 in recent days.

Gardai said they responded to a public order incident that occurred on Blakestown Road, Dublin 15, at approximately 1:45pm on Thursday.

Dozens of accounts online have spread misinformation with regard to this incident, with many alleging an adult male was involved.

All those involved in this incident are school students and Irish nationals, Gardai said, and said the incident is contained within the school and did not involve an adult male.

Various social media accounts with large followings shared footage of the incident alongside captions which perpetuated far right narratives, which were fake news, according to Gardai.

As part of its investigation into this incident, An Garda Siochana has sought the advice of the Director of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. Local Gardai are also liaising with the management of a secondary school in the area in relation to the incident.

An Garda Siochana is very conscious of the volume of misinformation and fake news in circulation regarding this incident - particularly on social media and direct messaging platforms.

An Garda Siochana appeal to all members of the public and the media to independently verify any information published on social media and/or messaging apps.

Under Section 7 of the Garda Siochana Act 2005, An Garda Siochana is the sole agency invested with the statutory role of preserving peace and public order. It is also An Garda Siochana's statutory role to investigate crime and enforce enacted legislation.

An Garda Siochana urge anyone with information relating to any crime to immediately report it for it to be thoroughly investigated by Gardai, a garda spokesperson said.
You're my hero. Love you always... To Jemmy Byrne  You'll never walk alone

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

The father of Kinahan cartel kingpins Liam and David Byrne has been remembered as a hero to his family.

James Byrne (77), from Crumlin in Dublin, died in Tallaght Hospital on Saturday evening following a lengthy illness.

He was the father of David Byrne, who was shot dead in the Regency Hotel in February 2016, and Liam Byrne, who is due to go on trial in the UK later this month for organised crime-linked firearms and conspiracy charges, and could not be present at the funeral as a result.

Byrne, also known as Jaws and Jemmy, was a self-described criminal with links to Martin The General Cahill and was an armed robber in his younger days.

He was also well known for involvement in fraud and counterfeiting and was targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) and Revenue around the turn of the millennium.

He is survived by his wife Sadie and children James, Joanne, Melanie, Maria, and Liam, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren and a wide circle of family and friends.

Byrnes coffin was brought into St Catherines Church in Meath Street in Dublin, to the song Circles by Frank Sinatra.

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

Liam Byrnes son Lee thanked the doctors, nurses and staff in Tallaght Hospital, especially the hospitals renal team, for making his grandfather comfortable in his last few weeks.

He taught us all values, from his own children to his own grandchildren, that we all stick together and always watch out for one another, he said.

He was as happiest when we were all together, whether it was for a favourite holiday, Christmas, birthdays or a Liverpool match, he was a true reds supporter.

You gave us all your love, life, memories, and morals to be the men, women and people that we are today.

He added: Over the last few weeks it was very hard for me. He was very sick, but all he was worried about was my Da. He asked the doctors to please make him better again until September. Well, Grandad, you got to September and you never gave up the fight.

The funeral of James 'Jaws' Byrne took place in Dublin this morning

Speaking about his father, Liam, in custody in the UK, Lee said: My Da has asked me to say these few words, as you all know how close they both were. I even get a little jealous sometimes.

"They had a bond that could never be broken. They were inseparable. Hes so so sorry he can't be here today, especially to support my nanny who he also adores.

Addressing his grandmother Sadie, he said: My Da has asked us to stand up and do a minutes silence, and later, we'll raise a toast to the man we loved the most  your husband, Jemmy.

This is from my dad. He said: 'You're my hero. Love you always. To Jemmy Byrne  You'll never walk alone.

The mourners then stood while the song The Wind Beneath My Wings played.

Prayers were also said for Regency Hotel shooting victim David.

Symbols brought to the altar to represent James Byrnes life included his glasses and a Lotto ticket, the TV remote control, and a family photograph.

After requiem mass burial took place in Mount Jerome cemetery.
Local media is reporting that the minor is being held in a juvenile centre in Barcelona, pending his return to Ireland

A 15-year-old Irish holidaymaker arrested on suspicion of raping an 18-year-old compatriot in a Spanish holiday resort will be brought back to Ireland, it has been reported.

Local media is reporting that the minor, who had been arrested for sexually assaulting the girl in Salou, is being held in a juvenile centre in Barcelona, pending his return to Ireland

According to ABC Cataluna, the minor and the girl, both of Irish nationality, were visiting the tourist town, just south of the city of Tarragona, when the alleged incident occurred, during the early hours of last Monday, at around 3am.

Shortly afterwards, the girl who was allegedly attacked went to the Mossos police station in the town to file a complaint, the network is reporting.

According to the young Irish woman, she identified the bracelet that her attacker was wearing, marked with the name of the hotel where he was staying with his family, a piece of information that would have been key to his subsequent arrest.

Quoting sources from the Mossos d'Escuadra, the police force in Catalonia, the alleged attacker "has made himself available to the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office" and "is currently in custody" at the Can Llupia Educational Justice Centre.

After the arrest, the police force has been gathering information through witnesses and expect that thanks to the agreements at European level" the minor will be made available to Irish authorities.

Therefore, all the prosecution will be carried out in Ireland," police sources have been quoted as saying.

Another Spanish media outlet, the Cronica Global, is reporting that the Mossos d'Esquadra arrested the 15-year-old Irish teenager in Salou (Tarragona) for allegedly raping a compatriot near the hotel where they were both staying.

The victim, aged 18, alerted the authorities of the attack and informed the officers that the attacker was wearing the bracelet of the complex where she was also staying, they are reporting.

The details provided by the young woman led to the arrest of the alleged perpetrator a few hours after the incident. The arrest took place at the establishment where both the victim and the aggressor were spending a few days on holiday with their families.

Following the arrest, the Tarragona Juvenile Prosecutor's Office ordered the minor's admission to the Can Llupia juvenile justice centre (Barcelona) as a precautionary measure, according to El Pais.

Police sources have confirmed that the attack took place on Monday, September 2, after the two Irish tourists met in a pub in the coastal town, Cronica Global states.

Outside the premises, the minor allegedly attacked the young compatriot and left the place.

The victim called 112 and was treated on the spot by the Mossos d'Esquadra and the health services , who collected several pieces of evidence of the sexual assault.

Thanks to the description provided by the young woman, the officers from the Tarragona Investigation Unit and the Salou Citizen Security Unit were able to locate the minor. The suspect was arrested and admitted to the juvenile justice centre in Barcelona.

Had he been released, he would have returned to Ireland with his family on Thursday, September 5, according to police sources.

Although the case is still ongoing, the victim was able to return to Ireland, it has been reported.

The same sources point out that there are judicial mechanisms that could allow the case to be tried in the country of origin of the victim and the alleged aggressor, Cronica Global added.

The regional Mossos dEsquadra police force had earlier confirmed the September 2 arrest after news of the detention filtered out.

A spokesman for the force said: I can confirm a minor has been arrested on suspicion of a sexual assault in Salou the night of September 1 to 2.

The arrest was made on September 2. I am not in a position to offer any more information given the fact the suspect is a minor.

A well-placed source close to the inquiry confirmed the youngster was Irish. The alleged victim has been described as Irish in local reports.

The pair are understood to have met in a pub in Salou during a night out.

The alleged sex attack, which happened around 3am on September 2, happened outside the unnamed nightspot.

Police are said to have been forced to work round-the-clock to make the arrest knowing the suspect was on holiday.

He was due to return to Ireland with his family three days after the alleged sex assault.

His alleged victim is believed to have returned to Ireland on September 4.
The council ban followed complaints in August 2022 about a stall at the Apprentice Boys annual Relief of Derry parade selling Parachute Regiment flags

Arrested civilians are marched towards detention in the Bogside Area of Londonderry by British troops on Bloody Sunday 30th January 1972 (Photo by William L. Rukeyser/Getty Images)

The remains of the 13 people who were shot dead by the British Army in Derry on Bloody Sunday,30/01/1972 at the removal of their remains to the church in Derry on 02/02/1971. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection). (Photo by Independent News and Media/Getty Images)

A council is being investigated after it banned the sale of items linked to the British army regiment involved in the Bloody Sunday killings.

Last year Derry City and Strabane District Council told street traders planning to set up for an Apprentice Boys parade in Derry they would not be allowed to sell anything linked to the Parachute Regiment.

However, the Sunday World has learned the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) has launched an investigation into whether the council broke equality laws by introducing the ban.

The council ban followed complaints in August 2022 about a stall at the Apprentice Boys annual Relief of Derry parade selling Parachute Regiment flags.

Soldiers from the regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators during what became known as Bloody Sunday in Derry on January 30, 1972.

Thirteen people were killed on the day, with another man later dying from his injuries.

A further 15 people were injured during the shootings.

In 2010, following the publication of the long-running Bloody Sunday Inquiry report, then Prime Minister David Cameron issued a formal state apology for the unjustified and unjustifiable killings on Bloody Sunday.

Only one member of the Parachute Regiment, known as Soldier F, has been charged in connection with the shootings.

He is accused of murdering two of the victims and the attempted murder of five other people during the 1972 protest.

Arrested civilians are marched towards detention in the Bogside Area of Londonderry by British troops on Bloody Sunday 30th January 1972 (Photo by William L. Rukeyser/Getty Images)

After photographs emerged of Parachute Regiment flags being sold at a stall near the route of the Apprentice Boys parade in 2022, relatives of the Bloody Sunday victims described it as offensive.

The stall-holder was also selling UVF flags.

Licences for temporary street trading are issued by the local council and at the time the Apprentice Boys said they were not responsible for what stall-holders sold during their events.

Following the controversy, in November 2022, Derry City and Strabane councillors approved a new set of criteria for street trading licences.

The new rules prohibited the sale of any items likely to give rise to reasonable offence, including the already banned sale of items to linked to paramilitary organisations.

However, the introduction of the new criteria was opposed by DUP and UUP councillors.

Speaking at the meeting during which the new rules were passed, DUP councillor Maurice Devenney said nothing illegal was being sold by the stall owner who had UVF and Parachute Regiment flags.

He also questioned how offensive could be defined, because what one person finds offensive another doesnt.

Stall selling Parachute Regiment flags

In July last year, a few weeks before the annual Relief of Derry parade, the council sent letters to street traders making them aware of the new rules around what they could sell.

As well as reminding them of the ban on selling items linked to proscribed paramilitary groups, the letter also informed traders about the new ban on selling anything to do with the Parachute Regiment.

While the Parachute Regiment is obviously not illegal, there are particular, well known sensitivities associated with the Regiment in this city, the letter stated.

Having regard to Councils Section 75 duties, which require Council to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group, it is considered inappropriate for Council to authorise the display, sale or supply of items associated with the Parachute Regiment in temporary licences at this time.

However, a complaint was subsequently lodged with the ECNI about the councils stance. When contacted this week, an ECNI spokesperson said: The Commission has authorised an investigation into Derry City and Strabane District Council under Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act, following a complaint from an individual that the Council failed to comply with its approved equality scheme.

Section 9 of the Northern Ireland Act requires public bodies to create an equality scheme to show how it will promote equality of opportunity and good relations in respect of religious belief, political opinion, gender, race, disability, age, marital status, dependants and sexual orientation.

When completed, the ECNI investigation report into the matter with Derry City and Strabane District Council will be shared with the complainant and the council, as well as the Secretary of State and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Youd also think shed know how careful we have to be about junk science.

Doctors across the world are now recommending kale smoothies and an aura massage for tumours and hanging up their white coats.

Or theyre hanging their heads in despair that thanks to Elles revelations about her cancer experience other women with breast cancer will think if she can fix herself, I can too.

All you need is a wellness company selling elixirs, and the money to spend eight months in Arizona staring at a cactus with a holistic dentist (honestly), several therapists, an osteopath and a doctor.

Its a disease you wouldnt wish on anyone and if the 60-year-old got through it with the help of butterfly therapy and garlic baths then good on her.

But none of the above got her to her current state of aliveness. The person who did that was the surgeon who cut out the breast lump, preventing the spread of the disease. Everything else is therapeutic window dressing.

Under normal circumstances cancer treatment and recovery is an intensely personal and private affair and everyone else can shove their opinions.

But when youve got a global platform, claiming an intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach cured your cancer is bordering on irresponsible.

The celebrity effect on public health was demonstrated after the death of Jade Goody from cervical cancer in 2009 when half a million more women turned up for screening.

Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing Ive ever done in my life, says Elle, apart from that standard medical solution where she had surgery.

She reveals that she turned down chemo, mastectomy and breast reconstruction, recommended to prevent the return of the disease, after speaking to 32 doctors.

On top of the woo woo to the everyday experience of cancer where youre lucky to speak to one expert never mind ignoring the advice of dozens.

Youd also think shed know how careful we have to be about junk science.

At the time of her diagnosis Elles other half was Andrew Wakefield, the now struck-off UK doctor who made a false connection between the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and autism in an entirely discredited research paper in 1998.

Thanks to his overdose of nonsense MMR vaccination rates dropped, and people still think its a matter of personal choice. Its not. Its a matter of public health.

Measles killed 136,000 people globally in 2022. A measles case was confirmed recently in the RVH emergency department and the hospital had to inform 300 people.

Now, Im off to cure a headache by hugging a hedgehog. Just dont tell Elle.
A re-enactment of the historic funeral of the Irish prince is taking place for the third year in a row

The procession will wind its way through the streets later this evening

The streets of a Spanish city will once again come to a standstill this afternoon in honour of an Irish hero who died more than 420 years ago.

A symbolic coffin of Irish prince Red Hugh O'Donnell will be carried through the town of Valladolid in north-west Spain from 7pm as the procession makes its way through the city centre.

A re-enactment of the historic funeral of the Irish prince is taking place for the third year in a row in the city where he was granted his dying wish, to be buried in the Chapel of Wonders at a Franciscan monastery.

King Philip III honoured Red Hughs request as a mark of respect following his death in Simancas in 1602.

Before leaving the Royal Palace in Valladolid, the coffin will be covered with the flags of Ireland and Spain and carried to a horse-drawn hearse.

The procession will wind its way through the streets later this evening

The hearse will be escorted through the streets by the historic royal guard on horseback, accompanied by Franciscan monks, soldiers with torches, standard-bearers and, at the front, a lone Irish soldier playing the bagpipes.

The event is organised by the Department of Tourism of the Valladolid City Council in collaboration with the Hispano-Irish association.

It will be attended by a representative of the City Council, the Irish ambassador to Spain, Frank Smyth, and members of all the Hispano-Irish associations.

The mayor and ambassador of Ireland will say a few words before the national anthems of both countries are played with bagpipes. The funeral procession then returns to the Royal Palace passing through Plaza del Corrillo, San Benito, San Miguel and Felipe II.

To mark the anniversary of the death of O'Donnell, the University of Valladolid is also hosting a series of talks that will feature topics as varied as the Camino de Santiago that begins in Dublin, tributes to the Spanish Armada that lost more than 20 ships on the Irish coast in 1588, St Patrick's Day festivals, the Irish music festival in Caceres, the Battle of Kinsale, and Irish schools in Spain.

Musician Mark Blackwell will perform traditional Irish songs at the closing ceremony.

Born in Lifford in 1572, 'Red' Hugh O'Donnell was son of King Tyrconnell of Donegal. He was kidnapped at the age of 15 by the English and imprisoned in Dublin Castle.

Following his escape, Red Hugh, along with his father-in-law Hugh ONeill, Earl of Tyrone, led one of Irelands most notable rebellions against the English in history.

However, following the Battle of Kinsale in 1602, O'Donnell travelled to Spain to ask for help from Philip III, but died in the Valladolid town of Simancas, aged just 29.

He received a heros burial in a plot generally reserved for noblemen, earls and bishops. Over the centuries the chapel disappeared and was replaced ultimately with a branch of Santander bank.

In 2020, Spanish archaeologists undertook a major excavation in Valladolid, in a bid to find ODonnells skeletal remains  which should have been easily identifiable because he had lost his two big toes to frostbite during his daring escape from Dublin Castle.

Even though they were not among the 20 bodies discovered, Spanish media were captivated by the search for the chieftains remains and he was fondly described as the El Cid or William Wallace of Ireland.

Last year, Valladolid paid homage to Red Hugh with an empty coffin representing his mortal remains paraded through the city in a horse-drawn carriage.

Torchbearers in period costume accompanied the cortege as it wound its way through the citys streets.

Carlos Burgos, president of the Hispano-Irish Association which has been at the forefront of a campaign to commemorate Red Hugh and his links to Spain, said the Irish chieftain was someone who has been taken into the hearts of the people of Valladolid.

He was very important, someone who was a hero, and someone who should be respected by us, Mr Burgos told the Irish Independent.

This year was a wonderful success. The streets were absolutely packed and we could count 2,000 people on the street where we have a plaque honouring Red Hugh.

Valladolid people have taken Red Hugh into their hearts. The royal funeral procession was designed 400 years ago by the king to honour Red Hugh. It was very special for the time. And we wanted to do the same thing again.

Our people saw an Irish soldier walking in the streets ahead of a coffin and the flags were flying high. It was a wonderful sight.

We had a troop of bagpipers which the people on the streets loved. Irish Ambassador Frank Smyth was very moved by the respect shown by everyone.

It was an incredible day and I am very proud. And I think Irish people should be very proud of Red Hugh.

I couldnt have imagined so many people. It was fantastic. The respect and the solemnity of the people made it feel like Red Hugh was really there.

We would love Irish people to come and experience Valladolid and see how we honour your Irish hero. It is very easy to come here, as we are just one hour from Madrid on the fast train.

The people here are very interested to receive Irish people and be the best hosts we can be for our Irish visitors.

In this world of wars and sadness, we want to promote the brothership between our two countries.
OK, so we do actually eat a lot of potatoes, but the list of archaic stereotypes are becoming jaded

He has Irish roots but John C Reilly didnt nail his accent in Gangs of New York

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise in Far and Away

There was outrage this week when it was revealed that a school curriculum SPHE book had depicted Ireland as a population of bigoted, insular and small-minded cardigan-wearing people who keep hens and eat potatoes.

OK, so we do actually eat a lot of potatoes, but the list of archaic stereotypes are becoming jaded, so when it was revealed that the book was brought to the attention of Laois-Offaly Independent TD Carol Nolan TD, she raised serious questions about its content.

The chapter in the SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education) book is entitled All Different, All Equal and has a laughably cliched drawing thats almost funny it is so bad. But outraged parents ranted at the TD about how the book then compares the Irish family to a far more diverse and open-minded family standing in front of Romes Colosseum.

The text surrounding it went even further labelling Family A as narrow-minded, gastronomically illiterate hicks who hate people who dont share the same religion and who own cattle that look stupid, probably because they are a reflection on their owners.

The publisher has since apologised for the offensive depictions and has agreed to replace it immediately. Of course, it is not the first time our begorrah nation has been given the over-Oirish treatment by lazy creators who think we all eat cabbage for breakfast.

The world of TV and film has regularly misjudged the thickness of our skin and felt our wrath after being portrayed as various antiquated stereotypes through the years.

Here is the pick of the bunchsure, bless us and save us.

Eastenders Dublin episode

In 1997 the London-based soap opera decamped to Ireland for three memorable episodes as the Fowler and Beale families searched for their native-dwelling relatives. So far so good.

Our excitement was short lived though, as the litany of laughably- outdated stereotypes was rolled out by the Beebs writers where everyone was either drunk, poor, dirty, rude, lazy, smelly and lecherous.

They even had farm animals wandering the streets. It was so ridiculously hideous that the BBC apologised and the Irish ambassador to the UK complained.

He has Irish roots but John C Reilly didnt nail his accent in Gangs of New York

John C Reillys accent in Gangs of New York

In fairness to our adopted son, several of the accents in this otherwise-brilliant movie were dodgy  and why did Leonardo DiCaprios American-born-and-raised Amsterdam speak with an Irish brogue, anyway?

But it was Reillys lilt that went a step too far, even though the Chicago-born actor boasts about his Irish roots whenever he gets the chance.

He even kissed the ground the very first time he landed in this country. So, I think we have learned to forgive him.

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise in Far and Away

Far and Away

The same cant be said for the Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman movie Far and Away that wasnt ridiculed for just one accent but rather for the entire to be sure thing.

The god-awful flick might have been forgivable for some national faux pas if the drama had kept us entertained enough but the movie failed to win anyone over, especially here in Ireland.

Yer a corker, Shannon! has gone down as one of the worst lines presented in one of the worst accents ever in movie history.

Gerard Butler got it wrong in PS I Love You

PS: I Love You

Another stonker of a movie that should have learned from previous movies mistakes but instead produced the much-ridiculed movie that got Gerard Butler a whole heap of hate.

The Scots twee Oirish accent was so painful to listen to that some viewers never made it past the opening few minutes.

Irish actor David Kelly played dodgy but twinkly-eyed and charming Irish builder OReilly.

Fawlty Towers

Fawlty Towers is up there on a coveted pedestal in comedy folklore.

Only 12 episodes were ever made and some of the quotes are still used today as the hapless hotelier Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) plodded through life insulting everyone around him.

In the second episode of season 1 entitled The Builders, the producers convinced Irish Strumpet City actor David Kelly to play dodgy but twinkly-eyed and charming Irish builder OReilly.

Based on his character description and ultimate portrayal they should have named the character Begorrah McSpuds.

Jamie Dornan and Emily Blunt in Wild Mountain Thyme

Wild Mountain Thyme

You would think after a series of Hollywood blockbusters that ridiculed Ireland through the years and received a backlash, coupled with the fact that one of the protagonists was actually Irish, that someone working on the Jamie Dornan and Emily Blunt flop Wild Mountain Thyme would stand up and say what the hell is going on here?

Forget the accents for a moment, because Blunts redhead character was a walking cliche and as soon as the trailer dropped the justified outrage began.

Charlie Lawson played the boorish Jim McDonald in Corrie

Jim McDonald in Corrie

Probably the most dislikeable man ever to appear on a major British programme for an extended period of time (Coronation Street, 1989 to 2018), McDonald, who was played by Charlie Lawson was basically a violent pub brawl in human form.

The paddywhackery was unrelenting throughout the years although there were times where we werent sure if the character was Irish or Northern Irish. Some fans even thought Jim considered himself British at points. This is one character well happily let them have. They can take Conor McGregor too while Im here.

Julia Roberts accent in Michael Collins was off

Julia Roberts accent in both Mary Reilly and Michael Collins

Legal disclaimer we love Julia Roberts. But we cant list a whole host of embarrassing Irish-isms in film without mentioning her faux-Irish accent which has proven to be her Achilles heel through the years. It seems the Oscar winners superpowers come undone when she is asked to dip into an Irish twang.

Her biggest problem was that she released two movies back in 1996 and in both of them she played an Irish woman. Which makes Mary Reilly and Michael Collins iconically important to this list. Neither movie had been released while the other was being made. So no one knew how bad it was until later in the year when Irish eardrums started bleeding in cinemas.
The much-loved Womens Lifestyle Expo is coming to Tauranga next weekend, bringing together close to 130 of the finest lifestyle brands under one roof at Mount Maunganuis Mercury Baypark.

Taking place on Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, the event promises an array of offerings from unique artisanal goods perfect for gifting, to luxurious pampering products and the latest eco-friendly essentials.

Emily Travers, Head of Events at NZME, says "We're absolutely thrilled to bring our Women's Lifestyle Expo series to Tauranga next weekend. It's a fantastic showcase of the incredible diversity and creativity of businesses in New Zealand, from our celebrated Kiwi brands to the well-known international names.

The expo aims to connect remarkable Kiwi companies offering something unique to women of all ages and stages in life, making it the perfect occasion for a girls' day out or to indulge in a leisurely day discovering delights at every turn, says Travers.

This years line-up includes newcomers like MiniCrochet (unique handcrafted jewellery), Crafty Chook Candles and Solo Kiwi Ventures (tours and retreats for women 40+), alongside established favourites such as Blush Gin, Lorna Jane activewear and Yompai (handmade wooden kitchenware).

The Artisan Zone remains a fan favourite, spotlighting New Zealands finest crafters with exclusive items ranging from organic beauty products and jewellery to art, home decor, and fashion.

Brands like Vamp Nail & Beauty and The Treatment Clinic offer products and treatments for those much-needed pampering sessions, while the Taste Zone serves up delicious refreshments, gourmet bites, and tasty treats to keep attendees energised throughout the expo.

Expo visitors can also enter to win an incredible trip for two to Fiji including a 7-night cruise, thanks to World Travellers, Fiji Airways and Blue Lagoon Cruises.

Tickets can be purchased through iTICKET or at the door.

SunLive has two expo prize packs to giveaway to two readers who can tell us where the expo is being held. Each one includes a double pass and a goodie bag.

Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the competitions tab by Tuesday, September 17.
Few people have a better understanding of what it means to be safe and feel safe than former refugees.

Police staff work with new arrivals from their earliest days in New Zealand, and alongside communities as they settle into life in the country.

In recent years, through the networks established with communities, Police have recruited former refugees into constabulary and Police employee roles, adding to our cultural depth and understanding of 21st century New Zealand.

Police are committed to ensuring that we provide a service that is equitable for all communities, says Yumi Nguyen, Principal Partnerships Advisor  Ethnic.

We continue to improve how we work across government with partner agencies, non-government organisations and communities to achieve our vision of being the safest country.

Those partnerships were to the fore during the annual two-day National Refugee Resettlement Forum, held last month (August) at Te Papa, Wellington, with Police staff among the participants and presenters.

The forum gave government agencies, councils, NGOs, refugee communities and local and international organisations an opportunity to engage in focused and constructive dialogue on critical issues, to share good practice, set priorities, plan and re-connect.

The forum brought together a wide range of local and international organisations and representatives of refugee and former refugee communities.

The theme for the 2024 forum was meaningful refugee participation, empowering refugee youth, engaging with government and local innovations.

Jay Adams, Senior Advisor - Prevention Strategy, says it was amazing to hear success stories, but also challenging to hear where things could be better.

Police have an important role to play in making sure refugee communities are safe and feel safe," he says.

"Even in the challenging fiscal and operational environment were in now, its important to remember that there are still communities who need our support and we need to rise to that challenge.

In the lead-up, Police hosted visitors from international organisations. They included Adrian Edwards, Regional Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Adrian, who is based in Canberra, discussed the internationally context and shared an optimistic word about New Zealand Polices role in supporting growing multicultural populations.Protecting refugees comes about through people working together; countries working together, communities working together, in fact all of us working to build a stronger society, he said.

The support required by refugees and former refugees in New Zealand is of pressing practical interest to Police in the interests of building trust and confidence.

Adrian Edwards (UNHCR) at PNHQ. Left: with Commissioner Andrew Coster and Rabia Talal Almbaid, Senior Partnerships Advisor  Ethnic. Right with Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo, National Partnerships Manager  Ethnic; Carl McLennan, acting Assistant Commissioner Iwi and Communities; and Pieri Munro, DCE Iwi and Communities.

Last year, Police refreshed its approach to welcoming and ensuring the safety of refugees in New Zealand, strengthening the focus on collaboration with partner agencies and Immigration New Zealand-contracted service providers.

Police staff are among the first people new arrivals meet at Te Ahuru Mowai o Aotearoa  Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre, where our role includes introducing them to aspects of New Zealand law and delivering safety advice.

The countrys annual quota of 1500 refugees has added to our national hyper-diversity, with more than 180 ethnicities and 157 religions represented and 176 languages spoken by New Zealanders.

This is only going to increase, with UNHCR aiming to resettle at least 1 million refugees worldwide by 2030.

Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo speaks during one of the panel sessions. With him on the panel are Mastura Abd Rahman, Ministry of Education; Fiona Whiteridge, Immigration NZ; Raj Singh, Te Whatu Ora; and Serena Curtis - Ministry of Social Development, and Lillian Pak, Immigration New Zealand. (Photo - NZRAP)

This is why it is important for Police to attend and participate in these conversations and see how we can provide the right support to refugees settling into life in New Zealand, says Yumi.

This years Refugee Resettlement Forum was a resounding success, with greater inclusion and collaboration with former refugees and local service providers.

The format of the forum allowed former refugees to share lived experiences, and ensure local providers were able to also discuss openly their servicing realities, both opportunities and challenges.

Adrian Edwards made clear to the forum his pleasure at hearing about Polices proactive community engagement with refugees - and meeting some of the very impressive former refugees now employed with New Zealand Police.

New Zealand and the New Zealand Police can be proud of the work being done to make refugee inclusion real, he said.

Migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and the law

The rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are protected by international law, regardless of how and why they arrive in a country. They have the same rights as everyone else, plus special or specific protections including:

- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 14), which states that everyone has the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries

- The 1951 UN Refugee Convention (and its 1967 Protocol), which protects refugees from being returned to countries where they risk being persecuted

- The 1990 Migrant Workers Convention, which protects migrants and their families

- Regional Refugee law instruments (including 1969 OAU Convention, 1984 Cartagena Declaration, Common European Asylum System and Dublin Regulation)
Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Shakiev in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Huning met with Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Shakiev on Friday in Beijing.

Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China and Kyrgyzstan have elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era, and worked together to build a China-Kyrgyzstan community of a shared future featuring good neighborliness and shared prosperity.

China is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to implement the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, and promote the sustained and high-level development of bilateral ties, Wang said, adding the CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Kyrgyz side to contribute to building a China-Kyrgyzstan community of a shared future.

While congratulating China on its development achievements in various fields, Shakiev said there are no political differences or obstacles to cooperation between the two countries.

The Kyrgyz Parliament is ready to work closely with the CPPCC National Committee and contribute to the development of bilateral relations, he added. 
New boating rules for the Bay of Plenty will come into effect next year.

New Navigation Safety Bylaws were adopted by Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council on Thursday.

The rules help ensure that the Bay of Plentys 125km of coastline, and numerous lakes and rivers, can safely be used and shared.

The rules are reviewed every five years to address emerging safety issues and to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

The review was overseen by a committee made up of iwi representatives from across the region and Toi Moana councillors.

Bay of Plenty harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters acknowledged the success of the partnership approach in working through the process to update the rules, as well as the high level of public interest in that process, with more than 550 people providing feedback.

The committee carefully considered community feedback alongside advice from our Harbourmaster Team, and this led to some good debate.

Ultimately, the committee can only look at navigation safety issues, and these decisions and changes reflect that commitment."

The committee made recommendations for all key proposed changes, except for the Hunters Creek ski area.

To be consistent with other parts of the country the new Bylaws now require lifejackets to be worn at all times on boats 6m or under.

We know life jackets safe lives, so this was a no brainer for the committee.

In addition, to make swimming safer in the increasingly busy Kaituna and Tarawera Rivers, the speed uplifting in popular swimming stretches of these rivers have been removed.

The new 5 knot zones will be clearly signposted, and anyone caught breaking the rules will be fined.

Due to immediate safety concerns I will be looking into how we can make these areas safer before the rules officially come into effect.

Jetski and personal watercraft are currently excluded from the majority of Ohiwa Harbour.

Due to changes in legislation, the Regional Council had to review these rules.

When the new rules become effective, a 5-knot rule will apply to all vessels for most parts of the harbour, acknowledging its extensive sand bars, mud flats and increasing sedimentation build up.

A transit area has also been added, making entering and exiting the harbour easier and safer.

One of the more debated topics was the future of the Hunters Creek ski area near Matakana and Rangiwaea Islands, a popular and sheltered spot for a range of water activities in Tauranga Harbour.

While rules already limit activities here to between sunrise and sunsetexcluding two hours before and after low tide the committee agreed further discussion with iwi and key stakeholders is needed before making any decisions about the best way forward.

The updated Navigation Safety Bylaws will now go to Ministry of Transport for sign off.

The Regional Council will look to implement the new rules midway through next year, at the end of the boating season, to avoid confusion and allow enough time for them to be shared with the community.

For more information on the new Navigation Safety Bylaws visit www.boprc.govt.nz/nav-bylaws

Background

The Regional Navigation Safety Bylaws Review Committee was made up of Councillors Andrew von Dadelszen (Chairperson), Toi Iti (Deputy Chairperson), Jane Nees and Kevin Winters as well as tangata whenua representatives Raewyn Bennett and Patrick Young.

Key changes coming into effect mid-2025:
The Bay of Plentys Chilean community is gearing up for its biggest celebration of the year  and everyones invited to the fiesta!

The day that Chileans in their home country began fighting for independence from Spain  on September 18, 1810  is now a week-long public holiday in Chile.

This year, in Tauranga, the occasion is being marked with a day of festivities at Papamoas Gordon Spratt Reserve on Sunday, September 15.

We wait all year long for this big event, laughed organiser Marcela Rodriguez.

The Chilean Independence Festival is happy, friendly, and high energy with plenty of traditional food, music and dancing. We love to share what were doing with the rest of the world.

From 11am on September 15, festival-goers are invited to bring a picnic blanket to enjoy a full day of market stalls and Chilean food trucks, including a barbecue with El Jefe meats, Mount Delice artisan ice creams, ceviche, empanadas, churros and sweets while watching performances on the stage.



Camila Pino, left, and Devo Olivares. Photo: John Borren.

There will also be a kids zone with a play area, face painting, games and activities, said Marcela. There will also be a prize for the best costume of the day.

After 6pm, alcoholic Chilean drinks like pisco and terremoto will be available with dancing until late.

In Chile, we celebrate our independence for a full 10 days with family and friends, said Marcela. Its only the second time weve held a public event, and wed love people in the Bay of Plenty to come see a little of our culture.

The Chilean Independence Festival is at Gordon Spratt Reserve, Papamoa, on Sunday, September 15 from 11am until late.

**Please note, this story has been update to show the event is now on Sunday instead of Saturday after the organisers made the call on Friday evening to change the day.
Alekk M. Saanders Friday, 13 September 2024, 13:42 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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September is the month of festivals celebrating the beginning or end of the grape harvest. Most of the events are dedicated to the famous grape varieties, Muscatel and Pedro Ximenez. However, the native (DOP Malaga and Sierras de Malaga) varieties of Malaga - white Doradilla and red Rome - can only be tasted in a few bodegas in the north of the province. One of these is La Capuchina near Mollina.

With a golden hue

Today, after almost 3,000 years since the Phoenicians started wine-growing in the area, there are 3,800 hectares of vineyards in Malaga, dominated by Muscatel and Pedro Ximenez, which are used to produce sweet wines and raisins. Few people have heard of Doradilla, but this grape variety, along with Rome, is the original Malaga grape.

Few people have heard of Doradilla but this grape variety, along with Rome, is the original Malaga grape

The name Doradilla reflects the colour of the grape, which in the sunlight really acquires a golden hue. Doradilla is often confused with Doradillo, which is a different grape variety, very popular in Australia.

The plant is resistant, germinates early, and the shoots, when they emerge, grow vigorously. Doradilla does not have an excessive flavour, but it is subtle, showing up in an elegant manner, giving very pleasant saline touches.

Two grapes in one place

The production of Doradilla is very limited. Over the years, the area devoted to this variety has been greatly reduced and it can only be found in the northern region of Malaga. It is reported that there are only five hectares where it is grown in the world and all of them are in Antequera, Fuente de Piedra, Almargen and especially in Mollina (there are also some in Moclinejo in the Axarquia).

One of those hectares is located in the estate of El Cortijo La Capuchina. The building, with more than 200 years of history, is surrounded by a Mediterranean landscape at the foot of the Sierra de La Camorra. The owners describe it as a unique place where nature, history and culture come together. It is also unique in that it is where the authentic Malaga grape varieties are cultivated.

In the fields and in the bodega. SUR

"The 20 hectares of vineyards produce grape varieties typical of Malaga, the wines from which have been recognised ambassadors of the land around the world for centuries. In 2005 we started growing Doradilla, and this year we harvested our first Rome. We are proud of this because we position La Capuchina as a company that is faithful to history, tradition and modernity. So growing Doradilla and Rome is our tribute to the traditions of this land," Mercedes Segura, in charge of the bodega, told SUR in English.

'We have just finished picking all of the Doradilla and we are more than pleased with the quality and volume of grapes made possible by this year's weather conditions' Mercedes Segura

September is the busiest time in the 'cortijo'. Mercedes Segura, along with other workers, has been fully involved in the vendemia that began last month.

"Doradilla is one of the first grapes we harvest in August. We have just finished picking all of the Doradilla and we are more than pleased with the quality and volume of grapes made possible by this year's weather conditions. Now it's time for the wine production. We have two wines that include Doradilla. One of them is Capuchina Vieja Doradilla. It is a young dry white wine. Moreover, Doradilla is involved with Petit Verdot in the production of a rose wine called Capuchina Vieja Kium," Mercedes said.

Especially recently, there has been a growing interest in making wines from other less productive and local grape varieties

Especially recently, there has been a growing interest in making wines from other less productive and local grape varieties, which adds value. For example, the dry white wine made from Doradilla is becoming increasingly popular among locals and is often ordered by foreign guests.

Each year La Capuchina produces around 1,500 bottles of Doradilla wine, all of which are sold to local restaurants, mainly in Malaga. Doradilla wines can be purchased via internet and directly at the bodega, which also organises wine tours by appointment in Spanish and English.
Details of three of the works he is exhibiting at the Seoul fair: I Don't Make Plans, The Last Stone and We Return, The Cook and the Helper.

Regina Sotorrio Friday, 13 September 2024, 13:24 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Imon Boy is a recognisable name along the A-7 motorway. And many will have seen his drawings on ruins and abandoned buildings in the Axarquia. But spray paint and anonymity are only one part of his life, and not even the main part, however much his paintings of police and graffiti artists playing cat and mouse have gone viral.

Now the street artist from Malaga, who keeps his identity a secret, has left aside - for the moment - his image as an urban artist and has explored another medium, his most personal diary, in his first solo project for South Korea.

Eleven small and medium-sized pieces were exhibited earlier this month at the Kiaf Seoul international contemporary art fair and there has already been a lot of interest to buy them.

Through the fair in Seoul, Imon Boy has added a new Asian venue to his CV after making his debut in January in Hong Kong with a solo show -he had previously participated in group exhibitions- at AishoNanzuka, the gateway for artists such as Javier Calleja and Julio Anaya to the powerful eastern market.

And it doesn't end here: as soon as he returns from Seoul, he will turn his attention to his next exhibition in Singapore taking place early in 2025, at the Tang Contemporary Art gallery. But although his career continues to grow, there are some things that don't change: few, very few, know his real name. "I'm fine as I am," he says.

In the series being shown in Korea, the artist's distinctive oval-faced, big-eared character reads a book, listens to music and sits at the computer. A girl exercises at home, walks the dogs and has a cup of coffee on the terrace. These are everyday scenes, small routines that make up anyone's day. Also that of the person behind Imon Boy.

Zoom Nito Salas

They are modern, of our time, but some details invite you to travel back in time. The girl wears leg warmers and a headband. And the boy writes on one of those sturdy, wide laptops with CD-Room input, wears wired headphones and has a pre-social media mobile phone. He even reads on paper rather than on a screen.

Imon Boy returns to his origins and recovers the nineties inspiration of his early works. A child of the '90s, in his early days his paintings had nods to the films, anime and video games of his childhood and adolescence. Over the years, these references became diluted, his character became more defined and the outside world - from his experience as a graffiti artist to his passion for scuba diving - gained weight in his painting.

The exhibition he held a little over a year ago at the CAC Malaga brought him face to face with his initial creations. And it was, he says, "a turning point". "It made me remember the old work and helped me to find myself with them. I haven't abandoned anything, but I decided to go back to the interiors," he explains.

In the background, in one way or another, there is always the Mediterranean. Sometimes the reference is direct, with a walk on the beach or a surfboard; but other times it simply slips in through the window or the terrace at home. Because that also forms part of his identity, of his reality as a young man brought up in a coastal town in Malaga, in a summer resort for others but home for him where it was normal to spend hours and hours on the beach. "I always have in mind that aesthetic of the less touristy Costa del Sol where I grew up."

The artist re-connects with his origins and recovers the nineties inspiration of his early work

There are no spray paints or policemen in the work he has taken to Seoul with LaCausa Art Gallery. "My painting talks about me, it's my diary, and obviously my life is not just about painting graffiti. In fact, it's something minimal that I only do from time to time with my friends. Everyday actions are what you see in the paintings," he clarifies.

In any case, he has never been a regular graffiti artist. From the outset, he has shied away from the ego, rivalry and testosterone that often surrounds this activity, and this is reflected in paintings in which he depicts the graffiti artist's relationship with the law with kindness and a sense of humour. The first thing his paintings provoke, in fact, is a smile. Then comes reflection.

He has been doing one project after another for years, but he admits that now he is more selective. "I like to spend more time on the painting, to make them with more details." And that forces him to turn down offers that he would otherwise have accepted. "I have opted for quality rather than quantity (...) I want to enjoy the works." And despite this philosophy, his diary is full between now and the end of the year as he will take part in group exhibitions in Beirut and New York, while he prepares his work to take to Singapore in 2025.
Cristina Vallejo Malaga Friday, 13 September 2024, 15:53 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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She claims that hers is the terrace with the best views in Malaga city. She says this with pride and also with a willingness to share such views, which is why she has invited us to her home in Malaga's Monte Sancha for this interview, the home where she has spent her spare time since the mid-nineties. Dubravka Jovanovic was born in Belgrade, capital of the former Yugoslavia and present-day Serbia, grew up in Poland, married a Spaniard from Seville and has fallen in love with the Costa del Sol. Plus she has travelled around the world. She has an exciting history as a war journalist with several Emmy awards to her credit. And she still has a great life ahead of her: in a few days' time she sets off on a new adventure to the heart of Europe, the next destination for her diplomat husband. In every part of the world where she sets foot she leaves her mark: "My motto is that I have to leave each place better than I find it."

Dubravka Jovanovic - a doctor by training, journalist by profession and now committed to social causes in the countries where she is based - is of Serbian origin and married to the Andalusian diplomat who opened the first Spanish embassy in Bosnia. Marilu Baez

But let's start at the beginning. Dubravka Jovanovic, who goes by the name Duda, is of Serbian origin but spent her childhood, adolescence and early adulthood in Poland. Her father was stationed there as manager with a Yugoslavian company. That is where she first remembers herself with a camera in her hands, taking her first steps in journalism: "On one side were the demonstrators from the Solidarity trade union, on the other side were the communist-led police, and I was in the middle taking pictures," she recalls. "I was fifteen years old. I had a privileged position in the country. I ate in one embassy and went to play in another. As an expatriate I had diplomatic papers. But I did see my Polish friends having a hard time, especially when martial law and curfew were imposed."

Although she had already been bitten by the journalism bug, she went on to study medicine, following the family tradition. Her father, although a senior manager in the Yugoslav public conglomerate in Tito's time, was also a doctor, the most prestigious profession in their homeland. She began her studies in Poland, continued them in Yugoslavia and then, just as she was about to finish them, war broke out and ravaged the Balkans. She and her sister - they are twins and were both studying medicine - wanted to go on an exchange programme to Brazil, but their family, despite their more than comfortable financial situation, was not prepared to pay for their plane tickets. So their Polish friends told them that, with the number of languages they spoke - in Duda's case around a dozen - why didn't they become interpreters in a Yugoslavia that was falling apart at the seams and filling up with journalists from all over the world who required such a service? So that's what they did. It was a very well-paid job too. However, they didn't just translate, they were 'fixers': "If someone told us they wanted to do an interview with Milosevic, for example, we'd sort it."

Her time on television is a tiny part of her life, she says; what defines her now is her social commitment

So, after proving their skills, they both became journalists themselves. Dubravka Jovanovic worked for British TV's Channel 4 - "the one the intellectuals watch", she boasts - and for American network ABC. She covered the war in Yugoslavia. Thanks to her Belgrade roots it is particularly striking that she was able to work without any problems in the city of Sarajevo when besieged by the Serbian army.

"I experienced a kind of exclusivity, a privilege, because a Serb could not be in Sarajevo, but they saw me as one of their own," she recalls. One of the Emmy awards she and her team have won is for their coverage of the Bosnian town of Gorazde, one of the few that did not fall under Serb rule.

The other Emmy was for a report on children in war. "As a trained doctor, I don't see people according to their nationality or religion, I only help those who are suffering," she says. "In Yugoslavia, which was a socialist country, no one was religious; it was with the war that people began to believe in God," she explains.

She adds that it was not religious differences that provoked the conflict and that there was no hatred between the different ethnic groups: "Animosity is never personal; if someone says they hate a people, when they meet a person from that people face to face, that hatred doesn't come out. Everyone is good; it is circumstances that make us bad.

As a result of the conflicts she has experienced, she also does a lot of reflection: "Nationalism is the lowest emotion; while you think of the nation, you don't think of your empty stomach." Here's a striking metaphor: within the tragedy that is always a war she often did not know what accreditation to show because the fighters, the soldiers, did not wear any uniforms. All of them, the Bosnians, the Serbs, the Croats, the Muslims, the Christians, they all wore the same clothes, just everyday street clothes.

From conflict to love

As a journalist Jovanovic bore witness to the last conflicts of the 20th century. In addition to Yugoslavia, she also saw Chechnya, Rwanda and Somalia first-hand. Strangely enough it was in war that she found love with a Spanish diplomat. When they started a family, she gave up journalism. Her sister, who flits between Ukraine and Israel and who has won more than a dozen Emmys, continues to work as a journalist.

Duda is now a witness to how diplomacy works in the 21st century. To begin with, they were in Bosnia, where her husband opened the first Spanish embassy, but also in Israel during the Second Intifada, in Libya during Gaddafi's time, in Russia, in Iraq in 2004, in Turkmenistan and more. In each country she has an anecdote about the outcomes of being there. But discretion prevails, as does modesty.

She does share what it means to be the wife of a diplomat: "If your husband is a diplomat, he goes to the embassy and has his own world there; you, on the other hand, don't know anyone and have to start from scratch. I don't want to go, but then I don't want to leave. We are like trees: we put down roots. The worst thing that can happen to a prisoner is to be moved to another cell. And worse still, to be moved to another prison." For her children, if this life has brought them a dozen languages, it has been accompanied by a journey through a lot of schools; and when they make a best friend, the following year he or she is no longer there.

Far from feeling uprooted, Duda leaves her mark wherever she goes. War, she says, is a small part of her life. The important life, the one that defines her, is the one she gets on with now: she gets involved in the society in which she lives and its problems. She became famous in Montenegro where she started a campaign to clean up the beaches. She says that, during the first years she spent in Malaga, she saw a great improvement, which she now sees at risk of being reversed. Be that as it may, when her husband is in Spain at the Ministry in Madrid, she prefers to stay in Malaga and wait for him while she works from here, resting as she looks toward the Mediterranean from her terrace, the one with the best views in the whole city.
Francisco Grinan Malaga Friday, 13 September 2024, 12:00 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Spanish naval history is full of shipwrecks, raids and plundering. Still, Spanish galleons were not the only ones to suffer from corsairs and pirates. Sometimes the opposite happened. One of the most famous cases is that of the British privateer frigate, the Westmorland, which operated in the Mediterranean against French shipping with its 26 cannons lining each side, going flat out under full sail.

That is until it was captured in a wartime manoeuvre. It was on the Livorno-London route carrying a large sum of money, goods and a collection of Italian art acquired by a number of young aristocrats on their 'Grand Tour', including the brother of King George III. All this booty arrived at the port of Malaga, where the cargo was seized and auctioned off to many buyers.

Now those paintings, sculptures and engravings, loaded with classicism and history, are returning to the city, pretty close to the port that 'welcomed' them first time round. All these treasures will soon be at the Centro Cultural Fundacion Unicaja, which is hosting the exhibition The Westmorland in Malaga, to be opened in the second half of September.

A large part of that haul of works of art ended up in the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Art in Madrid, which is organising the exhibition together with Malaga's Unicaja foundation.

"A few days after setting sail from Livorno, the Westmorland was captured by two French ships from the main fleet, called Cathon and Destine, and La Gaceta de Madrid newspaper records the entry of the French ships into Malaga port, escorting their prized prey," says Jose Maria Luzon Nogue, former director of the National Archaeological Museum and the Prado, who took his research into the artistic legacy of this British ship in the collections of the Madrid-based academy and used it in his acceptance speech at the institution itself.

The full story of the capture of the Westmorland will be on display at the exhibition at the Centro Cultural Fundacion Unicaja, curated by Luzon, together with lecturer Maria del Carmen Alonso. Visitors will hear of how the captured ship arrived in Malaga shortly after the beginning of the year 1779, on 8 January to be exact. The Spanish authorities gave permission for it to enter port, as Spain was an ally of the French at the time, who in turn were supporting the colonists in the War of Independence against England in America.

It was against this backdrop of war that the ship was captured, its cargo manifest specifying that it carried "129 pounds of silk", "2 boxes of medicinal drugs", "32 Parmesan cheeses, each in a box", "2 thirds of sulphur", orange blossom water, bales of hemp, oil, "wine from the island of Madeira" and numerous goods that were unloaded and sold in the port itself. What went unnoticed at first was something in which the captured captain, Willis Machell, took great interest and which also appears in the record: "23 boxes of marble in the form of statues", "22 boxes of prints, portraits and books" and "35 pieces of marble in pieces", which is a curious way of recording archaeological remains.

Far and wide

The ship's captain was particularly concerned about a painting worth ten thousand pesos and some crates destined for the brother of the King of England, the Duke of Gloucester. These crates with pieces of stone, drawings and manuscripts of no apparent value were the result of the 'Grand Tour', something all the young English aristocrats did, travelling around Europe after their studies and taking back with them experiences and numerous artistic souvenirs from classical Italy. The French soon seized the canvas pointed out by the captain, Perseus and Andromeda, painted by Mengs for the patron and collector Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, which had been completed and exhibited in Rome in February 1778. Confiscated and sent to France, it was eventually sold to the highest bidder, who in this case was a woman of good taste: Catherine II of Russia. The highly prized work is now on display at the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.

Zoom The intervention of Charles III, known as the 'enlightened' king, was instrumental in the preservation of the Westmorland cargo. Museo del Prado

The rest of the art was acquired by the Compania de Lonjistas de Madrid (an association of merchants and traders), although news of this delightful booty reached the ears of Charles III, the 'enlightened' king of Spain, who commissioned his prime minister, the Count of Floridablanca, to take possession of what pieces were left and to send them to the San Fernando academy for conservation. To this end all the crates full of art were shipped from Malaga to Madrid, where the delicate collection was deposited not only in the cultural institution designated by the king, but some also went to the Prado Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, various palaces and buildings used by royalty.

In fact, the Patrimonio Nacional authority is one of the lenders of pieces for the exhibition, which will welcome two exquisite sculptures by Bartolomeo Cavaceppi, Eros and Psyche (from the Royal Palace of Aranjuez) and Bacchus and Ariadne (Royal Palace of Madrid) which came from the holds of the British ship. In addition there is the painting View of Malaga from the midi, by Mariano Sanchez, which usually hangs on the walls of El Prado and reproduces a panoramic view of Malaga in the 18th century with the ships anchored in the bay. One clearly shows the French flag flying, the other the Spanish flag. Another of these ships moored in the port could well be the Westmorland which, after being captured, was placed in the service of the Spanish crown. The paradox is that history ended up repeating itself, albeit in reverse, as the frigate was re-captured by the British, minus its fabulous haul of art that ended up scattered around the world and now returns to Malaga.
Matias Stuber Torremolinos Friday, 13 September 2024, 13:06 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The last days of summer in Playamar and Los Alamos in Torremolinos: the sun is shining, temperatures are pleasant and palm trees line a path that looks like something from a postcard. The sea is clear and invites you to go for a swim. The area, until not so long ago nothing but wasteland, is filling up with new developments that suggest that this apparent paradise can also be squeezed into four walls and made into a home. It was this idea that tempted a group of residents into buying flats in a development that goes by the pleasant name of Azahar (meaning orange blossom). Two or three-bedroom homes and duplex penthouses on the almost invisible border that separates Torremolinos from Malaga city.

What was a dream started to go wrong very quickly. The problem lies in the tourist flats that have been operating in the complex since the homes were handed over to their new owners in July last year. The headaches stem from the combination under the same roof of two concepts that clash and lead to despair among residents.

"This was meant to be idyllic, but it has turned into a nightmare," says local resident Maria, (not her real name - she has asked for her identity to be withheld for fear of "reprisals").

In the same situation are the rest of the homeowners who have contacted this newspaper to report what is "impossible coexistence". Their day-to-day life is marked by the late night parties, loud music, drug use and drunken behaviour of those who come to spend a few days partying in Torremolinos and choose to stay in one of the tourist flats operating in the building.

Zoom A postbox with an Airbnb identifying label. Nito Salas

A night in a ground floor apartment overlooking the pool costs 145 euros on Airbnb. A two-bedroom flat is advertised for up to six people. If you divide the price of the stay, the result is a bargain compared to the cost of a hotel. A scan of the usual platforms reveals the existence of numerous holiday rentals in the area.

Maria, who is in her 50s and lives with her retired husband, has a flat directly above one of these tourist apartments. "During the two main summer months I have seen a whole range of uncivilised behaviour. Music in the early hours of the morning, parties in the flats, drinking in the communal areas, drug use on the terrace..." she explains.

In this succession of events, the residents are the clear victims. Ramon (his name has also been changed), a retired teacher, lives with his partner who is undergoing cancer treatment.

"Sleepless nights"

"In April activity started to intensify. Every day you bump into complete strangers. Sleepless nights have become the norm. If it's not because music is blaring out in the middle of the night, it's because they're ringing your doorbell because they don't know how to use the intercom properly," he explains.

He still remembers the threats he received from a group of Germans and Albanians when he warned that alcohol could not be consumed around the swimming pool. "I've had several episodes like that in recent months. To the point of being scared. In the end, sad as it may seem, you stop going down to the pool," he says.

This feeling of being strangers in their own neighbourhood is shared by all the residents. "If someone takes your parking spot once, it's not a big deal. The second time, it's still manageable. But when it becomes a recurring issue, you realise it's something that's changing your way of life, and that shouldn't be the case," explains one of the younger residents.

Each story is different, but they all have something in common: excitement turning to despair. Something they could not have imagined when they paid between 500,000 and 900,000 euros to buy a flat here. "It was sold to us as a high-end flat and we were assured by the developer that there would be no tourist housing here," Maria says.

"Feeling swindled"

The first surprise came on the day the community of owners was formed. "The developers even hired a catering service. They wanted to make it a festive event. The residents had discussed among themselves that the first point should be to establish the prohibition of tourist flats in the building. When we expressed this, we were told that there were already a number of such flats, and that they had been registered as such on the day the deeds were signed," says another resident who lives next door to a tourist flat. The feeling of "having been swindled gripped everyone", he explains.

Most have invested all their savings or have mortgaged themselves for many years to buy here. There are some who have already put their flat up for sale. When asked the reason, the answer is direct. "We were looking for a home and not a hotel. On top of that, a hotel where there is no one to monitor uncivilised behaviour," Ramon says. Any attempt to mediate with the owners of the tourist flats would have been useless.

The hopes of these residents are now pinned on Torremolinos town hall. They have requested a meeting with the mayor, Margarita del Cid, and hope to be received as soon as possible.

The council announced last July that it will prohibit the tourist use of dwellings without independent access and services. "That would be our case," says Maria.
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Friday, 13 September 2024, 12:25 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The Seatrade Cruise Med international congress opened in Malaga on Wednesday, the second time the event has been held in the city. This year it has attracted a record number of exhibitors and attendees, with 106 exhibitors from 97 countries, more than 2,000 accredited professionals and 26 shipping companies. At its inauguration the congress expected a report on the good visitor numbers and income from this sector of the travel industry. However, the Junta de Andalucia's minister for tourism, Arturo Bernal, instead reflected on the risks that this activity entails for the cities where the ships dock and the need to provide answers to the public debate that has arisen about the saturation of the historic areas.

Zoom The Seatrade Cruise Med event for the travel trade opened in Malaga on Wednesday this week. Nito Salas

"The arrival of cruise ships has several aspects that generate debate, such as pollution and the impact of passengers on the city's inhabitants," Bernal began, warning that the number of passengers on these ships are now seven to eight times higher than they were a few years ago. In fact, he picked up on one media definition of this phenomenon: "wave tourism".

Malaga received just over 300 stopovers and 520,000 passengers; this year it is expected to maintain the same figures, although for 2025 there are forecasts of significant growth.

"We have to know how to digest this data as there is a debate in the local communities to which we cannot be oblivious. We have to reflect on the present and the future of cruise tourism, how to deal with the impact on local residents and the necessary environmental sustainability; we are at a decisive point to address the challenges of sustainability," Bernal said

The regional tourism minister advocated "working with the destinations to expand their offers and not concentrate everything in the historic centres of the cities". "Andalucia wants to be a leader in this debate with the local communities: it knows how to listen and is ahead of the trends."

In Bernal's opinion, the local community is the differentiating element of the experience that a cruise ship tourist expects: "They don't expect to arrive at theme parks or empty or saturated cities, but rather that they are welcomed in friendly surroundings."
Victor Heredia Malaga Friday, 13 September 2024, 19:27 | Updated 19:47h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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In the 19th century someone wrote that the level of development of a society could be measured in terms of its use of soap. The increase in population and the gradual improvement in living conditions had an impact on the growth in demand for this product. When reference is made to Malaga's industrial expansion in the 19th century, the fact that for several decades it was the main soap-producing centre in Spain is rarely mentioned.

In the city there was a modest tradition of making handmade soap from olive oil, of which some names have survived, such as Jaboneros y Almona (a word applied to the place where soap was made). At the end of the 18th century, a French merchant introduced the industrial manufacture of soap to Malaga.

This man was Juan Bautista Maury, the owner of a trading house who in 1796 established a factory in what was later called Calle de las Almonas (now Calle San Andres). To start up the business, brothers Francisco and Luis Reboul, experts in soap making, came to the city from Toulon.

In the following years, the number of small soap factories increased, using olive oil as fat and barrilla ash as an alkaline agent. These raw materials came from the region: oil from inland areas and barrilla from Almeria, where this plant was cultivated to obtain soda.

Most of the industrial initiatives came from foreign merchants. In 1813, Jose Reisig set up a company to manufacture soap and in 1817 the Scholtz house introduced the use of Flanders fat, which caused some protests. The success of the soap business attracted the attention of Manuel Agustin Heredia, who bought one of the Reboul factories in 1830. Shortly afterwards, he obtained the right to use a process for making soap with cast iron boilers, a pioneer in Spain. Heredia would go on to open three soap factories in Calle Salitre and in 1841 his company was the biggest manufacturer of soap in Spain.

Zoom

In those years, Malaga's production was aimed especially at exporting to the markets of the Antilles (Cuba and Puerto Rico). Heredia himself complained about competition from the other major Spanish export centre, Mallorca, and that the island was re-exporting Marseilles soaps to the colonies. In 1843 a French report stated that in Malaga there were thirteen factories producing almost 9,000 tons of soap a year, of which some 4,000 tons were exported.

By that time the soap industry was starting to change. The high cost of the bark stimulated the development of artificial soda by applying sulphuric acid, seed fats and animal tallo. Heredia set up a large chemical plant next to his factories where, among other components, artificial soda was produced for the manufacture of soap.

From soap factory to police headquarters One of the largest soap factories in 19th century Malaga was in Alameda de los Tristes, today's Alameda de Colon. It was owned by Manuel Gracian Reboul, the successor of the first Rebouls who came to Malaga from the south of France to introduce the production here. On this street in the 19th century there were several warehouses and some mansions belonging to bourgeois families, such as the Scholtz and Clemens. The Gracian factory was one of those that closed at the end of the 1870s and became unused. It was leased by the city hall in 1882 to establish the headquarters of Malaga's criminal court according to the judicial reform of that year. The architect Jeronimo Cuervo was in charge of its adaptation, creating a classicist facade and an interior suitable for its new judicial function. It later served as a warehouse and police barracks. The building was demolished in 1998 and in the courtyard of the new construction, large wooden trusses that were already part of the original factory were replaced.

There were up to 17 factories in the city, spread around the El Perchel (around Calle Cuarteles), Capuchinos, Molinillo, Refino and Pasillo de la Carcel (now Avenida de la Rosaleda) districts. They belonged to companies such as Heredia, Zalabardo y Dupuy, Bolin, Sandoval, Antonio Maresca, Guillermo Reboul, Joaquin Sotelo, Lopez and Gracian. In 1861, the Malaga soap industry had the capacity for 39 boilers and employed some 125 people.

Antonio Parejo provides significant data on the local importance of the sector based on the industrial register of 1871: the share of soap manufacturers represented 31% of the industrial tariff, above the textile industries of the Larios and the Heredia iron and steel industry, which accounted for 37%.

In the mid-19th century Malaga was still Spain's leading soap-making province, but this leadership was short-lived. Competition from Mallorca won the export to the West Indies and towards the end of the century it was Barcelona that dominated the national and colonial soap market thanks to the incorporation of cheaper raw materials and new production techniques based on mechanisation.

The factories in Malaga began to close down and those that survived catered to local demand. By 1890 there were only four: Armentia, Gross, Lopez and Sandoval. In the early part of the 20th century soap-making activity made a slight comeback, but now as a by-product of the olive oil warehouses and refineries that were set up in Malaga by companies such as Moro, Minerva, Olivarera Peninsular, Larios, Nagel and Van Dulken. The commercial period of Malaga soaps was long gone.
Juan Cano Malaga Friday, 13 September 2024, 11:01 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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It all started as a kidnapping, but turned into a murder. The victim, a 40-year-old man, went for a walk on the morning of 21 December 2020 in the vicinity of the cemetery of Santa Fe (Granada), where he lived, when he was approached by a group of people who forced him into a van. His body was later found bound, gagged and with clear signs of violence.

After almost four years of investigations, the Guardia Civil has arrested an individual in Mijas allegedly linked to the case. A court in Granada has sent him to prison as he is considered to be the user of a mobile phone that the investigations located in the place where the victim's body was found, in the Sierra de Huetor natural park.

The lifeless body of the kidnap victim was discovered on the morning of 23 December by a group of cyclists. He had wounds on his hands and head that showed evidence of a violent death, which led to a "complex" investigation by the Guardia Civil, which has been kept secret all this time. The triangulation of the phones and the study of number plates have been key.

Zoom Alfredo Aguilar

On Wednesday 11 September, Guardia Civil officers from Granada arrested the suspect in Mijas, a foreign individual who has a previous record in Spain, specifically for breaking and entering, which dates back to 2023. In August, three other arrests were made in relation to this case, although all of the individuals were released.

The man recently arrested appeared in the Granada court that has investigated the case on Thursday. Aranguez Abogados, the law firm representing the victim's relatives, requested the suspect's imprisonment "as it has been proven that his phone was used when the events took place", according to the company. It appears that a mobile phone has been seized and the information it contains is being processed in order to continue the investigation.
KATHMANDU, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and another was seriously injured on Friday morning after a pickup van veered off the highway in Nepal's Baglung district.

Bhupendra Budha, vice chairperson of Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality in Rukum East district, was among the dead.

The vehicle was en route to Rukum East from Kathmandu, the capital city, when it fell 300 meters down the highway, said Pratap Poudel, an inspector from Baglung police.

A total of 2,369 people were killed in traffic accidents in Nepal in the 2023-24 fiscal year which ended in mid-July, according to Nepal Police records. 
Javier Almellones Malaga Friday, 13 September 2024, 17:45 | Updated 19:33h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Their names give away their origin. From Benaojan to Cortes de la Frontera, there are several hamlets or villages whose name - or one version of the placename - bears the word 'estacion' (station). It is one of the most spectacular stretches of the railway line in the south of Spain that has served since the end of the 19th century to link Bobadilla with Algeciras, which in its day was a link of great strategic importance and economic value.

Today it is still used for freight traffic between the port of Algeciras and the inland areas of Malaga province, as it belongs to the line that goes as far as Bobadilla in the municipality of Antequera. It is also a section used frequently by passengers who know that they can make the journey between Ronda and Algeciras in just two hours.

At the same time, it can be an ideal means of transport for those who wish to explore the stretch where this line, devised by British investors at the end of the 19th century to connect inland Spain with Gibraltar, runs parallel to the Guadiaro river, itself an important tributary in these parts before flowing into Cadiz province..

So, nowadays there are stops at Estacion de Benaojan, Estacion de Jimera, Estacion de Cortes (La Canada del Real Tesoro) and Estacion de Gaucin (El Colmenar). All of them are part of the Serrania de Ronda. Some of these villages had previous settlements in the area prior to the arrival of rail but, in any case, all of them were revitalised after 1892, when this railway line was inaugurated. Today it is one of the most spectacular routes by train in the whole of Andalucia - just ask Michael Portillo, the former UK politician turned television presenter, who featured the route on his Great Continental Railway Journeys programme.

Zoom Passage of the Guadiaro river from up above the self-governing village of Estacion de Gaucin-El Colmenar. J.A.

In fact, this train ride can easily boast of passing through some spectacular sights and places associated with the Malaga province stretch of the Guadiaro river that is almost a constant and ever-faithful companion for a good part of the route. In fact, it was planned in this way because to follow the course of the river was the best option to make this line direct, fast and profitable.

Therefore, from Ronda to Cortes de la Frontera, in addition to the four stations mentioned above (trains do not always stop at all of them), the train passenger will pass by the natural area of the Cueva del Gato (cat cave), just a few metres away from the rail tracks. Afterwards, you will pass through Benaojan station, where the Guadiaro is supplied by one of its main tributaries gushing down the mountainside. There is even a restaurant there, El Muelle, which uses an old railway building to serve up succulent grilled meats, from lamb chops to an entrecote of Avila beef.

From here begins one of the most thrilling stretches of this line as it passes through the canyon known as the Angosturas del Guadiaro, where there is only room for the river, the railway line itself and one of the stages of the Gran Senda de Malaga hiking trail network.

This leads to Estacion de Jimera, where it is worth stopping off at any time of the year, but especially in summer, as just a few metres away it is possible to take a refreshing dip in the pool known as the Charca de la Ermita (there are other river pools further upstream and downstream, but not so close to the station). Also just a few metres away you can enjoy a quiet lunch or simply a snack at Allioli Bar y Mas, a unique place in this part of the Guadiaro valley, known for its live music - mostly at weekends.

Zoom Along this railway line are freshwater pools such as La Ermita near by Jimera de Libar's station. J.A.

The next landmark on this railway line is La Canada del Real Tesoro, also known as Estacion de Cortes. Just a few metres from where rail passengers step off the train, it is possible to take a refreshing dip in the Charca de la Zua. A swim there will refresh and stimulate you for the last leg of the journey, which will surely be the most exciting.

From La Canada del Real Tesoro to the last stop in Malaga province the train, like the river, crosses part of another natural monument, the Buitreras del Guadiaro, which seems as magical as it is vertiginous. It is a steep-sided gorge or canyon with a sizable griffon vulture colony (buitrera). A short distance further on we reach the locally-governed village of Estacion de Gaucin-El Colmenar, where the track cuts right through the centre of the village.

This village, which aspires to independence, is the other starting point - or end point from La Canada del Real Tesoro - for the trail that leads through the canyon of the Buitreras del Guadiaro. In either direction the hiking trail would be a great culmination to this itinerary through the villages so closely linked by train in this westernmost part of the Serrania de Ronda.
Javier Almellones Friday, 13 September 2024, 14:59 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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In addition to extra mature (curado), mature (semi-curado) and fresh (fresco) cheeses, many cheesemakers in Malaga, most of which specialise in goat's milk, have long been familiar with the production of soft-curd dairy products, a category that is more popular in countries such as France and Italy than in Spain.

Thanks to this, today it can be said that there are several cheesemakers, most of them belonging to the umbrella promotional brand of 'Sabor a Malaga' (taste of Malaga), that are capable of making cheeses along the lines of a Brie or Camembert, among many others. From such an exceptional raw material as the milk of the Malaguena goat breed, there are businesses, most of them family-run, that have managed to make the most of that milk with cheeses that are as surprising as they are tasty. These are some of the most outstanding cheeses currently available in the province of Malaga:

1 Zambra (naturally fermented, mature lactic cheese), by Flor Bermeja

Zoom Zambra cheese, from Flor Bermeja (Casabermeja).

This is one of the oldest soft cheeses on this list. Master cheesemaker Melania Pico has been making this atypical square-shaped cheese for years in the village of Casabermeja, which stands out for the dark grey colour that protects it. Its colour is due to the food-grade ash covered by a white bloom thanks to the presence of Penicillium Candidum (a 'mild mould' used to ripen and flavour cheeses like Brie). Cured for a minimum of 20 days, it has a creamy paste inside with a heterogeneous texture, totally blind (no eyes or bubbles on the cut surface) and bone-coloured. In addition to their mini rolls of goat cheese and other more innovative dairy products, Flor Bermeja also has a good range of traditional cheeses.

Where to buy it

2 Pistachio heart, by Santa Maria del Cerro

Zoom Corazon de Pistachio cheese, from Santa Maria del Cerro (Villanueva de la Concepcion).

This cheese has only been on the market for a year and has already won several awards, especially for its originality and innovative look. As its name suggests, a pistachio dough awaits the consumer in the centre with a touch of honey, which combines perfectly with the soft cheese, which has been matured for 15 months. It has an edible rind with white and grey moulds native to the area where this family business is located, Santa Maria del Cerro, a district of the town of Villanueva de la Concepcion, south of El Torcal de Antequera. This cheese factory already has experience with other white cheeses, such as 'Tiznao' (a lactic curd cheese matured in charcoal), 'Azahar' (a Brie-type cheese) or 'Alegria' (a lactic curd cheese matured in spices).

Where to buy it

3 La Tartaleta, by La Hortelana

Zoom Tartaleta cheese, from La Hortelana (Coin).

This cheese-making family has been committed to tradition for decades, but also to innovation. For this reason, in addition to the usual three levels of maturity in their hard cheeses made from the milk of Malaguena goats or even some sheep's milk versions, every year they dare to experiment with making different types of cheese, including soft cheeses, which are very popular in the Malaga market. One of the best known is Tartaleta, a type of Camembert made with goat's milk with a dark, edible skin, already well-known to many of their customers. They have also been offering various types of lactic curds, which they christened 'yoghurt del Guadalhorce', and goat's milk curd. They also have a range of soft paste products known as lactic pyramids.

Where to buy it

4 Goat briquette, by Cabraline

Zoom Briqueta de Cabra cheese, from Cabraline (Antequera).

It is difficult to single out just one cheese from the product range of this company, which is now based in Antequera, although it is the heir of Lact Argudo, which until just over a year ago was based in Campillos. Briqueta de cabra is just one of the various soft dairy products made at this cheese factory, under the tutelage of master cheesemaker Mateu Argudo, who has a clear devotion to these cheeses that have their roots especially in countries such as France and Italy. Thus, in addition to this one, they have others in this cheese format such as Timbal de Cabra, Tomino (ideal for grilling), Gris de Montana, Pastura de Cabra and even a variety of Camembert. All their cheeses are made from Malaguena goat's milk. Company headquarters are in Antequera in the same facilities as El Pastor del Torcal brand (in Antequera's business park), as both belong to the same business group.

Where to buy it

Other cheesemakers that also work with soft cheese are Lacteos Pastor del Valle in Alhaurin El Grande and La Canada del Capitan in Cajiz (Velez-Malaga), which produce their own Malaga goat cheese rolls, among other products.
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Friday, 13 September 2024, 15:45 | Updated 19:41h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The commitments reached during the meeting regarding a train service on the Costa del Sol on 17 July are beginning to materialise. The Spanish ministry of transport, together with the Andalusian government's ministry of public works and local councils have finalised the two working groups that were agreed upon.

The first of these committees will be dedicated to the "coastal train", as it has been called, and there will be five members from the government, four from the Junta de Andalucia, one from the provincial authority and four from the councils of Malaga and Velez, as well as the Bay of Algeciras, and a representative of the western Costa del Sol, Violeta Aragon, spokesperson of the platform in favour of the coastal train and secretary general of Fadeco federation.

The second committee will focus on the search for mobility improvements "in the short and medium term" on the coast from Malaga to Algeciras. This will also have five representatives from the national government; four from the regional ministry of public works; one from the provincial council and four from the local councils and territories.

Representing the ministry of transport will be: Alvaro Fernandez Heredia, secretary general for sustainable mobility; Jose Alfonso, director general for mobility strategies; Roser Obrer, director general for road and rail transport; Rosalia Bravo, deputy director general for the directorate general for roads, and Maria del Carmen Picon, deputy delegate for toll roads.

Timetable

The secretary of state for transport, Jose Antonio Santano, said: "Today we have taken another step in the right direction to work together with the Junta de Andalucia, the city councils and the Diputacion de Malaga to improve mobility on the Costa del Sol". Thus, he explained that the creation of these working groups was a commitment of the meeting last July. The general secretariat for sustainable mobility of the ministry will be responsible for convening the sessions.

The list of members has been sent by letter to the regional minister of public works, Rocio Diaz. "We are ready to convene the first meeting of both committees in the coming weeks with the aim of continuing to work together and seeking short, medium and long-term responses to the mobility problems of the Costa del Sol corridor," she said.

Diaz added that the working groups for the Costa del Sol train have been set up with four representatives of the ministry of public works, including the deputy minister, Mario Munoz-Atanet, and three general directors. "The government of Juanma Moreno will always seek dialogue and reach meeting points with all the administrations for the implementation of the coastal train, as well as all those measures that result in improved mobility."

Diaz also stressed that, in addition to selecting the members of the groups, the studies should start as soon as possible. "It is a good starting point for discussion and we will always be there, but it is time, as we agreed in July, for the government to start setting dates, deadlines and concrete measures, as the citizens and mayors are asking for.
Francisco Gutierrez Friday, 13 September 2024, 16:05 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Nursery schools in Malaga province have 6,382 free places as of the beginning of this school year. Andalucia's regional government (Junta) and Spain's national government have clashed over European subsidies intended to create new free public places.

The Junta decided to return the 112 million euros allocated to Andalucia believing that it is unnecessary to create new nursery places, as year after year there are thousands of free places not taken up, more than 34,000 in Andalucia as of 1 September, of which 6,382 belong to the 374 nursery schools in Malaga. Almost half of the children in Malaga who use nursery schools (48.6%) do not pay anything for this socio-educational service, according to data provided by the Junta's ministry of education.

To give some background: in the Spanish education system schooling is only compulsory from the age of 6 (primary education). Prior to this age the pre-school stage is divided into two cycles, the first for newborns to three year-olds and the second (free for all children at public centres) from three to six years. Children in the younger category attend nursery schools and older children attend infant school centres.

For this academic year the regional ministry of educational development made 23,538 places available to families in Malaga province for children aged up to three. As of 1 September, 17,156 places had been registered, leaving 6,382 (27%) vacant. Last year 23,639 places were available and 17,616 were enrolled, leaving 6,023 untaken. The regional ministry is holding open an extraordinary admission and application period for subsidies so that more families can apply for these services if need be.

Aid from PSOE to PP Junta

When the socialist party, PSOE, governed Andalucia with Maria Jesus Montero as finance minister back in 2017, an aid plan was approved for families to promote schooling for children under three years of age. This regional plan has continued under the subsequent governments of Partido Popular (PP).

This programme of aid to families has allowed Andalucia to lead the number of children in school at national level: 103,800, making an enrolment rate that is 14 points higher than in 2018. Moreover, this academic year it will be close to 60% of the school population of that age group, well above the national average (41.8%) and the EU-recommended 33% of children for that age group.

Town councils in Catalonia are rejecting the aid package and the Basque Country will be allowed to use it for other educational needs

When in the context of the pandemic and with the funds obtained from Europe for Spain's post-pandemic economic recovery, Spain's president Pedro Sanchez announced a plan to create public places for children under three years old. The then regional minister for education, Javier Imbroda (who died in April 2022), was already opposed to changing a model of public-private collaboration that was giving such good results in the case of Andalucia. His then deputy minister, Mari Carmen Castillo, has been appointed by Junta president, Juanma Moreno, as minister of education in the latest reshuffle at regional level.

The network of nursery schools is mostly private and what this support plan does is to subsidise the cost of services depending on family income. The province of Malaga has 374 nursery schools, of which 100 are public, either belonging to the Junta or other public bodies (mostly the councils in small towns or villages). The other 274 are private and are members of the Junta's aid programme. In addition, there are 38 private centres which are not members of the aid programme and five from other bodies, but which are also not members of the aid programme.

Almost half of Malaga's children under three have fully subsidised socio-educational and canteen services

Following the latest price updates, socio-educational services cost families 240.53 euros and the canteen 92 euros. Those who use the afternoon timetable with recreational activities pay an additional 63.64 euros (2.90 if used for single days).

The average number of pupils of this age group who receive a total subsidy is 48.6% in the case of Malaga, although the average subsidy for families is 71% of the cost of the service. In March, the Junta and the business sector agreed on a roadmap for further progress towards free places from the 2025/26 school year onwards. The total budget for this stage in this academic year is almost 393 million euros.

Over the last three years, Andalucia has tried to negotiate, without success, to be able to allocate the 112 million euros of European funds to make the under-3 cycle of nursery education free to everyone. Before returning the funds the Junta opened a line of subsidies of 52 million euros to all local councils in Andalucia in areas where there was no or an insufficient supply of free places, which only covered 1.8 million.

It is not only Andalucia that has returned these funds. Catalan media report that local councils in the region are refusing to create new places. In the Basque Country, a grant of 11 million euros was not accepted in principle because there were too many places left over. However, contrary to what has happened in Andalucia, the ministry of education for central government has informed them that it will allow them to use the funds to cover other educational needs.

The move towards free childcare in the Andalusian model is supported by the business sector. Maintaining employment is another of the reasons put forward by the regional government for not changing the model: around 15,000 people, most of them women, work in Andalucia's nurseries.
Louise Montefiore Malaga Friday, 13 September 2024, 15:42 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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For students studying languages at a UK university, a year abroad is a compulsory part of their degree, an exciting opportunity to gain experience in internships or at foreign universities. But following Brexit, complications with visas and funding are continuing to get in the way for British students wanting to spend their year in Spain.

Reshma, a student at a London university, spent her year abroad at the University of Granada. She told SUR in English this summer that the experience of obtaining a visa was stressful and very expensive. Indeed, student visas for British citizens in Spain for over 180 days cost 345. She explained this doesnt include the cost of travelling to the consulate nor the required medical and police certificates which had to be legalised.

Reshmas police certificate was sent to the wrong address and her medical certificate was rejected as her GP was not signed off by the Foreign Office. These delays meant she arrived in Granada two weeks late. Applying for a Spanish visa is complicated by the required legalisation, stamping and translation of all public documents.

Another British student who studied in Granada had a more positive experience. Deciding on Granada just two weeks before she was set to move there, she was still able to obtain a visa. She told us that others in the queue were turned away due to issues with their paperwork and that her friends application was rejected three times. But she believes that its a pain, but if you do it all right, theyll be fine with it. At the Spanish consulate in Edinburgh, for example, in 2023, over 95% of visa requests made by British nationals were granted.

Cutting placements short

Internship visas, however, rather than student visas, are particularly difficult to obtain: outside the safety net provided by the structure of education, students are left to fend for themselves. Lola (not her real name) studies Spanish at a university in the north of England, so spending part of her year abroad in a Spanish-speaking country is compulsory. After being faced with a number of obstacles trying to get a visa for her internship in Barcelona, she was forced to stay less than 90 days, a lot less time than I was supposed to, she said, removing the need for a visa.

The university wouldnt help me at all. They said it wasnt their responsibility, the visa process. After being unable to reach the Spanish consulate or the embassy, she had to give up on the process. Lola could work in Spain for under three months because she was not paid, making a year abroad less accessible for students in more difficult financial positions.

New funding scheme

The Turing Scheme has been designed in the UK to replace funding which was once provided by the European Erasmus programme - this too has its complications.

Jenna, a student at the University of Bath, tells us that she feels really let down by her universitys Turing process. Despite having completed her year abroad and being back in the UK, she says she has been provided with practically no funding or financial support this entire year, including none at all during her six-month placement in Malaga.

Experiences with the Turing Scheme vary depending on each British university, as, unlike with Erasmus, there is no longer a multi-year settlement in place. This means universities have to bid for funding every year, leaving each unable to determine in advance the funds it will be granted.

Students are not guaranteed any sum of money before they have to start making plans, so knowing if they will be able to afford to study, work, volunteer or pay rent in another country is in many cases impossible.

A UK government report on the first year of the Turing Scheme, published in January 2024, revealed that 76% of higher education providers found the requirements of the application unreasonable. Out of the UK universities to which SUR in English reached out for comment, only one responded. They agreed to talk with us on the condition that they remain anonymous.

Their head of study abroad said that Brexit is a contributing factor to the difficulties language students face in moving abroad. He also blamed the Covid generation for being less likely to take risks and live in another country, though he adds that he would anticipate higher numbers of students going to Latin America instead of Spain - a riskier and costlier choice - and admitted that the bureaucratic process is off-putting.

Lack of support for students

Echoing Lolas experience, he says that most UK universities have taken the position that applying for a visa is a students responsibility. For him, the remaining problems can only be solved by the government - he believes universities have done all they can.

Overall however, there are still similar numbers of students going on a year abroad at this university compared with pre-Brexit, and indeed, the governments report on the first year of Turing showed that 52% of higher education providers actually increased the volume of placements offered through Turing Scheme funding.

This head of study abroad noted that the benefits of the scheme lie in that it is means-tested, with funding awarded to students with lower household incomes and that it is not limited to placements only in Europe. This is how he explains the UKs decision not to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme. He says, for the UK taxpayer, that the Turing Scheme is better value.

However, Turing is not a reciprocal agreement, unlike Erasmus. It is therefore now much more difficult for European students to afford placements in the UK.

The University of Malaga (UMA) told SUR in English that the pandemic and Brexit have had a negative impact. Compared with 83 UMA students completing placements in the UK in the academic year 2019/20, before free movement rights ended, just 14 were able to go this academic year. In 2024/25, 35 students are expected to be headed to study in the UK.

The UMA told us that obtaining a student visa is a costly procedure in every sense. The paperwork is lengthy and confusing and a visa for a Spanish student moving to the UK for over six months will set them back 490, not including the 776 NHS fee. Despite these high costs, the UMA says it is committed to maintaining its relationships with British institutions.

While hopes are that the process becomes more straightforward, for now students are caught in virtually unnavigable post-Brexit bureaucracy. Eight years since the referendum, opportunities for British and Spanish students are not what they were.
Hoosick Falls, N.Y.  A 2-year-old child was mauled by four dogs this week inside an Upstate New York home.

The attack that left the child hospitalized happened Wednesday morning on Fourth Street in Hoosick Falls, a village about 40 minutes northeast of Troy and 10 minutes west of the Vermont border.

Four rottweilers mauled the toddler inside the childs home, Sgt. John Hudson Jr., of the Hoosick Falls Police Department, told WTEN. After discovering the attack, the childs mother rushed the injured toddler outside, he said.

After being treated by the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad and a Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad paramedic, the 2-year-old was transported to Albany Medical Center, police said in a news release.

Information about the childs condition was not immediately released.

After speaking with the Rennselaer County Health Department, the dogs owners  who were not identified  decided to have the four rottweilers euthanized, police said. The dogs will be tested for rabies.

This is a very traumatic incident for the family and all those involved, Hudson said. Our thoughts are with the victim and we hope for a speedy recovery from this traumatic event.

The incident remains under investigation. Hoosick Falls investigators are consulting with the health department, animal control and the Rennselaer County District Attorneys Office.

The attack on the Hoosick Falls toddler happened just over a month after a baby was mauled to death in Western New York.

Sulamain Hawkins Jr. was just 3 months old when he was attacked by at least one of his familys two dogs inside a Rochester home on Aug. 3, police said.

The baby had been sleeping in the attic with the dogs while his 19-year-old parents smoked marijuana downstairs, Rochester police said.

Sulamains parents, Sulamain Hawkins and Anastasia Weaver, have been charged with manslaughter. The familys dogs were euthanized.
DAMASCUS, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian embassy in Damascus has strongly condemned Israel's recent airstrikes on the city of Masyaf in Syria's central province of Hama, calling the attacks "acts of aggression."

In a statement issued on Thursday evening, the embassy also clarified that none of the Iranian advisors stationed in Syria were targeted during the strikes, refuting Israeli allegations that the airstrikes targeted Iranian military personnel.

The airstrikes, which struck military sites in Masyaf, had resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people, including four civilians, eight Syrian military personnel, and six unidentified individuals, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor previously reported.

The strikes, some of the most intense in recent months, also caused significant material damage, including the destruction of military facilities, said the observatory.

Israel has intensified strikes on Syria since the start of this year, targeting military sites that allegedly house Iranian and Hezbollah-linked forces operating in the region. 
As summer fades and autumn approaches, country music star Luke Bryan gears up for one of the most anticipated traditions in his career: the annual Farm Tour. This year marks the 15th edition of Bryans beloved Farm Tour, a series of unique outdoor concerts set against the backdrop of Americas farming communities.

Kicking off in Grantville, Pennsylvania, on September 19, the tour will traverse six states, wrapping up in Smithton, Pennsylvania, on September 28. This years lineup features a mix of established stars and rising talents, including Conner Smith, Tucker Wetmore, The Peach Pickers with Rodney Clawson and DJ Rock.

Bryans Farm Tour is renowned for its commitment to supporting and celebrating the agricultural community, with concert proceeds directed towards local charities and scholarships for students from farming families.

Where to buy tickets to Luke Bryans Farm Tour

Tickets are available for purchase online through Big Tickets and secondary market platforms such as Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and StubHub.

September 19  Grantville, Pennsylvania  Bow Creek Farm & Cattle Co. (TICKETS)

September 20  Chesapeake, Virginia  Heritage Park (TICKETS)

September 21  Marshville, North Carolina  Huggins Store (TICKETS)

September 26  Shelbyville, Kentucky  Mulberry Orchard (TICKETS)

September 27  Millersport, Ohio  Miller Family Farm (TICKETS)

September 28  Smithton, Pennsylvania  Cunningham Family Farm (TICKETS)

Before heading back to the fields, Bryan will conclude his extensive Mind of a Country Boy Tour, which has seen him perform across major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta. This tour, named after Bryans latest single and forthcoming album, began in April and has captivated audiences nationwide with its high-energy performances and heartfelt country tunes.

As Bryan prepares for the Farm Tour, fans can expect a mix of his greatest hits, new tracks and the lively, engaging performances that have made him a five-time Entertainer of the Year.

In addition to his touring activities, Bryan recently released a new single titled Love You, Miss You, Mean It. The song reflects on the trials and tribulations of young love, a theme Bryan is familiar with both personally and professionally.
An Upstate New York rail bike company is offering a workout with a historical twist on its rail bike ridesthe only one of its kind in the U.S.

Finger Lakes Rail Riders in Penn Yan claims to be the only rail bike company in America which provides a historical narration of the area as you pedal through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Upstate New Yorks wine country.

They were also awarded a Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Award earlier this year, according to an announcement on their Facebook page.

At FLRR, riders will travel in pairs, with a solo seat option to ride with the guide, along a mostly flat five-mile path . The two-hour excursion includes a 25- to 30-minute narration of Yates County history, delivered with a humorous touch by your guide through a two-way radio on each bike.

Think Disneys Jungle Cruise, but Upstate New York style.

Over the course of your journey, you will see working farms, relics from the railroad that was once there, and a one-room Mennonite schoolhouse. Participants are encouraged to ask questions along the way.

People can come and ride on existing railroads that have been here since 1851, founder and owner Kathy Ferron told RochesterFirst. They can get a little exercise, they can see some beautiful scenery  Yates County is an absolutely spectacular place to see.

While in the area, visit some of the finest Penn Yan has to offer in the Finger Lakes, including paddling on beautiful Keuka Lake, and not one, but two award-winning ice cream spots, The Spotted Duck and Seneca Farms.

FLRR rides run Sunday through Tuesday and Friday through Saturday from now until October 29. The cost per two-seater bike is $88 and there is no age limit to how young or how old a rider has to be.

One person can pedal for two, as long as their fitness level allows it.

FLRR answers more questions about their rides on their website FAQ page.

Rail bike options have grown over the years, giving some abandoned railroad tracks new life by allowing passengers to travel down them on two or four person machines. There are several companies across Upstate New York which offer different kinds of excursions and experiences. Some even offer pet-friendly rail bike tours.
On the night of Aug. 27, three campers at Lower Saranac Lake campground, a popular Adirondack boat camping destination, started a campfire using gasoline.

The fire quickly got out of control, torching a 50-foot-square area beyond the stone fire ring and lighting up the night sky. As firefighters from Saranac Lake Fire Department battled the fire, the three campers jumped into their boat to avoid the flames. The fire was extinguished around midnight.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers issued two tickets to a 28-year-old who failed to clear three feet from around the fire ring, and for not having enough personal floatation devices in a boat.

Rangers brought the campers back to the campsite clean up their belongings and then evicted the trio from the campground.

The following reports are excerpted from DEC:

On Sept. 6, a 70-year-old from Penn. injured his head on the Northville Placid Trail. Rangers used a backpack litter to carry the man 1.5 miles to a LifeNet helicopter.NYSDEC

On the afternoon of Sept. 6, a 70-year-old from Penn. tumbled ten feet while crossing a foot bridge on the Northville Placid Trail, in the Blue Ridge Wilderness, landing head-first in a rock pile. Rangers arrived within an hour and used a backpack litter to carry the man 1.5 miles to Indian Lake EMS and a LifeNet helicopter, which flew the patient to the hospital.

A 33-year-old from Canada hurt his ankle approximately three miles from the summit of Mount Jo on Sept. 3. Three rangers assisted the injured hiker back to his campsite.

On the night of Sept. 4, a 45-year-old hiker from Croghan got separated from her companion on the Mount Arab trail. Two rangers found the lost hiker and brought her to an ambulance at the trailhead where EMS warmed her up and reunited her with her hiking partner.

A 23-year-old from Massachusetts hiking alone in the Seward Mountain Range didnt arrive at the trailhead by nightfall as expected on Sept. 4. After searching for hours, three rangers found the missing hiker at the Calkins Brook trail. Her phone had died, which was her only source for navigation and light. DEC recommends hikers carry a map and compass, as well as a headlamp or other light source. Visit Hike Smart NY to learn more.

A 28-year-old from Pleasantville broke his ankle while climbing Algonquin Peak on Aug. 30. Rangers hoisted him into a chopper for a flight to the hospital.NYSDEC

A 28-year-old from Pleasantville broke his ankle while climbing Algonquin Peak on Aug. 30. A ranger harnessed the injured hiker for a hoist into a NYS Police helicopter and a flight to the hospital.

A 22-year-old from Troy got tired while hiking Lower Wolfjaw Mountain on Sept. 7 and called for rescue. Two rangers helped the exhausted young man, and his hiking partner, back to their vehicle. DEC suggests that hikers should turn around and try again another day if they cant handle a particular trail, rather than pushing their limits and needing to call for a rescue.

Strong winds and rough waves on Stillwater Reservoir caused two boats to fill with water and nearly capsize on Sept. 8. A good Samaritan transported two boaters to safety while rangers used boats to break the waves and block the wind, allowing the two remaining boaters to pilot their boats back to shore.

A 47-year-old and 11-year-old from Ticonderoga got lost while hiking down Cook Mountain on the night of Aug. 26. A ranger tried to guide them back to the trail over the phone, but the pair got lost again. The ranger hiked in and brought the hikers back to the trailhead just after midnight

Four hikers from Rochester went off trail near Limekiln Lake campground on the night of Aug. 27. Cell phone coordinates placed the group about half a mile off the Limekiln Loop trail. Rangers found the hikers near a creek and escorted them back to the trailhead.

Rangers on boat patrol at White Pond Multiple Use Area help a kid remove a fish from her line.NYSDEC

On Aug. 30, three rangers on boat patrol at White Pond Multiple Use Area cut down three illegal rope swings along the shoreline, checked boat registrations, and wrote two violations for not having personal floatation devices on board. They also helped a kid remove a fish from her line.

On the night of Aug. 27, three climbers from Virginia got stranded while hiking the rock slabs off of Pyramid Mountain when they encountered a steep drop. The climbers were intentionally off trail but werent prepared for the challenging conditions. Two rangers helped them through steep slopes, rock slabs, and thicket, reaching the trailhead at 3:35 a.m.

Shortly after nightfall on Aug. 28, two 22-year-old hikers from Canada called for help from Little Whiteface Mountain. The pair didnt have headlamps, extra clothing, or cell phone chargers. Two rangers helped them back to their vehicle. DEC reminds outdoor adventurers to plan ahead and prepare for changing conditions. Visit the DEC website and follow the 10 hiking essentials.

A 35-year-old camper from Rochester fell out his hammock and hurt his hip at the Brown Tract Pond Campground on Aug. 29. A ranger stabilized the man and helped him into an ambulance.

A 36-year-old hiker from Hudson Falls injured their leg climbing Buck Mountain on the night of Aug. 29. A ranger stabilized the hikers leg and Pilot Knob Fire Department drove the hiker down the mountain on an ATV to an ambulance.

Rangers found two adults and three children, ages four, six, and ten, who got lost on a nature hike near Limekiln Lake Campground on the night of Aug. 31.NYSDEC

Two adults and three children, ages four, six, and ten, failed to return from a nature walk on the night of Aug. 31 near Limekiln Lake campground. Four rangers searched multiple trails in the area. They found garbage bags, clothing, and burned materials and determined the hikers were off trail and following old logging roads in the Fulton Chain Wild Forest. Rangers found the lost bunch around 1 a.m., gave them water, and helped them back to the campground.

A 30-year-old and 35-year-old from Gouverneur got lost in the Aldrich Pond Wild Forest on Aug. 30. They had left that morning without any gear or food and were expected back by noon. Two rangers searched the area and eventually found the pair approximately 1.5 miles from their campsite.

On Sept. 1, a 68-year-old from Brewerton with a history of cardiac events felt ill while hiking Bald Mountain on Sept. 1. Three rangers reached the man and helped him back to the trailhead to a waiting ambulance.

A camper at Echo Lake suffered a back injury on Sept. 1 and couldnt walk out on his own. Five rangers and the Woodstock Fire Department packaged the injured man into a wheeled litter and transported him to a fire department UTV, which then took him to an ambulance.

A 58-year-old Penn. woman hurt her foot in the Log Bay Picnic Area near Shelving Rock in the Lake George Wild Forest on the evening of Sept. 1. A ranger worked with local firefighters to help her back to her vehicle.

On the evening of Sept. 1, three hikers on Mount Colden called for help after having trouble following the trail. One of the hikers was also suffering from knee and hip pain. The trio had been caught in a rainstorm and were wet and cold with only one headlamp among them. Four rangers headed into Marcy Dam and provided the hikers with basic first aid, headlamps, and warm clothes. They hiked out of the woods and reached their vehicle after midnight.



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Doggone tired: Rangers rescue another dog from ADK mountain - newyorkupstate.com

Big Manlius dog with injured paw rescued from ADK mountain - newyorkupstate.com

Ohio man ticketed for threatening hikers on popular Adirondack trail - newyorkupstate.com

Two injured hikers rescued one day apart on popular ADK mountain - newyorkupstate.com

Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post Standard, syracuse.com and NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors.
SUVA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A report released by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) saying "Chinese state-backed hackers attack Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)" is "purely a made-up story and has no basis at all," the Chinese embassy in Fiji said in a statement on Thursday.

China firmly opposes the practice of politicizing cybersecurity issues, accusing other countries without evidence, and wantonly associating cyberattacks with the government of any country, said the statement.

"We have been resolute in combating all kinds of malign cyber activities in accordance with law, and never encourage, support or condone cyberattacks," said the statement, noting that China is a major victim of cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity is a common challenge for all countries and the shared responsibility of all, it said.

Committed to the peaceful use of cyberspace, the Chinese government pursues constructive cooperation with the international community in protecting peace and security in cyberspace on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, said the statement.

"We urge the relevant media outlet to respect facts and abide by principles such as objectivity, impartiality and professionalism, avoid making a presumption of China's guilt without verifying the facts, and stop spreading disinformation that misleads public opinion and smears China," it added.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning also commented on this report on Thursday, saying that the PIF Secretariat did not associate this cyberattack with China.

"We have seen similar disinformation many times already, which is politically motivated and aimed at sowing discord between China and countries in the region," Mao said.

She stressed that the South Pacific is no one's backyard, adding "We hope parties concerned will fully respect the right of South-Pacific countries to a balanced approach when developing relations with various parties." 
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In brief: Samsung has just begun mass production of its 9th generation QLC V-NAND flash memory, and it's more than just a minor upgrade. This breakthrough technology promises to significantly lower SSD pricing while providing a substantial performance boost, thanks to dramatically improved speeds and densities.

Samsung has utilized groundbreaking manufacturing techniques to pack an impressive 280 layers of memory cells into each chip, thanks to its innovative "double stack" design and "Channel Hole Etching" technology.

According to initial reports from January, Samsung's new 9th-generation QLC NAND chips are 50 percent denser than competing 232-layer QLC from YMTC, setting a new standard for areal density in the flash memory industry. They also offer a maximum transfer rate of 3.2 Gbps, a significant increase from the 2.4 Gbps data rate of the previous generation. This advancement suggests that the performance of these new chips may soon rival that of older budget TLC-based drives.

Samsung has also integrated several advanced technologies into its new QLC NAND. Designed Mold technology enhances cell uniformity across all layers, reportedly improving data retention by about 20 percent. The Predictive Program system anticipates state changes to minimize unnecessary operations, while the Low-Power Design reduces cell voltage, cutting read and write power consumption by 30 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

These innovations result in QLC NAND with read-write speeds up to 60 percent faster than the previous generation, while increasing overall density by an impressive 86 percent. Samsung claims that these 9th-generation QLC chips could potentially enable pricing that is nearly 50 percent lower than the highest-capacity SSDs currently available on the market.

Currently, Samsung is mass-producing 1TB versions of these new QLC NAND chips, initially supplying them for its own branded consumer storage products. However, the tech is expected to trickle down to other types of storage in the coming months, including mobile devices, PCs, servers, and cloud data centers. While not officially confirmed, there are also expectations for 16TB M.2 SSDs in the near future.

Competitors are actively advancing their own technologies as well. For instance, Japanese memory manufacturer Kioxia has presented a roadmap to achieve 1,000-layer 3D NAND by 2027.
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust

Forward-looking: The CrowdStrike incident has once again highlighted concerns about Windows security. Microsoft was adversely affected by the Texas company's poor update practices, but it prompted Redmond to address how Windows could be improved to prevent future global incidents.

CrowdStrike released a faulty update for its Falcon Sensor security software, which had widespread consequences for the entire Windows ecosystem. After assisting millions of PCs in getting back online, Microsoft promised to bolster Windows security through significant changes aimed at making the operating system more resilient.

On September 10, the company hosted a community meeting, where the initial steps to strengthen the Windows platform were shared online.

Microsoft said the Windows Endpoint Security Ecosystem Summit brought together endpoint security vendors and government officials from the US and Europe. Although no formal decisions were made, the meeting resulted in a consensus on several key points that will require further development.

The first key takeaway from the summit relates to the future of traditional software offerings. The consensus suggests that the Windows ecosystem and its customers benefit from a diverse range of security products, and this variety is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Microsoft and its partners explored numerous opportunities for mutual growth in the short term, with the primary focus on ensuring the safety and resilience of their shared customer base.

Microsoft outlined how it is managing security through its Safe Deployment Practices and expressed its willingness to share best practices, data, tools, and "documented processes" with the community. The company explained its approach to the gradual, staged deployment of updates, which improves Windows resilience and allows for pausing or rolling back faulty updates when necessary.

During the summit's "rich discussion," Broadcom, Sophos, and Trend Micro also shared their own best practices.

In addition to SDP, Microsoft is laying the groundwork for long-term solutions to Windows' security challenges. The conversation centered on "new platform capabilities" aimed at moving security software outside of Windows kernel mode. Microsoft had attempted this with Windows Vista but faced significant pushback from antivirus vendors and regulators. Now, vendors seem more open to what Microsoft has to offer.

"Both our customers and ecosystem partners have called on Microsoft to provide additional security capabilities outside of kernel mode," the company explained.

Microsoft is reportedly developing a new platform that addresses the needs expressed by security vendors, including improved performance, anti-tampering protection, and more.

Microsoft will continue designing and developing this platform with input from its ecosystem partners, with the goal of improving reliability without compromising security. In the meantime, customers are encouraged to adopt the vendor-neutral best practices Microsoft shared a few months ago to mitigate issues when the next faulty security update occurs.
The widely-hyped crypto platform of the Trump family is planned for a launch next week. World Liberty Financial is only one of the multiple crypto businesses that they position as the "future" of America, with ludicrous promises once he is in office.

It will be led by his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, but much remains unknown about the new crypto platform from his lineage.

Trump and His Sons Plans to Launch World Liberty Financial Next Week

According to a video posted by Trump in his reinstated X account, World Liberty Financial is launching come next week, Monday, September 16 at 8 PM (EST) to deliver a new kind of financial experience for the world. Trump is now rallying his supporters and fans to join the event in witnessing what WLFI has to offer, a platform that his sons would manage.

Trump, his family, and World Liberty Financial would share a stream directly from the Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida.

World Liberty Financial calls this the 'Donald Trump State of Crypto Address,' but there are no specifics yet regarding what it will offer on its new crypto-focused platform.

World Liberty Financials and What It Has To Offer

With limited information behind World Liberty Financials, it is expected that the launch would tell the world more about what it has to offer. Trump will make his remarks regarding WLFI exactly 50 days before the elections, with AP stating that he is focusing more on his ventures rather than his campaign.

WLFI aims to provide America with a platform that can beat the "slow Big Banks" in the country, launching a future focused on cryptocurrency instead of legal tenders.

Trump's Crypto Ventures

One of the main focuses of Donald Trump's current campaign is heavily relying on the popularity of crypto, positioning himself as the harbinger of decentralized finance for the United States. There were previous rumors that when Trump wins the 2024 Presidential Elections, he will increase more of the US' Bitcoin strategic reserves, and prioritize it over gold and the US dollar.

Last July, Trump also took the opportunity to announce his massive support for crypto in the Bitcoin 2024 conference that took place in Nashville, Tennessee. Here, the business magnate claimed that he would make America a "crypto capital" of the world, and Bitcoin as a "superpower."

However, his massive links to cryptocurrency now are giving him a bad light as the industry saw a significant drop recently, and many scams contributed to further dragging his image.

The election is nearing and it will soon reveal who the public's choice is to be the next leader of the country, with one centering himself on crypto, and the other, sharing her platforms and plans for the future. Trump will use his remaining days to launch World Liberty Financial his sons would run, but it remains vague what it has to offer, apart from going against the federal banking system.
BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military is ready to work with its counterparts in other countries to make new and greater contributions to ensuring regional stability and world peace, senior Chinese military official Zhang Youxia said Thursday.

Zhang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a welcoming banquet for the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which runs from Sept. 12 to 14.

Zhang called on all forum participants to enhance mutual understanding and trust through dialogue and exchanges, and to pool more wisdom for world peace and security.

On the same day, China's Minister of National Defense Dong Jun respectively met with defense ministers of Chile, Madagascar, Mauritania, Maldives, Tajikistan, Belarus and Armenia as well as deputy defense minister of Russia, who are in Beijing for the forum.

Dong said China is willing to work with other militaries to maintain close communication, continue mutual learning, consolidate existing cooperation achievements, and push military cooperation to new levels. 
Hawk-eyed photographer snaps threatened bird feared lost



Bangkok, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



A hawk-eyed photographer has thrilled scientists by snapping a threatened bird of prey in Papua New Guinea, more than five decades since it was last officially documented, the World Wildlife Fund said Friday.

The New Britain Goshawk is only found on Papua New Guinea's New Britain island and is considered threatened, though information about its status is sparse.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature estimates there are between 2,500 and 10,000 mature individuals in the wild, but the bird's elusive nature makes details hard to confirm.

In fact, the bird is so unusual that Fiji-based photographer Tom Vierus didn't even realise what he captured until later.

"It was such a great surprise to hear that this photo seems to be the first-ever of this 'lost species,'" he said in a statement issued by WWF, an environmental NGO.

The last scientific documentation of the species appears to be a 1969 specimen now kept in a US museum, according to John Mittermeier, director of the Search for Lost Birds at the American Bird Conservancy.

While there have been sporadic reported sightings, "the New Britain Goshawk seems to have eluded photo, sound, and specimen documentation for 55 years," he said.

WWF said the discovery highlighted the importance of protecting the area from threats including logging and mining.

Much of Papua New Guinea's population lives below the poverty line, and many officials are keen to welcome companies to exploit vast reserves of gold, copper, nickel, natural gas and timber.

It is also home to the world's third-largest intact tropical forest, according to WWF, and environmentalists warn little research has been done on diverse and rich ecosystems now at risk.
Myanmar battles Yagi floods as Vietnam begins clear-up



Pyinmana, Myanmar, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Hundreds of villagers in Myanmar waded or swam through chin-high waters, fleeing severe floods around remote capital Naypyidaw on Friday, as Vietnam began clearing up after Typhoon Yagi.

A swathe of northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar have been battling floods and landslides in the wake of Typhoon Yagi, which dumped a colossal deluge of rain when it hit the region last weekend.

The overall death toll across the four countries stands at 280, including 233 in Vietnam and 36 in Myanmar, but with many people missing it is expected to rise further.

Myanmar's national fire service on Friday confirmed the new death toll, up from 17, while more than 50,000 people have been forced from their homes.

"We walked through neck-high water this morning," one woman told AFP at Sin Thay village.

"We are very hungry and thirsty. It been about three days we don't have food."

Soldiers rescued residents of flooded villages in the complex network of rivers and creeks surrounding the sprawling, low-rise capital, with some forced to wade through deep muddy brown waters.

Houses and nearby banana and sugarcane plantations were all submerged.

"This is the very first time I have experienced such a flood," another man said near the village, where people had gathered near a small bridge.

"We didn't have time to prepare. It was a very scary experience."

State media said flooding in the area around the capital had caused landslides and destroyed electricity towers, buildings, roads, bridges, and houses.

In Mandalay region, one group of villagers rode elephants to reach dry land, in footage posted on social media.



- Hanoi clear-up -



In Vietnamese capital Hanoi, residents equipped with shovels, brushes and hoses were out clearing up debris and mud from the streets after the waters that had submerged parts of the city receded -- and the sun came out for the first time in days.

The Red River through Hanoi reached its highest level in 20 years earlier this week as the rain brought by Yagi funnelled out towards the sea.

"This was the highest flooding I've ever seen, it was more than a metre on our first floor," Nguyen Lan Huong, 40, told AFP.

"The water started to recede yesterday afternoon so we began cleaning up bit by bit. But it will take days for our family to fully recover, and even weeks for the community here I think."

A total of 130,000 people were evacuated in northern Vietnam since Yagi hit on Saturday -- and many have not yet been able to return home -- while more than 135,000 homes have been damaged according to the authorities.

In the deadliest single incident, a landslide wiped out a village in mountainous Lao Cai province, killing 48 people.

But in a rare piece of good news, eight people missing in the landslide and feared dead have returned safe. Some had been staying with relatives while others managed to escape in time.

Northern Thailand was also badly affected, with one district on the Myanmar border reporting its worst floods in 80 years.

Officials said Friday a fatality in a landslide in Chiang Rai province had taken the toll in the kingdom to 10.

Flights to Chiang Rai airport resumed on Friday a day after airlines halted them.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was set to visit Chiang Rai on Friday to see relief efforts, which are being led by the military.

There are flood warnings for several locations along the River Mekong, including Laotian capital Vientiane.

The Mekong River Commission said low-lying areas around Vientiane are expected to be flooded over the next few days.

burs-pdw/hmn
Greenland urges Denmark to confront its dark past



Nuuk, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Denmark's forced contraception scandal in Greenland has snowballed since a victim first spoke out five years ago with the territory urging the Danish state to acknowledge the trauma it had caused.

Danish authorities between the 1960s and the 1990s forced more than 4,500 young Inuit women to wear a contraceptive coil -- or intrauterine device (IUD) -- without their or their family's consent.

The campaign was aimed at limiting the birth rate in the Arctic territory, which had not been a Danish colony since 1953 but was still under its control.

Greenlandic, Danish and international experts have opened a probe into the legal aspects of the scandal, including violations of indigenous people's rights and consent issues.

Its conclusions are due in mid-2025.

Another enquiry mapping the historical aspects of the campaign is to present its conclusions around the same time.

The scandal is one of many sensitive topics -- including forced adoptions -- souring relations between Denmark and Greenland.

The legal investigation "is a necessary step in order to move forward," Greenland's gender equality minister in charge of the case, Naaja Nathanielsen, told AFP.

"Violations did take place. How can we frame it in a legal setting? That's what's being looked into right now. Maybe genocide, maybe not," she added.

"An investigation would not be complete without looking into the human rights aspect, the indigenous rights aspect," Nathanielsen said.

Naja Lyberth was the first woman to come forward and publicly describe how she as a young teen experienced -- and here she has no doubt -- that "a number of human rights were violated".

"The right to have children, the right to build a family and the right to not be discriminated against, the right to not be subjected to experiences similar to torture," the now 62-year-old psychologist told AFP from her seaside home in Nuuk.

Now an autonomous territory, Greenland's colonial status ended in 1953 when it was incorporated into the Danish realm.

"We became part of Denmark, on equal footing," Lyberth explained.

"On paper we became equals, but from my experience, that is the moment when the colonisation began, the occupation of my body, of our bodies," Lyberth said.



- 'Like a rape' -



She has told her story many times now, but still fights to hold back tears as she tells it again, her loose salt-and-pepper curls framing her face.

Lyberth was around 13 or 14 when she and the other girls in her class were sent to the doctor's office.

"His tool penetrated me to insert the coil. It was very cold and felt like a knife stabbing my insides. It was very violent," she recalled.

"I could clearly see that the tools looked much too big for my little girl's body, but at the time I didn't realise they were for adult women."

"It was like torture, like a rape," she said.

Lyberth, who went on to have a son years later, took part in a podcast series on Danish public broadcaster DR two years ago exposing the extent of the campaign, which she herself could never have imagined.

Since then, "it's been like living through a tsunami," said Lyberth, whose first account of her experience in the media five years ago went largely unnoticed.

She has repeatedly urged other women to come forward, and created a private Facebook group for them, now hosting 317 members.

Like the other affected women who still live in Greenland, Lyberth -- who says she is not a victim but a "survivor" -- is eligible for free psychotherapy.



- Trial not enough -



Nearly 150 women have sued the Danish state, and a trial could take place next year, according to their lawyer Mads Pramming.

The coils rendered around half of the women sterile, and the large majority have physical and psychological scars.

"If this case ... is only treated in court, that will be a major failure," said Nathanielsen, the Greenlandic minister.

"We need to address this in a political way, acknowledging this is a population that is affected."

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has vowed that details of the scandal and Denmark's post-colonial relations with its territories -- Greenland and the Faroe Islands -- will be brought to light.

"We should be three equal partners: three countries, three peoples, three languages," she told parliament.

Frederiksen in March 2022 presented an official apology to six Greenlanders taken by force from their families as part of an experiment aimed at creating a Danish-speaking elite on the island in the 1950s.

cbw/po/ju/ach
UK blocks approval of first coal mine in 30 years



London, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Environmental campaigners on Friday claimed a "huge victory" after a court ruling overturned a decision to allow planning permission for the UK's first deep coal mine in 30 years.

High Court judge David Holgate said previous Conservative government's original decision to grant permission for the Whitehaven mine in Cumbria, northwest England, was "legally flawed".

The new Labour government had already withdrawn its support for the mine and the project now faces further uncertainty after the ruling in favour of environmental groups that brought the case.

Niall Toru, senior lawyer with "Friends of the Earth", one of the groups bringing the legal action, called it "fantastic news and a huge victory".

"This mine should never have been given permission in the first place... it would have huge climate impacts," he said.

He called on the mine developer, West Cumbria Mining Limited (WCM), to withdraw its application.

Lawyers for WCM argued during the case that the mine would have a "broadly neutral effect on the global release of greenhouse gas".

But Holgate rejected the claim, saying: "The assumption that the proposed mine would not produce a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, or would be a net zero mine, is legally flawed."

jwp/phz/giv

WHITEHAVEN COAL
RABAT, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Morocco's Ministry of Health and Social Protection reported a confirmed monkeypox (mpox) case in the southern city of Marrakech on Thursday, the official MAP news agency reported.

This marks the first reported case in Morocco amid a new global outbreak.

According to the ministry, the patient is in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical care. Isolation and monitoring measures have been implemented following national and international health standards.

Epidemiological investigations are underway to trace all potential contacts of the patient, with no symptoms observed in these contacts so far, said the report.

The ministry urged citizens to rely on official sources for accurate information to prevent the spread of rumors and misinformation.

It also advised the public to practice preventive measures, including regular hand washing, avoiding direct contact with infected or suspected individuals, and maintaining good personal hygiene.

Morocco reported its first mpox cases in 2022.

Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, which has two distinct clades, clade 1b and clade 2b, and can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, contaminated materials, or infected animals.

On Aug. 14, the World Health Organization declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern, citing the emergence of a more dangerous but poorly understood variant, clade 1b, first detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September 2023. 
Germany urges EU to delay anti-deforestation law



Frankfurt, Germany, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Germany said on Friday it had asked the European Union to delay a law banning imports of products linked to deforestation, after Chancellor Olaf Scholz added to criticism of the regulations.

The new rules, currently set to take effect at the end of December, will bar a vast range of goods -- from coffee, cocoa and cattle to soy, timber, palm oil, printing paper and rubber -- if they produced using land that was deforested after December 2020.

EU imports are responsible for 16 percent of global deforestation, according to WWF data.

Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir said on Friday he had asked the EU, on behalf of the German government, to delay the start of the new rules "by half a year" to July 1, 2025.

"Companies need enough time to prepare," he said.

On Thursday, Scholz told the German association of digital publishers and newspaper publishers (BDZV): "The regulation must be practicable."

He said he had raised the matter with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and pressed "to have the regulation suspended until the open questions raised -- by the BDZV among others -- have been clarified".

The BDZV has called the new regulations as "impractical" and alleged they would create a "further drastic bureaucratic burden for companies".



- Rampant deforestation -



"Otherwise supply chains risk breaking at the end of the year -- to the detriment of the German and European economies, small farmers in third countries and consumers," he added.

Brazil this week also urged the 27-nation bloc to suspend application of the rules, which it said were "punitive".

That added to complaints voiced by the United States, other Latin American countries and nations in Asia and Africa, who say the law will place an administrative burden on farmers and the forestry sector.

Onus to check supply chains lies with EU importers.

Forests absorb carbon and are a vital ally in the fight against climate change but they are being ravaged by deforestation.

Forested areas are also critical for the survival of endangered plants and animals, such as orangutans and lowland gorillas.

Over the last century, the Amazon rainforest, which covers nearly 40 percent of South America, has lost about 20 percent of its area to deforestation, due to the advance of agriculture and cattle ranching, logging and mining, and urban sprawl.

Within the EU itself, the agriculture ministers of around 20 member states -- led by Austria and Finland -- complained in April about the law creating bureaucratic hurdles for the farm sector, saying this risked undermining investment and distorting competition.

Under the new rules, firms importing the merchandise in question into the EU will be responsible for tracking their supply chains -- using geolocation and satellite data -- to prove goods did not originate from zones subject to deforestation.
CORRECTED: Germany urges EU to delay anti-deforestation law



Frankfurt, Germany, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Germany said on Friday it had asked the European Union to delay a law banning imports of products linked to deforestation, after Chancellor Olaf Scholz added to criticism of the regulations.

The new rules, currently set to take effect at the end of December, will bar a vast range of goods -- from coffee, cocoa and cattle to soy, timber, palm oil, printing paper and rubber -- if produced using land that was deforested after December 2020.

EU imports are responsible for 16 percent of global deforestation, according to WWF data.

Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir said Friday he had asked the EU, on behalf of the German government, to delay the start of the new rules "by half a year" to July 1, 2025.

"Companies need enough time to prepare," he said.

On Thursday, Scholz told the German association of digital publishers and newspaper publishers (BDZV): "The regulation must be practicable."

He said he had raised the matter with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and pressed "to have the regulation suspended until the open questions raised -- by the BDZV among others -- have been clarified".

The BDZV has called the new regulations as "impractical" and alleged they would create a "further drastic bureaucratic burden for companies".



- Rampant deforestation -



"Otherwise supply chains risk breaking at the end of the year -- to the detriment of the German and European economies, small farmers in third countries and consumers," Ozdemir said in a statement.

Brazil this week also urged the 27-nation bloc to suspend application of the rules, which it said were "punitive".

That added to complaints voiced by the United States, other Latin American countries and nations in Asia and Africa, who say the law will place an administrative burden on farmers and the forestry sector.

Onus to check supply chains lies with EU importers.

Forests absorb carbon and are a vital ally in the fight against climate change but they are being ravaged by deforestation.

Forested areas are also critical for the survival of endangered plants and animals, such as orangutans and lowland gorillas.

Over the last century, the Amazon rainforest, which covers nearly 40 percent of South America, has lost about 20 percent of its area to deforestation, due to the advance of agriculture and cattle ranching, logging and mining, and urban sprawl.

Within the EU itself, the agriculture ministers of around 20 member states -- led by Austria and Finland -- complained in April about the law creating bureaucratic hurdles for the farm sector, saying this risked undermining investment and distorting competition.

Under the new rules, firms importing the merchandise in question into the EU will be responsible for tracking their supply chains -- using geolocation and satellite data -- to prove goods did not originate from zones subject to deforestation.
Flooding in northeast Nigeria could displace up to one million



Kano, Nigeria, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Fatima Yakubu woke up in the middle of the night to find her legs submerged as water rose in her home in northeastern Nigeria earlier this week.

She screamed and people helped her escape with her six children.

Flood waters have displaced more than one million people in and around Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, in one of the worst ever floods in Africa's most populous country.

Thousands of homes were engulfed by rapidly rising waters after a dam burst following a weekend of torrential rain in northeastern Nigeria.

"I shouted for help in terror and some men outside heard my scream and came into the house which was already flooded and rescued us," said Yakubu, 26, describing her survival as a "miracle".

She and her children took shelter in one of the eight camps set up by authorities.

Barkindo Mohammed, the director general of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), told AFP that the number of people displaced by the flooding could reach one million people.

Mohammed Sheriff, 60, was not so lucky. He too awoke in the middle of the night to rising waters in his home.

Together with his two wives, they carried six of their children, thinking that the two eldest, aged 11 and 13, would be strong enough to fight the current. The two children are still missing.

"We haven't seen them since and we fear the worst," Sheriff told AFP.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said on Wednesday that at least 30 people have died in the floods -- the worst in 30 years, according to the United Nations refugee agency in Nigeria.



- Hunger and disease -



NEMA's director general Zubaida Umar said on X on Thursday she was relieved that the "flood level in Maiduguri is receding, and normalcy is beginning to return to the metropolis," adding that rescue operations were ongoing in the city flooded up to 40 percent.

"Children and families are still trapped in their homes," British charity Save The Children said in a statement on Friday.

"The immense damage to water and sanitation services is driving up the risk of cholera and other water- and vector-borne diseases," the NGO said, pointing out that the city's two main hospitals had also been flooded.

The World Food Programme (WFP) said the disaster would increase the risk of food insecurity, particularly in the vulnerable northeast.

At least 259 people have been killed by flooding in Nigeria since the beginning of the rainy season, according to Umar.
CORRECTED: Zimbabwe to cull 200 elephants amid food shortages



Harare, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Zimbabwe will cull 200 elephants as it faces an unprecedented drought that has led to food shortages, while also tackling a ballooning population of the animals, the country's wildlife authority said Friday.

The country has "more elephants than it needed", Zimbabwe's environment minister said in parliament on Wednesday, adding that the government had instructed the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) to begin the culling process.

The 200 elephants will be hunted in areas where they have clashed with humans, including Hwange, home of Zimbabwe's largest natural reserve, ZimParks director general Fulton Mangwanya told AFP.

Zimbabwe is home to an estimated 100,000 elephants, and has the second-biggest elephant population in the world after Botswana.

Thanks to conservation efforts, Hwange is home to 65,000 of them, more than four times its capacity, according to ZimParks. Zimbabwe last culled elephants in 1988.

Neighbouring Namibia said this month that it had already killed 160 wildlife in a planned cull of more than 700 animals, including 83 elephants, to cope with its worst drought in decades.

Zimbabwe and Namibia are among a swathe of countries in southern Africa that have declared a state of emergency because of drought.

But the move to hunt the animals for food was not welcomed across the board.

"Government must have more sustainable eco-friendly methods to dealing with drought without affecting tourism. They risk turning away tourists on ethical grounds. The elephants are more profitable alive than dead," said Farai Maguwu, director of the nonprofit Centre for Natural Resource Governance.

"We have shown that we are poor custodians of natural resources and our appetite for ill-gotten wealth knows no bounds, so this must be stopped because it is unethical," he said.

But Chris Brown, a conservationist and CEO of the Namibian Chamber of Environment, said that "elephants have a devastating effect on habitat if they are allowed to increase continually, exponentially".

"They really damage ecosystems and habitats, and they have a huge impact on other species which are less iconic and therefore matter less in the eyes of the eurocentric, urban armchair conservation people," he said. "Those species matter as much as elephants."
Zimbabwe to cull 200 elephants amid food shortages



Harare, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2024



Zimbabwe will cull 200 elephants as it faces an unprecedented drought that has led to food shortages, a move that will also allow it to tackle a ballooning population of the animals, the country's wildlife authority said Friday.

The country has "more elephants than it needed", Zimbabwe's environment minister said in parliament on Wednesday, adding that the government had instructed the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) to begin the culling process.

The 200 elephants will be hunted in areas where they have clashed with humans, including Hwange, home of Zimbabwe's largest natural reserve, ZimParks director general Fulton Mangwanya told AFP.

Zimbabwe is home to an estimated 100,000 elephants, and has the second-biggest elephant population in the world after Botswana.

Thanks to conservation efforts, Hwange is home to 65,000 of the animals, more than four times its capacity, according to ZimParks. Zimbabwe last culled elephants in 1988.

Neighbouring Namibia said this month that it had already killed 160 wildlife in a planned cull of more than 700 animals, including 83 elephants, to cope with its worst drought in decades.

Zimbabwe and Namibia are among a swathe of countries in southern Africa that have declared a state of emergency because of drought.

About 42 percent of Zimbabweans live in poverty, according to UN estimates, and authorities say about six million will require food assistance during the November to March lean season, when food is scarcest.

The move to hunt the elephants for food was criticised by some, not least because the animals are a major draw for tourists.

"Government must have more sustainable eco-friendly methods to dealing with drought without affecting tourism," said Farai Maguwu, director of the nonprofit Centre for Natural Resource Governance.

"They risk turning away tourists on ethical grounds. The elephants are more profitable alive than dead," he said.

"We have shown that we are poor custodians of natural resources and our appetite for ill-gotten wealth knows no bounds, so this must be stopped because it is unethical."

But Chris Brown, a conservationist and CEO of the Namibian Chamber of Environment, said that "elephants have a devastating effect on habitat if they are allowed to increase continually, exponentially".

"They really damage ecosystems and habitats, and they have a huge impact on other species which are less iconic and therefore matter less in the eyes of the eurocentric, urban armchair conservation people," he said.

"Those species matter as much as elephants."

Namibia's cull of elephants has been condemned by conservationists and the animal rights group PETA as short-sighted, cruel and ineffective.

But the government said the 83 to be culled would be only a small fraction of the estimated 20,000 elephants in the arid country, and would relieve pressure on grazing and water supplies.
KABUL, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Armed men gunned down 14 people and four others sustained injuries in central Afghanistan's Daykundi province on Thursday, a local media outlet TOLOnews reported.

The victims of the incident were residents of Daykundi province, who went to welcome the pilgrims, the private media outlet said.

Mufti Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, late on Thursday night confirmed the incident without providing more details.

The rival Daesh or the Islamic State outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack. 
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A senior lawmaker on Friday said China is taking steady steps to raise retirement age.

Zhang Yong, deputy head of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, explained the legislative process at a press conference held after the top legislature adopted a decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age in the country.

Zhang said the State Council submitted a bill about the draft decision to the top legislature in early August. It was decided on Aug. 27 to include the bill in the legislative agenda of the 11th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee scheduled for mid-September.

On Sept. 10, when the session opened, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security Wang Xiaoping made explanatory remarks on the draft decision to the top legislature.

The lawmakers then held group deliberations. They deemed it necessary for the NPC Standing Committee to adopt such a decision to provide adequate legal basis for major reforms and to ensure the reform on retirement age is carried out in a steady and orderly manner, Zhang said.

The lawmakers said the draft is a feasible one as it has comprehensively considered various factors and fits the basic conditions and realities of the country. They broadly agreed to adopt the draft at the session, Zhang said.

The Constitution and Law Committee of the NPC held a meeting to review the opinions from group deliberations. The committee prepared a revised draft and a review report.

On Sept. 11, the Council of Chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee heard a briefing of the Constitution and Law Committee.

On Sept. 12, lawmakers held group deliberations to review the revised draft of the decision. It was adopted on the morning of Sept. 13. 
Two days after Hurricane Francine rolled through Louisiana, local power companies were making steady progress trimming trees, repairing electricity lines and restoring service to customers across the New Orleans metro area and along the coast, though they warned that outages in some areas would persist through the weekend.
Hurricane Francine provided a good test of the abilities of the east and west bank levee authorities in the New Orleans area to close hundreds of gates in advance of its surge, officials for both said Friday.
We know how much is too much when we're eating  going back for seconds, and thirds, of equal-portion sizes. Some don't stop with just one beer or drink. They continue, enjoying another and another and maybe a fifth or sixth.
Age subscribers are invited to experience THE LUME Melbournes Leonardo da Vinci - 500 Years of Genius presented by Webuild with 2-for-1 tickets*.

In a celebration of innovation, art and the timeless genius of Leonardo da Vinci, THE LUME Melbourne exhibition gives visitors the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step inside the world of Leonardo, featuring original drawings and writings from the Codex Atlanticus, penned by the master himself. This is the first time in history the Codex Atlanticus has been in Australia, underscoring THE LUME Melbournes commitment to bringing this new extraordinary experience to Australia.

THE LUME Melbournes Leonardo da Vinci - 500 Years of Genius presented by Webuild. Credit: THE LUME Melbourne

Head to THE LUME Melbournes website, add two adult tickets to your cart and apply the unique code: THEAGE2F1. This exclusive offer has been extended and can now be redeemed until 11:59pm on Friday, September 27.

The showcase also features to scale machine inventions brought to life by Italian artisans from the pages of Leonardos codices, the only exact 360 replica of Mona Lisa in the world, a brand new immersive experience in the enormous 3000 sqm multisensory gallery, cutting-edge AI and VR interactive technologies that breathe life into the masters iconic work, a Renaissance-themed culinary experience like no other in Caffe Medici, and more.
If we want to measure and improve our retirement readiness, we need to have a clear goal. Each fund may have a different target depending on their members. And every individual will have a different number that defines readiness to them. Thats the first hurdle for most people. Goal-setting for a new phase of life is hard. Loading HESTA, for instance, is a large industry super fund serving many of Australias nurses and healthcare workers, with nearly 80 per cent of their members being women. Many of these members have lower-than-average super balances because theyve taken career breaks and earn lower wages  frankly, healthcare workers are underpaid. Its not an easy starting point, but HESTA is aiming to get as many members as possible to a comfortable retirement. Their models goal is based on the ASFA Retirement Standard, which suggests that a couple needs around $690,000 in super for a comfortable retirement, while singles need $595,000assuming homeownership. For a modest retirement, that figure is much lower, around $100,000 in super. HESTAs approach is to assess where their members stand compared to these benchmarks and then work on ways to help them improve.

But of course, its also about members taking actionusing good tools and making smart decisions to become retirement ready, she added. Bingo!  the answer I was looking for. It comes down to members being proactive. Most comfortable retirements dont happen by chance; theyre built by taking small, smart steps consistently over time. The best thing any super fund can do is educate you on what those steps are, give you the tools, offer you the good investment returns and keep nudging and supporting you to take action. HESTA chief executive Debby Blakey: We can improve retirement readiness significantly. Credit: Elke Meitzel Taking control  becoming retirement ready What are the levers for retirement readiness if you want to take charge yourself? Here are the ones I think you should start with.

Check youre getting strong long-term investment returns on your super

Your superannuation is likely to be one of your main income sources in retirement. Make sure youre familiar with how much you have, whether it is appropriately invested and how much that is projected to become when you retire. Consider extra contributions to super from as early in life as possible

Then, if youre not already doing so, consider making extra contributions to your super fund. HESTA saw a significant increase in members contributing more to their super from 2016 to 2024 and pointed out that this was one of the biggest reasons that peoples retirement readiness rating improved. These extra contributions, even small ones, can significantly boost your savings over time, thanks to the power of compounding returns. Loading Look for tools, help and guidance from your fund  check what youre paying for and use it

Take a moment to compare what the administration costs are on your fund and explore the services and online tools you can use to help yourself plan for retirement. Some funds are offering online planning and projection tools; some provide financial advice at no extra cost, others are offering education programs and webinars for members. You can make yourself more retirement ready by using them. Youre probably paying for them anyway. Create a budget you can live on and save on

Work out what your living expenses will be in the years before retirement when youre saving, and the years after retirement when youre dependent on a passive income. Include everything  from daily costs such as groceries and utilities to larger expenses such as travel or hobbies. When you establish a realistic budget, youll be able to see how well your savings and super can meet your needs.
For others, including independent MP and former soldier Jacqui Lambie, that the announcement coincided with the tabling of the final report from the royal commission into veteran suicide was particularly insensitive. Martin Hamilton-Smith, the current head of the Australian SAS Association, has also made the connection to veteran suicide, and when it first emerged that medals might be stripped he insisted that such measures should only follow a completed judicial process, arguing we might all be jumping at shadows and that it may ultimately be found that no laws were broken.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton took to radio to declare that his successor in the ministry had abrogated responsibility  by letting this cloud hang for so long. Duttons silence on whether he supported the move itself was telling, given that as defence minister he had countermanded the decision of armed forces chief Angus Campbell to strip unit honours from roughly 3000 soldiers who served in Afghanistan, as well as postponing the disbandment ceremony for 2 Squadron of the SAS Regiment.

When Defence Minister Richard Marles announced on Thursday that distinguished service medals had been stripped from commanding officers who held senior roles during the war in Afghanistan, the first issue on many peoples minds was timing.

The question of these officers  up to nine men, according to government sources  has been on Marles desk since May of last year, shortly before Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko separately found in a defamation case that decorated SAS member Ben Roberts-Smith had been proven a war criminal by this mastheads reporting. Neil James, the executive director of the Australia Defence Association, hoped then that the Roberts-Smith decision would help clear the air in the public debate. A lot of people have been in denial, promoting the nonsense that because no one has been convicted we cant say whether war crimes occurred, James added.

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The Age has steadfastly argued that the future credibility and strength of our armed forces depends on a clear-eyed reckoning with their conduct in Afghanistan, and that the ultimate venue for this should indeed be a court of law. The challenges of recruitment and of veterans mental health that Martin Hamilton-Smith identified are precisely what make this reckoning so urgent. It is lamentable that so much time has elapsed between the incidents alleged and the prosecutions that should follow from them.

In the interim, there have been troubling signs that lessons are not being learnt. The fact that Roberts-Smith not only retains his honours but has been given new ones and was still welcomed at a recent regimental event suggests that talk of cultural change is just that.

When Samantha Crompvoets, whose 2015 study into culture and trust within the forces brought many of the war crimes allegations to light, called for medals to be rescinded, she told us that it takes a lot of time for culture to change. But there is another crucial element: will. In the middle of 2022, Major-General Paul Brereton told a Sydney audience that a law which is not enforced soon becomes a dead letter. He also flagged the risk that national chauvinism might trump justice according to the international law of armed conflict. Roberts-Smiths father, himself a general and a judge, sat in the front row.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Fuxi Temple to learn about the protection and preservation of local cultural heritage in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu 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/Xie Huanchi)

LANZHOU, Gansu/BAOJI, Shaanxi, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping urged northwest China's Gansu Province to deepen reform, make innovation, and do solid work to improve the people's well-being and the region's prosperity, to write a Gansu chapter in Chinese modernization.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during an inspection from Tuesday to Friday.

Gansu should take solid steps in improving ecological conservation and restoration, accelerating green and low-carbon transition, further deepening reform and opening up comprehensively, promoting rural revitalization across the board, better securing people's livelihood and strengthening ethnic unity, Xi said during his inspection tour in Gansu Province.

On Tuesday afternoon, Xi visited the Fuxi Temple in Tianshui City, where he learned about the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. The temple is dedicated to Fuxi, a mythical ancestor of the Chinese nation.

It is imperative to protect and pass on the precious cultural heritage, so that the wisdom and creativity of ancestors will constantly inspire future generations and enhance national pride and confidence, Xi said.

On Wednesday morning, Xi listened to the report of a local water diversion project and urged better maintenance and management of the project so that it would play a greater role in improving people's lives.

While visiting a Huaniu apple production base, he emphasized the importance of optimizing cultivation of this variety and innovating marketing models so that this specialty industry will be expanded and more people will increase their incomes through it.

Xi then visited the Maijishan Grottoes, where he carefully inspected the caves, sculptures and paintings that date back over 1,600 years.

He called on cultural relic workers to make greater contributions to promoting the preservation and innovative development of China's traditional culture and enhancing its influence.

On Wednesday afternoon, Xi came to Lanzhou, the provincial capital. At a local residential community, he emphasized the necessity of focusing on the practical needs of residents, especially the elderly and children, and continuously improving community services.

During his visit to retired Party member Li Zongbiao, Xi said that local authorities have worked hard in providing elderly care, healthcare and community services and the work must continue and improve over time.

When speaking to local residents, Xi said 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese people should be more united and make more efforts to create even greater achievements.

He extended his holiday greetings to the residents ahead of this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Sept. 17.

Xi then inspected a section of the Yellow River near the Zhongshan Bridge in Lanzhou and learned about the ecological protection of the country's "mother river." He called for joint efforts in protecting the river so that it will benefit the people forever.

On Friday morning, Xi listened to the work report from the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and the provincial government.

Gansu should promote new-type industrialization, accelerate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, build a significant national manufacturing base for new energy and new-energy-related equipment, and fortify the ecological security in the western part of the country, Xi said.

He stressed the need to deepen reform and expand opening up with greater courage and determination, and to implement the people-centered new urbanization strategy effectively.

Xi emphasized the need to strengthen cultural heritage protection and build the Dunhuang Academy into an example of world cultural heritage protection and a center of Dunhuang studies. He also called for efforts to advance the building of national cultural parks dedicated to the Great Wall, the Long March and the Yellow River.

Efforts should be made to promote social advancement and governance, and lay a solid foundation for common prosperity for people of all ethnic groups, he said.

On his way to Gansu, Xi visited the Baoji Bronze Ware Museum in Baoji City of Shaanxi Province on Tuesday afternoon. He hailed China's bronze civilization and called for better protection, research and promotion of bronze cultural relics. Xi also inspected a local riverside ecological park.

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, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour.

On Thursday morning, Xi met with senior officers and representatives of soldiers and civilian staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops stationed in Lanzhou. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Fuxi Temple to learn about the protection and preservation of local cultural heritage in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu 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/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Fuxi Temple to learn about the protection and preservation of local cultural heritage in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu 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/Xie Huanchi)

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 apple production base to learn about the development of the modern specialty fruit industry in mountainous areas in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 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)

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 apple production base to learn about the development of the modern specialty fruit industry in mountainous areas in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 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/Xie Huanchi)

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 apple production base to learn about the development of the modern specialty fruit industry in mountainous areas in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 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/Xie Huanchi)

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 apple production base to learn about the development of the modern specialty fruit industry in mountainous areas in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 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/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with fruit growers, local villagers and agricultural technicians while visiting a local apple production base in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 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/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Maijishan Grottoes to learn about the protection and preservation of local cultural heritage in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 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/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Maijishan Grottoes to learn about the protection and preservation of local cultural heritage in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 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/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Maijishan Grottoes to learn about the protection and preservation of local cultural heritage in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 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/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with tourists and cultural relics protection staff while visiting the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 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/Zhai Jianlan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with tourists and cultural relics protection staff while visiting the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 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/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Maijishan Grottoes to learn about the protection and preservation of local cultural heritage in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 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)

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)

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 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)

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, 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 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/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)

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/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 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/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 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)

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/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with senior officers and representatives of soldiers and civilian staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops stationed in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 12, 2024. Xi made an inspection tour in Gansu Province from Tuesday to Friday. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Passengers have been promised cheaper airfares and on-time flights as a result of another runway at Melbourne Airport, but devastated residents under flight paths fear for their quality of life and are demanding a curfew.

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King on Thursday approved the airports major development plan to build its third runway, a locally contentious approval for the Labor-voting west of Melbourne, which has been awaiting a decision since February 2023.

Melbourne Airports third runway has been given the green light. Credit: Louis Trerise

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus on Friday said the new 3000-metre-long runway  which will run parallel to the existing north-south runway  would open up capacity for more flights with different carriers and put downward pressure on flight fares.

The airport says the third runway will create 51,000 jobs and generate $6 billion a year to the state economy. It is expected to open in seven years.
Class act Whilst having a morning tea at Harrods, a lady sitting opposite me spoke my name and I realised we were classmates at a primary school in the late 1950s. The catch-up took place in the early years of this century. She introduced herself and I knew the name. We then shared our memories.

Jill Jurd, Lane Cove, NSW Looks familiar Many years ago, we bumped into a friend at the Sydney Opera House. Imagine our surprise when, two days later, he walked towards us on Regent Street in London.

Michael Horsburgh, Rozelle, NSW Neighbourhood watch

Years ago, we were seated at a restaurant table in a New Orleans hotel. There was only one other table occupied at the time, and overhearing their conversation and noting that they were Aussies, we said hello. It turned out they were the best friends of our next-door neighbours.

Christine Harris, Hampton, Vic Hold everything I recently bought fuel for a hire car in France and Belgium. On both occasions, I used an unmanned automatic petrol station. I swiped my debit card (no conversion charge) in France for 70 ($115) of fuel. However, a hold of 180 was held on my card and technically withdrawn from my account for two to three days until the actual billing came through. In Belgium, my 20 of fuel had a hold of 350. All worked out in the end, but for those days, until the actual billing was done, I didnt have access to my full funds and could have had a payment blocked for insufficient funds. The moral of the story? Be aware of the two to three-day hold until the real amount is debited from your card.

Mike Lacinski, Chatswood, NSW Get your skates on One thing you didnt mention in your guide to the seven wonders within the Eiffel Tower (Traveller, August 31) is that in winter, you can ice-skate on the second level of the tower on a large rink. If youre just watching, you can sit back and observe with a gluhwein..

Elaine Hoyle, Avalon Beach, NSW

Slowly did it Monks collect alms in the UNESCO-Heritage listed town of Luang Prabang. Credit: Alamy In response to the question of whether travel is better now, as featured in your Then versus now cover story (Traveller, August 24), modern, improved travel is a two-edged experience. Efficient transport means that the remote is no longer remote as we must share our special places (such as Luang Prabang, Laos, which was once reached by cement barges, but you can now take your pick of transport modes). Electronic connectivity means we dont leave our lives behind, so can never truly be alone. Easy booking provides access to a huge range of accommodation, but it now seems harder to turn up unannounced and find those small, unique (and cheap) lodgings. We once went on longer, less frequent trips and spent time wandering. So, yes, travel is easier and more immediate, but I sometimes miss the charm of slow adventure.

Sally Pope, Five Dock, NSW Saturday flight fever Speaking of air travel in the good old days, does anybody else remember that the cost of your domestic airfare, apart from being excruciatingly expensive, was dependent on whether you were spending a Saturday night at your destination or not? Ive never worked this one out.

Ross MacPherson, Seaforth, NSW

Wheezing and sneezing Im an 81-year-old immunocompromised male who recently raided my meagre savings for a 10-night break in Cairns (which Id never visited). It was a wonderful place, but for four hours or more, I sat next to a woman who (when not sleeping) coughed and sneezed the whole way. Im now suffering from a bad cold and cough. Airlines should advise passengers with respiratory problems to wear masks  they cost little and could be provided on request.

Jeremy Wheeler, Templestowe, Vic Tip of the week: Close enough Paduas Basilica Santa Giustina. Credit: Getty Images For good reason Venice is almost always on the mind of first-time visitors to Italy, but for those seeking respite from the hordes of other visitors I suggest basing yourself in Padua, rather than in Venice itself. Padua, with its ancient university, has lots to offer on its own and is only 15 minutes or so by rail from Venice, which makes it perfect for day trips. Padua is also the starting point for day-long cruises along the picturesque Brenta Canal with visits to three beautiful Palladian villas and a substantial lunch at a canal-side cafe. Eventually, the cruise enters the Venetian lagoon and deposits you at St Marks Square for your return to Padua. One of the icons of Padua is the large, neoclassical Caffe Pedrocchi which must be about the grandest in Italy. Padua also has good rail connections to other interesting cities for day trips, with lovely Vicenza being a particular favourite.

Stephen Doyle, Hepburn Springs, Vic

Going, going ... After a spectacular 12 days in Vietnam, organised by Your Vietnam Travel, I have discovered the Vietnamese are the most welcoming and humble people despite the atrocities they endured from the West in the 20th century. It is sad though that some of the crafts that have been in families for up to six generations will soon be no more because the younger generations choose to chase their dreams in the cities. I fear that in a few years handmade noodles, rugs and rice winemaking will dwindle. They need our support, especially as many did not earn any money during the pandemic. A tip: allow plenty of time to apply for your visa as it can take several attempts to complete it with the correct information.

Jim Walsh, Lindfield, NSW Best in the West Im well-travelled overseas, but Western Australia has its own gem for travellers: Casey Tours. For the past two years, Ive taken wildflower tours with them and have booked again for October. Their tours are well-organised, drivers and guides are very helpful and accommodation is modest but comfortable. They do everything from a number of day trips out of Perth to what they call Australias longest shortcut : Perth to Cairns. Book early.

Geoff Crowhurst, Thornbury, Vic Piraeus and us

A sign of future international travel could be an initiative of the tasteful, moderately priced Phidias Hotel in Pasalimani, Piraeus, the port city near Athens. Unsuspecting guests, like us, find a mobile phone in their rooms which one can use freely during their stay for maps and all the other regular features including international calls. Weve been to Piraeus several times over the years (the last time was in 2019) but on our current visit we noticed a significant improvement in infrastructure including a brand-new metro station, Dimotiko Theatro, in the salubrious residential centre of Piraeus near the luxury yacht marinas. For those who have previously experienced the historical sites of Athens and whose ultimate destination is the Greek islands, you could be better advised to take a breather in Piraeus. The Athens Metro runs from the international airport to its terminus at Dimotiko Theatro.

Craig McCarthy, Castlecrag, NSW Cashless is more We have just returned from six weeks in Scandinavia and the UK and used our Wise card seamlessly as a debit card (mainly on the phone app version but also the physical card) to pay for everything from hotels to meals and even bathroom stops. We did not withdraw any cash anywhere. Apart from the initial currency conversions to local currencies at a favourable rate, which incurred a small transaction fee, we were charged nothing other than the direct purchase cost. It certainly seemed to us to be a very competitive option and we have calculated that we saved many hundreds of dollars compared to the alternatives. Not all countries are ready for the cashless society but many now are.

Alistair Cameron, Wollstonecraft, NSW Straight to the top Some years ago I was told at Marrakech Airport that I hadnt paid for luggage even though I had the receipt to prove I had done so. After arguing for a few minutes I had no alternative but to get money from an ATM and pay. I was assured that the help desk at Gatwick Airport would refund me but it was closed when I arrived. Numerous phone calls and letters to customer service (a misnomer) produced only one response  a letter advising me that if I wanted to take skis on a flight I should insure them. Eventually, I found the name of the CEO and wrote to him. I received a refund within a week.

Pam Tuffield, East Brunswick, Vic
Hyundai and GM Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Explore Collaboration on Vehicles, Supply Chain and Clean-Energy Technologies

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 -- General Motors 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 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

SOURCE Hyundai Motor Company
Oshkosh FMTV A2 Order Supports U.S. Army Modernization Efforts

OSHKOSH, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oshkosh Defense, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced today that U.S. Army Contracting Command  Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA) placed a $72.9 million order for additional Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) A2. As a leading tactical vehicle manufacturer, this order further strengthens Oshkoshs ongoing support of the U.S. Army modernization strategy and mission readiness.

Building on Oshkoshs long-standing partnership with the U.S. Army, this order provides cutting-edge, next generation military vehicles. This is Oshkoshs fourth FMTV A2 order this year, including a $108.9 million order in May 2024 for the US Military and its international partners. Known for its versatility, adaptability, and reliability, the FMTV A2 is a critical component in supporting the Armys operational and logistical needs in various terrains and mission sets.

The FMTV A2 demonstrates Oshkoshs engineering innovation and manufacturing expertise to design vehicles that adapt to dynamic mission demands and surpass performance requirements, said Pat Williams, chief programs officer at Oshkosh Defense. We are honored to contribute to the Armys modernization efforts and deliver the most advanced tactical vehicles to support evolving missions while enhancing the safety and effectiveness of our Soldiers.

Oshkosh Defense continues to work closely with the U.S. Army to prepare for initial fielding in Q4 2024. To date, Oshkosh has received orders for 2,677 FMTV A2s, reflecting the Armys confidence in Oshkoshs proven reliability and innovative approach to vehicle design.

About Oshkosh Defense

Oshkosh Defense is a global leader in the design, production and sustainment of best-in-class military vehicles, technology solutions and mobility systems. Oshkosh develops and applies emerging technologies that advance safety and mission success. Setting the industry standard for sustaining fleet readiness, Oshkosh ensures every solution is supported worldwide throughout its entire life cycle.

Oshkosh Defense, LLC is an Oshkosh Corporation business [NYSE: OSK]. Learn more about Oshkosh Defense at https://oshkoshdefense.com/.

About Oshkosh Corporation

At Oshkosh , we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs over 18,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in peoples lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG, Pierce, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh S-Series, Oshkosh Defense, McNeilus, IMT, Jerr-Dan, Frontline Communications, Oshkosh Airport Products, Oshkosh AeroTech and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.

,  All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.
Premier global automotive event celebrates innovations in hybrid and electric vehicles with signature awards program

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2024 -- 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
Holley Sets Attendance (44,435) Record at LS Fest East in Bowling Green Kentucky

This years event was our most successful Holley LS Fest yet, and the excitement over the course of the weekend  among enthusiasts and our Holley teams  was palpable Post this

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.--()-- Holley Performance Brands , a leader in automotive aftermarket performance solutions, today announced a successful wrap-up of its annual Holley LS Fest East in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Nearly 45,000 automotive enthusiasts attended the three-day festival at Beech Bend Raceway Park and 2,752 vehicles were part of the action, setting records for the flagship Holley event.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, Holley LS Fest East is the premier destination for automotive enthusiasts looking to celebrate everything LS and LT-powered. The event, held just minutes from Holleys headquarters, featured a series of thrilling races, exhibitions and challenges throughout the weekend  all with a focus on safety, excitement and high performance.

This years event was our most successful Holley LS Fest yet, and the excitement over the course of the weekend  among enthusiasts and our Holley teams  was palpable, said Matthew Stevenson, President & CEO, Holley Performance Brands. Its inspiring to connect with automotive enthusiasts in such a tangible way. Beyond being able to provide unforgettable experiences for them, we appreciate the opportunity to engage firsthand, gather valuable insights from our customers and learn more about their passion for performance.

Highlights from this years Holley LS Fest East included:

Sold out autocross and drag race events

Blockbuster car show

One of the only engine-specific competitive drift events in the world

Hands-on electric fuel injection (EFI) workshop with performance personality Devin Vanderhoof and the Holley Tech Team and,

A sold-out Grand Champion event that celebrated the best of the best across the weekends events.

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Holley LS Fest East also debuted a brand-new offering. The Road Course High-Performance Driving Experience at NCM Motorsports Park gave drivers hands-on training in road course driving with a fast, fun and safe educational experience on the track.

LS Fest East is the largest of Holleys flagship events and part of its Holley LS Fest series, which included LS Fest Texas in Fort Worth, and LS Fest West in Las Vegas, which was named to USA Todays 10 Best Motorsports Races in its 10Best Readers Choice Awards earlier this year.

Holley Performance Brands is set to close its event season later this month with two more flagship events at Beech Bend Raceway Park: Holley MoParty September 13-15 and Holley Ford Festival September 26-29.

For more Holley company news, click here.

About Holley Performance Brands

Holley Performance Brands leads in the design, manufacturing and marketing of high-performance products for automotive enthusiasts. The company owns and manages a portfolio of iconic brands, catering to a diverse community of enthusiasts passionate about the customization and performance of their vehicles. Holley Performance Brands distinguishes itself through a strategic focus on four consumer vertical groupings, including Domestic Muscle, Modern Truck & Off-Road, Euro & Import, and Safety & Racing, ensuring a wide-ranging impact across the automotive aftermarket industry. Renowned for its innovative approach and strategic acquisitions, Holley Performance Brands is committed to enhancing the enthusiast experience and driving growth through innovation. For more information on Holley Performance Brands and its dedication to automotive excellence, visit https://www.holley.com.
Polestar Announces Date of AGM and Board Changes







GOTHENBURG, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Polestar is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in London on 7 October 2024. Full details of the AGM, including instructions for proxy voting by registered shareholders, are available on the Companys Investor Relations website https://investors.polestar.com/.

As announced on 18 June, Hakan Samuelsson intends to retire as Board Chair at the AGM, with Winfried Vahland taking on the role. Christine Gorjanc and Xiaojie Shen (Laura) have also been proposed for election as new Directors at the Annual General Meeting. Subject to their elections, Christine Gorjanc is appointed as Chair of the Audit Committee and Xiaojie Shen (Laura) appointed as member of the Audit Committee.

Additionally, Francesca Gamboni, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Volvo Cars is proposed to succeed Jim Rowan as representative of Volvo Cars on the Polestar Board of Directors. This change of representation reflects the relationship of the Company with Volvo Cars, which remains a major shareholder and key operational partner.

Winfried Vahland, incoming Chair, says: I want to express my gratitude to both Hakan and Jim and look forward to working with our Board and Management as we continue to strengthen Polestars position as the leading, performance EV brand.

This is an incredibly exciting time for Polestar  with a unique position and growing model line-up that will provide the foundation for our success. My conviction of this success is reflected in my decision to invest 100% of my net remuneration as Chair for 2024 and 2025 in Polestar shares.

About Francesca Gamboni

Francesca is Chief Supply Chain Officer at Volvo Cars, with responsibilities for procurement, supply chain and manufacturing. She has extensive experience in automotive and relevant industries, including senior supply chain roles at Accell Group, Stellantis, Renault-Nissan, and Alcan (now Rio Tinto), along with time spent at Bosch. Francesca holds a Master of Science in Industrial Technology Engineering.

About Polestar

Polestar is the Swedish electric performance car brand determined to improve society by using design and technology to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, its cars are available online in 27 markets globally across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Polestar plans to have a line-up of five performance EVs by 2026. Polestar 2, the electric performance fastback, launched in 2019. Polestar 3, the SUV for the electric age, launched in late 2022. Polestar 4, the SUV coupe transformed, is launching in phases through 2023 and into 2024. Polestar 5, an electric four-door GT and Polestar 6, an electric roadster, are coming soon.

The Polestar 0 project supports the companys ambitious goal of creating a truly climate-neutral production car by 2030. The research initiative also aims to create a sense of urgency to act on the climate crisis, by challenging employees, suppliers and the wider automotive industry, to drive towards zero.
North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Unveils Best of 2025 List

DETROIT, September 13, 2024  Twenty-five vehicles have been named the Best of 2025 by the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards organization and will move on to the second round of judging. The semifinalist vehicles were revealed today at Cars at the Station, an event developed by automotive enthusiast brand Hagerty in partnership with Michigan Central Station, Newlab and the City of Detroit.

NACTOY honors vehicles that excel across several criteria: innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, user experience, driver satisfaction and value. Vehicles are evaluated by a jury of 50 veteran automotive journalists who write for a wide variety of print, online and broadcast media across the U.S. and Canada; the awards are highly coveted in the automotive industry because of their lack of association with any single publication.

We have a great variety of vehicles on the list, from the sporty to the family sedan, said Jeff Gilbert, NACTOY president and the automotive reporter for WWJ Newsradio 950. This list is an example of the great products that the auto industry is producing, from cutting edge electric vehicles to traditional gasoline powered cars and trucks, but also hybrids, which are a growing share of the market.

NACTOYs greatest strength is the ideological diversity of its jury; each juror has their own perspective on what makes a vehicle award-worthy and their own comprehensive method for evaluating vehicles. The group will convene in October for an annual meeting and comparison drive. After jurors complete their individual and collective evaluations, they will cast votes to determine the three finalist vehicles in each category. These finalists will be announced in Los Angeles on November 21, and winners will be announced at the Detroit Auto Show on January 10, 2025.

2025 North American Car of the Year Candidates 2025 North American Truck of the Year Candidates 2025 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year Candidates BMW 3 Series BMW M5 Cadillac Celestiq* Dodge Charger EV* Fiat 500e* Honda Civic Hybrid Kia K4 Mercedes-AMG E Class Porsche Panamera Toyota Camry Ford Ranger GMC Sierra EV* Ram 1500 Rivian R1T* Toyota Tacoma Chevrolet Equinox EV* Honda Prologue* Volvo EX90* Hyundai Ioniq 5 N* Hyundai Santa Fe Jeep Wagoneer S* Lincoln Nautilus Porsche Macan EV* Toyota Land Cruiser VW ID. Buzz*

* Indicates electric vehicle

Spanish and French versions of this release are available on NACTOYs website. A media kit with photos and b-roll of the videos is available at this link.

ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN CAR, TRUCK, AND UTILITY VEHICLE OF THE YEAR

The awards are intended to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, user experience and value. The organization gives out three awards. They are: North American Car of the Year, North American Truck of the Year and North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The awards are unique because they are given by an independent jury of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada instead of by a single publication, website, radio or television station. For more information about NACTOY and its history: http://northamericancaroftheyear.org.




NEWS PROVIDED BY

Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights

Sept. 13, 2024



NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Bill Donohue, President, Catholic League:

On September 11, we detailed how Kamala Harris and the media were wrong, and former president Donald Trump was right, in assessing the exchange on abortion during the presidential debate. Their "fact-checking" is abysmal.

The media found fault with Trump for his claim that former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, find "execution after birth" to be acceptable. CBS, Reuters, the Washington Post and Politifact say this is not true.

As I said in my defense of Trump, what he said was "basically true." In discussing Northam, I pointed out that "while the baby would not be 'executed,' per se, he could be put down, or left to die, after he was 'kept comfortable.'" That is true.

Intentionally allowing a baby to dieit does not matter if the physician and the mother want that to happenis to effectively kill the child. As governor of Minnesota, Walz revoked legislation that requires lifesaving care for newborns. In practice, this is a backhanded way of permitting infanticide.

Similarly, NBC, CNN, the Associated Press, ABC, NPR, Newsweek and the New York Times claim that Trump cannot be right because infanticide is illegal in every state; the latter two argue that "there is no such thing as abortion after birth."

Infanticide may be proscribed in law, but as just pointed out, Northam and Walz allowed it to happen. Moreover, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowed premature babies who survive a chemical abortion to be denied treatment.

If a baby is born, it is proof that the baby was not aborted. But this skirts the issue. If a baby who survives a botched abortion is allowed to die, unattended by medical staff, the decision-makers are permitting infanticide, however indirectly it may be.

Some in the media are playing games with this issue. Factcheck and ctinsider note that abortions in the ninth month are "exceedingly rare." But Trump never contested how frequent they arehe simply said that Harris and Walz defend late-term abortions. They do and it is dishonest to pretend otherwise.

USA Today tries to rescue Walz by saying Trump was wrong to say the vice presidential candidate "says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine." It claims that "There is no evidence that Walz said this, though he signed a bill that removed limits to abortion based on gestational duration." So who cares if Walz didn't say he was "absolutely fine" with his decision? He indisputably favors no limits on abortion through term.

Poynter, which prizes itself on being the premier fact-checker, contends that when Northam said it was okay for a physician and the mother to decide not to resuscitate a baby who survived a late-term abortion, "Northam declined to say what that discussion would entail." So what? It does not change the fact that they may decide not to treat the child, thus passively allowing infanticide to take place.

The media, in general, are so rabid in their defense of abortion rights that they are incapable of accurately reporting on this subject. Either that or they are lying in service to their cause.
Carrillo Gantner, an adjunct professor at the Australia-China Institute for Arts and Culture of Western Sydney University and the Inaugural Orchid Awards' Friendship Envoy Award winner, poses for photos with his family members during the Global Civilization Dialogues "Rendezvous with the Orchid" in Sydney, Australia, Sept. 12, 2024. Global Civilization Dialogues "Rendezvous with the Orchid," a cultural exchange event based on the platform of Orchid Awards, was held in Sydney on Thursday. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

SYDNEY, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Global Civilization Dialogues "Rendezvous with the Orchid," a cultural exchange event based on the platform of Orchid Awards, was held in Sydney on Thursday.

The event was guided by the State Council Information Office of China, hosted by the China International Communications Group, and organized by the Orchid Awards Secretariat and the China Center for International Communication Development.

Dozens of representatives of both countries' government institutions, people from literary and art circles, experts and scholars from universities and think tanks, leaders of relevant associations and organizations, and media representatives attended the event. They shared views in the Orchid Awards Cultural Salon, which is a part of the event, on the theme of "Embracing Cultural Diversity."

The Sweet Scent of Orchids: Cultural Envoys Connecting Civilizations, a book about the Inaugural Orchid Awards and the awards winners, was launched by the organizers at the event.

According to the organizers, the people of China and Australia have forged a longstanding amicable bond, and cultural exchange serves as the inexhaustible driving force for the development of China-Australia relations.

The organizers aspired to promote China-Australia exchange and forge even stronger bonds of friendship between the two countries through the "Rendezvous with the Orchid" event, so as to contribute to enriching world civilizations and strengthening China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.

Carrillo Gantner, an adjunct professor at the Australia-China Institute for Arts and Culture, Western Sydney University, is the Inaugural Orchid Awards' Friendship Envoy Award winner. He said that the orchid award he had received is not so much a personal honor but an acknowledgment of the role of artists and cultural workers as the true friendship ambassadors.

"Artists believe in the potential for good, for richer and more positive relations between individuals and therefore between countries," he said.

Nothing is more important and challenging than the creation of understanding and trust between individuals from vast, different backgrounds. Relationships between countries, after all, are the sum total of all such personal relationships between the peoples on each side, Gantner said.

"So the responsibility of each of us as individuals is to do what we can to add our single bricks of friendship, to the great wall of trust that we must build between our countries," he added. 

Carrillo Gantner, an adjunct professor at the Australia-China Institute for Arts and Culture of Western Sydney University and the Inaugural Orchid Awards' Friendship Envoy Award winner, delivers a speech at the Global Civilization Dialogues "Rendezvous with the Orchid" in Sydney, Australia, Sept. 12, 2024. Global Civilization Dialogues "Rendezvous with the Orchid," a cultural exchange event based on the platform of Orchid Awards, was held in Sydney on Thursday. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the closing meeting of the 11th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) concluded its 11th session Friday in Beijing.

At the closing meeting, lawmakers voted to adopt a revised National Defense Education Law, and a decision on amending the Statistics Law.

They also adopted a decision on conferring national medals and honorary titles on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and a decision on removing Tang Renjian from the post of minister of agriculture and rural affairs and appointing Han Jun to the position.

President Xi Jinping signed four presidential orders to promulgate the law and the decisions.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the closing meeting.

Lawmakers voted to adopt a decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age.

They also adopted three decisions on international treaties, as well as a deputy qualification report and personnel-related bills.

Addressing the closing meeting, Zhao said the decision on raising the retirement age is of great significance to fully developing and utilizing human resources, and supporting Chinese modernization through high-quality population development.

The revised National Defense Education Law laid a solid legal foundation for promoting and strengthening national defense education and fostering the spirit of patriotism, Zhao noted.

The decision on amending the Statistics Law will help better ensure the authenticity, accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of statistical data, he added.

Zhao chaired a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee before the closing meeting and presided over a lecture for lawmakers after the closing meeting. 

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the closing meeting of the 11th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the closing meeting of the 11th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Lawmakers vote to adopt a decision on conferring national medals and honorary titles on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China during the closing meeting of the 11th session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. The Standing Committee of the 14th NPC concluded its 11th session here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Lawmakers vote to adopt a decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age during the closing meeting of the 11th session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. The Standing Committee of the 14th NPC concluded its 11th session here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Tao)
DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The relationship between China and Africa is at its best in history, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said Thursday.

During a press briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Chen said that Chinese and African leaders recently agreed to elevate the China-Africa community to new heights during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

"From a new type of partnership to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and now an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future, the relationship has continuously reached new levels, with more defined goals," she said.

The briefing focused on the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC summit held in Beijing earlier this month, and the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee convened in July.

Tanzanian government officials, experts, scholars and media representatives from both Tanzania and China were present at the briefing. 
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A formation of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels departed on Friday morning for Russia to carry out joint drills and patrol tasks between the two countries' coast guards, the CCG said Friday. 
3 men held for attack on Army officersand rape of their female friend





INDORE :

POLICE on Thursday said they have arrested three of the six persons who allegedly assaulted two Army officers and raped their woman friend nearMhow in Madhya Pradesh. Anil Baror (27) and Pawan Bansunia (23) were produced beforealocal court which remanded them in police custody forfive days, said a police official. Another accused, RiteshBhabhar(25),wasarrested on Thursday night. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Hitika Vasal told PTI that Bhabhar was accused of threatening the two Army officers and their two women friendswitha pistolduringthe 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 spotJam Gate, about30 km from Mhow military cantonment, police said. Several teams are on the lookoutforthe three absconding accused, and a reward of Rs10,000 has been announced for (information about) eachof them, the SP said.

The Army officers, aged 23and 24, undergoing the YoungOfficers course at the InfantrySchool in Mhow cantonmenttown, had gone out for a picnic with their two femalefriends.Theaccusedarrivedat the picnic spot around 2 am, and started assaulting one of the officers and his femalefriend who were sitting in thecar, police said. Upon hearing the commotion, the other officer and hiswoman friend, who were on ahilltop, reached the spot. Later, after police reachedthe spot,theArmyofficers andtheir female friends werebrought to Mhow civil hospital, whereamedical examination confirmed that one of thewomen was raped, anofficial said.

A case has beenregistered under sections 70(gangrape), 310-2 (dacoity), 308-2 (extortion) and 115-2(voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya SanhitaandundersectionsoftheArmsAct based on the complaintfiled by the officer.
52 held for communal clashes in Ktaka





NAGAMANGA ;

Clashes broke during Ganesh idol immersion procession.

CLASHES broke out between two groups during a Ganesh idol immersion procession here following which mobs went on a rampage targeting several shops and vehicles leading to a tense situation. Police said 52 people have been arrested following Wednesday nights incidents and prohibitory orders preventing the assembly of more than four people have been imposed in this 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,afew shops were vandalised and goods torched and vehicles set on fire on Wednesdaynight,theyadded.Policeusedmild force to disperse the crowd to controlthe situation. Thegroupofyouththatcarriedouttheprocession halted and staged a protest near the police station, demanding Immediate arrest of those responsible for the violence. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah saidtheviolenceisanactofmiscreantswhich threatens the peace and tranquillity 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 bymaintainingpeaceandexercisingrestraint without succumbing to incitement, he said on X. Home Minister G Parameshwara said the clashes cannotbe termedascommunal violence as he maintained that the incident happened on the spur of the moment. Hetold reporters inBengaluru that52peoplehave beenarrestedfrombothsides, and after reviewing CCTV footage about their involvementin the incidents like stone-pelting and torching of vehicles and properties, cases will be registered against them. When told that a petrol bomb was allegedlyhurledandaskedwhethertheincidentwas pre-planned,hesaid:no,no, it (theincident) has happened immediately on the spur of the moment. Police have not allowed it to escalate further and have brought things under control.
Dispute over timings: Cops nab two for assaulting bus driver





Staff Reporter :
Naag River Pollution Abatement Project Govt approves Tata-led consortium as consultant for the project





Staff Reporter :

The Naag River Pollution Abatement Project is finally on track as the much awaited appointment of Project Management Consultant (PMC) was finalised by the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD). M/s Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd. that has formed joint venture with M/s NJS Engineers India Pvt Ltd., Mumbai; M/s CTI Engineering International Co. Ltd., Japan, and M/s EPTISA Servicios de Ingenireria, Bengaluru, and they won the bid among four shortlisted companies. NRCD conveyed the approval to NMC on September 3. It may be remembered that Union Budget had allocated Rs. 500 crore for Naag River project Now only a formal agreement remains to be inked between Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), NCRD and Tata led JV to formally start the much delayed work on pollution abatement and restore the river form which the city got its identity. The job of the PMC is to carry of detailed survey, design of sewerage network in Northern and Central zones of the city prior to calling of tender for laying of new trunk lines.

The consultant would be responsible to check if the proposed works are in sync with works being carried out under AMRUT 2.0 in the Southern Zone. Further the project also involved construction of sewage treamtnet plants (STPs), three in number at Shankar Nagar, Mor Bhavan and Martin Nagar with capacity to treatment 72 million unit litres water per day. Due to administrative delays the cost of project has reached Rs 2,117.54 crore wherein State Government contribution is 60 per cent, State Government 25 per cent and NMC 5 per cent.

The project cost has been on upswing due to delay in finalisation of PMC and prior to that the agency to finance the project. Finally Government of India gave clearance for securing project cost from JICA and the original cost in this period rose from original Rs 241.1 crore to nearly Rs 2,000 crore. Its the NMC that will be hit hard as its revenue base is very limited and rising project cost puts heavy burden on resources. The Request for Proposal was issued to the four shortlisted consultants in the month of January 2024. Only two agencies participated in the discussion and after technical evaluation the same was submitted to NRCD in the month of March 2024. After approval to technical evaluation was received in the month of April 2024, NMC went forward with financial evaluation. While M/s Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd (with JV) had quoted Rs 87.12 crore (excluding GST). M/s SMEC International Pvt Ltd (in JV) had quoted Rs. 104.42 crore. M/s Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd (in JV) were called for negotiation and the final offer submitted by them is Rs. 68.56 crore. Accordingly letter of acceptance has been issued to M/s Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd (in JV) by NMC and successful bidder along with its associates are expected to come to city for signing of the agreement.
Putin proposes bilateral meet with Modi during BRICS summit in October





NEW DELHI :

RUSSIAN President Vladmir Putin on Thursday proposed a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan next month when NSA Ajit Doval called on him in St Petersburg. 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-IndiaChina-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.

Vladimir Putin noted thesuccessful development of the Special and PrivilegedStrategic Partnershipbetween India and Russia andstressed the importance of security issues in bilateral relations, thanking the Indianside for maintaining dialoguein this area, a Russian readout said. It said the RussianPresident proposed to hold abilateral meeting with Modi on October 22 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit tosummarise the outcomes of joint work on the implementation of the agreementsreached during the Indianleaders visit to Moscow andto outline prospects for thenear 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 Shoigufocusingonimportantissuesofmutual 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 Modis 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 conflictandhewouldevenliketocontributepersonally for a peacefulresolution 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 forIndiaspotentialroleinpushingpeacetalks between Russia and Ukraine as New Delhi has good relations with both the nations.
SOFIA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Two individuals have been confirmed dead after a Bulgarian military training jet crashed on Friday, Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev told reporters. 
Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Free Report) dropped 17.4% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $7.21 and last traded at $7.21. Approximately 3,117 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 43% from the average daily volume of 2,185 shares. The stock had previously closed at $8.73.

Gray Television Stock Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $760.39 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -63.92 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.98. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $8.49 and a 200-day moving average of $8.05.

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Gray Television (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter. Gray Television had a return on equity of 3.02% and a net margin of 1.84%. The firm had revenue of $826.00 million for the quarter.

Gray Television Announces Dividend

About Gray Television

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be issued a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.17%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. Gray Televisions payout ratio is -266.67%.

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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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AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE:AMN  Get Free Report) rose 7.6% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $47.44 and last traded at $46.98. Approximately 485,272 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 37% from the average daily volume of 771,751 shares. The stock had previously closed at $43.68.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

AMN has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of AMN Healthcare Services from $66.00 to $65.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 9th. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on shares of AMN Healthcare Services from $60.00 to $71.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of AMN Healthcare Services from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. JMP Securities reduced their target price on shares of AMN Healthcare Services from $75.00 to $66.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Finally, Benchmark reissued a hold rating on shares of AMN Healthcare Services in a report on Tuesday, May 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, AMN Healthcare Services currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $67.83.

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AMN Healthcare Services Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.36, a current ratio of 1.23 and a quick ratio of 1.23. The stock has a market cap of $1.79 billion, a PE ratio of 12.40 and a beta of 0.12. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $54.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of $56.31.

AMN Healthcare Services (NYSE:AMN  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.98 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.76 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $740.69 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $740.43 million. AMN Healthcare Services had a return on equity of 23.68% and a net margin of 3.07%. AMN Healthcare Servicess revenue was down 25.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.38 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. will post 3.26 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of AMN Healthcare Services

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in AMN. Quarry LP boosted its stake in AMN Healthcare Services by 64.8% in the 4th quarter. Quarry LP now owns 519 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 204 shares during the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in AMN Healthcare Services by 41.4% in the 2nd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 748 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 219 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System boosted its stake in AMN Healthcare Services by 2.1% in the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 10,606 shares of the companys stock worth $543,000 after buying an additional 221 shares during the last quarter. Pitcairn Co. raised its holdings in shares of AMN Healthcare Services by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Pitcairn Co. now owns 6,138 shares of the companys stock worth $384,000 after purchasing an additional 249 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. raised its holdings in shares of AMN Healthcare Services by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 6,730 shares of the companys stock worth $345,000 after purchasing an additional 252 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.23% of the companys stock.

AMN Healthcare Services Company Profile

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AMN Healthcare Services, Inc provides healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services to healthcare facilities in the United States. It operates through three segments: Nurse and Allied Solutions, Physician and Leadership Solutions, and Technology and Workforce Solutions. The Nurse and Allied Solutions segment offers travel nurse staffing, labor disruption staffing, local staffing, international nurse and allied permanent placement, and allied staffing solutions.

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Barclays lowered shares of ASOS (LON:ASC  Free Report) to an underweight rating in a research note released on Monday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm currently has GBX 290 ($3.79) price target on the stock, down from their prior price target of GBX 300 ($3.92).

Other analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Shore Capital reiterated a sell rating on shares of ASOS in a research note on Tuesday. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and set a GBX 490 ($6.41) target price on shares of ASOS in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, ASOS currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 417.50 ($5.46).

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ASOS Price Performance

About ASOS

Shares of LON:ASC opened at GBX 428.20 ($5.60) on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 158.84, a current ratio of 1.51 and a quick ratio of 0.39. The firm has a market capitalization of 510.03 million, a PE ratio of -215.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -1.26 and a beta of 2.86. The firms 50-day moving average is GBX 369.20 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 362.32. ASOS has a 1 year low of GBX 328.84 ($4.30) and a 1 year high of GBX 453.80 ($5.93).

(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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Audioboom Group plc (LON:BOOM  Get Free Report) insider Michael Tobin bought 4,380 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 10th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 510 ($6.67) per share, for a total transaction of 22,338 ($29,211.46).

Michael Tobin also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, August 19th, Michael Tobin acquired 5,000 shares of Audioboom Group stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 223 ($2.92) per share, with a total value of 11,150 ($14,580.88).

On Thursday, August 8th, Michael Tobin acquired 3,000 shares of Audioboom Group stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 225 ($2.94) per share, for a total transaction of 6,750 ($8,826.99).

On Tuesday, July 23rd, Michael Tobin bought 4,000 shares of Audioboom Group stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 226 ($2.96) per share, with a total value of 9,040 ($11,821.63).

On Friday, June 21st, Michael Tobin purchased 5,000 shares of Audioboom Group stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 239 ($3.13) per share, for a total transaction of 11,950 ($15,627.04).

Audioboom Group Stock Down 4.6 %

LON:BOOM opened at GBX 207.50 ($2.71) on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 231.24 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 243.34. Audioboom Group plc has a 52-week low of GBX 130 ($1.70) and a 52-week high of GBX 350 ($4.58). The company has a market cap of 33.99 million, a PE ratio of -441.49 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 69.63, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a current ratio of 1.06.

About Audioboom Group

Audioboom Group plc, a podcast company, operates a spoken-word audio platform for hosting, distributing, and monetizing content primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States. The company's platform allows content distributed through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RadioPublic, Saavn, Stitcher, Facebook, and Twitter, as well as a partner's own websites and mobile apps.

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NAIROBI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Friday launched a five-year plan to advance innovation in the country's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector and fast-track its digital transformation.

Margaret Ndung'u, the cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, who launched the plan in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, said it would help narrow the digital divide, promote inclusion and enhance safety in the digital space.

"Through this plan, we will build digital bridges that span the breadth of our nation. As a government we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for ICT to thrive," Ndung'u said.

She said through the plan, which has been formulated by Kenya's ICT regulator, the government would empower women through digital technologies to ensure they are not left behind in the East African nation's digital journey.

According to her, the government would ensure that the use and access to ICT among women is as equal to that of men, as currently it stands at 30:50 respectively.

Stanley Kamanguya, the chief executive officer of Kenya's ICT Authority, said in the medium term, the institution plans to expand Kenya's fiber network nationwide by laying 100,000 km of fiber optic cable, installing 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots, and establishing 1,450 digital village smart hubs.

The agency will also develop the National Digital Solutions Export Framework, a Digital Diplomacy Guideline and a National Cybersecurity Index. 
MSCI (NYSE:MSCI  Get Free Report) had its price objective increased by research analysts at Barclays from $650.00 to $700.00 in a report issued on Friday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the technology companys stock. Barclayss target price indicates a potential upside of 24.62% from the companys current price.

Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on MSCI. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $638.00 price target on shares of MSCI in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on MSCI from $615.00 to $640.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Argus upped their price target on MSCI from $520.00 to $600.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. UBS Group upped their price target on MSCI from $575.00 to $585.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upgraded MSCI to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, MSCI has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $588.36.

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MSCI Stock Performance

Shares of MSCI stock traded up $1.96 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $561.71. The companys stock had a trading volume of 136,818 shares, compared to its average volume of 560,114. MSCI has a twelve month low of $439.95 and a twelve month high of $617.39. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $541.33 and a 200-day moving average of $522.13. The stock has a market cap of $44.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.34, a P/E/G ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 1.11.

MSCI (NYSE:MSCI  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The technology company reported $3.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.55 by $0.09. MSCI had a negative return on equity of 143.09% and a net margin of 43.86%. The firm had revenue of $707.90 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $696.41 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $3.26 EPS. MSCIs revenue was up 14.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that MSCI will post 14.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of MSCI

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in MSCI by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 8,719,381 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,886,777,000 after acquiring an additional 36,043 shares during the period. Capital International Investors lifted its position in MSCI by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 1,734,519 shares of the technology companys stock worth $972,111,000 after acquiring an additional 9,304 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. lifted its position in MSCI by 74.9% during the 2nd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 1,456,194 shares of the technology companys stock worth $701,522,000 after acquiring an additional 623,712 shares during the period. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP lifted its holdings in shares of MSCI by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP now owns 1,323,058 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $741,508,000 after buying an additional 23,217 shares during the period. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of MSCI by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,047,960 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $504,855,000 after buying an additional 13,620 shares during the period. 89.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

MSCI Company Profile

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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.

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BayWa Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:BYW6  Get Free Report)s stock price rose 0.5% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as 11.80 ($12.97) and last traded at 11.54 ($12.68). Approximately 23,196 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 13% from the average daily volume of 26,697 shares. The stock had previously closed at 11.48 ($12.62).

BayWa Aktiengesellschaft Stock Up 0.5 %

The companys 50 day moving average price is 14.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is 20.46. The company has a quick ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 419.50. The stock has a market cap of $402.40 million, a P/E ratio of -2.33, a P/E/G ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 0.56.

BayWa Aktiengesellschaft Company Profile

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BayWa Aktiengesellschaft provides wholesale, retail, logistics, and support and consultancy services in Germany and internationally. The company's Renewable Energies segment is involved in the planning, managing, and construction of wind farms and solar parks; production of power; and sale of photovoltaic systems and components.

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Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC raised its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 8.7% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 8,840 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 710 shares during the quarter. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $367,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Traynor Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.8% during the first quarter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. now owns 7,672 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $416,000 after purchasing an additional 207 shares during the last quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 12.8% during the first quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,910 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $104,000 after purchasing an additional 216 shares during the last quarter. Paragon Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.1% during the first quarter. Paragon Capital Management LLC now owns 20,500 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,112,000 after purchasing an additional 222 shares during the last quarter. OmniStar Financial Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. OmniStar Financial Group Inc. now owns 13,316 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $553,000 after acquiring an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LGT Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 42.7% in the 2nd quarter. LGT Financial Advisors LLC now owns 759 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 227 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 76.41% of the companys stock.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Trading Down 0.7 %

NYSE BMY opened at $48.25 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.86, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.16. The company has a market capitalization of $97.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 12.62 and a beta of 0.46. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $46.60 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $46.54. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a one year low of $39.35 and a one year high of $60.58.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend

Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, July 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.07 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by $0.43. The business had revenue of $12.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.54 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a negative net margin of 14.06% and a positive return on equity of 12.51%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.75 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 0.77 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 4th will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.97%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 4th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -77.42%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

BMY has been the subject of several analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated a neutral rating and issued a $45.00 target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Monday, July 22nd. TD Cowen raised their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $45.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $53.00 to $45.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Barclays raised their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $41.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $54.67.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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Black Diamond Group Limited (TSE:BDI  Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$8.72 and traded as high as C$9.51. Black Diamond Group shares last traded at C$9.49, with a volume of 49,094 shares changing hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on BDI shares. Raymond James increased their price target on Black Diamond Group from C$12.00 to C$14.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, August 26th. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on Black Diamond Group from C$11.00 to C$12.00 in a research note on Friday, August 2nd.

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Black Diamond Group Stock Performance

The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of C$9.31 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$8.73. The stock has a market cap of C$584.72 million, a P/E ratio of 20.21 and a beta of 1.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 84.84, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a current ratio of 1.18.

Black Diamond Group (TSE:BDI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported C$0.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.11 by C$0.01. The business had revenue of C$95.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$93.70 million. Black Diamond Group had a return on equity of 10.86% and a net margin of 7.78%. On average, equities analysts expect that Black Diamond Group Limited will post 0.5351382 earnings per share for the current year.

Black Diamond Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be issued a $0.03 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $0.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.23%. Black Diamond Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.00%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Black Diamond Group news, Senior Officer Edward John Redmond sold 80,000 shares of Black Diamond Group stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$9.80, for a total value of C$784,000.00. In other news, Director Steve Stein sold 5,900 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$10.00, for a total transaction of C$59,023.60. Also, Senior Officer Edward John Redmond sold 80,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$9.80, for a total transaction of C$784,000.00. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 115,000 shares of company stock worth $1,134,170. 23.91% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Black Diamond Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Black Diamond Group Limited rents and sells modular space and workforce accommodation solutions. It operates through two segments, Modular Space Solutions and Workforce Solutions. The Modular Space Solutions segment provides modular space rentals to customers in the construction, real estate development, education, manufacturing, health care, financial, government, and defense industries in North America.

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BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund, Inc. (NYSE:EGF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 28,400 shares, an increase of 184.0% from the August 15th total of 10,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 6,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 4.7 days.

BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund Trading Down 1.3 %

Shares of EGF traded down $0.13 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $10.02. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,400 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,967. The companys 50 day moving average is $9.74 and its 200 day moving average is $9.47. BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund has a 12-month low of $9.02 and a 12-month high of $11.51.

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BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a dividend of $0.041 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $0.49 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.91%.

Institutional Trading of BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund

About BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EGF. Accuvest Global Advisors acquired a new stake in shares of BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund in the 4th quarter valued at about $114,000. Melfa Wealth Management Inc. lifted its stake in BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund by 51.6% in the second quarter. Melfa Wealth Management Inc. now owns 17,822 shares of the companys stock valued at $166,000 after buying an additional 6,066 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wolverine Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund by 42.3% in the second quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 23,624 shares of the companys stock valued at $221,000 after acquiring an additional 7,027 shares during the period.

(Get Free Report)

BlackRock Enhanced Government 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 primarily invests in a portfolio of United States government and government agency securities, including the U.S.

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Brixmor Property Group (NYSE:BRX  Free Report) had its price target raised by Compass Point from $28.00 to $30.00 in a research report released on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

A number of other research analysts also recently issued reports on BRX. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Brixmor Property Group from $26.00 to $28.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Truist Financial increased their price target on shares of Brixmor Property Group from $25.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Evercore ISI upped their price target on Brixmor Property Group from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Piper Sandler reissued an overweight rating and set a $33.00 price objective (up previously from $30.00) on shares of Brixmor Property Group in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, KeyCorp raised their price objective on shares of Brixmor Property Group from $26.00 to $28.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $28.29.

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Brixmor Property Group Trading Up 0.7 %

NYSE BRX opened at $27.47 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $25.55 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $23.43. The company has a market capitalization of $8.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.54, a PEG ratio of 4.76 and a beta of 1.57. Brixmor Property Group has a twelve month low of $19.46 and a twelve month high of $27.70. The company has a quick ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.88.

Brixmor Property Group (NYSE:BRX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.23 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.52 by ($0.29). Brixmor Property Group had a return on equity of 10.34% and a net margin of 23.45%. The company had revenue of $315.69 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $317.75 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.52 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Brixmor Property Group will post 2.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Brixmor Property Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 2nd will be given a $0.2725 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 2nd. This represents a $1.09 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.97%. Brixmor Property Groups payout ratio is 117.20%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Brixmor Property Group news, Director Sheryl Maxwell Crosland sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.45, for a total value of $127,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 46,291 shares in the company, valued at $1,178,105.95. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, insider Steven F. Siegel sold 10,000 shares of Brixmor Property Group stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.00, for a total value of $240,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 360,004 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,640,096. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Sheryl Maxwell Crosland sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.45, for a total transaction of $127,250.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 46,291 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,178,105.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.76% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Creative Planning grew its stake in shares of Brixmor Property Group by 2.8% during the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 14,615 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $337,000 after buying an additional 396 shares during the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its holdings in Brixmor Property Group by 19.1% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 2,684 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $62,000 after acquiring an additional 431 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in Brixmor Property Group by 5.3% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 9,640 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $223,000 after acquiring an additional 481 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp increased its stake in Brixmor Property Group by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 84,381 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,948,000 after buying an additional 659 shares during the period. Finally, Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Brixmor Property Group by 50.7% in the first quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,305 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 775 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 98.43% of the companys stock.

Brixmor Property Group Company Profile

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Brixmor (NYSE: BRX) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates a high-quality, national portfolio of open-air shopping centers. Its 362 retail centers comprise approximately 64 million square feet of prime retail space in established trade areas. The Company strives to own and operate shopping centers that reflect Brixmor's vision to be the center of the communities we serve and are home to a diverse mix of thriving national, regional and local retailers.

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Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT  Free Report) had its price objective boosted by Evercore ISI from $115.00 to $116.00 in a report released on Monday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an in-line rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

Other research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised Camden Property Trust from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $104.00 to $127.00 in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered shares of Camden Property Trust from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $122.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Monday. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Camden Property Trust from $98.00 to $105.50 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, May 14th. Mizuho cut their price target on Camden Property Trust from $111.00 to $108.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price target on Camden Property Trust from $109.00 to $117.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Fourteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Camden Property Trust has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $120.25.

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Camden Property Trust Stock Up 0.5 %

CPT stock opened at $123.11 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.17, a P/E/G ratio of 4.59 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.37 and a quick ratio of 0.37. Camden Property Trust has a 1-year low of $82.81 and a 1-year high of $127.23. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $117.02 and a 200-day moving average price of $107.21.

Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.40 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.67 by ($1.27). Camden Property Trust had a net margin of 25.64% and a return on equity of 7.98%. The company had revenue of $387.15 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $384.76 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.70 earnings per share. Equities analysts forecast that Camden Property Trust will post 6.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Camden Property Trust

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Camden Property Trust during the 4th quarter worth $376,933,000. Centersquare Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Camden Property Trust by 2,517.6% during the 4th quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 1,398,343 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $138,841,000 after buying an additional 1,344,923 shares in the last quarter. Duquesne Family Office LLC bought a new stake in shares of Camden Property Trust in the second quarter valued at about $63,056,000. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Camden Property Trust by 1.7% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 17,291,878 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,701,521,000 after acquiring an additional 289,425 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its holdings in Camden Property Trust by 23.4% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 1,465,159 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $145,478,000 after acquiring an additional 277,634 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors 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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Susquehanna initiated coverage on shares of Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL  Free Report) in a research note published on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The brokerage issued a neutral rating and a $120.00 price objective on the technology companys stock.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Dell Technologies from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Fox Advisors upgraded Dell Technologies from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 30th. UBS Group reduced their target price on Dell Technologies from $164.00 to $158.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Raymond James decreased their price target on Dell Technologies from $166.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Finally, Loop Capital increased their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $125.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 28th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $135.75.

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Dell Technologies Trading Up 3.1 %

Shares of DELL stock opened at $112.16 on Tuesday. Dell Technologies has a twelve month low of $63.90 and a twelve month high of $179.70. The stock has a market cap of $79.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.89, a P/E/G ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.90. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $114.47 and a 200 day moving average of $123.71.

Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 29th. The technology company reported $1.89 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.40. The business had revenue of $25.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $24.14 billion. Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 182.71% and a net margin of 4.32%. The businesss revenue was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.44 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that Dell Technologies will post 6.9 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Dell Technologies

In related news, CMO Jane Tunnell sold 3,624 shares of Dell Technologies stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $145.98, for a total transaction of $529,031.52. Following the sale, the chief marketing officer now directly owns 89,294 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,035,138.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 8,493 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $146.80, for a total value of $1,246,772.40. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 731,612 shares of the companys stock, valued at $107,400,641.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CMO Jane Tunnell sold 3,624 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $145.98, for a total transaction of $529,031.52. Following the completion of the sale, the chief marketing officer now directly owns 89,294 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,035,138.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 3,504,993 shares of company stock worth $433,026,967. 46.70% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dell Technologies

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of DELL. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Dell Technologies by 22.7% during the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 135,678 shares of the technology companys stock worth $15,482,000 after acquiring an additional 25,117 shares during the period. LRI Investments LLC acquired a new position in Dell Technologies during the 1st quarter worth approximately $104,000. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Dell Technologies by 31.1% during the 1st quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 6,485 shares of the technology companys stock worth $740,000 after buying an additional 1,539 shares in the last quarter. Aigen Investment Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $410,000. Finally, Tidal Investments LLC boosted its stake in shares of Dell Technologies by 114.2% in the first quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 10,188 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,163,000 after buying an additional 5,432 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 38.10% of the companys stock.

Dell Technologies Company Profile

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Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG).

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EDP  Energias de Portugal, S.A. (OTCMKTS:EDPFY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 7,500 shares, a growth of 240.9% from the August 15th total of 2,200 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 33,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days.

EDP  Energias de Portugal Stock Performance

OTCMKTS:EDPFY traded up $0.02 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $45.43. 8,705 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 40,222. EDP  Energias de Portugal has a 52 week low of $37.21 and a 52 week high of $51.02. The firms 50 day moving average is $41.30 and its two-hundred day moving average is $40.08.

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EDP  Energias de Portugal, SA engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity in Portugal, Spain, France, Poland, Romania, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Greece, Colombia, Brazil, North America, and internationally. It operates through Renewables, Networks, and Client Solutions & Energy Management segments.

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Enova International, Inc. (NYSE:ENVA  Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven research firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $79.00.

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Janney Montgomery Scott lowered shares of Enova International from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, August 26th. JMP Securities lifted their price target on shares of Enova International from $78.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. TD Cowen increased their price objective on Enova International from $70.00 to $76.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, BTIG Research started coverage on Enova International in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $90.00 target price on the stock.

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Enova International Stock Performance

ENVA stock opened at $77.35 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 12.07, a current ratio of 12.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.78. The firm has a market cap of $2.18 billion, a PE ratio of 13.91 and a beta of 1.43. The business has a 50 day moving average of $77.37 and a 200-day moving average of $66.89. Enova International has a 12-month low of $35.30 and a 12-month high of $88.42.

Enova International (NYSE:ENVA  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The credit services provider reported $2.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.07 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $628.44 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $622.92 million. Enova International had a return on equity of 16.53% and a net margin of 7.52%. The businesss revenue was up 25.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.57 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Enova International will post 7.84 earnings per share for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO David Fisher sold 10,000 shares of Enova International stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $84.45, for a total value of $844,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 413,239 shares in the company, valued at $34,898,033.55. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, Director Linda Johnson Rice sold 2,700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $88.29, for a total value of $238,383.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 7,486 shares of the companys stock, valued at $660,938.94. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO David Fisher sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.45, for a total transaction of $844,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 413,239 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $34,898,033.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 56,725 shares of company stock worth $4,690,053 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 7.80% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Enova International

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in shares of Enova International by 27.6% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 855 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $53,000 after purchasing an additional 185 shares during the period. J.Safra Asset Management Corp increased its stake in Enova International by 25.1% in the 2nd quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp now owns 1,163 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $72,000 after acquiring an additional 233 shares during the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Enova International by 21.1% in the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 3,649 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $228,000 after acquiring an additional 636 shares in the last quarter. Summit Global Investments boosted its position in shares of Enova International by 7.5% during the 2nd quarter. Summit Global Investments now owns 25,464 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $1,585,000 after acquiring an additional 1,785 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new position in shares of Enova International during the first quarter worth about $223,000. 89.43% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Enova International

(Get Free Report

Enova International, Inc, a technology and analytics company, provides online financial services in the United States, Brazil, and internationally. The company provides installment loans; line of credit accounts; CSO programs, including arranging loans with independent third-party lenders and assisting in the preparation of loan applications and loan documents; and bank programs, such as marketing services and loan servicing for near-prime unsecured consumer installment loan.

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MOSCOW, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Thursday that by providing Ukraine with long-range weapons, Western countries risk involving directly in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In such circumstances, Russia would be forced to make "appropriate decisions" based on the new threats, Putin was quoted by Russian media as saying.

Ukraine has been pleading with its Western allies for it to use their missiles, including long-range ones, to fire deep into Russian territory, according to Western media reports.

"In fact, only service people from NATO countries can make flight assignments to these missile systems. Ukrainian service people cannot do that," Putin told Russian state TV.

"So this is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to attack Russia with these weapons or not. It is a question of deciding whether NATO countries are directly involved in a military conflict or not."

"If this decision is taken, it will mean nothing else than direct participation of NATO countries -- the USA and European countries -- in the war in Ukraine," he said.

According to a report by Politico, the White House is finalizing a plan to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of U.S.-donated weapons in battles against Russia, including the use of British long-range missiles that contain American parts to strike targets inside Russia. 
Equinox Gold (CVE:EQX  Free Report) had its price objective boosted by Royal Bank of Canada from C$10.00 to C$11.00 in a report issued on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has a sector perform rating on the stock.

EQX has been the topic of a number of other reports. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price target on shares of Equinox Gold from C$12.00 to C$12.75 in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. CIBC raised their price target on shares of Equinox Gold from C$8.75 to C$9.50 in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Scotiabank raised their price target on shares of Equinox Gold from C$7.75 to C$8.50 in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Finally, Haywood Securities lowered their price target on shares of Equinox Gold from C$12.75 to C$11.50 in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$9.90.

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Equinox Gold Price Performance

About Equinox Gold

CVE:EQX opened at C$7.88 on Tuesday. Equinox Gold has a 52 week low of C$4.25 and a 52 week high of C$8.90. The firm has a market cap of C$892.46 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -43.54. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$7.88 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$7.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 64.28, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.94.

(Get Free Report)

Equinox Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral deposits. The company's principal properties include the Aurizona project covering a total land package of approximately 223,160 hectares located in Maranhao State, Brazil; and the Castle Mountain property situated in California, the United States.

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Similarweb Ltd. (NYSE:SMWB  Free Report)  Stock analysts at Northland Capmk issued their Q3 2024 EPS estimates for shares of Similarweb in a report issued on Tuesday, September 10th. Northland Capmk analyst L. Horton expects that the company will post earnings of ($0.02) per share for the quarter. Northland Capmk currently has a Strong-Buy rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Similarwebs current full-year earnings is ($0.05) per share. Northland Capmk also issued estimates for Similarwebs Q4 2024 earnings at ($0.02) EPS, FY2024 earnings at ($0.04) EPS, Q1 2025 earnings at $0.00 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $0.01 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $0.02 EPS, Q4 2025 earnings at $0.03 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $0.07 EPS.

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SMWB has been the topic of a number of other reports. Northland Securities initiated coverage on shares of Similarweb in a research report on Tuesday. They set an outperform rating and a $15.00 price objective on the stock. William Blair reissued an outperform rating on shares of Similarweb in a research report on Monday. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $10.00 price objective on shares of Similarweb in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Similarweb from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, JMP Securities upped their target price on shares of Similarweb from $14.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 21st. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Similarweb has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $11.83.

Similarweb Trading Up 0.6 %

NYSE:SMWB opened at $9.57 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $7.80 and a 200 day moving average of $7.98. Similarweb has a 52 week low of $4.58 and a 52 week high of $9.76.

Similarweb (NYSE:SMWB  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported ($0.01) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.05) by $0.04. Similarweb had a negative net margin of 5.07% and a negative return on equity of 60.53%. The company had revenue of $60.64 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $60.23 million.

Institutional Trading of Similarweb

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Russell Investments Group Ltd. purchased a new stake in Similarweb during the 1st quarter valued at about $2,820,000. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in Similarweb during the 1st quarter valued at about $654,000. Scalar Gauge Management LLC purchased a new stake in Similarweb during the 4th quarter valued at about $1,188,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC grew its position in Similarweb by 3,663.6% during the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 275,417 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,468,000 after purchasing an additional 268,099 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Circumference Group LLC bought a new position in Similarweb during the 4th quarter valued at about $725,000. 57.59% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Similarweb

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Similarweb Ltd. provides cloud-based digital intelligence solutions in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, the United Kingdom, Israel, and internationally. The company offers digital research intelligence solutions for its customers to benchmark performance against competitors and market leaders, analyze trends in the market, conduct deeper research into specific companies, and analyze audience behavior; and digital marketing intelligence solutions for its customers to understand their competitors' online acquisition strategies in each marketing channel, and optimize their own strategies.

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Iluka Resources Limited (OTCMKTS:ILKAF  Get Free Report)s stock price rose 8.4% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $3.94 and last traded at $3.94. Approximately 4,000 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 435% from the average daily volume of 747 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.63.

Iluka Resources Stock Performance

The stock has a 50-day moving average of $3.97 and a 200 day moving average of $4.41.

Iluka Resources Company Profile

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Iluka Resources Limited engages in the exploration, project development, mining, processing, marketing, and rehabilitation of mineral sands in Australia, China, rest of Asia, Europe, the Americas, and internationally. It operates through Jacinth-Ambrosia/Mid-West, Cataby/South West, Rare Earths, and United States/Murray Basin segments.

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Taylor Wimpey plc (LON:TW  Get Free Report) insider Chris Carney bought 94 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 9th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 159 ($2.08) per share, with a total value of 149.46 ($195.45).

Chris Carney also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, August 8th, Chris Carney purchased 98 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 154 ($2.01) per share, for a total transaction of 150.92 ($197.36).

On Monday, July 8th, Chris Carney acquired 97 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 154 ($2.01) per share, with a total value of 149.38 ($195.34).

Taylor Wimpey Trading Up 2.2 %

LON:TW opened at GBX 163.95 ($2.14) on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of 5.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 2,291.43, a PEG ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 1.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.79, a current ratio of 5.08 and a quick ratio of 0.71. Taylor Wimpey plc has a one year low of GBX 102.25 ($1.34) and a one year high of GBX 166.40 ($2.18). The companys 50-day simple moving average is GBX 158.26 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 146.90.

Taylor Wimpey Increases Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 10th will be given a GBX 4.80 ($0.06) dividend. This is a boost from Taylor Wimpeys previous dividend of $4.79. This represents a dividend yield of 3.03%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 10th. Taylor Wimpeys payout ratio is currently 14,285.71%.

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on TW shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued an overweight rating and issued a GBX 150 ($1.96) target price on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 175 ($2.29) price objective on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a report on Wednesday, July 31st.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Taylor Wimpey

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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Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. decreased its position in shares of LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RAMP  Free Report) by 12.1% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 566,089 shares of the companys stock after selling 78,013 shares during the period. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd.s holdings in LiveRamp were worth $17,515,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in LiveRamp during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $149,000. Quest Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of LiveRamp by 68.8% in the second quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 2,998 shares of the companys stock valued at $93,000 after purchasing an additional 1,222 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System increased its position in LiveRamp by 2.9% in the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 18,528 shares of the companys stock worth $573,000 after purchasing an additional 523 shares during the last quarter. Versor Investments LP increased its position in LiveRamp by 26.4% in the second quarter. Versor Investments LP now owns 12,910 shares of the companys stock worth $399,000 after purchasing an additional 2,700 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Picton Mahoney Asset Management purchased a new stake in LiveRamp during the second quarter valued at $161,000. 93.83% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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LiveRamp Price Performance

LiveRamp stock opened at $25.52 on Friday. LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. has a 1-year low of $21.45 and a 1-year high of $42.66. The companys 50-day moving average is $27.41 and its 200 day moving average is $30.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 141.78 and a beta of 0.96.

Analyst Ratings Changes

LiveRamp ( NYSE:RAMP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.31 by $0.04. LiveRamp had a return on equity of 2.14% and a net margin of 0.88%. The firm had revenue of $175.96 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $171.92 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.09 EPS. LiveRamps quarterly revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts anticipate that LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. will post 0.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of LiveRamp from $49.00 to $45.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, May 23rd. Benchmark reissued a buy rating and set a $56.00 price objective on shares of LiveRamp in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on LiveRamp from $50.00 to $40.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Craig Hallum dropped their target price on LiveRamp from $55.00 to $43.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded LiveRamp from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $46.80.

Read Our Latest Research Report on LiveRamp

Insider Transactions at LiveRamp

In other news, CTO Mohsin Hussain sold 5,773 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.98, for a total value of $149,982.54. Following the transaction, the chief technology officer now directly owns 73,614 shares in the company, valued at $1,912,491.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 3.39% of the companys stock.

About LiveRamp

(Free Report)

LiveRamp Holdings, Inc, a technology company, operates a data collaboration platform in the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company operates LiveRamp Data Collaboration platform enables an organization to unify customer and prospect data to build a single view of the customer in a way that protects consumer privacy.

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Main Street Financial Solutions LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB  Free Report) by 97.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,826 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 5,334 shares during the period. Main Street Financial Solutions LLCs holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF were worth $1,154,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Argonautica Private Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 1.8% during the second quarter. Argonautica Private Wealth Management Inc. now owns 5,370 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $572,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the period. FC Advisory LLC raised its position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 0.6% during the second quarter. FC Advisory LLC now owns 15,695 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,672,000 after buying an additional 96 shares during the period. Auour Investments LLC raised its position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 4.4% during the second quarter. Auour Investments LLC now owns 2,340 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $249,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the period. PrairieView Partners LLC raised its position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 1.7% during the first quarter. PrairieView Partners LLC now owns 6,086 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $655,000 after buying an additional 99 shares during the period. Finally, Trust Co. of Virginia VA raised its position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 1.2% during the first quarter. Trust Co. of Virginia VA now owns 8,591 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $924,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the period.

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iShares National Muni Bond ETF Price Performance

NYSEARCA:MUB opened at $108.36 on Friday. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $100.78 and a 1-year high of $108.82. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $107.67 and its 200 day moving average price is $107.14.

iShares National Muni Bond ETF Company Profile

iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond 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 National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (the Index).

Further Reading

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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Get Free Report) President Michael Robert Pesch sold 7,100 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $296.20, for a total value of $2,103,020.00. Following the completion of the sale, the president now directly owns 33,267 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,853,685.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Trading Up 0.3 %

AJG stock traded up $0.79 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $297.39. The companys stock had a trading volume of 395,128 shares, compared to its average volume of 819,536. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $282.68 and its 200 day moving average price is $260.78. The company has a market cap of $65.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 60.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 12 month low of $218.63 and a 12 month high of $300.66.

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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The financial services provider reported $2.26 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.24 by $0.02. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a net margin of 10.41% and a return on equity of 19.25%. The business had revenue of $2.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.77 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.90 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 10.16 EPS for the current year.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Announces Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be paid a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.81%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 6th. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 48.58%.

A number of analysts have commented on the stock. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $275.00 to $295.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. UBS Group lifted their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $260.00 to $292.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Bank of America boosted their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $233.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 22nd. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $252.00 to $254.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $290.00 to $310.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $276.82.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Mark Sheptoff Financial Planning LLC acquired a new position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. purchased a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Creekmur Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Finally, DiNuzzo Private Wealth Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 89.7% in the 2nd quarter. DiNuzzo Private Wealth Inc. now owns 110 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. 85.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Company Profile

(Get 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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The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Nutrien (NYSE:NTR  Free Report) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The Goldman Sachs Group currently has $53.00 price target on the stock, down from their prior price target of $69.00.

Several other brokerages have also recently issued reports on NTR. HSBC cut Nutrien from a hold rating to a reduce rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on shares of Nutrien from $80.00 to $75.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Scotiabank dropped their price objective on shares of Nutrien from $66.00 to $59.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 12th. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Nutrien from $68.00 to $55.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 16th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res lowered shares of Nutrien from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and twelve 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 target price of $62.39.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on Nutrien

Nutrien Price Performance

Shares of NYSE NTR opened at $46.19 on Tuesday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $48.26 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $52.08. The company has a market cap of $22.85 billion, a PE ratio of 27.01, a P/E/G ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.26. Nutrien has a fifty-two week low of $44.65 and a fifty-two week high of $65.00.

Nutrien (NYSE:NTR  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $2.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.19 by $0.15. Nutrien had a return on equity of 6.91% and a net margin of 2.97%. The firm had revenue of $10.16 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.82 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.53 EPS. The firms revenue was down 12.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts expect that Nutrien will post 3.77 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Nutrien Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 18th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 27th will be given a dividend of $0.54 per share. This represents a $2.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.68%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 27th. Nutriens dividend payout ratio is presently 126.32%.

Institutional Trading of Nutrien

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of NTR. Family Firm Inc. purchased a new position in Nutrien in the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. GoalVest Advisory LLC acquired a new position in shares of Nutrien during the first quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Trust Co. of Vermont lifted its position in shares of Nutrien by 50.0% in the second quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 900 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Nutrien by 33.3% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 932 shares of the companys stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 233 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Andra AP fonden purchased a new stake in shares of Nutrien during the second quarter worth approximately $51,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.10% of the companys stock.

Nutrien Company Profile

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Nutrien Ltd. provides crop inputs and services. The company operates through four segments: Retail, Potash, Nitrogen, and Phosphate. The Retail segment distributes crop nutrients, crop protection products, seeds, and merchandise products. The Potash segment provides granular and standard potash products.

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Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund (NYSE:NCA  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 60,200 shares, an increase of 213.5% from the August 15th total of 19,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 55,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.1 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of NCA. Logan Stone Capital LLC purchased a new position in Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund during the second quarter worth $151,000. Wedbush Securities Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund by 17.4% during the second quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 18,854 shares of the companys stock valued at $163,000 after acquiring an additional 2,800 shares during the last quarter. First Foundation Advisors increased its position in Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund by 13.4% during the 2nd quarter. First Foundation Advisors now owns 236,087 shares of the companys stock worth $2,047,000 after purchasing an additional 27,910 shares in the last quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund during the 2nd quarter worth about $529,000. Finally, Miracle Mile Advisors LLC raised its stake in Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund by 25.0% in the 2nd quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC now owns 25,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $217,000 after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 21.46% of the companys stock.

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Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund Stock Performance

NYSE:NCA remained flat at $9.19 during mid-day trading on Thursday. 34,803 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 58,635. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $8.93 and a 200 day simple moving average of $8.81. Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund has a 52-week low of $7.77 and a 52-week high of $9.19.

Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund Dividend Announcement

Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund Company Profile

The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.029 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.79%.

(Get Free Report)

Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of California. The fund invests primarily in municipal securities rated Baa/BBB or better.

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Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLC increased its stake in shares of Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C  Free Report) by 8.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 70,184 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 5,194 shares during the quarter. Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLCs holdings in Citigroup were worth $4,454,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. MONECO Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Citigroup by 2.9% during the second quarter. MONECO Advisors LLC now owns 5,542 shares of the companys stock valued at $352,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. increased its holdings in Citigroup by 4.0% during the first quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. now owns 4,295 shares of the companys stock worth $272,000 after buying an additional 164 shares during the last quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC increased its holdings in Citigroup by 2.7% during the first quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC now owns 6,288 shares of the companys stock worth $398,000 after buying an additional 165 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Capital Group California Inc. increased its holdings in Citigroup by 1.0% during the second quarter. Legacy Capital Group California Inc. now owns 16,596 shares of the companys stock worth $1,053,000 after buying an additional 169 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Gries Financial LLC increased its stake in shares of Citigroup by 3.0% in the second quarter. Gries Financial LLC now owns 6,000 shares of the companys stock worth $381,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. 71.72% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

C has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Citigroup from $70.00 to $73.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 15th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of Citigroup from $63.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Argus boosted their price objective on shares of Citigroup from $70.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 15th. Oppenheimer boosted their price objective on shares of Citigroup from $85.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, July 15th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Citigroup from $66.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $68.25.

Citigroup Price Performance

C opened at $57.34 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 0.94. The stock has a market capitalization of $109.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.06, a P/E/G ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 1.45. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $61.94 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $61.28. Citigroup Inc. has a 52-week low of $38.17 and a 52-week high of $67.81.

Citigroup (NYSE:C  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 12th. The company reported $1.52 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.39 by $0.13. Citigroup had a net margin of 4.95% and a return on equity of 6.26%. The firm had revenue of $20.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.07 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.37 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Citigroup Inc. will post 5.81 EPS for the current year.

Citigroup Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 5th were given a dividend of $0.56 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 5th. This represents a $2.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.91%. This is a positive change from Citigroups previous quarterly dividend of $0.53. Citigroups dividend payout ratio is presently 62.75%.

About Citigroup

(Free Report)

Citigroup Inc, a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions.

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BEIRUT, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon Imran Riza announced on Friday a 24-million-U.S. dollar emergency aid package to support the country's most vulnerable populations and those suffering from the ongoing Hezbollah-Israel conflict.

"Lebanon is grappling with multiple crises, which have overwhelmed the country's capacity to cope," Riza was quoted in a statement by the UN Information Center as saying.

"Despite our best efforts, only 25 percent of our annual appeal has been met," Riza said, urging more support from the international community.

The statement noted that of the total aid fund allocated by the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund (LHF), 10 million dollars will be used for emergency relief for conflict-affected groups in south Lebanon, 13 million dollars for supporting vulnerable communities across the country, and the remaining 1 million dollars for assisting local NGOs in enhancing their response ability.

"The LHF has allowed us to support over 200,000 people, but this is still far from enough," said Riza, warning that insufficient funding not only limits efforts in addressing immediate needs but also risks weakening preparedness efforts and capacity to deal with other urgent crises facing Lebanon.

In November 2023, in response to the escalation of hostilities on Lebanon's southern border, the LHF allocated 4.1 million dollars to support preparedness and immediate response efforts for those displaced and in need. The rapid response was further bolstered in February 2024, when the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund allocated an additional 9 million dollars to address the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in southern Lebanon. 
A number of research firms have changed their ratings and price targets for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY):

9/13/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $1,050.00 to $1,100.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

9/13/2024  Eli Lilly and Company is now covered by analysts at Citigroup Inc.. They set a buy rating and a $1,060.00 price target on the stock.

9/9/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its overweight rating reaffirmed by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald. They now have a $885.00 price target on the stock.

9/5/2024  Eli Lilly and Company was upgraded by analysts at Evercore ISI to a hold rating.

8/27/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its overweight rating reaffirmed by analysts at Morgan Stanley. They now have a $1,106.00 price target on the stock.

8/19/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its overweight rating reaffirmed by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald. They now have a $885.00 price target on the stock.

8/16/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its price target raised by analysts at Guggenheim from $884.00 to $1,030.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

8/14/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its price target raised by analysts at Berenberg Bank from $1,000.00 to $1,050.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

8/12/2024  Eli Lilly and Company was upgraded by analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a hold rating to a buy rating. They now have a $1,025.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $725.00.

8/9/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its price target raised by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $875.00 to $1,000.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

8/9/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its price target raised by analysts at BMO Capital Markets from $1,001.00 to $1,101.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

8/9/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its price target raised by analysts at Bank of America Co. from $1,000.00 to $1,125.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

8/5/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its overweight rating reaffirmed by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald. They now have a $885.00 price target on the stock.

8/5/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its price target raised by analysts at Guggenheim from $855.00 to $884.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

7/24/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its overweight rating reaffirmed by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald. They now have a $885.00 price target on the stock.

7/15/2024  Eli Lilly and Company had its overweight rating reaffirmed by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald. They now have a $885.00 price target on the stock.

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance

NYSE:LLY traded down $11.31 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $923.71. 2,009,766 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,042,082. The stock has a market capitalization of $877.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 136.04, a PEG ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 0.42. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $516.57 and a 52-week high of $972.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 0.87. The companys 50 day moving average price is $896.94 and its 200-day moving average price is $831.83.

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Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $3.92 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.64 by $1.28. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 18.86% and a return on equity of 67.52%. The business had revenue of $11.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.83 billion. As a group, research analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 16.49 earnings per share for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

Insiders Place Their Bets

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 76.58%.

In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 9,671 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $902.67, for a total transaction of $8,729,721.57. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 97,574,139 shares of the companys stock, valued at $88,077,248,051.13. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 646,878 shares of company stock worth $591,465,138. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eli Lilly and Company

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 18.4% during the second quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 3,850 shares of the companys stock worth $3,486,000 after buying an additional 597 shares during the period. Cannon Financial Strategists Inc. purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth about $315,000. Heritage Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth about $9,582,000. Lazari Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 59.0% during the second quarter. Lazari Capital Management Inc. now owns 477 shares of the companys stock worth $432,000 after buying an additional 177 shares during the period. Finally, Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth about $205,136,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

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.

Further Reading

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RS Crum Inc. lowered its stake in shares of The Southern Company (NYSE:SO  Free Report) by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 12,171 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 141 shares during the period. RS Crum Inc.s holdings in Southern were worth $944,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Meeder Advisory Services Inc. lifted its position in shares of Southern by 33.8% in the second quarter. Meeder Advisory Services Inc. now owns 19,936 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,546,000 after buying an additional 5,036 shares in the last quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale raised its holdings in shares of Southern by 24.3% during the 2nd quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 223,145 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $17,476,000 after acquiring an additional 43,681 shares in the last quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. boosted its position in shares of Southern by 7.2% during the 2nd quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 72,152 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,597,000 after acquiring an additional 4,847 shares during the last quarter. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC grew its holdings in shares of Southern by 3.7% in the second quarter. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC now owns 51,599 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,003,000 after purchasing an additional 1,844 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Private Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in Southern in the second quarter worth $202,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.10% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Southern news, CEO Anthony L. Wilson sold 6,900 shares of Southern stock in a transaction 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 sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 85,309 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,620,831.49. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Southern news, CEO Anthony L. Wilson sold 6,900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.61, for a total transaction of $535,509.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 85,309 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,620,831.49. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Sloane N. Drake sold 12,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.61, for a total transaction of $931,320.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 16,771 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,301,597.31. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 27,845 shares of company stock valued at $2,266,455 over the last quarter. 0.18% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have commented on SO shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Southern from $80.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Barclays lifted their price target on Southern from $66.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Southern from $83.00 to $94.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Wolfe Research lowered Southern from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Southern from $77.00 to $89.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Southern presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $83.71.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Southern

Southern Stock Performance

SO stock opened at $88.49 on Friday. The Southern Company has a twelve month low of $61.56 and a twelve month high of $90.34. The firm has a market cap of $96.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.87, a PEG ratio of 3.18 and a beta of 0.52. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $84.91 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $77.87. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66.

Southern (NYSE:SO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.10 EPS for the quarter, topping 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 for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.10 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.79 EPS. The firms revenue was up 12.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that The Southern Company will post 4.02 earnings per share for the current year.

Southern Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Investors of record on Monday, August 19th were issued a $0.72 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 19th. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.25%. Southerns payout ratio is 74.42%.

Southern Company 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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Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLC lifted its holdings in shares of RTX Co. (NYSE:RTX  Free Report) by 5.2% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 68,633 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,375 shares during the period. RTX accounts for 1.1% of Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLCs holdings in RTX were worth $6,890,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Briaud Financial Planning Inc increased its position in RTX by 64.1% during the second quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc now owns 256 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the period. Lynx Investment Advisory purchased a new position in shares of RTX in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of RTX in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp purchased a new stake in shares of RTX in the first quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Finally, Stephens Consulting LLC boosted its stake in shares of RTX by 34.1% in the second quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC now owns 448 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.50% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at RTX

In other news, EVP Dantaya M. Williams sold 17,570 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $114.87, for a total value of $2,018,265.90. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 38,855 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,463,273.85. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, EVP Dantaya M. Williams sold 17,570 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $114.87, for a total value of $2,018,265.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 38,855 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,463,273.85. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Christopher T. Calio sold 4,235 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.00, for a total value of $482,790.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 88,509 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,090,026. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 178,333 shares of company stock valued at $20,861,880 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com upgraded RTX from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 6th. Alembic Global Advisors upgraded RTX from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $134.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on RTX from $110.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th. TD Cowen boosted their target price on RTX from $115.00 to $142.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, Susquehanna boosted their price target on RTX from $119.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $157.31.

View Our Latest Report on RTX

RTX Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:RTX opened at $120.10 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $159.76 billion, a PE ratio of 47.10, a P/E/G ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.99 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The business has a 50-day moving average of $113.73 and a two-hundred day moving average of $105.06. RTX Co. has a 12 month low of $68.56 and a 12 month high of $123.70.

RTX (NYSE:RTX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $1.41 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.30 by $0.11. RTX had a return on equity of 11.37% and a net margin of 3.12%. The company had revenue of $19.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.29 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.29 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that RTX Co. will post 5.45 earnings per share for the current year.

About RTX

(Free Report)

RTX Corporation, an aerospace and defense company, provides systems and services for the commercial, military, and government customers in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. The Collins Aerospace Systems segment offers aerospace and defense products, and aftermarket service solutions for civil and military aircraft manufacturers and commercial airlines, as well as regional, business, and general aviation, defense, and commercial space operations.

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Singapore Telecommunications Limited (OTCMKTS:SGAPY  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $24.77 and last traded at $24.70, with a volume of 28684 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $24.08.

Singapore Telecommunications Stock Performance

The stocks 50-day moving average price is $22.60 and its 200 day moving average price is $19.75.

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Singapore Telecommunications Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.5649 per share. This is an increase from Singapore Telecommunicationss previous dividend of $0.36. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 2nd.

About Singapore Telecommunications

Singapore Telecommunications Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunication services to consumers and small businesses in Singapore, Australia, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Optus, Singapore Consumer, Group Enterprise, NCS, Trustwave, and Amobee segments.

Further Reading

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Steakholder Foods (OTCMKTS:MTTCF  Get Free Report) and Stryker (NYSE:SYK  Get Free Report) are both consumer staples companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings, profitability, valuation and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Steakholder Foods and Strykers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Steakholder Foods N/A N/A N/A Stryker 16.12% 22.89% 11.03%

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Steakholder Foods and Strykers gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Steakholder Foods N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Stryker $21.39 billion 6.55 $3.17 billion $8.76 41.99

Institutional and Insider Ownership

Stryker has higher revenue and earnings than Steakholder Foods.

77.1% of Stryker shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.9% of Stryker shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Steakholder Foods and Stryker, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Steakholder Foods 0 0 0 0 N/A Stryker 0 4 15 0 2.79

Stryker has a consensus price target of $378.58, suggesting a potential upside of 2.93%. Given Strykers higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Stryker is more favorable than Steakholder Foods.

Summary

Stryker beats Steakholder Foods on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Steakholder Foods

(Get Free Report)

Steakholder Foods Ltd., a deep-tech food company, engages in the development of cultivated meat technologies to manufacture cultivated meat without animal slaughter in Israel. The company develops a three-dimensional bioprinter to deposit layers of stem cells and differentiated stem cells, scaffolding, and cell nutrients in a three-dimensional form of structured cultured meat. It intends to license its production technology; provides associated products, such as cell lines, printheads, bioreactors, and incubators; and offers technology implementation, training, and engineering support services directly and through contractors to food processing, food retail, and cultivated meat companies. Steakholder Foods Ltd. is headquartered in Rehovot, Israel.

About Stryker

(Get Free Report)

Stryker Corporation operates as a medical technology company. The company operates through two segments, MedSurg and Neurotechnology, and Orthopaedics and Spine. The Orthopaedics and Spine segment provides implants for use in total joint replacements, such as hip, knee and shoulder, and trauma and extremities surgeries. This segment also offers spinal implant products comprising cervical and thoracolumbar systems that include fixation, minimally invasive and interbody systems used in spinal injury, complex spine and degenerative therapies. The MedSurg and Neurotechnology segment offers surgical equipment, and surgical navigation systems, endoscopic and communications systems, patient handling, emergency medical equipment and intensive care disposable products, reprocessed and remanufactured medical devices, clinical communication and workflow solutions, and other medical device products that are used in various medical specialties, as well as patient and caregiver safety technologies. This segment also provides neurosurgical, neurovascular and craniomaxillofacial implant products, which include products used for minimally invasive endovascular procedures; products for brain and open skull based surgical procedures; orthobiologic and biosurgery products, such as synthetic bone grafts and vertebral augmentation products; minimally invasive products for the treatment of acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke; and craniomaxillofacial implant products, including cranial, maxillofacial, and chest wall devices, as well as dural substitutes and sealants. The company sells its products to doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities through company-owned subsidiaries and branches, as well as third-party dealers and distributors in approximately 75 countries. Stryker Corporation was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Portage, Michigan.

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UBS Group lowered shares of Deutsche Telekom (OTCMKTS:DTEGY  Free Report) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report released on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat reports.

Deutsche Telekom Stock Up 1.0 %

OTCMKTS:DTEGY opened at $29.37 on Tuesday. Deutsche Telekom has a 1 year low of $20.48 and a 1 year high of $29.40. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $27.14 and a 200-day simple moving average of $25.01. The company has a quick ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06.

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Deutsche Telekom (OTCMKTS:DTEGY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The utilities provider reported $0.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Deutsche Telekom had a return on equity of 7.51% and a net margin of 4.48%. The firm had revenue of $30.56 billion during the quarter. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Deutsche Telekom will post 1.96 EPS for the current year.

About Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated telecommunication services. The company operates through Germany, United States, Europe, Systems Solutions, Group Development, and Group Headquarters and Group Services segments. It offers fixed-network services, including voice and data communication services based on fixed-network and broadband technology; and sells terminal equipment and other hardware products, as well as services to resellers.

Read More

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Viva Energy Group Limited (ASX:VEA  Get Free Report) insider Scott Wyatt sold 500,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of A$2.78 ($1.85), for a total value of A$1,389,500.00 ($926,333.33).

Viva Energy Group Stock Performance

The company has a current ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 250.95.

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Viva Energy Group Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a Interim dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 24th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 24th will be paid a dividend of $0.067 per share. The ex-dividend date is Sunday, September 8th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.33%. Viva Energy Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 130.00%.

Viva Energy Group Company Profile

Viva Energy Group Limited operates as an energy company in Australia, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea. It operates through three segments: Convenience & Mobility, Commercial & Industrial, and Energy & Infrastructure. The Convenience & Mobility segment operates as an integrated convenience and fuel network under the Shell and Coles Express brands; and supplies fuels and lubricants through the Shell, Liberty, and Westside branded retail service stations.

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Ventas (NYSE:VTR  Free Report) had its price objective increased by Wedbush from $64.00 to $71.00 in a report released on Tuesday, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Wedbush also issued estimates for Ventas Q3 2024 earnings at $0.84 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $0.87 EPS and FY2024 earnings at $3.30 EPS.

VTR has been the subject of several other reports. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on shares of Ventas from $52.00 to $63.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Ventas from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of Ventas from $61.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Scotiabank increased their price objective on shares of Ventas from $55.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Ventas from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ventas currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $56.91.

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Ventas Price Performance

NYSE:VTR opened at $65.00 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $26.31 billion, a P/E ratio of -342.11, a PEG ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 1.36. Ventas has a one year low of $39.33 and a one year high of $65.54. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $57.53 and a 200 day moving average price of $50.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.36, a current ratio of 0.58 and a quick ratio of 0.58.

Ventas (NYSE:VTR  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.79 by ($0.74). The company had revenue of $1.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.19 billion. Ventas had a negative net margin of 3.33% and a negative return on equity of 1.63%. Ventass revenue for the quarter was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.75 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Ventas will post 3.16 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Peter J. Bulgarelli sold 6,000 shares of Ventas stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.99, for a total value of $389,940.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 90,795 shares in the company, valued at $5,900,767.05. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Peter J. Bulgarelli sold 6,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.99, for a total value of $389,940.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 90,795 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,900,767.05. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Robert F. Probst sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.87, for a total transaction of $1,177,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 156,403 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,207,444.61. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 77,065 shares of company stock worth $4,526,464. Insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in Ventas in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,289,000. Quarry LP grew its holdings in Ventas by 407.9% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 2,697 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $138,000 after acquiring an additional 2,166 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its holdings in Ventas by 135.4% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 32,654 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,674,000 after acquiring an additional 18,780 shares during the period. Creative Planning grew its holdings in Ventas by 30.3% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 48,205 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,471,000 after acquiring an additional 11,219 shares during the period. Finally, Liberty Mutual Group Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Ventas during the 2nd quarter worth $1,296,000. Institutional investors own 94.18% of the companys stock.

Ventas Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Ventas Inc (NYSE: VTR) is a leading S&P 500 real estate investment trust focused on delivering strong, sustainable shareholder returns by enabling exceptional environments that benefit a large and growing aging population. The Company's growth is fueled by its senior housing communities, which provide valuable services to residents and enable them to thrive in supported environments.

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Wedbush restated their outperform rating on shares of Alto Neuroscience (NYSE:ANRO  Free Report) in a research note released on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a $29.00 target price on the stock.

A number of other analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. William Blair reissued an outperform rating on shares of Alto Neuroscience in a research report on Wednesday, June 12th. Rodman & Renshaw assumed coverage on shares of Alto Neuroscience in a research report on Friday, June 21st. They issued a buy rating and a $43.00 target price for the company. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $33.80.

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Alto Neuroscience Stock Down 3.1 %

Alto Neuroscience stock opened at $12.99 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $12.16 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.04. Alto Neuroscience has a one year low of $7.91 and a one year high of $24.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 19.85 and a quick ratio of 19.85.

Alto Neuroscience (NYSE:ANRO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 13th. The company reported ($0.60) earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.67) by $0.07. Research analysts forecast that Alto Neuroscience will post -2.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Alto Neuroscience

In related news, insider Adam Savitz acquired 12,069 shares of Alto Neuroscience stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 9th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $12.60 per share, for a total transaction of $152,069.40. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 36,920 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $465,192. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Alto Neuroscience

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Managment Co. acquired a new stake in Alto Neuroscience in the first quarter worth approximately $340,000. Jennison Associates LLC acquired a new position in shares of Alto Neuroscience in the 1st quarter worth approximately $7,039,000. Vanguard Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Alto Neuroscience during the first quarter valued at approximately $8,233,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD bought a new stake in Alto Neuroscience during the first quarter worth approximately $9,788,000. Finally, AWM Investment Company Inc. acquired a new position in Alto Neuroscience in the first quarter worth approximately $4,592,000.

About Alto Neuroscience

(Get Free Report)

Alto Neuroscience, Inc operates as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company in the United States. Its product pipeline comprising ALTO-100, which is in phase 2b clinical trial for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD); and which is in phase 2a clinical trial for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

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TradeLink Capital LLC increased its stake in Xerox Holdings Co. (NYSE:XRX  Free Report) by 133.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 26,874 shares of the information technology services providers stock after purchasing an additional 15,370 shares during the period. TradeLink Capital LLCs holdings in Xerox were worth $312,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Xerox by 2.4% during the second quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 47,430 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $551,000 after buying an additional 1,110 shares during the period. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp grew its stake in Xerox by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 98,961 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,771,000 after purchasing an additional 1,323 shares during the last quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Xerox by 5.9% in the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 23,930 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $278,000 after purchasing an additional 1,327 shares during the period. CWM LLC raised its stake in shares of Xerox by 155.5% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,264 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 1,378 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of Xerox by 16.2% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 10,512 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $188,000 after purchasing an additional 1,464 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.36% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Citigroup started coverage on shares of Xerox in a report on Friday, June 28th. They issued a sell rating and a $11.00 price target on the stock. Loop Capital cut their price objective on shares of Xerox from $14.00 to $11.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Xerox from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $12.75.

Xerox Stock Up 1.2 %

Shares of XRX stock opened at $10.10 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.49, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34. Xerox Holdings Co. has a twelve month low of $9.51 and a twelve month high of $19.78. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $10.72 and a 200 day moving average of $13.64. The stock has a market cap of $1.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.05 and a beta of 1.57.

Xerox (NYSE:XRX  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The information technology services provider reported $0.29 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.43 by ($0.14). The firm had revenue of $1.58 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.60 billion. Xerox had a negative net margin of 1.60% and a positive return on equity of 7.33%. Xeroxs revenue for the quarter was down 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.44 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Xerox Holdings Co. will post 1.79 EPS for the current year.

Xerox Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 31st. Investors of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.90%. Xeroxs dividend payout ratio is presently -63.69%.

Xerox Profile

(Free Report)

Xerox Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a workplace technology company that integrates hardware, services, and software for enterprises in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Print and Other; and FITTLE.

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Ruth Millias (2nd R) sits in front of her house with her family in Kaleso Village in Malawi's southern Nsanje District, Aug. 28, 2024. (United Nations Children's Fund/Handout via Xinhua)

BLANTYRE, Malawi, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The painful memories of the catastrophic floods caused by Tropical Cyclone Idai remain vivid for 30-year-old Ruth Millias, a resident of Kaleso Village in Malawi's southern Nsanje District.

"The floods took everything from my family and changed our lives completely," recalled Millias, a mother of three. "China's disaster relief assistance gave us hope to rebuild our lives after the disaster."

Malawi, known as the "Warm Heart of Africa" for its mild climate and friendly people, faced severe hardship in March 2019 when Cyclone Idai, one of the most devastating weather-related disasters to hit the Southern Hemisphere in decades, ravaged the country's southern regions.

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), nearly one million people in Malawi were affected by the floods, with about half of them being children. The disaster destroyed homes and schools, disrupted education, and washed away crops. Water and sanitation facilities were also severely damaged, cutting off access to clean water.

Millias's hometown, Kaleso, was among the hardest-hit areas, forcing her and her family to seek refuge at Bangula Camp, a temporary shelter for flood victims, where they lived for several months.

Following the disaster, the Chinese government promptly sent emergency humanitarian aid to Malawi, providing food and financial support for flood relief. China also played a key role in post-disaster reconstruction, helping displaced families return to their homes.

To further assist affected families, China contributed one million U.S. dollars to UNICEF Malawi through the South-South Cooperation Fund. This aid, distributed from October 2019 to May 2021, was directed toward critical programs in child health, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene. The funding provided food, nutrition supplies, iron and folic acid supplements for adolescent girls, child protection services, educational materials, and training for both disaster victims and healthcare workers.

At Bangula Camp, Millias's family received essentials like soybeans, flour, mosquito nets, soap, water buckets and water treatment chemicals. "The Chinese aid arrived at just the right time, giving us the support we needed to rebuild our lives," she said.

Today, Millias has returned to Kaleso Village, where she temporarily lives in a house provided by neighbors. The village has been rebuilt, with simple brick homes now standing on the once flood-ravaged land.

During a recent visit, Millias was busy cleaning her home, which, though worn, was tidy and well-organized. Buckets and dishes were neatly arranged in the kitchen corner. "These buckets and the mosquito net in the bedroom were part of the Chinese aid. Without them, we would not have made it through," she said.

After cleaning, Millias washed her hands with soap before preparing lunch. Thanks to a health training program launched by China and UNICEF, she learned how to store clean drinking water, wash hands properly, use mosquito nets to prevent malaria, and maintain hygiene, practices that have become part of her daily routine. "These habits will help us better cope with future disasters," she added.

In Nsanje's Therere Village, 20-year-old Mika John and her family also suffered greatly from the floods. She and her husband, both subsistence farmers, lost their crops and were left with diminished food supplies. Their newborn son, Laymon Mandela, became severely malnourished.

John now lives in a modest but well-kept two-room house near the village entrance. During a recent visit, her five-year-old son played barefoot outside while she prepared a nutritious porridge made from maize, vegetables, eggs and sugar.

Reflecting on her son's recovery, John said, "During my son's hospitalization, we received aid from China, including essential nutritional supplies crucial for his recovery."

John also benefited from the health training program, which taught her how to prepare nutritious meals from simple ingredients and maintain hygiene.

"These skills and knowledge have made us much more resilient," John said. "Although the floods are behind us, the aid continues to make a difference."

Today, Mandela is healthy and attending a nearby nursery school. John and her husband now earn over 500 U.S. dollars annually from casual labor. "Thanks to China's aid, we have been able to rebuild our lives," she said.

According to UNICEF, with Chinese financial assistance, the agency managed community-based programs for acute malnutrition, benefiting over 4,100 children between six months and five years old. It also conducted malnutrition screenings for more than 390,000 children under five.

Marie Mtimabi, a health surveillance assistant in Therere Village, is one of the healthcare workers trained through the Chinese-funded program. She oversees the health of nearly 1,700 villagers, including more than 100 children under five. "The funding provided essential training and equipment, enhancing our capacity. This year alone, we have already identified three cases of child malnutrition," Mtimabi said.

China's support also enabled UNICEF to deliver water, sanitation and hygiene assistance to 12 flood-affected districts in Malawi, benefiting 200,000 people from 40,000 households. Additionally, over 80,000 children received educational materials and supplements, while more than 170,000 people gained access to basic healthcare services.

Gilbert Chapweteka, director of health and social services in Nsanje District, said China's support "came at the right time," helping rebuild water and sanitation systems.

It not only improved people's lives but also strengthened the community's resilience to future disasters, he added.

Griet Maritz, acting representative of UNICEF Malawi, emphasized the importance of the support from China and UNICEF in empowering disaster-prone communities. "The support we received from China has truly reached the people of Malawi, helping ensure a better life and a brighter future," she said. 

Ruth Millias (front) fetches water at Kaleso Village in Malawi's southern Nsanje District, Aug. 28, 2024. (United Nations Children's Fund/Handout via Xinhua)

Mika John (R) prepares lunch for her family at home in Therere Village in Malawi's southern Nsanje District, Aug. 27, 2024. (United Nations Children's Fund/Handout via Xinhua)
The Bahamas delegation at the Bahamas Business Investment Forum. From left are Senator Barry Griffin, Central Bank Governor John Rolle, Senator Quinton Lightbourne, Senator Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs; Barbara Feinstein, US deputy assistant secretary of state; Bahamas Ambassador to the US Wendall Jones, Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation; Ambassador Chet Neymour, Washington, DC Consul General Patrick Adderley, New York Consul General Leroy Major, and Michael Fountain, honorary consul, Chicago.
KIGALI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda views China as an important and reliable partner that has significantly contributed to the country's socioeconomic development, a senior official said Thursday.

"This collaboration has been particularly impactful in priority sectors such as infrastructure, health, energy and education aligning with our shared vision of mutual growth and prosperity," said Olivier Nduhungirehe, minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Kigali, Rwanda's capital.

He described the anniversary as a milestone in China's history and an important occasion for reflecting on the remarkable journey and achievements of the Chinese people.

"Since 1971, Rwanda and China have built a robust relationship based on mutual respect and common will for development. In recent years, Rwanda and China made great progress in growing bilateral relations, characterized by win-win partnerships and mutual understanding on political matters," Nduhungirehe said.

He reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to the one-China principle and support for China's reunification efforts. He also expressed gratitude for China's steadfast support in helping Rwanda safeguard national unity and combat genocide denial and hate speech.

"China stands as one of Rwanda's leading trading partners with investments exceeding 1.2 billion U.S. dollars. We greatly value and recognize China's significant contributions across key sectors, including manufacturing and construction which have played a vital role in supporting Rwanda's economic growth and development," he said.

Nduhungirehe congratulated China on the successful hosting of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) earlier this month.

Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun said over the past 75 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the country has made remarkable development strides, growing from a society struggling with basic needs to a moderately prosperous nation in all aspects.

This year marks a "big year" for China-Rwanda relations as the two nations elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership after Rwandan President Paul Kagame attended the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing, Wang said.

"Both China and Rwanda regard each other as long-term, trustworthy and reliable friends and partners," he said.

China and Rwanda's economic and trade cooperation has advanced steadily in recent years, with bilateral trade reaching 550 million U.S. dollars in 2023, according to embassy data. Last year, China's imports from Rwanda surged 86.2 percent year on year.

Wang noted that China will continue to strengthen friendly cooperation with other countries based on mutual benefit and win-win results.

"We will intensify our efforts in the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as in promoting the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative," he said, adding that China remains dedicated to world peace, development and building a community with a shared future for humanity. 
ABIDJAN, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- About 13 trillion CFA francs (nearly 22 billion U.S. dollars) are needed for combating climate change and mitigating its effects in Cote d'Ivoire, a senior official said here on Thursday.

"The action plan developed by Cote d'Ivoire to address climate change is estimated at 13 trillion CFA francs," said Jacques Assahore Konan, Minister for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, during a workshop.

The minister said that he has been tasked with mobilizing partners to assist the country in securing funding to meet its commitments.

A portfolio of projects has been developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to enhance the resilience of affected populations.

According to the World Bank, rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, flooding, and coastal erosion pose significant challenges for Cote d'Ivoire and threaten its economic growth. 
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A formation of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels departed on Friday morning for Russia to carry out joint drills and patrol tasks between the two countries' coast guards, the CCG said Friday.

The Chinese and Russian coast guards will hold joint drills in maritime security threat crackdown and maritime rescue, following which vessel formations of the two sides will jointly patrol waters in the northern Pacific Ocean, according to the CCG.

The CCG noted that the drills and patrol tasks are not aimed at any third party and are unrelated to the current international and regional situations.

The purpose is to consolidate and deepen the friendly and practical cooperation between the maritime law enforcement forces of the two countries, improve joint patrol organizational and coordination mechanisms, and enhance their ability to jointly respond to various maritime security threats, it added. 
The Federation of West Bengal Truck Operators Association have called 72 hours chakka Jam from 11 September to press for their seven-point demands.

People fear that three days truck strike would lead to acute shortage of green vegetables, potatoes, onions and other eatables. However, in the district, the transportation of vegetables, potatoes, onions and district agricultural products are carried on by mini-trucks and pick-up vans. Moreover, the wholesale market traders, to overcome the possible shortage of potatoes and onions and other agricultural produce, have already stacked potatoes and onions beforehand.

The green vegetables from the districts are reaching district wholesale markets uninterrupted. There has been no obstruction by the members of protesting truckers association.

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The daily customers are happy that the prices of the green vegetables, potatoes and onions are stable.

The supply of eggs and fish has been affected. Short supply of fish and eggs have led to a hike in the prices and customers are hopeful that the prices of fish and eggs will fall soon after the normal truck services are resumed and the inter-state transportation gets back to normalcy.

The organization secretary of the Federation, Prabir Mukherjee, said, We have no intention to disrupt the normal transportation of goods but we are incurring great losses in our business. We have been pressing for our demands for a long time but till date our demands have not been met. Finding no other option, to attract the attention of the concerned authorities, we are observing chakka Jam for 72 hours.
Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Devender Yadav said on Friday that the Supreme Court (SC) has merely granted bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and not acquitted him.

Reacting to Kejriwals bail by the apex court, Yadav said, The SC granting bail to Kejriwal with stringent conditions makes it clear that the court has not acquitted him. The AAP has been celebrating the bail of Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh as if they have been absolved of all the corruption charges against them.

Attacking the Chief Minister, the Delhi Congress chief said, Arvind Kejriwals conditional bail granted by the SC after multiple rejections in the liquor scam case is a legal procedure. He cannot go to office and function as Chief Minister, which exposes both him and the character of the AAP before the people.

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When Kejriwal was granted bail before the Lok Sabha elections, AAPs Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal was assaulted inside his official residence by his private secretary Bibhav Kumar, and that case is on trial, he added.

Referring to the alleged liquor scam, Yadav said, Delhi Congress was the first to come out on the streets and object to the opening of liquor vends all over the capital, including non-conforming areas, when the scrapped liquor policy was implemented.

If there was no irregularity in the old liquor policy, why was it scrapped in a hurry when the LG ordered a CBI probe into the liquor policy following a complaint filed by the Delhi Congress? And if there was no scam in the scrapped liquor policy, how could the AAP, which was not even a national party then, generate so much money to contest the Goa Assembly elections? These questions have not yet been answered, he said.

In an apparent reference to the 2025 Assembly polls, he said, People are now looking for change, seeking a stable government that addresses their problems, rather than a government with a non-functioning Chief Minister.
On what would have been Paul Walkers 51st birthday, xXx actor Vin Diesel took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute, posting a nostalgic photo of the two from their time together in the Fast and Furious franchise. The photo reflects their deep bond, one that extended beyond the big screen.

In his emotional post, Diesel wrote, Looking back, a quarter century ago I believe this was the moment we knew that our brotherhood was going to change Hollywood, that you and I meant something to the world a multicultural brotherhood, bound not by blood, but by love. The actor clearly still feels the weight of Walkers absence, especially as he prepares for the next chapter of the franchise that helped define their careers.

Diesel also shared how he recently visited Walkers family, recounting the love and stories that keep Pauls spirit alive. In particular, he praised Walkers daughter, Meadow, for her continued dedication to causes close to her fathers heart. Shes actually continuing your good works, speaking on behalf of our oceans, Diesel noted, adding a touching anecdote about a toast Meadow gave at a birthday dinner, saying, Man, you would have been so damn proud.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vin Diesel (@vindiesel)

Meadow Walker has become a key advocate for environmental causes, keeping her fathers charitable legacy alive. Paul Walker, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2013, was not just celebrated for his role as Brian OConner in the Fast and Furious series but also for his humanitarian efforts. In the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Walker, alongside Diesel, was involved in disaster relief efforts through the charity Walker founded, Reach Out Worldwide.
Prime Video is all set to bring a fresh Tamil original series, Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam, which promises to deliver a perfect blend of humor, heart, and rural life. Directed by Naga and written by Balakumaran Murugesan, this series is produced by The Viral Fever (TVF) and set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video. The trailer has already sparked excitement, giving viewers a glimpse into the simple yet captivating storyline.

Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam is set in a quaint Tamil Nadu village, immersing audiences in a world filled with charming characters and unexpected hurdles. The series follows the life of Sidharth, portrayed by Abishek Kumar, a city-bred man who must navigate the complexities of rural life. The journey of Sidharth adapting to village life is rich with humor and emotion, as he encounters quirky villagers, tricky power dynamics, and various surprises. With sharp dialogue and well-timed punchlines, the series beautifully captures the nuances of life in a rural setting while touching on deeper themes of community, tradition, and personal ambition.

What stands out in Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam is how it weaves together genuine emotions like empathy and jealousy into a simple, relatable story. The cast delivers standout performances, bringing depth to their characters. Their portrayals make the characters multi-dimensional, further pulling the audience into the heart of the village and its unique stories. Music by MS Krsna adds to the shows charm, with soulful compositions that amplify the emotional beats of the series. His melodies flow seamlessly with the narrative, creating an immersive experience for viewers.

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In a statement, Naga, the director of the series, expressed his excitement about the shows release, saying, Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam is a heartfelt story that blends humor with important themes like community and tradition. Working with TVF and Prime Video has been an incredible journey, and the support from both has been key to bringing this show to life. With the global reach of Prime Video, Im confident that audiences across India and worldwide will enjoy this binge-worthy series.

Lead actor Abishek Kumar also shared his thoughts on the project, saying, Working on Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam has been an amazing experience. The character I play, Sidharth, is suddenly thrust into a world thats completely foreign to him. Its both challenging and comedic to watch his transformation as he adjusts to rural life. Im sure audiences will love the unexpected twists and turns in the story. Kumar expressed excitement.

Adding to the stellar cast, Chetan Kadambi, who plays Meenakshi Sundaram, described his character as deeply connected to the village community. He found the role relatable, noting the blend of humor and emotional depth that his character offered. Kadambi, who acts alongside his real-life family in the series, is eager for viewers to see the warmth and humor that Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam brings.

Devadarshini, who portrays Meenakshi Devi, shared her joy in being part of the comedy-drama. Playing the voice of reason in the village, she loved bringing her characters grounded personality to life on screen. Like her co-stars, shes eagerly awaiting the series premiere.

Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam is set to stream on Prime Video starting September 20, 2024, offering viewers a light-hearted yet meaningful story that celebrates rural life in all its complexity.
Uttar Pradesh Jalshakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh holds considerable clout in the Bundelkhand region of the state. He is also the main force behind Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths dream Har Ghar Jal project.

Starting his political career with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Singh (60) went to become the BJP state unit chief in 2019. Belonging to the backward Kurmi community, he represents Orai of Jalaun district of Bundelkhand. The minister spoke in detail about the work done by his department in an exclusive interview with Manoj Bhadra of The Statesman. Excerpts :

Q: Can you talk about the work done by the Jalshakti department under your guidance?

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A: We are trying to fulfill the aspirations of the people who had supported us in 2017 and then in the 2022 assembly polls. Our effort is to give relief to the people of the far-flung areas who were ignored by previous governments these people had suffered the most due to floods, poor irrigation or drinking water, and other issues. Floods are always a challenge for the government. We countered the first phase of floods in June-July this year very effectively with minimum loss. We are also prepared for the second phase which is expected this month, and all the officials concerned are on standby to deal with any untoward situation.

Q: In some districts of the state, there is a shortfall of monsoon leading to pressure on irrigational facilities. How do you manage such a situation?

A: I have instructed departmental officers and employees to keep an eye on the condition of canals so that farmers can get their water from canals/tube wells. At present, due to less rainfall in some parts of central and eastern parts of the state, the demand for canal water for paddy crops has become very high. In order to ensure the availability of water till the tail-end to farmers and in order to ensure maximum irrigation from the water available in rivers and reservoirs, a team constituted for daily review at the headquarters level is talking to regional officers, junior engineers and farmers every day.

Q: Uttar Pradesh has vast tracts of agricultural land and there are still several areas where irrigational facilities have not reached. Have you adopted any new system to boost the irrigational facilities in the state?

A: A new technology of pressure irrigation system is being promoted in the districts of Siddhatharnagar, Maharajganj and Gorakhpur. For the first time in the state, the work of a pressure irrigation system is being done. Sedimentation tank, pump house, PCC pipe and DI pipe are being used in the pressure irrigation system. In the pressure irrigation system, pipelines are being laid about 1.5 meters below the ground, so that farming can go on. This irrigation system has a provision for outlets approximately every 200 meters. Due to the pressure of water flow in pipes, farmers can irrigate their fields by installing gravity flow and pipes. If a farmer has developed a sprinkler system in his field, then he can irrigate it by simply connecting his sprinkler system to the outlet.

Q: UP is witnessing severe depletion of groundwater with levels going down in the urban areas. How do you counter such an important issue?

A: Efforts to make the general public aware about the importance of groundwater are continuing in the state. Government is holding water conservation programmes to educate people about the issue. Tax on groundwater, management methods, protection, conservation of groundwater sources and misuse of water were some of the policies the government is working on. It is also the effort of the government to make judicious use of groundwater resources, to manage it in a planned manner and to ensure better adoption of groundwater conservation methods.

Q: Now I want to know about the progress of the ambitious Har Ghar Jal scheme of the BJP government. How has this scheme changed the scenario of the villages particularly in the Bundelkhand region and the daily life of the women?

A: It is noteworthy that 99 per cent tap connections have been given to more than 14.20 lakh houses in 4,471 villages of Bundelkhand. The work of providing tap connections to more than 1.32 lakh houses in 429 villages in Mahoba district have been completed. Under the Har Ghar Jal scheme, the UP government has targeted to provide clean drinkable water through taps in 2.65 crore houses by the end of 2024 and the government has achieved over 85 per cent of the target. Currently, 338 projects are running and have reached several places that no one had imagined. Where there was salty water, we had to collect water from rivers.

Q: The opposition always rakes up unemployment issues and scams in the recruitment drive. Does recruitment in your departments face such obstacles?

A: Chief Minister Adityanath has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption and has never compromised with appointments. Recruitment and posting through a fair and transparent process is the priority of the state government and no irregularity will be allowed anywhere in the entire process from recruitment to deployment.

Q: BJP has gone for an intensive membership drive this month. Are you also engaged in it?

A: BJP is an idea, a resolve and a mission committed to making India a strong and prosperous nation globally. Im proud to be a member of this team. Come on, you too can become a member of this sacred organization dedicated to the service of the people. All other political parties are of the families and common people will be treated like labour forever in parties like Congress, SP and others. But in BJP even a simple worker like me can get big posts. BJP has set an example in the country by appointing small workers in big posts.

Q: Lastly, the opposition Samajwadi Party is aggressive against BJP after the Lok Sabha polls. How do you all counter it?

A: Is SP a political party? It is a casteist, family-run Muslim appeasement party. Before 2017, you must have seen that hooliganism and corruption were at their peak in the state. Now women can go out of their houses even at midnight which was impossible during the SP rule.
Four Army soldiers were injured on Friday evening in a gunfight with terrorists in the forest area in Kishtwar district of Jammu. Two to three terrorists are believed trapped in the cordon by security forces.

The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army said: Based on the intelligence inputs, a joint operation with J&K Police was launched in the area of the Chatroo at Kishtwar. A contact has been established with the terrorists at 1530 hrs.In the ensuing firefight four army personnel have been injured. The operation is in progress.

Additional troops have been rushed to the spot, sources said.

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The district Police of Kishtwar said: The exchange of fire has taken place between search teams of security forces and hiding terrorists at Pingnal Dugadda forest area, upper reaches of Naidgham village under the jurisdiction of Police Station Chhatroo, District Kishtwar.

The Army on Wednesday eliminated two Pakistani terrorists in the forest area in the Kathua district.

Meanwhile, security forces have busted a terrorist hideout in Poonch district.

Police said that on a specific information a joint search operation was launched by Police, Army and CRPF in the general area of chamerd surankot in the wee hours.

The area was cordoned off and the target area was searched, during the search the security forces were fired upon by the hiding militants. However, the fire was retaliated by the security forces.

Taking advantage of the thick forest cover the terrorists managed to slip away. Additional forces have been pushed in and the whole area is cordoned off.

During the search security forces busted a hideout and recovered some arms, ammunition and eatables.
HANOI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Demand for industrial land remains high in Vietnam, especially in the southern region where ready-built warehouses and factories are increasingly attracting investors, Viet Nam News reported on Friday, citing real estate company Savills Vietnam.

The Southeast Asian country now has 33,000 ha of industrial land for rent with an occupancy rate of up to 80 percent, according to Savills.

The average monthly rental is 5.4 U.S. dollars per square meter, with most potential renters eyeing property in the south.

Industrial real estate in northern provinces surrounding capital Hanoi such as in Bac Giang and Hai Duong, has also witnessed rapid growth, said the report. 
The police have rounded up six men accused of assaulting and robbing two trainee Army officers and allegedly raping the officers woman friend at the Jaam Gate tourist spot in Mhow near Indore in Madhya Pradesh around 2.30 am on Wednesday.

Indore (Rural) SP Hitika Wasal said on Friday that the police have taken three more men into custody in connection with the case and they are being interrogated.

We have taken three more men into custody today. We are questioning them. They have not yet been formally arrested, Wasal told The Statesman.

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Regarding the allegations of gang rape with one of the women who was with the Army officers, the SP said the woman has still not given her official statement to the police.

We are still waiting for her to record her statement about the incident, Wasal said.

Asked if any of the accused have confessed to the police that they raped the woman, the SP said, That is a matter of investigation, as the accused are still being interrogated.

According to the police, Anil Baror (27) and Pawan Bansunia (23) were nabbed on Wednesday and produced before a local court that remanded them in five-day police custody.

The third accused, Ritesh Bhabhar (25), was nabbed on Thursday night.

The remaining three absconding accused were taken into custody on Friday. They have been identified as Rohit Giriwal, Sandeep Bariya, and Sachin Makwana.

The official 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.

The two Army officers, accompanied by two women, were listening to loud music in a car near the Jaam Gate around 2.30 am on Wednesday. Hearing the sound of music in the deserted area late at night, the six accused descended on the scene.

The accused held one officer and one woman hostage and told the other officer and woman that the hostages would be released only if they brought them Rs 10 lakh.

The other officer left the spot and reported the matter to his seniors. The senior Army officers alerted the police and police teams rushed to the spot as soon as the incident was reported. However, the accused fled on seeing the lights of the approaching vehicles.

The police have registered a case under sections 70 (gang rape), 310-2 (dacoity), 308-2 (extortion), and 115-2 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and under relevant sections of the Arms Act based on the complaint filed by one officer.

Sources said that the two Army officers, whose names were said to be Lieutenant Pranit (23) and Lieutenant Kaushal Pal (24), are undergoing the Young Officers course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town.

The sources added that the Army is most likely to take strict internal disciplinary action against both the officers and some of their administrative seniors in connection with the case. The Army is likely to conduct an inquiry for the gross indiscipline and violation of training rules, to find out, among other things, how and why the two officers were roaming outside till 2.30 am.
The Army has launched an inquiry into the conduct of two officers, who were assaulted and one of their two women friends was allegedly raped by six men at Jaam Gate in Mhow near Indore in Madhya Pradesh at 2.30 am on Wednesday.

A senior Army Officer, preferring anonymity, said that an inquiry has been ordered into the conduct of both officers and a senior official is conducting it.

Sources said that the two Army officers, whose names were said to be Lieutenant Pranit (23) and Lieutenant Kaushal Pal (24), are undergoing the Young Officers course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town.

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Sources added that the inquiry is for the gross indiscipline and violation of training rules, to find out, among other things, how and why the two officers were roaming outside till 2.30 am.

Meanwhile, the police have rounded up all six men accused of assaulting and robbing the two trainee army officers and allegedly raping the officers woman friend.

Indore (Rural) SP Hitika Wasal said on Friday that the police have taken three more men into custody in connection with the case and they are being interrogated.

We have taken all the six accused into custody, Wasal told The Statesman on Friday.

We have taken three more men into custody today. We are questioning them. They have not yet been formally arrested, Wasal said.

Regarding the allegations of gang rape with one of the woman who was with the army officers, the SP said the woman has still not given her official statement to the police.

We are still waiting for her to record her statement about the incident, Wasal said.

Asked if any of the accused have confessed to the police that they raped the woman, the SP said, that is a matter of investigation, as the accused are still being interrogated.

According to the police, Anil Baror (27) and Pawan Bansunia (23) were nabbed on Wednesday and produced before a local court that remanded them to five-day police custody.

The third accused, Ritesh Bhabhar (25) was nabbed on Thursday night.

The remaining three absconding accused were taken into custody on Friday. They have been identified as Rohit Giriwal, Sandeep Bariya and Sachin Makwana.

The official 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.

The two army officers accompanied by two women were listening to loud music in a car near the Jaam Gate at around 2.30 am on Wednesday. Hearing it in the deserted area late at night, six accused reached the spot.

The accused held one officer and one woman hostage and told the other officer and woman that the hostages would be released only if they brought them Rs 10 lakh.

The other officer left the spot and went to his seniors and reported the matter. The senior Army officers alerted the police and police teams rushed to the spot as soon as the incident was reported.

However, the accused fled from there on seeing the lights of the approaching vehicles.

The police registered a case under Sections 70 (gang rape), 310-2 (dacoity), 308-2 (extortion) and 115-2 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and under relevant sections of the Arms Act based on the complaint filed by one officer.
Expressing concern over the pre-election intimidation in J&K by the authorities ahead of the assembly elections, the chief cleric of Srinagars Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday alleged that the authorities, in violation of the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI), are harassing political workers and youth, compelling them to report to police stations.

In a series of posts on X, Mirwaiz also condemned his continued undeclared and arbitrary house detention since 2 September. He strongly condemned this ongoing undemocratic and illegal measure which prevented him from going to Jamia Masjid to deliver the Friday sermon as he was again barred from going there today and from all his other public engagements, he wrote.

Mirwaiz said that with the assembly elections nearing, despite the ECI guidelines that preventive detention and asking people to report to police stations should be avoided, tens of dozens of people from across towns and villages and Srinagar city are being detained. He added that political workers and youth, in particular, are being harassed and coerced into reporting to police stations to seek surety bonds from them.

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Long lists of people to be detained in each Thana (police station) area have been prepared in view of the elections. There is fear among those being detained and those whose names are on these lists that they will be booked under the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA) and UAPA once arrested.

Mirwaiz appealed to the authorities to desist from such actions that create fear and intimidate people and urged them to stop their persecution in this manner.

Criticising the undemocratic actions, he raised concern about the Waqf Act amendments and also paid tribute to Sitaram Yechury.

Mirwaiz said that despite being the patron of Mutaheda Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), he was not allowed to attend an important meeting on Thursday to discuss the serious issue of the Amendment to the Muslim Waqf Act with religious leaders and scholars. He was also barred from participating in a media session with a reputed national channel regarding the situation in J&K. At the same event, the chief state functionary, when asked about his detention, outrightly denied it, he added.

Mirwaiz said, Its unfortunate that I am being repeatedly targeted and detained. It belies the claims of normalcy.

He further said that regarding the Wakf Amendment issue, the MMU has written a detailed letter to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), illustrating their deep concerns and apprehensions. The letter requests that the amendments be rejected and asks for a meeting of MMU delegates with the JPC.

People should stay alert to the issue as it concerns our very religious existence and institutions and should sign on the link attached to register their disapproval, Mirwaiz said.

Mirwaiz also paid tribute to Communist leader Sitaram Yechury, who passed away in Delhi on Thursday. Expressing sorrow at his demise, Mirwaiz said that Yechury was an advocate for the human and political rights of the people of J&K, and it was always a pleasure to meet and listen to him.
Several BRS leaders, including former finance minister T Harish Rao, were placed under house arrest by the Telangana Police on Friday after the party convened a meeting at the residence of dissident party MLA Arekapudi Gandhi, who has been at the centre of a controversy following his appointment as the Public Accounts Committee chairman in the Legislative Assembly.

Usually, the post of PAC chairman goes to the principal Opposition party but the Congress government chose Gandhi who recently defected from the BRS to join Congress to circumvent the customary appointment. Yesterday, Gandhi asserted that he was still in the BRS, but when challenged by another BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy, his supporters attacked the latters residence with eggs and tomatoes.

Facing flak for their failure to stop the attack on Kaushik Reddys residence leading to the escalation of political tension between the two parties, the police swiftly came into action and placed several BRS leaders under house arrest in the wee hours. Among the BRS leaders, who were not allowed to come out of their houses, are P Sabitha Indra Reddy, T Srinivas Yadav, KP Vivekanand, RS Praveen, Padi Kaushik Reddy, and Shambipur Raju.

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Harish Rao was initially not allowed to go to the hospital for treatment of his shoulder injury when the police picked him up from the office of the Cyberabad commissioner of police yesterday. Taking to X, he wrote Is this public governance? Is this the rule of Indiramma? Shame, you are murdering democracy, Revanth Reddy. It is evil to arrest and terrorize the aggrieved party, leaving the attackers alone.

The BRS also protested when another dissident MLA Danam Nagender met Arekapudi Gandhi at the latters residence but those who had come to meet Harish Rao were detained by the police. There was also heavy police presence outside the residence of Arekapudi Gandhi in view of the meeting convened by the BRS there.

While the BRS, armed with a high court order, wants to force bye-elections in the constituencies where ten of its MLAs have defected to the ruling party, Congress is looking for legal routes to avoid bypolls. The Congress party will need at least another 16 MLAs to ensure a split in the BRS legislative party so that it can engineer a merger of the splinter group with the Congress Legislative party.

Meanwhile, DGP Dr Jitendra directed the commissioners of Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda to maintain zero tolerance towards those out to disturb the law and order situation in the state capital.
Senior Congress leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Friday defended Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhis recent Sikh remarks in the US and said the BJP should stop playing with the sentiments of the minority community.

Gandhi, during his recent visit to the US, stoked a controversy after he said the fight in India is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban or go to a Gurdwara, in a veiled attack on the ruling BJP, which he has been accusing of doing divisive politics.

Notably, the BJP slammed Gandhi for his remarks and accused him of setting a dangerous narrative

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Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, the former chief minister said, We are with whatever Rahul Gandhi had said. The BJP should stop playing with the sentiments of Sikhs. BJP is trying to defame Rahul Gandhi by repeatedly speaking against him. This is not good for Indias democratic system.

In an apparent reference to the Gandhi scions address to the Indian diaspora in Washington DC, Channi said, Rahul Gandhi had expressed concern that the way SC, ST, OBC and minorities are being treated in the country, the same might happen to Sikhs too.

Rahul Gandhi spoke in favour of Sikhs, we appreciate him. The BJP is pained by the fact that Rahul Gandhi spoke in favour of Sikhs. Thats why the party is distorting his words, he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa said, Rahul Gandhi said that the ideology of our party is to protect the constitutional rights of the people. He said that the situation in the country is such that attempts are being made to divide the people. But, it has become a habit of the BJP to misinterpret everything.

There was truth in whatever Rahul Gandhi ji said in America. The farmers of our country do not belong to any one religion. When the farmers agitation took place, farmers from many states including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh were involved in it. But the Prime Minister of our country did not even take out 10 minutes to listen to the farmers, he said.
Welcoming the Supreme Courts decision to grant bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi excise policy case, Delhi Minister Gopal Rai, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said on Friday that no matter how strong dictatorship is, it has to lose one day.

Delhi minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai said, Congratulations to everyone. Delhi CM is coming out now. There is joy among people. This judgement has sent a message across Delhi and the entire country that no matter how strong the dictatorship is; it has to lose one day.

Expressing his joy, Aam Aadmi Party MLA Kuldeep Kumar said that all the conspiracies against Kejriwal have failed now and there will be a huge celebration in Delhi as soon as he comes out of jail.

AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar said, All the conspiracies against him have now failed. This is a big victory that the Supreme Court has granted him the bail. The whole fake scam planned by the BJP is now uncovered. There will be a huge celebration when the son of Delhi will arrive.

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The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise policy scam.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan granted bail to Kejriwal saying prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty. The apex court granted bail to Kejriwal, subject to bail bonds of Rs 10 lakh.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Friday welcomed the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court and accused the central government of misusing central agencies as the frontal organisations against the opposition parties.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said, First Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren got the bail and now it is Arvind Kejriwal. The Supreme Court found this case to be bailable. The central government is misusing central agencies as the frontal organisations against the Opposition parties. There is an environment of fear in the country. The judgement has come after detailed discussions on all aspects. This is a unanimous decision of the Supreme Court and we welcome it. BJP and Modi to government should learn their lessons. This is not appropriate to harass the opposition leaders in a democratic country.

RJD MP Manoj Jha said that a clear message had been sent by the court to the BJP that if it isnt in power then the agencies could target them.

However, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that the order of bail for Kejriwal does not make him innocent.

The court has affirmed Arvind Kejriwals arrest as valid. What is AAP celebrating? Since when does  Bail make someone innocent ? The Court has not passed a single observation on the merit of the case. Kejriwal is barred from entering the CM office, or signing any documents. Why should the people of Delhi suffer under a leader who cant even perform his duties even after being 150 days in jail like criminals accused of serious crime? he said.

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 CBI while he was in custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the excise case.
In another milestone, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy on Thursday successfully conducted the flight test of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha, an official statement said.

According to officials, the flight test was carried out at 3 p.m. from a land-based vertical launcher against a low-flying, high-speed aerial target and found to have successfully tracked and engaged it, the Defence Ministry statement said.

This flight test was carried out to validate multiple updated elements of the weapon system, including the proximity fuse and seeker.

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The performance of the system was meticulously tracked and confirmed by various instruments such as the Radar Electro-Optical Tracking System and telemetry deployed at ITR Chandipur.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the teams from DRDO and the Indian Navy for their achievement, saying that this test reaffirms the reliability and effectiveness of the VL-SRSAM weapon system.

Samir V. Kamat, Chairman, DRDO and Secretary, Defence Research and Development, also congratulated the teams involved, emphasising that the system will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy and serve as a force multiplier.
Several party leaders from the oppositions Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc on Friday welcomed the Supreme Courts order granting bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and termed the step a victory of the Constitution.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the first Chief Minister of Jharkhand got bail, now Arvind Kejriwal has also got a bail. This is a tight slap on the face of the Modi government, which was creating an atmosphere of fear and terror in the country by misusing these central agencies, Tiwari stated.

The Modi government should understand that harassing opposition leaders in this way is not right for democracy, he added.

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Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav posted on social media platform X stating The bail of Delhis popular and public welfare Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is a victory of the Constitution. Only those who are against the Constitution misuse it but the knock on the door of justice is always heard.

Additionally, Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SCP) president Sharad Pawar posted on X, One thing is clear from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals bail that the foundation of democracy in the country is still strong.

Kejriwals bail confirmed the feeling that a conspiracy to overthrow someone in a lowly way will never succeed in a democratic country, he added.

Welcoming the bail order, CPI leader D Raja posted, We welcome the bail granted to Arvind Kejriwal. He is the elected Chief Minister of Delhi. Now, we will have to wait and see how the legal course and judicial process will move further because there are some conditions.

Meanwhile Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav stated, We welcome the decision and it is a good thing that Arvind Kejriwal has got bail.

If we pay attention to the comments of the Supreme Court, the way government agencies are being exposed is also worth noting. The discriminatory way in which people of the opposition parties are being targeted, the reprimand given by the Supreme Court to ED, CBI is also worth noting, added Yadav.

Speaking on the bail, All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) MP Saket Gokhale posted on X, Extremely happy to hear that Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has finally gotten bail. BJPs vulgar and pathetic attempt to crush the AAP has been dealt a lethal blow by the Honble SC today.

Justice moves slowly but it finally vindicates the innocent. Wish you all the strength and power in our collective fight against the criminals of the BJP, the Trinamool lawmaker added.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasised on Friday that criminals must fear the law, and justice should be delivered swiftly to victims. He underscored the importance of maintaining public trust in the police, ensuring that no citizen faces harassment.

The Chief Minister highlighted the need for the police to adopt a more community-friendly approach, creating an atmosphere at police stations where citizens feel assured of help. He made these remarks while reviewing the law and order situation on the second day of the Collector-SP Conference at the New Circuit House in Raipur.

The Chief Minister urged Collectors and Superintendents of Police to work in close coordination to effectively combat crime across the state. He also noted that the Union Governments recent amendments to the Penal Code, now called the Code of Justice, necessitate that police officers adapt to the new regulations and ensure their implementation. Sai reaffirmed his governments commitment to good governance, noting that crime rates have dropped compared to previous years.

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The Chief Minister stressed the importance of promoting social policing across the state to help curb criminal activities. He called for public awareness campaigns to instil confidence that the police are on the side of the people.

Sai highlighted the need for strict action against cow smuggling and drug trafficking, directing the police to launch a comprehensive campaign against illegal liquor sales, gambling, betting, and cannabis smuggling. He also urged police to take swift action against those spreading unrest or rumours in society and to prioritise investigations into murder cases. He asserted that preventive measures, such as district expulsion orders, should not just exist on paper but be actively enforced.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the illegal sale of liquor, which has often led to accusations of police complicity. He declared that such activities must be stopped immediately, and any negligence by investigation teams would not be tolerated. He also addressed the issue of fraud in the Farmers Honour Fund, calling for prompt investigations and swift action.

While acknowledging a decline in crime in the Bilaspur police range, Sai pointed to the need for improvement in police efficiency, particularly in the Durg range, where unresolved murder and robbery cases have been pending for over six months. He praised the efforts in the Rajnandgaon police range, especially the implementation of the Trinetra app and actions taken against chit fund frauds, but noted that more progress was needed.

Sai voiced concern over the rising number of road accidents in the state and urged the police to educate the public on traffic safety, particularly the importance of seat belts and helmets. He called for a comprehensive plan to make policing more transparent and accountable.

During his review of the Raipur police range, the Chief Minister placed emphasis on the capitals law enforcement quality, given Raipurs status as the state capital. He expressed concern over increasing complaints of land encroachment by the so-called land mafia and instructed police and revenue departments to take joint action.

Sai called for immediate and stringent action against the sale of narcotic drugs. He urged the police to dismantle the ecosystem of the illegal drug trade and conduct awareness campaigns in schools and colleges to protect youth from drug abuse.

The Chief Minister called for enhanced night patrol in the capital and stronger efforts to control organised crime. He stressed the importance of sustained and well-planned campaigns to curb criminal activities and improve law and order.

The conference was attended by Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Director General of Police Ashok Juneja, divisional commissioners, inspectors general of police, collectors, superintendents of police, and other senior officials.
US President Joe Biden will host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21 which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, the White House has announced.

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, a press statement said.

The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating and institutionalising 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.

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The Quad Leaders Summit will focus on bolstering the strategic convergence among the four member countries, advancing their 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.

India will host the next Quad Summit.
Qatar's Ambassador to Nepal Mishal bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari (C) speaks during a ceremony to mark the export of fresh vegetables in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept. 12, 2024. Nepal sent to Qatar the first batch of fresh vegetables produced under a promotion program supported by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) on Thursday evening.

A refrigerated truck carrying the packaged vegetables appeared for an export ceremony held in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, and they were flown to Qatar by a Himalaya Airlines flight.

Fresh vegetables including green chilis, flat beans and bitter gourds are produced in Dakshinkali municipality of Kathmandu district under an agriculture promotion program supported by CFRD. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

KATHMANDU, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Nepal sent to Qatar the first batch of fresh vegetables produced under a promotion program supported by a Chinese foundation on Thursday evening.

A refrigerated truck carrying the packaged vegetables appeared for an export ceremony held in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, and they were flown to Qatar by a Himalaya Airlines flight.

Fresh vegetables including green chilis, flat beans and bitter gourds are produced in Dakshinkali municipality of Kathmandu district under an agriculture promotion program supported by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD).

According to Zou Zhiqiang, director of CFRD's Nepal office, some 30 tons of fresh vegetables are scheduled for export to Qatar in one month.

"Today's event not only encourages the farmers of Dakshinkali municipality, but also inspires farmers across the country," Mohan Basnet, mayor of Dakshinkali, said at the export ceremony.

Addressing the export ceremony, Qatar's Ambassador to Nepal Mishal bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari noted that Nepal's organic fruits and vegetables have long been part of Qatar's market and Qatar is ready to strengthen and expand bilateral relations in the field of agriculture and food security.

The agriculture promotion program has helped farmers in Dakshinkali to export fresh vegetables to Qatar, and China is willing to provide support for Nepal's agricultural development and economic prosperity, noted Wang Xin, charge d'affaires at the Chinese embassy in Nepal. 

Guests cut the ribbon during a ceremony to mark the export of fresh vegetables in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept. 12, 2024. Nepal sent to Qatar the first batch of fresh vegetables produced under a promotion program supported by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) on Thursday evening.

A refrigerated truck carrying the packaged vegetables appeared for an export ceremony held in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, and they were flown to Qatar by a Himalaya Airlines flight.

Fresh vegetables including green chilis, flat beans and bitter gourds are produced in Dakshinkali municipality of Kathmandu district under an agriculture promotion program supported by CFRD. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

Mohan Basnet, mayor of Dakshinkali, speaks during a ceremony to mark the export of fresh vegetables in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept. 12, 2024. Nepal sent to Qatar the first batch of fresh vegetables produced under a promotion program supported by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) on Thursday evening.

A refrigerated truck carrying the packaged vegetables appeared for an export ceremony held in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, and they were flown to Qatar by a Himalaya Airlines flight.

Fresh vegetables including green chilis, flat beans and bitter gourds are produced in Dakshinkali municipality of Kathmandu district under an agriculture promotion program supported by CFRD. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

Wang Xin, charge d'affaires at the Chinese embassy in Nepal, speaks during a ceremony to mark the export of fresh vegetables in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept. 12, 2024. Nepal sent to Qatar the first batch of fresh vegetables produced under a promotion program supported by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) on Thursday evening.

A refrigerated truck carrying the packaged vegetables appeared for an export ceremony held in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, and they were flown to Qatar by a Himalaya Airlines flight.

Fresh vegetables including green chilis, flat beans and bitter gourds are produced in Dakshinkali municipality of Kathmandu district under an agriculture promotion program supported by CFRD. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

Workers carry fresh vegetables during a ceremony to mark the export of fresh vegetables in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept. 12, 2024. Nepal sent to Qatar the first batch of fresh vegetables produced under a promotion program supported by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) on Thursday evening.

A refrigerated truck carrying the packaged vegetables appeared for an export ceremony held in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, and they were flown to Qatar by a Himalaya Airlines flight.

Fresh vegetables including green chilis, flat beans and bitter gourds are produced in Dakshinkali municipality of Kathmandu district under an agriculture promotion program supported by CFRD. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)
The ruling BJP scored a comfortable victory in the by-election for the post of Corporator in the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) in Madhya Pradesh.

As per the by-poll results announced on Friday, BJP candidate Jitu Rathore defeated Congress candidate Vikas Joshi by a margin of 4255 votes.

According to deputy district election officer Rajendra Raghuvanshi, 15 teams were formed to count the votes today morning. The counting began at 9 am at the Nehru Stadium.

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The BJP candidate got 6490 votes while the Congress candidate bagged 2235 votes.

The voting was held on Wednesday and six candidates were in the fray. As per officials, the voting percentage was 41.32, as 8900 voters cast their ballots out of the total 21700 voters registered in the ward.

The by-poll was necessitated due to the death of the sitting Corporator, Kamal Laddha of the BJP, who had won in 2022.
The police have rounded up six men accused of assaulting and robbing two trainee army officers and allegedly raping the officers woman friend at the Jaam Gate tourist spot in Mhow near Indore in Madhya Pradesh at around 2.30 am on Wednesday.

Indore (Rural) SP Hitika Wasal said on Friday that the police have taken three more men into custody in connection with the case and are interrogating them. We have taken three more men into custody today. We are questioning them. They have not yet been formally arrested, Wasal told The Statesman.

On the allegations of gang rape of one of the women who was with the army officers, the SP said the woman has not yet given her official statement to the police. We are still waiting for her to record her statement about the incident, Wasal added.

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Asked if any of the accused have confessed to raping the woman in front of the police, the SP said, That is a matter of investigation, as the accused are still being interrogated.

According to the police, Anil Baror (27) and Pawan Bansunia (23) were nabbed on Wednesday and produced before a local court that remanded them to five-day police custody.

The third accused, Ritesh Bhabhar (25) was nabbed on Thursday night.

The remaining three absconding accused were taken into custody on Friday. They have been identified as Rohit Giriwal, Sandeep Bariya, and Sachin Makwana.

The official 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.

The two army officers accompanied by two women were listening to loud music in a car near the Jaam gate at around 2.30 AM on Wednesday. Hearing it in the deserted area late at night, six accused reached the spot.

The accused held one officer and one woman hostage and told the other officer and woman that the hostages would be released only if they brought them Rs 10 lakh.

The other officer left the spot went to his seniors and reported the matter. The senior Army officers alerted the police and police teams rushed to the spot as soon as the incident was reported. However, the accused fled from there seeing the lights of the approaching vehicles.

The police registered a case under sections 70 (gang rape), 310-2 (dacoity), 308-2 (extortion), and 115-2 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and under relevant sections of the Arms Act based on the complaint filed by one officer.

Meanwhile, sources said that the two Army officers, whose names were said to be Lieutenant Pranit (23) and Lieutenant Kaushal Pal (24), are undergoing the Young Officers course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town.

Sources added that the Army is most likely to take strict internal disciplinary action against both officers and some of their administrative seniors too in connection with the case. The Army is likely to constitute an inquiry for the gross indiscipline and violation of training rules, to find out, among other things, how and why the two officers were roaming outside till 2.30 am.
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.

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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 Assams Gorukhuti village.
With the passing away of Sitaram Yechury, India has lost a conscientious politician and revolutionary. He belonged to the first crop of free Indias bright youngsters who carried the dream of a better India, a socialist India which would serve the interests of the many and not just the few. Coming from a prosperous background, topping the All-India CBSE higher secondary exam, excelling at the University of Delhi and the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Sitaram opted for a life of struggle.

He joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist), (CPIMs) student front, and the Student Federation of India (SFI) whilst studying at JNU. He became the President of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union. During the Emergency, he went underground to evade arrest. This was the time when his father was admitted to a hospital in Delhi. Instead of capitulating and being with the family, Sitaram continued doing underground political work. He used to visit his father at the hospital in disguise at night. Earlier his father, a senior government engineer, had sensed Sitarams radical proclivities and appointed his uncle, a senior bureaucrat, to dissuade him from communist politics.

When the wave of Sitarams eternal revolutionary romance collided with the pragmatic shoals of his bureaucrat uncle, the latter called his father and asked him to take him away before he convinced him to resign and join the communist movement! Another interesting event that highlights Sitarams internationalism unfolded on the eve of the Iranian revolution. The Shah of Iran was facing massive protests at the hands of students and workers. A bunch of radical Iranian students who were then studying at JNU would regularly go to the Iranian embassy in Delhi for protests and demonstrations.

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At one point, the Iranian government recommended their deportation to Iran. Sitaram and his comrades sensed that deportation would mean the physical annihilation of their friends. As the Home Ministry sprang into action, Sitaram and his comrades protected their Iranian friends and did not allow them to be deported to Iran. The famous photograph of Sitaram reading out a charter to thenPrime Minister Indira Gandhi would be remembered as one of the proudest moments of radical student politics halcyon days. In todays era of Indian politics, the re-enactment of a similar moment is unthinkable.

In 1984, Sitaram was elected to the Central Committee of the CPIM and subsequently to the Politburo in 1992. By his own admission, he remained the youngest member of the Politburo for over two decades. Soon he became part of the negotiations in the making and unmaking of the United Front governments of 1996 and 1998. After the Vajpayee interlude, Sitaram became a prominent voice when the Left supported the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA). He was one of the architects of the common minimum programme which included crucial legislations such as the Right to Information, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the Forest Rights Act.

The passing of the latter was most crucial for the poor tribals. While in Parliament, Sitaram and his colleagues from the Left parties challenged the delaying tactics of antitribal lobbies and mafias masquerading as conservationists. The latter had wanted an inordinate delay in the notification of Rules (without which no Act could be implemented) till the tribals in critical wildlife habitats could be evicted.

Sitaram and his comrades took all steps; leading an all-party delegation to the Prime Minister, walkouts from Parliament, meetings and ground mobilization of tribals; to combat the cunning of the antitribal lobbyists. Sitarams column Left Hand Drive for the Hindustan Times always provided a comprehensive left-wing analysis of important national and international issues. I am sure that many youngsters who grew up in the mid-2000s (I would include myself in the list) developed their first instincts of leftism and batted Left through reading those columns. In 2015, when Sitaram was elected as the General Secretary of the CPIM, he was a South Indian, nonturbaned and clean-shaven heir of his political guru Harkishan Singh Surjeet also famous as London Tod Singh.

Like the latter, Sitaram had the necessary coalition-building skills. His ability to talk to adversaries and opponents and take them together against bigger threats was commendable. He had friends and admirers across the political spectrum. The dreary sombreness that is often the hallmark of communist politicians evaded Sitarams persona. His broad smile almost covered his face, and his gigantic palms often clasped and clapped at the slightest presence of humour. I never thought that I would write an obituary of Sitaram Yechury. Yet here I am. Writing it with a heavy heart.

Silently shedding a tear or two. The message of the life and work of Yechury, whether one agrees with his ideology or not, is that there are far greater things in ones life other than ones family and bank balance. And it is the pursuit of those higher goals that we should dedicate our lives to.

(The writer is a PhD scholar at the University of Connecticut.)
On 9 August 2024, just days before Indias 78th Independence Day, the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in one of the countrys oldest cities sparked widespread fury, underscoring the persistent and pervasive violence against women that continues to plague the country. From the tragic cases of Geeta and Sanjay Chopra, Naina Sahni, Jessica Lall, Soumya Viswa nathan, and Nirbhaya, to the re cent atrocity against Tilottama/ Abhaya, each incident has shoc ked the nation, sparking waves of protests. These cases dominate headlines, unleashing a tidal wave of public outrage.

Yet, the fervor eventually subsides, and the incidents fade from public memory often as those in power intend. Tragically, this cycle does not account for the hundreds of similar cases that fail to capture media attention, remain unreported, or are deliberately suppressed. In each case, the crime not only claims the victims life but also severs ties with family, friends, and society. Public outcry often leads to voluminous reports, new laws, and strengthened regulations. Yet, the cycle of violence continues. In Kolkata, feminist grou ps, doctors, and youth marched in unprecedented protests. While these actions stretch the ethical horizon and demand exemplary punishment, they have limited impact on addressing the root causes of such violence, for reasons that remain painfully clear.

Consequently, the graph of sexual violence in India continues to rise unchecked, with the darkness engulfing our nation deepening each day. Despite protests and calls for change, we have failed to dismantle the systems that perpetuate violence and nurture cycles of cruelty from a young age. The socially reprehensible killings, such as that of the young doctor, are symptoms of a deeper issue that burdens the conscience of sensible individuals. Despite its various manifestations across the country, this dehumanizing social disease remains impervious to laws alone, no matter how robust. One of post-independence Indias greatest failures has been its inability to foster a society that truly confronts genderbased violence.

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We have fallen short in educating the public, mobilizing political will, and allocating resources to address these societal threats. At the community and family levels, we often overlook the severe consequen ces of children gro w ing up in environments marred by dishonesty, conflict, domestic violence, corruption, bias, and cruelty. Such conditions cultivate insensitive, irresponsible, and antisocial behavior. There are other factors at play. To be human is to be conscientious, yet many allow their conscience to awaken or remain dormant depending on the issue. This selective morality undermines the foundation of civilization. Despite having a conscience, we often let it remain muted. Why and how? Let me explain. In times of crisis, opposition parties seize the opportunity

to criticize the government, question law and order, and rally public support. Yet, when these parties were in power, their actions were hardly different, and upon regaining power, they are likely to follow the same path, given the countrys political history. The objective across the political spectrum remains to defend the government at all costs rather than take moral responsibility. Even more disheartening is the role of some intellectuals, celebrities, and politicians who, despite their prominence, often fail to address such atrocities with the needed urgency and clarity.

When they do speak out, their responses are typically superficial or tepid, driven more by pressure than genuine concern. This is troubling given their significant influence over public opinion. As Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, Silence is betrayal, yet many of these influential figures choose or try hard to remain silent, driven by motivations that are all too familiar. In a transactional world, the special treatment and privileges afforded to intellectuals, achievers, and politicians by governments often suppress their dissent against ruling establishments. Positions of power, political favors, and lucrative awards become irresistible, effectively buying their silence. Despite these ominous signs, we continue to elevate them to higher pedestals.

Imagine if these prominent individuals genuinely joined street protests or unequivocally condemned atrocities like those suffered by Abhaya. While their participation alone might not eradicate such violence, it could significantly galvanize the nation toward meaningful change. In West Bengal, as elsewhere in India, there is a stark disconnect between the peoples pleas and the political will of the government regarding cases like those of the young medical professional. It is time for us to heed the urgent call of our conscience, regardless of social standing.

The choices we make today will determine whether we emerge stronger or succumb to the forces threatening our future. As protests gain momentum, the call to action grows louder. The youth on the streets embody the hopes for a better future, and it is for their generation and beyond that we must direct our focus. These young citizens, the torchbearers, demand more than basic norms and rights; they yearn for good governance. Those en trusted with public responsibility must recognize that failing to honour that trust forfeits their moral right to hold positions of authority.

For meaningful change to occur, India must confront and dismantle the deeply entrenched patriarchy, discrimination, and inequality that pervade our ho mes, families, cultural practices, social norms, and religious traditions. Only by addressing these systemic issues can we build a society capable of preventing atrocities like the one suffered by the young doctor. Demanding such fairness is no longer merely a societal ob jective; it is an imperative in an era where civility, equality, and justice are under severe threa

In conclusion, let me quote a stanza from Rashmi Trivedis poem My Dying Conscience:

When I hear about a rape or a murder of a child,

I feel sad, yet a little thankful that its not my child

I cannot look at myself in the mirror It dies a little

(The writer, a former DGM, India International Centre, Delhi, and former GM, International Centre Goa, is the author of Whispers of an Ordinary Journey)
Questions are being raised about the screening procedures and performance of Pakistans 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 countrys 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.

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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.
The US has imposed sanctions on three Chinese and one Pakistani company, as well as a Chinese citizen, for helping Pakistans 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 Pakistans 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.

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China-based Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Company, Universal Enterprise Ltd, and Xian 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 MTCRs 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.
US President Joe Biden is set to host the fourth in-person Quad leaders summit in Delaware on September 21 and is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as other leaders, the White House said on Thursday (local time).

The summit will focus on bolstering strategic convergence among our countries, advancing a shared vision of free and open Indo-Pacific region.

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday, September 21. 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, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

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 statement added.

It is pertinent to note that in recent years, Quad Foreign Ministers have met eight times, and Quad governments continue to meet and coordinate at all levels.

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, Jean-Pierre said.

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Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countriesAustralia, India, Japan, and the United States.

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 statement read.

These include health security, natural disaster response, maritime security, high-quality infrastructure, critical and emerging technology, climate and clean energy, and cybersecurity, it added.

The next Quad Summit will be hosted by India.
YANGON, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Floods triggered by a storm in Myanmar have killed 33 people and displaced over 230,000 people in recent days, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Army) True News Information Team reported on Friday.

The report said that a total of 34 townships across the country, including Nay Pyi Taw, have been affected by the flooding, with 236,649 people from 59,413 households displaced.

A total of 187 flood shelters have been set up for the victims, according to the report.

Myanmar State Administration Council Chairman Min Aung Hlaing has also been overseeing rescue efforts, it added. 
Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) environment ministers or their representatives pose for group photos during the opening ceremony of the sixth GMS Environment Ministers' Meeting in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, Sept. 13, 2024. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Environment Ministers or their representatives on Friday endorsed two important documents to address pressing environmental challenges, said a joint ministerial statement.

The 2030 Strategic Framework for Accelerating Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability in the GMS, and the Phnom Penh Joint Statement on Plastic Pollution Control were endorsed during the sixth GMS Environment Ministers' Meeting held in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia.

"The strategic framework facilitates knowledge exchange, policy harmonization, and coordinated implementation of GMS-wide initiatives on climate and disaster resilience, greenhouse gas mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and environmental sustainability," the statement said.

New initiatives will be developed to support the implementation of the strategic framework, it said, adding that these include an Asian Development Bank (ADB) technical assistance project and an investment pipeline that focuses on enhancing climate and disaster resilience, supporting a just and inclusive low-carbon transition, developing circular green economy, and promoting nature-based solutions.

For the joint statement on plastic pollution control, the statement said the escalating crisis of plastic pollution has impacted communities, economies, and ecosystems.

"The joint statement emphasizes key actions to reduce plastic waste and pollution, including encouraging the circular economy, developing sustainable alternatives to plastics, and raising environmental education and awareness among our citizens," the statement said.

Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth said the two documents were a reflection of GMS countries' joint commitment toward a greener, more sustainable future and provided clear roadmaps for regional cooperation in the coming years.

"These documents reflect our shared commitment to addressing key environmental challenges, from climate change to plastic pollution, and will guide our sub-regional cooperation," he said.

"By endorsing them, we strengthen our partnership and take meaningful steps toward a sustainable and resilient future for the Greater Mekong Subregion," Sophalleth added.

The six GMS countries include Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

According to the statement, the GMS environment ministers were acutely aware of the significant threats posed by climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable resource use, saying that these challenges demand urgent, coordinated action to ensure a sustainable future for the people and planet.

They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to accelerating climate action and promoting environmental sustainability.

"Through continued cooperation, innovation, and determination, we will work together to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for the Greater Mekong Subregion," the statement said. 

Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth (at the podium) speaks during the opening ceremony of the sixth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Environment Ministers' Meeting in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, Sept. 13, 2024. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)
After US short seller Hindenburg Research claimed that Swiss authorities have frozen more than $310 million in six Swiss bank accounts over a money laundering probe into Adani Group, the conglomerate dismissed that allegations as 'baseless'.

Hindenburg Research cited Swiss media outlet Gotham City while making the claims on X. It said the probe dates back as early as 2021. Hindenburg alleged that an order from the Federal Criminal Court (FCC) revealed that the Geneva Public Prosecutor's office was probing the Adani Group "well before activist investors from Hindenburg Research made its first accusations." It claimed that the probe was later transferred to the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) when the case was made public.

However, the Gautam Adani-led group unequivocally dismissed the "clearly preposterous, irrational and absurd" allegations, saying it has "no involvement" in any Swiss legal proceedings and none of its company accounts were sequestered by any authority.

Adani Group said the Swiss court has not mentioned its group companies. It added that no authority or regulatory body sought clarification from the group regarding these allegations.

The conglomerate claimed that its overseas holding structure is "transparent, fully disclosed and compliant" with relevant laws.

Adani Group concluded its statement, saying that the fresh allegations are yet another "orchestrated and egregious" attempt by some cohorts acting in unison to inflict irreversible damage on its reputation and market value.

Hindenburg made its first allegations against the Adani Group in January 2023, accusing the conglomerate of stock market manipulation and financial misconduct. However, the group has denied all the allegations raised by the New York-based firm.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has seen significant economic diversification, with non-oil sectors accounting for 84 per cent of the GDP. Oil and gas which contributed around 40 percent of GDP in 2003, accounted for just 15.3 percent of GDP in 2023.



Sectors such as financial services and manufacturing are the major contributors with 16.7 per cent and 14.9 per cent of the GDP respectively. This is seen as a strong economic diversification by an oil-based economy.



Bahrain recently saw an investment commitment of $16.65 million from Indian companies.



H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, minister of sustainable development, chief Executive of the Bahrain economic development board (Bahrain EDB), said talks are on with an Indian healthcare company to secure a projected investment of over $50 million.



She said there have been significant investments from Indian companies and Indias FDI stock in Bahrain has grown by 36.6 per cent between 2019 and 2023, adding an average of $102 million annually, with total FDI stock reaching $1.52 billion in 2023.



She further said Bahrain is on the verge of getting a commitment from a Chennai-based advanced electronic manufacturing firm. Besides, Taj Group is also setting up two properties in the kingdom.



Meanwhile, Chemco is gearing up for its third expansion in Bahrain since it first announced its plans to set up its factory in Bahrain in 2013, aiming to boost its rigid packaging production capacity at Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP), incorporating fully automated production lines to meet the growing demand in Bahrains Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.



Bhageria Industries is also investing in Bahrain with plans to develop an 11.40 MW solar project. It has been awarded a 10-year turnkey contract by APM Terminals Bahrain, operator of Khalifa bin Salman Port.



Bhageria was first established in 1989 as a manufacturer of dyes and dye intermediates and has since then diversified into solar power generation and Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts. The Bahrain project marks Bhagerias first international solar venture.



The economic and commercial ties between India and Bahrain trace back 5,000 years to the Dilmun and Indus Valley civilizations. This cumulative investment by Indian companies reflects the strength and competitiveness of Bahrains value-proposition and fast-growing reputation as a key regional hub for leading manufacturing and niche technology firms seeking a trusted international destination for expansion, remarked Alkhulaif.



During the interaction with Alkhulaif, it was highlighted that 3,50,000 Indian nationals (around 25 per cent of Bahrain's population) were living in Bahrain and formed the largest expatriate community amongst other nationalities. Bahrain was also home to the first 200-year-old Hindu temple in the region and there were Sikh, Hindu, Bahai and Buddhist places of worship and facilities in the Kingdom.



The minister mentioned that investing companies could leverage Bahrains talent pipeline with 54,000 students enrolled in Bahrains Universities with 20,000 students enrolled in STEM Majors (38 per cent of all enrollments) and 5,000 students enrolled in IT programmes. Bahrain was also the first in terms of tech skills among the Arab countries.



Prominent Indian companies such as ICICI Bank, LIC, SBI, Tech Mahindra, TCS, Parle, Lu Lu besides many others have a major presence in the kingdom. SBI has three retail branches with a 20,000-plus retail customer base in the country while Parle the biscuit and confectionery firm has a manufacturing facility and has created 130 jobs in the Kingdom.



The Bahrain EDB is an investment promotion agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom of Bahrain and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate. Bahrain EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors to ensure that Bahrain's investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment.

Bahrain EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain's competitive advantages and provide significant investment opportunities. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, logistics, ICT and tourism.
Equity benchmark indices declined in early trade on Friday after the previous session's record rally on the emergence of profit-taking amid weak trends from Asian peers.

The 30-share BSE Sensex dived 200.03 points to 82,762.68 after beginning the trade on a positive note. The NSE Nifty dropped 67.5 points to 25,321.40.

Among the 30 Sensex firms, Asian Paints, Mahindra & Mahindra, ITC, Hindustan Unilever, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, Infosys and Bajaj Finance were the biggest laggards. Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Tata Motors and Power Grid were among the gainers.

In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo and Shanghai were trading lower while Hong Kong quoted in the positive territory. The US markets ended with gains on Thursday.

A sharp fag-end rally on Thursday drove the BSE benchmark to the 83,000 level for the first time. The barometer surged 1,593.03 points or 1.95 per cent to hit its lifetime intra-day peak of 83,116.19. The index ended at a record high of 82,962.71, up by 1,439.55 points or 1.77 per cent.

The NSE Nifty surged 470.45 points or 1.89 per cent to settle at a record closing high of 25,388.90. The benchmark hit its fresh all-time intra-day high of 25,433.35, a jump of 514.9 points or 2 per cent.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 7,695 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.40 per cent to 72.26 a barrel.
India and China agreed to work with "urgency" and "redouble" their efforts to achieve total disengagement in the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh.

The announcement by the ministry of external affairs came after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks on the sidelines of a meeting in St Petersburg of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) high-ranking officials responsible for security matters.



Doval conveyed to Wang that peace and tranquility in border areas and respect for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are important for the return of normalcy in bilateral ties.



ALSO READ: China's tough talk: Military official wows to 'crush' foreign incursion on its territory

The militaries of India and China have been locked in a standoff since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved even as the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points in Ladakh.

The ties between the two countries were adversely impacted following the clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades. India and China have so far held 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the standoff.



Doval and Yi discussed the progress made in the recent consultations on border issues, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a press release.

The two sides have also agreed to work together to create conditions for the improvement of bilateral relations.



READ MORE: China now claims to possess the most powerful radar in the world. Can it help China's armed forces?

Doval and Yi expressed the belief that the stability of the China-India ties is in the fundamental and long-term interests of the people of both countries and is conducive to regional peace and development.



The Chinese foreign ministry said India and China agreed to implement the consensus reached by the heads of the two countries, enhance mutual understanding and trust, maintain continuous communication, and create conditions for boosting bilateral ties.


At least seven people lost their lives after two trucks and a Bengaluru-bound APSRTC bus collided in Andhra Pradesh's Mogali Ghat road. As many as 30 others have been injured in the incident and have been rushed to various hospitals in Chittoor district, reports said.

The ill-fated APSRTC bus was en route to Bengaluru from Tirupati, Times Now said in a report.

After a head-on collision with the first lorry, the bus was struck from the rear by a second, The Hindu said in a report. The passengers of the bus from Alipiri depot of Tirupati were pilgrims returning to Bengaluru after visiting the Tirumala temple, the report added.

Chittoor Collector Sumit Kumar reportedly said that the Andhra Pradesh state government has announced a relief of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the victims.

Responding to the accident, CMO Andhra Pradesh tweeted, "Chief Minister Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu has expressed deep grief over the death of seven people in a road accident at Mogali Ghat in Chittoor district. He asked the officials about the medical aid to the injured and ordered to provide better treatment. Deepest condolences to the families of the deceased."

This is a developing story.
In a significant political development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail on Friday by the Supreme Court in the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy case. The release of the AAP supremo, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, has come as a huge respite to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), ahead of assembly elections in Haryana and Delhi.

Reminiscent of the observations made during the release of former deputy chief minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan observed that the continued incarceration of Kejriwal would infringe upon his right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the constitution.

ALSO READ | Didn't arrest Kejriwal for over 22 months; belated arrest unjustified: Justice Bhuyan questions CBIs actions in liquor policy case

#WATCH | Delhi: AAP workers and leaders including Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, former Dy CM Manish Sisodia, MP Sanjay Singh celebrate outside Tihar Jail



CM Arvind Kejriwal will be released from Tihar jail today after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi excise policy case pic.twitter.com/Eq4WdyYtD3  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

Justice Kant barred Kejriwal from visiting the office of the chief minister and the Delhi Secretariat or signing official files. These two conditions were adopted from the July 12 order of the apex court while granting him bail in the same case being investigated by the ED. Kejriwal had filed two petitions, one challenging the denial of bail and another against the upholding of his arrest by the CBI in the case.

Soon after the news of his release spread, the AAP workers gathered to celebrate outside the Tihar jail, from where the chief minister is expected to walk out on Friday night.

Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwals wife who campaigned in his place during the Lok Sabha elections, said that Bharatiya Janta Party's plans have washed away.

ALSO READ | Why was Haryana Congress opposed to alliance with AAP?

Sisodia who himself was released on bail a month ago after facing incarceration for over 17 months in the same case, welcomed the judgement and said that the Supreme Court has given an assurance that if someone is a dictator or misusing the agencies, then the Constitution of India is there to protect.

Calling it an emotional day, Sisodia said, Our brother, son, politician and guru Arvind Kejriwal is coming out of jail despite the BJPs conspiracies. The unscrupulous plans and conspiracies hatched by the BJP to break the AAP will go in vain. Sisodia also called the investigating agencies caged parrot referring to the top courts remarks.

Sisodia said that the love of the people, blessings of Lord Ram and Hanuman and the shield of the constitution have protected Kejriwal and no harm can be done as long as these three things are with him.

AAP senior leader Sanjay Singh also launched a scathing attack on the BJP and said the AAP will defeat the BJP badly in the upcoming assembly polls. Kejriwals release will strengthen and boost the election campaign in Haryana and Delhi, Singh added.

ALSO READ | AAP announces names of 19 candidates in sixth list for Haryana Assembly polls

Kejriwal's release from Tihar jail is expected to enliven the AAPs campaign for the Haryana elections scheduled on October 1. The focus will now be on Kejriwal, who is the AAPs lead campaigner. During his brief bail of 21 days before the general elections, Kejriwal had stirred the political landscape with his speeches by raising questions on the possibility of Narendra Modi running a third term as the Prime Minister because of the age bar put in place by the BJP.

Targeting the dictatorial central government was the central plank of his campaigns. However, the AAPs strategy did not yield the expected results in the Lok Sabha elections as the party lost all 7 seats in Delhi despite being in alliance with the Congress. Mindful of the defeat, it would be interesting to see what turn Kejriwals speeches would take this time.

While Kejriwal would surely begin to campaign in poll-bound Haryana where the 10-year-old party is running solo on all 90 seats after their efforts to stitch an alliance with the Congress failed, his release is particularly important for Delhi, which is also scheduled to vote in less than six months.

The AAP has been in power in Delhi since 2015 and the national capital is the partys stronghold and original bastion. While the AAPs chances in Haryana are slim, Kejriwals release is essential to ensure the party does not lose Delhi, said a party leader.

With the culmination of the AAPs recent campaign theme - Manish ji aa gaye hain, Kejriwal bhi ayenge - how the party takes it from here would be riveting to see in days to come.
The two-member Supreme Court bench which granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had opposing views about CBIs actions in the liquor policy case. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan called the arrest unjustified and observed the central agency became active only when he was about to be released from Tihar prison after getting bail in a connected case by ED.



Hearing Arvind Kejriwals pleas challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation in liquor policy case and his bail petition, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan concurred on the question on bail and ordered his release from Tihar prison. While Justice Kant observed CBIs arrest cannot be termed illegal, Justice Bhuyan questioned timing of the CBIs arrest and its reasoning.

In his judgment, Justice Bhuyan observed, CBI's appearance raises more questions than it answers. It appears only after trial court granted regular bail to Kejriwal in the ED case, that CBI became active and sought custody. It didn't feel need to arrest for over 22 months. Such action raises serious questions on arrest itself, Live Law reported.

Justice Bhuyan said he fails to understand CBIs urgency to arrest Kejriwal while he was about to get released from prison after getting bail in a connected ED case. He also observed the grounds for CBIs arrest was not justified. As far as grounds of arrest are concerned, these would not satisfy necessity of arrest. CBI can't justify arrest and continue detention citing evasive replies. Accused can't be compelled to make inculpatory statement, Live Law reported quoting Justice Kant.

Justice Bhuyan also had opposing views on conditions imposed on the Delhi CM regarding his visit to the office and carrying out official duties. However, he did not pronounce them in the verdict.

CBI is a premier investigating agency. It's in public interest that CBI must be seen to be above. Effort must be made to remove the perception that investigation not carried out fairly. Perception matters, Bhuyan observed.

The ED arrested Arvind Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with alleged scam in the scrapped Delhi liquor policy. The CBI arrested him from Tihar prison on June 26 in a prevention of corruption case registered in connection with the alleged scam.

The matter relates to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which has now been scrapped.

The apex court granted bail to Kejriwal in EDs case on July 12, observing the AAP leader has been in prison for 90 days. However, he had to remain in prison as he was serving remand in CBIs case. The Supreme Court had also granted interim bail to Kejriwal during the Lok Sabha polls for campaigning.
In a suspected case of gang war, a 35-year-old gym owner was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants in the posh neighbourhood of south Delhi's Greater Kailash area last night, officials on Friday said.



The Delhi Police Special Cell on Friday detained six people in connection with the case as jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's gang members are suspected to be involved in the murder. The police have also suspected the involvement of gangsters from northeast Delhi, sources said.

The victim identified as Nadir Shah, who was facing previous criminal cases, including robberies and attempt to murder, used to run a gym in partnership at Greater Kailash Part 1. Shah received three to four bullet in a firing done by a person. He was talking to someone outside his Sharx Gym when he was shot with multiple bullets at about 10.44pm, police said.

A CCTV of the incident surfaced on the social media in which Shah could be seen talking with a person when one of the attackers walked towards him and opened a spree of firing in a close range. The attacker fled away, as police suspect, on a motorbike on which his associate was waiting for him.

Minutes after the incident, a purported social media post from an account in the name of gangster Rohit Godara took the responsibility of Shah's shooting. The post stated that "shooting has been instructed by a jailed criminal Sameer Baba because Shah was troubling in their business. Whoever will support our rival and trouble us will be shot like this".

The post also mentioned the names of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's associates "Rohit Godara, Goly Brar, Gogi gang and Kala Rana gang".

Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Ankit Chauhan said that information was received regarding firing at GK 1, adding one person was injured and taken to the Max Hospital. The police personnel on reaching the spot found some bullet projectiles and empty cartridges.

On enquiry, it was found that Nadir Shah, a resident of CR Park, had suffered bullet injuries, police said. "The attackers came on a two-wheeler, fired on him and ran away. He was immediately rushed to the hospital by his friends but was declared brought dead," Chauhan said, adding he had received around five bullets. The investigations are on from all possible angles, he added.

The police suspect a case of rivalry but did not rule out the possibility of a gang war.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the UAE-China Business Forum in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

More UAE companies are welcome to invest in China, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said, expressing belief that with the joint efforts of entrepreneurs from both countries, bilateral economic and trade cooperation will continue to thrive.

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. 
Amidst undying resentment against the West Bengal government over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Trinamool Congress MP Derek OBrien questioned delay by CBI in the cases probe.



Derek questioned why hasnt the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a charge-sheet in the case yet. How long will the RG Kar victims family have to wait for justice? Supreme C (Court) is monitoring the case; CBI has the accused & all the evidence. Why is it not filing a charge-sheet & starting trial? he asked.

The parliamentarian urged swift justice must be ensured for the victim in the case and questioned delay in beginning the trial. We all want swift justice. Why is CBI delaying the trial? We need answers, he said in a post on X.

Dereks comments comes as the Kolkata government is figuring out ways to convince protesting junior doctors to resume work. In a dramatic statement on Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was ready to resign in the larger interest of the people. Mamata offered to resign after a delegation of junior doctors refused to attend a meeting called by her over difference of opinion on live-streaming the entire proceedings.

Ever since the CBI took over RG Kar rape-murder case probe, the Trinamool Congress have been protesting demanding speedy trial and death penalty for accused in the case.

Junior doctors have been protesting across West Bengal for close to a month following the rape and murder of the trainee doctor. The 31-year-old junior doctor was raped and murdered while on duty and her body was discovered at the seminar hall on the third floor of the hospital on August 9. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the hospital was arrested the following day.
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the CBIs case registered in connection with the alleged scam in Delhi liquor policy. With bail already granted in Enforcement Directorates case, Kejriwal is all set to walk out of Tihar prison soon.



A bench led by Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan granted bail to the Aam Aadmi Party leader in the prevention of corruption case by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Justice Kant observed CBIs arrest was not illegal, however, bail is being granted considering completion of trial unlikely to occur in the immediate future, Live Law reported.

However, Justice Bhuyan had a different view on CBIs arrest and said the central agencys actions raises questions about the arrest. Efforts must be made to remove the perception that investigation not carried out fairly, Live Law reported quoting Justice Bhuyan.

The ED arrested Arvind Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with alleged scam in the scrapped Delhi liquor policy. The CBI arrested him from Tihar prison on June 26 in a prevention of corruption case registered in connection with the alleged scam.

The matter relates to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which has now been scrapped.

The apex court granted bail to Kejriwal in EDs case on July 12, observing the AAP leader has been in prison for 90 days. However, he had to remain in prison as he was serving remand in CBIs case. The Supreme Court had also granted interim bail to Kejriwal during the Lok Sabha polls for campaigning.
The Madhya Pradesh Police have arrested three out of six men for the rape of a woman and attacking Army officers accompanying her at Jam Gate on the intervening night of September 10 and 11.



The gang attacked the two army men, undergoing the Young Officers course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town, and their female friends, at an isolated place. The four-member group had gone out for a picnic when the armed men surrounded them, police said.

The women and the army officers reached Jam Gate around 11:00 pm. Loud music blared from their vehicle, garnering unwanted attention. The accused reached the vehicle following the music around 2:00 am, the police said. While one of the men had a pistol, the others were armed with sticks.

They held one of the couples hostage and told the other two to come back with Rs 10 lakh as ransom for their friends' release. However, they had to flee the spot as the police were alerted about the development. They fled the spot after seeing the headlight of the police vehicle.

The woman, allegedly raped by the accused, was in a state of shock and was not ready to record her statement at the moment.

Darkness aided crime at Jam Gate

The group had visited the popular tourist spot, which is situated around 30 km from the Mhow military cantonment. Located on the Vindhyachal ranges, Jam Gate is surrounded by forests. Although thronged by visitors in day hours, the area is largely deserted at night. This gave the gang an advantage to commit the crime.

A bounty of of Rs 10,000 has also been announced for information the three absconding accused.

A case was 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.
After the Supreme Court granted bail in the excise policy case, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stepped out of Tihar jail on Friday. While addressing the AAP workers and leaders outside the jail, Kejriwal said they put me in jail to break my morale, but it is higher than ever now.

#WATCH | Delhi CM and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal released from Tihar Jail



The Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi excise policy case today pic.twitter.com/xacY3zo9fO  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

"Prisons cannot break meMy morale has been boosted 100 times. My strength has increased 100 times, he said.

#WATCH | Delhi CM and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal greets party workers and leaders outside Tihar Jail in Delhi



The Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi excise policy case today pic.twitter.com/Ydwlmu6CLN  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

Every drop of my blood dedicated to the nation...even when faced with so many difficulties God has always been with me, said Kejriwal.

#WATCH | After being released from Tihar Jail, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "I have faced many difficulties in my life but God has supported me at every step. This time too God supported me because I was honest, right..." pic.twitter.com/JHwpxY0B8V  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024 #WATCH | After being released from Tihar Jail, Delhi CM and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal says, "Today I want to say that I have come out of jail and my courage has increased 100 times...The walls of their jail cannot weaken the courage of Kejriwal...I will pray to god to pic.twitter.com/AXfgtAYH81  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

Hundreds of AAP workers and senior party leaders including Punjab Chief Bhagwant Mann and former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia gathered outside the prison to welcome Kejriwal.

#WATCH | Firecrackers being burst by AAP workers outside the Tihar jail after Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was released from Tihar jail



The Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi excise policy case today pic.twitter.com/3iPBR93BiS  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

The AAP supremo thanked all those who had arrived to welcome him braving the rain.

"Will continue fighting anti-national forces working to weaken our country," he said.

Kejriwal left the jail premises in a car along with his security convoy.

The AAP chief was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on June 26. He has challenged in the apex court the Delhi High Court's August 5 order that upheld his arrest in the corruption case.

The apex court granted Kejriwal interim bail in the money-laundering case on July 12.

Laying down the conditions of his bail, the court said the chief minister cannot go to his office or Delhi secretariat or sign official files.

Kejriwal's release from jail, ahead of the upcoming Haryana and Delhi elections, is set to boost the AAP's prospects. The Haryana polls are scheduled for October 1.
Protesting junior doctors in West Bengal have written to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking their intervention in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital impasse. The four-page letter highlighted the key demands and issues faced by the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health Department.

Copies of the four-page letter were also sent to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda.

The agitating doctors wrote, "Our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension."

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Junior doctors start clinical camp named 'Abhaya Clinic' at Swasthya Bhawan amid protests over RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder incident. pic.twitter.com/p2p2Dmv9Aa  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

"Your intervention in these trying times will act as a beacon of light to us all, showing us the way ahead out of the darkness that surrounds us," it read.

The junior doctors also wrote in the letter that the "institutional threats, violence and vandalism," have been on the rise.

#WATCH | Kolkata | Junior doctors continue to protest against rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in front of Swasthya Bhawan pic.twitter.com/vi7U9tY2XI  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

The doctors had written the letter after the talks with the West Bengal government failed on the third day. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee offered to resign amid the intensifying protests.

On Thursday, the West Bengal government invited the protesting doctors for talks again but they did not attend despite reaching the venue as they demanded a live telecast of the meeting which the government turned down.

The doctors have been protesting since a junior doctor was raped and murdered in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

Around 30 medics, representing 26 medical colleges participating in the stir, had visited Nabanna for the meeting. The protesting doctors said they required transparency from the government and the only way it seemed to do so was through live-streaming.

It is sad and unfortunate that we have lost 29 precious lives due to disruption in health services because of long drawn cease work by junior doctors.



In order to extend a helping hand to the bereaved families, State Government announces a token financial relief of Rs. 2 lakh  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) September 13, 2024

CBI moves court to conduct narco test on Sanjay Roy

The central probe agency has appealed to the city-based Sealdah court seeking permission to conduct the naco test on Sanjay Roy, who was arrested in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

However, the court refused CBIs plea to conduct the test.

The CBI has already conducted a polygraph test on Roy inside the Presidency Correctional Home.

The CBI took over the case from the Kolkata Police upon directions of the Calcutta High Court.

Protests continue outside 'Swathya Bhavan

Junior doctors continued their 'cease work' and sit-in demonstration outside the West Bengal Health Department headquarters for the third consecutive day on Friday.

The agitating doctors said their demonstration will continue outside the state health department headquarters, until their key demands are met, including the suspension of Police Commissioner, Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and Director of Medical Education.

"We will continue our agitation despite wanting to resume our work, but not until our demands are met," members of the protesting doctors' forum said.

The state government and the CM have repeatedly urged the doctors to resume work. Even the Supreme Court directed the agitating doctors to end the cease work strike.

Though Thursday's talks failed to take place, the protesting doctors maintained that they still desire a meeting, but only in a completely transparent manner.
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K. Annamalai has issued an apology after a video of a private conversation between Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and a renowned restaurateur Srinivasan, owner of Annapoorna Hotels in Coimbatore, went viral on social media.



Annamalai said he spoke with Srinivasan and urged everyone to lay the matter to rest. However, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu and Congress came down heavily on the finance minister and Centre for humiliating small business owners.

Well known Restaurant Annapurna Owner Srinivasan made to apologize after asking questions on GST in an interaction session with Nirmala Sitaraman.



Modi & Gang has become arrogant & unquestionable. They should be chased away from our South India. pic.twitter.com/qICb1RAE9E  Hyderabad Intellectuals Forum  (@HydForum) September 13, 2024

Annamalai tweeted, On behalf of @BJP4TamilNadu, I sincerely apologise for the actions of our functionaries who shared a private conversation between a respected business owner and our Hon. FM. I spoke with Thiru Srinivasan Avl, the esteemed owner of the Annapoorna chain of Restaurants, to express regret for this unintended breach of privacy. Annamalai called Srinivasan a pillar of Tamil Nadus business community, contributing significantly to the states and nations economic growth.

On behalf of @BJP4TamilNadu, I sincerely apologise for the actions of our functionaries who shared a private conversation between a respected business owner and our Hon. FM.



I spoke with Thiru Srinivasan Avl, the esteemed owner of the Annapoorna chain of Restaurants, to express  K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) September 13, 2024

During a recent interaction with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Srinivasan, owner of the popular restaurant chain Annapoorna, also the honorary president of Tamil Nadu Hotels Association, raised humorously the issues faced by hoteliers due to varying GST for food items. The video went viral on social media and it reportedly irked the union minister.

Srinivasan jokingly said while bun is exempted from GST, 18% GST is imposed on cream. Customers tell us you give us bun and cream separately, we will handle it, he said. Srinivasan said due to varying GST on savouries and sweets, even the computer is finding it difficult to compute.

#Annapoorna Group Chairman Srinivasan was Allegedly forced to Apologise to FM Nirmala Sitharaman During a public meeting in Coimbatore, he questioned her about GST complexities.



If the Modi govt is questioned on taxes, will Mahaprabhu be embarrassed?pic.twitter.com/dPnXj7IlNW  Goudrusarkar -  (@Gs_0107) September 13, 2024

However, Srinivasans humourous take didnt go down well with the union minister. Srinivasan met with Nirmala Sitharaman in private later, in presence of BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan and apologised. He also told the minister that was not a member of any political party. A video of this private conversation was allegedly shot by a few BJP functionaries present there and was released on social media.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said small business owners are humiliated. When the owner of a small business, like Annapoorna restaurant in Coimbatore, asks our public servants for a simplified GST regime, his request is met with arrogance and outright disrespect. Yet, when a billionaire friend seeks to bend the rules, change the laws, or acquire national assets, Modi Ji rolls out the red carpet, he tweeted.

The opposition leader said the last thing small business owners deserve is further humiliation. When the fragile egos of those in power are hurt, it seems humiliation is exactly what theyll deliver, he charged. MSMEs have been asking for relief for years. If this arrogant government would listen to the people they would understand that a simplified GST with a single tax rate would solve the problems of lakhs of businesses, Gandhi added.

The DMK also called out BJP for humiliating a business owner. DMK MP Kanimozhi in a tweet asked union ministers and the union regime to not hurt the self-esteem of Tamils.
The Supreme Court will on Friday deliver its verdict on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail petitions challenging his arrest in the liquor policy case by the CBI.

A bench headed by Justice Surya Kant will pronounce the verdict at 10.30 am. Justice Ujjal Bhyan is also part of the bench.

The AAP national convener had filed two pleas appealing against the bail rejection as well as his arrest by the CBI.

AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said the party is "hopeful" that Kejriwal will get bail. "We are very hopeful. We are waiting for tomorrow (Friday)," Chadha said on Thursday, urging voters to choose AAP in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections on October 5.

Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 26. Earlier ED had registered a money laundering case against the AAP supremo in the excise policy case and arrested him on March 21.

The Delhi High Court had allowed Kejriwal to move a trial court with his bail plea. On September 5, the CBI argued before the Supreme Court bench that the Delhi CM should have sought the bail from the trial court first before moving the Supreme Court.

On Thursday, a Delhi court granted bail to "middleman" Vinod Chauhan in a money-laundering case linked to the liquor policy case. He was accused of transferring cash collected from alleged kickbacks given by the "South Group" to the AAP for the Goa elections.
In a devastating accident, a freight train crashed into a military vehicle in Goose Creek, South Carolina causing immense damage to the artillery vehicle. According to officials, the incident happened on Thursday afternoon.

The crash happened when a lowboy trailer carrying a US Army M109 Paladin Howitzer got stuck on the tracks.

A CSX freight train collided with a semi-truck carrying a military tank in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Video captured the moment when the 18-wheeler, transporting an M109 Paladin Howitzer tank, got stuck on the tracks. The oncoming train crashed into the truck. pic.twitter.com/d3pcywm6Vl  US-Crimes (@OfficialUScrime) September 13, 2024

The Goose Creek Police Department confirmed that the military vehicle on the trailer was an M109 Paladin Howitzer and not a tank.

The footage of the incident caught on car dash cams and captured by the people revealed that the 18-wheeler truck got stuck on the railway crossing.

The driver of the trailer attempted several times to keep the vehicle moving but it got stuck on the track...It was a devastating sight for me and my son but were okay, said a witness.

No injuries were reported in the incident. The local authorities and CSX had launched an investigation into the incident. A driver was seen running after the collision happened, but he refused any treatment.

The train that had collided with the military vehicle had eventually stopped.

Portions of the road were closed for an extended time due to extensive damage to the intersection from the train crash. Liberty Hall and Red Bank Road were blocked for several hours due to the extensive damage.

It took several hours for the authorities to remove the vehicle. The traffic came to a standstill. We were stuck for over three hours due to the accident, said another witness.
On August 29, Donald Trump was on NBC News giving an interview and the issue of abortion came up. He was asked about the Florida ballot initiative that would overturn the controversial and unpopular six-week abortion ban imposed by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Republican legislature last year in the state. If passed, the ballot measure would override the existing ban and make abortion rights a part of Floridas state constitution. Trump said he would support the ballot initiative. I am going to be voting that we need more than six weeks, he said, indicating that he has changed his position on abortion yet again and was open to allowing it until the time of foetal viability.

Interestingly, speaking two days later at a campaign stop in Potterville, Michigan, a key battleground state, Trump also pledged to make in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment free for all women, in an apparent bid to appeal to a wide swathe of women voters by presenting himself as a defender of reproductive rights. As President, he said he would require the government or insurance companies to cover all costs for IVF. We want more babies, to put it very nicely, said Trump.

The pushback was almost instantaneous. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, an NGO that seeks to ban abortion, said Trumps new statements had completely undermined his position in the elections. Albert Mohler, who heads the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, wrote on X, Trump now appears determined to undermine his pro-life supporters. His criticism of Florida abortion restrictions & his call for government funding of IVF & his recent statement about 'reproductive rights' seem almost calculated to alienate pro-life voters. Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life in America, too, weighed in, saying Trump did not want to be pro-life any more. Pro-lifers are being screwed.

Trump quickly backed down. Alarmed by the stinging criticism from his core base, he made a U-turn, saying he supported the six-week abortion ban in Florida and that he would vote no on the ballot measure, calling it radical. He also falsely claimed that the measure would allow abortion in the ninth month.

Coming from Trump, the flip-flops are not surprising. He has been doing it for a long time. In a 1999 NBC interview, Trump said he was very pro-choice. Twelve years later, addressing a conservative conference, he said he had become pro-life. During the 2016 presidential primaries, his rival Republican candidates raised the contradictions and Trump said his position on abortion had evolved. After winning the nomination in 2016, he told the MSNBC host Chris Matthews that he had turned into a staunch opponent of abortion rights, even hinting at penalties for women who underwent the procedure.

As president, Trump installed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court which led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 judgment that offered legal protection for abortions. And he has always taken credit for it. But as abortion became a key issue in this presidential election cycle, Trump said in March that he would support a 15-week national abortion ban. He contradicted himself almost immediately, saying that only states should have the power to regulate the procedure.

Meanwhile, his vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance said Trump would veto any federal restriction imposed on abortion.

Clearly, Trumps flip-flops have made it very difficult for voters and analysts to ascertain where he stands. It has also made him hugely unpopular among women, especially with the Democrats replacing Joe Biden with Kamala Harris, known for her pro-choice credentials, as their presidential candidate. No wonder a recent CBS News poll shows that among women voters, Harris leads Trump 56 per cent to 44 per cent. Her margin goes further up among women who want abortion to be legal. And the issue is not just limited to women. More than 50 per cent of all voters say abortion would be a key element in determining their choice in November.

Democrats eye Trumps muddled abortion message with glee. The Harris campaign has made it clear that she supports abortion until foetal viability (between 22 to 24 weeks into a pregnancy). Following the Trump flip-flop on the Florida ballot initiative, the Harris campaign launched a 50-stop Reproductive Freedom bus tour, which was planned in advance, on September 3. Incidentally, the tour kicked off from Florida, which Harris strategists said was a happy coincidence for them.

Although Trump is unlikely to lose his adopted home state in November, it has given the Democrats an opportunity to highlight the Republican position on the issue and Trumps continuing U-turns and clear discomfiture in dealing with the emotional topic. Trump has had more positions on reproductive rights than he has had wives, said television personality Ana Navarro, a Republican who supports abortion rights, while stumping for Harris.

The Democratic National Convention held last month in Chicago had featured emotional stories of women who were unable to access reproductive health care while facing pregnancy-related complications because of the restrictions imposed by state laws. The Harris team was also quick to challenge Trumps new-found enthusiasm for IVF coverage by pointing out that the Republican manifesto adopted during the party convention in Milwaukee called upon states to adopt the personhood legislation, which would give 14th Amendment protection to foetal personhood. It would make IVF procedures and hormonal birth control difficult or even illegal.

While Trumps shifting views on abortion is unlikely to help him win over moderate and independent voters, it could alienate the conservative constituency. At the moment, most pro-life leaders in the Trump camp are staying with him as they believe that the alternative would be disastrous for their agenda. Many of them hope that Trumps flip-flops are just election stunts and nothing more. They believe that once elected, he will be the most pro-life president in history. However, a large number of conservative and religious voters could find it hard to stomach such messaging inconsistency and opt to sit this election out. In swing states, it could make a big difference, spoiling Trumps chances. More alarming for Trump is the fact that apart from Florida, ten other states, including the key swing states of Arizona and Nevada, have ballot initiatives on abortion along with the presidential elections.

Up to a quarter of the voters in these swing states say that abortion will be the issue that would most determine their votes in November, tying roughly with immigration as the most highly rated election issue, say surveys by the New York Times and Redfield and Wilton Strategies. Another survey from Quinnipiac University found 55 per cent of voters think Harris was better equipped to tackle the issue, compared with 38 per cent for Trump. It is nearly double the edge that Biden had over Trump when he was the Democratic nominee. Harris has been successful in augmenting her support among a large corss-section of votersyoung, black and Hispanicon the issue, helping her increase the gap with Trump.

After the nullification of Roe v Wade, 14 states have enacted total abortion bans and eight other states have imposed measures more restrictive than the parameters allowed by Roe v Wade. With his multiple choice policy format on the issue, Trump could alienate both moderate voters and his core base, hurting his prospects significantly in November.
When Kamala Harris arrived at the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia for her presidential debate with Donald Trump, she made an unexpected opening gambit. Having never met Trump in the past, she walked up to him, introduced herself and shook his hand, a move no one expected, considering her obvious height disadvantage. Next to Trumps 6ft 3in frame, she indeed looked small. But it was Trump who appeared rattled by his rival's confident manoeuvre. It set the tone for the rest of the evening as Harris took charge and clinically dismantled the former president.



Harris started nervously, as she has not always been the best speaking without a teleprompter. But about 15 minutes into the debate, she found her rhythm and then proceeded to take Trump down. She achieved this largely by employing four tactics: baiting Trump to veer off the topic and rant about himself, make him look inadequate by humiliating him repeatedly, dodging specifics about her own track record (also Bidens) and playing offence on her core strengththe abortion issue.

The best example of the baiting tactic came during the discussion on illegal immigration, one of the biggest concerns for Harris, as a clear majority of voters trust Trump on the issue. After blaming Trump for scuttling a bipartisan border deal, she quipped about Trumps campaign rallies, calling them boring and taunted that people leave them early as they feel bored and exhausted. For added measure, she also slipped in a line or two about Trumps obsession with the fictional killer Hannibal Lecter and on his absurd views like windmills causing cancer. She could hardly hide her glee as Trump took the bait, explaining how great his rallies were. People dont leave my rallies, he said. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

Even when the moderators tried to drive him back to point, Trump could not resist the temptation and insisted that he wanted to speak more about his rallies and himself. And then he turned into internet-meme conspiracies around Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, abducting and eating dogs and cats owned by Americans. Harris gave a bemused half smile, then looked exasperated, and finally gave the look of a concerned niece feeling sad about a senile uncle. Talk about the extreme, she said, but obviously feeling mission accomplished.

The belittling session came next. Harris said many people who were once part of Trumps core team now despised him: his former chief of staff said he had contempt for the constitution, his former national security adviser thought he was dangerous and unfit and his former defence secretary believed that the US would not survive another Trump term. I have talked with military leaders, some of whom were with you, and they say you are a disgrace, said Harris.

On foreign policy, she said world leaders were laughing at Trump. She said if he were president now, Vladimir Putin would now be sitting in Kyiv, and would be eyeing Poland next. She also made a swing state play by referring to the eight lakh Polish Americans in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state. Why dont you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly would you give up for the sake of what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator, said Harris. If Trump became president again, Harris said Putin would eat him for lunch.

Trump tried to respond by saying that world leaders respected him. But the character witness he chose was certainly not the right one. Trump said Hungarian President Viktor Orban, one of the most dictatorial leaders in Europe, was his fan. No wonder, she used that opening to further taunt him for his friendship with autocrats like Putin and North Korean President Kim Jong-un.

Harris also made fun of his business acumen by reminding him that despite getting a $400 million inheritance from his father, he was forced to file for bankruptcy six times. And she even used the catchword from his reality show, Apprentice, against him, Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people.

Of course, her best lines came when she was debating abortion. Trump was all over the place as he struggled to give a coherent answer. He made outlandish claims about Democrats allowing abortion in the ninth month or even after birth. He also took credit for the overturning of Roe v Wade and argued that every legal scholar, every Democrat, every Republican, every liberal and every conservative wanted the issue to be sent back to the states. Harris spoke passionately on the topic, and it established her firmly as the debate winner. She appeared clearly outraged speaking about Jaci Statton, a woman from Oklahoma who was told by the hospital staff that they would not be able to terminate her non-viable pregnancy and she would have to wait in the parking lot till she was crashing because the doctors were worried about the new anti-abortion laws. Trump, on the other hand, was unable or unwilling to answer questions about vetoing a national abortion ban. When the moderators pointed out that his running mate, J.D. Vance, said that Trump would veto such a ban, he said he had not discussed the issue with Vance.

Finally, Harris was careful not to dwell too deeply on policy. She danced around her record and pivoted repeatedly back to Trump most of the time, smartly making the debate a referendum on the former president. On most issues, she eschewed her left-liberal views and moved to the centre, clearly with an eye on the swing state voters. Despite being the incumbent vice president, she presented herself as the change candidate, painting Trump as a relic of the past and asked America to move on. Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, she said. And I am certainly not Donald Trump. What I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country.

In a flash poll conducted by YouGov soon after the debate, 43 per cent of respondents said Harris won it, compared with 28 per cent for Trump. She was exquisitely well prepared, she laid traps, and he chased every rabbit down every hole instead of talking about the things that he should have been talking about. This is the difference between someone who is well prepared and someone who is unprepared, said former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, a Republican who led Trumps 2016 transition team.

However, while it is clear that Harris won the debate, it does not mean that the November election is already decided. As Hillary Clinton and Al Gore would remind you, debate victories do not always result in election wins. Harris, for instance, clearly didnt elaborate on her governing agenda, especially on economy and immigration, and Trump still enjoys a healthy lead over her in these two issues, which clearly dominate the election, along with abortion. She also failed to answer the question whether Americans were better off now than they were four years ago.

Yet, there was only one winner on the debate night and that was clearly Harris. As she landed punch after punch, Trump appeared older than his 78 years. He looked lost and ran out of words and insults. And two days after his disastrous performance, he announced that he would not participate in another debate. Harris and her team hope that her debate win would have convinced enough swing state voters to switch her support for her and carry her across the finishing line on November 5.
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Shitong, assistant minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, led a CPC delegation to visit Cambodia from Sept. 11 to 13 at the invitation of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP).

During the visit, Zhao met with CPP Vice President and Prime Minister Hun Manet, Prak Sokhonn, chairman of the Commission for International Relations of the CPP's Central Committee and first vice president of the Senate, and Minister of Inspection Huot Hak, as well as representatives of the Youth House for Cambodia-China Friendship.

The two sides expressed the need to strengthen strategic communication, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen interparty exchanges, and strengthen youth exchanges under the guidance of the important consensus reached by leaders of the two sides so as to make positive contributions to advancing the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

They also exchanged views on China-Cambodia relations and issues of common interest and concern. 
The company's participation at Salesforce Dreamforce 2024, taking place in San Francisco, CA, on September 17-19, will feature an exclusive AI CoPilot launch, assistance for Salesforce Administrators to master customer engagement and regulatory standards, and high-profile AI roundtable discussions.



PUNE, India and NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SMS Magic, the leading conversational messaging platform, top Salesforce partner, and recipient of the 2021 and 2022 Salesforce APAC ISV Partner of the Year Award, today announces its participation in Dreamforce 2024, the annual Salesforce community event. SMS Magic has chosen the event to unveil its new Messaging AI CoPilot and expanded industry-specific services under its Conversive brand, along with free messaging campaign assessments. The company will also host an advanced AI messaging roundtable led by its CEO, Nitin Seth.



Introducing an Enhanced Way To Engage Customers and Build Trust With AI



SMS Magic will present its new Messaging AI CoPilot  an omnichannel messaging platform that streamlines routine tasks such as inquiry management, lead qualification, and appointment booking. Businesses will get the assistance they need from a trusted AI copilot that analyzes customer behavior and intent, suggests appropriate responses, and facilitates smooth conversation handovers to a live person when required.



The platform will enable businesses to ensure they deliver trusted and compliant messaging while achieving and maintaining greater compliance with 10DLC, HIPAA, GDPR, and TCPA regulatory standards to protect data and grow customer trust.



Empowering Salesforce Admins to be Customer Success Heros



As businesses focus on scaling their operations, Salesforce remains a vital tool in supporting their success. Configuring Salesforce to meet the unique needs of business processes requires specialized expertise, a responsibility typically managed by Salesforce Administrators, who play a key role in ensuring smooth technical implementation.



SMS Magic has expanded its customer engagement capabilities on the Salesforce platform to empower Salesforce Administrator with tools to build sophisticated customer engagement copilots that enhance customer satisfaction and manage critical communications independently.



Salesforce Administrators will benefit from advanced AI-powered tools, providing deeper campaign insights and elevating the quality of customer interactions, ultimately driving better business outcomes.



Looking Out For Businesses With Regulatory Assistance



SMS Magic expands their customer services to now include an expert-led Campaign Clinic for messaging assessments. It will analyze consumer data usage and privacy management during engagements, and establish recommendations for messaging optimization, compliance requirements, and programs for effective campaign messaging.



This new service will support customers in adopting proper SMS regulatory requirements including 10DLC registration before the December 1, 2024 deadline, and ensuring customers stay compliant to achieve the highest quality communications and avoid messaging disruptions, penalties, and costly fines.



An Exclusive AI Messaging Roundtable at Dreamforce 2024



SMS Magic is organizing an AI Roundtable at Dreamforce 2024 that explores AI capabilities for customer experience excellence. This conversation, led by CEO, Nitin Seth, will offer a deep dive into how companies can responsibly add AI to their customer communications today  a topic taking center stage at this year's Dreamforce. The roundtable discussion will touch on the role of AI in handling sensitive consumer information and how businesses can ethically and confidently use it to conduct conversational engagements.



"We couldn't be more excited to participate once again in one of the most important events in our industry. The CRM sector has never faced as much innovation and rapid change, so it's crucial to gather the community at Dreamforce and discuss these topics in detail," said Nitin Seth, Co-Founder and CEO of SMS Magic. He added, "We're also eager for the world to finally see what we've been working on with industry-specific AI messaging copilots, and to address responsible AI usage with industry experts."



The SMS Magic service expansion and heightened support for regulatory compliance and data security highlight one of the company's main service pillars: building trust. This is a key requirement to forging meaningful connections between businesses and customers in today's digital and AI-driven era.



About SMS Magic and Conversive



SMS Magic and the Conversive platform offer powerful messaging solutions that enable better business conversations across multiple channels including text messaging, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. Each platform integrates with customer data and CRM solutions including Salesforce, Zoho and HubSpot to deliver consensual, compliant business-to-person messaging for high-stakes conversations and trusted customer engagement at scale.



Visit SMS-Magic.com and beconversive.com to learn more.



Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504776/ConversiveSMSLogo.jpg



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 Designed for the retail sector, the UST Retail GenAI Platform empowers businesses with end-to-end operational enhancements, driving efficiency and growth.



 Purpose-built for retailers, the UST Retail GenAI Platform delivers comprehensive tools to optimize every facet of retail operations, from logistics to customer experience.



LONDON and BENGALURU, India, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has unveiled its 'UST Retail GenAI platform' at the London Innovation Lab. Steve Rempel, SVP & International CIO at Walgreens Boots Alliance, inaugurated this pioneering platform to transform retail operations through the power of Generative AI. Steve shared valuable insights on critical success factors to enable GenAI adoption, including the need to appreciate the trust cycle while planning various investments. Prior to the inauguration, UST's CEO, Krishna Sudheendra, shared the focus with which UST is championing the adoption of Generative AI, including the in-house program to train 25,000 employees on GenAI.



AI has the potential to unlock between $400B and $660B in economic value for the retail industry, according to research. However, few companies have fully realized the potential of new technologies. Developed in-house by UST's technology and industry sector experts, the platform combines established business models with key GenAI capabilities such as search, summarization, automation, and creation to revolutionize retail practices.



This state-of-the-art platform enables larger business teams to have an out-of-box experience for scenarios in the retail enterprise that would benefit from GenAI-led investments. The platform maps the alignment between GenAI and business capabilities, allowing for more effective decision-making. The UST Retail GenAI platform enables retailers to safely and swiftly pilot GenAI-driven solutions, test various scenarios and outcomes, accelerate innovation, and optimize operations. Retailers can conceptualize and plan their AI strategies with the help of scenario cards, which integrate the 'Enterprise knowhow' to address specific challenges.



"At UST, we've partnered with six of the world's top ten retailers, transforming their businesses. While AI is already transforming retail operations, we still need to unlock its full potential. The UST Retail GenAI Platform offers a structured approach for exploring generative AI scenarios, marking a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionize retail operations through the power of generative AI. This is aligned to our focus on building platforms that can help scale the adoption of GenAI-led ways of working," said Krishna Sudheendra, Chief Executive Officer, UST.



The benefits of investing in digital transformation and specifically AI were echoed in a recent survey commissioned by UST, where respondents cited building resilience to cope with future disruption the highest, increasing profitability, and improving sustainability as key outcomes of technological advancements within their business. UST AlphaAI consolidates the company's AI offerings to enhance business agility, streamline operations, and accelerate digital transformation journeys.



About UST



Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering expertise, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse innovation and agility into our clients' organizationsdelivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impacttouching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com.



Media Contacts, UST:



Tinu Cherian Abraham

+1 (949) 415-9857

Merrick Laravea

+1 (949) 416-6212

Neha Misri

+44-7341787926

Roshini Das K

+91-7736795557

media.relations@ust.com



Media Contacts, India:



Adfactors PR

ust@adfactorspr.com



Media Contacts, U.S.:



S&C PR

+1-646.941.9139

media@scprgroup.com

Makovsky

ust@makovsky.com



Media Contacts, U.K.:



FTI Consulting

UST@fticonsulting.com



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This partnership is particularly significant as it marks the first time a Development Finance Institution (DFI) has extended a credit guarantee to an NBFC-MFI in India



The credit guarantee is expected to increase Annapurna Finance's loan book by INR 100 crore, thereby enhancing its capacity to provide financial services to over 4,000 underserved MSEs, particularly in regions where traditional financial services are limited, such as Eastern India



New Delhi (India), September 13: Annapurna Finance Pvt. Ltd., one of India's leading Non-Banking Financial Companies and Microfinance Institutions (NBFC-MFI), has entered into a landmark partnership with British International Investment (BII), the UKs development finance institution and impact investor, and FinReach Solutions, a guarantee facilitation partner dedicated to enhancing credit availability to viable MSEs. This strategic alliance aims to empower Indias Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), which form the backbone of the country's economy.



This partnership is particularly significant as it marks the first time a Development Finance Institution (DFI) has extended a credit guarantee to an NBFC-MFI in India. The agreement entails BII providing a first-of-its-kind credit guarantee to Annapurna Finance, with FinReach Solutions playing a pivotal role as the key enabler. The credit guarantee is expected to increase Annapurna Finance's loan book by INR 100 crore, thereby enhancing its capacity to provide financial services to over 4,000 underserved MSEs, particularly in regions where traditional financial services are limited, such as Eastern India.



Mr. Gobinda Chandra Pattanaik, Managing Director of Annapurna Finance, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "This partnership with British International Investment and FinReach Solutions represents a major milestone not only for Annapurna Finance but also for the broader financial inclusion landscape in India. The introduction of BIIs credit guarantee enables us to expand our reach to underserved micro and small enterprises, empowering them with the credit they need to scale their operations and achieve sustainable growth. These businesses, often located in regions with limited access to traditional financial services, are the backbone of our economy. Providing these enterprises with the means to grow will contribute to creating a more dynamic and resilient economy, enhance local livelihoods, and support sustainable development in their communities. We are excited to see the substantial impact this partnership will have on driving inclusive economic progress."



The credit guarantee scheme is a financial arrangement under which BII partially guarantees the repayment of retail loans extended by Annapurna Finance to MSEs. This arrangement notably reduces the lending risk for Annapurna Finance, enabling the company to extend credit more confidently to businesses that might otherwise face challenges in accessing finance. As a result, this initiative will not only promote financial inclusion by improving access to credit but also support job creation, entrepreneurship, and poverty reduction by empowering small businesses to grow and contribute meaningfully to the economy.



Mr. Gaurav Malhotra, Director and Head of Financial Services Equity at British International Investment, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, articulating, "The credit guarantee under our MSME Finance Guarantee program, developed in close collaboration with FinReach Solutions, is a pioneering effort designed to address the systemic challenges faced by micro and small enterprises in accessing finance. This initiative is not solely about mitigating risk for Annapurna Finance but also about creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem where underserved businesses can thrive. We are proud to partner with Annapurna Finance in this endeavour as it aligns perfectly with BIIs mission to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development. Facilitating greater access to credit allows these businesses to unlock new growth opportunities, contribute to the economy, and improve the livelihoods of countless families.



Ms. Suvalaxmi Chakraborty, Managing Director of FinReach Solutions, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership, asserting, "At FinReach Solutions, access to credit is seen as a fundamental enabler of economic empowerment, especially for micro and small enterprises that drive local economies. Our role in this partnership with Annapurna Finance and BII is to facilitate a credit guarantee program that not only addresses the immediate financial needs of these businesses but also contributes to building a more inclusive financial system in India. The innovative structure of this credit guarantee is a game-changer as it reduces the perceived risks associated with lending to smaller enterprises, allowing them to access the capital they need to grow and scale. We are confident that this program will set a new standard in the credit guarantee market, paving the way for future initiatives that will further empower underserved businesses across the country.



The historic agreement between Annapurna Finance, British International Investment, and FinReach Solutions exemplifies the profound impact that collaborative partnerships can have on social and economic development. Annapurna Finance, deeply embedded in delivering financial services to underserved populations, is uniquely equipped to harness this credit guarantee to reach thousands of micro and small enterprises throughout India. British International Investment, with its extensive expertise in impact investing and development finance, contributes not only financial support but also strategic insight to ensure the initiatives success. FinReach Solutions, leveraging its proficiency in credit guarantee facilitation, bridges the gap between financial institutions and underserved market segments. Collectively, these organizations are advancing beyond mere support for individual enterprises; they are fostering the development of a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable financial ecosystem



About Annapurna Finance



Annapurna Finance Pvt. Ltd. is one of Indias leading NBFC-MFIs, dedicated to promoting financial inclusion through micro credit and green financing across the country. Established in 2009, Annapurna has its roots in Peoples Forum, an NGO focused on the development and welfare of underserved communities. With a mission to empower economically backward clients, Annapurna provides need-based financial services, particularly in regions where traditional financial institutions are scarce. Over the years, Annapurnas commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing livelihoods, and contributing to nation-building by supporting micro and small enterprises across India has reached 2.8 million households.



About British International Investment



British International Investment is the UKs development finance institution and impact investor. As a trusted investment partner to businesses in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, BII invests to create productive, sustainable and inclusive economies in our markets. Between 2022 and 2026, at least 30 per cent of BIIs total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower womens economic development. The company has investments in over 1,580 businesses across 65 countries and total net assets of 8.5 billion. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn and X.



About FinReach



FinReach Solutions, as a guarantee facilitation partner, aims to facilitate a commercially viable credit guarantee program that enables lending institutions to expand their portfolios, product offerings and geographical footprint while at the same time strengthening their asset portfolios such that the micro and small enterprises including the underserved, have a reliable and steady access to credit.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with HT Syndication and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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Mumbai September 13, 2024 CREDAI-MCHI, the apex body representing the real estate industry in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), has called for a comprehensive review of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework affecting the real estate sector. In a formal submission to the Shri Pramod Sawant, Honble Chief Minister of Goa and a member of the GST Council, the organization outlined concerns surrounding the impact of GST on redevelopment, affordable housing, and rehabilitation projects.



Mumbai, with over 14,000 dilapidated buildings and 70 lakh residents living in slums, faces significant housing challenges. Redevelopment is crucial for addressing these issues by creating additional housing stock and improving living conditions. However, CREDAI-MCHI has raised concerns over the GST imposed on these projects, arguing that it adversely affects both developers and homebuyers. The non-availability of Input Tax Credit (ITC) has increased costs for homebuyers and slowed demand in an already sluggish market.



Mr. Domnic Romell, President of CREDAI-MCHI, emphasized the financial strain caused by current GST regulations, stating, The GST implications on redevelopment and rehabilitation projects have placed an undue burden on both developers and homebuyers. We urge the government to reconsider these charges, particularly for projects involving the rehabilitation of slum dwellers and residents of unsafe, dilapidated buildings. The real estate sector, one of the largest employers in both organized and unorganized sectors, is crucial for economic revival. As Mumbai attracts top talent and faces rising housing demand, the city's geographic constraints hinder its ability to accommodate the growing population effectively.



CREDAI-MCHI also highlights other pressing issues, including GST on Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and the Rs 45 lakh limit for Affordable Housing benefits. Additionally, developers face costs for constructing both rehabilitation and sale buildings, paying GST at rates of 18% or 12% without ITC. Despite these costs, GST authorities have levied GST on the rehabilitation component of schemes, resulting in slum and dilapidated building occupants being required to pay GST on flats they already own. This levy is seen as anti-poor and contrary to the spirit of the GST regime, amounting to double taxation.



The organization advocates for greater flexibility, proposing that developers should have the option to choose between the 12% GST rate with ITC or the 5% rate without ITC. This flexibility would help ensure ITC cost savings are passed on to homebuyers while allowing developers to continue delivering large-scale affordable housing projects.



CREDAI-MCHI remains committed to working with the government to address these issues and drive growth in the real estate sector while ensuring the availability of affordable and safe housing for Mumbais residents.



ABOUT CREDAI-MCHI



CREDAI-MCHI is an apex body comprising members from the Real Estate Industry in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). With an impressive membership of over 1800+ leading developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI has extended its reach throughout the region, establishing units in various locations such as Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Virar, Raigad, Navi Mumbai, Palghar-Boisar, Bhiwandi, Uran-Dronagiri, Shahapur-Murbad, and most recently in Alibag, Karjat-Khalapur-Khopoli, and Pen. Being the only Government-recognized body for private sector developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI is dedicated to promoting the industrys organization and progress.



As a part of CREDAI National, an apex body of 13000 developers across the nation, CREDAI-MCHI has emerged as a preferred platform for regional discussions on housing and habitat by establishing close and strong ties with the government. It is committed to breaking barriers to create a strong, organized, and progressive real estate sector in the MMR.The vision of CREDAI-MCHI is to empower the Real Estate fraternity of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as it preserves, protects, and advances the right to housing for all. To continue being a trusted ally, guiding their members, supporting the Government on policy advocacy, and assisting those they serve through the ever-evolving real estate fraternity.



Website: https://mchi.net/



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with HT Syndication and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) Sebi on Friday dismissed regulatory violation charges against the NSE and its seven former employees, including Chitra Ramkrishna and Ravi Narain, in the matter of the co-location facility, citing the absence of sufficient evidence.

"Due to the absence of sufficient material/evidence/objective facts on record in this case, the test of preponderance of probability fails to produce enough justification for the establishment of collusion/connivance between OPG and its directors with Noticees (NSE and its seven employees)," Seb said in its 83-page order.

Apart from NSE, Ramkrishna and Narain, Sebi has dropped charges against Anand Subramanian, Ravindra Apte, Umesh Jain, Mahesh Soparkar and Deviprasad Singh.

The case relates to the alleged preferential access given to certain broking firms in the form of 'dark fibre' at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to connect across the colocation facilities before other members.

The dark fibre or unlit fibre, with respect to network connectivity, refers to an already laid but unused or passive optical fibre, which is not connected to active electronics/equipment, and does not have other data flowing through it and is available for use in fibre-optic communication.
Shimla, Sep 13 (PTI) Farmers of Himachal Pradesh are showing keen interest in adopting natural farming, and it is a matter of great contentment that other states are also coming forward to adopt this method, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said on Friday.

He was addressing a two-day international conference on natural farming to enable sustainable food systems at Dr YS Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University, Nauni, in Solan district.

Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat was also present on the occasion as a special guest and keynote speaker,

Shukla lauded the contribution of Nauni University in promoting natural farming across the country. He also appreciated the role of Acharya Devvrat, who revolutionised natural farming in Himachal Pradesh.

"The growing popularity of this system was quite evident from the fact that about 1.94 lakh farmers of 3,584 panchayats were growing diverse crops naturally on 34,342 hectares of land," he said.

The governor said that Niti Aayog had also started the 'National Mission on Natural Farming' based on the model of Himachal Pradesh for the implementation of natural farming.

"It is a matter of pride for a small state like Himachal that agricultural scientists, research scholars, tourists, farmers and agricultural officers from all over the country are visiting the models established in Himachal to get detailed information on natural farming," said the governor.

He added that the central government is constantly making efforts to promote natural farming. The central government linked this method with the "Traditional Agriculture Development Scheme", and guidelines have been issued for its implementation.

"In the financial year 2024-25, around 36,000 new farmers will be connected to this system by adding 10 new farmers in every panchayat and they will be certified in natural farming through the portal. 10 new farmer-producer associations will be formed to empower the farmers and better marketing of their products," the governor said.

Devvrat also congratulated farmers of Himachal Pradesh for adopting natural farming and appreciated the efforts of scientists at the university for the promotion of natural farming.

He highlighted the positive results of research done in this direction by various universities and said that this method of farming was necessary for future generations.

He also explained the ill effects of global warming and the damage caused by the excessive use of urea and DAP to increase production.
Kochi, Sep 12 (PTI) A group of actors from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists is seeking to break away and form a new trade union with the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), a move that could potentially weaken the AMMA, which is already reeling from sex-scandal allegations against some of its prominent members.

According to an industry official, certain actors have approached the FEFKA to register a new union.

B Unnikrishnan, the general secretary of the FEFKA, a confederation of 21 trade unions in Kerala's film industry, told reporters on Thursday that some of the actors have met him, expressing interest in forming a new trade union.

"They want to retain the present organisation but want to form another trade union. In Mumbai, the actors are part of the federation, which is affiliated with a trade union. Some actors and actresses have met me and asked whether there is a chance for such a union," he said.

Unnikrishnan, however, said if the actors want to form a trade union, they should either write a letter to the FEFKA general council or form a trade union and then approach the FEFKA for affiliation.

"We have not taken any decision. As of now, we have 21 organisations affiliated to the FEFKA. Any decision on this will only be taken by the general council," he said.

Unnikrishnan clarified that the members of the AMMA had approached him with such proposals on various occasions.

The AMMA currently has no elected office-bearer, after its 17-member executive committee resigned following sexual-harassment allegations in the industry soon after the Justice Hema Committee report was released.
Mumbai, Sep 13 (PTI) Actor Vijay Varma on Friday urged paparazzi to give space to actor-model Malaika Arora's grieving family in the wake of the alleged suicide of her stepfather Anil Mehta.

Mehta (62) allegedly jumped off the sixth floor of the building 'Ayesha Manor' in upscale Bandra (West) on Wednesday morning, as per the police.

Soon after the incident, there was a battery of photographers who lined up outside the building to click photographs of the Arora and her sister as well as the many celebrities who visited them.

In a post on social media platform X, Varma asked media to leave Arora's family alone in this difficult time.

"Pls leave the grieving family alone.. its not easy anyway for them. Thoda toh grace rakho media walon (Have some grace at least)," the actor wrote.

According to a police official, Mehta's wife and Malaika's mother Joyce was in the flat when the incident took place.

Joyce in her statement told police that she saw Anil's slippers in the room and started looking for him before she heard the building's watchman shouting for help, and looked down from the balcony, he said.

Mehta was found lying in a pool of blood on the building's premises.

As per the initial autopsy report, Anil Mehta died due to multiple injuries to the head and other organs, he said.
Singapore, Sep 13 (PTI) Hindi has always aimed to unify and connect people and it is impossible to fully understand the pulse of India without learning the language, a senior Indian bureaucrat said here on Friday.

Addressing the International Regional Hindi Conference, Ravindra Prasad Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (RBB, I&T), Ministry of External Affairs described Hindi as a great language whose aim has always been to connect.

National University of Singapore (NUS), DAV School Singapore and Sangam Singapore in collaboration with the Indian High Commission have organised the three-day conference, which will conclude on Sunday.

In his address, Jaiswal said today foreign citizens also want to learn yoga, classical music and dance along with having direct experience of Indian society and culture, but without learning Hindi, it is not possible to fully understand the pulse of India.

He said after Mandarin and English, Hindi is the most spoken language in the world because 60 to 70 crore people in the world speak and understand the language.

Jaiswal said languages like English, French and Spanish spread on the basis of imperialism, but the basis of the world language Hindi is the cultural love and affinity towards it.

Jaiswal said that Hindi always considered uniting as its main objective and accepted the challenges of divisive forces.

He said to realise the potential of Hindi as an international language there is a need for changes in the methods of teaching the language or inclusion of new systems.

"Personally, I feel that if foreign and Indian scholars involved in Hindi language teaching jointly create teaching material and syllabus, then it will be easy for foreign students to learn Hindi as a second language," Jaiswal said.

He said the future of Hindi teaching in Singapore looks bright due to government recognition and grants.
Beijing, Sep 13 (PTI) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval have agreed to work together to create conditions for the improvement of bilateral relations during their meeting in Russia, the Foreign Ministry here said on Friday.

During their talks on the sidelines of a meeting in St Petersburg of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters, Wang and Doval discussed the progress made in the recent consultations on border issues, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Both Doval and Wang are the Special Representatives for the India-China border talks mechanism.

Both parties expressed the belief that the stability of the China-India relations is in the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples and conducive to regional peace and development.

China and India agreed to implement the consensus reached by the heads of the two countries, enhance mutual understanding and trust, maintain continuous communication, and create conditions for boosting bilateral ties, it said.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stressed that facing a turbulent world, China and India as two ancient eastern civilisations and emerging developing countries should adhere to independence, choose unity and cooperation, and avoid consuming each other, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Wang expressed the hope that the two sides will properly handle their differences in a pragmatic approach and find the right way to get along with each other and push the China-India relations back on track for healthy, stable, and sustainable development.

A press release on the talks issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India and China on Thursday agreed to work with "urgency" and "redouble" their efforts to achieve complete disengagement in the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh.

In the meeting, 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, the MEA press release said.

The Doval-Wang meeting took place 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 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 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.

Hours before the talks between Doval and Wang, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Geneva that roughly 75 per cent of the "disengagement problems" with China are sorted out but the bigger issue has been the increasing militarisation of the frontier.

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.
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Friday activated a Level-IV emergency response to drought in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

Since the beginning of August, most of Chongqing has seen continuous high temperatures and little rain, with many districts and counties experiencing different degrees of drought, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

Rainfall in Chongqing is forecast to remain low and the drought is expected to develop further, said the ministry.

The headquarters has sent a work team to Chongqing to assist and guide the work of drought relief and disaster reduction.

China has a four-tier drought-control emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe. 
Sydney, Sep 13 (The Conversation) Every time you are prescribed medicine in hospital a computer will prompt your doctor about the appropriateness of the medicine and its dose.

Every time health professionals update patient records on the computer they need to fill in the appropriate information in the correct spot, or choose an option from a drop-down menu.

But as a growing body of research shows, these electronic systems are not perfect.

Our new study shows how often these technology-related errors occur and what they mean for patient safety. Often they occur due to programming errors or poor design and are less to do with the health workers using the system.



What did we look at? What did we find?

Our team reviewed more than 35,000 medication orders at a major metropolitan hospital to understand how frequently technology-related errors occur.

We focused on errors made when medications are prescribed or ordered via a computer-based system. In many hospitals, these systems have replaced the clipboard that used to hang at the end of a patients bed.

Our research showed that as many as one in three medication errors are technology-related. That is, the design or functionality of the electronic medication system facilitated the error.

We also examined how technology-related errors changed over time by reviewing rates of errors at three time points: in the first 12 weeks of using the system, and at one and four years after it was implemented.

We may expect technology-related errors to become less frequent over time as health professionals become more familiar with systems. However, our research showed that although there is an early learning curve, technology-related errors continued to be an issue for many years after electronic systems are implemented.

In our study, the rate of technology-related errors was the same four years after the system went in as it was in the first year of use.



How could errors happen?

Errors can happen for a number of reasons. For instance, prescribers can be confronted with a long list of possible dose options for a medication and accidentally choose the wrong one. This can lead to a dose less than, or more than, the one intended.

In our study, we found high-risk medications were frequently associated with technology-related errors. These included oxycodone, fentanyl and insulin, all of which can have serious adverse effects if prescribed incorrectly.

Technology-related errors can also happen at any point in a patients care when a computer is used.

One case in the United States involved a nurse accessing and administering the wrong medicine. She obtained the medicine from a computer-controlled dispensing cabinet (known as an automated dispensing cabinet), which is used to store, dispense and track medicines.

Through poor design, the cabinet allowed the nurse to search for a medicine by entering just two letters. Good design would not have displayed any medication options with only two letters.

The nurse selected and administered the wrong drug to the patient, causing cardiac arrest and the nurse faced a criminal trial.

Automated dispensing cabinets are being increasingly rolled out in Australian hospitals.

Earlier this year we heard of an error in South Australias electronic medical record system. This miscalculated the due date for more than 1,700 pregnant women, possibly prompting premature inductions of labour.

We produce a series of safety bulletins for the health system that describe and address specific examples of poor system design we have identified during our research or others working in the system have brought to our attention.

These include a drop-down menu that allows prescribing of a medicine via injection into the spine. This particular medicine would be fatal if administered this way.

Another shows an in-built calculator that rounds up or down the doses for medication according to set rules. But this may lead to incorrect doses in very young or lower-weight children.

For each example, we include recommendations to optimise the systems. Organisations can then use these specific examples to test their systems and take action.



What else would improve safety?

With increasing digitisation in our hospitals and health services, the risk of technology-related errors increases. And thats even before we talk about the potential for error in artificial intelligence used in our health systems.

Were not calling for a return to paper-based records. But until we commit to the task of making computer-based systems safe, we will never fully benefit from the enormous potential digital systems could deliver in health care.

Systems need to be continually monitored and updated, to make them easier and safer to use and to prevent issues from becoming catastrophic.

Health IT managers and developers need to understand errors and recognise when system design is suboptimal.

Since clinicians are often the first to notice issues, there should also be mechanisms to investigate and address their concerns promptly, supported by systematic data on technology-related errors. (The Conversation) PY

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Washington, Sep 13 (AP) The U.S. has approved $165 million in weapons sales to Israel to fund heavy-duty tank trailers, the State Department announced Thursday.

The systems include spare and repair parts, tool kits and technical and logistics support. They are not expected to be delivered until 2027.

Earlier this year, the U.S. announced a mammoth $20 billion weapons support package for Israel to include F-15 fighter jets. Like the tank trailers, those systems will not be delivered for several years and will not affect current Israeli military operations amid its 11-month-old war against Hamas militants in Gaza.

The Biden administration has had to balance its continued support for Israel with a growing number of calls from lawmakers and the public to curb military support there due to the high number of civilian deaths in Gaza.

It has curbed one delivery of 2,000-pound bombs amid continued airstrikes by Israel in densely populated civilian areas in Gaza. (AP)



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Islamabad, Sep 13 (AP) Gunmen killed 14 people in a Shiite-majority area in central Afghanistan, the Taliban said on Friday, in one of the deadliest attacks in the country this year. Six other people were wounded in the assault.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility before the Taliban acknowledged the shootings, which took place on Thursday and targeted Hazara Shiite people as they travelled between the provinces of Ghor and Daikundi.

A machine gun was used in the assault, the IS group said. It gave a higher death toll than the Taliban.

The Iranian news agency IRNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying the group had targeted people welcoming Afghan Shiites who were returning from visiting shrines in Iraq. He called for immediate action to punish those behind the crime.

The IS group's affiliate in the country, a major rival to the Taliban, has challenged authorities' grip on domestic security by attacking schools, hospitals, mosques and Shiite areas in the past three years.

The Taliban's chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid strongly condemned Thursday's barbaric action and said authorities considered it their obligation to protect people and their property.

We are also making serious efforts to search for the perpetrators and bring them to justice, Mujahid added.

The UN mission in Afghanistan said the attack resulted in numerous deaths and injuries to members of the Shiite community. We express our condolences to the families of those killed and call for an investigation to hold those responsible to account, the mission said on X.

Earlier this month, an IS suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden vest at a prosecutor's office in the capital Kabul. In May, a booby-trapped motorcycle exploded in northeastern Badakhshan province and killed police officers who were part of an anti-poppy cultivation campaign.

A UN-appointed rights expert for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said he was alarmed by the spate of IS-claimed attacks.

The appalling killings of Shiite Hazara bore the hallmarks of international crimes, said Bennett, whom the Taliban have barred from Afghanistan. (AP) PY

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United Nations, Sep 13 (AP) The United States announced Thursday that it will support the addition of two new permanent seats for African countries on the powerful U.N. Security Council  and a first-ever non-permanent seat for a small island developing nation.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield made the announcement in a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations, calling it a follow-up to U.S. President Joe Biden's announcement two years ago that the U.S. supports expanding the 15-member body.

While Africa has three non-permanent seats on the Security Council, that doesn't allow African countries to deliver the full benefit of their knowledge and voices, she said.

That is why, in addition to non-permanent membership for African countries, the United States supports creating two permanent seats for Africa on the council, Thomas-Greenfield said. It's what our African partners seek, and it's what we believe is just.

However, a senior U.S. administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief reporters ahead of the announcement, said Washington doesn't think any new permanent members should have veto power because extending the veto would lead to only greater deadlock on the council.

That view shows the limits in the amount of power that Washington wants to give to any other country. While Security Council resolutions are legally binding, they are often ignored by targeted countries.

Virtually all countries agree that nearly eight decades after the United Nations was established in the wake of World War II, the Security Council should be expanded to reflect the world in the 21st century and include more voices. But the central question  and the biggest disagreement  remains how to do it.

The Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security, has not changed from its 1945 configuration: 10 non-permanent members from all regions of the world elected for two-year terms without veto power and five countries that were dominant powers at the end of World War II are permanent members with veto power: the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France.

Russia's veto power, for instance, has stymied any council action on the war in Ukraine and U.S. support for its ally Israel has limited the council's response to the war in Gaza.

Attempts to reform the council to reflect the changing world began in 1979.

In 2005, world leaders called for the council to be more broadly representative, efficient and transparent. That year, the General Assembly, which must approve any council reforms, shelved three rival resolutions to expand its membership, a reflection of deep divisions that have continued until today.

In September 2022, Biden called for increasing the number of both permanent and non-permanent members, including permanent seats for those nations we've long supported, and permanent seats for countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The United States has long supported permanent seats for Germany, Japan and India.

Thomas-Greenfield made no mention of Biden's other pledge about permanent seats for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. But the official said the U.S. still supports permanent seats for Latin America and the Caribbean as well as Africa.

Responding to countries arguing that it's time for the U.N. to look beyond just regional representation, the U.S. ambassador also announced that the United States is supporting the creation of an additional rotating seat for small island developing countries.

These 39 states are not a monolith. They are home to 65 million people, across over 1,000 islands, she said. But each has critical insights on a range of international peace and security issues including, notably, the impact of climate change.

In another announcement, Thomas-Greenfield said the United States plans to actually put our principles on paper and draft a resolution to reform the council.

Some countries argue that before negotiating a resolution, all 193 member states need to be in agreement about what a reformed council should look like, she said.

I'm an optimist. But I'm also a realist. And the reality is this: no amount of conversation will ever get us to a place of total consensus on this issue, Thomas-Greenfield said. (AP) AMS
Geneva, Sep 13 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said he had no problem with other countries commenting on Indian politics, but they should also be prepared to hear his comments on their politics.

He made the sharp remarks during his interaction with the Indian community here.

Jaishankar was asked a question about some foreign diplomats based in New Delhi having personal meetings with certain opposition leaders in their state.

The External Affairs Minister did not answer it directly as he said, I have no problem if people comment about our politics, but then, I think in fairness, they should also be ready to hear my comments about their politics.

And so, how to get a more mutually respectful world, more equal world? Because everybody says they know, he said and then referring to George Orwells Animal Farm, he said, Some are more equal than others. How do you actually create that?

I think that's also one of the big debates, which is today taking place in the world, the EAM added. Jaishankar is on the last leg of his three-nation trip. Earlier he visited Germany and Saudi Arabia.
London, Sep 13 (AP) A judge on Friday rejected plans for the United Kingdom's first new coal mine in three decades, delivering a victory for climate groups who challenged the project's claim it would have zero impact on global emissions.

High Court Justice David Holgate's decision follows a June ruling by the UK Supreme Court that said planners reviewing oil well-drilling permits must consider the greenhouse gas emissions from burning the extracted oil.

The assumption that the proposed mine would not produce a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, or would be a net zero mine, is legally flawed," Holgate said.

Friends of the Earth and South Lakes Action on Climate Change, a local group, challenged the government's approval of the plan for the mine's development in a coastal town in England's northwest Cumbria area.

The developer, West Cumbria Mining, defended the proposal in court after the Labour government, which was elected to power in July, dropped its support for the project approved by their Conservative predecessors.

This is fantastic news and a huge victory for our environment and everyone who has fought against this climate-damaging and completely unnecessary coal mine," said attorney Niall Toru of Friends of the Earth. The case against it is overwhelming: it would have huge climate impacts, its coal isn't needed and it harms the UK's international reputation on climate."

The ruling sends the decision back to the government for reconsideration.

The mining company, which had promoted the project as a net-zero positive, said it would consider the ruling but declined to comment.

When the Conservatives approved the plan in 2022, environmentalists said it was a backward step and would make it harder to achieve a goal of generating 100% of electricity from clean energy sources by 2035 and reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The left-leaning Labour government has also distanced itself from its predecessor's emphasis on oil and gas exploration. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to increase wind power generation and pledged to not issue new oil drilling licenses in the North Sea.

The mine on the site of a shuttered chemical plant in Whitehaven, a town 340 miles (550 km) northwest of London, would have extracted coking coal used in steel making rather than producing electricity.

Opponents said the coal would no longer be needed domestically as Britain's largest steel making operation in Port Talbot, Wales, owned by India's Tata Steel, transitions from coal-fired blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, which emit less carbon. (AP) SCY

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Hanoi, Sep 13 (AP) The death toll in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam climbed to 233 on Friday as rescue workers recovered more bodies from areas hit by landslides and flash floods, state media reported.

Flood waters from the swollen Red River in the capital of Hanoi were beginning to recede, but many neighbourhoods remained inundated and farther north, experts were predicting it could still be days before any relief is in sight.

Typhoon Yagi made landfall Saturday, setting off heavy rains that have triggered flash floods and landslides, particularly in Vietnam's mountainous north. Across the country, 103 people are still missing and more than 800 have been injured.

In a village on the outskirts of Hanoi, Nguyen Thi Loan returned to the home that she'd hastily fled on Monday as the floodwaters rose. Much of A Lac village was still under water, and as she surveyed the damage, she wondered how she and others would manage.

The flood has made our lives so difficult, she said. Our rice crop has been destroyed and at home the electrical appliances like the washing machine, TV and fridge are under water.

Most fatalities have come in the province of Lao Cai, where a flash flood swept away the entire hamlet of Lang Nu on Tuesday. Eight villagers turned up safe on Friday morning, telling others that they had left before the deluge, state-run VNExpress newspaper said. However, 48 others from Lang Nu have been found dead, and another 39 remain missing.

Roads to Lang Nu have been badly damaged, making it impossible to bring in heavy equipment to aid in the rescue effort.

Some 500 personnel with sniffer dogs are on hand, and in a visit to the scene on Thursday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh promised they would not relent in their search for those still missing.

Their families are in agony, Chinh said.

Coffins were stacked near the disaster site in preparation for the worst, and villager Tran Thi Ngan mourned at a makeshift altar for family members she had lost.

It's a disaster, she told VTV news. That's the fate we have to accept.

In Cao Bang, another northern province bordering China, 21 bodies had been recovered by Friday, four days after a landslide pushed a bus, a car and several motorcycles into a small river, swollen with floodwaters. Ten more people remain missing.

Experts say storms like Typhoon Yagi are getting stronger due to climate change, as warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel them, leading to higher winds and heavier rainfall.

The effects of the typhoon, the strongest to hit Vietnam in decades, were also being felt across the region, with flooding and landslides in northern Thailand, Laos and northeastern Myanmar.

In Thailand, 10 deaths have been reported due to flooding or landslides, and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra flew to the north on Friday to visit the border town of Mae Sai. Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warned of a continuing risk of flash floods in multiple areas through next Wednesday, as new rain was expected to increase the Mekong River's levels further.

In Myanmar, the army said Friday that at least 33 people died across the country since Wednesday. It said 187 relief camps have been established for nearly 240,000 flood victims from 34 townships.

There are fears the death toll may rise sharply as local news outlets reported dozens missing in floods and landslides in the central regions of Mandalay and Bago, as well as eastern Shan State and the country's capital, Naypyitaw.

International aid has been flowing into Vietnam in the aftermath of Yagi, with Australia already delivering humanitarian supplies as part of $2 million in assistance.

South Korea has also pledged $2 million in aid, and the US Embassy said Friday it would provide $1 million in support through the US Agency for International Development, or USAID.

With more heavy rain forecast in the coming days, USAID's disaster experts continue to monitor humanitarian needs in close coordination with local emergency authorities and partners on the ground, the embassy said in a statement. USAID humanitarian experts on the ground are participating in ongoing assessments to ensure U.S. assistance rapidly reaches populations in need.

The typhoon and ensuing heavy rains have damaged factories in northern provinces like Haiphong, home to electric car company VinFast, Apple parts suppliers and other electronic manufacturers, which could affect international supply chains, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies said in a research note.

The centre said 95% of businesses in Haiphong were to resume some activity on Sept 10 but that "repair efforts will likely lower output for the next weeks and months. (AP) SCY

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Lahore, Sep 13 (PTI) Former prime minister Imran Khan on Friday held the military establishment responsible for the disappearance of his party colleague and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces chief minister for eight hours, prompting the Pakistan government to launch an investigation into his anti-army tweets.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur last Monday had gone missing for at least eight hours after his fiery speech against the army leadership.

Upon his return, the KP government had said that he couldn't be accessed for several hours as he was holding an important law and order meeting in Islamabad.

However, on Friday while talking to journalists at Adiala Jail at Rawalpindi, Khan said the military establishment is responsible for the disappearance of Gandapur.

Gandapur is not speaking on his brief disappearance out of respect for the army, he said and was quick to add that Pakistan's Prime Minister might face a similar fate (of disappearance) as he needs approval of every decision of his government from the establishment.

Khan said everyone knows who is responsible for such actions in the country, referring to the powerful military.

The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said the current situation in Pakistan is reminiscent of Yahya Khan Part II, accusing the military establishment of undermining the country's institutions.

Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the Federal Investigation Agency will probe Imran Khan's anti-institution tweets.

The FIA cybercrime will interrogate him in jail, he said, and added the FIA will see who is running his X account.

Khan, who has been incarcerated at the Adiala Jail since last year, has often criticised the powerful establishment through his longish posts on X.

On Friday, Khan posted a longish note on his X account , which said, This is not the first time in the history of this country that one individual (referring to Army Chief Gen Asim Munir) has put the entire country at stake to protect his hold on power. (General) Yahya Khan also betrayed the Awami League and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to stay in power.

The Hamood-ur-Rehman Commission report clearly states that one persons desire to prolong and strengthen his hold on power broke the country in two, he said in the post.

He recalled the events from 1971 when 90,000 soldiers were taken as prisoners during the Bangladesh liberation war and how former president Zulfikar Ali Bhutto himself admitted to the loss of 50,000 innocent lives.

Even today, the same story is being repeated. Once again, one person has taken over control and is destroying the system to prolong and strengthen his hold on power, he said adding, a small powerful elite dominates all the resources, power, and control of the country.

The Supreme Court is the only institution somewhat safe from their influence, and now it is also being attacked, he said.

Khan further said that they (a reference to the establishment) are forcibly keeping former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif in the country, otherwise he would have run abroad a long time ago.
Islamabad, Sep 13 (PTI) Incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan on Friday announced his support for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur after the Pakistan government criticised the latters statement about holding dialogue with Afghanistan, calling it a direct attack on the federation.

Gandapur on Thursday announced to 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.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the parliament on Thursday that no province has the authority to hold talks with any foreign country and accusing Gandapur of attaching the federation while putting the countrys security at stake.

Gandapurs colleague from his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former speaker Asad Qaisar said the chief minister had already started holding talks with the Afghanistan government.

This is correct. This is our decision that we want to constitute a grand jirga along with the federal government and political notables, he said during the debate.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Khan, the jailed founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said his chief minister was right.

Ali Amin is absolutely right, Khan stated. They should be beseeching him to go and talk to Afghanistan for the sake of God, he told reporters in an informal chat with journalists in the Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi

Khan went on to say that terrorism cannot be eliminated without dialogue and announced that he as prime minister would have allowed the provincial government to sort out issues with Kabul.

KP has suffered most due to terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and Gandapur 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.

On Thursday, 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.
Geneva, Sep 13 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said one needs to do hard work and that life is not 'khata khat,' in an apparent jibe at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing the Indian community here, Jaishankar was describing the changed India and the infrastructure development that the Narendra Modi government had done during last 10 years when he made a veiled reference to the Congress leader's comment.

Jaishankar spoke about the massive human resources needed to build infrastructure when he said, "Until we develop the human resources, it requires hard work, until you build the infrastructure, until you have those policies. So life is not 'khata-khat'. Life is hard work. Life is diligence."

"Anybody who's held a job and laboured at it, knows it. So that's my message to you, that we have to work hard at it," he said.

Earlier in the year, during an election rally as part of his Lok Sabha campaign, Gandhi had promised that if his party won, they will transfer Rs 1 lakh to the account of one woman from every poor household in the country. He was speaking in Hindi and said the transfer will happen "khata khat", meaning immediately.
CARACAS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela has recalled its ambassador to Spain, Gladys Gutierrez, for consultations in response to remarks made by Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said on Thursday.

Gil condemned Robles' comments, calling them "insolent, meddling, and disrespectful" in a statement shared on Telegram.

Robles earlier referred to the Venezuelan government as a "dictatorship."

Venezuela's Foreign Ministry has summoned Spain's ambassador to Caracas, Ramon Santos Martinez, to appear at the ministry on Friday.

Additionally, Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly, on Wednesday called on the Foreign Affairs Committee to urge the executive branch to sever all diplomatic, commercial, and consular ties with Spain.

The diplomatic fallout came amid controversy surrounding Venezuela's July 28 presidential election, with the main opposition coalition, the United States, the EU, and several regional countries raising concerns over alleged irregularities.

The Venezuelan government, however, said these accusations are part of a U.S.-backed plot to undermine the election results. 
Aboard the papal plane, Sep 13 (AP) Pope Francis on Friday slammed both US presidential candidates for what he called anti-life policies on abortion and migration, and advised American Catholics to choose the lesser evil in the upcoming US elections.

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or the one who (supports) killing babies, Francis said. Both are against life.

The Argentine Jesuit was asked to provide counsel to American Catholic voters during an airborne press conference en route back to Rome from his four-nation tour through Asia. Francis stressed that he is not an American and would not be voting.

Neither the Republican candidate Donald Trump nor the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris was mentioned by name.

But Francis nevertheless expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the US election  abortion and migration  that are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.

Francis has made the plight of migrants a priority of his pontificate and speaks out emphatically and frequently about it. While strongly upholding church teaching forbidding abortion, Francis hasn't emphasised church doctrine as much as his predecessors.

Francis said migration is a right described in Scripture, and that anyone who doesn't follow the Biblical call to welcome the stranger is committing a grave sin.

He was also blunt in speaking about abortion. To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but it's killing, he said. We have to see this clearly.

Asked though what to do at the polls, Francis recalled the civic duty to vote.

One should vote, and choose the lesser evil, he said. Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I don't know.

Everyone in their conscience should think and do it, he said.

It's not the first time Francis has weighed in on a US election. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Francis was asked about Trump's plan to build a wall at the US-Mexican border. Francis declared then that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is not Christian.

In responding Friday, Francis recalled that he celebrated Mass at the US-Mexico border and there were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.

The US bishops conference, for its part, has called abortion the preeminent priority for American Catholics in its published voter advice. Harris has strongly defended abortion rights.

In other comments, Francis:

 denied a French media report that he would travel to Paris for the December inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral, saying flat-out he would not be there. But he confirmed he would like to go to the Canary Islands to highlight the plight of migrants.

 tamped down renewed speculation that he might finally return to Argentina later this year, saying he wants to go but that nothing had been decided. He added: There are various things to resolve first. Francis hasn't been home since before the 2013 conclave that elected him pope.

 declared that China was a promise and a hope for the Catholic Church and hoped to one day visit.

 called sexual abuse demonic and weighed on the latest revelations of assault against a legendary French priest, Abbe Pierre. (AP) SCY

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Palghar, Sep 13 (PTI) Two persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of a petrol pump owner, who was found dead in his car in Maharashtra's Thane district, police said on Friday.

Based on a tip-off, the police on Wednesday arrested the accused, Mukesh Khubchandani and Anil Rajkumar, from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, where they had come to sell the valuables they had allegedly stolen from the victim, Ramchandra Gurukukhdas Kakrani, an official said.

Kakrani, who owned a petrol pump, was found dead in his car on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway on August 25, said Datta Shinde, additional commissioner of police, MBVV.

He was reportedly abducted and strangled by his driver Khubchandani and two others and was robbed of cash, a diamond ring, and a watch, he said.

The Naigaon police registered a case sections 140(2) (kidnapping or abducting for murder or ransom), 103(1) (murder), 309(2) (robbery), and 238 (causing disappearance of evidence or giving false information) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

A probe revealed that Khubchandani allegedly killed the victim with the help of two accomplices, who hailed from a place near the Nepal border, the official said.

A special team was dispatched to Siddharth Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, where the local police informed them that the accused had already escaped to Lumbini of Nepal, he said.

As the accused couldn't sell the stolen valuables in the neighbouring country, two of them arrived in Gorakhpur and were nabbed, the official said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Madan Ballal said stolen valuables worth Rs 15.17 lakh have been recovered from the duo.

Khubchandani has offences to his name in different police stations since 2012, he said.
Mumbai, Sep 13 (PTI) Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has said that Haryana and Maharashtra will see a change of government after assembly elections, and it will have consequences for the stability of the BJP-led coalition government at the Centre too.

In an exclusive interview to PTI on Thursday, Chavan also claimed that women in Maharashtra will not vote for the BJP merely because of the Ladki Bahin' scheme. <br>On tensions' in the Opposition's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance over the Chief Ministerial face, he said the formula so far has been that the party with the highest number of seats gets the post.

While BJP-ruled Haryana will go to polls next month, elections are yet to be announced in Maharashtra where the Mahayuti' coalition of BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP is in power. <br>"A change in government in these two states will have a direct impact on the stability of (Narendra) Modi's coalition government which rests on the support of Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar. In both states there will be a change....BJP will be thrown out," claimed the Congress leader. <br>About the political situation in his home state, Chavan, a former chief minister, said Maharashtra has never seen the kind of fragmented polity that is prevailing now, with three big parties ranged on each side of political divide.<br>"In Lok Sabha elections, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) won 65 percent of 48 seats, which translates to 183 of the 288 assembly seats. In assembly polls, we will do better. The government hasn't addressed any of the issues concerning people, like inflation, unemployment, farmer distress, corruption," he said. <br>The MVA alliance of Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP) will focus on corruption, Chavan said.<br>"BJP will be held accountable for the charge of corruption in the tender for Shivaji Maharaj's statue (that collapsed in Sindhudurg district)," he said, claiming that a statue which should have taken three years to make was forced to be completed in three months. <br>The MLAs who switched sides after the split of the Shiv Sena and NCP will have to answer to the electorate, he added.<br>Chavan, who heads the manifesto committee of the state Congress, said the party was planning to come out with a "guarantee card". <br>Financial assistance was women's right, he said.<br>"It cannot be considered freebies. This is (for) all the unpaid work done by women, of looking after families and raising the next generation," he said.<br>This "unpaid work" should be included while computing GDP, Chavan said. <br> "It should be computed, and it is the right of the female family member for the unpaid services she is rendering to society," he said, while claiming that a scheme like the Laadki Bahin Yojana' was a Congress idea, promised and implemented in Karnataka and Telangana.

"There is no question why shouldn't we do it in Maharashtra," Chavan said.

Notably, the ruling Mahayuti has been claiming that its Laadki Bahin Yojana' under which Rs 1,500 are paid to women every month will be a gamechanger in the coming elections.<br>Chavan said the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government has failed on all fronts, and hence it has nothing to offer except the Ladki Bahin scheme. <br>The government cannot avoid accountability in the Badlapur case (where two kindergarten girls were allegedly sexually assaulted in school) or the corruption in connection with the Shivaji Maharaj statue, farmer suicides and problems of the unemployed educated youth, he asserted.<br>"How come you suddenly discovered your dear sisters ( Ladki Bahin') after the Lok Sabha loss?" Chavan asked.

Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis was chief minister for five years from 2014, but such a scheme was not introduced then, and now the BJP, in panic mode, is thinking that women will vote for it because of the Rs 1,500 assistance, said the Congress leader.

"They are living in a dream world, as that will not happen. Congress is not talking through the hat. We have implemented women's financial assistance in Karnataka and Telangana. We had promised in the Lok Sabha manifesto. We will do better in Maharashtra," he said.



There were no differences in the MVA over the chief ministerial candidate, asserted Chavan.

"Since Maharashtra entered the coalition era, a formula has been in practice where the party with larger number of MLAs gets the CM post. In 2019 too, Uddhav Thackeray became CM because his party had the largest number of seats, (more) than Congress and NCP. It is upto the high command (to decide) if the practice should change," he said.

Notably, ally Uddhav Thackeray had said recently that the MVA's CM face should be declared in advance.

On the BJP countering the controversy over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chief Justice of India Dhananjay Chandrachud's residence for Ganesh festival by raking up an Iftar party of Manmohan Singh being attended by then CJI, Chavan said it was a "silly comparison". "People do meet on social occasions. We have the highest regard for the CJI," he said.

On the BJP attacking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his comments in the United States, Chavan said the ruling party was afraid of Gandhi as he is gaining a huge traction not just in India but also abroad. "So the BJP is trying to denigrate him," he added.

"In today's age, everyone has access to what he speaks in Delhi or Dallas. He airs his ideas freely and frankly to let Indian diaspora and people interested in following South Asia get an opposition perspective," the former Maharashtra CM said.
Indore, Sep 13 (PTI) The men who allegedly attacked two Army officers and raped their woman friend near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh were drawn to the picnic spot after hearing loud music, police said on Friday.

The police have arrested three out of six men for the attack that occurred near Jam Gate, a popular tourist spot, on the intervening night of September 10 and 11.

The spot is around 30 km from the Mhow military cantonment.

Located on the Vindhyachal ranges, Jam Gate is surrounded by forests. In monsoon, tourists frequent the spot during the day, and the area is deserted at night.

Talking to reporters, Superintendent of Police (Rural) Hitika Vasal said two Army officers and their two women friends had been at the spot since 11 pm on Tuesday.

"The four of them were listening to loud music, and on hearing the sound in the deserted area late in the night, the six accused reached the spot and committed the crime," she said.

One of the attackers threatened the victims with a pistol, while the others were armed with sticks, the official said.

The accused held one of the couples hostage, assaulted them, and told the other pair that they will be released once they bring them Rs 10 lakh, she said.

Vasal said the police reached the spot as soon as the incident was reported, "but the accused had fled seeing the headlight of the police vehicle".

Police teams are conducting raids at different places to nab the three absconding accused, and a reward of Rs 10,000 has also been announced on each arrest, she said.

Two of the three arrested accused are in police custody till September 16 and are being interrogated, Vasal 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 women friends.

The police earlier said 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 a car, police said.

Upon hearing the commotion, the other officer and his woman friend, who were on a hilltop, reached the spot.

After police reached the spot, the officers and their women friends were brought to Mhow civil hospital, where a medical examination confirmed that one of the women was raped, an official said.

A case was 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.

The SP said the woman, allegedly raped by the accused, was in a state of shock and was not ready to record her statement at the moment.

She said the police are trying to get the woman's statement and questioning the accused about the alleged rape.

Meanwhile, a police officer dismissed as "rumour" the reports on social media that the officers and the young women had come into contact with each other on a dating app.
Kolkata, Sep 13 (PTI) The BJP on Friday continued its protests in parts of West Bengal, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal over the alleged mishandling of the RG Kar hospital incident.

A party spokesperson said its leaders slammed the state government during their speeches at the sit-in venue in Esplanade area, while some women protesters drew sketches with their blood and held placards to demand justice for the young doctor, who was allegedly raped and murdered at the hospital last month.

We demand the immediate resignation of the chief minister for her failure to ensure safety of women at workplace, and attempting to cover up the incident, a protester said.

The BJP has been holding the sit-in since August 29.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, led a BJP procession at Naihati-Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district, calling for Banerjees resignation.

Adhikari said the people of Bengal will wholeheartedly celebrate the Durga Puja festival after she steps down.

"That may happen sooner than later," he asserted.

"However, it is an individual choice on how to observe the festival. We will certainly offer prayers to Goddess Durga," Adhikari added.
Kolkata, Sep 13 (PTI) TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Friday lodged a complaint with the Lokpal against SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch alleging "quid pro quo arrangements which potentially threatens national interests".

"My LokPal complaint against Ms. Puri-Buch been filed electronically & in physical form. LokPal must within 30 days refer it to CBI/ED for a preliminary investigation and then a full FIR enquiry. Every single entity involved needs to be summoned & every link investigated," she posted on X.

In a three-page letter, Moitra said as the issue concerns national interests and the interest of the crores of investors, the matter needs to be investigated.

US short-seller Hindenburg Research in August alleged that it suspects SEBI's unwillingness to act against the Adani Group may be because of its head Madhabi Puri Buch had stakes in offshore funds linked to the conglomerate - an allegation slammed by the SEBI head as "baseless" while Adani Group said it never had any commercial relations with Buch.

Hindenburg alleged that Buch and her husband had undisclosed investments in obscure offshore funds in Bermuda and Mauritius, the same entities allegedly used by Vinod Adani, the elder brother of group chairman Gautam Adani, to round-trip funds and inflate stock prices.

The TMC had earlier demanded that SEBI chairperson should be suspended.
Ranchi, Sep 13 (PTI) The Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand Assembly Amar Bauri said the central government had informed the high court that illegal Bangladeshi immigrants are living in the state, which the JMM-led alliance government has been denying for "vote bank".

In an affidavit filed before a division bench of acting Chief Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Arun Kumar Rai on Thursday, the Centre said Bangladeshis illegally entered Jharkhand through Sahebgunj and Pakur districts.

There is also a "sizeable decrease" in the tribal population due to "high conversion of tribals and low birth rate" among them, it said.

The senior BJP leader said that they have been raising the issue for a long time but the JMM-led alliance government has been denying the threat of infiltration.

"The JMM-led government is engaged in patronizing Bangladeshi infiltrators in Jharkhand for vote bank and appeasement," he alleged while addressing reporters at state BJP headquarters here on Thursday.

"According to the Centre, the total population in Santhal Pargana in 1961 was 23,22,092, in which the Hindu population stood at 90.37 per cent, Muslim population at 9.43 per cent, tribal population at 44.67 per cent of the total population of Santhal pargana," Bauri said.

The senior BJP leader said, "In 2011, tribal population in Santhal stood at 28 per cent, Hindus at 67.95 per cent, while the Muslim population increased to 22.73 per cent. In 1961, there were four per cent Christians in Santhal pargana, which increased to 20 per cent in 2011."

Bauri claimed that the decline was not natural but happened due to infiltration.

Reacting to the Centre's affidavit, JMM central spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said that if there was infiltration in Jharkhand, the Union Home and Defence ministries should take responsibility for this.

He alleged that the data, which was given, was intended to disturb the communal harmony of Jharkhand. "We have already said that BJP is going for communal polarization ahead of the elections," he said.
Lucknow, Sep 13 (PTI) SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on friday assured "justice" to the family members of accused Mangesh Yadav, who was allegedly killed by STF in an "encounter" on September 5.

Akhilesh gave the assurance after Mangesh's family members met him at the Samajwadi Party's (SP) headquarters here and shared their grief with him, the party said in a statement.

The SP statement alleged that Mangesh was picked up from his home by the police and killed in a fake encounter. Mangesh's grief-stricken father, mother and sister also informed Akhilesh about the "harassment" by the police, it said.

"Akhilesh Yadav assured justice to the victim's family. Mangesh Yadav's father Rakesh Yadav, mother Sheela Devi and sister Princy Yadav, who came from village Agaraura police station Baksa in Jaunpur, gave information about the entire incident," the SP said in the statement.

A robbery in Sultanpur had taken place on August 28 at Bharat Jewellers in Thatheri Bazaar, Majerganj Chauk.

Of the 15 accused, three -- Sachin Singh, Pushpendra Singh and Tribhuvan -- were held while Mangesh was killed in an encounter with the Special Task Force (STF). Later, one Vipin surrendered in court.

The police arrested Durgesh Pratap Singh, Vinay Shukla, Arvind Yadav alias Fauji and Vivek Singh.

Akhilesh assured the victim's family that an impartial inquiry will be conducted into the killing of their son by the police.

He said, "The police in Uttar Pradesh have a new method -- pick up anyone, make a false story and by pressuring the family and encounter the truth itself. The encounter figures in the BJP government are also figures of injustice of illegal killings and also figures of injustice against the PDA.

"The backward, Dalit and minorities are being tortured everyday. The Samajwadi Party has always raised its voice against injustice and atrocities," he added.

Highlighting the sequence of events, the party statement said there was a robbery at a jeweller's shop in Sultanpur on August 28. Around 2 am on September 2, the police took Mangesh from his house. On September 3-4, the police came to the house during the day and said interrogation was going on, it said, adding that Mangesh would be released.

The statement alleged that on September 5, Mangesh was killed in a fake encounter in police custody. The police said "go and bring the body to the post-mortem house in Sultanpur".

"The victim's family members said the police made the video by putting pressure on them and it contains nothing but lies. In the video that the police are broadcasting, they have been forced to give statements according to their wish.

"The entire village is telling the truth. The police is forcibly declaring Mangesh a criminal and earning applause by doing an encounter," the statement said.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, UP Director General of Police Prashant Kumar dismissed the allegations about the state police being "trigger-happy", asserting it adheres to strict guidelines and has not faced any criticism from constitutional bodies.

Kumar's remarks came in response to Mangesh's "encounter" which has sparked controversy with Akhilesh accusing the BJP of staging fake encounters to target individuals on the basis of caste and religion.

The SP president had on Tuesday slammed the UP government, saying statistics of encounters during the BJP rule are also statistics of the "injustice of illegal killings" and "injustice done against the PDA".
New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) Left parties and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court order granting bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and accused the BJP government of misusing cental agencies to target opposition leaders.

While welcoming the bail order, Communist Party of India General Secretary D Raja said it remains to be seen how the bail conditions can be upheld constitutionally.

"We welcome the bail granted to Mr Kejriwal. He is an elected chief minister of Delhi. How the judicial process will move further, we will have to wait and see," Raja said.

"There are some conditions, he should not go to the chief minister's office, he should not file any official files unless the LG agrees... So how these conditions can be upheld constitutionally we will have to wait and see," said Raja.

"As of now he has been granted bail, our party welcomes it," he said.

In a post on X, the CPI(M) said, "We welcome the Supreme Court order to grant bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Yet again, politically motivated attacks on opposition leaders by the Modi govt using central agencies have been exposed."

CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah said central agencies are being used to target opposition leaders.

"This is BJP's policy to destroy the opposition by using government machinery. They don't have anything against Arvind Kejriwal; despite this, he has been kept in jail," he said.

"The only reason behind all this is that the BJP wants to capture Delhi through the Lieutenant Governor, who, from day one, has been undermining the Delhi administration," he said.

RJD MP Manoj Jha accused the centre of misusing government agencies.

"It was bound to happen. We have seen what the high court said in Hemant Soren case. In the last 10 years, a culture has been developed to target political opponents using ED, CBI, I-T using fake, fictitious cases. You (Centre) have made these agencies a tool for getting your political equations right," said Jha.

The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the corruption case lodged by the CBI in connection with the excise policy 'scam', saying prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty.

The top court directed Kejriwal not to make any public comment on the merits of the case and added that terms and conditions as imposed in the ED case would also be applicable here.

The top court, while granting him bail in the ED case, had said that Kejriwal cannot visit his office or the Delhi Secretariat and not sign any official file unless absolutely necessary to obtain the Lieutenant Governor's sanction.
New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) CPI(M) Politburo members and senior leaders paid tributes to Sitaram Yechury at the party headquarters here on Friday, a day after the veteran leader died following prolonged illness.

Yechury's body was taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru University in the evening.

The CPI(M) general secretary died on Thursday at a hospital here after battling a lung infection. Yechury, 72, was in a critical condition for the last few days and on respiratory support while undergoing treatment for an acute respiratory tract infection at the ICU in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He was admitted to the hospital on August 19.

Yechury's journey in politics started with the Students' Federation of India (SFI) at the JNU, where he was elected the students' union president thrice starting in 1977.

DMK leader A Raja also visited the AKG Bhawan, the CPI(M) headquarters, and paid tributes to Yechury.

"The nation has lost a veteran leader who had deep faith in Marxism, democracy, more specifically secularism," he said afterwards.

Raja also recalled that Yechury was one of the few leaders who contacted him after the Supreme Court judgment on the 2G spectrum case.

"When the 2G judgment came, only few leaders called me over the phone immediately...," he said.

CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah termed Yechury's death a great loss for the Communist movement and the Left. "It is a great loss... He was one of the great political leaders of the 21st century," Mollah told PTI.

Yechury is survived by his wife Seema Chishti, an editor with news portal The Wire and three children -- two sons and a daughter. One of his sons Ashish Yechury passed away due to Covid in 2021. He was earlier married to Indrani Mazumdar.
On September 12, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) announced the opening of an election observation mission for Georgia's upcoming parliamentary elections. According to the official press release on the OSCE website, the mission will be led by Eoghan Murphy and will include 12 international experts based in Tbilisi, along with 30 long-term observers to be deployed across Georgia starting September 19. Additionally, the mission plans to request 350 short-term observers to arrive before October 26, the election day.The OSCE/ODIHR mission aims to assess the elections' compliance with OSCE commitments, international democratic standards, and national legislation. Observers will monitor key aspects of the election process, including campaign conduct, election administration, dispute resolution, and media coverage, as well as review the implementation of previous ODIHR recommendations.On election day, October 26, the mission will collaborate with delegations from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to oversee polling stations, voting, ballot counting, and result tabulation. Preliminary findings will be released the day after the elections, with a final report and comprehensive assessment expected several months later.The ODIHR emphasized that interactions with state authorities, political parties, civil society, media, and the international community are crucial components of their observation process.On September 11, Public Defender of Georgia Levan Ioseliani and First Deputy Public Defender Tamar Gvaramadze met with U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan. The discussion focused on the Public Defender's role in human rights protection and the importance of observing the electoral process, particularly in preventing hate speech and ensuring political confrontations adhere to ethical norms.Ambassador Dunnigan reiterated the U.S. government's commitment to supporting the Office of the Public Defender. The meeting also included the introduction of Jamie Shufflebarger, the new director of the International Bureau of Anti-Narcotics and Law Enforcement Programs (INL) at the U.S. Embassy in Georgia.Both parties expressed their willingness to strengthen partnership relations.
This photo taken on Sept. 11, 2024 shows Afghan workers working in Herat province, Afghanistan. Work inauguration for the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline on Afghan territory was formally initiated by the leaders from Afghanistan and Turkmenistan on Wednesday.

The program has been regarded as a major source of creating job opportunities for the war-battered Afghanistan. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)

HERAT, Afghanistan, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Work inauguration for the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline on Afghan territory was formally initiated by the leaders from Afghanistan and Turkmenistan on Wednesday.

The program has been regarded as a major source of creating job opportunities for the war-battered Afghanistan.

"Implementation of TAPI and supplementary projects such as Fiber optic, railway and transmission of electricity from Turkmenistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan, in addition to creating job opportunities for Afghans, would also have millions of U.S. dollars economic benefit for Afghanistan," a local economic expert Abdul Qadus Khatibi observed.

In addition to the inauguration of the TAPI projects, the authorities also inaugurated the 500-kilovolt power transmission line from Turkmenistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan, fiber optic and railways on Wednesday, Afghan officials said.

Khatibi described it as a vital regional development project. "TAPI links Central Asia to South Asia and benefits more than 2 billion people. This project is vital for a country like Afghanistan where all its economic infrastructure has been destroyed."

"Launching such a significant project in an impoverished country like Afghanistan is essential for building its economy as many people can find jobs and eventually the economic condition can be improved," Khatibi added.

A World Bank report in April highlighted the country's sluggish economic performance, noting that food prices had dropped by 14.4 percent year on year in February, while non-food prices fell by 4.4 percent -- a sign of deflation in an economy already struggling to recover.

An estimated 23.7 million Afghans require humanitarian aid in 2024, more than half of the country's population, with a staggering nine out of 10 people living in poverty.

Welcoming the launching of the TAPI project, an Afghan named Ziaul Haq said that the project on the one hand strengthens friendships among the stakeholder nations -- Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, on the other hand it creates jobs for thousands of Afghans in the poverty-stricken country.

Aimed at enhancing economic activities in regional connectivity, the 1,814 km long pipeline project 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 Afghan acting deputy prime minister for economic affairs said in a statement posted on X.

The project is expected to generate 450 million U.S. dollars for Afghanistan. The impoverished country will get 500 million cubic meters of gas for the first decade, 1 billion in the second decade, and 1.5 billion in the third decade if the project is implemented smoothly.

Thousands of Afghans, probably up to 12,000 people would find jobs with the implementation of this project, according to Afghan caretaker government's spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

"In terms of economy, it (TAPI) creates job opportunities for thousands of educated youth and the development could have a direct positive impact on society," economic expert Gulabudin Miri suggested. 

This photo taken on Sept. 11, 2024 shows a tractor working in Herat province, Afghanistan. Work inauguration for the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline on Afghan territory was formally initiated by the leaders from Afghanistan and Turkmenistan on Wednesday.

The program has been regarded as a major source of creating job opportunities for the war-battered Afghanistan. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Sept. 11, 2024 shows Afghan workers working in Herat province, Afghanistan. Work inauguration for the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline on Afghan territory was formally initiated by the leaders from Afghanistan and Turkmenistan on Wednesday.

The program has been regarded as a major source of creating job opportunities for the war-battered Afghanistan. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)

An energy field engineer works in Herat province, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2024. Work inauguration for the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline on Afghan territory was formally initiated by the leaders from Afghanistan and Turkmenistan on Wednesday.

The program has been regarded as a major source of creating job opportunities for the war-battered Afghanistan. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)
New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Friday rejected the CBI's contention that it kept Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in continued incarceration as he was evasive in his reply and was not cooperating.

A bench of justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Surya Kant granted bail to the Aam Aadmi Party chief in the Delhi excise policy case.

"It cannot be the proposition that only when an accused answers the questions put to him by the investigation agency in the manner in which the investigating agency would like the accused to answer, would mean that the accused is cooperating with the investigation. Further, the respondent cannot justify the arrest and continued detention citing evasive reply," Justice Bhuyan said.

The top court judge said the cardinal principle under Article 20(3) of the Constitution is that no person accused of an offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.

Justice Bhuyan said an accused has the right to remain silent and cannot be compelled to make inculpatory statements against himself.

"No adverse inference can be drawn from the silence of the accused. If this is the position, then the very grounds given for arrest of the appellant would be wholly untenable. On such grounds, it would be a travesty of justice to keep the appellant in further detention in the CBI case, more so, when he has already been granted bail on the same set of allegations under the more stringent provisions of PMLA," he said.

Justice Bhuyan said the CBI is a premier investigating agency of the country and in public interest the agency must not only be above board but must also be seem to be so.

"Rule of law, which is a basic feature of our constitutional republic, mandates that investigation must be fair, transparent and judicious. This Court has time and again emphasised that fair investigation is a fundamental right of an accused person under Articles 20 and 21 of the Constitution of India.

"Investigation must not only be fair but must be seem to be so. Every effort must be made to remove any perception that investigation was not carried out fairly and that the arrest was made in a high handed and biased manner," he said.

The top court granted bail to Kejriwal in the corruption case, saying prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty.

The excise policy was scrapped in 2022 after the Delhi lieutenant governor ordered a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption involving its formulation and execution.

According to the CBI and the ED, irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy and undue favours extended to licence holders.
New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) The brazen shooting incident in the upscale locality of Greater Kailash in south Delhi

that claimed the life of a gym owner on Friday has left residents shocked and concerned for their safety.

The incident took place outside a gym on the main road of E-Block, located just a few metres from the Greater Kailash police station.

"I never imagined something like this could happen so close to the police station. We've always felt safe here because the Delhi Police are active in resolving issues but I don't understand how this happened," a neighbour of the building where the gym is located told PTI.

The victim, Nadir Shah (35), was attacked while he was talking to a friend outside the gym. He had sustained five gunshot wounds and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. The entire incident was caught on a CCTV camera installed outside the gym.

Another resident expressed concern for his family's safety, fearing the incident was the result of a gang war. "Something like this has never happened here. Now, I fear for my family. How can I be sure it won't happen again?" he said.

The owner of the basement, where the gym operated, told PTI he had never heard of Shah, as he had rented the property to someone else. "I have no idea what happened here and am still trying to find out from the police," the owner, requesting anonymity, said.

However, the police said that Shah had been running the gym in partnership with a friend, to whom the owner had rented the property.

The gym, located in the basement of a three-story building with residential units and offices on the upper floors, had been operational since May last year, the building residents said.

Shah, who lived with his family in CR Park, a few kilometres from the gym, had previous criminal cases against him, including robbery and attempted murder.

Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, the police said, adding that four more people were detained and questioned in connection with the case but the main shooter is still on the run.

The police also suspect the involvement of associates of jailed gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Hashim Baba in the murder but they have not ruled out the possibility that it may be a case of personal rivalry.
Dehradun, Sep 12 (PTI) The second phase of Congress' 'Kedarnath Pratishtha Raksha Yatra', which was stopped midway due to cloudburst on the Kedarnath trekking route, started on Thursday.

State Congress Vice President Mathuradutt Joshi said this padayatra started from Sitapur in Rudraprayag district, where it had to be stopped on August 2, under the leadership of State Congress Committee President Karan Mahara.

On this occasion, co-incharge of party affairs in the state Surendra Sharma was also present as the workers raised slogans of Baba Kedar', he said.

Congress started this yatra from Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar on July 24 to protest against the plan of Kedarnath Dham Delhi Trust to build a replica of Kedarnath temple in Burari, Delhi.

However, it had to be stopped midway due to the disaster in Kedarnath on July 31. This yatra was to be concluded at Kedarnath Dham.

Meanwhile, on August 26, the Kedarnath Dham Delhi Trust announced the cancellation of the plan to build a replica of the temple in the national capital. However, the Congress said that it would complete its 'Kedarnath Pratishtha Raksha Yatra' even after the cancellation of the plan.

While addressing the workers amid heavy rains, Mahara said that no matter what happens, this yatra will not stop now.

He said that the people having faith in Sanatan Dharma have been hurt by the attitude of the BJP government of the state and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami towards the plan to build a replica of the Kedarnath temple in Delhi and disrespecting Kedar Baba will cost them very dearly.

He alleged that the BJP government is adopting such tactics to hide its failures.

Mahara alleged that development work has come to a standstill, the condition of the roads is pathetic but the government is not paying any attention to this.

Joshi said this yatra will conclude with a jalabhishek and puja in Kedarnath on Friday morning after which a meeting will be held with the priests in Kedarnath.
New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav on Friday appealed to the people across the country to plant medicinal plants in their vicinity as part of the "Ek Ped Maa ke Naam Campaign".

As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', Jadhav planted an 'Amla' plant in the memory of his mother Late Sindhutai Ganpatrao Jadhav at Ayush Bhawan.

He said the campaign launched on World Environment Day, 5th June 2024, has gone global and is aimed at creating awareness for the protection and sustainable development of our environment.

Elaborating on the campaign, the minister said that the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam "campaign is an important step towards environmental conservation.

He appealed to people across the country to plant medicinal plants in their vicinity as part of this campaign and take 'selfies' and share them on social media. This will also provide an opportunity for others to be a part of this campaign.

The National Medicinal Plants Board under the Ministry of Ayush has a major role in this campaign, which has also made public the names of some easily available medicinal plants to encourage the public for this campaign.
Jammu, Sep 12 (PTI) The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are historic as they are the first since the region "became secular", BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said on Thursday.

He emphasised that these elections represented a choice between nationalist and anti-national forces.

"In these assembly elections, people must choose between those promising peace and development and those promising death and destruction," Trivedi told reporters.

After the 42nd amendment to the Indian Constitution, Jammu and Kashmir adopted a six-year term for its assembly but did not explicitly include the word ''secular'' in its constitution, he alleged.

"At that time, Jammu and Kashmir had its own constitution. After the abrogation of Article 370, there is now a unified Constitution," he said.

He also claimed these were the first elections in Jammu and Kashmir after Other Backward Classes (OBCs) received reservation.

Trivedi said, "These elections are significant as they are the first after Jammu and Kashmir became secular -- the first under one flag, and the first without incidents of stone pelting, ISIS and Pakistan flags, and hartals."

"The National Conference and the Congress aim to revive terrorism and separatism," he said. "The Congress must clarify who they intend to release from jails -- Yasin Malik, Asiya Andrabi, or Shabir Shah?"

The Congress and the National Conference are contesting the elections in an alliance.

Trivedi also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for meeting with individuals abroad who did not recognise Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as a part of India.

"Rahul recently met with individuals in the US who consider PoK a part of Pakistan, contrary to the Indian Parliament's resolution that PoK is an integral part of India," he said.

"As leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul has not only insulted the Parliament but also his ancestors who were part of the Parliament that passed the resolution declaring PoK as an integral part of India," Trivedi added.

Referring to remarks by former Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, who said he feared visiting Kashmir during the Congress regime, Trivedi said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has restored peace in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, with a record two crore tourists visiting the region."

He also noted the resumption of Muharram processions in Kashmir after 33 years and highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir was the only region with two AIIMS and several prestigious professional and technical educational institutions.
Meerut (UP), Sep 12 (PTI) A police complaint about an alleged helicopter theft in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut threatened to blow up into a political storm before it was extinguished by police, which after a quick inquiry, put it down to a case of confusion.

Police said they had received a complaint from one Ravindra Singh, a pilot with SAR Aviation Service Private Limited, who alleged that his firm's helicopter was stolen. Singh claimed that the chopper was taken away in parts in a truck by some people in May. He claimed that he was assaulted when he confronted those people.

The report generated traction on social media and subsequently, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, posted on X, citing the case of "helicopter theft" to slam the state's law and order.

"Till now, criminals in Uttar Pradesh were only dismantling the BJP's law and order through killings, robberies, dacoity and rape but now, there is news of a helicopter being dismantled and taken away in a truck in Meerut. This is also a question of airport security. What has happened to the security there?" the former chief minister said in a post in Hindi on X.

Police quickly responded, stating that Singh had made the complaint about the theft as he was unaware that the helicopter was sold off by SAR Aviation Service Private Limited to another firm.

"It was found that the helicopter in question was sold by Singh's company to another firm. The new owners transported the helicopter by truck on the day of the alleged theft. Singh was unaware of the sale," Circle Officer Antariksh Jain said.

He said the actions of the new company were "within legal boundaries" and there was no wrongdoing involved.

The allegations of assault and verbal abuse made by Singh were also not proved during the investigation, the officer said.

Prior to this, Senior Superintendent of Police (Meerut) Vipin Tanda told reporters that the incident was not a theft but rather a dispute between two partners of the aviation company.

The complaint of theft was submitted by Singh at the Partapur police station. The complainant had claimed that on May 10, a mechanic had reported unauthorised disassembly of the helicopter parked at the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Airstrip here, according police.

Singh had alleged that when he arrived, he found certain people dismantling the helicopter. These people then assaulted and threatened him before taking the helicopter away in a truck, police said.

When contacted over the phone through a number listed on the aviation company's website, one Captain G C Pandey, who described himself as the director of SAR Aviation Service Private Limited, said: "I do not know how it all started. There is no security or safety lapse."

Asked about Singh's complaint, Pandey said he was not aware of it.

"I do not have a clue. As for Ravindra Singh, he is no longer with our company," he said.

Pandey said the helicopter that kicked up such a storm was sold in 2023 itself.
Bengaluru, Sep 13 (PTI) Karnataka's minister for Medical Education & Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil on Friday suggested integration of AI technology in the security system to ensure safety of women healthcare personnel across Karnataka, an official release said.

The minister chaired a high-level meeting at Vikasa Soudha to discuss measures aimed at strengthening security at medical colleges, hospitals and hostels. This follows a previous meeting led by Patil to review the current security systems and propose enhancements.

During the meeting, Patil also emphasised the importance of integrating feedback from women healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. Directors of medical institutions must gather feedback in writing and take concrete steps to implement necessary measures."

Patil suggested that a security audit committee should be formed with monthly meetings to review the safety protocols. Additionally, thorough background checks must be conducted for all security personnel, according to the release.

To further ensure safety, 24/7 canteen facilities should be available so that women healthcare staff do not need to leave the premises, the minister said.

Patil also announced that a panel will be formed at the State Secretariat to oversee the implementation of these measures.

B L Sujatha Rathod, Director of Medical Education, provided a detailed presentation on the current security initiatives. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Mohammad Mohsin, Principal Secretary of Medical Education, Mission Director of National Health Mission Y Naveen Bhat and Venkateshmurthy, Joint Secretary.
Kozhikode (Kerala), Sep 13 (PTI) Over two years after he decided to never travel by IndiGo, former LDF convener E P Jayarajan on Thursday night travelled to Delhi on the airline from Karipur airport here.

Jayarajan had in July 2022 decided not to travel by that airline after it imposed a three-week flying ban on him for his involvement in a scuffle onboard an IndiGo aircraft that was also carrying Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Confirming that he travelled on the low-cost airline, the CPI(M) leader said that he opted for Indigo in order to quickly reach Delhi to pay his respects to late party general secretary Sitaram Yechury who died on Thursday.

Jayarajan said that Yechury was bigger than everything else and reaching Delhi quickly was more important than what he had stated about the airline two years ago.

On June 13, 2022, two Youth Congress workers shouted slogans against the chief minister inside the IndiGo aircraft from Kannur, after it landed at Thiruvananthapuram airport. Jayarajan, who was also onboard, allegedly pushed aside the two protesters.

Following that, the airline imposed a three-week flying ban on the CPI(M) leader and a two-week flying ban on the two Youth Congress workers who had raised slogans against the CM on board the aircraft.

In the wake of the airline's decision, he had lashed out at it by saying that neither he nor his family will ever travel by IndiGo -- nationally or internationally -- and there are other airlines in the country which are more reputable and offer a much better service.

He had also said that he would rather walk to his destination than board an IndiGo flight ever again in his life.

The Youth Congress workers had protested against the chief minister over allegations against him in a gold smuggling case.

The two protestors and another Youth Congress member were booked for attempted murder by the Kerala police in connection with the incident.
Bengaluru, Sep 13 (PTI) Warning merciless action against those taking law into their hands, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Friday said the situation in violence-hit Nagamangala town is peaceful, and an inquiry is on.

He said the government will consider giving compensation to those, whose livelihood has been affected due to the incident, as he hit out at the opposition parties for "politicising" the episode.

Clashes broke out between two groups during a Ganesha idol immersion procession at Nagamangala in Mandya district, following which mobs went on a rampage targeting several shops and vehicles leading to tension on Wednesday night.

"(A Police) Inspector has been suspended, as he had slightly altered the given route (of the procession). It is his responsibility. We had told police staff and officials across the state that if any incidents take place in their respective jurisdiction they will be held responsible. As negligence was found on the part of the Inspector, he has been suspended," Parameshwara told reporters here.

He said an inquiry is on against the Deputy Superintendent of Police and other officials; senior officials have been asked to submit a report on the "factuals" and, based on it, further action will be taken.

"We have sought for a report after inquiry about the incident that took place. Now the situation is under control. IG (Inspector General of Police) and other senior officials are camped there, and are monitoring the situation to ensure that nothing happens further. Now the situation is peaceful and a peace meeting is being held," the Minister added.

Asked whether violence was pre-planned, Parameshwara said a probe has been ordered and once the report comes, things will be known.

"....I want to make it clear that we will not allow anyone to take law into their hands, whoever it is whether it is Ganesha festival or any other festival if anyone indulges in creating unnecessary confusion or unrest, will not let them and take merciless strict action against them in accordance with law," he added.

Asked about compensation to those whose shops were targeted and livelihood was affected due to the incident, Parameshwara said, based on the report the government will discuss and consider it.

"During such a situation, to give compensation there are rules, we will consider it," he said.

Rejecting allegations of government indulging in appeasement politics leading to such incident, the Minister: "We don't need to such things (appeasement)."

As for opposition's criticism against him and demand for his resignation for terming the incident as "accidental", he said: "We can't do anything if our words are twisted and used for your own benefits, we have a responsibility. I'm functioning as Home Minister of the state responsibly, I don't need their certificate. We are not sitting in the positions we hold being irresponsible. We are doing our job and continue to do so."

Questioning as to why he or the government should defend the incident that has happened, Parameshwara said: "We will take action against those responsible for the incident in accordance with law. Already 52 people have been arrested....they (opposition) are twisting and turning Kannada language and are saying Parameshwara said so, he called it a minor incident, I too know all these things."

Noting that he had requested the opposition not to do politics on the issue, he said: "if they still want to do politics, let them do, don't we know how to handle it ?".
Goindwal Sahib (Tarn Taran), Sep 13 (PTI) Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria along Anita Kataria on Friday paid obeisance at Gurdwara Shri Baoli Sahib here.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami, some office-bearers and members honoured the governor at the gurdwara.

The governor stayed at Gurdwara Shri Baoli Sahib for about an hour, during which he also visited the 'langar' (community kitchen).

Addressing the media, Kataria said if the country's religious culture, traditions and culture is protected today, it is because of the Sikh Gurus.

He said the contribution and sacrifice made by the Sikh Gurus to save the religious culture of the country is immortal in history.

He mentioned Shri Goindwal Sahib and said that here the third Guru Sahib gave the history of 'One Pangat and One Sangat' (dining together in community kitchen without any discrimination and congregation) which is a unique example of human equality, where there is no discrimination against anyone.

He said that Guru Sahib's greatness was so great that even emperor Akbar, who came to Goindwal Sahib, first sat in the 'Pangat' and had food from the community kitchen.

Kataria said he has read the life history of Sikh Gurus, especially Guru Gobind Singh, which is very struggling and inspiring.

Speaking about Guru Gobind Singh and the martyrdom of his four 'Sahibzadas' (sons), the governor said that he understood that there could hardly be a greater sacrifice than the sacrifice of all the four 'Sahibzadas' to save their religion.

He said he is feeling happy and blessed by participating in the centenary events related to Guru Amardas and Guru Ram Das.

Punjab said that by coming here, has prayed for peace, brotherhood and progress in the country and the state.
JAKARTA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's court authorities on Thursday sentenced four Mexican nationals to three years and ten months in prison for the robbery and shooting of a Turkish citizen in Denpasar, Bali province.

The defendants are visitor visa holders.

"The defendants are guilty of committing the crime of theft with violence, violating the Criminal Code. The court is sentencing each of the defendants to three years and ten months imprisonment," Judge Putu Suyoga of the Denpasar District Court said when reading the verdict.

According to the verdict, the defendants committed the robbery and shooting in January 2024 at a villa in Badung, Bali. They stole a Hislon blue dial watch and a black bag containing nearly 6,000 U.S. dollars which belonged to the victim, and then shot him in the stomach.

During the altercation, the victim was shot but survived and received help from the villa's security.

"The defendants' crime acts have disturbed the community, worsened the image of Bali and caused trauma to the victim," Suyoga said. 
Nainital, Sep 12 (PTI) Three people were hospitalised after chlorine gas leaked from a cylinder near Sukhatal Pump House in Uttarakhands Nainital on Thursday, officials said.

A team of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, administration and doctors reached the spot and started evacuating people from their homes, they said.

The chlorine gas leaked from a cylinder kept in the Jal Sansthan, they said.

Chlorine is a poisonous gas which causes difficulty in breathing as well as vomiting and nausea.

Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh said there was a leak from a 50 kg cylinder of chlorine gas, due to which 100 people living in 25-30 houses nearby had to be taken away from there.

He said that three people have been admitted to BD Pandey District Hospital due to complaints of vomiting due to gas leakage.

The affected residents told that since afternoon people were complaining about a foul smell and by evening it became unbearable after which the officials were informed.

An official of Jal Sansthan told that at 8 pm late evening the chlorine gas cylinder was buried under Sukhatal lake due to which the situation has come under control.

Executive Engineer of Jal Sansthan Ramesh Garbyal said now there is no danger of gas leakage from the cylinder.

The cylinder was kept in the pump house to filter the water, he said. Police are investigating the matter.
Ballia (UP), Sep 13 (PTI) Three youngsters allegedly tried to establish physical relations with a minor girl when she was on her way home from school in the Pakrhi area of this Uttar Pradesh district, police said on Friday.

The three accused injured her when she resisted and fled, they added.

A case has been lodged against three unidentified accused in this connection.

A villager from the Pakrhi area alleged that his 14-year-old daughter was returning home from school on Thursday afternoon when three youngsters dragged her into the bushes near Jagdara village.

In the complaint submitted late on Thursday, he alleged that the accused tied his daughter's hands and mouth and tried to forcibly establish physical relations with her. When she resisted, they attacked her with a sharp weapon.

On the complaint lodged by the girl's father, a case was registered against three unidentified accused under sections 74 (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 118(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace) and 351(3) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the POCSO Act.

Superintendent of Police (Ballia) Vikrant Veer on Friday said the three accused beat up the girl near Jagadara Tola and threw her into a canal.

The police reached the spot and admitted the victim to a local hospital, from where she was referred to the district hospital.

Veer said the victim was undergoing treatment and her condition was stable.

Three teams have been formed under the Sikandarpur circle officer and the accused will be arrested soon, he added.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Dannon slammed UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres for once again condemning Israel for striking Hamas terrorists who hide behind 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 claimed that six of its employees were killed in the strike, prompting Guterres to state: Whats 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.

Danon responded: What is unacceptable, Antonia Guterres, is the fact that you refuse to recognize reality and continue to distort it. Terrorists operating out of civilian buildings previously used by the UNWRA 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.

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.

Later on Thursday, the IDF published a list of nine Hamas terrorists killed in the strike, three of whom were also UNWRA employees. The IDF also stated that following the UNWRAs allegations that its employees were killed in the strike, they made repeated requests for the identities of the employees but the aid organization refused to provide the names.

Its very telling that Guterres refers to Hamas terrorists as his UNWRA colleagues.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Brig. Gen. Yossi Sariel, commander of the IDF Unit 8200, has announced his resignation nearly a year after the intelligence failure that failed to prevent Hamass deadly October 7 attack. Unit 8200, the IDFs primary signals intelligence unit, is one of the entities identified as responsible for missing key warnings leading up to the assault.

In a letter to his subordinates on Thursday, Sariel acknowledged his role in the failure, stating, On October 7 at 6:29 a.m., I did not fulfill my mission as I expected of myself, as my commanders and subordinates expected of me, and as the citizens of the nation I love so much expected of me. He added that in light of these failures, he was taking personal responsibility by stepping down as the commander of Unit 8200 and allowing new leadership to take over.

Sariel, who took command of Unit 8200 in February 2021, is expected to be replaced in the coming period, according to the IDF. His resignation comes after months of internal and public scrutiny regarding intelligence lapses that failed to detect and prevent the massive attack by Hamas, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage.

In his letter, Sariel acknowledged that Unit 8200 had produced detailed reports about Hamass operational attack plans in the months leading up to the assault. Despite the intelligence gathered, he admitted, the detailed information did not succeed in shattering the intelligence and military foundations either within the unit or among our partners. He noted that the unit had been unable to translate the warnings into actionable intelligence that could prevent the October 7 attack.

Reports over the past year revealed that Unit 8200 had issued several warnings about Hamass intentions, including a detailed document in April 2022 outlining plans for a large-scale invasion of Israel. Additionally, in late September 2023, just weeks before the attack, the unit compiled a dossier warning that Hamas was training for a major offensive. Despite these warnings, they were largely dismissed by senior intelligence officials.

Sariels resignation follows the departure of several other senior security officials in the aftermath of the October 7 attack. In recent months, the head of the Shin Bet security agencys Southern District, the chief of the Military Intelligence Directorate, and the head of the Gaza Division have all stepped down.

Sariels name, typically kept private due to the sensitive nature of his role, became public in April when it was leaked following the publication of a book he had written under an alias.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The U.S. has approved $165 million in weapons sales to Israel to fund heavy-duty tank trailers, the State Department announced Thursday.

The systems include spare and repair parts, tool kits and technical and logistics support. They are not expected to be delivered until 2027.

Earlier this year, the U.S. announced a mammoth $20 billion weapons support package for Israel to include F-15 fighter jets. Like the tank trailers, those systems will not be delivered for several years and will not affect current Israeli military operations amid its 11-month-old war against Hamas militants in Gaza.

The Biden administration has had to balance its continued support for Israel with a growing number of calls from lawmakers and the public to curb military support there due to the high number of civilian deaths in Gaza.

It has curbed one delivery of 2,000-pound bombs amid continued airstrikes by Israel in densely populated civilian areas in Gaza.

(AP)
A report in the Hebrew-language Hamodia newspaper, which is affiliated with the Agudas Yisroel faction of the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, claims that an agreement has been reached between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UTJ Chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf regarding the formulation and promotion of the Draft Law. The law, which is expected to advance in the coming days, aims to protect the rights of yeshiva students and recognize the importance of limud Torah.

According to the report, the proposed law will recognize the importance of Torah study and of Torah students and will thwart the harm being done to yeshiva students. Goldknopf reportedly told Netanyahu that the law must pass all three readings in the Knesset before Rosh Hashanah.

The meeting between the two leaders, held at the Kirya in Tel Aviv, included senior officials from both offices and resulted in a commitment to hold a follow-up meeting next week to monitor the laws progress.

The Draft Law, however, has faced opposition from some members of Netanyahus Likud party. MKs Amichai Chikli, Moshe Saada, and Dan Illouz wrote a letter to the Prime Minister following the outbreak of the war, expressing their concerns. They argued that it is unfair for certain segments of Israeli society to bear the burden of security while others  referring to the exemption of bnei yeshiva from military service  continue their daily routines.

In addition, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has said that he will not support the Draft Law unless it gains broad support, including from members of the opposition.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A man wearing a Palestinian pin was shot in the stomach after charging at pro-Israel demonstrators in Newton on Wednesday. The incident occurred during a small protest where about 10 individuals waved Israeli and American flags.

According to footage shared by The Daily Wire, the assailant stood across the street, accusing the group of defending genocide and giving them the middle finger. He then charged across the street and tackled Scott Hayes, a 47-year-old Iraq War veteran, leading to a physical altercation.

During the scuffle, Hayes, who was legally carrying a firearm, shot the man in the stomach. Following the incident, a second video shows Hayes providing medical treatment to the attacker, who is reportedly suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Despite his legal possession of the gun, Hayes is facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan told The Daily Wire.

A legal defense fundraiser has been launched for Hayes, who has shown tremendous support for Israel and Jews in general since the October 7 attack  despite not being Jewish himself.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar recently sent a letter to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, expressing gratitude for the groups support during the ongoing conflict, according to Lebanese media reports.

The letter, published by the pro-Hezbollah al-Mayadeen daily, acknowledges Nasrallahs condolences following the assassination of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July.

In his letter, Sinwar vowed that the blessed convoys of martyrs will increase in strength and power in confronting the Nazi Zionist occupation, reaffirming Hamas commitment to fighting the Zionist project alongside the Iranian-backed axis of resistance.

Sinwar emphasized the goal of continuing the struggle until the occupation is defeated and swept away from our land, and our independent state with full sovereignty is established with Jerusalem as its capital.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israeli police have released footage showing members of the elite Yamam counterterrorism unit detaining a wanted Palestinian suspect in a hospital in the West Bank city of Halhul early Thursday morning.

According to police and the Shin Bet security agency, the suspect had been injured in an attempted car bombing attack in Halhul a month ago. The man was being treated for his wounds at the hospital when the Yamam unit conducted the arrest.

Authorities have not released further details on the suspects identity or the ongoing investigation into the car bombing attempt.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese experts have vehemently slammed the recent false claim by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 had nothing to do with Taiwan.

Whether it is from the perspective of historical and legal facts, the resolution itself or international practice, the one-China principle is indisputable and should not be distorted or challenged, and the fact that Taiwan is an integral part of China can not be changed, said Zhu Songling, a professor at Beijing Union University.

Passed at a UNGA session in 1971, UNGA Resolution 2758 made it clear that there is only one seat for China in the United Nations, precluding scenarios such as "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan."

According to Liu Kuangyu, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Taiwan Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the reason why the resolution did not mention Taiwan is simply because it was unnecessary.

Taiwan, just like other regions of China, falls completely within China's international law identity, and there is, therefore, no need or justification to mention Taiwan separately, Liu said.

China has established diplomatic relations with 183 countries based on the one-China principle, which is a widely recognized consensus in the international community and a fundamental principle in international relations, said Wang Hailiang, director of the Shanghai Institute for East Asian Studies.

No matter how the DPP authorities collude with external forces to make a fuss, they cannot change the fact that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is an integral part of China, Wang added. 
What was Vivek Doing at the DNC?

Introduction By Rabbi Yitzchok Ehrman COO, Agudath Israel

Headlines were ablaze with news of a disturbing incident at an Agudath Israel of America event held on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Anti-Israel protestors forcibly interrupted our gathering, which was intended to raise awareness about the growing menace of antisemitism faced by Jews in America, particularly Orthodox Jews.

Watch:

The irony of mindless slogan-chanters targeting Orthodox Jews while trying to disrupt a gathering about antisemitism cannot be overstated. It demonstrates the societal evil better than any speech or chart.

While the world is captivated by political drama, the Agudah staff is engaged in a different kind of vigilance, intently observing to fulfill our chovas hishtadlusour duty to engage in proactive efforts on behalf of Klal Yisroel. We are not merely observers, but active participants, ensuring that our shtadlanus serves the greater good of Klal Yisroel and is mekadeish Sheim Shamayim.

Let us stay focused on this essential narrative and continue to support our shared mission with unwavering resolve.

www.charidy.com/WeDo

Did I belong at the DNC?

By Rabbi A.D. Motzen National Director of Government Affairs

Whats he doing here?

That was my reaction when Vivek Ramaswamy, the former Republican presidential candidate, passed me at the Democratic National Convention, followed by a gaggle of reporters. I assume he didnt agree with much of what he heard at this convention. Then I stopped to reflect on my own presence at the DNC. As a registered Republican (who occasionally votes for Democrats) representing the Torah values of Agudath Israel  did I belong here?

The simple answer is that I work for Agudath Israel of America, which, as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, cant endorse or oppose any candidate or party for office. But our gedolim have mandated that we be effective shtadlanim, or advocates, for the Orthodox Jewish community. That means showing up on Capitol Hill and in statehouses and city halls across the country. You cant be effective if you arent at the table, engaging with elected officials and influential people in both parties.

While the focus of these conventions is on the presidential candidates, there are tens of thousands of local, state, and federal officials and party activists in attendance. At an Agudah event on the sidelines of the convention more than 150 elected officials and party activists mingled with Jewish leaders from across the country. The event was not an endorsement of the Democratic Party or its platform, but rather an opportunity to help educate public officials and activists about our community and engage them in important conversations.

Democratic officials stood in silence as the Neutra family spoke about their son Omer, who has been held hostage by Hamas since October 7. In addition, there were banners posted around the room highlighting the need to condemn anti-Semitism by name, and not simply lump it together with ritual denunciations of all other forms of hate, and pointing out that a majority of anti-Semitic assaults around the country involve those who are identifiably Jewish  the Orthodox community. The elected officials who spoke at this event condemned this abhorrent trend and explained how they plan to combat it with concrete action.

At a time when both major parties are accused of harboring anti-Semites in their ranks, we cant afford to ignore either of them. For now, Im encouraged that both parties feel that being perceived as the stronger one on the issue of anti-Semitism will get them more votes. Voters will ultimately decide who they believe.

The other goal of The Agudahs DNC event was to highlight the growth of the Orthodox Jewish community and its increasing electoral strength. Most Orthodox Jews live in blue states. Our message, delivered by elected officials, was simple  ignore the Orthodox community at your peril.

Vivek Ramaswamy was also at the DNC to engage people, and his verbal exchanges went viral. I doubt that Vivek recruited anyone at the DNC to the Republican cause, but he proved that when you engage honestly and directly with people who disagree with you, you may be surprised at how they respond.

As I drove home from Chicago late Thursday night, I revisited my question from a few hours earlier: Did I belong at the DNC? Like Vivek, I was there to share our agenda and not to accept theirs. How could I not have attended?

WATCH: Inside the Agudah: Rabbi A.D. Motzen

An interview with R Yitzchok Hisiger
No one ever wants to see a repeat of the great financial crisis of 2008 when

the insouciance of regulators and rampant greed among bankers tipped the world over a precipice.

National economies were plunged into recession and, 16 years later, the public finances of the worlds most advanced economies are still dealing with the consequences in terms of borrowing and debt levels.

That is the part of the inheritance of the Starmer Government, which it fails to acknowledge. Former Labour Prime

Restrictions: The Bank of England and the Treasury have given UK banks more wiggle room than international rule allow so they can keep lending

Minister Gordon Brown was at the helm.

The result of the crisis has been the loud sound of stable doors being shut.

Reforms such as improved deposit insurance of 85,000 in the UK, the separation of consumer from casino banking and stronger capital requirements have proved sensible. But as is often the case, the enforcers overdo it.

The ongoing attempt to build living wills for banks, so that they can be wound down and revived over a weekend without state intervention, has proved a farce.

The rules were trampled over in spring 2023 when first Silicon Valley Bank and then Credit Suisse collapsed, requiring government interventions.

At San Franciscos First Republic, the intervention of Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan proved more potent than any living wills.

New capital rules unfurled by the central bankers club at Basel in Switzerland are designed to act as a safety lock.

Even the Bank of England thinks this is all a bit much and, together with the Treasury, has given the UK banks more wiggle room so they can keep lending.

As one senior banker noted recently, allowing academics with little lending experience to set the rules is bonkers.

Lending is never going to be risk-free. Tough capital ratios have produced bad outcomes. More risky and long-term lending has been hived off to the non-bank sector, such as private equity, where there is little transparency.

Too much bank capital, which could be deployed in commercial and infrastructures lending, is in government bonds.

The decision of the Banks prudential arm to take the foot off Basel brakes is correct. But if the UK wants a vibrant and competitive banking sector, that feels able to address lagging private sector investment and lacklustre productivity, there is a strong case for further liberalisation.

As a legendary robber once observed about the banks: Thats where the money is.
Its rare for a company to take a drug from the clinic to commercial success, but James Barder and his team at Futura Medical have done just that with their fast-acting erectile dysfunction (ED) gel, Eroxon.

This week has been a pivotal one for Futura, as it posted its first-ever profit, well ahead of expectations.

Analysts have since raised their financial forecasts for the company, buoyed by this success. And the best may be yet to come, as the US launch of Eroxon looms.

Futura Medical's fast-acting erectile dysfunction gel, Eroxon.

If the companys choice of partner is any indicator, Futura could be set for a significant breakthrough in America.

It has teamed up with Haleon, the GSK spin-out and one of the worlds largest consumer healthcare companies.

Eroxon will also have the distinction of being the only ED treatment available over the counter in the US, giving it a substantial competitive edge.

Despite these milestones, Futuras progress was largely overlooked by the market this week, with shares slipping 5% to 36.6p, valuing the business at just over 100 million.

Analysts, however, see much greater upside, pricing the shares between 125-130p.

In the wider market, the AIM All Share drifted a point lower to 743.68 amid thin trading volumes. Investor interest remained focused on the FTSE 100, which rose 75 points to 8,257.87.

Elsewhere in the small-cap space, Chariot, a Morocco-focused oil and gas group, appeared to deflate investor expectations when the Anchois-3 pilot hole failed to deliver additional resources. The stock fell 49% to 3.37p, a steep drop considering the side-track was more of a bonus than critical to the investment story.

Down 43% at 14p, Vector Capital has joined a growing list of businesses exiting AIM as they struggle with the lack of interest and high listing costs. The company will cease trading on Monday.

Ethernity Networks dropped 37% to 0.31p, despite what seemed like positive announcements. The decline was likely driven by last weeks discounted fundraising round of 540,000 to provide working capital for a US aerospace contract. Despite the sell-off, the contracts milestone payment suggests the company is in a better position than the share price implies.

A further case of success masquerading as failure (based on the direction of the share price and possibly only for technical reasons) was Greatland Gold (down 22% at 5.42p).

On Wednesday, it announced it was buying out mining giant Newmont to take full control of the Havieron gold-copper project, as well as acquiring ownership of the nearby Telfer operation.

The cash and shares deal, worth $475 million, will create an integrated operation in Western Australias Paterson province. The share price took a bit of a biffing as the company tapped the market for equity investment to fund the deal.

Havieron, with a mineral resource of 8.4 million ounces of gold equivalent, is slated to produce 258,000 ounces of the yellow metal a year, while Telfer could produce 426,000 ounces. There is also potential for expansion.

While fallers dominated the headlines, a few success stories emerged this week.

In the natural resources sector, Orusur Mining saw its share price jump 49.1% to 3.95p after announcing it would acquire full ownership of the Anza gold project in Colombia.

The deal, subject to regulatory approval, includes a 1.5% net smelter return (NSR) royalty and a fixed royalty of $75 per ounce for the first 20,000 gold equivalent ounces produced.

Quantum Blockchain Technologies was up 26% at 0.63p following the appointment of Jose Rios as strategic adviser. Rios, a former Intel executive with 25 years of tech industry experience, played a crucial role in Intels Blockscale ASIC project for Bitcoin mining, bringing valuable expertise to Quantums blockchain development efforts.

Meanwhile, Blackbird PLC surged 29% to 6.39p after it reported a significant increase in users of its video editing platform, elevate.io, and a reduction in first-half losses. Usership grew from 800 to 1,800 in September following a Google Ads campaign. CEO Ian McDonough highlighted this as a crucial step toward monetizing the platform, with new features in the pipeline and a payment gateway expected early next year.

For all your small-cap breaking news go to www.proactiveinvestors.com
Rio Tinto exported its four billionth tonne of iron ore from Pilbara in Western Australia to China this summer.

The giant cargo ship, which set sail from Dampier Port on July 19 heaving with the raw material used to make steel, was bound for its biggest

customer  the worlds largest steel producer Baowu Steel Group.

In a press release to celebrate this milestone, the Anglo-Australian firm noted that 4bn tonnes of iron ore would produce enough steel to make around 45,000 Sydney Harbour Bridges.

And it reflected that it had been 51 years since its first shipment from its iron ore heartlands in north-west Australia to China  then ruled by Chairman Mao, who oversaw a country that is a shadow of the economic powerhouse it is today.

Exports: It has been been 51 years since Rio Tinto's first shipment from its iron ore heartlands in Pilbara, north-west Australia (pictured) to China

Chinas meteoric rise to become the worlds second biggest economy, and the insatiable thirst for steel that has accompanied it, has brought enormous riches for Rio and its former FTSE 100 rival BHP.

But, as investors have been reminded in recent months, relying too heavily on one commodity and one customer, albeit a very large one, comes with risks.

Having slumped by 10pc last week, iron ore prices fell below $90 a tonne this week for the first

time in almost two years amid fresh fears that China will be unable to achieve its annual 5pc growth target.

In addition, fears of a US recession have intensified after the release of disappointing jobs figures last Friday.

The upshot is iron ore has now fallen by a third since the beginning of the year, when it was trading around $132 a tonne.

And although it is now back above $90  rising to $92.30 yesterday  it now worth significantly less than half the $233 a tonne it peaked at in May 2021.

Rio, which produces around 330m tonnes of iron ore a year  virtually all of it in the Pilbara (pictured above)  and sells roughly three-quarters of it to China, has seen its share price plunge by nearly a fifth since the beginning of this year to 4720.5p.

Chinas property market, which accounts for the biggest share (around 30 per cent) of steel demand, has deteriorated dramatically, seen most vividly in the implosion of apartment building giant Evergrande, the heavily-indebted Chinese company which was wound up earlier this year.

Bleaker-than-expected property data from China shows the value of new home sales from the 100 biggest real estate companies is down 26.8pc from a year ago.

Meanwhile, as the economy has spluttered, Xi Jinpings Communist government has not been splashing quite as much cash on giant infrastructure projects  such as roads, railways and airports  as it used to.

This has made the situation worse, said Vivek Dhar, lead commodities and mining analyst at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

Usually the main sector, which counteracts what is happening in the property sector, has been infrastructure, but of late this has also turned south.

To make matters worse, falling demand for iron ore has coincided with a glut of supply, led by Australia and the worlds second largest producer, Brazil.

Baowu, which is Rios biggest customer, is owned by the

Chinese government and put investors on notice last month by warning that there was a long and harsh winter looming for the steel industry.

Just 1pc of Chinese steel mills are now turning a profit, according to Chinese reporting agency Mysteel, with some closing their blast furnaces, and iron ore sitting idle in Chinese ports.

Pressure: Rio's chief executive, Jakob Stausholm (pictured) has overseen massive investment in new iron ore mines in Africa and Australia

Long-term investors should be accustomed to wild swings in the price of iron ore and  by proxy  Rios share price.

But to some industry insiders this downturn feels a little different, and it may finally herald the end of the long iron ore boom.

The most prominent among them is BHP chief executive Mike Henry, who has argued that Chinese iron ore demand has peaked and will remain near current levels for several years before starting to decline, with the days of breakneck growth numbered.

This falling demand will coincide with rising supply, with Rio expecting production to begin next year at its giant Simandou mine in Guinea, West Africa, and its Western Range site in the Pilbara. Both are joint ventures with Baowu.

Henry has warned that smaller, higher- cost iron ore miners will fall by the wayside if prices continue to decline, as Chinas demand for steel plateaus.

There is no question of this happening to giants such as BHP and Rio, which will continue to make the lions share of their profits from iron ore in the foreseeable future, and will make hefty margins even when prices are lower.

But Henry has stressed that the end of the golden age of iron ore boom further underlines the importance of future-facing commodities needed to power renewable energy and electrification, such as copper, lithium, nickel and potash.

As for Rio, its chief executive, Jakob Stausholm, has been a little more bullish.

This is perhaps unsurprising given the firms massive investment in new iron ore mines in Africa and Australia.

He has told investors he is confident iron ore prices will remain high enough to ensure these investments pay off.

Time will tell.
Fevertree shares crashed to an eight-year low after it warned wet weather dampened demand for its tonic and other mixers.

The drinks maker reported revenues of 170.6million for the first half of the year  up 2 per cent year-on-year.

It said sales were hit by a tough consumer backdrop and poor weather between April and June.

Weather misery: Fevertree Boss and co-founder Tim Warrillow

Its mixers, including tonic water, ginger ale and soda, tend to be more popular in warmer weather when demand for refreshing drinks increases.

In the UK, where it says it is the top mixer brand, revenues declined 6per cent.

Sales picked up in July and August, growing 13 per cent compared with last year.

Chief executive Tim Warrillow said it performed well against a tough market backdrop.

But it has lowered its outlook for the full year.

It is now targeting growth of between 4 per cent and 5 per cent, down from 7 per cent.

Shares tumbled 11.6 per cent, or 100p to 762.5p  their lowest since 2016.
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.
Revolut founder and chief executive Nik Storonsky has sold a chunk of shares worth as much as 230million.

Just weeks after securing its long-awaited banking licence, the Russian-born billionaire offloaded the stock in an employee secondary share sale.

The shares accounted for between 40 per cent and 60 per cent of the stock sold in August, according to reports.

Cashing in: Revolut founder and chief executive Nik Storonsky offloaded shares worth as much as 230m in an employee secondary share sale

That means he sold somewhere between 153million and 230million of his holding in the London-based app.

But this is just a small portion of his overall stake, estimated to be worth around 6billion.

Several thousand employees took part in the share sale, according to Sky News.

Revolut declined to comment.

Last month the company was valued at 35billion  more than Barclays and NatWest  and is Europes most valuable start-up.

It waited three years for a UK banking licence after auditors said they could not verify the 2021 accounts, prompting

Storonsky to attack the UK as a place to do business.

The licence means Revolut can hold customer deposits and offer new products such as credit cards, personal loans or mortgages.
The merger of telecoms giants Vodafone and Three's UK businesses would lead to higher mobile bills for 'millions of mobile customers', the country's competition watchdog has warned.

Vodafone and Three, which announced the 15billion deal last year, will be forced to address a suite of issues highlighted by preliminary findings of an in depth probe by Britain's Competition and Markets Authority.

The CMA on Friday flagged concerns about higher bills and reduced levels of customer service, as well as a 'substantial lessening of competition' by reducing the number of UK mobile network operators from four to three.

The CMA will consider solutions to the deal ahead of a final decision in December

Vodafone UK and Three UK say the joint venture is vital to 'fix' the country's 'dysfunctional' mobile market, with the firms lining up 11billion of digital infrastructure investment.

The CMA said that while the deal 'could improve the quality of mobile networks and bring forward the deployment of next generation 5G networks and services', it has doubts about the companies' promised investment package.

It added: 'The CMA currently considers that these claims are overstated, and that the merged firm would not necessarily have the incentive to follow through on its proposed investment programme after the merger.'

In a joint statement, Three and Vodafone said they disagreed with the regulator's assessment, vowing that 'prices will either stay broadly the same or actually drop post-merger'.

Vodafone-Three's 15bn UK joint venture A tie-up between Vodafone and Three's UK businesses will reduce the number of UK mobile operators from four to three, with the joint venture facing the remaining competition of BTEE and Virgin Media O2. The venture will be 51 per cent-owned by Vodafone and 49 per cent by Three's parent company CK Hutchison. If the merger goes ahead, the combined group will have more than 27m subscribers. The two firms say a deal would result in an additional investment of 11billion in the UK.

The businesses said the deal would improve market competition and investment, and bring 'best-in-class 5G to every community, school and hospital in the country'.

The UK currently ranks 22nd out of 25 European countries for 5G availability and speed, and has the slowest data speeds amongst the G7, according to Opensignal analysis cited by the firms.

But Vodafone and Three say the deal would deliver 'better quality, enhanced capacity and greater coverage to over 50 million mobile customers across the country'.

They said: 'By all measures, this merger is pro-growth, pro-customer, pro-investment and pro-competition. It can, and should, be approved by the CMA.'

Vodafone chief executive Margherita Della Valle added: 'Our merger is a catalyst for change.

'It's time to take off the handbrake on the country's connectivity and build the world-class infrastructure the country deserves.

'We are offering a self-funded plan to propel economic growth and address the UK's digital divide.'

The firms will now engage with the CMA to explore potential solutions to the CMA's concerns ahead of its final decision on 7 December.

The UK has among the cheapest 5G mobile data among peers

How might the deal affect the UK mobile market?

The need for digital infrastructure investment in the UK is widely recognised.

Vodafone appeared to get a green light for the deal from ministers in the previous Conservative government after it was told to set up a national security committee to 'oversee sensitive work' post-merger.

It followed a national security review triggered by concerns over Three's links to China, given it is owned by Hong Kong group CK Hutchison.

Three UK's chief executive Robert Finnegan said Britain's 'four-player mobile market is dysfunctional and lacks quality competition with 2 strong players and 2 weak players'.

He added: 'This is reflected in the current state of the UK's digital infrastructure that everyone agrees falls well short of what the country needs and deserves.'

Founder and chief executive of London-based analyst firm Assembly, Matthew Howett, said the CMA's concerns about pricing is 'remediable', noting the UK already has some of the lowest 5G costs among peers.

He added: 'A legally binding commitment to the 11billion of promised network investment, overseen by Ofcom, would be a win not only for consumers and network quality, but also for the new Labour government.

'As the EU is grappling with its own competitiveness relative to the US and Asia, regard must be given to the UK's standing on the international stage.

'[Former ECB President Mario] Draghi, in his report this week, set out the importance of infrastructure and connectivity to this story, and it's encouraging that the CMA has essentially arrived at the same conclusion.

'With the UK economy failing to grow, and the new government's number one mission for sustained economic growth  success or failure depends on private sector investment.'
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)
ANKARA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye's national intelligence has "neutralized" a senior leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in an operation in northern Iraq's Makhmour region, the state-run TRT reported on Friday.

Azad Akinci, codenamed Adil Mardin, who was classified as a red-category wanted "terrorist," was the leader of the PKK's Makhmour Camp, located about 160 kilometers from the Turkish border, the TRT quoted anonymous security sources as saying.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, is based in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, where the Turkish military frequently conducts airstrikes and maintains military outposts. 
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. 
HANOI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Some newly launched apartments in Vietnam's capital Hanoi are priced at nearly 200 million Vietnamese dong (8,100 U.S. dollars) per square meter, or almost on a par with townhouses and villas, VnExpress reported Friday.

A five-tower apartment project on Vo Chi Cong street in Tay Ho district has opened for bookings in recent weeks at estimated prices of at least 170 million dong (6,924 dollars) per square meter, the report said.

VnExpress quoted a director of a property trading floor near West Lake as saying that apartment prices in Hanoi were topping 200 million dong per square meter and "closing in" on that of villas and townhouses in their vicinity.

David Jackson, CEO of Avison Young Vietnam, said apartment market prices in Hanoi were rising rapidly. The 100 million dong (4,050 dollars) mark was first breached in late 2021 and early 2022 but has since become more common.

Brand names, utility and management are also factors that drive up the prices, he said. 
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese lawmakers on Friday voted to adopt a decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age in the country, marking the first adjustment in the arrangement since 1950s.

According to the decision adopted at the 11th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, the statutory retirement age for men will be gradually raised from 60 to 63 in the course of 15 years starting 2025, while that for women cadres and women blue-collar workers will be raised from 55 to 58 and from 50 to 55, respectively.

Starting 2030, the minimum year of basic pension contributions required to receive monthly benefits will be gradually raised from 15 years to 20 years at the pace of an increase of six months annually.

Meanwhile, people will be allowed to voluntarily retire by no more than three years in advance after reaching the minimum year of pension contributions. But it is not allowed to retire earlier than the previous statutory age.

The new policies will also allow individuals to postpone retirement to an even later date if they reach an agreement with employers, but such a delay should be no more than three years.

The decision also specifies measures to refine the old-age insurance incentive mechanism, implement the employment-first strategy, ensure the basic rights and interests of workers who have passed their statutory retirement age, and improve elderly care and childcare services.

The document includes specific provisions on welfare for unemployed old-age workers and on earlier retirement for those in special professions.

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee made clear arrangements on gradually raising the statutory retirement age in the country.

The plan passed by lawmakers on Friday was formulated on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of the average life expectancy, health conditions, the population structure, the level of education and workforce supply in China. 
CARACAS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela on Thursday rejected the new sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department against several Venezuelan officials "in the strongest terms."

In a statement, Venezuela's Foreign Affairs Ministry denounced the U.S. move as "unilateral, illegitimate and illegal coercive measures" and a "new crime of aggression."

Washington has once again demonstrated "its total disregard for international law, the self-determination of peoples and the democratic will of Venezuelans," it said.

The latest sanctions violated the agreements signed in Qatar between the governments of Venezuela and the United States in September 2023, the ministry noted.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new individual sanctions against 16 Venezuelan officials in various branches of government.

It said that the sanctioned officials "obstructed democratic political participation and undermined the election process" during the recent Venezuela's presidential elections.

Among the officials listed were the president of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, Caryslia Rodriguez, and the first vice president of the National Assembly, Pedro Infante. 
BAGHDAD, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Two army officers were killed and three soldiers wounded on Friday in an attack by the extremist Islamic State (IS) militants in the northern Iraqi province of Kirkuk, said a local security source.

The attack occurred in the morning when IS militants opened fire on a military patrol near the town of Dibis, northwest of the namesake provincial capital, Kirkuk, some 250 km north of the capital Baghdad, Salam al-Obaidi from Kirkuk police told Xinhua.

Following the attack, a clash broke out between the two sides, during which a military vehicle was also damaged, al-Obaidi said.

He added that an Iraqi army force rushed to the scene and searched the area afterward to hunt down the attackers.

Also on Friday, the Iraqi military said it identified several senior IS leaders among the 14 militants it killed in an operation targeting IS hideouts in western Iraq's Anbar desert on Aug. 29.

According to a statement from the Security Media Cell, a media outlet affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, DNA tests on the 14 dead bodies revealed that Ahmed Hamed Zwain, deputy of the IS group's top leader in Iraq, who was known by his nickname Abu Siddiq or Abu Muslim, and Abu Ali Al-Tunisi, head of weapons development and manufacturing for the IS, were among the victims.

The statement added the fatalities also included the leader of the group's southern region and its leadership chain in Anbar province, including local leader Abu Hammam and several other military, communications, and financial officials.

The security situation in Iraq has improved since the defeat of the IS in 2017. However, IS remnants have sneaked into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians. 
In the global market, the price of a barrel of Azerbaijani oil branded "Azeri Light" has increased by $3.24, or 4.41%, reaching $76.77, Azernews reports.

According to auction results, the price for Brent crude oil futures for November is $72.31.

The average price of a barrel of oil in Azerbaijan's state budget for this year is projected to be $75.

For reference, the lowest price for "Azeri Light" oil was recorded on April 21, 2020, at $15.81, while the highest price was in July 2008, at $149.66. In Azerbaijan, oil is primarily produced under the contract for the development of the "Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli" (ACG) fields. The contract includes a 25% stake for the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).
DUBAI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- With bilateral trade flourishing across various sectors, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are making concerted efforts to explore new paths for cooperation, aiming for further win-win outcomes and strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership.

This focus was underscored during Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to the UAE, which concluded on Friday. In meetings with UAE leaders and business representatives, both sides expressed a strong will and offered valuable suggestions to enhance economic and trade collaboration while marking 40 years of diplomatic relations.

While meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday, Li noted that China is willing to further expand the scale of bilateral trade with the UAE and explore cooperation in new energy, electric vehicles, high-end manufacturing, biomedicine, digital economy and other fields.

He hoped that the two countries could jointly make a forward-looking layout of emerging and future industries to cultivate more new economic growth points.

For his part, Mohamed 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.

During talks with the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Li pointed out that China and the UAE are good partners on the path of common development. It is in the fundamental interests of both sides to strengthen cooperation and help each other succeed.

Li said China is willing to share development opportunities with the UAE for better mutual benefit, welcoming more UAE investment in China and encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the UAE.

Also on the premier's visit agenda was the UAE-China Business Forum, which was held in Dubai on Thursday. Over 200 representatives from the governments, chambers of commerce, and businesses of both countries attended.

While addressing the forum, Li said bilateral ties have matured over the past 40 years, and economic and trade cooperation has yielded strong results.

China has been the UAE's largest trading partner for many years. The UAE is China's largest export market and second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.

Official data showed bilateral trade between China and the UAE reached 94.98 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. In the first half of 2024, the figure reached nearly 50.11 billion dollars.

Behind such success lies a profound inevitability, Li noted. As China-UAE economic and trade exchanges have spanned over a millennium, both countries have actively embraced economic globalization and worked together to create development miracles through opening-up.

The premier called on enterprises from both countries to seize the new opportunities of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and identify more areas of shared interests and opportunities for collaboration from the intersection of their strategic priorities.

He also urged both sides to jointly seize the burgeoning opportunities in technological and industrial innovation, and harness innovation as a driving force.

UAE business representatives spoke highly of China's development dynamism and market potential at the forum, expressing their eagerness to increase investment in China and expand cooperation with their Chinese partners.

In his speech, Chairman of Dubai Chambers Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair hailed China as a crucial market for the UAE business community and a preferred partner for UAE enterprises.

Recognizing the growing significance of the Chinese market, the Dubai International Chamber has opened three overseas offices in China: Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, the highest number of offices in any single country.

UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri shared recent data highlighting the vibrancy of economic exchanges: The UAE is now home to about 15,500 Chinese businesses, and the number of flights between the two countries operated by the UAE's national carriers has reached 44 per week, he noted.

The minister invited Chinese enterprises to fully explore the growing opportunities brought by the UAE's increasingly favorable business environment to scale up investments, particularly in emerging industries.

"We are confident that our shared visions and strategies to expand cooperation into new economic sectors will further strengthen and elevate our economic and investment relations," Al Marri said. 
Even amid a historic crime wave and high-profile local homicides that shook local communities to their core, we notice elected officials seemingly putting the interests of criminals ahead of so many other local residents.

To be fair . . .

TKC doesn't want to deny anyone the right to vote.

It's just unclear that "too few ex-cons voting" is really a crisis that merits of the attention of top law enforcement officials . . . During a crime wave no less.

However . . .

It's not our job to judge . . . Our analysis merely suggests that this might be part of the reason that "Mean Jean" might be one of the least popular elected officials in the metro and at the end of her tenure it's unlikely that she could get elected to dog catcher.

Don't mistake that previous line for hateration. Instead, agree or disagree, there is no denying that Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peter Backer BELIEVES in a progressive agenda that champions social & restorative justice given that she has endured nearly nonstop criticism from both conservatives and the urban core as she put her ideas into practice throughout her tenure.



And so . . .



We merely share this note in order to document election season advocacy from the courthouse.

Check-it . . .



Jackson County Prosecutor's Office Press Release: Expungement clinic and voter registration opportunities this month

In an effort to ensure each eligible person has a right to vote come November, two special clinics are scheduled this month to help citizens register to vote and to help persons restore their right to vote.

The first clinic will be next Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 3:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a second clinic on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Both clinics will be at Morning Star Community Center, 2525 E 27thh St. in Kansas City. Sept. 17, 2024, is also National Voter Registration day.

Persons who should consider attending include those who want to restore their right to vote after a past felony conviction; anyone not registered to vote in the state of Missouri; and anyone who has changed addresses since the last time they voted.

The Expungement Clinic and Voter Registration effort are hosted by the Jackson County Prosecutors Office, the Urban League of Greater Kansas City and Urban Summit.

See attached flyer.

#################

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com screen cap . . .

Developing . . .
Shooting amid arguments and otherwise continues to claim lives in this cowtown.

For this early morning update we share the latest info from the scenes of two different Kansas City homicide scenes wherein police are asking for cooperation, TIPS and help as the quotient of local killing continues to spike toward the end of the year.

As police work late into the night/morning, here at www.TonysKansasCity.com we merely share and prioritize the info available to the public . . .

Homicide 4200 block of Agnes

This evening just after 8:30 PM officers were dispatched to the 4200 block of Agnes Avenue on a reported disturbance. While officers were in route to the address, call notes were updated and indicated someone may have been shot.

Officers arrived on scene to the dispatched address and located an adult male victim on the front porch of a residence, unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. Officer immediately began to render medical aid until EMS personnel responded and transported the victim to an area hospital. In route to the hospital, officers were advised the victim had succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased.

UPDATE: A person of interest, adult male, was taken into custody for further investigation.

There is no preliminary information indicating what may have led up to the shooting at this time.

Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded to the scene to begin gathering any evidence and collecting witness statements.

This incident is being investigated as homicide is considered 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.

############





Homicide 6300 block of Manchester Ave

On 09/12/24 just before 9:45 PM, officers were dispatched to the 6300 block of Manchester Avenue on a reported shooting.

When officers arrived on scene, they were directed inside of an apartment where they located an unresponsive adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. Officers checked the victim for any signs of life and were unable to locate a pulse. EMS personnel arrived shortly after and declared the victim deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates the victim, and an adult male suspect were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated into shots being fired. The suspect left the scene in an unknown direction, and by unknown means, prior to officer arrival.

This incident is being investigated as a homicide and is ongoing at this time.

Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded 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.

#################

Developing . . .
Today we learn that neither Mayor Q nor the council majority have any respect for personal liberty or the value of human dignity over the impending rule of artificial intelligence.

To wit . . .

MAYOR & MOST OF THE COUNCIL ENDORSE SLOPPY AI TECH SURVEILLANCE ON KANSAS CITY STREETS!!!

The reasoning is sketchy and paves the way for more AI enforcement of law that seems nightmarish/.



What the council didn't ask . . .

If AI can press charges against somewhat for traffic crime . . . Why should we stop there and doesn't just open the door to using automated robot tech for other convictions???



Hint . . .

We know how this works . . .

Our long dead pal political consultant Steve Glorioso worked tireless to push big money contracts through with little regard for constitutionality and/or outright corruption.

And now . . .

Here's the latest spin on spy tech that doesn't seem so novel . . . Check-it:



Under the ordinance passed Thursday, red light cameras will now take a picture of both the driver and the car and only send tickets when the system is able to match the photo of the driver to the owner of the car.



KCMO Councilwoman Melissa Robinson told her colleagues during Thursday's meeting the cameras help ease the problem of not enough officers in the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department.



The cameras would fill the gap where there aren't enough officers.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
More than a few items for review right now as we consider ongoing investigations, political action against the worsening crime wave and the long-term legacy of local crime.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

List of Kansas City-area school districts investigating threats of 'violence' grows with 2 more Thursday Two more Kansas City-area school districts alerted families they were investigating threats made against schools.

Former Kansas City Mayor, residents weigh in on how to find space to house criminals The plan to rebuild a booking and holding center at the Kansas City Police Department headquarters has been brought to the city council.

Man charged in early Tuesday burglary of Walgreens in Waldo A man faces felony charges in connection with a burglary of a Walgreens in the Waldo area early Tuesday morning, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office announced Wednesday.

Property Damage: Couple files lawsuit against suspect in deadly officer shooting An Independence couple sues accused killer Larry Acree for more than $25,000 in property damage following a shooting earlier this year.

Prosecutor wants testimony of Timothy Haslett Jr.'s alleged victim documented on video ahead of trial The Clay County Prosecuting Attorney's office wants to use video to record testimony from a young woman who escaped from accused killer Timothy Haslett's home in October 2022.

Arkansas man pleads no contest in Shawnee attempted murder case The victim told investigators a man walked into the liquor store as she worked and attacked her with a knife.

2 Kansas City area court cases face delays due to mental competency hearings Experts point to long wait lists for mental health facilities and staffing shortages as factors in lengthy delays in court cases.

Woman files suit, says she was injured by bullet fragments during KC police training Alijandra Rios, 28, alleges that she was injured in the head by flying bullet fragments during a KCPD training exercise in 2022, during which she says she was not provided protective headwear.

Lee's Summit neurologist pleads guilty to false federal tax returns A Lee's Summit neurologist pleaded guilty in federal court to false tax returns, a spokesperson said Thursday.

Kansas City landlord found guilty of stabbing tenant to spend life behind bars The Kansas City landlord who stabbed his tenant to death over a heating complaint will now spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Help for Kansas City abuse survivors was drastically slashed. Our leaders must act | Opinion Congress cut victim services grants by $630 million, or 40%. The people the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault helps will suffer. | Opinion

KC Unsolved: Five years since Prairie Village mom Angela Green disappeared without a trace In the years since Angela Green's disappearance, her case has received widespread media attention. Her family says they don't want to stop until they have answers.

Developing . . .
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Friday lashed out at the United States for unilaterally imposing sanctions on a Cambodian tycoon and four related businesses.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed deep regret over the decision targeting Cambodian businessman Ly Yong Phat, his conglomerate L.Y.P. Group Co. Ltd., and four related businesses.

"The move, based on unconfirmed reports of forced labor linked to online investment scams, is politically motivated and runs counter to the spirit of reinforcing our bilateral cooperation and mutual trust," the statement said.

The unilateral sanctions undermined respect for the international law and basic norms governing international relations, in particular principles of sovereignty equality and non-interference, the statement added.

"Through L.Y.P. Group, his (Ly Yong Phat) contributions to infrastructure development, job creation and poverty alleviation have positively impacted the lives of thousands of Cambodian people," it said.

"Our government's proactive measures in combating sophisticated cross-border criminal activities demonstrate a resolute commitment to uphold human dignity and the rule of law," the statement said. 
TAIPEI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A coalition of dozens of political and civil groups in Taiwan on Thursday expressed strong condemnation over certain U.S. politicians and local "Taiwan independence" separatists distorting the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, which was adopted in 1971.

In a statement, they criticized the false claim made by U.S. politicians and local "Taiwan independence" separatists that the resolution does not apply to Taiwan, which they argued is an attempt to undermine the one-China principle internationally.

Both the Cairo Declaration issued in 1943 and the Potsdam Proclamation signed in 1945 reaffirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan under international law, the statement said.

As Taiwan is a part of China, the UNGA Resolution 2758 addressed the issue of China's representation at the United Nations and applied intrinsically to Taiwan, it said.

The goal of Taiwan joining the United Nations is merely a cover for advocating "Taiwan independence" and violates international law directly, the statement noted.

It went on to say that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the same country and, as such, they should both seek complete national reunification.

Taiwan should not be used as a pawn by the United States to hinder the mainland's development, nor should it be a source of hostility or confrontation between the two sides. Instead, efforts should be made to promote cross-Strait people-to-people exchange and dialogue, it said.

It also called on all sectors of Taiwan's society to uphold the one-China principle and strive for peace on both sides of the Strait, stressing the need to oppose external interference in cross-Strait affairs, as well as "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.

"We want peace, not war. We must not allow cross-Strait relations to remain in constant opposition," the statement read. 
In the past day, 143 combat engagements were recorded on the front lines in Ukraine.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in a situation update as of 08:00 on Friday, September 13, Ukrinform reports.

Yesterday, the Russian army launched an attack on the positions of Ukrainian units and settlements with an Iskander-M missile, as well as 80 air strikes, including the deployment of 117 guided aerial bombs. In addition, the enemy carried out 4,323 attacks, including 167 from multiple launch rocket systems.

The Russian forces conducted air strikes, particularly in the areas of Pavlivka, Myronivka, Obody, Rivers, Mariine, Bilopillia, Berestove, Fedorivka, Toretsk, Ivanopillia, Dobropillia, Ocheretyne, Pokrovsk, Vuhledar, Urozhaine, Novodonetske, Novoukrainka, Pavlivske, Novopokrovsk, Kamianske, Stepnohirsk, Shcherbaky and Odradokamianka.

Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Air Force, missile troops and artillery struck an enemy pontoon ferry, a command post, an air defense facility, eight guns at firing positions, 11 areas where personnel, weapons and military equipment were concentrated, and two other important targets of the Russian invaders.

In the Kharkiv sector, the enemy attacked four times in the area of Vovchansk. Russian aircraft also launched two attacks with five anti-aircraft missiles against civilian infrastructure.

In the Kupiansk sector, eight enemy attacks were recorded over the past day. The defense forces repelled assaults near Synkivka, Hlushkivka, Kolisnykivka, Stelmakhivka and Lozova.

In the Lyman sector, the enemy attacked six times, trying to advance toward Nevske and Druzheliubivka.

In the Siversk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled five assault attacks by Russian invaders near Verkhniokamianske. Enemy aircraft attacked the Fedorivka community with 10 unguided aerial missiles.

In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian troops attacked four times in the areas of Chasiv Yar and Stupochky.

In the Toretsk sector, the enemy, supported by aircraft, carried out six attacks near Nelipivka, Toretsk and in the vicinity of New York.

Read also: Russia keeps one missile carrier in Black Sea

In the Pokrovsk sector, the Defense Forces thwarted 36 enemy assaults and offensive actions towards Vozdvyzhenka, Novooleksandrivka, Zelenyi Pole, Novotroitske, Hrodivka, Novohrodivka, Selydove and Mykhailivka. The highest concentration of enemy attacks was recorded in the areas of Hrodivka and Novohrodivka.

In the Kurakhove sector, the Defense Forces repelled 64 attacks. The Russians were most active in advancing in the areas of Kostiantynivka and Heorhiivka, where about 75% of all combat clashes took place. The enemy also attacked in the direction of Oleksandropil and Zhelanne Pershe.

In the Vremivka direction, the invaders carried out five assaults in the areas of Vodiane and Zolota Nyva, actively using attack and bomber aircraft.

In the Orikhiv sector, the Russians attacked near Robotyne and launched air strikes on Kamianske, Stepnohirsk, and Shcherbaky.

In the Dnipro River sector, the Russian invaders launched six assaults against the Ukrainian positions but were repelled with significant losses.

In the Volyn and Polissia sectors, no signs of enemy offensive group formation were recorded.

On the border with the Chernihiv and Sumy regions, Russian troops are actively using artillery and aircraft in the vicinity of Ukrainian settlements from their territory.

The operation in the Kursk region continues.

As reported by Ukrinform, the Russian armys total combat losses in Ukraine from February 24, 2022, to September 13, 2024, amounted to nearly 631,420 troops.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine called on international partners to be more resolute and help Ukraine protect the sky by jointly repelling Russian missile attacks.

The head of state said this in an address to the participants of the 20th annual meeting of the Yalta European strategy, Ukrinform reports.

"When we hear that new missiles have arrived in Russia from Iran, it is the same evil that the allies have already had to shoot down in the skies of the Middle East. Now, the markings of the missiles may be different, but not Irans terrorist motive behind the proliferation and use of these weapons. If the allies are jointly shooting down missiles and drones in the skies over the Middle East, why is there still no similar decision to jointly shoot down Russian missiles and Iranian Shaheds over Ukraine? And this isnt being done even when missiles and drones are heading towards the territory of our neighbors," Zelensky emphasized.

According to the president, when the issue of shooting down missiles and drones from the Ukrainian sky by partners air defense is raised during the negotiations, the interlocutors avoid answers.

" And when we raise this issue with our partners, which we do constantly, to be honest, everyone tries to talk around it They're even afraid to say, "we are working on it." They're afraid even of those words. Thats the truth. So far, only Belarus was noticed for shooting down Russian Shaheds. I couldnt imagine it would be that way... I think this is truly humiliating for the strong democratic world," the president said.

As reported, on the night of September 5, Belarusian fighter jets scrambled to shoot down several Russian Shaheds that crossed into the countrys airspace in Gomel region (RB) from Ukraines Chernihiv region.

Photo: Presidents Office
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stressed the importance of peace, saying that the kingdom is ready to fully engage with the international community to ensure that peace, sustainability and shared prosperity become lasting realities for all.

In a pre-recorded speech delivered to the Global Call on the Summit of the Future, held in New York, via videoconference, Hun Manet said peace is the foundation upon which all progress was built.

"Our history shows that without peace, goals like ending poverty, providing quality education, addressing climate change, and achieving sustainable economic development become far more challenging," he said. "This experience reminds us just how critical it is to work together toward our shared global goals."

Hun Manet said Cambodia is proud to play a significant role in global peacekeeping and that since 2006, the Southeast Asian country has sent over 9,000 peacekeepers to serve on 11 United Nations missions, including over 800 women.

"Our teams have been key in offering crucial services, especially in demining efforts," he said. "These contributions not only show our commitment to global peace, but also highlight the importance of inclusive participation in maintaining security and stability worldwide."

The Cambodian prime minister said the country's commitment to protect the environment is equally strong, as it has actively contributed to global efforts against climate change. 
The Parliament of Bulgaria decided to extend by six months the deadline given to the government for negotiations on the sale of two Russian nuclear reactors and auxiliary equipment to Ukraine.

This was reported by Euractiv, Ukrinform saw.

Authorities in Sofia received the reactors from Russias Atomstroyexport more than six years ago, but they were already unusable because the country had given up on building the Belene nuclear power plant.

The reactors are currently stored near Belene awaiting sale.

Bulgaria has been negotiating the equipment sale with Ukraine for almost two years, with parliament obliging the government to conclude the deal at a price of at least 600 million, the same as the Bulgarian National Electricity Company paid to Russias Atomstroyexport.

Read also: Russian killer drone spotted flying near Khmelnytskyi NPP in Ukraine

It is noted that experts from the Ukrainian nuclear plant operator Energoatom arrived in Bulgaria to inspect the equipment but Russias full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine affected the negotiation process.

Earlier this year, the European Commission acknowledged that a potential deal to sell Russian reactors could be financed with EU aid money to Ukraine.

As the BNR writes, during the allotted additional 180 days, the Bulgarian deputies plan to update the market assessment drafted last year and obtain the necessary approvals from Energoatom.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers tabled in the Verkhovna Rada the draft law on the location, design and construction of power units 3 and 4 of the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the construction of two nuclear power units at the Khmelnytskyi NPP will increase annual electricity generation by 16,226 million kWh, and commissioning  by 15,415 million kWh.

Currently, two power units with a nominal capacity of 1,000 MW each operate at the Khmelnytskyi NPP. Construction of power unit 3 at the KhNPP began in September 1985, and unit 4  in June 1986. Both are designed for a capacity of 1,000 MW, with a VVER-1000/B-320 reactor unit. Despite the completion of unit 3 being at 75% and unit 4  at 28%, in 1990, due to the moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants, the project was suspended.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Poland Gabrielius Landsbergis and Radosaw Sikorski.

The Head of State posted this on Facebook, seen by Ukrinform.

"We discussed important issues. Constant terror from Russia and the need to use long-range weapons against military targets on the territory of the aggressor state. Implementation of bilateral security agreements, implementation of the Peace Formula points, preparation of the second Peace Summit, and acceleration of Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO," Zelensky wrote.

The President thanked Lithuania and Poland for being with us from the very beginning until our joint victory."

As reported by Ukrinform earlier, Zelensky met with the former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the Annual Yalta European Strategy Meeting.
| By Emily Bleiweis

BALTIMORE  Climate change continues to drastically impact the health and well-being of humans, especially those most vulnerable  be it from heat-related illnesses from extreme temperatures to lung-related conditions from air pollutants.

Through a uniquely interdisciplinary approach, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is leading the way in building a future health and human services workforce that is prepared to work with clients and communities to reduce climate and health inequities.

Last spring, students in a pilot course began work on a project that focused on the Curtis Bay neighborhood in Baltimore and the environmental and health impact from the CSX coal terminal nearby. This work included detailed research, as well as letters written and submitted by the students in a continued effort to help get the CSX facilitys permit revoked. The students work continued over the summer during a summer internship, funded by UMB Provost Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MSL, MPA.

A study released in 2023 confirmed what many in the community have voiced concerns over for years  coal dust is present throughout the community, including smaller coal dust particles that are of particular health concern.

Taking the 'Climate Change, Health, and Society' class opened my eyes to how deeply environmental issues like those in Curtis Bay affect peoples everyday lives. Its not just about studying problems; its about standing up and doing something to make things better for those who are suffering, said Leonardo Soto, a student in the Marine-Estuarine Environmental Sciences Graduate Program (MEES) who has a foundation in molecular and cellular biology.

This course, taught by 12 UMB faculty, began as a pilot initiative in spring 2024 and was open to students in the schools of law, medicine, nursing, and social work as well as MEES, a University System of Maryland program.

But what began as a pilot course has grown into what UMB hopes can become a model for the future.

Over the past year, we formed an interprofessional faculty working group at UMB to develop a training program for future leaders to address the significant challenges facing society from climate change, said Shiladitya DasSarma, PhD, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and director of the course. Our health-legal-scientific partnership is an innovative educational strategy for addressing the impacts of the climate crisis in order to promote sustainable development in the state and the world.

UMB faculty are working to build an educational model that includes an interdisciplinary center and a variety of courses focusing on climate change and health.

It is evident humans will need to figure out how to survive in changing conditions  including finding ways to lessen disease and the loss of human life through measures like wellness checks for vulnerable people, community cooling and heating centers, and programs that provide homes with free air conditioning.

But the leaders at UMB know its not enough just to react.

"One of the goals of our course, and the internship that followed, is to help young professionals address health inequities amplified by climate change, and to meet the needs of people who are most vulnerable to its effects. This is sometimes called a 'climate gap' because different groups of people will be affected in different ways by the changing climate, said Karin Russ, JD, MS, RN, interim director of legal affairs at the University of Maryland School of Nursing and co-director of the course. Climate gaps fall along racial and economic lines. Examples include people's ability to avoid or recover from the effects of climate change, like extreme weather, heat, and the spread of infectious diseases.

Fall 2024 Symposium

UMB will hold its first-ever Climate Symposium in October 2024.

The faculty working group received a three-year, $45,000 "Climate Change and Health Equity in Maryland: An Interprofessional Education Collaboration" grant from the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) to organize this annual Climate Symposium and seminar series.

This year, the symposium will be held Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the SMC Campus Center, 621 W. Lombard St., Baltimore, and will feature expert invited guests and community panels as well as UMB students and interns. Further details will be provided as we get closer to the date.
Local people are evacuated to safe place in boats in Vientiane, Laos, Sept. 14, 2024. Lao authorities issued a notice urging residents in the Lao capital Vientiane to take extra precautions as flood risks increased due to heavy rains and rapidly rising water levels. The level of the Mekong River in Vientiane was recorded at 12.57 meters on Friday, exceeding the danger level of 12.50 meters, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Lao authorities issued a notice urging residents in the Lao capital Vientiane to take extra precautions as flood risks increased due to heavy rains and rapidly rising water levels.

The level of the Mekong River in Vientiane was recorded at 12.57 meters on Friday, exceeding the danger level of 12.50 meters, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Water level was forecast to rise to 13.08 meters on Saturday and 13.25 meters on Sunday.

Relevant authorities and residents in vulnerable areas were urged to spread the warning and prepare for potential flooding. All sectors must remain vigilant and be fully prepared to safeguard lives and property.

The Vientiane Disaster Management Committee was instructed to work closely with all relevant departments to mitigate flood risks.

The public was urged to stay informed, heed official warnings and cooperate with local authorities in flood prevention efforts. 

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 14, 2024 shows some flooded low-lying villages along the Mekong River in Vientiane, Laos. Lao authorities issued a notice urging residents in the Lao capital Vientiane to take extra precautions as flood risks increased due to heavy rains and rapidly rising water levels.

The level of the Mekong River in Vientiane was recorded at 12.57 meters on Friday, exceeding the danger level of 12.50 meters, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 14, 2024 shows local people being evacuated to safe place in boats in Vientiane, Laos. Lao authorities issued a notice urging residents in the Lao capital Vientiane to take extra precautions as flood risks increased due to heavy rains and rapidly rising water levels.

The level of the Mekong River in Vientiane was recorded at 12.57 meters on Friday, exceeding the danger level of 12.50 meters, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 14, 2024 shows Lao soldiers building sandbag barriers in Vientiane, capital of Laos. Lao authorities issued a notice urging residents in the Lao capital Vientiane to take extra precautions as flood risks increased due to heavy rains and rapidly rising water levels.

The level of the Mekong River in Vientiane was recorded at 12.57 meters on Friday, exceeding the danger level of 12.50 meters, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

Local people built sandbag barriers along the Mekong River to deal with the flooding in Vientiane, capital of Laos, Sept. 14, 2024. Lao authorities issued a notice urging residents in the Lao capital Vientiane to take extra precautions as flood risks increased due to heavy rains and rapidly rising water levels.

The level of the Mekong River in Vientiane was recorded at 12.57 meters on Friday, exceeding the danger level of 12.50 meters, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 14, 2024 shows some flooded low-lying villages along the Mekong River in Vientiane, Laos. Lao authorities issued a notice urging residents in the Lao capital Vientiane to take extra precautions as flood risks increased due to heavy rains and rapidly rising water levels.

The level of the Mekong River in Vientiane was recorded at 12.57 meters on Friday, exceeding the danger level of 12.50 meters, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
NAIROBI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Mayanae Lemojong stands in the middle of her camels, the dry grass crunching underfoot as a gentle breeze stirs the dust around her. She looks out across the vast, sun-scorched landscape of Ngilai, northern Kenya, where the acacia trees stand resilient against the harsh climate.

To the outsider, this land may seem unforgiving, but to Lemojong, it is home -- a place worth fighting for.

In Ngilai, the fight is led by women like Lemojong, who have taken on new leadership roles to ensure the survival of their families and the larger community. Once solely responsible for household duties and raising children, they are now stepping beyond traditional roles, advocating for change and shaping the future of their land and people.

Lemojong's biggest dream is to give her children the one thing she said she did not have the privilege to experience -- education.

"Education opens your eyes. I want my children to know that the world is diverse, and so should their dreams. The legacy I want to leave for my children is education. I know it starts with being active in making our voices heard and creating a realistic vision for our community," Lemojong said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Ngilai's Samburu community, known for their colorful attire and nomadic lifestyle, has long lived in harmony with nature, grazing livestock across semi-arid lands. But the pressures of modern life, climate change, access to healthcare, and education have forced the community to rethink how they approach these challenges. And it is the women who are leading the way.

Four years ago, the Ngilai people began a partnership with Legado, an organization that helps indigenous communities articulate their vision for the future. Together, they developed the Nkishon Supat e Ngilai Legacy Plan, a blueprint for enhancing the community's resilience and sustainability in the face of growing threats.

Women like Lemojong played a pivotal role in creating this plan, which integrates environmental conservation with gender equity and health.

"Women have always been the caretakers of the land, but now, we are also the leaders. We are using our voices to ensure that our community not only survives but thrives," Lemojong explained.

For Khadija Lelesara, taking on a leadership role in a community where deeply entrenched culture and tradition sideline women from decision-making processes was a pipe dream.

Lelesara grew up knowing leadership was only a man's job. "Before we came up with the legacy plan, I would never have imagined myself sitting at the table where decisions are made. Taking part in the Thriving Futures training deepened my perspective on leadership. I am now a committee member in one of our schools," Lelesara said.

One of the most striking changes in Ngilai is how women have transformed maternal health in the community. Maternal health is a key pillar in the legacy plan.

For years, access to healthcare was limited, and traditional birth practices were often the only option for Samburu women. As climate change and prolonged droughts impacted the community, however, it became clear that maternal health needed to be prioritized.

In response, the women of Ngilai, with the help of Legado, built a maternity shelter that blends traditional Samburu birthing practices with modern medical care. The shelter, designed by the community, is attached to the Lolkuniyani Dispensary and features warmer rooms and beds that allow for traditional birthing positions.

"We wanted a space where women could feel safe and supported, where they would receive the care they deserve," said Purity Lekipila, one of the women who took part in constructing the shelter.

Since its opening, the shelter has already welcomed more than 28 newborns, giving mothers the comfort of knowing they can access both traditional birth attendants and emergency medical care if needed.

"We have seen the power of coming together. Our work is not just about health; it is about ensuring our children grow up strong and proud of their heritage," said Roselyn Lororua, who now leads the maternity shelter.

The construction of the maternity shelter is just one example of how Ngilai's women are finding ways to blend tradition with modern solutions. In a community where cultural norms are deeply ingrained, navigating change can be a delicate process.

Tita Alvira, Legado's chief partnerships and programs officer, said the organization recognizes the importance of respecting these cultural practices while integrating new ideas for the legacy plan to come to life.

For instance, traditional birth attendants use herbal medicine in their work, so maintaining their community role incentivizes the protection of land where medicinal plants grow. "The goal was not to break traditions but to create spaces where women feel safe to speak up and take part in decision-making," Alvira said.

Andrew Lenanyokie, the Ngilai Thriving Futures Site coordinator, credited the success of building the legacy plan to prioritizing gender equity as a fundamental part of the process. "Giving our women a leading role in creating the vision for our future was the best thing to happen to Ngilai people. Women take care of us and our homes, a great skill we needed at the community level," Lenanyokie added.

In Ngilai, where women have historically been silent in public meetings and watched from afar, the shift is significant. Today, they are actively involved in setting priorities for the community's future.

According to Lenanyokie, the number of women appointed as board members in conservancies across the region has increased. "In one of the conservancies, eight out of the 18 board members are women," Lenanyokie said.

This change, Alvira noted, has led to an increase in community participation, with more women contributing to the vision of a sustainable future.

Women like Lemojong are proud of what they have achieved but are acutely aware that there is still work to be done. The road to a sustainable future is not without its challenges. Cultural barriers remain, and breaking the mindset of thinking in silos takes time.

"These women are not just stewards of their land; they are leaders of change. The work being done in Ngilai is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions, and it's a model that can inspire others around the world," Alvira said. 
September 13 2024

Graham Investment Projects and Cooper Cromar are to host a second round of consultations regarding the delivery of purpose-built student accommodation at 138 Hydepark Street, Glasgow.

Working within the envelope of a residential project currently subject to planning approval, the switch in use follows a similar change in tack at a separate development on nearby Finnieston Street.

Rising on the site of an existing commercial building adjoining the River Heights apartment block the project joins a number of high density projects along the River Clyde development corridor.

Model representations illustrate the scale of the planned scheme in the context of neighbouring developments in the fast-growing district.

The consultation is scheduled for Monday 16 September at the Radisson Red Hotel on Tunnel Street.
(@FahadShabbir)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) The district administration of Islamabad, led by Assistant Commissioner Rural, has arrested 23 persons from different areas of the Federal Capital involved in professional begging.

The arrests took place within the jurisdictions of Lohibir, Sahala, Kural, and Hamak police stations, said the spokesman of ICT administration.

The arrested beggars were taken to the police station. Meanwhile, minors found begging were sent to the Edhi Center for care and rehabilitation.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, emphasized the need for stronger measures against professional beggars in the city.

He urged citizens to avoid encouraging beggars, as this practice fuels organized begging activities.

Authorities have also requested the publics cooperation in identifying and reporting cases of professional begging. By discouraging this practice, the administration aims to reduce its presence in public spaces and improve the overall environment of the city.

The district administrations action is part of an ongoing campaign to address this issue and enforce the law effectively.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) The UNESCO Chair on Knowledge Systems for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) Wah Campus hosted the first ever coordination meeting of all eight UNESCO Chair Holders across Pakistan and celebrated the International Literacy Day 2024.

The main objective of the event was to unify expertise and wisdom of all UNESCO Chairs across Pakistan working in various dimensions and multidisciplinary areas and how the same could address the global challenges faced by Pakistan in specific and global communities at large for sustainable development of the societies, a press release said.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abid, Director Campus/UNESCO Chair on Knowledge Systems for IWRM, welcomed Antony Kar Hung Tam, Officer-in-Charge in UNESCO Office Pakistan and his team, officers from Pakistan National Commission on UNESCO and all UNESCO Chairs Holders across Pakistan.

Prof Dr Muhammad Abid, in his opening remarks, highlighted the importance of the UNESCO Chair Holders' Meeting as a valuable platform for them to showcase their expertise and contributions.

He expressed confidence that effective collaboration between the chairs would strengthen relationships, achieve better results, and enhance the impact of their work both locally and globally in the areas of sustainable urban development, water resource management, agriculture, health, information and communication technology, culture and arts.

He added that the platform was also aligned with the theme of International Literacy Day 2024 which was focused on promoting literacy for mutual understanding and peace.

In his presentation, Antony Kar Hung Tam outlined the UNESCOs key focus areas in Pakistan and discussed thematic areas for enhancing quality education, providing technical and vocational training, promoting cultural and creative industries, advancing science and improving media and information literacy.

He highlighted the UNESCO's dedication to Greening Education, making education systems climate-resilient, and managing water resources effectively for the community of Pakistan.

During the event, all the UNESCO Chair Holders across Pakistan shared their ongoing research, future collaborative projects, knowledge sharing, strategic partnership and future directions.

A roundtable discussion was also part of the

event which was moderated by Syed Raza Shah, National Professional Officer, UNESCO Islamabad to address the question How can UNESCO collaborate with the chairs to help them perform their activities, and how can chairs contribute to each others work?
(@FahadShabbir)

ABBOTTABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) Following the directives of Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, a Khuli Kutchery was conducted at Government High school Nagri Balaon Friday to address the grievances of people of remote areas.

During the session, a significant number of complaints were filed regarding issues with various federal and provincial departments, including PESCO, NADRA, the Post Office, the Benazir Income Support Program, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, the Passport Office, and the Revenue Department.

Advisor In-Charge Rashid Ahmad took immediate action by issuing orders to address several complaints on the spot. Additionally, formal hearings were scheduled for other issues, and notices were dispatched to the relevant departments.

This initiative was part of a broader policy by Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi to ensure prompt and free access to justice for the public directly at their locations.

Chairman Union Council Nagri Bala Sardar Asif Gul expressed his appreciation for the Federal Ombudsman and Advisor In-Charge Rashid Ahmad, highlighting the initiative as a significant advancement for public service.

He emphasized that these sessions facilitate immediate justice for the residents. Local dignitaries, including Gul Khitab, Sardar Saleem, Malik Nazir, Benjamin, and Waheed Gul, also commended the effort, recognizing it as a substantial benefit for the community.

Addressing the occasion, the Advisor In-Charge described the Federal Ombudsmans office as a public tribunal dedicated to resolving complaints against federal institution mismanagement.

He assured that decisions on complaints are rendered within 60 days without any fees or requirement for legal representation.
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Environment Ministers or their representatives gathered here in the capital of Cambodia on Friday, discussing ways to further enhance cooperation in protecting environmental treasures in the GMS countries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the sixth GMS Environment Ministers' Meeting, Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth said the meeting marked an important step forward in ongoing joint efforts to achieve a clean, green, sustainable, and resilient future for the GMS nations.

"The Greater Mekong Subregion is a region of extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity, home to ecosystems that support millions of livelihoods," he said.

He added that forests, rivers, and wetlands are not only sources of life but also the core of economies, and are deeply connected to the cultural and spiritual identities of people in the GMS countries.

"However, as we stand on the verge of significant economic development and industrialization, we are also facing profound environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and unsustainable development," Sophalleth said.

The minister said the frequency and severity of natural disasters in the GMS underlined the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience, strengthening disaster risk reduction strategies, improving early warning systems, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.

He added that improving environmental quality is equally important for the health and well-being of the population.

"Pollution control and waste management, especially the reduction of plastic use, are central to creating cleaner air, water, and soil," he said.

Sophalleth said the meeting, which brought together environment ministers or their representatives from the six GMS countries: Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, offered a unique platform to strengthen partnerships, share knowledge, and coordinate concerted efforts to address these pressing issues.

"Together, we can build a resilient, sustainable future for the Greater Mekong Subregion, ensuring that our natural treasures are preserved for generations to come," he said.

According to Sophalleth, the meeting is expected to endorse two vital documents, namely the 2030 Strategic Framework for Accelerating Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability in the GMS, and the Phnom Penh Joint Statement on Plastic Pollution Control.

Fatima Yasmin, vice president for Sectors and Themes of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), said it is essential to integrate climate resilience and environmental sustainability into every facet of development plans, policies, and investments.

"For this reason, ADB has committed to allocate its own resources amounting to 100 billion U.S. dollars towards climate action in Asia and the Pacific over the period of 12 years from 2019 to 2030," she said. 
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has congratulated Makhdoom Tahir Rashiduddin on his resounding victory in the NA-171 Rahim Yar Khan by-election.

In a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, he expressed his delight over the victory and praised the people of Rahim Yar Khan for placing their trust in the leadership of the PPP.

He also thanked the PPP workers, local leadership, and supporters for their tireless efforts in securing this success.

This victory reflects the peoples confidence in the PPPs vision for a progressive, inclusive, and democratic Pakistan, he said.

Bilawal Bhutto said that Makhdoom Tahir Rashiduddins win was not just a triumph for the party but also for the people of Rahim Yar Khan, who have chosen progress over regression and development over hollow promises.

This mandate reminds us of our responsibility to serve the people with honesty, integrity, and transparency, he added.

He also emphasized the partys commitment to addressing the needs of the people, ensuring good governance, and upholding the principles of democracy.

Bilawal Bhutto reaffirmed the PPPs resolve to continue its struggle for a more prosperous and united Pakistan, where every citizen has access to justice, opportunity, and dignity.
RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) The communication teams of Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) carried out its cleanliness,anti-dengue and anti-smog awareness campaign in the areas of Khayban-e-Sirsyed and Dhoke Dalal here on Friday.

According to the RWMC spokesman, the teams distributed leaflets to the Jamia Masajids of the areas and educated them about the importance of cleanliness and the prevention of dengue and Smog.

The teams asked the Masjid Imams / Khateebs of the areas to play their part in educating the people about the importance of cleanliness in the light of Islamic teachings in the sermons of Friday prayer.

The objective of the activity was to reach out to a maximum number of people to educate the general public about the precautionary measures to avoid dengue and smog.

He added that on the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a grand cleaning operation had been started in Rawalpindi to prevent the looming threat of smog this year under the title Smog Safe Punjab.



He said that washing and mechanical sweeping of major roads of the city was being carried out daily to provide a smog-free environment to the residents of the city.

In a message, RWMC has appealed to the people to not burn waste and chemicals in the open as they were the major cause of smog, adding burning garbage was a legal offence as smoke and dust contributed to smog which was harmful to the environment and human health.

He urged the residents to ensure the spraying of water to prevent dust and to use masks and glasses, adding the promotion of tree plantation was vital for avoiding smog and checking environmental pollution.
(@FahadShabbir)

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) The South Punjab Secretariat has decided to host the first South Punjab Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technological Advancement Conference and Exhibition.

Public and private universities and educational institutions from South Punjab will participate in this event.

The exhibition will showcase unique and innovative products developed by educational institutions and students. The secretariat will play a role in securing patents and sponsorships for the displayed products. In this regard, a meeting was chaired on Friday by Acting Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, Engineer Amjad Shoaib Khan Tareen, attended by Special Secretary Higher education South Punjab Sarfraz Ahmed, Additional Secretaries Atta-ul-Haq and Muhammad Farooq Dogar, and Deputy Secretary Services Dr. Nayyer Mustafa.

Amjad Tareen said the AI and Technological Advancement Conference and Exhibition aim to provide a platform to highlight and recognize South Punjab's talent in the field of science, making it a revolutionary step forward.

He further explained that the exhibition would be organized under the Triple Helix Model, involving the secretariat administration, educational institutions, and representatives of sponsoring companies.

Tareen emphasized that patenting the products would enable students and institutions to earn royalties, and securing sponsorship would facilitate the commercial production of these innovations.

He also mentioned that individuals with unique, innovative products could also participate in the exhibition. He further stated that the products would be allowed to display after approval from a research and technical committee. For this purpose, contact can be made with Additional Secretary Higher Education South Punjab Atta-ul-Haq in Multan and Deputy Secretary Services South Punjab Dr. Nayyer Mustafa in Bahawalpur.

Special Secretary Higher Education South Punjab Sarfraz Ahmed briefed that ten public and private universities have expressed interest in participating in the conference and exhibition, collectively presenting 105 projects.
Los Angeles, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) 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.
(@FahadShabbir)

Copenhagen, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) Danish logistics group DSV announced Friday a deal to acquire Schenker, a division of German rail firm Deutsche Bahn, for 14.3 billion Euros ($15.8 billion) and create a "powerhouse" in the freight-forwarding sector.

"This is a transformative event in DSV's history, and we are very excited to join forces with Schenker" DSV chief executive Jens Lund said in a statement.

"With the acquisition we bring together two strong companies, creating a world-leading transport and logistics powerhouse that will benefit our employees, customers and shareholders," Lund added.

DSV said the deal was its biggest transaction to date.

The combined companies will have 147,000 employees in more than 90 countries and generate revenue of 39.3 billion euros.

DSV said Germany will be a "key market" for the company. It will retain Schenker's location in Essen and invest one billion euros in the country over the next three to five years.

"Together with DSV, our goal is to transform the industry and build a truly global market leader with joint European roots for the best of our employees and our customers," Schenker CEO Jochen Thewes said.
London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) Weeks after anti-immigrant riots spread across England, a London exhibition is celebrating the impact immigrant communities have had on Britain through photos, testimonies and art installations.

Migration is "often seen as something that's very divisive" but in reality "is just a part of our daily lives", said Aditi Anand, curator of "All Our Stories: Migration and the Making of Britain".

"It's shaped Britain over the centuries and we want to get a sense of that long history and show that migration has always been happening," she told AFP.

The exhibition, which opened Thursday at London's Migration Museum, features 7,000 testimonies, 200 photographs and contributions from about 50 artists.

It aims to show the "human stories behind the headlines", added Anand, the museum's artistic director, who said migration had influenced Britain from food to fashion.

The long history of migration down the centuries also features in the exhibit, which runs until December next year.

A video by director Osbert Parker recalls that between 4,000 and 800 BC, "communities from the Mediterranean and continental Europe arrived in Great Britain including Celtic tribes, today known as the Ancient Britons".

- Not a modern phenomenon -

The video is a reminder that the Romans were followed in the fifth century by the Angles, Saxons and Jutes of northern Europe, who brought with them Germanic languages and culture.

"The idea is to show that the immigration is not something modern. It's been going on for generations," she added.

According to the last census in 2021, 17 percent of the British population was born outside the country, or around 10 million people.

"I think what we really want to show is that it (migration) has just been a part of our lives. It's part of the fabric of this country's DNA," said Anand.

The display features a vending machine of products that "look like they're quintessentially British brands" but have "migrant founders", she noted.

One company featured is Marks & Spencer, co-founded by Michael Marks who was born into a Polish-Jewish family before arriving in Leeds in northern England in 1882.

The country's first coffee chain, Costa Coffee, is also included. It was created by two brothers who arrived from Italy in the 1950s.

The exhibition also shows a reconstructed Chinese takeaway and the kitchen of a Spanish restaurant.

It also details the European migration crisis of 2015 with a look at the now-closed "Calais Jungle", a vast camp where thousands of people waited to cross the Channel from northern France.

Next to a reconstructed tent, a series of photos put faces and stories to the migration crisis.

The exhibition comes as the UK continues to grapple with high levels of irregular migration, with nearly 23,000 crossing the Channel in dangerous small boats this year.

It recalls that three centuries ago, Huguenot French Protestants fled persecution by crossing the same body of water to England where they were warmly welcomed by the authorities.
Madrid, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) Spain tried to calm the war of words with Venezuela Friday with relations between the two countries almost at breaking point after Caracas recalled its ambassador.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil summoned the Spanish ambassador there to a meeting Friday after ordering his country's envoy to Spain to come home for "consultations".

The new flare-up followed Spain's Defence Minister Margarita Robles calling the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a "dictatorship" Thursday, and expressing her support for "the Venezuelans who had had to leave their country" because of his regime.
Port Sudan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) Sudan's priceless archaeological heritage is being stripped from museums, with looters loading statuettes and fragments of ancient palaces onto lorries, smuggling them out of the war-torn country, and selling them online.

More than a year of war between rival generals has killed tens of thousands of people, forced millions more to flee their homes, and left the country's prized antiquities at the mercy of pillagers.

On Thursday, UNESCO, the United Nations's cultural body, said the "threat to culture appears to have reached an unprecedented level, with reports of looting of museums, heritage and archaeological sites and private collections".

In the capital Khartoum, where fighting broke out in April 2023 between the army and paramilitary forces, the recently renovated Sudan National Museum has had prized artefacts stolen, archaeologists and officials say.

The museum houses prehistoric artefacts from the Palaeolithic era and items from the famed site of Kerma in northern Sudan, as well as Pharaonic and Nubian pieces.

First opened in 1971, the museum was founded in part to house objects rescued from an area due to be flooded by the construction of Egypt's massive Aswan dam.

Now, its artefacts are under threat from war.

"The Sudan National Museum has been the subject of major looting," said Ikhlas Abdel Latif, head of museums at the national antiquities authority.

"Archaeological objects stored there have been taken in big lorries and transferred to the west and to border areas, particularly near South Sudan," she told AFP.

The extent of the looting is hard to determine because the museum is located in an area controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Officials and experts have accused the RSF of looting the site. Contacted by AFP, a spokesman for the force did not comment.

In May, the RSF said it was being "vigilant" in "protecting and preserving the antiquities of the Sudanese people".

Throughout history, fighters have used plunder to fund their war efforts.

UNESCO said it was calling on "the public and the art market.

.. in the region and worldwide to refrain" from trading in Sudanese items.

The agency also said it was planning training in the Egyptian capital Cairo for law enforcement and the judiciary from Sudan's neighbours.

"Because of the war, the museum and the artefacts are not being monitored," said Hassan Hussein, a researcher and former director of the national antiquities authority.

The army, led by Sudan's de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is locked in conflict with the RSF, which is led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

The Island of Meroe, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kush and dozens of its pyramids, is also under threat.

Artefacts and exhibition accessories have been stolen from the museum in Nyala, the South Darfur state capital, said Abdel Latif.

In Omdurman, just across the River Nile from Khartoum, part of the Khalifa House museum was also destroyed, she said.

Last week, the Association of Friends of Sudanese Museums condemned "in the strongest terms" the looting that is taking place across the country.

Experts voiced alarm after finding looted artefacts offered for sale online.

On the auction site eBay, a user offered items presented as Egyptian antiquities that, according to Sudanese media, were looted from Sudan.

AFP saw the listings, with items offered for a few hundred Dollars, but was not able to independently verify the authenticity or origin of the items.

A Sudanese archaeologist, speaking anonymously for security reasons, told AFP that pottery, gold objects and paintings listed for sale appeared to have come from the National Museum in Khartoum -- although at least one statuette was an imitation.

He said he feared for the larger statues, which "must be handled by specialists in a precise manner" and could be damaged if looters were to lay hands on them.

The issue is set to be discussed at an upcoming conference in Germany, which Hussein will attend.

"The current state of the collections is a concern for anyone who cares about humanity's heritage," he said.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

United Nations, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) 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."

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.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

UkraineBelarus border, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Friday that 49 Ukrainian POWs had been returned from Russia, with AFP witnessing the group being greeted at the border with Belarus.

Zelensky did not clarify whether it was part of an exchange with Russia, as is usually the case, but AFP journalists had earlier seen Russian prisoners of war being loaded onto a bus near the border.

It would be the second exchange between the warring countries since Kyiv's surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region.

Zelensky said civilians were also among the returnees, including a "girl who was taken hostage when she came to take care of her sick father".

He said the exchange also included fighters from Mariupol's 2022 Azovstal battle, as well as soldiers, border guards and police officers.

AFP spoke to two women in their 20s wrapped in Ukrainian flags and receiving flowers, who said they were at the Azovstal plant that fell to Russia after a siege in 2022.

"I'm finally home, I can't believe it," said 28-year-old Tamara Miroshnikova, commander of an armed vehicle of Ukraine's National Guard, said.

Another woman, 29-year-old Tetiana Bugay, said she was a medic at the Azov brigade that fought for Azovstal.

Earlier, AFP saw the Ukrainian military driving Russian POWs in a bus, some were wearing hoods hiding their faces, which were removed as they were loaded into a minivan.

AFP spoke to some of them briefly, and all those who spoke said they were taken captive during Ukraine's surprise Kursk offensive last month.
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Beijing becomes the first city on the Chinese mainland supporting contactless fare payments in rail transit for foreign MasterCard and Visa card holders.

Starting Friday, international visitors can use MasterCard and Visa cards issued overseas to take rides on the city's entire rail transit network, and pay automatically according to the same billing rules as the local residents.

Beijing has upgraded more than 20,000 sets of facilities at subway stations of its rail transit system to facilitate the new payment initiative, which supplements current payment methods such as UnionPay cards and QR codes, to further improve the experience of international visitors for rail transit, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport announced at the ongoing 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services.

The service is comprehensively available at all gates across 490 stations along 27 subway lines (including two airport lines, Xijiao Line and Yizhuang T1 Line), covering a total length of 836 km. Additionally, the Suburban Railway Line S2 is also part of this scheme. 
A. Oliver Sartor, MD, is a medical oncologist in the Division of Medical Oncology in the Department of Oncology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Sartor serves as chair of the Genitourinary Cancer Disease Group and director of Radiopharmaceutical Clinical Trials across the enterprise for Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Sartor joined the staff of Mayo Clinic in April 2023.

After receiving his M.D. from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Sartor completed his internal medicine residency, followed by a fellowship at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, where he was junior faculty. He later returned to New Orleans, eventually becoming chief of the Hematology/Oncology Section and director of the Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and co-director of the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium. He later joined the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School in Boston before returning to Tulane University as the Laborde Professor for Cancer Research in the departments of Medicine and Urology, medical director of the Tulane Cancer Center, and associate dean for Oncology for the Tulane University School of Medicine.

Dr. Sartor has focused predominantly on clinical and translational aspects of prostate cancer. He has published over 500 peer-reviewed manuscripts and established multidisciplinary collaborations with urology, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology. He is vice chair of the Genitourinary Cancer Committee for NRG Oncology.
Small-business owners can gain a solid understanding of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and learn essential Level 1 and Level 2 requirements Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Scott Dawson will lead a Wyoming APEX Accelerator webinar titled Introduction to CMMC Levels 1 and 2 from 11 a.m.-noon. To register, go here. Registration is free. The webinar is sponsored by the Wyoming Small Business Development Network (SBDC), Manufacturing Works and Wyoming APEX Accelerator.

Wyoming APEX Accelerator, part of the Wyoming SBDC Network housed at the University of Wyoming, is the states expert in government contracting assistance.

The webinar will cover basic and intermediate cybersecurity practices and compliance frameworks, and it will introduce maturity models. The webinar will include a question-and-answer segment to address specific questions and provide further insights.

Dawson is co-founder and president of Core Business Solutions Inc., an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and cybersecurity consulting company headquartered in Lewisburg, Pa. A quality management expert and consultant with over 30 years of experience, Dawson has helped thousands of American businesses implement ISO 9001 and other ISO and cybersecurity standards. At Core Business Solutions, he co-created the first cloud-based document control system -- the CORE Compliance Platform -- which helps thousands of users achieve and maintain ISO certification.

For more information, call Tyler Schanck, marketing, communications and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email tschanck@uwyo.edu.

The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by UW with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Adminstration.
James Patrick from Canada experiences contactless fare payments in rail transit for foreign MasterCard and Visa card holders at the Xinshougang (Shougang Park) Subway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. Beijing becomes the first city on the Chinese mainland supporting contactless fare payments in rail transit for foreign MasterCard and Visa card holders. Starting Friday, international visitors can use MasterCard and Visa cards issued overseas to take rides on the city's entire rail transit network, and pay automatically according to the same billing rules as the local residents. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Beijing has become the first city on the Chinese mainland supporting contactless fare payments in rail transit for foreign MasterCard and Visa card holders.

Starting Friday, international visitors can use MasterCard and Visa cards issued overseas to take rides on the city's entire rail transit network, and pay automatically according to the same billing rules as the local residents.

Beijing has upgraded more than 20,000 sets of facilities at subway stations of its rail transit system to facilitate the new payment initiative, which supplements current payment methods such as UnionPay cards and QR codes, to further improve the experience of international visitors for rail transit, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport announced at the ongoing 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services.

The service is comprehensively available at all gates across 490 stations along 27 subway lines (including two airport lines, Xijiao Line and Yizhuang T1 Line), covering a total length of 836 km. Additionally, the Suburban Railway Line S2 is also part of this scheme.

"Compared with previous situations where foreign visitors had to buy tickets with cash or use their cards at manual ticket counters, the new access helps save time and avoid the hassle of purchasing tickets for them," said Zhao Zilong, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.

Beijing will also launch an international version of the "Yitongxing" app, which supports registration of foreign phone numbers and identity verification for foreign nationals, allowing them to use QR codes for travel purposes.

Optimizing the payment service highlights Beijing's determination to continue to expand its high-level opening up as an international exchange center, said Wang Ying, an official with the financial office of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Data shows that Beijing now has nearly 18,000 businesses that accept foreign cards, and all hotels rated four stars and above, as well as major cultural and tourism sites, are equipped with foreign currency exchange facilities.

From January to July this year, Beijing saw 1.995 million inbound tourists, an increase of 227.9 percent year on year. By streamlining business processes and adjusting payment limits, the number and value of mobile payments made by foreigners in Beijing in the second quarter have doubled that in the first quarter of this year. 

James Patrick from Canada experiences contactless fare payments in rail transit for foreign MasterCard and Visa card holders at the Xinshougang (Shougang Park) Subway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024.(Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

A visitor experiences contactless fare payments in rail transit for foreign MasterCard and Visa card holders at the Xinshougang (Shougang Park) Subway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

This photo taken on Sept. 13, 2024 shows the identification area of the ticket gate at the Xinshougang (Shougang Park) Subway Station in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)
The U.S.-China technology war is playing out in the smartphone market in China, where global rivals Apple and Huawei released new phones this week. Industry experts say Apple, which lacks home-field advantage, faces many challenges in defending its market share in the country.

The biggest highlight of the iPhone 16 is its artificial intelligence system, dubbed Apple Intelligence, while the Huawei Mate XT features innovative tri-fold screen technology. But at a starting price of RMB 19,999, about $2,810, the Mate XT will cost about three times as much as the iPhone 16.

According to data from VMall, Huawei's official shopping site, nearly 5.74 million people in China preordered the Mate XT as of late Thursday, 5 days after Huawei began accepting preorders.

But in a survey conducted on the Chinese microblogging site Weibo by Radio France International, half of the 9,200 respondents said they would not purchase a Mate XT because the price is prohibitive. An additional 3,500 said they are not in the market for a new phone now.

"I suggest that Huawei release some products that ordinary people can afford," a Weibo user wrote under the name "Diamond Man Yang Dong Feng."

The iPhone 16 is not available for preorder until Friday, but some e-commerce vendors in China have promised to deliver the new devices to consumers within half a day to two days of sale.

In the competition between Apple and Huawei, iPhone 16 has some inherent disadvantages, said Shih-Fang Chiu, a senior industry analyst at the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research.

"Apple's strength is information security and privacy, but this is difficult to achieve in the Chinese market, where the government can control the data in China's market to a relatively high degree. In the era of AI mobile phones, this will bring challenges to Apple's development in the Chinese market," Chiu said.

Apples AI service on its iPhone 16 will roll out at a gradual pace in different languages, first in English and other languages later this year. The Chinese version will not be available until 2025.

There are other challenges Apple faces as well, Chiu added, such as regulatory controls, consumer sentiment favoring local brands and weakening spending power amid China's economic slowdown.

According to Counterpoint Research's statistics, Huawei held a market share of 15% in the second quarter of 2024, surpassing Apple's 14% market share. That compares with Apples 17.3% share in 2023 as reported by the industry research firm International Data Corporation China, or IDC China.

Ryan Reith, the program vice president for IDC's Mobile Device Tracker suite, said in a written response to VOA that the iPhone 16 has not made significant hardware upgrades and that AI applications alone are not attractive because consumers have GPT and other AI solutions.

AI applications are also another hurdle. Analyst Chih-Yen Tai said iPhone 16's AI services involve personal data collection, information application and cloud computing, which will require collaboration with Chinese service providers.

That, along with the ban on Chinese civil servants and employees at state-owned enterprises from using their iPhone at work in recent years, will affect the sales of Apple products, said Tai, the deputy director of the Center for Science and Technology Policy Evaluation at Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research in Taipei.

"China's patriotism has led to a strong number of preorders for Huawei's tri-fold phones, Tai said.

The competitors in China will sell the idea [to consumers] that iPhones will soon be edged out of the premium smartphone market. So, in the next stage, the affordable iPhone versions will be the key to whether it [Apple] can return to China or its previous glorious sales era," Tai said.

Tzu-Ang Chen, a senior consultant in the digital technology industry in Taipei, said use of Huawei's HarmonyOS operating system surpassed that of Apple's iOS in China in the first quarter of this year, representing China's determination to "go its own way" and create "one world, two systems."

"The U.S.-China technology war has extended to smartphones, Chen said. IPhone sales in China will get worse and worse, obviously because Huawei is doing better, and coupled with patriotism, Apple's position in the hearts of 1.4 billion people will never return."

He said that as China seeks to develop pro-China markets among member countries of the Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, China-made mobile phones may become their first choice.

VOAs Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
British counterterrorism police have been asked to provide support in the investigation of the death of a young British journalist who covered the war in Ukraine.

David Knowles ran a popular podcast on the war in Ukraine for British daily The Telegraph. He died abruptly in Gibraltar on September 8 after what his employer said was believed to be a cardiac arrest.

The Royal Gibraltar Police, also known as the RGP, said in a statement Thursday that a policing "mutual aid" request for specialist support has been submitted to British police. "There are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death," the RGP said in a statement.

"Detectives from U.K. counterterrorism 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 statement said.

Police and the coroner of Gibraltar are investigating the death, according to media reports, and the results are expected to be released soon.

A spokesperson for Britain's counterterrorism police told The Telegraph: "Due to the existing capability and experience of dealing with international inquiries, support to the RGP is being provided by officers from counterterrorism policing."

A spokesperson for the Knowles family told local media the family had noted the RPG statement "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 family's privacy be respected," the statement read.

Knowles, 32, joined The Telegraph in 2020. His award-winning podcast "Ukraine: The Latest" launched at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Russia's Foreign Ministry in 2023 added Knowles to a long list of sanctioned journalists who are banned from entering Russia.

British lawmakers paid tribute to Knowles in parliament Thursday, with Labour MP Andy Slaughter calling for a debate on the importance of investigative journalism.

Knowles was in Gibraltar for vacation when he died.

The Telegraph paid tribute to Knowles, who earlier this year won the Best News Podcast award.

Knowles was "known and cherished by a huge number of listeners," The Telegraph said. "A naturally gifted broadcaster, he was a reassuringly authoritative presence who never pushed his own personality into the foreground, even though he felt deeply about the fate of the Ukrainian people."
An expected visit to Hawaii by the head of Chinas Southern Theater Command next week will come just days after a high-ranking Pentagon official attended a defense conference in Beijing.

The visits, analysts said, are part of an effort to expand high-level exchanges between the U.S. and China and boost top-level military-to-military communication. It is unclear, though, how much the exchanges will do to help avoid miscommunication and keep tensions in the Indo-Pacific under control, they added.

Earlier this week, the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Sam Paparo, and the head of the PLA, or People's Liberation Army, Southern Theater Command, General Wu Yanan, held a video call for the first time in years.

The Chinese defense ministry said the two commanders had an in-depth exchange of views on issues of common concern while Paparo urged the Chinese military to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond.

Wu is expected to attend a defense conference held by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii next week, U.S. defense officials have confirmed to VOA.

Meanwhile, Michael Chase, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, is holding defense policy coordination talks with Chinese defense officials while attending the annual Xiangshan Security Dialogue held in Beijing this week.

A meeting that took place on the sidelines of the Xiangshan forum was designed to underscore the United States' shared vision for the region, according to a U.S. Department of Defense readout Thursday.

The Biden administration has been working to restore communication between Chinese and American militaries since the U.S. presidents meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit in California last November.

Chases visit to Beijing this week and Wus expected reciprocal visit next week follow a first meeting between U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinas vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, last month.

During that meeting, Zhang said maintaining military security is in line with the common interests of both sides and Sullivan highlighted the two nations shared responsibility to prevent competition from veering into conflict or confrontation.

Some analysts see a potential for further communication and engagement between the two militaries.

I wont rule out the possibilities that Beijing and Washington may look to establish a hotline between the two militaries, and whether that mechanism could be extended to the theater command level remains to be seen, Lin Ying-Yu, a military expert at Tamkang University in Taiwan, told VOA by phone.

While the resumption of top-level communication allows Beijing and Washington to avoid miscalculations, other experts say it is unclear whether China and the U.S. can establish a more sustainable mechanism to cope with potential crises.

While having contact and knowing your interlocutors are positive things during non-crisis times, the real test is whether these contacts can hold back any unintended escalation when incidents happen, said Ian Chong, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore.

Chong said since theater commanders from the U.S. and China oversee implementing rather than formulating policies, it is unclear whether the latest development can become established protocols.

If theres a persistence of [maintaining military-to-military communication], then it would suggest that it has become a policy, he told VOA by phone.

Tensions remain high over contentious issues

Tensions remain high between China and the U.S. over a range of issues, including the repeated collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels near disputed reefs in the South China Sea and Beijings increased maneuvers in waters and airspace near Taiwan and Japan.

During the Xiangshan forum, Lieutenant General He Lei, the former vice president of the PLA Academy of Military Sciences, characterized the Philippines attempt to safeguard its territorial claims in the South China Sea as a unilateral change of the status quo while accusing the U.S. of undermining security across the Taiwan Strait by selling weapons to Taiwan.

The Chinese people and the People's Liberation Army will never allow any external forces to interfere in China's internal affairs or invade China's territory, he told Chinese state broadcaster CGTN in an interview.

Some analysts say there are limits to what military-to-military communications can do to ease tensions over what are essentially political disagreements.

The military tension is only a manifestation of their political differences over Taiwan and the South China Sea, so if their disagreements are not resolved, the military tension is very unlikely to see a permanent resolution, Yun Sun, China program director at the Stimson Center in Washington, told VOA by phone.

With less than two months until the U.S. presidential election, Chong in Singapore said Beijing and Washingtons recent efforts may be an attempt to lay the foundation for bilateral military-to-military communication to be continued after the November election.

On the Democrat side, if some of the current team stays [after November], perhaps we would see this momentum continue, he told VOA.

On the Republican side, things are a bit messier, because you have those who prefer the isolationist approach, those who advocate a containment approach in Asia, and people who talk about competing against China to win, Chong added.

Sun said if Donald Trump wins the election in November, Beijing will expect instability in bilateral relations and be prepared for the military relationship to be affected.
The Biden administrations approval this week of a $1.3 billion military aid package for Egypt despite its failure to hit human rights benchmarks has been criticized by rights experts.

The bills approval Wednesday overrode human rights benchmarks required to release a certain portion of the aid. A group of senators had earlier urged the administration in a letter to withhold the aid, citing the Egyptian governments targeting of political opponents and journalists.

Egypt, a longtime ally of the U.S., was far from reaching those benchmarks, Yeganeh Rezaian of the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ, told VOA. No one can say Egypt is making human rights progress, Rezaian said.

The senators letter cited Egypts failure to investigate allegations of human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and torture in prison, especially for journalists and political dissidents.

This was the first time during Bidens presidency that Egypt received the full amount of U.S. foreign military financing allocated to Cairo. In previous years, a portion of aid had been withheld because of human rights concerns, according to CPJ.

This year, the human rights requirements were waived in the interest of advancing cease-fire negotiations in Gaza, territory that borders Egypt, a spokesperson for Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Reuters.

Egypt plays an important role in accessing Gaza for peace talks in Israel, Rezaian told VOA. But thats why the security of journalists and freedom of information in the country is very important for everyone, inside and outside.

CPJ researchers believe the worlds increased focus on the Israel-Hamas war has drawn attention away from other allegations of human rights violations in the same region.

In Egypt, CPJ has documented the arrests of four journalists who were subjected to enforced disappearances since March. Their cases highlight the shameful record of media persecution in Egypt, according to a joint statement published Monday by the CPJ and 34 other international rights groups.

The statement called for the release of Ashraf Omar, Khaled Mamdouh, Ramadan Gouida and Yasser Abu Al-Ela.

Authorities took all four journalists to undisclosed locations before their appearances in Egypts court. At least two have been subjected to physical torture during their imprisonment, according to CPJ.

By releasing these folks, the government can show they believe in press freedom and democracy, Rezaian told VOA.

Among those detained is Omar, a cartoonist for independent news website Al-Manassa. Omar was subjected to electric shocks and other forms of physical torture, his wife told an Egyptian news website.

Omar had published multiple critical cartoons about the policies of his government, Sophie Brondel of Cartooning for Peace told VOA. She added that authorities have questioned him about his cartoons during detainment. Cartooning for Peace was one of the 34 co-signers of CPJs statement.

We can see in many authoritarian regimes that cartoonists are often among the first targets, Brondel told VOA. With their drawings, they have the capacity to also reach out to a broader public.

Freemuse, another artistic freedom organization that signed the document, has been monitoring Egypts media landscape for years.

The organization noted an increase in how the government has hammered down on freedom of expression, Sverre Pedersen, Freemuses executive director, told VOA.

Without free expression and free art, its not possible to have democracy, Pedersen said.

Egypt has consistently been a top-10 jailer of journalists worldwide, according to CPJ data. The watchdog contends that torture and enforced disappearance of media workers are common practices under President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.

In the decade since el-Sissi came to power, media repression in Egypt has intensified. The country has become one of the worlds most oppressive countries towards journalists, with dozens of arrests and the blocking of over 500 news websites, according to Reporters Without Borders.

The Egyptian Embassy in Washington did not respond to VOA's email requesting comment.

Our statement is the first step in terms of raising awareness, said Rezaian of CPJ. We want the statement to be amplified as much as possible and are hoping to move towards international pressure.
JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill into law in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital.

The bill is aimed at transforming the country's education system and enabling the government to tackle some of the issues that the education system has been grappling with.

"The signing of this bill marks an important step toward resolving longstanding challenges in our education system," Ramaphosa said.

Though access to quality education has improved since the fall of the apartheid regime, Ramaphosa said more work is required to tackle the remaining barriers. "In many respects, education outcomes fall short of what our society needs and what the young people of our country deserve," he said.

The bill's focus on foundation phase education and stricter penalties for corporal punishment has shown the government's commitment to creating a safer and more supportive learning environment.

"Grade R, the reception year before Grade 1, will now be compulsory. This will enhance our focus on early childhood development," Ramaphosa said.

The bill would also oversee the language and admission policies of South African schools to ensure an equitable education system.

"We have seen learners being denied admission to schools because of their language policies. We have had cases of children not being allowed back to school or to sit exams because their parents cannot pay school fees," he noted.

The bill's signing faced backlash from the opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), which is part of the Government of National Unity.

John Steenhuisen, the DA leader, threatened to walk away from the government if the bill were signed into law. Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube from the DA did not attend Friday's ceremony, saying that she had written to the president requesting the bill be sent back to the parliament for reconsideration.

Ramaphosa addressed such concerns in his speech, saying that he would be engaging with the parties in the next three months.

"In the spirit of cooperation and meaningful engagement, I have decided to delay the implementation date for clauses 4 and 5 of the bill by three months. This will give the parties time to deliberate on these issues and make proposals on how the different views may be accommodated," said the president.

The signing of the bill into law was welcomed by the South African parliament. In a statement issued after the signing ceremony, Joy Maimela, chairperson of the Basic Education Committee in the parliament, said the legislation has taken a long time to pass through the lawmaking process and aligns with the ongoing transformation agenda in the education sector.

"The committee commends the president for signing into law this progressive piece of legislation that will positively change the landscape of schooling in South Africa. This is exactly what the country needs at this time," Maimela said.

She also noted that the committee is aware of the language policy clause that President Ramaphosa has delayed for three months. "We look forward to the engagement on this issue but continue to call for the full implementation of the bill," she added. 
Botswanas former president, Ian Khama, has made a surprise return to the country after a nearly three-year self-imposed exile. Khama, who faces criminal charges, fled the southern African country in 2021, saying his life was in danger after a fallout with President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Khama appeared Friday in a Gaborone court, where his lawyers asked that a warrant of arrest against him be dropped. He faces 14 charges, which include illegal possession of firearms and money laundering.

His lawyer, Unoda Mack, told reporters outside court that the warrant of arrest has been set aside.

"They wanted him, we brought him. The warrant has been set aside. He will appear in court, he will be coming. He brought himself, Mack said.

Khama, who leads a splinter opposition party, the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), has denied the criminal charges and says they are part of persecution by Masisi.

Khama handpicked Masisi to succeed him in 2018.

BPF Secretary General Lawrence Ookeditse said Khama, who led Botswana between 2008 and 2018, is back to fight the bogus charges.

He went to the magistrate court to try to get the bogus warrant of arrest that was brought on him quashed, Ookeditse said.

Khamas return comes just weeks before Botswana holds its general election on October 30.

Ookeditse said the former president will participate in campaigns for his party.

We have been very consistent and General Khama has also been very consistent to the effect that we are going to cause an upset in these elections and he is going to be on the ground campaigning for the BPF, as we are going to do all we can to effect regime change in a democratic way in Botswana, Ookeditse said.

Masisi has previously said Khama must return to face the law, and denied accusations of persecuting his predecessor. Khama will be back in court on September 23.
When Kamala Harris and Donald Trump met in a presidential debate on Tuesday, they spoke about a range of foreign policy issues, including China and Russias war in Ukraine.

But while the debate attracted large audiences and coverage in the United States and Europe, Beijing and Moscows state-run media were relatively quiet on the event.

The minimal coverage is a contrast to the presidential debate between Joe Biden and Trump in June.

Chinese media

After that debate, Beijing-run outlets  like media around the world  were flooded with coverage of Bidens poor performance.

But Harris-Trump coverage was noticeably slimmer in state-run outlets such as Xinhua, the Global Times and the Peoples Daily newspaper, China media analysts say.

The shift is a subtle but significant distinction, according to China media analysts, that reflects how the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP, employs its propaganda apparatus.

The relative lack of coverage wasnt all that surprising to Kenton Thibaut, a senior resident China fellow at the Atlantic Councils Digital Forensic Research Lab in Washington.

The Chinese government is probably still figuring out how to move forward following Bidens abrupt withdrawal, said Thibaut. She believes thats a primary reason for the reduced coverage of this weeks debate.

This is really reflective of how China handles changes in foreign policy issues, Thibaut said. They just stick to very fact-based coverage, basically restating what the candidate said, until they  the propaganda department and such  can figure out basically how to cover it globally and domestically.

Another reason for the reduced coverage may have to do with democracy itself, according to China experts.

The presidential debate is important for U.S. democracy, and democracy is always a sensitive topic for the CCP, Anne-Marie Brady, a professor and specialist in Chinese politics at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, told VOA in an email.

Jonathan Hassid, an Iowa State University professor who specializes in Chinese media, agreed.

Chinese media does not like covering democratic successes, Hassid told VOA. Democratic failures are highlighted, but the successes are not.

That helps explain the difference between the coverage of the two debates. During the first debate, which by many accounts was a fiasco, Biden sounded hoarse and frail, and his repeated fumbles highlighted concerns over the 81-year-olds capacity to serve another four-year term as president.

In coverage of that debate, Chinese state media relied on narratives about how democracy doesnt work well, Hassid said.

For instance, Hu Xijin, a Chinese media commentator and former state media editor, wrote, Objectively speaking, the low-quality performance of these two old men was a negative advertisement for Western democracy.

By contrast, Hassid said, this weeks debate may have been perceived as a better display of democracy.

Still, China also didnt even feature that largely in the latest debate.

While Harris didnt go into much detail, she said that a policy about China should be in making sure the United States of America wins the competition for the 21st century. Trump, meanwhile, has previously proposed tariffs up to 100% on Chinese products.

When asked about Harris and Trumps views about tariffs on imports from China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday said she had no comment.

The presidential elections are the United States own affairs, she said. That said, we are opposed to making China an issue in U.S. elections.

A spokesperson for Chinas Washington embassy replied to VOAs request for comment with a similar statement: On the issue of the U.S. election, Chinas position is consistent and clear. China has no intention and will not interfere in it. At the same time, we hope that the U.S. side will not make accusations against China in the election.

Russian media

Russia  another propaganda powerhouse  also didnt offer much coverage of the debate. But that doesnt mean that they dont drop in plenty of spin, according to Darren Linvill, co-director of Clemson Universitys Media Forensics Hub.

Based on his analysis of Russian state media coverage of the debate, Linvill said outlets such as RT and Sputnik were focused on downplaying Harris and playing up Trump.

There were some outliers, such as a Sputnik article in which a psychiatrist claimed Harris was trying to hide her imposter syndrome during the debate. But most of the coverage was subtler, Linvill said.

Articles tended to be anodyne and not necessarily critical of either side, Linvill said, but they still reveal Moscows well-documented preference for Trump.

U.S. officials are again warning about Russian efforts to influence this years election. Last week, the Justice Department accused two Russians who work at the Kremlin-backed RT of money laundering by funneling nearly $10 million to a conservative Tennessee-based media outlet that is a leading platform for pro-Trump voices.

While its important to monitor disinformation in the lead-up to and during an election, according to Thibaut, the period immediately after is perhaps even more important, especially if the election is close.

This is a prime time for threat actors to take advantage of information, the polarizing narratives, the charged-up atmosphere to really sow social division, Thibaut said.

We have to really remain vigilant after the election as well.
The United States decision to impose new sanctions on Iran over its supplying ballistic missiles to Russia has been met with a firestorm of denials from Tehran.

On September 10, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed earlier reports Iran had provided Russia ballistic missiles in direct support of Russias war against Ukraine, [which] is a threat to European and global security.

Blinken said the U.S. Treasury and State Department had imposed additional sanctions on individuals and entities supporting such activities.

On September 9, senior Iranian military commander Fazlollah Nozari called reports of the Russian transfer a form of psychological warfare, claiming no missile was sent to Russia.

He added that Iran does not support any party in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

One day prior, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani called allegations that Iran had transferred missiles to Russia completely baseless, and stated that Iran has never been a part of the military conflict in Ukraine.

Irans United Nations Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani likewise denied Iranian involvement in the Ukraine war, calling allegations Tehran has sold, exported or transferred arms in violation of its international obligations misleading and completely unfounded.

On September 11, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said faulty intelligence and flawed logic had led the U.S. and European states to employ sanctions on Iran for its delivery of missiles to Russia. He said, Iran has NOT delivered ballistic missiles to Russia. Period.

Irans denial it has supported Russias war effort in Ukraine through the provision of weapons is false.

News reports this week said Russia had received around 200 Iranian-made Fath-360 close-range missiles. The Pentagon said that Russias use of the missiles in Ukraine within the coming weeks could lead to the deaths of even more Ukrainian civilians.

Analysts compare the Fath-360, which has a range of 121 kilometers, to the U.S. HIMARS system, which has proven crucial in Ukraines defense.

The U.S. has not publicized the intelligence used to determine that Iran has supplied Fath-360 missiles to Russia.

But the sanctions introduced by the U.S. Treasury Department indicate the U.S. was aware of when Tehran first signed the contract to supply Moscow with hundreds of missiles, when Iran trained Russian military personnel to use the weapons systems, which officials and transport companies facilitated the delivery of those arms, and when Russia received the first shipments of the missiles earlier this month.

A European Union spokesperson said EU allies had shared "credible" intelligence on the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia.

In 2023, the EU established a dedicated framework for sanctions in view of Iran's military support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Physical evidence, including missile fragments, will become available only if or when Russia deploys the Fath-360s in Ukraine.

Tehran similarly denied it had supplied Iranian-made Mohajer-6 and Shahed-series drones to Russia. However, Ukraine has recovered fully and largely intact Iranian-made drones, as well as the remnants of those drones used in attacks, proving otherwise.

Additionally, U.S. intelligence has confirmed the use of Iranian-made drones in Ukraine through photographic analysis and other means.

Iranian officials previously confirmed Tehrans intention to send other types of ballistic missiles to Russia.

In October 2022, two senior Iranian officials and two Iranian diplomats told Reuters Iran had agreed, at Moscows request, to send Iranian-made Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to Russia.

One of the Iranian diplomats attempted to sidestep allegations Iran was fueling Russias war effort by claiming it was not the sellers issue where Russia decided to use those weapons.

In February, six sources, including three Iranian government officials, told Reuters Iran had sent roughly 400 missiles, including many powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, to Russia.

Contrary to recent denials, an unnamed Iranian official at that time told Reuters there would be more such shipments.

A U.S. official at that time told Reuters, though, there was no indication the deliveries had taken place.

Moscow and Pyongyang similarly denied that North Korea supplied Russia with long-range ballistic missiles. But U.N. sanctions monitors, Ukrainian officials and others have recovered missile fragments from North Korean Hwasong-11 series missiles throughout Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials noted the North Korean missiles have proven highly unreliable, prompting Russia to seek the higher-precision arms from Iran.
Taliban authorities in Afghanistan confirmed Friday that gunmen killed at least 14 Shiite Muslims and injured six others in an overnight attack in a central province. A local affiliate of the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the deadly shooting.



Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government spokesperson, confirmed the casualties resulting from what he denounced as a barbaric act against Afghan civilians in the province of Daykundi.



While we extend our deepest condolences to the victims of the incident, we are making serious efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are held accountable, Mujahid stated on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. His statement came hours after local media quoted area residents and sources as confirming that the violence had resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people and injuries to several others.



The Islamic State group said through its Amaq news agency that "soldiers" of its Afghan offshoot, the Islamic State Khorasan, also known as IS-K, were behind the shooting. It claimed that "15 Shiite [Muslims] were killed, and six others wounded."



Daykundi residents said the victims had gathered to welcome pilgrims returning from the Shiite holy site of Karbala in Iraq.



Richard Bennett, the United Nations special rapporteur on the Afghan human rights situation, denounced Thursdays violence.



Yesterdays appalling ISKP-claimed killings of #Hazara from #Daykundi. bears hallmarks of int'l crimes, Bennett said Friday on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Im alarmed about the spate of ISKP-claimed attacks. Need for prevention, protection & (international) accountability #Afghanistan, he wrote, using an acronym for IS-K.



The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan three years ago and say their counterterrorism operations have since "almost decimated" IS-K in the country. However, U.S. officials and recent United Nations reports dispute the claims, identifying IS-K as a growing terrorism threat to the region and beyond.



Earlier this month, IS-K claimed a suicide bombing in the Afghan capital that killed six people. In May, the group took responsibility for an attack by gunmen in the central Bamiyan province that killed three Spanish tourists and their local translator. In March, IS-K claimed that it was behind an attack on a Moscow concert hall that killed 145 Russians.



Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reiterated in a statement last week that "concerns raised by Western countries and institutions regarding the presence and escalating threat" of IS-K in Afghanistan were "unfounded and driven by propaganda."



Mujahid claimed that "the entire Afghan territory remains firmly under the control of the Islamic Emirate, leaving no room for independent or external groups to operate." The Taliban refer to their administration as the Islamic Emirate.



No country has officially recognized the Taliban government in Kabul, mainly because of human rights concerns and extensive restrictions the Islamist Taliban have placed on women's access to education, work, and public life at large.
Israel announced on Thursday that it was revoking the press credentials of four Al Jazeera journalists working inside the country.

"This is a media outlet that disseminates false content, which includes incitement against Israelis and Jews and constitutes a threat to IDF [Israel Defense Forces] soldiers," Government Press Office Director Nitzan Chen said in a statement.

Journalists in Israel are not required to have a Government Press Office card, but it is difficult to access parliament or government ministries without one. The statement said the use of the cards by the journalists could "jeopardize state security at this time of military emergency."

The directive will apply to four full-time Al Jazeera journalists who are either Israeli citizens or Palestinian residents of annexed east Jerusalem, according to Agence France-Presse. The remainder of Al Jazeera's staff in the country  including video producers and photographers  will be able to keep their credentials because the government considers they are not actively producing content.

Al Jazeera did not immediately reply to VOA's email requesting comment. But Walid Omary, Al Jazeera's bureau chief for the Palestinian territories, told AFP that the Israeli government had not yet notified the news outlet of the decision.

Israel has accused Al Jazeera of bias in its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war, and the military has accused the Qatari-owned broadcaster's journalists of being "terrorist agents" affiliated with Hamas in Gaza.

Al Jazeera has rejected those accusations and said the Israeli government and military disproportionately target its reporters.

Media access is restricted in Gaza, and Israel said early in the war that it could not guarantee the safety of journalists.

Media watchdogs say that journalists have an important role to play in covering the conflict, and that as civilians they should not be targeted.

Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and captured about 250 hostages in their October 7 attack that precipitated the war. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. In May, Israel estimated the death toll at 30,000 and said most of the dead were combatants.

Among the civilian casualties are at least 116 journalists and media workers, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ. Included in that number are at least four journalists who worked for Al Jazeera.

The media watchdog says the Israel-Hamas war is the deadliest period for journalists since CPJ started to keep records in 1992.

On Thursday, two U.N. experts accused Israel of attacking journalists in the occupied West Bank as a way to block coverage of alleged war crimes.

"We strongly denounce the attacks and harassment of journalists in the illegally occupied West Bank, which are nothing but crude attempts by the Israeli army to block independent reporting on potential war crimes," Irene Khan, the special rapporteur on free expression, and Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, said in a statement.

There have been at least three incidents already this month in which Israeli security forces fired live ammunition at journalists or their vehicles while they were reporting on military operations or civilian casualties, the statement said.

"It is deeply disturbing to see Israeli soldiers in the West Bank replicating the same disdain for the safety of journalists as in Gaza in blatant violation of international law," the U.N. experts added in the statement.

Israel's Foreign Ministry did not immediately reply to VOA's email requesting comment about the U.N. statement.

Israel has taken other steps against Al Jazeera.

In May, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his Cabinet had unanimously decided to shut down the outlets broadcasts over national security concerns. The channel went off the air in Israel shortly afterward, and the outlet's websites have also been blocked.

Some information for this report came from Agence-France Presse.
Israel is defending its strike on a UN school turned shelter in central Gaza and says that the six UN aid workers among the 18 killed were members of Hamas. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he will raise the issue of protecting humanitarian sites with Israel, at the same time criticizing the US-designated terror group for 'hiding in' civilian sites. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
Attorneys representing the social media application TikTok and its China-based parent company, ByteDance, are poised to clash with lawyers from the Department of Justice on Monday in a case that could decide the fate of the service in the United States.

The case, which will be heard in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, consolidates several lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of a law enacted earlier this year. The measure, which had broad bipartisan support in Congress, demands that ByteDance sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner before January 19, 2025, or be forced to shut down its service within the U.S.

The law's challengers claim that it represents an unconstitutional suppression of free speech, violating the First Amendment rights of TikTok's estimated 170 million U.S. users.

The Department of Justice contends that TikTok presents a national security threat because it collects personal data of American citizens and, despite assurances to the contrary, could be compelled by the Chinese government to provide that data on demand.

The government also says that the platform's recommendation algorithm, which determines what content individual users see, could be manipulated by the Chinese government to shape public opinion in the U.S.

TikTok's argument

Congress passed the measure targeting TikTok, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, as part of a sprawling foreign aid bill in April. The measure gave the company a 270-day deadline to sell itself or shut down operations in the U.S. The company immediately protested, claiming that the move was plainly a violation of the First Amendment.

"Never before has Congress expressly singled out and shut down a specific speech forum," the company said in legal filings. "Never before has Congress silenced so much speech in a single act."

In addition, the company insisted that it is being forced to choose between two untenable alternatives. A shutdown that cuts the U.S. out of a global network of billions of TikTok users would be extremely onerous to manage from a technological standpoint and would greatly devalue TikTok as an advertising platform, making it impossible for the company to compete with other social networks.

On the other hand, the forced sale of the platform to a non-Chinese company would leave the thousands of Chinese developers who built TikTok and continue to maintain it ineligible to continue working on the platform, threatening its continued operation.

Additionally, the sale would not include TikTok's recommendation algorithm, the heart of the service's appeal to users, which Chinese law prohibits ByteDance from selling. The company argues that without it, the service would be far less popular.

Creators weigh in

The attorneys arguing against the ban will be appearing on behalf of more than ByteDance and TikTok. The case consolidates the company's complaint with those of various U.S. TikTok users who claim that they would suffer irreparable harm if the service were taken away.

Many have amassed huge numbers of followers on the platform and have used TikTok to advertise their companies, monetize their creative output, or deliver political or other messages to a wide audience.

Jacob Huebert, the president of Liberty Justice Center, filed one of the original cases on behalf of Based Politics, a conservative-libertarian media organization that uses TikTok to reach a broad variety of viewers.

"Our client is an organization that uses TikTok to spread ideas about free markets and individual liberty in particular, and with TikTok, they can reach an audience of young people with those ideas that they can't reach anywhere else," Huebert told VOA.

"If this ban on TikTok is allowed to take effect, it will shut down the speech of all of these people, and it will eliminate our client's ability to get their message out to the audience that they want to reach, and that's why this case presents a First Amendment free-speech issue," Huebert said.

Another creator involved in the suit is Brian Firebaugh, a Texas cattle rancher whose @cattleguy account has more than 450,000 followers. Firebaugh has said that TikTok drives the overwhelming majority of his sales.

In videos posted to his account, Firebaugh has accused the government of "extreme overreach" in its efforts against TikTok. He described the movement to block the TikTok ban as "small-business owners and some of the biggest creators on TikTok literally fighting for their livelihoods."

Government's case

In its reply to the lawsuit, the Department of Justice has argued that any infringement on TikTok users' First Amendment rights is superseded by the government's interest in preserving national security.

"The Chinese government, which views the United States as a geopolitical rival, has broad authority and practical ability to require Chinese companies to secretly assist China's intelligence, law enforcement and national security efforts," the brief says.

"Given TikTok's broad reach within the United States, the capacity for China to use TikTok's features to achieve its overarching objective to undermine American interests creates a national security threat of immense depth and scale."

In an early bid to stave off the law demanding its sale, TikTok had tried to appease U.S. authorities by launching what it referred to as "Project Texas." The billion-dollar program was meant to sequester the data of all U.S.-based TikTok users in servers maintained in the state of Texas by the U.S. technology firm Oracle.

U.S. officials have dismissed the effort as cosmetic and ineffective.

In an appendix to the government's filing, the Justice Department also alleged that the company has a history of sharing U.S. user data with its Chinese workforce. In one example, a declaration provided by David Newman, a principal deputy assistant attorney general in the National Security Division of the Department of Justice, wrote that the company has used an internal communications platform called Lark that "collected and stored large amounts of personal data."

"TikTok employees have communicated with their co-workers on Lark, and, at various points in time, have sent significant amounts of restricted U.S. user data (including but not limited to personally identifiable information) to each other through Lark channels to address various operations issues," the declaration said.

"This resulted in certain sensitive U.S. person data being contained in Lark channels and, therefore, stored on Chinese servers and accessible to ByteDance employees located in China."
Two years after Mahsa Amini's death in the custody of Iran's morality police, her father says the Islamic Republic's judiciary has yet to respond to the family's inquiries about the case.

"Despite two years having passed since my daughter's tragic death, and despite persistent follow-ups and numerous visits by the case lawyers to the prosecutor's office, our family has yet to receive any response regarding Mahsa's case," Amjad Amini told Voice of America's Persian Service on Thursday.

Saleh Nikbakht, the attorney representing the family, said earlier that Mahsa Amini's case "remains pending with the prosecutor's office. The requested investigations have yet to be carried out, and no court proceedings have been initiated thus far."

In an audio message to Voice of America, Amjad Amini said he wanted to hold a commemorative ceremony if the government would allow it.

He said if the Islamic Republic does not impose the same restrictions as last year, the anniversary ceremony for his daughter will be held on Sunday "in response to public calls and requests."

Mahsa (Jina) Amini died on Sept. 16, 2022, just days after being detained by the morality police, in custody at Kasra Hospital in Tehran. Amini had initially been arrested for allegedly violating Iran's law requiring women to wear a hijab.

Her death ignited widespread protests throughout Iran, with demonstrations erupting in the streets, universities and schools that persisted for months.

During the government crackdown on the 2022 nationwide protests, hundreds of citizens were killed, and thousands more were injured or arrested.

Leading up to the second anniversary of Amini's death and the onset of the subsequent nationwide protests, the Islamic Republic authorities have not only escalated pressure on grieving families, civil rights advocates and political activists but also have detained numerous citizens in various cities across Iran.

Aida Shakarami, sister of Nika Shakarami, a 16-year-old who was killed during the 2022 nationwide protests, recently said that "the extent of the crimes committed by the Islamic Republic during the 2022 protests is far greater than what has been disclosed to date."

As the second anniversary of the 2022 nationwide protests approaches, several student organizations and students in Iran issued a statement reaffirming their stance against "this inhumane regime." They pledged to "constantly challenge" and "overthrow" it.

In their statement, the students declared: "We neither forgive nor forget, express regret, nor fear, nor will we retreat. Sooner or later, the Islamic Republic will be dismantled by the revolutionary movement coursing through the veins of society."
Malawi is recording new cases of cholera two months after it declared the end of the country's worst cholera outbreak, which began in March 2022 and killed nearly 2,000 people.

New cases have been reported in Chitipa district in northern Malawi and Machinga district in the south.

Records from Chitipa District Health Office, released Friday, show the district has recorded 22 cases of cholera, with one death, since the onset of the new outbreak last week. That includes nine new cases registered Friday, with eight people hospitalized.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated.

Machinga district hospital in southern Malawi registered its first cholera case in the new outbreak this week.

It has been three days now since we registered that case, said Wongani Nyirenda, the hospitals spokesperson. However, we are doing everything to make sure that people are using safe water. We have given them some chlorine and a water guard to treat their water.

He said health surveillance assistants are also on the ground educating people about good hygiene practices.

The resurgence of cholera cases comes two months after Malawi declared the end of the country's worst cholera outbreak, which began in March 2022 and killed nearly 2,000 people.

Government authorities told VOA in July that they had stopped the outbreak by increasing access to safe water and administering an oral cholera vaccination campaign that began in December 2022.

George Jobe, executive director of the Malawi Health Equity Network, is concerned about the resurgence.

It is worrisome, he said. Our hope and expectation was that we would have a breather. A longer breather, especially considering that in 2022 we had a big suffering from cholera which took us over a year. So, we wouldnt want to go back to such a bad experience.

Jobe believes the resurgence means Malawi is still struggling to address the challenges of making safe water available. He said water contaminated by sewage is the main cause of cholera.

We have issues to do with behavioral change where hygiene issues should be borne in mind, like washing hands with soap, having pit latrines and good waste management, he said.

The co-chairperson for the presidential task force on COVID-19 and cholera in Malawi, Dr. Wilfred Chalamira Nkhoma, did not respond to calls and texts from VOA seeking comment on the new outbreak.

However, Ministry of Health officials told local media this week that Malawians should not panic, saying the government is putting measures in place to control the spread of the disease.
Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a powerful leader of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, pleaded not guilty Friday to U.S. narcotics trafficking charges in a case accusing him of engaging in murder plots, ordering torture and channeling tons of drugs into the United States.

Participating in a court hearing through a Spanish-language interpreter, Zambada gave yes-or-no answers to a magistrates standard questions about whether he understood various documents and procedures. Asked how he was feeling, he said, Fine, fine.

His lawyers entered the not guilty plea on his behalf.

Outside court, Zambada attorney Frank Perez said his client wasn't contemplating making a deal with the government, and the attorney expects the case to go to trial.

It's a complex case, he said.

Sought by American law enforcement for more than two decades, Zambada has been in U.S. custody since July 25, when he landed in a private plane at an airport outside El Paso, Texas, in the company of another fugitive cartel leader, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, according to federal authorities.

Zambada later said in a letter that he was kidnapped in Mexico and brought to the U.S. by Guzman Lopez, a son of imprisoned Sinaloa co-founder Joaquin El Chapo Guzman.

Zambada's lawyer did not elaborate on those claims Friday.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James Cho ordered Zambada detained until trial. His lawyers did not ask for bail, and U.S. prosecutors in Brooklyn asked the judge to detain him.

He was one of the most, if not the most, powerful narcotics kingpins in the world, Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Navarro said. He co-founded the Sinaloa cartel and sat atop the narcotics trafficking world for decades.

Zambada sat quietly as he listened to the interpreter. Leaving court after the brief hearing, he appeared to accept some help getting out of a chair, then walked out slowly but unaided.

The 76-year-old had used a wheelchair at a court appearance in Texas last month. But Perez said after court Friday that Zambada was healthy and in good spirits.

Sketch artists were in the small courtroom, but other journalists could observe only through closed-circuit video because of a shortage of seats.

In court and in a letter earlier to the judge, prosecutors said Zambada presided over a vast and violent operation, with an arsenal of military-grade weapons, a private security force that was almost like an army, and a corps of sicarios, or hitmen, who carried out assassinations, kidnappings and torture.

His bloody tenure included ordering the murder, just months ago, of his own nephew, the prosecutors said.

A United States jail cell is the only thing that will prevent the defendant from committing further crimes, Navarro said.

Zambada also pleaded not guilty to the charges at an earlier court appearance in Texas. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 31.

According to authorities, Zambada and El Chapo Guzman built the Sinaloa cartel from a regional syndicate into a huge manufacturer and smuggler of cocaine, heroin and other illicit drugs to the U.S. Zambada has been seen as the group's strategist and dealmaker and a less flamboyant figure than Guzman.

Zambada had never been behind bars until his U.S. arrest in July.

His apprehension has touched off fighting in Mexico between rival factions in the Sinaloa cartel. Gunfights have killed several people.

Schools and businesses in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, have closed amid the fighting. The battles are believed to be between factions loyal to Zambada and those led by other sons of El Chapo Guzman, who was convicted of drug and conspiracy charges and sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. in 2019.

It remains unclear why Guzman Lopez surrendered to U.S. authorities and brought Zambada with him. Guzman Lopez is awaiting trial on a separate drug trafficking indictment in Chicago, where he has pleaded not guilty.
Romania is actively supporting Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in their efforts to enhance the energy security of the European Union (EU), according to Ana Cristina Tinca, State Secretary of Romanias Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a recent interview with Trend, as cited by Azernews, Tinca highlighted Romania's commitment to strengthening ties between the EU and the Caspian littoral states.

"The European Union is a key economic partner for Kazakhstan, with a trade volume of approximately USD 42 billion in 2023 and an investment of USD 180 billion over the last 20 years," Tinca noted, emphasizing the importance of EU-Kazakhstan relations, which are supported by high-level political dialogue and agreements such as the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Tinca also stressed the significance of the South Caucasus region, particularly Azerbaijan, as a key connector between the EU and Kazakhstan. "Azerbaijan, as a Caspian country, serves as a natural bridge, contributing to the political and economic rapprochement between the European Union and Kazakhstan," she stated.

Highlighting the crucial role of both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in the energy sector, Tinca added that Romania, as a Black Sea nation and EU member, remains committed to supporting projects that bolster energy security. "We are committed to diversifying supply sources and transport routes, while also promoting the development of sustainable energy sources and a balanced transition to a green economy," she said.

Looking ahead, Tinca expressed optimism about future relations, stating that the political leadership of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and the EU, including Romania, share common goals in advancing cooperation in transport, logistics, energy, and digital communication
The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum opens at the Beijing International Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Friday called on countries to pool their efforts to promote peace and stability as the world is in a time of change.

In his keynote speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Dong called on members of the international society to show mutual respect, treat each other with sincerity, and seek common grounds while reserving differences.

In the meantime, they should be open and inclusive, engage in win-win cooperation that benefits all parties, and work together to achieve lasting peaceful coexistence, Dong said.

He also called for joint efforts to promote a multipolar world featuring equality and order.

Chinese armed forces will resolutely implement the Global Security Initiative, and stand ready to build a new model of security partnerships with militaries around the world, Dong added.

Themed "Promoting Peace for a Shared Future," this year's forum is attended by more than 1,800 guests from over 100 countries and international organizations. 

The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum opens at the Beijing International Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua)

The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum opens at the Beijing International Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum opens at the Beijing International Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jie)
The 12-month grace period for student loan borrowers ended on September 30. The "on-ramp" period helped borrowers who are struggling to make payments avoid the risk of defaulting and hurting their credit score.

"The end of the on-ramp period means the beginning of the potentially harsh consequences for student loan borrowers who are not able to make payments," said Persis Yu, Deputy Executive Director at the Student Borrower Protection Center.

Around 43 million Americans have student loan debt, amounting to $1.5 trillion. Around eight million of those borrowers had enrolled in the SAVE plan, the newest income-driven repayment plan that extended the eligibility for borrowers to have affordable monthly student loan payments. However, this plan is currently on hold due to legal challenges.

With the on-ramp period and a separate program known as Fresh Start ending and the SAVE plan on hold, student loan borrowers who are struggling to afford their monthly payments have fewer options, added Yu. Student loan borrowers who haven't been able to afford their monthly payments must consider their options to avoid going into default.

If you have student loans, here's what you need to know.

What was the on-ramp period?

The Education Department implemented this grace period to ease the borrower's transition to make payments after a three-year payment pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this year-long period, borrowers were encouraged to keep making payments since interest continued to accumulate.

"Normally, loans will default if you fall about nine months behind on making payments, but during this on-ramp period, missed payments would not move people towards defaulting and then being subject to forced collections. However, if you missed payments, you still be falling behind ultimately on repaying your loans," said Abby Shaforth, director of National Consumer Law Center's Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project.

Since this grace period has ended, student loan borrowers who don't make payments will go delinquent or, if their loans are not paid for nine months, go into default.

Borrowers who cannot afford to make payments can apply for deferment or forbearance, which pause payments, though interest continues to accrue.

What happens if I don't make my payments?

Borrowers who can't or don't pay risk delinquency and eventually default. That can badly hurt your credit rating and make you ineligible for additional aid and government benefits.

If a borrower missed one month's payment, they will start receiving email notifications, said Shaforth. Once the loan hasn't been paid for three months, loan servicers notify to the credit reporting agencies that the loan is delinquent, affecting your credit history. Once the borrower hasn't paid the loan for nine months, the loan goes into default.

If you're struggling to pay, advisers first encourage you to check if you qualify for an income-driven repayment plan, which determines your payments by looking at your expenses. You can see whether you qualify by visiting the Federal Student Aid website. If you've worked for a government agency or a non-profit organization, you could also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives student debt after 10 years.

What happens when a loan goes into default?

When you fall behind on a loan by 270 days  roughly nine months  the loan appears on your credit report as being in default.

Once a loan is in default, it goes into collections. This means the government can garnish wages (without a court order) to go towards paying back the loan, intercept tax refunds, and seize portions of Social Security checks and other benefit payments.

What if I can't pay?

If your budget doesn't allow you to resume payments, it's important to know how to navigate the possibility of default and delinquency on a student loan. Both can hurt your credit rating, which would make you ineligible for additional aid.

If you're in a short-term financial bind, you may qualify for deferment or forbearance  allowing you to temporarily suspend payment.

To determine whether deferment or forbearance are good options for you, you can contact your loan servicer. One thing to note: interest still accrues during deferment or forbearance. Both can also impact potential loan forgiveness options. Depending on the conditions of your deferment or forbearance, it may make sense to continue paying the interest during the payment suspension.

What is an income-driven repayment plan?

The U.S. Education Department offers several plans for repaying federal student loans. Under the standard plan, borrowers are charged a fixed monthly amount that ensures all their debt will be repaid after 10 years. But if borrowers have difficulty paying that amount, they can enroll in one of several plans that offer lower monthly payments based on income and family size. Those are known as income-driven repayment plans.

Income-driven options have been offered for years and generally cap monthly payments at 10% of a borrower's discretionary income. If a borrower's earnings are low enough, their bill is reduced to $0. And after 20 or 25 years, any remaining debt gets erased.

What is the latest with the SAVE program?

In August, the Supreme Court kept on hold the SAVE plan, the income-driven repayment plan that would have lowered payments for millions of borrowers, while lawsuits make their way through lower courts.

Eight million borrowers who had already enrolled in the SAVE plan don't have to pay their monthly student loan bills until the court case is resolved. Debt that already had been forgiven under the plan was unaffected.

The next court hearing about this case will be held on October 15.

What happened with the Fresh Start program?

The Fresh Start program, which gave benefits to borrowers who were delinquent prior to the pandemic payment pause, also closed on September 30. During this limited program, student loan borrowers who were in default prior to the pandemic were given the opportunity to remove their loans from default, allowing them to enroll in income-driven payment plans, or apply for deferment, among other benefits.
A North Dakota judge has overturned the state's abortion ban, ruling that the state's constitution protects a woman's right to the procedure until the fetus is viable.

Judge Bruce Romanick said in his ruling that the ban was too vague and therefore "unconstitutionally void." He also asserted that the statutes "at issue in this case infringe on a woman's fundamental right to procreative autonomy and are not narrowly tailored to promote women's health or to protect unborn human life."

The Republican-led state's attorney general has promised to appeal the judge's ruling.

The North Dakota abortion ban had made abortion available for rape and incest cases, if the mother had been pregnant for less than six weeks or if the pregnancy presented a health risk to the mother.

State Representative Karla Rose Hanson said in a statement that the abortion law "was especially cruel for victims of sexual violence  providing a rape and incest exception but only within six weeks, before most women know they're pregnant."

Romanick's ruling is not expected to have much immediate impact on the ability of North Dakota women to access abortions within the state, as there are currently no medical facilities in the state providing the procedures.

The state's lone abortion facility, the Red River Women's Clinic, moved out of state in 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which allowed individual states to ban abortions. It relocated to nearby Moorhead, Minnesota.

Tammi Kromenaker, the clinic's director, told The Associated Press that there are no immediate plans for the clinic to move back to North Dakota but added that the judge's ruling "gives us hope."

State Senator Janne Myrdal told the North Dakota Monitor that "the losers today are the unborn children and their moms and dads, not any activists. There's no winner in this." Myrdal sponsored the bill that created the ban.

Meanwhile, North Dakota's Democratic-NPL Party told the Monitor that Romanick's ruling was a "victory for women's reproductive rights."
North Korea offered a rare glimpse into a secretive facility to produce weapons-grade uranium as state media reported Friday that leader Kim Jong Un visited the area and called for stronger efforts to "exponentially" increase the number of his nuclear weapons.

It's unclear if the site is at the North's main Yongbyon nuclear complex, but it's the North's first disclosure of a uranium-enrichment facility since it showed one at Yongbyon to visiting American scholars in 2010. While the latest unveiling is likely an attempt to apply more pressure on the U.S. and its allies, the images North Korea's media released of the area could provide outsiders with a valuable source of information for estimating the amount of nuclear ingredients that North Korea has produced.

During a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials, Kim expressed "great satisfaction repeatedly over the wonderful technical force of the nuclear power field" held by North Korea, the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

KCNA said that Kim walked around the control room of the uranium enrichment base and a construction site that would expand its capacity for producing nuclear weapons. North Korean state media photos showed Kim being briefed by scientists while walking along long lines of tall gray tubes, but KCNA didn't say when Kim visited the facilities and where they are located.

KCNA said Kim stressed the need to further augment the number of centrifuges to "exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defense," a goal he has repeatedly stated in recent years. It said Kim ordered officials to push forward the introduction of a new-type centrifuge, which has reached its completion stage.

Kim said North Korea needs greater defense and preemptive attack capabilities because anti-North Korea nuclear threats perpetrated by the U.S. imperialists-led vassal forces have become more undisguised and crossed the red-line," KCNA said.

South Korea's Unification Ministry said it strongly condemned North Korea's unveiling of a uranium-enrichment facility and Kim's vows to boost his country's nuclear capability. A ministry statement said North Korea's "illegal" pursuit of nuclear weapons in defiance of U.N. bans is a serious threat to international peace. It said North Korea must realize it cannot win anything with its nuclear program.

North Korea first showed a uranium enrichment site in Yongbyon to the outside world in November 2010, when it allowed a visiting delegation of Stanford University scholars led by nuclear physicist, Siegfried Hecker, to tour its centrifuges. North Korean officials then reportedly told Hecker that 2,000 centrifuges were already installed and running at Yongbyon.

Satellite images in recent years have indicated North Korea was expanding a uranium enrichment plant at its Yongbyon nuclear complex. Nuclear weapons can be built using either highly enriched uranium or plutonium, and North Korea has facilities to produce both at Yongbyon. It's not clear exactly how much weapons-grade plutonium or highly enriched uranium has been produced at Yongbyon and where North Korea stores it.

"For analysts outside the country, the released images will provide a valuable source of information for rectifying our assumptions about how much material North Korea may have amassed to date," said Ankit Panda, an expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"Overall, we should not assume that North Korea will be as constrained as it once was by fissile material limitations. This is especially true for highly enriched uranium, where North Korea is significantly less constrained in its ability to scale up than it is with plutonium," Panda said.

In 2018, Hecker and Stanford University scholars estimated North Korea's highly enriched uranium inventory was 250 to 500 kilograms, sufficient for 25 to 30 nuclear devices.

The North Korean photos released Friday showed about 1,000 centrifuges. When operated year-round, they would be able to produce around 20 to 25 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, which would be enough to create a single bomb, according to Yang Uk, a security expert at Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

The new-type centrifuge Kim wants to introduce is likely an advanced carbon fiber-based one that could allow North Korea to produce five to 10 times more highly enriched uranium than its existing ones, said Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea's Science and Technology Policy Institute.

Some U.S. and South Korean experts speculate North Korea is covertly running at least one other uranium-enrichment plant. In 2018, a top South Korean official told parliament that North Korea was estimated to have already manufactured up to 60 nuclear weapons. Estimates on how many nuclear bombs North Korea can add every year vary, ranging from six to as many as 18.
A police officer in Pakistans southwestern Balochistan province shot and killed a man Thursday who was being held in custody on blasphemy allegations.

The fatal shooting happened inside a highly protected police station in the provincial capital of Quetta, a day after the victim, a Muslim, was arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad.

A senior local police officer, Muhammad Baloch, told reporters that they had arrested the policeman involved in the shooting and registered a murder case against him. He did not name the detainee.

On Wednesday, witnesses reported that when the blasphemy suspect, Abdul Ali, was taken into custody in the Kharotabad neighborhood, a mob of dozens of residents quickly surrounded the police detention facility and demanded that he be handed over to them so they could kill him.

Police officials reported the protesters also had thrown a grenade at the building, but the resulting blast did not cause any casualties. They said the violence forced them to transfer Ali to the police station in the central garrison area of Quetta, where he was fatally shot inside the lockup by an on-duty policeman on Thursday.

Activists of a religious party later prevented Alis family from burying him in his hometown of Pishin, about 50 kilometers from Quetta, forcing those attempting to carry out the burial to flee the graveyard along with the body.

In Islamabad, the national capital, an Islamic party senator, Abdul Shakoor Khan, while speaking in the upper house of parliament, expressed solidarity with the alleged killer. Khan vowed to help get him a lawyer for his legal battle.

We will not tolerate anyone issuing blasphemous remarks against the Holy Prophet, Khan said.

Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in majority-Muslim Pakistan, where mere allegations have led to mobs lynching scores of suspects, even some in police custody. Insulting the Quran or Islamic beliefs is punishable by death under the country's blasphemy laws, though no one has ever been officially executed.

Thursdays killing of a blasphemy suspect in custody by a police officer, however, is the first of its kind in Pakistan.

In early June, a 73-year-old Pakistani man from the minority Christian community died in a hospital a week after being violently attacked by a mob following blasphemy accusations in his native Sargodha district in central Punjab province.

Days later, on June 20, a Muslim man from Punjab was visiting the scenic Swat Valley in the northwestern Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when a mob violently lynched him for allegedly desecrating Islam's holy book, the Quran.

Domestic and international rights groups have long sought reforms in the blasphemy laws, arguing they are often misused to settle personal vendettas or to target Pakistani minority communities.

Hundreds of suspects, mostly Muslims, are languishing in jails in Pakistan because of fear of retaliation from religious groups deters judges from moving their trials forward.
Hundreds of mourners attended funerals Friday in the occupied West Bank city of Tubas for five men killed in an Israeli strike Wednesday, while Spain hosted high-level meetings in Madrid focusing on the creation of a Palestinian state.

Mourners marched through the streets of Tubas on Friday bearing the bodies of four of the dead on stretchers. Some could be seen carrying green Hamas flags. The fifth man killed was buried Friday in Tamoun, also in the northern West Bank.

In a statement, the Israeli military said Wednesday Israeli aircraft had "struck and eliminated a terrorist cell consisting of five terrorists armed with explosives who posed a threat to Israeli forces.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank confirmed the death toll but did not elaborate as to whether those killed by Israeli fire were militants or civilians.

Israeli forces have conducted a series of operations in the northern West Bank for the past two weeks, with extended raids in Jenin, Tubas and Tulkarm. All three cities have a heavy presence of armed factions, including Hamas, the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad and Fatah.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, reported Friday that Israeli bombardment from the air and land continued to be reported across the Gaza Strip this week, resulting in civilian casualties, displacement and destruction of houses and other civilian infrastructure.

The agency, in a statement, said ground operations  particularly in Beit Hanoun, the southwestern Gaza cities of Khan Younis and Deir al Balah, and in Rafah to the south  continue to report heavy fighting, alongside Palestinian rocket fire at Israel.

Meanwhile, in Madrid on Friday, the Spanish government hosted a meeting of European and Muslim nations to discuss the situation in Gaza and the creation of a Palestinian state.

In opening remarks, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said, The only way to ensure a fair and lasting peace in the region [is] through the peaceful and secure coexistence of the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.

Albares, along with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, hosted the meeting comprising members of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group for Gaza, which includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell attended the meeting, along with foreign ministers from Norway and Slovenia, and Irelands U.N. policy director.

Israel was not represented at the meeting, Albares said, because it is not part of the contact group. But he said they would be delighted to include Israel to any gathering where peace and the implementation of two states are discussed.

He said he hoped that is what they will see around the table one day ... Israel, speaking of peace and the implementation of two states."

The U.N. Agency for Palestinian Refugees, or UNRWA, said Friday in a statement that an agency sanitation worker, Sufyan Jaber Abed Jawwad, was shot and killed on the roof of his home by a sniper at the Al-Fara camp, in the northern West Bank, during an overnight Israeli military operation early Thursday.

The statement said it marks the first time an UNRWA staff member has been killed in the West Bank in more than 10 years.

UNRWA also reported Friday that the first round of the U.N. polio vaccination campaign in Gaza ended Thursday with the team successfully reaching 90% vaccination coverage.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported 560,000 children below 10 years of age were vaccinated.

Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and captured about 250 hostages in their October 7 terror attack on Israel that sparked the current war. Israel says it believes Hamas is still holding 101 hostages, including 35 the military says are dead.

Israels counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's Hamas-run Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count.

Hamas has been designated a terror group by the U.S., the U.K., EU and other Western countries.

Nearly three-quarters of Gaza's 2.3 million population is displaced, and nearly the entire population is at risk of famine, according to the United Nations.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Poland's lower house of parliament on Friday adopted legislation to reform the controversial constitutional court that remains under the control of the nationalists previously in power.

To enter into effect, the legislation still needs to be signed by President Andrzej Duda  an ally of the preceding right-wing Law and Justice, or PiS, party government  who has not indicated what he plans to do.

The constitutional court had been a source of contention between the PiS government and Brussels, which believed the tribunal damaged the independence of Poland's judiciary and extended the party's influence over the courts.

Over the years, Poland's constitutional court has repeatedly challenged the primacy of EU law over national law.

The parliament today "took a huge step forward" towards reestablishing the rule of law in Poland, parliament speaker Szymon Holownia told reporters.

The legislation notably calls for constitutional court judges to be chosen by a three-fifths majority vote  thus taking opposition votes into consideration  in contrast to the current absolute majority rule.

Candidates would also be rejected if during the previous four years they had served as a lawmaker, senator, member of the European Parliament or government member or had been part of a political party.

Holownia called on the president to sign the legislation into law and thereby "repair" the judicial system leftover from the previous administration.

He added that in case of a presidential veto, there would be no choice but to wait until a new head of state is elected next year.

Since taking office in December, pro-EU Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government has sought to reverse policies introduced by the previous administration that had been seen by Brussels as backsliding on democracy.

In February, Brussels formally approved the release of EU funds  that had been blocked for several years under the PiS government  to Poland after Warsaw made progress on judicial reforms.

In March, Polish Justice Minister Adam Bodnar announced a set of measures to "redress the situation" at the constitutional court, which continues to oppose various legislative and governmental initiatives.
Pope Francis wrapped up an arduous 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific on Friday, defying health concerns to connect with believers from the jungle of Papua New Guinea to the skyscrapers of Singapore.

The 87-year-old pontiff flies home to Rome from Singapore, completing his longest trip in duration and distance since he became head of the world's estimated 1.4 billion Roman Catholics more than 13 years ago.

The Argentine pope has relied on a wheelchair since 2022 because of knee pain and sciatica. He had a hernia operation in June 2023, and earlier this year he battled flu and bronchitis.

Occasionally, during his four-nation trip, the pope struggled to keep his eyes open when listening to late-night liturgical readings or to remain engaged during formal military parades.

But he was clearly energized by more freewheeling exchanges  cheerfully goading young people to shout out their agreement with his calls to help those in need.

In a lively final inter-religious meeting with young Singaporeans, the pope urged them to respect other beliefs, avoid being slaves to technology and to get out of their comfort zones.

"Don't let your stomach get fat, but let your head get fat," the pope said, raising a laugh from his audience.

"I say take risks, go out there," he said. "A young person that is afraid and does not take risks is an old person."

The historic tour, initially planned for 2020 but postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has included 43 hours of flight time and a distance of 32,000 kilometers.

But neither the pace  16 speeches and up to eight hours of time difference  nor the heat, nor multiple meetings have forced any rescheduling of his international odyssey.

On a trip that took him to the outer edges of the church's world, the pope delivered a sometimes uncomfortable message for leaders not to forget the poor and marginalized.

In Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority state, he visited the Istiqlal Mosque to deliver a joint message against conflict and climate change.

In sweltering Papua New Guinea, he donned a bird of paradise headdress in a remote, jungle village where he told inhabitants to halt violence and renounce "superstition and magic."

Addressing political and business leaders, he insisted that the country's vast natural resources should benefit the entire community  a demand likely to resound in a nation where many believe their riches are being stolen or squandered.

And in staunchly Roman Catholic East Timor, he addressed nearly half the population, drawing about 600,000 rapturous believers in the tropical heat to a celebration of mass on the island's coast.

Francis addressed East Timor's leaders, hailing a new era of "peace" since independence in 2002.

But he also called on them to do more to prevent abuse against young people, in a nod to recent Catholic Church child abuse scandals.

In the affluent city-state of Singapore, the pope called for "special attention" to be paid to protecting the dignity of migrant workers.

"These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage," he said.

There are an estimated 170 million migrant workers around the world. Most live in the Americas, Europe or Central Asia.

But the Argentine pope was otherwise full of praise for the "entrepreneurial spirit" and dynamism that built a "mass of ultra-modern skyscrapers that seem to rise from the sea" in his final destination.

Sandra Ross, 55, a church administrator in Singapore, said she was still "feeling the warmth and joy" after attending mass led by the pope.

"I was deeply touched by Pope Francis' courage and dedication to his mission, despite his health challenges. His spirit and enthusiasm are truly inspiring," she said.
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. We talk to Daniel Davis with Defense Priorities about the risks. Botswana and an American biotech firm, Ginkgo Bioworks, have partnered to conduct mpox surveillance at the countrys entry points. And the first private spacewalk takes place in Earth orbit.
China is among the foreign governments that retaliate against people for engaging with the United Nations, according to a report released this week by the U.N. Secretary-General.

The report highlights how hard Beijing tries to silence its critics, according to Sophie Richardson, an expert on human rights in China.

These [U.N.] mechanisms are some of the only ones available to people inside China, at least on paper, to provide any modicum of redress or justice for the human rights abuses either theyve endured or the communities they work with have endured, Richardson told VOA.

Thats why you see the Chinese government go to extraordinary lengths to silence people who are simply trying to take reports to some of these human rights experts or bodies, Richardson said.

A former China director at Human Rights Watch, Richardson is currently a visiting scholar at Stanford University.

The annual report chronicles government retaliation against people for engaging with the U.N. In addition to China, other countries named in the report include Colombia, India, Nicaragua, the Philippines and Russia.

In my perfect world, governments that get referenced in these reprisals reports shouldnt be members of the Human Rights Council, said Richardson, who is based in Washington. China is a current member of the council in Geneva.

Chinas U.N. offices in New York and Geneva did not reply to VOAs emails requesting comment about the U.N. report.

One of the incidents included in the reports China section is harassment against two members of the international legal team supporting Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy publisher.

Lai is on trial in Hong Kong on national security charges that are widely viewed as politically motivated. The 76-year-old is in prison following convictions in other cases that supporters also view as sham cases.

Members of Lais legal team have faced death and rape threats, as well as attempts by unknown sources to hack their email and bank accounts, according to the report.

Sebastien Lai thanked the U.N. for shedding light on his fathers case.

These intimidation tactics will not succeed. I will not rest until my father is freed, he said in a statement.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, a barrister leading Jimmy Lais international legal team, also condemned the attacks.

The reprisals are personally unpleasant and distressing, Gallagher said in a statement. But they are also an attack on the legal profession and on the international human rights system.

The reprisals make it harder for Jimmy Lai to use U.N. mechanisms to achieve justice in his case, Gallagher said.

Hong Kongs government has tried to argue that the legal team interfered in Hong Kongs judicial process by bringing his case to U.N. human rights mechanisms, according to the report.

Its just so nakedly in tension with its obligations under international law, Richardson said.

On Thursday, Lais international legal team submitted an urgent appeal to the U.N. special rapporteur on torture. The appeal raised several concerns, including that the elderly publisher has been in solitary confinement since late 2020 and that the British national has been denied access to independent medical care, according to a statement from his legal team.

Lais trial began in December 2023. It was initially expected to last around 80 days but is now expected to resume in November.

Press freedom groups have called the trial a sham, and the U.S. and British governments have called for his immediate release. Hong Kong officials, however, have said he will receive a fair trial.

Following this articles publication, Chinas Washington embassy replied to VOAs request for comment, alleging, without evidence, that Lai had tried to destabilize Hong Kong. Liu Pengyu, the embassy spokesperson, added that China has found a path toward better human rights that reflects the trend of the times and fits our national realities.

Gallagher, who leads Lais international legal team, told VOA that the embassys statement was astonishing and shows that Lais trial is unfair. For the authorities to say Jimmy Lai is a notorious criminal, an anti-China element, at a time when, apparently, hes having a trial with the presumption of innocence just shows theres no rule of law, she said.

Other incidents cited in the U.N. report include the case of Cao Shunli, a Beijing-based human rights defender who was arrested following an attempt to engage in a universal periodic review of Chinas human rights record at the Human Rights Council. Cao died in custody in 2014.

Another case is that of the Beijing-based activists Li Wenzu and Wang Quanzhang, who are married. The couple have faced significant retaliation, including police surveillance and evictions, and their son is unable to enroll in school due to pressure from state authorities, the report said.

If one reads these cases, you get a sense of what risks  what unbelievable risks  people are taking to do this kind of work, Richardson said.

The report doesnt mention specific incidents involving Uyghurs or Tibetans, but Richardson says their absence underscores how difficult it is for some groups to access U.N. mechanisms in the first place, as well as how some people may be too scared to report such incidents to the U.N.

The Chinese government has engaged in severe human rights abuses against both ethnic groups, according to myriad reports. Multiple governments and international human rights organizations have accused Beijing of committing genocide and crimes against humanity against the Uyghurs, which the Chinese government rejects.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russian state media have cited Larry C. Johnson in hundreds of news articles and TV reports. They frequently present his views on the Russian-Ukrainian war and the West's role, referring to him as a former CIA analyst, despite his short tenure with the agency more than 35 years ago. The Kremlin uses Johnson's often false and misleading claims to promote pro-Russian narratives and improve its image.

RIA Novosti

RIA Novosti is a Russias major domestic state news agency with a website audience of upwards of 10 million daily users. From August 1, 2023, to September 12, 2024, Ria.ru published 403 materials citing Johnson's statements.

On August 8, 2023, RIA Novosti  citing Johnsons interview with YouTube channel Redacted  reported that "U.S. intelligence agencies are planning to assassinate Zelenskyy."

Thirteen months later, the Ukrainian president is alive and well and regularly travels to the front to personally award troops of the nations armed forces.

On April 22, 2024, RIA Novosti, quoting Johnsons interview with the YouTube channel Dialogue Works, stated that by end of summer, maybe sooner, Ukraine will lose the war to Russia and the Ukrainian city of Odesa, which he called Russian, will come under Moscows control.

In reality, Ukraine not only didnt surrender but also launched a successful counteroffensive, capturing nearly 1,300 square kilometers of Russias Kursk region.

As for Odesa allegedly being a Russian city, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a similar false statement on December 15, 2023. Voice of America debunked Putin's claim.

Odesa was founded in the 14th century as the Tatar fortress Khadzhibey and passed through Lithuanian, Polish and Turkish control before Russia took it by force in 1792. Russia renamed it Odesa in 1795 and ruled it for 126 years.

For the past 105 years, Odesa has been part of Ukraine. Contrary to Russian imperial myths, the city was never predominantly Russian; by 2001, Ukrainians were the majority, and as of 2015, 68% of residents were ethnic Ukrainians.

Sputnik

Sputnik is another Russian state-run news agency, and since August 8, 2023, it has published 280 materials with quotes from Johnson.

On March 31, Sputnik, citing Johnsons interview on the YouTube channel Judge Napolitano - Judging Freedom, claimed that the March 22, 2024, terrorist attack at Crocus Concert Hall in Moscow was allegedly organized by Ukraine through an intermediary, with the U.S. and Great Britain as the masterminds behind the entire "operation."

This false statement by Johnson coincides with the Kremlin's information campaign blaming Ukraine and the West for this terrorist attack.

Russia ignored the Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the attack, which included evidence such as video footage of the terrorists in action. Instead, the Kremlin intensified its propaganda efforts following the IS claim.

Other major Russian media outlets

The state-owned broadcaster Russia Today, or RT, has published 163 articles with Johnson quotes and videos.

On August 29, 2023, RT, citing Johnson, reported a pro-Kremlin hoax that Zelensky very well could be ousted in a coup within the next three to four weeks because of the great disgruntlement among troops on the eastern front."

Pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia published 359 articles citing Johnson.

On August 8, 2023, Izvestia reported that, according to Johnson, Ukrainian air defenses had been almost completely destroyed, "so that Russian aircraft can now fly unhindered or almost unhindered throughout the territory of Ukraine."

In fact, in August 2023, Russian aircraft were avoiding entering Ukrainian airspace to stay out of range of Ukraine's air defense systems.

The Russian government newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta had 299 news items with Larry C. Johnson's name.

On June 16, 2024, Rossiyskaya Gazeta published Johnsons unsubstantiated prediction, aligned with Kremlin narratives, stating: "If the West rejects Moscow's peace plan, the Kyiv regime could soon lose control not only of Odesa but also of the capital."

Lenta.ru, a mainstream news site owned by the Russian government through a subsidiary of the Sberbank state bank, published 445 articles containing statements by the "former CIA analyst.

In January 2024, Johnson gave an interview to Channel One, a Russian state-owned TV channel, in which he promoted narratives indistinguishable from Kremlin propaganda: Ukraine has no chance in a war with Russia, Ukraine's air force and air defenses are destroyed, Russia is an industrial giant, and the West cannot compete with it.
SOFIA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Two individuals have been confirmed dead after a Bulgarian military training jet crashed on Friday, Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev told reporters.

The crash occurred at the Graf Ignatievo Air Base near Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second largest city, during a training flight related to an airshow that was scheduled to be held there on Saturday, Glavchev said.

The L-39ZA aircraft crashed at 12:30 local time (1030 GMT), and the two pilots have died, said Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov, adding that the two who died, born in 1973 and 1986, respectively, were instructors training pilots to fly this aircraft.

The minister declined to provide further details as an investigation was underway.

He said he would declare mourning in the armed forces on Saturday.

The airshow had been canceled. 
In the Southern California mountain town of Running Springs, residents live between two scenic lake resorts  a seemingly serene spot but one also caught between the swings of devastating winter snowstorms and menacing summer wildfires.

Niko Rynard is currently evacuated from his home due to the Line Fire, which has charred 58 square miles (150 square kilometers) since the weekend.

About a year and a half ago, the director of the Running Springs Area Chamber of Commerce raced down the mountains during a break in the relentless snowfall his neighbors came to call Snowmageddon. Roads were blocked for days.

The 29-year-old, who moved to the area nine years ago from the East Coast, is now staying with friends nearby but said others are shelling out hundreds of dollars to cram into hotel rooms until it's safe to return.

The blaze is one of three major wildfires that have ravaged the mountains east of Los Angeles, destroying dozens of homes and forcing the evacuations of thousands of people. While California is only now confronting the height of wildfire season, the state already has seen nearly three times as much acreage burn than during all of 2023.

Much of this, Rynard said, comes with the territory and is part of living in a beautiful area. He said long-time residents have told him the massive wildfires are cyclical, much like the snow.

To add to people's rattled nerves, Southern California was rocked by a 4.7-magnitude earthquake Thursday morning.

Running Springs is dubbed the gateway to the San Bernardino Mountains and perched more than a mile high. The town was among the communities snowed in when a blizzard walloped the area in 2023. Now, the community has been doused with bright fire-red retardant to protect it.

It can be tough to live in these environments, said Dawn Rowe, a San Bernardino County supervisor whose district covers mountain communities. Its beautiful  a lot of people come to visit, and they find they might want to relocate for one reason or another. I would encourage everybody to spend an amount of time doing their due diligence.

The Line Fire is burning through dense vegetation that grew after two back-to-back wet winters that included snowstorms that caused tree branches to break, leaving behind a lot of dead and down fuel, said Cal Fire Operations Section Chief Jed Gaines. Another wildfire threatened the mountain community of Wrightwood, about a 50-mile (80-kilometer) drive to the west.

The fires have threatened tens of thousands of homes and other structures across Southern California since they escalated during a triple-digit heat wave over the weekend. Cooler weather was helping firefighters slowly gain the upper hand in battling the blazes. No deaths have been reported, but at least a dozen people, mainly firefighters, have been treated for injuries, mostly heat-related, authorities said.

In one daring rescue caught on video, Cal Fire Riverside County Battalion Chief Mike Martinez saved a lone woman walking within feet of the Airport Fire in Orange County, driving his SUV up to the edge of the blistering flames so she could enter the vehicle.

This is one of those moments ... you hope you never come across, he told the Los Angeles Times. Ive been doing this for almost 30 years. Were used to extreme fire behavior, but to see a civilian walking down the middle of the street was surreal.

Jason Anderson, district attorney for San Bernardino County, said Thursday that nine arson-related charges have been filed against a suspect accused of starting the Line Fire.

This is particularly galling in a community that unfortunately over the last couple of years has dealt with the scourge of wildfires, he told reporters, adding that the suspects vehicle has been linked to three areas where fires were started.

The suspect is due to be arraigned in court on Friday.

The full extent of the damage caused by the wildfires remains unclear. The three blazes are:

 The Airport Fire in Orange County, which has burned more than 36 square miles (93 square kilometers). The fire was 5% contained Thursday morning and was reportedly sparked by workers using heavy equipment in the area. Ten firefighters and two residents were injured in the blaze, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. The fire has been difficult to tame because of the steep terrain and dry conditions  and because some areas hadnt burned in decades.

 The Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest, which was 18% contained Thursday and has threatened more than 65,000 homes. The blaze has injured three firefighters.

 The Bridge Fire east of Los Angeles, which grew tenfold in a day and has burned 80 square miles (207 square kilometers), torched at least 33 homes and six cabins, and forced the evacuation of 10,000 people. The cause of the fire is not yet known. It remained 0% contained Thursday.

In northern Nevada, the worst danger appears to have passed near Reno, where a wildfire on the Sierras eastern front forced 20,000 evacuations over the weekend. The blaze closed all schools for four days and threatened to burn over the top of the mountains into the Lake Tahoe basin.

Part of the state highway from Reno to Tahoe remained closed Thursday. Authorities further relaxed evacuation orders after 600 firefighters held fire lines despite winds gusting up to 70 mph (112 kph) the day before and bolstered containment of the 9-square-mile (23-square-kilometer) Davis Fire, now estimated at 37%. Most of the 8,000 residents that began the day under evacuation orders were downgraded to evacuation warnings, allowing them to begin to return to their homes.

All containment lines ... are holding at this time, Jason Clawson, an operations section chief for the federal firefighting team, said at a briefing in Reno late Thursday. Absolutely no concerns. We have crews, equipment, engines all spread out around the entire fire.
With the start of the new school year, some students are choosing to study abroad to experience a new culture. Some American students are studying in China, but that number is far fewer than that of Chinese students attending American universities. Katherine Michaelson looks at why this imbalance could be problematic. Camera: : Elizabeth Lee
Analysts say this weeks visit to Washington by Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang shows advances in cooperation between the two countries, despite rising Vietnamese nationalism that may indicate rising anti-American sentiment in Vietnam.

A U.S.-based analyst told VOA on September 12 that Giangs trip set the groundwork for Hanoi to potentially purchase military cargo planes from the United States this year.

Giang met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon on Monday. [September 9] Both leaders "reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Vietnam partnership," the Defense Department said in a statement, and noted the one-year anniversary of the elevation of the countries ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest tier in Hanoi's diplomatic hierarchy.

The leaders also underscored the importance of working together to address the lasting impacts of the U.S.-Vietnam War. Austin announced that the U.S. would budget $65 million over the next five years to complete the decontamination of Bien Hoa airbase of dioxin, bringing the total from department to $215 million. The airbase was the primary storage site for the toxic chemical Agent Orange during the U.S.-Vietnam War and remains an environmental and public health hazard for those nearby.

Andrew Wells-Dang, who leads the Vietnam War Legacies and Reconciliation Initiative at the United States Institute of Peace, told VOA by phone on September 5 that diplomatic visits are key to advancing war-remediation efforts, including finding and identifying the remains of missing soldiers. He said that along with the U.S. visit of Deputy Defense Minister Vo Minh Luong in July, visits from authorities provide "opportunity for them to have high level support."

Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington and an expert on Southeast Asia, said joint war-reconciliation efforts also set the groundwork for defense cooperation more broadly.

"The United States is very pleased with the growth in bilateral defense relations, and it started from very low levels and was built on humanitarian missions," Abuza said during the August 29 call.

"We've just continued to build on that," he added.

Cargo planes

Reuters reported in July that Hanoi was considering purchasing Lockheed Martin C-130 cargo planes from the U.S., according to unnamed sources.

The U.S.-based analyst, who asked that his name to be withheld because he has not been cleared to discuss the topic, said the C-130 deal was discussed but not finalized during Giang's visit. The analyst said the deal was held back by the "massive [U.S.] bureaucracy" and because solidifying the purchase during the Washington visit would be "too inflammatory for the Chinese."

Ian Storey, senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, noted Vietnam's delicate diplomatic balancing act, illustrated by Giang's travel itinerary before the Washington trip.

"Vietnam aims to keep its relations with the major powers in balance," he wrote in an email on August 30. "As such, Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang visited Russia and China in August."

Storey added that the purchase of C-130 planes would not pose a threat to China in its maritime territorial disputes with Vietnam.

"C-130 aircraft would enable the Vietnamese to transport troops and supplies to its occupied atolls in the South China Sea, but these assets are non-strategic and won't shift the dynamics in the South China Sea," he wrote.

Nguyen The Phuong, a maritime security expert at the University of New South Wales Canberra, said the C-130 purchase would be a "symbolic move."

"Vietnam will try to explore more areas of security and defense cooperation between Vietnam and the United States to upgrade to a higher, more meaningful level," he told VOA on August 30. "The C-130 would be the symbol of that kind of evolving relationship," he said.

Phuong said a C-130 is a likely entry point as there is still mistrust between the former foes regarding lethal weapons, and the deal would not rankle China too much.

"It could be quite advantageous for Vietnam," he said of a potential C-130 purchase. "Vietnam can improve its relationship with the United States, and at the same time, we could not anger China because Vietnam would just buy non-lethal weapons."

Rising nationalism

Although there are positive signs to improving Hanoi-Washington relations, there have also been recent instances of anti-Western sentiment that could be an impediment to the countries relations, Phuong said.

Fulbright University Vietnam, which has significant backing from the United States, is facing accusations of fomenting a color revolution, similar to the popular uprisings in former Soviet republics.

On August 21, Vietnam National Defense TV aired a critique of Fulbright for allegedly not displaying the Vietnamese flag at a graduation ceremony and facilitating a color revolution.

The report has since been taken down, but Phuong said the Fulbright issue and other recent incidents show tension between Vietnam's conservative and liberal factions.

"It's a presentation of a continuous struggle between different factions, one conservative and one liberal," Phuong said.

Abuza said that Vietnamese authorities may be attempting to tighten control ahead of the anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.

"Next April is the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon," he said. "The Vietnamese want to control that narrative 100%. There are a lot of sensitivities."

Along with the Fulbright incident, Phuong pointed to recent uproar around Vietnamese celebrities who were pictured with the South Vietnam flag while traveling to the United States. In addition, a Vietnamese high school student faced cyber bullying and was summoned by police after posting in September that he wanted to leave the country and would "probably never see the [Communist] Party positively again."

"There's extreme nationalism in Vietnam at the moment," Phuong said. "It's against Western values."
While the U.S. was forced to downsize and pull its troops out of Niger this year, China is increasing its military cooperation on the continent, recently announcing a plan to spend $140 million to train 6,000 military personnel  a move, a U.S. defense official said Friday, was for Chinas own economic growth and benefit.

Among the many ways that the U.S. and China are competing for influence in Africa, analysts say military cooperation on the continent is one that is seeing rising rivalry between the two superpowers.

At a summit that focused on China-Africa cooperation last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping made the pledge to train the 6,000 military personnel. He also invited 500 African officers to visit China.

Most explicit pledge

China has been cooperating with Africa in several areas of security for years, including participating in U.N. peacekeeping missions, holding joint military drills, and providing training and education for officers. However, analysts said the latest announcement was particularly noteworthy.

This years military pledge was by far the most explicit, Lauren Johnston, associate professor of China studies at the University of Sydney, told VOA. Never seen anything so measured and direct.

Asked by VOA about whether Xis pledge means China is outperforming the U.S. when it comes to security cooperation on the continent, a spokesperson for U.S.-Africa Command, or AFRICOM, said: We recognize that the PRC is adept at creating opportunities to expand influence on the continent.

The PRC is the acronym for Chinas official name, the Peoples Republic of China.

Its long-term vision for Africa is tied to its own economic benefit and growth, said the spokesperson, Kelly Cahalan. The PRC is the second-largest arms supplier in Africa after Russia, with defense exports of small arms, missile systems, aerial munitions, naval vessels, combat aircraft, infantry vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

However, the AFRICOM spokesperson added that the U.S. "would welcome the PRC's cooperation on issues such as climate change, global health security, arms control and non-proliferation.

Niger exodus

In a blow to Washington earlier this year, the U.S. military was forced to pull troops out of Niger, after the junta there demanded the U.S. close its $100 million airbase combatting extremist groups in the Sahel region.

Since then, the U.S. has been in talks with other West African nations, including Ivory Coast, Ghana and Benin as we start to reset and recalibrate some of our assets, General Michael Langley commander of U.S.-Africa Command, or AFRICOM, told journalists in an online press briefing Thursday.

Langley was speaking from Kenya, after also visiting Somalia to speak with the government about counter-terrorism efforts against al-Shabab. He has spent a lot of time on the continent recently, having also visited a number of North African countries earlier this year.

Asked in the press briefing about Chinas influence in Africa, General Langley said the choice lay with African governments.

When we have engaged with our African partners, we dont give them an ultimatum of who to choose for a security partner, he said. All our activities and our partnership-centric type approach should be African-led and U.S.-enabled.

Darren Olivier, director of the conflict research consulting firm African Defense Review, said the U.S. is trying to shore up support after the blow it received in West Africa.

The U.S. was clearly shaken by the junta takeovers in Sahelian countries like Burkina Faso & Niger and their subsequent ending of security cooperation and basing agreements, he said in a written response to VOA, noting that the U.S. had been criticized for not being consultative enough with its African partners.

General Langleys tour therefore appears to be not just about shoring up support for new cooperation agreements and basing locations, but to reinforce the U.S.s new message of listening first and advising second, Olivier added.

Playing the long game

Efforts by the U.S. in Africa come as China is working to grow its ties as well.

Jana de Kluiver, an analyst with the Institute for Security Studies based in South Africa, said China was looking to foster long-term connections with the people who will go on to become Africas military top brass and political elite.

The 6,000 military personnel trained by China will later on become higher ranking figures in their respective countries, enhancing Beijing's soft power across the continent, she told VOA.

In 2022, China launched what it called the Global Security Initiative, or GSI, as a counterpoint to the U.S.-led security order. One of the main tenets of the initiative is Chinas principle of non-interference.

As Chinese economic interests expand across the continent, the need for a stable security environment becomes critical. However, Beijing is careful to avoid appearing too assertive, as its broader narrative seeks to contrast with the perceived interventionism of the West, said the Institute for Security Studies de Kluiver.

African Defense Reviews Olivier said it will be interesting to see how African nations that are used to Western military support and training now juggle their options.

If they opt for Chinese training, they could then choose to silo their armed forces into units trained by Western countries and units trained by China, which will have its own impacts from incompatible doctrines and standards," he told VOA.

China always positions itself as a no-strings attached ally of Africa and Olivier said it would also depend where China placed any pre-conditions on military cooperation.

Western countries are traditionally skittish about training units that might commit human rights violations, he said. This might provide the opportunity for some countries frustrated with those restrictions to turn to Beijing for training instead.

Base concerns

Washington has also long been concerned about the possibility that China is looking to establish a second permanent base in Africa. Beijing already has one on the continents east coast, in Djibouti, and is said to be seeking a foothold in West Africa.

That would give Beijing a military presence across the Atlantic from Americas East Coast, a move that analysts say would be perceived by the U.S. as a threat to national security.

China was believed to be looking to Equatorial Guinea, but those talks have reportedly stalled.

Last week Bloomberg reported the U.S. is assembling a $5 million security package, including special forces training, for Gabon. The report quoted unnamed sources, but said the deal was aimed at preventing China from establishing a base in the country.


In a testament to the global influence of U.S. politics, this weeks televised debate between former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris broke through an intensely busy news cycle in South Asia to garner extensive coverage across most major news outlets.

The pivotal showdown between the two contenders vying to succeed Joe Biden as U.S. president resonated with audiences across the region, overcoming a nine- to 10-hour time difference from Washington and competing with a barrage of pressing domestic headlines:

In India, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi made a high-profile visit to the United States. In Bangladesh, interim leader Muhammad Yunus delivered his second major speech to the nation. And in Pakistan, the National Assembly speaker suspended security officials over the controversial arrest of five lawmakers in the Parliament building.

Yet amid this flurry of regional developments, leading newspapers and TV stations from Karachi to Dhaka provided considerable coverage of the debate, reflecting heightened regional interest in the outcome of the U.S. presidential contest.

"The news cycle in these countries is so fast, and the issues they are dealing with internally are so intense that probably their focus has shifted from what is happening elsewhere," said Awais Saleem, a former Pakistani journalist now a professor at Lamar University in the U.S. state of Texas.

"Nonetheless, [the U.S. election] is still keenly observed and keenly watched because whatever happens in the U.S. invariably has an effect in other parts of the world, and South Asia is no exception, Saleem said.

India

Take India, the region's most populous country and largest media market. Major Indian outlets, such as NDTV and CNN's local affiliate, dedicated significant coverage to the debate, even while prioritizing Gandhi's remarks in Washington. Aaj tak, another leading channel, had a correspondent reporting on the debate from the spin room in Philadelphia.

Large-circulation newspapers provided more substantial coverage, even while relying on international wire services for content.

The Times of India, India's largest newspaper, featured a video analysis of the debate on its homepage. The Hindu, another major paper, ran multiple articles, including one focusing on Trump's pledge to end the Ukraine war and another on Hollywood's "applause" for Harris.

While much of the coverage was routine, some stood out. In addition to broadcasting the debate live, NDTV produced at least 10 stories and segments dedicated to what it termed a "fiery presidential showdown." These included highlights and key quotes, and major takeaways.

While Indians are as divided over Trump and Harris as Americans, most local outlets widely reported on the American media's verdict that Harris had outperformed Trump.

Ahead of the debate, many Indians were skeptical of Harris, said Ashutosh, a veteran Indian journalist and co-founder of Satya Hindi. To find out how Harris did, Satya Hindi devoted a 30-minute segment featuring a U.S.-based Indian American academic, Ashutosh said.

The verdict: Harris won the debate.

"There now is a feeling that Kamala Harris is not a weak candidate," said Ashutosh, who goes by one name.

India, like other South Asian countries, lacks an American-style tradition of live election debates. The concept intrigues many but faces cultural and political obstacles, experts say.

On Satya Hindi, another guest, journalist Shravan Garg, questioned their feasibility. Would Indian TV channels "dare" to host live debates and would politicians "agree" to participate, he asked.

Atul Singh, founder and editor-in-chief of Fair Observer, an international citizen journalism and civic education platform, said Indian interest in U.S. elections has surged in recent years, spurred by globalization and more recently by the Indian ancestry of Harris and Usha Vance, the wife of Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance.

But he said the level of interest varies across the country. States with stronger ties to the U.S., such as Gujarat, a source of migration to the U.S., and Maharashtra, a manufacturing hub for exports to the U.S., are gripped by U.S. election fever. In more rural regions such as Bihar, with fewer connections to the U.S., enthusiasm is far more subdued.

"So it depends on which part of the country you're in," Singh said. "I'd say some areas in India simply don't care, and others, the ones that are part of the global economy, are absolutely obsessed."

Pakistan, Bangladesh

In neighboring Pakistan and Bangladesh, the debate received far less coverage despite comparable public interest.

Geo TV, Pakistan's leading TV news channel, ran an international segment on the debate, reporting on the candidates' "combative demeanor." A wire story on its website noted that foreign policy "largely took a backseat."

Leading English language newspaper Dawn highlighted the debate as its top international story, reporting how Harris put Trump "on the defensive at a combative presidential debate." A wire fact check about the debate was included among its "must read stories" on its homepage

Express Tribune, another leading newspaper, picked up multiple wire service stories about the debate, posting three short video compilations on its websites, including a video of viral memes generated by Trump's comment that migrants were eating people's cats and dogs in Ohio.

Atif Khan, a Pakistani journalist, said Harris' unexpected emergence as the Democratic nominee helped boost Pakistani public interest in the U.S. presidential election.

"Every political discussion on television now involves a mention of the U.S. election," Khan said. "There is talk about Trump. There is talk about Kamala Harris."

While Pakistani media generally don't cover elections in neighboring countries, some local outlets are already planning their U.S. election coverage and trying to secure U.S. visas for their reporters, he said.

"Pakistanis think that a change of president will inevitably have direct implications for not just Pakistan but also the region," he said.

Underscoring the Pakistani media's interest, Saleem, the Lamar University professor, noted receiving weekly invitations from various outlets to discuss the U.S. election campaign.

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the debate's coverage was overshadowed by continuing reverberations from the August 5 collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government.

While interim leader Yunus' speech dominated headlines on Wednesday, leading outlets provided more substantive coverage of the debate, drawing on international wire stories and analysis.

Prothom Alo, Bangladesh's largest media outlet, called the debate, "the most important moment" before the November 5 election.

Daily Star, one of the most reputable outlets, ran at least four stories, including a fact check and a video analysis.

Daily Ittefaq, a Bengali language newspaper, ran a summary of U.S. media accounts of the debate, reporting that even the conservative Fox News had declared Harris the winner.

Singh, founder of Fair Observer, said the post-Hasina political turmoil in Bangladesh likely contributed to the relatively thin coverage.

"They've got their own fish to fry," he said.

But, he added, political elites in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka  all dependent on the International Monetary Fund, the global finance agency, largesse  are keenly watching the U.S. election campaign.

"They are in economic crisis, so they follow the election for practical reasons," he said.

VOAs Bangla, Deewa and Uru services contributed to this article.
The United States and some of its allies have launched a global campaign to undercut efforts by RT and other Russian state-backed media outlets, accusing them of operating on behalf of the Kremlins intelligence agencies.

The State Department on Friday announced sanctions against two people and three entities, including RTs Moscow-based parent company, saying new intelligence leaves no doubt that they are no longer engaged in providing anything that resembles news and information.

RTs parent company and its subsidiaries are no longer merely fire hoses of Russian government propaganda and disinformation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters at the State Department.

They are engaged in covert influence activities aimed at undermining American elections and democracy, functioning like a de facto arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus, he said, adding the Russian operations also seek to meddle in the sovereign affairs of countries around the world.

Blinken and other U.S. officials declined to share details about the new intelligence, saying only that some of it comes from RT employees, and that it shows how the Russian-controlled television network is playing a key role in running cyber operations and even acquiring lethal weapons for Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.

RT quickly ridiculed the U.S. accusations both on social media and in a response to VOA.

RT: *Lives rent free in the State Department head*, the outlet posted on X. Were running out of popcorn, but well be here live, laughing hard...

In response to a query from VOA, RT pointed to comments by editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan on her Telegram channel.

"American intelligence services have uncovered that we are helping the front lines, Simonyan wrote, according to a translation from Russian. Weve been doing this openly, you idiots. Should I send you a list of what we've bought and sent? We regularly publish this, just so you know."

The Russian Embassy in Washington has not yet responded to a request from VOA for comment.

U.S. officials, though, said comments like the ones from RTs Simonyan only give more weight to the allegations.

They've admitted it, said James Rubin, the special envoy for the State Department's Global Engagement Center. They have said they're operating under direct instruction of [Russian President] Vladimir Putin. That's what they say they're doing.

And the U.S. says the intelligence shows those Kremlin-assigned responsibilities go far beyond what could be considered normal broadcast operations, including oversight of a crowdsourcing campaign to provide Russian troops in Ukraine with sniper rifles, body armor, drones, night vision equipment and other weaponry.

That's not what a TV station normally does. That's what ... that's what a military entity does, Rubin said. RT is a fully fledged member of the intelligence apparatus and operation of the Russian government on the war in Ukraine.

The U.S. intelligence also points to Kremlin-directed RT operations in Argentina, Germany and the South Caucasus  some linked to a Russian military intelligence cyber team that has been embedded within the company.

U.S. officials also said evidence shows RT is almost certainly coordinating with traditional Russian intelligence services to meddle in next months presidential elections in Moldova.

RT is going to be used to try to manipulate an election and, if they don't win the election, manipulate a crowd to try to generate violence for the possibility of overthrowing [the government], Rubin said.

U.S. officials also called out RT for covert influence operations in Latin America and Africa that have had serious consequences.

One of the reasons why so much of the world has not been as fully supportive of Ukraine as you would think they would be  given that Russia has invaded Ukraine and violated rule number one of the international system  is because of the broad scope and reach of RT, Rubin said.

The State Department said Friday that it had instructed its diplomats to share evidence about RTs efforts with countries around the world.

We urge every ally, every partner, to start by treating RTs activities as they do other intelligence activities by Russia within their borders, Blinken said.

Fridays sanctions came a little more than a week after the U.S. acted against what it described as two Russian plots, one of them involving RT, aimed at undermining the U.S. presidential elections in November.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the takedown of 32 fake websites designed by Russia to mimic legitimate news sites, to bombard U.S. voters with propaganda aimed at building support for Russia in its war against Ukraine and bolstering support for Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump.

The U.S. also unsealed indictments against two RT employees, accusing them of funneling nearly $10 million to a U.S. company in Tennessee to promote and distribute English-language material favorable to the Russian government.

What impact all these actions will have on Russia and RT, however, remains to be seen.

I don't think there's any evidence that deterrence is working in this space, said Margaret Talev, who directs the Syracuse University Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship in Washington.

These efforts are getting much more sophisticated, she told VOA, adding that Russian influence operations have become adept at seeding the social media environment and letting audiences do the work.

One of the biggest drivers of the spread of misinformation and disinformation is sharing by people who aren't trying to do anything wrong, Talev said. They're either amused by something or horrified by something that comes into their feed, and they hit 'share.' And now someone spread it to you, and you're spreading it to someone else.
Two German naval vessels are en route from South Korea to the Philippines through the South China Sea in what analysts describe as a show of Berlin's resolve to confront Chinese threats that now extend as far as Europe.

Two ships left the South Korean port city of Incheon on Tuesday bound for Manila, said the South Korean navy. They are expected to pass through the Taiwan Strait, according to Reuters, before the ships dock in Manila.

A spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry told VOA on Friday confirming that "the next port of call will be Manila, where the ships will moor September 16."

The spokesperson continued, "In accordance with the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, but also for safety reasons, operational details such as the routes of our ships will not be announced in advance."

The navigation across the South China Sea would be the first such passage by German warships since the destroyer Bayern was deployed to the region from August 2021 to February 2022 in an exercise in defense of the freedom of navigation.

That time, the Bayern sailed from South Korea to Singapore but did not pass through the highly sensitive Taiwan Strait.

Rare passage

If a transit is made through the strait this time, it will be the first time that German warships have done so in 22 years.

China claims sovereignty over the self-ruled island of Taiwan and, while most countries regard the 177-kilometer-wide strait that separates it from the mainland to be international waters, Beijing opposes transits by military craft from other countries. The U.S. and other countries such as Canada have sent warships through the strait to exercise their rights under international law.

The navigation across the region is part of the Indo-Pacific Deployment (IPD) 2024, a set of multinational naval exercises and international operations that began in May and will last until December.

The German Navy called IPD "the most important" security operation this year in light of Russia's war in Ukraine, which has forced Berlin to reprioritize its defense strategies.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, speaking in Belgium on Tuesday, expressed "strong concerns" about "increasing military support" that China, North Korea and Iran provide to support "Russia's war of aggression" against Ukraine.

Daniel Kochis, a senior fellow at Hudson Institute's Center on Europe and Eurasia, said the significance of the transit "should not be understated" because it would demonstrate "German resolve in defense of freedom of navigation and Chinese threats against Taiwan."

"China's role in supporting the Russian war effort has helped crystallize an understanding in Europe that you cannot divorce transatlantic security from that of the Indo-Pacific," Kochis said.

Increasing role

Berlin has stepped up its security role in the Indo-Pacific since a NATO summit held in July in Washington, where NATO countries and their Indo-Pacific partners of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea agreed to boost cooperation.

Shortly after the summit, Germany joined the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force in conducting joint aerial drills around Chitose Air Base on the Japanese main island of Hokkaido.

From June to August, the German air forces participated in Pacific Skies 24 aerial drills alongside other European countries and Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. During the same period, the German navy took part in biannual multinational drills dubbed RIMPAC at the invitation of the U.S. Navy.

In August, it joined the U.S.-led U.N. Command in South Korea, becoming the 18th country to support the international body charged with defending against North Korean aggression if a war breaks out.

After the German frigate Baden-Wurttemberg and the replenish ship Frankfurt am Main arrived in South Korea last week, the frigate held naval drills with South Korean forces and participated in a maritime operation to monitor U.N. sanctions against North Korea, said the South Korean navy.

"Germany's reported decision to have two naval vessels pass through the Taiwan Strait would be a more assertive action than the 2021 deployment, in that it counters China's claim of special jurisdiction over the 110-mile-wide waterway under its 'one China' policy," said Stephen Flanagan, who served as senior director for defense policy and strategy at the National Security Council from 2013 to 2015.

"Germany, and most other countries, hold that 'innocent passages' of naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait are allowed, without notice, under the principles of international maritime law, including the U.N. Convention on Law of Seas, so long as they are 'not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of other states,' " he continued.

However, Germany's and other European countries' more sustained deployment to the Indo-Pacific "would place further strain on their armed forces" as they are "struggling to meet their NATO commitment for defense of the Euro-Atlantic region," said Flanagan, an adjunct senior fellow at RAND Corporation.

Beijing's protest

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday that "we firmly oppose any act of provocation under the pretext of freedom of navigation by relevant countries that harm China's sovereignty and security."

She continued, "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."

Ning added, "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory."

The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry pushed back against Beijing's remarks.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson told VOA on Tuesday that "the Taiwan Strait is internationally recognized as international waters, where ships from any country can freely navigate and pass through as evidenced by numerous past cases."

The spokesperson continued, "Taiwan's consistent stance is that it respects and welcomes the exercise of the freedom of navigation rights of all countries in international waters."

Philip Shetler-Jones, senior research fellow of Indo-Pacific security at the Royal United Services Institute, said, "There is no basis in international law for Beijing's protest against the free passage of ships through the Taiwan Strait."

He continued, "Claims that the strait is an internal waterway are part of the [Chinese] Communist Party's information campaign to convince the outside world that Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China, which is not the case," he said.
The White House said on Thursday it is acting on Democratic lawmakers' demands to close what they see as a legal loophole that allows manufacturers  most from China  to dodge tariffs on low-priced goods and flood the U.S. with illegal and unsafe products.

The Biden administration is targeting the "de minimis" exemption, which allows parcels valued at less than $800 to enter the U.S. duty free. More than 1 billion such parcels entered the U.S. in fiscal 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

White House officials attribute the more than fivefold increase from several years ago to the growth of Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu, and administration officials name-checked both of those popular fast-fashion retailers in a briefing with journalists on Thursday.

Daleep Singh, deputy national security adviser for international economics, said these moves to close the loophole would have a big effect on Chinese apparel and "will drastically reduce the number of shipments entering through the de minimis exemption."

This would likely hamper Americans' ability to score items like an $8 T-shirt  available in a range of colors  that features a gunslinging, pants-wearing cartoon cowboy duck who proclaims, "you just yee'd your last haw." Or a $6 crop top that reads, in English, LIVE LAUGH LOBOTOMY. Or an $8 bra made of two fuzzy, dead-eyed cat faces shorn of their noses, mouths, whiskers and facial expressions, strung together and tied halter-style around the neck. Or an $8 item that can only be described as a business-formal bra, as it is made entirely of ties. It is available in a patchwork of leopard, zebra and tiger prints, presumably for a formal office that is animal themed.

Singh added that the administration also seeks to tighten information collection requirements and consumer safety standards  and block products that don't make the cut. And further, he said, the White House is calling on Congress to pass a law this year to "comprehensively reform the de minimis exemption."

In a Wednesday letter, 126 House Democrats urged the president to use his executive authority, saying they could not act "amid interminable stagnation in Congress that has precluded legislation from passing."

"While lawmakers would rather see the de minimis issue dealt with legislatively, the Democrats on the call said their patience was wearing thin," the letter read. "Despite the fact that the concept of de minimis reform has engendered broad bipartisan support, politicking has precluded a concrete resolution."

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, one of the initiative's leaders, expressed concerns over fast fashion's documented use of forced labor to make their cut-rate clothing. Rights group Amnesty International has reported that Shein, in particular, upholds "questionable labor and human rights standards."

Shein's model, the group says, leans on subcontracting the making of garments, which leaves no room for transparency or accountability for worker conditions, and gives workers no right to unionize or assemble.

Navtej Dhillon, deputy director of the National Economic Council, also said the moves address concerns over fentanyl shipments and for declining U.S. industry.

"Some foreign companies are attempting to use this pathway to ship illegal and dangerous products for our health, avoid our health and safety and consumer protection laws, and evade tariffs to undermine American manufacturers," he said. "Textile and apparel manufacturing supports tens of thousands of jobs in key states like Georgia and North Carolina. These American workers and manufacturers deserve to compete on a level playing field."

The congressional group pushing the administration cited approval from law enforcement and industry groups.

"The de minimis loophole is severely exacerbating our nation's opioid crisis," said Bill Johnson, executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations. "Closing it would help staunch the flow of fentanyl and other narcotics coming across our borders and help safeguard the lives of our children, families and friends."

And Kim Glas, president and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, said the industry group "strongly supports closing the de minimis loophole," noting the closure of 18 textile plants in the U.S. in the past year.

"De minimis is a free trade agreement for the world at the expense of U.S. manufacturers, retailers, and consumers," she said in a statement. "Shockingly, it has now become a black market for dangerous products facilitating fentanyl, precursors and pill presses. De minimis is destruction."

Shein said last year that they support "responsible reform" of the policy but did not give precise recommendations.

"The de minimis exemption needs a complete makeover to create a level playing field for all retailers," Shein Executive Vice Chairman Donald Tang said in a statement. "At the same time, American consumers deserve to know that the products they purchase are authentic and ethically produced. We believe de minimis reform can and should achieve both."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that he has a plan for victory in Russia's war against his country, and that he intends to present the proposal to U.S. President Joe Biden later this month.

In a speech at the opening of the 20th Annual Yalta European Strategy Meeting in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said wars of aggression, such as the one being waged by Russia against Ukraine, can end positively by either the occupying army being pushed out on the battlefield or through diplomacy, in which the invaded country is freed from occupation and its independence is preserved.

"In both cases, Ukraine needs a strong position," he said. "The United States can help with this. If we, along with our key partner, equally strive for victory." He said he will present the plan to Biden when they meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly later this month.

In his speech, Zelenskyy once again expressed his frustration at not yet receiving permission from allies  specifically the United States and Britain  to use their long-range weapons against targets inside Russia. Both nations have expressed concern about being drawn into a direct confrontation with Russia.

The Ukrainian president referenced conversations he had this week with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy when they visited Kyiv. He said he raised the question with the two diplomats and indicated they were both noncommittal.

Zelenskyy said Russia is using drones made in Iran to attack Ukraine, and this week it was announced Russia is receiving short-range ballistic missiles from Iran to use in the war. He said Iran is supplying similar weaponry to Israel's enemies.

"If the [Western] allies are jointly shooting down missiles and drones in the skies over the Middle East, why is there still no similar decision to jointly shoot down Russian missiles and Iranian 'Shaheds' over Ukraine?" he asked.

He said when the issue is raised with Ukraine's partners, though, "which we do constantly, to be honest, everyone tries to talk around it  they're even afraid to say, 'we are working on it.' They're afraid even of those words. That's the truth."

Ukraine on Biden's agenda

Zelenskyy's comments Friday came on the same day Biden met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House to discuss, among other issues, support for Ukraine. Changing the policy on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons against Russia was reportedly on the agenda.

Earlier this week, Biden signaled he is open to loosening restrictions further, telling a reporter that his administration was "working that out now."

A reporter asked Biden what he thought of Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat of war if Western allies allowed Ukraine to use their long-range weapons against Russia.

"I don't think much about Vladimir Putin," Biden responded.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Ukraine has already been able to strike inside Russia with its own internally produced systems, including drones. Speaking in a meeting of allied defense ministers last week, Austin said he did not believe providing Kyiv with long-range attack capability would be "decisive" in the war.

During a Friday briefing with reporters at the White House, national security spokesman John Kirby said he would not expect any announcements on this topic coming out of Friday's meeting between Starmer and Biden.

"There's been no change to our policy with respect to the long-range strike capability inside Russia, and I'd leave it at that," Kirby said.

Russian official issues warning

Meanwhile, at a U.N. Security Council meeting in New York on Friday, Russia's ambassador to the U.N., Vasily Nebenzya, warned that any change in the U.S. and British restrictions on use of their long-range weapons would "mean that, from that moment, NATO countries are conducting direct war with Russia," and it would escalate the conflict "beyond Ukraine."

At that same Security Council meeting, U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood noted that a U.S. intelligence report released this week indicates that Iran has trained Russian military personnel on the use of Iranian short-range ballistic missiles. He said Iran has since delivered at least one shipment of the missiles to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine.

Wood said in response to Iran's ongoing military support for Russia that the U.S. has imposed new sanctions on individuals and entities in Russia and Iran.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
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.

SEE ALSO:

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.
SEOUL, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), made multiple military inspections, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday.

The inspections include a guiding tour to oversee the test-fire for verifying the performance of a new-type multiple rocket launcher, a trip to the country's Nuclear Weapons Institute and the production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials, and an inspection of the training base for special operation force.

During the inspection of the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the nuclear material production base, the DPRK top leader learned about the production of nuclear warheads and current nuclear materials and set forth tasks for long-term plan for increasing the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials, KCNA reported, with no mention of the inspection date.

Kim went round the control room of the uranium enrichment base to learn about the overall operation of the production lines, and visited the construction site for expanding the nuclear weapons production capacity and learned in detail about the daily plan for assembling equipment, according to the KCNA report.

Noting that nuclear threats posed by the United States require the DPRK to steadily expand and bolster up its capabilities for self-defence and a preemptive attack "with the nuclear force as a pivot," he reiterated the importance of maintaining the counteraction posture of the country's nuclear force, KCNA said.

The top leader asked for continued efforts in nuclear weapons production, saying the people in the field "assume the most important responsibility for the historic mission to bolster up the nuclear war deterrence of the country in quality and quantity in a substantial and accelerated way," he was quoted as saying by KCNA.

Separately, Kim oversaw a performance test of the new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher which was aimed at further developing its driving system and verifying its combat effectiveness, with the rocket shells of the launcher hitting the target on an island in the eastern waters, KCNA said in another report, also without specifying the exact date of the event.

On Wednesday, Kim inspected the training base of the special operation armed force of the Korean People's Army (KPA), during which he guided the scout and raid drills and instructed the combatants to intensify the drills for real war, KCNA reported.

"The KPA should be fully ready to check the enemy at once and mercilessly and completely repress them even if a war breaks out at once today," he said. 
Italian banker Mario Draghi delivered his report on the "Future of European Competitiveness" on 9th September.

The document, in two volumes of more than 400 pages, pleads for European integration by the bankers.

Draghi notes the EUs limited investment (32% of GDP) compared to the United States (142% of GDP) due to the persistence of a traditional pay-as-you-go pension system (except in the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden). He therefore calls for the development of private pension systems in all Member States in order to raise capital and channel it into the financial markets.

He insists on the need to transform the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) into a truly single regulator, like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. "A key step in transforming ESMA is to change its governance and decision-making processes in line with those of the ECBs Governing Council, detaching them as much as possible from the national interests of EU member states."

Finally, he calls for a revival of the securitization market in order to increase banks financing capacity and calls on the European Commission to propose a revision of the prudential requirements for securitized assets.

In other words, Mario Draghis praise for debt runs counter to the prevailing German doctrine.

This impeccably reasoned report makes a compelling point. It screams for urgency, which cuts short any reflection on the methods for responding to it. It sidesteps the question of the causes of the EUs industrial decline, i.e. its vassalage to the USA, which sabotaged the Nord Stream gas pipeline and organized the war in Ukraine. It takes for granted that the construction of a federal EU is essential if reforms are to succeed, without considering that they could be carried out more easily by cooperation between sovereign states. On this point, it is astonishing in the twenty-first century to promote a top-down structure rather than a network to encourage business. But Mario Draghi is the former vice-president for Europe at Goldman Sachs.
How to Die Alone Stop Living / Lie and Deny / Burn Bridges / Settle Season 1 Episodes 1 - 4 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next   Previous Episode Next Episode  Photo: Ian Watson/HULU

Black woman, 35, single. She was found in her apartment unresponsive by her neighbor. This is probably the worst thing a dissatisfied adult female would want to hear from a doctor as she awakes from a severe head injury  especially on her birthday, no less. But those words are precisely what Melissa Jackson, Natasha Rothwells newest lovable character, is met with in the pilot of How to Die Alone after a mishap involving complicated Swedish furniture, a rat, and crab rangoon (with real crab, not imitation).

How to Die Alone is Rothwells self-proclaimed passion project, a story about how a womans near-death encounter propels her to change her life and face the part she plays in her own loneliness. The first four episodes drop us into Melissas world as an airport employee who ironically fears flying and is equally petrified of making any decision that takes her out of her comfort zone. While the metaphors may be a bit on the nose, and the show shakily straddles multiple genres  its a little bit of workplace comedy with its slew of hilarious employees, a little rom-com, and a sprinkle of scammer drama  Rothwells performance shines as the show builds to tell a relatable coming-of-age story about how terrifying it is to be in control of your own destiny. Melissas an electric-cart driver at JFK who works alongside her best friend Rory (Conrad Ricamora), who got her the job as his father is the president of the airport. Melissas job at JFK is the perfect vehicle for storytelling, as everyone knows how airports simultaneously embody a feeling of overwhelming mundanity and never-ending opportunity, which sums up where Melissa finds herself in life.

Our introduction to Melissa is a montage of her bumbling into work, getting bumped by laser-focused travelers, completely unnoticeable even to her co-workers. Its her birthday, but Melissa feels as invisible as she always does as a background character in other peoples travel stories. To make things worse, she receives an invitation to her manager/fling turned almost-relationship Alexs wedding in Maui, triggering her lingering feelings for him. Melissas 35th quickly turns into a chain reaction of unfortunate events that lead her to the hospital. When Rory bails on their plans that night so he can secretly hook up with a frequent flier named Ben, she spends the evening alone with her favorite food, putting together the furniture she impulse-bought to soothe her nerves. Ignoring the instructions suggestion that the furniture requires two people to assemble, Melissa successfully puts together the dresser. As she celebrates with a victory dance and a bite of her crab rangoon, which she had to fight a rat in her apartment for, the dresser falls on her, and she chokes on her takeout. For three minutes, she lost consciousness, technically dying alone, though luckily, her neighbor found her in time for the paramedics to resuscitate her.

At the hospital, the doctors diagnose Melissa with multiple injuries and a concussion, but when the nurse asks for her emergency contact because the one they have on file is her own phone number, she realizes just how alone she is. Rory doesnt pick up her call, as hes otherwise occupied in bed with his hookup, and she snaps at the nurse for pressing the issue. Hearing Melissas sharp rebuttal, Elise, the elderly woman sharing the hospital room, makes her presence known, laughing at Melissas audacity. They speak for a while, Elise opening up about living a life unfulfilled until deciding to take control. She notes how much she used to be like Melissa, but now shes jumped in the deep end. The conversation is stickily sweet, only to be cut short by Elise taking her last breath. Elises heart monitor ramps up, ending in a plateaued hum before the nurses mention that Elise has no next of kin.

Melissa looks at Elises corpse and instead sees her face on the dead body, a projection of her fears of actually dying alone, causing her to comedically projectile vomit directly on Elises head. The hospital gives Elises belongings to Melissa after they discharge her, making her the sole person with the remnants of Elises life. Not knowing where to go from the hospital (her brother, played by the always funny Bashir Salahuddin, picks her up, though they have a strained relationship, so the car ride doesnt last long), she ends up at a bar and spills her feelings to the bartender, Allie, who offers a listening ear and her phone number, becoming a new friend. From there, Melissa lets herself into Elises apartment, and if vomiting on her dead body wasnt enough, she takes Elises dog Bubba and credit cards. She uses one of the cards to book a ticket to the Maui wedding after her card is declined, deciding to overcome her fear of flying.

Aside from the identity theft, Melissas life is revitalized by stepping into Elises  and by prescription painkillers. Back at work, Melissa recovers from her accident and dodges questions from her coworkers about what exactly happened (she outright ignores Rory until he apologizes and admits he ditched her for dick). However, she cant hide her pain, so she goes on a wild goose chase with Rory to find confiscated painkillers since her Percocet prescription ran out. The journey leads them first to steal a $6,000 ham that a passenger couldnt fly with, then to Carl, the man who handles the falcon that deters birds from interfering with the airplanes, as he might know where the airport keeps the pills they take. H. Jon Benjamin plays Carl (being a falcon handler definitely feels like one of Sterlings side quests on Archer), and he imparts wisdom about flying that applies to Melissas life. Carl tells Melissa about the four forces of flight: lift, thrust, weight, and drag. He explains how lift and thrust are obvious, as they propel you upward and forward, but they need the opposing forces of gravity to gain momentum. Sometimes, the things that hold us back and weigh us down are actually what we need to take off.

They never find the pills; however, their encounter with Carl changes Melissas perspective, and she tells Rory about Elise and getting a ticket to Maui (she leaves out how she got it). Melissa frames the trip as an exercise in self-growth, though Rory points out the messiness of showing up to the wedding of a man she has feelings for. Theyre interrupted when Rorys father, Sam, calls them to his office after hearing about the missing ham. Melissa immediately admits to her part in shenanigans, a move that Sam is so impressed by that he suggests she apply for a management-training program to further her career. Rory hates the idea of Sam seeing Melissas potential and not his sons and demands that she doesnt apply. But Alex had already written Melissa a glowing letter of recommendation for the program. As Melissa reads his words later that evening, she recognizes how badly she wants to take her career to the next level and how much she misses the man who truly got her. She dials Alexs number, and they reconnect flirtatiously while his fiancee works late.

Through flashbacks, the show establishes that it was Melissa who prevented the chance of a future with Alex despite their undeniable chemistry. Four years ago, Melissa worked at a Thai restaurant owned by a problematic white man with a penchant for verbally harassing his employees. One day, when Rory was a patron, he convinced her to stand up to her horrible boss, promising her a job at the airport. Once employed at JFK, Melissa and Alex hit it off immediately, though its clear that her moment of courage cursing out her boss was more of a lateral step than one moving forward  during their courtship, Melissa and Alex still go to the same Thai restaurant where she worked, still ordering the same meal. When Alex suggests informing HR about their relationship, Melissa refuses to budge, living happily in her comfort zone. She goes against her heart, telling Alex they were nothing more than a fling before crying with Rory about her fears of being vulnerable and getting rejected.

The show flashes forward to Melissa receiving her hospital bills, realizing that it would take her 47 years to pay off her debts. She attempts fraud again, but Elises cards are maxed out. Scrambling, she asks Rory to co-sign on a payment plan. He refuses, stating hes trying to make better financial decisions, putting a bigger wedge in their relationship. She returns to fraud as a solution, using her brothers social security number without permission. Soon, the tension between Melissa and Rory implodes once he finds out about the management training. While Melissas been on her journey, his relationship with Ben blossomed, but he doesnt feel his besties support, claiming shes changed. Melissa tries to explain how her near-death experience changed her life, but he shuts her down, telling her to move on. Ugly feelings come out, like Melissas resentment from the co-sign rejection and the pressure Rory feels being Melissas only friend, and they both leave the conversation in tears.

Rory and Melissa avoid each other at work, and a gate lockdown due to a missing child brings Melissa and Alexs fiancee uncomfortably face-to-face, motivating Melissa to work harder at getting over her ex by getting under another airport employee in her training class. The ordeal lasts approximately two unsatisfying minutes and ends with finding out he has a wife. She decides that shell never shit where she eats again, but its a start at putting herself out there! Melissa finds the missing child, who was hiding out of her fear of going to a new place, and she adorably teaches her how rewarding taking a chance is, referencing Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to have a pilots license.

In the fourth episode, the show lays the groundwork for testing Melissas declaration against dating co-workers as we get to know Terrance, one of the guys who works outside on the tarmac. The two consistently have cute heart-to-heart moments, where Melissa often gets strength through his support. Though Terrance has been casually seeing flight attendant Tina, a moment at the end of the episode sets up a possible love triangle for Melissa. In an earlier scene, Terrance mentions that no matter how much he loves someone, hell never share his food, which is somewhat proven by his refusal to let Tina have even one of his chips. But fast-forward to Melissa reaching for a few chips, and he lets her go in for seconds and thirds. Maybe its not quite time to give up on a workplace love story.
Miranda July. Photo: Getty Images

The National Book Foundations 2024 Longlist for Fiction includes three debut novels, two short-story collections, and what might be the first great piece of incel literature, Tony Tulathimuttes Rejection. Finalists for the award honoring works of fiction follow this weeks earlier longlist announcements for nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young peoples literature. Fiction judges Jamie Ford, Lauren Groff, Zeyn Joukhadar, Chawa Magana, and Reginald McKnight assessed a total of 473 submissions, eventually narrowing the list down to ten books.

Included on the list is Miranda Julys novel All Fours, about a 45-year-old married woman who forgoes a road trip after driving just a few miles from home, holes up in a hotel room, and pursues a relationship with a younger man. In Kaveh Akbars debut, Martyr!, the poet Cyrus Shams, brought from Iran to the Midwest as a baby, unearths the truth about his mother. James, by Percival Everett, is a sly retelling of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Creation Lake, by Rachel Kushner, reworks the spy thriller for a louche protagonist embedded within a community of French activists. Both she and the debut novelist Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, author of the longlisted Catalina, have been nominated for National Book Awards in the past: Kushner for 2008s Telex From Cuba and 2013s The Flamethrowers, and Villavicencio for her reported memoir, The Undocumented Americans, in 2020.

The National Book Award finalists in all categories will be announced on October 1. Winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony, held in New York on November 20, so you have lots of time to read up. Below, the full list.

Ghostroots, by Pemi Aguda

Martyr!, by Kaveh Akbar

The Most, by Jessica Anthony

Catalina, by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

James, by Percival Everett

All Fours, by Miranda July

Creation Lake, by Rachel Kushner

My Friends, by Hisham Matar

Yr Dead, by Sam Sax

Rejection, by Tony Tulathimutte
In the Baek household, learning is sacred. Noas devotion to his education is not just a point of pride but a priority for the family, who makes sure he can keep studying in the country with limited resources and no access to school; even Koh Hansu is part of the effort, bringing newspapers for his dutiful, unsuspecting son to study.

But scholarship isnt the only kind of learning in evidence at the farm. In Chapter Twelve, people learn mostly about one another. Noa gets to know a potential friend; Sunja learns how to drive; Yangjin learns the rhythms of a new country and a new home. Naomi learns about Solomon and vice versa; Kim and Kyunghee take one step further in their mutual knowledge. Its not incidental that this is the first episode in which we see Sunja cry of happiness and relief rather than despair. Its as if, in a rare moment, the Baek family has the opportunity to expand  to spread out in togetherness around a dinner table.

Also happily, a lot of kissing goes on this week. Still, because this is Pachinko, my guy Noa cannot catch a break. Part of being known, Hansu might be starting to realize, means being seen even in your shortcomings.

1945

Chapter Twelve opens on Mozasu sharpening the bamboo spear he brought from home, still preparing for the arrival of the Americans. This is the first episode this season that doesnt use title cards to orient the viewer in time, which Im taking to mean there hasnt been a significant time jump between last weeks events and this weeks. Kim comes to sit with Mozasu and asks after Noa, who is being a classic big brother and ignoring his younger sibling to hang out with his new friend. Mozasu complains that besides being no fun  all he does is read boring books  Noa gets to be first in everything. Being the eldest, Kim explains, comes with a burden and a responsibility: Noa is the man of the house, which means the pressure is on him to take care of his family. Mozasu doesnt look convinced.

Noas new friend, a jerk in Mozasus estimation, is the chicken thief and Noas erstwhile bully. Seen from below against a cotton-candy sky, wearing matching yellows and blues, the boys look  I mean this as a compliment  as though theyre in a poster for a coming-of-age indie movie. Noas friend, like Mozasu, wouldnt mind living out in the country forever; also like Mozasu, he hates school. His father, who pressures him to be the best, hits him with both fists when he finds out his son is ranked behind Noa, a Korean. It strikes Noa that his former bullys resentment couldve been born out of something that had nothing to do with him; it surprises him even more to realize he has a friend. The kid apologizes to Noa, who unsurprisingly accepts it with sweetness and grace. They shake hands on their new friendship and go look at some larvae together.

Meanwhile, its pretty eventful at the fields. Kyunghee is being scolded by the foreman for an unknown reason, which Kim does not like to see. But hell get his revenge on the foremans cruelty in time: When he goes to get some fertilizer from the truck, he finds chicken feathers, which he will use as leverage later. Work is interrupted all around when Hansu arrives in a car and out of it steps a shrunken, graying Yangjin, Sunjas mother. Sunja runs toward her mother, sobbing in relief at being together again. Even tough guy Hansu cant hide his emotion seeing them embrace.

Later that day, the boys fuss around their grandmother at the dinner table. The adventurous Mozasu wants to know everything about Yangjins journey  how big the boat was and if it had a sail. Yangjin tells them the journey was difficult and cramped, but the reality of the crossing doesnt deter Mozasu from his dream of going to Africa, where he plans to see a lion just like the one he saw in his manga books. Yangjin looks pleased by her grandsons, and their chatting is easy, uninterrupted by awkwardness. When Mozasu doesnt know the Korean word for lion, Yangjin tells the boys never to forget theyre Korean. Overhearing the conversation, Sunja looks concerned, though Im not sure why. She seems to be comforted by Noas prayer and what looks to be a delicious soup made with a chicken Sunja slaughtered herself with the permission of the foreman for this special occasion. Even Hansu comes to sit with them. He, too, wants to sit at the family table, and so they do, a peaceful togetherness illuminating them with a holy glow.

After dinner, while Noa studies Japanese, Sunja goes on a walk to get some air and is found by Hansu, who is always suddenly driving up. He tells Sunja that he was looking for the foreman, and she takes the opportunity to thank him again for bringing her mother to the farm, acknowledging the effort he puts into making her life a little better. He offers to show her how to drive, and she hops in.

The roads on the farms property are long and wide enough that, at first, Hansu and Sunja dont run into the several other pairs exploring in the pitch-black night. Noas friend takes him out to catch fireflies, and Kyunghee runs into Kim on her walk. Maybe its her own intentionality that scares her: When they talk about eventually returning to Korea, a desire they share, Kim tells her that with their return, he hopes her sadness will be lifted. He notices it in her eyes, and it oppresses him; he wishes he could do something to help. He realizes immediately that he has spoken one word too many. Terrified, Kyunghee scolds, Just because weve shared some stories, do not presume a friendship. Kyunghee! Indulge!

Im not the only one hoping for some good old harmless indulgence. Sunja picks up on the driving until she sees a huge branch blocking the road and freaks out; Hansu takes the wheel and swerves it, which gets the car stuck in the mud. They push it together, and once theyve succeeded in releasing it, Hansu kisses Sunja. She kisses back, stopping only when they hear a twig snapping. Noticing Sunjas instant regret, Hansu makes a not-unreasonable argument: You deserve some happiness as well. You dont have to give everything up! Hansu is encouraging Sunja to cede, for once, to her feelings and her spirit. Its maddening that he can be right about this but so wrong in how he goes about it  he does still have a second family, and no matter how much he does for Sunja, she will always be in the background rather than the priority of his life.

The foreman is unlucky to be found by Hansu, who is infuriated not only with him but with himself. The chicken feathers in his truck couldve only come from the chickens hed been stealing from Hansu, who wont accept being treated like a fool; he beats the living daylights out of the foreman. Noa and his friend follow the noise and watch the scene from behind some bushes, startled. Noa cant take it  he runs off, and his friend calls out to him. When Hansu turns around at the sound of his sons name, he looks surprised, almost as if he has just come to and realized what he was doing. He looks hurt, vulnerable for once, towering over the foremans limp body on the ground. Noa has been let down or hurt by every father figure hes ever had; first it was Pastor Hu, then Isaks death, Yosebs move, and now this. Meanwhile, at home, Sunja is being comforted by her mother, who knows instinctively that Hansu is Noas father. She warns Sunja that Noa must never know, but Sunja tells her not to worry; the secret is well kept. Yangjin washes her daughters hair.

Morning dawns on the day of the rice harvest, the start of a new cycle. Giving water to the boys and to the workers, Kyunghee brushes her fingers on Kims briefly  her way of demonstrating affection, maybe even apologizing for her outburst. At night, the workers all release lanterns down the river in a ceremony to celebrate those who have died and guide them to the spirit world. It seems like a nice denouement to what was a very emotional week for most members of the family, but they wake up in the middle of the night to a ringing sound. The rice shed, where all of the harvest was stored, has caught on fire. Kyunghee is inconsolable; she doesnt know how she can bear this. She runs off into the woods in the middle of their cleanup, and Kim follows her. Did I ask you to follow me? she snaps at him. However, the stakes are too high for Kim and his love for Kyunghee. Unlike her, he doesnt believe in the afterlife; this is all hes got. He needs to seize his life without regrets. When he holds Kyunghee, she looks relieved. Finally, they kiss (!).

1989

In Osaka, Sunja is asleep in front of the television. She wakes up with a startle and calls Solomon, leaving a concerned message on his machine. As if she has just remembered something or gotten an idea, she starts rounding up several Tupperware containers. The idea was that if her grandson doesnt answer her calls, she would take matters into her own hands and show up, Tupperware in tow, at Solomons apartment in Tokyo.

It takes him by surprise: He was expecting Naomi. After scolding him for the mess in his apartment, Sunja explains she had to come see him right away after she had a dream. Before she can explain more, the doorbell rings. Naomi holds up a paper to Solomons face: The bones buried underneath the Korean landowners plot have made the news. He awkwardly introduces Naomi to Sunja, who insists Naomi should stay for dinner, particularly since she brought all this food and Naomi is so skinny. I have never known anyone to have the courage to argue with a grandmother who thinks youre too skinny, so Naomi has no choice but to come in. She helps Sunja with chopping the zucchini, but shes not great at it. Sunja can tell immediately, from her delicate hands, that shes not too used to the kitchen. When she was a kid, Naomi used to help make dinner while waiting for a father who rarely came home. Perhaps noticing that Sunja is strict with her grandson, Naomi tells her how touching it was when he took a stand at Shiffleys, even if everyone thought he was wrong; it was that old Baek courage flaring up. Sunja softens. Shes proud.

While Sunja and Naomi have this heart-to-heart, Solomon is out on the balcony talking with Tom on the phone. What Solomon had predicted happened: Colton is pulling out of the deal in light of the news of the buried bones in the land. Its up to Tom now to tell Abe that this was all by Solomons design, and Solomon seems confident that hes prepared for the fallout. When he joins Sunja and Naomi, he doesnt even look rattled. They enjoy their meal; Naomi loves the food. She tells Sunja and Solomon about her job; shes been working on a deal to take a company public, which she hopes will catapult her career to the next level. Sunja doesnt know much about the nitty-gritty of stock trading, but she knows hard work, and she knows pride. She also knows to be slightly suspicious when Solomon swears he didnt take advantage of the Korean landowner by convincing her to finally sell, which is brand new information to Sunja.

Just as she once heard her own mother tell her grandsons, Sunja asks Solomon not to forget who he is. She doesnt want him to lie to her; he should just be honest with himself. Solomon promises to try, and its enough for Sunja  she goes up to her room, where, looking out at Tokyos evening lights, she calls Kato-san, the man with the suspenders from the supermarket. She surprises even herself with the time of her call, but Kato is as cheerful as ever. Hes happy to hear from her. She tells him a little bit about her worries for Solomon and how theres nothing she can do about the fact that he likes a Japanese girl. At their old age, Kato advises, they have to pick their battles; they have earned that right.

Naomi and Solomons date ends tenderly and successfully. Im really starting to root for those two, though Im sure Solomon will find a way to create a huge unnecessary problem in no time.

Pinball Thoughts

 I find some of the music cues in this show very distracting. When Yangjin and Sunja reunite, for example, the moment has enough weight to evoke full emotional resonance without the violins and the piano.

 Ive been noticing that much of what happens in the countryside in Pachinko is the shows own material; Noa never sees Hansu beating the foreman in the book, for example. I like it when shows do this, and overall Im buying the direction in which the writers are taking the characters.
Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza star in a rewarding coming-of-age story about getting the chance to advise your teenage self. Photo: Marni Grossman/Amazon Prime Video

My Old Ass has the premise of a broad comedy and the soul of a bittersweet coming-of-age story. And one of the reasons that it works so disarmingly well is that it doesnt treat the former as a means of sneaking in the latter. Writer-director Megan Park is genuinely interested in the emotional potential of the idea of being able to communicate with your younger self. Is there advice youd want to give if you could? And would the earlier version of you even want to hear it, if so? The burst of magical realism that puts 18-year-old Elliott Labrant (Maisy Stella) in contact with her 39-year-old future self (Aubrey Plaza) does lead to some funny moments, like when the teenager demands to lock lips with her double. (You dont want to know what its like to kiss yourself?! she asks, half faux and half genuinely outraged.) But My Old Ass takes a grown-ups fantasy of getting the chance to retroactively apply the wisdom of your years to undo the mistakes of the past, and then turns it around to be a celebration of being young and heedless, with no clue what youre doing. Its an affectionate rebuke of the impulse behind helicopter parenting, even if in this case, the person trying to shelter Elliott is Elliott herself.

Elliotts a rambunctious girl whos running out the last weeks of summer on her familys cranberry farm on Lake Muskoka before heading to Toronto for college (My Old Ass is quietly but powerfully Canadian). While she hasnt been shy about announcing her eagerness to leave to anyone wholl listen, her home is downright idyllic  a community perched on a glassy waterfront, peppered with small businesses and islands where three teenagers can camp out for the night to do magic mushrooms. Its while doing precisely that that Elliott meets her future self in an encounter whose mechanisms neither she nor the movie is inclined to dig into. Midway into her high, Older Elliott just turns up on a log by the campfire, and after verifying her identity by confirming the exact cup size difference between their boobs, begins chatting. She refuses to share stock tips or too many details about whats to come, and the recommendations she does have mostly involve Elliott spending more time with her family. But she does offer one serious warning  to stay away from anyone named Chad, which becomes relevant when a fine-boned undergrad (Percy Hynes White) called exactly that turns up as a summer worker on the farm.

Plaza doesnt look like someone Stella is going to grow up to be, but her teasing, deadpan affect suits the character, whos trying to talk like a kid, but who also doesnt quite think of herself as an adult yet either. When she tries to urge Elliott to appreciate what she has, she does so by earnestly intoning The only thing you cant get back is time  when you get older, it goes by so fast, dude, so fast, it sucks. But despite a running bit about how much worse the Earth that Older Elliott lives in has gotten (where did the salmon go?!), shes really there as a reflection on what her younger self is going through. And present day Elliott, played with lived-in ease by Stella, is a winning creation, in all her brash confidence and bursts of obliviousness  someone who, in contrast to typical depictions of teens as only half formed, is so certain of who she is that shes aghast when anything threatens to reveal she has more to learn. One of those threats comes from Chad, who despite Elliotts initial leeriness, turns out to be thoughtful and charming in a way that makes her question if shes actually gay, as she always took for granted. Older Elliotts warning hangs dolefully over their budding romance, but that doesnt stop Elliott from charging ahead as, we learn, shes always been prone to do.

Getting hurt is part of growing up, and part of life, and if that doesnt seem like it should be a controversial point, My Old Ass emphasizes how much harder it is to commit to when the person getting hurt is someone close to you  like, say, your younger self. Parks film is modest, but its grounded in the inner terrain of its characters in a way that makes it feel substantial. Sometimes this means acknowledging the pain youve inflicted on others, as Elliott does during conversations with her parents about the future of the farm that make her aware of the inadvertent slights shed been inflicting with all her eager declarations of independence. Elliott, as she says herself, can be a bit of an asshole. But shes 18 and has a lot of growing up to do  enough to still be growing 21 years from now.
Photo: Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

Youll see all the perils and profits of opening up a beloved piece of theater in Malcolm Washingtons film adaptation of August Wilsons Pulitzer Prize-winning The Piano Lesson. The director, who co-wrote the screenplay with Virgil Williams (Mudbound), has chosen to embellish Wilsons legendary play with extended flashbacks and location changes and genre-friendly pyrotechnics. Hes enhanced certain characters and downplayed others. Malcolms father, Denzel Washington, who has taken on the overall project of transforming Wilsons Pittsburgh Cycle into individual films (and is credited as a producer here), achieved great success with a very faithful adaptation of Fences back in 2016. But the son has chosen a slightly less reverential path. Making his feature debut, he doesnt just want to open things up; he wants to find a more cinematically expressive and expressionistic way into the work. There is a sweep to this Piano Lesson (which will debut on Netflix in late November after a brief theatrical release) that one might not immediately discern on the page or the stage. When it succeeds, its impressive. But it also cant hold a candle to Wilsons original, and it cant reconcile the fundamental tension between theater and film.

Wilsons play takes place inside a Pittsburgh home, where the outgoing and strong-willed Boy Willie (John David Washington, Malcolms brother) and his awkward pal Lymon (Ray Fisher) show up unannounced late one night in 1936. The home belongs to Willies older sister, Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler) and his uncle Doaker Charles (Samuel L. Jackson). Boy Willie and Lymon have just driven a rickety truck full of watermelons up from Mississippi, where their family is from. A sharecropper and ex-con who remained in the South while much of the family migrated North, Willie aims to make enough money to buy up the remaining land back home, where their ancestors were enslaved; to do so, he wants to sell the giant hand-carved piano in Bernieces house, which has a troubling, possibly supernatural connection to their past. Willie insists on taking the piano, but Berniece refuses to let it go, even though she hasnt played the instrument in years. To him, its an object that has caused pain and can be exploited to move forward. For her, its a transmitter to those who came before them. Their standoff becomes one partly about confronting history, about the pain inherent in both moving on and hanging on.

John David Washingtons frenetic performance made perfect sense on the stage, where projection comes with the territory. Theres an odd logic to it here, too: Boy Willies clamorous insistence feels at times like hes trying to convince himself that hes doing the right thing. It also makes for a nice contrast with Deadwylers Berniece, whose melancholy solidity in the face of Willies exhortations adds a whole extra level of conflict. This film version feels like it has built Bernieces character up more, and Deadwyler, one of only two major cast members here who didnt also appear in the 2022 Broadway revival, is quite stunning in the part. The movie effectively becomes her story.

On the stage, the piano  ornately carved with the haunting faces of Boy Willie and Bernieces enslaved ancestors  is an inescapable physical fact, looming over the action and dialogue. But thats the stage, and the magic of live presence. For his film, Washington spreads the metaphor across a wider timeline. He opens with a scene set on July 4, 1911, depicting the night when Boy Willies father stole the piano from the white family that owned it. Its a mostly effective choice, not just establishing early the significance of the instrument but also reinforcing Boy Willies personal and tortured connection to the object: We see him as a young boy, watching all this unfold.

Other flashbacks arent quite as successful. In the plays most bravura scene, Doaker explains the origins of the piano and its significance to this family. On stage, Jackson (who also originated the role of Boy Willie back in 1987, when The Piano Lesson debuted at the Yale Rep) commanded the audiences attention with weary indignation. Here, presented with intercutting flashbacks, the gist of his story doesnt lose its power, but the words somehow do. It becomes less about the man telling the story and more about the story itself.

Thats the central challenge of this film. It adorns the original The Piano Lesson with all this extra material but still chooses to preserve most of Wilsons words, which with their rhythm and their evocations remain in the world of the theater. Like most great plays, The Piano Lessons language cannot easily be divorced from the enclosed atmosphere of the stage; that is where it belongs and begins, where the power of these words conjures entire worlds. (Wilson was, after all, also a poet.) Watching the film thus becomes an occasionally dissonant experience, as the filmmaking pulls us in one direction and the theatrical dialogue in another.

In some weird way, one almost wishes that Washington and Williams had been even more brutal and rewritten the whole thing, completely reimagining it for the movie screen. That, of course, would have been sacrilege. But sometimes movies need a little sacrilege to achieve their full potential. To be fair, what the filmmakers have ended up with instead retains enough of the wonder of August Wilsons The Piano Lesson to be worthwhile and occasionally quite moving. But it lives uncomfortably between two forms, not quite enough of either to qualify as one or the other.
Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow in The Roommate, at the Booth. Photo: Matthew Murphy

Lets talk about Georgy Tovstonogov. A brilliant Russian director during Khrushchevs Thaw and the subsequent refreeze, with an artistic lineage directly traceable back to Stanislavski, Tovstonogov proposed that any play could be broken down into five events. The middle three happen inside the narrative, or written text, of the play itself  key moments of establishment, reversal, or culmination. But the first and fifth event belong to the director and happen in the theater. Event No. 1 is the handshake of the whole experience, the tuning fork: How does a production establish itself? What initial image does it unfold for an audience and how does that image, that dynamic moment, serve as a tonal microcosm of all that is to come? That first event, said Tovstonogov, reflects the play like a drop of water reflects the whole ocean.

Under Jack OBriens direction, Jen Silvermans 2015 odd-couple comedy The Roommate is making its, and its playwrights, Broadway debut. Onstage is the frame of an Iowa farmhouse, its back wall translucent so we can see the big sky and flat stretch of field beyond. (Bob Crowleys set design verges on parody: This ever-present projected backdrop incorporates a weirdly pristine, archetypal barn plunked down in the middle distance like a stowaway from a stock-image service  because, well, Iowa.) Before the play begins, its title appears in pink block letters splashed across the back wall. When the play begins, its stars walk in side by side, and the big pink text on the wall changes to show us their names in capital letters almost as tall as they are: MIA FARROW & PATTI LUPONE. They half-smile politely. They receive applause. They leave. Lights up, music down, they come back, and the play gets going.

Should this matter? One could easily argue that OBrien is simply dealing with the inevitable: People are going to clap for Mia and Patti, so lets just get it over with. But it does matter. Because lets just get it over with is no kind of first event. Nor is clap for the celebrities. If this drop of water reflects the whole ocean, what its showing us is that were being set up for a superficial encounter: Appreciate the presence of these two famous actors, laugh when they say something funny, and watch them get whisked away in their Uber Blacks afterward. (Seriously, Ive never seen actors flee a theater so fast; my show companion and I had been standing outside the Booth for what felt like 30 seconds getting ourselves in order before the applause went up and the SUVs pulled past, one with a Patti-focused vanity license plate  so I guess not an Uber after all.)

This kind of surface-level engagement is all The Roommate can really withstand. Farrow and LuPone are fun to watch  especially Farrow, whose church-mouse character gradually blossoms with the demurely unhinged glee of a midwestern Mephistopheles  and Silverman has written a good number of funny things for them to say. Their chemistry is spicy and real, and theres nothing wrong with having a straight-up good time. The trouble is that theres something weird and sour going on in Silvermans play that precludes uncomplicated enjoyment of its comedy but never quite touches anything really profound. Beneath its veneer, The Roommate is in an on-again, off-again relationship with its own conscience. It doesnt know quite what it wants to do or say, or, crucially, exactly how bad it wants to break.

This could partly be a matter of context. 2015 isnt just nine years ago  its a different time continuum. The reign of Walter White was still pretty close in the rearview mirror, Mad Men even closer, and Orange Is the New Black was still going strong. Anti-heroes abounded and often felt exciting in a way that they dont quite these days. In this sense, Silvermans characters cant be blamed for growing from different soil. They are Sharon (Farrow) and Robyn (LuPone), and theyve recently moved in together. Or, rather, Robyn has moved in with Sharon. Carting a bunch of half-heartedly packed boxes that scream prop!, Robyn has ditched her life in the Bronx and arrived in this endless field (that Sharon lives in Iowa City doesnt seem to have affected the middle of nowhere set design). Robyn wears dark sunglasses, leather jackets, and a Chrissie Hynde shag. Sharon wears comfy shoes and flannels and puts her feathery, strawberry-blonde princess hair in Laura Ingalls Wilder braids. As she shuffles around the kitchen, sweetly and awkwardly trying to make space for her new housemate, the first third of Silvermans play is taken up with New Yorkvs.Midwest jokes. Im a vegan, says Robyn. Shes also a potter and a slam poet who grows her own weed. And shes  also, of course  gay. Oh! squeaks Sharon.  Some of my sons friends are homosexual people. Probably most of them  I think most New Yorkers are.

Some of this stuff is pretty funny, some of it less so; all of its fairly easily reachable fruit. When it lands, its largely due to Farrow, who fills the wide-eyed, bird-voiced Sharon with churning currents of curiosity and long-repressed weirdness. Her timing is great, as is her high-key blending of blushing naivete and unnerving tenacity. Im very nosy and Im very persistent, she tells Robyn, her chirp of a voice completely devoid of guilt, after pressing for some info that the new roommate clearly wants to keep to herself. The question of guilt, however, will soon become central to The Roommate. Robyn isnt just in Iowa for, as Sharon says brightly, the corn and space. Shes trying to leave behind a life of low-level crime  mostly credit-card scams, some drug selling, a little bit of auto theft  and as soon as the eager, newly awakened Sharon finds out, she wants in.

Heres where things start to escalate and where Silvermans grip gets shaky. Because while its sometimes amusing to watch the hard-boiled LuPone become more and more destabilized as her smiling midwestern housemate morphs into a kind of unholy Kimmy SchmidtasHeisenberg, its also willfully underexamined and, as a shared character arc, even a bit icky. Casually defrauding old people and, as Sharon eventually does, suggesting using 12-year-olds as drug mules and buying an AR-15 at Walmart just to be prepared  its the kind of dark, glib take on girlboss energy that can power a very funny TikTok, but not a play with aspirations to emotional complexity. If Silverman had pushed even further, simply flung The Roommate devilishly off the moral deep end, things would feel different, but theres enough hesitation in the play to alert us to the presence of an ethical compass; its just not one where the needles ever point outward from the self. Were meant to be invested in Sharons liberation, not to think too hard about the context or the cost. Even the doubts Robyn expresses are solipsistic. Theyre mostly screeches of surprise (Do you even know how to use a gun??) and worries for personal safety (We are keeping a low profile). They have nothing to do with the existence of other real people and an actual world of cause and effect beyond this little house on the prairie.

One doesnt go to Birds of Prey wanting Harley Quinn to be a better person, so why carp about a dark comedys moral equivocation? Because Silverman themself seems tied in knots, twisted between a desire to go all out (Theres a great liberty in being bad, purrs Robyn; you can buy the T-shirt in the lobby) and a desire to make sure that were aware that theyre aware of what theyre about, and that that self-awareness absolves them. But theres always been something a little dispiriting about the contemporary Women Behaving Badly genre. The fuck you defiance  Its my turn to be a selfish asshole now, boys!  lands with the empty clatter of revenge or even boring old resentment. Its shortsighted and inward-turning, less a howl of freedom than a self-owning neener-neener-neener. It may be given a glossy sheen and a smattering of good punch lines in The Roommate, but it sends us out into the night with the dull sensation of wondering what exactly we were clapping for.

The Roommate is at the Booth Theatre.
From Counting and Cracking, at the Skirball Center. Photo: Pia Johnson

The most joyful moment in Counting and Cracking involves a homemade Slip N Slide. Playing young lovers Siddhartha and Lily, Shiv Palekar and Abbie-lee Lewis strip down to bathing suits and, screaming and giggling, hurl themselves down a long stretch of blue tarp that their castmates hold stretched from the back of the stage at the Skirball Center to the front. Other actors splash the tarp with bowls of water to keep it slick, and another, outfitted like a lifeguard, stands on ground level in front of the stage, ready to keep Lewis and Palekar from shooting into the audience. Meanwhile, three onstage musicians generate a twanging, rollicking tumult of Sri Lankan folk, and thunder rumbles in the distance.

This feeling of levity before the storm permeates much of S. Shakthidharans play, a nuanced and sweet-spirited exploration of one Sri Lankan family over 50 years, four generations, and two countries. Siddhartha  a college student in Sydney who considers himself Australian, goes by Sid, and cant speak Tamil  is the heir to a complicated history that stretches back to and beyond his great-grandfather, Apah (Prakash Belawadi), a Cambridge-educated mathematician and trade minister in the Ceylon parliament during what were, at least for families with big houses and liberal ideals, the halcyon days between Sri Lankas independence from Britain in 1948 and the civil war that erupted in 1983. Shakthidharan and his associate writer Eamon Flack (who directs the show with Shakthidharan as his associate) shepherd us through a pretty detailed syllabus, but even at three and a half hours and two intermissions, their play wears its inevitable epic epithet lightly. History is given forms and faces by intimacy: The project grew out of Shakthidharans longing to know more about his ancestry and involved a deep collaboration with his own mother, the dancer Anandavalli, who choreographed Counting and in the process braved her own reconciliation with the homeland she left at age 12. What they, Flack, & Co. create is necessarily personal, and, perhaps even more important, its consistently playful. That Slip N Slide represents a rainy swim in Coogee Bay; actors sit on the periphery of the stage, translating in real time for castmates who are speaking Tamil or Sinhala or Turkish  then they gamely become pieces of the setting, animating windows, doors, and telephones with a Puckish Be Our Guest energy. When Siddharthas mother, Radha (the excellent Nadie Kammallaweera), needs a drink, she simply snaps wine at a smiling, cross-legged piece of her house. To the top, she adds, just so were clear.

Radha is Counting and Crackings smart, defensive, aching heart. Another version might have kept Siddhartha, the bright young man and inherent playwright avatar, more firmly in the center, but whether with full intention on Shakthidharans part or as a result of Kammallaweeras sheer tough charisma, or perhaps a bit of both, this production belongs to the mother  and its good for the play. When Counting and Cracking wobbles, it does so because its characters conversations start to stray into earnest, theme-y territory. As the youngest generation, the ones doing the wondering and discovering rather than the remembering and reliving, Sid and Lily get saddled with a lot of the shows least elegant dialogue  the kind that takes a highlighter to Big Ideas or packs in just a little more exposition than a moment can gracefully absorb. But while the kids get stuck in talky talk, Radha gets to act. Kammallaweeras face  when shes hit with the revelation that her husband, Thirru (Antonythasan Jesuthasan), is still alive after 21 years of thinking him dead  is a wordless soliloquy, panic and bewilderment, heartbreak and denial, remorse and resistance and rage all rolled into a moment. She anchors us in the storys viscera, even as Radha herself becomes increasingly unmoored.

In a sense, Shakthidharans play is an act of reverence for this gradual unmooring. In the program, he writes that his own mother, Anandavalli, did not talk to me about Sri Lanka in any deep way for the first 30-odd years of my life but that the process of making this work has changed her  She has made the choice to be vulnerable. I am grateful for that. It is the hard choice. While generational tension is surely unique to no particular time, our present is shot through with some undeniably blistering friction between a younger cohort that hunger for progress on their own terms  who are fluent in the language of trauma and long to exorcize it openly  and their elders, whose every ounce of cultural training directs them away from the therapeutic and toward the self-reliant and assimilationist. Cruelty and short-sightedness can run both ways along that spectrum, and part of the poignancy of Counting and Cracking lies in its generosity and emotional maturity. Neither Shakthidharan nor Siddhartha resent or condescend to their forebears (though Sid might groan at his mum every now and then). Instead, they start from a place of tenderness and curiosity, a real desire to learn.

That desire is contagious. It crosses the footlights and helps to fuel Flacks production, which jumps between 2004 in Sydney and Radhas childhood in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. In 1956, Apah and his wife, Aacha (Sukania Venugopal), celebrate the birth of their granddaughter from their well-appointed home where the gates are never locked. Apah is the kind of community elder and benefactor whos a grandfather to all  an ardent believer in democracy, he credits the English school in Kopay with helping him rise in the world by gaining trousered employment, and, when government support for English schooling looks to be waning, he personally promises to finance the education of the local fruit vendors son, Thirru. Twenty-one years later, the young, gutsy, and idealistic Radha (Radhika Mudaliyar, whose eyes are bright wells of vitality) will admit to loving this very same Thirru (Kaivalya Suvarna), and six years after that, the brutal outbreak of violence backed by the Sinhalese majority government against Sri Lankas Tamil population will drop a shrapnel bomb into all of these lives, shredding and scattering them eventually as far as Australia. Some of Shakthidharan and Flacks most compelling work occurs in Countings second and third acts as, respectively, preparations for a family wedding fill Apah and Aachas courtyard with jovial chaos, undergirded by dark political rumblings, and, in 1983, these rumblings finally crack the earth. A sequence in which poor Apah  a creature of the old world, all stubborn logic, humanism, and noblesse oblige  receives call after call from local strangers, people begging for his help as their shops are looted and their friends arrested, is a horribly affecting slow burn of heartsickness. We witness the undoing of both an ego and a spirit. Apah has long been a party of one, standing against the rightward swing of the government, filibustering in Parliament, and holding out for the principle of equality between Sinhala and Tamil, but now hes dashed to the ground like a marble statue in a riot, his defining values crushed under jackboot heels.

Shakthidharan doesnt resist the temptation to cap this emotional climax with a speech in which Apah underlines (well, technically italicizes) the plays title: Democracy means the counting of heads within certain limits, he tells his appalled granddaughter, young Radha, and the cracking of heads beyond those limits. But the play gets away with it, due both to the fiery conviction of Belawadis and Mudaliyars performances and to the spacious, non-mimetic alacrity of Flacks staging. He doesnt hammer, and he doesnt linger. He lets his company move swiftly and lightly, even when the storys events are at their heaviest. It all makes for a feeling of conscious communal ritual and, at the same time, of vigorous optimism and play. This is theater as rite  its no accident that Counting and Cracking gravitates toward weddings and funerals  and also as game. We take hands to mourn and to dance. We go to the river to swim and to spread ashes. We pretend both to comprehend the past and to imagine the future.

If youve got an appetite for even more generational conflict, then Matthew Freeman has written a play for you. A perfect fit for Wild Projects little-but-fierce stage  and an antidote to the glib sensationalism of Job  The Ask unfolds over 80 real-time minutes in the intimidatingly nice Upper West Side apartment of Greta (Betsy Aidem), a longtime donor to the ACLU whos no longer certain that the organization  now represented by sincere, nonbinary, and Brooklyn-coded zillennial Tanner (Colleen Litchfield)  still upholds the values shes supported with her checkbook. Although the pair manage to find some common ground in their mutual appreciation of Cindy Sherman and dinosaurs (Well, were going to get along just fine, says host to guest overhastily), the tension ratchets up from there.

Under Jessi D. Hills meticulous direction, Aidem and Litchfield play off each other like expert musicians, both wielding finely tuned instruments but each insistingat first politely, then with increasing fervor and dissonance  on playing in different keys. On the one hand, the boomer is breezy. Things have a way of working out, Greta declares as Tanner winces. On the other, shes afire with indignation, which seems to be based on principle  Valiantly losing is very Shakespearean, but it doesnt keep fascism at bay, she snaps as they discuss the fallout of losing Roe  but which gradually reveals itself as personal to the point of existential terror.

Tanner, by contrast, seems vulnerable  more put-upon, more careful and equivocal (a moment in which they break down in tears when they think no one is watching is all too real). But their genuinely kind heart and deep integrity become a buoy when the waves get roughest. Freeman brings more than a decade of his own experience as an ACLU fundraiser to The Ask, and his achievement is not only to capture two voices with both precision and spiky humor, but also to venture on a generous exploration of two full, wildly different humanities. Each is trying to construct a bridge to someone on their own side, yet its a bridge made of matches over a river of flame.

Counting and Cracking is presented by the Public Theater at NYUs Skirball Center through September 22.

The Ask is at the Wild Project through September 28.
MEXICO CITY, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed on Thursday in a conflict between criminal groups in the western Mexican state of Nayarit, said local authorities.

Their bodies were found in an area known as "Las Antenas," where authorities were removing the bodies and collecting evidence for investigations, said the ministry of security and citizen protection of the state.

Local police and other law enforcement agencies have intensified security operations in the area.

Media reports said the confrontation could involve members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel.

In recent weeks, several armed clashes took place in the mountainous area of Huajicori, displacing families to other municipalities of the state and leading to the closure of some businesses and schools. 
Giuli hosts G7 Culture Summit in Naples.

Italy's new culture minister Alessandro Giuli will host the Group of Seven (G7) Culture Summit in Naples on Friday and Saturday, with events scheduled to take place in nearby Pompeii.

After the first day of the summit at the Royal Palace of Naples, G7 delegations will visit Pompeii excavations on Friday evening, guided the archaeological park's director Gabriel Zuchtriegel.

To mark the occasion Pompeii will host a concert by the Nuova Orchestra Scarlatti, led by conductor and culture ministry advisor Beatrice Venezi, in the ancient amphitheatre.

There will also be a performance by tenor Andrea Bocelli and soprano Carmen Giannattasio, the culture ministry confirmed, before a gala dinner at the Palestra Grande.

Security will be tight at Pompeii which will close to the public at 17.00 on Friday (last entry at 15.30), with access limited to only the Piazza Esedra and Porta Marina entrances, the archeological park said in a statement.

Il Ministro della Cultura, Alessandro Giuli, ha accolto al @MANNapoli le delegazioni che parteciperanno ai lavori del G7 Cultura in programma a Palazzo Reale da domani a sabato.



Scopri di piu: https://t.co/uskr6AvGHs pic.twitter.com/aGO7obSvfi  Ministero della Cultura (@MiC_Italia) September 19, 2024

The high-level summit, organised as part of Italy's G7 presidency, will bring together culture ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the US.

The opening of the meeting on Friday will also be attended by Ukraine culture minister Mikola Tochytskyi.

Topics up for discussion at the summit include "support for Ukraine for the protection and reconstruction of its cultural heritage, the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative industries, the fight against illicit trafficking of works of art, and the management of the effects of climate change on cultural heritage", the Italian culture ministry said in a statement.



On Thursday, ahead of the summit, the G7 delegations visited the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) and attended a performance by young artists from the Conservatorio di San Pietro a Majella.



The G7 summit is the first major test for Giuli, who two weeks ago replaced Gennaro Sangiuliano after the latter resigned amid a scandal over an unpaid advisor role for his alleged former mistress.



Central to the controversy were claims that the disputed consultant, Maria Rosaria Boccia, had access to classified information relating to the organisation of G7 events at Pompeii. The claims were denied by Sangiuliano.
Bruni takes over from Alessandro Giuli.

Maria Emanuela Bruni, an art historian and journalist, has been appointed as the acting president of MAXXI, Italy's National Museum of XXI Century Arts in Rome.

Bruni's appointment, announced on Wednesday, comes after the museum's former head Alessandro Giuli replaced Gennaro Sangiuliano as Italy's new culture minister last week.

A member of the MAXXI board of directors since April last year, Bruni has a long career in institutional roles and in 2008 she became the first woman to serve as head of protocol at the prime minister's office in Palazzo Chigi.

Raffaella Docimo, the most senior member of the MAXXI board, was initially supposed to assume the role of interim president however she turned the position down, saying it clashed with her commitments as professor at the faculty of medicine of the University of Rome Tor Vergata.

Giuli, who served as MAXXI president since November 2022, was sworn in as culture minister on Friday after the resignation of Sangiuliano who became embroiled in a scandal over an advisor role for his alleged former mistress.
This photo taken on Sept. 12, 2024 shows a scene at the launching and awarding ceremony of the CITIC Star scholarship in Yangon, Myanmar. The launching and awarding ceremony of the CITIC Star scholarship was held in Yangon, Myanmar on Thursday. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)

YANGON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The launching and awarding ceremony of the CITIC Star scholarship was held in Yangon, Myanmar on Thursday.

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia said at the event that the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar has always supported and encouraged Chinese-funded enterprises in Myanmar to actively fulfill their social responsibilities, help improve local economic development and social livelihood, and contribute to the "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship.

Ma said that next year will be the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar. China is willing to work with Myanmar to inherit and carry forward the "Paukphaw" friendship, deepen cooperation in jointly implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, and jointly advance the building of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future.

U Ko Ko Hlaing, union minister of ministry 2 at the office of the chairman of the state administration council, said that CITIC Myanmar and the China Foundation for Rural Development have worked hard to contribute to Myanmar's poverty alleviation and development.

He thanked all parties for working together to provide better learning conditions for Myanmar students and promote the progress of the country's education.

The CITIC Star scholarship is funded by CITIC Myanmar and implemented by the China Foundation for Rural Development.

It will provide 240 scholarships to two universities, Yangon University of Foreign Languages and Myanmar Maritime University, each year in the next two years.

In the next two years, CITIC Myanmar also plans to carry out knowledge lectures, university student innovation projects, field research and other empowerment activities to help Myanmar students improve their capability. 

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia addresses the launching and awarding ceremony of the CITIC Star scholarship in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 12, 2024. The launching and awarding ceremony of the CITIC Star scholarship was held in Yangon, Myanmar on Thursday. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)
Waterford City native Sadhbh ONeill has launched a bid today for the Labour Party nomination to stand in the upcoming general election in the Waterford constituency.

The former Green Party Councillor was first elected to a public position in 1991 while she was a student in Trinity College Dublin. She was elected to Dublin City Council and held the position until 1996.

Since then, ONeill has been a regular contributor to the Irish Times opinion and science pages, while working in climate policy at DCU and engaging in environmental activism. ONeill most recently ran for election in the 2022 Seanad Bye-election when she was eliminated on the 11th count after receiving 6.5 per cent of first preference votes.

ONeill announced her bid saying: The Labour Party has been the driving force behind social change in Ireland. The Party campaigned for equality, fairness and respect during a time when Irish society was dominated by religious institutions and political cronyism.

The party has proven itself over and over to be a forward-looking, inclusive and progressive organisation that seeks to improve wellbeing for all, whilst tackling the root causes of poverty, inequality and injustice.

She said that the next wave of social progress in Ireland will be through climate actions that are delivered in a way that is fair and affordable to all citing the need for schemes to retrofit homes in a manner that is affordable and easy to access in a bid to end fuel poverty.

ONeill went on to comment: We know that environmental injustices are taking place every day, where disadvantaged communities are often living in areas with poor air quality, inadequate public transport, inadequately heated homes and where the rising cost of living has made energy services a luxury instead of a basic right.

Campaign Commitments

ONeill has committed to campaign under three headings; housing and public amenities, sustainable infrastructure and jobs, and policing and health.

Among her campaign issues, ONeill aims to tackle overcrowding issues at Waterford Hospital by campaigning to increase staff and capacity, as well as campaigning for a greater on-street Garda presence to crack down on illegal dumping and to improve road safety.

In line with her climate activism, she focuses heavily on sustainability in her campaign issues. She has committed to campaigning for the extension of public transport services across the county and to buy out the public-private partnership on the Waterford By-pass to reduce traffic through Waterford City.

She also wants to invest in sustainable and affordable housing on the North Quays in Waterford City in addition to creating a dedicated fund for footpath repairs and pedestrian facilities across the county.

The Labour Party last won a seat in Waterford in 2011, when Ciara Conway was selected on the 10th count. Councillor John Pratt was then selected in Waterford to contest the 2020 General Election for Waterford.

If successful, ONeill will join the growing list of candidates who have been selected by their parties to contest the upcoming General Election.

So far, sitting TDs, Marc O Cathasaigh and Min Mary Butler have been selected to contest the next election for the Green Party and Fianna Fail respectively. Sinn Fein has selected two candidates for the Waterford constituency, with Deputy David Cullinane seeking re-election and Councillor Conor McGuinness making the leap into national politics. Senator John Cummins will contest the General Election for Fine Gael in the Waterford constituency.
The relics of St Bernadette will visit the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 17 and 18. The relics are being taken on a pilgrimage to each of the 26 Catholic Dioceses in Ireland.

The saints relics landed in Ireland at Knock Airport on Wednesday, September 4, before visiting Galway Cathedral. Before arriving in Waterford, the relics will have also visited the dioceses of Killaloe, Limerick, Kerry and Cloyne.

St Bernadette Soubirous was born in Lourdes in 1844, and is said to have seen the Virgin Mary 18 times, starting from when she was preparing for her first Communion at age 14. She was canonised posthumously in 1933, 54 years after she died from tuberculosis in 1879.

Today, the Grotto of Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to St Bernadette, is visited by millions each year.

The Lourdes Medical Bureau has labelled nearly 70 cures at the grotto as inexplicable. As a result, February 11, the date of the first apparition, is dedicated as World Day of the Sick.

The relics of St Bernadette will visit the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 17 and 18. Photo by Joe Evans.

For Catholics, relics are believed to be the mortal remains or personal artifacts of a saint. The relics of St Bernadette are mostly comprised of bone fragments in an ornate reliquary and will be in Ireland until a farewell ceremony in the Church of the Risen Christ in Kiltoon, County Roscommon.

The relics will be available to the public from 1pm on Tuesday until 12.30pm on Wednesday. The full schedule for the visit of the relics is available on the Waterford diocesesan website.
Suddenly it happened that an unexpected warmth descended on our small patch.

Having been bemoaning the fact that there were so few insects and butterflies all through the summer, in the last week or two they have arrived in abundance.

Its strange because its also early autumn when foliage is turning to gold and along with apples and blackberries, there are still so many summer flowers and herbs thriving.

Swallows are gathering and many have already left.

This year the house martins came back to last year's nest and another one was built nearby.

These adults raised a couple of broods in each nest and as we speak they are still flying around practicing for their long journey back to Africa. Very soon they will leave and hopefully return again next summer.

We were so thrilled that eventually after a few years of sporadic nesting, their spot was claimed and their families survived.

It was very hard the first year when magpies invaded the nests and destroyed them.

They are so beautifully crafted from small mud bricks which build up a curved home under the eaves.

Now these nests seem solid and besides a few small repairs they last from year to year.

Another sign of autumn is that we now have the pleasure of a few juicy blackberries with breakfast.

You have to develop the great knack of picking only the best! If you remember picking blackberries for bramble jelly or jam, it was allowed to pick everything and anything.

But if you are going to eat them immediately they have to be clean, ripe, juicy and at their best. For me the early morning when they are still dewey and yet being warmed by the sun is the best time.

If you allow the blessed brambles to grow then you will be guaranteed a nice crop every year.

But most people dont want them and having had a few encounters between my legs and the said brambles, I understand that.

Ive made a compromise with the yokes and they are allowed to grow as long as they stay put in a few designated areas!

When picking be careful of leaning in too far! Its a disaster when you lose your balance.

Thorns, nettles, who knows what will take a toll on any forager. Long trousers are essential as thistles lurk and seem to jump up and attack without warning.

Blackberries are perfect at the moment and now is the time to pick them.

There are a few professional foragers around these days so if you are lucky you will know a spot away from the crowds.

Food writer Russ Parsons who lives in Waterford recently posted about auld lads telling him yarns about their exploits blackberry picking. We all have those memories.

Mine are about wrecking my lovely summer dress by filling two pockets with blackberries while out wandering the lanes with the other kids.

We must have walked for miles and in those days of course as long as you turned up for meals not an eye was batted at your absence.

The purple stained dress didnt go down too well at home, but it may have led to my love of that colour and my years of clothes dyeing and fabric printing.

Years later on a short cut across the lanes of Dublin, it was well known that you would find rats munching on the blackberries there.

It was a horrible running of the gauntlet between the bushes on that lane, waiting for the rustling sound of the rats diving back to wherever they sprang from.

I could never touch any of the fruit there, Now my worries about hedgerow blackberry picking is how do the children of today know the places that have been sprayed with chemicals, pesticides and Roundup? How would you know? Well you wouldnt so be careful when eating on the hoof. Most fruit should be taken home and washed thoroughly.

One of my romantic notions is to think about our ancestors wandering these lanes.

Blackberry picking has existed for 8,000 years according to archaeological evidence.

There is all sorts of lore about their presence.

The thorns evoke christian images and the juices apparently were thought of as blood like and therefore curative.

Theres hardly anything growing in the ditches that our ancestors didnt harvest as medicine.

The Journal of the Louth Archaeological Society, 1915 recalls local folklore: Nice ripe blackberries are sweet and palatable; but hungry boys and girls will eat blackberries that are neither sweet or palatable.

"However after Oidhche Shamhna or Hallow Eve no blackberries are eaten. And why? Because on that night the puca goes abroad and crawls over the blackberries covering them with an invisible slime, and where is the boy or girl who would eat a berry soiled with the pucas slime.

"The fact seems to be that blackberries after that date are stale and unwholesome. But the pucas slime is the great deterrent.

The puca is also said to befoul blackberries at Michaelmas, 29 September, so beware and do not eat them or you might fall under a spell.

We are blessed to have this time of fruiting after the flowering, enjoy your apples and your blackberries, the golden light of autumn, and keep an eye out for puca slime!
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.
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
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.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Shakiev in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji held talks with Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Shakiev on Friday in Beijing, calling for enhanced exchanges to provide the legal guarantee for deepening pragmatic cooperation.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, bilateral relations have achieved leapfrog development, reaching a new high in a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.

China is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation on all fronts, and jointly build a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future featuring good neighborliness and shared prosperity, said Zhao.

Zhao called on the two sides to enhance cooperation amid the severe and complicated international and regional situations, to jointly maintain the security and development interests of the two countries, adding that China will as always firmly support Kyrgyzstan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests.

The two sides should tap deeper into the potential of cooperation in traditional areas, work to make the pie of economic and trade cooperation bigger, promote the exchanges of scientific innovation achievements, and improve connectivity, Zhao said, adding that the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway should be started as soon as possible.

Zhao said the NPC is willing to work with the Kyrgyz side to strengthen exchanges and communication between high-level members of legislatures, specialized committees and friendly groups, engage in mutual learning in foreign-related rule-of-law construction and other fields, and enhance coordination within multilateral frameworks including the China-Central Asia mechanism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

When briefing Shakiev on the people's congress system of China, Zhao said China is willing to strengthen the exchanges of experience in democracy and the rule-of-law construction with Kyrgyzstan on the basis of mutual respect for each other's development path and political system, so as to better serve the development of their respective countries.

Noting that Kyrgyzstan and China enjoy a time-honored friendship, Shakiev said the Kyrgyz Parliament is ready to enhance friendly exchanges with the NPC to make positive contributions to bilateral cooperation. 
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.
Siri is getting a generative AI revamp, a move that will make Apples digital assistant powerful and useful again after years of relative irrelevancy, according to one of its original founders.

Babak Hodjat invented the natural language processing technology that eventually became Siri. He said in an interview that Siri was well ahead of its time when it launched, but then fell behind its time. Until now.

When Apple unleashed Siri in 2011 it was the first language assistant on the market, but received mixed reviews for lacking certain information, sub-par voice recognition and for requiring stiff user commands. It was overtaken quickly by its smarter rivals like Amazons Alexa, which was compatible with more devices and was more natural to interact with.

Apple this month unveiled its iPhone 16 range that will feature a revamped, supercharged Siri, as part of its Apple Intelligence suite of AI features that will come preloaded on the new devices. Its the biggest change to Siri in its 13-year history.
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.
A National Workshop on the Harmonized System (HS) for tariff classification was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 2 to 6 September 2024. The workshop was organized in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Nepal Customs Administration, with the sponsorship of the Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF) of China. The event was facilitated by two experts from the WCO Secretariat, bringing together 24 Customs officials from Nepal, aiming to enhance their expertise in tariff classification.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Harisharan Pudasaini, Director General of the Department of Customs of Nepal, who extended his gratitude to the WCO and CCF China for the invaluable support. He emphasized the significance of the HS as the backbone of global trade and highlighted that improving knowledge and collaboration in this area is a key to more efficient customs procedures, fair revenue collection, streamlined trade facilitation, and ultimately, a stronger and more resilient economy. He encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to improve their technical skills for uniform interpretation and application of the HS and to foster connections with experts.

The Workshop focused on building critical knowledge of the HS and enhancing practical skills to apply the knowledge in tariff classification. It also provided a platform to discuss WCO tools and resources designed to assist users of the HS to modernize their tariff classification work. Key presentations covered the application of the General Interpretative Rules, legal provisions related to the classification of a wide range of goods, including agricultural and food products, mineral products, chemicals, textiles, metals, and machinery, and case studies on various products. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions, sharing experiences and opinions on areas where they faced challenges in tariff classification. The interactive sessions allowed for a deeper understanding of complex classification issues and strategies to address them.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Janak Raj Sharma, Deputy Director General of the Department of Customs of Nepal, praised the workshop for its success and the valuable knowledge gained by participants. He highlighted that the training would enable Nepal Customs officials to perform tariff classification more efficiently, thereby supporting trade facilitation and enhancing the role of Customs. He expressed his gratitude to the WCO and CCF China for their ongoing support and looked forward to continued cooperation.

Participants also expressed their satisfaction and appreciation for the fruitful and informative workshop, noting that it provided valuable technical knowledge and enhanced their competencies in the tariff classification process in accordance with the rules and provisions of the HS.
From 2 to 6 September 2024, Ivorian Customs hosted a Diagnostic Workshop on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, supported by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). The Workshop, funded by the German Cooperation Agency (GIZ), was co-facilitated by WCO-accredited experts from French Customs and Moroccan Customs, who shared their extensive knowledge of AEO principles and practices.

The objective of this mission was to establish an inventory of the national system that came into force in 2019, but was suspended indefinitely in the summer of 2021. The goal was to formulate, if necessary, recommendations with a view to "revitalizing" this AEO programme. The experts focused on examining the compliance of the Ivorian programme with the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, in particular Annex IV (AEO conditions, requirements and benefits), while taking into account the good practices identified in the European and Moroccan AEO programmes. After a thorough review of the regulations governing the AEO programme, interviews were held with various Customs officials and managers of companies that had obtained AEO approval. A meeting was also held with representatives from the private sector.

At the end of this mission, and pending a detailed report that will be submitted shortly to Ivorian Customs, a series of recommendations were formulated for the purpose of implementing an AEO programme that is more attractive to operators and closer to the practice generally observed among programmes that comply with the provisions of the SAFE Framework of Standards. The Ivorian Customs Administration showed keen interest in these recommendations, which will further support the development of an action plan that could be implemented as early as 2025.
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's move to raise its statutory retirement age is a proactive and effective measure tackling the challenge of population aging, according to guest speakers at the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk platform hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

According to a decision adopted by Chinese lawmakers on Friday, the statutory retirement age will be gradually raised from 60 to 63 for men over the course of 15 years from 2025, from 55 to 58 for women working as cadres, and from 50 to 55 for women who are blue-collar workers.

China's current statutory retirement age was set in the 1950s and has remained unchanged for more than seven decades.

Over the years, profound changes have been seen in the country's average life expectancy, health conditions, demographic structure, education level, and relationship between labor supply and demand, Qi Tao, an official of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said at the roundtable.

Raising the statutory retirement age can mitigate China's declining working-age population and sustain the momentum and vitality of social and economic development, said Zhao Zhong, dean of the School of Labor and Human Resources at Renmin University of China.

Following the decision, people will be allowed to voluntarily retire by no more than three years in advance after reaching the minimum year of pension contributions.

The basic principle of delaying retirement is voluntary participation with flexibility, which aims mainly to meet the diverse needs of workers, according to Qi.

He said that retirement age will be expanded into a flexible range following the reform, demonstrating the country's full respect for people's individual plans.

The document also includes provisions for specialized professions, allowing those in labor-intensive jobs or working in difficult environments such as high temperatures or high altitudes to apply for earlier retirement.

While using the statutory retirement age as a benchmark, policymakers have also taken into account the labor conditions and working environments of different industries and positions to make targeted arrangements for special groups, said Yuan Xin, vice president of the China Population Association and a professor at Nankai University.

Friday's decision also stipulates that the minimum number of years of basic pension contributions required to receive monthly retirement benefits will be raised gradually from 15 years to 20 years, starting from 2030.

The adjustment has factored in multiple elements, including the labor market, more years of schooling, the older age at which people are now joining the workforce, and policy consistency, Zhao said.

Guest speakers also shared their insights on how delaying retirement would affect employment among different age groups.

The reform will be carried out gradually and modestly, and its impact on youth employment will be moderate, said Zheng Bingwen, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

As young people now have higher levels of education and a competitive edge in the digital economy, the green economy and future industries, measures should be devised to create more suitable jobs and expand new employment space, Zhao said.

On the protection of elderly individuals, Zhao noted that the decision stipulates that the basic interests and rights of workers should be ensured if employers hire people who have passed their statutory retirement age.

The current policies on employment and labor relations have yet to be specified further, Zheng said, noting that the improvement of supporting policies is a key task at present and will remain so for some time to come.

"The reform to delay retirement has a relatively long cycle and can't be accomplished overnight. There is still a lot of work to be done," Qi said. 
Under the umbrella of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum 2024 (PF24), the World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a panel session on 12 September 2024 focusing on digitalization, Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs), Single Window and Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs).

One of the WTOs largest annual outreach events, the Public Forum took place this year from 10 to 13 September 2024 at WTO Headquarters in Geneva. The event brought together more than 4000 representatives from civil society, academia, business, the media, government, and inter-governmental organizations and more than 600 speakers in over 130 sessions. This years Public Forum, titled Re-globalization: Better Trade for a Better World, explored how re-globalization can help make trade more inclusive and ensure that its benefits reach more people.

The WCO has been playing an active role in the WTO Public Forum for a number of years by organizing sessions, providing speakers and sharing information, with the aim of raising the profile of Customs and its relevance in cross-border trade.

Given the WCOs theme for 2024, Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose, this event was a great opportunity for high-level engagement with the trade, academics and others to reiterate the importance of Customs for international trade. Customs for Better Trade & Better Trade for a Better World.

The panel session hosted by the WCO Leveraging digitalization in Customs for inclusive trade was comprised of speakers from Customs, the WTO and the private sector. The session was moderated by Dr. Boriana Rukanova from Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.

WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders began by highlighting several WCO tools that support Customs in the area of digitalization. These tools, including the Revised Kyoto Convention, the WCO Data Model, Single Window, Coordinated Border Management and others, highlight the important role Customs plays in creating a more equitable trading environment. The Secretary General noted, To ensure that digitalization becomes a winning strategy, Customs administrations must invest in capacity building, foster international cooperation, and embrace innovation. With WCO support, Customs can enhance border efficiency and contribute to a secure and inclusive global trading environment. Having more and robust Single Window Systems is valuable for predictability, efficiency and transparency of Customs processes for everyone, including governments and MSMEs. The Secretary General also announced an important joint initiative of WCO, WTO and ICC to develop a comprehensive paper aimed at assisting WCO Members in making their AEO programmes more scalable and accessible to MSMEs, which is indeed a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive global trading environment for such companies, ensuring they can fully benefit from the opportunities that AEO programmes offer.

Angela Ellard, Deputy Director-General of the WTO, spoke about WTO members  digitalization initiatives as well as how the WTO supports them to overcome the challenges in their journey towards digitalization. The Deputy Director General highlighted that digitalization is a very important part of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) implementation and the WTO Trade Facilitation Committee and TFA Facility play an important role in terms of experience sharing and capacity building support to WTO members in this regard. Also brought to participants' attention was the role of the informal Working Group on MSMEs that supports them in joining AEO programmes and becoming more competitive in international markets. She also highlighted the importance of Single Window systems to enhancing global trade inclusiveness.

Niti Wityatem, Deputy Director-General and the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Thai Customs Department, discussed his administrations ongoing digitalization projects. Among the main challenges in this process are the absence of domestic regulations, lack of budget and public awareness. The CIO noted that the Thai AEO programme was developed based on WCO standards in 2011 and welcomes companies of all sizes, including MSMEs. The ASEAN Single Window and online exchange of origin documents among ten ASEAN members were highlighted as regional success stories in the movement toward digitalization.

Valerie Picard, Head of Trade at International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and member of WCO Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), talked about the importance of cooperation between public and private sectors in the implementation of the TFA and in digitalization. The ICC underlined that it is important to take the private sector on board when developing digitalization procedures because they are end users of the system. Reference was made to the different levels of development in terms of differences in national legal frameworks. The ICC also highlighted the importance of the Digital Standards Initiative (DSI), which contributes to the digitalization of trade and Customs as well as to the support of MSMEs. Noting that standardizing data requirements is essential for MSMEs, the ICC emphasized that a uniform approach to data would also facilitate the trade finance for these companies. Increasing MSMEs awareness of AEO programmes was highlighted as an important element in bringing more of these companies into such programmes.

More on the WTO Public Forum 2024 and its sessions, including WCO session No. 67, can be found here. The recording of the session is also available here.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban attends the EU special summit in Brussels, Belgium, on April 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has criticized EU for leaning towards forming blocs, instead of facing competition.

BUDAPEST, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is leaning towards the formation of blocs in the world economy, instead of facing competition, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said here on Friday.

"The (European) Union is leaning towards bloc formation. We hear news every day about new protective tariffs, penalties, sanctions," Orban said in an interview with local public radio Kossuth, referring to the recent Draghi report.

Former Italian Prime Minister and ex-European Central Bank President Mario Draghi's recent report for the European Commission (EC) offers a stark assessment of the challenges facing EU competitiveness, with several key takeaways. One of the main points is that Europe is falling behind the United States and China in critical areas such as innovation, decarbonization, and securing supply chains.

Mario Draghi attends a press conference on the report of the future of European competitiveness in Brussels, Belgium, on Sept. 9, 2024. (European Union/Handout via Xinhua)

The global power shift and the rise of Asia are undeniable facts, Orban said, adding that there are two possible ways to respond: join the competition, or disqualify the competitor.

"For Hungary, bloc formation would be a tragedy," he said. "It is in Hungary's best interest for the global economy to be unified, not to reject or exclude the challengers, but to understand them, understand why they are better than us, and start competing with them, improving our performance."

Recalling his recent talks with leaders of major European car manufacturers, he explained: "I asked their opinion on the European punitive tariffs imposed on Chinese electric cars, which theoretically are meant to protect domestic manufacturers. And they said they strongly oppose this."

"We must gather allies and cooperate with like-minded countries," Orban concluded, adding that such countries need to help to change policy in Brussels. 
This photo shows a building destroyed by an Israeli bombing in Hasbaya, Lebanon, on Sept. 13, 2024. Lebanese military sources said that Israeli warplanes and drones conducted 10 airstrikes on seven villages and towns in southern Lebanon on Friday afternoon, while Israeli artillery shelled 10 towns in the region. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and seven others were injured on Friday in an Israeli airstrike on a residential apartment in the town of Ahmadieh in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources.

The military sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that an Israeli drone fired two air-to-ground missiles at a residential apartment in a two-story building at the western entrance of Ahmadieh, partially destroying the building. The attack resulted in one death and seven injuries, including four children.

The sources added that local health authorities had transferred the injured to a hospital in the Western Bekaa region.

The sources also said that Israeli warplanes and drones conducted 10 airstrikes on seven villages and towns in southern Lebanon on Friday afternoon, while Israeli artillery shelled 10 towns in the region.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced in separate statements that it attacked the Philon base, a base for the 210th Division of the Israeli Defense Forces, with drones and bombed the main air defense missile base of Israel's Northern Command at the Berea barracks with Katyusha rockets.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. 

Smoke billows following Israeli bombing in Marjeyoun, Lebanon, Sept. 13, 2024. Lebanese military sources said that Israeli warplanes and drones conducted 10 airstrikes on seven villages and towns in southern Lebanon on Friday afternoon, while Israeli artillery shelled 10 towns in the region. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

This photo shows the smoke after an Israeli artillery shell in Marjeyoun, Lebanon, Sept. 13, 2024. Lebanese military sources said that Israeli warplanes and drones conducted 10 airstrikes on seven villages and towns in southern Lebanon on Friday afternoon, while Israeli artillery shelled 10 towns in the region. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)
CAIRO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Thursday called for reforming the structure of the global financial system and boosting the engagement of developing countries in economic decision-making mechanisms.

He made the appeal in a virtual speech at the UN event "Global Call on the Summit of the Future."

The event convenes amid growing international crises, both politically and economically, he said, underscoring the grave escalation in the Middle East in particular.

Sisi deemed it a priority to strengthen the role of the United Nations in international economic governance, which will significantly contribute to facilitating the Global South's access to essential funding.

He called for enhancing efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger globally while addressing the challenges of food security.

"International cooperation to secure universal access to water and to uphold international law in the management of cross-border rivers is necessary to ensure harmony among the concerned countries and prevent any harm to any country," said Sisi. 
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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.
Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Anne Rabbitte T.D. has launched the annual Someone Like Me primary schools art competition, inviting Mayo primary schools to take part.

Now in its ninth year, the competition, which is organised and funded by the National Disability Authority, enables Irelands young people to learn about inclusivity and diversity through the medium of art.

Pupils and their teachers across the country will be provided with specially written cross-curricular learning and teaching materials to help them develop an awareness and understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities, drawing on their own personal experiences of disability in a bid to help create a more inclusive society. These materials are also available to download on the Someone Like Me website, www.someonelikemecompeition.ie.

Minister Rabbitte encouraged primary school principals, teachers and pupils alike to take part in this years competition as a way of ensuring acceptance and inclusion of disabled children from an early age.

The Minister stated that: We have just launched the new Autism Innovation Strategy. The vision for this Strategy is to provide the building blocks for a more inclusive society, where autistic people are understood and have equity of opportunity to participate in cultural, social and economic life and lead meaningful and fulfilled lives as valued members of the community. In this way, the Autism Innovation Strategy is firmly rooted in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In education settings there has been a steady increase in the number of autistic children availing of special classes and special school places. Based on preliminary data for the 2023-2024 school year, there are more than 14,500 students in autism classes in mainstream primary and post-primary schools. This represents approximately 1.5% of the overall primary and post-primary pupil population.

One of the four pillars of the strategy is to develop an autism affirming society so building acceptance and understanding is crucial to achieve this. The Someone Like Me art competition is an important way of building this acceptance and understanding of all disabilities, including autism, among the primary school community.

Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney said:

Having attended last years award ceremony and being in awe of the amazing art pieces on display I am very much looking forward to this years competition. Awareness of disability is a stepping stone in the journey to disability equality and is necessary to create a vision for a more inclusive education system and society. The Someone Like Me art competition is now firmly established in the primary school calendar as an annual celebration of the things that unite children of all abilities, and as a way of developing more positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities.

The competition, which offers a range of prizes up to the value of 1,250, is open to all primary school pupils from junior infants to sixth class and entries are welcome from individual pupils, a class or even a whole school as a combined effort. Entries can come in all shapes and sizes and can be anything from a poster or collage to a papier-mache or mixed media sculpture.

There will be a junior and senior category winner in every county, along with an overall national winner. To be in with a chance to win Creative Care Packages, schools should submit their early entries by October 25th. The final deadline for entries is November 15th More information can be found at www.someonelikemecompetition.ie
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has attributed the recent developments in Azerbaijans Garabagh region to the Armenian leadership, Azernews reports, citing Gazeta.ru.

Speaking at a meeting with representatives of various nationalities living in Belarus, Lukashenko criticized the Armenian authorities for their handling of the situation.

"And what happened in Garabagh is the fault of the Armenian leadership alone. I warned them personally: give them [Azerbaijan] these territories. Moreover, they admitted that these are 'not our territories.' Yes, these are not our lands, these are Azerbaijani ones. But we [Armenia] will not give them up  we will fight," Lukashenko said.

He recalled urging a peaceful resolution between Yerevan and Baku. "I asked Putin, and we both appealed to [Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan: 'Solve this problem!' But Pashinyan responded, 'No, we will fight,'" Lukashenko recounted.

"Well, you fought. And now, why be offended by Russia or us? You yourself recognized Garabagh as Azerbaijani territory," Lukashenko added.
SHIJIAZHUANG, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- By applying the techniques Augustine Phiri learnt in China to his hometown's farmland, the corn yield in Malawi's experimental field increased dramatically so far this year, rising from 2.1 tonnes per hectare in 2023 to 8 tonnes per hectare -- nearly four times the previous yield.

In 2019, Augustine Phiri embarked on a three-year agricultural technology study program in China as part of the Sino-Africa Science and Technology Backyard (STB) Project.

This project brought together 34 African students from eight countries to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in modern agricultural practices in 2019, when it was launched by the China Agricultural University at the Quzhou Experimental Station in north China's Hebei Province.

Up to now, a total of 91 international students from 12 African countries have participated in the project.

"The project addresses the gap between agricultural theory and practice in Africa, as well as the shortage of skilled agricultural workers. Our aim is to train a new generation of innovative talent with both modern agricultural theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to improve smallholder farmers' productivity and agricultural standards across Africa," said Jiao Xiaoqiang, head of the program and an associate professor at the university's college of resources and environmental sciences.

Francina Lerata Kuwali, another student involved in the program, highlighted the severe impact of the El Nino phenomenon on Malawi. The southeastern African nation has experienced frequent droughts and floods in recent years. On March 23, Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera declared a national state of disaster in 23 districts of the country hit by a dry spell caused by El Nino, which has left those districts with little or no harvest.

However, under the guidance of students from the Sino-Africa STB Project, 15 farmers in Malawi reported an average corn yield of 7.9 tonnes per hectare in April -- more than triple the yields compared to the previous year. This not only solved food security concerns but also provided surplus crops for these farmers, helping to boost local food production.

"During our study, we spent the first year completing the theoretical courses and practical training in China. In the second year, we applied these skills in Africa, and in the third year, we returned to China to write and defend our theses. Throughout the process, the professors provided guidance via WeChat, with important issues resolved through online meetings," said Francina.

Jiao added that international students play a vital role in encouraging African farmers to engage in experiments, helping them master and spread agricultural technology. By combining the knowledge gained in China with the realities of African farming, students help localize these technologies, ultimately driving productivity for smallholder farmers. In Mzuzu City, northern Malawi, farmers have composed this story into a song to express their gratitude.

Having recently returned from a visit to Kenya, Jiao shared that the future plans include expanding the Sino-Africa STB Project to other African nations such as Kenya, Zambia and Ethiopia.

China feeds over 1.4 billion people with only 9 percent of the world's arable land. The agricultural technology is well-suited to the needs of Africa's smallholder farmers, and African agriculture can greatly benefit from China's agricultural expertise, said Jiao. 
So, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has been pilloried for spending 366,000 on an eighteen unit bicycle stand in Leinster House. Now a lot of people would not care if someone set a match to Leinster House and reduced it to rubble. But, more serious people see Leinster House as the seat of Irish Government and a building of some historical and architectural importance and, clearly, would like to see any structure (even a bicycle shed!) constructed in the vicinity, never mind the grounds of the building, as blending in with the general tone of Leinster House.

The OPW has served the country well and has set the standard for the renovation and restoration of important public buildings. If they are asked to provide a bicycle shelter in the grounds of Leinster House, you may rest assured that they will design and construct a building that fits in with, or perhaps even enhances, the building. If that costs a bit more than your average galvanised lean-to then thats the price that has to be paid.

The story, of course, was a silly season story and garnered more headlines than would normally be the case. But, the ire of the politicians and public was mis-directed. The OPW was just doing a job they were instructed to do and did it competently, albeit at a cost that some experts judged excessive. No, if there is to be criticism it should be directed at those who demanded the bicycle rack in the first place.

I wonder if there are 18 politicians who cycle to work in Leinster House. If there are then fine, the bicycle stand is justified and maybe those politicians who use the stand could pay a nominal charge of (lets say) 25 a week. In no time at all the cost of the bicycle stand would be recouped. In reality, there is fat chance that our entitled pedal powered politicians would pay a fee. Even to think of such a charge would be seen as an attack on democracy, an impediment to people standing for election. Bulldung.

The Sinn Fein people must have been bulling that they had to fight for the headlines with the measly 360,000 bicycle shed. They plan to spend 39 billion over the next five years to solve the countrys housing crisis. Good luck to them in that ambition. The Plan, comprehensive and detailed as one would expect from the Partys most serious politician, Eoin OBroin, has been dismissed by the Taoiseach and the FF housing Minister as a load of poppy cock.

Thats rich coming from FG and FF who have churned out more poppy cock in the past 10 years explaining away their failure to come to grips with homelessness and the crisis in house building. There is no easy solution to the failure of the state to meet the demand for housing. In a thriving economy the construction industry is flat out and still unable to increase housing output because of a scarcity of tradespeople. Thats a problem that wont go away irrespective of whether it is FF/FG or Sinn Feins housing policy that is to be implemented.

There is election fever in the air but one man who appears to be immune to the epidemic is the imperturbable Jack Chambers who has taken to his role as the child Minister for Finance as if he had 50 years of experience of economics and number-crunching behind him.

He exudes calm even in the face of criticism and to think that he might give a hint of an early general election in his upcoming budget by including a wealth of handouts to social welfare beneficiaries, including pensioners, and to long-suffering taxpayers is simply something that the man is incapable of. He is inscrutable. No wonder the opposition are nervous and frazzled.

And no wonder that there is speculation on an early general election here in Mayo. I have no doubt that the Taoiseach and the FF Leader are genuine when they say that the Government will run its full term but theres manys the slip between cup and lip and theres always the possibility of an own goal or an opportunity too great to ignore although, past experience has shown, such opportunities are best ignored.

Michael Rings decision to retire from politics has removed a veritable colossus from the scene and there will be those who feel his absence creates an opportunity. Chief among those is Claremorris Independent Councillor Patsy OBrien. Formerly a Fine Gael councillor Patsy has been waiting in the wings, for quite some time, for Deputy Ring to depart. He is one of four poll-topping Independents in the recent local elections who will be tempted to test the waters in the absence of Ring.

All four, OBrien with 2,738 first preferences, Michael Kilcoyne (Castlebar) with 2,403, Mark Duffy (Ballina) with 2,328 and Chris Maxwell (Westport) with 1,793 will see their county council performances as providing a solid basis for contesting the general election. Of the four, OBrien and Duffy are most likely to take the plunge. The fact that there is now a fifth seat in Mayo, which is generally regarded as offering the best prospect for a successful Independent, is a serious temptation. But, nothing is that simple.

First time local election candidate Keira Keogh (FG) scored a creditable 1,184 first preferences in the local elections and will be in the contest for what Westport people regard as Rings seat. It is a bit presumptuous of the Westport people to claim the seat as their own but with Deputy Ring endorsing Ms Keogh and presumably using his enormous vote-getting powers to her advantage, she will be a force to be reckoned with. But, then again, nothing is that simple.

If she is to be elected Ms Keogh will have to match, or go very close, to her Castlebar colleague Alan Dillon and will have to surpass her Ballina-based running mate Michelle Mulherin, former TD and Senator. A big ask. And none of this takes into account that Fianna Fail will be expecting to get two seats (they will settle for one) with Dara Calleary the favourite over his running mate Lisa Chambers, or that Sinn Fein will be battling for two seats and may not settle for one. Rose Conway Walsh (outgoing) and Gerry Murray make a formidable partnership and while nationally Sinn Feins light has dimmed, the prospect of two Sinn Fein seats in Mayo is very real.

So when can we expect to be put out of our misery? When will Simon Harris name the date. When will the inscrutable Jack Chambers allow a smile to cross his lips? Will his first (perhaps only) budget be the catalyst for an outbreak of enthusiasm for an early election? Will the proper packages be put in the proper places to lure the electorate into that feel-good place where confidence is high that the voters will show their appreciation and return the good old Greens alongside their arch nemeses in FG/FF for another term?

Or will Sinn Fein live up to their earlier promise and make liars of the opinion polls. That would be a wonderful prospect to look forward to. Mary Lou cosying up to Ivana Bacik and Holly Cairns and Mattie McGrath and Michael Healy Rae seeking a union (of convenience!) to secure the numbers needed to oust the present incumbents. And perhaps even cosying up to Richard Boyd Barrett and Paul Murphy (PBP) who have already indicated that they are immune to cosying up and they are waiting for the day when the Trotsky revolution takes over Irish politics. And that, of course, could happen anytime soon!

Thought for the Day

Ariane Grande: Theres always tomorrow and it always gets better.
By Grainne Ni Aodha and Cillian Sherlock, PA

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.

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.

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.
CONAKRY, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- About 25 percent of children under five in Guinea suffer from severe chronic malnutrition, according to the latest data from a nutritional survey released here on Thursday.

Among the children affected, 4 percent are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, said Alphonse Vohou Sakovogui, the advisor to the prime minister on health and public hygiene issues, at a consultation meeting.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah, aimed to assess the current situation and explore solutions to the malnutrition crisis in the West African country. This consultation serves as preparation for the country's participation in an upcoming meeting on severe and acute chronic malnutrition in Rwanda.

Bah emphasized the long-term impacts of malnutrition, saying, "The aftereffects of malnutrition during critical developmental periods leave permanent traces, hindering human capital development."

"When malnutrition results in irreversible effects that prevent the full development of an individual's potential, it inevitably impacts equity and equality of opportunity, leaving those affected with fewer assets," the prime minister said. 
Suspects are seen at a military court in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Sept. 13, 2024. Thirty-seven alleged coup plotters, including three Americans, were convicted and sentenced to death Friday by a Kinshasa military court in a trial against the failed coup of May 19 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (Str/Xinhua)

KINSHASA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-seven alleged coup plotters, including three Americans, were convicted and sentenced to death Friday by a Kinshasa military court in a trial against the failed coup of May 19 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

A total of 51 people were tried by a military court in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC, with the hearings broadcast on national television. The three Americans sentenced to death were convicted for the offenses of criminal association, attack and terrorism, including Marcel Malanga, son of Christian Malanga, the alleged leader of the attempted coup.

According to the DRC army, an "attempted coup" led by little-known opponent Christian Malanga was "nipped in the bud" early May 19. Six people, including Christian Malanga himself, were killed.

The putschists attacked the residence of Vital Kamerhe, then deputy prime minister, before intruding the Palais de la Nation, where the offices of DRC President Felix Tshisekedi are located.

The attackers, dressed in military uniforms and displaying the Zaire flag, claimed in video clips circulating on social media that they wanted to "change things in the management of the Republic." Zaire, officially the Republic of Zaire, was the name of the DRC from 1971 to 1997.

Christian Malanga formed the United Congolese Party in 2010 and advocated for the return of Zaire. In 2017, He created a government in exile in Brussels, Belgium, giving birth to the so-called "New Zaire."

Marcel Malanga, who was born in Utah, United States, and two other Americans, stood trial Friday.

It is immediately known whether they would appeal their case. 

Suspects are seen at a military court in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Sept. 13, 2024. Thirty-seven alleged coup plotters, including three Americans, were convicted and sentenced to death Friday by a Kinshasa military court in a trial against the failed coup of May 19 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (Str/Xinhua)

Suspects are seen at a military court in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Sept. 13, 2024. Thirty-seven alleged coup plotters, including three Americans, were convicted and sentenced to death Friday by a Kinshasa military court in a trial against the failed coup of May 19 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (Str/Xinhua)
CAIRO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian experts have voiced confidence for deeper cooperation between Egypt and China following the successfully hosting of the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly participated in the FOCAC summit in Beijing last week, and in the meantime had important meetings with heads and representatives of major Chinese companies, witnessed the signing of contracts between the Suez Canal Economic Zone and Chinese companies to undertake new projects, and attended the signing of five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the two sides on cooperation.

Diaa Helmy, secretary-general of the Egyptian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said those results showed the strong "political will from the two countries to deepen bilateral cooperation," which is mutually beneficial.

"China is playing a practical, strong, and real role in helping Africa and also in cooperating with Egypt," Helmy told Xinhua, noting that the new contracts and MoUs will play an important role in Egypt's development.

China is the "best trade, economic and technological partner" for Egypt, he said, adding that Egypt needs advanced Chinese technology in various fields on its way towards industrial development.

Waleed Gaballah, a member of the Egyptian Association for Political Economy, Statistics and Legislation, said the signing of the new contracts and MoUs demonstrates that "the Chinese-Egyptian partnership is on the right track."

These positive results "indicate that Egypt and China have a common desire to increase economic cooperation and that the path of partnership is serious on both sides," Gaballah told Xinhua.

Highlighting bilateral cooperation under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Gaballah particularly touched on the Chinese-constructed Central Business District project in the new administrative capital of Egypt, which is a key project of Egypt's national rejuvenation plan and a flagship project under the framework of BRI.

Chinese investments in Egypt enhance economic relations between the two countries, and create more job opportunities in Egypt, he added. 
SYDNEY, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has approved plans for a third runway at Melbourne Airport, federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King said on Friday.

King said she has approved the major development plan for a third runway at the international airport, which is the second-busiest in Australia.

However, the government has imposed conditions on the three billion Australian dollars (2.01 billion U.S. dollars) project to minimize its environmental and noise impacts.

King said the airport would be required to provide a legal commitment to restore the length of the existing east-west runway after the construction of the third runway so that traffic is shared across the three landing strips.

Additionally, the airport will be required to conduct a community health study into noise impacts and implement a noise amelioration program for impacted nearby communities.

Construction on the runway is set to begin in 2025 and it is expected to be operational by 2031.

"This new runway will allow Melbourne Airport to cater to the demand of a growing city, providing better access for freight and passengers and driving economic growth for years to come," King said in a statement.

"Melbourne's third runway will bring it in line with Sydney and other globally competitive airports."

The airport, which is located approximately 20 km northwest of Melbourne's central business district, currently has two runways - one running north-south and another east-west.

The 3,000-meter third runway will be run parallel to the existing north-south runway, allowing for simultaneous takeoffs and landings.

Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus welcomed the government's approval.

"Australia's vast distances and Melbourne's position on the globe mean demand for air access will continue to grow as our population increases," she said.

"Sydney and Brisbane already operate parallel runway systems, so this will ensure that Melbourne does not become a handbrake on the national air network or the national economy."

The number of passengers serviced by the airport every year is expected to double to 83 million by 2046. 
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Eight security personnel were injured when a bomb went off in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, police officials said on Friday.

An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded and injured the security personnel who were patrolling in the Kalat district of the province, the police said.

The police said unknown miscreants planted an explosive device on the side of the road before fleeing from the area.

Following the explosion, the rescue teams, police and security forces rushed to the site and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital.

Police and security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to arrest the culprits behind the attack.

So far, no group or individual has claimed the attack. 
SYDNEY, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A joint research project on "Global Governance and Youth Participation" was launched in Sydney on Friday to build a bridge for academic exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Australian youths.

The project was launched during the Australia-China Youth Dialogue for Mutual Learning, which attracted about 80 people, including Chinese and Australian experts, scholars and youth representatives from universities.

The dialogue was hosted by the China International Communications Group (CICG) and organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS).

The event aimed to encourage and promote Chinese and Australian young people to participate in global governance, solve development problems, inject new vitality into friendship between the two countries, and contribute new perspectives and wisdom of young people to global governance.

The participants said that China-Australia exchanges were based on people-to-people exchanges, and young people hold the key for the future.

At present, China-Australia relations are on the right track of steady improvement and development, they said, adding that bright prospects for the development of China-Australia relations have provided huge opportunities for young people of both countries.

The participants expressed hope that young people of China and Australia could serve as ambassadors and builders of friendly bilateral relations, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and strengthen cooperation, thus working for common development and prosperity. 
COLOMBO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, through the country's central bank, offered 290 billion rupees (967 million U.S. dollars) to the market at the treasury bond auction to finance maturing treasury bonds, a statement from it said on Friday.

The ministry said the fiscal position has improved substantially as a result of the decisive fiscal policy measures implemented by the government.

The bidding pattern at the auctions appears to be driven by other factors which may include the market pricing on risk associated with uncertainties related to the forthcoming elections, according to the statement.

The ministry added that bids received for the 10-year maturity were rejected and it was decided to maintain the weighted average yield rate (WAYR) at a reasonable level across shorter tenure maturities. The three-year treasury bonds were issued at 13.79 percent and five-year treasury bonds were issued at 13.98 percent. 
MOSCOW, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang, where he was received by Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the council said on Friday.

As part of the ongoing strategic dialogue between the two countries, there was a "detailed exchange of views" with DPRK colleagues on a wide range of bilateral and international issues, it said in a statement.

The meetings, held in "an exceptionally trusting, friendly atmosphere," as the council noted, were expected to "make an important contribution" to implementing the bilateral partnership agreement signed earlier this year by leaders of both countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a state visit to the DPRK in June and signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with the DPRK. Putin called it a "breakthrough document" that set goals for strengthening long-term ties between the two countries in various fields. 
SEOUL, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), made multiple military inspections, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday.

The inspections include a guiding tour to oversee the test-fire for verifying the performance of a new-type multiple rocket launcher, a trip to the country's Nuclear Weapons Institute and the production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials, and an inspection of the training base for special operation force.

The performance test of the new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher was aimed at further developing its driving system and verifying its combat effectiveness, with the rocket shells for the launcher hitting the target on an island in the eastern waters, KCNA said.

During the inspection of the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials, the DPRK top leader learned about the production of nuclear warheads and current nuclear materials and set forth tasks for long-term plan for increasing the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials, KCNA said in another report.

On Wednesday, Kim inspected the training base of the special operation armed force of the Korean People's Army (KPA), during which he guided the scout and raid drills and instructed the combatants to intensify the drills for real war, KCNA reported. 
Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has received Qatar's newly appointed ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mohammad Hamad Saad Al-Hajri, Azernews reports.

Minister Bayramov congratulated Ambassador Al-Hajri on his appointment and wished him success in his future endeavors.

During the meeting, issues arising from the existing bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar, future plans, and the current situation in the region were discussed.

The successful collaboration between the two countries in political, economic-trade, educational, humanitarian, and other areas was noted with satisfaction. It was highlighted that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will be marked soon.

The importance of expanding current cooperation through various mechanisms, including political consultations and utilizing the opportunities of the Joint Economic, Trade, and Technical Commission between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Qatar, was emphasized.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, the commendable mutual activities within regional and international organizations were acknowledged. Particularly, new opportunities for collaboration arising from Azerbaijan's presidency of the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) were noted.

The discussion also covered the complete restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, the end of the past conflict, reconstruction efforts in the post-conflict period, and the process of normalizing relations with Armenia.

Ambassador Mohammad Hamad Saad Al-Hajri expressed his gratitude for the reception and congratulations, and assured that he would make every effort to develop the existing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar during his tenure.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest.
COLOMBO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government announced proposed adjustments to the personal income tax structure on Friday, which will come into effect in April, next year, according to the president's media division (PMD) on Friday.

The PMD said these changes aim to maintain fiscal responsibility while providing relief to those most affected by tax reforms introduced in early 2023.

The initial reforms included a tax-free threshold set at 1.2 million Sri Lankan rupees (5,310 U.S. dollars) per annum, with tax bands of 500,000 (1,660 U.S. dollars) Sri Lankan rupees each, and a marginal tax rate of 6 percent up to a maximum 36 percent, the PMD said.

The government now proposes increasing the tax bands to 720,000 Sri Lankan rupees (2,389 U.S. dollars) while keeping the tax-free threshold at the same level and maintaining the marginal tax rates at each band, including the top rate of 36 percent, the PMD added. 
Photographers and designers gather around Joerdis Montgomery, a filmmaker from Berlin, Germany, as she operates a drone to capture aerial shots of a village in Libo County, Guizhou Province, on Sept 12, 2024, during a five-day trip of 31 visual artists in Guizhou. [China Daily/Kuang Linhua]

Visual artists from around the world have gathered in Guiyang, in Southwest China's Guizhou Province, to explore its beauty.

The cultural event, titled Visual@China Guizhou 2024, kicked off on Wednesday, showcasing the province's unique charm through photography, illustration, design and film.

A total of 31 photographers, illustrators, designers and filmmakers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Peru, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan and China will be visiting three cities in Guizhou. They are exploring the beautiful landscapes, experiencing local culture and customs, visiting ancient villages inhabited by ethnic groups, and enjoying local cuisine during the five-day trip.

After visiting the 600-year-old Yunshantun Village in Anshun, William Adlington, General Manager of a media company in the UK, said he was impressed by the village's ancient houses and buildings, which are in the style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Adlington showed great interest in the wood carvings and craftsmanship used in the ancient houses.

"The thing I always want to do is to see more rural villages in China, and this village is a good example of the countryside, with amazing and beautiful buildings. A very original and authentic village," he said.

Adlington has visited China many times, but he mostly has gone to big cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Nestled in a mountainous region, Guizhou has constructed numerous impressive bridges to enhance its transportation network. The province is home to nearly half of the world's top 100 highest bridges, with several ranking among the top 10 globally.

One such marvel is the Baling River Bridge, which stands 370 meters above the river and is approximately 2,237 meters long. After an immersive walk through its internal structure, the visual artists found themselves awestruck by the engineering feat.

Unlike Adlington, most of the foreign artists are visiting China for the first time.

Richard Gavrich, a visual artist from the US who teaches photography in California, was very excited about his first visit to China. He took many photos during the trip and paid special attention to ordinary people he met in ancient villages.

"Everything in Guizhou is fresh for me. I did a little research on the internet about this province and was stunned by the photos of those giant bridges," said Gavrich, who was excited about taking photos of the structures.

James Gensheimer, another photographer from the US, expressed his astonishment at the development of cities in Guizhou Province and said that the advanced bridges and technologies employed there were beyond his expectations.

"I knew little about China and nothing about Guizhou, but only by standing here, I feel that it's really different from what I learn from the media," said Gensheimer, who mainly focuses on portraits. He was also excited to use his lens to record people he met in Guizhou.

Chen Benrong, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Guizhou Provincial Committee, said at a welcoming dinner on Tuesday that Guizhou has achieved remarkable accomplishments in various fields in recent years, particularly in big data, ecological environment, tourism and bridge construction. He said he hoped that artists from across the globe can show the beauty of Guizhou through their lenses, designs and illustrations.

Liu Weiling, Deputy Editor-in-chief of China Daily, which co-organized the activity with the Publicity Department of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, said, "The event not only provides visual artists from China and abroad with an opportunity to deeply understand and experience Guizhou, but also establishes a platform for exchange and display between Guizhou and the world."

Lan Hongguang, Chairman of the Photojournalist Society of China, said that the rapid development of Guizhou Province and the significant changes that have taken place there are amazing. In the 1990s, he began documenting the region's stunning landscapes and the diverse ethnic groups living there.

"Visual arts, including photography and film, are among the best and most effective ways to showcase the beauty of this land to the world," he said.

(Source: China Daily)

Editor: Wang Shasha
Senior residents order a meal at Qingshuiwan community canteen in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Aug. 1, 2024. [Xinhua/Zou Xinyuan]

BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua)  Faced with population aging, China is bolstering its commitment to providing better services for its senior citizens. These services will ensure their living needs and enable them to better enjoy their golden years.

By the end of last year, the number of people aged 60 and above in China had reached 297 million, accounting for 21.1 percent of the total population.

As most elderly Chinese people prefer to live in their own homes rather than move to nursing homes, the Chinese government is making continuous efforts to ensure that relevant services are accessible in communities.

Concrete Commitment

In May 2023, China established a national system detailing a number of basic elderly care services. The system features a list of 16 kinds of services falling into three categories: assistance for people's material needs, daily care and mental well-being.

The system is believed to be particularly necessary for people with difficulties, such as those who live alone, do not live with their children, and are unable to take good care of themselves.

In the first half of 2024, east China's Jiangsu Province included 236,000 senior citizens with special needs in its regular visitation and care mechanism.

"Whenever I have problems, I just make a phone call, and someone will come to my door," said a man with the surname Li, an elderly individual living alone in the city of Nantong in Jiangsu. Li suffers from a physical illness and has difficulty walking around. "The community service workers also ask about my daily life from time to time, just like my family," Li added.

According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, establishing a basic list of elderly care services is just a first step. In the future, efforts will be made to explore a long-term mechanism for adjusting the list in line with economic and social development and the actual needs of the elderly population.

A medical worker measures blood pressure for a senior resident at a community in Anxiang County of Changde City, central China's Hunan Province, June 21, 2023. [Xinhua/Chen Sihan]

Service at Doorstep

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the Chinese central government is providing financial support for a program to enhance home- and community-based basic elderly care services.

As part of this initiative, 303,600 home-based beds have been renovated for nursing needs, and 535,800 people have received home-based care services.

In 2023, northeast China's Jilin Province had allocated 100 million yuan (about 14 million U.S. dollars) to support the construction of 102 community-based elderly care service centers and 100 community-based canteens for seniors.

"Now, we have a canteen within the community, which makes it convenient and affordable for the elderly to have meals," said 87-year-old Zhang Ling, who lives with her 89-year-old husband in the city of Hunchun in Jilin.

"The community also organizes regular home visits for health check-ups for us and our needs are well taken care of," she said, expressing great satisfaction with the state of their lives.

Enabling Measures

On Sept. 1, 2023, a new law concerning building a barrier-free living environment, the first in China specializing in this field, came into effect.

The law explicitly stipulates that meeting the needs of senior citizens is a key task and requires a series of measures, including installing elevators in old residential buildings.

In the Longcheng community in south China's Shenzhen, the elevator installation program has seen 395 elevators being installed, benefiting over 30,000 residents.

Such barrier-free facilities enable elderly people to participate better and integrate into social life equally, fully and conveniently.

For 77-year-old Li Xiurong, who lives in the Longcheng community, her long-held hope of not having to use the staircase when going out for a stroll or shopping with her grandson has finally become a reality, with elevators eliminating difficult and potentially dangerous movements up and down the stairs.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
BRUSSELS, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A recent report released by the European Commission revealed that between June 2022 and June 2023, about two-thirds of the European Union (EU)'s defense spending was diverted to U.S. companies.

By citing figures and comparing the U.S. and European defense industries, former Italian Prime Minister and former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi, the drafter of the report, highlighted the urgency for the EU to build up more self-reliant defense capability.

Draghi's report rings an alarm among EU leaders. Europe has stayed under the U.S. umbrella of protection for decades, which has created a weakening EU defense industry and many loyal consumers of U.S. weapons. The question remains whether the EU has the ambition and ability to grow as a more able and equal U.S. ally in terms of defense ability.

HOW EUROPE FEEDS U.S. DEFENSE INDUSTRY

According to Draghi's report on EU competitiveness, 78 percent of the EU's defense procurement spending from June 2022 to June 2023 went to non-EU suppliers, with 63 percent based in the United States.

"Europe is wasting its common resources. We have large collective spending power, but we dilute it across multiple different national and EU instruments," said the report.

Although European arms companies also operate in small domestic markets, EU countries don't coordinate on procurement and 80 percent of it depend on international suppliers, largely from the United States, it added.

In 2022, less than one-fifth of Europe's defense equipment procurement spending was done collaboratively among EU member states.

The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Romania, Belgium, Denmark, and the Czech Republic all reportedly plan to purchase F-35 stealth fighters from U.S. company Lockheed Martin. Additionally, Poland has spent billions of U.S. dollars procuring U.S.-made Apache attack helicopters.

Across the pond, arms sales have brought great fortune to the U.S. military-industrial complex. A Wall Street Journal article in February audaciously titled "How War in Europe Boosts the U.S. Economy" cited the U.S. State Department as saying that in the year through September 2023, America made more than 80 billion dollars in major arms deals, of which about 50 billion dollars from European allies -- more than five times the historical norm.

European allies' misfortune is translated into U.S. stock market euphoria. U.S. financial advisory website The Motley Fool, for example, has recommended investors prioritize defense stocks this year, as these stocks offer "substantial and stable" returns in the long run. Among their six top investment picks, the top five are the largest global defense contractors -- Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and Raytheon Technologies, all U.S. companies.

WHY EU MEMBERS FAVOR U.S. ARMS

Draghi's report has analyzed reasons why EU member states favor U.S. arms manufacturers, even when a European equivalent exists, or could be rapidly made available by the European defense industry. The reasons include EU members' poor knowledge of what the EU defense industry can offer, U.S. products' availability and advantage in quality and price, and long-term ties with the U.S. military apparatus.

The U.S. defense industry's capability and reliability of their products come from tests of real combat and military actions launched by U.S. administrations across the world in recent years.

State support and large sales result in large-scale production, which brings down the prices. Meanwhile, the U.S. military research and development investment is substantial, which maintains the advancement of its products and also provides a price advantage. Those elements form a self-reinforcing cycle for the U.S. defense industry.

Take fighter jets for example. Europe has produced fewer than 900 units of Eurofighter Typhoon, manufactured by a consortium of Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, and France-made Rafale in total, while the U.S. F-35 has garnered 3,500 orders across the world with lower costs.

Meanwhile, many European countries, especially NATO members, prefer U.S. weapons to strengthen political and military ties with Washington.

Jian Junbo, deputy director of the Center for China-Europe Relations of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, said the absence of a common defense system in Europe is at the root of internal competition and a lack of common standards for similar equipment.

WHERE EU DEFENSE WILL GO

Citing geopolitical tensions, the EU report stressed the significance of refocusing the EU's collective efforts on closing the innovation gap with the United States. Building a powerful and independent defense capability has become an obvious EU ambition, and Draghi underlined a solution of "a better-directed stream of cash."

Aiming to mobilize both public and private investment, the report urged EU members to start to facilitate "massive investment needs unseen for half a century in Europe" to boost innovation, restore lost capabilities owing to decades of underinvestment, and replenish depleted stocks.

However, old habits of member states and new political challenges facing the EU both make the bloc's defense ambition a long shot.

Currently, all EU members' combined defense expenditure accounts for only approximately one-third of the U.S. Only 10 out of 27 EU member states spend more than or equal to 2 percent of GDP in line with NATO commitments.

The European defense industry, according to Draghi's report, lacks scale and standardization and doesn't have a full supply chain.

The report argued that "industrial policies, if not designed and executed at EU level, would destroy the single market and penalize the countries with less budgetary margins." However, the fact that France and Germany are struggling with domestic political uncertainties, while Italy was isolated on EU level would make it difficult to find common ground on the issue, Lucrezia Reichlin, an economist at the London Business School, wrote on Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera.

In Jian's view, standardizing weapon systems and promoting joint research and development will benefit the European defense industry and help retain more defense spending within the EU market in the long run.

According to sources such as the European Security & Defence magazine, European countries have already taken several collaborative defense initiatives to enhance their collective capabilities and strategic autonomy, like the European Defence Fund, Permanent Structured Cooperation, and the European Defence Industrial Development Programme.

"What Draghi has posed is an existential challenge," analyst Andrea Bonanni wrote on Italy's main daily, La Repubblica, but also raised the question: "Will Europe be able to take it up?" 
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]

(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 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]

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha


"Making an all-out effort to safeguard the health of every newborn" has long been the firm conviction of He Yihua, a professor with Beijing Anzhen Hospital, under Capital Medical University. She is a founder of China's first fetal heart disease and maternal-fetal medicine center. During the past 11 years, He and her team have dedicated themselves to researching fetal heart diseases, and especially to finding ways to prevent and control birth defects. They have also promoted the latest concepts and techniques in maternal-fetal medicine throughout China. In recognition of her tremendous contributions to the field of maternal-fetal medicine, He has received several awards and titles, including being named 2021 Capital Most Beautiful Woman Striver, and being awarded 2024 Capital Labor Medal.



Helping Women Have Healthy Children

Congenital heart disease (CHD) accounts for more than 40 percent of all birth defects in China, and CHD is becoming a burden on affected families, society, and the country as a whole.

Su He (not her real name) believed she had no other option but to have an abortion, because there was something wrong with the heart of her fetus. That was until she met He Yihua. Su had visited many hospitals, and undergone numerous prenatal ultrasound examinations, all of which indicated the heart of her fetus was defective.

Despondent, Su decided to consult He, who conducted a thorough examination, including ultrasound, and, based on her extensive experience, He determined a problem with the placenta was affecting the heart of Su's fetus.

He told Su she could give birth to a healthy baby, but He stressed Su had to have regular checkups and monitoring by an obstetrician, to ensure the health of the fetus' heart and lungs. In the end, Su gave birth to a healthy baby.

Statistics indicate more than 100,000 women have consulted doctors, about fetal heart disease, at the maternal-fetal medicine center. The center has also helped women, across China, give birth to healthy babies through its remote medical-service system.

"Chinese now regard a fetus as a life, and each fetus with a heart defect is seen as a CHD patient. That is a symbol of a positive conceptual change brought by social development," says He. During fetal development, a problem might occur in any organ, or even in a blood vessel, she notes. Some fetal diseases may be fatal, but many diseases are curable, she adds.

It is crucial that pregnant women have ultrasound examinations, so their doctors can monitor the fetuses' hearts. Why? So they can detect as early as possible the development of any possible disease. Some fetuses diagnosed with complex CHD will have poor quality lives, even if they undergo surgeries after birth, He says. Early diagnoses, based on risk stratification, will help doctors and families decide if abortion is the best option, she adds.



Professional Medical Platform

Prior to 2013, He had worked in the departments of cardiovascular medicine and cardiac ultrasound (for adults).

In 2013, He realized some pregnant women were deciding prematurely  after their fetuses were diagnosed with CHD  to have an abortion. Those women made their decisions without having received adequate information from their doctors about potential treatments for their fetuses. In some instances, the women didn't know their fetuses suffered from complex CHD until after giving birth. In those situations, the babies had missed the perfect time to receive medical treatment.

It most surely is a painful experience for parents to learn their baby has been born with incurable CHD. One of He's friends has endured that experience. Her friend's daughter was diagnosed with complex CHD, and the girl could not take part in most outdoor activities, as she was at risk of heart failure. The girl died at age 14.

He says she will never forget the sad expression in her friend's eyes when they talk about the girl. "If the girl had been diagnosed with CHD before she was born, and if she had received surgeries at an early stage, she might have lived longer," He says.

The girl's death was the impetus that caused He to focus her career on the diagnosis of CHD.

"Every day, we see living fetuses on the screens of ultrasound-imaging machines, and we see the worried looks of families  When we are asked whether an expectant mother can give birth to a baby with a heart problem, in a safe way, we want to provide comprehensive information  and we want to make professional treatment plans. To do so, it is far less enough to depend on one department's strength," says He.

To ensure the safe delivery of a fetus with a heart problem, a comprehensive knowledge system  which involves ultrasound imaging, treatment strategies (for the fetus and newborn), pregnancy management and the diagnosis of genetic diseases  is needed. With that in mind, He decided to establish a platform for the provision of all-round prenatal diagnosis and consultation, perinatal management and emergency treatment of newborns. The maternal-fetal medicine center was established in August 2013.

"We have tried our best to strengthen the connection between the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CHD, and we have ensured doctors in the center are able to make diagnoses from a cross-department perspective," He says.

The center has a team of doctors, and a laboratory so they can conduct research. "Making diagnoses based on ultrasound examinations is like fighting a war. With unremitting 'fights,' and based on a network of extensive knowledge, we are capable of judging a fetus' condition, and even saving a life, within several minutes," says He.



Remote Medical Platforms

During the past decade, He has given lectures across China on the importance of and concepts related to maternal-fetal medicine. Through the lectures, she has shared screening and diagnosis techniques with medical workers. She has also adopted artificial intelligence (AI) and remote-medical-service systems that connect the maternal-fetal medicine center with hospitals in far-off areas.

He's decision to use remote-medical systems dates back to 2012, when she participated in a medical-assistance tour in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in Southwest China's Yunnan Province.

During the two-week tour, He discovered a remote-medical-consultation-service room in a small hospital  at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain, in Diqing. "Online medical services help patients in remote areas receive high-quality treatment over a long term," says He.

Using a remote-service system, He explained how the process of ultrasound checkups can be simultaneously transmitted, and how doctors in big cities can provide guidance to peers in remote areas, to ensure key information is obtained during the checkups.

In 2015, He's team built a remote-collaboration platform to provide maternal-fetal-medicine-consultation services to hospitals throughout China.

However, the work of just one team is insufficient to meet the country's huge demand for diagnoses and treatment of difficult diseases. "One needs many years of education to become a doctor. If we use AI technology to assist grassroots doctors and experts, the efficiency of medical services will largely improve," says He.

He's team developed an AI-supported medical-service platform that controls the quality of fetal echocardiography imaging. The platform also assists doctors in conducting prenatal screening and providing diagnoses.



Progress

In an effort to prevent CHD, He's team has been conducting cross-disciplinary research into the genetic pathogenesis of the disease. The team established the world's largest CHD maternal-fetal-medicine database. Coincidentally, the team has paid close attention to families of pregnant women who are at high risk for CHD.

When a pregnant woman has an appointment at the center, the team collects all relevant information about all potential factors in the woman's life that can impact fetal development, including the woman's habits, disease history and her living environment.

"To prevent a pregnant woman, who has the gene of Marfan syndrome, from giving birth to a child with the rare disease, we make prenatal diagnoses of structural abnormalities, based on the genetic analysis of the high-risk population," says He.

Beijing Anzhen Hospital works with the team of Qiao Jie, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, in examining the high-risk genetic spectrum before pregnancy.

"The development of this discipline should be standardized, and the cultivation of professional teams nationwide should be the main task," He says. She and her team will always strive hard for progress in the discipline's development.

Photos by Zhang Jiamin

(Women of China English Monthly September 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha


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In blow to Newsmax, judge rules Smartmatics case over 2020 election lies will go to trial this month
OSLO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and the European Union (EU) signed an agreement Thursday on a new funding period for the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants.

For the 2021-2028 period, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are providing 3.268 billion euro (3.62 billion U.S. dollars) to the EU's 15 least prosperous states. Norway provides roughly 97 percent of this funding.

The agreement was signed in Brussels by the ambassadors from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein to the EU and Deputy Secretary-General John Watson from the EU, the Norwegian government said in a press release.

Negotiations on a new funding period for the EEA and Norway Grants were formally launched in June 2022, and the negotiators reached an agreement in November 2023. In June 2024, the agreement was approved by the Council of the EU, which represents the member states.

"The EEA and Norway Grants are an important component of the cooperation between Norway and the EU. We will submit the agreement to the Storting (Norwegian Parliament) for approval this autumn. We will then enter into individual agreements with each beneficiary country," said Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

The agreement with each beneficiary state will set out a portfolio of programs to be implemented and specify the partners, including Norwegian partners, that will cooperate on program implementation.

The aim of Norway's funding under the EEA and Norway Grants scheme is to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe. In addition, the scheme helps to enhance cooperation between Norway and the beneficiary countries. 
Co-opted members needed for North Wales Police Panel

The North Wales Police and Crime Panel (PCP) is looking to appoint committed individuals as co-opted members to serve from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2028.

These appointments will play a key role in scrutinising and supporting the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales.

Panel members hold a responsibility in ensuring that the police commissioners actions and decisions are in the best interest of the community.

The role requires high standards of personal integrity, respect for others, and a strong commitment to the public service values that underpin policing and justice.

Applications are open to individuals with an interest in community safety, policing, and criminal justice.

The PCP is keen to reflect the diversity of North Wales, encouraging applications from all sections of the community.

Successful candidates will need to attend at least five in-person meetings each year, which are currently held in Bodlondeb, Conwy, during normal working hours.

In addition to providing critical oversight, co-opted members will be remunerated in line with the PCPs arrangements.

Those interested can find further details on the official website www.nwpcp.org.uk, or by contacting the panel directly via phone or email.

The closing date for applications is 27 September 2024, with interviews scheduled for 17 October 2024 in Bodlondeb, Conwy.
MADRID, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of European, Arab and Islamic countries met in Madrid on Friday for talks on a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel, and to push for an end to the war in Gaza.

"Today in Madrid we are moving forward to promote a joint European, Arab and Islamic voice united around the implementation of the two-state solution, and to strengthen our coordination with a view to the meetings that will decide the future of the region in the coming weeks," the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares said before the meeting.

Those attending the event have "a clear desire to move from words to deeds, to make progress towards a clear timetable for the effective implementation" of the two-state solution, Albares added.

"The war must stop now. There is no room for excuses to continue postponing the agreement and prolonging the suffering of millions of innocent civilians," said Albares.

It's urgent, he added, to achieve a ceasefire that allows for the immediate release of hostages and "the massive, immediate and unhindered" entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

He also conveyed his full support to the Palestinian government, and to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), "which is a key humanitarian actor in Gaza today and will continue to be an important actor in the years ahead."

"We want to push for an international peace conference with the parties under the aegis of the United Nations (UN). If the parties are unwilling or unable to achieve peace, the UN must exercise its responsibility and move forward," Albares said.

Friday's meeting was attended by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Palestine Mohammad Mustafa, as well as the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Norway, Turkey and Egypt. 
On Wednesday, hundreds of aviation workers at Kenyas main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), went on strike against the privatization plans of the national unity government, which includes President William Rutos administration and the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The strike grounded dozens of flights, paralysing one of the regions key economic and logistical hubs, and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.

Kenya riot police stand guard as stranded passengers wait for their delayed flights out of JKIA airport after flights were grounded following workers protesting a planned deal between the government and a foreign investor, in Nairobi, Kenya, September 11, 2024. [AP Photo/Brian Inganga]

The walkout is part of a strike wave across the country, involving teachers, healthcare workers, lecturers and civil servants, against the governments International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated policies, which include tax increases, expenditure cuts in education and healthcare, and privatization and restructuring of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). It is part of a broader surge of struggles across Africa and the imperialist centres, where workers are resisting the ruling classs assault on living standards and social rights, exacerbated by rising costs of living, which have been intensified by NATOs war against Russia in Ukraine and the Israeli genocide in Palestine.

The airport handled 8.8 million passengers and 380,000 tonnes of cargo in 2022-2023, making it one of Africas busiest. It is crucial for Kenyas export industry, particularly in sectors like horticulture, where it facilitates the shipment of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables to Europe and other global markets, and supports over 250,000 jobs in Kenya, directly and indirectly. It contributes more than $9.5 billion to the economy annuallyaround 4.6 percent of Kenyas GDP.

The unions, however, had no intention of fully leveraging workers powernot only to bring significant parts of the economy to a standstill but, above all, to inspire workers nationwide and globally to push for their own demands, potentially sparking a broader working-class movement.

Instead, under increasing pressure from aviation workers, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) only reluctantly called the strike on Tuesday night.

Hundreds of KAWU members protested outside the main terminals. Aviation workers shouted Adani must go as they blew whistles. They are opposed to the planned deal to lease, in a de facto privatisation, Kenyas largest airport to the Adani Group for 30 years in return for an investment of $1.85 billion. They are aware the deal would cut jobs and worsen job conditions.

The Adani Group is a major Indian multinational conglomerate, founded in 1988 by Gautam Adani, one of Asias richest people. As of 2023, it reported revenues of $16.8 billion and a net profit of approximately $915 million.

The Adani Group has benefited from the far-right Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in India led by Narendra Modi. As the WSWS noted last year: That the key to Adanis success has been his close ties to Modi and his government has long been an open secret. He has benefited from the privatization of huge swathes of publicly built infrastructure, including seaports, electricity generation and transmission, coal mines and airports. These assets were invariably sold off for way less than they were worth, and with much of the money for their purchase coming from unsecured loans extended to Adani by Indias public sector banks.

The government announced that the build-and-operate agreement with Adani would lead to the renovation of JKIA, including the construction of an additional runway and terminal. Although it is evident that the airports infrastructure is outdated and rapidly deteriorating, often hit by power outages and leaking roofs, the blame lies not with the workers who are being asked to pay the price, but with systemic disinvestment and the looting by corrupt state officials and the political elite.

Amid the strike, several were arrested, with videos surfacing online showing police brutality. In one Facebook video, a police officer is seen striking a worker with a baton.

Ruto also deployed the General Service Unit (GSU), a paramilitary force infamous for its repressive role since its creation by the British colonial administration to suppress the Mau Mau anti-colonial uprising in the 1950s. The GSU has since become a tool for post-independence governments to suppress workers strikes.

By the afternoon, however, KAWU, in coordination with its umbrella federation the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) and the Ruto government, had called off the industrial action without securing any guarantees against privatization or protections for workers jobs.

Francis Atwoli, secretary-general of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), a close ally of Ruto, was sent to work with KAWU to shut down the strike. Without any vote, let alone a consultation with workers, Atwoli and KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema announced they were calling off the strike after a meeting with Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.

We have received the most pertinent documents as requested by the Union. We undertake to go through them within 10 working days and flag out areas of our concern, said Atwoli. The meeting shall be immediately convened after the said period of 10 working days.

We have not said that we have accepted Adani. We will be given veto powers and our signature will be needed for the process to move forward, KAWUs Ndiema said. If it is a bad deal, we will not sign, he added.

Workers should place no confidence in these words. Behind their empty rhetoric, COTU and KAWU are working with the Ruto regimewhich butchered more than 60 protestors in the June-July youth-led demonstrations against tax hikesto prevent a unified political and industrial fight by the working class against the government.

Prior to the strike, KAWU had systematically attempted to diffuse workers opposition, constantly delaying strike action, issuing strike notices and then suspending them pending discussions. On August 12, KAWU issued a strike notice to strike in seven days if the proposed leasing of JKIA to Adani was not stopped, only to suspend it and then reissue another one on August 31. Wednesdays shutdown was just the latest attempt to suppress the mounting opposition among workers by letting off some steam.

KAWU has also whipped up xenophobia and nationalism, as a way of fostering parochialism and dividing workers across national lines, claiming the selling of JKIA to an Indian firm is tantamount to selling national sovereignty and that it would mean JKIA would contract more foreign, namely Indian, workers.

In reality, workers face a common global fight. This has been made crystal clear by the mass protests that have rocked south Asia, including across Pakistan, India and Bangladesh against IMF-austerity, worsening conditions and job cuts. In the US, thousands of Washington state employees walked off the job on Tuesday demanding higher wages, as wildcat walkouts of thousands of machinists at the Boeing plant in Everett, Washington broke out.

As for COTU, Atwoli has worked day and night over past months to strangle working-class opposition to the Ruto regime. Initially, he defended Rutos savage tax hikes included in the Finance Bill 2024 to raise $2.7 billion. Subsequently, COTU celebrated Rutos withdrawal of the bill to quell anger and buy time amid mass protests, and then praised Rutos manoeuvre of dissolving his government to form a coalition with the opposition leader, the billionaire Raila Odinga, that is now reinstating the tax hikes and privatisations.

Last month, he met Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua to promise he would intensify his efforts to police the class struggle, stating he would ensure social peace.

Atwoli, despite declaring before the meeting that ended the aviation strike, We support this strike because the government has failed to address the workers concerns, made it clear he has no intention of mobilizing COTUs 42 affiliate trade unionsof which KAWU is onerepresenting over 2.5 million workers. He also opposed any attempt to unite KAWU workers with the ongoing strike actions by teachers, lecturers, civil servants, and healthcare workersalso members of COTU affiliates.

Nor should workers have any illusions in the High Court, which temporarily halted the airports leasing following a suit filed by Kenyan human rights groups. The court is no defender of workers rights. Its rulingswhether suspending the deployment of police as US-backed mercenaries in Haiti, opposing fuel tax increases, or blocking the use of force against Gen-Z protestors in late Julyhave routinely been ignored. Furthermore, the courts have frequently outlawed strikes, including the most recent teachers strike, and upheld the deployment of troops against protestors on the streets of Nairobi.

The critical question aviation workers face is enforcing democratic control over their struggle. They must form rank-and-file committees, composed of trusted workers, to give them the ability to override decisions made by union bureaucrats that violate their will and prepare for a genuine struggle reaching out to the working class for the broadest possible support in Kenya, across the region and internationally.
For weeks, Germanys government and opposition parties have been competing with their proposals on how to turn back refugees, seal off borders and undermine the basic right to asylum. This reached a new climax with the second migration summit last Tuesday, which could be characterised as a booster for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the ZDF summer interview on September 8 [Photo by Bundesregierung/Steffen Kugler]

As at the first summit a week ago, the government had invited representatives from the federal states as well as those from the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) to discuss joint steps. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (Social Democratic Party, SPD) had previously presented a catalogue of measures that would drastically tighten the regime at the borders.

Refugees whose asylum application is the responsibility of another European state under the Dublin ruleswhich is almost all of them due to Germanys largely landlocked situationare to be detained until their deportation and deported more quickly. Border controls, border police and detention centres are to be expanded for this purpose.

However, this did not go far enough for the CDU and CSU, who demanded the immediate expulsion of all refugees who do not have legal entry documents, even if they had applied for asylum, which would violate current European and international law and lead to fierce tensions within the EU. Poland and Austria, through which many refugees enter Germany from Ukraine andvia the Balkan routefrom the Middle East, have already protested vehemently.

However, those in favour of completely sealing off the borders are expecting a domino effect in which these countries and ultimately Greece, Italy and other countries on the periphery of the EU would also hermetically seal off their borders. After 30,000 people have already drowned in the Mediterranean in the last 10 years, this would result in a dramatic increase in the number of victims.

After two hours, the CDU and CSU demonstratively quit the summit and left the meeting. During the discussion, it quickly became clear that there was a lack of political will in the coalition government to reject refugees at Germanys internal borders, they claimed. CDU leader Friedrich Merz wrote on Platform X: The coalition is capitulating to the challenges of irregular migration. The federal government is incapable of action and lacks leadership.

For their part, the government partiesSPD, Liberal Democrats (FDP) and Greensare accusing the CDU/CSU of beating around the bush instead of taking responsibility. Talking slogans, not getting anything done, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said accusingly in the Bundestags general parliamentary debate on Wednesday. Citizens did not want to see theatrical performances, Scholz opined. It would have been good to find common solutions to the migration issue, the chancellor shouted. His government had achieved the biggest turnaround in dealing with irregular migration, he boasted, Dont grumble, but act and tackle it. That is the motto.

FDP Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai made it clear that the coalition was prepared to do anything to reach an agreement with the CDU/CSU. He emphasised that there was no reason for the summit to fail: After all, the CDU/CSU has been offered that its proposals on the rejection of asylum seekers will be implemented in full.

FDP leader Christian Lindner wrote on X: The CDU/CSUs cancellation of the asylum summit must not be the last word. Lindner suggested that he, CDU leader Merz, Chancellor Scholz and Green Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck should sit down in person to solve the problem together. Germany needed control and consistency when it came to migration, he said.

Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the BSW, a split-off from the Left Party, attacked the summit from the right. This was obviously not a migration summit, but a summit meeting of shirkers, a declaration of bankruptcy in terms of asylum policy, she declared.

In the right-wing tabloid Die Welt, Wagenknecht accused Scholz and his predecessor Angela Merkel of having turned Germany into a refugee magnet in Europe. The incentives were too high: Those who make it to us are effectively given unlimited right of residence and entitlement to social benefits. This must be stopped. We needed a drastic change in asylum policy: Anyone who comes from a safe third country must not be entitled to [an asylum] procedure or benefits.

This constant agitation against refugees is grist to the AfDs mill.

In a press release, AfD national spokesperson Alice Weidel wrote that the failure of the migration summit should also make it clear to the last citizen that the old parties are neither willing nor able to solve the migration crisis. This was only possible through seamless border controls and the consistent rejection of illegal migrants. When it was governing, the CDU/CSU had failed miserably in this respect. In order to make up for this mistake, it must look for government partners with whom it can also implement such demands, i.e., the AfD.

After winning the state elections in Thuringia on September 1 and becoming the second strongest party in Saxony, the AfD is also expecting to win the elections in Brandenburg on September 22. With 29 percent in the polls, it is well ahead of the SPD (22 percent) and the CDU (17 percent). Wagenknechts BSW is at 15 percent, while the Greens must fear for their re-entry into the state parliament, and the Left Party and the FDP are also well below the 5 percent hurdle to gain representation.

The rise of the AfD is the result of the shift to the right in all bourgeois politics. Refugees fleeing to safety from the wars instigated by NATO in the Middle East and Ukraine are being made the scapegoat for the growing social crisisfor expensive housing, a lack of daycare places, a shortage of teachers and low wagesfor which the billions gouged by the profits of the rich and the gigantic spending on war and armament are actually responsible. Whereas under the Nazis it was the Jews who were used as a lightning rod for social outrage, today it is immigrants.

The establishment partiesfrom the CDU/CSU to the SPD and the Greens to the Left Party and the BSWare adopting the AfDs policies and paving the way for the fascists because resistance to their pro-war policies in Ukraine and Palestine is growing and huge class struggles are imminent.

The announcement of plant closures and compulsory redundancies by VW heralds the destruction of hundreds of thousands of regular jobs throughout the automotive industry as well as in the steel, chemical and construction industries. This is why the fascists are being strengthened and the police and surveillance apparatus is being strengthened under the pretext of fighting terror and refugees.

Workers and young people must defend refugees and their right to asylum. This is not only an elementary question of humanity, but also in their own best interests. The destruction of democratic rights and the establishment of a police state, which is justified by the agitation against migrants, is also to be directed against striking workers, anti-war activists and socialists.
VILNIUS, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania and Germany signed an agreement in Berlin on the rights of German troops to be stationed in Lithuania on Friday, according to Lithuania's Ministry of Defence.

The deal was signed by Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius, the Baltic News Service reported.

The agreement provides for the establishment of German 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.

The agreement was part of preparations in Lithuania to host several thousand German troops. Lithuania and Germany have agreed to deploy the brigade by the end of 2027. 
I Saw the TV Glow (written and directed by US filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun) is a cloudy, enigmatic, occasionally disturbing work. Ostensibly a horror film, its unsettling elements are derived from a depiction, however oblique, of the effects of social alienation.

The film opens on US election day in 1996 with the meeting of two lonely and socially isolated teenagers, Owen (played by Ian Foreman in the early scenes and Justice Smith for the bulk of the film) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine). They bond over their shared interest in a fictional television show, The Pink Opaque, about two teenage girls with supernatural psychic abilities who battle the villainous Mr. Melancholy.

Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine in I Saw the TV Glow

Owens parents forbid him to watch the show, which his father insists is for girls. Owen watches it in secret anyway, while spending the night at Maddys house. For Maddy, the show is a refuge from an unhappy home life with a violent and abusive stepfather. As she puts it, Sometimes The Pink Opaque feels more real than real life.

Maddy confides to Owen that she plans to run away from home, and she asks him to join her. However, before they can carry through the plan, Owen becomes overwhelmed by the fear of leaving home and backs out. Within a few weeks, Owens mother dies and Maddy disappears. Shortly afterward, The Pink Opaque is canceled.

Years later, Owen, now a young man living with his stern and distant father, works a monotonous job at a movie theater. Maddy approaches him out of the blue, while he is out grocery shopping. She tells him a fantastical story, that she has been living for eight years inside the world of The Pink Opaque, having been transported there after burying herself alive. She insists that the life Owen is living is a false one, in a pocket universe contrived by Mr. Melancholy. She asks him to examine his memories. Flashbacks reveal that certain events Owen had thought were scenes from the show were in fact his own repressed memories of experimenting with his gender identity.

She asks him to bury himself as well, thereby transporting into the world of the show and escaping his false reality. The longer you wait, she warns, the closer you get to suffocating. Owen begins to join her, but he runs away, just as he had years earlier. He never sees Maddy again.

Decades pass. Owen is an elderly man working at a Fun Center of childrens arcade games. He insists, not very convincingly, that he made the correct choice to become a man and a productive member of society. He watches old episodes of The Pink Opaque on a streaming platform and is embarrassed by the cheap effects and childish storylines. Still, a deep desperation, a sense that his life has been misspent, eats at him.

During a birthday party at the childrens arcade, Owen breaks down, screaming that he is dying, but the people around him dont appear to notice. His only relief comes from locking himself in the bathroom and cutting open his chest, revealing glowing television static within. Leaving the bathroom, he apologizes for his outburst to everyone he passes. No one seems to hear him.

I Saw the TV Glow

Writer-director Schoenbrun has commented that the film is intended as an allegory for the experience of transgender individuals. While this is never explicitly stated, a number of the elements are in line with this perspective, including Owens repressed memories of gender experimentation, his strained relationship with his father and his fixation on the female characters of The Pink Opaque. Even the latter title seems a reference to Owens cloudy understanding of his inner world.

Still, there are larger implications embedded in the film, whether intentional or not. The feelings communicated here will likely be familiar to many young people of Owen and Maddys generation: the suffocating alienation, the sense that ones life is false, the repression of deep inner feelings, the thwarted desire for connection. The central horror of the story is the tragedy of a life unfulfilled.

During one scene, Maddy describes the slow death she experiences as a young person without any particular prospects for a better life:

I got a job at the mall, at Build-A-Bear. Filling the dolls up with stuffing ... But something was still wrong. Wronger, even. Time wasnt right. It was moving too fast. And then I was 19. And then I was 20. I felt like one of those dolls, asleep in the supermarket. Stuffed. And then I was 21. Like chapters skipped over on a DVD. I told myself, This isnt normal. This isnt how life is supposed to be. I thought about running away again, about moving to Santa Fe and changing my name one more time. But I knew that everywhere would be just the same.

Certain unusual images stick in ones mind, and certain moments. As a whole, however, I Saw the TV Glow itself is unsatisfying.

In the first place, the ambiguityor opaquenessof the storytelling detracts from its impact. Schoenbrun has expressed an admiration for the work of David Lynch, especially his Twin Peaks, and that seems to be a touchstone here. Charlie Kaufmans Im Thinking of Ending Things may be another. Schoenbrun doesnt seem as cynical as Lynch or as self-absorbed as Kaufman; I Saw the TV Glow appears genuinely motivated by sympathy for quiet suffering.

Justice Smith in I Saw the TV Glow

But the self-consciously murky approach is an evasion from the hard work of identifying the real sources of social wretchedness, whether for transgender individuals or anyone else. Insofar as any solutions to Owens predicament are identified, they are entirely individualistic, and pretty banal. He simply needs the courage to throw off convention and live authentically, etc.

Schoenbrun (born 1987) belongs to a generation that came of age during a period of cultural and social reaction, worsening prospects for wide layers of the population, massive social inequality, intensifying global economic and geopolitical instability and the artificial suppression of the class struggle by the trade unions. A vast political, ideological vacuum makes itself felt in various ways.

I Saw the TV Glow communicates something of the widespread social misery affecting young workers in particulardead-end jobs, low wages, the lack of a future, official indifference and callousness.

Yet, by and large, a passivity still pervades the artists of this generation, an inability to identify social solutions to great problems, a skepticism about the very possibility of social progress fought for and achieved by masses of people.

Postmodernism, identity politics, the race and gender obsession in the academies have played their collective role, promoting irrationalism, individualism and even middle-class selfishness as progressive virtues. These pressures weigh on the artists, even on those who dont subscribe to every one of the current identity nostrums. The latter tend to be accepted, half-consciously, as givens and seep into the work.

Young people must have a future, all of them, including transgender individuals and other oppressed groups. But it lies in a struggle against what exists, the capitalist status quo, in all its dimensions. What social force can carry out such a struggle successfully?

Taking into account and orienting their artistic efforts toward the developing movement of the working class, and the great social and historical questions bound up with it, would have a clarifying and galvanizing effect on young filmmakers like Schoenbrun.
Although ignored by the authorities and the mainstream media, COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc in Canada. This is epitomized by the case of Long COVID sufferer Sebastien Verret. A Quebec resident, Verret contracted the virus during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, while working as a volunteer in a seniors home (CHSLD) replacing staff who had fallen ill.

In a constant state of pain, unable to be autonomous and without access to suitable and sufficient physical and economic resources, he is now considering using medical assistance in dying (MAID). My request, relieve me, help me or kill me, I cant take it anymore, he publicly declared. Rest assured, Im not suicidal and I have no dark ideas. I want to live, but a life with dignity.

Canadian military personnel deployed at a Quebec CHLSD or long-term care home during the pandemic's first wave in the spring of 2020. [Photo: CAF]

As well as highlighting how the ruling class is perverting MAID into a mechanism for getting rid of the most vulnerable in order to cut social spending, this tragic story sheds light on the states total lack of social and financial support for people with Long COVIDthe virus post-infectious syndrome.

Among the most significant physical sequelae associated with Long COVID are: extreme incapacitating fatigue; post-exertional malaise; generalized aches and pains; palpitations, tachycardia and dizziness.

Overall, Long COVID has the ability to attack virtually every organ in the body, from the kidneys to the lungs and skin. From a neurological point of view, it also causes cognitive impairment, brain fog, memory loss, and impacts on concentration and mood.

According to various studies, the disease increases the risk of autoimmune disease, doubles the risk of having a heart attack, stroke or blood clot in the lungs, and triples the risk of developing an unusual heart rhythm. In addition, it increases the risk of diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons and dementia.

We still dont know all the complications that can arise from repeated COVID infections. But the number of workers who will have to live with its debilitating effects is likely to grow massively, as the capitalist ruling class in Canada and internationally pursue a Forever COVID  policy. They all insistdespite a massive trove of scientific data to the contrary and the examples of China, New Zealand and other countries in the pandemics early stagesthat an elimination and eradication strategy is impossible and too costly.

Long COVID remains poorly recognized by the healthcare system, available studies are not widely disseminated, and there are only a handful of professionals in Canada who specialize in its treatment. Under these conditions, according to some studies, patients are twice as likely to develop symptoms associated with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

At a time when the long-term consequences of COVID are increasingly impossible to conceal, and the pandemic that has already claimed millions of lives worldwide continues unabated, the ruling class persists with its profits before lives policy.

Cartoon from the 1875 Canadian Illustrated News showing infectious diseases. In a contemporary version, the COVID pandemic would occupy a prominent spot, with capitalist governments in place of the reaper. [Photo: Bibliotheque et Archives nationales du Quebec]

In recent weeks Canada has experienced a summer wave of new COVID-19 infections, fueled above all by the KP.3 variant, the latest evolution of the Omicron JN.1 sub-variant responsible for last winters wave. Exact infection figures are impossible to determine due to the complete dismantling of public health measures. In terms of mass screening, the federal government has abandoned precise monitoring of the situation on its website since June 11. However, the latest available data on wastewater underscores the fact that the virus continues to circulate across the country without the slightest restriction.

According to data from Ottawa and the provinces, the national level of viral activity in wastewater is at the high indicator, with test positivity rates between 10 and 20 percent in most provinces.

Considering that there are only 65 wastewater sites coast-to-coast that submit their data for analysis, representing 28.8 percent of the Canadian population, and that hospitalizations and deaths caused by COVID are deliberately omitted from official statistics, its clear that any estimate of the current level of viral circulation is well below reality.

Quebec is one of the hardest-hit provinces, with outbreaks in 110 long-term care facilities and 54 health care centers. The number of infections and hospitalizations is at its highest level since the last winter wave. As of August 20, more than 1,250 people had been hospitalized. And 30 deaths are reported each week due to the disease.

After months of insisting that the pandemic is over and dismantling what limited public health measures remained, all levels of government are keeping the public in the dark and doing their utmost to keep the lid on data concerning the possible consequences of contracting the disease and developing Long COVID and other complications.

For this reason, few workers are aware of the ongoing danger posed by the virus, and many live with the debilitating effects of Long COVID without being able to explain the source of their symptoms.

In Europe alone, an estimated 36 million people fell victim to Long COVID during the first three years of the pandemic, representing 1 in 30 people. It is has quickly become one of the most common diseases in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 10-20 percent of people who contract the virus will develop Long COVID. According to other studies, this rate rises to 50 percent in hospitalized patients.

In Canada, according to Statistics Canada, some 7 percent of the adult population, or 2.1 million people, live with complications of the disease.

While science remains unclear as to the exact reasons why people develop Long COVID, empirical experience underlines that the disease runs rampant without any discrimination regarding the patients age, origin, gender or pre-infection state of health.

Whats more, numerous studies point to a correlation between reinfections and the possibility of developing Long COVID or worsening symptoms in those already affected. The only certainty is that this is a direct consequence of the ruling elites rapid reopening of the economy during the first waves of COVID and the abandonment of all public health measures, from systematic testing and quarantining to masking and readily-available vaccinations for all.
A multi-agency manhunt, consisting of local and state law enforcement, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and the US Marshal Service is presently underway within the state of Kentucky after a gunman opened fire on vehicles driving on Interstate 75, just south of Lexington, wounding five people.

Traffic stopped during an active shooting on Interstate 75 north of London, Kentucky, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 [AP Photo/Camden Mink/Mount Vernon Fire Department]

At the time of this writing the search for the suspected shooter, 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch, has entered into its fifth day.

The shooter took position on a ledge overlooking Interstate 75 near Exit 49 in Laurel County, from which he indiscriminately shot at motorists traveling along both north- and south-bound lanes.

The shooting spree in Kentucky occurred three days after a mass shooting at the Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Four people, two students and two teachers, were killed there by 14-year-old Colt Gray.

The Kentucky shooting also came less than a week after shootings along Interstate 5 in Washington state between Seattle and Tacoma. Five people were injured after shots were fired from a vehicle traveling on the interstate, though no suspect has been identified.

It was the second random shooting incident on this stretch of Interstate 5 in less than a year. In December, Marco Antonio Ramos Valdez, 28, was charged with two counts of first-degree assault after he opened fire on at least six vehicles, injuring one person.

In Kentucky, at least a dozen vehicles were riddled with bullet holes, two still unidentified victims received minor injuries resulting from a wreck which ensued during the gunfire. Meanwhile, five people, identified as Rebecca Puryear, Norma Liberia, Renee Walker, Janet Booth and Erick Gavin, suffered serious gunshot wounds. Although all five victims were severely wounded, four have been released from the hospital and all are expected to recover.

Puryear recounted the event to CNN and described herself as a walking miracle. She, along with her husband and their four-year-old son, were driving home when they heard the gunshots. As she pulled over to the side of the road, she looked down and was just pouring blood. A bullet had entered the passenger side window and struck her right arm, penetrating into her chest before exiting her left arm. Though she was released from the hospital later that night, it is reported that she will need to have surgery.

As of right now, it is unclear as to the motives behind the mass shooting.

Couch, the shooter still at large, served in the Army Reserve between 2013 and 2019 as a combat engineer with no deployments. Court documents obtained through an affidavit reveal that he has had no prior convictions; however, he was charged in February of this year with terroristic threatening. During an altercation between him and a neighbor, Couch brandished an AR-15-style rifle and threatened to kill the neighbor, whose 9-year-old daughter was standing beside him. The case was eventually dismissed due to the victim failing to appear in court.

On the day of the shooting, Couch had purchased an AR-15 rifle with a mounted Holosun sight, along with 1,000 rounds of ammunition. He sent out two text messages: one to the mother of his child, while the other was sent to the dispatch of the local sheriffs office, indicating that he was going to kill a lot of people.

As Couch fled the scene he left behind the majority of the ammunition, the AR-15, his vehicle, as well as a cell phone with the battery disconnected, preventing law enforcement from pinging his location. It is suspected that he may now be hiding out in the Daniel Boone National Forest near I-75.

Drones and other aerial technology have been utilized but the search area is vast, encompassing thousands of acres. The terrain is difficult, consisting of cliffs, sinkholes, caves, culverts, creeks, rivers and dense brush.

The prolonged nature of the search has caused a state of panic within the local community. Eighteen of the surrounding public and private schools, including university campuses, have either closed their doors or have begun to operate virtually, fearing a continuation of violence.

Since the shooting took place, the official political response has been the typical echo chamber of empty rhetoric. This is evident with Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and other state politicians offering their thoughts and prayers. Pro-Democratic pundits and reporters in the local press have issued empty calls for gun reform.

For his part, London Mayor Randall Weddle stated, My heart is to see that my community is whole again. That people understand that this travesty, this act of violence, doesnt define us as a community.

There is nothing more American than mass shootings and gun-related deaths in the United States. But what is the common thread tying together all these outbursts of savage violence?

Weddle promoted the falsehood that mass shootings are isolated individual episodes, saying that the growing crisis of mental health issues in this country needs to be addressed. Though mental health crises no doubt play a role in mass shootings, laying the blame on an individuals mental health obscures the social catalysts that trigger mass violence.

These incidents are all products of a society in an advanced stage of degeneration, which finds expression in the repeated eruptions of mass violence. The stage is set by ongoing attacks on social infrastructure, wages, working conditions and democratic rights, which are all on the chopping block to make workers pay for the crisis of world capitalism and the US turn toward unending war abroad.

With only two months before the US presidential election, neither candidate from the major capitalist parties could be bothered to comment on the attempted slaying of multiple people by an armed gunman who is currently on the loose. This demonstrates the indifference that the capitalist class has in addressing the mass shootings that have become endemic in American society.

There will be no end to mass gun violence in the US under either major capitalist party, Democrat or Republican, who offer no solutions outside of empty rhetoric. Meanwhile they have normalized mass death through their let it rip approach to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, that has caused 1.4 million deaths in the US alone, and through the prosecution of wars throughout the world.

It is only the working class, engaged in a principled political struggle against the source of all violence and oppression, the capitalist system, which can put an end to these expressions of social pathology.
A health worker attends to an mpox patient at a treatment center in Munigi, eastern Congo, on Monday, August 19, 2024. [AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa]

One month has passed since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) over the ongoing multi-country outbreak of mpox with the more virulent and deadlier clade 1 strain.

Despite the growing urgency of this public health threat, capitalist governments throughout the world have been slow to respond in any meaningful way to stop the spread of infections or provide resources to bolster healthcare systems, treat patients, and assist in preventing the onward transmission of the disease. Most recently, last week cases of mpox were reported in Kinshasa, the densely populated capital of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to 17 million people and several international airports with direct flights to more than a dozen countries.

Only this week have mpox vaccines trickled into the DRC. Last week, the European Union, through its Health Emergency and Response Authority (HERA) department, donated 100,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, made by the Danish pharmaceutical Bavarian Nordic. Another 100,000 were then delivered over the weekend. On Tuesday, the US shipped 50,000 more doses of the same vaccine. However, the quarter-million jabs are but a fraction of the at least 3 million that authorities have called for to aid in halting the mpox outbreak in the DRC.

The vaccination campaign is expected to begin October 2, 2024, with the focus of the work on the three most affected provinces, Equateur, South Kivu and Sankuru. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that 10 million doses are required to address mpox across the whole continent.

Additionally, above the immediate $15 million requested by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to support surveillance, preparedness and response activities, the WHO is calling for $290 million in funds over the next six months to counter the spread of the disease. In a statement, the WHO wrote:

The global SPRP [strategic preparedness and response plan] has been updated to include inputs from WHO Member States and to reflect further planning done at the continent level, with governments, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other partners. The funding requirement of $290 million is for the international support to national responses. This requirement excludes the cost of procuring and/or distributing [what is] estimated to be 4 million vaccines required for the first phase of response to stop the outbreak. [Emphasis added]

The same profit-driven vaccine nationalism that saw the hoarding of anti-COVID vaccines by wealthy countries in Europe and the US is at play at the beginning of the current mpox PHEIC. On the news of the PHEIC, the two main manufacturers of mpox vaccines, the Japanese company KM Biologics and the Danish corporation Bavarian Nordic, saw their stock prices soar. Notably, KM Biologics has filed for emergency use listing with the WHO for its mpox vaccine LC16. While its vaccine has demonstrated effective postexposure prophylaxis within 14 days, its efficacy to prevent disease continues to be studied.

Meanwhile, prices for Bavarian Nordics (BN) JYNNEOS have climbed to over $200 to inoculate one person, which places the price of these treatments essentially out of reach for many African countries. The head of Bavarian Nordic, Paul Chaplin, has refused to budge from its business model, encouraging rich governments to buy the vaccines and consider donating them. To date, only the EUs HERA has ordered 175,000 doses to donate to the Africa CDC. BN is donating 40,000 jabs for a combined 215,000, which is enough to vaccinate 107,500 people (two jabs per person).

Earlier in August, before the declaration of the PHEIC, the US signed a deal with BN for $157 million to partly replenish vaccine stocks used in response to the 2022 outbreak, in which more than 1.2 million doses of the mpox vaccine were administered.

Although Chaplin has acknowledged that the company could manufacture 2 million doses by the end of this year and 7.5 million more by the end of next year (cumulative 10 million), it is waiting to receive the order, otherwise meaning they need assurances on payment for the vaccines. And as for the price, Chapin told STAT News, We dont tend to talk about price. Price is dependent on volume and also long-term commitment. So, if we get a long-term commitment, well give a discount and, of course, the larger the volume, the more the discount we can do. He later recommended that poorer countries get financial assistance to address their vaccine needs.

In a searing critique on the international response and pandemic profiteering, Nick Dearden, director of UK campaigning organization Global Justice Now, wrote last week:

Even with mpox spreading in the DRC, parts of the pharmaceutical industry and their rich country backers have opposed a new post-COVID framework which would help. The Pandemic Treaty is supposed to allow the whole world to better prepare for and deal with pandemics, recognizing that our safety is interdependent. But the United Kingdom, along with other rich countries, has stalled the process, afraid of an international agreement which puts saving lives ahead of Big Pharma company profits. The intellectual property of these corporations trumps lives in the Global South.

Dearden added:

 the wider background to the failure to prevent Africas latest health emergency goes back much further. But again, it is deeply embedded in the way the global economy works, an economy which places a far lower value on human life than it does on the unassailable right to profit.

Indeed, when compared to similar vaccines manufactured in low- and middle-income countries, vaccines against most infectious diseases typically run at $1 to $3 per dose when used in a mass vaccination regimen. As such, without real viable competitors, BN sets the price irrespective of the broader public health imperatives. As the entrepreneurial Chaplin formulated this depraved logic, At the end of the day, if we financially damage Bavarian Nordic in any way, that doesnt benefit the worlds society because then theres no vaccine available for anyone.

At the time of the PHEIC declaration, Africa CDCs epidemic intelligence report noted that in 2024, there had been 18,737 mpox cases (3,101 confirmed) across 12 African countries since the beginning of the year, resulting in 541 deaths. The previous year, there had been 14,838 mpox cases (1,665 confirmed) across seven countries, with 738 confirmed fatalities. The DRC, where the mpox virus has been detected in all 26 provinces, accounted for 95 percent of all cases (17,794) and essentially all the deaths (535) from mpox in 2024. With a median age of 15.8 years, children younger than 15 account for two-thirds of all cases and 82 percent of all deaths.

As of September 8, 2024, the WHO mpox dashboard indicates that cases are continuing to climb rapidly. The current figures indicate the number of cases total 21,835 (5,160 confirmed), or 4,041 more cases in the DRC over the span of just three weeks. Total deaths have reached 717 or another 182 more fatalities since the declaration of the PHEIC. Also, the number of member state countries across Africa affected by mpox in 2024 has risen to 15. The three countries with the most confirmed cases in the current year are DRC (5,160), Burundi (385) and Nigeria (55).

With respect to suspected cases, due to limited diagnostic capabilities in some African countries, health authorities must utilize their clinical judgment on reporting these figures. In the DRC, officials report that less than 30 percent of cases are being tested. As the WHO explained:

In some countries, suspected cases that undergo testing are not removed from the count, regardless of whether the test result is positive (confirmed case) or negative (discarded case). Moreover, not all countries have robust surveillance systems for mpox, meaning reported case counts are likely [to] underestimate the extent of community transmission.

More recently, the detection of the fast-spreading human-to-human clade Ib mpox virus in Kinshasa raises the stakes in the public health threat posed by the more virulent strain of mpox. In a study published as a preprint, the authors said that two strains of clade 1 had been co-circulating in Kinshasa since July. Six of 35 health zones had found evidence of infection. Furthermore, they wrote, While mpox cases have yet to be reported in the remaining health zones, we consider the possibility of undetected mpox cases in these jurisdictions.

Dearden, in his report, offered the following social factors that are at the heart of the current mpox crisis:

By some measures, the DRC should be the wealthiest country on earth, rich in the metals and minerals we use in modern life. But in income terms, it is actually close to being the poorest. The reason is that the country has been bled of its wealth, over hundreds of years, through brutal colonialism and slavery. Its democratic politicians have been assassinated and dictators installed and funded; vast illegitimate debts have been imposed on the people; and massive revenue from the natural resources taken from the country. DRC is not poor in spite of its natural wealth but because of it. The lives of its people simply have no value to the extraction machine and are disposable when they get in the way of doing business. Today, mpox is spreading across resource-rich eastern DRC, affecting those unfortunate enough to live on top of resources which can make others so wealthy. Eastern DRC is being destabilized by various militias, some backed by its neighbors, in order to continue the plunder of resources. Western countries do little to prevent this destabilization. It doesnt have to be like this. And right now, we have a limited period when, fearing the spread of mpox, people are able to grasp how our health is interconnected, and how the people of Central Africa are not irrelevant to us.
Scientists have issued warnings that the H5N1 avian influenza panzootic raging around the planet is likely to arrive in Australia in spring and summer via migratory birds. A panzootic is the equivalent of a pandemic in animal species. Currently Oceania, including Australia, is the only part of the world free from H5N1. The superspeed spread of the virus across the planet and its infection of mammal species, including humans, poses the danger of a new pandemic.

A chicken farm [Photo by Fot. Konrad ozinski / CC BY 2.0

The most likely route the virus will be transferred to Australia is through the migration of infected birds from Antarctica across to the sub-Antarctic islands such as Macquarie Island, south of Tasmania. H5N1 reached Antarctica in February where it has devastated bird life.

At a meeting held at the headquarters of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) in Tasmania last month scientists mapped out the likely scenarios of bird flu arriving at Macquarie Island.

AAD operations manager Robb Clifton told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that [the virus builds] up to where we think were at real risk of transmission into the human population because of the proximity of the wildlife on Macquarie Island. He warned that it was virtually inevitable the virus would reach the Australian territory, saying: Its not a matter of if, its a matter of when.

AAD Sea bird ecologist Louise Emmerson explained that the virus had already infected mammal species: It has also spread to other animals such as, most recently cows, cats, seals and sea lions, its been very devastating. However, she underplayed the potentially devastating health impact on humans, stating that animal-to-human transmission is low.

The bird flu virus, however, evolves very rapidly and with every spillover event into humans the virus could mutate to allow human-to-human transmission and potentially produce a pandemic. The virus is known to be highly lethal for humans.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 903 people have become infected with H5N1 since 2003, and of these 463 died, indicating a lethality of 51 percent. The current COVID pandemic with a lethality of approximately 2 percent has killed over 27 million people due to its very high transmissibility.

The dangers were highlighted recently by the death in Prey Veng province in Cambodia on August 20 of a 15-year-old girl who became infected with H5N1 after coming in contact with an infected chicken. She was probably infected with the 2.3.2.1c clade that is known to be circulating in Asia. Since 2023, 16 cases have been found, including 10 this year. A clade is a genetic grouping that has a common ancestor.

On 22 May, the first human case of the virus in Australia was reported in Victoria when a two-year-old girl returned home from India where she had acquired the infection. She had contracted the virus in Kolkata, India in February. She spent over two weeks in intensive care before finally overcoming the infection.

The child had been infected by the H5N1 2.3.2.1a clade, common in South Asian birds, especially in Bangladesh and India.

Over May and June, there were three outbreaks of another bird flu virusthe highly pathogenic H7 virusin poultry farms in Victoria, New South Wales and Canberra. The outbreak was very unusual as three different clades were involved, including H7N3, H7N9 and H7N8.

The almost simultaneous outbreak of three separate strains of the H7 influenza virus was extremely unusual. Fortunately, the outbreaks were contained by quarantining the affected properties and the culling of infected birds. In total 11 farms were affected, and 1.8 million birds were euthanized.

The H7 form of avian influenza is highly contagious and can result in up to 100 percent lethality in domestic poultry. Humans who become infected can have severe respiratory illness with a lethality of 40 percent. An outbreak of H7N9 in Shanghai, China in 2013 infected 125 people and resulted in 25 deaths.

The existence of numerous clades of avian influenza reflects the evolutionary history of the virus and its capacity to mutate very rapidly.

The immediate response from Australian authorities to the likely arrival of the H5N1 strain has been to minimize its significance.

Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker told ABC radio: Fortunately, this virus, the avian influenza H5N1, is actually much, much less transmissible than seasonal flu. There are very few cases internationally of this being passed from human to human.

Yet scientists are particularly concerned with the H5N1 2.3.4.4b clade. Currently there is a H5N1 panzootic killing huge numbers of birds internationally, significantly raising the probability of cross over infections in mammals and humans.

For some reason, in the last five years [avian flu] has become supercharged. Its exponentially increased in terms of these spillover events and the dynamics of it have certainly shifted up a gear, chair of Veterinary Public Health at the University of Sydney, Professor Michael Ward, told the Sydney Morning Herald.

A spillover event is where the virus, that predominantly infects birds infects other animals such as mammals, including humans. So far, it is estimated that 485 species of birds and 48 species of mammals have been impacted.

The H5N1 2.3.4.4b clade was first detected in a goose in China in 1996. The virus was extremely infectious and lethal, spreading to every continent including Antarctica, with the only exception being Oceania.

In July 2005, a communication in Nature described the first mass mortality event in wild birds in China. In total 1,500 birds were found dead.

Importantly the authors warned of the threat of a future pandemic: The highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus has become endemic in poultry in southeast Asia since 2003 and constitutes a major pandemic threat to humans.

An article published in May by Dr Michelle Willie, a researcher at the Doherty Institute, entitled Chickens, ducks, seals and cows: a dangerous bird flu strain is knocking on Australias door traces the rapid spread of the virus internationally.

Willie described the rapid spread of the virus, writing: But the real change came in 2020. The number of outbreaks in poultry and wild birds dramatically increased. In 2021, reports streamed in of mass mortality events in Europe and the virus rapidly travelled the world. The world was in the grip of a panzootica global pandemic in animals.

As well as devastating the wild bird populations, H5N1 has hit mammals. It is estimated that more than 50 species of predatory and scavenger animals have been recorded as dying from avian influenza, mostly after having eaten infected birds.

Of major concern is the spread of avian influenza through dairy herds in the US. The first detected infection was in March 2024 in Michigan, but it has now spread across the US to 13 states, with 191 herds affected. Four humans working in the affected dairy farms have been infected. Humans become infected when in close contact with the infected cows or by consuming milk that has not been pasteurised.

The infection of humans has major implications. With each spillover event into a human the chances of the virus developing the capacity for human-to-human infection is multiplied.

The threat has been heightened through the inaction of government authorities. Unpasteurised milk is still being sold that is consumed by 4.4 percent of Americans. Contact tracing of cattle and workers in proximity with the infected animals is not being done, leaving health authorities blind to a developing crisis. Only limited genomic analysis has been released, making it impossible to determine how the virus is evolving.

This likely means that more herds and humans than have been identified have been infected.

A perspective published in the World Socialist Web Site on June, entitled The destruction of public health and the growing threat of an H5N1 bird flu pandemic, explained: The deepening threat of a bird flu pandemic is now concentrated in the United States, where the response of the dairy industry, in collusion with the Biden administration and all responsible federal agencies, has been nothing short of criminal. Sitting on an epidemiological time bomb, they are proceeding with reckless disregard for the health and lives of the US and world population.

Flying in the face of scientists warning of the growing threat of a bird flu pandemic, the authorities continue to downplay the possible threat. This parallels the stance taken internationally in adopting a forever COVID program that has resulted in 27 million deaths. If a strain of bird flu develops into a pandemic, the results would be catastrophic.

This virus in its current state does not look like it has the characteristics of causing a pandemic. But with influenza viruses, that equation could entirely change with a single mutation, an immunologist at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia Scott Hensley told Nature.

As in the US, the federal Labor government in Australia has eliminated all mitigation measures aimed at containing the COVID pandemic. It has acted in a similar manner regarding this latest bird flu threat, ignoring scientists warnings and failing to alert the population to the possibility of bird flu arriving in the country.

In a press conference in June, Health Minister Mark Butler stated: There has not been a case of infection here in Australia, although there has been a young person who returned to Australia from another country earlier this year with an infection. From human health portfolios, were monitoring the avian flu spread around the world as well as instances here in Australia very, very closely.

In July, the Australian government set aside the pitiful sum of $7 million to deal with the imminent arrival of the virus. On August 6 in a speech to a Zoo and Aquarium Association conference, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek declared said the H5N1 virus is coming for us, remarking on deadly consequences for wildlife but saying nothing about the potential danger to humans.

As in the case of the deadly COVID pandemic, the government is taking the same profits-before-lives approach to the dangers of bird flu to the population.
MOSCOW, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) has revoked the accreditation of six employees of the British Embassy in Russia, citing their involvement in intelligence and subversive activities, local media reported on Friday.

The FSB said that it had obtained documents confirming that London was coordinating efforts to escalate the international military and political situation, according to a report by RIA Novosti.

The FSB named the Directorate for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office as the primary entity orchestrating subversive activities against Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The directorate, established to focus on Russia and CIS affairs, has effectively functioned as a special intelligence service since the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, said the FSB.

"The facts revealed provide grounds to consider the activities of British diplomats sent to Moscow by the directorate as a threat to the security of the Russian Federation," it said, noting that the directorate's main objective has been to strategically undermine Russia.

In cooperation with other relevant agencies, the Russian foreign ministry has terminated the accreditation of six employees from the political section of the British Embassy in Moscow, said the report.

The FSB also warned that it would demand the immediate termination of the mission of any British diplomatic staff found to be involved in similar activities in the future. 
High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell (L) speaks during a press conference with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 12, 2024. Borrell on Thursday urged Lebanon and Israel to halt confrontations along their borders and pursue de-escalation. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on Thursday 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 by the Delegation of the EU to Lebanon.

According to the statement, Borrell made the remarks following his meeting in Lebanon with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib.

"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 Oct. 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. 
BRUSSELS, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao said Thursday that China's ongoing reform and opening-up endeavors will bring about more opportunities for the Belgian business community.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Fei highlighted China's recent achievements in reform and opening up, and its path to high-quality development through continued reform, openness, and modernization.

He said the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held ealier this year sent a strong signal to the world of China's commitment to continuing reform. He noted that this will create new opportunities for economic cooperation between China and Belgium.

Bernard Dewit, chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said Belgium should seize the opportunity to enhance cooperation.

In an interview with Xinhua following the event, Fei noted that China and Belgium share strong economic synergies in sectors such as life sciences, materials science, electronics, and agriculture. He expressed hope that the Belgian business community will take full advantage of the Belgium's industrial strength and China's opening up policy to deepen cooperation with China.

Nearly 100 participants, including representatives from Belgian and Chinese companies, attended the event.

On the sideline of the event, a photo exhibition, titled "China and Belgium in the Process of Modernization," was hosted by the European Bureau of Xinhua News Agency. 
Beijing welcomes the world at 2024 CIFTIS, opening new doors for global trade

by Liu Qiyu

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (China Economic Net) - Themed "Global Services, Shared Prosperity", the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) kicked off with fanfare in Beijing on September 12.

This years fair sees a strong turnout, with 85 countries and international organizations represented, alongside over 450 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders. The spotlight is firmly on Chinas commitment to collaborating with the world to seize fresh opportunities in a rapidly globalizing economy.

Australia Eyes a Leading Role in 2025

Marking its third year at CIFTIS, Australia is already looking ahead to next years event, where it will take center stage as the guest country of honor. Dominic Trindade, Minister (Commercial) at the Australian Embassy in Beijing, revealed that Australia is gearing up for an even bigger presence at CIFTIS 2025.

Were not just here for this years eventwere preparing for the next 12 months with a range of initiatives designed to deepen trade in services between Australia and China, Trindade told China Economic Net. He emphasized how vital trade in services has become to strengthening the bilateral relationship, supported by the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement and an increasing number of high-level visits between the two countries.

Trindade also pointed out the boost in people-to-people exchanges thanks to Australias inclusion in Chinas visa-waiver program. These interactions will help both nations recover economically and strengthen our ties, he noted.

Portugal Welcomes Investment with Open Arms

Portugal, with its National Pavilion launched at CIFTIS for the first time, is rolling out red carpet for foreign investment, according to Nuno Lima Leite, Managing Director for China and Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Portuguese Embassy in Beijing. Leite emphasized Portugals openness to investors from around the world, as long as they meet national standards.

Our doors are open to all, whether the investment is Chinese, American, or from elsewhere. What matters is that it meets our criteria, said Leite, stressing Portugals reputation as a non-discriminatory destination. With its strategic location in Europe and membership in the European Union, Portugal has long been a magnet for international investment, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, and tech sectors.

Leite highlighted growing interest from Chinese companies, especially in the energy and automotive industries. He sees CIFTIS as a springboard for even deeper collaboration in key sectors like green energy and digital services. Were looking for partnerships that align with our vision for innovation and sustainable development, he added.

Cyprus Highlights Deepening Ties with China

For Cyprus, the focus is on solidifying long-standing trade and educational ties with China. Petros Petrou, Commercial Counsellor of the Cyprus Embassy in Beijing, underscored the depth of the relationship between the two nations, noting the strong foundation of regular diplomatic exchanges and expanding trade cooperation.

Cyprus has been actively participating in Chinas major trade fairs these years, Petrou said in an interview with China Economic Net. This event is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase a wide range of Cypriot products and services, and weve seen significant growth in our trade with China as a result.

CIFTIS Driving Global Economic Growth

Since its debut in 2012, CIFTIS has grown into a leading platform for international trade in services, drawing more than 900,000 attendees from 197 countries and regions over the past decade.

As the 2024 event gets underway, it continues to be a key force in driving global economic growth. With countries from all over the world fully engaged, CIFTIS underscores the growing importance of service trade in fostering global prosperity and unlocking new investment opportunities worldwide.
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Worldwide Marketing

When pre-production began on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the sequel to the iconic 1988 Tim Burton film, it didnt seem like Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, and the rest of the cast and crew would be returning to their original shooting location of East Corinth, Vermont. The original script for the sequel hardly called for exterior shots of the town (known as Winter River in the films), with a lot more set inside the Deetz home and in the afterlife. Relatively late in production, the script had quite a big shift and suddenly the house was a much more prominent part, the films production designer, Mark Scruton, tells AD, noting that the change was driven by Burtons desire for the home to have a bigger presence in the movie. Pretty rapidly I got on a plane, hired a car with a location scout, and went back out to the original location.

Photo: Parisa Taghizadeh

Watching the 2024 film, youd think the town had barely changed between the two-decades-apart shoots. According to Scruton, youd be right for the most part. Rather extraordinarily, the town was exactly as it had been in the first film, Scruton says. It was kind of extraordinary, as a huge fan of the first film, to suddenly be standing there in Winter River. Though little had changed with the town itself, the Maitland/Deetz home never really existedthe facade was constructed, then torn down, for the original filmso they needed to rebuild it entirely. Thankfully the same hilltop, a distinctive perch with a view of the rest of the town, was still empty, just as it had been when it was discovered in the 80s.

Photo: Parisa Taghizadeh

The mandate for much of the film was to keep things as consistent with the original as possible, but the home was a special case. The exterior underwent a postmodern, geometric reimagining under the direction of Delia Deetz (Catherine OHara) and her interior designer, Otho (William Glenn Shadix), the first time around, but Scruton had the feeling that audiences would prefer to see it in its original Victorian farmhouse state, especially since Beetlejuice ended with a reversal of the interior changes. Scruton and his team rebuilt the dwelling as it appeared at the start of the first film, when it was under the Maitlands ownership, but covered it in a black veil to reflect the period of mourning the Deetzes are in during the sequel. I had been reading about Victorian funerals, where they would veil the interior, Scruton says. With Delia, it just made sense to do something as dramatic and over the top as that.

The team was immediately in agreement that the veil was in character for Delia Deetz, but actually making it a reality was quite difficult. Scruton did camera tests with a number of different fabrics, but few had the proper amount of translucency that would keep the structure itself visible. It was a straightforward bobbinet in the end that we found and it worked really, really well, but of course there wasnt enough of it, so it had to come from three different countries to get that volume of fabric, Scruton says. It was built like a giant dress, we built a pattern and everything was cut to fit.

Photo: Parisa Taghizadeh

In the first film, the homes interiors went from a chintzy country cottage look to a postmodern extreme, then back again. This time, Scruton tried to imagine the direction Delia would have taken the homes design in the decades in between. I think that was my biggest headache of the movie, Scruton says, explaining how difficult it was to envision exactly what Delia might have done. He put all of the hand-built carpentry details back in, as he imagined Delia would have because of more recent trends surrounding historical restoration, but went with a color-drenched grayish blue tone for a bit of flair that the eccentric matriarch would crave.

Photo: Parisa Taghizadeh

The entire downstairs was reimagined with this direction, while the attic and Charles Deetzs study were meticulously remade. Scruton had access to some drawings made for the original production, but theyd obviously seen better days, he says. Knowing that the film would be scrutinized by the hordes of super fans, he and his team watched the first film over and over again to make sure all of the details were up to snuff. The model of the town in the attic was particularly detail-oriented, and was created by hand.

Photo: Parisa Taghizadeh

Scruton played with the rules established by the first films production designer Bo Welch for the afterlife scenesthe distinctive forced perspective tricks and tongue-in-cheek easter eggs. New spaces include a Soul Train station, an immigration area, a dry-cleaners, and the office of Wolf Jackson (Willem Dafoe), for which Scruton studied 80s cop shows, among other spaces. I was like a kid in a candy store with it, Scruton says. It was a once in a lifetime chance to work on something that I loved so much growing up.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

More Great Celebrity Style Stories From AD
Don Lemon is Delaware-bound & wants to give the squeeze on his new book. How to attend

After delivering a house party with rap legends Kid N Play last week, Wilmington Public Library's next acclaimed guest is journalist Don Lemon, set to appear on Friday, Sept. 13.

The event with Lemon is free and no registration or tickets are required. Seating is first come, first served.

Lemon will discuss his new book, "Once Was Lost: My Search for God in America," which was released on Tuesday.

What is Don Lemon's new book about?

Don Lemon speaks onstage during the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2024, in New Orleans.

"Once Was Lost" shines a light on the former CNN reporter and his complicated relationship with God and homosexuality.

"He cherished the Southern Black church he was raised in, but struggled with the fundamentalist rejection of his right to exist as a gay man  one who wanted to marry his longtime love in a church wedding with all the traditional trimmings," read a synopsis of Lemon's book on Amazon.

Kevin Hart slams Delaware State: Mocks school during 'Fight Night' promo

As a reporter, Lemon noticed Americans losing faith in God, institutions and fellow citizens. While setting out to understand the place that religion has in our lives today, Lemon's world was suddenly turned upside down.

"In a blaze of inglorious headlines, Don was ousted from his high-profile network news job and tasked with redefining his role in the shifting media landscape," the books synopsis read.

Despite a year of personal turmoil, the journalist stayed focused and ultimately found what he was seeking: grace, within himself and in the nation he calls home.

What's the Don Lemon Show?

These days, Lemon is doing journalism on his new media company that launched "The Don Lemon Show." Earlier in the year, Lemon announced he originally planned to debut his show on X (formerly Twitter), until things soured after he did an interview with X owner Elon Musk that awkwardly erupted in both their faces. Then X sent out a tweet announcing that the platform won't partner with Lemon.

"The Don Lemon Show" streams on YouTube and has 239,000 subscribers. The show covers topics spanning everything from social issues and race to current events and the fight for democracy.

Guests on his show have included Candace Owens, Cornel West, Cenk Uygur and Roy Wood Jr. Lemon goes live daily on the platform at 5 p.m. EST.

Delaware taps iconic band for Gala: Will Smith is linked to the band

Weedstock aims to hit new high: What to know about 420 festival in Delaware

When is Don Lemon coming to Delaware?

Don Lemon will visit Wilmington Public Library (10 E. 10th St., Wilmington) at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13. Free event. Visit facebook.com/WilmingtonLibraryDE, wilmington.lib.de.us or call (302) 571-7400.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: In Delaware, Don Lemon to discuss his new book about God. How to attend
She used to teach drama to Miami middle schoolers. Now shes acting with Vince Vaughn

Madelin Marchant never expected the callback.

Back in early March 2022, the actress agent phoned saying there was a role coming up for a Latina mom.

She gave me very little information, just that I had to talk in a Spanish accent, recounted Marchant, who was working as theater arts director at South Miami Middle School at the time. I submitted my tape, sent it off and thought nothing of it.

Six weeks later, the agent had news: The 64-year-old Cuba native had clinched the role, but details were still scarce.

By the time Marchant received the script, the Apple TV+ project had a title: Bad Monkey, based on Carl Hiaasens bestselling book. She began scanning who was in the streaming black comedy; Vince Vaughns name popped up as both actor and producer.

I was like, Wow, wait a second, said the Kendall resident. This is big.

Marchant was playing Ines, the overprotective mother of Rosa Campesino, a medical examiner played by fellow Miami native Natalie Martinez. Rosa helps Vaughns character, former cop Andrew Yancy, investigate a random arm discovered in the Florida Keys, and they become tight.

So tight that in one episode Yancy ends up staying at Rosas family home, leading to a hilarious run-in with Ines, who demands that the guayabera-wearing jokester help her in the kitchen.

Hes so funny, he just makes you laugh, the FSU alum said of the Wedding Crashers star. Hes just so wonderful and carefree and quirky and smart.

After their on (and off) screen banter, Marchant went back to her trailer and had a real pinch-me moment.

Talk about a dream come true in my own backyard, said the mom of two, who resigned from her teachers post of two decades shortly after her big break.

The longtime educator had also just wrapped a run as Consuelo, Gloria Estefans beloved grandmother in the biographical Broadway musical On Your Feet! in Washington, D.C.

Who would think that life begins after 60? said Marchant. I took a leap of faith and it paid off. I feel validated, with no regrets.

These days you can also see her as a cougar abuela in the play Sweet 15, about a quinceanera gone wrong, through Sept. 22 at the Hub in Miami.

Every day I wake up and its like Im a little girl again writing in my diary, she said. Im doing everything I dreamed of. I tell everyone: Its never too late!
Miss Universe Fiji embroiled in corruption, conspiracy claims after winner is stripped of her crown: It turned really ugly

Miss Universe Fiji embroiled in corruption, conspiracy claims after winner is stripped of her crown: It turned really ugly

The fallout from this beauty pageant is getting ugly.

Miss Universe Fiji has become embroiled in scandalous claims of corruption after the winner was stripped of her crown in favor of a runner-up with close ties to the competitions licensee.

Manshika Prasad, 24, was named Miss Universe Fiji at the pageant, which was held on Aug. 30, after she secured four votes from the contests seven judges.

But just two days later, runner-up Nadine Roberts, 30, was declared the actual winner in an official statement released by Miss Universe Fiji.

Manshika Prasad is pictured center after being crowned Miss Universe Fiji on Aug. 30. Runner-up Nadine Roberts (left) was named the actual winner two days later. Instagram / @_manshikaprasad

Manshika Prasad, 24, was named Miss Universe Fiji at the pageant, which was held on Aug. 30, after she secured four votes from the contests seven judges. Instagram / @_manshikaprasad

Runner-up Nadine Roberts, 30, was declared the actual winner in an official statement released by Miss Universe Fiji. Instagram / @lifewithnadine

The press release claimed correct procedures had not been followed by organizer Grant Dwyer because he failed to count an eighth vote by the pageants licensee, Lux Projects.

Lux Projects  a property development company that bought the license to host Miss Universe Fiji  would have cast a vote for runner-up Roberts, the release explained.

That would have given four votes to Roberts and four votes to Prasad.

The licensee holder must then decide on the winner, the press release proclaimed, subsequently saying Roberts was therefore the rightful champion.

However, corruption claims quickly emerged after BBC reported that Lux Projects appears to be closely associated with an Australian businessman named Jamie McIntyre  the husband of Nadine Roberts.

Roberts told The Post on Thursday that she is the subject of a desperate smear campaign.

She claims to have been separated from McIntyre for over a year, so his association with Lux Projects had no impact on the outcome of the pageant.

She futher claimed that Prasad is managed by the pageant organizer Grant Dwyer, implying that was the reason she was awarded the crown.

The Post has also contacted Prasas and Miss Universe Fiji for comment.

Roberts (pictured) is married to Jamie McIntyre, an Australian businessman with close ties to Lux Projects  the company that licensed the Miss Universe Fiji competition. Instagram / @lifewithnadine

Meanwhile, several of the seven jilted judges from the pageant spoke to BBC saying they had never heard about Lux Projects being entitled to a vote in the competition. One judge described the beauty pageant aftermath as something that turned really ugly.

Judge Jennifer Chan said Prasad was the clear winner and was 100% confident that the beauty was the strongest candidate to represent Fiji at the upcoming Miss Universe extravaganza, which will be held in Mexico in November.

Chan also alleges that runner-up Roberts was seething when she failed to secure the crown on the night of the competition.

I remember going to bed thinking, how could someone feel so entitled to win? the judge stated. You win some, you lose some. Shes a seasoned beauty pageant contestant  surely she knew that?

On Sept. 6, another stunning reversal was made: Prasad (pictured) was re-crowned the winner of Miss Universe Fiji. Instagram / @_manshikaprasad

After being named the new pageant winner in the press release, Roberts took to Instagram to thank Miss Universe Fiji for its swift action, according to BBC.

Meanwhile, a devastated Prasad released her own statement saying: There was so much the public did not know about.

However, on Sept. 6, another stunning reversal was made: Prasad was re-crowned the winner of Miss Universe Fiji.

Its unclear what prompted the dramatic U-turn.

Prasad announced the surprise news in an Instagram post, stating: What an incredible journey this has been! A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Grant Dwyer and team and the amazing @missuniverse for your incredible support throughout this trialing process.

Prasad (pictured) is now expected to travel to Mexico in November to represent Fiji in the Miss Universe competition. Instagram / @_manshikaprasad

Meanwhile, Roberts Instagram still features a post that describes her as the actual winner of the pageant.

But the runner-up has been blasted by followers, with one writing: Your husband tried and failed to buy you a vanity crown and now the whole world knows about it.

The Netflix expose on this is gonna be fire, a second stated.
Every move she makes is closely watched, each new photo taken of her widely shared and fervently discussed. Her effortlessly dewy glow is the subject of envy and inspiration for fanart and makeup tutorials. Moo Deng, of Thailand, is not your typical A-list celebrity, but shes certainly being treated like one.

The unbearably adorable two-month-old baby pygmy hippopotamus at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province has wriggled her way into the hearts and minds of millions on the internet with her seemingly feisty antics and petrified looks. Social media users cant get enough of her screaming facewhen being sprayed with water, when being carried by zookeepers, or simply while lying on the ground.

Born on July 10of course shes sensitive, shes a Cancer!Moo Deng was unveiled to the public on July 25. Her name, which roughly translates to bouncy pig or pork patty, by various interpretations, was chosen by a popular vote held by the zoo.

Since then, well aware of her star power, Moo Dengs zookeepers have diligently shared photos, videos, and memes of the baby hippo. As Moo Dengs popularity has climbed, the zoos social media accounts (it has over 50,000 followers on X and over 400,000 on Facebook, while accounts dedicated specifically to its collection of hippos and capybaras now have over 200,000 on Instagram and over 2 million on TikTok) have become Moo Deng stan accounts, offering updates on her every move for her obsessed fans all over the world.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_XXpNFPcrw

Moo Dengwho is almost always eating, sleeping, or being dramatichas been hailed as a lifestyle icon. The unlikely It Girl has become the subject of endless fanart and forthcoming merch from the zoo. The Thai Embassy in Tokyo has embraced her, so has makeup company Sephora Thailand, which shared recommendations for blushes to mimic the baby hippos cherubic cheeks. A Bangkok cafe has whipped up cakes in the shape of Moo Deng, who just got her own Wikipedia page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_xmaS3Nod4

Of course, Moo Deng is not the only hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Over the weekend, the conservation center just celebrated the 59th birthday of Mae Mali, the countrys oldest-ever female hippo. While Mae Mali is said to weigh two tonnes (4,400 pounds), pygmy hippos like Moo Deng mature to a measly 500 pounds. Native to western Africa, pygmy hippos are an endangered species, with only about 2,000 of them remaining in the wild.

Also, as social media users dont want to take their eyes off Moo Deng, some fan-made photo collages have actually included a photo of Moo Wan, another pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo that went viral when she chomped on a zookeepers calf. (Moo Deng has also proven that she can pack a bite.)

Since Moo Deng went viral, visitors to Khao Kheow Open Zoo have more than doubled, with those flocking to see the baby hippo described as a fan club.

However, Moo Dengs meteoric rise has come with concerns for her safety. In one video shared on social media, Moo Deng was lying on the edge of her enclosure when she was jolted by a stream of water that a visitor poured onto her. Some visitors, in an attempt to get her attention, have also reportedly thrown bananas and shellfish at Moo Deng, local media reported, sparking calls from social media users for better safety measures to protect the baby hippo.

On Thursday, Narongwit Chodchoi, the director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, urged visitors to refrain from throwing things at Moo Deng, adding that the zoo has installed surveillance cameras in the area and would consider legal action against uncooperative humans. These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous, he said. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.

Read More: Thailands Newest UNESCO World Heritage Site Is Being Overrun by Sacrilegious Tourists

Contact us at letters@time.com.
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

Getty Images/Icon Sportswire

TL;DR: Watch Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass . Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next WNBA fixture is coming up and the latest teams to the court are the Connecticut Sun and the Phoenix Mercury. Both teams have secured postseason spots, and will be looking to improve their positioning in the remaining matches.

To watch the Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury?

Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 13. This fixture takes place at the Footprint Center In Phoenix, Arizona.

How to watch Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury

You can watch Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury with the WNBA League Pass. But keep in mind that the WNBA League Pass might not live stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas.

However, you can get around this with just a few simple steps. You'll need to use a VPN, a tool that works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:

Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN) Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more) Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA Log in to WNBA League Pass Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

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ZAGREB, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission's plans to impose high tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) will be harmful to the European EV industry and the bloc's economy overall in the long-term, said a Croatian political analyst in an interview with Xinhua on Friday.

"Introducing tariffs and restricting free trade is never good. The introduction of tariffs on Chinese EVs was not received with approval in many European countries," said Mladen Plese, former editor-in-chief of Croatia's mainstream daily newspaper Jutarnji List.

Plese also emphasized remarks made by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez earlier this week during a visit to China, calling on the European Union (EU) to reconsider its plan to impose the tariffs.

"I have to be blunt and frank with you that we need to reconsider all of us, not only member states but also the (European) Commission, our position towards this," Sanchez said at an event at the Mondragon Industrial Park in Kunshan, near Shanghai.

In August, the European Commission published a draft plan to make the tariffs definitive, at slightly revised rates, subject to approval by EU member states. This came after it announced extra provisional tariffs of up to 37.6 percent on Chinese EV makers in July.

Plese said Europe should be ready for healthy competition with China, and must not follow the United States' lead when it comes to tariffs on EVs. European consumers will always seek to buy EVs that are better and cheaper, Plese underlined, adding that cooperation is in the interests of both Chinese and European manufacturers.

"It is in the interests of everyone in Europe to cooperate with China," he said, suggesting that the European Commission "should not make decisions only on the basis of political arguments, but also respect the opinions of the professionals." 
Getty

When its that time to hang up your gone fishing sign and take a vacation, youve got optionsmaybe its a white sand beach in Bali where your Microsoft Teams messages cant reach you, or a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise to Antarctica, or a glamping safari on the Botswana salt flats with breakfast served next to watering giraffes. But before you go off to see any elephants, you have to address the one in the room: the airplane tickets.

Theyre often the largest expense we make when we travel. For frequent flyers, getting the best bang for your buck often requires staying loyal to a few select airlinesallowing you to earn points and miles along the way. But figuring out which airline has the best rewards program can also bring on a new whirlwind of decision paralysis: how does points redemption from one airline compare to another, let alone hundreds of others? Is going with ease of booking and expanded availability on the same airline worth compromising earning extra rewards and getting seats on partner airlines? And is playing this complicated game even worth the potential rewards? Where do you even begin?

Point.me, a real-time points and travel reward search platform, is a good place to start: On September 12, 2024, the company released their new 62-airline study ranking the worlds best rewards programs.

The top airline rewards programs selected in the study are those that offer the most value for consumerseven those who dont fly frequently, Point.me said in the press release announcing this years winners. Our ranking factors consider how much money has to be spent to earn a free flight, the points charged by the program on various routes, and how easy (or difficult) it is to book an award flight, along with other customer-friendly considerations.

However, the study notes that the airline rewards program with the best overall value is not guaranteed to be the one that works best for your personal travel habits. How often you fly, the airports you most frequently fly from and to, and the type of rewards youre most interested in will all influence where your airline loyalty lies.

In their overall ranking of the best all-around programs, Air France and KLMs Flying Blue came out on top, with a score of 93.06 out of 100. Flying Blues extensive partnerships with other airlines, easy point transfer from major credit card companies, and generous routing rules gave passengers the greatest real-value compared to other existing loyalty programs, according to Point.me.

Flying Blue has made a number of enhancements that benefit consumers, with a goal of providing great value when you transfer and redeem points for travel with Air France, KLM, or our 40+ airline partners, Flying Blue President Benjamin Lipsey said in the release.

The Best Travel Credit Cards, For Beginners, Pros, and Everyone in Between

The right card can make your trips more comfortable, affordable, and fun.

So what exactly were the factors calculated that put Flying Blue on top? The Point.me study evaluated 62 international airline rewards programs that offer services to American travelers using the following rubric, considering a mix of quantitative and qualitative factors that impact the member experience:

Ease of earning miles (25% weight)

Redemption rates (20% weight)

Availability on partner airlines (15% weight)

Ease of booking (12.5% weight)

Expanded availability on own airline (7.5% weight)

Routing rules (5% weight)

Ability to hold awards (5% weight)

Customer service quality (5% weight)

Change fees/policies (5% weight)

To help ensure that the ranking reflects the best rewards programs for everyday flyers regardless of their loyalty status or credit card, the company also notes that it explicitly did not consider tier benefits, in-flight status levels, or other factors tied to high participation in the traditional loyalty side of these programs.

Below, see the full lists of the best global airline rewards programs and the top 10 of each region, according to the Point.me study. For the complete breakdown of each airline, check out their web page detailing the ranking. To learn more about how to best earnand spendairline and hotel rewards, read our monthly points and miles column.

The top 10 airline rewards programs in the world

Flying Blue (Air France / KLM) Air Canada Aeroplan United MileagePlus British Airways Executive Club (tie) and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (tie) American Airlines AAdvantage Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Qatar Airways Privilege Club JetBlue TrueBlue Avianca LifeMiles Emirates Skywards

The top 10 airline rewards programs in North America

Air Canada Aeroplan United MileagePlus American Airlines AAdvantage Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan JetBlue TrueBlue Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles Delta SkyMiles Allegiant myAllegiant Spirit Airlines Free Spirit

The top 10 airline rewards programs in Europe

Flying Blue (Air France / KLM) British Airways Executive Club (tie) and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (tie) Aer Lingus AerClub Finnair Plus Aegean Miles+Bonus SAS Eurobonus Miles & More (Lufthansa Group) Iberia Plus TAP Miles&Go Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles

The best airline rewards programs in Latin America

Avianca LifeMiles Copa Airlines ConnectMiles LATAM Pass Aeromexico Rewards

The top 10 airline rewards programs in the Middle East and Africa

Qatar Airways Privilege Club Emirates Skywards Etihad Guest Egyptair Plus Saudia Alfursan Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Royal Air Maroc Safar Flyer El Al Matmid Frequent Flyer Club Royal Jordanian Royal Club South African Airways Voyager

The top 10 airline rewards programs in Asia and Oceania

ANA Mileage Club (three-way tie), Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (three-way tie), and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (three-way tie) Asiana Airlines Asiana Club Japan Airlines JAL Mileage Bank Qantas Frequent Flyer Korean Air SkyPass EVA Air Infinity Mileagelands Virgin Australia Velocity Air New Zealand Airpoints Fortune Wings Club (Hainan Airlines) China Airlines Dynasty

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler

The Latest Travel News and Advice
This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

Finding the perfect bedroom layout thats functional and keeps everything out of your way can be a hard feat. Sometimes, theres no way to avoid arranging your bed so that its directly in front of or next to your windows, which can take away from whatever view and light they provide.

So how exactly do you style a room where your bed has to go in front of a window, and therefore, a set of curtains? While it may not seem like an ideal option, this is a layout that can (and does) work well in many rooms. In fact, Manuella Moreira, interior designer and founder of Manuella Moreira Interiors, encourages her clients to see it as an opportunity to make a bold statement with curtains and drapes.

Katelyn De Spain, principal designer at MakeHouse Design Studio, adds that a wall of curtains is a great way to add texture and privacy in any space, and it can be particularly helpful when needing to divide up a larger area and define a specific bedroom area in a loft space or studio apartment.

Adding a full wall of curtains can be stylish and affordable, especially if you choose off-the-shelf fabrics and simple hardware, De Spain says. Creating a wall of curtains, especially behind your bed, feels inviting and brings so much softness into the room.

Want to try out this design in your own home but dont know how? Here are nine rooms that show off just how desirable a wall of curtains behind your bed can be.

Credit: Anthony Garces Credit: Anthony Garces

Extend the drapes over an alcove.

Even if the window itself is small, extending the drapes across the entire wall gives the illusion of a larger window and adds depth to the room, Moreira says. The draperies behind the headboard in this room extend the entire length of the alcove behind the bed, transforming it into a decorative feature and not just a functional element.

Cover all the walls in sheer curtains.

This bedroom in this Los Angeles apartment feels like the perfect place to relax at the end of the day, thanks to the whole room being covered in wall-to-wall sheer curtains. We tried a method that we saw on one of our tours in Oregon at a place called The Stay Away where we put sheer curtains all around the room, owner Margaret Bienert says. This was a relatively cheap option, only took us one afternoon to complete, and it immediately made the room feel so cozy and relaxing!

Credit: Michael J Lee Credit: Michael J Lee

Use drapery to hide an odd-size window entirely.

Between the tiger stripe settee, patterned curtains, and matching wallpaper, this room is a maximalists dream. We did the drapery behind the bed to hide an odd-size window and to give the bed a center on the wall feel, says Boston-based interior designer Robin Gannon. The drapery allows you to pull it off the window if you want some light, but when closed creates a beautiful and soft backdrop for the bed. I often use them when there are architectural oddities that dont allow for a well-proportioned proper bed wall she adds.

Credit: Madeline Harper Credit: Madeline Harper

Extend the drapes over the entire wall.

With a blend of neutral tones and soft textures, this bedroom feels calm and peaceful. Wall-to-wall curtains behind the headboard help add privacy while staying true to the rooms balanced color palette, while matching leather accent stools at the foot of the bed add an extra place to sit down or set things while moving around the room.

Credit: Madeline Harper Credit: Madeline Harper

Add an oversized headboard for privacy.

In this home, the only place that made sense to put the bed was in front of the bedroom window. It was important that we were able to create privacy with the oversized windows, so we opted for a custom bed with an extra tall headboard and matching green velvet drapes behind the bed. The drapes create a beautiful layered aesthetic, and the motorized hardware makes them incredibly functional, says Shelby Van Daley, owner of Austin-based interior design firm Daley Home. The monochromatic color palette makes the room look and feel cohesive.

Use wall-to-wall drapes to minimize noise.

The bedroom is Tamiko Hargroves favorite room in her Montclair, New Jersey, apartment. Although small, the bedroom oozes personality and has a glamorous, zen vibe. Hargrove designed a custom extra-wide upholstered bed and used wall-to-wall blackout drapery as the backdrop, both of which help to minimize the noise from her next door neighbors.

Credit: Molly Culver Credit: Molly Culver

Add layered artwork to accentuate your drapes.

Theres so many things to love in this bedroom, including the abundance of natural light and the vaulted ceilings. Van Daley added wall-to-wall drapes and layered in artwork to hang on either side of the bed. The artwork is a big focal point in the room, in addition to the ottoman and chairs at the foot of the bed. With all of its natural textures and the neutral color palette, this rooms design feels very intentional, while also being inviting.

Use drapes to hide unsightly windows.

In this Brooklyn apartment, Michelle Trinh added in a soft curtain feature wall behind her bed. Not only do the blackout curtains help keep the room dark at night, but they also hide some small, unsightly windows when drawn shut. The apartments Parisian charm is apparent in the rooms blush pink tones.

Credit: Jason Varney Credit: Jason Varney

Add a spindled headboard so you can still see out the window.

The light-filtering black curtain wall behind this bed creates a dramatic backdrop that feels cohesive with the other black pillows and accessories used throughout the room. By choosing a spindled headboard, I could wake up in the morning, turn around, and take in the view of nature through my window. Who knew that what seemed like an awkward layout could bring such joy and be so beneficial? says designer Ghislaine Vinas.



I recommend using floor-to-ceiling curtains, which create a luxurious backdrop while enhancing the height. Choosing a perforated or spindled headboard allows you to maintain a visual connection with the window, preserving the view and the sense of openness, Vinas says.

Further Reading

We Tested (and Rated!) All the Living Room Seating at Burrow to Determine the Best for Every Space and Need (Bonus: Everythings 20% Off!)

Everything Youve Ever Wanted To Know About Articles DTC Furniture

See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room

Sign up for Apartment Therapy's Daily email newsletter to receive our favorite posts, tours, products, and shopping guides in your inbox.
In an extremely unusual situation, a golden eagle was killed after a string of attacks in Norway. The bird attacked four people, including a toddler.

Golden eagles are a widely distributed species with an average wingspan of around 2m. Though intimidatingly large birds, golden eagles usually hunt small prey, such as rabbits and marmots. Attacks on humans are practically unheard of. Yet, over a few days last week, a young eagle showed behavior that was radically different from normal.

A brazen attack

The most recent (and final) attack may have been the most terrifying. The eagle grabbed a 20-month-old toddler while she was playing in her garden in Norways central Trondelag region. Fortunately, her mother and a neighbor were nearby. It took both adults to force the eagle to release the toddler, who needed stitches and was left with scratches on her face.

But it kept coming back, the childs father told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. It was undeterred even when the neighbor chased it away with a stick.

The incident with the toddler appears to have been the fourth attack. Two days previously, 31-year-old Francis Ari Sture was out hiking when he thought a human had tried to shove him from a cliff. Turning to confront his attacker he came face to face with an extremely aggressive golden eagle.

We are staring at each other for, maybe, a whole minute, Sture told the Associated Press. Then, the eagle launched a barrage of attacks, chasing him down the mountain and scratching at his head and face. Sture managed to escape and a local hospital treated him for deep wounds to his face.

Francis Ari Sture with a wound on his face. Photo: Francis Ari Sture

An eagle with a behavioral disorder

A day before that, the eagle attacked Mariann Myrvang. The eagle landed on her shoulders, forcing her to her knees under its weight. Myrvangs husband had to beat it with a tree branch to drive it away. Like Sture, Myrvang required a hospital visit.

Alv Ottar Folkestad from BirdLife Norge believes that the young female eagle must have had a behavioral disorder, that prompted the highly unusual sequence of attacks.

Whatever the cause, the bizarre reign of terror is now over. Local game warden Per Kare Vinterdal arrived shortly after the attack on the toddler and killed the eagle.

The post Golden Eagle Killed After String of Attacks in Norway appeared first on Explorersweb.
Im going out for Costa Rican food. Want anything?

What *is* Costa Rican food?

Eugenio Esteban Mora laughs when I play out the scene, wondering whether more people stop at Hot Bunns because theyre in the know and excited to see a food truck serving it  or because theyre clueless and curious.

Grab some leid back airport eats at Aloha Hawaiian Kitchen | Review

Its both, really, he tells me. Some come because they heard something good from someone whos been here, others have visited Costa Rica and are looking for dishes they had while there and many times, people just show up at the window and say, Hey, is this Costa Rican food? What is it?!

Mora and his wife and partner, Iria Rojas, are happy to explain, though the first question I had was about the name.

At first, we were going to sell hot dogs, he chuckles.

Turns out that in the two decades theyve lived in the States (Mora is from San Ramon in Costa Ricas Alajuela province, Rojas from Miramar in Puntarenas) Rojas desire to start a food truck business grew exponentially.

Mora is in construction. He and Rojas run a cabinetry business and work the truck on weekends (an employee runs the show on days when theyre not there).

She would see the food trucks coming in and out of construction sites and wanted to do one of those. The hot dog cart is where it started  and where the name came from  but we had the opportunity to get something bigger and better, and we ended up with the food truck. But this has a lot of expenses and its hard to pay the bills from just hot dogs.

They decided to incorporate their native dishes, and in the year plus since Its been great! People really seem to like it.

Indeed, when I text a snap of the gallitos de salchichon ($9.99) to a friend, the response is near Pavlovian.

That folks would enjoy grill-seared slices of these savory sausages topped with fresh cabbage and Costa Ricas fresh, tomato-centric version of chimichurri  along with generous drizzles of mayo and ketchup (a condiment theme that runs thick throughout the street-foody menu)  is not particularly surprising.

As food trucks go, the pork is strong in this one. And theres no finer example than the chifrijo ($14.99).

Its definitely one of the most iconic Costa Rican dishes, says Mora.

Thick, crisp hunks of pork belly are piled atop gallo pinto, an equally Costa Rican staple of rice and beans. Alongside are sliced avocado, chimichurri, fried tortilla chips and lime for squeezing. This ones only available on Fridays and Saturdays, and its simultaneous freshness and decadence are worth planning your visit.

Chifrijo started in the bars, Mora tells me. This is where they serve small dishes, called bocas with the beer. You order a beer, and the bocas menu has these dishes you can order with every beer you have. Then people started making the chifrijo at home.

Which must be where the small plates grew large. Hot Bunns version is ample.

We love pork in Costa Rica, especially the chicharrones! The rice and beans, too, is a very Costa Rican thing. We eat this three times a day.

Topped with the tomato-onion-cilantro zing of the chimichurri, dishes from this to nachos to chorizo-laden tacos, the couple churns out fresh hits most folks appreciate.

Except the guy who came looking for Mexican food, Mora tells me, laughing.

He wanted lengua tacos. We tried to explain that we have tacos, just not that kind. He was mad.

They also do tamales, by the way, but these, too, are the Costa Rican variety, robust in size.

Theres more than just pork inside, Mora explains of the dish, which, like its Mexican counterpart, was designed to be portable.

We put veggies and sometimes rice inside. Every home has a different way. People add hard-boiled eggs or olives. Its a full lunch that provided field workers an easy way to carry a meal with them.

Theirs comes with pork, peas, carrots and potatoes. And though these tamales (a super value at $5 apiece) are Tico (slang for Costa Rican people or things), theyre prepared by the couples sons mother-in-law, who hails from El Salvador and whose version is Moras favorite.

Despite her background, however, shes not the one making the pupusas revueltas ($12.99), a Salvadoran standard.

Its why we have Central American food written on the truck, Mora explains.

Indeed, the menu here also features Argentinean choripan and even American burgers.

We try to please as many people as we can, he says, noting the diversity of the University of Central Florida students who frequent the truck, which parks at a gas station near the campus.

We use chicken for the people who dont eat pork or beef, and were always asking them what we can make that theyd like to have. Were open to serving more people and being better every time.

One thing almost everyone can get on board with (sorry, vegans!) is the Churchill, a shave-ice dessert (called copo in Costa Rica) named for a customer, reportedly a doppelganger for the British Prime Minister, who in the 1940s frequented a particular stand in Puntarenas.

His regular order  a version layered with red kola syrup (a fruity flavor I find reminiscent of cotton candy), condensed and powdered milk and topped with vanilla ice cream  has since become a national favorite.

If you try it here, it might become one of yours, enjoyed in the shade of the trucks awning amid friendly folks who gather for food that, though served far from Costa Ricas breathtaking beaches, volcanoes and rainforests, manage to rep the pura vida for which it is widely known.

Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Lets Eat, Orlando Facebook group.

If you go

Hot Bunns: 3015 Alafaya Trail in Oviedo, 407-616-4788; instagram.com/hotbunns_orlando
New Jersey native's NYC pizzeria named best in the world

A list of the best pizzerias in the world has been released, and while no New Jersey restaurants made the cut, a Garden State native who opened his first restaurants here is at the top.

50 Top Pizza, an online guide that ranks pizza worldwide, named Anthony Mangieri's Una Pizza Napoletana in New York City as No. 1 on its 2024 100 Best Pizzerias in the World list.

"In a country always accustomed to putting everything on pizza, Anthony proposes only the purest tradition in toppings, with extraordinary quality ingredients," reads their review.

The pizzaiolo, who grew up in Beachwood, began his culinary career in Red Bank in 1995 with a small, short-lived bread shop called Sant Arsenio Bakery. He opened the first Una Pizza Napoletana in Point Pleasant Beach in 1996 before moving to New York City in 2004.

Anthony Mangieri, an Ocean County native who is one of the world's foremost pizza makers, is shown outside his Una Pizza Napoletana in New York City.

  Connecticut says it's the pizza capital of the U.S. We think not

He relocated to San Francisco in 2010 before returning to New York in 2018. From 2020 to 2021, he ran Una Pizza Napoletana in Atlantic Highlands.

Its inspiring to be recognized for this 30 years into my career, Mangieri told CNN after 50 Top Pizza's standings were announced Sept. 10 in Naples, Italy.

How are the pizzerias selected?

According to 50 Top Pizza's website, pizza is evaluated "through a survey conducted by our inspectors, who are chosen among individuals that do not have any professional involvement, neither direct nor indirect, with the food sector."

Earlier this year, the guide released lists ranking the top pizzerias in Asia, Europe, Italy, Latin America and the United States.

Razza Pizza Artigianale in Jersey City placed 13th.

  What did Dave Portnoy think of the pizza at these five Ocean County restaurants?

Razza is no stranger to accolades. In June, it was named one of the best pizza places in the country by the New York Times. Owner Dan Richer has repeatedly been nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award.

The restaurant was named one that defines New Jersey dining in 2021 by Open Table, and as one of the best outside New York City by Thrillist in 2021.

Another of 50 Top Pizza's roundups, "Excellent Pizzerias" in the USA, includes Brick and Dough in Montclair, and Porta in Jersey City, which also has a restaurant in Asbury Park.

Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com, follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Beachwood NJ native's NYC pizzeria named best in the world
Relics of empire

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For as long as humans have lived in settled communities, some groups have sought to assert dominance over others, and through history the biggest empires grew to cover millions of square miles. But which were the largest? According to WorldAtlas, these were the biggest empires (by area) ever put together, ranging from vast confederations on the Asian steppes to colonial projects that spanned the globe.

Read on to discover the lives and legacies of history's 10 largest empires...

10th: The Xiongnu Empire, 3.47 million square miles

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The Xiongnu Empire formed in Mongolia in the late 3rd century BC and lasted for roughly 300 years. Unlike their contemporaries in ancient Greece and Rome, the overlords of the Xiongnu built a vast empire without a central bureaucracy, cities or mass agriculture. Instead, the nomadic Xiongnu ruled a confederation of different tribal groups across almost 3.5 million square miles (9m sq km) of grasslands and forest. They were formidable warriors, and their troupes of mounted archers were among the most effective soldiers of their day.

10th: The Xiongnu Empire, 3.47 million square miles

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Xiongnu expansion was driven partly by early ironworking, a technological development that gave their warriors access to strong and durable arrowheads, horse tack and carts. They became such a threat that the Han rulers of neighbouring China often decided it was better to bribe them with tributes and marriage alliances rather than face a prolonged war. The Xiongnu carried their wealth with them in the form of valuable artefacts, like this piece of gold in the shape of a grazing horse.

10th: The Xiongnu Empire, 3.47 million square miles

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The Xiongnu Empire was eventually defeated by the Chinese, and rapidly disintegrated in the 1st century AD. The empire had already fractured into smaller kingdoms, and assaults by China to the south and other groups to the north pushed the Xiongnu deeper into Central Asia. Whatever the exact causes of their decline, the nomadic Xiongnu left little evidence for archaeologists beyond tombs scattered across Mongolia, China and Russia. Many are yet to be excavated, and may yield new insights into this little-known people.

9th: The Yuan Dynasty, 4.25 million square miles

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The Yuan Dynasty was the first foreign-ruled dynasty in Chinese history, and arose when China was fully conquered by the Mongol armies of Kublai Khan in 1279. During the reign of Kublai the massive and unwieldy Mongol Empire fractured into four parts, and the largest portion  including China  went to Kublai's grandson Temur Khan on his death in 1294. Temur, pictured here hunting, ruled China from Khanbaliq (modern-day Beijing) under the Chinese name Emperor Chengzong of Yuan.

9th: The Yuan Dynasty, 4.25 million square miles

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Since the Yuan Dynasty had its origins in the even larger Mongol Empire, its no surprise that Yuan-era China saw trade through Central Asia flourish like never before. The Yuan grew rich on exports of fine textiles, ceramics and intricate art pieces like this jade belt ornament. The emperors improved communication across their domain by building new roads and expanding the Grand Canal that snaked 1,000 miles (1,600km) from Beijing to Hangzhou. Italian explorer Marco Polo visited China at this time, and even served in Kublai Khan's court.

9th: The Yuan Dynasty, 4.25 million square miles

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Although Yuan emperors adopted some Chinese ways, they remained Mongols at heart and never fully assimilated. The Yuan emperors were often uninterested in the day-to-day business of government and rebellion fomented among the Chinese bureaucrats left to do all the work. A series of revolts in the mid-14th-century led to the overthrow of the final Yuan emperor in 1368, although the dynasty left a long legacy. Many Yuan monuments remain, including Beijings Drum Tower and Bell Tower, pictured here.

=7th: The Umayyad Caliphate, 4.29 million square miles

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The Umayyad Caliphate was the second caliphate established after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, and an extremely important force in shaping the early Islamic world. It was founded after Mu'awiyah seized control from Ali, the son-in-law of Muhammad, and established an empire based around his new capital of Damascus in AD 661. Conquests followed, and by the early 8th century the caliphate had transformed into a multi-ethnic empire that included North Africa and Spain. Christians and Jews were allowed to practice their religions in return for an extra tax.

=7th: The Umayyad Caliphate, 4.29 million square miles

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The Umayyad era was a critical period in the development of Islamic art and architecture. Elements of Byzantine and Persian building styles merged with new forms to influence impressive new monuments, including the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and the Great Mosque of Damascus (pictured here). Both buildings were constructed on top of old Jewish and Christian sites of worship, although Jewish and Christian craftsmen were often recruited to build them.

=7th: The Umayyad Caliphate, 4.29 million square miles

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A heavy defeat at the hands of the Byzantines in 717 helped sow the seeds of the Umayyad collapse. Criticism of the ruling dynasty mounted and open rebellions broke out through the 740s. The Umayyads hastily built desert castles to protect themselves like this one at Qasr al-Hammam al-Sarh, but after a series of military reversals the last Umayyad caliph was killed in 750. Most members of the Umayyad Dynasty were slaughtered after the overthrow, but one branch of the family survived as rulers of a much-reduced kingdom in Spain.

=7th: The Abbasid Caliphate, 4.29 million square miles

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The Abbasid Caliphate succeeded the Umayyads after defeating them at the Battle of the Zab, and they stamped their authority on the Islamic world by moving the capital to their power base in Baghdad in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The empire they inherited no longer included northwest Africa or Spain, but the Abbasids made up for these losses by expanding eastwards. The Abbasid Caliphate peaked at the start of the 9th century, when Caliph Al-Mamun commissioned this finely decorated globe to celebrate his conquests.

=7th: The Abbasid Caliphate, 4.29 million square miles

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The Abbasids oversaw a flourishing intellectual scene known as the Islamic Golden Age. Scholars from across the empire flocked to the House of Wisdom, a state-sponsored library in Baghdad. Scribes translated ancient Roman, Greek and Persian texts into Arabic and perfected their ability to record new discoveries. Muslim doctors researched new ways to treat ailments, while scientists delved into physics, chemistry and astronomy, using inventions like this 9th-century astrolabe to accurately chart the sky.

=7th: The Abbasid Caliphate, 4.29 million square miles

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After 500 years of rule, a weakened Abbasid Caliphate faced a new and implacable foe when Mongol armies exploded from Central Asia, initially under the command of Genghis Khan. After stubbornly defying Mongol threats, Baghdad was sacked in 1258 by a mighty Mongol army that all but obliterated the city, slaughtering the caliph and his subjects with unfettered brutality. Few relics of the Abbasid era survive in Baghdad, although the Mustansiriya Madrasah scholarly complex (pictured) retains its distinctive Abbasid baked-brick vaults and arches.

6th: The Second French Colonial Empire, 4.44 million square miles

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France had two bites of the cherry when it came to empire-building. Its North American possessions had already been lost when French leaders began a colonial reboot in the 19th century. The second time around, the French concentrated on expansion into Africa, Indochina (modern Southeast Asia) and the South Pacific. They redoubled their efforts in the 1870s after the disastrous Franco-Prussian War, and the French Empire reached a peak between the world wars when France took over parts of what is now Syria, Lebanon, Cameroon and Togo.

6th: The Second French Colonial Empire, 4.44 million square miles

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While the First French Colonial Empire saw settlers flock to relatively undeveloped lands, the second batch of colonies focused on already well-established nations. The French constructed European-style buildings like the Opera House in Vietnamese capital Hanoi, shown here in an early 20th-century postcard. But this cultural exchange was hardly equal. France stripped its colonies of natural resources and seized many treasures including the royal jewels of Madagascar, ritual masks from Senegal and sculptures from Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

6th: The Second French Colonial Empire, 4.44 million square miles

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France lost direct control over large swathes of its empire during the Second World War, and many colonial subjects resisted the reassertion of French authority in 1945. The Algerian War of Independence and its accompanying atrocities caused the collapse of the French government in 1958, while the battle for Indochinas future became a proxy for the Cold War superpowers and led to the Vietnam War. In West Africa, where this colonial building now crumbles, the last remnants of the French Empire declared independence with barely any resistance from Paris.

5th: The Spanish Empire, 5.29 million square miles

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Christopher Columbus voyage across the Atlantic in 1492 kicked off the Age of Discovery and inaugurated the Spanish Empire. Spanish expansion into the New World came at the point of a gun, a weapon that the Indigenous inhabitants of the Americas had no way to counter. Spanish conquistadors forced the submission of countless native leaders, including those of the Aztec and Inca civilisations, while European diseases battered their populations. Soon, most of the New World was under Spanish control, as this 1582 map of South America shows.

5th: The Spanish Empire, 5.29 million square miles

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The Spanish extracted vast riches from their colonies, and treasure fleets sailed across the Atlantic with holds packed with gold. These ships were tempting targets for hostile nations and pirates, and not every ship made it back to Spain. The Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes was returning from the colonies in 1804 when a single British cannonball struck the ships magazine and condemned 250 Spaniards and 500,000 gold coins to a watery grave. The treasure has since been recovered and is on display at the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena, Spain.

5th: The Spanish Empire, 5.29 million square miles

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The Spanish Empire collapsed like a house of cards after Spain was invaded by Napoleon Bonapartes armies in the early 19th century. The empire was already facing huge problems, and its South American possessions steadily gained independence from Madrid through the 1810s and 1820s. But the legacy of Spanish rule is a long one. Spanish is the dominant language of Central and South America, Catholicism is the dominant faith and nearly half the population of South America is of European descent. Thousands of colonial-era churches are still standing, including this magnificent cathedral in Cordoba, Argentina.

4th: The Qing Dynasty, 5.68 million square miles

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China had already been ruled by emperors for almost 2,000 years when the Manchu people invaded from the northeast and overthrew the Ming Dynasty, capturing Beijing in 1644. The transfer of power to the Manchu ruler, the five-year-old Shunzhi Emperor, began a new era under the Qing Dynasty. Shunzhi and his successors set about expanding their rule into Outer Mongolia, Tibet and Xinjiang. The Qing Empire reached its greatest extent in 1760 after a series of military conquests under the remarkably long-lived Qianlong Emperor.

4th: The Qing Dynasty, 5.68 million square miles

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In the areas that were historically part of China, the Qing emperors continued to rule using the long-established state bureaucracy, staffed by educated officials who had to pass exams before they could join the government. Newly conquered areas were controlled separately through local rulers who were granted some degree of freedom. To keep the two systems separate, migration between old China and the new territories was restricted. At its height, the Qing Dynasty controlled a vast and wealthy empire.

4th: The Qing Dynasty, 5.68 million square miles

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The Qianlong Emperor died in 1799, and his successors faced new external enemies in the new century. Colonial powers were now building empires from the other side of the world, and they had ambitions to expand into China. They forced the Qing to sign a series of humiliating and unequal treaties, which helped cause a series of uprisings that ended with the abdication of six-year-old Emperor Puyi in 1912. The Forbidden City, pictured here, was no longer a royal palace but an empty relic of Imperial China, never to be occupied by an emperor again.

3rd: The Russian Empire, 8.8 million square miles

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The Russian Empire was proclaimed in 1721 by Peter the Great, the tsar who transformed Russia from a regional power into an empire at the expense of Sweden in the north and the Ottoman Empire in the south. After that, the Russians began a long trek east, conquering new lands in Siberia and crossing the Bering Strait into North America (as shown in this 1775 map). At its height at the end of the 19th century, the Russian Empire covered roughly a sixth of all the land on Earth and encompassed 125 million people.

3rd: The Russian Empire, 8.8 million square miles

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The Russian Empire was always an outsider among the great powers of Europe, and not just because of geography. The tsars considered themselves the equals of their counterparts in Britain and France, but they were arguably the last absolute monarchs in Europe. Opposition was ruthlessly purged, although some opponents slipped the net. In 1881, revolutionaries killed Tsar Alexander II as his carriage passed through the streets of St Petersburg. The Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood was built on the site to honour his memory.

3rd: The Russian Empire, 8.8 million square miles

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The first years of the 20th century saw increasing opposition to autocracy, and Russian failures in the First World War helped spark two revolutions in 1917. The ensuing Bolshevik government shifted the capital to Moscow and transformed the Russian Empire into a union of socialist republics. The last tsar, Nicholas II, was whisked away into the wilderness and executed along with his family. His favoured residence, the Alexander Palace, fell into disrepair  although it was recently refurbished and turned into a state museum.

2nd: The Mongol Empire, 9.27 million square miles

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The largest contiguous empire the world has ever seen, the Mongol Empire stretched from Europe in the west to the Sea of Japan in the east, and from the Arctic Circle down to the Indian subcontinent. The empire reached its greatest extent in 1279 when Kublai Khan completed the conquest of China. By that time the Mongols' famously efficient messenger-riders, who could supposedly cover around 200 miles (322km) a day, would take more than a month to travel from one end of the empire to the other.

2nd: The Mongol Empire, 9.27 million square miles

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The sudden rise of the Mongols began when a warlord named Temujin united the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian Plateau and took on a new name: Genghis Khan. His military supremacy came thanks to his extremely mobile armies staffed by mounted warriors who were deadly with bows and arrows. Enemies that did not submit were put down with extreme brutality, and the Mongols' ruthless reputation soon preceded them. Many smaller kingdoms chose to surrender rather than face the might of the Mongol horde.

2nd: The Mongol Empire, 9.27 million square miles

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The Mongol Empire began to fracture after the death of its fourth Great Khan, Mongke, in 1259. Different factions vied for control, and, although Genghis' grandson Kublai technically ruled as Great Khan until his death in 1294, the empire was already coming apart. The empire would never again unite under a single ruler, and Karakorum, the grand capital of the Mongol Empire for just 50 years, soon fell into disrepair. It is now the site of Erdene Zuu Monastery (pictured) in central Mongolia.

1st: The British Empire, 13.71 million square miles

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The Victorians were proud of the British Empire, and many Victorian writers depicted their global dominion as a modernising force transmitting British values around the world. The reality was often very different, and when this map was produced in 1886 Britain was still annexing territory at a rapid rate. Over the next three decades the British Empire took control of large swathes of Africa and reached its peak in 1920. At that time it covered around a quarter of the globe  the largest empire the world has ever seen.

1st: The British Empire, 13.71 million square miles

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The British Empire was built on the back of maritime supremacy on the high seas. Britain used the power of the Royal Navy to seize control of new lands and create a lucrative global trade network  often at the expense of these lands' inhabitants. Britain became rich partly by extracting natural resources and seizing valuable treasures like the Benin Bronzes, looted by British troops as they razed the royal palace of Benin in 1897.

1st: The British Empire, 13.71 million square miles

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The Second World War, which bankrupted Britain despite its victory, spelled the beginning of the end for British imperium. India became independent in 1947 following Mahatma Gandhi's famous nonviolent civil disobedience campaign, and by 1967 more than 20 former British territories were independent. Today, sites like the British Residency in Lucknow, India  once home to the British High Commissioner  are a crumbling reminder of a bygone age of imperial control.

Read on to discover the earliest photos ever taken in the UK
My husband Michael and I recently spent some time in Iceland, and a local woman told us about the ancient Icelandic (and Faroe Islands) legend of Huldufolk, or Hidden People  mischievous beings who live in hiding alongside humans.

Theyre invisible. Or, wait, no, maybe theyre visible but just hidden. Except sometimes you can see them, their faces outlined in rocks and on trees  and, uh, maybe in your morning toast?

Can you see the Hidden Person? (Filippo Arteconi via Getty Images)

The Hidden People look exactly like humans. Unless theyre more like elves. Or, no, they could be small like fairies  tiny enough to fit in the miniature houses that see all over the place that Icelanders have put in their yards for the Hidden People to live in.

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The Hidden People are good, which is why Icelanders leave food out for them on Christmas Eve. Except maybe theyre evil, and youll sometimes meet a Hidden Person at a crossroads, and if you eat the food they offer, theyll steal your soul.

Hmm, the more this woman talked, the more it all seemed like a bunch of contradictory nonsense.

Do Icelanders really believe in Hidden People, or is it more of a national myth  like how the Chinese celebrate flying dragons, or how the British act like fresh vegetables will kill them?

Our Icelandic friend told us a story about a construction site where all the machines kept breaking down. An old woman living nearby warned the builders that the Hidden People were sabotaging the tractors because the workers were about to bulldoze their home. She said she needed five days to talk to the Hidden People and lure them away, and when the builders finally agreed, and she supposedly did, the malfunctions stopped.

Ive since learned that this event supposedly took place in 1971, and Icelanders have been repeating it for decades, giving it the feel of a giant game of Telephone.

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I doubt much of this actually happened, but if theyd ever made a movie about it, the old woman would almost certainly have been played by a foul-mouthed Betty White, and shed also be secretly feeding a giant alligator that is terrorizing the neighborhood, like in that old movie Lake Placid.

I bet Betty White could see the Hidden People. (20th Century Fox)

Our Icelandic friend also told us a story about her own best friend who recently recovered memories of being able to see and talk to the Hidden People as a child. Shes now convinced the Hidden People exist and shes determined to make contact again  even as she also apparently gets very annoyed when you mention that her memory of talking to the Hidden People sounds a lot like, er, the imaginary friends that a lot of kids have.

Ive met people like our friends best friend at cocktail parties and such, and Im always fifty percent curious to hear their stories and fifty percent suddenly fascinated by the pickled beet hummus dip.

Frankly, if the Hidden People really do exist, they would explain a lot about our world. And I dont mean the usual things like missing socks and misplaced keys  those are all clearly Michaels fault.

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No, I mean things like when I wake up in the middle of the night with a fantastic idea for a story, and I write it down, and then when I look at it again in the morning, its a piece of crap.

And how someone decided it was a good idea to require every single website to ask if they can install cookies on your browser, and its the most annoying thing ever, especially since this same requirement didnt forbid the websites from making it incredibly difficult to decline their damn cookies.

And also the fact that Katy Perry suddenly cant seem to do anything right and, yeah, pumpkin spice everything.

These things are all pretty clearly the work of the Hidden People  except maybe pumpkin spice everything. I have a feeling thats Michaels fault too.

aire images via Getty Images

Im making jokes about the Hidden People and the people who believe in them, but the truth is, I find this to be a very beautiful myth.

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Legends like the Hidden People are more than mere curiosities. They mean something. Why did this one develop?

Were the Hidden People a way to teach children the danger of the forest  a particularly important lesson in the harsh climates of Iceland and the Faroe Islands?

Or maybe they were a way to create a stronger community, uniting the first Icelandic villages against all external dangers  a shadow version of themselves that helped shape and define exactly who they wanted to be.

Or maybe the Hidden People were simply a way for those early Icelanders to acknowledge a profound and obvious truth that our modern world desperately tries to deny: that there are still many things about our existence that humans dont understand, and many things over which we have no control.

I love many things about the modern, science-based Western world, but if theres one thing I find off-putting, its our complete lack of humility.

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Ive written before about the vast forest below our house when I was a child. I felt an incredible connection to that place.

I didnt speak to it exactly  not like that woman says she spoke to the Hidden People as a child. But I think maybe once that forest spoke to me.

I was about twelve years old, still a boy but with the vague shimmer of adulthood rising on the horizon. I was reading in my bedroom, and I suddenly felt a strange urge to go down into the woods.

arcady_31 via Getty Images

I resisted for a bit but finally put down my book and headed off into the forest.

But I didnt stay on the trail. No, I now had this strange desire to go off into the trees. I had no destination but still felt a clear sense of direction.

Before long, I came upon a small tree on fire. What? Had it been hit by lightning? More likely, some asshole kids had set it and then run off.

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But if that fire kept burning, it could spread to the whole forest.

I ran to a nearby pond and gathered water in my hands. It took a while, but I eventually doused the flames.

I swear to God this is a true story, and to this day, I wonder: why was I drawn to that place at that particular time? Most likely, it was all a coincidence.

But what if the forest and its own Hidden People were, wellcalling to me? Who better than I, their longtime friend, to protect them in their moment of danger?

I cant see the Hidden People, but maybe I once heard them! (Michael Jensen)

When I was a kid, I desperately wanted all the so-called mysteries of the world to be true: UFOs, ESP, ghosts, Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster.

When I reached adulthood, I realized, sadly, Ohhhh, thats all a bunch of superstitious nonsense.

But the older I get, the more I realize it doesnt matter if certain things are real  that they can still communicate profound truths. And they can still make us feel things.

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Which is why Im so excited that in a couple of weeks, Ill be visiting Loch Ness for the first time in my life.

The greater take-away is, if you ever see me at a cocktail party, you should probably think twice before talking to me. You might be better off with the pickled beet hummus dip.
Surgeon general's warning: Parenting may be hazardous to your health

The surgeon general has a new public health warning. And this time, the hazard isnt tobacco or alcohol: its parenting.

Two-fifths of parents say that on most days, they are so stressed they cannot function, the Office of the Surgeon General reports in an advisory titled Parents Under Pressure. Roughly half of parents term that stress completely overwhelming.

Those dire findings anchor a 35-page report, released in late August, that posits parents' stress as an urgent public health issue. It draws on data from the American Psychological Association and other sources to build a case that parents are facing more stress than at perhaps any other time in recent history.

One-third of parents with children under 18 rate their stress level as 8 or higher on a 10-point scale, according to psychological association data. Two-fifths of parents report being so stressed they feel numb. Three-fifths say stress makes it hard to focus. Two-thirds are consumed by money problems.

In each case, parents report markedly higher rates of stress than nonparents.

Our stress levels are probably tenfold, said Sara Barron, 35, a mother of three who lives near Sacramento, California, comparing herself and her childless friends. They can go out drinking, go out partying, and they dont have to find a babysitter.

Sara Barron, 35, had her first child at the start of the pandemic and struggled to find affordable child care.

'It's the warning that we all needed'

Parenting and child care advocates hailed the surgeon generals effort to raise an alarm about the stresses of modern parenting.

Its the warning that we all needed, said Gretchen Salyer, founder and CEO of June Care, a company that connects parents with other families for child care. You think about the ripple effects of that on your kids. If your parents cant function, how can we expect our youth mental health crisis to get any better?

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, a father of two, added a personal note to the advisory, describing parenting as the toughest and most rewarding job Ive ever had.

The report provides data-driven snapshots of key sources of parental stress.

Four-year-olds shoot basketballs at Little Inspirations Learning Academy in Pensacola on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024.

Child care costs are on the rise

Child care prices have risen by 26% in the past decade, according to a White House estimate.

The average household that pays for child care spends $325 a week, or 18.6% of its weekly income, according to a recent analysis by LendingTree, a personal finance site. Another report, from the caregiver site Care.com, found that the average family spends 24% of household income on child care.

Both figures exceed federal guidelines on what parents should be paying for child care.

Theres no question that child care is significantly more expensive than it was a generation ago, said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. There are so many couples out there where one parent is deciding whether its worth their effort to go find another job because of the cost of child care.

Parents have more demands on their time

The surgeon generals report suggests that parents face many more demands on their time now than in previous generations.

The average parent spends 33 hours a week in work and related activities, federal data show.

Mothers and fathers alike are working more. Average work hours for moms rose from 20.9 per week in 1985 to 26.7 hours in 2022. For dads, average work hours rose from 39.8 to 41.2 in that span.

Parents are also spending more time caring for their own children. Mothers spent 11.8 hours a week delivering child care in 2022, on average, up from 8.4 hours in 1985. For fathers, weekly child care hours rose from 2.6 to 6.6 in those years.

The federal report lists several other stress points for parents. Nearly 3 in 4 parents worry their child will struggle with anxiety or depression, amid a wider mental health crisis among young people. School shootings, or the possibility of one, seed stress for 74% of parents. Two-thirds of parents experience loneliness.

Technology looms as a parenting challenge

Technology looms as a singular challenge in American parenting. Nearly 70% of parents say parenting is more difficult than it was 20 years ago, the report says, and social media is a leading culprit.

Sites such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram have been accused of hijacking childrens brains, monopolizing their time, isolating them from loved ones and causing or amplifying mental health problems.

For struggling parents, the COVID-19 pandemic has proved both a blessing and a curse.

The remote-work revolution allowed millions of parents to work from home, giving them much more flexibility in child care decisions.

But the pandemic also shuttered child care facilities, creating child care "deserts" that endure across much of the nation.

"We're seeing fewer and fewer day cares out there," said Sean Lacey, general manager of child care at Care.com. "We're seeing more scarcity and longer waitlists for parents trying to get their kids into day care."

Barron, the Sacramento mom, had her third child at the start of the pandemic.

Day care wasnt an option because everything was closed, she said. Once he was able to go to day care, it was $3,000 a month, nearly as much as their mortgage.

I found myself almost needing to step down from my career, which I had spent 15 to 20 years to get into, just because of child care.

Scarlett Xu, 37, waited until her mid-30s to have her first child. "I wanted to make sure that I was financially OK," she said.

Americans are becoming parents later, if at all

The well-documented stresses of modern parenting have prompted many young Americans to think twice about becoming parents.

Americas fertility rate stands at its lowest level on record, federal data show. More women are having babies in their 30s, if at all.

Researchers cite career concerns, limited child care options, inadequate parental leave policies and the costs of raising a child as reasons why fewer Americans are having children.

Theyre seeing how much cost there is, and how much of a lifestyle change there is, and sometimes its scary, said Scarlett Xu, 37, of San Diego.

Xu waited till her mid-30s to have her first child, who is now approaching his second birthday.

I wanted to make sure that I was financially OK, she said.

'Child care desert': In this state, parents pay one-third of their income on child care

How can policymakers help stressed-out parents?

The surgeon generals report lists several policy steps available to federal and local governments to help struggling parents. Among them:

 Promote and expand funding for programs such as Head Start and Healthy Start, which help parents with early education and health care needs.

 Establish a national paid family and medical leave program.

 Invest in social infrastructure to bring parents and caregivers together, such as community parks and programs.

 Ensure parents and caregivers have access to affordable, high-quality mental health care.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Parenting may be hazardous to your health, surgeon general warns
Travelling on Friday the 13th could save you over a fifth on flights

Some people may be superstitious of flying on Friday the 13th  but it could save money (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Holidaymakers could save up to 21 per cent if they choose to fly on Friday the 13th over all other Fridays in the year.

Flight comparison website Kayak has found that those who booked to jet off to a European destination from London airports this Friday the 13th in September, could have saved 21 per cent, the equivalent of a 99 saving when compared to the average price of round-trip economy flights on other, perhaps slightly more lucky Fridays in 2024.

While some superstitious Brits would absolutely rule out flying on what is considered one of the most unlucky days in the calendar, those who brave booking and boarding a flight on Friday the 13th may actually save themselves a bit of their holiday budget.

Those who grabbed themselves a cheaper flight could have jetted off to Paris, Prague and Krakow, where round trips from London were priced for under 100, the travel search engine said.

Tourists who booked a trip on 12 September could have paid for return flights from Stanstead to Nantes in France for just 57, a return trip from Luton to Edinburgh would have cost a mere 88 and London Southend return flights to Paris were up for grabs at only 98.

For those booking and flying on Friday the 13th, there are still dozens of European hotspots that are serving up cheaper flights on this superstitious day.

Among the cheapest return flights is an Austrian getaway, with city breakers only spending around 187 from London airports to Salzburg, according to Kayaks database as of 13 September.

Booking and flying to Nantes on Friday 13th would still cost you very little, at around 113, or passengers could spend just 148 to fly to Oviedo in Spain.

For those who have missed out on the low prices this time, there is still one more Friday the 13th to come in 2024 - bad news for those with a phobia of the date, but great for airline bargain hunters.

Cheap flights that are currently displayed, as of 13 September, for those travelling on the next Friday the 13th in December, could snap up a deal on flights to Edinburgh at around 35.

If a winter holiday slightly further away than Scotland is more appealing, flights to Milan, Italy, on 13 December are selling for as little as 42, or a Spanish escape to Barcelona would only cost around 46.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
You're in luck. It's Friday the 13th, and Krispy Kreme is offering 13 cent doughnuts

Todays your lucky day  and yes, today is Friday the 13th.

Krispy Kreme has a new deal right in time for a day the superstitious are wary of.

Krispy Kreme announced in a news release Wednesday that customers can get a dozen original glazed doughnuts for 13 cents with the purchase of any dozen or 16-count minis at regular price.

The deal is available at participating locations, good for one customer, and online or for delivery when using promo code "13" on Krispy Kremes app.

Are you confused about why today is considered unlucky? Heres what to know.

History of Friday the 13th and origin

Friday the 13ths reputation for bad luck largely originates from religious and cultural beliefs. In Christianity, it is associated with the Last Supper, where Judas, the 13th guest, betrayed Jesus, leading to his crucifixion on a Friday, according to USA TODAY.

Norse mythology also contributes, with the 13th god, Loki, bringing chaos and death.

This superstition deepened over time, particularly after the mass arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13th, 1307, further cementing the days unlucky status.

When is the next Friday the 13th?

There's one more Friday the 13th in 2024, and it falls in December. The next one after that will come in June 2025.

Is Friday the 13th bad luck? Here's what to do, and not to do, today

Avoid:

Breaking a mirror : Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck , so handle glass carefully today.

Walking under a ladder : This superstition stems from the idea that walking under a ladder disrupts the triangle, a symbol of life, and invites misfortune.

Spilling salt : Accidentally spilling salt has been seen as bad luck for centuries. To counteract, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil.

Crossing paths with a black cat : Black cats, often associated with witches and bad omens, are considered unlucky, especially when they cross your path on Friday the 13th.

Stepping on Cracks: The rhyme "step on a crack, break your mother's back" comes from the idea that stepping on cracks invites bad energy or harm.

To pursue:

Carrying a lucky charm : Items like four-leaf clovers , horseshoes , or rabbits feet are believed to bring good luck and protection from bad vibes.

Knocking on wood: This age-old superstition is believed to prevent bad luck or jinxes. If you say something hopeful, knock on wood to "seal the deal" and keep good fortune on your side.

Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Friday the 13th bad luck? Not with Krispy Kreme's 13 cent doughnuts
SOFIA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian law enforcement authorities have seized 124.708 kg of smuggled gold items worth 6 million U.S. dollars at the country's Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint, authorities said Friday.

"This was the largest amount of contraband gold seized at the Bulgarian borders," the National Customs Agency (NCA) said in a statement.

The items were found on Wednesday in a car with Bulgarian registration, which arrived at the checkpoint at 7:30 p.m. local time, and was traveling from Bulgaria to Turkiye, it said.

According to the NCA, the driver and his companion, one Bulgarian citizen and the other with dual Bulgarian-Turkish citizenship, said they had nothing to declare. However, a thorough inspection that lasted over 13 hours revealed gold ingots, bars, jewelry and coins, which were hidden in various places in the car. 
1 dead after construction accident at softball field near Ohio elementary school

One person died in what police are calling a construction accident at a softball field near an Ohio elementary school on Thursday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The accidents happened just before 2:15 p.m. at the softball field located at the corner of Tussic Street Road and Mount Royal Avenue in Westerville, our news partners WBNS-10 Tv reported.

TRENDING STORIES:

The field is south of Alcott Elementary School and next to Westerville Central High School.

According to Genoa Township police, crews were dragging the field when the accident happened.

Additional details were not immediately available.

We will continue to follow this story.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




LAURINBURG, S.C. (WBTW)  A manhunt is underway for a gunman who allegedly fatally shot an 18-year-old Waffle House employee.

Officers arrived at the Waffle House on Scotland Crossing Drive at 12:42 a.m. Friday where they found an employee, Burlie Locklear, suffering from a gunshot wound. Locklear was transported to Scotland Memorial Hospital where he later died.

The investigation revealed that the suspect came to the business and ordered food. While the food was being prepared, the suspect became agitated and verbally abusive toward the employees, according to police.

Once the food was provided, the suspect walked toward the parking lot, turned and fired two shots in the direction of the business, hitting Locklear, police said.

Police described the suspect as a man with long dreads and a beard, about 5-foot 9 inches tall and 150 pounds.

He was last seen wearing a dark blue pullover hoodie, jeans, and white shoes. He was operating a dark gray Chevrolet, last seen driving on Scotland Crossing Drive toward W. Boulevard.

Waffle House provided News13 with the following statement after the shooting.

We are mourning the tragic death of one of our Waffle House Associates, who was the victim of an outrageous act of violence early this morning at our Laurinburg, NC restaurant.

The death of our Associate, 18-year-old Burlie Dawson Locklear, known simply as Dawson to his friends and family, is horrific. We offer our sincerest and deepest sympathy to his family and friends. We are offering free counseling services to our Associates as we all mourn this tragic loss of life.

We are working closely with law enforcement as they investigate this matter. We will do whatever we can to help the authorities find and arrest this murderer. We refer all media questions concerning the investigation to local law enforcement. We will have no further comment at this time.

The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is asked to contact Laurinburg Police Department Lt. White, at 910-276-3211.

* * *

Jackie LiBrizzi is a multimedia journalist at News13. Jackie is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, and was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. Jackie joined the News13 team in June 2023 after she graduated as a student-athlete from the University of South Carolina in May 2023. Follow Jackie on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
1-year-old at center of statewide Amber Alert found safe; suspect in custody

A statewide Amber Alert was canceled after a 1-year-old girl who police said was abducted by her non-custodial father was found safe Thursday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

News Center 7 previously reported that an Amber Alert was issued Thursday evening for 1-year-old Lux Tiwari from the Newark area.

The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Sewak Tiwari, the childs non-custodial father.

TRENDING STORIES:

The child and the suspect were found at a hotel nearly two hours after the Amber Alert was put in place, our news partners WBNS-10 TV reported.

Tiwaris vehicle was also located at the hotel by Columbus police. Tiwari has been taken into custody.

Newark police are expected to provide further details on Friday.

We will continue to follow this story.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhamre was a driven Penn State doctoral student with dreams of motherhood until she was killed by a speeding driver in State College.

A year after her death, shes being remembered by her loved ones in ways that aim to keep her legacy alive. Notably, a graduate scholarship established in her name will help another Penn State student make contributions to the field of physics, while a fundraising hike will raise money for the international charity Save the Children.

The establishment of a scholarship in her name will allow her memory to live on for as long as possible, her father Peter Arnesson Gyld said in a written statement shared by the university.

Lovisa was incredibly helpful and always stepped up when someone needed assistance, he said. A scholarship that can be awarded in her name is yet another way for her to continue helping others, just as she did when she was with us. Her kind heart can continue to make a difference.

Peter Arnesson Gyld, Matthew Hollingham, and Maja Cronhamre speak about Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhamre during a ceremony celebrating Lovisas life on Sept. 12 where they also announced the memorial scholarships establishment.

Helping others follow their dreams at Penn State

Arnesson-Cronhamre, 25, was a graduate student in architectural engineering who planned to transfer to physics to pursue her passion.

Established by her parents and fiance, the Be More Lovisa Graduate Student Scholarship in Physics in the Eberly College of Science will provide funding for grad students in physics. There will be a preference for students studying particle astrophysics.

Members of her family from Sweden and her fiance Matthew Hollinghams family from the United Kingdom announced the establishment of the memorial scholarship during a ceremony Thursday in State College.

Losing Lovisa has been devastating but we, as a family, strongly wish to contribute to someone elses love of physics and to honor Lovisa in a way that will keep her memory alive, her mother Maja Cronhamre said in a statement. We have chosen to do this at Penn State, where her future dreams were being made possible. For us as a family, its vital to reflect Lovisa and her amazing qualities in a way that can contribute to her memory and so that other graduate students may follow their own dream.

The scholarship will be awarded to a grad student in the Eberly College of Science studying physics who shows a passion for the subject and a conscientious, determined, considered and forward-thinking approach, the university said. The candidate must also be supportive to others while making a significant contribution either individually or within a team.

Her heart was in physics, Penn State physics professor Doug Cowen said in a statement. There was no hurdle high enough to deter Lovisa from pursuing her goal of a Ph.D. in experimental neutrino physics. She will be remembered as an exceptionally self-motivated, gifted, warm, enthusiastic young woman who would have become an outstanding experimental neutrino physicist.

Remembered as modest and humble, nominations for the scholarship in Lovisas honor will be accepted from those who work alongside students who are worthy of consideration but may not apply themselves.

The first two recipients of the scholarship were Sarka Blahnik and Emma Steinebronn.

Be More Lovisa Graduate Student Scholarship recipients Sarka Blahnik (center left) and Emma Steinebronn (center right) stand with the parents of Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhamre, Maja Cronhamre (far left) and Peter Arnesson Gyld (far right).

Its not really that this is the best physics student thats achieved all these things and is great on paper. We aimed it more at a physics student who is the glue that holds people together, is strong, is determined, is kind, Hollingham, who is a Penn State grad student in architectural engineering, told the Centre Daily Times. Its less so This is the most outstanding physicist. This is the kindest person. In a way, its a kindness award.

A selfie of Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhamre and Matthew Hollingham.

Truly lived her life well

Arnesson-Cronhamre was remembered by Hollingham as happy, sweet and kind on the surface. But behind her exterior, he said she was a very determined and amazingly capable woman.

As someone who lived with Type 1 diabetes, she was also a dedicated powerlifter. Hollingham said she was the third strongest for her weight class in Scotland. Yet if you only knew her in passing, you likely wouldnt been any the wiser.

If you asked her if she went to the gym, shed be like, Sometimes,  Hollingham said with a laugh.

Hollingham, a 24-year-old who was born and raised in London, was introduced to the Swedish-born Arnesson-Cronhamre through a friend at a party while they studied at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

After learning she was interested in powerlifting, Hollingham sent her a message the day after the party and asked if she wanted to go to the gym. Their love blossomed from there.

After graduating, the two came to Penn State to pursue doctoral degrees. Just weeks later, she was hit by a fellow student as she jogged along the 200 block of East Park Avenue. Friday marked one year since her death.

Lovisa truly lived her life well and we will always be incredibly proud of her, not only for her impressive accomplishments but for being an amazingly kind and thoughtful person, her mother said. The world needs more Lovisas.

A hike with a cause

Arnesson-Cronhamre always wanted to have children. To honor that part of her legacy, Hollingham plans to raise money for Save the Children through a charity hike of Mount Nittany.

Beginning Saturday morning, Hollingham plans to climb Mount Nittany nearly 50 times continuously. He will only count the distance he ascends because, as he puts it, When you walk up Everest, you dont go up and down, up and down, up and down. You go up.

As someone who walked about 450 miles from Glasgow to London and across the entirety of Hadrians Wall continuously, Hollingham did not hesitate when he said he expects his upcoming trek to be his most difficult.

He said supporters are welcome during the entirety of his hike. Donations to support Hollinghams hike can be made online at justgiving.com/page/mtneverest.

When someone you love dies, you carry that. Its tough, but you also have to carry them as well and, in a way, fill in their gaps, Hollingham said. Lovisa cant be here, but I can do my best to live for her.

Hollingham has been in therapy weekly since his fiances death, which he said has helped him gain better control of his emotions. He said he cried two or three times per day in the first few months.

Tears have come less frequently as time has marched forward, but when he reaches the peak of Mount Nittany for the final time on Sunday, Hollingham expects a rush of emotions.

For her sudden death. For the children they were never able to have. For Lovisa.

Im going to cry a lot, Hollingham said. Theres no way around that.
CLARK COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN)  A woman is dead after a crash overnight Thursday.

According to the Springfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers were dispatched to I-70, near mile post 66 in Harmony Township, to assist with an investigation of the crash.

An initial investigation suggests that the driver of a Honda Accord crashed into a parked Freightliner Conventional tractor-trailer after fleeing from officers of the Madison County Sheriffs Office.

Sidney teen arrested after posting threat to social media

The driver was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed westbound on I-70. The crash occurred around 12:43 a.m., after the driver of the Honda attempted to exit to State Route 54 and traveled of the right side of the off ramp roadway.

The driver was identified as Kylee Harrigan, 19, of Dayton, who was extricated from the vehicle, taken by air ambulance to an area hospital and pronounced deceased.

The driver of the tractor-trailer combination was uninjured following the crash.

The Madison County Sheriffs Office is handling further inquiries related to the crash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Birmingham police are on the scene of a fatal shooting in the 3000 Block of 32nd Avenue North on Friday.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald reports that calls came in of a person shot at the Collegeville Housing Authority just after noon. An adult male was found lying near a sidewalk at the scene, unresponsive and shot multiple times. While he was being transported to UAB Hospital, he died from his injuries.

Hueytown man found guilty of plotting to murder a federal prosecutor

The victim was later identified as Chuck Wallace, 33, of Birmingham. Police also described him as a private contractor for the housing authority.

According to Fitzgerald, investigators believe the victim was shot in a targeted attack. The Real-Time Crime Center is currently assisting BPD to track the suspect down.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to call Sgt. Mason with the CSP Division at 205-328-9311. You can also remain anonymous and receive up to $5,000 by calling in a tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

No further information is available as the investigation continues.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Michael Nieves had been homeless for years, moving from Florida to Austin seeking help. He found it at Camp Esperanza  a tiny home community in east Austin that supports people experiencing homelessness.

Giving you a roof over your head when its raining, or coldwhen its snowing, this is the place to come to, Nieves said. Its a lot of hope and a lot of good stuff happens.

Michael Nieves lives at Camp Esperanza (KXAN photo/Ed Zavala)

According to data from the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO), there are 2,152 shelter beds in Austin right now  up nearly 800 beds from 2023. Theres soon to be 100 more  these in the form of non-congregate shelter, meaning people have communal space but individual living units.

Homeless shelter Camp Esperanza could double in size after TxDOT land purchase

The Other Ones Foundation, city and county leaders and community members gathered Friday to break ground on phase two of the Esperanza community. It will add 100 tiny home units to the current system.

Think about what it means to have 100 more shelter beds, non-congregate shelter, so that people will be part of a community, be able to get vocational services so it means a great deal, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said.

Theres more to come too. We told you previously that TxDOT purchased roughly seven acres of land next door, which will also be part of the expansion in the coming years. That will nearly double the amount of land The Other Ones Foundation has.

Were not gonna stop. As the mayor mentioned weve got a whole lot more stuff coming down the line. Were not gonna take a break, were not gonna stop this movement, said Chris Baker, TOOF founder.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI)  An 11-year-old boy was taken to the hospital on Thursday after he was hit by a car in Fall River.

Police said the incident happened around 2:40 p.m. at the intersection of Globe and Church streets.

Responding officers were told the boy was struck while crossing the street, and some witnesses indicated the driver was speeding, according to police.

The driver told police he didnt see the child until he was already in the street and he wasnt able to stop in time.

Police said the boy was brought to Hasbro Childrens Hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

The driver got a citation for negligent operation of a motor vehicle and driving without a license.

NEXT: 3 officers injured trying to arrest suspect outside Mansfield hotel

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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.
The Escambia County Sheriff's Office has located and arrested an 11-year-old girl in connection to threats made to several local schools made over social medial.

The investigation identified a female middle school student who has been arrested and charged with written or electronic threats to conduct a mass shooting, a second-degree felony, according to an ECSO Facebook post. The juvenile was not identified, nor was the specific language of the threats.

The post notes that the investigation is ongoing and may lead to additional arrests. The FBI and the Escambia County school district assisted in Friday's investigation.

In a written statement, Escambia County Public Schools noted, "Be certain, we will use every tool at our disposal to be sure the person or persons responsible for todays disruption never has the opportunity to do something like this again. We will work with our partners in law enforcement as they investigate further and we will pursue charges. We want to send the message that this behavior will not be tolerated in any of our schools. To those who seek to promote chaos by knowingly spreading harmful and disruptive disinformation, we will pursue you with every legal means available."

School threats extend beyond Escambia: Dozens of violent school threats are flooding Florida and the nation. Here's what we know

Both the school district and the Sheriff's Office noted that protecting students is a top priority, and there was an elevated police presence on local campuses to help ensure the safety of students and staff.

Florida school districts across the state have been on heightened alert following violent threats made in several counties throughout the state following the school shooting in Georgia that left four dead on Sept. 4.

There have been multiple other juveniles arrested across Florida in connection with the various threats, including a 13-year-old student in Tallahassee, a 15-year-old arrested in Sanford, a trio of teens in Columbia County and another 11-year-old girl in St. Lucie County.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia School threats linked to middle school girl ECSO says
A new 113-unit affordable housing option for low-wage families, the San Juan Apartments, will open in 2026.

The $67 million development at 5700 Stockton Blvd. near Fruitridge Avenue is being built on a vacant lot once home to the San Juan Motel, city officials said.

The apartments will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom units and amenities such as a swimming pool, a barbecue and picnic area, a large community room, social service assistance for residents, off-street parking and EV car chargers.

The online application process for the units will begin at six to nine months before the apartment complex opens, said Ryan Cassidy, the vice president of real estate development at Mutual Housing California.

The not-for-profit Mutual Housing secured rights to develop the project through a competitive bidding process overseen by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency.

To qualify for an apartment, families must earn below the median income of families their size in the region. In Sacramento County, the median income for a family of four is $113,900, for instance, and for a family of eight, its $150,350, according to guidelines updated annually by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

There are units in San Juan Apartments set aside for families earning below 60%, 50%, 40% or 30% of the median income for their household size, Cassidy said.

Currently, families earning 30% of area median income pay $795 a month for a two bedroom apartment and $919 monthly for a three-bedroom. Those household incomes at roughly 60% of median income now pay $1,591 monthly for a two-bedroom unit and $1,839 for a three-bedroom.

Both the county and city of Sacramento owned separate portions of the vacant plot where the San Juan Apartments will stand. State legislators and the governor enacted legislation, Senate Bill 481, to allow the county to sell its property to the city at a below-market rate under the condition that it only be used for affordable housing.

City Councilman Eric Guerra and and Richard Pan, then a state senator, worked to clear the way for this new development in the Fruitridge Manor neighborhood. In a news release about the project, Guerra recalled beginning work on improving the accessibility and livability of Stockton Boulevard back in 2015.

This groundbreaking has brought new motivation to move forward with more affordable housing projects throughout the city, he said. While this property sat vacant, it was used as an illegal dumping ground, an unhoused encampment, and a blight on the neighborhood, and now it will be transformed into affordable housing.

Cassidy said that he began to realize just how symbolic this project was for transforming Stockton Boulevard into a center of life for south Sacramento when he saw just how many public officials and neighborhood leaders accepted invitations to last weeks formal groundbreaking.

Opportunities growing on Stockton Boulevard

The demand for affordable housing is so great that Mutual Housing California reports often getting thousands of applications for units in its new projects. The California Legislative Analysts Office described housing affordability as a serious and widespread challenge throughout the state in a 2023 report.

While Januarys biennial count of Sacramento Countys homeless population showed a steep 29% drop in numbers, Californias poverty rate rose by 18.9% last year, up from 16.4% in 2022, according to US Census data analyzed by the California Budget & Policy Center. This means roughly 7.3 million state residents are unable to meet basic needs for housing or food.

The bottom 20% of Californians earn a median wage of $18,170, the budget center researchers said, and the median income is $89,300. A single adult needs an annual income of more than $56,000 to afford typical expenses in California, the researchers noted, and a single parent with a child needs at least $100,000.

Although many U.S. citizens still hope for an American Dream where their children will earn more than they did, Harvard University researchers have found that only half of U.S. children today actually make more money than their parents. That compares with 90% in the 1940s.

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg described the multifamily development as a vital piece of a larger effort to rejuvenate a key corridor of the city.

We are building, growing, and creating more jobs and opportunities while ensuring that everyone  from those experiencing homelessness to working individuals  has a safe and dignified place to live, just like anyone in any other neighborhood in our city, Steinberg said.

Mutual Housing has collaborated with the city and county on other projects, including an affordable housing project called Cornerstone. Developed in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, Cornerstone was fully occupied when it opened this summer.

Mutual Housing relied upon multiple funding sources to develop the San Juan Apartments, including tax credits, a $2 million grant from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments Green Means Go initiative, a $2.5 million grant awarded to the city from the states Prohousing Incentive Pilot program and a $22.67 million loan from the city and county of Sacramento.
The United States has returned 14 historical exhibits to Turkiye, Azernews reports citing the post shared by Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy on his "X".

The returned artifacts include two bronze statue heads, a large bronze female statue, coins from various eras, a piece of jewelry, and two Ottoman daggers.

It was noted that these 14 archaeological and ethnographic items have been returned to Turkiye after being held for several years.
NEW YORK, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Edward A. Caban, the New York City police commissioner, announced his resignation in an email to the Police Department on Thursday, eight days after federal agents seized his phone as part of a criminal investigation.

Caban's resignation marked the first high-profile departure from Adams' administration since the start of four separate federal investigations into his office and the New York Police Department.

Caban, 57, had been under pressure to resign from the mayor's administration, which had asked him to step aside on Monday, said The New York Times.

The investigations involved Caban's brother and enforcement around nightclubs in New York City, according to CNN.

Federal investigators also seized electronic devices from the homes of several top officials of Adams' administration last week, it added. 
An extraordinary 14,000-square-foot estate in Orchard Lake, now listed for sale at $10,995,000, is a stunning blend of luxury, history and architectural craftsmanship.

Among its standout features:

An original J.L. Hudson Co. solid brass elevator.

Two swimming pools, including an indoor saltwater pool that was featured on HGTV.

Original furnishings from a 1947 diner and ice cream parlor from Cunningham Drugs in Detroit.

An original 1935 solid brass movie theater ticket booth.

The home also was featured in an Eminem music video.

Located on 2 acres with 163 feet of lakefront on Cass Lake, a popular all-sports lake, this five-bedroom, seven-bath residence recently dropped from its original listing price of $11,999,000. The property is listed by Jeff Barker and Matthew Barker of Max Broock Realtors in Birmingham.

Robert Lipson, the owner, purchased 4790 Dow Ridge Road in Orchard Lake after searching for lakefront real estate.

This 14,000-square-foot estate at 4790 Dow Ridge Road in Orchard Lake is listed for $10,995,000.

Ive always thought architecture was special, Lipson said, explaining his admiration for Frank Lloyd Wrights designs. I fell in love with that type of architecture.

The home was designed by renowned architect Lou DeRosiers of DesRosiers Architects in Bloomfield Hills, with Lipson collaborating throughout the process.

Together with Lous creativity we created this, Lipson said.

According to Jeff Barker, the construction took about four and a half years to complete.

The home has many unique features  its truly resort living, Jeff noted. Every detail was carefully considered, and the result is simply stunning.

This 14,000-square-foot estate at 4790 Dow Ridge Road in Orchard Lake is listed for $10,995,000.

The property welcomes guests via a double-wide circular drive with heated pavers and an island with a water feature. The striking front exterior includes glass, steel, and a stone colonnade, complemented by a serene koi pond and distinctive landscaping.

Inside, a grand foyer reveals a breathtaking three-level floating spiral staircase made of glass, brass and wood, crowned by a large circular skylight.

This 14,000-square-foot estate at 4790 Dow Ridge Road in Orchard Lake is listed for $10,995,000.

The foyer opens to a dramatic living room with a 38-foot ceiling, a wall of windows, and a fireplace that overlooks the estates resort-like amenities: the lake, a 50-foot outdoor pool, hot tub, a 26-foot cascading waterfall, putting green, sandy beach, and tropical landscaping enhanced by fire features.

Throughout the home, intricate ceiling details, ambient lighting, and extensive use of Mankato Limestone and Lacewood Mahogany add elegance. The original J.L. Hudsons solid brass elevator serves all four levels.

More: He saved Hudson's elevator from Detroit store implosion. Then built home around it.

The first-floor primary suite boasts a barrel ceiling, sitting area, floor-to-ceiling windows with motorized draperies, upholstered walls, and a walk-in closet with built-in furniture. The spa-inspired bathroom features heated floors, a steam shower, skylight, and Lalique glass panels that borders the jetted tub.

More: Macomb County equestrian compound and parents' grand home next door both for sale

This 14,000-square-foot estate at 4790 Dow Ridge Road in Orchard Lake is listed for $10,995,000.

The commercial-grade kitchen includes dual Thermador Professional Series four and six burner gas ranges, a wok, side-by-side Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, dual Miele dishwashers and dual warming drawers, along with a large walk-in pantry.

On the second level are three bedrooms, two of which are suites. A spiral staircase leads to a third-floor viewing deck with a gas fire bowl.

Most built-in bedroom furnishings will remain with the house, according to Barker.

Lipson, an enthusiast of theater architecture, incorporated elements from historic theaters into the home's lower level that takes you on a trip down memory lane.

This 14,000-square-foot estate at 4790 Dow Ridge Road in Orchard Lake is listed for $10,995,000.

Ive always admired the design and beauty of theaters, he said. One highlight is an original 1935 solid brass movie theater ticket booth from the Shea Theater in New York, which Lipson restored and reinstalled to create a grand theater entrance.

The lower level also features equipment from an original 1947 diner and ice cream parlor from Cunningham Drugs, as well as a brass plaque and a solid brass water fountain from J.L. Hudsons.

I have fond memories of visiting Cunninghams as a kid at Northland, Lipson recalled. The soda fountain in the home came from Indiana.

This 14,000-square-foot estate at 4790 Dow Ridge Road in Orchard Lake is listed for $10,995,000.

Other lower-level amenities include stadium seating for 10 with a 130-inch, drop-down movie screen, a billiards room, and the 40-foot indoor saltwater pool and spa, which was featured on HGTVs Pool In My House as one of the top 10 indoor pools in the country. The pool area is illuminated by six light columns and ceiling lights.

The lower level also includes dual locker rooms, an exercise room and a Pilates studio.

The heated five-car garage with skylights, recessed lighting, and ample storage space has ceiling heights to accommodate car lifts.

This 14,000-square-foot estate at 4790 Dow Ridge Road in Orchard Lake is listed for $10,995,000.

And the music video Lipson's home was also featured in by Eminem? The rapper's 2004 music video for "Like Toy Soldiers."

It's truly a unique property, from the exceptional quality of the construction to the intricate details throughout, Jeff Barker remarked.

Brendel Hightower writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bhightower@freepress.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Orchard Lake estate featured on HGTV, in Eminem video drops to $11M
ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  A 12-year-old in Hawkins County has been arrested after making threats to schools, according to Rogersville Director of Public Safety Travis Fields.

Rogersville City School and Hawkins County Schools were among several school districts in the Tri-Cities region that received threats over social media in the last few days.

SCSO: 12-year-old charged after alleged school threat

Fields told News Channel 11 that the Rogersville Police Department began receiving calls about school threats around 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Police began looking into the matter and found social media posts involving pictures of weapons, Rogersville City School and county school, as well as threatening text.

Rogersville police and the Hawkins County Sheriffs Office began working together to investigate the threats.

According to Fields, investigators secured a search warrant which was sent to TikTok, who provided police with an IP address. The internet provider was then able to provide investigators with the physical address associated with the IP address.

Roughly two hours after police were informed of the threat, Fields said investigators arrived at the home and took a 12-year-old suspect into custody. Fields said the juvenile appears to be the only suspect as of Friday afternoon.

Police: Juvenile charged with four counts of death threats at a school in Washington County, Va.

The 12-year-old has been charged with threats of mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity, a Class E felony.

The juvenile was transported to a detention center after the arrest and appeared in court for a hearing on Thursday. Fields said the juvenile is scheduled to appear for another hearing next week and remains in a juvenile detention facility.

The investigation into the threats is ongoing.

The Hawkins County juvenile arrest is one of at least four in the region after a series of threats were made on social media to local schools. A juvenile in Washington County, Virginia faces four counts of threats of death or serious injury at a school. A 12-year-old in Sullivan County was arrested Friday morning and faces the same charge as the one in Hawkins County. Elizabethton police announced Thursday night that a juvenile had also been charged for threats made against Happy Valley High School.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
12yo arrested for threating to shoot up Mililani Middle School

HONOLULU (KHON2)  A Mililani Middle School shooting threat sent students, parents and staff into a frenzy Thursday.

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A 12-year-old student has been arrested for making an online threat to shoot up the school.

The individual, identified and taken into custody, faces a charge of terroristic threatening in the first degree.

The arrest follows an investigation into the threatening message, which was circulating social media.

15-year-old arrested, charged for threatening Hilo school

The post prompted immediate concern from school officials and law enforcement.

Mililani principal Shannon Tamashiro released a statement to parents and guardians of the students saying they were working with the suspects family.

They added in the statement that, according to police, reposting a threat online is as good as making the threat itself.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

All classes are said to continue on normal schedules.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
2 charged after troopers find children in home with deplorable conditions after argument involving rifle in Doddridge County

PENNSBORO, W.Va. (WBOY)  Two people were charged after troopers responded to a call of an argument involving a rifle in Doddridge County and found two young children living in deplorable conditions.

Robert Moore

On Sept. 3, troopers with the Doddridge County detachment of the West Virginia State Police responded to a disturbance call taking place at a residence with a Pennsboro address located in Doddridge County, according to a criminal complaint.

When troopers arrived, they spoke with an individual who witnessed the incident who said that Robert Moore, 22, of Pennsboro, had a .22 rifle during an argument with Arizona Nicholson, 27, also of Pennsboro, troopers said.

Woman charged after allegedly driving while high on meth with 2 children and explosives in her vehicle in Upshur County

Arizona Nicholson

Troopers then searched the residence for the rifle, noting that the residence was in deplorable conditions, with trash on the floors throughout the residence, exposed wiring, used toilet tissue and diapers piled in the floor, according to the complaint.

At the time of the incident involving the rifle, troopers noted that two young children were in the care of Moore and Nicholson and were present in the residence.

Moore has been charged with wanton endangerment and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Nicholson has been charged with two counts of child neglect. They are being held in North Central Regional Jail.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  A two-alarm fire threatened multiple homes and caused residents to evacuate from Woodrose Lane in Douglas County during a slew of Red Flag warnings.

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The area is part of unincorporated Douglas County and is a residential area. South Metro Fire Rescue reported two houses were actively on fire as of about 2:45 p.m., and the fire was spreading to trees in the backyard.

As of about 3:15 p.m., crews had the fire under control. There were still firefighters extinguishing hot spots in both houses as of 4 p.m. South Metro Fire Rescue reported that occupants of both homes had evacuated safely, along with three dogs and a cat.

However, two residents and two firefighters were checked by fire medics on scene, and one firefighter was transported as a precaution due to the heat. Investigators were on scene as of about 4 p.m. to determine the fires cause, but initial reports said the fire began outside between two homes and then spread inside.

The agency also said that neighbors may have heard popping noises from the fire, but these were coming from an electrical breaker box on the side of the home. However, the homeowner did warn fire crews that there was ammunition in the home.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Residents were evacuating their homes as a third home was threatened by the blaze. The area is near Plum Valley Park and the Coyote Creek Elementary School, which are adjacent to the Plum Valley Trail.

This screenshot of a South Metro Fire Rescue video shows a house fire in unincorporated Douglas County.

The Douglas County Sheriffs Office shared photos of a response to a two-home fire in unincorporated Douglas County on Thursday, Sept. 12.

The Douglas County Sheriffs Office shared photos of a response to a two-home fire in unincorporated Douglas County on Thursday, Sept. 12.

The Douglas County Sheriffs Office shared photos of a response to a two-home fire in unincorporated Douglas County on Thursday, Sept. 12.

The Douglas County Sheriffs Office asked individuals to avoid the area and watch out for responding personnel.

A Red Flag warning is in effect for the area until 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Boulder. These warnings inform residents that conditions are favorable for rapid fire spread, due to windy conditions and low relative humidity.

FOX31s Pinpoint Weather Team issued a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day for Thursday due to the high fire danger.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Police on Wednesday arrested a 29-year-old man and charged him with a terroristic threat, a felony, after a threat was made to Hill Elementary School in Northwest Austin, according to an arrest affidavit.

The man's mother raised concerns to police about her son, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and made remarks about wanting to shoot up an elementary school, according to the arrest affidavit.

As of Friday, the man was in the Travis County Jail with bail set at $100,000.

The arrest came during a week when two students in other Central Texas school districts were arrested for making or spreading threats to campuses and when schools across the state were fielding false threats propagated on social media.

In the Hill Elementary case, the concerned mother told police the man refused to take his mental health medication, according to the affidavit.

Administrators with the Austin school district learned of the threat from law enforcement Thursday evening, according to a letter sent to Hill Elementary parents.

Law enforcement officials assured the district there was no ongoing threat to Hill Elementary, but district staff planned to increase police presence on the campus Friday, Principal Jack Drummond wrote in the letter.

The safety of our students is our top priority, Drummond said.

As of Friday morning, Young was still in the Travis County Jail, held on bail set at $100,000.

A Hays school district sixth grader was charged Thursday with the spread of a false threat to a campus. The girl allegedly helped spread threats of a school shooting on social media, according to a statement from the Hays district.

In the Eanes district, a student was arrested in connection to allegations of making a terroristic threat against Westlake High School. District administrators learned of the threats, which were made through the social media platform Snapchat, when other Westlake High students submitted tips through an anonymous reporting system, according to a letter the superintendent sent to parents.

This week, several Texas school districts fielded false social media threats to campuses that stirred concern from parents and led to some districts increasing security.

The Houston school district announced an increase in security Thursday after statewide reports of online posts targeting public schools, the Houston Chronicle reported. Several districts in North Texas also stepped up security, The Dallas Morning News reported.

In San Antonio, law enforcement officials this week arrested a 12-year-old student who police said threatened violence against seven campuses in the area, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Adult arrested for threat to Hill Elementary School in Austin
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso Police have arrested and charged a second man with a 2022 East El Paso murder allegedly committed by a group of sicarios, or hit men, working for a cartel involved in human smuggling.

Gael Hernandez Ruiz, 19, is charged with murder in the death of 35-year-old Alonso Llamas Chavez on Dec. 28, 2022 outside the 11/11 Bar at 1441 Zaragoza.

Docs: Man facing murder charge in cartel-related shooting

According to the affidavit obtained by KTSM, the victim had been drinking with friends at the bar, and when they left as a group around 2 a.m., he was shot by someone with a rifle in the parking lot.

Hernandez Ruiz and three other men are suspected of driving a white PT Cruiser to the bar in the early morning of Dec. 28 to kill Llamas Chavez on the orders of a man from Juarez in charge of a criminal organization involved in a human smuggling operation. Hernandez Ruiz was allegedly driving the car with three other individuals inside when they shot Llamas Chavez. Documents do not directly identify the shooter.

The affidavit alleges Hernandez Ruiz drove the PT Cruiser to a nearby parking lot, where he abandoned it and was picked up by Brandon Alexis Garcia, 20, who was driving a white Nissan Armada. Garcia was arrested and charged with murder in connection with this case back in April.

EPPD investigators met with Hernandez Ruiz at the Luna County Detention Center, where the U.S. Border Patrol was holding him for allegedly smuggling six undocumented immigrants through the Sunland Park area.

While he denied being part of the murder, Hernandez Ruiz allegedly admitted he was involved in a prior attempt to kill Llamas Chavez outside the Sombrillas Bar on Zaragoza about a month before the deadly shooting outside the 11/11 bar. Hernandez Ruiz said they abandoned the original plan to kill Llamas Chavez after he never emerged from the bar.

EPPD investigators allegedly located other individuals who reportedly identified Hernandez Ruiz as one of the four sicarios in the PT Cruiser from surveillance footage in the area during the December murder.

U.S. Border Patrol investigators extracted data from Hernandez Ruizs cell phone. They learned hed posted videos of him holding weapons resembling the rifles used during the murder dated Dec. 29, 2022, which is the date the murder occurred.

The investigation into the remaining sicarios involved in Llamas Chavezs death is still ongoing.

Hernandez Ruiz was booked Thursday on a $300,000 bond. Garcia posted a $60,000 bond and was released on June 29.

Police have yet to release mugshots for Hernandez Ruiz or Garcia, citing their ongoing investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
It was just really scary  a lot of unknowns," Kaitlyn Williamson said of her sons health emergency

GoFundMe

An Oregon baby underwent surgery to remove half of his brain due to a rare disorder and seizures.

Jackson Williamson was just 3 months old when he started suffering seizures. They were constant since June 18, his mother Kaitlyn Williamson told KTVZ, so she took him to a hospital in Bend, Oregon.

"Going into the emergency room, really just thinking it was maybe a bad cold or something was hard enough  and then to realize that it was seizures. It was just really scary  a lot of unknowns," she told the outlet.

After arriving, Jackson was put on medications but nothing would mitigate the seizures. The infant was ultimately transferred via Life Flight to Doernbechers Childrens Hospital in Portland where he was diagnosed with hemispheric megalencephaly and heterotopia.

This means Jackson has a malformation that caused the left side of his brain to be larger than the right side of his brain. He also has an abnormal grey matter and cysts throughout his brain, Kenzie Hampton, family member of Kaitlyn, explained on a GoFundMe page created for Jackson. His seizures continue and differ in severity from long lasting seconds, and some lasting for over 5 minutes.

Related: Why These Parents Made the Agonizing Decision to Have Half Their Child's Brain Removed (Exclusive)

Doctors also concluded that Jackson was suffering up to 200 seizures a day.

"In the midst of the newborn days, we didn't recognize that his right side was a little bit weaker, and that was because the left side of the brain seizing so much, he didn't really have a lot of control over his right side," Kaitlyn said, noting that she initially felt very overwhelmed with her sons health emergency.

On July 2, doctors decided it was best for Jackson to undergo a hemispherectomy, in which the left hemisphere of the brain is disconnected from the right and the damaged tissue is removed but some brain tissue is left intact.

Doctors told Kaitlyn that the rare procedure would completely stop Jackson's seizures that are coming from the left side of his brain and the hope is for the brain to reorganize and develop without any more disruption.

Going into the surgery the doctors explained to us that he will most likely be paralyzed on the entire right side of his body after the procedure, Hampton wrote the day after surgery. Jackson started moving both of his legs today. This means that Jax was born this way and the right side of his brain has already learned how to compensate. This is truly the best news for baby boy!

Related: Teen Had Half Her Brain Removed as a Baby  Now Shes Living a Glass Half-Full Life (Exclusive)

Jackson is now 6 months old and doctors tell Kaitlyn that he is expected to walk when hes older. However, they believe he could face challenges with immunity and learning. He has therapy daily and his seizures are now down to 11 a day.

"He is now opening his hand more on his right side. He's gaining strength in his right leg. That's all from movement, Cally Hampton, Jackson's grandmother, told KTVZ. "He's sitting up almost on his own - almost. And that comes from gaining strength in his spine and in his hips and in his neck."

Kaitlyn said her son is doing well and shes hopeful about his future.

"He's such a happy baby. He's very social. He loves people. He loves making friends. When he smiles, it feels almost non-stop," she said.



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Read the original article on People.
3 teenagers in Milwaukee arrested after reportedly attacking three adults, police seeking additional suspects

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV)  The Milwaukee Police Department is seeking additional suspects in an elder abuse incident that took place in the late afternoon hours on Wednesday.

Around 4 p.m., authorities responded to an incident report on the 700 block of South 1st Street where three adults were attacked by a group of teenagers.

Two Rivers Police Department K9 aids in search, two suspects arrested after drugs recovered

The report said that the victims were treated for injuries, with the 63-year-old transported to a local hospital for serious injury treatment. The 62-year-old and 53-year-old victims were treated on the scene.

Two 14-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy are currently in custody, with additional suspects sought. The suspects are facing charges of felony aggravated assault. The investigation is ongoing.

The Milwaukee Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying individuals, including witnesses who were involved.

3 Wisconsin individuals criminally charged for involvement in 2023 overdose death of a 27-year-old

Anyone with any information may contact the Milwaukee Police Department at (414) 935-7360 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS.

No more details are available at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
31 people arrested in drug trafficking bust by Muscogee County Sheriffs Office, FBI and more

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The FBI, DEA, Muscogee County Sheriffs Office and other agencies have arrested 31 people on gang and drug trafficking charges, Thursday.

The Muscogee County Sheriffs office says 19 of the people arrested have close ties to the Zohannon and Crips criminal street gangs. The remaining 12 people were arrested on state charges as part of the investigation.

The arrests were part Operation Sweet Silence, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. It was carried out by federal and local law enforcement from August 2022 through May 2024. The operation involved MCSO partnering with the Harris County Sheriffs Office, Russell County Sheriffs Office of Alabama, Coweta County Sheriffs Office, US Marshals Services, and Georgia State Patrol.

Photos provided by Muscogee County Sheriffs Office



























Operation Sweet Silence investigated activities by the Zohannon criminal street gang, which allegedly involved armed drug trafficking.

Federal search and arrest warrants were carried out in Columbus.

Drugs including fentanyl and methamphetamine were recovered, as well as firearms such as a machine gun. Glock switches, which are used to make firearms operate as machine guns, were also seized.

Update: MCSO released a detailed breakdown of what has been recovered in Operation Sweet Silence on Friday morning. The list is below:

155 firearms

$273,433 US currency

496lbs of methamphetamine

($22,458,880 street value)

57.21 kilos of cocaine

($5,748,296 street value)

7.1 kilos of fentanyl

($707,273.60 street value)

55,248 pounds of marijuana

($250,162,944 street value)

Includes large amount of illegal marijuana grown in Butte County, Ca.

1.3 kilos of heroin

($130,859.20 street value)

5.9lbs of GHB

($267,152 street value)

755.8 grams of mushroom

($15,116 street value)

According to MCSO, a total of 101 arrests and 126 search warrants have been made in the operation so far.

Federal search and arrest warrants were executed in Columbus on Thursday, Sept. 12, resulting from newly unsealed federal indictments across several different court cases.

Below is a list of those cases:

USA v. Dawson

Dequindre Dawson, 32, of Columbus  Two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana

If convicted, Dawson faces a maximum sentence 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine

USA v. Williams

JhyKeith Williams aka Keith Keith, 23, of Columbus  One count of illegal possession of a machine gun. If convicted, Williams faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

USA v Mullins

Tommie Mullins, Jr. aka TJ aka Bo aka Mini, 30, of Columbus  One count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamineIf convicted, Mullins faces a maximum of life imprisonment

Anthony Champion, 45, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute. If convicted, Champion faces a maximum of life imprisonment;

Trenton Clemons, 47, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Clemons faces a maximum of life imprisonment;

Christopher Hill, 35, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute. If convicted, Hill faces a maximum of life imprisonment;

Darius Jenkins, 23, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute. If convicted, Jenkins faces a maximum of life imprisonment;

Javonta Paden, 24, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute. If convicted, Paden faces a maximum of life imprisonment;

Adrian Palmer aka AP, 24, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Palmer faces a maximum of life imprisonment;

Adrian Pleasants, 28, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute. If convicted, Pleasants faces a maximum of life imprisonment;

Trenton Thomas aka Bubble, 24, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Thomas faces a maximum of life imprisonment; and

Corey Turner aka Lito aka Lito Red, 32, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Turner faces a maximum of life imprisonment.

USA v. Carter

Jantzen Carter, 39, of Waverly Hall, Georgia, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. If convicted, Carter faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

USA v. Brown

Fernando Brown aka Nino, 31, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Brown faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

Undrae Hayes aka Skizite, 36, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Hayes faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

Jeffrey Kimbrough aka YSN Trap, 28, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute. If convicted, Kimbrough faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

Hykeem Lomax aka Peso, 32, of Columbus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Lomax faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

According to the United States Attorneys Office Middle District of Georgia, all of these defendants are in custody and initial appearances are expected to occur before U.S. Magistrate

Judge Charles Weigle on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13.

MCSO says a news conference will be held Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. 1000 5th Ave at the new Muscogee County Sheriffs Office Headquarters.

The news conference will go into additional detail about the operations, according to MCSO.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The crew of U.S. Polaris Dawn mission completed a spacewalk on Thursday, marking the first time commercial astronauts have space-walked from a commercial spacecraft, according to SpaceX.

The 106-minute spacewalk officially began at 6:12 a.m. Eastern Time (1012 GMT) when suit pressurization started, nitrogen purge was initiated, and pure oxygen was flowing into the suits.

Two astronauts of the four-member all-civilian crew wore the SpaceX newly-designed extravehicular activity suits for the spacewalk at 732.2 km above Earth.

The two astronauts are American billionaire entrepreneur and Mission Commander Jared Isaacman, and SpaceX engineer and Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis.

Jared and Gillis separately exited the spacecraft and individually performed a series of suit mobility demonstrations to test the performance of the spacesuit in the vacuum environment of space.

The other two astronauts, Mission Pilot Kidd Poteet and Mission Specialist Anna Menon, remained seated, managing suit umbilicals and monitoring vital support systems and telemetry on Dragon's displays.

Isaacman and Gillis each spent several minutes outside the capsule. The spacewalk ended at about 7:58 a.m. (1158 GMT).

Upon completion of their individual extravehicular activities, the hatch was closed, Dragon re-pressurized and cabin oxygen and pressure levels confirmed, officially completing the suit testing alongside the first commercial spacewalk and the first spacewalk from a Dragon spacecraft, according to SpaceX.

SpaceX launched the new fully-commercial human spaceflight mission on a Dragon spacecraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday.

The spacecraft traveled to a distance of 1,400 km above Earth on Wednesday -- the farthest humans have traveled since the Apollo program over 50 years ago, according to SpaceX.

The crew are also scheduled to 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. 
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Thousands of Boeing workers across the Pacific Northwest are on strike Friday after they rejected a tentative contract with the aircraft company.

The strike involves 33,000 Boeing machinists, and it is expected to shut down production of the companys best-selling airplanes.

People gathered outside Boeings Gresham factory early Friday morning, holding signs calling for a fair contract.

Suspected kidnapper shot by Salem officers early Friday morning

In a joint statement from Oregon and Washington labor federations, officials said that 96% of the workers voted to strike demanding dignity, respect and fair compensation.

At 12:01am this morning, 33,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers began a strike to demand the dignity, respect, and fair compensation they deserve. Workers voted to strike by 96%, with more than 94% of votes rejecting Boeings offer, the statement said.

The statement went on to claim Boeings pursuit of ever higher profits was to blame for the strike and for the recent safety issues on their planes.

Boeings disregard for working people in the pursuit of ever higher profits has directly led us to this strike, and caused the safety issues that have damaged public trust in Boeing, the statement continued. Striking workers are fighting not only for a fair contract, but for the safety of the flying public as well. Thats why we encourage all workers, union and non-union alike, to join the picket line and show your solidarity with our Machinist siblings.

KOIN 6 News spoke with workers on the picket line on Friday. Some of them said they were prepared to continue going on strike for months, if necessary, to get their demands.

Last time we got a raise was two years ago at 1%, said Jeff Seifert, a gear cutter at Boeings Gresham facility. Have worked every other weekend for the last year in order to make my bills and have anything extra at all to spend, to do anything with my family. 

Damian Lillard returns to Portland to accept award

According to Boeing, the new contract offered a raise in pay from around $75,000 to $106,000 per year, but that number fell short of the unions initial demand for 43% pay raise over the course of three years.

We have gotten negligible wage increases over the last 16 years. Thats a long time to wait to be able to do this negotiation, Seifert said.

In terms of why workers rejected Boeings proposed tentative agreement, IAM President of Directing Business Brandon Bryant told KOIN 6 News it fell short of expectations.

When our members got to take a look at it, they felt that it did not hit the mark, it was not enough, Bryant said.

Union leaders said their top five priorities include better wages, a stronger retirement plan, better healthcare at a reduced cost, more time off/better work-life balance and job security.

Bryant said these demands come after workers lost their pension plan.

Their pension was ripped away from them about ten years ago, he said. That was a big hole in their retirement that we tried to fill.

Portland band Everclear embarks on fall tour

Workers said the strike is also an effort to ramp up safety measures after several headline-grabbing manufacturing failures happened at the company, including an Alaska Airlines flight having its door plug blow out shortly after takeoff from Portland International Airport in January.

Things that were fighting for is, being a bigger part of quality and safety, said IAM Local Lodge 63 President Eric Bitney.

Workers said the company puts pressure on productivity to the point that safety standards fall behind.

Well, making Boeing follow their own safety rules and initiatives and procedures. It seems to be like, production is more important than safety and quality, Bitney said.

In a statement from Boeing, the company said it was clear that the deal wasnt acceptable for union members and that the company is committed to fixing its relationship with its employees.

The message was clear that the tentative agreement reached with IAM leadership was not acceptable to the members, the statement said. 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.

Union leaders told KOIN 6 they hope to get back to the negotiation table next week.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  Four people were killed and one person was injured in a single-vehicle crash that occurred in Mobile County on Sept. 2 around 6 a.m., according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

According to an ALEA spokesperson, 41-year-old Richard D. Dees of Mount Vernon, 28-year-old Savana M. Fuell of Mount Vernon, 34-year-old Brittney N. Goolsby of Satsuma, and a newborn child were killed after a 2016 Ford Explorer they were all in left the roadway, struck a tree and caught fire.

Baldwin County Public Schools superintendent: false information going around on Foley High School lockdown

All four people were pronounced dead at the scene. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences identified all four of them.

30-year-old Kalan A. Weaver of McIntosh was injured in the crash and taken to University Hospital in Mobile for treatment.

The crash occurred on Sam Jones Avenue near Denny Street in the Mount Vernon city limits.

Major concern: Walton County Sheriffs Office investigating after deputy shoots, kills dog

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ALEA is still investigating the crash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The United States Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy intercepted thousands of pounds of narcotics and dropped it off in San Diego Thursday, military officials said.

The incident occurred on Sept. 5 around 430 miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, the Coast Guard said in a news release Thursday.

Members aboard Her Majestys Canadian Ship Yellowknife, a Kingston-class coastal defense vessel, and a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment team were able to seize more than 3,100 pounds of cocaine worth $44.2 million, according to military officials.

Four people arrested after fentanyl bust in East County

I congratulate the entire crew of the Yellowknife for their successful patrol in the Eastern Pacific, and I thank them for their dedicated service, said Capt. Tim Lavier, Coast Guard District 11 chief of response. Deploying a Coast Guard law enforcement team aboard a Canadian Navy ship in the Eastern Pacific is a significant showcase of the strong relationship we have built with our Canadian partners.

The Coast Guard reiterated its efforts in preventing drug cartels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean through detection, monitoring, interdictions and criminal prosecutions. The Eleventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda, California, conducts the law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(WPRI)  In Massachusetts, 47 school districts are receiving more than $1.7 million in federal grants to support 20,000 students who are experiencing homelessness during the school year.

Governor Maura Healeys office said the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education grants provide districts with resources for family engagement, staff training, English-language services, tutoring and school supplies.

ALSO READ: Are local school districts still dealing with teacher shortages?

The services are meant to engage with families and remove barriers to student attendance. The grants will also help establish a network of regional homeless education liaisons and support homeless migrant students by working with the Massachusetts Migrant Education Program.

The local school districts that received funding include:

Attleboro Public Schools: $20,000

Fall River Public Schools: $50,000

King Philip Regional School District (Norfolk): $20,000

New Bedford Public Schools: $125,000

Norfolk Public Schools: $20,000

Plainville Public Schools: $40,000

Students experiencing homelessness have the right to the same free public education as every other student in Massachusetts, Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler said. I am grateful to the federal government for this grant funding that complements the states efforts to provide local school districts with resources and supports to help children succeed and thrive, regardless of their immigration or housing status.

Most Americans in new survey list inflation, homelessness as very serious problems

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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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49 Ukrainian prisoners of war returned to Kyiv in swap with Russia

Just under 50 Ukrainian soldiers were released into their nation's custody in a prisoner swap with Russia this week.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the latest swap on Friday, stating that 49 Ukrainians were brought home via the swap mediated by the United Arab Emirates.

"Another return of our people  something we always wait for and work tirelessly to achieve," the Ukrainian president said.

BIDEN ADMIN FACES MOUNTING PRESSURE TO ALLOW UKRAINE TO STRIKE INSIDER RUSSIA WITH US MISSILES

Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) are released into their own nation's custody following a prisoner swap with Russia this week.

Zelenskyy specifically thanked the Ukrainian military units responsible for the continued capture of Russian soldiers, stating that these victories are what allowed the nation to demand swaps.

"All our warriors who capture Russian occupiers, and all our services that neutralize Russian saboteurs and collaborators, bring closer the liberation of our people," Zelenskyy said. "We must bring home every single one of our people, both military and civilian."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Prisoners released this week included both military personnel and civilians. It was the second swap since Ukraine began taking territory in the Kursk region of Russia, where most of their own prisoners are captured.

DONALD TRUMP CLAIMS THAT UKRAINE WAR IS 'DYING TO BE SETTLED': WE'RE PLAYING WITH WORLD WAR III'

Family, friends, and fellow countrymen gathered to welcome the Ukrainians taken captive by Russia that were released at an unknown location this week.

Neither Ukraine nor Russia have acknowledged how many captured Russians were traded for the 49 Ukrainian prisoners.

The citizens' release comes as Ukraine begs the United States for clearance to fire American missiles into Moscow.

President Biden is facing mounting pressure to lift the ban on Ukraine using U.S. weapons to strike deep inside Russia and appeared to admit on Tuesday that his administration is moving in that direction.

Ukrainian prisoners of war are seen after a swap, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an unknown location in Ukraine, in this handout picture.

"Were working that out right now," he said when asked by reporters whether he would allow Ukraine to use the long-range Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, to target sites inside Russia. Support for lifting the ban has come from all sides.

A group of high-level House Republicans wrote to the president this week arguing that such restrictions "have hampered Ukraines ability to defeat Russias war of aggression and have given the Kremlins forces a sanctuary from which it can attack Ukraine with impunity."

Fox News Digital's Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.





Original article source: 49 Ukrainian prisoners of war returned to Kyiv in swap with Russia
Ukraine brought back 49 Ukrainian defenders and civilians from Russian captivity on Sept. 13, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

This includes service personnel of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the National Police, and border guards.

A total of 23 women were brought back, including civilians detained and illegally imprisoned by Russia before the full-scale invasion, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported.

Leniye Umerova, a young Crimean Tatar who was detained by Russia at the Georgian-Russian border in 2022 when she traveled to occupied Crimea to look after her cancer-stricken father, is among the released.

Military medic and Hero of Ukraine Viktor Ivchuk was also among those released. Ivchuk, a colonel of the Armed Forces and head of a military hospital in Mariupol, has been held captive by Russia since April 2022.

"We have to bring home all of our soldiers and civilians," Zelensky said.

The released captives include 15 soldiers of the Azov Brigade who defended the city of Mariupol in 2022 and its stronghold  the Azovstal steel plant, according to the headquarters.

"The Azov (soldiers) were included in the exchange for the first time in a long time. This group consists mainly of women," an Azov patronage service said.

Thirteen sailors, eight Armed Forces service members, two police officers, and four border guards were also freed from Russian captivity, according to the headquarters.

This is the 56th prisoner exchange since the outbreak of the full-scale war. A total of 3,569 Ukrainians have been brought back from Russian captivity, Ukraine's Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said.

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.

Read also: Russian POW phone call restrictions spotlight Ukraine, Russias treatment of prisoners

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A magnitude 4.7 earthquake, along with a warning text, rattled Angelenos awake at 7:28 a.m. this morning. According to Southern California Earthquake Data Center at CalTech, the quake struck four miles north of Malibu, California.

Dr. Lucy Jones, a seismologist who served as Science Advisor for Seismic Safety for former Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti, said in a morning Zoom conference on FOX Good Day LA that that recent increased earthquakes activity is troubling, but added the statistical significance of the increase is hard to tell. Jones said the earthquake was horizontal in motion, or strike slip motion, and located at a depth of seven miles.

Jones said the surface weather, the last week of elevated temperatures in Southern California, does not contribute or make a difference and there is no connection.

This is a really good reminder that the quiet of the last couple of decades is not our long term picture and we do need to be prepared, Jones said.

Doug Stewart, Malibu City Mayor, said there have been no injuries reported and if there is any damage its so minor its not being reported.

Stewart said there was a public safety disaster review scheduled for today. Multiple agencies, Highway Patrol, Fire Departments and more, were all present and due to the earthquake had a live event to focus on. He said he received an alert of the impending earthquake moments before the actual shaking began.

I was having my cup of coffee with my wife at the breakfast table catching up on the news and the markets and kabang. We got a big jolt and simultaneously with that we got the alert, Stewart said.

Jon Gudel, from California Governors Office of Emergency Services Earthquake Early Warning program, said preparation is key to protecting people. He said downloading the MyShake app is a tool that is life saving and will let users know before an earthquake begins.

Its important to note though, that this app generates alerts on magnitude 4.5 or greater. Which is why you would have received one for this earthquake, Gudel said.

He said the closer users are to the epicenter of an earthquake the less time they will have to receive the alert the app sends out. Gudel said users farther from the center of an oncoming quake can get notifications anywhere up to 30 seconds before the shaking starts.

He said there are currently more than 3.5 million total users of the MyShake app. There are more than 990 sensors across the state of California, according to Gudel.

The ultimate goal is to have 1115 and that is expected to be built out by next year, Gudel said.

He said the application is free and is in six different languages. MyShake app is on both Google Play and Apple App stores.

The United States Geological Surveys Community Internet Intensity Map, shows areas of Rialto, Santa Clarita and Palmdale felt the quake at weak levels. The USGS is a scientific part of the Department of the Interior and provides mapping data for use in making decisions at multiple levels including public safety issues.
50,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish fiery Tesla crash on California highway

Firefighters used 50,000 gallons of water to put out a fire after a Tesla employee driving a 2024 Tesla Semi tractor crashed the truck on a California interstate last month and the vehicle caught on fire.

The findings were part of a preliminary report the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued on Thursday. The thousands of gallons of water were used to extinguish the flames and cool the vehicles batteries, the report read.

The fire broke out around 3:13 p.m. on Aug. 19 on Interstate 80 in Emigrant Gap, California, about 70 miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe, the NTSB said in its report.

The fiery crash, which also emitted toxic fumes and prompted forestry officials to apply fire retardant to the area, is the latest instance of a Tesla electric vehicle fire requiring mass amounts water to extinguish.

In August 2021, firefighters trying to extinguish an Austin, Texas fire following a Tesla crash used 40 times the amount of water normally needed with fires involving gas-powered vehicles, according to The Hill.

And back in December 2023, firefighters in Alabama used over 36,000 gallons of water to put out a fire involving a Tesla, reported Carscoops. That's about 36 times the amount of water needed for fires involving oil-powered vehicles.

The scene of a Tesla semi tractor crash on Aug. 19, 2024 in Emigrant Gap, California.

What happened in the crash?

A Tesla employee crashed in the 2024 Tesla Semi, a battery-powered truck-tractor, while traveling east on I-80. The driver was headed to a Tesla facility in Sparks, Nevada.

The driver drove off the road while making a turn and going uphill. The Tesla hit a traffic delineator mounted on a steel post, hit a tree about 12  inches thick and continued down a slope until it stopped against multiple trees, the NTSB said.

The vehicles lithium-ion electric battery system ignited after the roadway departure, resulting in a post crash fire, the agency concluded.

The Tesla employee driving the vehicle wasnt hurt.

Tesla vehicle did not reignite during 24-hour observation period

The California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the California Department of Transportation came to the scene to help, NTSB said in its preliminary report.

The crash released toxic fumes into the air that posed an inhalation danger, and traffic on I-80 was diverted while emergency responders used about 50,000 gallons of water to put out the fire and cool the trucks batteries.

Tesla also sent a technical expert to the scene to help with high-voltage hazards and fire safety assessments.

The scene of a Tesla semi tractor crash on Aug. 19, 2024 in Emigrant Gap, California.

Emergency responders also took air quality measurements and used a thermal scanner to monitor the batteries temperature. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection also used an aircraft to apply fire retardant to the area as a precautionary measure, the NTSB said.

The westbound and eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed for 14 to 15 hours so firefighters could make sure the batteries were at a safe temperature for vehicle recovery operations. They also wanted to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding forested areas.

The tractor was taken to an open-air facility and monitored for 24 hours. Neither the truck or its battery system reignited during observation.

All aspects of the crash remain under investigation while the NTSB determines the probable cause, with the intent of issuing safety recommendations to prevent similar events, NTSB wrote. While the Tesla Semi was equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), ADAS was not operational on the vehicle and could not be engaged at the time of the crash.

Contributing: Julia Gomez, USA TODAY

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia  the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Firefighters use 50,000 gallons of water to put out Tesla fire on I-80
A new letter from the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA) called on Taiwans minister of economic affairs, Kuo Jyh-huei, to take measures to protect the rights of migrant laborers coming into the country.

Companies like Adidas, Nike, Lacoste, Gap, Target, Under Armour and J. Crew signed the letter, as did dozens of other brands.

More from Sourcing Journal

According to the AAFA and the FLA, reporting from the U.S. Department of State, the International Labor Organization (ILO) and others shows that migrant workers in Taiwan may be subject to high expenses and fees in order to secure a role in the apparel supply chain. The organizations also cite research that alleges that migrant workers may be struggling against unfit or unfair labor conditions.

These reportsallege that some migrant workers can face abusive working and living conditions, including restricted freedom of movement, retention of identity documents, excessive overtime and threats of repatriation if they report grievances, complain about poor labor conditions, engage in workplace organizing or collective bargaining, become pregnant or attempt to change employers, the letter states.

The letter goes on to state that if those alleged conditions are what workers face, they create a high risk of forced labor. As regulations against forced labor continue to pop up in nations like the U.S., the EU, Mexico and Canada, brands have become increasingly cautious about the likelihood of forced labor occurring anywhere in their supply chains.

The companies and organizations argue that in addition to the reality of regulation, companies expect to be able to trust suppliers to mitigate forced labor at every possible touchpoint.

Many companies expect or require their suppliers to reduce and eliminate these risks to prevent trade enforcement actions that may lead to significant business costs, civil and criminal penalties and reputational damage, they wrote.

The signatories did note that Taiwans government has already taken some steps to alleviate the potential of forced labor in facilities across the country by developing a telephone hotline for migrant workers, establishing a direct-hiring service and calling on migrants home countries to cap the fees owed to them for recruitment to one months worth of pay. The country has also said it would prohibit recruitment fees for migrant workers in trade agreement negotiations with the U.S.

Despite the progress the signatories acknowledge Taiwan has made, they are calling on Kuo to take further action against the mistreatment of migrant workers. They recommend Taiwan create and enforce a law against monthly fees or recruitment costs for migrant workers, that it allow full freedom of association, including unions, and that it create agreements with common migrant home countries, which should include input from worker-focused organizations so that the interests of workers are represented, among other actions.

The brands and advocates also called on the country to make it easier for migrant workers to apply to change employers and stated that law enforcement should be required to adequately investigate and enforce any laws related to labor abuse. In the same vein, the signatories said workers needed fair arbitration channels for any grievances that arise in the workplace.

The brands that signed the letter, which also include L.L. Bean, Patagonia, New Balance and Reformation, said that if Kuo and others inside the Taiwanese government heed their recommendation, it will likely foster a safer work environment for migrants.

Implementing these changes will be a good start in providing confidence to migrant workers, and to companies sourcing from Taiwan, that migrant workers in Taiwan are protected by a strong safety net and will not experience unethical recruitment or poor working conditions, they said in the letter. We believe that collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector is essential to promoting and expanding ethical and sustainable business practices in Taiwan.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Cash rewards are being offered for information leading to the arrest of nine suspects wanted for various crimes in Abilene.

Police are seeking these suspects for the following offenses:

John Flores  Indecency with a Child

Tisha Moeller  Tampering with Government Record

Mario Albarado  Injury to a Child, Burglary of Habitation

Robert Lane  Injury to Child

Yair Martinez-Ferral  Assault on Peace Officer, Robbery

Elida Sims  Possession of Methamphetamine

Louis Robinson  Assault Family Violence

Jorge Hernandez  Injury to a Child

Brandon Villalobos  Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Fentanyl Jackie Ray Shanz (FEATURED FUGITIVE)  Abuse of Corpse, Assault Family Violence



CrimeStoppers is offering $500 cash rewards for information that leads to the capture any of the suspects, and a $1000 cash reward for information that leads to the capture of the featured fugitive.

Cash rewards will only be given if the information is received during the week their mugshots are aired on Abilenes Wanted Criminals.

Abilenes Wanted Criminals is a police-run social media segment that will highlight wanted suspects from around the City each week.

Episodes will be posted to the Abilene Police Departments YouTube page or APDs PIO Youtube 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
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. 
In a $50 million purchase, the states Department of Natural Resources and several partners secured more than 10,000 acres of land in Hampton and Jasper counties to serve as a public heritage preserve and wildlife management area.

Acquiring the 10,570-acre plot, known as the Buckfield and Slater properties, is another feather in the cap of environmentalists whove been long-working to protect South Carolinas land and waterways that are threatened by rapid growth and development.

Rich with flora and fauna, braided with creeks and streams, and affronting 8 miles along the Coosawhatchie River and 3 miles of the Tulifiny River, the land will be spared from development pressures in the states fastest-growing county  Jasper County  and the nearby communities of Beaufort, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.

Its a huge victory for South Carolina, said Robert Boyles, director of the states Department of Natural Resources, in a news release.

Called the Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area, the protected property joins a nearby 13,100 acres of conserved land. Another 1,992 acres are pending, SCDNR said. Together, it creates what environmentalists say is a nature bridge of undeveloped land that stretches from the 300,000-acre Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto Rivers Basin to the 450,000-acre South Lowcountry-Savannah, according to previous reporting by The Island Packet.

The watershed, which drains into the Port Royal Sound, provides clean water downstream and replenishes fisheries and estuaries.

Outlined in pink is the $50 million purchase by the states Department of Natural Resources along with other partners of the Buckfield and Slater properties, which will be known as the Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area.

The preserve is a nature-lover and a wildlife-enthusiasts dream. Its thick with upland mixed pine hardwoods and bottomland hardwoods, and boasts stretches of open fields. Based on South Carolinas State Wildlife Action Plan, there are about 68 priority plant and animal species on the property, including the gopher tortoise, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake and Florida pine snake, according to the news release.

Gov. Henry McMaster said the conservation purchase was a significant milestone in the ardent efforts to safeguard the states vulnerable resources. Not only is it important for the protection of the environment and wildlife, McMaster said the preservation ensures the landscapes are not lost to over-development but preserved for future generations to enjoy.

When the institute bought the first 3,800-acre Slater property in Jasper County, Nate Berry, OSIs chief land protection officer, recalled thinking in 2021 that theyd hit a home run.

Now, three years since the initial purchase, OSI, The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina, the S.C. Conservation Bank, and state and federal partners were to protect a total of 12,300 acres with the Slater and Buckfield acquisitions.

The formal Wednesday announcement unveiling the acquisition comes weeks after The Nature Conservancy and the Beaufort-based Open Land Trust finalized a private conservation easement for the 4,409-acre Gregorie Neck property, which sits on a peninsula with deep-water access of the Coosawhatchie and Tulifinny rivers.

Where did the $50 million come from?

According to the SCDNR news release, 65%  or $32.5 million  came from state appropriations.

Heres the breakdown for the additional $17.5 million used to purchase the Buckfield and Slater plots:

$9.46 million U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy Program

$6.04 million SCDNR Heritage Trust Program

$1 million S.C. Conservation Bank

$475,000 SCDNR timber revenue

$475,000 SCDNR deer revenue

$50,000 The Nature Conservancy
8-Year-Old Boy Last Seen at School Playground Is Found Dead in Nearby Pond: 'a Lot of Broken Hearts'

Authorities said Lionel Ramirez Cervantes disappeared around 11:10 a.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 12, and was found about four hours later

Greenville County Sheriff's Office Lionel Ramirez Cervantes

An 8-year-old boy has been found dead after he wandered away from his school in South Carolina.

Lionel Ramirez Cervantes disappeared from Bells Crossing Elementary School around 11:10 a.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 12, according to a statement from the Greenville County Sheriff's Office. He was last seen near the schools playground.

Greenville County Schools said in a statement, "The student was in a classroom with 2 other students and 3 staff members when he ran away, and was pursued by multiple school staff members.

Staff members who gave chase were no longer able to see the student after he went up a hill, beyond a fence off campus and into a field with very high grass.

Authorities and school officials said the boys remains were found around 3 p.m. by dive team members in a body of water off Lenox Lake Drive near the school.

Greenville County Sheriff's Office Lionel Ramirez Cervantes on camera at his school on the day he disappeared

Cervantes had autism and was somewhat nonverbal, according to the GCSO.

This was our worst fear today, and we are grieving as a community, said Chris Ross, Principal of Bell's Crossing Elementary School in a statement. We are devastated to lose one of our children.

He added, We will bind together with the support of the district. Its a tragedy we cant make sense over. We are of course supporting the students family in any way we can, along with our students and staff. Thank you for your support of one another during this incredibly difficult time.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Words are not sufficient to describe this tragedy, said GCS Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster in her own statement, in which she thanked those who responded to the students disappearance. Our hearts and prayers are with this family and school community.

School officials said, appropriate GCS personnel, including staff at Bells Crossing Elementary, receive numerous trainings in the management of student behaviors, including specific training regarding elopement (a term which includes a number of behaviors such as running away).

Please understand that the safety of students is always our top priority, they added.

Related: Heroic Florida Deputy Rescues 5-Year-Old with Autism from Pond  Watch the Dramatic Moment

Grief counselors were made available to support our students and staff following Thursdays tragedy, according to school officials.

The Greenville County coroner said there were no signs of significant trauma or foul play in connection with Cervantes death, according to FOX affiliate WHNS.

A lot of broken hearts in the school and this community today, said Sheriff Hobart Lewis, per CBS affiliate WSPA. We want to thank this community that came out to look for this young man. We had numerous volunteers show up try to help search the woods to locate him.



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Read the original article on People.
Abortion opponents are still trying to block ballot measures  even as voting is about to begin

Amendment 3 supporters celebrate after the Missouri Supreme Court in Jefferson City ruled that the amendment to protect abortion rights would stay on the November ballot on September 10, 2024.

Amendment 3 supporters celebrate after the Missouri Supreme Court in Jefferson City ruled that the amendment to protect abortion rights would stay on the November ballot on September 10, 2024. (Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/AP)

Your trusted source for contextualizing abortion and Election 2024 news. Sign up for our daily newsletter.

In Missouri and Nebraska, abortion opponents unsuccessfully attempted to run out the clock with last-minute court challenges to keep voters from weighing in on abortion ballot measures. A court challenge in South Dakota threatens to invalidate an abortion rights amendment well after voting gets underway. In Florida, advocates are suing a state agency they accuse of using taxpayer funds to spread false and misleading claims about a proposed abortion rights constitutional amendment.

For months, Republican elected officials and anti-abortion advocates have attempted to stop abortion from getting on the ballot in the first place. Their efforts failed in all but one state, Arkansas. And now, as the first ballots of the 2024 election are being printed and readied to go out to voters, advocates are contending with costly, last-ditch legal fights and state-backed campaigns to derail their efforts.

The Missouri Supreme Court this week shut down an 11th-hour effort by a Republican state lawmaker to derail a measure that would restore a right to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care in Missouri, which has a near-total abortion ban in place.

On Saturday, a local judge ruled to invalidate the measure on the grounds that it did not state which specific laws it would overturn. Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the coalition backing the measure, appealed, expediting the case to the state Supreme Court on Tuesday  the deadline for election officials to print mail ballots.

The states chief election official, Jay Ashcroft, a Republican candidate for governor who has used his office to oppose the abortion rights amendment, decertified it and took it off the secretary of states website before the Supreme Court could make a ruling.

Attorney Chuck Hatfield of Stinson LLP, representing Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, described Ashcrofts actions as shenanigans in oral arguments before the court.

Its open contempt for your authority. Its open contempt for the rule of law, its open contempt for the proper administration of justice to tell the public that hes going to take it off the ballot, even though were here this morning having this discussion, he told the justices.

Hours later, the high court ruled in the groups favor, ordering Ashcroft to take all steps necessary to ensure the measure appears on the ballot. Rachel Sweet, the campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, called the ruling a victory for both direct democracy and reproductive freedom.

This fight was not just about this amendment  it was about defending the integrity of the initiative petition process and ensuring that Missourians can shape their future directly, she said in a statement.

Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have argued that the Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization rightfully returned abortion policy to state legislatures and voters. But in the states, Republicans have only intensified long-standing efforts to undercut comes to abortion rights measures. direct democracy initiatives that would restore a right to abortion.

In Florida, where abortion is banned after six weeks, the group Floridians Protecting Freedom submitted over 1 million signatures and got the sign-off from the states highest court in February on language for an abortion rights measure, certified for the ballot as Amendment 4.

But the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed the six-week ban into law, is using multiple levers of government to tip the scales against the amendment and cast doubt on its validity. A recent poll from Emerson College/The Hill showed 55 percent of likely Florida voters supported the measure; it requires at least 60 percent of the vote to pass.

On Thursday, the ACLU of Florida and Southern Legal Counsel filed suit against the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA), which they say has crossed a dangerous line by using public resources to mislead voters and manipulate their choices with a taxpayer-funded marketing campaign opposing the amendment. It echoes a similar website made by state officials in Ohio, which voted to guarantee an abortion rights measure in 2023.

The Florida campaign includes a television ad and a landing page on its website claiming that the amendment threatens womens safety and states: we must keep Florida from becoming an abortion tourism destination state. In a statement to the Florida Times-Union, the AHCA defended the website as an effort to educate voters and provide transparency as to what the amendment would do.

This website has been filled with demonstrably false statements and so were challenging the misuse of taxpayer dollars to lie to voters about this amendment, Michelle Morton, staff attorney for the ACLU of Florida, said on a Wednesday call with reporters. This is not what government is supposed to be, its not what government is supposed to do.

Abortion rights activists participate in a rally to protect abortion rights for Floridians in Orlando in April 2024 as Florida Rising, Floridians Protecting Freedom, and coalition partners officially launch the Yes on 4 abortion ballot measure campaign. (Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images)

In another unusual move, the Florida Department of State has directed several county election supervisors to review some 36,000 signatures out of the almost one million that were verified in February as part of a probe into unspecified claims of petition fraud. Some voters who signed petitions have been unsettled by law enforcement officers showing up to their homes to inquire about their signatures, the Miami Herald reported.

Its unclear what the investigations endgame is. Proponents of Amendment 4 slammed the effort as nothing more than a distraction meant to intimidate voters and deflect attention away from the consequences of the ban.

When you dont want to talk about an abortion ban that has no real exceptions and that is criminally harming women, you talk about distractions, Lauren Brenzel, campaign director for the Yes on 4 campaign, said on the call.

Court challenges threatened to forestall abortion ballot measures in two Great Plains states.

In Nebraska, the state Supreme Court on Monday heard arguments in three cases regarding two competing abortion ballot measures set to go before voters, days before Fridays deadline for the secretary of state to certify them for the ballot.

Two cases, including one brought by the conservative Thomas More Society, argued a measure to restore abortion rights to the point of fetal viability violated a legal requirement for ballot measures to cover a single subject.

Protect Our Rights, the group supporting the amendment, in a statement posted to their Facebook page called the cases distractions funded and driven by anti-abortion politicians who are doing everything in their power to undermine the process and lay the groundwork for their ultimate goal: a total abortion ban.

On Friday, the court ruled that both the pro and anti-abortion measures will appear on the ballot.

And in South Dakota, which has a near-total abortion ban in place, arguments are set to begin September 23 in a lawsuit challenging the validity of a proposed constitutional amendment, Amendment G, that would restore legal abortion access under the framework set by Roe v. Wade.

The measure, backed by the group Dakotans for Health, has already been certified and will remain on the ballot. But if the legal case against it succeeds, the votes for it will be invalidated and it will not go into effect. Dakotans for Health lambasted the lawsuit, brought by the anti-abortion Life Defense Fund, as a legal charade and a show trial that constitutes a flagrant misuse of the states legal system and taxpayer funds.

Brenzel, for her part, is keeping her efforts and messaging focused on the women and patients affected by the states ban.

Were not focused on uncredible allegations. Were focused on a ban that is criminal and that it forced women to give birth to children who have died in their arms, she said. It forced women to lose half of the blood in their body before they were able to access care. It has denied women access to medically necessary care, and thats whats criminal.

The post Abortion opponents are still trying to block ballot measures  even as voting is about to begin appeared first on The 19th.

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People walk together during a rally against Floridas six-week abortion ban held at Lake Eola Park in April in Orlando. Florida is one of 10 states with abortion protection measures on the November ballot, though Republicans are fighting to prevent voters from weighing in. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Measures that would protect abortion access are on track to appear on the ballot in 10 states in November, but abortion opponents are engaged in last-ditch legal maneuvering to try to prevent voters from weighing in on the proposals.

In Republican-dominated Missouri, for example, the state Supreme Court ruled this week that a constitutional amendment to legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability must be put before voters  issuing its decision less than three hours before a constitutional deadline to finalize the ballot.

The day before, Missouri Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had decertified the measure in a bid to quash it. Anti-abortion state lawmakers and activists had sued Ashcroft last month, alleging his initial certification of the ballot measure was invalid because it failed to meet all legal requirements.

This fight was not just about this amendment, Rachel Sweet, campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement. Her group led the effort for the ballot measure. It was about defending the integrity of the initiative petition process and ensuring that Missourians can shape their future directly.

In Nebraska and South Dakota, two other states where Republicans dominate state government, last-minute legal battles have created uncertainty about whether abortion access measures will stand even if voters approve them.

And in Florida, GOP officials used a state website to warn people against voting for a ballot measure that would expand abortion rights, while state police have shown up at the homes of people who signed the ballot measure petition to confirm that they actually signed it. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said police are investigating possible fraud, but abortion advocates argue the real goal is to intimidate voters. Republicans also control both chambers of that legislature.

These last-minute efforts are part of a relentless campaign to make it harder for voters to weigh in on an issue they care deeply about and that can permanently alter their lives.

 Alice Clapman, senior counsel for voting rights at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University

The 10 states with abortion protection measures on the ballot are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York and South Dakota. In eight states, the measures were initiated by citizens who had to gather hundreds of thousands of signatures and navigate bureaucratic red tape to get them in front of voters. In two other states, Democratic-controlled Maryland and New York, legislators placed the measures on the ballot.

In several states, anti-abortion activists have tried to remove the measures from the ballot by arguing that they are overly broad, or that the citizen groups behind them didnt fully comply with state requirements.

Missouri state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman and state Rep. Hannah Kelly, both Republicans, along with two other anti-abortion plaintiffs, filed the lawsuit that wound up before the Missouri Supreme Court.

The Missouri Supreme Court turned a blind eye and ruled Missourians dont have to be fully informed about the laws their votes may overturn before signing initiative petitions, the plaintiffs said in a joint statement shared by Kelly.

Nebraska voters will see dueling constitutional amendments on the ballot: One would establish the right to abortion up to fetal viability, while the other would ban nearly all abortions in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

On. Sept. 13, the Nebraska Supreme Court unanimously ruled that both initiatives would remain on the ballot. The decision came after the court weighed three lawsuits, two of which sought to block the abortion rights amendment. The third was filed by abortion rights advocates, asking the court to either allow both amendments on the ballot or neither of them. The same day, Nebraska Republican Secretary of State Bob Evnen certified the ballot with both measures included.

A lawsuit over South Dakotas abortion amendment goes to trial later this month, and isnt expected to finish before early voting begins. An anti-abortion rights group sued in June to block the ballot question, challenging the validity of the petitions signatures.

The proposed amendment, which would limit how and when the state can regulate abortion, will appear on South Dakotas ballot regardless of the trials outcome because the case wasnt decided by the Aug. 13 certification deadline. But if the court later rules the signatures invalid, it would nullify the results of the vote.

These last-minute efforts are part of a relentless campaign to make it harder for voters to weigh in on an issue they care deeply about and that can permanently alter their lives, said Alice Clapman, senior counsel for voting rights at the Brennan Center for Justice, a voting rights group based at the New York University School of Law, in an email to Stateline.

In states under one-party control, like Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota, abortion opponents are trying to close off the only remaining avenue voters have to reform their laws, she wrote.

In Florida, the state health agency launched a Florida is Protecting Life website earlier this month that says Floridas abortion amendment threatens womens safety and warns voters, Dont let the fearmongers lie to you. The site makes several other unsubstantiated claims, including that the amendment would lead to unregulated and unsafe abortions.

Asked about accusations that leadership misused public funds to launch the site, the agency defended the website in a statement: Our new transparency page serves to educate Floridians on the states current abortion laws and provide information on a proposed policy change that would impact care across the state.

But amendment advocates have decried the use of public money. Natasha Sutherland, communications director for Floridians Protecting Freedom, an organization behind the ballot measure, called it a state-sponsored and taxpayer-funded political ad.

Florida politicians are trying to take away our power to decide our future, which is why they are weaponizing a state agency and using taxpayer dollars to undermine the democratic process and threaten the freedoms of every Floridian, she told Stateline in an email.

Florida agency director Jason Weida said in a statement on the social platform X  shared by the agencys account  that the page was launched to combat the lies and disinformation surrounding Floridas abortion laws. The agency also released a video this week directing people to the site.

Meanwhile, the Florida Department of State is reviewing thousands of signatures that were collected to get the amendment on the ballot, despite the signatures being verified by local supervisors months ago.

Last month, the Florida Supreme Court sided with the state in allowing language on the ballot that abortion-rights activists say improperly inflates the amendments projected costs.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled the federal constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022, voters in half a dozen states, including conservative Kansas and Kentucky, have voted to protect abortion access. So far, voters have not defeated any abortion rights ballot measure.

A majority of likely Florida voters said theyd vote for the abortion rights measure there, according to a poll released last week by The Hill and Emerson College Polling. Fifty-five percent said they would vote yes on the amendment, while 26% plan to vote no, with 20% unsure. Nearly two-thirds of Arizona voters said theyd vote for Arizonas constitutional amendment to establish the right to an abortion up to fetal viability, according to a Fox News poll in August.

Clapman said chances of passage vary by state, based on factors including public opinion, the states current abortion policy and how the ballot measures are worded.

Although voters in South Dakota, Missouri and Florida tend to be relatively conservative on abortion issues, she said, they also may be particularly motivated to support abortion rights because theyre currently living under abortion bans and are seeing and experiencing the dire effects of these bans.

This story was updated to include the Nebraska Supreme Courts Sept. 13 ruling on the ballot initiatives in that state.

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People associated with the Life Defense Fund protest outside a Sioux Falls library on May 1, 2024, as an abortion-rights group conducts a press conference inside. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

People associated with the Life Defense Fund protest outside a Sioux Falls library on May 1, 2024, as an abortion-rights group conducts a press conference inside. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Measures that would protect abortion access are on track to appear on the ballot in 10 states in November, but abortion opponents are engaged in last-ditch legal maneuvering to try to prevent voters from weighing in on the proposals.

In Republican-dominated Missouri, for example, the state Supreme Court ruled this week that a constitutional amendment to legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability must be put before voters  issuing its decision less than three hours before a constitutional deadline to finalize the ballot.

The day before, Missouri Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had decertified the measure in a bid to quash it. Anti-abortion state lawmakers and activists had sued Ashcroft last month, alleging his initial certification of the ballot measure was invalid because it failed to meet all legal requirements.

[2024 Voter Guide: Information on South Dakotas abortion ballot measure, plus other measures and races.]

This fight was not just about this amendment, Rachel Sweet, campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement. Her group led the effort for the ballot measure. It was about defending the integrity of the initiative petition process and ensuring that Missourians can shape their future directly.

In Nebraska and South Dakota, two other states where Republicans dominate state government, last-minute legal battles have created uncertainty about whether abortion access measures will stand even if voters approve them.

And in Florida, GOP officials used a state website to warn people against voting for a ballot measure that would expand abortion rights, while state police have shown up at the homes of people who signed the ballot measure petition to confirm that they actually signed it. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said police are investigating possible fraud, but abortion advocates argue the real goal is to intimidate voters. Republicans also control both chambers of that legislature.

These last-minute efforts are part of a relentless campaign to make it harder for voters to weigh in on an issue they care deeply about and that can permanently alter their lives.

 Alice Clapman, senior counsel for voting rights at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University

The 10 states with abortion protection measures on the ballot are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York and South Dakota. In eight states, the measures were initiated by citizens who had to gather hundreds of thousands of signatures and navigate bureaucratic red tape to get them in front of voters. In two other states, Democratic-controlled Maryland and New York, legislators placed the measures on the ballot.

In several states, anti-abortion activists have tried to remove the measures from the ballot by arguing that they are overly broad, or that the citizen groups behind them didnt fully comply with state requirements.

Missouri state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman and state Rep. Hannah Kelly, both Republicans, along with two other anti-abortion plaintiffs, filed the lawsuit that wound up before the Missouri Supreme Court.

The Missouri Supreme Court turned a blind eye and ruled Missourians dont have to be fully informed about the laws their votes may overturn before signing initiative petitions, the plaintiffs said in a joint statement shared by Kelly.

Nebraska voters will see dueling constitutional amendments on the ballot: One would establish the right to abortion up to fetal viability, while the other would ban nearly all abortions in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

But whether Nebraskans will get to vote on them depends on three lawsuits currently before the Nebraska Supreme Court, two of which target the abortion rights amendment. The third was filed by abortion rights advocates, asking the court to either allow both amendments on the ballot or neither of them. Nebraska Republican Secretary of State Bob Evnen must decide by today whether to certify the ballot.

A lawsuit over South Dakotas abortion amendment goes to trial later this month, after early voting in the state begins. An anti-abortion rights group sued in June to block the ballot question, challenging the validity of the petitions signatures.

The proposed amendment, which would limit how and when the state can regulate abortion, will appear on South Dakotas ballot regardless of the trials outcome because the case wasnt decided by the Aug. 13 certification deadline. But if the court later rules the signatures invalid, it would nullify the results of the vote.

These last-minute efforts are part of a relentless campaign to make it harder for voters to weigh in on an issue they care deeply about and that can permanently alter their lives, said Alice Clapman, senior counsel for voting rights at the Brennan Center for Justice, a voting rights group based at the New York University School of Law, in an email to Stateline.

In states under one-party control, like Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota, abortion opponents are trying to close off the only remaining avenue voters have to reform their laws, she wrote.

In Florida, the state health agency launched a Florida is Protecting Life website earlier this month that says Floridas abortion amendment threatens womens safety and warns voters, Dont let the fearmongers lie to you. The site makes several other unsubstantiated claims, including that the amendment would lead to unregulated and unsafe abortions.

Asked about accusations that leadership misused public funds to launch the site, the agency defended the website in a statement: Our new transparency page serves to educate Floridians on the states current abortion laws and provide information on a proposed policy change that would impact care across the state.

But amendment advocates have decried the use of public money. Natasha Sutherland, communications director for Floridians Protecting Freedom, an organization behind the ballot measure, called it a state-sponsored and taxpayer-funded political ad.

Florida politicians are trying to take away our power to decide our future, which is why they are weaponizing a state agency and using taxpayer dollars to undermine the democratic process and threaten the freedoms of every Floridian, she told Stateline in an email.

Florida agency director Jason Weida said in a statement on the social platform X  shared by the agencys account  that the page was launched to combat the lies and disinformation surrounding Floridas abortion laws. The agency also released a video this week directing people to the site.

Meanwhile, the Florida Department of State is reviewing thousands of signatures that were collected to get the amendment on the ballot, despite the signatures being verified by local supervisors months ago.

Last month, the Florida Supreme Court sided with the state in allowing language on the ballot that abortion-rights activists say improperly inflates the amendments projected costs.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled the federal constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022, voters in half a dozen states, including conservative Kansas and Kentucky, have voted to protect abortion access. So far, voters have not defeated any abortion rights ballot measure.

A majority of likely Florida voters said theyd vote for the abortion rights measure there, according to a poll released last week by The Hill and Emerson College Polling. Fifty-five percent said they would vote yes on the amendment, while 26% plan to vote no, with 20% unsure. Nearly two-thirds of Arizona voters said theyd vote for Arizonas constitutional amendment to establish the right to an abortion up to fetal viability, according to a Fox News poll in August.

Clapman said chances of passage vary by state, based on factors including public opinion, the states current abortion policy and how the ballot measures are worded.

Although voters in South Dakota, Missouri and Florida tend to be relatively conservative on abortion issues, she said, they also may be particularly motivated to support abortion rights because theyre currently living under abortion bans and are seeing and experiencing the dire effects of these bans.

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.
People walk together during a rally against Floridas six-week abortion ban held at Lake Eola Park in April in Orlando. Florida is one of 10 states with abortion protection measures on the November ballot, though Republicans are fighting to prevent voters from weighing in. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

This story originally appeared on Stateline.

Measures that would protect abortion access are on track to appear on the ballot in 10 states in November, but abortion opponents are engaged in last-ditch legal maneuvering to try to prevent voters from weighing in on the proposals.

In Republican-dominated Missouri, for example, the state Supreme Court ruled this week that a constitutional amendment to legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability must be put before voters  issuing its decision less than three hours before a constitutional deadline to finalize the ballot.

The day before, Missouri Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had decertified the measure in a bid to quash it. Anti-abortion state lawmakers and activists had sued Ashcroft last month, alleging his initial certification of the ballot measure was invalid because it failed to meet all legal requirements.

This fight was not just about this amendment, Rachel Sweet, campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement. Her group led the effort for the ballot measure. It was about defending the integrity of the initiative petition process and ensuring that Missourians can shape their future directly.

In Nebraska and South Dakota, two other states where Republicans dominate state government, last-minute legal battles have created uncertainty about whether abortion access measures will stand even if voters approve them.

And in Florida, GOP officials used a state website to warn people against voting for a ballot measure that would expand abortion rights, while state police have shown up at the homes of people who signed the ballot measure petition to confirm that they actually signed it. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said police are investigating possible fraud, but abortion advocates argue the real goal is to intimidate voters. Republicans also control both chambers of that legislature.

These last-minute efforts are part of a relentless campaign to make it harder for voters to weigh in on an issue they care deeply about and that can permanently alter their lives.

 Alice Clapman, senior counsel for voting rights at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University

The 10 states with abortion protection measures on the ballot are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York and South Dakota. In eight states, the measures were initiated by citizens who had to gather hundreds of thousands of signatures and navigate bureaucratic red tape to get them in front of voters. In two other states, Democratic-controlled Maryland and New York, legislators placed the measures on the ballot.

In several states, anti-abortion activists have tried to remove the measures from the ballot by arguing that they are overly broad, or that the citizen groups behind them didnt fully comply with state requirements.

Missouri state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman and state Rep. Hannah Kelly, both Republicans, along with two other anti-abortion plaintiffs, filed the lawsuit that wound up before the Missouri Supreme Court.

The Missouri Supreme Court turned a blind eye and ruled Missourians dont have to be fully informed about the laws their votes may overturn before signing initiative petitions, the plaintiffs said in a joint statement shared by Kelly.

Nebraska voters will see dueling constitutional amendments on the ballot: One would establish the right to abortion up to fetal viability, while the other would ban nearly all abortions in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

But whether Nebraskans will get to vote on them depends on three lawsuits currently before the Nebraska Supreme Court, two of which target the abortion rights amendment. The third was filed by abortion rights advocates, asking the court to either allow both amendments on the ballot or neither of them. Nebraska Republican Secretary of State Bob Evnen must decide by today whether to certify the ballot.

A lawsuit over South Dakotas abortion amendment goes to trial later this month, and isnt expected to finish before early voting begins. An anti-abortion rights group sued in June to block the ballot question, challenging the validity of the petitions signatures.

The proposed amendment, which would limit how and when the state can regulate abortion, will appear on South Dakotas ballot regardless of the trials outcome because the case wasnt decided by the Aug. 13 certification deadline. But if the court later rules the signatures invalid, it would nullify the results of the vote.

These last-minute efforts are part of a relentless campaign to make it harder for voters to weigh in on an issue they care deeply about and that can permanently alter their lives, said Alice Clapman, senior counsel for voting rights at the Brennan Center for Justice, a voting rights group based at the New York University School of Law, in an email to Stateline.

In states under one-party control, like Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota, abortion opponents are trying to close off the only remaining avenue voters have to reform their laws, she wrote.

In Florida, the state health agency launched a Florida is Protecting Life website earlier this month that says Floridas abortion amendment threatens womens safety and warns voters, Dont let the fearmongers lie to you. The site makes several other unsubstantiated claims, including that the amendment would lead to unregulated and unsafe abortions.

Asked about accusations that leadership misused public funds to launch the site, the agency defended the website in a statement: Our new transparency page serves to educate Floridians on the states current abortion laws and provide information on a proposed policy change that would impact care across the state.

But amendment advocates have decried the use of public money. Natasha Sutherland, communications director for Floridians Protecting Freedom, an organization behind the ballot measure, called it a state-sponsored and taxpayer-funded political ad.

Florida politicians are trying to take away our power to decide our future, which is why they are weaponizing a state agency and using taxpayer dollars to undermine the democratic process and threaten the freedoms of every Floridian, she told Stateline in an email.

Florida agency director Jason Weida said in a statement on the social platform X  shared by the agencys account  that the page was launched to combat the lies and disinformation surrounding Floridas abortion laws. The agency also released a video this week directing people to the site.

Meanwhile, the Florida Department of State is reviewing thousands of signatures that were collected to get the amendment on the ballot, despite the signatures being verified by local supervisors months ago.

Last month, the Florida Supreme Court sided with the state in allowing language on the ballot that abortion-rights activists say improperly inflates the amendments projected costs.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled the federal constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022, voters in half a dozen states, including conservative Kansas and Kentucky, have voted to protect abortion access. So far, voters have not defeated any abortion rights ballot measure.

A majority of likely Florida voters said theyd vote for the abortion rights measure there, according to a poll released last week by The Hill and Emerson College Polling. Fifty-five percent said they would vote yes on the amendment, while 26% plan to vote no, with 20% unsure. Nearly two-thirds of Arizona voters said theyd vote for Arizonas constitutional amendment to establish the right to an abortion up to fetal viability, according to a Fox News poll in August.

Clapman said chances of passage vary by state, based on factors including public opinion, the states current abortion policy and how the ballot measures are worded.

Although voters in South Dakota, Missouri and Florida tend to be relatively conservative on abortion issues, she said, they also may be particularly motivated to support abortion rights because theyre currently living under abortion bans and are seeing and experiencing the dire effects of these bans.

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.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The city is inviting the community to take advantage of Zero Fares and visit the Winrock Park Market this Saturday. Officials say prizes will be given at the Route 766 bus stop on the east side of Target at 2120 Louisiana Blvd. from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Years in the making: Winrock Park holds grand opening

The Winrock Park Market happens every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and features local growers, artisans, makers, food trucks, and live music. The market is located behind Dillards.

City councilors voted in favor of making the zero fares program permanent back in November of 2023.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
It is the forth anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords this month - Jim Lo /Shutterstock

Since its founding in 1948, the State of Israel has had a difficult relationship with its neighbours. Those eighty years of history reflect a region beset by rivalry, distrust, and deep religious division. It has often been a toxic mix that has led to open conflict.

In fact, the day after Israel declared its independence, a coalition of neighbouring states  Egypt, Transjordan and Syria  launched an invasion. Egypt remained in a declared state of war with Israel until normalisation in 1977, an intervening period which saw conflict in 1967 and on Yom Kippur in 1973. In 1994, Jordan followed Egypt to become the second Arab state to recognise the Jewish state.

Yet elsewhere in the Arab world the scars of conflict remained unhealed. Land belonging to Israel was not demarcated in textbooks and the homeland of the Jews was not referred to by its proper name, but as the Zionist entity.

Then, four years ago this month, a breakthrough occurred. The Abraham Accords, signed at the White House, brought about the diplomatic recognition of Israel from the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. Since September 2020, trade between the signatories has grown markedly, and cultural ties and exchanges have flourished, bringing people into contact with each other in recognition of their shared humanity.

Yet, beyond economic and cultural connections in the region itself, there lies a deeper strategic significance to the Accords that positively supports the security of the US and UK.

A new generation of leaders in the Gulf stepped into the roles held by their fathers and grandfathers. To these new rulers, Israel does not pose the existential threat to their nations or their regimes that their antecedents thought it did. Instead, as the leaders in the capitals of Bahrain, UAE, Morocco and elsewhere surveyed their strategic environment, the clearest threat came from across the Persian Gulf.

The Iranian regimes malignancy is matched only by its revolutionary zeal. The cruelty of the regime domestically was exposed to a large international audience by the protests that followed the murder of Mahsa Amini. Yet, as the government suppressed those protests, it continued to cause chaos in the region with the goal of exporting the revolution.

A network of proxy groups employed to carry out Irans forward defence strategy are the primary instigators of regional destabilisation. Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis have threatened and barbarised the state of Israel, and their actions are antithetical to Western interests. The concerns of Abraham Accords signatories regarding Irans aggressive behavior are shared by the United Kingdom.

In the recent election, British policy in the Middle East was undoubtedly a concern for many voters, with pictures on our screens of the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli citizens and the bloody aftermath in Gaza. Yet, the focus ought to have been how to effectively contain Iran, rather than an unproductive appeasement of anti-Israel zealots.

The best path to peace is represented by the ideals of the Abraham Accords  that shared economic and commercial endeavours build trust between peoples; that co-existence is preferable to conflict; and that shared cultural experiences facilitate understanding between previously warring states. These precepts will not bring peace in themselves, but they can lay the foundations for it in the future.

The Abraham Accords also represent the best framework for dealing with the Iran challenge. The Accords envisaged how a defence and security architecture could operate in the region, led by the United States through Centcom, but with an increasing regional input as the US focuses more of its resources and energy on competition with China in the Indo-Pacific.

The missile attack from Iran in April saw a nascent version of this vision. Over 1200 missiles aimed for Israel were intercepted by the armed forces of neighbouring states, such as Jordan and the UAE.

Many thought that Hamas barbarous attack on Israeli civilians and Israels subsequent military action in Gaza spelled the end of the Abraham Accords. Commentators argued that existing normalisation agreements would collapse, and that business between the countries would cease. Any further normalisation deals, such as with Saudi Arabia, were now presumed to be off the table. This was almost certainly the strategic aim of Hamas and their benefactors in Tehran.

These gloomy forecasts ultimately proved to be false, however. For that, we can thank the visionary leadership in Abu Dhabi, Rabat, and Manama. To these governments, the Abraham Accords were an enormous strategic decision. They were, and are, unpopular amongst sections of their domestic populations. They further advance Israeli integration into the region and recognise the necessity of Israeli security. Neither proposition enjoys widespread popular support.

Following October 7, the signatories remained strong in their commitment to the Abraham Accords and condemned both Hamas attack and Israels military response. For example, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, called for the release of hostages and unequivocally condemned Hamas at the Manama Dialogue.

The UAE continues to provide vital and courageous regional leadership. Abu Dhabi have leveraged their diplomatic relations with Israel to provide $34mn of aid to Gaza, construct hospitals, and evacuate children for medical treatment. The UAE also constructed desalination facilities to prevent water shortages in Gaza.

The continued benefits of the Abraham Accords are clear from recent trade figures. To take just one example, trade between Morocco and Israel has increased by 64 per cent from this point last year, despite the war in Gaza.

The relationship between the United States, Saudi Arabia and other Abraham Accords countries will be a key factor in the peace and prosperity in the Middle East. A positive relationship could see President Bidens goal of a normalisation deal realised. This will help Israel and Saudi Arabia co-operate to balance against the threat of Iran, which will also be in the interests of the US and UK.

Whoever wins the US election in November must continue to build on and expand the Abraham Accords, not just support them. There remain reasons to be hopeful. As a senator, Kamala Harris supported the Accords and continued to support good relations with Bahrain and the UAE as vice president, and former President Trump remembers the Accords fondly as his administrations primary diplomatic achievement.

The Accords provided a vision for peace, prosperity and security, for co-existence over conflict. They sought to release countries with shared strategic interests from the shackles of decades of mistrust and suspicion. For those in Whitehall and Washington, it is imperative that the Accords remain central to policy in the Middle East.

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.
[Source]

Happy, a 50-year-old Asian elephant at the Bronx Zoo, has been absent from public view since July, sparking concerns from animal rights activists and zoo visitors.

Despite assurances from the zoo that Happy is healthy and choosing to stay in her barn, activists argue her isolation highlights the issue of keeping such a highly social animal in captivity. Happy has lived alone since 2006 after a companion's death and legal battles over her confinement have failed to free her. A recent health inspection by the USDA found no issues, but activists remain skeptical, demanding more transparency.

Experts continue to debate the ethics of keeping elephants in zoos, while the Bronx Zoo defended its care practices. We have learned how to care for them better, how to meet their needs and how to manage them from a physical standpoint, and from a psychological and a social standpoint, Dan Ashe, the president and chief executive of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, told The New York Times.

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Absolutely vicious: Experts warn of new yellowjacket species in New England

A dangerous species of yellowjacket that hails from as far south as Central America is now buzzing around in parts of New England, experts are warning.

The southern yellowjacket, also known as Vespula squamosa, is aggressive and potentially lethal. Not only do they sting, but they bite too, according to Norm Patterson, a self-proclaimed yellowjacket expert who has decades of experience removing insects from homes.

Theyre biting and stinging which just increases the pain, Patterson told WFSB-TV. I thought what in the world is this? They just come screaming out at you. Very dangerous. Lethal to people who are allergic.

Patterson also said the southern yellowjacket nests are gigantic.

The southern yellowjackets are absolutely vicious, Patterson said. Theyre bigger and the nests are 10 times bigger than this.

Warmer temperatures over the years have driven the southern yellowjacket north, according to scientist Gale Ridge of the Agricultural Experiment Station.

They have now pushed further up into New England, and now picked up here in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and southern Massachusetts, Ridge told WFSB-TV. So, theyre going to continue to go north.

Experts say the southern yellowjacket now accounts for up to 10 percent of the yellowjacket population in Connecticut.

You can get huge nests, some as long as 9 feet, Ridge said. Its something we will pay attention to.

Patterson added, Theyre here to stay Im afraid.

Any New Englander who stumbles upon a southern yellowjacket is urged to contact a professional.

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Trier: Beats and Bowl: Every Friday and Saturday, rock out to music as you aim for some strikes.

Trier: Beer Festival: Choose from 100 beers from 18 breweries on Friday and Saturday.

Kaiserslautern: Lego Exhibition and Sand Sculpture Exhibition: Enjoy these exhibitions at the Kaiserslautern Gartenschau until October 31.

Kaiserslautern: Kammgarn International Blues Festival: On Friday and Saturday, enjoy jazz musicians at different locations.

Ramstein: English-Language Movies at Broadway Kino: Click on the link to see whats playing at this local movie theater this weekend.

Saarbrucken: German Childrens Theater Festival: All weekend long, children perform various shows, and a panel of fellow kids and adults will decide which is best.

Neustadt an der Weinstrae: German Wine Harvest Festival: Enjoy a wine village and vibrant live music until Oct. 14.

Ottweiler: Moonlight Market: Shop crafts, food and homemade items by the moonlight.

Schmelz: Medieval Market at Bettinger Muhle: Travel back in time all weekend long with fire shows, animals and music.

Blieskastel: Moonlight Market: Shop crafts, food and homemade items by the moonlight.

Mannheim: Cirque Du Soleil: Corteo: All weekend long, follow the adventures of Mauro, the dreamer clown, during this acrobatic show.

Frankenthal: Candlelight Concerts: Coldplay meets Imagine Dragons: Enjoy your favorite songs as played by the string quartet.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The man accused of killing a Columbus Blue Jackets forward and his brother in August reportedly admitted to New Jersey State Police that he was actively drinking alcohol while driving before a fatal crash.

Sean Higgins, of Woodstown, N.J., appeared in Salem County Superior Court Friday for a detention hearing in connection with the deaths of Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Counsel on both sides argued whether Higgins, accused of vehicular homicide, should be detained for trial or released on bond.

Judge Michael Silvanio, taking into account primarily prior alleged behavior, ruled that Higgins will remain in custody without bond.

Salem County First Assistant Prosecutor Jonathan Flynn revealed to Silvanio statements made by Higgins, his wife and witnesses to state police in an effort to keep Higgins in custody while court proceedings continue, and eventually throughout a potential trial.

Widow of Johnny Gaudreau reveals shes pregnant with their 3rd child at his memorial

Among those statements, Higgins admitted to state police that on Aug. 29, he was actively drinking in the vehicle when he struck 31-year-old Johnny Gaudureau and his brother Matthew, 28, who were reportedly run over while riding bicycles on County Road 551 near Salem, New Jersey.

According to the prosecution, Higgins has a prior history of road-rage behavior and a recent habit of drinking. Flynn said statements made by Higgins wife, including, Ive told you before not to do that stuff, and, You were probably driving like a nut, like I always tell you you do, are proof of recent and past behavior.

Sean Higgins (Salem County Sheriffs Office)

He is simply impatient and angry at the speed of the two vehicles that are in front of him, Flynn said to the judge. He has (also) been drinking, which is not unfortunately out of character for him.

Flynn further described the scene of the crash, where a witness told police Higgins was speeding up behind her, then slowing down, and again accelerating close behind her, before he attempted to pass both cars.

Police said Higgins tried to pass an SUV, which had attempted to pass the Gaudreau bothers safely, on the right side of the road before striking and killing both.

Higgins told police he did not see the cyclists. Silvanio said this was an indication of his reckless and road-rage behavior.

New Jersey State Police reported Higgins, who remained at the scene, admitted he consumed approximately five or six beers before the crash and had consumed alcohol in the car. He then failed a series of standardized field sobriety tests, and his blood alcohol level tested at 0.087, above the legal limit of .08, according to lab results noted by the prosecution.

Flynn argued that because of those circumstances, Higgins posed a risk to the community if he were allowed out on bail.

Flynn also noted that Higgins, who was admittedly freaked out at the crash scene, was placed on suicide watch in jail, citing it as another cause for concern that Higgins may pose a flight risk or perhaps harm himself pending a trial.

We cant ignore its a highly public and scrutinized case which has received national attention, Flynn said. This will weigh on him even more, adding an extra cautionary layer about what he may do to put himself beyond the reach of the court.

Brothers Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau of the Boston College Eagles celebrate after the Eagles beat the Northeastern University Huskies to win the Beanpot Championship in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2014. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)

Gaudreau brothers are mourned by the hockey community

Defense attorney Matthew Portella argued on behalf of Higgins, claiming he wasnt a flight risk and that the suicide watch had been lifted after his moments of panic had dissipated. The defense was also prepared to agree to a mental health evaluation and driving restrictions to appease the court, should he be released.

He is not going to flee. He is not going to subvert justice, Portella said. He will stay here to resolve this case.

Portella also cited 11 letters of support of Higgins character, and pointed out his cooperation with authorities at the crash scene and during interviews afterward. The attorney also highlighted Higgins clean criminal record, his ties to the community, his family living in the immediate area, and his dedication to his daughters, ages 8 and 10.

During the proceedings Higgins, who worked at a drug and alcohol treatment center and is listed as a major with the New Jersey National Guard, became visibly emotional. Silvanio acknowledged this, but it ultimately did not persuade him to issue a bond amount.

Mr. Higgins is obviously very upset, and the court does take that into account, Silvanio continued. The numerous letters, military service background, but I also have to weigh public safety. The state has convinced the court for detainment.

Higgins and his defense team have seven days to appeal the judgement. His next scheduled court date is Oct. 15 for a preindictment conference.

James Earl Jones, beloved actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were laid to rest on Sept. 9 in Philadelphia on Monday. The entire Blue Jackets program was in attendance and memorial tributes for the brothers have been widespread throughout central Ohio, at their alma mater in Boston College, and in Calgary, where Johnny played for eight seasons before joining the Blue Jackets.

Johnnys wife Meredith revealed at the memorial service that the family is expecting a third child, due in six months. Matthews wife is also expecting.

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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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Supporters of the highly debated law sought to welcome conservative students pursuing higher education, but opponents feared it would actually chill the freedom of speech. (Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

After a previous lawsuit was dismissed last month, two new challenges were filed Friday against Indianas recently enacted university intellectual diversity requirements.

Like before, the professor-led lawsuits  filed separately against Indiana and Purdue universities  allege the state policies are unconstitutionally vague and infringe upon faculty members free speech and academic freedom, violating the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana lodged the complaints on behalf of the professors. The group said it will likely move to consolidate the two cases, but that will ultimately be up to the court to decide.

As we stated in our initial lawsuit in May, this law puts professors in an impossible situation. One of our plaintiffs has already been the subject of multiple student complaints under the new university policy, all of which were ultimately dismissed, Stevie Pactor, a staff attorney for the ACLU of Indiana, said in a statement. Professors should never be put in the position of choosing between their careers and their academic freedom.

Story continues below.

mcdonald_complaint_with_exhibits

Federal Judge Sarah Evans Barker, of the U.S. District Court in Indianas Southern District, declined to issue a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the new law in August, citing jurisdictional issues. She additionally said in her ruling that the professors allegations were premature because their universities havent finalized policies implementing the new law.

Now enacted, the new policies are specifically being challenged by the professors.

Legislators approved the law, Senate Enrolled Act 202, in March. It deals with public institutions for higher education and their boards of trustees: altering diversity-oriented positions and policies for tenure, contract renewals, performance reviews and more. The law also establishes new reporting and survey requirements based on free inquiry, free expression, and intellectual diversity.

Story continues below.

carr_complaint_with_exhibits

The bills supporters said conservative faculty members and students are increasingly ostracized at progressively liberal college and university settings  or at least perceive such shunning. Faculty and students, who overwhelmingly opposed the law, said it would micromanage their institutions and have a chilling effect on free expression.

In both lawsuits, IU and Purdue professors maintain the laws vague and sweeping mandates make it impossible for the professors to discern what theyre required to do  or refrain from doing  to avoid being deemed to have failed to foster these cultures under the universities policies and the new act.

They argue, too, that their academic freedom to manage the content and pedagogies of their courses is at the core of their role as professors  a freedom they say the new mandates directly infringe.

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Addiction Recovery Care says recent layoffs and closures not related to FBI investigation

Kentuckys largest addiction recovery provider has abruptly closed five facilities in its flagship city of Louisa, laying off employees, and transporting dozens of clients to its other facilities.

A spokesperson for Addiction Recovery Care would not tell the Herald-Leader exactly how many employees or clients have been impacted by the move, citing medical privacy and personnel concerns. Additionally, the company would not name the specific facilities that closed.

ARC spokesperson Kyle Collier said Thursday the business was forced to make difficult decisions as a result of impending and significant reimbursement cuts for addiction and mental health service providers.

This announcement comes a month after the FBI launched a probe into the recovery network for potential health care fraud. ARC has not been charged, and it is cooperating with the investigation.

According to Collier, the closures of facilities is not related to the FBIs inquiry.

Since opening in 2010, ARC has grown and expanded its operation with the stated goal of helping to stem the tide of the drug crisis across Kentucky  an epidemic fueled by opioids.

The for-profit company, which began with one addiction treatment facility in Louisa, owns and operates around 40 treatment centers across the state.

ARC is the top contributor to Kentuckys distinction of having the most residential treatment beds per capita in the country.

But thats beginning to change.

When pressed, ARC told the Herald-Leader Thursday it had made difficult decisions impacting some of our staff members. The company blamed the reduction on impending and significant reimbursement cuts for addiction and mental health service providers.

This is not a decision we made lightly, and we are doing everything possible to support the affected individuals during this transition, Collier told the Herald-Leader.

One of the five facilities is being renovated and will reopen in 2025, Collier confirmed. The other four are being repurposed for workforce housing for people receiving college certificates and vocational training. The spaces are not currently housing individuals for addiction recovery efforts.

One temporarily closed facility includes the Carpenters Village in Owsley County for essential renovations to enhance the facility, Collier confirmed.

ARC would not disclose all the facilities affected by the closures.

Additionally, Collier said as part of the businesss ongoing commitment to their touted crisis-to-career model, the decision was made to transition some Louisa facilities to workforce housing for clients pursuing college certifications and vocational training  to best help Kentuckians achieve successful long-term recovery.

The claim that ARC is facing reimbursement cuts which resulted in shuttered facilities and layoffs comes around three weeks after the founder and CEO, Tim Robinson, bragged about upcoming expansions.

Robinson, an ordained minister, spoke at ARCs monthly three-hour gathering, which brings together hundreds of clients who are who are currently matriculating through their program. He assured ARCs continued growth.

The organization still plans to open its first center in Virginia, Collier said. He did not say when.

And Robinson told the crowd of clients that more space has been leased in Bowling Green for a future outpatient center, which he said will become ARCs west Kentucky hub.

ARC is also renovating facilities in Adena, Ohio, and it just acquired the Southeastern Beauty Academy in Paintsville as part of the programs vocational training.

No matter what storms are raging, this boat is floating, Robinson told the hundreds of clients at an Indiana church in late August. With your help, were winning in our state, were winning as an organization, and as we continue to work through some choppy waters, just keep looking for that walk-on-water moment.
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. 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C. (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.
Patients usually recover from the condition between seven and 10 days [PA Media]

Parents on the Isle of Man have been urged to to look for symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease following confirmation of the cases of the condition.

The illness causes a rash and painful blisters, and patients can also suffer from high fever, joint pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The Manx Public Health Directorate confirmed the "common childhood infection" was "circulating" on the island and urged parent to follow advice including keeping sick children away from others.

Health protection nurse Theresa Thornton said: "If your child becomes unwell, they should stay home away from school or nursery until theyre feeling better."

Hand, foot and mouth disease is most common in children under the age of 10 but can also affect adults, Ms Thornton said.

"The first symptoms you might notice are a high temperature and sore throat, followed a few days later by spots on the hands and feet, sometimes in the groin, and mouth ulcers appearing," she said.

She said the condition "usually gets better on its own within seven to 10 days" and "cool soothing drinks and soft foods may help the symptoms".

NHS information on the disease states it can be easily passed on to other people and is spread through coughs, sneezes, faeces and fluid from the blisters.

The infection can be spread before symptoms appeared, but people were "most likely to spread it to others in the first five days after symptoms start".

Advice for containing the spread of the infection includes regular handwashing, binning tissues after a cough or sneeze, not sharing towels or household items such as cups or cutlery, and washing soiled bedding and clothing on a hot wash.

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk

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DENVER (KDVR)  Gray wolf advocates and Colorado livestock producers are still clashing over the operations surrounding the Copper Creek wolf pack, which was captured earlier this month in an attempt to relocate the canines and cease depredations.

Wolf depredations occur when a livestock producers product, such as sheep or cows, is killed by predating wolves. So far in 2024, there have been 15 reports of wolf depredations, mainly in Grand and Jackson counties.

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The Center for Biological Diversity has been vocal about its support of the wolf reintroduction efforts and said Thursday in a statement that as soon as the pups are big enough, they should be released.

Its awful to hear that another one of Colorados reintroduced wolves has died, said Alli Henderson, southern Rockies director at the Center for Biological Diversity, in an email. With only six of the 10 wolves released in December now still in the wild, its critical that the Copper Creek pack be re-released as soon as the pups are big enough. Wolves face daily threats to their survival, and we need these wolves and additional wolves released into the wild to ensure that this historic effort continues to make progress.

However, earlier this week Erin Karney-Spaur, the executive vice president of the Colorado Cattlemen Association, said the news of the wolves capture is good.

Critically endangered condor poached in Colorado, officials looking for information

When we first got the release that they were capturing the wolves, I think from the livestock communitys standpoint, we are all very happy that those wolves are being captured and taken off the landscape so we can no longer have livestock depredation from that specific pack anymore, Karney-Spaur said.

CPW also said the pups are still mainly dependent on their parents for food and have deciduous teeth (baby teeth), and the pups are not effective hunters for animals larger than rabbits or squirrels. CPW has also been awarding funds to various livestock groups for nonlethal wolf deterrents, including range riders.

There is no evidence that the four pups were involved in any of the livestock depredation incidents in Grand County, CPW said in its announcement of the packs capture.

Karney-Spaur said she is concerned this could set the states precedent for what happens in the future. She said lethally removing wolves that are bad actors would be the best action.

We just want to make sure that its written into the wolf plan, she said, And kind of agreed upon by all of the citizens in Colorado that if there is counted conflict with livestock that we have to accept there is going to be lethal take of wolves who are bad actors and I think we have to just ensure thats going to happen and this doesnt set a precedent into the future.

Caught on camera: Bear sneaks up behind child in Aspen yard

Davis said the agency will take the lessons learned from the Copper Creek pack and apply them to future endeavors in the wolf restoration in the state. That includes conversations with federal and ranching partners.

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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A bucolic Virginia neighborhood. A seemingly normal family of three. A Brazilian au pair. A double murder.

These are all parts of a complex puzzle investigators are still working to determine who killed Christine Banfield  a wife, mother and Fairfax County NICU employee  and Joseph Ryan, the 38-year-old man who showed up at her home armed with a knife, in Herndon, Virginia, in February 2023.

Part of that puzzle is in the process of being solved as Juliana Peres Magalhaes, Banfield's 23-year-old au pair and a Brazilian national, prepares to stand trial for second-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon during the commission of a crime in Ryan's shooting death.

Authorities have not filed any charges in connection with Banfield's death.

VIRGINIA AU PAIR MURDER: FETISH PLOT, AFFAIR, GUN RANGE TIED TO DOUBLE HOMICIDE AT HOME, PROSECUTORS REVEAL

Juliana Peres Magalhaes was charged nearly eight months after she fatally shot Joseph Ryan  the man had just stabbed her affair partner's wife to death.

The mystery began on Feb. 24, 2023, when Magalhaes told police she left Christine and husband Brendan Banfield's home in the 13200 block of Stable Brook Way in Herndon to take their young daughter to the National Zoo. She told authorities that she had begun driving but realized she forgot the lunches she packed for their excursion back inside the house, so she turned around and noticed an unfamiliar car in the driveway.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

She then reportedly called Brendan, a former criminal investigative agent for the IRS who had at that point left for work, and told him about the unknown car in their driveway. The pair decided to meet at the Banfields' home and walk inside together, as the Washington Post reported.

VIRGINIA AU PAIR CHARGED IN MAN'S MURDER AT HOME OF DOUBLE HOMICIDE: POLICE

Initially, Magalhaes told police that when she and Brendan walked inside, they saw an unknown man, Ryan, holding Christine at knifepoint. She allegedly described him as an intruder. Ryan was apparently fully clothed while Christine was naked in the main bedroom of the house.

It remains unclear exactly what transpired inside the home that Friday morning, but Magalhaes and Brendan apparently both admitted to shooting Ryan while the man was holding a knife to Christine. Ryan died inside the home while Christine suffered stab wounds to the neck and ultimately died in the hospital.

IDAHO MURDERS SUSPECT BRYAN KOHBERGER GETS NEW JUDGE IN CHANGE OF VENUE IN STUDENT STABBINGS TRIAL

Fairfax County police began investigating, telling reporters during a news conference later on the day of the murders that someone inside the home called 911 that morning. Court documents would later reveal that Magalhaes and Brendan both called 911 multiple times that morning.

Fairfax County Police Department Chief Kevin Davis said during the press conference that there were no additional suspects in the case other than the four adults who were inside the home at the time of the double homicide. He also said there were no signs of forced entry and that "everyone inside the home" was "known to each other."

Fairfax County police responded to the double homicide in the 13200 block of Stable Brook Way in Herndon, Va., on Feb. 24, 2023.

The Banfields' daughter was home at the time of the murder, the police chief said at the time.

As Fairfax authorities continued to investigate, they began to unravel a complex web of details about the four adults tied to the double murder.

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Prosecutors now allege in court documents that Magalhaes and Brendan had been having an affair, unknown to Christine. The pair allegedly went to a shooting range just weeks before the double murder, according to the Post.

Prosecutors also allege that a computer at the Banfield home was tied to an account on a sexual fetish website, the Post reported.

"This is evolving and changing. This is very dynamic," Fairfax County Police Department Chief Kevin Davis said at the time, adding that there were no additional suspects in the case other than the four adults who were inside the home at the time of the double homicide.

While the account on that computer appeared to show a photo of Christine in a bathing suit, it is unclear exactly who was communicating on the account. The profile also apparently did not display "one iota of evidence that she was into knife play, binding, BDSM," prosecutor Eric Clingan said in court, according to the Post.

Ryan, the man who held Christine at knifepoint, also apparently had an account on the website and had been communicating with whoever was accessing the site from the Banfield computer.

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Authorities eventually arrested Magalhaes in October 2023 after she moved in to the Banfields' main bedroom and placed a framed photo of herself with Brendan on a nightstand beside the bed. A grand jury indicted the 23-year-old in April, and her trial is scheduled to take place in November.

A framed photo of Brendan Banfield and Juliana Magalhaes and the mistress's lingerie were found in the room where the double homicide occurred, according to prosecutors.

Her attorney, Ryan Campbell, said Brendan fired at Ryan first while the man was holding a knife to his wife's neck and then asked his client to retrieve another gun from the closet of the main bedroom. Then Magalhaes fired at Ryan because she believed he posed a threat to her employers, according to the Post.

"Mr. Banfield, who is of law enforcement, then shoots him once," Campbell said in court, the Post reported. The attorney did not respond to an inquiry from Fox News Digital.

Authorities eventually arrested Magalhaes in October 2023.

Magalhaes' mother maintains that her daughter is not guilty.

"I pray for the prosecutors and the judge to understand who is guilty in this case, because it is not Juliana," Marina Peres Souza told the Washington Post in Portuguese.

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In a June email to her mother shared with the Post, Magalhaes wrote, "I am tired of this place, this situation. I am unhappy, and nothing makes me happy. I just want to get out of here and go back home to be with you guys."

Brendan is no longer employed by the IRS, the agency confirmed to Fox News Digital on Thursday. He invoked his right to the Fifth Amendment in response to questions about his alleged ties to the case during a preliminary hearing in April.





Original article source: Affluent Virginia suburb rocked by mansion murder mystery as nanny faces trial
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Attorney General Russell Coleman announced on September 13 that action by the Attorney Generals Office of Consumer Protection resulted in the maximum civil penalty against Cloverport Funeral Home in Breckinridge County and Kentuckiana Funeral Services.

AG Coleman said the Breckinridge Circuit Court ordered the two businesses to pay $580,000 for 290 illegal cremations. The Attorney Generals Office continues litigation against the owner of these facilities, Anthony Oxendine.

Gov. Beshear talks drug epidemic grants, bourbon and blood donors

No family should be taken advantage of during their time of grief. Our Office quickly launched an investigation to hold these organizations accountable for brazen disregard for the law, said Attorney General Coleman. Our Office of Consumer Protection is constantly on the lookout for scams and fraud that target Kentuckians. We encourage anyone who believes theyve been the victim of a scam or some other illegal business practice to contact our Office.

Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Board of Education issue statements on recent school threats

Officials say the unregistered crematory has been closed since January when General Coleman secured a temporary restraining order. On January 2, the Attorney Generals Office received information that led to an investigation revealing the facility had failed to register to operate a crematory and was providing cremation services without a license in violation of Kentucky law. The investigation also confirmed the presence of an unlicensed cremation chamber, known as a retort.

AG Coleman says to report scams, people can contact the Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-432-9257 or complete the complaint form online.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
The proposed name change is subject to approval at the company's annual shareholders meeting in November and will take effect after the meeting if approved

Getty Stock image of Campbell's soup

The Campbell Soup Company is ready to end the year with a brand new name.

During its annual investor meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, the company announced its intention to change its name to The Campbells Company, dropping the word "soup" from its official moniker.

While the organization is highly recognized for its soup, it has acquired a vast multigenerational portfolio of meal and snack brands, making it "ready to turn the page and enter a new chapter," said Campbells president and chief executive officer, Mark Clouse, in a statement.

Campbell's Campbell's proposed new company name

Related: Jason Kelce Lies Fireside in Just a Robe for New Campbell's Chunky Commercial: 'Is It Hot in Here?' (Exclusive)

"This subtle yet important change retains the companys iconic name recognition, reputation and equity built over 155 years while better reflecting the full breadth of the companys portfolio," he added.

Some of the most recognizable brands under the company's current umbrella include Cape Cod, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Milano, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Snyders of Hanover, Swanson and V8.



Campbell's Some of the brands under Campbell's Company

Related: Krispy Kreme Is Selling a Dozen Doughnuts for 13 Cents on Friday the 13th

At Tuesday's event, Clouse emphasized that the food company is entering a chapter "where our strengthened team, transformed portfolio, and rebuilt capabilities are positioned to win and win consistently," adding that its proposed new name "respects our heritage, but also reflects who we are today."

"A name that celebrates soup. In fact, the name, font and color match our iconic red and white soup can," he said. "And as I said earlier, we will always love soup and we'll never take our eye off of this critical business. But today, we're so much more than soup."

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alamy Stock image of Campbell's soup

The name change is subject to approval at the company's annual shareholders meeting in November and will take effect after the meeting if approved.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

A representative for the company tells PEOPLE that despite the proposed corporate name change, the company will still be known as Campbell's."



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Read the original article on People.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  An Ithaca woman accused of taking an all-terrain vehicle, a utility trailer and more from a vulnerable adult will stand trial, authorities say.

On Friday, Cheryl Colburn, 65, was bound over to trial in Montcalm Countys 8th Circuit Court on one count of embezzling $1,000 to $20,000 from a vulnerable adult, which is a five-year felony, according to a release from the Michigan Department of Attorney General. She was charged in July.

The AGs office says Colburn was the victims guardian and conservator from 2021 to 2023, when the victim died.

During this period, the Department alleges Colburn took items belonging to the victim, including a utility trailer, an Arctic Cat ATV, and a moped, to her personal residence, the release says.

The items werent reported in accountings filed with the probate court, according to the office.

Guardians and conservators are entrusted with a responsibility to protect and advocate for vulnerable adults in their care, Attorney General Dana Nessel stated. Unfortunately, some abuse this position of trust.

Colburn is expected to appear in court later this month, according to the AGs office.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Aiken Co. woman charged by SLED with criminal sexual conduct with minor

AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF)  An Aiken County woman has been arrested and charged by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) with criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

In the arrest warrant, it states that Murray Craig Frank, 34, kissed a 14-year-old on the lips and neck before proceeding to place the 14-year-olds hands on her breast above and under her clothing and the other hand above her pelvic area.

The arrest warrant states the incident happened on or about May 4th, 2024.

ALSO ON WJBF: Man dead after shooting in Thomson

According to SLED, Frank has been charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor in the 3rd degree, and Disseminating Harmful Material to a Minor on Thursday, September 12th.

Authorities say Frank has been booked into the Aiken County Detention 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 WJBF.
Air conditioning is coming to some Missouri prisons. But it will take years and cost millions

Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center is one of a handful of Missouri prisons that is not fully air conditioned. Funding was approved to install air conditioning in 2023, but it will take years for the project to be completed (Meg Cunningham/The Beacon).

Missouri lawmakers took a step toward improving conditions in some Missouri prisons last year by setting aside millions to install air conditioning in one of the states 17 prisons. That cooler air is still a year and a half away.

That decision came as global temperatures broke summertime heat records. Prisoner rights advocates celebrated the states decision to install air conditioning at the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center, one of Missouris intake correctional facilities.

The Department of Corrections estimates that theyll be responsible for housing over 20,000 men and women throughout the course of 2024. Of those, up to 9,200 could live in prisons where there is partial or no access to air conditioning in housing units. And as Missouri closes out its third-hottest summer on record, the calls to fully air condition Missouri prisons grow louder.

Those living in the prisons contend the hotter summers make conditions inhumane.

Its a trend that worries prison reform advocates in Missouri.

We are extremely concerned about DOCs ability to cope with what continue to be record-breaking temperatures of extreme heat in Missouri this summer, said Shubra Ohri, senior counsel at the MacArthur Justice Center.

Of the 17 Missouri prisons, 10 are fully air conditioned. Four have partial access to air conditioning in some administrative areas and some housing units.

The remaining three facilities do not have air conditioning in housing units, mostly because there are no air ducts, the department says.

Missouri lawmakers have taken note. In the states 2024 budget, they allocated $14.3 million to install air conditioning at Fulton. The building opened in 1987 and has a capacity for 1,255 men.

Its commonplace for U.S. prisons to have only partial air conditioning. Many prisons across the country only air condition areas like medical units, visitors areas or staff cafeterias.

Last summer, the Department of Corrections responded to complaints of heat inside the Fulton facility with the promise of air conditioning. But the project, which department spokesperson Karen Pojmann called extensive and complicated, wont be complete until January 2026.

The installation of air conditioning is still in the pre-design phase, budget documents show.

The DOC has alternate ways to cool down prisoners in places without air conditioning. They distribute ice three times a day and offer water and cool showers. Inmates also can purchase fans from the commissary for about $20.

But inmates say those measures fall short. Ice can melt quickly and distribution can be contingent on the amount of staff available, said one inmate at Ozark Correctional Center, which does not have air conditioning.

Fans are available to purchase from the commissary if inmates can afford them outright. Or, inmates can get on a fan plan where they pay a few dollars a month to pay off the purchase.

Its one of the few interventions available. But research shows that at temperatures above 99 degrees, fans can cause more harm than good.

Blowing air that is hotter than the average body temperature can increase sweat evaporation and make it easier for people to fall into a heat-related medical incident, like heat exhaustion or heatstroke, the Environmental Protection Agency found. The agency discourages fans from being used in those instances.

The same problem comes with using misters. In hot and humid conditions, misters can subtract from the bodys ability to use sweat to cool itself.

The difficulty of keeping cool in Missouri prisons

Prisons are particularly difficult to cool, according to Cascade Tuholske, a researcher at Montana State University who co-authored a study about temperatures in U.S. prisons.

They are often built where land prices are low and weather conditions arent ideal, Tuholske said. They often lack air flow and are built out of materials, like concrete, that tend to absorb heat, making it more difficult to cool the inside.

From 1982 to 2020, his research found that jails and prisons were exposed to an average of 5.5 more days per year where the wet bulb globe temperature  which accounts for temperature, humidity, wind speed and other factors  exceeds 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is difficult to track what medical incidences are related to heat in prisons, said Julie Skarha, a epidemiologist at Brown University who has studied heat-related medical events in Texas prisons. Other health conditions make it difficult to attribute a death or medical event to just one cause, but her research found that deaths rise in prisons without air conditioning.

Its never a perfect measurement, but I still see an increased risk of deaths in prisons without air conditioning, Skarha said. Even if I am using an estimate of what the temperature someone was actually exposed to. And so I think its probably an underestimate in a lot of ways.

High temperatures can present a risk for people with underlying health conditions or those who are elderly, research shows. And those groups tend to be overrepresented in the nations prison population.

DOC statistics show that just over 24% of the states inmate population was over 50. The percentage of people over 50 in Missouri prisons has increased 6% from 2014 to 2023.

Age is a data point that stands out in Skarhas research.

The risk of dying on a very hot day increases with age, Skarha said. And then I also find a delayed effect with suicide. After a really an extreme heat day, suicides increase about two days later, and they increase by 20%.

Taking psychotropic medications can impact the bodys ability to regulate temperatures in extreme weather. Its a trend in especially hot states for inmates to occasionally quit taking their medications during periods of extreme heat, which can lead to an increase in suicide attempts.

The head of the union that represents correctional officers in Texas noted in a 2018 report that suicide attempts rose in the summer months as prisoners tried to avoid heat-related illness by pausing their medications.

Last summer, Texas prisons reported 35 employees who had heat-related incidents, but only 14 among prisoners. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has paid out over $500,000 in workers compensation claims to employees for heat-related illnesses since 2006.

This article first appeared on Beacon: Missouri and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
The Denny Chimes at the University of Alabama, a tall tower reflected in a pond of water.

The Denny Chimes at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, reflected in water on campus. UA's enrollment is up 3.2% over last year, according to ACHE. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Enrollment at Alabamas public institutions of higher education is up, despite issues with a federal financial aid form last year, according to preliminary data from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE).

According to ACHE, 88,499 undergraduate students are enrolled at the states public two-year colleges in Fall 2024, up from 82,516 (7.3%) last year. At public four-year colleges, undergraduate enrollment is 137,482, up from 133,933 (2.6.%).

Many students across the country had trouble with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form last year, which saw a series of delays and problems in the rollout for a new form, intended to simplify the process.

There were concerns about the rollout impacting college enrollment. A May 2024 report from the Brookings Institution said that the FAFSA issues would lead to fewer students enrolling in college.

Jim Purcell, ACHEs executive director, said after the Friday meeting that FAFSA completion was down from around 59% or 60% in 2023 to about 57% this year.

He said it took a lot of effort, and the assistance of Alabama Possible, a Birmingham-based nonprofit that addresses economic prosperity and educational attainment.

Purcell said they are going to expand that program to not just the summer but earlier in the year.

Therell be a lot of effort this year, because the FAFSA, again, is delayed until December, so we will really jump start everything as fast as we can, he said.

Chandra Scott, executive director, wrote in a Friday afternoon email that they will provide assistance to students identified by ACHE as soon as the FAFSA is available. Alabama Possible was selected by the U.S. Department of Education as part of the phased rollout for this years form.

At the community college level, approximately 31.9% of undergraduates were high school students in dual enrollment programs. At the four-year college level, around 4.9% is dual enrollment.

Some of the growth may be just expanding the dual enrollment, which is really just three credit hours, Purcell said. Its not like a full-time equivalent person, which is actually how you fund campuses: full time people.

Purcell said that one of the pushes for the community college system is to start students early to get into the workforce faster.

I think its important that what they offer is something that is relevant to people that are going to be living in those communities after they graduate, he said. And I think there is some effort to do that.

At the states flagship universities, Auburns undergraduate enrollment went up 3.8% to 27,929. At the University of Alabama, undergraduate enrollment went up 3.2% to 34,521.

The largest percentage increases for undergraduates at four-year colleges were at Alabama A&M in Huntsville, which saw an 11.1% increase from 5,884 to 6,537; and at the University of West Alabama in Livingston in Sumter County, which increased 12.3%, from 2,401 to 2,696.

The largest percentage decreases for undergraduates at four-year colleges were at University of Alabama Birmingham, with a 3.4% decrease from 12,382 to 11,959, and Troy University with 1.6% decrease from 9,638 to to 9,483.

At two-year institutions, the largest percentage undergraduate increase was at Ingram State Technical College with a 33.3% increase from 727 to 969, while the largest percentage undergraduate decrease was at Lurleen B. Wallace Community, with a 4.3% decrease from 2,141 to 2,048.

Overall, at the undergraduate and graduate level, the states public higher education enrollment increased 4.1% from 259,466 to 270,085.

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This story was updated Tuesday to correct community college totals.
A coalition of voting rights groups on Friday sued the Alabama secretary of state and attorney general over a policy they say illegally targets naturalized citizens to keep them from voting in the upcoming November election.

The lawsuit alleges that a recent policy intended to remove noncitizens from Alabama's voter rolls "undermines the fundamental right to vote" by relying on faulty information that discriminates against naturalized citizens, disenfranchises eligible voters, and wrongly refers cases for criminal prosecution.

"Alabama is targeting its growing immigrant population through a voter purge intended to intimidate and disenfranchise naturalized citizens," the lawsuit said.

MORE: DOJ task force, formed in 2021 to fight election threats, has brought only 20 cases

The lawsuit centers on a policy initiated last month by Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, whose office began the process of removing 3,251 people from the state's voter rolls because they had previously been issued noncitizen identification numbers.

His office also referred the list of registered voters to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall for potential criminal prosecution on the grounds that federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in national elections.

"I have been clear that I will not tolerate the participation of noncitizens in our elections," Allen said in a statement announcing the purge of voters.

The lawsuit alleges that the purge of voters wrongly included naturalized citizens who were once issued noncitizen identification numbers before gaining their citizenship.

PHOTO: A voter enters a polling place to cast their ballot in the state's primary, March 5, 2024, in Mountain Brook, Ala. (Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images, FILE)

In announcing the policy last month, Secretary of State Allen acknowledged the possibility that some of the voters included in the purge may have since become citizens, and said that those voters could re-register to vote ahead of the election.

Plaintiffs alleged that the policy is "designed to target naturalized citizens for removal" and unfairly burdens eligible voters with re-registering to vote.

People born outside of the United States can become naturalized citizens by meeting requirements that include being a lawful permanent resident for five years or marrying a U.S. citizen, as well as demonstrating proficiency in English and passing a civics test. Famous naturalized citizens include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ryan Reynolds, and Melania Trump.

Roald Hazelhoff, a naturalized citizen who moved to the United States from the Netherlands in 1977, joined the lawsuit after he received notice that his voting registration had been inactivated following the purge. Despite attempting to fix his registration status, Hazelhoff is unsure if he will be able to vote in the upcoming election, the lawsuit said.

"It intimidates naturalized citizens and discourages them from voting by suggesting that by registering to vote, they are committing a crime and will be referred for criminal investigation," Kate Huddleston, senior legal counsel at Campaign Legal Center, told ABC News.

The plaintiffs asked a federal court in Alabama to issue an injunction to stop the policy because it violates the Constitution, the National Voter Registration Act, and the Voting Rights Act.

MORE: Election officials continue to face threats, harassment ahead of November

A spokesperson for the Alabama secretary of state, when asked for comment by ABC News, declined to comment on active litigation.

The lawsuit is being brought by a group of advocacy groups -- including the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice, League of Women Voters of Alabama, and League of Women Voters of Alabama Education Fund -- as well as four individual plaintiffs who allege their voting rights have been threatened by the policy. The suit names Secretary of State Allen and Attorney General Marshall as defendants, as well as the chairs of the board of registrars in Elmore, Jefferson, Lee, and Marshall counties.

"We are committed to doing all that we can to ensure that every voter votes and that every vote is counted despite what obstacles are put in our path," said Benard Simelton, president of the Alabama NAACP.

The lawsuit comes amid a nationwide push by Republican lawmakers to tighten voting requirements ahead of the November election. Last month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that over one million ineligible voters had been removed from his state's voter rolls, including 6,500 noncitizens, while Tennessee officials in June asked over 14,000 residents to provide proof of their citizenship to remain on voter rolls.

Despite heightened concerns about illegal voting, research has suggested that actual instances of noncitizens voting are exceeding rare. A 2017 report prepared by the nonprofit Brennan Center for Justice found that there were only around 30 incidents of noncitizen voting across the 23.5 million votes that were studied -- a rate of 0.0001%.

"Secretary Allen implemented the Purge Program as part of a nationwide, bad-faith effort falsely claiming that noncitizen voting is prevalent in American elections," the lawsuit said. "[E]vidence overwhelmingly shows that noncitizen voting is vanishingly rare in the United States and that voter purges aimed at alleged noncitizens primarily prevent eligible naturalized citizens from casting ballots."

Alabama officials sued for allegedly suppressing new citizens' voting rights originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Two days after two planes collided on an Atlanta tarmac, a crisis was averted after the pilot of an Alaska Airlines flight in Tennessee pumped the brakes while attempting to take off from Nashville International Airport (BNA) and narrowly avoided a potential collision with another plane.

According to an Alaska Airlines spokesperson, Flight 369 aborted takeoff at BNA Thursday morning due to a "potential traffic conflict" with a Southwest plane on the runway.

The airline spokesperson said the Alaska aircraft, which was on its way to Seattle, had received clearance for takeoff from air traffic control.

The pilot applied the brakes abruptly, the airline said, which prevented the incident from escalating.

DELTA PLANE COLLISION WITNESSES RECALL WHAT HAPPENED AT HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

An Alaska Airlines flight avoided a potential collision with another plane at a Tennessee airport Thursday.

"Were grateful for the expertise of our pilots who immediately applied the brakes to prevent the incident from escalating. Our pilots train for these situations, and they handled the situation expertly. The crew taxied the aircraft off the runway and close to the terminal, where the tires deflated due to heat buildup from the rapid stop on the runway, as designed," a spokesperson for Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The airline added that all 176 passengers and crew on board deplaned and made it to the terminal safely.

AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT ATTENDANTS INJURED DURING TURBULENCE ON FLORIDA FLIGHT

"Were deploying another aircraft to Nashville to transport our guests to Seattle; theyre scheduled to arrive later tonight. Were deeply sorry for the concerning experience this created for our guests and crew members," the airline said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also issued a statement about the incident, adding it was under investigation.

"The crew of Alaska Airlines Flight 369 discontinued their takeoff because Southwest Airlines Flight 2029 was cleared to cross the end of the same runway at Nashville International Airport. The Alaska Airlines crew reported blown tires during braking. The FAA is investigating the incident, which occurred around 9:15 a.m. local time on Thursday," the FAA said.

AMERICAN AIRLINES PLANE BLOWS TIRE MOMENTS BEFORE TAKEOFF WITH VISIBLE SMOKE, FLAMES IN STARTLING VIDEO

Alaska Airlines added that no injuries were reported by passengers or crew members.

Officials said maintenance technicians in Nashville are inspecting the aircraft.

The near-miss at BNA comes just two days after a Delta Airbus A350 and an Endeavor Bombardier CRJ900 jet clipped each other on the tarmac Tuesday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Delta said in its own statement that "the wing of an Airbus A350 taxiing out as DL295 from Atlanta to Tokyo-Haneda made contact with the tail of an Endeavor Air CRJ-900, DL5526 to LaFayette, Louisiana, on an adjacent taxiway, resulting in damage to the tail of the regional jet and the wing of the A350."

Fox News Digital's Greg Norman contributed to this report.





Original article source: Alaska Airlines flight aborts Nashville takeoff to avoid 'potential conflict' with plane on runway
An Alaska Airlines airplane aborted takeoff at Tennessee's Nashville International Airport on Thursday to avoid a potential collision with a Southwest Airlines jet, the airlines and authorities said.

Alaska Airlines 369, a Boeing 737 MAX 9 airplane with 176 passengers and six crew on board, aborted its takeoff around 8:15 a.m. CT after it had received clearance from air traffic control, Alaska said.

National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy told reporters the board was investigating. "We are clearly very concerned about this (incident) and others we are investigating," Homendy said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it was also is investigating the incident, where Southwest Airlines Flight 2029  a Boeing 737-700  that was scheduled to depart for Jacksonville, Florida, had been cleared to cross the end of the same runway.

Alaska Airlines said in a statement to The Tennessean the pilots immediately applied the breaks to prevent an incident from escalating.

"Our pilots train for these situations and they handled the situation expertly. The crew taxied the aircraft off the runway and close to the terminal where the tires deflated due to heat buildup from the rapid stop on the runway, as designed," Alaska Airlines said in a statement via email. "Our guests deplaned and made their way safely into the terminal. Were deploying another aircraft to Nashville to transport our guests to Seattle; theyre scheduled to arrive later tonight."

Alaska Airlines said another aircraft was deployed to Nashville to take the 176 passengers to arrive in Seattle Thursday.

An Alaska Airlines plane lands at Nashville International Airport in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Light snow continued to fall on Tuesday after a winter storm covered the Nashville area with freezing rain, sleet, and snow on Monday.

The FAA and Alaska said the 737 MAX 9's tires were blown during braking. Tracking website Flightradar24 said the Alaska plane was traveling at 104 knots (120 mph, 193 km per hour) on the runway before slowing.

"Southwest Airlines is in contact with the FAA and NTSB and will participate in the investigation. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees," a Southwest Airlines spokesperson said in an email.

The FAA said in April it would install new surface awareness technology at four airports including Nashville by July.

Homendy said it is unclear if that technology has been installed and if it is currently operating. "Was it online on that runway," Homendy said. "Did warnings go off?"

The FAA declined to comment on whether the technology was operating.

Alaska confirmed it was refunding passengers their airfare and giving them $1,000 to assist with inconvenience from the flight.

"We recognize how distressing this incident must have been and we are grateful to you and our crew for everyone's calm and patience throughout this experience," Alaska told passengers in an email posted on social media that was confirmed by the carrier.

Last year, a series of near-miss incidents raised concerns about U.S. aviation safety and the strain on understaffed air traffic control operations.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker told reporters on Wednesday the number of serious runway incursion incidents had fallen by over 50% but "we continue to work the issue by creating more technology for controllers, more technology in the arrival facilities."

In June, the NTSB found that incorrect assumptions on the part of an air traffic controller led to a February 2023 near-collision between a FedEx plane and a Southwest aircraft in Austin, Texas.

The two planes came within about 170 feet (52 meters) of each other when the FedEx Boeing 767 was forced to fly over the Southwest 737-700 to avoid a crash in poor visibility.

Homendy said in June the board wants low-visibility training for controllers and faster deployment of technology at airports and cockpit alerts to prevent future near-collisions.

Tennessean reporter Craig Shoup contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Alaska Airlines plane aborts takeoff in Nashville to avoid collision
Alaska Supreme Court Justice Jude Pate, right, asks a question during oral arguments in a case concerning correspondence education allotments, on June 27, 2024, in the Boney Courthouse in Anchorage. (Photo by Andrew Kitchenman/Alaska Beacon)

The Alaska Supreme Court is seen in session on June 27 in Boney Courthouse in Anchorage. (Photo by Andrew Kitchenman/Alaska Beacon)

The Alaska Supreme Court has affirmed the U.S. House candidacy of Eric Hafner, a Democrat imprisoned in New York state.

The court, in a split 4-1 decision, upheld Anchorage Superior Court Judge Ian Wheeles decision to dismiss a lawsuit by the Alaska Democratic Party that had challenged Hafners eligibility.

The decision means Hafner will appear on the November U.S. House ballot alongside incumbent Democrat Rep. Mary Peltola, Republican challenger Nick Begich, and Alaskan Independence Party challenger John Wayne Howe.

It also means that election preparations, including ballot printing and distribution, will continue on a previously published schedule.

We would just thank the Supreme Court for issuing a decision on such short notice and preventing any disruption to the election, said Solicitor General Jessie Alloway, assistant attorney general Thomas Flynn and assistant attorney general Kate Demarest, who opposed the lawsuit on behalf of the Alaska Division of Elections.

Under Alaskas elections system, the top four finishers from the primary election advance to the general election. Hafner finished sixth, but two higher-finishing Republicans withdrew from the race, allowing Hafner to advance.

The Democratic Party sued, arguing that state law prohibited the elections division from replacing two withdrawn candidates.

The party also argued that Hafner was ineligible because the U.S. Constitution requires a candidate to be an inhabitant of the relevant state when elected to the House. Hafner is serving a 20-year prison sentence for threatening public officials in New Jersey and is not scheduled for release until 2036.

Wheeles rejected the partys arguments, and the Democratic Party appealed the state-law issue to the Supreme Court, which took up the issue on an emergency basis.

The Alaska Republican Party intervened on the side of elections officials, seeking to preserve their decision to promote Hafner.

The court heard oral arguments Thursday morning and issued a summary decision hours later, stating that the lower court decision was correct. A full legal opinion will be published at a later date.

Democratic Party officials said they were disappointed with the outcome.

Unsurprisingly, the Alaska Republican Party publicly supports the decision that a convicted felon who is running his campaign from a prison cell in New York should appear on Alaskas ballot as a candidate for federal office, said Mike Wenstrup, Chair. This ruling sets a dangerous precedent and is embarrassing for our state.

The issue may have implications for this years U.S. House race. The Alaska Democratic Party is supporting Peltola, and attorneys representing the party said in oral arguments that some voters could be confused by the presence of two Democrats on the ballot.

Peltola is believed to be in a close race with Begich, and some Democrats worry that Hafner could act as a spoiler by siphoning votes from Peltola.

Wheeles addressed and rejected that argument, noting that Alaskas ranked choice general election allows voters to list multiple preferred options, and any voter who lists Hafner alone is making a deliberate choice.

In oral arguments in front of the Supreme Court, ADP attorney David Fox said the plain language of the states elections law allows only the fifth-place primary-election finisher to advance if a higher-finishing candidate withdraws after the primary.

That argument was rebutted by Demarest and attorney Richard Moses, representing the Alaska Republican Party.

Both said that the language of surrounding law, plus existing case law, makes it clear that the intent of the law is to allow the division of elections to fill the final four.

If a second candidate withdraws, the sixth-place finisher becomes the fifth-place candidate, and thus eligible for promotion into the final four, they said.

In a sworn affidavit, elections director Carol Beecher said that with draft ballots already printed and equipment undergoing testing, any ballot redesign would delay the mailing of blank ballots to international voters.

That mailing, required by federal law, must take place by Sept. 21. Because thats a Saturday, the division must mail about 3,500 ballots by Sept. 20, officials said.

Additionally, about 700,000 ballots will be printed for the general election, a process that must begin early because it takes two and a half weeks.

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Ali Velshi: Project 2025 and Trump's plan to give the gun lobby everything on its wishlist

This is an adapted excerpt from the Sept. 7 episode of "Velshi."

If the gun rights lobby has its way, last weeks tragic school shooting in Georgia will be reduced to yet another statistic, dressed up in empty thoughts and prayers. And if Donald Trump returns to office in November, the Republican Party's unholy alliance with the corporate gun lobby could be cemented into federal law.

Both Project 2025 and Trumps official policy platform, Agenda 47, aim to shield the gun industry with layers of legal protection. While Trump has been trying to distance himself from the Heritage Foundations far-right manifesto for some months now, the proposals in Agenda 47 mirror Project 2025s dangerous objectives  and in many cases, go even further.

In fact, Trump campaign officials even acknowledged in 2023, before the public caught wind of Project 2025, that it aligns well with Trumps Agenda 47, which is featured on his campaign website and includes multiple links to the Heritage Foundations work. Agenda 47 began rolling out in December 2022 and was followed four months later by the Heritage Foundations release of Project 2025 in April 2023.

Taken together, Project 2025 and Agenda 47 would grant the gun lobby essentially everything on its wish list, including making it easier to sell dangerous firearms, weakening concealed carry laws, and overturning state bans on assault weapons.

Thats in spite of the fact that most Americans, including Republicans, support strong gun control laws. A survey from the Pew Research Center found that a majority of Americans support banning assault weapons, a term used to describe certain semi-automatic weapons including AR-15-style rifles, like the kind used in this weeks shooting in Georgia. Fewer than one-third support allowing expansive gun laws like concealed carry without a permit.

Either way, this has never truly been about protecting Second Amendment rights for ordinary gun owners, despite Republican talking points. It has always been about the GOPs dangerous alliance with the corporate gun lobby.

That much is reflected in a proposal advanced by the far-right caucus known as the Republican Study Committee, which adopts ideas from both Agenda 47 and Project 2025. That proposal includes the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, the National Rifle Associations top legislative priority, which would overturn state laws on carrying concealed firearms, and allow guns to be more easily transportable across state lines.

In his Agenda 47 pitch, Trump explicitly states, I will sign concealed carry reciprocity. Your Second Amendment does not end at the state line. The law would force each state to recognize the concealed carry standards from every other state  even those states that have dramatically weaker standards and states that dont require any permit at all.

Gun control advocates describe it as a race to the bottom for public safety. According to the group Everytown for Gun Safety, it would be no different than:

Forcing states to let visitors drive on their highways without a drivers license and without having passed an eye, written, or road test ... [Out-of-state] visitors could be armed without being screened by a background check, and law enforcement would have no permit to evaluate.

Thats probably why leading law enforcement groups have opposed the legislation. Gun laws are not a priority for voters or even police departments. Instead, it serves mainly the interests of the corporate gun lobby.

The irony here is that this proposed law blatantly disregards state sovereignty, meaning the party that publicly champions limited federal government and states rights is violating its own core principles. From reproductive rights to gun control, todays GOP has repeatedly shown its willingness to sacrifice states rights as long as it allows them to impose their extremist agenda on all Americans.

In fact, right now, the gun industry is working in tandem with Republican lawmakers to overturn all state bans on AR-15-style weapons. While the GOP tries to push this legislation through Congress, gun rights groups are suing to overturn Marylands ban on assault-style weapons including the AR-15 type, the weapon of choice in American mass shootings.

The conservative Supreme Court is slated to hear the case this fall, after the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld Marylands ban, describing the assault-style weapons as too destructive for self-defense and best suited for wreaking death and destruction. Federal Judge Harvie Wilkinson, a Reagan appointee who authored the majority opinion, quoted a trauma surgeon who likened being shot in the liver by an AR-15 to a watermelon exploding on concrete.

But instead of placing blame where it belongs  on the GOPs financial benefactor, the corporate gun lobby  Agenda 47 cynically diverts attention by targeting a popular GOP scapegoat: the LGBTQ+ community.

In a section addressing school violence, Trump proposes directing the Food and Drug Administration to assemble an independent outside panel to investigate whether transgender hormone treatments and ideology increase the risk of extreme depression, aggression, and violence. However, the Gun Violence Archive, which began collecting data on gun violence in 2013, found that the percentage of suspects in mass shootings who are trans is just 0.11%.

Another alarming proposal in Project 2025, which builds on Agenda 47, essentially cripples existing gun control regulations. On page 709, Project 2025 calls for transferring the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the agency responsible for regulating firearms, from the Justice Department to the Treasury Department. This shift would dramatically weaken our nations ability to enforce gun laws by making it nearly impossible to track the sale of dangerous firearms, leading to increased gun trafficking and making it more challenging to investigate gun-related crimes.

Lastly, Trumps Agenda 47 calls for arming teachers with guns and supports sending federal funding to hire ... trained gun owners as armed guards in our nations schools. This is despite a John Hopkins survey showing that less than a quarter, only 23%, of Americans support allowing civilians to carry guns on school grounds. The proposal reflects the GOPs long-standing policy of shifting the responsibility for public safety from the gun industry to schoolchildren and administrators.

In the absence of any real political will, schoolchildren are left scrambling for bullet-proof backpacks and classroom panic buttons, among other Band-Aid solutions. And with classrooms increasingly resembling maximum-security prisons, consider this: Project 2025 refers to abortion access as the grotesque culture of violence against the child in the womb.

It seems, though, that once children are out of the womb, the GOP is perfectly content with leaving them to fend for themselves in the face of unchecked gun violence.

The extreme proposals outlined in Project 2025 and Agenda 47 will take a sledgehammer to the already limited gun control measures we have, leaving us scrambling for ever-more inadequate defenses against the uniquely American public health crisis of gun violence.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Alleged Mexican kingpin 'El Mayo' pleads not guilty to US drug charges

Mexican papers report Texas arrest of drug lord 'El Mayo' and son of 'El Chapo', in Mexico City

By Jack Queen and Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) -The accused Mexican kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges on Friday in the same New York courthouse where fellow Sinaloa cartel co-founder Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was convicted five years earlier.

Zambada entered the plea to the 17 felony counts he faces, which also include money laundering and weapons charges, at a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge James Cho in Brooklyn.

Cho ordered that Zambada, 76, be jailed pending trial.

Prosecutor Francisco Navarro called Zambada "one of the most, if not the most, powerful narcotics kingpins in the world."

"A United States jail cell is the only thing that will prevent the defendant from committing further crimes and ensure his return to court," Navarro told the hearing.

Defense lawyer Frank Perez did not object to prosecutors' request to jail Zambada.

Wearing a gray short-sleeve shirt, Zambada did not speak other than to answer "yes" or "no" to the judge's questions through an interpreter.

Zambada was taken into custody on July 25 at a New Mexico airfield along with one of Guzman's sons, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, in a major coup for U.S. law enforcement.

He was then taken to El Paso, Texas, where he pleaded not guilty in federal court to separate drug trafficking charges.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone last week had him transferred to Brooklyn after the U.S. Department of Justice asked that he face trial there first.

Zambada was wheelchair bound for his first court appearance in El Paso, but walked on his own on Friday.

"His health is very good," Perez told reporters after the hearing.

The Brooklyn case began in 2009 and includes allegations related to the trafficking of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid fueling an epidemic in the United States.

Zambada is next due in court on Oct. 31.

"El Chapo" Guzman is serving a life sentence at a maximum security prison in Colorado. His son has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in Chicago.

Shootouts this week in the western Mexican state of Sinaloa kindled fears that an intra-cartel war is about to break out following Zambada's arrest.

Fighting has killed 12 people since Monday, and on Thursday state authorities canceled national day celebrations and shut schools in response to the escalating violence.

(Writing by Luc Cohen; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Noeleen Walder)
The Singapore market has shown resilience amidst global economic uncertainties, with major indices maintaining steady performance. In this context, dividend stocks have garnered attention for their potential to provide consistent income streams. A good dividend stock typically combines strong financial health with a history of reliable dividend payments, making it an attractive option in today's market conditions.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In Singapore

Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating BRC Asia (SGX:BEC) 7.11%  Bumitama Agri (SGX:P8Z) 6.75%  YHI International (SGX:BPF) 6.49%  Singapore Exchange (SGX:S68) 3.17%  Singapore Airlines (SGX:C6L) 7.44%  QAF (SGX:Q01) 6.13%  Genting Singapore (SGX:G13) 4.82%  UOB-Kay Hian Holdings (SGX:U10) 6.30%  Oversea-Chinese Banking (SGX:O39) 5.77%  Delfi (SGX:P34) 7.14% 

Click here to see the full list of 18 stocks from our Top SGX Dividend Stocks screener.

Let's dive into some prime choices out of the screener.

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: DBS Group Holdings Ltd provides commercial banking and financial services across Singapore, Hong Kong, Greater China, South and Southeast Asia, and internationally, with a market cap of SGD107.51 billion.

Operations: DBS Group Holdings Ltd's revenue segments include Institutional Banking (SGD9.18 billion), Consumer Banking/Wealth Management (SGD9.34 billion), and Treasury Markets (SGD695 million).

Dividend Yield: 5.7%

DBS Group Holdings' dividends are currently covered by earnings with a payout ratio of 54.1%, and this is expected to remain sustainable over the next three years at 65.4%. Despite a volatile dividend history, recent earnings growth supports stability. The stock trades at 49.8% below its estimated fair value, offering potential upside for investors seeking undervalued opportunities in the Singapore market. Recent leadership changes may influence future strategic directions but do not immediately impact dividend reliability.

SGX:D05 Dividend History as at Sep 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, along with its subsidiaries, provides financial services across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Greater China, the rest of the Asia Pacific region, and internationally, with a market cap of SGD68.56 billion.

Operations: Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited generates revenue from several segments, including Insurance (SGD1.27 billion), Global Markets (SGD512 million), Global Wholesale Banking (SGD5.23 billion), and Global Consumer/Private Banking (SGD5.19 billion).

Story continues

Dividend Yield: 5.8%

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation's dividends are currently covered by earnings with a payout ratio of 52.8%, and this is forecast to remain sustainable at 54.4% over the next three years. Despite a volatile dividend history, recent earnings growth of 12.8% supports potential stability. The stock trades at 62.1% below its estimated fair value, presenting an attractive opportunity for investors seeking undervalued dividend stocks in Singapores market, though volatility remains a concern.

SGX:O39 Dividend History as at Sep 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Singapore Exchange Limited operates an integrated securities and derivatives exchange, related clearing houses, and an electricity market in Singapore, with a market cap of SGD12.18 billion.

Operations: Singapore Exchange Limited generates revenue from several segments, including Equities - Cash (SGD334.94 million), Platform and Others (SGD240.20 million), Equities - Derivatives (SGD334.05 million), and Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities (SGD322.50 million).

Dividend Yield: 3.2%

Singapore Exchange offers a reliable dividend yield of 3.17%, supported by stable earnings growth of 7.1% annually over the past five years. The payout ratio stands at a reasonable 61.7%, ensuring dividends are well-covered by both earnings and cash flows (cash payout ratio: 70%). Recent financial results show revenue at S$1.23 billion with net income rising to S$597.91 million, indicating continued profitability and dividend sustainability, despite trading below estimated fair value by 12%.

SGX:S68 Dividend History as at Sep 2024

Where To Now?

Investigate our full lineup of 18 Top SGX Dividend Stocks right here.

Have a stake in these businesses? Integrate your holdings into Simply Wall St's portfolio for notifications and detailed stock reports.

Take control of your financial future using Simply Wall St, offering free, in-depth knowledge of international markets to every investor.

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 SGX:D05 SGX:O39 and SGX:S68.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
DENVER (KDVR)  One person is dead after a hit-and-run crash following an altercation between two drivers in Arvada last week, and now police are trying to find witnesses.

Loved ones identified the man exclusively to FOX31s Nicole Fierro. David Brlej, who went by Dave, was a 67-year-old grandfather and school bus driver killed in what family believes was a road rage incident.

On Sept. 6 just after 6 a.m., officers with the Arvada Police Department responded to the report of the hit-and-run crash on the northwest corner of the intersection of 64th Ave. and Indiana St.

Aurora police seek help identifying multiple suspects in July shooting

Police found a man on the ground suffering from life-threatening injuries, according to a press release from Arvada police. He was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigation finds road rage may be a factor

According to police, an early investigation suggests that the deadly hit-and-run happened after the victim and another driver apparently engaged in an altercation at 72nd Avenue and Indiana Street.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The victim was driving a gray Lexus SUV, and the suspect driver, who police said has been identified, was driving a brown Ford Focus. Police said both drivers were the sole occupants of the vehicles, and both appeared to be heading to work.

Suspect in custody, 1 victim injured after shooting at Broomfield apartment

Both drivers drove to the ABC Carwash parking lot at 14835 W. 64th Ave. where police said the driver of the Lexus got out of his vehicle and the driver of the Ford stayed in his.

The driver of the Ford Focus left the parking lot, and it was at this time that a collision occurred with the driver of the Lexus, causing life-threatening injuries, the police department said in a press release Thursday.

Bus drivers death impacting the community

Theres so many parents and their kids are affected by this because hes not picking them up on the bus anymore, Brlejs stepson Joshua Scott said. And then you have to say, wheres Bus Driver Dave? The older ones get it. The younger ones. How do you process that?



Scott said Brlej was an organ donor, and one thing getting their family through this time is the thought that his tragic death may have saved other lives with his organ donation.



My mom wishes and hopes that if any good can come from this situation, it would be that we save one life from road rage, Scott said.

Scott told FOX31 that they were told the suspect called and turned himself in after leaving the scene.

Its scary, Scott said. I know charges havent been filed yet because Arvada PD is doing an absolute diligent investigation. But with that being said, how scary is it for the public to find out down the road that there might be a murder and this guy is still out on the road.

The investigation continues, and the police department said it cannot release any further details.

Investigators are now asking anyone who may have a video of the incident or who may have witnessed the incident to contact Detective J. Glynn at jglynn@arvada.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 FOX31 Denver.
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ)  After half a dozen calls came into Blair County 911, an Altoona man was arrested for allegedly firing a gun to break up a fight.

Jordan Anthony Michaels, 19 (Blair County Prison)

Jordan Anthony Michaels, 19, was arrested Thursday evening, Sept. 12, and faces multiple firearm charges along with disorderly conduct and receiving stolen property after allegedly admitting he stole one of the guns months prior.

According to the criminal complaint, Altoona police were dispatched to the alley on the 500 block of Sixth Avenue around 5 p.m. after they said at least six calls for shots fired came into 911. Upon arrival, police said they found a teen bleeding from the nose after an altercation between two small groups.

Through their investigation and speaking to victims and witnesses, police said a fight broke out between five people and Michaels allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired it in the air to stop the fight. According to the charges filed, police were able to watch security footage that showed the fight and Michaels raising his arm before a shot was heard and everyone scattered. They noted they also saw Michaels and another looking around, presumably for the shell casing.

Altoona schools on 2-hour delay after threat posted online

Police said they spoke with Michaels who ultimately admitted to not only firing the gun but allegedly told police he had stolen it months ago in the east end area of Altoona. According to the complaint, Michaels eventually told police he buried it for safekeeping until recently. He then revealed he hid the gun in a trash bag and placed it alongside the house with other trash bags, charges show.

After receiving search warrants, officers were able to find not only the alleged stolen handgun but also a newer-looking handgun later found to have been stolen out of Scranton. According to the complaint, Michaels claimed the second handgun wasnt his and he did not know who put it in the bag.

Police noted that both guns were loaded with rounds in the magazines.

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.

Michaels was arraigned before offices opened Friday morning and placed in Blair County Prison with bail set at $40,000.

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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP)  Police are investigating after a driver suffered minor injuries after striking a parked ambulance on River Road in Agawam.

According to the Agawam Fire Department, at around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday first responders were inside a home on River Road caring for a patient when a vehicle struck their ambulance. The driver was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

Springfield rape suspect arrested for alleged assault on State Street

The fire department says that this type of hazard is encountered by fire and EMS responders daily. This ambulance has only been in service for less than six months and will take months to repair or replace.

The police are investigating the cause of the crash. According to Massachusetts law, when an ambulance is responding to an emergency, drivers are required to pull over to the right side of the road and stop until the ambulance has passed. Drivers who intentionally obstruct or delay the passage of an emergency vehicle can face a fine.

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.
EXCLUSIVE: America First Legal (AFL), a nonprofit, launched investigations into the Biden-Harris administration on Thursday in response to "growing violent illegal alien gang activity" spreading across parts of Colorado and the Midwest.



The investigations were launched by America First Legal into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).



The FOIA requests made by America First Legal come on the heels of 10 Tren de Aragua gang members arrested in Aurora, Colorado after surveillance footage from an overtaken apartment building went viral late last month.



AURORA PD ARRESTS 10 MEMBERS OF TREN DE ARAGUA IN CONNECTION WITH APARTMENT BUILDING TAKEOVERS: STATEMENT



AFL referred to the "recklessness" of the Biden-Harris administration's immigration policies in their investigation release, saying "these gang members would not be present if we had a secure southern border."



"The Biden-Harris administrations deliberate decision to open our borders to the world is what allowed for violent Venezuelan gangs to run rampant in American communities, said Gene Hamilton, America First Legal Executive Director.

"The crimes committed by these aliens areby definitionpreventable, but this administration has decided to ignore public safety and prioritize the importation of hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens."

The transnational prison gang Tren de Aragua, based in Venezuela, has been linked to human trafficking, illegal drug trafficking, and threatening people with guns. The gang reportedly has about 5,000 members.



America First Legal's investigations focus on Aurora, Colorado as well as parts of Illinois and Wisconsin where TdA activity has been documented.



VENEZUELAN GANG TREN DE ARAGUA TAKE OVER TEXAS HOTEL, COUNTY OFFICIALS WORK TO SHUT DOWN BUSINESS

Their Freedom of Information Act requests date back to January 21, 2021, or the first day of office for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.



Harris, who was originally touted as the Biden administration's "Border Czar," has distanced herself from the role as she stepped into the role of Democrat nominee.

The suspected Tren de Aragua gang members engaged in illegal activity including illegal dumping and drug use, according to the El Paso County Attorney's Office.

"If Border Czar Harris were serious about eliminating the threat of foreign gang behavior in the United States, she would secure the border and deport illegal aliens from the United States. Its that simple," said America First Legal Executive Director Gene Hamilton.



In February 2021, Kamala Harris was appointed by Joe Biden to head the "Root Causes Strategy," which she said was poised to address why those in Central American countries have been compelled to flee to the United States. As recently as March of this year, the White House stood by this program and Harris' leadership of it.

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: America First Legal launches investigations into Biden-Harris administration mishandling of migrant gangs
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  The American Cancer Society has started their Men Wear Pink fundraiser to help in the fight against breast cancer.

The fundraiser kicked off Thursday at the Myriad Brewing Company.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards funding cancer research, patient support, and advocacy efforts to end breast cancer. Participating Men have agreed to wear pink for the month of October as well as help raise money.

Eyewitness News meteorologists Ron Rhodes, Joe Bird, Cody Bailey and Wayne Hart will be participating by wearing pink for the month of October.

To donate to the Men Wear Pink fundraiser, click here.





Eyewitness News. Everywher you are.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
COLUMBUS, Ohio  OCTOBER 06: Republican Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (left) speaks with Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original article.)

A social media post by Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted on Friday appeared to joke about a racist conspiracy theory that continues to rock an Ohio community.

A day after a Springfield school and other public buildings were evacuated and closed due to bomb threats, and the same day that two other Springfield elementary schools were evacuated and one middle school closed due to a new, separate bomb threat, Husted posted a photo of two geese on X Friday morning with the comment, Most Americans agree that these migrants should be deported

.

That was an obvious reference to a conspiracy theory about Haitian immigrants in Springfield. It was made three days after former President Donald Trump amplified the claim that Haitian immigrants who are legally in Springfield are stealing their neighbors pets and eating them.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, an angry Trump said during Tuesdays debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

A day earlier, on Monday, Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, posted on X that Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

The Springfield mayor, city manager and chief of police, as well Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, have all debunked the claims.

Springfield City Hall, a school and county buildings were closed Thursday after bomb threats related to the influx of Haitian immigrants to the community. In addition, there have been reports of vandalism of immigrant property and widespread fear among the Haitian community.

On Friday, two more Springfield elementary schools were evacuated due to a bomb threat, the city managers office has confirmed, Cleveland.com reported. A middle school was also closed Friday before school started. Police didnt provide more details but said the Friday threats were separate from the Thursday ones.

UPDATE: Springfield hospitals were also subjected to threats Saturday, and the Wittenberg University campus was threatened Sunday, making a total of four days of public violence threats against the Springfield community Thursday through Sunday.

Springfield Mayor Bob Rue confirmed that at least one of the bomb threats also disparaged Haitian immigrants, WSYX reported Friday.

In the absence of any evidence that dogs and cats have been stolen and eaten, figures such as Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Fox News personality Jesse Watters have focused on unverified reports that Haitians in Springfield are hunting and eating wild geese.

With a population of 58,000, Springfield has been strained by the influx of 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian immigrants, most of whom have come over the past five years under temporary protective status due to the chaos in their home country. Schools, health care facilities and other resources have been swamped by the rapid population growth.

Earlier this week, Gov. DeWine announced he would send state highway patrol troopers to Springfield to help, as well as $2.5 million to help with health care resources.

But on the other hand, the influx has been credited with revitalizing a community which has been declining in population at least since 1990.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric has been linked to mass violence. Experts say that whipping up fears of an immigrant invasion and terror and conspiracy theories of a great replacement have helped motivate racist massacres over the past six years in El Paso, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh.

Husted, the lieutenant governor who joked about the situation in Springfield, is expected to vie with Yost, the attorney general, for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2026.

His spokeswoman, Hayley Carducci, was asked Friday if Husted had any evidence that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating pets or geese, and if he didnt, did he think it was a funny thing to joke about. She was also asked if Husted was concerned that amplifying the conspiracy theory will make a target of yet another vulnerable population, one in the state he wants to govern.

I dont have an additional comment, Carducci said.

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Javan rhinos have folds of loose skin giving them the appearance of wearing armour plating (HANDOUT) (HANDOUT/MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA/AFP)

A new Javan rhino calf has been spotted in an Indonesian national park, the facility's head said Friday, further boosting hopes for one of the world's most endangered mammals after two other sightings this year.

The female calf, believed to be between three and five months old, was spotted in camera trap footage taken in May at Java's Ujung Kulon National Park, a find only made public Thursday by Indonesia's environment and forestry ministry.

The mammal named Iris was seen walking with her mother, said Ardi Andono, head of the park.

"This is positive news for the wider community that the Javan rhino is still sustainable," Ardi told AFP Friday.

The park official said Iris, the third calf identified this year, was found after authorities deployed more than 100 camera traps across the national park in February.

"We always use the assumption that every location has the same potential... to obtain the rhinos' photos," said Ardi.

He said two more calves were spotted earlier this year at the park, which is the only habitat left for the critically endangered animal.

After years of population decline, authorities believe there are 82 Javan rhinos left inside the 120,000-hectare sanctuary of lush rainforest and freshwater streams.

The rhinos, which have folds of loose skin giving them the appearance of wearing armour plating, once numbered in the thousands across Southeast Asia but have been hard hit by rampant poaching and human encroachment.

Activists have disputed official figures after authorities recently uncovered a poaching gang that claimed to have killed 26 rhinos since 2018.

mrc/jfx/fox
A 20-year-old Maryland woman who was caught on video spray-painting "Gaza" on the Columbus Fountain outside of Washington, D.C.s Union Station earlier this summer has been arrested Friday and is now facing a federal charge, prosecutors say.

Isabella Giordano of Towson is set to make her first court appearance this afternoon on one count of willfully injuring or depredating any property of the United States, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. The incident allegedly happened as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting the area.

"Footage obtained from a review of open-source videos posted to X (formerly Twitter) showed Giordano using red spray paint to write Gaza on the Columbus Fountain," the Attorneys Office said, referring to an incident on July 24. "She also spray-painted the base of two of the flagpoles in Columbus Circle."

Prosecutors say the U.S. Park Police later received tips identifying Giordano and that she was taken into custody this morning.

ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS STAGE MASSIVE PROTEST IN WASHINGTON, DC, DURING NETANYAHUS US VISIT

"According to court documents, on July 24, 2024, an organization was granted a permit to demonstrate in the area of Columbus Circle, located at Massachusetts Ave. NE, and E St. NE, directly in front of Union Station. From approximately 3 p.m. until 5 p.m., demonstrators who had gathered in Columbus Circle pulled down flags affixed to the flagpoles; burned flags and objects; sprayed graffiti on multiple statutes and structures; and interfered with law enforcements ability to place individuals under arrest," the Attorneys Office said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS BURN AMERICAN FLAGS, ACCUSE NETANYAHU OF BEING WAR CRIMINAL AS HE ADDRESSES CONGRESS

"The flags pulled down from the flag poles, and the statutes and structures in Columbus Circle, are all property of the federal government," it added. "The National Park Service estimated that the cost to clean and repair the site at about $11,282.23."

Giordanos case is being investigated by the Park Polices Intelligence and Counterterrorism Unit and the FBI Washington Field Office, according to prosecutors.





Original article source: Anti-Israel protester charged for spray-painting 'Gaza' on statue outside DC's Union Station: prosecutors
UPDATE: The boy has been found. Original story below.

(KRON)  The Antioch Police Department is seeking help finding Jeremias Cuellar, an 11-year-old boy last seen leaving his home on Kodiak Street at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Jeremias is described as a young Hispanic male who is between five and five feet two inches tall and weighs 80-100 pounds.

He has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red shorts, white Crocs-style shoes, and white socks.

Jeremias may have taken a local Tri-Delta bus, Antioch police said. His destination is unknown, but he has family in Pittsburgh, CA, and often visits parks in Antioch and Oakley.

Anyone who sees Jeremias or has information on the 11-year-olds whereabouts is asked to contact Antioch PD at (925) 778-2441. Your help is crucial in bringing him home safely, APD 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.




Image source: Getty Images

Costco is a truly unique store. Not only does it offer an impressive range of products and services at affordable prices, but it also carries its own Kirkland product line featuring interesting buys you won't find elsewhere.

But whether you're a current Costco member or are thinking about joining, it's important to familiarize yourself with the store's ins and outs. Here are a few lies you may have been told about Costco that you shouldn't believe.

1. You can return any item at any time

It's true that for the most part, Costco allows customers to return any item at any time. But there are limits to that generous return policy.

First, electronics and major appliances only have a 90-day return window. If you go beyond that point with a stove or a laptop, you shouldn't expect to get your money back.

Second, certain items can't be returned to Costco after you buy them. These include cigarettes, alcohol, gift cards, event tickets, and gold bars.

Similarly, you may have heard that you can return items to Costco years later when they're in worn, rotten condition. While you might technically get away with returning a winter coat that's two years old and splitting apart at the seams, doing so could put you at risk of having your membership revoked, since that's a pretty clear abuse of the retailer's return policy. And if your return is truly unreasonable, Costco might just say no.

2. You can order anything you want online without a membership

You don't need a Costco membership to place orders on Costco.com. However, non-members are charged 5% more on their purchases since they aren't paying Costco's annual fee. So you'll need to run the numbers to make sure those surcharges make sense.

If you normally spend $1,500 a year at Costco.com, 5% of that is $75. In that case, it's cheaper to buy an annual basic membership for $65 and save some money.

What's more, some Costco.com items are designated as member-only. This means you won't be able to purchase them without having a membership ID number to enter at checkout.

3. The Executive membership upgrade isn't worth it

While a Gold Star membership at Costco costs only $65 a year, an Executive membership costs double. But that higher-priced membership comes with a huge perk -- 2% cash back on your Costco purchases. So before you assume that the Executive membership doesn't make financial sense, crunch the numbers.

If you spend more than $3,250 per year at Costco, including online orders, then the upgrade is your best bet. That's because 2% of $3,250 is $65, which is the cost of the upgrade. If you spend even a dollar more, you're looking to benefit financially from the higher-cost membership.

Story continues

There's a lot of misinformation out there about Costco, so it helps to know the truth about the store's return policy and online offerings for non-members. It's also important to do the math behind the Executive membership before writing it off as an option that makes sense for you.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

3 Lies You've Been Told About Costco was originally published by The Motley Fool
(Bloomberg) -- Lithuanias main political forces have come together against the rise of a new party whose leader is on trial for anti-Semitic statements as the country heads into parliamentary elections next month.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The newly-established the Dawn of Nemunas party has gained popularity in recent polls and could emerge as kingmaker in coalition talks following the Oct. 13 vote. The Baltic nations leaders are increasingly concerned over its possible role in future governments.

The controversy centers around party leader and former deputy speaker of parliament Remigijus Zemaitaitis. The constitutional court ruled this year that he violated a parliamentary oath by using anti-Semitic language in a Facebook post criticizing Israels actions in Gaza.

Zemaitaitis rejected the accusations and gave up his seat to be able to stand in October elections. This month, the authorities opened a criminal case against him for allegedly inciting hatred. The 42-year-old denies any wrongdoing.

President Gitanas Nauseda and Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte warned earlier this week of a damage to Lithuanias international standing if the party were to join the next ruling coalition.

When I say that our partners are taking notice, I mean it, Nauseda told Delfi television on Monday, citing the US and Germany. Scars are too painful, too many stigmas.

The issue has particular historical resonance for the Baltic nation because local collaborators helped the Nazis murder some 90% of the Lithuanian Jewish population in the Holocaust.

Lithuania sits between Belarus and Kaliningrad, a heavily armed Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea. The Baltic nation has sought increased military presence from its allies in NATO and the European Union since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began more than two years ago.

The president called on the next election winners to act responsibly when choosing partners for the coalition.

Cordon Sanitaire

Zemaitaitis is no newcomer to politics, but his criticism of Lithuanias ruling parties has helped him secure backing from regional voters distrustful of the establishment.

An August poll from Baltijos Tyrimai pollster showed the Dawn of Nemunas fifth in the race with 8% support. Social Democrats would win the biggest, 15.7% share of the vote, forcing the party to seek support of two or three other partners to form a government. Dawn of Nemunas said it is willing to work with left-wing opposition.

Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, the head of the ruling Homeland Union, called on his Social Democratic rivals to create a cordon sanitaire to prevent Zemaitaitis from gaining power. The party initially welcomed the Dawn of Nemunas as a possible partner after elections, but changes its position following the presidents warnings.

A chance of working in a coalition is really unthinkable today, Vilija Blinkeviciute, the head of the Social Democratic Party, said last week, adding that lines have been crossed.

(Updates with background in 7th paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
BANGKOK (AP)  Pope Francis has wrapped up his longest and most challenging trip ever, which took the 87-year-old pontiff more than 32,000 kilometers (20,000 miles) by air to four countries in the Asia-Pacific from Sept. 2 to 13.

He visited the country with the world's largest Muslim population  Indonesia, with about 242 million  and the country with the highest percentage of Catholics outside the Vatican itself  East Timor, with some 98%.

He visited two of the world's poorest countries  Papua New Guinea and East Timor  and one of its richest  Singapore.

By days and distance, it was one of the longest papal trips ever as Francis sought to reinforce the importance that Asia has to the Catholic Church. It is one of the few places where the church is growing in terms of baptized faithful and religious vocations.

The crowds he drew did not disappoint, with Francis celebrating Mass for about 100,000 people in both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, 50,000 in Singapore and 600,000 in East Timor -- nearly half the country's population.

Francis used the trip to highlight some of his core priorities as pope, including an emphasis on interreligious and intercultural dialogue, care for the environment and insistence on the spiritual component of economic development.

In Indonesia, he urged the country to live up to its promise of harmony in diversity and fight religious intolerance in a visit that included meetings with outgoing President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto. He greeted Catholic priests, nuns and seminarians at Jakartas main cathedral.

After a meeting with the grand imam of Jakartas Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia's largest, the two issued a joint call to fight religiously inspired violence and protect the environment.

In Papua New Guinea, Francis traveled to the remote city of Vanimo, in the jungles of the extreme northwest, bringing with him about a ton of medicine, clothing, musical instruments and toys to donate.

He was greeted by some 20,000 people singing and dancing on the field in front of the Vanimo cathedral, where he donned a feathered headdress presented to him.

In remarks to the crowd, he urged members of the community to come together to overcome rivalries, a reference to the tribal violence that has grown more lethal in the country in recent years.

Overwhelmingly Catholic East Timor greeted Francis with huge crowds, with people jamming his motorcade route from the airport into town cheering as he smiled broadly and waved from his open-backed pickup truck. Nearly half the country showed up for him to celebrate Mass.

In remarks he emphasized that we are all called to do everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse, an apparent reference to a scandal involving Timorese Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo.

Belo was sanctioned in 2020 by the Vatican for sexually abusing young boys, but to this day is still regarded as a hero by many for his efforts in supporting East Timors bloody struggle for independence.

As he wrapped up his visit in Singapore, Francis marveled at the modern city's skyscrapers, while urging authorities not to forget the workers who built them and to make sure to look out for the poorest of society.

He concluded his visit with the same message of tolerance that he delivered at the start, telling a group of young people that those of different faiths need to engage in constructive dialogue rather than insist on the righteousness of their own beliefs.

All religions are a path to arrive at God, Francis told the group. They are like different languages to arrive there. But God is God for all.
Apalachee school shooting: Gunman also had knife, rode bus to school day of massacre

New details have emerged about the day a Barrow County teen went into Apalachee High School and opened fire, killing two teachers and two students.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says Colt Gray used an AR platform-style weapon during the shooting.

New information from the agency now says he was also carrying a knife on him at the time and that he took the bus to school that morning.

The GBI said Gray had the rifle in his backpack last Wednesday, and thats how he got it into the school.

Also, Gray had only been enrolled in the school for a few weeks. The GBI said he enrolled at Apalachee High on Aug. 14 and between that date and Sept. 4, he missed nine days of school.

Four people lost their lives in the shooting: math teachers 39-year-old Richard Aspinwall and 53-year-old Cristina Irimie and 14-year-old students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn.

Nine others were also injured in the shooting.

RELATED STORIES:

The GBI says that school resource officers encountered Gray just minutes after the shooting began. They say moments later, Gray put down his gun, got on the ground and surrendered to the school resource officers.

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said Gray realized that if he did not surrender, he would have been shot.

He was taken into custody and is now being held in the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center on four counts of felony murder.

The FBI says that this is not the first time Gray has been investigated for an incident involving a school.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Justin Gray, no relation, obtained a copy of a May 2023 investigative report and audio recordings of a Jackson County Sheriffs Office interview involving Colt Gray and his father as the then-13-year-old was being investigated for threats made against a school in Jackson County on the social media platform Discord.

They say, at that time, there was no probable cause to arrest him.

On the night of Sept. 5, his father, Colin Gray, was arrested in connection to the shooting and charged with murder, involuntary manslaughter, and cruelty to children.

The GBI said in a news conference that Colt Gray received the gun used in the shooting as a Christmas gift from his father just months after the investigation into the 2023 school threat.

Prosecutors plan to present their cases against both the father and son on Oct. 17.

RELATED NEWS:
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Two people have been charged in connection to an August murder, according to the Albuquerque Police Department. Police say Guillermo Munoz Delgado, 29, is accused of fatally shooting 19-year-old Christian Aragon.

Munoz Delgado is charged with an open count of murder with a firearm enhancement, three charges of kidnapping, three charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence. Trinasha McDaniel, 34, has been charged for kidnapping and tampering with evidence.

Story continues below

According to police, witnesses told detectives the dispute started the morning of August 24 when Aragon and his friends were at a smoke shop in southeast Albuquerque. Police say the group of teens were hanging outside the shop and noticed McDanile arrive with an ATV.

Aragon expressed interest in buying the ATV but wanted to take it for a test drive. Police say Aragon took the ATV for a ride while his friends waited with McDaniel. When Aragon didnt return, McDaniel and her friends became agitated and said they thought the teen was trying to steal the ATV.

Police say Munoz Delgado later had Aragons friends take him where the ATV was. The group later arrived at the scene where a fight began. Police say Munoz Delgado allegedly fired one round, striking Aragon. They say Aragon was also armed with a handgun and fired several rounds, striking Munoz Delgado.

Aragon was transported to the hospital where he later died.

McDaniel was observed on surveillance video picking up Aragons handgun and fleeing from the scene, according to APD.

Detectives identified Munoz Delgado as the suspect and secured an arrest warrant on Sept. 7, 2024. He is currently at the Metro Detention Center. McDaniel is wanted by police for her charges in connection to the murder.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Rooftop solar panels. (VCU Capital News Service)

The states second largest utility serving a majority of Southwest Virginia is asking state regulators for a 70% reduction in the pay rate for customers who generate their own electricity and sell excess amounts back to the company. The request could stifle residential customers adoption of solar in the region, proponents of the zero-carbon energy source say.

Appalachian Power Company submitted the request to the State Corporation Commission Aug. 30 as part of a new rulemaking process required by the Virginia Clean Economy Act, a law seeking to decarbonize the utilitys grid by 2045. The process governs the program known as net-metering, which took off in 2017.

Net-metering allows residents and companies to install generation sources on their roof or property to provide the electricity they would otherwise need to pull from the utilitys grid. In APCos territory, those generation sources have mostly been solar panels.

The homes and businesses sell back to the company whatever amount of electricity they generate beyond what they need, and net that revenue against their costs for energy they may pull from the utility when their source isnt producing, resulting in savings or credits that can be applied to a future months bill.

Appalachian Power is currently paying those participants $0.16 per kilowatt hour for the excess power they generate, and wants to grandfather them for 25 years, while offering new participants $0.04 per kilowatt hour.

For a customer who needs about 1,000 kilowatts of electricity, and generates 1,057 kilowatts through their panels, the change would result in a monthly bill increase from $7.96 to $66.95. An APCo customer who doesnt participate in net metering faces a monthly bill of $174 under current rates, which may go up again, despite resident and legislator opposition.

The rate change also reflects a change in netting methodology for new participants.

Under the old system, the customer would generate a total amount of electricity for a given month and net that against the power they pulled from the utility when their source was not generating enough, which happened 80% of the time in a year and resulted in the savings, according to the utility.

The new methodology would compensate a customer for the excess energy they send back to the grid, at the new rate, and then charge them, at standard rates, for the energy they pull from the utility when their generation source wasnt meeting their needs.

The proposed netting methodology will still allow the customer-generator to offset their usage with their solar generation that is equal to or less than their usage in a given hour at full retail rate, said company spokeswoman Teresa Hall. But any excess generation that is exported to the companys system will not be carried over to a different hour when they are using energy from the company, Hall said. Instead, it will instead be given a bill credit at the avoided cost rate proposed in the petition.

The company asked for the reduction and change largely because participants rely on the overall grids transmission and distribution system to sell their power back to the utility, or draw in power when their solar doesnt produce enough of it.

But the 3,860 programs participants  who represented about .07% of APCos 542,000 customers in 2023  dont pay for the costs to maintain that grid, the utility said, which resulted in a $3.8 million savings that year coming from non-participants, who do pay the fees for maintaining transmission and distribution lines. The company said this is an inequitable arrangement.

Due to the inherent cross-subsidization in the current net metering program, non-participating customers, including low-income customers and/or customers that are members of environmental justice communities bear a disproportionate share of the costs necessary to facilitate net metering as it exists today, attorneys for Appalachian Power wrote in their petition.

Solar developers, though, counter that having more net metering solar projects on the grid creates more distributed generation resources and reduces the wear and tear on those transmission and distribution lines by not relying on them as much.

As data centers proliferate in Virginia, demand for electricity is expected to increase, which will increase the need for costly improvements to transmission and distribution lines to deliver more power, said Russ Edwards, president of Tiger Solar, a solar developer that has done business in APCo territory. APCo can recover those costs from customers, plus a roughly 10% return on equity, or profit margin.

(Demand) has been flat for a while. Its not any longer, said Edwards. Thats a big deal and should be in the publics best interest for all utilities to promote distributed generation.

APCo stated that participation in net metering has increased by 31.6% from the 1,310 participants it had in 2018, and has generated a total of 36.9 megawatts, about 1% of the 3,225 MW peak amount of electricity the utility produced in 2023. The generation that net metering customers relieve the grid of definitely wont go up, Edwards said under the new program.

The difference in the final bill costs between the old rate and the new rate may only be about $59, but when residents are considering whether to participate to save about $108 on a bill, compared to non-participants, Edwards said, the change could increase the amount of financing needed and the time period from when the savings will pay off the cost of the solar panels.

It makes the economics way more challenging, Edwards said.

Unless the nascent technology of an energy storage device can be paired with a project to provide power when a generation source isnt producing, Southern Environmental Law Center staff attorney Josephus Allmond said, the detrimental effects of reducing the net-metering payment rate has been experienced in California, which one report said lead to a loss of 77% to 85% in sales and 17,000 jobs.

The risk of reduced net metering participation also comes after the federal government announced its giving Virginia $156 million to deploy more solar alongside other funding opportunities. And solar projects on rooftops can help avoid conflicts with localities that are concerned with losing agricultural and forested land to panels needed to reverse climate change, Allmond said.

We need utilities to show us some solutions. Customers deserve that, Allmond said. Given (the) funding on the way to Virginia for low income solar, ApCos petition to slash the net metering compensation rate by roughly 70% will hamper residential solar, a crucial part of the energy transition.

The State Corporation Commission is expected to review the request over the next 12 months, with several other parties interested in being involved, including Solar United Neighbors, Clean Virginia and more, since the result could set a precedent ahead of Dominion submitting its petition next year.
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- An appeals court Thursday ruled against a challenge to Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors, saying the state can continue to prohibit the controversial anti-LGBTQ intervention.

In a 2-1 decision, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the prohibition does not impinge free speech nor does it target religion. The ban aligns with the medical consensus that conversation therapy is "ineffective and harmful" and "rationally serves" the interests of the state to protect minors, the court said.

"We thus have no trouble concluding the [Minor Conversion Therapy Law] is rationally related to Colorado's interest in protecting minor patients seeking mental healthcare from obtaining ineffective and harmful therapeutic modalities," Judge Veronica Rossman, a President Joe Biden appointee, wrote in the ruling.

Judge Nancy Moritz, a President Barack Obama appointee, agreed with Rossman, while Judge Harris Hartz, an appointee of President George W. Bush, dissented.

The ruling was celebrated Thursday by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which described the ban as protecting minors from serious harm by those attempting to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"These discredited practices, which falsely promise to be able to change a young person's sexual orientation or gender identity, have been rejected as unsafe by every major medical and mental health organization in the country," Chris Stoll, senior staff attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said in a statement.

"The 10th Circuit has joined numerous other federal courts in affirming that states can require licensed mental health providers to comply with professional standards prohibiting these harmful and unnecessary practices."

Since 2019, The Centennial State has banned mental healthcare providers from performing conversion therapy, meaning efforts to change an individual's sexual orientation, on those 18 years of age or younger. Those who violate the law are subject to disciplinary action by the appropriate licensing board.

Kaley Chiles, a Christian and licensed professional counselor in the state, sued Colorado in federal court in 2022, claiming the conversation ban violates her free speech and targets Christians -- which the district court rejected.

Chiles had argued she intentionally avoided conversations with her clients about conversion therapy because of the law, forcing her to deny counseling that "fully explores sexuality and gender to her clients and potential clients in violation of her and her clients' sincerely held religious beliefs."

The appeals court ruled Thursday that there is nothing to suggest that the law aims to infringe or restrict practices because of religion nor does it prevent her from conversing with her clients about conversion therapy, it only prevents her from performing it.

"The MCTL does not prohibit a mental health professional from discussing what conversion therapy is, what her views on conversion therapy are or who can legally provide this treatment to her minor clients," Rossman wrote. "It only bars a mental health professional from engaging in the practice herself."

Christian legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom, which represented Chiles in the case, chastised the decision for infringing the speech of not just their client but others like her.

"The government has no business censoring private conversations between clients and counselors, nor should a counselor be used as a tool to impose the government's biased views on her clients," Cody Barnet, ADFL counsel said in a statement.

"We will consider all options to stop the unlawful attempt of Colorado officials to ban someone's speech simply because they disagree with the viewpoints expressed."

According to the Movement Advancement Project, 23 states and Washington, D.C., have state laws banning conversation therapy for minors.

The American Medical Association states evidence does not support conversion therapy can change one's sexual orientation and that the practice "may cause significant psychological distress." It may also "increase suicidal behaviors in a population where suicide is prevalent," it said
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (WSAV)  An Appling County man has been sentenced to more than 23 years in federal prison after being found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor.

Todd Eric Sisk, 50, of Baxley, Ga., was sentenced to 280 months in prison after pleading guilty to Attempted Production of Child Pornography.

Sisk was also ordered to pay $10,600 in restitution and assessments, to register as a sex offender, and to serve 15 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.

Predators regularly use the internet to prey on our most vulnerable citizens, and our law enforcement partners work tirelessly to identify and eliminate these threats, said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. We are committed to keeping our children safe from those who would exploit them.

Sisk was identified during a November 2021 undercover operation, as an individual attempting to communicate with minors via apps. After being identified members of the Homeland Security Investigations in Savannah were contacted for assistance.

In the plea agreement, Sisk is cited to have paid a user on Twitter, whom he believed to be 13 years old, to produce a video of herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He also attempted to persuade at least four other self-identified minors to produce sexually explicit images.

The defendants attempts to sexually exploit minors was thankfully unsuccessful and he is being held accountable for this predatory behavior, said Steven N. Schrank, acting special agent in charge of HSI Atlanta that covers Georgia and Alabama. Todays sentencing is the result of the dedicated work of HSI and its law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to protect children from exploitation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Arizona has the nation's best system for retaining judges. Don't mess it up

Fifty years ago, Arizonas voters approved  with support from civic leaders like Sandra Day OConnor  our states merit system for selecting and retaining appellate judges and trial court judges in our most populous counties.

Arizonans adopted this system in 1974 to involve the public in selecting competent judges while keeping judges accountable through regular retention elections (every six years for appellate judges, every four for trial court judges).

It is a considered a national model for ensuring a fair and impartial judiciary.

Proposition 137, a constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, will undermine our merit system. The proposal would diminish the voters role, give the Legislature new power over judges, and distract us from changes that could really improve our courts.

How the current retention system works

Under the existing system, the public participates in selecting judges and, through retention elections, ensuring they remain accountable.

Persons who apply to be judges are vetted by 16-person commissions that include 10 non-lawyers. These commissions are to be nonpartisan and to recommend candidates based on merit.

Each commission interviews candidates in public and then votes on recommendations. The governor can only appoint judicial candidates recommended by the commission.

After appointment, each judge is regularly reviewed by an impartial Commission on Judicial Performance Review (JPR). These reviews include public input from persons  lawyers, litigants, witnesses, jurors and court staff  who have seen the judge at work.

Based on these reviews, the commission determines whether a judge meets performance standards. This information is given to voters to consider in deciding whether to retain judges for another term.

Arizona's system isn't perfect, but it works well

The merit system has worked well.

It resulted in the 1979 appointment of Sandra Day OConnor to the Arizona Court of Appeals, where she served before President Reagan named her to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1981. Other Arizona judges appointed under this system have admirably served and been leaders in improving the fair administration of justice.

Arizonans have voted not to retain few sitting judges, but that also reflects a well-working system.

Retention elections are a backstop in a system designed to identify qualified judicial candidates and to help them do their jobs competently. Few judges should deserve being voted out of office.

Our system, however, gives voters the ultimate say on whether a judge is retained. (I do not think we should vote judges out of office merely because we disagree with their decisions in a particular case.)

Proposition 137 would largely cut the voters out of the retention process. Judges would be less accountable to the public, while the Legislature would have more power over the courts.

Proposition 137 harms the best of this system

Under Proposition 137, judges would serve during good behavior until retirement.

Voters would have no say on whether a judge stays in office unless the JPR commission concludes the judge does not meet performance standards, or under other limited circumstances, such as a judges felony conviction.

Proposition 137 not only deprives the public of its right to vote on judges in the future, but it would also do so for this years election. If the public votes this fall that a judge should be removed, the ballot measure would cancel that vote.

Arizona needs the system: That made me a Supreme Court justice

Proposition 137 would empower the Legislature to appoint members to the JPR commission and allow any legislator to require the commission to investigate a judge for alleged misconduct.

These provisions would invite politically motivated attacks on judges and erode the independence of the JPR commission.

Reject the measure, then consider this reform

If we really want to improve our courts, we should preserve the retention provisions and instead focus on how judges are selected. Arizonas constitution contemplates that the nominating commissions will be nonpartisan and independent, and they have often operated that way.

The existing system has a weakness, however, because only the governor appoints members of the nominating commissions.

During his two terms in office, former Gov. Doug Ducey declined, for some time, to name members of the opposing political party to the appellate nominating commission, finally appointing three Democrats in the summer of 2020. He also refused to reappoint members who did not support his preferred judicial candidates.

Those actions fueled perceptions that the nominating process was being driven more by partisanship and less by merit  unfairly for qualified candidates who were appointed as judges.

We should amend the state constitution so the governor does not have a monopoly on appointing members of the appellate nominating commission.

Giving others (such as the top elected official not of the governors party, or the majority and minority leaders in the Legislature) the power to appoint some commission members would bolster public confidence in the commissions independence and the nomination process.

Lets start thinking about that kind of reform after we reject Proposition 137.

Scott Bales served on the Arizona Supreme Court from 2005-2019 and was chief justice from 2015 to 2019. Reach him at scott@sbales.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona ballot measure would 'fix' a court system that isn't broken
Arkansas man pleads no contest in Shawnee attempted murder case

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A man from Arkansas charged with attempted first-degree murder after allegedly attacking a liquor store employee last year has pleaded no contest.

Amanjit Singh made his plea in Johnson County court this week.

Lansing Correctional Facility prisoner sentenced for killing cellmate

Shawnee police responded to Stonebridge Liquors at W. 67th Street and Nieman Road Friday, June 12, 2023.

The victim told investigators a man walked into the liquor store as she worked and attacked her with a knife.

Court documents say Singh is accused of stabbing the victim multiple times.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

Singh is scheduled to be sentenced in Johnson County court on October 30 at 1:30 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The 2024 Maneuver Warfighter Conference took place at Fort Moore Sept. 10  12. This years conference focused on maneuver transformation, with a large portion of the conversation focused on the Armys developing technology.

Transformation in contact is an initiative really championed by the chief staff of the Army, that we have plans for the modernization of the Army in 2030, 2040 and beyond, said Col. Jim Modlin, deputy commander of the U.S. Army Armor School at Fort Moore.

The initiative also focuses on more immediate solutions, according to Modlin. He continued, What can we do now? What can we do in the near term?

SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH: Army looks at soldier mental health

The Warfighter Conference is an annual event which allows soldiers, senior leaders and partners to communicate directly about innovation and changes within the Army.

Brig. Gen. John Cushing, currently serving as commanding general of Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)which falls under Army Futures Commandtook the stage Sept. 12.

His presentation focused on technology development which would reduce soldier heat signatures, create a variety of uses for drones and more.

I sleep very well at night knowing that we are getting after it [technology development] the best way we know how, Cushing said. (Olivia Yepez)

The Warfighter Conference is an annual event which allows soldiers, senior leaders and partners to communicate directly about innovation and changes within the Army. (Olivia Yepez)

The 2024 Maneuver Warfighter Conference took place at Fort Moore Sept. 10  12. (Olivia Yepez)

According to Cushing, soon drones, also called unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), could be used by the Army to scan battle areas to check for signs of life like heartbeats and heat signatures. Counter UAS technology which could jam signals and kill enemy drones is also being developed.

I sleep very well at night knowing that we are getting after it [technology development] the best way we know how, Cushing said.

U.S. Army begins cognitive screenings for all trainees

DEVCOM takes a collaborative approach to innovation, continuously encouraging soldier input through innovation labs at various posts and the Dragons Lair competition open to all U.S. military servicemembers.

At Fort Moore, ongoing initiatives are using drones for training and conducting tests.

Whats significant about it is, its not just the actual implementation of using the system, but its the lessons learned that were getting out of it, Modlin said. We have an experimentation force here at Fort Moore that can help inform some of the decisions that are being made in the Army.

The Armys inaugural drone competition, the Beehive Classic, was hosted at Fort Moore in May 2024. Drone usage was also a major topic of conversation at the 2023 Warfighter Conference.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
It's hard not to admire what Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) has accomplished over the past five years. The drugmaker has been riding a wave of strong financial results and excellent regulatory progress to become the largest healthcare company by market capitalization. It's inching closer to a $1 trillion valuation -- and at the rate it has been going, don't be surprised if it hits that milestone within a year.

However, despite the terrific gains Eli Lilly has already delivered, it's not too late to invest in the stock. Here are six reasons why Eli Lilly is still worth buying.

1. Tirzepatide

Sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, tirzepatide has been an incredible growth driver for Eli Lilly. In 2022 -- the year it was first approved in the U.S. -- some analysts predicted that it could generate as much as $25 billion in peak sales and become one of the best-selling drugs in the industry's history.

That estimate looks prophetic now. Tirzepatide has been flying off the shelves, and it turns out the $25 billion might have been low-balling the therapy's potential. In the second quarter, Mounjaro's sales were $3.1 billion, while Zepbound's were $1.2 billion -- that's more than $4 billion in a single three-month period in an industry where most drugs never manage to generate $1 billion annually at any point in their patent-protected life cycles.

Nor has tirzepatide reached its limit in terms of potential indications for which it could be prescribed. Lilly recently reported positive phase 3 trial results for the drug in sleep apnea, as well as in helping prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in overweight and pre-diabetic adults. It is being investigated in other indications, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

2. Blowout financial results

Tirzepatide is helping Eli Lilly's financial results soar, but other medicines are also contributing to its top-line growth. In the second quarter, sales of Humalog, an insulin brand, increased by 43% year over year to $631.6 million. Immunosuppressant Taltz recorded revenue of $824.7 million, 17% higher than the prior-year period. Jardiance, a diabetes medicine, racked up sales of $769.6 million, increasing 15% year over year. And cancer therapy Verzenio reported $1.3 billion in revenue, 44% higher than the prior-year quarter.

Of all the most important medicines in Eli Lilly's portfolio, only diabetes medicine Trulicity's sales moved in the wrong direction, and that's partly because Zepbound is cannibalizing demand for it. In fairness, Trulicity has also experienced supply issues.

Story continues

Eli Lilly's revenue increased 36% year over year in the second quarter to $11.3 billion. It grew by 46% when excluding the one-time revenue from the sale of the rights to a low blood sugar medicine called Basqimi that Eli Lilly reported in the corresponding period of 2023. Its net income totaled $3.5 billion, 86% higher than in Q2 2023.

3. Strong late-stage pipeline

When it comes to investing in the pharma industry, investors have to look ahead to when a company's current key medicines will lose patent protection. But Eli Lilly has been planning ahead for that for some time. Its late-stage development pipeline features several promising products.

In weight loss, Eli Lilly is working on orforglipron and retatrutide, both of which could generate well over $1 billion in annual revenue by 2030, according to some estimates. Additionally, the company's once-weekly insulin medicine could also earn regulatory approval within the next year or two. Eli Lilly recently had another major regulatory win when the FDA approved Kisunla (generically known as donanemab) as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

There should be several others moving forward.

4. Promising early-stage pipeline

Some of Eli Lilly's early-stage programs are also attracting notice already. A gene therapy for genetic hearing loss that it is developing is currently in a phase 1/2 clinical trial. The drugmaker reported some data from this study earlier this year, revealing that this investigational treatment had restored hearing in one patient who was deaf from birth in a mere 30 days.

Of course, it's far too early to celebrate. That's just one data point, albeit an impressive one. A lot could happen that might derail Eli Lilly's plans for this gene therapy. However, it again highlights the company's innovative potential.

5. The dividend matters

Eli Lilly's dividend program looks attractive, too. Although its 0.58% yield isn't much, that's because its share price has been on a tear lately. The company has increased its payouts by 101.6% in the past five years. The most important factor for dividend investors remains the strength of a company's underlying business and its willingness to reward shareholders with payout hikes. Eli Lilly's business is rock solid and it has a track record of increasing its payouts, which makes it an excellent stock for income seekers.

6. Its valuation isn't what it seems

Eli Lilly's shares look expensive at first glance. The company's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio tops 55. The average for the healthcare industry is 19.6 as of this writing. Conventional wisdom might suggest that Eli Lilly's shares look far too expensive at current levels, but that isn't so.

Analysts expect the company's earnings per share to increase at an average of 73 % per year in the next five years. Analysts' average price target of just over $1,000 also implies some upside from its current price of about $900. It's still time to invest in the stock.

Should you invest $1,000 in Eli Lilly right now?

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Arrest made in connection with damaged property at Union Station after DC protest

Authorities on Friday announced an arrest in connection with damage to federal property outside Union Station in Washington, D.C., following a demonstration this summer.

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia said footage posted to the social platform X showed 20-year-old Isabella Giordano of Towson, Md., writing Gaza with red spray paint on the Columbus Fountain in front of Union Station on July 24.

The U.S. attorneys office said Giordano also spray-painted the base of two flagpoles in Columbus Circle.

Giordano, who is charged with willfully injuring or depredating any property of the United States, is expected to make an appearance in court Friday afternoon.

Law enforcement had asked for tips on five individuals in connection with the damaged property.

Authorities said demonstrators who had gathered in Columbus Circle pulled down flags affixed to the flagpoles; burned flags and objects; sprayed graffiti on multiple statutes and structures; and interfered with law enforcements ability to place individuals under arrest during a two-hour period.

The National Park Service estimated the total cost to clean up and repair the damage at $12,000.

The White House labeled the protests outside Union Station, which occurred while Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave an address to lawmakers at the U.S. Capitol, as disgraceful.

Identifying with evil terrorist organizations like Hamas, burning the American flag, or forcibly removing the American flag and replacing it with another, is disgraceful, deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a statement one day later.

Former President Trump called for those who burned flags at the protest to be jailed.

You should get a one-year jail sentence if you do anything to desecrate the American flag, Trump said on Fox & Friends in July. Now, people will say, Oh, its unconstitutional. Those are stupid people. Those are stupid people that say that.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
INDIANAPOLIS  Indiana State Police troopers have investigated three separate school threats in the past week.

A 12-year-old was arrested in one case and a 15-year-old was arrested in another, a news release from state police said. A third threat investigation was not substantiated.

Details about the nature of the threats were not provided and Indiana State Police declined to say which school districts were affected.

Tips came from online sources and state police have been working closely with the school personnel to identify kids and obtain search warrants.

"Threats of violence toward a school must be taken seriously," Indiana State Police Lt. Josh Watson said. "I will continue to encourage anyone with information about a threat of violence to immediately report that information to the school and or police. School safety is among our highest priorities and we will continue to work with our school and law enforcement partners across the state to ensure our children are safe in their schools."

Parents across Indianapolis have received emails from their school districts alerting them to threats on social media. Indianapolis Public School sent an email out late Thursday noting officials were aware of "a screenshot image circulating on social media and via text message to students." The email said the threats were not directly tied to IPS, but that officials were "in communication with the school district where the student attends school."

After Georgia: School sees dozens of threats, kids arrested

The arrest announcement comes more than a week after a Perry Meridian High School student was arrested in connection with an online threat that disrupted class.

"Please know that these threats are taken very seriously," the district said in an email to families on Sept. 3. "And we will work to prosecute every individual involved to the fullest extent. These threats create dangerous situations when our police resources are stretched thin, heighten concern and anxiety and completely disrupt the learning environment."

The district advised families to speak with their children about the importance of reporting anything that appears dangerous or out of the norm.

The district also stressed the importance of letting students know it's a felony to make false reports and/or threats.

School threats around the nation

Perry Meridian High School students hold up their computer laptops Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, as they enter the school and make their way through a newly installed AI weapons detection system. The system alerts school staff of potential threats, seen on portable computer screens. Students are asked to remove their computers and hold them up above their head as they enter to keep the

The same day a teenager opened fire at a rural Georgia high school and killed two teachers and two classmates, a 15-year-old in a neighboring county was taken into custody after classmates heard him making threats on the school bus about "finishing the job.

Two days later, a 13-year-old girl was arrested after threatening to carry out a shooting at her Florida middle school on Instagram, a post she later claimed was a joke.

On Tuesday, a 12-year-old in Texas was charged with making a terroristic threat causing public fear after threatening to shoot up the school and showing photos of firearms during a Facetime call with another student.

These are among dozens of cases across the country of violent threats against schools in the week since the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, threats that led authorities to arrest children and schools to close, lockdown, or increase police presence, according to research by Everytown for Gun Safety.

In August, a fifth-grade student at an Avon elementary school brought a gun to the campus, prompting an outcry from parents about how the situation was handled.

It was just really sad and scary this has happened in our community, Angie McEldowney, an Intermediate East parent and spouse of an IndyStar staff member, told us then. And the fact that we werent getting many details from the school and the phrasing of what we were getting seemed dismissive of the seriousness of the situation.

Related: Parents criticize cellphone policy, district after Avon fifth grader takes gun to class

Jade Jackson is a public safety reporter for IndyStar. Contact her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana students arrested after threats made to Indianapolis schools
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  An ArtPrize entry aims to give the community a personal understanding of the invisible homeless: young people.

A Mile in Our Sneakers is a project from Covenant House Michigan, which has two campuses  one in Grand Rapids, the other in Detroit  that serve people ages 18 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness.

We want to eradicate homelessness as we know it today, Stacy Datena, senior philanthropy and engagement manager with Covenant House, told News 8. There should be not one individual  sleeping outside or not in a safe space.

ArtPrize 2024 kicks off today with parades, fireworks

She said young people are sometimes referred to as the invisible homeless.

You know, carrying a backpack on the street  it looks very similar to someone going to school, Datena said. I think people would be surprised to know the number of youth that are currently struggling in our community.

Covenant House Michigan has two floors on its Grand Rapids campus (one for men, one for women) that can house 14 people each. But the waiting lists are upward of 100, she said.

Datena explained that she was looking for opportunities to raise awareness when she came across dozens of Keds sneakers that were available for free from another organization.

When I was starting to brainstorm a little bit about an ArtPrize exhibit, it just made such great sense with the shoes, she said.

That was the beginning of A Mile in Our Sneakers. The exhibit includes 40 pairs of handpainted sneakers created by young people with Covenant House who are experiencing homelessness.

Public, private groups aiming to house 100 people in 100 days

Youth artist Wilhelmina Poortenga told News 8 its about putting the person to the statistic.

A lot of people hear, Oh, theres tons of homeless people in Grand Rapids or Theres tons of homeless youth in this world,' Poortenga said. And seeing a physical representation of a shoe  being able to look and say, Oh, theres a human there. Weve all been through our own walks of life.'

My life is spent being inspired by the youth we serve, Datena added. And so for our community to have that same experience  I go home every night so grateful for being part of an organization that serves these wonderful, wonderful youth, but Im also so honored to know them and to know their stories.

Each pair of shoes carries its own message. Poortenga, for instance, chose to depict the theme of better foot forward and a foot behind.

The foot behind shoe, she explained to News 8, essentially shows everything being rough, anxiety, depression, everything that was kind of overconsuming me at the time.

A lot of things I said to myself that Im a mistake, Im a failure, things that happened to me during this period of time in my life, she said.

The shoe includes words like HOMELESS and LIED TO.

Parades, parties and poems: What to do during the first weekend of ArtPrize

Meanwhile, the better foot forward shoe is more positive.

This ones a lot more about acceptance of myself. Before I became homeless, I wasnt out too publicly about being trans, Poortenga said.

The shoe bears messages like TRANS IS BEAUTIFUL and JESUS LOVES ME TOO.

Thats one thing that was a little bit of a struggle, because I consider myself a Christian, but having a lot of Christian hate spread my way was not something I was expecting, she explained. But being able to, like, come to terms with myself with religion has been a big thing.

Artist Wilhelmina Poortengas better foot forward shoe. (Courtesy Covenant House Michigan)

Artist Wilhelmina Poortengas better foot forward shoe. (Courtesy Covenant House Michigan)

The artist told News 8 she spent months considering the design for her shoes.

I wanted to have meaning behind my art, she said. I was able to make something really beautiful out of it.

Another young artist named Lisa designed her left shoe to represent her past because its meant to be left there.

Its unlaced for a reason because thats kind of where it left me at. It left me feeling like undone and its a little bit messy, but its colorful, because I did have a very colorful childhood with a lot of things that I went through, and one of the biggest things I learned was we write our own storys ending, the 18-year-old said.

The right shoe, on the other hand, represents her future.

It is a little bit blank, because, again, we dont know what the future holds for anyone. We can make plans, but I do believe that my future is very bright, Lisa said.

Her hope is that the entry serves as a reminder to everyone who sees it that you never truly know what someone is going through.

I want people to know that no matter what happens, there are people out there going through stuff, each of these youths and adolescents, we all have a story to tell and it just takes someone listening, Lisa said. (I) think the biggest thing is keeping your head up even when you are hurting and you feel like youre at the end of it, just making sure you reach out and know that youre not alone. Theres always a community of people that will be there if you just have that courage to reach out and ask for help.

A Mile in Our Sneakers will be on display at Arts Marketplace at Studio Park, located at 121 Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 125. The shoes will be displayed on a tree that stands 10 feet tall.

That tree represents structure, it represents shelter, growth, Datena said. And just having that solid foundation.

Though not everyone has experienced homelessness, organizers say everyone can find something to connect to in A Mile in Our Sneakers.

This piece  is really all about humanity. Its all about shared experience, Datena said. Although a visitor may not have experienced this particular challenge in life, I think that all of us can relate to difficult times.

Were all people, Poortenga added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
SHELBY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The search this week of a home and the hauling-away of a green car have launched a flurry of speculation of a case that has baffled Cleveland County authorities for decades.

That speculation has centered around the green car, which is similar in description to one authorities have been looking for in connection with the disappearance of Asha Degree.

Asha, who was 9 years old when she disappeared in 2000, was last seen along Fallston Road (N.C. Highway 18) walking in the rain. Witnesses said she ran into the woods when a car stopped, and has not been seen since.

Woman injured after falling off Crowders Mountain Pinnacle in Gaston County: GEMS

There have been clues surrounding what may have happened to the girl, and a backpack was found in Morganton belonging to Asha, but deputies, to this day, have not publicly released any solid leads to the case. The reward for information now totals $45,000.

In an interview with sister network NewsNation in 2022, Ashas mother Iquilla Degree recalled the day she discovered her daughter missing, noting she noticed the covers of the girls bed pulled back, with Asha nowhere to be found.

I wouldnt wish this upon anybody, not even my worst enemy, she told NewsNation at the time. This is worse than death.

The center point of intersection between the search, which has extended over multiple addresses in Cleveland County, and the Degree case is a car that is similar in description to the one for which authorities have been searching.

This vehicle serves as the link between the wide-ranging searches this week and the Degree case.

Authorities have so far not officially connected the two cases.

Queen City News reached out to Asha Degrees family Thursday. Family members either declined an interview or were otherwise not available.

In a social media post touching on the search and speculation this week, a family member noted that, In due time, accurate information will be shared.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In the first college admissions process since the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action last year, Asian American enrollment at the most prestigious U.S. schools paints a mixed, uneven picture.

Some Ivy League schools, including Columbia and Brown universities, showed an increase in Asian Americans for the class of 2028, while others, like Yale and Princeton, showed a decrease. Harvard, the most selective of the group, didnt see a change at all, according to enrollment numbers released on Wednesday by the school.

Experts said that it may take years to see the definitive impact of the decision, which restricted the consideration of race in college admissions. But it didnt have the effect that many who opposed the policy had expected, they said.

The big takeaway is that folks who supported the lawsuit were saying, this would be such a big win for Asian Americans, that race-based admissions was some type of barrier to our upward mobility, said OiYan Poon, faculty affiliate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign office of community college research and leadership. What were seeing is that thats not really bearing out, Poon added.

Columbia University  which, unlike the other Ivies, groups Pacific Islanders with Asian Americans  saw an increase of nine percentage points in its enrollment of Asian American applicants, while Brown saw an increase of four percentage points. At Yale, the racial group dropped by six points. And at Princeton, it decreased by 2.2 percentage points. It also decreased at Dartmouth by 1.5 percentage points. Asian Americans remained 37% of Harvards freshman class.

Meanwhile, Black student enrollment dipped at some schools including Brown and Harvard, in addition to several other high-profile schools like MIT, Amherst College and Washington University in St. Louis. Latino student enrollment also dropped at Brown, but increased at Harvard.

Conservative activist Edward Blum, who led Students For Fair Admissions, the group that brought the cases against affirmative action to the Supreme Court, told NBC News he thought the results from Harvard and other institutions were mostly indecipherable without detailed racial data about standardized test scores, recruitment policies, advanced placement tests, legacy preferences and other factors.

Harvard declined to comment on Blums statement but pointed to a letter from Hopi Hoekstra, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

This is the first undergraduate class whose admission was impacted by the Supreme Court decision striking down the ability of colleges and universities to consider race and ethnicity as one factor among many in the admissions process, Hoekstra said in the letter. Because of that decision, the data on applicant race and ethnicity were unavailable to the Admissions Office until the admissions process had been completed for all students, including those on the waitlist.

In addition, Harvard has altered its methodology from previous years, calculating the racial breakdown from the 92% of students who chose to report their race, rather than all freshman students enrolled. The schools admissions office also released new numbers for the class of 2027, using the new methodology, as well, with 96% of students choosing to share their race, the student newspaper The Harvard Crimson reported. But the Crimson also noted some inconsistencies in the figures that the school had previously reported.

We are reporting data only for students who reported their race to us," university spokesperson Jonathan Palumbo, who did not elaborate on the inconsistencies, said in a statement. "This approach provides a clear view of the students who are studying at Harvard.

The University of Pennsylvania, which has not historically posted racial demographics, shared on its website that 57% of the class of 2028 identifies as a student of color. Whitney Soule, vice provost and dean of admissions at the university, said in a statement that the proportion of students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds has decreased 2% points compared to last years first-year class.

The school defines those of underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds as students who identify as Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander origin.

The remaining Ivies  Cornell and Dartmouth  did not share the racial demographics of their freshman classes.

The new school year kicked off after the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action programs at the University of North Carolina and Harvard, stating that the policy violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. It doesnt mean that race is entirely ruled out of the admissions process, however. As Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion, Nothing prohibits universities from considering an applicants discussion of how race affected the applicants life, so long as that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability that the particular applicant can contribute to the university.

Julie J. Park, professor of education at the University of Maryland, said that with the class of 2028 being the first to start school following the decision, much is still in flux at schools. Universities are adapting to their new restrictions and some major factors, like testing, can also impact admissions for years to come. Park pointed out that during the height of the pandemic, most Ivy League schools pivoted to making standardized testing optional on applications. Earlier this year, schools like Yale, Brown and Dartmouth announced that they were reversing course.

What thats going to mean for Asian Americans is also unpredictable, Park said. Some people might say thats going to favor certain groups, but we actually dont know.

Park also noted that the messy rollout of a revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which included problems with a new form, and delayed financial aid award letters, couldve impacted enrollment as well. A survey conducted in March showed that 76% of students said the amount of financial aid awarded to them and the overall financial aid process impacted their college choice.

Poon, who is the author of Asian American is Not a Color: Conversations about Race, Affirmative Action, and Family, said that with race masked in the admissions process, concerns around biases are actually more prevalent. And its going to be difficult to determine, for example, why there were drops in Asian American enrollment at some schools as well.

Race-conscious admissions really allowed, during the review, for colleges to check their process for biases. And I worry now that without race conscious admissions  because a big part of it was checking themselves  are we being biased? Poon said. How do you check for racial biases if youre unconscious of race?

For more from NBC Asian America, sign up for our weekly newsletter.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Asteroid Apophis has the tiniest chance of hitting earth in 2029  on a Friday the 13th

In a bit of ominous news befitting a Friday the 13th: It turns out that the asteroid Apophis could have a very small chance of colliding into Earth in five years, when it is expected to make a close flyby on April 13, 2029  yes, a Friday the 13th. But we'd have to be extremely unlucky.

There's still no cause for concern  at least not yet. For the asteroid named for an Egyptian god of chaos to pose a risk to Earth, it would need to be hit by another space rock at just the right angle to redirect the city-killer on a collision course.

Those odds? About one-in-2-billion.

That's according to new findings from astronomer Paul Wiegert, who previously ruled out the possibility of a collision altogether in another study in March. But Wiegert, of Western University in Canada, apparently decided to revisit the possibility of Apophis being struck by small space rocks like the ones that frequently and unpredictably strike Earth.

If that were to happen  and that's a big "if"  a remote chance exists that Apophis could be sent careening into Earth, according to a new study published in August in The Planetary Science Journal.

The NASA spacecraft OSIRIS-APEX hovers over the surface of the near-Earth asteroid Apophis, using its thrusters to disturb the asteroid's surface to reveal what lies beneath, as shown in an undated NASA artist's video rendering, in this screengrab obtained from a handout video.

Polaris Dawn: Crew members become 1st private astronauts to complete spacewalk

Apophis hitting Earth is possible, study finds, but very unlikely

Astronomers have long had their eye on the notorious Apophis, which was initially believed to pose a serious threat to Earth upon its discovery in 2004.

Further observations eventually allowed astronomers in 2021 to rule out the possibility of an impact when Apophis makes the close flyby to Earth in April 2029. There's also no risk during another flyby in 2036, astronomers have said.

But now, Wiegert is claiming that the chance of Apophis hitting Earth isn't completely zero.

In the new study, Weigert used computer models to simulate the likelihood of an undiscovered asteroid hitting Apophis off its course within the next five years and sending it onto a doomed encounter with Earth. Wiegert also analyzed what size an object would need to be to knock Apophis off course and put it on a trajectory to crash into Earth beyond 2029.

The bad news? It would only take a really small space rock (about 11 feet in width) to push the asteroid off its current trajectory and on one that could put it in Earth's path, according to the findings.

The good news? The chance of an unknown asteroid hitting Apophis off its current course at all was less than one-in-a-million. And the odds that such an impact would send it hurtling toward Earth in 2029 was even lower, at one-in-2-billion, Wiegert wrote.

What to know about Apophis: City-killing asteroid to make close flyby to Earth in 2029

Astronomers can observe Apophis again in 2027

It won't be for three years until astronomers will be able to rule out an impact for sure, Wiegert wrote.

The peanut-shaped asteroid measuring nearly a quarter-of-a-mile long is out of sight due to its close proximity to the sun. When it does become visible in 2027, astronomers will be able to observe it to better calculate the odds of a potential nudge in our direction between then and 2029, when Apophis is projected to make the closest approach to Earth that any asteroid of its size ever has  at least, one that scientists have known about in advance.

"The deflection of Apophis by a small asteroid onto a collision course with Earth in 2029  in addition to being extremely unlikely  will most likely be quickly eliminated as a possibility by simple telescopic observations when Apophis returns to visibility in 2027," Wiegert concluded.

NASA, ESA prepare to study Apophis

Beyond that, both NASA and the European Space Agency have designs on sending uncrewed spacecraft to study Apophis during the flyby in five years.

NASA's OSIRIS-REx, which gathered and returned a sample of asteroid Bennu in September, has been renamed OSIRIS-APophis EXplorer (OSIRIS-APEX) and sent on a trajectory that would allow it to cross paths with the asteroid in 2029. When it has its rendezvous with Apophis in June that year, OSIRIS-APEX will spend 18 months mapping the asteroids surface and analyzing its chemical makeup, according to NASA.

An art visualization shows how the European Space Agency's "Ramses" mission will approach the massive asteroid Apophis.

The European Space Agency, NASA's counterpart across the pond, plans to launch a spacecraft of its own called Ramses.

The Ramses spacecraft, which must be ready to launch a year ahead of time, will meet Apophis before it passes by Earth and accompany it on its way out of our orbit. During that time, the mission will observe how the surface of the asteroid changes from being in such close proximity to Earth, the European Space Agency said in July.

A placard hangs on the wall during the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Technology Media Workshop Telecon Briefing and tour at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, on September 12, 2022, ahead of the September 26 project test mission. The DART mission shifted an asteroid's orbit through kinetic impact specifically, by smashing a spacecraft into the smaller member of the binary asteroid system Didymos.

The expedition is all part of the steps NASA and other space agencies have taken in recent years to protect humanity from threats posed by asteroids and other inbound space rocks, such as comets.

In September 2022, NASA intentionally slammed a spacecraft into the small asteroid Dimorphos at roughly 14,000 mph.

Though Dimorphos posed no threat to Earth, the mission served as the first demonstration of NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART. If an incoming asteroid is ever on a collision course with our planet, the space agency has said that the DART method could prove crucial for deflecting and changing the object's orbital path.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Could asteroid Apophis hit Earth? It's still possible, study finds.
An astrologer warned me against traveling around my 40th birthday. I didn't listen and booked a trip to Uzbekistan.

Erin Levi ignored an astrologer's warning and traveled to Uzbekistan to celebrate her 40th birthday. Erin Levi

An astrologer warned Erin Levi not to travel around her 40th birthday.

She ignored his advice and convinced her boyfriend to join her on a last-minute trip to Uzbekistan.

Despite experiencing some paranoia on her birthday, she's glad she was able to trust herself.

When I was 38, an astrologer in New York City warned me about traveling around my 40th birthday. "Stay close to home," he said.

While I'm all for letting the stars decide where to travel next and have been intrigued by astrocartography  a type of astrology that tries to determine the best places to visit  on that day I was seeking love and career insights. I wasn't there seeking travel advice, and I found his ominous words triggering.

According to family lore, a psychic told my mother when she was in her 20s that she would experience a terrible loss at the age of 40, and two months after she turned 40, her youngest brother, my uncle Howard, died of AIDS.

More than a prediction, it felt like a curse. I spiraled. Am I not meant to travel because, God forbid, my plane could crash? Is nuclear war imminent? Or, worse yet, might something happen to my parents?

But as my birthday loomed, I, a longtime travel writer and semi-nomad, was too eager to re-explore a place that has had such a strong impact on me.

I ignored the astrologer's advice and went with my gut

And so, I decided to flout his advice and booked a last-minute trip to Uzbekistan.

I first moved to New York in 2007 after earning a graduate degree in Middle East and Central Asian Security Studies from University of St. Andrews in Scotland. It was a summer language program I attended in Samarkand, a legendary Silk Road city, that always left me wanting to return to Uzbekistan.

Back in New York, I pursued opportunities to keep the country in my life, from adding it to The New York Times list of 52 Places to Go in 2019, to recently taking on the job of English editor at The Bukharian Times, a Bukharian-Jewish newspaper published in Queens.

That new job opportunity landed on my plate a few months before my 40th birthday, and I took it as a sign.

Planning my trip to Uzbekistan

I booked a $1,100 ticket to Samarkand on Turkish Airlines, with a free stopover in Istanbul. I then convinced my boyfriend to do the same and join me on the trip. Despite being just six months into dating, and in an age-gapped relationship  we're 14 years apart; I'm older  he was totally down for the adventure.

While my birthday trip was my fourth visit to Uzbekistan, it was the first one I'd planned and organized myself. A lot has changed since my first trip to Uzbekistan in 2007, when I flew on a hand-written airline ticket my dad got for me with a money order at a Brooklyn travel agency because Uzbekistan Airways didn't accept credit cards.

Now, thanks to a series of economic reforms, you can book flights and apply for visas online.

The author and her boyfriend visited the Ark of Bukhara in Uzbekistan Erin Levi

It was also my first international adventure with my boyfriend. I made sure we'd hit all the top sights, like Samarkand's Registan Square (we slipped the guard about $20 to climb to the top of the crooked minaret), Bukhara's walled historic center, and Tashkent's bustling Chorsu Bazaar.

When my birthday arrived

On my actual birthday, we enjoyed brunch on the hotel balcony. Replete with balloons, the balcony overlooked old Soviet rowing canals that have become the backdrop for Samarkand's newest attraction: Eternal City.

After brunch we flew from Samarkand to Tashkent. We had spotted business class tickets for $50 a seat, so it was an easy, last-minute splurge. We checked into the InterContinental, and I blew out more birthday candles at the rooftop restaurant that evening.

While I did experience some paranoia that day, wondering if flying on my birthday was too risky, all went smoothly.

As much as the trip to Uzbekistan was a birthday present to myself (it ended up costing us about $2,500 each), the real gift, I realized, was shaking the family curse  and learning to trust myself.

Read the original article on Business Insider
ATACMS 'pointless' without ability to strike inside Russia, Zelensky says at YES conference

U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles are "pointless" in Ukraine due to their limited quantity and restrictions on strikes deep inside Russia imposed by Western partners, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 13 at the Yalta European Strategy conference.

The U.S. began providing Ukraine with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which have a range of up to 300 kilometers (190 miles), in the spring.

While these missiles have been used in Russian-occupied Crimea, Washington's restrictions prevent their use on Russian soil. Kyiv has lobbied the U.S. to lift these restrictions, allowing strikes on airbases and other military targets beyond the border.

"ATACMS in the form that we have today (in Ukraine) is pointless if you cannot use it on their (Russian) military bases, airfields with helicopters and airplanes. It's pointless," Zelensky said.

"If ATACMS has a big restriction on the use of missiles because there are few of them... Unfortunately, it doesn't work."

Zelensky added that although much has changed during the war, Ukraine is still grappling with an arms shortage, relying heavily on imports and assistance from its partners. He emphasized the need for more 155 mm and 122 mm artillery shells.

"Yes, we have started to produce them (155 mm artillery shells), but this is not enough for the full-scale war. You can see that even the production volumes of the whole of Europe are not enough to close this gap for such a large-scale land war," the president said.

He also pointed to a lack of air defense systems, particularly the U.S.-made Patriot systems, and the ongoing shortage of missiles needed for air defense.

"We can't pressure the U.S.; we are grateful to them. Nevertheless, if we are talking about HIMARS, ATACMS, and other means that can accurately shoot down (aerial targets) and destroy the enemy, we need to increase production rather than limit the number," the president said.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Sept. 12, citing an undisclosed senior U.S. official, that U.S. President Joe Biden's administration aims to improve Ukraine's "strategic position" on the front line as much as possible before his presidential term expires this January.

The White House is discussing how best to help Kyiv over the next four months, regardless of who wins the election, the WSJ wrote.

Decisions include potentially lifting some restrictions on the use of long-range Western-supplied weapons against targets inside Russia, a move the details of which Biden is reportedly finalizing.

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.
ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT)  An Athens fifth-grader and a Tanner high schooler became the ninth and tenth students in North Alabama to face charges for making a threat on Friday.

According to the Athens Police Department, a 10-year-old Athens Intermediate student was arrested at his home for making a terrorist threat.

The Limestone County Sheriffs Office announced the arrest of another Tanner High student, making them the fifth student arrested in the Limestone County school system for making a terrorist threat this week.

The sheriffs office said the student was heard making a threat on a bus Friday

The student went into specific detail about his plan and how he would execute it. The many students who heard it reported this threat to SRO Townsend, and he took custody of the student. The student confessed to the verbal threat made to those at the school, LCSO said.

LCSO said probable cause was found to charge the student with second-degree making a terrorist threat.

Lawyer discusses consequences of making school threats

Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell said they were notified the student was texting threats to students at Athens Middle School.

Working with school officials, we quickly identified the student, who was not a school today. We arrested the student at his home, Pressnell said. Our department takes any threat seriously Students need to realize there are consequences for making such threats.

Presnell said the students father talked to him Thursday night about not getting involved in sharing or discussing these types of threats on social media.

The eight other students arrested for making terrorist threats include two students from Clements, one from Elkmont, one from Tanner, one from Muscle Shoals, one from Sheffield, one from Boaz, and one from Cullman County.

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.

Athens City Schools also released a statement asking parents to take the time this weekend to reinforce to the children that the system take threats like these seriously and will not tolerate any sort of threat. It added that multiple threats have been shared on social media this week, most of which originated in other states but still spread fear for students.

Again, please remind your children not to share threats on social media, and to report them to an administrator or the superintendent, the school statement said. We are thankful for the students and parents who have reported potential threats.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Atlantic City principal charged for allegedly not reporting abuse claim against her boss

ATLANTIC CITY  The principal of Atlantic City High School has been indicted in connection with an alleged child-abuse case involving the city's mayor and his wife, the school superintendent.

Constance Days-Chapman, 39, allegedly failed to report a student's claim that she was being physically assaulted at home, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office. Mayor Marty Small and his wife, Superintendent La'Quetta Small, identified the student as their teenage daughter at a press conference in April, after they were charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

The mayor also is accused of aggravated assault and terrorist threats.

Both parents have denied any wrongdoing.

Small continues to serve as mayor. The school district's website lists La'Quetta Small as its superintendent and Days-Chapman as Atlantic City High's principal.

A district representative could not be reached for comment Thursday.

The indictment said a student, then 15, in December 2023 told Days-Chapman in her office that she had constant headaches from assaults by her parents. Days-Chapman did not report the claims to a state child-protection agency or to law enforcement as required by law.

The student repeated her allegations on Jan. 22 to a school employee, according to the document, adding that she had previously told Days-Chapman of the abuse.

Days-Chapman, in a conversation with the employee, denied knowing of the girl's claims and said she would alert authorities, the indictment stated.

But Days-Chapman, an Atlantic City resident who managed Small's mayoral campaign, again failed to alert authorities, according to the indictment. Instead, she met that night with the girl's parents outside their house: "The three of them met inside Days-Chapman's running car."

Authorities learned of the alleged abuse when "a non-school entity" called a hotline two days later, the prosecutor's office said.

An Atlantic County grand jury returned the indictment Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Days-Chapman is accused of five counts of official misconduct and one count of engaging in a pattern of official misconduct.

She's also charged with single counts of endangering the welfare of a child and hindering apprehension of another, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

The charges against Days-Chapman and the Smalls are only allegations. No one has been convicted in the case.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Atlantic City High School principal Constance Days-Chapman indicted
Bank of America is introducing a new tool to more closely monitor the amount of hours its junior investment bankers work, part of a larger pattern of banks capping work time for young employees a few months after the sudden death of a junior associate.

BofAs new monitoring tool, which will reportedly go into effect next week, will require U.S.-based junior investment bankers to log hours daily, rather than weekly, in the companys timekeeping software, the Wall Street Journal reported. They will also input information about the deals they are working on, which senior bankers are supervising them, and their ability to take on more work, using a scale from 1 to 4.

We successfully piloted this improved technology platform earlier this year to help our team more efficiently serve our investment banking clients, a BofA spokesperson told the outlet.

The bank did not respond to Fortunes request for comment.

The changes came after a WSJ investigation found BofA employees often turn a blind eye to bank policies meant to maintain work-life balance. According to the outlet, many junior investment bankers at BofA were routinely told by their superiors to lie about how many hours they worked in order to skirt restrictions on working hours. Following the investigation, BofA began encouraging its young employees to accurately report hours and blow the whistle on managers telling them to do otherwise. Today, junior bankers in the industry should typically work around 100 hours per week and have Saturdays off.

JP Morgan has enacted similar limits, capping the amount of hours junior bankers are allowed to work to 80 per week, the bank confirmed to Fortune. The working hours restriction is the first for the bank. JP Morgan has already implemented a pencils down period from 6 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday and made moves to ensure employees have at least one full weekend off per quarter.

Lasting change

While investment banking has an initial shine for some young people, all but promising to mint millionaires, it also has a reputation for grinding down junior bankers with a culture of burnout. The swath of restrictions on work hours comes in the wake of the death of Leo Lukenas III, a former Army Special Forces soldier-turned-investment banker who suddenly died of a blood clot in May. He worked at BofA for just one year, and was clocking over 100 hours per week working on a $2 billion deal.

Lukenas said in mid-March he intended to leave the bank because of its treacherous hours, Douglas Walters, a managing partner at GrayFox Recruitment, told Reuters. He worked at BofA for just one year. BofAs tools restricting working hours were in development prior to Lukenass death.

Story continues

But the loss still cracked open a wide conversation about Wall Streets working conditions, which have long been known for being arduousand difficult to reform in the long term, given banks less-than-successful efforts to crack down on cultures encouraging employees to overwork themselves. BofA implemented work limits over a decade ago following the 2013 death of a 21-year-old intern who was epileptic and died of seizures following 72 hours of working.

The bank, then Bank of America Merrill Lynch, recommended employees take at least four weekend days off per month. Goldman Sachs similarly made reforms following the BofA interns death and in 2015 capped its interns hours to 17 hours per day, suggesting they be home by midnight and not return to work until 7 a.m. the next day. Goldman Sachs' then-CEO Lloyd Blankfein said at the time that interns should get a life outside of work.

"You have to be interesting, you have to have interests away from the narrow thing of what you do," Blankfein said. "You have to be somebody who somebody else wants to talk to."

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Attacking otter drags child off dock and pulls them underwater, Washington officials say

An aggressive otter pulled a young child off a dock and dragged them underwater at a marina in Washington, officials said.

The attack happened at about 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at the Bremerton Marina, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife said in a news release.

A family was walking down the dock when the animal appeared and pulled the child underwater for a few moments, officials said.

The mom reached into the water to rescue her child and was bitten on the arm by the attacking otter, officials said.

She was able to get her child to safety, but the otter followed after the family as they left the dock, official said.

Officials said the child was taken to a hospital for bites and scratches to their head, face and legs.

We are grateful the victim only sustained minor injuries, due to the mothers quick actions and childs resiliency, WDFW Sgt. Ken Balazs said in a statement.

Details regarding the childs age and sex were not released by officials.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services was contacted to trap and kill river otters at the marina.

The animals will then be taken to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab for testing, including rabies.

River otters can be unpredictable and territorial, officials said.

In the last 10 years, there have been six reports of human-river otter incidents in Washington, officials said.

Bremerton is about a 30-mile drive and ferry ride west from Seattle.

Bear attacks woman walking dogs, Washington officials say. Then wrong bear is killed

Massive bear strolls along crowded Tahoe beach, then goes for a swim, videos show

Two dogs attack 22-month-old toddler at babysitters house, Pennsylvania police say
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin says an alliance between states to combat organized retail crime has resulted in successful operations and arrests.

Griffin said during a Friday news conference that the Organized Retail Crime Alliance (ORCA) brought together agents from Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas was to combat retail crime by organized criminal groups that often travel the country.

Arkansas joins Homeland Security, three other states to fight retail crime

The attorney general was joined by representatives of the Little Rock, North Little Rock and Conway police departments, The US Department of Homeland Security and 11 private industry partners such as Walgreens, which currently chairs ORCA.

The criminal groups generally target big-box retailers, Griffin said, but have also targeted some smaller retailers, resulting in higher consumer prices.

Jeff Pryor from Homeland Security said these thefts cost American businesses about $70 billion.

Pryor said these thefts can target things like childrens Tylenol, making it personal to parents in the state.

Then all of a sudden we have a run on childrens Tylenol in the state of Arkansas and you have a child with a 104-degree fever, Pryor said. That becomes as real as it can get.

The AG stressed the suspects arrested in these investigations were not single individuals, such as shoplifters, but professional criminals working for organizations involved in a number of criminal activities.

Largest pharmacy burglary ring in DEA history ends with 42 indicted in Arkansas

Griffin highlighted successes since the groups formation, including the arrests of 17 individuals across three separate operations in North Little Rock, Little Rock and Conway. Eight of those arrested have been charged with felonies in the August and September operations, he said.

Over the past month, coordinated blitzes have resulted in 17 arrests in North Little Rock, Little Rock, and Conway of individuals involved in organized retail crime activities, Griffin said. These operations have also recovered stolen property.

Griffin added that the 17 arrests in central Arkansas were in addition to a Blytheville operation earlier in the year that resulted in nine arrests.

FULL NEWS CONFERENCE

The AG explained that the individuals arrested were also charged with crimes other than retail thefts, such as fugitive warrants or drugsand in one case a stolen car being recovered and returned to its owner.

You may be going in for retail crime, but what you find is other stuff going on, Griffin said

Arkansas man arrested, accused of making threat against Attorney General Tim Griffin

Griffin said that ORCA is a first-of-its-kind program and will act as a model as other states form alliances in regional programs to fight organized retail crime, calling the effort an innovative approach.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Authorities spent more than 24 hours searching two properties in Cleveland County, and Channel 9 learned it was in connection with the disappearance of 9-year-old Asha Degree.

On Friday, the attorney for the man who owns those properties says court documents will link a person to the circumstances of Ashas disappearance that is no longer living.

Channel 9 has reported on the search efforts along Cherryville Road in Shelby this week. The Cleveland County Sheriffs Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed it executed multiple search warrants and seized multiple items in connection with Ashas disappearance based on physical evidence.

Asha Degree has been missing since Feb. 14, 2000. Her parents said they woke up to find her gone from her room. Authorities have been searching for her ever since.

SEARCH COVERAGE:

Authorities searched the area using ground-penetrating radar, and specially trained K-9 units. On Wednesday, authorities towed away a green 1960s model car that resembled a vehicle that has been sought in the case.

The owner of the property where the search took place was identified as 80-year-old Roy Lee Dedmon.

Dedmons attorney, David Teddy, said in a statement on Friday that Dedmon has been interviewed by law enforcement authorities and has denied any involvement in the disappearance of Asha Degree.

Teddy spoke during a news conference Friday evening and told reporters that he had viewed the search warrant for Dedmons property, and he wanted to address what he called false rumors that were being spread in the community.

No criminal charges have been filed as of Friday, and nobody has been arrested. The FBI confirmed that no remains have been found.

Teddy said he believes the search warrant for the Cherryville Road property will be made public next week.

I dont know when thats going to happen, but I think its likely to happen, and when you read the affidavit, it may be more clear to you why there was a search at 621 Cherryville Road and some other locations, Teddy said.

Teddy added: I think there will also be information in that search warrant that, sadly, will link a person to the circumstances of Ashas disappearance that is no longer living.

Not saying that the person that was named in the search warrant had anything to do with their disappearance ... but its very possible that the person whos no longer here has the answer as to what happened to Asha, Teddy said.

The attorney also said that he gave Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman information concerning Roy Dedmon that is consistent with Roys denial of having knowledge about what happened to Asha Degree.

Teddy said he feels that because there was all of this activity at his house and because all these false statements were made, I feel like hes sort of been convicted in the court of public opinion.

Teddy said there is still a tremendous amount of investigation ongoing. He asked the public to avoid speculation if the search warrant is released.

The answer may very well never be known, Teddy said.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

(VIDEO: Retired FBI agent haunted by Asha Degree case)
Attorney Thomas Feiter via his Facebook page.

Gov, Ron DeSantis will again suspend Monique Worrell if she wins reelection to the Central Florida state attorney post from which he ousted her in August 2023, according to a lawyer recounting discussions with associates of the governor.

If Monique wins, I think  well, they told me that the plan is to remove her again, and just put [Andrew] Bain back in, said Thomas Feiter, who filed a lawsuit this week accusing members of the DeSantis administration of a conspiracy to interfere in the Republican primary race in Floridas Ninth Judicial Circuit.

DeSantis appointed Bain to replace Worrell after suspending her for allegedly neglecting her duty to faithfully prosecute crime in her jurisdiction. She has denied that and fought her suspension in court, claiming that DeSantis punished her for pursuing the progressive policies shed campaigned upon.

Worrell is seeking re-election against Bain, who is running as a nonparty-affiliated candidate in a jurisdiction that generally supports Democratic candidates. (An internal poll released by Worrells campaign in July showed her with an 11-point lead over Bain.)

Feiter discussed the episode during an interview with WMNF in Tampa. (This reporter is a cohost of the program on which Feiter appeared.)

Asked on Friday who told him the governor intends to remove Worrell again, Feiter mentioned three people  James Uthmeier, the governors chief of staff, and two attorneys who work in the private sector, Jeff Aaron and Joshua Grosshans. All three are listed as defendants in Feiters lawsuit.

Grosshans is married to Jamie Grosshans, a DeSantis appointee to the Florida Supeme Court.

Feiter finished second to Seth Hyman for the Republican primary in the Ninth Circuit (encompassing Orange and Osceola counties) on Aug. 20. But, in a formal complaint filed with the Florida Bar six weeks before the primary, he alleged that Uthmeier and others associated with the Republican Party had pressured him to drop out of the primary race, which he refused to do.

Several reliable lawyers and sources have told me that the plan for the Republican Party is to give Seth Hyman enough support to defeat me in the primary. At which time, Seth Hyman will drop out of the race, giving the governor what he wants: the field to be clear of any Republican, giving Andrew Bain the best chances of winning  or coming in second, Feiter alleged in his complaint, filed on July 3.

In fact, on Sept. 4, exactly two weeks after Hyman defeated Feiter in primary, he dropped out of the race.

DeSantis determined

This is not the first time that Feiter has claimed he was told that DeSantis intends to nullify the will of the voters if she is reelected on Nov. 5.

In his complaint filed with the Florida Bar, Feiter wrote that the governor and these attorneys will try to have Monique Worrell (the Democratic Candidate) legally disqualified, removing her from the ballot. If they succeed, Andrew Bain will remain State Attorney, with no opposition.

If that fails, they need Bain to come in second, so the governor can remove Ms. Worrell again and appoint the runner up. But that would only be possible if Bain comes in second in the general election  something that is far less likely if there is ANY Republican on the ballot.

Based on all the facts, it appears these attorneys are coordinating in fraudulent activity aimed at manipulating the outcome of the 2024 election for State Attorney. 

The Florida Bar chose not to pursue Feiters complaint.

The matters upon which your allegations are premised involve a civil dispute and present questions of law, wrote Carlos Leon of the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program at the Florida Bar on July 23. The Florida Bar is not the correct forum in which to have such legal issues adjudicated and resolution of these issues must be left to the appropriate tribunal.

A spokesperson for Worrell responded to the Phoenix after this story was published on Friday.

Worrell is one of two Democratic state attorneys suspended by DeSantis in Florida who are running to retake their positions in November. The other is Andrew Warren in Hillsborough County.

DeSantis has vowed to do whatever he can to ensure that neither are re-elected, saying in June that would be one of the missions of the Florida Freedom Fund, the political action committee formed by the governor to promote and support principled conservative causes and candidates in the State of Florida.

That committee is chaired by James Uthmeier. It has raised more than $3.6 million as of Aug. 30, according to the Florida Division of Elections. That includes a recent $1 million contribution from Pinellas County resident Trish Duggan, referred to in a 2019 story by the Tampa Bay Times as the worlds top donor to Church of Scientology causes.

After this story was published, a spokesperson for Worrell responded to Feiters comments.

Monique Worrell has never been afraid to stand up to bullies like Desantis or violent criminals, which is why violent crime was at a low when she was State Attorney. This community has a fundamental right to be represented by the elected officials of their choosing, not DeSantis handpicked puppet. Voters are ready to respond and say enough is enough with the voter suppression and clear collusion between the appointed state attorney and DeSantis interference in this election.
Stacks of boxes holding mail are seen at a U.S. Post Office sorting center. An audit report found problems at four postal facilities in Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

An audit of postal facilities in Center Point, Birmingham, Northport and Tuscaloosa found operational problems that the report said was hampering the quality of service in those locations.

The audits, conducted by the United States Post Offices Office of the Inspector General, found issues related to delayed mail at all four of the sites, including problems with scanning of packages, carriers and the condition of the properties. The Birmingham facility had difficulty with clearance times, outbound trips, scan compliance, security and other issues, the report said.

Debra Jean Fetterly, a spokeswoman for the Postal Service in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, referred to the appendices in the audits but declined further comment.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

A message was left with the postal workers union representing Alabama on Thursday.

The audits found different reasons for the deficiencies at each location. According to the report, an audit of the postal branch in Center Point found delays in delivering almost 1,100 pieces of mail on the morning of July 9.

In addition, management did not report this mail as undelivered in the Delivery Condition Visualization (DCV) system, the audit report stated.

This system describes how mail is getting processed at postal facilities in real time.

The packages were delayed because management had not fully implemented and enforced the Postal Service red line process  a standardized clearance process, including the proper disposition of mail types, for carriers returning to the office upon completion of delivery assignments, the report said. This enabled carriers to take undelivered mail they brought back from street duties to their cases.

The branch located in Northport, Alabama was faced with a similar problem, according to the audit report. It found that employees had still to deliver roughly 400 pieces of mail on the same morning.

The audits did not state what time in the morning the packages were at the facility and when they should have been out for delivery.

Management did not verify that all mail was cleared from the unit because of a lack of management oversight, the audit report stated. Specifically, the postmaster stated she arrived at the Northport Post Office in April 2023, and since July 2023, she has been in and out due to medical leave.

The audits also cited problems with the condition of the property in Northport. The audit report indicated that two fire extinguishers were missing their annual inspections while another two were missing their monthly inspections. At the Tuscaloosa branch, 10 fire extinguishers were either missing or monthly.

The processing and distribution center in Birmingham also had issues with delayed mail, according to the report.

Some of the delayed letters in the manual operation unit had been there since July 5, 2024, the report stated, referring to a visit from inspectors on July 9. In total, management reported 42,255 delayed letters, flats, and packages in the Mail Condition Visualization (MCV) system during our visit. However, management did not always accurately report this mail in the MCV system.

The MCV is a module that provides people with information regarding the condition and location of mail and packages in processing facilities.

The audit cited the volume of packages stored at the site as a reason for the delay.

The delayed letters we identified were due to the manual letter unit receiving large amounts of machinable mail that could have been processed on automated equipment, the audit report stated. Until the beginning of June 2024, the manual letter operations unit did not have a gatekeeper assigned to ensure only non-machinable mail entered the unit.

The audits provided managers at the various facilities with recommendations to address the issue. Included in the reports are appendices for how management at the sites will try and correct the problem.

With respect to the delays in delivering mail at the Center Point branch, managers acknowledged the error and will resolve the issue with additional training, according to a response that managers of the facility filed in the appendix.

Management will conduct a service talk on proper handling and recording of delayed mail in DCV, stated June Martindale in response to the audit report, the district manager who oversees Center Point.

A similar intervention was proposed at the postal service branch in Northport, along with additional processes related to records management.

Access to Delivery Condition Visualization (DCV) system has been approved for the PM supervisor identified as not having access.

The appendix also stated that Reviews will be conducted to monitor for compliance.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- September is Suicide Prevention month. The goal is to raise awareness about suicide, mental health and programs that can help.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran affairs, in 2021, there were more than 46,000 suicides among U.S. adults. Nearly 6,400 of those were Veterans.

Some of the factors that contribute to those increased risks are mental health, substance abuse, and insomnia.

Lisa Gerardot, Suicide Prevention Program Manager at the VA, said that veterans are also high risk for the first 12 months after they get out of the military.

Lobby at Childrens Hospital of Georgia getting a makeover

Its a transition and any kind of a transition in life, any kind of a transition in and care your health care. That is a period of increased risk because you have change going on and especially when you have individuals that are leaving active duty transitioning into this civilian world. Its a drastic difference and theres a lot of unknowns.

On average, more than 17 U.S. veterans take their own lives each day.

Gerardot said that the key to suicide prevention could be to normalize talking about it.

Over the next few weeks the VA will host several events. These include a Suicide Prevention Forum for family members and loved ones of veterans. They are even hosting a cornhole tournament.

Hometown History: The Silver Bluffs

But were really trying to be innovative. The team here is always trying to think of what are new and different ways that we can educate people or empower them, that then they can turn around to be able to to help each other and help themselves. And so one of the things we want to do with our events is kind of give the message that suicide is serious. But not everything that you have to do to learn about it and interact with it has to be heavy, Gerardot explained.

If you or someone you know are struggling with thoughts of self harm, you can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

VA Augusta Suicide Prevention Month events include:

Athens Pridefest: 1-6 p.m., Friday, Sep. 14, Terrapin Beer Company, 265 Newton Bridge Road, Athens.

Augusta Tech: Sep. 16 at Grovetown campus and Sep. 18 at Augusta campus

Cornhole Tournament: 5 p.m., Thursday, Sep. 19, at VA Augusta Uptown Campus at 1 Freedom Way; 16-team limit; preregister at AugSPOutreach@dvagov.onmicrosoft.com.

Statesboro Stand Down : 11 a.m.  1 p.m., Friday, Sep. 20, Statesboro Stand Down for Homeless Veterans, American Legion, 100 Rucker Lane, Statesboro.

Coffee-cation Suicide Prevention Forum: 5 p.m., Thursday, Sep. 26, 22 Crossroads Coffeehouse, 284 Meridian Drive, Grovetown.

Photojournalist: Dania Alawir.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Austin ISD police to boost patrols at elementary school after reported threat, letter says

AUSTIN (KXAN)  Austin Independent School District Police will increase patrols at Hill Elementary School Friday for peace of mind after a reported threat to the campus, according to a letter from school Principal Jack Drummond.

The letter said Austin Police arrested a person Thursday in connection with the threat toward Hill Elementary, located in west Austin.

In an arrest affidavit obtained by KXAN, a family member called APD saying they were worried about their 29-year-old family member who was talking about targeting Hill Elementary.

When police arrived, the man, who suffers from a mental illness, told officers he had plans he wanted to show them about the shooting. Investigators said in the affidavit the man didnt have any weapons that could have carried out the threat.

He is facing a terroristic threat charge, which is a third degree felony.

As of Thursday afternoon, he was still in policy custody. This is not related to other social media threats KXAN reported on this week.

We have been assured that there is no existing threat to our school, Drummond said in the letter.

The school said it was notified of the threat Thursday evening and is working with APD and the Travis County District Attorneys Office.

Austin ISD takes all threats seriously. Threats of any kind against our school, students or staff are not tolerated. Report all suspicious activity to our Austin ISD Police at 512-414-1703, the letter said.

Central Texas school districts respond to vague threats on social media

A morning coffee meeting for families is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 16, and will include a discussion on campus safety protocols, the letter said.

Several Central Texas school districts said they responded to vague school threats this week, leading to some arrests and increased patrols on campuses.

Hays Consolidated Independent School District said a 6th grader was detained Thursday in connection with a threat. The Hays County Sheriffs Office confirmed to KXAN that it charged a minor with felony false report.

Marble Falls ISD increased patrols on some of its campuses, following reported threats.

Llano ISD said Thursday a person was in custody after making threats on social media.

Sam Stark and Cora Neas 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 KXAN Austin.
Editors Note: The video player above can be used to watch a replay of the conference stream.

AUSTIN (KXAN)  Austin Police (APD) hosted a conference Friday related to the continuing investigation of the missing man who was found dead in an Austin greenbelt in April.

PAST COVERAGE: Man missing in south Austin found dead, police say

The investigation was related to the death of Cristian Rangel, which occurred in April near 5800 Spring Meadow Road in southeast Austin.

In addition to the $1,000 offered by Crime Stoppers, Rangels family offered an additional $9,000 for information related to the case.

Austin Police said Cristian Rangel, 24, was found dead in an Austin greenbelt in April 2024. Rangels family spoke at an APD press conference Sept. 13, 2024 as investigators look for new leads in his case. (Photos provided by Austin Police Department)

Image of Cristian Rangel (APD photo)

APD said Rangel was last seen in south Austin on April 8, and his body was found near a southeast Austin neighborhood April 19.

Rangels family also attended the conference and his mother, Misty Moon, provided a statement. The full statement is available below.

It is with devastation that we are here to speak about the tragic loss of Cristian Rangel. He was our son, and he was a father, a brother, nephew, cousin and friend who is deeply missed. It is a pain that words cannot adequately describe, but I stand before you today, not only in grief but in hope that justice will be served. Christian was only 24 years old when he was taken from us in an act of senseless violence. He has had his whole life ahead of hima life filled with promise, love and many dreams yet to be fulfilled. His smile would light up any room, and he had such compassion for everyone. He would be the first person to give his own shirt off his back for a stranger. Family meant everything to him, and without him, ours will never be the same. We will never stop seeking justice for him. To anyone who is holding on to information, our family asks from the depths of our broken heart, please come forward. Misty Moon

PAST COVERAGE: Woman charged in death of missing man found in Austin greenbelt

Previously, APD said a woman, later identified as 31-year-old Kamery Wooldridge, was charged in connection with Rangels death.

According to police, Wooldridge was involved in Rangels death and the disposal of his body. She faces one count of tampering with human remains.

As of June 6, Wooldridge was no longer in the Travis County jail; however, she is scheduled to appear for a court hearing 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 KXAN Austin.
(Bloomberg) -- Australia, one of the worlds biggest natural gas exporters, expects to start shipping green hydrogen abroad by the end of this decade, seeking to spur sluggish progress in a global trade for the low-emissions fuel.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Government incentives of about A$8 billion ($5.4 billion) over the next decade are expected to unlock A$50 billion in private investment, according to an updated National Hydrogen Strategy released Friday. That would allow annual production of at least 500,000 tons of hydrogen made with renewable energy and minimum exports of 200,000 tons by 2030.

Australia has sought to kick-start the production of green hydrogen  seen as key to cutting emissions in energy-intensive industries such as steelmaking. While its vast open spaces give it a geographical advantage to build the solar farms and wind turbines needed to power the electrolyzers, BloombergNEF expects the US, Europe and China to account for 80% of supply by 2030.

Hydrogen will play an important complementary role to electrification by opening net zero pathways for hard-to-abate industries, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said. By using our world-leading renewable energy resources to make renewable hydrogen, we can deliver new domestic manufacturing opportunities such as green metals and chemicals, low carbon liquid fuels, and energy exports to our international partners.

Still, the country has struggled to develop a green hydrogen sector. Billionaire Andrew Forrest  the founder of iron ore miner Fortescue Ltd. and one of the fuels biggest advocates  in July put on hold a target to produce 15 million tons a year by 2030, citing high energy prices.

Demand is also lagging. Only about 12% of production capacity planned to be commissioned by the end of the decade currently has an identified offtaker, and just a small percentage of those deals are binding, BNEF said in a May report.

Australia put out its first rendition of a hydrogen strategy in 2019. The updated blueprint includes four objectives for the countrys market, including identifying the most promising demand sectors and building an industry that is cost competitive.

The government also inked an agreement with Germany that will unlock A$660 million of shared investment in Australian hydrogen projects.

--With assistance from Dan Murtaugh.

(Updates with industry challenges in fifth and sixth paragraphs.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Austrian security forces carried out raids against 72 alleged Islamist extremists in the run-up to the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York, citing the potential for copycat violence on the date of the plane hijackings that killed nearly 3,000 people.

The raids occurred across the country on Tuesday, before Wednesday's anniversary. The 2001 terror attack remains symbolic for extremists and has inspired copycat attempts, the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence said in a statement.

Authorities thwarted an attempted attack on the anniversary last year at Viennas central station and the risk remains high on the date around the world, it said.

"Measures have been taken against 72 people. A total of four house searches were carried out, 39 detention room searches, five interviews with suspects, where there was a concrete suspicion, so that the suspects were also interviewed. And 20 so-called threat interviews were also carried out," explained Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner.

Karner also said that 52 of the 72 people targeted in the raids are already in prison.

"These are also important consistent measures because we simply see, both the judiciary and our investigating authorities, that we know and see again and again that some people ultimately become radicalized in prison," he said.

Tuesday's raids came a month after authorities foiled a plot to attack Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna which were subsequently cancelled.

Austrian officials said the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian man, was inspired by the so-called Islamic State group and intended to kill thousands of people.

The 19-year-old had allegedly uploaded to the internet an oath of allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State group.

Authorities said they also found Islamic State group and al-Qaeda material at the home of a second suspect, who is 17.

Austrian police officers watch Taylor Swift fans gathering in the city centre in Vienna, August 8, 2024 - AP Photo

Tuesday's operation also included raids on several prisons in Austria, as well as interrogations of suspects and seizures of digital devices such as cell phones to look for evidence of radical Islamic propaganda.

Franz Ruf, Austria's director general for public security, appeared to reference the Taylor Swift plot in a statement, saying the last few weeks have shown the importance of cooperation between security agencies to counter extremism.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner also called for stronger powers for investigators to be able to root out such plots.

"The clear signal is that Islamist extremists have no place here and we are taking decisive action against them," he said.

Currently, Austrian officials often rely on other countries  such as for the Swift concerts where the CIA uncovered the plot  because unlike some foreign intelligence services, Austria is not legally allowed to monitor text messages.
Medical Properties Trust (NYSE: MPW) has battled a barrage of issues over the past couple of years. The biggest problem has been the financial issues of its top tenant, Steward Health Care.

The bankrupt hospital owner has struggled to pay rent, which is one of the factors that forced the real estate investment trust (REIT) to cut its dividend twice in the last two years. Even with those deep cuts, the REIT still offers a dividend yield above 6% due to the nearly 80% crash in its share price from its peak a few years ago.

The healthcare REIT recently reached a major milestone in its efforts to replace Steward with financially stronger tenants. As a result, the REIT will have a lot more visibility into its future cash flow and ability to pay dividends.

The great replacement

Medical Properties Trust has reached a global settlement agreement with Steward Health Care, its secured lenders, and the unsecured creditors committee. The deal restores the REIT's control over its real estate, severs its relationship with Steward, and facilitates the immediate transition of operations to replacement tenants at 15 hospitals. The agreement covers 23 hospitals overall, and the REIT is working to find alternative solutions for the remaining ones.

The REIT has reached new agreements with four tenants that will immediately lease and operate 15 hospitals in Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Ohio, and Texas. The agreements value the real estate at $2 billion. They'll provide Medical Properties Trust with $160 million of annualized cash rental payments upon stabilization at the end of 2026, which is about 95% of the rent Steward would have owed on these properties at the time.

The new leases have an average initial term of 18 years. Assuming these tenants remain financially healthy, the leases will supply the REIT with very stable rental income for nearly two decades.

Medical Properties Trust agreed to forgo rent on these properties for the remainder of this year to expedite the retenanting process and give the new operators time to ramp up. Further, when rental payments start next year, they'll begin low and gradually escalate. The new tenants will only pay about 50% of the contractual rental rate by the end of next year, which will continue escalating until the end of 2026 when they'll reach 100% of the contract rate.

Lots left on the to-do list

Finding new tenants for 15 hospitals formerly leased to Steward is a significant step forward for Medical Properties Trust. Those agreements provide it with visibility into its future rental income streams from those facilities.

Story continues

However, the REIT still has several items to address before it's back on a more sustainable long-term foundation. It's still working out solutions for two hospital construction projects it had been funding for Steward. In addition, Steward had closed four facilities before it filed for bankruptcy, while another two had recently closed due to the uncertainty of that process.

Those closed facilities had a lease base of $300 million. The REIT is also in discussions on solutions for these properties, which could include retenanting the facilities or selling the real estate.

In addition to finalizing its exit from Steward, the REIT needs to take additional steps to shore up its financial foundation. It has been selling off non-Steward properties in recent years to build liquidity so that it can repay debt as it matures.

While it has made excellent progress on that strategy this year (it raised over $2.5 billion, exceeding its $2 billion target), it has more work to do. For example, it still needs to monetize its investment in the managed-care business of Prospect Medical Holdings, another financially challenged tenant. That sale would enable the REIT to recover more of its investment in properties leased to that tenant.

Once it shores up its financial foundation, the REIT can return its focus on growing shareholder value. That would include making accretive new investments and increasing its dividend.

A major step forward

Medical Properties Trust has finally put its relationship with Steward in the past. That's giving it a lot more clarity on its future cash flow. While the REIT does have more work to do, it has finished most of the heavy lifting. Because of that, it's starting to get enticing for income-seeking investors.

Its current dividend level is much more sustainable and could grow substantially by 2026 as the REIT collects full rent on its former Steward facilities. While more risk-averse investors might want to wait a while before buying for even more clarity, those with a higher risk tolerance could earn strong total returns from here if things continue trending in the right direction.

Should you invest $1,000 in Medical Properties Trust right now?

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Secretary General of the Greens Olga Voglauer speaks at a press conference on the charges against Austrias Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler in Vienna. The conservative Austrian People's Party (OeVP) filed a complaint against Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler in June alleging abuse of office after she approved the contentious EU Restoration Law despite the OVP's opposition. Tobias Steinmaurer/APA/dpa

Austrias conservative governing party has failed in its bid to sue a minister for backing an EU environmental law, the Economic and Corruption Prosecutors Office spokeswoman told dpa on Friday.

The conservative Austrian People's Party (OVP) filed a complaint against Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler in June alleging abuse of office after she approved the contentious EU Restoration Law despite the OVP's opposition.

Gewessler is a member of the Green Party which is governing in coalition with the OVP.

Her approval for the law resulted in a narrow majority among the EU states in favour of the law, which aims to restore forests, moors and other natural areas.

But conservatives and agricultural representatives in Austria and throughout the bloc fear that the new EU law will harm farmers, saying this could impact food production in the EU.

The OVP claimed Gewessler acted illegally and unconstitutionally, saying she overrode a veto by the states and did not coordinate her action with the conservative agriculture minister.

No investigations have been initiated and the Austrian office said it dismissed the complaint as it deals with legislation rather than an official transaction, the spokeswoman said.

The conflict between the coalition partners began during campaigning ahead of parliamentary elections on September 29.

Both parties are under pressure to mobilize their voters as the OVP struggles close its gap in the polls behind the far-right Freedom Party.
An unidentified body at a cemetery is the subject of an investigation by authorities.

The Norfolk County District Attorneys Office says they are working with the Center Cemetery to exhume the body of an unknown white male buried over 50 years ago in an attempt to identify the remains.

On April 20, 1974, two young hikes alerted Wrentham Police that they discovered the skeletal remains of an unidentified white man in the area of the Eagle Brook pumping station, according to State Police.

At the time, the town buried the man in the Center Cemetery, never knowing who he was.

With the help of members from the cemetery, members of the Wrentham Historical Commission, and Wrentham State Representative Marcus Vaughn, the court authorized the unidentified body to be exhumed on September 25 in the hope of developing a DNA profile.

The body will be brought to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where samples will be taken, then transported back to the Center Cemetery for re-burial, according to authorities.

Members of the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab will also assist with 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
Authorities are searching for more information after a Southern California man was found dead in a dirt lot.

The victim was identified as Eddy Fernando Carrillo, 44, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

On May 17, authorities responded to an area near 45th Street East and East Avenue K in Lancaster.

Carrillos body was found lying in a vacant dirt lot in the area, deputies said. The extent of his injuries, along with his cause of death, were not released.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. On Thursday, Sept. 12, amid the ongoing investigation, detectives sought the publics help for more information.

No suspect has been arrested in the case and no further information was released by LASD.

The victim, Eddy Fernando Carrillo, 44, was found dead in Lancaster as authorities investigate his death. (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)

Anyone who knew Carillo or has information on the incident is asked to call the LASDs Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WALES, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in Wisconsin responded to a high school after a student allegedly made a threat toward another student on Friday.

According to a release, the Waukesha County Sheriffs Office School Resource Officer at Kettle Moraine High School was advised of a student who made a possible threat toward another student at the school.

Teenager allegedly fires gun at pursuing officers after Wisconsin carjacking

Numerous witnesses were interviewed during the investigation, and although the Waukesha County Sheriffs Office understands the seriousness of these threats, information being shared on social media is false.

No information has been obtained to indicate that there were any antisemitic comments or that anyone was poked with scissors. The investigation has not shown that any weapons were implied or gestures were made.

Man arrested on serious charges, Wisconsin pursuit ends in Illinois after crossing state border

Additionally, the release says there will be an increased patrol presence near Kettle Moraine High School.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Waukesha County Sheriffs Office at (262) 446-5090.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AVOYELLES PARISH, La. (KLFY)  A Florida man is facing charges after allegedly bringing packages, bags, and fake guns into the parish courthouse while concealing his face, the Avoyelles Parish Sheriffs Office announced.

Jaymes Edward Baker, of Mulberry, Fla., was arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with terrorizing and simple assault, the sheriffs office said. No bond has been set at this time.

The charges stem from an incident reported several minutes after noon Thursday.

Plane crashes at Lafayette golf course near airport, one dead

According to investigators, a 911 caller reported that a man had entered the Avoyelles Parish Courhouse in Marksville with fake plastic guns, was carrying packages and bags, and was wearing items to cover his face.

The courthouse and the surrounding area were evacuated for public safety. Police said no explosives were found after searching the area and searching the bags and packages carried by the man.

The area was reopened to the public around 1:40 p.m.

APSO detectives learned that Baker allegedly went there to make a statement about his dissatisfaction with civil proceedings in a child custody matter, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

The incident remains under investigation.

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Research showing that pigeons can be used to guide missiles was awarded one of this year's Ig Nobel prizes (KIM JAE-HWAN) (KIM JAE-HWAN/AFP/AFP)

Mammals that can breathe through their backsides, homing pigeons that can guide missiles and sober worms that outpace drunk ones: these are some of the strange scientific discoveries that won this year's Ig Nobels, the quirky alternative to the Nobel prizes.

The annual awards "for achievements that first make people laugh, then make them think", were handed out at a rowdy ceremony at MIT in the United States on Thursday evening.

Here are the 10 winners of the 34th edition, held a month before the real Nobel prizes.

- Bad breath -

The physiology prize went to Japanese and US researchers for discovering that many mammals can breathe through their anuses in emergencies.

They were inspired by loach fishes, which are capable of "intestinal air breathing", according to their 2021 study.

This can also be done by mice, pigs and rats, the researchers found, suggesting that guts could be repurposed as an "accessory breathing organ".

They even suggested this could be a way to deliver emergency oxygen to patients when there is a ventilator shortage, such as during the Covid pandemic.

- Homing pigeon missiles -

The peace Ig Nobel went to the late US psychologist B.F. Skinner, for putting trained pigeons in the nose of missiles to guide them during World War II.

Project Pigeon was called off in 1944 despite a seemingly successful test on a target in New Jersey.

"Call it a crackpot idea if you will; it is one in which I have never lost faith," Skinner wrote in 1960.

- Plastic plant envy -

The botany prize was awarded for research which found that some real plants imitate the shapes of nearby plastic plants.

Prize-winner Felipe Yamashita of Germany's Bonn University said their hypothesis is that the Boquila plant they studied "has some sort of eye that can see".

"How they do that, we have no idea," he said to laughter at the ceremony.

"I need a job," he added.

- Flip off -

The probability prize was awarded to researchers who tossed 350,757 coins.

Inspired by a magician, the researchers found that the side facing upwards before being flipped won around 50.8 percent of the time.

Over 81 work days' worth of flipping, the team had to employ massage guns to soothe sore shoulders.

Lead researcher Frantisek Bartos told AFP the team was excited to become Ig Nobel laureates.

"Although it's a 'parody' prize, it is very nice to have your research highlighted," he said. "And hopefully it amuses and maybe even inspires a new generation of scientists."

- The true key to longevity -

The demography prize was awarded for detective work which discovered that many of the people famous for living the longest happened to live in places with "lousy birth-and-death recordkeeping," the Ig Nobel website said.

Australian researcher Saul Justin Newman read out a poem at the ceremony which concluded that the real way to longevity is to "move where birth certificates are rare, teach your kids pension fraud and start lying".

- Drunk worm race -

The chemistry prize went to a team which used a complex analysis called chromatography to separate drunk and sober worms.

The researchers demonstrated the study by re-enacting a race on stage between a sober worm that had been dyed red, and a blue worm they got drunk.

The sober worm won.

- Out of this whorl -

The anatomy prize went to a team of French and Chilean researchers which found that the hair whorls of most people swirl clockwise -- however in the southern hemisphere, counter-clockwise whorls are more common.

- Make placebos hurt -

The medicine Ig Nobel went to European researchers who demonstrated that fake medicine which causes painful side effects can work better than fake medicine that does not.

- Dead fish swimming -

The physics prize was awarded to US-based scientist James Liao for "demonstrating and explaining the swimming abilities of a dead trout".

"I discovered that a live fish moves more than a dead fish," Liao said as he accepted the prize.

- Scaredy cat on cow -

The biology prize went to the late US-based researchers Fordyce Ely and William E. Petersen for a particularly strange experiment in 1941.

They exploded a paper bag next to a cat that was standing on the back of a cow, to "explore how and when cows spew their milk".

dl/fg
SEATTLE - The weekend closure of the Ballard Bridge has been cancelled due to expected heavy rain.

The closure was originally scheduled for Friday, Sept. 13 to Monday, Sept. 16 for "crucial maintenance and preservation work" on the bridge, which has stood for 107 years. That work was called off Thursday with forecasts of excessive rain returning to western Washington.

Crews were planning to replace worn expansion joints, with access only available to bikes and pedestrians.

CANCELLED!



Due to weather, this weekend's closure of the Ballard Bridge is CANCELLED and the work has been postponed.



We will share more information as it's available. Get email updates here: https://t.co/ApNQphRwJP https://t.co/4aglsRJocu  Seattle Department of Transportation (@seattledot) September 12, 2024

Movable bridges like the Ballard Bridge require extensive work, as crews need to replace the nearly century-old concrete and reinforce the metalwork that deteriorates over time. Officials with the Seattle Department of Transportation note the work has always been weather-dependent.

The Ballard Bridge is still expected to close for repairs from Sept. 2730, Oct. 47, Oct. 1114 and Oct. 1821.

It is not yet known if an additional weekend of closures will be required to finish up work.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX SEATTLE

Green River Killer Gary Ridgway booked into King County Jail

Highline Public Schools to stay closed Tuesday due to ongoing cyberattack

'Belltown Hellcat' spotted on tow truck in Kent: Reddit

Seattle market sees rise in home listings, higher prices

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle newsletter.
Thieves suspected of stealing one of Banksys best-known paintings from a gallery in London have now been charged by police.

The British street artists famous Girl with Balloon artwork has been recovered after it was looted from the Grove Gallery in the citys affluent Fitzrovia neighborhood, The New York Post reported. The men, now identified as Larry Fraser and James Love, were seen on surveillance video smashing the front glass doors to bust their way in. They then grabbed the stencil mural, which is said to be worth 270,000 (or $355,000), before darting out and running off down the street.

More from Robb Report

Theres no word on how or where the cops found the painting, however, it was part of an exhibition at the gallery entitled Banksys London Rebellion, which started on August 21 and ran until September 7, according to BBC. The gallery told the outlet that there was 1.8m (or about $2.3 million) worth of art on display at the time of the robbery. Lindor Mehmetaj, the gallery manager, alerted the police on Monday when he arrived and noticed the missing painting.

Both Fraser and Love, aged 47 and 53, respectively, now face burglary charges and remain in police custody. The two had a bail hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on Thursday and are expected to appear in front of a judge on October 9.

The work in question is just one of many versions of the anonymous artists Girl with Balloon to exist. The stencil mural depicts a young girl reaching out toward a red heart-shaped balloon that appears to be floating away in the wind after the string slipped from her hand. The iconic image started making its rounds across Londons Shoreditch neighborhood back in 2002. Then, iterations of the artwork began to appear on the citys South Bank in 2004 and at Israels barrier at the West Bank in 2005.

In 2018, Banksy shredded a framed copy of the painting in a stunt during a live auction at Sothebys in London. The highly valuable work had just hammered down for $1.13 million before it self-destructed. It appears we just got Banksy-ed, Alex Branczik, the auction houses head of contemporary art in Europe, said in a statement at the time. The buyer put the popular mural, which was renamed Love is in the Bin, back on the auction block three years later where it fetched a whopping $25.4 million, a new record for the infamous street artist.

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HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting near Surfside Beach from Thursday night, the agency said on Friday.

Neil Wade Brown, 60, was taken into custody at about 11 p.m., Horry County police said. His charges were not immediately available.

Two people were shot in connection with the incident, which started at about 9 p.m. near S. Reindeer Road. SLED said early Friday evening that neither of the two gunshot victims were officers.

An Horry County police report obtained by News13 shows one of the victims was shot in the thigh, while the other was shot in the hip. They were both taken to a hospital, but their conditions were not immediately known.

When officers arrived at S. Reindeer Road, they encountered Brown, who was armed. There was an exchange of gunfire between Brown and the officers, though none of them were injured.

The Horry County Police Departments special operations unit, a SWAT team, negotiators and a drone operator were all on scene.

This is the first officer-involved shooting in Horry County in 2024 and the 32nd such shooting in South Carolina. In 2023, the state dealt with 43 officer-involved shootings, with the Horry County Police Department only seeing one.

Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

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.

* * *

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.
MADISON, Neb. (KCAU)  A Battle Creek High School student was arrested for allegedly making threats against students at the school.

According to a release from the Madison County Sheriffs Office, they received a reporton Thursday from school staff that there were threats of violence at the school.

Planned Parenthood celebrates 90 years in Sioux City

A deputy responded to the call and spoke with several students who had reported being threatened by a student at the school.

Police then spoke with the student who corroborated the statements from the victims, the release said.

The student was arrested and lodged at the Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Detention Center.

This arrest comes as there has been a recent wave of threats and other similar behaviors in Siouxland. A student in Norfolk was arrested on Thursday and the Sioux City Community School District has also addressed recent threats within the school district as well.

Police said that there were no weapons found during the investigation and that no one was injured.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The government of Estonia plans to allocate 40 million euros next year to strengthen its border with Russia, Azernews reports citing state television and radio ERR, Foreign Minister Lauri Laanemets proposed this measure.

The funds will be used to upgrade existing facilities from the initial border infrastructure construction, complete access roads, and enhance telecommunication systems. The regulation of border infrastructure is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Laanemets also mentioned that Estonia aims to develop a drone defense system for the border. Additionally, the possibility of forming a special detachment of reservists to assist law enforcement agencies during a "migration crisis" is being considered. However, implementing these measures will require an additional 60 million euros in 2025.
Bed Bath & Beyond is slated to open stores again, but this time in Mexico.

The new stores are part of a new global licensing program, the home retailers parent Beyond Inc. said. Negotiations are in progress for stores in other key markets around the globe, Beyond said of store plans for more doors down the road.

More from Sourcing Journal

Beyond is starting the global licensing program with the Bed Bath & Beyond name. The program will be international in scope and is designed to bring the brand to consumers in multiple ways, the company said.

Among the first of licensees signed is a category license with PEM America, a home textiles manufacturer. The license includes fashion bedding, utility bedding, sheets, bath linens and accessories, and window and soft home decor.

Were thrilled to bring the beloved Bed Bath & Beyond brand back to life in this new and exciting way, Beyonds executive chairman Marcus Lemonis said. Through affordable, quality goods that will soon be on retail shelvesboth physical and onlinewere reinvigorating the brand and returning it to its core. The Bed Bath & Beyond brand is both aspirational and attainable, and our brand will continue to reflect these values.

While Beyond is starting with its key home banner, the licensing program could include the companys Overstock and Zulily brands, as well as other direct-to-consumer brands, down the road.

Beyond, formerly Overstock.com before its rebranding, acquired certain assets, including intellectual property assets, of bankrupt Bed Bath & Beyond for $21.5 million in June 2023. That acquisition included the Wamsutta home textiles brand. In April 2024, Beyond sold the Wamsutta brand to Indo Count for $10.25 million. A regulatory filing at the time said the Wamsutta sale allowed Beyond to recover 48 percent of Bed Bath & Beyonds $21.5 million purchase price.

Meanwhile, the Zulily flash-sale platform is up and running. Beyond acquired the brand this past March for $4.5 million.

As for the platform, a note on the site said Zulily is staring small, giving its very best customers a tiny taste of whats coming as they help build the Zulily community back up. The site also has promise for its customers: Coming Soon: a much bigger & better Zu!
(KRON)  T-Mobile employees and customers were brandished with bear spray when a brazen robbery occurred on Saturday, according to the Daly City Police Department. The department said a suspect has been arrested.

The robbery occurred at the T-Mobile on Gellert Boulevard. Police were dispatched to the scene at 3:05 a.m. on Sept. 7. An employee informed DCPD that a suspect entered the store carrying a can of bear spray and placing multiple items in his bag.

Daly City PD said customers were physically impacted after the can of bear spray began to leak.

How much Bay Area Trump fundraiser attendees are spending for a photo

The suspect fled, however, police located and arrested the suspect.

It was determined that the suspect stole approximately $14,000 worth of merchandise. The property was returned to the store.

The suspect was identified as a 34-year-old San Francisco resident. Police said the suspect was booked into a local jail for suspicion of robbery, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, illegal use and possession of tear gas, and other offenses.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT)  One local school district is celebrating a big achievement in regards to performance.

Were super excited to announce that our students performed at a level that shows that each one of our schools of elementary and middle schools increased their school performance score, Beaufort County Schools Superintendent Dr. Matthew Cheeseman said.

Before the pandemic, Beaufort County Schools had zero low-performing schools. The 2022-23 school year showed seven schools in the county were not meeting expectations, putting them in a low-performance status as a district.

Last year, for the 2023-24 school year, the county experienced huge growth.

Nine of our 12 schools either met or exceeded growth. Chocowinity Middle School and Northeast both came out of low performance. Our elementary schools in terms of their school performance scores are increasing. We had three schools actually hit a seven point jump overall, Dr. Cheeseman said.

The numbers are based on test scores. This is typically looking at mathematics, English, language arts, science at various grade levels, Dr. Cheeseman said.

Click the above video to see more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  Beckley Common Council voted on first reading during the regular meeting on Tuesday, September 10 2024, to transfer ownership of Pinecrest Industrial Park to the Raleigh County Commission.

Council will vote again a second time at a later meeting to make the vote official.

Despite concerns of teachers at Beckley-Stratton Middle School, Council included around 30 acres adjacent to two local schools in the transfer.

The Salt Sulphur Springs Resort listed for sale at more than $1.7 million

Raleigh County Attorney Bill Roop said on Wednesday that concern for children will be a top priority when developing the acreage.

The countys position is we should be able to develop that property so that it can be used by both the kids there at Beckley Stratton and the development of a technology park there, said Roop.

Fish you shouldnt eat if you catch them in West Virginia

Local real estate agents have estimated the value of the acreage near the school to be $2.2 million, or $75,000 per acre.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
New Bedford announces plans to build new police headquarters

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI)  After more than 25 years, New Bedford is set to build a new headquarters for its police department.

Mayor Jon Mitchell unveiled the plans for the new facility on Thursday, alongside Police Chief Paul Oliveira and City Councilman Brian Gomes.

The decision follows a recommendation from the Jensen-Hughes review of police operations last year, which Mitchell said is long overdue.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell announces new police headquarters 9-12-24

It takes time, it takes money, but I think we have to commit ourselves to that because the work that is done here is fundamental to everything that we do, Mitchell said.

BACKGROUND: Review of New Bedford Police Department offers list of suggestions

The current headquarters on Rockdale Avenue has served the department since January 1999.

Originally a grocery store, the building was intended as a temporary solution after the departments former facility was sold and demolished.

While the city has funneled millions of dollars into the building over the last two decades for renovations and repairs, Oliveira said it no longer meets the needs of the department or the community.

Were constantly shuffling officers around to make room, the chief said. The city is always in here with crews fixing this and that.

He explained that the building is no longer suitable for interviews and police communications operations.

Photo of grocery store where New Bedford Police Department now resides

I think the men and women very much deserve a state-of-the-art facility. I think the citizens of New Bedford deserve a state-of-the-art facility, Oliveira added.

The new headquarters is expected to take three to four years to complete, with an estimated cost of $100 million. This includes site analysis, public input, bid solicitation, design, and construction.

Those with questions or seeking further information are asked to contact the New Bedford Purchasing Department at (508) 979-1432.

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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.
Former President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a news conference held at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Trump is expected in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. | Jae C. Hong

In 2016, when Donald Trump first ran for president, Utah was known as Trumps most resistant red state. When Trump returns to Utah for a fundraiser Saturday, event organizers want that to be a distant memory.

The group of big-money donors and political elites that ushers Trump into a private hangar near the Salt Lake City airport Saturday will include both day-one Trump supporters and recent MAGA converts. Some, like John Schnatter  the founder of pizza conglomerate Papa Johns, who owns a Park City home  have donated to Trump since his first campaign. Others  like Salt Lake City businessman Scott Keller  were avid supporters and big financial backers of Trump opponents in the 2024 presidential primary.

Now, as Trump makes his first visit to Utah since 2017, his most loyal supporters want to show that the state has changed.

I believe policy over personality, said Keller, one of the largest benefactors behind Mike Pences 2024 presidential bid and a co-host for Saturdays fundraiser. We have to ask ourselves, do we love the country more than we may dislike the personality of Trump?

Much of the top political brass from Utah and other Western states will be represented at the event Saturday. Expected attendees include Matt Whitaker, the former acting U.S. attorney general; Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general; and radio personality Glenn Beck, who will act as the events emcee and introduce Trump.

Utah politicians expected to be there include Senate President Stuart Adams, House Speaker Mike Schultz, Attorney General Sean Reyes and U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens. Sen. Mike Lee told the Deseret News he is most likely stuck in D.C. this weekend. Congress reconvened Monday after its late summer recess.

In recent days, fundraiser organizers dropped the entry price point from $3,300 to $1,000 in an effort to shore up attendance. Other entry levels include VIP attendee for $10,000; a photo with Trump for $35,000; co-host for $150,000; or host committee for $500,000 per person.

The event is being organized by George Glass, the former U.S. ambassador to Portugal; and Marlon Bateman, a State Department official during the Trump administration. Both are Utah residents.

Bateman helped organize Trumps visit to Arlington National Cemetery last month, where Trump  and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox  were criticized for using imagery of their visit in campaign advertising, a violation of federal law. But the visit was key in building a relationship between Cox and Trump, one attendee said: Cox, a longtime Trump critic, endorsed Trump a month earlier, and the Arlington visit was their first in-person meeting since. Trump praised Cox at Arlington, the attendee said, saying the Utah governor is now on his A-list.

Cox did not respond to the Deseret News inquiry about whether he will attend Saturdays fundraiser.

At present, the fundraisers hosting committee includes Schnatter and Beck, alongside a group of Utah businesspeople: Keller, John Miller and Doug Quezada. The event will be held in Millers airplane hangar.

As recently as late August, it appeared the fundraiser wouldnt happen. Originally scheduled for June 27, plans were scrapped when Trump accepted an invitation to debate President Joe Biden on the same night. After rescheduling for a late August date, organizers were notified that Trump wouldnt make the trip, due to changes in his schedule. Trump would appear at a town hall in Wisconsin with ex-Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

The reason for canceling the fundraisers second date is unknown. But organizers claim there were other reasons for the change: a new-look Trump campaign wanted to refocus attention on swing states, and spending time in Utah  which it deemed a safe Republican state  seemed wasteful. The best way to make a final, post-Labor Day push against the newly energized Democratic campaign, they reasoned, was to focus on battleground states.

A cohort of individuals leading the Utah fundraiser  headed by Glass and Bateman, but aided by Beck and other prominent Utahns  pushed the Trump campaign and the RNC to consider slipping the Utah fundraiser onto the schedule whenever Trump made his next trip to the Western battlegrounds of Arizona and Nevada. That trip, as it were, fell in mid-September: after the Philadelphia debate Tuesday, Trump rallied in Tucson Thursday and Las Vegas Friday, and the Utah fundraiser was penciled in for Saturday.

We proudly stand by President Trump in his efforts to keep America great and free, Quezada, one of the fundraiser co-hosts, said.

Some of the top attendees acknowledge that Trump was not their first choice to be the Republican nominee, but they back him. In the words of Donald Rumsfeld, former secretary of defense, when you go to war, you go to war with the soldiers you got, not the ones you wished you had, said Keller, one of the co-hosts. Trump is the soldier weve got.
A Russian drone with an armed warhead crashes in Latvia after crossing Belarus. Minsk officially confirmed the downing of a drone in its airspace, as reported by Belarusian Hajun monitoring group.

Poland issued arrest warrants for 3 Belarusian officials accused of orchestrating the 2021 forced landing of a commercial Ryanair flight in Belarus to arrest an opposition activist.

A Japanese citizen is detained in Belarus, accused of espionage.

Poland uncovers a cyber-sabotage group linked to Russian and Belarusian security services, amid a de-facto cyber war.

Human rights activists confirm the release of 10 out of 30 Belarusian political prisoners pardoned by Lukashenko and reportedly freed on Sept. 4.

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Poland uncovers cyber-sabotage group linked to Minsk, Moscow

Polish security services have broken up a group of saboteurs, working for the Russian and Belarusian security services to destabilize Poland, Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said at a press conference on Sept. 9.

According to Gawkowski, the operation started with a cyberattack against the Polish Anti-Doping Agency (POLADA) and was intended to be expanded to other institutions.

The group, which included Belarusians, reportedly tried to extort data to cause paralysis in the political, military, and economic spheres of the state and to wage a de facto cyber war.

The announcement came shortly after a group of NATO countries accused a unit of Russias GRU military intelligence agency of carrying out cyberattacks against Ukraine and European countries in recent years.

Poland, one of Ukraines staunchest allies in its resistance to Russias war of aggression, has uncovered a number of suspected spy networks allegedly run by Minsk and Moscow.

According to Gawkowski, cyberattacks against Poland have doubled since last year, reaching 400,000 in the first half of 2024, as opposed to 370,000 cases reported over the entire 2023.

Read also: Notorious Russian military intelligence unit carrying out cyber attacks on Western countries, agencies warn

Russian drone crashes in Latvia after crossing in from Belarus

A Russian Shahed drone crashed in Latvia on Sept. 7 after crossing into the countrys airspace from Belarus, the Latvian National Armed Forces reported.

The drone reportedly went down in Gaigalava parish deep inside the country. Rezekne Regional Council Chairman Monvid Svarts told the LETA news agency that the drone fell in a field far from any populated area, and there were no casualties.

Although the Russian UAV was armed with explosives, Latvian officials said they do not consider the incident as an open military escalation, as the target of the drone was not Latvia. Latvias Defense Minister Andris Spruds claimed it was directed against Ukraine.

The Latvian military reported the incident to NATO Command. The drones warhead was defused and sent for further expert examination.

"This situation is a confirmation that we need to continue the work we have started to strengthen Latvia's eastern border, including the development of air defense capabilities and electronic warfare capabilities that allow us to limit the activities of UAVs of various applications," Spruds said.

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Latvia summoned the Russian Embassy's charge d'affaires, the Latvian Foreign Ministry announced on Sept. 9.

The open-source monitoring group Belarusian Hajun reported that eight Russian drones entered Belarusian airspace overnight on Sept. 7. One of them crossed the Belarusian border at 5.16 a.m. in the Brest region and flew into Latvia.

Latvia and Romania, both NATO members, said on Sept. 8 they were investigating Russian drone incursions into their airspace. Russian drones have previously crashed in Romania and its non-NATO neighbor, Moldova. Other drones and missiles have also violated Polish airspace on several occasions.

Newly appointed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X the attacks were a "stark reminder that Russia's aggressive actions extend beyond Ukraine."

For first time, Belarus officially confirms downing drones in its airspace

The Belarusian military on Sept. 5 shot down drones in Belarusian airspace, the countrys officials have said, confirming earlier reports by the Belarusian Hajun monitoring group.

Citing the Deputy Air Force Commander Siarhei Fralou, the Defense Ministry claimed to have detected drones violating Belarusian airspace and shooting them down.

Due to the timely actions of the anti-aircraft defense forces, all of the violators were destroyed, Fralou said, adding that the authorities are conducting an investigation.

According to Belarusian Hajun, at least eight Russian kamikaze drones entered Belarusian airspace overnight on Sept. 5, with two of them being downed. Local media reported two explosions over Homiel, Belarus second largest city. Homiel is around 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of the border with Ukraines Chernihiv Oblast.

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko gestures during a joint press conference after Russian-Belarusian meeting at the Palace of Independence, on May 24, 2024, in Minsk, Belarus. (Contributor/Getty Images)

No casualties were reported as a result of the downing of the drones, but Belarusian emergency services were dispatched to liquidate a fire at a warehouse reportedly hit by one of the downed UAVs.

Belarusian Hajun has recorded multiple cases of Russian Shahed-type drones flying off course and into Belarusian airspace over the past few weeks. Since July 11, when the first stray Russian drone was spotted over the country, over 30 UAVs have been reported.

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has said that the war is increasingly felt in Belarus as drone incursions are happening more often.

Frequent incursions of Russian combat drones in Belarusian airspace are also a challenge to one of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenkos core longstanding promises to maintain peaceful skies over the country ahead of the upcoming 2025 presidential elections in Belarus.

Minsk has never publicly raised objections about the drone incursions to Moscow  its key ally. However, Lukashenko claimed on Aug. 9 that several Ukrainian drones had been downed over Belarus, calling the incident a Ukrainian provocation.

Belarusian Hajun said the claim was false and that no Ukrainian drones had been detected.

Read also: At least 9 Russian kamikaze drones flew into Belarus in July, monitoring project says

Poland issues arrest warrants for 3 Belarusians accused of forcing landing of commercial flight in Belarus airspace with political activist aboard

Warsaw District Court has issued arrest warrants against two Belarusian aviation managers and an unnamed high-ranking KGB officer over their involvement in the forced landing of a Ryanair commercial flight heading from Athens to Vilnius, which led to the arrest of opposition activist Raman Pratasievich.

Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza reported on Sept. 6 that the warrants for Leanid Churo, the former chief of air navigation company Belaeronavigatsia, Yauhen Tsyhanau, the head of the air traffic control shift at the time of the incident, and a high-ranking agent of notorious Belarusian KGB security agency, named only as Andrey A. M., were issued on charges of hijacking an aircraft with 126 passengers aboard and false imprisonment.

On May 23, 2021, Ryanair international passenger flight FR4978 from Athens, Greece, to Vilnius, Lithuania, was intercepted in Belarusian airspace and ordered to land in Minsk. The authorities cited an alleged bomb threat.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established that claims of a bomb threat were deliberately false and endangered (aircraft) safety and were communicated to the flight crew on the instructions of senior Belarusian government officials.

No bomb was found after the forced landing, but the Belarusian authorities arrested Belarusian political activist and editor of the opposition NEXTA Telegram-channel, Raman Pratasievich, and his girlfriend, a Russian citizen, Sofia Sapega. Both were then tried on politically motivated accusations and sentenced to eight and six years in prison, respectively.

The Polish courts warrant ruling is based on the findings of a Polish-Lithuanian investigation unit set up in the aftermath of the grounding. It includes the testimony from 42-year-old air traffic control officer Aleh Halehau, who fled Belarus with the recordings from the air traffic control room made on the day of the forced landing.

According to Halehau, the KGB officer and the former air navigation chief Churo arrived in the operations control hall, to which only authorized personnel can be admitted, 45 minutes before the flight. The KGB officer instructed Halehau what to tell the pilot, and ordered the flight to land in Minsk. After the incident, Halehau was forced to write a false report.

The Polish warrant opens the way to issuing international warrants and allows the suspects to be sought through Interpol.

The forced landing is part of a plan carried out against some of Lukashenkos most vocal critics. Soon after the landing, Pratasievich appeared in front of Belarus TV cameras with visible bruising, expressing support for the regime and confessing to the charges made by the regime against him.

Two years later, Pratasievich and Sapega were pardoned. Sapega has left the country, while Pratasievich continues to give interviews to propaganda channels.

As a result of the hijacking of the commercial flight, Belarusian airlines were banned from European skies, and European carriers are still advised not to fly over Belarus. The United States, the EU, the United Kingdom, and Canada have introduced coordinated sanctions against Belarusian entities and individuals involved in the incident.

Belarus detains Japanese citizen on charges of espionage

Belarusian security forces have detained a Japanese citizen, Masatoshi Nakanishi, on charges of spying for the Japanese secret services, according to a Belarusian propaganda documentary aired on Sept. 5 on Belarus 1, one of the channels of the sanctioned Belteleradiocompany.

The state-owned Belarus 1 channel said that Nakanishi arrived in Homiel, the southern regional center in Belarus, in 2018, and was officially employed as a Japanese language instructor in the local university while at the same time running what appeared to be a shell company called BelNikhonInternational.

The man was arrested in July, but information about the arrest was not reported until now. Nakanishi is accused of espionage, punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment.

Kanstantsin Bychak, the head of the KGB investigative department, told Belarusian propagandists the Japanese man was gathering information about the military, social, and economic conditions in Belarus, the implementation of Chinas Belt and Road initiative, and conducted a recruitment study of Belarusian citizens with access to classified information.

Upon studying the documentary, Independent Belarusian journalists suggested that the evidence presented by the authorities was false or unsubstantial.

The Japanese Embassy in Belarus confirmed the detention of the Japanese citizen in his 50s, without providing his name. Tokyo protested against the documentarys airing, saying that it violates their citizens human rights.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the incident was extremely regrettable and confirmed that consular support was being provided to the Japanese citizen.

According to the Viasna Human Rights Center, at least two Polish, one Lithuanian, and one Latvian citizen remained imprisoned in Belarus, charged with espionage or undercover activities as of July 2024.

Since the beginning of Russias all-out invasion of Ukraine, at least eight Ukrainian citizens have been accused of spying in Belarus for the Ukrainian security services.

Human rights activists confirm release of 10 out of 30 political prisoners reportedly pardoned by Lukashenko

Human Rights Center Viasna on Sept. 6 announced it had confirmed the release of ten out of 30 political prisoners in Belarus who were reportedly pardoned by Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko.

Lukashenko on Sept. 4 pardoned 30 Belarusians charged with protest offenses, the term Belarusian officials use to refer to political crimes.

Among the seven women and 23 men reportedly released, independent media have confirmed that Dziana Zavadskaya, a manager of the S&P-500 tech firm EPAM, entrepreneur Viktoria Haurylina, and activist Maryna Kisialevich have been freed. The names of the others remain undisclosed due to concerns about their safety.

Members of the Belarusian diaspora, many displaying white-red-white opposition flags, gather at Krakow's Market Square for the Day of Solidarity with Belarus rally, on Aug. 9, 2024, in Krakow, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

EU external affairs spokesperson Peter Stano issued a statement, welcoming the releases but chiding the Belarusian government for continuing to hold nearly 1,400 other political prisoners in inhumane conditions.

Yury Vaskrasenskiy, a former Lukashenko's political opponent-turned-propagandist, has said on Belarusian state-run broadcaster CTV that for the process of releasing prisoners to continue, there must be a discussion with Western states.

It is clear that this process (of pardons) will not be endless, Vaskrasenskiy said. Further on, we need to discuss, we need to talk to those (who are) endlessly reproaching us for allegedly (holding) political prisoners.

Vaskrasenskiy also announced that the next round of pardons is planned for Sept. 17, timed to coincide with the regimes Peoples Unity Day holiday. Lukashenko established Unity Day in 2021 after suppressing the massive anti-government protests that engulfed the country after his fraudulent reelection as the countrys president in 2020.

This is the third case of Lukashenkos regime releasing political prisoners. According to the Viasna Center for Human Rights, 18 political prisoners were released in Belarus on July 3 ahead of the countrys official Independence Day celebrations, and another 21 people were confirmed to have been released on Aug. 16.

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The principal at Belleville East High School sent a message to parents Friday regarding a social media threat to schools nationwide.

Officials do not believe the threat is credible but the Belleville Police Department and other law-enforcement agencies are taking it seriously, according to Principal Andrea Gannons statement.

Belleville Township High School District 201 as well as other school districts in the region have dealt with threats.

Details of the threat were not listed by Gannon, who asked parents to monitor their childrens social media use.

The threats have been posted in the wake of a school shooting in Georgia, where two students and two teachers were killed on Sept. 4.

Here is Gannons statement:

Belleville Township High School District 201 has become aware of a social media threat to schools nationwide. These posts have been shared widely on social media. The troubling posts refer to threats to school safety throughout the United States. We have heard reports from other districts that the same post is circulating in their schools. While we do not believe the threat to be credible, our Belleville Police Department and other metro-area law enforcement are closely monitoring the situation and taking it seriously. This situation serves as a good example of why it is important to avoid sharing posts online that refer to school safety threats. Even if they are not credible threats, they can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety for our students, families, and staff. We ask our families to monitor their childrens social media activity and speak with them about proper behavior online. Ensuring a safe and secure learning environment requires all of us. Thank you for reinforcing this message to our students.
Belleville man faces sexual assault, porn charges. There may be other victims, police say

A 74-year old Belleville man was charged with sexually assaulting a male juvenile and keeping a stash of child pornography.

Michael G. Munie, 74, was charged Wednesday by St. Clair County States Attorney Jim Gomrics office with criminal sexual assault, a class 1 felony, child pornography, a class 1 felony, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a class 2 felony, child pornography and three counts of grooming.

He was arrested Tuesday at his home in the 600 block of N. 39th Street and was being held at the Belleville Police Department Thursday, pending transfer to the St. Clair County Jail.

According to the criminal complaint, between July 8 and September 10, Munie knowingly committed an act of sexual penetration with a 15-year-old boy who was identified in the criminal complaint only by his initials.

On the charge of child pornography, its alleged that Munie took nude pictures of the boy which he showed in lewd exhibition.

Munie was charged with criminal sexual abuse and grooming because he plied the victim with gifts.

Munie also had a photography file of an under-aged male child, who was depicted either nude or in various states of dress, charges state.

Law enforcement was alerted to Munie after the 15-year old juvenile victims mother called the Belleville Police Department.

The mother told officers her child, a 15-year old male was spending time at a residence in the 600 block of N. 39th Street, in Belleville, Mark Heffernan, assistant chief of police said.

Heffernan said the suspect was referred to as the juveniles godfather. The boy had spent time at Munies residence before, he said.

When the juveniles mother went to the suspects home to retrieve her son, another family member observed the juvenile male and the juveniles godfather engaged in a lewd act, Heffernan said.

The mother took her son to a local hospital for medical treatment. Police have not released the mothers name. The Belleville News-Democrat does not publish information that could lead to the identity of a minor or victim of sexual assault.

Munie was arrested at his home without incident and taken to the Belleville Police Department, Heffernan said.

Heffernan said multiple search warrants and interviews have been conducted over the course of the investigation and police believe there are additional victims.

The investigation is still in the very early stages. Additional charges may be considered, he said.

If you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed by abuse or neglect, report it online at https://childabuse.illinois.gov. In an emergency, call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873). If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, call 911 first.
With early voting beginning in Pennsylvania on September 16, the 2024 presidential election is about to break into full swing, and Ben & Jerry's is going to sweeten the deal when it comes to exercising our rights. The founders of the iconic ice cream brand, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, have created "Kamala's Coconut Jubilee," an ice cream flavor designed to celebrate the Democratic nominee. Americans will get to enjoy the sweet treat as part of the initiative MoveOn Political Action's Scoop the Vote tour, where ice cream trucks will pop up in various cities in battleground states from September to October.

The cause is noble, but we're curious: Why a coconut flavor to honor Harris? While we love learning fun food-and-drink facts about the current Vice President and presidential candidate, like her favorite way to drink white wine or her basic, relatable breakfast, Kamala's Coconut Jubilee goes deeper than Harris simply liking coconuts. In 2023, Vice President Harris told a story at a ceremony swearing in leaders in Hispanic educational advancement about the vitality of community and family. To iterate that we are all part of our environment together and not in a vacuum, she recalled her mother saying to her as a kid, "You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?" (via The White House). The coconut tree story has recirculated as a meme, and people add coconut and palm tree emojis to social media posts supporting Harris, so this meaningful ice cream stands to go just as viral.

Read more: 23 Best Ice Cream Brands Ranked

The Mission Behind The Ice Cream And Where To Find It

freezer of Ben & Jerry's ice cream - defotoberg/Shutterstock

Ben & Jerry's is known for creating some of its inventive, irresistible flavors in collaboration with or as an ode to various celebrities, from Jerry Garcia to Stephen Colbert. But cause-related ice creams seem especially important to the business owners -- making some of America's favorite desserts has put them in a position to reach millions of people, after all. In the past, they've made ice creams to support Senator Bernie Sanders' presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020, as well as the Women's March in 2018. Kamala's Coconut Jubilee is another labor of love. Technically, it's under the "Ben's Best" label, so not actually an official "Ben & Jerry's" ice cream, but it is literally made by the famed Ben and Jerry. Ben Cohen crafted and packed the ice cream by hand, a true commitment to helping encourage people to vote.

Kamala's Coconut Jubilee is coconut ice cream with a caramel swirl and festive star-shaped sprinkles -- sweet and creamy with a little crunch and a big heart, we'd happily add it to the top of our Ben & Jerry's flavor ranking. Cohen and Greenfield will serve up other politically themed flavors on the Scoop the Vote tour, too, like "Unburdened by What Has Vanilla Bean" and "Fight for Our Rights Sorbet." Voters can try these ice creams for free in cities like Philadelphia, New York, Ann Arbor, and Las Vegas, with a full schedule on Scoop the Vote's website.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Gov. Andy Beshear has filled the third and final spot on the states all-important Public Service Commission with a former Democratic lawmaker from Eastern Kentucky.

John Will Stacy, of Morgan County, will join Public Service Commission Chair Angie Hatton and member Mary Pat Regan in deciding on critical questions like rate raises, company sales and more.

Stacy was appointed officially on Sep. 4, according to the states executive journal.

The commission is among the most important bodies whose members are appointed by the governor, as it regulates Kentuckys water and utility providers both massive and small. Its also charged with protecting Kentucky utility customers and vetting power generation plans, utility sales and rate hikes among other things.

The Public Service Commission regulates more than 1,500 utilities in total.

Stacy, 71, is a political stalwart. He served in the legislature for more than 20 years, from 1993 to 2005, representing a district in his pocket of Eastern Kentucky along Interstate-64. At one point, he was in Democratic House leadership alongside former House speaker Greg Stumbo and then-majority leader Rocky Adkins, who is now one of Beshears top advisors.

The politician also recently served a term as Morgan County Judge-Executive, a part of Stacys resume that Beshear said in a recent press conference made him uniquely fit for the role.

John Will Stacy has been a business owner, hes been a county judge-executive, (and) we believe that running a county is really good potential training and background, Beshear said.

Beshear mentioned David Armstrong, a former chair of the commission who came to the role with experience as attorney general and then as mayor of Louisville, as an example of success transitioning from local government to the Public Service Commission.

Hes also from an area of the state that needs representation on the PSC. I think overall, hes fair. He understands that our state has energy needs that have to be met, and he also understands that the way that energy needs are provided is changing across the United States. So I believe he will be balanced and open and do a good job, Beshear said.

The governor mentioned that he also took into consideration whether or not Stacys appointment would get confirmed. In 2022, the Senate did not confirm the appointments of two Beshear selections, Amy Cubbage and Marianne Butler, leaving the commission without a quorum.

Stacy replaces Kent Chandler, former chair of the commission. Chandler resigned from the Public Service Commission on the belief that Gov. Andy Beshear would not reappoint him to another term  that move disappointed attorneys who appear before the commission as well as consumer and environmental advocates.

Chandler is now a senior fellow at Washington-based think tank R Streets energy and environmental policy program.

The new commissioner holds an undergraduate degree from Morehead State University and a law degree from Northern Kentucky University.

Stacy comes to the commission with some baggage from his previous tenure in Frankfort.

In the mid-2000s, Stacy helped authorize $13 million in the state budget for a project his employer managed, raising alarm among ethics watchdogs at the time.

According to previous Herald-Leader reporting, Stacy was employed by his alma mater Morehead State University for a period during his service as a legislator. After the president ended Stacys contract in 2001, Stacy put restrictive language into the state budget that limited Moreheads use of its funds and campus facilities. School officials called it a vendetta. Ultimately, Moreheads president resigned and was replaced; the restrictions were then lifted.

Later in his legislative career, Stacy supported a natural gas pipeline that drew strong pushback from affected landowners, known commonly as the Bluegrass Pipeline. Beshear represented the company pushing for the pipeline when he was a private practice attorney before taking office as attorney general in 2016.

Stacys term on the Public Service Commission is set to expire July 1, 2028.
A 777 is joined together at Boeings assembly plant in Everett, Washington. Production will stop Friday as skilled tradesmen who build the planes go on strike. (Photo: Boeing)

(Updated Sept. 13, 9:40 a.m. ET with reaction from analysts)

More than 30,000 aerospace workers at Boeing will walk off the job Friday after a large majority of them rejected a tentative contract.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced the result on its website late Thursday night after vote tabulation was completed. More than 94% of union members voted and 96% of those voted against the deal.

The union said its negotiating team will regroup and begin planning the next steps on securing an agreement that our membership can approve.

IAM chief Jon Holden said earlier this week that the tentative deal was the best contract the union has ever negotiated.

Union leaders and Boeing (NYSE: BA) reached a tentative agreement on Sunday, but rank-and-file machinists immediately expressed unhappiness with it. The last contract was ratified 16 years ago. On Monday, workers rallied outside Boeings widebody aircraft plant in Everett, Washington.

One of the biggest issues is pay. Boeing is offering a wage increase of 25% over four years, but union members say it doesnt include their current yearly bonus. Boeing will also put more matching funds into a 401(k) retirement plan but wont restore a pension plan that machinists used to have and gave up in an earlier negotiation. The collective bargaining agreement would also change mandatory overtime so workers would be required to work overtime and weekends less often, and it puts in a floating vacation holiday. Workers would also be able to progress through different job responsibilities more easily.

Workers also complain that the wage increase isnt high enough, that the pension wasnt restored and that Boeings promise to build a future aircraft type in the Puget Sound region only extends for the length of the contract. Workers still feel betrayed about previous rounds of negotiations in which Boeing twice threatened to move jobs outside of Washington.

IAM District 751 strikes historically have lasted about 60 days, but the precedent of Spirit AeroSystems negotiated contract in June 2023 suggests the strike could be as short as a week, Bank of America analyst Ronald Epstein said in a client note. It is likely Boeing will have to make further concessions and move closer to the IAMs initial proposal of 40% wage gains, he added.

If a strike goes on for an extended period, the delivery of aircraft and components would stop. That wont have an immediate effect on airlines but would exacerbate the current backlog of aircraft and further limit the ability of airlines to modernize or expand their fleets to reach new markets.

Story continues

A strike comes at a difficult time for Boeing, which has suffered years of losses because of regulatory restrictions following a series of accidents and mishaps, as well as concerns about manufacturing quality and the safety culture that have slowed aircraft production rates. Still, some analysts have said that a production shutdown now isnt the worst outcome, because airlines are grappling with too much capacity as travel demand wanes and arent as eager to receive planes as they were last year.

A 10-week walkout in 1995 cost Boeing $100 million per day. The company has lost $27 billion since 2019.

FedEx pilots in the summer of 2023 rejected a labor deal negotiated by union leadership and appear to have lost negotiating leverage since then. The air cargo market softened and the pilot shortfall that allowed pilots at some passenger airlines to win substantial deals eventually lessened, reducing pressure on FedEx to raise compensation beyond its target.

New Boeing CEO Robert Kelly Ortberg has been on the job for a little over a month.

Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper articles by Eric Kulisch.

Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@freightwaves.com.

RECOMMENDED READING:

FedEx pilots reject new labor deal

The post Boeing machinists reject new contract, go on strike appeared first on FreightWaves.
These are the best ways to report school threats on social media

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  An estimated 45 West Virginia schools received possible threats this week as part of an ongoing trend across the country.

Most of the threats were from social media posts, and while a majority were deemed not credible, a juvenile was arrested after a threat to Preston High School.

After a possible threat to Robert C. Byrd High School in Clarksburg was investigated, Harrison County law enforcement and school officials held a press conference, urging reports of possible violence to be made through the proper channels, instead of posted on social media.

Here are the ways you should report possible threats if you see them on social media or elsewhere, according to officials.

North central West Virginia schools release statements in regard to recent threats

Contact Law Enforcement

If you are concerned about a schools safety, the best thing to do is call 911 and report it. Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny said that of the at least dozen reports about the alleged threat at RCB on Thursday, only a few were reported through the proper channels.

If there is an active emergency, calling 911 should always be your first response. For less immediate concerns, citizens can call the non-emergency number for their local law enforcement office.

Safe Schools hotline

Community members can also report possible threats through the Safe Schools hotline. The 24-hour toll free number can be called at 1-866-723-3982. Anyone can call the helpline anonymously to report possible danger to schools, including violence, weapons, threats, thefts/property damage, drug/alcohol abuse or sexual harassment.

There is also a Safe School Helpline app that some north central West Virginia school districts, including Harrison County Schools, have subscribed to.

The hotline is not a place to report an active emergency. If there is an emergency, call 911.

See Something, Send Something app

See Something, Send Something app

The West Virginia Emergency Management Division said that reports can also be made on the See Send app. The app is a nationwide suspicious activity reporting tool that people can use to report possible threats, connect with intelligence centers and get resources.

The See Something, Send Something app is available to download for free on Apple and Android.

The app is not a place to report an active emergency. If there is an emergency, call 911.

Justice urges investigations into school threats

What not to do

During the press conference, Harrison County officials urged community members to avoid posting rumors about possible threats on social media.

This situation escalated out of control due to the numerous rumors and conjecture posted on social media, Harrison County officials said in a release to media.

Officials encouraged parents to have conversations with their children about social media and the possible consequences of making false threats.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Biden admin faces mounting pressure to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia with US missiles

President Biden is facing mounting pressure to lift the ban on Ukraine using U.S. weapons to strike deep inside Russia and appeared to admit on Tuesday that his administration is moving in that direction.

"Were working that out right now," he said when asked by reporters whether he would allow Ukraine to use the long-range Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, to target sites inside Russia.

Support for lifting the ban has come from all sides.

A group of high-level House Republicans wrote to the president this week arguing that such restrictions "have hampered Ukraines ability to defeat Russias war of aggression and have given the Kremlins forces a sanctuary from which it can attack Ukraine with impunity."

RUSSIA, CHINA HOLD BIGGEST WARGAMES SINCE SOVIET ERA

The House GOP letter was signed by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul, House Intelligence Committee Chair Michael Turner, House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers and other committee leaders.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

It critiques the Biden administration but contrasts statements from top Republicans like Donald Trump, who have suggested he could bring a diplomatic end to the war.

On Wednesday, a group of liberal and progressive former high-level national security officials authored a letter calling on the U.S. and U.K. to allow unrestricted use of their weapons to strike Russian territory.

A bipartisan group of House and Senate members sent another letter arguing that with the ban, Russia "is far too comfortable in its ability to focus on its offensive operations rather than defending itself."

"Easing the restrictions on Western weapons will not cause Moscow to escalate," they wrote. "We urge you to listen to your partners in Kyiv this week and allow Ukraine to strike all legitimate targets in Russia with the weapons the U.S. and U.K. have provided. Let Ukraine defend itself."

ROMANIA AND LATVIA CONFIRM RUSSIAN INCURSIONS INTO NATO TERRITORY

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has implored U.S. officials to lift the ban they placed to avoid escalation of U.S. involvement in the war. Washington in recent months has partially done so, allowing Ukraine to use U.S. weapons for defensive strikes "within sovereign Ukraine territory."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Kyiv on Wednesday with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and were expected to gather information on how such long-range strikes would factor into Ukraines broader battlefield strategy. The U.K. is also considering whether to allow Ukraine to strike deeper inside Russia with its own long-range system, the Storm Shadow.

Asked about the "green light" to target inside Russia on Thursday, Blinken did not indicate any change in policy but restated a desire to keep adapting to Russias aggression.

Blinken said he expects Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the topic when they meet Friday in Washington.

Ukrainian soldiers Kursk invasion

Ukrainian servicemen of the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade operate a Leopard 2A6 tank during a military exercise.

Last week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin pushed back on the notion that lifting restrictions and allowing Ukraine to hit deeper into Russia would change the tides of the war.

"Theres no one capability that will, in and of itself, be decisive in this campaign."

"There are a lot of targets in Russia, a big country, obviously," Austin said at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany on Friday. "And theres a lot of capability that Ukraine has in terms of (unmanned aerial vehicles) and other things to address those targets."

The debate about whether to remove the restrictions comes amid the worrying beginning of transfers of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia.

Some worry the U.S. has a limited number of ATACMS to offer Ukraine without affecting U.S. readiness and that using the weapons to strike deep into Russia could deplete their supply for other parts of the military campaign, like inside Crimea. But advocates of lifting the ban argue Ukraine is already using ATACMS on territory that Russia sees as its own in Crimea.





Original article source: Biden admin faces mounting pressure to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia with US missiles
The Biden administration on Friday announced a major effort to blunt the global influence of RT and expose what it says is the Russian state media networks key role in the Kremlins global intelligence and influence operations.

The State Department revealed declassified US intelligence findings that suggest RT is fully integrated into Russias intelligence operations around the world and announced it is launching a diplomatic campaign to provide countries with information about the risks associated with RT activities.

Thanks to new information, much of which originates from RT employees, we know that RT possessed cyber capabilities and engaged in covert information and influence operations and military procurement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday.

A key finding from the new US intelligence is that, for more than a year, the Russian government quietly embedded an intelligence-gathering unit within RT focused on influence operations globally. That activity has been part of US officials described as a big expansion of RTs role as an arm and mouthpiece of the Kremlin abroad. The activity goes beyond propaganda and covert influence operations to even include military procurement, according to US officials.

Under the cover of RT, information produced through this unit flows to Russian intelligence services, Russian media outlets, Russian mercenary groups, and other state and proxy arms of the Russian government, Blinken said.

In addition to its covert influence operations, the leaders of RT also administered an online crowdfunding effort to supply military equipment to Russian soldiers in Ukraine, Blinken alleged.

The crowdfunding effort supplied sniper rifles, suppressors, body armor, night vision equipment, drones, radio equipment, personal weapon sights, diesel generators to Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, according to Blinken.

The goal of the US announcement  and private discussions with allied diplomats  is to make sure that countries know that RT and Russian intelligence agencies are working together to sow division and harm democratic processes, while simultaneously making it much more difficult for RT to operate globally, a senior administration official said.

CNN first reported on the pending State Department announcement.

Asked for comment by CNN, RT responded with a mocking email that read in part: Weve been broadcasting straight out of the KGB headquarters all this time.

CNN has requested comment from the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC.

Fridays news is part of a full-fledged US government effort to curb RTs global clout. It comes just a week after federal prosecutors announced criminal charges against two RT employees for covertly funneling nearly $10 million into a US company to create and amplify content that aligned with Russian interests. The covert influence campaign was aimed at the American public ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, US officials said.

US diplomats are looking to the coming days and weeks  including the UN General Assembly gathering  to build a coalition of countries willing to combat the threat that US officials see from RT.

Formerly known as Russia Today, RT runs television and online platforms around the world that advance the Kremlins agenda. The US Department of Justice forced RT America to register as a foreign agent in 2017 after US intelligence officials concluded that the media outlet contributed to Russian efforts to meddle in the 2016 election.

The US believes RT propaganda and disinformation has been key to generating pro-Russia reactions to the Ukraine war globally, a senior administration official told CNN.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, RT was banned in the European Union, and in the US the channel is not publicly broadcast. But in Latin American and Sub-Saharan Africa RT broadcasts have been expanding.

RTs broadcasts have had a deleterious effect on the views of the rest of the world about a war [in Ukraine] that should be an open-and-shut case, James Rubin, the coordinator for the departments Global Engagement Center, told reporters after Blinkens remarks.

RTs embrace of covert activities is a response to the restrictions on the outlets presence in some Western countries, according to US officials. A separate scheme hatched by RT, US prosecutors said in July, involved running a network of over 1,000 social media accounts that posed as US residents to spread anti-Ukraine propaganda. The Kremlin financed the scheme and an officer of Russias FSB intelligence service helped run the operation, the Justice Department claimed.

It was not immediately clear on Friday whether the Russian intelligence unit embedded within RT described by State Department officials was still active. I cant answer that, Rubin said.

The US led effort to target Huawei  a Chinese telecoms equipment maker  which began during the Trump administration and continued under President Joe Biden is viewed as a model for how US officials are currently looking at targeting RT globally. The US was able to push many countries not to use the Chinese companys equipment after a global effort to making the case that the company was an instrument of the Chinese government.

This story has been updated with additional details.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The Biden administration is taking steps to eliminate protections for gray wolves

FILE - This remote camera image provided by the U.S. Forest Service shows a female gray wolf and two of the three pups born in 2017 in the wilds of Lassen National Forest in northern California on June 29, 2017. (U.S. Forest Service via AP, File)

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  The Biden administration on Friday asked an appeals court to revive a Trump-era rule that lifted remaining Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the U.S.

If successful, the move would put the predators under state oversight nationwide and open the door for hunting to resume in the Great Lakes region after it was halted two years ago under court order.

Environmentalists had successfully sued when protections for wolves were lifted in former President Donald Trumps final days in office.

Fridays filing with the 9th U.S. District Court of Appeals was President Joe Biden administrations first explicit step to revive that rule. Protections will remain in place pending the courts decision.

The court filing follows years of political acrimony as wolves have repopulated some areas of the western U.S., sometimes attacking livestock and eating deer, elk and other big game.

Environmental groups want that expansion to continue since wolves still occupy only a fraction of their historic range.

Attempts to lift or reduce protections for wolves date to the first term of former President George W. Bush more than two decades ago and have continued with each subsequent administration.

They once roamed most of North America but were widely decimated by the mid-1900s in government-sponsored trapping and poisoning campaigns. Gray wolves were granted federal protections in 1974.

Each time the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declares them recovered, the agency is challenged in court. Wolves in different parts of the U.S. lost and regained protections multiple times in recent years.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is focused on a concept of recovery that allows wolves to thrive on the landscape while respecting those who work and live in places that support them, agency spokesperson Vanessa Kauffman said.

The administration is on the same side in the case as livestock and hunting groups, the National Rifle Association and Republican-led Utah.

Its opposed by the Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, Humane Society of the United States and other groups.

While wolves are protected, they do very well, and when they lose protections, that recovery backslides, said Collette Adkins with the Center for Biological Diversity. We won for good reason at the district court.

She said she was saddened officials were trying to reinstate the Trump administration's rule.

Efforts to restore wolves to date have been limited to a handful of regions. Federal officials earlier this year agreed to develop a first-ever national recovery plan, by December 2025, under a settlement in a separate lawsuit.

Kauffman declined to say whether that national plan would still be pursued if the government prevails in the 9th Circuit case.

But attorneys suggested in Friday's court filing that the government is ready to move on from gray wolf recovery, now that the species is no longer in danger of extinction.

The ESA (Endangered Species Act) is clear: its goal is to prevent extinction, not to restore species to their pre-western settlement numbers and range," U.S. Department of Justice attorneys wrote.

The 2022 ruling that restored protections said wildlife officials had failed to show wolf populations could be sustained in the Midwest and portions of the West. Officials also didnt adequately consider threats to wolves outside those core areas, said U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White in California.

The Great Lakes region has more than 4,000 wolves. More than 2,000 wolves occupy states in the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest.

Congress circumvented the courts in 2011 and stripped federal safeguards in the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains. Thousands of wolves have since been killed in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

Lawmakers have continued to press for state control in the western Great Lakes region. When those states gained jurisdiction over wolves briefly under the Trump rule, trappers and hunters using hounds blew past harvest goals in Wisconsin and killed almost twice as many as planned.

Michigan and Minnesota have previously held hunts but not in recent years.

Wolves are present but no public hunting is allowed in states including Washington, Oregon, California and Colorado. Theyve never been protected in Alaska, where tens of thousands of the animals live.

The Biden administration last year rejected requests from conservation groups to restore protections for gray wolves across the northern Rockies. That decision, too, has been challenged.

State lawmakers in that region, which includes Yellowstone National Park and vast areas of wilderness, are intent on culling more wolf packs. But federal officials determined the predators were not in danger of being wiped out entirely under the states loosened hunting rules.

The U.S. also is home to small, struggling populations of red wolves in the mid-Atlantic region and Mexican wolves in the Southwest. Those populations are both protected as endangered.
President Biden on Wednesday called Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride (D) to congratulate her on her primary win for the states only House seat, a victory that all but guarantees McBride will be the first openly transgender person elected to Congress in November.

I called her, and I said, Sarah, I said, Beaus looking down from heaven, congratulating you,' Biden told the Washington Blade in an interview published Friday, referring to his late son Beau Biden, who served as Delawares attorney general for nearly a decade and with whom McBride maintained a friendship until his death from brain cancer in 2015.

It just filled my heart with so much love and joy to not only hear from the president, but through him, to think about what this moment would have meant for my friend Beau, who I think about every single day, McBride said during a Friday afternoon phone call.

When Im on the campaign trail, I often ask myself, What would Beau do, and the answer is always right, she said.

McBride, 33, first met President Biden, whom she called her political idol in her 2018 memoir, as a starstruck 11-year-old at a restaurant in Delaware. Remember me when you are president, a then-Sen. Biden (D-Del.) scribbled to McBride on a paper torn from his schedule book.

McBride isnt sure whether she still has the note, which once hung in her childhood bedroom, next to her Little League trophies  My mother is a chronic thrower-away of things, she said  but McBride still remembers how she felt that day, and what President Bidens Wednesday phone call would have meant to her younger self.

As I reflect on that moment, I think about all thats happened in our lives; I think about how I never would have guessed at that moment when I first met someone who I already was looking up to as a kid, how much our lives would intertwine, she said.

McBride later grew close with the Bidens as a teenager while working on Beau Bidens first bid for state attorney general in 2006 and his 2010 reelection campaign. When she came out publicly as transgender in 2012, as a student at American University in Washington, Beau Biden was among the first to call.

Im here with Hallie and we just want you to know that we love you, we stand with you, and you are still as much a part of the Biden family as ever. This doesnt change anything, he said, McBride recalled in her memoir, Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality. President Biden wrote the books forward, describing McBride as honest and heartfelt and a natural leader.

McBride interned at the White House under the Obama-Biden administration in 2012, becoming the first transgender woman to do so. In 2013, while on the board of directors for Equality Delaware, a state LGBTQ rights group, McBride worked with Beau Biden and then-Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D) to advocate for stronger nondiscrimination protections for transgender people in the state.

Later, McBride and President Biden would grow closer following the loss of McBrides husband, the LGBTQ rights advocate Andrew Cray, in 2014 and Beau Bidens death the following year.

Beau is definitely not only the foundation of our ongoing friendship, but really was the starting point of both the president and me getting to know one another in a deeper way, McBride said. The president has been a towering figure in Delaware for the entirety of my life  my very young life  but I think he got to know me more fully through the eyes of Beau, and I got to know him.

McBride won the Democratic primary for Delawares at-large congressional district Wednesday with more than 79 percent of the vote, according to Decision Desk HQ. She will face off against Republican John Whalen in November for the seat, which Democrats have controlled since 2010.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Biden to make first Africa visit with Angola trip in coming weeks, sources say

By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden is planning a trip to Angola in coming weeks, fulfilling an earlier promise that would make him the first U.S. head of state to visit sub-Saharan Africa since Barack Obama in 2015, three sources familiar with the plans said.

The trip, which is still being finalized, is likely to occur after the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September and before the Nov. 5 presidential election, one of the sources said.

The White House declined to comment on the trip plans.

Biden had hoped to visit Angola late last year but the trip was postponed after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October. Biden has pledged closer U.S. partnership with democracies on the African continent, as Beijing invests heavily in the region.

The Democratic president hosted Angolan President Joao Lourenco at the White House last November and raised the prospect of a visit during their Oval Office meeting. In May, he said he planned to make an official visit to Africa in February if he won the U.S. presidential election.

Biden would be the first U.S. president to visit the oil- and resource-rich African country, one of the sources said, following a first-ever visit by a U.S. defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, in September 2023.

Keen to counter China's massive investments in Africa, the U.S. has been supporting a project that links resource-rich Democratic Republic of Congo to Angola's Lobito port by rail to bypass road congestion on the copper and cobalt route.

Biden, who took office in 2021, has faced some criticism for not visiting the African continent earlier in his term after hosting a U.S.-African leaders summit in Washington in December 2022. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Vice President Kamala Harris visited Africa in 2023, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken this year.

Biden's trip would come weeks before a U.S. presidential election that remains razor-tight, with recent polls showing Democratic candidate Harris virtually tied with her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, whose derogatory reference to African nations as "shithole countries" continues to reverberate in African diplomatic circles.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Heather Timmons and Rosalba O'Brien)
President Joe Biden condemned a racist smear circulating online falsely accusing Haitian immigrants of eating dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio, telling Black guests at the White House on Friday that the rhetoric had no place in America.

Alluding to his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, whose campaign first promoted the rumors on Monday before he amplified them during the presidential debate on Tuesday, Biden said the attacks have to stop.

Biden was addressing a gathering on the South Lawn of the White House in celebration of Black community achievements. He noted that his press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, is a proud Haitian American.

I want to take a moment to say something so many Americans like Karine, as she pointed out, a proud Haitian-American, a community thats under attack in our country right now. Its simply wrong. Theres no place in America. This has to stop, what hes doing. It has to stop.

Biden also said that he had made a commitment my administration would look like America, and it does.

READ MORE: Someone was accused of eating a cat in Ohio. Its not a Haitian immigrant as Trump claimed

Trump, his vice president running mate JD Vance and their supporters have spent the week spreading debunked claims about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating their neighbors pets and wildlife in Springfield. The midwestern town, which had a dwindling population of only about 60,000 residents just a few years ago, has seen an influx of immigrants from Haiti after the Biden administration granted them legal immigration protections due to the violence in their homeland, and also launched a two year-humanitarian parole program for nationals of Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela last year.

There have been no cases of Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio, the city manager has said.

Earlier this week, the Miami-Dade branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People demanded an apology from the Trump campaign. The attacks are reprehensible, NAACP President Daniella Pierre said in a statement.

Haitis independence has contributed significantly to Americas identity and history, and so the community is shocked and outraged by that baseless claim, she said. We condemn this disgusting behavior, and we demand the Trump/Vance campaign publicly apologize not only to the Haitian immigrants against whom this claim was made, but to the broader Haitian-American community who is being negatively impacted by this kind of dangerous propaganda.
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump holds a press conference at Trump National Golf Club, near Los Angeles

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump holds a press conference at Trump National Golf Club, near Los Angeles

By Alexandra Ulmer, Nandita Bose and Gram Slattery

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, California (Reuters) -Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pledged on Friday to conduct mass deportations of Haitian immigrants from the Ohio city of Springfield, even though the majority of them are in the United States legally.

The city for days has found itself at the center of a social media maelstrom after right-wing agitators latched onto false claims that Haitian arrivals were eating household pets.

"We will do large deportations in Springfield, Ohio," Trump said at a press conference at his golf resort near Los Angeles.

The majority of the 15,000 Haitians in Springfield are there legally. Trump's longstanding pledge to conduct mass deportations usually refers to those in the country illegally.

Trump did not repeat the assertion he made during Tuesday's presidential debate with Democrat Kamala Harris that immigrants were eating dogs and cats, remarks that have been widely mocked.

Two elementary schools were evacuated and one middle school in Springfield was closed on Friday after anonymous bomb threats were made against the community for the second day in a row, according to ABC News.

At the White House, President Joe Biden urged the attacks on the Haitian community to cease.

"It's simply wrong. There's no place in America. This has to stop - what he's doing. It has to stop," Biden said.

The Biden administration extended Temporary Protected Status to hundreds of thousands of Haitians in the United States in June, a decades-old program that protects legal immigrants from deportation and gives them work permits. Gang wars in Haiti have displaced over half a million people and nearly five million are facing severe food insecurity.

Trump has cited the tensions in Springfield as another example of the need for hardline immigration polices. The influx of Haitians has boosted the economy but also has strained social services.

"I'm angry about illegal Haitian migrants taking over Springfield, Ohio. You see that mess, don't you?" Trump said at a rally in Las Vegas, later on Friday.

"I'm angry about young American girls being raped and murdered by savage criminal aliens that come into our country very easily, but very illegally," he added later in his speech.

Haitian community leaders across the United States said the Republican candidate's remarks could put lives at risk and further inflame tensions in Springfield.

"We need help, not hate," Springfield's mayor Rob Rue told ABC News.

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.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose and Doina Chiacu; Writing by James Oliphant; Editing by Katharine Jackson, Colleen Jenkins and Deepa Babington)
President Joe Biden is signaling new openness in allowing Ukraine to fire missiles provided by the West on targets deep inside Russia, and plans to discuss the matter with his new British counterpart at the White House on Friday.

Ahead of the meeting, US officials said they did not expect Biden would immediately sign-off on allowing US-provided Army Tactical Missile Systems  known as ATACMS  to be launched on targets inside Russia far from the Ukrainian border.

But like the US, the United Kingdom has sent its own long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Kyiv. Their use, along with use of similar weapons from France, is currently limited to within Ukraine, and any change will require US sign-off  a matter for discussion at Fridays talks.

The president has long resisted calls from Ukrainian officials to ease restrictions on the weapons. But as the war grinds on, and as the US watches with growing concern as Iran supplies Russia with ballistic missiles, intensive discussions have been underway at the White House about a potential change.

Were working that out right now, Biden said when questioned this week whether he would permit Western-provided long-range missiles to target military sites like airfields, missile launchers, fuel tanks and ammunition depots inside Russia. The New York Times, citing European officials, reported that Biden appears to be on the verge of clearing the way for Ukraine to use long-range missiles as long as it doesnt use arms provided by the US.

Within the Biden administration, the debate has pitted some officials who support loosening the restrictions against others who appear more skeptical, wary both for the risk of escalation and the usefulness of such a move.

Some assessments show Russia has already moved its assets  particularly launch points for glide bombs, currently the biggest threat to Ukrainian troops in the Kursk border region  out of range of the long-range missiles.

On the eve of Bidens meeting with the prime minister, US officials continued to insist that no change in policy was expected to be announced this week on Ukraines use of ATACMS. In light of growing public pressure to allow American-provided long-range missiles to be launched deeper into Russia, senior administration officials have stressed that the US does not believe that such a change would help change the overall course of the war.

And while US officials have had ongoing discussions about the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine with both their Ukrainian and UK counterparts, American officials said the topic was not poised to take up the majority of Fridays Biden-Starmer meeting  despite high interest in the topic in recent days.

The two leaders were eager to discuss a wealth of issues as Starmer was beginning to get settled into the job, one US official said.

The National Security Council on Thursday declined to comment on whether Biden was preparing to give a thumbs-up to the use of the UKs Storm Shadow missiles far inside Russian territory.

For Starmer, who was elected as part of his Labour Partys landslide general election victory in early July, the meeting is an opportunity to further develop an important global relationship. He and Biden also met on the margins of a NATO summit in Washington over the summer.

That meeting took place one week after Starmers election as prime minister and two weeks before Biden would exit the race for re-election. Starmer, people familiar with the matter said, requested another face-to-face with Biden before he left office in a bid to forge ties between the two nations, with questions looming about what the special relationship could look like after Novembers US election.

No announcements are expected to come out of the talks, people familiar with the matter said, and officials have said policy changes on the US weapons are not imminent.

Still, that the conversation over long-range weapons is happening at all is an indication of how stalled battlefield dynamics are causing western leaders to rethink their approach.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters Thursday that allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike Russia is a matter of deciding whether NATO countries are going to become directly involved in the military conflict.

If Western nations decide to allow Ukraine to use their long-range weapons, Putin said: This will mean that NATO countries  the United States and European countries  are at war with Russia.

The top American and British diplomats traveled to Kyiv this week and heard renewed pleas from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to allow his military to fire long-range weapons on Russian military sites.

American officials argue they constantly reevaluate their approach based on battlefield conditions. Although the US has shifted its policy to allow limited cross-border strikes into Russia using US-provided weapons, the administration has yet to allow longer-range strikes.

Asked about the concerns of escalation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that they are one factor, but certainly not the only factor, and its not necessarily a dispositive factor.

From day one, as you heard me say, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed, and I have no doubt that well continue to do that as this evolves, Blinken said at a news conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

The revelation that Iran has been providing Russia with ballistic missiles has changed the debate over Ukraines capabilities, Lammy said.

Other top American officials have sounded more skeptical. Last week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pushed back on the notion that lifting the restrictions and hitting deeper into Russia is a silver bullet, saying that theres no one capability that will, in and of itself, be decisive in this campaign.

There are a lot of targets in Russia  a big country, obviously, Austin said at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany on Friday. And theres a lot of capability that Ukraine has in terms of (unmanned aerial vehicles) and other things to address those targets.

A US official said the administration views Ukraines long-range attacks on Crimea, and Russias naval fleet there, as a much more effective use of the ATACMS, and a strategy that has been yielding significant success in recent months.

The Defense Department has a limited stockpile of the long-range systems, the official said, so the US has been trying to persuade Ukraine to use them to the maximum effect possible rather than on disparate targets in Russia that the US considers to have little strategic value.

A separate US official said they expect Russia to continue to move assets out of reach of the long-range systems and noted that several hundred ATACMS have been transferred to Ukraine and Ukraine has used most of them.

Despite those reservations, a growing chorus of voices in Washington is calling for the restrictions to be lifted. Senior Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, including its chairman Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, have said the restrictions should be eased in order to provide Ukraine a better chance of success.

In light of Putins increasingly horrific attacks on civilian targets, its time to lift restrictions on the use of long-range US-provided weapons to allow Ukraine to reach high value Russian military targets, Shaheen said.

Earlier in the week, the bipartisan congressional Ukraine caucus called on Biden to allow Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with the long-range weapons.

Unless these restrictions are lifted, Ukraine will continue to struggle to achieve victory in its fight to defend its sovereignty and its people. The Ukrainian people will continue to suffer unnecessary death, loss, and hardship as Russia capitalizes on this policy and escalates its bombardments across Ukraine, the bipartisan lawmakers wrote.

A group of key House Republican also urged Biden to ease the restrictions in a letter on Monday. And in a separate open letter, 17 former national security officials, including former US ambassadors to Ukraine and top military commanders, called on Blinken and Lammy to act with alacrity.

A change in policy cannot come soon enough, they wrote.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made his first visit to the White House in July (Stefan Rousseau) (Stefan Rousseau/POOL/AFP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Joe Biden will discuss Friday whether to let Kyiv use long-range missiles against Russia, in what is likely their last meeting before an election that could upend US policy on Ukraine.

Kyiv is pushing Washington and London to lift a restriction on firing arms made by those countries, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning that giving Ukraine the green light would mean NATO was "at war" with Moscow.

British media reported that Biden, who is wary of provoking a nuclear conflict, was ready to let Ukraine deploy British and French missiles using US technology but not US-made missiles themselves.

The talks come at a time when Biden is on his way out of office and November's US election is a toss-up between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.

Trump repeatedly refused to take sides on the war during a debate with Harris on Tuesday, saying only: "I want the war to stop."

Starmer is set to meet Biden in the Oval Office at 4:30 pm (2030 GMT) but has no scheduled meetings at this stage with Trump or Harris, both of whom will be on the campaign trail on Friday.

"These are strategic meetings to discuss Ukraine and to discuss the Middle East, and so it'll be at that level of strategic discussion that we'll be involved in tomorrow with the president," Starmer said Thursday.

His visit -- his second to Washington since his Labour party stormed to victory in July after 14 years -- is also aimed at papering over differences on the war in Gaza.

Starmer's government last week announced restrictions on some weapons to Israel, voicing concern that they could be used to violate international humanitarian law.

The White House has declined to criticize Britain's decision, but Politico reported that Washington had asked London what it would take to change its decision -- with the answer being a ceasefire in Gaza.

- 'War with Russia' -

But Ukraine will be the main focus, amid mounting concerns over Ukraine's losses on the battlefield more than two-and-a-half years into the war.

Biden said on Tuesday that he was "working" on Ukraine's demands, while top US and British diplomats Antony Blinken and David Lammy made a rare joint visit to Kyiv on Wednesday.

Blinken promised that Washington would now quickly review Kyiv's long-standing request and would "adjust, we'll adapt as necessary" to help Ukraine defend itself.

Washington currently authorizes Ukraine to only hit Russian targets in the occupied parts of Ukraine and some in Russian border regions directly related to Moscow's combat operations.

But Putin, who has rattled the saber of nuclear conflict since the start of his February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, warned the United States and United Kingdom against such a move.

"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," he said on Thursday.

Biden has strongly supported Ukraine since Russia's invasion to the tune of billions of dollars in aid as well as political capital at home.

But he has been risk averse about stepping up to new kinds of weaponry deliveries -- with Ukraine having to wait until this year to get F-16 jets.

The looming US election means the clock is ticking, with Kyiv in particular eyeing a Trump presidency with trepidation.

Trump has long been lukewarm on supporting Kyiv, and has frequently praised Putin.

In his debate with Harris on Tuesday, he pledged to get an agreement to end the war "before I even become president" -- a deal many Ukrainians fear would force them to accept Russia's territorial gains.

Vice President Harris has in contrast pledged to keep up staunch support for Ukraine if elected.

dk/aha
By Joe Brock and David Shepardson

SEATTLE (Reuters) -Boeing and union negotiators will return to the bargaining table early next week, U.S. federal mediators said on Friday, as the two sides try to end a strike threatening the airplane maker's turnaround.

The U.S. Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service late on Friday said it was convening the parties with a federal mediator after speaking to both sides, less than a day after union members voted by a huge majority to reject Boeing's contract offer and went on strike.

"The parties will resume meetings early next week," it said in a statement.

More than 30,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) who produce Boeing's top-selling 737 MAX and other jets in the Seattle and Portland areas voted on their first full contract in 16 years, with 94.6% rejecting Boeing's offer and 96% favoring a strike. Workers vowed to fight for a better pay offer than the company had made.

Shortly after midnight on the West Coast, striking workers started to gather outside Boeing factories in the Seattle area.

Chief Financial Officer Brian West said Boeing wants to get back to the negotiating table, saying the walkout will make it harder for the plane maker to meet the production target for the 737 MAX jet and stabilize its supply chain. The union was also eager to return to the table as quickly as possible.

"This is about fighting for our future," said Jon Holden, who headed negotiations for Boeing's largest union before announcing the strike vote result on Thursday.

Boeing declined to comment on the mediator's comments and the union was not immediately available for comment.

Workers have been protesting all week in Boeing factories in the Seattle area that assemble Boeing's MAX, 777 and 767 jets. On Friday evening, members in the union hall cheered and chanted "Strike! Strike! Strike!"

Boeing's stock fell 3.7% on Friday. It has tumbled almost 40% so far this year, slashing the company's market value by roughly $58 billion. Boeing's corporate bonds also lost value, with spreads between their yields and comparable U.S. Treasuries widening sharply.

A long strike could further damage Boeing's finances, already groaning due to a $60 billion debt pile. The planemaker needs to generate sufficient cash flow to meet payments on the debt. A strike also would weigh on airlines that fly Boeing jets and suppliers that manufacture parts.

Moody's put the planemaker's rating on review, while Fitch said a prolonged strike could increase the risk of a downgrade. On Thursday, S&P Global Ratings said an extended strike could hurt Boeing's overall rating, which is one notch above junk status. A downgrade could increase Boeing's cost to issue debt.

Story continues

Boeing said it had offered workers everything it could and now must reach a deal to end the strike while planning for investments needed to replace its best-selling single-aisle models. CFO West said the company would be laser-like focused on action to conserve cash, adding the strike will jeopardize our recovery.

New CEO Kelly Ortberg was brought in just weeks ago to restore faith in the planemaker after a door panel blew off a 737 MAX jet mid-air last January. He offered a contract including a pay rise of 25% over four years, far lower than the 40% workers had demanded. Union leaders recommended approval of the contract, but angry members voted overwhelmingly to strike and fight for the original 40% wage increase demand and an annual bonus.

Unionized workers from a range of sectors and companies including big automakers, delivery service UPS and more have won double-digit wage increases recently, capitalizing on a tight labor market and demanding paychecks to fight inflation.

BOEING'S CHALLENGES

The proposed deal included a $3,000 signing bonus and a pledge to build Boeing's next commercial jet in the Seattle area, provided the program was launched within the contract term.

Equity research firm Melius Research showed median employee compensation for the aerospace and defense firms companies it monitors grew 12% between 2018 and 2023. It fell 6% for Boeing and 19% for Spirit Aerosystems, the maker of aerostructures that Boeing has agreed to acquire.

'AS LONG AS IT TAKES'

On Friday morning, crowds of striking workers began to descend on six different entrances at the Boeing facility, horns honking and raised fists out windows. Smiles of appreciation ensued when donuts arrived.

Im willing to strike for two months or even longer. Lets go as long as it takes to get what we deserve, said James Mann, a 26-year-old who works in a wings division.

President Joe Biden's administration was in touch with both sides, urging them "to negotiate in good faith toward an agreement that gives employees the benefits they deserve and makes the company stronger," White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson said.

One Boeing supplier said companies can mitigate losses from the strike using a Washington state program to provide some compensation for workers who have their hours cut. JPMorgan said Boeing could adjust the pace at which it takes material. "At a minimum, a prolonged strike could affect supplier growth expectations," said analyst Seth M. Seifman.

Boeing workers' last strike in 2008 shuttered plants for nearly two months and hit revenue by an estimated $100 million per day. According to TD Cowen, a 50-day strike could cost Boeing $3 billion to $3.5 billion of cash flow.

The planemaker has more than 4,700 orders for the 737 MAX jet, with Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Lion Air being the top three customers in queue for deliveries, according to aviation data provider Cirium.

United Airlines CFO Michael Leskinen said Boeing was "doing much better", with delivery rates stabilized. "There is the risk of the strike. I'm not going to opine on that. That would certainly be a speed bump."

Southwest, Cathay Pacific and flydubai said they were in touch with Boeing.

(Reporting by Joe Brock in Seattle, David Shepardson in Washington and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Additional reporting by Jamie Freed in Sydney, Lisa Barrington in Seoul, Medha Singh, Abhijith Ganapavaram and Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru, Gabriella Borter in Washington, Matt M. McKnight, in Seattle; Writing by Jamie Freed, Peter Henderson, Sayantani Ghosh and Carolina Mandl; Editing by Gerry Doyle, Elaine Hardcastle, Nick Zieminski, David Gregorio and Leslie Adler)
US President Joe Biden (L) and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) participate in a bilateral meeting in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on September 13, 2024 (SAUL LOEB) (SAUL LOEB/AFP/AFP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden on Friday delayed a decision to let Ukraine fire long-range Western-supplied missiles into Russia, a plan that sparked dire threats from Moscow of a war with NATO.

Starmer told reporters at the White House that he had a "wide-ranging discussion about strategy" with Biden but that it "wasn't a meeting about a particular capability."

Before the meeting officials had said Starmer would press Biden to back his plan to send British Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine to hit deeper inside Russia as allies become increasingly concerned about the battlefield situation.

But the Labour leader indicated that he and Biden would now discuss the plan at the UN General Assembly in New York the week after next "with a wider group of individuals."

As they met with their teams across a long table in the White House, backed by US and British flags, Biden played down a warning by Russian President Vladimir Putin that allowing Ukraine to fire the weapons would mean the West was "at war" with Russia.

"I don't think much about Vladimir Putin," Biden told reporters when asked about the comments.

- 'Will not prevail' -

But while Biden said it was "clear that Putin will not prevail in this war," he is understood to be reluctant to grant Ukraine's insistent demand to be able to use long-range US-made ATACMS missiles against Russian territory.

US officials believe the missiles would make a limited difference to Ukraine's campaign and also want to ensure that Washington's own stocks of the munitions are not depleted.

The two leaders said they also discussed the war in Gaza, with Britain having recently suspended arms deliveries to Israel over concerns that they could be used to violate international humanitarian law.

The US, Israel's main military and diplomatic backer, has held off such a step.

Biden and Starmer agreed on their "ironclad commitment" to Israel -- but stressed the "urgent need" for a ceasefire deal and a "need for Israel to do more to protect civilians" in Gaza, the White House said in a readout.

The White House had earlier played down the chances of a Ukraine decision coming from Friday's visit by Starmer, the Labour leader's second to the White House since he took office in July.

"I wouldn't expect any major announcement in that regard coming out of the discussions, certainly not from our side," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

- 'Afraid' -

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky however pushed Kyiv's Western allies to do more.

Speaking in Kyiv, Zelensky accusing the West of being "afraid" to even help Ukraine shoot down incoming missiles as it has done with Israel.

Zelensky added that he will meet Biden "this month" to present his "victory plan" on how to end two and a half years of war with Russia.

Russia has reacted angrily to the prospect of the West supplying long-range weapons to the country it invaded in February 2022.

In another sign of increasing tensions, Russia revoked the credentials of six British diplomats whom it accused of spying in what London termed "baseless" allegations.

Russia's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia warned separately that letting Ukraine use long-range weapons would plunge NATO into "direct war with... a nuclear power."

Ukraine and the United States's allies are all meanwhile anxiously waiting for the result of a tense US presidential election in November that could upend Washington's Ukraine policy.

Biden is on his way out of office while the election is a toss-up between his Democratic political heir Kamala Harris and Republican former president Donald Trump.

Trump has repeatedly praised Putin, and refused to take sides on the war during a debate with Harris on Tuesday, saying only: "I want the war to stop."

Starmer denied he was worried about a Trump presidency, and said the need to help Ukraine in coming weeks and months was urgent "whatever timetables are going on in other countries."

dk/acb
President Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer came together for talks in the White House on Friday night under growing pressure from both Ukraine and Russia over the potential use of long-range missiles in the war.

The leaders met under the shadow of nuclear threats from Vladimir Putin and desperate demands from Volodymyr Zelensky, who wants to be allowed to use Storm Shadow weapons at targets in Russia.

No final decision was made during the talks on the use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine, according to Politico. After the meeting Sir Keir said the issue will be taken up again at the UN General Assembly at the end of this month. Well obviously pick up again in UNGA in just a few days time with a wider group of individuals, he said.

But their talks were overshadowed by:

Putin expelling six UK diplomats from Moscow, accusing them of spying.

The Russian president also threatening that permission to use the missiles would mean Russia would be at war with Nato, while reminding Starmer and Biden that Russia is a nuclear power.

Zelensky warning that delay is costing lives of Ukrainian citizens.

Russia remained silent on international condemnation for targeting a Ukrainian cargo ship carrying wheat in the Black Sea.

Experts warned against Starmer and Biden backing down to Russian aggression

Speaking to journalists in the Blue Room in the White House during a break in their meeting a bad tempered Biden scolded Sky News for asking a question but in response to concerns about Putins nuclear threat, he said: I dont think much about Vladimir Putin.

(EPA)

The meeting had originally been set for two hours and reduced to 90 minutes before Starmers arrival and then curtailed further as the two leaders avoided making a final decision on the crucial issue of the Storm Shadow missiles.

However, even as Mr Biden and Sir Keir prepared to meet, President Zelensky increased the pressure with a direct plea via X to the two leaders.

Mr Zelensky also praised the past actions of Boris Johnson, who he met on Friday at a summit in Kyiv.

Mr Zelensky said: We are now in the third year of a full-scale war. After so much death, destruction, and countless Russian war crimes, Putin can still afford to destroy life in Ukraine as he pleases, buy and produce missiles, bombs and artillery, and issue ultimatums to the world. He expects the world to fall for his madness.

Starmer and Lammy hold meetings in Washington DC (Getty Images)

We need air defence systems like Patriots, which are sufficient in the world and which we have long expected from our partners. Yet, when we ask for these systems, we repeatedly hear, We are working on it. Time passes, but Russian missiles and Iranian drones continue to terrorize our skies and our people.

Adding to the pressure on Sir Keir and Mr Biden, Mr Johnson said: It is vital that Ukraine should be able to defend itself properly by stopping the appalling Russian attacks with glide bombs and now Iranian missiles. It is obvious that they should be able to use Storm Shadow, Scalp and ATACMS as fast as possible against targets in Russia itself.

Mr Zelensky also held talks on Friday with foreign secretary David Lammy and US secretary of state Antony Blinken in Kyiv.

But even as the prime minister and his team crossed the Atlantic, Mr Putin threatened war with Nato if it agreed to the use of storm shadow missiles on targets in Russia.

Putin expelled six British diplomats on Friday (Reuters)

This was followed by the dramatic expulsion of six British diplomats from Moscow.

The Storm Shadow missiles have a range of at least 250km (155 miles) and Britain and France have given stocks to Ukraine but not yet given permission for them to be used on targets in Russia. Permission also needs US logistical support but Mr Zelensky sees it as essential for stopping the long range attacks by Mr Putins forces.

Before landing in Washington, Sir Keir had struck a defiant note over Mr Putins threats of war.

He told journalists: It was Russia who started this in the first place. They caused the conflict, theyre the ones who are acting unlawfully. And Ukraine obviously has the right to self-defence.

What I want to do is make sure that those discussions, tactical discussions, are set in the proper strategic context of the situation in Ukraine. And there are, equally, tactical issues in relation to the Middle East, which need to be set in a context which is strategic, not just tactical.

Zelensky is desperate for more advanced weaponry (PA)

On the diplomatic expulsions, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless. The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state directed activity across Europe and the UK. We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.

Meanwhile, former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West warned against the UK and US backing down to Russian aggression after all this hype.

Because the message it would give to Putin is: ah they do have to obey my red lines  and thats a bad message, he said.

Were talking here about risks that are immense, just immense risks, and people have got to think very carefully, sensibly and in a calm way about these and need to think about all reactions if certain things happen. And Im not sure always thats the case. Being gung-ho about major wars between say Russia and Nato  that is not clever.

John Foreman, who served as UK defence attache in Moscow from 2019 to 2022: added: We dont have great insight to Putins decision making ... nor reliably predict how he will actually react.

This plus Russias skewed threat perceptions and the lack of diplomatic channels has raised US concerns about risk of unintended escalation. These cant be dismissed out of hand or wished away.

Putin critic Sir Bill Browder, head of the Global Magnitsky Justice campaign, dismissed Mr Putins threats: Good luck to him if he wants to go to war with Nato. He would lose that war in a matter of days.

In my opinion all of his red line talk is complete nonsense. He doesnt have the capacity to win against an ill-equipped, poor neighbour  he certainly doesnt have capacity to win a war with Nato. So this is all bluster, as far as I can see.

Oleksandr Vasiuk, MP for the partly Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia, warned that Moscow is now actively moving its military assets  frequently used to strike Ukraine  deeper into Russian territory to evade Kyivs forces.

Any delay or prohibition on the use of long-range Western missiles only complicates the situation for Ukrainian forces, said Mr Vasiuk.

An adviser to the Ukrainian presidential administration, who asked not to be named, told The Independent that Kyiv had long been using Ukrainian-manufactured weapons to strike military bases and oil refineries deep inside Russia, while using Western weapons to hit Ukrainian regions Mr Putin now claims are part of Russia.

So, according to their logic, we and the West have already crossed that red line despite all their previous threats to retaliate against the West. They didnt then and they will not now, said the aide, adding that he doubted even a demented Putin would seriously countenance a war with Nato.
The News

Lina Khan is open to staying on as Federal Trade Commission chair next year, if the next president asks. She still may have to fight to keep the job.

Confirming Khan a second time would be a tougher lift, GOP Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri told Semafor. He supported her in 2021, but Hawley now sees Khans record as mixed since she became the Biden administrations chief trustbuster.

She has also made some enemies on Wall Street with her muscular antitrust approach, and several wealthy donors are already encouraging Kamala Harris to replace her should Harris win the White House. On paper, at least, she also counts some Republican backers of her readiness to challenge Big Tech  including Donald Trumps running mate, JD Vance.

Hawleys comments are a sign, however, that Khan would have a hard time nearing the 20-vote Senate GOP cushion she got three years ago if she were renominated by a Harris administration.

Khans future will be a critical question for the next administration; her term expires on Sept. 25, after which she can stay on indefinitely until shes replaced. The FTCs leadership has major implications for companies looking to merge with rivals, along big firms accused of anti-competitive behavior, like Amazon.

The prospect of a steeper confirmation climb for Khan next year means political inertia may be her best bet to hang on  particularly since Republicans are slightly favored right now to take back the Senate. And if Trump takes the White House, Republicans would likely want to put their own imprimatur on the critical panel, which currently has a Democratic majority.

She already has one influential progressive nudging Harris campaign to tune out business interests that disapprove of her high regulatory appetite.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said hes told Harris advisers that Khan should keep her job.

Lina Khan has been one of the outstanding appointees of the Biden administration, Sanders told Semafor. I think were looking at massive concentration of ownership in this country in sector after sector, and we need somebody whos going to break up monopolies. Its, to my mind, very important that she stays onboard.

The Harris campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Chair Khan has spent her time at the FTC fighting to lower the cost of groceries and life saving medicines, free American workers trapped by noncompetes, end junk fees and corporate abuse, and make it easier for entrepreneurs to succeed, FTC spokesperson Douglas Farrar said in a statement to Semafor. There is a lot of work yet to do to bring the benefits of fair competition to American consumers and entrepreneurs.

Know More

The 35-year-old has vaulted FTC from obscurity to prominence in the Biden administration, in part by suing Amazon last year over the retailers tactics to safeguard its dominance over competitors in e-commerce. That case is still playing out in federal court, along with an effort to ban noncompete agreements which prevent workers from seeking jobs at rival companies.

Her record so far is studded with wins and losses. Some early victories include companies abandoning planned acquisitions after the FTC filed antitrust lawsuits, such as Lockheed scrapping its Aerojet Rocketdyne agreement in early 2022.

Shes unmistakably undertaken a bold agenda, William Kovacic, an ex-FTC chair, told Semafor. The ultimate success of that agenda remains to be seen, because theres so many matters that are still in litigation or about to be in litigation.

Progressives are fully bought in, helping elevate Khans profile as an antagonist of Big Tech. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is hosting a Friday night roundtable with Khan about efforts to fight back against corporate power in our communities.

Lina is doing the peoples business, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., told Semafor. She needs to be in a position to continue to do it.

Harriss views on antitrust arent yet clear, but the Democratic nominee is interested in expanding the FTCs turf. She has proposed handing new powers to the FTC to enforce a first-ever federal ban on grocery price gouging; while economists panned the idea, it illustrated Harris interest in channeling public discontent with rising prices through a crackdown on business consolidation.

If Trump wins in November, its not inconceivable that Khan would stick around given Vances affinity for her. Yet even the populist-leaning vice presidential nominee offered an olive branch to Wall Street when asked about Khan this week.

I share her view that we should be concerned about big tech companies and some of the mergers that lead to the censorship of American citizens, Vance told CNBC. I do think that not all mergers and acquisitions are bad, and sometimes in the technology space, in the private equity space, you need to let some companies buy other companies.

Josephs view

Harris platform is light on specifics so far, and antitrust enforcement is no exception. Her campaign is defined less by a distinct ideology than it is by the urgency of building a political coalition that can defeat Trump. Its akin to someone pitching a contract to voters thats still being written in real time.

So its hard to predict how Harris might react to the risk of a progressive backlash if she wins in November and seeks to replace Khan. One thing Khan cant count on is reliable Senate Republican support, though: I approached six GOP senators who voted for her back in 2021; two of those Republicans offered criticisms of Khan, while the rest politely brushed me off.

One didnt remember backing her.

If Trump wins, Khans prospects could grow even more dire despite Vances praise for her  largely because her work is so closely associated with the Biden administration. But she also faces what even her biggest supporters acknowledge is a struggle: how to raise FTCs political profile by connecting antitrust enforcement to peoples daily lives.

The challenge for Lina is that youre doing the stuff that is very broadly popular, Faiz Shakir, a Sanders adviser and founder of the progressive nonprofit More Perfect Union, told Semafor. The challenge is, not a lot of people know theyre happening.

The View From Wall Street

Its not just donors like LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and IAC chairman Barry Diller pushing back against Khan. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a professor at the Yale School of Management, said he has also pushed Harris advisers to not renominate her for a second term.

Sonnenfeld slammed her antitrust strategy as hostile to American capitalism.

I dont know any segment of the American business leadership, large or small, old or young, across technology platforms that would speak in her defense, he told Semafor.
Big Boy locomotive chugging in Arkansas this weekend: Heres when and where to see it

Big Boy locomotive chugging in Arkansas this weekend: Heres when and where to see it

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Visitors will have a chance to see the largest operating steam locomotive in the world in Arkansas this weekend.

The Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive will cross Arkansas this weekend as part of its cross-country tour. The 1.1 million pound last-of-its-kind is making whistle stops across the state, beginning in Pigott on Friday afternoon.

Big Boy, the 1.1 million pound train, passing through Arkansas

Saturday stops will be in Hickory Ridge, Brinkley and Pine Bluff, ending the day in North Little Rock.

On Sunday the massive locomotive will be on display in North Little Rock from 5 until 7 p.m. and on Monday morning it will leave North Little Rock on the way to Texas, with a midday stop in Kingsland on Monday and ultimately into Big Sandy, Texas, on Tuesday afternoon.

Big Boys tour began with its departure from North Plate, Nebraska, on Sept. 1 and will end in Wyoming in October.

Big Boy locomotive chugs through Arkansas in September, heres when you can see it

Its railroad history shows Big Boy No. 4014 was one of 25 locomotives commissioned in 1941 for hauling big freight loads across mountain ranges. Eight of the marques survive, with the Union Pacific-owned 4104 being the only one still in operation.

Union Pacific officials state 4014 is slightly longer than two school buses end-to-end and the heaviest steam locomotive ever built. Its 4-8-8-4 configuration of a four-wheel leading truck, twin sets of eight driving wheels, and a four-wheel trailing truck to support the firebox make it one of the largest-ever steam locomotives.

Central Arkansas Library System announces schedule for 2024 Six Bridges Book Festival

No. 4014 was converted from coal-fired to fuel oil during its restoration by Union Pacific between 2014 and 2019.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
The CEO of a leading U.S. steelmaker said he is considering ditching production of low-carbon green steel and forgoing a $500 million Biden administration grant  a move that would offer the latest big setback for the presidents attempt at a climate-friendly remake of American manufacturing.

In an interview with POLITICO, Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves said the Ohio-based company produces the steel with the lowest carbon emissions in the world. But he said his company cannot persuade buyers, mostly in the automobile sector, to pay the price to cover the costs of producing more environmentally friendly steel.

There are only two ways to fix that: One is they change their minds and pay. So far, not very successful. The other way is for me to go back to what I was before and emit more, Goncalves told POLITICO on Thursday. That's a decision that I'm going to have to make very soon.

Goncalves words come amid a broader set of headwinds for private investments in low-carbon and clean-energy projects, which have seen several initiatives delayed or scrapped entirely despite the massive federal subsidies available through President Joe Bidens climate and infrastructure laws. The Cleveland-Cliffs project is especially significant because it addresses climate pollution from industrial manufacturing  one of the next frontiers in lessening U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Industrial sources produce 30 percent of U.S. greenhouse gases, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, but the federal government does not regulate them directly, unlike the way it has spent years trying to impose limits on carbon pollution from the power and transportation sectors. Instead, the Biden administration has tried to coax industrial companies into greener production methods through subsidies in the climate and infrastructure laws. And its devoted considerable financial and political support toward greening the steel industry.

The Energy Department has announced it awarded Cleveland-Cliffs two grants through those laws to reduce emissions from facilities in the Midwest: $500 million to use hydrogen instead of coal to make steel in Middletown, Ohio, and $75 million to replace two natural gas-fired furnaces in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Cleveland-Cliffs has already received an installment of the $75 million grant, but it is still negotiating the $500 million Middletown grant with DOE. Even with that grant, Goncalves said his company would still need to put up $1.1 billion to convert its Middletown furnace to using hydrogen as the fuel instead of coal. He said he worried that the market is not yet willing to pay the true cost of green steel.

Im still trying to figure out if it even makes sense with the grants because the grant is $500 million, the entire project is $1.6 billion. I still have to pony up $1.1 billion, he said. I'm not going to do it if the government and the general public are not really supportive of that.

A DOE spokesperson said in a statement that Cleveland-Cliffs continues to be a good partner to the DOE and has made significant progress since selection on projects that will enable American companies and workers to be competitive for decades to come.

As a raw material, steel is not marketed directly to consumers, and instead goes to companies producing goods such as cars. The DOE grants can help pay for costly capital projects in industries where companies face thin margins and little incentive to differentiate themselves with environmentally friendly products.

Goncalves said the capital expenses to upgrade Cleveland-Cliffs facilities, such as switching large, polluting blast furnaces that rely on coal to reach extremely high temperatures to run on hydrogen, are costly. He said finding buyers willing to pay that so-called green premium has been challenging, so Cleveland-Cliffs has sold that steel at a discount.

Let's realize it's not going well, Goncalves said. Like I keep telling government officials at the White House, I'm doing everything I can because we are at the bottom of the industrial structure.

There is nobody here trying to save the world, including me, Goncalves added.

Cleveland-Cliffs did not specify how much that green premium would cost customers, but analysts at BloombergNEF have estimated low-carbon steel costs 40 percent more than standard steel.

Biden administration officials have lauded Cleveland-Cliffs during several visits over the years to tout its ties to union labor and efforts to reduce carbon emissions in steelmaking. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm toured its Butler site in April with Goncalves and leaders from the United Auto Workers, United Steelworkers and International Association of Machinists unions.

But Goncalves said he is worried about losing market share to producers based in China and India, where environmental rules are lax and production is cheap. He said automakers and other buyers so far have shown they would rather purchase less expensive, higher-polluting steel than pay more to honor climate and sustainability commitments.

Their conviction is just [that] they want their stock price to be the same stock price as Tesla, Goncalves said. That's what they are looking for, nothing else.

Goncalves noted that automakers are buying green steel, though not at cost. Several automakers, however, have joined efforts to scale up green steel production. Ford and General Motors are members of the First Movers Coalition, a private sector initiative that commits members to purchase cleaner commodities and raw materials. Coalition members have agreed that 10 percent of their steel purchases by volume will contain near-zero emissions by 2030.

Goncalves said he is not ready to give up on Cleveland-Cliffs climate mission, noting that the firm is still working with the Biden administration on a $1 billion DOE grant for a so-called hydrogen hub that would spur development of the fuel through a cluster of new production, infrastructure and companies that have agreed to buy that power. He said negotiations with the federal government are not moving as fast as I would like, while noting Cleveland-Cliffs nonetheless built a $9 million feed-in pipeline for the Indiana facility.

When the United States decides to do something, we do, he said. We are at that decision-making point right now.
Bigger every year: Now at home in September, Boise Pride is back. Here are the plans

Boise is gearing up for another Pride Festival this weekend, with organizers hoping that around 70,000 people will attend.

The festival made a permanent move to September in recent years, even though June is Pride Month and when most celebrations take place nationwide. But there are several benefits of the change, including better weather, the fact that college students are in town and avoiding the Pride premium fee for talent, according to Michael Dale, president of Boise Prides board of directors.

I think in Idaho, especially, we are all different, Dale said. Diversity is our strength. The more we can come together and celebrate that, the stronger our voices.

This year, the stage has moved from the west side of Cecil D. Andrus Park across from the Idaho Capitol downtown to the east side, to accommodate growing trees. On Sunday, the Pet Pride Show will return at 12:45 p.m. after its debut last year  and someone even called asking whether they could bring a donkey, Dale said.

(The answer? Yes, just clean up after it.)

The festival opens Friday, with fireworks that same night. Saturday is the big day, with events from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., including the Hometown Drag Spectacular at 3:30 p.m. On Sunday morning the festival will continue after the Pride Parade, which goes from 9 to 11 a.m.

The parade starting time was moved earlier, Dale said, because there were 104 entries. It will start at the intersection of 9th and Jefferson, go down to 12th, then drop down to Bannock and end at 8th and Bannock.

The Boise Pride Festival has faced controversy and opposition in the past. In 2022, sponsors dropped out after a Drag Kids event was announced as part of the program. Boise Pride ultimately pulled the show from the lineup, according to Statesman reporting.

Theres usually a handful of protesters, Dale said, but he said hasnt heard anything concerning ahead of this years festivities. Boise Pride works with the local police, the FBI and the Department of Justice to monitor threats, Dale said.

It gets bigger every year, Dale said. It takes everybody to be a part and make sure that we all feel included in our community.
A billionaire investor who predicted the global financial crisis has warned that the US election risks tipping the worlds biggest economy into serious disorder.

In a week when candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump finally faced each other in a televised debate, Ray Dalio said his biggest fear was for democracy no matter who wins on 4 November.

Mr Dalio founded the worlds largest hedge fund and is closely watched by other investors for his stock picks.

In an interview with the BBC, he said: There's a possibility that the loser, particularly if it's the Republicans and Donald Trump, might not accept losing and you have a situation where it's a win-at-all-cost by both the left and the right, so neither side can compromise.

My great fear is for democracy, he said.

Regardless of the victor, Mr Dalio said he expected there to be internal migration between states based on political, economic and moral dividing lines.

A lot of people in states like California and New York and New Jersey and so on, will go to states like Florida and Texas, partially because of taxes, but partially because of values, he said. There's a big gap in values.

This reminds me of the 1930 to 45 period in which there was an economic crisis followed by democracies becoming dictatorships. Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan had parliamentary systems, and they broke down in terms of internal conflict between the the hard left, the hard right, communism and fascism. We are today seeing modern day versions of some of these things, he said.

There is some evidence that US migration based on values is already happening. Elon Musk announced in July he would move the headquarters of his companies X and SpaceX from California to Texas citing new rules banning schools from notifying parents that children wanted their gender redefined.

Dalio, now 75, is the founder of Bridgewater Associates - the worlds largest hedge fund with $124bn in assets . He says he thought the probability of civil war was "low, but cannot be dismissed.

Dalio, mercifully, does not claim he is infallible. But he insists he is more often right than wrong.

He who lives by the crystal ball is destined to eat ground glass. But I've been right in the markets about 65% of the time, he said.

But on the most immediate question in the US he is hedging his bets and refuses to be drawn on whether he thinks Trump or Harris will win.

I do not know how this election is going to turn out and how these things will turn out. I do know that we have an exceptionally high probability of instability, he concluded.
At the end of a corridor at Aalto University in Finland, I heave open a heavy door, enter a room and find myself standing  then gently bouncing  on a flexible mesh floor, something like an enormous trampoline. I am suspended in the centre of a cavernous, blank cube: the sound is dead, there is as much space below me as there is above my head, and surrounding me are dozens of audio speakers, lined up and pointing in my direction.

Welcome to one of the worlds leading architectural acoustics laboratories, where Professor Tapio Lokki of the universitys virtual acoustics research group and his multidisciplinary team can, with the right data inputs, simulate the sound of an orchestra from any seat of any concert hall, anywhere in the world  even those that have yet to be built.

Concert halls from Berlins Philharmonie to Bostons Symphony Hall to Londons Royal Festival Hall express cultural confidence and civic identity. But they also tend to be permanent. Music, meanwhile, is always changing: new genres, compositions, instruments and the size and scale of concerts often exceed anything imaginable to the architects who designed the buildings that stage them.

That leads to problems. Jrn Utzon and Peter Halls Sydney Opera House, for example, designed and built in the 1960s and 1970s, houses one of the most significant concert halls in the world. But until recently it was a haphazard acoustic experience for musicians, who sometimes complained about not being able to hear one another. Last year, to mark its 50th anniversary, Sydney was upgraded with 18 new, bespoke acoustic reflectors above the stage to replace the originals, part of a AUS$300m overhaul. On reopening, one musician described the result as a miracle.

At Aalto, Prof Lokki has developed his lab to help prevent acoustic problems arising in the future by advising architects and designers on optimising sound in new concert halls. Right now, he is advising PES-Architects, an architectural firm, and revered acoustician Eckhard Kahle, on Fuuga Music Hall, a 90 million, state-of-the-art 1,300-seat venue under construction in Turku in western Finland, planned to open in 2026.

A conceptual drawing of the Fuuga Music Hall - PES Architects

The best halls, he says, rely not on amplified sound but on the careful arrangement of materials and surfaces, convex and concave, to direct sound around the room. Architecture shapes sound so that  ideally  it reverberates in the same way no matter where you are sitting in the hall.

Prof Lokki is young, enthusiastic and wears fluorescent-orange spectacles. As well as being a scientist and an electrical engineer, he has played clarinet in orchestras since childhood.

Typically, he says, an architect will oversee the visual outlook of a hall, while acousticians have the final say on the shape of details such as balcony fronts and wall and ceiling surfaces that affect the quality of sound. But Prof Lokki believes his labs ability to simulate sound through special software, then adjust the design accordingly before a concert hall is built, leads to the optimum architectural outcome  and listening experience. His lab includes three anechoic chambers (built in 1970; renovated in 2019), a variable acoustics room (built in 2019), a listening test room (built in 1999) and three independent sound-insulated booths for headphone listening tests (built in 2011).

In further architectural experiments for the design of Fuuga, cellists played on dummy wooden floors of varying thicknesses then set out their preferences to the architects  part of a research project that took about a year, says Tuomas Silvennoinen, senior partner at PES-Architects, the architects designing the hall.

One of Aalto lab's three anechoic chambers used to test sound - Aalto University

In a new book, Pistols in St Pauls: Science, Music and Architecture in the Twentieth Century, Fiona Smyth, associate professor of art history and cultural policy at University College Dublin, traces the development of acoustic science in Britain in the first half of the 20th century, culminating in the 1951 opening of the Royal Festival Hall in London.

It is a fascinating book which also includes details on the acoustic demonstrations in St Pauls Cathedral in 1951. involving pistols being fired to demonstrate how sound reverberates around its great dome. She also deals with later experiments by the Royal Festival halls acoustic architect Hope Bagenal, who also worked on the early competition briefs for the Sydney Opera House and the Lincoln Center in New York.

During the final phases of the RFHs construction, tuning concerts were held to allow for acoustic adaptation. Scientists, musicians, architects, critics and the public attended, says Smyth, and the auditorium was refined to incorporate their feedback. Measuring tonality and putting numbers on experience was part of that. It was a mixture of poetics and pragmatics, and I think it still is, says Smyth.

Acoustic technicians using a reflector microphone, a starting pistol and the bassoon to test sound at the Royal Albert Hall in 1969 - Hulton Archive

The RFHs acoustics were updated in the 2010s, including the firm re-fixing of surfaces to extend reverberation time and the installation of new fabric sound reflectors, though some musicians still complain that the sound is dry. Smyth says that its experimental approach was part of a wider picture.

The original designers set out to achieve a very difficult balance of warmth and clarity, and it is widely accepted that they achieved the latter, if not the former, she says. It did prompt a new way of listening that wasnt universally popular from the outset.

Not all architects get to design and build a concert hall from the ground up. In Bristol, the Beacon concert hall  formerly the Colston Hall and grade II listed  reopened last year after a 130m refurbishment. They could not touch the exterior, but they were able to overhaul the interiors, the auditorium and its acoustics.

Most Beacon concerts are rock and pop and amplified, which is how the hall makes most of its money, says Bob Essert of Sound Space Vision, the London-based acoustic specialists who worked on the Beacon with architects Levitt Bernstein. But the real reputation of any hall is based on its sound for symphonic music. Thats how we compete.

A miracle: the Sydney Opera House recently went through an AUS$300million redesign - Carly Earl/eyevine

He says the experiments behind the RFH informed how the Beacon team approached their refurbishment. Before the project, Bristols shoebox-shaped hall was a 1950s-era interior inside a Victorian shell, with an internal layout that tended to muddy the quality of sound.

Just like the RFH, a single, deep balcony had been suspended at the back above the stalls, which in Bristol affected sound coming from the stage, particularly for anyone sitting in the stalls. The 1950s layout followed the same acoustic principles as the RFH, says architect Mark Lewis of Levitt Bernstein. That turned out to be flawed.

But there was lots of written material about the Bagenal experiments to draw on, says Essert. Nobody knew about envelopment in the 1950s. That tended to come in the 1970s and 80s as a time and spatial aspect of sound, how important it is to enjoyment and to perception and appreciation of classical music. We learnt in the 1970s how much of that comes from the side of the hall to each listener. Not all listeners are listening from the same direction. 

The Royal Festival Hall in 1954, after opening in 1951 - Hulton Archive

The shoebox shape remains. But the single, deep balcony has gone, replaced by slim, multi-tiered balconies around a hall panelled with sinuous, ribbed oak, all designed to optimise natural sound.

The multi-balcony scheme bounces sound from the underside of the balconies like a cue ball all the way around the room, says Essert. That brings some of the sound back into the stalls, so the large stall body can get sound from the sides, not just the front.

Back in Finland in Prof Lokkis laboratory, he invites me to step onto a wobbly platform, from which he promises I will hear what an orchestra will sound like at the Fuuga concert hall. The hall is currently a building site, it doesnt exist yet.

OK, this is the start of Beethovens seventh symphony from the stalls, he says, as he taps on his laptop. The speakers jump to life, drowning the strange, cavernous room from every direction in a crystalline sound of strings. It is as if the musicians are suspended in space with me. Now we can move to different positions You are now in front of the stage, this is now on the balcony and this is behind. As far as I can tell, there is no difference at all.

Pistols in St Pauls by Fiona Smyth is published by Manchester University Press on Sept 24

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This Black Boy Was Allegedly Abandoned by His Adopted Parents In Jamaica, But The Story Gets Much Worse

A group of child welfare advocates are working to bring attention to the troubling case of a 17-year-old Black boy who was allegedly abandoned by his adoptive parents. Believe me, the story gets much much worse.



Elijah Goldman penned a letter to the Detroit Free Press documenting his harrowing experience in Jamaica. No, he wasnt there for vacation. He said his adoptive parents, conservative (and white) Christian couple Mark and Spring Goldman, left him there at a boarding school. An investigative report by the Free Press found that Elijah was adopted from Haiti at age 10 and lived with his new parents in Traverse City, Michigan. Hed grown into the typical life of a teenage boy. The report says he went to school, ran track, had friends, and even got himself a lil girlfriend.

However, activists told the Free Press relations between Elijah and his parents grew tense following a series of rebellious behavior. He was allegedly caught watching pornography, lying, and running away. The Goldmans then allegedly forced him into several boarding schools. The last one, where he was sent in September 2023, reportedly left him begging for his life.

Read more from USA TODAY:

Thats what child welfare advocates say they believe happened to Elijah, whose adoptive parents sent him to an American-run boarding school in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, in September 2023, over behavior problems  including watching pornography  and allegedly ditched him in the process. They never visited him, nor attended any of his court hearings, where Elijah and other boys disclosed allegations of horrific abuse they endured at the school called the Atlantis Leadership Academy. Elijah said he was cut with a razor and beaten in the back with a hammer. Other boys reported being waterboarded with a hose up the nose, tied to railings by the neck and beaten, and being forced to engage in club fights, where staff and local police would place bets. The allegations prompted Jamaican officials to remove Elijah and six other American boys from the academy in February and place them in Jamaican custody. One month later, they closed the school down.

Even after the boarding school closed, Elijah told the Free Press in a letter that his parents left him stranded in Jamaica.

I appreciate them for bringing me to the U.S., but they abandoned me. Im staying strong, but it hurts, he wrote at the time.

New York civil rights attorney Dawn Post traveled this spring to meet Elijah and helped coordinate his travel back to the U.S., according to the Free Press. He finally returned last week to Miami, Florida, to the refuge of his attorney and an advocate. However, the report says Michigan denied legal authority to house the teen. His lawyer communicated with Child Protective Services in Florida, where he was held for just 24 hours before they put him on a flight back to Michigan.

In an awkward reunion, Elijah told the Free Press his adoptive dad met him when he landed in Traverse City and advised him to fly to Utah to meet with the travel agent who was behind his horror trip to Jamaica. Elijah said he refused.

This week, his attorney filed a neglect petition with a Traverse City court as well as a motion to place Elijah in protective custody. In a court decision Wednesday, a foster mother came forward offering to take Elijah into her custody. His adoptive parents did not object, the report says.

Its just the right thing to do, the woman told the Free Press.

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Black Liberation Leaders Convicted of Conspiracy, But Not Guilty of Acting As Russian Agents

The leaders of four Black liberation groups were convicted on Thursday for conspiring to act as unregistered Russian agents, but dodged the most serious charge: acting as Russian nationals in the U.S. to spread their propaganda in 2016.

Outside of the courthouse, 82-year-old Omali Yeshitela praised the jurys verdict, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

The most important thing is they were unable to convict us of working for anybody except Black people, Yeshitela said at a news conference. I am willing to be charged and found guilty of working for Black people.

Supporters raised fists and again shouted Uhuru!  the Swahili word for freedom, according to the Times.

Yeshitela called the defense attorneys the legal dream team that was a nightmare for the prosecution.

They argued that despite the defendants connections to a Russian organization, the actions taken by the African Peoples Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement were aligned with what they have advocated for decades, according to the Associated Press.

They are all affiliated with Yeshitelas African Peoples Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement.

Yeshitela, Penny Hess, Jesse Nevel, and Augustus Claudius Romain Jr. werent accused of interfering with the 2016 election. According to evidence presented at trial, from at least May 2015 until July 2022, Yeshitela, Hess, and Nevel agreed to act on behalf of the Russian government within the United States. Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov, a resident of Moscow, was the founder and president of the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia (AGMR), an organization headquartered in Moscow, and funded by the Russian government.

Hess, 78, is chairwoman of the African Peoples Solidarity Committee, Nevel, 34, chairman of the Uhuru Solidarity Movement, and Romain, 38, is leader of the Black Hammer Party.

For nearly 60 years, the U.S. government has viewed Black-led political organizations such as the Black Panther Party, Black Lives Matter, and Yeshitelas African Peoples Socialist Party as threats to democracy. Those organizations originated, in part, to provide resources and education, fight for reparations for Black Americans, and protect their Black and brown communities from police brutality and other forms of violence.

The post Black Liberation Leaders Convicted of Conspiracy, But Not Guilty of Acting As Russian Agents appeared first on Capital B News.
View of a logo with the word "Boeing" on a hall at the Boeing distribution center. Georg Wendt/dpa

US aircraft manufacturer Boeing announced on Thursday that it had failed to prevent a planned strike by its largest union, despite offering a 25% pay increase over four years.

Machinists at Boeing voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike, with 96% in support.

The International Association of Machinists (IAM), which represents around 33,000 employees, said its members rejected a contract promising a 25% pay increase over four years, as well as improvements in health costs and retirement. The contract was rejected by a majority of 94.6% in the vote.

The union had initially sought a pay rise of about 40%.

Boeing had also agreed to manufacture new models in the unionized plants, a key demand of the union following the establishment of a non-union plant in South Carolina over 10 years ago to produce the 787 Dreamliner.

Boeing is facing financial losses following a series of incidents related to the safety of its planes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is withholding approval for the expansion of 737 production until the company can improve its quality control.

In January a door panel of a 737-9 blew out during an ascent, apparently due to a missing component.
Protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in London to support Omali Yeshitela this month [Getty Images]

Four activists for black rights have been convicted 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, 38, face maximum sentences of five years in prison, the department said in a statement.

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.

A date has not yet been set for sentencing.

According to prosecutors, the four carried out a number of actions in the US between 2015 and 2022 on behalf of the Russian government and received money and support from Aleksandr Ionov, the president of the Moscow-based group Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia.

Mr 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.

Mr Ionov and two alleged FSB agents - Aleksey Borisovich Sukhodolov and Yegor Sergeyevich Popov - have also been indicted in the US in connection with the case but are not under arrest.

The Justice Department said the Americans all knew Mr Ionov worked for the Russian government.

Among the actions cited by prosecutors was the drafting by APSP in 2015 of a petition to the UN accusing the US of committing genocide against African people.

Mr Ionov also allegedly sought to influence the 2017 mayoral election in St Petersburg, Florida, in which Nevel unsuccessfully ran for office.

Leonard Goodman, a lawyer for Hess, told the Tampa Bay Times that the four had been prosecuted to censor their pro-Russian views. "This case has always been about free speech," he told the AFP news agency.

Yeshitela said after conviction that "the most important thing is they were unable to convict us of working for anybody except black people", the Tampa Bay Times reported. "I am willing to be charged and found guilty of working for black people."

Mutaqee Akbar, who represents Nevel, said the defendants planned to appeal against their convictions.

Omali Yeshitela (file image) [Getty Images]
BlackRock did not ask Ukraine to 'stop burying dead soldiers on its land'

US investment firm BlackRock has not asked Ukraine to stop burying fallen soldiers on "land it owns" in the war-torn country, contrary to false social media posts shared thousands of times in multiple languages. The claim originated on a satirical Russian Telegram channel, while BlackRock does not own land in Ukraine, the company told AFP.

"BlackRock has asked that Ukrainian soldiers not be buried on the land it owns in Ukraine," read a simplified Chinese X post shared on August 3, 2024.

It said BlackRock representatives "have already bought 47 percent of Ukraine's land" and requested on a recent visit to Kyiv that "this land not be used for burials and that the bodies be cremated or disposed of in other ways."

Screenshot of an X post sharing the false claim, taken on September 10, 2024

The post shows a photo of a cemetery in Kharkiv, Ukraine taken in January 2023 by a photographer from Reuters news agency (archived link).

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager headquartered in New York, provides advice to the Ukrainian government on its Ukraine Development Fund (UDF), which aims to attract investment to help rebuild the war-battered country (archived link).

Ukraine, known as the "breadbasket of Europe", is one of the world's major grain producers thanks to its fertile "black" soil (archived link).

Pro-Kremlin propaganda has suggested Western countries are providing financial support to Ukraine since Russia's invasion because they seek to exploit its resources.

The false claim about BlackRock asking Ukraine to stop burials surfaced online in August, quickly spreading across Facebook, X and Telegram and in languages such as Russian, English, Serbian and French, racking up thousands of shares.

'Completely false'

However, a representative for BlackRock said the claim was baseless.

"This is completely false," the spokesperson told AFP on August 22. "BlackRock Inc. does not own any land in Ukraine."

A spokesperson for the land committee of the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB) told AFP on the same day: "We haven't heard about anything like that."

Frederic Mousseau, policy director at the US-based Oakland Institute think tank -- which has published reports on agricultral land reform in Ukraine -- confirmed BlackRock does not own land in the country, although it does hold other Ukrainian assets (archived link).

"According to our research over large land leases in Ukraine presented in our report; 'War and Theft, the Takeover of Ukraine's Agricultural Land', BlackRock doesn't own any land in Ukraine", he told AFP on August 22 (archived link).

Agricultural land privatisation began in Ukraine in 2021, Mousseau said, potentially providing indirect exposure to land assets, but no single investor could reach 47 percent of the country's total land mass in this way.

Foreigners are not permitted to buy agricultural land in Ukraine and can only buy non-agricultural land if they meet certain legal conditions, according to the Land Code of Ukraine (archived link).

"BlackRock owns part of Ukraine's debt through Eurobonds, which gives the company leverage over the country," Mousseau added.

"Ukraine has been forced by creditors to undertake an ongoing drastic structural adjustment program aiming at privatise all sectors of its economy."

Satirical Telegram channel

An AFP investigation found the misinformation originated on a satirical Telegram channel in 2023.

The false claim began circulating a few months after Ukraine announced plans in May that year to launch the Ukraine Development Fund (archived link).

By October, the misinformation had spread on various Russian-language websites, including here, here, here, and here.

Polish-language pro-Kremlin website Pravda-pl.com attributed the claim to ANNA News agency, which shares similar political affiliations, and a Telegram account in Polish called RuskiStatek.

An ANNA News article from October 5, 2023 appeared to quote BlackRock CEO Larry Fink as saying: "We are seeing a completely irrational use of black soil by Ukrainians themselves".

However, BlackRock's name was not written in the standard format in the article, and a search of Telegram accounts using this incorrect spelling found posts in Russian here and here and in Belarussian here and here from 2023 (archived link).

An earlier post shared on a Telegram channel called "verysexydasha", dated September 20, 2023, warned: "Caution, fake and harsh satire is possible. Written is fiction, all coincidences are coincidental".

Screenshot of a Telegram post sharing the false claim

Meanwhile, posts sharing the false claim in August 2024 said that BlackRock representatives made a "recent visit" to Kyiv.

A spokesperson for the company confirmed on August 23 that the last official visit to Kyiv took place on May 5, 2023. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky also met representatives from BlackRock and JP Morgan at the Davos summit in Switzerland in January 2024 (archived links here, here and here).

The International Monetary Fund said on September 10 it had reached an agreement with Ukraine on an aid programme review that could open the door to $1.1 billion for the country (archived link).

The deal would see creditors -- including BlackRock, Pimco and other major institutional investors -- write billions off the nominal value of their holdings, and agree to a new payment schedule on terms more beneficial to Kyiv.

AFP has verified other misinformation about the war in Ukraine here.
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris celebrate during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)

For the first time, both major parties presidential candidates have families that have been knit together by divorce. It's a sign that politics is finally catching up with America.

The historic nature of the two first families-in-waiting comes after a half-century of dramatic shifts in American family life. And though there has been a long running tug-of-war between Republicans and Democrats over which party is the most pro-family, that political fight is more heated than ever.

Many conservatives have embraced former President Donald Trump despite his personal life and family structure, rather than because of it; important figures on the right, including Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, are pushing for a return to the traditional family structure as a salve for social ills, like declining birth rates, student achievement and crime. Democrats, meanwhile, are articulating a vision of families that includes same-sex couples, blended families, adoptive families and single parents or grandparents  one they argue is reflected in Vice President Kamala Harris family.

It tells the honest story of America and that were doing the work of building a more just America where everyone can sit at this table, however you show up, in whatever kind of family model, said Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who is among the two dozen members of Congress who are stepparents. Whether youre talking about two mommies, two daddies, bonus moms  this is reflective of todays American modern family.

Harris, herself a child of divorce, has a blended family that includes her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and her stepchildren, Cole and Ella. Trump, who has been divorced twice, has five children, half-siblings with each other from three moms.

Its a notable sea change since Nelson Rockefellers divorce and subsequent remarriage helped sink his 1964 presidential bid. More than a third of children dont live with two married parents, and nearly one in six kids live in a blended family household with stepparents, stepsiblings or half siblings, according to the Pew Research Center. And 78 percent of people now think single-parent households are acceptable, while 58 percent support married gay or lesbian couples raising children together, according to Pew.



Until Trump, Ronald Reagan was the only president who had ever been divorced. And, as recently as 2008, John McCains first broken marriage to Carol McCain, his first wife, was the source of media speculation and titillation. President Joe Biden also has a blended family, though because of the death of his first wife Neilia, not from divorce. (First Lady Jill Biden is stepmom to the late Beau Biden and his brother Hunter, and Ashley Biden is their half-sister.)

Were a long way from the nuclear family, said Rick Davis, McCains presidential campaign manager, calling Harris' family the classic new nuclear family.

That looks more like America these days than a traditional nuclear family thats been married for 25 years and has two kids, he added. I dont think thats the America we live in anymore.

For many communities of color, blended and extended families have long been a part of family life, said LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter.

The whole Leave It to Beaver family structure has never been the family structure for many communities, Brown said. The blended family structure has always been the backbone of so many communities, that their greatest economic security and infrastructure was the way that we actually saw family.

Affairs, which were once kryptonite to a presidential bid, also dont appear to have the same impact they used to. Kerstin Emhoff, Doug's ex-wife, quashed an early attack on an affair he had during their marriage, calling him a great father and a great friend, and is a vocal Harris booster. And Democrats have attacked Trump for his felony convictions related to hush money payments  rather than the alleged affair with porn star Stormy Daniels. (Trump denies the affair took place.)

Strategists on both sides of the aisle attribute the lack of stickiness of attacks on candidates marriages to changing standards about whats fair game in a presidential campaign as cultural attitudes shift.

Donald Trump is on his third marriage. Certainly, on my side of the aisle, I dont see anything wrong with that  because thats life, said Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist who worked on Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign.

Still, as much as social norms have changed, Trumps decision to pick Vance as his running mate has elevated the discussion about traditional families, which the New Right sees as the solution to many modern problems  with a populist twist. They argue that small-government programs have failed to beget traditional families and instead favor more government intervention, like the child tax credits and paid family leave Trump pushed as president.

The marriage rate has come down to record lows, and fertility rates hit record lows last year," said Brad Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia. "Whatever was the kind of standard Republican agenda  limited government, low taxes  that hasnt really done much to revise the fortunes of the American family.



Vance's proposal to raise the child tax credit to $5,000 per child is an example of the kinds of pro-government intervention policies once more traditionally aligned with Democrats now being advocated for as part of a new conservative pro-family agenda. But Vance, who was raised by his grandparents and has a collection of half and stepsiblings, has said this policy would apply to all families  whether kids are being raised by same-sex couples, grandparents or heterosexual couples  suggesting a desire to help more than just traditional families.

Senator Vance supports policies that will make life better for all kinds of American families: lower prices, a stronger economy, safer streets, and a closed border to stop the deadly flow of fentanyl, said Luke Schroeder, a Vance spokesperson. All kids in America, whether theyre raised in a traditional family or a nontraditional family as JD was, deserve to achieve their American dream.

Trump, meanwhile, has pledged free in vitro fertilization treatments to all Americans, paid for either by insurance companies or the federal government. His campaign has defended the proposal  which is angering social conservatives and deficit hawks alike  as a necessary long-term investment in light of the countrys record-low birth rate.

The former president also suggested last week that the federal costs of making child care more affordable in the U.S. would be small compared to the money that would be generated through his proposed tariffs on imported goods to the U.S.

At the same time, Democrats see their bevy of social safety net programs as a means of pushing a pro-family platform. Harris has pitched restoring the expanded child tax credit, as well as adding an additional $6,000 tax credit for children in their first year of life, a variation on the proposal Vance has put forward  all regardless of family structure. Democrats have also couched proposals to offer paid parental leave and expand health care access as similarly pro-family.

Its part of their effort to counter that there is more than one way to build a happy family in the 21st century. That sentiment was underscored by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigiegs comments last month at the Democratic National Convention, highlighting his relationship with his husband, Chasten, and their two kids.

"The makeup of our kitchen table, the existence of my family, is just one example of something that was literally impossible as recently as 25 years ago," he said. This kind of life went from impossible to possible, from possible to real, from real to almost ordinary in less than half a lifetime.
A solar installation in Emery County is pictured on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

The federal government released its updated plan to develop swaths of Western land for solar development, which could open up millions of acres in Utah controlled by the Bureau of Land Management for potential energy production.

The plan covers roughly 32 million acres in 11 Western states  Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

In Utah, the BLM identified just over 5 million acres of land, more than all other Western states except Nevada, where about 11.8 million acres were highlighted.

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Much of that land is technically already available for solar development, but the proposal  called the Western Solar Plan  is an attempt to streamline the permitting process for large projects by designating preferred sites. It would guide developers to areas that are near transmission lines or land that was previously disturbed, while steering them away from areas that could result in conflicts with other resources, like wildlife habitat or culturally sensitive sites.

The BLM said it would provide greater predictability to the solar energy industry.

In Utah, the bulk of the 5,010,256 acres highlighted are in the western half of the state, mostly in the West Desert. The BLM identified a chunk of land along Interstate 80 between Salt Lake City and the Nevada border, and other large patches in the central part of the state, west of Interstate 15 near Fillmore and Delta.

There are also areas surrounding Cedar City, with some remaining land identified near Hanksville in Wayne County, south of Vernal in the Uintah Basin, along Highway 6 near Price and north of Moab near Interstate 70.

A map showing land in Utah the Bureau of Land Management highlighted for its potential for solar energy.

Just because land has been identified does not mean companies have a green light to start developing. Instead, the BLM calls it a road map. Each solar project will still require an additional environmental review and public comment, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA.

The plan, which was released on Aug. 30, will also be subject to a 30-day comment period and an additional 60-day review for governors to make sure the proposal is consistent with existing state plans.

The proposal seeks to update the 2012 Western Solar Plan, after President Joe Biden issued an executive order directing the Secretary of the Interior to review the permitting process for renewable energy projects on public land.

BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning calls the plan a responsible, pragmatic strategy for developing solar energy that will boost domestic energy production.

It will drive responsible solar development to locations with fewer potential conflicts while helping the nation transition to a clean energy economy, Stone-Manning said in a statement.

But the plan has been met with pushback from states, industry and environmental groups, who all submitted public comments earlier in the year when the BLM was considering multiple alternatives.

In a letter to the BLM, Director of the Utah Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office Redge Johnson said the state cannot in good faith support any of the five proposed alternatives.

In the comment, Johnson said every alternative would conflict with grazing, impacting people who have been ranching on BLM lands for decades. Johnson also said the state was very displeased with the BLMs failure to work with other state-level agencies.

The Utah Farm Bureau Federation, an organization of farmers and ranchers across the state, also opposed the BLMs plans over similar concerns.

We urge the BLM to approach development of utility-scale solar projects with caution to avoid unnecessary conflict and causing harm to agriculture and grazing, the group wrote.

And the Center for Biological Diversity, in a recent news release, said the plan risked harming critical habitat for wildlife. Acknowledging large solar projects as an important component of the clean energy transition, the group cautioned unique species like the desert tortoises could be negatively impacted.

Were deeply disappointed that the Bureau of Land Management is putting energy developers ahead of wildlife and protected public lands, said Randi Spivak, public lands policy director at the Center for Biological Diversity, in a statement. Theres room on public lands for thoughtfully sited solar energy projects. We dont need to destroy tens of millions of acres of wildlife habitat to achieve our clean energy goals.

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Fear of a having a low blood sugar crash dissuades many people with Type 1 diabetes from getting the exercise they need, a new study finds. Photo by Adobe Stock/HealthDay News

Fear of a having a low blood sugar crash dissuades many people with Type 1 diabetes from getting the exercise they need, a new study finds.

However, people were more likely to engage in exercise if their doctor discussed how to manage their diabetes while working out, researchers reported Thursday at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting in Madrid.

"In order to break down the barriers to physical activity and empower our patients to exercise safely and effectively, we need to improve the education we provide and our dialogue about exercise in clinics," said lead researcher Catriona Farrell, a clinical senior lecturer in diabetes with the University of Dundee in Scotland. "In turn, this should help them to achieve the multitude of health benefits that exercise offers."

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the pancreas, severely damaging or destroying its ability to make insulin. As a result, people must constantly monitor their blood sugar levels and take insulin daily.

People with Type 1 diabetes can receive a multitude of health benefits from regular exercise, Farrell said.

"Regular exercise can help individuals with diabetes to achieve their blood glucose goals, improve their body composition and fitness, as well as reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes, which is higher in people with Type 1 diabetes," Farrell said in a meeting news release.

"Yet many people living with Type 1 diabetes do not maintain a healthy body weight or manage to do the recommended amount of physical activity each week," Farrell added.

For this study, researchers surveyed 463 men and women with Type 1 diabetes, asking them about 13 factors that would keep them from exercising regularly over the next six months.

These factors included loss of control over diabetes, the risk of hypoglycemia, the fear of being tired, concerns over getting hurt, a low fitness level and a lack of support from friends or family.

Results showed that worry over a blood sugar crash was indeed a major reason some diabetics shun exercise.

However, people were less fearful of hypoglycemia if they understood the importance of adjusting insulin dose and carbohydrate intake before and after exercise, researchers found. Both those strategies can prevent a blood sugar crash caused by physical activity.

People also felt better about exercise if they talked about it with a health professional in a diabetes clinic, results show.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about Type 1 diabetes.

Copyright  2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  With the Blue Angels in Owensboro ahead of this weekends air show, and flying one of the jets is the Blue Angels first female pilot.

The U.S. Navys Blue Angels are gearing up for their 23rd show of the year in the Owensboro.

Hide and Seek from the Police event coming to Rockport

There are a few tweaks to the routine for new and improved shows each year. This year theres a historic twist involving Lieutenant Commander Amanda Lee; the first female fighter jet pilot apart of the elite flight demonstration is breaking the glass ceiling.

I set out out to be the best and kinda found myself here. Try to be the best at whatever youre doing at that moment in time, and it will open up doors for incredible opportunities, says Lcdr. Lee.

Its her first time in Kentucky, and her first time flying over a river with both an airport and river within a five mile radius of the show.

Well come in as all 6 aircrafts. Then, well kinda split up, and well have diamond solos. Well get all back together toward the end of the show  probably some aerobatic maneuvers at the end. First, we got Fat Albert performing their flight demonstrations before we come on board, says Lcdr. Lee.

The Fat Albert is flown by an all-marine corp crew. Rigorous training begins in Pensacola, Fl. in November.

Officials say pilots rack up around 400 flying hours a year to prepare for the 45-minute show. She says they practice how they play so they can operate as safe as possible.

Well have two flights today. The first one is to look at checkpoints. The second flight today is to do a full practice demonstration with all 6 aircraft. Tomorrow well be ready to go,says Lcdr. Lee.

Lcdr. Lee says she was inspired to try and fly the aircraft she worked with daily, and is honored to be able to represent the 800,000 Navy-Marine Corps out in the world.



Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
JD Vances political career has been defined by an apparent paradox. On the one hand, Vance is a member of the upper echelon of Americas ruling elite  a graduate of Yale Law School, a New York Times best-selling author, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist and a United States senator. On the other hand, he has become a vociferous conservative critic of that same elite on behalf of disaffected Middle Americans, a role he can claim by virtue of his upbringing in post-industrial Ohio and his familys roots in eastern Appalachia. At various points throughout his career, Vance has acknowledged this tension  without really trying to resolve it.

Its the great privilege of my life that Im deep enough into the American elite that I can indulge a little anti-elitism, Vance said in one of his first major interviews in 2016, on the heels of the publication on Hillbilly Elegy.

Now that Vance is accompanying Trump on the top of the Republican ticket, this paradox has opened Republicans up to fresh criticisms. How populist can Vance really be while cozying up to billionaires in Silicon Valley? What does a Yale-educated attorney and ex-venture capitalist understand about the lives of Trumps blue-collar voters? Is a guy who owns not one but two million-dollar houses a credible mouthpiece for the GOPs fledgling economic populism?

But the deeper Ive dug into the conservative world Vance comes from  often referred to as the New Right  the more Ive come to see Vances split identity as a feature rather than a bug for his ideological supporters.



In fact, Vance embodies an archetype that has been theorized about at length in New Right-adjacent books and podcasts (many of which Vance has read and listened to). By forging an alliance between the elite New Right and the MAGA masses, Vance, according to this reading, could serve as the leader of a new movement to institute an illiberal and explicitly reactionary political order. Though adopting the rhetoric of conservatism populism, this new order would be a fundamentally elitist one: It would expel Americas current ruling elite in order to replace it with a new, more conservative one, drawn from the ranks of the New Right.

The details of this plan differ between the various writers and thinkers that have influenced Vance  people like the Notre Dame political theorist Patrick Deneen, the internet philosopher Curtis Yarvin and the Silicon Valley venture capitalist Peter Thiel. But taken together, their prescriptions amount to a kind of three-step plan for the New Rights project: Identify a member of the New Right elite who can tap into the energies of an ascendant right-wing populist movement, ride those energies to political power, and then carry out a top-down transformation of American society along illiberal lines. It is, in effect, a plan to accomplish through elite rule what even the MAGA movement has failed to accomplish through democratic control: The creation of a social order built around conservative values, even if those values remain broadly unpopular with the American people.

In fact, Vance has articulated his own political strategy in terms that closely echo those found in the pages of the New Right thinkers who have influenced him.



One of the ways in which Im very much populist is that I think people need to have elected representatives [who] try to channel their frustrations into solutions that will make their lives better, Vance told me when I interviewed him in his Senate office in December 2023. One of the ways Im very much not a populist is that I think every populist movement that has ever existed has failed unless its captured some subset of the people who are professionally in government.

He added: You cant just run a political movement purely with voters  you need voters, you need bureaucrats, you need lawyers, you need business leaders, you need the whole thing.

As Vance hits the campaign trail, parsing this blueprint is essential for understanding his political trajectory  and what underlies his support for Trump. Given his past criticisms of Trump, Vances new-found affection for Trumpism and the MAGA movement has been chalked up to a moral collapse or rank opportunism. But read against the ideas found in the writings of the conservative intellectuals close to Vance, it begins to appear like something else: the first step in a much broader plan.



On a summer evening in 2023, Vance strode into a marble-lined ballroom at the Catholic University of America, where a crowd of 250 had gathered for the launch of a new book by the Catholic philosopher Patrick Deneen, a political theorist at the University of Notre Dame, hosted by the conservative Intercollegiate Studies Institute. Vance, then just a few months into his first term as a United States senator, made a beeline for Deneen and wrapped him in a big hug, both men smiling as they greeted each other like old friends.

That hug served as a vivid metaphor for Vance and the New Rights embrace of Deneens work as a kind of intellectual roadmap for their emerging political movement  a process that Deneen spoke to me about at length for a POLITICO Magazine profile in 2023.



In his breakout book Why Liberalism Failed, published in 2018, Deneen argued that small-L liberalism is inevitably self-destructive; that a political system predicated on the expansion of individual rights and autonomy will eventually undermine the collective institutions  like family, organized religion and local communities  that make political life possible in the first place.

In his next book, Regime Change, Deneen doesnt embrace the term illiberal but lays out a vision of an ideal postliberal order that would jettison liberalisms protection of individual rights in favor of a social order that promotes the common good  a purportedly objective set of social conditions, borrowed from Catholic social teaching, that undergird human flourishing. According to Deneen, liberalisms phony commitment to egalitarianism currently provides cover for a corrupt (and left-leaning) elite to pursue its own interests at the expense of the interests of the downtrodden (and right-leaning) masses. In Deneens postliberal order, by contrast, a new ruling elite would foster collaboration between the few and the many in pursuit of the common good. This new order would look the same and be governed by the same institutions as the current one, but it would be infused by a fundamentally different ethos.



In practice, Deneens policy prescriptions for fostering the common good would be even more far-reaching than Trumps: sweeping protectionist trade measures to promote domestic industries; aggressive trust-busting of corporate monopolies; a robust pro-family welfare policy to promote the formation of traditional families; strict limits on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.

The crux of Deneens book is his plan for the transition from the liberal order to the postliberal order. This peaceful transition, Deneen argued, would not happen on its own. It would require the creation of a new elite  a self-conscious aristoi (or aristocracy) who could enter the halls of government, academia and the media, take them over and repurpose them toward conservative and illiberal ends. While drawn from the upper echelons of society, this new elite would effectively act as class traitors: Having replaced the old, corrupt liberal elite, they would ally with and rule in the interests of the many, using their power to foster conservative values like stability, order [and] continuity. Deneen calls this political arrangement aristopopulism  an alliance between a genuinely noble elite (the aristoi) and the populist masses, working together to replace secular liberalism with a postliberal system grounded in a forthright acknowledgment and renewal of the Christian roots of our civilization.

Vance  whose background and biography make him a living embodiment of Deneens aristopopulist vision  has not hid his interest in Deneens ideas. During a panel discussion at the launch event for Deneens book, Vance  appearing alongside Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts  identified himself as a member of the postliberal right, adding that he sees[s] his role and his voice in Congress as explicitly anti-regime.

In response to a question from the moderator about how he balances the interests of the few and the many in practice, he answered like a card-carrying member of Deneens new elite: Things in American society are so tilted toward the few that I just focus on the many, he said, and let the rest of it figure itself out.



Curtis Yarvins ideas do not garner formal discussions in the marble-lined halls of Americas universities, but they are no less influential in the intellectual ecosystem that has shaped Vances worldview.

Yarvin rose to prominence on the online right in the early 2000s as the leading voice of the neo-reactionary movement  or what came to be called NRx  while blogging under the pseudonym Mencius Moldbug. The premise of the movement, which Yarvin unspooled in his signature meandering and irony-laden prose style, was that democracy is bunk  both as a philosophical system and as a principle for organizing modern society.

According to Yarvin, America in the 21st century is no longer a democracy in any meaningful sense. Instead, it has degenerated into a corrupt oligarchy run by an interconnected network of academics, media elites and government bureaucrats that Yarvin calls the Cathedral. Although most Americans have carried on believing the elections and the popular will continue to be the source of political power and legitimacy, Yarvin argues that the real decision-making in America  including the critical power to determine what is true and what is false  rests with the Cathedral, regardless of who occupies the White House or which party holds a majority in Congress. (At the National Conservatism Conference in 2022, Vance gave a speech titled The Universities are the Enemy that was effectively a laymans explanation of the Cathedral.)

To a point, Yarvins critique of this system can sound like a more traditional libertarian or conservative critique of the administrative state or the deep state  the notion that a set of unelected bureaucrats have usurped power from the sovereign American people. But unlike traditional conservatives, Yarvin does not advocate for a return to small or limited government. Instead, he argues that America needs a national CEO, [or] whats called a dictator, who could implement a type of centralized American monarchy, run on the model of a Silicon Valley tech start-up. (Yarvins model for this style of leadership is, half ironically, FDR, whose presidency he as described as a personal executive monarchy.) Yarvin has laid out an extensive (though not always clear) playbook explaining how a democratically elected president could claim monarchical power  a process that would involve a smartphone app to organize voting, reinforced by police forces in red armbands.



Here and elsewhere, Yarvins plans diverge sharply from Deneens  and neither Deneen nor Vance have endorsed the explicitly monarchic parts of Yarvins vision. But they share one essential element: Like Deneen and Vance, Yarvin believes that the transition away from progressive liberal democracy will be led by a self-conscious cadre of conservative elites who gain power through an alliance with the popular masses  yielding, in Yarvins vision, to the rule of a single national CEO.

Yarvins description of this dynamic is much stranger than Deneens. Borrowing from the universe of JRR Tolkiens Lord of the Rings trilogy, Yarvin describes American society as divided into several classes: Elves, (the highly educated ruling class); hobbits, (the average middle-class red-state American) and dwarves, orcs and zombies (the working- and lower-classes). These groupings, Yarvin has written, describe different roles in society, not races or fixed classes: The elves are the people who run the powerful institutions of politics and culture, while the hobbits just want to grill and raise kids. (These roles tend to be hereditary, but do not need to be, Yarvin has written.)

The elves are almost uniformly liberal, but Yarvin believes that mixed in among the elves are dark elves  reactionary elites like Yarvin who oppose the regime, sympathize with the plight of the hobbits and understand democracy for what it really is: a cover for a corrupt oligarchy. The only way to realize a pro-hobbit regime, Yarvin argues, is for hobbits to form an alliance with the dark elves to defeat the normal elves, and then to allow the dark elves  and eventually a single dark elf  to rule on their behalf.



This is, in effect, a more extreme description of Deneens aristopopulism in dorkier terms. On a popular conservative podcast in 2021, Vance cited Yarvin  whom he has called a friend  in support of his view that a second-term Trump should fire every mid-level level bureaucrat and every civil servant in the administrative state and replace them with our people, thereby allowing conservatives to seize the administrative state for our own purposes. (Yarvin has recently distanced himself from Vance, calling him a random normie [politician] whom Ive barely even met.)

Vances citation of Yarvin has attracted much attention since he landed on the top of the Republican ticket  especially Vances suggestion that Trump should ignore the Supreme Court if they step in to block the mass firings. But the public scrutiny has overlooked one critical part of Vances plan. When Vance is talking about installing our people in the government, its fair to assume that hes not talking about enlisting the hobbits. Hes talking about promoting the dark elves.



All of these threads come together in the thinking of Vances primary political patron and close personal friend Peter Thiel.

Thiel and Vance met in 2011 after Vance attended a talk by Thiel at Yale Law School  an encounter that Vance later called the most important moment of my time at Yale. Vance later went to work for Thiels venture capital firm, Mithril Capital  the VC company is, fittingly, named after Lord of the Rings  and later founded his own fund with Thiels backing. Along the way, though, Thiel became a sort of tutor to Vance, introducing Vance to the intellectual influences shaping the politics of Silicon Valleys right-leaning cohort.



One of those influences was the Austrian libertarian economist Ludwig von Mises and two of his American disciples, Murray Rothbard and Hans-Hermann Hoppe. That trio formed the core of a group of thinkers known as the paleolibertarians: For von Mises, Rothbard and Hoppe, real political freedom required shrinking  and eventually abolishing  the centralized state, making way for an anarcho-capitalist system governed exclusively by markets and the forces of social competition.

Even as libertarians gained political momentum and support throughout the 1970s, the paleolibertarians remained relatively marginal on the right, and their followers knew that the program wasnt popular enough to gain widespread support. By the 1990s, Rothbard in particular had given up on building a broad-based electoral movement based purely on libertarian principles. Instead, he began calling for libertarians to devote their energy to a new style of right-wing populism, based on an alliance between libertarian intellectual elites and the middle- and lower-class masses who felt oppressed and disillusioned by contemporary American life. This two-pronged strategy is (a) to build up a cadre of our own libertarians, minimal-government opinion-molders, based on correct ideas; and (b) to tap the masses directly, to short-circuit the dominant media and intellectual elites, Rothbard wrote in a 1992 essay titled Right-Wing Populism, which the writer John Ganz has called the Ur-Text of Trumpism.

Over time, this coalition would consolidate behind inspiring and charismatic political leadership  who will be knowledgeable, courageous, dynamic, exciting and effective in mobilizing and building a movement, Rothbard wrote. (The rabid anti-communist Joseph McCarthy offered one historical example of what this leadership might look like, Rothbard argued  but looking to the future, he pinned his hopes on Pat Buchanan.) Once this movement had concentrated power under its charismatic leader, it could seize political control from the unholy alliance of corporate liberal Big Business and media elites, dismantle the American state and usher in a new hyper-libertarian order.

Under this new order, Rothbard presumed, a natural elite  the people who could win out in a world of unfettered competition  would inevitably rise to the top.



Although the paleolibertarians goal was in theory the opposite of a strong centralized state or reactionary monarchy, it nevertheless proved attractive to thinkers with authoritarian inclinations, in part because it espoused a frank skepticism of liberal democracy. For the paleolibertarians, democracy existed to protect markets, and once it had ceased to do that, it became expendable. (Yarvin, for instance, has cited Rothbard and Hoppe as major influences, as have key figures on the alt-right.) This view had a decisive influence to Thiel, who has spoken at an organization founded by Hoppe, and who infamously declared in 2009 that he no longer believe[d] that freedom and democracy are compatible.

On the surface, Deneen, Yarvin and Thiel want different things  a postliberal order grounded in Catholic social teaching; a monarchy styled after a tech startup; a stateless techno-libertarian paradise in which the only rights are property rights. But they are united both by their opposition to liberal democracy and by their fundamental elitism  their shared belief that America is and always will be run by elites, but that it is currently ruled by the wrong type of elite. Their goal is not to abolish elite rule but to replace Americas current elite with a purportedly different, more conservative one, and they share a blueprint for doing so. Implicitly recognizing that their ideas are not popular enough to win broad-based political support, they advocate for an alliance between reactionary elites and the alienated masses, channeling popular frustration against the democratic order they hope to eventually replace. The hobbits are the engine of this transformation, but they are never its leaders.

Forging this alliance, all these thinkers agree, will take time  but the crucial first step is identifying and cultivating a new conservative elite. This new elite must be made up of people who are steeped in elite culture and reactionary ideas but who understand the people and can credibly claim to govern on their behalf. They must have one foot in the world of the elite and one foot in the heartland. They must think like elves but be able to talk like hobbits.

In other words, they must look like JD Vance  and their first task is to build a bridge between the elite reactionary circles and the right-leaning masses.

Maybe the most important role that I have to play from the New Rights perspective is to help build institutions and to get people engaged in politics who werent previously engaged in politics, Vance told me when we spoke earlier this year, referring to his role in founding a handful of new institutions devoted to the nationalist-populist cause.

Its definitely an interesting thing, he said, but its going to take a long time.


Boars Head announced Friday it will close its Jarratt, Va., production plant linked to this summers deadly listeria outbreak.

In a release on its website, the company said it has been investigating alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) after at least nine people died and more than 60 were sickened by a listeria outbreak stemming from liverwurst product at the plant.

The Jarratt processing plant temporarily closed after the outbreak, and Boars Head recalled 7 million pounds of products after reports of the outbreak.

But, on Friday, Boars Head said it made the difficult decision to indefinitely close this location given the seriousness of the outbreak.

It pains us to impact the livelihoods of hundreds of hard-working employees. We do not take lightly our responsibility as one of the areas largest employers, the company wrote. But, under these circumstances, we feel that a plant closure is the most prudent course.

Boars Head said its investigation identified the root cause of the outbreak was with a specific production process of the product and said it will permanently discontinue liverwurst.

USDA released noncompliance reports from the Jarratt facility that dated back two years and showed the plant posed an imminent threat. Records show there was rusted equipment, green mold on walls, live beetles in hallways, dirt, screws and trash in production areas, among other violations.

Boars Head acknowledged the violations in its release and said we will not make any excuses. The investigations have left no stone unturned at Jarratt, the company said.

The USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service said it had been investigating the listeria outbreak and conditions at its establishments nationwide. The agency said it was looking to see if there were any lessons learned that could be broadly applied to ready-to-eat meat and poultry facilities across the country.

Boars Head said it will immediately implement several quality measures to prevent future incidents. The company said it will appoint a new chief food safety and quality assurance officer, creating food safety and quality assurance programs, and establish a Boars Head Food Safety Council comprised of independent industry safety experts.

This is a dark moment in our companys history, but we intend to use this as an opportunity to enhance food safety programs not just for our company, but for the entire industry, Boars Head said.

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The Jarratt, Virginia Boar's Head plant linked to the ongoing multistate listeria outbreak is closing permanently, the company announced on Friday.

The deadly outbreak was first reported on July 19 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and was followed by a recall of 207,528 pounds of liverwurst by the company on July 26. Boar's Head issued an expanded recall on July 30 to include every product made at the same Jarratt, Virginia facility where its liverwurst was produced, equating to about 7.2 million pounds.

At least 57 have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak across 18 states, including nine deaths as of Aug. 28, according to the CDC investigation.

The human toll: His dad died from listeria tied to Boars Head meat. He needed to share his story.

Inspection records showed issues in the plant dating back to at least 2021, including reports of mold and mildew, insects, water leaks and other unsanitary conditions.

About 500 union workers are impacted by the closing, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400 Union spokesman Jonathan Williams told USA TODAY. Additional employees in management were likely affected, too, but he was unsure how many were impacted, he said.

"Given the seriousness of the outbreak, and the fact that it originated at Jarratt, we have made the difficult decision to indefinitely close this location, which has not been operational since late July 2024," Boar's Head said in an email statement.

The company also shared the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Notice of Suspension issued to the facility in July. The agency told Boar's Head the plant was to be closed "based on the determination that your establishment failed to maintain sanitary conditions" and that "your establishment produced product adulterated with (Listeria monocytogenes) linked to an ongoing outbreak."

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Boars Head Notice of Suspen... by Mike Snider

Boar's Head plant closure 'pains' company

"It pains us to impact the livelihoods of hundreds of hard-working employees," Boar's Head said in its updated statement about the product recalls on its website. "We do not take lightly our responsibility as one of the areas largest employers. But, under these circumstances, we feel that a plant closure is the most prudent course. We will work to assist each of our employees in the transition process."

The company also said it would be permanently discontinuing its liverwurst products after investigations found the root cause of the contamination only existed at the Jarratt facility in the production of liverwurst.

"This is a dark moment in our companys history, but we intend to use this as an opportunity to enhance food safety programs not just for our company, but for the entire industry," the statement said.

Boar's Head to take new steps to prevent contaminations

The company listed enhanced food safety and quality measures it will be taking to prevent future incidents:

Chief food safety officer. The company is creating and recruiting for a new executive position (chief food safety and quality assurance officer) that reports to Boars Heads president Carlos Giraldo.

A companywide food safety and QA program. Boar's Head said it will create a companywide program, led by the chief food safety officer, to address food safety standards throughout the supply chain.

Establishing a Boars Head Food Safety Council. The council will be made up of independent industry-leading food safety experts, to advise the new chief food safety officer help the company adopt and implement enhanced quality assurance (QA) programs and create a new standard for food safety in the industry." Founding members include Dr. David Acheson, a global food safety consultant and former USDA official; food safety expert Mindy Brashears, also a former USDA official; food scientist and veterinarian Martin Wiedmann, who is also co-director of the New York State Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence; and Frank Yiannas, former deputy commissioner for food policy and response at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boar's Head closing Virginia plant linked to listeria outbreak
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - The body of a Turkish-American activist was received with a solemn ceremony at the airport in Istanbul on Friday, arriving a week after she was shot in the head by Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank.

The Istanbul governor and other officials lined up in front of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi's coffin, wrapped in the red-and-white Turkish flag, with police in formal uniforms standing guard at each end.

An imam led prayers at the ceremony at Istanbul Airport after her body was flown overnight via Baku from Tel Aviv. Eygi, 26, was killed as she took part in a protest against settlement expansion in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

After the ceremony, Eygi's body was sent to Izmir by plane, the governor's office told Reuters. The funeral was set to be held on Saturday in the Turkish Aegean coastal city of Didim, where her family lives.

Israel has acknowledged that its troops shot Eygi, a Turkish-American educated in Washington State, but says they did so unintentionally during a demonstration turning violent.

Washington has said the killing was unacceptable. Ankara says it will request international arrest warrants for those to blame for what it calls an intentional killing.

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".

(Reporting by Burcu Karakas; Editing by Daren Butler and Peter Graff)
Almost 95% of union members who voted in the ballot rejected the pay deal [Getty Images]

Boeing workers have gone on strike after they overwhelmingly rejected a tentative deal between union representatives and the plane maker that included a 25% pay rise.

More than 30,000 workers in Seattle and Portland downed their tools from midnight Pacific Time (07:00 GMT) on Friday.

The walkout is another setback for the firm, which is facing deepening financial losses.

It is also struggling to repair its reputation after a series of safety issues, including two fatal crashes.

The stand-off adds to the challenges facing Boeing's new chief executive Kelly Ortberg, who was appointed last month with a mission to turn the business around.

Almost 95% of the union members - who produce planes including the 737 Max and 777 - voted in the ballot rejected the pay deal.

Of those who voted, 96% back strike action until a new agreement is reached.

"Our members spoke loud and clear tonight," said Jon Holden, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751.

"We strike at midnight."

Speaking at an investor conference on Friday, Boeing chief financial officer Brian West said the impact on the firm would depend on the duration of the strike, which has shut down production of the firm's popular 737 planes.

He warned that the stoppage "will jeopardise" the firm's recovery and said the firm was focused on repairing its relationship with workers and reaching a deal.

"We want to get back to the table and we want to reach an agreement that is good for our people, their families, our community and our intent is to do just that," he said.

Breakdown in trust

The walkout is a severe blow to Boeing and an embarrassment for Mr Ortberg, who had made a last-ditch plea to workers before the vote, warning that a strike would put the company's "recovery in jeopardy".

The question now is how long it will go on for. Boeing seems ready to get back to the table.

But there is an obvious breakdown in trust between management and the workforce  and equally between the workforce and the union leadership, who had said this was the best contract it had ever negotiated and had urged members to accept the deal.

As well as a 25% pay rise over four years, the preliminary agreement that workers rejected included a commitment from Boeing to build its next commercial plane in the Seattle area if the project started during the lifetime of the contract.

The union had initially targeted a number of improvements to workers' packages, including a 40% pay rise.

Mr West said it was clear there had been a "disconnect" and that Mr Ortberg was "personally" involved with finding a compromise.

On the face of it, it is hard to see a quick solution unless Boeing capitulates.

Analysts say an extended shutdown could cost the company and its suppliers billions.

On Friday, shares in the firm fell as Moody's warned that the situation could lead to a downgrade of Boeing's credit rating, an action that would make it more expensive for the firm to borrow.

The current contract between Boeing and the unions was reached in 2008 after an eight-week strike.

That walkout cost the company about $1.5bn (1.14bn) a month, according to credit rating agency Moody's.

In 2014, the two sides agreed to extend the deal, which expired at midnight on Thursday.

Its never a good time for a strike, at least from the perspective of management, the current situation makes it even more problematic," said Greg Waldron, Asia Managing Editor at aviation news website FlightGlobal.

"Still, a great deal will depend on how long the strike lasts. Airline CEOs with 737 Maxes on order will be watching this closely, Mr Waldron added.

Legal problems

Mr Ortberg's appointment came as Boeing found itself in a deepening crisis over its safety record. His predecessor Dave Calhoun had announced in the spring that he would step down.

In July, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a fraud charge and a criminal fine of nearly $244m in connection with the fatal crashes of two of its 737 Max planes more than five years ago.

It is also facing other lawsuits and probes after a mid-air blowout in January of a door plug on a new plane flown by Alaska Airlines.

On top of mounting financial losses, the plane maker has slowed down its assembly lines, so that it is not even meeting a 737 Max production cap imposed by the US Federal Aviation Administration.

Mr West said the firm had been ramping back up its pace of production and had expected to meet that cap by the end of the year.

"There was very good momentum. Unfortunately there's now a strike," he said.

"My expectation is we'll pick right back up where we left off," he added. "But I don't know when."
Boeing Execs Have Been Suspiciously Quiet Ever Since Starliner Limped Back to Earth

Deafening Silence

The bad news keeps stacking up for Boeing.

Over the weekend, the aerospace giant's Starliner softly touched down in the New Mexico desert, bookending a disastrous first crewed test flight.

But NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are still stranded on board the International Space Station after the space agency deemed Starliner too dangerous for their return.

And instead of trying to spin the landing into a victory, Boeing executives have been eerily quiet since. Two executives who were scheduled to speak at a post-landing press conference at NASA's Johnson Space Center, seemingly decided last minute not to show up.

That's despite Starliner faring much better during its descent than it did on the way up, giving them a clear opportunity to celebrate the otherwise technical issues-ridden capsule.

NASA's commercial crew program manager Steve Stich said during Saturday's briefing that Starliner performed a "bullseye landing" and that "the entry in particular has been darn near flawless."

In fact, the last time anybody from Boeing bothered to attend a Starliner press briefing was on July 25.

So far, all we've gotten is a rote statement from Boeing's Commercial Crew Program manager Mark Nappi  which leaves the possibility of the company abandoning the project altogether wide open.

"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."

Dump and Divest

Tensions have been particularly high since NASA announced on August 24 that Wilmore and Williams would instead be getting a ride aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft by Boeing's archrival SpaceX.

Starliner sprung several helium leaks even before it launched into space in early June. Nagging thruster-related issues added to Boeing's growing headache.

Where all of this leaves the future of NASA's alternative to SpaceX's spacecraft remains to be seen. Given Boeing's deafening silence on the matter, Starliner could be on thin ice.

Analysts have suggested that Boeing may dump the project, despite billions of dollars already invested.

"Its unclear if or when the company will have another opportunity to bring astronauts to space," Bank of America aerospace and defense analyst Ron Epstein told the New York Times last week. "We would not be surprised if Boeing were to divest the manned spaceflight business."

For now, Boeing is taking the offending capsule to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a closer look. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the malfunctioning thrusters were attached to Starliner's service module, which separated from the crew module and burned up completely upon reentry, taking any relevant data along with it.

More on Starliner: When Boeing Starliner Returned to Earth, It Had Two Empty Spacesuits Inside
Striking Boeing factory workers say they are ready to hold out for a better contract

Boeing Machinists Union member Nico Padilla, front, and others wave to passing traffic on the picket line at the Everett plant, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Everett, Wash. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

SEATTLE (AP)  Blue-collar workers from Boeing walked picket lines in the Pacific Northwest instead of building airplanes on Friday after they overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have raised their wages by 25% over four years.

The strike by 33,000 machinists will not disrupt airline flights anytime soon, but it is expected to shut down production of Boeing's best-selling jetliners, marking yet another setback for a company already dealing with billions of dollars in financial losses and a damaged reputation.

The company said it was taking steps to conserve cash while its CEO looks for ways to come up with a contract that the unionized factory workers will accept.

Late Friday, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service said it would convene new talks early next week.

FMCS has been in contact with both IAM and Boeing to support their return to the negotiation table and commends the parties on their willingness to meet and work towards a mutually acceptable resolution, the agency said in a statement.

Boeing stock fell 3.7% Friday, bringing its decline for the year to nearly 40%.

The strike started soon after a regional branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers reported that in a Thursday vote, 94.6% of participating members rejected a contract offer that the unions own bargaining committee had endorsed, and 96% voted to strike.

Shortly after midnight, striking workers stood outside the Boeing factory in Renton, Washington, with signs reading, Have you seen the damn housing prices? Car horns honked and a boom box played songs including Twisted Sisters Were Not Gonna Take It and Taylor Swifts Look What You Made Me Do.

Many of the workers who spoke to reporters said they considered the wage offer inadequate given how much the cost of living has increase in the Pacific Northwest. John Olson said his pay had increased just 2% during his six years at Boeing.

The last contract we negotiated was 16 years ago, and the company is basing the wage increases off of wages from 16 years ago, the 45-year-old toolmaker said. They dont even keep up with the cost of inflation.

Others said they were unhappy about the company's decision to change the criteria used to calculate annual bonuses.

The machinists make $75,608 per year on average, not counting overtime, and that would have risen to $106,350 by the end of the proposed four-year contract, according to Boeing.

Under the rejected contract, workers would have received $3,000 lump sum payments and a reduced share of health care costs in addition to pay raises. Boeing also met a key union demand by promising to build its next new plane in Washington state.

However, the offer 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 new Boeing contributions to employee 401(k) retirement accounts of up to $4,160 per worker.

The head of the union local, IAM District 751 President Jon Holden, said the union would survey members to find out which issues they want to stress when negotiations resume. Boeing responded to the strike announcement by saying 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.

Boeing Chief Financial Officer Brian West, speaking Friday at an investor conference in California, said the company was disappointed that it had a deal with union leadership, only to see it rejected by rank-and-file workers.

During the strike, Boeing will lose an important source of cash: Airlines pay most of the purchase price when they take delivery of a new plane. West said Boeing  which has about $60 billion in total debt  is now looking at ways to conserve cash. He declined to estimate the financial impact of the strike, saying it would depend on how long the walkout lasts.

Before the strike, new CEO Kelly Ortberg gathered feedback from workers during visits to factory floors, and he "is already at work to get an agreement that meets and addresses their concerns, West said.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden administration officials have contacted Boeing and the union.

We believe that they need to negotiate in good faith and work towards an agreement that gives employees benefits that they deserve. It would make the company stronger as well, she said.

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.

The striking machinists assemble the 737 Max, Boeings best-selling airliner, along with the 777 jet and the 767 cargo plane. The walkout likely will not stop production of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are built by nonunion workers in South Carolina.

The strike is another challenge for Ortberg, who just 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 unions negotiators. He told machinists Wednesday that no one wins in a walkout and 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.

Ortberg faced a difficult position, according to union leader Holden, because machinists were bitter about stagnant wages and concessions they have made since 2008 on pensions and health care to prevent the company from moving jobs elsewhere.

This is about respect, this is about the past, and this is about fighting for our future, Holden said in announcing the strike.

The suspension of airplane production could prove costly for beleaguered Boeing, depending on how long it runs. The last Boeing strike, in 2008, lasted eight weeks and cost the company about $100 million daily in deferred revenue. A 1995 strike lasted 10 weeks.

Before the tentative agreement was announced Sunday, Jefferies aerospace analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu estimated a strike would cost the company about $3 billion based on the 2008 strike plus inflation and current airplane-production rates.

A.J. Jones, a quality inspector who has been at Boeing for 10 years, was among the workers picketing on a corner near Boeing's Renton campus. He said he was glad union members had decided to hold out for more pay.

Im not sure how long this strike is going to take, but however long it takes, we will be here until we get a better deal, Jones said.

___

Koenig reported from Dallas. Darlene Superville in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.
Boeing Factory workers assemble Boeing 787 airliners at the Boeing factory in Everett. (Vince Streano/Getty Images)

Thousands of Boeing workers who build commercial airplanes in Washington went on strike Friday after they overwhelmingly rejected a deal their union reached with the aerospace giant last weekend.

The International Association of Machinists District 751 said 94.6% of voting members rejected the contract and 96% voted in favor of the strike. The union represents about 33,000 workers, mostly in Washington.

This is about respect, this is about addressing the past and this is about fighting for our future, IAM District 751 President Jon Holden said last night before announcing the strike vote tally to cheering members.

Holden said it would be an unfair labor practice strike, accusing Boeing of discriminatory conduct, coercive questioning, unlawful surveillance and unlawful promises of benefits.

Boeing has to stop breaking the law, it has to bargain in good faith, he said. We will be back at the table whenever we can get there.

The failed contract proposal included a 25% wage increase over four years, plus a commitment to make the companys next commercial airplane in the Puget Sound region. But pay remained a sticking point, and machinists argued the loss of a bonus ate into the wage increase.

Boeing emphasized Thursday that average annual machinist pay wouldve climbed during the four-year contract to $106,350 from $75,608 and that this does not include overtime or a zoom increase to maximum pay that machinists receive after six years.

The message was clear that the tentative agreement we reached with IAM leadership was not acceptable to the members, the company 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.

Machinists last went on strike in 2008. That strike lasted about eight weeks.

The halt in airplane production comes as Boeing posted a quarterly loss of more than $1.4 billion in the second three months of the year and saw its debt rise to nearly $58 billion from $48 billion during that time.

Boeing is trying to recover from a turbulent period.

A door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max in midflight in January.

In July, the company reached a plea deal with the federal government over plane crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people. The agreement called for the company to pay a fine of at least $243.6 million and to invest $455 million in safety, quality, and compliance programs. A 2021 legal settlement related to the 737 Max included a $2.5 billion penalty.
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

NASA's Boeing Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will now return to Earth on a SpaceX Dragon capsule in February 2025. | Credit: NASA

Boeing Starliner's first astronaut crew will speak from orbit today (Sept. 13) for the first time in two months, a week after their spacecraft left for Earth without them.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams arrived at the International Space Station aboard Starliner on June 6 after an eventful docking; five of the capsule's 28 reaction control system thrusters misbehaved as it chased the ISS down. After months of troubleshooting, NASA said the risk was too great to send Wilmore and Williams home on Starliner as planned; the spacecraft safely and autonomously returned to Earth on Sept. 6.

Wilmore and Williams will speak to reporters today in a livestream at 2:15 p.m. EDT (1815 GMT) about their overall experience and what they have been doing on the ISS since. You can watch the event on Space.com, via NASA+ (formerly NASA Television), to see how they are dealing with an expected 10-day mission being extended to at least eight months.

two nasa astronauts in a module at right. at left is a docked cone-shaped spacecraft above earth

Williams and Wilmore are U.S. Navy test pilots well-used to the unexpected. Their Starliner mission, called Crew Flight Test (CFT), was a development effort that always had wiggle room in the timeline; furthermore, NASA had stored extra supplies aboard the ISS in case of the mission being extended.

The astronauts will be returning home with the two astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-9 mission in February 2025 and integrating into the ISS Expeditions 71 and 72 long-duration crews in the meantime. That change represents a shift in Wilmore's and Williams' expectations for their space stay: they were scheduled for a few days on a test mission, and are now part of an ISS crew instead.

Related: Astronauts would have been fine on Boeing's Starliner during landing, NASA says

Build Boeing's Starliner!

Boeing Starliner model from Metal Earth

You can build your own Boeing Starliner space capsule with this Metal Earth Boeing CST-100 Starliner 3D Metal Model Kit, available for $10.95 at Amazon.

Normally, the ISS coalition holds change-of-command ceremonies in space when one crew departs and when another mission begins. But when space missions change or lengthen unexpectedly, NASA usually doesn't hold ceremonies open for public viewing. (Astronauts may do so informally, however.)

It appears that the former CFT astronauts have been reflecting on what comes next. In a space-to-ground conversation on Sept. 4, Williams shared her feelings on getting the Starliner capsule, named Calypso, ready to fly back to Earth without astronauts. Her job that day included putting mass simulators in the seats to make sure the center of gravity would not be thrown off during landing activities.

"It's sort of  of course  bittersweet to be packing up Starliner and putting out simulators in our seats," Williams said. "But, you know, we want to do the best we can to make sure she's in good shape."

an astronaut floating in spies smiles while handling laboratory equipment

Big mission changes like this have happened before: NASA astronaut Frank Rubio and two Russian cosmonauts were eventually told they would be in space 12 months instead of six after their Russian Soyuz spacecraft sprang a coolant leak in December 2022, requiring a new Soyuz to be shipped to space, for example.

Related: NASA astronaut Frank Rubio surprised by his accidental record in space (video)

Other examples include an ISS crew who had to stay on board the complex longer than expected in 2003 after the fatal space shuttle Columbia accident, for example, or the Apollo 13 astronauts, who lost their chance of a moon landing in 1970 after a burst oxygen tank afflicted their spacecraft.

Rituals like the change-of-command ceremony on the ISS, which borrows from that of the U.S. Navy, are representative of something that people engage in more generally over "transitions that humans don't have control over," Deana Weibel, a cultural anthropologist at Grand Valley State University in Michigan who studies the intersection of religion and outer space, told Space.com.

"Children are born, people reproduce, members of the community die. When we use rituals to mark these transitions  like baptisms, weddings and funerals  we are, at some level, claiming to have control over them and, in a very real way, giving them permission to occur."

suni williams holding a mock torch in a space station module

Rituals in space may not happen in the formal sense when less predictable changes occur, she mentioned.

And something is lost in such situations; during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, events such as funerals and weddings shifted online for necessary safety reasons. The peer-reviewed anthropology literature suggests that there was less of a feeling of closure among ritual participants when the ceremonies took place without others present, Weibel said.

a cone-shaped spacecraft docked to a multi-cylinder space station

RELATED STORIES:

 Boeing's 1st crewed Starliner to return to Earth without astronauts on Sept. 6

 Boeing Starliner astronauts will return home on a SpaceX Dragon in 2025, NASA confirms

 Here's what Boeing Starliner astronauts are doing on the ISS as NASA works on their ride home

As excellently prepared as Williams and Wilmore are for a long mission, Weibel said, their move from Starliner to an ISS crew puts them in a "liminal period" where they are undergoing a transition.

"Both Starliner astronauts have been on plenty of ISS missions before," she noted, but "their identity is different this time, having started as crewmembers on the Starliner. They are considered part of the expedition crew now, but they will always have been the Starliner crewmembers."

While their identities will undergo a shift, the Starliner astronauts' transformation may help them be uniquely identified by history, Weibel said. She likened their situation to that of Sergei Krikalev, the cosmonaut who waited a few extra months on the Mir space station after the Soviet Union broke apart in December 1991. (The new Russia needed to negotiate access to the former Soviet landing area, which was in the freshly independent Kazakhstan.)

"He was not an ordinary cosmonaut, but instead the 'last Soviet citizen,' with his identity forever connecting the past and present, serving as a doorway between them," Weibel said. "These kinds of events don't repeat rituals. They create new stories and new understandings, demonstrating periods where everything changed."
Boeing workers are set to strike  and it could cost the company billions

Boeing workers are set to strike  and it could cost the company billions

Boeing workers are striking for the first time since 2008.

The walkout could cost the embattled planemaker billions in lost revenue if it drags on for months.

Analysts say Boeing tends to mitigate the fallout by delaying orders instead of canceling them.

Boeing is facing its first strike in 16 years  and it could deal a billion-dollar blow to the planemaker if it drags on.

More than 30,000 factory workers are poised to walk out starting Friday morning after the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) overwhelmingly voted to reject a tentative labor agreement with Boeing, and to go on strike in pursuit of a better deal.

Boeing's last strike in 2008 went on for almost two months, causing the company to deliver about 70 fewer commercial aircraft than usual in the affected quarter. The walkout depressed revenues in the period by $4.3 billion, Boeing said at the time.

Another strike of that length would cost Boeing at least $3 billion, according to a TD Cowen research note cited by The New York Times.

Jefferies analysts estimated a 30-day cash impact of $1.5 billion, and warned a strike "could destabilize suppliers and supply chains," CNBC reported. The rejected deal would have cost Boeing an extra $900 million a year if passed, they noted.

A Boeing strike in 1989 cost the company $2.5 billion in lost revenue, and the next one in 2005 cost it about $1 billion, the American Action Forum noted in a paper this week. However, the conservative-leaning policy-analysis nonprofit said that Boeing might make some of that money later instead of missing out on it entirely.

"While strikes, especially recent ones, have been costly, there is no clear trend in how they have affected year-to-year revenue," the AAF researchers wrote. "This may be because Boeing generally delays orders rather than losing them, so their revenue is time-shifted rather than diminished."

Even so, they noted the pending strike could be especially painful given Boeing recently agreed to a plea deal tied to the crashes of two 737 Max planes. If approved by a judge, the agreement would see Boeing pay a $244 million fine and invest an extra $455 million in compliance and safety programs.

"Considering the cost of the previous two strikes, combined with legal troubles related to manufacturing issues, a strike at this juncture could be particularly damaging," the AAF analysts said.

Boeing is also weathering turbulence after the midair blowout of a door plug on one of its planes in January, which sparked investigations that revealed broad-based safety and quality issues and prompted regulatory restrictions on production. The company's Starliner space program has been hit by safety concerns too.

The manufacturing titan employs nearly 150,000 people nationwide and ranks among the largest US exporters, meaning a strike that halts its operations could hit the broader economy along with its bottom line.

"While past IAM strikes have had relatively little effect on Boeing's revenue, the ripple effects of a future IAM strike against Boeing could indeed create significant disruption for the local economy and reverberate throughout the national supply chain," the AAF paper reads.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who only took over the company's controls in August, and his team said on Thursday they're prepared to return to the negotiating table. Quickly ending the strike would minimize its financial impact.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Boeing workers on strike for the 1st time in 16 years after 96% vote to reject contract

Boeing workers walked off the job early Friday to begin picketing outside the company's plants around Seattle after voting to strike for the first time since 2008.

The overwhelming vote to reject a contract deal is expected to halt operations in the Seattle area  the hub of Boeing's commercial plane manufacturing  and disrupt the company's supply chain, Reuters reported. The decision also comes as Boeing faces intense scrutiny from regulators and customers amid a series of crises, including when a door panel blew off a 737 Max Alaska Air jetliner in mid-air in January.

Tens of thousands of machinists voted Thursday to reject a proposed deal between the company and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM,) whose members produce Boeing's 737 MAX and other jets in the Seattle and Portland areas. The rejection was despite the significantly boosted pay and benefits the deal would have offered, according to multiple reports.

Of the roughly 30,000 union members, 96% voted in favor of the strike, according to reports. Just two-thirds were needed to approve a work stoppage, Reuters reported.

The strike could be seen as a blow to new Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took over in August with the mandate to restore the company's image as the premier American aerospace manufacturer. Ortberg's proposed deal included a pay rise of 25% over four years, which was far lower than the 40% workers had demanded, Reuters reported.

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Boeing factory workers hold signs in support of a strike Thursday as they vote on their first full contract in 16 years, at an International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 union hall, in Renton, Washington.

Workers reject Boeing's proposed deal

As recently as Sunday, it appeared a deal was imminent when Boeing announced it had reached a tentative agreement with a union to avert a crippling strike.

That proposed four-year contract included concessions such as a general wage increase of 25% and a commitment to build the next commercial airplane in the Seattle area, provided the program was launched within the four years of the contract. The deal also included better retirement benefits and gave the union more input into the safety and quality of the production system.

Although union leadership called it "the best contract we've negotiated in our history," many workers were angry about the loss of an annual bonus, larger raises and other original demands.

"This is about respect, this is about addressing the past, and this is about fighting for our future," said Jon Holden, who headed the negotiations for Boeing's largest union, before announcing the vote result on Thursday evening, per Reuters.

Strike begins; Boeing wants to get back to bargaining table

Boeing factory workers hold signs in support of a strike Thursday as they vote on their first full contract in 16 years, at an International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 union hall, in Renton, Washington.

Even before Thursday's vote, workers had been protesting this week at Boeing factories in the Seattle area that assemble Boeing's Max 777 and 767 jets.

Now that the strike is in effect, workers assembled shortly after midnight outside factory entrances, waving placards reading "On Strike Against Boeing." Some motorists passing by honked their horns in support, according to Reuters.

Some workers indicated they're willing to maintain the picket line for the long haul.

Im willing to strike for two months or even longer," said James Mann, a 26-year-old who works in a wings division at Boeing. "Lets go as long as it takes to get what we deserve."

But for Boeing leaders, they're hoping to get union officials back to the bargaining table as quickly as possible.

"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," the planemaker said in a statement on Thursday to Reuters.

Holden told reporters that "we're going to get back to the table as quickly as we can," Reuters reported. He did not say how long he thought the strike would last or when talks would resume.

"This is something that we take one day at a time, one week at a time.

The Biden administration had been closely monitoring the talks, with Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su last week urging the sides in an interview with Reuters to get a "fair contract."

Boeing faces string of crises

The strike is the latest in a series of high-profile setbacks for Boeing.

The aerospace company has been plagued by multiple safety incidents beginning with two crashes of 737 Max jets that left 346 people dead in 2018 and 2019. Those wrecks were ultimately attributed to poorly designed, undisclosed flight control software, and Boeing agreed to plead guilty to one count of criminal fraud in connection with the case.

Then in January, an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 lost a door panel that blew off a section of its fuselage shortly after takeoff. No serious injuries were reported, but more than 100 planes were again grounded, and regulatory scrutiny of Boeing ramped up.

Boeing Starliner undocks from International Space Station, heads back to Earth

Boeing also experienced major setbacks with its Starliner spacecraft, which it designed and built to one day make crewed missions to the International Space Station for NASA. The Starliner's first crewed test flight encountered a slew of technical issues that forced NASA to return it to Earth last week without its crew, who remain at the space station.

The task of returning the Starliner astronauts to Earth will instead fall to Boeing's spaceflight competitor, SpaceX.

Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY; Reuters

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boeing workers on strike after vote to reject contract
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP)  Bomb threats prompted the evacuation of schools and government buildings for a second day on Friday in an Ohio community that has been the focus of unwanted attention after former President Donald Trump amplified false rumors that Haitian immigrants are abducting and eating pets.

An emailed threat said bombs had been planted in the homes of Springfields mayor and other city officials, said Karen Graves, a city spokesperson. A second email said that bombs would be detonated at locations including Springfield City Hall, a high school, a middle school, two elementary schools, a local office of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and a licensing bureau.

The buildings were evacuated, and authorities with explosive-detection dogs swept and cleared them, officials said.

We are committed to the safety and well-being of our community and take all threats to public safety with the utmost seriousness, Graves said. We are currently collaborating with the Dayton office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine the origin of these email threats.

The Springfield City School District said in a statement Friday that all threats to the Springfield City School District are taken seriously and will be prosecuted at the highest levels. The districts messaging to families continues to be one of gratitude for their patience and understanding as our Wildcat Family navigates these events.

The threatening emails referenced an influx of thousands of Haitian immigrants into the predominantly white, blue-collar city of about 60,000, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) from the state capital of Columbus.

At Tuesday's presidential candidate debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump repeated debunked claims about Haitian immigrants eating cats and dogs. Trumps comments echoed similar claims made by his campaign, including his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and other Republicans, including one that immigrants are eating fowl snatched from public parks.

In March, unsubstantiated rumors started circulating that three Haitian men were seen in a Springfield park grabbing a duck and a goose. In recent days, a sign was posted at the park saying Please Do Not Eat The Ducks.

Workers on Friday removed the unauthorized sign, which looked professionally made, said Brad Boyer, deputy director of the National Trails Parks and Recreation District.

In an interview with NewsNation on Friday, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said the claims are just untrue, and cast the city in a negative light.

Springfield is still beautiful and your pets are safe, he said. Theres a lot of frenzy on the internet, but this is not what were seeing. Its a bit frustrating.

Rue acknowledged the immigrant influx is straining police, hospitals and schools. He said the city asked for help several months ago.

There is a culture clash, and we see it, and we know it, he said. And the federal leaders who had the national stage did not help us solve this problem.

This week, Gov. Mike DeWine pledged $2.5 million over two years to provide more primary health care through Springfield's home county and private institutions, while the Ohio State Highway Patrol will help local law enforcement with traffic issues that officials say have cropped up due to an increase in Haitians unfamiliar with U.S. traffic laws.
A man walks past the Springfield City Hall after bomb threats were made against buildings earlier in the day in Springfield, Ohio on September 12, 2024. Credit - Roberto SchmidtAFP via Getty Images

The Springfield City School District in Ohio closed one middle school and evacuated two elementary schools on Friday due to bomb threats as former President Donald Trump and his Republican allies continue to make inflammatory and unfounded claims about the citys Haitian immigrant community.

The incident marked the second consecutive day of disruptions for Springfield, following similar threats that had prompted the evacuation of city hall on Thursday. It was revealed Friday that Thursdays bomb threat in Springfield used hateful language against the citys immigrant population.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue told TIME that two more bomb threats were received via email on Friday morning, targeting several city commissioners, a municipal employee, three schools, the towns city hall, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Ohio License Bureau Southside. Local officials are working with the FBI to trace the origins of the threats, the mayor said.

Students at Perrin Woods and Snowhill Elementary Schools were moved to alternative locations while Roosevelt Middle School remained closed for the day. Explosive detection canines were deployed to inspect the facilities, and authorities later confirmed that the buildings were cleared of any explosive devices.

A note on the front door of Fulton Elementary School advises parents wanting to pick up their children to go to another school nearby for pick up after the school was evacuated. Roberto SchmidtAFP via Getty Images

The threat comes amid a tumultuous period for Springfield, which has been at the center of a national debate over immigration as false rumors circulate online claiming that the citys Haitian immigrants are eating peoples pets, which Trump repeated during Tuesday nights presidential debate. Local officials say there is no evidence that Haitian immigrants are doing that.

Trump reiterated unfounded claims about Haitian immigrants during a campaign stop in Arizona on Thursday. Theres a place called Springfield, Ohio, that youve been reading about. Twenty-thousand illegal Haitian immigrants have descended upon the town of 58,000 people, destroying their entire way of life. This was a beautiful community and now its horrible whats happened, he said.

The controversy has been further fueled by misleading assertions from Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who claimed on Friday morning there had been a massive rise in communicable diseases in Springfield. However, local health officials have countered these claims, noting that the overall rate of reportable communicable diseases, excluding COVID-19, is at its lowest level in Clark County since 2016.

The unfounded allegations have stoked local fears and attracted unwarranted national scrutiny to Springfields immigrant community. The town, with an immigrant population of approximately 12,000 to 15,000 individuals, includes many Haitians who are legally residing in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status due to ongoing conflict.

With reporting by Solcyre Burga

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
The racist lie that Haitian immigrants are eating cats in Springfield, Ohio, appears to be having tangible consequences as elementary schools were forced to evacuate on Friday, a day after the town evacuated its city hall following bomb threats. Meanwhile, Donald Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, continues to stoke hate against Haitian immigrants.

Trump and Vance have pushed a debunked rumor that Haitians in Ohio have been stealing and eating neighborhood animals, with Trump spreading the lie in front of tens of millions of Americans during his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

Two public Springfield elementary schools evacuated and a public middle school was closed on Friday following a warning from the Springfield Police Division. Clark State College also closed buildings in Springfield on Thursday and Friday. A local Catholic school also let students out early on Friday, citing safety threats of nearby locations in a Facebook post.

On Thursday, a bomb threat led to multiple buildings closing, including City Hall, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and two elementary schools. Bomb-sniffing dogs inspected the facilities, and the FBI is working with local police to find where the threat originated.

City authorities have made clear that they have seen no evidence of Haitian migrants killing and eating pets.

Vance acknowledged earlier this week that the allegations were only rumors, but still encouraged his followers to keep pushing memes about migrants eating pets.

Vance posted Friday on X, formerly Twitter: In Springfield, Ohio, there has been a massive rise in communicable diseases, rent prices, car insurance rates, and crime. This is what happens when you drop 20,000 people into a small community, referencing Haitian immigrants who have come to Springfield since the pandemic.

Dont let biased media shame you into not discussing this slow moving humanitarian crisis in a small Ohio town, he added. We shoudl [sic] talk about it every single day. Kamala Harris did this. And shell keep doing it unless we stop her, he wrote.

Trump took the lie mainstream during the presidential debate on Tuesday. 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.

Trump pushed the false claim again during his campaign rally on Thursday. Theres a place called Springfield, Ohio, that youve been reading about. Twenty-thousand illegal Haitian immigrants have descended upon the town of 58,000 people, destroying their entire way of life. This was a beautiful community and now its horrible whats happened, he said.

The Haitians living in Springfield, however, are not there illegally.

In 2016, before he converted to MAGA, Vance criticized Trumps attitude toward immigrants. Trump makes people I care about afraid. Immigrants, Muslims, etc, Vance wrote. Because of this, I find him reprehensible. God wants better of us.

Haitian immigrants arent creating chaos, but conservatives certainly are.

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The Greater Ellettsville Area Chamber of Commerce is a conduit between businesses and the local, state and federal governments. We host events that connect our members to decision-makers, most recently Indiana's Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner. Under the news tab on EllettsvilleChamber.org/news, you can read more and find links to Jenner's slideshow presentation and the CATS recording.

In July, we collaborated with great organizations, such as the Bloomington Economic Development Corp., the Building Association of South Central Indiana, the Bloomington Board of Realtors and the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, to host the Stormwater Panel. This event was crucial as it addressed the significant shift from state regulations that impact properties, buildings and development across our community.

Attendees learned about the new requirements and how they would affect various projects and daily operations. The presentation covered a wide range of topics, including compliance measures, best practices for stormwater management and the potential implications for future development.

More collaboration: It's Your Business: Ellettsville events bring community, businesses together

This week, we again collaborated with these cohorts, plus Habitat for Humanity, to co-host a County Development Ordinance (CDO) review to enable our members to learn more about the CDO. This event provided an opportunity to understand the impact of this 428-page document better, learn initial findings from the CDO working group and share additional feedback for the CDO white paper, which will be shared with Monroe County.

You can find the official channels for sharing CDO feedback directly with Monroe County at MonroeCDO.com.

All businesses must have a voice. The CDO can have significant, far-reaching impacts on the local business environment.

A CDO shapes land use, zoning, infrastructure and development patterns, directly impacting businesses' ability to expand, relocate or attract customers. Business owners can offer valuable insight into how the CDO might affect growth or stagnation.

Zoning regulations, environmental restrictions and land use designations may influence where businesses can operate, how they build, or whether they can adapt their operations. Input from business owners can help ensure that these rules don't unintentionally hamper local commerce.

Business owners are community members and have a vested interest in the county's economic vitality and quality of life. Their voices help balance the needs of residents, the environment and commerce.

Story continues

The first public hearing for the CDO is at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Monroe County Courthouse (100 W. Kirkwood Ave., Judge Nat U Hill Room). The meeting will be hybrid; you can find information on the county's events calendar. You can submit questions by email to PlanningOffice@co.monroe.in.us, by phone at 812-349-2560, or by visiting the planning office 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 501 N. Morton St., Suite 224, Bloomington.

Jill Thurman is office administrator with the Greater Ellettsville Area Chamber of Commerce.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Ellettsville Chamber educates communities about important projects
Bones found in Wisconsin confirmed to be those of missing 3-year-old boy Elijah Vue

Bones found in Wisconsin confirmed to be those of missing 3-year-old boy Elijah Vue

TWO RIVERS, Wis. (CBS) -- Authorities confirmed Friday afternoon that skeletal remains found by a deer hunter in Wisconsin this past weekend were those of a preschool-age boy named Elijah Vue, who has been missing since February.

At a news conference Friday afternoon, Two Rivers, Wisconsin police Chief Ben Meinnert confirmed that the remains had been positively identified as Elijah's. He made the announcement "with a heavy heart."

This past Saturday, Manitowoc, Wisconsin County Sheriff Daniel Hartwig contacted Two Rivers police about a report of someone who found skeletal remains in Two Rivers.

The remains were found on private property by someone getting land ready for deer hunting season. The wooded area with heavy underbrush where the remains were found was just north of Girl Scout Camp Manitou, Meinnert said.

The location was just over three miles northwest of where Elijah initially went missing, he said.

The remainsconfirmed to be a skull and boneswere taken to the Wisconsin Crime Lab for DNA testing, Meinnert said. As soon as they were identified, Elijah's family was notified, Meinnert said.

"This is not the outcome that we hoped for," Meinnert said. "The family is devastated. We're devastated. Our community's devastated."

Elijah went missing on Feb. 20. He was 3 at the time.

An AMBER Alert was issued.

Elijah Vue / Credit: Milwaukee Police Department

In March, his blanket was found about 3.7 miles from where he was last seen.

Law enforcement, private teams, and other various search and rescue operations had searched the area several timesand had kept on searching despite turning up nothing throughout different seasons and in different conditions, Meinnert said. But all this time later, a hunter found the remains.

Elijah's mother Katrina Baur and another man, Jesse Vang, were arrested and charged with child neglect on Feb. 21.

CBS affiliate WDJT-TV in Milwaukee reported that local authorities said that Baur handed Elijah over to Vang for "discipline." The Vue family told the station that they don't know how Baur knew Vang, who served six years in prison for the distribution of methamphetamine. WDJT later described Vang as Baur's boyfriend.

It was Vang's apartment from which Elijah disappeared, police said, and Vang who reported him missing.

Both Baur and Vang maintain that they had nothing to do with Elijah's disappearance.

A few weeks ago, community members held at fourth birthday party for Elijah at Kiwanis Park in Appleton, Wisconsinwhile expressing hope that he would still be found.

Pope says Trump, Harris are both "against life"

Burglar busted in "Captain America" costume celebrates 5 years sober after viral incident

911 calls from parents obtained in Georgia school shooting
Mourners gather at a memorial of flowers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May 29, 2022. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol said Thursday its own response to the mass shooting at the school was hampered by a lack of communication with local police among other factors. File Photo by Jon Farina/UPI

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Clearer lines of authority and better training are needed for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to effectively respond to mass shooter incidents such as the one in Uvalde, Texas, the agency said Thursday.

A lack of clear federal authority and muddled lines of command and control hampered the efforts of CBP agents to respond when an 18-year-old assailant killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, the agency said in a 203-page report.

The investigation was commissioned to look at CPB's role in the much-criticized law enforcement response to the massacre.

Former Uvalde School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo was charged with 10 counts of child endangerment in connection with a separate probe into the flawed police response to the Robb Elementary School shooting, in which hundreds of law enforcement officers waited 77 minutes in a hallway before storming the room where the gunman was hiding and fatally shooting him.

Members of the US Border Patrol Tactical Unit, or BORTAC, were among the first to arrive at Robb Elementary, and although it has never been officially confirmed, reports indicated it was BORTAC team members who shot and killed the teen gunman.

And yet the CPB team's response was also criticized as inadequate due to conflicting lines of authority and miscommunication.

That judgment was confirmed by the agency's internal assessment that identified several key issues, including a lack of clear authority when federal agencies respond to mass-casualty criminal or critical incidents normally under the jurisdiction of local authorities.

Other key issues identified were a lack of command and control among multiple law enforcement agencies responding to a mass-casualty scene and "gaps in current training that do not address scenarios in which breaching tactics were required in cases involving locked doors to engage an armed suspect."

Recommendations to improve the situation were also offered in the report. They include changing the relevant policies governing CBP's interactions with local and state law enforcement agencies during mass casualty incidents, re-evaluating training standards, and improving operational methods "to better address the command-and-control issues that occurred during the incident."

"The active shooter incident at Robb Elementary School was a profound tragedy and deeply traumatic event," acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller said in a statement. "The loss of innocent lives and the enduring emotional scars borne by the survivors, families, community and first responders are immeasurable.

"As our report indicates, we are committed to, and working with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that our brave officers and agents have effective training, policy guidance, equipment, and legal authority to respond to critical incidents," he said.
Boris Johnson pressures Starmer and Biden to let Ukraine use long-range missiles after Zelensky meeting

Boris Johnson has dramatically intervened in the Ukraine war piling pressure on Keir Starmer and Joe Biden to let Kyiv use long-range missiles against Russia.

In a damartic escalation of tensions, Russian president Vladimir Putin has threatened Nato with war if it allows the use of the weapons against Russia.

The former prime minister said restrictions should be lifted as fast as possible hours after he met Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.

He said it was vital that Ukraine should be able to defend itself properly by stopping the appalling Russian attacks with glide bombs and now Iranian missiles.

Ukraine should be able to use the weapons, including Storm Shadow missiles, as fast as possible against targets in Russia itself, he said. Every day that goes by means more pointless and tragic loss of Ukrainian lives.

In an apparent dig at other Western politicians the Ukrainian president tweeted he was grateful for Mr Johnsons support, adding: Ukrainians always remember those who stand by them.

Boris Johnson in Ukraine as Putin threatens war with Nato (AP)

Earlier President Zelensky expressed his frustrations, saying that after meeting the foreign secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken this week "there should be no unanswered questions about why Ukraine needs long-range capabilities.

He added: "Its difficult to repeatedly hear, We are working on this, while Putin continues to burn down our cities and villages."

Their meeting came hours before prime minister was due to meet President Biden in Washington DC for talks 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 conflict 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.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (left) and Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the British ambassadors residence in Washington before meeting Joe Biden (Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

But a defiant PM told told journalists on the flight: 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.

He added: 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.

Mr Johnson built a strong personal relationship with President Zelensky while he was in office and has urged the West to continue to support Ukraine against its Russian invaders.

But in February last year he was criticised by senior military figures and accused of looking for publicity in a warzone after it was revealed he planned to visit Ukraine.

The former head of the army, Lord Dannatt, also warned that the ex-prime minister was a loose cannon whose plan could upstage then PM Rishi Sunak.

The UK has also hit out at Russia after it accused six British diplomats of spying and withdrew their accreditation.

The allegations were "completely baseless", the Foreign Office said.

The FSB security service said the Russian Foreign Ministry has terminated accreditation for the six, employees in the British Embassy in Moscows political department.

The move was in response to "numerous unfriendly steps" by London and after "signs of spying and sabotage" were detected, the FSB said in a statement.

Putin has warned Nato the move would mean war (Getty/Reuters)

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless.

"The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK Government in response to Russian state-directed activity across Europe and in the UK.

"We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests."

The diplomats are understood to have left Russia weeks ago and are already being replaced.
FILE PHOTO: Botswana's President Ian Khama returns to his seat after giving a speech during the Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria

GABORONE (Reuters) - Botswana's ex-president Ian Khama appeared in court on Friday to face charges of illegally owning a gun and receiving stolen property, after returning from three years in exile ahead of an election in which his bitter rival is seeking a second term.

The magistrate suspended two arrest warrants against him on Friday for failing to turn up to answer the charges back in April 2022. Khama had been in exile, mostly in neighbouring South Africa, since late 2021.

The allegations include unlawful possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property and procuring the registration of a firearm by false pretence. The former president has denied them and says they are politically motivated.

Khama, whose father Seretse Khama was Botswana's founding president, quit the ruling Botswana Democratic Party in 2019 after falling out with his successor President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Khama backs the opposition Botswana Patriotic Front and had previously said he would return to Botswana to help oust the incumbent in a national election on Oct. 30.

He will next appear in court on Sept. 23, magistrate Mareledi Dipate said.

(Reporting by Brian Benza; Editing by Tim Cocks and Alison Williams)
The News

Brazil will next week host military drills that will be unusual for the participation of both the US and China.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing have been near historic highs in recent months, but the powers have made efforts to at least improve military communications to avert accidental conflicts, with senior US and Chinese officials holding meetings and attending each others conferences.

In Brazil, neither side will play a significant role in the exercises  the US is sending 62 marines, and China 32 sailors  but the newspaper Folha de S.Paulo said they were nevertheless in a silent dispute, with each upping their contributions from prior years in a show of one upmanship.

SIGNALS

US and China seek to put military relations on a more secure footing

Sources: CBS News, Semafor

After a two-year freeze in military relations, the US and Chinas top brass are re-engaging in an effort to cool tensions and minimize chances of misunderstandings spiraling out of control. The US commander in the Indo-Pacific had a meeting with his counterpart earlier this week, something his predecessor had tried and failed to do for three years. While more communication is a good thing, Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, previously told Semafor, such discussions are limited in value because every single thing that is said by the [Chinese Peoples Liberation Army], at any level, has to be vetted, approved, and run up the chain in Beijing, limiting genuine talks.

Superpowers militaries continue to prepare for conflict

Sources: The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Reuters, The Washington Post

The increased communications are unlikely to repair the fundamental rift between the two militaries, which are both preparing for a possible conflict. China has used combat drills to practice sinking US ships, according to Taiwan, while the US military is changing how it fights to specifically prepare for an Asian conflict. The elite US Navy unit that killed Osama bin Laden has been secretly training to defend Taiwan in case of a Chinese invasion, the Financial Times reported. A top Chinese official accused the US of military collusion with Taiwan last month, demanding the US stop selling arms to Taipei, and US officials have said they would turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape if China decides to attack.

Military experts fear a US-China conflict could go on for years

Sources: Foreign Affairs, Center for Strategic and International Studies, RAND

While Washington has primarily focused on the possibility of a rapid conflict with Beijing in the Taiwan Strait, a US-China war could go on for years, a military researcher at the Hudson Institute argued in Foreign Affairs. This is something neither side appears ready for. The US would likely start to run out of key munitions in the first week of a conflict, simulations conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found, and the American defense industrial base would struggle to quickly fix the shortfall. China has been rapidly improving its military, one expert testified to Congress, but said there is little evidence to suggest Beijing is making the kind of preparations required for a protracted fight.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a ceremony celebrating the return of the Indigenous Tupinamba people's sacred cloak to Brazil, in Rio de Janeiro, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. The garment, made from bird feathers and plant fibers, was repatriated to Brazil after having spent more than 300 years in the National Museum of Denmark. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  Indigenous chants and the rattle of maracas resounded Thursday in a Rio de Janeiro park, where Brazil's Tupinamba people gathered to celebrate the homecoming of a sacred cloak absent for some 380 years.

Made of feathers from the scarlet ibis, the artifact from northeastern Brazil resided in Copenhagen until the Danish National Museum donated the cloak to its Brazilian counterpart.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indigenous Peoples Minister Sonia Guajajara attended a ceremony at Brazils National Museum atop a hill in the Boa Vista Park.

It is impossible not to appreciate the beauty and strength of this centuries-old and well-preserved piece, even after so much time outside Brazil, abroad. It is our commitment to preserve this heritage, Lula said, addressing dozens of Indigenous people plus others of the general public.

Celebrations to welcome the cloak have been underway since last week. The Tupinamba traveled 28 hours overland from the northeastern state of Bahia to enter the museum where it hangs in carefully calibrated lighting and temperature conditions to ensure its preservation. There, they conducted rituals and prayers with the cloak they view as a living ancestor rather than an object.

Reconnecting with the cloak, which was once central to certain ceremonies, was "really wonderful, Jamopoty Tupinamba, one of the group's leaders, said Wednesday near their encampment in the park. The emotion was too much. The enchanted ones arrived, too, she said, referring to spiritual ancestors.

Some at the encampment pounded drums on the parched grass amid drifting incense smoke, adorned in feathered headdresses. Anticipation and excitement due to the momentous occasion hung in the air.

The cloak stands at nearly four feet tall, and the Dutch took it from Brazil in about 1644, according to a statement from Brazil's federal government. It has been in Denmark's National Museum for 335 years, it said.

In the process of colonization, he (the cloak) was taken away abruptly, violently, taking from the people what represented their greatest strength, said Yakuy Tupinamba, an elder of the Indigenous group.

Centuries later, in 2000, the museum in Copenhagen lent the cloak to an exhibition in Sao Paulo. Thats when Jamopotys mother, Amotara Tupinamba, first saw it.

When she arrived there, she felt great emotion. The cloak showed her, I am here.  She was amazed, Jamopoty recalled. The notion of petitioning for the cloak's permanent return was born.

Years later, Gliceria Tupinamba, from a village in Bahia state, traveled to Copenhagen to help identify pieces they have in their collection. The idea of securing its homecoming gathered pace.

Museums across Europe are under pressure to repatriate cultural objects. For years, the Greek have demanded the return of sculptures from the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis, which currently reside in the British Museum. French President Emmanuel Macron oversaw the much-trumpeted restitution of colonial-era treasures to Benin in 2021. Since then, France has sent little else of significance amid critics claims such moves would empty Frances cherished museums.

Denmarks National Museum has received three repatriation requests in the past decade, head of research Christian Sune Pedersen told The Associated Press. They responded positively to two, including that of Brazil, deciding to donate one of its five feathered cloaks partly to help rebuild Brazils national museum that was ravaged by flames in a devastating 2018 fire.

Bringing it back to Brazil was a complicated operation coordinated between the foreign affairs ministry, Brazil's embassy in Denmark, the national museums of both countries and Tupinamba leaders.

Extreme care was required to avoid damaging the delicate feathers, and its sealed box was only opened once in an air-conditioned environment, said Joao Pacheco de Oliveira, an anthropologist and curator of the National Museums ethnographic collections.

It marks the first time that an Indigenous artifact of such significance has been returned to Brazil, he said.

The expectation is that this will create new possibilities for donations or even repatriation, he said.

Lulas government took office in 2023, pledging to defend Indigenous groups land rights and established a ministry for Indigenous peoples. Such action stood in contrast to his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who refused to expand Indigenous land.

However, many Indigenous people have bemoaned the slow pace of Lulas government to expel illegal miners and land-grabbers from their territories, and to establish new ones.

In a nod to their frustration, Indigenous Peoples Minister Guajajara said Thursday she wishes the number of demarcated territories were higher.

We really need this number to reflect the desire of the various Indigenous peoples, who  like the Tupinamba cloak, our relative, whose return we celebrate today  want to return home, she told the crowd.

The Tupinamba are among those asking for their land to be recognized as an Indigenous reserve and given formal protection, a process known as demarcation. Brazils justice ministry is analyzing their request, according to a June statement from Brazil's Indigenous affairs agency, known as FUNAI.

The cloak's return is even more significant in that context, said Jamopoty Tupinamba.

The cloak for us is the strength of the people. When he left, the people were weakened. Now he is bringing strength for the demarcation of his territory.

___

AP writers Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark and Thomas Adamson in Paris contributed to this report.
Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes (R) has repeatedly clashed with tech tycoon Elon Musk (L) after making it his mission to crack down on disinformation (ETIENNE LAURENT) (ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP/AFP)

Brazil's Supreme Court said Friday that a judge has ordered the transfer of some $3 million from Elon Musk's companies to pay fines incurred by his social network X, which has been suspended in the country.

Judge Alexandre de Moraes last month ordered X shut down in Brazil after Musk refused to remove dozens of right-wing accounts and then failed to name a new legal representative in the country as ordered.

A brief statement from the court said Moraes had "determined the transfer to state coffers of 18.35 million reais ($3.28 million) blocked in accounts" of X and the satellite internet firm Starlink, both owned by Musk.

Moraes has repeatedly clashed with the South African-born billionaire after making it his mission to crack down on disinformation.

He also froze the assets of X and Starlink, which has been operating in Brazil since 2022 -- especially in remote communities in the Amazon -- to ensure payment of fines imposed on X for its failure to follow court orders.

The social media platform formerly known as Twitter has more than 22 million users in Brazil.

Moraes also ordered that those using "technological subterfuges" such as virtual private networks (VPNs) to access the blocked site could be fined up to $9,000.

His measures have fueled debate on freedom of expression and the limits of social networks both inside and outside of the country.

Leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hailed the ban, while his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro called Moraes a "dictator."

rsr/app/mar/fb/acb
Brazils Supreme Federal Court unfroze the assets of Elon Musks satellite communications company Starlink and social platform X after 18.35 million reais, about $3.3 million, was transferred to the governments coffers.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the unblocking of Starlink and Xs bank accounts and assets after the funds had been transferred, covering Xs fines for noncompliance, according to a press release Friday.

Some 7.28 million reais, about $1.3 million, was transferred from X, while 11.07 million reais, about $1.99 million, was transferred from Starlink on the judges orders.

X faced hefty fines after failing to comply with de Moraess orders to remove certain content from the platform and name a new legal representative.

The social media company closed its office in Brazil and declined to name a new representative after the judge threatened to arrest its previous representative over a failure to comply with the takedown requests.

Following Xs refusal to name a new representative, de Moraes ordered the suspension of X in Brazil. The platform has been blocked in the country of 220 million since the end of last month.

X and Musk have framed the feud with de Moraes as a battle over free speech and censorship.

Shortly before de Moraess suspension order went into effect, Xs Global Government Affairs team said it was facing a shutdown simply because we would not comply with his illegal orders to censor his political opponents.

Free speech is the bedrock of democracy and an unelected pseudo-judge in Brazil is destroying it for political purpose, Musk, the owner of X, also wrote in a post on the platform at the time.

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Patrick Mitchell, a hugely talented artist who shared his craft across genres from Lexingtons Lyric Theatre to Broadway, died on Sept. 12 after a brief illness. He was 66 years old.

Mitchells creative output was vast: He was a photographer, an actor, a director, a playwright, a podcaster, a radio host and a stand-up comedian. He was a co-founder of Message Theater, an African-American theater company based at the Lyric Theatre in Lexingtons East End. Some of his acting roles included Othello and Malcom X in Broadway and off-Broadway productions. His own play, The Waiting Room, premiered at the Lyric Theater in 2023 directed by Joe Ferrell.

He collaborated with visual artist Marjorie Guyon and National Book Award-winning poet Nikky Finney to create i was here, in which Mitchells somber portraits were interlaid with Guyons paintings and Finneys poems to create complex portraits related to the transatlantic slave trade. In 2020, the project won a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, which allowed permanent installations at Lexington library branches.

Patrick Mitchell as photographed by Mark Cornelison in 2023.

Mitchell had roots in New York but went to high school in Lexington and attended Kentucky State University.

Former Kentucky Poet Laureate Frank X Walker co-founded Message Theater with Mitchell in the 1980s, and said Mitchell had been having heart problems.

Most people would be stunned because he had so much heart, Walker said. We grew up as adult artists together. We had a kind of creative bromance together.

Mitchell starred in the first play Walker wrote called Post Time, about two custodians at the University of Kentucky assessing an incoming crop of students. Most recently, Walker said, Mitchell had talked to him about trying to create an arts center for the East End of Lexington.

He was in the lives of so many people  he brought a warmth and energy that was so upbeat and positive and comforting, Walker said.

Mitchells collaboration and cheerleading for other artists in the community was evidenced by numerous accolades from friends and colleagues as word of his death got out.

He was a bright light in our communityalways generous, always dedicated to the voices that needed to be heard, according to a post on the Lyric Theatre Facebook page. His unwavering commitment to the Voice of the People will be remembered, and his absence will be deeply felt. We will miss his laughter, his creativity, and his boundless heart.

Walter Tunis, an actor and music critic for the Herald-Leader, performed in several plays with Mitchell.

Matching image to emotion, Tunis wrote in a tribute. Thats what Patrick did as a radio host, as a photographer, as a writer and, as I knew him best, an actor ... Talented and kind. Those are the descriptions in many of the online tributes Ive read since word of his passing spread. Patrick was both a thousand times over, a gentleman who always left a room brighter than it was before he entered.

He was an early volunteer at RadioLex, developing the Kiss of Lyfe music show and Im Too Old For This, in which he explored issues of aging with friend and cohost Debora Logan Lawson.

He was extremely creative, extremely talented, but also just a friendly, gentle soul with a huge heart and he just loved this community, and the arts, said RadioLex General Manager Mark Royse. He really encouraged other people who were interested to go deeper.

Mitchell is survived by three children and five grandchildren.

RadioLex will host a Kiss of Lyfe Tribute Show on Friday, Sept. 20 from 1-6 p.m. Listeners are invited to call in with tributes. A celebration of life will be held for Mitchell at the Lyric Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 21 with doors opening at noon and starting at 1 p.m.
Soup lovers, brace yourselves. Campbell Soup Company is undergoing a major change. The 155-year-old brand is dropping the word "soup" from its name, transitioning to The Campbell's Company, CEO Mark Clouse announced on Tuesday.

The decision to rebrand is part of the company's wider efforts to expand and shift its focus to snacks and other jarred sauces, away from just soups.

"This subtle yet important change retains the company's iconic name recognition, reputation and equity built over 155 years while better reflecting the full breadth of the company's portfolio," Clouse said in a statement.

So what will the new name be? Shareholders will vote on the name change at the annual meeting in November.

Justin Sullivan - Getty Images

Over the past few years, Campbell has significantly diversified its offerings. Beyond its classic soups, the company now owns a range of popular snack brands, including Goldfish, Snyder's of Hanover, Cape Cod, and Pepperidge Farm. Additionally, Campbell recently acquired Sovos Brands, the maker of Rao's sauces.

Clouse acknowledged the importance of soups to Campbell's identity but emphasized the company's broader focus. "We will always love soup, and we'll never take our eye off of this critical business," he said. "But today, we're so much more than soup."

Campbell's sales also reflects a consumer preference for products beyond soups. Snack sales grew by 13 percent last year, while soup sales had a modest three percent increase. This trend reflects a broader consumer shift away from ready-to-serve soups towards convenient snack options. The company expects its snack brands, particularly Goldfish, to become a major driver of growth, potentially surpassing its traditional soup offerings by 2027.

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Social media poses a big enough mental health risk that it should come with a tobacco-style warning label, the surgeon general has said, and 41 states' attorneys general agreed this week in a letter to Congress. Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joined a bipartisan coalition of 41 attorneys general in a letter urging Congress to require warning labels on social media sites, saying that the addictive nature of endless scrolling and content algorithms pose mental health risks to adolescents.

Every day, our youth are turning to social media platforms that, unknowingly to them, are designed to exploit their vulnerabilities and push them deeper into cycles of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, Brown said in a statement Wednesday. Congress must safeguard the well-being of our youth and ensure they are protected from the harm lurking behind swipes and clicks.

The letter comes nearly a year after Brown and dozens of other attorneys general filed a lawsuit against Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, arguing that its platforms are designed to be addictive to teens and children.

Many of the attorneys general suing Meta have signed off on Mondays letter to Congress.

Young people are facing a mental health crisis, which is fueled in large part by social media, the letter said. By mandating a surgeon generals warning on algorithm-driven social media platforms, Congress can help abate this growing crisis and protect future generations of Americans.

The letter adds that while the warning would not be sufficient to address the full scope of the youths mental health crisis, adding a social media warning would be one consequential step toward mitigating the risk of harm to youth.

NetChoice, an association of tech companies that pushes for free enterprise and free expression on the internet, said the letter from the attorneys general simplifies the mental health crisis among teens while threatening free speech. Among the associations members are Meta and X, the latter of which owns the social media site formerly known as Twitter.

Its bad policy, NetChoice Vice President and General Counsel Carl Szabo said of the call for a surgeon generals warning on social media platforms. Its a sloppy, simplistic way to approach these problems that assumes every single child is the same. Its government deciding what speech is good and what speech is bad.

But U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy agrees with the attorneys general that warning labels are needed on social media, a position he laid out in an opinion piece he wrote for the New York Times. The warning would be similar to those on tobacco products but would instead note that social media may be associated with negative mental health effects on adolescents.

In May, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a surgeon generals advisory on social medias effect on adolescents mental health, saying that around 95% of 13- to 17-year-olds report using social media.

A longitudinal cohort study of [6,595] U.S. adolescents aged 1215  found that adolescents who spent more than 3 hours per day on social media faced double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, the advisory said.

HHS did not respond to request for comment Thursday on the attorneys generals letter.

According to a Maryland Department of Health survey of high school students, about 74.5% of Maryland high school students spent three or more hours of in front of a computer, watching TV, using their smart phone or another electronic device.

About 28% of Maryland public school students in 2022 reported that their mental health was most of the time or always not good, which included symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.

Meanwhile, 15.8% of female students who answered the 2022 survey said that they were bullied through texting or social media. About 9% of male respondents also said that they were electronically bullied.

Despite the pushback from groups like NetChoice, the attorneys general letter says that social media platforms are not doing enough on their own to protect young users.

This problem will not solve itself and the social media platforms have demonstrated an unwillingness to fix the problem on their own, the letter says. Therefore, we urge Congress to act by requiring warnings on algorithm-driven social media platforms, as recommended by the Surgeon General.
PHOENIX - From a brush fire that got close to homes in north Scottsdale to the impact a dropped bag of Cheetos had on a New Mexico national park, here's a look at some of the top stories on FOX10Phoenix.com for Thursday, September 12, 2024.

1. A bag of Cheetos caused what?

(Courtesy: National Park Service)

A bag of Cheetos left on the flow of Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico turned into what National Park rangers described as a "world-changing event" for microbes and insects within the caverns.

Read More

2. Sad update in missing person case

Bradley Klose

Human remains that were found along a Phoenix mountain range have been identified as a missing teen from Peoria, police said.

Read More

3. Gate Fire burns in Scottsdale

The Gate Fire, previously called "Sand Hills Fire," forced road closures and neighborhood evacuations on Thursday afternoon.

Read More

4. Police shooting in the East Valley

Tempe Police say they are investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened near Baseline Road and Priest Drive.

Read More

5. Arrests made over school threats

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)

Buckeye Police say they arrested two minors in connection with two separate school threat incidents.

Read More

Also, your weather forecast for tonight
Bryan Norcross: Watching an area off the Southeast coast for possible development in a few days

Updated at 10:30 a.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.

A frontal system extends from the remnants of Francine over Arkansas across north Florida to a developing non-tropical, low-pressure system off the Southeast coast. The National Hurricane Center is painting an area offshore of Georgia and the Carolinas where the developing low could become somewhat tropical early next week. Their odds of that happening are in the low category.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

It's quite common for low pressure to develop along a front offshore of Georgia and the Carolinas. At this time of year, when the ocean water is very warm, those systems can take on tropical characteristics if they sit offshore long enough.

This developing low is forecast to eventually loop back onshore and into North Carolina next week. The only question is what form it will take and whether it will have a chance to develop into a tropical system. Everybody from South Carolina to coastal Virginia should plan to stay informed as the system evolves.

The remnants of Francine are spinning themselves out over western Arkansas. The moisture feed rotating into the circulation continues to arc from the Gulf across Georgia and Alabama and into the Midsouth.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a moderate chance of flash flooding to continue in Alabama, with periods of heavy rain in the other areas under that channel of tropical moisture. Stay aware of local alerts in the affected areas.

Over the Northeast Caribbean, a small tenacious disturbance tagged Invest #94L is moving across the islands. It and a second disturbance right behind it will bring gusty downpours to Puerto Rico and the surrounding areas over the next couple of days. These systems are plowing into dry air, so development is not expected. But everybody in the northeast Caribbean should stay aware that periods of heavy rain are possible.

Far out in the Atlantic, Tropical Depression Seven is plodding to the west. The atmospheric conditions don't appear conducive for strengthening. This system looks most likely to dissipate or turn to the north. In any case, it's not forecast to affect land.

The situation with Tropical Depression Seven is indicative of what's been unusual in the east Atlantic this hurricane season. The depression is moving so slowly that it can't use its motion as part of the process of spinning up into a stronger system. And it's encountering unusually dry air.

It's all good, but it's weird. There will be a lot of discussion to try to fully understand the causes of the unusual atmospheric pattern this hurricane season.





Original article source: Bryan Norcross: Watching an area off the Southeast coast for possible development in a few days
Two teenagers were arrested Thursday for posting threats against Buckeye area schools and making false reports of a student in possession of a gun, according to the Buckeye Police Department.

A 13-year-old girl was arrested for making the threats, Buckeye police officials said in a news release. Police said the girl is enrolled at Bales Elementary School in Buckeye near Miller and Maricopa roads.

Police arrested her after they received a tip from the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center regarding a potential school shooting in Buckeye, according to the police news release.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested after he made a false claim that he saw another student with a gun in a campus bathroom, police said. The boy is enrolled at Buckeye Union High School.

A school resource officer at the high school found the student who had initially shared the text message claim on social media, which led authorities to the boy who made the claim, according to the police news release.

Both teenagers faced criminal charges along with possible discipline from their respective schools, according to the police news release. Specific charges were not yet released.

Both teens were booked into the Durango Juvenile Detention Center.

Neither of the threats was found to be credible, according to Buckeye police.

Since Monday, the Buckeye Police Department has received more than 300 reports of shooting threats at schools across the city, according to the news release. A social media post about a school threat elsewhere snowballed to include the names of schools in Buckeye, said Sgt. Zach Astruo, a spokesperson for Buckeye police.

"We want to remind everyone to report posts on social media that involve violence, or threats of violence, instead of reposting them," Buckeye police said in the news release.

Fatal heat: Buckeye girl is 3rd child to die this year in Arizona after being left in hot car

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Buckeye police arrest 2 teens in connection with school threats
SEBRING, Ohio (WKBN)  Its becoming more and more difficult for communities to ensure someone is on the other end of a 911 call with staffing shortages and budget difficulties.

Officials in Sebring are getting creative to make sure that when you call the dispatch center at the Sebring Police Department, youll hear a voice on the other end.

Dispatch centers are having trouble maintaining staff, recruiting staff to do dispatch work. It does have its level of stress, said Tim Gabrelcik, Sebring Village Manager.

The village is walking a thin line like so many others, dealing with staffing shortages.

My first priority is safety. If we cant fill the seats then we have a big problem. And were barely doing that right now, Gabrelcik said.

Sebring currently has four full-time dispatchers and five part-timers. In a perfect world, theyd like to have six on-staff permanently.

Theyve increased wages to try and retain part-time help but might need to come up with more cash  as much as $200,000  for additional increases.

We may have to look at increased pay raises again for that position and to retain full-time people. As well as the rest of the police department. Thats not in the budget, but what do we do?

The village does have a new $2 million police levy on the ballot in November, generating about $148,000 per year, costing about $70 per year for a $100,000 home.

But that would not be the magic bullet just for dispatch alone. Part of that, if it passes, is going to need to go toward pay raises to incentivize more dispatchers, as well as the Police department, said Gabrelcik.

Their equipment is also a concern. The two primary consoles purchased or donated years ago are obsolete and replacing them could cost upwards of $300,000.

Sebrings dispatch center handles calls for the village in addition to Smith Township, Homeworth Fire and EMS and North Georgetown Fire and EMS.

The communities we serve, I dont want to leave them high and dry. This has to be a very calculated decision if we cant come up with the money, Gabrelcik said.

The village says any closure is way down the road. Theyre currently in the process of exploring all of their options.

Their primary concern is finding staffing for the current center.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Buffalo man was sentenced to 14 years in prison Friday for fatally injuring his father-in-law during a domestic violence incident, the Erie County District Attorneys Office announced.

Mohammed Mia, 42, unlawfully entered the Buffalo home of his estranged wife on the morning of Oct. 24, 2021 and proceeded to slap, punch and choke the victim while making threats, officials said. Mia violated an existing order of protection when entering the home.

Mia also assaulted the victims parents as they attempted to intervene during the attack, and repeatedly punched and kicked his father-in-law after throwing him to the floor, officials said. He was arrested later that day after reporting he was attacked by the three victims to police.

The victims father, 47-year-old Mohammed Hossain, was unconscious when paramedics arrived and was taken by ambulance to ECMC with severe head trauma. The victim and her mother were also taken to ECMC with various injuries.

Hossain later died from his injuries on Oct. 27, 2021.

Mia pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree manslaughter, a reduced charge that was offered with the consent of the victims family. He originally pleaded guilty in full satisfaction of the indictment against him on May 6.

In addition to 14 years in prison, he also received five years of post-release supervision.

Final orders of protection were issued on behalf of the surviving victims, which remain in effect until November 2040.

Latest Local News

Adam Gorski is a Buffalo native who joined the WIVB News 4 team in 2022. You can find more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Buffalo man was arraigned Friday on multiple charges involving falsified DMV documents in connection with a crash that killed a pedestrian last summer outside an Elmwood Avenue bar, the Erie County District Attorneys Office announced.

Mohammed R. Tanbir, 27, was allegedly driving a vehicle on Elmwood Avenue when he fatally struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street south of Forest Avenue, officials said.

The victim, 21-year-old Sydney Lohr, was leaving her shift at Coles when the incident occurred. She was taken by ambulance to ECMC where she later died from her injuries, officials said.

An investigation determined that Tanbir was driving with heavily tinted windows, and that he allegedly falsified forms to the DMV that cited a medical exemption that allowed for the tints on his vehicle, officials said. He is accused of falsifying a doctors signature on the forms in 2020, 2021 and 2022, according to officials.

The DAs Office said in March that the tints did not contribute to the crash.

Tanbir was charged with three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and three counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing.

Tanbir faces a maximum of seven years in prison and is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 26. He remains released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying bail offenses, officials said.

Latest Local News

Adam Gorski is a Buffalo native who joined the WIVB News 4 team in 2022. You can find more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Buffalo man pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon to all counts in an indictment for fatally shooting a victim on New Years Day in Buffalo, the Erie County District Attorneys Office announced.

Terrance Johnson, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder, one count of second-degree attempted murder, and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Officials said at 3:23 a.m., Johnson intentionally fired shots toward two victims with an illegal gun at the intersection of Main and Merrimac Streets. 18-year-old Rashaad Brown was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he later died. The other person in the shooting was not injured.

Johnson faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when hes sentenced on Nov. 6. He remains held without bail.

Latest Local News

Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
Bulgaria extends talks on sale of Russian-made nuclear reactors to Ukraine

The Bulgarian parliament has approved a six-month extension for the government to negotiate the sale of two Russian-made nuclear reactors and associated equipment to Ukraine.

Source: Euractiv, EU-focused news and analysis website, as reported by Ukrinform news agency

Details: Sofia received these reactors from the Russian firm Atomstroyexport over six years ago. However, they proved unusable after Bulgaria abandoned the construction of the Belene Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

The reactors are currently stored near Belene, awaiting sale.

Bulgaria has been in talks with Ukraine for nearly two years regarding the sale of the equipment. The country's parliament has instructed the government to finalise a deal valued at no less than 600 million, the amount paid by the Bulgarian National Electricity Company to Russia's Atomstroyexport.

It is noted that specialists from Energoatom, the Ukrainian state-owned nuclear company, arrived in Bulgaria to inspect the equipment of the Belene NPP. But the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine has played a crucial role in the negotiation process.

Earlier this year, the European Commission acknowledged that a potential deal to sell Russian-made reactors could be financed with funds allocated by the EU to help Ukraine.

Bulgarian radio station BNR reported that Bulgarian MPs plan to update the market assessment prepared last year and obtain the necessary approvals from Energoatom in the additional 180 days.

Background:

Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has submitted a draft law to the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament) concerning the siting, design, and construction of Khmelnytskyi NPP Units Nos. 3 and 4.

Ukraine's Energy Ministry reported that the construction of two nuclear power units at Khmelnytskyi NPP will increase electricity production by 16.226 million kWh per year and electricity supply by 15.415 million kWh per year.

Khmelnytskyi NPP currently has two power units in operation.

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BURLINGTON (KSNT)  A Burlington student has been detained after threatening comments, that were not credible, was made against Burlington Middle School.

According to a social media post from the Burlington Kansas Police Department, the agency, along with USD 244 and the Recreation center were made aware of an incident where a student made threatening comments focused on the Burlington Middle School after school.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Police presence increases after Junction City school shooting threats unfold

Police conducted an investigation and determined there was no credible threat to the school or any individual student. Burlington Police consulted the Coffey County attorney, and came to the conclusion to detain the student and put that individual into the juvenile justice system.

With the cooperation of the parents involved, the student will not be in school Friday. Sept. 13, according to the social media post.

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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(Bloomberg) -- Carlyle Group Inc. has decided to take StandardAero Inc. public after trying to sell the aircraft maintenance services provider, according to people familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The alternative asset manager decided to pursue an initial public offering of StandardAero because bids submitted this week valued the company below what its expected to reach in a listing, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information was private.

Potential suitors had been weighing bids for StandardAero in a transaction that could have valued the company at $10 billion, Bloomberg News reported in July. By this week, Bain Capital and Stonepeak were the remaining bidders in the process, the people said.

StandardAero, which was pursuing a so-called dual track, filed Friday for an IPO. Details of Carlyles plans for StandardAero could still change, the people added. Carlyle might also reconsider if it receives any improved bids for the company, one of the people said.

Representatives for Carlyle and Stonepeak declined to comment, while StandardAero and Bain didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

StandardAero is the largest pure-play provider of aerospace engine after-market services for fixed and rotary wing aircraft, serving the commercial, military and business aviation end markets, according to its filing. Customers include GE Aerospace, Honeywell International Inc. and Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc.

The Scottsdale, Arizona-based companys filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission showed that it had a profit through the first half of the year, reversing earlier annual losses. For the first half of the year, StandardAero had net income of $8.6 million on revenue of $2.6 billion. That compared with a loss of about $12.6 million on $2.3 billion in revenue during the same period in 2023.

The company wont set proposed terms for an IPO until a later filing, when underwriters are ready to begin marketing the shares.

Carlyle completed its purchase of StandardAero from Veritas in 2019. A statement at the time didnt disclose financial terms of the deal. Carlyle will continue to control the company after the IPO, according to the filing.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley have been advising StandardAero on its options and are listed in the filing as the two lead banks for the IPO.

Story continues

Bank of America Corp., UBS Group AG, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. and Royal Bank of Canada are also among the total of 17 book-running managers and co-managers. StandardAero plans for its shares to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SARO.

--With assistance from Bailey Lipschultz.

(Updates with customer names in sixth paragraph. An earlier version corrected the stock exchange symbol to SARO from OARS in last paragraph)

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Two Italian men were arrested at Yala National Park after rangers found them with hundreds of protected insects [Getty Images]

An Italian father and his son have been fined 60 million Sri Lankan rupees ($200,000; 150,000) for trying to smuggle hundreds of endemic insects - including 92 species of butterflies - out of a safari park.

Rangers at Yala National Park arrested Luigi Ferrari, 68, and his 28-year-old son Mattia on 8 May this year after they were found with jars containing the insects.

The men had lured the insects with animal attractants and planned on using wax sachets to chemically preserve them, investigations show.

They were convicted in early September of illegal collection, possession and transportation of the insects, and handed the highest-ever fine for wildlife crime in the country.

One of the park rangers, K Sujeewa Nishantha, told BBC Sinhala that on the day of the incident, a safari jeep driver had informed his team of rangers that a "suspicious car" was parked along the road, and that the two men who were in it had ventured into the forest with insect nets.

The rangers located the car and found hundreds of jars containing the insects in its trunk.

"All the insects were dead when we found them. They put a chemical in the bottles," Mr Nishantha said. "There were more than three hundred animals."

The men were initially slapped with 810 charges, but these were later reduced to 304. They could face two years in jail if they fail to pay the fine by 24 September.

Italian news reports say the men were on vacation in Sri Lanka at the time and have been held in the country since the incident.

Yala National Park, located in the country's south-east, is one of Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife parks, home to a high concentration of leopards, elephants and buffalos, among other animals.

Luigi Ferrari, an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in treating foot and ankle injuries, was described by his friends as an insect enthusiast, reports say. He is also a member of an entomology association in Modena, a city in the north of Italy.

His friends and colleagues in Italy have pleaded for leniency on his behalf. Some suggested that the butterflies found in his possession have no commercial value, Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported.

Dr. Jagath Gunawardena, an expert on environmental law, told the BBC Sinhala that the $200,000 fine was a warning to criminals as well as a good precedent.

Additional reporting by BBC Sinhala
Pete Buttigieg on Thursday slammed former President Donald Trumps recent false claims that migrants are eating pets, saying its a strategy to distract from the Republican presidential nominees record.

Theres even more to it than demonizing immigrants  although thats obviously part of what hes doing, said Buttigieg, appearing on CNNs The Source with Kaitlan Collins. This is a strategy to get us talking about the latest crazy thing that he did, whatever urban legend he amplifies  right now its about people eating cats or geese or whatever  because he cannot afford for us to be talking about his record.

In recent days, Trump and his allies, including running mate JD Vance, have promoted false claims that Haitian migrants in Ohio are killing and eating family pets. Trump repeated the conspiracy theory during the ABC presidential debate Tuesday night, although the City of Springfield and the local police have said theyve seen no evidence for the claim.

Buttigieg, who spoke in his personal capacity but serves as transportation secretary in the Biden administration, said that while he thinks it is a distraction technique, its one that isnt harmless.

Its affecting this community, and it contributes to this bigger picture of demonizing immigrants. But again this is strategic, he said.

Buttigieg praised Vice President Kamala Harris debate performance but stressed that groundwork and organizing is more important to win the race.

No one night, no one event, no one appearance, no one debate is going to decide this, Buttigieg told Collins. Were getting into the stage of the campaign where the thing thats going to decide it the most is the groundwork, the organizing.

Asked whether Harris would benefit from a second debate following Trumps announcement that he wont participate in another, Buttigieg said a second showdown with Trump is not the only way for Harris to get voters familiar with her.

Shell be the first to say theres still an underdog dynamic here. Shes going to have to work to gain every inch of political ground here, but thats exactly what shes doing, Buttigieg said, pointing to Harris recent campaign stops across the country.

Buttigieg says Trumps child care proposal is gibberish

The Democrat also contrasted Harris and Trump on their platforms, highlighting Harris support of expanding child tax credit and paid parental leave, while criticizing Trumps recent comments on child care as gibberish.

Everyday, shes talking about the American people, about what shes going to do to continue to create jobs, what shes going to do to grow small businesses in this country, what shes going to do to help with child care  something Donald Trump seems literally, almost physically incapable of talking about, Buttigieg said.

When Trump was asked at an economic forum last week about how he would make child care more affordable, he responded that his plan to hike tariffs would raise enough revenue, without explaining how that would help families.

Buttigieg pointed to that response, saying: Every time he gets a question about it, you get a strange ramble that raises the question of whether hes ever actually considered child care policy seriously.

Meanwhile, he argued, Harris wants to expand the child tax credit, wants to make sure we have paid parental leave in this country. So thats going to continue and I think thats how shes going to win.

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(Bloomberg) -- The uneven recovery in US stocks after the August-meltdown is set to lose an important catalyst as corporate buybacks enter a blackout period.

Most Read from Bloomberg

US companies face an embargo on repurchases starting Friday in the run-up to the third-quarter reporting season. Investors say the restriction is making the outlook for equities even more clouded at a time when the Federal Reserve is nearing its first interest-rate cut in four years and uncertainty about the US elections and economy abounds.

Buybacks  which Deutsche Bank AG says are driving as much as 10% in annual returns for the S&P 500  became a crucial source of support for stocks as companies bought the dip after the US benchmarks early-August slump. Repurchase volumes surged to three times the normal level, figures from Morgan Stanley Investment Management showed.

Markets are emotionally scarred from the first week in August, said Rory McPherson, chief investment officer at Magnus Financial Discretionary Management. With buybacks in a blackout period, it puts even more emphasis on the Fed to come through with the rate cut.

The recovery that followed last months selloff has been jittery. Plagued by concerns about a possible US recession as the labor market cooled, the benchmark tumbled again this month and remains about 1% below a record-high in July.

The next few weeks will remain treacherous.

With swap markets pricing in more than 100 basis points of monetary policy easing by year-end, any sign of a more hawkish outlook by Fed officials has the scope to upset stocks again.

Recession risks are still out there, said Matt Stucky, chief equity portfolio manager at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management. You take away a strong source of bids for equities in the form of buybacks, you face a risk that volatility is going to kick up higher.

Options traders are pricing in moves of about 1.2% in either direction for the S&P 500 when the Fed delivers its rate decision next Wednesday, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategists. Thats slightly above an average move of 1.1% seen after meetings over the past year.

For Evercore ISI strategist Julian Emanuel, piling into the shares of companies executing buyback plans is a top strategy to navigate a rate-cutting cycle. Firms with a high rate of buybacks have outperformed those with a low rate every time when the Fed eased policy since 1990, an analysis by his team showed.

Election Risks

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. estimates that corporates have so far executed $960 billion in buybacks out of an authorized $1.15 trillion. Technology behemoths have dominated activity, with five of the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks contributing about 30% of the S&Ps total buybacks in the first quarter, according to figures from Roundhill Investments.

Looking further ahead, the closely contested US election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is adding another layer of risk, due to the outcomes implications for tax proposals and trade policies.

The US presidential election is likely to become more of a focus for investors, said Ulrich Urbahn, head of multi-asset strategy and research at Berenberg. Given also that the last two weeks of September are seasonally the worst of the calendar year, we expect equity markets to remain range-bound.

Not everyone is pessimistic.

The absence of buybacks wouldnt imply a rough time for equities as the Feds actions would be the main focus, said Marija Veitmane, senior multi-asset strategist at State Street Global Markets.

Im quite relaxed about the blackout now, she said. To me, the key driver is the Fed put.

Still, at Morgan Stanley IM, portfolio manager Andrew Slimmon said a slowing economy warrants caution.

The market is short-term overbought as were entering this seasonally treacherous time of the year, Slimmon wrote in a note. The market is now expecting a perfect landing by the Fed, but be patient.

--With assistance from Christian Dass and Jan-Patrick Barnert.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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CABOT, Ark.  The superintendent of the Cabot School District provided an update Thursday regarding the investigation of a threatening note found at the school earlier this week.

In a video address on Facebook, Superintendent Tony Thurman said a suspect, who he noted was a student at Cabot High School, has been identified and removed from campus.

Increased police presence expected at schools in Cabot after report of threat

The student, according to Thurman, admitted to making the threat and will face serious school consequences, along with felony charges.

Thurman said the student claims there was no intent to harm anyone, but that the severity of the situation demands strict legal consequences.

The superintendent said several other students may have known the individual was involved but did not provide the information to school officials or law enforcement. He said those students will also face consequences.

Some Cabot High School students stay home Wednesday after a report of a threat

The update comes after Cabot High School, among other multiple other central Arkansas schools, faced a reported threat on Wednesday, Cabot SD officials said they were informed about a note making the threat in a Cabot High School bathroom.

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(FOX40.COM)  Within two days, CAL FIRE Law Enforcement officers arrested two people connected to arsons in Northern California.

CAL FIRE officers operating in Butte County made arrests on Sept. 6 and Sept. 7 related to two separate arson fires.

Jesse James Creekmore, 25, was arrested in connection to an arson fire on Aug. 28 at the intersection of Kelly Ridge Road and Highway 162.

The fire threatened valuable infrastructure at Miners Ranch Reservoir, Saddle Dam and a nearby water treatment facility, according to CAL FIRE.

New details revealed about Stockton 2-year-olds death, parents arraigned

Fire crews contained the fire to just 30 feet by 30 feet before it could cause significant damage.

Creekmore is facing charges of arson to wildland and delaying an investigation.

The following day, fire crews responded to the 4200 block of Lincoln Boulevard, south of Oroville, for reports of a vegetation fire.

Within 40 minutes, fire crews were able to knock down the fire and CAL FIRE officers were informed about a person suspected of starting the fire.

Omar Luna Rocha, 35, was arrested after admitting to starting the fire on a property he did not have permission to be on, according to CAL FIRE.

Rocha has been booked into the Butte County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Scott County deputy is still serving the public 16 months after he was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop in Georgetown.

Although Caleb Conley is no longer with us, hes still making a difference with The Caleb Conley Foundation.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Its a foundation that honors first responders in Kentucky who were killed or injured in the line of duty. The foundations Executive Director, Andrew Doyle, who just turned 20, looks back on the foundations first year of impacting the community.

Ive always had an interest in public safety, first responders. And with Scott County being so close to home. I thought, lets see what I can do. And I guess here we are, Doyle said.

Then 18-year-old Doyle couldnt just sit around in the wake of Caleb Conleys death last May.

I got in contact with Calebs wife and throughout the idea of a nonprofit, and, about six months later, we launched it. And then, here we are a year later, still going strong, Doyle said.

Over the past year, the foundation and its volunteers have been able to help 10 families in such ways as by giving them financial assistance, memorial bracelets, and sharing profits from an online store.

Over the past year, weve had right at 2000 orders. And over the next year, I hope to double that. That means double the money, double what were able to benefit to the families, and help them out, Doyle said.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

The most important thing Doyle said they do is make sure the memories of families loved ones are kept alive.

We are remembering your loved one in the way that you want them remembered. And we dont want to forget them, he said.

The foundations logo says, Let Us Not Forget, four words that mean so much to Conleys wife, Rachel.

Let Us Not Forget is to serve as a reminder that we will never forget those who have given the ultimate sacrifice; we will keep their memory alive by continuing to talk about them, and those four simple words should constantly remind you of whats at stake when they put on that uniform before each shift, she said.

The foundation has a fundraiser coming up on Sunday, Sept. 22. Its the 2024 Caleb Conley Memorial Run. The 5K race is at Country Boy Brewing in Georgetown, and the cost for early registration is $35. You can find more information about the race and how to register here.

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California approves fourth PG&E rate hike this year. How much will be added to your bill?

Northern California customers of Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will see their utility bills rise again this year after regulators approved another new rate increase Thursday.

It marks the fourth rate increase for PG&E customers this year. The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the hike with a 4-0 vote on its consent agenda, a process that involved no discussion among the commissioners.

The increase, which amounts to $6 per month on average for each electric customer, is intended to help PG&E recover approximately $944 million in costs associated with winter storms during the 2022-23 season and wildfire mitigation efforts.

Considered a temporary rate hike, the increase will go into effect next month and sunset after 17 months.

The approved rate increase comes as PG&E recovers from a challenging winter season, when it restored power to 7 million customers after 15 major storms damaged thousands of utility poles and hundreds of miles of wires.

PG&E said to regulators that recovering those costs now will help lower expenses for customers in the long run by allocating them to those who were customers when the costs were incurred.

Utility representatives said PG&E is attempting several strategies to limit future rate hikes. The company reduced rates in July and is working to limit average annual bill increases to no more than 3% through 2026.

Electric customers of PG&E can also expect a $55 climate credit next month, a benefit of the states cap-and-trade program.

The approval went forward despite public opposition, including from customer groups. Many voiced concerns about their ability to afford their utility bills, which currently average around $281 per month for combined gas and electric service.

A recently formed organization of customer activists called Stop PG&E are advocating for increased pressure on utilities from their regulators, which they say are blind to the suffering of consumers navigating the challenges of rising costs.

Why are we having these rate increases when PG&E has profits in the billions, asked one of the groups activists Matthew Oliver at a recent protest in Sacramento. The biggest issue is the PUC is appointed by Newsom. No one is representing the people anymore.

Consumer advocacy groups, including The Utility Reform Network (TURN), have opposed the rate hikes and warn that the compounding impact of PG&Es recent rate hikes is over burdening customers.

Despite these objections, commissioners have said that rejecting rate increases would force PG&E to borrow money to cover its expenses, raising the cost of borrowing and potentially leading to additional costs for ratepayers.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and a handful of lawmakers aimed to tackle rising electric costs in this legislative session with little success.

An unreleased plan by the Newsom administration sought to give customers relief and lower utility costs long term quickly fizzled following utility opposition in the capitol. Instead, lawmakers and the governor agreed to hold a special session on gasoline prices.
As hundreds of firefighters battled a raging wildfire on Thursday in the steep mountains north of Los Angeles, cooler weather sweeping into Southern California aided their fight, fire officials said.

The so-called Bridge Fire, which is burning in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness in the Angeles National Forest, saw "minimal" growth on Thursday as winds died down and humidity increased, officials said in their most recent update, posted at about 4 p.m. Thursday.

PHOTO: Sparks fly from a burning tree as the Bridge Fire burns in the hills of Big Pines, near Wrightwood, California, on September 12, 2024. (Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency

But the fire's containment was still at zero percent as of that update, fire officials said. The blaze by then had spread to about 51,580 acres that straddled Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

"Firefighters made great progress on the ground, aided by aircraft to attack the fire aggressively 24 hours per day," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.

PHOTO: Firefighters cut and estinguish the fire in a tree on the road as the Bridge Fire burns in the Big Pines hills near Wrightwood, California, on September 12, 2024. (Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images)

About 480 firefighting personnel were working to contain the fire, which was ignited Sunday and was the largest of several active blazes in Southern California.

The three largest blazes burning on Thursday covered a total of more than 110,000 acres and threatened tens of thousands of structures, according to fire officials.

The Line Fire in San Bernardino County was spread over about 37,207 acres with 21% containment, Cal Fire said. That fire had destroyed or damaged by early Friday at least four structures, with some 65,000 others threatened, officials said.

And the Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties covered about 23,453 acres with about 5% containment, Cal Fire said.

PHOTO: A hotshot firefighter walks by flames as they return after digging trenches in a canyon to slow down the progression of the Bridge Fire as it burns in the hills of Big Pines, near Wrightwood, California, on September 12, 2024. (Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images)

Officials with San Bernardino County announced further evacuations for the Bridge Fire late on Thursday, broadening their order near The Baldy Village to including several additional neighborhoods from San Antonio Heights to Wrightwood and east to Cucamonga Peak.

The temperature in Los Angeles was expected to peak on Friday and Saturday at about 78 degrees Fahrenheit, before further cooling next week, according to the National Weather Service.

ABC News' Marilyn Heck, David Brennan and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report.

California Bridge Fire updates: Cooler weather slows wildfire's growth, but evacuations continue originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
DENVER (KDVR)  Friday morning, a big arrest was announced when it comes to fentanyl.

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann and Denver Chief of Police Ron Thomas said they arrested a fentanyl distributor in California who allegedly sold fentanyl to a Denver man who died.

Denver police and the Denver DAs office said they arrested Jamal Gamal who lives in San Francisco. They are charging him with the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, which holds a similar prison sentence as homicide. He is expected to be brought back to Denver on Sept. 16 to face charges.

Suspect in custody after heavy police presence at Folsom Field

Gamal was allegedly selling drugs online and mailing them to the buyers. Unfortunately, these pills were deadly.

Police and the DA said that between Nov. 9-19, 2023, Gamal sold fentanyl to 28-year-old Collin Walker and that caused his death.

Earlier this year, Denver police conducted a sting operation to catch Gamal and bought fentanyl from him. He mailed detectives 14 grams of fentanyl from California. He was arrested on Aug. 28.

The DAs office has been making a push to hold drug dealers accountable if someone dies from the drugs they sell, and fentanyl has been a growing issue.

Its a fairly new charge, distribution of fentanyl resulting in death was enacted in Colorado in 2022. So far, this is the sixth time the Denver DAs office has charged a drug dealer with the crime.

Collin Walkers death is yet another tragic example of the devastation that fentanyl continues to cause in our community. The charges against Mr. Gamal should send the message that people who are accused of selling this poison in Denver will be prosecuted by my office to the fullest extent of the law, said McCann.

How big of a problem is this?

The Common Sense Institute looked into the numbers and said the total cost of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Colorado was estimated to be $16 billion in 2023. This is over 10 times the cost of fentanyl overdoses from 2017.

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The DEAs Rocky Mountain Field Division seized a record of more than 425 kilograms of fentanyl in 2023. Just two milligrams of pure fentanyl is a deadly dose.

Depending on the purity, the drugs seized from 2023 alone could be enough to kill every Coloradan 36 times or to kill one in every three Coloradans, according to the CSI.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
A California man is facing federal charges for choking and assaulting flight attendants during a trip to San Francisco this week that had to be diverted to another airport, the Justice Department said Thursday.

Charles Angel Salva, 30, of Fremont is charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants. He appeared in federal court on Thursday.

On Monday, Salva was on Frontier Airlines Flight 3581 that departed John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana bound for San Francisco International Airport, a federal court complaint states.

Just after takeoff, as the plane was below 10,000 feet and climbing, flight attendants noticed that the oxygen masks in one row of the middle of the aircraft were out of the overhead compartment.

VIDEO SHOWS DELTA PLANE'S TAIL SEVERED AFTER COLLISION WHILE TAXIING AT ATLANTA AIRPORT

A Frontier Airlines Airbus A319-111 approaches the runway at Los Angeles International Airport.

When they looked, they discovered that Salva had his hand in the overhead compartment, authorities said. A passenger told investigators that Salva appeared claustrophobic and that it seemed like he wanted to get off of the plane.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The passenger said Salva pulled the oxygen masks down from the overhead compartment and got his hand stuck. He then began yelling obscenities and said, "We are all going to hell" and "This airplane is going down," according to court documents.

A flight attendant restrained him as he tried to grab passengers, authorities said. Salva then allegedly ran toward the back of the aircraft and grabbed the lanyard around a flight attendant's neck and said, "Im going to choke this b----," while trying to choke her.

He also pushed another flight attendant "with force" and said he was going to kill everybody, federal prosecutors said.

Passengers tried to restrain Salva as he kicked the second flight attendant in the leg. The plane was diverted to Ontario International Airport in Ontario, California, where authorities boarded the plane and saw passengers holding him down.

FLIGHT ATTENDANTS USE SECURITY PRIVILEGES TO SMUGGLE MILLIONS IN DRUG MONEY OUT OF US: FEDERAL PROSECUTORS

This image shows the arrival area at Ontario International Airport in Ontario, California.

Salva was eventually placed on a gurney by responding officers, restrained with soft cuffs and taken to a local hospital. The flight attendant whose leg was allegedly kicked by Salva was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

"We extend our utmost appreciation to the flight crew for their professionalism and to the other passengers who assisted during the incident, as well as local and federal law enforcement, and the U.S. Attorneys Office, Central District of California, for their efforts to ensure justice," a Frontier statement to Fox News Digital said.

A passenger told investigators they were flying back to San Francisco with Salva and his 3-year-old daughter after spending the weekend at Disneyland. On Sunday, Salva left his daughter with the unnamed passenger and their family and then disappeared, court documents state.

The passenger said they later received a call from the Anaheim Police Department informing them that Salva had been found covered in sewage at a liquor store.

During a police interview, Salva allegedly said, "Im a child molester," and that he had molested his 3-year-old daughter multiple times before losing his custody rights.

A Frontier Airlines plane lands at Miami International Airport.

He allegedly admitted to taking ecstasy before boarding the plane. He also said he thought everyone was trying to get him to admit his crimes, so he tried to pull the emergency flight button so that the plane would crash, authorities said.

He assaulted the flight attendants because he didn't want anyone to know he was a pedophile and that he heard voices saying words that triggered thoughts of him being a pedophile, he allegedly told police.

Salva faces up to 20 years in federal prison.





Original article source: California man choked, attacked Frontier Airlines flight attendants after weekend at Disneyland, DOJ says
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  White Castle is ceasing operations at two manufacturing facilities, affecting nearly 100 employees.

The central Ohio-based fast food chain is closing a frozen food plant in Covington, Kentucky, and Lebanon, Indiana, White Castle Vice President Jamie Richardson told NBC4. Richardson said these factories are used in the production of items sold in stores, including sliders.

1970s fish and chips chain to relaunch Ohio eatery

Employees were notified of the closures in August. The decision will affect 59 Kentuckians and 38 Indiana residents when both facilities close on Oct. 11.

For us, its really about assessing what the demand was going to be for the foreseeable future and how to really get the most efficient cost, while at the same time being there for the 10,000 team members who really rely on us as responsible citizens for the health of the business, Richardson said.

Richardson said the corporation is accommodating the changes by adding an additional shift to a plant in Zanesville.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
California Medical Board to take action against Modesto doctor. How the process works

In the Spotlight is a Modesto Bee series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email tips@modbee.com.

Allegations against a Modesto doctor have called attention to a state agency responsible for protecting patients.

Last month, the Medical Board of California proposed disciplinary action against Dr. Robert Altman, the president of Gould Medical Group, over allegations of sexual exploitation and misconduct.

The state board is responsible for physician licensing and has a vision of being the leading consumer protection agency for preventing harm to patients and advancing safe, high-quality medical care.

Altman, an obstetrician-gynecologist, faces allegations of inappropriate touching and physical contact with patients for nonmedical purposes. Two patients said in complaints the incidents occurred during examinations performed by Altman in 2020 and 2017.

One longtime patient also described a pattern of hugging and excessive touching that continued even after the woman complained to nursing assistants who worked with the doctor. Investigators concluded that Altman was subject to disciplinary action for sexual exploitation and misconduct, as well as gross negligence.

Altman can request an administrative law court hearing to contest the allegations or he can wait for a final decision by the Medical Board. A Sutter Gould Medical Foundation spokesperson said Wednesday the group had no additional comment on the Medical Board accusation out of respect for the confidentiality inherent in an ongoing investigation and in compliance with state and federal law.

Sutter didnt comment on whether any patients now seen by Altman are informed about the sexual misconduct accusation or if a chaperone is provided for patient examinations.

Attorney Ray McMahon of Irvine is representing Altman. Our response is we dont litigate through the media and the allegations of misconduct are completely false. McMahon said. He is going to be vindicated when the matter proceeds to a hearing and evidence is introduced.

McMahon said the Medical Board could dismiss the case without a hearing. The matter is not set for hearing at this time.

The potential penalties against Altman could be license revocation, suspension, probation, administrative fines or a public reprimand.

The Medical Board, consisting of eight physicians and seven public members, often is criticized when findings of serious wrongdoing or incompetence result in probation for licensed physicians, allowing them to continue seeing patients. On the other hand, Altman has plenty of patients who are vocally supporting him.

Physicians placed on probation are expected to comply with terms designed to protect patients such as practice monitoring, use of chaperones and education.

Typically, an OB-GYN has office appointments with 175 patients per week, including expectant mothers needing prenatal visits every four weeks.

Last week, a story about the accusations against Altman drew 90 comments on The Modesto Bees Facebook page, most of them from patients supporting the doctor.

Andrea Castillo wrote that Altman delivered two of her babies. When I had to leave his care due to insurance with my third, I cried because I didnt want to leave his care. He was always very compassionate and I felt safe with him, her post read.

Another patient wrote that Altman hugged her after every appointment, but it was done in a compassionate, platonic way. I struggled through a high-risk pregnancy and he was beyond supportive. He was at both births and I had a great experience.

How complaints are filed with Medical Board

The Medical Board has an online process for complaints of misconduct, negligence, incompetence, inappropriate prescribing, drug abuse, fraud and health and safety violations.

Marian Hollingsworth, a patient advocate with Patient Safety Action Network, said complainants should obtain a copy of their medical record as soon as possible so the facts remain clear and they can read the doctors notes.

Everyone has a right to a copy of their records, she said. You need to know what the doctor has written about you, because thats considered in a board decision.

A person filing a complaint should hear from Medical Board staff within 10 days. But then six months most likely will pass before hearing if an investigation is moving forward. Following an accusation with findings of the investigation, it can take a year or longer for a board decision on disciplinary action.

About 4% of cases lead to disciplinary penalties. Many would like to see a faster process, Hollingsworth said. It puts both sides in limbo for quite awhile.

The Medical Boards enforcement program received 9,521 complaints statewide in the 2022-23 fiscal year, which was down from 9,943 the previous year. About half the complaints were claims of gross negligence or incompetence and 20% alleged unprofessional conduct, a category that includes sexual misconduct and other violations.

After the complaints were reviewed, 1,080 were referred for investigation. An annual report said 230 cases resulted in accusations of wrongdoing and 91 completed investigations were referred to the Attorney Generals Office for action.

In that year, 85 physician licenses were surrendered or revoked, 146 physicians were placed on probation and 75 received a reprimand, while 195 were ordered to pay administrative fines.

Gross negligence or incompetence were most often the reason for disciplinary action. Thirty-seven doctors were disciplined for drug or alcohol abuse, 30 for inappropriate prescribing of drugs and 13 for sexual misconduct.

According to the limited available data for 2023-24, the enforcement program received 9,715 complaints, and it took on average 271 days to complete an investigation. Legislation signed into law last year will create a complaint liaison unit to coordinate communication between the patient and investigators during the enforcement process.
Cambodia decries US sanctions against one of its top tycoons implicated in forced labor

In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodian tycoons, Ly Yong Phat, left, attends the welcome the return of cultural treasures of artifact statues ceremony in Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Aug. 22. 2024. (AKP via AP)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  Cambodia on Friday decried newly imposed U.S. sanctions on one of the country's top tycoons who has been implicated in allegations of forced labor, human trafficking and lucrative online scams.

Cambodias foreign ministry expressed deep regret over the unjust decision to sanction Ly Yong Phat and suggested that the action could hurt bilateral relations. Ly Yong Phat, one of Cambodias richest men, is also a Cambodian senator and a leading member of the ruling Cambodian People's Party of Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday imposed sanctions on Ly Yong Phat and five of his businesses for their role in serious human rights abuses related to the treatment of workers subjected to forced labor in online investment scam operations.

Victims forced to run virtual currency investment scams and other online schemes are often lured by fraudulent jobs and promises of free housing, said the statement. Instead, they find themselves forced to run scam operations for criminal organizations under horrifying working and living conditions.

Washingtons move, which blocks any of Ly Yong Phat's assets in the United States and prohibits U.S. entities from doing business with him, reflects mounting concern about cybercrime, including from Southeast Asia and Cambodia in particular.

Cambodia has been the location of cyberscams that include  pig butchering, a term that refers to gaining victims trust through dating apps or other sites and steering them toward bogus investments. Cryptocurrency is often used in such schemes to make them harder to stop.

Friday's statement from Cambodias foreign ministry claimed the Treasury's action was based on unconfirmed reports of forced labor linked to online investment scams, as well as politically motivated and counter to the spirit of reinforcing our bilateral cooperation and mutual trust."

Cambodian-U.S. relations have long been strained over Washingtons criticism of alleged political repression and human rights violations by the government, as well as its close relationship to China.

In June, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Phnom Penh and his meetings with Cambodian officials had suggested the beginning of a thaw in relations between the countries.

Friday's statement further said the Treasury's report fails to provide a balanced and accurate representation of Cambodias steadfast commitment to human rights, law enforcement, and its determined efforts to combat human trafficking and forced labor.

It also praised Ly Yong Phats role in advancing Cambodias socio-economic development over the decades through his L.Y.P. Group.

Though Ly Yong Phat himself has not faced any human trafficking charges, a casino run by his business has been raided at least twice, and both times authorities rescued people who had been forced to work there in call-center scams and other illicit activities, The Associated Press reported in May.

Victims cited being lured to O-Smach Resort, a property owned by L.Y.P. Group, with false employment opportunities, having their phones and passports confiscated upon arrival, and being forced to work scam operations.

The victims also reported being beaten, abused with electric shocks, made to pay a hefty ransom, or threatened with being sold to other online scam gangs.

___

Peck reported from Bangkok.
With the start of the academic year, campuses across the nation are preparing for more protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict. As students return to campus, the underlying issues that ignited these demonstrationsmisunderstandings and misapplications of free speechremain unaddressed. These protests have revealed a pressing challenge for universities: upholding the principles of free speech amid modern political activism.

While many protests last semester were peaceful, others have disrupted campus operations, led to altercations and vandalism, and made some students feel unsafe on campus. The actions of some students, coupled with the reactions of some administrators, highlight a troubling lack of understanding of free speech principles. Preserving a campus environment that encourages the contestation of ideas, allows dissent, and enables scientific discovery requires a steadfast commitment to free speech principles from administrators and students.

The Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth's most recent survey of college students nationwide includes important insights on the state of free speech on campus. An encouraging 89 percent of respondents say that students have a right to engage in peaceful protests related to the Israel-Hamas war. However, many students confuse free speech with illiberal actions that undermine it. About 40 percent of students support occupying buildings or staging "die-ins" to prevent normal activities from occurring on campus, 27 percent think students have the right to disrupt class to protest, and 20 percent believe it is okay to shout down a campus speaker addressing the Israel-Hamas war. While these actions may be seen as forms of protest, they hinder the free exchange of ideas and limit the ability of others to express their viewpoints.

This misunderstanding is most pronounced by students who identify as politically liberal and who most likely claim to support free speech (93 percent of respondents do) in the context of the Israel-Hamas war. However, politically liberal students also show the highest acceptance of anti-free speech actions. Among these students, 55 percent think it is OK to disrupt campus by occupying buildings, 37 percent think it is okay to disrupt class with protests, 26 percent believe it is acceptable to shout down a speaker, and 18 percent say it's OK to block a speaker from entering an auditorium where a speech on the Israel-Hamas is scheduled.

Not only are many students confused about what free speech entails, but they also seem to be hypocritical in supporting free speech on some subjects but not others. The apparent enthusiasm for what they consider to be free speech in the context of the Israel-Hamas war is contrasted with a belief by 62 percent of all studentsand 74 percent of liberal-leaning studentsthat professors should be reported for making controversial statements about affirmative action, police shootings, sex and gender, guns, and vaccines. Even worse, 56 percent of all students and 63 percent of liberal-leaning students favor reporting other students for saying something they deem offensive.

The students' confusion about the principles of free speech, and their lack of tolerance for different points of view, pose an important challenge for universities. But it remains crucial for universities to stand firm and defend students' rights to express their views, no matter how distasteful the views may be to any individual. They also need to teach students the limits of free speech: Violence, disrupting campus activities, shouting down speakers one disagrees with, and intimidating or harassing others are not free speech. This commitment to both freedom and responsibility can provide a sense of reassurance and support to the audience.

Recently, a number of universities adopted the Chicago Statement and the Kalven Committee's Report on the University's Role in Political and Social Actionguiding principles produced by the University of Chicago intended to demonstrate a commitment to freedom of speech and institutional neutrality. Harvard University's recent announcement is a significant development. The university declared that neither the school nor its leaders would issue official statements on public matters that would not directly affect its core function. These are important signals of a commitment to free expression on campus, and their recent adoption suggests an awakening to problems of intolerance on campus.

Universities play a critical role in cultivating new ideas and fostering groundbreaking discoveries. To maintain their position as bastions of innovation, it is imperative that they not only adopt but also actively advocate for the principles of free speech. By doing so, they can create a healthy environment where free expression and rigorous debate flourish, preparing students to engage with and contribute to a diverse and pluralistic society.

The post Campus Protest Hypocrisy Reveals Need For Student Education on Free Speech appeared first on Reason.com.
Japanese honour guards hold the national flags of Canada and Japan during a ceremony for Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo

Japanese honour guards hold the national flags of Canada and Japan during a ceremony for Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo

By Tim Kelly

TOKYO (Reuters) - Canada is in discussions about joining an expanded AUKUS deal between the U.S., Britain, and Australia formed to counter China's growing military influence in the Asia Pacific region, Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair said.

Canada has said it wants to join a second pillar of AUKUS that will collaborate on new military technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, but has not so far revealed any details of those talks.

"There have been important discussions about processes and platforms on a project-specific basis on where other nations, including Japan and ourselves, might participate," Blair said in an interview in Tokyo where he met his Japanese counterpart Minoru Kihara.

"I would respectfully wait until they've come to their determination, but I'm very optimistic," he said.

Blair said he and Kihara discussed AUKUS, which is already considering working with Japan. The initial phase of AUKUS involves the three founding members working on nuclear submarine technology for Australia.

Blair, who was on his first trip to Japan as defence minister, arrived in Tokyo from South Korea, which is also in talks about a role in AUKUS.

Canada is looking for a bigger security role in Asia and has made forging deeper ties with Japan and South Korea a priority. As its defence commitments expand at home and overseas the country is expanding military spending.

"Next year, my defence budget will rise by 27% over this year, and, frankly, in the next three or four years, our defence spending will triple," Blair said.

He and Kihara also discussed Chinese incursions into Japanese territory that last month prompted Tokyo to lodge protests with Beijing.

Concerns about that Chinese military activity may be discussed at a meeting of the Group of Seven defence ministers in Italy next month, Blair said.

"It's an important opportunity for us to have a conversation among the G7 partners about some of the activities that are deeply concerning to Japan and to Canada and to the United States and others." (This story has been corrected to say that it is the minister's first visit to Japan, not second, in paragraph 6)

(Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Editor's note: The article was updated with comments to reflect comments made by the Toronto Police Service in regards to the alleged security threats.

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) will pause upcoming screenings of a controversial documentary about Russian soldiers entitled "Russians at War."

In a statement on Sept. 12, the festival claimed it had been "made aware of significant threats to festival operations and public safety" and said the "decision (to halt screenings) has been made in order to ensure the safety of all festival guests, staff, and volunteers."

The film "Russians at War," directed by Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 10. It has been widely criticized for whitewashing Russian war crimes, obfuscating the source of its funding, denying that the Russian government had authorized its production, attempting to humanize Russian soldiers, and ignoring the context of the full-scale invasion.

As pushback and protests against the film mounted, TIFF claimed on Sept. 11 that the film is not "propaganda" and vowed to continue showing it.

The decision to pause screenings just a day later was an abrupt about-face that TIFF said was an "unprecedented move" and an "incredibly difficult decision."

"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," TIFF's statement read.

The festival did not specify what security threats it was referring to.

In a statement to CBC News, the Toronto Police Service said that the decision to halt the screening was made independently by event organizers and was not under any recommendation by the police force.

Nonetheless, TIFF continued to defend the film, saying, "We believe this film has earned a place in our festival's lineup, and we are committed to screening it when it is safe to do so."

The previous day, Oleh Nikolenko, Ukraine's Consul General in Toronto, said he was "extremely disappointed" by TIFF's statement and called the decision to screen the film "appalling."

Nikolenko also cast doubt on the narrative that its director, Trofimova, has maintained regarding the Russian government's involvement.

"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," he said in a statement.

"We believe the production of this film was permitted because it aligns with Russia's narratives that downplay the atrocities of its invasion."

Read also: Funders of Russians at War documentary dodge questions about accountability

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A new vaccine developed by Moderna uses mRNA technology, similar to Covid-19 vaccines, which teaches the immune system how cancer cells differ to healthy cells and mobilises it to destroy them. Kay Nietfeld/dpa/Symbolbild

A vaccine designed to prime the body to recognise and fight cancer cells has shown it could stimulate the immune system to help treat the disease more effectively, according to the results of an early trial.

Researchers described the results as an important first step in potentially developing a new treatment for people with advanced cancers.

The jab, known as mRNA-4359 and developed by Moderna, is aimed at people with advanced melanoma, lung cancer and other solid tumour cancers.

It uses mRNA technology, similar to Covid-19 vaccines, which teaches the immune system how cancer cells differ to healthy cells and mobilises it to destroy them.

For the first in-human study of the treatment, 19 patients with advanced solid tumours were given between one and nine doses of mRNA-4359.

Researchers found tumours did not grow and no new tumours appeared in eight of the 16 patients who were evaluated.

They also said the treatment was well tolerated without serious side effects.

The results will be presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology conference in Barcelona by UK chief investigator Dr Debashis Sarker, a clinical reader in experimental oncology at Kings College London and a consultant in medical oncology at Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation trust.

He said: This study evaluating an mRNA cancer immunotherapy is an important first step in hopefully developing a new treatment for patients with advanced cancers.

We have shown that the therapy is well tolerated without serious side effects and can stimulate the bodys immune system in a way that could help to treat cancer more effectively.

However, as this study has only involved a small number of patients to date, its too early to say how effective this could be for people with advanced stage cancer.

An 81-year-old man was the first person in the UK to receive the mRNA-4359 jab at Hammersmith Hospital in late October.

The patient  who wished to remain anonymous  has malignant melanoma skin cancer which is not responding to treatment.

The study is currently enrolling patients with specific cancers  namely melanoma and non-small-cell lung cancer  to have low doses of mRNA-4359 with pembrolizuma, also known as Keytruda.

Dr Sarkar described this as a huge international effort across the UK, USA, Spain and Australia.

Kyle Holen, senior vice president and health of development, therapeutics and oncology at Moderna, added: We are encouraged by the phase 1 results of mRNA-4359, which demonstrate its potential to elicit strong antigen-specific T-cell responses while maintaining a manageable safety profile.

This novel approach could be a key component in shifting the tumour microenvironment toward a more immune-permissive state, offering potential hope for patients with advanced solid tumours.

The mRNA-4359 trial is one of a number of studies testing the effectiveness of jabs that are designed to fight cancer.

This includes the phase 3 trial of a personalised mRNA jab for melanoma  mRNA-4157 (V940)  which was given to a British patient earlier this year.

Scientists use a tumour sample, along with DNA sequencing and artificial intelligence, to create a jab specific to the patients tumour.

Elsewhere, a lung cancer patient became the first in the UK to have a new vaccine to help fight the disease in August.

The trial of a jab called BNT116, made by BioNTech, is taking place across 34 research sites in seven countries, with six located in England and Wales.

It is hoped about 130 lung cancer patients will eventually be enrolled.

In July 2023, the government signed an agreement with BioNTech to provide up to 10,000 patients with precision cancer immunotherapies by 2030.
Cano resigns RI Senate seat  and withdraws from ballot  to take new job. What to know.

PROVIDENCE  Pawtucket Sen. Sandra Cano has withdrawn her name from the ballot  and resigned her Senate seat  to take a new, undisclosed job, long rumored to be a top spot in the New England arm of the Small Business Administration.

In a letter to the Rhode Island secretary of state  and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio  she said: "I write today with a mix of joy and sadness: joy at the opportunity to serve in a new capacity in a field about which I have long been passionate, and sadness that pursuing this opportunity requires my departure from the Senate.

"I will have more to announce about my future endeavors in the coming weeks," but "today I must resign from the Rhode Island Senate effective immediately and withdraw my candidacy for Senate District 8."

Cano  who was born in Medellin, Colombia, and moved to the United States with her family in 2000  has doubled as a state senator and the "commerce director" for the City of Pawtucket, a title she held on to through a maternity leave and a months-long congressional run last year.

State Sen. Sandra Cano, chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Education, speaks at a gathering at the State House in 2023.

"Only in these great United States of America could my personal story even exist," she said in her resignation letter. "I remain awestruck that a refugee who fled guerilla violence in Colombia and arrived in our country not knowing the language could have such tremendous opportunities. ... In this land of opportunity, there is no limit to what one can achieve with hard work and dedication. I have lived my American Dream, and I look forward to helping others achieve theirs."

Cano made a name for herself outside her home city when she ran for an open congressional seat in 2023 and placed third among the 12 candidates on the Democratic primary ballot, ahead of the sitting lieutenant governor.

The latest pieces in her story began to fall into place late in the day on Thursday, when she gave the secretary of state the required paperwork to remove her name from the November ballot, and the Democratic Party scrambled behind the scenes to name a ballot replacement before the time allowed to do so goes by on Friday.

One rumored candidate is Lori Urso, a $128,000 deputy chief of staff in the office of Cano's fiance, state General Treasurer James Diossa.

Cano's rise in RI politics

In an end-of-year interview last year, Cano said running for Congress "was very eye-opening ... in that in every community there's different priorities, like housing in the urban community. But then if you go to the East Bay, environment was the number-one priority. But one thing I know was a common denominator throughout the whole day was really education."

"And I think that that is where my heart is going to lead me in 2024," said Cano, who has chaired the Senate Education Committee.

Prior to winning a Senate seat, Cano served on the Pawtucket City Council from 2014 to 2018 and on the Pawtucket School Committee from 2012 to 2014.

As the director of commerce for Pawtucket, "she is responsible for working with the Citys business community, with a particular focus on collaborating and providing assistance to local small businesses," according to her online legislative biography. She was previously the assistant vice president of community development at Navigant Credit Union.

In January 2023, she and Diossa announced the birth of their second child, Alessandro James.

Without identifying her new job, Cano wrote: "Much of my focus during my time in the Senate has been in the support of the small businesses trying to establish and grow in our communities.

"I was proud to advocate strongly on behalf of minority-owned businesses. Among the legislation I am most proud of is the new law instituting a financial literacy requirement in schools, which I worked on in collaboration with then-Treasurer Seth Magaziner. This important initiative will ensure Rhode Island students are better equipped to understand the financial complexities of todays society."

Cano's new job has not yet been confirmed. A top SBA job had been open since the retirement at the end of last year of the U.S. Small Business Administration director for Rhode Island, Mark S. Hayward, after 30 years with the agency. His replacement, Robert Piechota, was named in August.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Pawtucket state Sen. Sandra Cano resigns to take new undisclosed role
CANTON  A 30-year-old city man was being held in the Stark County Jail on Friday after being accused of beating a Plain Local Schools bus driver while children were in the vehicle.

Canton Municipal Court Judge Richard J. Kubilus set his bond at $75,000 on Friday. The judge ordered him to have no contact with the victim or witnesses.

The suspect was arrested Thursday on charges of assault, menacing, inducing panic and disrupting public services. Three of the charges are felonies. Menacing is a misdemeanor.

A Canton police complaint accuses the defendant of walking onto the bus and punching the 65-year-old driver in the face and head multiple times. The incident occurred Sept. 4 in the 3300 block of Daleford Avenue NE. It was reported to police at 4:58 p.m.

The driver told officers that while he was on his third stop, the defendant was upset about the way his son was crying when he got off of the bus. The father then entered the bus and started yelling at the children. A review of video from the bus showed that he told the children to shut up and sit down. He also told the children that whoever was messing with his son should stop it.

The police report says the driver told the father to get off the bus, and the suspect started punching the driver. The driver then closed the door.

Parents then started opening emergency doors to get their children off the bus. The children were screaming and crying during the incident, a police report says.

The criminal complaint alleges the defendant knowingly induced panic by assaulting the driver, causing physical harm, while multiple juveniles were inside the bus. It said multiple police officers went to the scene using lights and sirens. School officials also went to the scene.

Ohio released state report cards today: . How did Stark County districts do?

"This also caused alarm to other parents trying to get (their) children off of the bus and out of harm's way," the charging document said.

The police complaint alleging menacing says the defendant threatened to cause physical harm to the driver by telling him repeatedly to exit the bus so he could assault him.

Four things to know: More Stark County schools get safety grant funding.

A felony status hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Municipal Court.

Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton dad accused of beating Plain Local bus driver
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Around 1,700 were left without power Friday morning after a car crashed into a power pole in Fresno.

The crash took place at around 4:30 a.m. in the area of Cedar Avenue and Shields Avenue. Pictures from the scene show at least one power pole sheared off and crews working to remove and replace the damaged pole. At least three cranes were used to complete the repair.

Power has since been restored for the majority of impacted customers; PG&E says the remaining customers will have power restored Friday afternoon.

Fresno Police has not released any further information about the driver involved in the crash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
CARROLLTON, Ga. - Two major organized retail crime theft cases were cracked by the Carrollton Police Department. The thefts occurred in dozens of stores across the Southeast.

Investigators say the cases were very involved and time-consuming and took a lot of collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in Georgia and across state lines.

"The organized retail theft crime is huge across the country right now and the loss amount is tremendous," said Carrollton Police Lt. Blake Hitchcock.

Lt. Hitchcock says they've made significant arrests in organized retail theft crimes.

Lowes stores targeted by retail theft ring

One involved Lowe's stores across the Southeast.

Investigators say an employee at this Lowe's in Carrollton, 20-year-old Lathan Johnson, gave information from various contractor and business accounts to two men, Qwaitraz Fenner and Dewaan Mack.

"And they were buying gift cards and other merchandise, and getting away with that," said Lt. Hitchcock.

SEE ALSO: Two Chilean nationals connected to multi-state credit card fraud spree sentenced in Georgia

Police say they got away with their scheme for months until Carrollton police caught up with them.

"They were doing it in about 34 stores that Lowe's was able to discover in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. The loss, so far, is around $100,000.

Retail thieves target jewelry from Walmart

In a separate case, Carrollton police arrested one woman and are closing in on a second person, in thefts from Walmart.

"This is an organized group. This is not your isolated shoplifter going in and stealing," said Lt. Hitchcock.

Police say they stole more than $100,000 worth of jewelry from more than 30 Walmart stores in the Southeast, including the store in Carrollton.

"They were going into the jewelry case and actually stealing jewelry," said Lt. Hitchcock.

In both these cases, those arrested are being charged with organized retail theft crimes, which carries a much stiffer penalty than felony shoplifting, including longer jail time and bigger fines.

"Organized retail theft has a bigger penalty, so hopefully we can bring this to a halt," said Lt. Hitchcock.

Police say as other jurisdictions complete their investigations, there will likely be additional arrests in both these cases.
By Julie Zhu and Xie Yu

HONG KONG (Reuters) -Chinese regulators hit PwC's mainland China unit with a six-month suspension and a record fine of 441 million yuan ($62 million) on Friday over the firm's audit of failed property developer China Evergrande Group.

Delivering a strong rebuke to the Big Four firm, China's securities regulator said its investigation found that PwC Zhong Tian LLP "turned a blind eye" to and "even condoned" Evergrande's fraud while auditing the annual results of the developer's onshore flagship unit - Hengda Real Estate and assisting its bond issuance - in 2019 and 2020.

"PwC's behavior goes beyond mere auditing failure. It, to a certain extent, covered up and even condoned Hengda Real Estate's financial fraud and fraudulent issuance of corporate bonds," said the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) in a statement.

Chinese authorities have been examining PwC's role in Evergrande's accounting practices since the CSRC accused the developer in March of a $78-billion fraud over a period of two years through 2020.

PwC audited Evergrande for almost 14 years until early 2023.

PwC Zhong Tian said in a statement it accepts the audit work on Hengda fell below its own high standards. "We are determined to address the shortcomings and strengthen how we operate going forward."

The business suspension and fines are the toughest ever received by a Big Four accounting firm in China, and come against the backdrop of an exodus of clientele and layoffs at the firm in recent months.

In the most recent case of a Big Four auditor being hit with hefty penalties, Deloitte's Beijing branch last year was fined 211.9 million yuan and the branch's operations were suspended for three months after serious deficiencies were found in its audit of China Huarong Asset Management.

The latest move is set to cloud PwC's prospects in the world's No.2 economy. PwC Zhong Tian, the registered accounting entity and the main onshore arm of PwC in China, was the country's top-earning auditor in 2022, according to the latest official data.

"The cost is enormous in reputation, affecting the ability to get new business in China beyond the fine," said Gary Ng, Asia-Pacific senior economist at Natixis.

PwC Zhong Tian will be barred from signing off on certain key documents for clients in mainland China such as results and IPO applications for the next six months.

The business suspension will also affect the unit as a whole from taking on new state-owned or domestically-listed clients in the next three years, in accordance with Chinese regulations.

Story continues

Last year, domestic regulators reiterated state-owned firms and mainland China-listed companies should be "extremely cautious" about hiring auditors that have received regulatory fines or other penalties in the past three years.

"We are disappointed by PwC Zhong Tian's audit work of Hengda, which fell unacceptably below the standards we expect of member firms of the PwC network," PwC network, the alliance of PwC's global member units, said in a separate statement.

The firm said as part of its "accountability and remedial actions", PwC China's territory senior partner Daniel Li had stepped down two months after taking office given his "former responsibilities" as head of the local auditing business.

Li signed off on several Evergrande documents, including one on the developer's onshore bond issuance in 2021 as head of PwC Zhong Tian, according to a Reuters review of the publicly available documents.

PwC and Li did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on Li signing off on Evergrande documents.

Hemione Hudson, the firm's global risk and regulatory leader, had taken over from Li, who will remain at the onshore firm as chief accountant, said the PwC statement.

'CONDONED FRAUD'

The business suspension was imposed by China's Ministry of Finance (MOF) which also ordered the closure of PwC Zhong Tian's branch in Guangzhou that led the audit work on Hengda.

The MOF said both PwC Zhong Tian and its Guangzhou branch were aware of "material misstatements" in the audit of the developer between 2018 and 2020 but failed to point them out, and even issued false audit reports.

The ministry also imposed a fine of 116 million yuan on the firm for its auditing failure of Hengda in 2018.

The CSRC said in its statement it had fined PwC Zhong Tian 325 million yuan, close to the total amount of penalties imposed by the regulator on over 50 auditors in the past three years.

The CSRC probe found that 88% of PwC's observation records on Evergrande's real estate projects in 2019 and 2020 were inauthentic or untrue, making its audit working papers "severely unreliable".

The regulator pointed out PwC's on-site inspection of the developer's properties failed to flag problems - some residential properties that the auditor considered ready for home deliveries still remained as "vacant land" when the CSRC inspected later.

PwC also deliberately excluded properties that Evergrande marked as "off limits" from audit samples, it added.

A Reuters calculation based on filings showed more than 50 Chinese firms have in recent months either dropped the firm as their auditor or cancelled plans to hire it, following the launch of the regulatory investigation into the firm.

($1 = 7.0942 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Julie Zhu and Xie Yu; Additional reporting by Clare Jim, Ziyi Tang and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee, Mark Potter, Elaine Hardcastle and Louise Heavens)
The Allegheny County Health Department is informing residents that a cat found in the East Hills of Pittsburgh tested positive for rabies.

The stray, black cat, which appeared sick and non-responsive, was found in the 2100 block of East Hills Drive near Imani Christian Academy on Friday, Sept. 6.

The health department is reminding people to avoid contact with wild animals or animals they dont know, and to have their pets vaccinated. If an animal appears to be acting strange or become threatening, call your local animal control, the police or the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Any individual who is bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to saliva from a stray or any other animal, should immediately cleanse the contact area with soap and water, seek emergency medical treatment and call the Allegheny County Health Department, 412-687-ACHD (2243), to report the incident.

So far this year, 12 rabid animals have been reported in Allegheny County, including two raccoons, two cats, one fox, and seven bats.

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CDC says mpox vaccine boosters arent needed in the US as questions emerge around waning immunity

As a deadly mpox outbreak continues to spread in Africa and other parts of the world, questions are emerging about whether some vulnerable people in the United States may need booster doses of the mpox vaccine.

Last month, the World Health Organization declared an mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be a public health emergency of international concern, and the outbreak has spread to a growing number of countries in Africa.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is characterized by two genetic clades, I and II. This outbreak involves a subtype called clade Ib, a relatively new strain that causes more severe disease.

A global outbreak in 2022 was caused by clade IIb mpox, spread primarily through sexual contact. More than 30,000 people in the United States were infected in that outbreak, which was also declared a public health emergency of international concern. But vaccination with the Jynneos mpox vaccine helped slow transmission to the point where the virus was almost gone in the US.

Jynneos, developed to help protect against mpox and smallpox infections, is recommended in two doses given four weeks apart.

But amid the new outbreak, public health experts are debating whether people most at risk of illness may need booster vaccinations to maintain robust immunity, as data suggests that it may wane over time.

Ive literally had people call me and say, Should I get a booster, because its been two years? and my suggestion right now is, I dont see an obvious reason for a booster, said Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown School of Public Health, who served as the White Houses Covid-19 response coordinator and assisted the administration on other public health concerns including the mpox outbreak in 2022.

My view is, when we see clade Ib arrive in the US, if it starts spreading quickly, if you start seeing a lot of people who were previously vaccinated getting infected, then a booster campaign makes sense, he said. I just dont think we have enough data right now to recommend boosters for everybody who got previously vaccinated.

US in preparedness mode, as risk still low

Local health departments in the US have not seen high numbers of mpox cases this year, said Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive officer for the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

But were remaining diligent in the face of the global outbreaks and constantly in the preparedness stance, she said.

The overall risk of mpox to the United States remains low, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Casual contact in travel settings, for example, as a passenger in an airplane, is unlikely to pose significant risks for transmission, CDC spokesperson David Daigle said in an email.

Daigle added that the CDC does not recommend more than two doses of the Jynneos vaccine for the general public and said the agency will continue to monitor data on vaccination.

Two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine may prevent mpox and can reduce the severity of symptoms in infected persons, Daigle said. Data collected during the previous outbreak show that breakthrough infections after the two dose JYNNEOS vaccine series were rare.

Many public health experts emphasize that right now, their focus is on making sure those at highest risk complete the initial vaccination series.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated against mpox if you have been exposed to the virus, if you are a man who has sex with men, or if you have had sex at a commercial venue or event, among other risk factors.

More than two vaccine doses are not recommended unless you are a lab worker who works with live mpox and other related viruses in a research lab. Vaccine recommendations are based on the level of risk from potential exposures, Dr. Justin Chan, director of infection prevention and control at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, said in an email.

If we did see Clade I cases in the US, current projections by the CDC dont expect these to result in significant spread in US communities that have more than 50% immunity amongst at-risk groups either from vaccination or previous infection, he said. Therefore, people who are eligible for mpox vaccination should get fully vaccinated now.

Data suggests that a two-dose regimen of Jynneos has an effectiveness that ranges from 66% to 89%, according to the CDC.

There still are some open research questions, including potentially in the future some need for boosters. But thats not the focus now; the focus now is on getting people vaccinated and getting them access to the vaccine, said David C. Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors.

Its estimated that only about 25% of the US population most at risk has been fully vaccinated, according to CDC data.

Vaccine rates in the US are unacceptably low, and its even lower for people coming back and completing the two doses of vaccine, Harvey said. The urgent priority now has to be for gay men and bisexual men and other people at risk to get the vaccine now.

Questions around waning immunity

A new study suggests that immunity from Jynneos can wane within a year of vaccination  and due to this, there are questions around whether some people might need booster doses to maintain robust levels of protective immunity.

The study, which hasnt been published yet in a peer-reviewed journal but was posted Wednesday to the server medrxiv.org, included data on 45 adults who either received a dose or two of the Jynneos vaccine or had a confirmed mpox infection at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston during the 2022 outbreak. None had a weakened immune system or a history of diabetes, and four were living with HIV.

Researchers from the medical center and the National Institutes of Health analyzed blood samples from each adult at the time of their vaccination or infection and then additional samples taken three months later, six months later, nine months later and one year later.

The researchers found that, among people who received two doses, vaccine-induced antibodies against the virus peaked around three weeks and then declined around a year later.

Our data shows that the antibody responses induced by the mpox vaccine are moderate to high titer after the two-dose vaccine, said Dr. Dan Barouch, lead author of the study and director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. After six to 12 months, those antibody titers wane quickly and go back almost to baseline levels at 12 months.

The same waning immunity was seen among people who got only one dose of the vaccine.

After one dose of the vaccine, the antibody titers are much lower and really are back at the baseline after six to 12 months, Barouch said.

Three participants had natural immunity from a previous mpox infection, and they had high titers of mpox antibodies at three months that persisted through nine months post-infection, the researchers found.

The studys findings parallel those of two papers released this year that suggest immune responses to the mpox virus can wane within one year after vaccination.

Barouch added there was a cluster of mpox cases in Chicago last year in which some of the people had been fully vaccinated in 2022, also suggesting waning immunity.

Preventing serious illness is top priority

The findings in the new study are very compelling, Jha said, and they suggest that protection against infection may have waned a lot. The question is what it means for people  especially when it comes to severe illness.

A drop in antibody levels makes me believe that you probably do have people who may be susceptible to infection again. But if they get an infection, because they have been vaccinated, their response to that virus  the immune response  is going to be much more robust, and they will likely clear that infection more quickly, Jha said.

Empirically, I would think that people are going to have less severe illness, he said. While we would love to prevent infections, what we really care about is preventing serious illness.

Its unclear what these markers of immunity mean in the real world, said Jeffrey Crowley, director of the Center for HIV and Infectious Disease Policy at the ONeill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University Law Center.

In the future, maybe theyll say we need a booster dose, but I dont think were there yet, he said. I dont think we can dismiss that possibility. But theres no reason to think now, because of this outbreak in Africa, that we need to get a booster dose. I would still just reinforce the message for people that didnt get the second dose before to get their second one now.

Bavarian Nordic, which manufactures Jynneos, noted that the last mpox outbreak that hit the United States was two years ago, and many people got vaccinated months after it began. The company said it is in contact with research groups about learning more about how long immunity lasts.

As for the current mpox outbreak, the first doses of Jynneos arrived last week in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bavarian Nordic said in a statement Thursday. More than 250,000 doses have been shipped, and further donations of more than 500,000 doses have been pledged by other countries.

The statement added that Bavarian Nordic has ramped up production of the vaccine for the rest of the year and could supply up to 13 million doses by the end of 2025, including 2 million in 2024.

Were not isolated

Its not clear how the outbreak in Africa may play out elsewhere, and Barouch said he hopes the emerging data on the potential of waning immunity can help inform any response efforts in the United States.

Obviously, were not isolated from the rest of the world, so its only a matter of time before it comes here, he said. There has been at least one case in Sweden, the first case identified outside Africa in the current outbreak.

There are no known cases involving the clade Ib strain in the United States, but Jha expects it to arrive eventually.

Were a pretty globalized country. We have lots of people who travel, he said. Id be surprised if we dont end up seeing a case at some point.

A fact sheet on the CDCs website notes that the agency has been closely monitoring the spread of mpox, specifically clade I, through wastewater testing and other tools.

And more than 1 million vials of the Jynneos vaccine have been distributed across the country since August 2022.

However, the mpox vaccines have transitioned to the commercial market, Harvey noted, and they can be expensive for those not accessing them for free through a government-supported program or through insurance coverage  costing around $300 out of pocket.

The US Health Resources and Services Administration, or HRSA, sent a letter to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and HRSA-supported health center programs this month announcing renewed availability of the Jynneos mpox vaccine from the Strategic National Stockpile. The stockpile has a limited supply of doses that expire October 31, the letter said.

The letter means that you can still get a free vaccine through a Ryan White HIV/AIDS service organization or community health center, Harvey said.

Whats needed to prevent a US outbreak

The potential risk of clade Ib mpox still worries Harvey.

Lets not fool ourselves, he said. This is highly likely to emerge in the US. To what extent it will emerge, we do not know.

He warned that the United States is not ready to adequately respond to another mpox outbreak because of a shortage of disease intervention specialists, the public health workers who investigate infectious disease outbreaks and educate the public about them.

In a statement last month, Harvey called on Congress to invest in public health programs and specialists by allocating $322.5 million for STI prevention at the CDC and $200 million for STI clinical services at HRSA.

To prevent a clade Ib mpox outbreak in the United States, Crowley said, funding and resources should also be directed to Africa. If there are enough resources to mitigate the outbreak there, he said, it reduces the risk of mpox further spreading around the world.

As Americans, what we should be doing now is really focusing on how we can get vaccines, therapies and resources to places in East and Central Africa, he said. That will make us safer and can keep this from getting to our country.

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Cases of the virus have been reported in some commercial poultry or backyard flocks and wild birds in Missouri, state health officials say.

A day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had yet to identify a clear source of infection in a Missouri patient who tested positive for the bird flu virus, the agency quietly disclosed in its weekly influenza report that a close contact was sick around the same time as the Missouri patient but was not tested for influenza.

The Missouri patient, who was hospitalized in August, had no known contact with poultry or dairy cows.

One close contact of the patient was also ill at the same time, was not tested, and has since recovered, the agency wrote in its FluView report Friday.

A CDC spokesperson said in an email Friday the close contact was within the household of the Missouri patient and developed symptoms that werent typical of flu. The simultaneous development of symptoms, the spokesperson said, doesnt provide evidence of person-to-person spread.

Additionally, a second close contact  a health care worker  subsequently developed mild symptoms and tested negative for influenza.

The household contacts symptoms should have been mentioned in a briefing Thursday, the spokesperson said, along with the additional context to fully highlight all available information about the case and to further demonstrate why CDC hasnt changed its risk assessment.

During the Thursday briefing, CDC officials they had yet to identify a clear source of infection in the Missouri patient, who was hospitalized on Aug. 22 and has since recovered.

Since March, there have been 13 bird flu infections in poultry and dairy workers amid an outbreak of H5N1 spreading rapidly in dairy cows across 200 dairy herds in 14 states, according to the CDC.

The patient was hospitalized, officials believe, not because of the infection but because of the patients underlying medical conditions. Officials declined to say what those conditions were, as that would involve disclosing private health information.

The patient had chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness  symptoms that were not initially linked to influenza, Dr. Nirav Shah, the CDCs principal deputy director, said on the call Thursday, though a flu test was later administered. The patient, who wasnt severely ill and didnt require intensive care, was treated with an antiviral.

Missouri state health officials are still investigating the case. While the patient was reported to have had no contact with animals, public health officials are now carrying out more detailed interviews, asking about wild birds or animals seen around the patients house or the use of bird feeders. Theyre also asking about the type and source of meat and dairy the patient consumed, including any raw dairy.

There is no evidence of the virus spreading from person to person, Shah said. So far, officials have identified no additional cases. There has also been no indication of increased rates of flu in the area where the patient lives.

Our investigation is not over, Shah said Thursday. We are beyond the typical 10-day window for transmission, and so with each passing day, the likelihood of this being something thats happening deep underwater goes down.

Officials maintain that the risk to the general population remains low.

We assess risk continuously with every case and with every sort of change, and we continue to look at it as low, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the director of the CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said on the call.

Shah said that the case may be a one-off, meaning it didnt spread beyond the patient.

Those do happen with novel influenzas, he said, adding that so far this year, there have been a handful of swine flu cases that havent spread beyond a single individual.

No bird flu infections in dairy cattle have been reported in Missouri, state health officials said in a release last week. There have been some cases reported in commercial poultry or backyard flocks and wild birds, they said. No additional human cases have been identified.

Officials are also looking for any changes in the H5N1 virus that may suggest an increased potential for human-to-human spread. None have been found so far.

Shah noted that the infection was detected thanks to Missouris influenza surveillance program.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Census may have overestimated number of trans people in England and Wales

The number of transgender people living in the UK may have been overestimated by the 2021 census, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has confirmed.

Following the survey in England and Wales, it was reported that around one in 200 people aged over 16 self-identified as a different gender to their sex at birth.

However, a review found that people who do not speak fluent English may have misunderstood the wording of the relevant question and mistakenly answered that they consider themselves to be trans.

The ONS had previously defended its methodology, despite some academics raising concerns over its accuracy.

People who filled out the 2021 census in England and Wales were asked: "Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?"

According to the ONS, 262,000 people - around 0.5% of the population - answered "no".

But on Wednesday, Mary Gregory - a deputy director at the ONS - said some people may have misunderstood the question.

Writing on the ONS's website, she said there was "potential bias" in how the question was answered "by those who responded that they had lower levels of English proficiency, some of whom may have mistakenly given an answer suggesting they were trans".

The number of people who answered the question mistakenly is thought to be "relatively small", she added, but enough to paint an inaccurate picture in areas "where there are higher levels of non-English speakers".

Michael Biggs, a professor of sociology at Oxford University, publicly questioned the statistics in April.

Writing in the British Sociological Society journal, he noted a surprisingly high proportion of people recorded as identifying as trans did not speak English (or Welsh in Wales) as a first language.

While only 10% of people said they did not speak English as their main language on the census, it appeared they made up 29% of the total number of transgender people, Prof Biggs said.

For example, the London Borough of Newham had the highest proportion of people who identified as transgender (1.51%). The area also has one of the highest rates of non-English speakers - 35%, compared to 9% nationally.

The Office for Statistics Regulation has downgraded the data from "accredited official statistics" to "official statistics in development" to reflect the possible flaws.

The regulator said other statistics produced by the 2021 census are still considered to be fully accurate.

The ONS had previously said its estimates on the transgender population were in line with international comparators.
Centerville residents get trained on how to Run, Hide, Fight in active threat sitautions

Centerville residents get trained on how to Run, Hide, Fight in active threat sitautions

CENTERVILLE, Ohio (WDTN)  Centerville residents received an in-depth look at how to properly respond to an active threat situation Thursday night.

Presenters say that they want to make sure residents are prepared to face any kind of situation, giving them skills that could save their lives.

Centerville High School partnered with the nonprofit Centerville Safe, the Centerville Police Department and local authorities hosted the free presentation called Run, Hide, Fight.

US Marshal Service, Montgomery Co. sheriff need your help to find 2 wanted fugitives

The presentation was taught by two school resource officers in Centerville High Schools central theater.

Know your surroundings, and see something say something, said Officer Jason Stamm, Centerville Police Department.

Those words could be the difference between saving lives  and experiencing tragedy.

This is just in the unlikely emergency that there would be some active shooter in the community or in one of the buildings, schools, in the area, and how to deal with that scenario, said Stamm.

Attendees learned how to apply the keywords in different situations. Especially where a person is faced with either running away from the conflict, hiding until authorities arrive, or fighting to save lives.

We hope that they never have to use it. But it really is important that people have access to this information. People in the community, as well as people in the schools. The safety series is one of our favorite projects we have done as an organization, we really feel that this is an outreach that is very important, said Emily Bookwalter, Centerville Safe vice president.

Severe drought impacting majority of Miami Valley

Presentations like these aim to make sure people are ready if a real threat takes place. While this program focuses primarily on school threats, the program emphasizes danger can happen anywhere.

Its not only just for the staff or the students here at Centerville City Schools. But it is also for the entire community, no matter where you are at, just being aware of your surroundings. And knowing what can possibly take place, said Chuck Chowgill, Centerville Schools business operations director.

This is the fourth time they have brought this program to the area.

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MALVERN, Ark  Multiple school districts around central Arkansas are taking safety precautions after being notified of potential threats made on social media, and officials warn these threats have consequences beyond school and instead in the courtroom.

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.

Social media posts cause increased police presence at school districts in central Arkansas

School district officials said they are working with local law enforcement.

Velda Keeney, Malvern School Districts safety coordinator, said they dont believe the threat is credible but theyre not taking any chances.

We have two school resource officers who are always with us. However, the Malvern Police Department has multiple police officers working in and around our district today, Keeney said. They also need to understand there could be other consequences beyond school.

Denis Dean, a senior deputy prosecuting attorney, said its important to remember threats are a crime.

If it is a class C felony that is punishable by three to ten years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Dean said. So you can use a fake name, you can use a fake email, you can try to use a different phone number. We will find you.

Some Cabot High School students stay home Wednesday after a report of a threat

Garland County Sheriffs Office is investigating the threat. They say if it is determined the suspect knowingly made the threat they know to be false, it would fall under falsely communicating a terrorist threat, a class B felony punishable by six to 20 years imprisonment.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)- Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) leaders celebrated the first-ever home dedication at the Cornerstone Creek addition in Oklahoma City.

COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland said Cornerstone Creeks first home dedication marks a milestone in Habitats 35-year-plus history of providing affordable housing opportunities in the greater Oklahoma City area.

Councilman Bradley Carter with Ann Felton Gilliland at COHFHs Home dedication in Cornerstone Creek. Image COHFH

Diamond W. with Ann Felton Gilliland at the COHFHs Home dedication in Cornerstone Creek. Image COHFH

Denise Crosswhite Hader at COHFHs Home dedication in Cornerstone Creek. Image COHFH

Diamond W. and Maxwell Supply Chair, Jerry Thomason at the COHFHs Home dedication in Cornerstone Creek. Image COHFH

COHFHs Home dedication in Cornerstone Creek. Image COHFH

Habitat for Humanity Home built by Maxwell Supply in Cornerstone Creek

We couldnt be prouder of our new homeowner, Diamond W., a dedicated state employee and single mother, who bought and will move into her new home with her daughter, Demi, in the days ahead. Diamond is our first-ever Cornerstone Creek homeowner, and we will celebrate her with our home-build sponsor, Maxwell Supply Company, and community members. Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland

Fairgoers have mixed feelings about new curfew

According to COHFH, Cornerstone Creeks first homeowner, Diamond W. fulfilled all the requirements of Habitats New Home Construction program, and through Habitat she was able to buy her house for cost and without a down payment.

Special guests attending the dedication offering warm wishes included, Ward 1 Oklahoma City Councilman Bradley Carter, Oklahoma House Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader and Maxwell Supply Company Chairman Jerry Thomason, as well as his son, Maxwell Supply Company President Charlie Thomason. Maxwell Supply Company sponsored the home build for Diamond W.s home making it the seventh home build the company has sponsored in the past 17 years.

Habitat says, various groups of community members also presented Diamond W. with house-warming gifts, including the Edmond Board of Realtors, Malarkey Roofing Products, Supermercados Morelos and The Order of the Daughters of the King. Miracle Revival Center Church Rev. Johnny Nubine gave a rousing house blessing and dedication and COHFH Board Member Gary Houghton led a litany.

Image of Diamond W.

Habitat will use this opportunity to build a loving home, shelter and safety for me and my child. It is with great intentions for Diamond and Demi to build, grow and share in love in memories in a place we can call our own. Diamond W.

COHFH leaders say, Habitats Cornerstone Creek is set to be complete in six to eight years featuring 450 affordable homes, three parks with trails and workout stations with a gazebo.

Click link to take one-minute survey to see if you qualify: www.cornerstonecreek.org/cc-one-minute-survey. For more information, call 405-232-4828 or go to www.cohfh.org.

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UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts  Photos: unc.edu

UNC-Chapel Hills new chancellor, Lee Roberts, recently published an op-ed in which he laid out his beliefs about freedom of expression on campus. Robertss piece was no doubt occasioned by disputes about free speech that arose in connection with pro-Palestinian and anti-genocide protests at UNC last fall and spring.

Though he has no credentials as a First Amendment scholar, it is worth knowing what Roberts thinks about these matters because his ideas about freedom of expression on campus are likely to function as guiding principles for other university administrators in their dealings with students and faculty. As such, his views deserve a closer look.

At the level of abstract public-relations rhetoric, much of what Roberts says is unobjectionable. Everyone on campus, Roberts says, must embrace the freedom to exchange [challenging] ideas without compromising the safety of our students and colleagues, and without disrupting the operations of the university and our ability to serve the public. Okay, fair enough.

As important as this freedom is, Roberts adds, no one persons freedom of expression is more important than another persons right to teach, learn, discover, work or speak free from harassment and discrimination. No one has the right to disrupt campus operations, threaten or intimidate others or vandalize public property.

This too seems reasonable. The very freedom we cherish requires no tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or intimidation. It would be hard to find many students or professors who would disagree. Yet at a concrete level, in the current historical moment, there is a problem here. It lies in what Roberts fails to say.

One thing he doesnt say is this: Dont confuse being confronted with challenging ideas, even ones that offend you, with harassment or intimidation. Dont confuse feeling unsafe with being unsafe. He might have said this because we have seen the tactic of using claims about safety, harassment, and intimidation used to shut down protest and stifle free speech. Roberts blew the opportunity.

Roberts also avoids saying what the voice of management usually prefers to remain implicit: well decide what constitutes harassment and intimidation; well decide which time, place, and manner limits on speech are reasonable; well decide what is legitimate activity and what is disruption. In other words, dont confuse the university with a participatory democracy.

This might mean, as a practical matter, for example, that if tents are pitched on the campus green for an alumni fundraising event, all is well. The bar is open. Get out those checkbooks! But if tents are pitched on the campus green to protest U.S. foreign policy, this is unauthorized and will be defined as disrupting university operations.

It could also mean that if one group of students claims to feel threatened by vigorous public criticism of a foreign state with which they feel identified or whose policies they fervently embrace, administrators could decide that this amounts to prohibitable harassment. Here again Roberts might have gone on record as advising students to toughen up and not expect the university to quash ideas they dont like to hear.

In contrast to UNC, administrators at the University of South Florida at least deserve credit for honesty, for saying the quiet part out loud. Included in a set of new rules handed down this fall is this plain statement: [T]he university reserves the right to determine how to apply and interpret all time, place, and manner limitations on activities.

Administrators at UNC and most public universities presume to reserve the same right: to make the rules and decide how they apply to any given case. Accept this undemocratic arrangement and you can have all the freedom of expression you want; reject it and you will be charged with disruption. If Roberts didnt say this, perhaps it was because he figures students will learn the lesson soon enough, if they didnt learn it last April when UNC administrators ordered police to roust peaceful protesters.

Roberts also says in his op-ed that we are in a time of great polarization about fundamental ideas of freedom, culture, and democracy, and so it is all the more important to practice respectful dialogue. Again, its hard to disagree with a generality like this. By all means let us avoid beating each other over the head as we discuss these matters in the lecture hall and seminar room.

But Roberts also knows, yet avoids saying, that tensions around free speech at UNC last year did not arise in the context of what would have otherwise been genteel Dialectic Society debates about freedom, culture, and democracy. They arose in the context of what the demonstrators argue is a U.S.-backed genocidal assault on Palestinians by an extreme right-wing government in Israel. Thats the historical moment were in.

Students, faculty, and others who oppose this ongoing assault are not seeking to banter amiably about ideas. They are trying, through their expressive action, to alter the policies and practices that support the violent oppression of a dispossessed people. This kind of expressive political action can get loud because it must overcome the willful deafness of those in power. It also threatens business as usual and elite control, which is why managers of even self-proclaimed neutral institutions will try to shut it down.

It would have been in keeping with the philosophy of the conservative Republicans who hired him if Roberts had distinguished between being unsafe and feeling uncomfortable. For years, conservatives have mocked so-called liberal snowflakes who cant face disagreement without melting. Roberts could have turned this point around and asked everyone to stop cynically invoking safety as a reason for quashing the voices of others, and to stop confusing criticism of ones cherished beliefs with harassment.

To expect Roberts to go beyond thisto reflect publicly on the undemocratic structure of the university, the myth of institutional neutrality, the inequalities in power that chancellors serve to protectwould be expecting too much. Those who enjoy power rarely benefit from exposing the machinery that sustains it. University administrators and their patrons prefer to keep this machinery in the background, unremarked upon, lest it be called into questionlest people who freely exchange ideas begin to think its necessary to make things work differently.
(KMID/KPEJ)- On the heels of an exhausting week for campus leaders across Texas after vague but serious school shooting threats began to circulate on social media, we wanted to take a closer look at the consequences students involved in making school threats might face in Texas.

What Constitutes a School Threat?

A school threat is any statement, action, or behavior that expresses an intent to harm students, teachers, or staff at a school. This can include written messages, verbal statements, social media posts, drawings, or physical acts. The intent may be specific, such as naming a particular person or group, or it may be more general and vague.

Even if the person making the threat does not have the means or intent to carry out the act, their actions can still be considered criminal offenses. This is because any threat of violence against a school community causes fear and disrupts the learning environment for students.

RELATED: Disturbance at Nimitz Middle School though to be a hoax

Making a threat to a school can result in different criminal charges depending on the nature and severity of the threat. Here are some examples of school threats and their potential consequences:

Terroristic Threat

According to Section 22.07 of the Texas Penal Code, a person commits an offense if they threaten to commit any crime of violence to any person or property with the intent to:

Cause a reaction of any type by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies

Place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury

Prevent or interrupt the occupation or use of a building, room, place of assembly, place to which the public has access, place of employment or occupation, aircraft, automobile, or other public place

Cause impairment or interruption of public communications, public transportation, public water, gas, or power supply or other public service

Place the public or a substantial group of the public in fear of serious bodily injury

Influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state

Depending on the circumstances, making a threat against a school or a student can fall under this statute. The severity of the offense and punishment depends on the specific intent and target of the threat, ranging from a Class B misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.

Making a False Alarm or Threat

According to 42.06 of the Texas Penal Code, making a false alarm or threat is committed if a person knowingly initiates, communicates or circulates a report of a present, past or future bombing, fire, offense or other emergency that he or she knows is false or baseless and that would ordinarily:

Cause action by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies

Place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury

Prevents or interrupts the occupation of a building, room, place of assembly, place to which the public has access, or aircraft, automobile or other

The severity of the punishment for making a false report or alarm depends on where the false alarm is reported to have occurred, not the location of the actor. If the false report involves a public or private institution of higher education or involves a public primary or secondary school, the offense is a state jail felony, punishable by six months to two years in a state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine. If the alarm or false report involves any other location, it is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.

For example, pulling a fire alarm in a high school to get out of a test or calling in a false bomb threat at a university would be a state jail felony.

Hoax Bombs

Under Texas Penal Code Section 46.08, a person commits an offense if they knowingly manufacture, sell, purchase, transport, or possesses a hoax bomb with intent to use the hoax bomb to:

Make another believe that the hoax bomb is an explosive or incendiary device

Cause alarm or reaction of any type by an official of a public safety agency or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies

This statute could apply if the threat to the school involves a fake bomb or even dropping a note saying there is a bomb in the school. Using a hoax bomb is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and $4,000 in fines.

Disruption Activities/Disruption of Classes

Texas Education Code Section 37.123 makes it an offense for a person, alone or in concert with others, to intentionally engage in disruptive activity on the campus or property of any private or public school. Disruptive activity includes:

Obstructing or restraining the passage of persons in an exit, entrance, or hallway without authorization from the school administration

Seizing control of a building or portion of a building to interfere with an authorized activity

Preventing or attempting to prevent by force, violence, or threat a lawful assembly authorized by the school administration

Disrupting by force, violence, or threat a lawful assembly in progress

Obstructing or restraining the passage of a person at an exit or entrance, or preventing their ingress or egress, without authorization

This statute can apply if a threat leads to the evacuation or significant disruption of school activities. An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor. Repeat offenders may also become ineligible to attend state-funded higher education institutions.

What Happens if Your Child is Taken Into Custody?

In Texas, offenses committed by an individual who is 10 years or older but under 17 are handled through the juvenile justice system. This process differs significantly from that for adults. Unlike adults, juveniles are not taken to a conventional jail to be processed. They are not booked into jail. Instead, they go through a procedure known as juvenile intake, which is specifically designed to handle minors with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Source: Varghese Summersett

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COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  Two Secretary of State facilities are being transformed into One-Stop-Shop locations in Coles County later this month.

The new experience for the DMV hopes to reduce wait times and improve efficiency for Illinois residents. Employees have been cross-trained to serve both drivers and vehicle services from one counter. In addition, customer services counters and signs will be changed to be more logical, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said.

Illinois DMVs now accept digital wallet payments

With single-service counters, Giannoulias said it will be easier for Illinois customers to obtain the following services:

Apply for a REAL ID or a new drivers license or state ID card.

Renew a drivers license, state ID or Temporary Visitor Drivers License (TVDL).

Register or renew their vehicle registration and obtain vehicle stickers.

Order a new license plate.

Join the Illinois Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.

Since taking office, weve made it a top priority to provide exceptional customer service and reduce lines and wait times, the Secretary of State said. Our Charleston and Mattoon facilities will be among the first to get this makeover that will give them a modern feel while employing new technology to create efficiencies.

Both locations will be temporarily closed for renovations, but will offer a temporary service location. For Charleston, its facility will close Sept. 16-20 but will offer services at Charleston Carnegie Public Library on 6th St. for that week. The Mattoon DMV will close the following week from Sept. 23-27, but customers can visit the Mattoon Public Library on Charleston Avenue for any need.

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Russia started the conflict in Ukraine and can end it "straight away, UK Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has said, Azernews reports referring to BBC.

It comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested Moscow would regard Western missiles being fired into Russia as a serious escalation of the war. 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."

Sir Keir 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. "It is their direct participation," he said. "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 said.

He later added: 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 weapons support for Russia.
By Mei Mei Chu, Joe Cash and Ellen Zhang

BEIJING (Reuters) -Beijing, as a vote on EU duties on China-made electric vehicles looms, employed a carrot-and-stick approach to deal with the 27-strong bloc, threatening trade retaliation while cajoling key EU states into one-on-one talks on deals and investments.

The potential blow of counter-tariffs on EU goods will fall mostly on states such as Spain, France and Italy that have voiced support for the EV duties, with pork, dairy and brandy exports to the world's second-biggest economy at stake.

European Union members such as Germany, Finland and Sweden that have not pushed for the tariffs would feel less impact, with little exposure to the export items singled out by China.

China's tactics appear to be working.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrapped up a China visit this week by sitting in a Chinese EV and saying it was an "honour". He then unexpectedly urged the EU to reconsider its position.

According to a Spanish government source, Sanchez's delegation came away feeling "Spain is more important now", and that an agreement over tariffs on its pork products was close.

As a sweetener, a Chinese company agreed to build a $1 billion plant in Spain to make machinery used for hydrogen production, in apparent backing for Spain's green ambitions.

With pork and dairy, China maximises the "domestic political cost" to the countries voting to impose EV tariffs, said Beijing-based economist Mei Xinyu, with the agricultural sector often playing a role in EU politics.

"These products count on China as one of their top export markets," he said.

Pork, dairy and brandy exports from the EU to China totalled about $10 billion in 2023, although not all products in those categories would be subject to tariffs. The bloc's exports to China last year totalled over $280 billion.

CRUNCH TIME

Still feeling the pinch of U.S. tariffs imposed during the Trump era, China does not want a trade war with the EU. But Beijing has made it clear it would fight if Brussels imposes additional EV tariffs of up to 35.3%.

China-made EVs exported to Europe rose 38% in 2023 to 656,000 units, including shipments non-EU countries. Europe accounted for more than 40% of EVs shipped out of China last year, according to Reuters calculations based on data from the China Passenger Car Association.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will visit Europe next week and hold talks with EU trade chief, Valdis Dombrovskis.

Wang will also visit Italy, which supports the EV tariffs while also seeking Chinese investment to build EV production capacity.

Story continues

China needs at least 15 EU members representing 65% of the EU population to oppose the tariffs at a vote in October.

But positions within the EU remain diverse. Some smaller states are keeping their heads down. Others are prioritising ties closer to home.

"Ireland's exports to China are only a small fraction (of its exports), so Ireland will prioritise the EU market and relationship over China," said an Irish trade representative in China, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"China is still important, but business with China is hard and not growing as well as expected."

Ireland is the fifth most exposed EU producer in China's dairy investigation and sixth worst off in its pork probe.

'SHOCK AND AWE'

In contrast, China appears to allow no room for negotiations or concessions with Canada, hitting it on Monday with a probe into its rapeseed exports after Ottawa introduced a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs in August, accusing Beijing of unfair competition.

Unlike with Brussels, Beijing gave Ottawa no public prior warning of how it might hit back, signals often conveyed in Chinese state media such as Global Times.

He Yongqian, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson, said "evidence" showed Canada's rapeseed exports to China had been dumped and had damaged domestic industry, when asked to explain the difference in approach.

Canadian rapeseed producers play by a rules-based global trading order, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada told Reuters.

"We are following this closely," said the spokesperson.

On the contrary, Beijing has clearly been open to negotiation with the EU, said Even Pay, an analyst at Beijing-based Trivium China who specialises in agriculture.

"With Canada, they went straight for shock and awe," Pay said.

(Reporting by Mei Mei Chu, Joe Cash and Ellen Zhang; Additional reporting by Belen Carreno in Madrid and Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Ryan Woo and Tom Hogue)
Charlottes airport is opening 10 more gates soon. Here are 4 new things to know

A new section of a concourse at Charlottes airport is not too busy right now, but that will change in less than a week after its filled with passengers waiting to step onto planes.

The Concourse A Expansion - Phase II at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is scheduled to open Tuesday. It will add 10 gates and Delta Air Lines will occupy most of them.

CLT spent $241 million on the project. Its part of the airports Destination CLT plan to improve services and operations for visitors.

Construction for the 200,000-square-foot addition began in May 2022. The area was once a car rental site; it was torn down in 2016. Designers started making plans for the concourse in 2018. A $200 million expansion for Concourse A added nine gates in the summer of 2018 after a couple of years of construction.

Delta lands a new home at CLT airport. What it means for passengers and the airline

Delta will use seven gates; two will go to Frontier Airlines. One will be a common-use gate. This brings the total gate count to 124 for CLT.

Charlotte Douglas officials spoke to the media Thursday about the opening at one of the busiest airports in the world.

Here are four new things to know.

The Concourse A Expansion  Phase II at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte is scheduled to open on Tuesday. It will provide 10 additional gates for airlines.

Local and known choices

The airport emphasized the importance of having local and well-known dining choices for passengers waiting to board planes, said Jack Christine, chief infrastructure officer.

Crown Diner will serve all-day breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, salads and cocktails. Another choice is Great Wagon Road Distilling Co., which makes liquor from Charlottes oldest distillery.

A third Dunkin will also be in the area. The concourse has a marketplace for people wanting to buy snacks and refreshments.

Delta is scheduled to open its 15,000-square-foot Sky Club by the end of the year on the second level of the concourse. It will have seating for more than 250 people, complimentary food and wi-fi.

Wayfinding signs at the Concourse A Expansion  Phase II at Charlotte Douglas International Airport will help passengers when the new facility opens on Tuesday.

Wright on time

The expansion includes the history of aviation pioneers the Wright Brothers at the connection corridor.

Its something additional that will help customers experience more than just walking to your gate, Christine said.

Their story is told with bronze plaques on the floor that are connected to lines to represent the distance of the first powered flights. The plaques were designed by regional artist Greg Stump.

A light wall with the re-creation of the 1903 Wright Flyer sound comes on with passenger movement.

Chief Infrastructure Officer Jack Christine talks about Concourse A Expansion  Phase II at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

More history

A life-sized 14-by-40-foot aircraft tail is at the entrance of the concourse.

The DC-9-82 T-tail was saved and restored from Roswell, New Mexico. It was worked on by MotoArt Studio in Los Angeles and assembled in Charlotte to be a centerpiece entrance for CLT.

Looking up

CLTs latest expansion also includes the 950-square-foot art piece, Where Earth Meets Sky, by Val Britton. Some of the features of the work hanging from the mezzanine include aerial views and maps with the history and landscape of Charlotte. Red clay from the area was used to create it.
Chef: We need all the support from our customers, Chaang Thai to reopen Friday

(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A local Thai restaurant owner is asking for the communitys support after a driver crashed into the eaterys dining room earlier this week.

On Friday, Sept. 13, Chaang Thai will reopen to the public, and Owner and Chef Suwanna Meyer put a call out to the community on Facebook to visit the restaurant. We will reopen [Friday, Sept. 13], Chef Meyer wrote. Please come see us, we need all the support from our customers!

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Chaang Thai temporarily closed after SUV crashed into dining room

Chaang Thai is located at 7525 North Academy Boulevard near the Chapel Hills area, and Chef Meyer told FOX21 that the restaurant will reopen at 11 a.m. on Friday and will close at 8:30 p.m.

While repairs are still underway to fix the front doors, which were destroyed when the SUV crashed into the restaurant, Chef Meyer said Friday will be business as usual and the patio will be open too.

Courtesy: Chaang Thai Owner and Chef Suwanna Meyer

Courtesy: Chaang Thai Owner and Chef Suwanna Meyer

Courtesy: Chaang Thai Owner and Chef Suwanna Meyer

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), the driver who crashed into Chaang Thai on Tuesday, Sept. 10 has been cited for reckless driving. Also, in our previous coverage on Wednesday, Sept. 11, CSPDs Sr. Public Communications Specialist Caitlin Ford, told FOX21 that there were no injuries involved and that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash.

Chef Meyer also operates Chaang Thais sister restaurant, Elephant Thai, which is located at 4703 North Academy Boulevard. We are looking forward to seeing our customers again, wrote Chef Meyer.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The cherry would be Michigans official state fruit under new bill

National Cherry Festival photo

Michigan has an official state soil (Kalkaska sand) and an official state fossil (mastodon), but nothing to honor the role of the cherry.

But thats likely about to change thanks to state Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), who has introduced Senate Bill 1003, which would formally name the cherry as Michigans official state fruit.

The fact that it isnt already may be a surprise to some considering the state is the leading grower of tart cherries in the world, with nearly 70% of those grown in the United States in 2024 coming from Michigan.

Throw in Traverse Citys reputation as the Cherry Capital of the World and its no wonder the legislation, which is not yet online, already has a long list of bipartisan cosponsors, including Sens. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe), John Cherry (D-Flint), Kevin Daley (R-Lum), Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway Twp), Jonathan Lindsey (R-Bronson), Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Mike Webber (R-Rochester Hills) and Paul Wojno (D-Warren).

Just like Idaho with potatoes and Georgia with peaches, when you think of Michigan, you think of cherries. They are so crucial to Michigans economy and such a key part of our heritage, it only makes sense to give the cherry this honor, said Kat Paye, executive director of the National Cherry Festival, which brought half-a-million people to Traverse City earlier this summer.

According to the Michigan Ag Council, Michigans annual tart cherry production alone is valued at more than $280 million, while that particular variety has among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants compared to other fruits.

The bill will now be sent to the Senate Government Operations Committee for further consideration.

By the way, Michigan doesnt have an official state vegetable either, leaving room for asparagus legislation down the road.

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WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH)  A Cheshire man is facing multiple charges after fleeing the scene of a crash last Friday and causing a police chase, according to Connecticut State Police.

Getting ready for the 36th Cheshire Fall Festival

Christopher Robinson, 32, was allegedly involved in an accident on Interstate 84 near exit 19 in Waterbury. He fled the scene in his white Hyundai Elantra before police were able to get there. Police say they chased him through many towns before he eventually crashed into the front yard of a residence in Naugatuck. They were able to catch him on foot and put him under arrest.

He is facing multiple charges, including reckless endangerment in the first degree, engaging police in pursuit and disobeying a signal of an officer.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A man from Chesnee was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Thursday for repeatedly sexually assaulting a child over a period of three years.

Bobby Wayne McDade, 47, was found guilty for three counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and three counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

According to the Seventh Circuit Solicitors Office, McDade had repeatedly sexually assaulted a minor between February 2017, when the victim was 11, and October 2020, when they were 14.

The assaults were investigate by the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office.

McDade is now on the Sex Offender Registry and the Central Registry of Abuse and Neglect, and must submit to lifetime GPS monitoring once released.

His prior criminal history included convictions of non-violent burglary and petit larceny, according to the solicitors office.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  Pennsylvania State Police have announced that theyll be hosting two child passenger safety seat events in September.

Heres when the inspection events will take place:

Ashville Volunteer Fire Company(127 Pine Street)

Tuesday, Sept. 17

11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Plan to arrive before 6:15 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Ambulance Service (202 Juniper Street, Northern Cambria)

Thursday, Sept. 19

11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Plan to arrive prior to 6:15 p.m.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters.

If you have questions you are asked to contact PSP Ebensburg at 814-472-1653 (Trooper Troy McMullen).

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. (WIAT)  Childrens of Alabama will host the 16th Annual Baby Steps Memorial Run on Saturday.

The event will take place at Homestead Hollow, 1161 Murphrees Valley Road in Springville. Same-day registration and packet pickup begin at 7 a.m. The 5K starts at 8 a.m., and the Fun Run starts at 8:05 a.m.

Tailgating spots still available for Magic City Classic

Proceeds from this event will go to the Amelia Center, a non-profit organization that provides grief relief and counseling to children, parents and their families. They offer services to parents and grandparents who have suffered the loss of a child and also to children who have lost loved ones.

The run will give families who have lost loved ones the chance to honor their loved ones while raising money for the Amelia Center. More information about the race can be found here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun spoke to delegates in Beijing at the Xiangshan Forum (ADEK BERRY) (ADEK BERRY/AFP/AFP)

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun said Friday that "negotiation" was the only solution to conflicts such as the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, as he addressed a global gathering of military officials in Beijing.

Scores of delegates are in Beijing for the Xiangshan Forum, dubbed China's answer to the annual Shangri-La meeting in Singapore.

It is hosting more than 500 representatives from over 90 countries and organisations across three days, according to state media.

Dong told the opening ceremony: "To resolve hotspot issues such as the crisis in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, promoting peace and negotiation is the only way out."

"There is no winner in war and conflict, and confrontation leads nowhere," Dong said.

"The more acute the conflict, the more we cannot give up dialogue and consultation. The end of any conflict is reconciliation," he added, calling on all countries to promote "peaceful development and inclusive governance".

More official speeches are expected on Friday, and top military representatives from Russia, Pakistan, Singapore, Iran, Germany and others will participate in roundtable talks.

Topics for discussion at the forum include US-China relations, security in Europe and Asia, and the challenges of defence in a multipolar world.

Dong in his speech urged against "the proliferation of national security concepts" to ensure "new technologies can better benefit the whole mankind" -- a likely reference to the United States' efforts to block Beijing's access to advanced technology.

"At a time of high global security risks and increased instability and unpredictability, the responsibility for building the defence and security capacity of all countries is enormous," Dong said.

Beijing, he added, "is willing to work with all parties to strengthen strategic alignment, deepen defence consultations, discuss the signing of bilateral and multilateral agreements on defence cooperation".

- Flashpoints -

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase is attending the forum, just a few days after top Washington and Beijing commanders held their first talks.

Washington and Beijing remain at odds on issues from trade to the status of self-ruled Taiwan and China's increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions.

But they have sought to re-establish regular military-to-military talks in a bid to prevent flashpoint disputes from spinning out of control.

A key flashpoint is the South China Sea, where Chinese vessels have engaged in a series of high-profile confrontations with Philippine ships in recent months.

China claims almost all of the economically vital body of water despite competing claims from other countries and an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

On Thursday, senior military official Lieutenant General He Lei told journalists at the forum that China would "crush" any foreign incursion into its sovereign territory including in the South China Sea.

ll-oho/je/mca
Hundreds of millions of people in China are set to enter old age in the coming decades while the birth rate dwindles dramatically (Adek BERRY) (Adek BERRY/AFP/AFP)

China said Friday it would gradually raise its statutory retirement age, as the country grapples with a looming demographic crisis and an ageing population.

Hundreds of millions of people in China are set to enter old age in the coming decades while the birth rate dwindles dramatically.

The national population fell in 2023 for the second year in a row, with policymakers and experts warning of severe impacts on the economy, healthcare and social welfare systems if action is not taken.

China's retirement age had not been raised for decades and had been among the lowest in the world.

State news agency Xinhua said top officials in Beijing had decided that "the statutory retirement age for male workers will be gradually extended from the original 60 years to 63 years".

For women workers the retirement age will be extended "from the original 50 or 55 years to 55 and 58 years, respectively", depending on the type of job, Xinhua reported.

It said the retirement age would be gradually raised over 15 years from 2025, adding that from 2030, workers would need to make a minimum of 20 years of basic pension contributions instead of the current 15.

The new rules will allow Chinese people "to postpone retirement to an even later date if they reach an agreement with employers", Xinhua said.

They will take effect from January 1, 2025.

- 'Inevitable choice' -

State media said the move was based on a "comprehensive assessment of the average life expectancy, health conditions, the population structure, the level of education and workforce supply".

China's current retirement age was set at a time of widespread scarcity and impoverishment, well before market reforms brought comparative wealth and rapid improvements in nutrition, health and living conditions.

But in recent years the world's second-largest economy has had to contend with slowing growth, while a fast-greying population and a baby bust pile pressure onto its pension and public health systems.

An expert told AFP that "demographic change" was likely the key factor behind the decision.

"The central government first proposed changing the retirement age in 2013, and there has been a lot of social discussion in the decade since," said Li Changan, a labour economist at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

"I think many people are mentally prepared for the announcement."

Prior to Friday's news, state media had published articles touting the proposed retirement age.

One of them in the Communist Party-run People's Daily said this week that the hike would "adapt to the objective situation of our country's widespread increase in life expectancy and years of education".

It quoted Mo Rong, director of the Chinese Academy of Labour and Social Security, as saying the move was "an inevitable choice for our country to adapt to the new normal of population development".

But He Yafu, an independent population expert, told AFP the plan "cannot fundamentally deal with the negative impacts of population ageing and shrinkage on the economy, society, and technology".

"The fundamental measure to deal with the ageing problem is to increase the fertility rate," he said.

- Tired, disillusioned, censored -

Recent statistics make grim reading for policymakers hoping for a reversal in the country's demographic destiny.

People over 60 are expected to make up nearly a third of China's population by 2035, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, a research group.

Meanwhile, the country's fertility rate has fallen far below the level required to keep the population stable, despite recent relaxations of the notorious "one-child" policy and official efforts to stimulate births.

Many young people already feel disillusioned by an economic system that they say fetes intense study and long working hours for increasingly scant reward.

"I'm worried that we modern people now are so competitive and distressed that our health may not see us through to that (new retirement) age," a marketing professional who gave her name as Xinzi told AFP on Friday.

"My first reaction is, so when can I get my pension?" the 30-year-old said.

Chinese internet users flocked to social media following the announcement, though there were signs government censors were scrubbing many posts from the platforms -- a common occurrence in a country where open discussion of national policies can be sensitive.

Most of the remaining comments merely acknowledged the change, though some hinted obliquely at dismay at the extension to working life.

"As long as we still get to choose whether or not we actually retire, I have no objections," one user wrote.

bur-mjw/je/ssy
China to raise retirement age for first time in decades as demographic crisis looms

HONG KONG  China said Friday it would raise its retirement age for the first time in decades, as the worlds second-largest economy struggles with falling birth rates and an aging workforce.

The countrys top legislative body approved a draft proposal to gradually implement the changes, state media reported Friday. China's retirement ages are among the lowest in the world and had remained unchanged since they were set in the 1950s.

The statutory retirement age for both men and women will be gradually increased starting Jan. 1 of next year, according to the decision by the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress. Over a period of 15 years, it will be raised from 60 to 63 for men, 55 to 58 for women in white-collar jobs and 50 to 55 for women working in factories.

For those born in 1965, retirement would be delayed by one month, according to a chart published by Xinhua, Chinas state-run news agency. Those born in 1984 would have to wait as long as five extra years to retire.

The changes have been the subject of heated discussion among the Chinese public since they were proposed earlier this year.

Young people already face intense competition to find jobs, while midcareer workers are being laid off as the Chinese economy recovers more slowly than expected after three years of pandemic isolation.

So after 60, we still have to squeeze onto the bus with the young folks? read one comment on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform. Asking for time off for your 60th birthday? And if you die at your desk, would it count as a workplace injury?

Raising the retirement age would ease pressure on the pension system in China, where the population is aging and the workforce is shrinking.

Another sardonic comment read, Im really worried that when Im 70 and go for an interview, my resume will be dozens of pages long, and HR might question why there was a gap when I was 25. But because of dementia, I wont even be able to remember it!

Raising the retirement age would ease pressure on the pension system at a time when local and provincial governments are facing massive budget deficits. Adding to the pressure is the fact that people are living longer in China, where life expectancy was 78 in 2021 compared with 51 in 1962, according to the World Bank.

By 2035, the number of people 60 and older in China will exceed 450 million, or 32.7% of the total population, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The workforce needed to support the retirement-age population is also shrinking, with the number of births falling 10% in 2022 to their lowest level on record. Last year, China fell to the worlds second-most-populous country after India.

Chinas decision to delay its retirement ages stems from a really difficult fiscal situation, said Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for Asia-Pacific at Natixis in Hong Kong.

Local governments simply dont have the funds and pension payments are still decentralized, she told NBC News.

But it will take time for the impact to be felt, Garcia-Herrero said.

China is starting late and from a very low level, she said. Even by 2040, the legal retirement age will still be low, comparatively, and still not gender-aligned.

On Weibo, commenters lamented the countrys economic and demographic predicament.

Young people cant find jobs, and the elderly arent allowed to retire.

Jennifer Jett and Peter Guo reported from Hong Kong, and Rae Wang from Beijing.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
By Anirban Sen

(Reuters) - Telecom operator AT&T and its joint-venture partner TPG are in early-stage talks to merge their DirecTV satellite TV service with EchoStar owned Dish, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

The two companies first attempted to merge back in 2002 when the U.S. Justice Department blocked the tie-up. The combined entity would create the largest pay-TV service provider in the U.S. at about 16 million subscribers, if the talks are successful. The potential deal would likely attract antitrust scrutiny again although it might be able to clear regulatory hurdles this time as the industry has expanded substantially since then and DirecTV and Dish now compete against the likes of Comcast, Charter, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV, and Netflix. A merger would enhance the combined company's ability to negotiate with programmers, much like DirecTV is doing with Disney right now as the two sides are locked in a carriage dispute.

For Dish, the deal would allow them to focus all of their investments on building out their 5G wireless network.

"Rumors about a potential transaction involving DirecTV and Dish are nothing new, but we don't comment on rumors and speculation," a spokesperson for DirecTV said in an emailed statement to Reuters.

DirecTV and Dish have held on-and-off talks over the years since their first attempt to merge was blocked in 2002.

EchoStar closed its acquisition of Dish in late 2023.

Dish did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comments outside of business hours. TPG and AT&T declined to comment.

DirecTV is facing a public battle with Disney that has led to 11 million DirecTV customers losing access to ESPN in the middle of the U.S. Open tennis tournament.

The dispute is taking place against the backdrop of a competing plan by Disney, Fox and Warner Bros Discovery to launch a streaming video joint venture devoted to sports, called Venu Sports.

The launch was temporarily blocked by a court injunction as part of a lawsuit filed by sports streaming rival FuboTV accusing the media companies of anticompetitive behavior.

Bloomberg reported on the talks between Dish and DirecTV earlier on Friday.

(Reporting by Anirban Sen, Additional reporting by Urvi Dugar, Harshita Meenaktshi and Dawn Chmielewski; Editing by Sandra Maler, Rosalba O'Brien and Michael Perry)
Retiring before the statutory age will not be allowed, as China faces an ageing and shrinking population [Getty Images]

China will "gradually raise" its retirement age for the first time since the 1950s, as the country confronts an ageing population and a dwindling pension budget.

The top legislative body on Friday approved proposals to raise the statutory retirement age from 50 to 55 for women in blue-collar jobs, and from 55 to 58 for females in white-collar jobs.

Men will see an increase from 60 to 63.

China's current retirement ages are among the lowest in the world.

According to the plan passed on Friday, the change will set in from 1 January 2025, with the respective retirement ages raised every few months over the next 15 years, said Chinese state media.

Retiring before the statutory age will not be allowed, state news agency Xinhua reported, although people can delay their retirement by no more than three years.

Starting 2030, employees will also have to make more contributions to the social security system in order to receive pensions. By 2039, they would have to clock 20 years of contributions to access their pensions.

The state-run Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said in 2019 that the country's main state pension fund will run out of money by 2035 - and that was an estimate before the Covid-19 pandemic, which hit China's economy hard.

The plan to raise retirement ages and adjust the pension policy was based on "a comprehensive assessment of the average life expectancy, health conditions, the population structure, the level of education and workforce supply in China," Xinhua reported.

But the announcement has drawn some scepticism and discontent on the Chinese internet.

"In the next 10 years, there will be another bill that will delay retirement until we are 80," one user wrote on a Chinese social media site Weibo.

"What a miserable year! Middle-aged workers are faced with pay cuts and raised retirement ages. Those who are unemployed find it increasingly difficult to get jobs," another chimed in.

Others said they had anticipated the announcement.

"This was expected, there isn't much to discuss.

"Men in most European countries retire when they are 65 or 67, while women do at 60. This is going to be the trend in our country as well," one Weibo user said.

China's huge population has fallen for a second consecutive year in 2023 as its birth rate continues to decline.

Meanwhile, its average life expectancy has risen to 78.2 years, officials said earlier this year. According to the World Health Organization, almost a third of China's population - about 402 million people - will be aged over 60 by 2040, up from 254 million in 2019.

A demographic crisis unfolding

A slowing economy, shrinking government benefits and a decades-long one-child policy have created a creeping demographic crisis in China, our China correspondent Laura Bicker wrote earlier this year.

China's pension pot is running dry and the country is running out of time to build enough of a fund to care for the growing number of elderly.

Over the next decade, about 300 million people, who are currently aged 50 to 60, are set to leave the Chinese workforce. This is the country's largest age group, nearly equivalent to the size of the US population.

So who will look after them? The answer depends on where you go and who you ask.

Read our analysis here
People riding bicycles and motorbikes wait in traffic, amid the coronavirus disease pandemic, in Shanghai

By Farah Master

HONG KONG (Reuters) -China's top legislative body has approved a proposal to raise the country's retirement age, the official Xinhua news agency said on Friday, accelerating an overhaul of decades-old laws to tackle the economic pressure of a shrinking workforce.

China's retirement ages are currently amongst the lowest globally.

Reform is urgent with life expectancy in China having risen to 78 years as of 2021 from about 44 years in 1960 and projected to exceed 80 years by 2050. At the same time, the working population needed to support the elderly is shrinking.

The retirement age will be raised for men to 63 years old from 60, while for women in white collar work it would be raised to 58 years from 55. For women in blue collar work it will be increased to 55 from 50.

The changes are set to come into force on Jan. 1, 2025 and be implemented over a 15 year period.

Having people work for longer would ease pressure on pension budgets with many Chinese provinces already reeling from large deficits. But delaying pension payouts and requiring older workers to stay at their jobs longer may not be welcomed by all of them.

Hundreds of thousands of people took to social media after Xinhua reported that China's top lawmakers discussed the topic on Sept. 10, with many expressing concern there would be more job seekers chasing too few openings.

By raising the retirement age, the government can increase the labour force participation rate, helping to mitigate the adverse effects of population aging, said Xiujian Peng, senior research fellow at the Centre of Policy Studies at Victoria University in Australia.

"The government must take action. If the population continues to decline, the shrinking of the labour force will accelerate, further negatively impacting economic growth."

Xing Zhaopeng, ANZ's senior China strategist said the move would have little short-term impact but help maintain stable productivity growth in the long run.

What do older, small populations mean for the global economy? Listen to this week's episode of Reuters Econ World podcast.

PENSION PROBLEMS

Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, said on Friday that the raising of the retirement age would be done gradually, with the adjustment starting from next year but taking 15 years to fully implement.

It would be done on a flexible and voluntary basis whereby an employee can choose to retire earlier or extend retirement for a period of up to three years, she said.

Outdated retirement ages have resulted in a growing number of retirees and a declining pool of active workers, said Bruce Pang, chief economist China at Jones Lang LaSalle.

In China, authorities expect the cohort of those aged 60 and older to rise from 280 million to more than 400 million by 2035, equal to the populations of Britain and the United States combined.

Eleven of China's 31 provincial-level jurisdictions are running pension budget deficits, finance ministry data show. The state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences said the pension system would run out of money by 2035 without further reform.

China's move aligns it more closely with its regional peers, Japan and South Korea, where people can only receive pensions at 65 and 63 years, respectively.

(Reporting by Farah Master; additional reporting by Ellen Zhang and the Beijing newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Sonali Paul and Christina Fincher)
Chinese-made shipping cranes  those giant structures that tower over the Port of Tacoma  are a cyber security and national security threat for the United States, a joint U.S. Congressional report issued Thursday contends.

The danger comes from Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC) cranes, many of which are used in Tacoma, that could be used to spy on shipping movements or even cripple the cranes if a conflict rose with Beijing, according to the report.

The evidence gathered during our joint investigation indicates that ZPMC could, if desired, serve as a Trojan horse capable of helping the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) and the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) military exploit and manipulate U.S. maritime equipment and technology at their request, the group that compiled the report said in a statement. This vulnerability in our critical infrastructure has the potential to affect Americans from coast to coast.

The investigation was conducted by Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chair John Moolenaar (R-Michigan), House Committee on Homeland Security Chair Mark Green (R-Tennessee), and Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Chair Carlos Gimenez (R-Florida). The report contends that ZPMC has pressured ports to allow them remote access.

Local response

In a statement to The News Tribune on Thursday, the Northwest Seaport Alliance said it is reviewing the report and will continue to work with its maritime-security partners on the safety of cargo operations in Tacoma and Seattle.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance has a strong security program in place and has undertaken penetration and threat assessments on crane operations prior to the commissioning of the Select Committees study, spokesperson Melanie Stambaugh said.

The Select Committee began investigating the matter in 2023 after The Wall Street Journal first reported that modems and other electronic equipment installed in the cranes, ostensibly for monitoring performance, could also be used to hack into the cranes operating systems and monitor cargo, including military equipment.

The Port of Tacoma is designated as a strategic seaport for Joint Base Lewis-McChord and as a U.S. Commercial Strategic Seaport, Stambaugh said.

The Port of Seattle does not have that distinction from the U.S. military, she said.

Chinese ownership

The investigation revealed that two PRC state-owned enterprises control portions of five U.S. ports, including Seattle.

Chinese manufacturers have a near monopoly on the huge cranes needed for modern shipping, the report said. In 2023, Stambaugh said the same. An estimated 80 percent of cranes at U.S. ports were made by ZPMC.

There are currently no American-made super post-panamax cranes available on the market, Stambaugh said in 2023. Super Post-panamax, manufactured by ZPMC, are among the largest cranes in use at the port.

In 2023, President Biden announced that the United States would invest $20 billion in port security and to manufacture shipping container cranes domestically.

The Chinese government has been wholly dismissive of the claims.
Chinese defense minister calls for talks to end Russia's war against Ukraine

China's Defense Minister Dong Jun called for negotiations to end Russia's all-out war against Ukraine at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Sept. 13., Bloomberg reported.

Beijing has positioned itself as neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war but has simultaneously deepened economic ties with Moscow and backed the country against Western sanctions.

China is pushing its own peace plan, which does not envisage the expulsion of all Russian forces from Ukrainian territory and was dismissed by the West.

Beijing has also emerged as one of Russia's leading sources of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense industry.

Addressing defense officials from dozens of countries, including Russia and the U.S., the Chinese minister called for "more global governance."

"The earlier we sit down for negotiations, the sooner peace arrives on hot-spot issues," Dong said, echoing remarks of other Chinese officials throughout the war.

Ukraine's former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said after the meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou in July that China remains "unshakably" committed to Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Beijing confirmed that it will not provide Russia with weapons but criticized the country's peace initiative as "destructive."

Read also: You either support war or you dont  Zelensky blasts China-Brazil destructive peace initiative

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Chinese legislators endorse plan to push back statutory retirement age by up to 5 years by 2040

China's National People's Congress adopted a motion Friday to gradually raise the age at which workers can retire over the next 15 years to 63 for men and from 50 to 55 or 55 to 58 for women employed in factories and offices respectively. File photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI

Sept. 13 (UPI) -- China's top legislative body adopted a motion Friday to gradually raise the statutory retirement age over the next decade-and-a-half by three years to 63 for men and from 50 to 55 or 55 to 58 for women with blue-collar and white-collar roles respectively.

The decision by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in Beijing was a recognition of the need to adapt to the realities of an aging population, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Effective Jan. 1, lawmakers agreed to start pushing back the retirement age for male and female employees simultaneously by one month every four months for men and women with original retirement ages of 60 and 55 respectively and by one month every two months for women with the original retirement age of 50.

The changes are to be made in line with Communist Party Central Committee policy and steps to "gradually delay the statutory retirement age, adapt to the new situation of the country's population development, and fully develop and utilize human resources, in accordance with the Constitution."

Under the plans, the period workers must be employed in order to qualify for a pension will be increased to 20 years, up from 15 years currently.

However, the NPC decision said the changes must be implemented in an incremental, flexible and properly planned way and that it was the duty of national, provincial and local administrations to provide practical assistance to people to help them make the transition.

"People's governments at all levels should actively respond to the aging of the population, encourage and support workers to find employment and start businesses, effectively protect workers' rights and interests, and coordinate and promote related work such as elderly care and childcare," the NPC said.

The pension measures, which will start only in 2030, are subject to change by the State Council, China's cabinet, which may supplement and refine their implementation.

The changes were welcomed by analysts and economists who have been urging a re-think on one of the lowest legal retirement ages in the world as China battles the twin predicaments of an exponential rise in the number of retirees drawing their state pension and a decline in the size of the working-age labor force to fund it.

The demographic crunch, the legacy of an era when most Chinese only lived until their mid-40s, compared to 78.6 years in 2023, posed a looming threat that could render China's economy unsustainable, if not addressed.

"The current retirement policy framework has remained unchanged for 73 years. Especially since the reform and opening up (starting around 1978), the demographic, economic and social landscape has transformed dramatically," demographer Yuan Xin was quoted by state media as saying earlier this week.

Maybank Investment Banking Group macro research director Erica Tay applauded the resolve to encourage older workers back into some form of economic activity.

"This policy change will forestall a sharper drop in China's potential growth, if only marginally," Tay said.

As far back as 2019, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences think tank warned that the decdline in the proportion of workers paying into China's state pension fund to retirees drawing on it would see it run out of money by 2035.

Three years of economic impacts from COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions have exacerbated the shortfall with local government finances particularly hard hit.

The problem with the size of the younger workforce is not solely a demographic issue. Youth unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds not in education topped 17% in July and stood at 6.5% for those aged 25 to 29, official figures show.

Bruce Pang, chief economist and head of research for Greater China at JLL, said the compromise approach to tackling the politically sensitive issue with baby steps over time was judicious.

However, it could yet blow up in the face of the Communist Party which has already backed off from previous attempts at reform.

People took to the Internet to express anger over having to work for years longer.

"Delayed retirements just means you can't get your pension until you hit 63, but it doesn't mean everyone will have a job until then!" one person complained in a social media post that touched on fears about a tightening in the job market and difficulties workers face in getting hired as early as their late 30s.
A driver wanted for an alleged hit-and-run in Victorville was forcefully tackled after a California Highway Patrol pursuit ended in East Los Angeles Friday afternoon.

The driver, whose identity has not been released, traveled through a variety of Southern California cities, including Rancho Cucamonga, Norwalk, Commerce and Monterey Park.

CHP officers stayed on the tail of the large white SUV, which topped 100 mph at times and exited and entered freeways multiple times in an attempt to elude the pursuers.

Its unclear what time exactly the pursuit began, but it ended at about 2:30 p.m. after the vehicle went airborne speeding over drainage channels and crashed down hard onto the street, visibly damaging the SUV to the point that it appeared undriveable.

The driver, who appears to be a woman, hopped out and tried to run, but she was apprehended within seconds as a CHP officer pulled up alongside her and roughly tackled her to the pavement, possibly grabbing her neck or hair in the process.

Sofia Pop Perez contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A 47-year-old man from Riverside County who has served as a pastor and volunteer in churches throughout the Inland Empire was arrested on allegations that he sexually assaulted multiple juvenile females at his former residence in San Bernardino County, officials announced Wednesday.

According to a press release from the Ontario Police Department, investigators became aware of the accusations against Jose Alcides Vasquez, now a resident of Menifee, in Aug. 2021.

At that time, a school police resource officer notified administrators at a high school in Ontario that a student said her neighbor had sexually assaulted her.

Jose Alcides Vasquez

While authorities said the investigation remained ongoing, an additional victim came forward in July 2024, providing detectives with new evidence that further incriminated Vasquez.

The 47-year-old most recently served as the head pastor at Camino De Santidad Church in Menifee, police said.

Details emerge about Southern California man, 34, accused of igniting Line Fire

He was arrested on Sept. 5 at his residence without incident and was booked at the West Valley Detention Center on several felony charges.

Anyone with information about this investigation or who may have been a victim of Vasquezs is urged to contact the Ontario Police Department at 909-986-6711 or reach out directly to Det. J. Hernandez at 909-408-1292.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME or leave tips online at www.wetip.com.

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Volunteers and teachers welcome students on the first day of school last month at College Hill Fundamental Academy, a K-6 school that's part of the Cincinnati Public Schools. CPS found out Friday how it did on the state report cards, which measure performance in the district for the 2023-2024 school year.

Cincinnati Public Schools got a 2.5-star rating on its annual report card from the state Friday, improving on the 2-star mark the district received last year but still falling short of state standards.

The grade from the Ohio Department of Education, which annually assesses performance at all public school districts, means CPS again failed to score the 3-star rating required to meet the state's overall performance goal. The district missed the state standard in four of the five categories, or components, the state measures.

Of the state's 607 school districts, CPS and 63 others failed to meet the overall performance standard. The districts that fell short include seven in southwest Ohio and many in Ohio's largest cities, such as Columbus, Dayton, Akron, Toledo and Canton, all of which scored 2 or 2.5 stars.

CPS Interim Superintendent Shauna Murphy said the district's improvement, especially in areas such as student proficiency test scores, is a sign the district is headed in the right direction. "These achievements are encouraging, and demonstrate that our focused efforts are yielding results," Murphy said. "While we are proud of our gains, we remain committed to our goals."

How to read the state report cards: How did your school district perform last year?

With more than 35,000 students, CPS is the largest school district in southwest Ohio and the second largest district in the state. More than 60% of CPS students are Black and more than 80% are considered economically disadvantaged.

The ratings released Friday are based on the district's performance during the 2023-2024 school year and are intended to help parents, educators and taxpayers understand how students in their district are doing. This is the second year the report cards have used a five-star rating system to grade school districts, and it's the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the state has released overall ratings for schools and districts.

Cincinnati's report card arrives after a tumultuous year, which saw the district's superintendent, Iranetta Wright, resign in May after all six unions that contract with CPS made votes of no confidence in her leadership. Those votes followed months of complaints about her leadership, including allegations that she bullied those who opposed her, as well as praise from some defenders who cited improving test scores as a reason to keep her in the job.

Last year, after CPS failed to meet state standards with a 2-star overall rating on its report card, Wright said the district's students still were suffering from time lost in school during the pandemic. She said she expected her strategic plan for the district to improve student performance.

Based on the latest report card, there's still work to do.

How the district did in the 5 parts of the overall performance rating

Achievement  2 stars. This tracks student performance on state tests and whether they met state thresholds, for grades 3-12.

Progress  2 stars. This shows the improvement or decline in student performance by comparing last year's state test scores to previous state test scores.

Graduation  1 star. This measures the percentage of students who graduated within four and five years of entering high school.

Gap closing  3 stars. This determines whether students of different races, income levels and abilities are meeting state standards.

Early literacy  2 stars. This measures student performance on third grade reading tests, the percentage of students promoted from third to fourth grade, and how well districts support struggling readers.

CPS still struggling with chronic absenteeism, graduation rates

The district's rate of chronic absenteeism, 43.5%, remained a problem, according to the latest report card, as did the four-year graduation rate of 82.5%.

Still, there were signs of progress. The graduation rate, while below the state's standard, climbed from 80.8% the previous year. And student test scores also improved, with 66.1% of students deemed proficient or better on state tests during the 2023-2024 school year  up from 62.8% the previous year and 64.3% in 2020.

"There is more work to be done, but these results are a step forward," said CPS School Board President Eve Bolton.

Test scores and graduate rates improved statewide, too. Scores rose between 2% and 5%, depending on grade level, and the statewide graduation rate now stands at 87.9%, the best in more than a decade. "Our teachers continue to make great strides," said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. "We believe we have the opportunity to continue improving."

Sixteen of the 61 CPS schools that received ratings for the 2023-2024 school year fell below the state's standard for overall performance, which is an improvement over the 27 schools that were below that standard in the last report card.

Eighteen CPS schools exceeded the standard, with five of those schools scoring a top mark of 5 stars.

Those top-achieving schools are:

Walnut Hills High School.

The Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students.

Kilgour School.

Hyde Park School.

Fairview-Clifton German Language School.

Find your school's 2024 Ohio report card

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Public Schools still below goal on Ohio state report cards
Are you heading to The Banks on Sunday to watch the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Kansas City Chiefs? Then you're in luck because dry weather and above-normal temperatures are forecast for this weekend.

Originally, remnants from Hurricane Francine were predicted to bring a chance of showers to the region throughout the weekend. Although a few light rain showers or sprinkles cannot be ruled out Friday, precipitation chances are pretty limited, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

Instead, the Greater Cincinnati area will experience mainly dry weather and high-level clouds on Friday. Highs will range from near 80 southwest to the mid-80s northeast.

Dry weather will persist into Saturday and Sunday, exacerbating drought conditions throughout the Ohio Valley Region. Saturday's highs will be in the mid to upper 80s. Temperatures will also be above normal on Sunday with highs in the 80s.

Detailed 7-day Cincinnati weather forecast

Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind around 7 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind 6 to 9 mph.

Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. East wind around 6 mph.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 6 to 8 mph.

Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Source: National Weather Service, Wilmington.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Weather: What's in the forecast for the Bengals vs. Chiefs game?
(FOX40.COM)  It took less than a minute for the Citrus Heights City Council to appoint a new temporary mayor and vice mayor at Wednesdays council meeting in the wake of the sudden resignation of former mayor Bret Daniels in August.

The council took up the agenda item and quickly and unanimously approved the appointments of Councilmember Jayna Karpinski-Costa as mayor and Councilmember MariJane Lopez-Taff as vice mayor.

Amazon closing Sacramento-area distribution center

Applause broke out after the vocal vote and staffers immediately approached the dais to move around name plates and titles to the appropriate people, leaving the center seat, traditionally used by the mayor, empty.

The two will serve in the positions for the remainder of the year and the council will then determine which members will serve in those positions in 2025, according to the city code.

Former mayor Daniels announced in late August that he was resigning at the end of that month and moving to Kentucky, where his family had already gone.

Sacramento area could see rain, cool temperatures next week

Daniels District 1 seat is currently vacant. A city staffer said that because the seat is already on the November ballot, it can remain vacant until the election winner is sworn in in December or a temporary council member could be appointed.

The council discussed that they could continue with local government operations with just the four of them and wait for the election winner to be sworn in, and soon after approved a motion to do so.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Shares of Trump Media, the company behind Donald Trumps social media platform, Truth Social, surged Friday after the former president said he had no plans to sell his stake, ending weeks of speculation and calming investor fears.

No, Im not selling," the former president told reporters. "Im not leaving. I love it. I think its great."

Shares for Trump Media & Technology Group, Truth Socials parent company, jumped more than 25% immediately after Trump's comments before losing more than half their gains. The stock, trading under the ticker DJT on the Nasdaq, ended the day up 11.8% at $17.97.

Trading in the stock was halted twice after Trump's comments due to volatility. "What right do they have to do this?" he said on Truth Social. "If they do it again, we will move the stock to the New York Stock Exchange."

Trump, the company's largest shareholder, owns roughly 60% of the company's stock with about 115 million shares valued at over $2 billion. A six-month lockup period that has prevented him and other large shareholders from selling is set to lift Thursday.

"I dont think he sells as long as he wins the election. His ego wont let him," said Matthew Tuttle, CEO of Tuttle Capital Management. "The DJT stock price is like the crowd size at his rallies, he knows that if he sells, the stock tanks and he doesnt want that." But, said Tuttle, "if he loses I think he will be forced to sell."

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference at Trump National Golf Club, in Rancho Palos Verdes, U.S., September 13, 2024.

USA TODAY previously reported that while a selloff could help Trump pay off his mounting legal bills, offloaded shares also have the potential to flood the market and drive down the share price. Cashing in shares could have been seen as a vote of no confidence in the company and could have antagonized Trump followers who have shown their support for the former president by pouring money into the stock.

"The possibility of former President Trump selling some or many of his 114.75 million shares in Trump Media starting later this month has been depressing the stock price. His announcement today lifted this concern, resulting in the stock jumping," said University of Florida finance professor Jay Ritter. "The long-term trend is still down, since the stock is substantially overvalued. The downward trend will be slowed, however, by his decision not to sell shares in the near future."

Even if Trump doesn't sell his shares, he could use his holdings as collateral for a loan. But a bank "would give only a low loan-to-value ratio," Ritter said.

Trump-Harris debate: Donald Trump says he won't debate Kamala Harris again

The stock plunged more than 10% Wednesday, following the presidential debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Shares slipped further Thursday to end the day at $16.08, a record low.

Story continues

Trump Media trades on its namesake's popularity and at an inflated valuation compared to other social media companies by conventional Wall Street standards. Investors have approached the stock as a way to bet on Trump's odds of retaking the White House.

Trump Media's steep decline accelerated after Harris replaced President Biden on the Democratic ticket. That decline has wiped out some $4 billion in Trump's paper holdings. Shares have dropped about 73% from their high in March, shortly after the company went public via a merger with Digital World Acquisition Group, a blank-check company.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump Media shares pop after Trump says he's not selling DJT
DEL MAR, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  The city of Del Mar is looking to fill an upcoming vacant seat after Councilmember Dwight Worden announced he will be resigning.

Worden, who has been on the council since 2014  including two years as mayor  was also the city attorney from 1977 to 1983. He announced his resignation, effective Sept. 24, during the Aug. 26 city council meeting.

On Wednesday, the city said it is accepting applications to fill his seat and complete the remainder of his term through December 2026.

City of Del Mar introduces short-term rental ordinance

Applications must be received by the city clerks office by Friday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a resident and registered voter of the city of Del Mar at the time of submission. Click here to learn how to apply.

Interviews and the selection are tentatively scheduled for Oct. 7.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK (AP)  Flanked by stained-glass windows, 54 New York City high school students challenge one another to imagine an ideal democracy.

Wood-paneled walls are covered in haphazardly taped posters that students worked together to create. Ideas are written in Crayola marker under categories such as rights and responsibilities. Some posters are divided down the middle by an imperfect line, separating the students hopes and fears for democracys future.

On one side, their hopes. A free and fair process that works for the people. Lack of judgment toward different ideas and choices. Younger generation participates in democracy to keep it alive.

On the other side, their fears. More partisanship, further political divide. Inequitable representation of marginalized groups. Too many old people.

This is the third year of YVotes Democracy Camp, held at the New York Society for Ethical Cultures meeting house. The century-old limestone building faces Central Park.

After a day interviewing passersby on city streets and exploring issues such as mental health and fair education, a high school leader asks her fellow students to think about a question: What is my role in an ideal democracy?

The lies and the truth: Misconceptions about Gen Z

Collective anxiety around youth engagement in civic life lurks like a bogeyman in societys nightmares.

Voter turnout among Generation Z  which demographers generally define as those born from 1997 to 2012  has historically been low. In the 2022 midterm elections, only one in every 10 voters nationwide was 18 to 29 years old, according to the Pew Research Center. A June Marist survey predicts about 67% of registered Gen Zers and Millennials combined will vote this November. Thats compared with 94% of Baby Boomers.

Young people often dont feel they know enough to vote, experts say, and believe political leaders neglect the issues that matter to them, such as climate change and gun violence. And older generations too often condescend.

They think we dont care at all about the political climate of America, says 16-year-old Heba Elkouraichi, a 2023 YVote camper who helped plan this years program. But in reality, we just dont feel included. We feel that were not represented, either.

Mistrust is a factor, too. Just 20% of 18- to 29-year-olds say they trust Congress, and only 30% say they trust the office of the president, according to a report from CIRCLE  the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University.

Its kind of hard to differentiate between the lies and the truth, says 16-year-old Olivia Cisse, a YVote camper. The lies kind of mess up the faith that you have in the government.

The debate over Gen Zs engagement levels comes at a time when civics knowledge among Americans as a whole has plunged to new lows: A 2023 survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found 66% of respondents could name all three branches of government, but 17% could not name any. And just 5% of respondents could name all five freedoms covered by the First Amendment.

Educators see civics programs for students and teachers as a guidepost for democracy.

Every scientist, every doctor, every nurse, every teacher, every brick mason  every person  has a civic duty to our democracy and our republic, says Robbie Pelkey, who teaches social studies at Plainfield High School, southwest of Indianapolis. This is the most important subject that every American should understand.

Anyone can play a role

At Camp OConnor USA in Phoenix, students learn about the concrete and mortar that support Americas foundation.

The chatter of seventh and eighth graders rises inside a law school named for the nations first female U.S. Supreme Court justice. Soon, the students crowd into buses taking them from Arizona State Universitys Sandra Day OConnor College of Law to the governors office.

There, the most courageous among them pull questions from a paper bag and read them aloud: What inspired you to run for office? What advice do you have for young people who want to run for office someday? What is the most challenging part of your job?

Gov. Katie Hobbs replies with the aplomb of a practiced politician and, later, poses for a photo with the group.

Ziora Obuekwe, a 13-year-old from Windsor, Connecticut, doesnt ask a question. But she works her way to the front of the group for the photo op, posing with quiet confidence.

Later, she says, We got to talk to some very important people.

Camp OConnor takes students on a five-day journey through the workings of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, complete with field trips to the state Capitol, Supreme Court and governors office, along with the county elections department.

The lessons pair the serious with the playful.

On Citizenship Day during this years camp in June, participants visit the Maricopa County Recorders Office, which oversees elections in the nations fourth-largest county by population. They cast mock ballots made to look like the real thing, voting on questions such as which celebrity they would prefer as a teacher. (Dwayne The Rock Johnson beat Taylor Swift in a surprising upset.)

The camp is part of a slate of educational programs at the Sandra Day OConnor Institute for American Democracy, founded by the late justice in 2009.

What the justice says is that you have to understand how your government works, because its complicated, and then you have to understand how you engage in it, says Ben Maynard, director of civics education at the institute.

The camp launched in 2016 with 48 students. This year, 100 attended from places big and small, near and far. Obuekwe, just a few years out from casting her first ballot, is among 34 out-of-state campers.

I think anyone can play a role, she says, no matter how young they are  just getting engaged in democracy and government, just learning about it so when youre old enough to vote, you can make a difference and make an impact on the leaders.

The camp is funded by donations and grants, Maynard says, and cost $1,200 to $1,500 per student this year. That covers counselor salaries, some meals and buses for field trips. Students attend for free, but theyre responsible for lodging and travel to and from Phoenix.

A report by researchers at Georgetown University found that participants in a similar civics camp in 2019 saw improvements in their knowledge of history and civics.

Maynard says Camp OConnor doesnt have a formal way of tracking campers after they leave, but he does point to one marker of success.

If we have a student come here that doesnt remember exactly everything that was said on Executive Day, but they go back to their school and they want to be part of their student council, thats a win, Maynard says. Thats someone who has become engaged with their community, and thats likely someone who will continue to stay engaged as they get older.

Prepared to take action

A few weeks later and 2,500 miles away, young people dive into democracy in a different way.

YVote was founded in 2017 by New York high school students worried about low voter turnout among youth and a lack of civics education. The core premise of the groups camp is that democracy is flawed  and young people have a duty to help fix it.

Theres space to be better, Elkouraichi says. If people my age continue to be civically active and politically active, then Im hopeful that theres going to be an upward climb.

On day four of this summers five-day camp, the question posed by a facilitator resonates: What is my role in an ideal democracy?

The room falls quiet. Students reach for pens and start writing answers in their journals, illustrated with stickers and doodles.

The exercise is more than a philosophical query. Over the next year, each camper has to plan and execute a democracy project that they will take back to their boroughs.

Earlier in the day, they hit the streets to canvass strangers, heading to Central Park and the Upper West Side, with skyscrapers and yellow cabs in the background of their conversations.

At Columbus Circle, Cisse and her project partner ask people about gender inequality.

One woman rants for half an hour, taking drags from a cigarette as she recounts power imbalances she has faced with men. Another suggests the students create courses for their classmates on self-defense or respecting boundaries. And two sisters visiting from Bangladesh say they receive unsolicited comments on the street nearly every day.

Cisse, a junior at Stuyvesant High School in lower Manhattan, says she chose the subject because she is sick of hearing derogatory remarks about women at school.

Its so normalized, she says. I feel like people then feel uncomfortable and feel like they cant speak up about it, because nobody does.

Cisse and fellow camper Talia Arcasoy believe women being comfortable and respected in the workplace is an important part of democracy. They walk away excited by the idea of creating workshops for their final project.

Thats why the youth-led camp exists, organizers say: to inspire young people to take action.

We care a lot about what people do beyond voting, says Sonja Aibel, 17, a YVote leader. Even if we have participants who come away from the program not convinced that voting is the right choice for them, theyre still prepared to take action beyond that.

A 2022 report by the Brennan Center for Justice found that young people engage in democracy in ways not often recognized, including volunteering, donating money, boycotting and community service.

More than 30% of Americans ages 18-29 have signed a petition or joined a boycott, and about 15% have attended a protest, demonstration or march, according to data from CIRCLE. However, survey respondents who were interested in civic engagement said they often lack information, support and opportunities.

The New York camp offers each student a $250 stipend for the week and another $250 once their projects are completed. The stipend is meant to broaden access, says Chris-Ann Barnett, YVotes associate program director.

They dont have to worry about the cost of getting here or spending a week doing something thats not paying them, she adds.

In New York state, high school graduates can receive a Seal of Civic Readiness on their diplomas to recognize proficiency in civic knowledge, skills, mindset and experiences. Students earn points by doing things such as taking electives that promote civic engagement.

Two of this years YVote campers attend a school in Manhattan that confers the seal. Organizers plan to reach out to ensure the students get credit for their final camp projects, and they hope other schools will follow suit.

Research from CIRCLE shows that big metropolitan areas such as Phoenix, Washington, D.C., and New York are more likely to have access to the best civics education. During the 2020 presidential election, two-thirds of teens surveyed expressed interest in learning about the race, but a third of them didnt have access to a course about U.S. government and institutions.

Rural teens whose parents were less educated faced even more difficulty accessing such courses, research showed.

We want to support democracy

The federal government doesnt mandate civics education, and a 2022 report by the American Bar Association found only 38 states  New York among them  require some form of civics courses in schools.

The controversial No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 prompted a national fixation on standardized testing and less emphasis on subjects those tests dont cover. This, coupled with pandemic-related learning loss, led to lost instructional time for social studies and civics, experts say.

Schools have focused a lot more on pushing math, science and reading, (and) because of that, social studies kind of falls to the wayside, says Brianna Diaz, who wrote a report about the change in civics education for Childrens Defense Fund Texas. Teachers mentioned that they lost instructional time  because other things, the school decided, should be a priority.

For those trying to build a curriculum, the nonprofit Center for Civic Education provides model programs for various grade levels to a network of teachers and students across the country. It also provides teacher training, such as an event overseen by the Indiana Bar Foundation in June.

About two dozen social studies, history and government teachers from across the state convened at Indiana University Bloomington to learn how to improve their civics teaching skills.

They listened to presentations about trust in elections and the origin of the Civil Rights Act. They workshopped lesson plans and brainstormed how to explain difficult subjects such as slavery or contentious elections.

TaShena Melton, who has taught for nine years at Calumet Christian School in Griffith, Indiana, recalled preparing a lesson for students in 2018 on the value of bipartisanship.

Melton showed her students a video of former President Barack Obamas eulogy for Republican Sen. John McCain. Before he died of brain cancer, McCain invited his 2008 presidential rival to speak at his funeral.

Melton told her class that even though the two had competed for the highest office in the land, they still respected one another.

Her students responded with their thoughts about McCains decision.

Liar. Cheat. A traitor to his own party.

I ran out of words to try to explain how I felt at the end of that class. That was probably when I almost lost hope, Melton says. Teachers as a whole, were struggling with how to deal with students who have a jaded view of democracy.

Plainfield High School teacher Adam Ferguson acknowledged in one session that teachers often do not take college courses or get training about how to handle controversial issues. His advice: Dont avoid the conversations, and dont call them debates. Use the word  discourse, because its more thoughtful.

Even as some educators, political leaders and academics voice support for civics education as an ideal, tensions are growing over its execution.

Some fear civics learning can veer into indoctrination. Civics Alliance, a coalition of conservative individuals and groups, advocates against what it calls action civics in favor of standards that teach American students their birthright of liberty.

Action civics, the group says on its website, replaces classroom civics instruction with political commitment, protest and vocational training in progressive activism.

States across the country have pushed policies that limit or outright ban things such as critical race theory. The governors of Virginia and South Dakota in 2022 administered executive orders banning critical race theory in the classroom.

Also in 2022, Florida lawmakers prohibited classroom instruction from being used to indoctrinate or persuade students in a manner inconsistent with certain principles or state academic standards. Specifically, the law forbids teaching any of eight specified concepts related to race, color, sex, or national origin.

Some young people wade through all the voices, saying they just want space to learn.

We want to give young people the opportunity to learn about politics and learn about civics and learn about how to maintain democracy without feeling like they have to stick to one side of the spectrum, YVotes Elkouraichi says. You can have your views, but you can also work with the greater population toward having everyones voice heard.

___

News21 reporters Joshua Harrison-Williams, Hannah Lee and Vivian Serafin contributed to this story. This report is part of Fractured, an examination of the state of American democracy produced by Carnegie-Knight News21. For more stories, visit https://fractured.news21.com.
Texas Kadri Moro, the Executive Director of Arise for Justice International, protests with placards nailed on a cross on the street of Accra, Ghana, Thursday Sept 12, 2024. Texas Kadiri Moro is an unusual figure amid the LGBTQ+ rights activists in the coastal West African nation of Ghana. He is heterosexual, married to a woman and a father of six. He is a teacher. And he is a practising Muslim. (AP Photo/ Misper Apawu)

ACCRA, Ghana (AP)  Texas Kadiri Moro stood in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Accra on Thursday, dressed in short pink Speedos and a pink polo shirt. Accompanied by trumpet players, carrying a banner with slogans including, Why should a society of evildoers judge others? and Justice begins where inequality ends! he marched across the Ghanaian capital in a one-man protest against a highly controversial bill which targets members of the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters.

Moro is an unusual figure amid the LGBTQ+ rights activists in the coastal West African nation.

He is heterosexual, married to a woman, and a father of six. He is a teacher. And he is a practicing Muslim. Yet for months he has been conducting solo demonstrations against the bill, which criminalizes members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as its supporters, including promotion and funding of related activities and public displays of affection. It could send some people to prison for more than a decade.

The bill was passed by Ghana s parliament earlier this year but has been challenged in the Supreme Court.

It has not yet been signed into law by President Nana Akufo-Addo, who cited ongoing proceedings. But he refused to reject it either.

There are so many issues about rights" when it comes to the bill, Moro told The Associated Press.

Homosexuality does not affect anyone," Moro said. We have activities that people are doing in the country that are worse than homosexual activities, he added, citing adultery as an example. The parliament, he said, should be more concerned with other crimes and pollution.

The bill has sparked condemnation from rights groups and some in the international community who have been concerned about similar efforts by other African governments.

Sponsors of the bill have said it seeks to protect children and people who are victims of abuse.

Gay sex is already illegal in Ghana, carrying a three-year prison sentence, but the new bill could imprison people for more than a decade for activities including public displays of affection and promotion and funding of LGBTQ+ activities.

Since he began his protests, Moro has lost his job, has not received any assistance from the LGBTQ+ community, and has become a target of very hostile attacks from the Muslim community," he says.

But he is determined to continue. For him, it is about battling injustice.

I know I'm doing something that God is asking me to do, he said.

To point out the hypocrisy of the bill, Moro carried a petition to the Parliament asking the government to withdraw foreign missions from countries where homosexuality is legal, if they find it filthy, he said.

At the entrance to Parliament House, Kate Addo, Parliament's director of communications, received Moro's petition on behalf of the speaker. She said she was pleased with his initiative.

We live in a democratic country where what people do in their bedrooms is not to be anyones concern, Addo said. "However, we are also regulated by law.

Even though Ghana's president delayed signing the bill into law, activists said that the debate by itself triggered an increase in physical and psychological violence against LGBTQ+ people.

Joseph Kobla Wemakor, the executive director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, said that "abuse, both psychologically and physically against members of the community has skyrocketed" since the bill has been introduced.

The moment people hear that you are part of this, the LGBTQ+, you are an enemy," Wekamor said. They are looking forward to hurting you, even lynching you, killing you.

They are "forgetting that we are all humans, he added.

It takes one man to change the world," he said. And if he has started something like that, other people will follow, because it (the bill) is a wrongdoing.

___

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.
CLARK COUNTY, Ill. (WTWO)  The Clark County Sheriffs Office and the countys health department are warning residents not to open suspicious envelopes.

They also warn that residents should not even bring the envelopes, which show money in a window in the packaging, into their homes.

Residents of Clark County and other Illinois Counties are receiving a fraudulent piece of mail. Do not open these, the health department wrote. IDPH, the post office, and sheriffs office are all aware and are investigating. If you receive some, place it in a ziplock or garbage bag, and keep it outside of your home.

They added that residents who receive the envelopes should notify the health department or the sheriffs department but asked that residents do not call 911.

We will compile a list and based on direction from authorities will contact you with further directions, the agency added. You are advised to wash your hands if you handled the mail or opened.

This is a developing story and we will have more information as it becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
By Manas Mishra and Jennifer Rigby

(Reuters) -The World Health Organization and partners on Friday set up a scheme to help bring mpox vaccines, tests and treatments to the most vulnerable people in the worlds poorest countries, similar to efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, after earlier approving the first shot for the fast-spreading disease.

Both steps should make it easier for badly-hit African countries to access the vaccine, as a new type of the mpox virus spreads from the Democratic Republic of Congo to its neighbours. The WHO has declared the outbreak a global public health emergency.

Alongside other public health interventions, vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics are powerful tools for bringing the mpox outbreaks in Africa under control, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

He said COVID-19 had shown the need for international collaboration to make access fairer. During the pandemic, many low-income countries were left behind in the global scramble for medical resources, particularly vaccines.

European countries, the United States and Japan have already pledged to donate 3.6 million doses of the two main vaccines used against mpox, the WHO said on Friday. Vaccinations are due to start from Oct. 2 with the first tranches of donations.

The WHO urged more countries to donate shots that were originally developed and stockpiled by rich nations for smallpox, and said it would work with affected countries to get them to the people at highest risk.

Earlier on Friday, the WHO said it had approved Bavarian Nordic's vaccine, known as Jynneos in the United States. It is also considering LC16, made by the Japanese manufacturer KM Biologics.

The approval, known as prequalification, means U.N. agencies can now buy the vaccines as well as help co-ordinate donations. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, co-funds vaccine purchases for low-income countries in this way and has up to $500 million to spend on mpox.

DELAYS

The WHO has faced criticism for moving too slowly on mpox vaccines.

Bavarian Nordic's vaccine has been used worldwide since 2022, after U.S. and European regulators backed it for use against a different strain of mpox that spread globally in 2022.

The WHO only formally began the process in August this year.

Other factors, including the roughly $100 price tag for the vaccine, competing disease outbreaks, and sluggish processes in badly-hit countries like Congo have also played a role.

"The evidence we have now is... it is important we take advantage of it (the vaccine) to protect our population," Dimie Ogoina, chair of the WHO's mpox emergency committee, had said before the approval.

He however stressed that vaccines were not a "magic bullet" and other public health measures were also important.

'OFF-LABEL' USE IN CHILDREN

Bavarian Nordic said the vaccine was cleared for immunization against smallpox, mpox, and related orthopoxvirus in those who are 18 and older, but it could be used "off-label" for children and pregnant and immunocompromised people in outbreak conditions, where the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks. LC16 can already be given to children, according to the Japanese regulator, although it requires a special kind of needle.

Children are particularly vulnerable to mpox, a viral infection that typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions, as well as people with immune system conditions, such as HIV.

(Reporting by Manas Mishra and Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru and Jennifer Rigby in London; Editing by Shreya Biswas, Anil D'Silva and Tomasz Janowski)
Setting a roadmap for her second term, EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen pledged to 'stay the course' on the bloc's environmental goals (Nicolas TUCAT) (Nicolas TUCAT/AFP/AFP)

What does the future hold for EU climate policies? Next week's unveiling of the new European Commission will be watched closely for clues -- at a time when defending the environment has skidded down the list of priorities in Brussels.

It is a far cry from five years ago.

Back in 2019, EU-wide elections held in the wake of massive youth climate marches saw a surge of support for the Greens, who captured more than 70 seats in the European Parliament.

This June, by contrast, the Greens shed 20 seats in a vote marked by gains for the right and far right -- which have led the charge against what it calls "punitive" EU environmental policies.

For Luke Haywood of the European Environmental Bureau NGO federation, the writing is on the wall: he expects the shift in parliament may relegate the EU's climate ambitions to the backburner.

"There is a risk that there will be an attempt to ignore the long-term benefits that we all have of acting on climate now, focusing on short-term gains for certain industries," he told AFP.

Climate loomed large under the outgoing commission, which drove through an ambitious legislative "Green Deal" including flagship measures such as a ban on new combustion engine cars from 2035.

Setting a roadmap for her second term, Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen pledged to "stay the course" on the environment -- while promising to "reconcile climate protection with a prosperous economy."

But a key question is who in the next EU executive team inherits the task of making lofty goals a reality, with many of the Green Deal's laws still at various stages of implementation.

Advocacy groups are rooting for Spain's candidate Teresa Ribera -- a socialist climate campaigner tipped for a big commission role -- but her anti-nuclear stance has raised hackles among some member states.

How the various aspects of environmental policy -- from carbon-reduction to industrial policy or clean tech -- are divided up between commissioners will be a subject of particular scrutiny.

"Climate must be very present in the portfolios," said Haywood.

- 'Stitch by stitch' -

The EU has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, and one of the new commission's first tasks will be to negotiate with member states and parliament on its interim target for 2040 -- when it wants to see emissions cut by 90 percent compared to 1990 levels.

At the centre-right, the European People's Party -- the parliament's biggest group, to which von der Leyen belongs -- considers the target "extremely ambitious."

"We must discuss at length with all involved parties whether it is achievable and what we need to achieve it," EPP lawmaker Peter Liese warned when it was unveiled earlier this year.

Broadly speaking, right-wing parties oppose piling on more "bans" even as the public mood has soured on environmental action -- calling for an approach that factors in "the real situation on the ground," as Liese put it.

Within the centrist Renew group, the message is clear: "There can be no dismantling of the Green Deal," warned the group's leader in the EU parliament, Valerie Hayer.

"We'll be vigilant about any attempt to reverse it, and about the need to free up necessary investments," she told AFP.

But even the staunchest environmentalists realise the challenges that lie ahead -- as officials push to implement reams of complex legislation, under inevitable pressure from lobby groups.

"When they (the European Commission) say implementation, what they really mean is hitting pause, or backtracking," warned the hard-left leader Manon Aubry.

"They're going to be unpicking it stitch by stitch," she said -- pointing to the rollback of a string of environmental measures in the past year in concession to protesting farmers.

Aside from setting an emissions target for 2040, the incoming commission's environmental in-tray is thick with challenges.

A number of Green Deal laws -- such as the combustion-engine ban -- have revision clauses that could be seized on in a bid to water them down.

The bloc's sweeping farm subsidy system known as the Common Agricultural Policy is up for renegotiation for the period running from 2028 to 2034.

And the commission will need to implement a new law forcing companies to uphold environmental and human rights supply chain standards -- already diluted out of fear it would unfairly harm smaller businesses.

adc/ec/del/rlp
PORTLAND, Ore.  The critical hearing in federal court into Krogers proposed $25 billion takeover of Albertsons will stretch into a fourth week after attorneys for the grocers rested their case Thursday.

Next up, regulators with the Federal Trade Commission will call rebuttal witnesses to testify on Friday and closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday. U.S. District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson will then consider arguments in the bench trial before issuing her ruling.

The delay means Kroger and Albertsons will still be defending their proposed merger in federal court as Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson heads to state court against the deal on Monday when opening arguments in that case begin. Another state case will begin on Sept. 30 when the Colorado Attorney General is set to go to court in his antitrust case against the merger.

What the hearing is about

First announced in October 2022, Cincinnati-based Kroger offered to buy Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons, adding most of its employees and stores to its supermarket operation. Earlier this year, regulators sued in federal court to kill the deal.

The hearing is to decide whether to grant a court order to halt the merger as it pursues another case in Washington, D.C. to stop the deal. Attorneys for Kroger have warned such an order, called a preliminary injunction, would doom the merger.

In a bid to reassure concerns about maintaining competition, Kroger has agreed to sell off 579 stores to a C&S Wholesale Grocers, a New Hampshire-based company. Regulators charge the company isnt a viable competitor, since it only operates about two dozen retail supermarkets and is mostly a supplier.

About the Kroger Albertsons merger

The proposed merger, if successful, would be among the largest ever in retail. Kroger would operate more than 4,400 supermarkets (up from 2,700) generating about $208 billion in annual sales (compared to $150 billion before). If consummated, Kroger would employ about 640,000 workers (up from about 414,000 currently), which could make it one of the 10 largest private employers in the world.

Kroger says the deal will help it become more efficient and stay competitive against the likes of Walmart, Costco and Amazon and has promised to cut grocery prices by $1 billion if the merger is approved. Kroger and Albertsons have also said jobs and stores will be preserved.

For the latest on Kroger, P&G, Fifth Third Bank and Cincinnati business, follow @alexcoolidge on X (formerly Twitter).

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Kroger-Albertsons merger case: Here's what's next
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  During this Suicide Prevention Month, Texas leaders in psychology research and licensing are stressing the dire gaps in mental healthcare in nearly every corner of the state.

We all know somebody whos been touched by suicide or substance abuse, Chair of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists John Bielamowicz said. The ability for somebody to have access to mental health care is often the difference of life and death.

Texas ranks last in access to mental health services, according to a 2023 Forbes study that evaluated states on the availability of mental health services and the barrier to accessing those services. The federal government found that 246 of Texas 254 counties  97%  are underserved in mental health needs. There are 137 counties with no psychologists at all and 32 counties that have just one.

Yet, the board expressed concerns in Thursdays hearing that additional requirements and bureaucratic barriers could make it harder to license more psychologists. Bielamowicz explained the nations only psychology licensing exam company is now requiring Texas to adopt an additional test at a tremendous cost.

I dont think weve ever seen such a threat to our ability to license psychologists in this state, he said. We dont need to be making the barriers higher and harder in this profession.

Just across the street from the board, Dell Medical School is working to recruit the psychologists of the future and get them into underserved communities. Their Integrated Behavioral Health Scholars Program serves to build a diverse and culturally responsive behavioral health workforce with expertise in delivering integrated behavioral care, particularly to underserved Texans.

Texas is a proud state, and we should not rank 50th in anything, Chief of Dell Medical Schools Division of Psychology Dr. Lloyd Berg said. Its incumbent on us as a society to speak to our state representatives about understanding, emphasizing, and funding the mental health concerns that we have as a state.

Last year, the legislature invested a historic $11 billion to build 17 more hospitals across Texas, focusing on rural areas. Rural mental health care made Lt. Gov. Dan Patricks list of top priorities. Berg says more should be done next year.

Texas is already leading the nation in providing more access to child behavioral health and mental health services, he said. One of the things that the State of Texas and our legislature could do could be to build upon these initiatives to provide this access to a greater segment of our population.

Next week, Bielamowicz will testify on behalf of the board at the Texas Senates Health and Human Services Committee, which will consider legislation relating to childrens mental health and access to healthcare.

We understand and see very acutely the shortage that we have in access to care, and were doing everything we can to address that shortage and to be part of that solution, he said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten said Thursday that Vice President Kamala Harris is still struggling to gain traction with young voters, calling pop star Taylor Swift's recent endorsement "absolutely welcome" by the Harris campaign.

Pointing to national polling data, Enten noted that at this point in the race in 2020, President Biden had a 28-point advantage among voters under the age of 30. Biden's advantage fell to seven points in July of this year, just before he exited the race. As the Democratic nominee, Harris managed to somewhat improve on Biden's standing with the critical voting bloc, reaching a 15-point advantage this month. But she is still significantly lagging behind Biden's 2020 numbers, Enten said.

WHAT THE TAYLOR SWIFT ENDORSEMENT OF KAMALA HARRIS MEANS FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTION

Taylor Swift performs onstage at Olympiastadion in Munich on July 27.

"Kamala Harris will absolutely welcome in the support of Taylor Swift if she can move young voters at all because the bottom line is: Kamala Harris is in fact not doing as well among young voters as you might expect a Democrat to necessarily be doing based upon history," he told CNNs Kate Bolduan.

Swift, an outspoken critic of former President Trump , endorsed Harris after the presidential debate on Tuesday. In an Instagram post that she signed "childless cat lady," the pop icon said Harris "fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them."

YOUNG SWING STATE VOTERS DELIVER ADVICE FOR KAMALA HARRIS: THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE TRANSPARENCY

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Enten said Swift could give the campaign a significant boost if she manages to convince fans to register to vote, something he cited as another roadblock for Harris in states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina, where the number of new registered Democrats has significantly dropped from 2020.

"The bottom line is Republicans have been doing a heck of a lot better job of registering voters than Democrats have over the last four years," Enten said.

Swift seemingly understood the assignment. The link she attached to her endorsement urging people to register to vote was reportedly visited 337,826 times in just two days, NBC News reported.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Swift repeated her call to register to vote in her acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, telling fans, "If you are over 18, please register to vote for something else that's very important to us, the 2024 presidential election."

Young voters across the country recently told Fox News Digital that the economy, immigration and foreign policy are their top concerns heading into November.

According to a recent New York Times/Siena survey, Harris leads Trump by 10 percentage points among voters aged 18-29.





Original article source: CNN data guru says Harris struggling with 'underperformance' from young voters amid Taylor Swift endorsement
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  A new poll has incumbent Republican Jen Kiggans up five points over Democrat challenger Missy Cotter Smasal in the race for Virginias 2nd Congressional District.

The same poll from Christopher Newport Universitys Wason Center also has Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump neck and neck in the swing district, which voted for President Joe Biden (+2) in 2020 and Gov. Glenn Youngkin (+11) in 2021.

Kiggans, who flipped the seat by beating Democrat Elaine Luria in 2022, has a big lead among independent voters (+20), men (+25) and white voter (+27), CNU says. Cotter Smasal, a fellow Navy veteran has major support from Black voters (+71) and is up 12 points with women voters.

The polling shows voters top issues are economy (30%), immigration (14%), threats to democracy (12%) and abortion (11%).

Likely voters say theyre more likely to trust Kiggans on military and veterans issues (48% to 32%), while theyre more likely to trust Cotter Smasal on reproductive rights (42% to 35%).

In the presidential race, Harris has an even favorability rating in the Second District, 47% to 47%, while Trump has a negative favorability (45% to 49%).

Meanwhile the race for Virginias open U.S. Senate seat isnt nearly as close in the 2nd District, with Democratic incumbent Tim Kaine up 11 points on Republican Hung Cao.

Overall, Harris leads Trump by 10 points in Virginia, according to a recent poll by VCU. A previous poll by VCU before President Joe Biden dropped out had Trump up by 3 points.

Read the full poll from CNU 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 WAVY.com.
What has five pickups, 10 cars and 10 SUVs with costs from $28,750 to more than $350,000?

The list of the Best of 2025 announced Friday by the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year jury.

Twelve are electric vehicles while several offer hybrid models as the electrification of transportation continues.

The jury  which consists of 50 automotive journalists, including me  picked the top vehicles from 56 on sale in 2024. The list includes a handful that arent for sale yet, but have the potential to be good or important enough to invite to the NACTOYs comparison event in October, when the jury will drive the vehicles again and narrow the list to three finalists for each of the three awards. Those nine finalists will be announced at the Los Angeles auto show Nov. 21.

The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year will be announced in January 2025.

Whats hot, and why?

After further evaluation of finalists, jurors will vote for the winners, which will be announced at the Detroit Auto Show on Jan. 10, 2025.

We have a great variety of vehicles on the list, NACTOY jury President Jeff Gilbert, of WWJ (950 AM), said. This list is an example of the great products the auto industry is producing, from cutting-edge electric vehicles to traditional gasoline-powered cars and trucks, but also hybrids, which are a growing share of the market.

The vehicles were to be revealed at Cars at the Station, which showcased a variety of vehicles at Michigan Central Station.

The Best of 2025 vehicles are:

Cars

Cadillac Celestiq in the courtyard of Cadillac House at Vanderbilt at the General Motors Tech Center in Warren, Mich.

BMW 3-series: The latest version of the car that created the sport-sedan segment

BMW M5: The max performance version of BMWs midsize sedan regularly redefines the performance limits of a four-door car

Cadillac Celestiq: A hand-built electric ultra-luxury car that aims to reestablish Cadillac as a maker of exquisite custom vehicles.

Dodge Charger EV: The electric version of one of Americas great muscle cars aims to power Dodges rebellious character into the future.

Fiat 500e: Tiny and inimitably Italian, this electric city car is Stellantis second sortie into modernizing and expanding the appeal of its many brands.

Honda Civic hybrid: A more fuel-efficient version of a perennial customer favorite, hybrid power is a welcome return to the Civic lineup.

Kia K4: The hard-charging Korean brand renames and redesigns its compact sedan.

Mercedes AMG E-class: The highest performance version Mercedes midsize sedan should embody the automakers latest and best ideas.

Porsche Panamera: The car that proved you could have four doors and still deliver profoundly Porsche styling and performance.

Toyota Camry: Americas perennially bestselling sedan goes all hybrid and spruces up with all-new looks.

Story continues

More: Jeeps precipitous decline lies at feet of those in executive suites, mansions

Trucks

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup offers a hybrid drivetrain that increases power and fuel efficiency.

Ford Ranger: Fords midsize pickup adds features and a desert-racing Raptor performance model.

GMC Sierra EV: GMCs full-size pickup goes electric, offering up to 440 miles on a charge, hands-free driving and more.

Ram 1500: Rams full-size pickup introduces a muscular new twin-turbo straight-six engine to replace the legendary Hemi, and adds hands-free driving.

Rivian R1T: More than half the midsize electric pickups parts are new, including motors, electrical system and longer battery range.

Toyota Tacoma: The bestselling midsize pickup adds a powerful and efficient hybrid version and a Trailhunter model intended for overlanding.

More: You can trust Rivian to survive if you buy one of its EVs

Utility vehicles

The 2025 Volvo EX90 EV is rated at up to 310 miles on a charge

Chevrolet Equinox EV: An affordable electric vehicle in one of Americas most popular vehicle segments, the Equinox EV is a major step as EVs move into the mainstream.

Honda Prologue: Hondas first modern EV is a midsize SUV built by General Motors, but its style and character look at home alongside Civics and CR-Vs.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Hyundai adds performance to its midsize electric SUV.

Hyundai Santa Fe: Radically restyled and featuring more cargo space, Hyundais bestselling model in the US.

Jeep Wagoneer S: The electric equivalent to the Grand Cherokee midsize SUV, the Wagoneer S must deliver luxury, technology and true off-road capability.

Lincoln Nautilus: Lincolns five-passenger midsize luxury SUV adds a breathtaking new display to the brands usual interior opulence.

Porsche Macan EV: Porsche sets out to redefine performance in an electric five-passenger luxury SUV.

Toyota Land Cruiser: One of Toyotas longest-running models returns to challenge GMC Yukons for SUV prestige and ruggedness.

Volkswagen ID Buzz: An electric minivan aims to blend modern technology with a counter culture vibe.

Volvo EX90: Built in South Carolina and designed to suit American tastes, the electric three-row SUV offers several innovative safety features.

More: Forget the soundbites: Here's what's really happening with all the EV delays

Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: EVs and hybrids dominate NACTOY Best of 2025 list
Coast Guard suspends search for missing man after boat found in Englewood

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA)  The Coast Guard has suspended the search for the 70-year-old boater who was last seen on Monday.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the 37-foot vessel was found 28 miles off the coast of Englewood with no one on board.

Bert Erwin, 70, was reported missing by a good Samaritan on Wednesday to the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders.

Man shot during argument in Wesley Chapel, deputies search for suspect

Erwin departed Rose Marina, in Marco Island on Monday, to reach his final destination of Indian Rocks Beach, according to the Coast Guard.

Courtesy: U.S. Coast Guard/X

We offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Erwins loved ones, said Lt. Andrew Grady, search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. One of the hardest decisions to make during a search is a suspension.

Rescue crews searched 8,462 square miles. The weather conditions for the search were 10-knot winds and 3-foot seas.

Rescue crews were launched from stations Cortez, St. Petersburg, Sand Key, and Fort Myers by the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. Rescue crews from Air Stations Miami and Clearwater, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also helped conduct the search.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Coe College has received a grant from NASA to purchase advanced computing technology for STEM research, including modeling a region of Mars' ionosphere. (Photo by NASA; ESA; the Hubble Heritage Team, STScI/AURA; J. Bell. ASU; and M. Wolff, Space Science Institute on background via Canva)

Coe College will use a $225,000 grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, to advance its computing technology for research in astrophysics and other sciences.

According to a news release, the Cedar Rapids college will purchase a high-performance computing cluster that will allow researchers across different disciplines, including plasma physics and computational therapy, to conduct complicated simulations and analyze data.

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One project the new system will aid in is modeling a certain region of Mars atmosphere, called its ionosphere, in order to create the best glass for spacecraft heading to the planet.

This NASA grant is a testament to Coes commitment to cutting-edge education and research, said grant co-lead and physics professor Mario Affatigato in the release. The new computing resources will significantly enhance our capabilities in physics, data analytics and engineering, providing our students and faculty with tools to excel.

The computing system will have 1024 central processing unit cores, eight advanced graphics processing units, a new cooling system and software for multiphysics simulation, according to the release, including a plasma module.

Having this equipment will open new doors for interdisciplinary collaboration, the release stated, as well as work as a complement to STEM areas of study like the colleges engineering physics major, launched in the spring.

Coe College President David Hayes thanked U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson in the release for advocating for the college as it sought the grant. Hinson submitted Coe Colleges funding request to receive federal Community Project Funding for fiscal year 2024, according to the representatives website.

I am proud to have secured funding for Coe College to acquire new equipment to expand their Astrophysics Research Project and further enhance programs for their students, Hinson said in the release. The next generation of cutting-edge research and development is happening right here.

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 44)  The College Station Fire Department has been awarded a $3.87 million federal grant under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.

According to the City of College Station, this grant will fully fund twelve firefighters for three years at the new Fire Station No.7. The City Council will officially accept the grant award at its Thursday night meeting on September 26.

The city says this grant award is the largest federal grant ever received by the CSFD. Construction on the new station at 2981 Greens Prairie Road will begin in early 2025, and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026. Voters approved the project as part of the 2022 bond election.

The Fire Department plans to begin recruiting this fall and hiring firefighters in the spring to meet the grant requirements. Applications will be considered for fully, partially and non-certified candidates.

The city says the grant will fully fund the firefighters salaries and benefits through the three-year grant performance period as the first phase of staffing requirements.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Colo. Teen Planning to Take Photos on Property Is Shot in Face After Homeowner Tells Boyfriend About Trespassers

The teens were in their car, parked on a public road, when police allege the boyfriend shot the 17-year-old driver through the windshield

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Brent Metz in mugshot.

The two teens had parked outside the gated Colorado home, jumped the fence and looked around for the owner, hoping to take homecoming photographs on the property, a 17-year-old later told authorities.

The boys  whose names have not been released  returned to their car, which was parked on a public roadway, and started writing the woman a letter requesting permission, Jacki Kelly of the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office tells PEOPLE.

But they were allegedly disrupted when a man pulled up beside them, blocking the teens in as he exited his truck before firing a bullet through the windshield, striking the 17-year-old driver in the face, says Kelly.

The responding deputy recovered the gun used in the shooting inside the mans truck, according to a press release by the sheriffs office.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Brent Metz in mugshot.

Brent Metz, 38, was arrested in connection to the Tuesday, Sept. 10 shooting and booked into jail on one charge of first-degree assault, two counts each of felony menacing and reckless endangerment and one charge of illegal discharge of a firearm, per the sheriffs office.

Metz posted his $5,000 bond at 5:30 p.m. the following day, according to Kelly.

The 17-year-old was released from the hospital Thursday, Sept. 12 and is recovering at home, she says.

Deputies were dispatched to the Conifer, Colo., residence at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, after the homeowner  a woman who is not named in the release and who Kelly says is not facing any charges  called to report two trespassers on her property. Investigators say she also called her boyfriend, Metz, regarding the teens.

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.

As the deputy approached the two vehicles, he saw the 17-year-old bleeding heavily from his face, while his 16-year-old friend held a T-shirt to the wounds in an effort to stop the bleeding, according to the sheriffs office press release.

Before the 17-year-old was taken to the hospital by ambulance, he told authorities that Metz  who was standing with the teens when the deputy arrived and who the boys did not know  had shot him.

The 17-year-old told the deputy that the boys had walked up the homeowners driveway, and when no one seemed to be there, had walked around the property in search of the owner.

It was not immediately clear if Metz has retained a lawyer or entered a plea to the charges.

His next in-person court date  for a return filing of charges hearing, per his online docket  is slated for Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m.

Kelly says the investigation is ongoing.



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Read the original article on People.
Two Colombian nationals will serve lengthy prison sentences for conspiring and attempting to murder U.S. soldiers by detonating a car bomb outside a military base near the Colombia-Venezuela border, the Justice Department announced Thursday.

Colombian nationals Andres Fernando Medina Rodriguez, 40, and Ciro Alfonso Gutierrez Ballesteros, 31, were sentenced to 35 and 30 years in prison, respectively, for their involvement in the 2021 attempted attack.

According to court documents, Rodriguez and Ballesteros and members of the 33rd Front, an extremist faction of Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias (FARC), specifically targeted American troops stationed at the Colombian 30th Army Brigade Base in Cucuta, Colombia.

Officials said Rodriguez, a co-conspirator, used his status as a medically discharged Colombian army officer to gain access to the base, where he conducted photographic and video surveillance of the areas where the U.S. soldiers were primarily located.

COLOMBIA CAR BOMB AT MILITARY BASE INJURES AT LEAST 36

Approximately 10 days before the attack, officials said, Rodriguez and Ballesteros delivered a white SUV to their co-conspirators in the 33rd Front, who loaded it with an improvised explosive device.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

On June 15, 2021, authorities said, Rodriguez drove the SUV carrying the bomb up to the 30th Army Brigade Base, eventually parking it in front of the location where U.S. and Colombian military personnel worked.

Ballesteros escorted Rodriguez by motorcycle, and once they were inside, Rodriguez activated the bombs timer device and left the area on foot before fleeing with Ballesteros.

AUTHORITIES ARREST 3 COLOMBIAN NATIONALS SUSPECTED OF INVOLVEMENT IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BURGLARY TOURISM RING

"Our most urgent mission and highest priority is to hold those accountable who target Americans, to include the brave men and women who serve as members of our uniformed services domestically and around the world," U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida said.

"As seen by the prison sentences imposed upon defendants Medina Rodriguez and Gutierrez Ballesteros today, individuals who threaten the safety and security of the United States and our fellow Americans will face the full force of our nations criminal justice system."

Three U.S. Army soldiers and 44 Colombian military personnel were injured in the blast.

"Crime doesnt stop at our borders, and neither does the FBIs commitment to investigate criminal acts against our military overseas," Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBIs Miami Field Office said in a statement.

"We work closely with our international partners and security services around the globe to conduct complex investigations and acquire evidence from abroad for criminal prosecutions in the United States."

The U.S. Army did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment.





Original article source: Colombian nationals sentenced to prison for plot to murder American soldiers
Colombia's Petro under fire after calling female journalists 'dolls of the mafia'

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro is facing criticism from press freedom groups after some comments made about female reporters, calling them "dolls of the mafia" in one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in South America.

Without a hint of irony, Petro made the statement at the August 30 inauguration of Colombia's new human rights ombud Iris Marin -- the first woman to hold the job.

Petro, the South American country's first-ever leftist president, has often bristled at criticism from the media, which he has accused of conspiring with armed groups, business tycoons or other powerful figures.

Some say he has now gone too far in a country where dozens of threats and attacks of various types are reported against women reporters every year.

In his address, Petro had railed against "the (women) journalists of power, the 'dolls of the mafia,'" who he said had pilloried 2019-2021 protests against the rightwing government that preceded him.

Petro, who was a lawmaker at the time, had supported those demonstrations.

It is not clear why he targeted women reporters specifically.

Criticism was swift, and Petro tried to explain that he had been speaking of "female journalists from the establishment... hired by dark powers" in a statement that did little to quell the outrage.

Marin later said "there is no room for stigmatization" of female journalists in Colombia.

"Nothing justifies it."

- 'Reinforces gender stereotypes' -

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) describes Colombia as "one of the most dangerous countries on the continent for journalists," with two murdered so far this year.

The FLIP press freedom foundation says Petro's statements were being used as a basis for online content "that is violent or reinforces gender stereotypes."

The foundation has reported 171 cases of threats and attacks -- the exact nature of which it did not specify -- against female reporters since last year.

Petro has on occasion singled out journalists with accusations that have included them allying with rightwing paramilitary groups to "unleash a genocide."

"We observe with concern a strained climate for journalistic work in Colombia, exacerbated... by Petro's excessive expressions," said Carlos Jornet of the Inter American Press Association (IAPA).

Petro is not the only Latin American leader to have an antagonistic relationship with the press.

Other notable examples include Mexico's Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and past presidents such as Rafael Correa of Ecuador and Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil.

The "dolls" comment was, however, the Colombian leader's first attack on journalists based on their gender.

"Stigmatization kills, shortens lives, shortens dreams, shortens careers..." Colombian journalist and newscaster Claudia Palacios said in a video sent to AFP about Petro's comments.

Several other news figures have condemned the statements which sparked a furious online debate in the country.

Approached by AFP, the presidency insisted it "recognizes the key role women journalists play in strengthening democracy and building public debate."

On Monday, Petro signed a decree -- a first for the Americas -- that would prevent public servants -- including himself -- from "stigmatizing" journalists.

But what could have been a reconciliatory moment was upended when the president used the launch to once again take aim at none other than the media.

In his address, Petro accused journalists of vilifying him for defending himself against media "slander."

"A missed opportunity," reacted FLIP director Jonathan Bock after the event.

On Tuesday, a petition was filed with Colombia's Council of State -- the highest court for administrative matters -- for an order directing Petro to apologize for his "dolls of the mafia" statement.

arm/lv/mlr/fb/jgc
Colorado teen shot after going to home to ask permission to take homecoming photos

Colorado teen shot 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 councilman 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 sheriffs office said.

When deputies arrived, the 17-year-old was bleeding heavily from his face, as a second juvenile applied pressure to his friends wounds with a t-shirt, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office said in a news release Wednesday. The teen is recovering from his injuries.

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 KUSA. The town administrator declined to comment when contacted by NBC News on Thursday.

He was booked on charges of first-degree assault, felony menacing, illegal discharge of a firearm, and reckless endangerment. Its not clear if he has obtained an attorney.

The sheriffs 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 teens car from leaving, according to NBC affiliate KUSA of Denver.

Metz then got out of his vehicle and allegedly fired one round through the windshield of the teens car, the news station reported.

The 17-year-old told deputies that he and his friend went to the home because they wanted to take pictures there. He said they parked outside the gate, hopped the fence and walked up the driveway to look for the homeowner, the sheriffs 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 sheriffs 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 sheriffs office spokesperson told KUSA that the teens intent did not seem malicious or criminal.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the news station, one of the teens said they heard 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 TODAY.com
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials release 1 of 5 gray wolves onto public land in Grand County, Dec. 18, 2023. This wolf is known as 2302-OR. (Courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Wildlife advocates said Monday that they were devastated by the death of a reintroduced wolf that was captured late last month following a series of livestock depredations in the Middle Park area, and continued to place blame for the situation on a lack of effective conflict management and nonlethal control measures.

Colorado wildlife officials on Monday announced that they had completed the capture of the first breeding wolf pack established as part of the states reintroduction efforts, made up of two adults and four pups. The adult male wolf was captured in poor condition, with several injuries unrelated to the capture, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a statement, and died on Sept. 3. CPW staff say its unlikely the wolf would have survived for very long in the wild.

Known as the Copper Creek pack, the animals were captured beginning last month following repeated complaints from livestock producers and the confirmed depredation of at least 15 cattle and nine sheep in Grand and Routt counties this year, according to CPW data. The agency called the situation a unique case and said it made its decision with the careful consideration of multiple factors and feedback from many different stakeholders.

For Colorados first reintroduced wolf pack to be taken off the landscape is a real setback for the restoration effort that Colorado voters chose, Chris Smith, wildlife program director for advocacy group WildEarth Guardians, said in a statement Monday. CPW staff appear to have done what they could to mitigate this situation, but it seems that not everyone was invested in coexistence. The death of a wolf is a terrible tragedy.

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The states wolf reintroduction program fulfills a voter-approved 2020 ballot initiative to reintroduce the animals in Colorado in the name of restoring ecological balance. The measure, Proposition 114, was passed by a narrow 51% to 49% margin, and though it includes provisions to compensate livestock producers for depredations, it has been bitterly opposed by Colorados ranching industry, which said in a letter to state leaders last month that its concerns have been consistently overlooked.

A total of 10 reintroduced wolves captured in Oregon, including the two adults that formed the Copper Creek pack, were released in Grand and Summit counties in December 2023, and have ranged widely in the mountains north of the Interstate 70 corridor since then. The states reintroduction plan calls for annual winter releases of 10 to 15 wolves per year over the next three to five years, with an initial target of a stable population of at least 50 animals within the state.

We are still in the early stages of the restoration plan, CPW Director Jeff Davis said in a Monday statement on the Copper Creek packs capture. Our legal obligation to Colorado voters is to continue working towards a sustainable population.

We will take the lessons weve learned here and apply them as we continue to build out a strong program alongside our federal and state partners, and both the wolf restoration advocacy and ranching communities, Davis added. The more were able to listen to understand one another and increase cooperation, the better off well all be in the long run.

The remaining animals in the Copper Creek pack are currently being held in a large, secure enclosure with limited human interaction, CPW officials said, the location of which the agency is not disclosing for the safety of these animals and staff. CPW said that once the pups reach adulthood, it plans to release them into the wild together so they can contribute to wolf restoration in Colorado.

While this is not the recourse we would have wanted, we are pleased to see the mother and pups are healthy at this time, and hope that they can continue to contribute to the success of this monumental restoration effort, Michael Saul, the Rockies and Plains program director for advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife, said Monday. CPW must now turn its attention to ensuring it does not have to come to this impossible decision again, which means enshrining a rule that all agency-recommended nonlethal conflict mitigation measures be timely and in good faith exhausted before any consideration of recapture and relocation.

Colorado Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Colorado Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Quentin Young for questions: info@coloradonewsline.com. Follow Colorado Newsline on Facebook and X.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A drug house in the Linden neighborhood that was the subject of dozens of calls to Columbus police over the past three years has been ordered to be shut down.

Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein announced in a Tuesday release that a court order had been secured by the Property Action Team to close the violent drug house at 2801 Atwood Terrace. Columbus police executed the order after it was obtained and boarded up the house.

The property had an extensive criminal history, according to the release. Police had been called to the premises approximately 60 times since March 2021, with reports including assault, burglary, robbery, shots fired, overdoses and arson.

Person dies after construction accident near Ohio elementary school

Criminals used this property to terrorize the neighborhood and push drugs into our streets, Klein said.

In Sept. 2023, a narcotics complaint was received after a concerned neighbor reported to Columbus police that individuals were entering and leaving the premises of the house at all hours. A few months later, in Dec. 2023, officers searched the premises with a warrant. Then, they conducted an operation to covertly purchase crack/cocaine at the house in Aug. 2024.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
News reports measure wildfires in numbers of acres scorched and structures destroyed. But though the members in my Facebook hiking group hope fervently that no more homes are lost, they also measure the Airport fire in the Santa Ana Mountains by the vistas blackened, oak groves reduced to skeletons, wildlife killed or shoved out to the margins of their habitat, and spectacular, well-loved trails that we wont be able to set foot on for years.

Its hard to get official information as the fire rages on, so were relying on up-to-date reports from a resident of the area near the fire who has climbed and hiked pretty much every foot of the Cleveland National Forest north of Ortega Highway, and the skills of people who manage to superimpose trail maps onto the official fire maps.

We know Falls Canyon, a short, easy but remote little spot that leads to a 40-foot waterfall, was badly burned, along with the watershed above it that has more waterfalls but is much less accessible to the public. But what about San Juan Trail, with the stunning views of green mountainsides, flowers that are hard to find anywhere else and shade-giving oaks? Or upper Trabuco Canyon, site of old mines and Humboldt lilies, which burned in the Holy fire of 2018?

Read more: Opinion: A summer of extreme heat and wildfire shows the cost of human folly

How will an area scorched twice in so few years recover? Local nature wasnt meant to burn this often. And what will happen to the local mountain lions when they lose so much of their prime, safe territory?

The biggest question of all: Why on earth did Orange County Public Works Department workers think it was a good idea to use heavy equipment to move large boulders in an area of dry brush during an excessive heat advisory, which means, among other things, increased risk of wildfire? Steel knocking against rock is a recipe for sparks, even on a normal sunny day. Wouldnt it at least have been a good idea to have fire-suppression equipment on hand?

The work could have waited. The county was responding to the complaints of nearby residents about noisy off-roaders going into the brush off the dirt road; the boulders were intended to create a barrier.

Read more: Southern California fires: Maps, evacuations and more details

The county is reportedly investigating. But considering the damage and the liability involved, this calls for a state probe  and if it finds the county blew it, state fire officials should be issuing commonsense protocols for restricting work that can cause this kind of conflagration. Without objective, outside examination, its hard to trust that well ever get a clear answer on where the responsibility lies.

Meanwhile, answers on the damage come slowly. There were reports on Thursday that the fire had hopscotched enough to leave Upper Hot Springs Canyon, with its pretty, terraced waterfall, intact. But then came the news that it was burned. So is the campground that served as its trailhead.

It all comes at a curious time for me. Im the author of a hiking book that sold out its first two editions, and the publisher has been talking about a third edition. But right now, it looks as though at least seven, maybe eight or nine, of my 50 Hikes in Orange County are gone  or at least forever changed. Californias wild areas eventually come back after a fire, but now that I am a white-haired wilderness lover, will they return in my hiking lifetime? Its impossible to accurately describe a trail that might well be transformed in years to come; maybe the time for describing these beautiful areas is over for now.

Orange County has more than 3 million people, and viewed on a map, its hard to imagine how they squeeze into such a tiny chunk of land. There are regional wilderness parks, but for the most part, the only way to escape civilization has been to head to the national forest, where the Santa Ana Mountains and tall chaparral provide a visual shield from housing tracts and mini-malls.

Climate change has already been doing a job on many of Californias wild areas; this time, it looks like a county work crew that is supposed to be serving the public, not endangering it, teamed up with a warming planet to deprive a metropolitan area of its best access to nature.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Xie Yu

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Chinese regulators on Friday hit PwC's auditing unit in mainland China with a six-month business suspension and a record fine of 441 million yuan ($62 million) over the firm's audit of troubled property developer China Evergrande Group.

The business suspension and fines are the toughest ever penalty received by a Big Four accounting firm in China. The regulators' action puts the spotlight the Big Four's activities in the country and on how big a role they play in auditing major Chinese companies.

Chinese authorities have been examining PwC's role in the accounting of Hengda Real Estate, the name of Evergrande's mainland unit, since the China Securities Regulatory Commission accused the developer in March of a $78 billion fraud over a period of two years through 2020.

"We are disappointed by PwC Zhong Tian's audit work of Hengda, which fell unacceptably below the standards we expect of member firms of the PwC network," PwC network, the alliance of PwC's global member units, said in a statement.

Here are some details on the Big Four's activities in China

* THE BIG FOUR AUDITING FIRMS IN CHINA

The Big Four accounting firms - PwC, EY, Deloitte, and KPMG - were the top four auditors, ranked by revenue in China in 2022, based on a report by the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an industry association.

The four firms audit 18 of China's 20 biggest state-owned companies by assets, or 95.1% of the total assets as of 2023, research published in July showed. The research was led by professor Chen Hanwen from University of International Business and Economics and professor Han Hongling from Zhejiang University.

Their research also found the Big Four audited the majority of China's biggest banks, insurers and brokerages in 2023, with their audited assets making up 63.2% of the total 461 trillion yuan worth of total assets of China's financial institutions.

In total, the Big Four audited 12% of the companies listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange and 5% of companies on Shenzhen bourse by this March, PwC said on its official website.

* HOW HAVE THE BIG FOUR ATTRACTED CHINA BUSINESS?

The Big Four firm's strong market position in China is similar to the level they enjoy in the U.S., Jackson Johnson, president and founder of Johnson Global Advisory said. Johnson Global Advisory is an audit quality advisory firm based in Washington, D.C., with clients globally, including in Greater China.

Johnson said this market position was built on the Big Four's workforce, experience, and global resources, which "the next tier" of local Chinese firms could hardly compete with.

Story continues

The Big Four are also able to attract high quality staff, he said.

If major Chinese companies hire the Big Four as their auditors for financial statements this can bring down financing costs, the research by Chen and Han showed.

Their research also showed that the Big Four accounting firms handled 23 of the 25 biggest initial public offering deals on China's A-share market by the end of 2023.

* PREVIOUS REGULATORY ACTION AGAINST BIG FOUR IN CHINA

China fined auditing firm Deloitte 211.9 million yuan ($30 million) in March 2023 for failing to perform its duty in assessing the asset quality of China Huarong Asset Management Co Ltd.

The finance ministry at that time said Deloitte had failed to discover the real situation of the underlying assets in its audit and ignored the approval compliance for Huarong's major investment matters.

Deloitte said at the time it respected and accepted the ministry's decision.

($1 = 7.0940 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Xie Yu; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee and Jane Merriman)
HILLARD, Ohio (WKBN)  A company that specializes in making batteries for autonomous and commercial vehicles cut the ribbon on a new facility in Hillard.

Foresee Power expects to hire 150 employees with $9 million in payroll. It established its industrial site and North American headquarters Thursday afternoon on Lyman Drive.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was on site Thursday for the ribbon cutting. The battery maker is one of many new technology companies calling Ohio home. Battery plants in Lordstown and Jeffersonville are established, and the new Intel chip plant in New Albany is expected to be complete before 2027. Its all part of whats being called the battery belt in Ohio.

Hilliard is on the move and part of the future of the state, DeWine said. Were seeing companies come in here, theyre welcome here, and its the culture that companies are really looking for. Its good for the citizens of Hilliard and good for the citizens of the state of Ohio.

Forsee Power specializes in designing and manufacturing smart battery systems. Their applications are used in autonomous vehicles/robotics, light urban utility vehicles, bus, truck, rail and marine. The company aims to target the growing commercial vehicle market  primarily buses, school buses, trains, and off-highway vehicles.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen testifies before the U.S. House in an impeachment hearing for Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Jan. 10, 2024 (Committee webcast).

The oversight body charged with disciplinary complaints of Montanas lawyers have completely rejected Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsens claims that he shouldnt be subject to discipline because of his political position, or that they violate the separation of powers between branches of government.

This means that 41 charges of violating the rules of professional practice, which could lead to a suspension or revocation of the law license of the states top attorney, will continue.

Attorneys for Knudsen declined to comment on the ruling. The Montana Attorney Generals Office said it would not comment on the case when reached by the Daily Montanan.

In an order by the Commission on Practice of the Montana Supreme Court, which is charged with overseeing complaints against fellow bar members, it said that Knudsen and his attorneys have incorrectly characterized these complaints as political.

Contrary to the respondents (repeated) pronouncements that these proceedings are political in nature, they clearly are not, the commission said. No allegation is asserted or implied in the complaint that the charges are based on anything other than claimed violation of the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct by an attorney.

The commission said that Knudsen, in his request to dismiss the 41 charges, tried to paint them as politically motivated for the way hes conducted himself while as the Montana Attorney General. Those charges stem from his often rocky, contentious relationship with the Montana Supreme Court.

But the commission said that in all circumstances, Knudsen was acting as an attorney, and on behalf of the people of Montana, who are the attorney generals client. And, the Montana Constitution also requires the states attorney general to be a member of the bar, which requires an oath to follow the rules of professional practice.

Knudsen also tried to claim that the charges violated the separation of powers doctrine found in Montanas and the U.S. constitutions because it was asking the states judiciary to stand in judgment of his job as an attorney, part of the elected executive branch.

(Knudsen) has not established that any of his duties as attorney general are prevented or hindered by his adherence to his oath and the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct, the ruling said. The commission is unconvinced that these proceedings are based on the respondent discharging official dutiesIt certainly is not an official duty of the attorney general to commit the actions alleged in the complaint. Under the respondents theory, he is not answerable at all to the court for any conduct as long as it fits his definition of official.

That particular point has been something that Knudsen has previously claimed insulates him from discipline because the conduct was done as part of his job. Knudsen has claimed the disciplinary proceedings represent a constitutional crisis.

Such a histrionic argument ignores the allegations of the complaint, which in their essence charge a failure to be civil, courteous and respectful, the commission said.

Furthermore, the commission points out that the Montana Supreme Court has repeatedly said that not every matter touching on politics is a political question.

However, the commission also said that the states constitution gave exclusive power to regulate the judiciary to the Montana Supreme Court, and that while Knudsen may be a part of the executive branch, the conduct in question was as an attorney, a member of the judiciary.

The commission quotes several federal cases, as well as state cases, and even textbooks on attorney practice that push back on Knudsens claim that the state Supreme Court cannot sit in judgment of an executive branch leader.

The ability to punish disobedience to judicial order is regarded as essential to ensuring that the judiciary has a means to vindicate its own authority without complete dependence on other branches, it said, quoting from the U.S. Supreme Court. Courts cannot be at the mercy of another branch in deciding whether such proceedings should be initiated.

As attorney general, the commission said that Knudsen remains a lawyer always, whether his client is the state, its agencies or its people.

In control of litigation, the attorney general, like every other attorney, has the duty to conform his conduct to the rules of professional ethics, it said. The commission rejects (Knudsens) argument in his reply brief that he or any other lawyer can be disciplined simply by someone filing a grievance or that the process is an open season on lawyers.

The commission also pointed out that the annual report prepared by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which acts as a prosecutor and investigative arm of the Supreme Court which oversees attorney conduct, dismisses a significant percentage of grievances without merit.

There is no basis for the contention that any part of this process has been weaponized, a charge that seems a current popular label for public relations rather than substantive, the commission said.

34_240910 ORDER Deny Resp MSJ (1)
'I intend to campaign vigorously and tirelessly to ensure the Senate District 8 seat is held by a Democrat, and that it continues to represent the Democratic values and ideals that this city and its people hold dear," Lori Urso of Pawtucket says of her sudden entry into the race for the seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Sandra Cano. (Photo by Marty Richards)

Lori Urso pledged to follow the lead of excellence of the woman who has held Pawtuckets Senate District 8 seat for the past six years, if voters will allow it.

Urso released a statement Friday night acknowledging Sen. Sandra Canos dedication to public service and her commitment to improving public education in the state, just hours after the chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party submitted a letter to the Office of the Rhode Island Secretary of State naming her as the successor for Canos spot on the November ballot. State party officials had voted Friday morning to appoint Urso as the Democratic candidate.

I have the utmost respect for Senator Cano, and if given the opportunity by the voters, I pledge to follow her lead of excellence, cooperation, and ethical values in my service to the citizens of Pawtucket and Rhode Island, Urso said in an email to Rhode Island Current.

Sen. Sandra Cano announced late Thursday she was resigning from state office and pulling out of her reelection bid, citing a new, unspecified job opportunity. State law gave the state party committee until 4 p.m. Friday to name a successor for Canos spot on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Urso said she was deeply honored and grateful to be named the endorsed Democratic candidate for Senate District 8, and thanked the state partys chair, Liz Beretta-Perik, and other party officials for the confidence they have placed in her.

I intend to campaign vigorously and tirelessly to ensure the Senate District 8 seat is held by a Democrat, and that it continues to represent the Democratic values and ideals that this city and its people hold dear, Urso said.

Urso has worked as president and CEO of the Old Slater Mill Association and Slater Industrial Archives since 2014, helping to preserve, protect and promote the national historic landmark, according to her resume.

Beretta-Perik in a statement Friday touted Ursos impeccable resume as a nonprofit leader and community advocate.

We are fortunate to have someone of the caliber of Lori Urso to fill this important role, Beretta-Perik said, noting Ursos awards and recognitions by the Pawtucket Foundation, the Rhode Island Foundation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We look forward to actively assisting in Loris campaign and are confident that she will win the trust and votes of the residents of SD-8.

Urso was first backed by the Senate District 8 Democratic Committee, which met Thursday night to vote and submitted its recommendation to the state party committee for final review and decision. Rep. Karen Alzate, a Pawtucket Democrat and one of the five district committee members, nominated Urso, who was the only candidate vetted at the district level.

Urso managed Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebiens primary reelection campaign against Democratic challenger Camron Segalla. She also worked for a year under Canos partner, Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa, as director of executive operations and deputy chief of staff.

Grebiens wife, Laureen Grebien, is also a member of the Senate District 8 Democratic Committee.

Alzate, who met Urso through Cano in 2018, cited Ursos deep knowledge of and passion for city history as a key strength to her ability to represent the district.

Shes a super big advocate for the city of Pawtucket, Alzate said in an interview Friday. Shes someone who can really be effective with the city, have a relationship with the mayor and take that advocacy to the state.

In a Sept. 12 letter to Beretta-Perik obtained by Rhode Island Current, Urso named public education and affordable housing as two of her top priorities if elected. She also committed to defending reproductive rights and improving awareness about existing property tax exemptions for seniors and veterans.

Alzate stressed the importance of having a woman candidate run to fill the seat held by Cano, a vocal advocate for woman-dominated industries like child care and education, and expanded insurance coverage for fertility treatments. Urso is white, while Cano, like Alzate, is Colombian.

Of course, we want more women of color, people of color, in all offices, Alzate said. Yes, [Urso] is a white woman. But I think women bring a lot of value to our state and city.

Cano, who first won the seat in a special election in 2018, has not provided details on the job that requires her to leave office. But news reports and political murmurs suggest she is being vetted for a federally appointed job as the New England regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, which is currently vacant.

Alzate said she was sad to see her colleague and mentor leave the State House, but was excited for her.

It was silly for us to believe she wasnt going anywhere after her congressional race, Alzate said, referring to Canos run for Congress during a 2023 special election.

Cano finished third in the 12-way Democratic primary in September 2023.

Senator Cano has a long list of accomplishments as the first Latina Chairwoman of the Education Committee, where she championed public school education and increased wages for early childhood educators, Beretta-Perik said. On behalf of the Democratic Party, she has our utmost respect and will be greatly missed.

Terrible timing

Cano was unopposed in Tuesdays primary for the state Senate seat, stepping down two days later. Alzate acknowledged the terrible timing, which may have prevented other interested Democrats from running for the seat in the primary because they didnt want to challenge a longstanding and popular incumbent.

The good thing is, its not a succession plan, Alzate said. We have somebody on the ballot, versus if Sandra just picked her successor.

John Marion, executive director for Common Cause Rhode Island, likened the withdrawal and nomination to the presidential race. After Joe Biden withdrew from his reelection bid, the Democratic National Committee selected Kamala Harris to run in his place.

In this case, its state statute versus party bylaws, Marion said in an interview Friday. While nothing illegitimate seems to be happening with the fact that the process is being followed, its fair to question whether thats a good process.

The Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee raised concerns in a statement Friday.

This decision undermines the will of the voters in one of the states most diverse districts, Harrison Tuttle, president of BLM RI PAC, said in a statement. Its especially frustrating that the Rhode Island Democratic Party, which champions diversity and representation, has selected a non-person of color to represent a district where over 45% of the population consists of people of color.

The state statute was last invoked in 2014, when the Moderate Party named a new candidate in the gubernatorial race after the first contender dropped out due to illness, according to the state archives. The Rhode Island GOP attempted to contest the appointment process, but its complaint was tossed by state Board of Elections based on the state election law, The Providence Journal reported.

In 2010, the Republican Party did not field a candidate in the general election for lieutenant governor for similar reasons. Republican Heidi Rogers won the September primary against opponent Kara Russo, but dropped out days later to boost the Cool Moose Party candidates chances. Russos attorney unsuccessfully tried to force either Rogers or Russo to appear on the November ballot, but was shut down by the state elections panel, The Providence Journal reported.

Rhode Islands compressed elections schedule makes alternatives, like holding a special primary for an open nomination, next-to-impossible, said Marion.

The tight timeline also added pressure to the 2023 special election to fill the 1st Congressional District seat, when there were unresolved allegations over signature fraud on Democratic candidate Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos nomination papers before the deadline to print primary ballots.

Spacing out the states election calendar, proposed by Amore and his predecessor, Nellie Gorbea, has drawn little support in the state legislature.

Urso as the appointed candidate will face independent challenger Cathyann Palocsik in the November general election.

A Providence native who now lives in Pawtucket, Urso also spent time in Westerly, where she served one term on the town council from 2000 to 2002, according to a profile from the Online Review of Rhode Island History. She holds a masters in public administration from the University of Rhode Island and a bachelors degree from Rutgers University.

The general election is Nov. 5.

Updated to include comments from Lori Urso, Liz Beretta-Perik and Harrison Tuttle. Additional information via the Rhode Island State Archives and the Rhode Island State Democratic Committee was also incorporated.

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US Senator Joseph McCarthy (left) shakes hands with his adviser Roy Cohn, who later became Donald Trump's mentor, in Washington, May 15, 1954 (INTERCONTINENTALE/AFP)

"Everyone knows she's a Marxist," Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump has repeated loudly and often, referring to his Democratic rival Kamala Harris, who he is hoping to tar with one of the oldest brushes in the US political playbook.

The aim? To portray Harris as a dangerous left-wing extremist, and to invoke the infamous Cold War-era "red scare" in the United States.

In recent weeks, the former president has stepped up his rhetoric against the vice president, describing her as both a "Marxist" and a "communist" at almost every opportunity.

Harris has not directly addressed the taunts, but her policies over decades of holding public office do not appear to conform to either the 19th-century German theorist's views or the various left-wing schools of thought that followed him.

"She's not a Marxist, she's not a communist," said Thomas Zeitzoff, a professor at American University and a specialist on political violence.

For the Republican camp, using such terms is "a way of trying to say that she's extreme," he told AFP.

Trump, experts say, is using an age-old US political tactic called "red baiting," which aims to discredit an opponent by accusing them of not being a capitalist.

- Paranoia -

The strategy involves labelling an opponent as a "communist," "socialist," "Marxist," or a "red," said Barbara Perry, a presidential studies professor at the University of Virginia.

It is "an attempt not only to denigrate them, but also to get them to fight back and maybe present themselves in a not very nice way," she added.

Perry said the terms were "very weighted" in the United States, and invoke the repeated "red scares" of the era following the two world wars, when Washington was competing with the Soviet Union for dominance.

"The country tends to turn inward at those times" of competition with a rival ideology, she said.

The most well-known example of the "red scare" phenomenon was practiced by US Senator Joseph McCarthy, the chief "red baiter and the witch hunter in the Senate," Perry said.

A fervent anti-communist, McCarthy warned of the supposed infiltration of communists into every stratum of American society, creating a widespread climate of paranoia across the country.

"Red baiting also has this... long history in the US, and it's kind of interesting to see it sort of come back," said Zeitzoff.

He also identified a common thread running between McCarthy and Trump: a lawyer named Roy Cohn.

Cohn was an advisor to McCarthy, and in the 1970s became a mentor to the real estate magnate and future president of the United States, Trump.

- Narrow margins -

Harris only became the Democratic Party's presidential candidate in July, after President Joe Biden dramatically dropped out of the race following a disastrous debate performance against Trump.

With voters having a limited time to get to know the vice president, Trump has attempted to influence their image by repeatedly characterizing her as a communist.

To explain why Trump has done this, both Zeitzoff and Perry use the same metaphor: that of throwing spaghetti against the wall and seeing what sticks.

Trump appears to be trying to attract a certain type of voters by calling Harris a "Marxist," said Zeitzoff, particularly Hispanic and Latino Americans.

Many voters from that background may have come from families that fled communist countries and therefore have unfavorable views of them.

Trump is also targeting another demographic with this rhetoric: older voters.

"There will be some people in the electorate who are remembering, as I can... the height of the Cold War," Perry said.

"So there will be, certainly, people who know that communism is bad and think communism is bad to this day."

In his book "Nasty Politics," Zeitzoff argued that the use of insults, conspiracy theories and aggressive rhetoric was not particularly effective in influencing voters to change camps.

Nevertheless, with the current election on a knife-edge -- the candidates are neck-and-neck in most polls, including in battleground states -- Trump's red baiting could make a difference.

"The margins are really narrow. So maybe this, you know, is persuadable to some people at the edge," Zeitzoff said.

rle/ev/aha/bjt
"Concepts of a plan, which means no actual plan": Harris jabs at Trump in NC rally

Vice President Kamala Harris knows all about the widely-memed concept of a plan moment from Tuesday's debate.

Harris joked about the phrase at a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, mocking the ex-president for his failure to roll out a healthcare plan after promising to gut the Affordable Care Act for nine years.

You remember? He has concepts of a plan. Concepts of a plan? I mean, were 54 days from this election, Harris said, stifling her own chuckles and drawing thunderous laughter from the crowd. Concepts of a plan, which means no actual plan.

The clip of Donald Trump answering ABC News moderator Linsey Daviss yes-or-no question on whether hed come up with an ACA alternative with I have concepts of a plan quickly went viral. Over 10,000 videos using the sound on TikTok had been posted as of Thursday.

Harris went on the offensive, throwing a punch at Trumps financial background while championing her plan to introduce tax deductions for new small businesses.

I understand not everybody like the person who was on the stage the other night and gets handed 400 million on a silver platter and files for bankruptcy six times, the VP said.

Harris spoke before a massive crowd at the 22,00-seat Greensboro Coliseum during her second North Carolina rally of the day. She trolled Trump during the debate with a dig at his crowd sizes, a remark he seemingly couldn't get over for the rest of the night.

Trump, who claimed debate victory in a rally of his own in Tucson, Arizona on Thursday, told the nearly 3,000 fans at his rally that her crowds are zero, she's got no crowds.

BIG: While Trump gives a boring and hateful speech in Tucson, AZ in front of less than ~3k people.@KamalaHarris just came out to this massive crowd in Greensboro, NC!



The momentum is on our side! #Harris2024 #HarrisWalz2024 pic.twitter.com/lA2HyuOhAf  proqmatic  (@proqmatic) September 12, 2024
NARRAGANSETT  Five years ago Christine Siravo received news no one wants to hear: she had stage 3 colorectal cancer and lymphoma.

It started as a lump and then everything from there was a blur, Siravo said.

To make matters worse, her treatment happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals restricted family visits.

Siravo had the opportunity to seek treatment in Boston, but she chose South County Hospital in South Kingstown because it was my hospital.

She did not regret her decision. The doctors, Siravo said, were unbelievable. She was impressed by the continuity of care and the efficient communication between providers.

It was my backyard. They were my friends. They became my extended family, Siravo said.

Today, Siravo is cancer-free, but if things were to take a turn for the worse, she would hesitate to go back to South County Hospital. That is because this year the oncologists who treated her resigned.

Christine Siravo, center, speaks at a press conference organized by Dr. John OLeary, left, and Dr. Steven Fera.

I dont feel comfortable going to that oncology department. I dont know who Im going to get anymore, Siravo said.

Siravo was one of three former patients who spoke at a press conference organized by Drs. John OLeary and Steven Fera  a former internist and a cardiologist, respectively, at South County Hospital  to bring attention to what they say are systemic issues with South County Healths management that are leading to physician resignations.

Doctors, former patients and community members are calling for the resignation of the health care systems CEO Aaron Robinson, as well as its chief medical officer and chairman of the board.

The group appealed to Attorney General Peter Neronha and Gov. Dan McKee to intervene. Fera said he also sent a letter to Dr. Jerome Larkin, the director of Rhode Islands Department of Health.

I don't really care where our help comes from, but I just think this community deserves help, Fera said.

Health care system responds

In a statement attributed to South County Healths Chairman of the Board Joseph Matthews and CEO Aaron Robinson, the health care system's leaders said they are saddened that South County Healths exceptional quality of care continues to be misrepresented in our community.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Rhode Island Department of Health conducted an investigation at South County Health on Sept. 11, according to a DOH letter forwarded to media by Matt Moeller, South County Healths director of marketing and communications.

South County Hospitals main entrance in Wakefield.

We are pleased to report CMS and RIDOH completed their investigation stating, no deficient practice was identified. In other words, there was no merit found to validate the misrepresentations that are being circulated, Matthews and Robinson said.

How many providers have resigned?

News of providers resigning from South County Health initially appears to have broken in June when the health care systems hematology oncologists suddenly departed.

The problem is more widespread, OLeary says.

At least two dozen providers, among them primary care physicians, cardiologists, oncologists, nephrologists and urologists, among others, have resigned from South County Health under the current administration, according to a tally provided by OLeary.

At the press conference, Fera said two more primary care doctors left South County Healths medical and wellness center in Westerly this week.

South County Health has responded to the accusations, saying personnel changes are not uncommon for an organization of its size. Since 2020, its medical staff has grown by 35%, from 399 employees to 539, according to figures provided by the health care system.

South County Medical Groups provider annual turnover rate is 8.7%. In the U.S. the annual turnover rate was around 7.6% in 2018, according to an Annals of Internal Medicine paper published last year. Turnover in adult hospital medicine  that is medical care specifically for hospitalized patients  was 10.9% in 2019, according to a report from the Society of Hospital Medicine cited in journal articles.

We are sensitive to the communitys concerns when a doctor leaves South County Health for any reason. We understand the anxiety this causes, and the recent resignations are obviously not something South County Health wanted to occur. As we have previously communicated to patients, whenever a doctor leaves South County Health, we put comprehensive strategies in place to ensure patients do not experience any gaps in their care, Matthews and Robinson said in their statement.

The health care system also has pointed to the lack of funding plaguing health care organizations across the state as a reason for its staffing troubles.

But OLeary and Fera are not convinced.

It's much worse because the admin here doesn't collaborate with us. They divide us. That's why it's worse, Fera said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Doctors, patients press South County Health to change leadership
Karl Catarata (left) and Emily Stevens are running for Clark County School Board, District A

Voters looking for a clear and obvious champion of traditional public schools may feel forced to pick the lesser of two evils in one of the races for the Clark County School Board.

Only 361 votes separated Emily Stevens and Karl Catarata in the five-candidate primary for District A in June. Stevens placed first, with 25.7% of votes. Catarata placed second with 24.8%.

Trustee Lisa Guzman currently represents the district, which includes much of Henderson, as well as Boulder City and Laughlin. Guzman, who is finishing her first term, did not file for reelection.

Catarata would not agree to an interview unless he received questions in advance, which the Current would not agree to for any school board candidates. He provided written responses to emailed questions.

Catarata is the Nevada state director for the Human Rights Campaign and has a background in politics and public service. He chairs the Nevada Commission on Mentoring and is an advisory member of the DISCOVERY Childrens Museum. In 2022, he unsuccessfully ran for the Nevada System of Higher Educations Board of Regents, coming in third in a four-person primary.

Stevens is vice president of business development at SCE Credit Union and has a background in sales and marketing. She is also a mother of two sons. Her eldest son graduated from a CCSD school and recently left for Army boot camp. Her younger son is entering his senior year at a CCSD school.

Stevens says that, when she was a single mom simultaneously trying to build her career, she wasnt able to get as involved as she would have liked with the school board.

You go into survival mode, especially when theyre young, she said. As theyve gotten older and gained independence, and I grew in my career, I could take my head out of the sand.

Stevens currently sits on several boards, including an Academy of Finance board at Clark High School, a financial literacy committee at UNLV, and an advisory committee for Communities in Schools. She says when she first floated the idea of running for school board, the response she heard from people was overwhelmingly dont do it.

That really bothered me, she recalled. Especially hearing it from leaders. The district is too far gone. Youre not going to be able to do anything.

She continued, If this is how our leaders feel, nothing is going to change. I know Im just one person. But at the end of the day, I can be one voice that makes sense and can be professional and stand up for my community.

Stevens believes the school board, which will see at least three but potentially four new board members after this years election, is primed to reconsider the past policies that have led to what she sees as a lack of oversight and accountability for former Superintendent Jesus Jara.

I do think some of the trustees made decisions under the pretense they were doing something good and realized later they may have been mistaken, added Stevens, who said she has spoken to some of the sitting trustees about governance issues.

Catarata in his responses said he believes the school board has lost its way.

Improving oversight of the superintendent and addressing operational issues is key, he added.  I would prioritize efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability, and would not shy away from issues that are being marked as operational for the superintendent.

Both Stevens and Catarata identified school safety as their top priority for the district.

Prioritizing safetyfrom road zones to creating secure learning environments for students and teachersaddresses multiple challenges and alleviates other district issues that the system faces, wrote Catarata.

Stevens said she believes teachers and schools have been stripped away of their ability to handle what she calls the disruptors  the handful of kids who have learned that nothing is going to happen (as a result of their bad behavior), so they keep taking it to another level.

On texts and school choice

The day before the June primary, Cataratas campaign sent out texts to voters with language pandering to conservatives.

Im up against the woke radical left, and Im counting on true Republicans like you to have my back, read part of the text, which also claimed he has a proven track record of helping launch a successful local charter school.

The text ended #AmericaFirst  a hashtag and policy slogan commonly used by former President Donald Trump and his allies.

Catarata has previously said, and reiterated in his written responses to the Current, that the text was sent by a vendor without his approval and that he parted ways with the vendor after it was sent.

When asked to make clear his position on charter and private schools, Catarata sent a statement saying parents should have access to quality education options, but not at the cost of precious dollars that should be going to public schools. He added that he does not support school vouchers that undermine public schools.

Catarata acknowledged that he serves on the board for Vegas Vista Academy, a charter school that opened this school year, and said he joined because the school was opened by his mentor who saw my potential to connect them to our community. Catarata added that, if elected, he plans to resign from the charter schools board.

Trustees are nonpartisan positions, but as cultural wars over LGBTQ issues have increased, and as the K-12 system deals with issues like private school vouchers that often find themselves splitting across party lines, voters have increasingly looked for political affiliation.

Catarata, who as a candidate has spoken to groups associated with both sides of the aisle, said in his written response that trust is earned, and Im humbled to earn the support of District A voters by consistently advocating for a new direction for CCSD.

He added that as a non-partisan candidate, I welcome conversations with anyone to improve the school board.

Stevens describes herself as huge on school choice. She expressed support for Republican Gov. Joe Lombardos efforts to expand the states private school voucher program, known as Opportunity Scholarships.

Stevens is upfront about her own educational experience, noting in her campaign bio that she was homeschooled as a younger student, attended one year at CCSD, and then attended a private Christian high school. She also attended a private bible college, though she says she is not a super religious person.

If parents want to send their kid to CCSD, they should all be quality schools, said Stevens. Charter schools should all be quality. If youre going to a private school, it should be quality. I know as trustee Id just be representing the district but I am a huge advocate (of school choice) because it gives more opportunities for our kids, to our parents, and it gives teachers and staff opportunities.

Stevens says she strongly disagrees with the characterization that advocates of charter and private schools are out to undermine traditional public schools. She praised CCSD for its magnet programs, many of which are award-winning, and for developing more workforce programs for kids who dont want to attend college.

She points to her own sons  one with military aspirations, the other focused on music.

I love that we are starting to, as a district, realize that our kids potential isnt just one potential, she added.

Fundraising, endorsements

Catarata had raised $20,700 for his campaign as of July 15, according to campaign finance reports. His largest contribution was $5,000 from Michael Hiltz, a commercial real estate broker who specializes in converting properties for charter schools.

Catarata has been endorsed by LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill, Assemblywoman Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod, and former Nevada Gov. and U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan. Catarata said in his written responses that Guzman, the outgoing trustee, supports him as her successor.

Stevens had raised $13,000 for his campaign as of July 15. Her largest contribution was $5,000 from the Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Other notable contributors include the Police Officers Association of CCSD (the collective bargaining unit for CCSD Police Department), Southwest Gas Corp, and the sheet metal workers union Smart Local 88.

The Clark County Education Association and the Nevada State Education Association have both endorsed Stevens.

Stevens, in an interview posted on her campaign website, said she has not sought endorsements from any groups focused on social issues. That includes Moms for Liberty, the controversial group associated with two other school board races.
The News

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo sentenced 37 people to death on Friday, after finding them guilty of attempting to overthrow the government earlier this year. The defendants include three Americans, a British national, a Belgian, and a Canadian citizen.

The group stands accused of an attempted coup in May that left six people dead, including Christian Malanga, a little-known opposition figure who was the suspected leader of the plot to attack the presidential palace.

Malangas son, one of the US citizens facing the death sentence, told the court that his father forced him to take part in the coup and threatened to kill him if he did not, the BBC reported. Leading up to the trial, the US State Department said it was denied access to the detained US citizens. Diplomatic sources told The Times of London that the US had limited ability to intervene in the case, as the men posted livestreams of themselves in the midst of the armed coup attempt.

While death sentences have not been implemented in Congo for more than two decades, authorities reinstated the death penalty earlier this year, citing a need to punish army traitors and terrorists. So far, no executions have been carried out, the BBC reported.
Congress targets Chinese influence in health tech. It could come with tradeoffs

WASHINGTON (AP)  A California biotechnology company that helps doctors detect genetic causes for cancer is among those that could be cut out of the U.S. market over ties to China, underscoring the possible tradeoffs between health innovation and a largely bipartisan push in Congress to counter Beijing's global influence.

The competition between the world's superpowers is hitting Complete Genomics, whose employees, some in white lab coats stitched with U.S. flag arm patches, spin samples in test tubes and huddle around computers in San Jose. Its founder and chief scientific officer said he's frustrated that geopolitics is interfering with science.

Its just a loss for the research and for the industry, Radoje Drmanac said.

The U.S. House this week overwhelmingly passed the BIOSECURE Act, which cites national security in preventing federal money from benefiting Complete Genomics and four other companies linked to China. They work with U.S. drugmakers to develop new medications or help doctors diagnose diseases.

It is part of a sweeping package of bills aimed at countering Chinas influence and power, especially in technology, that Congress largely backed this week. The biotech measure, which cleared the House with a 306-81 vote, now heads to the Senate.

Supporters say the legislation is necessary to protect Americans health care data, reduce reliance on China in the medical supply chain and ensure the U.S. gains an edge in the biotech field, which both countries call crucial to their economy and security.

Opponents say the bill, which would ban China-linked companies from working with firms that receive U.S. government money, would delay clinical trials and hinder development of new drugs, raise costs for medications and hurt innovation.

Rep. Brad Wenstrup, an Ohio Republican and the bill's sponsor, said House approval was the first step in protecting Americans genetic data and reversing the trend of relying on Beijing for gene testing and basic medical supplies.

For too long, U.S. policy has failed to recognize the twin economic and national security threats posed by China's domination of particular markets and supply chains, he said.

Rep. James Comer, a Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Oversight Committee, said it's necessary to protect U.S. interests before these companies become more embedded in the U.S. economy, university systems and federal contracting base.

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., argued that the legislation, which he opposed, should not name specific companies without due process, saying, If one of these five companies does not belong on the list, too bad, Congress doesn't like you, and that's that."

Drmanac of Complete Genomics, a subsidiary of China-based company MGI, said the privacy of Americans' personal information is not a concern because his companys instruments are only connected to local U.S. servers.

The company also has argued that Congress should broadly apply data protection standards and requirements rather than targeting a small subset of companies.

Some analysts see the issue as more about industry competition than protecting peoples personal information from the Chinese government.

You want to make sure that American pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies are on an even footing in terms of their ability to compete both inside the U.S. market and then also abroad, said Andrew Reddie, a public policy professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who studies the intersection of technology, politics and security and founded the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab.

Complete Genomics is listed in the legislation along with BGI, MGI, WuXi AppTec and WuXi Biologics. MGI is a spinoff of BGI, a heavyweight genomics company based in China that offers genetic sequencing services for research purposes in the U.S.

BGI Group called the bill a false flag targeting companies under the premise of national security" and said, "We strictly follow rules and laws, and we have no access to Americans' personal data in any of our work.

MGI said the bill would serve only to stifle competition and foster a monopoly in DNA testing.

WuXi AppTec and WuXi Biologics work as contractors providing research, development and manufacturing services for U.S. drugmakers. Such services are considered crucial for American pharmaceutical companies to develop and make new drugs.

WuXi AppTec said it and others in the industry are concerned about the bills impact on biotechnology innovation, drug development, patient care and health care costs. It urged the Senate not to move forward without addressing these serious consequences.

In filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, dozens of U.S. biotech companies have flagged the BIOSECURE Act as a concern, saying it could have major effects on the pharmaceutical supply chain because of the industry's extensive partnerships with Chinese companies.

Drugmaker Eli Lilly says its third-party suppliers are sometimes the sole global source for a component but it has been working to move some development and manufacturing closer to home, which typically takes several years due to scientific and regulatory complexity and the need to ensure process and product quality.

BIO, the largest advocacy group for U.S. biotech companies and research institutions, supports the bill, saying it reinforces the industrys national security imperative.

The bill, which gives U.S. companies eight years to break ties with Chinese firms, has provided a reasonable timeframe for the decoupling, group CEO John Crowley said.

___

Daley reported from San Jose.
Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) moderates a panel Thursday on addressing gun violence at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations legislative conference. Panelists from left to right are Roger Mitchell, Armani White, Maciah King-Brooks, Mariah Cooley and Angela Ferrell-Zabala. Photo by William J. Ford

The U.S. Surgeon Generals declaration this summer that gun violence is a public health crisis is a positive step toward addressing the problem, says 15-year-old Maciah King-Brooks.

However, the Washington, D.C., high school student said more needs to be done.

People have easy access to guns. At this point, its uncontrollable. I mean, people younger than me walking around with guns, Kings-Brooks said Thursday during a session on gun violence at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations annual legislative conference in Washington, D.C.

The teens remarks to a standing-room-only crowd earned him an invitation from U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) to sit on stage during a discussion entitled, Youth on Fire: Addressing Gun Violence in Our Communities.

Warnock hosted the discussion a week after a shooting at a Georgia high school left two students and two teachers dead, followed two days later by another shooting at a Maryland high school. He said hes given speeches on the Senate floor each year for three years about a mass shooting in his state.

We have to underscore that we also have to deal with this everyday violence that goes on in Black communities, Warnock said to the crowd inside a room at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. We have to ask the hard questions of politicians who show up and this happens, and they send their thoughts and their prayers. To say that youre sending thoughts and prayers while refusing to act makes a mockery of faith.

Warnock said a Fox News poll from last year found 87% of voters surveyed supported universal background checks as a requirement for gun ownership.

But yet we cant even have a debate in the Senate, he said. But the good news, public opinion has shifted.

Panelists called for politicians to pass policies to make the gun industry accountable.

Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action, said the industry generates $9 billion annually.

Ferrell-Zabala said the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit against Glock Inc. over semiautomatic weapons that can be easily modified. She said the gun industry should focus on safety versus marketing, especially to youth.

They make them like Barbie now. They make them really pretty and cute and pink, she said.

Some states enacted legislation on tougher gun laws such as Maryland. The states Gun Industry Accountability Act, which went into effect in June, allows the attorney general, county attorneys and the Baltimore City solicitor to file civil suits against members of the firearm industry that knowingly create public harm.

But some teens said they just want to be heard.

Just have an ear for us as young men, Rashad Starke, 18, a D.C. high school senior, said after the discussion. Build bonds up. Build trust up. Thats what Im looking for.

The session also encouraged young people such as Starke who are eligible to vote to do so. He will vote for the first time in the Nov. 5 general election.

The conference also held a National Town Hall that focused on advancing democracy and Black economic opportunity.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said capitalism and democracy are two separate issues. But when democracy is strong, then prosperity grows for all Americans, he said.

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, has said the economy remains one of the biggest issues currently hurting the nation.

Its the capital class that will put a clown on the ticket, separate them [capitalism and democracy] to get him elected so they can maintain public policy, regardless of what happens with the democracy, Johnson said. They only care about protecting their capital.

Thursdays discussion on gun violence continued a theme from Wednesday that called for young people to become part of the political process.

Zyahna Bryant, Deyona Burton, Derrick Lewis II and Mantryll Williams  all under the age of 30  offered recommendations Wednesday for elected officials to meet people where they are. They said officials should accept young people who dont wear business attire, arent enrolled in higher education and dont have a college degree.

Bryant, 23, said social media can promote social change, but must be done to help others.

Unfortunately in this world, a lot of people are not craving community. Theyre craving fans, said Bryant, a graduate student at the University of Virginia and program lead for Youth Mentoring Action Network. If they want fans, lets at least hope that theyre giving the proper information to their fans and getting their fans to move to action.

Nicarra Campbell Wallace, who moderated the discussion, asked how Black men can stay engaged in the political process.

Williams, a 24-year-old youth policy consultant with the Childrens Defense Fund, said one way is to help them with basic needs such as learning about credit and access to housing that connects to their personal deficits in their life. Then bring them into the political process that will help others, he said.

It will bring a lot more Black men to the movement, said Williams, a North Carolina native.
(Reuters) - Boeing's West Coast factory workers walked off the job early on Friday after they unanimously rejected a contract, halting production of the company's best-selling 737 MAX jet.

The planemaker has more than 4,700 of the jets on order, with Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Lion Air the top three customers awaiting deliveries, according to aviation data provider Cirium.

Below is a rundown of some of the biggest known customers waiting for their MAX jets, as per Cirium data.

Airline Number of 737 MAX jets on order (all

variants included)

Southwest Airlines 472

United Airlines 327

Lion Air 229

Akasa Air 203

Ryanair 190

Air India & Air India 156

Express

American Airlines 152

SpiceJet 144

FlyDubai 127

Avolon 107

(Compiled by Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
The State of Connecticut has launched a campaign to attract LGBTQ+ visitors and potential residents, with a primary focus on LGBTQ+ individuals currently living in Florida. The announcement, shared via PR Newswire by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, directly responds to Floridas recent decision to remove LGBTQ+ travel information from its tourism websitea move that local leaders have criticized as another effort to marginalize and push out queer people in the state. Many LGBTQ+ Floridians, and especially transgender Floridians, have already left the state permanently.

We want to send a strong message to everyone, particularly to those in Floridaand across the countrywho may feel their needs and identities are being sidelined, to know that in Connecticut you will always find acceptance" said Anthony Anthony, Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Connecticut. "Here, diversity is celebrated, and we remain committed to ensuring everyone who visits or lives here feels valued, respected, and free to be yourself.

The campaign will include guides on the Connecticut tourism website to help residents and visitors find welcoming and inclusive LGBTQ+ spaces. The release also provides information about Connecticut's local laws and policies toward LGBTQ+ individuals, such as mandated transgender healthcare coverage for both youth and adults, bans on conversion therapy, availability of gender-neutral identification documents, and comprehensive anti-discrimination laws. Additionally, the state has an active shield law protecting transgender healthcare information from being subpoenaed across state lines. Due to these protections, Connecticut has been designated as one of the Safest States on the Transgender Risk Assessment Map updated at ErinInTheMorning.

A significant part of the campaign will target LGBTQ+ residents in Florida, who have faced increasing crackdowns by the state government. In recent years, Florida has imposed severe bans on transgender healthcare for both youth and adults, criminal bathroom bans, threatened adults who update gender markers on their drivers licenses with criminal fraud charges, and enacted book bans in schools on LGBTQ+ topics. These laws are currently being challenged in court, with an upcoming Supreme Court case likely to affect many of these challenges.

Connecticut currently ranks highly in LGBTQ+ protections, with several nondiscrimination laws in place, including those covering housing and public accommodations like bathrooms. It is one of 23 states that ban conversion therapy, and its ban specifically includes protections for both gender identity and sexuality. Additionally, the state offers expanded coverage for transgender procedures through Medicaid, including gender-confirming facial surgery.

Connecticut seems to be strategically positioning itself as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals amid a growing migration trend. A recent Data For Progress poll found that 8% of transgender adults have already left their home states, with another 40% considering relocation. This equates to about 130,000 transgender people who have already moved, many of which have fled Florida. By highlighting its inclusive policies and robust legal protections, Connecticut is seeking to make public its status as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals who are increasingly compelled to leave states with laws that jeopardize their healthcare and rights.

This article originally appeared on Erin in the Morning.
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A 17-year-old teen is wanted after Fresno County law enforcement says he escaped while in the custody of the countys probation department on Thursday.

According to the Fresno County Probation Department, 17-year-old Isaac Cardenas escaped custody at noon on Thursday. Earlier, the teenager was in the process of being booked into the Juvenile Justice Campus on a violation, but he did not medically clear the booking process.

Officials say further evaluation was needed, so he was transported to the Community Regional Medical Center in Downtown Fresno. However, once at the hospital, Cardenas was able to flee from the vehicle and avoided being captured by officers.

The Fresno County Probation Department immediately notified local law enforcement of the escape. Now, they say they had begun search operation efforts to capture Cardenas.

We are taking this matter very seriously and are working diligently with our law enforcement partners to apprehend the individual. We are also conducting a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the escape to prevent future occurrences, said Chief Probation Officer Kirk Haynes.

Law enforcement described Cardenas as 5-feet-9-inches, 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black short-sleeved shirt, beige sweatpants and black Jordan shoes.

Officials warn the community that the suspect has a history of committing violent crimes.

The public should consider him dangerous and not approach him, officials said.

Anyone with information regarding Cardenas whereabouts is asked to call 911.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Contracts, copyrights and publicity rights help protect the legacy of creatives and may allow them to control what we see and hear after their death. Photo by Pixabay/Pexels

Michael Crichton, the creator of ER and author of Jurassic Park died in 2008. So why is his estate suing Warner Bros. now?

It turns out that when Crichton agreed to develop the ER series, he kept the right to approve -- or not approve -- of any sequels. That right didn't die with him.

Now that Warner is developing a new medical drama series, The Pitt, Crichton's estate is claiming that the new show is simply a reboot of ER. Although the new show has some similarities, including some of the same actors, Warner denies all the allegations.

The dispute is the most recent in a series of high-profile legal cases brought to protect the legacy of a now-dead creative artist. And yes, even after death, artists can retain some control over their work.

As law professors who teach about trusts and estates, we're following these cases so we can teach our students how authors, artists and other creative people can preserve their legacies.

We're particularly interested in three situations featuring celebrities, because they show how complicated it is to protect artists -- especially in the age of artificial intelligence.

Contracts offer lasting control

When a creator sells a film or TV project, the buyer usually seeks to acquire rights to produce sequels, remakes and spinoffs associated with the original intellectual property. Selling so-called derivative rights can allow the creator to maximize the sale price and the buyer to exploit the creative idea to the fullest extent.

Crichton, however, had so much industry clout that he was able to negotiate more favorable contracts for some of his most famous projects. In 1994, for example, Crichton signed a contract with Warner Bros. that led to the production of the NBC medical drama ER, which enjoyed a 331-episode run while generating more than $3.5 billion in revenue.

Because of Crichton's stature, he won a rarely granted frozen rights provision requiring his consent for Warner Bros. to produce any "sequels, remakes, spin-offs and/or other derivative works."

That frozen rights contract survived his death, as do contractual rights generally. So, on Aug. 27, following Warner Bros.' recently announced production of a new medical drama starring ER's original lead, Noah Wyle, Crichton's widow filed a lawsuit that invoked the frozen rights clause to challenge The Pitt as an unauthorized reboot.

Copyright protection endures after death

A copyright grants exclusive rights to the creator of a work authorship for the life of the author plus 70 more years. After the author dies, the copyright may be enforced by their estate.

Recently, for instance, the estate of Isaac Hayes objected to the use of the late songwriter's "Hold On, I'm Comin'" by Donald Trump's presidential campaign. According to a federal lawsuit filed on Aug. 21, the Trump campaign has "unlawfully performed" the song at least 133 times since 2020, including at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

The Hayes estate demanded that Trump stop using the song and is seeking $3 million in royalties for prior performances. On Sept. 4, the judge sided with the estate in a preliminary ruling. The Hayes dispute shows the importance of copyright protections -- and also the significance of music in the 2024 presidential race, since Hayes' estate wasn't alone in objecting to Trump's use of its music.

Another recent case involved "Vultures 1," a new studio recording album collaboration between Ye -- formerly known as Kanye West -- and Ty Dolla Sign. According to the estate of Donna Summer, "Vultures 1" contained an "unauthorized interpolation" of Summer's 1977 hit song "I Feel Love." Summer died in 2012.

In a lawsuit filed in February, Summer's estate explained that it rejected a request to license the song because it "wanted no association with West's controversial history."

Despite that refusal, West and Dolla Sign "re-recorded almost verbatim the key, memorable portions of Summer's iconic song, used it as the hook for their own song, and released it to the public knowing they had tried and failed to secure legal permission from its rightful owners and had no legal right to do so," according to the complaint.

When the parties settled in June, the lawyer for Summer's estate stated publicly that the agreement didn't include permission to license the song.

Publicity rights can protect an artist's legacy

Publicity rights allow people to prevent the commercial use of their identity, including their name and likeness, without that person's consent. About 20 states protect that right after death. Tennessee just extended its protections to prevent unauthorized use of an individual's voice and AI applications with the so-called ELVIS act. It is the first state to do so.

In early 2024, the estate of comedian George Carlin sued creators of the Dudesy podcast for violating his publicity rights by releasing an AI-generated episode titled "George Carlin Resurrected."

Carlin has been dead for more than 15 years. Social media marketing teased a deepfake image of Carlin to promote an hourlong video titled "George Carlin: I'm Glad I'm Dead (2024)." According to the complaint, the video "used an AI-generated sound-alike of George Carlin to read out and perform an AI-generated script written in Carlin's style of humor."

The estate reached a settlement in April that called for the podcasters to "permanently remove" the video from the internet and discontinue use of Carlin's identity without the estate's consent.

Another recent case shows how estate planning can play a crucial role in how beneficiaries use publicity rights after the celebrity's death. When legendary recording artist Little Richard died in 2020, his will gave valuable intellectual property rights to nine people in a special provision that encouraged them to "cooperate among themselves ... to reach an agreement" regarding his postmortem publicity rights. Once they had created a plan, any beneficiary who interfered with the plan would "forfeit" their right to any money from the plan.

Little Richard's brother Peyton Penniman wrote a letter to the buyer who had agreed to purchase Little Richard's publicity rights in which Peyton implied that the estate was "being robbed." The next day, the buyer, who had tentatively agreed to a purchase price, backed out of the deal. Earlier this month, a Tennessee court held that Peyton's actions harmed the estate, and, consequently, forfeited his rights.

Who holds copyright after death or who can profit from images of a dead celebrity has implications for the celebrity's legacy, but it also means that, even from the grave, they may be able to control what the rest of us see and hear.

As AI allows each of us to create content, there are powerful lessons for what we can -- and cannot -- do in cultivating our own legacies.

Naomi Cahn is a Professor of Law at University of Virginia. Reid Kress Weisbord is a Distinguished Professor of Law and Judge Norma Shapiro Scholar at Rutgers University - Newark.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo issued medical guidance this week advising the state's senior citizens to avoid getting COVID-19 boosters due to what he called safety concerns over the mRNA type of vaccines approved by federal health authorities. Photo provided by Florida Department of Health

Sept. 13 (UPI) -- A Florida health official is raising alarms about the safety of the newest versions of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, advising against their use despite endorsements from federal health agencies and other medical experts.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, appointed to the post by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, "advises against the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines" for adults over 65, the most at-risk category, according to seasonal COVID-19 guidance issued by the Florida Department of Health on Thursday.

"Based on the high rate of global immunity and currently available data, the State Surgeon General advises against the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines," the guidance states. "Any provider concerned about the health risks associated with COVID-19 for patients over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions should prioritize patient access to non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and treatment."

MRNA vaccines are a newer type of vaccine that work by introducing a piece of genetic material corresponding to a viral protein, thus prompting the patient's immune system to respond by producing antibodies, while non-mRNA vaccines work by introducing an actual weakened or dead bacteria or virus into the system.

The Novavax vaccine is the only non-mRNA updated COVID vaccine that has been available in the United States, while new versions of mRNA vaccines manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were approved for nationwide distribution by the Food and Drug Administration last month, with FDA officials saying they "meet the agency's rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality."

Nevertheless, Ladapo listed a series of "safety and efficacy concerns" with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for the group of residents most vulnerable to COVID, citing the risk of clinical myocarditis, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, and autoimmune diseases.

The Florida official also noted concerns that elevated levels of mRNA can pose health risks, as well as citing the potential of "DNA integration" affecting the "integrity of the human genome."

Lapado's advice runs counter to the positions of the FDA and many independent medical researchers who say studies have proven many times over that mRNA vaccines are vital and effective tools in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, and whose benefits far outweigh potential risks.

Critics in the medical world have previously taken DeSantis and his administration to task for stoking unfounded skepticism about vaccines for political gain.

Last year, the governor advised that people under the age of 65 skip the then-updated boosters.

"I will not stand by and let the FDA and [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] use healthy Floridians as guinea pigs for new booster shots," he said a year ago, according to the New York Times.

This year's Florida COVID-19 guidance from Ladapo also generated criticism.

"It's just such a dangerous game he plays," Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told NBC News. "You only have a roughly 1,000 times greater likelihood of dying [from COVID-19] if you're over 65 than if you're under 18."

"The mRNA vaccines are remarkably safe," he added.
Though the land for a proposed psychiatric hospital did not go to a new owner via a sheriffs sale this summer, a timeline for restarting the project remains unclear.

The News Tribune this week reached out to local and state officials, as well as representatives of California-based Signature Healthcare Services, for a status update on the long-proposed facility.

Signature has been dealing with issues making headlines at one of its Southern California sites, including a multi-million dollar payout in one case in July and separately seeking restoration of full admission privileges at the same site this month.

In June, the Tacoma property, near South 19th and South Proctor streets, was on track for a sheriffs sale previously ordered to collect on construction debt.

That sale was canceled, according to a June 26 court filing in the debt collection case in Pierce County Superior Court.

A notice in the court docket from the Pierce County Sheriffs Department stated that the June 28 sale was canceled at the request of the judgment creditors attorney.

Attorneys for the construction firms involved, Anderson Construction and Archer Construction, did not respond to request for comment, including whether payment for debt had been received.

County records show different lien filings tied to the site remain in place.

Meanwhile, development of the 105-bed facility is tied to the state Department of Health, which issued Signature a Certificate of Need for the proposed facility in 2019.

On Wednesday, a state DOH media representative told The News Tribune via email in response to questions that the Certificate of Need remains in place, following the cancellation of the sheriffs sale.





The Certificate of Need program inquired with Signature whether the information regarding the sale was accurate, and Signature provided documentation that the sale was canceled by the court, Frank Ameduri, public information officer for state DOH, said via email.

For CN purposes, Signature is compliant with their issued certificate, he added. Signature demonstrated continuous site control and is continuing to move forward with their construction.

Maria Lee, media representative for the city, told The News Tribune in response to questions that the primary building permit had expired. The last permit filings found in the citys permit portal date back to the summer 2022.

The City has had communication with the applicant since 2022 on various things: expired permit, permit extensions, site erosion control, inspections, updates on projects, etc, Lee said via email in response to questions.

She referred further questions to a Signature representative at the companys Corona, California, base, who as of Thursday had not responded.

A representative listed with the Signature-affiliated Troy, Michigan-based LLC that owns the Tacoma property also did not respond to a request for an update.

Elsewhere, Signature has continued to develop new hospitals, among them the first behavioral health facility to be built in Northern California since the late 1980s.

The Sacramento Bee in January 2022 reported that Signature had opened the 117-bed psychiatric hospital in Sacramento.

That same year, a Signature executive told Behavioral Health Business, an online industry monitor site, that the company had faced workforce shortages and challenges with material costs.

Legal fights here, elsewhere

Signatures initial CN request for the Tacoma site was denied in early 2016 in favor of a separate request entered for Wellfound Behavioral Health, just a few blocks east on South 19th Street.

A settlement agreement was later reached, clearing the way for the second hospitals approval from state DOH.

The land-owning LLC affiliated with Signature later won its case against the city challenging the sites rezoning process.

Site work was later halted, and the LLC was sued by the two construction companies in June 2023 over unpaid debt.

According to the lawsuit, Tacoma Life Properties notified Anderson Construction in July 2022 that it was suspending the majority of the work on the parcel due to a lack of financing for the Project, although both contractors performed authorized work after that time.

The construction firms were later awarded a $2.8 million default judgment against the site developer.

The privately held psychiatric hospital company also has been involved in a decade-long case in California over an ex-employees sexual misconduct at its Vista Del Mar facility in Ventura, California, as well as seeking restoration of involuntary admissions privileges at the site.

In July, Ventura (California) County Star reported that Signature and the hospital had reached agreement for payment of $2.36 million in damages in the civil case. According to the newspaper, the hospital and Signature have already paid approximately $4.4 million to satisfy their portions of a 2019 jury award in the case.

In a separate case, the newspaper reported on Sept. 8 that Ventura County and Vista Del Mar had reached an agreement that would ultimately restore involuntary admissions. The admissions had been paused since last fall over reported deficiencies. Involuntary admissions account for about half of that hospitals admissions, the newspaper reported.

Signature, founded in 2000, operates 19 freestanding acute behavioral health hospitals across five states, according to its website. The Tacoma site, if constructed, would be the companys first facility in Washington state.

Tacoma News Tribune archives contributed to this report.
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 Chicago 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 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.

_____
Hundreds of Cook County landlords each year are taking advantage of a property tax incentive designed to preserve and create affordable housing. The participating landlords are spread throughout Chicago and nearby suburbs, with the densest concentrations on the citys South and West sides, especially neighborhoods considered ripe for gentrification such as South Shore.

Some property owners, concerned about getting ensnared in a bureaucratic maze, were initially hesitant to join the program, but now say the incentives help keep units affordable and pay for needed renovations.

I didnt apply the first year it came out because the whole program seemed confusing, but it wasnt that bad, said Jon Womack, managing partner of Third City Properties. Its taken a little bit of work, but its definitely been worth it.

Called Affordable Illinois when signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker in summer 2021, it allows owners of existing buildings with seven or more units anywhere in the county to secure cuts to the assessed values of their properties, which reduces the tax burden, if they provide affordable apartments and make substantial renovations.

Affordable Illinois does more than assist renters in existing buildings. Apartment developers in high-income areas such as Fulton Market can secure deep assessment cuts for new buildings if they agree to keep 20% of the units affordable for 30 years. A dozen developers have either completed and leased up such properties or signed letters of intent for upcoming projects.

Womack secured approval in 2023 from Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi to add three properties in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side to the program, including 1607 N. Central Ave. a mixed-use building with 31 apartments and four commercial units. Womack pledged to reserve 15% to 35% of the units in the three buildings as affordable, and completed a set of renovations, including new roofing, sidewalks, HVAC systems and plumbing, and interior repairs. In return, the company gets assessment cuts of up to 35%.

It would have been hard to keep all the rents below market, but the property tax relief is worth more than the lost rent, Womack said.

Giving tax breaks to owners who preserve affordable units is cost-effective, said John McDonnell, director of multifamily development for the Cook County assessor.

We have a lot of 10-, 20- and 30-unit apartment buildings that have been around forever, where it only costs about $50,000 to renovate each unit and keep them in good condition, instead of the $400,000 it costs to create new units, he said.

Apartment developers in high-income areas completed two projects in 2023 that successfully leased their affordable units and secured assessment cuts. Related Midwest finished The Row Fulton Market, a 300-unit tower, including 60 affordable units, at 164 N. Peoria St. in Fulton Market, the citys hottest rental market. Moceri + Roszak completed Fulbrix Apartments, a 28-story, 375-unit apartment building nearby at 160 N. Elizabeth St.

Developers of 10 future apartment complexes signed letters of intent to set aside 20% of their units as affordable, added McDonnell. The assessment cuts taper off and end after 30 years.

For that, the city gets 30 years of affordability in these nice, new developments, he said.

The assessor began administering the program in 2022, accepting nearly 600 landlord applications, the majority seeking 35% cuts in the assessed value of their properties. The office approved another 221 in 2023, and 102 through July of this year. The initial burst of properties accepted in the programs first year was partly due to many landlords switching from an outmoded incentive program called Class 9, McDonnell said.

New downtown buildings get all the headlines, but for the owners of existing courtyard buildings in neighborhoods on the South and West sides, or in Rogers Park or Albany Park, this program also works for them, said Stacie Young, president and CEO of Community Investment Corp., a nonprofit lender, especially because it doesnt impose a lot of rules and regulations.

Creating affordable housing usually means going to the government and getting direct subsidies, and thats a long, complicated process that takes a bit of sophistication, she said. But the assessors office doesnt make you go through 5 feet of paperwork. You just fill out the application, show you are in compliance and get the benefit.

More than 100 new applications are waiting for approval, said McDonnell, which puts 2024 roughly on pace with 2023.

I feel like the best is yet to come for this program, and it could become a national model, he said.
COPPERAS COVE, Texas (FOX 44)  The Copperas Cove Police Department is addressing alleged threats to area schools.

The department said late Friday morning that it is aware of these alleged threats, as well as those made to schools across the nation. The department says it takes these threats seriously, and takes a zero tolerance approach when threats are substantiated.

Police are taking proactive measures by conducting extra patrols of all school campuses. This comes in addition to the security already provided by the School Marshals and school resource officers (SROs).

The department says it will continue to work with Copperas Cove Independent School District staff and aggressively investigate all alleged threats. All reported threats have been addressed with no current active incidents.

PREVIOUS STORY: Copperas Cove ISD threat not credible

This comes after CCISD Superintendent Dr. Joe Burns says the district became aware of an alleged threat made by student at Copperas Cove High School on Wednesday, who was not at school at the time. Dr. Burns issued an update later on Wednesday, saying the investigation concluded and police were unable to substantiate any threats made against the high school campus.

In addition, the Belton Police Department said Wednesday morning that there was misinformation circulating social media regarding a false claim about an incident at Belton High School. The claim alleged there was banging in the hallways, and police were telling people to hide in their classrooms. Police said School Resource Officers were stationed at their posts, and it is confirmed that no such incident occurred.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
(PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo.)  A sergeant with the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) has been arrested on alleged sexual assault charges and is now awaiting extradition back to Utah.

Kevin Young was arrested at his home in Pueblo West on Friday, Sept. 6 by the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office (PCSO).

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pueblo West man arrested on Utah sex assault warrant

PCSO said Youngs no-bond warrant out of Piute County, Utah stemmed from an incident in July of 2023, which led to him being charged with rape, five counts of object rape, and two counts of forcible sexual abuse.

Courtesy: Pueblo County Sheriffs Office

A spokesperson with the CDOC confirmed to FOX21 News that Young is currently employed as a Sergeant at the Centennial Correctional Facility in the East Canon complex in Fremont County. The CDOC spokesperson said Young has been placed on paid administrative leave, but could not provide any additional details due to the pending investigation.

On Friday, Sept. 13, FOX21 News spoke with the 4th District Court in Nephi, UT, and learned that Young is scheduled for an Initial Appearance/Row hearing at the Sixth District Court in Junction at 10 a.m. with Judge Mandy Larsen.

FOX21 News has reached out to the spokesperson for the Utah State Courts to learn more about the case and will update this article with any new information we receive.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
A Labour council leader says he is having to "roll with the punches" amid the backlash to his partys decision to remove universal winter fuel payments.

Gavin Callaghan, the leader of Basildon Borough Council, says he "fully supports" Prime Minister Keir Starmer on improving the countrys financial position.

But Labour MPs faced criticism after voting in parliament to remove a 300 payment to all pensioners in favour of a means-tested system.

Mr Callaghan, who aims to offer 1,000 pensioners 100 each this winter in a new scheme, said: "We have to roll with the punches, thats what councils do, so we can protect our communities on the front line."

'PM is fixing nation's finances'

The councils new Warm Home Guarantee aims to ensure that about 1,000 pensioners, who are eligible, sign up to receive pension credit and are therefore able to continue to receive their winter fuel payment.

For those falling outside the pension credit threshold, but still struggling, the council has allocated a 100,000 pot of money to give one-off 100 grants to households to help with heating costs.

Mr Callaghan said the council would visit all of the boroughs 47 sheltered housing schemes, while officers would also attend libraries and community centres to ensure all those eligible signed up for pension credits.

Council officers would then also be able to determine the households who needed the 100 extra help during the winter.

'Not daft'

Mr Callaghan said: "The beauty of the people of Basildon is that they are not daft, and they dont expect that the prime minister, who has only been in since July, is going to have fixed the nations finances by September.

"Theres actually an awful lot of pensioners who say 'I dont need the winter fuel allowance, it should be means-tested' and there should be a way the government can determine whether or not a Rod Stewart or Alan Sugar is receiving 300 cash off the taxpayer - while weve got young people unable to get on the housing ladder and weve got people using foodbanks."

Barber Seamus Murray can't understand the decision the government has made [BBC]

But pensioners shopping and working at Basildon Market were angry at the Labour governments decision.

Chris Elliott, who runs the Battery Centre stall, said: "Im 80 and Ive still got to keep working because I couldnt possibly live on the state pension."

Ron Day, 87, is also still working on Kits Haberdashery stall, said: "I think its disgusting. Im not too bad, but theres people who just cant afford nothing."

Seamus Murray, 68, from Basildon Market Barbers, added: "Labour are just coming out with things that are just winding everybody up."

Conservative opposition leader on Basildon Borough Council, Andrew Baggott, said: "The action that is being taken seems as if it's not going to scratch the surface, 100 to 1,000 pensioners out of the 27,837 in the borough."

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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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Nick Kemp has stepped down temporarily due to ill health [Newcastle City Council]

A council leader is taking a temporary leave of absence due to ill health.

Nick Kemp said he would be stepping down from his duties as Newcastle City Council's leader with immediate effect.

The long-serving Byker councillor, who has been in charge of the local authority since 2022, will be replaced by his deputy Karen Kilgour.

Kilgour said it was "very much business as usual".

She said she would work with elected members and council officers to best serve the city, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"This is such an exciting time for Newcastle with investment in the city and opportunity for those people who call it home," she said.

Kemp has previously faced backlash from some Labour councillors over proposed cuts to the city's homelessness provision earlier this year.

Both he and Kilgour also faced criticism over a taxpayer-funded trip to Germany where they attended one of Englands Euro 2024 matches as part of a visit to Newcastles sister city of Gelsenkirchen.

Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

More stories from BBC North East and Cumbria

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TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW)  The Kansas Supreme Court has affirmed the sentence of a man who shot and killed a restaurant owner in south Wichita in 2021.

Adrian Nicholas Zongker was sentenced in June of 2022 for the death of 42-year-old Oscar Acosta-Chavez at his restaurant Birrieria Tito Tacos near Hydraulic and Wassall. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison for premeditated with an additional 15 months for possession of a firearm.

Zongker appealed his case, claiming that the court erred by not giving the jury instructions on involuntary manslaughter. He also argued that the prosecution had misspoken several times during jury instructions and that he received ineffective counsel because his attorney pursued a guilt-based defense against his wishes.

State Supreme Court rejects Mia Collins appeal in fatal 2019 crash

The court rejected those claims and affirmed his convictions. However, they did find that the sentencing judge errored in Zongkers sentence for criminal possession of a weapon because it was two months longer than the statutes maximum sentence.

The case will be remanded back to Sedgwick County Court for sentencing on the weapon possession charge.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
A federal judge has blocked in five states the implementation of a Biden administration rule that aims to cut methane emissions and conserve natural gas produced on federal lands.

Former President Trump appointee Judge Daniel Traynor granted the request from five states to temporarily block the rule from taking effect while their case against it plays out.

The rule in question requires companies that drill for oil and gas on public lands to come up with a plan to reduce wasted gas and cut down on the release or burning of excess gas.

It also makes companies implement programs to repair and detect methane leaks.

Oil and gas can be co-occurring, and sometimes oil companies will release or burn off some of the gas  which tends to be less valuable than oil  that they produce.

The main component of gas is methane, which is between 27 times and 30 times as potent as carbon dioxide when it comes to heating up the planet over a 100-year period.

In their request for the rule to be blocked, North Dakota, Montana, Texas, Wyoming and Utah argued that the rule is an overreach, contending that regulating emissions and energy issues should be left to the states.

In his ruling for the North Dakota district court, Traynor sided with the states, calling the rule a significant impingement on their rights.

Interior Department spokesperson Giovanni Rocco said the department was reviewing the decision but did not provide further comment.

When the rule was issued, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland described it as an effort to use modern technology and best practices to reduce natural gas waste.

The rule mainly applied in the 10 states that are collectively responsible for 99 percent of oil produced on federal lands: Alaska, California, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Mark and Rhian Phillips, pictured centre, have been battling their case for over three years [Hugh James]

A Welsh bar has won a legal case in an ongoing insurance claim of around 1.5m in compensation, for losses incurred during the Covid lockdowns.

The Court of Appeal ruled the Why Not Bar in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion - which closed in March 2020 - is entitled to pay outs, alongside five other policy holders involved in the test case.

Owner Mark Phillips called it a "tremendous victory" for potentially thousands of owners nationwide, who had a "business interruption loss" clause in the coverage on their premises.

Law firm Hugh James said its clients suffered "devastating" financial losses during the pandemic and called on the insurance companies involved to now compensate those affected.

"We have lost loved ones, struggled financially and my wife has suffered significant anxiety and distress because of this ordeal," Mr Phillips said of his wife Rhian, a co-owner of the business.

"I'm a working class lad who's worked my whole life, the Court of Appeal is not just for me, it's for everybody else."

The couple were told by their insurers in 2020 there was "nothing they could do" about their Covid losses, he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

He said they brought a case against their insurers, winning a decision in the High Court in June 2023 that was recently upheld on appeal.

He can now make a claim on losses that he says amount to 1.5m.

The couple run several businesses from the same premises including SY23 [BBC News]

Senior Associate at Hugh James Erich Kurtz said: "It's been around three years of sustained hard work and stress for both Mark and Rhian."

He described the case as an "historic" victory which should give hope to thousands of businesses across Wales and the UK that experienced financial losses during the national lockdowns amid the pandemic.

Mr Kurtz said the insurers argued throughout it was never meant to respond to a "nationwide pandemic", only localised diseases, but both the High Court and the Court of Appeal has now held that it does.

"The next argument will be to prove that someone was ill whilst at the nightclub or restaurant and if they can show that, it will then move on to how much money has been lost," he added.

The Why Not Bar closed it's doors in March of 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic [BBC News]

The judgement also involves five other policy holders, including restaurant, catering, fitness and hairdressing businesses, as well as the London International Exhibition Centre.

Mr Phillips' insurers, West Bay Insurance and QIC Europe Limited, have been asked to comment.
Outside Barry Medlocks home on 53rd Avenue North in unincorporated Pinellas County, a faint odor of sewage lingered.

His property was ground zero for a 4 million gallon spill of raw wastewater that flooded the street and gushed into his garage two weeks ago.

But it didnt surprise him.

Its the third time the pipe running through Medlocks neighborhood to a nearby treatment facility has burst in recent years. The first spill happened in 2021. One year later, another failure unleashed about 300,000 gallons of untreated wastewater.

Medlock was getting the Sunday newspaper during that spill when he came home to see sewage bubbling up. This time, he was at work when his next-door neighbor called.

Its back, they told him.

Medlock arrived home and found sewage flooding his backyard. It crept downhill onto the properties of at least two of his neighbors, he said. County crews didnt stop the flow for another five hours, Medlock recalled.

According to Pinellas County, crews responded to the 53rd Avenue North neighborhood, near 110th Street North, around 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 28. The spill was caused by a crack in an aging 24-inch sewer line. Over the next few days, more than 4,400,000 gallons of sewage spilled, enough to fill roughly six Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Nory Hancock, the countys deputy director of utilities, said the spill was under control by about 1 p.m. on Aug. 28. The county used vacuum trucks to collect about 874,000 gallons of wastewater, and overflows over the next few days were directed to a stormwater ditch using sandbags, Hancock said.

About five or six homes were affected by the spill, Hancock said. Medlocks home was the only one to have sewage reach the garage. The other homes had sewage that crept up as far as their lawns, Hancock said.

Wastewater did reach surrounding coastal waterways, the county said.

Unfortunately, there is no way to determine the total amount that went into the waterway versus the surrounding area around the pipe, the county said in an email Friday.

Testing in affected coastal areas after the spill showed surface water met water quality standards, the county said.

We understand the frustration  it hasnt happened once, it hasnt happened twice, but three times, Hancock said. I can assure you that we are as concerned as the citizens, and we are acting on it.

After the second pipe burst in 2022, the county began plans to replace the 50-year-old pipe. About 2,900 feet of the current 24-inch-diameter pipe will be replaced with a 20-inch PVC pipe, according to the county. A county website explaining the project states that the new pipe will increase durability and meet industry standards.

Hancock said the county has selected a contractor and could begin working in the next month or so. Construction is expected to last seven months, according to the project website.

Pinellas County will hold a public meeting to discuss the project at 6 p.m. on Sept. 24 at Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 School.

Medlock, 65, was happy to see work on the pipe completed Friday afternoon, but he wasnt convinced it would be the last spill on his street. Nothing was damaged in his garage this time, but hes making preparations with neighbors ahead of the next rupture.

I think were probably all going to be planning on having sandbags, he said.

About five houses up the street, Vicky and Mark Jones were unaffected by the spill. Their home is 28 feet above sea level and sits near the top of 53rd Avenue and 110th Street Norths gentle slope.

Happily, Vicky said, poop doesnt go up the hill, it only goes downhill.

Over the past two weeks, emergency repair work has disrupted what is normally a quiet neighborhood. The Jones three dogs bark at every passing construction vehicle.

Medlock has been parking his car at a neighbors home while crews rip up the road in front of his house. His dog, a hound mix named Gia, doesnt want to go outside, and hes worried she could get sick from exposure to the wastewater.

Still, Medlock smiled through it all.

What else you going to do? he said with a shrug.
TechCrunch

French biotech startup Generare has closed a 5 million seed round (around $5.5 million at current exchange rates) to step up development of what it touts as a highly scalable approach to identifying promising compounds for drug discovery that already exist in nature. It's focused on sifting for molecules that are produced by microorganisms but could be repurposed as treatments in humans. Such molecules were once a rich source of drug discovery using early chemistry-based discovery techniques.
Following their detention in Russia, 49 soldiers and civilians were brought back to Ukraine. Crimean Tatar activist Lenie Umerova is one of them; in 2022, she was apprehended by the Russians as she was crossing the border with Georgia.

Ukrainska Pravda.Zhyttia gathered Lenie's letters and testimonies and retold the story of a woman who was freed from Russian law enforcement authorities after a two-year confinement on fabricated charges.

Details: Lenie Umerova is a Crimean native who relocated to Ukraine's mainland to pursue her education after the peninsula was annexed. She refused to obtain a Russian passport in Crimea.

Lenie then enrolled at the Ihor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, where he studied chemical technologies. Later, she joined the marketing team of a Ukrainian apparel manufacturer.

However, due to the deterioration of her cancer-stricken father's health, Lenie was forced to leave Kyiv for Russian-occupied Crimea in December 2022.

Quote: "In early November, dad began feeling considerable pain. Everything was fine for several years, with no problems, but now there were complications. The physicians said he needed surgery because the situation was serious.

I couldnt not go, but I made the final decision at the last minute, I didnt say anything to almost anyone. He was scheduled for surgery on 2 December, and on the morning of the fourth, after anaesthesia, I was supposed to come as a surprise," Lenie wrote in one of her letters from the pre-trial detention centre.

Lenie Umerova with her brother and parents.

Photo: Umerovas family archive

The most convenient route ran through Georgia, Lenie says: there was a direct minibus from Tbilisi to Simferopol.

"So, on 3 December, I stood at the Verkhnii Lars border crossing point. At first, everything went as usual: they checked documents and luggage, and Ukrainian citizens were instructed to turn in their phones for verification. Everything that followed was an endless awful dream, or, if you consider it from a philosophical standpoint, a test," she wrote.

Russian security forces detained Lenie as she crossed the border, purportedly for violating border regime norms.

Until 16 March, she was held in a temporary detention centre for foreigners near Vladikavkaz. The court found Umerova guilty of "violating the regime of the state border" and fined her RUB 2,000 (approx. US$21.9).

Lenie was freed on the night of 16 March, but at the gate, she was met with a car and four men. According to human rights campaigners, Lenie was apprehended, a bag was put on her head, and she was taken to an unfamiliar location of Vladikavkaz. A police patrol quickly detained her for "insubordination".

According to the Russian "court" ruling, Lenie was asked for her name, to which she presented a Ukrainian passport as well as a foreign passport. After that, the aforementioned individuals urged her to go to the police station to identify herself, saying that they are searching for individuals involved in the trafficking of narcotics.

When asked why she was being arrested, law enforcement officers drew up a second protocol, accusing her of violating police officers' orders. They claimed she "was too loud and refused to get into the car".

On 27 March, the "court" reissued the administrative arrest for "disobeying a police order". This time, the arrest was extended because Lenie failed to surrender the phone to the detention centre workers on time after speaking with her father.

Lenie Umerova's incarceration lasted until 9 April. However, on 11 April, the "court" issued a third administrative arrest for 15 days. This time, she was accused of refusing to exit the vehicle at the request of the police.

On 26 April, Umerova was again detained by the Vladikavkaz court for 15 days. Another administrative arrest was made because of Lenies "disobedience".

On 1 May, the FSB of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania confiscated her passports. The woman was then arrested by Moscow's Lefortovo court on accusations of espionage. Her case was swiftly classified.

Russian propagandists, citing the Russian Federation's FSB, said that the Ukrainian woman was suspected of transmitting "to the special services information about the deployment and tasks of Russian troops, particularly those who participated in the operation in Kyiv Oblast".

In June, her detention was prolonged for three months.

Lenie's brother said that his sister was even submitted to forensic mental assessment.

"Even now we do not understand what she is suspected of. Let me remind you that she is being kept in a solitary cell, the letters that she writes undergo a three-week check," he said.

The brother shared a video of Russian propagandists claiming that Lenie was detained for espionage and faces up to 20 years in prison. Umerova was not presented with any evidence of her wrongdoings.

Lenie's trial was scheduled for the autumn of 2024 in Moscow. However, she was released from Russian custody in September 2024, along with other military and civilian prisoners.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority says it has completed a project that is designed to increase the efficiency of its arsenic removal process at two of its treatment plants, the utility announced on Friday, Sept. 13.

CRRUA, which provides water and wastewater service to Santa Teresa and Sunland Park, said it has completed its initiative to to replace its filter media at two of its arsenic treatment facilities (ATF).

Eric Lopez, a New Mexico-certified Level 4 operator in water and wastewater for CRRUA, reported that filter media replacement was done at the Sunland Park ATF on Sept. 5.

Media filter replacement at the Santa Teresa Industrial Park (STIP) ATF was completed on July 27.

The overall rehabilitation and filter media change-out project of the Sunland Park and STIP ATFs is now 100 percent complete and both systems are 100 percent operational, Lopez said.

This is how filter media works, according to contractor working for CRRUA:

Filter media consists of varying sizes of river rock, sand and anthracite coal, said Paul Cashion of South Carolina-based C & C Environmental Services that is replacing the filter media. The media is placed in the filter chambers in layers with the anthracite coal at the top followed by a layer of sand, then varying sizes of river rock. As water flows through the layers of rocks, it loosens the arsenic, trapping it in the sand. The sand is then removed and properly disposed of.

Cashion said each chamber uses more than 12,000 pounds of sand, about 8,000 pounds of stones and more than 4,000 pounds of anthracite coal.

Anthracite coal is part of the filtration process. It also helps with the taste of the water and controls odors, he said.

The arsenic removal process using this media is equivalent to the way river water is purified in nature as it flows over rock, gravel, and sand, Cashion said. Its a process used to remove naturally occurring arsenic in treatment facilities across the country.

In addition to filter media replacement at the Sunland Park ATF, Lopez said header lines were repaired, a three-layer protective coating was applied to the inside of the chambers to help guard against corrosion and tank drains were replaced. Those drains had been identified by the New Mexico Environment Departments 2023 survery of CRRUA as needing replacement.

CRRUA said it is now 70 percent compliant in correcting deficiencies identified by the State of New Mexico back in December.

Since Jan. 24, CRRUA has passed 12 arsenic water tests, including a New Mexico Environment Departments quarterly test and CRRUAs voluntary monthly tests last taken in August 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A man is in custody after a woman told Connecticut State Police that he approached her and started choking her at a Meriden train station.

The attack happened Wednesday, according to state police. She was taken to a hospital to be treated, and has since been released.

The woman told police that the man, who she didnt know, grabbed her from behind, threw her on the ground and started choking her. She tried to get away, but was pinned by his weight, and began to lose consciousness. Security footage showed the attack, according to state police.

Curtis Desmond Hemmingway, 37, of Meriden, has been charged with criminal attempt at murder, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree strangulation and second-degree breach of peace. Hes being held on a $150,000 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 WTNH.com.
A tent encampment that harbored homeless residents in Bristol for years is now empty. But instead of pushing occupants out of one place only for them to settle in another corner of the city, officials opted to guarantee them all housing.

The Prospect Street encampment in Bristol is the most recent attempt of Connecticuts encampment-to-housing movement, a barrier-breaking rapid-rehousing model led by the West Hartford nonprofit Journey Home.

Sarah Pavone, the director of strategy for Journey Home, said two of the encampments former residents have moved into their apartments and two others are expected to sign leases within the next week. They join a growing list of individuals who were living outside in cities like Hartford and New Britain who are now in permanent supportive housing thanks to the model.

In all of the sites that weve done, and across three cities now, 100% of the folks weve engaged have accepted housing and I think this really busts the myth that some folks just dont want services or dont want housing, Pavone said. This work also shows that with the proper resources and partnerships that we can solve homelessness, we can figure out this complex issue and ensure that we dont have anyone needing to sleep on the street or in an uninhabitable location.

Bristol cleared the Prospect Street encampment on Aug. 22, according to city officials. The fate of its residents seemed uncertain in July when news broke that the sale of the city-owned parcel to a private owner was pending.

Initially, the city set an eviction date for July 18, causing many to flee the site, according to former residents. But three days before the deadline, Bristol switched course to pursue the encampment-to-housing model.

Pavone said outreach workers identified five people as regular stayers, who were connected with housing services. She added that no other individuals were identified as staying overnight at the encampment during the four weeks that outreach workers made regular visits to the site.

On the cleanup day, Pavone said Journey Homes team transported residents to hotels or relatives homes where they have stayed while their permanent housing arrangements are finalized.

However, Pavone explained that one former resident has yet to move on to these transitional housing arrangements. For weeks, Pavone said this individual has been in the hospital, recovering from health problems including a skin infection that Pavone said was exacerbated by the inability to properly clean or care for her wounds while living outside.

A portion of her hospitalization is directly correlated to her being unsheltered, Pavone said. (She) is going to be in the hospital for quite a few weeks, but were working with the discharge planners to ensure that shes able to exit to housing and not the street.

When Bristols Opioid Task Force decided to pause disbandment efforts in July to explore the encampment-to-housing model, Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano explained that the city understood that if cleanup efforts were not paired with housing, residents at the encampment would likely resettle in another part of the city.

In August, the Bristol City Council put the final stamp of approval on the proposal, appropriating $86,000 in opioid settlement funds to establish the pilot program to re-house individuals with substance abuse, and homelessness comorbidities currently encamped at Prospect Street, according to meeting documents.

Theres two sides of every story and theres an awful lot of division in this country, but having a little grace and dignity is not a bad thing, Caggiano told the Courant Wednesday as he reflected on the decision.

Data suggests that rates of substance use disorder are higher among Connecticut residents who are living without shelter. According, to the states 2024 Point-In-Time Count of Individuals and Families Experiencing Homelessness, 19% of unsheltered individuals reported having a substance use disorder compared to 12% of the sheltered population.

Over the next 20 years, cities and towns in Connecticut are expected to receive a combined $78 million from opioid litigation settlement agreements, according to a report by the Connecticut Mirror republished by the Courant. As a whole, the state is expected to collect $600 million to fund substance use disorder abatement infrastructure, programs, services, supports, and resources for prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction, according to the CT Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee.

Caggiano said Connecticut should consider investing these funds in the encampment-to-housing model.

I would encourage them to look at this project as a potential way for them to help with the opioid crisis and also a crisis that we know is happening here with homelessness and lack of housing, Caggiano said.

Theres many reasons why people can suffer from opioid or substance abuse disorder, opioid addiction and/or homelessness, and I think that looking and looking into new ways to handle these problems is something we should all be doing, Caggiano said. Its been like this long before I was elected and I hope its not like this long after Im out of office.

In 2024, the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Connecticut rose for a third consecutive year after experiencing a steady decline between 2018 and 2021, according to data from the states annual Point-In-Time Count.

According to the 2024 report, which gathers data on a single night in January, 574 of the 3,410 people experiencing homelessness in the state were considered unsheltered, living outside, in their cars, or in other places that are not meant for human habitation.

During the spring and summer, the number of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness tends to rise when cold-weather shelters close for the warmer months.

As of August, 4,690 individuals, including 483 children, are actively experiencing homelessness, according to the Connecticut By Name List, Katherine Whitney of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness said in an email to the Courant last month. We know that unsheltered homelessness is chronically undercounted and underrepresented. We estimate that at any given time, approximately 20-25% of people experiencing homelessness are unsheltered.

As the nation battles a housing crisis, the rise in unsheltered homelessness has coincided with a rise in encampments, and municipal efforts to disband and clean up sites in Connecticut and across the country.

Instead of typical responses that force encampment occupants into shelters or another location outside, the encampment-to-housing model seeks to cure homelessness at the source.

The model, which was first developed by the Clutch Consulting Group, concentrates resources on a single location or group of people to streamline the path to housing.

Pavone explained that the model links encampment residents to a team of specialists who provide outreach, housing and services. Other staff engage landlords by building relationships and offering financial incentives for property owners who agree to work with Journey Home and provide flexibility in their tenant screening processes.

Once housed, participants continue to receive support services and landlords are connected with a specialist at Journey Home who can provide assistance if a program participant, or any other tenant, is at risk of losing housing.

I think sometimes when folks first hear (about the model), it sounds too good to be true and theyre skeptical of it, Pavone said in an interview with the Courant in July. So far weve had success. Of course, weve had challenges, but the whole point of this model is (to have) all of us come together to overcome those challenges and make sure were getting as many people (into) housing as possible.
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The Friday Checkout is a weekly column providing more insight on the news, rounding up the announcements you may have missed and sharing whats to come.

Tesco has long been synonymous with supermarkets in the United Kingdom, controlling more than a quarter of the countrys grocery market, and also has a significant presence outside the U.K. Now, the multinational retailer wants to expand its international footprint  through technology.

Like U.K.-based Ocado, which supplies automated fulfillment systems to Kroger and retailers in other countries in addition to running its own grocery retailing operation at home in conjunction with Marks & Spencer, Tesco is looking to build its business by helping food retailers abroad improve their e-commerce fulfillment capabilities.

To start, Tescos e-commerce consultancy, Transcend Retail Solutions, has agreed to provide New Zealand grocery co-operative Foodstuffs with software and equipment to help workers fulfill online orders more efficiently, according to a Tuesday press release. The partnership is launching with two stores under Foodstuffs New World and PAKnSAVE banners on the countrys North Island, and Foodstuffs plans to deploy Tescos technology to all of its stores on the island in the coming months.

Transcend has also had discussions with other, unnamed retailers about adopting its technology, The Sunday Times reported earlier this month.

Theres no word yet on whether Tescos e-commerce technology unit has its eyes on the U.S. market  but the company does have prior experience stateside, and it didnt end well. In 2006, Tesco announced that it would develop a convenience store format on American shores  a venture the companys then-CEO described as a tremendously exciting move. But in 2012, the retailer said it would stop running the chain, known as Fresh & Easy, amid a river of red ink.

In case you missed it

Meijer adds new perk for workers

The Midwestern retailer announced Tuesday a new benefit aimed at reducing family care costs for its employees. The benefit, which is available to workers on their first day of employment, covers care for children, adult dependents and elderly family members. Meijer workers can either receive a 20% discount at any one of Learning Care Groups more than 1,100 schools or have 10% of costs reimbursed for a care provider from their personal network.

Story continues

Meijer said the benefit will allow its workers to save hundreds of dollars annually.

Automation innovation continues

Warehouse technology provider AutoStore announced Thursday the launch of new capabilities for its grid system. They include the ability to have several temperatures within a single AutoStore cube, an expansion of the grid from 16 to 18 levels, a motorized service vehicle to make grid maneuvering easier and updates to the companys cube control software.

AutoStore CEO Mats Hovland Vikse said the new capabilities will help customers improve operational efficiency.

Instacart grows retail media network roster

Instacart announced Tuesday a retail media network partnership with e-grocer Thrive Market.

Brand partners will be able to target specific campaigns to consumers shopping on Thrives website and access self-service tools for their campaigns. They will also be able to run campaigns leveraging Instacarts sponsored product and display advertising solutions on Thrives website and app, Instacart said.

Impulse find

Can you ever have too much charcuterie?

Jewel-Osco made waves on social media recently for a massive charcuterie board at its store in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Spanning 125 feet, the board served up cheese, olives and a variety of meats for the Albertsons banners 125th anniversary.

The grocer didnt stop there with its anniversary festivities. Just a few days later, the banners Westmont, Illinois, store gave away Kings Hawaiian rolls after displaying more than 14,000 pounds of sweet rolls in a 50-foot display, ABC 7 Chicago reported.

Despite the impressive efforts, Jewel-Osco might be disappointed to discover that Guinness World Records declared Thursday a giant charcuterie board at a Central Market store in Austin, Texas, to be the largest charcuterie board in the world to be created and consumed, KXAN reported. The H-E-B-owned banner made the board for its 30th anniversary.
An aerial photo over the Idaho communities that surround the CuMo Exploration Project, nestled between mountains outside Boise.

The CuMo Exploration Project aims to search for minerals that could lead to a mine years later in mountains outside Boise. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)

For now, the CuMo Exploration Project is just that: Exploring, without full-scale mining operations.

The test project proposed by the Idaho Copper Corporation would be outside Idaho City, a town home to less than 700 people about 30 miles northeast of Boise.

A 2020 analysis found the project area could have deposits of silver and critical minerals used in renewable energy, national defense and last-ditch efforts to expand drinking water availability.

Environmental advocates worry the test project could taint headwaters that feed into the Boise River, and they are skeptical that regulators have fully identified possible impacts.

Ultimately, responsible mining means that some places are too special to mine. And we think that the CuMo project cannot be developed  explored or developed  in a way thats going to be adequately protective of the Boise River, Idaho Conservation League Public Lands and Wildlife Director John Robison told the Idaho Capital Sun in an interview. Given the track record of mining, and of this scale and type of mining, it seems impossible to do both that and protect the Boise River for everyone who relies on it.

But Idaho Copper Corporation CEO and COO Andrew Brodkey says the test project wouldnt harm the Boise River. And he stresses that a possible, actual mine would be years away  depending on the economic prospects  and involve more environmental analysis beforehand.

Were not even close to making a decision whether a mine should be put in, Brodkey told the Sun in an interview. All were trying to do is develop information that will give us the basis to make that sort of a determination.

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What is the CuMo Exploration Project?

The 2023 CuMo Exploration Project is a four-year mining exploration proposal, about 14 miles north of Idaho City.

The planned project area is 2,917 acres. The companys proposed test drill project would affect only 72 acres, Brodkey said.

The test would feature 122 drill pads and construction of 8.9 miles of temporary roads. Within two years after the project is completed, all drill pads and temporary roads created would be removed and restored.

Afterward, the company plans to close off and cap up to 250 drill holes, so that there cant be any contamination, Brodkey said.

The Idaho Copper Corporation is advancing the CuMo Project towards feasibility and its goal is to establish itself as one of the worlds largest and lowest-cost primary producers of molybdenum, the company said on its website.

The company is studying all factors and is committed to exhaustive adherence to modern mining practices, stewardship of all natural resources, reclamation of the preexisting historic mining damage, and meaningful community engagement, its website says.

A decision on whether the project would turn into a full mine would likely be in at least four or five years, Brodkey said. And itd require a more comprehensive environmental impact statement, detailing possible environmental effects, he said.

After public comments closed on an environmental assessment on the proposal, the U.S. Forest Service is reviewing whether the test project can proceed.

Where is the CuMo project in the review process?

The U.S. Forest Service is responding to public comments and building the final environmental analysis and technical reports, Boise National Forests Idaho City District Ranger Joshua Newman told the Sun in an email. A draft decision would be developed and published after, he said.

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The next types of project reports set for public release vary based on whether the Forest Service identifies significant impacts, after reviewing public comments, Newman said. The documents would include a final environmental analysis and draft decision, he said.

That would start a 45-day objection window. If uncontested, the agency would issue a final decision document after, he said. But objections could trigger another 45-day objection review period, Newman said.

The Forest Service hopes to publish its environmental analysis within the next month, Newman told the Sun. But that depends on the agencys capacity while it battles wildfires.

What are the environmental concerns?

Robison said environmental groups have pushed the U.S. Forest Service to evaluate project impacts that the agency initially didnt do, like establishing baselines for water quality and the rare Sacagweas bitterroot in the project area.

Even if its a pretty low bar, its not being carried out as it should, Robison said. Thats why we want to bring more scrutiny. What else have you guys missed on this?

The Forest Services reports on the proposed project used data from water sampling, spanning a decade, and baselines for Sacagaweas bitterroot, Newman said.

But Robison says the legal standards guiding Forest Service reviews arent adequate.

Brodkey said the project wouldnt affect the Boise River or any watersheds, saying the Idaho Copper Corporations plans are very much circumscribed by environmental law and regulations.

The science, I believe very strongly, will bear us out, Brodkey said. The hydrology, the plant species, the animal species  everything that we will be looking at will be done and has been done in a very comprehensive manner, he told the Sun. So that the environmental effects of this project are not going to be items that people should be worrying about.

Trails wind through Bogus Basin, a mountainous area by Boise, in this aerial photo.

Downtown Boise  lush with trees, tall buildings and the Idaho State Capitol Building  is depicted in this aerial photo, taken near the Boise foothills.

An EcoFlight pilot and Idaho Conservation League Public Lands and Wildlife Director John Robison sit in the front row of a small airplane, flying over the site of the CuMo Exploration Project.

Lucky Peak Reservoir is pictured in this aerial photo on Aug. 13, 2024.

The Boise River flows through town in this aerial photo, taken nearby Military Reserve on Aug. 13, 2024.

An aerial photo over the Idaho communities that surround the CuMo Exploration Project, nestled between mountains outside Boise.

Amid climate change and water shortages, CuMo part of push for domestic mining

Renewable energy systems rely on copper  one mineral that may have deposits in the project area  more than traditional energy systems. And copper is in higher demand from the growing electric vehicle market, according to the International Copper Association.

Copper is an incredibly important critical mineral for the energy transition and the avoidance of global warming, Brodkey said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. imports much of its copper from overseas, according to the National Mining Association. But America has the minerals, Brodkey said, and advancements may let the U.S. produce more copper domestically.

Another metal the company seeks at the site, called molybdenum, makes steel more resistant to corrosion. It has applications in desalination plants  which turn salty sea water into potable drinking water, like in South America.

I think ultimately thats going to end up happening here in North America as well, as we start to lose our ability to rely on existing surface and ground water sources, Brodkey said.

He said the U.S. Department of Defense is interested in rhenium, another metal potentially in the project area.

The mine is part of a broader push for so-called energy security or resource nationalism  that involves ramping up domestic U.S. production of resources typically imported from other countries.

If you ask people on the street where would they rather have their material source from  from a place where its going to cause problems and deaths, even though its in another country. Versus here, where we have to comply with some pretty stringent laws and (regulations), I think that they would tell you that they would rather know that the materials that theyre using are coming from people that are responsible, Brodkey said.

Idaho Conservation League Public Lands and Wildlife Director John Robison holds up a picture of the Thompson Creek mine, a central Idaho mine that may restart.

The Idaho Conservation League acknowledges the need for mining and minerals, especially to mitigate climate changes impacts, and is seeking ways to responsibly develop our mineral resources, Robison told the Sun.

But, he called for communities to have a bigger role in mining project plans to ensure communities benefit and that their quality of life, and water quality, doesnt diminish.

The rule set that we follow to date has left Idaho with a horrible track record, or has left Idaho with far too many examples of contaminated water and affected communities, Robison said.

In central Idaho, the Thompson Creek mine might restart operations, Boise State Public Radio reported. Robison says it makes far more sense to get the minerals there.

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Former Miami City Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla, who was suspended from office by the governor last year following his arrest on charges of money laundering and bribery, is considering running for mayor of Miami in 2025, he told the Miami Herald on Friday.

The announcement lands one day shy of the anniversary of Diaz de la Portillas Sept. 14, 2023 arrest. Prosecutors have accused him of orchestrating a scheme to route nearly a quarter-million dollars in campaign contributions to two political committees he controlled in exchange for his support on a land development project.

Diaz de la Portilla is scheduled to go to trial in December. He has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.

In a series of text messages to the Herald on Friday, Diaz de la Portilla said he is weighing a run for one of the open City Commission seats next year, as well as for mayor. The current mayor, Francis Suarez, is termed out next year.

That is what I have done for over 30 years, Diaz de la Portilla wrote. I like to serve the public.

The District 3 seat, which is currently held by Commissioner Joe Carollo, will also be available as Carollo reaches his term limit next year. Meanwhile, District 4 is presumed to be open after Commissioner Manolo Reyes announced his plans to run for mayor. The District 1 seat is currently occupied by Miguel Angel Gabela, who unseated Diaz de la Portilla in a November runoff.

Miami Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla was booked into jail on corruption charges on Sept. 14, 2023.

Diaz de la Portilla declined to specify which seat he intends to run for.

I dont look at elections as parochial in nature. Anywhere in the city I was born and raised inMiami, he said.

Asked if he is considering running for mayor in particular, Diaz de la Portilla wrote: Yes. Polling looks good.

Campaign finance records show that a political committee he controls  the one at the center of the criminal charges against him  purchased voter data twice in August. The Miami-Dade County Elections Department confirmed to the Herald that it provided the information to Diaz de la Portilla and pollster Robert Schmidt. Schmidt told the Herald he helped connect Diaz de la Portilla with the Elections Department but said that hes not currently helping him with polling.

Commissioner Manolo Reyes speaks during a City Commission meeting on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Miami City Hall.

Diaz de la Portilla said he was not concerned that the pending charges against him would impact his ability to win.

I also dont think that President Trump is too concerned either, he said. Weaponizing legal forces or law enforcement departments to [achieve] political goals only used to happen in third world countries. We can never allow it to happen in our country. It is a threat to our democracy.

He also took the opportunity to throw barbs at Reyes, an early entry in the race.

He will get his ass handed to himnot Mayoral material and everyone, including himself, knows it, Diaz de la Portilla said. Miami needs a Mayor that truly knows what hes doing.

Reached by phone, Reyes said in response to Diaz de la Portillas comments that I have more experience in Miami than he has in all his life.

Miami needs a mayor that works for the people, not for himself, Reyes added. A mayor that is honest, that doesnt run to fill his pockets.

Miami Herald associate editor Joey Flechas contributed reporting.
U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks introduced legislation that would provide a tax credit for individuals pursuing in vitro fertilization treatments as discussions of IVF access pick up in Congress. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom)

As Congress reconvened this week, access to in-vitro fertilization has come up again as a top issue for lawmakers in the weeks leading up to the 2024 general election.

The U.S. Senate will vote again on legislation bolstering access to IVF treatments next week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Thursday. The measure lost in a June 48-47 procedural vote with most senators voting along party lines. Iowas U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, both Republicans, voted against the measure in June.

The issue of ensuring IVF access has come up repeatedly at the state and federal level in 2024, following the Alabama Supreme Court decision in February that frozen embryos are considered children under a 2018 state constitutional amendment that required the state to ensure the protection of the rights of the unborn child.

Alabama IVF providers halted services due to the court decision. While some health care providers in the state resumed the fertility treatment services after the state legislature passed a measure to protect IVF access, others say there is still uncertainty about the future of IVF access.

Democrats in multiple states, including Iowa, have said state anti-abortion laws and unborn personhood language approved following the overturn of Roe v. Wade threaten the availability of IVF treatment across the country. However, many Republicans who support restrictions on abortion say that they support IVF access and that regulations on the two health care treatments are not related.

Miller-Meeks proposes IVF tax credit

In the House, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, an Iowa Republican, introduced legislation this week that would provide a tax credit promoting access to in-vitro fertilization. The fully refundable tax credit of up to $30,000 would provide individuals and families pursuing IVF treatments with needed financial relief, Miller-Meeks said in a news release.

A single IVF cycle  involving procedures including egg retrieval and embryo transfer  typically cost between $15,000 and $30,000, according to reporting by Forbes.

Every life is precious, and we have a moral imperative to support those who wish to become parents, Miller-Meeks said in a statement. By providing financial assistance through this refundable tax credit, we are not only making IVF more accessible but also empowering individuals and families to realize their dreams of parenthood. This bill is a commitment to supporting life and the choices of families across our nation.

Grassley, Ernst support bill calling for more oversight of foreign land purchases

Iowas U.S. senators both released messages of support for a bill they say would increase scrutiny on foreign purchases of U.S. farmland  particularly from purchasers in adversarial countries like China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran.

Grassley was one of the cosponsors who introduced the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 on Tuesday, a measure that would add the U.S. secretary of agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) when dealing with transactions involving U.S. agricultural land, agricultural biotech, and the transportation, storage, and processing of agricultural products.

It would also give the agriculture secretary the authority to report agricultural land transactions that involve foreign persons from adversarial countries and transactions covered by the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act to the committee.

The CFIUS, an interagency committee chaired by the U.S. secretary of the treasury with members from several federal executive departments and agencies, oversees transactions involving U.S. real estate and foreign investments into the U.S. for potential national security threats.

Adding the secretary of agriculture to the committee would help ensure security for the countrys agricultural supply chain, in addition to bringing attention to national security threats through U.S. foreign farmland ownership, Grassley said in a news release.

When adversarial foreign governments buy up U.S. farmland, it undermines economic opportunities for families across Americas Heartland and presents obvious national security threats, Grassley said in a statement. The federal governments number one job is to protect its citizens. Our legislation would support that fundamental responsibility by taking commonsense actions to address current vulnerabilities.

Ernst released a statement in support of the measure on Wednesday, saying the secretary of agricultures addition to the committee would add much-needed oversight to the process of reviewing farmland purchases by foreign adversaries.

Foreign acquisition of our precious agricultural land, especially by our adversaries, threatens the integrity of our food supply and the security of our nation, Ernst said in a statement. Giving the agriculture community oversight in land ownership is a commonsense measure that sends a strong message to malign actors. There is nothing more foundational to our nations independence, safety, and security than protecting our food supply from foreign influence.

Republican state leaders in Iowa have also taken action on foreign farmland ownership. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a state law in 2024 related to foreign land ownership in Iowa. The measure, advocated for by the governor, granted the state attorney general more oversight powers on the issue, allowing the AG to subpoena foreign landowners for financial records and land purchase agreements for investigations into potential violations of laws on foreign farmland ownership.

Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa helped introduced the House version of the bill alongside Washington Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse. Hinson spoke Wednesday on the House floor about how the measure would help protect our food supply from foreign adversaries like Communist China.

China continues to buy up American farmland at an alarming rate, Hinson said. Theyre aiming to gain control over our food and fuel supply chains, stealing American intellectual property, and strategically purchasing land next to sensitive sites.  In Iowa, our land is sacred. Iowa farmers feed and fuel the world. We cannot allow the CCP to continue buying up our most valuable resource.
Deja vu all over again: Marijuana on the SD ballot

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) South Dakota voters have been here before.

Back in 2020, voters approved Amendment A, which legalized marijuana. However, the head of the state Highway Patrol, acting at Gov. Kristi Noems direction, and the Pennington County sheriff challenged its legality. The state Supreme Court eventually said Amendment A violated the state constitutions single-subject requirement.

And in 2022, voters turned down Initiated Measure 27, which would have legalized marijuanas possession, distribution and use. Now in 2024, Initiated Measure 29 would do the same. Supporters held a news conference in Sioux Falls Thursday afternoon.

Legalizing this product is what makes it the safest and most regulated, said Brad Jurgensen, who sits on the executive committee for the Yes on 29 ballot committee. Keeping it illegal is what makes the cartels not have to test.

While IM 29 would legalize the drug for people 21 and older, former state lawmaker Rhonda Milstead says kids would be at risk. Milstead is executive director of the nonprofit Protecting South Dakota Kids.

UPDATE: Judge applauds victim in Mitchell case

Why do we want to stifle the future of our children by bringing a drug into South Dakota, and thats exactly what it is, Milstead said. Its all about money, and were not okay with that.

Both sides are feeling optimistic ahead of the election.

I think were in the mindset of just talking to the people who might be open-minded to change their vote, and then by Election Day we feel very confident in a 50% plus one result, Jurgensen said.

Im confident in the people of South Dakota recognizing it for what it is, Milstead said. Its going to hurt our kids. Its going to hurt our people. We have a great way of life, and we dont want to ruin that.

Absentee voting for the 2024 general election is set to start Sept. 20.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  On Thursday, D51 held its first-ever district-wide Workforce Development Day at the Grand Junction Convention Center. Here D51 juniors spent half their day at the event which was set up as a career-style conference with breakout sessions, panels and local business representatives.

WesternSlopeNow spoke with Grand Junction High School student Melanie Zeller, who says she was eager to learn about different career paths.

Explore different career options and kind of just get like a broad overview of what I want to do. Melanie Zeller, GJHS junior

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Friday on the Daily 8, were looking at a $1.2 million drug bust by GRPD, the reopening of Grand Rapids oldest bar, the start of ArtPrize 2024 and more.

You can watch the full Daily 8 for Sept. 13, 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 Monday 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.
BEAVER, WV (WVNS)  On an April day in 1959, Pamela Thomas Elliot, who is now retired from a successful nursing career, was five years old and taking a nap upstairs in her Daniels home when her life changed.

Grandmother was just downstairs. She was outside the door at the bottom of the stairway at the porch swing, Elliot recalled on Thursday, September 12, 2024, as she prepared to deliver a message to an audience at Shady Spring Senior Center. She heard some noise. She came in the house. The stairwell was blazing. She could not get up the stairwell.

According to Elliot, a high school boy who had skipped school that day pulled his car over, ran into the house and rescued her.

She said she could remember the teenaged boy using his coat to pat out flames and carrying her to his car, past a thorny rose bush.

As the boy drove, Elliot recalled, she was lying in the front seat, her head on his leg.

She can still recall the speedometer of the car showed 80 mph.

Fish you shouldnt eat if you catch them in West Virginia

The boy took her to Beckley ARH Hospital, where she stayed for the next three months.

Elliot said she had third-degree burns throughout her body.

She had to learn to walk again, and she underwent multiple surgeries throughout her childhood and teen years.

Elliot delivered a message to seniors on Thursday, encouraging them to seek Christ when terrible things happen in their lives, and reassuring them of Gods love.

She said she did become angry with God as a young woman, at age 17.

Elliot had wanted to enter a medical program, and she was invited back for a second interview, only to have a doctor tell her that her appearance may make patients uneasy.

The Salt Sulphur Springs Resort listed for sale at more than $1.7 million

It was a shock, she said, because she had grown up in Daniels without the community remarking on her appearance.

That was redirection of my life, and it was the very first time in my life that anybody had ever said anything ugly to me like that, said Elliot. This community of Daniels, West Virginia, protected me.

Elliot went on to have an impressive and diverse nursing career, working in the operating room and in neurological health, and, she said, she eventually made her peace with God.

When she was 35 years old, she met with the young man who had saved her life.

She said he still lives in Raleigh County.

We chatted a few minutes and then he looked right at me and he said, I have to tell you, I never wanted to meet you. I can close my eyes and see you as you were that day,' said Elliot. All those questions then began to just flurry in my mind about what he, as a young man, went through. I just said, I am so sorry but all of my life I have wanted to meet you and thank you for what you did. You saved my life, and I hope you have a better vision now.'

During her speech, Elliot encouraged those in her home county to keep faith in God through their trials and to view their lives through the lenses of love and faith.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  A car crash in Indiana earlier this week resulted in the death of a longtime PE teacher at Mark Denman Elementary School in Danville.

The crash happened Monday evening in Tippecanoe County, Ind. WCIA sister station Fox 59 in Indianapolis reported that a Chevrolet Blazer was driving westbound on a county road when it crossed the center line and hit a Toyota Prius head-on. The drivers of both vehicles died.

The driver of the Blazer was identified as Nathaniel Phipps, 28 of Covington, Ind. The driver of the Prius was Mihai Murineanu, 46 of Crawfordsville, Ind.

Cpl. Schreiber begins final journey home to Indiana

Murineanu was on his way to pick up his children from school. Now, the students and staff at the school he taught at are honoring his memory. They said they are staying positive and keeping God first because thats what Mr. M would have wanted.

Its just such a huge loss for our staff and our students, said Principal Stacie Sollars. And, you know, as friends.

Faculty members said they are in disbelief and are heartbroken.

Its very noticeable that he was not here this week, because he was always a positive one, always the one that would come in with a smile on his face, said fellow PE teacher Steve Dale.

I just felt like somebody had just like sucked the life out of my body, said 4th grade teacher Lisa Palinski. He would deliver our transportation changes and so he would always smile and hand them to me. And I didnt even get a chance to really have a conversation.

Grief is hard to cope with at any age, but especially for those who are so young. 4th grader Noel Franklin was one of Murineanus students.

He always made jokes, and he always told me to cheer up when I was sad, Franklin said.

In Murineanus honor, Franklin ran a lap around Denman Elementarys field because thats what he would have wanted Franklin to do.

He wanted us to become strong and healthy, and he wanted us to be the best that we could be, Franklin said.

Springfield bridge to be renamed, decorated with mural to honor Sonya Massey

Staff and students are paying their respects with a balloon wall outside the gym, covering the wall with messages and memories.

I know he is celebrating where he wants to be right now, but we sure do miss him here, Sollars said.

An obituary for Murineanu said he was born in Romania and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2010. It also said he was a husband and a father who adored his children and who was involved in religious services.

A GoFundMe raising money made in Murineanus honor 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 WCIA.com.
A neo-Nazi group is taking credit for creating and spreading the racist conspiracy that Haitian immigrants are killing and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.

The leader of the group Blood Tribe, Christopher Pohlhaus, celebrated on his Telegram channel on Wednesday, after the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris the day before where Trump brought up the false rumor.

The neo-Nazi group pushed Springfield into the public consciousness, Pohlhaus, known as Hammer to his followers, wrote on Telegram, according to NBC News.

The president is talking about it now, one of Blood Tribes members wrote on Gab, a social network popular with the far right. This is what real power looks like.

While the exact origin of the rumor is unclear, it was at least amplified and spread by the neo-Nazi group. In late June, local Facebook groups in Ohio were posting about Haitian children chasing geese and ducks. In the next few weeks, darker rumors spread about the ducks and geese going missing and possibly being eaten by Haitian immigrants.

In August, Blood Tribe picked up on the rumors and started posting about them on Telegram and Gab. Members of the racist organization marched in Springfield in Ohio in early August and spoke at some of the towns meetings.

I want to apologize. I've been saying that the GOP cooked up these fake Haitian stories a week ago as an election ploy.



But this young man was discussing issue as early as August 27. He attended a town hall meeting to speak out.



He's a leader in the Neo-Nazi group Blood Pride. pic.twitter.com/PcReF05muc  Zaid Jilani (@ZaidJilani) September 10, 2024

From there, the false story was picked up by the right-wing End Wokeness account on X, which last week posted a screenshot from a Facebook post and a picture of a man holding some kind of bird walking down a street. The picture wasnt from Springfield, though: It was taken in Columbus, Ohio, on July 28, and the photographer has apologized and admitted he doesnt know the ethnicity of the man.

Still, a post on Reddit made the rumor go viral, with right-wing influencers soon creating A.I.-generated pictures of Trump protecting pets, specifically cats. Politicians from Ted Cruz to vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance picked up on it before Trump mentioned it in Tuesday nights debate. Now the increased attention is causing problems in the town, leading to threats against town buildings and elementary schools, as well as a condemnation from the mayor. A familys deceased son has been used as a political tool, much to their outrage. Republican leaders need to face the fact that this false story is not ammunition for their immigration policies but is rooted in racism and needs to stop.


(Capital-Star photo)

Dauphin Countys elections board has enacted whats called notice and cure policy  basically, if someone incorrectly fills out a mail-in ballot, the county will return it to them and give the voter a chance to correct their error.

Dauphin is now one of at least 32 Pennsylvania counties with a notice and cure program, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania. But The ACLU and other voting rights advocates are hoping even more counties adopt such programs. However, with less than two months to go until the 2024 election, its unlikely that many more counties  if any  will enact such a program before November.

Still, voting rights advocates are counting the Dauphin County policy change as a victory, and part of a longer effort to ensure that errors made on mail-in ballots dont lead to votes being discarded.

Its huge. Its huge for Dauphin County. Its huge for the state, said Marian Schneider, senior voting rights policy counsel at the ACLU of Pennsylvania. What weve seen in other counties is that  about two-thirds of voters who get contacted about an error actually correct those errors. So its a good thing for voters.

County notice-and-cure policies require election boards to notify mail-in ballot voters of any errors found on their ballots when theyre received by the county and give them a chance to correct them. This is a separate process from voting provisionally, because corrections are made to the original ballot.

A provisional ballot can be filled out at a polling place if a voter is concerned that their vote will not be counted because of issues like mail-in ballot errors or voter eligibility. If the voter is found to in fact be eligible to vote, and that they havent already submitted a correctly filled-in ballot, it will be counted.

In the case of Dauphin Countys new rule, according to Chris Spackman, the Dauphin County director of registration and elections, incorrectly completed ballots will be returned to voters if theyre received by the Saturday before the election. That way the voters have a chance to correct any errors, like leaving off a date or not putting their ballot in a secrecy envelope.

Voters whose ballots are received by the county later the Saturday before the election will still be notified if an error is detected and have the chance to cast a provisional ballot.

Still, Spackman urges voters to fill out their ballots carefully.

Try to make sure you dont have to avail yourself to this policy, Spackman said. With that said, this is one way to make sure that if you do accidentally make a mistake, you will be afforded an opportunity to correct it.

County by county policies

Pennsylvania counties have a fair amount of autonomy when it comes to administering elections. In the absence of statewide law, in many cases, counties can decide how to handle particular issues, like what to do with incorrectly filled out ballots.

When it comes to notice and cure specifically, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that counties were not required to tell voters about mistakes on their ballots. So counties decide themselves how or whether to notify voters whose mail-in ballots contain errors.

As it stands, at least 32 counties have notice and cure provisions, at least 13 counties notify voters of errors on their mail-in ballots, but dont offer chances to cure and at least 12 counties do neither, according to the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Sherman said the organization is still waiting to receive more information from the remaining 10 counties.

Voters who make errors and are not awarded a chance to cure their ballot, or who think they may have made an error, can always vote provisionally at their polling place.

Danitra Sherman, the ACLUs deputy director of advocacy and policy, hopes a few more counties may enact notice and cure policies before the election, but she recognizes it will be a challenge, especially with so little time before the election.

Seeing what happened in Dauphin, theres definitely reason to be hopeful, Sherman said. But these things need to be decided and voted on like, now.

But Shermans county by county push is only one part of a multi-pronged approach by the ACLU to ensure that minor errors in mail-in ballots dont result in votes being thrown out.

The ACLU was part of the Washington County case over voters who werent notified of mail-in ballot errors, as well as two other voting-related lawsuits.

Following this years primary election, the ACLU and the Public Interest Law Center sued Butler County on behalf of two voters who returned their mail-in ballots without the required secrecy envelopes, but who were not allowed to cast provisional ballots.

The Commonwealth Court ruled last week that they should have been able to vote provisionally and had their votes counted. But its likely that the state Supreme Court will rule on an appeal before the election, which could change the outcome.

At the end of the day, if theres a mistake happening on a ballot or a mail-in ballot, everybody should have the chance to fix their mistake and have their ballot counted, Sherman said. Its as simple as that.

The ACLU is also involved in a lawsuit over whether ballots can be discarded because their return envelopes are incorrectly dated. As it stands, the Commonwealth Court has ruled in their favor, requiring such ballots to be counted, but a state Supreme Court decision could overturn that.

Pennsylvania has a no-excuse mail-in voting law, meaning any eligible voter can request a mail-in ballot. The deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is October 29, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State.

Voters with any questions about their eligibility, registration or how to vote by mail or in person should visit vote.pa.gov.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Grant Cardone

Kamala Harris has promised that she will create an opportunity economy that will help middle-class Americans if she is elected president. But Grant Cardone, fund manager and CEO of Cardone Capital and Cardone Training Technologies, believes that a Harris presidency would be detrimental to the middle class.

Learn More: 5 Things You Should Stop Wasting Money on if Kamala Harris Wins in November, According to Experts

Find Out: 7 Reasons a Financial Advisor Can Grow Your Wealth in 2024

She will ruin the hope of the American dream for at least 15% of Americans, he told GOBankingRates. She will literally take the chance of the American dream away from 45 to 50 million middle-class people in this country. [A Harris presidency] will not hurt the rich. Wealthy people always make money under Democrats  the middle class gets crushed.

Heres why Cardone, who will be hosting the 10X Wealth Conference in Miami on Oct. 9-10, says the middle class will suffer under a Harris presidency.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

Higher Taxes on Businesses Will Lead To Fewer Jobs

Harris has proposed cutting taxes for middle-class families while increasing taxes for wealthy Americans and large corporations. Cardone believes this will actually end up hurting the middle class.

Kamala Harris will put the middle class on a downward spiral that might be irreversible because of her tax policy, because she taxes me as a businessman, he said.

Cardone believes that if business owners are forced to pay more in taxes, this will end up hurting workers because employers will cut jobs as a way to cut costs.

Look at the minimum wage thing that they tried to press, he said. All the smart business people just said, OK, Im just going to go to part-time [employees]. Im going to stay under 40 hours, and I dont have to do that.

Same thing with healthcare, Cardone continued. Most of these big companies that are 10,000 employees, theyre just doing 38 hours, and then they dont have to provide healthcare. So anytime the government mandates to the local business or big business, theyre either going to figure out how to skirt the program, or theyre going to figure out how to eliminate jobs.

Consider This: Im an Economist: My Prediction for Household Incomes in 2025 If Trump Wins the Election

Businesses Will Raise Prices, Making Things Less Affordable for the Middle Class

Although Harris has promised to stop price gouging, Cardone doesnt believe she can increase costs for businesses while expecting them to keep prices low.

Story continues

She says weve got to pay people more money, and now we have to limit how much people can sell their products for, he said. You cant have it both ways. If you want me to pay people more money, OK, Ill pay people more money. But then you cant say that Im price gouging when I raise my prices.

Cardone believes only the wealthy would benefit from a Harris presidency  not the middle class.

The only people that benefit from a Harris victory are people that are connected, the big banks, the rulers of the universe.

Editors note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Grant Cardone: A Harris Presidency Could Ruin Your Chance at the American Dream
After 18 years as Tacoma Arts Lives CEO, David Fischer announced he will be passing the torch at the end of October.

Katie Lappier and Joshua Knudson will jointly lead the nonprofit into the future as the organization continues to develop the Tacoma Armory as a hub for arts, culture and community, Tacoma Arts Live said in a news release Friday.

Fischer was instrumental in reviving the performing-arts scene in Tacoma, leading the restoration of the historic Pantages Theater and pushing for the passage of Tacoma Creates, which today raises more than $6 million annually to support local arts, education, science and heritage programs through a 0.001% sales tax. He led Tacoma Arts Live through three recessions and a global pandemic and with his team raised more than $75 million in support of programmatic and capital improvements in the arts, according to a recent announcement sent to donors.

Lappier most recently served as chief programs officer of Tacoma Arts Live, overseeing Theater Northwest and an education program that serves more than 55,000 annually. She has been producing dance and theater, choreographing, performing and teaching in Western Washington since 2005, according to the news release.

Knudson joined Tacoma Arts Live last year after 25 years in higher education and has worked creatively with the organization since 2018 as a director and actor. He served for 13 years as vice chancellor for advancement at the University of Washington Tacoma, the news release said.

In an interview with The News Tribune on Friday, Fischer said he is planning to stay in Tacoma and would announce his next career move in late October. Fischer said he was pleased the Tacoma Arts Live board selected Lappier and Knudson as his successors.

One will be taking the lead on artistic, educational and community outreach programming. And the other will be focused on fundraising, marketing and business operations, he said. They are two phenomenal people who Ive known for years, and Im excited to see them take the leadership. Theyre going to do amazing things, and they are supported by one of the smartest and best staff teams Ive ever seen.

Today, the arts are more important than ever, Fischer said. It builds empathy and understanding in what otherwise is a world full of differences, he said.

The arts offer the opportunity for people to step into somebody elses shoes and see the world through different eyes. And I think its always been essential, but now, with as much division as we have, I think its even more essential, he said. Through that collective process of a community coming together to experience an arts moment, that whole idea of social cohesion, it gets strengthened. And we raise our visibility to the fact that we dont live in an isolated social media bubble. We actually live in real life, real time with our friends and neighbors, and thats what happens when we come together for great events.
Conservatives say a recent study showing Vice President Kamala Harris receiving significantly more favorable coverage on ABCs "World News Tonight with David Muir" than former President Trump should have been a clear indicator that Tuesday nights debate was going to be hostile territory.

ABC News has come under fire after Muir and co-moderator Linsey Davis repeatedly fact-checked Trump while failing to correct Harris even a single time. The ABC moderators have also been urged to issue a correction on their abortion coverage and were scolded for giving Harris a pass on her explanation for recent policy flip-flops.

Conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt wrote that the "journalistic reputations of Muir and Davis are the most scarred by the fiasco," but "the damage will extend to both the ABC and Disney brands" because the moderators failed to ask more critical questions of Harris.

CNN PANEL CLASHES AFTER DEMOCRATIC GUEST SUGGESTS DEBATE MODERATORS WERE 'HARSHER' ON TRUMP

ABC Presidential Debate co-moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis.

Media Research Center founder Brent Bozell said on "The Brent Bozell Show" podcast that Harris had a clear advantage that should have been apparent.

"Whoever recommended that [Trump] do that debate on ABC should be fired. It was about the worst decision that could have been made," Bozell said on Wednesday when discussing what he feels are the Disney-owned networks biases.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The debate was hardly the first time ABC News has been accused of favoring Democrats over Trump or painting the GOP nominee in a negative light. The networks daytime gabfest "The View," which falls under the umbrella of ABCs news division, has been overtly anti-Trump for years and summoned Chelsea Clinton to guest-host on Thursday. The show's hosts were gleeful over the debate, with Whoopi Goldberg calling it a "booty whooping."

ABCs flagship late-night show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," is also regularly critical of Trump and booked prominent anti-Trump figures Jane Fonda and George Conway as guests following the networks coverage of the debate. Kimmel even helped with a fundraiser for Biden when he was the nominee earlier this year.

When it comes to the debate moderators, Davis seemingly linked Trump to the Ku Klux Klan by noting during ABC coverage of the Democratic National Convention that the former president was scheduled to appear in the same Michigan town where the KKK held a protest earlier this year.

VOTERS GIVE HARRIS THE DEBATE WIN, BUT PRAISE TRUMP ON POLICY: SHE GOT UNDER HIS SKIN

Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris squared off in the ABC Presidential Debate on Tuesday.

As for Muir, the conservative Media Research Center found prior to the debate that his program, "World News Tonight," has been more "positive towards Harris and the most hostile to Trump" compared to evening newscasts on NBC and CBS.

Bozells MRC reviewed 100 campaign stories on ABCs "World News Tonight" that aired from July 21 when Harris entered the race through September 6.

"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," MRC NewsBusters contributing editor Rich Noyes wrote.

"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," Noyes continued. "During these same weeks, both the CBS Evening News and NBC Nightly News also delivered highly positive coverage for Harris, and mostly negative coverage for Trump, yet not as extreme as we found with ABCs World News Tonight."

Notes explained that MRC's measure of good versus bad press omitted partisan comments, "as well as horse race assessments about the candidates poll standings and prospects." The MRC added "ABCs reporters and anchors either jumped in to criticize Trump themselves, or broadcast negative comments from non-partisan sources to impart a heavily negative spin to the former Presidents coverage."

MRC researchers also pointed to "other ways that ABCs flagship newscast aided the Democratic nominee" ahead of the presidential debate.

ABCS LINSEY DAVIS RAISES EYEBROWS WITH ABORTION FACT-CHECK AGAINST TRUMP: 'COMPLETELY INTERJECTS HERSELF'

The MRC wrote that "World News Tonight" hasnt used the word "liberal" to describe Harris, hasnt spoken to voters who oppose Harris and regularly promotes Trump controversies while "hiding" negative news about Harris.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America also sent a letter to ABC News president Almin Karamehmedovic, along with Muir and Davis, urging the network to issue a correction about a "100% inaccurate" abortion claim made during the debate.

Trump referred to infamous comments made by former Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam in 2019 but was promptly "fact-checked" by Davis. At the time, Northam suggested that in some rare instances of third-trimester abortions, a baby could be born alive and a "discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother" about what to do.

"There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born," Davis sternly responded to Trump at the debate.

TRUMP'S DEFAMATION LAWSUIT AGAINST ABC, GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS CAN MOVE FORWARD, JUDGE RULES

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America says the ABC moderator was "inaccurate" and should correct the record.

"This is 100% inaccurate. Her statement tragically ignores the reality of babies who survive failed, late-term abortions but are denied basic medical care and left to die," Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America president Marjorie Dannenfelser wrote in a letter to ABC bigwigs.

ABC News did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, Dana Walden, a senior Disney executive whose portfolio includes ABC News, is one of Harris' "extraordinary friends," according to a report in the New York Times. Walden and Harris have known each other since 1994, while their husbands, Matt Walden and Doug Emhoff, have known each other since the 1980s.

ABC told the New York Times that Walden, who is Disneys highest-ranking television executive, does not weigh in on editorial decisions. She has donated to dozens of Democrats and has contributed to Harris political campaigns since at least 2003.

Fox News Digital's Kendall Tietz contributed to this report.





Original article source: David Muirs ABC newscast was 100% positive about Harris, 93% negative about Trump ahead of debate: study
Visitors tour Fort McHenry, the site of the September 13-14, 1814, battle against the British that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the "Star Spangled Banner," in Baltimore on June 18, 2011. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI

Sept. 13 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1814, during a British attack on Fort McHenry, Md., Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

In 1940, the chapel at Buckingham Palace was destroyed in the German Blitz on London. The palace came under attack nine times during World War II. Ten days later, King George VI condemned the "wickedness against which we fight."

In 1948, Margaret Chase Smith won election to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress.

In 1971, New York state forces stormed and regained control of Attica state prison in a riot that killed 43 people.

Galveston resident Calvin Wehrle (C) makes his way back to his vehicle after checking out debris that came onto I-45 North from Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Texas on September 13, 2008. File Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/UPI

In 1993, in a ceremony at the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat signed a declaration of principles for Palestinian self-rule.

File Photo by Leighton Mark/UPI

On September 13, 1948, Margaret Chase Smith became the first woman to be serve in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, representing Maine as a Republican. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Senate

In 1996, rapper Tupac Shakur died after he was shot in an ambush on Sept. 7.

In 2001, U.S. carriers were allowed to resume flights and airports were under strict new security requirements in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

On September 13, 1996, rapper Tupac Shakur died in Los Angeles after he was shot in an ambush on September 7. File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

In 2007, the U.N. General Assembly, with the United States dissenting, approved a measure outlawing discrimination against Indigenous peoples. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was a watershed -- but non-binding -- document outlining individual and collective rights to culture, identity, language, employment, health, education, and other issues.

In 2008, Hurricane Ike battered Galveston and Houston with heavy rain and 110-mph winds, forcing about 1 million people to flee and leaving millions without electricity. Officials later said deaths caused by Ike included more than 100 in the United States and about 75 in Haiti.

Airline passengers at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport are reminded about heightened security measures September 13, 2001, in the wake of the attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. On September 13, U.S. carriers were allowed to resume flights and airports were under strict new security requirements in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

File Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/UPI

In 2013, an Indian court convicted four men on charges they raped and murdered a 23-year-old student on a private bus in Delhi -- a December 2012 attack that caused nationwide outrage. They were sentenced to death.

In 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Siberia, each promising to support the other.

File Photo courtesy of the Kremlin
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. Council member Trayon White pleaded not guilty to federal bribery charges on Thursday afternoon.

Thursdays plea comes a week after White was formally indicted on that charge.

DC councilmembers react to Trayon Whites arrest

Prosecutors revealed White was offered a plea deal in late August which he rejected earlier this month.

DC News Now asked Whites attorney to share more information about the plea deal he rejected.

I have nothing to say at all, Whites lawyer, Frederick Cooke, Jr. responded.

Court documents revealed photos showing White allegedly accepting thousands of dollars in cash bribes in exchange for helping secure D.C. government contracts for businesses.

After the hearing, DC News Now asked White if he had a message for Ward 8 to which he responded:

God is good, God is good. Ward 8 strong!

DC Councilmember Trayon White addresses criminal accusations of bribery

With another election just 53 days away, Whites campaign said his name will stay on the ballot for the Ward 8 council spot.

The people of Ward 8 are going to need their councilmember to show up and do the work. thats why hes continuing his run. were gonna keep campaigning. well see you there Ward 8, said Whites campaign manager Fria Moore.

White isnt scheduled to appear in court again until Nov. 13 which is after the election.

Candidates had until 5 p.m. Thursday to withdraw their names from the election. A spokesperson with the Board of Elections Office confirmed White did not withdraw his candidacy.

5th annual Nightmare in Navy Yard coming to DC for Halloween celebration

Some Ward 8 voters expressed concern over Whites decision.

I say he has bigger fish to fry than staying in the election, I think he should take care of that first, said resident Quentin Lewis.

Others, like Earl Rodriguez, said Ward 8 deserves better.

The evidence is there. I know youre innocent until youre proven guilty but the reality is, come on man get out of the way, youre about to get locked up, he said.

Four other write-in candidates will be on the ballot, including Michael Brown, Olivia Henderson, Khadijah Long and June Sherman. Republican Nate Derenge is also on the ballot.

DC police officers sentenced in unauthorized chase that ended in fatal crash and subsequent cover-up

The D.C. Council has formed its own committee to investigate White.

All eyes will be back on White and the council on Monday as they meet for the first time after summer recess.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 police warning residents of new email extortion scheme going around

DC police warning residents of new email extortion scheme going around

WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police are warning residents of an email extortion scheme that has been going around lately.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said fraudsters have been emailing their victims and saying that they have hacked their computers, getting access to their information, photos and contacts.

DC Councilmember Trayon White pleads not guilty to bribery charges

The fraudsters then tell their victims that they have screenshotted alleged personal things and websites that the victims have visited and demand a predetermined amount of Bitcoin. If the victims do not pay up, MPD said the fraudsters threaten to release all the information they retained to social media and to the victims contacts.

MPD said the swindlers will attach a photo of the victims homes which the department believes they have found on Google Maps.

MPD gave these tips to anyone who receives similar unsolicited emails:

Do not feel pressured to act on the email. Fraudsters have public information on their victims but it does not mean its legitimate.

Never pay any Bitcoin or click on any links that are in those emails.

Let your friends and family know about the swindling attempt and protect those around you.

DC police officers sentenced in unauthorized chase that ended in fatal crash and subsequent cover-up

If any D.C. residents have been a victims of this scheme or have information about it, call MPD at 202-727-9099.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DCPS: Elementary school students divided into groups by race for discussion; staff member used racial slur

WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  School officials said that during a discussion on discrimination at a D.C. elementary school on Friday, children were divided into groups based on race, and a staff member used a racial slur.

A letter sent to Shepherd Elementary School families, that DC Public Schools (DCPS) provided, said that the incident involved the schools fourth-grade students.

The letter stated that the discussion started after an isolated racist incident between a few of [the schools] fourth-grade students.

During the discussion, students were inappropriately asked to separate into groups determined by race and a staff member used the unabbreviated N-word, the letter, sent by Assistant Principal Shamayne Coles, said.

A father of a Shepherd Elementary School student said, That the teacher would use the word explicitly tells me that theyve used it before, and used it comfortably, perhaps.

DC police warning residents of new email extortion scheme going around

I want to apologize for this unacceptable conversation. Students should never be asked to segregate by race or hear racist terminology used within the safety of our school building.

Conversations around race and identity should be thoughtful, well-prepared, and facilitated by professionals. This incident has been reported to the DC Public Schools (DCPS)

Comprehensive Alternative Resolution & Equity (CARE) Team for review. Letter from Shepherd Elementary School Assistant Principal Shamayne Coles

The letter stated that DCPS Equity Team will be supporting the school. It will also hold a restorative conversation with the fourth-graders with the help of a trained facilitator.

I dont use negative terms like that with my son, the students father said, who attends school here. While I could, I choose not to. Thats the way I am.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Boris Pistorius (R), German Minister of Defence, takes part in the signing of the intergovernmental agreement on the deployment of the Lithuanian brigade alongside Laurynas Kasciunas, Minister of Defence of Lithuania. The agreement regulates the status of the brigade and the legal status of the Bundeswehr soldiers deployed in the NATO country, which is to be ready for combat by 2027. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Germany and Lithuania finalized an agreement to station a brigade in the Baltic country, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kasciunas said on Friday.

The agreement underpins Germany's promise to permanently station a combat-ready and independently operational unit in the fellow NATO country, in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which fundamentally altered the security situation in Europe.

The German brigade is expected to be operational by 2027, with a permanent presence of up to 5,000 soldiers. They are to be deployed in Rudninkai and Rukla.

An advance party of about 20 soldiers arrived in Lithuania in April and some 120 more are expected to arrive at the beginning of October, according to the German army.

The move to permanently station soldiers abroad is new territory for the Bundeswehr.

The two ministers signed the agreement, which which expands on a previous NATO agreement, and specifies the legal status of German soldiers and civilian employees in Lithuania.

It covers residency and tax status, schooling, public health provision and other aspects.

Boris Pistorius (R), German Minister of Defence, takes part in the signing of the intergovernmental agreement on the deployment of the Lithuanian brigade alongside Laurynas Kasciunas, Minister of Defence of Lithuania. The agreement regulates the status of the brigade and the legal status of the Bundeswehr soldiers deployed in the NATO country, which is to be ready for combat by 2027. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Boris Pistorius (R), German Minister of Defence, speaks next to Laurynas Kasciunas, Minister of Defence of Lithuania, after signing the government agreement on the deployment of the Lithuanian brigade. The agreement regulates the status of the brigade and the legal status of the Bundeswehr soldiers deployed in the NATO country, which is to be ready for combat by 2027. Michael Kappeler/dpa
Bobby Gaytan, a local artist, stands in front of his mural "Flowers for J.J. Saldana." The mural was made in honor of late Idaho Latino advocate, J.J. Saldana, who unexpectedly died from unknown causes in September 2023. (Mia Maldonado/Idaho Capital Sun)

Para leer esta historia en espanol, haga clic aqui.

The first time I met J.J. was in October 2017. I was a senior in high school attending the annual Idaho Hispanic Youth Leadership Summit.

The summit is held by the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, a state-funded organization established in 1987 that works with the state government and Idahos Hispanic population to understand their needs and to promote education and employment opportunities. The summits are similar to college fairs, but they are focused on helping young Idaho Latinos overcome the barriers they face when applying for college.

J.J. Saldana was the co-founder of the summits, and he worked for the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs for nearly 24 years, making connections with Latinos across the state to identify their needs and connect them with programs that would uplift them.

You cant be what you cant see, he often said, reflecting his passion for increasing Latino representation in leadership.

My mom and I had driven seven hours from North Idaho to Boise to attend the summit, which was held at the Student Union center at Boise State University.

Ponte las pilas, she told me, which means put in the batteries  a common phrase Latino parents tell their children. It basically means work hard and get your act together.

I was nervous and intimidated as one of the only people to come individually rather than with a group from their school, but I knew my mom was right. If I was to attend or even afford college, I needed to make as many connections as possible.

I told the check-in person my name and the name of my high school.

Shes our only North Idaho student with us today, a man said from behind the check-in booth.

He was holding an iPad. He wore a bowtie, vest and brown leather shoes. He handed me a folder with my schedule, then shook my hand.

Were so excited youre here, he said. Thank you for coming all the way to Boise. Im J.J.

His warmth and excitement about my presence immediately made me feel more comfortable. That day consisted of workshops about financial aid and meeting with admissions counselors from Idaho colleges. As overwhelming as it was to me at the time, it ended up being a life-changing event for me. It made me realize that there are a lot of Latinos who are my age in Idaho  something I didnt realize having grown up in North Idaho. Also, it is where I first connected with my now alma mater  the College of Idaho.

At the end of the event, my mom insisted we take a photo with the staff from the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs. It was then that J.J. told me that he hoped someday the commission would be able to hold the summits in other parts of the state, so that students like me didnt have to commute so far for the opportunity to learn about college.

He fulfilled that mission. Late last September, days before his unexpected death, he was at the University of Idaho in Moscow hosting one of several summits.

Since the day I met him, J.J. became someone who supported me as I started college, and advocated for me as I started my journalism career. In spring 2022, right before I graduated college, I applied for an internship with the Voces Internship of Idaho  a nonprofit that provides paid internships to young Idaho Latinos interested in journalism.

J.J., who was on the Voces Internship advisory council, was one of the people who interviewed me over Zoom. As I recognized him, I once again felt less intimidated and safe as I interviewed for the internship I was desperate to get. I knew I wanted to become a journalist, but I had no qualifications other than the fact that I loved to write. J.J. had seen the potential in me before, and maybe hed see it again, I thought.

Later that month, I received a call that I would be one of the first interns for the Voces Internship of Idaho. I was placed as an intern at the Idaho Capital Sun, where less than a year later I would return to work as a full-time state politics reporter.

I am one of many Idaho Latinos J.J. supported and wanted to see thrive in Idaho. Sept. 15 will mark one year since I last saw him at the Hispanic Heritage Month kick off at the Idaho State Capitol, where he asked me to give a speech about the success of Voces Internship of Idaho.

He told me how proud he was of me, and asked to take a picture with me on his iconic iPad.

It hurts when Im reminded that J.J. is no longer around to take selfies with or share witty jokes. But theres still one place I can still find him, wearing his bowtie and brown leather shoes.

With support from the city of Boise, Bobby Gaytan, a Treasure Valley-based artist who is known for his street art representing Chicano culture, painted a mural memorializing J.J. s impact on Idaho. The mural is in downtown Boise, in an alley adjacent to Capitol Boulevard. Its easily recognizable as the alley surrounded with magenta and purple colors, colors J.J. often wore.

J.J., a friend and superhero to many of us, always cared and gave people their flowers expecting nothing in return, Gaytan told Boise Arts and History. He made people in our community feel confident and important and was inspirational in how he carried himself with pride and dignity.

The downtown mural not only honors the hero J.J. was to people like me, but it brings a piece of our Latino culture to Idahos capital.

The mural depicts symbols used in Day of the Dead celebrations, a holiday in Mexican culture where we honor our deceased loved ones. Marigolds, papel picado and a candle beautifully guide J.J. back to Idaho, the state he cherished and the people he always supported.

If you find yourself in downtown Boise, I encourage you to visit J.J.s mural, Flowers for J.J. Saldana. Take in the colors, the symbols of our culture, and feel the gentle spirit of a man who believed in the potential of every Latino in Idaho.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Debating debates: they seem less about learning but still important to the electorate

Robert F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon face off in this photo of the first televised presidential debate in 1960. This was held in Chicago at CBS' WBBM-TV on September 26, 1960.

Republican Richard Nixon and Democrat John F. Kennedy appeared in the first-ever televised debate between presidential candidates on Sept. 26, 1960. More than 65 million Americans watched.

Fast forward more than half a century, and 67 million Americans tuned in Tuesday night to watch Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris square off.

So, its not that people arent watching. But they have become so entrenched they cant look beyond their biases to assess proposals or even a performance.

Nowadays, people watch just to see their own beliefs confirmed, not to learn and be open to new ideas.

On Tuesday, I was wrapped up with work and missed most of the event. So, I jumped on social media see how it was going. The result was jarring  a little bit like seeing two parallel universes side by side.

There was no nuance or objectivity. If a person supported Trump, they believed he won easily. If they favored Harris, they saw her as triumphant.

I desperately hope a lot of Americans who arent as set in their choices watched with an open mind. I imagine some did. Not everyone lives on social media like I do.

If Joe Bidens disastrous performance in late June doesnt convince you that debates matter, I dont know what will. Without that event, Harris would not be the Democratic nominee now.

Trump said Thursday there wont be another debate. It is surprising that he would give up an opportunity to speak directly to voters. Especially given how close the race is.

More than national debates

That cant be said for some other debates here in Indiana.

Both Third District Congressman Jim Banks, who is running for U.S. Senate, and Mark Messmer, who is seeking the eighth congressional seat, have declined to debate their opponents.

On one hand, I understand. Both men are virtually assured election due to overwhelming GOP support in solidly red state Indiana. So why put themselves in a position where one slip of the tongue could torpedo a win?

One reason is that debating helps sharpen policy ideas and proposals as you prepare to defend and explain them to citizens.

Messmers campaign manager Adam Johnson said, Marks track record and longstanding connection with the 8th district give voters the clarity they need on where he stands. As a campaign, we remain committed to providing ample opportunities for voters to continue to engage with Mark personally.

Banks didnt return a message this week about debates though earlier this year said he was focused on representing northeast Indiana, spending time with family and running a statewide campaign.

He will entertain debate options as we get closer to Election Day, a campaign spokesperson told the Indiana Capital Chronicle in August.

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If Banks refuses to debate Democrat Valerie McCray and Libertarian Andrew Horning, it would be a first for the Indiana Debate Commission.

Since the commissions founding in 2008, 100% of the balloted candidates running for U.S. Senate and governor have participated in IDC-sponsored debates which are broadcast live and shared freely with media outlets statewide.

Heck, I would even settle for joint town halls with alternating questions. They seem to come with less pressure, and I like the idea of letting citizens ask questions directly.

There are still two months left before Election Day, and I hope Banks, Messmer and other candidates around the state agree to stand up and debate. Let their constituents take full measure and cast their ballots as they choose.

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Decatur man charged with six counts of child pornography

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA)  State Police arrested a Decatur man on Wednesday for sharing child pornography.

Authorities said 28-year-old Dustin Blankenship was arrested after they executed a residential search warrant with the Macon County Sheriffs Office. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children gave law enforcement multiple cyber tips that Blankenship possessed and disseminated child sexual abuse material.

Champaign entertainment producer detained after child pornography and grooming charges

The Macon County States Attorney charged Blankenship with six counts of Child Pornography, all Class X felonies on Thursday.

Anyone with any information on Blankenship is asked to contact Macon County Crimestoppers by calling (217-423-8477). Anonymous tips of child pornography can also be reported to the NCMEC CyberTipline.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter.

Recommended Reading

DoorDash announced Thursday it has added H Mart to its delivery roster.

The e-commerce provider will offer on-demand grocery delivery from more than 75 of the Asian supermarket chains stores.

The partnership expands the variety of groceries available to DoorDash users. The H Mart stores joining DoorDash include an expansive selection of everyday essentials, high-end products and groceries  from Korean Banchan to high-quality meats, ramen noodles, and beloved Asian snacks, according to an emailed announcement.

To encourage people to try H Mart, DoorDash is offering 50% off eligible orders of $50 or more (up to $35) at the participating H Mart locations through Oct. 15.

This marks the second recent e-commerce partnership for H Mart. In July, the grocer said that around 80 of its stores would kick off a delivery partnership with Uber.

H Mart has about 100 stores across the U.S., according to its website. In June, H Mart made its debut in Utah, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

DoorDash launched grocery delivery in 2020 and has grown its delivery roster to include national and local grocers.

In late August, the company announced it was increasing its grocery selection across Canada with on-demand delivery from Healthy Planet, Sungiven Foods, Supermarche PA, Natures Emporium and Linas Italian Market.
Deer hunting season in Cincinnati will begin Sept. 28 at 12 different parks throughout the city.

Bow hunters who have obtained the proper registration and have taken specific training will be allowed to harvest deer in designated portions of the parks until Feb. 2. Registration is closed for this year.

Hiking trails remain fully open during the season. Hunters can post signs to alert people they are in the area. All the hunting zones are at least 30 yards from mark trials.

Cincinnati Parks recommends that dogs be kept on leashes and that visitors stay on marked trails. No injuries to visitors have been reported in connection with hunting in the parks.

Where and when is bow hunting allowed?

Maps of each hunting area are available on the Cincinnati Parks website.

Alms Park, covering 94 acres in Mount Lookout.

Ault Park, a 224-acre site in Mount Lookout.

Caldwell Preserve, with 89 acres in Carthage.

California Woods Preserve, with 113 acres in California.

Daniel Drake Park, covering 66 acres in Kennedy Heights.

Glenway Woods, with 30 acres in Price Hill.

LaBoiteaux Woods, with 57 acres in College Hill.

Margrish Riverland Preserve, with 46 acres in California.

Miles Edward Park, a 37-acre site between Delhi and West Price Hill.

Seymour Nature Preserve, an 81-acre property in Carthage.

Stanbery Park, a 125-plus-acre facility in Mount Washington.

Seven areas of Mount Airy Forest: Bradford/Feter/Tanglewood Preserve, Bracken Woods, Maple Ridge, McFarlan Woods, Diehl Road, west and south of Arboretum to Shephard Creek Drive and a central-south parcel called Zone G, bordered by West Fork Road. Mount Airy, with 1,459 acres, is the largest city of Cincinnati park.

How do deer hurt parks?

The Cincinnati Parks Division of Natural Resources launched the bow hunting program in 2007.

Since then, hunters have removed more than 2,000 deer from participating parks, parks spokesman Rocky Merz said.

Of those, hunters donated enough deer to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to make 10,000 meals, Merz noted.

White-tailed deer are the targets. They are considered browsers who eat seedlings, leaves, buds, flowers, fruit, young trees and branches.

Deer come in because they love the acorns, parks administrator Crystal Courtney said in a video about the bow hunting program, posted to YouTube in 2020.

When they finish the acorns, they continue to eat away at 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-year-old trees, and other growth on the forest floor, said Courtney, division manager of natural resources. "All we had at the beginning of this program was just big, large trees, she said.

With about 70% of the parks 4,400 acres covered in forests, the bow hunting program allows parks to take the forest back from browsers, she said.

Who gets to hunt?

Hunters must be registered and trained, and can shoot up to one buck and nine other deer in a season.

They have to show that they are skilled archer men and women, Courtney said in the video.

Hunters must demonstrate their skill by hitting targets. They must also complete training focused on safety and hunting regulations.

Bow hunters have not injured any park visitors over the life of the program, Merz said. "Our program serves as a model for other municipalities and organizations within the state," he said.

Registrations are closed for the current season and will reopen in late spring 2024.

Cincinnati Parks posts signs in locations that allow bow hunting of deers.

How do parks address safety?

The borders of hunting zones in participating parks are at least 30 feet (or 10 yards) from park trails and at least 30 yards from neighboring properties, roads or buildings.

Parks that allow bow hunting post bright orange signs that say Wildlife Management Zone.

Hikers can take these steps to stay safe, according to the parks' website:

Learn where bow hunting is allowed from maps on the site.

Wear bright colors, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light is dimming.

Stay on marked trails.

Leash dogs and keep them on trails.

Until 2020, administrators closed some parts of participating parks during bow-hunting season. Responding to complaints, it created the 30-foot buffer plan to keep parks fully open.

Who else allows bow hunting of deer?

Cincinnati Parks is not the only park system with a bow hunting program.

Great Parks of Hamilton County allows bow hunting of deer in 16 of its 22 parks. Applications for its program, first launched in 2005, closed in July.

Ohio State Parks allow hunters to use bows and guns to hunt deer, wild turkey, coyote, feral swine, waterfowl and other species in many of its 75 locations.

The National Park Service allows some form of hunting in 76 of its 425 properties. OnX, maker of navigation apps for outdoor adventures, offers a how-to page with rankings of best sites by species.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Deer hunting season in Cincinnati parks starts Sept. 28
Defamation lawsuit against CNN could expose companys financial secrets as court seeks to expose net worth

CNN faces a defamation lawsuit over a 2021 story centered around the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and a recent ruling could expose financial secrets as the court seeks to determine the cable networks net worth.

The plaintiff, Zachary Young, alleges that CNN smeared his security consulting company, Nemex Enterprises Inc., by implying it illegally profited when helping people flee Afghanistan during the Biden administration's military withdrawal from the country in 2021. A civil trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 6, 2025, in front of Judge William Henry in the Circuit Court for Bay County, Florida.

Last week, Henry paved the way for Young to issue a subpoena for CNN to hand over a plethora of sensitive financial information that the cable network presented to its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.

"Essentially, this will act as a way to double check to see if CNN was being honest with the financial documents they were turning over as part of discovery; comparing what they turned over to Youngs legal team vs what they told corporate," NewsBusters associate editor Nicholas Fondacaro wrote when covering the hearing.

CNN FACES DEFAMATION SUIT OVER AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL STORY: 'EVIDENCE OF ACTUAL MALICE'

Puck reporter Eriq Gardner wrote that the judges decision "sent a jolt through CNNs executives offices."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Young has won a green light to seek punitive damages," Gardner wrote.

"Accordingly, Youngs attorneys will soon be receiving documents to assess CNNs net worth, so they can argue before a jury just how big a penalty Young should receive," he continued. "The judge has also ordered a deposition for Jake Tapper, who will likely have to disclose his salary and contract negotiations.

Tappers salary will be particularly interesting to now-former CNN employees who were let go during a recent round of cost-cutting headcount reductions. The network announced in July that roughly 100 staffers would be let go.

Gardner also reported that CNNs lawyer Charles Tobin "visibly bristled at the ruling" and told the judge that the Oct. 11 deadline to comply "upends" his plans.

Young, a U.S. Navy veteran, believes CNN "destroyed his reputation and business by branding him an illegal profiteer who exploited desperate Afghans" during a Nov. 11, 2021, segment on CNNs "The Lead with Jake Tapper," which was shared on social media and also repackaged for CNN's website.

Tapper began the segment by informing viewers that CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt discovered "Afghans trying to get out of the country face a black market full of promises, demands of exorbitant fees, and no guarantee of safety or success."

Tapper tossed to Marquardt, who said "desperate Afghans are being exploited" and need to pay "exorbitant, often impossible amounts" to flee the country. Marquardt then singled out Young, putting a picture of his face on the screen and saying his company was asking for $75,000 to transport a vehicle of passengers to Pakistan for $14,500 per person to end up in the United Arab Emirates.

"Prices well beyond the reach of most Afghans," Marquardt told viewers.

ABC NEWS REBUKED BY PRO-LIFE GROUP, ASKED FOR CORRECTION OF ABORTION CLAIM BY DEBATE MODERATOR

Plaintiff Zachary Youngs photo was aired by CNN during the segment in question.

"We got Youngs number and called, but he didnt pick up. In a text message, he told CNN that Afghans trying to leave are expected to have sponsors pay for them. If someone reached out, we need to understand if they have a sponsor behind them to be able to pay evacuation costs which are highly volatile and based on environmental realities," Marquardt continued. "Young repeatedly declined to break down the cost or say if hes making money."

No other people or companies were named other than Young.

"In another message, that person offering those evacuations, Zachary Young, he wrote, Availability is extremely limited and demand is high he goes on to say, Thats how economics works, unfortunately," Marquardt told viewers.

Tapper responded, "Unfortunately, hmm," before thanking Marquardt for the report.

Young alleged that CNN, using the terms "black market," "exploit" and "exorbitant," painted him as a bad actor preying upon desperate people.

AFGHANISTAN GOLD STAR FATHER: BIDEN-HARRIS NEED TO OWN UP TO THEIR MISTAKE, SAY SORRY

CNNs Jake Tapper is caught up in a lawsuit over a 2021 story centered around the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal.

CNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It will be interesting to see if CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter covers the story, as he recently returned to the network after being fired by previous management. His media newsletter didnt return until Monday and he did not post about the defamation suit on X while he was away from the network.

Earlier this year, judges with the First District Court of Appeal for the State of Florida ruled on June 12 that Young offered enough evidence that he was able to move forward with a defamation suit against CNN for punitive damages.

"Young sufficiently proffered evidence of actual malice, express malice, and a level of conduct outrageous enough to open the door for him to seek punitive damages," the court document states. "Whether Young can ultimately prevail is not the issue before us."

The judges wrote, "Young proffered CNN messages and emails that showed internal concern about the completeness and veracity of the reporting  the story is a mess, incomplete, not fleshed out for digital, the story is 80% emotion, 20% obscured fact, and full of holes like Swiss cheese," but the network aired it anyway.

"Young also proffered a message exchange he had with Marquardt just hours before publication where he advised there were factual inaccuracies in the reporting. CNN published anyway," the judges wrote, adding that other internal communications show CNN staffers "had little regard" for Young and used profanities and disparaging language when privately discussing him.

"Marquardt referred to him as 'f---ing Young' and quipped, "its your funeral, bucko,'" according to the court document.

"On appeal, CNN argues it did not intend to harm; its language was either opinion or ambiguous; and the internal communications were journalistic bravado that reflected a sincere belief in the reporting," the judges wrote.





Original article source: Defamation lawsuit against CNN could expose companys financial secrets as court seeks to expose net worth
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A New Philadelphia man charged with a January shooting death on the South Side has filed a notice that he will be arguing at his trial that he acted in self-defense.

Attorneys for Jules Freeman, 22, filed the motion Thursday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court before Judge Maureen Sweeney.

Freeman was indicted in February by a grand jury on charges of murder, trafficking in cocaine, discharge of a firearm at or near a prohibited premises and felonious assault for the Jan. 22 shooting death of Allen Pierce-May, 23.

He turned himself in to police on Jan 31 and is scheduled to go on trial Oct. 15.

May was killed during a shooting about 1 p.m. on East Evergreen Avenue.

The day before Pierce-May was killed, texts showed the two were planning a drug deal for Jan. 22, according to detectives. They also said Freeman had Pierce-Mays address saved in his Google Maps app.

The texts showed Freeman agreed to drive up to Youngstown on Jan. 22 for an extra $200.

At his preliminary hearing in municipal court, Freemans attorneys hinted that he would be pleading self-defense. The lead in the case also testified during the preliminary hearing that when he interviewed Freeman in New Philadelphia, Freeman had told detectives he acted in self-defense.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Defense for husband of Mamta Kafle Bhatt pushes prosecutors to turn over evidence

MANASSAS PARK, Va. (DC News Now)  Defense lawyers for the husband of missing Manassas Park mother Mamta Kafle Bhatt are pushing prosecutors to turn over evidence that may be exculpatory, people at Fridays court hearing tell DC News Now.

The push comes as the court looks to set a trial date at the next hearing set for Monday morning.

Search for Mamta Kafle Bhatt continues over the holiday weekend

Prosecutors believe Naresh Bhatt killed his wife at the end of July when she went missing and was charged with concealing her body.

Several of Kafle Bhatts supporters showed up for Fridays hearing. They said Bhatts attorney asked a judge to force the Commonwealth to turn over evidence  including police reports, cell phone and car GPS information, along with a video showing Kafle Bhatt being picked up from work at Prince William UVA Medical Center not long before she went missing.

The defense also maintains that Kafle Bhatt could still be alive.

Kafle Bhatts supporters were surprised by the judges ruling. The judge only granted the defense access to the video and to early communications between Bhatt and police.

Community members gather at vigil for missing Manassas Park mother after husband was charged with concealing a dead body

I was surprised the judge granted the defense any of what they were asking for. Theres been no trial date set. There was no explanation as to why [the defense] would need this today, said Melissa Barton, a community member who sat in on Fridays hearing.

Meanwhile, the police investigation into her disappearance is still active.

Investigators were back at the couples home Thursday executing another search warrant, one of several similar searches there over the last few weeks.

In a Facebook post, the Manassas Park Police Department said the department got new information leading them back to the house to look again. The department said it couldnt say what they were looking for.

People at Fridays hearing say the defense, once again, took aim at Manassas Park Police Chief, Mario Lugo, for providing public updates on those searches.

Former US Attorney weighs in on Mamta Kafle Bhatt case, husband heads back to court

Community members said theyre willing to wait for justice.

We need to do what we need to do. Its a step-by-step process, it takes time. However, we have faith and we will follow that faith, said Prabha Bhattarai Deuja, a Nepali community activist and advocate for Kafle Bhatt.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(FOX40.COM)  A student was arrested in connection with a threat made against a Del Oro High School staff member, the Placer County Sheriffs Office said.

The sheriffs office said Wednesday that it was aware of a vague threat made toward a staff member and that it was working to figure out who made the threat.

CAL FIRE makes back-to-back arson arrests in Butte County

The sheriffs department also said that it had increased its presence on campus in response.

On Thursday the sheriffs office announced it had tracked the threat to a 16-year-old student and arrested 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 FOX40.
Delaware dispatchers help rescue boat stranded in England: Here's what happened

DOVER, Del. - Police dispatchers in Delaware; a 911 caller in Albania; and a boat emergency in England - all separated by thousands of miles, but brought together for one incredible story.

It all began on a Wednesday afternoon last month when Dover Police Department dispatchers received an unusual call.

The caller was from Albania, reporting that their brothers boat was sinking in the English Channel off the coast of Dover in England.

Delaware police say the mistaken call was made after an internet search for "Dover Police Department" resulted in their number.

"The family member thought they were calling Dover, England, but was connected with our agency here in the United States," the Delaware department said.

MORE HEADLINES:

However, that didn't stop the Delaware dispatchers from helping!

One collected critical information, while another started making international notifications to help save the boat.

"Just 15 minutes and 48 seconds after the initial call, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed they were on their way to rescue the vessel," police said.

Their heroic efforts paid off for a happy ending!

Police say they later received confirmation that the boat and everyone on board was safely returned to the Port of Dover in England.
Delran man and his brother charged for alleged Capitol riot assault of a photographer

A South Jersey man and his brother are accused of assaulting and robbing a photographer during the January 2021 Capitol riot.

David Walker, 49, of Delran and Philip Walker, 52 of Pennsylvania allegedly targeted their victim at the top of a stairway inside the Capitol, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Philip Walker was recorded entering the Capitol at 2:40 p.m., about one minute before the assault. Video footage shows Philip Walker allegedly carrying the photographer's equipment immediately after the assault, the Justice Department said.

Capitol riot offender: Sewell man imprisoned for role in Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection

When the photographer tried to reclaim the equipment, David Walker allegedly pushed the victim as the brothers fled down the stairs and out of the Capitol, the statement said. Philip Walker has admitted to entering the Capitol and engaging in a physical confrontation with the photographer.

Walker told the FBI in a January 2021 interview that he believed the photographer was a member of Antifa, a far-left militant group.

"He admitted to leaving the Capitol with the camera and disposing of it in a body of water" while traveling home to Upper Chichester, Pa., the statement said.

The statement said the photographer was "an employee with a media company" who was forced to the ground and injured during the incident. The victim also reported losing two cameras.

Eastampton man awaits trial: Burlington County man charged with Capitol riot offenses

Multiple images from surveillance video show the brothers in distinctive clothing inside the Capitol and during the incident, the statement claimed.

It alleged David Walker had a knife clipped to a pocket of his pants.

The Walkers were arrested Thursday at their homes. They were charged with robbery, assault with the intent to commit a felony and destruction of property.

The brothers also are accused of seven misdemeanor offenses, including assault by striking, beating and wounding.

The charges are only allegations. The Walkers have not been convicted in the case.

More than 15 South Jersey residents have been charged in connection with the 2021 Capitol riot by supporters of former President Donald Trump.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: David, Philip Walker charged for U.S. Capitol riot assault: DOJ
Dem Lawmaker Points To Moment That Brought Me Right Back Down To Earth After Debate High

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) has described a conversation that sent her tumbling back to reality following her initial high from Democratic nominee Kamala Harris performance in Tuesdays debate against Donald Trump.

Dingell had been ecstatic like every other Democrat while watching Harris get under Trumps skin on the debate stage, she admitted to CNNs Kasie Hunt on Thursday. Trump, meanwhile, showed viewers exactly who he is, she said. Even conservative pundits torched Trumps poor showing.

But Dingells early Wednesday morning phone call with a township supervisor about the debate brought me right back down to Earth, the lawmaker said.

The supervisor, with whom Dingell said she was close, noted how Trump managed to remain on message on the theme of immigration, which resonated with many voters.

Dingell didnt go into more detail on the exchange, which obviously served as a reality check that led her to declare that Novembers vote was Just closer than people realize.

Watch the full interview here:

.@RepDebDingell said she was "ecstatic" about the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump until she spoke with a local Michigan official.



"One of my township supervisors called me ... and that discussion brought me right back down to Earth." pic.twitter.com/US9k4m2CpX  CNN This Morning with Kasie Hunt (@CNNThisMorning) September 12, 2024

Related...
Demilitarised zone in Ukraine and abandonment of NATO: Trump's running mate outlines "plan for ending the war"

Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance has outlined the Trump administration's prospective plan to settle the war in Ukraine, which includes establishing a "demilitarised zone" on Ukrainian territory and denying Ukraine NATO membership.

Source: JD Vance on The Sean Ryan Show, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The approach he outlined would be a dramatic change in the policy of the Joe Biden administration, which is focused on providing military and other assistance to Ukraine.

Quote: "I think what this looks like is Trump sits down, he says to the Russians, the Ukrainians, the Europeans: You guys need to figure out, what is a peaceful settlement look like? And what it probably looks like is something like the current line of demarcation between Russia and Ukraine that becomes like a demilitarised zone," Vance said.

The proposed demilitarised zone, Vance added, would be "heavily fortified so the Russians don't invade again."

According to the US vice presidential candidate, as part of the peace plan, Ukraine would maintain its independence in exchange for neutrality, which means it would not join NATO or other "allied institutions."

Vance did not clarify who would oversee the "demilitarised zone," but stated the current demarcation line would stay, implying Ukraine would not reclaim territory now seized by Russia.

During the interview, he also stated that Russia "should not have invaded" Ukraine, but that "Ukrainians have a lot of corruption problems." Vance called erroneous the definition of the Ukraine-Russia war as a battle between good and evil, and the United States' assistance to Ukraine as "the great humanitarian mission of our time."

"There are a lot of risks to us of staying there and trying to encourage the Ukrainians to hold on to Crimea. The question is: how many American lives will it cost to do that? And if the answer is more than zero  Im out," Vance explained.

He also said that Europe underfunded this war, while "American taxpayers have been very generous to the Ukrainians."

He stated that the Biden administration's approach is to "throw money at this problem, hope the Ukrainians will achieve the military victory that even the Ukrainians are saying we cant achieve," Vance added.

"Donald Trump's policy is: yes to be strong, but also to be smart. Negotiate," Vance said.

Background:

Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken about the existence of a certain "plan" to end the war in Ukraine "within 24 hours" if he wins the November presidential race.

This week, during a presidential debate versus Vice President Kamala Harris, he did not clearly state his plan, avoiding a straight response to the question of whether Ukraine should win the war with Russia.

Zelenskyy said that he would present his plan for Ukraine's victory to US President Joe Biden in September and would also pass it on to US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

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South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson takes his seat during a rally with former President Donald Trump on Sept. 25, 2023 in Summerville, South Carolina. (File/Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

COLUMBIA  A major Democratic fundraising platform says allegations of fraud by South Carolinas attorney general are false and part of a broader campaign to discredit it.

Massachusetts-based ActBlue  a platform that processes donations to Democratic campaigns  dismissed allegations from Alan Wilson, the state attorney general, in an eight-page response that his office shared with the SC Daily Gazette. Wilsons office did not provide any comment on the letter or information about next steps the attorney general might take.

These claims resemble those from an outside disinformation campaign propagating false information on social media, reads the letter from the organizations CEO, Regina Wallace-Jones, dated Sept. 6. Claims by these groups are demonstrably false. They are designed to intimidate donors and mislead the public.

ActBlue acts as a pass-through, sending donations made online to candidates in exchange for a percentage fee.

In late August, Wilson sent ActBlue a letter alleging the platform may have split large donations into smaller donations to avoid campaign limits, which he likened to a smurfing money-laundering scheme.

He also says the platform may have allowed for straw donors, when one person makes a donation on behalf of another. Wilson also said he was concerned about apparently large donations being made in South Carolina by people listed as unemployed.

Wilson did not make any direct accusations in his Aug. 22 letter, and used terms such as may and if true throughout. He asked for a response by Sept. 6, prompting the reply from Wallace-Jones.

ActBlue maintains robust safeguards to protect donors and prevent illegal or fraudulent activity, often in excess of what is required by law, she writes in the letter.

SC AG Letter 9-6-2024

In the letter, Wallace-Jones said ActBlue uses state-of-the-art fraud detection. The platform assigns each donation a fraud score based on a range of factors and automatically rejects or sets aside for manual review any suspicious donations. The automatic review includes 140 elements, such as the payment cards age and the country where it was issued, she wrote.

As for the question of donations from unemployed people, Wallace-Jones wrote that ActBlue provides an option for people to report they are retired or currently unemployed. This covers people like students, retirees and homemakers, not just those looking for work.

Wallace-Jones also wrote that because donations are reported by both ActBlue and campaigns  and donors can choose to split donations among multiple campaigns  federal election disclosures can show many duplicate donation reports even from a single contribution.

A number of other Republican officials have raised questions about ActBlue over the summer.

Virginias attorney general, Jason Miyares, sent a similar letter in early August. Indianas attorney general Todd Rokita announced his office was looking into allegations later that same month.

In Maryland, right-wing filmmaker James OKeefe alleged a laundering operation for donations through ActBlue in the spring based on information that experts dismissed as dubious.
Indias Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved ten military procurement projects worth approximately $17 billion to enhance the countrys defense capabilities. The plan includes the acquisition of 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A, 156 Prachand combat helicopters, and over 400 new artillery systems. This significant investment aims to boost Indias domestic defense industry, reduce reliance on imports, and create job opportunities in the defense manufacturing sector. The decision aligns with Indias Make in India initiative, reflecting its commitment to strengthening its military capabilities while promoting indigenous defense production.

Japan Proposes Record Defense Budget, Boosting Naval Power and Advanced Technologies

Japans Ministry of Defense has proposed its largest-ever defense budget for fiscal year 2025, focusing on enhancing naval capabilities and advanced technologies. The budget includes plans for three new multirole frigates, converting helicopter carriers into light aircraft carriers, and research into submarine-launched missiles and shipboard laser systems. This record request aims to counter perceived threats from China, North Korea, and Russia, reflecting Japans response to regional tensions. The proposal also emphasizes developing counterstrike capabilities and improving Integrated Air and Missile Defense systems, signifying a notable shift in Japans defense strategy.

U.S. Defense Budget Realigns to Reflect Ukraine War Lessons

The U.S. Department of Defense is adjusting its fiscal year 2025 budget priorities based on lessons from the Russian-Ukrainian war. The priorities focus on long-range precision fires, air and missile defense, and electronic warfare. Significant investments are planned for hypersonic weapons, counter-unmanned aerial systems, artillery modernization, and critical munitions production. The budget also emphasizes space-based capabilities and cyber warfare, reflecting their growing importance in modern conflicts. These changes aim to enhance U.S. military readiness for future conflicts and address evolving global security challenges.

BAE Systems Expands Electronic Warfare Capabilities with Kirintec Acquisition

BAE Systems has acquired UK-based Kirintec, a company specializing in electronic warfare, counter-terrorism, and counter-threat solutions. The acquisition aims to enhance BAE Systems electronic warfare capabilities by integrating Kirintecs expertise in advanced electronic countermeasures and counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) systems. This strategic move will expand BAE Systems portfolio, particularly in radio frequency (RF) systems for counter-terrorism and protection against remote-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIEDs). The integration is expected to strengthen BAE Systems position in the electronic warfare market and provide customers with a broader range of advanced solutions to address emerging threats.

Europes Defense Industry Seeks Reform Amid U.S. Investment Gap

European defense industry leaders call for reform to address a significant investment gap with the United States and boost competitiveness. Despite increased defense spending across Europe, EU NATO members invested 390 billion (1.78% of GDP) in 2023, compared to the U.S.s $866 billion (3.2%). Industry experts, including Leonardos Lorenzo Mariani, advocate for enhanced collaboration, investment in advanced technologies, and forming European alliances to reduce fragmentation and dependence on non-EU suppliers. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has catalyzed a strategic shift, refocusing priorities on territorial defense and spurring NATO expansion.

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Russia does not have the resources to significantly influence the election process in Georgia, but other forces have the capability to do so, Azernews reports citing Georgian media, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze made this statement.

Kobakhidze expressed regret that this year's elections have been marred by unprecedented foreign interference, which he described as a gross violation of election principles.

"Unfortunately, we are facing thousands of threats and instances of blackmail. The reason for this is that Georgia has not opened a second front, which frustrates certain individuals. They hope that after the elections, they will be able to reinstall their agents in power to open a second front. Georgian society will not allow the return of those responsible for the bloody regime," said Irakli Kobakhidze.
(Bloomberg) -- Russian hacker groups briefly disrupted Taiwanese financial platforms including the stock exchange and lender Mega Financial Holding Co.s website, exposing the vulnerability of the island to foreign cyberattacks.

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Two groups that go by the handles NoName057 and RipperSec on Telegram swamped targeted websites with a so-called Distributed Denial of Service attack, which caused unstable connection issues for the platforms Thursday afternoon, the Ministry of Digital Affairs said Friday. During the incident, the Taiwan Stock Exchange detected web queries from overseas internet-protocol addresses at volumes several times bigger than usual, the bourse said in a separate text message to Bloomberg News.

Government websites and trading functioned normally on Friday. DDoS attacks are intended to overload systems rather than steal valuable information, and the stock exchange restored normal operations within a half-hour on Thursday. But the incident exposes the potential vulnerability of computing platforms in Taiwan, the worlds biggest producer of advanced semiconductors and a potential flashpoint in a US-China conflict.

With regards to the attacks from NoName057 and RipperSec, the authorities are gathering the latest information and will take necessary measures, the ministry said in its latest statement. Taiwans cabinet office separately condemned the cyber-attackers for causing trouble not just on the island, but across the region.

The Digital Ministry confirmed earlier reports including by local outlet Liberty Times that a Russian group had claimed responsibility on Telegram, citing analysis by researchers Radware. One of the groups, NoName057, said on their telegram channel that they targeted Taiwan because President Lai Ching-te had made comments about how, if China claims Taiwan to be its territory, Beijing should apply the same logic and take some land back from Russia.

Radware representatives didnt respond to an email and a call to their main line in Taipei seeking comment.

Taiwan has increasingly come under cyberattack from abroad in recent years, as the islands strategic importance grows. A hacking group believed to be linked to the Chinese government stole passwords and documents from a Taiwanese government-affiliated research center that specializes in computing, cybersecurity researchers at Cisco Systems Inc. said in August.

Story continues

That attack highlighted the threat that cyberattacks pose to Taiwan, an island thats been the source of escalating tension between the US and China. Beijing claims the island as part of its territory and has vowed to bring it under control.

(Updates with details in the ministrys latest statement from the first paragraph)

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The Democratic National Committee is capitalizing on Taylor Swifts endorsement with a Times Square digital ad and Las Vegas strip billboards that make reference to the superstar.

Shortly after the end of the debate on Tuesday, Swift announced that she was backing Harris, posting on Instagram, Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.

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The digital billboard in Times Square feature rotating images of Harris and the tagline, Were in our Kamala era! and A New Way ForwardReady For It? Those are references to Swifts Eras tour and her song Ready For It?

The spots also direct viewers to IWillVote.com, just as Swift directed her fans to voter registration.

The digital billboard is located 22 stories above the RED steps in Times Square.

The Vegas billboards also reference the Kamala era as well as a key moment from the debate, when Harris baited Donald Trump by noting that attendees to his rally left early because they were bored. Exhausted by this guy? the billboard reads, with a picture of Trump.

The ad spots are a more subtle way to reference Swift. She has not said whether she will campaign for Harris or appear in any ad spots for her. DNC Communications Director Rosemary Boeglin said that they are reminding voters that it is critical to speak now to dump Trump and enter our Kamala era by visiting IWillVote.com and doing their research on how, where, and when to vote in this election.

Tom Bonier, senior adviser to data firm TargetSmart, has noted a large spike in voter registration requests following the Swift endorsement, and it has continued through the week. Appearing at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Swift made another call for people to register to vote. We are seeing this continued spike of four or five times what you would regularly see, Bonier told CBS News.

Trump has warned that Swift will pay a price in the marketplace for her endorsement. She endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.

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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.

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.

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Lawmakers are calling for more public data on the effect school choice scholarships may have on the future budget. (Photo by Catherine Lane/Getty Images)

Florida House Democrats are calling for the state to make public school choice scholarship data and budget plans as the programs grow.

Reps. Fentrice Driskell, Kelly Skidmore, and Allison Tant wrote to Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. and CEO of Step Up for Students Gretchen Schoenhaar asking for demographic information about students awarded scholarships, broken down by scholarship type and school district as well as the number of recipients who have never been in public school.

Parents have the right to decide whats best for their childrens education, but they should have all the necessary information as they do so, Driskell, whose district is in Hillsborough County, said in a Friday news release.

Public transparency is integral to accountability. The state owes Floridians a responsibility to invest our hard-earned tax money wisely, and its impossible to know whether thats happening with the limited information we have about spending within the voucher program.

The lawmakers asked the commissioner to make public the number of new private schools that applied to accept scholarships.

They asked for the total expended for Florida Tax Credit scholarships, which had a cap of $1.09 billion in 2022-2023, and funding carried forward and expended by Step Up for Students and the other, smaller scholarship funding organization, AAA Scholarship Foundation, which also received the representatives letter.

Step Up for Students funds approximately 99% of school choice scholarships in Florida, a spokesperson told the Phoenix in August.

The lawmakers note in their letter that approximately $3.9 billion is available for the scholarships, including the Florida Education Finance Program and Education Enrollment Stabilization Program funding, plus carryovers and tax credit contributions. Additional funding is available from sales and motor vehicle taxes.

However, little is known about the characteristics of the students applying, the future budgetary consequences of these scholarships, and the likely downstream impact on public schools, the lawmakers wrote.

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Impact on public schools

The shift from public schools to private, charter, or homeschools in recent years has caused financial strain and insecurity for traditional public schools. The scholarship programs are designed for the per-student funding from the state to follow students whose parents choose education other than the public district they reside in.

Districts continue to act on plans to close schools amid the fleeing funding.

A Senate analysis showed a 46.8% increase in scholarship recipients between 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. More than a third of the 374,960 scholarship recipients in 2023-24 claimed family empowerment scholarships and another third claimed tax credit scholarships.

In the interest of transparency, the representatives ask Diaz to report on what might happen if scholarships exceed allocated per-district state funding, available funds from the tax credit scholarship program, and future one-time funds in the Education Enrollment Stabilization Program.

Scholarship options include Floridas Tax Credit Scholarships and Family Empowerment Scholarships, including for those with unique abilities, both available to students who attend private schools.

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship allows tax credits for corporate contributions to a scholarship funding organization.

In 2023, the Florida Legislature voted, and Gov. Ron DeSantis agreed, to drop financial eligibility restrictions for students applying to participate in the programs, although it prioritizes lower-income applicants.

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In Denmark, a man is suspected of 86 counts of reckless driving. He filmed it himself.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP)  A 29-year-old man in Denmark faced a whopping 86 preliminary charges Friday for driving at high speed on motorcycles, riding on the rear wheel  also at high speed  and endangering others, police said, adding that the man had mounted a camera on his motorcycle helmet which provided investigators with several hours of footage of how he drove.

I dont think Ive ever seen anything like it, Amrik Singh Chadha of the police in eastern Denmark said in a statement. There is no doubt that it has been a big and unconventional case for us to investigate."

When detained in May for riding a motorcycle with no license plates and without having a valid permit, police found a video camera had been mounted on the man's helmet which had recorded how he drove on the rear wheel at high speed. Police said that it led to the man facing 25 cases of preliminary charges for that alone. He has not been identified.

The incriminating videos also led to an additional 38 preliminary charges of reckless driving for speeding over 100% above the limit. On top of that, the footage led to a series of other charges related to the man's driving which the police considered likely to endanger the life and safety of others.

After months of watching the incriminating footage, police on Friday went public. The preliminary charges are one step short of formal charges.

In Denmark, reckless driving includes driving more than 100% above the speed limit, driving at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour) or above and driving with a blood alcohol level above 2.0.

A 2021 law allows police to confiscate vehicles for reckless driving besides giving hefty fines and suspending a driving permit. Under Danish law, a driver is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol if the blood-alcohol level is equal to or exceeds 0.5g per thousand.

Police said several of the mans video recordings had been posted on social media and shared with a larger group of people. They also were able to identify two others on the footage and seized their vehicles, the statement said.

The man likely faces a prison sentence.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Missouri has announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will give additional resources to Greene County to help combat domestic gun violence.

A press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office says the DOJ will partner with Greene County to create a plan to reduce domestic gun violence and prioritize prosecuting domestic violence offenders.

Osceola woman sentenced for 20-year-long bank fraud scheme

In Greene County, two assistant prosecutors will be cross-designated as special assistant U.S. attorneys to prosecute firearms cases in federal court.

I am excited to have the United States Attorneys Office partner with our Domestic Violence Unit, the Springfield Police Department, the Greene County Sheriffs Office, and the Greene County Family Justice Center in the fight to reduce domestic violence in our community, said Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson in the release. Enforcing existing federal gun laws to prosecute domestic violence offenders will help ensure that those who threaten the safety of their family and household members and our community are held accountable, preventing future harm, and protecting survivors from escalating violence.

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WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  A Mossy Head man is still dealing with two tragic losses. His home was destroyed by a fire last month.

When sheriffs deputies arrived at the fire, they shot and killed his dog.

The sheriffs office said the actions were justified, but theres more to the story.

We warn you, that this story might be disturbing to some viewers.

On August 15th, a fire destroyed a home on Mixon Road in Mossy Head. But along with the house, the owners also lost their pit bull Bella after deputies shot and killed the dog at the scene.

Audio acquired through a public records request reveals the moment deputies pulled the trigger. The audio started to circulate on social media, prompting sheriffs officials to issue a news release on Wednesday.

They said firefighters pulled up the dirt road and found two aggressive dogs on the property preventing them from working the scene. The audio documents the deputy attempting to scare off the dog with noise makers before turning to lethal measures.

The sheriffs office said the deputy reported the use of force and it was justified under their protocol. However, it is what was said after the shooting that has the community asking questions.

Deputy 1: Hes literally going to pull up and be like my house! Bum bum. My dog! Ha Ha Ha.

Deputy 2: You ran it over, sorry.

Deputy 1: Watch it.

Deputy 2: He ran over there and he looks at it and its got a bullet hole, and theyve just shot it *******.

Listening to more of the audio released in the public records request, you can hear the deputies joking and laughing about what the owner will do next. Before the conversation turns political.

Deputy 1: You know what really sucks? This man is going to come home and see his house burned down and his dogs are dead. Hes gonna be like God**** sheriffs office, Im voting for Aaron Murray.

Deputy 2: Only one dog is dead. The other one is still alive. It may be hit. I dont know.

Sheriffs officials said theyre investigating the comments and considering potential disciplinary action against the deputies.

The sheriff will answer community questions about the incident during a live Facebook Q&A session next Monday.

A GoFundMe has been started to help the homeowner and his family pick up the pieces.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
Deputies rescue turkey dubbed Alicia Tur-Keys after it strutted a little too close to the roadway in Stafford County

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Stafford County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) said deputies rescued a turkey after it strutted a little too close to the roadway in the early hours of Sunday.

Deputies said that at about12:30 a.m., they responded to the intersection of Shelton Shop Road and Oakwood Drive to find a turkey, dubbed Alicia Tur-Keys by the sheriffs office, that was most likely hit by a car.

Stafford County deputies rescue 1-month-old puppy from sewer

SCSO said Alicia Tur-Keys was stunned from what seemed to be a collision with a passing car.

Deputies were able to move the turkey from the roadway with the help of a Good Samaritan.

SCSO said the turkey seemed to have recovered from the near-death experience and was taken to the Stafford County Animal Shelter.

Ms. Tur-Keys was subsequently cuffed, stuffed and transported to the Animal Shelter, SCSO stated in a Facebook post. She is being held without bond at the Animal Shelter on the charge of jaywalking. While she might be hoping for a presidential pardon, a purchase order for stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce was just approved.

One Facebook user commented on the post hoping Alicia Tur-Key gets claimed soon.

I hope you Miss Alicia Tur-Keys find a good home. I dont want her to be Jaywalking and be caught and find her way into being headless and put in someones cooking pot, the user commented.

Stafford County deputies rescue raccoon trapped in elementary school dumpster

Will he be good size by Thanksgiving? another Facebook user commented.

SCSO is encouraging the owner of Alicia Tur-Key to reach out to the animal shelter.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Despite Prosecutors' 'Concerns' About Conviction, Marcellus Williams Still on Death Row After Judge's Ruling

St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell vowed to "continue to work to prevent" the execution of a man he does not believe is the likely killer

Marcellus Williams' Legal Team Marcellus Williams.

A county prosecutor in Missouri says he is immensely disappointed that a circuit judge has denied his petition to vacate the conviction of a man on death row, who is set to be executed later this month and who he believes may be innocent.

The Thursday, Sept. 12 order and judgment is the latest in Marcellus Williams years-long legal battle following his murder conviction in connection with the 1998 stabbing of St. Louis Post-Dispatch journalist Felicia Gayle.

Williams is slated for execution on Sept. 24.

In a statement following the decision, St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell noted the detailed and well-documented concerns regarding the integrity of the case.

I believe that those who are convicted of committing crimes should be brought to justice, he said. And, for something as consequential as the death penalty, the evidence must prove the defendant to be guilty without a shadow of a doubt.

He said the decision to move forward with the execution goes against Gayles familys own wishes.

Missouri Department of Corrections via AP; Missouri Department of Corrections Marcellus Williams in mugshots taken in 2014 and 2023 during his more than 20-year incarceration.

Related: Evidence of Marcellus Williamss Potential Innocence Came to Light in 2017. He is Slated for Execution in 26 Days

At a hearing Aug. 28, St. Louis County prosecutors and Tricia Rojo Bushnell of the Innocence Project introduced DNA evidence which had been available for seven years but never heard by a court. At the hearing, the Missouri Attorney General's Office argued for his execution.

In the county prosecutors motion to vacate, which was filed in January and led to the August hearing, Bell outlined key factors in the case, among them: bloody fingerprints and footprints, as well as hairs clutched in Gayles hands that did not match Williams'.

County prosecutors, who noted in the filing that Williams had ineffective counsel and that prosecutors peremptorily struck multiple Black people from the jury based on race, have also acknowledged what Chris King of the prosecutors office called in an email to PEOPLE improper handling of evidence.

DNA on the knife may have belonged to the lead prosecutor and an investigator on the case, supporting the allegation of mishandled evidence, per a DNA report and expert testimony referenced in the judges 24-page order and judgment reviewed by PEOPLE.

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That evidence was provided to a Board of Inquiry in 2017 but never before ruled upon.

Last year, Governor Mike Parsons dissolved the board before they published their findings.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey  whose office did not respond to PEOPLEs request for comment  soon after called for the new execution date.

AP Photo/David A. Lieb Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (left) with Gov. Mike Parson (right).

Judge Bruce F. Hilton said in his order that such DNA evidence did not rule Williams out as the killer, since a crime scene investigator testified that the killer likely wore gloves.

Hilton further noted that he believed the former lead prosecutor on the case had a good faith basis and reasons for handling the knife without gloves, which led to his DNA getting on the murder weapon because he did not understand trace DNA in 2001.

The judge also said he was unconvinced of Williams claim of actual innocence in the first-degree murder charge and characterized the work of Williams lead defense lawyer, Joseph L. Green, who is now an associate circuit judge, as exemplary.

Green testified in August that he believes Williams did not get our best, per a transcription of his testimony quoted in Hiltons decision.

The Innocence Project confirms they have filed a pending clemency petition.

We will continue pursuing every possible option to prevent Mr. Williams wrongful execution, Bushnell said in a statement. 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.

In an email to PEOPLE, Johnathan Shiflett of the governors office said that following standard practice for a death row case he would consider clemency typically at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled execution date.

Shiflett further noted that Parson has not said Mr. Williams should or should not be executed  the Courts, in following state law, decide that.



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The ruins of the 14 Freeway at its intersection with Interstate 5 after the Northridge earthquake on Jan. 17. 1994. (Steve Dykes / Los Angeles Times)

Despite an unusual number of modest earthquakes this year in Southern California, the state overall remains in the midst of a "drought" of major earthquakes.

There have been no significant damaging earthquakes underneath California's most populous cities in the last 30 years.

That's a stark contrast to the prior three decades, when earthquakes in suburban or mountainous areas caused catastrophic damage in the urban infrastructure, causing freeway and building collapses and resulting in the deaths of scores of people.

"If you take the last 30 years as your definition of how often you should expect to be feeling earthquakes, you are underestimating the long-term rate," said seismologist Lucy Jones, a Caltech research associate. "Since Northridge, in the L.A. area, we've been seeing fewer earthquakes, and having fewer damaging ones, than the long-term rate would imply."

30 years, but how much longer?

Emergency workers carry an injured man from the collapsed parking garage at Northridge Fashion Center after the 1994 quake. (Boris Yaro / Los Angeles Times)

Between 1964 and 1994, Los Angeles faced two big earthquakes, which both hit the suburban San Fernando Valley hard: the magnitude 6.6 Sylmar earthquake of 1971, which resulted in 64 deaths; and the magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake of 1994, in which about 60 people died. The Northridge quake caused up to $20 billion in damage and an additional $40 billion or more in economic losses  the costliest seismic disaster in U.S. history, the California Geological Survey said.

In Northern California, the magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 was centered in the Santa Cruz Mountains, yet still caused collapses in San Francisco and Oakland, about 60 miles from the epicenter. Sixty-three deaths were reported.

A California Highway Patrol officer checks the damage to cars after the upper deck of the Bay Bridge collapsed in the Loma Prieta earthquake on Oct. 17, 1989. (George Nikitin / Associated Press)

Scientists warn that even those earthquakes are relatively moderate compared with what can happen. No one alive today has experienced the kind of seismic power early Californians faced more than a century ago. In 1906, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 ruptured 300 miles of the San Andreas fault, from Humboldt County to San Benito County, and destroyed much of San Francisco.

Read more: Why hasn't L.A. seen a big San Andreas quake recently? Researchers find a clue

Southern California's last "Big One" was in 1857, when an earthquake with a magnitude of roughly 7.9 ruptured 225 miles of fault on the San Andreas, between Monterey and San Bernardino counties. A hypothetical future magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the southern San Andreas fault, from the Mexican border to Los Angeles County, could result in 1,800 deaths and nearly 50,000 injuries, according to the U.S. Geological Survey's "ShakeOut" scenario.

That scenario would result in the deadliest quake in modern Southern California history, with more than 1,000 of those fatalities possibly occurring in L.A. County alone.

The magnitude 7.8 ShakeOut quake would be more than 12 times bigger than the Northridge quake as measured on a seismogram. But a more important comparison shows that the ShakeOut scenario quake would be 45 times stronger, in terms of energy released, than Northridge. The 1994 earthquake resulted in perhaps seven to 15 seconds of shaking; many buildings would face nearly 2 minutes of shaking in a ShakeOut scenario quake, according to the USGS.

There's now an entire generation of Californians who have grown up without experiencing the damaging earthquakes we saw in the 1980s and 1990s, even smaller ones that caused localized damage, such as the magnitude 5.9 Whittier Narrows earthquake, centered in the San Gabriel Valley, which killed eight people in 1987.

Read more: 'Tectonic time bomb:' Mapping where massive California earthquakes cause the most shaking, destruction

Certainly, there have been a few earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater in the last three decades that brought damage to California. Humboldt County saw them in 2010 and 2022; the Mojave Desert in 1999 and 2019; Napa County in 2014; Imperial County in 2010, resulting from an earthquake centered in Baja California; and in San Luis Obispo County in 2003.

Those were the most noteworthy of the 12 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater that have shaken up California and Nevada in the last 30 years.

But that tally is fewer than half of the 28 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater in the prior 30 years, between 1964 and 1994.

Read more: Puente Hills fault system could set off a devastating quake

Unfinished business

The earthquakes in the 1980s and 1990s brought a renewed wake-up call to California's seismic vulnerabilities. Earlier quakes  the magnitude 6.4 Long Beach earthquake of 1933, centered just off the Huntington Beach coast, and the Sylmar earthquake  also sparked changes in building codes and led to a better understanding of seismic risks.

Officials responded to the 1989 and 1994 earthquakes with an unprecedented seismic safety campaign that remade Californias freeways and bridges and generally raised awareness about the financial and personal stakes.

More progress was made starting about a decade ago. In 2013, San Francisco ordered retrofits of "soft-story" apartments, which are vulnerable to collapse because their upper floors are held up by flimsy, skinny columns on top of carports or garages.

Los Angeles followed suit in 2015, and also ordered "non-ductile," or brittle, concrete buildings to be retrofitted. Cities in Southern California that have recently passed retrofit laws include Torrance, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Culver City, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. In Northern California, they include Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont and Mill Valley.

But not all of those cities have ordered retrofits of all of the types of buildings structural engineers are concerned about. There remain many other cities that have done nothing for decades to order vulnerable buildings be retrofitted or demolished. And experts say there is much more to do and fear the lack of a major urban quake since 1994 has made people forget.

Read more: These are some of the major earthquake risks facing California

Apartment owners who fail to retrofit their quake-vulnerable buildings risk a total loss. About 200 soft-story apartment buildings in the L.A. area were seriously damaged or destroyed during the Northridge earthquake. At one of them, the Northridge Meadows complex, 16 people died when the ground story collapsed. Experts warn that the collapse of many of these buildings in a future quake would result in an increase in homelessness and threaten the limited stock of affordable housing, imperiling a community's ability to rebound after the shaking fades.

And some cities remain decades behind in seismic safety laws compared with other jurisdictions, which began voting decades ago to order century-old brick buildings to be retrofitted or demolished. A particularly worrisome spot is the Inland Empire, through which the San Andreas fault runs. A Times investigation in 2018 reported how hundreds of old brick buildings in more than a dozen cities in the Inland Empire remained unretrofitted despite decades of warnings.

State officials are also taking steps to encourage owners of single-family homes to voluntarily retrofit their houses. Relatively simple fixes to protect homes can prevent owners from incurring hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage after a quake hits.

2024's elevated seismic activity

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake centered in El Sereno on Aug. 12 caused items to fall from shelves at a store in Alhambra. (Karen Kaplan / Los Angeles Times)

For those who might wonder whether Southern California has felt more earthquakes than usual, it's not just your imagination.

The magnitude 4.7 quake just north of Malibu on Thursday was the 14th seismic sequence so far this year in Southern California with at least one earthquake of magnitude 4 or higher, Jones said. That tally broke a record for the last 65 years.

In that time period in Southern California, there were an average of eight to 10 independent sequences of earthquakes that included at least one of magnitude 4 or greater. In some years, there was just one or two of those sequences. The prior record was in 1988, when there were 13 of those earthquake sequences, Jones said.

The activity is not necessarily an indication that a large, damaging earthquake is around the corner, scientists said. Some researchers have offered dueling theories  some say earthquake activity goes up in a region before a large earthquake, others say it goes down.

So the recent activity does not offer any hints of when the next large, destructive earthquake will occur, according to USGS seismologist Susan Hough.

So, yes, this is a more active year than weve had in the past, Jones said. But, she added, We cant quite say yet that whether or not that it is actually statistically significant to be seeing this.

Read more: Are you oblivious to L.A. earthquakes? Here's why you might be a 'never-feeler'

The latest quakes are a really good reminder that the quiet of the last couple of decades is not our long-term picture, and we do need to be prepared, Jones said.

Why we're talking more about quakes

Some people have noted how it seems like we might be talking about modest earthquakes more than we used to. That's probably for a number of reasons  including the rise of the internet and social media, which make it quite easy for even people who never felt a given earthquake to talk about it.

Decades ago, "If you felt it, you talked about it with your friends," Jones said. Now, even people who didn't feel it can talk about how they didn't feel it.

Today, "It's so easy to get the information," she said.

It's also much faster to process seismic data nowadays. Decades ago, figuring out the magnitude and location of an earthquake was a time-intensive process.

Back then, "To figure out where an earthquake was, you had to get a seismologist to come into the lab and look, pull out the records and compute it," Jones said.

Seismologists at the time relied on an alarm system triggered from six stations across Southern California, which made graphs etched by a mechanical pen; the alarm rang when at least two of them went off scale, indicating an earthquake of magnitude 4 or higher had occurred. If the alarm rang outside business hours, someone would need to call down a list of seismologists until someone agreed to come in.

That meant that earthquakes of magnitude 3 or lower weren't prioritized for relatively quick analysis.

For the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake, it took roughly an hour to get a preliminary location and magnitude, Jones said, and something like three hours before she could begin talking to reporters formally about more details. Jones and other seismologists had to pore over paper records and measure them by hand, and had to initially guess at the magnitude.

And "shake maps"  maps that could quantify the intensity of shaking felt by location  weren't available virtually instantaneously as they are today. Making those shake maps required sending out survey forms or obtaining strong-motion records. "We had to go pick up film chips and process them, so that took like a month or two," Jones said.

Contrast that with Thursday, when some people got a preliminary magnitude on an earthquake early warning app seconds before they felt shaking, and Jones was available on a Zoom conference call with reporters just minutes after the quake.

'A very good reminder'

The damaged 14 Freeway after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. (Lacy Atkins / Los Angeles Times)

The risks are all around us.

Take the Puente Hills thrust fault system, which was linked to several quakes this year centered in El Sereno, a neighborhood on Los Angeles' Eastside. The USGS and the Southern California Earthquake Center in 2005 said that a magnitude 7.5 quake on that fault system, which runs underneath downtown and broad swaths of Southeast L.A. County, the San Gabriel Valley and northern Orange County, could kill as many as 18,000 people and cause as much as $250 billion in damage. Such a quake would be 15 times stronger, in terms of energy released, than the Northridge earthquake. It is impossible to say when such a large quake could occur.

The east-west faults that ran near Thursdays Malibu quake also are a threat. Earthquakes in that area can reach up to magnitude 8, which is actually pretty standard for anywhere in California, said Morgan Page, a USGS geophysicist. Thats because individual faults can link up with others in the same seismic event to form a larger magnitude earthquake.

Officials worry that a huge temblor would cut off Southern California from vital utilities and communications for days, if not weeks. One vulnerable spot is the Cajon Pass, the narrow mountain pass where the San Andreas fault intersects with combustible natural gas and petroleum pipelines, electrical transmission lines, train tracks and Interstate 15 north of San Bernardino. Earthquakes also could cripple critical supplies of water to Los Angeles.

Hough, the USGS seismologist, said the Malibu quake offers another reason to prepare.

It is a very good reminder to people that we live in earthquake country," she said. "And we need to take the steps that will help keep us all safe if a bigger earthquake does occur."

Learn more with Unshaken

Have you checked your earthquake supply pack and downloaded the early-warning app? Also, sign up for Unshaken, a six-week newsletter course on earthquake preparedness.



Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Oklahoma State Board of Education voted unanimously Aug. 22 to approve an order revoking the teaching certificate of former Norman High School teacher Summer Boismier. The contents of the order were revealed publicly in court documents on Thursday. (Photo by Brent Fuchs/For Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  After spending weeks outside of public view, an order revoking the teaching certificate of former Norman teacher Summer Boismier has been released after a federal judge demanded the document.

The revocation order became publicly viewable on Thursday when it was filed in a federal lawsuit challenging House Bill 1775, a controversial Oklahoma law that prohibits certain race and gender concepts from being taught in K-12 schools.

The order accuses Boismier of circumventing HB 1775 but not of teaching any of its banned concepts, despite state Superintendent Ryan Walters repeated claims that she broke the law. Boismier attracted national attention and Walters scrutiny in August 2022 when she posted a QR code in her classroom that linked to an online library containing banned books.

Walters and the Oklahoma State Board of Education allege she violated the teacher code of conduct when she posted the QR code because some of the books in the library catalog contain sexual content, according to the order.

Boismiers attorney, Brady Henderson, said to expect a court challenge to the revocation.

It should be an easy call for the courts to overturn it, since Walters chose to throw out the actual facts and law in the case to get the results he wanted and campaigned on, Henderson said. We will be heading to district court soon to do that. But sadly, until we get that court order, Oklahoma teachers now apparently have to fear getting their licenses revoked for criticizing the wrong politician or showing students how to get a library card.

Boismier and Norman Public Schools have maintained that she never violated HB 1775. She resigned from Norman High School in protest of the law without the school district disciplining her.

HB 1775 prohibits K-12 schools from teaching that one race is superior to another, that a person is inherently racist or oppressive, and that someone bears responsibility or should feel guilt for past actions of people of their same race or sex, among other provisions.

An Oklahoma City federal judge blocked parts of HB 1775 from being enforced and let other sections stand in a June ruling. Plaintiffs in that case notified the judge of Boismiers revocation order and warned him that the state might have relied on unenforceable parts of HB 1775.

The judge, Charles Goodwin, ordered Walters and the state Board of Education to give him the revocation order no later than Thursday for him to review. The revocation order states that nothing within it is meant to rely on sections of HB 1775 that Goodwins ruling impacted.

The state Board of Education, which Walters leads, voted unanimously on Aug. 22 to enact the order against Boismiers teaching certificate. They took the vote without reading aloud what the order would do.

Walters told news reporters after the Aug. 22 meeting that the order officially revoked Boismiers license to teach in Oklahoma.

I said from the beginning, when you have a teacher that breaks the law, says she broke the law, says shell continue to break the law, that cant stand, he said in the news conference.

In the weeks following the boards vote, Walters administration did not immediately provide Boismiers revocation order to members of the news media, including Oklahoma Voice. Instead the Oklahoma State Department of Education referred reporters to the agencys notoriously lengthy open records request process.

Even Boismiers attorney said he didnt receive the order until it was filed Thursday in court. He said the Education Department told him it had tried unsuccessfully to mail him the document.

Education Department spokesperson Dan Isett said the agency never declined to provide the record and is facilitating the document to the public through open records request procedures. He said any characterization that the agency refused to turn it over is warrantless and without merit.

Boismier made national news in August 2022 when she covered the shelves of her classroom library with red butcher paper on which she wrote books the state doesnt want you to read. She did so after the Norman district, fearing the grave risk of an HB 1775 complaint, required teachers to remove their classroom libraries until they could read every book or provide multiple sources to confirm each title was age appropriate.

Boismiers classroom display also included a QR code link to the Brooklyn Public Librarys BooksUnbanned initiative, which offers online library cards to students across the country who might live in states where certain books are restricted.

Boismier has since moved to New York City to work at the Brooklyn Public Library.

Walters at the time accused the teacher of having a liberal agenda and called for her certification to be revoked.

The revocation order against her alleges she exposed students to inappropriate material because two books available in the catalog, Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe and Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison, contain sexually explicit language not appropriate for the students in Boismiers classroom.

The teacher said she never encouraged her students to read any particular book in the collection. Next to the QR code she wrote a sarcastic note that read, Definitely dont scan.

The overwhelming evidence proves Boismiers intent was to entice her students to read the electronic books on the prohibited books list in defiance of HB 1775, the order states.

An administrative law judge found the Education Department failed to prove that Boismiers conduct justified revocation of her teaching certificate. The judge heard all evidence and testimony in the case during a June 2023 administrative hearing.

But, Walters and the state Board of Education later voted to reject the judges findings. Instead, they directed the boards attorney to put together a list of facts and conclusions that served as the basis for the revocation order.

In a series of social media posts, Boismier described losing her teaching certificate as a bit like losing a fundamental part of myself. She said the revocation could prevent her from becoming a certified teacher in other states.

Students suffer an even greater loss, she said, when they are barred from reading books that reflect their lives and experiences, especially those who are LGBTQ+ or people of color.

I will not apologize for sharing publicly available information about library access with my students, she wrote on social media on Aug. 22. My livelihood will never be as important as someones life or right to read what they want. I fully intend to fight this revocation and the law that enables it: HB 1775.

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PwC says hybrid work is not going away. Michael Kappeler/picture alliance via Getty Images

PwC's research shows hybrid work boosts satisfaction and productivity over full-time office work.

The study surveyed 20,000 business leaders and workers.

Companies should adopt purpose-driven strategies for hybrid work to enhance performance and culture.

PwC says workers won't return to the office five days a week  and it's time for companies to see hybrid work as the new normal.

"Hybrid workers have higher degrees of satisfaction and productivity than fully on-site," Anthony Abbatiello, workforce transformation leader and partner at PwC, told Business Insider.

Abbatiello and his team conducted 13 months of research  surveying 20,000 business leaders, chief human resources officers, and workers  to understand how companies can better leverage their workforces. That research culminated in a first-of-its-kind Workforce Radar Report published by the firm on Thursday.

PwC's research found that hybrid workers are likelier to feel they belong at their company than fully on-site or remote workers.

"We sort of started with 13 hypotheses. We came out with five signals that the research identified that are crucial for workforce transformation," Abbatiello said. Companies should know how to retain and attract talent, effectively integrate AI into the workforce, optimize the total cost of their workforces, invest in the right leaders, and implement a solid return-to-work strategy.

While some of these signals  like the rapid advances in AI technology  have largely been met with excitement in the corporate world, the return-to-office question has ignited a fiery debate between workers and managers.

Big Tech companies like Amazon are cracking down on workers trying to skirt partial return-to-office mandates. Wall Street goliaths like Goldman Sachs have been ramping up efforts to bring workers into the office five days a week after its senior managers expressed concerns about staff who failed to comply with the policy. PwC itself issued hybrid work mandates in September.

But forcing workers to adhere to mandates against their will could backfire, the study found. Companies haven't "been intentional about developing a location strategy that really gives them the result that they're looking for," Abbatiello said. He advises companies to be more "purpose-driven" with their strategies, which will likely drive cost savings, performance, productivity, and culture. "Don't use a mandate. Actually create a strategy," he said.

Research also shows that pushing policies on employees has consequences for companies. Managers who fail to explain why they implemented certain hybrid strategies that don't consider the needs of their employees  or explain the rationale behind return-to-office policies  can risk productivity, and team culture may erode.

Story continues

The good news is that CEOs are starting to acknowledge the reality of hybrid work. This comes amid increasing evidence suggesting that allowing workers some flexibility can improve morale and enhance work-life balance, particularly for those who can avoid commuting on certain days.

Here's what else PwC's report had to say about reinventing the workforce:

Making the most of talent

There's a clear gap between how companies manage talent and how employees perceive it.

According to Abbatiello, companies should be both "talent magnets" that attract emerging talent and "talent factories" that help existing workers stay and build careers. He said the firm's research found that 80% of leaders believe they're both, and only 40% of employees agree. "That dissonance is really important," he said.

Companies can remedy this by ensuring their benefits align with employees' preferences, offering workers flexibility, meaningful work, and brand-building.

Figure out how to integrate AI

The rapid advances in AI have ushered into the corporate world a massive technological revolution. Many companies are exploring the best way to implement it.

Abbatiello said companies that want to capitalize on the technology need to think about the broader ecosystem it'll operate in. "We're all obsessed with AI, but we have a lot of infrastructure that we need to fix," he said. "Human capital management systems need upgrades and need to be able to deliver the results at the foundational level to enable us to bring in more generative AI and broader AI technologies."

Create a balance sheet for the workforce

Companies might be running up against hidden costs in their workforce.

The firm's report found that "senior leaders rarely grasp the total cost of their workforce." For example, many companies don't "know the usage stats of their benefit offerings because so much of it is outsourced to third-party providers."

Creating a balance sheet might be the best way to optimize costs. "We kind of always rely back on, OK, if I need to reduce my costs, let's just cut heads," Abbatiello said. "We're so reactive, and we go to the same playbook every time." The costs could also be lurking in tax plans and benefit programs, so cutting in those areas could help drive more financial efficiency and employee satisfaction, he said.

Hire the right leaders

As Abbatiello put it: "All of this is moot without investing in transformative leaders."

With strong leadership development and programs, the firm has seen a 25% increase in employee engagement and an uplift in revenue, he said. "You really have to enable leaders who are not just great leaders, but who are able to be resilient, agile, and drive change."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Detectives searching for two men after $9,000 robbery at Wells Fargo

Seattle police are searching for two men who robbed a Wells Fargo branch on Terry Avenue North, making off with more than $9,000 in cash.

The incident occurred at 12:24 p.m. on September 10, according to the Seattle Police Department.

One of the suspects, a white man between 40 and 60 years old, handed a note to the bank teller demanding money.

The second suspect stood nearby during the robbery.

After the teller handed over the cash, the suspects ran away before officers arrived.

The first suspect was last seen wearing a black beanie, black sunglasses, black headphones, a red Adidas hoodie with white stripes, light blue jeans, and black shoes.

The second suspect is described as a white male between 25 and 40 years old with short gray hair and a beard, wearing a dirty white face covering, a black hooded sweatshirt, brown pants, and brownish-gray boots.

Seattle detectives with the Robbery Unit are investigating the case and are asking for the publics help to identify the suspects.

Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Crime Stoppers allows callers to remain anonymous.
How did this former plantation along the New Hanover border get its name?

Poplar Grove Plantation, a former peanut and sweet potato plantation, at the New Hanover/Pender county line dates to the 18th century.

How did this historic estate in the Scotts Hill community of Pender County, get its name?

Poplar Grove Plantation, a former peanut and sweet potato plantation at the New Hanover/Pender county line, dates to the 18th century. On July 16, 1979, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The property of which is so named and referenced as Poplar Grove in both the land deed of sale and also in a letter by Cornelius Harnett after his last journey from Philadelphia to North Carolina in January 1780. Harnett's widow Mary Holt Harnett, who original owned the place, called it Poplar Grove" on the plantation.

Poplar Grove offers guided tours of the manor house. It also offers a weekly farmers market on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Sept. 25.

The historic house and museum are located within the National Park Services Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. The former sweet potato and peanut plantation produced peanuts from the agricultural skills of the Gullah Geechee people.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: How did Poplar Grove Plantation in Pender County, NC, get its name?
A school bus heads down Cedar Avenue in College Hill on the first day of school last month. As students begin a new school year, Ohio's school districts are getting their state report cards showing how they performed last year.

Ohio's school districts' annual report cards from the state were released Friday, but the grades are a bit more complicated than the old-fashioned letter grades they give their students.

Instead of traditional grades, school districts receive star ratings in five categories, or components: achievement, progress, gap closing, graduation and early literacy. A sixth component measuring graduates' readiness for college, career or military service is being tracked but will not count toward a district's overall rating until at least next year.

The ratings released Friday are based on the districts' performance during the 2023-2024 school year. They are intended to help parents, educators and taxpayers understand how students in their district are doing and to identify areas in need of improvement.

Database for all Ohio school district report cards

Find your school's 2024 Ohio report card

What are Ohio schools graded on?

How does the state define success or failure? Let's start with what those components mean:

Achievement  This tracks student performance on state tests and whether they met state thresholds, for grades 3-12.

Progress  This shows the improvement or decline in student performance by comparing last year's state test scores to previous state test scores.

Graduation  This measures the percentage of students who graduated within four and five years of entering high school.

Gap closing  This determines whether students of different races, income levels and abilities are meeting state standards.

Early literacy  This measures student performance on third grade reading tests, the percentage of students promoted from third to fourth grade, and how well districts support struggling readers.

How did your district do? Most southwest Ohio schools met standards on state report cards

Struggling to meet standard: Cincinnati Public Schools improves grade but still falls short in state report card

What do the star ratings mean?

The state uses a rating system of one to five stars to show how well districts performed in each component and whether they are meeting state standards. A rating of three stars means the district met the standard for that component. Ratings higher than three stars mean the district exceeded the standard, while ratings lower than three stars mean it fell short.

The star rating in each component is based on a formula that measures performance. In the graduation component, for example, a weighted graduation rate of 96.5% or greater earned districts a five-star rating. A rating between 90% and 93.5% met state standards and earned a three-star rating, while anything below that failed to meet the standard.

Based on performance in all five components, the state assigned an overall performance rating to each district of one to five stars.

A full description of the components, the rating system and the formulas used to measure performance can be found online at the Ohio Department of Education's Guide to the 2023-2024 Ohio School Report Cards and at reportcard.education.ohio.gov.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Database: See report cards for all Ohio schools, school districts
How did this Utah middle school drastically reduce its high percentage of chronic absenteeism?

Northwest Middle School principal Andrea Seminario talks to seventh grader Jacob Huerta-Miranda in reading class at Northwest Middle School in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In four years, Seminario has gotten Northwest Middle School's rate of chronic absence to 12-13%, which is half of the state average. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Four years ago, the percentage of students at Northwest Middle School who were chronically absent was cringeworthy.

Coming out of the pandemic, the schools attendance rates were horrendous, so much so, the Salt Lake City school was held out in a district meeting to make the point OK, we got to work on this, said Principal Andrea Seminario.

Northwest was hardly the only Utah school struggling with consistent student attendance but Northwests rate of students who were chronically absent was far above the statewide average of 27%.

We were like 42% the first year, Seminario said, wincing.

Chronic absenteeism means a student misses 10% or more of enrolled days, according to state school board rule.

Fast forward to the 2023-24 school year and Northwest Middle School once again was being singled out, this time for its strategic efforts that have drastically improved school attendance.

The percentage of chronic absences is now between 10% and 13%, less than half of the statewide average in 2022. As an added bonus, discipline referrals at the school are down, too.

The school, which serves 540 students in grades 7 and 8, has embraced a multi-pronged, intentional strategy to get Northwest students to attend school every day.

The school has embraced the Ron Clark Academys house system. All students and adults in the school belong to one of four houses, Isibindi, Nukumori, Reveur and Sollevare. Each house has its own color, symbols, nation of heritage and history.

For instance, Nukumori is the house of kindness and its color is purple.

Members of each house have T-shirts of the color that corresponds with their respective houses and the shirts are worn on the schools spirit days. Students also carry binders that are their house color so their membership is readily identifiable.

The system is intended to create a positive climate and culture for students and staff. Houses compete against one another for rewards. A house with the lowest absences, for instance, is rewarded with a field trip or a party at school.

The teams also compete in minute to win it type challenges.

Seminario said students want to win the contests and rewards, of course, but they also do not want to let their housemates down so they feel more compelled to come to school.

Seminario traveled to Atlanta for training on the house system and later sent some faculty members, who are now house leaders.

Each day, the teams rates of absences or other school goals are displayed on a screen in the cafeteria so students are constantly aware of their progress toward their goals or their need to step up their efforts.

Its all part of building culture and community in the school.

Kids want to belong. If you walk into our school, the first thing you see is, You belong. Our theme is, I am Northwest. We want kids to be proud to be from the west side, from the Rose Park area. What does that mean? It means that you got to show up all the time, she said.

Artwork in a display case welcomes Northwest Middle School students at Northwest Middle School in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In four years, Northwest Middle School principal Andrea Seminario has gotten Northwest Middle School's rate of chronic absence to 10-13%, which is half of the state average. Students and staff are assigned to different teams, which helps build community and incentivize students. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Northwest teachers are expected to take roll within the first 10 minutes of the school day to give the schools attendance secretary a jump on reaching out to parents whose children are absent.

Sometimes parents are unaware their child is not at school because the parents are working and they expect their child to get ready and get to school on their own. Other times, the parents are home and once they get a call from the school, most bring their child to school.

The school has also created a variety of clubs to encourage school attendance, develop students interests and to have fun.

Teachers and administrators asked the students what clubs they wanted, and thats how we got our anime club and our dance club, all these things they wanted, she said.

They want to be here. Theyre safe, theres food, theres connections, theres tons of clubs, Seminario said.

Seminario said parents are important partners in getting their children to school consistently.

Northwest holds monthly parent meetings to encourage them to get their children to school  and on time  and to get better acquainted with educators and administrators.

We have a food pantry thats available to our families after our monthly meetings. That also helps to build those relationships where they know were taking care of our families and our families trust us. Again, its just getting them to come, she said.

Parents often do not realize that even two absences a month is considered chronic, she said. Even if theyre excused absences, theyre still absent, Seminario said.

Dr. Judith Neugabaur teaches science at Northwest Middle School in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In four years, Northwest Middle School principal Andrea Seminario has gotten Northwest Middle School's rate of chronic absence to 10-13%, which is half of the state average. Students and staff are assigned to different teams, which helps build community and incentivize students. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

School interventions

If students start racking up absences, the attendance secretary checks in with their parents and offers assistance.

If things dont improve, the secretary schedules appointments for the student and their parents with a school counselor. They set goals and establish a meaningful reward for the student if they meet the goals. If the absences persist, the student is referred to school administrators.

School personnel also make home visits to educate parents why regular school attendance is important and to offer help with barriers such as transportation or offer to intervene if another student is bullying their child.

Its a parents responsibility, and the parents call, right? So we just need our parents to really back us up with this initiative and understand its trying to help the whole child, but they have to be here. They have to show up. Every day counts, she said.

Seminario said the schools cell phone policy, which prohibits their use by students from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. has also curbed bullying, she said.

Reducing the schools rate of chronic absences has been hard work but the rewards are substantial because teachers, administrators and staff spend their time helping students reach their academic and social goals instead of laboring just to get them in the door.

Its just so much energy and work to decrease that and then to sustain that because you get new kids every year that you also have to train, and those parents you have to retrain, she said.

Honorio Almazan works on math problems at Northwest Middle School in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In four years, Northwest Middle School principal Andrea Seminario has gotten Northwest Middle School's rate of chronic absence to 12-13%, which is half of the state average. Students and staff are assigned to different teams, which helps build community and incentivize students. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Northwest Middle School principal Andrea Seminario talks about the teams the school is split into, with two of the team crests displayed behind her, and how they help incentivize students, at Northwest Middle School in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In four years, Seminario has gotten Northwest Middle School's rate of chronic absence to 12-13%, which is half of the state average. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Students walk past the Onraka team crest at Northwest Middle School in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In four years, Northwest Middle School principal Andrea Seminario has gotten Northwest Middle School's rate of chronic absence to 12-13%, which is half of the state average. Students and staff are assigned to different teams, which helps build community and incentivize students. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Northwest Middle School principal Andrea Seminario shows a welcoming display case at Northwest Middle School in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In four years, Seminario has gotten Northwest Middle School's rate of chronic absence to 12-13%, which is half of the state average. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Statewide challenge

The percentage of Utah students who were chronically absent shot up from 13% in 2018 to 27% in 2022.

The upward trajectory post-pandemic is worrisome because regular school attendance is linked to higher levels of student achievement and lower dropout rates compared to peers who are chronically absent.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Salt Lake City School District Superintendent Elizabeth Grant recently teamed up to stress the importance of regular school attendance in Utahs capital city.

They released an Instagram video message that urges families to reach out to their childs school principal who can help them obtain resources to help them address barriers to school attendance. For instance, schools can help families obtain food, clothing and free UTA bus passes provided by Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake City Education Foundation.

Mendenhall said chronic absences can negatively impact students long-term goals.

Every day that students miss has an impact on their potential to graduate. I know as a working mom with three kids, that is a big impact on our family when one of our kids has to miss school. Theres a lot of reasons that can happen, but to think about the cumulative impact and the potential on their long-term success, attendance is one of those key indicators, she said.

Grant said missing school affects students futures.

We are all about building opportunities for our students. We need them here to take advantage of college and career pathways. Students need to be in school, she said.

According to the Utah State Board of Education, a student who is chronically absent in any year, starting with their eighth grade year, is seven times more likely to drop out than a student who is not chronically absent.

Did you know that about a quarter of our students are missing 18 days a year? Thats a lot, and its similar to other schools nationally. But you know what? We can fix it here in Salt Lake City. We need to get our kids to school every day, because every day counts, Grant said.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  Ten individuals filed a lawsuit this week against the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau claiming they were sexually abused by church employees and the diocese mishandled their cases.

The plaintiffs say they were sexually abused at different times between 1968 and 1998 at church locations throughout southwest Missouri, including Springfield, Kimberling City and West Plains.

The lawsuit, which names the diocese and current Bishop Edward Rice as defendants, accuses church leaders of covering up and enabling the abuse.

The 44-page lawsuit says over the years the diocese knew some of its employees were sexually abusing children and responded by transferring the perpetrators to different locations within the diocese or sending them away for treatment and then bringing them back.

In September 2018, the lawsuit says the diocese promised to publish the names of clergy members who had been credibly accused of sexually abusing children. Five months later, in April of 2019, the diocese released a list of 16 priests whose abuse claims had been substantiated.

The allegations in the lawsuit include children as young as 5 years old being subjected to sexual abuse.

Reached by phone on Friday afternoon, a spokesperson for the diocese declined to comment, saying they had not yet been served with the lawsuit.

A court date has not yet been scheduled.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  One Walt Disney World attraction is losing a few beloved friends, according to NBC affiliate WESH.

In a memo sent to WESH, Disney announced it would be removing Lou the manatee from The Seas with Nemo and Friends at EPCOT to another manatee rehabilitation center in Florida.

Soon after that, we will receive one other manatee to be a companion with Lil Joe, the other manatee currently in our care. This is being done as part of a broader set of manatee moves around the state recommended by the MRP and USFWS which directs and manages the rehabilitation and conservation of manatees throughout Florida. While we will greatly miss Lou, we do look forward to aiding this other manatee in the next stage of rehabilitation as we continue to do our part in addressing the manatee crisis in Florida, which has seen declining manatee populations in the past few years, Disney said in its memo.

Disney is reportedly working with manatee experts, including the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, to relocate Lou.

In addition, Disney announced plans to relocate three dolphins in late October to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Florida.

Disney told WESH the facility is led by a marine mammal expert who cared for the dolphins for years at The Seas.

This decision came after a comprehensive evaluation as to what is best for these dolphins as infrastructure work progresses at The Seas. Through the extraordinary care from our team, these three male dolphins have thrived and led long lives and we will continue to be a resource while they receive the best possible care after they are moved, the company said.

The dolphins were part of the Dolphins in Depth and DiveQuest experiences and Dinsey said it plans to honor pre-booked guests for both through Oct. 19. Disney expects DiveQuest to return in 2025.

For decades, Walt Disney World has provided extraordinary care for thousands of fish and marine mammals  including dolphins and manatees that have served as ambassadors for their species, inspiring us about marine mammals and aiding in conservation and research efforts. As we look to the future of The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, we are making some changes that require careful thought, prioritizing the wellbeing of these sensitive marine mammals, Disney said.

For decades, Walt Disney World has provided extraordinary care for thousands of fish and marine mammals  including dolphins and manatees that have served as ambassadors for their species, inspiring us about marine mammals and aiding in conservation and research efforts. As we look to the future of The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, we are making some changes that require careful thought, prioritizing the wellbeing of these sensitive marine mammals, Disney said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Montana Public Service Commission (via PSC Twitter account).

A petition that calls on the Montana Public Service Commission to consider the effects of climate in its decisions is still active, but this week, a district court judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging the PSC needed to be forced to take action on the proposal.

In an order Wednesday, Missoula County District Court Judge Leslie Halligan said the Public Service Commission has broad discretion in how it considers new rules, and she said it had met its legal obligations, contrary to petitioners allegations.

Thursday, the PSC president praised the order as thought fully considered and well decided, but a spokesperson for the petitioners said the outcome only allows more delay as Montanans suffer from smoke and other effects of climate change.

Said PSC President James Brown in a statement: The court  affirms the right of state agencies to use this process to make rules in a way that allow agencies to gather the information necessary and to allow time for public input to make rules that make sense for the people of Montana.

But Anne Hedges, spokesperson for petitioners and policy and legislative director for the Montana Environmental Information Center, said the group believes the court erred.

What the court has done is reinforce a stall tactic to address a crisis that is only getting worse, Hedges said.

She said petitioners have not decided whether to appeal to the Montana Supreme Court.

In February, 40 organizations and businesses filed the petition that said the PSC should adopt a new rule that requires consideration of adverse climate impacts of greenhouses gas emissions in utility regulation.

Organizations and businesses include Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Helena Hunters and Anglers, Families for a Livable Climate, the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, MEIC and others.

The proposal drew significant public interest and has received more than 900 comments so far.

In April, the Public Service Commission held a public hearing after receiving more than 500 comments. It also extended the deadline for comment, arguing it would give more people a chance to provide feedback and also possibly help answer some of the questions that had come up about the petition.

But a subset of petitioners said the PSC had lapsed in its duty to start formally considering a new rule, and they took their argument to court.

They said the Public Service Commission couldnt just hold a public hearing, it had to clearly initiate the rulemaking process, and it missed the 60-day deadline to do so.

The PSC, however, argued it was operating under informal rulemaking, allowed by state statute, and its March 19 notice of public comment in fact launched the rulemaking process.

Judge Halligan agreed with the Public Service Commission, although she also said it could have provided more clarity about its intentions to begin with.

Halligan said the court can tell a party to act if that party is clearly failing to perform a legal duty, but its an extraordinary remedy  technically, a writ of mandate. And she said the court is barred from doing so where the duty is discretionary in nature.

But she said the PSC hasnt denied rulemaking in this case, the legislature intends agencies to be able to expand the scope of public participation, and the commission is afforded broad discretion when it comes to rulemaking.

The order also said theres no legal authority that says the commission cant start an informal process before starting formal rulemaking.

By issuing its March 19 written notice, the commission fulfilled its ministerial duty to publish a notice within the allowed timeframe, the judge said. She said it also has discretion to determine how to proceed, and it did so reasoning more input was needed.

As a matter of public policy, the Commissions efforts to consider broad public interests and to allow extensive public participation when proceeding with a proposed rule so large in scope is in harmony with the spirit of MAPA, or the Montana Administrative Procedures Act, the order said.

Hedges, with the petitioners, said the group will keep advocating, as it has done, and time has already run out when it comes to climate.

If the smoke-filled skies that we are all experiencing this week dont underscore the need to address this crisis immediately, Im not sure what does, she said.

She said the PSC held a hearing in April, and it hasnt done anything since then to try to help protect rates or climate: That just shows that they do not feel an obligation to do their job.

The Public Service Commissions David Sanders said agency staff are going through public comment  five volumes of it  and looking for information that might help clarify some of the questions about the proposed rule.

Sanders also said commissioners had asked the petitioners specific questions about how the rule could work. He said he hopes the petitioners will respond to those questions that now that the judge found the PSCs process to be legal.

We would prefer that they participate in a collaborative process with us, said Sanders, PSC executive director.
Italian special forces divers have recovered potentially crucial video equipment from the wreck of Mike Lynchs superyacht, which could explain how it sank.

Seven people, including the British tech tycoon and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, died when the Bayesian sank in severe weather off the coast of Sicily last month.

The divers, from an Italian navy unit equivalent to Britains Special Boat Service, recovered video surveillance systems, computers and hard drives that will be sent to specialised labs, a source close to the investigation told Reuters.

It is hoped that, if the equipment was recovered intact, it may help investigators find out what happened on the night of the sinking.

It is believed the yacht was hit by a meteorological phenomenon known as a downburst, which can pack as much punch as a mini-tornado.

The six elite divers, deployed at the request of prosecutors who are investigating the sinking, are from a special forces unit called Comsubin. They used a hyperbaric chamber that allowed them to make repeated dives of up to 40 minutes.

The other victims of the Aug 19 tragedy were Recaldo Thomas, the ships Antiguan-Canadian chef, Jonathan Bloomer, the Morgan Stanley International bank chairman his wife Judy, and Chris Morvillo, a Clifford Chance lawyer, and his wife Neda.

Fifteen people, including Mr Lynchs wife, survived the disaster and were rescued by a nearby yacht.

The bodies of the seven victims have now been flown back to their home countries by private jet, according to Italian media reports. Post-mortem examinations were conducted last week. The jet took off from Palermo airport, to the west of where the yacht went down, according to Il Giornale di Sicilia newspaper.

James Cutfield, 51, the New Zealand skipper of the Bayesian, is under investigation for multiple manslaughter and causing a deadly shipwreck, along with two British crew members: Tim Parker Eaton, 56, and Matthew Griffiths, 22.

Under the Italian legal system, being placed under investigation does not imply guilt and does not necessarily mean that charges will be brought.

The Bayesian will be raised and brought to shore as part of the investigation into how it sank within 16 minutes of being hit by the storm. It is lying at a depth of 165ft, around half a mile off the fishing town of Porticello.

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Illegal home-built guns are bringing libertarianism to the world. That's what the good people at The New York Times say. DIY firearms are also helping rebels fight oppressive regimes and, as is inevitable when weapons make their way into the hands of regular people, fueling European officials' fears of crime and terrorism. This is a result of recent technological developments that severely cramp governments' ability to enforce restrictionsincluding when it comes to the FGC-9, a partially 3D-printed firearm.

Libertarianism With a Bang

"This American brand of libertarianism has historically been a tough sell in many other parts of the world. Even if some people believed it in theory, strict laws made buying a gun so difficult that the ideology was almost beside the point," wrote Lizzie Dearden and Thomas Gibbons-Neff in the Times. "The FGC-9 is changing that."

By "libertarianism," Dearden and Gibbons-Neff mean the (familiar to Reason readers) belief that people have the right to freely live their lives whether governments like it or not. The philosophy is on display at the website of Deterrence Dispensed, a loose online community of those interested in designing and building homemade firearms and ammunition. "All individuals are entitled to the utility to defend their humanity," the group boasts. "Gun control has failed. You can't stop the signal."

There's no greater evidence of exactly that than the popularity of the FGC-9the full name of which is the Fuck Gun Control-9.

"This model of homemade semiautomatic firearm, known as an FGC-9, has appeared in the hands of paramilitaries in Northern Ireland, rebels in Myanmar and neo-Nazis in Spain," note Dearden and Gibbons-Neff. "In October, a British teenager will be sentenced for building an FGC-9 in one of the latest terrorism cases to involve the weapon."

DIY Weapons Have a Long History

Craft-made firearms aren't new. Gunmakers in Pakistan, the Philippines, and elsewhere have produced effective arms in conditions that are often surprisingly crude. Wherever people seek to acquire goods, firearms included, savvy entrepreneurs find ways to satisfy that demand, within or outside the law. But developments in computer numerical control (CNC) technology and 3D printing have made small-scale manufacturing easier and more accessible. That's great for people who need to make replacement parts for machinery on-site, and for those seeking to evade prohibitions.

The liberating potential of 3D printing first entered public awareness in 2013, with Cody Wilson's unveiling of the single-shot Liberator pistol. In 2018, a RAND Corporation report warned that with 3D printing, "point-of-sale consumption will no longer be an opportunity for governmental control of risky goods, such as firearms and drones."

That was about the time that Jacob Duygu, a former German soldier known online as JStark, designed the original FGC-9. It's a hybrid project, combining 3D-printed parts with components available off-the-shelf from hardware stores to build a semiautomatic, 9mm carbine. Under his pseudonym, Duygu and his creation were featured in the documentary Plastic Defence: Secret 3D Printed Guns in Europe.

Duygu died under mysterious circumstances in 2021 after being questioned by German police. But his design was refined and updated by "Ivan the Troll," whom the Times identifies as John Elik, a licensed Illinois firearms manufacturer (plans for the FCG-9 MKII are available here). Licensed as he is, his activities don't violate even the draconian laws of his unfortunate state. (I unsuccessfully reached out to Ivan/Elik for comment, but he may be a tad media-shy after having his identity splashed across the world by a major newspaper).

The original FGC-9 and the revised version have found immense popularity around the globe.

Arming the World

"While countless 3D-printed guns have been designed and circulated on the internet, international law enforcement officials say that the FGC-9 is by far the most common," add Dearden and Gibbons-Neff.

The Times reporters talk a lot about far-right extremists, militias, terrorists, and criminals arming themselves with DIY guns, and it's understandable that goods severely restricted by law would disproportionately make it into the hands of people who are particularly unimpressed by laws. They concede, though, that "no law enforcement official has yet linked an FGC-9 to a homicide."

The liberating potential of a firearm that's relatively easy to build in a small shop is apparent from the rebel who is fighting Myanmar's oppressive government and tells the Times that "a lot of people use them," in reference to FGC-9s. The source adds that the DIY guns are mostly selected for personal defense, since they don't stand up well in the jungle to combat conditions.

That, of course, is the whole purpose of the DIY weapons movement: ensuring that people have the means to defend themselves against those who might do them harm. People have the right to that means, say its proponents, whether those who prey on them are freelance criminals or governments.

"It's not just a gun. It is also an ideology," a Swedish intelligence officer told the Times.

An 'Existential Threat' to Gun Control

In fact, the movement that developed the FGC-9, the Liberator in 2013, and hand-crafted weapons before that is much more than its output. It's an effort, originally disorganized but increasingly coordinated, to bypass prohibitions and render attempts to disarm the public irrelevant. It's effective.

"Globally, [privately made firearms] still represent a small percentage of illicit firearms, but that is changing quickly in some regions," according to a 2023 paper from Switzerland's Small Arms Survey. "If production technologies continue to improve and proliferate, [privately made firearms] will increasingly erode the effectiveness of export controls and other key elements of national and international small arms control regimes, and may eventually pose an existential threat to these regimes."

Officials and handwringers fret that terrorists, extremists, and criminals will end up armed, but they've never seemed to have a problem acquiring what they want in the past. Besides, in a world in which governments have vast armories, keeping weapons out of the hands of bad people is obviously a lost cause.

Ensuring that people are free despite the best efforts of rulers is an ideological movement when it comes to guns or anything else. Through innovation and defiance, libertarianism is getting a boost around the world.

The post DIY Guns Bring Libertarianism to the World, Says <i>The New York Times</i> appeared first on Reason.com.
Iowa Regional Utilities Association issued a precautionary boil advisory for communities north of Marshalltown. (Photo by Peter Cade Stone/Getty Images)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued water-safety related advisories this week, including a boil order in central Iowa and investigation of a wastewater bypass in western Iowa. Both issues were minor and have been managed by local officials.

Boil advisory for Marshall and Grundy counties

Iowa Regional Utilities Association issued a precautionary boil advisory for communities north of Marshalltown following a loss of pressure at a pumping station in northern Marshall County. Iowa Regional Utilities Association announced late afternoon on Friday that bacteria samples came back clean and the boil advisory was lifted.

About 250 service connections were affected in the cities of Liscomb, Conrad and Whitten. The utilities association, which reported the initial pressure loss at their facility at 7 a.m. Wednesday, restored pressure to the pumping station within an hour.

The loss of pressure could allow contaminants to enter the water system, which is why affected areas are advised to boil drinking and cooking water.

The utilities association said the advisory will remain in place until it receives negative results from its bacteria tests.

Denison wastewater discharge

DNR is investigating a wastewater bypass after an estimated 300 gallons of sewage flowed onto the ground at a convenience store in Crawford County on Monday.

Part of the wastewater flowed into a storm sewer that connects to the Boyer River, according to a press release from DNR.

Denison Municipal Utilities reported the discharge, caused by a plugged service connection line, early Monday. The line was cleared and the unwanted sewage flow stopped the same morning.

Kristi Burg, an environmental specialist for DNR in Atlantic, said Denison Municipal Utilities were able to clean the affected area and that samples taken along the Boyer River showed no adverse impact from the incident.

Update: This story has been updated to report that the boil advisory was lifted late Friday afternoon.
I'm always one car repair away from being in debt: This Alaska mom, 61, fears she may never retire

At 61, Chugiak, Alaska resident Becky Davenport is nearing retirement age, but she fears it may never happen. She works full-time as a disability and education lead at a nonprofit but still struggles to pay her bills.

There hasnt been a time that I felt secure because Im always one car repair away from being in debt, Davenport, who raised two sons as a single mom, told Business Insider.

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With the low pay she received for many years, she scratched out a living by juggling bills and continues to drive her paid-off 25-year-old car.

Despite her sons moving out, frequent medical expenses (she has chronic illnesses) and the high cost of living have hurt her ability to make ends meet and save for retirement. She said she may have to move in with her children, which would make her part of a recent trend of silver squatters. One in five (21%) 55-year-olds expect to need housing support in retirement, according to a recent survey.

While Davenport can claim Social Security benefits at age 62, she plans to wait until 67 to receive her full benefit. She estimates it will be about $2,000 a month but fears that wont be enough. While she has a 401(k), shes had to make early withdrawals to cover emergency expenses, which has left her with only about $40,000 in savings. This is far from what she'll need to retire comfortably.

Davenports far from alone. Many peak boomers like her face financial insecurity  now and in their golden years.

A wave of over 30 million boomers will hit the typical retirement age of 65 between 2024 and 2030. They are known as peak boomers. Of those, two-thirds arent financially prepared for retirement, according to a report from the Alliance for Lifetime Incomes Retirement Income Institute.

Time to move?

One of Davenport's challenges is that she lives in Alaska, which is considered one of the worst states for retirees. Indeed, in a Moneywise ranking, Alaska came in dead last, in part due to the high cost of living  along with its frigid temperatures, distance from critical amenities and rising number of violent crimes.

The cost of living in Alaska is 27% higher than the national average, according to the Economic Research Institute. While Hawaii has the highest grocery prices in the nation, Alaska takes third place, thanks to its remote location and harsh climate. California has the highest gas prices in the country, but Alaska isnt much better, coming in at No. 6.

Read more: Car insurance rates have spiked in the US to a stunning $2,150/year  but you can be smarter than that. Here's how you can save yourself as much as $820 annually in minutes (it's 100% free)

She spends $1,200 on rent and has never been able to afford a home. While she worries about her rent going up, housing prices have also soared in Alaska, with an average single-family home sales price at about $436,000 in 2023, per the state government, up from about $303,000 a decade ago.

One bonus, however, is that Davenport receives some extra cash from the Alaska Permanent Fund  dividends from the states oil and mining revenues paid to residents. In 2023, she received $1,312 from the government, which helped with some incidentals. But its still not much when it comes to retirement.

Survival techniques for peak boomers without savings

As mentioned, Davenport is eligible to claim Social Security at age 62, but shed have to take a reduced amount, and shes not sure the $2,000 shed receive at her full retirement age of 67 will be enough to live on during her golden years. Medicare will also kick in at 65.

Waiting until her full retirement age means she has six more years to earn a salary, save for retirement, and receive a higher Social Security check, which could help her out in the long run. But if she continues to pay the same (or more) for rent and her car dies, she will struggle to save unless she can reduce her costs or bring in more income.

After Davenport retires from her full-time job, she could continue working part-time or on a contract basis to earn extra cash. This could help with ongoing rent payments, one of her biggest expenses.

However, she may be able to move in with one of her sons  she could even pay a nominal amount in rent to contribute to the household.

She could consider getting a roommate to reduce her housing costs if that's not an option. Or, she could take more extreme measures and move to a state with a lower cost of living  and maybe some better weather, too.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Documents: Abilene mother, boyfriend accused of stuffing baby in tool bag after death, disposing of body days later

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An Abilene mother and her boyfriend are accused of stuffing a deceased infant into a tool bag after death then disposing of her body at the lake days later.

Heather Kennedy, 20, and Donald Schultz, 35, were both taken into custody early Friday morning in connection to the infants death. Both are charged with Tampering with Human Corpse, and Schultz is also charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registry.

Court documents reveal what the couple says happened to the baby, named Peyton, who was born in February 2024.

The documents state Peytons remains were found by a fisherman inside a tool bag on the shoreline of Lake Ft. Phantom Hill the night of August 31. She was described as severely decomposed, and detectives had to get an autopsy to determine her exact age.

September 12, the documents state detectives received a Crime Stoppers tip identifying Kennedy as Peytons mother and Schultz as Kennedys boyfriend, claiming both had been living in Texas with Peyton for a couple of months.

When detectives interviewed Kennedy, the documents state she said she left Peyton in the custody of her father in Idaho and that Peyton was never in Texas with her and Schultz. She also spoke of Peyton in past tense.

Detectives also interviewed Schultz, who told detectives Peyton was living with them in Abilene and that she had died while sleeping in her car seat inside their residence while they were asleep and that their mobile home would reach temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, according to the documents.

The documents also reveal there was an unnamed witness who was able to corroborate the fact that Peyton died in Abilene and that her remains were stored inside a mobile home on the 6100 block of Texas avenue for 2 to 4 days before a decision was made to transport her body to Lake Ft. Phantom Hill.

Schultz was able to confirm that he and Kennedy disposed of Peytons body in a tool bag at the lake.

Suspect Schultz further described events and circumstances that led the Abilene detectives to realize that the parties acknowledged an ongoing investigation as to the missing child was imminent and that both Schultz and Kennedy felt it imperative to conceal and dispose of the body of this minor child, the documents state.

Both Kennedy and Schultz remain held in the Taylor County Jail on bonds totaling $350,000 and $500,000.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  With summer on the wane, it will soon be time for the annual ritual of setting your clocks to fall back at the end of Daylight Saving Time.

Daylight Saving Time in 2024 began on Sunday, March 10th, at 2 a.m. It will end on Sunday, November 3rd, at 2 a.m.

While connected devices such as your phone, smartwatch, and TVs will likely reset on their own, some appliances, such as your oven, microwave, or coffee maker, will need you to manually change the time.

Although many people believe that Daylight Saving Time is intended to give farmers extra time to tend to their fields, it actually has to do with energy conservation and a desire to match daylight hours to the times when most people are awake, according to History.

In 1974, former President Nixon signed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent for two years in an effort to combat the gas shortage. The move, however, was so disliked by the public that nine months later, former President Ford enacted legislation that restored the twice-a-year tradition.

Only two states, Hawaii and Arizona, observe standard time all year round, due to the abundance of daylight.

EDITORS NOTE: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Daylight Saving Time ended on March 3rd.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  An Austin man pled guilty to allegedly committing nearly $4 million in cryptocurrency tax fraud, in federal court on Sep. 3.

KXAN previously reported in February 2024 that Frank Richard Ahlgren III was arrested after he allegedly underreported a 2017 sale of $3.7 million in bitcoin and failed to report $650,000 in sales on his 2018 and 2019 taxes.

PREVIOUS: Austin man charged with tax fraud after buying home with allegedly unreported crypto profits

Ahlrens case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Texas Office of Attorney General.

He used the entirety of the proceeds from the sale of bitcoins to purchase a house in Park City, Utah. Ahlgren then filed a false tax return with the IRS for 2017 that substantially inflated the cost basis of the bitcoins, and therefore underreported his capital gain from his bitcoin sale, DOJ said in its release. In total, Ahlgren caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $550,000.

We will find you: Feds send message to Texans committing tax fraud

On request from U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman, U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Lane looked into the plea agreement and recommended it be accepted by the court.

The plea agreement is still pending, and punishment would be determined following the courts decision. Should it be refused, the case would move to a jury trial. He faces a maximum of three years in prison, as well as fines and additional probation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
KINGSBURG, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The Kingsburg Police Department assisted with an investigation involving a Texas man who allegedly sexted two minors in California, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday.

According to court documents, Thomas Henry Lopez, 49, of Spring, Texas contacted two minors in California through TikTok and inappropriately communicated with them between June and July through text messages and the encrypted app JusTalk.

The DOJ says Lopez pretended to be a 12-year-old boy from Texas and requested that the victims send him still and video images of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Lopez also sent them images of adults and minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and images of himself masturbating.

The DOJ says Lopez was located after determining that he was communicating with his victims using the internet at his residence and at his Houston workplace where he was the principal wells engineer for an oil and gas company.

Registered sex offender gesturing to girls in Kingsburg, police say

Officials say FBI agents arrested Lopez on Sept. 3, just as he was leaving for a work-related trip to Singapore. Several electronic devices were recovered during a search of his residence.

According to the DOJ, Lopez will appear before a federal magistrate judge in Houston, Texas, on Sept. 13 where he faces two counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of distribution of a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and one count of transfer of obscene material to a minor.

Fresno man sentenced for sexual assault charges on dog, children, DA says

According to the DOJ, this case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, principally the Kingsburg California Police Department.

If convicted, the DOJ says Lopez faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, as well as a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the distribution of visual inspection of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Officials say additionally, if convicted of the transfer of obscene material to a minor, Lopez faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

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DOLTON, Ill.  A lawsuit on behalf of a suburban school administrator claims that the district retaliated against her for raising concerns over the alleged misuse of school funds.

Dr. Sonya Whitaker, deputy superintendent of Dolton West School District 148, asserts that officials tried to discredit her by damaging her reputation.

I did what all my training told me to do. I followed the process, Whitaker said Thursday, joined by her legal team and other community leaders at the headquarters of Rainbow Push Coalition.

LATEST DOLTON NEWS: Tiffany Henyard uses shell game to subvert board, spend unapproved tax dollars

The lawsuit against the districts superintendent and Board of Education for retaliation and racial discrimination comes after Whitaker questioned the alleged mismanagement of public funds.

Its about $13 million of federal emergency response money that there were questions of how it was allocated, said Todd Yeary, Whitakers attorney.

Whitaker, who had been with the district for five years, claims that she made numerous attempts to contact the superintendent and the school board to arrange a meeting and discuss the issue. Her requests were allegedly unanswered, however.

The complaint also stated that Whitaker was kept in the dark about important meetings and decision-making processes prior to being suspended with pay in July.

When that leave expired, they said nothing to her, except leave her in the dark, Yeary said.

The lawsuit alleges that the district did not follow board policy regarding suspension, failing to provide proper notice and due process. The complaint also stated that beginning Sept. 5, Whitaker began serving a suspension without pay.

WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime & fraud

The decision was made at a public board meeting, followed by public accusations of misconduct against her.

One of the allegations against Dr. Whitaker in the suspension without pay hearing is that she withheld school district property, which she could never meet with the superintendent to turn it over, and that she owed the school district; actually accused her of theft, Yeary said.

According to the lawsuit, Whitaker experiences emotional distress, in addition to loss of income and damage to her professional reputation. Despite these challenges, her legal team claims she is still committed to returning to the district, thus continuing her dedication to the students.

Who is going to advocate and fight on behalf of the children? Whitaker asked. Who is willing to stand on the right side of the law?

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

A public hearing to consider Whitakers termination is set for later this month

WGN contacted the district and board for comment. In response, Board of Education president Larry Lawrence said:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
This story mentions domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org, or texting LOVEIS to 22522.

Breanna Smith Powderly remembers the exact moment she knew she needed to end the engagement to her Air Force fiance for fear of her life.

It had been weeks of his abuse escalating and turning more and more physical, Smith Powderly told We Are The Mighty, adding that he used tactics like alienation from friends and family as a means of control.

When Smith Powderly told him she was ending things and returned the engagement ring, he physically restrained her from leaving the house.

He busted my lip with a forceful kiss saying that he was just trying to love me and thats why he had acted the way he did, she said.

Eventually, Smith Powderly says he pulled a loaded gun and held it to his head three different times and said if she left, he would shoot himself and it would be her fault.

Im not sure how I escaped, but eventually I got out, she told WATM. For weeks afterward, he would call my phone for hours at a time and show up at my house unannounced. I always had someone walk me to my car after work, because I was so fearful he would be there waiting for me. He would email me and it would vary between threats and love letters to win me back.

Smith Powderlys experience is far from isolated  or new. A 2022 report released by the VA Office of the Inspector General pointed out that intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major concern in military and veteran populations and active duty servicemembers are three times more likely to perpetrate IPV than their civilian counterparts.

According to a 2018 study, 36% of women and 34% of men experience physical violence, sexual violence or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Those numbers go up for veterans and service members, with some estimates reaching as high as 58%, the report read.

Elizabeth, whose name has been changed for her privacy and protection, is still haunted by the actions of her father, a now-retired Chief Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, more than 25 years ago.

I have a vivid memory of cowering in my closet wailing for him to stop, she told We Are The Mighty. When he finally let go of my mothers throat and she fell away from my dresser gasping for air, he came charging toward me. Ill give you something to cry about,  that familiar phrase I heard all too often. He loved to press his forehead against yours while he screamed at you, so you could feel the heat radiating off him, the spittle landing on your face. If you cried or coughed or writhed in pain, it only made it worse. He would accuse you of faking it. You had to be as motionless as possible and just wait for it to end.

During a therapy appointment, Elizabeth divulged the abuse she endured at home at the hands of her father.

Then one day I was called into the dining room, where he preferred to do his punishing. You tried to get me fired?! he screamed. Word (had) made it back to his commander about what I had said in therapy, Elizabeth told WATM. Lets just say that is the most scared Ive ever been and that I was never allowed to go back to therapy. Nothing happened to my father that I know of. We stopped speaking as soon as I graduated high school and moved away.

Elizabeths father retired as a decorated Chief Master Sergeant and she says she is still bitter that his command leadership protected him.

I dont look at him as a war hero the way others do, she says, reflecting on her childhood. He viewed and used the military as his only way out of his hometown and away from his abusive stepfather. Unfortunately, I see so many of our service members coming from abusive homes and joining the military as their only option  just to perpetuate the same cycle and get protected by other men just like them. I watch sham services set up to protect families fail women and children time and time again. When will enough be enough?

Amid the case of Mischa Johnson, a pregnant wife of a service member going missing in Hawaii, and a military dependent being found dead inside base housing making headlines this summer, military spouses like Natalie Tocco are speaking out.

19-year-old Army wife Mischa Johnson was 6 months pregnant when she went missing in July. Her husband Dewayne was taken into custody for multiple charges, including child pornography and obstructing justice. Army CID is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for credible information leading to Mischas recovery.

She is 52, approximately 170 lbs., and of Filipino descent. She has a large dragon tattoo on her back and was six months pregnant at the time of her disappearance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Army CID Pacific Field Office at (808) 208-0559, or via cid.army.mil/tips.

To be honest its been pretty shocking. I (have) never heard about this level of domestic violence and homicide, as we have since weve been stationed here, Tocco, who has been stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii for 10 years, told KHON of the upstick in domestic violence.

Hawaiis Domestic Violence Action Center CEO Monique Ibarra told KHON that overall calls to their helpline have increased this year, but could not differentiate between civilian and military calls.

The data for domestic violence or intimate partner violence in our military community is severely limited, Ibarra explained to the outlet. And that could be, for a couple of reasons. The way the military collects and shares information.

Its not the first time in recent history the way the military reports domestic violence has been called into question. In 2021, survivors of domestic violence told CBS News that the military failed to address the issues, which included dismissal of documented cases of physical and sexual assault. In the wake of the report  which noted roughly 100,000 cases of reported domestic violence since 2015  military leadership immediately pledged to take action, but two years later, the survivors accused the military of purposeful cover-up and complete failure to take any disciplinary action.

Individuals who commit domestic violence, who abuse the most intimate relationship(s)  those are individuals that you cannot trust. And those are individuals that simply should not be in the service, Carol Thompson, a former military prosecutor who represents four survivors of domestic violence at the hands of military service members who are pursuing legal action under the Federal Tort Claims Act, told CBS in December 2023.

Smith Powderly says that when it comes to domestic violence, she wishes people knew how insidious it is.

We are all so quick to say, I would never let someone treat me like that, but it starts out so small and grows like mold. It never begins with a slap to the face  it begins with a comment about not spending time with someone of the opposite gender and you normalize it. Then youre being controlled and restricted under the guise of love and it grows and grows into being called a slut and pushed into the wall  and by then youre in so deep and so ashamed and almost truly believing that you deserve that treatment.

Smith Powderly, who says she is thankful to have escaped, says that abusers want you to feel weak and small and alone.

They want you to believe that this is love and its normal and how relationships go. I wish people knew that there is a way out, even if its difficult. Youre worthy of healthy love, and it is out there. Getting out of that relationship is the best thing you will ever do for yourself because its the start of the rest of your life, she says.

What should I do if I think my friend is in danger?

If you think a friend is in danger at home, its crucial to handle the situation with care and empathy.

Here are seven things you can do if you suspect someone you love is experiencing domestic violence:

A protester holds a placard that says stop killing us during a demonstration protesting violence against women. (Photo by Gemma Hubeek/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) SOPA Images

1. Listen and Support Without Judgment

Let your friend know youre there for them. Offer emotional support by listening to their experiences without passing judgment.



Be patient. It might take time for them to open up or take action.



2. Encourage Professional Help

Suggest they contact a domestic violence hotline, counselor, or local advocacy group for support and guidance.



Offer resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233 in the U.S.) or local services that can provide immediate help.



3. Create a Safety Plan

Help your friend think through a safety plan. This includes identifying a safe place to go, keeping important documents and money in a secure spot, and planning an escape route if they need to leave quickly.



4. Avoid Pressuring Them

Leaving an abusive relationship is complicated and can be dangerous. Avoid pressuring your friend to leave if theyre not ready, as it can make them feel more isolated or controlled.



5. Check In Regularly

Stay in touch and let them know they can reach out to you whenever they need to. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can make a big difference.



6. Document Evidence (If Possible)

Encourage them to document instances of abuse, whether through photos, messages, or other evidence, if they feel safe doing so. This can help in any potential future legal proceedings.



7. Contact Authorities if Necessary

If you believe your friends life is in immediate danger, or if you witness violence, dont hesitate to contact law enforcement. Be mindful that this can escalate the situation, so consult with professionals if youre unsure.


Lindsey Graham has urged Donald Trump to ditch toxic far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer following her racist comments and his poor debate performance against Kamala Harris.

The Republican senator, one of Trumps close allies, admitted he agrees with Maga Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has also called for the former president to distance himself from Loomer after she wrote a racist post denigrating Harriss Indian heritage.

Marjorie Taylor Greene is right. I dont say that a lot, Graham told Huffpost. We have policy disagreements but the history of this person is just really toxic. 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.

Greene called Loomer out on Wednesday for a racist post about Harris. 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, she said on social media platform X.

Her reprimand sparked a public feud between the pair on the social media platform.

Graham, one of Trumps close allies, has previously warned he could lose the election (AP)

In an unusual move, Graham said he agreed with Greene, slamming Loomers remarks about Harris as abhorrent.

But its deeper than that, the South Carolina senator continued. 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.

Before the debate, Graham warned Trump may lose the election if he does not shift his strategy and end the personal attacks on Harris.

Other Republicans are concerned Loomer is influencing Trump and worry she may have had something to do with his poor debate performance, after accompanying him on his plane to Philadelphia on Tuesday ahead of the clash with Harris.

Laura Loomer was seen stepping off the plane in Philadelphia ahead of the presidential debate (Reuters)

She was also seen in the spin room after the debate and was with Trump in New York as he attended the memorial of the 9/11 anniversary.

One person close to the presidents campaign said theyre now afraid the far-right activist may be making Trumps weaknesses worse, Semafor reports.

Trump lost the debate because of his performance or lack thereof, Dennis Lennox, a Republican consultant, told the outlet. Thats what happens when you wing it, live in the Fox News-X bubble, and rely upon Matt Gaetz, let alone Laura Loomer.

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.
Fueling anti-Asian hate: The study collected and analyzed over 1.6 million COVID-related tweets from February to April 2020, focusing on posts that expressed anti-Asian sentiment. The researchers found that Trumps March 16, 2020, use of Chinese virus triggered a marked increase in hate speech across various regions in the U.S., although this pattern wasnt uniformly linked to areas with higher Trump voter support. A 2021 poll supports such findings, with a majority of Asian American and Pacific Islanders blaming Trump for the discrimination their community faces during the COVID-19 crisis.
President Donald Trump on Friday promised "large deportations" from Springfield if elected in his latest comments on the city's struggles with a booming Haitian migrant population.

While talking at a press conference in California, Trump was asked if he would have an event in Springfield. He said he might.

"I can say this, we will do large deportations from Springfield, Ohio  large deportations. We're going to get these people out. We're bringing them back to Venezuela," he said.

It wasn't immediately clear why the former president mentioned Venezuela in relation to Springfield, which has seen a surge in migrants from Haiti, not Venezuela.

Springfield has been at the crosshairs of the immigration debate this week as Trump and his running mate, Ohio's U.S. Sen. JD Vance, have spread unfounded rumors about the Haitian immigrants stealing residents' pets and eating them.

Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck, through his office, released a statement saying there's no evidence of any cats or other pets being harmed or eaten by the Haitian immigrants. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources fielded two complaints in recent months about people taking waterfowl from parks, but investigators did not find any evidence to support the callers' reports.

While Trump promised deportations in Springfield, the Haitians there are largely in the United States legally under a temporary protected status designation, which allows migrants from countries with unsafe conditions to reside and work legally in the United States. Today, about 610,000 foreign nationals from sixteen countries hold the designation, according to the nonpartisan Council on Foreign Relations think tank. The council mentioned that the status has been used by roughly 472,000 Venezuelans.

According to Springfield's FAQ page, current protected status for Haitians runs through Feb. 3, 2026. Immigrants cannot be deported while protected under the status. The U.S. government granted the protection to people from Haiti as it struggles to recover from natural disasters and internal turmoil.

Springfield, a central Ohio city of 58,000 about 50 miles west of Columbus, is experiencing a "significant housing crisis," according to a letter from Heck. Heck said said the city's Haitian population has increased to 15,000-20,000 in recent years.

Springfield city leaders have asked politicians not to spread falsehoods about the immigrant population in their community because it distracts from the actual issue of such a large influx of people who need services in such a short time.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Trump promises 'large deportations' of migrants from Springfield
Donations help special needs students get ready for prom

HONOLULU (KHON2)  A trip to Macys left families feeling grateful and blessed Saturday morning, and it was thanks in part to KHON2s partner, Keiki O Ka Aina and The Laulima Giving Program.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The doors at Macys Pearlridge hadnt opened to the public yet, but that didnt stop these students and parents from going in early for the VIP treatment.

Mahalo to Macys Hawaii who has donated $3500 worth of gift cards to give out helping out the specials needs people here in the island, said Michael Wong, the manager of the Laulima Giving Program.

The students chosen by Keiki O Ka Aina and the Laulima Giving Program were given $200 each to help them get dressed to the nines.

This is so awesome, Wong continued. Peters Prom is coming up its a special prom middle of September for those who are special needs.

This book is a love letter to Hawaii: Tom Peeks Mauna Kea

And for these kids, getting ready might be as much fun as the dance itself. Julian Chun, one of the gift card recipients showed off his new clothes.

I have one nice jacket, cute patterns, little blue silk, and a silk tie, he said.

Parents and supporters said the donation is more than just money, its an opportunity for these kids to feel important.

So exited just such a privilege and Im honored to be able to just come and be in the store when nobody else is here, have the attention of the only stylist to help make JT into looking so handsome, shared parent Ann Sullivan.

I am excited for my prom coming up, said student JT. Im so happy everybody is gonna be there.

Its so fun in the dressing rooms all the girls are trying on their dresses, said parent Barbara Delucca. And so hopefully Maile has the only blue dress like this.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

And thanks to Macys and Laulima, these students will be ready for Peters Prom from head to toe.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Key Insights

Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, Koninklijke Philips' stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions

A total of 11 investors have a majority stake in the company with 51% ownership

Ownership research along with analyst forecasts data help provide a good understanding of opportunities in a stock

If you want to know who really controls Koninklijke Philips N.V. (AMS:PHIA), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are institutions with 49% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

Last weeks 3.1% gain means that institutional investors were on the positive end of the spectrum even as the company has shown strong longer-term trends. The one-year return on investment is currently 44% and last week's gain would have been more than welcomed.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Koninklijke Philips, beginning with the chart below.

See our latest analysis for Koninklijke Philips

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Koninklijke Philips?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

Koninklijke Philips already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Koninklijke Philips' earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Koninklijke Philips is not owned by hedge funds. Our data shows that Exor N.V. is the largest shareholder with 18% of shares outstanding. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership is the second largest shareholder owning 10% of common stock, and BlackRock, Inc. holds about 5.6% of the company stock.

A closer look at our ownership figures suggests that the top 11 shareholders have a combined ownership of 51% implying that no single shareholder has a majority.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Story continues

Insider Ownership Of Koninklijke Philips

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our data suggests that insiders own under 1% of Koninklijke Philips N.V. in their own names. Being so large, we would not expect insiders to own a large proportion of the stock. Collectively, they own 16m of stock. In this sort of situation, it can be more interesting to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 33% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders.

Public Company Ownership

It appears to us that public companies own 18% of Koninklijke Philips. We can't be certain but it is quite possible this is a strategic stake. The businesses may be similar, or work together.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Koninklijke Philips that you should be aware of before investing here.

If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

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.
GRAND RAPIDS  Minnesota Gov. and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz blasted former President Donald Trumps performance in the recent presidential debate, telling an energized crowd at a Grand Rapids rally Thursday that Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, by contrast, presented a path forward for the country.

Before Thursday, Walz's and Harris' visits to Michigan had been limited to metro Detroit. In front of a crowd of hundreds at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, Walz said Trump is focused on enriching himself and others if he were to win a second term in the White House.

He did not say one thing he would do to make life better for the American people, said Walz. "On every single issue, Vice President Harris is standing on those issues with you and your family. Its clear Donald Trump has no plan for you."

The Tuesday debate, which was watched by an estimated 67 million viewers across a slew of television networks, was repeatedly referenced by Walz and other speakers at the event, who argued the debate featured two starkly different visions for the U.S.

The debate this week showed the American people that this is an election between two very different candidates, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said before Walz took the stage. A tough, tested prosecutor versus an angry convicted felon who lies about crowd size.

More: Trump to hold town hall meeting in Flint next week, listen to Michiganders' concerns

Neal Rubin: Playing football, not politics  a Walled Lake Western invitation for Tim Walz

Governor Tim Walz speaks to his supporters at Grand Rapids Public Museum on Sep. 12.

Walz brought up several moments from the debate, including one where Trump falsely claimed that illegal immigrants were eating cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio. The claim, which originated in social media circles, was quickly debunked by the debates moderators and has been rejected by local officials.

It would be funny, too, if it werent so dangerous, Walz said of Trumps rhetoric.

When Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, referenced the remark before Walz took the stage, the crowd began chanting We dont eat cats.

Trump made the remark as he continues to attack Harris for the Biden administration's handling of the U.S. Southern border with Mexico.

Walz also criticized Trump for not condemning the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol, as well as not saying he would veto a national abortion ban if Congress sent him such a bill.

A mark of true leadership is not who beats people down, its who lifts people up. When theres a bully and its time to, she can beat a bully down. But for the American people, she laid out a plan for an opportunity economy, Walz said of Harris, referring to floated economic plans to install a federal ban on price gouging and increase tax credits for first-time homebuyers.

Screaming about eating cats is not a solution, he added.

The Trump campaign, during the debate and in other events, has criticized Harris for not accomplishing more as vice president.

Whitmer lauded several legislative accomplishments Minnesota has made under Walzs tenure, telling the crowd they come from the same get s--- done playbook as governors.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at the Tim Walz rally at the Grand Rapids Public Museum on Sept. 12.

Recalling a theme she has raised repeatedly when campaigning for Harris, Whitmer also painted Walz as a candidate voters could relate to, while arguing Trump and his running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, were out of touch with everyday Americans.

He is just like us. Both he and Kamala Harris understand our lives, Whitmer said. ... Donald Trump and JD Vance dont know us at all. You think Donald Trump has ever changed a flat tire? You think Donald Trump has ever shoveled a neighbors driveway? You think JD Vance has ever opened his mouth without putting his foot in it?

Walzs visit to Michigan comes as opinion polls show a virtually locked margin in Michigan and several other battleground states expected to be key to deciding who wins the White House this fall. Trump won Michigan during his first presidential run in 2016, but Biden, with Harris as his running mate, defeated Trump by about 154,000 votes in Michigan in 2020.

This is going to be a razor-thin election, Walz said. Were still the underdogs in this thing.

Walz's remarks lasted about 40 minutes.

Denise Saganski, a retired teacher who attended Thursday's rally, said she supports Harris' campaign because she views the vice president as a "servant leader" who wants to improve the lives of others.

"If you look at a transcript of the debate, I think he showed who he was," Saganski said of Trump, following the event.

Supporters of the Democratic Party attend the Tim Walz rally at Grand Rapids Public Museum on Sept. 12.

Along with the Thursday rally, Walz had another event planned for Friday morning in Grand Rapids before a stop in Lansing that afternoon.

The Trump campaigns next venture to Michigan will be Tuesday, when the former president holds a town hall in Flint. Victoria LaCivita, communications director for the Trump campaign in Michigan, blasted Walzs visit Tuesday, saying in a statement, He's wrong for Michigan and wrong for America, which is why Michiganders are going to flip the Great Lakes State red 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: Tim Walz blasts Trump in Michigan: 'He has no plan for you'
CHICAGO - A woman was hospitalized after rear-ending a CTA bus Thursday night on DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

The 47-year-old crashed into the bus around 11:30 p.m. in the 5700 block of DuSable Lake Shore Drive, according to Chicago police.

The woman suffered a head injury and was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital where she was listed in fair condition.

No other injuries were reported. Police said citations are pending.
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  The new drought monitor was released on Thursday, and conditions arent getting any better for West Virginia.

The areas under exceptional (D4) and extreme (D3) drought have been expanded slightly after most of the state received less than an inch of rain in the last week. The New and Gauley River valleys are now under D3 conditions, and D4 conditions have spread into Wirt and Clay counties, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).

West Virginia drought monitor release Sept. 12, 2024 (Courtesy: NIDIS)

WV schools release statements in regard to recent threats

As of Sept. 12, more than 99% of the state is under drought conditions, and more than 60% is under conditions that are considered extreme, or worse, including Ritchie, Gilmer, Lewis, Upshur, Webster, Barbour and Taylor counties and part of Doddridge, Preston, Randolph and Tucker counties in north central West Virginia.

Eleven counties are under the U.S. Department of Agricultures Drought Disaster Designation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
After the drowning of a child with autism earlier this summer, Westford police hope technology will provide an additional layer of security for families with vulnerable loved ones.

In June, six-year-old Zayan Mayanja, who was non-verbal, slipped out a window and wandered from his familys Westford home.

Multiple agencies searched for the boy for hours, using drones, K-9s and a State Police AirWing. But after midnight, Zayans body was found in Nabnasset Lake. His death sent a ripple of heartache through the close-knit town.

It hit the entire community extremely hard, said Westford Deputy Police Chief James Peloquin. Hit all the first responders, counselors, really everybody. I think any time a child is involved, vulnerable populations, it certainly hits harder.

Determined to prevent another tragedy, Westford police began offering families with vulnerable loved ones Apple AirTags.

An AirTag is a small, wireless tracker that sends out anonymous Bluetooth signals to nearby Apple devices, which then transmit the AirTags location to iCloud. With the Find My app, the account owner can then locate the AirTags precise whereabouts.

Westford Police Capt. Michael Breault believes the devices could save the life of a missing person, and he hopes other police departments will look into supplying families with AirTags or other Bluetooth or GPS trackers.

It very well could [save a life], Breault. It could help us get a head start, too, when we respond to a call for that. The father or mother is looking at their phone and sees their child in some spot, or their family member in some spot. We can hone in our resources in that area.

Westford police have been offering the devices to families of individuals on their Cognitive Alert Registration, which, in collaboration with the towns Council on Aging, contains information about residents who have Alzheimers disease, dementia, autism or other cognitive impairments.

Adopted in 2018 following other police departments, Westfords Cognitive Alert Registration includes biographical information about the person  such as hair and eye color, height and weight  as well as what condition they have and whether they have a tendency to wander. Some children with autism, for example, are drawn to water.

Some family members report that their child likes to go near railroad tracks or go into the woods, Breault explained. So, we know areas that we may need to start searching for right away. All this information is going to pop up on the computer for our officers to see before they even get to the scene.

Nancy Cook, treasurer of non-profit Westford Remembers, collected donations for Zayans grieving family, and with some funds left, reached out to police, who directed her to purchase the AirTags.

If we can save one life with whatever it costs us to provide them, Cook said, If they can just find [missing children] faster. Its so scary. I cant imagine the fear of losing a child.

The charity spent nearly $700 on 24 AirTags and more than 40 attachments, including watchbands, bracelets, and keychains. For those with sensory limitations, some attachments can be inserted in the sole of a shoe or clip on a belt loop.

Six-year-old Weston Mahady, who has a rare, undiagnosed genetic disease, is on Westfords Cognitive Alert Registration.

Weston, a happy, little boy who loves his little sister and his tricycle, is legally blind and sensory-seeking. When he hears a car drive by or a lawnmower across the street, he often darts toward that sound.

Hes starting to climb into windowsills and hold on to the locks and open them, Westons mother Ali Mahady said. And so, were realizing safety is becoming really scary.

Weston now has an AirTag attached to his shoelaces for his parents to track his location when he is heading home on the school bus  or anywhere, in real time.

Learning about these AirTags is something thats just an extra layer of protection for a kid like Weston, who potentially might bolt out the door one day or might potentially learn how to open that door when were not looking, Ali said.

Two towns away, in Lowell, Sam Kkonde still mourns the death of his three-year-old son Harry.

In June 2022, Harry, who was non-verbal, wandered from his babysitters home and was found the following day in a nearby pond.

Were trying to cope here, but life has never been the same, Sam told Boston 25 News. Its a tragedy. It can change someones life. It leaves you almost half-dead, to be honest with you.

Sam is traumatized by those frantic hours searching for his son. Told about Westford Police Departments AirTag program, he is now considering getting a similar device for his two-year-old son Harvey, born after his big brothers death.

Whatever the police [department] is doing, theyre doing a good job, Sam said. You dont want people to end up like us.

While Apple has made it clear AirTags are not intended for tracking people, the devices are becoming a popular and inexpensive resource for parents.

AirTag was designed to help people locate their personal belongings, not to track people or another persons property, the company said in 2022, referring to an unrelated use of the device.

For more information about Westford Police Departments Cognitive Alert Registration, visit this page: Cognitive-Alert-Registration-Information-Form (westfordma.gov).

Residents seeking an AirTag for a vulnerable family member can contact Westford police at 978-399-2345.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
David Rosa, left, and Lemar Griffiths were jailed at Cambridge Crown Court [Cambridgeshire Police]

Two county lines dealers have been jailed for selling Class A drugs in a case in which a 15-year-old boy was trafficked.

The teenager was traced in Peterborough after being reported missing from London.

A police investigation established his mobile phone was in contact with those of Lemar Griffiths, 28, and David Rosa, 21.

Appearing at Cambridge Crown Court, both admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, and Rosa also admitted arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to them being exploited.

The dealers were operating a county lines drug line between Peterborough and London and selling crack cocaine and heroin [Cambridgeshire Police]

Both initially denied all charges and appeared at the court last month for trial, but on day two they changed their pleas.

Griffiths continued to deny the exploitation charge, which will lie on file.

Drugs thrown from window

On 31 July last year, the Metropolitan Police received a report that the boy was missing.

A week later he was tracked down at a house in Millfield, Peterborough, where he had been taken to sell drugs.

The following day, Griffiths was arrested at a house in Newmarket, Suffolk, and was seen throwing a mobile phone and a package containing Class A drugs with a street value of more than 2,000 from a window.

Rosa was arrested the same day at Cambridge railway station after being intercepted travelling from Peterborough.

Griffiths, of Orchard Close, Cambridge, was jailed for four years and 11 months, and Rosa, of London Road, Maidstone, Kent, for four years and two months.

Griffiths must also forfeit 2,850 in cash and Rosa 105.

The pair were charged in connection of supply of heroin and crack cocaine [Cambridgeshire Police]

PC Malachi Creedon, of Cambridgeshire Police, said: Our joint investigation established Griffiths was running a county line between London and Peterborough, and Rosa was working for him to facilitate the travel of the boy and force him to supply Class A drugs.

The boy, who is in care in the London area, was targeted due to his vulnerabilities, which sadly we see so often in this type of crime.

"This result has genuinely made children safer.

PC Jack Hardwick, of the Metropolitan Police, said: This sentence sends a clear message that the use of children as drug runners is taken seriously by the Met."

The child was not prosecuted and was instead safeguarded, police said.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Related internet links
Dry and warm forecast holds in place for the weekend in Central Ohio

Dry and warm forecast holds in place for the weekend in Central Ohio

QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

Today: Partly cloudy, high 88

Tonight: Partly cloudy, low 64

Saturday: Few clouds, high 89

Sunday: Mainly sunny, high 89

Monday: Partly cloudy, high 86

Tuesday: Some clouds, high 85

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Happy Friday!

Our drought continues to worsen across Central Ohio, with additional burn bans now in place due to around 2 dozen counties being under an extreme or exceptional drought. Unfortunately, were not looking at much rain through the end of the extended.

For today, expect a few more clouds out, as clouds from what was Hurricane Francine move into the Ohio Valley. Temperatures stay warm, however, topping out in the upper 80s this afternoon.

We stick in the upper 80s through the weekend, with dry weather, outside of a southern sprinkle chance Saturday. Most of us will remain completely dry, with a good bit of sunshine.

These above-average temperatures hold in place next week as well, with highs in the middle 80s, and very minimal rain chances going into the midweek.

-McKenna

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  An East Irondequoit school administrator was arrested Wednesday for allegedly displaying a gun during a roadside incident in Webster.

(Courtesy: Wayne County Sheriffs Office)

Mark Anson, 47, was arrested for menacing in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. According to New York State Police, he displayed a gun during an incident, which was described as a vehicle and traffic complaint. Troopers said it began on Route 104 in Webster and continued onto Boston Road in the Town of Ontario. They did not elaborate further on what happened.

Anson was arrested and has since been released, according to the Wayne County Sheriffs Office website.

In a statement to district families, Superintendent Mary Grow said the district is aware of the incident involving Anson, the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, adding While we are not legally permitted to comment on the active investigation at this time, we want to assure you that we are taking this matter seriously and are closely monitoring the situation. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Whether you are after a casual slice of pizza, looking to enjoy seasonal specialities or age-old Roman recipes, discover the restaurants that the city's locals choose to dine in. Photograph by Radisson Hotel Group

Romes historic centre is like nowhere else  2,000-year-old columns cast long shadows across restaurant terraces, Renaissance palaces are grafted onto ancient ruins and Roman bathtubs have been turned into fountains. The city has more to offer than just its monumental past, however. Listen in on an Italian conversation and theres a good chance its about food. Romans are no exception  here, gastronomy definitely takes centre stage.

Dishes served in the city are very much based on seasonal produce, meaning youll eat ingredients at their best. Root vegetables, for example, are staples in the winter, while leafy greens are best as the weather warms. Large artichokes from the surrounding Lazio countryside are eaten in spring and are cooked two ways, either alla Romana (Roman-style) or alla giudia (Jewish-style).

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings in ancient Rome. After a visit here, dine at Armando al Pantheon, which has been open since 1961. Photograph by Radisson Hotel Group

Signature specialities

The Jewish quarter, also known as the Roman Ghetto, is where the citys Jews were confined on the orders of hardline 16th-century Pope Paul IV. Within its walls, inhabitants found new ways to cook with the limited ingredients at their disposal, creating recipes that would evolve into the regions signature dishes.

The people here were skilled at frying their produce in olive oil. This is the best place to eat artichokes alla giudia, whereby the whole artichoke is flattened and then deep-fried: crispy, not greasy, and sprinkled with salt. Try them at Da Giggetto restaurant, with its outdoor seating overlooked by the ancient columns of the Portico dOttavia. As well as artichokes, you can taste deep-fried fiori di zucca (courgette flowers) and old-school Roman classics such as cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper).

More local Jewish cuisine is served nearby in Pasticceria Boccione, a bakery famous for its ricotta and sour cherry pie. Theres often a queue down the street to try this dessert, in which a layer of tangy cherries is topped by creamy ricotta.

Neighbourhood favourites

A 10-minute walk from the Ghetto is the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple under a perfectly proportioned dome. While its certainly popular with tourists, the area still feels like a local neighbourhood, especially when you eat in a restaurant like Armando al Pantheon, which opened in 1961 and is still run by the same family. Today in its wood-panelled dining room, the menu is much the same, even if it looks more upmarket than it once did. Try the amatriciana  pasta with tomato, cheese and pork cheek.

Nearby is Trattoria Settimio, a restaurant favoured by chef Anthony Bourdain whenever he visited Rome. Opened in 1932, the restaurant has a typically Roman menu, with dishes like homemade meatballs and fresh pasta changing each day depending on the local ingredients available. Elsewhere, the little trattoria Renato e Luisa, favoured by in-the-know Romans, is also worth a visit. This spot is renowned for its creative cooking, still imbued with Roman tradition, serving dishes such as light-as-air gnocchi, doused in rich tomato sauce.

Enjoy gnocchi served at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica, filled with chicken, cacciatora sauce and intingolo (a rich, hearty meat sauce). Photograph by Radisson Hotel Group

Pizza and pasta

From Renato e Luisa, youre only a few minutes away from some of Romes finest pizza al taglio (by the slice), including the zingy red pizza from Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina. This restaurant also offers sit-down dining in an informal, wine-bar-style setting. Dishes such as burrata with anchovies showcase many local ingredients  diners should also expect a creative use of offal, which is as much a part of the local Roman tradition as cooking with artichokes.

Vying with Roscioli for the title of top stop-gap pizza is Forno Campo deFiori. Its best eaten as you wander around nearby Piazza Farnese, close to its namesake palazzo, partly designed by the renowned sculptor and painter, Michelangelo.

Rooftop views

After exploring the concentration of monuments in the historic centre, theres nothing like a panoramic view of Romes crimson rooftops. Take a lift up to the top of the Vittoriano monument to see the skyline dotted with domes. Alternatively, climb the steps to the top of Capitoline Hill for views across the Roman Forum.

For further vistas, escape nearby to Modius on the Roof  Terrazza, at Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica. Here you can enjoy small plates and a sundowner or two to complete your busy day exploring the Italian capital.

Enjoy panoramic views of Rome's historic centre from Modius on the Roof, at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica. Photograph by Radisson Hotel Group

Three other neighbourhoods for dining in Rome:

1. Testaccio

The heart of Rome's offal-based traditional cuisine is clustered around what was once the citys meat market, south of the centre.



2. Trastevere

This neighbourhood west of the Tiber has a very lively and charming character, with lots of outdoor dining areas along its winding medieval streets.



3. San Lorenzo

Traditionally a working-class neighbourhood, close to Romes university, this is now a great place to dine side by side with locals.

This paid content article was created for the Radisson Hotel Group. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.



To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
K-9 officers to patrol schools in search of weapons

ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Ector County Independent School District spent the week responding to and investigating a myriad of vague and non-credible social media posts promoting school violence and is now asking parents to help mitigate the spread of these posts.

In a letter from the district, ECISD said it is again getting reports of threats over social media and warned that those posts are spreading between students from school to school. While police have repeatedly deemed these not credible, because of the high volume of them; ECISD police are in the process of running 2 weapons K9 officers through schools across the district. This response is out of the ordinary, however, district leaders said they feel this is necessary to ease collective anxiety.

The district also offered this advice to parents:

Parents, if you become aware of a threat, please notify police or your childs school but we are asking that you not continue to share/promote them on social media. Local law enforcement is actively investigating each report but do not want to spread rumors and false reports.

We very much appreciate your patience and understanding this week. There are those who believe it is funny to create this kind of fear and chaos but we will overcome it and criminal charges will be pressed if we are able to track the person or people doing it.

Please reach out to your childs principal if you have questions about our schools safety procedures. You can also contact us at any time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The Ector County Utility District Board of Directors voted to abolish its Maintenance and Operation tax, while maintaining the base water charges, at its meeting on Wednesday, September 11.

At its August board meeting, Vice President Troy Walker motioned to publish for discussion the maximum tax rate available to the District without requiring voter approval.

After the public hearing at the September 11 meeting, President Stephanie Shaw made a motion to abolish the tax rate, which passed unanimously. Shaw said she understands how families within the district are having trouble making ends meet. The Board also voted unanimously to keep water rates the same as last year, in an additional effort to help customers.

RELATED: ECUD board candidates promise change

Another media outlet previously reported the District did away with the M&O Tax to pave a path for privatization. The District responded by saying, couldnt be further from the truth and it, prides itself on being transparent and will continue to be good stewards of the Districts finances while providing quality service.

If you have any questions regarding rates or water service, please contact the ECUD office or the Board. You can find contact information on the ECUD website here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
(Reuters) - Intel Corp has officially qualified for as much as $3.5 billion in federal grants to make semiconductors for the U.S Department of Defense, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter, after the chipmaker reached a binding agreement with U.S officials.

(Reporting by Harshita Meenaktshi in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler)
"Raise Up," a bronze and cement sculpture by Hank Willis Thomas the grounds of the of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.(Photo: Holly McCall)

"Raise Up," a bronze and cement sculpture by Hank Willis Thomas the grounds of the of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.(Photo: Holly McCall)

I took a few days off recently to enjoy the last gasp of summer before the crunch of election season, taking a short trip to Alabama to visit civil rights sites Ive long wanted to experience.

After a stop in Selma and a walk over the Edmund Pettus Bridge, site of the 1965 Bloody Sunday assault on civil rights activists attempting to march to the state capital in pursuit of voting rights, I headed to Montgomery to The Legacy Museum.

The museum is one of several sites developed by Bryan Stevenson, a human rights attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. Stevensons work focuses on unfair sentencing, exoneration of death row prisoners falsely convicted, children prosecuted as adults and abuse of the incarcerated.

I hadnt been in the museum long before I found myself in front of a display about the use of incarceration as a tool to control African Americans. In particular, phrases on two placards caught my attention.

Information about "tough on crime" measures in Montgomery, Alabama's Legacy Museum echoes language used by Tennessee Republicans. (Photo: Holly McCall)

Southern politicians denounced (civil rights) activists as criminals and lawbreakers and used the criminal legal systems as a weapon to resist racial equality, read the first one, illuminating the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

The second, which followed sequentially, described Richard Nixons war on drugs, which he rooted in his 1968 presidential campaigns law and order message.

Once in office, Nixon declared a war on drugs and beginning in 1971, the number of people incarcerated in American jails and prisons escalated from 300,000 to 2.3 million.

All this sounded mighty familiar to me and not from reading history books: Those same words could be used to describe efforts by Tennessee Republican lawmakers enacting tough on crime measures and targeting the states only majority minority city.

In April, the Tennessee Legislature passed a blended sentencing law that will automatically transfer youth 16-years-old and up charged with murder or attempted murder to adult court. The law also allows for offenders as young as 14 who commit serious crimes to get an additional five years of incarceration in adult prisons once their juvenile sentence ends.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican, pushed the measure despite concerns raised by Republican lawmakers, as well as Democratic ones.

So where will all these individuals be housed? asked Springfield Republican Sen. Kerry Roberts at the time of the vote. These individuals  would not be housed in the general population of the Tennessee Department of Correction.

Note Sextons response the prior year, when Gov. Bill Lee expressed hesitation about a legislative measure to mandate lengthier minimum sentences for a host of offenses: the law could result in higher recidivism and overcrowded prisons, wrote Lee to Sexton and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally. Sexton responded by saying, If we need to build more prisons, we can.

More recently, Sexton and Memphis Sen. Brent Taylor, a Republican, have been on fire about Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. They say hes soft on crime, despite a report from the Memphis Crime Commission showing crime was worse during the tenure of Mulroys Republican predecessor and an analysis by MLK50, a Memphis media outlet, finding his dismissal record is on a par with that of the prior DA.

Thats not to say Memphis is without serious crime. The Memphis Crime Commission reported in May that assaults, rapes, car thefts and robberies are down, but the citys murder rate rose in 2023.

Perhaps not coincidentally, the legislature passed permitless gun carry in 2021 over the protestations of the Tennessee Sheriffs Association and Tennessee Chiefs of Police Association.

In 2023, when questioned about how a new sentencing law would raise the rates of incarcerated people, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, said "If we need to build more prisons, we can." (Photo: John Partipilo)

But even as Republican leaders decry Memphis as a Mad Max post-apocalyptic hellhole of gun violence, they work to prevent city leaders from taking steps to potentially decrease gun crime.

In an Aug. 26 press release, Sexton and McNally threatened the Memphis City Council, which approved ballot measures that would ban possession of AR-15 style rifles, require handgun permits to implement extreme orders of protection in the city. Even if citizens approve the measures, they are nonbinding and would require action from the legislature to take effect.

The pair said they would act to withhold state shared sales tax to the tune of $75 million should Memphis proceed with the referendums  to go rogue and perform political sideshows, in their words. But no matter because the Shelby County Election Commission refused to place the three measures on the ballot after state Election Coordinator Mark Goins warned them not to.

A judge recently ruled in favor of city council, allowing the measures to go on the ballot, but nonetheless one wonders why the same state leaders who rail about gun violence in Memphis would strip the authority from city leaders to take steps aimed at managing it?

Which brings us back to my readings in Montgomery.

Demonizing activists, particularly Black activists, for attempting to change the conditions around them has been a timeworn Republican strategy for decades. State House Reps. Justin J. Pearson and Justin Jones were called troublemakers and expelled for taking to the House floor in 2023 in support of teenage gun safety advocates.

And this is to say nothing of the racial disparities in the U.S. prison system. According to 2021 statistics from the Prison Policy Initiative, Black Tennesseans were incarcerated at a rate 3.4 times higher than white people, while making up only 16.1% of the states population. In local jails, Black Tennesseans make up 32% of the incarcerated population.

The language used by Tennessees leading GOP lawmakers in describing predominantly Black Memphis echoes Nixonian tactics, even as the same lawmakers chain the city to reckless gun laws, depriving city leaders and voters of the self-determination to improve their conditions.

While in Selma, I talked to a resident whose grandfather participated in the Bloody Sunday march.

Alabama has always been on the wrong side of history, he said. Always.

I understood what he meant. Too often, Tennessee also finds itself on the wrong side of history, and recent tough on crime measures represent one more instance.

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How do you know property taxes are too high in this state?

Most homeowners if asked that question would laugh at the notion that there was any doubt. But there hardly could be starker evidence than that local politicians, led by Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, are proposing to have taxpayers cough up more money  potentially lots of it  to help lower-income households cover their property tax bills.

Wait, you might say. Arent property taxes supposed to fund local government? Are you telling us that government now needs to find money to help pay a substantial slice of the property taxes that are meant to  well  fund the government? The irony couldnt be richer.

But thats where we are in Illinois, and more particularly in the south suburbs of Cook County, where homeowners recently suffered massive sticker shock when they opened their property tax bills. The median increase in that part of Cook County was nearly 20%, according to the county treasurers office. But the hikes were far steeper for many, adding thousands to their annual bill.

The reasons for the unusual spike are multifaceted, but essentially homeowners are bearing a significantly higher share of the burden to fund their schools, municipal governments and the county (among other taxing bodies) than used to be the case. Commercial property values generally have suffered since the pandemic while residential values have performed relatively well. Taxing bodies get their money no matter who pays what, so reductions for businesses mean increases for homeowners if, as is the case now, residential values hold steady or rise.

For the south and west suburbs, local governments approved $265 million more in property tax this year. Households are paying all of that increase and more, seeing their bills rise collectively by $400 million while commercial owners experienced a collective $122 million decline.

This frustrating zero-sum aspect of property taxes wouldnt make for such a crisis if the tax levies themselves werent so high.

In recent weeks, Kaegi has said hes putting together proposed state legislation that would establish a circuit breaker for households with low and modest incomes. If their taxes rose above a certain level, the rest of what they owed would be covered by a fund, established by the state, Cook County, or both. The assessor says this approach isnt unusual; 29 states have some form of property tax circuit breaker. Until about a decade ago, Illinois provided one for low-income seniors. (The circuit breaker was distinct from and in addition to the senior exemptions, which still exist.)

The cost of subsidizing property tax bills in the south and west suburban region alone likely would be in the tens of millions, according to the assessors office, which says it will have a better idea of the price tag next month after it completes an analysis of that question. Similar residential spikes occurred in the north and northwest suburbs last year. Kaegis office is reassessing values in Chicago as we write, and there is trepidation around whether Chicago homeowners will see similar increases next year.

One can only imagine the cost for providing such relief throughout the Chicago region and even statewide. Its not as if property tax stress is confined to Cook County.

David Greising: Is a property tax hike in the making to fill Mayor Brandon Johnsons budget hole?

The Cook County Board has discussed using late fees to help cover such a subsidy program  yet another irony, since those fees are largely the result of unaffordable tax bills in the first place. The county as of May collected $54 million in late fees, well above the $35 million that was projected. Another clear sign of the pain being felt.

It is certainly true that property tax bills in the south suburbs, which are home to a greater percentage of low-income residents than other parts of the region, constitute an emergency. Too many people could lose their homes because their property tax bills simply arent affordable.

So a governmental response is in order. Whether its the proposal Kaegi is putting together or some other relief, well wait for the details to opine on the particulars.

But any meaningful response will cost big money, its clear. And the state government, which for decades has acknowledged that Illinois extraordinarily high property taxes (second only to New Jersey nationwide) are an issue, is likely to be the body voters and municipal officials look to for answers.

Last year, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a budget that imposed $900 million in new taxes, taking care to keep the vast bulk of that increase away from residents. But in so doing, Pritzker and fellow Democrats in the General Assembly used up most of the painless revenue options at their disposal. A moribund state economy, caused in no small part by a Chicago economy thats stuck in the mud, is likely to mean more tough budgetary choices next year.

In 2025, Springfield already has to address a funding gap of something like $700 million for Chicagos transit agencies. Now, it appears, Pritzker and company will be asked to provide another large sum, not for infrastructure or services or new programs, but simply to subsidize local residential tax bills. Who will be asked to foot the bill? Businesses already pay a state income tax that is among the highest in the nation.

In the absence of far more robust economic growth  and, yes, the state and local tax burden is a big reason Illinois economy is so lackluster  Democrats in Springfield, who enjoy supermajorities allowing them to call all the shots, need to face the reality that continuing to raise taxes and boost spending in this environment ultimately will lead to painfully deep cuts when the next recession hits. Their mindset needs to change fundamentally. Start trimming and prioritizing now.

They also need to think bigger about how to rely less on property taxes to finance the local government services  police, fire, schools, parks  felt most directly by Illinoisans. Kaegis coming circuit breaker proposal should be seen as a canary in a coal mine. The path were on right now is leading us deeper into the shaft.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
WILBARGER COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  A grinding two-car crash in Vernon on Thursday afternoon has claimed the life of an elderly man.

Authorities at the scene said the crash occurred at around 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024, on College Drive in front of the campus of Vernon Junior College.

According to Vernon Police Department Chief Wayne Hodges, a 90-year-old man died following the collision. His identity has not been released as of the publication of this story.

LOCAL CRIME: Father of dead infant sentenced for child endangerment

Chief Hodges said another person was hospitalized with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

According to our crew at the scene, it appears that one of the vehicles T-boned the other, causing it to roll and come to rest on its side. Police said no one was ejected during the crash.

The Vernon Police Department and the Wilbarger County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene, and the Texas Department of Public Safety sent a crash reconstruction team with a drone to assist authorities with the investigation.

No further details regarding the collision have been released as of the publication of this story.

Our crew is currently on the scene working to gather more information.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available.

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Elderly Wisconsin man hits bicyclist with vehicle and flees the scene, charges pending

ADAMS COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV)  An 81-year-old Wisconsin man is accused of hitting a bicyclist with his vehicle on Thursday afternoon and fleeing the scene.

According to a release, on Sept. 12, 2024, at around 2:30 p.m., the Adams County Sheriffs Office received a report of a bicyclist hit by a vehicle in the 3200 block of 5th Ln.

Authorities investigate threat made toward student at a Wisconsin High School

The caller said the vehicle did not stop and continued traveling north on 5th Ln. The Adams County Sheriffs Office identified the vehicles make and model involved based on evidence collected at the scene.

Through an investigation, deputies located the vehicle at a residence near the crash scene. The driver was identified as 81-year-old George Jones Jr. of Grand Marsh.

Jones Jr. was interviewed, and charges were determined to be submitted to the Adams County District Attorneys Office once the investigation was complete.

Teenager allegedly fires gun at pursuing officers after Wisconsin carjacking

The bicyclist involved was transported to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

No additional details were provided.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
What former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton described as the highest and hardest glass ceiling is as yet unbroken. No woman has ever been elected as president of the United States.

In 1937, Gallup asked Americans if they would vote for a generally well-qualified woman as president, and 64% said no. The most recent figure of 5% from a poll in January is an improvement but remains disconcerting. There are still misogynists who consider women unequal to the highest office or believe women unfit for positions of high stress.

The nominee of the Democratic Party is now a woman of color, the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, married to a Jewish man. Can the country overcome all the prejudices that have worked against her and possibly still do?

Americans are indignant about Afghans who stop womens education, Iranians who force hijabs on women and Cameroonians who inflict genital mutilation on them. Americans criticize countries like South Africa, Brazil and Mexico because of their levels of sexual violence.

Yet the Georgetown Institute of Women, Peace and Security, a distinguished research institution that tracks womens safety in various countries and studies factors such as partner violence, community safety and political targeting of women, ranks the U.S. 37th in the world, well behind countries like Singapore, Latvia and the United Arab Emirates. The United States ranking of womens safety has declined sharply in the last seven years.

Another respected group, the World Economic Forum, which follows the worlds gender gap  the extent to which a country fails to treat women on a par with men  has placed the U.S. 43rd in a ranking of 146 countries, well below nations such as New Zealand, Nicaragua and Namibia, based on a study of health, education, work and political leadership factors. Here, too, the U.S. ranking has dropped from previous years; the progress toward equality has stalled.

Womens gains in certain areas have been accompanied by regression in other areas.

The cards are stacked further against women in politics. One stunning index: Women make up only 29% of the U.S. House of Representatives and only 25% of the U.S. Senate though they have accounted for more than 51% of the U.S. population for over 10 years.

Given this tidal wave of gender prejudice, it is a significant achievement for Kamala Harris to have succeeded in becoming a district attorney in San Francisco and then an attorney general in California. She became a vice president thanks to President Joe Bidens decision to correct the gender imbalance.

Now, her selection as a presidential candidate is a phenomenal breakthrough, for in the history of the U.S., prior to Kamala Harris, only one woman had been proposed by each party for the vice presidents role and neither had ascended to the seat.

The breakthrough is even more spectacular because Harris is a woman of color in a country as yet acrimoniously divided along racial lines. After all, the country took 188 years after its founding to elect a woman of color, Patsy Mink, to Congress.

This years presidential election will continue to involve ideological battles between two parties, though the issues have been blurred by the Republican partys fealty to a leader more than to its traditional values, such as limited government and fiscal prudence. The one issue whose paramountcy remains beyond dispute is the business of piercing the last glass ceiling.

It seems overdue in a country where women are a majority but which cannot even pass an Equal Rights Amendment to ensure legal equality of women, where women cannot make basic decisions about their bodies even at the risk of serious harm, where a vice presidential candidate can speak of childless women as people who dont really have a direct stake in it and a presidential candidate can be found liable for sexual abuse without any electoral repercussion, and where women with tinted skin must still wait and wait long to be taken as human and equal.

It is perhaps time to end the durability of that glass ceiling.

Nandy is a writer and former U.S. diplomat who lives in Mount Pleasant.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  An investigation is underway after a fire erupted at a Tesla repair facility in Miramar Friday, officials with San Diego Fire-Rescue confirmed.

A call came around 1:30 a.m. initially reporting the blaze in the 9200 block of Trade Place. Fire crews responded to the scene and found four electric vehicles burning right outside the facility.

SDFD Capt. David Scigliano said crews went ahead and suppressed the fire at that time. There was no extension inside the building.

Lithium ion battery sparks fire in the South Bay

Once we cleared the scene, as batteries do  these lithium ion batteries do  they reignite, so we were called back out for the one vehicle you see smoldering right now, Capt. Scigliano told FOX 5/KUSI at the scene around 7 a.m.

Firefighters will remain at the facility until Tesla crews can respond, just in case the fire does flare up again. The fire captain said this can be expected because thats typically what happens when lithium ion batteries catch on fire.

We have the cooperation of Tesla as they had video cameras. Were making sure that theres no foul play or was this accidental, so were still in the process of doing that investigation with the PD [police department] to determine what caused this fire, Capt. Scigliano continued.

FOX 5/KUSI asked the fire official about the chemical smell in the air at the scene: is it hazardous?

We have this cloud layer above us right now as the smoke comes down and kind of banking, which is why we are kind of getting an odor of burning chemicals, burning plastic, Capt. Scigliano explained. And thats normal with any vehicle [fire] but that will just be localized to this area. It wont be going anywhere.

The fire official assured smoke in the Miramar was area was not considered hazardous at this time. No injuries were reported in connection to this incident.

The Metro Arson Strike Team told FOX 5 it has reason to believe the fire at the Tesla facility could be arson. Detectives have collected evidence that they say leads them to believe someone intentionally set the four electric vehicles on fire.

An investigation remains ongoing.

FOX 5s Elizabeth Alvarez contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Elementary school employee placed on administrative leave after bringing gun to Atlanta campus

An Atlanta Public Schools employee was placed on administrative leave after bringing a gun to school.

An Atlanta Public Schools spokesperson told Channel 2 Action News that an unidentified employee at Sarah Smith Elementary brought a gun to school on Friday.

The gun was secured and the district said it has followed the Atlanta Board of Education and State of Georgia Law which prohibit weapons on school campuses.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Parents at the school were informed of the gun.

Channel 2 Action News has reached out to the district for more information on the employee.

The district said it will continue to investigate the incident

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Elon Musk's ownership of Twitter is the subject of a new book, "Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter," out Sept. 17. (Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP)

Elon Musk is nearly as inescapable as Donald Trump. The owner of SpaceX and Tesla and the worlds richest man, Musk makes headlines weekly. But these days, its more for X, where he stirs up controversy by seemingly amplifying right-wing views and reposting comments suggesting that women should not have the right to vote (only high status males and some others should). Musk also recently hosted an interview with Trump that was filled with falsehoods. Last week, Trump proposed a government efficiency commission headed by Musk.

While Walter Isaacson just told Musks life story in an authorized biography, a new book zeroes in on Musk and his purchase and ownership of Twitter. Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter  out Tuesday  is written by two California-based New York Times reporters: Kate Conger, who lives in Oakland and has been covering Twitter, and Ryan Mac, who lives in Los Angeles and frequently writes about Musk. When their two subjects converged, they started working together and realized the story warranted a big-picture look beyond what daily articles could provide.

Read more: Commentary: Elon Musk bought Twitter just to break it. With a new war, we're paying the price

The Isaacson book is the book that Elon wanted, Mac said in a recent joint video interview with Conger. You can tell by the amount that he's promoted it himself.

Conger notes that while they didnt get to interview Musk for the book and found Isaacsons book helpful for providing Musks perspective, we benefited from reporting around Elon rather than through Elon.

You get the clearest portrait of someone from people close to them, not necessarily from themselves, she said. All of us have a clouded vision of who we are and how we come across in the world.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Before Musk, Twitter had serious financial, leadership and content moderation issues. Did Musk destroy Twitter or just remake it in his own increasingly twisted image?

Kate Conger: There was this really simplistic narrative that it was the good guys at Twitter versus the bad guy in Elon and the story is much more complicated than that so we wanted to capture how Twitter came to be in a position where someone could swoop in and acquire it the way Elon did.

Ryan Mac: But on the semantics, Twitter does not exist anymore. It's X. On financial metrics, the valuation of the company has tanked. Now its banned in Brazil. So he has really devalued or destroyed parts of the company down to the name itself.

Why did things go so wrong under Musk?

Mac: He believed he had this expertise in Twitter because he's an avid social media user. He thought, I have the most followers, therefore I know whats best for this company.

Read more: The biggest ideas and pettiest rages in Walter Isaacson's Elon Musk biography

It is inarguable what he's done as an entrepreneur. SpaceX has revolutionized the space industry. Tesla has mainstreamed electric cars. He didn't know much about manufacturing electric vehicles. He wasn't a rocket scientist. But he was able to strip things down to first principles and do things more efficiently.

So he is so convinced that his instinct is right that he acts on any impulse: I am the hero, therefore I should dictate what happens. He has been so successful, but in the case of Twitter, that instinct did not serve him well.

Conger: Twitter is fundamentally a social problem not a tech problem while his other businesses focus primarily on engineering issues. He didn't recognize the character limit hed reach with the challenges he didn't know how to deal with.

Mac: There's not many skills there that match up. Everyone has their own blind spots and in some ways, this book is about Elons blind spots, but the issue is that no one can hold him to account.

And he has in some ways radicalized himself. His X feed is littered with misinformation and posts with a Nazi apologist.

Youd expect more from a high status male like himself.

Mac: Thats another post that is not even on the spectrum of reasonable political debate. It's just bizarre to me.

Were you guys active Twitter users?

Mac: The most addicted.

So, like Elon, you could run the company?

Mac: Oh hell no. Its like the Defense [Against] the Dark Arts position in "Harry Potter" where people just cycle through. It's the worst job in the world because you're just going to get yelled at by some faction all the time. Its hubristic to think you could do it and I think it takes someone kind of crazy. Hopefully I'm sane enough to reject that position when it's offered to me.

Read more: Manic moods and 3 a.m. texts: How Walter Isaacson navigated Elon Musk and his demons

When it's offered? If you were in charge, what would you like to see in terms of content moderation?

Conger: I'm interested in the model [former Twitter Chief Executive] Parag Agrawal was exploring, allowing more types of content without giving them algorithmic amplification and reach. The industry more broadly is starting to drift in that direction and its worth exploring.

Ryan, what about you?

Mac: This is the opening of that hubristic belief that I should be able to run a company. Ill leave that to the professionals.

Conger: First thing Ryan would do is ban my account.

Mac: I would also ban my account so I don't have to use it anymore.

Do you guys use X less now due to Elons changes?

Conger: Yes. Its mostly a function of the people that I follow migrating to Mastodon, Threads and Bluesky so I chase my interest groups around the internet.

Read more: Let's put a stake in the 'great man' biography  starting with Isaacson's 'Elon Musk'

How much impact does X have on politics?

Conger: There is this common perception of tech companies that they are these sort of neutral, faceless entities trying to keep their thumbs off the scale. Twitter's always tried to maintain this middle ground where it's a space for political conversation, but the platform has tried to stay in the shadows of that. We're just here for whatever goes. Elon has very obviously and clearly broken that mold. I hope readers understand more clearly that this was, is and will be a tool for controlling political discourse and to think about it in that way. I really want to dispel the notion that any of these platforms hold a neutral stance.

So should people shift to Threads or other places while Musk owns X?

Conger: I dont think we want to be ushering a user base from Elon Musk over to Mark Zuckerberg.

Mac: I don't feel great about using Threads, to be honest. I've had my own issues with Zuckerberg.

Conger: Ryan is universally unpopular with CEOs.

Mac: At least Zuckerberg hasn't banned me, which Musk actually did for a bit.

Conger: Give it time.

Mac: But people are already leaving X. Musk is driving people away. Threads and Bluesky had banner days from Brazilians joining their platforms. That could compound on itself and have a disastrous effect for X.

If X fails completely, will that have any impact on Musk?

Mac: I do think this has damaged his reputation. He is not the all-conquering entrepreneur that can walk into any situation and declare himself the expert. But he's still the world's richest man. SpaceX is more dominant than ever. Tesla is now the dominant electric vehicle seller here. So I think 10 years from now, hell be more prominent than ever.

Get the latest book news, events and more in your inbox every Saturday.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Elon Musk covertly funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars into a Travis County election in an attempt to block a prosecutor's reelection, according to an exclusive report by the Wall Street Journal.

Here's a breakdown of what the business and finance outlet uncovered.

People are also reading: Travis County quietly gave DA Jose Garza $115K for security, withheld details | EXCLUSIVE

X owner Elon Musk looks on during the Milken Conference 2024 Global Conference Sessions at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, May 6, 2024.

Elon Musk funded Save Austin Now PAC tied to ads against DA Jose Garza

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO primarily funded Save Austin Now, a self-described "nonpartisan citizen's group dedicated to Austin's quality of life," which was cofounded by Travis County Republican Party Chairman Matt Mackowiak and Cleo Petricek, who describes herself as a moderate Democrat and activist. The group tried (and ultimately failed) to unseat Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza in the March Democratic primary. Save Austin circulated fliers and texts, along with spending over $650,000 on television ads, to attack Garza, according to sources familiar with Musk's involvement and Federal Communications Commission and corporate documents.

The political action committee accused Garza of having "radical ideology" and "letting violent criminals out of jail in Austin." Fliers featured a bloody teddy bear with text that reads, "Jose Garza is filling Austin's streets with pedophiles and killers. The next victim could be your loved one."

The back of the flier depicts a man's hand covering a child's mouth, the Wall Street Journal reports.

A flier created a distributed by the "Save Austin Now" PAC accuses DA Jose Garza of releasing violent criminals from Austin's jails.

Despite being significantly outraised by opponent Jeremy Sylestine, Garza won the Democratic primary. In predominantly blue Travis County, Garza will likely also defeat Republican challenger Daniel Betts in the Nov. 5 general election.

In June, Bell County Attorney Jim Nichols, a Republican, dismissed a lawsuit seeking to remove Garza from office. The lawsuit claimed the DA had a policy of not prosecuting certain cases, but Nichols wrote he found no such policies in place.

Two months earlier, another case sought to remove Garza under a "rogue prosecutor" statute. Travis County resident Mary Elizabeth Dupuis claimed Garza's alleged refusal to prosecute certain criminal offenses qualified as "official misconduct" as outlined by Texas House Bill 17.

Elon Musk's politics, financial backings

Musk, whose net worth is over $250 billion, has become a highly visible supporter of former President Donald Trump  so much so that he was recently promised a leadership position for the "Government Efficiency Task Force" if Trump is reelected as president in November.

I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery pic.twitter.com/ZdxkF63EqF  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 13, 2024

Musk has previously been said to plan to make large donations to a super PAC supporting Trump, which he denies. In July, he made national headlines when rumors began circulating that he had pledged to donate $45 million to Trump every month.

"Whats been reported in the media is simply not true," Musk told commentator Jordan Peterson during an interview on X. "I am not donating $45 million a month to Trump."

'Okay you win': Musk responds to Taylor Swift's Harris-Walz endorsement

The Tesla CEO's politics drew national attention earlier this week when he took a jab at global popstar Taylor Swift.

Swift endorsed the Harris-Walz campaign just minutes after Tuesday's debate between Harris and trump, and ended her now-viral Instagram post saying, "With love and hope, Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady"  a dig at Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance's recent and repeated criticism of childless women in America.

In response, Musk took to his own platform and wrote, "Fine Taylor  you win  I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life."

The post garnered criticism, with many users saying Musk's response was inappropriate.

More on Taylor Swift's endorsement: Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris for president after debate. See Donald Trump's response

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Elon Musk secretly funded PAC to unseat Texas DA Jose Garza, WSJ reports
Were human! The way yall treat us?! [Its] like were dirt! Deborah Love shouted at one of the accused slumlord owners of her rundown apartment complex late Wednesday afternoon during an arranged town hall meeting in southwest Atlanta.

We have rights! Love continued, shaking as tears streamed down her face. Other meeting participants and organizers tried their best to console her. We dont have to live like that! Fallin down ceiling! Mold all through our damn house! We cant breathe! Do you understand that?!

The 73-year-old disabled grandmothers fury was directed at Behzad Ben Beroukhai, one of the co-owners of A&B Apartments LLC, the parent company for the Fairburn & Gordon I and II Apartments complex where Love said she has lived since July 2021.

Fairburn & Gordon is home to an estimated 110 tenant households, nearly all of which are Black. Love lives in one of roughly 23 taxpayer-funded, Section 8 tenant households at the complex, where low-income renters have spent years complaining about unsafe, inhumane conditions, including rat and roach infestations, suffocating mold, collapsing ceilings, rotting floors, and decaying walls.

The kitchen inside a vacant Fairburn & Gordon apartment is seen from outside through a broken glass window in October 2023. (Chauncey Alcorn/Capital B)

Housing aid advocates say the ongoing conditions at Fairburn & Gordon and similar apartment complexes throughout Atlanta are symptomatic of the citys affordable housing crisis. Weak tenant protection laws in Georgia have allowed delinquent landlords to receive federal taxpayer money to provide substandard housing to low-income, primarily Black renters. These tenants are often desperate to find and keep affordable homes to avoid leaving the city  where many have spent most of their lives  or ending up homeless.

A&B Apartments co-owner Abe Beroukhai wasnt present at the meeting on Wednesday. City officials say he, his brother, Ben, and their attorney, David Dolinsky, agreed to participate in the gathering at the behest of Atlanta Municipal Court Judge Christopher T. Portis, who has presided over their months-old municipal housing court case.

The city of Atlanta has issued citations for hundreds of housing code violations and at least one more-serious nuisance case offense against Fairburn & Gordons owners since a Capital B Atlanta inquiry last October.

The offices of Mayor Andre Dickens and Deputy Solicitor Erika Smith arranged Wednesdays meeting with help from the Partnership for Southern Equity, a social justice organization, to give Fairburn & Gordon tenants a chance to address their landlords face-to-face.

For most, it was the first time meeting the owner of their complex.

Atlanta City Council member Andrea Boone and state Sen. Sonya Halpern, D-Atlanta  whose districts include Fairburn & Gordons Adamsville neighborhood  were also present. Representatives from the Mayors Housing Help Center, including Donell Q. Woodson, who has been providing aid and counsel to Fairburn & Gordons tenants amid the citys court battle with their landlord, also attended the gathering.

Roughly 10 Fairburn & Gordon tenants showed up for the meeting, which took place inside the C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center late Wednesday afternoon. Some brought their children and grandchildren to the gathering.

Were not going to stand for this

Tenant Linda Ford told Fairburn & Gordon co-owner Ben Beroukhai (center) and his attorney David Dolinsky that shes lived without heat for the past three years and hasnt been provided a working air conditioner since 2022. They wont fix nothin, Ford said. (Chauncey Alcorn/Capital B)

Tenant Linda Ford told Beroukhai and his staff that Fairburn & Gordon was an A1 property when she moved into the complex roughly 15 years ago. That changed, she said, some time after Beroukhai acquired the property around 2011.

Ford said management, including property manager Kathy Baker, has allowed the complex to deteriorate in recent years, while ignoring maintenance complaints from Ford and others. The 60-year-old grandmother said maintenance workers previously refused to respond to her complaints about raw sewage flooding the floor in her home due to leaky plumbing in an apartment above hers.

Ford previously told Capital B Atlanta she had to catch at least 15 rats inside her home by herself a few years ago because management declined to help. She told Beroukhai on Wednesday that shes lived without heat for the past three years and hasnt been provided a working air conditioner since 2022.

They wont fix nothin, Ford told Beroukhai during the meeting. Its heartbreaking because [when] you go up there, the maintenance man gets mad at you if you say somethin. Its not right.

Tenant Crystal Brown called into the meeting and complained about management withholding utility checks provided by HUD to pay some of their bills.

Multiple tenants complained that management hasnt given them a new lease to sign in years. One of them was 68-year-old Emma Williams, one of several tenants who also complained about mold in their apartments making them and their loved ones sick.

Im just dealin with a lot of mold, Williams told Baroukhai. My daughter got sick last week from the mold in her room. I told the management. She said, Aint no mold.

Baker couldnt be reached for comment on Friday.

Beroukhai could be seen taking notes as the tenants spoke during the roughly two-hour meeting. He said hes been personally overseeing maintenance work at Fairburn & Gordon since January and promised to continue making improvements.

A&B Apartments LLC co-owner Behzad Ben Beroukhai (right) talks to tenants about improving conditions at his Fairburn & Gordon I and II Apartments complex. (Chauncey Alcorn/Capital B)

Since January, I can promise you any dollar I receive, my money, I spend it on the property, Beroukhai said. The condition is better. Its not optimal.  Were not going to stop. Im hoping we can see much better results in the next few months, maybe sooner.

Beroukhai and his attorney noted that only a handful of tenants showed up for Wednesdays meeting, suggesting that as proof that Fairburn & Gordon residents are pleased with the maintenance work thats already been done.

A lot of tenants that are not here, they saw the changes we made, Beroukhai said.

Tenant Jasmine Hinton pushed back, saying some tenants are scared to speak out. Housing advocates say low-income renters in Atlanta have been evicted for dubious reasons after suing or complaining about their landlords. Some tenants told Capital B Atlanta they had to work or were in the process of moving and couldnt make it to the meeting.

Love told Beroukhai the repairs made to Fairburn & Gordon since January are mostly cosmetic.

Those are not changes, she said. Those are cover-ups.

Williams said maintenance crews still havent addressed the mold problem at the complex.

Its in the wall[s] and it gotta be gutt[ed] out, Williams said. If you dont gut it out, its gonna destroy the next person [living] there.

The dialogue became tense when Senator Halpern demanded to know the names of the other local apartment buildings owned by Beroukhai and A&B Apartments.

Dolinsky, Beroukhais attorney, said the question was inappropriate. He tried to stop Deputy Solicitor Smith from answering when Halpern posed the same question to Smith.

There needs to be just a little more respect coming towards this side, Dolinsky said in apparent frustration.

The remark ignited a chorus of groans from some in the room. Meeting moderator Charles Peterson, a just opportunity associate with the Partnership for Southern Equity, tried to restore calm.

Mr. Dolinsky, with all due respect, I dont think theres been an exchange of disrespect, Peterson said. I think theres a fair amount of frustration.

Council member Boone continued demanding an answer to Halperns question and reminded Dolinsky that Halpern is an elected official.

The senator still wants to know what property he owns, Boone said.

Beroukhais LLC also owns Martin Manor, Pavilion Place, and Colonial Square, according to the deputy solicitors office. Martin Manor and Pavilion Place were listed in The Atlanta Journal-Constitutions award-winning Dangerous Dwellings series in 2022, along with Fairburn & Gordon.

Pavilion Place was brought into compliance more than a year ago. Smith said the city has an open housing court case against Martin Manor. The next Atlanta Municipal Court hearing is set for Sept. 25.

Boone announced plans to visit Martin Manor in the near future. The daughter of civil rights activist Joseph E. Boone began speaking out about Fairburn & Gordon and other nuisance properties several years ago. She urged the mayors office and the deputy solicitor to show no mercy on Beroukhai.

Were not going to stand for this in the city of Atlanta, Boone said.

A history of neglect

Tenants at the Fairburn & Gordon apartment complex have complained about unsafe, inhumane conditions, including suffocating mold. This photo was taken in 2023. (Chauncey Alcorn/Capital B)

Its been more than a year since Fairburn & Gordon tenants asked Capital B Atlanta to report on the maintenance complaints theyve filed with city and federal officials, which they said had gone unaddressed for years due to Fairburn & Gordons management team misleading inspectors who responded to the property.

When inspectors from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development showed up and asked to see apartments that renters complained about, the tenants said Baker  Fairburn & Gordons property manager  would redirect the officials to inspect units that were in better condition.

Capital B Atlanta brought this to HUDs attention in October. A major crackdown inspection the same month unveiled 81 housing code violations, including 13 classified as highly hazardous.

HUD found 155 deficiencies  including 31 that were considered life-threatening  during a Nov. 29 follow-up inspection. In response, HUD officials announced in March that they were canceling their contract with Fairburn & Gordons owners.

Relocation counselors hired by HUD have been working with Section 8 tenants this summer to find safer apartments, as the lack of affordable housing in Atlanta leaves low-income renters with very limited options. Fairburn & Gordon tenants say new people have moved into the complex in recent weeks despite the negative publicity it has received in local news media.

Its legal in Georgia for renters to refuse to accept Section 8 tenants. As such, Love told Capital B Atlanta that she and other Section 8 tenants have struggled to find apartments that take Section 8 vouchers that are also in better condition than Fairburn & Gordon.

Most of the places we can afford are in the same condition these places are in, she said.

City of Atlanta Deputy Solicitor Erika Smith (left) wipes tears from her face and tries to console Fairburn & Gordon tenant Deborah Love (seated), who became emotional while talking about the poor conditions at the complex. (Chauncey Alcorn/Capital B)

Love said she felt empowered after speaking out at the meeting, but regrets becoming emotional.

I felt really good after I got it out, she said. I wanted to show my enlightenment and power without the tears.

Love also said shes concerned about the market-rate renter neighbors being left behind at Fairburn & Gordon who dont have the income or the aid to move into better conditions.

We stay here because we have no place to go, she said.

The next Fairburn & Gordon housing court hearing is set to take place at 9 a.m. on Thursday.

The post Emotional Fairburn & Gordon Town Hall Spurs Look Into Owners Other Properties appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
ROME (Reuters) - Italy is introducing artificial intelligence in its schools as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government explores new ways to close the country's digital skills gap with other European Union members.

Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara said this week - when schools reopened across Italy - that AI-assisted software would be tested in 15 classrooms across four regions, with a view to expand the scheme later if the experiment is successful.

AI tools on classroom tablets and computers will act as "virtual assistants that can make learning easier for students and help teachers identify methods for an increasingly bespoke education," the minister told the TGcom24 news channel.

Italy has one of the worst basic digital skills scores in the 27-member EU, according to the bloc's statistical agency Eurostat, faring better only than Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania.

Few details were given about the initiative, however. Valditara's office was not able to confirm the names of the schools that would test the new technology and expand on its workings.

However, the planned evaluation of the trial starting with this school year is "promising", Francesca Bastagli, head of research at the Fondazione Agnelli educational think tank, told Reuters on Friday.

"It will hopefully tell us what works and what is needed for future rollouts of AI tools in schools to be inclusive and effective", she said.

Italy's AI-push for schools came as the minister also issued a blanket ban on the use of mobile phones in classrooms, even for educational purposes.

Past attempts to digitalise Italian schools have proven difficult, including during the COVID pandemic, partly due to the advanced age of teaching staff, with more than half of them aged 50 or older, according to OECD data.

Meloni has made AI one of the themes of this year's G7 summit, which was hosted by Italy. In their final communique, leaders said they would deepen their "cooperation to harness the benefits and manage the risks of (AI)".

(Reporting by Alberto Chiumento, Marta Di Donfrancesco, editing by Alvise Armellini, Angus MacSwan, William Maclean)
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- An employee of a pumping company says that they found a handgun while working on a sewer Thursday afternoon.

Law enforcement reacts to nationwide school threats

Evansville Police say that it happened around 4:00 p.m. in the 1300 block of East Gum Street near College Highway. The employee called police and told them that the gun was sucked from the sewer drain in the middle of the road.

Evansville Police did a background search on the gun and determined that it was not stolen. It was then placed into evidence at EPD Headquarters.

Jane Hackert has lived on College Highway for 37 years. She hasnt seen anything like this before on her street.

A police car drives up andwonder what thats all about? And policeman got out and start talking to the worker. Then all of a sudden I saw the worker hand him a gun, and he put it in the plastic bag and took it back to his car, Hackert says.

EPD urges safety following the event.

Parents: please take the time to talk to your children and tell them if they ever see a firearm to not touch it, to tell an adult and to call 911, says EPD Sergeant Trudy 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
As the end date of Greyhounds lease at its downtown Chicago bus station approaches, the company has begun routing more buses through Gary, Indiana, a new analysis of bus schedules shows.

The changes suggest a proactive response to the potential closure of the downtown station, according to the report from DePaul Universitys Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development.

The institute and advocates have been sounding the alarm about the possible closure of the downtown Chicago bus station for more than a year, saying such a move would have repercussions for low-income travelers, residents of communities without easy access to train or airline service, and others who rely on buses to travel between cities, as well as Chicagos status as a transportation hub.

The end of the lease is now fast approaching, and an executive of Greyhounds parent company previously said if nothing changes the company will likely have to leave the facility Sept. 20.

The move comes after a series of sales of Greyhound and its properties in recent years. Greyhounds parent company sold the bus operation to German company Flix in 2021, but much of the bus lines real estate was not part of the sale. The Chicago station is now among those owned by Twenty Lake Holdings, an affiliate of Alden Global Capital, which also owns the Chicago Tribune.

Greyhound stations in other cities have already been relocated, in some cases moved miles outside the city center or shifted to only curbside pickup and drop-off locations, with no indoor waiting areas. For example, in Knoxville, Tennessee, riders have reported waiting hours outside in the heat and cold for sometimes delayed buses, with no access to food, water, restrooms or a station building, according to local reporting.

In Chicago, Greyhound and other intercity buses already pick up passengers curbside at other sites around the city, but advocates have said closing the downtown station and moving solely to curbside pickup in Chicago could come with consequences, and pose challenges for those waiting to make transfers or traveling during bad weather.

A report issued last month, also from the Chaddick Institute, found closing the downtown station would make Chicago the largest city in the Northern Hemisphere without an intercity bus terminal. The terminal now is used by Flix and Greyhound-branded buses, as well as bus lines Burlington Trailways and Barons Bus.

The institutes latest report, based on an analysis of bus schedules, found changes that have seemingly made Gary a hub for bus service. The city has been added as a stop on several routes, in some cases adding miles and time, the analysis found.

Even a few years ago, the prospect of Chicago losing its role as a connecting hub to Gary would have seemed, at best, improbable, the report noted. Now, that prospect appears likely.

Such a move could also be a loss for travelers, said Joseph Schwieterman, director of the Chaddick Institute. The Gary station has a waiting room in a hub that also serves public transit buses and the South Shore rail line, but it could still mean longer travel times for intercity bus riders, fewer amenities and less overall service because of limits on the bus lines that might choose to serve the station, Schwieterman said. If fewer bus lines and routes run to Gary, that could mean fewer available transfers and fewer available destinations.

Other options on the table as the station closure has loomed have included moving more intercity bus pickup and drop-off to Jackson Boulevard outside Union Station, where Greyhound already had a ticket counter nearby, Flix executive Gilda Brewton has previously said. Such a move could require cutting bus service, she has said. And that suggestion has drawn pushback from Amtrak, which owns Union Station, and other advocates concerned about relying on curbside pickups and drop-offs.

City officials also said in late August Greyhound could renew its lease at the current station under the same terms and conditions that it currently operates under.

A spokeswoman for Flix said the company had no updates to announce about operations to Gary, and did not answer questions about whether extending the lease or moving operations outside Union Station were still under consideration. No solution has been finalized, but the company is continuing to work on options, she said.

We remain actively engaged with all relevant stakeholders in Chicago to find a viable solution that meets the needs of travelers and offers a safe, welcoming, and transit-connected location for intercity bus service, the spokeswoman said in a statement. Theres no finalized solution yet, but we are hopeful that our shared goal of providing equitable and affordable travel for the residents and visitors of Chicago will soon get us there.

Chicago city officials also did not answer questions about whether extending the lease or moving outside Union Station were still options. In a statement, a spokeswoman for Mayor Brandon Johnsons office said only she acknowledged the importance of intercity bus service.

The City of Chicago acknowledges the critical importance of intercity bus services as a means of regional transit, facilitating access to essential services such as healthcare and employment opportunities, the spokeswoman said. The City continues in good faith to partner with transit stakeholders to ensure Chicagoans and travelers have access to accessible, affordable transportation options.

In Gary, transportation officials declined to discuss specifics of bus service, but Denise Dillard, interim general manager of the Gary Public Transportation Corp., said they are focused on the value of transportation for Gary, northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago area.

Itll be a value add for all our area, she said.

Its possible some Greyhound service could move to Gary while other buses continue to serve downtown Chicago, potentially outside Union Station, Schwieterman said. But any solution should consider creating opportunities for new bus lines to come to Chicago, he said.

My fear is that bus lines not serving Chicago will be squeezed out of the plan that emerges due to capacity limits or due to deals cut with individual bus lines, he said.
UPDATE: The man returned home safe on his own.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  An Endangered Silver Advisory has been issued for a missing man.

According to the advisory, the man was reported missing around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. The man reportedly let his home and did not return.

If anyone has information on the missing man, they are advised to dial 911 to contact a nearby law enforcement agency or call the St. Louis County Police Department at (636) 529-8210.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ending taxes on tips is popular. Ohio economists say it wont pull many out of poverty

A waiter serves drinks outside a restaurant in July 2020 in New York City. Low-wage workers in many states saw a big boost in their pay during the COVID-19 pandemic, between 2019 and 2022. Jeenah Moon/Getty Images

A waiter serves drinks outside a restaurant. (Photo by Jeenah Moon/Getty Images.)

Proposals to end taxes on tips have been gaining bipartisan support since former President Donald Trump raised the idea in June, during a rally in Las Vegas.

Vice President Kamala Harris made a similar proposal in August. And Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has filed a bill that would eliminate federal taxes on tips, while Ohio Rep. Jay Edwards, R-Nelsonville, has filed one that would exempt tips from state income taxes.

But as the tip-tax-exemption train gathers steam, many Ohio economists are saying that it will benefit many tipped workers, but it wont do nearly as much to pull them out of poverty as raising the states tipped minimum wage up to par with the general minimum wage.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

A survey of a panel of Ohio economists conducted by Scioto Analysis and released Tuesday found that 11 of 16 economists agreed that a tip exemption would significantly improve wellbeing for tipped workers. But in the same survey, 11 of the 16 said increasing their minimum wage would do more to pull the tipped workforce out of poverty.

The reasoning seems to parallel arguments that many income-tax-cut schemes dont provide the best benefits to low-income populations  the poor dont have much income to tax.

A tax cut sounds great, but with the average Ohio server earning only $34,000 and the state income tax applying only to income above $26,000, a great many of the states tipped employees arent paying taxes that they can be exempted from, Rob Moore of Scioto Analysis wrote in a recent column.

Meanwhile, raising the minimum wage for tipped workers  $5.25 an hour  to the general minimum wage  $10.45  would benefit all those workers.

In the comments section of the survey, Bob Gitter of Ohio Wesleyan University said that the benefits of exempting tips from income tax would primarily accrue to servers working in expensive bars and restaurants.

Low-income tipped workers are not paying much, if any, income tax, he said. The benefits will be for higher income tipped workers, e.g. servers at higher-priced restaurants.

Meanwhile, low-wage workers would be left behind, said Curtis Reynolds of Kent State University.

I am sympathetic to low wages of tipped workers and the very real problems of tipping (bias, low amounts), but I am not sure that this will really help at all, he wrote. Some tips may not be declared on taxes in the first place (so exempting them does not help) and this may just slow wage growth if employers view this as an increase in total compensation. Finally, low levels of income are currently not taxed at high levels.

In terms of pulling tipped workers out of poverty, a minimum-wage increase affects all tipped workers at the bottom of the pay scale whereas the tax cut would barely affect the poorest workers who pay zero income tax and the biggest benefits would go to the highest-income workers, wrote Jonathan Andreas of Bluffton University.

But Charles Kroncke of Mount St. Joseph University said while it may be well-intentioned, raising the minimum could have a perverse effect.

The sub minimum wage is significantly below the minimum wage, he wrote. If the wage for tipped workers is raised to the minimum wage, employers will hire fewer tipped employees. This will make poverty worse.

To which Andreas made a counter argument.

The main danger of a high minimum wage is higher unemployment, but historically, the negative effects have been very small and particularly at times like now when unemployment is very low, he said.

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The 10 races for Los Angeles Superior Court judge produced five winners in the March primary, and five contests in which no candidate won an outright majority. In the Nov. 5 runoffs, The Times recommends as follows:

Office No. 39: Steve Napolitano

Steve Napolitano stands apart from most judicial candidates because of the diversity of his experience. He represents prisoners at their parole hearings, which means he is in a sense a public defender for Californians serving their sentences. He also is an administrative law judge, hearing civil cases alleging violations of city or county codes. He had his own practice dealing with contract matters.

Thats all on top of a long career in government, including on the Manhattan Beach City Council, where he led the citys efforts to atone for its role in shutting Black property owners out of Bruces Beach many decades earlier. He was chief of staff for Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, and simultaneously had a private law practice (with county permission).

Read more: L.A. Times electoral endorsements for 2024 November election

Varied backgrounds like Napolitanos are valuable assets. Attorneys who spend their entire careers as prosecutors or criminal defense lawyers typically become very good at what they do but dont always make the best judges. Having viewed the justice system from a single window, they may have trouble making the transition to the bench, where a wider and more balanced perspective is needed.

George A. Turner Jr. is an accomplished and well-regarded deputy public defender who probably would make a capable judge. But like most judicial candidates, hes mostly a one-window attorney. Voters cant go wrong in this race, but their best choice for this Superior Court seat is Napolitano.

Office No. 48: Ericka J. Wiley

Ericka J. Wiley has spent most of her career in criminal defense, but has varied experiences that give her a broader perspective. Before practicing law she worked at a maternity home, taking teenage mothers to their appearances in dependency and delinquency court. Amid a hiring freeze in Los Angeles County, she took a job as a deputy public defender in largely rural Merced County. Returning to L.A., she defended clients accused of capital and sex cases. Recognized for her expertise, she was promoted to an administrative position, supervising attorneys in the Superior Courts Bellflower courthouse. But she preferred trials and is now back in the courtroom. She says that she has taken a nontraditional track in life, such as becoming a mother at age 49.

Read more: 2024 California propositions voter guide: minimum wage, crime, marriage, healthcare, rent and more

Wiley is one of three candidates backed by the Defenders of Justice, a slate led by social justice organization La Defensa. Critics charge that the slate has a political agenda that conflicts with fact-based, evenhanded justice. Whether or not that is the case, each of its candidates deserves to be evaluated based on their ability, experience and integrity. Its a test that Wiley passes easily; shes a standout candidate and if elected would probably be an excellent judge.

Her opponent, Renee Rose, also has practiced law in two counties (Riverside and Los Angeles), although as a prosecutor. She also is qualified to be a judge, but voters can pick only one. Wiley is the better choice.

Office No. 97: Sharon Ransom

Sharon Ransom brings exactly the qualities that voters should seek out in judges: She has a breadth of personal and professional experience, and combines expertise in the law with a willingness to exercise discretion not merely to hold offenders accountable but to solve underlying problems, including addiction, mental illness and poverty.

Ransom worked for 17 years as a dispatcher for the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department while raising a child as a single mother. She was almost 40 by the time she began an entirely new career as a criminal prosecutor. In her 18 years as a deputy district attorney, she has worked in some of the offices most challenging assignments, including major narcotics and elder abuse cases. She currently works in the mental health unit, where defendants are dealing with psychiatric illnesses and often homelessness. She has handled dozens of jury trials, displaying what others working alongside her have described as a calm and professional demeanor.

Her opponent, former Deputy Public Defender La Shae Henderson, likewise argues for a balanced approach to criminal justice. But its Ransom who is most likely to deliver and is the better choice.

Office No. 135: Steven Yee Mac

Steven Yee Mac is a deputy district attorney, a title that belies his varied and impressive legal background. After serving as an intelligence officer in the Army, he joined the Judge Advocate General Corps, defending soldiers accused of misconduct and exploring the role of drugs and trauma in their alleged offenses. He also practiced contract law. He interviewed for the Los Angeles County district attorneys office by Zoom while deployed in Afghanistan.

As a prosecutor, his assignment focuses on murder, extortion and other crimes committed in the area around MacArthur Park. Victims consist largely of immigrant families, much like his own.

Hes a well-regarded trial attorney with the skill, demeanor and maturity to make an outstanding judge.

Georgia Huerta is also an experienced and well-regarded deputy district attorney. This is another of those races in which voters cant go wrong. But Mac has the advantage in breadth of experience.

Office No. 137: Tracey M. Blount

Tracey M. Blount represents Los Angeles County in dependency court, where judges decide whether to remove children from their homes because of abuse or neglect. She previously worked as a paralegal, then as an appellate attorney in the San Bernardino County district attorneys office.

Blount is highly regarded for her skill and calm demeanor. Thats particularly important in dependency court, where emotions can run high and the dynamic shifts in the course of proceedings from quasi-prosecutorial  as lawyers make their cases against parents  to collaborative, as the parties attempt to create a plan to reunify the family while keeping the children safe.

Her opponent is Luz E. Herrera, whose varied legal career has taken her from a small practice in Compton to leading clinical programs at law schools in Southern California and at Texas A&M. She might well make a good judge, but between the two it is Blount who is best qualified.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Environmental Protection Agency said communication issues between the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, and Agency of Natural Resources, caused farms to release phosphorous into local waterways.

Phosphorus, a nutrient which comes farm manure run-off, can cause harmful algae blooms that impact underwater ecosystems.

A letter sent to the state earlier this month detailed the EPAs decision to change state farm regulations. In the letter written by EPA Regional Administrator David Cash, it was revealed that a state program, called the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, was not in compliance with the Clean Water Act.

What we found is that the structure of how the agencies were dealing with wasnt amenable to solving the problem, to creating clean water and supporting the Ag industry, said Cash.

A petition, written by the Conservation Law Foundation, alleged that the two agencies had multiple disagreements which led to regulatory issues.

Vice President of the Conservation Law Foundation Elena Mihaly told us the EPAs letter grew out of our petition as a response to the issues it tackles.

This letter the EPA is issuing, it grew out of our petition, it is a response to it, but I think we havent closed our petition, it doesnt necessarily resolve our petition, well see whats in the corrective action plan and if executed hopefully that will address the concerns we raised.

Cash said the investigation revealed flaws in the governments system, preventing Vermont from properly managing farm runoffs.

Nobody wants to go to Lake Champlain and cant go swimming because of algae blooms. Nobody wants to look at their streams and rivers and cant fish in them because of algae blooms. And everyone wants a thriving agricultural sector, Cash concluded.

Part of the EPAs solution is requiring the ANR to become sole manager of the CAFOS program. Previously, the VAAFM and ANR split responsibilities for farm regulations.

What will these changes mean going forward? The agency of natural resources will develop a corrective action plan with the EPA. Farmers can expect to be directed towards federal permits, which will be managed by the ANR.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The News

Colombia was the deadliest country in the world for land rights defenders and environmentalists in 2023, according to a report by UK advocacy group Global Witness. A record 79 people were killed in the South American country, out of 196 environmentalists murdered for carrying out their work worldwide, the group said.

The findings are in stark opposition to the promises of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who took office in 2022 pledging to protect local communities from environmental injustice and to end the countrys 60-year conflict against militant groups. Organized crime accounted for a suspected half of land defender murders in Colombia last year, according to the report. A government spokesperson described the situation as dishonorable.





SIGNALS

Killings of land defenders harm conservation efforts

Sources: The New York Times, Reuters, Global Witness

Conservationists are often targeted as they pose a threat to illegal activities, a representative of Columbias Environment Ministry told Reuters. As one of the most resource-rich and biodiverse areas of the world, the Amazon rainforest is at the heart of the violence between legal and illegal mining and logging companies, paramilitary groups, and local indigenous communities who make up almost half of all victims, according to Global Witness. There is also significant evidence that deforestation increases following instances of violence, a Reuters investigation found last year. Any pause in conservation projects tipped the balance in favor of deforestation and destruction, the agency reported environmentalists as saying.







Paramilitary violence extends to Colombias oil industry

Source: Bloomberg

As well as activists in Colombia often being the target of, or otherwise caught up in, guerrilla violence over the past 60 years, rebels have also taken aim at the Colombian oil industry, Bloomberg reported. The [National Liberation Army insurgency group] believes the oil companies have been able to get contracts that are very advantageous for themselves, but bad for the country, said one former guerilla who fought for Colombias sovereignty over its natural resources. Violence has escalated recently, with at least 19 attacks on pipelines since late August. However, paramilitary groups often have more socialist goals than environmental, and oil companies can avoid being targeted by paying for schools and roads in local areas, according to a former Colombian energy minister.


Estonian authorities have recorded nearly 600 violations since full customs checks were introduced at the Narva border crossing with Russia in early August.

Narva is a busy border point, handling around 1,500 crossings from Estonia to Russia every day.

Despite the high number of rule-breakers, the Tax and Customs board says the daily rate of violations has dropped slightly from around 22 to 18.

"We see on a daily basis that goods that are in short supply on the other side are still brought across the border. And right now, one of the concerns in the context of Narva is cash," said Ursula Riimaa, the Deputy Director General of the Tax and Customs Board.

According to the customs authorities, travellers leaving Estonia generally transport goods that are in short supply in Russia, such as spare parts for cars and machinery, components for drones and electronics and radio transmission devices.

Estonia introduced full customs controls at the Narva crossing on 8 August and follows a decision in May to limit the hours pedestrians can cross.

That change was introduced after Russia decided in February to close the border crossing to vehicles, citing the need for construction works at its Ivangorod border crossing point.

Estonian authorities assume that situation will be permanent as Moscow has not provided a timeline for the completion of the works.

Russia also introduced restrictions on the number of pedestrians permitted to cross into Estonia but gave no reason for the new rules.

Since the Narva border crossing is closed for vehicles, travellers can use the Koidula and Luhamaa crossing points to drive from Estonia to Russia.

But Estonian authorities are worried that Russia could suddenly limit crossings at those points too, making travel between the two countries even more complicated.

The Estonian Police and Border guard advise against all travel to Russia.

Tensions between Russia and NATO-member Estonia have been high since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

It can take pedestrians hours to cross from Estonia into Russia via the Narva border crossing, September 12, 2024 - Screenshot from EBU video 2024_10257374

Estonian authorities warn that the border may have to be closed to all travellers at short notice, meaning Estonians in Russia may have to find alternative routes back to their home country.

Tallinn says that by the end of 2023, Russia had deliberately directed groups of foreigners lacking the legal right to enter the European Union to the Estonian border.

That prompted authorities to warn that if these activities continue, the border may be closed to protect national security and public order.

Finland closed its border with Russia last year, accusing Moscow of trying to destabilise Europe by encouraging irregular migrants, mostly from Syria and Somalia, to cross the border.

That border closure was extended indefinitely in April.
EU chief diplomat condemns Iran's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia and announces new sanctions on behalf of EU

On behalf of the European Union, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has condemned the delivery of Iranian-made ballistic missiles to Russia and announced new sanctions against those involved.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Borrell's statement

Details: Borrell noted that the European Union's position on Iran's participation in Russia's war has always been clear, and now the European Union "will respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners".

"Including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran, including the designation of individuals and entities involved with Iran's ballistic missile and drone programmes, and in this regard is considering restrictive measures in Irans aviation sector as well," Borrell said.

He called the transfer of Iranian missiles a direct threat to European security, which is a significant material escalation after the delivery of Iranian UAVs and ammunition.

"It comes in the midst of Russias most recent attacks against Ukraine, including with ballistic missiles and drones, which prove its clear determination to continue its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and its people, notably targeting critical energy infrastructure, trying to cause the highest possible loss of civilian life and inflict large-scale devastation.

Iranian ballistic missiles could now be used to cause further suffering and destruction in Ukraine," Borrell said.

Background:

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The European Commission said on Friday that it has approved a 682 million ($755 million) Belgian scheme to support renewable offshore wind energy to help the transition towards a net-zero economy.

According to the Brussels-based Commission, it has authorised state aid for the construction and operation of an offshore wind farm off Belgium's North Sea coast.

"This measure will help to reduce Belgium's dependence on fossil fuels from Russia," said outgoing Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. "At the same time, the regulation will ensure that any distortions of competition are minimised."

The authorisation was granted on the basis of the so-called Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TVTF). This is a temporary EU funding instrument to support the production of climate-neutral, strategically important technologies in Europe at an early stage.

The planned wind farm is expected to have a capacity of 700 megawatts and generate at least 2.6 terawatt hours of renewable electricity per year.
CSL and Arcturus Therapeuticss self-amplifying mRNA (sa-mRNA) vaccine, Kostaive (ARCT-154) has been approved in Japan to tackle the JN.1 strain of Covid-19.

The vaccine was approved by Japans Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) and Meiji Seika Pharma will be responsible for distribution as part of the October 2024 Covid-19 vaccination campaign, said CSLs SVP and Head of Global Regulatory Affairs, Emmanuelle Lecomte-Brisset.

We look forward to introducing Kostaive in Japan as a safe, tolerable and more durable option in protecting against Covid-19, Lecomte-Brisset added in the 13 September announcement.

JN.1 is a derivative of Omicron variant BA.2.86 and is characterised by an extra mutation in the spike protein.

Like Pfizer and BioNTechs Comirnaty and Modernas Spikevax, Kostaive is an mRNA vaccine designed to protect against Covid-19 by providing the body instructions on how to fight the disease. However, the sa-mRNA vaccine, Kostaive instructs the body to produce more mRNA and protein, promoting a stronger immune response.

According to GlobalDatas consensus forecasts, Kostaive is expected to generate total sales of $697m in 2030. GlobalData is the parent company of Pharmaceutical Technology.

With its November 2023 approval in Japan, Kostaive became the first sa-mRNA Covid-19 vaccine to gain approval. The vaccine is intended for use in adults 18 years and older.

The updated approval of Kostaive comes after a Japanese health ministry panel recommended in May that Covid-19 vaccines be updated to protect against the present subvariants of Omicron. The decisions also aligned with the World Health Organizations (WHO) stance on updated vaccines.

In August, Japans MHLW granted Moderna approval for an updated formulation of Spikevax targeting JN.1.

Similar to Japans MHLW, on 5 June, the US Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CDER) held a meeting with the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) to discuss the changes to implement to the US Covid-19 vaccines from 2024 to 2025. The committee was unanimous in their decision to update vaccines to target the JN.1 variant.

Following the decision, the FDA granted updated versions of Comirnaty and Spikevax approval in late August.

"Japan approves updated Covid-19 vaccine to tackle JN.1 variant" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
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Most Read from Bloomberg

The European Union is aiming to hold a vote on introducing definitive tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China on Sept. 25, according to people familiar with the plan.

The vote would pave the way for the duties to kick in from November unless a qualified majority  15 member states representing 65% of the EUs population  opposes the move. The date of the vote could still change, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The EU has proposed hitting SAIC Motor Corp., Volvo Car AB parent Geely and BYD Co. with duties of 36.3%, 19.3% and 17%, respectively, on top of the 10% tariff that exporters from China are already subject to. Those rates are expected to be slightly revised downwards, Bloomberg previously reported. Tesla Inc. would face an additional rate of just below 8%, plus the base duty.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched the EV investigation last year, saying that Chinese companies unfairly benefit from state subsidies and are flooding Europe with excess production. In response, Beijing launched anti-dumping investigations into EU exports of brandy, dairy and pork products.

China and the EU have been holding talks to explore alternatives to the tariffs but these havent been fruitful so far. For Brussels, any solution has to be grounded in World Trade Organization rules and address the underlying harmful subsidies an EU probe identified.

Discussions will continue next week when Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao visits Europe to meet with the EUs trade chief, Valdis Dombrovskis.

China claims the measures are protectionist and has threatened to retaliate with duties of its own on a range of sectors while seeking an agreement to solve all the disputes as a package. Beijing is also challenging the measures at the WTO. The EU sees the Chinese investigations as retaliation and intends to defend its interests in all three probes, the people said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez raised eyebrows earlier this week when he said the EU should re-examine its plan to impose the tariffs during a visit to China. Germany has also been pushing Brussels to find an alternative to the duties, as its auto industry has voiced concerns about the measures.

Germany and Spain both have massive financial incentives to avoid a spiral of tit-for-tat restrictions. German automakers including Volkswagen AG and BMW AG would be hit hardest in a trade spat, as they collectively sold 4.6 million cars there in 2022.

Spain is the EUs second largest car-manufacturer and is seeking to attract investments from China to develop its EV industry  part of the reason behind Sanchezs trip there this week.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
At a briefing on Friday, 13 September, EU foreign policy spokesperson Peter Stano stated that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putins threats to consider NATO and European countries as participants in the war if Western long-range missiles are used on Russian territory will not affect the EU's position on backing Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda; Peter Stano at a midday press briefing on 13 September

Quote: "Putin is making constantly many misguided comments. The fact is that he started the war against Ukraine Of course, nothing he says will change our positions as long as he continues with this illegal aggression against the Ukrainian people."

Details: He promised that the EU would continue to support Ukraine, including military support.

"The discussion about lifting the limitations on the use of the weaponry provided by member states is continuing. And we see the results of the discussion by individual decisions, by member states lifting these decisions. There is no EU-wide position on it  of course, its up to the member states who are providing the arms to Ukraines defence," Stano emphasised.

Background:

On 12 September, Putin stressed that any move by the West to allow Kyiv to use such long-range weapons against targets in Russia would draw NATO into the war with Russia, a sharp escalation of his rhetoric on the war.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed that Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine has the right to defend itself, responding to Russian leader Vladimir Putins remarks. Putin claimed that any use of UK-supplied long-range missiles on Russian territory by Ukrainian forces would lead to NATO's involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Earlier, the Guardian reported that the United Kingdom decided to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike targets in Russia.

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EU vows sanctions after alleged Iranian supply of missiles to Russia

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell opens an informal meeting of the EU Defence Ministers. Francois Lenoir/European Council/dpa

The European Union condemned the alleged Iranian supply of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine and vowed new sanctions in a joint statement on Friday.

The 27 EU member states said the delivery was a "direct threat to European security" and was a substantial escalation from past Iranian transfers of ammunition and drones to Russia.

Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell said on X that the bloc will respond quickly with new sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile and drone programmes.

The Iranian regime has vehemently denied the accusation made by Ukraine's Western allies, including the United States. Tehran has also previously denied supplying Russia with combat drones.

The EU "has repeatedly strongly cautioned Iran against transfers of ballistic missiles to Russia," the joint statement said.

Iran is increasingly politically isolated due to its controversial nuclear programme, human rights violations and Middle East policy.

In recent years, the leadership has responded by strengthening its ties with Russia and China.

Earlier in the week in a separate statement, Germany, France and the UK pledged fresh sanctions on Iran over its alleged transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.

Ships and companies allegedly involved in supplying Russia with Iranian weapons were sanctioned. Among them was Iran Air, which flies to several destinations in Europe.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken also announced new US sanctions on Iran in response, after warning Iran before that supplying such weapons would "constitute a dramatic escalation."
Spain hosts a meeting of foreign ministers from EU and Arab countries on Middle East crisis, in Madrid

Spain hosts a meeting of foreign ministers from EU and Arab countries on Middle East crisis, in Madrid

By Belen Carreno

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain, hosting a high-level meeting on Friday of several Muslim and European countries on ways to end the Gaza war, called for a clear schedule for the international community to implement a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"We meet to make another push for the end of the war in Gaza, for a way out of the unending spiral of violence between the Palestinians, the Israelis... That way is clear. The implementation of the two-state solution is the only way," Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters.

In attendance were his counterparts including from Norway and Slovenia, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and members of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group for Gaza that includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey.

Albares said there was "a clear willingness" among the participants, who notably do not include Israel, "to move on from words to actions and to make strides towards a clear schedule for the effective implementation" of a two-state solution, starting with Palestine joining the United Nations.

Israel was not invited because it was not part of the contact group, Albares said, adding though that "we will be delighted to see Israel at any table where peace and the two-state solution are discussed".

On May 28, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised a unified Palestinian state ruled by the Palestinian Authority comprising the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital. With them, 146 of the 193 member states of the United Nations now recognise Palestinian statehood.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has repeatedly described the co-existence of two sovereign states on the territory of the former Mandatory Palestine as the only viable path to peace in the region.

Such a two-state solution was set out in the 1991 Madrid Conference and the 1993-95 Oslo Accords, but the peace process has been moribund for years.

However, the search for a peaceful solution has been given new urgency by the 11-month-long war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the Palestinian militant groups Hamas - the bloodiest episode yet in the overall conflict - as well as escalating violence in the occupied West Bank.

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war and has been occupied ever since, with expanding Jewish settlements complicating the issue. Israel annexed East Jerusalem in 1980 in a move generally not recognised internationally.

Israel also says guarantees on its security are of paramount importance.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has told Reuters the meeting also needed to discuss the demobilisation of Hamas - which controlled Gaza prior to the war - and the normalisation of ties between Israel and some other states, notably Saudi Arabia.

(Reporting by Belen Carreno, writing by Andrei, Editing by Alex Richardson)
Everything you need to know about The Big E opening day

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Big E opens Friday, bringing millions of people to western Massachusetts.

Gates open at 8 a.m., beginning the 17-day run of rides, food, agriculture, and celebration of New England. This years fair brings 13 new food vendors, an impressive lineup of performers including Ludacris, Big Time Rush, Diplo, and Dustin Lynch, and a renovated Connecticut Building.

The renovation is the buildings first significant interior update in 30 years, including a refreshed interior, an interactive area, and the first-ever Shop CT experience featuring Connecticut branded merchandise.

New Clydesdales to debut at The Big E Fair

This first day of the fair is Military Appreciation Day, offering free admission for active duty and retired military personnel and dependents with a military ID.

Also, the 2024 American Honey Queen will pay a visit. Kaelyn Sumner will speak to fairgoers about the importance of honeybees and how they impact Massachusetts agriculture.

Now with all these attractions bringing in large crowds, its important to look out for yourself and others.

The Big E Traffic Map

Heres a live look at the fairgrounds.

Cars parked on these West Springfield streets during The Big E will be ticketed or towed

The Big E always means an increase in traffic in the area. The worst of it is usually on Memorial Avenue on weekends. and at night when everyones leaving. West Springfield has changed traffic flow in some areas to avoid backups.

Vaccinations at The Big E

Also happening at The Big E is a vaccine clinic that will give out free up-to-date Covid-19 and flu shots. The state public health department says 110 people have died from covid since July. Theyre reminding everyone that vaccines are available and critical to stopping the spread.

Free flu and COVID vaccines available during The Big E

At The Big E, the vaccine clinic will be held every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the front lawn of the New England Grange building. Vaccines are free of charge and theyre even giving out $10 Starbucks gift cards to everyone who gets their shot.

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.
Everything You Need To Know About The Boeing Strike So Far, Explained

Boeing workers walked off the job early Friday in protest against the aerospace giant, marking the first strike since 2008. The action followed disagreements over a proposed four-year contract, with key issues including wages, job security and working conditions.

How many Boeing workers are strking?

According to Reuters, approximately 30,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, who produce Boeings bestselling 737 MAX and other jets in the Seattle and Portland areas, voted on their first full contract in 16 years. In a two-part ballot after the proposal was presented to the union on Sunday, 94.6% rejected it and 96% voted to strike.

The company has faced various mounting crises, with the latest impacting Boeings financial performance and leadership. Shares fell 2.1% in early morning trading, per Reuters. So far this year, the stock has lost nearly 38%, translating to a $58 billion decline in market value.

 Breaking: Thousands of Boeing workers are picketing outside the Everett, WA plant, demanding better terms in new union contract negotiations. The call for fair wages and improved working conditions is resonating across the region! #BoeingStrike @komonews pic.twitter.com/4leS1kc4wp  KOMO PHOTOG OLEN (@olenhogenson) September 11, 2024

IAM District 751 President Jon Holden urged workers to strike during a news conference following the release of the voting results. According to CNBC, he described the action as an unfair labor practice strike, citing allegations of discriminatory conduct, coercive questioning, unlawful surveillance and  unlawful promise of benefits experienced by factory workers.

The message was clear that the tentative agreement we reached with IAM leadership was not acceptable to the members, the company said in a statement obtained by the outlet, per CNBC. 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.

What was included in the contract?

Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeings commercial airplane unit, told workers earlier this week that the deal was the best contract they have ever presented to employees, according to CNBC. The contract included a 25% raise with better health care and retirement benefits. However, workers said the increase was far lower than the around 40% they pushed in negotiations, stating it didnt cover the rising cost of living.

Boeings new CEO, Robert Kelly Ortberg, had been in the role for only five weeks when he urged workers to accept the deal and avoid striking, emphasizing the potential impact on the companys recovery. Workers had previously protested Boeing in 2008, with demonstrations lasting almost two months, but there are concerns among top experts about the potential long-term financial repercussions of the current strike.

What will be the impacts of the Boeing strike?

Jefferies aerospace analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu estimated that a 30-day strike could cost Boeing $1.5 billion and disrupt suppliers and supply chains, while the tentative agreement would have had an annual impact of $900 million if approved.

Boeing has lost around $8 billion this year and is facing production issues and debt, exacerbated by supply and labor shortages. Delivery delays have frustrated airlines, prompting Southwest Airlines to cut its delivery expectations for the year.

Our aggressive oversight of Boeing continues, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement on Friday, per CNBC.
Everything you need to know to register to vote in Wisconsin for the Nov. 5 election

The Nov. 5 election is quickly approaching, and you may be seeing plenty of political ads on social media, television and elsewhere reminding you to register to vote.

Wisconsin is one of the 21 states with same-day voter registration, meaning if you decide you want to vote Nov. 5, you can register at the polls when you get there. But many people like to register beforehand, especially online.

Here's a comprehensive guide to registering to vote in Wisconsin, including key deadlines, the materials you need, how long registration lasts, who qualifies and more:

Where and when can I register to vote in Wisconsin?

There are four ways to register to vote in Wisconsin: online, by mail, at your local clerk's office or at your polling place on Election Day.

Online through Oct. 16. You can register online at myvote.wi.gov, which is the state's official website for voting registration. As long as the information you enter  like your address and driver's license or ID card number  matches what the state DMV has on file, you'll be able to register online. If not, you can register by mail.

By mail, postmarked by Oct. 16. You can start filling out a registration form on myvote.wi.gov, but the form is also available here in English, Spanish and Hmong. You'll need to print and sign the form, then mail or deliver it to your clerk's office. If you're registering by mail, you need to include a copy of a proof of residence document that's not a lease.

At your clerk's office by Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. You can visit your clerk's office during their business hours to register to vote, up until the Friday before the election at 5 p.m. You can find your clerk's address here.

At the polls on Election Day, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wisconsin has same-day voter registration, so you can register when you get to your polling place.

More: Wisconsin election dates: Early voting, absentee requests, online registration deadline

What do I need to register to vote in Wisconsin?

You may have heard of Wisconsin's photo ID law, which requires you to show photo identification to vote. You don't need a photo ID when you're just registering to vote, but you will need it when you vote at your polling place or request an absentee ballot.

Here's what materials you do need to register:

A Wisconsin driver's license or state ID card, if you have it. If you have a valid driver's license or state ID card, you will need to provide the number and expiration date. If your license or ID card is revoked, suspended or expired, or if you don't have one, you will be asked for the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have none of those things, there's a place to note that and more information on the back of the form.

Proof of residence. This proves that you live in the place where you are registering to vote in Wisconsin. Acceptable documents are explained in the section below.

More: Wisconsin voter ID law still causing confusion, stifles turnout in Milwaukee, voting advocates say

What is proof of residence for voter registration in Wisconsin?

Proof of residence shows that you live where you're registering to vote in Wisconsin and is a different process than showing photo ID. It must show your current address, so if you've recently moved, it needs to reflect your new address. A driver's license works as proof of residence, but only if it has your current address.

Here are more examples of proof of residence documents, and you can find more information here:

A bank or credit card statement

A paycheck or paystub

A recent utility bill

A real estate tax bill or receipt

A residential lease , if it's valid on the date of registration. You can't use this one if you're registering by mail

An intake document from a nursing home or assisted living facility

A university or college ID card with your photo. This can only be used if you have a fee receipt within the last nine months or if your college provides a housing list to the local clerk. This document provides more information for voters in college, and whether you can use your student ID as photo ID.

Your proof of residence doesn't have to be a hard copy or paper version. You can also show it electronically on your phone or other electronic device if you're registering at the polls, for example.

How long does voter registration last in Wisconsin?

If you vote often in elections, your registration shouldn't expire. But if you haven't voted in several years, it's possible your name won't be on the poll list when you go to vote. In that case, you'll have to re-register to vote.

That's because the state regularly cleans up its voter rolls, removing voters who haven't voted in the last four years. The last time the state did that was in August 2023, deactivating about 100,000 voters who hadn't voted since November 2018 and didn't respond to a postcard asking if they wanted to stay registered.

There are other situations where you'll need to re-register to vote:

If you've moved since the last election. State law says you should register at your new address as long as you've lived there for at least 28 days before Election Day. If it's less than 28 days, you must vote from your old address, either at your previous polling place or by absentee ballot. If you move to a new address, it could change which aldermanic ward or legislative district you vote in, for example.

If you've changed your name. If you've legally changed your name, you'll also need to re-register. You can start on myvote.wi.gov, and you might need to search using your previous name.

You'll also need to provide the previous address or name you were registered under on your new form. You can always check if you're currently registered to vote by typing in your name and date of birth at myvote.wi.gov.

Can I register to vote in Wisconsin if I have a felony?

One of the eligibility checkboxes on the registration form reads as follows: "Are not currently serving a sentence including incarceration, parole, probation, or extended supervision for a felony conviction."

That's also known as being "on paper." Once you are "off paper," you can vote, but you'll have to re-register. Voting rights are also restored if you're pardoned.

People in jail can still vote if they haven't been convicted of a felony or treason or bribery misdemeanors, or if they're being held on bail and haven't been convicted.

More information is available here. The ACLU of Wisconsin also has an information page.

More: What to know about voting rights for felons in Wisconsin

How old do I have to be to vote in Wisconsin?

You must be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day to vote. You can register to vote if you're not yet 18 but will turn 18 by Nov. 5.

How many registered voters does Wisconsin have?

As of Sept. 1, 2024, Wisconsin had 3,503,706 active registered voters. Wisconsin doesn't collect information on the gender, race or political party of voters  you don't register as a Republican or Democrat when you register to vote in Wisconsin.

The latest numbers show the 18-24 age group in Wisconsin has the lowest number of registered voters, at just over a quarter of a million. The 65-and-older age group has the most, at over a million.

What is MyVote WI?

MyVote.wi.gov is the official state website for voter registration and information. It's run by the Wisconsin Elections Commission, which is the statewide board that maintains the voter database, gives guidance to local clerks, ensures compliance with election laws and other duties.

Here's a list of things you can do on myvote.wi.gov, and links to that section of the website:

The Wisconsin Elections Commission also has a toll-free voter hotline: 866-VOTE-WIS (868-3947).

Have more questions about voting in Wisconsin? Let us know.

We want to hear what questions you have about the voting process in Wisconsin. Let us know what you're curious about and we may answer your question in an upcoming story.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Register to vote in Wisconsin: What to know about Nov. 5 election
Many of Tesla's Superchargers are now open to electric cars from other automakers, but NACS adapters are slow to arrive

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 will become the first non-Tesla vehicle with a built-in NACS charging port.

By Keith Barry

with Jeff S. Bartlett

Tesla announced a year ago that it planned to open up some of its Supercharger fast EV charging stations to owners of electric vehicles from other brands.

Some Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1S and R1T owners have already received adapters that allow them to plug into Tesla Superchargers. However, most EV drivers are still waiting for access.

The issue is due to compatibility: Connecting a non-Tesla vehicle to a Tesla Supercharger requires new hardware and software, which are both still works in progress for many manufacturers. Initially, automakers will offer adapters that let owners use Teslas unique North American Charging Standard (NACS) plugs. Future models will come standard with built-in NACS outlets.

But some manufacturers have already missed their initial target dates for releasing their NACS adapters, and some Rivian and Ford owners are still waiting for the adapters they ordered months ago. We contacted automakers to find out whats holding things up, and how much longer buyers and owners of non-Tesla EVs should prepare to wait.

Access to public chargers is one of the biggest hurdles for EV owners and those considering purchasing one, says Alex Knizek, manager of automotive testing and insights at Consumer Reports. Gaining access to Teslas Superchargers could be a huge convenience for some EV drivers right now.

In CRs experience, weve found that Teslas Superchargers tend to be easier to use, to be found in more convenient locations, and to be more likely to be in working order than public DC fast chargers from EVgo, Electrify America, ChargePoint, and other brands.

If you own an EV or are considering buying one and wondering how increased access to Teslas Superchargers could change the charging landscape, Consumer Reports has answers for you.

Why Is Tesla Opening Up Its Superchargers to Other Brands?

There are at least a few reasons: In order to qualify for a slice of the $7.5 billion earmarked for EV charging network expansion in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was designed to address climate change, healthcare, and taxes, Tesla has said it will open up 7,500 chargers from its Supercharger and Destination Charger network to non-Tesla vehicles by the end of 2024.

Tesla also benefits when other vehicles pay to use its Superchargers, and experts say charging could become an important source of income for the automaker. On its website, Tesla says that it has always been our ambition to open the Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs, and by doing so, encourage more drivers to go electric, and that the company aims to eventually open all Superchargers to all EVs.

Other automakers are also getting into the charging business. Seven major car manufacturers announced last year that they plan to open 30,000 charging stations across the U.S. in the near future as a joint venture under the Ionna brand name.

EV charge connectors come in various shapes. The DC fast charging Tesla connector is now known as North American Charge Standard (NACS).

Illustration: Chris Philpot

Which Non-Tesla EVs Can Charge at Tesla Superchargers?

It depends on the type of Supercharger and whether your car has an NACS charger or adapter.

Any non-Tesla EV except for the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (which use an incompatible plug standard called CHAdeMO) can currently charge at one of the limited number of Tesla Superchargers that offers a Magic Dock adapter. The Magic Dock enables EVs with a Combined Charging Standard (CCS) plug (on most non-Tesla vehicles) to use Teslas chargers, which are designed for its NACS plugs. Currently, only a fraction of Superchargers have Magic Docks, and the majority are in the Northeast. Tesla has said that it plans to install more in the future. Additionally, Magic Dock users must use the Tesla app instead of enjoying the seamless experience of simply plugging in for payment. On Teslas map of chargers, Magic Dock Superchargers are listed as Superchargers Open to Other EVs.

However, most automakers have announced that owners of their EVs will also have access to more than 15,000 of Teslas NACS-equipped Superchargers beginning this year. For non-Tesla vehicles, these V3 Superchargers will work only with a NACS adapter or on cars with built-in NACS charging ports. You can find these chargers on Teslas map listed as Superchargers Open to NACS. Adapters have been slow to arrive, and the New York Times reports that Teslas factory in Buffalo, N.Y., is building 8,000 per week.

The following automakers have announced that they will adopt Teslas NACS charging standard on their upcoming models, which will allow them to plug in at many newer Superchargers even without the Magic Dock, giving owners more options when theyre far from home.

 BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce will adopt NACS on their EVs starting in 2025. Vehicles from those brands will gain access to Tesla Superchargers that same year.

 Ford says that the current F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E are already able to plug into Tesla Superchargers using an adapter and that new EVs will come with NACS charging ports starting in 2025. Although adapters were initially free for existing owners, they now cost $230. Consumer Reports ordered an adapter for our F-150 Lightning earlier this year, and it shipped in September.

Fords fast charging adapter.

Photo: Ford

 General Motors (parent company of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC) has said that owners of GM EVs would be able to access Superchargers starting in early 2024 using an adapter. However, the automaker now tells us that it is continuing to work with Tesla to finalize an agreement to allow Supercharger access. New vehicles will get built-in NACS charging ports starting in 2025.

 Honda says it is planning to launch a new EV model in North America in 2025 that will be equipped with an NACS port, and that all future Honda EVs will adopt the NACS standard. EV models launched in North America before 2025 will be equipped with a CCS port and an NACS adapter.

 Hyundai and Genesis say that all-new or refreshed Hyundai and Genesis EVs will come exclusively with an NACS port beginning in the last months of 2024 in the U.S., and in early 2025 in Canada. Hyundai tells CR that adapters for existing vehicles will be available later in 2024. When it goes on sale this fall, the refreshed 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is expected to be the first non-Tesla vehicle equipped with a NACS outlet.

 Jaguar says that it will fit all new EVs with NACS connectors starting in 2025, and will make adapters available for existing I-Pace vehicles.

 Kia says that upcoming new Kia EVs will get a standard NACS connector, with CCS-to-NACS adapters available for older vehicle starting in 2025. Kia EV owners will be able to access and pay at Teslas Supercharger network via the Kia Connect app after a software upgrade.

 Mazda says it will adopt the NACS charging ports on electric vehicles launched from 2025 onward.

 Mercedes-Benz says that existing EVs will be able to plug into a Supercharger using an adapter in 2024, and NACS ports will be installed on new cars starting in 2025. In addition, the automaker is building its own charging stations that will feature NACS and CCS plugs and be open to all types of EVs.

 Nissan says that it will adopt NACS for the Ariya and future EV models starting in 2025. For 2024, Ariya owners will get an NACS adapter. Unlike the Leaf, the current Ariya already has a CCS charging port.

 Polestar (which along with Volvo is owned by Geely) says upcoming Polestar vehicles sold in 2025 will have NACS ports installed by default, and will get a CCS adapter to use the existing CCS charging infrastructure.

 Rivian says a free adapter allows the current R1T and R1S to plug in at Superchargers as of March 18, 2024, while 2025 and newer vehicles will get NACS charging ports built in. Owners can order an adapter through an in-car notification. Ours shipped in September.

 Stellantis (parent company of Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Maserati, and Ram) will adopt the NACS connector starting with select models in 2025. During the transition, the automaker will make adapters available for vehicles fitted with the Combined Charging System (CCS) port.

 Toyota says that Toyota and Lexus EVs will have access to Tesla Superchargers and that new Toyota and Lexus vehicles will adopt NACS starting in 2025. Owners of existing Toyota and Lexus EVs will get NACS adapters at that time as well.

 Volkswagen Group of America brandsAudi, Porsche, Scout Motors, and Volkswagenwill implement the NACS standard on vehicles starting in the 2025 model year. The automaker tells CR it is planning to release an adapter to be sold as an accessory at dealerships.

 Volvo initially targeted early 2024 for adapter availability, but now says that it does not have a specific date to share.

Can Non-Tesla Cars Charge at Any Supercharger?

No. For automakers that are partnering with Tesla, only about 15,000 of Teslas more than 17,000 Supercharger ports will be available to vehicles with NACS ports or adapters. According to automakers and industry analysts, these will be V3 Superchargers, which were installed in 2019 or later, or upcoming V4 Superchargers. Older Superchargers will not work with non-Tesla vehicles.

It is not yet clear whether this rollout will be affected by uncertainty in the Supercharger program, as reported by The Information and Bloomberg. In May, Tesla laid off and then rehired employees working on the Supercharger program. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Tesla CEO Elon Musk initially said that the company still plans to grow the Supercharger network, just at a slower pace for new locations. Later, he said Tesla would spend over $500 million expanding the network to create thousands of new chargers in 2024.

A Ford Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning charging at a Tesla Supercharger

Photo: Ford

What About Third-Party NACS-to-CCS Adapters?

Although its possible to purchase a NACS-to-CCS adapter made by a third party, we dont recommend it. Several automakers have told CR that a vehicles factory warranty might not cover issues or damage related to using a third-party adapter.

In addition, third-party or aftermarket adapters dont always have the ability to connect with Teslas software. When we tried a third-party adapter on our Ford F-150 Lightning, we had to juggle between the cars app and the Tesla app to initiate and pay for a charge. On some vehicles, you may not be able to initiate a charge at all. Instead, we recommend waiting for your vehicles official adapter to become available.

When Will the Partner Companies Have Access to the Superchargers?

After Ford and Rivian, we expect more automakers to have available NACS adapters in late 2024 to mid-2025. Ford has said that Tesla is the one responsible for developing the necessary NACS-to-CCS adapters. Tesla doesnt respond to questions from the media, but the company has often missed expected release dates for new products, including the new Tesla Roadster and Cybertruck.

In addition to needing the adapter, automakers are writing new software that allows non-Tesla vehicles to work with the Supercharger software. Youre going to have a software update in most of these vehicles in order to have the vehicle communicate with the Superchargers, says Sam Abuelsamid, principal research analyst at consulting firm Guidehouse Insights.

What Will It Be Like to Charge a Non-Tesla at a Supercharger?

In addition to their placement in high-traffic areas, Tesla chargers are extremely easy to use. When you plug into a Supercharger you dont have to swipe a card, theres no screenyou just plug it in and it starts charging, and it charges your account, Abuelsamid says. But theres no guarantee that non-Tesla owners will have such a seamless experience.

Tesla says that owners of non-Teslas will have to use the Tesla app to access and pay for charging at a Supercharger.

There could also be compatibility issues. Today, Superchargers need to communicate with Teslas only to initiate charging and process payments. But when those Superchargers open up to EVs from other automakers, they will have to communicate with software and hardware from various non-Tesla brands. A big part of the reason Teslas network was so reliable is that it was a closed system that Tesla completely controlled, says Chris Harto, CRs senior energy policy analyst.

At the limited number of Magic Dock-equipped Superchargers we have already tried out, CR had no issues with the app, which automatically releases the CCS adapter attached to the NACS plug.

But we also found a major physical issue: All Teslas have their charging ports in the same placeon the driver-side rear corner. But in vehicles that have ports in different spots, the cord might not reach unless the driver parks awkwardly. On its website, Tesla acknowledges this issue and says that owners of non-Tesla EVs might have to park over the line in order to charge comfortably and asks them to try to obstruct as few charge posts as possible. Newer V4 Superchargers are being designed to reach more EVs from more brands.

Vehicles from GM's Cadillac brand will come with built-in NACS ports starting in 2025.

Photo: Cadillac

How Much Will It Cost to Charge a Non-Tesla at a Supercharger?

There are two potential costs here: the price of an adapter and the cost of charging. We expect other automakers to price their adapters similarly to Fords, which currently costs $230.

Tesla says that Tesla owners will get the lowest rate at a Supercharger, while non-Tesla owners will pay Tesla rates if they pay $13 per month for a Supercharging Membership.

In practice, rates differ depending on the station. As of September 2024, charging a non-Tesla at a Supercharger without a membership isnt cheap: Locations with Magic Docks near CRs Auto Test Center in Connecticut tend to cost around 55 cents per kWh. Thats similar to Electrify America, which charges 56 cents per kWh without a monthly subscription.

How Fast Will Cars With CCS Plugs Charge at Superchargers?

It depends on the car, but in our tests of non-Tesla vehicles at a few of the small number of Magic Dock-equipped Superchargers already out there, we found that non-Tesla EVs charged at a slower rate at Superchargers than they are claimed to be capable of charging at other DC fast chargers. For example, the Mercedes-Benz EQE we charged never went above 76 kilowatts, even though it is rated for 170 kW. That means it would take more than twice as longover 45 minutesto charge from 20 percent to 80 percent at a Supercharger as it would with another DC fast charger.

Because Tesla chargers are rated at 480 volts, vehicles with 800-volt charging infrastructure wont be able to charge as fast as they could at chargers designed for them. These vehicles include the Audi E-Tron GT; Genesis GV60, Electrified GV70, and Electrified G80; Hyundai Ioniq 5; Kia EV6; Kia EV9; Lucid Air; and Porsche Taycan. The Lucid Air we tested was limited to a 49-kW rate, which meant it would take well over an hour to add 200 miles of range, instead of the 12 minutes Lucid claims under ideal conditions at a different charger.

It is unknown how this will affect upcoming GM models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, which need 800 volts to meet charging claims. However, there arent as many 800-volt fast chargers out there as there are Superchargers, so owners of 800-volt-equipped vehicles will still benefit from the increased charger availability.

The NACS charging port on a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Photo: Hyundai

What Does Opening Up the Supercharger Network Mean for Tesla Owners?

As hundreds of thousands of EVs gain access to Superchargers, Tesla owners may find themselves waiting in longer lines. It does limit the competitive advantage on charging for Tesla owners, Harto says.

There has been little friction in countries where Tesla Superchargers already offer CCS access, says Shelley Francis, DrPH, co-founder and managing partner of EVNoire, an organization that advises businesses and governments on EV adoption, and co-founder of EVHybridNoire, which represents diverse EV drivers and enthusiasts.

In speaking to our members in the U.S. who are Tesla drivers, its definitely a concern, she says. However, in speaking to members and Tesla drivers in Europe where CCS ports are open to other brands, it didnt seem to present the disruption that many thought would come.

Both ChargePoint and Electrify America have announced plans to expand NACS availability at their stations in the future, as well, so current Tesla owners will have more stations to choose from. That will be a benefit to them only if those charging companies get their acts together and improve reliability, Abuelsamid says. Hopefully the competition from Tesla will incentivize those other companies to do a better job, he says.

Do Other Automakers Have Their Own Chargers?

BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis (parent company of Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, and Ram) announced that they plan to open 30,000 DC fast chargers across the U.S. and Canada as part of a joint venture under the Ionna brand name. These chargers will be open to all EVs with NACS or CCS ports, regardless of manufacturer.

Ionna says the first of these chargers will open in the U.S. in 2024. The automakers involved with the project say that they will be located in high-traffic areas, feature multiple chargers per station, and have both NACS and CCS chargers available. Like Teslas Superchargers, they will be designed to work reliably and without apps or payment cards.

What About Buying a Car That Uses CCS?

Although buying a car with a built-in NACS port will get you access to some Tesla chargers without an adapter, CCS isnt going away anytime soon. It seems like CCS will still be supported for a good while on most charging networks that already supported it, Harto says. Most new, non-Tesla charging infrastructure seems like it will now have both ports.

Regardless of manufacturer, Teslas brand recognition could definitely rub off on vehicles with Supercharger access, Francis says. The perceived simplicity of the Tesla charging network could be a great selling point for all brands utilizing the NACS, she says.





More from Consumer Reports:

Top pick tires for 2016

Best used cars for $25,000 and less

7 best mattresses for couples



Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright  2024, Consumer Reports, Inc.
Ex-nurse who posed as man to stalk Tinder match is jailed

A former nurse has been jailed for her third catfishing scam, in which she posed as a man to harass a woman online.

Adele Rennie, 33, stalked the woman while posing as a male pharmacist after matching with her on the dating app Tinder in August 2023.

In July, at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, she pled guilty to four charges, including causing fear and alarm.

She was sentenced to two years and four months in jail and was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Rennie was previously jailed in 2017 for posing as a man to trick women into sending her naked pictures, and again in 2019 after she posed as a wealthy lawyer.

The court heard how Rennie exchanged mobile numbers with her latest victim after matching with her on Tinder.

Rennie contacted the victim through text messages, emails and calls using a voice-changing application that made her sound like a man.

She sent the woman pictures of her home and workplace, which alarmed her and made her feel like she was being followed.

Rennie admitted sending her gifts, obtaining her personal information and carrying out internet searches for her.

She also admitted to sending the same woman a picture of male genitalia.

Police Scotland were alerted to concerns that Rennie was re-offending and searched her home in November.

After finding a phone with the email address and pictures linked to the fake dating profile, she was charged by officers.

'Manipulative behaviour'

David Bernard, procurator fiscal for north Strathclyde, said that Rennie had carried out a "sophisticated" stalking campaign despite being subject to strict notification requirements as a registered sex offender.

He said: We recognise that the trauma suffered by victims of stalking can be profound and distressing.

We hope this conviction brings some comfort to those affected by Rennies concerning and manipulative behaviour."

He encouraged anyone who has been the victim of such offending to come forward and assured they would be listened to.

Sheriff Nicola Patrick said Rennies deliberate premeditated deception was designed to distress her victim who had been profoundly affected.

The sheriff also imposed a period of one years supervision on Rennies release in order to protect the public.

Rennie first pled guilty to pretending to be a man to lure women into romantic relationships in 2017.

At the time she worked as a nurse at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, and targeted women through dating sites and social media.

One victim was the granddaughter of a patient in the hospital.

The court heard how Rennie lured some women into sending intimate pictures which she used to threaten them if they cut contact.

She was put on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Months after she left prison for her first conviction, Rennie was jailed for a similar offence in 2019.

During this case, the court heard how she had used a voice-changing app to maintain the ruse.
Yahoo Finance

The September jobs report shocked economists with 254,000 new jobs added over the month, over 100,000 more than expected. Economists and strategists are scrambling to figure out what this means, but one thing is clear  it's not bad for stocks, the Fed, or anyone looking for a job.
The massive strike by tens of thousands of Boeing machinists in Washington state will affect the companys work on the KC-46 Pegasus refueling tanker, the companys chief financial officer Brian West said Sept. 13.

Wests comments to the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference came hours after more than 30,000 union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract and go on strike.

The tanker program is going to be impacted by the (Boeing Commercial Airplanes) factory disruption, and now work stoppage, West said. That is going to flow through the tanker rates, which is going to be more cost pressure.

The extent to which KC-46 production might be impacted was not immediately clear, nor was how the strike could impact other Boeing defense programs, such as the U.S. Navys P-8 Poseidon. Boeing builds the KC-46 on its 767 line in Everett, Washington, and the 737-derived P-8 in Renton, Washington.

Further statements from Boeing and the Defense Department on the strikes defense program ramifications were not immediately available.

Boeing management and leaders of the International Association of Machinists districts 751 and W24 reached a tentative agreement on a deal for 33,000 union members that would include a 25% wage increase over the four-year life of the contract.

Union leaders this week told members that while the contract did not deliver everything they sought, it would be the best contract negotiated in our history and recommended accepting the deal.

We have achieved everything we could in bargaining, short of a strike, District 751 president Jon Holden said in a Monday message to union members.

But that deal fell short of the 40% increase the union originally sought, angering rank-and-file members. On Thursday  the final day of the old contract  more than 94% of union members voted to reject the contract and 96% voted to go on strike. Union members are now picketing Boeing facilities in Washington.

Boeing machinists voted overwhelmingly Thursday to reject a tentative contract and go on strike. This will affect operations at facilities like the company's Everett, Washington, plant where 767 aircraft are turned into KC-46 Pegasus tankers. (Jeff Martin/Staff)

West said the company was disappointed by union members decision to reject a contract and go on strike.

Initially, we were pretty pleased, West said. We had an unprecedented temporary agreement that was unanimously endorsed by union leadership. Over the last few days, it became loud and clear with our union members that that offer didnt meet the mark. So there was a disconnect.

Kelly Ortberg, Boeings new chief executive, is now speaking directly with workers to hear their concerns and figure out how to find an acceptable agreement, according to West.

A lengthy strike will hurt Boeings production, deliveries and operations and jeopardize its ability to recover from its many woes, West said. Those troubles most notably include quality and safety problems with its Max series of airliners.

In July, Boeing pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with the crashes of two 737 Max aircraft. That followed a January incident in which the door plug of another 737 Max blew out in flight.

If the machinists strike is not resolved quickly, it could present further dangers for Boeing and its defense sector, which have already weathered one blow after another.

Fitch Ratings, one of the top international credit rating agencies, said Friday that Boeing has limited headroom for a strike. If the strike lasts a week or two, Fitch said, the companys investment-grade credit rating is not likely to change.

But a longer strike, Fitch said, could seriously affect Boeings operations and financial outlook and increase the risk of a downgrade.

West said he is confident Boeing can balance its finances and debt and keep its credit rating investment-grade.

However, Boeing Defense, Space and Security is still in recovery mode and is likely to lose money in the third quarter, West said. These losses will in part be caused by cost pressures in Boeings fighter sector, as it ramps up production of the F-15EX Eagle II fighter and winds down work on the F-18 Hornet, according to West.

Development hurdles on the T-7 Red Hawk and MQ-25 Stingray programs, which are fixed-price contracts leaving Boeing on the hook for cost overruns, have also driven up costs, West said.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.3 billion contract in November 2023 to build 15 more KC-46s, bringing the total number of Pegasus tankers on contract to 153. But the company has also taken significant losses on the programs fixed-price contract, with the cost overruns topping $7 billion.
FILE PHOTO: Members of police demining unit remove a warhead from a Russian kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicle landed by a radio electronic warfare during one of latest drone strikes in an unknown location in Ukraine

KYIV (Reuters) - Russia started producing a new long-range attack drone called the Garpiya-A1 last year using Chinese engines and parts, which it has deployed in the war in Ukraine, according to two sources from a European intelligence agency and documents seen by Reuters.

The intelligence  which included a production contract for the new drone, company correspondence on the manufacturing process and financial documents - indicated that IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned weapons maker Almaz-Antey, produced more than 2,500 Garpiyas from July 2023 to July 2024.

The existence of the new Russian drone incorporating Chinese technology has not been previously reported. IEMZ Kupol and Almaz-Antey did not respond to requests for comment.

The two intelligence sources said that the Garpiya, which means Harpy in Russian, has been deployed against military and civilian targets in Ukraine, causing damage to critical infrastructure as well as both civilian and military casualties.

They shared with Reuters what they said were images from Ukraine of the wreckage of a Garpiya, without providing further details. Reuters found information that reinforces this conclusion, but was unable to confirm the images independently.

The sources asked that neither they nor their agency be identified due to the sensitivity of the information. They also asked that certain details, such as dates, related to the documents be withheld.

Samuel Bendett, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington DC-based think tank, told Reuters that Garpiya, if confirmed, would mark a departure from Russia's reliance on Iranian designs for long-range drones.

"If this is happening, it could indicate that Russia can now rely more on domestic development as well as, obviously, on China, since both sides in this war depend on many Chinese components for drone production," he said.

Iran, which didn't comment for this story, has supplied more than a thousand Shahed "kamikaze" drones to Russia since the start of the invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in May last year.

They have been used to exhaust Ukrainian air defences and hit infrastructure far from the front lines. Iran has repeatedly denied sending drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Russia's defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment for this story. The Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement to Reuters that Beijing strictly controls the export of items with potential military applications, including drones.

"With regard to the Ukrainian crisis, China has always been committed to promoting peace talks and political settlement," the statement said. It added that there were no international restrictions on China's trade with Russia.

NATO APPEAL

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg last week called on China to stop supporting Russia's war in Ukraine and said Beijing's assistance has been a significant factor in the continuation of the conflict.

The Garpiya "closely resembles the Shahed" but it has several distinguishing features, including a unique bolt-on fin and Limbach L-550 E engines, the European agency said in a statement to Reuters. The engine, which was originally designed and manufactured by a German company, is now produced in China by a local firm, Xiamen Limbach. The company did not respond to a request for comment.

Reuters reviewed a contract worth more than 1 billion rubles (10 million euros) signed in the first quarter of 2023 between the Russian defence ministry and Kupol for the development of a factory to produce the drones.

The intelligence sources said a former cement factory situated in Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic, in western Russia  which was purchased by Kupol in 2020 - is being used to produce the drones.

Using a video of a Russian drone production facility posted on the Telegram messaging app, Reuters was able to identify the site as the factory in Izhevsk from the colour and design of the building's beams and internal architecture which matched file imagery of the site. The location of the file imagery was verifiable from nearby buildings, roads, and trees that matched street views and satellite imagery.

A prototype of the Garpiya was launched in the first half of 2023, company communications showed. Production reached several hundred in the second half of 2023 and more than doubled to around 2,000 in the first half of 2024, the agency said.

Bendett, the defence analyst, said 2,500 drones per year would represent a sizeable chunk of Russia's output. Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said last month that Russia has fired nearly 14,000 strike drones since it invaded in February 2022, including the Iranian Shahed as well as the Russian-made Geran-2 and Lancet drones.

Corporate documents dated from the second quarter of 2023, reviewed by Reuters, showed that supplier TSK Vektor procured parts from Chinese companies for assembly at the Kupol site; 800 Chinese engines were also to be delivered to the new plant where the production line was due to ready by end of the quarter.

TSK Vektor did not respond to request for comment.

The European intelligence service said in the statement it was concerned that Chinese companies were continuing to provide components that enabled Russian production of large kamikaze drones. "The export of the essential components to Russia needs to stop," it said.

UNITED STATES VOICES CONCERN

Washington has repeatedly warned Beijing over its support for Russia's defence industry. It has imposed hundreds of sanctions aimed at curbing Moscow's ability to exploit certain technologies for military purposes. The State Department and the White House did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

In July, China said it would tighten drone export rules starting on Sept. 1. Beijing has said U.S. sanctions on Chinese entities over the Ukraine war are "illegal and unilateral".

The Garpiya has a take-off weight of less than 300 kilos and a maximum range of 1,500 kilometres, the production contract between Kupol and the Russian defense ministry said  roughly similar to Irans Shahed-136 drones that Moscow has used extensively in Ukraine.

The Washington Post reported in August that Russia aimed to increase production of a domestic version of the Shahed-136, known as the Geran-2, at a plant in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, in Tatarstan. Ukraine said in April it had carried out a drone strike against a drone manufacturing plant at Alabuga.

A third document reviewed by Reuters - a delivery status update between the intermediary TSK Vektor and the manufacturer Kupol, dated in the first quarter of 2024 - detailed an order for 100 axles, carburettors and other Limbach engine parts supplied by two other Chinese companies: Juhang Aviation Technology and Redlepus Vector Industries, both based in Shenzhen.

Juhang, which was placed under British sanctions in February and U.S. sanctions in May for providing Russia with drone equipment, and Redlepus did not respond to requests for comment.

Customs data, obtained from a commercial supplier that records and compiles the information, showed that from April 2022 to December 2023, TSK Vektor imported $36.3 million in goods from Chinese Juhang Aviation Technology, and $6.2 million from Redlepus TSK Vector Industrial Shenzhen Co Ltd.

According to the customs documents, the goods included aircraft engines, transistors, electronic modules, connectors, plugs and sockets, spare parts and components most of them marked as "for general civil purpose", "for general industrial purpose", "for general civil use".

(This story has been corrected to fix a typo in paragraph 8)

(Reporting by Anthony Deutsch and Tom Balmforth; additional reporting by Trevor Hunicutt and Simon Lewis in Washington, and Wang Jiawei; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
Exclusive-UAE to ask Trump to fulfil F-35 deal if he's re-elected, sources say

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Trump holds a campaign rally, in Tucson

By Alexander Cornwell

DUBAI (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates would seek to revive a multi-billion dollar deal with the U.S. for F-35 warplanes and armed drones if Donald Trump wins a second term as president in November, several people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The UAE has long sought the most advanced fighter jet, built with stealth technology allowing it to evade enemy detection. If the U.S. did approve the transfer, the UAE would be only the second Middle East state after Israel to operate F-35 fighters.

Trump had signed off on the deal in the final days of his presidency in 2021 but the UAE suspended talks by the end of the year, unable to agree terms with the Biden administration.

Three sources said that if Trump was re-elected, the UAE would seek to resume talks, asking a new Trump administration to fulfil the original agreement. One of the sources said the UAE would ask a new Trump administration to "honour" the 2021 deal.

Trump approved the $23 billion deal, which included MQ-9 Reaper drones and munitions, after the UAE established ties with Israel in 2020 under an accord brokered by his administration.

That made the UAE the most prominent Arab state to forge diplomatic ties with Israel in 30 years and hand Trump a significant foreign policy achievement just a few months out from the election that he would ultimately lose to Joe Biden.

But after months of discussions, the UAE announced in December 2021 it had suspended F-35 talks with the Biden administration, citing "sovereign operational restrictions", among other reasons. The Biden administration responded, saying it was ready to move forward. The process has remained paused.

When asked whether the UAE would request a second Trump administration to fulfil the F-35 deal, a UAE official did not directly deny or confirm the claim and instead said Abu Dhabi had cultivated institutional relationships and an enduring partnership with Washington across several administrations.

"Our nations share a commitment to advancing mutual interests and address shared concerns" and work diligently to strengthen regional security and foster prosperity, they said.

The Gulf state is one of Washington's most important security partners in the Middle East. Its military has fought alongside the U.S. in several campaigns, including the war in Afghanistan, and American soldiers are stationed in Abu Dhabi.

'PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH'

Trump campaign's national press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that a second Trump presidency would "once again deliver peace through strength to rebuild and expand the peace coalition he built in his first term to create long-term safety and security in the Middle East and around the world."

Before Trump, Washington had rebuffed requests for jet fighters from Middle East nations because of a policy to ensure that Israel maintained a military advantage over its neighbours.

Trump enjoyed warm relations with the wealthy Gulf states. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the White House in 2017 when he was the crown prince of Abu Dhabi.

He has not visited the White House during the Biden administration, but in 2022 met in Jeddah with President Biden.

The sources did not say what the UAE would do if Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrat nominee, won the election. The Harris campaign declined to comment. Harris visited the UAE in 2022 and 2023, meeting with Sheikh Mohammed and other senior Emirati government officials.

The Biden administration has discussed the sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia as part of negotiations for a bilateral defense treaty and Riyadh establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.

The White House did not immediately respond to Reuters questions on what conditions would need to be met for the UAE sale to go ahead before the end of Bidens term in January.

In recent years there have been signs of strain over some issues between the U.S. and UAE, including Emirati frustrations at conditions set by the Biden administration for the F-35 deal and U.S. pressure on the UAE over the evasion of sanctions on Iran and Russia by companies operating in the country.

U.S. lawmakers had questioned whether the UAE acquiring F-35s would undermine Israel's military advantage, although Emirati officials said establishing diplomatic ties with Israel should address those concerns. Israel has said it does not oppose the deal and has supplied air defence systems to the UAE.

The U.S. also worries about the UAE's relations with China.

The UAE, which operates American-made F-16 and French-made Mirage 2000-9s fighter jets, has close economic and trade ties with Beijing that recently expanded to joint air force drills.

The UAE has bought Chinese 'light attack' jets and the UAE's communications infrastructure uses Chinese technology that the U.S. believes could jeopardize the security of American military systems. Abu Dhabi has also ordered French made Rafale fighters.

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Dubai, additional reporting by Gram Slattery and Matt Spetalnick in Washington D.C., Editing by William Maclean)
From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch

There will be no more presidential debates this year, we learned on Thursday. Everyone except me has the same theory as to why.

Donald Trump got his clock cleaned on Tuesday, he knows it, and he doesnt want it to happen again now that undecided voters are beginning to make up their minds. Hes chicken. Thats the consensus explanation for why hes ruled out further debates with Kamala Harris.

I dont buy it. It gives him too much credit for being in touch with reality.

Three sources told the New York Times this week that Trump was jubilant about his performance Tuesday. In private conversations, the paper reported, numerous cronies reassured him that hed done great, as cronies are wont to do.

Whether hes capable of distinguishing whats true from what he wishes were true is an open question, as its always been. My guess is that hes lost interest in additional debates because hes already begun to pivot psychologically away from campaigning and toward how the election is supposedly being stolen from him. He must be the only candidate in American history whose operation is more focused on election integrity than on turnout.

Hell go on tossing out occasional slop about ending income tax on overtime pay or whatever in hopes of bribing swing voters, but his hearts not in persuasion. Its in sniffing out the rigging to come.

Its his advisers who recognize that a second debate is likely to do more harm than good, I suspect.

What they said to him to encourage him not to meet Harris again is known only to them. (You beat her so bad, theres nowhere to go but down in a rematch, probably.) But, per the Times, his allies were quietly clear-eyed about how terribly things had gone on Tuesday. Trump can get away with sounding nutty, disjointed, and strategically unmoored when Joe Biden is standing at the other podium in a stupor. When its Harris, not so.

And while theyd never admit it, I suspect many MAGA influencers quietly agree.

Their preoccupations since Tuesdays debate betray anxiety about Trumps ability to successfully prosecute the case against his opponent. Watching him get pantsed in a battle of wits with supposed halfwit Kamala Harris may have shaken the faith of even some of the faithful. The more crankish, incoherent, and undisciplined their man seems, they might be thinking, the more energetically they need to rationalize reelecting him.

Do Americans realize how radical Trumps operation has become? I asked on Thursday. That question is set up to get readers to say no but maybe a better answer is his biggest fans sure do, and theyre worried after the debate that undecideds are about to figure it out.

Something must be done, urgently. And so its Excuses Week in MAGA media.

Excuse 1: media bias.

In 2008, on the eve of the GOPs descent into populism, George Will presciently lamented the grassroots rights habit of dismissing every press criticism of Sarah Palin as prejudice against real Americans. Media bias against conservatives is real but rarely decisive, he warned them.

We can argue over whether its rare or not. But if your candidate is debating Kamala Harris and it takes him until his closing argument to ask why she still hasnt implemented her supposedly wonderful agenda after three and a half years, thats not a media bias problem. Its a your candidate is lazy, stupid, and childish problem.

And thats a big problem at a moment when swing voters are starting to pay attention. The solution: Blame perceptions of Trumps lousy performance on ABC News bias and dial up the hysteria until you have one of the most over-the-top freakouts in the history of right-wing media.

It is difficult to overstate how utterly unhinged the rights reaction to Tuesday nights presidential debate has been, writer Berny Belvedere tweeted afterward. At his site, The UnPopulist, he brought receipts. As tends to happen with every major outrage du jour, grumbling among activists quickly took on the trappings of a competition with each eager to prove they were The Angriest Of All.

Complaints about the moderators fact-checking Trump more aggressively than Harris spiraled into demands that the network lose its broadcast license as punishment, which is not a thing but which predictably became a talking point for the man who had walked away from the debate jubilant. Conspiracy theories followed, also predictably, courtesy of little-known news outlets alleging that ABC News gave Democrats the questions beforehand. At least one Republican senator dutifully picked that up and demanded that the network explain itself.

The conspiracy claim has also become a Trump talking point, needless to say. Left unexplained is why Harris would have wanted or needed the questions in advance given that she didnt actually answer any of them. Repeatedly, she ignored the moderators and used her speaking time to recite scripted points she wanted viewers to hear.

Her opponent could have done the same. Instead he preferred to talk about the size of his crowds and whether immigrants in Ohio are eating their neighbors pets.

Belvederes theory for the post-debate hysteria is that the disparity by ABC News in fact-checking hit a nerve with the populist faithful. Trumps enablers believe they are entitled to put forward a congenitally dishonest candidate without receiving a correspondingly higher degree of scrutiny, he wrote. Thats MAGA privilege, and there is no reason that the media should oblige it. ABC News didnt oblige it, undermining the central political fiction of this erathat Donald Trump and his opponents are equally trustworthy and therefore should be equally viable as political leaders.

But you dont need to go as far as that to explain the magnitude of the uproar. The debate was a momentous, potentially game-changing inflection point in the campaign; the right spent months preparing the battlespace by telling everyone who would listen that Harris is a moron and a communist; Trump performed horribly despite having had every reason to know how she would try to bait him; and now his fans are understandably panicked that if they dont come up with a way to explain what Americans saw, persuadables are going to start peeling off.

The explanation is media biasrecord-shattering media bias, no less. Trump looked bad only because ABC News wanted him to look bad. If you find yourself doubting his fitness for the job based on what you saw on Tuesday, dont trust your lying eyes. Thats just what the jackals in the press want you to do.

Excuse 2: Loomerization.

The best evidence of how badly Trump did on Tuesday is that media bias, the sturdiest pillar in the rights persecution complex, was not enough to carry the full weight of the damage control.

Every now and then hell screw up so egregiously that the blame for it cant credibly be shifted entirely to enemies outside the right-wing tent. A degree of introspection and accountability is called for.

But not by Trump, of course, whose image as a hypercompetent presidential candidate must be protected at all costs. The refrain from partisan Republicans whenever he bungles something horribly is Trump should fire whoever advised him to do that! The more obvious it is that hes the idiot whos responsible for the miscue, the more urgent it becomes to pass the blame to his aides instead. Who is advising this man?

When the screw-up is especially bad, you might even see the aide or aides in question accused of being left-wing infiltrators who are sabotaging him deliberately, not incompetently.

Playing the part of sinister svengali in this weeks fiasco is MAGA nut-cutlet Laura Loomer.

I wrote a bit about the post-debate scapegoating of Loomer in Thursdays newsletter but Republican angst about her proximity to Trump is still growing. She accompanied him to the debate on Tuesday and then to various 9/11 commemorations on Wednesday (after calling the attacks an inside job last year), and Republicans ranging from Lindsey Graham to Marjorie Taylor Greene are unnerved by it. What sort of unhelpful influence might she be exerting on our hero?

His debate performance and overly broad messaging show that hes listening to the wrong people and Laura Loomer is the wrong person, one former Trump campaign staffer complained to Mediaite. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis went further, not quite accusing Loomer of being a Democratic saboteur but claiming that she might as well be. Laura Loomer is a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans, he wrote. A DNC plant couldnt do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trumps chances of winning re-election. Enough.

A conspiracy theorist at the highest levels of the party uttering disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans? Who could imagine such a thing?

Contra Mediaites source, theres no evidence that Trump is listening to Loomers political advice. Everything he said at the debate was as likely to have come from his own running mate as from her. And contra Tillis, theres no evidence that Loomer is doing anything against Trumps will to hurt his election chances, as his odd formulation implies. Its not like shes elbowing her way into the former presidents photo ops despite strict orders to stay away from him.

Loomer is part of Trumps entourage this week because Trump wants her to be, full stop. Shes a fulsome sycophant even by MAGA standards and the two share a passion for conspiracy theories about cultural enemies conniving illicitly against them and their tribe. He likes her. I would bet several of my internal organs that no one at the top of the campaign, not even Corey Lewandowski, is jazzed about having Loomer tagging along and driving negative coverageexcept for one person.

Shes there because, and only because, Trump himself sees her as a pugnaciously crankish kindred spirit. When he lavishes praise on her from the podium at his events, theres no diabolical RINO instructing him through an earpiece to do so.

Thats a hard pill for Republicans to swallow. Every minute of the last nine years of the rights political project has been devoted to convincing American voters through lies, spin, and propaganda that Donald Trump is as fit for the presidency as any Democrat, if not more so. He sabotaged that project with his debate performance. And now here he is, less than two months out from Election Day, sabotaging himself again by parading one of the most notorious kooks in right-wing media on the campaign trail like shes some sort of spiritual sherpa.

The obvious way to reassure voters who worry (correctly) that hes nuttier than squirrel turds is to cast Loomer as some sort of MAGA Rasputin whos manipulating him. We dont need to defeat Trump at the polls in order to protect America, it turns out; all we need to do is exile Rasputin to Siberia and hell return in her absence to his allegedly serious-minded self. In a party in which its forbidden to criticize the leader, Who is advising this man? is the best Republicans can do to straighten him out.

Its the closest theyre going to get to admitting that hes a crank who should get his head examined. Imagine telling a guy who attempted a coup after brain-poisoning himself with lies about vote-rigging, Sir, your new companion is making you seem a tiny bit unbalanced.

Excuse 3: the Haitian menace.

I dont think its a coincidence that the smears about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, broke big after the debate.

Thats a result of Trump himself spreading the smear during one of his answers, of course. But had he performed better on Tuesday and kept Harris on the defensive about her record, right-wing media this week would have been heavy on stories about her being an empty suit whos not ready for the big chair and light on migrants supposedly fricasseeing felines.

The Haitian menace is what you lean into when your candidate left you with nothing stronger to run with.

Partly its an exercise in morale-building. My former colleague Andrew Egger reminded readers today at The Bulwark that every MAGA tale needs a villain within (in this case, the elected officials of Springfield who have supposedly enabled the cat-napping) and anyone who disputes the truth of that tale will be treated as a tribal enemyeven the father of the boy who was killed by a Haitian immigrant in a car accident last year. Go figure that after an enormous debate disappointment, at a moment when Trump seems vulnerable, populists would want to cheer themselves up with an old-fashioned immigrant-stomp.

The frenzy over Springfield serves another important purpose, though. It functions implicitly as an argument to voters to look past Trumps age, temperament, intellect, gullibility, authoritarianism, rape-y tendencies, and other flaws and to choose him over Harris anyway. Why? Because the migrant threat has reached previously unmatched levels of barbarian insanity.

Republicans dont need smears to make that point. Millions of immigrants have entered the U.S. on dubious pretenses during Bidens presidency; some have committed murder. But Trump and his party have spent years pointing that out and trying to rally the public around him as a solution and all its gotten them is the same ol 47 percent in the polls that he received in the 2020 election.

To persuade reluctant Americans to set aside their misgivings and reelect him anyway, they need to offer voters a more potent excuse to do so. Thats where the Haitians come in. If the immigrant savages among us have now stooped to treating their neighbors cats and dogs as dinner, why, theres no limit to how depraved they might become.

Its working, toomaybe not on swing voters but certainly on some of Americas more excitable so-called patriots. On Thursday, bomb threats led to the evacuation of Springfield City Hall, two schools and the state motor vehicle agencys local facility, the Times reported yesterday. More bomb threats caused Springfield schools to close again on Friday. Some local Haitian families are keeping their children home out of fear; one activist told the Haitian Times that people are afraid for their very lives.

Trump emphatically doesnt care. He claimed again on Thursday, falsely, that immigrants are walking off with other peoples pets. J.D. Vance doesnt care either. Hes inched away from the smears about cat-eating lately but is encouraging Americans to continue to hype the humanitarian disaster the Haitians have caused in Springfield every single day.

Its possible to call voters attention to Americas too-porous border without egging on a race riot in a small town based on an outrageous lie. But I expect Trump and Vance would regard violence there as a political victory in its own right, the same way Trump had it both ways when he egged on his fanatics to treat the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago in 2022 as some sort of assault on democracy. Once hed gotten them good and fiery, he turned around and magnanimously offered his assistance to the attorney general in lowering the heat before terrible things happened. Hint hint.

Thats him all over. He goes around starting fires, then treats them as evidence that America needs a very strong fire chief to put them out. The uglier Springfield gets, the more hell cite it as a lesson in how dangerous cultural tensions driven by mass immigration are becoming and why we need a law-and-order president to deal with it. In a country as civically corrupted as ours, thats good for 47 percent. Maybe more.

Needless to say, the leaders in his party cant scrape together an ounce of courage among them to oppose the demagoguery he and Vance are engaged in. They wouldnt dare. After Tuesdays debate disaster, its an all-hands-on-deck effort to convince wary votersand maybe even themselvesthat Trump remains the better of the two choices in November notwithstanding his performance. Loomer, the ABC moderates, the Haitians: Any excuse will do.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Russian opposition figure Ilya Yashin in an address at a rally in his honour had called for the release of other 'steadfast' political prisoners and exhorted the crowd to keep up the fight against President Vladimir Putin (RALF HIRSCHBERGER) (RALF HIRSCHBERGER/AFP/AFP)

Not long after Russian dissident Ilya Yashin was freed in a major prisoner swap with the West, he received a hero's welcome in Berlin, a growing centre for exiled Russian activists.

Hundreds from Germany's Russian community cheered him on at a rally held on a balmy summer's evening at a park where the Berlin Wall once stood, as police kept a close watch on the event.

Yashin, 41, who had been jailed after criticising Russia's invasion of Ukraine, called for the release of other "steadfast" political prisoners and exhorted the crowd to keep up the fight against President Vladimir Putin, whom he branded a "war criminal".

Many well-wishers chanted Yashin's name while others waved an anti-war version of the Russian flag with the red stripe removed.

One of those in the crowd was Natasha Ivanova, of the Demokrati-JA group of Russian dissidents in Germany, who said the exchange in August was the "first piece of good news we have had in many years".

"It was unbelievable, we weren't used to that anymore," said 50-year-old Ivanova, looking back at years when news from the homeland was mostly of "destruction, arrests, torture".

Perhaps the biggest blow was the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was originally meant to be part of the exchange but died in an Arctic prison in February.

Activists in Berlin say they know that Moscow has also targeted its opponents abroad -- including in the very heart of the German capital.

One of the those traded in the multi-country exchange was Russian operative Vadim Krasikov, who had been jailed in Germany for the 2019 murder of a former Chechen separatist in Berlin's central Tiergarten park.

- 'Agents and contract killers' -

Yashin told German media this week that he was aware that Russian "agents and contract killers can be everywhere" and recounted recently being filmed by a suspicious man in a Berlin cafe.

Nevertheless, he declined the offer of police protection, he told Germany's Funke Media group, reasoning that "I didn't even have bodyguards in Moscow, so why should I have any here?"

In the days after the rally, Ivanova also met two of the other freed detainees, veteran human rights advocate Oleg Orlov and activist Andrei Pivovarov.

"It was very moving to be able to have such a direct meeting with those who had just been saved," she said.

Following Navalny's death, there have been signs that the presence of the freed prisoners in Germany may give fresh energy to the work of the exile community.

Germany hosts by far the EU's biggest community of Russian nationals -- more than 250,000. Russian dissident activity has been centred in Baltic states, but Berlin has also become a hub for many.

German media reported early this year that almost 2,000 Russian activists have been granted asylum in Germany since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ivanova said she and others were ready to help the new arrivals "in any way they can", pointing out that their time behind bars had given them a special "authority".

"They must avoid arguing amongst themselves as can happen sometimes, unfortunately," she added.

- 'Way back to freedom' -

Orlov, 71, a co-founder of the Memorial rights group, said he was busy dealing with his German paperwork but planned to "work together with elements of civil society in exile... here in Germany".

He was speaking as the guest of honour at the opening of an exhibition in the eastern city of Weimar focusing on Memorial, which Russian authorities disbanded in 2021 and which was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize the following year.

Like Yashin -- who said the swap was a "deportation from Russia against my will" -- Orlov emphasised that he wants "to return to Russia as soon as the opportunity presents itself".

"However, if I went back now it would be with the 100 percent probability of going back to jail," he said.

Asked whether he felt safe in Germany, Orlov said with a wry smile: "Honestly I don't know why they would attack me here -- anything they wanted to do with me, they could have done in Russia."

"On the other hand, as we say in Russia: We are all on God's earth and nobody is free from all danger."

Orlov said that reflecting on Memorial's work and its ban had brought up the question of whether his activism had been in vain, given the deterioration of human rights in Russia.

Nevertheless he said that he was "convinced that Russia will at some point find its way back to freedom and all that we have done in this time will help Russia".

jsk/fz/bc
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tours facilities during a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials

By Josh Smith

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea has disclosed the first photos of a uranium enrichment site designed to produce weapons-grade fuel for its nuclear bombs.

Here's what we know about its growing nuclear arsenal.

WHY IS NORTH KOREA BUILDING NUCLEAR WEAPONS?

North Korea says its arsenal of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles to carry them are necessary to counter threats from the United States and its allies, which fought the North during the 1950-1953 Korean War.

Pyongyang also often touts the weapons as a matter of national prestige and proof of the country's power.

North Korea has the capability to deliver nuclear weapons on a variety of land-based missile systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with ranges capable of targeting the continental United States, according to the U.S.-based Arms Control Association.

Critics, including those in Washington and Seoul, say the weapons are destabilising, pose a threat to the North's neighbours, and divert resources away from the country's impoverished citizens.

The United Nations Security Council has passed multiple resolutions banning North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development, though council members Russia and China have blocked new sanctions and called for existing ones to be rolled back.

HOW MANY NUCLEAR WEAPONS DOES NORTH KOREA HAVE?

State media have shown photos of various types of warheads but North Korea has never disclosed the number of weapons it possesses, and analysts and foreign intelligence agencies have only rough estimates.

In July a report by the Federation of American Scientists concluded that the country may have produced enough fissile material to build up to 90 nuclear warheads, but that it has likely assembled closer to 50.

Lee Sang-kyu, a nuclear engineering expert at South Korea's Korea Institute for Defense Analysis, said North Korea is estimated to have 80-90 nuclear warheads of uranium and plutonium, and that is expected to rise to 166 by 2030.

HOW DOES NORTH KOREA BUILD ITS NUCLEAR WEAPONS?

North Korea has facilities scattered across the country that contribute to its nuclear programme, including mines where raw uranium is gathered, enrichment facilities and nuclear reactors for turning uranium and plutonium into bomb fuel, and weapons assembly plants.

Built in the late 1950s with Soviet aid, the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center houses at least three reactors which North Korea says are intended to produce electricity.

It also has a fuel fabrication facility and a plutonium reprocessing plant, where weapons-grade materials can be extracted from spent fuel rods, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), a Washington-based think-tank.

It is one possible location of the enrichment facility shown on Friday. North Korea is also believed to have more centrifuges, including at a site in Kangson.

WHERE DOES NORTH KOREA TEST ITS WEAPONS?

Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site is in a mountainous region in the far northeast of the country, about 100 km (62 miles) from the border with China.

North Korea has conducted all six of its nuclear tests at the site, in 2006, 2009, 2013, January 2016, September 2016 and September 2017. Analysts doubted North Korea's claim that the January 2016 blast was its first thermonuclear bomb, but believe that such a weapon was likely tested in 2017 in an explosion much larger than previous tests.

All the tests have been conducted in tunnels dug deep under the mountains. There are three visible entrances known as the South Portal, East Portal, and West Portal.

The entrances to those tunnels were blown up in front of a small group of foreign media invited to view the demolition when North Korea closed the site in 2018, declaring a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear weapons tests.

Kim has since said he no longer feels bound by the moratorium, with denuclearisation talks stalled since 2019.

In 2022 satellite imagery showed North Korea working to restore some of the tunnels, raising the prospect of new tests.

(Reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Stephen Coates)
A six-point peace plan jointly proposed by China and Brazil sparked a furious outburst from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week, who described it as "destructive."

China and Brazil first put forward the plan in May, setting it up as an alternative to Ukraine's own efforts of initiating peace negotiations and ending Russia's full-scale invasion.

The timing of the proposal, not to mention China and Brazil's friendly stances towards Russia, have called into question what their vision of peace would actually mean for Ukraine.

Where do China and Brazil stand on the war in Ukraine?

China officially declares itself a neutral party to Russia's war against Ukraine and has denied providing lethal aid to either side.

However, the U.S. and other Western allies backing Kyiv claim that Beijing provides key resources for Russias war machine. And Beijing and Moscow continue to develop closer ties, with Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting his counterpart Xi Jinping in May.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has long tried to position himself as a mediator in the conflict and Brazil as a neutral party, and has repeatedly rejected arming Ukraine.

During a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in January 2023, Lula said that Russia made a mistake invading Ukraine but refused to condemn its war described by Ukrainian officials as genocidal in its aims.

Months later, Lula suggested that Ukraine should be open to the idea of giving up Crimea in exchange for peace with Russia.

What is the plan?

The six-point plan, proposed by China and Brazil, refers to the war as a "crisis" and calls for:

Non-escalation or provocations by either side. An international peace conference accepted by both Russia and Ukraine, which includes a "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 prisoners of war, 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."

It makes no mention of Ukraine's territorial integrity or the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

What does Ukraine think about the plan?

China and Brazil proposed and prompted the plan in parallel to Ukraine's ongoing peace efforts based on Zelensky's 10-point peace formula.

Zelenskys plan calls for a complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine, punishing those responsible for war crimes, and the release of all prisoners, among other goals.

A major part of the push for Ukraine's plan was a global peace summit in Switzerland in June.

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, takes part in the Ukraine Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany on Sep. 6, 2024. (Andreas Arnold/picture alliance via Getty Images)

China did not attend the summit despite an invitation, while the Brazilian representative who was present did not sign the resulting communique.

In an interview with Brazilian outlet Metropoles published on Sept. 12, Zelensky was scathing about the six-point plan, describing it as "destructive."

"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."

How much support does the plan have?

Beijing has been trying to enlist developing nations to join its six-point peace plan, since China and Brazil laid it out in May.

Speaking on Aug. 2 during a trip to Brazil, Special Representative of the Government of the People's Republic of China for Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, claimed international support for it was growing, had gained the support of "more than 110 countries."

He did not specify which countries had pledged their support, but in early June, China said the plan had only the support of 45 countries.

Read also: Russia launches counteroffensive in Kursk  can it push Ukraine off its own turf?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Sri Lanka's central bank, which has sole authority to print money in the island nation, told AFP it had not printed 10,000 rupee banknotes (US$30) featuring a leftist presidential candidate contrary to false social media posts circulating ahead of the election. Images of the purported notes featuring presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake were fabricated from the existing 5,000-rupee note.

"It has started with 10,000," read part of a Sinhala-language Facebook post published on August 21, 2024.

It included an image that purportedly showed a fan of 10,000-rupee banknotes featuring presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The post suggested electoral victory for the 55-year-old Marxist leader would spell financial disaster for Sri Lanka, which is still reeling from a 2022 economic crisis and unrest that ousted strongman president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The bankrupt island nation is set to hold its first presidential elections since the unrest on September 21 (archived link).

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, 75, faces a daunting challenge from 57-year-old career politician Sajith Premadasa, the parliamentary leader of the opposition, as well as from leftist leader Dissanayake, whose National People's Power (NPP) coalition is popular among the young.

Screenshot of the false Facebook post captured on September 11, 2024

The image was also shared alongside a similar false claim on Facebook here and here.

Comments on the posts indicated some social media users were misled.

"If these guys win, the value of the 5,000 will be diminished," one wrote.

"Country will be bankrupt as soon as they come. The country with the highest denomination. Bankrupt countries" another said.

However, the Central Bank of Sri Lank told AFP it had not printed 10,000 currency notes.

"Central Bank of Sri Lanka has not printed the referred currency note," it said in an email on August 30, 2024.

The bank has the sole authority to issue currency in the island nation. The highest cash denomination listed on its website was 5,000 rupees as of September 13, 2024 (archived link).

Further analysis of the supposed banknote found it featured the same images of two dams and a butterfly as the existing 5,000 rupee banknote.

Below is a screenshot comparison of the image in the false posts (left) and a 5,000 rupee note (right) with the corresponding features highlighted:

Image comparison of the original bank note (right) and fabricated image (left) in the false Facebook post.

AFP previously debunked a similar false claim here.
Marcellus Williams attorneys are looking to Missouris governor to grant clemency from his impending execution, after an unprecedented legal battle culminated in a judge ruling Thursday to uphold Williams murder conviction. His legal team says the facts around Williams case complicate what justice and mercy look like and warrant the governors consideration.

Williams has maintained his innocence for more than 20 years, and his legal team wrote in a 12-page clemency application that his case has lacked justice. They also urged Gov. Mike Parson to consider the wishes of the victims family  they want the case to be finalized, but do not support going through with the death penalty.

Williams, 55, was convicted in the 1998 murder of Felicia Gayle in St. Louis County.

On Thursday, St. Louis County Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton rejected efforts brought by St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell to overturn Williams conviction and spare him from lethal injection on Sept 24.

A statute unique to Missouri allowed Bell to intervene on Williams behalf. Williams case is the only death penalty case where the law has been used since it went into effect in 2021.

Last month, as proceedings on Bells motion were scheduled, Williams agreed to plead no contest and be re-sentenced to life without parole. Hilton approved the agreement, but the office of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey stepped in to contest the deal. The Missouri Supreme Court then struck it down.

Those blows to Williams case leave his fate up to Parson, and potentially the U.S. Supreme Court. Parson has denied clemency in every previous death penalty case that has come across his desk. Eleven people have been executed since Parson took office in June 2018, according to data from the Death Penalty Information Center.

Parsons office met with Williams attorneys to discuss clemency, as is standard in capital punishment cases, said spokesman Johnathan Shifflett. The governor is expected to make a decision at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled execution.

Clemency plea

Williams attorneys wrote in the clemency application that his case represents the story of two broken families. The victims family representative told Hilton that they do not want the death penalty to be applied to Williams. Instead, the case could be finalized by sentencing him to life.

Accordingly, the Honorable Governors use of his mercy power to halt this unnecessary execution is appropriate to honor the familys wishes, Williams attorneys said in the clemency application.

They also noted that Williams grew up surrounded by and subjected to violence. As a young man, he struggled with depression and substance dependence. That mitigating evidence was not heard by the jury.

His attorneys said that Williams life story is also one of growth and change and noted that he has become a religious leader in prison.

Even during this time of personal challenges as his execution date approaches, Marcellus devotes each day to providing spiritual guidance and stability to the other prisoners in Potosi Correctional Center, the application said.

Three jurors expressed support for clemency, saying information that is now known would have swayed their decision. No forensic evidence links Williams to the crime.

Execution dates in January 2015 and August 2017 were halted to conduct further DNA testing and investigation.

After considering this new DNA evidence, it is something I would have considered at the guilt phase and it may have made a difference with the jury, a juror wrote, according to the clemency application.

Williams attorneys said there is significant evidence to indicate at least reasonable doubt on his guilt. They also said there has never been an execution in Missouri opposed by the prosecuting agency and the victims family.
Claim:

Video shows vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz dancing to Beyonces song Texas Hold Em in a leather crop top and pants with a red cowboy hat.

Rating:

Rating: Fake

Context:

Tim Walz does not appear in this video clip. It's an edited version of an older video in which Walzs face was superimposed over that of the original dancer.

In early September 2024, slightly less than two months before the 2024 presidential election, a video went viral purporting to show Democratic vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz dancing in a leather crop top, leather pants and a red cowboy hat to Beyonce's hit song "Texas Hold 'em."

The video, posted on TikTok, also went viral on X and shows an individual with a blurred face but with features similar to those of the Minnesota governor, dancing vigorously with his midriff showing. A caption over the video stated, "VP candidate Walz of the "free world" OMFG Help us"

What in the living world? Is this Tim Walz?  pic.twitter.com/1i5A9jxOM2        (@Ann_Lilyflower) September 5, 2024

However, this clip was manipulated and does not show Walz. The video taken from a dancer's Instagram account and has been edited to change the facial features of the leather-clad individual to appear like Walz's. As such, we rate this video as "Fake."

Using Google's reverse-image search tool, we searched for its origin. We found no authentic evidence connecting Walz to such a video. We looked closely at the individual's face and noted that it was heavily blurred, and became sharper as the individual twisted his head back and around, indicating that Walz's face had been superimposed over that of the original subject.

Numerous commenters recognized the video as having originated  before it was edited  on the Instagram account of Matthew Krumpe, who describes himself as a dancer and drag artist. It was originally posted in February 2024, long before Vice President Kamala Harris entered the presidential race and before she announced Walz as her running mate in August 2024.

The video shows an individual doing the exact same dance to the same song, with the same outfit and background, though his features were not blurred in this case. We reached out to the owner of the Instagram account, who confirmed the video belonged to him and had been filmed on a cruise in February.

The original caption stated: "This ain't Texas, and if anyone walks into my shot again im quitting making content and jumping off this boat."

https://www.instagram.com/krumpmasterkrump/reel/C3hb9QauS0g/

Krumpe told us: "The fact that people are using a video that promotes happiness and joy to try and insinuate that Tim is unfit for office is so ridiculous."

It's clear that the original unedited video was posted before Harris and Walz entered the election race and was heavily manipulated before it went viral.

Sources:

Evon, Dan. "Snopes Tips: A Guide To Performing Reverse Image Searches." Snopes, 22 Mar. 2022, https://www.snopes.com//articles/400681/how-to-perform-reverse-image-searches/." target="blank">https://www.snopes.com//articles/400681/how-to-perform-reverse-image-searches/.">https://www.snopes.com//articles/400681/how-to-perform-reverse-image-searches/. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.

"Harris Introduces New Running Mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the 'Vice President America Deserves.'" AP News, 6 Aug. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/harris-running-mate-philadelphia-rally-multistate-tour-02c7ebce765deef0161708b29fe0069e." target="blank">https://apnews.com/article/harris-running-mate-philadelphia-rally-multistate-tour-02c7ebce765deef0161708b29fe0069e.">https://apnews.com/article/harris-running-mate-philadelphia-rally-multistate-tour-02c7ebce765deef0161708b29fe0069e. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.

"Kamala Harris Launches Her Campaign for President." Kamala Harris, 25 July 2024, YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHky_Xopyrw." target="blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHky_Xopyrw.">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHky_Xopyrw. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.


Fact Check: Yes, Biden Did Once Say, 'If Haiti Quietly Sunk into Caribbean' It Wouldn't Matter to US Interests

Claim:

In 1994, then-U.S. Sen. Joe Biden said in an interview: If Haiti  a God-awful thing to say  if Haiti just quietly sunk into the Caribbean or rose up 300 feet, it wouldn't matter a whole lot to our interests.

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

Context:

The selected quote is missing key context. Biden was discussing U.S. military intervention around the world and in that respect comparing U.S. interests in Haiti to those in other countries, like Bosnia.

In mid-September 2024, footage of U.S. President Joe Biden purportedly saying "if Haiti just quietly sunk into the Caribbean or rose up 300 feet, it wouldn't matter a whole lot to our interests," resurfaced on X.

The clip, which was reportedly originally from 1994 and had amassed more than 328,000 views as of this writing, was also shared on X in March.

It appeared to show Biden sitting in an interview, as by the end of his remarks, someone attempted to interject with a question before the video ended.



(Screenshot via X)

Biden did indeed produce the above quote, though the clip was missing important context. The then-senator was discussing reasons for U.S. military intervention into different countries and discussing American interests in Haiti versus Bosnia as an example. As such we rated this as a "Correct Attribution."

The interview took place in September 1994 alongside Republican Rep. Mike Castle, and was conducted by journalist Charlie Rose. The full video was available on Rose's website.

While the clip apparently was intended to show Biden's purported callousness about the people of Haiti, he was actually making a larger point about U.S. interests around the world. At the beginning of the interview, Rose asked Biden: "Senator Biden, is the United States going to invade Haiti, and is that a wise move?" Biden responded: "I don't know, and I think it's probably not wise."

In 1991, Haiti's first popularly elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, was overthrown in a military coup. Three years laterand around a week after this interviewthe U.S. government under President Bill Clinton would send 20,000 U.S. troops to the country to help restore Aristide to power.

Biden began his response by establishing the consequences of invading Haiti:

My concern is if we invade Haiti is not that we will not be able to very rapidly dispatch the present government there, or the dictatorship that's there. That'll be done quickly and, I think, with very little physical loss of life. But, then we're put in a position not unlike Mike and I faced as Congresspersons in Somalia, where there's a need to then reestablish a government. That's the hard part.

He responded to a question from Rose about whether Clinton would look weak in the eyes of the world were Congress to prevent him from invading Haiti. Biden argued that Clinton would have to make a compelling case for it, and how it would serve U.S. interests (emphasis, ours):

Charlie, it doesn't matter much anymore. The truth of the matter is, no one doubts our power. We don't have a superpower arrangement where we are in  where there's any power in the world that  the president of the United States could be turned down tomorrow on almost anything, and no nation in the world is going to say, ''Aha, the United States is weak.'' No one is going to fool around with the 800-pound gorilla. [...] Quite frankly, if we decided tomorrow to go into anywhere or not go into anywhere, it's not going to change the calculus of NATO; it's not going to change the calculus of the Russians; it's not going to change the calculus of the Chinese; and they're the things that matter to us. The distinction between Bosnia and Haiti, for example. If some of us are right on Bosnia, that this ethnic cleansing has the potential to rear its ugly head in Ukraine in, in, in, in Belarus in the former Soviet Union, where they have major arsenals of nuclear weapons, where they have long histories of national wars, where ethnicity dominates; that is of phenomenal potential consequence to the United States. If Haiti  a God awful thing to say  if Haiti just quietly sunk into the Caribbean or rose up 300 feet, it wouldn't matter a whole lot in terms of our interest.

Later in the interview, Biden talked about being questioned on his lack of support and the racial dynamics behind it, as well as the politics involved in Clinton's decision (emphasis, ours).

Rose: But are you saying then that the only reason that the president might be thinking about invading Haiti is because of politics? Biden: [...] You have a large group, a large constituency in the United States of America looks and says, ''Now wait a minute. Y'all went into Grenada for 40, 100, 70, not 500 medical students. And here there are thousands of blacks being persecuted, killed, death squads, and you're not doing anything.'' Clearly, Haiti is no more or less in the interest of the United States than Grenada. So what you have [is]  for example, a leading editor of a paper in the Delaware Valley [...] asked their reporters to come down and talk to me and said, ''Why is Biden so concerned about Bosnia, and not about Haiti? Is it because blacks are involved in Haiti  blacks are what are at stake in Haiti, and in Bosnia they are Europeans, whites?'' There is that notion abroad in the Congress, in the country. It's not substantially different than when Lech Walesa came along and all the Poles in the State of Delaware and the United States of America focused, or when Israel is in trouble and the American Jewish community and those who believe strongly in Israel focus. You can list, throughout our history, circumstances where our, our multi-ethnic community looks to things happening in a constituency that they are from, represent, or feel, having a stake in. [...] There's a different political dynamic here, and that is that there is a large constituency in America that is saying, ''Hey wait a minute. Is the reason you're not paying attention over there because those folks are black folks?'' Rose: Right. Biden: I think Somalia worked that way, don't you, Michael, I mean in terms of how people respond? Castle: I think so.

Ultimately, Biden did say the above words about Haiti, but did so to make a point about U.S. interests around the world and whether he supported military intervention into their political affairs.

Sources:

"Bill Clinton Once Enjoyed a Bright Legacy in Haiti. Then the 2010 Earthquake Struck." The Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2020, https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/bill-clinton-once-enjoyed-bright-legacy-haiti-then-2010-earthquake-struck. Accessed 14 March 2024.

"Milestones: 19932000." Office of the Historian. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1993-2000/haiti#:~:text=President%20Clinton%20approved%20Carter's%20mission,entry%20on%20to%20Haitian%20soil. Accessed 14 March 2024.

"Politics in Delaware." Charlie Rose. charlierose.com, https://charlierose.com/videos/25686. Accessed 14 March 2024.


((This Sept. 13 has been corrected to fix the minister's surname throughout, to Sharlapaev from Sharlapayev))

By Olzhas Auyezov and Eric Onstad

ALMATY (Reuters) - Kazakhstan aims to boost output of metals needed for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and is issuing hundreds of new exploration licences to attract fresh investment in the sector, the country's industry minister told Reuters. The former Soviet republic promotes itself as a dependable supplier of the majority of critical materials outlined by theEuropean Union, at a time when Russia has threatened to curb exports and China is tightening control over rare earths. Kazakhstan has signed deals with the European Union and Britain on the supply of critical minerals.

"People know that Kazakhstan is very reliable... We've been supplying markets for a very long time," industry minister Kanat Sharlapaev said in an interview this week. The Central Asian nation, the world's ninth-largest by landarea but sparsely populated, has deposits of 90% of the elementsof the periodic table and is already a significant exporter offerroalloys, gold, and copper.The country wants to gain market share in battery materials such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel and graphite amid rising demand for the materials, Sharlapaev said. Kazakhstan already mines manganese, but last year it launched processing of manganese sulphate and aims to eventually capture 10% of the global market for the battery material. It also supplies phosphates for fertilisers and aims to process material needed for LFP (lithium ferro phosphate) batteries that are growing in popularity, he added.

"Building scalable processing of battery grade metals is something we want to expand," said Sharlapaev, a former banker with Citigroup.

"We already have production facilities, it's just a matter of expanding the range of those materials."

RUSSIAN THREAT

Russian President Vladimir Putin said this week that Moscow should consider limiting exports of uranium, titanium, nickel, and potentially other commodities in retaliation for Western sanctions.

Kazakhstan is a major global supplier of both uranium andtitanium. It also holds 2% of world nickel reserves, but has,for now, a negligible share in its global output. The country has also yet to tap its deposits of lithium, another key metal, but exploration is underway.

To speed up exploration and development, the cabinet streamlined the procedures for exploration licences and moved them online, he said.

This has hiked the number of issued licences so far this year to 487 compared to 397 for all of 2023, according to data from the ministry. Major mining companies involved in exploration in Kazakhstan include BHP, Rio Tinto, First Quantum Minerals, Fortescue and Teck Resources.

Story continues

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said last month it had bought a stake in a firm exploring for graphite in Kazakhstan. Although Kazakhstan is a member of Russian-led economic andsecurity blocs, it has maintained neutrality in theRussia-Ukraine conflict, promised to abide by Western sanctionsagainst Moscow, and actively participates in the development ofcargo transit routes bypassing Russia.

(Reporting by Eric Onstad and Olzhas Auyezov; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  One group of concerned citizens, voicing concerns on the Caddo Parish superintendent search process, is faith leaders.

Pastors from across Shreveport spoke at the September 11 Caddo Parish School Board meeting.

James Green, Shreveport city councilman and pastor at Union Mission Baptist Church said, You all have voted to close all of the neighborhood schools. When there are no schools, neighborhoods die, so is there a hidden agenda that you all have, to cause our neighborhoods to be as they are?

Attorney: Wrong superintendent selection could affect student outcomes in the future

Faith leaders also expressed concern with the sole finalist, Keith Burton, voted by the school board.

Joe R. Gant Jr. a pastor at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church said, His experience was in elite schools, not in our schools in our communities thats failing. You put anybody in an elite school they can do good. But what can they do in those that are failing.

Green echoed the sentiment saying, It is very unfair that you all would circumvent the process just to get who you want. If you had wanted him from the start, I have nothing against  just tell us, instead of spending $75 or $70,000 to get from one process to another.

During the superintendent search process, constituent meetings were held. A dozen clergy and faith leaders were present, but Pastor Theron Jackson at Morning Star Baptist Church feels their sentiments were not heard.

This process did not deliver what they were asking for, so Im sure that- not just not getting what they wanted but, I think that it was more about, it felt disrespectful on one end or disingenuous at least on the other end, to have wasted the time of people who came to share with you their sentiments and then to seem as if those sentiments didnt really matter, said Jackson.

Pastor Jackson says the process should be legitimate and allow applicants to compete.

What it looks like they had their mind made up on the process. At least seven of them. Had their mind made up on the process and decided to come in there, disregard what had been done by the search firm and do what they intended to do from the beginning.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The families of Breonna Taylor, Tyre Nichols and Sonya Massey traveled to Washington, D.C., Friday to urge Congress to pass criminal justice reform in honor of their loved ones killed at the hands of police.

She was assassinated, said Donna Massey, Sonyas mother.

Donna said her daughter was not a threat when police shot and killed her inside her home. The former officer involved in Masseys death is fighting to appeal the denial of his pretrial release.

She needed a helping hand, not a bullet to her face, said attorney Ben Crump.

Breonna Taylor was also shot and killed by police inside her home. A judge recently dismissed felony charges for two former officers involved in Taylors death.

Because no one videoed her, because no one did that, you all say her life dont matter, and thats insane, said Tamika Palmer, Taylors mother.

The federal trial is ongoing for three former officers charged in the beating death of Tyre Nichols. His mother, RowVaughn Wells, blames Congress for inaction.

Their blood is on your hands, Wells said.

The Congressional Black Caucus calls these women the mothers of the movement, as its members try to pass federal criminal justice reform.

To create safer communities and to hold police officers accountable, said CBC Chair Steven Horsford, (D-Nev.).

Horsford supports the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. In part, the legislation would improve vetting to make sure bad actors are not rehired as officers and restrict the use of no-knock warrants and chokeholds.

We will not stop fighting for you or the loss of your loved ones until the legislation is passed, Horsford said.

Republicans largely oppose the bill over it allowing individual officers to be sued over their actions. They prefer to hold the officers employers responsible.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Family, friends, and former colleagues of the decorated late FBI agent Julio Cordero, will gather Thursday evening for a funeral viewing and a prayer service in honor of his life, ahead of his funeral on Friday.

Were going to honor his life. Ive made it very clear to our family. Were going to talk about Julio. Were going to talk about the beautiful person he was. Were going to talk about the sacrifices hes made. Were going to talk about how generous he was because he had a huge heart. The awesome father that he was to his children. Were going to talk about his life, said Corderos brother, Marco Cordero.

Julio Cordero was shot and killed by an El Paso Independent School District Police officer last month, in an altercation after he allegedly had been vandalizing the school.

Deadly officer-involved shooting cancels classes at Franklin High School

KTSM spoke with Corderos family shortly after the incident, who explained that Cordero had severe mental struggles associated with past trauma. They also described at length the well-respected person he was beyond those challenges.

Retired FBI agent killed in EPISD Police shooting

There will be a procession in honor of Julio Corderos life on Friday, Sept. 13, that will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Sunset Funeral Home located at 750 North Carolina Drive.

The procession will make its way to the FBI Offices in El Paso, located at 660 S Mesa Hills Drive, according to Marco Cordero, who added that he is grateful for the heartwarming response his family has received from the Borderland community.

I really want to thank people who have reached out to us, who have offered us their condolences, offered praise to Julios legacy, his work, and to the many friends that we tend to forget, Marco Cordero said.

He said Thursday evening will be dedicated to honoring his brothers life, but that he cant help but feel anger as questions loom as to why the situation involving the death of his brother escalated to that violent point.

Unfortunately, I feel a little angry right now. Theres always going to be some compassion, but theres so many questions that are not answered, and I think allowing us to watch the video to put these questions to rest would certainly help us, Marco Cordero said.

Investigation continues into ex-FBI agent shooting; EPISD statement on lethal force

I dont like the way that the district responds to the questions we have. Thats causing not only frustration but anger to set in. Because we just want the truth. If he (Julio Cordero) was in the wrong, then he was in the wrong. But its almost as if were getting a sanitized version of the events that happened, he added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
INDIANAPOLIS (WXIN)  Police say an Uber driver recently arrested in the death of an Indianapolis woman admitted he raped, shot and killed her after picking her up from work Sunday morning.

Francisco Valadez, 29, was arrested Tuesday morning by Indianapolis homicide detectives and preliminarily charged with murder.

The Uber driver reportedly admitted to police that he shot and killed 30-year-old Chanti Dixon in a fit of rage after picking her up and attempting to rape her in the back of his car. Valadez also allegedly admitted to dumping Dixons body in an alleyway in a wooded area near the victims home.

This is just disgusting all around and it did not have to happen, said Indianapolis Metro police chief Chris Bailey.

Dixons death

According to court documents filed Tuesday in Marion County Court, officers were called around 1 p.m. Monday to the 1800 block of Wagner Lane after a womans body was found in a nearby wooded area. IMPD arrived to find a woman naked, unresponsive and lying on her stomach.

The victims family said they tracked her phone to the woods behind her home where they found her body and called police.

The woman, later identified by the Marion County Coroners Office as Dixon, was pronounced dead on scene. After the crime scene was processed for evidence, it was discovered that Dixon had suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of her head.

Chanti Dixon/Photo provided by family

A woman near the scene told police that the dead woman was her daughter who had been missing since early Sunday morning. The woman told officers her daughter had gotten off work around 3:30 a.m. and ordered an Uber to get home. No one had talked to her since.

IMPD crews reportedly found two cell phones in the wooded area near Dixons body, both of which belonged to Dixon. Her mother gave police the passcodes for both phones, which investigators said would eventually lead them to Valadez.

Investigation into Valadez

Once back at the homicide office, detectives found that Dixon had ordered an Uber at 3:34 a.m. from the 2300 block of W. 16th Street. She reportedly made one stop along Washington Street in the Uber before being taken in the same car to her home address on Earhart Street.

Valadez mugshot (via IMPD)

According to data stored in the Uber app, Dixons driver drove a BMW with an Indiana license plate, which detectives later connected to Valadez.

Detectives then went to Valadezs home and began questioning him about Dixon. He told police that he did pick up Dixon on Sunday but then began to tell a story of how an armed Black man came up to his car and tried to rob Dixon.

[Valadez] 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. He also said that he had cleaned the blood out of his car.

Police also reportedly spoke with Valadezs mother, who told them that her son owned a gun that he regularly carries. She added that he had recently cleaned out his car. After seizing items inside his car for evidence, police took Valadez in for interrogation.

Admission and arrest

Detectives took Valadez to the IMPD homicide office where he was reportedly read his Miranda Rights and signed a waiver agreeing to speak with police. After telling several stories about what happened to Dixon, Valadez reportedly admitted what actually happened.

Mr. Valadez told two different stories as to what happened with Ms. Dixon, police wrote in the court documents.

Detectives said Valadez admitted to raping the woman in the back of his car. While raping the woman, Valadez said she insulted his body. This reportedly caused him to become enraged and shoot Dixon in the head.

Valadez told police that after the shooting, he dragged Dixon out of his car and placed her lifeless body behind a concrete barrier at the dead end of Wagner Lane. The Uber driver also admitted to trying to have sex with Dixons dead body, police said.

The dead end of Wagner Lane where Dixon was found (via IMPD)

Valadez was then taken into custody by IMPD and later booked into the Marion County Jail on a felony murder charge. IMPD officials said Tuesday that more charges can be expected in the case. An initial court hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Disgusting, disturbing: IMPD reaction

Indianapolis police officials held a news conference Tuesday afternoon discussing Dixons murder and the arrest of Valadez.

This is disgusting, its disturbing, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said during the conference. No one deserves to be treated this way in our community and I am so sorry to her family that were here today.

Bailey then touched on the effect this has on the victims family.

This is a family thats been ripped apart, he said. This woman is gone from the world unnecessarily by an evil act, and Im glad that we were able to find this individual as quickly as we did so that he didnt have an opportunity to perpetuate violence further in our community.

IMPDs social media accounts posted a photo of a gun seized in relation to the case, shown below.

A photo posted by police shows the gun seized in the Dixon murder case. (via IMPD)

Bailey indicated that more charges were forthcoming in the case and stressed that the Marion County Prosecutors Office would make the final charging decision.

Women, girls, mothers  they have a right to exist freely in our community without fear of something heinous happening to them, said IMPD Assistant Chief Catherine Cummings. They have a right to walk, bike, order a rideshare without fearing something bad will happen to them.

While they insist the murder is an isolated incident, IMPD said ride-share users can always share their location with friends and family and that women should trust their instincts if things feel dangerous.

Rideshares continue to be an excellent and safe option to use when youre out in our community, said Cummings. This is a familys worst nightmare. Were disgusted by these allegations.

Indianapolis police are asking anyone who had a suspicious interaction with Valadez as a rideshare driver or in any other capacity to contact the IMPD Homicide Office at (317) 327-3475. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.

Ubers response

In a statement sent to Nexstars WXIN on Tuesday, an Uber spokesperson confirmed that Valadez has been banned as a driver from the platform.

Our hearts break for Ms. Dixons family and loved ones in the midst of this tragedy, Uber said. The details of this act of violence are atrocious and we will assist Indianapolis police however we can as they continue to investigate.

Uber went on to say that the company is deeply committed to safety and has invested heavily in making its platform safer for customers. These safety measures include hiring teams of law enforcement pros around the globe and adding an emergency button for in-app users, Uber said.

In addition to adding the emergency button feature, Uber also said that users have the option to record audio during their trip to ensure safety, can share their trip information with family or friends, and can seek live help from a safety agent in the app.

This article features additional reporting by WXIN/WTTVs Jesse Wells and Matt Adams.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Video footage has shown the moment a man smashes his way into a gallery before escaping seconds later with one of Banksys most famous works of art.

The piece, called Girl With Balloon, depicts a young girl reaching out towards a red, heart-shaped balloon and is worth 270,000 according to court documents.

A shredded version of the painting was sold for $25 million (19 million) in October 2021. However, an unsigned screenprint is said to be worth 90,000, according to MyArtBroker.

A shredded version of Girl with balloon was sold for $25 million in October 2021 - Luke MacGregor/Reuters

Larry Fraser, 47, from Beckton, east London, and James Love, 53, from North Stifford, Essex, have been charged with burglary after the piece was taken from the Grove Gallery at around 11pm on Sept 8.

CCTV shows a hooded person smashing through a glass door before entering the building and taking the picture from the wall.

The charges follow an investigation by detectives from the Metropolitan Polices Flying Squad after the burglary took place at the gallery in New Cavendish Street, Westminster.

The artwork has since been recovered and will be returned to the gallery, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Fraser and Love were charged with non-residential burglary on Tuesday in relation to the incident and remanded in custody.

They appeared at Wimbledon magistrates court the following day where they were granted bail and are due to appear at Kingston Crown Court on Oct 9.

Girl With Balloon, is one of Banksys most iconic works and depicts a young girl reaching out towards a red, heart-shaped balloon

Banksys work, known for its social commentary artworks and subversive style, has had many of his pieces stolen previously.

Last month a new piece by the artist was taken within an hour of being revealed.

The stencil of a howling wolf on a satellite dish in Rye Lane, Peckham, was taken by masked me shortly after Banksy confirmed the artwork was his own on his official Instagram.

In December, another Banksy piece in Peckham was stolen shortly after being unveiled.

The installation  three aircraft resembling military drones on a stop sign  was removed by a man with bolt cutters.

Lindor Mehmetaj, senior art consultant at the gallery, said he arrived on Monday morning to find the door had been smashed and the painting nearest the entrance missing.

The robbery took place on Sunday, the day after a two-and-a-half-week exhibition Breakout: Banksys London Rebellion had ended.

It was absolute chaos

On Monday morning I was coming to the gallery for a normal day in the office as usual, following a business trip when I realised the front door had been completely smashed, Mr Mehmetaj told The Telegraph.

We had been robbed. We had a 1.5 million collection of Banksys masterpieces  limited-edition signed prints, originals. You know, it was a fantastic show that we had in the last two, three weeks and it was absolute chaos to see that we have been robbed.

I was petrified to see a lot of glass everywhere, a lot of people staring, other artwork still in the gallery, just unfortunately, a gallery that had been subjected to some crime.

As soon as you come into the gallery you have the Girl With Balloon, one of Banksys most iconic pieces, the original sold for 18 million was shredded at Sothebys.

We had a limited-edition signed print that holds a value of up to 300,000.

The most valuable artwork was a 500,000 test spray of Banksys Rat With Sunglasses.

Officers were not called until 10 hours after the robbery when Mr Mehmetaj made the horrifying discovery.

He said: Nobody had reported it to the police.

It was nine oclock in the morning. Whether it was targeted or not I dont know but obviously the reputation we have as the gallery to showcase masterpieces is fantastic. Unfortunately it can be a double-edged sword.

The print is currently on an easel at the gallery covered in its police evidence bag and will be placed under 24/7 security and sent back to a storage facility.

Mr Mehmetaj said he believed an alarm did go off but the gallery would now be getting shutters.

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Johnnie Early II, dean of Florida A&M Universitys College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Public Health, is stepping down from his role  a move that comes as the schools licensure program struggles with low exam pass rates.

As Early will join the faculty and serve in accreditation, Seth Ablordeppey  a veteran professor, Eminent Scholar chair and Fulbright Scholar  has been appointed interim dean. Earlys last day is Friday, and Ablordeppey begins Monday, according to a CoPPS, IPH release sent to faculty and staff that was obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat Wednesday.

It has been an honor to serve as your CEO Dean, and Im grateful for the highly noteworthy progress we have made together, Early said in an undated letter obtained by the Democrat Thursday, which was sent to FAMU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Allyson Watson, faculty and staff.

Johnnie Early is dean of FAMU's College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health.

Earlys decision comes as the pharmacy school is one of the universitys four professional licensure programs with exam pass rates that remain lower than benchmark goals, with the others being law, nursing and physical therapy.

Licensure exam passage rates in FAMUs College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences program fell 22% below the 92% approved goal in 2023.

More: 'Unacceptable': Florida Board of Governors threatening to eliminate these FAMU programs

But in spite of the challenges, the pharmacy schools accomplishments under Early since 2018 have included an increase of 26% year over year in scholarships, constant and growing enrollment across degree programs and branding the school by including the Institute of Public Health in the name.

Early served as dean at the universitys pharmacy school in two separate eras  once when he joined as a professor in 1978, where he became a dean in 1987 before leaving for another deans post in 1993, and again when he returned to the university to serve as dean and a professor in 2018.

He earned his doctorate and masters in pharmacology/toxicology from Purdue University and his bachelors in pharmacy from Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy.

As Ablordeppey takes on the role of interim dean once again, it comes after his time serving in the role from February 2011 to June 2012 when he replaced Michael Thompson, who was fired due to the pharmacy school licensure programs low passage rates.

Ablordeppey  who holds a doctoral degree in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of Mississippi  first joined FAMU in June 1993 as an assistant professor of medicinal chemistry.

He has also served as the FAMU pharmacy schools division director of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences.

It's my pleasure to serve my college as this appointment allows me to hopefully share some of what Im privileged to have garnered here, as Ive invested over 31 years of my career to the FAMU CoPPS, IPH, Ablordeppey said in a prepared statement. Again, it's humbling and gratifying to serve in this capacity.

Contact Tarah Jean at tjean@tallahassee.com or follow her on X: @tarahjean_.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU College of Pharmacy dean resigns amid low passing rates
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis did not appear before a state Senate committee Friday to testify about the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump, defying a subpoena the panel issued last spring.

Willis has argued the subpoena is unlawful and has gone to court to block it.

Fridays hearing was the sixth the Senate Special Committee on Investigations has held to look into a romantic relationship between Willis and Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she hired to lead the case, and whether she misused taxpayer funds.

In Willis absence, the committee spent about 90 minutes hearing from two witnesses who testified the panel had the legal right to issue the subpoena and has the authority to compel the district attorney to testify if she refuses to appear voluntarily.

Legislative counsel Stuart Morelli cited state and federal court rulings asserting the authority of legislative bodies to conduct investigations and compel testimony.

The investigative power has to be inherent to the legislative process, Morelli said. [Otherwise], youre legislating in the dark.

Former Secretary of the Senate David Cook delivered one caveat to the Senates power to enforce a subpoena. Cook said the law allows the legislature to find in contempt a subpoenaed witness who refuses to testify only while the General Assembly is in session. The legislature adjourned the 2024 session at the end of March.

However, Cook said the Senate can go to court to seek a declaratory judgment finding an uncooperative witness in contempt. Toward that end, the committee has hired a lawyer to pursue its subpoena of Willis in court.

The Republican-controlled Senate voted along party lines in January to form the committee after one of Trumps co-defendants in the case filed a motion accusing Willis of being involved in an improper relationship with Wade. Trump later joined the motion, which sought to disqualify Willis from the case.

Willis argued the relationship did not constitute grounds for dismissing the indictment against Trump and others for participating in a conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

Wade stepped down from the case in April after Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled that Willis could continue prosecuting Trump only if Wade discontinued his role as special prosecutor.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis defied a subpoena to turn over documents and testify in front of the Georgia Senate Special Committee on Investigations Friday morning.

Last week, Willis attorney, former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, filed an appeal in Fulton County Superior Court asking for an injunction to block the subpoena. A ruling wasnt made in time for Fridays Republican-led committee meeting because three judges had recused themselves.

Fulton Superior Court Judges Melynee Leftridge and Craig Schwall Sr. did not specify the conflicts of interest that led them to recusal. Judge Scott McAfee also recused himself, citing his oversight of the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump as the reason. (Willis is leading that case.)

The committee, which was formed to investigate alleged misconduct by Willis, has set its sights on Willis romantic relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade, which made headlines earlier this year and caused Wade to step away from the aforementioned case against Trump.

According to the committees chairman, state Sen. Bill Cowsert, R-Athens, this investigations focus serves the intention of crafting future legislation that would create procurement guidelines for how contractors and special prosecutors are hired by local district attorney offices.

In lieu of Willis testimony, the Senate committee heard from former Secretary of the Senate David Cook and Stuart Morelli, legislative counsel for the Georgia General Assembly.

Morelli said Georgia legal precedence has established that it is within the legislatures power to investigate other government officials. He did clarify, however, that subpoenas issued should be with the purpose of crafting future legislation.

Lets please note for the record that Ms. Willis has failed to appear in compliance with the subpoena and has failed to produce documents requested, Cowsert said at the end of the hearing.

Afterward, the committee entered into executive session to get updates from the attorney hired to represent it in any upcoming legal proceedings while members try to enforce the subpoena.

Willis request for an injunction has not yet been assigned to another Fulton Superior Court judge. Until that ruling is made, it is not likely that she will be forced to testify under threat of criminal contempt.

The post Fani Willis Refuses to Testify in Front of Senate Committee Investigating Her appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is leading the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump, did not appear Friday at a hearing held by a Republican-led state Senate committee that has been investigating her.

Willis has challenged the legality of the subpoenas she received from the committee, a spokesperson for her office previously told ABC News.

The hearing today was set to include "sworn testimony" from Willis, according to a press release from the committee.

MORE: Hearing in Trump's Georgia election appeal scheduled for December, after election

Willis' attorney, former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Willis "will not appear until there has been a judicial determination of the validity of the subpoena."

Barnes did not respond Friday to a request for comment from ABC News.

Republican State Sen. Bill Cowsert, the chairman of the committee, said at the beginning of the hearing that "we have subpoenaed Fani Willis to testify ... she is defying her subpoena and not appearing."

"But we will welcome her if she appears at some point during the meeting," Cowsert said, before continuing the hearing with other issues and witnesses.

PHOTO: District Attorney of Fulton County, Georgia, Fani Willis poses for photos in her chambers at the Fulton County Court House in Atlanta, Aug. 8, 2023. (Megan Varner for The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE)

Willis charged Trump and 18 others in a sweeping racketeering indictment for alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state of Georgia. All defendants, including Trump, pleaded not guilty, then four defendants subsequently took plea deals in exchange for agreeing to testify against the others.

The judge in the case, Scott McAfee, ruled in March that either Willis or prosecutor Nathan Wade must step aside from the case due to a "significant appearance of impropriety" stemming from a previous romantic relationship between Wade and Willis. Wade subsequently stepped down.

The Georgia Senate Special Committee on Investigations was established earlier this year with a stated goal to "thoroughly investigate the allegations of misconduct" by Willis.

It said it would look to "enact new or amend existing laws and/or change state appropriations to restore public confidence in the criminal justice system."

Cowsert previously said it was not within the committee's authority to seek to disqualify Willis from the election case or to criminally prosecute her, but rather to "investigate many of these troubling allegations."

A Georgia court of appeals paused the election interference case in June, pending the resolution of a court battle over Willis' being allowed to remain on the case..

MORE: Prosecutor appointed to investigate Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in election probe

Oral arguments in that matter are currently scheduled for Dec. 5, a month after the presidential election.

In a separate case, a Georgia state prosecutor said in a statement Friday that he would not pursue criminal charges against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for acting as one of Trump's so-called "fake electors" in the 2020 election.

Pete Skandalakis, the head of the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia, was tasked with investigating Jones after Willis was disqualified from investigating him in 2022 by a Fulton County judge after Willis held a fundraiser for Jones' political opponent.

Skandalakis, in his decision Friday, wrote that the case against Jones "does not warrant further consideration" and that Jones "did not act with criminal intent" when he served as an alternate elector and aided Trump's efforts in the state in other ways.

Jones was not indicted in Willis' election interference probe.

Fani Willis skips Georgia state Senate hearing seeking her testimony originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The US Air Force base at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire has held a special heritage day to celebrate its 80th anniversary.

Guests from the local community, including schoolchildren, saw displays of vintage aircraft and military vehicles.

The base, now home to US personnel, was opened in 1944 in preparation for D-Day.

Col Bill Smith, deputy commander at the 501st Combat Support Wing, US Air Forces Europe, said: Theres lots of history here, were definitely standing on the shoulders of giants, and its great to be a part of that heritage.

Col Bill Smith said there was a great turnout for the heritage day [BBC]

Other demonstrations at the base, which was handed over to US forces in 1950, included birds of prey and military dogs.

Local history societies were also invited and brought vehicles like Ford and Willys Jeeps for the displays, to sit alongside a P51 Mustang long-range fighter plane and other aircraft.

Rob Abbott, from the 4th Wiltshires Living History Group, said it was fantastic to be there and to see children interested in the period of history around the Second World War.

He said: The base is a massively important part of our local makeup, its always been here.

"A lot of us work on or around the base, and have acquaintances here, and its great to support our American friends so the special relationship stays special - as it should do!

Rob Abbott, from the 4th Wiltshires Living History Group, took part in the celebrations [BBC]

The runway at RAF Fairford is more than 3,000 metres long, and can take aircraft of any weight.

It was used by the US Air Force to deploy B52 bombers on raids to Iraq in 2003.

B-1 Lancer bombers are regularly seen at Fairford, as are B-2 Spirits, also known as Stealth Bombers.

It also played a key role in the development of Concorde, which was tested at Fairford between 1969 and 1976.

The first flight of Concorde 002 took off from Filton airfield in Bristol and landed at Fairford on 9 April 1969.

RAF Fairford is the only US bomber forward operating location in Europe, and is continuing to be used as a base for missions including exercises with NATO and Allied countries.

A North American T-6 Texan aircraft, also known as the Harvard [BBC]

Col Bill Smith said the base also has an important role locally.

Its about maintaining the relationships and continuing to have those interactions with the local communities," he said.

The only thing I had to get used to when I came here was the weather. But I have loved being here at Fairford, and the opportunities to get out and travel and see some of the history here in the UK has far outweighed anything weve experienced from the bad weather.
Conservative activist and election denier Mike Lindell is in legal hot water again, this time with the package delivery company DHL.

DHL filed a lawsuit against Lindells company, saying that MyPillow owes almost $800,000 in unpaid bills, did not pay for all parcel delivery services within 15 days of being billed, and violated its contract with DHL, according to court records obtained by USA TODAY on Friday.

The lawsuit was filed in Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis on Monday.

Lindell declined to comment when reached by USA TODAY on Friday.

Mike Lindell, the My Pillow Inc chief executive greets Trump supporters as they wait along the motorcade route for former President Donald Trump to return home to Mar-a Lago following his arraignment in New York on April 4, 2023.

Lawsuit filed after settlement payments stopped

DHL and MyPillow had reached a settlement in May 2023 requiring Lindell's company to pay DHL $775,000 over 24 monthly installments that were scheduled to start this April, according to the complaint.

But Lindells company only paid a portion of the settlement, just a little under $65,000 the lawsuit says.

DHL notified MyPillow with a written notice of default on July 2, with the lawsuit now seeking about $800,000 plus interest and attorneys fees that could make it far pricier.

Not the first time in court for Lindell

This isn't Lindells first rodeo in court, as reported earlier this year. U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim ordered Lindell to pay $5 million to a software engineer who debunked data that the MyPillow CEO used to claim that China had interfered with the 2020 election.

In April, the U.S. Supreme Court also declined to hear an appeal from Lindell regarding his claims that his rights were violated when FBI agents seized his phone back in 2022. The federal government seized his phone as it was investigating the sharing of sensitive information from Colorados computerized voting systems.

Back in 2023 as well, the lawyers that were defending him in various defamation cases asked the court for permission to quit his case as Lindell had not paid them.

According to court records in the DHL case filed this week, Lindell does not have attorneys and is listed as representing himself.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Lindell's MyPillow sued by DHL over allegedly unpaid bills
Laura Loomer, the far-right social media figure who has pushed multiple conspiracy theories and has posted racist comments, on Friday pushed back against criticism of her proximity to former President Donald Trump after she accompanied him to several events this week and Trump called her a "supporter" and "free spirit."

"I have always fought for Donald Trump and never asked for anything in return," Loomer told her more than one million followers on Friday as several Republicans criticized her, asserting she's damaging Trump's campaign.

Loomer pledged to "continue working hard on my investigations and exposes. Just like I have been doing for years."

MORE: A look at Trump's 'transgender operations on illegal aliens' debate claim

Less than an hour later, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis called Loomer a "crazy conspiracy theorist" who is hurting Trump's campaign.

"Laura Loomer is a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans. A DNC plant couldn't do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trump's chances of winning re-election. Enough," Tillis wrote on X.

PHOTO: Laura Loomer arrives with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at Philadelphia International Airport, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia, for the presidential debate. (Chris Szagola/AP)

Loomer is not expected to appear with him on the campaign trail on Friday or this weekend.

During a news conference on Friday, Trump called Loomer a "supporter" who "speaks very positively" of his campaign.

"Laura is a supporter. I don't control Laura. Laura has to say what she wants. She's a, she's a free spirit," said Trump, who claimed not to know about her controversial comments, but also said she had "strong opinions," and he'd review them as well as release a statement.

After the event, Trump reiterated that she doesn't work for the campaign, and noted "I disagree with the statements she made," without making a specific reference to which statements he disagrees with.

"Laura Loomer doesn't work for the Campaign. She's a private citizen and longtime supporter. I disagree with the statements she made but, like the many millions of people who support me, she is tired of watching the Radical Left Marxists and Fascists violently attack and smear me, even to the point of doing anything to stop their Political Opponent, ME!" Trump wrote.

Loomer told ABC News on Friday that she doesn't work for Trump, but is a "super fan."

"I don't work for President Trump. I am simply a ride or die supporter and I believe in President Trump and his agenda to Make America Great Again," Loomer told ABC News.

On Tuesday, Loomer was seen boarding Trump's plane to Philadelphia ahead of the ABC News presidential debate, along with top campaign advisers. Loomer, who has espoused 9/11 conspiracy theories, also accompanied Trump on Wednesday to New York City and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks -- an event that even on Friday she continued to spread false information about.

"23 years later, and there's still a lot of unanswered questions," Loomer posted on social media on Friday.

"The 9/11 documents are still classified to this day. The American people deserve to know the entire truth. Not just what our lying government chose to tell us," Loomer wrote. "There's so many unanswered questions Why?"

PHOTO: Laura Loomer arrives with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump for a visit to the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Company in Shanksville, Pa., Sept. 11, 2024. (Matt Rourke/AP)

In the post, Loomer included an old video clip of Trump calling into local news to talk about the attacks -- in which Trump appears to suggest that bombs, possibly in a plane, could have played a role in the collapse.

Last year, Loomer on social media called 9/11 an "Inside Job," implying then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had played a role in the attacks. While Loomer traveled with Trump Wednesday, she posted videos of the former president attending the 9/11 memorial and meeting with firefighters in Manhattan and in Shanksville.

MORE: Fact-checking Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's 1st presidential debate

Loomer has frequently spread misinformation. In July, she falsely claimed in a social media post that President Joe Biden had a medical emergency after landing at Joint Base Andrews -- a claim for which there was no evidence.

Her post quickly spread across social media, but the facts were that Air Force One didn't land at Joint Base Andrews -- rather it landed at Delaware's National Guard Base where the president was seen exiting the plane on his own, saluting an officer and taking questions from reporters before departing to his hometown.

She had also started unsubstantiated claims about family members of Judge Juan Merchan in the New York hush money case, including that his daughter posted a fake photo of Trump in jail on social media, which the court has denied. It prompted Trump to share Loomer's posts and spread the rumors.

Some campaign advisers have disagreed with her proximity to him.

On social media, she has touted her role in spreading memes about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, eating cats and ducks, a rumor that has been repeatedly dispelled by local officials.

PHOTO: Laura Loomer, at left, takes a photo as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump visits the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Company in Shanksville, Pa., Sept. 11, 2024. (Matt Rourke/AP)

On his way to Philadelphia on Tuesday, Trump began sharing some of those AI-generated memes, and on the debate stage later that night, Trump repeated those baseless claims, despite local officials dismissing them.

"The people that came in, they're eating the cats, they're eating -- they're eating the pets of the people that live there," Trump said on the debate stage, citing "the people on television," even as ABC News' debate moderator David Muir repeatedly clarified that Springfield's city manager said there is no evidence of that happening.

Earlier this week, bomb threats were sent via email to "multiple agencies and media outlets" in Springfield. The town's mayor said he believes these threats are directly connected to those baseless rumors spread online.

And Loomer -- amid her recent proximity to Trump -- has created a rift among some Republicans.

On Wednesday, Loomer engaged in an online dispute with Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene after the Georgia congresswoman -- also a controversial figure -- called her out in a social media post after Loomer said Vice President Kamala Harris' White House would smell like curry.

"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 on Sunday.

MORE: READ: Harris-Trump presidential debate transcript

Greene responded on Wednesday, "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," urging her to take down the post.

Loomer hasn't taken the post down, claiming it was a "funny joke" and saying "I won't be apologizing for having a sense of humor."

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham echoed Greene's concerns, telling the Huffington Post, "Marjorie Taylor Greene is right. I don't say that a lot."

"We have policy disagreements but the history of this person is just really toxic," Graham said of Loomer.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer pushes back amid criticism of her proximity to Trump originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
ST. LOUIS  Whats the weather going to be like this fall? It depends who you ask. The Old Farmers Almanac and the Farmers Almanac have very different forecasts. One says we will have a warm and dry season, while the other says we should prepare for cold and wet weather.

The Old Farmers Almanac is predicting a warmer-than-normal autumn this year for much of the U.S. The Midwest will start September on the warm side and then slide to average temperatures over the next two months. Drier-than-average conditions are forecast from the Midwest and the Plains through a good part of the West.

A competing almanac offers a very different autumn forecast. The Farmers Almanac has released its Extended Fall Forecast for 2024, predicting a chilly and wet autumn for much of the Midwest. If this almanacs forecast is correct, then Missouri is expected to experience a frigid and wet fall, while Illinois is forecast to have a frosty and wet season.

Police cut ties with 1st Phorm after founders rant against female cops

This forecast extends to other regions as well. The North Central region may face frigid temperatures with significant snowfall and rain. Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, and parts of Louisiana are advised to prepare for brisk temperatures and ample precipitation, including snow at higher elevations.

The reliability of such long-range forecasts is often dubious. Both the Farmers Almanac and its competitor, the Old Farmers Almanac, claim an 80% accuracy rate for their traditional forecasting methods. However, studies have shown their predictions to be only slightly better than chance.

An analysis of the Old Farmers Almanacs forecasts for Indianapolis over the past five years revealed only 4 out of 10 correct temperature and precipitation predictions. The Farmers Almanac fared even worse, with 0 out of 10 correct predictions for the same location and period.

Meteorologists and climate scientists typically rely on more scientifically rigorous forecasting methods. Local news stations, such as FOX 2 and KPLR 11, generally release their long-range winter weather outlooks later in the fall, using more current data and established meteorological practices.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTNH)  A Farmington man is facing 30 years in prison for sexual assault according to the Hartford District Attorneys office.

The court documents said that David Olivo, 43, sexually assaulted two minors, one in July of 2020 and one in February of 2021. Both victims were people that he knew.

He was found guilty in July of two counts of sexual assault in the second degree, one count of sexual assault in the fourth degree and two counts of risk of injury to a minor.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Istanbul  The father of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American activist whom Israel admits was likely killed by one of its soldiers a week ago, suggested ahead of her funeral that the U.S. government was deliberately avoiding a direct investigation into its close ally's actions out of bias. Mehmet Suat Eygi renewed on Thursday his family's call for American authorities to launch an investigation into her killing, two days before his daughter was scheduled to be buried in Turkey's Aegean coastal town of Didim.

The bereaved father thanked Turkey for not abandoning the case of what he referred to as his daughter's "arbitrary murder."

The Turkish Justice Ministry announced an investigation into Eygi's killing earlier this week. Her father, speaking during a Thursday memorial gathering in Turkey where friends and family came to express their condolences, said the family still expected the same from the U.S. government.

Mehmet Suat Eygi (C) father of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was shot dead in the West Bank, sits between her uncle Yilmaz Eygi (L) and her cousin Bahar Tkk, as he speaks to media near the house of her grandfather in the Didim district of Aydin, Turkey, Sept. 12, 2024. / Credit: OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty

Eygi's father argued that the U.S. would typically investigate the killing of one of its citizens like "an eagle on its emblem," but he said when it comes to Israel, "there is an attempt to evade the issue."

Eygi was shot in the head near an Israeli settlement near Nablus, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on Sept. 6. She'd just attended a scheduled protest alongside other activists and Palestinians, but eyewitnesses said she was shot by an Israeli soldier after the protest, which, as they often do, saw demonstrators clash with Israeli forces. She was shot once in the head as she stood under an olive tree.

The Israel Defense Forces said earlier this week that its initial investigation showed it was "highly likely" Eygi was "hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator" of what it called a riot.

Aysenur Eygi, 26, a U.S.-Turkish dual national, was killed during protests against Israeli settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Sept. 6, 2024. / Credit: CBS News/Family handout

Eygi was a member of the International Solidarity Movement, a group that has organized protests against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the treatment of Palestinians since before the current war in Gaza began. That war has fueled a surge in violence in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinians and seized their property.

According to the Palestinian health ministry in the West Bank, Israeli troops or settlers have killed more than 660 Palestinians in the occupied territory since October. The United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says more than 2,300 people have been displaced from their homes since the beginning of the year alone due to "the demolition of Palestinian-owned structures" in the West Bank.

According to Israeli officials, at least 23 people have been killed in attacks by Palestinians in the West Bank, including members of the security forces, since October.

Eygi's family had already called for a U.S. investigation into her killing in a statement posted on social media last week, saying she "was peacefully standing for justice when she was killed" by Israeli forces.

The statement called on "President Biden, Vice President [Kamala] Harris and Secretary of State [Antony] Blinken to order an independent investigation into the unlawful killing of a U.S. citizen and to ensure full accountability for the guilty parties."

The investigation in Turkey, authorized under a law pertaining to the handling of crimes committed against Turkish nationals abroad, will treat Eygi's death as a "premediated murder," which is classified by the country's justice system as a crime against humanity, according to Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency.

Turkey will also seek international arrest warrants for those responsible for Eygi's killing, Turkey's Minister of Justice Yilmaz Tunc said.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Israel for what he called the "heinous" murder and vowed to take all available legal action to "avenge" her death.

President Biden said in statement that he was "outraged and deeply saddened" by Eygi's killing, but U.S. officials have not announced any independent probe into her death, despite calls from a few Democratic lawmakers for one.

Mr. Biden said U.S. authorities had full access to the Israeli military's investigation, and that they would remain in contact with Israeli and Palestinian authorities as their investigations continued.

Senator Patty Murray and Representative Pramila Jayapal sent a letter to Mr. Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting an "immediate, transparent, credible and thorough independent U.S. investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)"

Senator Maria Cantwell has also called for an independent U.S. probe into the incident. Both senators and Rep. Jayapal are Democrats who represent Washington state, where Aysenur Eygi was a resident.

Eygi's father described the deep pain his family was going through Thursday and remembered his daughter as "a dedicated advocate for human rights and the environment."

Trump doubles down on Springfield pet-eating comments, calls for Ohio mass deportations

Boeing Starliner crew speaks out on space stay into 2025

Boeing employees reject contract offer, walk off the job by the thousands
Faulkner Hospital nurses may strike if new contract is not reached, union says

Approximately 500 registered nurses at Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital may strike if a new contract is not reached, union officials said.

Its unclear when a strike could happen, but the deadline for a new contract is Monday. Faulkner Hospital in Boston is part of the Mass General Brigham system.

Faulkner nurses voted on July 25 to authorize a potential one-day strike. Issues at hand include unsafe staffing and patient safety issues and wage parity. Nurses at Faulkner Hospital currently make significantly less than nurses at Brigham and Womens Hospital, according to the nurses union.

After months of negotiations, MGB would not provide Faulkner nurses wage parity with Brigham and Womens Hospital nurses, and thereby failed to address longstanding unsafe staffing and patient safety issues, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the union representing the nurses, said in a statement.

If scheduled, the one-day strike date will be announced to the public once the hospital has been given the 10-day notice required by law, according to the union. Faulkner nurses would then plan to hold a 24-hour strike unless Faulkner agreed to a fair contract by that strike date.

Faulkner nurses have waited far too long for the respect and safe patient care conditions they deserve, Dan Rec, a Faulkner RN and co-chair of the MNA Bargaining Committee, said in a statement. We are seeking to halt the negative pattern of Faulkner nurses receiving non-competitive pay, leading to understaffing, danger, and stress.

In a statement, a Mass General Brigham spokesperson said, We have been negotiating with the union since the fall of 2023 and have participated in 12 sessions with the Massachusetts Nursing Association to date, along with a federal mediator during our last session. We have made progress, including offering a considerable increase in wages for our nurses.

Our focus remains on supporting our nurses during the negotiation process while providing high-quality, safe care for our patients. If a strike does take place, we are positioned to provide the care our patients expect, the Mass General Brigham spokesperson said.

Regarding wage parity, the Mass General Brigham spokesperson said, Within Mass General Brigham, we are fortunate to have both academic medical centers and community hospitals. Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital is licensed as a community hospital, with lower reimbursements from the insurance carriers and less specialized care offerings. The nursing salary scales reflect these differences. Regardless of site of care, all of nurses provide compassionate, high-quality care. We are committed to staff recruitment and retention in support of safe patient care, which is our top priority.

We deeply value the contributions of our nurses in meeting the needs of our patients and their loved ones and continue to negotiate in good faith, the hospital spokesperson said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WVNS)  A Fayette County man was sentenced for forgery of a public record.

Former elementary school counselor sentenced to prison for child pornography

According to a post on the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for Fayette County West Virginias Facebook page, 43-year-old Gary R. Criss of Hilltop was sentenced on August 26, 2024, to two to ten years in prison for the felony offense of forgery of a public record.

Criss will need to spend at least two years in prison before he becomes eligible for parole.

The post stated that an Oak Hill Police Officer arrested Criss on an unrelated charge in April 2022. When he was arrested, Criss gave members of law enforcement a name and information that was later revealed to be the information of a person who lived in Sacramento, California.

Man arrested in Nicholas County murder investigation

The Oak Hill Police Department then processed Criss with the false information, and Criss later signed legal documents with the information of the person from California.

The use of the false identity was discovered during processing, and the Facebook post stated that Criss told members of law enforcement about the forgery and that he used the information due to thinking he had outstanding warrants.

The Oak Hill Police Department investigated the incident.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
(Bloomberg) -- A Philippine pastor and staunch ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte pleaded not guilty to charges of human trafficking and sexual abuse of a minor, his lawyer said on Friday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Apollo Quiboloy, whos on the Federal Bureau of Investigations most-wanted list since 2022, was arraigned in two local courts for the separate charges, which come days after his arrest in his 30-hectare enclave in southern Davao City. The pre-trial hearings for Quiboloy are set for next month, his lawyer, Israelito Torreon told reporters.

Quiboloy, wearing a bullet proof vest and helmet as he was ushered in by police to one of the courts, is wanted by the FBI for alleged sexual abuse, human trafficking and smuggling. He had denied all charges.

Founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church who claims to be the son of God, the 74-year-old preacher is Dutertes spiritual adviser.

Read: FBI-Most Wanted Pastors Arrest Puts Duterte on Defensive

The former Philippine leader had filed cases of malicious mischief against the government and the police for malicious mischief shortly after Quiboloys Sept. 8 arrest.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
In a legal settlement stemming from a right-wing lawsuit, the Fearless Fund, an investment group geared toward women of color, has agreed to end its grant program for Black women.

The news, announced Wednesday, prevents this particular lawsuit from making its way to the Supreme Court, where the conservative majority could have used it to curtail race-based funding  thats what civil rights attorney Ben Crump told The Associated Press. And Arian Simone, who runs the fund, said the organization intends to continue assisting under-resourced entrepreneurs.

Arian Simone at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans in July.

But for now, the settlement should be seen as a victory for conservatives whove attacked programs designed to assist Black Americans and other people of color. The suit against the Fearless Fund was led by conservative activist Edward Blums group, the same group whose suit resulted in the Supreme Courts banning race-conscious college admissions policies (and were already beginning to see the negative impacts of that ruling). As Slate explains, Blum appears to be on a quest to crush racial justice in the U.S. via the court system.

For decades, Black conservatives like Clarence Thomas, Shelby Steele and Larry Elder have preached about the need for Black folks to lift themselves up by their bootstraps. And yet the Fearless Fund was designed to do exactly that. Now its bootstraps have been essentially cut by right-wing lawyers because it was engaging in the very capitalism and intra-communal uplift conservatives have urged Black folks to embrace for decades.

So Blums latest win has shown all those books and op-eds by Black conservatives over the years  who insisted their movement stands for personal responsibility over so-called government handouts  arent good for much more than kindling.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Rain Parrish, a 22-year-old from Portland, hugs her pink bunny Usagi. Parrish, who spent nearly 16 years in Oregon's foster care system, shared her experiences in a court hearing on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 when the Oregon Department of Human Services settled a class-action lawsuit. (Ben Botkin/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Rain Parrish, a 22-year-old from Portland, hugs her pink bunny Usagi. Parrish, who spent nearly 16 years in Oregon's foster care system, shared her experiences in a court hearing on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 when the Oregon Department of Human Services settled a class-action lawsuit. (Ben Botkin/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

EUGENE  They were shuffled from foster home to foster home, physically abused and emotionally scarred.

On Thursday, they spoke out on behalf of Oregons 4,500 children in the states foster care system in a federal courtroom in Eugene. The four-hour hearing represented the final step in settling a five-year class action lawsuit that advocacy groups for children brought against the Oregon Department of Human Services, which runs the states foster care system. Called a fairness hearing, the event gave current and former foster children an opportunity to testify about the proposed settlement.

After their testimony, U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken approved the settlement agreement, which requires the state agency to work with Disability Rights Oregon and A Better Childhood, a national nonprofit advocacy group, on improving the beleaguered system, which has faced widespread criticism and scrutiny for moving vulnerable children to questionable out-of-state facilities, shuffling them to hotels and hiring outside contractors like Dynamic Life without adequate vetting.

In the months ahead, the state and advocates will map out the specific goals and benchmarks for improvements with Kevin Ryan, a neutral expert who has done similar work in lawsuit settlements in Oklahoma, Michigan and New Jersey, where he started his career in 2002. In New Jersey, Ryan led efforts to modernize and improve an antiquated system that relied upon post-it notes to track children.

For Ryan, advocates and the nearly 3,600 state child welfare employees in the agency, the goal will be to give children a better life than that of Rain Parrish, a 22-year-old in Portland who spent nearly 16 years in the system.

Hugging her stuffed pink bunny, named Usagi, Parrish spoke to the court about her life in 25 different homes and the neglect and molestation she endured.

It was never OK, and when they were done with me, I was moved to the next home like a library book, said Parrish, who agreed to let the Capital Chronicle publish her full name.

Parrish struggled to connect with people and said she attempted suicide three times and suffered from flashbacks.

As with all three witnesses, Aiken, a former juvenile judge, thanked her for sharing her story and encouraged her.

Just dont quit on yourself, Aiken said.

Im trying but its really hard, Parrish responded.

Aiken lamented that the same problems she heard in courtrooms in the 1990s persist today. But children and former children in the system can make an impact, Aiken said.

You need to tell your story, Aiken said. It needs to be written.

Long-running case

In 2019, the lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene.

The lawsuit alleged the Oregon Department of Human Services, agency director Fariborz Pakseresht and the child welfare system failed to keep foster children safe from trauma such as frequent moves among foster homes and a lack of appropriate therapy and other services.

The case started based upon the accounts of 10 current and former children in the foster care system. A federal judge granted it class-action status in 2022.

The personal experiences of emotionally bruised children have been central to the case. At the time of the filing, then-3-year-old Wyatt and his 18-month-old brother Noah suffered from being frequently shuffled among homes and eventually separation. Wyatt had outbursts with kicking, hitting and screaming. Noah had night terrors and needed constant attention.

Another foster care child, Norman, was 17 when the case started. He moved through at least 50 locations, including an Idaho facility where he was placed in restraints by staff and assaulted by other youth. He also did not get the mental health services he needed  and was not allowed to observe his Native American cultural traditions, including growing out his hair.

The harms done cannot be undone, advocates say. So rather than seeking money, the lawsuit pressed the state to change the system to prevent more children from being abused and neglected because the system failed them. For five years, attorneys representing the state fought the case in court and tried to get it dismissed, an effort that will cost the state at least $18 million in legal fees, primarily from the Markowitz Herbold law firm in Portland.

On Thursday, Aiken, the judge, lamented that the case had taken so long to resolve.

The waste of time to get to the point where we can start making a difference bothers me extraordinarily, Aiken said. And its long overdue.

Whitney, a former foster child who requested only her first name be used, echoed that sentiment in her testimony. Before she aged out of foster care in 2021, she said she was placed in unnecessary restraints while in care and received improper adult doses of psychiatric medications. It led to stomach ulcers.

It feels like five years of nothing for the state to agree to improve a system we already know is failing, Whitney said in her testimony.

Long road ahead

Improving the system could take up to 12 years.

The experts first review is due by April 20, 2025, and it will include the goals the state has to meet. Ryan, the expert, told the court hell read through all the case filings and start working with the state to identify the targets.

He said the settlement will require a high level of collaboration and interaction with the agency.

Hell continue to produce annual reviews until he determines the Oregon Department of Human Services is in compliance with the goals  or after 10 years, whichever comes first. The expert could recommend an extension of up to two years beyond that.

Emily Cooper, legal director for Disability Rights Oregon, said the agreement allows the foster children to return to court if they dont feel adequate progress is being made.

I think there was a wide, vast difference in understanding the problem and what the solution to the problem would be, Cooper said in an interview, reflecting on the five-year case.

After the hearing, Oregon Child Welfare Director Aprille Flint-Gerner told reporters she wishes the case could have been settled sooner. But five years ago, the state didnt have the pieces in place for the settlement, like a data system, she said.

As much as it was an expensive case to get through, it is a negotiated process, she said.

Young people and others need to be at the table and telling the agency when they do things right and wrong, Flint-Gerner said.

We have to keep working at making sure that we get to a place where their bravery around sharing those stories is not taken for granted, she said. I think that they are extraordinarily brave for coming here today and sharing those stories and reliving some really painful experiences.

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NEW YORK  Accused Mexican drug kingpin Ismael El Mayo Zambada Garcia is too dangerous to see the outside of a jail cell as he awaits trial for multiple narco-trafficking charges, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn said Friday.

Zambada, 76, who co-founded the Sinaloa cartel, pleaded not guilty to 17 counts related to running the notorious drug empire  making his first appearance in the same courthouse where El Chapo was convicted in 2019. As the case progresses, he will also face the same judge that oversaw Chapos trial.

He has made it his business to evade capture. His release would guarantee his flight, Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Navarro said Friday. A United States jail cell is the only thing that will prevent the defendant from committing further crimes.

Brooklyn Federal Court Magistrate Judge James Cho ordered he be held without bail.

He and Joaquin El Chapo Guzman formed a partnership that led to the transformation of the Sinaloa Cartel into one of the largest drug trafficking organizations in the world, prosecutors wrote in a Thursday court filing.

Said Navarro, He was one of the most, if not the most powerful narcotics kingpins in the world. Hes responsible for flooding the U.S. with fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs.

Zambada controlled, and may still control, a veritable army of cartel members, Navarro said. Assassinations, kidnapping, torture and bribery have all been tools of the trade for the defendant.

The top charge against him, which is death-penalty eligible, carries a mandatory term of life in prison.

Zambada was arrested after he was lured onto a private plane with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of El Chapos sons, and flown to El Paso on July 25. Zambadas lawyer, Frank Perez, has said that El Chapos son kidnapped Zambada and forced him onto the plane, bound with a black bag over his head.

His capture has lead to a treason investigation in Mexico, since under Mexican law, treason includes kidnapping someone and shipping them to another country.

The U.S. government was offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Zambadas capture. He has been indicted U.S. courts no fewer than 16 times over the past two decades, according to court filings.

Speaking to reporters in Spanish and English, Perez said Zambada was in good health and spirits, and expects to take the case to trial. He didnt comment further about his earlier remarks on Zambadas arrest.

El Chapo was convicted and sentenced to life plus 30 years, after a blockbuster trial in Brooklyn. The jury found Chapo trafficked more than 150 tons of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana into the U.S. while generating billions in profit and conspiring to commit murder.

Though Cho presided over his arraignment Friday, District Judge Brian Cogan, who oversaw Chapos trial, will handle the case going forward.

Federal prosecutors are requesting the case be designated a complex prosecution, since the alleged crimes span several decades and the mountains of documents and potential evidence in the case will likely include classified material.

-------
The "SIMA Imza" mobile application, developed by "AzInTelecom" LLC under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, has now surpassed 2 million downloads, Azernews reports.

Launched in 2022, the app provides citizens, private entrepreneurs, and legal entities with access to the SIMA new generation digital signature. Featuring advanced artificial intelligence and biometric identification, SIMA enhances the reliability of electronic signatures while encryption technology safeguards against misuse.

More than 50 institutions have already digitalized their services using "SIMA Signature," which is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature. The app provides access to around 150 state electronic portals, with integration efforts ongoing with over 100 institutions across various sectors.

"SIMA Imza" has eliminated the need for citizens and institutions to visit service centers for electronic signatures. Now, users can obtain a digital signature via their smartphones at any time, anywhere with internet access. The process involves downloading the "SIMA Imza" app and registering with an ID card in just one minute.

The "SIMA Signature" system can be integrated into any platform, offering institutions an unlimited number of signatures while saving time and reducing costs. This eliminates the need for additional staff, paper documents, and physical applications, thus accelerating the countrys digital transformation. The app also enhances citizen satisfaction and supports the concept of digital government through public-private partnerships.

For more information about the SIMA new generation digital signature, visit www.sima.az or contact the "157" Call Center.
Minneapolis man cuts living expenses in half by moving Mexico at 54  but says retiring abroad comes with challenges

Minneapolis man cuts living expenses in half by moving Mexico at 54  but says retiring abroad comes with challenges

Americans aged 65 to 74 have a median retirement savings balance of $200,000, says the Federal Reserve. Even with Social Security, thats not a huge amount of money.

Don't miss

Facing limited savings and increasing costs, many older Americans are choosing to move abroad. Such was the decision Mark LeGeros, now 65, made 11 years ago, as reported by Business Insider.

LeGeros moved from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where hes now retired and living off of his IRA. LeGeros has yet to claim Social Security, and hes able to manage because his living costs are about 50% cheaper than they would be back in Minnesota.

But while living abroad has allowed LeGeros to stretch his savings, its also presented him with challenges  heres what you need to know before retiring in another country.

Why Americans are retiring abroad

The Social Security Administration reports that more than 760,000 older Americans are receiving benefits abroad. And its easy to see why so many opt to go this route.

First, the cost of living can be cheaper across the board. Of course, this depends on your destination of choice. But LeGeros pays about $600 a month for an apartment in Puerto Vallarta, compared to the median $1,500 rental price in Minneapolis, according to Zillow. He acknowledges that while his IRA provides him with plenty of income given his current expenses, it wouldnt be easy to live off his savings back in the U.S.

Theres also health care to consider. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient care, is $174.70 in 2024, or almost $2,100 per year. And thats in addition to whatever premium costs come with Part D, a necessary add-on for drug coverage.

In Mexico, people with a temporary or permanent visa can apply for coverage under the Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico's national health care program. The cost there is roughly $500 per year for residents of the country.

Read more: These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America's net worth ladder in 2024  and you can complete each step within minutes. Here's how

Story continues

The challenges of retiring abroad

There may be cost savings to retiring in another country, but that doesnt mean you wont face other challenges. For one thing, if you dont speak the language, that right there could prove difficult. And while you can always learn, you may feel like youve never quite mastered it. If thats the case, you may be limited to living in larger cities abroad where English is more prevalent, which could eat into your savings.

There are also social and cultural challenges you might encounter. LeGeros told Business Insider he struggled with social interactions and knowing when to show up for events. He also pointed out that drivers arent as cautious in Mexico as what hes used to, and that as a cyclist, he was hit by a car and nearly lost a leg.

Access to health care might also be a challenge abroad, even if its affordable. And language barriers could become problematic in the context of managing medical conditions. Theres also the quality of care to consider. In some cases, it may be superior to that of the U.S., but thats not a given. And at a time in life when health issues tend to arise, thats taking a big risk.

Finally, retiring abroad can be difficult if youre leaving behind loved ones and a support system. It can be even harder to build a social network when you dont speak the language or have a completely different background than those around you that makes it harder to fit in.

This isnt to say that these challenges cant be overcome. But do plenty of research before you decide to retire abroad, because its not necessarily as glamorous as it might seem. And before you commit, try living somewhere new for three or four months to see how it goes. That way, youll have an out if it doesnt live up to your expectations.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with 139 dairy herds throughout a dozen states. (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Public health officials are still trying to determine how a Missouri resident contracted bird flu without having any contact with infected animals, but said Thursday there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission taking place in small enclaves or in a more widespread manner.

The Missouri case marked the 14th person to contract highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, this year amid ongoing outbreaks among poultry and dairy cattle, though it marks the first time someone without contact to those animals was diagnosed with the virus.

Nirav Shah, principal deputy director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said on a call with reporters the evidence points to this being a one-off case, and those do happen with novel influenza.

Thus far, we have not seen any evidence of unusual levels of influenza activity in the area where this individual resides, Shah said during the hour-long briefing. There have been no increases in the volume of visits to emergency departments for influenza and no increase in laboratory detections of influenza cases in Missouri more broadly.

The states public health laboratory, he said, is subtyping all positive cases of Influenza A, following the CDC recommending ongoing detailed surveillance this spring.

The practice is how doctors and public health officials confirmed this case and would likely be how they diagnose any uptick in cases in the future in the overwhelming number states that are taking the extra step of subtyping, he said.

There are several types of influenza virus that are classified by the letters A, B, C and D. The viruses within the influenza A category are further categorized or subtyped based on the proteins hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are at least 130 combinations of subtypes within Influenza A, according to the CDC.

So heres the bottom line, our influenza surveillance system is designed to find needles in haystacks, Shah said. And as this case and others show, it is working. And here, in this case, we found such a needle, but we dont know how it got there.

The Missouri patient, who has significant underlying medical conditions, was admitted to a hospital on Aug. 22 after presenting to health care providers with acute symptoms of chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness, according to the CDC. The patient is not being identified out of privacy concerns.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced the diagnosis on Sept. 4, as did the CDC in a separate statement.

Missouri DHSS noted the patient had recovered and been sent home from the hospital, while the CDC pointed out that the state has reported cases of H5N1 in commercial and backyard poultry flocks this year.

The patient hadnt been in contact with any livestock or poultry and didnt indicate in a detailed questionnaire that they had consumed any food products, like raw milk, that could have potentially transmitted the virus.

Shah said on the call that public health officials are technically classifying this as a case of H5 and not H5N1 as they work to sequence the virus more fully, though that might not be possible.

The CDC has begun classifying the virus genetic sequence, but since the patients viral RNA levels were extremely low the agency may not be able to generate a full flu genome, including the neuraminidase or the N part of the virus, he said.

Were throwing everything weve got at this, but ultimately a full sequence may not be technically feasible because of the low concentration of viral RNA, Shah said. The data that we do have and that have been generated thus far show an H5 virus that is closely related to the (H5N1) virus circulating among dairy cows.

The CDC, he said, is continuing to look for evidence of genetic changes that would suggest, for example, an increased potential for spread. None have yet been found.

Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at CDC, said the risk to the general public from bird flu remains low.

We assess risk continuously with every case and with every sort of change, and we continue to look at it as low, Daskalakis said. If there are changes, we would reassess that risk in real time.

While the CDC investigation is ongoing, Shah said the further out from the case public health officials get without seeing any new diagnosis, the less likely they become.

We are beyond the typical 10-day window for transmission, Shah said. And so with each passing day, the likelihood of this being something thats happening deep underwater goes down.
(NewsNation)  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kerkhoff Muyskens was the lead prosecutor for more than 230 cases from mass arrests of protesters made near Donald Trumps 2017 inauguration. The defendants included many who were not protesting, including six journalists. One of them, Alexei Wood, tells Dan Abrams Live about being acquitted after a five-week trial, and how the vast majority of those arrested had their cases tossed. Kerkhoff Muyskens is now accused of official misconduct, including using edited video from Project Veritas as evidence against those who were arrested.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
More than two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, there remains little consensus among Republican politicians or conservative activists as to what, exactly, the policy response should beor what the purpose of the movement even was in the first place. Is the Constitution simply agnostic on abortion, such that principles of federalism commit this question to the judgment of each individual state, or is the plight of the unborn too dire a matter to simply let Texas be Texas and California be California? At the debate Tuesday night, even Donald Trump seemed unsure of his own mind on the issue, insisting that he opposed a national abortion ban but then repeatedly declining invitations to say hed veto the legislation if it reached his desk.

In his concurrence in the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision striking down Roe and Casey, Justice Brett Kavanaugh articulated the traditional position of the conservative legal movementthe position the Federalist Society was established to forward: The Constitution leaves the issue of abortion for the people and their elected representatives to resolve through the democratic process in the States or Congress. Per Kavanaugh, the Courts decision [in Dobbs] does not outlaw abortion throughout the United States. On the contrary, the Courts decision properly leaves the question of abortion for the people and their elected representatives in the democratic process. Dobbs therefore does not prevent the numerous States that readily allow abortion from continuing to readily allow abortion.

But not all those who cheered the result are satisfied with Kavanaughs compromise, under which federalism allows Illinois to permit abortion freely while Florida bans it after six weeks of pregnancy. Soon after Dobbs, Sen. Lindsey Graham proposed a national 15-week ban, with the support of a number of prominent Republicans, including Josh Hawley, Marco Rubio, and future vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance.

The core conservative critique of Roe was always that it was bad law because the federal government, and particularly federal judges, simply do not have the power to set abortion policy either way. As Judge Robert Bork explained, not only did I have no desire to [ban abortion], but I had no power to do it. If you overrule Roe v. Wade, abortion does not become illegal. State legislatures take on the subject. When the Supreme Court upheld the federal ban on partial-birth abortion, Justices Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia filed a concurring opinion suggesting that, if the pro-choice lawyers had actually thought to make a federalism argument about the limits of the federal governments power to regulate abortion, they might have actually voted for them. The new push for a national abortion ban from the right falls prey to precisely the critique leveled against Roe for decades: that this isnt actually any of the federal governments business either way.

Trump squares the federalism circle by continuing to insist that, as he reiterated at the debate, Every legal scholar, every Democrat, every Republican, liberal, conservative, they all wanted this issue to be brought back to the states. This is, of course, simply not true. There have been a token handful of liberal critics of Roe over the years. John Hart Ely famously objected that the decision was not constitutional law and gives almost no sense of an obligation to try to be. This does not dissuade the former president from claiming otherwise with the confidence of the real estate agent who insists the crumbling wood beams right in front of your eyes definitely arent suffering from termite damage.

It turns out Schoolhouse Rock! covered the separation of powers and the legislative process, but never got around to federalism, so a brief refresher for those who didnt pay attention to the civics education their high school probably didnt provide: Each stateCalifornia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, even Connecticutis a separate and independent sovereign entitled to write its own laws and govern its own affairs. The 13 colonies of the original American revolution were separate colonies, with separate governments. The United States is a union of those sovereigns, which conceded some of their governmental authority to the overarching federal government. The Constitution defines that federal government as expressly limited to its specific enumerated authorities and powersit would provide for common defense, and a common economic market (what we would now think of as a free trade zone) but respect each states prerogative over local affairs. In other words, the federal government was responsible for interstate and international affairs, and the internal affairs of states were to be handled internally.

Much of this still holdsmost of the law governing the day-to-day affairs of most people reading this is state law: marriages, child custody, wills and trusts, murder and rape and robbery, car accidents and medical malpracticeall are up to the jurisdiction where you live. The scope of the federal government was intended to be much smaller, but has metastasized over the centuries, both gradually but also in two particularly big jumps: first after the Civil War, when the federal government first began actively protecting certain civil rights in states that declined to respect them, and most importantly during the New Deal when the Supreme Court transfigured the Constitutions Commerce Clause from its intended role as a regulation of trade between jurisdictions into a general authority to regulate anything that might count as economic activity by some definition.

Incredulity at this overreading of federal authority was a foundational premise of the conservative legal movement. Many of its early successes involved explicitly curtailing the old New Deal consensus that federal power is, for all practical purposes, unlimited. Indeed, many of its recent successes have derived from the same premise: that the federal governments regulatory authority over local affairs must be circumscribed, particularly where it reaches beyond the responsibilities Congress has actually entrusted to it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesnt get to unilaterally declare itself the nations rental housing regulator. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration doesnt get to invent some new authority to mandate mass vaccination as some supposedly natural extension of their authority to regulate the height and stability of railings on catwalks (disclosure: I worked on one of the cases responsible for blocking the OSHA mandate that would have required workers to be vaccinated or tested weekly for COVID). When a bitter wife attempts to poison her husbands pregnant mistress with photo development chemicals ordered from Amazon, thats a boring local attempted murder or assault, as much as federal prosecutors might enjoy treating it as a terrorist attack under the Chemical Weapons Convention (yes, that is a real case).

The beauty (and for some, the horror) of federalism is it sauces both goose and gander. In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which created the modern background check system for firearms purchases, under which the dealer must run your name against the federal governments national database to check if you are ineligible to buy the gun. But there was a problem: No such national database existedthis was 1993, the World Wide Web had been available to the general public for only a few months. For the five years it took the FBI to figure that out, the Brady Act provided that gun dealers would submit the background check forms to local law enforcement, who were required to perform the background check using whatever local or state records they had available. Sheriff Jay Printz of Ravalli County, Montana, objected to this arrangement, and the Supreme Court agreed with him, finding that the federal government may not commandeer local officials to do its workit can ask nicely, and provide incentives (usually big piles of money), but law enforcement and other local and state officials work for their state and local governments and are not answerable to the president or Congress.

Conservatives quite liked that decision. They were less excited when law enforcement in progressive jurisdictions started announcing they would decline to participate in federal immigration enforcementthat they would be sanctuary cities, where people in the country illegally could interact with local police without worrying theyd be turned over to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. But this is the same principle: The cops in San Francisco and Chicago dont work for the federal government, and therefore the federal government is not entitled to demand any particular assistance from them. There are limits to thismainly that local officials are not entitled to obstruct immigration enforcement. But neither could Sheriff Printz obstruct the enforcement of federal firearms lawsthe feds couldnt make him lift a finger to do the background check himself, but he couldnt stand in the way of their own enforcement actions.

One can still see the pre-New Deal understanding of the federal governments intended role in various vestigial statutes. Transportation workersrail, airlines, etc.are not covered by the 1935 National Labor Relations Act that protects union organizing for other private sector workers. Instead they are governed by the earlier Railway Labor Act, which was limited to workers engaged in interstate commerce like, well, trains because thats all the federal government was understood to be able to regulate in 1926. The Federal Arbitration Act puts a strong thumb on the scales in favor of arbitration agreements, but carves out contracts of employment of seamen, railroad employees, or other classes of workers engaged in interstate commerce, because those are the only employees the 1925 Congress actually thought it could have an opinion about. Many pro-life conservatives are currently quite excited about the Comstock Act, a 19th century law that by its terms bans Every article or thing designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion from being sent through the mail. The Biden administrations Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion soon after Dobbs insisting the Comstock Act doesnt mean what it sounds like it meansthat mailing mifepristone might already be a federal crimebecause it was only ever understood to apply to illegal abortifacients, not FDA-approved drugs. Trump has actually sided with the Biden administration on this point.

America is a big placeroughly 90 percent of the landmass of the entire European Union, with about three quarters of the population. We are not ever going to all agree about anythingany more than the Czechs and the Estonians find themselves in unity. Federalism is an at-least partial solution to thisor can be, if we let it: There is a branch of the multiverse where California gets to be progressive and Texas gets to be conservative and we let a thousand freak-flag-shaped flowers bloom. There are of course things we all wish to govern nationally, like the First Amendment, and some things a strong consensus of Americans desires to govern nationally, like the civil rights laws against discrimination in housing and employment. But every issue we nationalize becomes a point on which we must either compromise with or dominate the other side.

Those issues we leave to local levels of control allow not just for disagreement and experimentation, but for what the economists would call exit and voice. If you object to Texas abortion ban or Californias Medicaid- and private insurance-covered abortions up to fetal viability, you can move to a place that better supports your values, and you can voice your preference by voting in your local elections (where your vote matters a great deal more)as large majorities have in favor of abortion at most opportunities since Dobbs.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Two men are facing federal charges after they allegedly brought migrants from Mexico to the United States, then held them for ransom in an attempt to get the migrants families to pay additional money on top of the cost of their transportation.

Darwin Jeovany Palma Pastrana, who also is known as Pasha, and Eduar Isrrael Sauceda Nunez brought migrants to Los Angeles County, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona and elsewhere, prosecutors said in a federal indictment that was first reported by Seamus Hughes Court Watch.

Upon the migrants arrival, their families were supposed to be contacted with instructions on how to pick up them up.

Instead, Palma and Sauceda would demand an additional payment, prosecutors said.

4 California men charged for allegedly taking migrants hostage, holding them for ransom

The scheme was more fully detailed in the indictment using Saucedas April 1 arrest in Norwalk as an example.

The day before, Sauceda brought a male victim and at least three others from Albuquerque to Southern California so the man could be reunited with his family.

On April 1, however, Palma informed Sauceda that the man still owed $1,500, and in the parking lot of a Norwalk Jack in the Box, Sauceda told the mans family that he wouldnt be released until he received that $1,500. Sauceda then drove away from the restaurant with the man still in the car.

The family was also told that without the money, the man would be returned to Mexico, where he might run into bad luck, the indictment adds.

Once Sauceda thought the family would pay, he returned to the Jack in the Box, only to spot law enforcement. Police pulled Sauceda over and found more than $9,000 in cash and evidence of money transfers in the vehicle, officials said.

In response, Palma threatened the mans family even more forcefully, sending messages containing they arrested my driver, you damn woman and Im going to kill you one way or another. Count your hours.

Officials did not detail if Palma actually retaliated before he was arrested in Albuquerque on May 21 at a residence in which 57 undocumented migrants were being detained, prosecutors said.

Palma and Sauceda face charges including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, threat by interstate communication and interstate communication containing demand or request for ransom, among other charges.

In a similar situation, five Southern California men were federally charged with kidnapping and holding migrants for ransom related to a 2023 scheme. If convicted on all charges, they could be sentenced to life 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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Prison bars file photo.

A corrections officer who had sex with an inmate at the federal prison in Milan brought him loose tobacco pouches to sell and a gold necklace, according to a plea agreement filed Thursday in U.S. District Court.

Cara Wozniak, 33, pleaded guilty to one count each of sexual abuse of a ward and providing contraband in prison. She faces a statutory maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison on the sexual abuse charge and up to six months on the contraband offense, according to the plea agreement.

She was indicted in May and is to be sentenced Feb. 5.

"Corrections Officers are entrusted with the critical responsibility of managing the security of our federal prisons. Ms. Wozniak's conduct in this case was an abuse of that trust and created a security risk for everyone at the institution. Sexual contact between inmates and Corrections Officers is never acceptable, nor is the smuggling of contraband into prison," U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison said in a news release Thursday announcing the plea.

Wozniak's attorney, Michael Rataj, had no comment Thursday.

As part of the plea agreement, Wozniak agreed not to seek employment with the federal Bureau of Prisons again.

More: Ex-Warren cop who assaulted city lockup detainee wanted him to apologize

She became a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan in November 2022, and received training that sexual interaction between guards and inmates and smuggling in contraband are prohibited. The facility is a low-security prison that houses male offenders.

Wozniak is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with an inmate in the prison twice last year, once in September and again in October, according to the plea agreement.

Several times last year, Wozniak also bought packages of loose tobacco from a smoke shop in Milan and smuggled them into the prison for the inmate. He wanted to sell the tobacco in prison to make money and offered to pay her for the contraband she brought in to him, according to the agreement.

In September, she bought a gold necklace that she secretly brought into the prison and gave to the inmate. The necklace and tobacco are prohibited items in the prison and are considered contraband.

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @challreporter.

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Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Feds: Corrections officer pleads guilty to having sex, bringing inmate contraband
Feds, irrigation district say keep your wheels off the silvery minnow

This article was first published by Source New Mexico. Read more at sourcenm.com.

A recent uptick in off-roading by trucks and other vehicles in the Rio Grande near Belen has prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the local irrigation district to issue a warning to the public: stop, or face further consequences.

The Rio Grande is currently drying between Albuquerque and Socorro, trapping fish in shallow waters and pools, including the endangered silvery minnow.

There is a tenuous strip of water in the river running in the Isleta reach south of Albuquerque, buoyed by federal releases of water imported from the San Juan-Chama Project and water leased from farmers in the area.

Further south, in the San Acacia reach between Belen and Socorro, an estimated 18 river miles are dry, with some reconnection along the river from rains.

With low waters, federal officials and local irrigation authority at the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District said theyre concerned that people driving off-road vehicles in the riverbed may be illegally killing and harassing the silvery minnow, in an Aug. 29 news release.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in the release that anyone performing an act that would harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect an animal protected under Endangered Species Act faces a fine up to $50,000, up to a year in prison, or both.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologists check a seine net for any live silvery minnows from a pull during fish rescue in June 2022.

We know that theyre there

This area is a crucial stretch of habitat for the endangered fish, which now only lives in the Rio Grande between Cochiti Dam and Elephant Butte Reservoir.

I can appreciate that its probably a really fun activity, but it does not coincide well with our attempts to manage that very critical ribbon of habitat for endangered species, Casey Ish said about the vehicle activity in the riverbed in Valencia County.

Ish, a Water Resources Specialist for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, said staff have seen anywhere from 40 to 50 vehicles in the riverbed on Friday or Saturday evenings in the summer.

At the end of the day, weve got vehicles driving up and down a river, and thats just not acceptable, Ish said.

Rivers and streams are not explicitly mentioned in state laws limiting off-highway vehicle use, but the law prohibits driving in structures used to water livestock and wildlife, or driving in a manner that has a direct negative effect on or interferes with persons engaged in agricultural practices.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish says on its website it is illegal to operate off-road vehicles in a way that damages environment, plants, animals or creates excessive noise.

Ish said the hope is that with new signs posted, the matter would not escalate to police involvement, but also said this has been a challenge in recent years.

Simply put, I think most of them probably know that its not allowed, but that that doesnt really deter them, Ish said.

With less water in the Rio Grande, silvery minnows have no room to flee from fast-moving vehicles, said Andy Dean, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist.

We found about 50 silvery minnow and right where tire tracks were going through, so we know that theyre there, said Dean, the head for the federal government of the New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office.

Another concern, he said, is that off-road drivers are trespassing on irrigation district lands or potentially polluting the remaining riverbed with fluids and oils.

Enforcement like this has not been tried before, Dean said. The first step is installing signs with warnings about the silvery minnow along the Rio Grande near Belen, to hopefully deter off-roaders.

If it doesnt work, then well probably ask law enforcement to start doing some regular patrols down there and start issuing citations, Dean said.

The minnow is the only reason we still have water

The Rio Grande silvery minnow is a small fish, about four inches long, often a shimmery green and yellow with a cream underbelly, with small eyes and a small mouth.

The minnow is the remnant of a wilder river, historically populating the Rio Grande from Espanola to the Gulf of Mexico. However, with loss of habitat from climate change, and human reshaping of the river alongside the minnows with a unique spawning technique and short lifespan, the fish remains on the edge of extinction.

WildEarth Guardians, a conservation nonprofit who has sued the federal government on behalf of the minnow, applauded the agency for taking steps to address threats to the endangered species.

WildEarth Guardians supports the effort to prohibit any habitat destruction, including off-road vehicle use near Belen, said Daniel Timmons, the Wild Rivers program director for the nonprofit. That said  off-road vehicles are not the primary threat to the silvery minnow. The more concerning thing is that the river is so dry that you can drive a four-wheeler through it.

Before the 1990s, River drying was rarer on the Rio Grande, but a combination of climate change lessening the snow supply and increased agricultural demand have exposed more sandbed, especially in the San Acacia reach, hurting the minnows survival.

Timmons said its crucial to understand that the river drying isnt solely climate change, but is human-driven from irrigation needs.

In particular its being diverted at Isleta by (Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District), he said. Its pretty clear from the gage data that theres a lot more water in the river above Isleta diversion dam than there is below it.

A 2023 review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service predicts that river-drying will continue, and be one of the largest threats to the minnows survival.

The silvery minnow is misunderstood, Dean said, saying that while its been framed as a detriment to farmers and ranchers, its the reason the river can be a wildspace in any capacity.

The minnow is the only reason we still have water in the river. If the minnow didnt exist in the river, there wouldnt be any regulatory ability for us to limit the amount of water that is taken out, Dean said. Its helping provide a corridor of recreation and a green portion of the valley.

Danielle Prokop covers the environment and local government in Southern New Mexico for Source NM.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Feds, irrigation district say keep your wheels off the silvery minnow
Doris Caldwell is a breast cancer survivor and resident of Spearfish. (Mark Watson/Black Hills Pioneer)

Cancer took so much from Doris Cardwell.

She and her family were uprooted from rural South Dakota in 2007 to treat her aggressive breast cancer diagnosis.

She spent over a year in treatment: enduring radiation, a mastectomy, and a hysterectomy to hold the cancer at bay.

Nearly 17 years since the disease was last found in her body, cancer keeps on taking. Cardwell is paying thousands of dollars out of pocket for breast imaging to ensure her cancer hasnt returned.

And its not just her. Its also her three daughters.

Cardwell, who lives in Spearfish, was 38 when she was diagnosed, so her daughters started screening when they were 28. Since their mother and grandmother were both diagnosed with breast cancer, theyre considered high-risk patients in need of more frequent and intense preventative screening than an annual mammogram. Depending on their age and insurance, their mammogram might be covered, but not other screening methods.

Cardwell feels guilty because her out-of-pocket costs for her semi-annual breast MRIs are between $3,000 and $5,000 a visit, and she knows her daughters are saddled with those same costs.

It feels like being punished for wanting to live a good life and catch things early, Cardwell said. As a mother, Im so thankful to be here and for the care I received that kept me alive, yet my heart breaks realizing how my daughters and grandchildren have to be physically and financially concerned.

Cardwells daughters are among the 15% of women who are classified as high risk for breast cancer. For women in the United States, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death.

Cardwell spoke to a legislative committee last winter in support of a bill that would prohibit health insurers from imposing cost-sharing on patients for supplemental and diagnostic breast cancer screenings. The committee rejected the bill, but she plans to speak to lawmakers again this winter since the bills sponsor, Sioux Falls Democratic Rep. Erin Healy, plans to introduce it during the 2025 session if she is reelected.

South Dakota was one of 23 states where the legislation was introduced this year. Twenty-six states have passed such a law.

A map of diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging legislation by state. (Courtesy of Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy)

Similar national measures are pending in Congress that would affect federally managed insurers.

The goal of all the bills is to make supplemental screenings as accessible and affordable as mammograms, which are required by the Affordable Care Act to be covered by insurers without cost sharing for women 40 and older.

High deductibles and copays can discourage patients from receiving breast cancer screenings and lead to worse breast cancer outcomes, according to a 2023 research article published in the journal Radiology.

Cardwell worked at a cancer treatment center after she went into remission, and she saw women who postponed follow-up testing because it was too expensive, she said.

In addition to high-risk patients, about half of women who are 40 or older have dense breasts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women with dense breasts have a higher chance of getting breast cancer, and because its hard to tell the difference between a tumor and dense breast tissue on a mammogram, a small tumor may be missed or a doctor might recommend a more intensive test such as an ultrasound or MRI.

The key is early detection reduces costs of treatment, and it increases survivability, Cardwell said. It just makes sense in my mind, as a cancer survivor, that providing that second line of screening will save money in the long run.

In 2020, 80.5% of South Dakota women between 50 and 74 years old had a mammogram within the last two years, which is slightly higher than the national rate of 78.3%. The percentage of Native American women reporting being up to date on their mammogram screening was 56.3%, according to the state Department of Health.

While there are programs to assist uninsured and underserved women, including in South Dakota, proponents like Cardwell say the programs only reach a fraction of eligible women.

Why last years bill in South Dakota didnt pass

There was over an hour of testimony and discussion about South Dakotas anti-cost-sharing bill during the last legislative sessions committee hearing.

Lobbyists representing insurers spoke in opposition, saying the bill could lead to higher premiums. Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield told South Dakota Searchlight in a written statement that the insurance company opposes health insurance coverage mandates in the Legislature.

Each added benefit can increase premiums for our members, potentially making it harder for individuals and families to afford the essential care they need, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield said. Our large network of providers allows us to improve access to care and, by working together, we strive to be transparent about costs, ensuring our members are informed and supported in their health care decisions.

Blake Severyn, a lobbyist representing the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota, spoke against the bill last legislative session and plans to do so again if it returns.

We sympathize with those affected by breast cancer, obviously, and this is one of those topics where its difficult to separate the sentimental aspect from the conversation, Severyn told Searchlight. Each mandate they consider could raise premiums for everyone statewide and were trying to avoid that. Were trying to keep premiums down for everybody.

Why is this coming back again?

Sometimes the Legislature needs to protect the public and protect women, Sioux Falls Democratic Rep. Erin Healy told South Dakota Searchlight. As more women require supplemental annual screenings, it just makes sense to cover it as preventative.

This is a really expensive screening and women cant afford it. Even with insurance it can be expensive, Healy said. If we know that this is going to prevent serious cancer, or if we know that its going to help women get the treatment they need sooner, I think it makes sense to intervene.

The bill is a priority for the South Dakota Advocacy Network for Women, a coalition advocating for womens policy issues. Melissa McCauley is the lobbyist for the organization.

I think its important to realize other states have realized this impacts womens health and are saving womens lives, McCauley said.

Rep. Erin Healy, D-Sioux Falls, speaks during a House State Affairs Committee meeting on Feb. 8, 2024 in the Capitol. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Healys mother died of breast cancer when the lawmaker was 19 years old. Its something Healy has had to carry with her as shes started a family with her husband. The 37-year-old will require preventative screening starting next year, based on her family history.

Her insurance will cover at least a portion of her screenings, and she expects shell be able to cover the rest of the cost.

My wish is that everyone, regardless of what kind of insurance they have, have the same opportunities people like me have been given, Healy said.

Healy was hesitant to bring the bill back to Pierre if shes reelected to the House of Representatives, until the Womens Advocacy Network prioritized it.

If its not the same bill, lets work on a better version so we can have better discussions, Healy said.

Cardwell plans to support the revived bill and continue speaking against barriers to screening and treatment for all cancers.

Cancer took a lot from her, she said, but it gave her things, too: empathy, patience, and most of all, perseverance.

Editors note: This article was updated to correct the spelling of Doris Cardwells name.

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Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the event where Tim Walz made a particularly spicy reference to JD Vance. It was during a speech in Philadelphia, not at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The article has been corrected.

- - -

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After Tuesday nights debate, as former president Donald Trump worked the reporters in the spin room in Philadelphia, Vice President Kamala Harriss TikTok team was busy appealing to a different crowd.

In the digital war room at campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Del., they hit the button on their piece de resistance shortly after midnight: A six-second video that mocked Trumps performance by showing his lectern inhabited by a laughably dramatic Dance Moms star. I thought I was ready to be back. I thought I was stronger than this but obviously Im not, she lamented. I wanna go home.

Viewed more than 7 million times, the video was produced by a small TikTok team - all 25 and under, some working their first jobs - given unfettered freedom to chase whatever they think will go viral. Over the past eight weeks, Harriss social media team has helped supercharge her campaign, harnessing the rhythms and absurdities of internet culture to create one of the most inventive and irreverent get-out-the-vote strategies in modern politics.

They have trolled Trump inside his own social network, Truth Social. They have made viral memes out of bags of Doritos and camouflage hats. In 2016, a single Hillary Clinton tweet might have required 12 staffers and 10 drafts; today, many of Harriss TikTok videos are conceived, created and posted in about half an hour.

This campaign empowers young people to speak to young people, said Parker Butler, the 24-year-old director of Harriss digital rapid response content, a team that watches all of Trumps speeches and can blast a clip onto social media at a moments notice. And were here to put in the work.

Trump also has leaped forcefully into social media, seeing it as critical to grabbing voters attention in an age of mass distraction. But while Trump has posted attacks on Harris intelligence, warnings of economic disaster and grim polemics about how Americas FUTURE IS AT STAKE - Were a nation in decline, he says in one video, holding handcuffs aloft. Nobody is safe. Absolutely nobody - the Harris team has adopted a more playful approach, chasing virality with snarky, upbeat and oddball content delivered at internet speed.

Trumps team has occasionally worked to mimic Harriss online energy, but with darker memes. This week, Trumps Truth Social account posted AI-generated images showing him saving cats from a crowd of dark-skinned men - a reference to the false claims that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are eating pets, which Trump repeated on the debate stage. In other images, cats hold up signs reading Dont Let Them Eat Us. Vote for Trump! and Kamala Hates Me.

Harriss digital rapid response team, as its called, is active on every major social platform, posting family photos on Facebook, hours-long speeches on YouTube and Spanish-language calls to action on WhatsApp. On debate night, they hosted live-streamed watch parties on Twitch, walloped Trumps untruths on Threads and X, and hyped Harriss most fiery lines on Instagram and TikTok. Minutes after she claimed Trump rallygoers leave his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom, her team posted the clip with the caption, Holy s---  She just cooked him, following up with a photo of Harris in a kitchen, smiling.

They really run it like a fan account, said Rachel Karten, a social media consultant who writes Link in Bio, a newsletter about online culture. Its not like its coming from a campaign. Its like: We talk like you. Even the caption is like: You have to watch this.

The online rollout has helped Harris circumvent the tough questions and uncertainties of the traditional political press, allowing her to reach millions of voters who turn to social media as a news source. By the time Harris sat for her first big TV interview as the Democratic nominee, she had already appeared in dozens of social media videos, giving direct-to-camera monologues about Roe v. Wade, chatting on the phone with the Obamas and talking with her running mate Tim Walz about White guy tacos and the guitar skills of Prince.

The approach seems to be paying off. The Harris campaign has gotten 100 million more views than Trump on TikTok, despite having half as many followers, according to an analysis of data from Zelf, an online measurement firm.

Its also gotten under Trumps skin. He posted a Truth Social video this month saying his campaign had the greatest social media program in history and that any claims of Harriss online success were misinformation: Shes not even a small fraction of what we do. But thats the way they do it, they lie. He has also, without evidence, accused her team of paying for fake followers. The Harris campaign responded, Rent free - as in, how theyre living, inside his head.

Campaign officials say the digital operation has seen success beyond social media. To some supporters, its a big reason the 59-year-old politician is generating interest among young voters.

Thats kind of like what charisma is today: Can you land well on the internet? Colton Wickland, 27, said at a rally in Milwaukee last month.

- - -

Create the news

Though only a small fraction of her campaigns 250-person digital operation, Harriss social media team is by far its most visible part, running all her accounts and watching for trend-worthy moments they can spotlight in real time.

Deputy campaign manager Rob Flaherty, who has described them as a pack of feral 25-year-olds, said the campaign started developing the strategy last year, worried voters had forgotten who Trump was and that the campaign needed a voice that was more aggressive and hard-hitting to remind them.

The team faces minimal content-approval checks and barring objection, were gonna go. Everything goes on a five-minute warning, Flaherty said. You just gotta trust your people. Our f---up ratio [is as low] as if there were 19 layers of approval.

A 13-person rapid-response team keeps a shared calendar of all major political events for both Republicans and Democrats and monitors them in shifts to ensure we are never not watching, said Butler, the teams manager. When an eye-catching moment happens - like when Trump said immigrants had poisoned the country - the team races to post a clip of it on social media, working shifts that sometimes go past midnight.

Campaigns are not just responding anymore, Butler said. Our job is to create the news.

Each of the teams social media strategists specializes in an individual platform, catering to its audience, subculture and slang. One strategist, for instance, is solely responsible for Facebook, where Butler said content for baby boomers thrives.

Lauren Kapp, 25, heads the five-person TikTok team. Every day, she wakes around 6:30 a.m. and starts scrolling the video app so she can be ready for their daily 9 a.m. meeting, when the team breaks down whats trending that day.

A few years ago, Butler and Kapp were both fresh graduates of what Kapp called the covid class. Butler, a high school debate champ in Texas during Trumps presidency, graduated from American University in 2020 and landed work as a video editor for Bidens campaign. Kapp, who struggled to find a job as a political correspondent after leaving University of California, Berkeley, was hired by the Democratic National Committee as a vertical video producer after building a midsize TikTok following under the username Poli Sci Princess.

Earlier this year, both shifted from the Democrats online operation to the Biden-Harris team, where their job is not to mimic the cinematic editing and high production values of traditional campaign ads but instead to behave like typical TikTok users: reposting other peoples videos, sharing memes and sound bites, and reacting to major news moments, such as the particularly spicy dig Walz took at Vance during a speech in Philadelphia (omg Tim Walz WENT THERE).

Theyve stitched Trump into clips that tee him up as a punchline and split-screen his comments on abortion alongside the mobile game Subway Surfers - a common TikTok tactic for keeping overstimulated viewers attention. One post ranked photos of Walz by aura points, TikTok slang for a measure of coolness. (Enjoying a state-fair ride with his daughter, Hope, was +23958 aura.)

The team records and edits the videos on their phones before sending them over Slack to Butler, who typically reviews and signs off in less than 15 minutes. It can look freewheeling, but the team treats its content strategy like a science. Kapp said she wont use any TikTok trending sound - the short audio clips that users can apply to their own videos - if its been used in more than 200,000 videos. People get bored very easily, she said.

After the Democratic convention, Kapp had just gotten home from Chicago and was trying to think of ways to emphasize Trumps links to the conservative policy doctrine Project 2025 when she opted for a wild juxtaposition: a niche TikTok meme of dolphins and rainbows. The single-image post is now one of their most popular pieces of content, with more than 7 million views. Trumps campaign copied it a few days later.

You wouldnt anticipate a political campaign to do it, which is what contributed to the virality of it, she said.

TikTok is one of the worlds most popular social apps, with 170 million U.S. accounts, and roughly 40 percent of its American users said they use it to keep up with politics or current events, a Pew Research Center survey found last month; Trumps campaign employs a TikTok team of its own.

For Harris, theres an awkward hurdle, however: The Biden administration is currently defending in court a potential nationwide ban of TikTok, arguing the Chinese-owned app is a national security threat. Harriss team uses TikTok on phones with nothing else installed to abide by a federal prohibition of the app on government-owned devices.

The campaigns online engagement has skyrocketed during the Harris era. On TikTok, their like-to-view ratio, a measure of viewer engagement, went from about 10 percent during the Biden months to 25 percent, Kapp said.

And though campaigns dating back to former president Barack Obama have taken social media seriously, the Harris teams big innovation has been letting a new wave of Generation Z innovators take control, said April Eichmeier, an assistant professor who studies political communication at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.

The under-25 group right now has never known a world without digital media, she said. They know how things land on TikTok because thats their culture.

The teams seemingly frenetic and amateurish output conceals a sophisticated strategy, said Lara Cohen, a former executive at X who led some of its top partnerships with media operations and influencers. Each viral video helps them sneak into nonpolitical spaces and reach voters who are undecided or otherwise tuned-out.

Great ideas die with too long an approval process, said Cohen, now an executive at the creator-service company Linktree. Someones going to be too worried to do something edgy. And theyre clearly not afraid of that.

- - -

Oh hes mad lol

As the campaigns social media experimentation has exploded, the lines between its online and offline presence have blurred. TikTok-style monologues have appeared in TV ads. Candidate selfies in field offices have appeared, from multiple angles, on Instagram. The campaigns $40 camouflage Harris Walz hat has shown up not just in TikTok videos but on the head of Harriss stepdaughter Ella Emhoff.

Harris and Walz, too, have tried their best to be omnipresent. During the convention, Harris played a name-that-song quiz with a social media show and told another creator that her favorite Chicago food was an Italian beef sandwich. Walz recently appeared on the short-video show Subway Takes, in which comedians offer their most controversial or raunchy opinions; Walz extolled the value of home-gutter management.

The goal, campaign staffers said, has been to humanize the candidates in a bitterly contentious race. After a Harris fundraising email said shed coped with Trumps 2016 election victory by scarfing down a family-sized bag of nacho Doritos, leading one Fox News guest to complain it was not the response of an elite leader, Walzs X account posted a video showing him grabbing her a bag between campaign stops. Every attack on her only seems to make her more relatable, one viral Threads post said.

Rather than characterize Trump as a generational threat, Harriss operation has often worked to cast him as an unhinged and unserious man and the butt of a big joke. Last month, when Trump suggested he might back out of this weeks debate, the team layered his video clips with the sound of a chicken. And where previous campaigns were reluctant to amplify Trumps attacks, the Harris campaign has repeated them verbatim to mock or defang them alongside quips like Oh hes mad lol.

Harriss team has gone on the offensive inside Trumps Truth Social, using their 350,000-follower account to needle Trump about his crowd size. Beyond just laughs, one campaign aide said a goal of the account is to rattle and enrage Trump inside his online safe space. After the debate, Harriss team posted Fox News clips calling Trumps performance a train wreck.

Trumps campaign has derided Harriss strategy as juvenile, with a spokesman saying anyone who thinks using emojis is some cutting-edge message technique  [is] severely out of touch with reality.

On TikTok, however, Harriss team has proved so popular that people claiming to secretly run the account has become a meme in itself. To show its in on the joke, the campaign posted a video featuring Harriss husband, Doug Emhoff, who - when asked who runs the account - dryly replies: Its obviously me.

The real test will come in November, when the election shows whether sway on social media can produce real-world power. With less than two months until Election Day, Harriss TikTok has shown a pivot toward more substantive fare, including a multipart series laying out Trump affiliates links to Project 2025.

Theyve also worked to capitalize on a new sense of hope among Democrats. One video, built on a trending clip of poignant music typically used for scenic vistas and sunsets, features a voice-over - Oh, I wasnt sad, I just needed a  - then cuts to a buoyant DNC crowd cheering near an American flag.

Theyve basically created this digital [fandom] of her, Cohen said. It sounds corny, but the most successful people online are the ones who feel unfiltered and authentic and real. Thats what people rally around.

- - -

Dylan Wells contributed to this report.

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Reggie Cunningham, top, and his wife Ferguson activist Brittany Packnett-Cunningham pose for an image while holding a handkerchief with picture of her father Rev. Ronald Packnett and Brittany, Saturday, Sep. 7, 2024, in Mount Rainier, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

As twilight descended on Ferguson, Missouri, for a third consecutive night after the killing of Michael Brown Jr. by a police officer, Gwendolyn DeLoach Packnett could no longer hold her peace.

Each day since the killing on Aug. 9, 2014, she had watched her daughter, Brittany, leave the safety of home to protest the grotesque manner in which the 18-year-old Brown had been treated, his body lying in the street for hours, as if in a warning to the community.

The previous night had been particularly brutal: Officers hurled tear gas which Brittany had inhaled. Police officers atop tanks pointed their rifles at protesters. Gwendolyn DeLoach Packnett had seen enough.

My mom was, like, I just really would rather you stay home, Brittany recalled. She was, I know that youre passionate about this, I know that youre angry, but I need you to stay home tonight.

And I remember thinking to myself, I dont even know how to stay home.

The decision to leave that night against her mothers wishes, and subsequent decisions she made to become a national leader in the movement for police accountability for Browns death, reflects not just the story of one activist fulfilling her purpose and finding her voice.

In its own way, Packnetts rise to be one of her generations best-known racial justice activists also reflects the promise and power of the ministry of her late father, the Rev. Ronald B. Packnett, who was senior pastor of St. Louis historic Central Baptist Church.

The Rev. Packnetts organizing and activism extended into the street, said his friends and family interviewed for this story.

He organized the St. Louis community in the wake of the Rodney King verdict. He defied the religious establishment when he committed to attending the Louis Farrakhan-led Million Man March in 1994, when that kind of activity was frowned upon in the conservative circles that Packnett used to run in.

Packnett died in December 1996 after a long illness. He was just 45.

Matthew V. Johnson, senior pastor of the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, knew Packnett -- part of a new generation of progressive preachers who began thinking theologically about the social situation of the 1980s.

In 1982, Packnett was named to the executive board of the 7-million-member National Baptist Convention  a key post from which to push for a more socially aware and dynamic version of the countrys largest Black denomination.

The understanding was that the civil rights-era religious awareness finally arrived at the National Baptist Convention, said Johnson. The leadership wanted young, progressive reformers and Packnett fell into that group, he said.

Throughout her childhood, until her father died, Brittany was often in tow.

I tell people that I was really raised in this tradition, Packnett told The Associated Press. The formal politics, the informal politics, boardroom presence, speaking at the high-level institutions, the street work, the protests, the community building.

Our collective commitment as a church to issues of justice was always as much of a part of ministry as anything else, she said. There was an intentional orientation around the beauty and value of Blackness within my spiritual upbringing at all times.

Ferguson marked a new phase in the freedom struggle. For perhaps the first time, a mass protest movement for justice for a single victim was born organically  not convened by members of the clergy or centered in the church.

Many of the participants were unchurched, and tension boiled over numerous times as nationally prominent clergy and the hip-hop community encountered contrasting receptions as they converged on Ferguson. It demonstrated how the 40-year-old musical genre had joined, and in some cases supplanted, the Black church as the conscience of young Black America.

Brittany -- who married and now identifies as Brittany Packnett-Cunningham  is a self-avowed police abolitionist.

She brought to the social-justice movement a uniquely prophetic voice deeply influenced by the cadences, rhymes and beats of hip-hop. It was a legacy from the early days of her fathers ministry, when the hip-hop group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five depicted the deterioration of Black communities and the horrors of police brutality.

Brittany recalls asking herself, Whats happening?

Some of the other pastors wanted the rallies to be in their churches and not in their streets, she said. She concluded that this message was oblivious to the ongoing changes.

It didnt happen inside of a church house. It didnt happen inside the church parking lot. It did not happen in vacation Bible school. It did not happen in the choir stand, she said. It happened in the street.

Those asking Whats happening deserved an answer and an apology, said the Rev. Traci Blackmon, who in 2014 was senior pastor of Christ the King United Church of Christ, a church near Ferguson. She issued that apology into a bullhorn, to a youthful crowd of protesters outraged by Browns killing.

I felt I needed to apologize to those children because you could see that we didnt know them and they didnt know us, and that breakdown was on us as clergy, she said.

Browns killing, and the culture of fear it ignited, was the latest iteration of an all-too familiar scene, said the Rev. Angela Sims, president of the Crozer Colgate Rochester Divinity School and author of Lynched: The Tragic Legacy of Lynching in America.

Long before Brown was killed, white Missourians lynched 60 people, the most lynchings from 1877-1950, Sims said.

Browns body lying on the ground, Sums said, sparked such outrage because it mirrored a tactic by white people to leave the body hanging in public as a warning. One difference, she said, was that technology allowed the event to be seen around the globe within minutes.

I see that in relation to an aspect of a culture of lynching that not so subtly communicates that if it happen to them it can also happen to you, so govern yourselves accordingly, Sims said.

Blackmon was among a handful of clergy who made it onto the Ferguson Commission, appointed by then-Gov. Jay Nixon to investigate the social and economic conditions contributing to inequalities and tensions in the St. Louis region.

Those conditions were deeply entrenched  firmly in place by the time Ronald B. Packnett took over as senior pastor at Central Baptist in St. Louis.

He was born in Chicago and matriculated at Illinois State University. After graduating, he went to Yale Divinity School, then took at the pastorate at St. James Baptist Church in New Britain, Connecticut.

While attending the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education in St. Louis, he decided to correct the way of one of the young women presiding pronounced entrepreneur in order to get her attention. Her name was Gwendolyn DeLoach. He was much more likable over dinner, she said. Soon, they fell in love, marrying in 1981.

In the winter of 1982, the Rev. T.J. Jemison of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was elected president of the National Baptist Convention. Packnett  who had worked on housing and workforce issues -- joined the collective leadership.

Ron was a gentleman, and he was a radical thinker, the Rev. Boise Kimber, the NBCs new president, said in an interview.

Two years after his appointment, the Packnetts had their first child, a baby girl they named Brittany.

The new father soon got a call from Central in St. Louis. Would he be interested in applying to be pastor there?

For Gwendolyn DeLoach Packnett, a young mother, the opportunity to return to her family home was too attractive to pass up.

Packnett sprang into action as Centrals new pastor, leading a congregation proud of a history that had triumphed over slavery and Jim Crow segregation. But his vibrant tenure was soon clouded by health problems. On the day he died, in December 1996, Brittany was only 12.

At Central, a series of ministers aided the family. Gwendolyn DeLoach Packnett eventually remarried. Brittany enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, and after graduation joined Teach for America.

She felt she was doing good work, but not her best work. I was coming of age and trying to figure out what I believe, she said. When Brown was killed, she found herself feeling like a little girl again.

I definitely brought his spirit out there with me, she said.

Amid the tear gas and rubber bullets, her late fathers former clergy colleagues summoned her, asking a question.

They did not yet know that she and other young activists had the ability to organize an international movement from their phones. They lived in a world in which hip-hop had become their religion, giving them the spiritual sustenance to stand up against the police amid the protests. ____

This story is part of an AP ongoing series exploring the impact, legacy and ripples of what is widely called the Ferguson uprising, which has sparked nationwide outcries over police violence and calls for broader solutions to entrenched racial injustices.

___

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.
EU finance ministers take part in the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meeting. -/EU Council/dpa

Hungarian Finance Minister Mihaly Varga said he was pleased with the attendance at a strategic meeting of EU finance ministers in Budapest on Friday despite many countries boycotting the event.

Only up to nine European Union finance ministers took part, according to a dpa survey of EU member states ahead of the meeting.

Varga said that all EU countries were represented "mostly at high level" and noted the participation of international institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"It's an informal meeting, which means that no decisions will be made this time. Taking this into account, the large number of participants [is] an even greater success," Varga said.

Hungary holds the six-month rotating presidency of the EU Council. This means Budapest is responsible for coordinating policy and hosting a series of informal ministerial meetings during that period.

However, after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban travelled to Moscow in July on a self-proclaimed "peace mission" to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, multiple EU countries announced a boycott of the Budapest meetings under the Hungarian EU Council.

Lithuania, Sweden and Denmark announced they would temporarily not be sending ministers to Budapest. Finance ministers from Finland, Estonia and Latvia are also not attending for the same reason.

Other EU members put forward various reasons not to attend.

German Finance Minister Christian Lindner is not able to go due to budget talks on Friday, he said, despite having no budget-related appointments on his agenda.

EU diplomats also cite various national appointments as a reason for not travelling or say that serious discussions are not possible with so few ministers in Budapest.

Other EU countries like Luxembourg disapprove and argue that more dialogue with Hungary is necessary. Luxembourg Finance Minister Gilles Roth will attend the meeting in Budapest.

Italy, Slovenia, Crotia, Malta, Cyprus, Belgium, Bulgaria and Slovakia are also expected to attend. "At the end of the day, it is always an individual choice of the minister," an EU diplomat said.

The European Commission under President Ursula von der Leyen also announced a boycott of Budapest meetings and said no commissioner would take part.

A separate meeting of EU finance ministers from the eurozone, called the Eurogroup, and chaired by its Irish President Paschal Donohoe, went ahead in Budapest on Friday.

Donohoe said that despite few EU finance ministers attending the Eurogroup gathering it was still worthwhile to meet in Budapest.

"Minsters made a decision on attendance for a variety of different reasons. It is up to each minister to outline why they did or did not attend if she or he wishes to do so," he said.

An EU official said the Eurogroup was a forum "completely separate from the EU Council" and for this reason the meeting went ahead in Budapest.
(Bloomberg) -- Elon Musks social media platform X is set to avoid being hit by a landmark European Union law aimed at reining in tech giants after watchdogs decided the platforms impact on EU markets is too small.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The EUs executive arm is nearing the end of a probe into the platform previously known as Twitter, and is poised to conclude that it does not fall under its Digital Markets Act, according to people familiar with the matter.

X will dodge the DMAs raft of dos and donts because it isnt a powerful enough service for business users and doesnt meet certain revenue thresholds, according to the people, who spoke under condition of anonymity. They added that the European Commission is likely to publish its findings in October.

The DMA lays out a series of dos and donts for the likes of Alphabet Inc.s Google Search, Apple Inc.s Safari, Amazon.com Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc.s Facebook among others. Its intended to head off competition violations by tech firms before they take root and fines for violations can be up to 10% of global revenue, or as much as 20% in the case of repeated breaches.

The law targets firms with annual sales across the 27-nation EU of at least 7.5 billion ($8.3 billion) or a market capitalization of 75 billion and above. Platform services are also required to have more than 45 million monthly active end-users and more than 10,000 yearly active business users in the EU.

The commission in Brussels declined to comment.

While sidestepping the EUs crackdown on competition, X still faces intense scrutiny in Brussels and elsewhere for its alleged failure to combat dangerous content, ever since tech billionaire Musks takeover in April 2022.

In July, EU regulators warned X that it had been deceiving users into engaging with potentially harmful content under another powerful EU law  the Digital Services Act  which could eventually pave the way for fines of up to 6% of Xs revenue, if the company fails to appease regulators.

X is still designated as a VLOP, X said in an email referring to its designation under the Digital Services Act.

The crackdown on content has sparked increasingly vocal responses from Musk, whos used his own platform to voice support for former US President Donald Trump and waged a battle against woke ideas.

Story continues

Musk labeled the Australian government as fascists over proposed new laws to crack down on digital misinformation, particularly on social media websites.

Last month, Musk sparred with EU internal market chief Thierry Breton after the Frenchman warned him in a letter to comply with the DSA.

Musk has also feuded with controversial Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes over the an order banning X in the country, due to concerns over disinformation.

(Updates with statement from X in the eighth paragraph)

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Helsinki will send its 25th package of military assistance to Ukraine on Sept. 13 valued at around 118 million euros ($130 million), the Finnish Defense Ministry announced.

The total amount of military aid Finland has provided Kyiv now stands at 2.3 billion euros ($2.5 billion), the ministry said.

"The war situation in Ukraine remains serious. As promised, Finland continues to provide material assistance. Our message to our partners is that we must not give up," Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said.

The full list of arms the new package contains and the time of its delivery were not disclosed.

Finland and Ukraine signed a 10-year security agreement in April, which President Volodymyr Zelensky called a "strong document that proves Finland's readiness to continue supporting Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression."

Read also: Finland proposes banning most Russian citizens from buying real estate

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Finland has announced the allocation of the 25th military aid package for Ukraine, which is estimated to be worth 118 million.

Source: press service for Finland's Defence Ministry, as reported by European Pravda

Details: On September 13, Finnish President Alexander Stubb approved the government's proposal for the 25th military aid package for Ukraine.

The replacement of the weapons included in the package will cost Helsinki about 118 million. The total value of the military assistance provided to Ukraine with this package has reached 2.3 billion.

"Developments in the war in Ukraine continue to be serious. As promised, Finland will continue to provide material assistance. Our message to partner countries is that we must not give up," Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen commented.

Similar to previous cases, Finland does not disclose any details about the contents of the package or the estimated delivery time for security reasons.

The package was compiled considering Ukraine's requests and the resources available to the Finnish Defence Forces.

Finland is also collecting donations for energy equipment to help Ukraine get through the winter.

Background: The Finnish Defence Forces recently had to refute Russian claims that the drones that had attacked facilities in Russia's Murmansk Oblast were supposedly launched from Finnish territory.

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Finland and Sweden do not restrict Ukraine's use of supplied weapons against targets in Russia

Finland and Sweden have not imposed any specific restrictions on the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine.

Source: Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and her Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonen during a joint briefing, as reported by European Pravda, citing Finnish public broadcaster Yle

Details: The Finnish foreign minister stated that the only restriction is that weapons must be used in accordance with international law.

Her Swedish counterpart stressed that the use of weapons is not limited to the territory of Ukraine. They can also be used to strike Russian territory.

Background:

In recent weeks, Ukraine has been calling on its allies to lift all restrictions on strikes using their long-range weapons in Russia, explaining that this would allow Ukraine to target aircraft that launch cruise missiles and guided aerial bombs.

On 10 September, US President Joe Biden hinted that the US might lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons in Russia.

This issue is reportedly planned to be discussed during a meeting between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden at the White House this Friday.

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A firefighter observes the burning of the Line Fire, a wildfire burning in the foothills of the San Bernardino National Forest, in Mentone, California, on Monday. The Line Fire is one of three major wildfires burning in southern California this week, according to state officials. Photo by Apu Gomes/EPA-EFE

Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Three major wildfires continued to burn around southern California on Friday, fueled by dry brush and triple-digit temperatures that have led to more than 110,000 acres being charred, state forest crews said.

The Bridge Fire, which was 3% contained on Friday, has destroyed at least 40 homes and is threatening thousands of others after burning nearly 52,000 acres. The origins of the fire, which started on Sunday, remained under investigation by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention.

The Airport Fire started Monday and was 8% contained as of Friday. The blaze, which started fire in the Trabuco Canyon has now spread to Riverside County. Officials said that they believe the fire was started accidentally by a spark from heavy equipment used by public workers.

The wildfire has now burned nearly 25,000 acres.

The Line Fire, which started last Thursday, is the oldest of the three fires and has burned more than 37,000 acres as of Friday. Fire crews have managed to get the blaze 21% contained and is being blamed on arson.

Authorities charged Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, with nine counts of arson that have caused more than $7 million in damage so far. At least one firefighter suffered a serious injury in battling the blaze.
Both the Bridge and Line fires burning through Southern California forests showed minimal overnight growth for a second day in a row.

On Friday, crews continued working to assess the number of structures damaged or destroyed by the wildfires, which have consumed more than 90,000 acres.

Latest on the Line Fire

The Line Fire burning in the San Bernardino County stood at 38,201 acres, according to Cal Fire. It was 25% contained.

Authorities confirmed one structure had been destroyed and three others damaged by the Line Fire.

"The Line Fire was less active overnight due to high moisture levels in the air. However, the fire does continue to smolder and creep in the dry vegetation and there are occasional runs in slopes and drainages," according to a Cal Fire statement. "The weekend will bring continued cooler temperatures which will help moderate fire activity and bring moisture levels up the vegetation."

Roughly 3,400 firefighters battled the blaze.

More than 65,000 homes remained threatened by the flames, including 11,400 that remained under mandatory evacuation orders.

A Line Fire mandatory evacuation order in Pinon Hills was reduced to a warning Friday afternoon for the area from Highway 18 south to Highway 138 and Beekley Road west to the county line, sheriff's officials said.

Evacuation warnings were lifted in a Highland neighborhood between the 210 Freeway and Calle Del Rio Street and from the foothills south to the city limit.

An evacuation warning was also lifted for the Baldwin Lake and Lake Williams communities from Highway 38 north to Highway 18 and east to Baldwin Lake.

Elsewhere, officials were making plans to allow residents to return to some evacuated neighborhoods, where safe.

"The evacuation orders for Running Springs and Arrowbear will remain in place for approximately the next two days," San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced via social media. "Fire crews are working tirelessly to ensure these areas are safe for residents to return."

Line Fire community meeting flier.

Evacuation orders in Mountain Home Village, Forest Falls, Angeles Oaks and Seven Oaks were also expected to remain in place for at least another two days, officials said.

Authorities planned to hold a community meeting on the Line Fire at 7 p.m. Saturday at North Shore Elementary School, 765 North Stanfield Cutoff in Big Bear Lake. The meeting will also be streamed online on the Cal Fire San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit Facebook page at facebook.com/calfirebdu.

A 34-year-old Norco man accused of sparking the Line Fire with incendiary devices at the north end of Highland on Sept. 5 was initially scheduled to appear for an arraignment Friday to answer to nine arson-related charges in San Bernardino County Superior Court, but the hearing was rescheduled to Monday, according to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office.

More: Line Fire arson suspect charged, allegedly started blaze with three 'incendiary devices'

Latest on the Bridge Fire

Meanwhile, the Bridge Fire in the Angeles National Forest was measured at 52,960. Cal Fire officials said firefighters had managed to build containment lines around 3% of the fire along its southwestern flank.

Twenty homes in the Mount Baldy area have been destroyed by the Bridge Fire, along with 13 in Wrightwood and six wilderness cabins.

Bridge Fire Operational Update September 14, 2024 #BridgeFire Operational Update September 14, 2024Fire Size: 52,960 acresPercent Contained: 3%Personnel: 2,453For more fire infomation: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caanf-bridge-fire Posted by Angeles National Forest on Saturday, September 14, 2024

"Today, the Bridge Fire is still active. However, the behavior moderated significantly due to the slight increase in humidity and temperature decrease," Cal Fire officials said in a morning update. "Firefighters made great progress on the ground, aided by aircraft to attack the fire aggressively 24 hours per day. Crews continued to be engaged with structure defense in the communities of Wrightwood, Pinon Hills, and Mount Baldy."

The northern edge of the fire was one of firefighters' top priorities as they continued protecting structures in the evacuated neighborhoods, as well as working to keep the flames from advancing into Lytle Creek to the northwest, U.S. Forest Service officials said.

"With a total of 15 helicopters assigned to this incident including four from the National Guard, aviation crews plan to focus on dropping water and fire retardant heavily in the northwest flank where the fire is currently the most active," the agency said in a morning update.

More than 2,100 firefighters were assigned to the incident.

Bridge Fire community meeting flyer.

A mandatory evacuation order in Lytle Creek was downgraded to a warning for residents from the shooting range west to the forest, along with Upper North Fork Road and Middle Fork Road, officials announced.

A Bridge Fire evacuation warning in Phelan was lifted Friday for the area from Phelan Road south to Forest Route 3N24 and Baldy Mesa Road west to Tumbleweed Road, according to the sheriff's department.

In Wrightwood, which remained under an evacuation order, Golden State Water Company officials warned residents that damage to the system caused by the fire left the tap water unsafe to drink or cook with until further notice.

Incident commanders planned to hold a community meeting on the Bridge Fire at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Serrano High School Performing Arts Center, 9292 Sheep Creek Rd., Phelan. The meeting will also be streamed online on the Angeles National Forest Facebook page at facebook.com/angelesnationalforest.

More: Bridge, Line fire live updates: Growth of wildfires slows, firefighters make progress

The cause of the Bridge Fire remained under investigation.

Brian Day is a Daily Press reporter who covers breaking news and writes about the criminal justice system.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Firefighters hold their ground against Line, Bridge fires
First round of polio vaccinations in Gaza completed, says WHO chief

A child gets vaccinated against polio virus in Deir El Balah Health Center. Hundreds of thousands of children are to be vaccinated against polio in the embattled Gaza Strip from 01 September morning. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

The first round of the polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip has been successfully completed, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.

More than 560,000 children under the age of 10 have received a first dose of the vaccine, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a post on X.

"This is a massive success amidst a tragic daily reality of life across the Gaza Strip," he added.

The WHO and partner groups negotiated temporary ceasefires with Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to enable families to bring their children to vaccination centres and mobile vaccination teams to reach families.

There were no major incidents during the campaign, which lasted just under two weeks. The children will need a second dose of the oral vaccine in four weeks to be protected from infection.

The campaign comes after three cases of polio were detected in Gaza in July, the first cases recorded in the territory in 25 years.

Experts fear that a polio outbreak might be imminent as hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people are currently forced to live in cramped living conditions.

More than 90% of children need to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of polio, which can cause paralysis, according to WHO figures.

The majority of the 2 million residents of Gaza have been displaced, some several times, since the beginning of the Israeli military operation almost 11 months ago, as their neighbourhoods were bombed and their homes partially destroyed.

Israel declared war on Hamas, which controls Gaza, following the terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, in which some 1,200 people died.

According to UN figures, which refer to local authorities, more than 40,000 people have died in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the conflict.

A child gets vaccinated against polio virus in Deir El Balah Health Center. Hundreds of thousands of children are to be vaccinated against polio in the embattled Gaza Strip from 01 September morning. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
Fla. Couple with 28 Grandchildren Were Killed Months Ago. Police Allege Granddaughter Was Behind It

Claudette and Major Melvin were killed on March 22 in Fort Lauderdale

Kesha Anderson Francis/GoFundMe Major and Claudette Melvin

The granddaughter of an elderly Florida couple is accused by police of working with a man to murder her grandparents, who were found dead in March.

Major, 89, and Claudette Melvin, 85, were found dead in their home on March 22, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department said in a release.

On Thursday, Sept. 12, Jalisa Hill, 38, one of the Melvins 28 grandchildren, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, police said, weeks after Maurice Newson, 30, was charged with the same offenses as well as one count of robbery with a firearm.

When police responded to the home of Major and Claudette in March, it was discovered that their car was missing. It was later located at a tow yard in May, police said.

Newson was allegedly identified as the person who sold the vehicle to the tow yard, police claimed, and on May 23 he was arrested and charged with theft of a motor vehicle and dealing in stolen property. He pleaded not guilty to those charges and was released on bond, the Associated Press reported.

Broward County Jail Maurice Newson, left, and Jalisa Hill

Police say that after obtaining further probable cause, Newson was charged with two counts of murder on Aug. 27.

Authorities have not said what led them to charging Newson and Hill, only saying that it is believed [Hill] worked in conjunction with Maurice Newson to murder her grandparents," the release states.

Both Local 10 and NBC Miami reported that Hill and Newson had once dated.

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The AP reported that the Melvins had been married for 60 years and had 28 grandchildren.

It is not immediately clear if either Hill or Newson has retained an attorney or entered a plea.

A GoFundMe started by another one of Major and Claudettes grandchildren has raised over $3,000.



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Read the original article on People.
ORLANDO, Fla.  A 15-year-old boy was arrested late Thursday after a friend tipped off police about his threats to become a school shooter, the Sanford Police Department announced.

Police officers arrested the teen for intimidating written/electronic threat of a mass shooting, a second-degree felony, according to the agencys news release sent at 12:29 a.m. Friday. The Sentinel does not name minors unless they are charged as an adult.

The arrest came as school districts around Central Florida and across the country are encountering increased levels of tension regarding possible campus shootings, which may have been sparked by a school shooting in Georgia on Sep. 4 that killed four. On Friday, Orlando police announced the arrest of two students at Boone High School after one carryied a loaded handgun belonging to the other on campus. And families at Maitland Middle School were notified that law enforcement is investigating a threat posted to social media.

Threatening to commit a school shooting is not a joke, it is a felony, and it will land you in jail, Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said in the news release. Sanford Police officers will continue to follow up on and quickly act on these reports.

In the Sanford incident, officers responded to a house on Pinecrest Drive just before 8:30 p.m., in regard to an anonymous tip received through the FortifyFL app about the teen sending social media messages threatening to shoot up a school. FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows people to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.

According to the police report, the tip said on Thursday the person received multiple messages from his friend on Instagram. He said the boy sent him a screenshot of a news article about recent threats to conduct a mass shooting at Seminole High School, the report said.

The Sanford police report said the screenshot was followed by a message from the suspect that said, Its me, I told you i wanted to be the shooter. The teen then sent another message that said I wanted to do it and Its true followed by another saying the reason he didnt conduct the school shooting that day was his friend, who was the tipster, was not at school.

Another message sent by the teen at 6:53 p.m. said, according to the report, that he was going to buy a gun. The person who tipped off police provided a screenshot of all the messages and told them he was concerned because hed only been friends with the teen for a short period of time and the messages were unlike him.

Upon arrival at the home, officers made contact with multiple people, including relatives of the suspect. Officers advised the boy and family members of their Miranda rights  the legal rights of a person to have an attorney and to refuse to answer questions  and then began questioning the suspect. Officers received permission from the family to search the home but found nothing of concern, the report said.

The teens family gave police permission to take the cellphone he used to send the messages, the report said.

Based on the investigation, officers were able to confirm the teen sent the messages and developed probable cause to arrest him. He was transported to the Seminole County Juvenile Assessment Center for processing.

The Police Department urges local students and school staff to continue reporting suspicious incidents, and for local families to speak with their children on the topic. The agency advised adults to ensure children are aware of the severity of making such threats and instruct them on what to do if they observe a fellow student making them.

Investigators ask anyone with information on this incident to contact the Police Department at 407-688-5070 or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimeline.org. Calls made to Crimeline remain anonymous and tips to that lead to solving cases are eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

In addition to the Sanford, Orlando and Maitland incidents, a student at Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs was arrested on Wednesday morning for bringing a stolen, unloaded gun onto campus, sending the school into lockdown. A male student was found with a handgun and arrested by school resource officers from the Altamonte Springs Police Department.

______
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WFLA)  A police officer in Jacksonville was arrested on armed kidnapping charges Thursday, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office announced.

JSO said Brian Housend, a 17-year veteran, was arrested by the Nassau County Sheriffs Office and is facing charges of armed kidnapping, written threats to kill, and aggravated stalking all felonies.

Coast Guard suspends search for missing man after boat found in Englewood

I want it to be clear that this agency stands in solidarity with the victim of these horrible crimes, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said.

JSO said the victim was not harmed.

Following his arrest, Housend was suspended from the force without pay and will be fired, according to the sheriffs office.

This marks the 13th arrest of a JSO police officer this year, the fourth of which was handled by an outside 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 WFLA.
Even as the Covid wave in Florida continues, Gov. Ron DeSantis administration is once again advising against the mRNA vaccines: this time in the most vulnerable residents.

In updated guidance for health care providers released Thursday, the Florida Health Department and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo questioned the safety and effectiveness of the mRNA Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, including for older adults and people with underlying health problems. Any provider concerned about the health risks associated with Covid-19 for patients over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions should prioritize patient access to non-mRNA Covid-19 vaccines and treatment, according to the state guidance.

Standing in opposition to advice from federal health agencies and other medical experts about the safety of the Covid vaccines, the Florida Health Department said the recommendation was based on high rates of immunity from prior infections and currently available data.

Without noting the high risk of serious Covid infection or hospitalization for older adults, the guidance listed safety concerns for the mRNA vaccines, including the risk of a rare heart condition called myocarditis, as well as the risk of POTS, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a debilitating heart condition.

Numerous studies have shown that both Pfizer and Modernas vaccines are indeed associated with a small but increased risk of myocarditis. However, most cases occur in young men and most people make a full recovery. Studies have also shown that the risk of myocarditis is much higher with a Covid infection and is often more severe than the vaccine-associated condition.

A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research also found that people diagnosed with Covid are five times more likely to develop POTS after infection than after Covid vaccination, emphasizing the importance of the vaccine.

Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, said the Florida surgeon general's guidance is unnecessarily alarming people about the Covid vaccines.

"It's just such a dangerous game he plays," said Offit, who has served on the FDA's independent vaccine advisory committee. "You only have a roughly 1,000 times greater likelihood of dying [from Covid] if you're over 65 than if you're under 18."

"The mRNA vaccines are remarkably safe," he added.

New doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were approved by the Food and Drug Administration in August. Theyre targeted to the KP.2 version of the steadily mutating virus and should provide good protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death, experts say.

The United States offers only one Covid vaccine that isnt mRNA-based: Novavax. Novavaxs traditional protein-based shot offers an alternative vaccine technology to mRNA.

In a statement, a Novavax spokesperson said its updated vaccine is now available at thousands of retail and pharmacy locations nationwide.

The Florida Health Department did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.

Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto, called Floridas recommendation unfortunate, saying it could put older adults and people with underlying health conditions at risk.

While the vaccine does not protect against infection nearly as well as it once did, there is very good data demonstrating how Covid vaccines can reduce the risk of severe manifestations of the virus in those who are at greatest risk, said Boguch, who has no ties to the vaccine makers.

Covid cases remain high in the U.S. following a summer wave. Wastewater data collected between Aug. 25 and Aug. 31 shows that 23 states -- including Florida -- are reporting very high levels of the virus, according to the CDC. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations remain elevated as well, although theyre showing signs of declining. In Florida nursing homes, after declining from summer highs, Covid infections are ticking up again, according to CDC data.

The CDC currently recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get an updated Covid vaccine this fall from any of the three options.

This isnt the first time Ladapo has ignored CDC guidance. Last year, Ladapo also recommended that Florida residents under the age of 65 not get the mRNA Covid vaccines, citing widespread immunity and questions we have about safety and about effectiveness.

My judgment is that its not a good decision for young people and for people who are not at high risk at this point in the pandemic, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
By Yuka Obayashi

TOKYO (Reuters) -Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel sent a letter on Sunday to U.S. President Joe Biden about their planned $15 billion merger after media reported that he was preparing to block the deal, a spokesperson for the Japanese steelmaker said.

The spokesperson did not provide details about the letter's content, but said it was signed by Nippon Steel Chief Executive Eiji Hashimoto and U.S. Steel CEO David Burritt as well as other executives.

U.S. Steel did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of U.S. business hours. The U.S. embassy in Japan did not immediately have comment.

Japan's biggest steelmaker is pursuing a cash deal to buy the 123-year-old U.S. Steel, despite resistance from Biden, the United Steel Workers (USW) union and many members of Congress while a U.S. national security review is conducted.

The deal has also been opposed by both Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Both are vying to win the critical swing state of Pennsylvania, where U.S. Steel is headquartered.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) told the companies in an Aug. 31 letter seen by Reuters the deal would create national security risks because it could hurt the supply of steel needed for critical transportation, infrastructure, construction and agriculture projects.

A top Nippon Steel executive and U.S. Steel's CEO met with senior U.S. officials on Wednesday in an effort to salvage the deal, a person familiar with the matter said.

The outcome of the meeting was not immediately clear.

The Japan Business Federation and a number of U.S. business groups, in a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Wednesday, raised concerns that the Biden administration's national security review of the deal is being unduly influenced by political pressure.

On Friday, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ken Saito declined to comment on the deal, saying that doing so would interfere in U.S. domestic affairs.

But Saito added: "It is extremely important that Japanese and U.S. companies continue to make transactions and the growth in deals constitutes a key element of the strong economic relationship between the two nations."

(Reporting by Yuka Obayashi and John Geddie, Additional reporting by Kantaro Komiya; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
A federal judge in East St. Louis sentenced a Florida man to seven years and three months in prison after he used social media to make a bomb threat at Scott Air Force Base and cyberstalked an active duty Air Force member.

DeAyre M. Jones, 32, of Land O Lakes, Florida, pleaded guilty in the U.S. Court for the Southern District of Illinois to one count of interstate communication with threat to injure, one count of cyberstalking and one count of threatening and conveying false information concerning use of fire or an explosive.

According to court documents, Jones used multiple fake Facebook profiles to accuse a woman, with whom he previously had a personal relationship, of having a bomb and tracker attached to her car at Scott Air Force Base in September 2022.

Court records describe one instance in which Jones admitted setting up a false profile in the name of April Jones and posting to the Scott Air Force Base Facebook account: hey do anybody know (name redacted) she have a bomb on her car she go to Scotts Air Force base the bomb and tracker on her car so be careful.

On another occasion on Aug. 31, 2022, using the name Ricco Savage, Jones sent an instant message to the female airman threatening to shoot her in the face and burn up her grandpa. He also told her he had poured gasoline around her grandmothers house, the court records say.

Other messages posted under other under bogus accounts, Jones threatened other members of the airmans family, stated he hoped she got killed in a car accident and used vulgar and sexually explicit language, the court records state.

After detecting the threat, base officials dispatched an explosive detection canine and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team to search the suspected vehicle and surrounding lot, but did not find anything that concerned them, court records state.

The victim identified Jones as the potential suspect, and investigation revealed that he had created multiple fake Facebook profiles to harass the victim and make several bomb threats to the base.

In addition, Jones admitted to sending threatening and harassing messages to the victim and other base officials from August through December 2022.

In a statement, FBI Special Agent Christopher Johnson derided hoax threats because of their drain on law enforcement resources and tax dollars and because of their risk to public safety.

The defendant intentionally disrupted operations at Scott Air Force Base to make a bomb threat and send harassing messages to base officials, said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. Luckily, this incident was a false alarm, but our national security and the Air Force community depend on uninterrupted service at the base. Im grateful to the investigators for their efforts to hold this offender accountable.

The U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the FBI Springfield Field Office contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. Carraway prosecuted the case.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida man is heading to prison for conspiring to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate employees of pro-life pregnancy help centers.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Caleb Freestone, along with two co-defendants, Amber Smith-Stewart and Annarella Rivera, targeted facilities that provided and counseled alternatives to abortion and vandalized those facilities.

Freestone was sentenced to one year and one day in prison.

Court documents show the trio admitted to targeting Florida pregnancy centers and spray-painted those facilities in the cover of darkness, writing messages such as If abortions arent safe than niether [sic] are you, YOUR TIME IS UP!!, WERE COMING for U and We are everywhere.

These defendants admitted that they conspired to paint threatening messages on crisis pregnancy centers, based on the defendants objection to the services those centers offered, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. Violence and threats of violence have no place in our national discourse on reproductive health. The Justice Department is committed to protecting the right to access reproductive health care and prosecuting anyone who interferes with that right.

Smith-Stewart and Rivera were also sentenced to 30 days in prison and 60 days in home detention.

The FBI Tampa Field Office and Miami Police Department investigated the case.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Maggie Prescott accidentally dropped the ring at a store in Yulee, Fla. Three weeks later, Deputy Mitchell Spencer tracked it down at a nearby house

Nassau County Sheriff's Office Maggie Prescott and Deputy Mitchell Spencer

A Florida woman who lost her engagement ring in a Target parking lot has the cherished item back thanks to a sheriffs deputy who worked tirelessly to track it down.

Deputy Mitchell Spencer, with the Nassau County Sheriffs Office, recovered Maggie Prescotts ring after an extensive three-week search at the Target in Yulee, Fla., the sheriffs office said in a post on Facebook.

After viewing security footage from the stores parking lot, Spencer was able to track down the ring at a house nearby, Prescott shared on Facebook.

It turns out that a young boy saw the ring on the ground and picked it up before giving it to his mom who then drove away  which the footage showed once Spencer was able to get approval to view the video from Targets corporate office, Prescott said.

Related: Maid of Honor Bails on Wedding After Bride Doesn't Congratulate Her on New Job

The oncology case manager had desperately called pawn shops and filed a police report, which led to Spencer taking on the case.

Once the sheriffs deputy was able to view the footage, a name and address was matched with the woman whose son picked up the ring and the agency went to the home.

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She said she was keeping it safe and waiting for someone to call her about it, Prescott said. Deputy Spencer was nice enough to bring it to my work and everyone there was so happy for me.

With a happy ending to the story, the law enforcement agency said that it was thrilled to have reunited the ring with its rightful owner.

The incident highlights the important role of local law enforcement in resolving community issues, the Nassau County Sheriffs Office said. It also serves as a heartwarming reminder of community spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Related: Bride Uninvites Brother to Wedding After He Made Political Speech, Asked for Donations at Bridal Shower

Prescott, who is set to wed next month, said she is grateful to the deputy  and to the woman and her son.

Thank you to the selfless, kind, truthful individual that found the ring and kept it safe while we searched for her," Prescott wrote. "My faith in humanity is restored. There are amazing people out there and Im so thankful I encountered so many of them during this process.



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Read the original article on People.
Florida woman repeatedly punches child for doing her homework wrong, affidavit says

Florida woman repeatedly punches child for doing her homework wrong, affidavit says

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida woman was arrested for repeatedly punching a girl in the face for doing her homework wrong, according to an arrest report.

The child told investigators that she was doing her homework with her siblings in 35-year-old Margaret Gissomes bedroom when the woman became upset when the girl gave her the wrong answer to her homework, the report said.

5 arrested for starving disabled 7-year-old to death in Florida: BSAO

Gissome, of West Palm Beach, allegedly grabbed the child by her shirt collar and shook her, before striking her with a closed fist on Wednesday.

When the girl got another answer wrong, Gissome reportedly hit her in the mouth.

According to the victim, Gissome then told her not to worry about your lip because your nose will be next.

The girl told officials she was then punched in the chest.

According to the report, the child suffered a busted blood vessel in her left eye, swelling and redness underneath her right eye, and a bruise on the bottom lip. The case was brought to officials attention when a teacher saw a red mark on her cheek.

18-year-old woman arrested for wrong-way driving, fleeing traffic stop at 100 mph: FHP

NBC affiliate WPTV reported that Gissome works in occupational care and was referred to as Miss by the girl. The relationship between Gissome and the child was not disclosed in the report.

Gissome was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail Thursday on a felony charge of child abuse, WPTV reported.

According to court records, Gissome had a previous domestic violence case in March 2023, but that case is now closed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Floyd County middle school and elementary school were threatened on social media Thursday by an unknown party.

According to Prestonsburg Chief of Police Ross Shurtleff, Allen Elementary School and James D. Adams Middle School both received social media threats. Safety protocols were immediately activated and the proper authorities were notified. Deputies with the Floyd County Sheriffs Office also began investigating the threats credibility.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

The Floyd County Board of Education announced in a news release that there will be an increased law enforcement presence at school facilities out of an abundance of caution.

The sheriffs office confirmed that the threat is currently uncorroborated.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

If anyone has any information or questions, contact Prestonsburg/Floyd County Emergency Communications Center at 606-886-1010.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
File cabinets. (Getty)

One of the less noticed features of the Virginia Way is the long-running tendency of the commonwealths leaders to conduct their decision-making behind closed doors. While the Virginia Freedom of Information Act presumes all government business is by default public and requires officials to justify why exceptions should be made, too many Virginia leaders in practice take the opposite stance, acting as if records are by default private and the public must prove they should be handled otherwise.

In this feature, we aim to highlight the frequency with which officials around Virginia are resisting public access to records on issues large and small  and note instances when the release of information under FOIA gave the public insight into how government bodies are operating.

Virginia Beachs former economic development director under investigation

Virginia Beachs former economic development director is under investigation for spending roughly $47,000 of city money in his first year on the job.

Though he resigned this past July, records show that Charles Rigney took trips to Brazil, Italy, Germany, Spain, New York and Las Vegas. Its unclear what triggered the investigation, 13 News Now reported, but emails it obtained show that Virginia Beachs finance department and city manager staff called a meeting in July to discuss missing receipts and a set of expense reports from one of Rigneys trips.

The emails also included discussion of a $329 bill  $200 of which was spent on alcohol  at an amphitheater where Rigney said he was trying to convince a Norfolk-based company to move to Virginia Beach.

The city provided documents in response to 13News Nows FOIA request but declined to provide additional comments to the station, saying in a statement that this matter remains under investigation by the City Auditor and it would be inappropriate to respond further until his investigation is complete.

Richmonds inspector claims he was advised to stop investigating tax issues

Richmond Inspector General Jim Osuna said that city attorneys advised him to stop investigating tax issues in the citys finance department  a claim the city attorneys office refutes.

Osuna had been probing allegations that the finance department had failed to alert business owners they were due refunds or credits on tax overpayments. He told city council mid-July at a meeting that he had put a pause on his investigation due to legal advice that he wasnt authorized to look at it, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.

Council, which both city attorneys and the inspector general report to, gave the Times-Dispatch different answers about the probe. 4th District Councilor Kristen Nye confirmed that Osuna had been conducting an investigation, but did not clarify if hed discussed being told to stop. Meanwhile, 8th District Councilor Reva Trammell claimed that Osuna had relayed that information to her.

While back and forth has played out over Osunas inquiry, Richmond is allowed to hold onto overpayments for the time being.

State law outlines that the city is not at fault for withholding extra funds, but that taxpayers have three years to claim a refund.

Winchester City Council considers guidance for public comment

The city of Winchester might change how it conducts public comment during its city council meetings, the Winchester Star reported.

Currently, speakers are allotted three minutes to speak but there is little other guidance or restrictions.

The policy review follows a series of protests that played out during public comment at council meetings this summer. Opponents of Israels war with Hamas pressed the council to adopt a resolution that would condemn the conflict and call for a ceasefire. Councilors declined to pass such a resolution; public comment periods then became flooded with protesters talking about the resolution in lieu of other matters before the local council at its meetings. Insults had also been lobbed at members, Winchester Star reported.

Though the protesters have not returned to recent council meetings to bring the matter up again, the local legislative body may still explore adjustments to how public comment is conducted. Its unclear what that could look like, as free speech is protected by the U.S. Constitution, though guidance on avoiding verbal attacks or using profanity could be advised.

The council unanimously voted for their city attorney to draft a document she can present to the council at a future meeting.

Have you experienced local or state officials denying or delaying your FOIA request? Tell us about it: info@virginiamercury.com

Editors note: This story has been updated with a statement from Virginia Beach officials.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX






Foreigners among dozens sentenced to death in DR Congo 'coup' trial

The first hearing in the trial over a failed alleged coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo was in June (Arsene Mpiana) (Arsene Mpiana/AFP/AFP)

Three Americans were among 37 people sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday over what the army says was a coup attempt.

The court in Kinshasa remained silent as the verdicts were read, with defendants dressed in blue and yellow prison uniforms and seated on plastic chairs, their faces sombre.

Death sentences were also handed down to a Belgian, Briton and Canadian, all naturalised Congolese.

"The court pronounces the harshest sentence: the death penalty," court president Freddy Ehume said in concluding the trial of 51 people that began in early June.

Lawyers for the defence told AFP they intended to appeal, calling it a "shameful decision taken in bad faith".

Several human rights groups have also said the trial proceedings were not transparent.

The alleged coup attempt unfurled in the early hours of May 19 when several dozen armed men attacked the home of then economy minister Vital Kamerhe, who is now the national assembly president.

Two policemen guarding him were killed.

All but one of those sentenced to death were found guilty of criminal association, attack and terrorism.

Fourteen defendants were acquitted, with the investigation showing they had "no connection" with the events, the court said.

The hearing began early in the afternoon under a tent in a courtyard of the Ndolo military prison in Kinshasa, an AFP journalist saw.

The Belgian, military expert Jean-Jacques Wondo, told AFP ahead of the trial that he hoped to be acquitted and that he was suffering a "difficult ordeal".

During the alleged coup attempt, the armed men also went to a building housing President Felix Tshisekedi's offices brandishing flags of Zaire, the country's name under ex-dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who was overthrown in 1997.

Shots were heard near the building, several sources said at the time.

An army spokesman later announced on national TV that defence and security forces had stopped "an attempted coup d'etat".

- 'Forced to carry an arm' -

The alleged plot was led by Christian Malanga, a Congolese man who was a "naturalised American" and who was killed by security forces, army spokesman General Sylvain Ekenge has said.

The three Americans on trial include Malanga's son Marcel Malanga.

The two other Americans being tried are 22-year-old Tyler Thompson and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, 36.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Friday that "embassy staff have been attending the proceedings and will continue to follow the developments".

The trial began on June 7 at the Ndolo military prison, where all the defendants were being held.

The proceedings have shed little light on the motivations behind the May 19 events, for which the defendants placed the blame on Christian Malanga.

Thompson told the court he had been "forced" into participating, as did the two other US citizens.

"I was forced to carry an arm," Thompson said.

"I came to the DRC to visit Marcel's family who I had never seen before," he added.

Malanga said his father had "told us he would kill us if we didn't listen", and Zalman-Polun said he was "kidnapped" and "forced" into taking part.

Last month, military prosecutor Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Radjabu urged judges to sentence to death all but one of the defendants, who according to a medical report suffers from "psychological disorders".

In March, the Congolese government defied criticism from human rights organisations and lifted a moratorium on the death penalty in place since 2003.

bur-mbb-cld/keo/jm/gv/js
As Donald Trump flew to what would be his ruinous performance at Tuesdays presidential debate, he hosted a special guest on his private plane  Laura Loomer. You probably dont know her name, but you really have to read her words for yourself:

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.

Appalling and extremely racist, right? Not my criticism. Thats a smackdown from Loomers former friend and close ally, mega-MAGA Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, herself a major proponent of that vile slur about Haitian immigrants in Ohio supposedly kidnapping and eating house pets  the one Trump keeps incoherently repeating this week.

But nobody can out-outrage Loomer, who upped the bigot ante to even more absurd heights: Haitian immigrants arent just eating cats and dogs. They eat HUMANS, she posted on X Thursday. Its a FACT.

No, its not, and Im not going to give a platform to any more of the long list of outrageous lies and obscenities from the self-proclaimed proud Islamophobe here, either. But Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, for one, has had enough. Thursday, he went off on toxic Laura Loomer and advised (Donald) Trump to make sure this doesnt become a bigger story, according to Punchbowl News senior congressional reporter Andrew Desiderio. (Loomer responded that night by calling Graham gay on X.)

Sorry, Sen. Graham  this is already big, and deservedly so. Because Loomer is at Trumps side now, as she was at an observance of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks  events she calls an inside job.

Be worried. Loomer has been banned from most major social networks for misinformation and abuse, but shes back on X after Elon Musk bought, renamed and ruined it. And she clearly has the truth-challenged GOP presidential candidates attention.

Got Trump to repeat your lie about the pets

Those among us who dont spend a lot of time on social media dont understand its rhythms and demeanors. The dominant culture there is a general tenor of sarcasm, willful exaggeration and detachment. Watching Trumps earnest, angry blather Tuesday night about people eating cats and transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison is all the evidence you need that the GOP nominee absorbs what he sees on the internet at face value  and some closest to him appear to be his dealers.

Because the whole eating the cats thing is basically one big right-wing online joke. Earlier in the week, before it turned into a major political liability, Trumps running mate J.D. Vance and Musk both amplified claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, supposedly carved up house pets for food. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and the House Judiciary GOP X account (aka Rep. Jim Jordan, a Trump favorite) also got in on the act as Vance urged his followers, Keep the cat memes flowing. This, despite Springfield city officials denial that such a thing is happening  and also despite the obvious fact that its just the latest recirculation of age-old xenophobic slurs directed at Chinese restaurateurs.

YOU STUPID **ers JUST GOT TRUMP TO REPEAT YOUR LIE ABOUT THE PETS, talk radio host Erick Erickson posted on X during Tuesdays debate  right about the same time Kamala Harris was rightly laughing at Trumps foolishness. CONGRATS ON SETTING THE NEWS STORIES TOMORROW BY LYING SO TRUMP PICKS IT UP AND SAYS STUPID S***.

Erickson, who cant seem to decide whether hes on the never- or always-Trump train, said the quiet part out loud: Like other GOP enablers, hes well aware that Trump either doesnt discern fact from fiction, or doesnt care  and gladly parrots any tidbit of misinformation he thinks will score him points.

The fraudulent 9/11 movie Loose Change. The grotesque lie that the 26 dead children and adults murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School were fake. The absurd notions that very powerful light or horse worming pills cure COVID-19. Three-plus decades into humanitys grand experiment with the internet, the fabrications, conspiracy theories and outright propaganda show no signs of abating. This week, just days after the Justice Department unveiled an indictment of Kremlin operatives for funneling Russian money to a right-wing Tennessee media company, Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall appeared on Benny Johnsons show  a tentpole of the only media company in Tennessee matching the DOJ documents.

We know Trump lied at the debate not just about eating pets, but also that he saved the Affordable Care Act, and that theres even such a thing as abortion after birth. But does he really buy all that garbage himself?

What youre seeing and what youre reading is not whats happening, he famously told a Kansas City Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in 2018. Id never pretend to know what Donald Trump sees and what he reads. But if Laura Loomer is putting that nonsense in front of his eyes  and she seems to be, by all indications  the prospect of this clearly diminished candidate getting a second go at the White House should horrify every American.

Republican-leaning voters, believe what youre seeing. And, please, trust your own eyes  and think about the future of your party  when you head to the polls this November.
OTTAWA  Two former Canadian lawmakers are calling on former President Donald Trump to apologize for reviving and circulating a long-debunked rumor that is vile, vulgar, and deeply offensive.

Their move comes after Trump falsely claims that Canadas prime minister is the son of former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro in Save America, the former presidents new photo book that also provides commentary.

Lloyd Axworthy and Allan Rock call the section in the book profoundly offensive, interpreting it as a flagrant attempt to politically undermine Justin Trudeau.

We just thought it's about time Canadians showed some outrage about this attempt to interfere into our affairs, Axworthy, Canadas former top diplomat and Liberal Party elder statesman, said in an interview with POLITICO.

Part of the Trump or the autocratic playbook is to get people's confidence undermined, and it's clear coming out in a book like that, it would be picked up by all kinds of enablers.

Trump writes in his new coffee-table book that Trudeaus mother, Margaret, was somehow associated with Castro and notes that a lot of people say that Justin is his son.

The former president adds: He swears that he isnt but how the hell would he know! Castro had good hair, the father didnt, Justin has good hair, and has become a Communist just like Castro.



Margaret Trudeaus party lifestyle was a spectator sport during Pierre Trudeaus days as prime minister. That included a famous spell partying with the Rolling Stones, which earned mentions in Keith Richards autobiography.

The Canadian government has been forced to outright deny the long-running conspiracy theories. The age-old Castro rumor has been thoroughly debunked by this point.

Trumps musings motivated the former Cabinet colleagues to demand that Trump withdraw the book from circulation until the offending passage is removed.

Theyve addressed their letter to Trump at Mar-a-Lago and sent copies to U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen and Canadas envoy in the U.S., Kirsten Hillman.

Axworthy, who served in Pierre Trudeaus Cabinet and first met Justin Trudeau when the future prime minister was just 4 or 5 years old, said he doesnt think Trump will apologize, but he does expect the ambassadors to take up the issue.

There is a lot of damage that can be done as this book goes out for publication and that story stays the way it is, he said.

Canadian officials have been careful to avoid weighing in on the presidential race. In a full-court press, Trudeaus Team Canada has traveled to 33 states and met with 42 governors knowing the countrys economic security hinges on a review of the USMCA trade pact that will begin after the U.S. election.

Axworthy, a former foreign minister, acknowledges he can speak much more freely than anyone on Trudeaus team right now, although he said hes not had contact with the office.

He says hes speaking out because Trump is breaking an unwritten rule of diplomacy that leaders refrain from publicly interfering in the affairs of a foreign country in an underhanded way.

I have a sense that as he grows older, he's losing any sense of restraint. We saw that in the debate the other night, where he's repeating this thing about Haitian immigrants eating cats and dogs.

Another conspiracy theory that proved untrue.
With three major fires continuing to burn in Southern California, investigations have already begun to look into the causes of each.

One, the Line Fire, was allegedly set on purpose, sparking furor, but consternation is also building related to the Airport Fire in Riverside and Orange counties.

As detailed in an Orange County Register column by Teri Sforza, some view the Airport Fires inadvertent ignition by Orange County Public Works crews as negligence or even accidental arson.

Sforza quoted former Villa Park firefighter Steve Palmer, who called the decision to use heavy machinery to move boulders along Trabuco Creek Road during a triple-digit heat wave reckless and stupid.

Its triple digits and youre going to use a big piece of steel equipment to hit rocks? That always causes sparks, he said. Who wouldnt know that or assume that?

Airport Fire in Riverside, Orange counties slows but still threatens homes

Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Paul Holaday told the Register that O.C. Public Works will evaluate their policies to avoid a similar tragedy in the future, but the Airport Fire is already raging out of control.

Ignorance is no excuse for the more than 20,000 acres burned and firefighters injured battling an all-too-predictable outcome, Palmer said.

Stupidity does not absolve from responsibility, he said. Purposeful or accidental arson is the same.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A global automotive seating manufacturer announced it will lay off hundreds of people at its Riverside facility in Platte County.

Adient reported the company will lay off 172 employees between November and next January, according to a W.A.R.N. notice filed Thursday. One of the companys customers completed its production needs, causing the layoffs.

The layoffs will come in waves with the first round laying off 109 employees on November 11 and the remaining 63 employees on January 6, 2025.

Adient did not respond for comment.

In June 2021, the company had 213 layoffs, citing ongoing automotive supply chain issues.

The company delivers more than 20 million seats into vehicles every year and operates more than 200 manufacturing sites in 29 countries, according to the company profile.

The facility is located in the industrial district at 4101 N. Mattox Road in Riverside.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (WFLA)  A former fire rescue employee was arrested after a video showed him sexually battering a victim in an ambulance, while in transit to a hospital, according to the Flagler County Sheriffs Office.

The video of the incident involving 37-year-old James Melady was discovered last Friday by Daytona Beach police, while they were investigating him for another case.

2 Riverview students catch substitute teacher pleasuring himself on lunch break: HCSO

Police said the video showed Melady molesting an unconscious woman while on duty and in uniform, performing his duties.

Detectives said the incident occurred on Oct. 17, 2021, when fire crews responded to the victims Flagler Beach home. While in transport to a Palm Coast hospital, Melady took advantage of the woman, accompanied by the video that officials said explicitly showed the suspect violating the victim while she was clearly unconscious.

According to the sheriffs office, when the victim was confronted about the incident, she was unaware that she was even attacked.

On Wednesday, a warrant was issued for Meladys arrest. The suspect confessed to the crimes, was arrested, and taken to the Volusia County Jail under no bond.

17-year-old murders mom in Polk County after killing dad in 2023, officials say

Its unfathomable to me what this predator did to an unconscious victim while on duty while being entrusted to provide proper emergency medical care but instead sexually assault her, said Sheriff Rick Staly. Im thankful we quickly got him off the street and in jail where he belongs. I also commend our Major Case Unit for their tireless effort to catch predators like this, and for working closely with our partners at the Daytona Beach Police Department to bring this pervert to justice. It is likely there are other victims of his disgusting behavior.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Melady or anyone with additional information on the case, is asked to contact the sheriffs offices non-emergency line at 386-313-4911 or by email at TIPS@flaglersheriff.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 WFLA.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal is back in town.

While promoting his new childrens book Veto, The Governors Cat, Deal joined WSAVs Dylan James to discuss partisan politics, the 2024 Election, Former President Donald Trump and where to find hope in turbulent times.

Deal also talked about his involvement with the Democracy Defense Project, a bi-partisan committee focused on securing faith in the vote count ahead of the November election. Joining the former Governor is Former Senator Saxby Chambliss (R), Former Governor Roy Barnes (D), and Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin (D).

For more information on the Democracy Defense Project, visit their website here.

Find Veto, The Governors Cat 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 WSAV-TV.
QUAPAW, Okla.  Two former Quapaw Tribal business leaders pleaded no contest to misusing public money and were given a one year suspended sentence.

Former Quapaw officials charged with embezzlement conspiracy, stealing tribal money

George Ranny McWatters, Jr., 79, of Quapaw, and Marilyn J. Rogers, 68, of Welch, were both charged in June 2023 with two counts of abuse of office.

A no contest plea means McWatters and Rogers did not admit guilt, but the Tribal Court found the pair guilty.

McWatters and Rogers are former members of the Quapaw Tribal Business Committee and the Downstream Development Authority. According to the criminal complaints filed against them, they are accused of receiving severance pay not approved by the tribes Business Committee and extra compensation above the compensation rate set by the tribes Business Committee.

In addition to the severance pay, the two are charged with receiving hourly wages more than double the amount approved by the business committee.

According to the pleading filed Aug. 2, the pair was also banned for 10 years from receiving any tribal benefits except burial and death benefits. The order does not affect Indian Heath Services benefits or money from the Bear litigation.

No restitution was ordered after prosecutors received notice that restitution is to be resolved in a civil court.

McWatters and Rogers were also each fined $1,575.

Jack Brill, II, 55, a Neosho, Missouri-based attorney and former Downstream Casino Resort attorney, was charged with McWatters and Rogers and is accused of orchestrating the payment of $2.343 million to former Quapaw Nation officials.

Online court records show he is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 3.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Longtime lobbyist Tom Cullen said he was just trying to be a team player when he agreed in 2017 to take on former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo as an off-the-books consultant as a favor for one of his top clients, AT&T Illinois.

But Cullen, who for years served as a top political aide to then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, told a federal jury on Friday that Acevedo was not very pleased with AT&Ts $2,500-a-month offer, even though the job called for little or no work.

In fact, Cullen said, after a meeting about the proposal, Acevedo called him and blew his stack.

He basically said, What the F is goin on here? Im worth more money,' Cullen testified, adding that his recollection was that Acevedo demanded double what was being offered.

When the prosecutor asked Cullen to use Acevedos exact words, Cullen quoted Acevedo as saying, F AT&T, they can kiss my ass.'

Cullen said he told Acevedo to take it up with AT&T, not him.

I had no authority to negotiate a salary with Eddie Acevedo, he said. Even though I was a conduit, the money wasnt coming from me, it was coming from AT&T.

After an internal evaluation of its budget and consulting rates, AT&T held firm on its offer and Acevedo ended up taking the deal.

Cullens dramatic recollection came in the bribery trial of Paul La Schiazza, the then-president of AT&T Illinois accused of agreeing to pay Acevedo, a key Madigan ally, to win the powerful speakers support for its legislative agenda in Springfield.

Dressed in a blue suit and striped tie, Cullen, who retired from lobbying earlier this year, told the jury that he received through his attorney a nontarget letter from the U.S. attorneys office in exchange for his testimony, meaning the government acknowledged there was not substantial proof he had done something wrong.

He is a key witness for prosecutors not only because he was the alleged go-between for the illicit payments to Acevedo, but also because of his well-known loyalty to Madigan and intricate knowledge of the speakers vaunted political operation.

Cullen told the jury he never would have hired Acevedo if AT&T hadnt asked him, citing the Chicago Democrats inexperience and penchant for carousing after legislative sessions.

I didnt think that he was a serious lobbyist, Cullen said. He was brand new, potentially liked to go out and party and drink a lot, so he just wasnt somebody I wanted to hire.

Cullen said he understood that the arrangement had been pushed by Michael McClain, a retired lobbyist and close Madigan confidant who had more access to the speaker than nearly anyone else at the Illinois Capitol.

When asked by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mower if he had any reservations about entering into the unusual arrangement, Cullen said, Somewhat.

But I think that I would rather have been a team player than not a team player, Cullen testified.

La Schiazza, 66, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in October 2022 with conspiracy, federal program bribery and using a facility in interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity. The most serious counts carry up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty and has been free on bond while his case is pending.

La Schiazzas attorneys have argued that by paying Acevedo, AT&T was simply engaging in the kind of relationship building that is necessary in politics, especially when a company is trying to get lawmakers to consider its agenda. The company also had political reasons to try to keep the payments quiet, according to the defense.

On Friday, La Schiazza attorney Tinos Diamantatos said he intends to cross-examine Cullen about his understanding of the legality of the arrangement  a point the prosecution says is irrelevant.

U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman recessed the trial for the week after Cullens direct examination, saying the cross-examination will begin first thing Monday morning.

The Tribune first reported in 2022 that Cullen had testified before the federal grand jury that was looking into broad aspects of Madigans political world, which prosecutors allege included a criminal enterprise aimed at providing personal financial rewards for Madigan and his associates.

Cullen previously testified in the perjury trial of Tim Mapes, the speakers longtime chief of staff, who was convicted of lying to protect his boss and sentenced to 2 years in prison in February.

And while Cullen was not called as a witness in the related ComEd Four bribery conspiracy case, his name did surface repeatedly there as well, including on a now-infamous magic list of Madigan-favored lobbyists curated by McClain on hotel stationery.

Cullen was one of the Madigan machines key engineers, holding a position of high confidence in a small group of Madigans confidants, whose membership, one longtime political insider told the Tribune, is so closely guarded that only the people in the circle know who the people in the circle are.

Cullen held the all-important position of director of Madigans House issues development staff, the political arm of the speakers government operations. In that role, Cullen became essential in screening and recruiting legislative candidates as well as determining their paths to victory.

When the speakers daughter Lisa Madigan ran for attorney general, Cullen was among the small cadre of people, including McClain, who met frequently to help steer her successful statewide race.

Cullen testified Friday that as leader of the Democratic Party of Illinois, Michael Madigan had complete control over a vast network of staffers and resources, while his role as speaker also gave him complete control over the House of Representatives.

Thats why La Schiazza and his team at AT&T Illinois knew that without Madigans support for legislation to end mandated landline service, which stood to save the company millions of dollars, it would likely go nowhere, Cullen told the jury.

It was terribly important because the speaker controls the flow of legislation in the House and the speaker was influential on whether a bill could pass or fail, Cullen testified.

Cullen said that in his initial conversations with Bob Barry, who served on La Schiazzas governmental affairs team, it was made clear to him that there were political considerations in keeping Acevedos hiring quiet  including not upsetting newly elected state Rep. Theresa Mah, whod beaten Acevedos son, Alex, in the Democratic primary.

Bob said they didnt want to make Mah mad by hiring Acevedo, Cullen said. If they had issues before (her) committee it could taint her against AT&T.

In late April 2017, Cullen attended a meeting with Barry, Acevedo and others at the Capitol to discuss a cover story for the payments, he said. To make the arrangement appear legitimate, it was decided Acevedo would prepare a report on the political dynamics of the General Assemblys and Chicago City Councils Latino Caucuses.

Cullen testified that in his view, such a report would not be useful, and that it shouldnt take nine months to complete. The prosecutor then showed Cullen the monthly checks he cut to Acevedo and asked him what consulting services Acevedo had provided to AT&T during those months.

To my knowledge, nothing, Cullen replied.

Before Cullen took the stand, the jury finished hearing testimony from Stephen Selcke, who worked for years as one of AT&Ts top internal lobbyists and was also part of the process of hiring Acevedo.

The U.S. attorneys office granted immunity to Selcke in 2022, compelling him to testify against his friend but also shielding him from any criminal prosecution as long as he tells the truth.

Selcke testified on Friday that AT&T was petrified of rocking the boat with Speaker Madigan and creating any kind of impediment to our legislation. He also testified that they all understood McClains request had come directly from the speaker.

Emails shown to the jury illustrated the borderline paranoia among La Schiazza and his staff over Madigans feelings, including repeated references to whether theyd get credit with the speaker for hiring Acevedo at his request.

On cross-examination, however, defense attorney Jack Dodds pressed Selcke on the word credit, asking if it was really code word for a bribe?

No, Selcke replied.

Because thats not what you thought you were doing, is it? Dodds asked.

Selcke answered, It was not.

Selcke acknowledged he was caught off guard on the morning in December 2019 when the FBI knocked on his door. It was 6:30 a.m., and his wife answered, he said.

She said, Hey the FBI is here to speak with you. I initially thought she was kidding, but she had a serious look on her face, Selcke said.

With Selcke still in his pajamas, the agents showed him a couple emails and one other piece of paper and asked questions, he said, but I had just gotten up and probably wasnt at my sharpest.

Selcke later got a lawyer and negotiated his immunity deal, testifying before the same grand jury as Cullen.

At the end of his cross-examination, Dodds sought to emphasize that nearly the entire alleged bribery scheme took place on emails and texts, with no real attempt to hide any of it.

Was there ever any point in time where Mr. La Schiazza said, No, no, no more emails? Dodds asked. Selcke replied there was not.

Any of you say to each other, You know what, we shouldnt do this in email, lets just take this offline and discuss it verbally?

No, Selcke replied.

Dodds also suggested that the prosecution had inserted a bribery narrative into what amounted to nothing more than some political favors.

So all you know is Eddie Acevedo was looking for work. Mike Madigan asked AT&T if they could help him out, and AT&T did help him out, right? Dodds asked. And thats the long and short of it right? Thats what happened?

I would agree, Selcke said. Thats what happened.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
CHICAGO  A onetime top political aide to House Speaker Michael Madigan testified Friday that passing legislation to end mandated landline service was AT&T Illinois top priority in 2017 when they came to him with a plan to secretly pay a Madigan ally through his lobbying firm.

Tom Cullen, a lobbyist who played political point man for years on Madigans government staff, is a key witness in the trial of Paul La Schiazza, not only because he was the alleged go-between for the illicit payments to ex-state Rep. Eddie Acevedo, but also because of his intricate knowledge of Madigans operation.

Prosecutors allege that AT&T agreed to pay $2,500 a month to Acevedo as a do-nothing consultant to win Madigans support for its legislation, known by the acronym COLR, which stood to save the company millions of dollars. The arrangement was proposed by Michael McClain, a former lobbyist and longtime confidant of Madigans, according to prosecutors.

Dressed in a gray suit, Cullen, of Springfield, told the jury that he received through his attorney a non-target letter from the U.S. attorneys office in exchange for his testimony, meaning the government acknowledged there was not substantial proof he had done something wrong.

He testified that Madigan was all-powerful in Springfield, and that the speakers support was critical for passage of AT&Ts bill.

It was terribly important because the speaker controls the flow of legislation in the House and the speaker was influential on whether a bill could pass or fail, Cullen said.

Cullen said Madigan viewed Eddie Acevedo as a loyal member but not, you know, a serious member of the House. But Madigan knew Acevedo could be helpful in building support with the Latino legislative caucus as Madigans district became more and more Hispanic, Cullen testified.

He also said McClain was the only contract lobbyist in Springfield to have direct access to Speaker Madigan, Cullen said. And everyone knew it.

I could go to McClain and say I have a situation, can you relay that to the speaker? Cullen said.

Asked by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mower if he had any reservations about the unusual arrangement with Acevedo, Cullen said somewhat.

But I think that I would rather have been a team player than not a team player, Cullen testified.

The Tribune first reported in 2022 that Cullen had testified before the federal grand jury that was looking into broad aspects of Madigans political world, which prosecutors allege included a criminal enterprise aimed at providing personal financial rewards for Madigan and his associates.

Cullens previously testified in the perjury trial of Tim Mapes, the speakers longtime chief of staff, but he was not a witness in the related ComEd Four bribery conspiracy case.

His name did surface repeatedly in the ComEd Four case, however, including on a now-infamous magic list of Madigan-favored lobbyists curated by McClain on hotel stationery.

His testimony in La Schiazzas case has been highly anticipated and could prove controversial, as La Schiazzas defense team said Friday they want to cross-examine him about his understanding of what they were doing was illegal  a point the prosecution says is irrelevant.

For decades, Tom Cullen was one of the Madigan machines key engineers, holding a position of high confidence in a small group of Madigans confidants, whose members one longtime political insider told the Tribune is so closely guarded that only the people in the circle know who the people in the circle are.

Cullen held the all-important position of director of Madigans House issues development staff, the political arm of the speakers government operations. In that role, Cullen became essential in screening and recruiting legislative candidates as well as determining their paths to victory.

When the speakers daughter Lisa Madigan ran for attorney general, Cullen was among the small cadre of people, including McClain, who met frequently to help steer her successful statewide race.

La Schiazza, 66, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in October 2022 with conspiracy, federal program bribery and using a facility in interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity. The most serious counts carry up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty and been free on bond while his case is pending.

La Schiazzas attorneys have argued that by paying Acevedo, AT&T was simply engaging in the kind of relationship building that is necessary in politics, especially when a company is trying to get lawmakers to consider its agenda. The company also had political reasons to try to keep the payments quiet, according to the defense.

The trial, which is expected to last up to four weeks, is offering a sneak peek at some of the evidence that will be presented at the racketeering trial of Madigan and McClain, which kicks off next month.

Before Cullen takes the stand, the jury finished hearing testimony from Stephen Selcke, who worked for years as one of AT&Ts top internal lobbyists and was part of the process of hiring Acevedo.

The U.S. attorneys office granted immunity to Selcke in 2022, compelling him to testify against his friend but also shielding him from any criminal prosecution as long as he tells the truth.

Selcke testified Thursday that no one at AT&T wanted to directly hire Acevedo, who had reputation for heavy drinking and belligerent behavior in Springfield. But Acevedo was a longtime ally of the speakers, so when McClain reached out and asked that they find some money for a small contract for Acevedo, they jumped, Selcke said.

Speaker Madigan was the most powerful member of the Illinois House, pretty much controlled the legislature in the Houseso obviously we didnt want to rock the boat with Speaker Madigan and create any kind of impediment to our legislation, Selcke told the jury Friday.

He also testified that they all understood McClains request had come directly from the speaker.

Two days after McClains original overture, La Schiazza emailed the group to say hed also heard directly from McClain.

The speaker has assigned our bill to him as a Special Project, La Schiazza wrote on Feb. 16, 2017, according to a copy of the email shown in court. Mike wants to meet with me which I will do.  I will send him a summary of our bill. I told him I would also make my staff available to him for detail if necessary.

He ended the email with the words, Game on.

In late March, however, after learning from McClain that the hiring of Acevedo still had not gone forward, La Schiazza emailed the team again. Got a call.  Do we have $ set aside for a small contract for Eddie Acevedo?  Let me know, he said. Somehow I thought we had this in progress?

After Selcke and others expressed worries about hiring Acevedo as a direct lobbyist, which would require him to register with the state, a plan was discussed to direct Eddies efforts through Cullen.

La Schiazza emailed back: If you guys really believe it will be harmful to contract with (Acevedo) directly, I have no objection to that plan, as long as you are sure we will get credit and the box checked, and of course we have legal approval to engage Eddie in this way.

According to prosecutors, Cullen later attended a meeting with AT&T employees and Acevedo to discuss a cover story for the payments: to prepare a report on the political dynamics of the General Assemblys and Chicago City Councils Latino Caucuses.

Acevedo balked at first, saying the payments were too low. But he agreed to the deal after McClain stepped in and said the amount was sufficient.

From June 2017 to January 2018, AT&T made nine monthly payments of $10,000 to Cullens firm, with $2,500 from each installment earmarked for Acevedo, for a total of $22,500. The report was never done and Acevedo did no other work on AT&Ts behalf, prosecutors alleged.

Meanwhile, after a protracted fight, the landline bill passed during the final hours of the spring 2017 legislative session  with Madigans direct assistance, according to legislative records presented in court Thursday. The House later overrode a veto by then-Gov. Bruce Rauner  on a vote that Madigan got to the House floor.

____
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV)  A 47-year-old Wisconsin man pleaded guilty to bribery as a maximum-security prison employee.

According to a release, William Lee Homan, 47, of Fox Lake, pleaded guilty to smuggling contraband into the Waupun Correctional Institution.

Elderly Wisconsin man hits bicyclist with vehicle and flees the scene, charges pending

Court documents show that Homan, a former facilities repair worker, received around 125 bribe payments, totaling around $53,579 from July 17, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023, from inmates, former inmates, and their associates in exchange for smuggling contraband into the Waupun Correctional Institution.

Homan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal program bribery and is now scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12, 2024. He faces a maximum of five years behind bars. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Authorities investigate threat made toward student at a Wisconsin High School

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has investigated this case.

No additional details were provided.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
An ex-New York City Department of Education (DOE) official was sentenced to two years in prison on Monday for taking bribes to serve young students chicken tenders contaminated with metal bits, plastic and bone.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office - Eastern District of New York, Eric Goldstein, the former head of food services for public schools in the city, was sentenced in Brooklyn federal court. Alongside Goldstein, three men who founded a vendor to provide school foods  Blaine Iler, Michael Turley and Brian Twomey  received sentencings Monday. Iler was sentenced to 12 months and a day with a $10,000 fine, Turley to 15 months and Twomey to 15 months and a $10,000 fine.

The four defendants were convicted by a federal jury in June 2023 after a monthlong trial. Goldstein, Iler, Turley and Twomey were found guilty on multiple counts of bribery and bribery conspiracy relating to programs receiving federal funds.

While serving as head of the school systems Office of School Support Services from 2008 to 2018, Goldstein oversaw food service operations, including the food service program SchoolFood. Iler, Turley and Twomey owned a company, SOMMA Food Group, that focused on delivering food to New York City schools.

Between 2015 and 2016, Goldstein joined forces with Iler, Turley and Twomey to form and operate a grass-fed beef importation business called Range Meats Supply Co., LLC (RMSCO). The corrupt arrangement involved SOMMA providing funds to RMSCO on behalf of Goldstein, including payments to Goldsteins divorce attorney and father. In exchange, Goldstein abused his executive power within SchoolFood to ensure that food products promoted and sold by SOMMA, namely its Chickentopia brand items, would be purchased by the citys DOE and served to New York City public schools.

Prosecutors noted that over the course of 14 months, Iler, Turley and Twomey transferred approximately $96,670 to RMSCO. Those funds included a payment of $7,000 to Goldsteins personal divorce lawyer and a $3,000 wire transfer to a close relative of Goldstein.

The largest bribe payment was made in the fall of 2016 after the city school system stopped serving SOMMAs food products when an employee choked on a bone in a supposedly boneless Chickentopia chicken tender. SOMMAs food products were back in school cafeterias just two months later. According to court documents, SOMMAs return came a day after Iler, Turley and Twomey agreed to pay Goldstein $66,670  a hefty amount that he had demanded. Goldstein then approved the reintroduction of Chickentopia products, which were served in schools until April 2017 despite complaints that the tenders contained foreign objects.

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Eric Goldstein corruptly abused his high-ranking position of trust as a public official and pursued lucrative bribes at the expense of school children, many of whom rely on healthy meals provided by the New York City Department of Education, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace said in a statement.

He continued, Great responsibility came with overseeing the school systems food operations, but shamefully, Goldstein prioritized lining his pockets with payoffs from his co-defendants to ensure the DOE purchased their products and that their food stayed in the schools even after plastic, bones and metal were found in the chicken served to schoolchildren and teachers.
U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall as well as U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann and Ron Estes, all Kansas Republicans, introduced a bill aimed at shielding private property rights in the effort to expand the electric transmission network in the United States. They introduced in Congress legislation to block use of federal funding to condemn private property for a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor. (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom)

TOPEKA  Four Republicans in the Kansas congressional delegation Friday offered support for legislation limiting federal authority to take control of private property for development of a national electric transmission corridor.

The bill backed by U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann and Ron Estes, who are seeking reelection in November, and U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall would ban use of federal funding to condemn private property for a proposed system of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. The bill would prohibit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from overruling rejection of electric transmission projects by state regulators.

Joe Newland, president of Kansas Farm Bureau, said enactment of the legislation would level the playing field and compel good-faith negotiations with landowners for siting and building transmission lines. He said Farm Bureau policy supported access to reliable, low-cost electricity and expansion of transmission capacity to keep pace with demand.

Without vital protections included in this legislation, landowners will continue to face unilateral ultimatums from transmission developers who are using taxpayer dollars to build infrastructure, Newland said.

Moran said in August that he would introduce the legislation because the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law nearly three years ago by President Joe Biden granted FERC the authority to issue permits for transmission lines within a national corridor despite denial of applications by state officials.

A DOE map of potential sections of the corridor included a pathway stretching from southwest Kansas to the northeast corner of the state. Part of the corridor would track the high-capacity Grain Belt Express transmission line, a project that sparked opposition from farm groups and landowners because it would cut across private property in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. Construction of the line could begin in 2025.

In May, the U.S. Department of Energy released the preliminary list of potential National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. The list represented the second phase of DOEs process to designate NIETCs. NIETC designation would unlock federal financing and permitting tools to spur construction of transmission projects.

The DOEs announcement opened a formal 45-day public comment period on creation of the national transmission corridor. That comment period closed June 24 and DOEs analysis transitioned to phase three. Views on the proposed corridor could be forwarded by email to NIETC@hq.doe.gov.

Mann, who serves the Kansas district through which much of the line could run, said DOEs announcement on phase two of the NIETC proposal was grossly underpublicized, overly vague and left landowners with no clarity regarding whether their lands would be impacted.

I am vehemently opposed to any effort by the federal government to seize private land, Mann said. We have heard Kansans loud and clear. They are not interested in the federal government grabbing their land. We introduced this legislation to protect the rights of Kansas landowners and prevent the federal government from treading on their liberties. Any land given to the federal government for this project should be voluntary, not mandated.

Estes said respect for private property rights was foundational to our way of life and this bill will help ensure that even the federal government has to respect the rights of Kansas landowners.

Moran said the 45-day comment window was too short and the legislation introduced in Washington would prohibit the Department of Energy from trampling on the rights of Kansas landowners or usurping the authority of state regulators in order to build a transmission line across Kansas.

In addition, Marshall said bureaucrats in the Biden administration should not have the unchecked authority to approve projects that could strip Kansans of their property rights. He said decisions about use of land for transmission lines ought to be made by states.
EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Four people linked to a fentanyl bust in El Cajon were arrested, authorities said.

The arrests stemmed from an April 29 report of suspicious activity of possible drug transactions involving a vehicle in the 500 block of North Second Street, Lt. Will Guerin with the El Cajon Police Department said in a news release Thursday.

Authorities conducted a search of the vehicle and found fentanyl, drug paraphernalia and more evidence of fentanyl sales, police said.

Jordan Fox, 20, as well as another person, was arrested and charged with possession of drugs for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia. Fox, who had an outstanding warrant for theft and prior arrests for robbery and theft, was sentenced to 113 days in jail and released on supervised probation.

Camp Pendleton Marine in desertion status apprehended on military base

During the investigation, detectives identified 35-year-old Joshua Kavaney of San Diego as a suspect linked to where the fentanyl came from.

A search warrant conducted on Tuesday at Kavaneys home in the 3000 block of Murray Ridge Road led to the detention of 27-year-old Brittnee Gilmer and discovery of around two ounces of fentanyl, multiple firearms including a ghost gun, firearm silencer, machine gun conversion switch, body armor and a substantial amount of cash, police said.

Gilmer and Kavaney, also found to be in possession of an illegal credit card skimming device and drug paraphernalia, were arrested on suspicion of multiple felony charges.

Kavaney was held on $500,000 bail, and Gilmer was booked into jail and later released on 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Richard Hopley was stabbed in the chest [West Midlands Police]

A further suspect has been charged with the murder of a man who was stabbed in Birmingham in 2022.

Richard Hopley, 43, was stabbed in the chest in Underwood Close, Edgbaston.

Ayub Khan, 29, from Birmingham, has been charged with murder and was appearing before magistrates in the city on Friday, West Midlands Police said.

Three men have already been convicted over the killing of Mr Hopley.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Related internet links
By Shivansh Tiwary

(Reuters) - Fitch and Moody's on Friday joined S&P Global Ratings in warning that a prolonged strike at Boeing's factories in U.S. West Coast may lead to a ratings downgrade, a headache for the planemaker that is saddled with massive debt.

"If the current strike lasts a week or two, it is unlikely to pressure the rating. However, an extended strike could have a meaningful operational and financial impact, increasing the risk of a downgrade," Fitch Ratings said.

Moody's warned of a downgrade if Boeing issues debt alongside any equity raised to meet its liquidity requirements, including the money it needs to retire about $12 billion of debt maturities between now and the end of 2026.

Moody's currently rates the planemaker at "Baa3", while Fitch has "BBB-" rating  both a notch above the junk status.

More than 30,000 workers walked off the job at Boeing on Friday after rejecting a contract deal, halting production of its 737 MAX jet, the company's main cash-cow.

CFO Brian West did not directly answer when asked if Boeing may need to raise debt or equity by the year-end or early 2025.

"First of all, we want to prioritize the investment grade credit rating. And secondly, we want to allow the factory and the supply chain to stabilize. That last objective just got harder based on last night," he said at a conference organized by Morgan Stanley.

"We are perfectly comfortable to supplement our liquidity position to support these two objectives," West said.

The first labor strike at Boeing since 2008 coincides with a period of intense scrutiny of the planemaker by U.S. regulators and airline customers after an incident in January when a door panel detached from a 737 MAX jet mid-air.

Boeing's management will likely need to access new sources of liquidity in the event of a prolonged strike to adhere to its cash targets and to remain within Fitch's negative rating sensitivity, the ratings agency said.

S&P Global Ratings had said on Thursday an extended strike could delay the planemaker's recovery and hurt its overall rating.

Boeing's finances are already groaning due to a $60 billion debt pile.

Shares of the planemaker were down 4% in afternoon trading, touching over an 18-month low.

(This story has been refiled to fix syntax, in the headline)

(Reporting by Shivansh Tiwary and Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri, Shinjini Ganguli and Shilpi Majumdar)
LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The Limestone County Sheriffs Office (LCSO) says a fourth student was taken into custody for making a terrorist threat to a Limestone County School this week.

According to LCSO, the threat was made on Snapchat and directed to Clements High School students.

Sheriff sends reminder to parents as 3rd Limestone County student faces charges for threat

Authorities said that after identifying the suspect and while working to locate them, a guardian called to report the student had confessed and wanted to speak to investigators.

The sheriffs office said the student was taken into custody at 5:25 p.m. Investigators said they found probable cause to arrest the student for making a second-degree terrorist threat, making it the fourth arrest for threats to the Limestone County Schools System this week.

Thank you to those of you who reported this threat to us. We will continue to arrest these offenders until each is held accountable for their crimes. If you threaten our children in Limestone County, we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law, Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin 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 WHNT.com.
Demonstrator accused of shooting man during scuffle at pro-Israel rally in Newton to face judge

A Framingham man is expected in court Friday after authorities say he shot a person when a Pro-Israel rally he was attending in Newton turned violent on Thursday night.

Scott Hayes, 47, is slated to be arraigned in Newton District Court on charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury, according to the Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

People are standing outside of Newton District Court this morning in support of Scott Hayes. Hayes was arrested last night after a man was shot at a pro-Israel gathering. The man who was shot is accused of tackling someone, presumably Hayes, at the rally. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/lsLWOYDYrZ  Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) September 13, 2024

The person was shot around 6:40 p.m. during a pro-Israeli demonstration at the corner of Washington and Harvard streets, Ryan said during a news conference late Thursday.

Ryan said a group of pro-Israeli demonstrators, including Hayes, were on one side of the street when a person walked up on the other side of the road. She said that person started exchanging words with the small group at the rally and ultimately crossed the street, tackling one of the demonstrators.

During a scuffle that ensued, the person who had crossed the street was shot by Hayes, according to Ryan.

A scuffle ensued. During that scuffle, the individual who had come across the street was shot by a member of the demonstrating group, Ryan said. Mr. Hayes used a gun and fired a shot that struck the individual who had come across the street.

Police providing update on Newton crime scene Police providing update on Newton crime scene https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/police-investigating-crime-scene-newton-street-corner// Posted by Boston 25 News on Thursday, September 12, 2024

At a press conference Thursday night, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said, I have two asks. First, let the Newton police do their work and get the facts straight. Second, I ask everyone to remain calm.

Newton police are looking for the publics help in obtaining any videos or pictures from when this all happened.

Police said they will also provide extra patrols at houses of worship over the next several days.

Fuller commented that those needing emotional support can reach out to the Riverside Trauma Center or Newton City Hall, where Social Services can provide referrals to anyone who needs it.

One seriously injured, one arrested after shooting at Pro-Israel rally in Newton

I know people will have a lot of questions and we will share information with Newtonians and the press when we are able. Its really early stages of an active investigation, Fuller said.

The person who was shot has not been identified but is said to be hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

Ryan said it was her understanding that the gun belonged to Hayes and that he legally possessed that gun.

In a statement Friday morning, ADL New England expressed concern over law enforcement filing charges so soon after the shooting.

ADL is aware that an anti-Israel protestor was shot after charging across traffic and violently tackling a pro-Israel demonstrator to the ground in Newton. Reports that charges were immediately filed prior to completion of the investigation are concerning, ADL New England said. Protests should not subject anyone to violence. We encourage Newton Police and the Middlesex District Attorney to conduct a thorough investigation of the entire incident. We are concerned about escalating tensions and remain in contact with law enforcement and community officials.

An investigation is ongoing.

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
Franklin leader says he was cleared of all wrongdoing in criminal probe. Was he though?

In our Reality Check stories, Tri-City Herald journalists seek to hold the powerful accountable and find answers to critical questions in our community. Read more. Story idea? News@tricityherald.com.

A Franklin County commissioner took a victory lap this week claiming he was cleared of any wrongdoing by a special prosecutors decision, but thats not exactly what the report said.

Snohomish Countys Chief Deputy Prosecutor Elise Deschenes recently issued notices declining to prosecute Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton and Commission Chairman Rocky Mullen in the investigation over a disputed HAPO Center payment.

In both notices, Deschenes wrote that their behavior was irregular, but there was not enough evidence to prove beyond a sufficient doubt that a crime occurred.

For one of the three charges recommended by the sheriffs investigation for Mullen, she wrote that (h)owever, due to the lack of State resources, we are unable to charge this gross misdemeanor at this time.

Despite that, Mullen claimed during this weeks county commission meeting that he has been cleared. While he is not facing criminal charges, the reports did not suggest no misconduct happened.

In her report, Deschenes also described Mullen and Beatons behavior as concerning, irregular, and odd.

As a commissioner I strongly believe that no one is above the law, Mullen said this week. While frivolous allegations can always be made, I take pride that the correct conclusion was reached, the process worked and my name and others were cleared by a finding that no wrongdoing occurred.

Rocky Mullen

Im glad to have that put behind us. Ive tried to stay out of it as much as possible, but it was not very pleasant and we should not be out making false accusations against anyone, he continued.

We have a lot of hard working people in the courthouse, that do a fabulous job and there is no reason we should be falsely accusing them of anything thats happening here, he said.

He added that the company involved in the HAPO Center payment dispute  Simmons Venue Management  is a pillar of the community. However, later in the same meeting, he voted along with the other two commissioners to order a forensic audit of the bills that company asked the county to pay.

Mullen and County Commissioner Clint Didier often clashed with former Commissioner Brad Peck over SVM getting the HAPO contract, including Mullen telling investigators that Peck had somehow installed the company without the consent of the other commissioners.

However, records show that Didier and Mullen voted to approve the emergency contract with SVM after all of the centers management quit within a month in 2022.

Also this week, the commissioners voted to order the prosecutors office to go after Peck on another issue that was frequently a point of contention when Peck was still on the board. Its a matter they asked the Washington state Attorney Generals Office to review and have yet to receive an opinion about.

Didier and Mullen believe it was unconstitutional for Peck to use the countys VEBA benefit program, which is still in place. Didier has been pushing for the county to force Peck to pay back nearly $50,000 in payments to a medical use account he received instead of county health insurance.

The county allows money that would normally be put toward paying for health insurance to be put into a restricted use account for medical needs. It is an option still available for county employees and elected officials.

Peck used this option because he already had insurance after retiring from the Air Force. The program was approved before Mullen and Didier were elected.

Peck resigned from the county at the end of 2023 claiming he was fed up with the toxicity and workplace bullying. Earlier this year he told the Herald that Didier, Mullen and Beaton were engaging in a juvenile grudge against him.

After this weeks vote to go after Peck to pay back the VEBA money, county prosecutors told the Herald in an email that they are not taking legal action against Peck.

Franklin County Commission Chairman Rocky Mullen, left, was interviewed in March 2024 as part of a criminal investigation into official misconduct.

Irregular behavior

The special prosecutor considered three possible charges for Mullen and Beaton  tampering with a witness, official misconduct and making a false or misleading statement to a public servant.

The investigation centered on a dispute over whether to pay the HAPO Centers former management group SVM for the month of the transition to the Harris White Leasure group in October 2023.

The county still has not paid the $12,500 bill, according to comments at this weeks meeting.

In a secretly recorded previous meeting, Mullen and Beaton complained about SVM becoming the centers contractor and Pecks relationship with the Simmons family. Beaton made unspecified claims that they needed to be audited.

Despite Mullen deriding Peck and the company in interviews with sheriffs investigators, he claimed this week during the open commission meeting he has never disparaged SVM.

However, in a taped interview with sheriffs investigators, Mullen said: Theres a contract with SVM, tell me how a contract gets written up over the weekend to put them in place with no discussion whatsoever. Somebody put SVM in there because they were, I dont know if you want to say buddy, buddy or friends. Thats bullshit.

Former County Administrator Mike Gonzalez recorded the meeting clandestinely because a criminal investigation already had been opened and he was concerned the elected officials were going to ask him to commit a crime after theyd been told by both the sheriffs office and the prosecutors office not to talk to Gonzalez about the matter.

In that meeting, Mullen and Beaton asked Gonzalez to write a letter claiming that there had just been a misunderstanding about the back and forth over the payment. Beaton said in the meeting that he had, at the direction of Didier, asked the HAPO Centers new management group to process the payment after being told not to.

He claimed later in that meeting this wasnt meant to make Gonzalez look bad though.

I said, If he approves it, the commissioners may learn more about him than they want to know, but I dont believe they will, Beaton said in the recording.

Matt Beaton

Afterward, Mullen followed up through text messages and Gonzalez reiterated that he was not going to change his statements to investigators.

Mullen later told investigators that Didiers name did not come up at all, despite being mentioned more than a dozen times and Beaton directly saying that he was acting at Didiers direction.

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Special prosecutors findings

When it came to potentially charging Mullen for making a false statement to a public servant, the Snohomish County deputy prosecutor wrote that he appeared to make a number of statements that werent consistent with what happened in that meeting and would be hard to attribute to simply misremembering, however the state lacked the resources to charge him at this time.

The other findings largely express that it would be difficult for a jury to find beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed.

Deschenes summarized the findings for both elected officials by saying, While the suspects behavior is irregular, there is insufficient evidence to prove criminal behavior beyond a reasonable doubt.

That was underscored throughout the reports in details about their actions being concerning or unusual, but likely not enough for a jury to convict.

As for Beatons push for Gonzalez to write the letter, she wrote, While, again, the suspects motivations in making the request are concerning, what he is actually requesting is not clear enough for the State to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the charge of Tampering with a Witness.

Deschenes also wrote that Mullens role in that request seemed to be coming from a place of wanting to show they could all work together. She said that a jury would have a hard time finding whether the requested letter was meant to be sent to investigators or just county employees.

Again, while the request is odd, the motivation seems to be more political and an effort to show they all get along rather than interfering with a criminal investigation, Deschenes wrote.

She did not send out a decline to prosecute notice about Didier.

Franklin County Commissioner Clint Didier

While investigators have said he also was under investigation, he did not agree to an interview with detectives and was not present at the secretly recorded meeting. Its unclear if Deschenes was ever asked to formally consider charges against him.

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Audits and lawsuits

Earlier this week, Didier asked for an item to be placed on the meetings agenda regarding unconstitutional pay increases.

Didier said they had waited long enough for the Attorney Generals Office to issue an opinion over a dispute in which hes previously insisted Peck should have to pay back close to $50,000. That amount came from payments to the VEBA health account since 2016.

Weve been very reasonable on this, weve been waiting for the AGs opinion for over a year now and I believe its our civic duty, these are taxpayers monies and we need to make sure that we do what we are instructed to do, and that is to protect taxpayer money, Didier said.

I think that we should give it to a judge and let him decide, he continued. Thats ultimately where its going to go anyways, is to a judge. I would like to have my other other commissioners approval to make a motion to direct our prosecuting attorney to move to recover these funds.

Its unclear whether they were asking the prosecutors office to file criminal charges or a civil lawsuit.

Later in the meeting the commissioners also wanted to order an audit of SVMs finances during their tenure at the HAPO Center.

The countys legal advisor, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Briggs, told the commissioners they should wait for the State Auditors Office to wrap up an ongoing look at the finances of the HAPO Center. He said the results of that audit could render another audit unnecessary.

Exterior of the HAPO Center at 6600 Burden Blvd. in Pasco.

When it came to the vote to go after Peck, Briggs told the Herald in an email that the question at hand is complex, which is why the Attorney Generals Office has yet to issue an opinion on it.

Briggs said that the prosecutors office is bound by law and ethics rules to exercise independent professional judgment in deciding whether to initiate a lawsuit or criminal proceeding, so they will not be taking formal action at this time due to the lack of an AG opinion, the complexity of the issue and limited staff resources.

Commissioners Mullen and Didier believe Pecks vote to approve that plan was unconstitutional and enriched him.

Didier and Mullen have been trying to make major changes to the structure to reduce county costs, but so far have been unable to eliminate the VEBA contributions benefit for elected officials.

In a letter sent to commissioners earlier this year over late payments, SVM told the county they were happy to go along with any proposed audit in order to clear the air. Its unclear why the county has not previously audited the HAPO Centers finances.

A Herald public record request for all audits performed on the HAPO Center finances by the county showed there was one audit in 2014.
Franklin PUD sued over its elections. Latino citizens shut out of choice, lawsuit says

The Franklin PUD has been sued by two Pasco residents over an election system that they say unfairly and illegally dilutes the vote of Latino residents.

The current district map prevents Latinos from being able to successfully elect candidates of choice to the commission in primary elections because the district map cracks the Latino population of East Pasco, the lawsuit said.

Second, due to strong racially polarized voting in the area, the at-large method of general elections prevents the Latino minority from having a meaningful opportunity to elect candidates of choice, it said.

The lawsuit was filed this week by Jose Trinidad Corral and Gabriel Portugal, members of the of the League of United Latin American Citizens, just days after the Franklin Public Utility District Commission directed the PUD general manager to take steps to change to a district general election system.

Currently, the Franklin PUD is divided into three districts for the PUD commissioners. Only district residents vote in the primary to narrow the field of candidates to two. But in the general election, all residents of the PUD vote on any commission seat up for election.

Three months ago the UCLA Voting Rights Project and Morfin Law Firm notified the public utility district based in Pasco it had 90 days to respond to its challenge of the PUD election system. If the response was unsatisfactory, it was prepared to take further legal action, it said.

The lawsuit said the PUD voting system needs to be replaced with an entirely district-based system and for the three districts to be configured to provide Latinos with an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.

Voting district of the Franklin PUD are shown.

The current voting system not only contravenes the Washington Voting Rights Act, but also contradicts the democratic values of equal and fair representation, said Sonni Waknin, program manager at the voting rights project.

The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the current system violates the law and a court order to adopt a new election system that ensures Latino voters can elect candidates of their choice.

Pasco, Franklin County changes

Hispanics make up 37% of the voting age population of U.S. citizens in Franklin County, but no Hispanic person has been elected to the three-person commission in at least 20 years, according to the UCLA Voting Rights Project.

The UCLA Voting Project says that in the 2018 election for Franklin PUD Commission Position 3, Cynthia Parker had the most votes in precincts with a high density of Latino voters but the least in precincts with a high density of white voters.

The position is again on the ballot in November, with PUD Commissioner Stu Nelson being challenged by Pedro Torres, a Pasco fitness instructor.

Latino voters in the PUD have not been able to elect a candidate of their choice to the PUD in at least two decades, the lawsuit says.

The voting rights project was behind a similar complaint filed with Franklin County that led to a settlement two years ago to reconfigure voting districts for the three county commissioners.

The Franklin Public Utility District office is at 1411 W. Clark St. in Pasco.

When county commissioners took no action in the six months following the county complaint, the UCLA Voting Rights project sued. The settlement required the county to pay $375,000 in attorneys fees.

Similar challenges in recent years in the cities of Pasco and Yakima resulted in wholesale changes in their voting districts.

Following a closed Franklin PUD commission meeting on Sept. 4, the three public utility commissioners directed the PUD general manager to change the general election to district voting as is done in its primary elections and to seek judicial approval of the change.

However, commissioners said they were making the change even though they did not agree that the current system violates the Washington Voting Rights Act, or WVRA.

The change is being made to avoid even the appearance of a potential violation of the WVRA and to minimize disruption and cost impacts on district ratepayers, they said in a resolution.

They also directed General Manager Scott Rhees to negotiate a settlement agreement with those who filed the claim.

Franklin PUD believes in being transparent and will continue to work to resolve this matter in a way that allows our ratepayers to be heard and involved, said Rosario Viera, Franklin PUD spokesperson, after the lawsuit was filed. Our intent is and has been to work in good faith with the plaintiffs to reach an amicable solution.

Hispanics in Franklin County

Franklin County has a history of ethnic and racial tension between the countys white and Latino communities, the lawsuit said.

East Pasco was once the only part of the city where Hispanic and other minorities were allowed to live.

Green on this heat map shows where more Hispanic people live in Franklin County and red shows where fewer live, according to U.S. Census data.

More recently Franklin County officials have expressed anti-immigration sentiment against the countys mostly Latino immigrant population, it said.

The existing PUD District 3 crosses Highway 395 and excludes a portion of historic East Pasco, the lawsuit said. It excludes a voting precinct with a large majority of Hispanic voters in East Pasco and includes five precincts with a majority of white voters, it said.

The result is a district with 50% Latino voters with some areas where Latino voters have high turnout excluded, the lawsuit said.

PUD district lines were redrawn in 2021 in a way that appeared to be motivated by sorting citizens on the basis of race and participation in the electorate with the intent to create a district that appeared to provide Latino electoral opportunity when, in fact, it does not, the lawsuit said.

Latinos comprise 56% of the population in Pasco, the largest city in Franklin County, and the Latino population of Franklin County has grown to make up about 37% of of the citizens of voting age, the lawsuit said.

It said that change to the election system is timely after the PUD raised utility rates for the first time in six years effective May 2024. The 3% annual rate hike through 2027 will burden low income residents who are often Hispanic, the complaint said.

Almost one in five Latinos in Franklin County live below the poverty line, compared to 7% of white residents, the lawsuit said. Latino residents earn an average of $25,000 less per capita than white residents.

Homeownership also is lower, at 35% for Latino residents compared to 76% of white residents, according to the 2020 U.S. census.
Get a free car seat check at this CHP event in Oakhurst

OAKHURST, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Parents and caregivers alike are invited to a free car seat event in Oakhurst with officers from the California Highway Patrol.

The event will take place in the Vons Parking Lot in Oakhurst near Highway 41 and Highway 49. The event aims to educate parents and caregivers on the proper use and installation of child safety seats.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 190 children killed in crashes in 2022 were unrestrained.

Some of the services provided at the event include checking for recalls, proper car seat installation, and replacement of damaged and recalled seats.

The event will be held on Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. To learn more, call 559-658-6590.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Fujifilm creates buzz with transformative actions in its manufacturing process: 'An essential requirement to participate in global businesses now'

Remember when Fujifilm focused only on film? The Japan-based camera developer has a new focus that's picture-perfect for our planet and your wallet, according to Sustainability Magazine.

This legendary company is transforming its manufacturing process in Tilburg, Netherlands, into a circular powerhouse. This means Fujifilm is still focused on making great products but is now making them in a way that's kinder to our Earth and easier on your budget.

Specifically, Fujifilm is taking used toner cartridges and giving them a second life. Instead of tossing these cartridges into landfills, they're cleaning them up and turning them into brand-new ones.

This is more than just good news for office supplies. It's a helping hand for you and the environment.

By reusing materials, Fujifilm is cutting down on waste and reducing the need for new resources. That means lower production costs, which could lead to more affordable products on store shelves. Plus, every cartridge that gets a second chance is one less piece of plastic in our oceans or landfills.

The entire Tilburg facility also runs on 100% renewable wind energy, meaning those towering turbines you see on the horizon are powering Fujifilm's eco-friendly revolution. It's a double victory: cleaner energy and cleaner manufacturing.

Mutsuki Tomono, corporate vice president of Fujifilm Japan, perfectly put it, per Sustainability, "Environmental commitment is an essential requirement to participate in global businesses now. It's partly why we have the clear target of zero emissions by 2040."

Fujifilm is also going out of its way to correct the gender disparity in the manufacturing field by ensuring women have a seat at the table, especially in its environmental policies.

Luana Porfido, head of corporate communication and ESG management at Fujifilm Europe, added, "There is no longer any doubt about the decisive role of women in what we call the green revolution."

With moves like these, Fujifilm is proving that what's good for the planet can also be good for consumers' pockets. That's a picture of a brighter future we can all get behind.

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.
Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee presides in court, Friday, March, 1, 2024, in Atlanta. AP Photo/Alex Slitz, Pool (file photo)

Former President Donald Trump will no longer face two of the criminal charges in his 2020 presidential election interference case after Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee dismissed charges Thursday connected to the false slate of Republican electors.

Following McAfees ruling, Trump is facing eight of the 13 original charges he was indicted for last year in a sweeping racketeering and conspiracy case against 19 defendants that accuses Trump, several members of his inner circle and other allies of illegally trying to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia and several other states. McAfee wrote Thursday that his decision to strike the two charges is because the Fulton County District Attorney Office did not have the authority to prosecute the federal offenses in state court.

The dismissed charges were for filing of false documents and conspiring to file false documents. They were connected to a coordinated plan by Trump and allies to have alternate GOP electors submit false certificates declaring Trump the winner in Georgia. Prosecutors said the 2020 electoral meeting at the Georgia Capitol played a key role in showing the extent that Republicans would go to try to overturn President Joe Bidens nearly 12,000 vote win over Trump. Bidens win was confirmed by multiple recounts and audits, and many court challenges were unsuccessful.

A third false electoral document charge was also dismissed by McAfee Thursday against several Trump co-defendants who participated in the Dec. 14, 2020 meeting at state Capitol.

In March, McAfee dismissed several charges of violations of oath of office filed against Trump and several co-defendants. McAfees latest ruling in the sprawling case questioned he six counts related to a violation of oath of office that were presented to a grand jury in August.

Trumps lead attorney Steve Sadow in the case commented Thursday on the development with a post on X.

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, Sadow wrote.

The case has been at a standstill for several months with a looming Georgia Court of Appeals hearing in December on defense attorneys request for a review of McAfees decision earlier this year allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to remain on the case. The hearing is scheduled several weeks after Trump is set to take on Vice President Kamala Harris in the Nov. 5 presidential election.

McAfee rejected defense attorneys arguments that Willis should be removed because she had a romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis hired Wade to lead the probe in November 2021 and she contends the relationship started after they started working on the case.

Wade resigned in March shortly after McAfee ruled in May that the only way Willis could continue prosecuting the case against the former president and his co-defendants.

Four other defendants have reached guilty plea agreements with prosecutors that will let them avoid jail time if they cooperate as state witnesses.

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Independent candidate Cornel West appeared at a protest outside the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Georgians could have fewer choices for president when they go to vote this November after two Fulton County Superior Court judges reversed Secretary of State Brad Raffenspergers decision and ruled independent candidate Cornel West and Claudia De la Cruz with the Party for Socialism and Liberation are not eligible to run for president in the state.

The Wednesday decision marks a win for the Democratic Party of Georgia, which filed suit to remove the candidates.

With early voting set to begin in just over a month, the judges ordered Raffensperger to post notices at polling places in cases where there is insufficient time to print new ballots.

Both candidates have vowed to appeal.

Across the country, the Democratic Party is using the courts to wage an assault on democracy, De la Cruz said in a statement. They are backed by their billionaire friends, and super PACs like Clear Choice which have raised huge sums of money for the explicit goal of removing third party candidates. We will appeal this ruling. People in Georgia should have the right to vote for the candidate of their choice.

Both West and De la Cruz have criticized the Democrats nominee Vice President Kamala Harris from her left and could conceivably attract votes from progressives who favor her over Republican former President Donald Trump, but dislike Harris economic policies or her backing of Israels military actions in Gaza, which inspired protests in college campuses across the nation, including in Georgia. In what is expected to be a close race, a small number of third-party votes lost to the independents could make a difference.

Wests campaign urged voters to support the third-party challenger despite the ruling.

We are appealing this decision, which negates the basic democratic rights of the people of Georgia to vote for the candidate of their choice, said Edwin DeJesus, a spokesperson for the West campaign. We will not stand by as the democratic process is undermined. This ruling is a direct assault on the voters rights to choose their leaders, and we are fighting to ensure that every Georgian can vote for a candidate who truly represents their values and visions for the future.

Neither the Democratic Party of Georgia nor the secretary of states office responded to requests for comment Thursday, but Raffensperger, a Republican, referenced the cases in a Twitter thread Tuesday.

Partisan activists are attempting to tilt the scales of this election and I believe that is wrong. This election will be decided by Georgias voters and not political activists, he wrote. The law is clear, and these qualified candidates have a right to be on Georgias ballot, and I will fight for voters rights every day to choose the candidate for whom they want to elect.

Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver and Green Party Candidate Jill Stein will appear on Georgia ballots  Oliver because Libertarians received a sufficient number of votes in the previous election, and Stein because she qualified under a new state law granting ballot access to candidates on the ballot in at least 20 other states. They will join the major party contenders, Trump and Harris, at the top of the ticket.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was previously leading the third-party pack, though still far behind the major party frontrunners, dropped out of the race in late August and endorsed Trump.

A Quinnipiac poll conducted Sept. 4 through Sept. 8 found Trump leading in Georgia with 49% of the vote to Harris 45%, with West and De la Cruz both receiving about 1% of the vote each and neither Oliver nor Stein breaking 1%. The polls margin of error is 3.2%.

The poll was conducted prior to this weeks televised debate between Harris and Trump, which could be the only in-person face-off between the two major party candidates.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  A special fundraiser is set for Saturday, October 12, at the Blue Note to support Jose Fajardo, the former president of Hawaii Public Radio who has been living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since 2019.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with doors opening at 9:30 a.m., will celebrate Fajardos contributions to the Hawaii community and his distinguished 40-year career in broadcasting. The fundraiser will include a silent auction, live musical performances, and a brunch. It also serves as a belated retirement and birthday celebration for Fajardo, who stepped down from his role as HPR president on July 31, 2024, due to the progression of the disease.

Fajardo, an enthusiastic runner and athlete, first noticed symptoms of ALS in his legs and arms in 2019. Despite the diagnosis and a prognosis of 3 to 5 years, he has chosen to focus on living with ALS rather than dying from ALS. His dedication to advocacy and education about the disease remains unwavering.

Donations help special needs students get ready for prom

I accepted the fact that my life was going to be shorter than I expected, Fajardo said. I chose not to let ALS define me.

Fajardos wife, Jennifer, who married him four years ago, has become his primary caregiver. She highlights the emotional challenges of the disease, particularly its impact on their ability to travel and connect with family members.

Its incredibly difficult to get on a plane, even with assistance, which makes visiting grandkids and family far away challenging, Jennifer said.

The event will provide an opportunity for friends, family, and the community to honor Fajardos legacy, share stories, and support his ongoing efforts to raise awareness about ALS. For more information, visit www.teamjose.com and follow #teamjose on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the event and other ways to support Fajardo and his family.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The Blue Note event aims to bring together those who have been touched by Fajardos work and personal journey, celebrating his life and contributions while supporting his ongoing advocacy for ALS awareness.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A funeral was held on Thursday for a Myrtle Beach Middle School student who was shot and killed by another teenager at the beginning of the month.

The funeral was held for Jaiden Smalls, a 13-year-old who died in a Sept. 1 shooting on Terrace View Court in Horry County. Horry County police have charged a 15-year-old in his death.

Smalls, also known as Juicey J, was born Sept. 19, 2010, according to an online obituary. His funeral was held Thursday at Shields Chapel FBH Church.

Myrtle Beach Middle School took to Facebook on Thursday to express its condolences.

MBMS shares condolences with the family and friends of Seahawk Jaiden Antwone Smalls, September 19, 2010 ~ September 1, 2024, the post reads. Jaiden was loved by many Seahawks for his quick smile, his sense of humor, and his caring spirit. We will miss you, Jaiden.

Horry County police responded just after midnight on Sept. 1 to Terrace View Court for a shooting. Police said the shooting was an isolated incident involving juvenile residents in the same household.

In my understanding at this time, there are no other/additional charges expected related to the shooting itself, Horry County police told News13 on Wednesday.

* * *

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.
Wealthy millennials are moving into South Carolina at one of the highest rates in the U.S., a new study shows.

SmartAsset, a personal finance website, reviewed recent tax returns filed by households in the 26 to 45 age range that earn more than $200,000 a year  classified as high earners by the IRS.

These millennials in particular have more disposable income and economic freedom than their median counterparts, so their impact on local economies can be outsized, a SmartAsset article on the report states. When these wealthy millennials choose to move for job opportunities, lifestyle, family and other reasons, their disproportionate economic power also goes with them.

SC millennial gains

South Carolina ranked sixth highest among states that have gained the most rich millennials, based on IRS data from the 2021 and 2022 tax years, the latest available. Here is a breakdown of the data on South Carolina in the report.

South Carolina

Net gain of wealthy Millennial households: 1,068

Wealthy Millennial inflow: 2,213

Wealthy Millennial outflow: 1,145

Total number of Millennial returns with income $200k+: 27,501

Average AGI for wealthy Millennial households: $431,694

Percent of wealthy households that are Millennials: 17.2%

10 states losing most rich millennials

Here are the 10 states where most of the rich millennials are coming from, according to SmartAsset.

California New York Illinois Massachusetts Pennsylvania Minnesota Louisiana Washington Michigan Missouri

10 states gaining most rich millennials

Here are the 10 states where rich millennials are moving to the most.

Florida Texas North Carolina Colorado Tennessee South Carolina Georgia Arizona Idaho Nevada
Further Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure could lead to dangerous nuclear risks, Bloomberg reports

Continued Russian attacks on Ukraine's power grid could lead to a dangerous situation at one of Ukraine's three remaining operational nuclear power plants, Bloomberg reports.

Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko warned that ten critical power substations connected to these plants are at risk, and their destruction could result in a power outage and a potential radiation emergency.

He emphasized that Russia is deliberately targeting these substations, which are crucial for ensuring the safe operation of nuclear facilities.

Without power, the reactor cores could overheat, leading to a hazardous radiation release.

In response to these risks, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expanded its monitoring to include Ukraine's substations.

Nuclear generation currently covers up to 60% of the country's electricity consumption, according to Halushchenko.

Russia launched a massive campaign with drones and missiles against Ukrainian energy infrastructure over the first few months of 2024, destroying or disabling power plants and necessitating rolling blackouts across the country.

Read also: Russian tank manufacturing plant catches fire in Omsk

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
TOPEKA, Kan.  A federal jury convicts a Galena man of assault after an incident at Fort Riley last November.

Jordan Thompson, 24, who is scheduled to be sentenced in December, maintains his innocence.

Thompson was charged after he confronted his estranged wife and a man she was having an affair with at the couples home. During the confrontation, Thompson did have an unloaded handgun, but says he didnt use it to threaten the man.

Thompson says he will appeal the jurys verdict.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The San Diego Police Department is investigating extortion by local gang members in Barrio Logan.

Authorities said businesses in the area have been threatened by two gangs, who have intimidated the business owners into paying for security and protection plans. The cost for these plans had started at $200 a month, and could increase as the gangs took advantage of the business owners.

Authorities said if the business owners did not pay for the protection program, they would receive violent threats or have their businesses or buildings vandalized.

Over the course of the 18-month investigation so far, detectives and prosecutors have uncovered the same groups are connected to incidents in Chicano Park. Authorities said the groups have tried to own the park, not allow anyone else inside, and have been physically assaulting people there, including Venezuelan immigrants. Authorities said so far the incidents have included: 130 calls for police service, 25 property crimes, 18 violent crimes, including two murders  the latest over Labor Day Weekend when a teenager was shot and killed.

Authorities said the losses so far are more than $100,000.

Authorities believe the two gangs involved are identified as the Logan Red Steps and Logan 30th Street Gangs, and may be tied to a bigger organized crime in the jail and prison systems. So far theyve arrested six people, but authorities say theres still 16 others on their radar.

Camp Pendleton Marine in desertion status apprehended on military base

This case has several departments assisting in the ongoing investigation including the San Diego Police Department, San Diego County Probation, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, DEA, and San Diego County Sherriffs Office, who have served search warrants, probation and parole searches, and jail and prison searches.

The department has been able to put together on extortion case, but are looking for more people impacted.

We have video of these guys operating, checking doors and windows, and these guys are armed, San Diego Police Department Captain Manny Del Toro said. This is the kind of thing that exists in old Mobster movies.

Del Toro says in his decades of service, he has never seen anything like this.

Authorities say some businesses may be too concerned to come forward out of fear of retaliation. The FOX 5/KUSI crew experienced a reluctancy to discuss the situation on camera when they visited the Barrio Logan neighborhood Thursday afternoon as well. Some people said theyve been attacked and dont want to get further involved, for their own safety, but were glad to see arrests are being made.

Anyone with information is urged to call the SDPD Gang Unit at 619-531-2847 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
A Gary story is back in the headlines thanks to a new movie, and it offers a mixture of reviews from longtime residents of the community.

The Deliverance, a new Lee Daniels film on Netflix, follows the story of Ebony Jackson (played by Andra Day) as she moves into a new home with her three children and mother (Glenn Close) as they try to start a new beginning in a new location.

As she tries to clean her act up, Jackson, both literally and figuratively, must face her demons to keep her family safe. Based on actual events, the movie depicts several instances that Latoya Ammons spoke about in her 2014 article with the Indianapolis Star.

Almost a decade since the The Exorcisms of Latoya Ammons article was released, this movie brings to light things that the family experienced at the demon house.

What is Latoya Ammons story?

In November 2011, Latoya Ammons, her mother Rosa Campbell, and Ammons three children moved into a rental home at 3860 Carolina St. on the east side of Gary. Almost immediately, strange occurrences began unsettling the family.

Despite the chilly weather, black flies swarmed their porch and persistently returned no matter how many were killed. The adults reported hearing footsteps echoing through the house, including the sound of someone walking up the basement stairs and opening the kitchen door. Campbell said she once woke up to see a shadowy figure of a man pacing in the living room, leaving behind large, wet boot prints. In another instance, the women said they walked into the 12-year-old daughters room and found her unconscious, levitating above her bed.

From there, things escalated. Ammon stated demons were possessing her and her three children.

She described her children  ages 7, 9, and 12 at the time  as having bulging eyes, faces contorted into evil smiles, and speaking in unnaturally deep voices that shocked her. Her youngest would sit in a closet and talk to a boy no one else could see, who described what it was like to be killed. Her daughter recounted feeling unable to speak or move because she felt like she was being choked or held down, or hearing voices that would tell her shed never see her family again and would die soon.

At first, officials thought the situation was bizarre and, at times, delusional. They thought Ammons was mentally ill and was encouraging her children to act like this. The boys spoke in demonic voices and lashed out at the family physician. At one point, they were transferred to Methodist Hospital in Gary, where it took five men to restrain the youngest as he thrashed violently.

This led to a case with the Indiana Department of Child Services opening and logging everything that happened, especially as the family was experiencing effects even outside the home.

A DCS officer reported witnessing the youngest child growling, eyes rolling back, as he tried to choke his older brother until adults intervened. Later that evening, the 7-year-old told his brother, Its time to die and I will kill you in an unnatural voice. As the grandmother prayed while holding his hands, the older boy headbutted her in the stomach.

The children were then taken into protective custody, with the report citing spiritual and emotional distress.

Devoted to her faith, Ammons and her mother tried to speak with several churches and spiritually guided people to help with the problem. She found the Rev. Mike Maginot to do an exorcism on her and her family.

In June 2012, he performed three exorcisms  two in English and the last in Latin. Before the exorcisms, Ammons and her mother had moved with a family relative in Indianapolis as she tried to get custody back and balance what was going on in the house. Several months later, Ammons received custody of her children before moving to Indianapolis.

In 2014, paranormal investigator Zak Bagans purchased the house for $35,000. He demolished the home in 2016 but released the documentary Demon House in 2018, which explored Ammons experiences from his perspective.

How similar is the story of Deliverance to the truth?

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Daniels described his film as a faith-based thriller, based on his interpretation of Ammons life story.

The story sort of sat with me for forever, Daniels said. We had never seen this story, through this lens of this African American woman, onscreen, and I just felt were in such dark times, and I dont think people really know how dark of times we are in. And I felt like I needed to get reconnected to my higher power.

While he wanted to tell this story, he wanted to do it in his own way, which led him to change a few things.

One major change was the films location. Instead of Gary, where the real events took place, Daniels had the family move to Pittsburgh from Philadelphia. He also recast the mother as a white, born-again Christian, played by Glenn Close, who struggles with her relationship with her daughter.

I made her mother white because I have so many mixed-race friends, and [I wanted to talk about] what its like to have a white mother and live in a Black girls body, Daniels said.

Another significant change was the gender and race of the exorcist. In the film, a Black woman performs the exorcism, a departure from Maginot, the white male priest who helped Ammons.

There are so many women that do this work, too, that dont get recognized, so I changed that a little bit, Daniels said. I really wanted to separate as much as I could so I could make it my own story.

What does the community think?

Since The Deliverance came out last week, reviews have been mixed for the film, especially here in Gary. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film got a 34% approval rating, and IMDb gave a rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Gary native Britanie Buggs called the film very theatrical.

I felt like they dramatized it, and they kind of tried to make it more about social problems, more so than a real possession issue, she said.

While she wasnt in the city when the Ammons event was happening, she still remembers chatter from people that she knew. She enjoyed seeing how the actors interpreted the story, even if they focused on Ebonys struggle with alcoholism and abuse and maintaining custody of her children.

For her, one thing that perturbed her about the movie was their choice to move the story from Gary to Pittsburgh, another steel city. Buggs said it didnt feel right to her that the film was not in the local community.

Focusing on the reality of it is, I think, what makes it scary, she explained, reflecting on why the retelling of the story could have been approached differently. The closer you stay to the truth, the more real this film would have been and the more real it is, the scarier it is.

On the other hand, Bionca Tate, another Gary native, loved the film.

I knew it was not a documentary or exactly Ms. Ammons story, but it was interesting in [what] they added, she said.

Similar to Buggs, she remembers hearing talk and reading news articles about the events when they happened. She even discovered a personal connection to the story  the original homeowners wife was her school guidance counselor.

Like many who watched online, she was curious about how the movie would handle religion, especially in the Black community.

I believe a higher power can get rid of a lower power, she said, referring to how religion was portrayed in the film.

While she was shocked that the film was not set in Gary, she states that she doesnt think that took away from the story, as a demon house could be anywhere.

I hope people just take a look at the movie and watch it for what it is, Tate said.

The post Garys Latest Thriller, but This Time Its a Movie appeared first on Capital B Gary.
Gen. Keane warning that the world is more dangerous than it's ever been, reacting to Russia-China war games

Fox News senior strategic analyst Gen. Jack Keane (Ret.) said the United States is in a "dangerous situation" because of Russia and China war games that could create a global conflict.

Russia and China this week engaged in the largest military drills in decades after they launched joint naval and air exercises spanning both hemispheres. The Russian defense ministry said the week-long war games will include 90,000 troops, 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, along with 120 planes and helicopters.

"Thats a dramatically large war game, to say the least, given the amount of ships involved. Arctic and Pacific Oceans, Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, and the Caspian Sea, all involved in that exercise. Listen, so our audience understands, the most significant geopolitical change in the world in the last three or four years is the cooperation of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea," Keane said Friday on "Fox & Friends."

RUSSIA, CHINA HOLD BIGGEST WAR GAMES SINCE SOVIET ERA

Fox News senior strategic analyst Gen. Jack Keane (Ret.) said the United States is in a "dangerous situation" because of Russia and China war games .

"The degree that they corroborate and collaborate together, and coordinate together, and you can see this happening here, it creates a dangerous situation globally," he continued. "Why is that? Because, if China started a war in the Indo-Pacific region over the South China Sea or Taiwan, its likely that Russia would do much the same."

Keane said China and Russia believe the "United States cannot handle two" such scenarios.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"We would find ourselves in a global conflict. That is the danger that is out there," Keane said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

The war games exercise, dubbed "Ocean 24," coincided with meetings in Brussels between the U.S. and the European Union in which the issue of security in the Indo-Pacific, as well as Chinas support for Russia amid the war in Ukraine, were addressed.

Also this week, Iran was sanctioned for supplying missiles to Russia.

US MUST EXPAND NUCLEAR ARSENAL IN FACE OF RUSSIA AND CHINA THREAT, WARNS TOP OBAMA DEFENSE ADVISER

"The good news here is, the Brits have already made a decision that they are going to remove the restrictions on Ukraine using their Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles, and it looks like the United States is moving in the same direction," Keane said.

"That will make a big difference for the Ukrainians," he added. "Those restrictions have really harmed the Ukrainians."

Fox News Digitals Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.





Original article source: Gen. Keane warning that the world is more dangerous than it's ever been, reacting to Russia-China war games
MINNEAPOLIS (WJET/WFXP)  In a press release, General Mills announced that it would be selling its North American Yogurt business, which includes well-known brands like Yoplait, Liberte, Go-Gurt, Oui, Mountain High, and :ratio.

Along with the brands, the sale will also include General Mills manufacturing facilities in Tennessee, Michigan and Quebec. General Mills plans to sell its North American Yogurt business to Lactalis and Sodiaal, both leading French dairy companies.

The current plan has Lactalis taking over the American business and Sodiaal taking over the Canadian business. The sale is valued at $2.1 billion and is expected to close in 2025.

According to General Mills, their North American Yogurt business contributed around $1.5 billion to General Mills fiscal 2024 net sales.

Todays announcement represents another significant step forward for General Mills in advancing our Accelerate strategy and our portfolio reshaping ambitions, said General Mills Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Harmening.

General Mills says that it will provide additional details about the possible financial impact of the deal during its first-quarter results meeting on September 18, 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) Community leaders in Little Italy of Andrews and Graves Station in Georgetown are pushing for more action from officials to help beautify their community, and they are starting with getting rid of dilapidated homes.

After years of watching homes deteriorate, residents voiced their concerns to government officials.

We acquired some HARPA money for the Dilapidated Home program, taking down and bringing out structures, trailers, sticks, and homes. They can build places that would be attracted to vagrants and other negative activity, said Everett Carolina, Georgetown County council member.

Officials started the dilapidated homes program over a year ago and have torn down over 25 properties. Leaders said the goal was to reduce illegal activity, beautify the neighborhoods, and create affordable units.

If they could sell their parcel or if they want to build affordable housing either for others to come in or for family members, so its a two-prong attack, clearing out the old pieces of property that take away from the value and the look of the community you cleared it out then you welcome to the new construction to come in to add with new structures in the community, said Carolina.

News 2 spoke to Joseph Ward Jr, a community member who lives in Graves Station, and he told us his neighborhood should not be overlooked. He hopes more officials support underprivileged communities.

Many things have changed, and we are trying to create a Graves Station that looks excellent and beautiful. I know once again one time we could see from the highway, and now you cant, and I like to think we can get everything together and get things done the right way, said Ward.

For more information, click the link below.

News Flash  Economic Development update (gtcounty.org)

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)Residents living in rural Georgetown County communities are raising concerns about trees growing in ditches and trash left behind and how it might impact proper drainage from heavy rainfall.

Neighbors in the Sampit and North Santee communities are pressing leaders to help maintain and clean the ditches along state roadways, which they claim have not been correctly serviced for years.

A church and many homes along Powell Street in the North Santee community are hit hard during heavy rainfall, and many believe it comes from the clogged drainage in the ditches.

 I probably had 2 feet of water on the elevated area, and Im grateful it didnt get into this main sanctuary, but I think if we got the proper service, it would help us. It would be less of a problem, said Jimmie Smith, a Bishop of the House of Prayer.

Residents are concerned about many ditches connected to state roads, meaning the South Carolina Department of Transportation maintains the areas.

Georgetown County Council member Everett Carolina told News 2 that he agrees that state officials should do their part and clean up what they leave behind. Still, he mentioned residents should also do their part and help keep their community clean.

The people in the community must maintain and have pride in the community. We have every fast-food restaurant in Georgetown represented here in the rural community, so that means that people come to a stop sign over the communitys areas and pitch out the trash. We must change that, said Councilman Carolina.

News 2 did reach out to the South Carolina Department of Transportation for a statement, and we are still waiting to hear back.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Georgetown County special education teacher wanted to choke the students to death, sheriffs office says

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  An Andrews Elementary School special education teacher arrested Thursday wanted to choke the students to death, the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office said.

Tracy Madarasz, 55, of Andrews, was arrested on two counts of third-degree assault and battery.

Deputies were told that she grabbed one student by the arm and struck them on their backside with her open hand after she saw them drinking her drink. Multiple witnesses said Madarasz then stated she wanted to choke the life out of the student, a report said.

Madarasz was also seen on Thursday hitting another student with a broom on their backside, the report said. During this incident, witnesses told deputies that Madarasz said she was going to choke the students to death, according to the report.

Madarasz was booked into the Georgetown County Detention Center and was released Friday morning on a $5,000 bond.

* * *

Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Georgetown looks to cash in on short-term rentals

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN)  Changes are coming to those who rent out their homes or rooms on websites like Airbnb and VRBO in Georgetown.

The city said it wanted to take a closer look at short-term rentals (STR) that are a month or less.

According to city documents, there are an estimated 222 STR in the city. However, only about 30 of them are currently paying the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT).

Tourism commission recommends improvements to Austin short-term rentals

You have a pretty diverse guest pool. You dont have people coming here for one thing. You have people coming here for multiple things, said Landon Smith, who operates more than a dozen short-term rentals in Central Texas.

The average stay is three days, but we have some that will stay 30 to 40 days. It just depends on their situation, he said.

The city estimates it would earn about $250,000 in revenue if all 200 rentals pay the HOT.

You have a pretty diverse guest pool. You dont have people coming here for one thing. You have people coming here for multiple things. Landon Smith

Given regional market trends, the short-term rental growth is only expected to continue, a city presentation said.

Staying in a short term rental for SXSW? Odds are, its unlicensed

Right now we are doing a phased approach with this rollout, Kim McAuliffe said. Shes the downtown and tourism director for the city. Mostly were trying to collect the feedback and data so we have everything we need to know about these properties.

The city will regulate properties by having owners apply for annual permits. Those applications must include the physical address of the location and contact information for the owner, plus contact information for someone locally whos available 24 hours a day.

The city would also verify the HOT is being paid and make sure the owners have insurance, along with a few other items.

The city said it has software that can track the STR market.

$1M toward housing stability in Hays County, help with rent and utilities

We will be able to see how many stays theyve had and we will be anticipating what they should be paying, McAuliffe added.

Smith said hes all for the changes.

Knowing its legal, got your permit, you know I think reasonable regulations are good, he said.

Theres set to be another council meeting on the proposed changes before they would take effect on Oct. 15.

You can learn more about Smiths property management company here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Biggest Lithium Stocks to Buy Right Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) stands against the other lithium stocks.

Despite challenges like pricing and demand headwinds in 2023, the U.S. and Canadian lithium sectors are set to make progress in 2024, with several construction projects potentially starting to boost domestic lithium supply. According to an S&P Global report, while the lithium market has seen slow activity and falling prices, especially in Asia, long-term demand fundamentals remain strong due to the global transition toward electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage.

Even though lithium prices dropped in 2023 after reaching record highs in 2022, the long-term outlook for the EV market remains promising. According to the report, EV sales are expected to reach 30.81 million units by 2027, and lithium prices are expected to stabilize between $20,000 and $25,000 per metric ton in the coming years. Despite the industry's cyclical nature, current pricing remains strong enough to attract investment, especially with regulatory support driving the EV transition in countries like Canada.

According to industry experts like Rahul Sen Sharma, setbacks are common in large-scale industry transformations, and the lithium market is no exception. Jean-Francois Beland of Ressources Quebec compared lithium's importance in the 21st century to that of coal and oil in previous eras, which shows the crucial role of lithium in electrifying transportation.

Long-Term Outlook for Lithium

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), lithium demand is projected to rise tenfold in the Net Zero Emissions scenario and could reach 1,700 kilotonnes (kt). The market is further supported by developments in battery storage, with lithium demand for storage expected to grow more than ten times by 2050.

While alternative technologies like sodium-ion and vanadium flow batteries may slightly impact lithium demand, the metal's role in battery production remains dominant. Moreover, solid-state batteries could create a new demand for lithium metal by 2040.

On the supply side, lithium production has significantly increased, with current global output at 190 kt, mainly from Australia and Latin American countries like Chile and Argentina. By 2030, global supply is projected to rise to 450 kt in a base scenario, but further investments will be necessary to meet future demand, especially in meeting climate goals.

Dealing With Supply Shortages

According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, lithium-ion battery demand is projected to nearly quadruple by 2030, reaching 3.9 terawatt-hours. The market intelligence firm forecasts lithium surplus till 2029, but despite that, the firm says that the supply of environmentally and socially responsible lithium is currently insufficient to meet demand.

Story continues

Sustainably sourced lithium is not enough to meet growing demand. By 2026, only 45% of lithium demand is expected to be met by recycled or sustainably mined lithium, dropping to 35% by 2030.

In light of that, Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), is gaining traction as a more efficient and sustainable alternative. According to BloombergNEF, DLE is expected to contribute significantly to lithium supply by 2030 and could potentially rival the output of evaporative methods, if commercialized successfully.

Lithium can be sourced from hard rock deposits like spodumene and lepidolite, as well as from brine. The main challenge with the evaporative method is its slow processing time, taking up to 18 months to extract lithium. On the other hand, DLE can reduce this timeframe to two weeks while using land and water more efficiently. Despite a decline in lithium prices, investments in DLE continue, as it offers faster and more sustainable extraction from brine sources.

According to Benchmark, DLE is a promising technology that could help prevent future lithium supply shortages by efficiently extracting lithium from brines. It is expected to contribute 14% of the global lithium supply by 2035, especially from brines, geothermal, and oil fields. However, DLE faces challenges such as high costs, scalability issues, and inflation, which have increased project expenses.

DLE offers higher recovery rates (80-90%) compared to traditional evaporation methods (20-50%). Major oil companies like Exxon are investing in DLE due to its similarities with oil extraction. Despite its potential, DLE alone wont solve the lithium markets structural deficits in the short term.

Our Methodology

For this article, we scoured through ETFs and stock screeners to find the 25 biggest players in the lithium and lithium battery industry that are listed on the NYSE or NASDAQ. We then narrowed down our list to 11 stocks most widely held by institutional investors. We listed the stocks in ascending order of their hedge fund sentiment which was taken from Insider Monkeys database of over 900 elite hedge funds.

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).

Aerial view of an open pit mine, with workers extracting minerals.

Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO)

Market Capitalization as of September 6: $98 billion

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 29

Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) is involved in the exploration, extraction, and processing of mineral resources on a global scale. Its Minerals segment focuses on the mining and processing of borates, titanium dioxide feedstock, and developing projects related to battery materials like lithium. It is one of the biggest lithium stocks to buy right now.

In the second quarter, 29 hedge funds held positions in Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) and their stakes amounted to $1.3 billion. As of June 30, Fisher Asset Management is the most dominant shareholder in the company and has a position worth $1.123 billion.

Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) is making significant strides in the global mining sector, particularly in the field of critical minerals and large-scale projects. As one of the largest iron ore producers worldwide, the company is also expanding its footprint in the lithium market, driven by the growing demand for EV batteries and energy storage solutions.

The company is taking a deliberate approach to becoming a major player in the lithium industry. Instead of pursuing large-scale acquisitions, it is focusing on developing its own lithium resources and improving extraction technologies. This method aligns with the vision of Rio Tintos CEO, Jakob Stausholm, who believes that the global demand for battery capacity will drive the need for more lithium, not only for EVs but also for stationary batteries.

In line with this vision, the company has invested heavily in the Rincon lithium project in Argentina, a key part of the lithium-rich "lithium triangle" that spans Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. Acquired for $825 million in 2022, the project is set to include a battery-grade lithium carbonate plant with an initial capacity of 3,000 tonnes per year.

The company plans to invest an additional $350 million in the project, with production anticipated to begin by the end of 2024. The investment positions it to capitalize on the high demand for lithium in the future.

In addition to its lithium ventures, Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) is gearing up for a major development in West Africa. The Simandou project in Guinea, a $20 billion project, aims to extract iron ore from the world's largest untapped high-grade reserve.

After a nearly 27-year delay, the project is now moving forward with several partners, including the Guinean Government and several Chinese companies. The first shipment of ore is projected for 2025, with a goal of reaching full production of 60 million tonnes per year by 2028. This output would represent around 5% of the global seaborne iron ore market.

Furthermore, the company is involved in Serbia through its Jadar project, where the government has reinstated a spatial plan for a lithium mine and processing plant. Despite previous setbacks due to public protests, the project is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy, creating about 1,000 long-term jobs and generating substantial revenue from lithium production. If it is developed, the $2.4 billion Jadar lithium project in Western Serbia has the potential to meet 90% of Europe's current lithium demand and position the company as a top lithium producer.

Overall RIO ranks 4th on our list of the best lithium stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of RIO as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than RIO 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.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee has dismissed two charges against former President Donald Trump and an additional charge against one of his co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case.

Trump's lead attorney in the racketeering case responded on X writing:

"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."

SEE ALSO: Georgia election probe timeline

My comment as Lead Counsel for President Trump in the Fulton County GA case:



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.  Steve Sadow (@stevesadow) September 12, 2024

Attorneys for John Eastman and Shawn Micah Tresher Still argued that their charges were preempted by the federal government's authority over presidential elections under the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause.

In a ruling on Thursday, Judge McAfee found that while the bulk of the indictment remains intact, three specific counts related to perjury and false filings will be quashed. The judge cited an 1890 U.S. Supreme Court decision which prohibits states from prosecuting individuals for perjury committed in federal court proceedings.

Click to open this PDF in a new window.

While the court upheld most of the charges, it acknowledged that the Supremacy Clause bars states from prosecuting certain federal offenses, particularly in cases involving federal court documents. The three dismissed counts involved allegations of attempting to file false documents with a federal court and conspiracy to commit such acts.

This ruling represents a partial victory for the defense, as three counts were dismissed, but the majority of the charges in the indictment remain.

A spokesperson for Willis said prosecutors are reviewing the order and declined to comment.

Eastman and Still: Charges dismissed

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.

John Eastman and Shawn Micah Tresher Still (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Judge McAfee ruled the following counts would be dismissed for Eastman and Still:

Count 14 alleges that Still, along with co-defendants David James Shafer and Cathlene Alston Latham criminally filed false documents in December 2020 when they sent by mail a document titled "CERTIFICATE OF THE VOTES OF THE 2020 ELECTORS FROM GEORGIA" to the chief federal judge for the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Georgia, knowing it to be false.

Count 15 alleges that Eastman, along with former President Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Kenneth Cheseboro, Ray Smith III, Robert Cheeley, and Michael Roman conspired to commit filing a false document between Dec. 6, 2020, and Dec. 14, 2020, by way of submitting the aforementioned document to the chief federal judge for the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Georgia, knowing it to be false.

Count 27 alleges that Eastman, along with Trump, filed false documents when they submitted a document titled "Verified Complaint for Emergency Injunctive and Declaratory Relief" in federal civil action "Trump v. Kemp" on Dec. 31, 2020, to the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Georgia, knowing it to be false.

Click to open this PDF in a new window.

Judge Scott McAfee ruled that the state lacks jurisdiction over the charges, which stem from a lawsuit filed in connection to the 2020 election.

McAfee stated that punishing someone for submitting documents to a federal court would allow a state to interfere with federal court proceedings and "impair the administration of justice in that tribunal to police its own proceedings." As a result, McAfee quashed the charges, calling them "beyond the jurisdiction of this State."

One of the charges alleged that Trump and Eastman knowingly filed false documents in federal court in Atlanta, which included false statements about the 2020 election in Georgia. McAfee referenced case law indicating that federal perjury statutes govern such complaints, leading him to dismiss that charge as well.

Four charges stand in Georgia election interference case

Judge McAfee rejected the defendants' argument that the Electoral Count Act preempted Georgia's indictment overall. The ruling emphasized that the act governs the process of counting electoral votes and does not shield individuals from criminal liability under state law.

Despite these rulings, the court also found that claims of immunity based on presidential and federal officer immunity were not fully addressed and could be raised later in the proceedings.

While Judge McAfee ruled that the above charges are reserved solely for the federal courts to decide, the corresponding acts in the original indictment can still be introduced into evidence. A reconciliation between the Act and Georgia law was possible, and there was no conflict preventing the state from prosecuting the defendants for their alleged actions.

The defendants have not requested a stay of proceedings, unlike other co-defendants who are currently appealing related rulings.

Six counts dropped against Trump in Georgia in March

Judge McAfee dropped six charges against former President Donald Trump in March. The six charges in question have to do with soliciting elected officials to violate their oaths of office. That includes two charges related to the phone call Trump made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a fellow Republican, on Jan. 2, 2021.

"All I want to do is this. I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have," Trump said.

The six counts are as follows:

 Count Two alleges that multiple defendants solicited elected members of the Georgia Senate to violate their oaths of office on December 3, 2020, by requesting or importuning them to unlawfully appoint presidential electors;

 Count Five alleges that Defendant Trump solicited the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives to violate his oath of office on December 7, 2020, by requesting or importuning him to call a special session to unlawfully appoint presidential electors;

 Count Six alleges that Defendants Ray Smith and Rudy Giuliani solicited members of the Georgia House of Representatives to violate their oaths of office on December 10, 2020, by requesting or importuning them to unlawfully appoint presidential electors;

 Count 23 alleges that multiple defendants solicited elected members of the Georgia Senate to violate their oaths of office on December 30, 2020, by requesting or importuning them to unlawfully appoint presidential electors;

 Count 28 alleges that Defendants Trump and Mark Meadows solicited the Georgia Secretary of State to violate his oath of office on January 2, 2021, by requesting or importuning him to unlawfully influence the certified election returns; and

 Count 38 alleges that Defendant Trump solicited the Georgia Secretary of State to violate his oath of office on September 17, 2021, by requesting or importuning him to unlawfully decertify the election.

Trump Georgia election interference case: Where does it stand?

The case against Trump and others appealing an order allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the case is on hold while the appeal is pending. However, proceedings for Still and Eastman, who are not part of the appeal, will move forward, as ordered. The case against these two defendants remains active.

In August 2023, a Georgia grand jury returned a 41-count indictment against Trump and 18 co-defendants, accusing them of conspiring to overturn Trumps narrow 2020 election loss in the state. This case is one of four criminal prosecutions Trump faces. So far, four individuals have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors.

Trump and several defendants sought to have Willis and her office removed from the case, alleging a conflict of interest due to a romantic relationship between Willis and Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor leading the case. McAfee ruled that while no conflict merited disqualification, Wade must step down from the case. The decision has been appealed, with arguments scheduled before the Georgia Court of Appeals in December.

Additionally, in a separate ruling in July, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that former presidents are entitled to absolute immunity from prosecution for official acts within their constitutional authority. Judge McAfee noted that this issue has not yet been fully briefed or argued in the case at hand.
Georgia Rep. Lucy McBath, alongside two Congressional colleagues, reintroduced a bill to lower class sizes for public schools in a move to address overcrowding.

Recent research shows students have better academic performance when they get more attention from instructors, particularly in kindergarten through third grade, according to a release from McBaths office.

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In order to bring that opportunity closer to reality and provide support to reduce strains on the public education system from staff shortages and tighter budgets, McBath, Rep. Shontel Brown from Ohio and Sen. Jeff Merkley are sponsoring the Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act.

The legislation is supposed to boost school funding to allow more one-on-one time with teachers, while helping schools reduce class sizes. McBaths office said it was intended to improve the overall school experience for students and teachers.

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The role that teachers and educators play is critical in our childrens lives, and we must support our teachers so that students can receive an education that will set them up for future success. That includes more one-on-one time with their teachers, more tailored instruction opportunities, and more investment in developing the meaningful connection to instill a deep love of learning, McBath said in a statement.

According to a brief summary of the legislation from McBaths office, the bill would provide $2 billion for a grant program to help school districts reduce K-3 class sizes to 18 students or less.

If passed, the bill will also let school districts apply for grant funding to reduce class sizes, awarded by the U.S. Secretary of Education based on need and will ensure federal grant funding is used to recruit, hire and train qualified teachers in K-3 grades, according to McBaths office.

The effort has already gained support from Americas largest teachers union.

Class size matters. That is, of course, if you care about the success of our students. Its common sense that when classrooms are overcrowded, it is harder for teachers to teach and students to learn. Most private schools have small class sizes, but shouldnt we make sure its not just the kids whose families can afford private school have that opportunity? Sen. Merkleys bill is a means to help make that smaller class size reality possible for every student in this country, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten said in a statement.

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ATLANTA (AP)  A special prosecutor has decided not to pursue charges against Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones over efforts to overturn Donald Trump's 2020 presidential election loss in the state.

Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia on Friday announced that he had decided not to bring the matter to a grand jury. Skandalakis appointed himself to handle the matter in April, nearly two years after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was barred from prosecuting Jones as part of her election interference case against former Trump and others.

Jones was one of 16 state Republicans who met at the Georgia Capitol in December 2020 to sign a certificate stating that Trump had won Georgia and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors even though Democrat Joe Biden had been declared the state's winner.

A state senator at the time, Jones signed a call for a special session of Georgias legislature aimed at overturning Bidens narrow win in the state. He joined 26 other Georgia state lawmakers in a court brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to agree with a request from Texas to throw out election results in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Jones also flew to Washington on Jan. 5, 2021, and had dinner with Vice President Mike Pence. Jones was carrying a letter from another lawmaker asking Pence to delay counting Electoral College votes. However, Jones has said he decided not to give the letter to Pence, saying he concluded Pence wasnt open to the argument.

After Willis notified Jones in the summer of 2022 that he was a target of her investigation into possible illegal election meddling by Trump and others, he argued she shouldn't be able to prosecute him because she had hosted a fundraiser for his Democratic opponent in the lieutenant governors race. Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney agreed, ruling in July 2022 that Willis actions created an actual and untenable conflict of interest.

That left it up to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council, a nonpartisan state agency that supports district attorneys, to appoint a prosecutor to decide whether Jones should be charged. After Willis obtained an indictment against Trump and 18 others in August 2023, Skandalakis, the group's head, said he would begin looking for an appropriate prosecutor to determine whether Jones should also face charges. In April, Skandalakis announced that he would take on the task himself.

I have always wanted to tell my story in front of a fair and unbiased prosecutor, which Fani Willis clearly is not. I am thankful that I finally had the opportunity to do that," Jones said in a statement after Skandalakis' decision was announced.

A spokesperson for Willis' office declined to comment.

Skandalakis released a four-page statement explaining how he reached his decision. He wrote that he considered evidence including transcripts and depositions from a special grand jury investigation led by Willis office, prosecutors investigative file and text messages from Jones cellphone. He also said he interviewed Jones four times.

The investigation was confined to Jones actions during challenges to the 2020 general election, specifically his role in those challenges and his motives at the time, Skandalakis wrote.

He sought to answer four questions: whether the matter warranted further investigation by law enforcement, whether there should be another special grand jury investigation, whether there was enough evidence to support probable cause for criminal charges and whether the matter should be presented to a regular grand jury to consider charges. The answer to all of those questions was no, he wrote.

Jones acted in a manner consistent with his position representing the concerns of his constituents and in reliance upon the advice of attorneys when he served as a Republican elector, Skandalakis wrote. He added that Jones did not act with criminal intent, which is an essential element of committing any crime.

Jones has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, saying he and other Trump electors acted on the advice of lawyers to preserve the former president's chances if he won an election challenge that was pending in court at the time. Three others who signed the Republican elector certificate were among those indicted along with Trump.

Trump and the 18 others indicted in August were accused of participating in a wide-ranging scheme to illegally overturn Trumps loss in Georgia. Four people have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. The others, including the former president, have pleaded not guilty.

The case is largely on hold right now while an appeal of an order allowing Willis to continue prosecuting the case is pending. Trump and others argued that a romantic relationship Willis had with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she had hired for the case, created a conflict of interest. The judge in the case said there was no conflict of interest that merited Willis' removal as long as Wade left the case, which he did.

Widely expected to run for governor in 2026, Jones has positioned himself as Trumps top surrogate in Georgia. The decision not to prosecute him is unlikely to end criticism of Jones actions after the 2020 elections. But it could embolden efforts in the state Senate to attack Willis.

Senators close to Jones spearheaded the creation of a special committee to investigate Willis that could then subpoena witnesses and take sworn testimony. That committee had subpoenaed Willis to appear Friday, but she did not show up.

Recommending charges against Jones could hav e put Skandalakis in a difficult spot. As lieutenant governor, Jones has influence over how much money lawmakers spend on the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council.
Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, left, chats with Athens Sen. Bill Cowsert during Friday's special investigation committee meeting. Cowsert announced the committee is ready for a legal fight after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis refused to testify. Stanley Dunlap/Georgia Recorder

An ongoing legal battle is raging over the authority of a state Senate legislative committee to enforce a subpoena aimed at compelling Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to testify following her refusal to appear Friday before the panel investigating her for alleged misconduct.

Senate Special Committee on Investigations Chairman Bill Cowsert led a hearing that included testimony from legislative legal counsel and a former Senate administrative official who argued that the committee had the legal authority to subpoena constitutional officers like Willis to testify under oath.

Willis was subpoenaed to turn over documents and testify before the committee on Friday. Instead, her attorney asked a judge to block the subpoena pending a ruling whether state lawmakers can force her to appear before their committee.

Willis leads a district attorneys office investigating ex-President Donald Trump and several of his Republican allies for conspiring to overthrow the 2020 election in Georgia and a handful of other states.

Republican state lawmakers trained their sights on Willis after a February court hearing publicly disclosed that Willis had been in a romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, who she hired to lead the probe.

Willis had been listed as a star witness on the agenda for the state Senate committee meeting.

Cowsert, an Athens Republican, announced at Fridays meeting that the committee hired an attorney in order to assist in the legal enforcement of the subpoena since Willis failed to respond to committee questions and provide requested documents.

We have subpoenaed Fani Willis to testify, (but) according to press reports she is defying her subpoena, Cowsert said at the beginning of Fridays hearing inside the state Capitol.

Willis filed a motion in Fulton Superior Court this week requesting a permanent injunction that would block the Senate committee from enforcing the subpoena.

Willis has questioned the legal authority of the specially appointed committee to legally require her to comply with their subpoena demands. Additionally, she says the request for government documents is too broad and excessive and could hurt the ongoing case against Trump and 14 remaining defendants.

The state Senate committee held its sixth meeting Friday. So far, the committee has focused on whether Willis misused DA grant funds and other taxpayer funds, as well as raised concerns regarding the broad discretion district attorneys have over their budgets.

At Willis direction, Fulton County paid Wade more than $750,000 for his prosecution of the case against Trump and his co-defendants before he resigned from the case in March.

Former Senate Secretary David Cook and deputy legislative counsel Stuart Morelli testified Friday that the Senate gave the special committee the power to enforce subpoenas for evidence and witness testimony until the end of the year as long as it is of legitimate state interest.

The Georgia Constitution does not explicitly grant the Legislature the power to conduct investigations, but it contains a provision granting the General Assembly constitutional authority to create interim committees to conduct activity upon the end of the years session, Morelli said.

The 2024 Georgia General Assembly adjourned March 28 until it reconvenes in January.

Since the General Assembly cannot legislate post-Sine Die, really the only activity those committees could take would be studying or investigating, he said.

According to Morelli, the Senate resolution creating the special committee outlines duties like investigating the Fulton County District Attorney and being a conduit for legislation being introduced during the session.

Augusta Democratic Sen. Harold Jones, left, speaks to media following Fridays Senate Special Committee on Investigations meeting at the state Capitol. Stanley Dunlap/Georgia Recorder

My understanding of the resolution is that it is designed for this committee to investigate potential legislation to be introduced regarding matters of appropriations of district attorneys, contracting procedures, and it specifically references hiring of special prosecutors, he said.

In addition, the hearing explored whether a special legislative study committee has the same power to enforce subpoenas outside of the first three months of the year.

Is it your legal opinion that we are authorized to conduct investigations, hold meetings, and take binding actions up until the second Monday in January 2025, Cowsert asked Morelli.

Morelli agreed with Cowsert that the committee can run until the Legislature convenes in early January, which is ultimately when this committee disappears, along with the 157th General Assembly itself.

Cook said that according to Georgia law, the investigative committee can get a court order forcing Willis to comply with the subpoena, but not by contempt outside of legislative sessions.

I dont think there is any question at all that theres been a full grant of the Senates inherent power to this committee to investigate and do whatever it deems necessary and proper to compel the production of testimony and documents, Cook said.

Sen. Harold Jones, an Augusta Democrat, stated that this type of post-session investigation has not been conducted by the Georgia legislative committee since the 1960s. Jones believes the committee was formed as a political attack against Willis, a Black Democrat, by Republicans upset that she pursued criminal charges against Trump and his allies.

Were not going to solve any other district attorneys office procurement process, Jones said following the hearing. We need to be solving issues that affect Georgians.

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Come Nov. 5, Georgians will be deciding more than just who they want for president and who will serve on a variety of boards and commissions across the state.

In addition to political officers, voters will also be deciding on two tax reform initiatives that passed in the legislature but would modify the state constitution.

As a result, the two ballot items have to be put in the hands of voters to fully decide if they will become law, or if they will be canceled.

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Here are the two tax-related ballot questions Georgia voters will have to approve or deny this November

Constitutional Amendment 1:

A RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to vest judicial power of the state in the Georgia Tax Tribunal; to provide for venue and jurisdiction of the Georgia Tax Tribunal; to provide for concurrent jurisdiction with superior courts; to provide for judges of the Georgia Tax Tribunal and their qualifications; to provide for vacancies; to provide for related matters; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.

Constitutional Amendment 2:

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to property tax exemptions and deferral, so as to increase a statewide ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property; to specify the terms and conditions of the exemption and the procedures relating thereto; to provide for applicability; to provide for related matters; to provide for compliance with constitutional requirements; to provide for a referendum, effective dates, and automatic repeal; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Heres what the ballot items would do if they pass

Constitutional Amendment 1:

Constitutional Amendment 1 would create a new judicial venue for tax-related court cases. The creation of a Tax Court, under the authority of the Georgia Tax Tribunal, would provide for state officials to hire judges to rule on cases involving tax disputes and businesses, as well as cases involving the Georgia Department of Revenue.

If passed by Georgia voters, judges hired to work in the statewide court would serve four-year terms and be appointed by the Governor. Their appointments would be subject to approval by majority votes in the Georgia Senate Judiciary Committee and the Georgia House Committee on Judiciary.

Currently, the state of Georgias Tax Tribunal is part of the Office of Administrative Hearings, which is separate from the state judicial system. Creating the tax court would expand options for tax enforcement and appeals.

Constitutional Amendment 2:

If passed, Constitutional Amendment 2 would give Georgia property owners a lot more wiggle room when it comes to exemptions for their property taxes.

Currently, the Georgia personal property tax exemption caps at $7,500 for ad valorem payments. If the amendment passes, the value would be increased to a $20,000 exemption.

According to the legislative text for the item, All tangible personal property of a taxpayer, except motor vehicles, trailers, and mobile homes, shall be exempt from all ad valorem taxation if the actual fair market value of the total amount of taxable tangible personal property owned by the taxpayer, up to $20,000.

Lawmakers wrote in the bill that it was intended to ensure the payment of ad valorem taxation certain tangible personal property on which the tax due does not exceed the reasonable cost of administering and collecting the tax.

Should voters decide to enact this change, it would take effect in the following tax year, beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
(NewsNation)  The NewsNation correspondent says both sides share blame in the debunked story of Haitian immigrants stealing peoples pets for food in Springfield, Ohio. He tells On Balance that the far right seized on the story because it demonstrated the foreignness of migrants, and the mainstream media seized on it to prove the rights racism.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
A police car drives out of the entrance to the Upper Franconia barracks. Investigators in Bavaria have arrested a 27-year-old Syrian man for planning to attack Bundeswehr soldiers in Upper Franconia. It is assumed that the man wanted to kill as many soldiers as possible in the city center of Hof with two machetes, according to the public prosecutor's office in Munich. Pia Bayer/dpa

The mayor of the German town of Hof, Eva Dohla, expressed shock after alleged plans to attack soldiers in the town were revealed on Friday.

"There has never been anything like this in Hof before - living together with more than 48,000 people from 127 countries has always been peaceful, and we will do everything we can to ensure that this remains the case in the future," she said.

Earlier, the authorities detained a Syrian man on suspicion of planning a machete attack on soldiers in the town. Investigators believe that the 27-year-old man follows a radical Islamic ideology.

"I am therefore wholeheartedly grateful to the police and security forces for their decisive action in preventing a terrible crime," Dohla said.

A German flag flies at the entrance to the Upper Franconia barracks. Investigators in Bavaria have arrested a 27-year-old Syrian for planning to attack Bundeswehr soldiers in Upper Franconia. It is assumed that the man wanted to kill as many soldiers as possible in the city center of Hof with two machetes, according to the public prosecutor's office in Munich. Pia Bayer/dpa
Boris Pistorius, German Minister of Defence, takes part in a press statement following the signing of the government agreement on the deployment of the Lithuanian brigade. The agreement regulates the status of the brigade and the legal status of the Bundeswehr soldiers deployed in the NATO country, which is to be combat-ready by 2027. Michael Kappeler/dpa

A German navy ship is preparing to navigate through the strait between China and Taiwan despite Chinese protests, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed on Friday.

"The message is very simple, one we have always maintained and I have always maintained: international waters are international waters," said Pistorius, as he addressed the press together with his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kasciunas.

In recent days, senior German defence officials have rejected suggestions from China that sending a German warship through the Taiwan Strait would amount to a provocation.

China regards democratically governed Taiwan as a breakaway province, and the waters of the Taiwan Strait as Chinese - rather than international - waters.

The Baden-Wurttemberg warship and the combat support ship Frankfurt am Main were positioned on Friday before entering the sea area, according to website data.

If the frigate passes through the Taiwan Strait, it would be the first time since 2002 that a German naval vessel has chosen this route.

"It is the shortest route. Considering the weather conditions, it is the safest route and it is international waters, so we are passing through," Pistorius said.

Warships from other countries, such as the United States, have also passed through the strait in the past, prompting protests from Beijing.

Boris Pistorius (R), German Minister of Defence, speaks next to Laurynas Kasciunas, Minister of Defence of Lithuania, after signing the government agreement on the deployment of the Lithuanian brigade. The agreement regulates the status of the brigade and the legal status of the Bundeswehr soldiers deployed in the NATO country, which is to be ready for combat by 2027. Michael Kappeler/dpa
By Alexander Ratz and Yimou Lee

BERLIN/TAIPEI (Reuters) -Two German navy ships sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Friday in the first such transit in two decades, demonstrating Berlin's resolve to stand with Western allies at a time of soaring tensions between Taipei and Beijing.

China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own, says it alone exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction over the strait. Both the United States and Taiwan say the strait - a major trade route through which about half of global container ships pass - is an international waterway.

Speaking in Berlin, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said he could confirm the passage of the frigate "Baden-Wurttemberg" and supply ship Frankfurt am Main.

"International waters are international waters. It's the shortest and, given the weather conditions, the safest route. So we are passing through," he said.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said that since Friday morning two German navy ships had been sailing through the Taiwan Strait in a southerly direction.

Taiwan's forces have been monitoring and the situation is "as normal", the ministry said in a brief statement.

A security source familiar with the situation said the ships would likely fully clear the strait on Saturday.

A second security source, speaking like the first on condition of anonymity, said the passage was a "loud and clear" statement by Berlin that it is standing with its allies to uphold international rules.

Speaking in Beijing before the transit was confirmed, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said it condemned excuses for infringing China's sovereignty.

"We firmly oppose provocations and endangering of China's sovereignty and security under the banner of 'freedom of navigation'," Mao Ning told a regular news conference.

A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday that Germany was not obligated to notify other states of any such move.

"Under international maritime law, it is quite normal that no notification is required in international waters and that you can navigate through these freely," the spokesperson said at a regular news conference in Berlin.

U.S. warships sail through the strait around once every two months, drawing the ire of Beijing, and some U.S. allies like Canada and Britain have also made occasional transits.

China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, has over the past five years stepped up military activities around the island, including staging war games.

Taiwan's government rejects China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future.

(Reporting by Alexander Ratz and Yimou Lee; Additional reporting by Beijing newsroom, and Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Edwina Gibbs and Christina Fincher)
Police secure the area after an Austrian man carrying a firearm was shot dead outside the Israeli embassy in Munich last week - ANNA SZILAGYI/SHUTTERSTOCK

German police have arrested a Syrian man in Bavaria on suspicion of planning a machete attack on soldiers.

Prosecutors in Bavaria said the 27-year-old Syrian had bought two machetes as part of plans to attack Bundeswehr soldiers on their lunch break in the town of Hof.

German news site T-Online said the suspect had a radical Islamist background, and that the goal of his attack was to unsettle and cause a stir. He was arrested on Thursday.

The arrest came as Germanys government seeks to toughen its stance on irregular migration and border security, after a Syrian refugee killed three people at a music festival in Solingen, in the west of the country, in August.

It also follows an incident in Bavaria last week in which an Austrian man was shot dead outside the Israeli embassy in Munich, having turned up with a long-barrelled gun.

The suspect, said to be an Islamic State supporter, exchanged fire with five German officers before he was killed.

The Israeli consulate had been closed at the time for a ceremony commemorating the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre by Black September, a Palestinian armed group.

Nancy Faeser, the German interior minister, with Olaf Scholz, the chancellor - Liesa Johannssen/Reuters

Nancy Faeser, the German interior minister, announced that from Monday there will be additional passport checks at all of the countrys land borders to increase security.

Germany already conducts such checks at its eastern borders to tackle mass migration and organised crime.

The federal police can now apply the complete package of stationary and mobile border policing measures along the entire German border... These efforts are only possible because we have increased funding and added a thousand officers each year, and we will continue to do so, Ms Faeser said in a statement.

Coordinating with our neighbouring countries remains our high priority, as does minimising the impacts on commuters and on daily life in the border regions as far as possible, she added.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The author is on a tight budget after an expensive Disney vacation. Gary Hershorn & d3sign/ Getty Images

I recently returned from a vacation to Disney World, and it was too expensive.

I now have to curb my spending this month by staying home and cooking my meals.

Though my mental health may take a hit, I'd rather budget like this than not travel at all.

I am in the middle of what I'm calling Stay Home September.

It's something I made up  a catchy phrase to distract me from the fact that I have to stay home for the month to save money.

I recently returned from a trip to Disney World, where the cost of lodging, park admissions, food, and transportation reached shocking numbers. After my trip, I calculated I spent nearly $3,000 for six days and five nights at the parks  far more than I could afford.

To earn some of that money back, I've vowed to stay home for most of September and spend as little money as possible.

Food is my biggest expense and my biggest obstacle

Every month, my biggest expense (beyond my New York City rent) is food. I often order takeout, go out to eat with friends, and order expensive groceries using InstaCart.

On average, I spend close to $1,000 on food a month. But during Stay Home September, I have to curb that expense significantly.

I have deleted my DoorDash app, so there will be no last-minute McDonald's orders. I also deleted InstaCart, so I won't be getting my fancy Wegman's hummus this month.

Instead, I will go to my local grocery store, buy food for the week, and cook every meal. I'm a terrible cook, so I am not looking forward to this change, but I hope this measure will cut my biggest expense in half.

My social life will most likely take a hit

My second biggest expense comes from going out with friends  whether that's attending shows, eating out at restaurants, exploring museums, or going to the movies.

This month, I will abstain from all of those activities. I have told my friends not to entice me with invitations, and I've already had to say no to two comedy shows I really wanted to attend.

I also told my friends that if they want to hang out this month, we must do it at my or their house. Some prefer to go out and explore the city, and I don't blame them, so I know that my social life will take a hit during Stay Home September.

I'm worried about my mental health this month

It seems that every time I leave my house in New York City, I spend at least $50. To avoid that, I will spend a lot of time alone in my one-bedroom apartment.

As an introverted extrovert, I get a lot of my energy from being with people and hanging out with friends. I'm worried that staying home for most of a month will make me feel isolated and left out.

Story continues

A small part of me fears my friends will forget about me this month because I can't do everything they want to do. But I keep reminding myself that my friendships aren't based on the amount of money we spend to hang out. My friends will still hang out with me, and we will find free things to do together around the city.

When I do feel that inevitable loneliness this month, I have a support system to fall back on, including a therapist. I also have crafts set up to keep my mind busy while at home.

All this is a sacrifice I'm willing to make for travel

Since travel is so important to me, most of my annual savings go toward travel expenses.

I went to Costa Rica last summer, explored cities in Italy the summer before that, and spent a week in Orlando at three Disney parks last month. In between those big trips, I've taken smaller ones throughout the year to cities around the US.

Between flights, hotels, Airbnbs, and excursions, vacationing isn't cheap. Each of these trips took a large chunk out of my savings.

As the cost of travel continues to rise and my savings account continues to dwindle, I am aware that I will probably be having a lot more stay-home months in the future.

Sure, I could have avoided a lot of budgeting pain this month if I had just not taken that costly Disney trip to begin with, but travel is important to me. I'd rather spend money, have adventurous experiences, and explore new cultures than stay home and count my dollars.

If budgeting for a few weeks so that I could see the world  yes, even Disney World  is the price I have to pay, then so be it.

Read the original article on Business Insider
German police conduct random checks at border with Austria, soon to be introduced at all land frontiers

BERLIN (Reuters) - The head of Germany's Federal Police Union questioned the feasibility of the government's new border control plans, citing issues with staffing and preparation two days before their start on Monday.

"The Federal Police are still in the process of gathering personnel until Monday morning," Andreas Rosskopf was quoted as saying by the RND media group on Saturday.

The new border controls, effective for six months within the Schengen zone, are part of Berlin's response to rising migration concerns amid a surge in far-right sentiments and recent violent incidents involving asylum seekers, which have intensified the debate over Germany's migration policies.

"This is not fully worked out yet and is partly due to the fact that the minister's announcement came as a surprise," Rosskopf said.

He warned of potential long-term strain on the Federal Police, adding that the resignation rate among younger officers is already high, over 25%.

"There is a risk that even more officers may no longer view their jobs positively," he added.

The border controls are part of an interior ministry plan to reject more migrants directly at the border, though details on this aspect are still pending.

They come amid a backdrop of declining asylum applications in Germany, which fell by 21.7% in the first eight months of the year.

(Reporting by Riham Alkousaa; Editing by Sandra Maler)
German warships ignored China's complaints and sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in over 2 decades

German warships ignored China's complaints and sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in over 2 decades

Two German navy ships sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in over 20 years.

China criticized the move, saying it condemned excuses for violating Chinese sovereignty.

Cross-strait tensions are high as China continues its aggressive tactics to bring Taiwan under its control.

Two German navy ships have sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the first such move in over 20 years.

Despite China's complaints and criticisms, Germany said that it had a right to transit the strait, which is international waters. This stance aligns with the US and other Western allies.

The German first-in-class frigate Baden-Wurttemberg and the Berlin-class supply ship Frankfurt am Main sailed the Taiwan Strait on Friday. The transit was confirmed by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

"International waters are international waters," he said at a press conference in Berlin. "It's the shortest and, given the weather conditions, the safest route. So we are passing through."

Taiwan's Defense Ministry also said on Friday morning the ships were navigating south through the strait, adding that its forces had been monitoring the vessels and that the situation "remained normal."

The Taiwan Strait, located between mainland China and the sovereign island nation, is a busy trade route and international waterway. The US and its allies and partners, including Taiwan, maintain the strait is open for freedom of navigation. Most countries acknowledge the right to "innocent passage" without notice. China, which has long sought to bring Taiwan under its control, is of a different opinion.

China maintains that it maintains control over the waters of the Taiwan Strait. Gui Xinhua/PLA/China Military/Anadolu via Getty Images

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning criticized Pistorius' comment on freely navigating the strait.

"The Taiwan question is not about freedom of navigation but about China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We respect countries' right to navigation in relevant waters in accordance with China's laws and international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)," Mao said Friday.

"But we firmly oppose any act of provocation under the pretext of freedom of navigation that harms China's sovereignty and security," she added, repeating a point she made prior to the transit.

Earlier this week, the Chinese foreign ministry reiterated the waters of the strait are Chinese. "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," Mao said, adding that countries should navigate the area in accordance with Chinese and international laws.

China continues its aggressive tactics against Taiwan, including major military exercises around the islands. TAIWAN Military News Agency, Ministry of National Defense, R. O. C. / HANDOUT

The US Navy often sails vessels through the Taiwan Strait, and other nations have also used the waterway for their warships, much to Beijing's irritation.

Last month, the Canadian HMCS Montreal "conducted a routine transit" through the waters in a move supporting a "free, open, and inclusive" Indo-Pacific region. In 2021, the UK held a similar sentiment when it sailed the HMS Richmond frigate through the waters on a trip from Japan to Vietnam.

And in a first for France, the French Vendemiaire frigate passed through the Taiwan Strait in 2019, drawing China's ire.

Cross-strait relations are notably tense at the moment after the election of Lai Ching-te and increased Chinese military exercises and incursions into Taiwan's waters and airspace.

China hasn't ruled out using force to take control of Taiwan, and its ongoing aggressive behavior continues to raise concerns, particularly among the US and its allies about a potential invasion or blockade.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A police car drives out of the entrance to the Upper Franconia barracks. Investigators in Bavaria have arrested a 27-year-old Syrian man for planning to attack Bundeswehr soldiers in Upper Franconia. It is assumed that the man wanted to kill as many soldiers as possible in the city center of Hof with two machetes, according to the public prosecutor's office in Munich. Pia Bayer/dpa

German authorities have detained a man on suspicion of planning a machete attack on soldiers in the southern state of Bavaria, prosecutors in Munich said on Friday.

A 27-year-old man from Syria with suspected Islamist leanings is accused of planning to kill soldiers with two machetes during their lunch break in the town of Hof, in north-eastern Bavaria.

The suspect had already bought the weapons but was detained on Thursday after police received a "tip-off from a witness close to the accused," Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said.

The man is accused of planning a serious act of violent subversion and has been remanded in custody.

The plot comes weeks after a Syrian asylum seeker allegedly killed three people in the western German city of Solingen, reigniting debates on the country's migration and deportation policies.

Herrmann said authorities are investigating whether the planned attack in Hof was linked to the incident in Solingen, with a counter-terrorist unit handling the case.

"The connections, the environment and the criminal history of the accused must first be clarified in more detail, as well as whether there is an Islamist background here," the interior minister stated.

Authorities have "no concrete indications" of further plots, Herrmann said, but he warned that "the danger of Islamist attacks has increased again throughout Europe since the Hamas attack on Israel."

Suspect in Germany for 10 years

The Munich public prosecutor's office said the suspect arrived in Germany 10 years ago and enjoys subsidiary protection, a status that applies to migrants who do not qualify as refugees but are recognized to face a risk of suffering serious harm if they return to their country of origin.

"The accused has no previous convictions," prosecutors said, and there were no plans to deport him.

The local authorities said the man was renting a house in Hof, a town that hosts a technical reconnaissance unit of Germany's Bundeswehr.

The mayor of Hof, Eva Dohla, thanked police for their intervention and expressed her shock at the planned attack.

"There has never been anything like this in Hof before - living together with more than 48,000 people from 127 countries has always been peaceful, and we will do everything we can to ensure that this remains the case in the future," she said.

"I am therefore wholeheartedly grateful to the police and security forces for their decisive action in preventing a terrible crime," Dohla added.

A German flag flies at the entrance to the Upper Franconia barracks. Investigators in Bavaria have arrested a 27-year-old Syrian for planning to attack Bundeswehr soldiers in Upper Franconia. It is assumed that the man wanted to kill as many soldiers as possible in the city center of Hof with two machetes, according to the public prosecutor's office in Munich. Pia Bayer/dpa
What appears to be one of the first looks at members of the German armed forces with new 5.56x45mm Heckler & Koch HK416 A8 rifles, also known as G95A1s, has come from an unexpected source: the U.S. Army. With help from the U.S. Army, the Germans have been stress-testing the guns in very hot and humid conditions at a facility in Panama and in the Arizona desert.

What appears to be one of the first looks at members of the German armed forces with new 5.56x45mm Heckler & Koch HK416 A8 rifles, also known as G95A1s, has come from an unexpected source: the U.S. Army. With help from the service, the Germans have been testing the guns in very hot and humid conditions at a facility in Panama, as well as in the Arizona desert. This follows reports earlier this year that authorities in Germany watered down various requirements, including temperature-related ones, before selecting the HK416 A8 as the countrys new standard service rifle nearly two years ago.

The U.S. Armys Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) released a picture of German personnel with G95-series rifles at the site in Panama yesterday. The Germans also brought Accuracy International G22A2 and C.G. Haenel G29 sniper rifles and Heckler & Koch 5.56x45mm MG4 and 7.62x51mm MG5 machine guns, as well as new night vision goggles, to test there, according to YPG. Additional German small arms testing was carried out at YPG proper in Arizona.

A member of the German armed forces fires an MG4 or MG5 machine gun during testing facilitated by the US Army at a site in Panama. A G95-series rifle is also seen at the right. US Army

The Bundeswehr, the armed forces of Germany, has tested a variety of equipment at YPG and its constituent test centers in the past decade, from the PzH 2000 155mm [self-propelled] howitzer to the MG 5 machine gun and G29 sniper rifle, according to the YPG release. This year, the Bundeswehr returned to test both variants of its recently adopted G95 assault rifle in the desert of Yuma, followed by testing at a Panamanian facility frequently utilized by U.S. Army Tropic Regions Test Center (TRTC). The G95 is based on Heckler and Kochs HK416A8.

In December 2022, the German Federal Ministry of Defense announced that funding had formally been approved for the acquisition of its new Bundeswehr Assault Rifle System, or System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr, based around the HK416 A8. In addition to the G95A1 with its 16.5-inch barrel, the new system also includes a shorter 14-inch barrelled variant designated as the G95KA1. In 2022, the hope had been that German forces would start getting the new rifles by the end of this year and it is unclear to what extent this may have begun happening already. Its worth noting here that Germanys special operations community has already been armed with versions of the HK416 A7, designated as G95s, for years now.

German personnel on a range in Panama with G95-series rifles. An individual with an MG4 or MG5 machine gun is also seen lying prone on a table in the background. US Army

Interestingly, the picture from the testing in Panama shows G95s with two different types of handguards. One appears to use the increasingly popular M-LOK accessory attachment system from Magpul in the United States, while the other looks to feature Heckler & Kochs proprietary HKey system. Both also have U.S.-standard Picatinny attachment rails. Pictures of HK416 A8s that Heckler & Koch has put out previously in relation to the Bundeswehr Assault Rifle System deal have all shown HKey handguards.

A close-up look at G95-series rifles being tested at the facility in Panama showing the two handguard styles with what look to be HKey (at top) and M-LOK (at bottom) accessory attachment systems. US Army

A stock image of an HK416 A8 with an HKey handguard that Heckler & Koch previously released. Heckler & Koch

The HKey handguard also looks to be similar, if not identical to ones found on German special operations G95s, as seen in the video below.

The rifles seen in the picture from Panama also have ELCAN SpecterDR 1-4x adjustable optical sights, which the Germans separately announced in 2021 would be standard on all G95A1s and G95KA1s. One of the rifles is also seen with an additional thermal imager fitted. Aiming lasers and lights are visible on a number of the guns, as well.

The standard optics arrangement on existing G95s in service with Germanys special operations forces is a non-magnifying EOTech EXPS3 holographic sight paired with a G33 1-3x magnifier from the same company on a mount that allows it to be flipped out of the way when it is not in use.

A German special operator with a G95 rifle. Bundeswehr A German special operator with a G95 (HK416 A7) rifle. Bundeswehr

The different handguards do raise the question of whether all the guns seen at the site in Panama are actually A1 G95 types or if the final standard service rifle configuration is still being finalized. Whether or not the configuration differences are related to reported issues uncovered in previous testing is unknown.

In January, German news magazine Der Spiegel reported that testing requirements for the Bundeswehr Assault Rifle System had been significantly changed in late 2022, ostensibly to help speed up the process of fielding the new G95A1s and G95KA1s. This involved allowing Heckler & Koch to use civilian rather than military-standard ammunition in testing and for that testing to occur under more controlled laboratory conditions, according to a classified report the outlet said it had obtained. No extreme hot or cold weather testing was reportedly conducted.

Current testing by the army in laboratory conditions shows that the weapon doesnt meet army standards when loaded with combat ammunition, the report said, according to a subsequent story from the Telegraph newspaper in the United Kingdom. The army requires an assault rifle that is sufficiently accurate under real conditions with its combat ammunition  [but the German Defense Ministry] can no longer ensure this due to a modified contract with the weapon manufacturer.

This is all eerily reminiscent of problems that the existing G36-series rifles in German service suffered after their adoption in the 1990s. Loss of accuracy in hot weather environments, as well as in the event of sudden rapid temperature changes, have been the most notable reported issues, which authorities in Germany have consistently downplayed. The G95A1 and G95KA1 are now in line to replace the G36.

A member of the German armed forces armed with a G36 rifle in Niger in October 2022. Bundeswehr

Per Der Spiegel, German authorities downplayed the potential issues arising from limited initial testing of the G95A1 citing the increasingly widespread use of HK416 variants globally, including with the U.S. Marine Corps and American special operations units, without any serious reported problems. The HK416 family has also been increasingly entering the public consciousness, especially since members of SEAL Team Six carried them on the raid that led to the death of Al Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden in 2011.

The HK416 at its core is a derivative of the U.S. AR-15/M16 family, but uses a gas-piston operating system rather than the direct impingement one found on its parent design. In a direct impingement system, propellant gas is siphoned off from the barrel during firing and funneled directly into the internal action of the gun. A gas piston system keeps the gas, and any particulate matter within it, away from the guns main working components, reducing the chance of fouling. This can offer advantages when it comes to ease of maintenance and overall reliability.

YPGs press release makes no mention of any of the reported issues surrounding the Bundeswehr Assault Rifle System, but sending G95-series rifles to Arizona and Panama would be in line with German government efforts to address the reported testing deficiencies, especially when it comes to very hot conditions.

The test area was exactly what we were looking for, Germany Sgt. Maj. Michael Diehl, said in a statement in the U.S. Army release. We had no problems with the testing of the weapons.

We go a lot of times to Almeria in Spain, but it is very hot there for just two or three weeks of the year and you cant shoot tracer ammunition there, Sgt. Maj. Ernest Tretow, another member of the Bundeswehr in the testing, also said. Here, everything was possible.

Germanys effort to adopt a new standard service rifle had already been mired in controversy with the cancellation of an initial deal with C.G. Haenel for MK556 rifles in 2020. Around that time allegations emerged that the MK556, and the preceding CR223 design on which it was based, was so similar to the HK416 that it actually infringed on Heckler & Kochs patents. German authorities subsequently said the decision was based on a revised analysis of the companys offer, which was subsequently deemed to be economically inferior. No direct mention was made of the patent issues, which Heckler & Koch has since had success litigating in court, as being a factor.

The C.G. Haenel MK556. C.G. Haenel

All of this now comes amid a broader push to revitalize and modernize Germanys armed forces driven in large part by the new geopolitical environment in Europe that has emerged since Russia launched its all-out invasion of Ukraine.

We must be ready for war by 2029, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told members of the lower house of the countrys parliament, or Bundestag, in June. We must provide deterrence to prevent it from coming to the worst.

The news of testing in Panama, as well as Arizona, shows Germany is still pushing ahead with its Bundeswehr Assault Rifle System plans, despite the reported issues.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has refused to send Ukraine long-range Taurus missiles, over fears of escalating the conflict with Russia (Tobias SCHWARZ) (Tobias SCHWARZ/AFP/AFP)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz doubled down Friday on Berlin's refusal to send long-range missiles to Ukraine, even as other Western powers discussed allowing Kyiv more freedom to use such weapons.

"Germany has made a clear decision about what we will do and what we will not do. This decision will not change," Scholz said when asked about the issue at a press conference.

The leaders of the United States and Britain were due to meet Friday in Washington on whether to let Kyiv fire Western-provided long-range missiles into Russia -- an option that has sent tensions soaring with Moscow.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to President Joe Biden comes with Kyiv increasingly pushing for permission to use the weapons, and to secure Western help in shooting down Russian missiles and drones.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that giving Ukraine the green light to use long-range weapons would mean NATO was "at war" with Moscow.

The United States and Britain have provided Ukraine with ATACMS and Storm Shadow long-range missiles respectively.

However, Germany has repeatedly refused to send Kyiv its long-range Taurus missiles, over fears of escalating the conflict.

When asked earlier Friday about the talks in Washington, Scholz's spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said that "the weapons the US and Britain are now discussing" have a longer range than anything Germany had supplied.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that what the United States and Britain agree "remains their business", and added allowing Ukraine to strike targets in Russia would be "fully in line with international law".

Germany has been the second-largest contributor of military aid to Ukraine after the United States, but plans to halve its budget for that aid next year.

Scholz has been facing domestic pressure over the issue, with parties opposed to Berlin's support for Kyiv making major gains at key regional elections in early September.

However, the government has insisted it is "fully committed" to supporting Ukraine "for as long as necessary".

fec/fz/giv
Illegal deforestation has been rampant in the Amazon (MICHAEL DANTAS) (MICHAEL DANTAS/AFP/AFP)

Pressure mounted on the European Union on Friday to delay a ban on imports of products driving deforestation, after Germany became the latest country to request the rules be postponed.

Berlin urged the European Commission to delay implementation for six months to July 1, 2025, saying a lack of clarity on key aspects of the law meant conditions were not yet there for it to be efficiently applied.

"Companies need enough time to prepare," said German food and agriculture minister, Cem Oezdemir.

"Otherwise supply chains risk breaking at the end of the year -- to the detriment of the German and European economies, small farmers in third countries and consumers."

EU imports are responsible for 16 percent of global deforestation, according to WWF data.

Forests absorb carbon and are a vital ally in fighting climate change. They are also critical for the survival of endangered plants and animals, such as orangutans and lowland gorillas.

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.

It has been hailed by environmental groups as a major breakthrough in the fight to protect nature and the climate.

But detractors say it imposes a heavy burden it imposes on farmers and firms.

The European Parliament's largest group, the centre-right European People's Party, has described it as a "bureaucratic monster".

On Thursday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the regulation needed to be "practicable".

- Environmental battle -

Berlin's request comes against the backdrop of negotiations between the EU and South American bloc Mercosur for a free trade agreement -- a plan championed by Germany.

Critics see the anti-deforestation law as a major obstacle to reaching a deal.

Outside the EU, Brazil became the latest country to call for a reassessment this week.

It said the "punitive" legislation increased production and export costs, especially for smallholders.

The United States as well as Asian, African and other Latin American countries have raised similar concerns.

Over the last century, the Amazon rainforest, which covers nearly 40 percent of South America, has lost about 20 percent of its area to deforestation, due to the advance of agriculture and cattle ranching, logging and mining, and urban sprawl.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged to stop illegal deforestation of the Amazon by 2030 but faces a string of vested interests.

"We have known from the beginning that this is a battle that affects very large economic interests," said Pascal Canfin, of the European Parliament's centrist Renew group.

The EU imports 15 billion euros' ($16.6 billion) worth of agricultural raw materials responsible for deforestation -- particularly soy -- from Brazil each year, he said.

"This is precisely the problem we want to solve," he added.

Other parties within the EU complain the bloc has yet to clarify how the rules will work in practice.

A diplomatic source told AFP that compliance guidelines promised by the European Commission -- the EU's executive arm -- were still outstanding, as was a clear benchmarking system to divide countries into different risk categories.

Speaking to The Financial Times on Thursday, the head of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged the EU to "relook" at the ban.

- 'Serious danger' -

The EU is the second-biggest market for 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, with the proportion falling for lower-risk ones.

Talk of a delay has worried environmental groups.

"Last year the world lost an area of forest almost as big as Switzerland," said Nicole Polsterer of the NGO Fern.

"The debate on delaying the law carries the serious danger of abandoning it altogether, as some are determined to do".

Other advocacy groups point out that many companies and countries are already well-advanced in the task of complying with the new rules.

A postponement would require a fresh legislative initiative from the commission, whose new team is set to be unveiled next week following European elections in June.

bur-ub/ec/gil/gv
Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) shakes hand with Kenya President William Samoei Ruto (L) during a press conference in the Chancellery. Germany and Kenya sign a migration agreement. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany and Kenya on Friday signed a migration deal during a visit by Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto to Berlin amid growing efforts there to curb the number of unauthorized entries to the country.

The agreement is intended to promote the recruitment of skilled labour from Kenya and facilitate the repatriation of Kenyans without the right to stay in Germany back to the East African country.

It was signed by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

Such agreements are a key component of the German coalition government's migration policy, which aims to better manage immigration amid pressure from its mainstream conservative rivals and from newer insurgent parties.

On Monday, Faeser ordered temporary controls at all German land borders to stem the flow of people entering the country without visas. The additional checks are to begin on Monday and will initially last for six months.

The German government has signed similar agreements with India, Georgia and Morocco, and has agreed on closer cooperation on migration management with Colombia.

Another agreement is to be signed with Uzbekistan on Sunday during Chancellor Scholz's trip to Central Asia and with Kyrgyzstan next year at the latest. Talks with Moldova are also well advanced and more are under way with the Philippines and Ghana.

All agreements have two central components: Promoting the influx of skilled labour and cooperation in the return of asylum seekers obliged to leave the country. In the case of Kenya, the skilled workers are mainly in the care and catering sectors.

In total, there are 225,000 migrants in Germany who are required to leave the country, of whom Kenyans and Uzbeks only make up 0.45%.

According to Germany's Office for Migration and Refugees, the number of Kenyans required to leave was 818 at the end of July. However, 738 of the people had their deportation temporarily suspended. Just under 15,000 Kenyans are registered in Germany.

In the case of Uzbekistan, the number of deportees is even lower at 203, 136 of whom also had their deportation suspended.

A majority of Germans are in favour of stricter border rules, according to a new survey by the opinion research institute YouGov.

Among those surveyed, 71% were in favour of direct rejections at the border for foreigners requiring visas who fail to apply for asylum, as well as for individuals banned from entering Germany.

Another 45% of respondents fully support border controls and potential closures as a means to manage migration, with an additional 28% expressing general support. However, 20% reject these measures.

Migration issues heavily influenced the European parliamentary elections in June and played a major part in the victory of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD)in recent state elections in eastern Germany.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) holds a press conference with Kenya President William Samoei Ruto in the Chancellery. Germany and Kenya sign a migration agreement. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) holds a press conference with Kenya President William Samoei Ruto (L) in the Chancellery. Germany and Kenya sign a migration agreement. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

In the presence of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) and President of Kenya William Samoei Ruto (2nd L), Nancy Faeser (2nd R), German Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs, and Musalia Mudavadi (L), Foreign Minister of Kenya, sign a migration agreement at the Federal Chancellery. The agreement is intended to promote the recruitment of skilled workers from Kenya and facilitate the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers from Germany to the East African country. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

In the presence of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (2nd R) and President of Kenya William Samoei Ruto (2nd L), Nancy Faeser (R), German Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs, and Musalia Mudavadi (L), Foreign Minister of Kenya, sign a migration agreement at the Federal Chancellery. The agreement is intended to promote the recruitment of skilled workers from Kenya and facilitate the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers from Germany to the East African country. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Germany sails two warships through Taiwan Strait for the first time in two decades

FILE - A Taiwan national flag flutters near the Taipei 101 building at the National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, File)

BANGKOK (AP)  Germany sailed two warships through the Taiwan Strait on Friday in its first transit of the disputed waters in more than two decades, as Berlin seeks to increase its defense engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.

China claims the self-governing democratic island of Taiwan as its own, and views such transits as provocative actions.

To challenge China's claims, the United States and allies including Australia, Canada, Britain and France, have regularly conducted freedom of navigation operations there, sailing through the strait to emphasize that it is international waters.

In its last naval deployment to the region in 2021-22, Germany had sought to avoid confrontation with China and attempted a diplomatic balancing act, seeking a port call in China, which Beijing denied, and by not sailing through the Taiwan Strait.

The government was widely criticized for this approach, and on this deployment to the Indo-Pacific, leaders decided to sail through the strait en route from South Korea to the Philippines in a widely-telegraphed move.

The signal is a very simple one, which we have always maintained and I have always maintained, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters in Berlin. International waters are international waters.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry confirmed in a post on X that the frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and support ship Frankfurt am Main had transited through the strait from north to south, adding that throughout the sail "the situation remained normal."

China, which often reacts sharply to American warships transiting the strait, was somewhat muted in its response.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters that for Beijing, the Taiwan issue is not an issue of freedom of navigation, but an issue related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

She said that while China respects the navigation rights of all countries, we firmly oppose provocations endangering Chinas sovereignty and security in the name of freedom of navigation.

The European Union three years ago embarked on a new strategy for the Asia-Pacific aimed at boosting economic, political and defense ties. Part of that has been focused on improving maritime security and ensuring safe passage through sea lanes.

It comes at a time when China is becoming increasingly assertive in pushing its maritime claims in the region, including on virtually the entire South China Sea and on Taiwan.

China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory, and President Xi Jinping has not ruled out taking it by force.

China sends warplanes and warships near Taiwan on a near-daily basis in an attempt to intimidate its citizens and degrade the islands defenses.

In response, Taiwan has extended the period of national military service to one year, building its own submarines and importing sophisticated new equipment from the U.S.

The vast majority of Taiwanese favor the current status of their island, which separated from mainland China amid civil war in 1949.
(Bloomberg) -- Germany sent its first warship through the Taiwan Strait in 22 years, defying Chinas warnings as relations between the two sides fray over trade and Russias war in Ukraine.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Baden-Wurttemberg frigate and a support vessel sailed through the strait on Friday, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said at a news conference in Berlin.

International waters are international waters, Pistorius told reporters. It is the shortest and, given the weather conditions, also the safest route, he added. Asked about the ships voyage later on Friday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: Theres not much to say about the passage of ships. Its an international waterway.

China said in a statement posted on the Eastern Theater Commands Wechat account on Saturday that the move posed a security risk along the Taiwan Strait and sent incorrect signals. Chinas Eastern Theater is always on high alert and will resolutely counter all threats and provocations, spokesperson Colonel Li Xi said.

The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army has organized sea and air forces in the area to follow and guard the whole process, according to the statement.

Berlins decision to go ahead with the rare voyage risks angering Beijing, which has ramped up military, economic and diplomatic pressure on Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who refuses to endorse the claim that his democratically run island is part of China. Beijing hasnt ruled out taking the territory by force.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called any transit an act of provocation under the pretext of freedom of navigation this month, when asked about Berlins plans. Such actions harm Chinas sovereignty and security, she said.

Germanys move highlights a growing willingness by US partners to defy President Xi Jinping and send vessels through one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes. China doesnt claim sovereignty over the strait, but wants to regulate the waterway and protests transits by foreign powers.

There are no so-called international waters in the Straits, Chinese Embassy in Germany said in a statement posted on its Website dated Friday night. The Chinese side urges the German side to avoid interfering with and damaging the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations between the two countries, it added.

Freedom of navigation does not mean freedom to act recklessly, Wu Qian, spokesman with the Ministry of National Defence said in a statement posted on its Wechat account on Saturday. Let alone provoke and endanger Chinas sovereignty and security.

European Union countries have been increasing their presence in the Indo-Pacific region more broadly this year, according to Hsu Chih-hsiang, assistant analyst at Taiwans Institute for National Defense and Security Research.

EU nations are not likely to send over vessels or troops if China invades Taiwan, he said. But theyre still able to send warship in peacetime to show their concerns.

Germany mulled sending a frigate through the Taiwan Strait several years ago but canceled the plan as then-Chancellor Angela Merkel didnt want to irritate China, he said. The US conducts regular transits through the strait, and France, the UK and Canada have all sent vessels in recent years.

Chinas military has become more assertive toward Taipei, earlier this year sending a record swarm of warplanes across a US-drawn boundary in the Taiwan Strait. That comes as Beijing increasingly clashes with US ally the Philippines in the nearby South China Sea, where Xi also has territorial claims.

Pistorius sounded the alarm earlier this year over Chinas rising military ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. Fear is growing over Beijings military buildup, he said, also citing its aggressive economic policies and its open quest for geopolitical dominance.

Berlin is trying to balance those security concerns with its important economic relationship with China. Scholz lined up with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez this week, calling for the EU to reconsider imposing tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars amid concerns the move could backfire on their domestic industries.

Relations between Berlin and Beijing have cooled under Scholz, who has criticized the worlds No. 2 economy for flooding the German market with cheap products. The Chinese leaders support for Russia despite its war in Ukraine has become another thorny issue in bilateral ties.

Michael Roth, chairman of the German parliaments foreign affairs committee, earlier this month defended his nations actions.

A transit is not a provocation, Roth, a member of Scholzs Social Democratic Party and a former deputy foreign minister, wrote on X. We stand for peace and security in the Taiwan Strait and oppose any unilateral and violent changes to the status quo by China.

Germanys latest move was likely aimed at warning China against military adventurism, said Lin Po-Chou, an assistant research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei.

Its becoming important for Western countries to deter Chinas potential invasion of Taiwan in peacetime, he said.

--With assistance from Jing Li, Iain Rogers, Tian Ying and James Mayger.

(Updates with comment from the Ministry of National Defence in the tenth paragraph. An earlier version corrected the spokespersons name in paragraph four.)

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NEW TAIPEI CITY , Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Taipei City Government's Tourism and Travel Department held a tourism promotion event in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 6, working with New Taipei's hospitality industry to promote the city's tourism attractions to Thai industry professionals. The delegation also visited organizations such as the Taiwan Tourism Administration (Bangkok Office), the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), and the Thai-Taiwan Business Association, aiming to encourage more Thai tourists to choose New Taipei as a travel destination.

New Taipei Steps Up Tourism Promotion in Thailand Inviting More Visitors to Explore Northern Taiwan.

In addition to continuing to market internationally renowned events such as the Christmas land in New Taipei City, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, and the upcoming World Masters Games 2025 Taipei & New Taipei City, the Tourism and Travel Department also tailored its promotions to the preferences of Thai tourists by highlighting local cuisine, including renowned New Taipei specialties such as Tamsui Ah Gei, Jiufen taro balls, Wanli crabs, Shimen rice dumplings, Sanxia "bull horn" croissants, and Wulai indigenous bamboo tube rice. These dishes were prominently displayed on a 3-meter-high illustrated welcome wall, capturing significant attention. Local souvenirs such as Pinglin Pouchong Tea Egg Rolls, Sanxia Biluochun Tea, and Yingge porcelain tea sets were also popular among Thai industry professionals. Yang Tsung-Min, Director-General of New Taipei Tourism and Travel Department, noted that, as of May this year, over 180,000 Thai tourists have visited Taiwan, making Thailand the third largest source of Southeast Asian visitors after Malaysia and the Philippines. Following a promotional event in Malaysia in May, the department has intensified efforts, hoping to attract more Thai tourists to New Taipei through the promotional dinner in Bangkok.

New Taipei also promoted regional travel itineraries across Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan, distributing brochures for Taipei and Taoyuan. Yang emphasized that there is already strong cooperation through the Keelung-Taipei-New Taipei-Taoyuan Collaboration and Exchange Platform. By promoting travel across northern Taiwan, all four cities stand to benefit, especially given the success of a joint promotional event in South Korea in July. Yang expressed confidence that future cooperation between the four cities will become even more frequent.

New Taipei City Tourism Website: https://newtaipei.travel/en

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German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, down right, signs a migration agreement with Kenyan's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, left, as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, centre behind, and Kenyan President William Ruto, left behind, at the chancellery in Berlin, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

BERLIN (AP)  German and Kenyan officials signed an agreement Friday in Berlin to promote the recruitment of skilled workers who can fill gaps in Germany's labor market, and to facilitate the repatriation of Kenyans who don't have the right to stay in Germany.

The agreement was signed during a visit to Germany by Kenyan President William Ruto, who met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Scholz told reporters after a signing ceremony that it was an important agreement that marks an effort by Germany and Kenya to cooperate more closely on migration.

This can help us to compensate for a shortage of skilled workers, Scholz said, adding that Germany is already feeling the impact of such a labor shortage and that it will be with us for years and decades to come.

Germany has grappled for years with the need to attract more skilled workers from outside the European Union. Experts say the country needs about 400,000 skilled immigrants each year as its aging workforce shrinks.

On the other side of the coin, so to speak, the agreement provides for effective return procedures for those who have come to us from Kenya but do not have or cannot acquire the right to stay here. They can now return home more easily and quickly, Scholz said.

Ruto said the agreement benefits both sides because it brings together the potential of educated young Kenyans and German technology and resources.

He said that he wasn't worried that the departure of some Kenyans could hurt his own nation's development, noting that Kenya has a large population of young people, with the median age being around 20. He said there were enough to support the further development of both Kenya and Germany.

Scholz said Germany would benefit from the large number of Kenyan IT specialists.

Germany has already signed similar agreements with India, Georgia and Morocco, and will sign one this weekend with Uzbekistan during a visit there by Scholz, according to the German news agency dpa.

The agreement was signed by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Kenyans Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in a ceremony at the chancellery in Berlin on Friday as Scholz and Ruto stood behind them.

Scholz's unpopular coalition government is facing a challenge from the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany, or AfD, which did well in two recent state elections in eastern Germany. Another comes Sept. 22 in Brandenburg, the state surrounding Berlin.
Germany to welcome 250,000 Kenyans in labour deal

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) and Kenya's President William Ruto signed the deal in Berlin [AFP]

Germany has agreed to open the doors to 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers in a controlled and targeted labour migration deal.

Kenya is struggling with increasing difficulties in providing work and sufficient income for its young professionals, while Germany is facing a shortage of skilled labour.

Five Kenyan bus drivers have already been welcomed to Flensburg, in the north of Germany, in a pilot project.

Migration agreements are a central pillar in the German government's efforts to curb immigration.

The agreement will also simplify the repatriation of Kenyans who are in Germany without legal permission.

Immigration is a huge issue in Germany at the moment, following the rise in popularity of the far-right anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Successive governments in Berlin have allowed relatively large numbers of asylum seekers to settle in the country in recent years.

Germany took in more than one million people, mostly fleeing war in countries such as Syria, during the 2015-2016 migrant crisis, and has received 1.2 million Ukrainians since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

The labour deal was signed in Berlin by Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenya's President William Ruto.

Germany agreed to ease some of its immigration laws to enable Kenyans to find employment in Europe's biggest economy.

Authorities in Berlin will also consider extending temporary residence permits for Kenyan workers who have secured an approved job.

Kenyans will also be issued with long-term visas to study or do vocational training in Germany.

"On the expiry of the long-stay visa, Kenyans may receive a temporary residence permit for study purposes in Germany for up to two years," the agreement states.

The temporary residence permit may be extended if the purpose of residence has not yet been achieved but is achievable within a "reasonable" period, it adds.

According to the deal, IT specialists from Kenya will be allowed to enter and work in Germany, even if they do not have formal qualifications.

Both governments will support the immigration of skilled workers who have finished vocational training or earned a university degree, as long as their qualifications are recognised by the relevant authorities of the other party.

The European country needs more nurses but critics say it should not deprive Kenya of much-needed medical professionals [AFP]

The deal also includes provisions for the readmission and return of citizens between the two nations.

It spells out guidelines to prevent and fight against labour exploitation, forced labour and human trafficking.

While welcoming five Kenyan drivers in Flensburg on Thursday, Schleswig-Holstein's Transport Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen said Germany was in need of hard-working hands and clever minds.

"We simply have to position ourselves in Germany in such a way that it is attractive to come here," Mr Madsen added.

The drivers are the first batch of Kenyan workers, who will be trained by the Aktiv bus company in a pilot project, hoping to get a job in Germany.

Doctors, nurses and teachers are among those expected to take part in the programme.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) said the deal was expected to significantly increase access to decent foreign jobs for Kenyan workers in Germany and address labour shortages in Germany.

"It includes mechanisms to protect the rights and welfare of Kenyan migrant workers in Germany, ensuring safe, orderly, and productive migration," ILO added in a statement.

But there are concerns about a brain-drain in Kenya with professionals like doctors and nurses going abroad for jobs, leaving local hospitals with a huge shortage of medical workers.

"It is sad that we are going to service other countries at the expense of our own country," Ekuru Aukot, a Kenyan lawyer and politician, told the BBC's Newsday programme.

But Roseline Njogu, a senior foreign affairs official, said Kenya was simply responding to the global labour market demands.

"We have a youth bulge in Kenya and every year we have a million people joining the local labour market. It takes time and resources to create job opportunities at home," she added.

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Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) holds a press conference with Kenya President William Samoei Ruto in the Chancellery. Germany and Kenya sign a migration agreement. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday spoke with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk, after criticism from Warsaw over Germany's plan to introduce further checks on its borders.

The two leaders agreed in a call that the challenges posed by illegal migration and smuggling could only be overcome in unison, and that close cooperation between European partners is essential, government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said in Berlin.

Hebestreit said Scholz gave Tusk explanations over his government's new "migration policy measures," which are due to be implemented from Monday at Germany's borders with Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Border checks are already in place at Germany's other borders, including with Poland, despite the Schengen area rules on free movement.

The Polish prime minister on Tuesday described Germany's plans as "unacceptable."

Another topic under discussion was the "cynical instrumentalization of migrants by Belarus," Hebestreit, with the leaders agreeing to strengthen the protection of European external borders.

Poland and the Baltic states have accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of allowing migrants to attempt to cross into the European Union via his country in order to destabilize the bloc.
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (WSAV)  A Glynn County man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to distributing images of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

62-year-old Thomas Webster of St. Simons Island was sentenced to 76 months in prison after pleading guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered Webster to pay financial penalties and restitution of $80,300, to register as a sex offender, and to serve 15 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.

There is no parole in the federal system.

Images of child sexual abuse are lasting reminders of the abuse suffered by each victim, and those who distribute these images perpetuate the victimization, said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. Thanks to the diligence of our law enforcement partners, Thomas Webster will no longer share these harmful images and is being held accountable for his crimes.

In February 2021, a CyberTip reporting the distribution of child sexual abuse material was shared with the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), according to court documents.

The information identified images shared from a Glynn County address through Twitter, now known as X.

The Glynn County Police Department (GCPD) and the Federal Buerau of Investigation (FBI) determined the child sexual abuse images were shared on Websters account, and during a search of his residence, investigators seized multiple electronic devices that contained over 1,000 images of child pornography. Webster was arrested shortly after his indictment on federal charges in October 2023 and pled guilty to one count of Distribution of Child Pornography in April.

Webster will spend the next six years of his life in prison, which should send a strong message to anyone who even contemplates distributing images of innocent children, said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. Along with our state and local law enforcement partners, the FBI is committed to working collectively to prosecute child predators.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the GBI, and the Glynn County Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Alexander Hamner.

Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org/.

Former Glynn County supervisor sentenced for wire fraud

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
STAMFORD, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Many parents with students in the Stamford ISD system chose not to send their children to school Thursday after the district notified them of a possible threat to the campus that was being investigated. While the threat was found to be not credible, District Superintendent Robbie Phillips says he understands those parents concerns and affirms their right to make the decision to keep them home.

I wanted to be very transparent. We did our investigation. We worked with the police. So following that this morning, we have exhausted and explored all avenues and taken care of the situation, and there is not a threat. Phillips told KTAB/KRBC.

Mother Karin Menzel is one such parent that kept her child at home, saying while she was assured the post was not credible, the doubt and uncertainty of the situation were too much to ignore. She says the rising national anxiety around school shootings has her concerned about not taking a threat seriously despite the threats credibility.

I honestly think hoax or not, Im just not chancing it, even if it were a hoax. Like imagine like theres a 1 percent that it isnt. . . I mean, its very vulnerable situation because, like I said, you never know when and if its going to happen. And us being a small town, were not immune to the threat. It can happen anywhere, Menzel said.

THE THREATS AND CONFUSION

Phillips says the initial concern arose from a TikTok video that had been making its way through the student body and community. The post was a screenshot of a list of schools that included a few Stamford ISD campuses. Text on the screen stating CHECK YOUR SCHOOL IF IT IS TARGETED ON THE LIST, and the caption read, the amount of schools targeted on this list is crazy, if your school is on there, I do hope you make it. I will always pray for yall. Many students took this to mean that the listed schools were targeted for some kind of violence.

Screenshot of TikTok Video shared to Stamford Community page

I got a screenshot. It named two schools  one here in town and one in Haskell. [It claimed] that they were targets for school shootings and at that point and time I took action, said Phillips.

The Stamford Police Department was contacted and parents were notified, though Phillips said they quickly determined the post to be a misunderstanding.

Its been my understanding that this has been going on all over the state at different places. We did an extensive investigation to make sure that our kids and our staff were safe, Phillips said.

The list of schools supposedly targeted for a shooting or some violent act, was actually an extensive list of schools targeted for academic intervention. While Stamford High School did appear on the list, the screenshot available does not specify Texas, and most if not all of the schools listed are located in the U.K. That video was removed for violating community guidelines, as the original poster mentioned in a following post. The video directly following the list stated Yall, the video I posted before this one, I found it on Google. . .I never wrote that! And its prob fake cause who would write schools that are being targeted?!

Even so, Phillips says he and the district felt it important to take the threat seriously in the interest of student and staff safety.

We have exhausted and explored all avenues and taken care of the situation, and there is not a threat. . . in the end we want whats best for kids and we want them to be safe, and I want parents to feel at ease that Stamford ISD is doing everything it can possibly do to keep our kids safe, said Phillips.

A separate video post relating to an incident in Haskell two weeks prior was also making the rounds. Some Stamford residents believing it was related to the supposed threat in their community.

KTAB/KRBC reached out to the Haskell Police Department for confirmation. The Chief of Police claims that a Knox City juvenile made a video threatening violence on specific students in the Haskell district. The department immediately contacted the states Criminal Investigation Department. CID obtained warrants and apprehended that Knox City juvenile, whom the Haskell chief says is currently held in the Taylor County Juvenile Detention Center.

ALLEGED ARREST

Measures taken by the Stamford Independent School District in connection to the list included parent notification, a police presence on campus Thursday, and staff interviewing students in relation to the post among others. One parent, Stamford mother of 3 Kathrine Harwood, told KTAB/KRBC that the middle school principal called her on Wednesday stating that a couple of students were being called in to talk about the video, and her son Coleton Bushart was among them.

You know, kids share things on social media so quickly like wildfire that I just thought this video jumped around the hundreds of kids there trying to locate where it came from. At that point, I had I wanted to get my kids, but I knew I needed to call the principal back, said Harwood.

She made her way to the elementary to pick up her youngest son before going to get Coleton at the middle school. It was then that she says the situation escallated.

It did progress rather quickly in the time it took me to drive from home to my youngest son school . . . the principal had called back and said and informed me that they had arrested my son for something he had posted, and that I needed to go get him at the police station, Harwood said.

In a state of shock, she says she drove to the Stamford Police Station to inquire further about what had transpired with her son. Harwood said that upon arriving at the station, she spoke with the Chief of Police.

Colton was somewhere in the back being held. I did not see him for a little bit, and I talked to the chief. I asked if I could please see the post. He showed it to me on his phone and I read it, said Harwood.

Screenshot of post made by Bushart provided by Harwood

Harwood provided KTAB/KRBC with the post she says the chief showed her as being the one posted by her son. That post, she says, was the only thing she was presented with as evidence against Coleton. That post reads, Stamford elementary and middle school and Haskell High are on that list about targets for school shootings god save us all.

The shock continued because, setting aside the fact that Im his mom, theres no threatening content in that post from the way I read it. It even ends with a prayer request god save us all, Harwood remarked.

At the station, she says she was able to see her son briefly before she was told he would be taken to a Juvenile detention center in Lubbock to await a hearing in Jones County.

Hes traveling to and from Lubbock with someone I dont know, driving to and from there, hopefully safely, to attend a court date to face some very scary and permanently damaging charges based on a post that I just dont feel was threatening, she said.

KTAB/KRBC asking Harwood what she was told the charges against her son were to which she replied Terroristic threats. they said it was solely because of the post and the fear it instigated.

Harwood says after contacting an attorney, she was able to negotiate moving his hearing up to Friday in the Jones County Court.

KTAB/KRBC reached out to the Stamford Police Department and Jones County Sheriffs Department but has been unable to independently verify if Bushart was arrested or if any arrests took place in connection to the threat.

When asked for comment, Superintendent Phillips stated, I cant confirm any of that.

These allegations and investigation are still developing. KTAB/KRBC will continue to follow the story and update as information becomes avalible.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Congress is heading toward a potential government shutdown, less than two months before the election, over a made-up issue.

Donald Trump and the GOP falsely assert that non-citizens voting could influence the 2024 election when study after study shows that this is not a real thing. In exchange for a spending bill that would keep the government open, some Republicans are demanding legislation to combat this nonexistent problem, and that would only serve to disenfranchise Americans.

Trump, who continues to falsely assert that he won the 2020 election, has publicly urged the GOP to move ahead with a shutdown if Democrats dont comply with their demands. If Republicans in the House, and Senate, dont get absolute assurances on Election Security, THEY SHOULD, IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM, GO FORWARD WITH A CONTINUING RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday.

At the crux of the impasse is House Speaker Mike Johnsons Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which would require voters to present proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, in order to be able to vote. It has been illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections since 1996, so the SAVE Act would just create additional barriers to voting for American citizens. It could disenfranchise millions of voters, such as people in indigenous communities who use tribal IDs, as well as Americans who do not have the documents that they would need readily available.

If you make [registering] harder, there will be students, young people, elderly people, poor people and other groupings of people who would just not bother, Gilda Daniels, an election law professor at the University of Baltimore, told NPR.

The idea that non-citizens are changing elections, a circumstance that the progressive Brennan Center has called vanishingly rare, has been repeatedly debunked by both liberal and conservative groups. Non-citizens face the deterrents of prison time and deportation if they were to vote.

The claim that illegal voting is swaying American elections is nothing if not sensational, Walter Olson, a fellow at the libertarian Cato Institute, wrote earlier this year. Those who levy sensational charges should bear the burden of proving them. But they havent. Olson added: Bogus claims of widespread voter fraud, even when they do not stoke hatred and fear of the foreign-born, are grossly irresponsible.

A database from the conservative Heritage Foundation  yes, the same Heritage Foundation behind Project 2025  documents only 85 allegations of non-citizens voting over two decades  a negligible number. Speaking of negligible numbers, the Brennan Center found that 0.0001 percent of the votes in the 2016 election were by non-voters. Theres also the 2022 probe in Georgia that found that 1,634 non-citizens had attempted to register to vote  but none of them did so successfully, so none of them voted  and the study in Arizona that found that 0.04 percent of Arizona voters were not citizens when they registered or after registering to vote in the 2020 election. The evidence very clearly doesnt document or demonstrate anything close to the claim that the Arizona Presidential election was decided by noncitizens in 2020, Jesse Richman of Old Dominion University told The Washington Post.

According to NPR, the myth that non-citizens are voting in elections has been around for over a century, starting after a wave of immigration following the Civil War. I think thats what its meant to do  to freak people out over an issue. Its a continuation of this myth of voter fraud, Daniels said. It not only creates hysteria, but it [furthers] this idea that only certain people should be allowed to participate in the process.

Johnson postponed a vote on the spending bill on Wednesday. Congress needs to pass legislation by Oct. 1 in order to avoid a shutdown. No vote today because were in the consensus building business here in Congress. With small majorities, thats what you do, Johnson said.

Trump, meanwhile, is so desperate to create the impression of fraud that he is willing to shut down the government over it.

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North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis has joined other Republican leaders in voicing concerns about former President Trumps close relationship with far-right provocateur Laura Loomer in the final stretch of his presidential campaign.

Laura Loomer is a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans. A DNC plant couldnt do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trumps chances of winning re-election. Enough, Tillis wrote on social media Friday.

His comments follow similar rebukes from high-profile GOP figures and Trump allies Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.).

Loomer, who is not an official member of Trumps campaign team, flew on the former presidents plane to Tuesdays debate against Vice President Harris in Philadelphia and was part of his entourage for memorial events Wednesday to mark the anniversary of 9/11.

Loomer, 31, shot back this week at those criticizing her.

The American people deserve people who fight instead of cowering in fear of the media, Loomer posted on the social platform X. I dont care about what they or any sellout member of Congress has to say about me.

Tillis, 64, has been in the Senate for nearly a decade after narrowly beating Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan in 2014. He previously was a member of the North Carolina Legislature and spent a term as state House Speaker.

Graham and Greene earlier this week called out Loomer for racist comments directed at Harris.

During an appearance in California on Friday, Trump responded to reporters questions about Loomer.

Lauras a supporter, he said. I have a lot of supporters.

He added that he doesnt know why people are asking questions about her.

Shes a strong person; shes got strong opinions, he said.

This story was updated at 2:20 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
GOP sues North Carolina Board of Elections over use of digital student IDs for voting

GOP sues North Carolina Board of Elections over use of digital student IDs for voting

Republicans sued the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) over the recent decision to allow digital identification cards to be used by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills (UNC) employees and students for voting.

The states Republican Party and the Republican National Committee (RNC) filed a lawsuit in Wake County Superior Court on Thursday, just a few weeks after the board approved the use of UNC-issued digital IDs with a 3-2 vote. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit said the school-issued digital IDs do not comply with state voter ID law.

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 GOP committees argued in the lawsuit.

UNC digital IDs are available on Apple devices. The cards, which are voluntary, can present from phones digitally. Republicans said in the lawsuit that identification, which would make a voter eligible to cast a vote, should be in physical, tangible form.

These physical, tangible items include passports, drivers licenses, photo identification cards for non drivers, registered voter identification cards, military identification cards, veterans identification cards, and tribal enrollment cards, amongst other items, they said in the lawsuit.

The RNC and the state party said the expansion of photo identification before registering and accepting voters at in-person poll sites in contravention of the law could allow hundreds or thousands of ineligible voters to vote in the upcoming November 5, 2024, election and beyond.

The plaintiffs also contended that electronically stored voter photo identification may be easier to alter rather than [a] physical, tangible item that precinct official can hold in her hands and inspect. They also argued it may be difficult for precinct official to be able to see [the] screen.

North Carolina is likely to be a battleground state in Novembers election. Former President Trump won the state in the 2020 election by around 1.3 percent, and polling indicates another tight race between him and Vice President Harris this year.

The Hill has reached out to the NCSBE.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Governor Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development; grants to fight the drug epidemic; highway safety and National Child Passenger Safety Week.

Officials note First Lady Britainy Beshear also provided an update on the Team Kentucky Saves Lives blood drive and named everyone who has given blood during the emergency shortage as this weeks Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development

Gov. Beshear highlighted September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. Since the start of the Beshear-Coleman administration, the commonwealth has seen more than 100 bourbon- and spirits-related projects, representing over $4.3 billion in new investments and nearly 1,800 new full-time jobs. The Governor was joined by Wally Dant, president and distiller at Log Still Distilling, and Jacob Call, Western Kentucky Distillings COO and master distiller, to celebrate the bourbon industrys success in Kentucky.

We have about 55,000 visitors per year to our distillery and we expect that to double over the course of this next year, said Dant. The reason I think weve been as successful as we have been is due to the Governor and the way he operates as a leader. He works to collaborate with private businesses to allow us to flourish in a great environment.

Since our ground-breaking in November 2022, weve hired 26 full-time employees, weve made 60,000 barrels of bourbon, and we recently laid out our plans for our new bottling facility, said Call. None of these things would have been possible without the support of the Governors office. When he says Team Kentucky, it really is Team Kentucky.

Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Board of Education issue statements on recent school threats

Justice Assistance Grants

Gov. Beshear announced that his administration is awarding $1.7 million in grant funding to 12 local and state agencies to fight drug trafficking and create safer communities. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants will allow Kentuckys law enforcement, drug task forces and nonprofit organizations to purchase critical resources, provide drug prevention programming to community residents, offer counseling to crime victims, ensure officers receive specialized training and work with individuals leaving incarceration for successful reentry skills.

According to this website, some of these agencies with connections to the Tri-State are:

The Kentucky State Police

The Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force

Highway Safety

Gov. Beshear shared positive trends related to highway safety. So far, in 2024, Kentucky has seen a 15% decrease in fatal automobile crashes. Over the last two years, seat belt use has increased 3.4%, according to the Kentucky Transportation Center at UK, including recent gains in rural counties that can be attributed to the successful High Five Rural Seat Belt program sponsored by a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

While I wish we didnt lose anyone on our roads, these numbers are encouraging because theyre not just numbers. Were talking about fewer people mourning lost loved ones, and fewer people recovering from or living with serious injuries sustained on Kentucky roadways, said Gov. Beshear. We need to keep moving forward until we reach zero  zero deaths, zero injuries. We dont want any families to experience losing someone to a roadway crash, most of which are preventable. So, remember to buckle up, and put the phone down.

Driving and road safety tips can be found here.

National Child Passenger Safety Week

Gov. Beshear reminded Kentucky parents and caregivers about the importance of correctly buckling kids in the right car seats for their age and size during National Child Passenger Safety Week, which is recognized from September 15 to 21. This annual awareness campaign aims to make Kentucky highways safer by encouraging safe practices. The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that 46% of car seats are misused across the United States.

Our children are our most precious cargo, and as a dad, I know parents and caregivers want to do all they can to keep their kids safe, said Gov. Beshear. Simple practices like checking to make sure your kids are in the right seats and are buckled up every trip is a small step that can make a big difference.

To find out more about checkup events, where professionals can check your childs seat to make sure its installed correctly, and car seat resources, go here and click the Safety Programs tab.

Gov. Beshear presents over $9M in funding to Christian County

Team Kentucky All-Stars

First Lady Britainy Beshear provided an update on the Team Kentucky Saves Lives blood drive and named everyone who has given blood during the emergency shortage as this weeks Team Kentucky All-Stars. Thursday morning, the Governor and First Lady donated blood in the Capitol Rotunda.

Im proud to say that Team Kentucky answered the call to donate blood once again, said Mrs. Beshear. This morning, Andy and I rolled up our sleeves to donate and people from across state government and the Frankfort community joined us. We are naming each of todays donors as this weeks Team Kentucky All Stars. You all are living out our values  making sure we can take care of our neighbors in the moment they need us most.

For information about these drives and opportunities to donate blood across the commonwealth, visit this website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Gov. Brian Kemp comments on Apalachee shooting during visit to Macon. See what he said.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp commented on the shooting at Apalachee High School during a stop in Macon on Thursday.

The comments followed Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns publishing a letter earlier in the day promising that Georgia lawmakers will consider stronger gun control legislation. Burns, a Republican, said the legislation would focus on creating new policies to improve student mental health, detecting guns and encouraging people to store guns safely.

The Sept. 4 shooting in Winder, Georgia, killed four and left nine wounded. It also brought national attention to Georgias gun laws. The suspected shooter and his father were arrested, but authorities are still investigating.

The promise is a sea change for Georgia Republicans, who have traditionally been opposed to gun control legislation. However, it falls short of demands made by Democrats in wake of the shooting, which include universal background checks and red flag laws that enable the state to take away guns from people in crisis.

Kemp did not say whether he would support stricter gun laws, and instead emphasized that the shooting is still under investigation. Kemp also said the state government is continuing to offer support to students, families, staff and community members in Winder who were affected by the shooting.

Im very interested in making sure we learn all the facts certainly before I try and weigh in on  policy issues, Kemp said. We worked last year with the General Assembly last year on a lot of things that the speaker was talking about in his letter, and we are going to continue to do so on this issue and a lot of other issues as we go into the legislative session.

The Georgia House passed a bill with bipartisan support last year that would set up a $300 tax credit for safe storage devices or gun safety lessons. The bill was tabled in the Georgia Senate and never made it to the governors desk.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) is in the Wall Street doghouse again, with its shares now roughly 20% below their 52-week high. But that also happens to be how much the stock price is down from its all-time high. What's going on here? If you think it's too late to buy this growing restaurant chain, history suggests you are likely wrong. But it's still good to ask questions.

As you search for the answers on Chipotle, here are three things to think about before you make any decision about buying the stock.

1. Chipotle has plenty of room for growth

Restaurant chains can grow their businesses in two basic ways. First, they can improve the sales that are generated at existing restaurants. Second, they can open more restaurants. That's pretty much the playbook for every restaurant operation out there, and Chipotle is no different. The second path to growth is the one that's probably most compelling when it comes to this particular operation.

Image source: Getty Images.

Chipotle has roughly 3,500 locations. That's a lot of locations and Chipotle has grown massively over time. In 2024 alone it hopes to open as many as 315 new units. But how big can Chipotle really get? That's hard to answer, but if you look at fellow Mexican-themed fast food brand Taco Bell, owned by Yum! Brands, you can at least get a rough sense of the path forward. Taco Bell has 8,500 locations. That's 5,000 more than Chipotle, suggesting that there's at least another decade of growth ahead for the brand. That's good news if you are thinking about buying the stock.

2. Chipotle's bad news could get worse

Chipotle made headlines recently because its highly respected CEO, Brian Niccol, jumped ship to head up Starbucks. That has Chipotle investors worried about what happens to the company under new leadership. It's not an unreasonable concern, but Niccol didn't work in a vacuum. He had a team around him that is largely still in place. Chipotle will probably be fine.

But there's likely to be some additional bad news here at some point soon. That's because in the second quarter, same-store sales, the first way to grow referenced above, came in at a huge 11.1%. That's a shockingly high number in the restaurant space and isn't likely to be sustainable.

Low single-digit percentage growth in same-store sales is usually considered a good outcome. To be fair, Chipotle has been doing much better than that for a while now. But when same-store sales revert to a lower level (the figure was "just" 5% in the third quarter of 2023), investors could view it as the business faltering. In reality, Chipotle will still be performing well relative to the broader restaurant space. It will just be performing less well than it was previously.

Story continues

3. Big stock price fluctuations aren't unusual at Chipotle

All of that said, Chipotle is now 20% below its 52-week high and also its all-time high. The drop could keep going. The shares have declined 50%, or more, three times since the company came public. The initial public offering was in 2006, so that's a lot of volatility in less than 20 years. But the truth is that this is a high-growth company and it isn't unusual to see such dramatic drawdowns for high-growth companies.

CMG Chart

If same-store sales slow or there's a recession, this 20% drop could turn into something much worse. However, for the successfully growing company, each previous pullback has turned out to be a good buying opportunity. You just had to be willing to grit your teeth amid the negativity in the market. So, right now, it appears that the market is giving you an opportunity to buy Chipotle again. But that doesn't mean the opportunity won't get better if you wait. Perhaps the best choice would be to go with a starter position that you add to over time, particularly if the stock declines further.

Another shot at Chipotle, if you can handle it

It doesn't seem likely that you've missed the opportunity to buy fast-growing Chipotle. That's because the 20% drawdown has, basically, opened up another chance for you to get on board. But go in understanding the stock history here and the business backdrop. There could be more downside before Chipotle's drop turns into a rally. However, if Chipotle can keep opening new locations at a rapid clip and put up just decent same-store sales numbers (think mid-single digits), more growth is definitely in the cards. That's likely to bring investors back to the stock, eventually.

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The new law bars businesses from selling hemp products unless they have a cannabis license, a response to concerns the children are easily buying products with delta-8 THC. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas)

New Jersey businesses are temporarily banned from selling hemp products without a cannabis license under a controversial bill Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law Thursday, a response to years of complaints about legal loopholes that allow minors to buy sketchy hemp products.

The measure will put hemp products, which are federally legal, under the purview of the states Cannabis Regulatory Commission, the agency that oversees New Jerseys recreational and medicinal marijuana markets.

In a signing statement, Murphy called the bill flawed, but said in the two-and-a-half months since the bill landed on his desk, hes held discussions with supporters and critics that convinced him its very unlikely that revisions to the bill would have the broad support necessary to move through the Legislature quickly.

Unlike many issues, the status quo poses an immediate risk to health and safety, as these unregulated intoxicating hemp products are widely available to minors. Because the bill would address this present danger, I have concluded that the wiser course is to sign the bill now and commit to working with the Legislature to address the technical issues and other challenges in separate legislation, he said in the statement.

Congress legalized hemp in 2018, but with little regulation, testing, or enforcement, intoxicating products have been spotted on shelves of corner stores and gas stations. Lawmakers moved to pass the bill amid concerns that children are buying products advertised with thousands of milligrams of THC.

Hemp products have a lower form of THC than cannabis, and they do not get users high in the same way marijuana products with delta-9 THC (the kind someone would buy at a cannabis dispensary).

Under the new law, its illegal to sell products with any detectable amount of THC to a person under 21 years of age. And within 30 days, businesses will have to pull any hemp products off their shelves until the cannabis commission establishes new rules regarding sales.

The bill  amended with last-minute changes  elicited significant concerns from the cannabis and hemp industries, Murphy noted. Wording in the bill has created confusion, specifically the definition of hemp product as any product cultivated, derived, or manufactured in this state from hemp, Murphy said.

That language could either allow businesses to sell hemp products made outside of New Jersey without violating the law, or limit sales to those products made exclusively in New Jersey, Murphy said, noting the former would largely defeat the purpose of the bill by creating an enormous loophole, while the latter could violate the Constitutions dormant commerce clause.

The bills supporters applauded the long-awaited signing.

Licensed cannabis businesses in New Jersey have responsibly overseen the legal marketplace since its inception. We applaud the Legislature for extending these rigorous standards to hemp-derived products, ensuring the same consumer protection, said Todd Johnson, executive director of the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association.

With rules and regulations in the hands of the states cannabis commission, critics expect the process to drag out. Consumers and lawmakers have lamented how long it takes for the agency to act. Rules establishing cannabis smoking lounges were first announced in December 2022, but they were not approved until January 2024.

A spokesperson for the commission did not respond to a request for comment.

Beau Huch, a lobbyist representing hemp beverage companies, said the hemp industry has long wanted to limit minors access to these products. Lawmakers could have taken this opportunity to use hemp tax revenue to fund cannabis programs with the state Economic Development Agency, and give much needed support to that struggling sister industry, he said.

Instead, this new law is excessive, at times unworkable, and fails to provide any real benefit to the cannabis industry. There are no winners here, he said in a statement.

Scott Rudder, president of the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association, supports the goal of the law, but said the governor is right to have hesitations.

The law allows businesses with liquor licenses to sell hemp beverages  once they receive a cannabis license  without facing the same strict standards as cannabis stores, he said.

Allowing liquor stores to sell these products could have serious consequences if not done right. We have a vigorous regulatory process for a reason, Rudder said. Just like any other business thats licensed to sell cannabis products, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission must ensure these stores go through the same process.

About two-thirds of New Jersey municipalities have banned cannabis businesses, and towns can choose to set caps on the number of cannabis shops within their borders. Cannabis businesses are also subject to security requirements, like having a guard at the door checking IDs, and strict zoning and site approval plans. Its unclear whether these municipalities that banned cannabis will allow intoxicating hemp products to be sold in their town.

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Government increases efforts to encourage the culling of toxic invasive fish: 'Unchecked proliferation could harm tourism in the long run'

In a losing fight against a decade-long invasive species problem, Cyprus is going to try a new approach.

The country's Department of Fisheries and Marine Research announced in early August that it was bumping pay to anglers who catch the silver-cheeked toadfish, the Cyprus Mail reported. The new rate of 4.47 ($4.95) per kilogram is up from 3 ($3.32), a 49% increase.

The pufferfish, from the Indo-Pacific, has been in the Mediterranean Sea for about 30 years but hadn't proved problematic until the last 15, DFMR director Yiannos Kyriakou told the outlet.

It is a voracious eater, chomping down with sharp teeth, and even cuts into fishing nets and goes after the fish within. This causes environmental and economic issues, depleting fish and mollusk populations, according to the European Commission.

"The fish destroys both nets and catch," Panicos Peratikos, the head of a professional fishers association, told the Mail.

Peratikos noted the previous stipend was not profitable but that it was still necessary for anglers to catch the toadfish, a type of pufferfish, to protect their livelihood, saying: "We used to devote two to three months to hunting the fish during its spawning season, and the costs of fuel were very high."

Because the fish is poisonous to humans, this is the only method that has been deemed acceptable to control the population, according to the Mail. The toadfish produces tetrodotoxin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, progressive muscle paralysis, and even death.

That means it can't be consumed like other invasive species, including lionfish, channa, and copi. The outlet noted that "almost all countries bordering the Mediterranean" make it illegal for citizens to even catch the toadfish, as handling is so dangerous that only trained professional fishers are allowed to participate in the culling.

"Incidents of contact with bathers resulting in adverse effects have also been recorded, resulting in fears that unchecked proliferation could harm tourism in the long run," the Mail stated.

The creature, which can grow to 110 centimeters (over 3 feet, 7 inches), arrived via the Suez Canal. It has no natural predators in the Mediterranean and has escaped to the Black Sea as well, traveling through the Turkish Straits and other bodies of water  all of which are at risk.

This year, Cypriots have caught 38 tonnes (almost 42 tons) of the toadfish  including 24 tonnes (around 26 tons) around Famagusta in July alone. The animals are then destroyed at a facility in Kofinou.

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.
Belfast was among the areas which was to benefit from a City Deal [Getty Images]

The UK government is pausing funding of City Deals in Northern Ireland.

The deals are regeneration funding packages worth more than 1.5bn with about 600m coming from central government.

The implications of the pause are not yet clear, but Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill described it as "unacceptable and deplorable".

It is understood the pause has happened in the context of the UK spending review and the government does not want to commit funds before that process is completed in October.

That means the deals could be 'unpaused' then, although Stormont ministers want that to happen immediately.

'Dire consequences'

There are four deals in Northern Ireland: the Belfast City region, Derry City and Strabane, Mid South West region, and Causeway Coast and Glens.

O'Neill called the UK government's approach "extremely short-sighted".

"These City and Growth Deals will be game-changers for the regeneration of our cities and towns and a catalyst for economic growth and creating good jobs," she said.

"Its crucial that they continue as planned."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said Stormont officials "were informed of this potential direction of travel on Wednesday".

"We raised this during a meeting with the Chancellor in London on Thursday, spelling out the dire consequences such a decision would have and urged for a reconsideration," she said.

"Departments and deal partners will be urgently assessing what this pause means for the City and Growth Deals projects moving forward."

'Significant cost to local councils'

Caoimhe Archibald accused the Labour government of acting in "very bad faith" [Liam McBurney/PA Wire]

Stormont's Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, said she has written to the Treasury "calling on them to immediately reverse this reprehensible decision".

She pointed out that it has come "less than a week before the scheduled signing of the Derry City and Strabane Deal".

The British government have said its attempting to reset relationships; instead, they have acted in very bad faith," Archibald added.

I am calling on them to step up and honour the commitments and pledges made on City Deals, where significant plans and contracts have already been put in place at significant cost to local councils, project promoters, the Civil Service, and Whitehall Departments.

Funding earmarked for medical school

Derry City and Strabane's City Deal is said to be just days away from being signed [Getty Images]

A portion of the money expected from the unsigned Derry City and Strabane deal has been earmarked to help fund the medical school in Derry.

The 300m deal also involves plans to redevelop Strabane town centre; establish a DNA museum in Derry and open a centre for innovation in data analytics, advanced manufacturing and robotics.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said: "We have received no formal communication of this [pause] and have no further details at this stage."

But the Foyle MP Colum Eastwood, from the SDLP, said people involved in the Derry deal had "fought for years to get to this point" and said the pause was "devastating".

"Significant and substantial investment plans are now facing undue delay and disruption with no certainty or clarity ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review," he said.

Belfast deal funding multiple projects

The Belfast deal was first announced in 2019 and was formally signed off in December 2021.

At the time it was hailed as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" which could create about 20,000 jobs over10 to 15 years.

The Belfast deal is not just limited to the city itself but is funding projects stretching from the north of County Antrim down to County Armagh.

It was also the most far advanced in terms of the progress of construction on capital projects.

Work began in the summer on building an Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at the Global Point business park in Newtownabbey.

Other projects in the pipeline which are seeking funding from the Belfast City Deal include:

On Friday evening, a Belfast City Council spokesperson said the council "has not received any formal correspondence at this stage and is seeking clarification in relation to the potential implications of this pause".

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said it was "extremely disappointed" by the pause as "extensive work has already been undertaken" to advance the Ballymena hub, Gobbins cliff path extension and Carrickfergus regeneration.

"Council would urge the UK Government to clarify when these vital projects can once again progress," its statement added.

'Deepling troubling to businesses'

Roger Pollen from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said pausing the City Deals was deeply troubling to businesses because it has introduced uncertainty around the funding of major investments.

Everybody knows the last thing that businesses like is uncertainty, because how do you plan on your investment, your structures and everything else? he told the BBCs Evening Extra programme.

The fact that its being paused without any clarity around why its being paused, what thats intended to achieve; what it means; how long its being paused for all feeds into the uncertainty around this," he added.
Hospitals around the nation are administering unreliable drug tests to pregnant women, and siccing child welfare authorities upon them based on the results, according to a new investigation from The Marshall Project.

While we don't know just how many pregnant women are drug tested, federal data examined by The Marshall Project reporter Shoshana Walter indicates that tens of thousands of babies are reported to authorities for suspected natal drug exposure.

Disturbingly, it's been long known that these drug tests are unreliable. Urine drug tests commonly administered to pregnant women can have false positive rates as high as 50 percent. False positives frequently occur when someone is taking over-the-counter medications, common antidepressants, or routinely prescribed blood pressure medications. Women have even faced child welfare investigations after they ate poppy seeds (last year, the Department of Defense told service members to stop eating poppy seeds out of concerns they could cause false positives on drug tests.)

The aftermath of a false positive can be devastating.

"After a California mother had a false positive for meth and PCP, authorities took her newborn, then dispatched two sheriff's deputies to also remove her toddler from her custody," Walter wrote. "In New York, hospital administrators refused to retract a child welfare report based on a false positive result, and instead offered the mother counseling for her traumaAnd when a Pennsylvania woman tested positive for opioids after eating pasta salad, the hearing officer in her case yelled at her to 'buck up, get a backbone, and stop crying.'"

While more than half of U.S. states require hospitals to inform child welfare agencies if they suspect a mother used drugs during pregnancy, none require hospitals to confirm that those results are correct. This means that when a mother has a false positive, she often lacks the ability to demand a more reliable drug test to prove her innocence.

Ironically, Walter's investigation found that "most of the caseworkers who investigate them are entitled to confirmation testing and a review if they test positive for drugs on the job."

Without protections guaranteeing a right to a test confirming a positive result, families can face humiliating, terrifying ordeals.

After one woman falsely tested positive for cocaine, hospital employees barred from breastfeeding her newborn. Even though a confirmation test came back negative just a few days later, the state kept its investigation open for almost two weeks. The accusation will be on the mother's record for the next five years.

Another woman, Susan Horton, tested positive for opiates after eating a salad with poppy seed dressing. She was separated from her newborn daughter for two weeks. Even after it became clear that she wasn't taking drugs, child welfare workers insisted that she had hurt her child.

"Caseworkers and doctors had privately acknowledged that poppy seeds could have caused Horton's positive test result," Walter wrote. "But in court the caseworker didn't mention that. Instead, she argued that Horton's purported drug use had 'caused serious physical harm' to her child."

When hospitals report mothers to child welfare authorities based on an incredibly unreliable test, they end up removing perfectly healthy children from loving, responsible parents. A simple attempt to confirm results should be more than enough to ensure that genuinely endangered children are protected. A poppy seed bagel should never be the impetus of a child welfare investigation.

The post The Government Is Taking Babies Away Because Their Moms Ate Poppy Seeds appeared first on Reason.com.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A Grand Bay man was sentenced this week to 15 years in prison after he pled guilty to child pornography distribution and access with intent to view child pornography, according to the United States Department of Justice.

Baldwin County Public Schools superintendent: false information going around on Foley High School lockdown

33-year-old Jedidiah Joseph Allen entered a guilty plea on April 15 and was sentenced on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Jedidiah Joseph Allen. (Mobile County Sheriffs Office)

Court documents show Allen distributed child pornography on social media and possessed child pornography on two occasions. Law enforcement investigated Allen when they were tipped off from a social media platform.

Allens phone was seized and examined in August 2022. Law enforcement found 103 images of child pornography.

Francine Moves Away, Rough Surf and Breezy Conditions Continue

Law enforcement found a text message from Allen asking a female to take pictures of her young niece in the shower. They also found messages of Allen describing sexually abusing a child and taking a picture of the abuse.

Allen was arrested on March 14, and law enforcement found more child pornography on his phone.

He was previously convicted of possession of obscene materials under 17 in the Mobile County Circuit Court on March 2, 2020.

Allens prison sentence will be followed by 15 years of supervised release. He is subject to sex offender treatment, substance abuse testing and treatment, and mental health treatment during his supervised release.

Major concern: Walton County Sheriffs Office investigating after deputy shoots, kills dog

He is required to register have a sex offender and cant have contact with minors. The court ordered Allen to pay $3,000 in restitution and $200 in special assessments.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kacey Chappelear prosecuted the case.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Kansas City restaurant City Barrel Pizza + Patio had only been open sixty-six days in the citys Waldo neighborhood before they were hit with their first break-in.

On Sept. 2, just after 3 a.m., a window was smashed and two masked men walked into the restaurant before leaving empty-handed just two minutes later.

Its just one of many Kansas City businesses plagued with property damage and vandalism in recent months as masked men smash restaurant windows, search for cash, and typically leave empty-handed soon after. Most business owners said they rarely keep cash in registers with much of their revenue coming from credit card sales, so for many, theres little to steal.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas stood on the City Barrel patio on Sept. 12, proposing a Back to Business Grant Fund ordinance that would help small businesses recover from burglary and vandalism incidents that result in damages like broken windows, doors and locks.

The ordinance aims to assist business owners and their employees shaken by the late night burglaries and vandalism resulting in busted property and a stolen sense of safety. But, for some business owners, it feels like a drop in the bucket when they feel they cant do anything to prevent the increased property damage targeting local businesses.

Its unsettling

The property crime wave has hit businesses in several Kansas City neighborhoods this year.

In June, at least four restaurants had their glass front doors smashed in the early morning hours as thieves looked for cash and valuables. The same thing happened in August to more businesses. In late August, an alleged attempted theft of a vehicle resulted in the shooting death of Irish chef Shaun Brady and two juveniles charged with felonies.

Another string of break-ins hit at least seven local establishments in September. City Market restaurants Enzo and Blue Nile Cafe were hit, along with Splitlog Coffee Company, Campground, Messenger Coffee Company, Donutology and Mildreds, who were mentioned in social media posts by business owners.

The Campground co-owner Cristin Llewellyn posted on Instagram on Sept. 11 urging people to support local businesses who have been hit by vandalism.

Enzo owner Grant Norris supplied The Star with surveillance footage that showed thieves breaking one of the buildings glass doors before entering and exiting the building in less than a minute just before 3 a.m. on Sept. 11. Norris said hes glad that no one was in the building when the incident occurred.

I think they were looking for quick cash, Norris said. When you think about a restaurant that you built, you think about things being destroyed. Windows [are] easy to replace, the rest of the stuff that we built is not.

The company Norris used to replace the window, Janssen Glass, was at Messenger on Grand Boulevard boarding up their windows, he said. It cost him $683.

Blue Nile Cafe also used the same glassmaker, since they were right next door. The husband and wife owners Daniel and Selam Fikru said a new window will cost them close to $1,000. City Barrel co-founder Joe Giammanco said his glass door will cost $7,500 to replace, and his insurance deductible totals $5,000.

The Fikrus have had their restaurant in City Market for 22 years. They say this is the first break-in theyve had. Selam Fikru used to work in the restaurant after closing time, but she no longer feels safe in the restaurant.

Its unsettling, Selam Fikru said. Ill lock the doors and then just do my work. Anything can happen. Somebody can break in and get in while you are here. I cant do that anymore. Its not safe.

Step in the right direction

The ordinance is a two-pronged plan that will fund businesses with vandalism and property crime recovery grant funding.

Businesses can receive up to $3,000 for repairs of broken windows, doors and locks, and up to $5,000 for security measures related to incidents that happen between July 1, 2024 and July 31, 2025.

Lucas expects the ordinance, spearheaded by KC BizCare Manager Nia Richardson and the Small Business Task Force, to pass during the next city council meeting on Sept. 19. To fund the plan, $325,000 from the Unappropriated Fund Balance of the Violence Prevention and Intervention Fund will potentially be set aside for the program that Lucas estimates 100-150 businesses will qualify for.

We think that this is a step in the right direction. It is giving some relief, but we recognize that it cannot give total relief, Lucas said.

Finer details like what small businesses are eligible and if businesses can receive money for both repairs and security measures are still being evaluated. In the proposed ordinance, eligibility requirements currently consist of:

Businesses located in Kansas City, possess necessary licenses/permits and maintain good standing with the city

Keep consistent hours of operation

Have sustained physical damage due to break-ins/vandalism or plans to take steps to prevent such incidents

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City and KC BizCare will review applications on a rolling basis until funds expire.

Richardson said businesses affected before June 1 can still qualify if they are updating their preventive measures in that time frame.

The way that the ordinance is written is giving me the flexibility to really design it and give it the tight criteria that we need to make it more inclusive, Richardson said. She estimates businesses could receive funds in early October, with Lucas comparing the potential upcoming application process to the citys expanded outdoor dining fund.

The hope is that we can help [businesses] stay in place, Richardson said. We can help alleviate a little bit of stress that [businesses] might be feeling.

For Giammanco, hes turned the broken window into a community sign where employees and customers can sign the boarded up window.

If its gonna be ugly there, I might as well make it a part of the community, have people sign it, be a part of it, he said.

City Barrel Pizza + Patio turned their victimhood into a community symbol of camaraderie.

Hes less worried about the timeframe of receiving city funds, and more thankful that his business might receive any assistance at all.

As long as my credit card statement time is long enough, then it feels like yes [October is soon enough], he said.

Business owners said City Market is a relatively safe area, and said theyve had few problems before their respective break-ins. City Market has security that patrols the area after-hours, and Kansas City police responded to both of their alarms within minutes.

Selam Fikru hopes any assistance can help her feel more secure while at work once again.

Security, all of it, is not there as much, and the bad guys are coming in, she said. So the city definitely can do something about it.

Norris, however, said he felt safe after his incident because of the polices quick response time. and he knocked on wood hoping these incidents dont hit his sisters Italian restaurant, Ragazza, on West 43rd and Main Street. He offered the best solution he knows: keep supporting local businesses.

Something like this is a setback for a small business, Norris said. Place that makes doughnuts or a place that serves coffee, its a tough business.

Go eat Ethiopian, come here, have Italian. Buy a donut, get a cup of coffee and on your way to work and support your local businesses, he said.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A Greece woman pleaded guilty to wire fraud amid an investigation into a fraud and theft scheme.

The US Attorneys Office says Nickola Ferra, 30, engaged in document fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, retail theft, and identity theft. At least 10 victims had their identities stolen and thousands of dollars in losses were identified.

Part of the involved Ferra and others stealing or defrauding local retailers of their products and then returning them in exchange for gift cards or store credit. They also sold some to third parties.

Furthermore, Ferra showed merchants fake or stolen passports, identification, and credit information. Officials said the stolen identity was used to try and open credit cards and get loans in other peoples names. Other fraudulent purchases included hotel and car rentals.

Ferra is scheduled to be sentenced on January 28, 2025, at 9:15 a.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Travel bags filled with cocaine packages are seen inside an apartment after a police raid in Astakos

By Yannis Souliotis

ATHENS (Reuters) - A Greek appeals court on Friday reduced the prison sentences of 11 men involved in trafficking 1.2 metric tons of cocaine from the Caribbean into Europe and Africa, in one of the biggest drug busts in Greece's history.

Greek police said in 2020 it had dismantled the criminal group after a months-long investigation with assistance from the United States' Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Albanian and Spanish police.

A court in 2021 had handed the defendants, nationals of Albania, the Netherlands and Greece, multi-year sentences including life imprisonment. On Friday, the court set the highest sentence at 16 years.

According to court documents, the drugs were loaded at sea, near Saint Vincent in the Caribbean, on a yacht named "Barracuda Seven" which sailed to Greece.

Two undercover agents from the Greek anti-narcotics authorities infiltrated the gang and later boarded the vessel, taking control of the operations and setting a new meeting point in Greece, according to court testimony.

The drugs were finally transferred to Greece by air, as the gang leaders were led to believe that the journey continued as normal. The arrests followed.

Dozens of travel bags with cocaine packages were confiscated by police from an apartment in the western town of Astakos in January 2020.

The suspected leaders of the group, among them a man nicknamed "Doctor" or "Aqua Verde", were living in Spain at the time of the arrests and remain at large.

Lawyer Dimitris Georgakopoulos, representing the defendants, said the ruling was positive but added that his clients would take the case to the top court, citing police infiltration.

"The court of appeal has vindicated us to a great extent, he said. "But the legal issues of this complex file case have not been solved. The case will be taken to the top court."

South American production of cocaine has surged over the past decade and Europe has turned into the worlds biggest market for the drug.

($1 = 0.9056 euros)

(Writing by Renee Maltezou, Editing by Louise Heavens)
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.

A grocery cart was observed stored in the bathroom of a Turlock gas station and purple shampoo was in the soap dispenser of this bathroom during health inspections conducted in Stanislaus County in late August.

Cockroaches near a dishwasher and objectionable odors as well as sticky floors were some of the other violations.

The majority of the 2,400 permitted food service establishments in the county receive two unannounced routine food safety inspections per year, according to the Department of Environmental Resources. The website says inspection reports are scanned weekly.

Food trucks that operate under a Stanislaus County Health Department permit also are inspected by the county, though those are scheduled and done at the departments office.

Dirty conditions at a Stanislaus County restaurant? How to report health code violations

Of the 74 restaurant inspection reports sent to The Modesto Bee on Wednesday, eight were not updated on the site as of Thursday morning.

If an inspection listed below needs clarification, business owners can email Modesto Bee reporter Dominique Williams at dwilliams@modbee.com.

Cockroaches among major violations

Violations were found during routine inspections of the following Stanislaus County food facilities during the week of Aug. 26 - Sept. 1. Only the dates of violations are listed.

The details of the reports do not indicate whether a restaurant passed or failed inspection. Corrective actions may have been made by the business by the time of publication.

The reports are linked. For updates on individual restaurants, search the DER website.

Black Bear Diner, 2200 Plaza Parkway in Modesto, had two violations on Aug. 26  one of them major. The prep table maintaining potentially hazardous foods was noted at 52 degrees (must be 41 degrees or lower). There was a hole in the ceiling near the office that was large enough to potentially allow vermin passage to the kitchen.

Hughson Asian Kitchen, 6902 Hughson Ave. in Hughson, had four violations on Aug. 26. Kitchen appliance surfaces and hand-to-hand contact points had a grease residue buildup. The interior of the stainless steel barbecue had grease accumulation. Metal panels had grease residue built up in the cooking area. The kitchen hand sink was not operational.

Gas and Market, 2241 Yosemite Blvd. in Modesto, had six violations on Aug. 27  one of them major. There was no hot water at the three-compartment sink and the wastewater conduit was leaking wastewater. The ice machine room was cluttered and the ice scoop was placed on plastic bags. The janitorial sink cold water valve was turned off. The bathroom dispenser lacked toilet paper.

Easy Day Gas & Liquor, 1405 N. Golden State Blvd. in Turlock, had ten violations on Aug. 27  six of them major. There was no sanitizer present in the the three-compartment sink for ware washing, the sanitizer buckets were not set up and sanitizer test strips were lacking. The soap was empty at both the bathroom hand washing sink and the three-compartment sink. An empty bottle of purple shampoo was tilted over inside the hand-soap dispenser in the bathroom. There was purple residue observed inside the dispenser. The paper towel dispenser was empty.

A grocery cart and two stacks of food shelves were stored inside the bathroom. The bathroom had objectionable odors, the floors were sticky and there was no toilet paper. The bathroom hand sink water temperature was 81 degrees. Food handler cards were lacking.

Due to six of the violations, the facilitys permit was restricted to prepackaged food sales only. The facility was told to place out-of-order signs on all of the soda and coffee dispensers. During a reinspection on Aug. 28, one major violation remained.

Alfonsos Restaurant, 2375 Lawrence St. in Ceres, had five violations on Aug. 27  one of them major. The beans at the steam table were between 98 and 124 degrees (must be 135 degrees or higher). The preparation refrigerator was not in use and not operational. The walk-in refrigerator and employee restroom doors had stain residue buildup. The side entrance screen door had a large accumulation of dust. There were no paper towels in the bathroom dispenser.

DForno Cosina, 918 13th St. in Modesto, had five violations on Aug. 28. A used apron was left on a cutting board. The drink pistol holder was soiled. The lime and lemon squeezer had deteriorated surfaces. The back door was open and there was no soap in the employee bathroom.

JCs Cafe, 480 E. F St. in Oakdale, had four violations on Aug. 28. There were raw proteins next to a container of cooked rice in the walk-in refrigerator. The ceiling of this fridge had growth where the cooling units are. The ceiling vents in the cooking area had accumulated dust. The ambient temperature of the salad and salsa food prep refrigerator was 44 degrees (must be 41 degrees or lower).

China House, 400 E. F St. in Oakdale, had three violations on Aug. 28. Dish cloths were being used to support the cutting boards at the food prep station, and there was growth accumulating on the cloths. There was food debris on the wall of the food prep sink and the paint was peeling off of the wall. The vents on the cook line were covered with dust, potentially posing as a fire hazard.

Pearl Palace, 1230 E. F St. in Oakdale, had four violations on Aug. 28. Dish clothes were being used to stabilize the cutting boards, and various cutting boards were fuzzy. The staff was unable to clean the boards efficiently. A large bowl of chow mein was sitting at room temperature on the cook line. The two-compartment sink was leaking and there was water damage on the wall where the sink is installed.

Noahs Hof Brau, 1311 J St. in Modesto, had five violations on Aug. 29  two of them major. There was evidence of cockroaches at the automatic dishwasher. A large container of cooked rice was on the food prep counter at 81 degrees (must be kept at 135 degrees or higher or 41 degrees or lower). There was food soil on many contact surfaces such as a glass refrigerator door, the handle for the towel dispenser and the handle to the walk-in refrigerator. The exhaust hood over the range was heavily grease laden. There was a large meat slicer on the drain board to the three-compartment sink.

Other food facilities with three or more, or major, violations at the time of their inspections are:

These facilities had one or two non-major violations

According to Stanislaus County, food facilities that had one to two violations, none of them major, are:

No violations for these Stanislaus County food facilities

These food facilities had no violations, according to the county:
Warehouse worker Robert Paschal stocks a cooler with fresh produce at the Food Distribution Program at Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Nov. 6, 2018. Photo by Preston Keres/U.S. Department of Agriculture.

WASHINGTON  U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack apologized to tribal communities this week for delays in shipments and delivery of expired food during a tense congressional hearing that highlighted widespread failures within the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

Vilsacks comments followed detailed testimony from leaders of the Chickasaw Nation, Red Lake Nation and Spirit Lake Sioux Nation about the food shortages during a rare joint hearing of the House Appropriations and Agriculture committees.

This is a dire issue thats evoked a genuine bipartisan and bicameral concern in Congress, said House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, who is a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma.

The USDA, he said, had failed in its duty to provide critical food assistance for tribal members and vulnerable senior citizens for months, amounting to gross negligence.

Missed and delayed deliveries, empty shelves and bare warehouses have become commonplace, Cole said.

House Appropriations ranking member Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat, said the food shortage was unacceptable.

It must be among our governments highest priorities that the most vulnerable communities among us do not suffer from hunger, she said. But this disruption to food deliveries has risked exactly that.

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations provides food to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations, and to American Indian households residing in approved areas near reservations and in Oklahoma, according to a USDA fact sheet.

The USDA buys and ships food selected from a pre-approved list to state agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations, which in turn store and distribute the food to eligible participants.

Tribal representatives speak out

The three tribal representatives detailed how those bare shelves have affected their communities and how the USDA told tribes  rather than consulting with them  about a major change in the programs contract, leading to distrust and anger.

The three also pressed Congress for much more control over their food supply during the four-hour hearing.

Darrell G. Seki Sr., chairman of the Red Lake Nation in Minnesota, said his communitys ability to feed people through the FDPIR program was jeopardized by failures that have persisted throughout the summer.

We need more consultation with tribes, Seki said. We are the first Americans here. We should be the priority because of the treaties that were adopted under the U.S. Constitution.

Seki called on lawmakers to do the right thing numerous times during the hearing.

Mary Greene-Trottier, president of the National Association of Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations and a member of the Spirit Lake Sioux Nation in North Dakota, said the program is essential for tribal communities that exist in food deserts.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as food stamps, doesnt work in some tribal communities, making FDPIR a critical stopgap, she said.

SNAP is an important tool in the feeding program toolbox, but is not meaningful if you lack access to a full-service grocery store or even a convenience store, Greene-Trottier testified.

She told the committees the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations serves about 55,000 people in Native communities each month.

Greene-Trottier also said the problems that began this spring have led to a lack of trust in USDA throughout her community.

Self-determination project

Marty Wafford, under secretary of support and programs for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health in Oklahoma, said there is an urgent need for Congress to expand tribal self-governance.

She testified that a self-determination demonstration pilot program Congress authorized in 2018, which allows some tribal communities to produce and supply more food, has been highly successful.

This inventory and warehousing crisis is an example of how the locally procured food system works, Wafford said. We have not experienced ordering or delivery issues with foods secured with the self-determination project, in which we currently supply a variety of beef, pecans and dried hominy.

For years, she said, tribal nations have been striving to reestablish food production, including growing crops, raising buffalo and cattle and establishing meat processing facilities and fish and shellfish hatcheries.

Tribal representatives testified that instead of consulting them on the change in contracting  that shifted from two suppliers to just one  USDA officials merely informed them in February and then didnt take their concerns seriously.

Tribal communities were told they wouldnt be allowed to order any food through the FDPIR program during the month of April, after which the delays, missing shipments and delivery of expired food began.

The USDA has put in place stopgap measures and short-term solutions, but tribal officials told members of Congress that those didnt fully alleviate the situation, which they said continues to this day.

Tribal leaders called on Congress to make several changes to food procurement, including a regional sourcing model for food distribution.

They told lawmakers the FDPIR program needs a tracking system, so tribal members can see when their food orders have been shipped, instead of being forced to repeatedly call in and hope someone answers the phone.

Review of contracts required

Vilsack told lawmakers, and the tribal representatives who stayed in the room to hear his explanations for the food shortages, that USDA is committed to listening to tribal leaders more and keeping Congress better informed of problems with the food distribution program.

He explained that in 2022, USDA began the process of reviewing the contracts for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, in part because under the federal procurement law, the department wasnt allowed any additional extensions of the previous contracts.

Following months of meetings and requesting bids from contractors, the USDA received eight proposals in 2023. One wasnt close to meeting the requirements, leaving a panel with seven to review between September and December.

That group ultimately determined only one application, from Paris Brothers in Kansas City, Mo., met the full list of requirements. That company had been one of the two that USDA contracted with to provide food under the FDPIR program for years.

Paris Brothers told the USDA at the time they had the capacity to handle the full contract, which Vilsack said later turned out not to be the case. The contract costs $35 million per year for the five-year term, totaling $175 million.

Once USDA realized there were mounting problems with the new single-supplier model, Vilsack said staff began working to implement fixes, both at Paris Brothers and for the tribal communities.

For example, the company increased work to seven days a week, boosted the number of shifts per day, hired more temporary and permanent workers and increased training.

The USDA has also signed a $25 million six-month contract with another company to help alleviate the shortage of food deliveries to tribal communities.

Given Paris Brothers long record, Vilsack said officials at USDA assumed the issues could be worked out.

But, he said, changes the USDA instituted in August should have taken place sooner and that lower-level staff at the department should have brought the problems to his attention months before he was informed in late July.

Make sure nothing like this ever happens again

Members of Congress on the two committees said they still have concerns over Paris Brothers and the USDAs management of the program.

Its critical that this crisis is resolved quickly and the changes are made in the contracting process to make sure nothing like this ever happens again, Cole said.

House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris, a Maryland Republican, said he expects the USDA to fire at least one person for not addressing the problems at Paris Brothers sooner and that the department needs to levy fines against the company.

If somebodys head doesnt roll over this, the American taxpayer should be furious, Harris said. This is tens of millions of dollars, and Im not even talking about what we did to our tribal nations  delivering outdated food, missing shipments.

When the Appropriations panel next meets with USDA officials, Harris said, he expects witnesses to arrive with detailed information about what fines were levied against Paris Brothers and how much the federal government had to spend to ensure food delivery to tribal communities.

Harris expressed no confidence Paris Brothers would be able to reestablish on-time, unexpired food deliveries to tribal communities and questioned whether the company was fulfilling other contracts ahead of tribal communities.

I suspect that they shorted the tribal nations while keeping other commercial contracts whole. And we should never tolerate that, Harris said.

Georgia Rep. Sanford Bishop, Jr., the ranking member on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, said it was a shock to hear of the problems within the FDPIR program after years of it being well run.

Bishop pressed for more funding for the Agricultural Marketing Service, the office within the USDA that handles contracting.

The last full-year government spending bill, which Congress approved earlier this year, provided 12% less in funding for the service than was requested, he said. That represented a $14.8 million cut to its enacted funding level.

Congress cannot meet 21st-century needs and challenges with 20th-century budgets, Bishop said.

Georgia Rep. David Scott, the top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee, said lawmakers must bring representatives from Paris Brothers in front of Congress to answer questions about the mismanagement.

Paris Brothers declined to comment in response to a request from States Newsroom, writing that due to our ongoing work with USDA on this matter we are deferring all inquiries to the USDA communications team.
The United Kingdom market has been experiencing turbulence, with the FTSE 100 index closing lower after weak trade data from China indicated ongoing struggles in global economic recovery. Amidst this backdrop, identifying undervalued small-cap stocks with insider buying can offer potential opportunities for investors looking to navigate the current market conditions.

Top 10 Undervalued Small Caps With Insider Buying In The United Kingdom

Name PE PS Discount to Fair Value Value Rating Bytes Technology Group 23.2x 5.2x 17.62%  Domino's Pizza Group 14.6x 1.7x 37.30%  Essentra 782.6x 1.5x 41.88%  GB Group NA 2.8x 37.83%  Genus 159.3x 1.9x 2.78%  NWF Group 8.4x 0.1x 37.64%  CVS Group 22.8x 1.3x 40.25%  Norcros 7.9x 0.5x -0.95%  Harworth Group 14.9x 7.8x -552.51%  Watkin Jones NA 0.2x -1376.88% 

Click here to see the full list of 23 stocks from our Undervalued UK Small Caps With Insider Buying screener.

Let's take a closer look at a couple of our picks from the screened companies.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Genus is a biotechnology company focused on animal genetics, with operations in bovine and porcine breeding, and a market cap of approximately 2.50 billion.

Operations: Genus generates revenue primarily from its Genus ABS and Genus PIC segments, with recent revenues reaching 668.80 million. The company has shown fluctuations in its gross profit margin, peaking at 68.02% as of March 31, 2024. Operating expenses have varied significantly, impacting net income margins which have ranged from -1.40% to a high of 14.05%.

PE: 159.3x

Genus, a UK-based small cap, reported full-year sales of 668.8 million and net income of 7.9 million for the year ending June 30, 2024. Despite a decline from last year's figures (689.7 million in sales and 33.3 million in net income), the company remains attractive due to insider confidence with recent share purchases between July and September 2024. Earnings are forecasted to grow by 39.4% annually, though profit margins have decreased from 4.8% to 1.2%.

LSE:GNS Share price vs Value as at Sep 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Hammerson is a property development and investment company focusing on flagship destinations in the UK, France, and Ireland with a market cap of 1.07 billion.

Operations: Hammerson's revenue streams include flagship destinations in the UK, France, and Ireland, alongside developments. The company has experienced significant fluctuations in net income margin over recent periods, with a notable decline to -0.18356% as of 2024-06-30. Gross profit margins have shown variability but were recorded at 79.90% for the same period.

Story continues

PE: -34.9x

Hammerson, a notable player in the UK market, has recently secured a EUR 350 million non-recourse term loan alongside PIMCO Prime Real Estate to refinance Dundrum Town Centre. This move extends their average debt maturity from 2.2 to 2.9 years and maintains their LTV ratio unchanged as of June 30. Despite reporting a net loss of GBP 516.7 million for H1 2024, insider confidence is evident with significant share purchases over the past six months, indicating potential future growth amidst current undervaluation concerns.

LSE:HMSO Share price vs Value as at Sep 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Sirius Real Estate is a property investment company focused on owning and operating business parks, industrial complexes, and office buildings with a market cap of approximately 1.40 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from property investments. For the period ending September 30, 2023, it reported a gross profit margin of 57.81% and net income margin of 14.76%.

PE: 16.5x

Sirius Real Estate recently completed a 152.5 million equity offering, supporting its acquisition strategy in Germany and the U.K. Their CEO highlighted a decade of consistent rental growth and dividend increases, showcasing operational strength. Earnings are forecasted to grow 16% annually, although debt is solely covered by external borrowing. Insider confidence is demonstrated by substantial share purchases in July 2024, reflecting optimism about future prospects despite higher risk funding sources.

LSE:SRE Ownership Breakdown as at Sep 2024

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include LSE:GNS LSE:HMSO and LSE:SRE.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Construction is underway on a new affordable housing complex in Boston Square, the latest part of a vision to revitalize the southeast Grand Rapids neighborhood.

Its part of the Boston Square Together mission, led by the nonprofit Amplify GR. Its made up of neighbors, community organizations, the city of Grand Rapids and local businesses and contractors. A few years from now, Kalamazoo Avenue is set to be filled with new housing, retail, a food hall, a retail/incubator space, a market, and a community hub.

This is going to be a place where I see people from other parts in the country coming to Boston Square and saying, How can we do this?' Kenyatta Brame, the chairperson for the Amplify GR Board of Directors, said. What makes Boston Square so special? How can we replicate this in other parts of the world? We want to be that neighborhood where people are coming here, they want to be here, they want to raise their children here.

Construction underway on front porch of Boston Square neighborhood

Ground is broken on the Boston Square affordable housing development. (Sept. 12, 2024)

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new mixed-income housing took place Thursday afternoon outside of the former Standard Kitchens building, where the new complex will be. The 57 units will be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedrooms apartments. Each will be dedicated to different income levels. About 80% are reserved for families between 20 and 60% area median income, while 20% are for those with an area median income above 80%. Organizers have not yet released the process for applying for the units.

It will continue to help us meet the demand we know exists in this community, Mayor Rosalynn Bliss told News 8. Whats really special though about this project is there was a lot of intention about making sure there were different types of housing: mixed-income housing, housing for seniors, housing for families, rental and owner-occupied.

A rendering of the Boston Square affordable housing building. (Courtesy)

A rendering of the Boston Square affordable housing building. (Courtesy)

A rendering of the Boston Square affordable housing building. (Courtesy)

A rendering of the Boston Square affordable housing building. (Courtesy)

The building is expected to be finished by 2026. The ground floor will also have nearly 5,000 square feet of retail space for neighborhood entrepreneurs.

Rev. Kenneth Hoskins, the pastor at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, has lived in the Boston Square Neighborhood for 65 years. He said he is finally seeing the investment it has lacked for decades.

Weve been disinvested in, Hoskins said. Its time to put money where we talk about it when we run for election and we get into those offices. As historically proven, (this community) is not invested in. We want to see that happen.

The new affordable housing complex will be right across from Hub 07. Its a new community hub that includes a health facility from Corewell Health, currently set to open in January. An early childhood education center will open there next summer. Amplify GR expects to announce the provider in the next few weeks.

Im excited about being able to not have to leave your own neighborhood to get those types of services, Hoskins said.

Inside woodtv.com: The housing crisis in West Michigan

Construction is also set to begin on 45 more mixed-income units in the area next winter or spring.

The Boston Square affordable housing development on Sept. 12, 2024.

Since the Boston Square Together project kicked off several years ago, neighbors and community organizations have helped planned it. Hoskins said a community partnership agreement signed by Oakdale Neighbors, Boston Square Neighborhood Association, Amplify GR and the city of Grand Rapids ensured the project included minority-owned businesses and contractors.

There wont be that gentrification, he said. You wont be forced out of your neighborhood youve been a part of, as myself 65 years, 40 years, 20 years. Youll be able to have some involvement in there making those decisions.

Hoskins believes when its all done, it will reflect what longtime residents like him always wanted.

We were intentional, he said. We, the neighbors.

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Premier League rivals want to see us punished - Guardiola

Manager Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's Premier League rivals want to see the club punished for alleged breaches of the top flight's financial rules.

Guardiola says he is glad the hearing into City's 115 charges will begin on Monday.

City were charged and referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.

It is alleged City breached the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

City strongly deny all charges and have said their case is supported by a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence".

Javier Tebas, president of Spain's La Liga, is a long-time critic of City, owned by the Abu Dhabi-backed City Football Group and has repeatedly accused the them - together with Qatar-backed PSG - of being a state club and of "financial doping".

Tebas says he has spoken to many Premier League clubs and believes they want to see the current champions punished.

"I have spoken with many Premier League clubs and most of them understand that City should be sanctioned," he was quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

Responding to these comments on Friday, former Barcelona boss Guardiola said: "For the first time I agree with Tebas.

"All the Premier League teams want us to be sanctioned, that is for sure. But that's why I say to Mr Tebas and the Premier League teams, wait for the independent panel.

"Justice is there in a modern democracy. It's not more complicated than that.

"I don't know if he is a lawyer or the rest of the Premier League teams are lawyers, so I ask for that. It happened with Uefa.

"We believe we have not done anything wrong.

Billed as sport's 'trial of the century', it is expected to run for 10 weeks - with a verdict likely in early 2025.

The Premier League has also accused the reigning champions of not co-operating with its investigation.

When the Premier League investigation began, City said the allegations were "entirely false" and that allegations originally published in German newspaper Der Spiegel came from "illegal hacking and out of context publication of City emails".

If found guilty of the most serious charges, City could be hit with a points deduction serious enough to condemn them to relegation - or even expulsion - from the Premier League.

City have won eight league titles, multiple cups and the Champions League since their 2008 Abu Dhabi takeover.

"It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon," Guardiola said of the hearing. "An independent panel will decide and I am looking forward to the decision.

"I'm happy it's starting on Monday. I know there will be more rumours, new specialists about the sentences. We're going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years.

"Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven. So we'll see."

What are the 115 charges?

 54x Failure to provide accurate financial information 2009-10 to 2017-18.

 14x Failure to provide accurate details for player and manager payments from 2009-10 to 2017-18.

 5x Failure to comply with Uefa's rules including Financial Fair Play (FFP) 2013-14 to 2017-18.

 7x Breaching Premier League's PSR rules 2015-16 to 2017-18.

 35x Failure to co-operate with Premier League investigations December 2018 - February 2023.
SPENCER, Iowa (KCAU)  The Worlds Greatest County Fair is back for another year with an array of activities for fairgoers to enjoy.

KCAU 9 Meteorologist Maggie Warren made the trip out to Spencer to see what the fair has to offer.

During her visit to the fair, Maggie gave some of the fairgoers the opportunity to take a crack at predicting the weather.

The Clay County Fair continues through Sunday with more activities on the horizon such as Blues Traveler on Friday night and the Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pull on Sunday.

You can watch this years Clay County Fair Guest Weather predictions in the video players above and below.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Your guide to The Charlotte Observers new print publication schedule, and new features

Charlotte Observer readers will notice several major changes in the printed newspaper beginning Monday. To help familiarize you with whats on the horizon, including when and how youll get your paper and what to expect in each edition, heres everything you need to know:

Print schedule: The Observer will publish newspapers on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, beginning Sept. 18. The papers will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. The Sunday newspaper will arrive on Saturday. Single copies of the newspaper will also be available on those days at select retail locations.

Digital editions: All of our news content will continue to be published digitally throughout the day, seven days a week. The content will appear on the Observer app, on Charlotteobserver.com and in Edition, which can be accessed with your mobile phone or tablet. Top stories and all of the latest news will appear first on our digital platforms. Edition boasts late deadlines, a robust offering of local, national and global news, national sports, multimedia elements, games and puzzles.

How to find the free newsletters: If you havent signed up for our array of newsletters, nows a good time to do it. Our new education newsletter, Study Guide, will launch soon. The newly-created and retooled Access Panthers newsletter lands in your inbox on Mondays and Saturdays with original content, links to all of our Panthers coverage and more. We also have CLT Politics, the AM and PM newsletter roundups, Inside Charlotte Arts, Kaleidoscope, High School Sports, NC Opinions, The Lake Norman Observer and the North Carolina Observer featuring statewide stories from Charlotte and the Raleigh News & Observer. From the Newsroom is a subscriber-exclusive newsletter, and national newsletters like The Point are also available.

To see all we have to offer, go to Charlotteobserver.com. Click on the drop down menu on the top left, scroll down to Stay Connected then click on Newsletters.

Where to find your favorite content

News: The print editions of the paper will have more pages of news and lifestyle content, and well continue to place our top journalism in print. We know you love Charlotte Five food and dining coverage. The best of those stories will now appear in a Food & Drink section on Wednesdays. On Sundays, in addition to our award-winning local and statewide journalism, youll find health, wellness, personal finance and technology stories. As always, stories will appear online  on the website and often in the digital edition  before they are featured in the print sections.

Print replicas: You can still read the digital version of the print paper on the days the paper publishes. When youre in the app or on the website, you can choose to view All Editions  the updated daily product  or Print Edition, which are exact replicas of the printed newspaper three days a week.

Puzzles: Puzzles will be published daily in the digital edition. The print editions will include puzzles from non-print days  so the Wednesday paper, for example, will have the Monday and Tuesday puzzles, too.

Comics: Comics will be published daily in the digital edition, and each print edition will include that days comics.

TV listings: TV listings, including the sports-specific listings, will be published daily in the digital editions. In print, youll see the listings for that specific day.

Weather: Weather will run daily in the digital edition and in each print edition. A weather graphic with a seven-day forecast will run on print days. On Sunday, the forecast will include the Saturday night forecast as well.

Obituaries and Death Notices: Obits and death notices will run daily in the digital edition and in each print edition.

Moving forward

These changes are significant. They point to an historic step forward for the Observer as a digital news organization well-positioned for growth, sustainability and continued relevance in our communitys bustling news ecosystem.

The essential daily coverage we provide is unmatched. Our in-depth investigations, accountability reporting, compelling storytelling and service journalism will continue to be delivered with the same expertise, urgency and context that help you feel connected and informed.

From local government, business, education, and growth and development to public safety, courts, sports, the arts, and food and dining, the Observer is comprehensive and distinctive. As an additional bonus, your Charlotte Observer login also allows you full access to the News & Observer in Raleigh, The Herald in Rock Hill, S.C., and all other McClatchy properties throughout the country.

Were also continuing to evolve with new technology and digital innovation. We arent standing still. Our commenting platform is user-friendly and a safer space to engage with fellow readers. The new events calendar page allows users to browse events and add their own, too.

And weve hired several journalists to our staff this year, making us stronger in all areas, including multimedia, community engagement and reporting. Were proud news partners with WSOC-TV and members of the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative.

If you are already a subscriber, I encourage you to take full advantage of everything we have to offer and to visit often. We also welcome your feedback and ideas.

If youre not yet a subscriber, consider joining us on this journey.

Thank you for your support and for embracing the importance of the work we do and the role journalism plays in our community.

If you have questions, you can contact customerservice@charlotteobserver.com

Rana L. Cash is executive editor of The Charlotte Observer and The Herald (Rock Hill)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  Gulf Coast State College hosted its annual college fair on Thursday at the Panama City campus.

People thinking about continuing their educations had the chance to find out about potential colleges and universities.

Representatives from more than 40 schools set up in the Student Union East building to answer questions about applications, enrollment, curriculums, and student life.

Gulf Coast officials said its important for them to support the communitys ability to learn about their options for earning a college diploma or certificate.

Of course, we want them to come to Gulf Coast. But, we know that may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Whats really important is that they go to the school thats right for them, GSCS Executive Director Recruitment & Community Relations Jason Hedden

Most of Floridas 12 universities sent representatives. A total of 20 were from around the southeast. Gulf Coast, FSU-Panama City, and Haney Technical College also exhibited.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Guns leading cause of death for children and teens for third year in a row

Gun violence was the leading killer of children and teens across the US for the third year in a row, according to a new Johns Hopkins University analysis.

Guns killed 2,526 children between the ages of 1 and 17, an average of seven youths slain a day, according to an analysis of 2022 data released by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions.

The problem is even more accurate for children of color. More than half of black teens aged 15 to 17 were killed by a gun in 2022, and Black children and teens overall had a gun homicide rate 18 times that of their white peers.

Black, Hispanic, and Latino youth also had rates of gun suicide multiple times higher than white children.

Overall, between 2013 and 2022, the youth gun rate doubled.

Guns continue to kill U.S. children at alarming levels, with effects felt particularly by Black and Latino youth

The center called for evidence-based solutions like safe gun storage, licensing requirements for private gun sellers, removing guns from at-risk people, investing in community programs, and regulating carrying guns in public.

The ongoing crisis of gun violence is preventable, Johns Hopkins researchers wrote in their report. We must address this crisis through a public health approach pushing for equitable, evidence-based gun violence solutions.

Shortly after the 2022 analysis was published, the CDC released its 2023 data, which showed little improvement.

The overall number of gun deaths was down by about three percent, but at 46,728, was still the third-highest number ever recorded in the US, and gun deaths remained the leading cause of death for children and teens aged one to 17, a 2,566 increase over 2022.

The data arrives not long after another major school shooting in the U.S.

Earlier this month, Colt Gray, 14, allegedly brought an assault-style rifle to school and killed two students and two teachers, a weapon his father Colin allegedly bought the teen as a Christmas present.

There is no minimum age requirement to possess a rifle under federal and state firearms law in Georgia, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, but individuals must be 18 or older to buy one.

The military-style AR rifle allegedly used at the high school is a high-powered weapon that has been used in shootings across the country, including the recent assassination attempt against Donald Trump. The assault rifle has been used in an estimated 10 of the 17 deadliest mass shootings since 2012.
UN chief Antonio Guterres has urged every country to ban ads for fossil fuel companies (Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD) (Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/AFP)

The Dutch city of The Hague has become the first in the world to pass local laws banning advertisements for fossil fuels, petrol cars and long-distance air travel, officials said Friday.

The administrative city of over 500,000 residents late Thursday adopted groundbreaking local legislation to outlaw ads including for cheap last-minute holidays and cut-price electricity contracts.

The law comes into effect on January 1.

"The City Council of The Hague adopted two proposals to ban fossil advertising in outdoor spaces," council spokesman Jordy Kruse said.

The first proposal will inform advertising agencies that fossil fuel advertising is not permitted, while the second completely banned all fossil fuel advertising in public spaces, Kruse told AFP.

"We believe that adopting binding laws to ban fossil-fuel advertising through local legislation is a world-first," Leonie Gerritsen, a Hague council member for the Party for Animals (PvdD).

"We hope that this law will also give a signal to other cities to do the same to fight climate change," Gerritsen, one of the main drivers of the legislation, told AFP.

Other cities in the world have moved against fossil fuel adverts but The Hague is the first to enact binding legislation.

In June, UN chief Antonio Guterres urged every country to enact bans on ads for fossil fuel companies, which he called "the Godfathers of climate chaos".

Oil, gas and coal are the biggest contributors to climate change, accounting for the bulk of greenhous gas emissions.

In 2022, the Dutch city of Haarlem, near Amsterdam, agreed to outlaw ads for intensively farmed meat on public places like buses, shelters and screens.

jhe/lth
(Bloomberg) -- The Hague became the first city in the world to ban advertisements promoting fossil fuel products and carbon-intensive services including cruise ships and air travel.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Dutch citys local council passed legislation early Friday that takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The decision follows a call from United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres for governments to abolish such ads, similar to actions against tobacco that began in the 1960s.

The Hague wants to be climate neutral by 2030. Then it is not appropriate to allow advertising for products from the fossil industry, said Leonie Gerritsen, a member of the city council for the Party for the Animals. Gerritsen was one of the backers of the new local law.

The Hague is the administrative center of the Netherlands, hosting the countrys parliament, ministries and supreme court. Its also home to key international organizations like the UNs top court, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and the European Union law enforcement agency Europol.

The latest move by The Hague could inspire other cities and governments to follow suit, according to Femke Sleegers, coordinator of the Dutch climate action group Fossil Free Advertising, which was among the campaigners for the local ban.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Haitian-American in Davenport says rhetoric could galvanize them to vote in November

Haitian-American in Davenport says rhetoric could galvanize them to vote in November

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats.

It was that comment  which has been debunked  from former president and current GOP nominee Donald Trump at Tuesday nights debate that solidified to Haitian-American and Davenport resident, Daniel Thelusmar, that it was time to speak out.

The first thing that come to my mind I said, you know what, we need to organize ourselves as a Haitian community here, as Americans, he said.

Trump was referring to a false claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were abducting and eating pets.

While officials there acknowledge a surge in migrants has strained local resources, they debunked the claim about pets being eaten.

Theyve found no credible evidence of that story of Haitians eating pets, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said.

Its like theyre trying to make us feel less of a human, you know, eating pets. We have pets. We have cats. We have dogs, Thelusmar said. We love our dogs and our pets just like we love our babies.

JD Vance, vice presidential nominee and senator from Ohio, who was one of the first to bring the allegations into the national spotlight, posted on X that Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) called the claims disgusting and bigoted.

Haitian migrants, and Haitian Americans deserve leaders who will see them as human beings, and will fight for them, not leaders who will cast them out when it benefits them, Frost said.

According to the American Immigration Council, Haitians make up the second largest group of migrants in Florida, behind only Cubans.

Thelusmar said Haitian-Americans, and voters from the Caribbean, are telling him they now want to register to vote.

I think if we could together as a voting bloc we can really let them know we will not accept or tolerate that sort of behavior toward us, Thelusmar said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
[Getty Images]

PwC's Chinese auditing arm has been suspended from the country for six months over its work on the collapsed Chinese property giant Evergrande.

The Big Four accountancy firm is also being fined more than $62m (47m) after Chinese authorities said it had helped cover up fraud at Evergrande.

The real estate firm collapsed in January under a mountain of debt.

PwC China admitted the work had fallen "unacceptably below the standards" expected within the firm and apologised for the impact on its clients.

The Chinese authorities said PwC knew there were "major misstatements" in Evergrande's financial statements when it audited the firm.

As a result, the Chinese Ministry of Finance has imposed "administrative penalties" and suspended the operations of PwC's auditing business PwC ZhongTian for six months.

Other PwC operations providing non-audit services in China are not affected.

In addition, China's securities regulator has confiscated the revenue PwC earned auditing Evergrande and has also issued a fine.

An investigation by the regulator said PwC had "seriously eroded the basis of law and good faith, and damaged investors' interest".

In response to the penalties, PwC said it had taken "a number of accountability and remedial actions", including the sacking of six partners and the launch of a process to fine responsible team leaders.

An additional five staff have also left, and Hemione Hudson, PwC's global risk and regulatory leader, has been parachuted in to run the Chinese unit on an interim basis.

PwC admitted the work done on the Evergrande audit had been "well below" standards expected at the firm.

It is not representative of what we stand for as a network and there is no room for this at PwC," the firms global chair Mohamed Kande said.

That is why, following a thorough investigation, we ensured that actions were taken to hold those responsible to account.

I remain confident in the China firms partners and staff as we work together to rebuild trust with stakeholders, he added.

PwC China said in a statement: "We deeply regret and apologise for the impact this has had on our clients and people. We will work tirelessly to regain their trust."

Evergrande, which built property in more than 280 Chinese cities and branched out into other business sectors, teetered, then finally went into liquidation in January.

The Chinese authorities have accused Evergrande and its founder, Hui Ka Yan, of falsely inflating revenues at the firm to the tune of $78bn (61.6bn) and imposed fines and bans on him personally as well as the business.

Story continues
Haitian Americans In Springfield, Ohio Fear For Their Lives Amid Trumps Viral Claims: Heres What To Know | Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Imgaes

Former President Donald Trumps claims against Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, which he shared during Tuesday nights presidential debate, have had detrimental effects on the community and city. The 78-year-olds now-viral comments have not just inspired national conversations about race, immigration and the economy but also made many Haitians in the area fear for their lives.

A man carries an AI-generated image of former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump carrying cats away from Haitian immigrants, a reference to falsehoods spread about Springfield, Ohio, during a campaign rally for Trump at the Tucson Music Hall in Tucson, Arizona | Photo by Rebecca NOBLE / AFP via Getty Images

What Haitian families in Springfield are going through

According to The Haitian Times, many Haitians feel under threat. Some families are keeping their children home from school. Those who allowed theirs to go did so with emotional implications.

She [my niece] was scared, but I told her to go, that God would protect, a Haitian resident of Springfield told the outlet. She requested her name not be shared out of fear of retaliation.

Made my weekday @todayshow debut reporting from Springfield, Ohio about Haitian immigrants, speaking the languageHaitian Creole that my grandma gifted me, & chronicling the struggles of people who fled insecurity in Haiti & again feel unsafe in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/OIvPj47Zqu  Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) September 12, 2024

The woman, whos lived in Springfield for six years, continued, Were all victims this morning. She added, Theyre attacking us in every way.

The woman shared that her cars have been vandalized twice in the middle of the night. One morning, she woke up to broken car windows. On another, acid had been thrown on the vehicle. The woman was forced to add cameras to her driveway. She tried reporting the incidents to the police with no success.

Im going to have to move because this area is no longer good for me, she said. I cant even leave my house to go to Walmart. Im anxious and scared.

Local community activist S.P., also opting for privacy in fear of putting themselves in danger, said many feel as afraid as the woman does.

People are very afraid for their lives, they said. Many families are starting to think of leaving Springfield after last night and some kids arent even going to school because of fear of being attacked.

John Legend, who is from Springfield, also spoke out.

John Legend, a native of Springfield, Ohio, discusses the influx of Haitian immigrants, the spread of misinformation and disinformation about them, and recent attacks by Trump and his allies. pic.twitter.com/xuWOjowCKe  Yashar Ali  (@yashar) September 12, 2024

Aidan Clarks 2023 death

As Blavity reported, Trump and Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance have not just used pet consumption as a means to attack Springfields Haitian community. The death of 11-year-old Aidan Clark, who was killed in a car accident by a Haitian immigrant, has also been a tactic to further their claims.

Here is the video in its entirety of Nathan Clark begging Donald Trump & JD Vance to stop using son as political tool  along with the full written transcript. Pass it on.



"You know, I wish that my son, Aidan Clark was killed by a 60 year old white man. I bet you never thought pic.twitter.com/5uwYs4X2Us  LongTimeFirstTime (@LongTimeHistory) September 11, 2024

Aidans family has asked them to stop using his death as a means of forwarding their message.

I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man, Nathan Clark said at a recent Springfield City Commission, as The Springfield News-Sun reported. I bet you never thought anyone would say something so blunt, but if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone,Clark told the city hall forum. The last thing that we need is to have the worst day of our lives violently and constantly shoved in our faces, but even thats not good enough for them. They take it one step further. They make it seem that our wonderful Aiden appreciates your hate, that we should follow their hate.

Bomb threats to Springfield office buildings

On Thursday, several buildings in the area were closed after a bomb threat. The Springfield News-Sun reported that City Hall, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Springfield Drivers Exam Station, the Ohio License Bureau on the south side, Springfield Academy of Excellence and Fulton Elementary School were all named in the threat. The buildings were later cleared using explosive-detecting canines.

I would like to stress that we are deeply committed to the safety of our entire community, Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott said during a press conference Thursday afternoon. Safety is a shared responsibility and it takes all of us; I encourage the public, if you see something, say something.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue has not shared the threats particulars, but he did note it came from someone claiming to be from Springfield, and it mentioned being frustrated with the Haitian community fiasco.

How the Haitian community has helped Springfield grow

Reuters reported that as many as 15,000 Haitian immigrants have moved to Springfield, ending a decades-long rapid decline in the citys population. Springfield, which now has a population of 58,000, is seeing positive shifts in its economy. Contrary to Trump and Vances arguments, the citys population changes havent resulted in a general rise in violent or property crime. Wages didnt collapse, and job openings have increased amid the citys growth.

Housing, especially rent pricing, has always been an issue in Springfield. However, Reuters findings note that the problem is improving. Rents this year have risen at a 3.2% pace, a significant improvement from the 14.6% annualized pace the city saw in May 2022 through the end of 2023.
"I've had some of my clients reaching out and asking me, 'Well, what do we do now?' " attorney Lana Marcius Joseph says, as false rumors persist that Haitian immigrants are eating people's pets in Ohio

Jim WATSON/getty Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have been spreading an unfounded rumor about Haitian immigrants eating people's pets in Ohio

In the days since Republican White House candidates Donald Trump and J.D. Vance platformed a baseless conspiracy theory about Haitian people eating neighbors' pets in Springfield, Ohio, migrants who sought refuge from violence in the Caribbean have faced new types of threats.

"I've had some of my clients reaching out and asking me, Well, what do we do now? Given what's happening in Ohio, should we be looking for another place to relocate? What impact will that have on our immigration case? " says Lana Marcius Joseph, a Haitian-born immigration lawyer who represents clients around the United States, including in Springfield.

The Dayton suburb has recently become home to thousands of Haitian citizens fleeing a surge of gang violence, who were granted temporary legal status in the U.S. through a humanitarian parole program. The relatively new immigration process involves careful security vetting, and is unrelated to the mass migration of Haitians who entered the States at the southern border.

CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty A police tank patrols Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on June, 28, 2024 as gunshots are heard near the National Palace

"I want to say at least 80 to 90% of Port-au-Prince has been controlled by gangs, and they make it impossible to live there because you can't go to work, or you could be at home and you're hearing gunshots all over," Joseph says of Haiti's capital city. "Its very traumatizing, and so many residents have to deal with the facts: Do I want to come here in the United States, given the access to come here legally, and start my life all over again? Or do I risk my life every day hoping maybe I will make it?"

Related: Daughter of Haitian Immigrants Says Trump's 'Eating the Pets' Comment Opens Old Wounds: 'It's So Ignorant' (Exclusive)

Joseph tells PEOPLE that the Haitian parolees who settled in Springfield are more educated than most people realize, several with backgrounds in medicine, law and business.

"These are people who are prominent in their own community, doing great work, but now they have to migrate here in the United States and are trying to figure out how to navigate this whole system and the culture itself," she says. "Many of them have had to leave their houses [in Haiti], everything that they have worked for, just to save their lives."



Hannah Beier/Bloomberg via Getty Former President Donald Trump after the Sept. 10, 2024, presidential debate

On Monday, Sept. 9, Ohio Sen. Vance  now the Republican vice presidential nominee  claimed without evidence that Springfield residents "have had their pets abducted and eaten" by Haitian migrants. Numerous local officials quickly jumped in to say that the allegations were false.

"In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community," said Karen Graves, Springfield's strategic engagement manager, in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

Related: J.D. Vance Posts Baseless Claim That Haitian Immigrants Are Eating Pets in Ohio as Officials Say It's Not True

The following day  at the first presidential debate between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris  Trump amplified the conspiracy theory while deflecting from a question about why he pressured his party to kill the Senate's bipartisan border security bill back in January.

"Look at what's happening to the towns all over the United States," he said, of immigration. "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."



ABC News' David Muir, who co-moderated the debate, refuted his claim; Harris chuckled in disbelief before shaking her head with a concerned look.

Joseph, whose family immigrated from Haiti on a boat in 1991, called Trump's comments embarrassing and hurtful.

"I was in shock to just sit there and hear this man say these things on national TV. And I'm looking at it, and millions of people are watching this, not only just in the United States, but all over the world," she says. "Bringing these types of ideas is only dividing us. It's not doing anything positive or uniting us in any kind of way, but it is just a way to attack us again."

She continues: "Taking away the skin, the culture, the language, we all bleed the red blood all the same."

KIMBERLY/Lotus Lens Photography Lana Marcius Joseph (third from left) with her family

Joseph is based out of Atlanta, but says that in the tight-knit Haitian community, "When one of us is hurt, all of us are hurting." In Ohio, she adds, there's been a renewed sense of hurt.

"You have a lot of young children who are in school, and so many of them who have migrated here recently, and this makes it very difficult for them to adapt," she explains, noting that there have been examples of bullying and name-calling. "Everyone is very disheartened."

Related: Father of Ohio Boy, 11, Killed in Accident with Haitian Driver Begs Trump and Vance to Stop Using Son as Pawn to 'Spew Hate'

On Thursday morning, a bomb threat was made against Springfield City Hall and other buildings in the town of 60,000 people, including an elementary school. Springfield Mayor Rob Rue told The Washington Post that the threat used hateful language towards immigrants and Haitians in our community.

Springfield is a community that needs help, Rue said in an interview with the Post, calling on national leaders to offer help rather than "hurt a community like, unfortunately, we have seen over the last couple of days."

Spectrum News 1 Ohio reports that several additional school buildings were evacuated on Friday, Sept. 13, per guidance from the local police.

ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty A note on the door of Fulton Elementary School in Springfield, Ohio, after it was evacuated on Sept. 12, 2024, due to a bomb threat

Joseph claims that several of the people she represents are "traumatized" by recent political events and feel time pressure to make progress in their immigration cases.

"Many of our clients, they're actually telling me, 'How do we continue this process? How do you expedite my process so maybe this can be finalized before the election?' " she says. "Because in their mind, they are thinking ... 'If [President] Trump is in power, what exactly is our future going to look like?' "

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.

Remembering her own immigration experience when she was younger, she tells PEOPLE that it's tough to see.

"The resilience and determination of the Haitian people are truly inspiring," she says.



"If people are able to look beyond these disparaging claims, you will find that we are loving people who just need a chance to continue living our life and thriving and contributing to this great country that we call America."

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Hale county resident says he warned City of Greensboro about fallen tree that left hundreds without power

TUSCALOOSA, Ala (WIAT)  The City of Greensboro in Hale County was warned about a rotten tree that knocked out multiple power lines during the storms that came in, according to a Greensboro resident.

The city should have cut that tree down last year, Greensboro resident LaMar Merrill said. I tried to get them to cut it down, I knew it was going to come down.

Merrill recalled multiple occasions when branches of the tree and other debris were scattered throughout the area because of strong winds.

Merrill and Hale County Emergency Management Agency Director Russell Weeden said the tree that left hundreds in the area without power and damaged private property was rotted on the inside.

The tree fell around 9 a.m. on Thursday, blocking the intersection of Centerville Street and South Street.

All of a sudden, I heard this big bang and it shook the whole house, Merrill said.

I heard a loud boom and the lights went out, Greensboro Resident John Ratley said.

When Ratley and his roommate Issac Haynes went to see what caused the loud noise, Haynes saw that his car was totaled.

Haynes first two thoughts were  What am I going to do about this and how are we going to get to work today, Haynes said.

Other cars owned by Hale County Courthouse employees were also damaged when the tree fell, Weeden said.

Homes and businesses within Greensboros Historic Downtown District were still without power as of 5:45 p.m., about two hours after crews began working to repair the power lines.

Residents in the area should have power restored by 10 p.m. Thursday, Weeden said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed a new bill into law that will require unregistered voters to provide documentation, without exception, to prove their identity and citizenship before voting on Election Day.

The new law will go into effect on Nov. 11, which means it wont impact the 2024 election on Nov. 5.

Under current law, New Hampshire voters can cast their ballots if they dont show proper identification so long as they sign an affidavit requiring them to provide the documentation within seven days.

However, House Bill 1569, which was sponsored by state Rep. Robert Lynn (R), would eliminate the affidavit exception and require voters to use a photo ID to vote. New voters would also be required to show proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.

We have a proud tradition and proven track record of conducting elections that are trusted and true. Looking forward to the next decade or two, this legislation will instill even more integrity and trust in the voting process, Sununu, who chose not to seek reelection, said in a statement to multiple outlets.

The onetime Trump critic initially seemed poised not to sign the bill, claiming as recently as March that the current process seems to be working pretty darn well.

Voter identification laws are often critiqued for trying to solve a near-non-existent problem, voter fraud, as some political leaders, including former President Donald Trump, baselessly claim it has swung past elections.

This extreme legislation signed by the Governor will roll back voting access for all eligible Granite Staters, said McKenzie St. Germain, campaign director for the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights, according to The New Hampshire Bulletin.

Once this law goes into effect later this year, any voter may be turned away from the polls if they did not have the correct documents, creating massive new changes to New Hampshires registration system, burdening our election officials and disenfranchising eligible voters, St. Germain added.

Related...
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  Hampton City Schools need volunteers for its first ever living library, which allows students to connect with the community and exposes them to different industries that will help them with those experiences.

All public school 8th graders will get the opportunities to meet people from the community and beyond.

A living library is an opportunity for our students to check out a real life person based on their interests, said Erica Spencer, a business Partner Integration Coordinator. So, instead of opening up a textbook, they get to check out a real person and learn their story based on common interests.

The living library allows 8th graders to sit down and interview people and is part of the schools curriculum, a program in the schools transformation to a next-generation learning community. It ensures students are college, career and life ready.

This living library is specifically designed for 8th graders to help them complete community impact projects based off of interacting with community members.

This is an authentic field experience for our young people that brings them in connection with community careers themselves, and it truly embodies the transformation in Hampton City Schools, said James Harris, chief academic officer for Hampton City Schools.

Heres how it works: you fill out the form, and an 8th grade student will meet you in person to learn more about you. You have until Wednesday, Sept. 18, to sign up.

This is giving our students an opportunity to have a diverse outlook on whats in the community, and what they could be, and even exposing them to things they didnt even know they were interested in, Spencer said.

Anyone from the Hampton Roads area can sign up.

Its truly what we call bringing the community together to really give young people hope, opportunities [and] possibilities, Harris said, based on where they see themselves right now.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign says they hauled in $47 million from nearly 600,000 donors in the 24 hours after her debate with former President Donald Trump on Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

"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," Harris campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon said in a statement.

Tuesday's showdown was the first time that Harris and Trump had met in person, and the encounter came two and a half months after President Biden's disastrous performance against Trump in their late June debate in Atlanta.

2024 SHOWDOWN: WHAT A POST-DEBATE POLL SHOWS

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump shake hands during their debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Biden's unsteady appearance and uneven and meandering answers fueled questions about whether the 81-year-old president was physically and mentally up for another four years in the White House and fueled calls from within his own party to end his re-election bid. Less than a month later, Biden suspended his 2024 campaign and backed his vice president to replace him atop the Democrats' national ticket.

WHAT THE LATEST FOX NEWS POWER RANKING IN THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE SHOW

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The latest Harris cash haul, which was first reported by the New York Times, is the latest sign of the vice president's surge in fundraising since becoming her party's standard-bearer.

At the time this report was published, the Trump campaign had yet to announce any fundraising figures post-debate.

The Harris campaign recently announced that they hauled in $361 million in August, nearly triple the $130 million raised by the Trump campaign.

When asked about the fundraising deficit, Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley told Fox News Digital in the debate spin room that "the Democrats have a ton of money. The Democrats always have a ton of money."

However, he emphasized that "we absolutely have the resources that we need to get our message out to all the voters that were talking to and feel very comfortable that were going to be able to see this campaign through and were going to win on November 5."

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump departs a campaign event at the Central Wisconsin Airport on Sept. 7, 2024 in Mosinee, Wisconsin.

Trump, in a social media post on Thursday, ruled out having another debate with the vice president.

Harris, speaking about an hour later at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, said, "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."

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.





Original article source: Harris brings in big bucks in 24 hours after debate with Trump
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, DC  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.

Emerge began in 2002 and helped Harris as a first-time candidate for district attorney in San Francisco.

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.
Vice President Harris on Thursday mocked former President Trumps debate performance, calling him out at a rally in North Carolina for having concepts of a plan.

Harris poked fun at Trump for saying that he was interested in trying to repeal ObamaCare again but added that he doesnt currently have a plan to replace it.

I have concepts of a plan. Im not president right now, Trump said during Tuesdays debate.

You heard what he said in the debate, he has no plan to replace it. He said, concepts of a plan, Harris said at the rally, laughing.

Oh, you all watched the debate? she added, while the crowd yelled for her.

Concepts, concepts, no actual plan, concepts, Harris said. And understand whats at stake on that. 45 million Americans are insured through the Affordable Care Act and hes going to end it based on a concept.

Harris had a sharp debate performance that Democrats and pundits have praised  especially her success in baiting Trump into going off message.

A CNN flash poll found 63 percent of viewers believed she outperformed Trump. And a new Reuters/Ipsos poll on Thursday found her leading Trump by 5 points, 47 percent to 42 percent, after the debate  1 point better than its last poll.

The vice president told the rally crowd that during the debate, she talked about issues that she knows matter to families across America but argued that the former president didnt have a plan.

But thats not what we heard from Donald Trump. Instead, it was the same old show, that same tired playbook that weve heard for years, she said. With no plans for how he would address the needs of the American people because, you now, its all about him, its not about you.

The vice president also re-upped her calls for a second debate after Trump said earlier Thursday that he wouldnt debate Harris again.

Two nights ago, Donald Trump and I had our first debate, she said to yells from the crowd. 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.

Trump squashed the idea, posting on social platform X ahead of her rally that Harris only wants a second debate against him because she lost.

KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR YEAR PERIOD. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE! he 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 The Hill.
Vice President Kamala Harris raised $47 million in a day after her debate against former President Donald Trump, a mammoth figure that came from more than 600,000 individual donations.

The New York Times reported the new fundraising figures on Thursday as Harris was riding a wave following her strong performance as the two faced off for the first time this week in Philadelphia.

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, Jen OMalley Dillion, Harris campaign chair, told The Associated Press.

The donations amounted to Harris best 24-hour fundraising period since the first tsunami of support when she replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the ticket in July. Her first day as the presumptive nominee brought in $81 million, and she said earlier this month her campaign had more than $400 million in cash on hand.

Harris kicks off her New Way Forward Tour with her first rally after the debate on Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Image

Trump has since refused to step foot on a debate stage again, shutting down Harris calls for another showdown before the November election. Fox News had asked both candidates to appear at another one in October.

THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE, he wrote on Truth Social, ending a string of posts over the past few days in which he declared himself the winner and likened himself to a prizefighter.

Harris on the other hand has leveled challenges against her Republican opponent, telling supporters at two rallies on Thursday the pair owed voters another debate.

I believe we owe it to have another debate. We owe it to the voters, she told a packed house at a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina. In this election whats at stake could not be more important.

Harris campaign told the Times that while the vice president had a strong war chest to leverage over the next two months, she was focused on appealing to a wide swath of Americans around the country, which will be expensive. Trump, on the other hand, was marshaling his resources in a smaller set of battleground states.

We dont have that luxury, OMalley Dillon told the Times.

Related...
Harris says she's 'feeling very good about Pennsylvania' during campaign stop in battleground state

Vice President Kamala Harris told reporters she was "feeling very good about Pennsylvania" while campaigning on Friday in the key battleground state, even as both supporters and detractors came out for the occasion.

In an unannounced stop at Classic Elements, a cafe and bookstore in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Harris told reporters, "I am feeling very good about Pennsylvania, because there are a lot of people in Pennsylvania who deserve to be seen and heard."

"I will be continuing to travel around the state to make sure that I'm listening as much as we are talking," Harris said. "And ultimately, I feel very strongly that -- got to earn every vote, and that means spending time with folks in the communities where they live. And so that's why I'm here."

MORE: Harris campaign releasing new ad featuring her closing statement from ABC News debate

She added, "We're going to be spending a lot more time in Pennsylvania."

Part of that visit included an interview with an Philadelphia ABC News affiliate as Harris faces criticism from Trump and other Republicans that she hasn't done extended news media interviews beyond a sit-down with CNN on Aug. 29.

Harris and former President Donald Trump remain locked in a tight race in Pennsylvania, with 538's presidential polling average for Pennsylvania showing less than a percentage point between the candidates as of Friday afternoon.

Both campaigns will look to win the state, which Biden won by about a 1% margin in 2020 -- four years after Trump won by slightly less than 1%.

PHOTO: Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, during a campaign stop with Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is greeted by the owners and local patrons at Classic Elements, a cafe and bookstore, Sept. 13, 2024, in Johnstown, Pa. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Before she spoke with reporters, Harris chatted with the store's owner while Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman and his spouse Giselle Fetterman looked on.

Harris spoke about a small business owner neighbor she had growing up who was a "second mother" to her. Harris also praised the staff for their work.

When Harris went into the main seating area of the cafe, a patron called out, "Kamala, we love you!" to which Harris responded, "I appreciate you, thank you" to applause and comments of "Madame Vice President."

Speaking to the patrons, Harris said, "We're doing it together. But I wanted to come to Johnstown  I wanted to come and visit this small business -- you know, a lot of the work I care about is about building community, right? There are many ways to do that  one of them is our small businesses."

PHOTO: Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris greets guests at Classic Elements, a coffee shop and bookstore, on Sept. 13, 2024, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

MORE: Trump unveils 'no taxes on overtime,' mocks Harris at Arizona rally

But Harris encountered both supporters and detractors outside of the bookstore.

Near the bookstore, people behind temporary fencing held signs that were both supportive of Harris and supportive of Trump.

One person could be heard chanting "USA!" while another chanted "We're not going back" -- which can often be heard at her campaign events.

And one person could be seen holding up a sign that said, "Even my dog hates Trump."

MORE: Undecided voters react to the ABC News presidential debate: Did Kamala Harris define herself and her policies?

Earlier, when she landed in Johnstown, there was a large crowd gathered at the airport hanger; Harris was greeted by the Fettermans and Johnstown Mayor Frank Janakovic.

As the motorcade drove to the bookstore, some healthcare workers lined a street holding up middle fingers and a sign that said, "Harris sux."

PHOTO: Supporters of Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump stand behind a fence, on the day of Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris campaign event in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Sept. 13, 2024. (Quinn Glabicki/Reuters)

The visit came ahead of a Friday evening rally Harris is set to hold in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and amid a battleground-state swing by Harris, running mate Gov. Tim Walz, and others launched after the ABC News presidential debate on Tuesday.

While the Harris campaign is pushing for another debate with Trump, they believe its a win-win situation regardless of the outcome, a source close to the campaign team told ABC News.

The campaign's thinking is if Trump refuses, hes a coward and the last thing Americans remember is Harriss strong debate against Trump; but if Trump agrees to another debate, then Harris will perform strongly again, according to the source.

In fact, the Vice President may even prefer not having another debate so that she doesnt have to take time off the trail to debate prep, the source added. Harris takes her preparation extremely seriously, and another debate would remove her from campaigning during these critical days before the election, according to the source.

Harriss campaign is entering a more intense phase, adding that she will be doing more interviews, but mostly with local news and influencers, according to campaign sources.

One of those interviews was with ABC Philadelphia station WPVI Friday evening, which marked the vice president's first solo interview since she secured the nomination.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris is interviewed by 6abc Action News anchor Brian Taff on Sept. 13, 2024. (WPVI)

WPVI anchor Brian Taff asked questions on several topics, starting with the economy, pressing Harris for specifics about her opportunity economy proposals that were rolled out in North Carolina last month and which she emphasized during the debate on Tuesday.

Harris didnt offer any new details about her plan, instead highlighting existing ideas about providing tax deductions to create small businesses, providing tax credits to private sector home builders to address housing needs, and offering down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers

When pressed on how she would differ from Joe Biden as president, Harris said, Well, I'm obviously not Joe Biden. And, you know, I offer a new generation of leadership.

MORE: Kamala Harris reminds Americans she's a gun owner at ABC News debate

Taff noted the previously little-known fact that Harris is a gun owner, which she brought up in Tuesday's debate, and asked her about her stance on gun ownership.

Harris said shes not going to be taking Americans guns away from them, but that she backs gun safety laws.

I support the Second Amendment, and I support reasonable gun safety laws. And so I feel very strongly that it is consistent with the Second Amendment. and your right to own a gun. to also say we need an assault weapons ban," she said.

They're literally tools of war, Harris continued. I say we need universal background checks. The majority of NRA members support that. Why? Because it's just reasonable. You just might want to know.

Taff asked the vice president how she would appeal to voters who are still undecided, or who "share [Trump's] values, but are open to something else?"

"I, based on experience, and a lived experience, know in my heart, I know in my soul, I know, that the vast majority of us as Americans have so much more in common than what separates us," Harris replied. "And I also believe that I am accurate in knowing that most Americans want a leader that brings us together as Americans and not someone who professes to be a leader who is trying to have us point our fingers at each other."

PHOTO: Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event, Sept. 13, 2024, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Harris also noted that several major Republicans have endorsed her candidacy, including former Vice President Dick Cheney, and emphasized her focus on creating a large tent, arguing that Trumps approach has made people more willing to come together, even if they dont always agree.

I think people are more willing now, in light of the the hate and division that we see coming out of Donald Trump, to say, hey, let's let's put country first. And I think that just makes us stronger and more healthy as a country," Harris said. "To say, look, we can all debate our differences around, you know, various policies, but let's stop with the division. Like, enough of that. Let's bring everybody together."

That message of cross-party unity was on display at a rally later in the evening at the McHale Athletic Center at Wilkes University, where thousands gathered to hear the vice president.

Harris was introduced by Mary-Grace Vadalla, who identified herself as a lifelong Republican and shared the story of her mom voting for Trump in 2016 before dying of COVID-19 during the pandemic, for which Vadalla said she blamed Trump.

PHOTO: Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event, Sept. 13, 2024, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Harris led with what she said was her prosecutorial record of her taking on elder abuse, workers wrongly deprived of wages, the housing foreclosure crisis, and transnational criminal organizations like the Sinaloa cartel that traffic in drugs and threaten the safety of our communities.

I know these cartels firsthand, and as president, I will make sure we prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law for pushing poison, like fentanyl, on our children, Harris said

She then took aim at Trump and brought up Tuesday's debate, criticizing him for his remark during the face-off in which he said he had "concepts" of a plan to improve healthcare.

"The same tired playbook we heard for years with no plan, Harris said. No plan on how he would address the needs of the American people. Well, folks, it's time to turn the page. Turn the page. Were not going back. Were not going back."

ABC News' Selina Wang, Molly Nagle, Isabella Murray and Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.

Harris says she's 'feeling very good about Pennsylvania' during campaign stop in battleground state originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Industrial air cooling system. Yurou Guan

Bank of America upgraded Johnson Controls to 'Buy' for its exposure to AI data centers.

Johnson Controls is a top provider of thermal cooling equipment and other data center solutions.

The company is searching for a new CEO, which is seen as a positive catalyst by Bank of America.

Johnson Controls is the stock to buy for safe exposure to the AI boom, according to a note this week from Bank of America.

The bank upgraded shares of Johnson Controls to "Buy" from "Neutral" and increased its price target to $80 from $76, representing potential upside of about 15% from where the stock was trading on Thursday.

The bank said the industrial company that sells everything from security cameras to HVAC systems offs investors exposure to "best-in-class data center assets."

"We find that JCI is the second-largest provider of thermal equipment (~15% market share), with leading market share in chillers. JCI also sells building automation systems, security, and fire protection equipment into data centers," Bank of America analyst Andrew Obin said.

Johnson Controls will generate about $4 billion in revenue from data centers this year, representing about 14% of its business. That is more than triple the data center exposure its closest competitors have, including Trane Technologies and Carrier.

One of Johnson Controls' best-selling products to datacenters is liquid-cooling systems, which help distribute and offset the immense heat generated by AI-focused servers.

"One megawatt of power supplied to a data center requires approximately 285 tons of cooling, similar to the requirements for a 115,000 square foot commercial building," Obin explained.

And that's where Johnson Control's water-cooled centrifugal chiller and computer room air handling products come into play.

As for a potential catalyst for Johnson Controls, aside from its data center exposure, Bank of America highlighted its ongoing search for a new CEO.

"We expect a new CEO announcement before the end of the year and view this as a positive catalyst. Combined with activist investor involvement, we believe this potentially signals a new strategic direction for the company," Obin said.

Finally, Johnson Controls offers investors an appealing margin of safety relative to other AI stocks that have been high-fliers over the past year.

That's because Johnson Controls stock is trading at a significant valuation discount relative to its closest competitors. Its forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18x is even lower than the broader S&P 500's valuation of about 21x.

Story continues

"JCI hypothetically re-rating fully in line with the average of these HVAC peers would imply a 57% higher valuation," Obin said.

Shares of Johnson Controls have been on a tear this year as investors wake up to its AI data center exposure, with the stock up up 22% year-to-date.

Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The presidential candidates are back on the campaign trail, with less than two months left until Election Day. Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are ramping up the pressure to swing more votes but for those hoping for another debate between the two candidates, it looks like that wont be happening.

With 52 days left until Election Day the candidates are pulling out all the stops, but a third presidential debate is no longer in the cards.

During a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina Vice President Kamala Harris told supporters she wants to debate Donald Trump again.

I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate, said Harris.

However, this was minutes after the former president during his rally in Tucson, Arizona said, there will be no third debate.

Both campaigns are framing themselves as the victor after the debate Tuesday night as they work to swing voters in key battleground states.

We had a monumental victory over comrade Kamala Harris, said Trump.

Trump criticized Harris for calling for another debate soon after their first.

But she immediately called for a second debate, which means that she was like a prize fighter that lost a fight, said Trump.

Harris says another debate helps paint a picture of whats at stake this election.

Its going to be a tight race until the end. And we are the underdog, said Harris.

Trump will hold a news conference in Los Angeles on Friday and a rally in Las Vegas Friday night. Meanwhile, Harris will be at an event at the White House and has a rally in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania.

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Class of 2028: While Asian American and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander enrollment stagnated, white enrollment increased from 29% to 32%, and Hispanic enrollment rose by 2% to 16%. Meanwhile, African American enrollment dropped by 4% to 14%. Other Ivy League schools, such as Yale and Princeton , saw declines in Asian American enrollment, with Yale dropping from 30% to 24%, and Princeton seeing a 2% drop to 24%.

Harvards process: In response to the Supreme Court ruling, Harvard barred admissions staff from accessing demographic information. The university adjusted its application essay prompts and enhanced outreach, including forming the STORY (Small Town Outreach, Recruitment, and Yield) consortium to engage rural communities. Financial aid initiatives include a $2,000 launch grant for students on full aid and raising the income threshold for full financial support to $85,000 annually. Nearly 25% of the class pays no parental contribution, and 55% of students receive aid, with an average parent contribution of $15,000, ensuring debt-free graduation.
Hawaii county prosecutors: Schweitzers still suspects in Ireland murder despite guilty verdicts being thrown out

HONOLULU (KHON2)  Albert Ian and Shawn Schweitzer are still considered suspects in the murder of Dana Ireland. Big Island prosecutors admitted that in court today, despite their guilty verdicts being thrown out last year.

At the Hawaii Supreme Court, justices took no time in asking the obvious question.

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Are the Schweitzers still suspects? asked Assoc. Justice Vladimir Devens. I cannot answer that question, said Britt Bailey, deputy corporation counsel. Ill take that as a no, said Assoc. Justice Devens.

Yes, the state still believes the Schweitzers are still suspects in this crime, said Shannon Kagawa, Hawaii county deputy prosecutor.

The fight to release evidence to Albert Ian and Shawn Schweitzers attorneys went to the states highest court. The attorney for Big Island police and Hilo prosecutors insist they cant release evidence because the investigation is still on-going.

Family members have yet to be interviewed, or at least the completion of those interviews, said Bailey. Mr. Lauros wife has not yet made herself available for an interview.

Man arrested for attempted murder after Pauoa stabbing

Albert Lauro Jr. was recently identified as the unknown male in connection with the murder of Dana Ireland in 1991. Detectives interviewed him, but Lauro killed himself days later.

If Lauro made statements, saying he doesnt know the Schweitzers at all, never met em, they had no involvement, how would that jeopardize or compromise the investigation, said Assoc. Justice Devens.

I believe if Lauro had stated I did it all by myself, nobody else was involved, yes, thats different, said Kagawa.

Why would a county prosecutors office essential agree to post conviction relief if the convicted individuals were still suspects, asked Assoc. Justice Todd Eddins.

Im not saying they would be found not guilty, Im not saying they would be found guilty, Im saying we said with the new DNA evidence it would be possible that a jury could reach a different verdict, said Kagawa.

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He wants the chance to remove the stain from him name, from his familys name, said Keith Shigetomi, attorney for Shawn Schweitzer. All were asking for is information. If doesnt prove it, then we fail.

Supreme court justices will now review the testimony and decide whether to rule for or against the countys subpoenea. Or they could make no ruling at all. Court officials say there is no deadline on when that decision needs to be made.

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The Hays County sheriffs office on Thursday arrested a sixth grade student for allegedly helping spread threats of a school shooting on social media, according to a statement from the Hays school district. The girl has been charged with making a false alarm or report  a charge in the Texas juvenile justice system that's equivalent to a state jail felony.

Hays school officials dont believe there is a real threat to any district campus, according to the statement.

The local threat was one of several that circulated on social media throughout Texas this week and caused several school districts to increase security at its campuses.

Hays County sheriff's office

Hays district administrators and local law enforcement officials learned about and began investigating generic, non-specific threats made on social media around 9 p.m. Wednesday, when a concerned parent notified the district, according to the district's statement. Officials specifically looked into a threat that named Simon Middle School as a target.

District administrators sent parents two emails about the investigation Thursday.

The threat is likely related to similar vague threats that were circulated in other parts of Texas and the country, spokesman Tim Savoy wrote in the note.

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, Savoy said.

Other districts across the state have been fielding similar concerns this week.

The Marble Falls school district posted on its social media channels that administrators learned Thursday of unspecified threats, though the posts didnt call out Marble Falls campuses.

School districts across the State are dealing with vague threats that are causing students and parents alarm, according to the Marble Falls district's statement, adding that officials dont believe theres any reason to think the threats pose risks to Marble Falls campuses, but are monitoring for changes.

The Houston school district announced an increase in security Thursday after statewide reports of online posts targeting public schools, the Houston Chronicle reported. Several districts in North Texas also amped up security, the Dallas Morning News reported.

In San Antonio, law enforcement officials this week arrested a 12-year-old student who police said threatened violence against seven campuses in the area, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

Earlier this week a Westlake High School student was arrested for making terroristic threats against the Eanes school district campus through Snapchat, a social media platform.

The Texas Education Agencys Office of Safety and Security has been fielding questions this week from districts that received a direct threat, agency spokesman Jacob Kobersky said. The agency has been providing support to those districts as needed and has been in constant contact, he said.

The threats to Texas schools come a week after two children and two adults died in a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., on Sept. 4, when police say a 14-year-old opened fire at the school. The teenager has been charged with four counts of felony murder. His father was also charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Hays ISD student arrested as false school threats crop up in Texas
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A total of three students in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District were detained and charged in connection with social media threats circulating the district, Hays CISD said in a news release Friday.

The arrests come after several Central Texas school districts reported social media threats were spreading across platforms on Wednesday and Thursday, the district said.

Central Texas school districts respond to vague threats on social media

Two students were arrested in connection with a threat toward Simon Middle School, Hays CISD said in the release Friday. The district said a 6th grader from Wallace Middle School was charged with the juvenile court equivalent of a state jail felony of making a false alarm or report.

On Friday, the Hays County Sheriffs Office arrested another sixth-grade student from Simon Middle School. Hays CISD said in the release that student was friends with the Wallace Middle School student. The second student is facing the same charge, the district said.

Austin ISD police to boost patrols at elementary school after reported threat, letter says

Another sixth-grade student with the district was arrested after the FBI was alerted to a social media threat on Snapchat which named McCormick Middle School on Thursday night, the district said.

The FBI then alerted the sheriffs office, which the agency immediately acted on, the release said. The district said the McCormick Middle School student did not have the means to carry out the threat but did admit to law enforcement they made the threat.

The student also said they knew of the threats circulating throughout the district earlier Thursday but did not give a reason why they made a threat of their own, the release said. The student was charged with the juvenile court equivalent of a third-degree felony of making a terroristic threat, according to Hays CISD.

On Thursday night, the Austin Independent School District said AISD police would increase patrols at Hill Elementary School Friday for peace of mind after a reported threat to the campus, which is located in west Austin, the campus principal said in a letter from the school.

Additionally, that letter said one person was arrested by Austin Police Thursday in connection with the threat toward the elementary school.

Other school districts who experienced similar social media threats included Marble Falls Independent School District and Llano Independent School District.

Sam Stark, Cora Neas and Andrew Schnitker contributed to this report

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By Nancy Lapid

(Reuters) - Hello Health Rounds Readers! Today we report on studies that might lead to a closer look at mammography findings involving clogged arteries. We also feature a study that might lead to greater use of video visits by healthcare providers seeking to improve quality of life for patients near the end of life, and a review that takes a new look at the risks of treatment with a powerful blood cancer therapy.

Mammography finding in arteries could indicate heart disease

Calcium buildup in breast arteries detected by mammography usually is not a sign of cancer, but it might indicate a higher risk for heart disease, two research teams reported at the Menopause Society annual meeting in Chicago.

Following nearly 400 women for 18 years, one team found that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease - clogged arteries limiting blood flow - was diagnosed in 23% of women with breast arterial calcifications, compared to 13.9% of those without.

"Prior research has already suggested this type of association," study leader Hannah Daley of Drexel University College of Medicine in Pennsylvania said in a statement. "Based on what we found, we believe the presence of breast arterial calcifications on a mammogram should be routinely reported."

Separately, researchers at Penn State College of Medicine in Pennsylvania reviewed data from nine previous studies involving nearly 47,000 women followed for nearly 12 years on average. They found that women with breast arterial calcification seen on mammography were at an increased risk of stroke, cardiovascular death, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure.

"I think this study is important for primary care physicians, and also cardiologists, and really any clinician that looks at cardiovascular disease risk assessment," study leader Dr. Matthew Nudy said in a statement.

The information from these studies "reinforces that the risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women are different than for men," Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for the Menopause Society, said in a statement.

Virtual palliative care visits prove helpful

Cancer patients who do not have access to in-person palliative care might benefit just as much from such care provided via video visits, according to a new study.

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms to improve the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses.

Across the United States, 1,250 patients recently diagnosed with advanced lung cancer were randomly assigned to receive early palliative care via video visits or in person, at least every four weeks.

Participants completed surveys at the start and then again every 12 weeks. Quality-of-life scores improved significantly in both groups and were equivalent at week 24, according to a study published in JAMA.

Satisfaction with care, anxiety and depression symptoms, use of approach-oriented or avoidant coping strategies, and perceptions of the primary goal of treatment and curability of their cancer were also similar between the groups.

Caregiver participation in palliative care visits was lower in the video group, but the groups did not differ in caregiver satisfaction with care, quality of life, mood symptoms or prognostic perceptions.

National guidelines in the United States recommend that palliative care be included in a patient's care from the time of diagnosis of advanced cancer, based on numerous clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy for improving quality of life, symptoms and other outcomes. But, the researchers noted, most patients and their families do not receive such care, in part because of the limited availability of specialty-trained clinicians.

"Many healthcare facilities now have the capacity to offer video visits," they wrote. "The present study adds critical evidence to support ongoing access to telehealth services, especially for vulnerable populations with serious illness."

No higher risk of second cancer found in CAR-T cell therapy

For blood cancer patients receiving CAR-T cell therapy, the risk of a second new malignancy is no higher than it would be after other standard treatments, according to a review of previous studies.

In CAR T cell therapy, a patient's own immune cells are altered so they will attack cancer cells. These T cells are extracted from the blood, genetically modified to fight the individual's cancer and then reinfused into the patient.

For the new study, researchers reviewed data on 5,517 participants in 18 clinical trials in the United States and other countries testing six CAR T-cell therapies: Bristol Myers Squibb's Abecma and Breyanzi, Johnson & Johnson's Carvykti, Novartis' Kymriah or Gilead Science's Tecartus or Yescarta.

After a median follow-up of 21.7 months, 5.8% of patients developed a second primary malignancy.

Among 1,253 participants in four studies that compared CAR T therapy with more traditional regimens, unrelated new cancers developed in 5% of CAR T recipients and in 4.9% of standard-of-care recipients, a difference that was not statistically significant, according to a report in Clinical Cancer Research.

Outcomes were similar regardless of cancer type or CAR T-cell product used.

Patients who had received at least three other treatments before CAR T had a significantly higher risk of second new cancers than patients who had received no more than two prior lines of therapy - possibly due to cumulative tissue damage caused by the multiple previous therapies, the researchers said.

CAR T cell therapy is the first in more than 20 years to show an overall survival benefit compared to the standard of care in the most common type of lymphoma seen in U.S. patients, study leader Dr. Kai Rejeski of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York said in a statement.

The rate of second cancers was higher in studies with longer follow-up, perhaps reflecting the possibility that "more patients may be developing second primary malignancies because they are living long enough to do so," Rejeski said.

Overall, "these data do not suggest that there is an increased risk of second primary malignancies relative to other standard-of-care therapies," Rejeski said. "I worry that the warning labels may intimidate patients who receive this therapy, which may not be entirely founded."

In the United States and Europe, CAR T-cell labels must warn of a potential risk of a new, unrelated cancer arising after treatment, based on cases reported to the U.S Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency.

(Reporting by Nancy Lapid; editing by Will Dunham)
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.

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, a 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 own 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 lead to deadly outcomes.

When a patient becomes less well, or they die because the resources that they need were unavailable - thats greed, said MacInnis.

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 and 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.

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.
Healthier Together: Getting closer to a breast cancer vaccine

In a little over two weeks, the Susan G. Komen More than Pink Walk will pass through Seattle after a major fundraising effort.

The effort -- sponsored by KIRO 7 -- raises money to help women with breast cancer.

For this weeks Healthier Together, KIRO 7s Ranji Sinha spoke to two women involved with the walk and their hope for treatment that could someday eradicate breast cancer.

Beth Dotolo is a cancer survivor and an interior designer who owns Pulp Design Studios.

She has an office in Seattle and met KIRO 7 at her studio to share her story.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and when I finished my treatment, I immediately knew I wanted to give back, Dotolo said.

When it comes to breast cancer awareness, Dotolo has always shared her story as an example and an inspiration.

She sits on the board of the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Washington.

Dr. Eileen Consorti is also on the local Komen board.

Shes a doctor at Overlake Medical Center, the Medical Director of Overlakes Cancer Center, and a cancer surgeon.

Komen is a really valuable resource. I think last year they provided 10 million dollars in support, Dr. Consorti said.

She has always touted the group when it comes to the work dealing with breast cancer.

We see patients with challenges -- challenges with transportation issues, getting to their radiation treatments, challenges just being able to afford a screening mammogram, Dr. Consorti said.

Both women are intimately aware of breast cancers impact, and both want it gone for good.

Dotolo knows Komens More than Pink walk grows yearly but hopes a cure could stop it all.

I think theres a lot more awareness, and people are realizing we are kind of at the precipice of finding a way to hopefully beat this, Dotolo said.

Komens efforts stretch well beyond supporting patients.

The group says it has helped fuel 2,800 research grants in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and 24 countries.

It has also helped launch nearly 550 clinical trials and helped more than 200 research advocates.

All that work may pay off soon.

In April, we spoke to University of Washington researchers floating the possibility we could see a vaccine to prevent and do away with breast cancer and many others, maybe in the next ten years.

Dr. Mary L. Nora Disis spoke to KIRO 7 in April about the massive advancements in cancer research.

Weve gone from 0-to-60 just in my career and I do believe that immune therapy using the immune system to fight cancer is here, Dr. Disis said.

Dr. Disis admitted that the fast-track development of a COVID-19 vaccine has helped move the development of a cancer vaccine forward.

We did that with infectious disease and it changed our lives. It extended our lives. Lets do that now with cancer vaccines., Dr. Disis said.

Dr. Consorti also admitted that the potential for a cancer vaccine is not just clinical research, its personal.

Im very excited that I have to say a significant other that was in a vaccine trial had a neck malignancy. He would have been long gone by now if it werent for that vaccine trial, Dr. Consorti said.

Shes hopeful a vaccine cure could put her out of work.

Absolutely, I have no issues with that, Dr. Consorti said.

Dotolo admits a potential breast cancer vaccine truly seemed out of reach.

I think its amazing. I think for the longest time it felt like a dream, Dotolo said.

Strides are being made to help women like Dotolo who have been diagnosed with then surviving cancer.

For her, a cure may be too late, but she and Dr. Consorti will participate in the More than Pink walk if it leads to a cancer-free future.

Dotolo knows the stakes are high but so is the promise.

There is the potential for a cure to this disease and its not just a pipe dream. It feels like its at our fingertips. We just need to keep trying to raise funds to do more research, Dotolo said.
With Henyard absent, an ally and trustee joins village board to help tackle fiscal issues

With Henyard absent, an ally and trustee joins village board to help tackle fiscal issues

DOLTON, Ill.  A celebratory welcome was had for Stanley Brown in south suburban Dolton. Brown, an ally of Mayor Tiffany Henyard on the village board of trustees, hasnt attended a special board meeting in recent months, but that changed Thursday.

Im not here jumping ship, I never was on the ship to jump the ship, always been here, Brown said at the meeting. Every resident in this village deserves that.

Doltons Board of Trustees postponed their last meeting to Thursday night, but Henyard declared that move illegal, and went ahead without them last week. The board said that makes any decision she made last week invalid.

In the wake of WGN Investigates extensive reporting on Henyard and her allies lavish travel on taxpayer dimes  the trustees voted to approve a moratorium on reimbursing the travel for elected officials and employees.

Tiffany Henyards $85K party

Taking these trips to all of these conferences and bringing back absolutely nothing means youre just taking trips on the taxpayers dime, said Kiana Belcher.

By meetings end, residents thanked the trustees for their work in the struggle for control of Doltons finances.

This is the we mentality in leadership that we need, said one resident.

They have changed the way government is going to be ran forever, added another resident.

Another topic central to Thursday nights meeting was the board of trustees announcement the village is in search of a new bank.

Henyard refused to sign checks for vital services last week, leading to the mayor pro tem Jason House saying he signed checks to pay for vital services, as a recent ordinance allows him to do.

Henyard then filed a complaint with the bank, who put the village on a 60-day notice.

We signed the checks to make sure vital services continue, House said. Because the mayors office didnt like that, they called the bank  Bank isnt playing games  Thats a black eye.

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(Bloomberg) -- United Airlines Holdings Inc. announced a deal for SpaceXs Starlink to power its inflight Wi-Fi, becoming the first major US carrier to use the satellite system and giving the Elon Musk-run company a marquee customer.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The airline will begin testing the service early next year and roll it out to passenger flights later in 2025, the companies said Friday in a statement. Starlink will eventually be available for free across the carriers entire fleet of more than 1,000 planes on seatback screens and personal electronic devices.

Airlines have pushed over the last several years to provide fast and reliable inflight Wi-Fi instead of the glitchy, not-always-available offering that has long plagued passengers. Expanded satellite bandwidth has helped to produce internet experiences closer to what consumers expect on the ground, an offering that vacation travelers as well as road-warrior business people see as essential.

This could be a watershed moment for Starlink, said Caleb Henry, director of research at Quilty Space. Starlink has seen slower uptake among aviation customers compared to consumer and maritime, but United marks a notable shift. As a leading airline, others are going to take notice.

The announcement sent shares of competing Wi-Fi providers tumbling. Viasat Inc. plunged 14% as of 12 p.m. in New York, the biggest intraday decline in a month, while Gogo Inc. was down 3.1%. United shares rose 2.1%.

The carriers move to Starlink began during a review of options to replace Intelsats Gogo on its regional aircraft, with that agreement set to end next year, Linda Jojo, Uniteds chief customer officer, said in an interview.

When we overlaid our global route network  across the Pacific, across the Atlantic and everywhere in between  Starlink already had a superior coverage to what we have today, she said. At that point we said we have to figure out how to get this on all of our planes.

Federal regulators have to certify the use of Starlink on certain aircraft and Uniteds installation process, Jojo said. The airline has talked with its other broadband service providers  Panasonic, Viasat Inc. and Thales SA  about shifting to Starlink but hasnt yet worked out how to wind down their service, she said.

Story continues

While there was debate at United about not charging for the service, free Wi-Fi is increasingly becoming an expectation no matter where you go, Jojo said.

Low Latency

Starlink is SpaceXs ever-growing internet-from-space initiative that consists of more than 6,300 satellites in a relatively low orbit around Earth. Together, the satellites work in tandem to beam broadband internet coverage to the ground below. Unlike other satellite internet systems in much higher orbits, Starlinks closer proximity to Earth cuts down on latency, as theres less distance for signals to travel from the ground to the satellites.

In the US, only Hawaiian Holdings Inc. and public charter carrier JSX currently use Starlink.

Aviation was the last realm of the satellite connectivity market for which Starlink has not emerged as the industry leader, Louie DiPalma, a William Blair analyst, said in a note. However, Starlink is positioned to have the highest aviation market share over the next decade as this landmark deal will likely lead to other wins.

Viasat likely will remain the market leader five years from now, given the industrys slow-moving nature, he said.

The rollout of Starlink on United aircraft likely will take three years while Starlink works to receive regulatory approvals, DiPalma said, making the revenue benefit for Starlink almost immaterial for the next two years.

The Starlink gate-to-gate service on United will allow access to personal streaming services and online shopping, connect to multiple devices at once by one user and enable downloading, editing and sending of documents in real time, the companies said.

Everything you can do on the ground, youll soon be able to do onboard a United plane at 35,000 feet, United Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby said in the statement.

Outside of the US, Starlink is used by Qatar Airways QCSC and Air Baltic Corp., while Air New Zealand Ltd. and ZIPAIR Tokyo Inc. have announced agreements with the company.

(Updates with analyst comment in fourth paragraph)

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Here's a look at a new pavilion slated for Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach

PANAMA CITY BEACH  Aaron Bessant Park is expecting some new facilities next year.

The Tourist Development Council on Tuesday approved a bid to construct a new pavilion at the park. The new structure is part of an ongoing two-phase renovation project aimed at improving the visitor experience and expanding the park's capacity to host a wide range of activities and events, according to a statement from Visit Panama City Beach.

Plans for Aaron Bessant Park's new pavilion in Panama City Beach

"For the TDC this is just another great avenue for us to give back to the community," said Dan Rowe, executive director for the Bay County Tourist Development Council, in an interview with WJHG. "To build an asset that we can use for visitor events but is also there every day for the residents to use as well."

The first phase of the project focused on modernizing the amphitheater stage by upgrading sound panels and lighting fixtures as well as structural repairs such as recoating the steel structure supporting the roof.

Plans for Aaron Bessant Park's new pavilion in Panama City Beach

The new phase includes replacing fencing and redoing the landscaping on West Park Drive, the road along the periphery of the park. The new 4,800-square-foot pavilion is a part of this phase.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Patrick Stewart, director of special events for Visit PCB, says the pavilion is designed to accommodate a variety of activities such as farmers markets and picnics, and will be a valuable asset for enhancing special events at the venue.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay Tourist Development Council approves bid for new pavilion
U.S. News & World Report. The Wall Street Journal. Campus Pride. From exclusivity to return on investment to LGBTQ+ friendliness, organizations judge, rank, rate and label U.S. colleges and universities in multitudinous ways.

Now, theres a new kid on the ratings block: The Heritage Foundation has launched a Choose College With Confidence guide, which labels 280 institutions as either red, yellow or green. Those given a green light are considered a great option for families prioritizing freedom, opportunity and civil society, while red-flagged colleges are not recommended. According to the guide, they exhibit a pervasive hostility toward diverse viewpoints and lack robust core curricular requirements.

Harvard University got a red light, for example. New College of Florida, Auburn University and West Virginias Appalachian Bible College were among those that received greens.

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT MORE THAN JUST YOUR ROI

The guide from Heritage, a conservative think tank, comes as colleges and universities face increased scrutiny from conservative groups and lawmakers questioning their academic offerings and funding decisions and raising concerns about how welcoming they are to students with conservative views.

Madison Marino, a senior research associate at Heritages Center for Education Policy, said at an online news conference Thursday that the guide was designed for families and students to get comprehensive information about higher education and be able to empower these families and students to make informed choices about where they want to go.

Lindsey Burke, director of the Center for Education Policy, acknowledged that its a pretty crowded space for college guides, but whats unique about ours is that we do take into account more than just your ROI. She said that includes the question Is this a university, an institution, that is welcoming to all viewpoints, including conservatives, who have been incredibly marginalized in academia for dozens upon dozens of years?

RED LIGHT: DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS TO THESE SCHOOLS

In the guide, she said a red light means, Effectively, do not send your kids to these schools. Burke is also a board member at George Mason University, which was rated yellow.

Heritage, a vocal critic of college diversity, equity and inclusion programs, spearheaded Project 2025, a controversial blueprint for Donald Trumps potential second presidential term. That plan calls for eliminating the Education Department, among other changes. Burke wrote the chapter on the Education Department.

To sort the colleges into the three categories, Heritage researchers said they took into account four-year graduation rates and students postgraduation incomesstatistics one might expect in college and university comparisons. But their listed metrics also include the prevalence of diversity, equity and inclusion administrators; the number of conservative compared to liberal clubs; and whether institutions have bias reporting systems, require diversity statements in hiring or house departments of ethnic or gender studies.

FINDINGS ARE QUALITATIVE

Heritage dinged institutions in the ratings if they had those departments, said Jonathan Butcher, a senior fellow at Heritage and at the conservative Goldwater Institute who helped compile data for the report.

We believe that ethnic studies is based on a Marxist view of the world as being determined by power struggles, Butcher said, and that its part of the identity politics that gender studies departments also perpetuate.

But its unclear how much emphasis the creators of the new guide put on any individual metric when rating institutions, nor does the guide show which institutions received demerits in which specific categories. Butcher said, We did not weight any of the categories and considered the findings more on the qualitative side.

PRESERVING NOT JUST FREE EXPRESSION BUT QUALITY IN GENERAL

We needed to begin with something that sent a message, Butcher said. Referencing existing college and university ratings and rankings, he said Heritage wanted to add something to this library, this research, of how to evaluate colleges and give parents something they may not be able to find somewhere else.

The first sentence of the methodology seems to suggest its a guide for conservatives to identify conservative colleges: Heritage researchers began by surveying state policy affiliates to get a sense from partners on the ground about which colleges and universities are good options for conservatives. Those affiliates are state-level think tanks that are themselves affiliated with the conservative State Policy Network.

When asked if the labels were mostly based on which institutions were best for conservative students, Butcher said, The effort is to preserve not just free expression but quality in general.

For decades, conservatives have sounded the alarm about what they see as the hostile environment at many American colleges for conservative students and professors. Disruptive pro-Palestinian protests on some campuses this past academic year supercharged those concerns.

Still, Butcher said, there was no particular reason the ratings came out now, though researchers partly chose which institutions to rate based on which had been in the news for controversial protest encampments.

RATING THE RATING

Some critics of rankings and the Heritage Foundation gave the organizations foray low marks.

Akil Bello, senior director of advocacy and advancement at FairTest, which advocates against standardized tests, told Inside Higher Ed, All rankings are some form of personal opinion filtered through mathematics, so its a subjective assessment of quality. The only difference in the various rankings is how subjective are they, whose point of view is it reflecting and how transparent are they about their biases.

Bello said Heritages ratings reflect the organizations aggressively right-wing viewpoint. He also noted that Heritages methodology took into account information from other conservative organizations.

Theres no better way to get the rankings you want than to start with the people who agree with you, Bello said. If the factors you evaluate can only be verified by like-minded individuals, it is not an objective ranking.

Isaac Kamola, director of the American Association of University Professors Center for the Defense of Academic Freedom and an associate political science professor at Connecticuts Trinity College, called the methodology purely ideologically driven, again, by market fundamentalists.

Kamola noted that Heritage announced the new college ratings alongside a K-12 scorecard that promotes school choice.

Delegitimizing higher education, it goes hand in hand with this broader project of defunding K-12 education, and you dont get a clearer example of that than the simultaneous release, Kamola said.

However, Preston Cooper, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute who studies higher education, said he thinks the new ratings are a useful service to have for people with conservative values and interests.

I think it makes total sense that we can have different ranking systems to prioritize different things when it comes to college, he said.

DONT MISS WHAT IF BUSINESS SCHOOLS WERE RATED INSTEAD OF RANKED?

The post Heritage Foundation Rates Schools For Conservatives  From Best To Worst appeared first on Poets&Quants.
Environmental groups gathered outside the High Court in London ahead of the ruling [BBC]

Plans to build the UK's first deep coal mine in more than 30 years have been quashed.

Two campaign groups had brought legal action over the previous government's decision to grant planning permission for the site near Whitehaven in Cumbria.

At the High Court, judge Justice Holgate said the assumption the mine would not increase greenhouse gas emissions was "legally flawed".

Victoria Marsom from Friends of the Earth (FOTE) said campaigners had won "a massive victory". West Cumbria Mining (WCM) said it would "consider the implications" of the judgement before commenting further.

Challenges to the decision to approve the mine in 2022 were submitted by FOTE and South Lakes Action on Climate Change (SLACC).

They claimed the government did not take into consideration the environmental impact of burning the coal extracted and focused only on running the facility.

Lawyers for WCM said there had been "repeated mischaracterisation" of the plans and the development would have a "broadly neutral effect on the global release of greenhouse gas".

In his judgement, Mr Justice Holgate said: "The assumption that the proposed mine would not produce a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, or would be a net zero mine, is legally flawed."

Campaigners against the mine celebrated the decision in Cumbria [BBC]

Duncan Pollard, a trustee at SLACC, said the ruling was a "huge relief", adding: "We sincerely hope that any re-examination of the coal mine proposal considers all relevant issues and this ill-conceived idea is permanently shelved.

"Central and local government need to concentrate on secure and sustainable jobs for west Cumbria."

Professor in energy and climate governance at the University of Lancaster, Rebecca Willis, said she hoped the decision would "set an example to other countries and show how you can get your national law in line with the climate science".

She said: "Surely the writing's on the wall?

"Surely we've realised, through today's judgement, that there's no way you can open a new mine and keep within climate targets."

Maggie Mason claimed the decision could "advance the global phase-out of fossil fuels" [BBC]

Meanwhile senior FOTE lawyer Niall Toru said the mine "should never have been given permission in the first place".

"The case against it is overwhelming: it would have huge climate impacts, its coal isn't needed and it harms the UK's international reputation on climate," he said.

Mr Toru claimed Friday's ruling could have international ramifications.

"There are cases abroad where challenges are being made against fossil fuel projects on a very similar basis," he said.

This was echoed by Maggie Mason, from SLACC, who said: "This ground-breaking judgement could advance the global phase-out of fossil fuels. It is that big.

"Mr Justice Holgate has forensically destroyed their net zero, climate-neutral coal mine claims."

Justice Holgate ruled the decision to grant permission for the mine in Cumbria was "legally flawed" [West Cumbria Mining]

At a hearing in July, the newly elected Labour government decided not to defend its predecessor's decision to grant permission for the project, citing "an error in law".

But WCM fought its case, arguing it could build a "unique" net zero mine.

The court heard the mine would extract what is known as metallurgical coal, which is used in steel-making.

In written submissions, Paul Brown KC, for FOTE, argued there is "no significant need for the coal" in the UK given statements from British Steel and Tata over their moves to electric arc furnaces.

Friday's High Court judgement said a recent decision regarding the Horse Hill oil well in Surrey lay "at the heart of these proceedings".

In June, the Supreme Court ruled granting permission for that project had been unlawful because the local authority should have considered the emissions from burning the oil, not just the impact of constructing the well.

Ex-Copeland mayor said the mine would have brought "prosperity and opportunity" [BBC]

Supporters of the Whitehaven mine had argued it would bring economic and security benefits.

Former Conservative mayor of Copeland, Mike Starkie, said the decision was "devastating" as the mine "would have brought prosperity and opportunity".

"West Cumbria was due to get a massive boost to its local economy," he continued. "It was going to bring 500 direct jobs. There were going to be opportunities to upgrade the rail line, which could then potentially attract other industries into the area.

"And with a government telling you it's got no money and it's scaling back on capital projects, the reality for west Cumbria is we're going to be completely left in the cold."

Reacting to the High Court judgement, former Conservative MP for Workington Mark Jenkinson said the project would have created "well paid jobs" and "huge opportunities for the local supply chain".

In a social media post, he claimed: "If we don't mine coking coal here - which is required for our steel industry, among others, for the foreseeable future - then we import it from countries like Russia."

Tessa Khan from the environmental group Uplift, which is taking part in a legal challenge against the previous government's granting of new North Sea oil and gas licences, called such claims "poorly evidenced".

She said: "The court has made it clear that the favourite line of fossil fuel companies - that if we didn't produce fossil fuels here, it would simply be produced elsewhere - doesn't wash."

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

More on this story

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High-tech search for 1968 plane wreck in Michigans Lake Superior shows nothing so far

High-tech search for 1968 plane wreck in Michigans Lake Superior shows nothing so far

(AP)  An ambitious high-tech search in Michigans 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.

Scuba diver dies exploring Lake Michigan shipwreck

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 weve 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! Menons family said in a message on a YouTube site where daily video updates are posted.

At the bottom of Lake Michigan, shipwrecks race against invasive species

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.

Theres 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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Highway 132 bypass could be extended 5 miles west from Modesto. Whats the cost, timeline?

About a fifth of the funding is in hand to extend the Highway 132 bypass that opened in Modesto in late 2022.

The initial project is a two-lane expressway from Highway 99 to Dakota Avenue. It runs for three miles just south of Kansas Avenue, taking traffic off Maze Boulevard.

The extension would stretch five miles to Gates Road. So far, about $88 million has been secured from local, state and federal sources. That money is going to detailed engineering and right-of-way purchases, which could be completed next year.

Construction would follow if another $305 million or so comes through, with an opening as soon as 2029.

Highway 99 and 132 exits onto 5th Street in Modesto, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

StanCOG board got update on 132

The Stanislaus Council of Governments provided an update at an August meeting and by email to The Modesto Bee. The agency oversees transportation funding with a 16-member board made up of county supervisors and city council members.

The 132 bypass has been discussed since the late 1950s, when the California Department of Transportation started buying right of way. Maze has been a state highway since the 1930s, but it has many homes, businesses and other destinations along it. The route serves Bay Area commuters, long-distance truckers and other drivers.

Bay Cities Paving & Grading of Concord built the first bypass stretch on a $92 million contract. It has bridges at Rosemore Avenue, Carpenter Road and 99.

The next leg would run directly west from a new Dakota Avenue bridge and also cross over Hart Road. Access from the west would be via a roundabout at Gates Road, connecting also with Paradise Road.

The project also would change how drivers get between 132 and 99, said Tony Harris, manager of strategic project delivery, at the August meeting. They now have to make turns on Needham and a few other surface streets. The work would include flyover ramps between the two state highways.

Highway 132 and the Carpenter Road bridge in Modesto, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Measure L sales tax is biggest source

The funding so far includes about $45 million from the half-percent sales tax approved by county voters in 2016. The state has kicked in about $30 million and the federal government about $13 million.

StanCOG plans to eventually widen 132 to four lanes between 99 and Gates and add an interchange at Carpenter. It has a projected cost of $105 million to $140 million and opening date of 2040.

The first bypass leg took decades to achieve due to short funding and debate over the route. The next phase is happening at light speed as far as government is concerned, Supervisor Terry Withrow said at the meeting.

Updates on the project are at www.sr132west.com.

Highway 132 looking west from Highway 99 in Modesto, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.
On Friday, a nearly decade-long renovation effort will reach its pinnacle. The town of Lexington is set to hold a ribbon-cutting for the new walking trail around the Old Mill Pond, which will cap a long road to restoring the historic pond that was drained after a dam failure during the 2015 flood.

The one-mile trail around the pond that stretches between East Main Street and South Lake Drive cost $4 million to complete and years of work to rehabilitate an area that sat dry for years after the 1,000-year flood that damaged much of the Midlands.

The ribbon-cutting with take place at the trail head at 711 East Main Street at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

Planning for the walking trail was well underway before the dam on the Old Mill Pond failed in October 2015, one of several across the Midlands damaged or destroyed due to heavy rains and swelling waters caused by the close passage of Hurricane Joaquin to the South Carolina coast.

In 2012, the Town created a Vision Plan, envisioning what the Town should look like in the future, Lexington Mayor Hazel Livingston said. This trail is just part of that vision, to create walkability and open spaces for the community to enjoy.

The 2015 flood pushed back that vision for a number of years.

It was a long road back for the trail and the pond itself, which sits next to and once powered the towns 19th century mill. The 1890s mill structure has long since been converted into dining and retail space in the 1980s, where visitors once had pristine views of a pond that was occasionally frequented by a ski club. But until this year, visitors who parked in what was once the lakeside parking lot would peer over a steep ledge to the bottom of the pond below.

Dam owner Laban Chappell spent some $2 million completing an earthen dam on Twelve Mile Creek beside the old mill, which finished last year. Between 30,000 to 40,000 cubic yards of dirt was moved to shore up the dam, reinforced with a concrete sheeting anchored into the ground and the side of the mill building, and covered with an appealing green sod.

The town has installed trail lighting and security cameras for the new paved trail. The plan also includes the addition of a town parking lot at the base of the dam, replacing one that was washed away with the flood.

The trail will be accessible to the public from access points at the Old Mills upper and lower parking lots, South Lake Drive by New Bethel AME Church, the Reserve apartments and the Parker Street Commons.

The project is part of an extensive series of renovations across Lexington in recent years. The town recently completed a $7 million expansion of Virginia Hylton Park, on top of the dam renovations that allowed Lexington to reopen Gibson Pond Park, fed by the same Twelve Mile Creek that fills the mill pond.

It all began with the construction and establishment of the Icehouse Amphitheater, which revitalized Downtown, Livingston said. It continued with the reimagining of Virginia Hylton Park which opened earlier this year, and now the Old Mill Pond Trail. Together, all these projects have truly transformed Lexington, making it the great place it is today.
Need a holiday? How to take advantage of the September slump and nab a bargain trip before Christmas

The September slump in holiday prices is well under way, with proper package holidays in the rest of the month available for 300 or less.

Later in the autumn and early winter, an escape to the Mediterranean, Adriatic or Atlantic is even more beneficial. Once the October half-term holiday is out of the away, prices fall still further. An all-inclusive package in Turkey is available for just 50 per day, and a DIY week on the coast of Albania for an absurd 135.

These are the best deals I have found this week. All are based on two people travelling together. Apart from the last one (Albania), they are all proper package holidays, including flights (with luggage), transfers and accommodation (room-only, unless specified otherwise).

Greece

Departing from London Stansted on 20 September, Tui has a package holiday to Zante at 217 per person for a week  thats only 31 per day, staying at the Angela Hotel in the main resort of Laganas.

The likely weather is about 10 degrees warmer than Stansted, with rather more prospects of sunshine.

Read more: The best Greek island hotels

Spain

If you prefer a quieter resort, head for the Canary Islands: a weeks package with Tui at the 4Dreams Hotel in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, flying from Manchester on 23 September, is 293. The resort is well placed for walks in the hills and excursions to the capital, Santa Cruz, and the exquisite town of La Laguna.

Package tourism to Spain began in the Costa Brava, and yet these days it is a relative backwater  with fine coastal scenery and cultural attractions such as Dalis house in Cadaques and the museum to his memory in Figueres.

Jet2 Holidays has a deal from London Stansted on 28 September for 300, staying at the htop Olympic in Calella. Flights are to and from Girona, a much smoother airport experience than Barcelona.

Turkey

By November, the eastern Mediterranean is looking much more appealing than the UK. On 8 November you can travel from Luton to Antalya with easyJet Holidays for a week, staying at Senza The Inn in Alanya for only 355 per person, all inclusive. The average daily high is 22C, compared with 11C in Luton.

The city you fly into, Antalya, is an amazing place that most people seem to miss  with a spectacular harbour dating back a couple of millennia, a handsome Old Town and superb local cuisine.

Portugal

I am a fan of the resort of Armacao de Pera on Portugals Algarve coast. Jet2 will take you from Birmingham on 8 December for a week for 282 per person, including flights to Faro, transfers and accommodation at Ukino Terrace Algarve. The average daily high is 18C compared with around 7C in Birmingham.

This isnt the Med, its the Atlantic, so temperatures are bracing, but Armacao is a superb, relaxed resort with plenty of shoreline walks.

Albania

For the cheapest holiday of the winter, go to Albania in November. Return flights for many days that month are 30 with Wizz Air from Luton. A bus from Tirana airport to the coastal city and main resort of Durres costs 600 lek (5) each way. And a week at the four-star Hotel Zanzi costs 189 double.

Call it 135 per person for a winter warmer beside the Adriatic  less than 20 per day.

Listen to Simon Calders latest podcast from Albania
Holly Hotel, devastated by fire more than 2 years ago, is for sale

Its been more than two years since the Holly Hotel suffered from a devasting six-alarm blaze.

And now plans to reopen appear to have fizzled.

George and Chrissy Kutlenios, owners of the Holly Hotel for more than four decades, posted on the hotels website and its Facebook page that the Historic Holly Hotel is For Sale.

Firefighters on the scene of a fire in Holly's Battle Alley that destroyed Andy's Place restaurant and Battle Alley Arcade Antiques Mall as well as damaged a section of the historic Holly Hotel in downtown Holly on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

After 46 years of operation, we have made the difficult decision to sell the Historic Holly Hotel, according to the website.

Friedman Real Estate is the listing the hotel with a $899,000 asking price.

Within three hours of the Facebook post, more than 600 comments followed, many expressing disappointment and heartbroken by the sale announcement.

Carrie Nation, Halloween dining

The Holly Hotel was known as a restaurant that offered many themed dinners over the years, including its Titanic-themed dinner and dinners surrounding Halloween. It was also known for a haunted past, eerie ghost occurrences and a place governors had dined as did former President George H.W. Bush. Carry Nation, the anti-alcohol crusader, also paid a visit to the Holly Hotel in 1908, according to their website, destroying whiskey bottles with her ax.

The Historic Holly Hotel in Holly, Mich., has been said to have more than just earthly guests.

The Kutlenioses, owners of the hotel at 110 Battle Alley in Holly, are in a court battle over a crooked property line that infringed on another business. According to their website, the owners posted that litigation continues and they are awaiting another trial date.

The Free Press contacted George Kutlenios, who declined to comment because of the pending litigation.

According to restoration update posts on the Holly Hotel website, the owners maintain they should be entitled to rebuild the hotels west-side wall, which was demolished by the former owner of the adjacent arcade property where the fire originated. The owners filed a lawsuit against the Jerimiah Roberts, owner of the vacant Holly Antiques Arcade. asking for injunctive relief.

Heres what happened, according to several restoration update posts on the hotels website.

Wall of contention

Weeks after the fire, the owners vowed to rebuild and work began with its staff, stripping the walls and floor down to studs. Work began on replacing the west end wall of the hotel, an area where a majority of the fire damage happened.A property survey revealed that the Holly Hotel was 6 inches over its property line since its construction in 1891.

Some of the eerie occurrences at the Holly Hotel include sounds of a child's footsteps and glasses falling off shelves.

We had a survey completed for the Hotel. At this time, we discovered that the Holly Hotel was slightly over its property line in a portion of the building, the owners wrote. It had, of course, been that way since its construction in 1891. We contacted the owner of the adjacent Arcade property and she (Pat Kenny) assured us that this would not be a problem.

In early February 2023, the roof and shingles were on, the west wall was rebuilt and another phase of the rebuild was to start.

We needed to seal the building and get gas, water, and electricity back on, the couple wrote.

But the then owner of the Battle Alley Arcade Antiques Mall, Pat Kenny, sold the property to Jeremiah Roberts within in weeks of the conversation.

On Feb. 26, 2023, according to court documents, work was halted on the hotel site.

Roberts, the new owner of the now vacant arcade property, objected to the west wall construction and the roof eaves and wanted the portions of the wall and the eaves removed because it infringed on his property.

The hotel owners denied the request, according to their hotels website.

The Holly Hotel was built on an assumed 1891 property line and has resided there for over 133 years. No one seemed to mind  until now, the owners wrote.

Roberts denied contractors access to his property to work on the west wall of the hotel.

We spent the entirety of the time between February 26 to July 25 attempting to resolve this issue, the owners wrote. On July 25, Mr. Roberts agreed to relinquish the claim he previously asserted as to the lot line, only to change his mind on August 10.

Work on the hotel has been halted since Feb. 26.

According to the real estate listing, the exterior western wall will be restored prior to the conclusion of any sale.

The hotel, a Michigan landmark, is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in the U.S., according to court documents.

According to the website, the June 21, 2022, fire was the hotels third.

Fire departments from surrounding cities and townships helped battle the blaze.

As the owners vowed to rebuild, in December 2022, they sold structural bricks from the west wall at $75 each plus others salvaged from the rubble. Portions of the sales were earmarked for streetscape improvement surrounding the Holly Hotel.

"Each brick has a brass plaque and letter of authenticity, personally signed by George and Chrissy Kutlenios," its website says.

To all we have welcomed into our establishment, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve you. We fervently hope the Historic Holly Hotels legacy will continue in new hands, the owners wrote.

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Devastated by fire more than 2 years ago, the Holly Hotel is for sale
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A 20-year-old Honduras man was sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison after being charged after raping a 13-year-old girl in 2023.

According to the Shawnee County District Attorneys Office, 20-year-old Kevin Javier Benitez, a Honduras citizen was sentenced to 165 months with the Kansas Secretary of Corrections Thursday for one count of rape where the victim was under the age of 14 and the offender was older than 18.

The State recommended a sentence for life with the eligibility for parole after 25 years served, but The Court didnt take that recommendation. Benitez was instead given the 165 month sentence due to his age and lack of criminal history. This decision comes after a jury trial ended on May 30, 2024, and the Shawnee County District Court found Benitez guilty of rape.

Police presence increases after Junction City school shooting threats unfold

On July 26, 2023, Topeka police officers were dispatched to southeast Topeka Boulevard in reference to a rape. Officers got there and made contact with a 13-year-old girl. According to police, Benitez met the victim the same day the sexual assault took place. After a subsequent investigation, it was found that the assault happened in a park. Benitez was later found and taken into custody.

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.
There is new hope as family pleads for release of Atlanta man held by Taliban, advisor says

Theres new hope for the release of an Atlanta man held hostage by the Taliban.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne learned that George Glezmanns wife and two other key players met at the White House this week.

George Taylor, a family advisor, said they met with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his staff, alongside Dennis Fitzpatrick, the familys pro bono attorney, and Glezmanns wife.

We have something now that we didnt have before, Taylor said. That is a glass now that is halfway full of hope.

Taylor described Wednesdays meeting as positive and indicated that after meeting with Sullivan, he feels more secure in his conviction that Glezmann can be brought home from Kabul, Afghanistan.

Glezmann has been held there since December 2022.

According to Taylor, Glezmann is an innocent tourist who was wrongfully detained by the Taliban while exploring different cultures.

It was a frank discussion on both sides, Taylor said. We were reassured by Mr. Sullivan that the president had been personally briefed by him regarding George and others in captivity in Afghanistan.

RELATED STORIES:

Taylor, who retired as a federal agent and worked on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, has been assisting the Glezmann family since April.

He described Sullivan as gracious and generous with his time and said learning that President Joe Biden had been personally briefed about Glezmanns situation was significant.

We do believe that the government is on the right path, Taylor said.

A physician recently examined Glezmann, and Taylor noted that his condition continues to deteriorate, which underscores the urgency of his release.

Were not going away until George is back on the soil in Atlanta, Georgia, Taylor said.

During their visit to Washington, the Glezmann delegation also met with the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and both of Georgias U.S. Senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, who have been pushing for Glezmanns release.

RELATED NEWS:
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) -Bank of Montreal persuaded a U.S. appeals court on Thursday to throw out a $564 million jury verdict against a subsidiary over its role in an approximately $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme run by convicted Minnesota businessman Tom Petters.

Citing a similar case involving Bernard Madoff, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said a court-appointed trustee for the now-bankrupt Petters Co could not recover on behalf of its creditors because that firm had helped orchestrate the fraud.

The 3-0 decision by the St. Paul, Minnesota-based court overturned a November 2022 jury verdict, and directed that trustee Douglas Kelley's case against BMO be dismissed.

Lawyers for the trustee did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

BMO said it was pleased with the decision. It expects to reverse a C$1.19 billion loss provision including interest for the case, resulting in a C$875 million (US$644 million) fourth-quarter after-tax benefit for its corporate services business.

Petters, 67, is serving a 50-year prison term after being convicted in 2009 on 20 criminal counts including fraud and money laundering.

Kelley claimed that Petters' former bank, Milwaukee-based Marshall & Ilsley, knew about the Ponzi scheme and ignored red flags of money laundering, enabling Petters to withdraw large sums he wasn't entitled to.

BMO bought M&I in 2011, and Kelley sought to hold it liable.

But the appeals court said the trustee effectively stood in the shoes of Petters Co because that company was equally or more at fault than M&I.

It said that meant BMO was not liable under a legal doctrine known as "in pari delicto."

"Bankruptcy law does not provide a vehicle for PCI or its trustee to proceed unbound by PCI's own wrongdoing," Chief Judge Steven Colloton wrote, referring to Petters Co.

Colloton cited a similar 2013 decision by the federal appeals court in New York that rejected claims that the trustee liquidating Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities made against JPMorgan Chase and other banks that Madoff used.

The case is Kelley v BMO Harris Bank NA, 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 23-2551.

(US$1 = C$1.358)

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Editors Note: Weve corrected the story to reflect who is funding the nonprofit as new information has been provided to us.

Violent crime is down in the City of Erie, and the police chief said some credit belongs to its community partners.

One local nonprofit is providing a program that gives those released from prison support to help them successfully re-enter Erie society.

The Erie County Re-Entry Services and Support Alliance (ECRSSA) provides former prisoners with help finding productive jobs so they can avoid returning to a life of crime.

If you dont give these people hope, then you make them desperate, if you make them desperate, the chance of them repeating that crime and going back to jail, is gonna happen, said Jake Kelton, director at the ECRSSA.

Infinite Erie announces new move to provide training to job seekers, housing

The nonprofit, funded by the Erie County district attorneys office and housed in the YMCA of Greater Erie, serves people upon their release from prison. Many come through these doors without as much as an ID. They leave with work clothing, a resume, training and a team willing to advocate to employers for them.

What we actually do is we give a warm call to them and say listen we have a person who has these, said Kelton.

Skills we know youre looking for those kind of people. Theyre good people and we need them to have good wages. That allows them to survive.

The program has helped 450 people since the start of the year, placing them in permanent well-paying jobs at places like Donjon Ship Building.

Two Erie properties to provide housing for the homeless with construction starting next year

The re-entry programs current case manager started as a client. After a series of tragic losses, Lance Buser landed in prison for DUIs. He was released in October with little hope of a future.

 I felt a sense of structure and hope again and they opened my eyes to what I possibly could do and that led to this position here, said Lance Buser, Case Manager, Erie County Re-entry Services and Support Alliance

Allen Brown was given a life sentence in 1976 at just 16 years old after accidentally killing his friend.

During that time he continued to focus on bettering himself, taking advantage of career training. He was released in 2021 at age 62. Hes now a peer advocate and mentor for the re-entry program.

New owners of Hotel Conneaut, park defend renovations calling them crucial

Mentoring and advocating is great because guys come in there with the hopeless look in their eyes and I know that look I lived the hopeless life, Brown said. We take a lot of people who are broken when they come in and they leave out of here. It is so rewarding to see that hope on their face.

The program is supporting more clients each day and the director expects it will soon outgrow its office in the YMCA basement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A Horry County man is accused of threatening a witness 25 times over the phone while he was in jail, even after being told that the calls were recorded, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

SLED released Friday that Lashon Alvin Ladson, 39, of Longs, has been charged with two counts of unlawful communication. Ladson allegedly made the threats between Aug. 23 and Sept. 3, while in jail at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.

Ladson has also been charged with threatening a witness of the state over the phone after being notified by a county magistrate that he should not have contact with them at his bond hearing on Oct. 13, 2022, according to reports. This also happened between Aug. 23 and Sept. 3, 2024.

Ladson was previously arrested in 2022, when he was charged with trafficking victims under the age of 18 and engaging in sexual battery of a victim while being trafficked, reports said.

Ladson is detained at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center awaiting trial, and will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office.

* * *

Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Horry County Schools search for new superintendent, ask for community input

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  The Horry County Board of Education has started its search for a new superintendent, inviting parents and community members to voice their opinions, a Friday news release said.

The board has hired BWP & Associates, a search firm specializing in assisting boards seeking superintendents, to be a part of the hiring process.

Horry County Schools parents and community members are asked to fill out an online survey regarding the search. The survey will be available on the school districts website from Sept. 16-30.

Parents and community members can also participate in meetings about the hiring process with consultants from BWP & Associates. The following public open forums are scheduled:

Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m.

Green Sea Floyds Middle/High School Community Room: 4990 Tulip Grove Rd, Green Sea, SC 29545

Myrtle Beach Middle School Cafeteria: 3101 N Oak St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Whittemore Park Middle School Auditorium: 500 El Bethel Rd, Conway, SC 29527

Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m.

Ocean Bay Middle School Auditorium: 905 International Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

North Myrtle Beach Middle School Auditorium: 11240 SC-90, Little River, SC 29566

St. James Middle School Auditorium: 9775 St James Rd, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m.

Aynor Middle School Cafeteria: 400 Frye Rd, Galivants Ferry, SC 29544

Loris Middle School Community Room: 5209 SC-66, Loris, SC 29569

Socastee Middle School Cafeteria: 151 Sheffield Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

* * *

Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Horry County Schools has sent a district-wide letter to parents regarding rumors of threats that have been received by schools.

Horry Schools spokesperson Lisa Bourcier sent the letter in an email from interim school superintendent Eddie Ingram.

The letter says, In the wake of the September 4 mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, there has been a national spike in school threats, and Horry County Schools has not been exempt. Several of our schools have been plagued by many rumors of threats and by social media posts perpetuating these rumors throughout the week.

School administrators have sent multiple parent messages acknowledging these rumors, and all information has been shared with our local law enforcement partners who are assisting us with the investigations.

The letter said that the district and law enforcement see the same messages that have been shared repeatedly on social media, adding that often a message is edited to replace the school name.

When students or adults repost messages on social media and dont report through the appropriate channels, it perpetuates fear and creates additional safety issues, Ingram said in the letter. It diverts resources from the school and law enforcement, complicates investigations, and makes it challenging to share accurate information with parents in a timely manner.

Earlier this week parents at four Horry County Schools reported receiving emails stating that staff had received a potential threat at the campus and posted that information on social media. At least one of the schools said additional police presence would be at the school.

Mike Frederick, the new executive director of safety and security for Horry County Schools, said Wednesday morning that he was unaware of any additional police being sent to any schools. He said there may have been an additional school resource officer, but his office had not ordered any additional police presence.

Frederick said his office receives threats every day, and each one is evaluated for its credibility and the appropriate response.

Our challenge is shifting through the wacky, he said. Thats why we have to be systematic and go through every threat received.

Ingram wrote in the letter that parents can assist HCS and law enforcement by closely monitoring their childrens social media accounts to ensure students report concerns directly to the school or law enforcement. If you come across a concerning post on social media, do not repost it  this can do more harm than good.

Students can report a school threat by contacting law enforcement or calling 911; contact school administrators; email Horry County Schools at saysomething@horrycountyschools.net; make an anonymous report to the School Crime Tip Line at any time by email or phone at 843-915-7767 or srotips@horrycounty.org; or make an anonymous report by clicking the red security icon on their school-issued devices.

Two teachers and two students were killed last week during a school shooting in Georgia. The shooter was a 15-year-old student.
A temperature of 114 is displayed on a digital sign outside of De Anza Magnet School in El Centro, Calif., in 2022. Higher summer temperatures, driven by climate change, are pushing some school districts around the country to start the school year later. Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images

Owen Driscoll, a 17-year-old senior at Rufus King International High School in Milwaukee, was skeptical about starting school after Labor Day this year, three weeks later than before. But he is beginning to see the advantages.

Last year when we were on the old schedule, we had a few heat days [off in August] because it was so unbearable, he said, noting that few classrooms are air-conditioned. That made it hard to get into the rhythm of school, he said.

By delaying the start date and extending the school year into June, heat days are more likely at the end of the year, Driscoll acknowledged. But by then, he said, students are ready to be done and appreciate the unscheduled time off.

Higher summer temperatures, driven by climate change, are pushing more school districts around the country to start the school year later. Its contrary to a decades-long trend toward moving up start dates. In addition to the change at some schools in Milwaukee, school officials in Philadelphia and in Billings, Montana, also have cited heat as a reason to push back their start dates.

We see examples all over the country, said Karen White, deputy executive director of the National Education Association, the largest teachers union in the country.

I think its only gotten worse, White said. We are at a point in time [in the school year when] parents and educators and students should be excited. Its difficult when you are sending your kid to a classroom thats more like a hot yoga class.

White said climate change has led some teachers to demand air conditioning in collective bargaining. She pointed to an agreement in Columbus, Ohio, that called for climate-controlled classrooms by the 2025-26 school year.

In Philadelphia, district spokesperson Christina Clark said that beginning school after Labor Day will minimize the number of heat-related school closures, which exacerbate inequities between schools that have air conditioning and those that do not.

Hot temperatures during the first few days of school leads to headaches, lack of attention and general frustration, Clark wrote in an email to Stateline.

In Billings, Montana, Superintendent Erwin Garcia noted that one of the districts oldest high schools has no air conditioning and the other has it in only half the building.

I noticed classrooms can be 90 degrees, 95 degrees, almost 100 degrees. And our students and teachers have to go through that process for two to three weeks, Garcia told local station KTVQ last December, when the district was discussing changes. The school board voted to push back this years start date to Sept. 3. The 2023-24 school year began on Aug. 22.

He estimated that fully air-conditioning the two oldest high schools would cost $24 million  and that the district would have to ask taxpayers for the money, according to KTVQ.

Its difficult when you are sending your kid to a classroom thats more like a hot yoga class.

 Karen White, deputy executive director of the National Education Association

A lawmaker in Texas, where most schools started the week of Aug. 12, plans to file a bill in the next legislative session to delay school openings as a way to reduce stress on the states power grid.

With 1,100 new residents daily and an ever-expanding economy, opening schools before Labor Day is an awfully wasteful stress on our power grid. Cooling thousands of buildings  often the largest buildings in a community  during the hottest months of the year makes no sense, Texas Republican state Rep. Jared Patterson wrote on the social platform X.

Schools should be completely closed during July & August, saving taxpayer dollars on cooling expenses and our grid at the same time, he wrote last month.

In general, schools in the Northeast start later, schools in the Deep South, earlier. In places that are hot for much of the year, such as Arizona, Florida and Texas, the heat is less of a concern because nearly all schools are fully air conditioned. In the six New England states, however, almost no students go back before the end of August, while in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, about three-quarters of students dont return until after Labor Day, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center.

Contrary to popular belief, the school calendar has little to do with the agrarian economy, according to historians. If it did, spring planting and fall harvesting seasons would be days off school for farm kids.

What is true is that in recent years, historically hot summers have forced many schools  no matter when their start dates  to temporarily close. Last month, for example, some schools in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin all closed or dismissed students early because of excessive heat.

And last year, schools in nine states  Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin  during the first week of September either closed or let kids out before scheduled dismissal, according to a survey by CBS News.

Climate change will probably hasten a push back to a September start in places that have somewhat temperate Junes, said Joshua Graff Zivin, an economist and director of the Cowhey Center on Global Transformation at the University of California San Diego.

Zivin said more schools should invest in air conditioning, but even with it, a hot commute to school or home temperatures too high to get a good nights sleep affect students performance and might lead to calls for later school start dates.

A U.S. Government Accountability Office study in 2020 found 41% of school districts across the country need to update or replace heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems in at least half of their schools, amounting to about 36,000 schools.

The federal agency didnt measure how many schools have no air conditioning at all, according to Jackie Nowicki, a director in GAOs team that focuses on education.

In Milwaukee, Adria Maddaleni, chief human resources officer for the Milwaukee Public Schools, said the later start was partially the result of a parent survey. Only about a quarter of classrooms in the district have air conditioning.

I thank the Lord we did not have early start this session, Maddaleni said in an interview, and we didnt have to worry about canceling school.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The U.S. House of Representatives bipartisan task force on the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump has obtained a trove of key medical records for the shooter.

The man leading the task force looking into the attempted assassination of former President Trump, made a disappointing discovery this week.

We wanted to match up with what we had. We dont have the ability to do that right now, Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) said.

Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Kelly says the coroner released the body of the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, to his family. They had him cremated before Kellys team could conduct their own review.

That really shouldnt have happened until we had completed everything we wanted to complete ahead of time, Kelly said.

So far, the investigation has involved obtaining thousands of documents, conducting hours of briefings and taking trips to the site of the shooting.

So, we do have the autopsy. We do have footage. We have a lot of things we can look at, Kelly said.

Thursday, the task force received a closed-door briefing from the Secret Service. After the meeting, members said the investigation has shown major failures.

It does appear that there were numerous lapses and failures at every level from securing the perimeter to ensuring communications occurring to coordinating across local state and federal law enforcement and several others as well, Rep. Jason Crow, (D-Colo.) said.

Colorado Congressman Jason Crow says with the campaign season being in full swing, that is creating staffing challenges for the Secret Service.

Were just in an era of extreme threats, increased threats across the board, Crow said.

The congressional task force has until Dec. 13 to release its full investigative 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Gerald Goines, the former Houston narcotics officer who instigated a January 2019 drug raid that killed a middle-aged couple he falsely accused of selling heroin, was shot in the face after he and his colleagues broke into the house where Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas lived and died. When an internal investigator interviewed him at the hospital after the raid, Goines could not speak because his jaw was wired shut. Instead, prosecutors explained during Goines' murder trial this week, he wrote down his answers.

Sgt. Richard Bass asked Goines the name of the confidential informant who, according to the search warrant affidavit that Goines filed the day of the raid, had bought heroin from a middle-aged white man at 7815 Harding Street the evening before. "There was no confidential informant," Goines wrote. "I made the purchase by myself." There was an obvious problem with that backup explanation: At the time of the purported heroin purchase, Bass told the jury, Goines was eating dinner at Taste of Texas, a restaurant more than 20 miles away.

Prosecutors showed jurors a picture of Goines at the restaurant. "Investigators also found a receipt in an HPD [Houston Police Department] vehicle from the restaurant at the time Goines was seen on camera," KTRK, the ABC affiliate in Houston, reports. "They also found surveillance video from a neighbor showing Goines never went to Harding Street the day before the raid."

Since defense attorney Nicole DeBorde conceded during her opening statement that Goines lied in his affidavit and at the hospital, this evidence might seem unnecessary. But the quick unraveling of Goines' story suggests the "pattern of deceit" that local prosecutors discovered when they started reexamining his drug cases could have been detected much sooner if anyone had been paying attention.

Since the Harding Street raid, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has overturned at least 22 convictions that were based on Goines' plainly unreliable word. Those cases, like this one, featured imaginary drug purchases that Goines used to obtain search warrants, sometimes citing the same confidential informant. For years, drug defendants had complained that Goines was framing them, but no one took them seriously.

Goines' dishonesty went beyond fictional transactions. His search warrant applications frequently described guns that were never found. Over 12 years, The Houston Chronicle reported, Goines obtained nearly 100 no-knock warrants, almost always claiming that informants had seen firearms in the homes he wanted to search. But he reported recovering guns only oncea suspicious pattern that no one seems to have noticed.

When Goines applied for a no-knock warrant to search Tuttle and Nicholas' home, he likewise described a nonexistent gun. He said his informant had seen a 9mm semi-automatic pistol at 7815 Harding Street, but there was no such weapon at the house. Goines cited that imaginary gun to bolster his argument for entering the home "without first knocking and announcing the presence and purpose of officers executing the warrant." Since "a weapon was observed during the narcotic investigation," he said, "such knocking and announcing would be dangerous."

Former municipal judge Gordon G. Marcum II, who approved the warrant, testified that he would not have done so if he had known Goines was lying about the heroin purchase. But that is not exactly reassuring.

Marcum noted that it was unusual for an officer to seek such a warrant from a municipal judge rather than a district court. He said he approved the warrant after about 20 minutes. But Marcum overlooked some obvious red flags.*

Although Goines claimed he had been investigating drug activity at Tuttle and Nicholas' home for two weeks, he had not bothered to find out who lived there. He described the alleged heroin dealer as "a white male, whose name is unknown."

At the hospital after the raid, Goines said: "I was looking to buy from a female. I bought from the male. I had info regarding people at the residence. I'm not sure if the guy I bought from was male listed in info."

That "info" came from a neighbor, Patricia Garcia, who called 911 to report that her daughter was using heroin at 7815 Harding Street. She alleged that Tuttle and Nicholas were armed and dangerous drug dealers. But police eventually discovered that Garcia, who did not even have a daughter, had made the whole thing up. In March 2021, she pleaded guilty to federal charges based on her fraudulent 911 calls, and she was later sentenced to 40 months in prison.

Officers Richard Morales and Nicole Blankenship-Reeves were charged with following up on Garcia's tip. Blankenship-Reeves "visited the home and found no sign of criminal activity," The Houston Chronicle reports. Lt. Marsha Todd, who was dating Blankenship-Reeves, nevertheless urged her girlfriend to "write down her intel about the house and pass it to her." Based on an unverified tip that would prove to be nothing but the lies of a neighbor with a grudge against Nicholas, Todd left a "handwritten memo" for Goines, who was supposed to investigate the matter further.

It seems clear that Goines did not do that, and the fact that he did not even know the name of the "white male" who had supposedly sold heroin to a confidential informant was an obvious clue for Marcum that the basis for the warrant was shaky. Another clue: In his affidavit, Goines said he had "advised" his informant that "narcotics were being sold and stored" at the house, but he cited no evidence of that. It does not look like Marcum, who by his account devoted 20 minutes to reading the affidavit and approving the warrant, tried to assess the thoroughness of Goines' purported investigation.

Goines' fellow officers also had reason to doubt that he knew much of anything about the people whose home they were about to invade. Although he "briefed a tactical team that the targets' home did not have a dog," the Chronicle reports, Morales "testified that he told Goines that was not true." Morales said Tuttle and Nicholas "had a dog that another officer had seen in the front yard weeks earlier."

The couple actually had two dogs, one of which an officer killed with a shotgun immediately after Goines and his colleagues broke into the house. That detail proved to be crucial, since the cops' opening shot helped precipitate an exchange of gunfire that killed the homeowners while injuring Goines and three other officers.

According to prosecutors, Tuttle was napping in a bedroom when the cops broke down the door and killed his dog. "Mr. Tuttle reacted as anybody would, any normal person, hearing guns ring out in their house, their doors blown in, his wife on the couch, the dog is dead in the living room," Harris County Assistant District Attorney Keaton Forcht told the jury on Monday. "He grabs his pistol and comes storming out."

By contrast, Art Acevedo, then Houston's police chief, put the blame for the violence squarely on Tuttle and Nicholas, whom he described as dangerous criminals who were operating a locally notorious "drug house" where police had "actually bought black-tar heroin." Acevedo hailed the copsGoines especiallyas "heroes" and claimed that neighbors were grateful to the officers for their brave intervention.

The evidence of Goines' deceit eventually forced Acevedo to revise that account. But he continued to describe the other officers as "heroes" and even insisted they "had probable cause to be there." That claim is blatantly inconsistent with the state's evidence against Goines and the federal indictment that charges him with deadly Fourth Amendment violations.

The cops plainly did not have "probable cause to be there," and that fact should have been apparent to Marcum if he had thoroughly questioned Goines. Yet if the raid had not gone horribly wrong, most people would have continued to believe the story that Acevedo initially told. If Goines had not been shot during the police assault on Tuttle and Nicholas's home, he could have planted evidence to validate his false claims, and he would have been free to continue framing people he thought were guilty.

When he resigned in disgrace after the Harding Street raid, Goines had been a Houston police officer for more than three decades. But despite allegations of perjury and a history of making claims that could not be independently verified, no one in a position of authority questioned his honesty until it was too late.

[*This post has been revised to focus on the questions raised by Goines' affidavit rather than the amount of time that Marcum spent on it.]

The post Houston Officials Trusted a Dishonest Drug Cop for Decades Before His Lies Killed 2 People appeared first on Reason.com.
Humans Keep Growing an Extra Artery in Their Arms, And Here's Why

Picturing how our species might appear in the far future often invites wild speculation over stand-out features such as height, brain size, and skin complexion. Yet subtle shifts in our anatomy today demonstrate how unpredictable evolution can be.

Take something as mundane as an extra blood vessel in our arms, which going by current trends could be commonplace within just a few generations.

An artery that temporarily runs down the center of our forearms while we're still in the womb isn't vanishing as often as it used to, according to a study published in 2020 from researchers at Flinders University and the University of Adelaide in Australia.

That means there are more adults than ever with what amounts to be an extra channel of vascular tissue flowing under their wrist.

"Since the 18th century, anatomists have been studying the prevalence of this artery in adults and our study shows it's clearly increasing," Flinders University anatomist Teghan Lucas explained in 2020.

"The prevalence was around 10 percent in people born in the mid-1880s compared to 30 percent in those born in the late 20th century, so that's a significant increase in a fairly short period of time, when it comes to evolution."

The median artery forms fairly early in development in all humans, transporting blood down the center of our arms to feed our growing hands.

Three major arteries in the forearm  median in the center. (ilbusca/Digital Vision Vectors/Getty Images)

At around eight weeks, it usually regresses, leaving the task to two other vessels  the radial (which we can feel when we take a person's pulse) and the ulnar arteries.

Anatomists have known for some time that this withering away of the median artery isn't a guarantee. In some cases, it hangs around for another month or so.

Sometimes we're born with it still pumping away, feeding either just the forearm, or in some cases the hand as well.

To compare the prevalence of this persistent blood channel, Lucas and colleagues Maciej Henneberg and Jaliya Kumaratilake from the University of Adelaide examined 80 limbs from cadavers, all donated by Australians of European descent.

The donors ranged from 51 to 101 on passing, which means they were nearly all born in the first half of the 20th century.

Noting down how often they found a chunky median artery capable of carrying a good supply of blood, the research team compared the figures with records dug out of a literature search, taking into account tallies that could over-represent the vessel's appearance.

Their results were published in the Journal of Anatomy.

The fact the artery seems to be three times as common in adults today as it was more than a century ago is a startling find that suggests natural selection is favoring those who hold onto this extra bit of bloody supply.

"This increase could have resulted from mutations of genes involved in median artery development or health problems in mothers during pregnancy, or both actually," said Lucas.

We might imagine having a persistent median artery could give dexterous fingers or strong forearms a dependable boost of blood long after we're born. Yet having one also puts us at a greater risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, an uncomfortable condition that makes us less able to use our hands.

Nailing down the kinds of factors that play a major role in the processes selecting for a persistent median artery will require a lot more sleuthing.

Whatever they might be, it's likely we'll continue to see more of these vessels, the research suggests.

"If this trend continues, a majority of people will have median artery of the forearm by 2100," said Lucas.

This rapid rise of the median artery in adults isn't unlike the reappearance of a knee bone called the fabella, which is also three times more common today than it was a century ago.

As small as these differences are, tiny microevolutionary changes add up to large-scale variations that come to define a species.

Together they create new pressures themselves, putting us on new paths of health and disease that right now we might find hard to imagine today.

This research was published in the Journal of Anatomy.

An earlier version of this article was published in October 2020.

Related News
Hundreds of people watched Jersey's annual air display on Thursday afternoon.

The four-hour air show took place over St Aubin's Bay and included displays by the RAF Falcons parachute display team and a PBY Catalina flying boat.

However, some spectators raised concerns over the future of the event which was was saved from cancellation thanks to donations from islanders and local companies.

Two aircraft, a Yak 3 and a Breguet Alize, were forced to pull out on Wednesday because of "weather conditions", meaning that the show's schedule was not as full as previous years.

Event organiser Mike Higgins said this year's event had been "a particularly difficult one" [BBC]

Event organiser Mike Higgins said that despite the challenges, a successful show was still able to take place.

"This year has been a particularly difficult one but air displays are about problem-solving."

He said he was "eternally grateful" for more than 30,000 of donations, as well as corporate sponsorship, which meant the event could go ahead as planned.

'It's not the same'

One spectator said this year's event was "not the same" as previous years when there had been a display from The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.

Peter Clarke, vice-chair of the Royal Air Force Association, called for better inter-island cooperation, to ensure better displays.

He said: "If it had been arranged so that we had the display at the same time as Guernsey then we would've been able to have the Red Arrows.

"Consequently that would've meant we'd have a much better air show."

Follow BBC Jersey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

More on this story

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As hunting season is upon us: Reminders for staying safe during Kentuckys deer season

KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Kentuckys 2024-2025 hunting season is officially underway, with archery season for deer opening last week but there are a few reminders before hunters release their bows.

During the next four and a half months, hunters can expect cool fall mornings, the sound of leaves crunching as deer approach, and plenty of opportunities to fill their tags. But hunting also requires a lot of responsibility.

Each hunting season has different rules hunters must follow, so Kentucky Fish and Wildlife encourages them to familiarize themselves with the licenses and permits required, as well as the hunting equipment allowed for that particular season.

Kentuckys standard statewide deer permit allows hunters to take up to four deer: one antlered deer and three antlerless deer. An additional permit allowing hunters to collect additional deer in Zone 1 areas is available. Harvest limits for antlerless deer and method restrictions vary across Kentuckys four deer zones, which are designated based on deer population density. Hunters should review the hunting zone map available online.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

The department said last years season saw hunters take home the seventh-highest harvest on record, with nearly 141,000 deer.

I think for your archery season, you know, obviously being prepared, being well prepared and trained in your preferred method, whether its a vertical bow, step bow, a crossbow, whatever it may be. Make sure youre well prepared so that youre taking safe ethical shots and then a lot of the rest of its probably going to be pre-standard type safety. Most of our archers are hunting from elevated spots, usually like a tree or tree saddle, said Joe McDermott, deer program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Just telling folks to be mindful of themselves when theyre getting in and out of the tree when making that step over the platform.

Officials say participants born after 1974 are required to show proof of their hunter education certification. The department offers classes both in person and online. But new hunters who plan to hunt with an experienced hunter may qualify for a temporary exemption permit.

To ensure the safety of all hunters, the department also encourages them to follow routine safety precautions when handling, processing, and consuming meat from harvested game. If an animal appears sick or unhealthy, it should not be harvested or handled. The department said although modern firearms are the most popular season, archery season comes in right behind it.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

Were definitely excited about it, deer hunting is one of the most popular activities in Kentucky. Its probably the most sought-after game species that our hunters pursue, said McDermott.

Allowable equipment for deer hunting includes archery, crossbow, muzzleloader and modern gun, but they each have specific dates they can be utilized.

Kentucky deer season dates:

Archery: Sept. 7, 2024  Jan. 20, 2025

Crossbow: Sept. 21, 2024  Jan. 20, 2025

Youth-only: Oct. 12-13, 2024

Muzzleloader: Oct. 19-20, 2024 and Dec. 14-22, 2024

Modern gun: Nov. 9-24, 2024

Free Youth Weekend: Dec. 28-29, 2024

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
By Pritam Biswas

(Reuters) -U.S. bank stocks fell on Wednesday, extending declines after top executives warned of a slower-than-anticipated recovery in investment banking and an expected hit to interest income from looming rate cuts.

The commentary has sparked concerns about the industry, which has been under stress since last year. It also comes at a delicate time for the economy as a slowdown in the labor market spooks investors.

"Investors are trying to reconcile a few moving parts that are both bullish and bearish," said David Wagner, portfolio manager and equity analyst at Aptus Capital Advisors.

"Rate cuts are expected to compress net interest income (NII) but lower rates are also supposed to help boost spending. A tug of war has begun to see if growth can insulate the NII compression."

Bank of America, Citigroup and Wells Fargo fell between 1.3% and 2%. Morgan Stanley dipped 0.5%, while JPMorgan Chase was largely flat.

The comments overshadowed concessions made by the Federal Reserve, which has said it will water down a highly contested plan to raise big banks' capital.

Goldman Sachs shares turned positive and were last up marginally. In an interview with CNBC, the bank's CEO, David Solomon, dismissed the notion that its planned early exit from a credit card partnership with General Motors was "messy".

OVERLY OPTIMISTIC NII

JPMorgan led the declines on Tuesday with a 5.2% fall after President and Chief Operating Officer Daniel Pinto said forecasts for the bank's 2025 NII - the difference between what it earns on loans and pays out on deposits - were overly optimistic.

Rivals Wells Fargo and Citigroup had declined 1.2% and 2.7% respectively on Tuesday, while investment banks Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs each fell 1.6% and 4.4%.

Higher rates had boosted banks' loan income, but easing monetary policy would lead to smaller-than-expected increases.

Morgan Stanley has also forecast modestly lower interest income for the third quarter, with President Dan Simkowitz noting that mergers, acquisitions and initial public offering activities will remain below trends for the rest of the year.

Pinto expects JPMorgan's trading revenue to be flat or rise 2% in the quarter, while Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon anticipates a probable 10% dip due to sluggish conditions in August.

Citigroup's CFO Mark Mason told investors at a conference in New York on Monday that markets revenue is likely to drop 4%.

The comments from executives of top U.S. banks overshadowed the Fed's revised plan to raise big banks' capital by 9%, down from 19%.

(Reporting by Pritam Biswas and Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore, Sriraj Kalluvila and Maju Samuel)
Husband sentenced for wifes 2023 murder outside of apartment near Reed College

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man who was found guilty for the shooting death of his wife outside of an apartment near Reed College in 2023 was sentenced to prison on Thursday, Multnomah County District Attorneys office announced.

Officials said 30-year-old Adam Jamal Burns was sentenced to 23 years in prison for the death of 28-year-old April Newcombe-Cripe, following his guilty plea in August.

The shooting happened just before 11:30 p.m. outside of a unit at Wimbledon Square Apartments on Southeast 30th Avenue where Newcombe-Cripe lived with their two young children. Police say her children were found safe inside the apartment.

Abandoned, derelict pirate boats still a headache on Willamette River

Burns fled the scene before police arrived, but was later arrested by U.S. Marshals and Vancouver police in May 2023 on second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon charges.

Officials said Newcombe-Cripe previously expressed concerns about Burns killing her or having her killed, noting he was seen in his vehicle around the apartments in the days leading up to her murder.

Surveillance video also showed a vehicle matching one owned by Burns in the apartment complex minutes before police were called and the gun used in the shooting was found and linked to Burns, authorities said.

If you or someone you know is seeking help, below is a list of local and national domestic violence resources:

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IAEA to increase monitoring missions to facilities critical to nuclear safety in Ukraine

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will increase its monitoring missions to Ukrainian facilities critical to nuclear safety, Ukraine's state nuclear energy company Energoatom reported on Sept. 13.

Ukraine relies on nuclear power for more than half of its energy production, which is increasingly in demand amid Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

The country's nuclear facilities are also one of Russia's key targets amid the war.

IAEA experts visited one of Ukraine's power substations on Sept. 12 that was damaged in recent Russian attacks. For security reasons, Energoatom did not disclose the substation's location.

According to the agency, the IAEA's visit was the beginning of the implementation of the agreements reached during the meeting of President Volodymyr Zelensky and Rafael Grossi, the IAEA's general director.

Following the meeting, the participants did not provide details on the new agreements.

The agency's monitoring missions will be present at electrical substations critical to the safety of nuclear facilities, according to Energoatom.

Energoatom said that Russia "has changed its tactics" and is attacking facilities that are extremely important for the smooth operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

"The invaders pose a threat to nuclear and radiation safety, and this is real terrorism against humanity. The entire civilized world must strongly condemn these actions and demand an end to the attacks on the substations," the Energoatom's statement read.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest nuclear power station in Europe, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022.

Russia's occupation of the plant has led to heightened nuclear safety risks, and Ukraine has repeatedly accused Moscow of using the plant as a launching site for drone attacks, presenting a serious security hazard.

Monitoring teams from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been based at the facility on rotation since September 2022, but Russian authorities still deny IAEA inspectors full access to the plant.

Read also: Explaining Russias new nuclear doctrine saber-rattling or real threat?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
IAEA to send its experts to substations important for safety of Ukrainian nuclear power plants

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will expand the representation of its monitoring missions in Ukraine to the infrastructure facilities impacting the safety of Ukrainian nuclear power plants (NPPs).

Source: Ukrainian state-owned nuclear company Energoatom

Quote: "From now on, the monitoring missions of the Agency will be present at electric substations, critical for the security of nuclear plants."

Details: Energoatom notes that a reliable external power supply is crucial for the safety of NPPs, and Russian attacks on the power grid cause major problems and create risks for their safety.

Background: Further Russian attacks on the power system of Ukraine may lead to an emergency at one of the three operating nuclear power plants still controlled by Kyiv.

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Renata Birkenbuel

ICT

School is in full swing for students of all ages after summer break.

But a dedicated group of educators work year-round to problem-solve persistent, complex problems among Native students in the hopes of easing their education journey.

In our ICT education roundtable, three experts discuss three nagging issues  chronic absenteeism, a severe drop in college enrollment among Natives and the ongoing importance of teaching Native curriculum.

In order to avoid a domino effect of young Native students who miss too much school for a variety of reasons, educators are highly tuned into the reasons that factor into chronic absenteeism, for starters.

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM

After 20 years of working in Anadarko, Oklahoma, where up to 85 percent of the students are Native, Donna Richey, Tribal Communities and Schools Program Director for the National Indian Education Association, said chronic absenteeism is an ongoing challenge.

So, chronic absenteeism has been a huge factor for our students, for reducing students finishing school, said Richey, Kiowa. Usually for our native students, the number is doubled for them as opposed to other areas of race or ethnic groups.

As absenteeism rates escalated, Richey and the National Indian Education Association started a partnership program with schools during the 2020 COVID pandemic to help lower the numbers.

We were able to kind of stabilize that a little bit in our community, said Richey. I always loved hearing our superintendent say, I don't know what we would've done without this program.

Donna Richey, Kiowa, works as Tribal Communities and Schools Program Director for the National Indian Education Association. (Photo Courtesy National Indian Education Association)

Some major causes of absenteeism include lack of transportation to and from school  especially in rural areas. Others are wellness-oriented  mental and physical health, no internet access, no computer at home  even the lack of basic resources like electricity. All can hurt a students attendance in both rural and urban schools.

Richey said cultural identity, historical context of Native families, community support and the degree to which a family values education play into their childs quality of education, too, in public, tribal and BIE schools.

Usually Natives tend to have double the number of absences, as opposed to other areas of race or ethnic groups, added Richey. Our goal was to have 75-to-85 percent of the students that we were working with, specifically with our native students  to reduce their absenteeism.

After relationship building with the community as a whole and close monitoring of students, Richey said as many as about 95 percent of the students the National Indian Education Association worked with decreased their number of absences. Overall, Anadarko schools reduced chronic absenteeism 10-to-20 percent.

Public schools like some in South Dakota with high Native student populations can learn from charter schools, which Richey said tend to have more community wealth.

A lot of charter schools really are community-based, and they're choice-based, which can make a big difference in increasing Native attendance, she said.They have language immersion, they have cultural immersion.

Cheryl Crazy Bull, Sicangu Lakota, President of the American Indian College Fund and a former tribal school superintendent, echoed Richeys suggestions for a students later decision to seek higher education.

How do you help people?, said Crazy Bull. How do you incentivize the value of learning, which is really a strong tradition among all of our people? Our people always valued learning. And so being able to make that cultural connection like you were talking about, I think is really important.

Crazy Bull said absenteeism can decrease with K-12 school-wide cultural events and community bonding by Creating that connection between the community, something that was really a critical issue for us as Lakota people, but also helping young people and their families see that they could have something really important to their identity.

Richey said simply communicating regularly with families promotes cultural identity for students.

A goal is to help K-12 students realize that they, too, can eventually attend college.

LOWER COLLEGE ENROLLMENT

Crazy Bull confirmed that college enrollment among Native students has dropped drastically in the last 12 years.

We've seen a drop in Native student enrollment in college of about 40 percent, which is a crisis in Indian country, said Crazy Bull. It's actually a crisis for America when you have a population that isn't able to access post-secondary education.

Some causes remain the high cost of college and family obligations, including child care and jobs for non-traditional students.

We find that a significant number of students, like at the College Fund, that about 40 percent of our students have dependents, added Crazy Bull.

The American Indian College Fund, however, remains a vital resource.

There are increased investments through scholarships, increased advocacy for raising the amount of the Pell Grant Award, Crazy Bull said. You know, helping students navigate that environment so they can remove that financial barrier, I think is really important.

Cheryl Crazy Bull, American Indian College Fund president and Sicangu Lakota, said the current 40 percent drop in Native students enrolling in college is a crisis. (Photo Courtesy American Indian College Fund)

But first things first. Applying for financial aid as soon as possible is key.

I just wanna give a shout out to students, Crazy Bull added. If you are in college and you haven't completed your free application for federal student aid, please do so. If you're thinking about going to college, please do that. You can go to the college fund's website and get help on how to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid that will help you address the financial issues.

Another barrier that Native students face is finding a lack of community on a college campus once they arrive.

Does a student, or a potential student who tries college, actually feel like they belong?, said Crazy Bull. Often times we act like it's the student's fault if they struggle in an institution. I think that it's the institution that should be responsible for removing barriers to student engagement and increasing the sense of belonging.

I think our people have to work hard, she continued. We have to invest in our education, we have to take the time to do that. But I do think if you look at recruitment, for example, for post-secondary education, most of our students don't get recruited for college. Most of our students don't have access to school counselors to give them some advice on how to go to college.

Anna East, who taught 22 years on the Flathead Reservation and watched generations of students head for college, echoed that institutions must work hard to recruit and retain Native students  and that upper management should listen to savvy Native instructors, professors and staff leaders on campus.

Recruiters must take into account that first-generation college students whose parents did not graduate college may not envision themselves doing so.

We recognize that the family  even if the family's struggling  still has to be part of the decision making around going to college, added Crazy Bull. When the family isn't involved, then that contributes to that decline and student involvement.

One College Fund resource is the Native Pathways Guidebook, a practical, culturally relevant step-by-step guide for preparing for and getting into college.

Another way to point Natives toward college is expanding Native curriculum in schools.

NATIVE CURRICULUM

A lot of the curriculum  could be improved or could be enhanced, said East, a non-native who teaches Native Curriculum to teachers and who works as Tribal Relations and Education fellow for the Montana Digital Academy.

Montana is unique in that it has written into its progressive 1972 constitution an Indian Education for All statute.

Indian Education for All eventually became law, so that all students in all subject areas in kindergarten through college, can learn in culturally responsive ways about Montanas first peoples. Legislators eventually funded IEFA in 2005, plus an adaptive curriculum exists for teachers of all subject areas.

It's been an ongoing challenge to help teachers learn what they need to know for their grade level, for their subject level, and based on the background that they have or don't have, said East.

Anna East, who teaches Indian Education for All curriculum to Montana teachers, taught for 22 years on the Flathead Reservation. She is non-native, but works closely with tribal educators. She also serves asTribal Relations and Education fellow for the Montana Digital Academy, the states virtual school housed at the University of Montana. (Photo by Renata Birkenbuel, ICT)

Also, we have a lot of new teachers coming into the state, and, and they have to get caught up, East added. There's no sort of class that everyone takes in order to get a (IEFA) teaching license here. They're just supposed to do the work and do it well. So those are some of the things that I talk about when I talk with teachers and districts who ask me to come do workshops with teachers.

Isolated, one-time lessons about Native history are out. Ongoing merging of Native culture in all classes is in.

What Indian Education for All does, added East, is it infuses the curriculum with materials that are respectful and culturally responsive, and if done well, engage students in feeling much more included. And so, for students to have that experience, teachers need to also know it. And those are Native kids.

Some non-native teachers approach Native curriculum hesitantly, for fear of offending, said Richey. But East said its okay to make mistakes  as long as teachers in all subjects are incorporating some Native curriculum into their lessons.

Everyone learns on a curve  even teachers.

We also see that there is an important impact on non-Native students, especially when they don't live in or near a reservation, East added. They don't have access to any way to break down stereotypes, to actually get to know anything about the people that are their neighbors. And so we see Indian education for all as a way of creating better neighbors.

Incorporating Native history, culture and languages into all subjects is key for younger students to see themselves represented early on.

It's not a stand alone; its part of the whole, said East. And that is true of all the subjects.There's no reason not to infuse every subject with this material.

Resources abound for teachers. East regularly enlists Native speakers and Native colleagues in her classes for strong representation.

Successfully decreasing absenteeism and bolstering college enrollment eventually overlap, but so do Native students seeing teachers who look like them.

I'll put a plug in for more Native teachers, added Crazy Bull. Because if you have Native colleagues  just like if you have any other person of color as a colleague or people with different gender identities as colleagues  it allows you to be more comfortable being able to teach about different subject matters. And so I just, I think let's increase Native student enrollment and higher ed by getting more teachers.

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President Zelensky has relied on Britain to lead the charge of the Allies, holding off the illegal Russian invasion and thence to preventing the destruction of schools and hospitals. Its a dark portent of Labours leadership that he now has now indicated concerns over wavering support.

To see our new foreign secretary in Kyiv speaking, but saying nothing of consequence, is hard for those of us who have been helping Ukraine from the start. It must be even more devastating for the rank and file in Ukraine who have lost so much and face a third freezing and dark winter.

Who is advising David Lammy? For the want of a Storm Shadow or two, the Ukrainian population are at a point of potential Russian subjugation. Missiles, glide bombs and long-range drones have been hammering into hospitals, schools and the power grid for months. This chaos could have been brought to an abrupt halt, if the UK unshackled Ukraine and allowed them to strike these threats from the Russian airfields from whence they came.

Presumably, the foreign secretary is concerned too much by escalation, and feels the need to appease the Left of his party by focusing on halting some arms licenses to Israel.

After 30 months of threats from the Kremlin and their gangsters of nuclear attack on the UK if we provide air defence missiles to Kyiv, even the most unworldly ministers must recognise this is as bluff and bluster.

The threat of Storm Shadow use in Russia will push those missiles out of range of the civilian targets Putin wants to hit in Ukraine. The fact that it also makes it impossible for Putin to launch tactical nuclear missiles against the country should have made this a no-brainer from the very beginning.

It is no good to keep saying we will support Ukraine, unerringly until the job is done, and then not do it. Putin is not the complete fool that some in Westminster seem to think. When he looked west in February 2022, he saw no conventional deterrence to stop him attacking. When he looks west today, he sees dithering and hot air and nothing to take his foot off Ukraines proverbial jugular.

It is no good for our new government to expect the US to do the heavy lifting and cover for our lack of political resolve. The US are a lot less worried by Putin in Ukraine than we are, as they are 4000 miles away and well out of range  we are not. Still, the mood music of the press conference in Kyiv communicated that the UK was firmly in the passenger seat, with Blinken throwing a few crumbs of praise our way.

It is much easier to defeat the Russian army in Russia than it will be in the fields and towns of Europe. Perhaps a history special advisor, would be useful to remind the new government of what happened the last time a tyrant attacked west across Europe towards these islands: perhaps then Labour might be not so squeamish about British missiles attacking Russian forces.

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BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD)  Eligible students in Bloomington and Normal will soon have fewer worries around college admissions.

Illinois Wesleyan University announced that it will be offering direct admission to eligible students at Bloomington High School, Normal Community High School, Normal Community West High School, University High School and Central Catholic High School.

Starting Sept. 16, qualifying seniors will be guaranteed a spot at IWU which will streamline the admissions process while keeping students local.

We recognize the exceptional education that takes place at Bloomington-Normal high schools and we are pleased to build on those efforts to support our community, said Illinois Wesleyan President Sheahon Zenger. Were thrilled with the academic strength of students admitted through this program right in our own backyard.

IWU breaks fundraising goal two years in a row

Students who are accepted will receive information through their school. The direct admission will eliminate the need to complete traditional application paperwork.

A pilot program for direct admissions began at Bloomington High School in 2023. The university reported that the program doubled the amount of students from the school attending the university.

We are really excited that BHS students and other students from our community will have this opportunity to be directly admitted to Illinois Wesleyan, Bloomington High School Principal Tim Moore said. I applaud IWU for making an effort to not only recruit local students but for making the process for qualified students to be admitted seamless.

The university stated it is the first university in the area to set up direct admission partnerships with local schools.

More information on the university is available on its website.

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By Rodrigo Campos

(Reuters) -The head of the International Monetary Fund gave her support to regional director Rodrigo Valdes on Friday, a day after the IMF had announced he would step aside from negotiations with Argentina.

"I have complete confidence in Rodrigo Valdes to lead the work of IMF's Western Hemisphere Department," said IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in a statement.

"He is an outstanding economist, a dedicated international civil servant, and a wonderful colleague. I trust Rodrigo's judgment on all matters, including on deciding to delegate the Fund's program negotiations with Argentina to his deputy, Luis Cubeddu."

The IMF said on Thursday that Valdes would delegate Argentine talks to other officials, in an announcement that came after Argentina's president Javier Milei had criticized Valdes' work. Cubeddu and mission chief for Argentina Ashvin Ahuja were named as contacts with Argentine authorities.

Thursday's move was welcomed by Milei's right-wing administration, who have criticized Chilean economist Valdes as a leftist who did not understand their program.

Argentina is the largest debtor to the IMF and has indicated it will request a new program as the current $44 billion agreement ends later this year.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Campos; Editing by Leslie Adler and Rosalba O'Brien)
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 Thomson 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.

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Just eight of these copies are known to still exist, and the other seven are publicly owned.

Brunk Auctions

After centuries hidden in a North Carolina filing cabinet, a 237-year-old piece of American history is headed to auction.

An incredibly rare copy of the United States Constitution, signed by Secretary of Congress Charles Thomson, will soon be up for sale at Brunk Auctions in Asheville. Bidding will begin at $1 million, but it is expected to sell for much more.

This copy was printed in 1787, after the Constitutional Convention finished drafting a proposed framework for the new nations government. About 100 copies were printed by Thomson and sent to the congress requesting they send it to the states to be ratified by the people. Experts believe that 26two for each of the 13 stateswere signed. Members of special ratifying conventions spent months going back and forth before accepting the structure the founders put forth.

Just eight of these copies are known to still exist, and the other seven are publicly owned.

Brunk Auctions

James Madison wrote that the Constitution was nothing more than a draft of a plan, nothing but a dead letter, until life and validity were breathed into it by the voice of the people, speaking through several State Conventions, auctioneer Andrew Brunk said in a statement. This simple looking version is what started breathing life into the Constitution.

The copy, deemed one of the most important printed in history, was discovered at Hayes Farm, a 184-acre plantation in Edenton, North Carolina, in 2022. The property was purchased in 1765 by Samuel Johnston, who served as governor of North Carolina from 1787-1789 and presided over the state's two ratification conventions. In 1865, it was acquired by the Wood family, who lived in and preserved it for seven generations.

Brunk Auctions The filing cabinet where the copy was found.

The document was reportedly found inside an old filing cabinet in a storage room while the property was being cleared out and sold to the state of North Carolina for conservation and transformation into a public historic site.

The ratification copy of the Constitution will be sold at Brunk Auctions on September 28the 237th anniversary of the day Congress passed the ratification resolution.



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Read the original article on Southern Living.
(Bloomberg) -- Indias government is ready to offer the Maldives emergency financial support to help ease the island nations financial woes as risks of the first sukuk default loom, people familiar with the matter said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Maldives can immediately tap $400 million available under the Reserve Bank of Indias currency swap program thats open to regional countries, Indian officials said, asking not to be identified before a final decision is made. The country can also seek long-term loans under a $800 million line of credit extended to the government in 2019, the people said.

Its unclear if the Maldives government has officially asked for Indias help yet. However, the matter is likely to be discussed during President Mohamed Muizzus visit to India in coming weeks, the people said.

The emergency funding would help the Maldives meet its external debt payments coming due next month as investors worry over the worlds first Islamic bond default. The government this week pledged to meet its debt obligations, helping its dollar-denominated sukuks recover from a record low.

Indias Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment when contacted for further information. The RBI, the Maldives government and the Maldives Monetary Authority didnt immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

The Maldives faces a $25 million payment on its roughly $500 million of outstanding sukuk debt in October, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The Maldives Monetary Authority said in a statement at the end of last month that it is working on signing an agreement for a $400 million currency swap arrangement with India.

Indias willingness to help Maldives comes despite Muizzu coming to power last year on an anti-India platform and a pledge to foster stronger ties with China, the biggest lender to the Maldives. Both India and China are vying for influence in the region.

The Peoples Bank of China and the Maldives signed a memorandum of understanding to expand use of local currencies between the two sides, the central bank said in a statement Friday.

Tourism-dependent Maldives has racked up significant debts over the years, while its foreign exchange reserves have slumped. As of March 2024, the countrys debt stood at 110% of gross domestic product, according to the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank.

Reserves amounted to $437 million at the end of August, sufficient to cover only around one and a half months of imports, according to Moodys Ratings, and significantly below the governments external debt service of about $600-700 million in 2025 and more than $1 billion in 2026. Moodys downgraded the nations rating further into junk territory this month, citing default risks.

The economic crisis in the Maldives worsened last year following a diplomatic spat between the island nation and India, prompting Indian holidaymakers to boycott the country, reducing a key source of income.

Under the RBIs currency swap window, countries from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, or SAARC, can draw dollars or euros from an overall amount of $2 billion to avert a balance of payment crisis. The RBI also started a rupee facility of 250 billion rupees ($3 billion) this year to provide backstop funding for a maximum three years.

--With assistance from Abhishek Shanker and Atul Prakash.

(Updates to add initial agreement between PBOC and Maldives in eighth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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[Getty Images]

Vodafone and Three have rejected claims by the UK's competition watchdog that their proposed merger would lead to higher prices for millions of mobile users.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has "provisionally concluded" the deal would weaken competition between mobile networks.

It has particular concerns that customers who are least able to afford mobile services would be most affected.

The findings are the latest from the CMA's ongoing probe into the merger, which it launched in January.

The regulator will now consult on its findings and potential solutions to its worries over competition.

These solutions could include legally binding investment commitments, and measures to protect both retail and wholesale customers.

Vodafone's CEO for European Markets, Ahmed Essam, told the Today programme, on BBC Radio 4, that he still believed the merger would make a better network for customers, and add to the competition in the market.

"We've made a significant commitment to an 11bn investment," he said.

"We're willing to make sure that this is legally binding, and we undertake a commitment to deploy this."

He also said the firm had already traded part of its radio spectrum with a competitor.

But the CMA said it is "not convinced" that it would be good for consumers.

"The main knockback to the merging parties is that the CMA considers claims of superior network quality post integration to be "overstated"," said Kester Mann from analysis firm CCS Insight.

But he said the regulator was not shutting the door on the deal.

"Vodafone and Three should be encouraged by the tone of the CMA's report, which appears more open to the merger than I was expecting."

But Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer group Which?, took a different view.

"The regulator's finding has set a high bar for the merger to proceed," she said.

"It is clear from those findings that the planned merger between Vodafone and Three could have a negative impact on millions of consumers."

But she warned it would be "challenging" for the regulator to find remedies for its concerns.

Biggest mobile network

Vodafone and Three revealed plans to merge their UK-based operations in June last year, creating the biggest mobile network in the UK with around 27 million customers.

But the CMA provisionally concluded on Wednesday that such a deal would lead to a "substantial lessening in competition".

In addition to worries over price and service levels, the regulator is also concerned that the deal may make it more difficult for smaller players such as Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lebara - who rent space from the bigger operators - to get a good deal.

Story continues

Vodafone and Three have said the tie-up would lead to an additional investment of 11bn in the UK.

The CMA found that a merger of the two could improve the quality of mobile networks and accelerate next generation 5G networks and services, as claimed by the companies.

But it considered these claims were "overstated", and that the merged firm would not necessarily have the incentive to carry out planned investment after the merger.

In a statement, Vodafone and Three said they disagreed with the CMA's findings.

"By all measures, the merger is pro-growth, pro-customer and pro-competition. It can, and should, be approved by the CMA," they said.

The CMA will issue a final report into the deal in December.

The firms added they would be working with the regulator to secure approval for the tie-up.
Indianapolis police seek information and witnesses for homicide on Indy's east side

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police investigating a man's killing on Sunday are calling on any witnesses with information to step forward.

About 3:20 a.m. on Sept. 8, 2024, officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of N. Sherman Drive on a report of a person shot. When officers arrived, they found Cordarryl Duncan, 35, lying in a parking lot shot. He was pronounced dead on the scene when medics arrived.

The IMPD is actively seeking information and urging any witnesses with knowledge of a homicide that took place on September 8, 2024, to come forward.

More: Indianapolis killings in September 2024

Police ask anyone with information to contact Detective Christopher Winter at 317-327-3475 or email the detective at Christopher.Winter@indy.gov.

Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477, by downloading the mobile P3tips app or visiting CrimeTips.org.

Jade Jackson is a public safety reporter for IndyStar. Contact her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis police seek information and witnesses for homicide on Indy's east side
Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of the capital Delhi, was first detained in March over the long-running corruption probe (Money SHARMA) (Money SHARMA/AFP/AFP)

A top political opponent of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walked out of jail Friday, ending months behind bars after being bailed in an ongoing corruption case against him.

Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of the capital Delhi and a key leader in an opposition alliance that battled Modi in national elections this year, was first detained in March.

He is among several opposition figures facing graft probes and his party has described his arrest as a "political conspiracy" orchestrated by Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Kejriwal walked free from a jail in the capital on Friday where he was greeted by hundreds of cheering supporters.

"They wanted to break me by jailing me," he said after waving triumphantly at the crowd.

"My resolve is stronger than before," he added. "God is by my side."

A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled earlier in the day that Kejriwal's arrest was lawful but that he should be released from custody while contesting the charges against him.

"Prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty," Supreme Court justice Surya Kant said in a verdict.

Kejriwal was bailed on a million-rupee ($11,900) bond on the conditions that he did not make public comment on the merits of the case against him, did not visit his office and refrained from signing official files.

The politician had earlier been freed by the same court for several weeks to allow him to campaign in this year's general election, returning to custody once voting concluded.

His administration was accused of corruption when it implemented a policy to liberalise the sale of liquor in the capital three years ago, surrendering a lucrative government stake in the sector.

The policy was withdrawn the following year, but the resulting probe into the alleged corrupt allocation of licences has since led to the jailing of two top Kejriwal allies.

Rallies in support of Kejriwal, who has consistently denied wrongdoing and refused to relinquish his post after his arrest, were held in numerous other big cities around India after he was taken into custody.

The 56-year-old has been chief minister for nearly a decade and first came to office as a staunch anti-corruption crusader.

He had resisted multiple summons from the Enforcement Directorate, India's financial crimes agency, to be interrogated as part of the probe.

- 'Target political opponents' -

Modi's political opponents and international rights groups have long sounded the alarm on India's shrinking democratic space.

US think tank Freedom House said this year that the BJP had "increasingly used government institutions to target political opponents".

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Congress party and scion of a dynasty that dominated Indian politics for decades, was convicted of criminal libel last year after a complaint by a member of Modi's party.

His two-year prison sentence saw him disqualified from parliament until the verdict was suspended by a higher court, and raised concerns over democratic norms in the world's most populous country.

Kejriwal and Gandhi are both members of an opposition alliance formed to compete against Modi and his party which made significant inroads in this year's election.

The BJP lost its majority in that vote for the first time since Modi was swept to office in a 2014 landslide and he is now reliant on coalition partners to govern.

str-ash/gle/rsc
Sandra Hale Schulman

Special to ICT

The latest: Indigenous solutions to climate challenges, Native sci-fi and Chicano icons.

FILM: Climate change in native communities

Produced by Indigenous filmmakers in collaboration with Vision Maker Media and NOVA, PBS launches a new six-part short form series focused on climate issues and solutions in Native communities across the country. Legacy of the Land will be available to stream beginning on Sept. 13 on the NOVA website and is a companion to the three-part series Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine.



The segments are:

Sands of Time, directed by Anna Hoover (Bristol Bay, Alaska). This short documentary presents the realities of coastal erosion and the experience of Bristol Bay community members. Interviews, local archives, and ancestral knowledge put the circumstances in stark relief to detail the communities' adjustments to the retreating coastline.

Keepers of the Coastline  Californias Indigenous Marine Stewards, directed by Jeremy Charles (Smith River, California). In 2023, the Tolowa Dee-ni' people alongside partnering tribes asserted sovereignty over the 700 square miles of their ancestral fisheries. A year later, they see how marine science and resource management can be guided by community and culture.

Tides of Tradition, directed by Kanesia McGlashan-Price (Unalaska, Alaska). Communities like the Unangax rely on traditional foodways in lieu of expensive groceries shipped in by suppliers. The film follows the journey of a local subsistence hunter and the realities of food access in the changing Arctic.

Standing the Heat, directed by Steven Tallas (Navajo Nation). In a journey of reconnection, filmmaker Steven Tallas explores the hogan  a small, unassuming traditional structure found across the Navajo Nation. Remaining cool in the summers and warm in the winters, this short film revisits the hogan amidst a warming American Southwest.

Hieroglyphics cover the walls of a cave in "Legacy of the Land," a six-part short form series focused on climate issues and solutions in Native communities across the country. (Photo courtesy of PBS)

Megadroughts and Indigenous Voices, by Natives Outdoors (Colorado Plateau). The Southwestern U.S. is experiencing a megadrought. This episode highlights ideas and practices from Navajo tradition and their relationship to water.

Harvesting the Future, directed by Wenona Benally & Sal Baldenegro (Tucson, Arizona). Agriculture can thrive in the desert. The Tohono Oodham people have used Ak Chin farming, a form of dry farming, to grow crops for thousands of years. Cultural experts demonstrate these traditional practices and implementations for future community planning.

ART: The future is now  and then

California has a bounty of art and science riches this fall as PST Art rolls out in over 70 venues across the state.

The Autry Museum of the West premiered Future Imaginaries: Indigenous Art, Fashion, Technology Sept. 7 through June 21 that explores the rise of Futurism within contemporary Indigenous art as a means of enduring colonial trauma, creating alternative futures, and advocating for Indigenous knowledge systems.

Clay sculptor Rose Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo descent) sees apocalypse as an opportunity for innovation and for reflection and renewal. In a sense  Indigenous people have been at a privilege when it comes to any kind of hardship because weve already survived.

Red Power and the American Indian Movement in the 1970s sent Native artists to imagined futures as a means of reclaiming earthly traditions within an increasingly technological society. By re-imagining sovereignty, Indigenous technology, and sustainable lifeways, they look to both contemporary life and future imagined ones.

"Stirs Up the Dusty" by Wendy Red Star at "Indigenous Futurism." (Photo courtesy of Autry Museum of the West)

Featuring works ranging from jewelry by Pat Pruitt to painter Neal Ambrose Smith, who wittily upends pop-culture icons, Wendy Red Star imagines Indigenous people in surreal spacescapes who wear fantastic regalia; Virgil Ortiz brings his own space odyssey in room-sized installations.

Future Imaginaries goes beyond interspersed works throughout the museum, creating unexpected encounters and dialogue between contemporary Indigenous art and historic works from the Autry collections.

ART: Moving Mexican truths

Jaime Munnoz makes a sculpture in his studio. (Photo courtesy LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes)

Downtown Los Angeles plays host to the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes exhibit Jaime Munoz: Truth Is A Moving Target, the first-generation Chicano artists first solo museum exhibition featuring large-scale, mixed-media paintings and ink diagram drawings of trucks, beer cans and horses.

Munozs colorful pop culture and Aztec/Mayan work navigates themes of labor commodification, the conflict between colonial history, and modern life. Through highly decorative and symbolic imagery, he challenges myths about the American experience.

Industrial techniques and processes conceal the artists hand in the work, but the pieces maintain a craft-like quality seen in Latino craft, adorned with paper appliques, glitter, velvet and imagery that reveal layers of sparrows, butterflies, flowers, geometric borders and ancient Mayan cosmic deities.

"LA Commute by Jaime Munoz. (Photo courtesy of Veronica Diaz)

Munozs visual language draws from his personal experiences. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Southern California, he pursued painting and design while working in concrete and temp warehouse labor in San Bernardino County, significantly informing the way Munoz sees and thinks about the world.

Curated by Karen Crews Hendon, LA Plaza director of exhibitions and senior curator, the selection of work is from 2019 to 2024, including his Toyoteria and Blood Memory series. The exhibition displays the artists process through his collection of sketchbooks and features a new biographic film produced by LA Plaza.

Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter.
Indonesia's Prabowo in Hanoi says agreed to elevate ties with Vietnam

Annual State of the Nation Address, ahead of the country's Independence Day, in Jakarta

HANOI (Reuters) - Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto said on Friday Vietnam and Indonesia had agreed to elevate their ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership".

Prabowo was speaking in Hanoi during a two-day visit to Vietnam. He is expected to meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Saturday.

"For us, Vietnam has always been a great friend," he said during a meeting with Vietnamese President and party chief To Lam. "We value this relationship and I am committed to enhance and further this cooperation."

"Let us now task our teams to continue our efforts to that goal," he said.

(Reporting by Khanh Vu; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Indy woman drowned in Puerto Rico trying to save girlfriend from rip currents, family says

A 22-year-old Indianapolis woman was found "submerged and unresponsive" while on vacation in San Juan, Puerto Rico, earlier this week, officials said.

The body of Cimone Alicea Dawson was recovered from Condado Beach on Monday afternoon, according to a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard. She was on the island along with two friends when they got caught "in the strong rip currents" the night before.

Coast Guard watchstanders were notified about screaming and people "in distress" in the water around 6:30 p.m., per the news release. This prompted search efforts from several agencies and emergency responders. Dawson's friends were saved with the help of law enforcement and bystanders.

We extend are most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young woman and pray they find strength and closure during this most difficult time, Cmdr. Matthew Romano said in a statement.

Romano continued, I would like to extend my appreciation to the bystanders and on-scene authorities for their actions which saved two lives and to all the Coast Guard units and emergency response partners for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts during the search.

Drowning deaths: Teen who nearly drowned in Texas lake thanks friend who died trying to rescue her: Report

Dawson was trying to rescue her girlfriend, her family says

According to WTHR, Dawson was in Puerto Rico for a birthday celebration. The night of the incident, she was trying to save her girlfriend when she disappeared and didn't return to land.

Thats just the type of person she was, her cousin, Siajhanai Wean, told the outlet.Even if I was on that beach and Cimone, seeing her loved one struggling, I couldnt even get Cimone not to go back into the water.

Cimone's family said that she recently moved to Indianapolis for a reset, the news station reported. Wean created a GoFundMe seeking donations to bring her body back home for a proper funeral service.

"She was a shining light in the lives of everyone she touched..she was a real one kind, brave, and selfless," the fundraiser said. "Her love for others knew no bounds, and she always put the needs of those around her before her own."

The family has raised more than $13,000 of their $25,000 goal so far.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cimone Dawson of Indianapolis drowns in San Juan amid rip currents
The inside story of how Sandra Day OConnor rebuffed pressure from Scalia and others to overturn Roe v. Wade

During much of the 1980s, Justice Sandra OConnor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, cast a consistent vote against abortion rights.

But in 1989, things changed. A new conservative majority was in place and appeared to have the votes to eviscerate Roe v. Wade, for the first time since the 1973 landmark made abortion legal nationwide.

OConnor struggled with the new dynamic. Some of her ambivalence emerged in her opinions, but newly available correspondence and handwritten notes of secret deliberations reviewed by CNN flesh out her budding resistance. They show her evolution in a Missouri abortion case, as she faced pressure to cast the decisive vote that would have reversed Roe and instead set a path that preserved abortion rights for another three decades.

The OConnor archive demonstrates how the nine Supreme Court justices, both then and now, negotiate behind the scenes through memos, personal entreaties, and various means of persuasion  some more successful than others. At times, the papers show, pressure on individual justices can have the opposite of the intended effect.

The documents also underscore the difference on abortion rights between the court of that era and the contemporary far-right bench, which in 2022 jettisoned Roe and nearly a half century of reproductive rights.

Pressing for reversal of Roe and pushing hard on OConnor were Justice Antonin Scalia, relatively new to the bench but already known for a forceful, if sometimes bullying, presence; and Chief Justice William Rehnquist, one of the original two dissenters in Roe.

After a closed-door vote of the nine justices, Rehnquist took the lead for what he thought would be a five-justice majority opinion reversing Roes legal framework. The Missouri case  Webster v. Reproductive Health Services  had been heard late in the courts term, so Rehnquist was trying to accomplish this in two months  an extraordinarily fast turnaround for any case, let alone one of such magnitude.

Because of the media-hype that this case has received, and because we are cutting back on previous doctrine in this area, I think it more than usually desirable to have an opinion of the Court if we possibly can, Rehnquist wrote in a private note to his four fellow conservatives, including OConnor, asking them for quick feedback on his draft.

Handwritten notes from Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's papers on a major abortion case in 1989. - Library of Congress

Among the provisions of the Missouri statute was a ban on the use of public facilities for abortion services and a requirement that physicians test for the viability of a fetus believed to be more than 20 weeks old. The provision challenged Roes limit on regulation of abortion through the second trimester of pregnancy, about 24 weeks. State officials and their many anti-abortion backers, including the George H.W. Bush administration, wanted the court to use the case to overturn Roe.

OConnor, the first appointee of Reagan, bristled at the chiefs deadline and seemed to recognize immediately his goal and the pressure underway. She told Rehnquist outright that despite his disclaimer, the rationales adopted in his draft effectively overrule Roe.

The OConnor documents opened this year at the Library of Congress reveal that as the arm-twisting of Rehnquist and Scalia faltered, the subtler persuasion of Justice John Paul Stevens, a 1975 appointee of Gerald Ford who moved left, became more effective.

The correspondence and notes foreshadow where OConnor landed in the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey case, when Justice Anthony Kennedy, hostile to Roe v. Wade in 1989, was ready to join OConnor in upholding Roe. That decision secured Roes place in American life until it was overturned by a 5-4 conservative majority in the 2022 Dobbs case.

OConnor retired in January 2006 and was succeeded by Samuel Alito, who wrote the Dobbs opinion.

Tensions rise between OConnor and Scalia

Justices papers, made available only after members of the court have died, can reveal up-close the evolution of a decision. Not all justices arrange to make their papers available, however, and those of OConnor, who died last December, are the first opened from any justice on the conservative side of the Missouri case. (The archives of the four liberals were already open.)

OConnors personal notes demonstrate that she began the deliberations highly critical of Roe, referring to it as fundamentally wrong. (That decision had declared a constitutional right to end a pregnancy, rooted in the 14th Amendments due process guarantee of personal liberty.)

OConnor, appointed in 1981, took particular issue with Roes trimester framework tied to the viability of a fetus, that is, when it could live outside the woman. Under Roe, in the first trimester of pregnancy (roughly the first three months), an abortion decision was left to a woman and her physician; in the second trimester, a state could limit access to the procedure in ways reasonably related to a womans health; in the third trimester, after fetal viability, a state could promote its interest in potential life and ban abortion except when necessary for the womans life or health.

OConnor wrote in a 1983 case from Ohio that, as medical advances moved the point of viability up earlier in a pregnancy, the trimester approach was clearly on a collision course with itself. She reiterated her criticism of Roe in 1986 when she dissented in a Pennsylvania dispute, writing, The State has compelling interests in ensuring maternal health and in protecting potential human life, and these interests exist throughout pregnancy.

By the time of the 1989 Webster v. Reproductive Health Services case, however, two additional Reagan appointees had joined the bench (Scalia and Kennedy), and they appeared poised to help create a new majority to overturn Roe.

Rehnquist, whom OConnor had known since they were students at Stanford Law School and then working and raising families in Phoenix, had joined the court in 1972. Far more conservative than the other justices at the time and dubbed Lone Ranger by law clerks, Rehnquist by 1986, when elevated by Reagan to chief justice, was more apt to negotiate  or at least to avoid offending colleagues.

Scalia, a devout Catholic and father of nine known as Nino, shared Rehnquists opposition to Roe. But he arrived in 1986 with an even brasher approach to challenging the existing order. Wielding a lively wit and sharp pen, he eschewed the niceties as he reviewed his colleagues drafts, objecting to legal reasoning and sparring over punctuation. He became known for his Ninograms.

Scalia and OConnor, with her cautious conservatism, naturally clashed.

Accelerating the tensions all around was the time pressure of the Missouri case. It was heard in late April, and the justices were trying to resolve it on their usual timetable for finalizing decisions by the end of June.

Justices show their cards in private meeting

According to OConnors personal notes from a private conference session after the courts oral arguments, she criticized Roe but also said she believed the Missouri provisions at issue could be upheld without overruling the precedent.

Still, her notes suggest she believed at the time that the court might not be bound by its usual adherence to precedent and might find that Roe was fundamentally wrong. She jotted in her notes that she had previously been on record to effect that I would recognize a valid state int(erest) in protecting fetus and mother health throughout pregnancy.

OConnor also personally recorded the sentiment of fellow conservatives ready to side with Missouri and the four liberals who would dissent.

Kennedy, relatively new to the bench as Reagans 1988 appointee, declared his opposition to Roe. OConnor wrote that Kennedy said, Roe is just flawed analytically and that he wanted to return this debate to democratic process in the states.

Scalia told his colleagues, according to OConnors notes, that litigation arising from Roe hurts public perception of (the Court) and affects all we do. Justice Byron White, who, like Rehnquist, had dissented in Roe, was the fifth justice in the majority in the Missouri case.

Chief justice circulates draft to gut Roe

Oral arguments were heard on April 26, 1989, and the justices met in private two days later. With a majority siding with Missouri and disapproving of Roe, to varying degrees, Rehnquist began crafting an opinion that would discard the trimester framework, along with fetal viability as a standard for constitutionally permissible regulation.

Rehnquist was ready to send around a draft on May 18, but first the chief justice wanted to keep his opinion only among those on his side.

In a private note that day, he wrote, Dear Byron, Sandra, Nino and Tony  Attached is a rough draft of a proposed opinion of the Court in this case. He urged them to respond within a matter of days, so he could meet an internal June 1 deadline for circulating first drafts of majority opinions in all cases.

White responded to Rehnquist on May 22: I can go along with your draft in this case if the others on our side do so.

On the same day, Kennedy told Rehnquist: I am in substantial agreement with your excellent opinion in this case. As you know, in my view the case does provide a fair opportunity to assess the continuing validity of Roe v. Wade, and I would have used the occasion to overrule that case and return this difficult issue to the political systems of the states.

Even though Rehnquist was undercutting the fundamentals of Roe, he was not explicitly overruling it.

Memo from Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in 1989. - Library of Congress

OConnor, however, saw the draft for what it was.

She opened her May 22 memo to him, first, with a reference to his effort to jam the draft through: You have asked for a prompt response to your draft opinion in this case. The comments which follow are made quickly and without the refinement I would prefer to give to them.

Then she got to the heart of the matter. She said the Missouri statute should be upheld, but the court should go no further. Your draft goes on to reexamine the Roe framework and to reject the trimester framework. It also rejects the point of viability as constitutionally relevant, she wrote. Those two holdings effectively overrule Roe despite the disclaimer.

OConnor acknowledged her past criticism of Roe but said Rehnquist was taking it too far in this case.

I have previously indicated that I would reject the trimester framework, and would recognize the States interest in potential life at all stages of the pregnancy, she told him but added, I see no necessity to go further than that in this case and hold that the point of viability has no relevance at all.

Scalia says OConnors objection is irrational

The next day, Scalia addressed OConnors vacillation in a way that likely continued to rub her the wrong way.

I do not know what to make of Sandras objection to what she calls the restructuring of Roe, Scalia wrote to Rehnquist, with copies of the memo sent to the others in their group. When I read this portion of your opinion I thought it had been based precisely upon statements in her opinions to the effect that there was a compelling state interest in potential human life at all stages of the pregnancy.

In any case, if what Sandra now proposed is merely replacing the rigid third trimester test (Roe I) with a more medically flexible viability test (Roe II), I cannot go along. Roe I has the great advantage, as far as Im concerned, of being more obviously (though no more truly) made-up.

Within a few weeks, as he drafted his own opinion, Scalia would deem OConnors approach irrational and say it cannot be taken seriously. But in this first private exchange with his colleagues in May, he explained that his objection was that Roe lacked constitutional legitimacy since it is based neither upon constitutional text, nor upon plausible constitutional theory, nor upon societal tradition.

Until that error is corrected  until we make clear that it is not our job generally to decree what is sensible  the public perception of this Court as an institution will continue to be grotesquely distorted as we have seen in the past year, Scalia wrote in his May 23 note, bemoaning that his colleagues might be unable to muster sufficient resolve to overrule (Roe), rather than heap error upon error with Roe II.

Two days later, on May 25, when Rehnquist sent his draft to the full court, his tactics provoked a sharp response from the liberal dissenters.

As you know, I am not in favor of overruling Roe v. Wade, Stevens wrote, but if the deed is to be done I would rather see the Court give the case a decent burial instead of tossing it out the window of a fast-moving caboose.

Likely sharing some of that latter sentiment, OConnor in the end stripped Rehnquist of a court majority for the deed. Rehnquist was left with a plurality (just four justices) for his full opinion. For a decision to become national precedent and bind lower courts, a majority (at least five justices) is needed.

From a memo by Justice Antonin Scalia in 1989 regarding a major abortion case. - Library of Congress

Negotiations went beyond the usual late-June deadline. When all the opinions were released on July 3, 1989, OConnor had joined Rehnquist in upholding the Missouri law, writing in a concurring statement, It is clear to me that requiring the performance of examinations and tests useful to determining whether a fetus is viable, when viability is possible, and when it would not be medically imprudent to do so, does not impose an undue burden on a womans abortion decision.

But she separated herself from the chief justice and the others on the right wing by leaving Roe v. Wade intact. She said reconsideration of the 1973 milestone would conflict with the fundamental rule of judicial restraint.

When the constitutional invalidity of a States abortion statute actually turns upon the constitutional validity of Roe, she wrote in her concurrence, there will be time enough to reexamine Roe, and to do so carefully.

In a separate opinion of his own, Scalia made clear his annoyance that OConnor had withheld her crucial fifth vote and why. He wrote that, Justice OConnors assertion, that a fundamental rule of judicial restraint requires us to avoid reconsidering Roe, cannot be taken seriously.

The aftermath: A liberal reaches out and Roe lasts for decades

The correspondence among OConnor, Rehnquist and Scalia in the Missouri case emerged only this year. It adds to the understanding of a private note from Stevens sent to OConnor made public in his Webster files in 2023.

Across a range of cases, Stevens once-private papers revealed his delicate negotiations with OConnor through the years, trying to meet her part way as she inched left. The Chicago native Stevens and ranch-born OConnor had their differences, but they shared a personal code of courtesy.

Four days before the 1989 abortion case came down, Stevens sent OConnor a note that she saved in her own files: At Conference, Stevens wrote, I said I was going to add a paragraph to my opinion in Webster, but after further reflection decided not to do so. For your information only, however, I enclose the paragraph that I had drafted. Have a good summer. Respectfully, John.

His paragraph, intended for her eyes only, said: Judicial restraint is a concept that judges universally endorse. Different judges define the concept in different ways, but the giants who sat on this Court consistently sought to avoid the unnecessary or premature adjudication of constitutional questions.  Although I disagree with Justice OConnors views on the merits of the issues discussed in my opinion, I wholeheartedly endorse her wise decision to adhere to the best traditions of this Court in its constitutional adjudication.

1989 memo from Justice John Paul Stevens to Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. - Library of Congress

Draft opinion language from Justice John Paul Stevens he sent to Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. - Library of Congress

The next year, OConnor moved another step away from Scalia and Rehnquist as she for the first time voted to strike down an abortion restriction. A disputed Minnesota law had required notification of both parents before a teenager could have an abortion.

OConnors vote in the case gave liberals the majority, and Stevens wrote the decision for the 5-4 court. Senior liberal Justice William Brennan penned a private note to his colleagues on the left saying it was important that all the liberals sign on to as much of Johns opinion as we possibly can, especially now that Sandra has agreed to invalidate at least part of an abortion law.

Two years after the 1990 Minnesota case, OConnor, joined by Kennedy and Justice David Souter, a George H.W. Bush appointee, wrote an important opinion upholding abortion rights in Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

They reaffirmed Roe but discarded the trimester approach and said the test for a valid regulation was whether it would put an undue burden on a woman seeking an abortion.

Some of us as individuals find abortion offensive to our most basic principles of morality, but that cannot control our decision, the trio wrote in 1992. Our obligation is to define the liberty of all, not to mandate our own moral code.

That decision survived for three decades, until the Dobbs majority reversed all abortion rights and declared, Roe was egregiously wrong from the start.

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Brenda J. Hollis, Head of Investigations into International Crimes Committed in Ukraine at the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), along with her team and members from the Ukrainian Prosecutors Office, has inspected the torture chambers set up by the Russian military during the occupation of Kharkiv Oblast.

Source: press service of the Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO)

Details: ICC prosecutors are gathering and analysing evidence of torture of civilians in Kharkiv Oblast as part of a broader investigation into crimes committed in Ukraine. The Prosecutor Generals Office emphasises the importance of pursuing legal and evidence-based justice for crimes perpetrated in Ukraine.

Prosecutors and other law enforcement officers uncovered 25 torture chambers in Kharkiv Oblast. The evidence gathered indicates that the detainees were subjected to torture, physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. People were hardly fed and given only technical water to drink. They chiselled their teeth, bound their wrists, and they used a crane with a metal hook to lift people's bodies into the air. They also pulled out their nails, used electric shocks via wires linked to different parts of the body, and beat them with rubber sticks.

Photo: Prosecutor Generals Office

Photo: Prosecutor Generals Office

Quote from PGO representative Yurii Belousov: "Our fruitful cooperation with the ICC continues. The main focus should be on criminals at all levels against whom we have enough evidence to bring them to justice, regardless of their rank or position. We do our best to guarantee that criminals are held accountable under the law. All of them. And they surely will be. It's just a matter of time."

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Some people living in a Dorchester neighborhood said their packages get stolen often. They said whether its items ordered from Amazon or food delivery, it could get snatched up.

" I ordered a birdhouse and it got stolen, said Jeilani Exilhomme, Dorchester.

Some people living on Adams St. said one minute theyre getting a notification their package is on their doorstep, the next minute its gone.

Connie Tang said shes lived in a multi-family home on Adams St. for a year and a half and shes had packages stolen at least three times. She said most recently the thief was caught on one of her buildings security cameras.

My sister and my landlords daughter both their packages got stolen, said Tang, Luckily, we can get the money back but, we want the stuff rather than the money.

Signs could be seen on multiple homes front doors warning thieves about security cameras and posting messages for delivery drivers to either put packages inside or around the back.

Theyre not scared and we also say like video surveillance like 24/7 and I dont think that scares them, said Tang.

Tant said she doesnt recognize the thief in the most recent security footage video.

" Its definitely not the same guy but most of the time theyll be in a hoodie too and I think because our house is easy access, she said.

Some neighbors said they put in extra cameras to try and deter thieves.

Its kind of invasive like you know get off my porch and dont steal my stuff its kind of creepy, said Stephanie Kelly, Dorchester.

She said her husband recently stumbled upon some empty boxes.

Down the street, he was walking and theres a park down there and a playground and over a stone wall there was a bunch of empty packages, amazon boxes ripped open, she said.

Boston Police suggest people either pick up their packages from the store or a secure place like the post office if they arent going to be home when their package is delivered.

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The Iowa Supreme Court this week upheld a decision made by a State Objections Panel last month that barred three Libertarian federal congressional candidates from the ballot in November. The long litigious process began in January when the Libertarian Party of Iowa (LPIA) held its precinct caucuses and county conventions on the same day.

According to Iowa law, delegates are elected at these precinct caucuses and then participate in county conventions which select delegates for the state convention. That process resulted in the nominations of Nicholas Gluba, Marco Battaglia, and Charles Aldrich for Iowa's 1st, 3rd, and 4th congressional districts, respectively, during the LPIA's state convention held in June.

Months later, Republicans from the districts with Libertarian opponents challenged the process, initially alleging that the Libertarians had skipped county conventions and moved directly from precinct caucuses to the state convention, in violation of Iowa law. This led to a State Objections Panel hearing late last month to determine if the LPIA had held proper county conventions.

According to the appellate brief, a day before the hearing the objection shifted from whether the LPIA had a county convention at all to whether they adhered to the legal requirement to hold precinct caucuses and county conventions on different days. This undermined the evidence the LPIA had prepared addressing that earlier, distinct question.

By Iowa law, delegates do not officially start their terms until the day after they are elected, so the LPIA delegates who selected the delegates for the state convention weren't legally delegates yet. Had the LPIA delayed their conventions by just 181 minutes, they would have met the legal requirements.

The State Objections Panel, voting 21, disqualified the Libertarian candidates. (The two voting against the Libertarians were the two Republicans on the panel.) An appeal was filed two days later, and a temporary injunction was granted the following week, just before Iowa's secretary of state planned to certify the ballots. The appeals judge upheld the disqualification, leaving the Iowa Supreme Court as the final chance Libertarians had to appear on the ballot.

During the oral arguments held the day before the decision, the Iowa Supreme Court heard a passionate defense from the Libertarians, who argued that disqualifying their candidates violated the fundamental right to vote. Jennifer H. De Kock, one of the attorneys representing the LPIA candidates, emphasized that Alan Ostergren, the lawyer representing the objectors, had contacted county auditors with procedural questions as early as June 5. Since June 14 was the deadline for holding a county convention, De Kock says Ostergren could have raised his objections then, which would have allowed the Libertarians to address the issues. "But he did not," she said. "He chose to hold his powder, and so that's why this is obstructionism and voter suppression."

Ostergren countered that every Iowan still had the opportunity to vote for the Libertarians as write-ins on November 5. "This is about how you as a candidate have access to the general election ballot," Ostergren said.

De Kock also questioned the standing of the Republicans who objected, suggesting they could not prove that any Libertarians in the affected districts objected to the process. "There's no injury, there's no threat to Iowa election law," De Kock told the Court.

Justice Edward M. Mansfield, however, insisted that the perceived injury for the Republican objectors could be the potential electoral disadvantage they faced if Libertarians remained on the ballot. "They view having the [Libertarian] candidates on the ballots as potentially an injury to the candidates that they've nominated, and so it is an injury," Mansfield said.

This represented an open admission that the Republicans' raw desire to not have opponents on the ballot was being treated as a valid injury worthy of court action. Many of the Libertarians and Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand (who was the sole Democrat objector on the State Objections Panel) insisted that quashing opponentsand not any high-minded obsession with proper delegate selection policieswas why the complaint was launched in the first place, and this seemed to ratify their cynical view.

LPIA would-be congressional candidate Battaglia said in a statement sent to Reason that the removal of him and his fellow Libertarians was an example of "Iowa GOP practicing lawfare in an attempt to keep competition off of the ballot." Sand, in a press conference following the original State Objections Panel decisions, called the candidates' original disqualification "a wrong-headed plot by Iowa's uniparty to limit voters' choices."

Jules Cutler, the chair of the LPIA and a lawyer representing the candidates, spelled out in an email the political motivation behind disqualifying the Libertarian candidates. "For instance, Mr. Gluba's opponent, a currently elected Congresswoman [Mariannette] Miller-Meeks, won by only 6 votes last time."

The post Iowa's Supreme Court Keeps Libertarian Congressional Candidates Off the Ballot appeared first on Reason.com.
Chevron (NYSE: CVX) is the second-largest publicly listed oil and gas producer in the U.S. today in terms of market capitalization, right behind ExxonMobil. It was founded in 1879 but expanded its asset base rapidly in recent decades across upstream and downstream energy, as well as chemicals, and hugely fortified its financial standing.

Thanks to its financial flexibility and prudent capital allocation, Chevron is one of the top dividend-paying oil stocks today. Earlier this year, the company increased its dividend by 8% per share, marking its 37th consecutive year of dividend increases.

Chevron stock, however, just hit a 52-week low on plunging oil prices. Its dividends won't stop growing, though, and you could even earn $1,000 in annual dividend income from the stock if you buy some shares now.

Chevron's latest quarterly dividend of $1.63 per share amounts to an annualized dividend of $6.52 a share. That means at the stock's current trading price of around $139 apiece, you can earn an annual dividend income of $1,000 if you buy 154 shares, or invest roughly $21,400 in Chevron stock now.

You wouldn't want to miss this opportunity to buy, given the oil company's dividend history and growth prospects.

A no-brainer dividend stock to buy now

Chevron continues to invest in growth. Its Gulf of Mexico portfolio and assets in Kazakhstan are among two of its biggest expansion projects currently underway. Chevron expects these and other investments to boost its annual free cash flow (FCF) by an average rate of at least 10% through 2027 at a Brent crude oil price of $60 per barrel.

Even if oil prices plunge below $60 per barrel, Chevron still has a lot of room to grow its FCF and dividend per share. And if Chevron acquires Hess, as planned -- the deal has run into some hurdles lately -- its FCF could grow at an even faster clip. That should mean even bigger dividends for shareholders, making Chevron a top stock to buy now.

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Want $1,000 in Dividend Income? Here's How Much You Have to Invest in Chevron Stock. was originally published by The Motley Fool
Iraqi and US forces kill a top IS commander and other militants in joint operation

BAGHDAD (AP)  Iraqi forces and American troops have killed a senior commander with the Islamic State group who was wanted by the United States, as well as several other prominent militants, Iraq's military said on Friday.

The operation in Iraq's western Anbar province began in late August, the Iraqi military said, and involved also members of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service and Iraqs air force.

Among the dead was an IS commander from Tunisia, known as Abu Ali Al-Tunisi, for whom the U.S. Treasury Department had offered $5 million for information. Also killed was Ahmad Hamed Zwein, the IS deputy commander in Iraq.

Despite their defeat, attacks by IS sleeper cells in Iraq and Syria have been on the rise over the past years, with scores of people killed or wounded.

Friday's announcement was not the first news of the operation.

Two weeks ago, official has said that the United States military and Iraq launched a joint raid targeting suspected IS militants in the countrys western desert that killed at least 15 people and left seven American troops hurt.

Five of the American troops were wounded in the raid itself, while two others suffered injuries from falls during the operation. One who suffered a fall was transported out of the region, while one of the wounded was evacuated for further treatment, a U.S. defense official said at the time, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss details of the operation that had not yet been made public.

In Friday's announcement, the Iraqi military said the operation also confiscated weapons and computers, smart phones and 10 explosive belts. It added that 14 IS commanders were identified after DNA tests were conducted. It made no mention of the 15th person killed and whether that person had also been identified.

The Islamic State group seized territory at the height of its power and declared a caliphate in large parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 but was defeated in Iraq in 2017. In March 2019, the extremists lost the last sliver of land they once controlled in eastern Syria.

At its peak, the group ruled an area half the size of the United Kingdom where it enforced its extreme interpretation of Islam, which included attacks on religious minority groups and harsh punishment of Muslims deemed to be apostates.

Despite their defeat, attacks by IS sleeper cells in Iraq and Syria have been on the rise over the past years, killing and wounding scores of people.

The U.S. military has not commented on the August raid.

Earlier Friday, the U.S. Central Command said its forces killed an IS attack cell member in a strike in eastern Syria. It added that the individual was planting an improvised explosive device for a planned attack against anti-IS coalition forces and their partners, an apparent reference to Syrias Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

In August last year, the U.S. had agreed to enter into talks to transition U.S. and anti-IS coalition forces from their long-standing role in assisting Iraq in combating IS. There are approximately 2,500 U.S. troops in the country, and their departure will take into account the security situation on the ground, and the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces.

____

Mroue reported from Beirut.
Israeli soldiers move next to destroyed buildings following Israeli strikes during a ground operation in the Gaza Strip on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar thanked Lebanons Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah for his support in the ongoing war with Israel in a letter released Friday by Hezbollahs media office.

In the letter, dated Monday, Sinwar thanks Nasrallah for the blessed acts of Iran-backed groups in their support for Hamas since Oct. 7, when Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted another 250. Sinwar called the war one of the most honorable battles for the Palestinian people.

On Oct. 8, Hezbollah started attacking Israeli military posts along the border, triggering an ongoing exchange of fire that has left hundreds dead.

Gaza's Health Ministry says more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the territory 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, and the United Nations reported the Palestinian economy is in a free fall. 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.

Here's the latest:

UN agency says a staffer was killed in an Israeli raid in the West Bank

JERUSALEM  The U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees says that one of its staffers was shot and killed during an Israeli military raid in the West Bank, the first such shooting of an agency staffer in the occupied territory in more than a decade.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency said Friday that a sniper fatally shot one of the agencys sanitation workers on the roof of his home in the Faraa urban refugee camp in the northern West Bank during an Israeli military operation early Thursday. The UNRWA identified the worker as Sufyan Jawwad.

Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani confirmed that Israeli forces had killed the UNRWA employee in Faraa, saying that he had been throwing explosive devices at Israeli troops when he was shot. Shoshani also alleged that Jawwad had a past record of militant activity, without providing evidence.

This is yet another example of an UNRWA employee taking active part in terrorist activities against Israel, Shoshani said.

UNRWA did not immediately respond to the Israeli army allegations.

UNRWA was thrown into crisis earlier this year when Israel accused a dozen UNRWA employees of participating in Hamas devastating Oct. 7 attacks.

The relationship between UNRWA and Israel has long been tense because of the agencys mission to care for Palestinian refugees and their descendants  now estimated at 6 million spread across the Middle East  who fled or were pushed from their homes during the 1948 war over Israels creation.

More Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza

CAIRO  Israeli airstrikes continued to hit Gaza overnight and early Friday, killing at least 12 people in their homes, the Palestinian territory's Civil Defense said.

The strikes hit homes in Deir al Balahs Nuseirat Camp as well as in Rafah, it said. In Nuseirat, three people died, including a woman and a child, and eleven others were injured by the strikes. In Rafah, strikes killed five people, including two children, Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal said.

Israeli strikes resumed Friday afternoon, killing another person in Nuseirat and three people in Gaza City.

Bassal said a day earlier that 16 people were killed by airstrikes on Gaza City on Thursday.

The strikes come nearly a day after health workers wrapped up the first round of the polio vaccination campaign during which hundreds of thousands of children were vaccinated. The second dose of the vaccine is expected to be provided in the coming weeks, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Gazas health ministry said Thursday that 41,119 Palestinians were killed, and 95,125 others were injured since the Israel-Hamas war broke out last October.

Hamas leader Sinwar thanks Hezbollah chief for help fighting Israel

BEIRUT  The leader of the Palestinian Hamas group thanked Lebanons Hezbollah chief for his support in the ongoing war with Israel in a letter released Friday by Hezbollahs media office.

Yahya Sinwars letter came in response to a message sent earlier by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in which he paid his condolence for the July killing of top Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh during a visit to Iran.

In the letter, dated Monday, Sinwar thanks Nasrallah for the blessed acts of Iran-backed groups in their support for Hamas since the Israel-Hamas war started Oct. 7, calling the war one of the most honorable battles for the Palestinian people.

A day after the militants' bloody incursion into Israel that started the war, Hezbollah started attacking Israeli military posts along the border, triggering an ongoing exchange of fire. 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.

Officials in Istanbul hold a ceremony for slain Turkish American activist as her body is transported for burial

ISTANBUL  Turkish officials held a brief ceremony Friday at Istanbul International Airport where the body of a Turkish American activist killed by Israeli gunfire arrived ahead of her funeral and burial in a town on the Aegean coast.

Istanbul Gov. Davut Gul and other officials held prayers in front of Aysenur Ezgi Eygis coffin, which was draped in the Turkish flag, before helping carry it to another plane for the city of Izmir. Her funeral is expected to be held Saturday in the town of Didim, near Izmir.

The 26-year-od activist from Seattle was killed Sept. 6 following a demonstration against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to an Israeli protester who witnessed the shooting.

The Israeli military said Tuesday that Eygi was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by Israeli forces. Turkey announced it will conduct its own investigation into her death.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday said its troops had "dismantled" Hamas' Rafah brigade on the Philadelphi Corridor as they look to eliminate cross-border tunnels into Egypt.

In a press release the IDF said its troops in the 162nd Division had conducted "precise, intelligence-based, targeted operations in the Rafah area over the last few months" and "eliminated over 2,000 terrorists."

Israeli forces destroyed a reported 8 miles of underground routes and have neutralized roughly 80% of all Hamas' tunnels on the strategic security corridor, which runs alongside the border with Egypt.

HEZBOLLAH RELIES ON 'SOPHISTICATED' TUNNEL SYSTEM BACKED BY IRAN, NORTH KOREA IN FIGHT AGAINST ISRAEL

The Rafah brigade was considered one of Hamas last remaining strongholds, according to the Times of Israel.

Israeli forces continue to conduct operations in the Tel al-Sultan area, located in the south-western portion of Gaza and just north of the Philadelphi Corridor, where tunnels continue to be located and destroyed.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The IDF said that during an operation in the Tel A-Sultan area, first launched a couple of weeks ago, Commander of the Tel al-Sultan Battalion Mahmoud Hamdan had been killed along with 250 other Hamas terrorists.

The Philadelphi Corridor has become a major point of contention as the U.S. looks to establish a cease-fire agreement with the aid of Qatar and Egypt, between Israel and Hamas.

IRAN THREATENS 'NIGHTMARE' FOR ISRAEL AS UN WATCHDOG WARNS TEHRAN NUCLEAR PROGRAMS RUNS UNCHECKED

Israeli soldiers stand at the entrance to a tunnel leading to Egypt amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in the Philadelphi Corridor area in southern Gaza, September 13, 2024.

But any negotiations appear to have reached an impasse as Hamas has suggested that it will not agree to any cease-fire terms so long as Israeli forces remain in the security corridor in Gaza. Similarly, Jerusalem has rejected any calls for it to vacate the corridor, citing security concerns stemming from not only existing Hamas terrorists in Gaza, but also threats posed from the Sinai Peninsula.

Securing the release of all hostages taken by the Hamas terrorist group also remains a top issue for Israel, as officials like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have warned that there are mounting concerns that hostages could be smuggled out of Gaza through the Sinai Peninsula and into the hands of the Iranians.

Brig. Gen. Itzik Cohen, commander of the 162nd Division, told the Times of Israel that his troops had located 203 separate but interconnected tunnels in the Philadelphi Corridor, nine of which crossed over the border with Egypt.

An Israeli soldier inspects a blocked tunnel crossing from Gaza to Egypt amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in the Philadelphi Corridor area in southern Gaza, September 13, 2024.

The commander also noted that all nine tunnels had been made inoperable prior to the discovery by IDF soldiers, either by Egyptian or Hamas forces.

The remaining tunnels that have not yet been destroyed are currently being investigated and will be neutralized once all searches of the tunnels are complete.





Original article source: Israel says top Hamas Rafah brigade dismantled on Philadelphi Corridor, 2,000 terrorists killed
Israeli Commando Raid In Syria Sends A Message To Iran That Its Underground Bases Are Not Untouchable

Israel destroyed a secretive missile production facility in northwest Syria last week in an attack that included inserting special operations forces by helicopter to retrieve equipment and documents, media outlets are reporting. The new details shed light on an attack initially described as only an airstrike. Not only did the raid strike at the heart of the Iranian military presence in Syria, but it also sent a clear message to Tehran that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) can and will attack deep underground complexes with ground troops that it otherwise cannot destroy from the air.

The raid, which took place September 9, obliterated the facility, located in northwestern Syria near the Lebanese border, The New York Times reported, citing unnamed American and other Western officials. A number of people were killed at the site, those sources said. It is located about 140 miles north of Israel.

Israel hits Syrian facility used by Iran for chemical arms production



Israeli raids in Syria described as one of the largest in recent years.



Reports so far of 5 Killed & 15 Injured as a result of tonights Israeli Airstrikes on the Scientific Studies and Research Centre.



pic.twitter.com/bin92Q8Lcs  CJC (@cj_chep) September 9, 2024

Israel has launched an important raid overnight across several cities in Syria including Damascus, Homs, Hama, and Tartus, targeting a scientific research facility and arms depot. pic.twitter.com/ngcqRxjtry  MenchOsint (@MenchOsint) September 9, 2024

Israeli air force conducts massive bombing raids on #Syria

According to reports online, this is one of the largest attacks on the country in recent years

Unconfirmed reporting suggests four people were killed and at least 15 were injured in the strikes pic.twitter.com/Drr6uMHBHt  Uncensored News (@Uncensorednewsw) September 9, 2024

Ground forces were used in the attack because of its complexity and to recover information from the secret weapons site, the officials said, according to the Times. They added that there were no Israeli casualties.

NEW  "Did #Israel just launch a sensitive ground raid in #Syria?#SyriaWeekly has the details of a complex & *VERY* unusual 4-phase military operation targeting an SSRC complex in #Masyaf, #Hama.https://t.co/YCDezBkHmD  Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) September 12, 2024

The raid also included airstrikes on the sprawling site in Masyaf, which is tied to the Syrian Scientific Studies and Researchers Center (SSRC). Despite its name, the SSRC is actually a network of facilities across the country.

According to the Times, independent experts, Israeli officials, and the U.S. government have described the SSRCs site in Masyaf as a center of weapons research and development, aided by the countrys ally Iran. Chemical, biological and potentially nuclear weapons are developed there, as are missiles used by Hezbollah, the powerful Iran-backed militia group in Lebanon that is fighting Israel.

The operation was carried out by the Israeli Air Forces elite Shaldag special operations unit, according to Axios.

The Israeli special unit surprised the Syrian guards at the facility and killed several of them during the raid, but no Iranians or Hezbollah militants were hurt, Axios reported, citing anonymous sources. The special forces used explosives they brought with them in order to blow up the underground facility, including sophisticated machinery, from inside, two sources said.

An above-ground view of the facility that was attacked and destroyed by Israeli commandos. (Google Earth)

Since 2017, Israeli airstrikes have targeted facilities at Masyaf multiple times. Between 2018 and 2022, an S-300 surface-to-air missile system Russia ostensibly gifted to the Syrian government helped guard the site.

The Iranians began building the underground facility [at Masyaf] in coordination with Hezbollah and Syria in 2018 after a series of Israeli airstrikes destroyed most of the Iranian missile production infrastructure in Syria, according to Axios report today.

The decision to build an underground factory deep inside a mountain in Masyaf [was] because it would be impenetrable to Israeli air strikes, Axios wrote. The sources claimed the Iranian plan was to produce the precision missiles in this protected facility near the border with Lebanon so that the delivery process to Hezbollah in Lebanon could take place quickly and with less risk of Israeli airstrikes.

The Israeli raid on the missile production facility took place 140 miles north of its border. (Google Earth image)

The new subterranean facility was discovered by Israeli intelligence and monitored for the past five years under the code name Deep Layer, according to Axios. The Israelis realized they would not be able to destroy the facility with an airstrike and would need a ground operation, one of the sources told the publication.

An elite IDF unit conducted a highly unusual raid in Syria earlier this week and destroyed an underground precision missile factory that Israel and the U.S. claim was built by Iran, according to three sources briefed on the operation. My story on @axioshttps://t.co/CIdapUYDBt  Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) September 12, 2024

The Israeli military considered conducting the operation at least twice in recent years but it wasnt approved because of the high risk, one source said, Axios added.

The fact that Israel executed such a risky operation shows its willingness to put troops on the ground in order to neutralize a major Iranian facility it cannot otherwise destroy using conventional weapons from the air. Israel lacks the ability to be able to destroy deeply buried fortified installations, including critical facilities related to Irans nuclear program, such as the enrichment site at Fordow. The U.S. military potentially has a capability to strike these sites from the air, but even that is not certain. Barring the use of nuclear weapons, Israels bunker busters, while capable, cannot reach deep enough to take these sites out. As we have discussed multiple times, the IDF would have to insert special operations forces with unique training on long-range, extremely risky raids in order to physically access these facilities and destroy them. Unconventional means, including nuclear contamination, may be feasible but doing so would highly controversial and problematic in its own right.

US special operations forces during training. DOD

While Iran is markedly farther from this site in Syria, Israel has had years to plan for executing such long-range missions and has shown its ability to operate even in significant numbers inside the heart of Iran for deep espionage purposes. Still, executing such an operation against a major installation in Iran would be far more challenging. But while the risks would be much higher, the stakes would be even more disproportionate. would be the stakes.

With all this in mind, its very likely that we just saw a glimpse of how the IDF could employ its elite special operations forces if it were to try to eliminate Irans nuclear program, or at least drastically degrade it. While destroying this site and garnering critical intelligence were the key goals of the operation, sending a stark message to Iran about its ability to access even the most hardened facilities deep in a hostile area was clearly also a factor in the operation.

Before the revelations about the ground component of Israels operation, reports about what happened in Masyaf earlier this week had presented it as yet another airstrike on the site. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) a U.K.-based organization tracking conflict in Syria, had said the strikes hit an area containing a scientific research institute where work on developing short- and medium-range precision missiles is conducted, the Times reported.

You can read more about Hezbollahs massive arsenal of stand-off weapons in our deep dive here.

As we noted in 2019, the facility had also been responsible for Syrias chemical and ballistic missile programs, as well as other advanced military research. It has come under attack before.

Area residents unwittingly videoed the helicopters used in the strike.

It's what Tartus residents heard on the night of the Israeli attack on #Masyaf facilities.

Without knowing it, they were filming Israeli helicopters carrying Special Force & flying at low altitude over Dreikish.

It's the first IDF landing operation of the past decade in #Syria. pic.twitter.com/YjQX7EgrQ5  Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) September 12, 2024

Israel notified senior U.S. officials before conducting the strikes, the Times said.

On Sunday, the head of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, visited the underground war room of the Israel Defense Forces Northern Command, where he was presented with the militarys operational plans for Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces, the publication wrote.

Local Syrian media at the time also initially reported what had happened as being purely airstrikes. A Syrian opposition TV channel provided eyewitness accounts Wednesday.

It began around 11 p.m. local time, Middle East researcher Eva J. Koulouriotis stated on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.

residents of western and central Syria heard the sounds of a large number of huge explosions in the direction of the Masyaf area near the Syrian-Lebanese border, she wrote. These explosions were not the only thing that happened in Masyaf this evening.

The operation lasted for about an hour, during which the Israeli special forces were able to enter the facility, withdraw important equipment and documents, mine the facility from the inside, then destroy it and withdraw under air cover through fire belts surrounding the site, to prevent any air movements by Assads warplanes, Koulouriotis claimed.

The operation lasted for about an hour, during which the Israeli special forces were able to enter the facility, withdraw important equipment and documents, mine the facility from the inside, then destroy it and withdraw under air cover through fire belts surrounding the site, to  Eva J. Koulouriotis |   (@evacool_) September 11, 2024

The attack killed 18 citizens and injured 37 others, the official Syrian SANA news agency claimed on Sunday. It also caused material damage to the infrastructure, electricity networks, water, telephone, sewage lines, roads and machinery.

The raid came as Hezbollah and Israel continue to exchange fire along the border with Lebanon. Last month, Israel launched a preemptive attack against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon That was in anticipation of an expected strike from the jihadi group for the July 30 assassination of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut

It was also launched against the backdrop of a still looming Iranian retaliation attack in response to the July 31 assassination in Tehran of Ismail Haniyeh, the top political leader of Hamas.

While Iran had threatened to hit Israel, that has yet to happen. This week, the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and its strike group left the Middle East region, departing for the INDPACOM area. That left the region with the normal presence of just one carrier strike group  the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.

The Pentagons top spokesman sidestepped a question of whether moving the Roosevelt strike group is an indication that the U.S. believes the threat from Iran has died down as time has passed.

Iran has indicated that they want to retaliate against Israel, and so were going to continue to take that threat very seriously, and were going to continue to maintain a robust presence in the central command and European Command, AORs, and so thats not going to change, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters, including from The War Zone, Thursday afternoon.

Whether this attack changes Irans calculous or spurs Hezbollah to ramp up its attacks is unknown at the moment. While this attack was likely a setback for Hezbollah and Iran, just how badly it hurt is also unclear.

The coming days might provide an answer to retaliation strikes, but it might be some time before we learn the scope of the damage this caused.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Israeli intelligence commander to resign after being accused of failing to prevent October 7

An Israeli intelligence commander, who critics say played a pivotal role in failing to prevent the October 7 attacks, is resigning, Israels military told CNN.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Brigadier General Yossi Sariel, who led its 8200 intelligence unit, has informed them he will conclude his role in the near future.

The countrys public broadcaster Kan and several other media outlets have published excerpts of his resignation letter stating he feels personally responsible for not preventing Hamas from launching the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

On October 7th at 06:29 I did not fulfill the task as I expected of myself, those at my command and commanders expected me and the citizens of the state I love so much, the letter said.

Today, in accordance with the state of the war, the processes of the gathering ranks and the building of the units resilience, and after the completion of the initial investigative processes, I request to fulfill my personal responsibility as the commander of the unit on October 7 and at a time to be determined by my commanders to pass the baton to the next shift, it continued.

Shortly after the attack, a number of top defense and security officials came forward to take responsibility, to some extent, for missteps that led to Hamas attack on Israel, which left 1,200 people dead and another 250 taken hostage.

On October 16, the head of Israels domestic security agency, Shin Bet, tasked with combating terrorism, wrote a statement saying: The responsibility is on me.

Despite a series of actions we carried out, we werent able to create a sufficient warning that would allow the attack to be thwarted, Shin Bet chief Ronan Bar said.

Later that month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also received sharp public criticism after he accused security chiefs in a later-deleted social media post of failing to warn him about the impending attack.

In a May interview with Dr. Phil McGraw on the Dr. Phil Primetime show, Netanyahu admitted there were political and military failures. The governments first responsibility is to protect the people. Thats the ultimate enveloping responsibility. People werent protected. We have to admit that, Netanyahu told Dr. Phil.

When asked if he held himself to that standard and failed in some way he added, I hold myself and everyone on this. I think we have to examine how it happened. What was the intelligence failure?

This story has been updated with additional details.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Italian Air Forces famed acrobatic squad changes course on new planes

ROME  Italys Air Force acrobatic team is to switch to flying the Leonardo M-346 jet trainer after using the aging M-339 for decades, the Italian Air Force announced on Thursday.

The upgrade marks a change of plan for the team known as the Frecce Tricolori, which had previously planned to use Leonardos M-345 jet  a more basic version of the M-346.

The announcement of the use of the M-346 was made on Thursday at Istrana Air Base in Italy with the presentation of a jet in Frecce Tricolori colours, coinciding with the teams return from a tour of the United States.

The version of the M-346 presented in Istrana today will be produced by Leonardo for the National Aerobatic Team with specific requirements of the Italian Air Force, Leonardo said in a statement.

The Air Force originally envisioned adopting Leonardos M-345 for the acrobatic role as well as to replace all its M-339 trainer aircraft which entered service in 1982.

While the M-346 is designed as an advanced jet trainer, the M-345 is built to compete with equivalent turbo-prop basic trainers on operational costs.

The M-346 is now in service with the air forces of Italy, the Republic of Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar and Greece, while Turkmenistan and Nigeria have purchased the light fighter version.

Nigeria is due to take delivery of the first six of 24 aircraft it has ordered by year end, the countrys Air Force has said.

Pilots from Canada, the U.K., Germany, Japan, Austria, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sweden and the Netherlands have sent pilots to train on M-346 in Sardinia, Italy.
Steam comes out of the chimneys of Ilva steel plant in Taranto

ROME (Reuters) - An Italian appeals court overturned a 2021 ruling convicting 37 people and three firms for deadly pollution linked to the former Ilva steelworks on Friday and ordered a retrial, ANSA news agency said.

The ex-Ilva site, once the largest steel producer in Europe, has for more than 10 years been embroiled in legal proceedings over allegations that its toxic emissions have caused a surge in cancer cases in the city of Taranto.

Friday's ruling is a major blow for the prosecution and plaintiffs in the case, as starting a first-instance trial from scratch increases the likelihood at least some charges may be dropped due to the statute of limitations.

The appeals court accepted defence arguments that the trial needed to move to another city as judges and jury members based in Taranto could not be impartial as they were also "offended parties" in the alleged environmental disaster, ANSA said.

Among those convicted three years ago were former Ilva owners, brothers Fabio and Nicola Riva, sentenced respectively to 22 and 20 years in prison, and the former head of the Puglia region, Nichi Vendola, who was given a 3-1/2 year sentence.

The fate of Acciaierie d'Italia (ADI), as Ilva is now known, is a major headache for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as her government is seeking an industrial partner to revamp the group.

Six international and domestic players, including India's Vulcan Green Steel and Ukraine's Metinvest, expressed a preliminary interest in taking over the steelworks, which are now in government-controlled special administration.

(Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte, editing by Alvise Armellini and Hugh Lawson)
A Pennsylvania community is up in arms over reports that as many as 1,000 migrants were to be and reportedly still could be housed in a Civil War-era orphanage most recently used as a summer camp facility.

The building, located in Scotland outside Gettysburg, is owned by a Lakewood, New Jersey-based LLC, but officials in Greene Township cited a letter from a representative for an Indiana-based disaster response organization, USA Up Star, seeking to use it to "provide shelter for refuge[e] families."

In an August letter to the USA Up Star staffer, Greene Township zoning officer Daniel Bachman wrote that its most recent use as a summer camp falls within its R-1  or low-density residential  code and that higher-density shelter would not be permitted.

Bachman wrote that the company could appeal his ruling.

PENNSYLVANIA REPUBLICANS SEEK TO LEVY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS' REMITTANCES TO FUND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Fox News Digital reached out to USA Up Star for comment. On its website, it bills itself as a "service-disabled veteran-owned business incorporated in 2009 to provide best-in-class disaster, responder and warfighter support during disaster, contingency, surge, and displacement operations."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The organization last followed up with Bachman by noting they are working with the federal government on the matter and would like further zoning information from Greene Township, according to a letter obtained by Fox News Digital.

State Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Gettysburg, the 2022 GOP nominee for governor who represents the area, said in a Friday interview he is extremely concerned about the goings-on with the partially decrepit Scotland property.

The retired Army colonel said that most recently an opaque wooden fence went up around the building. He also said that some critics are confusing its most recent use as a summer camp with the idea that migrant minors are already being housed there.

PA REPUBLICANS DRAFT BILL DIVERTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM SECRETIVE BIDEN-DHS FLIGHTS TO DE

If the endeavor to house migrants were to eventually succeed, Mastriano said, officials still have levers to pull to halt it.

He pointed to nearby Letterkenny Army Depot outside Shippensburg, noting the national security sensitivity of that tactical weapons and missile repair site and how its proximity to Scotland could constitute an avenue to bureaucratically block migrant resettlement.

"It would upend the community," Mastriano said. "There are 1,300 people [in Scotland village]," noting that the number of migrants and staff could equal or exceed the towns current population.

Reached for further comment, Greene Township Supervisor Shawn Corwell pointed Fox News Digital to correspondence and other information on the matter published on the township website.

PA US222 sign

In a statement co-signed by Mastriano and state Rep. Rob Kauffman, R-Chambersburg, praised Greene Township for its "strict interpretation" of its zoning ordinance.

The lawmakers added that the commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not have any jurisdiction on the matter but that they "became engaged as soon as we heard rumblings of this potential reuse."

"This is our home township. Our families live here alongside you and your families," they wrote. "We have been collaborating with Congressman John Joyce to relay information to him, as he works to represent Franklin County and make sure federal funding does not arrive in Franklin County for this purpose."

Kauffman said the complex being turned into unaccompanied-minor migrant housing would "irreparably change" the township.

In response to the situation, Joyce, a Republican, drafted an amendment that he seeks to add to the annual Department of Health and Human Services appropriations bill authored by Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., that would prohibit funds from being used by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) " to provide financial assistance or other support for housing unaccompanied alien children at privately owned or operated shelter facilities or housing."

When reached for comment as well as for information on the presence of a contract with the Indiana firm, the HHS Administration for Children and Families said they could not provide clarification or comment until Tuesday.

In a joint statement, Franklin County Commissioners Dean Horst, John Flannery and Robert Ziobrowski said many residents have expressed concerns about the matter.

"Franklin County is already experiencing a housing shortage, and affordable workforce housing and quality rental options are at a premium. Our countys population has increased every year since its founding in 1784; today it is the 13th fastest growing county in the Commonwealth," they wrote.

"The addition of several thousand new residents at one time would only burden and stress the housing market even more."

The commissioners also expressed concern over the reuses effect on utilities and county services, but they noted that neither Pennsylvania nor Franklin County have jurisdiction in the matter.

Mastriano added that he believes the entire controversy is a result of the "open border" with Mexico.

The rezoning sought, he said, is "HC" or highway commercial zone, adding that this is not the first time the feds have put Pennsylvanians in such a position, citing past Biden administration migrant flights that landed at Allentown and Avoca.





Original article source: 'It'll upend the community': PA town roiled by talk of migrant housing in Civil War-era orphanage building
The Indiana University Board of Trustees Friday awarded President Pamela Whitten a bonus of $175,500, as the campus leader continues to face student and faculty criticism for her handling of Pro-Palestine protestors and other political issues.

Indiana University President Pamela Whitten high fives a graduate during the processional of the platform party inside Memorial Stadium during Indiana University's 193rd undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 7, 2022.

Some board members argued for her bonus, 25% of her $702,000 salary, by listing her accomplishments such as shepherding some $900 million into science and technology research, overseeing the transition from IUPUI to IU Indianapolis and launching IU Innovates, a program that support student startups and business ventures.

Whitten's bonus, the most the board could award her, comes five months after IU faculty overwhelmingly voted that they had "no confidence" in her leadership.

Fewer than 30% of faculty participated in the vote. But the movement to vote "no-confidence" signaled mounting frustrations with campus leadership's response to pressures from Indiana legislators to control higher education as well as the university's handling of pro-Palestinian activism among faculty and students.

In March 200 faculty members called for the no confidence vote due to a number of concerns over academic freedom amid political pressures, including the cancellation of a Palestinian artist's exhibit.

Faculty expressed concerned with Whitten's decisions even before Pro-Palestinians protests erupted on college campuses across the country. In November, scientists, students and community members protested a proposal that the university distance itself from the Kinsey Institute.

Protesters have continued to be a presence on campus, including at the Board of Trustee meetings Thursday and Friday.

During the vote on Whitten's bonus, trustee and chair of the student relations committee Kyle S. Seibert said he thinks more work needs to be done to create a "fair and equitable evaluation process" for determining the president's bonus. Seibert said he also would like to see more feedback from faculty, staff and students.

Trustee Donna B. Spears, one of two trustees who voted against the bonus, said she did not agree with the amount awarded but emphasized her support for Whitten. Trustee Vivian Winston voted against the bonus but did not comment further when approached by the IndyStar.

Binghui Huang can be reached at 317-385-1595 and Bhuang@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IU Board of Trustees award President Whitten a $175k bonus
Some people spend their summers following musicians on tour, meeting people and swapping friendship bracelets. I spent mine traveling around the country to attend Donald Trump rallies and interview his MAGA faithful in Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Illinois.

I am a journalist and researcher working on a book about the psychology of the MAGA movement and the far right. I have been immersed in far-right internet forums for nearly a decade, studying how people are radicalized and identifying when there is a potential for violence. Even as a trained, objective observer, there are days when the bigotry, conspiracy theories, misogyny and hate speech in those spaces overwhelms me. But I also know online vitriol does not always reflect offline reality.

I started going to rallies this year because I wanted to talk with people face-to-face in hopes of understanding their points of view. I have discovered how unique of a phenomenon Trump rallies are  and what you see on TV isnt even close to the full story.

People wait in line to attend a rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump on Aug. 30 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Courtesy of Jen Golbeck

Being outside a Trump rally venue is like being at a giddy but dystopian carnival  like something you would find in a haunted video game. Trump and MAGA flags fly everywhere. There are Trump-themed street performers  an Uncle Sam on a hoverboard or a break dancer in a full-face Trump mask and MAGA hat. There are food stands offering funnel cakes, hot dogs and lemonade. People also bring their own coolers, and by mid-afternoon, Ive had many conversations with tipsy guys in their fourth hour of drinking, and I can smell the vapors of Miller Light wafting off of them.

Impromptu midways form between rows of stalls with friends, couples, parents and children milling about. Countless booths sell MAGA hats and T-shirts, along with Trump plushies, buttons, jewelry, shoes and trinkets. One vendor I spoke with in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, who owned one of the smaller stands I saw, said he grosses $10,000 per event and clears around $6,500 by the end of the day.

A vendor looks at his table of merchandise outside a rally for Trump in Johnstown. Courtesy of Jen Golbeck

The real action takes place while everyone is waiting for the rally to start, not during the actual speech. Its free to attend and anyone can request tickets. People are admitted on a first-come-first serve basis. Tickets do not guarantee you a seat, and if the venue fills  which, despite what Trump says, does not always happen  people are refused entry.

Doors to the venue open hours before the program begins, and people line up hours before that to secure a spot. In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the parking lot opened at 9 a.m., the arena doors opened at 2 p.m., the program began at 4 p.m., and Trump was scheduled to speak at 6 p.m. If you want to know what experiencing a Trump rally is like, you need to get in line.

Around the rally site, music blares from every direction, sometimes from speakers, and often from live performers. In Johnstown, one musician was dressed in Revolutionary War garb.

Another was playing oldies and yacht rock under an umbrella. I passed him early in the day while he was singing a rendition of Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville, and when he sang searching for my lost shaker of salt and pointed to me, I returned the obligatory audience response of Salt! Salt! Salt! Others also returned his call, but their response was Trump! Trump! Trump!

As the day wore on, the performer adapted to his audience. I passed him again around 2 p.m., and he had changed most of the lyrics to the songs he had chosen to make them Trump-oriented, like singing The Temptations My Girl as My Trump. His cup overflowed with tips.

A breakdancer in a Trump mask performs on the street before a rally for Trump in Johnstown. Courtesy of Jen Golbeck

The mood at these rallies is a mix of jubilation, community, rebellion and darkness. There is a bond between the attendees similar to what you might find at an arena concert, where people revel in their shared fandom. There is also a palpable sense of relief among the attendees that they can finally stop worrying about defending their support for Trump and relax among their people. Aggressive defiance is infused with the party feel. Womens T-shirts, usually pink, feature slogans like, Yeah, Im a Trump girl. Get over it. Men sport shirts reading, If you dont like Trump, you probably wont like me, and Im OK with that.

Given Trumps constant derision of the media and the thunderous boos that erupt when he mentions the press at his rallies, I was worried about what I would encounter when I arrived at my first summer rally, which was in Doral, Florida. I was anxious my liberalism would be obvious, even though I go to great lengths to remain completely neutral at these events. But with few exceptions, people have been polite, friendly, and even enthusiastic to talk to me. When I walk by with press credentials and a camera around my neck, they stop me and ask me to take their picture. I always oblige, and when I ask them for an interview, the vast majority say yes.

My interviews at these events are really active listening sessions. I start with a question, but it doesnt matter what I ask, because once they know I am not there to criticize or catch them in a contradiction, they speak freely and expansively about the former president, how they came to support him, their worries for the country, and the conspiracy theories and misinformation they hold as truth. Other than occasionally prompting them with, tell me more about that, I rarely say anything.

Almost everyone wants to talk about 2016 and how theyd been waiting for someone like Trump to come along with the guts to say what they were thinking but they werent allowed to say out loud. Is he an asshole? Sure. But hes our asshole, one man emphatically told me, and those around him nodded in agreement. They love that Trump created a space to speak their minds, which, in many cases, means being able to spout racist, sexist, hate speech that was all but forbidden in public life just a decade ago.

A woman waits to enter a rally for Trump on July 31 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Courtesy of Jen Golbeck

These individuals fully embrace the former presidents crass, offensive, disrespectful way of speaking, and imitate it, too. The mainstream media does not show the obscenity and profanity of these rallies, but it is everywhere and, for me, a defining characteristic of these events.

FUCK BIDEN flags are still for sale from most vendors (even though Joe Biden dropped out of the race weeks ago) and appear on cars across the parking lots near the venues. Families wear matching T-shirts reading, The Hoe is worse than Joe. Kids wander around in No more bullshit visors with fake Trump hair attached, and browse bumper stickers that read, I like big boobs and small government, or show a naked womans torso with pistols resting on her hard nipples and the slogan I <3 guns, titties, & whiskey. After the assassination attempt in July, graphics featuring Trump with two raised middle fingers have popped on every type of merchandise you can imagine with taunts like, You missed, BITCHES.

The people I chat with drop slurs into our conversations, often with the glee of teens testing their parents boundaries. Since Kamala Harris has become the Democratic nominee for president, the men I interview at every event tell me that she got to where she is on her knees. They shift from foot to foot as they say it to me, knowing its offensive, and wait for my reaction. As someone who has endured a career full of misogyny and sexual harassment, I feel waves of disgust and anger when I hear these comments, but I just blink, remain blank-faced, and wait for them to continue.

Conspiracy theories and misinformation are threaded through every conversation I have:

The assassination attempt was an inside job.

Obama is still running the government.

People in the country illegally are being given vast sums of money, benefits, houses and free education.

Crime is at an all-time high.

Antifa has burned major American cities to the ground.

There is a globalist cabal in control of everything.

I frequently ask if Trump lost the 2020 election and, except for one individual, the response is unanimous, immediate and strong: The election was stolen. The single hold out just shrugged, which I took as, Who knows?

A man in an Uncle Sam costume speaks in support of Trump outside the Republican National Convention on July 19 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Courtesy of Jen Golbeck

The discussions are infused with dehumanizing language. Immigrants are a common target for their attacks and, as someone married to one, I sometimes physically bite my tongue to keep from responding. As the attendees bemoan the alleged border invasion, they simultaneously (and disingenuously) claim that they would welcome these people if they came to this country the right way.

Minorities are also frequently disparaged by Trumps white fans while were talking, but there are some non-white attendees at these rallies, and they are celebrated. Trump supporters enthusiastically point out the diversity of the movement and even take cringey selfies with the Koreans for Trump group that seems to show up at every event I attend.

No one I talk to believes there will be a peaceful transfer of power if Trump loses the election in November. Lots of people mention civil war (though no one volunteers to fight it), civil unrest, or the end of America as we know it and the fall of the American empire. They, like many people across the political spectrum, see this election as determining whether America survives.

My interviews end whenever the subject decides they are done talking. Though I have been mostly silent, Im often thanked for the great conversation. These Trump supporters feel unheard and unconsidered, and they seem genuinely grateful for the chance to voice their grievances. They talk about real difficulties  their own and their neighbors  trying to pay bills, access medical care, and get a fair shake.

I am empathetic to some of what theyre expressing. As someone who grew up in a small town in middle America surrounded by corn fields, I know the feeling of being excluded both culturally and politically from the national conversation. But I have also seen that their responses to those concerns are often lazy, biased, cruel, misinformed and hateful. As they fondly look back on their childhoods and their dads good union job or to some fabled time of supposed great abundance in our country, they feel they are unfairly suffering in a changing America. They believe their share of the nations prosperity is being given to undeserving outsiders or lazy leeches, and it makes them angry. Trump validates and stokes that anger using textbook fascist tactics  the glorification of a mythic past, the marginalization of women, the division of society into us and them, the creation of a shared sense of victimhood, scapegoating, and an idealized white nationalist social hierarchy  and they eat it up.

A girl holds a homemade "Make America Great Again" sign as she waits in line ahead of a rally for Trump in Johnstown. Courtesy of Jen Golbeck

I leave these rallies when the pre-game party has wound down and the crowd has taken their seats. As the event begins, they move deeper into MAGA ideology, safely surrounded by a crowd of their like-minded peers. Outside the venue, the vendors start breaking down their stands. As I drive away, those flags fading in my rearview mirror, I am left with an uneasy sadness and deep concern.

The conversations Ive had over the last three months have made it clear to me that there is a large, unified movement committed to the destruction of American democracy. This campaign claims to want to save our country  to make it great again  but it is working to do exactly the opposite. These rally goers cheerfully and earnestly call themselves patriots, but true patriotism is nothing like the hateful, authoritarian, anti-institutional platform they support, and I believe many of these people do not grasp this  or how they are being used.

They arent alone. While the people Ive spoken with are more extreme in their beliefs than your average Republican, the polls tell us that many others have been duped into believing that Trump-style fascism is worth accepting if it can deliver a return to better days. This is terrifying. The more we can learn about why people have joined this camp  their troubles, their worries, their needs and their wants  the better chance we have of addressing the real change that needs to happen. Having a conversation with people who live and think much differently than we do  and listening deeply to what theyre saying  isnt going to magically make everything better, but its a good place to start.

Jen Golbeck is a professor at the University of Maryland where she studies extremism, social media, malicious online behavior, and artificial intelligence. She writes the MAGAReport, a newsletter reporting on the far right with a focus on trends and plans for violence. She splits her time between Washington, D.C., and the Florida Keys.

Do you have a compelling personal story youd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what were looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com.

Related...
Although Friday was something of a sleepy news day for Medical Properties Trust (NYSE: MPW), the latest analyst moves concerning the stock motivated investors to plow into it. As a result, shares of the specialized real estate investment trust (REIT) surged during the trading session. They closed the day almost 14% higher in price, absolutely trouncing the 0.5% increase of the S&P 500 index.

Good deal inspires positive reactions

Two professional Medical Properties Trust-watchers weighed in with new takes on the stock Friday. Of the two, the more weighty came from Colliers Security's David Toti. He up-shifted his recommendation on the REIT to buy from the previous neutral, placing a $6.50 per-share price target on the stock.

Toti's peer Michael Lewis at Truist Securities also got notably more optimistic about Medical Properties Trust's future. He cranked his price target 20% higher, raising it to $6 per share from $5.

The timing is not coincidental. Both moves came mere days after Medical Properties Trust's news that it had reached a settlement with its most problematic tenant, the financially strapped Steward Health Care (which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May). Under the terms of the deal, the REIT will regain control over the 23 properties rented by Steward; it has already lined up new tenants for 15 of them.

A necessary exit

The Steward arrangement is a milestone for Medical Properties Trust that helps remove a millstone. The situation with the failing tenant was much of the reason for the pronounced slide in the REIT's popularity, and the satisfying resolution has been -- and will likely continue to be -- an incentive for investors to re-evaluate their own takes on the company.

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Why Medical Properties Stock Rocketed Nearly 14% Higher Today was originally published by The Motley Fool
In Donald Trumps desperate bid to win over voters who are, justifiably, concerned about the perilous position into which the Dobbs ruling has placed access to crucial fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization, the former president tried to cast himself as a leader on IVF during Tuesday nights debate.

In recent weeks, hes also announced his support for a policy that sounds not dissimilar to the provisions laid out in a bill that Senate Democrats put forward this summer that would have established federal protections for IVF treatment and mandate that public and private insurance plans cover the procedure  that is, if Senate Republicans hadnt blocked it. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) has, in fact, tried to bring the bill to protect IVF access to the Senate floor for a vote three times since June 24, 2022 when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, dismantling the federal right to an abortion and putting all forms of reproductive care in harms way. Senate Republicans, while publicly proclaiming their support for the fertility treatment, which is universally popular among voters, have blocked the bill from advancing to a vote each time.

The blockade was particularly whiplash-inducing after Republicans in both chambers of Congress put out toothless statements declaring their support for the procedure in February, after the Alabama Supreme Court declared embryos to be babies, sparking panic nationwide and forcing fertility clinics to pause IVF treatments in the state. At the time, Republicans were struggling to get on the same page, attempting to declare their supposedly impenetrable support of IVF while also agreeing with Alabama Supreme Court justices and the fetal personhood ideology at the heart of the ruling  that embryos are babies.

When Duckworth brought the legislation to the floor for a procedural vote in February, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-TN) blocked its advancement, just as she did in 2022. Republicans did the same thing in June.

But that was before Trump decided to make support for IVF a pillar of his 2024 campaign.

Its a familiar dance of hypocrisy. For years, Republicans have publicly declared their ardent support for the procedure, while also pushing fetal personhood ideology in legislation, like bills that declare life begins at conception. If such measures were to become law, IVF access would face an existential threat. Similar to the position the Alabama ruling put the procedure in, legally declaring embryos to be living people would automatically outlaw key elements of the IVF procedure  such as the necessary practice of freezing or destroying nonviable embryos.

Trump is hoping American voters have short-term memories. As he attempts to garner support from women, undecided voters and moderate Republicans who are not thrilled with the partys extreme abortion bans in red states, Trump recently pledged free IVF treatments to all Americans, paid for by the federal government or private insurance companies, if he wins in the fall, taking Democrats proposal a step further. Sounds great!

The problem is, hes the reason such policy is necessary in the first place.

And to say Republicans in Congress and anti-abortion activists arent necessarily on board with a policy that shares DNA with the GOPs Public Enemy No. 1, Obamacare, is an understatement. As Politico outlined in this new piece Thursday, deficit hawk Senate Republicans are enraged by the idea of a sweeping new federal mandate, while extreme anti-abortion activists already think that IVF is for baby killers.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) reportedly plans to capitalize on this tension in coming weeks by forcing yet another vote on Duckworths IVF bill, hoping to get Republicans on record opposing the very policy that Trump just decided to make the center of his campaign for the White House.

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J.D. Vance has become a laugh line to some, but his stance on divorce is seriously dangerous

Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance, shown at a rally in Mecosta County, Mich., on Aug. 27, 2024, has shared his view that divorce should be more difficult. (Photo by Anna Liz Nichols/Michigan Advance)

Laughing at J.D. Vance has become a part-time job for progressives, who have been gleefully sharing childless cat lady memes and couch jokes. Ill admit Im guilty of chuckling along with them.

But Vances regressive agenda to limit the right to divorce has scared me. As a therapist who specializes in treating women navigating divorce, many of whom are leaving abusive marriages, I believe Vances stance is dangerous. His long list of what women should not be allowed to control keeps getting longer: their bodies, their reproductive rights, who they marry, whether they have children (or cats) and now, whether they can divorce.

In 2021, Vance lamented that children suffer when their parents divorce, even when those marriages were violent. In his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, Vance describes being raised by his grandparents, who had a chaotic and violent marriage. He recounts a scene in which his grandmother doused his grandfather with gasoline while he slept on the couch. She then lit him on fire and their 11-year-old daughter had to put out the flames. For Vance, even this extreme level of family violence is preferable to divorce.

Its not unusual for politicians to ignore research or thoughtful scholarship to score points with ideologues, but lets get clear on the facts. Nearly half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. And 70% of those are initiated by women, and a significant number are fleeing their marriages due to domestic violence.

Research shows it is not divorce, per se, that is damaging to children, but rather parental conflict. Ongoing arguments between parents can have a negative impact on childrens social, emotional, and academic functioning. According to a 2013 Scientific American article, Is Divorce Bad for Children? researchers found that only a small percentage of children experience long term serious problems after their parents divorce. In fact, children fare better in amicably divorced families than in those where married parents are in constant conflict.

Vance believes that people are too quick to divorce and would have the process be more difficult. In his 2021 speech, he equated the ease of shifting spouses to changing underwear.

Ive got news for him: Divorce is never easy. Most of the hundreds of women Ive seen in my practice think about their decision for years before finally contacting a lawyer. None of them have ended their marriages impulsively, and they have all gone through extensive mental gymnastics thinking about what is best for their children.

Vance believes that people are too quick to divorce and would have the process be more difficult. ... Ive got news for him: Divorce is never easy.

Many of them stay in their unhappy marriages for their children for years before deciding they must leave for their children. When they do finally divorce, their children are often much better off in the end. I have not seen any research that suggests living in a family with domestic violence is good for kids.

Not only are Vances beliefs about divorce misguided, but his proposed policy initiatives would have serious consequences. No-fault divorce allows couples to divorce without having to prove that one party is to blame. Many right wing politicians, Vance included, are advocating for eliminating no-fault divorce, which would further curtail womens rights and endanger children living in abusive homes.

Navigating the legal and financial aspects of divorce is challenging and expensive enough without the added burden of proving your spouse was violent, addicted, or abusive. Countless women would be forced to remain in unhealthy marriages due to a lack of proof or funds to argue their case. Eliminating no-fault divorce laws would create an increase in domestic violence and spousal murder and become yet another way of controlling women in the name of family values.

Now imagine our world if Trump is elected and Vance is given power to promote domestic policy. A woman, lets call her Mary, has been physically and emotionally abused by her husband for many years. Mary wants to divorce but has little evidence to prove her claims.

She hires expensive lawyers to try her case, borrowing money from her family. She has no way to prove the emotional abuse she has endured for years, but she has photo evidence of his physical abuse. Her husband tells the judge that the photos of Marys bruises are evidence of her clumsiness, not the result of his rage. The judge denies her right to divorce and she leaves the courthouse with her husband. We can only imagine what happens next. Is that the society we want to live in?

I dont plan to sit around on my couch doing nothing this November. Instead, Ive signed up to drive people to polling stations, divorcees and childless cat ladies included.

This article first appeared on CommonWealth Beacon and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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Jacksonville officer hurt after woman crashes into cruiser while under the influence, JSO says

A Jacksonville Sheriffs Office Community Service Officer was hurt Tuesday morning after Shannen Crampton crashed into the police cruiser.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

According to JSO, the officer was working a crash on Argyle Forest Boulevard when the accident happened.

Another CSO watched Cramptons car ride on a curb before crashing into the back of the police cruiser, according to the arrest report.

When Crampton got out of her car, she could not maintain her balance... [and] was swaying while standing in place.

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In a Facebook post, JSO says Crampton told investigators she had taken prescription medication, had double vision, and shouldnt have been driving.

She was arrested for driving under the influence and causing property damage and injury while doing so.

The officer was taken to the hospital.

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)- A local non-profit celebrates its 25th anniversary. Jacobs Village first opened in 1999 with a mission to provide a community where older adults and adults with disabilities can find accessible and affordable housing and meaningful relationships.

E-REP holds fourth annual meeting in Ford Center

To celebrate, the organization held an open house on Thursday which featured Indiana Lieutenant Governor, Suzanne Crouch and State Representative, Wendy McNamara as speakers. Both have worked alongside Jacobs Village for many years.

Officials at Jacobs Village say that they have plans for growing the facilities and to provide more opportunities for residents.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
Behind Japans rise: The index, currently in its ninth year, ranked Japan behind Switzerland, which retained its top spot, and ahead of the U.S., which secured third place. The report attributed Japans rise to its impressive performance in the "entrepreneurship" category, which assesses factors such as innovation, infrastructure and legal framework. The nation's post-pandemic tourism boom and its attractiveness for international investment further contributed to its improved standing.
From Thursday morning to afternoon, the Russian Tu-142 aircraft flew from the sea between Japan and South Korea towards the southern Okinawa region (HANDOUT) (HANDOUT/Japan's Ministry of Defense/AFP)

Japan scrambled fighter jets after Russian aircraft flew around the archipelago for the first time in five years, Tokyo said Friday.

From Thursday morning to afternoon, the Russian Tu-142 aircraft flew from the sea between Japan and South Korea towards the southern Okinawa region, according to a defence ministry statement.

They then travelled north over the Pacific Ocean and finished their journey off the northern island of Hokkaido, it added.

The planes did not enter Japanese airspace but flew over an area subject to a territorial dispute between Japan and Russia, a ministry official told AFP on Friday.

"In response, we mobilised Air Self-Defence Force fighter jets on an emergency basis," the statement said.

The last time Russian military aircraft circled Japan was in 2019, the official said, but that incident involved bombers that did enter the nation's airspace.

Earlier this week, Russian and Chinese warships began joint drills in the Sea of Japan.

The drills are part of a major naval exercise that Russian President Vladimir Putin has described as the largest of its kind in three decades.

Russia and China have ramped up military cooperation in recent years, with both railing against what they see as the US domination of global affairs.

They declared a "no limits" partnership shortly before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine in 2022.

Japan also scrambled fighter jets in late August when a Chinese military aircraft "violated" its airspace, according to the defence ministry.

The two-minute incursion into Japanese airspace by the Y-9 surveillance aircraft was the first ever by a Chinese military plane, local media reported at the time.

Since the start of the Ukraine conflict, relations have deteriorated sharply between Japan and Russia, which both claim the Kuril Islands -- known in Japan as the Northern Territories.

The Soviet Union seized the strategically located volcanic archipelago north of Hokkaido in the final days of World War II, and has maintained a military presence there ever since.

tmo/kaf/mca
DAKOTA CITY, Neb. (KCAU)  Two years after the small Nebraska town of Laurel learned that four members of their community had been murdered, a trial is underway for the man accused in the deaths.

Jason Jones, 44, faces four counts of first degree murder. Hes accused killing of Michele Ebeling and Gene, Janet and Dana Twiford and then starting fires in their homes to cover up the crime.

Five witnesses were called to testify in front of the jury in Dakota County on Thursday. The witnesses were some of the first people on the scene on the day of Aug. 4, 2022.

A neighbor of Michele Ebeling also took the stand, recalling what he and a roommate saw on that tragic night.

Student taken into custody after threat at Norfolk Public Schools

I heard Royce, get out here! neighbor Royce Fairley said. So I came running across the house outside, and across the street, that house, the front window was a big orange flash and you could hear the boom. I ended up calling 911.

That 911 call was later played in the courtroom for jurors.

Fairley testified that he saw Jason Jones and his wife Carrie Jones shuffling around the fire scene. He added that it kind of felt like Carrie Jones was trying to distract he and his roommate. Fairley said he stayed outside throughout the night watching as firefighters and others arrived on the scene, adding that he noticed the Joneses looking on from an upstairs window in their home.

The light was on, and the whole night you could see them just peeking through the blinds, Fairley said. If you had nothing to hide, why dont you just go out there and look?

First responders also detailed the damage caused by the fires and how they discovered the bodies of the four victims. A firefighter said he could tell they were dealing with a crime scene.

Earlier in the day during opening comments by both sides, defense attorney Matthew McDonald argued that though there was no dispute that the killings occurred, it wasnt first-degree murder.

Perry, Iowa school shooting summary may be released, county attorney says

Mr. Jones had a mental breakdown, McDonald said. He could not form the intent to premeditate a murder, they told you part of the story. He thought Mrs. Ebeling was possessed. Possessed with black eyes.

Assistant States Attorney Corey OBrien told jurors they may never know the reason behind the killings.

Sometimes looking for motive can be very telling in terms of identifying the person that did this, he said. Investigators did look long and hard to determine why. Were probably never going to know with any certainty why this happened.

Testimony resumes Friday at 9 a.m. in Dakota City. Jones himself has chosen not to be in the courtroom as the case against him is presented due to burns on his body.

To view KCAU 9s previous coverage of this case, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
JASPER, Mo.  With the help of a Hollywood icon, the Jasper School District is giving its students a chance to start the day off on the right foot, or in this case, feet.

A lot of students are looking for somebody to relate with, somebody they can talk to, feel comfortable with, said Stacey Pope, Jasper R-V School Counselor.

But Jasper Schools Counselor Stacey Pope says that cant always happen in a classroom environment, and thats where the Breath of Fresh Air program comes in.

This is a great opportunity for them to become comfortable with some of our other staff members, they know who they can talk to, who they feel safe with, said Pope.

Actor Matthew McConaughey speaks at the 2024 summer meeting of the National Governors Association, Friday, July 12, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Pope says the before-school walking program began about two weeks ago and is already growing in popularity. It was made possible through a federal grant.

We had applied during round one of the Stronger Connections grant, and we didnt receive it, said Dr. Cindy Hansen, Jasper R-V Superintendent.

Dr. Hansen says that led them to the Greenlights Grant Initiative.

And they helped us rewrite the grant a second time.

The Greenlights Grant Initiative is a program founded by actor Matthew McConaughey and his wife, Camila, aimed at helping schools take advantage of federal grant opportunities.

Dr. Cindy Hansen, Jasper R-V Superintendent: It was a fun thing to be able to say we did finally get it, and then to be able to see it come to life within just the past couple of weeks, said Dr. Hansen.

Jasper Schools received a total of sixty-seven thousand dollars. Most of that is funding the walking program, and the rest is providing curriculum and technology to help ensure the district is meeting students needs.

I think if we can make one day better for one child, one student, then its worth it, and we have been able to do that already, said Dr. Hansen.

This is just one more way that we can help our students get through the days, and help them start off their days on a positive note, said Pope.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance is irked that a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the Biden-Harris border crisis and its impact on American families on Tuesday was largely ignored by the mainstream media.

Many major news outlets ignored testimony from victims of crimes stemming from illegal immigration, including the mother of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl found strangled to death in Texas in June by two Venezuelan illegal immigrants, according to authorities.

"Kamala Harris' open border policies have taken countless American lives. The liberal media is doing all they can to cover it up, even ignoring the heartbreaking testimony of angel mothers who have lost their children at the hands of illegal immigrants. It's disgusting," Vance told Fox News Digital.

BIDEN-HARRIS BORDER CRISIS: MOTHER OF JOCELYN NUNGARAY GIVES EMOTIONAL TESTIMONY DURING MIGRANT CRIME HEARING

The name "Nungaray" and the hearing itself were not mentioned on CNN or MSNBC from Tuesdays hearing through Friday afternoon, according to a search of transcripts using Grabien.

A search of The New York Times archives doesnt reveal any coverage of the hearing, either. A search of CNN and MSNBC websites also shows no coverage.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

CNN, MSNBC and the Times did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

ABC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: MODERATORS DAVID MUIR AND LINSEY DAVIS FACT-CHECK TRUMP 5 TIMES, 0 FOR HARRIS

Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance is irked that a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the Biden-Harris border crisis and its impact on American families on Tuesday was largely ignored by the mainstream media.

Americans who rely on those outlets for news missed Alexis Nungaray recalling how she found her daughter in a Houston creek on June 17.

"She was strangled to death. She had no clothing from the waist down. Her hands and her ankles were tied and thrown under the bridge of water like she was nothing but garbage," the mother told the committee.

Two Venezuelan nationals  21-year-old Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and 26-year-old Franklin Jose Pena Ramos  were charged with capital murder in the death of Jocelyn Nungaray. The two men reportedly crossed illegally into the U.S. earlier this year.

"Because of the Biden-Harris administration open border policies, catch and release, they were enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program," Alexis Nungaray said.

BARBARA WALTERS WOULD EXPECT KAMALA HARRIS TO DO INTERVIEWS, AUTHOR SAYS: 'PART OF THE JOB OF BEING PRESIDENT'

Jocelyn Nungaray, 12, was found strangled to death in a Houston creek.

Alexis Nungaray told the committee that she "can't even fathom" what her daughter was thinking and "the amount of fear she was feeling in the last moments of her life."

"She did not deserve to have her life ripped away from her and our family. She had her entire life ahead of her because of these open border policies," the mother said.

House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Fox News ahead of the hearing that it would highlight the "real cost" of illegal immigration in communities across America and the "untold numbers of families who suffered" due to the Biden-Harris administrations border policies.

"The cost to education systems, cost of health care systems, and the personal loss families have suffered because of the Biden administration, we just now have an open border," Jordan said. "And under the Biden-Harris administration."

Jordan said "moms who lost a loved one because of some violent crime by an illegal migrant" would share their perspectives on the cost of an open border, adding that the Biden-Harris administration "let in 10 million people in three and a half years, 99 on the terrorist watch list."





Original article source: JD Vance fumes over liberal media ignoring Angel Mom testimony from border crisis hearing: It's disgusting
In the aftermath of Tuesdays presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump , Trumps running mate, Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance, made a series of controversial, bigoted, and inflammatory statements during an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins. Vance doubled down on debunked claims about Haitian immigrants abducting pets to eat them and falsely linked the migrant community to rising rates of HIV and tuberculosis in Springfield, Ohio. His remarks have since drawn widespread condemnation for their harmful, fear-mongering nature.



During the interview, Vance insisted on the veracity of a discredited conspiracy theory circulating in Springfield that claims Haitian immigrants have been abducting pets for food, a laughable claim Trump made during the debate. Local officials have already said that no credible evidence supports these allegations, but Vance continued to push the narrative. Weve heard from a number of constituents on the ground saying this stuff is happening, Vance said. When Collins pointed out that officials had found no evidence, Vance responded, Theyve said they dont have all the evidence.

Collins pressed Vance on his responsibility as a public figure to avoid spreading misinformation. If someone calls your office and says they saw Bigfoot, that doesnt mean they saw Bigfoot, Collins asked. Vance, however, stood firm, responding, Nobodys calling my office and saying that they saw Bigfoot. What theyre calling and saying is we are seeing migrants kidnap our dogs and cats.

Vances continued insistence on pushing the discredited claims has drawn sharp criticism from immigration advocates, who accuse him of stoking racial fear and division.

Vance escalated his claims by linking the supposed arrival of Haitian immigrants to a rise in infectious diseases in Springfield, including HIV and tuberculosis. Communicable diseases like HIV and TB have skyrocketed in this small Ohio town. This is what Kamala Harris border policies have done, he said, without offering evidence to support his claims.

Vances comments tap into a broader, troubling pattern of discrimination that Haitian migrants have faced for decades. Historically, U.S. immigration policy has treated Haitians disproportionately, often in ways that are harsher than those directed toward other groups. According to a 2021 U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants report, Haitians have frequently been misclassified as economic immigrants rather than political refugees, even when fleeing violence during authoritarian regimes, stripping them of asylum rights and leading to mass deportations.

One of the most egregious examples of discrimination occurred in the early 1990s, when Haitians attempting to flee their country were subjected to HIV and AIDS screenings by U.S. authorities. Even as the HIV epidemic was waning, Haitians who tested positive for the virus were held to higher standards when seeking asylum. Many were sent to quarantine camps in Guantanamo Bay, where they lived in squalor and were denied proper medical care, the report notes.

This history of associating Haitians with disease resurfaced during the Trump administration, when Title 42a public health measure aimed at stopping the spread of communicable diseaseswas invoked to justify the expulsion of Haitian migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Vances claims that Haitian immigrants are responsible for a rise in HIV reinforce these historical stigmas, stoking xenophobia and racial fear. Public health experts have widely discredited the idea that immigrants are driving HIV transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV and that effective treatment can suppress the virus, making it undetectable and untransmittable.

While Vances comments have drawn significant backlash, the broader issue of HIV stigma remains a pressing concern, as highlighted in GLAADs 2024 State of HIV Stigma report. The report, conducted in partnership with Gilead Sciences, tracks progress in combating HIV stigma and emphasizes the importance of media representation in shaping public understanding of HIV.

It reveals both progress and persistent challenges in the fight against HIV stigma. While stigma has slightly decreased over the last five years, with fewer Americans believing it remains a significant issue, alarming gaps in knowledge still exist, particularly among Gen Z. Additionally, fewer Americans now believe that people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives, with a sharp decline in understanding in regions like the U.S. South, highlighting the ongoing need for education and accurate media representation.

The GLAAD study found that Gen Z, the most diverse and out LGBTQ+ generation in history, continues to be the least knowledgeable about HIV. Only 37 percent of Gen Z adults said they felt knowledgeable about the virus.

Throughout the interview, Collins challenged Vance on his false statements. She pointed out that outlets such as The New York Times and PBS NewsHour had already covered the broader issues in Springfield, refuting Vances claim that the media had ignored the migrant situation. Vance dismissed this, saying, Nobody cared about this until we raised this issue if we have to meme about it to get the media to care, were going to keep on doing it.

Watch JD Vances crazy post-debate interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins below.

- YouTube www.youtube.com
Stafford County officials and high school students joined with state senators and a White House economist Thursday to unveil Virginias largest school solar array.

The group held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 1.8-megawatt project that consists of 3,300 solar panels and is located on the rooftop of North Stafford High School. Its expected to save the school system an estimated $2.8 million in electric bills over the next 25 years, generate 54 million kilowatt hours of clean energy and and offset 41,583 tons of carbon dioxide, according to a news release.

It also serves as a powerful teaching tool for students, said Chris R. Fulmer, acting superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools.

Through this project, students are learning the real-world benefits of renewable energy and how it contributes to a sustainable future, he said. Todays ribbon cutting marks an exciting step forward for our school and community.

The ceremony included remarks from Dr. Heather Boushey, chief economist for the Investing in America Cabinet at the White House; Virginia senators Tara Durant and Jeremy McPike, and several members of the Stafford Board of Supervisors and School Board.

Stafford schools started the planning process in 2020 for the array, which is a collection of solar panels, then began installation in February. The school system worked with Sun Tribe Solar of Charlottesville, which developed the project, then sold the concept to Madison Energy Infrastructure, which has headquarters in New York.

MEI was responsible for construction and operation. Rich Allevi, its vice president of energy solutions, said the monumental project has implications for schools across Virginia.

This project at North Stafford High School will pave the way for a greener outlook while serving as an inspirational model for other school districts across the state and nation, he said.

Maureen Siegmond, chair of the Stafford School Board, said the rooftop array represents a significant milestone for our school division. Pamela Yeung, a member of the Stafford Board of Supervisors, said the effort is good, not just for North Stafford, but the county as a whole.

This project exemplifies how we can inspire environmental stewardship in our students and the broader community, she said.

Students will engage with MEIs Solar Empowered Schools curriculum, which integrates real-time data from the solar panels into energy and science lessons. Students already have begun participating in MEIs interactive learning opportunities, including solar-empowered school modules and virtual tours of the rooftop.

North Stafford High School was chosen for the solar array because its flat roof was replaced about six years ago and should last as long as the solar panels. The school also was ideal because its all-electric, which means a bigger bang for the buck, Josh Schimpf, energy management and regulatory compliance coordinator for Stafford schools, said in March.
It was one of the most shocking and disturbing lines in the modern history of presidential politics: During his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump made a wild assertion about a small city in Ohio that has recently seen an influx of migrants.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in  theyre eating the cats, Trump said. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

The claim of migrants killing domestic animals had been thoroughly debunked before it hit Trumps microphone. One of the debate moderators, David Muir, immediately responded to highlight reporting from his television network indicating Trumps shocking comments had no basis in reality. But despite the fact checking, Trumps incendiary statements trended on social media and led some right-wing allies to rush to his defense.

This fear campaign against Springfields Haitian immigrants contains echoes of some of the oldest xenophobic stereotypes. And, in this case, it has led to very real threats against the migrant community.

The path the inflammatory rumors took from the fever swamps to the debate stage to an on-the-ground, Trump-fueled furor in Springfield is a new spin through a story arc that has become familiar in the MAGA era: The most out-there right-wing extremists  including, in this case, notorious neo-Nazis  and GOP politicians reinforce each others narratives, with real-world ramifications for everyday people.

The trouble first began more than two months ago, when Republicans  including Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH)  began zeroing in on the town. Vance began to speak about Springfield in early July, bringing up the immigrants at a Senate Banking Committee hearing featuring Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell.

There, Vance mentioned Springfield as part of a line of questioning that sought to tie immigration to inflated housing costs across the country. He cited a letter that Springfields city manager had sent to him and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) the day before, attributing a housing crisis in the city to an influx of over 15,000 Haitian immigrants.

Vance broadened the issue in his question, saying, In my conversations with folks in Springfield, its not just housing. School and hospital services had come under strain as well, he said.

There are a whole host of ways in which this immigration problem, I think, is having very real human consequences, Vance said.

Vance ratcheted up his rhetoric the following day at the National Conservatism conference. On stage at that event, Vance let loose a stream of inflammatory statements, accusing illegals of having overwhelmed the city.

U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) leaves a Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on May 31, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Other Republicans, including Bernie Moreno, who is running for Ohios other Senate seat, also framed the situation in Springfield as an an insane demographic change that was straining resources. But Carl Ruby, an immigrant advocate and senior pastor at Central Christian Church in Springfield, said it was Vance who did the most to drag the town into the spotlight.

The sad thing is none of this was stirred up until JD Vance started publicizing it, Ruby told TPM. It was an internal thing that we were handling and handling well.

Since Haitians began arriving in Springfield a few years ago, Ruby has made an effort to build ties with the burgeoning community. He ran a nonprofit that provided aid to the immigrants and has worked to advocate for them. According to Ruby, even after the death of a young boy named Aiden Clark last year in a crash for which a Haitian immigrant was found liable, tensions in the city remained manageable. However, the political attacks set off a summer of increasing misery. On Tuesday, the day after the debate, the young boys father, Nathan Clark, spoke up at a Springfield city commission meeting where he criticized Republican politicians for using the death of his son as a political tool and suggested their remarks had kicked off a torrent of abuse.

I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year old white man, Clark said. I bet you never thought anyone would ever say something so blunt. But if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone.

The outpouring of anger that has overwhelmed Clark and his city has included neo-Nazis and other white supremacists. On Aug. 10, about a dozen members of one such group, Blood Tribe, showed up in Springfield for one of their trademark events, which involve masked marches where participants wave swastika flags. At least two of the marchers who descended on Springfields downtown carried rifles.

Blood Tribe, which is led by a former Marine and tattoo artist named Christopher Hammer Pohlhaus, has staged similar marches around the country. The small bands of marchers typically arrive via rented trucks. They have targeted LGBTQ events and, on their social media pages, claim to be aiming to hold rallies at all 50 state capitols. Pohlhaus has also been linked to a plan to establish a neo-Nazi compound in Maine that was seemingly aborted after it was exposed by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The neo-Nazi groups march in Springfield was led by a top associate of Pohlhaus, Drake Berentz. During the Springfield march, Berentz made remarks where he referenced the child killed in the car crash and suggested the city had been taken over by degenerate third worlders. Berentz, who uttered racial slurs and suggested Jews were behind the migrant influx, issued a call to action for people who are tired of having to share space.

No longer do outsiders have to take your resources, Berentz said. No longer do you have to suffer the abuse of subhumans.

Ruby, the pastor and immigrant advocate in Springfield, said the neo-Nazi march took the negative attention on the city to the next level.

It changed what was a local conversation pretty quickly into a national conversation, Ruby said.

Blood Tribe and other extremists remained active in the city. On Aug. 27, just over two weeks after the march, Berentz showed up at a Springfield city commission meeting, where he got up to speak using an alias that contained a thinly veiled reference to a racial slur.

I was at the head of the anti-Haitian immigration march, Berentz said, adding, Ive come to bring a word of warning. Stop what youre doing before its too late. Crime and savagery will only increase with every Haitian you bring in.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue cut Berentz off, said his comments sounded threatening, and asked police to escort him from the meeting. But Berentz wasnt the only one from Blood Tribe who was in attendance. A user on the site formerly known as Twitter who identified themselves as a member of the group subsequently posted videos indicating they were also at the commission meeting. They also posted a series of threatening statements directed at a woman in town who had criticized the neo-Nazi group in a public forum. Those statements, which were later removed by the site, included attempts to pinpoint the womans address, members of her family, and details about a pet.

TPM emailed an address used by Blood Tribe. We received a response from an unnamed spokesperson who confirmed the group has been focused on Springfield for some time, and plans to stay active in the town.

Blood Tribe has been closely monitoring what has been happening in Springfield, OH for over a year now, ever since the tragic death of Aiden Clark. We began sitting in on City Commissioners Meetings weeks ago, listening to the plight of the citizens of Springfield fall on the deaf ears of the Town Commissioners, the group spokesperson wrote.

We have every intention of continuing to uncover the corruption behind the Haitian invasion there, making sure they are all repatriated, and ensuring those who are responsible are held accountable for their actions against the citizens of Ohio, the statement continued.

Blood Tribe isnt the only right-wing extremist group that has been active in Springfield. On Sept. 1, Patriot Front, a white supremacist group that is also known for masked marches, held what it described as a protest to the mass influx of unassimilable Haitian migrants in the city.

Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, on right-wing social media pages, activists have for weeks spread videos of the stories presented at Springfields city commission meetings. Those clips include footage of Berentz, the Blood Tribe leader.

People are very intimidated, said Viles Dorsainvil, the head of Springfields Haitian Community Help and Support Center, when asked about the impact of the neo-Nazi marches.

Some Haitian immigrants in Springfield have stopped leaving their homes out of fear, Dorsainvil told TPM. Others, he said, are keeping their children home from school. According to Dorsainvil, in the aftermath of the debate and ensuing wave of new threats, a local community college attended by many immigrants canceled an exam scheduled for Thursday because of the situation.

Along with extremists, the people who have complained about the migrants at the meetings seem to include a more pedestrian brand of outside agitator. Ruby said that many of the people who have appeared at city commission meetings to decry the migrants arent from Springfield, but rather from further afield.

They live out in the county, he explained.

Indeed, many of the video compilations that have been spread online by conservative influencers featured one woman at the city commission meeting attended by the Blood Tribe leader who said she had seen migrants stealing animals from farmers and making some barbaric stew out of the birds that live in our park.

I feel like we have been invaded by some sort of pest, she declared.

TPM was able to identify the woman, who did not respond to a request for comment. According to public records, she does not actually live in Springfield and is from a smaller nearby town. Her testimony has drawn millions of views.

However, the clips from the meetings achieved their biggest impact by reaching one particular set of eyeballs: the former presidents.

When Trump raised the conspiracy theory on Tuesday, Muir explained that ABC News had been in touch with the Springfield city manager. He told us there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, Muir said.

But Trump objected, pointing to things he said he had watched.

Ive seen people on television, Trump said, adding, The people on television say, my dog was taken and used for food.

And so the debate became the culmination of a dark feedback loop between GOP politicians, extremists, and Trump himself. Online, Blood Tribe responded to the debate with a post on Telegram, surfaced by researcher Kate Ross, in which they boasted about their role in the process.

BT pushed Springfield into the public consciousness, the post said.

The chaos in Springfield escalated further in the days after the debate; City Hall reported a bomb threat. Two schools and a local branch of the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles also had to be evacuated. In interviews, Haitian immigrants described facing a wave of vandalism and threats after Trumps remarks trended online and amplified the videos.

Trump, who spent Thursday posting memes about animals being eaten on his Truth Social platform, clearly has no intention of stopping the cycle. In response to a request for comment on this story, Trump campaign National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested the former president is not dropping the issue.

The media is trying to distract the American people from the very real problems plaguing the residents of Springfield, Ohio: skyrocketing rent costs, stressed public health and education services, increased vehicular accidents and public safety concerns because a community of 60,000 Ohioans has been overwhelmed by a sudden influx of migrants, Leavitt said. President Trump will continue to talk about making America safe again.
Jefferson Co man found guilty of plot to kill prosecutor from behind bars

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDHN)  A federal jury in Birmingham has convicted a Jefferson County man in the plot to kill a federal prosecutor, which he calculated while in custody a year prior.

Michael Roman Black, 32, a resident of Hueytown, Alabama, was found guilty on September 12 on charges of threatening to murder and soliciting the murder of a federal prosecutor and for making false statements to a federal agent when questioned about these plans.

According to court reports and evidence brought against him, Black was incarcerated in Hoover, Alabama, on federal charges brought against him in February 2023. His plan, which he told another inmate, to have one of the federal prosecutors working his case murdered by two associates on the outside.

U.S. Attorneys say Black shared specific details with this other inmate about who he planned to contact and which of them would shoot the prosecutor while in her car.

After learning about his plan and confirming its legitimacy, law enforcement confronted Black, who lied in an attempt to cover his tracks.

On March 28 of 2023, a federal grand jury in Birmingham indicted Black for the threat of and solicitation to commit murder, as well as for his false statements to a federal agent.

A threat against a prosecutor or law enforcement professional is a serious offense and a direct attack against our system of justice, said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. I am grateful for the diligent work of law enforcement in identifying and thwarting this plot to take the life of a public servant simply seeking justice for the people of the United States.

Black faces a sentence in federal prison of up to 10 years for the threat of murder, 20 years for soliciting it, and up to 5 for making false statements.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 12, 2024.

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A group of casino workers have argued the impact of second-hand smoke has imperiled the health and lives of workers on the casino floor. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

The New Jersey Supreme Court declined to speed casino workers request for an injunction that would suspend an exemption for gaming houses in the states indoor smoking ban, finding the request did not warrant adjudication on short notice.

Thursdays decision is the latest in a series of roadblocks for a coalition of casino workers that has unsuccessfully sought to ban smoking in casinos through legislative means and, more recently, the courts.

My clients are disappointed that the daily assault on their health is not concerning enough to require at least a pause while we litigate the legal issues, said Nancy Erika Smith, an attorney representing the United Auto Workers Union that lodged the suit.

The high courts decision, earlier reported by Politico New Jersey, will keep the challenge in the Appellate Division, where Smith said the plaintiffs had also requested an expedited appeal.

The union and Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects, a co-plaintiff, argued the impact of second-hand smoke has imperiled the health and lives of workers on the casino floor, urging the court to extend the indoor smoking ban to gaming houses while the litigation continues.

They have argued the exemption runs afoul of safety guarantees in the New Jersey Constitution and is unconstitutional special legislation  laws that single out individuals or groups and do not apply to others similarly situated  that impermissibly singles out casino workers.

On Aug. 30, Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels ruled the casino carveout in the 2006 New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act passes constitutional muster, finding the states constitution provides only a right to pursue safety, rather than a right to safety itself.

He rejected claims that the exemption is special legislation. Because Atlantic City has a unique constitutional status that allows the Legislature to permit and regulate gambling there, casino workers are a distinct class, and the exemption is not arbitrary, Bartels ruled.

Plaintiffs charged the judge erred on both counts and repeated warnings that continuing to allow smoking in casinos would leave workers lives and health at risk.

The [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] notes that 60 minutes of exposure to second-hand smoke can cause bodily changes that lead to cancer, stroke, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. The pregnant workers are particularly devastated that the Court did not accept the urgency of their health concerns, Smith said.

The fight to end casinos smoking exemption has dragged on for years. Though legislation to end the carveout once won sponsorships from majorities of legislators in both chambers, the bill has never reached Gov. Phil Murphys desk.

Members of legislative leadership feared ending the exemption would drive gamblers to casinos in neighboring states where indoor smoking is allowed, a charge echoed by the gaming houses themselves and a separate union that represents other casino workers.

Murphy has repeatedly said he would sign the bill if it reached his desk, most recently on Thursday, but has rejected calls to take executive action on this issue, as he did for more than a year in the early stages of the pandemic.

That pause was issued under emergency powers and would almost certainly fail to survive a court challenge absent a state of emergency.

It would be struck down probably within 24 hours, Murphy said during a radio show Thursday, adding, I hope folks out there have heard me say this now probably 100 times: If a bill gets to my desk to ban smoking in casinos, I will sign it.

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An Alaska Airlines jet aborted takeoff from Nashville International Airport to avoid a potential collision with a Southwest Airlines flight Thursday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told The Hill that Alaska Airlines crew members, aboard a Boeing 737 Max 9, discontinued their takeoff because Southwest Airlines Flight 2029 was cleared to cross near the end of the same runway at the Nashville airport. Alaska Airlines reported blown tires during braking, according to the FAA.

The Southwest Airlines flight utilized a Boeing 737-700.

The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. local time.

The pilots recognized a potential traffic conflict on the runway and immediately applied the brakes to prevent the incident from escalating, a spokesperson for Alaska Airlines told The Associated Press. No injuries occurred.

Alaska Airlines told the AP the flight had 176 passengers and six crew members. The spokesperson said the plane was undergoing inspection while another plane took the passengers to Seattle, according to the AP.

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident, the agencies confirmed.

Southwest Airlines is in contact with the FAA and NTSB and will participate in the investigation. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees, Southwest Airlines said in a statement to The Hill.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, during a Senate subcommittee hearing last November, said that while aviation incidents are incredibly rare, the system is showing clear signs of strain that we cannot ignore.

Homendy stated that the NTSB had opened investigations into seven incursions in 2023.

In over half, the aircraft got within several hundred feet of each other, she said during the hearing.

The Hill has reached out to Alaska Airlines for further comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein and running mate Dr. Butch Ware faced tough questions during their appearance on morning radio show The Breakfast Club on Thursday.

The interview got off to a rocky start when recurring guest Angela Rye asked Stein to clarify her assertion that her campaign was winnable in all 50 states, despite being off the ballot in at least 13, including three that didnt allow write-ins.

We will be on the ballot for 95% of voters. That is more than enough to win an election, Stein said, adding that she would not rule out a win. Stein, who has been criticized as an intentional spoiler candidate, denied that she was in the race to block Democrats from power.

Later in the interview, Rye attempted to demonstrate the Green Partys failure to build power from a grassroots level. She asked Stein how many members of the House of Representatives there were.

How many total are there? What is it, 600, some number? Stein said, before Rye set the record straight.

Host Charlemagne tha God pointed out that the Green Party seemed to have a lot more smoke for the Democratic party than other American politicians, prompting Ware to attack Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs criticism of his party, as well as Vice President Harriss perceived support for Israels war in Gaza.

It is the talking point of AOC the other day, taking her marching orders from the DNC, that we are only running for president, Stein said, before Rye responded with skepticism on her language choice.

It is amazing to hear you talk about women of color as parroting talking points instead of us looking at basic math, Rye said. The one thing AOC has done that you havent is win some elections.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who slammed Steins candidacy as not serious and predatory in a September livestream, argued that the Stein, unlike Working Families Party organizers, didnt have serious commitments to their goals.

Watch the full interview here:
Job fair aims to help keep people in their home

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A program at the Grand Rapids court is looking to give people a second chance at a career with the hope it will lead to more stable housing.

Rene Bailie was among those who attended the 61st District Court Eviction Diversion Teams job fair Friday, looking for a job that can lead to getting her own place.

Im currently unemployed, looking for a job, so this is going to be beneficial, Bailie said. I raised my four children. I went through a divorce after 20 years and its been a struggle since.

The event was open to the public, with the goal of helping people get a fresh start. The Eviction Diversion Team says employment can be one of the biggest barriers to maintaining housing.

We talk to clients every day facing eviction who say they are either underemployed or lack of employment, so we came together, like, lets do a job fair, lets do something else and bring awareness to the court in a newer light, not being all negative all the time, Eviction Diversion facilitator Gjenikwa Gonzales said.

The job fair was the last part of a program that previously helped job seekers polish their resumes and practice interviewing. The job fair also catered to those with criminal histories.

Because we do have some felon-friendly employers that are here. Some other barriers that (people with criminal histories are) faced with is eviction, Eviction Diversion facilitator Kimberly Brown said. So not being able to stable in your house causes them to have other problems.

Backed by funding from the National Center for State Courts, the Eviction Diversion Team worked with the Urban League of West Michigan, Express Employment Professionals and Hope Network to run the job fair.

Coming to court doesnt always mean paying a fine or seeing the judge or coming here for a negative experience. We wanted to be able to share with the community that you can come here, you can find resources, you can find assistance  not just a way to resolve disputes, Clerk of the Court Sarah Breen said.

Applicants like Bernadette Collins said the program has encouraged hope for the future.

Its taking me a minute to find work, but Im staying positive that I will find something. Thats why Im here, Collins said.

The organizers plan to continue the program next year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is facing his last critical leadership test of this year as congressional lawmakers grapple with a looming government shutdown deadline at the end of this month.

The House Republican Conference is at odds over how to proceed with funding the government in the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. A growing contingent of GOP lawmakers are resigned to a short-term spending patch called a continuing resolution (CR) until December to give negotiators more time to work out next years federal spending.

Conservatives on Johnsons right flank, however, want him to keep fighting for a six-month CR attached to a bill that would require proof of citizenship in the voter registration process  which the Democrat-controlled White House and Senate have called a nonstarter.

Johnson was forced to delay a planned vote on that bill last week amid a wave of Republican defections from lawmakers who saw it as a "messaging" tactic without a sufficient plan to get the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act enacted.

CLUB FOR GROWTH POURS $5M INTO TIGHT HOUSE RACES AS GOP BRACES FOR TOUGH ELECTION

House Speaker Mike Johnson is holding firm to his plan on government funding.

How he navigates the political quagmire could be pivotal for the Louisiana Republican in the House GOPs December leadership decisions.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

A majority of GOP lawmakers who spoke with Fox News Digital saw little appetite for a coup  particularly so close to the election  but several did acknowledge that Johnson would face backlash if he fully acquiesced to Democrats on spending.

"If theres an omnibus, I think hell likely get challenged for speaker," one GOP lawmaker told Fox News Digital, noting the challenge would be significant.

Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., a member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, admitted there was room for blowback but did not see any imminent threat to Johnson.

JOHNSON UNVEILS TRUMP-BACKED HOUSE GOP PLAN TO AVOID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, SETS UP BATTLE WITH SCHUMER

"If he really flubs this, and people feel like they were deceived  but I don't see that he's on that path now," Burlison said.

Freedom Caucus member Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., noted he was close to Johnson personally but said broadly, "I think if we get jammed with an omni it will be a significant factor in any kind of leadership elections across the board."

He said it was "not really a topic of conversation at this point" but added that it "could be part of the calculus" for others.

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., said there were no ongoing conversations about replacing House Speaker Mike Johnson if he falls short on spending but said it "could be part of the calculus" for some.

Meanwhile, Reps. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, and Cory Mills, R-Fla., who have not shied away from criticizing the speaker, suggested it was inevitable that he would face some sort of rival.

"I think in order for Mike Johnson to remain speaker, in my humble opinion, it's going to require some Democrats to help him," Nehls told Fox News Digital, adding that House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, would be a "great" candidate.

Jordan was one of several Republican leaders who ran for speaker after the ouster of ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., over McCarthys own handling of government spending last fall. Jordans bid was derailed by opposition from moderates, however.

Mills, who came out against Johnsons CR plan, said, "I think he's gonna have a significant leadership challenge regardless."

MCCARTHY'S 'FINAL STRUGGLES' THREATEN TO HAUNT JOHNSON'S GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN FIGHT

"I don't think this is going to be that pivotal moment where it's a make or break, but what I will say is, is that the one guarantee that I continue to try and sound the alarm on or beat the drums on, iswe're heading towards economic collapse," Mills said.

Meanwhile, another conservative lawmaker who spoke with Fox News Digital anonymously was emphatic that, unlike his predecessor, Johnson is safe from a political coup.

Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, guessed House Speaker Mike Johnson would need Democratic votes to win the speakership next year if the GOP has the majority.

"I think just what little conversations I've had with him last weekend, what little conversations I've had with him and staff, I think they are genuine in wanting to make sure we don't end up with an omnibus," that conservative said.

In addition to pressure from within his own conference, Johnson is also having to navigate government funding talks while the Republicans 2024 nominee, former President Donald Trump, is actively calling for a partial shutdown if election security legislation cannot be passed.

Johnson, for his part, has told reporters that he is still sticking firmly to his course and would work through the weekend on the issue.

"We're going to continue to work on this. Whip is going to do the hard work to build consensus, we're going to work through the weekend on that. And I want any member of Congress in either party to explain to the American people why we should not ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting in U.S. elections," Johnson said earlier this week.

If Republicans lose the majority, Johnson will only need a majority vote of his conference to remain its leader. A Speaker of the House, however, needs a majority of the entire chamber  meaning the GOP would likely need to be in lock-step for him to win.





Original article source: Johnson faces major leadership test as GOP wars over government shutdown
JOHNSTON, Iowa  If you see smoke in Johnston today, dont be too alarmed.

The Johnston-Grimes Fire Department is using the home at 5640 Northwest Beaver Drive for training during a controlled burn. The training began at 9:00 a.m. Friday.

Enrollment up at all three Iowa state-run universities

So today what were focusing on is were doing interior fire tac evolutions. So our crews are actually going to be stretching hose lines in and are faced with the fire inside the structure and were gonna put that out. At the same time were working on searching for victims so we do have some training mannequins in place so while there is real world environment occurring theyll also be working on search, said Battalion Chief Tristan Johnson, Johnston-Grimes Fire Department.

Different crews are being rotated in throughout the day to make sure they get a chance to train. Once training is complete, the home will be burned to the ground.

Officials expect to have things wrapped up by 4:00 p.m.

The home was donated to the department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
UPDATE @ 3:45 P.M.

Authorities confirm at this time, one person has been shot and taken to a local hospital by ambulance.

Police also say, one person has been taken into custody just down the street from where the victim was.

Shooting in Jones, Image courtesy KFOR

Shooting in Jones, Image courtesy KFOR

According to police, two homeowners were in a dispute over property. One of the homeowners hired a tree trimming service to come and cut down trees. The neighbor thought the tree trimmers were on the wrong property and shot them.

Jones shooting leaves one person injured, Image courtesy KFOR

Jones shooting leaves one person injured, Image courtesy KFOR

Police say, the victim was hit twice and in stable condition. A second person in the truck is unharmed at this time. The investigation is still in the early stages. KFOR Mecca Thompson is on the scene and will be providing the latest details.

ORIGINAL STORY

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Authorities in Jones alongside the Oklahoma City Police are responding to a possible shooting near Britton and Westminster.

Officers and emergency crews are on the scene. Police confirm, suspect has been taken into custody.

McIntrye Law Chopper 4 and a ground crew are heading to the scene.

No information has been released at this time.

This story is developing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
JOPLIN, Mo.  A Joplin Police Department Captain is being recognized for his graduation from the FBI National Academy  a program available to fewer than one percent of officers.

The National Academy offers ten weeks of various training to some of the most tenured officers in the country. Joplin Police Departments Captain Nick Jimenez graduated as a member of the 291st session, a class of 254 law enforcement members from nearly all U.S. states, dozens of countries, and several military and federal civilian organizations.

Captain Jimenez began at JPD as an intern in 2006 before he was hired as an official officer the next year. Since then he has served in a multitude of roles including SWAT Team Leader and as a K9 Officer.

He was promoted to Corporal in 2015, Sergeant in 2016, and Captain in 2019, JPD said in their announcement.

Captain Jimenez has realized an amazing accomplishment in attending the FBI National Police

Academy. He now joins an extremely elite group of police professionals in the U.S. We

are all very proud of him, said Joplin Police Chief Richard Pearson.

A total of 55,440 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. It is held at the FBI Training Academy in Virginia.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
In swing states, Harris touts Republican endorsements while Trump leans into incendiary rhetoric

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have launched campaign blitzes with dramatically different approaches to attracting swing-state voters who will decide the presidential contest
A judge in California on Monday issued a permanent injunction against a local school districts policy of outing transgender students.

Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

In July of 2023, Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) just east of Los Angeles passed a policy requiring parental notification when students requested to use a different name or pronoun or use facilities aligned with a gender identity that differed from their official documents.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued CVUSD the following month with the case California v. Chino Valley Unified School District. The district responded by changing the policy, removing references to gender identity, and requiring parental notification for changes to official and unofficial school records, but the suit remained active. San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Michael Sachs halted key parts of the old policy in his decision issued on Monday.

The court ruled in favor of the state and upheld earlier injunctions against two sections of the old parental notification policy. Those sections required parental notification when students requested to use a different name or pronoun or use facilities that aligned with a gender identity that differed from their official school documents.

However, the court let stand the section of the new policy that allowed parental notification about changes to a students official or unofficial school records.

Bonta hailed the decision as a victory for students and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

This is a win for transgender and gender-nonconforming students across the state, Bonta posted to social media following the decision.

 (@)

The San Bernardino Superior Court's decision to issue permanent injunctive and declaratory relief against the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education's forced outing policy is a tremendous victory for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and the entire Chino Valley community, Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, said in a statement following the decision. This ruling acknowledges that every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in their schools  without fear of being outed against their will.



While Bonta and others welcomed the courts rejection of key parts of the old policy, CVUSD Board President Sonja Shaw also claimed victory.

We are disappointed with parts of the ruling and plan to appeal, but Attorney General Bonta is attempting to gaslight the public about its true impact, Shaw posted to social media.

 (@)

The district has also filed suit against the state in Chino Valley Unified School District v. Newsom, challenging AB 1955 which will prevent school districts from outing trans students to their parents. AB 1955 was signed in July by Gov. Gavin Newsom and will take effect on January 1, 2025.



This critical bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Newsom earlier this year, prohibits school districts like Chino Valley from forcibly outing transgender youth without their consent and protects educators who foster safe, supportive learning environments, Hoang said of AB 1955. California voters have also made their voices heard when it comes to protecting transgender youth. So far this year, six school board members across the state have faced recall efforts following their support of anti-LGBTQ+ policies  and all six were successfully recalled.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Wanda Halbert, who was elected for a second term as County Clerk in 2022, will keep her position for now after a judges ruling Friday.

A private firm representing the Shelby County attorney faced off with Clerk Wanda Halberts attorney in court Friday regarding a complaint filed.

The issue at hand is whether or not it was addressed by Halbert and her defense team within the required 20 days to a filed petition made to remove the clerk after allegations of willful neglect to perform her duties.

County calls for Clerk Wanda Halberts immediate removal

Halberts attorney says the county clerk did respond by filing a motion to dismiss, citing a previous case as a comparison.

The judge questioned whether the Shelby County attorney even had the authority to have private counsel as part of this case.

The ordinance says that she has the ability to hire assistant county attorneys, said Judge Felicia Corbin-Johnson.

Second ouster filed for Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert

In the end, the judge says the voters of Shelby County ultimately have the final say.

There is absolutely no precedent in Tennessee for granting a default and ousting an official who has been elected by the people, Judge Corbin-Johnson said.

The judge ruled it would be fundamentally unfair for the court to oust Halbert after she was elected by the people.

Wouldnt it be fundamentally unfair to grant default to oust Ms. Halbert and violate her due process rights, when she has properly raised the issue? Judge Corbin-Johnson said.

Judge dismisses Wanda Halbert ouster case; says D.A. did not have jurisdiction

Both sides are due back in court on September 17 for a motion to dismiss.

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BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL)  A Bristol judge has ruled against the owners of a building housing the regions only abortion clinic, denying a bid to rescind a lease that could last six more years.

Judge Sage Johnson dismissed Kilo Delta LLCs lawsuit that sought rescission of the lease first signed in June 2022 and restitution, alleging that the clinics operators fraudulently concealed the purpose of their business. Chadwick and Chase King claimed they were adamantly opposed to abortion on moral grounds but didnt know Bristol Womens Health provided abortions until a couple of days after the lease signing.

Johnson said the facts showed no fraudulent concealment, adding that the Kings accepted rent payments, made repairs to the building and allowed Bristol Womens Health to invest in additional building upgrades for months after learning the facility provides abortions.

Volunteer escorts wait on Aug. 7, 2024 to help minimize patients exposure to anti-abortion protestors at Bristol Womens Health. (Photo: WJHL)

(T)he plaintiffs were on inquiry notice of the planned use of the property and nonetheless sat idly while Defendants entered into the lease agreement, made improvements, hired personnel, otherwise complied with the terms of the agreement, and acted in reliance on Kilo Deltas fulfillment of the agreement, Johnson wrote.

Which schools received threats in the Tri-Cities?

The clinics administrator, Karolina Ogorek, said she and the clinics staff are relieved at the ruling.

We have excellent counsel who represented us in this case, but for us it was just really difficult to know that we may have to close our doors, Ogorek said late Thursday afternoon. We went as far as even starting to collect boxes just in case we needed to move. We just never knew at any point if there was going to be a time where we were asked to leave.

A counterclaim by Bristol Womens Health is pending, because Kilo Delta sent the clinic an eviction letter earlier this year in spite of the case being unresolved. Now that the Kilo Delta complaints been decided in the clinics favor, Ogorek said shes hopeful Johnson will permanently enjoin, or prohibit, Kilo Delta from evicting them.

Clinic Administrator Karolina Ogorek. (Photo: WJHL)

The Court did take into consideration all of our testimony from the injunction case and in his opinion wrote that dissolution of the contract would prevent Bristol Womens Health from providing medical services to women in the surrounding areas, and not just Bristol, Ogorek said.

Ogorek said the clinics owner and leadership never tried to hide the services they offer, which also include other reproductive care such as IUD removals, pregnancy testing and ultrasound for women who are carrying their pregnancies to term.

They chose not to do their due diligence, as any landlord should be for renting, and that was on them. That was not us. It wasnt up to us to give them a menu of services that we provide at our facility.

Second AT shelter (Roan High Knob) in Carter County now closed

Johnson agreed when he referred to the Kings being on inquiry notice.

It stands to reason that if the Plaintiffs were adamantly opposed to that type of use of the Property, they would have sought clarification as to whether abortion services were to be provided in the context of a medical clinic, particularly given that abortion is legal in Virginia, Johnson wrote.

Furthermore, if they had conducted a simple internet search on their tenants, as any reasonably prudent landlord likely would, they would have discovered that the clinic did, in fact, provide abortion services as is plainly stated on their website.

Ogorek said the decision appeared to take into account the gap in available abortion care the clinics closure would have created. Bristol Womens Health has argued that it would have a very difficult time finding a suitable building elsewhere in Bristol, and that even if it could the expense could threaten its ability to stay open.

I think mainly what the judge heard and what the judge saw and through all of the testimony was that we were not deceitful, we were not fraudulent, and we didnt do anything wrong to be evicted.

She said the tenor of Johnsons written ruling gives her hope that hell prevent Kilo Delta from evicting the clinic. His decision grants a temporary injunction until the parties and the court can reconvene and move toward a scheduling order on the counterclaim filed by Bristol Womens Health.

While some people may not agree with what we do, we follow the law and we provide a legal service and we entered into this contract legally with no deception. Our hope is, is that we will continue to have a favorable verdict.

News Channel 11 reached out to the Kings requesting a statement on the decision but has not heard back.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  A Tennessee judge ruled Wednesday that three gun control questions can go on the November ballot in Memphis, even as top Republican state leaders have threatened to withhold tens of millions of dollars in state funding should city leaders put the initiative before voters.

Shelby County Chancellor Melanie Taylor Jefferson sided with the Memphis City Council, which sued the Shelby County Election Commission last month for refusing to put gun control measures on the ballot.

Council Woman Jerri Green said the judge essentially ordered the government body, in this case, the election commission, to put the gun referendum on the ballot,

Im very glad for the outcome, and I think its exactly what we expected, said Green.  Im a lawyer. I know what the law says. We are hopeful that the state will see that we are allowed to do this and that they should let people have their vote.

In August, the election commission announced they could not place the questions on the ballot because the Secretary of States office had warned they violated several of Tennessees laws, making them void and ineligible. In response, the Memphis City Council filed a complaint requesting a judge overrule the commissions decision.

After a hearing on Wednesday, Taylor Jefferson said the measures could go on the ballot because they had not yet amended the citys charter and are just proposals.

It asks the people, the citizens of Memphis if they would like the city council to pass ordinances around gun sense, as I call it, measures. It doesnt actually change the law. It would involve enabling legislation on the city council side and then on the state side, Green said. So, its not ripe yet for the state to be saying were interfering with their laws.

Memphis gun control referendum may draw fire from state

Earlier this year, the Memphis City Council approved a proposal to ask if voters wanted to tweak the city charter to require permits to carry a handgun, ban the possession of AR-15 style rifles, and implement a so-called red flag ordinance, which allows law enforcement officials to remove firearms from those found to be an imminent danger to themselves or others.

The council acknowledged at times that they were potentially risking the ire of the Republican-dominant Legislature since the measures likely conflict with Tennessees lax gun laws. This includes the states permitless carry for handguns and a ban on local cities and counties from implementing their red flag laws.

Regardless, council members representing the large Black-majority, left-leaning city said they were willing to take the risk.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senate Speaker Randy McNally later issued a statement warning Memphis about the consequences of advancing ballot measures against the Statehouses wishes.

Lawmakers threaten Memphis sales tax revenue due to citys gun control efforts

The Legislature will not tolerate any attempts to go rogue and perform political sideshows, they said in a news release. If they do not want to participate within the state and state laws, then they do not need to participate in the states successes. Both Speakers will be acting to withhold state-shared sales tax to any local government who attempts to take this type of action.

Last year, Memphis received nearly $78 million from the states sales tax revenue. The city currently operates on a budget of $858 million.

They didnt listen to the elected reps, councilmembers, senators, commissioners of the 901, JB Smiley, a Memphis city councilman, wrote on social media while referencing the local area code. Maybe, just maybe, they will listen to thousands and thousands of residents who will tell them that gun reform for our community is a matter of life and death.

Gov. Bill Lee told WREG this week that he believed the referendum contradicted state law.

We cant have cities and municipalities creating their own laws that supersede state laws, Lee said. That is not the way it works, and that isnt the way it should happen going forward.

Memphis Council Member Green said the Attorney Generals Office did not say Wednesday whether they would appeal the decision.

A spokesperson for the Shelby County Election Commission said it was too soon to tell whether the gun referendum will appear on the ballot, and they would provide updates as the next steps become available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A North Dakota judge has struck down the states near-total abortion ban, ruling that it violates the states constitution and clearing the way for the procedure to become legal in the state.

District Judge Bruce Romanick wrote that women have a fundamental right to abortion before foetal viability under the North Dakota state constitution.

An abortion clinic filed a legal challenge to the states ban, and the North Dakota government attempted to have the lawsuit thrown out.

Enacted last year, the Republican-backed law created exceptions if the mother's life is threatened, though rape and incest victims were only eligible for an abortion during the first six-weeks of pregnancy.

The abortion law infringes "on a woman's fundemental right to procreative autonomy", Judge Romanick wrote in his decision, which also noted that the law had not been "narrowly tailored to promote women's health or to protect unborn human life".

He also said the state had not identified what compelling interest it has informing a woman to carry a pregnancy to term.

The law as currently drafted takes away a womans liberty and her right to pursue and obtain safety and happiness, Judge Romanick continued. The law also impermissibly infringes on the constitutional rights for victims of crimes.

The order has not yet immediately taken effect, and the decision will likely be appealled against.

No abortion providers currently remain in the state, though the Red River Women's Clinic - which filed the lawsuit against the state's abortion ban - is just east of the North Dakota border.

The clinic was previously the only provider in North Dakota, but had to relocate its operations to the neighboring state of Minnesota. It claimed in its lawsuit that the abortion ban was unconstitutionally vague about exceptions.

The judge clearly understood the depth of our arguments," said Tammi Kromenaker, clinic director of the Red River Women's Clinic. "It's a good day for North Dakota's pregnant people and we are very pleased."

Attorneys for the state argued that the case should be thrown out, and that the plaintiffs case was too hypothetical.

Special Assistant Attorney General Dan Gaustad said in July that the clinic did not have standing because they were now located in Minnesota, the AP reported.

His office did not immediately respond to request for comment.

In 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned its 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision, which had said womens right to an abortion was protected by the US Constitution.

That allowed individual states to move forward with bans or restrictions on the procedure.

Republican Governor Doug Burgum signed the states revised abortion ban into law in April 2023.

Burgum said the law "reaffirms North Dakota as a pro-life state.
Rain continues to cause widespread flooding across our area, and one Nassau County homeowner has water covering his driveway and yard, and in some spots, it is knee-deep.

That homeowner has been pumping water for several days, and he has three pumps running for about 13 to 14 hours a day.

This has been our life, said Gilbert Cote. Our life has been water.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Cote never imagined his driveway and front yard would turn into a pond.

By Monday night it was coming into the house and in the garage, said Cote. It was entering the house through the weep holes down there and coming up through our floor in our dining room.

Action News Jax walked through the flood water with one of Cotes family members as they were desperately trying to lower the water levels with several pumps.

Cote moved into his current house in Nassau County nearly 4 months ago and on Thursday he and his wife almost decided to evacuate.

She got to a point where she looked out the window and grabbed the bags, started packing a bag, said Cote.

The Action News Jax First Alert Weather Team said some neighborhoods in Nassau County got up to 9 inches of rain on Thursday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Cote said he is not in a flood zone, and he now has about 8 inches of water inside his garage.

But he said the problem is the water has nowhere to go.

Theres nothing, nothing for the water to flow to, said Cote. We just feel helpless.

And he said the county is not able to help him because he lives on a private road.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Action News Jax reached out to the county and a spokesperson said, the county cannot expend public funds for private road work/improvements.

But Cote is pushing for better water management.

If there was a culvert going under our private road there, it could flow down Barnwell and continue to flow toward 200, said Cote.

The county said it continues to investigate and respond to every call, but in some situations, they are limited.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
After just a few hours, U.S. election bets put on hold by appeals court ruling

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP)  Just hours after it began, legal betting on the outcome of U.S. Congressional elections has been put on hold by a federal appeals court.

The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an order Thursday night temporarily freezing the matter until it can consider and rule on the issue. No timetable was initially given.

The court acted at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, mere hours after a federal judge cleared the way for the only bets on American elections to be legally sanctioned by a U.S. jurisdiction.

U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb permitted New York startup company Kalshi to begin offering what amounts to bets on the outcome of November elections regarding which parties win control of the House and Senate.

The company's markets went live soon afterwards, and Kalshi accepted an unknown amount of bets, which it called contracts.

The Thursday night order put a halt to any further such bets. What might happen to those already made was unclear Friday.

Neither Kalshi nor the commission immediately responded to messages seeking comment Friday.

The ruling came after the Commodity Futures Trading Commission appealed Cobb's ruling, warning that allowing election bets, even for a short period of time, risked serious harm from people trying to manipulate the election for financial purposes.

Prices on Kalshis so-called predictive contracts varied during the afternoon and early evening hours during which they were live on Thursday. At one point, 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.

The elections category under which they had been posted Thursday was missing from the company's website Friday afternoon.

___

Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC
Theyre just not true: Springfield officials furious as Trumps migrant pet-eating lie causes bomb threats and school closures

Officials in Springfield, Ohio, have pushed back on a racist rumor amplified by the Trump campaign that Haitian residents are eating peoples pets, as the baseless claims have prompted bomb threats against city buildings and terrified local residents.

Unfortunately right now, we have to focus on making sure this rhetoric is dispelled, that these rumors are just, theyre just not true. Springfield is a beautiful place, and your pets are safe in Springfield, Springfield mayor Rob Rue told CNN.

Springfields police and city manager, as well as the Ohio governor, have all affirmed that claims of Haitians eating pets are without evidence.

Still, despite the wave of condemnation from Ohio officials, the rumor has taken on a life of its own in Springfield, where a bomb threat on Thursday forced the evacuation of city hall and two schools.

Local officials said the threat explicitly used hateful language towards immigrants and Haitians in our community.

Springfield is a community that needs help, Mayor Rue told The Washington Post, instead of leaders that hurt a community like, unfortunately, we have seen over the last couple of days.

Water flows through the fountain in Fountain Square in Springfield, Ohio, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 (AP)

The FBI is investigating the bomb threat.

White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby warned earlier this week the conspiracy could cause violence.

This kind of language, this kind of disinformation, is, is dangerous because there will be people that believe it no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is, and they might act on that kind of information and act on it in a way where somebody could get hurt, he said, adding, It needs to stop.

The Trump campaign denied any links to the threats.

To this day, if anyone dares to suggest that unhinged rhetoric from Democrats like Kamala Harris and Joe Biden may have influenced a psychopath to attempt to assassinate President Trump, the left wing media melts down - its laughable these same media outlets are now attempting to tie this threat to the GOP ticket, the Trump campaign said in a statement to The Independent. President Trump and Senator Vance condemn these threats and believe those responsible should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Residents of Springfields large Haitian community, which has expanded in recent years due to the federal Temporary Protected Status immigrant program, say theyre fearing for their safety after Trump, JD Vance, and other top Republicans have parroted the conspiracy, including during the former presidents debate with Kamala Harris earlier this week.

A police car sits outside Ohio City Hall which, according to the city government, received a bomb threat and was evacuated Thursday morning, in Springfield, Ohio, U.S., September 12, 2024 (REUTERS)

Viles Dorsainvil, president of Springfields nonprofit Haitian Community Help and Support Center told NBC News on Wednesday people are scared for their lives.

Other Haitians in the area have reported keeping their kids home from school and suffering acts of vandalism, according to the Haitian Times.

The impact of the conspiracy may be very real, but its roots are based on Internet-fueled hate and speculation.

The claims first took off when a member of a local Springfield Facebook group posted claims about Haitian immigrants she admits she heard it fourthhandfrom a neighbor who heard it from a friend who heard it from their daughter.

Another element came from a photo taken in July, of a man in Columbus, not Springfield, Ohio, holding a dead goose. The individual who took the photo says he regrets the image has been used to demonize migrants.

Springfield mayor Rob Rue talks with city manager Bryan Heck in Springfield, Ohio, U.S., August 13, 2024 (REUTERS)

"I wish I never took it, for sure. And I hate that the picture that I took is being weaponized to use against immigrants, or really, any other group. They always have to have somebody to use as a weapon. Some group to be the bad guy," he told the Columbus Dispatch.

The conspiracy was further amplified when a local neo-Nazi group, Blood Tribe, amplified claims about Haitians on social media, in posts that were picked up by mainstream commentators and link aggregators, before they reached elected Republicans.
The Justice Department is preparing to file criminal charges in an alleged Iranian hack that targeted former President Trumps campaign, according to media reports.

The Associated Press reported it wasn't immediately clear who would be charged, but that it would be the result of an investigation into intrusion and multiple agencies linked to an Iranian effort to influence this years U.S. presidential election.

The expected charges are part of an effort to combat covert foreign influence activities aimed at influencing voters in the 2024 election cycle.

Iran "is making a greater effort to influence this years election than it has in prior election cycles, and that Iranian activity is growing increasingly aggressive as this election nears," Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, the Justice Departments top national security official, said in a speech Thursday in New York. "Iran perceives this years elections to be particularly consequential in impacting Irans national security interests, increasing Tehrans inclination to try to shape the outcome."

ANTI-REGIME ACTIVISTS IN IRAN TAKE CREDIT FOR TORCHING OF SOLEIMANI STATUE

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The DOJ is preparing charges against Iran over its alleged efforts to influence the 2024 election cycle.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Trump campaign, DOJ and the Iranian Permanent Mission to the United Nations for comment. The Washington Post first reported that the charges were being prepared.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The Justice Department has warned of nations like Russia and China trying to meddle in the presidential race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Some of the efforts include hacking and using social media to influence public opinion.

In August, the Trump campaign said Iranians had stolen sensitive documents through hacking.

The FBI, the office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency blamed that hack, as well as an attempted breach of the Biden-Harris campaign, on Iran.

FBI INVESTIGATING IRANS HACK OF TRUMP CAMPAIGN DOCUMENTS

Former President Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, participates in a Fox News town hall with Sean Hannity at the New Holland Arena on Sept. 4, 2024, in Harrisburg, Pa.

"The IC is confident that the Iranians have, through social engineering and other efforts, sought access to individuals with direct access to the presidential campaigns of both political parties," a joint statement said at the time.

"Such activity, including thefts and disclosures, are intended to influence the U.S. election process," the statement added. "It is important to note that this approach is not new. Iran and Russia have employed these tactics not only in the United States during this and prior federal election cycles but also in other countries around the world."

The statement didn't say whether Iran prefers one candidate over another, but Trump has long been considered a target by Tehran after he ordered a 2020 strike that killed Iranian Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Forces.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Justice Department preparing criminal charges in Iran hack targeting Trump
SAG HARBOR, N.Y.  Justin Timberlake spoke out after taking a plea deal in his DWI case on Long Island.

Timberlake, 43, appeared in court Friday in Sag Harbor and agreed to plead guilty to driving while ability impaired (DWAI), a lesser traffic violation. The DWI charge against him was dropped.

The plea deal included a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, as well as 25 hours of community service at the nonprofit of his choosing. Timberlake has a year to complete the community service. The deal also required Timberlake to make a public safety announcement, which he did immediately after his appearance in court.

The judge was initially not happy with the terms of the plea, calling the penalties minimal, and asked Timberlake if he would also accept 25 hours of nonprofit community service, which Timberlake agreed to. He has a year to complete it.

Camera crews surrounded Timberlake as he entered court Friday morning, and a large crowd gathered outside the courthouse to await his statement.

"I could have made a different decision"

Timberlake spoke outside of court after the proceedings Friday.

"Many of you have probably been covering me for a lot of my life, and as you may know, I try to hold myself to a very high standard, for myself. And this was not that. I found myself in a position where I could have made a different decision," Timberlake said.

Timberlake said he's had time to reflect on the matter.

"And so what I'd like to say to everyone watching and listening, even if you've had one drink, don't get behind the wheel of a car," Timberlake added. "There's so many alternatives. Call a friend. Take an Uber. There's many travel apps. Still, take a taxi. This is a mistake that I've made, but I'm hoping whoever's watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have. And like I said, even one drink, don't get behind the wheel of a car."

Timberlake thanked the people of Sag Harbor for putting up with all of the attention that has been brought to the town.

"We can all be more safe out there, and I'm going to do my part. I hope that everyone else does their part," Timberlake said.

Timberlake praised for pleading guilty, admitting mistake

Timberlake's attorney said he was pleased with the reduced charge, and disputed any reports that Timberlake was drunk when he was arrested.

"The evidence revealed that my client finished the contents of one drink in two hours at the American Hotel," attorney Edward Burke said. "And contrary to what was reported, he wasn't drinking other people's drinks, or warned in advance not to drive. He wasn't rude. He wasn't obnoxious. He wasn't belligerent. In fact, he was polite, he was cooperative, he was respectful during his entire encounter with law enforcement, as they were to him."

"Today, Mr. Timberlake chose to plead guilty and accept responsibility for driving while his ability was impaired by alcohol. We appreciate his willingness to hold himself accountable for his behavior, and for using his platform to increase public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. As previously stated, Mr. Timberlake received the same treatment as any other defendant. Justice should be applied equally to all individuals, regardless of their wealth or celebrity status. Drunk and drugged driving is an extremely serious nationwide public safety issue," DA Ray Tierney said. "These drivers threaten the lives of random and innocent roadway users of every age, gender, ethnicity, and economic status. In 2024, with the prevalence and convenience of public transit and ride-shares, there is no excuse to get behind the wheel when you are impaired in any way."

The family of Boy Scout Andrew McMorris, who was killed by a drunk driver on Long Island in 2018, was inside the courtroom.

"I do feel he was sincere, and I can only hope that his platform with everyone here will make a significant change," mom Alisa McMorris said. "This gives me hope that maybe the next generation will be the generation that ends drunk and impaired driving."

Long Island defense attorney David Schwartz says with the plea agreement, Timberlake got treated like every other first-time offender.

"The 90-day suspension is by statute, the $500 fine is by statute, and the judge threw on 25 hours of community service, which is completely normal," he said.

Justin Timberlake arrested for DWI in Sag Harbor

Justin Timberlake's mug shot after he was arrested for DWI on June 18, 2024 in Sag Harbor, N.Y. / Credit: Sag Harbor Police Department

Back on June 18, Timberlake was pulled over in the Hamptons village after he allegedly drove through a stop sign and failed to stay on the right side of the road.

According to court documents, the arresting officer said he could smell alcohol on Timberlake's breath and that the pop star had bloodshot eyes, "performed poorly" on field sobriety tests and refused a breath test. Timberlake allegedly told the officer he had one martini earlier in the evening.

Timberlake was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. He was released on his own recognizance after his arraignment later that morning.

Timberlake appeared in court virtually on Aug. 2 and pleaded not guilty. At the hearing, a Sag Harbor village justice suspended his license to drive in New York, which is a standard practice in the state for DWI cases. Timberlake was in Germany at the time for his world tour.

The next stop on Timberlake's tour is the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Sept. 28. He will then play the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Oct. 7 before returning to the Prudential Center on Oct.8.

Pope says Trump, Harris are both "against life"

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An Associated Press analysis has found that hospitals are rarely fined for violating a federal law that is supposed to guarantee that patients with medical emergencies get the treatment they need
LONG ISLAND - Justin Timberlake urged drivers not to get behind the wheel of a car after even a single alcoholic drink on Friday, shortly after pleading guilty to driving while impaired in New Yorks Hamptons earlier this year.

The public safety announcement in front of the Sag Harbor police department was part of the plea deal that knocked down the misdemeanor charge hed faced to a non-criminal traffic violation. The boy band singer-turned-solo star and actor was also sentenced to a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, 25 hours of community service at the nonprofit of his choosing and a 90-day suspension of his license.

"I try to hold myself to a very high standard, for myself, and this was not that," Timberlake told the news media and other onlookers after the hearing in the adjacent Sag Harbor Village Court.

"Even if youve had one drink, dont get behind the wheel of a car," he said. "Theres so many alternatives. Call a friend. Take an Uber. Theres many travel apps. Still, take a taxi. This is a mistake that I made, but I'm hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have."

Timberlake enters court on Friday.

The pop star originally pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated and had his drivers license suspended during a hearing last month.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierneys office, which is prosecuting the case, declined to comment ahead of the hearing, as did Timberlakes attorney, Edward Burke.

Why was Justin Timberlake arrested?

Timberlake was arrested in Sag Harbor on Long Island a little after midnight on June 18 after police said he ran a stop sign in the village center, veered out of his lane and got out of his BMW smelling of alcohol.

Police in court filings also said the 43-year-old Tennessee natives eyes were "bloodshot and glassy" and that he had "slowed speech," was unsteady on his feet and performed poorly on all sobriety tests.

Timberlake told the officer he had had one martini and was following some friends home, police said. Timberlake's license suspension in New York likely impacts his ability to drive in other states, a legal expert said this week.

Refusing a Breathalyzer test, as Timberlake did during his arrest, triggers an automatic suspension of one's license under New York state law, which should then be enforced in other states, according to Kenneth Gober, a managing partner at the law firm Lee, Gober & Reyna in Austin, Texas.

"Most states participate in the interstate Drivers License Compact, an agreement to share information about license suspensions and traffic violations," he explained in an email. "If a license is suspended in one state it should be suspended in all states."

In practice, though, it can take a long time for such changes to be reflected across state lines, Gober acknowledged. The pop star also has the resources to easily arrange for a driver and doesnt need a car to drive to do his job, he added.

Timberlakes agent and other representatives didnt respond to emails seeking comment this week.

PHILIP MARCELO, with the Associated Press, helped contribute to this report.
(Reuters) - Pop star Justin Timberlake pleaded guilty in a New York State court on Friday to a lesser traffic charge than drunk driving after he was arrested over the summer when police spotted him failing to obey a stop sign and veering off lane.

Timberlake, 43, agreed to plead guilty to driving while ability impaired, a lesser traffic violation than driving while impaired, multiple media reports say.

He was fined $500 and ordered to perform community service, Variety reported. Timberlake's attorney Edward Burke said he was pleased with the reduced charge, and disputed any reports that Timberlake was drunk when he was arrested, CBS News reported.

Timberlake's license had already been suspended. The judge also sentenced Timberlake to 25-40 hours of community service at a non-profit, and ordered him to make a "public safety announcement."

Timberlake pleaded not guilty on Aug. 2 to a charge of driving while intoxicated. He was arrested on June 18 in the town of Sag Harbor on Long Island, where he was driving a 2025 gray BMW shortly after midnight.

When stopped by police, Timberlake's eyes "were bloodshot and glassy, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath, he was unable to divide attention, he was unsteady afoot and performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests," court documents said.

Timberlake told the officer he had one martini before driving and refused to take a breathalyzer test.

After the hearing on Friday, Timberlake told reporters, "I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself, and this was not that."

He also said, "This is a mistake that I made but I'm hoping that whoever's watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have. And like I said  even one drink. Don't get behind the wheel of a car."

(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago and Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Juvenile arrested and charged in shooting death of man in his East St. Louis home

A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a man in his home in East St. Louis Wednesday evening.

Illinois State Police were called to assist in the investigation into the death of Keith L. Giles, 36, who was found in his home at the 700 block of N. 75th Street with multiple gunshot wounds. Giles was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:42 p.m., according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr.

According to a state police release Friday, the juvenile suspect fled the scene in Giles vehicle. Richmond Heights Police in Missouri located the vehicle and took the juvenile into custody without incident, the release stated.

The suspect is currently being held at the St. Clair County Juvenile Detention Center. The suspects name is being withheld due to his age. No further information is available.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Police have arrested a juvenile suspect after he allegedly made threats to Sweet Home High School, authorities said.

Those threats caused the Sweet Home School District to close all its schools both Thursday and Friday.

Oregon City police arrest man for luring a minor

Its not the only threat to schools that was made in that same area of Oregon. The nearby Greater Albany Public Schools also received a threat but their campuses stayed open.

In the video of the Sweet Home threat, the high school was directly mentioned and a gun was shown.

The concern from the social media post was there was a picture of a juvenile with a firearm, and made some kind of reference that included the Sweet Home High School and so that definitely put us on high alert, said Sweet Home Police Chief Jason Ogden.

Another student saw the video and brought it to the districts attention. The Sweet Home police were alerted from there.

So, you know, theres, theres consequences for, you know, posting these kinds of things online. You know, as we all know, there are terrible things that have happened around our nation regarding things like this, and so we have to take it seriously, Ogden said.

One Sweet Home parent said their first thought was to make sure their kids were safe.

Im sure the young person making the threats needs helpprobably needs a hug, the parent said.

Inverted-Y design to replace Burnside Bridge

Sweet Home School District Superintendent Terry Martin addressed the threat Thursday, prior to the young mans arrest.

Safety of our staff and students is a non-negotiable, Martin said. This doesnt represent sweet home, this is happening all across our county, and sweet home is a great spot to be. We have incredibly hard-working staff, supportive parents, supportive communitythats one of the good things about living in a small town.

Ogden said the suspect, who is not a student at the Sweet Home School District, is now facing charges of first-degree disorderly conduct and unlawful use of a firearm.

Despite the arrest, officials said all Sweet Home schools are still closed on Friday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Despite the ongoing excessive whining in the press about Kamala Harris not doing interviews and MAGA's laughable insistence that Trump won the debate and that it was rigged by ABC moderators, the truth is that the vice president is running an exceptional campaign. At every important juncture, she has met the moment and surpassed it.

Personally, I never understood the widely (but not deeply) held belief that she was a mediocre politician. As a Californian, I have followed Harris' career pretty closely from the time she made a name for herself as the San Francisco district attorney and then state attorney general. I happily voted for her for the Senate. She always struck me as a talented politician who was very likely headed for higher office if the breaks came her way.

She took a shot for president in 2019 and had a bad primary run, but she's hardly the first presidential aspirant to flame out in their first run. Joe Biden ran twice before he finally got the nomination. Even the sainted John McCain and Ronald Reagan failed in their first attempts. But even though she ended up being chosen as Joe Biden's vice president it seemed as though her failure in the Democratic primary was seen as possibly fatal and that dark cloud followed her through her first couple of years in the job.

Needless to say, a lot of this was fed by the right which went to great lengths to demean and demonize her. It is something they do to all Democratic women, particularly the Black ones. As vice president they knew she would run when Biden's term was over and their crusade to degrade her eventually seeped into the beltway ether.

The last two years were quite a bit better as she was featured more in roles that got a lot of attention and it was clear that she was an effective communicator and advocate, most especially on abortion rights about which the president was notoriously uncomfortable. But even with that, when it became obvious that Joe Biden's re-election campaign was in trouble many Democrats and members of the media were convinced that she was not up to the job. That frenzy to create a "mini-primary" or some kind of Rube Goldberg mechanism to pick a candidate was largely based on that knee-jerk opinion.

Luckily, Joe Biden knew better and he immediately endorsed her as many of us desperately hoped he would do. And the Democratic establishment fell in line relatively quickly, thank goodness.

The campaign rollout was simply exceptional, one of the best I've ever seen. Harris personally worked the phones to get the party lined up behind her. They figured out a process to secure the nomination without any hiccups and with almost no time to prepare. They smoothly transitioned the Biden campaign apparatus (which was obviously very good itself) into the Harris campaign and immediately went to work.

Those first few days with her appearance at campaign headquarters taking a call from Joe Biden on camera were perfectly choreographed. The hurried search for a running mate and final choice of Gov. Tim Walz was pitch perfect and their first rally appearances together were raucous, exciting events that radiated optimism and confidence, something we haven't seen for quite some time in this country. I don't know where the "joy" meme originated but it felt real and was a breath of fresh air.

And then there was the convention, which was hastily retooled from a Joe Biden re-election celebration to a "change" candidate introduction. It was a love fest, with ecstatic receptions for every faction of the sprawling coalition Harris was bringing together. And when the nominee took the stage on the final night she looked and sounded like a president which is no mean feat for a woman in American politics.

Since then she has gracefully and graciously accepted the endorsement from some of the most conservative Republicans in the country, including none other than former Vice President Dick Cheney. So far she's doing something that is very difficult to pull off, but if she does it will be legendary  she's trying to excite the base while also expanding the coalition from Bernie Sanders to Dick Cheney. (Trump, on the other hand, seems determined to shrink his coalition to the most extreme MAGA fanatics. )

Harris didn't do it all herself, of course. As NY Magazine's Rebecca Traister chronicles in this fascinating feature about Harris and her campaign, grassroots organizations, many of them having evolved and matured over the past few years from the women-focused Resistance groups that formed in reaction to Trump's upset victory in 2016, lurched into gear immediately to help jump start fundraising and organizing on the ground. It started with Black Women for Kamala which has inspired dozens of others. Just this week there was "Paisans for Kamala" featuring Nancy Pelosi and Robert De Niro.

The campaign itself has a kick-ass social media team that's churning out memes, TikToks, tweets and Instagram stories that are clever, pointed and tuned in. The outreach to younger voters using these platforms is revolutionary in a presidential campaign. The campaign is wisely allowing them to run unfettered and if the youngs come home to the Democrats and vote in large numbers, this team will deserve a lot of the credit.

And what about this fundraising? The unprecedented massive war chest that's been assembled by the campaign in such a short time is simply mind-boggling. The campaign raised more than $310 million in July, driven by a record-breaking $200 million in the first week. In August they raised another $361 million, tripling Trump's haul. They took in another $47 million in the 24 hours after the debate this week. Most of it has come from small donors which reflects the enthusiasm that's palpable at the Harris and Walz events.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

She absolutely dominated Trump in the debate this week and the campaign (which always stays on offense) immediately challenged him to another one. Trump is refusing, lamely insisting that he won, to which Harris adviser David Plouffe tweeted that we'd finally discovered Trump's spirit animal: the chicken.

At long last we discover his spirit animal. The Chicken.  https://t.co/vM3GS9aVqd  David Plouffe (@davidplouffe) September 12, 2024

They're not resting on their laurels. They're hitting the ground running:

New: VP Harris will begin a more aggressive phase of campaigning today in NC as she tries to capitalize on debate, her team says. Big rallies. More interviews, w battleground press in coming days & NABJ next wk. Ads w debate footage. Walz & surrogates traveling widely this wknd.  Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) September 12, 2024

According to Traister, some of the Democratic "professionals" have descended (Plouffe being one of them) and she worries that they will quash the creativity and spontaneity that's characterized the campaign so far. I'm actually fairly confident that it won't happen largely because the candidate herself has already demonstrated that she's not going to blindly follow their advice. Early on when a pollster suggested that they not use the phrase "we're not going back" or the term "weird," Harris said no. I have a sneaking suspicion that's not the last time she decided to trust her own instincts instead of the stale, beltway, risk-averse habits that take all the life out of a campaign.

It's a big team with many moving parts, obviously. If things are going well because they are all moving in the same direction without a lot of internal strife, you have to look at the person at the top. Harris was slammed pretty hard for her primary campaign's dysfunction but it appears that she learns from her mistakes. This one is working as well as any we've seen and under very unusual circumstances.

The Bulwark's Sarah Longwell held one of her famous focus groups on the morning after the debate. When asked how they would describe Harris's performance, the most common response was "presidential."
Kamala Harris Campaign Mocks Donald Trump For Apparent Speech Blunder But Gets It All Wrong

Kamala Harris campaign team on Thursday incorrectly called out Donald Trump for a supposed speaking error during his rally in Tucson, Arizona.

The Democratic nominees rapid-response page posted a snippet of Trump telling the desert-city crowd, Pennsylvania, remember this when you have to go to vote.

(He is in Arizona), the campaign wrote on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting the Republican nominee forgot where he was. At least one media outlet picked up on the apparent gaffe as well.

Trump: Pennsylvania, remember this when you have to go to vote



(He is in Arizona) pic.twitter.com/lMEJwwvQ3I  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) September 12, 2024

Trump certainly has had moments lately where his mental acuity can be questioned, including parts of his performance in his debate flop against Harris on Tuesday, but this wasnt one of them.

In this case, Trump did not misspeak.

A longer view of his comments revealed he was talking about the influx of Haitians in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, after repeating baseless rumors of pet-stealing by immigrants in Ohio.

So, Pennsylvania, remember this when you have to go to vote, he said, directing his comment to voters in that state.

Fast-forward to 1:04:43 for that segment:

Related...
Vice President Kamala Harris first campaign stop following her debate with former President Donald Trump was the same as her predecessors: North Carolina.

Only this time, she had a different job than him: to keep up the momentum gained by her debate performance, rather than try desperately to gain it back.

North Carolina was a natural place to do so. Polls show that Trump and Harris are virtually tied here in one of the closest races of any battleground state. Harris held two rallies in North Carolina Thursday  one in Charlotte and one in Greensboro  only a few hours apart.

Like Trump, Harris has her own line to walk: reassure the relatively small number of persuadable voters that she isnt the scary radical Trump and Republicans say she is while still ensuring that younger, more progressive voters are excited enough to cast a vote for her.

Its important for Harris to make clear the difference between her policy positions and his extreme ones  and she has, emphasizing Project 2025 whenever she gets the chance. But she also has to emphasize the difference in character and temperament.

Thats something Harris did well in Tuesdays debate. While she didnt always offer the most direct or substantive answers about her plans for the country, she succeeded at making Trump look unhinged while she came across poised and level-headed. She doesnt just have to show that her plan is the opposite of Trumps  she also has to show that, unlike him, she actually has one.

Thursdays speeches were smartly a bit heavier on policy. Harris spoke in more detail about her policy plans, touching on everything from the economy to voting rights. But at every turn, she continued to draw that contrast between herself and Trump. She wants to help the middle class, he wants to help the rich. She wants to protect voting rights, he wants to dismantle them.

Like in the debate, Harris was strongest Thursday when speaking about issues on which she most differs from Trump: abortion and democracy. On those issues, she spoke with conviction, her words louder and laced with more anger.

On abortion: One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government should not tell a woman what to do with her body.

On Trump and democracy: Someone who suggests we should terminate the Constitution of the United States should never again stand behind the seal of the president of the United States. Never again!

Thats the kind of message that can appeal to voters in battleground states  and across the country  who may still be unsure about who to vote for in November. In Thursdays rally, Harris defined herself as a candidate for everyone, vowing to put country before party and touting the endorsements of Republicans like former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney and some former members of the Trump administration.

But Harris is going to have to keep talking about policy if she wants to win in November, as polling shows that one of her biggest challenges is the fact that voters feel like they just dont know enough about her. Shes going to have to answer the questions shes left unanswered so far, including why her positions have changed since her 2020 run and what truly separates her from Joe Biden. Those answers still werent given at Thursdays rallies, but they need to be soon.

To her credit, Harris knows whats at stake in this election, and shes well aware of the task ahead of her. Despite whatever confidence she may have in her ability to beat Trump, she also knows that he could beat her, and the election isnt over until its over.

Ours will be a very tight race until the end, Harris said Thursday. And we are the underdog, understand that.

While Harris maybe didnt give all the answers she needed to Thursday, she did manage to do what she came here for: she kept the momentum going. And that may be the most important job of all, because in a race where shes the self-described underdog, momentum is something she cant afford to lose.
The old saying goes, Id rather have a workhorse than a showhorse. South Carolina is fortunate to have a workhorse in Attorney General Alan Wilson. Since taking office in 2011, he has worked tirelessly to rein in the federal governments overreach and reinvigorate the rights that South Carolina is supposed to enjoy in the U.S. Constitution. The Palmetto State is a better place thanks to his efforts.

At the Palmetto Promise Institute, we have been fervently advocating for a return to federalism for years. In 2013, we contributed to a report on competitive federalism that starkly illustrated that the system bequeathed to us by the Founding Fathers is rapidly eroding and that urgent actions are necessary to restore the ship of state to its rightful course.

Attorney General Wilson is doing just that. He continues working tirelessly to reclaim the power and authority the federal government has taken away from our great state.

Take, for example, his late August action against Vice President Kamala Harris plan to federalize South Carolinas housing industry policies.

Despite enormous pressure, Attorney General Wilson refused to join an antitrust lawsuit that the Department of Justice brought against the pricing software landlords use to help determine the prices of their rentals. This suit is just a sneaky attempt to enact nationwide rent control, a policy that Vice President Harris is heavily pushing on the campaign trail to buy votes with less than two months before the presidential election.

South Carolina doesnt have statewide rent control because it knows such a policy would fuel a housing shortage by discouraging building and investing in the industry. That would lead to higher prices, not lower ones.

Vice President Harris doesnt seem to care what South Carolina thinks about the matter, though. She believes federal rent control is necessary because landlords are becoming too greedy.

Under our Palmetto Promise Institute philosophy of competitive federalism, the folks in Washington would keep their noses out of local housing issues and allow the states to develop and implement their own policies. States that encourage development would have cheap, plentiful housing. Those with restrictive development policies and high taxes would have to deal with housing shortages and high rents.

South Carolina would fall in the encouraging development camp. When South Carolina experienced a spike in rents post-pandemic, our leaders didnt implement rent control or search for other villains to blame  we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Our free-market efforts yielded predictably effective results. Rental prices have decreased in South Carolina since 2023 due to a construction boom to meet the housing shortage. Our state governments major role in this solution was to get out of the way and let the free-market system work  and work it did.

Supporters of Vice President Harris federal rent control ambitions would argue, Sure, South Carolina, youve lowered rent a bit, but if Attorney General Wilson would let Vice President Harris take charge, the rent would be even lower!

This reasoning is wrongheaded and dangerous. Leaders like Attorney General Wilson dont just embrace federalism because its enshrined in our Constitution. They do it because its common sense.

After all, rent control might look good on paper, but it doesnt have a good track record. Just ask the people of San Francisco who tried it out and watched their supply of available rentals decline by 15%, likely increasing rent costs. Are South Carolinas local leaders wrong for not wanting the federal government to impose bad debunked economic ideas of the past upon us?

The lesson here is that the government should give as much power and authority to the individual states as possible  they know whats in their interests better than any Washington politician ever will.

The blueprint to ensuring this balance of power between the states and Washington already exists. Its called the U.S. Constitution. Its called federalism. South Carolina Attorney General Wilson is following that blueprint and defending it at every turn. Its high time for the rest of our nations elected leaders to do the same.

Wendy Damron is president and CEO of the Palmetto Promise Institute.
Vice President Kamala Harris has a slight lead over former President Donald Trump among registered voters, according to the first major polls released following the nominees debate on Tuesday.

If the election were held today, 47 percent of registered voters polled by Reuters/Ipsos said they would vote for Harris. Meanwhile, 42 percent of voters said they would support Trump.

The last poll conducted by the firm in late August showed Harris leading with about 45 percent of voter share, ahead of Trump on 41 percent.

Notably, the Reuters/Ipsos poll did not determine candidates chances of winning in the electoral collegemeaning Trump could still come out ahead if he wins key swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Who Won the Debate? Even Republicans Agree it Was Kamala Harris

There was some good news for Trump thoughmany of his campaigns points of attack against Harris and the Biden administration appeared to connect with voters, with 47 percent saying he prioritizes a good climate for business (compared to 37 percent for Harris) and 43 percent saying he would prioritize lowering the cost of household goods (compared to only 36 percent for the Democratic nominee).

About 53 percent of respondents to the poll said Harris won the debate, while only 24 percent said Trump wona stark contrast to the line the Republican nominee has been touting since Tuesday.

IPSOS

Trump continues to insist he won the debate, and posted screenshots of Twitter polls conducted by news organizations and some right-wing influencersincluding a Newsmax snap poll that showed 93 percent of viewes saying hed won.

Kamala Harris Sweeps First Batch of Post-Debate Polls by 23-Point Margin

One was a poll posted by the social media apps owner, Elon Musk, who endorsed the former president in July. Musks poll, which by the billionaires own admission was super unscientific, showed 73 percent of respondents supporting Trump.

Its also a notable difference from the results of the Reuters/Ipsos poll taken after the first debate between Trump and President Joe Biden when he was still running on the top of the Democratic ticket in June. A staggering 60 percent of voters told the polling firm Trump performed better than Biden, and 73 percent of respondents rated the Democrats performance as poor or terrible.

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Vice President Kamala Harris received $47 million in donations in the 24 hours after her debate against Donald Trump, her campaign said Thursday.

The big boost to her bid for the White House is the best day-long fundraising period shes had since her record-breaking $81 million haul in her first 24 hours in the race in July, according to The New York Times. Her new $47 million post-debate bump included donations from 600,000 donors, the report added.

Kamala Crushes Trump in Key Metrics in Post-Debate Poll

The influx of cash is likely to have extended Harris already-large funding lead over the Trump campaign. The Republican nominees camp ended August with $295 million, while Harris entered September with $404 million in the bank. Last month, Harris and her allies raised almost three times as much as the former president.

The Trump camp is yet to announce how much it raised after the debate on Tuesday. While Harris best day so far came immediately after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, Trumps strongest 24 hours came in May after he was convicted on 34 felony counts related to a hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels. His campaign said it received almost $53 million in online donations in the wake of the historic verdict.

While our fundraising program continues to show historic strength, this momentum cannot be taken for granted, Jen OMalley Dillon, Harris campaign chair, said in a statement about the post-debate haul. We cannot underestimate the strength of Team Trump and their strong fundraising and organizing efforts intentionally designed to divide and sow doubt among Americans. We cannot let up until we defeat Trump once and for all this November.

When asked how much Trump had raised after the debate, the former presidents campaign communications director did not respond, instead telling Axios: President Trump delivered a powerful debate performance where he dominated Kamala on the issues that matter to Americans, in spite of the moderators doing everything in their power to cover up for her.

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Instead of taking prompt action, state court administrative officials allowed Shannon McShane to continue making disputed court-appointed child custody recommendations in up to 20 cases in other Colorado judicial districts for four more months before finally barring her from doing such work.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Thousands turned out for Vice President Kamala Harris campaign rally Thursday afternoon at Bojangles Coliseum.

A big focus on her run for the White House was turning the page, as crowds erupted in chants saying, were not going back.

We will move forward because ours is a fight for the future and a fight for freedom, said Harris.

Harris tries to pull away swing-state voters from Trump by highlighting Republican endorsements

Harris talked a lot about the debate two days prior with former President Donald Trump, specifically mentioning when he said he had a concept of a plan as it relates to the future of the Affordable Care Act.

Its the same tired playbook weve heard for years with no plans for how he would address needs of American people, said Harris.

In talking with people in attendance at the rally, many of them told Queen City News they wanted to hear more about Harris plans for gun control and the economy. Harris did say she would sign an assault weapon ban. She also discussed giving a $50,000 tax deduction to start-up small businesses and touted that the countrys top economists reportedly say her plans will grow the economy.

The east Charlotte arena was packed, and the crowd really got fired up when the vice president talked about the importance of a womans right to make her own decisions about her body.

While the presidential candidate exuded a lot of confidence, she admitted this is going to be a tight race until the end, saying its up to voters to use their voices at the ballot box.

Ours will be a very tight race until the end, and we are the underdog, she said. There are powerful forces trying to convince people that their vote doesnt matter. All that to say, weve got hard work ahead of us.

Harris stop in Charlotte was one of two the Democratic nominee made in North Carolina Thursday. She also held a rally in Greensboro later in the evening.

Trump was in a different battleground state on Thursday, speaking with voters in Arizona.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Can Kamala Harris win Pennsylvania? Just ask the mayor of Scranton

Paige Cognetti, Mayor of Scranton, the birthplace of US president Joe Biden, speaks during an interview at her office in Scranton, Pennsylvania in March 2023 (Reuters)

When Paige Cognetti first ran to become mayor of Scranton, she was told she couldnt win because she did not have an Irish last name. She also had to overcome the fact that no woman had held the position in the citys history.

Her victory in a special election in 2019, and again two years later, was seen by many as a sign of shifting tides.

There were a lot of factors against me, she says over coffee at Abes Deli, in the center of the town. But I think it was pretty clear that the city needed a change candidate, she adds.

Kamala Harris visits the area on Friday to try to win over the same kind of voters that helped Cognetti win in this key city in the swing state of Pennsylvania, just a month after Donald Trump came here hoping to do the same. It is no exaggeration to say that her path to the White House runs through these streets.

There may be lessons in Cognettis story for the Harris campaign. The challenges that Cognetti faced then in trying to win in Scranton are similar to those that Harris faces now.

When you run for office, especially as a woman, any number of people will try to convince you not to. Whether its questioning your gender, your heritage, your race, or your experience, some folks will attempt to tear you down so that you either dont run or lack confidence while you do, Cognetti says.

We are seeing this in real-time with people second-guessing and nitpicking VP Harris while giving a pass to Trump as he continues to implode, she adds.

That second-guessing has been particularly prominent in Scranton.

Joe Biden was born here in the city and he used the story of his difficult upbringing to win those kinds of voters across the state. It enabled him to connect with white working-class voters that Trump captured so comprehensively in 2016, and pull away just enough to win him the White House. Today a main street that runs through the center of the town is named after him.

Harriss  Scranton problem , as it has been dubbed, suggests that she may not be able to repeat Bidens success here among those voters, and her chances of winning the state  and the presidency  are diminished as a result.

But Cognettis story may provide an answer to that question.

Like Harris, she is an outsider to Pennsylvania. She was born in Eugene, Oregon, studied at Harvard University, and went on to join the Treasury Department under Barack Obamas administration.

A steel worker moves heated 155 mm M795 artillery projectiles during the manufacturing process at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, Pennsylvania (AP)

Part of her pitch when she ran for office was that she was a technocrat  someone who could balance the budget and run the citys finances responsibly after her predecessor was charged with corruption.

Pennsylvania has never elected a woman as US Senator or governor. But before Cognetti, Scranton had never had a woman mayor.

Cognetti was involved with both of Hillary Clintons presidential campaigns and saw the misogyny she faced up close. Despite her success in Scranton, she worries that Harris will face those same hurdles.

I think that in America we still have a problem with women in leadership. I am one, and I know how much flak I take from various little pockets of the internet and the continued microaggressions she says.

US president Joe Biden visits Zummo's Cafe with Scranton, Pennsylvania, mayor Paige Cognetti before departing for Pittsburgh (AFP via Getty Images)

Sometimes you look back and you think that a vote for Trump in 2016 was this kind of stick it to the establishment or stick it to something. My worry in 2016 was that a lot of it was this undiagnosed dislike of women. I hope we dont see that again in 2024, she adds.

There are other changes happening in Scranton that may help Harris, too, that challenge pre-conceived ideas about what it takes to win here.

It is still very much a working-class community. And there are lots of folks that are either current or former union workers, former factory workers, generations of folks where the men in their family worked in the mines, she says, but were also a city thats rapidly diversifying.

Just 10 years ago the city was 80 per cent white; today that has dropped to 68 per cent . That diversity is visible across the city today.

Were doing more festivals  in addition to our La Festa Italiana and the St Patricks parade, theres Latino Fiesta in August. We have a big Juneteenth celebration in June. Theres any number of new festivals to add on to the ones that we have had, Cognetti says.

Scrantons Lackawanna County Courthouse was built in 1884 (Getty/iStock)

These changes may offer some hope to a campaign with a change candidate like Harris, which may aim to rely less on white working-class voters than previous generations of white male candidates.

Harris may not win the same number of white working-class voters as Biden here, but she is outperforming him among the ever-increasing number of Black and Latino voters .

The Harris campaign is going after those voters with renewed vigor. It announced a new Spanish-language ad in Pennsylvania on Friday aimed at the states 579,000 eligible Latino voters.

The ad features Victor Martinez, the owner of Pennsylvanias largest Spanish-language radio network and a popular morning show host.

They all talk. The difference is Kamala Harris listens, he says in the ad.

In short, the Scranton that exists in the public imagination has not yet caught up with the real-life city today.

The city was once an industrial hub known as the "Anthracite Capital of the World for its prodigious output of anthracite coal mines.

It earned its nickname, the Electric City, from the creation of the first trolley system to run solely on electric power.

A man walks his dog in downtown Scranton (AFP/Getty)

The town prospered and grew, and out of that success came a powerful labor movement.

In front of the county courthouse stands a statue of John Mitchell, another hometown hero and former president of the United Mine Workers of America, who led huge strikes and battled to win an eight-hour workday and minimum wage for his members in the early 20th century.

However, as industry declined across the US, so too did Scranton.

Today, its population is only half of what it was at its peak in the 1930s, when some 143,333 people called it home.

That flight of people gave Scranton a reputation as an emblem of post-industrial decline. It later became the setting of the popular sitcom The Office  chosen for its supposed humdrum personality. The original UK version of the show is set in Slough, a town once named Britains worst place to live.

But today the city hosts a lively restaurant scene, and new coffee shops bustle with college students. The city hall is being repaired in part with money from the Biden administrations infrastructure investment.

It is that investment, and Harriss plan to improve the economic lives of people in Scranton, that Cognetti believes can help her win here.

We could spend all day talking about foreign policy and abortion and the Senate, everything, but people care if can they afford this cup of coffee and this breakfast sandwich. Can they afford to take their family off to breakfast on Sunday morning after church? she says.

I dont think thats a Pennsylvania or a Scranton thing. I think thats just a human desire. But thats what we need to always be focusing on.

Aerial view of Scranton on the first day of fall. Scranton, located in Lackawanna County in northeastern Pennsylvania, is known as the "Electric City" for early adoption of electric streetcars. Historically, it thrived in coal and iron industries (Getty)

But Harris does not have to completely ignore the constituency that Biden won here, Cognetti says. Having two old Midwestern white guys on her team counts for a lot.

She has his story in that shes Joe Bidens vice president. She not only has his support now as a presidential candidate, but she was who he tapped four years ago to be his vice president.

Also Tim Walz as the VP candidate is a helpful presence on the ticket in places like northeastern Pennsylvania. Hes a guy that you could walk into Home Depot and ask to show you the lightbulbs.

Republicans are outnumbered in Scranton, even if they dominate in the rural areas that surround it. Across town at the local Republican Party office, currently serving as a Trump campaign headquarters, Linda Bonczkiewicz is skeptical Harris can repeat Bidens success. Im giving every penny, every moment of my time to this campaign, she says, surrounded by Trump yard signs and vote registration sign-up sheets in the office.

I dont like anything she has done. She has been in office for three and a half years and she hasnt done anything. So what more is she going to do as president? says Bonczkiewicz, who was raised on a farm and now lives in a rural part of Lackawanna County.

Bonczkiewicz says Democrats have come into the office to switch their party registration to Republican  something that is borne out by the official statistics.

But nonetheless, the margins in Pennsylvania remain razor-thin.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Kansas City landlord accused of stabbing his tenant more than 30 times and killing him in 2021 was found guilty.

A Clay County jury returned a guilty verdict on Wednesday against Gordon McBeth for the charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Pennway Point announces new opening timeline, food concepts

According to court documents, McBeth showed up at his rental property on Oct. 22, 2021 to confront 28-year-old Darryl Gilland and his girlfriend. Court papers show the couple messaged McBeth because the heat in the home near 62nd Street and North Topping Avenue stopped working.

Gillands girlfriend said McBeth became aggressive and started throwing things at her when he arrived at the house. Those same documents show that she told police McBeth pulled a large hunting-style knife, pointed it at Gilland, and verbally threatened the victim. Thats when the woman said McBeth started stabbing Gilland. She screamed and ran to a neighbors home.

Other neighbors heard her screams and ran to help. One of the neighbors said he found McBeth on top of Gilland with a knife. He pointed his gun at McBeth and ordered him onto the ground. Police said he held McBeth at gunpoint until officers arrived and arrested McBeth.

Gillands girlfriend and another neighbor tried to help the victim, according to court records, but the victim died before emergency responders arrived.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

Investigators said they obtained surveillance video from one of the witnesses that supports at least part of what the witnesses said happened. The probable cause statement also said that officers determined that McBeth viciously stabbed a man to death for no apparent reason.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, along with U.S. Representative Tracey Mann, have introduced legislation preventing the federal government from seizing land for a proposed transmission corridor in Kansas.

The Department of Energy (DOE) proposed the National Interest Transmission Corridor (NIETC) with an information-gathering phase that was started on Dec. 19, 2023. According to the DOE, the project aims to improve electric reliability and resilience, alleviate congestion and consumer costs, meet future demand growth and increase clean energy integration.

Honduras man found guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl in a Topeka park

Map is a rough approximation for illustrative purposes only. (Courtesy: U.S. Department of Energy)

The project has come under flak from residents who live in the middle of the proposed corridor. The Midwest-Plains corridor would run through Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. It would be five miles wide and 780 miles long. Pawnee County Attorney Douglass McNett told KSN News that the new concern is the possible use of eminent domain.

According to a press release from Morans office, the Biden administrations Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue permits for transmission lines in a corridor when state regulators have denied the application.

Kansans have made it clear to the federal government that their land is not for sale, Moran said. The NIETC proposal has been problematic from the start since the DOE permitted only 45 days for folks to submit their comments regarding the proposed transmission line. Sen. Marshall, Congressman Mann and I introduced legislation, the passage of which would prohibit the Department of Energy from trampling on the rights of Kansas landowners or usurping the authority of state regulators in order to build a transmission line across Kansas. These decisions should be left up to Kansans, not Washington.

TPD speaks out on crime spike in central Topeka neighborhood

At more than a century old, our power grid is showing its age, leaving American consumers to bear the costs of maintaining it with frequent and longer power outages from extreme weather, said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. The Biden-Harris Administration is leveraging every tool to expand transmission and deploy more reliable, affordable, and clean power in every pocket of the nation.

The legislation introduced would ban federal funds from being used to condemn private property for the project and prohibit the FERC from overruling a state regulators rejection of electric transmission projects, according to the letter from Morans office.

If you have questions or would like to voice your concerns you can contact the Department of Energy at NIETC@hq.doe.gov.

For more Kansas 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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(NewsNation) Prosecutors have revealed how they believe two Kansas women who went missing in March were killed by five suspects.

Police had been investigating the deaths of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39 and charged Tifany Adams, 54; Tad Cullum, 43; Cora Twombly, 44; Cole Twombly, 50, and Paul Grice, 31, with kidnapping and first-degree murder.

Court documents filed Thursday asking the court to consolidate the cases set out a detailed timeline of the murders which included how the women allegedly died.

Oklahoma area where moms went missing was known as No Mans Land

Prosecutors alleged that Grice stabbed Butler to death, cutting his hand badly in the process, while Cullum killed Kelley.

They said Cullum tossed his clothing into the freezer with the bodies and that his and Kelleys DNA was on the clothing as well.

The womens bodies were then allegedly placed in the freezer and driven to the burial site.

Grice threw the clothing he was wearing when he killed Butler, a stun device, and the murder weapon into the grave with her, according to the documents.

DNA recovered from the clothing contained both his and Butlers DNA.

The Twomblys were the lookouts on the day of the murder and confided in their daughter, hoping she would provide them with an alibi, court papers stated.

Police recover bodies in search for remains of missing Kansas moms

Adams purchased the burner phones, stun devices, yellow straps found around the freezer, and even the pants that Cullum wore and buried with the victims, the filing alleges.

Butler and Kelley vanished while en route to pick up Butlers children for a supervised visit in March. Adams is the paternal grandmother of Butlers children.

Wrangler Rickman, the father of the two children, had legal custody but was in a rehabilitation facility so the children were living with Adams at the time of the disappearance.

The five suspects were arrested two weeks later and then charged with the murders.

The state is seeking a joint preliminary hearing for all five defendants as they all conspired and participated in the murders together, court papers stated.

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Researchers at Kansas State University found certain fertilizers can help improve soil health and store carbon to help combat climate change (Jill Hummels for Kansas Reflector).

Farmers can help combat climate change and improve the health of their soil by switching to natural fertilizers and minimizing tilling, new research from Kansas State University shows.

According to a paper published in June in the Soil Science Society of America Journal, analysis from a no-till cornfield in Kansas showed that manure or compost fertilizer stored more atmospheric carbon and improved microbial diversity compared with commercial fertilizers.

In a news release about the study, Ganga Hettiarachchi, one of the lead researchers, said the results were  as far as she knows  the first evidence of the mechanisms through which the addition of natural fertilizers improve soil health, microbial diversity and carbon sequestration.

Collectively, studies like this are going to help us to move forward to more sustainable, more regenerative agriculture practices that will protect our soils and environment as well as help feed growing populations, said Hettiarachchi, professor of soil and environmental chemistry at K-State.

Sequestering carbon in soil is a significant way the agriculture sector can help lower global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, agriculture was responsible for just more than 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2021.

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps heat, creating a greenhouse effect and contributing to the overall warming of the planet. Last year was the warmest since recordkeeping began in 1880, making efforts to combat climate change increasingly urgent. According to NASA, the past 10 years have been the hottest ever.

If we find ways to enhance carbon storage in soil, then that will help us to mitigate climate change, Hettiarachchi said.

As part of the study, Hettiarachchi and fellow researchers looked at a Kansas cornfield that had no crop rotation and had grown corn for 22 years. Rather than breaking up soil clumps, researchers cut samples from the soil and took them to specialized laboratories where they could study how carbon and other minerals were distributed in the soil.

Not only does using manure or compost fertilizer  rather than commercial chemical fertilizers  help improve carbon sequestration, Hettiarachchi said, but it improves the health of the soil and helps it retain nutrients. Runoff of nutrients  typically nitrogen and phosphorus  through rain and irrigation pollutes streams, rivers and lakes and contributes to toxic algae blooms.

University of Kansas researchers last year predicted that climate change will result in more frequent algae blooms.

Researchers from K-State partnered on the study with Canadian Light Source and Advanced Light Source, research facilities that use synchrotron lights for scientific research.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children have decided to proceed with their planned strike on Friday, Sept. 13, following another day of unsuccessful negotiations ended around 3 p.m. Thursday.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The strike is organized by the Hawaii Nurses Association (HNA) OPEIU Local 50, which is protesting what it describes as retaliation and bullying by the hospital for reporting unsafe staffing conditions.

Despite the hospitals threat to impose an indefinite lockout starting Saturday, Sept. 14, which would prevent 600 nurses from returning to work, the nurses remain committed to prioritizing patient safety over job security.

The lockout covers all registered nurses represented by HNA at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children who are covered by the agreement that expired on Nov. 30, 2023.

This covers all bargaining unit nurses, not just those who elect to strike.

400 nurses strike at Kapiolani Medical Center for better work conditions

HNA President Rosalee Agas-Yuu criticized the hospitals stance, saying, This is a sad day for Hawaii. Kapiolani Medical Center knows it is the only specialty hospital for women and children in the state and the Pacific.

Yet, the hospitals leaders have chosen to lock out the nurses for advocating for safe staffing standards to improve patient care.

Agas-Yuu accused the hospital of forcing the nurses to accept contract terms unconditionally or face the lockout.

She stated that the hospitals actions aim to silence the nurses and undermine their efforts to address patient safety concerns.

The lockout is by choice, Agas-Yuu added. Hawaii Pacific Health has over $1.4 billion in assets and has never said they cannot afford to increase nurse staffing levels. Instead of reaching an agreement, the hospital is spending resources on travel nurses, who lack the experience and cultural competence of the local Kapiolani nurses.

Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children say while negotiations are ongoing they are disappointed with the way things have been handled.

We are extremely disappointed that the Hawaii Nurses Association decided to end talks early, which will lead to a strike and lockout for our nurses, said Gidget Ruscetta, RN, chief operating officer of Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.

Our Kapiolani negotiation team came prepared to stay as long as possible today to reach a deal that would immediately benefit our nurses. Unfortunately, after less than three hours, HNA ended negotiations for the day.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The hospital assured that in the meantime they have secured a highly skilled temporary workforce and will be fully staffed to ensure uninterrupted care to patients.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  One of the defendants charged in the 2017 shooting death of 5-year-old Kason Guyton has accepted a plea deal in exchange for a six-year prison term.

Jeremy King, 31, pleaded guilty Thursday to a charge of voluntary manslaughter. All other charges were dismissed.

King had faced life without parole if convicted of first-degree murder and the other counts that were filed against him.

Kings attorney, Andrew Flier of Encino-based Levine, Flier and Flier, declined to comment on whether his client will testify at co-defendant Jonathan Knights murder trial.

In custody since 2019, King has enough credits to be released after his sentencing hearing next month.

Kern County Fair upgrades Main Street pavement and livestock arena

King and Knight, 35, are accused in the Feb. 23, 2017, car-to-car shooting that killed Kason and wounded his 7-year-old brother as they headed home from Maya Cinemas.

Its believed their mothers boyfriend  the driver of the vehicle they were in and a documented member of the East Side Crips  was the intended target. He was uninjured.

Knight and King were active members of a rival gang at the time of the shooting, police said.

As the car the boys were in turned west onto California Avenue from S Street, a passenger in a dark sedan that followed them leaned out the front window and opened fire, police said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
A Clay County jury returned a guilty verdict Wednesday against a Kansas City landlord for murdering his tenant by stabbing him 36 times.

Gordon McBeth, 47, was convicted of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 28-year-old Darryl Brent Gilland on October 22, 2021. A Clay County judge sentenced McBeth on Thursday to life in prison, representing the maximum possible sentence on both counts.

According to court documents, McBeths attack on Gilland was unprovoked and occurred in broad daylight in front of several witnesses.

Less than a week after Gilland and his fiancee Samantha Salem Pohlman moved into a property owned by McBeth in the 6200 block of North Topping Avenue in Kansas City, they messaged McBeth to say that their heat was not working and to ask for a space heater, according to court documents and a fundraiser posted by Gillands family.

On October 22, 2021, McBeth responded aggressively to the inquiry and later drove erratically to the home on North Topping Avenue, throwing things at Gilland as he exited the car, according to court documents.

As Gilland shielded Samantha behind him, McBeth pointed a hunting knife at Gilland and said something to the effect of, if that doesnt work Ill just (expletive) kill you, according to court documents.

He then allegedly stabbed Gilland 36 times in the chest, arms, back and left thigh.

According to court documents, one of the neighbors who witnessed the attack held McBeth at gunpoint until Kansas City police officers responded to the home around 3:30 p.m. Gilland was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Family and friends described Gilland as an intelligent and caring gentle giant. Named for his father, Gilland grew up in Indiana as the youngest of seven children with a lifelong love of music.

Gilland had been with Pohlman for nearly five years and had hoped to start a family with her in Kansas City. He had just started a new job before moving into the home on North Topping Avenue. He previously played guitar in a local band called Jonny Switchblade, which Pohlman said gave Gilland confidence as he found his way as a young adult in Kansas City.

We argued that the shocking brutality of this murder deserved the maximum sentence, and the jury agreed, Clay County prosecuting attorney Zachary Thompson said in a statement Thursday. Our office is pleased we had the chance to fight for justice in the courtroom and help deliver this verdict for the victim and his family.

Gilland was buried in Indiana alongside his grandparents. A fundraiser supporting Pohlman, along with funeral and burial costs, raised more than $13,000 in 2021.

McBeth was booked into the Clay County Detention Center on Oct. 23, 2021, on a $1 million bond. He remained in the detention center through his trial and sentencing.

Reporting by The Stars Anna Spoerre and Glenn Rice was used in this article.
Drivers participating in illegal street racing and automotive stunts can face heftier fines after a new law unanimously passed Kansas Citys city council Thursday.

But some council members who approved the new law fear it could negatively impact people who are not involved in illegal activity.

A city ordinance on the events, also known as sideshows, is updated with increases in maximum fines and lowers the bar for when police can have vehicles impounded.

Participants can face fines of $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 for third and subsequent offenses. Before the new law, those fines were $150, $300 and $500 for first, second and third offenses. Fines for spectators were kept at $100 under the new law, but its language allows for their cars to be impounded too.

Police can impound a vehicle based on probable cause alone, the new ordinance reads, when police believe someone was involved as a driver, participant or spectator at a sideshow. An administrative fee determined by the public works director can be applied to an impounded car, the law reads.

Impounding spectator vehicles is a concept that concerns Third District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson, whos now pushing for public awareness after the law passed.

The way the law is written, applying to anyone within 200 feet of the activity, could lead to someone being wrongfully impacted by the ordinance, Robinson said.

I am concerned about the public awareness about this and would want folks to know they shouldnt be participating as a spectator in these types of sideshows, Robinson said. We also want to make sure that folks arent being penalized or punished unnecessarily.

We want to make sure that residents who... may just be in the area are not... being wrongfully deemed as someone who is a spectator, but certainly we dont want people to be an active participant in any of the sideshows, she said.

Sixth District Councilman Johnathan Duncan said the ordinances new language is not specific in its definition of participants and spectators. The new law, he said, could give the Kansas City police too much authority to implicate people they believe might be involved in illegal activity.

Duncan said he has heard from people living in Kansas Citys Brookside and Waldo neighborhoods claiming they were stopped by police because a sideshow was happening in the area.

My worry is, how will this ordinance implicate them, and what discretion will KCPD be using when they are identifying spectators and participants? Duncan said.

Sideshows persist despite city efforts

The perennial problem of vehicle stunts and racing on Kansas City streets has heated up in recent years. The city has implemented several different kinds of road modifications to deter them, police ran public awareness campaigns on their enforcement efforts and community members have been outspoken at meetings.

Most recently, the Kansas City Police Department posted on X on Sept. 9 about overnight enforcement at sideshows. The post said enforcement that weekend led to two arrests, six towed vehicles and 57 citations, including some to spectators.

Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokeswoman with KCPD, said she is not yet aware of the specifics of the new ordinance. But, she said, laws that allow police to move forward with enforcement efforts in a more efficient way are beneficial to public safety and police resources.

Harsher penalties for street racing may be what is needed to encourage people to think twice before participating in these types events, but only time will tell if we have found a solution or need to continue looking at other ways to be proactive in stopping (and) preventing side shows, Gonzalez said in an email to The Star.

Concerned community members say police can do more to be proactive in their enforcement, Duncan said. Many sideshow events are publicized on social media platforms days before the events take place.

Robinson said it was around two years ago when she noticed more sideshows in her neighborhood, and that they have persisted since.

Despite concerns about innocent people being inadvertently impacted by the new law, Robinson said it is still a step in the right direction to ensure enforcement.

I have experienced it first hand, and not only is it challenging for people who live in the neighborhoods who arent able to get around in their communities because these things are going on, but it is extremely dangerous for pedestrians, Robinson said.

The ordinance defines sideshow as an unsanctioned demonstration of automotive stunts which obstructs the orderly flow of traffic. It was sponsored by Mayor Quinon Lucas, Fourth District at Large Commissioner Crispin Rea and Second District Councilman Wes Rogers.

Duncan said he has serious concerns about the new law opening a door to unchecked, broad police authority to arrest people within 200 feet of a sideshow, regardless of what they are doing.

Still, Duncan is on board with enforcement and recognizes that when it comes to sideshows, quick action is necessary, he said.

Something has to be done, there has to be an immediate impact, Duncan said. Im hoping that increased enforcement for sideshows will be that deterrent.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Homicide detectives are looking for a suspect after Kansas City police say two men were arguing before one was shot and killed on Thursday night.

KCPD says officers went to an apartment at 63rd Avenue and Manchester, just south of where I-435 and 350 Highway split, where the man shot was found without a pulse.

Missouri officer, charged in K-9s death, fired from police department

Emergency workers declared him dead at the scene. KCPD identified him 36-year-old Michael D. Porter.

Investigators say the suspect, who hasnt been identified in any fashion, left the scene and hasnt been found.

If you heard or saw anything, or know anything that will lead police to the suspect, call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-TIPS.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
When the British political strategist Deborah Mattinson heard Vice President Kamala Harris boast in the presidential debate about prosecuting transnational gangs, she thought the message was spot on  and that Harris needed to deliver it many, many, many more times.

The former head of strategy for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who won a landslide election in July, Mattinson was in Washington the week of the debate to meet with Democrats, including advisers to the Harris campaign, and share lessons from the Labor Partys smashing summer victory. She and Claire Ainsley, Starmers former head of policy, urged Democrats to focus intently on winning back working-class voters who had drifted to the right in recent years  toward right-wing populists who seemed more in touch with their economic frustrations and cultural grievances.



Countering that, the two strategists said, required a driving, disciplined effort by Harris and other Democrats to prove that they had clear plans for easing the cost-of-living crisis and an authentic commitment to border security. In Britain, Starmer did that in part by pledging to smash the gangs of people smugglers violating the border  a message Harris has seemed to echo in recent weeks.

For voters, cost of living and immigration are the two biggest issues, Ainsley said. And that's where they need to focus their attention.

POLITICO spoke with Mattinson and Ainsley as they were wrapping up their visit to Washington. Harris, they said, was on the right track. But with only weeks left until the election, there was still plenty of work for her to do to defeat former President Donald Trump.

Their advice was not just based on intuition or interpretation of the recent U.K. election. Ainsley is a leader of the Progressive Policy Institute, where she directs a transnational effort to revitalize center-left parties. As part of that effort, the think tank shuttled Labour politicians to Washington earlier this year and the Democratic convention in August, and conducted polling and focus groups in American swing states over the summer.

The results of that opinion research, Mattinson said, were striking.

We just heard exactly the same anecdotes, exactly the same struggle, exactly the same sort of battles, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis, on both sides of the Atlantic, Mattinson said. It was an almost eerie similarity.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Based on your time in Washington, how much did you get the sense that Democrats followed your general election and came to your conversations with a perception of how you won? And how much did you feel like you were educating them from zero?

Mattinson: I think both, actually. I think the fact that we got to meet a lot of people  there was a lot of interest in meeting us  showed that there was obviously interest in the campaign and what we did. But obviously we're able to give them the story from the inside, which wouldn't always be apparent, however closely you're following it from the outside.

Ainsley: The parallel we were able to draw between where the Harris campaign is at and how Labour won  that was reasonably fresh for this audience. So, they were interested, as Deborah said. They knew that Labour had won and had won big. But they didn't necessarily know that the strategic challenge that the Democrats have been having, i.e. to reach non-college voters, if you like, was so central to the Labour victory, but also to the Labour strategy right the way through. Those conversations were fruitful and very applicable to the U.S. context.

Can you expand on that in terms of the parallels as to where Harris is right now versus where Starmer was at a comparable point?

Mattinson: Harris at this point is in a much better position than Labour was when Claire and I both started working for Labour. Three years ago, we were 12 points behind in the polls. But obviously, Harris does not have very much time. We had the luxury of several years to sort of sharpen and hone the message. She has  there's a massive sense of urgency. So although she's already made fantastic headway, and closed the gap and, in some cases, overtaken her opponent in those key states, there's still some work to do to seal the deal and she hasn't got very long to do it.

How close is the parallel, in terms of her challenge with working-class voters, voters without college degrees and the challenge that Labour faced?

Mattinson: This is one of the things where there was an almost eerie similarity. Some of the focus groups that we sat through here in the U.S., if you change the accent and some of the vocabulary, they were exactly what we had heard in the U.K. People talked about being the squeezed middle  they were the middle class who were struggling. Some of the stories that they told us: about the struggles that they were having making ends meet, having to calculate their family finances every week, every month; being worried that the dream of home ownership was out of reach in some instances for them; in other instances, they'd been able to choose their own home, but worried that their children never would.

We just heard exactly the same anecdotes, exactly the same struggle, exactly the same sort of battles, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis, on both sides of the Atlantic. It was an almost eerie similarity.

Ainsley: And those voters are voters in both countries, who historically would have identified with, respectively, the Democrats and the Labour Party. And both our parties have had this big strategic challenge of those voters feeling like our parties don't represent them anymore.

What Starmers victory shows is that it is possible to realign those voters with their center-left party. But you can only do it if you put those voters absolutely at the center of everything you do. So, I think there are some positives that the Harris campaign can take from that story, and the center left more generally.

Mattinson: And that focus, obviously, matters even more when you have so little time.



Thats exactly what I was going to ask you next. Your campaign showed it's possible to draw those voters back to the center-left with years of work. Harris has 50 or so days. So when you're talking to Democrats this week, and you know that they're under that kind of time pressure, where are you nudging them to go?

Mattinson: There needs to be even more discipline in the messaging. There needs to be a very clear, tangible offer  what we would call a retail offer, where you've got a small number of things that you repeat. Theres lots of good material. Vice President Harris mentioned a lot of these things in the debate the other evening. But they now need to put them front and center and on repeat. Some of the specifics that she mentioned would be very, very popular and attractive to these voters: the support for small businesses, for example, the support for first-time homeowners, the child tax credit, et cetera. But they need to be packaged up in a way that means that they definitely land. Because at the moment, people, I think, won't know about them. They're only going to get to know about them by hearing it on repeat.

I wonder how much the issue of immigration looms over this conversation. How big is the group of voters who would respond well to a small-business support plan or homeownership plan, but they're not really going to buy what you're selling more comprehensively unless they think you're credible on border security?

Mattinson: It's the second-most important issue for these voters. I actually think that the way the vice president handled this in the debate was very effective, where she said: I'm the only person on this stage who has actually prosecuted the criminal gangs that traffic human beings. I think that there needs to be more of that sort of talk.

Ainsley: And using the example of what U.K. Labour and Starmer did on immigration  for both our parties, this has not been a comfortable debate at times. But there is no way that center-left parties can somehow avoid this big issue. What Starmer did was, he went on the front foot and launched a new policy on it, on a Border Security Command, and said he would scrap the Tory governments Rwanda scheme. And that was not easy  to go on the front foot in that way. But our message here is that that is absolutely what the Democrats have to do. They have to recognize that for voters, cost of living and immigration are the two biggest issues. And that's where they need to focus their attention.

You worked extensively with Starmer on his personal story and on introducing himself, biographically, to the public. This campaign is the first time most voters have heard about Harris' family story. Her focus now on introducing herself as a child of the middle class  that's really a new thing for her. There's no Kamala Harris equivalent of my father was a tool maker, right? Like, the one thing that everybody knows about Keir Starmer's upbringing and 

Mattinson: I wish everybody knew it.

They dont?

Mattinson: I wish everybody knew it, but they don't all know it.

How much is that a disadvantage for Harris? You were introducing somebody who was more of a blank slate, whereas there's a half-a-decade of perception for Kamala Harris and people don't know those kinds of biographical facts about her.

Mattinson: I think you're right, there's a challenge there. I would say, in the focus groups that we did, some people did know that about her. So, it is landing. And she is working very hard to get that out there. It obviously matters to her to tell that story. She mentioned it several times the other night and I'm sure it's going to be a big feature of the campaign. And I think it really matters, because it really changes people's perceptions of her. If they know this, they look at her in a slightly different light, and they believe they're more likely to believe that she'll fight for them.

Ainsley: Remember that for most of the years where Starmer was leader, as Deborah says, we were so far behind the Tories, we didn't really look like an imminent prospect for government. People just weren't paying attention to us in that way. So yeah, of course it's not ideal [for Harris] to have this short space of time. But the advantage the Harris campaign has got is that the slots they are getting to put forward their case are box-office slots. It makes it even more important that you get your message right the first time. We're really encouraged by what she is saying. We just think it could be even crisper in terms of giving this offer to voters that really speaks to their priorities on cost of living and immigration.



You mentioned Harriss immigration message about taking on transnational gangs. How much do you hear that as a deliberate echo of the smash the gangs message that Starmer delivered?

Mattinson: I don't think it's a deliberate echo. I very much doubt they've looked at what we've done and thought, Hey, that's a good idea. But there is another slightly uncanny parallel, which is that she and Keir Starmer have very similar backgrounds, in that they have both been prosecuting lawyers. They've got a sort of a track record that they can talk about effectively. And, it seemed to me, she was doing that very clearly on Tuesday evening.

Something that Starmer did over the course of several years was very visibly take on the left and show the country that their perceptions of Labour as a left-wing nut job party were not reflected in this leadership. I wonder whether you think there'd be a value to Harris is she picked any fights with the left.

Mattinson: I think the Democrats looking united in the way that they do is very, is very important, and probably matters more. I think that there's no parallel there. We were in a very different position. We had just endured our worst defeat since the 1930s. When the voters reject you on that scale, you have to ask yourself what you're doing wrong and what you need to change.

Ainsley: I think it was important to the Labour story that Starmer moved the party to the center ground from where we had been, which was being perceived as on the left. And, as important, voters perceived that we didn't have their interests at heart. Starmer actually took the party to the center, which was the right longer-term choice. And obviously, in the short term, that meant there were some moments of disunity.

From where Harris is now, there seems to be no real gain for her in defining herself in that way. She wants to galvanize the party behind her. If she does win the presidency, there is a longer-term question of making sure that the Democrats stay on the center ground, because that is where those voters want you to be. These voters are so fed up with politics in general. The biggest challenge will be, how do you deliver for those voters? Not: how do you try and keep different bits of your own party on board?
Attorney General Ken Paxton this week withdrew an eight-year-old legal opinion that gave private nonprofits the green light to ban guns on land they lease from a city  a move that comes as Paxton challenges the nonprofit State Fair of Texas ban on firearms.

Paxton, a Republican who ardently opposes gun restrictions, sued the city of Dallas and state fair officials last month, arguing the State Fair of Texas had violated state law that largely bars local governments from restricting firearms on land they own or lease. Fair Park, the site where the fair is held, is owned by the city of Dallas and leased to the nonprofit that runs the fair. The event is set to run from Sept. 27 through Oct. 20.

In court filings, Paxton argued that the private fair organizer acts under authority of the city and cannot ban guns at the site. City and fair officials have insisted the city has nothing to do with how the nonprofit operates the event and played no role in this years gun ban  thus making the policy fair game, they argue. Both entities say the attorney generals case is at odds with an opinion he issued in 2016, which found that private entities could post notices banning guns on government-leased land without fear of civil penalty as long as said government has no control over the decision to post such notice.

Later in 2016, an official from Paxtons office cited that opinion in finding that firearm-banning notices could be posted at the entrances of the Fort Worth Zoo because, while the zoo is on city-owned land, the city contracts with a nonprofit corporation to oversee the zoos operations and management.

The attorney generals website states that the 2016 opinion  which is legally nonbinding  was withdrawn pending issuance of Paxtons forthcoming opinion responding to two Republican lawmakers who questioned last month whether the State Fair of Texas was operating jointly with the city and thus prohibited from banning firearms at the fairgrounds. A spokesperson for Paxtons office did not respond to a request for comment Friday.

In their letter to Paxton requesting his opinion, state Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston and state Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock argued that the city exerts significant control over the operations of the fair and is intertwined with the private organizer.

Attorneys for the State Fair of Texas denied the claim, writing to Paxton that it was based on mistaken assumptions about the nonprofits relationship with the city.

There is no overlapping leadership structure between SFOT and the City, the nonprofits attorneys wrote. SFOT is currently governed by a 20-person board of directors, none of whom are government employees, government officials, or government appointees. SFOT is also financially independent and does not receive any money from the City to host the Fair.

The fairs attorneys also pointed to a prior court ruling that found the city has no say in SFOTs internal decision making and shot down a case that alleged the State Fair was essentially a shell corporation for the city.

An official from Paxtons office wrote a letter last month to Dallas interim city manager Kimberly Tolbert that threatened legal action, noting that if the State Fair had relied on Paxtons 2016 opinion in going ahead with its gun ban, such reliance was misplaced. The letter, from Paxtons administrative law chief Ernest Garcia, did not explain further why the opinion did not apply in this case.

Fair officials have said their firearm ban is aimed at making the event safer, following a shooting at last years fair in which three people were injured by gunfire. GOP state lawmakers have urged the fair to reverse course, arguing the policy is misguided and would have the opposite effect. State Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, said last month he would skip the fair because the gun ban would make it a free-fire-zone for criminals that was too dangerous to attend.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The State of Tennessee filed new court documents on Friday in Blount County in the case against Kenneth DeHart to pursue the death penalty and life without the possibility of parole.

DeHart was charged with first-degree murder of Blount County Sheriffs Office Deputy Greg McCowan and the attempted first-degree murder of BSCO Deputy Shelby Eggers. DeHart was indicted in April and is facing 21 charges, stemming from the Feb. 8 fatal shooting, which occurred in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road.

Charitable foundation honors life, legacy of fallen Blount County Deputy Greg McCowan

Following the shooting, DeHart was captured at a home in Knoxville after a nearly five-day-long search.

On Feb. 8, court documents state that investigators visited the home of DeHarts girlfriend, Carrie Matthews, in Sevierville just before 10 p.m. as they searched for DeHart. The Blount County Sheriffs Office alleged that DeHart fatally shot Deputy Greg McCowan, and shot and injured Deputy Shelby Eggers during a traffic stop earlier that night.

Drought impacting fall foliage in East Tennessee

Matthews was also indicted in April on two felony charges. She was accused of warning DeHart that police were at her home after DeHart allegedly shot two Blount County deputies. She is set to be in court again on Sept. 23.

DeHarts bother, Marcus DeHart, was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact. Another man, Maurice Warren, was charged with accessory after the fact after allegedly purchasing two phones and sim cards for Kenneth DeHart.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Kern County fire assists in battling CA and out of state fires

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Kern County Fire Department is assisting battle wildfires throughout the state and in multiple states across the country.

Over 120 Kern firefighters are currently deployed in Idaho, Oregon, Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

PG&E announces rate increase coming in October

In San Bernardino County, KCFD personnel are taking on essential roles, such as incident management teams and allowing crews to stay at the frontlines.











In a news release, Kern County Fire Chief Aaron Duncan said:

We understand the value of assistance during challenging times. Earlier this year, during the Borel Firethe largest wildfire in Kern Countys historythousands of firefighters from across the state and beyond came to our aid. Now, we are determined to pay it forward by offering the same support to others in need, all while continuing to safeguard our own Kern County communities. Fresno Chaffee Zoos new baby elephants to finally make public debut Kern County Fire Chief Aaron Duncan

Officials with the Kern County Fire Department said the fire department remains committed to the safety of Kern County residents while lending their resources to fellow agencies.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Kim Jong Un shows off his nuclear facility and calls for 'exponential' increase in warheads

Kim Jong Un shows off his nuclear facility and calls for 'exponential' increase in warheads

North Korea released first-ever photos of a uranium enrichment site on Thursday.

Supreme leader Kim Jong Un has been known to show off his nuclear bombs, but this week he revealed the facilities that create the key material that powers them.

Kim released photos of himself touring the facility as he called for his military to "exponentially" increase its nuclear arsenal and be ready for combat with the U.S. and its allies.

The pictures released by state media KCNA show a glimpse into the countrys secretive nuclear program, which is banned under multiple UN Security Council resolutions.

SOUTH KOREA ACCUSES THE NORTH OF SENDING TRASH BALLOONS

The images show Kim walking through rows of centrifuge machines that spin uranium at high speeds to produce nuclear warheads.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Kim visited the Nuclear Weapons Institute and a production base for weapon-grade nuclear materials, KCNA said, and instructed the base to ramp up the number of centrifuges "in order to exponentially increase the number of nuclear weapons."

"He went round the control room of the uranium enrichment base to learn about the overall operation of the production lines," KCNA said, and was pleased to see the base "dynamically producing nuclear materials."

The world gets little opportunity to glimpse life in the reclusive, nuclear-armed state, but photos also showed Kim visiting an army training base on Wednesday to "guide the drill of combatants," KCNA said/

NORTH KOREA'S KIM JONG UN REPORTEDLY ORDERED DOZENS OF OFFICIALS EXECUTED AFTER DEADLY FLOODS

On Thursday, North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea, which landed in the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan. The distance of the missiles suggests that they were designed to attack South Korea.

It was North Koreas first public weapons firing activity in over two months.

Kim said that his pledge to double down on his nuclear efforts was because North Korea faces "a grave threat" because of what he called "the reckless expansion" of a U.S.-led regional military bloc.

Last week North Korea flew balloons full of trash toward South Korea for five straight days.

Officials in Seoul slammed Pyongyang for its nuclear developments.

"Any nuclear threat or provocation by North Korea will be met with an overwhelming and strong response from our government and military, based on the solid extended deterrence of the South Korea-US alliance," the Ministry of Unification was quoted as saying by South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

Its not clear how many nuclear warheads North Korea possesses. In July, a report by the Federation of American Scientists concluded that the country may have produced enough fissile material to build up to 90 nuclear warheads, but that it has likely assembled closer to 50.





Original article source: Kim Jong Un shows off his nuclear facility and calls for 'exponential' increase in warheads
PORT ST. LUCIE  As police continue investigating the homicide of Francis Devon Gennace, 67, officials Friday revealed he lived with his wife and worked at a local auto body business.

Gennace was found Thursday in his home in the 1000 block of Southeast Albatross Avenue with obvious signs of violent trauma to his body, police have said. The address is just south of Southeast Crosstown Parkway and just east of Southeast Floresta Drive.

He didnt show up for work this week, having last been seen Sept. 6, Acting Police Chief Richard Del Toro said. Co-workers contacted police, who went to his home regarding a welfare check.

It was out of the ordinary for him not to show up for work, Del Toro said.

Port St. Lucie police are investigating the homicide of 67-year-old Francis Gennace, who was found dead Sept. 12, 2024. His home is shown here Sept. 13, 2024.

Del Toro said police have no suspect information, and an autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death. The autopsy, he said, also will help determine the time of death. Police believe Gennace had been dead a couple of days.

We do know he was last seen by his coworkers last Friday, on Sept. 6, and we're still doing  some investigation to see if anybody had contact with him since that time, Del Toro said. Once we know ... what exactly caused the death, what type of trauma, we're going to know a little bit more information and go to work off of that.

Del Toro said investigators believe Gennace lived with his wife, but no one else was in the home. Del Toro said police have been in contact with his spouse, Joan, who is thought to be in New York. Police believe shes been out of town for several weeks to see family.

Del Toro said there were no signs of forced entry to the home, a mustard yellow single-story structure that was surrounded by yellow tape on Friday. A sport utility vehicle was in the driveway. Del Toro said there have been no significant calls for service at the home, which Gennace appears to have purchased in 2002.

Del Toro said hes been at the agency for 26 years and investigators have handled all types of homicide investigations.

A situation like this, where it's kind of a whodunit mystery  we've come across them before, he said.

Del Toro said its rare for homicides to be a random act of violence.

Very nice guy

Neighbors Friday shared some information about Gennace. Brian Smith, 67, described him as a very quiet person.

He was a very nice guy, Smith said. I didn't see anybody mingle with him.

Smith said Gennace didnt talk to anyone, and sometimes hung out in his garage. Smith said they sometimes spoke about fruit, which he said they both grow. He once gave Gennace a lemon tree.

He's a good guy. He couldn't have been 120 pounds, soaking wet, Smith said. He was real small, thin  He would never cause trouble to come to him.

Another neighbor, Frank Nappi, 63, said Gennace was a nice gentleman and thought he was Jamaican. Nappi and Smith said he spoke with a strong accent.

Nappi said he thought Gennace owned the home for a long time, but he and his wife moved in only in recent years.

They rented it, and then they moved down here, I'd say, three or four years ago, something like that, Nappi said. They cleaned the house up, and then they've been here ever since.

Del Toro urged those with information to call Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-TIPS or police at 772-871-5001.

'... The whole wall was on fire': Members of 3 generations remembered after home fire claims 3 lives in St. Lucie County

School threat in St. Lucie County: Southern Oaks Middle School student arrested after 'insinuating a shooting at the school'

Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: 'Kind of a whodunit mystery': Police investigating homicide in PSL
BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH)  A 2023 criminal possession of a weapon case has resulted in a Kirkwood man being sentenced four years in a New York State prison.

Broome County Court DA Paul Battisti announced Friday, Sept. 13, that 37-year-old Justin Button, of Kirkwood, was sentenced to four years in prison and three years of post-release supervision for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

The incident occurred in March of 2023, when Button was found with a loaded .25 caliber in the City of Binghamton after a traffic stop by a Community Response Team made up collectively by the Johnson City Police Department, Vestal PD and NYSP.

Our office will relentlessly prosecute those who unlawfully possess firearms, disregard our

gun laws, and jeopardize innocent lives here in Broome County, Battisti 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 WIVT - News 34.
What to know for the 2024 Presidential Election in East TN

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The 2024 Presidential Election is around the corner and weve got what you need to know before heading to the polls.

The final day to register to vote before the election is October 7. Early voting begins on Oct. 16 and runs through Oct. 31. Absentee ballots can be requested between August 7 and October 29. Election Day is set for November 5.

When is Tennessees voter registration deadline for November election?

Whats on the Ballot

President and Vice President of the United States

US Senate

US House of Representatives

State Senate

State House of Representatives

Several city and county officials will also be on the ballot including several school board and city council seats. Below you can find sample ballots for each county:

Knox

Roane

Sevier

Greene

Jefferson

Unicoi

Washington

More counties will be added as their sample ballot is posted.

Where to Vote

To vote, you must be a registered voter. Check your status here. While early voting can take place at places other than local precincts, Election Day ballots can only be cast at your designated polling location.

To find your polling location, visit GoVoteTN.gov. Be sure to government-issued photo ID with you when voting.

HomeSharing: New housing option coming to Blount County

Valid IDs

Tennessee drivers license with your photo

United States Passport

Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government

United States Military photo ID

Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo

IDs not accepted

Student ID

Library Card

City or county ID

Out-of-state photo ID

When to vote

All voting locations in Tennessee close at 8 p.m. EST. However, some open at different times.

The Secretary of States Office suggests avoiding a longer wait time to cast your ballot midmorning or midafternoon. Typically early morning, lunch breaks and after 5 p.m. are peak voting times.

What happens if Im in line but havent voted by the time polls close?

Polling locations are campaign-free zones

Tennessee law prohibits anyone from wearing campaign-related clothing or paraphernalia to vote. The law requires within 100 feet of the polling location to be campaign-free zones. The Campbell County Election Commission shared the following advice to voters:

If you walk into the polling place with a campaign hat on, you will be allowed to vote only if you take off the hat and do not show it to anyone. If you have a campaign shirt on you will be asked to immediately leave the polling place to go home and change. However, if you can cover up the shirt with a jacket so no one else can see it, then you will be allowed to vote.

How to report fraud and polling issues

If anyone suspects voter fraud, theyre asked to text TN to 45995 to make a report.

Tennesseans can call a toll-free number with any questions about Election Day and to report any issues at the polls. That number is 1-877-850-4959.

For more election information, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, click on this link to the states 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 WATE 6 On Your Side.
What to know about North Korea's unveiling of its uranium enrichment facility

A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. The letters read "North Korea, unveiling the uranium enrichment facility for the first time." (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  In a significant show of defiance against the United States, North Korea on Friday provided the outside world with a rare view into a secretive facility built to enrich uranium for nuclear bombs as leader Kim Jong Un called for a rapid expansion of his nuclear weapons program.

Heres a look at what we know about the facility and North Koreas capabilities for producing bomb fuel.

What are we seeing?

North Koreas official Rodong Sinmum newspaper published several photos showing Kim talking with scientists and military officials in a hall tightly packed with gray centrifuge tubes that were about the height of his shoulders. The North didnt specify where the facility is located or when Kim went there.

Experts say the North Korean photos likely disclosed a centrifuge room at one of its two known plants in the towns of Yongbyon and Kangson, both near Pyongyang, which had been linked to uranium enrichment activities. While North Korea is believed to have other hidden uranium sites, it was unlikely that they were showcased publicly through visits by Kim, whose activities are closely monitored and analyzed by the outside world.

Yang Uk, an analyst at South Koreas Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said the number of centrifuges shown in the North Korean photos would be about 1,000. That happens to be roughly the number of centrifuges it would take to produce enough uranium for a single bomb - about 20 to 25 kilograms - when the devices are fully operated year-round.

It was the first time the North has disclosed a uranium enrichment facility since 2010, when it allowed a group of Stanford University scholars led by nuclear scientist Siegfried Hecker to tour its centrifuge facility in Yongbyon.

How worried should we be?

As foreign experts and government officials closely securitized the reports and visuals from North Korea, it wasnt immediately clear whether the country was communicating something significantly new about its bomb fuel technologies.

But the news was a stark reminder of a known but growing threat, as Kim continues to speed up the expansion of his nuclear weapons and missile programs amid halted diplomacy with Washington and Seoul.

Kim in recent months has repeatedly called for an exponential expansion of his countrys nuclear arsenal to counter what he perceives as external U.S.-led threats. The photos released on Friday were likely intended to demonstrate that the country has the bomb fuel capacity to match the ambitions of its leader, experts say.

Kim has since 2022 been accelerating the expansion of his nuclear-capable missile systems, which include weapons designed to strike both the U.S. mainland and American allies in Asia.

North Koreas progress in its uranium enrichment program is a major concern for rivals and neighbors. Highly enriched uranium is easier than plutonium to engineer into a weapon. And while plutonium facilities are large and produce detectable radiation, making them easier for satellites to detect, uranium centrifuges can be operated almost anywhere, including small factories, caves, underground tunnels or other hard-to-reach places.

Yang said its estimated that North Korea could be operating around 10,000 uranium centrifuges across multiple sites, which account for the core of the countrys nuclear program that likely produces enough fuel to make around 12 to 18 bombs a year. By 2027, North Korea would possibly amass enough fuel to produce about 200 bombs, he said.

In a report this week, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said his agency has monitored continued activities at both Yongbyon and Kangson facilities.

Grossi said that at Yongbyon, IAEA had observed water outflows from the cooling water system of the light-water reactor and other indications consistent with the operation of 5-megawatt reactor and the reported centrifuge enrichment facility. The light-water reactor could be an additional source of weapons-grade plutonium along with the widely known 5-megawatt reactor, observers say.

He said that in 2024, a new annex to the main building in the Kangson complex was built, expanding the available floorspace.

Where do we stand on nuclear diplomacy?

Former U.S. President Donald Trumps administration had an opportunity to slow the expansion of North Koreas nuclear program while he engaged in high-stakes diplomacy with Kim starting in 2018. However, the talks broke down after their second summit in 2019, when the Americans rejected North Korean demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for the dismantling of the Yongbyon complex, which was seen as just a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities.

Nuclear talks remain stalled as Kim vows to push his nuclear ambitions further in the face of deepening confrontations with Washington. Experts say Kims long-term goal is to force the United States into accepting the idea of the North as a nuclear power and negotiating economic and security concessions from a position of strength.

Some have speculated that he might try to drum up pressure in a U.S. election year, possibly with a long-range missile demonstration or a nuclear test detonation.

Kims visit to the nuclear facility was somewhat reminiscent of highly public visits by former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the countrys Natanz uranium enrichment plant, after the country declared in 2006 that it was resuming enrichment that had been suspended for three years.

After years of difficult negotiations, Iran and six world powers led by the United States announced a comprehensive nuclear agreement in 2015 that outlined long-term restrictions on Irans nuclear program and the removal of many international sanctions.

However, the deal collapsed in 2018 when Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from the agreement, calling it the worst deal ever. The West has struggled to find a new deal with Iran, whose advancing nuclear program now enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels.
GREEN BAY  Democratic 8th Congressional District candidate Kristin Lyerly and Republican candidate Tony Wied's campaigns agreed Wednesday evening to the format, rules and moderators for their sole scheduled debate.

The confirmation of the debate's format comes one day after both campaigns agreed that the event would be held at the Mauthe Center, housed within the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's campus, on Sept. 27.

Both candidates will have the chance to make their case to constituents in northeast Wisconsin formerly represented by U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, who vacated his seat in April.

Here's what you need to know.

How long will the Lyerly-Wied debate be?

The debate will run from 7 to 8 p.m. with a 90-second break halfway through.

Where will it take place?

The Mauthe Center, an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating dialogue across religious and political boundaries.

The center is situated on UW-Green Bay's campus; however, its funding and management are unaffiliated with the university.

WBAY will broadcast the debate live.

Who is the moderator?

Cami Rapson, who has been a WBAY news anchor since 1991, will moderate the debate.

Who will ask questions?

Jason Zimmerman, political reporter for WBAY and veteran news anchor, and Jesse Lin, community and politics reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, will form a two-person panel that asks questions to both Lyerly and Wied.

Students from St. Norbert College and UWGB will also have the opportunity to ask their questions to the candidates. The panelists will vet student questions before the debate, and one student from each college will read their question in the course of the hour.

How long will candidates have to speak?

Both Lyerly and Wied will have two minutes for opening and closing statements. The order for both will be determined by a coin toss ahead of the debate.

Once a candidate is asked a question, they will have 90 seconds to respond. Afterward, the other candidate will have 90 seconds to comment.

The candidate who was initially asked the question can follow with a 60-second reply, after which the other candidate gets the same amount of time to rebut.

Finally, the candidate to which the question was originally asked will have 15 seconds to have the last word before moving onto the next question.

Will there be a live audience?

Yes, a live audience will be present at the debate.

They will be asked to refrain from applause or disparagement during the debate, and will be encouraged to meet the candidates afterward.

Jesse Lin is a reporter covering the community of Green Bay and its surroundings, as well as politics in northeast Wisconsin. Contact him at 920-431-8247 or jlin@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Lyerly, Wied agree to 8th Congressional District debate format
Radosaw Sikorski and Andrii Sybiha at a joint press conference in Kyiv. Screenshot: video of press conference

Ukraine and Poland's foreign ministers, Andrii Sybiha and Radosaw Sikorski, discussed the progress in establishing the Ukrainian Legion on Polish soil.

Source: Sybiha and Sikorski at a joint press conference in Kyiv on 13 September, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha, the formation of the Ukrainian Legion, as outlined in the bilateral security agreement requires "appropriate practical steps through the ministries of defence".

Quote: "They are now at the stage of finalisation, and since this is a sensitive issue, after the necessary preparatory measures are completed, this project will go into practice," Sybiha added.

In turn, Sikorski confirmed that he had discussed the issue of the Ukrainian Legion with his Ukrainian counterpart, but would not disclose details so as not to provide additional information to Russia for possible acts of sabotage.

"But I must say that we moved the matter forward a little," the Polish minister said, confirming Warsaw's readiness to prepare a Ukrainian unit in Poland, consisting of Ukrainians abroad.

Background:

At a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the Ukraine-Poland security agreement provides for the creation of the Ukrainian Legion, in which Ukrainians abroad will be able to join and receive training on a voluntary basis.

On the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington, Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski announced that several thousand people have registered to join the Ukrainian Legion, a new voluntary military unit in Poland.

Journalists reported that the Ukrainian Legion is supposedly still an "idea on paper".

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The Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Tribal Council has banished Wisconsin State Sen. Mary Felzkowski from its land because she recently likened the tribe to "terrorists" in a public meeting.

The tribal council passed the banishment of an elected official during its Sept. 9 meeting and made the announcement Friday. It appears to be an unprecedented step by a tribe.

Tribal councils in Wisconsin typically reserve their banishment authority for convicted criminals, such as known drug dealers, who have committed crimes on their reservation.

State Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) is shown during a Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety informational hearing in August 2024.

The comparison of the Lac du Flambeau Tribe to terrorists, such as the Proud Boys and the Taliban, organizations with no sovereignty or treaty rights (with the U.S.), and that seek to harm the United States, is not only offensive, but dangerously misinformed, said tribal president John Johnson in a statement.

It reveals a profound ignorance of the legal standing of our tribe and the obligations owed to us under the 1837, 1842 and 1854 Treaties. Those treaties, which established our reservation as a permanent homeland, recognize our sovereign right to protect our lands and people.

Felzkowski, a Republican from Irma, made her statement during an Aug. 23 meeting of the non-tribal town of Lac du Flambeau, which is on the reservation.

The meeting was about seeking a resolution to a dispute over the use of four roads on the reservation by non-tribal members.

Tribal authorities had barricaded the roads last year, saying that they were illegally built on tribal land and the lease to use them had expired more than 10 years earlier. Tribal officials felt they were ignored in their requests to renew the leases prior to the barricades, which cut off access for dozens of people who own non-tribal property within the reservation boundary.

The roads have since been reopened temporarily as the non-tribal town of Lac du Flambeau agreed to pay an increasing monthly fee.

At the Aug. 23 meeting, town officials discussed the possibility of returning state land to the tribe in exchange for resolving the roads dispute. During the meeting, Felzkowski said she feels the stranded homeowners are being held hostage and Its kind of like giving in to terrorists and I dont like it.

The tribal council in its statement on Sept. 13 said that Felzkowskis remarks are particularly disrespectful given her role as co-chair of the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations.

The council further emphasized that her comparison of the tribe to terrorists has deeply offended tribal members, descendants and employees, who see this language as an attack on their sovereignty, identity and heritage, the council said in a statement.

They said her comments threaten the fragile negotiations surrounding the dispute (over the roads).

Felzkowski and Johnson also had a dispute last December over withholding from the tribe promised gaming revenue. Felzkowski had accused Johnson and the tribe of bad leadership and not being a good actor.

Johnson wrote back stating, We are going to work to right the wrongs of the past and will no longer tolerate abuse of our people or our land.

More: Tribal president fires back at Wisconsin legislator in withheld money dispute

More: Town asking if Wisconsin will give back land to Lac du Flambeau to settle road use dispute

Sign up for the First Nations Wisconsin newsletter Click here to get all of our Indigenous news coverage right in your inbox

Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tribe banishes Wisconsin state senator for comparing it to terrorists
Lack of money for CBP officers holding up construction of new border crossing, advocate says

SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  Construction for the proposed Otay Mesa II Port of Entry, which is already two years behind schedule on the U.S. side of border, has hit another snag: No money for U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel.

Joaquin Luken, executive director of the Smart Border Coalition, says until a budget is finalized and money allocated for CBP officers to work at the crossing, construction cant get started.

The new port of entry was slated to open at the end of this month, but money and design issues have prevented the start of construction on the U.S. side of the border.

Contractors blame California Department of Transportation for port of entry delays

On the Mexico side, however, the facility is almost done, and Baja California officials have said theyll be ready to go as planned.

They have been pursuing an idea to allow empty commercial trucks to travel in a southbound direction only.

When it opens, the port of entry is supposed to be a toll crossing in both directions.

Mexican officials believe the southbound access would allow them to recoup some of their investments sooner.

But Luken says although the idea is intriguing, its not that simple because the tolls paid would cover the cost of the construction and not for personnel.

US way behind schedule building new Otay Mesa port of entry, Baja governor says

Using the port of entry one way only could work, but you also have to remember, you still need agents on the American side, its not just opening the crossing, some CBP officers are required and would likely have to be transferred from other ports of entry, but then youre leaving others one person short.

Luken fears the funding issue could further delay the port of entrys opening. Its now not slated to open until 2027.

Until the issue of how to pay for personnel that will be in charge of the U.S. side of the crossing, there will be no advances on this project, he said. Weve made strides in the design portion of the project, but we cant move 100 percent forward without Congress appropriating funds for agents who will be operating the crossing.

The crossing on the U.S. side of the border is a joint venture between the California Department of Transportation and the San Diego Association of Governments.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

Both agencies responded with a joint statement saying:

Custom and Border Protection has told Caltrans and SANDAG it will secure staffing for Otay Mesa East when the project reaches the appropriate phase. Caltrans and SANDAG continue to negotiate with the federal government to solidify the final details of 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
LACY LAKEVIEW, Texas (FOX 44)  The City of Lacy Lakeview has announced the appointment of its new top cop!

Following a comprehensive selection process, the city has chosen Tom Whitten to lead the Lacy Lakeview Police Department.

The city says Chief Whitten brings with him a distinguished career in law enforcement, having served as Chief of Police in Dewitt, Iowa; Chief of Police in Carlsbad, New Mexico; Chief of Police in Harlingen, Texas; Sergeant with the El Paso Police Department for 19 years and Chief Deputy for the El Paso Sheriffs Office for ten years.

In addition to Chief Whittens professional experience, the city says he holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Park University, a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Sul Ross State University, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Purdue Global. He also attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

The city says Chief Whitten will begin work on October 1.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Lake drained over century ago could see comeback after recent flooding: 'We have a one-in-a-100-years' chance to reconcile what happened'

In British Columbia, the Sema:th Xo:tsa, or Sumas Lake, nourished the indigenous First Nations for centuries. The lake provided fish, fowl, wild nuts, and fruits, as well as a means of traveling quickly to elk hunting grounds. But in the 1920s, settlers to the area drained the entire lake to establish European-style farming, which has remained ever since.

And now, in an ironic twist of fate, immense precipitation exacerbated by global overheating may inadvertently return the lake to its former levels, environmental news nonprofit Mongabay reported.

The lake has now experienced several seasons of unprecedented rain and flooding, which researchers estimate was made approximately 60% more likely by the changing climate, per research in the journal Weather and Climate Extremes. This was due to both the precipitation levels and higher rates of snowmelt because of hotter temperatures.

"It rained like I'd never seen before," Mongabay quoted Matt Dykshoorn, a local dairy farmer, as saying. "It was beyond comprehension for a lot of people.  They just didn't know what they were up against."

Lake Mead, a reservoir connected to the Hoover Dam that has consistently been below capacity since 1983, experienced a similar phenomenon earlier this year.

With the weather patterns not expected to change, the Sema:th community is racing to assess whether or not they should work to manage their flood mitigation systems or instead reestablish the lake.

To that end, a collaborative team of both Sema:th people and researchers at the University of British Columbia published a paper assessing the viability of refilling the lake. While it would require massive relocation for farmers and several major pieces of infrastructure, they argue it would ultimately save the community the cost of constant upkeep and make them more climate-resilient for the future.

Troy Ganzeveld, councilor for the Sema:th Nation, told Mongabay: "Our membership is in support of trying to live with water instead of fighting against it. Over the last over 100 years, that's been happening  trying to fight Mother Nature."

Murray Ned, executive director of the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance and a co-author of the UBC paper, added: "We have a one-in-a-100-years' chance to reconcile what happened in 1924. So this is probably our first and only chance, where we'll have the ability to influence the way forward."

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.
Lake Koronia, one of largest in Greece, is shrinking after a prolonged drought and a summer of record-breaking temperatures, leaving behind cracked earth, dead fish and a persistent stench.

Where once fishermen pulled trout and tench into their boats, youths on motorbikes now joyride in the dust.

Locals say they can see the 42-square-kilometre (16-square-mile) expanse of water near Thessaloniki retreating day by day -- a fate shared by three other important natural lakes in Greece's Central Macedonian breadbasket.

"The stench from the lake is getting very bad. If we don't get enough snow and rain, the problem will get worse next year," said local community leader Kostas Hadzivoulgaridis.

"We need (officials) to take immediate action to protect the lake," the 50-year-old told AFP.

Water levels at three other natural lakes in the region -- Doirani, Volvi and Pikrolimni -- are also at their lowest in a decade, according to data last month from the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre.

Over the last two years, rainfall in the region has been "very low" and the temperatures recorded this year were the highest in the last decade, according to Irini Varsami, a local hydrologist.

As well as losing water directly through evaporation, the lake is being drained by the "increasing irrigation needs of (farmers in) the surrounding area", one of the important food-producing plains in the country.

- 'We hope for rain' -

While the shores look like a lunar landscape bereft of life, flocks of migratory pink flamingos graze in the low water further in.

Anthi Vafiadou, a regional supervisor for the Greek state environmental protection agency, said it was "too early" to draw conclusions on the impact of the drought on the lake's biodiversity.

"We must see how the winter season evolves. We hope there will be more rain," she told AFP.

But what is certain, according to the Biotope Wetland Centre, is that climate change is putting huge pressure on the lakes.

According to the national observatory, Greece had the warmest winter and summer on record since reliable data collection began in 1960.

Greece's environment ministry this week unveiled a multi-billion-euro plan to boost the water supply and limit rampant water loss through poor management.

- 'Completely disappeared' -

Less than an hour's drive to the north is a bleak vision of what the future might hold.

Pikrolimni, or "Bitter Lake", is the only salt lake in mainland Greece.

But Pikrolimni is a lake in name only now. All that remains are the patterns formed by the water that evaporated during the prolonged drought.

Hotels and a mud spa around its edge lie abandoned.

"This is the first summer that the lake has been in such a state. There has been no rain, the water has completely disappeared and the lake has literally dried up," said Argyris Vergis, an 80-year-old local.

"This area used to be busy with tourists, but now you can see motorcyclists racing on the lake on the internet. It's tragic," the retired bank worker said.

vk/hec/jph/fg
(KRON)  A four-vehicle crash on northbound Highway 101 halted traffic Friday morning, according to the Santa Rosa Fire Department.

At 7 a.m., crews responded to Highway 101 North at College Avenue to assist the California Highway Patrol with the collision, which resulted in an overturned bus.

Heres how much PG&E customers monthly bills will increase

According to SRFD, all lanes are currently open.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Lanett police increasing presence at local schools as investigation continues, so far no credible threat

LANETT, Ala. (WRBL)  The Lanett Police Department is increasing its presence at local schools as the investigation into an alleged shooting threat continues on. According to the department, no credible threat to a specific campus has been received as of Friday morning.

The investigation stems back to an alleged social media post that references shooting up Lanett City Schools.

Although police have not received a credible threat, they say the matter is still being taken very seriously with detectives working to find the source of the social media post. Police went on to say the person would be arrested and charged to the full extent of the law if they are located.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Chambers County Dispatch Center at (334) 576-0912.

WRBL will keep you updated.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Las Vegas mother at the center of a case that made international headlines was arrested and accused of selling drugs for a third time.

Nevada State Police arrested Kendra Long, 45, after her probation officer said he found baggies with more than 27 grams of meth, pills most commonly known as Xanax and Valium, and equipment like a scale.



Long was arrested on Aug.15, eight days after the probation compliance check, according to an arrest report obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators. She blamed an ex-boyfriend, according to the probation officer.

9-year-old child hands Henderson police bag of drugs, mom arrested

Long made statements alleging that her ex-boyfriend was a member of the cartel and sold methamphetamine and that it must have been from him when she retrieved the items from storage, the report stated.



Long gave police a similar excuse when she was arrested in July 2022. The 8 News Now Investigators first obtained video from the investigation showing her son, age 9, handing a Henderson police officer a bag of more than 100 grams of meth found in Longs home, according to police documents. Long denied the drugs were hers.

Dad says system failed son after boy hands Henderson police bag of drugs, mom arrested

I have no idea what that is, Long said.



Police body camera video showed officers at the scene, comforting Longs son and questioning her. Longs bond was set at $25,000 which she posted.



Prosecutors said Long violated a court order prohibiting her from discussing her criminal case with her son. Two different judges issued warnings, according to court documents.



Long was convicted of child abuse and drug charges in July of 2023, according to police documents. Clark County District Court Judge Monica Trujillo issued a suspended sentence and placed Long on probation.



Three months later, Long was accused of violating probation. She faced additional charges after an officer reported finding bags of meth, along with cocaine in her possession. Trujillo sent Long to a drug treatment program.



An arraignment for the new drug charges is scheduled for Sept. 18. A probation revocation hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19 with Judge Erika Mendoza.



This is not a user, Anthony Cruz, Longs ex-husband told the 8 News Now Investigators in a January interview. This is someone that is distributing and selling.



Cruz told the 8 News Now Investigators he was granted sole custody of their son after a hard fight. He also pointed to failures in the criminal justice system after Long was given chance after chance.



Once the legal system even saw that evidence and they didnt do anything about it, it was pretty disheartening, Cruz said. Then it just kind of snowballed from there but that was the first incident where we realized even with red-handed, caught red-handed type knowledge, it doesnt mean anything in the justice court there.



Long is also known as Kendra Long-Ypil.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The woman in charge of Clark County elections hopes voters and skeptics will see for themselves how the process works in a constant fight against misinformation.

Early in-person voting begins Saturday, Oct. 19. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day will be accepted for four days after Election Day, per Nevada state law.

LINK: Check your voter registration and opt in or out of receiving a mail ballot

We do have deadlines we must abide by and we want to do the job as quickly and efficiently as possible and accurately, Clark County Registrar of Voters Lorena Portillo said.

Portillo was appointed to the job in 2023 following the retirement of former registrar Joe Gloria.

NORTH LAS VEGAS, NEVADA  OCTOBER 20: Clark County Assistant Registrar of Voters Lorena Portillo demonstrates using a voting machine during a media tour of the Clark County Election Departments main building on October 20, 2022 in North Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

We are not concerned with being as fast as we can we are concerned with making sure we are accurate in what we report, Gloria said in the days after the 2020 election when the margin was too close to determine a clear winner in key races, including the race for president.

Tabulation is not as easy as pressing a button on a machine or scanning a ballot. Portillos office and election volunteers verify signatures several times, assist in registration and examine results.

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 simple terms, its not just accepted, Portillo said about ballots. We have to go through a verification process that can take up to a day.

With new state-level registration technology and more tabulation machines, including ballot and USB readers, the process could move faster. A national grant covered some of the new equipment. The updated voter registration and management system cost the state $30 million.

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.

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.

Amid the process, former President Donald Trump and state and national Republicans cited misinformation about the tabulation process and the work Nevada law requires registrars perform.

A Clark County election worker scans mail-in ballots at the Clark County Election Department on November 4, 2020 in North Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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. Republicans applauded the move.

How is this office preparing to combat all the misinformation that no doubt will come out over the next two to three months? 8 News Now Investigator David Charns asked Portillo.

We would love for voters to call us. We would love for voters to reach out to us. We would love for them to observe what we do but most importantly, learn a little bit more about the process, she said.

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 were legally allowed to vote in Nevada.

Trump and other Republican candidates who lost their elections also sued the county over its signature verification process. Judges tossed all lawsuits citing a lack of evidence, among other reasons.

On Thursday, the Trump campaign and Republicans filed a new lawsuit, which claims thousands of noncitizens are registered to vote and may have voted in 2020. The former Nevada Secretary of State previously debunked the claim, saying the noncitizens likely became naturalized before the election.

In addition to running the department, Portillo must also battle conspiracy theories, like instilling the fact that the election machines cannot connect to each other nor the internet. The machines also print out a voting record.

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.

A county spokesperson declined to comment on the recent lawsuit, citing the ongoing litigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
The last day to register to vote in Indiana is almost here. How to do it before the deadline

Hoosiers still have time to register to vote in Indiana if they want to cast a ballot in November's general election, but October's deadline is fast approaching.

Here's everything you need to do to ensure you can vote by Election Day.

What are the voter registration deadlines in Indiana?

The last day to register to vote in Indiana is 29 days before an election. That means the deadline for the 2024 general election is Monday, Oct. 7.

If registering to vote in person, it must be at your county's registration office by the close of the business day (for Marion county, that's 4:30 p.m., according to Indy.gov). If you register to vote online or by mail, your application must be submitted or postmarked to the election office by 11:59 p.m.

When is the Indiana general election in 2024?

The general election this year happens Tuesday, Nov. 5. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day.

Voter requirements in Indiana

You have the right to vote in Indiana if:

You are a citizen of the United States.

You are a resident of Indiana with a valid Indiana Driver's License or Indiana State ID.

You have lived in the precinct where you vote for at least 30 days before the election.

You are age 18 or older. A 17-year-old can register to vote provided they turn 18 by the date of the election.

You are not currently imprisoned after being convicted of a crime. Hoosiers on parole, probation or home detention can still vote.

How to register to vote in Indiana online

The state of Indiana has a website where you can register to vote and update or check your voter registration status. Go online to IndianaVoters.in.gov.

How to register to vote in Indiana in person

If you want to register to vote in person, visit your Indiana county's voter registration office. You can check your voter registration status or find your polling location at any time by calling 1-866-IN-1-VOTE.

How to register to vote in Indiana by mail

You can register to vote by filling out a voter registration form and mailing it to an elections office.

Where to get the forms: Voter registration forms can be downloaded online at the Indiana Secretary of State's website, or picked up in person at township trustee offices and at branches of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In Marion County, voter registration forms are also available at public library branches.

Where to mail your form: You can find the mailing address to each county's election office, as well as the state election division's mailing address by visiting the state's voter portal online at IndianaVoters.in.gov.

When to mail them: The state recommends Hoosiers mail their voter registration forms at least one week before the October 7 deadline, which is Monday, Sept. 30.

Pot & Politics: In Indiana governor's race, what plans do candidates have for legalizing marijuana?

IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer and trending reporter Katie Wiseman contributed to this article.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: When is the last day to register to vote in Indiana? Soon. How to do it
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 Gerald 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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This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(NewsNation)  Laura Loomer may not be a name familiar to many Americans, but the conservative activist has shot to prominence in recent days.

Loomer, who describes herself on X as an investigative journalist, has worked as a reporter for several conservative-leaning media outlets, including Rebel News and Alex Jones InfoWars. She also unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020 and 2022.

Why is Laura Loomer in the news?

Loomer has been criticized by Republicans for her views and is considered a conspiracy theorist.

While former President Donald Trump has praised her before, Loomer was notably present alongside Trump during 9/11 commemoration services Wednesday.

Like her former boss Jones, Loomer has said she believes the Sept. 11 attacks were an inside job.

Loomer told the Associated Press she is not part of Trumps team despite joining him at the memorials.

According to multiple reports, Loomer was on the Republican nominees plane to the presidential debate Tuesday.

Trump shooter was acting strange days before rally: Lawmaker

What has Laura Loomer said?

On Friday morning, Loomer posted on X there are still a lot of unanswered questions about 9/11.

Loomer noted there are classified documents regarding the attacks and said The American people deserve to know the truth.

Not just what our lying government chose to tell us. Theres so many unanswered questions  Why? she added.

Loomer has made many posts conveying anti-Islamic and anti-migration sentiment, but it is one comment about Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris that caused the most blowback of late.

The activist, who has 1.2 million followers on X, posted on Sept. 8: If Kamala Harris 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.

No suspect yet in Springfield, Ohio, bomb threats

Why some Republicans are concerned by Loomer

Loomers tweet about Harris led to criticism from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who called it an extremely racist post.

Greene told CNN of Loomer: I dont think she has the experience or the right mentality to advise a very important presidential election.

Loomer responded to CNN, arguing the media were falsely accus(ing) me of being racist.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told the HuffPost that Loomers comments were abhorrent.

I think that the president would serve himself well to make sure this doesnt become a bigger story, he said.

In response to the public critiques, Loomer theorized on X that Republicans such as Greene and Graham were attacking her because they werent on Trumps plane instead.

All I care about is helping Donald Trump get elected, Loomer wrote. Thats all I do, and thats all I care about. I dont have time to deal with petty bulls.

Loomer doubled down on her Harris comments, writing Friday on X: I meant every word of what I said about Kamala Harris who panders for votes and spends more time cooking than talking policy.

Biden wants to close loophole that enables certain imports from China

What has Trump said about Loomer?

Trump has not spoken much publicly about Loomer, but the activist insisted to the Washington Post in May that Trump likes her.

That much is true given her presence alongside the former president this week. The New York Times reported in 2023 that Trump considered hiring her before aides pushed back.

In August 2023, Trump thanked Loomer for her support in a video posted by the latter on X.

Its great to have you, and youve been really very special, Trump said in the clip.

You work hard, and you are a very opinionated lady. I have to tell you that, and in my opinion, I like that, Trump said. I appreciate all of your support, and everybody appreciates your support. Thank you.

During his Friday press conference in California, Trump addressed Loomers relationship with him, and lack thereof with the campaign.

Laura has been a supporter of mine, just like a lot of people are supporters, and shes been a supporter of mine, Trump said.

She speaks very positively of the campaign Laura has to say what she wants. Shes a shes a free spirit.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Laura Loomer: The controversial Trump cheerleader who denies affair with the former president

Laura Loomer got her start as a truth-telling Right-wing activist by slipping into the background.

She used hidden cameras and microphones to try and record embarrassing conversations with woke university officials or else members of the Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign.

Once describing herself as a proud Islamophobe, she was banned from Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

These days, the 31-year-old is very much front-of-stage as an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, travelling on his private plane and showing up at events such as the 9/11 memorial ceremony.

And some commentators have made reference to this apparent closeness to speculate, without hard proof, that her relationship with the former president may be more than platonic.

Laura Loomer on her phone in West Palm Beach in the aftermath of the second assassination attempt on Donald Trumps life - AP/Terry Renna

The television host Bill Maher suggested Ms Loomer and Mr Trump were involved in a arranged relationship.

Ms Loomer was quick to reject similar claims made online, again without evidence.

I should sue Bill Maher for Defamation. This is beyond the pale and its a complete and blatant lie, she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

I have never in my life seen such a coordinated attack by the mainstream media, the White House and leftist personalities to target a private citizen and investigative journalist simply because I flew on a plane and I support Donald Trump.

She added: And its a full blown lie and incredibly disrespectful to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. Its very obvious some type of memo went out because the reaction to what I said is completely overblown and its a full blown character assassination campaign.

The 78-year-old Mr Trump, who has frequently been photographed with his arm around Ms Loomer, has been warned of the potential danger of associating too closely with her by allies such as Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and Senator Lindsay Graham.

Laura Loomer (left in striped top) takes a photograph of Donald Trump - AP/Matt Rourke

This is such an important election. I dont think that she has the experience or the right mentality to advise, Ms Greene said.

I do know this, that her rhetoric and her tone does not match the base, it does not match MAGA.

The pair were attacked on social media in no uncertain terms by Ms Loomer for doing so.

Trump defends his ally Laura Loomer

On Friday, Mr Trump defended his association with her when she held a press conference in California.

Lauras been a supporter of mine. She speaks positively of the campaign, Mr Trump said. I dont control Laura. Shes a free spirit.

But Mr Trump later wrote on social media that he disagreed with the statement Ms Loomer had made about Ms Harris, appearing to distance himself from his cheerleader.

He added: But, like the many millions of people who support me, she is tired of watching the Radical Left Marxists and Fascists violently attack and smear me, even to the point of doing anything to stop their Political Opponent, ME!

Ms Loomer, writing on X, formerly Twitter, thanked someone who had applauded her activism.

Thank you. I am a very tough person, she wrote. You cant be involved in investigating political corruption unless you have tough skin.

The White House will smell like curry

Last weekend, Ms Loomer said if Ms Harris - who is of Indian and Jamaican heritage - won the election the the White House will smell like curry.

Mr Graham, the senator from South Carolina, denounced the remarks as abhorrent.

But its deeper than that, he said. Some of the things shes said about Republicans and others is disturbing.

Asked about such comments, Mr Trump said: Shes a strong person. Shes got strong opinions, and I dont know what she said, but thats not up to me. Shes a supporter.

He added: I do know that she may have said something based on what youre telling me, but I dont know what she said, but Ill go take a look and Ill put out a statement later on.

Earlier this year the New York Times reported Ms Loomer was being hired by the Trump campaign, though it was strongly denied.

Laura Loomer arrives ahead of the Trump-Harris TV debate in Philadelphia - Reuters/Eduardo Munoz

What appears certain is that Ms Loomer has become increasingly close to Mr Trumps campaign, and was seen departing his plane when he landed in Philadelphia for Tuesdays debate.

She was seen with other members of the campaign team and was in the media spin room afterwards.

Her presence comes just weeks after several former campaign staff from 2016 and 2020, have returned to his campaign team. Among them is former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, best known for telling colleagues: Let Trump be Trump.

Loomer insists 9/11 was an inside job

The day after the debate Ms Loomer, joined Mr Trump in New York and Pennsylvania as he and others commemorated the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks even though last year she had posted on social media that 9/11 was an inside job.

HAPPENING NOW: President Trump just visited the Shanksville Fire Department after visiting the memorial site of United Flight 93 and meeting with family members of 9/11 terrorist attack victims in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, she posted on X on Wednesday afternoon. NEVER FORGET!

Some of the 9/11 survivors and people who lost loved ones that day questioned her presence.

Its baffling to me that anyone within Trumps orbit would believe the inside job theory when Trump himself declared that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the attacks of 9/11, Sharon Premoli, who was on the 80th floor of the North Tower when it was struck but somehow survived, told The Telegraph.

If Laura Loomer has unambiguous and indisputable proof of this old conspiracy theory that has never been proven thus far, the public would like to see it.

Ms Loomer has also posted false claims about Haitian migrants in Ohio eating family pets.

Mr Trump repeated the allegation himself during the debate, something that triggered alarm from his allies and led the moderators to say there was no evidence to support the claims.

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Laura Loomer, a far-right provocateur, conspiracy theorist, and former Florida Republican congressional candidate, has gained a notorious reputation within the political landscape for her inflammatory rhetoric and extreme views. Loomers recent proximity to former President Donald Trump has sparked renewed controversy, especially after she accompanied him to a 9/11 memorial event, despite having previously suggested that the terrorist attacks were an inside job. Loomers rise and actions have prompted concern across the political spectrum, and even prominent Republicans, like Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have distanced themselves from her.



Loomers ascent in the far-right ecosystem is marked by a series of racist, anti-Islamic, and sexist statements that have earned her bans from social media platformsuntil Elon Musk lifted those bans after he acquired Twitter , now known as X. Loomer, 31, has made a career out of provocative public stunts and incendiary remarks, and her willingness to embrace conspiracy theories has drawn her closer to Trump, a figure she appears to idolize.

Laura Loomer has a history of extremism

Loomer first gained national attention for her involvement in the alt-right movement and her frequent targeting of minority groups. One of her most controversial moments came when she called for a ridesharing service that would ban Muslim drivers, following her anti-Islam rants.

In 2017, after a terrorist attack in New York City, Loomer launched into a daylong anti-Islam rant on Twitter, blaming Muslims for the violence and calling for a ridesharing service that would ban Muslim drivers. Someone needs to create a non-Islamic form of Uber or Lyft because I never want to support another Islamic immigrant driver, she tweeted, tagging both companies, NBC News reported . The swift backlash led Uber and Lyft to ban her from their platforms permanently.

Her social media posts have frequently ventured into outright conspiracy theories. Loomer has claimed that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job, a baseless accusation that adds to the host of fringe beliefs she has propagated. This theory, which suggests U.S. officials were somehow complicit in the attacks, has been debunked but remains a rallying cry among certain factions of the far right.

Loomer also made headlines during her two failed 2020 and 2022 congressional bids in Florida, where she ran on an unabashedly pro-Trump platform. Despite receiving an endorsement from Trump, her campaigns failed to gain traction, as even many Republicans were uncomfortable with her extremism.

What did Loomer say that was too extreme for Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Loomers rhetoric has been so incendiary that even Greene, a figure known for her controversial statements, has publicly condemned her. In April 2023, when Trump reportedly considered hiring Loomer for his 2024 campaign, Greene took to social media to express her opposition. Describing Loomer as mentally unstable and poisonous, Greene urged Trump to distance himself from the controversial activist.

 (@)

Their feud escalated this week when Loomer posted a racist comment targeting Vice President Kamala Harris , referencing Harriss Indian heritage in a derogatory way. She claimed that if Harris were elected president, the White House will smell like curry, and speeches would be delivered via a call center.

Greene, who has herself been accused of promoting racist and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, responded by calling Loomers remarks appalling and extremely racist, adding that Loomer does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA.

 (@)

Greenes condemnation was notable because it marked a rare moment when a prominent figure within the MAGA movement publicly distanced themselves from someone for being too extreme. Greenes record includes statements downplaying the significance of the Holocaust and spreading conspiracy theories about Jewish space lasers.

Laura Loomer and Donald Trump

Despite her controversies, Loomers relationship with Trump has only grown stronger. She has been spotted traveling with the former president on multiple occasions, including during his 2024 campaign appearances. Loomer was also aboard Trumps plane for the September 10 debate against Harris, and the following day, she accompanied Trump to 9/11 memorial events in New York and Pennsylvania .

Trumps decision to keep Loomer in his orbit despite her controversial history has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the New York Democrat, condemned Trumps association with Loomer, calling it shocking, irresponsible, and offensive, particularly in light of her history of promoting 9/11 conspiracy theories.

While some Republicans have also voiced concern about Loomers influence, many within Trumps base view her as a loyal supporter willing to speak truths, while others wont. For her part, Loomer has defended her actions, claiming that her attacks on Harris and others are merely criticisms of political pandering and not rooted in racism.
Far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer on Friday raised questions about the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, just two days after she accompanied former President Donald Trump at ceremonies commemorating the events of that day.

The American people deserve to know the entire truth, Loomer wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Not just what our lying government chose to tell us.

Theres so many unanswered questions Why? she continued.

Trumps decision to include Loomer as part of his entourage at ceremonies in New York and Pennsylvania on Wednesday drew criticism from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), one of his allies in Congress, who called her past comments disturbing.

I think that the president would serve himself well to make sure this doesnt become a bigger story, Graham said.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) also expressed his dismay in a post on X Friday.

A DNC plant couldnt do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trumps chances of winning re-election. Enough, he said.

Loomer also joined Trump on Tuesday at his ABC News debate in Philadelphia.

The far-right activist has recently made racist posts about Vice President Kamala Harris, saying the White House would smell like curry if she were elected. The comment even drew the ire of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has embraced hateful rhetoric in the past.

Loomer dismissed criticism from Graham and Greene as jealousy, adding that her top priority is ensuring Trumps victory in November.

Republicans attacking me are simply jealous that they were not on the plane with President Trump, she wrote.

Following her appearance at events commemorating 9/11, Loomer told The Associated Press she was simply invited to join Trump and did not have a formal role in the campaign.

Meanwhile, the National Republican Senatorial Committee defended sharing videos from Loomers X account, including one featuring Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) on Wednesday, the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

NRSC shared a video of a reporter asking Jon Tester why he voted to allow men to play in womens sports, which is a major issue in Montana and across the country. We share content from left, right, and center reporters asking Democrats tough questions, NRSC spokesman Mike Berg told HuffPost, adding that the organization would share videos asking questions of senators from anybody.

The committee declined to address the conspiracy theories promoted by Loomer on Friday.

The White House has weighed in on the far-right activists close proximity to Trump.

No leader should ever associate with someone who spreads this kind of ugliness, this kind of racist poison and who continues to fan these types of dangerous and insulting conspiracy theories, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday.

Igor Bobic contributed reporting.

Related...
Far-right activist Laura Loomers visible presence alongside former President Trump in recent days is sparking questions about her influence and a substantial amount of criticism from figures aligned with the GOP presidential nominee.

Loomer is an outspoken Trump supporter who is known for spreading conspiracy theories and using racist rhetoric. She flew on Trumps plane to Tuesdays debate in Philadelphia and was part of his entourage as he attended memorial events Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

She does not have any official role with Trumps campaign, multiple sources said.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a staunch Trump ally, engaged in a heated and personal social media battle with Loomer over social platform X that began Wednesday night and carried into Thursday.

Greene separately told reporters it would be a mistake to rely on Loomer for advice and that her rhetoric did not fit in with Trumps Make America Great Again movement.

This is such an important election. I dont think that she has the experience or the right mentality to advise, Greene told reporters Wednesday, adding she was not privy to Trumps conversations with Loomer.

I do know this, that her rhetoric and her tone does not match the base, it does not match MAGA, it does not match most Republicans I know, Greene continued. And Im really denouncing it. Im over it.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a strong ally of Trump in the Senate, on Thursday called out Loomer for racist comments about Vice President Harris, in which she used crude stereotypes to attack Harriss Indian heritage. The remarks were also criticized by Greene.

Graham said the remarks were abhorrent and noted Loomer also has made disturbing comments about Republicans.

I think that the president would serve himself well to make sure this doesnt become a bigger story, Graham told HuffPost.

Loomer was spotted deplaning with Trump aides and family members Tuesday in Philadelphia ahead of the debate between the GOP nominee and Harris, and she was in the spin room that night.

Some conservatives took note that Loomer was on the former presidents plane before the debate, during which Trump repeated a debunked claim shared by Loomer and others about migrants eating pets in an Ohio town.

Loomer was again spotted with Trumps crew when he visited a fire station in New York City to mark the anniversary of 9/11, and she posted video from his visit to Shanksville, Pa., where Flight 93 crashed.

When asked about Loomers presence at Wednesdays events, a Trump 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. Trump attended a New York City memorial alongside President Biden and Harris that morning.

Loomer was defiant Thursday as she found herself at the center of multiple articles and cable news segments. She said she does not work for Trump and claimed she was being targeted because of her work targeting politicians and media members.

I stand by everything I have said. I will not be deleting any tweets. I will not apologize for fighting for Donald Trump. I will not apologize for fighting for the truth and the American people, Loomer posted on X.

The American people deserve people who fight instead of cowering in fear of the media, she continued. I dont care about what they or any sellout member of Congress has to say about me.

This week was not the first time Trump has signaled hes open to Loomers presence in his orbit. He congratulated her after she won a Florida House primary in 2020. Last year, Trump reportedly told advisers to give Loomer a campaign role for his White House bid. She ultimately did not join the campaign in any official capacity.

Loomer has previously described Islam as a cancer. She was banned from ride-hailing apps Uber and Lyft in 2017 after posting online that she never want[s] to support another Islamic immigrant driver. She was banned from then-Twitter after a series of anti-Muslim posts and was reinstated after Elon Musk purchased the platform.

Democrats, including the White House, blasted Loomers recent comments and argued Trumps association with her should be a red flag for the American people.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Thursday ripped Trump as a conspiracy theory-peddling, racial arsonist and pathological liar. He said Trumps willingness to bring a conspiracy theorist like Loomer to a 9/11 event should shock the conscience of all decent Americans.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called Loomers most recent comments about Harris repugnant and un-American.

No leader should ever associate with someone who spreads this kind of ugliness. This kind of racist poison  and who continues to fan these kinds of dangerous and insulting conspiracy theories, she said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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BOSTON (SHNS)  Six months later and $180 million lighter, lawmakers on Thursday returned to Gov. Maura Healey a spending bill that ratifies 38 collective bargaining agreements for state employees and approves millions in last-chance spending of federal pandemic dollars.

Healey filed the supplemental budget March 18, saying the $534.7 million bill targeted resources at our most time-sensitive deficiencies, using available federal reimbursements and other resources to minimize the net cost to the state.

The compromise (H 5050) that House and Senate negotiators agreed on after several months and sent to Healey on Thursday was significantly slimmed down, with a bottom line of $362 million.

The largest spending item that didnt make the cut: $175.5 million for supplemental payments to safety net hospitals through the Medical Assistance Trust Fund  which would be wholly offset by federal reimbursements.

Asked which health care centers would have benefited from those supplemental payments, a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services said the trust fund supports Medicaid payments to UMass Medical Center, Boston Medical Center and Cambridge Health Alliance.

Those payments  $505 million in total  are eligible for federal matching funds. However, they missed out on that reimbursement for fiscal year 2024, meaning it will have to be applied in fiscal year 2025, HHS said.

Sean Fitzgerald, a spokesperson for the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, said leaving out the $175.5 million is more of an accounting and timing measure than anything that we thought more appropriate for a future supp. He said the committee plans to revisit it in the future, and is continuing conversations with the administration.

In addition to the supplemental payments through the Medical Assistance Trust Fund, lawmakers also scrapped funding for struggling hospitals and community health centers in their compromise deal.

The Senates supplemental budget would have steered $45 million toward fiscally strained hospitals and $25 million toward fiscally strained community health centers. The House version did not include that health care funding, though both branches sought to invest in struggling hospitals through their stalled hospital oversight packages.

While the compromise abandoned steering extra dollars towards struggling community health centers and hospitals, the state recently committed at least $417 million to help keep Steward Health Care hospitals open as they are sold and transition to new owners, in what the Healey administration and legislative leaders have repeatedly said is not a bail out of the for-profit bankrupt hospital system.

The supplemental budget deal does, however, provide more than $61.1 million for the health and human services workforce.

In her filing letter to the Legislature, Healey wrote that this funding for a so-called Critical Health and Human Services Workforce Reserve would cover projected deficiencies in Fiscal Year 2024 related to our continued need for direct care staffing to respond to health needs in our nursing homes, group care settings, state hospitals, and Soldiers Homes, as well as other patient health an safety supports.

The budget also includes $228 million for programs designed for those who prefer to get long-term care services in their home or community, rather than in an institutional setting, and $20 million to support survivors of violent crimes as dollars from Washington have dried up in recent years  both of which will be paid for fully by federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

This bill ensures that we are fully leveraging federal ARPA revenues by granting the administration additional flexibility to ensure that ARPA funds are spent before the looming federal deadlines. In doing so, well ensure Massachusetts does not return any ARPA funds to the federal government, maximizing our investments in the commonwealth, Sen. Michael Rodrigues, chair of Senate Ways and Means, said during Thursdays session.

The state has less than $100 million left to obligate of the over $5 billion it received from the federal government in ARPA dollars during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of that money is reversions, Rodrigues said, or appropriations the Legislature made that satisfied appropriations ARPA dollars had been earmarked for.

With deadlines looming to use those dollars  or return them to D.C.  the main thrust of the supplemental budget was to use up that money while its still in the Bay State, and to resolve 38 collective bargaining agreements for state employees, Fitzgerald said.

Its the second year in a row scores of public employees had to wait months for the Legislature to approve the funding for agreements they had already negotiated.

Many have an effective date of July 1 but some date back to 2023, including the contract for Massachusetts community college faculty and professional staff. The Massachusetts Community College Council, which represents employees on all 15 community college campuses, knocked the House and Senate earlier this month for not acting in a timely manner. The councils unfunded contract would be retroactive to July 2023.

Paying negotiated wage hikes in a timely manner will be crucial to recruiting and retaining the professional staff and faculty we need to meet the growing demand for public higher education, said MCCC President Claudine Barnes, a Cape Cod Community College professor.

The 38 collective bargaining agreements tied up in the supplemental budget encompass all currently before the Legislature, Fitzgerald said.

It did take us a while to finish the deliberations, Rodrigues said of the bill Thursday. We had a little bit of rough waters going there for a few months, but weve stabled the ship.

Other spending in the supplemental budget includes $5 million for the Healthy Incentives Program, $5.6 million for tax abatements for veterans, $29.7 million for an early education and care income-eligible child care program, and $2.1 million for the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition services program  all level-funded compared to Healeys original recommendation in March.

The House had included in its version of the bill a number of tourism initiatives having to do with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The anniversaries kicked off last year with the sesquicentennial of the Boston Tea Party, and next spring Lexington and Concord plan to welcome tourists for the anniversary of the start of the American Revolution.

The House hoped to steer $26.5 million towards statewide programming for historical anniversaries coming up over the next several years, but according to an aide for House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, that funding did not make it into the final version of the bill.

There is, however, some patriotic spending, with a $100,000 earmark for the Massachusetts Bay Council of the Navy League of the U.S. for activities related to the commissioning of the USS Nantucket.

[Alison Kuznitz contributed to reporting.]

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New laws enacted relating to EVs, land use planning and climate change. Heres what to know

Senate Bill 265, known as the Delaware Energy Solutions Act of 2024,'' was enacted into law on Thursday, Sept. 5, after being signed by Gov. John Carney, along with a number of other climate-change related bills.

Four bills and one substitution were approved by the governor, who is also the Democratic nominee for mayor of Wilmington. The new legislation relates to offshore wind, electric vehicle infrastructure and updating development processes.

Here are the details on the newly signed pieces of legislation.

Offshore wind bill is officially law

SB265, which has made its way through various Senate committees and representatives, creates a framework for Delaware to solicit and build offshore wind projects along its coastline.

The news comes around the time when the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management gave its official stamp of approval to U.S. Winds Maryland Offshore Project, which hinges on using Delawares shores to connect cables to the Indian River substation near Dagsboro.

Sen. Stephanie Hansen has been at the forefront of the bills language and movement through the Legislature.

Wind energy update: Offshore wind project off Delaware, Maryland coast gets approved. Here's what comes next

Senate Bill 265 does not automatically give the green light for any offshore wind projects to move forward, Sen. Hansen said. It does lay out the specific terms and conditions under which the State of Delaware would be willing to permit a cost-effective offshore wind project to move forward and help secure a cleaner, more sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.

Among the bills requirements is one that stipulates new projects off Delawares shores must have a term length of at least 20 years, stay under 110% of the average price of power for Delaware customers, and plans must specify economic and health benefits, and avoid greenhouse gas emissions and impacts on energy bills and the regional electric grid.

I have said for many years that new sources of energy like offshore wind are essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and countering the impacts of climate change, said Gov. Carney. This legislation will allow us to purchase wind-generated renewable energy in a fiscally responsible way so that we can continue to work toward those goals. I want to thank the members of the General Assembly and environmental advocates for their hard work and support.

Financial assistance for electric vehicles

A row of vehicles charging at electric charging stations at the Thomas R. Carper Newark Station.

Two bills were approved by Gov. Carney on Sept. 5, both relating to improving electric vehicle access in the first state.

House Bill 9 sets a goal that by 2040, all state-owned passenger and light-duty vehicles will be a form of zero-emission vehicles, either battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell or a plug-in hybrid. The bill sets intermediate goals of at least 15% of the fleet by 2026 and 25% by 2029.

These requirements will not apply to law enforcement and emergency vehicles or any vehicles owned or operated by the Department of Education, school district and charter schools.

Another piece of legislation having to do with electric vehicles in Delaware was House Substitute 2 for House Bill 13.

The substitute directs the executive director of the Sustainable Energy Utility to administer a program that provides financial assistance for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle supply equipment.

Bridge issues: How the state is planning (or hoping) to keep the ocean off Rt. 1 at Indian River Inlet

Through this program, applicants can file for financial assistance for their private use at or near their place of residence. Any applicants whose incomes are up to 300% of the federal poverty level, are eligible for up to 90% of the purchase and installation costs paid for by the state. All other applicants, who will be evaluated on a first-come-first-serve basis, may receive assistance for up to 50% of the cost of purchase and installation.

This substitute was introduced and passed in lieu of the original bill, which directed Delawares Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Department of Transportation to publish reports regarding the availability of electric vehicle charging stations in residential areas and to develop an incentive program to improve the electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Four electric electric vehicle charging spaces are available in the parking garage adjacent to the Wilmington Amtrak Station, seen Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Sustainability and equity go hand-in-hand, said Rep. Sophie Phillips. In order for us to reach our states zero-emission goals we must make sure that everyone is given the tools to reduce their carbon footprint. House Bill 13, which makes charging equipment more affordable, especially for lower income households, complements last years House Bill 12, which codified Delawares electric vehicle rebate program into law. Together, these financial incentives will accelerate the electrification of our transportation sector, while also helping ensure nobody gets left behind.

Climate change impacts on development

Captain Dempsey of the New Castle Police Department hauls back street barricades displaced by strong winds near a flooded zone on East 6th Street along Chestnut Street and Wilmington Road in New Castle, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. The floods resulted from an overnight storm of strong winds and rain.

Two pieces of legislation were enacted into law relating to how climate change and renewable energies will factor into land use planning

House Bill 402 requires that new schools and state buildings over 50,000 square feet contain a solar-ready zone, which is a designated space on a buildings roof reserved for solar panel installation.

Senate Bill 237 amends portions of the Delaware Code related to comprehensive planning, ensuring that community resilience as it relates to climate change impacts are put at the forefront of the drafting process. Comprehensive plans are documents drafted by various agencies and departments within a county government that serves as a long-term standard for how development and land use decisions are made. They are reviewed every five years and are updated every 10 years.

Delaware Code now specifies that any county comprehensive plans are required to plan strategies that reduce the vulnerability of properties, agriculture, infrastructure and cultural and natural resources from climate change-related impacts. Comprehensive plans also must consider impacts to existing and developing forests, habitat areas and wildlife corridors.

Senate Bill 237 also will require that modes of transit that do not rely on automobiles, like walking trails or public transportation, as well as their designated evacuation routes are considered to the fullest extent.

In terms of development, future land use plans must encourage housing growth in areas that are not vulnerable to inland and coastal flooding.

The bill will take effect Nov. 15, 2026.

Thank you to Senator Hansen and Representative Heffernan for ensuring community resilience is considered in local planning up and down the First State," said Lori Brennan, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

"Delaware has unique risks to rising seas and intense storms, and this bill moves us forward in our preparedness to weather the storm  reducing the risks to communities, steering new housing away from areas most vulnerable to flooding, and requiring counties to take evacuation routes for emergencies into consideration.

Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: In Delaware, 5 pieces of climate legislation enacted. Heres what to know
ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI)  An Attleboro business is being accused of trying to interfere with women seeking health care services at a clinic that provides abortions.

The federal lawsuit, filed by Four Women Health Services with U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, accuses Attleboro Womens Health Center (AWHC) of using deception, and technological attacks to redirect patients from Four Women to AWHC.

ALSO READ: CVS pharmacies in Mass. now offer birth control prescriptions

The lawsuit claims that AWHC has engaged in false advertising and used advanced technological methods to target Four Women and their patients.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH), AWHC is not a licensed medical facility; however, Four Women is a licensed clinic.

In Massachusetts, clinics that provide medical services including diagnosing pregnancies and performing ultrasounds or other procedures must be licensed.

The lawsuit alleges that AWHCs name and website are designed to make women believe the center is a licensed medical provider.

A photo of AWHCs website. AWHC is not a licensed medical facility. In Massachusetts, clinics that provide medical services including diagnosing pregnancies and performing ultrasounds or other procedures must be licensed. AWHC is accused of using false advertising in a lawsuit filed by Four Women Health Services.

On its website, AWHC lists pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, pregnancy consultation and STD testing under a tab labeled Services+. Users who click on the ultrasound option are directed to a page that says, If you received a positive pregnancy test result at Attleboro Womens Health Center, your next step is to have a free ultrasound by one of our Registered Medical Diagnostic Ultrasonographers. There are multiple buttons and a form to make an appointment.

According to the lawsuit, multiple women have mistakenly gone to AWHC instead of Four Women for an appointment. The women in the lawsuit were reportedly not told they were in the wrong place until after AWHC had copied the womens identification.

The lawsuit claims AWHC also violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Federal Wiretap Act by intercepting communications between Four Women and their patients.

A number of women in the lawsuit were messaging with Four Women to schedule appointments for an abortion were contacted within minutes by AWHC.

In one case, a woman was electronically messaging Four Women to schedule an appointment. The lawsuit says the patient told Four Women that someone from their office had called her and scheduled an appointment for Thursday morning. Four Women had not called the patient and the clinic does not see patients on Thursday mornings.

That Thursday morning, the woman received a text message confirming her appointment from AWHC. Prior to communicating with Four Women, the patient had never communicated with AWHC before.

A photo of the communications between Four Women and a patient. Four Women claims AWHC intercepted Four Womens communications with the patient as they do not see patients on Thursday mornings.

According to the lawsuit, Four Women believes that AWHC has prevented other women from accessing reproductive health care as women who have scheduled appointments regularly cancel or do not show up for their appointments.

The lawsuit demands a jury trial and requests injunctions to stop AWHC from providing ultrasounds, accessing Four Womens computer system, interfering with patient communications, and promoting itself as a team of board-certified doctors and nurses. The lawsuit also requests that Four Women be awarded statutory damages.

A DPH spokesperson said, the Department is evaluating the status of the entity named in the lawsuit. The DPH can issue cease and desist letters to facilities that are not licensed and are offering medical services, but can also offer exemptions.

12 News reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the allegations. A spokesperson said, in keeping with our standard practice, the FBI cannot confirm or deny the existence of an investigation.

A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Attorney Generals (AG) office said in a statement, our office is reviewing the complaint.

The AG has also set up a hotline for any patient or provider who needs support accessing or providing abortion care. Anyone who feels that they experienced interference with their right to access abortion care can connect with a free lawyer by calling 833-309-6301.

12 News also reached out to AWHC who declined to comment on the lawsuit.

NEXT: Rhode Island sues 13 companies over Washington Bridge failure

The video in the player above was aired on September 6, 2024.

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Renewable energy production is one of the great strengths of the south west, industry leaders believe [Getty Images]

Business leaders and politicians will be putting their case for a south west powerhouse to the government later.

The Great South West Partnership has brought together leaders from industry, politics and academia to work together on promoting Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset as one unit on the national stage.

The partnership believes the region can be a leading figure in issues of defence, energy and food production and is holding a conference with 500 guests expected.

Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Industry, will be the keynote speaker at the conference being held at Sandy Park, home to the Exeter Chiefs rugby team.

'Influence and leadership'

Organisers say the conference will "spotlight why the region matters to the future success and security of the UK economy" and explore how the south west can drive "national and international investment opportunities".

The Great South West Independent Economic Review will be launched at the conference which business leaders say will "support our mission to elevate the visibility, influence and leadership that the Great South West can play for the UK economy".

The conference comes at a time when the government is also asking local councils to consider bidding for more powers of devolution.

Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.

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At least 3 shot in Dallas, police searching for suspect

(NEXSTAR)  Three people were shot Thursday afternoon in downtown Dallas and the suspect is still on the loose, police said during a press conference.

Police responded just after noon to the 1800 block of Commerce Street, a spokesperson for the Dallas Police Dept. said at a news conference shortly before 3 p.m. CT.

A resident of the 12-story Continental building located at 1810 Commerce St. told The Dallas Morning News that she heard the shots break out in a nearby unit.

Dayana Bailey, 54, who lives on the 8th floor, told the newspaper the gunfire was followed by the most terrifying screaming and screeching, adding that blood was visible in the hallway and elevator when she walked out of her unit.

All three victims were transported to local hospitals, but their conditions werent immediately known.

The website for The Continental says that along with a wellness spa, private parking garage and other amenities, the building itself is access controlled.

The Dallas PD spokesperson said police had no information about a possible suspect, and no arrests had been made as of Thursday afternoon.

Citing an ongoing investigation, police declined to take questions as they continue to search for the person or persons responsible.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno accused by challenger of money laundering. What to know

A recording leaked by an election challenger accuses Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno of misusing county funds to finance a Mercedes for his father, among other things.

Michael Hollow, Marceno's challenger in the upcoming election, told the News-Press he recorded a call between him and Lee County honorary deputy Ken Romano. According to Hollow, Romano was aware the call was recorded with the intent to turn it over to authorities.

In the call, Marceno is accused of a money laundering scheme that allegedly netted him high-value items, including the car for his father.

Hollow said he met with the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office in May. The FBI would not confirm or deny whether it was investigating the matter initially reported by the Florida Trident.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno

Here's what to know:

Marceno accused of diverting money from honorary deputy's pay to fund father's Mercedes

Marceno reportedly appointed Ken Romano, a Fort Myers jeweler, as an honorary deputy and hired him as a department consultant. Romano was paid $4,000 a month, for no work, beginning in January 2022.

Hollow, a 17-year veteran of the sheriff's office and former Internal Affairs commander, said honorary deputies generally don't receive salaries and are often awarded the title for donations made to the sheriff's office.

According to the recording, Romano soon got a $1,700 monthly raise which he, in turn, paid to Marceno's father in cash for payments and insurance on a Mercedes Benz.

Marceno wanted to get his father a "nice ride to drive back and forth from the West to East coasts of Florida for kidney treatments," Romano said. Marceno found an S-Class for $119,000 at Mercedes of Bonita, and allegedly told an undersheriff to give Romano a pay raise in the exact amount of the monthly car payments plus insurance: $1,700.

I knew it wasnt correct but (wondered) if it could be considered money laundering, Romano said. The kid just involved me in a (expletive) crime.

According to the call, Marceno and Romano's relationship soured.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno accused of owing gambling debts

Romano alleged Marceno owes him hundreds of thousands of dollars for bailing him out of gambling debts, jewelry he gifted him, and other items, including a $45,000 ring he said Marceno gave his grandmother.

Marceno's state financial disclosure forms filed with the State Ethics Commission confirm ongoing gaming habits.

According to the forms, Marceno claimed $290,183 in gambling income in 2022. In 2023, he listed $168,696 of winnings and $27,030 in 2024.

Michael Hollow accuses Marceno of 'essentially, money laundering'

Hollow said he conducted his own investigation and learned that Marceno used taxpayer money to pay personal bills and accepted extravagant gifts  such as jewelry and a piano.

He said Marceno was, essentially, money laundering.

I felt if I didnt do anything with (this information) that I was just as guilty as Carmine, Hollow said. He set the badge back 50 years.

Support local journalism by subscribing to the News-Press.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Lee County Sheriff Marceno misappropriated funds, leaked audio alleges
Following threats from Democrats of an ethics complaint over his travel to Florida paid by an outside group, Gov. Bill Lee is asking the Tennessee Ethics Commission to clarify whether accepting such payments is allowed under state law.

If the panel finds Lees travel payments were illegal or unethical, he is pledging to repay the funds, according to a letter sent by Chief Ethics Counsel Erin Merrick to ethics commissioners on Friday.

In July, Lee traveled to Marco Island, Florida, to be the keynote speaker at a conference of Alliance Defending Freedom, a group behind a handful of controversial new state laws. ADF, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and its partner 501(c)4 organization both employ Matthew Lorimer, a registered lobbyist in Tennessee.

State ethics laws prohibit members of the executive branch from accepting gifts, including travel reimbursements, from lobbyists and their employers.

Gov. Bill Lee greets the public on signing day for the ELVIS Act to prevent unauthorized uses of artists voices and likenesses from AI technology at Robert's Western World in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Expenses for the trip paid by Alliance Defending Freedom totaled about $1,900, according to the governors office.

Lee told reporters this week that he does not intend to repay the travel expenses paid by the outside group.

In response, the House Democratic Caucus has threatened to file an ethics complaint against Lee to force the governor to repay the funds.

In the letter sent Friday, Merrick asks the Ethics Commission for guidance on whether 501(c)3 organizations whose employees are registered lobbyists may pay for executive branch officials travel.

Governor Lee is committed to ethics and transparency, Merrick writes.

Lee's trip was not announced publicly, nor was it documented on any of his social media accounts. The only mention of Lee's travel to the ADF conference outside his office schedules obtained by The Tennessean through a records request is an expense noted on campaign finance disclosures.

Should it become clear from the Commissions guidance that the Governor did not comply with the ethics statutes despite his efforts and intention to do so, then Governor Lee will correct this mistake by paying back his expenses, Merrick wrote.

Before the event, Lees team repeatedly confirmed Alliance Defending Freedom is neither a lobbyist nor the employer of a lobbyist, the letter states. The letter asserts that the group acted with complete independence from its advocacy arm in hosting the event, and that Lorimer did not know of the Summit speakers until many months after invitations were extended and accepted.

"Matt Lorimer is a registered Tennessee lobbyist on behalf of ADF Action. He is also an employee of Alliance Defending Freedom. Nevertheless, Alliance Defending Freedom is not an employer of a lobbyist for the purposes of Tennessee ethics law," Merrick argues, citing state laws defining "employer of a lobbyist" as an employer who retains a lobbyist "to engage in lobbying on [their] behalf."

The letter also asserts that Alliance Defending Freedom and ADF Action are "meaningfully different" in "all the ways that matter," emphasizing different corporate structures, separate bank accounts and financial records, and different missions and bylaws.

ADF Action's leadership team is made up entirely of ADF's senior leadership, and the two entities share an address and employees, including Lorimer, according to tax filings.

Neither the Governor nor his team received information before or since the event that causes us to believe that a lobbyist or an employer of a lobbyist indirectly paid the Governors expenses, Merrick writes.

At the recommendation of the Ethics Commission, Lees team is also working to expand the ethics training required for all members of his cabinet.

Ethics Commissioners last week dismissed a complaint against Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds that alleged she had illegally accepted travel payments from a group that lobbies the legislature, finding that because she repaid the funds, there was no reason to take the case further.

Reynolds last year traveled to two out-of-state conferences hosted by ExcelinEd  her former employer and a national school choice advocacy group  with expenses paid by the organization. ExcelinEd, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and its partner 501(c)4 organization, ExcelinEd Action, both employ Miranda Williams, who is registered as a lobbyist in Tennessee.

After The Tennessean first reported the travel, Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, filed an ethics complaint against Reynolds, alleging that in accepting the payments, she skirted ethics rules. Reynolds then paid back about $2,000 in travel expenses and was reimbursed by the state.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN Gov. Bill Lee seeks ethics panel advice on travel payments
A child receives a vaccination for polio at a make-shift camp run by the UNRWA in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Sept. 5, 2024. Credit - Bashar TalebAFP/Getty Images

When a 10-month-old boy in Gaza was confirmed to have the poliovirus in late August, the discovery spurred an urgent and desperate public health campaign in the region. Amid the bombs and airstrikes that have rocked Gaza for almost a year since the Hamas attacks of last fall sparked Israels onslaught, health care workers there continue to push forward with a vaccination initiative that started on Sept. 1. A significant victory in the campaign comes as hundreds of thousands of children have been treated with the first dose: about 560,000, the WHO announced Friday. But, due to both the war and the logistics of this particular vaccine, it will be weeks before the ultimate success of the effort is known.

The vaccination campaign had initially aimed to reach at least 640,000 children in Gaza, with vaccines administered at hundreds of sites across the territory. (The discrepancy between that number and the 560,000 was attributed by the WHO to an overestimation of the targeted population.) The campaign was designed to take place in two rounds, each divided into three phases, intended to target the central, northern, and southern regions. The first round was completed Thursday, having spanned from Sept. 1 to 12.

Despite relentless attacks on schools and sites sheltering uprooted children, exhausting displacement orders forcing families to relocate time and again, and widespread hunger levels that have at points pushed parts of Gaza to the brink of famine, families made the effort to turn out in high numbers to the vaccination sites, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Adele Khodr said in a statement. They know there is no time to waste to protect their children.

But in order for the vaccine to actually work, a second dose will need to be administered four weeks after the first round to those hundreds of thousands of childrena difficult task given the childrens lack of documentation, the harsh living conditions, and the limited time available during the brief polio pauses in fighting.

Read More: Gazas Doctors Face a New Battle: The War on Polio

The whole operation is quite complex, because you are trying to reach a population who probably have a lot of things on their mind other than just vaccination, says Sameer Sah, Director of Programs for Medical Aid for Palestinians. You're talking about people who have been displaced 10 to 15 times, who have seen horrific scenes, who have lost everything they had in their lives.

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), an independent international NGO, partnered with the WHO to monitor the campaign. According to MAP, they use a Google Sheets form to manually log and track the children they have vaccinated, and send it back to the WHO. They plan to look back on this log in time for the second round, set to begin late September or early October. The campaign is conducted with joint efforts by the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH), the WHO, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

UNICEFs role in this context has been to bring in 1.6 million nOPV2 vaccines, as well as the cold-chain equipment used to preserve the vaccines and hundreds of ice packs and boxes, all critical in the heat of the region. Three-quarters of the cold-chain capacity of the Gaza strip had been severely damaged or destroyed due to the war, according to Jonathan Crickx, Chief of Communications for UNICEF Palestine.

Lets not forget that we are in a war zone, which has been devastated by 11 months of extreme, intense fighting and bombing, says Crickx. Up to 800 people are left sharing one toilet, he says, and residents may only be able to take one shower a week. Immunity is weakened from lack of food, and hundreds of tons of solid waste pile openly; polio is far from the only disease UNICEF is worried about. It is technically the perfect, horrible, terrible recipe for the emergence and spread of diseases.

A post-campaign assessment of coverage will be available before the start of the second round. The assessment aims to illustrate any complications or successes, which related organizations can use to improve the second round. If the evidence shows that we have missed more children, then additional campaigns will be necessary, says Dr. Hamid Jafari, Director of Polio Eradication for the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Read More: Column: Im an American Activist. Israeli Forces Shot Me at a Peaceful Protest in the West Bank

But already, the challenges that health workers will face in implementing round two have become clear.

The mass displacement of individuals is one of the more obvious problems: as children move with their families across different governance zones, it becomes harder to track them. In Rafah, for example, the vaccination sites are not truly operational; the area is a red zone, and families are not able to move around freely, according to MAP.

It poses a problem for the children who are inside [Rafah], who are not getting the vaccination, Sah says. MAP does not have exact numbers for the amount of children they are meant to reach there; over one million people have been displaced from Rafah. The organization says mobile teams are entering the region to try and reach the children outside humanitarian zones. Of course it is risky, but we have no option. If you want to find people and vaccinate children who are not in the safe zones, then we have to go outside the safe zones, Sah stresses.

The north region will likely pose an even bigger challenge; U.N. envoys have limited availability and very few trucks are able to get past checkpoints there. The Israeli Security Forces (ISF) stopped a U.N. convoy that was on its way to the area for more than eight hours earlier this week, according to UNRWA, despite prior coordination. Of all three regions, the north had the fewest medical teams deployed, according to the WHO.

Qais Abu al-Qumsan was injured in his spine during an attack by an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while he was waiting for his turn for polio vaccination. Mahmoud BassamAnadolu/Getty Images

The allotted time frame for vaccinationsa humanitarian pause in fighting from 6:00 a.m to 3:00 p.mcould be another hurdle. From the first phase it looks like that [time frame] was sufficient to vaccinate the children, for evaluation, and for the health care workers to come and prepare and leave in time, Jafari, of the WHO, says, speaking specifically of the central region, so it has worked out so far.

But others think more flexible timing will be necessary going forward. It should be from sunlight to sunset, because then people have more time to not only care for their very basic necessities, argues Sah. If people have family members who are critically injured, it might be that theyre more focused on caring for the injured than taking their children to the clinic. To arrange things properly, you need the time and the space.

Dr. Naina Bhalla, a physician in Gaza with Doctors Without Borders (MSF), stresses that the schedule itself, not only the time frame, may cause an array of issues. We have the same amount of time to vaccinate almost double the target population for the central zone, Bhalla tells TIME, from her medical camp in Al-Mawasi, near Khan Younis. The target population in the central region is 157,000 children, but the target population in the Southern region is 340,000 children, both on a three-day timeline with one additional day allowed.

The schedule, Bhalla says, was not the original request made by the organizations. The initial request for round one was for a five-day-long, 24-hour humanitarian pause with two additional days allowed for catch-up. I think that the WHO and UNICEF and the MOH have done everything in their power to allow this campaign to be a success, but a lot of it is beyond their control, Bhalla says.

Some areas in the south are not actually covered by the humanitarian pauses. Exactly as it is in the case of the first round, its absolutely critical that the humanitarian pauses are put into place, Crickx says. To ensure that we dont miss a child, we will actually coordinate special missions there.

Read More: The Infants Among the War Dead

Even in the allotted safe zones, civilians and medical workers alike stress about what can happen after 3:00 pm. As we have seen in the recent months, there is no guarantee that being in the humanitarian zone offers anybody any safety, Bhalla says. There is supposed to be a humanitarian pause for nine hours per day, but it's only these nine hours. She cites events that signify the danger aid workers and civilians have to endure. The day before the southern zones phase was to start, an airstrike next to a hospital killed four people and injured many.

Despite the restrictions and security concerns medical workers have experienced with the first round, the organizations involved are cautiously optimistic about the future of the campaign and the second round.

Humanitarian workers will continue to do the best they can under the circumstances, which is what they've been doing, says Bhalla, the physician, who calls the national health care workers and locally hired staff heroes.

Some are even hopeful that a successful polio-vaccination drive could translate to improved childhood public health in Gaza more generally. In parallel to these campaigns is to see how we can restore and increase more immunization sites, Jafari says,  so that the routine childhood vaccinations for all vaccines, not only polio, are restored.

But such hopes are tempered, of course, by the ongoing war, which continues to threaten medical teams administering the vaccine and civilians alike. If there is no break in hostilities, doctors say they will be playing catch-up with viruses for the foreseeable future.

The first priority is to stop this outbreak by achieving very high coverage. Jafari says, looking ahead to Israels commitment to the second round. Ideally, of course, were asking for peace in Gaza.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
To the editor: Despite being seen by many as the legitimate winner of Venezuela's presidential race, Edmundo Gonzalez was forced to flee to Spain because of arrest orders issued by President Nicolas Maduro's government, which put his life in danger.

The day before that happened, former President Trump posted an online threat to jail his political opponents if he wins the election. Trump promised to prosecute those who "cheated" in the election, including lawyers, political operatives and even donors.

Do you see a parallel between Maduro and Trump? Do you have concern about the state of democracy if Trump is reelected? Would you have the same concern if Vice President Kamala Harris were to be elected president?

Regardless of your political party or point of view, is there any more important issue to be decided on Nov. 5?

Richard Raffalow, Valley Glen

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
To the editor: It seems simple  a homeowner gets a loan, hires a contractor and fixes the sidewalk. However, looking deeper, it is really quite complicated. ("How L.A. can fix our scary sidewalks for the Olympics," Opinion, Sept. 10)

The picture with UCLA professor Donald Shoup's op-ed article shows the need to remove a large tree; that could require a street closure. Utilities must be protected and street damage repaired. There is extensive excavation needed to remove the roots. I can just imagine the permitting nightmare.

There are reasons why the city of Los Angeles is so far behind on repairing sidewalks, and these and other issues are among them. Dumping this issue on the homeowner is not a good solution.

We need to find out what tools the city needs to fix its sidewalks and why the tools it has seem to be under-utilized.

Patrick Randall, Newbury Park

..

To the editor: Maybe I'm just too much of a simpleton when it comes to taking care of the issues set before me, a business owner of more than 50 years. My life has been spent making plans to solve problems, resolving those problems and then moving on. The city of Los Angeles is not capable of this thought process, apparently.

I'll give a case in point: A few months ago, crews were dispatched to my neighborhood for yet another copper cable theft repair. Part of the exercise was to "fortify" the existing underground pull boxes against vandalism.

I'm not sure how many hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on not just fortifying the boxes (which meant marking their location in the new concrete), but the utter stupidity of installing hundreds of feet of new sidewalk and leaving the buckled, ski jump-like portions intact.

In his op-ed article, Shoup mentions a 2016 lawsuit that resulted in a $1.4-billion judgment requiring L.A. to repair its sidewalks. He notes that since then, $35 million has been paid out for sidewalk-related injuries.

The fact that California law makes private homeowners responsible for public works maintenance issues on public sidewalks adjacent to private property is hideous.

And don't get me started on switching street lights to solar, where possible. I've been stonewalled for years on that issue.

Ricc Bieber, Northridge

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Lewis County woman charged after allegedly being on meth at time of accident

GRIEG, N.Y. (WWTI)  A 28-year-old Glenfield woman is facing several charges after allegedly being impaired on meth, injuring herself and three other occupants when crashed her vehicle while driving.

Lewis County Sheriffs Deputies arrested Megan Miller of Glenfield on Thursday on charges stemming from an alleged July 18 crash on Partridgeville Road in the town of Greig.

NWS confirms tornado in Southern Jefferson County earlier this week

Authorities allege that the SUV Miller was operating went off the road and overturned. She and three passengers, including two children under the age of 16 were taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Sheriffs Deputies said that Miller showed signs of impairment at the crash scene at the time of the accident. According to the sheriffs office, subsequent blood tests showed Miller was under the influence of amphetamine and methamphetamine.

Miller is facing the following charges:

Second-degree reckless endangerment

Endangering the welfare of a child (two counts)

Seventh-degree possession of a controlled substance

Reckless driving

Aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child in the car

Third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle

Failure to keep right

Speed not reasonable or prudent

She was arraigned in the Lewis County CAP Court and released.

The Lewis County Sheriffs Office was assisted by New York State Police, 3-G Fire Department, Lewis County Search and Rescue, Turin Ambulance and Lyons Falls Ambulance.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
License plate readers in East County assist with 151 arrests during first year

EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Its been one year since multiple license plate reading cameras were installed across the city of El Cajon, and local law enforcement says theyve been highly effective in crime reduction.

On Tuesday, the El Cajon Police Department released year-over statistics on how the cameras have assisted authorities.

Gang members suspected of extorting Barrio Logan businesses into paying for protection

The cameras have been an invaluable tool in keeping our community safe and deterring crime, said Chief of Police Mike Moulton. This high-tech tool gives our officers real-time information when a suspect drives through our community, and lets would-be criminals know that we have another set of eyes keeping watch over our city.

Heres a breakdown how the cameras contributed to crime fighting efforts over the last year, according to the police department:

128 vehicles recovered; worth more than $1.2 million

151 arrests related to stolen vehicles recovered

Five illegal guns confiscated

License plate reader-related arrests have led to the significant seizures of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs.

The cameras have assisted in multiple investigations, including the double homicide of two teenagers.

A total of 40 license plate readers are installed throughout El Cajon, and now Chief Moulton is proposing that the program be expanded. Looking ahead, vacant police positions may be used to broaden the program.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Life feels darker in Springfield, Ohio, since Trump made it his wildest debate talking point, locals say

Springfield is a national talking point after Trump claimed immigrants were eating pets there.

Locals told BI the claims had created a tense and, some say, dangerous atmosphere in the Ohio town.

They described what it's like living in a town that has been catapulted out of obscurity.

"I think the last time we were in the national news was when they were trying to decide which Springfield in the US was going to be the official home of 'The Simpsons,'" Sara Bear, a 39-year-old Springfield native, told Business Insider.

"We lost," she added, laughing.

But now, the once quiet Ohio town between Dayton and Columbus has been catapulted out of obscurity for a wildly different reason.

According to several residents who spoke with BI, a mention by former President Donald Trump in this week's presidential debate about baseless claims of Haitian immigrants eating pets has created a tense  and, some say, dangerous  atmosphere in Springfield.

Much of this tension is playing out online.

The Springfield, OH Community Facebook group was once a forum for people to post restaurant suggestions, discuss store closures, and share local news.

Now it's descended into chaos, as the small town has unintentionally become a political talking point and a proxy for the contentious national debate on immigration.

Seemingly innocuous posts on the Springfield Facebook group now prompt fierce debate, name-calling, and the spread of misinformation.

The chaos reached a fever pitch Tuesday night after Trump mentioned Springfield during his presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Theyre eating the dogs!



Theyre eating the cats!



Theyre eating the pets! pic.twitter.com/ziJmaDEPV3  AJ Huber (@Huberton) September 11, 2024

In a now viral moment, he said: "In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people who came in, they are eating the cats. They're eating  they're eating the pets of the people that live there."

Trump was fact-checked, with the moderator noting that city officials had said there were "no credible reports" of the Haitian community doing such a thing.

But, according to Bear, the damage has already been done.

An AI-generated image of former President Donald Trump referencing falsehoods spread about Springfield. REBECCA NOBLE/Getty Images

The heated atmosphere in the town, Bear said, has escalated to the point where restaurants are receiving prank calls asking whether cats are on the menu.

And on Thursday, Springfield City Hall was temporarily closed over a bomb threat that used "hateful language" directed at Haitian immigrants in the community, the city's mayor told The Washington Post.

Police officers outside Springfield City Hall after bomb threats were made on Thursday. ROBERTO SCHMIDT/Getty Images

Bear worries that the place she has always called home, which has a population of about 60,000 people, will "only be remembered as the cat-meme town full of hateful bigots," she said.

Like many residents, Bear has genuine concerns about the impact of immigration on Springfield  notably, the strain on social services, housing, and road safety.

But she said she believed the heated rhetoric had drowned out any possibility of a nuanced debate, "in favor of clicks and memes."

She added: "These are real people, and we will have to live with the real consequences of it."

One of the consequences of the climate is increased racial tensions, Jessica Eikleberry, a 35-year-old IT technician, said.

She used to describe the town to outsiders as a quiet and friendly community, but now she fears it has become not only a laughingstock but also a dangerous place to live as a person of color, she said.

'It's terrifying'

Eikleberry, who is of Korean heritage, has a Mexican fiance, and has a biracial child, expressed concerns to BI about her family's safety because of their racial identities.

"It's terrifying," she said, adding that she no longer felt welcome in the town she's lived in her entire life.

"It's just the tension is so high among the citizens of Springfield that you're just too scared to even leave your house," she said, adding that she's seriously considering moving her family out of the town.

Olivia Parkinson, a 24-year-old therapist who has also lived in Springfield her whole life, told BI she feared the town would develop a reputation as a hotbed of racism.

"The way that they're basically calling them savages, eating our pets, is going to translate to the other people of color in town," she said.

Parkinson noted that last month, protesters with Nazi flags marched through Springfield, buoyed by the anti-immigrant rhetoric online.

"We have a college in this town, and that's where I went, and I'm wondering if people are going to want to send their kids to this college anymore," she said.

On the Facebook group, locals frequently express concern that the town's damaged reputation is driving people away and negatively affecting local businesses as a result.

Parkinson said the town's offerings were being overshadowed by it becoming a meme.

"There are a lot of good things about Springfield," she said. "I still choose to live here despite its faults."

Springfield has a population of a little under 60,000. halbergman/Getty Images

One of the good things, she added, is the work being done by some residents to support Haitians living there.

Marjory Wentworth, an author who helps run cultural projects with Haitians in Springfield, is one of those volunteers.

Wentworth expressed concerns that the local Haitian community was being "used" and "demonized" by outsiders, like Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, for their own political gains.

Springfield's Haitian community, against its will, is the collateral damage.

"They're trying to work hard and just do the best they can by their families just like everybody else," Wentworth told BI. "So this is just all really tragic."

For Marco Lapaix, a Haitian immigrant who has been living in Springfield for the past five years, the promise of a better life in Ohio has come with significant challenges.

He encounters unkindness from strangers, he said, and feels that his Haitian identity has led to discrimination, including being denied a commercial lease to open a restaurant.

Lapaix said that all he wanted was to be a law-abiding citizen who could make a living and be tolerated in the town he calls home.

However, the recent national rhetoric has made that pursuit harder.

"I'm mad. I'm scared," he said. "But I know we have to fight to be accepted."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Sen. Lindsey Graham on Thursday became the latest Republican to denounce Laura Loomer, the far-right influencer seen traveling with former President Donald Trump in recent weeks.

Graham, the longtime South Carolina Republican, has both clashed with and aligned himself with the former president in the past. On Thursday, he urged Trump to abandon Loomer, who he called toxic.

Loomer has existed on the periphery of the MAGA extended universe for years, but has recently been spotted more frequently with the former president. On Tuesday, she was seen leaving Trumps private jet when it landed for the debate in Philadelphia.

The far-right internet personality, who previously called 9/11 an inside job, also accompanied the president to memorials in Manhattan and Pennsylvania on the anniversary of the attacks on Wednesday.

Graham, for his part, bristled at the inclusion of Loomer in Trumps entourage during the important slate of events that were all meant to burnish his support among undecided voters.

USA-ELECTION/TRUMP-LOOMER Laura Loomer leaves former President Donald Trumps jet before the presidential debate on Tuesday night. Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

I mean, she actually called for Kellyanne Conways daughter to hang herself, Graham told the Huffington Post. I dont know how this all happened, but, no, I dont think its helpful. I dont think its helpful at all.

He repeated the criticism in a separate interview with the The Washington Post, calling Loomers past statements beyond disturbing while adding: I hope this problem gets resolved. I think we should be talking about things that people are concerned about, and this issue, I think, doesnt help the cause.

Trump Lauds White Nationalist Deemed Too Racist for Uber Eats

Loomer has gained notoriety over the years for stunts that have lead to bans on multiple social media platforms. In 2017, she was banned from the ridesharing apps Uber and Lyft for publicly complaining that she couldn't find a non Muslim cab or driver.

After she was banned from Twitter in 2019, Loomer handcuffed herself to the companys offices in Manhattan. Loomers account was reinstated in 2022 after Elon Musk purchased the company.

She has tried to build a brand as the most banned woman in the world, the tagline to her 2021 memoir, and claims she has been kicked off most social media apps as well as payment services, including PayPal.

Loomer ran for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2020 and 2022. The far-right activist won her primary for Floridas former 21st district, but lost by almost 20 points to Democratic incumbent Rep. Lois Frankel.

She tried to run again in a different district in 2022, but lost the Republican primary to incumbent Rep. Daniel Webster.

MAGA Civil War Erupts as Laura Loomer and MTG Trade Blows in Public

The most recent rift between Loomer and more mainstream Republican figures began when Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Trump stalwart originally elected in 2020, called out a days-old post from Loomer, where she criticized Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris with ethnic stereotypes.

Greene, who in the past has been criticized for racist and xenophobic statements, called Loomers remarks appalling and extremely racist.

Responding to Graham with a post on X, formerly Twitter, Loomer claimed the senator was never been loyal to President 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 the poor reception the senator got at a 2023 rally.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Lithuania reports on latest batch of military aid for Ukraine

Lithuania has sent another batch of military aid to Ukraine, which should arrive by the end of the week.

Source: Lithuanian Ministry of Defence on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: The new aid package from Lithuania includes M113 armoured personnel carriers, as well as off-road vehicles and spare parts.

"This aid strengthens demining efforts [of the Armed Forces of Ukraine  ed.], advancing the Lithuania-Iceland-led Demining Coalition's mission," the Defence Ministrys statement said.

Lithuania has previously donated various types of ammunition, M577 armoured personnel carriers, counter-drone systems, winter gear and sets of warm clothing, generators, trailers and other support to Ukraine.

Since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion, Lithuania has provided Ukraine with military assistance worth more than 679 million, while its total support exceeds 1 billion.

Earlier on Thursday, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said he expected a "positive decision" on the purchase of short-range air defence systems for Ukraine in the near future.

It has also been reported that Lithuania will invest 10 million in the production of the Ukrainian-made Palianytsia long-range weapon. ["Palianytsia", a type of bread, is a Ukrainian word that Russians find difficult to pronounce properly. Since the full-scale Russian invasion started, Ukrainians have used the word as a means to identify Russian military or saboteurs  ed.]

Support UP or become our patron!
Llano ISD says one in custody in connection with threats made on social media

LLANO, Texas (KXAN)  One person was placed in custody after making threats on social media, according to the Llano Independent School District.

A letter from LISD Superintendent Mac Edwards said the arrest was not made in Llano County, nor was it made by LISD PD. Edwards said in the letter there could be more arrests as the investigation continues.

The district said there will be an increased law enforcement presence on campuses Friday due to the incident. The school district also had an increased police presence Thursday, after it was made aware of school shooting threats made Wednesday.

The letter from Edwards said additional law enforcement would be present at the football game Friday versus Marble Falls.

Central Texas school districts respond to vague threats on social media

The circulation of social media threats began Wednesday after those threats were made via Snapchat, the letter from Edwards said. Those threats were reported to students, parents and staff. the LISD Police Department began investigating the incident immediately, the district said.

Additionally, the Llano Police Department, Texas Rangers, DPS Criminal Investigations Divisions and the Llano County Sheriffs Office all worked in conjunction to investigate the Snapchat threat, Edwards said in the letter.

That investigation determined the threat was not credible for the Llano ISD campuses and that school would proceed as normal on Thursday, the letter said.

Hays CISD: 3 students arrested, charged in connection with social media threats

By Thursday, the district acknowledged the alleged threat was happening across the state and said a person from East Texas was arrested for the threat that caused widespread panic across many districts.

One of those threats led to the Hays County Sheriffs Office detaining three sixth-grade students for contributing to the spread of social media school shooting threats, according to Hays CISD.

At the end of August, authorities arrested 17-year-old Giana Castillo for making online threats against Graham Elementary School located in northeast Austin. An affidavit obtained by KXAN stated she planned to kill her family members before going to the schools campus.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
SEBRING, Ohio (WKBN)  A Sebring man has been indicted on several charges related to a child sex abuse material investigation.

Douglas Brock, 63, was indicted on three counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor, a fourth-degree felony; and three counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material, fifth-degree felonies.

In May 2023, Brock was first under investigation by police due to a tip by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). Reports said that police believe that Brock downloaded sexually explicit images of a young girl who was between 12-14 years old.

Reports said that Brocks computer was seized at his home.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
POLAND, Ohio (WKBN)  A worker installing a pole hit a gas line on Friday afternoon, causing a gas leak and the evacuations of nearby schools, according to Polands fire chief.

The gas leak was on Michigan Avenue, less than 30 yards from McKinley Elementary and Poland Middle schools.

At 12 or 11:50 a.m. we heard a really loud noise outside on Michigan Avenue and immediately our two SROs responded, said Poland Local School Superintendent Craig Hockenberry.

The two schools were evacuated to a nearby area. The immediate neighborhood was also evacuated and blocked off.

We took approximately 1,100 kids to Union Elementary on Riverside Drive where all the staff are right now, so everyone is safe right now. We practiced this multiple times a year so it paid off, Hockenberry said.

Multiple agencies worked together until the gas was shut off and the evacuation was lifted.

The gas is now shut off for homes in the immediate area as repairs are being made. Meanwhile, students who were evacuated earlier returned to class later Friday afternoon.

We did that out of an abundance of caution. At no time were any of the students in any risk, said Fire Chief David Comstock.

Polands fire chief said it took a while to shut off the gas because the line connects to three different streets.

They had to use personnel to locate the gas shut-offs. Its in an area where three different streets come together and so the gas lines were running different directions and they needed to find the most appropriate gas line to shut down, Comstock said.

Students and residents were given the all clear to return around 1:30 p.m.

At this point, it is unknown when gas will be restored in the area.

Kristen Hephner 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.
Weeks after anti-immigrant riots spread across England, a London exhibition is celebrating the impact immigrant communities have had on Britain through photos, testimonies and art installations.

Migration is "often seen as something that's very divisive" but in reality "is just a part of our daily lives", said Aditi Anand, curator of "All Our Stories: Migration and the Making of Britain".

"It's shaped Britain over the centuries and we want to get a sense of that long history and show that migration has always been happening," she told AFP.

The exhibition, which opened Thursday at London's Migration Museum, features 7,000 testimonies, 200 photographs and contributions from about 50 artists.

It aims to show the "human stories behind the headlines", added Anand, the museum's artistic director, who said migration had influenced Britain from food to fashion.

The long history of migration down the centuries also features in the exhibit, which runs until December next year.

A video by director Osbert Parker recalls that between 4,000 and 800 BC, "communities from the Mediterranean and continental Europe arrived in Great Britain including Celtic tribes, today known as the Ancient Britons".

- Not a modern phenomenon -

The video is a reminder that the Romans were followed in the fifth century by the Angles, Saxons and Jutes of northern Europe, who brought with them Germanic languages and culture.

"The idea is to show that the immigration is not something modern. It's been going on for generations," she added.

According to the last census in 2021, 17 percent of the British population was born outside the country, or around 10 million people.

"I think what we really want to show is that it (migration) has just been a part of our lives. It's part of the fabric of this country's DNA," said Anand.

The display features a vending machine of products that "look like they're quintessentially British brands" but have "migrant founders", she noted.

One company featured is Marks & Spencer, co-founded by Michael Marks who was born into a Polish-Jewish family before arriving in Leeds in northern England in 1882.

The country's first coffee chain, Costa Coffee, is also included. It was created by two brothers who arrived from Italy in the 1950s.

The exhibition also shows a reconstructed Chinese takeaway and the kitchen of a Spanish restaurant.

It also details the European migration crisis of 2015 with a look at the now-closed "Calais Jungle", a vast camp where thousands of people waited to cross the Channel from northern France.

Next to a reconstructed tent, a series of photos put faces and stories to the migration crisis.

The exhibition comes as the UK continues to grapple with high levels of irregular migration, with nearly 23,000 crossing the Channel in dangerous small boats this year.

It recalls that three centuries ago, Huguenot French Protestants fled persecution by crossing the same body of water to England where they were warmly welcomed by the authorities.

psr/har/pdh/phz/giv
The City of Long Beach is launching a pilot program that will award up to 10 residents no-interest loan financing to construct an accessory dwelling unit on their property.

The goal of the Backyard Builders Program is to incentivize and make it easier for homeowners in the city to create an affordable rental unit on their property by providing assistance with financing, designing, construction and the permitting process.

Up to 10 qualified residents will be able to secure a 30-year, 0% interest loan to build an ADU on their property worth up to $250,000.

In exchange for the loan, homeowners must agree to rent their ADU at an affordable rate to an individual or family who meets the programs income limit. Priority will also be given to homeowners who rent out their new unit to those receiving housing assistance vouchers.

Alison King, director of the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, says there are thousands of individuals and families who are on the citys housing voucher waiting list. She says the program will help homeowners build equity while providing the upstream solutions we need to prevent homelessness.

L.A. families face nearly impossible home down payments

Loan payments will be put on pause during the construction of the unit, and no interest will accrue on the loan for as long as its rented out at an affordable rate to income-qualified tenants.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson says the program shows the citys commitment to providing more affordable housing options and financial flexibility in the city.

This program will also directly support Long Beach property owners and sends the message that we are in favor of building new housing  quite literally  in our backyards, Richardson said in a City news release.

This file image from the City of Long Beach shows an accessory dwelling unit built in the backyard of an existing property.

The pilot program is made possible through Long Beachs 2024 city budget which includes $200,000 set aside for it in hopes of helping address the affordable housing shortage in the area.

Its facilitated by the Long Beach Community Development Department and Long Beach Housing Authority.

Middle class home buyers are getting priced out of these California cities

To be eligible for the pilot program, applicants must own and occupy a single-family home or a multi-family home with no more than four units within Long Beach city limits.

Applicants will also need to qualify for loan financing, which includes a minimum credit score threshold and a limit on debt-to-income and property loan-to-value ratios.

Applications are being accepted now through Nov. 30. Those interested in applying can attend one of three informational meetings offered in-person or online:

Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. (Online Session)

Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. at Cesar Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.)

Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at Long Beach Energy Resources Auditorium (2400 E. Spring St.)

The applications will be reviewed after the window to apply closes, meaning applying early will not improve your chances of being selected.

Long Beach is at the forefront of ADU development in California,said Christopher Koontz, director of the Long Beach Community Development Department. Were proud to introduce this innovative program that will not only make building an ADU more accessible for homeowners but also help generate the affordable housing our community needs.

For more information about the Backyard Builders Pilot Program, click here. For additional information about building an ADU in Long Beach independent of the program, 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 KTLA.
How long could it take to find KY I-75 shooter? Similar manhunts show it may be a while.

In our Reality Check stories, Herald-Leader journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.

Police combing the brush for a fugitive in a vast, wooded area. Helicopters circling overhead. Residents on edge, locking their homes and cars for the first time as the manhunt stretches on for nearly a week.

Thats the reality in Southern Kentucky this week as police try to catch a man accused of shooting into a dozen cars on Interstate 75 in Laurel County on Sept. 7, leaving five people injured, before fleeing into the woods.

One officer said police are working their guts out to find the suspect, 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch. Residents yearn for his capture so they can get back to their normal lives.

But some other manhunts across the U.S. show that searches of this nature can go on for quite a while  or, in at least one case, forever.

Very difficult thing to do

When two convicted murderers escaped a maximum-security prison in upstate New York in June 2015, it was 20 days before police encountered the first escapee, even with hundreds of officers on the lookout.

In that case, as in Kentucky, the search for the escapees covered an area of thousands of acres, much of it rural, lightly populated, heavily wooded and relatively rugged, including part of the vast Adirondack Park.

It has a striking resemblance to what we had up here, Clinton County, N.Y. Sheriff David Favro said of the manhunt for Couch.

Many people have an impression of New York as bustling, crowded New York City, but the states North Country, where the two men escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility, is rural.

Joseph A. Couch, 32, has been charged with shooting into cars on Interstate 75 on Sept. 7, 2024.

You can walk for four hours and not come across a residence in some places, said Maj. Nicholas Leon, Favros chief deputy.

Favro, whose office took part in the search for the escapees nine years ago, said hes been keeping up with news about the search in Kentucky.

There, as in the Kentucky search, local, state and federal agencies joined forces. They used tracking dogs, helicopters and drones, and faced challenges that included thick forest cover and rough, hilly terrain.

Theyve got the obstacles we faced, Favro said of police in Kentucky. Its a very difficult thing to do.

An escape by two inmates from a prison in New York set off a 22-day manhunt. The photo here shows the hole on inmate cut into the wall to get out of his cell.

And as in the Kentucky search, police received hundreds of tips from a wide area about potential sightings of the fugitives  an indication of high public awareness and concern.

It creates more work to check on all those tips, but police have said they welcome that public involvement in the search for Couch.

We never know, the smallest tip, what its gonna lead to, said Scottie Pennington, a spokesman for Kentucky State Police.

Favro said the public can act as a force multiplier for police, providing many more eyes looking for the suspect.

The New York manhunt began after inmates David Sweat and Richard Matt slipped out of their adjoining cells through holes they had cut in the back walls, then climbed down into the bowels of the prison and out through a steam pipe in which Sweat had cut a hole.

The pipe led to a manhole in the street a block outside the prison, according to a report on the escape.

Convicted murderers David Sweat, left, and Richard Matt escaped from a prison in upstate New York in 2015.

The two used hacksaw blades and other tools that a prison employee, Joyce Mitchell, had smuggled to them. Matt had developed a relationship with Mitchell.

The community response was similar to whats been seen this week in Kentucky.

Everybodys locking their doors and locking their cars, said Shaun Gillilland, town supervisor in Willsboro, a city of about 1,900 people one county south of the prison. Even my most liberal friends are pulling out their varmint guns.

Twenty days after the escape was discovered, police responding to a report of gunshots near a small town saw Matt lying behind a log, armed with a shotgun hed obtained, perhaps from a hunting cabin.

Police said Matt pointed the gun at officers. An agent with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol shot him in the head with an M-4 rifle, NBC News reported at the time.

Two days later, a New York state trooper saw Sweat on a rural road two miles from the border with Canada and shot him when he tried to run away.

Sweat survived and ultimately went back to prison. The men had gotten about 10 miles from the prison, Favro said.

A state report said there were more than 1,300 local, state and federal officers involved in the manhunt at times.

The search cost the state of New York $23 million in law-enforcement overtime. That didnt count the cost to local and federal agencies, the report said.

Favro said its understandable for communities to want a quick conclusion to the search for Couch because of the safety concerns and disruption.

But people should remain vigilant, be patient and understand police are doing all they can, including work behind the scenes that officers cant disclose and the public cant see, Favro said.

In Laurel County, Couch told a woman before the shooting that he planned to kill a lot of people and then kill himself.

Police have said they cant assume Couch is dead, however, because of the potential he has food and water to wait them out, then emerges and shoots someone.

Police will want something definitive, such as Couchs body or solid reason to believe he has left the woods, before moving on from the search, Favro said.

It gives you some momentum to keep things going, knowing what the gravity of the situation is, Favro said.

In a statement issued Friday morning, Pennington said state police had extended the search for Couch deeper into the Daniel Boone National Forest, but would continue to provide increased patrols in the area of shooting.

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, spokesman for the Laurel County Sheriffs Office, said Friday that police had not reduced the number of searchers.

Favro, the New York sheriff, said if the search for Couch goes on for some time with no solid leads  and that time can vary in every case  police will likely slim down the effort.

If they keep running into dead end, dead end, dead end, after three-four weeks, you start saying, Do we need 400 agents here? Could we do it with 300? Could we do it with 250?  Favro said. With nothing, theyre gonna have to start paring it back.

But, he said, You never give up.

Survivalist caught after search in woods

Couchs case is unique, but the effort to find him isnt.

It took police nine days, for instance, to catch Michael Burham after he escaped custody from the Warren County, Penn., jail on July 6, 2023. He was being held on arson and burglary charges and was a suspect in a homicide investigation at the time of his escape.

Burham climbed to the roof of the jail from exercise equipment and then used sheets hed tied together to slide down to the street, according to the Erie Times-News.

This image provided by Pennsylvania State Police shows homicide suspect Michael Burham after he was recaptured on July 15, 2023. Burham, who was the subject of a manhunt in two states after his escape from a northern Pennsylvania jail, is facing more charges in both the escape and in the original case alleging he kidnapped a couple and forced them to accompany him on his cross-country flight to avoid authorities.

Several local, state and federal law enforcement agencies searched for Burham in an area that included the Allegheny National Forest, a 514,029-acre forest in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania.

Burham was a self-taught survivalist with military training, according to the newspaper.

Burham was captured after a homeowner called police about a suspicious person on his property.

Officers set up a perimeter around the area and tracked him through the woods. Burham appeared fatigued when he was arrested, police said.

Police in Kentucky have said keeping pressure on Couch and wearing him down is part of the effort to catch him.

I hope hes wore out and will give up, Pennington, the Kentucky State Police spokesman, said of Couch at a recent briefing.

We wanted to catch him

Sometimes manhunts can go on for years.

That was the case after Eric Rudolph planted a bomb in July 1996 at the Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, killing one person and injuring more than 100 others.

In the next two years, Rudolph bombed two more targets in Atlanta, including a gay bar, and an abortion clinic in Birmingham, killing an off-duty police officer and injuring several more people.

The FBI placed Rudolph on its Ten Most Wanted list in May 1998 and scoured the woods of western North Carolina, Rudolphs home terrain, but it was five years before a local police officer caught him rooting through the trash outside a grocery store in Murphy, N.C. looking for food.

The FBI said Rudolph was a survivalist who had stashed food in the woods.

Authorities concentrated the search in western North Carolina because of his familiarity with the area and a lack of of credible sightings anywhere else, according to Chris Swecker, who headed the Charlotte FBI office during the search.

Eric Rudolph was a fugitive for several years after placing bombs at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and other locations.

Police searching for Couch since Sept. 7 have said a key reason they have focused on the forest near the shooting site is a lack of solid information that hes gone anywhere else.

Swecker said Rudolph had placed caches of explosives in the woods, but that he thought pressure from police kept him from getting to them and doing more harm.

We wanted to catch him, but we also wanted to make sure he didnt strike again, Swecker said. Im convinced that the investment of manpower we had during that time period saved lives.

A manhunt that came up empty

One of the most famous manhunts in U.S. history came up empty.

It involved a man known as D.B. Cooper, who disappeared after hijacking an airplane in November 1971.

During a flight from Portland, Ore. to Seattle, Cooper showed a flight attendant what appeared to be a bomb in his briefcase and demanded $200,000 and four parachutes, according to the FBI.

When the plane landed in Seattle, Cooper let the other passengers off in exchange for the money and parachutes, and ordered the crew to fly to Mexico City.

A man known as D.B. Cooper was never found after hijacking an airplane in Washington State in 1971 and jumping out with a parachute and ransom money.

Somewhere between Seattle and Reno. Nev., Cooper jumped out the back of the plane, setting in motion a manhunt that lasted decades.

There was some doubt Cooper survived the jump that rainy night, but in the ensuing years the FBI interviewed hundreds of people, sifted through an immense number of tips and tracked down potential leads across the country.

In 1980, a boy found $5,800 worth of rotting $20 bills that matched the serial numbers of the ransom money, but authorities never found Cooper, alive or dead.

Nearly 45 years after the hijacking, the FBI announced in July 2016 that it had switched resources away from the Cooper case.

The FBI noted that every time an agent looked into a Cooper tip, investigative resources and manpower are diverted from programs that more urgently need attention.
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Long Island man has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Nassau County, the Police Department, and several officers.

Tyrone Phifer, 63, of Hempstead, says he was humiliated and afraid during his December 2021 obstruction of governmental administration arrest. It started when he left a doctors appointment in Baldwin, and the officers stopped to question him while looking for a domestic violence suspect.

More Local News

Phifers attorney, Fred Brewington, released the Nassau Police Body camera video of the incident to the media during a news conference Thursday. Whats important for you to know is that within 44 seconds of this video, they knew he was not the person they were looking for, Brewington said. It was an attack. One distracted him, the other took his belongings, while the other put him in an armed bar and then eventually brought him to the ground because of his uneven footing, and then youll hear one punch.

Phifer, who is a grandfather of eight and served with the National Guard, spent 10 and 1/2 months fighting the misdemeanor charge before it was dropped. Phifer said Its just, unnecessary. As for the video, he added every time I watch it, it hurts, it just hurts.

Brewington said the lawsuit also makes the claims that there is a pattern and practice of arresting African Americans at a much higher rate than white individuals in Nassau county.

The Nassau Police Department did not respond to a request for comment. Still, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued a statement that said, 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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
As gunshots peppered the grocery store, a pharmacist heard the alleged Boulder mass shooter shout: This is fun! This is such fun!

Sarah Chen, her voice shaking from nerves, told a rapt jury on Thursday that the defendant repeated the shocking statement at least four times.

I grabbed a chair because I didnt want to die not doing everything I could, she said during the murder trial in Boulder County.

Thursday was Day 6 of testimony.

Ahmad Alissa, 25, faces 55 counts overall, including 10 counts of first-degree murder, 38 counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault and six counts of possessing large-capacity magazines during the commission of a felony in connection to the mass shooting that occurred at the King Soopers on Table Mesa Drive on March 22, 2021.

The defendant has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and his attorneys have admitted to jurors that he was the shooter who killed the people in the parking lot and in the store.

During some of the most sensitive testimony Thursday, the accused twisted in his chair, often looked down to his lap, and even stretched his arms and yawned. One of his public defenders, Samuel Dunn, said that he is taking Clozapine to help control treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Side effects of Clozapine include unusual tiredness and shakiness, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The first witness of the morning was an FBI special agent, who testified about the initial search of the alleged gunmans home. It started just before midnight on March 22, 2021, the day of the shooting, and lasted around 5 hours.

Agent Stephanie Benitez referenced a night-time photo she took of the alleged shooters familys two-story suburban house in Arvada, a black sedan parked in the driveway in front of a three-car garage. Snow blanketed the front lawn.

Inside the house, Alissas sisters, brothers-in-law, a grandmother, his parents and various nieces and nephews were separated as investigators searched the defendants upstairs bedroom. In the closet, they found an AR pistol with six loaded magazines, an SAR 45 caliber pistol with three loaded magazines, and shipping labels for both weapons showing they were bought in January and February 2021.

Also on the closet shelf were a rifle scope and a reflex site, which advertised that it was shock proof, lightweight and good for quick target acquisition.

Investigators also found bottles of hydrochloric acid and five bottles of acetone which, Benetiz said, is consistent with bomb-making. In the defendants bathroom trash were three empty ammunition boxes.

The weapons and ammunition found in the alleged shooter's home did not include those which he took with him to the King Soopers.

'Gun stores near me'

The morning of the shooting, the alleged gunman searched Boulder in the maps application on his cellphone.

Featured Local Savings

Stephanie Sears, a Boulder police forensic digital examiner whose job it was to search the defendant's iPhone, found 6,000 cached images connected to the mass shooting dated in the three months leading up to it.

Among searches on the cellphone were Closest gun store near me, a YouTube video titled Can a semi-automatic gun be made fully automatic with a shoe lace? and are 30-round magazines legal in Colorado? as well as articles on mass shootings which happened roughly two years before the King Soopers massacre.

The map recording in his phone showed that as Monday, March 22, 2021, grew closer, the defendant was increasingly viewing maps of Boulder, and was especially interested in businesses there including a Safeway, a Target and a Petco. Four days before the shooting, someone viewed a picture of the Flatirons, Boulders iconic mountain range.

During a rare cross examination, public defender Kathryn Herold questioned whether the searches she found went directly to Mr. Alissa. Sears admitted that she was unable to find anything on the phone which would explain why he committed the mass shooting.

Critical witness

Witness number two Thursday was Jennifer Jacobsen, who screamed for a pen and paper as soon as she careened into her driveway, to write while her memory was fresh.

Jacobsen was a critical witness for the prosecution, as she watched the first three of 10 victims die in the parking lot of her neighborhood grocery store, a horrifying experience which took less than 40 seconds, prosecutors said.

One minute Jacobsen was just another grocery customer carrying bags of coleslaw in her arms and the next, she heard a whooooosh-pop, like a firework coming out of a cannon.

She saw the alleged shooter fire into the windshield and drivers side window of a service van, and then go after a man she befriended while they were checking out and whom also happened to be parked next to her.

She told the jury that she and Kevin Mahoney walked out of the store together and had just had a chuckle over his automatic trunk opener when he walked away to return his cart and into the path of the alleged shooter.

He (the alleged shooter) went walking straight towards him very determined and I immediately put my hands on my head and went straight under my steering wheel, she said.

She later described the way Alissa moved as almost like a hunter, prompting objections from the defense team.

He shot three people in the parking lot in just 38 seconds, and then spent the next 68 seconds "hunting and killing seven more," 20th Judicial District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in opening statements.

Defense attorneys plan to argue that Alissa was suffering from mental illness, and, thus, not capable of discerning right from wrong at the time of the shooting.
In this courtroom sketch, Ismael Zambada Garcia, El Mayo, center, is seated beside his defense attorney Frank Perez, left, in Federal court, in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

NEW YORK (AP)  Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a powerful leader of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, pleaded not guilty Friday in a U.S. drug trafficking case that accuses him of engaging in murder plots and ordering torture.

Participating in a court hearing through a Spanish-language interpreter, Zambada gave yes-or-no answers to a magistrates standard questions about whether he understood various documents and procedures. Asked how he was feeling, Zambada said, Fine, fine.

His lawyers entered the not-guilty plea on his behalf.

Outside court, Zambada attorney Frank Perez said his client wasn't contemplating making a deal with the government, and the attorney expects the case to go to trial.

It's a complex case, he said.

Sought by U.S. law enforcement for more than two decades, Zambada has been in U.S. custody since July 25, when he landed in a private plane at an airport outside El Paso, Texas, in the company of another fugitive cartel leader, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, according to federal authorities.

Zambada later said in a letter that he was kidnapped in Mexico and brought to the U.S. by Guzman Lopez, a son of imprisoned Sinaloa co-founder Joaquin El Chapo Guzman.

Zambada's lawyer did not elaborate on those claims Friday.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James Cho ordered Zambada detained until trial. His lawyers did not ask for bail, and U.S. prosecutors asked the judge to detain him.

He was one of the most, if not the most, powerful narcotics kingpins in the world, Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Navarro said. He co-founded the Sinaloa cartel and sat atop the narcotics trafficking world for decades.

Zambada, 76, used a wheelchair at a court appearance in Texas last month, and U.S. marshals steadied him Friday as he walked into a federal courtroom in Brooklyn. He appeared to accept some help getting out of a chair after the brief hearing, then walked out slowly but unaided.

Perez said after court Friday that Zambada was healthy and in good spirits.

Sketch artists were in the small courtroom, but other journalists could observe only through closed-circuit video because of a shortage of seats.

In court and in a letter earlier to the judge, prosecutors said Zambada presided over a vast and violent operation, with an arsenal of military-grade weapons, a private security force that was almost like an army, and a corps of sicarios, or hitmen, who carried out assassinations, kidnappings and torture.

His bloody tenure included ordering the murder, just months ago, of his own nephew, prosecutors said.

A United States jail cell is the only thing that will prevent the defendant from committing further crimes, Navarro said.

Zambada also pleaded not guilty to the charges at an earlier court appearance in Texas. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 31.

According to authorities, Zambada and El Chapo Guzman built the Sinaloa cartel from a regional syndicate into a huge manufacturer and smuggler of cocaine, heroin and other illicit drugs to U.S. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has described defeating the cartel as one of the agency's top operational priorities.

Zambada has been seen as the group's strategist and dealmaker and a less flamboyant figure than Guzman. Zambada had never been behind bars until his July arrest.

His day of reckoning in a U.S. courtroom has arrived, and justice will follow, Brooklyn-based U.S. Attorney Breon Peace declared in a statement Friday.

Zambada's arrest has touched off fighting in Mexico between rival factions in the Sinaloa cartel. Gunfights have killed several people. Schools in businesses in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, have closed amid the fighting. The battles are believed to be between factions loyal to Zambada and those led by other sons of El Chapo Guzman, who was convicted of drug and conspiracy charges and sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. in 2019.

It remains unclear why Guzman Lopez surrendered to U.S. authorities and brought Zambada with him. Guzman Lopez is awaiting trial on a separate drug trafficking indictment in Chicago, where he has pleaded not guilty.

___

Associated Press video journalist David R. Martin contributed to this report.
A look back at Hurricane Florences impacts on Grand Strand, Pee Dee 6 years later

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Saturday marks the six-year anniversary of Hurricane Florence making landfall in South Carolina.

It was one of the most devastating hurricanes for the Grand Strand and Pee Dee in recent years, with river flooding impacting many people for days after the storm passed.

The National Weather Service estimated damages in North Carolina to be nearly $17 billion and in South Carolina to be about $600 million.

Florence was a large and slow-moving storm that made landfall near Wilmington on Sept. 14, 2018. After landfall, the storm slowed down a lot. It moved close to just 1 mph at one point.

Florence spent two days producing record-breaking rainfall in the Carolinas. In our area, parts of Lumberton and Loris saw more than 22 inches of rain, including a record-breaking 23-plus inches in Loris.

River flooding then developed over the coming days. Many rivers, including the Lumber and Waccamaw, rose to record levels.

Nearly 1,000 homes and businesses near the Waccamaw River were flooded. In some areas of Horry County, there was up to eight feet of water inside homes.

At least one community in western Horry County was isolated for 10 days because of flooding.

Stormtracker13 Meteorologist James Hopkins talked about the impact on residents who lived along waterways.

Some of them just rebuilt their homes from Matthew, just to have  two years later, a little less than two years later, Hurricane Florence do the same thing, he said.

Hurricane Florence also killed 51 people across the Carolinas and damaged or shut down hundreds of roads in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.

Interstate 95 was closed on both sides of the state line. In Lumberton, it was shut down for a week.

Hopkins also talked about a similarity between Hurricane Florence and our most recent system, Tropical Storm Debby.

So, when preparing for Tropical Storm Debby to come through just a month ago, of course, forecast models were showing it slowing down, so it brings back memories of Hurricane Florence, he said. But, of course, not breaking any rainfall records with that one. But, when were talking about the river flooding, that we just dealt with a month ago, think about where we were there. Hurricane Florence was seven feet higher than that.

Hopkins said it took about a year for people who live near the rivers to tear down their damaged homes and rebuild them after Florence.

The wind from Florence also knocked out power to more than 75% of customers in Robeson County.

Hopkins said before a hurricane like Florence, residents only options are to evacuate or put their homes on stilts.

* * *

Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
(WIVT/WBGH)  A lost short story showcasing the trauma faced by a young Rod Serling during combat has been published.

First Squad, First Platoon is a semi-autobiographical short story written by a 21-year-old Serling when he was attending Antioch College.

The chilling story begins with a preface to his future children, detailing the horrors of war as well as the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who fought for our country. Told from the perspectives of five soldiers, it follows the mens lives until their untimely death when they are killed in action, leaving behind the lone Corporal Rod Serling.

The short story was discovered in the Rod Serling Archives in Madison, Wisconsin by Amy Boyle Johnston.

Rod Serlings daughter Anne Serling says the story feels detached, but that is not the case because her father suffered greatly during his time in combat.

She says the story is powerful and fascinating, but still sadly relevant.

My dad was quite vocal. His quote was when he originally went to Antioch, he majored in Physical Education because he wanted to teach kids, he liked working with kids, but then he switched his major to Language and Literature because as he said, I need to get it out of my gut, I needed to get it off my chest. He did talk quite a bit about the Vietnam War and the experiences that he went through, said Anne Serling.

The publication of the story coincides with SerlingFest and the 100th birthday of Rod Serling.

SerlingFest is taking place this weekend, beginning on Friday at 6 at the Forum Theatre with speeches, discussions, and special screenings of his early work as well as The Twilight Zone. It will conclude on Sunday at noon with the unveiling of the long-awaited Rod Serling statue in Recreation Park.

For tickets and more information on SerlingFest, visit RodSerling.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 WIVT - News 34.
'I had to give up my business when my son had two years off school'

Kirsti Hadley has campaigned for years to get an education, health and care plan for her 13-year-old son [BBC / Woman's Hour]

Two years ago, Kirsti Hadley was a self-professed "workaholic" running a successful business, and working with international clients such as Google, Nike and Samsung.

However, the single mother says she has since been forced to give up her job to look after her son and is "only just holding on to my house by the skin of my teeth".

Her son, 13, has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD and OCD and he struggled to adapt with the transition from primary to secondary school.

Miss Hadley, from Brighton, said the lack of suitable provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) at her son's secondary school left her with no choice but to withdraw him from education.

Despite years of trying, she told the BBC she has been unable to get him an education, health and care plan (EHCP) - a legal document which requires councils to meet a child or young person's needs.

The time spent out of school rocked her son's confidence and left him feeling "broken".

The school has since set up a Family Forum to support all students, and its head teacher added all schools are supporting a very high level of need with little resources.

A spokesperson for Brighton & Hove City Council said it is "committed to working closely with families to provide local children with the most appropriate education and to identify any additional support".

While her son was absent from school, Miss Hadley was not able to work and she had to close her business, which she had run for 10 years.

'Downward spiral'

At the same time that her finances began to dwindle, Miss Hadley began to struggle with her mental health.

"The downward spiral is so swift that it sort of gives you whiplash," said the 51-year-old.

It means Miss Hadley - who described her business as "my second baby" - now relies on benefits to support her family and pay her mortgage.

"I feel like I shouldnt have been in that position of dipping into the public purse."

Miss Hadley's son has started back at school this term - and she hopes to return to work soon - but she added "there needs to be a solution" for parents of children with Send across the UK.

"Its horrific," she said.

Miss Hadley spoke about her experiences in front of a live Woman's Hour audience on Wednesday, where experts, parents and children themselves were invited to talk about Send provision in schools across the UK.

A survey by the BBC Radio 4 programme, carried out by Opinium, suggested 73% of mothers think the various Send systems in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are broken.

And almost 60% of mothers surveyed said they have given up work or cut back their hours.

School standards minister Catherine McKinnell told Woman's Hour that the government wants to "put education back at the heart of national life".

"By doing that, we get education right for everybody and we get the best for every child," she said.

Some parents told BBC News about their better experiences.

Nigel Stansbie, from Burnopfield in County Durham, said he accepted that there might be problems elsewhere, but that his own familys experience was hugely positive.

His eight-year-old son, who has Downs syndrome, is in Year 4, and has received lots of education support from the local authority since he was born.

"We have constant communication with them - hes had a one-to-one from day one," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Were not in a particularly wealthy part of the country up in County Durham, but the school have actually managed to fund [his additional needs] without an EHCP."

'I should be sitting my A-levels right now'

On the other hand, 17-year-old Katie Nellist - who is autistic - told Woman's Hour the school system "completely ruined" her life.

At primary school, before she was diagnosed, Katie started to really struggle with the pressure of Year 6 exams.

She says the school leadership did try to help her, but that she did not receive the support she needed  and has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, which she says has been linked to her time there.

Katie Nellist (centre) and her parents have previously been involved in local campaigns for Send provision [Katie Nellist]

Katies primary school said it always worked hard to reduce the pressure on our children sitting exams and it fully supported her decision not to take Sats.

The head teacher added the school remains proud of Katie and how she is acting as such an amazing advocate for young people with Send.

Katie later struggled to cope with the overwhelming, and loud, and busy environment of secondary school. Although she says the school was supportive, she "crashed out completely" with a mental health crisis, after three months.

She then tried to find a place at a specialist school for children with Send - only to be told by the council that all the suitable locations were full.

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesperson said it is unable to comment on individual cases.

"Fighting every step is so hard," said Katie.

She added that the county council  which is responsible for making sure children in the area receive appropriate education  was failing to help her.

Katie tried a couple of other alternative schools, which didnt work out either, and has now been given an EHCP specifying that she should continue her education outside school.

Although she is now learning to be a horse-riding instructor, she wishes she was still in school.

"I should be sitting my A-levels right now but I'm not," she said.

"That is not good enough because I know that I am smart and I would like to learn."
Lot of broken hearts: Boy who ran away from school found dead in pond, authorities say

SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. (AP)  An 8-year-old student was found dead in a pond after running away from his classroom Thursday at an elementary school in South Carolina, authorities said.

Lionel Ramirez Cervantes was in a classroom with two other students and three school employees when he ran out into the hall, outside the building and then over or through a fence and into a field with high grass where he could no longer be seen, Greenville County Schools said in a statement.

Police were immediately called and officers, school officials and community members began searching. Divers found Lionels body about four hours later in a neighborhood pond about 1,000 feet (300 meters) from Bells Crossing Elementary in Simpsonville, authorities said.

A lot of broken hearts in that school and community today, Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis said at a news conference.

Before the boys body was found, deputies released information that he might have autism or another developmental disorder and may not respond to regular verbal prompts.

**UPDATE (4:12pm) The GCSO is heartbroken to report that 8-year-old Lionel Ramirez Cervantes, who ran off from Bells... Posted by Greenville County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, September 12, 2024

Deputies and school officials are investigating exactly what happened and how the child got off school grounds but emphasized staff members reacted quickly and tried to catch him.

This was our worst fear today, and we are grieving as a community. We are devastated to lose one of our children. We will bind together with the support of the district, Bells Crossing Elementary School Principal Chris Ross said in a statement.

The school remained open Friday and grief counselors were brought in for students and teachers. The district also said it was providing whatever support Lionels family needs.

An autopsy on the boy was scheduled for Friday.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Movie buffs are still waiting to see who will host the Sundance Film Festival in 2027.

On Thursday, the Sundance Institute released the three finalists for the 2027 festival.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Louisville, which was previously on the shortlist, has been cut. But Kentuckians might still get lucky if our neighbor in Ohio comes out on top.

The institute said these cities are still in the running, with a decision expected in early 2025:

Boulder, Colorado

Cincinnati, Ohio

Park City/Salt Lake City, Utah

All three finalists were assessed on ethos and equity values, infrastructure, and capabilities to host the Festival, in addition to demonstrating ways in which they will continue to foster the diverse Sundance community and inspire the next generation of independent filmmakers, the Sundance Institute said in a news release.

What is the highest-grossing movie filmed in Kentucky?

The Sundance Film Festival is the largest independent film festival in the U.S. and historically always took place in a Park City, but the institute opened bids in April.

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. 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, said Eugene Hernandez, festival director and head of public programming.

The Sundance Institute team thanked Louisville for their warm welcome despite not making the final cut.

Kentucky film & TV professionals weigh pros, cons, and opportunities

We are deeply grateful to all the finalists and appreciate the partnership and ingenuity we found in the three moving forward. as well as Atlanta, Louisville, and Santa Fe this summer. Leaders and locals in each community generously welcomed and inspired us as we explored the potential for our Festival in 2027, and beyond. On behalf of the entire Sundance Institute team, thank you, said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute board chair.

The Sundance Film Festival will continue in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2025 and 2026. It will then be moved to the new host city in 2027.

We are ecstatic to continue being considered as the next host city for the Sundance Film Festival. As long-time attendees, we believe Cincinnatis dedication to the arts, hospitality, and historic theaters make it a great fit. We are inspired by the idea of partnering with the Sundance Institute to celebrate the festivals rich legacy while introducing a dynamic, walkable and accessible new venue. Cincinnatis blend of creativity, culture, and community promises to be an unforgettable experience for both filmmakers and audiences, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and President/CEO of Film Cincinnati Kristen Schlotman said in a news release.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Lynda Carter, the original Wonder Woman actor, denounced her sisters campaign for a competitive seat in the Arizona House, telling Mother Jones on Friday that she wouldnt support her for any elected position.

The actors statement was included as part of Mother Jones expose on her sister, Pamela Carter, the far-right Republican running to represent part of Maricopa County in the Arizona House of Representatives.

On her website, Pam claims to have her familys full support, Lynda Carter told Mother Jones. I have known Pam my entire life, which is why I sadly cannot endorse her for this or any public office.

Lynda Carter, who starred as Wonder Woman in a 1970s TV series, attends the world premiere of the "Wonder Woman" movie, starring Gal Gadot, on May 25, 2017, at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. VALERIE MACON via Getty Images

Pamela Carter did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Her platform includes being opposed to same-sex marriage, abortion in nearly all cases and transgender inclusion in sports. She supports arming teachers.

Lynda Carter, a vocal supporter of reproductive rights, also offered her support to the Democrats running against her sister in Arizonas Legislative District 4.

As a native Arizonan, I am proud to endorse Kelli Butler and Karen Gresham to represent LD4 in Arizonas State House, she told Mother Jones. Kelli and Karen are both strong, experienced candidates, born and raised in Arizona. They are working mothers fighting for the rights that matter most to Arizonans, especially every childs right to a quality education.

The district has two representatives, currently one Democrat and one Republican.

Lynda Carter also praised U.S. Sen. John McCain, the late Arizona Republican, for his commitment to decency, justice, and freedom.

Related...
Lyndon, VT.  A 55-year-old Vermont man was arrested after reportedly assaulting his partner at a Charles Street residence Thursday.

Officers arrived at the scene around 5:50 p.m. Police investigators discovered that Keith Miller, of Lyndon, restricted his partners breathing and assaulted them.

Miller was arrested and charged with first degree aggravated domestic assault. He was expected to appear in Caledonia County Court  Criminal Division September 13.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Todays edition of quick hits.

* Republican lies often lead to real-world consequences: Bomb threats on Friday forced the evacuation and closure of public schools and municipal buildings for a second consecutive day, as the city continues to deal with sudden national attention due to false claims involving its Haitian population. Students at Perrin Woods and Snowhill Elementary Schools in Springfield were evacuated from their buildings to an alternate district location, school district spokesperson Jenna Leinasars said.

* In Russia: President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia would be at war with the United States and its allies if they lift restrictions on Ukraines use of long-range Western weapons. ... British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will hold talks with President Joe Biden later Friday, as London clashed with Moscow over the expulsion of six diplomats accused of spying  accusations the U.K. dismissed as baseless.

* In related news: The U.S. State Department announced new sanctions on Russian state media Friday, accusing a Kremlin news outlet of working hand-in-hand with the Russian military and running fundraising campaigns to pay for sniper rifles, body armor and other equipment for soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

* A strike worth watching: Boeings factory workers walked off the job early Friday, halting production of the companys best-selling airplanes after staff overwhelmingly rejected a new labor contract.

* This is a sensible ruling, though the fact remains that there are no clinics in North Dakota where abortions can be performed: A state district judge struck down North Dakotas abortion ban Thursday, saying that the state constitution creates a fundamental right to access abortion before a fetus is viable. 

* Worth keeping an eye on: Federal authorities are preparing to file criminal charges over Irans alleged hack and leak attack against Donald Trumps presidential campaign, according to people familiar with the matter. The FBI investigation has focused on an online persona named Robert who contacted American reporters, these people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe details of an ongoing investigation. That persona shared campaign documents they falsely claimed to have obtained while working with the Trump campaign, the people said.

* The future of U.S. Steel: White House officials are signaling that President Joe Biden will not imminently move to block Nippon Steels bid to acquire U.S. Steel amid mounting concerns over the political and economic consequences of nixing the deal, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.

Have a safe weekend.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
It was probably the weirdest thing a major-party presidential nominee has ever said during a general election debate. Donald Trump, after having been triggered by comments about his rally crowds, voiced his support for a racist anti-immigrant conspiracy theory.

In [Springfield, Ohio] theyre eating the dogs, the former president said, referring to Haitian-American immigrants in the community. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

To the extent that reality still has any meaning, local officials have thoroughly discredited this ugly nonsense. But after the Republican nominee, his running mate and far too many of their allies have amplified the garbage, the public is starting to see the real-world consequences of the lies. NBC News reported:

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. ... 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.

Hours later, Trump campaigned in Arizona, where he pushed the same false claims again, apparently indifferent to the damage he's doing. At one point the GOP nominee went so far as to condemn illegal Haitian migrants who destroyed an Ohio community. Nobody knows where they come from, he added.

Trump: Illegal Haitian migrants taking over a beautiful place Nobody knows where they come from. pic.twitter.com/YKZHvDo7T7  Acyn (@Acyn) September 12, 2024

The truth, whether the former president cares or not, is that the Haitians entered the country legally; theyve helped the local community; and everyone knows exactly where they came from. (Haitians come from Haiti. Even Trump should be able to understand this.)

But as this utterly insane story continues, Im reminded of something the Republican said during his 2016 campaign.

Exactly eight years ago this week, Trump campaigned in Miami and spent some time at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, stressing the common values he shared with Haitian Americans.

Whether you vote for me or not, the then-candidate said at the time, I really want to be your biggest champion.

A year later, he scrapped temporary protected status for Haitians who were allowed entry to the U.S. following a devastating earthquake in 2010. A year after that, the Republican hosted a White House meeting and referred to Haiti as a s---hole country.

And now, Trump is lying to the public about Haitian immigrants  the same people he told, I really want to be your biggest champion  betraying a community he vowed to look out for.

Its hard to say how many people believed the Republicans rhetoric in 2016, but I have some bad news for those who trusted him.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Academy School District 20 has taken the next step toward rebuilding and expanding one of its elementary schools.

During their regular meeting Thursday night, D-20's Board of Education voted to approve RTA Architects as the firm to design a new Pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school to replace existing Douglass Valley Elementary.

In a unique opportunity for the school and the district, the majority of the school's construction costs will be paid will federal dollars via the Funding for Public Schools on Military Installations (PSMI) program.

Through the U.S. Department of Defense, the PSMI program provides the majority of funding for major rebuilds or renovation projects for schools on military installations. Specifically, the department covers 80% of the projects' total costs to the district's 20%.

In the case of Douglass Valley, total costs are projected at approximately $61.2 million, with the PSMI funding covering $48.9 million and the district covering $12.2 million.

In recent years, D-20 has saved $9.3 million in its general fund to earmark for an eventual PSMI project. The remaining funding will come from other reserve dollars.

In 2018, the department completed an assessment of the 161 military-based schools across the country and ranked their levels of deficiency. Douglass Valley Elementary ranked 71st, while Air Academy High School ranked 61st, since both are located on Air Force Academy grounds.

Based on available funding to date, schools ranked through priority No. 71 have been invited to participate in the program to fund various respective construction, renovation, repair and expansion projects. In D-20's case, they were invited by the DOD to participate last year.

Unlike Douglass Valley, full funding for Air Academy High will hinge on a bond vote in November to match the PSMI's funding in addition to other renovation needs throughout all the district's schools.

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Last March, a federal evaluation team toured the schools and followed up with design proposals submitted to the departments Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation.

In addition to a new state-of-the-art facility, the new school will also expand from a K-5 school to include pre-kindergarten through eighth grades.

When speaking to the board, D-20 Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Becky Allen noted this would benefit the entire district by creating a new preschool along with another option for middle school for families at the academy with the current feeder middle school Eagle View.

"In partnership with Col. (Cheo) Stallworth and other leadership at USAFA, we know that continuity of educational opportunities for military families, who so choose it, would have that opportunity," she said.

In June, D-20 received an invitation to submit a formal grant application for Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation funding of a project just over $3.89 million, accounting for both federal and non-federal funding, for the design of the new school.

This was followed by a request for proposal by D-20 in July to firms before RTA was ultimately selected. The approved contract is valued at no more than $2,47 million.

The design project accounts for both RTA's contract but also additional related services including soil reports, environmental surveys and construction management.

The district will now submit a construction plan to the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and begin the design phase.

During a planning presentation in May, an estimated timeline projected that construction would begin August 2025 and the new school would open in August 2027, though these dates are subject to change.

"It sounds like a great opportunity that we're moving forward and starting to get some traction with it," D-20 Board President Aaron Salt said.
Donald Trump reportedly directed his aides last year to hire Laura Loomer for his 2024 campaign operation. The backlash was fierce and immediate  even among Republicans  and the former president backed off, rescinding the directions hed given to his team.

But just this week, it appeared that the Trump-Loomer partnership wasnt over, so much as it was delayed.

Loomer attended the presidential debate this week, even appearing backstage with the GOP candidate ahead of the event, and she 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.

It was against this backdrop that NBC News reported:

The former president dismissed concerns about his close relationship with far-right activist Laura Loomer during a news conference today. Laura has been a supporter of mine. Just like a lot of people are supporters, and shes been a supporter of mine. She speaks very positively of the campaign. ... Shes a free spirit.

Much of this resembled the comments Trump made about the QAnon delusion around this time four years ago.

As part of the same exchange, the Republican told a reporter, Im not sure why you asked that question.

Trump on Loomer: Laura has been a supporter of mine, just like a lot of people are supporters, and she's been a supporter of mine. She speaks very positively of the campaign. Laura has to say what she wants. She's a she's a free spirit. pic.twitter.com/ZEH9wKMKWS  Acyn (@Acyn) September 13, 2024

Perhaps I can help the former president understand why this is a relevant line of inquiry.

As weve discussed, Loomer is a right-wing activist, a radical conspiracy theorist, and a failed Republican congressional candidate who has described herself as pro-white nationalism. More recently, as my MSNBC colleague Jahan Jones noted, Loomer has used her platform to lob overtly racist and sexist attacks at Kamala Harris.

After Trump brought the 9/11 truther to a 9/11 commemoration, Democrats struggled to contain their disgust, but they werent alone.

Laura Loomer is a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina wrote online. A DNC plant couldnt do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trumps chances of winning re-election. Enough.

A day earlier, a fellow GOP senator, South Carolinas Lindsey Graham, said, The history of statements by Ms. Loomer are beyond disturbing. I hope this problem gets resolved. I think we should be talking about things that people are concerned about, and this issue, I think, doesnt help the cause.

Another Senate Republican told NBC News said Trump is often drawn to people who like and promote him. ... Its really dumb.

The same NBC News report went on to note, Loomers return to Trumps side is pitting key figures in his coalition against one another. ... Moreover, her presence reflects Trumps loss of faith in his campaign aides and their concomitant fear of upsetting him in a time of crisis, according to people familiar with the situation.

Why was Trump asked about Loomer? This really isnt that complicated: With 52 days remaining before Election Day, the GOP nominee and much of his party are feuding over his partnership with a pro-white nationalism activist. Of course hes going to be asked about this.

As this slow-moving debacle continues, theres another angle to keep in mind. Ive seen some reports that Republican officials feel anxiety about Loomer whispering dangerous ideas in the former presidents ear.

Everyone should be clear about the circumstances: Were not talking about a poor, unsuspecting candidate who somehow started hanging out with an unsavory crowd, leading him astray. Trump has demonstrated an unnerving affection for racist conspiracy theories and racist conspiracy theorists, as well as radical sycophants who are mindful of his fragile, child-like ego.

This isnt a mess in which Loomer somehow finagled her way into Team Trump; this is a mess in which Trump opened the door for her and provided the extremist a seat at the table.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
BEREA, Ky. (FOX 56) The Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame dedicated a monument outside of Madison Southern High School on Friday, making it the second monument of its kind in Madison County.

A monument bearing seven names of the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame Madison County inductees now stands outside the school, and a dedication Friday showcased how important this is to the community. The dedication featured patriotic songs performed by the Madison Southern High School band and choir. H.B. Deatherage is the founder and Executive Director of the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame.

Man arrested by US Marshals in August road rage attack on UK campus

This monument represents veterans who gave their all. Some did give their all, and the veterans need to be represented in any way we can. This is our way, the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame way of doing it for each community, Deatherage said.

Theres another monument in Richmond, but the team and the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame wanted to share the love with this school. Emerson Mcafee with the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame Region 11 was happy to finally see this second Madison County monument come to life.

Some people didnt think we needed two 12 miles apart, but from my 60 years of living here, and Im 83 now, I knew they were different, and they needed one in each city, Mcafee said.

Now, students and staff can take that in every day. Scott Denfeld is the schools ROTC instructor, and his students had the chance to be involved in Fridays dedication.

For me, its nice to see that veterans are appreciated and recognized in the contributions that some of us have made. Its known, and it wont be forgotten. To see this right outside the school makes me proud, Denfeld said.

For the students who pitched in today, and all the students who will pass by, the monument symbolizes an important message to honor veterans.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

They need to know that there are veterans ahead of them, veterans after them, and they may end up being veterans one day. All veterans deserve the respect of everyone out there for sure, Deatherage said.

Im hoping the kids get a lot out of it. The main thing is that they can see it, they know its attached to veterans. If they read it, theyll understand what its for. I think its going to be there to put it on their minds and give insight all about the veterans, Mcaffee said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Maggie Haberman Hits Donald Trump With The Triggering Truth About His New Spin

Former president and current GOP nominee Donald Trump may be desperately attempting to spin his poor Tuesday debate performance against Democratic rival Kamala Harris as a big success for himself.

But on Thursdays broadcast of Wolf Blitzers CNN show The Situation Room, New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman doesnt buy it.

Trump is aggressively pushing back on any criticisms and declaring that he won a debate that by every objective voice Ive seen, its widely agreed upon, that he did not win, he lost, she said.

It is an open question, though, as to how it may affect the election, Haberman continued. Were going to know more in the coming days. Well see what the polls show. Well see if Vice President Harris gets a bump.

Trump had a rough outing in what was arguably his worst debate, perhaps second only to his one-on-one with then-Democratic candidate Joe Biden in 2020 when he repeatedly shouted over his rival, Haberman added.

Yes, it was pretty bad last night for Trump, responded Blitzer.

Watch Mediaites video here:

Commentators on both sides of the aisle came together to criticize Trumps showing at the debate.

In the immediate aftermath, though, Trump even visited the post-debate spin room to claim it was his best debate ever, a comment that drew mockery on social media.

Related...
VolturnUS is UMaine's patented floating concrete hull technology that has been awarded 43 patents in the U.S. and abroad. (University of Maine image)

Maine has big goals for adding offshore wind to its energy repertoire with hopes that it will not only be a friendlier option for the planet, but help revitalize communities through its economic and labor opportunities. But before those benefits can be realized, there are still a number of outstanding questions.

Last month, the state and the federal government reached an agreement on a lease for an offshore wind research array that will sit about 30 miles southeast of Portland. It will take up about 15 square miles in federal waters and include up to 12 floating turbines that will help inform how floating offshore wind operates and interacts with ecosystems in the water.

Just last week, the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management released its final environmental assessment that showed leasing activities such as surveys and installing meteorological buoys in the Gulf of Maine wont harm the surrounding environment.

And while that assessment did not look at the impact of the offshore turbines, the goal of the research array is to better understand how they will interact with the Gulf of Maine ecosystems.

The only way we really can answer those questions is to have this type of a program and this kind of a unique in-water opportunity to actually answer those questions, said Stephanie Watson, offshore wind program manager for the state.

Research has been a throughline of Maines offshore wind efforts, Watson said, especially when thinking about the pioneering research and development from the University of Maine for semi-submersible floating turbines.

The next step in that process is to understand how to responsibly deploy the budding industry and actually transmit the energy back to shore, all while reducing impacts to the fisheries that are vital to the economy and culture of Maine, Watson said.

The state is partnering with Boston-based Diamond Offshore Wind to develop the research array; however, there will also be a state-coordinated research program that includes the departments of Marine Resources and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The states Offshore Wind Research Consortium, a 26-person advisory board that was organized in 2021 to understand the local and regional effects of offshore wind power projects in the Gulf of Maine, will also contribute to the work.

Offshore wind research priorities

As part of its work over the past few years, the consortium identified priority areas to guide the research conducted on the array.

Among those priorities is improving seafloor mapping of the Gulf of Maine because its not currently well understood, Watson said.

The Gulf of Maine is relatively understudied, in general, Watson said, especially when compared to other marine areas of the United States.

She said this could be a result of the Gulf of Maine seeing less activity and shipping than other, larger regions.

Additionally, the consortium hopes to better understand fishing communities and how their socioeconomics could be affected by offshore wind. Relatedly, it wants the research array to look at various fishing technology and consider how best it can coexist with offshore wind.

Finding a positive working relationship between Maines heritage fishing industry and clean energy has been an ongoing conversation that the governor and congressional delegation have weighed in on. Gov. Janet Mills and Maines members of Congress praised a decision last March by the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to exclude a vital lobster fishing area from the offshore wind leasing map.

One additional research priority for the arrays is exploring how different avian species, such as bats and birds, could be affected by the presence of wind turbines in the water.

We have a long list, so we have a lot of work to do, Watson said.

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(Getty Images)

You may have heard that theres a presidential election coming in November.

But Maine voters will be casting ballots for far more than the names at the top of the ticket. Between ballot questions, a high profile congressional race and every seat in the Maine Legislature being decided, theres a lot to keep track of.

Thats why Maine Morning Star has put together a 2024 Voter Guide to provide a comprehensive resource designed to empower readers with the information they need to cast their ballots.

In addition to details about candidates and referendum questions, the guide includes basic information about how to register, all the different ways you can vote as well as important deadlines.

Weve asked every candidate running for the two U.S. House races and one U.S. Senate seat their thoughts and policy ideas for some of the biggest issues facing the state and will be sharing their complete responses.

In the coming days, well also be adding more details about key legislative races we are watching.

Maine has historically led when it comes to voter turnout and Maine Morning Stars goal is to make sure every voting age person has the information they need to confidently contribute to our democratic process.

This article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.

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Making Halloween less frightening for kids in the hospital

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  September is the unofficial start of spooky season. While Halloween is a fun holiday full of ghouls and candy, it can be scary for kids who are in the hospital for the holiday.

Carle Health is teaming up with Spirit Halloween for the Spirit of Children fundraiser.

When you shop for decor or costumes at the store, you can donate at the checkout. The money goes to the hospital to support kids who cant roam the streets in search of candy on October 31.

Proceeds from the donations help the Child Life Program with local Child Life Specialists. This funding provides education to parents and families buying supplies to help kids during stressful health events.

Central Illinois has several Spirit Halloween locations:

Peoria: 4816 N University St.

East Peoria: 340 West Washington St.

Pekin: 3521 Veterans Dr.

Bloomington: 1615 E Empire St. Bldg. F Unit 1170 & 1170B

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Police rescued 400 children from alleged abuse at care homes in Malaysia, in one of the worst such cases to hit the country (Mohd RASFAN) (Mohd RASFAN/AFP/AFP)

Malaysian police expanded their probe Friday into a major conglomerate with links to a banned Islamic sect, after hundreds of children were rescued from alleged abuse at care homes believed to be run by the group.

Investigators stormed 20 charity shelters across two Malaysian states on Wednesday, arresting 171 suspects including religious studies teachers and caregivers, and bringing to safety over 400 children.

In what is believed to be the worst such case to hit Malaysia in decades, police suspect the victims -- aged from one to 17 -- had been subjected to sexual and physical attacks.

They were also allegedly forced by the care home staff to abuse each other.

Investigators were "working towards" further raids and arrests as the probe on the organisation called Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) continued, said police inspector-general Razarudin Husain.

Investigations and health checks so far show that at least 13 minors had been sexually abused, Razarudin said at a press conference.

The children, who are temporarily being housed in a police training centre in Kuala Lumpur among other locations, are still undergoing medical examinations, added the police chief.

Razarudin had said on Wednesday that children as young as five were burnt with hot spoons, while others who were ill were not allowed to seek treatment until their condition became critical.

"The caretakers also touched the children's bodies as if to carry out medical checks," he said.

GISB has denied the allegations and said they do not run the care homes raided in the states of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

"It is not our policy to do things that go against Islam, and the laws," the group said in a statement this week.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he has urged relevant authorities to "investigate thoroughly" without delay.

"This concerns the faith of the community. It is important and a serious matter, involving abuse of power, misuse of religion," he told reporters after performing Friday prayers.

The Selangor state government said they were going to "conduct regular checks" at religious schools to ensure there was no abuse and urged residents to contact the authorities if they had any information.

Multi-ethnic Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with Muslims subject to sharia (Islamic law) in certain areas.

- DNA samples -

GISB has long been controversial for its links to the now-defunct Al-Arqam sect and has faced scrutiny by religious authorities in the Muslim-majority country.

Al-Arqam was banned by the authorities in 1994 for deviant teachings, while GISB members had in 2011 set up an "Obedient Wives Club" that called on women to be "whores in bed" to stop their husbands from straying.

According to its website, GISB says it is an Islamic company that runs businesses from supermarkets to restaurants, and operates in several countries including Indonesia, France and the United Kingdom.

Police believe the 402 minors in the care homes were all children of GISB members, Razarudin told AFP on Thursday.

"We feel that there's a need for DNA samples to be taken."

Religious authorities in Selangor state said this week they were closely monitoring GISB's activities.

"(We) remain vigilant about any facts leading to deviations from true Islamic teachings," they said.

The United Nations children's agency underlined the "unimaginable horror" faced by the victims.

The children "will need long-term professional medical and psychosocial support," said Robert Gass, UNICEF's Malaysia representative.

The case has also rattled locals.

"This incident is very shocking and sudden," said Uzair Abdul Aziz, 37, a Selangor resident.

llk-str-skc/ssy
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian police said on Friday they will summon the top management of an Islamic business group, after children rescued from charity homes allegedly run by the firm suffered injuries consistent with sexual and physical assault.

Police this week rescued 402 children and youths in raids carried out at 20 premises that they said were operated by Islamic conglomerate Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB).

GISB has said they did not run the homes and denied allegations of sexual abuses at the properties. A GISB spokesperson said on Friday the firm had yet to be summoned by police.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said 172 of those rescued have undergone physical and mental health screenings, with many showing old and new injuries as well as indications of emotional trauma and stunted growth.

Some of the children were disabled or sick, while 13 had been sodomised, Razarudin said.

The case has sparked outrage in Muslim-majority Malaysia, with some critics questioning why action had not been taken earlier after police said it had received complaints on GISB as far back as 2011.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday he instructed authorities to investigate without delay and take swift action against GISB should any misconduct be found, state news agency Bernama reported.

Of 171 people arrested during the raids, 159 have been detained pending investigation, while others were found to have been minors and released, Razarudin said.

Four men and one woman are being investigated in connection with the sodomy cases, he added.

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Razarudin said police will call up GISB's board for questioning and did not discount the possibility of further arrests or raids on premises linked to the group. He did not say when they would be summoned, citing pending investigations.

The firm, which has been linked to a banned Islamic religious sect in Malaysia, is involved in businesses ranging from supermarkets to laundromats with operations in 20 countries, 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.

Razarudin said the minors were mostly third or fourth generation GISB members, whose parents worked for the company and would abandon their children at ages as young as two.

"We found examples of children whose parents worked in Saudi Arabia for six years, but their kids remain here... this is a form of neglect, abuse and exposure," he said, adding some had not seen their parents in years.

He said authorities screened 392 children who were being held in police facilities, while those who were sick or with special needs had been transferred to the welfare department and health ministry for further care.

Razarudin said the probe may be expanded to include allegations of cheating and money laundering, and urged potential victims to come forward.

(Reporting by Rozanna Latiff and Danial Azhar; Editing by Martin Petty)
One of four men charged in a robbery attempt that left General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor dead pleaded guilty to all the charges against him, authorities announced Thursday.

Wactor was shot and killed on May 25 as he and a coworker, Anita Joy, were walking to their cars in downtown L.A. just before 3:30 a.m. after their shifts at the Moxy Hotel, located at 1260 South Figueroa Boulevard.

As he and Joy approached his vehicle, they stumbled upon three men stealing his catalytic converter.

Prosecutors say that one of the men, 18-year-old Robert Barceleau, allegedly shot Wactor once in the chest moments before the trio fled the area. The 37-year-old was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Johnny Wactor

Barceleau and his two accomplices were able to evade police until their arrest on Aug. 15. A fourth person was also taken into custody as an accessory to the crime.

On August 18, four men were charged in the case:

Robert Barceleau, 18, of Huntington Park was charged with one count of murder with special circumstances of murder during an attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm; one count of attempted robbery with personal use of a firearm; and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm

Leonel Guitierrez, 18, of L.A. County, 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

Sergio Estrada, 18, of L.A. County, was charged with one count of murder with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm; 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

Frank Olano, 22, of Inglewood, 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

In a press release from the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office, officials said that Gutierrez pleaded guilty on Sept. 11 to the charges against him, as well as to a separate grand theft on the same night Wactor was fatally shot.

New details emerge about Southern California man, 34, accused of igniting Line Fire

Today marks a significant step toward justice for the family and friends of Johnny Wactor, District Attorney Gascon said. Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved him, and we recognize the profound pain his loss has caused.

The 18-year-old is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov 1.

The three remaining defendants are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 16.

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MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A man was busted in Manhattan on Tuesday for allegedly selling pink cocaine, a drug thats increasingly being distributed in New York, authorities said.

Rodrigo Zapata, a 27-year-old resident of Union City, New Jersey, was arrested following a months-long undercover investigation, according to the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York.

Zapata is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal sale of firearms, authorities said.

Between April and September, Zapata allegedly sold pink cocaine, cocaine and guns to an undercover officer at several locations in Manhattan, including Harlem, Hells Kitchen, Manhattanville, Greenwich Village and near Central Park, authorities said.

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Law enforcement seized eight guns and more than a pound of cocaine and pink cocaine as a result of the investigation, according to the Special Narcotics Prosecutors Office.

The charges announced today allege bold drug and gun sales in public spaces across Manhattan, which endangered the safety and security of New Yorkers in commercial districts, near parks, and in residential areas, Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan said.

Pink cocaine, also known by the street name tusi, is often mixed with other drugs and substances such as MDMA, ketamine, caffeine and mescaline, according to authorities.

An NYPD laboratory analyzed the pink cocaine from three of Zapatas previous sales and found mixtures of ketamine and MDMA and ketamine alone, authorities said.

With the recent increase in the distribution of pink cocaine in New York, the DEA and our law enforcement partners have begun targeting those individuals responsible for sale of this illicit drug, DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino said. I commend our DEA team and partners for their diligent work in removing these dangerous individuals, like Mr. Zapata, from our streets.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

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The man accused of driving through Rocky Mountain National Park recklessly, Wade Thyfault, was formally charged by complaint with one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado announced Thursday.

Thyfault is accused of driving a Dodge Ram pickup truck through the Grand Lake entrance gate without stopping, then speeding and driving recklessly along the entire 48-mile long stretch of U.S. Hwy 34 (Trail Ridge Road), before crashing his vehicle near the junction of Mill's Drive and U.S. Hwy 36 in Estes Park, Colorado.

Prior to the crash, as Estes Park police officer placed stop sticks across the road at the junction of Bear Lake Road and U.S. 36 to try and deflate Thyfault's tires, but the sticks appeared to have only punctured one tire.

Thyfault continued for another two miles before colliding with a silver Toyota Corolla in Estes Park, injuring three people, one occupant critically.

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Thyfault fled the scene on foot and area law enforcement searched for him for some time before finding him the next day after a homeowner in Estes Park reported a break-in at their residence.

Thyfault made his initial appearance in court in Denver, Colorado on Thursday in front of Chief United States Magistrate Judge Michael E. Hegarty.

The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent of the charges unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the National Park Service.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A Laurel man accused of stealing a government truck and leading law enforcement on a chase pleaded guilty in court on Thursday, prosecutors said.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Grand jury indicts man suspected of stealing Maryland state truck, starting police chase

The Montgomery County States Attorneys Office (SAO) said in a news release that 27-year-old Flavio Lanuza pleaded guilty to second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer; fleeing and eluding marked police vehicle by failing to stop a vehicle resulting in bodily injury; and 11 counts of failure to return and remain at the scene of an accident.

In February, Maryland State Police (MSP) arrested Lanuza after he stole a Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration tow truck.

He then led police on a chase through Prince Georges and Montgomery counties that lasted more than half an hour. Officials reported that he struck many vehicles, including two MSP vehicles and 11 civilian vehicles.

Man accused of stealing Maryland state truck, leading police on chase denied bond

MSP said in February that a civilian, an MSP trooper and a Montgomery County Department of Police officer had to go to the hospital for injuries from this chase.

The Montgomery County SAO said that Lanuza is also facing charges in Prince Georges County.

Lanuzas sentencing in Montgomery County is scheduled for Dec. 12. He faces up to 14 years and 10 months in prison.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  A 62-year-old man has been arrested for attempted murder following a stabbing incident in Pauoa this morning.

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The attack, which occurred around 10 a.m. near a gas station, left a 38-year-old man with serious injuries.

Emergency officials transported the victim, who sustained a stab wound to his shoulder, to the hospital in serious condition.

Former UH basketball star pleads not guilty to theft and fraud charges

Police have confirmed that the victim and the suspect were known to each other.

The suspect remains in police custody, and the investigation is ongoing.

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Charges are pending as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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One man is dead and a suspect is in custody following a stabbing in Delhi on Tuesday, according to the Merced County Sheriffs Office.

At about 3:30 a.m., deputies responded to the 7600 block of Merced Avenue in Delhi for a reported stabbing, according to Merced County Sheriffs Deputy Michael Domingue. Deputies arrived on scene and located a man suffering from multiple stab wounds. According to authorities, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies said the incident occurred in an area where multiple residences are located on the property of a dairy. Detectives spoke with witnesses who advised authorities that the suspect in the alleged stabbing, identified as 37-year-old Emilio Marcelino Trujeque, had fled the scene prior to the arrival of deputies.

According to Domingue, it appears both men, who lived on the property, were involved in some sort of altercation. Authorities said it is unknown if the two men lived in the same residence. According to deputies, it is believed that Trujeque allegedly used some sort of knife to stab the victim during the incident.

A knife was located which is believed to be associated with the incident, said Domingue.

At about 2 p.m. that afternoon., detectives located Trujeque in an area of Delhi where he was arrested and taken into custody without incident.

Authorities said a motive for the stabbing is unknown at this time and the victims name is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.

Trujeque was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony murder, according to jail records. He remains in custody in lieu of $1,000,000 bond.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriffs Office Investigation Bureau at 209-385-7472.
Man to be charged with attempted murder after firing at semi driver on I-57

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  An East St. Louis man is being charged for shooting at a semi-truck driver.

Champaign County States Attorney Julia Rietz said 40-year-old LeJoshua Smith will be arraigned in court Friday for attempted first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm after a shots fired incident Thursday afternoon.

READ MORE: Two arrested after shots fired, police chase on I-57 in Champaign Co.

Illinois State Police investigators said Smith was driving with a female passenger and two children when he passed a semi truck. He slowed down after passing, which led to the semi hitting his cars bumper.

After that collision, Smith told investigators he became enraged and fired eight shots with a handgun he had in his car near milepost 223. The bullets hit the cab side of the truck near the driver.

State police were able to locate Smith and his car about 20 minutes after Smith fired at the truck near milepost 249, but he refused to stop. He engaged in a multi-county chase with State Police, weaving between cars, driving on the shoulder and speeding in a construction zone. At some points, Smith was going as fast as 124 mph before State Police deployed stop sticks in Iroquois County.

ISP launches campaign against raging drivers

Rietz said the female passenger tried to convince Smith to stop, but she was unsuccessful.

If convicted, Smith faces up to 45 years in prison. Rietz said she is asking for pre-trial detention in this case.

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Man charged in August St. Louis murder, allegedly used victims gun to kill him

ST. LOUIS  A man recently charged in an August St. Louis murder case is accused of taking the victims gun and using it to fire fatal shots.

The St. Louis Circuits Attorneys Office has charged Dominic Cody, 25, of St. Louis, with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and two counts of armed criminal action amid the investigation.

Codys charges stem from a deadly shooting on Aug. 11 in the 5500 block of Genevieve Avenue in St. Louis Walnut Park East neighborhood. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reports that Marco Deloch, 16, of St. Louis, died in the shooting.

Police cut ties with 1st Phorm after founders rant against female cops

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, based on witness accounts, Cody approached Deloch and suggested that the two exchange guns. A short time later, Cody forcefully grabbed one of Delochs handguns and shot him in the chest, per court documents.

Investigators say that Cody took a second gun from Deloch before he ran away from the scene. Deloch died from his injuries. Authorities arrested Cody on Sept. 5 in connection with Delochs death.

Cody was ordered to jail without bond, according to online Missouri court records. He has a preliminary hearing over the murder case scheduled for Oct. 10.

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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  A Madison County Grand Jury has indicted the man charged with capital murder for the 2021 shooting death of an Alabama A&M student.

Lemond Lawrence Burns was charged with capital murder following the shooting on January 18, 2021, at the Huntsville Place Apartments.

Athens fifth-grader becomes 9th North Alabama student arrested for threat

During a preliminary hearing on July 5, 2022, in Judge Patrick Tutens courtroom, prosecutors called Huntsville Police Department (HPD) Investigator Greg Hayden to give an account of the alleged crime.

Investigator Hayden states that on January 18, 2021, Huntsville police officers responded to a shots fired call at an apartment complex off Century Street NW. When officers got there, they found 22-year-old Dallis Patrick Ryan Wolfe in a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds.

Hayden says through speaking with witnesses and watching surveillance video from the complex they were able to gather a clear understanding of the events that unfolded that day.

Investigators say the video showed Burns leaving the complex in one vehicle and Wolfe stopping at the security gate in a different vehicle to enter the complex. Hayden says the surveillance video shows Burns get out of his vehicle, approach Wolfes vehicle and exchange words as Wolfe was still in the car. Investigator Hayden says moments go by and then the video shows Burns shoot Wolfe with a semi-automatic chrome pistol.

Suspect charged with capital murder after Harvest shooting leaves one dead

Hayden says Burns then got back into his vehicle and drove away.

Law enforcement officers were able to identify the vehicle Burns left the complex in based on the tag number shown on the video. Investigator Hayden said they put out a be on the lookout for the Chrysler 300 Burns was driving. That car was spotted driving south on I-65.

Burns, who was 21 at the time, was taken into custody in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, and transported to the Madison County Jail. HPD was assisted by the U.S. Marshal Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Talladega Sheriffs Department.

In an interview with Burns, Investigator Hayden said Burns admitted to shooting Wolfe.

Burns told Hayden they were all living together in an apartment, though his name never appeared on a lease. The actual confrontation began over food missing from the fridge of the apartment.

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Venice resident Mary Klein poses at the Venice Canals where she was brutally attacked in April. Her assailant pleaded no contest Friday and was sentenced to life without parole. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

The man charged with raping two women and murdering one of them in brutal attacks along the Venice Canals on the same day in April pleaded no contest to the charges Friday and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Anthony Francisco Jones pleaded no contest to murder with special circumstances, two counts of rape, one count of sexual penetration by use of force, one count of mayhem, one count of torture and one count of sodomy by use of force in connection with the April 6 attacks.

After Jones pleaded no contest to those charges, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Cathryn F. Brougham sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 107 years to life, plus eight years for the mayhem offense.

Jones, during a court appearance, also admitted that he kidnapped the victims, committed offenses against more than one of them and inflicted great bodily injury on them. He also admitted that the murder occurred while he was engaged in the commission of rape and sodomy.

Sarah Alden, a 53-year-old mother of two, was left in a coma from her attack and eventually succumbed to her injuries. She was declared brain-dead on May 20 and removed from life support four days later; her organs were donated after she died.

The second woman, Mary Klein, was hospitalized with significant injuries, including multiple fractures to her jaw, but survived.

Klein described her ordeal to The Times from her hospital bed in the immediate aftermath of the attack. She had gone for a walk after work when she was struck to the ground and brutally beaten, leaving her with at least eight fractures to her jaw, several teeth knocked loose, a large cut to the back of her head and severe bruises covering her face and neck.

"Could this have been prevented?" Klein wondered in a statement that she read at the sentencing. "This guy was basically parading up and down Washington Boulevard at Venice Beach, L.A.'s popular tourist destination, with a half-empty bottle of liquor, intimidating women on the street. If he had been stopped before the attack, imagine how different life would be today for me, for Sarah, for Sarah's sons and for all the people terrorized by this attack."

Surveillance video from a nearby home in the 2700 block of Strongs Drive that captured the assault  which prosecutors described in a document requesting that Jones be held without bail  shows a man dragging Kleins body to the gate of a house.

The man is then seen in the video sexually assaulting Klein, who was unconscious, for about seven minutes. After the assault, he stands, pulls his pants up, kicks Klein and walks away. He then returns to Kleins side and kicks her in the head with full force as she was sitting up. As she lay on the ground, he stood with both feet on top of her head before finally leaving the scene.

It is The Times' policy not to identify victims of sexual assault unless they come forward publicly, but Klein, 55, agreed to share her story. Klein still needs tens of thousands of dollars' worth of orthodontic surgery and friends have established an online fundraising account.

That night of violence  with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive  has shaken the community. Many locals had always felt the tourist destination with multimillion-dollar homes perched along the waterways was safe, even when walking alone at night.

Following the sentencing, L.A. County Dist. Atty George Gascon praised the investigative work by the LAPD sex crimes detectives. Their tireless efforts and commitment to justice have been instrumental in holding the offender accountable and providing a measure of justice for the victims, he said.

"Our prosecutors fought hard to serve justice today in response to Mr. Anthony Jones vile actions, including a brutal murder. Our hearts go out to the victim, the survivor, their families, and the Venice community," the prosecutor added.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
An anti-vaccination conspiracy theorist who encouraged violence against Professor Sir Chris Whitty on social media has been found guilty of terrorism offences.

Patrick Ruane, from Paddington, west London, belonged to groups on Telegram that spread conspiracy theories about Covid-19 vaccines being designed for population control.

In a series of posts in 2021, the 55-year-old suggested "whacking" the chief medical adviser and said it was a "shame" a creator of the AstraZeneca vaccine had not been assassinated.

A jury at the Old Bailey found him guilty of two charges of encouraging terrorism - but cleared him of other offences.

During a two-week trial, the prosecution said that Ruane believed conspiracy theories about a "hidden agenda" in the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

While some of his expletive-laden posts - made in Telegram groups with thousands of users - expressed general anger, some advocated violence against specific individuals.

When it was announced that that children would be receiving the Covid-19 vaccination, Ruane said of those who manufactured and administered vaccines that he was "all for hunting them down" and "executing them where they stand".

Replying to a post about Sir Chris, he suggested that "all it would take is... whacking [the] target over the back of head with a rounders bat but a mace (a piece of metal ball and chain)".

This, he claimed, "would turn said target into a vegetable for the rest of its life".

In response to the creator of the AstraZeneca vaccine getting a standing ovation at Wimbledon, Ruane posted that it was "a shame there was not a sharp shooter" to take them out.

The court also heard Ruane referred to executing politicians.

Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker said it was likely the Crown would argue that Ruane had specifically targeted individuals with encouragements of violence.

Ms Faure Walker had told jurors that the posts spanned many months and encouraged serious violence and disruption designed to influence the government or intimidate a section of the public.

Ruane's posts reached a "very large audience" through two groups - one of which had 18,000 users and the other 8,000 - she said, suggesting some who viewed his posts could "have a range of susceptibilities".

The jury deliberated over seven hours to reach the guilty verdict by a majority of 10 to two.

However, Ruane was acquitted of a third charge of possessing material that would be useful to a terrorist, relating to a manual which was said to include viable instructions on making Semtex.

The audio producer, who has worked on films, posted images of Semtex and suggested using it to destroy 5G infrastructure. He also hinted that he had made it himself.

Ruane denied the charges and said his film work gave him a reasonable excuse for having a manual with instructions on how to make Semtex.

Judge Richard Marks KC adjourned sentencing until 8 November and granted Ruane conditional bail - but stressed that his position was "very serious".

The Crown Prosecution Service's counter-terrorism chief, Bethan David, described Ruane as "a dangerous man who was prolific in encouraging violence because of his firmly held beliefs in a conspiracy theory".

She added: "He posed a credible threat to the peace and safety of the public, and it is only right that he has been found guilty today."

Gareth Rees, from the Met Polices counter-terrorism command, said Ruane was not partaking in "idle chit-chat online", but "encouraging people to seriously injure or kill others [and] suggesting who to target".
Man is first to admit riot charge after disorder

The community is still recovering from disorder in Sunderland in August [PA Media]

A man has become the first in the country to admit a charge of riot, after widespread disorder last month.

Kieran Usher, 32, of Sunderland, pleaded guilty to the charge during a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said he was filmed working with a group of at least 20 people "to rain missiles onto attending police officers".

Judge Gittens told Usher he had pleaded guilty to "a very serious offence - but would receive a lot of credit for his early guilty plea".

He was remanded in custody and he is expected to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on 27 September.

'Shame upon city'

Christopher Atkinson, of the CPS, said the events of that night caused "immeasurable fear" for residents.

He added: "The co-ordinated and unlawful violence carried out by the group in this incident, the severity of which forced police to temporarily retreat from the assault, made a charge of riot wholly appropriate in this case."

Up to 700 people were involved in a night of violence in Sunderland city centre on 2 August, with police officers being subject to serious and sustained levels of violence.

Politicians and community leaders said the mass disorder - which included a building being burnt out and businesses being looted - had brought "shame" upon the entire city.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

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HENDERSON, N.C. (WNCN)  A 21-year-old has died and many questions remain after he was found near the base of a tree in Henderson on Wednesday.

That morning, at 10:08 a.m., deputies with the Vance County Sheriffs Office were called to 285 Vanco Mill Road. On arrival, deputies found the man in a seated position with a rope wrapped around his neck and the other end of the rope attached to a tree, according to a press release sent out on Friday.

That man has been positively identified as Javion Magee from Aurora, IL.









The area where Magee was found was outside of a fenced-in area, the sheriffs office said. The location is near a tractor repair business and a Baptist church near the intersection of Vanco Mill and Martin Creek roads.

Since being discovered, Magee has been transported to the North Carolina Chief Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy to be performed. At this time, authorities have not given a cause of his death.

Civil rights attorneys push for answers

Magees family has enlisted the help of national civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels and Lee Merritt as well as NC attorney Jason Keith to call for answers.

In a press release, a family spokesperson said authorities told them that they couldnt view the body and a video posted by a family member on social media went viral overnight.

As of today, the authorities havent shown us anything proving that this young man with no history of mental illness took his own life, said Daniels. How can the police expect us to take their word for it when they wont even let this family view the body?

Civil rights leader Bishop William Barber II has also spoken about the death investigation.

He said, We must have truth and transparency in this matter. Hanging is not a form of death that can be easily dismissed, particularly here in the South where it has been used as a weapon of terror against Black families for generations. I join attorneys Daniels and Merritt as they seek truth and justice for Javion McGee and his family.

The circumstances of Magees death remain under investigation and there is no determined cause of death. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriffs office at 252-738-2200.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  An Oklahoma County man has been found guilty of Second Degree Murder in connection to a September 2023 shooting.

According to the Oklahoma County Seventh District, Juanterra Givens was charged for the 2023 murder of 25-year-old Christopher Price.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Arrest made in deadly Oklahoma City motel shooting

Officials say Price was at the Oxford Inn on Lincoln Blvd. when he was shot in the back. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. Givens left the scene, but was arrested three days later by Oklahoma City Police and the U.S. Marshals.

Juanterra Cortez Givens. Image courtesy Oklahoma City Police.

Juanterra Givens.

During the investigation, authorities learned that there was an altercation between Givens and a man on the second-floor of the hotel. Officials say Givens pulled out a gun and fired it. It was later discovered that Price was not involved in the original altercation.

The jury suggested a 10 year prison sentence. Givens will be formally sentenced by the Court on October 18, 2024.

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Man found hiding from police in bed was wanted for killing man caught breaking into cars

Atlanta police are sharing new details on the murder that landed a man found in Clayton County behind bars.

Matt Washington Jr. was arrested in Clayton County on Monday after police found him hiding underneath the covers of his bed pretending to be asleep.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

He was wanted for an Atlanta murder that took place last month where a man was found dead in the drivers seat of a car.

Police say the man was found in critical condition in the parking lot of the Mark at West Midtown apartments on Bishop Street just before 3:45 a.m. He died several hours later.

Investigators say the victim, whose identity has not been released, was likely behind several car break-ins near Lenox Square before breaking into two more at the Bishop Street complex.

TRENDING STORIES:

Channel 2s Audrey Washington spoke to several car owners who showed her their cars had been broken into at the apartment complex.

Police say thats when Washington shot the man several times.

There is no word on what led up to the shooting or if Washington and the victim knew one another.

Washington is currently being held in the Fulton County Jail on a murder charge.

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GERMANTOWN, Md. (DC News Now)  Police in Montgomery County are investigating after a man was shot in Germantown late Thursday night.

Details remain limited; however, in a post on X around 11 p.m., the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) said officers were investigating a shooting in the 19900 block of Crystal Rock Drive.

Man accused of stealing Maryland state truck pleads guilty

Police said a man was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

As of Thursday night, there were no suspects in custody and the scene was secured.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A Bonita man has admitted to providing fentanyl to a 15-year-old girl in exchange for sex, ultimately leading to her death, according to a release from the office of U.S. attorney Tara McGrath Thursday.

Marcus Ray Chavez, 30, of Bonita pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday after being charged with sex trafficking of a minor and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.

Local Four people arrested after fentanyl bust in East County

According to the attorneys office, on at least four different occasions between September and November 2022, Chavez provided the girl with two M30 pills he knew were counterfeit drugs containing fentanyl. He also admitted that he knew the girl was underage.

The girl fatally overdosed on Nov. 12, 2022 from the pills Chavez provided, the release stated.

Chavez will be sentenced to no less than 20 years in custody which, according to the attorneys office, is the statutory mandatory minimum penalty for distributing fentanyl resulting in death.

Special agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administrations Overdose Response Team led the investigation with assistance from the San Diego Police Department.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
This undated image provided by the Suffolk County, N.Y., District Attorney, shows Noah Green, a 20-year-old gang member who has pleaded guilty to attempted murder for shooting two rival gang members in front of the New York home of then-Congressman Lee Zeldin, authorities said, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Suffolk County District Attorney via AP)

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (AP)  A 20-year-old gang member pleaded guilty in a drive-by shooting that wounded two rival gang members in front of the New York home of then-U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, authorities said.

Noah Green pleaded guilty Thursday to attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon and conspiracy for shooting at three men, striking two of them, outside Zeldin's home in Shirley on Long Island in 2022. Both men survived.

Zeldin, a Republican who was in the midst of an unsuccessful run for governor of New York, was not home at the time, but his two teenage daughters were.

The events that took place on October 9, 2022, were traumatic for my family and couldnt have hit any closer to home," Zeldin said in a statement.

Zeldin thanked Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney "and the many law enforcement officials who swiftly acted to keep my daughters safe, transport the victims, and take the necessary legal action to hold Mr. Green accountable.

Green was arrested on Oct. 31, 2022, with what prosecutors said was the gun used in the shooting. He was later indicted with 17 other defendants following an investigation into the No Fake Love gang for crimes including shootings and carjackings.

Newsday reported that during Thursday's hearing, Judge Anthony Senft asked Green, Are you pleading guilty because you are in fact guilty?

Yes, Green answered.

An attorney for Green, Michael Alber, told Newsday that said his client was seeking to put this matter behind him. ... He never wanted to be part of this at all.

Green is expected to be sentenced to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release at an Oct. 15 hearing.
MENDENHALL, Miss. (WJTV)  Simpson County deputies are investigating after they said a man was shot and killed as he entered his ex-girlfriends home.

Vicksburg Daily News reported the shooting occurred at a home in the 1400 block of Athens Road in Mendehall around 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10.

Body recovered after man drowns in Mississippi lake, sheriff says

According to Simpson County Sheriff Paul Mullins, the woman informed authorities that her ex-boyfriend, who was identified as Brian Stinson, had entered her home carrying a rifle. Mullins said another person was inside the home and shot Stinson.

Simpson County deputies, along with agents from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI), are investigating the shooting.

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A homeless man who violently attacked and raped two women in the Venice Canals earlier this year, one of whom later died from her injuries, has been sentenced to life in prison.

On Friday, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced that Anthony Francisco Jones, 30, will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Jones sexually assaulted 53-year-old Sarah Alden and 54-year-old Mary Klein in separate attacks on April 6 in the Venice Canals neighborhood of Los Angeles.

A candlelight vigil to honor Sarah Alden, who was killed in a brutal Venice attack, was held along the Venice Canals on June 13, 2024. (KTLA)

Aldens injuries were so severe that she was declared brain dead and was eventually taken off of life support and died weeks after the attack.

Klein, meanwhile, suffered traumatic injuries to her face and chest with photos from her hospital bed showing her bruised and swollen body.

Jones, who officials said was homeless, was captured on security cameras walking near the canals that night holding a liquor bottle that investigators said was used in the attacks. He was arrested days later after an intense search.

Jones pleaded no contest to charges that included murder, forcible rape and torture of the two victims. He also admitted to special allegations that he kidnapped the victims and killed Alden while committing rape, Gascon said.

In addition to his life sentence, he also received an additional sentence of more than 100 additional years in state prison.

Anthony Jones is seen walking around the Venice Canals area on April 6, 2024, on the evening he raped and beat two women who were out on evening walks.

Anthony Jones is seen walking around the Venice Canals area on April 6, 2024, on the evening he raped and beat two women who were out on evening walks.

Gascon called the attacks vile and brutal, and said his office worked hard to pursue justice for those affected by the crimes.

Our hearts go out to the victim, the survivor, their families, and the Venice community. The pain and loss experienced by these individuals and their loved ones is horrific, and we extend our deepest empathy and compassion to them during this incredibly difficult time, Gascon said.

The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Man shot to death in Alpharetta was beloved husband, father, colleague and friend

The man shot to death in downtown Alpharetta was a husband and father who moved to the area in 2015, and his family says he fell in love with his adopted hometown.

So good, we love downtown Alpharetta, Justin Mourning said in a YouTube clip shared by his family.

Mourning was shot several times Wednesday night after police say he got into an argument with a man on a motorcycle.

A police spokesperson said Mourning was upset with how the motorcyclist was driving through downtown.

Police responded just after 11 p.m. to a shots fired call at Milton Avenue and Main Street. Mourning, 46, died in the hospital.

On Thursday, Alpharetta police arrested 21-year-old Jaden Lewis, of Milton, charging him with murder and aggravated assault.

Justin Mourning was a beloved husband, father, colleague, and friend to many, said a written statement from Vanessa Edmonds, a spokesperson for the family.

He leaves behind his daughter, Tenlie, who graduated from Columbia University, and his son, Haden, whos a junior at Georgia Southern University.

Mourning and his wife of 17 years, Tiffany Mourning, moved to Alpharetta from Colorado.

Justin grew up in Denver and was a lifelong Broncos fan.

TRENDING STORIES:

He worked for Lumen Technologies, which issued a statement, saying: We deeply mourn the tragic loss of a member of the Lumen family. We are doing what we can to comfort his family and those who worked with him.

While police were looking for a suspect, they released images of the motorcyclist that were captured on the dash camera of a witnesss car.

In an incident report, officers say a man on a black Triumph Bonneville motorcycle returned to the scene because his phone had been found in the street. The mans name is redacted in the report, but police questioned him about where he had been that night and took down his license plate number.

Capt. Andrew Splawn of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety said police determined that Lewis, the suspect, was the motorcyclist in the photos. He said the two men did not know each other.

They got into an argument that evening over the motorcycle operator driving in the downtown area, Splawn said in a text to Channel 2s Bryan Mims.

Justin was a member of the TAG Cloud Society and a dedicated member of the Northpoint Community Church, the familys statement said.

He enjoyed walking the many beautiful miles of the Big Creek Greenway and spending time enjoying the many amenities of Alpharetta.

RELATED NEWS:




A man who shot and killed another man he had known throughout his life has been sentenced.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

James Hughes was sentenced to 20 to 25.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and having weapons while under disability, according to court documents.

In the early morning hours of July 29, 2023, Dayton police were called to DeSoto Bass apartments where they found Melchizedec Israel-Miller dead.

TRENDING STORIES:

Israel-Miller was found with a single gunshot wound to the back of his head.

Witnesses told police that Hughes and Israel-Miller were hanging out in a car when Hughes exited the car and for no apparent reason shot Israel-Miller.

Hughes was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Sept. 8, 2023.

Hughes claimed self-defense, saying that he and Israel-Miller had been having problems since 2015.

Hughes claimed Israel-Miller threatened him and he had to shoot him to avoid being killed.

However, witnesses could not corroborate this, according to a sentencing memorandum.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




LOS ANGELES, CA  A Hollywood man is heading to trial on federal charges he sought more than $65 million from the IRS by representing that his Beverly Hills farming business  which doesn't actually exist  was entitled to COVID-19 tax credits. He used millions of that money for personal expenses, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Kevin J. Gregory, 57, was expected to plead guilty Thursday to a single count of making false claims to the IRS. But no plea was taken by the judge and his trial date was set for Jan. 12, prosecutors said.

Last year, Gregory was charged with 17 counts of making false claims connected to IRS filings he made between 2020 and 2022. Gregory sought nearly $65.4 million in tax refunds for a Beverly Hills-based farming and transportation company called Elijah USA Farm Holdings. But the business did not exist, prosecutors said.

The tax refunds were connected to pandemic-era "employee retention credit" programs, which allowed businesses whose operations were impacted by COVID-19 to receive government money equal to a certain percentage of wages that the business paid to its employees, prosecutors said.

Gregory is accused of using $2.7 million in falsely obtained tax refunds for personal expenses, prosecutors said.

If convicted as charged, Gregory faces up to five years in federal prison.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Man Sought $65M In COVID Funds For Nonexistent Beverly Hills Farm: DOJ originally appeared on the Beverly Hills Patch
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  Food insecurity is a struggle for thousands of people in Central Illinois. Now, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department has released a map to help them find the food they need.

READ MORE: CUPHD launches interactive countywide map of food pantries

Officials put together the resource on google maps and it conveniently shows all food pantries and kitchens in the Champaign-Urbana area.

The Eastern Illinois Food Bank said food insecurity isnt just about not having something to eat; its when people dont have access to nutritional food. It affects 130,000 people throughout Eastern and Central Illinois.

We dont anticipate the need going down anytime soon, said EIFB Vice President of Development Amanda Borden. So, we recognize that our community is always going to come together to support those who need it. And certainly, thats what weve seen and were just very grateful to live in a community where people are willing to step up and help their neighbors.

The food bank works with 160 agencies in the area to help provide food security. You can find more information on how you can volunteer here, or to access the map click this link.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Turner County man convicted of nearly four dozen charges involving a child has been sentenced.

According to a press release from the South Dakota Attorney Generals office, 61-year-old Daniel Ringuette, of Marion, was sentenced on Thursday to 160 years in prison.

Mommy hell: Fentanyl poisoning claimed sons life

Ringuette was found guilty in May 2024 on 46 counts of criminal charges against a child by a Turner County jury but was sentenced on only 25 charges since the others stemmed from the same acts as the ones on which he was sentenced. Some of the charges Ringuette was sentenced on are first degree rape and sexual contact.

The crimes happened between 2016 and 2023.

These were violent crimes committed against one of the most vulnerable members of our society, Attorney General Marty Jackley said in the release. Law enforcement and prosecutors are committed to prosecuting crimes against children to the fullest extent of the law.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol Building on May 18, 2023 in Washington, DC. During the news conference Greene announced that she would be filing articles of impeachment against U.S. President Joe Biden. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

ROME, Ga. - A high-speed chase in Rome early Saturday morning led to a tragic head-on collision that claimed the lives of two people and left a 1-year-old child critically injured. It has also led to Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene blaming the Biden Administration.

Around 1:37 a.m. Sept. 7, a Rome Police Department officer spotted a black Dodge Charger speeding eastbound after turning from Lavander Drive onto Shorter Avenue. The officer attempted to pursue the vehicle, later identified as a Redeye edition Charger with a supercharged engine generating 797 horsepower.

The Charger quickly disappeared, leading the officer to end the chase and issue a lookout to nearby units. Shortly after, another officer traveling south on Riverside Parkway saw the Charger speeding east on Turner McCall Boulevard. By the time the officer reached the vehicle, it had been involved in a severe head-on collision with a Honda Accord, according to a press release from the police department.

The crash resulted in the deaths of two occupants in the Honda Accord, while a 1-year-old child in the vehicle was critically injured. The occupants of the Charger reportedly sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Authorities have identified the driver of the Charger as Omar Garcia. He is facing multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide, one count of serious injury by vehicle, DUI, fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, driving without a license, and driving too fast for conditions. Garcia is being held at the Floyd County Jail and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

OMAR ALEJANDRO GARCIA

Although the Rome Police Department did not identify Garcia as an undocumented immigrant, Rep. Greene (or someone who tipped her off) noticed that there appears to be hold on Garcia for ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement).

That led MTG to posting "The blood of these innocent Americans who were killed by this illegal alien are on the hands of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Secretary Mayorkas, and every open borders Democrat ."

She also wrote, "Kamala Harris claims she wants to fix the problems at our Southern border. Shes Vice President RIGHT NOW. If she really cared, she would have fixed this yesterday."

Early Saturday morning, an illegal alien, Omar Alejandro Garcia, crashed head-on into a car in my hometown of Rome, GA, seriously injuring a 1-year-old, Riley Harris, and murdering the infants mother, Kadrian Harris, and Malik Henderson.



The illegal is charged with two counts pic.twitter.com/tMSMyyJFIX  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) September 12, 2024

MTG is also making headlines this week for her criticism of right-wing activist Laura Loomer's "racist" post about Vice President Harris.
Marshal speaks on wildfires that threatened South MS neighborhood. Here are the findings

Two wildfires that swept through a South Mississippi neighborhood last month do not appear to have been intentionally set, and one was an accident caused by a contractor burning debris, the Jackson County Fire Marshal said.

A large fire that sent residents fleeing the Talla Pointe subdivision was ruled accidental. Its cause is undetermined, and investigators found no evidence to pinpoint where it came from, Fire Marshal Jeff Mattison said Friday.

Investigators determined a smaller fire north of Old Fort Bayou Road was an accident caused by a contractor burning debris in the area.

There was nothing there that showed that it was an intentionally set fire, Mattison said.

The two wildfires scorched 150 acres. They threatened more than 62 homes, burned backyard fences and crackled for hours through the trees. But authorities said miraculously, the wildfires caused no damage because firefighters doused the flames before they could ignite nearby homes.

Talla Pointe residents use hoses and sprinklers as a woods fire spreads near the St. Martin subdivision on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. Tim Thorsen/Sun Herald

The conclusions confirmed some residents suspicions. Some neighbors said they worried for months about construction crews who cut trees, stacked brush in piles and burned the debris instead of trucking it to a dumpster. Several said last month they saw one pile of branches burning near a building site off Old Fort Bayou Road on the day their neighborhood ignited.

Residents said they believe, stoked by wind, the fire spread.

Mattison said investigators found no criminal intent, and that the fire north of Old Fort Bayou Road was entirely accidental. The Jackson County Sheriffs Office said it filed no charges in connection to the blaze.

Mississippi allows the burning of land-clearing debris, and the practice is common across the county. Trucking debris away takes longer and is more expensive, but contractors burning branches or felled trees cannot use rubber tires, plastics or other starter fuels that would lead to excessive smoke. Fires also cannot cause traffic hazards and cannot happen if the area is under a high fire danger alert or emergency air pollution warning.

Burned trees line Bayou Talla Road in Jackson County on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. A forest fire on Aug. 8 came very close to the nearby neighborhood of Talla Pointe. Hannah Ruhoff/Sun Herald

Shannon Coker, communications director for the Mississippi Forestry Commission, said Jackson County was not under a burn ban when the fires hit in early August.

Mattison said contractors that burn debris in small areas do not need permits. Authorities ask, but do not require, contractors to notify the fire department when they burn. Mattison said it is unclear if the contractor on Old Fort Bayou Road did.

The U.S. Forest Service assisted the Jackson County Fire Marshals Office in the investigation.
Martha Stewart has finally weighed in on the 2024 election and endorsed a candidate.

During the 2024 Retail Influencer CEO Forum on Tuesday, Stewart shared that she would definitely be tuning in to the evenings debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump: Oh, you bet. But for the first time this go-round, she also said who shes voting for: Kamala, she said, with an emphasis on its correct pronunciation.

Stewart supports Harris because she wants a president who doesnt hate New York and doesnt hate democracy, she explained during an on-stage conversation with the Daily Beasts Chief Creative and Content Officer Joanna Coles.

Martha Stewart and Joanna Coles at the 2024 Retail Influencer CEO Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Julie Stapen

The 83-year-old lifestyle maven has been critical of Trump since 2006, when they both had versions of The Apprentice airing at the same time. After Stewarts version of the show faced low viewership, she blamed Trump for not honoring a deal she said they had for her to fire him, making way for her show to be the only one: Having two Apprentices was as unfair to him as it was unfair to me, she said at the time.

Trump, in turn, responded by chastising her with a public letter, accusing her of lying about an agreement and later told the press, I wish she would be able to take responsibility for her failure, as the two feuded.

She did publicly support Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016, telling CNN, We just cant have a country run by someone who is totally unprepared for what comes.

Stewart is a convicted felon but was only restricted from voting during her five-month prison sentence starting in October 2004 under Connecticut law, where she was a resident at the time. She was freed in 2005 and subsequently became a New York resident, where she is also free to vote.

74728179 Martha Stewart and Donald Trump fire up NBCs promo campaign for both Apprentice shows. The two icons gathered together to shoot multiple on-air spots for NBC on Aug. 8, 2005. NBC Universal

After Trumps victory in 2016, Stewart walked back her previous comments, congratulating him and expressing her excitement about having a true entrepreneur in the White House. She then stayed notably silent on the subject when Trump ran against Joe Biden in 2020.

In an interview with The New York Times in 2020, Stewart was asked whether or not she planned to endorse Biden or Trump for presidenta question she dodged. My personal conundrum is, my friends know who I am and what I stand for, she said, but in terms of being the owner of the magazine, how do you take sides when 50 percent of your readers might be on one side, and 50 percent on the other? Its difficult. Thats my answer to that.

Four years later, Stewart still acknowledges that while discussing politics means she could lose 50 percent of your viewers and your fans, she couldnt help, when asked, but confirm which side of the political divide she favors.

But dont expect to hear more from her on that subject any time soon. Im not allowed to talk [about politics]. I cant post anything about politics because first of all, the eyeballs of a parent company come and [Ill] get a call right awaycant do that, Stewart said. You cant talk [about that], sokeep it quiet.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  Panama City officials may be rolling out the red carpet for the Martin Theatres groundbreaking ceremony Friday, but residents will have to wait longer than expected before any show goes on.

The contract was so much more than what was expected as far as the renovations so that leads the construction inspection process to actually be much longer, Panama City Commissioner Josh Street said.

Renovation project underway for Bay High Schools front offices

Commissioners say the size of the project warrants the extension.

It was going to be about an 18-month process. Were actually seeing this is going to be a 29-month project. A lot of it has to do with the fact that it is two additional buildings. Theyre in a very old area of town. Almost all of these buildings are almost a hundred years old, so we dont know what were going to encounter, Street said.

Panama City commissioners awarded Burke Construction Group a $32 million contract in June to restore the historic theater.

DAG Architects also has a contract to oversee construction, engineering, and inspection. On Thursday, DAG asked for an additional $750,000 due to the project time extension, but commissioners dont like their price point.

Were saying that numbers too high, so go back. We need that number lower, Street said.

Pineapple Willys annual Pay it Forward fundraiser

Commissioners said theyre doing the best they can to negotiate a lower price with DAG.

We instructed staff to go back, renegotiate, get that estimate down, make sure that weve done absolutely everything we can to ensure that were going to have a good construction process, but also that were getting the best deal for the taxpayers, Street said.

The Martin Theatre was heavily damaged during Hurricane Michael. The city has secured $30 million in grant money to pay for the majority of the $32 million 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 mypanhandle.com.
Maryland woman is charged with vandalizing property during protests over Netanyahu's visit to DC

This image from United States Park Police video in an affidavit in support of an application for an arrest warrant for Isabella Giordano shows Giordano, circled in yellow, on July 24, 2024, in Washington, spray painting the base of a flagpole in Columbus Circle during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress. (USPP via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP)  A Maryland woman was arrested Friday on a charge that she vandalized federal property in Washington, D.C., during protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress in July.

A video posted on social media showed Isabella Giordano, 20, of Towson, using red spray paint to write Gaza on a fountain in front of Union Station and spray-painting the base of two of the flagpoles in Columbus Circle, according to a U.S. Park Police sergeant's affidavit.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington on July 24 to condemn Netanyahus visit. A group of protesters had a permit to demonstrate in front of Union Station, but the Park Police revoked the permit after it couldn't reach protest organizers that afternoon, the affidavit says.

Some demonstrators outside Union Station removed American flags and hoisted Palestinian ones in their place. Others burned flags and sprayed graffiti on structures in Columbus Circle. The National Park Service estimated that it cost more than $11,000 to clean up the site and fix damages.

The Park Police said it received two tips from witnesses identifying Giordano as a suspect in the graffiti.

Giordano was scheduled to make her initial court appearance on Friday. She is charged with one count of willfully injuring or depredating federal property. It wasn't immediately clear if she has an attorney.
BOSTON (WWLP)  A man from Boston was sentenced in connection with a nationwide drug conspiracy.

According to the Department of Justice, 41-year-old Francis Jose Perez-Baez was a Boston-based drug distributor who distributed large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. It as alleged that he received multiple kilograms of cocaine from a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization that utilized commercial semi-trucks to transport dozens of kilograms of cocaine throughout the United States, including to Massachusetts.

Truck driver sentenced after cocaine seized in Massachusetts

The investigation revealed that he paid nearly $280,000 in drug proceeds for multiple kilograms of cocaine. In addition, Perez-Baez sold fentanyl to a cooperating witness on multiple occasions.

Perez-Baez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He was sentenced to 120 months in prison, 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.
Washington state employees walked off the job on Sept. 10 to protest the compensation offers from Gov. Jay Inslee in the current contract talks. According to KOMO News: WFSE negotiators said they want to express their frustration with where the labor talks have gone. They called the wage offer proposed by the state  disrespectful and are demanding livable pay rates.

What exactly are these disrespectful wage proposals? We dont know. Nor do the state employees being goaded into a walkout by their union leadership.

Since 2004, state negotiations with union executives about how much taxpayers compensate government employees have been secret, even though these talks with the governors office involve hundreds of millions of dollars in public spending per biennium. Before 2004, compensation decisions were made transparently with public hearings. They were part of the normal legislative budget process. Thats as it should be.

In a video, WFSE leaders tell public employees that they cant share details of current pay talks until a tentative agreement has been reached, implying that they are being forbidden from doing so. Ashley Fueston, council vice president, said, The way that our bargaining structure works here in the state of Washington, we arent allowed to share the details of whats happening within bargaining.

What Fueston doesnt say is that secrecy is something union leadership wants and has fought to maintain. For example, Section 39.13 of the WFSE 2023-25 contract says: Bargaining sessions will be closed to the press and the public unless agreed otherwise by the chief spokespersons. No proposals will be placed on the parties web sites. There will be no public disclosure or public discussion of the issues being negotiated until resolution or impasse is reached on all issues submitted for negotiations.

Keeping taxpayers and public employees in the dark allows union leadership to get away with saying things like a compensation offer is disrespectful without actually providing any details.

Is the governor currently offering raises of 1%, 3% or more? How much more are union executives countering with and asking taxpayers to provide?

These are basic financial details that should be publicly available, especially if 50,000 state workers were told to walk off the job.

Government employee contract negotiations should be fully open to the public. At a minimum, all contract proposals and documents to be discussed should be made publicly available before and after the contact meetings, with fiscal analysis showing the potential costs. This would better inform the public and state employees about promises and trade-offs being proposed so all sides could decide if the offers are in fact disrespectful or instead reflect fiscal realities.

This type of transparency also makes clear whether one side or the other is being unreasonable in its demands, and quickly reveals whether anyone is acting in bad faith.

While we wait for these common-sense transparency reforms to be adopted, Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF), Washington Policy Center (WPC) and Mountain States Policy Center (MSPC) are working together on litigation to provide much-needed transparency after the contracts are agreed to.

In March 2023, CADF won its public records lawsuit against the governors Office of Financial Management (OFM) to force the release of initial offers in collective bargaining negotiations after the parties had signed agreements. The governors OFM filed an appeal at the Division II Court of Appeals, however, and the appellate court overturned the trial courts decision. This ruling conflicts with other public records cases of other appellate courts  including the state supreme court.

CADF has since appealed this public records case with the states highest court and WPC and MSPC are joining together on an amicus to help ensure that going forward, the public has access to all the details concerning taxpayer-funded government compensation agreements. While we wait for a decision from the state supreme court on the current public records dispute, we know that what is disrespectful is the anti-transparent demand for secrecy that keeps taxpayers and state workers from knowing what compensation offers are actually on the table.

Before calling on 50,000 public servants to walk off the job, providing basic transparency about the taxpayer-funded compensation offers should have been step one.

Elizabeth New is director of the Center for Worker Rights at Washington Policy Center. Jackson Maynard is the executive director at Citizen Action Defense Fund. Jason Mercier is vice president and director of research at Mountain States Policy Center.
Matthews Police chief resigns after less than a year on the job

Matthews Police chief resigns after less than a year on the job

MATTHEWS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  After less than a year on the job, Matthews Police Chief Mike Clesceri is resigning this month.

The town announced Clesceri, hired in January, will end his tenure Sept. 28 to return to Illinois due to unforeseen personal circumstances.

The men and women of the Matthews Police Department are some of the finest I have ever had the privilege of working with, and it is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation, Clesceri said in a statement released Thursday. They are deeply passionate about their work and genuinely care about the people they serve. Together, we have strengthened an already solid foundation for the next chief to build upon.

Charlotte City Council votes to purchase O-line, support transit sales tax

Clesceri has strong ties to the state where hes returning. He came to Matthews after serving as chief of the McHenry County Sheriffs Office in Woodstock, Illinois. He also is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

During his tenure with Matthews PD, the town says Clesceri implemented new processes, realigned patrol divisions, increased police presence downtown, streamlined reporting protocols, and made several new hires and promotions.

Major Roy Sisk will serve as interim chief while a search begins for a permanent replacement.

When Clesceri was hired earlier this year, Town Manager Becky Hawke touted his excellent track record of effective leadership and organizational development.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  In a heartwarming First News follow-up, the community has come through for Tom Brogdons 100th birthday. He received hundreds of hand written cards, making this day even more special.

Im surprised really, Brogdon said. I never thought anything like this would happen to me.

Not only did Tom Brogdon turn 100 years old Thursday, but the community made it that much more special with a room adorned with cards and filled with friends and family.

Warrens mayor Doug Franklin also made an appearance. He presented Brogdon with a proclamation letter dedicating today as Thomas Brogdon Day.

The city of Warren wishes to recognize the 100th birthday celebration of Thomas Brogdon, Franklin said. Great individuals like Mr. Brogdon who served not only our community but also our country. And serving even he has left a long legacy.

Brogdon served as a Marine. He also worked with NASA on the lunar module program project APOLLO. And hes been recognized many times before.

Community liaison Angie Stulgis put this surprise together for him. She said she was shocked by the communitys kindness.

Hes just an amazing guy, Stulgis said. All the accomplishments, and 100 years is just amazing. And hes just the most humble kind man that you would ever want to meet.

Dozens of cards lined the wall wishing Tom a happy birthday.

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Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to appoint West Side Ald. Walter Burnett to lead the City Councils powerful Zoning Committee after he faced pushback on naming a progressive council ally to the post.

The decision, confirmed by a top Johnson administration official Friday, marks a sharp change in course for Johnson, who for months had tried to put Southwest Side Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, into the position overseeing development. Sigcho-Lopezs appointment faced strong opposition from council opponents who argued he would be too politically radical and hostile to developers.

In Burnett, 27th, a mentee of former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White who is the longest-serving alderman in the City Council and is currently Johnsons vice mayor, aldermen said Friday they see a more acceptable pick.

The new choice is way less contentious, Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th, said.

I think Walter is someone that the whole council can work with and doesnt bring a lot of controversy to the position, he said.

Vasquez, member of both the councils Latino Caucus and Progressive Caucus, earlier pledged to not vote for Sigcho-Lopez. He had also angled for the Zoning chairmanship made available when Johnsons original selection, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th, resigned after being accused of using the positions power to politically bully colleagues last November.

Johnson had promised the Latino Caucus the coveted seat would stay in its ranks. But over 10 months later, that intention has given way to the mounting need to fill the chairmanship after no choice emerged who could win the support of both the mayor and the City Council.

The several bids for the position most recently included a push by Ald. Felix Cardona, 31st, a Northwest Side Latino alderman typically at odds with Johnson who sought to gain enough council support to take the seat with or without the mayors backing. But in Burnett, Johnson is offering the council a compromise appointee leading a West Loop ward hot with development.

Cardona said Friday he was weighing whether he will continue to pursue the chairmanship, but called it unlikely that he would.

The whole objective was anybody but Byron, he said.

He praised Burnett and called the new pick a respected safe bet, but also lamented the move as an act of disrespect toward Latinos.

That position really belongs to the Latino Caucus, Cardona said. As the Latino community, we lost a powerful position in city government.

The Burnett pick is also sure to be popular with developers who have enjoyed a building boom in the West Loop neighborhood he represents, but who in many cases worried Sigcho-Lopez would use the committee leadership post to press for more affordable housing, fight segregation and champion other progressive priorities prized by the Johnson administration.

I think hed be great, Ald. Sam Nugent, 39th, said of Burnett Friday morning. Vice Mayor Walter Burnett is a respected colleague who is known to work well with the entire City Council. He is respected by the business community and would be an excellent chairman for the Zoning Committee.

The pick also won instant praise from Ald. Stephanie Coleman, 16th. The leader of the councils Black Caucus, now set to gain a critical chairmanship, highlighted Burnetts years in the council spanning four decades.

Walter is fair. Walter has the relationships, he has the experience, she said. Hes just an exceptional individual and leader.

Slightly less enthused was Burnett himself. The alderman had told the Tribune in recent weeks that he was not seeking the position. He said Friday it had been proposed to him before.

And I said, No way, Jose,' Burnett said.

Burnett did not initially want the position because of the large time commitment it requires, he said, but offered himself to Johnson as a potential pick after recent controversies such as Sigcho-Lopezs nomination and disorder in Johnsons intergovernmental affairs team spiked City Council tension.

I said, Hey man, if you really need me to do this, I can do it.  And then a couple days later, I guess he thought about it, he said. I did this for the team. I did this for everybody. For the mayor, for alders, for developers.

Burnett promised to follow the aldermans lead when considering proposed developments while looking to bring in community input and mixed income housing. Chicago must compete with other states and cities in order to be a vibrant city, he said.

Ald. Bennett Lawson, 44th, has served for months as the committees interim chair.

Before news broke of Burnetts nomination Friday, first reported by WBEZ, Sigcho-Lopez told the Tribune he was still expecting to go forward as the Zoning chair pick.

But the fissures were evident, he conceded. After defending his track record leading the councils Housing Committee and promising to not change the impassioned tone that has drawn the ire of ideologically opposed colleagues  and made his appointment so contested  Sigcho-Lopez said that a pick for the long unfilled chairmanship will move forward at a Rules Committee meeting Monday even if its not him.

Were going to have a chair pretty soon. The business of the city of Chicago cannot wait for the Vrdolyak 29 to be ready, Sigcho-Lopez said, suggesting the bloc of aldermen opposed to him has behaved like the group of white aldermen who in the 1980s fervently opposed Harold Washington, the citys first Black mayor.

Were gonna see Monday.

jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
Mayors of some of Floridas biggest cities endorse Mucarsel-Powell for U.S. Senate

Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell turns in her paperwork at the Department of State building in Tallahassee on April 24, 2024. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix)

The Democratic mayors representing Miami-Dade, Orlando, Tallahassee, and Fort Lauderdale have endorsed Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in her race for U.S. Senate against GOP incumbent Rick Scott.

As a member of Congress, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell worked to bring federal funds to our state to restore our coral reefs and the Everglades, invest in the resiliency of our coastal communities, and protect our economic industries, said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Having worked with Debbie for years, I know she will be a fighter for all Floridians in the Senate and will always come to the table to deliver for Florida. I am proud to stand with her in her fight to build a brighter future in Florida and look forward to working together again.

I am excited to announce my endorsement for Debbie Mucarsel Powell to be the next U.S. senator from Florida, added Orlando Mayor Jerry Demings. Her experience as a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, as a leader in higher education, and as a grassroots advocate for nonprofits makes her an ideal candidate.

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis also announced their support for Mucarsel-Powell in a statement provided by her campaign.

I support Debbie Mucarsel-Powell because she brings the right philosophy and tireless commitment the job requires, said Trantalis. She will preserve Social Security and expand Medicare. She will be a great advocate for economic growth and the diverse needs of all our residents in the U.S. Senate.

Mucarsel-Powell is scheduled to participate in an Our Bodies Our Lives Rally on Saturday morning in Miami with Levine Cava, FDP Chair Nikki Fried, and CNN commentator Ana Navarro. Later in the day, shell appear in Scotts hometown of Naples for a rally with Rhode Island Democratic U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.
FILE - Organizers load boxes of signed petitions seeking to get a measure on the November ballot that would repeal a new Nebraska law providing taxpayer money for private school tuition, July 17, 2024, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Margery Beck, File)

A ballot measure seeking to repeal a new conservative-backed law that provides taxpayer money for private school tuition should appear on the state's November ballot, the state Supreme Court ruled Friday.

The court found that the ballot measure does not illegally target a government appropriation, which was what lawyers who sought to pull the repeal measure from the ballot had argued.

An order to strip the repeal measure from the ballot would frustrate the fundamental purpose of the referendum provision to give the people the right to vote on specific legislation, the unanimous ruling read.

The ruling came just days after the states high court heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit brought by an eastern Nebraska woman whose child received one of the first private school tuition scholarships available through the new law. Her lawsuit argued that the referendum initiative violates the state constitutions prohibition on voter initiatives to revoke legislative appropriations for government functions.

An attorney for the referendum effort countered that the ballot question appropriately targets the creation of the private school tuition program, not the $10 million appropriations bill that accompanied it, and the court agreed.

Republican Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen certified the repeal measure last week after finding that organizers of the petition effort had gathered thousands more valid signatures than the nearly 62,000 needed to get the repeal question on the ballot.

But in an eleventh-hour brief submitted to the state Supreme Court before Tuesday's arguments, Evnen indicated that he believed he made a mistake and that the referendum is not legally sufficient.

The brief went on to say that Evnen intended to rescind his certification and keep the repeal effort off the ballot unless the high court specifically ordered that it remain.

If Evnen were to follow through with that declaration, it would have left only hours for repeal organizers to sue to try to get the measure back on the ballot. The deadline for Evnen to certify the general election ballot is Friday.

An attorney for repeal organizers, Daniel Gutman, had argued before the high court that there is nothing written in state law that allows the secretary of state to revoke legal certification of a voter initiative measure once issued.

Chief Justice Mike Heavican, writing in a concurring opinion, agreed with Gutman's assessment.

The Secretary concedes that he made a determination that the referendum was valid and sufficient and met legal sufficiency requirements.' Once done, I am aware of no process by which the Secretary can change his mind and rescind his legal sufficiency determination and not place the referendum on the ballot, Heavican wrote.

A similar threat by a Republican secretary of state played out in another GOP-controlled state this week. Last month, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft certified a ballot measure that asks voters to undo the states near-total abortion ban. But on Monday, Ashcroft reversed course, declaring he was decertifying the measure and removing it from the ballot.

The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Ashcroft to return the measure to the ballot.

Public school advocates who organized the Nebraska repeal ballot effort lauded Friday's ruling, but they warned that school choice advocates plan to spend millions in ads to get the proposed repeal voted down in November.

At every turn, those wanting to use public funds to pay for their private schools have fought against the right of Nebraskans to vote on this issue, said Jenni Benson, who serves on the board of the group Support Our Schools Nebraska and is president of the state's largest teachers union. But Nebraskans support public education - they know their local public schools are the heart of their communities.

The state attorney general's office, which had argued for the removal of the repeal measure, thanked the court for its consideration but declined to comment on the ruling.

The Nebraska Supreme Court's ruling comes after a long fight over the private school funding issue. Public school advocates carried out a successful signature-gathering effort this summer to ask voters to reverse the use of public money for private school tuition.

It was their second successful petition drive. The first came last year when Republicans who dominate the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature passed a bill to allow corporations and individuals to divert millions of dollars they owe in state income taxes to nonprofit organizations. Those organizations, in turn, would award that money as private school tuition scholarships.

Support Our Schools collected far more signatures last summer than was needed to ask voters to repeal that law. But lawmakers who support the private school funding bill carried out an end-run around the ballot initiative when they repealed the original law and replaced it earlier this year with another funding law. The new law dumped the tax credit funding system and simply funds private school scholarships directly from state coffers.

Because the move repealed the first law, it rendered last years successful petition effort moot, requiring organizers to again collect signatures to try to stop the funding scheme.

Nebraskas new law follows several other conservative Republican states  including Arkansas, Iowa and South Carolina  in enacting some form of private school choice, from vouchers to education savings account programs.
Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana petition circulator Marcie Reed, at left, helps Rachel Ayalon sign the ballot measures on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, in Lincoln. Former State Sen. Adam Morfeld, a sponsor of the petition, watches in the background. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  The ballot initiatives to legalize and regulate medical marijuana in Nebraska have officially been certified for the November ballot in the face of a local lawsuit and a statewide investigation into whether enough of the signatures were valid.

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen announced Friday that the campaign from Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana officially garnered nearly 90,000 valid signatures as of Friday. It comes the same day that Evnen must finalize the Nov. 5 general election ballot, and one year to the date from when the signature-gathering campaign kicked off its third attempt in 2023.

Evnen said an ongoing investigation from Attorney General Mike Hilgers Office has uncovered serious questions about the signature collection process for the petitions. At least one signature gatherer has been charged with a felony.

I am certifying the petitions because, at this point, they appear to have met the threshold signature requirements, Evnen said in a statement. That could change in light of the Attorney Generals investigation. Both cannabis petitions will appear on the ballot, but a court could order later that the initiatives be thrown out.

Crista Eggers, statewide campaign manager for the medical cannabis effort, thanked Hilgers and local officials for looking into any irregularities and working to protect the integrity of the public initiative process.

Circulators are held to an extremely high standard and are required to strictly follow all legal requirements for collecting signatures, Eggers said in a statement. Any circulators caught violating the law should be held accountable for their actions.

What the petitions do

Both 2024 petitions would define cannabis as all parts of the plant of the genus cannabis, including marijuana, hashish and concentrated cannabis, but not hemp as defined in state law.

One effort, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, would legalize possessing, manufacturing, distributing, delivering and dispensing cannabis for medical purposes and would create the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee the law.

If enacted, the commission would need to establish criteria to accept or deny applications for registered cannabis establishments by July 1, 2025. By Oct. 1, 2025, it would need to begin granting such applications.

The other petition, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, would set an allowable amount of medical cannabis at five ounces; would exempt patients and caregivers from using or assisting someone else in using the cannabis; and would require a written recommendation from a health care practitioner, as well as a legal guardian or parent in the case of minors, prior to prescription.

Evnen first announced that the campaign had surpassed the signature threshold to qualify for the ballot on Aug. 30 but had said some signatures were still being counted statewide.

Initiative petitions require valid signatures from at least 7% of registered Nebraska voters (about 86,500), including from at least 5% of voters in at least 38 of Nebraskas 93 counties.

The campaign submitted more than 114,000 signatures in July for each of its two petitions. Evnens office confirmed that nearly 90,000 signatures were validated for each petition, both exceeding the 5% signature threshold in 52 counties.

Today marks a momentous day for the patients of Nebraska, who are one step closer to safe and regulated medical cannabis access, Eggers said. We are grateful for all of the Nebraskans who have not only supported us but been the heart and soul of this fight.

Legal challenge, investigation pending

The campaign faces at least one local legal challenge, filed Wednesday by John Kuehn of Heartwell, a veterinarian and rancher who previously served in the Nebraska Legislature and was appointed to the State Board of Health by then-Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Kuehn is arguing Evnens office has yet to provide access to the petition pages collected statewide pursuant to a public records request for an independent review of the campaigns signatures, as county officials have now certified through Evnen.

The lawsuit asks the Lancaster County District Court to either prevent Nebraskans from voting on the measures or prevent Evnen and other constitutional officers from certifying the results of those measures.

Kuehns arguments allege the group did not gather enough valid signatures, that the measures would be an unlawful delegation of power from the Legislatures authority to regulate and alleging the law couldnt take effect because federal law classifies marijuana as an illegal Schedule I drug.

As of Friday morning, the case before Judge Susan Strong had not been scheduled.

As of February, 38 states allowed cannabis for medical use, and 24 of those states have also legalized recreational marijuana use, according to the Pew Research Center. Washington, D.C., has also legalized both.

In May, the federal government officially began what could be a lengthy process to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug, on the same level as heroin or LSD, to a Schedule III drug, on the same level as Tylenol with codeine or ketamine.

Hilgers, who opposed medical marijuana as a state lawmaker, announced the investigation with local officials Friday morning into alleged signature fraud on the medical marijuana petitions. Hall County officials criminally charged one Grand Island man as part of that process.

Hall County Election Commissioner Tracy Overstreet confirmed to the Nebraska Examiner that the numbers Evnen used did not include those allegedly fraudulent signatures.

They were flagged as fraudulent and rejected and not counted toward those totals from the get-go, Overstreet said Friday morning.

Hilgers has led a statewide campaign as attorney general against delta-8, which contains THC, the compound in the cannabis plant most commonly associated with getting a person high.

Third time for the campaign

The cannabis campaign began in 2019 after legislative efforts had stalled. Organizers submitted enough signatures for their first attempt in 2020, but the solo petition was thrown off the ballot.

At that time, the Nebraska Supreme Court determined legalization and regulation were two distinct and separate subjects, violating the Nebraska Constitutions single subject rule. Kuehnis arguing the petitions, now divided into regulation and legalization, again each violate that rule.

In 2022, the campaign tried again but didnt get enough signatures.

In September 2023, the group returned with the two separate petitions and approached this go around as the third and final campaign cycle, banking on success.

Opponents of medical marijuana, including Gov. Jim Pillen, have often argued that access to medical marijuana should only be allowed if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves of it. Pillen has said legalizing marijuana poses demonstrated harms to our children.

Ricketts, now a U.S. senator, made national headlines in 2021 as governor for stating that if voters legalized marijuana, youre gonna kill your kids.

Eggers helped organize the petitions on behalf of her son, who has epilepsy and severe seizures. When the campaign launched in September 2023, she pushed back and said it was daily horrific seizures that were killing her child.

Other 2024 ballot measures

In addition to the medical cannabis ballot measures, Evnen confirmed all four other ballot measures certified for the general election ballot will also head to the Nov. 5 election.

Paid sick leave law  Enact a new state law that would require businesses with 20 or fewer employees to fund at least five paid sick days each year for full-time employees. Larger businesses would need to fund at least seven sick days per full-time employee each year. An hour of sick leave would be earned after every 30 hours worked.

Fetal viability abortion constitutional amendment  Codify a right to abortion until fetal viability as determined by a health care provider, with a later exception for the mothers health.

First trimester abortion constitutional amendment  Prohibit abortions after the first trimester or pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. Future restrictions would be allowed.

Partial repeal of Legislative Bill 1402  Repeal the $10 million scholarship program, enacted earlier this year, that the state treasurer oversees to distribute to students to attend K-12 private schools.

The abortion-related and schools-related petitions all faced legal challenges before the Nebraska Supreme Court. Justices unanimously rejected those arguments in Friday rulings.

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TechCrunch

General Catalyst, one of Silicon Valley's largest capital firms, is gearing up to launch whats known as a continuation fund worth between $800 million and $1 billion, according to a person familiar with the plans. A continuation fund consists of a portion of stakes that the VC firm has in portfolio companies. With around $25 billion in assets under management as of 2023, General Catalyst's exact continuation fund portfolio composition is still being determined.
Democrats who are in high spirits over Vice President Harriss debate performance and buoyed by her rise in the polls have one doubt that nags at them above all others.

Its the knowledge that former President Trump has consistently outperformed his poll numbers in the past  and the fear that he might do so again.

Given that many polls already have the battleground states balanced on a knife-edge, the idea of history repeating itself is a Democratic nightmare.

I think we still have to worry about a Trump surge, Celinda Lake, one of two leading pollsters for President Bidens 2020 campaign, told this column via email.

One of the central difficulties for any pollster is how to model turnout. In most cases, that involves an educated guess about how many people from which demographics will actually cast ballots.

Thats one reason for Lakes concern.

Trump is winning men who have not voted previously, she stated. Most pollsters are adjusting. Our firm looks at two turnout estimates now. One the average and one looking at [a] Trump surge.

Harris doesnt have any leeway if such a surge took place.

In the polling averages maintained by The Hill and Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ), Harris leads nationally by 3.4 points, but the races are much closer in most of the key states.

In the three blue wall states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin  all of which are vital to Harriss hopes  she leads by 0.4 points, 0.8 points and 3.0 points respectively.

DDHQ currently gives Harris a 54 percent chance of prevailing in November.

The organizations director of data science, Scott Tranter, warned Democrats against taking any confidence from that number.

In probability terms, a 54 percent chance of winning basically means that in an imaginary scenario where the election could be run 20 times, Harris would win 11 times and Trump 9 times.

If you feel comfortable with a 54 percent chance, then you probably have to understand probabilities a little better, Tranter said. This is a coin flip. Nobody should be surprised if Kamala Harris wins or if Donald Trump wins, any more than you would be surprised if you flipped a coin and it came up tails.

As the public focuses on the tightness of this years race, the specific ways in which the polls went awry in Trumps previous two White House runs bears emphasizing.

Back in 2016, national polls measuring Trumps performance against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton were not off by a massive amount.

The final RealClearPolitics (RCP) average before Election Day had Clinton besting Trump by 3.2 points. In the actual results, she beat him by 2.1 points in the popular vote  while, of course, losing the Electoral College.

The result was such a shock partly because the polls missed so badly in the decisive states. Across the blue wall, pollsters measured Clintons showing with startling accuracy but markedly underestimated Trumps vote share.

In the worst case of all, Wisconsin, the final RCP average predicted Clintons vote share within 0.3 percentage points of what she actually received.

But it underestimated Trumps by almost 7 points. He edged Clinton out by winning 47.2 percent of the vote, way ahead of the 40.3 percent the final RCP average had projected.

In the wake of the 2016 shocker, there were various explanations offered about why the polls might have underestimated Trumps support.

Suggestions included that the pollsters models of turnout had been off, underestimating rural and exurban turnout for Trump; that Trump supporters, perhaps more distrustful than their Democratic counterparts of polls and the media, were more reluctant to respond to surveys; or that some respondents had simply lied, ultimately backing Trump in the privacy of the voting booth having declined to tell a pollster they were going to do so.

The 2016 outcome sparked a lot of introspection on the part of pollsters, but the industrys overall performance in the 2020 race wasnt much better.

In fact, in 2020 the national polls were further off than in 2016. The final RCP average predicted a 7-point victory for Biden, though he prevailed in the real popular vote by 4.5 points.

Another factor remained the same: Pollsters were excellent at estimating the Democratic nominees level of support but poor at predicting Trumps. The final RCP average came within one-fifth of a percentage point of Bidens actual vote. But it underestimated Trumps by almost 3 points.

In the three blue wall states, Wisconsin once again produced the biggest miss, with the final RCP average underestimating Trumps actual vote share by almost 5 points.

Misfires on that scale put the current polls in this years race into stark perspective. As of Thursday evening, The Hill/DDHQ polling averages of seven battleground states showed only one in which either Trump or Harris was leading by more than a single percentage point.

The state in question, where Harris is up 3 points, was Wisconsin.

There have not been enough polls since Tuesdays debate to get a firm picture of whether the clash changed the race in any fundamental way.

Harris was widely seen as the victor and, on Thursday, Trump asserted in a social media post that there would be no more debates.

Also Thursday, Trump pollsters Tony Fabrizio and Travis Tunis issued a memo  made public by the campaign  that asserted that its own polls showed a 2-point bump for Trump after the debate, while Harriss support had remained flat.

However, a new Morning Consult poll, also taken after the debate and released Thursday, showed Harris with a 5-point national lead  her largest edge in any poll so far from the organization.

Harriss campaign continues to insist she is the underdog  though there is a question mark over whether her aides sincerely believe this or are using the claim to keep the motivation of her supporters sky-high.

One thing is sure: The race is very close indeed, and Democratic anxieties are going to remain sharp all the way until the results come in.

The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Merrett Stierheim, the Miami-Dade county manager who steered the regions enormous run of public works projects that newcomers may take for granted today, died in July.

One of the projects Stierheim helped lead, Zoo Miami, plans a public celebration of life at its Kendall area amphitheater on Sept. 25. The date was chosen because its Stierheims birthday. He would have turned 91.

The memorial is free but you must reserve and check in at the entrance, said Ron Magill, Zoo Miamis communication director.

He is one of the founding fathers of modern-day Miami-Dade County and was a major driving force in the development and opening of what was then called Miami Metrozoo, Magill said in an email interview with the Miami Herald. I was privileged to have him write the forward to the coffee table book that I wrote on the history of Metrozoo and beyond proud and privileged to call him one of the greatest mentors and friends of my life. There was no one more honest, moral and dedicated to fairness and the better good than Merrett Stierheim.

READ MORE: Merrett Stierheim, county manager who shaped modern Miami-Dades government, dies at 90

File photo from March 27, 1998. Merrett Stierheim, Miami-Dade County manager, posed for a photo in the countys high-rise offices at the Government Center in Downtown Miami.

Stierheim, during his first decade as the county manager from 1976 to 1986, managed the spending that resulted from the Decade of Progress bond package that was approved in 1972. Under his leadership, Miami-Dade saw the construction of the Metrorail and Metromover public transportation systems and the 29-story Stephen P. Clark Government Center.

Stierheim was also the engine that fueled the arrival in 1980 of todays Zoo Miami from its 1940s origins as Crandon Park Zoo to its sprawling campus in South Miami-Dade that hosts his tribute.

Ron Magill (far right), the communications director at Zoo Miami, leads a group of South Florida residents during a rally at the zoo on Nov. 4, 2023, to convince the Miami-Dade commission to vote against the controversial plan to build the Miami Wilds water park next to Zoo Miami.

Merrett was a very special mentor and friend to me, said Magill, Zoo Miamis spokesman since its inception. Were it not for him, I would have left the zoo years ago when I was offered a very prestigious position at another zoo. When he found out I was going to leave, he called me up and said, No, youre not! Youre too valuable to lose! He asked what it would take to keep me here. I told him, not thinking anything could be done, and he said, Lets do a county reclassification of your position that better describes what you do and gives you what you deserve.

He helped guide me through the county reclassification process that can be very laborious and lengthy, Magill said. I was so moved that this man who quite frankly intimidated me very much, would go to such lengths to keep me here. Other than the founding director of the zoo, Bob Yokel, who was very close to Merrett, I had never felt as appreciated and cared about as I did by Merrett.

If you go

Portrait of Miami-Dade County Manager Merrett R. Stierheim on Aug. 29, 2000.

What: Celebration of Life for Merrett Stierheim

When: 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.

Where: Zoo Miami Amphitheater, 12400 SW 152nd St., South Miami-Dade.

Reservations: Let the zoos organizers know you are attending by clicking www.zoomiami.org/rsvpstierheim. An RSVP is required and there will be a check-in list at the celebration.

Details: Light refreshments will follow the celebration. Donations may be made to the Merrett R. Stierheim Fund at Zoo Miami Foundation.
Men accused of opening fire, shooting 12 year old plead not guilty

Men accused of opening fire, shooting 12 year old plead not guilty

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The two men accused of opening fire and killing a 12-year-old girl appeared in court today for arraignment.

Antoine Benson, 23, and Javen Conner, 19, pleaded not guilty to several charges including murder. The two men are accused of opening fire on three houses on Fairview Ave. last month, striking and killing Isabella Amor Carlos who was asleep in bed.

Police investigating source of bomb threat in Springfield: See something, say something

The judge set the cash surety bonds for both men at $1 million.

Theyre set to appear in court again on Sept. 26.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Two men are facing 40 charges each including multiple counts of breaking into motor vehicles in Laurens County.

The Laurens County Sheriffs Office arrested Jason Aristide, of Greenwood, and Brandon Zykeviz Robinson, of Woodruff, in connection to an almost two-week investigation.

An investigation was initiated on August 29 when multiple car break-ins were reported in the areas of Lakewood Drive, Woodberry Drive and Sunset Boulevard.

On Tuesday, September 10, deputies located and arrested Aristide. Robinson was arrested two days later.

Both individuals received 40 charges including larceny, criminal conspiracy, malicious injury to property, financial transaction card theft, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and breaking into motor vehicles.

The men were booked into the Laurens County Detention Center.

Deputies mentioned a juvenile has also been identified as a suspect in the investigation. The individual will be charged accordingly through the Department of Juvenile Justice according to officials.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Mexico's president asks Sinaloa cartel to act 'responsibly' as violence escalates in the north

Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador delivers his last State of the Union at the Zocalo, Mexico City's main square, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday asked the warring factions of the Sinaloa cartel to act "responsibly so no one else gets killed, after a week of escalating violence nearly paralyzed the Sinaloa state capital, Culiacan.

Asked by a journalist if he trusted that the cartels would heed his call, Lopez Obrador answered bluntly: The president of Mexico is always listened to.

Even by criminals?" pressed the journalist.

By everyone, more so if one has moral authority, responded the president.

The exchange Friday during the president's morning press briefing is the latest in a series of instances where Lopez Obrador has downplayed the clashes between factions of the Sinaloa cartel.

The president, who leaves office on Sept. 30, has repeatedly refused to confront cartels, laying out various justifications for his hugs, not bullets strategy offering opportunities to youths so they wont join cartels.

The latest clashes in Culiacan are the latest example of the violence that continues to plague Mexico, where cartels employ increasingly sophisticated forms of warfare including roadside bombs or IEDs, trenches, home-made armored vehicles and bomb-dropping drones.

The cartels "have to look for other ways, so they do not harm innocent people ... and avoid further loss of life, Lopez Obrador said on Friday. They also should take care of themselves and their families.

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.

As of Thursday, state authorities had reported at least 12 dead, 11 people with gunshot wounds, 20 reports of missing people and 31 cases of car robberies. The actual number of fatalities may be higher since the cartels often pick up their own dead.

Streets in Culiacan appeared empty as schools and businesses remained closed Friday and festivities around Mexican Independence on Sept. 15-16 were officialy canceled by the local government.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Miami County Kansas Sherriffs Office is asking for public assistance in identifying the person or vehicle responsible for damage caused at the Fontana Cemetery.

The sheriffs office claims that sometime between Monday, September 9 and Wednesday, September 11, a vehicle left the roadway at 383rd Street and Osage Street, damaging the fence of the cemetery.

River Market businesses are the latest target for break ins

The estimated damage is valued at over $5,000.

If you have any information, Miami County Sheriffs Office is asking that you contact Deputy Ethan Caldwell at 913-294-3232 or remain anonymous at 816-474-TIPS.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Michigan students are still missing school days at a staggering rate.

The state's chronic absenteeism rate declined from 30.8% to 29.5% in the last school year, according to data released Friday by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). The decline inspired optimism among MDE leaders, but the rate remains far higher than pre-pandemic numbers, when 19.7% of students were chronically absent in the 2018-19 school year. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days.

Our students need to attend school regularly to maximize their school experiences," said Michael Rice, state superintendent of education. "Despite our progress, far too many students are chronically absent. We need to work together to redouble our efforts and remove barriers to school attendance.

Michigan's chronic absenteeism rate was one of the highest in the nation in the aftermath of the pandemic. While the rate has declined from 38.5% in the 2021-22 school year, the rate was still the one of the highest among 42 states reporting data for 2022-23 according to FutureEd, a think tank at Georgetown University.

More: Chronic absenteeism has run rampant post-pandemic. The Biden admin is taking action

Detroit Public Schools Community District has long struggled to coax the families of chronically absent students to get them to school. According to the new data, the district's chronic absenteeism rate declined from 66.1% in the 2022-23 school year to 65.8% in 2023-24, still far above 62.1% in 2018-19.

Economically disadvantaged students are more likely to be chronically absent, according to experts, which suggests that these students need more resources and support to regularly get to school.

Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan public school chronic absenteeism still high, data shows
Michigan residents have until the end of the month to apply for tax credits to help save on heating bills.

Qualified Michiganders can apply for the Home Heating Credit ahead of a Sept. 30 deadline through free tax preparation services, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Over the past five years, about 257,500 claimants received an average credit of $209 each year, the department has said. Most often, the credit is applied directly to utility bills.

"The Sept. 30 deadline is around the corner, so please don't wait to claim the Home Heating Credit, said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel in a news release. This credit will help provide financial relief to families as we head into the fall and winter, leaving more money available for other critical needs.

Who qualifies

Residents must be a renter with a lease contract or a homeowner to qualify for the home heating credit. The applicant must also meet income requirements. There are two ways the credit is calculated  standard and alternate. The former, based on so-called standard allowances set by the law, is for those who lived in Michigan the year they make the claim, the claimed heat costs is for a home in the state and income falls below certain income caps and the number of exemptions.

The latter, the alternate credit, uses heating costs from the previous year to determine the credit. An applicant would, for instance, input the amount he or she was billed for heat between Nov. 1 2022 to Oct. 1, 2023, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. For more information about home heating credit, go bit.ly/HomeHeatingCreditInformation.

How to apply

To apply, Michiganders are encouraged to consult a tax preparer. Free tax preparation is available for those who qualify, including residents with disabilities, those who speak limited English and people earning less than $60,000 a year. To get free tax help, call the Michigan's 2-1-1 helpline or go to michiganfreetaxhelp.org.

Residents whose heat is provided by DTE Energy, Consumers Energy and SEMCO Energy Gas may have their credit sent directly to the energy provider, according to the state treasury department.

Contact Nushrat Rahman: nrahman@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @NushratR.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Deadline to save on heating bills fast approaching. What to know.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  It has been eight days since four people were killed after authorities said a 14-year-old suspect opened fire at a high school in Winder, Georgia.

LaTasha McMillan, a Michigan native now living in Georgia, is one of hundreds of neighbors still grieving this tragedy. Her niece Jeina, was inside the high school when the shots were fired.

It was a chaotic day; it was very very scary. Right now  I think I am still in a state of shock, McMillan told News 8. My niece did lose her math teacher, and she is pretty devastated right now. The first thing I did was I just hugged my niece, I just hugged her for as long as I could and just told her that I was so sorry that she had to experience this.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the students killed in the shooting at Apalachee High School as Mason Schermerhorn, 14, and Christian Angulo, 14. The two teachers were identified as Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie.

What we know so far about the victims of the Apalachee school shooting in Georgia

The deadly shooting is a reminder that McMillan is no stranger to gun violence. He said it has been nonstop for her and her family for years.

McMillan lost her brother to gun violence when she was 15 years old and living in Grand Rapids. Ever since, throughout living in different states, tragedy continues to cast a long shadow. That violence even connects back to her Michigan roots.

An undated photo of Michael Farmer. (Courtesy La Shanna Farmer)

Back in July, 63-year-old Michael Farmer was found dead in Muskegon after being reported missing. Farmer was McMillans uncle.

Man killed in Muskegon area remembered for big heart

According to a release from the Muskegon Police Department, 63-year-old Michael Farmer was reported missing on July 1 from a Muskegon Heights neighborhood. A week later, police say Farmers body was found in his vehicle, located on Fleming Avenue near Winters Street in Muskegon.

And it doesnt end there.

Just two days before the Georgia school shooting, McMillans childhood friend Carlos Piggee was shot and killed after a dispute at a party in Muskegon.

Muskegon police say they are working with federal investigators to try to arrest the person suspected of shooting and killing Piggee.

Muskegon police: Deadly shooting stemmed from dispute

People like me, we are tired. I am tired of getting that phone call, she said. I am at the point where sometimes, especially if its late at night, I am shell-shocked if I get a call late at night, Im terrified. And usually, its a good call but because I have been through those things, thats the trauma that I have inside of me, it scares me. But it doesnt have to be that way.

As the Georgia shooting still looms over the community, McMillan rallied her strength for her neighborhood. She said she hosted a vigil for her community just four days after the shooting, hoping it would serve as a beacon of hope for the future.

A vigil hosted in a Georgia neighborhood days after a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. (Courtesy LaTasha McMillan)

A vigil hosted in a Georgia neighborhood days after a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. (Courtesy LaTasha McMillan)

A vigil hosted in a Georgia neighborhood days after a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. (Courtesy LaTasha McMillan)

We need to be stronger. These are just great people who were taken from us way too soon, she said. We need more lawyers, more doctors, we need more entertainers people that we can laugh at and not people that we look at on the news as killers and people on the news for something violent.

Even though this violence was not how McMillan chose to live her life, she said she knows that her mission is about what comes after.

Its unfortunate that I have to be in these situations, but I do feel like God ordained you to do certain things and I dont know if thats why I am the one who deals with so much death. But like I said, I am always the pillar of strength for other people, and I am going to continue to be that person.

She said she is now living her life with a new purpose: ending gun violence.

I am going to continue to advocate for those that were at the school, I am going to continue to advocate for ending gun violence and keeping these guns out of the hands of the people who do not need them, she said. I am going to continue to be an advocate for that until my last breath. That is one of the most important things for me.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  Officials in Loudoun County said a woman from Middleburg is facing several animal cruelty charges after many animals were found living in extreme conditions inside her home, some of which were dead.

Officials said as the result of an investigation by Loudoun County Animal Services, 62-year-old Patricia Mathis-Burby is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after numerous animals were found inside her home living in conditions that were a direct threat to their life, health, and safety.

In July, 19 dogs and six cats were found alive and were removed from her home. All of them were taken to the Loudoun County Animal Services.

Five other dogs were found dead.

Virginia Boars Head plant closing indefinitely after fatal listeria outbreak

At a civil hearing on Sept. 6, at the Loudoun County General District Court, Mathis-Burby permanently lost custody of the 25 animals and was ordered to pay $23,500 in restitution to the county to cover the cost of animal care.

During the preceding, law enforcement officers described the conditions of Mathis-Burbys home as extreme. Investigators found urine and feces throughout the house, requiring officers to use hazmat-style protective equipment.

Dog found in cage alive in Loudoun County home. (Photo Courtesy: Loudoun County)

Officials said authorities found five dead dogs in and around the house, including some that were decomposing in crates. A cat was also found suffering from untreated injuries.

Their investigation revealed that dogs appeared to be confined in crates for long periods in several inches of litter and feces. According to Loudoun County officials, the dogs and cats also did not have access to food or potable water.

In addition to her own pets and several animals being boarded in the home, Mathis-Burby allegedly was also fostering animals for a Fairfax-based poodle rescue, Loudoun County officials said in a release.

Due to the evidence presented in court, Mathis-Burby received an indefinite ban on the ownership of companion animals in Virginia.

Her next court date is in the General District Court on Oct. 3.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Milford man dies of injuries from motorcycle crash, police say

MILFORD, Iowa (KCAU)  A Milford man died of injuries sustained from a weekend motorcycle crash, police say.

According to a release from the Milford Police Department, Chad Banks, 49, was involved in a motorcycle crash on Highway 71 in Milford at around 6:20 p.m. on Saturday.

Were full: Sioux City Animal Rescue running out of space for strays

Police determined that Banks was heading south on Highway 71 on a Harley Davidson when he left the road and rolled his bike.

When officials arrived at the scene, they said that Banks was unresponsive and that officials had to perform CPR. Banks was taken to a local hospital for further treatment before being taken to a hospital in Sioux Falls.

Milford Police Department Chief Shilo Brevik confirmed to KCAU 9 that as of Thursday, the accident was fatal. Further details on Banks death were not provided by police.

The Milford Police Department was aided by the Arnolds Park Police Department, Okoboji Police Department, Milford Fire Department, Lakes Regional Ambulance, and Boji Towing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MP Graham Stuart said it was vital that schools had the resources they need to give every child "the best start in life" [UK Parliament]

Schools minister Catherine McKinnell is to meet East Yorkshire MPs to discuss funding levels for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the region, MP Graham Stuart has said.

Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness, said the East Riding had the lowest allocation of "high-needs block" funding per pupil of any local authority in England.

During a debate in Parliament earlier this week, the former Conservative minister called for funding to be increased in line with the rest of the UK.

"Every child deserves the best start in life. It is vital that schools and colleges have the resources they need to give them this," he said.

Stuart welcomed the meeting with the minister "to discuss this important matter", but added that "so many people have been genuinely committed to a fairer system in the past".

"It is easy to support it in principle, but it is very hard to find a way of delivering it in practice," he told MPs.

Stuart said he wanted to see funding raised inline with the rest of the country [Getty Images]

In response, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "He is right - this is a difficult area, and we need to make sure we get it right."

She agreed that the funding local authorities received for SEND provision needed to be reviewed.

She added that she was "determined" to deliver a system where all children and young people had "every chance and opportunity", particularly when it comes to SEND support.

"We will have to work across the House to get to a much stronger and better position for our children and families."

Bridlington and the Wolds MP Charlie Dewhirst (Con) said: "Im working closely with Graham to ensure the government increases the level of SEND funding schools desperately need.

"I look forward to meeting the minister and working with both her and Graham to find a solution to this vital issue."

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Related internet links
Simon Harris has been hosting Stormont ministers in Dublin for the North South Ministerial Council [Reuters]

Labour is taking the "right approach" when it comes to addressing outstanding legacy issues in Northern Ireland, the taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) has said.

Simon Harris was speaking after hosting Stormont ministers in Dublin for the latest gathering of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) at Dublin Castle.

The body, which promotes cross-border co-operation, last met in Armagh in April.

It was the second full meeting of the council since Stormont was restored in Northern Ireland this year.

On Wednesday, the UK government announced an independent inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.

Unionist parties have accused the government of creating a "hierarchy of victims".

The Northern Ireland Secretary, Hilary Benn, said that the "exceptional reason" of outstanding and unfulfilled commitments by previous UK governments to establish a public inquiry meant it should proceed.

Legislation passed by the previous Conservative government aimed to shut down investigations into Troubles-related killings, as well as civil cases and inquests.

There was widespread opposition to the law from Stormont, Dublin and various victims' groups.

Part of the law aimed at granting conditional immunity to suspects in exchange for information was declared unlawful earlier this year, with Labour committing to repeal and replace the act.

However, the government has committed to retain a new investigative body set up under the legislation, known as the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

It was the second full meeting of the council since Stormont was restored in Northern Ireland this year [Reuters]

'A two-tier system'

Speaking after Friday's North South Ministerial Council, Stormont's Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly questioned Labour's approach.

"The UK government has a responsibility to explain to those families (victims) why the system they've set out is good enough to investigate their loved ones' deaths, but not the Finucane family," she said.

"It does create the sense that there is a two-tier system."

The taoiseach said he believed London was taking the "correct approach" on legacy in terms of listening and engaging.

"We do now have a government that has committed to taking a fresh look at legacy, as co-guarantors we're eager to engage with that process," added Harris.

"The Irish government won't be found wanting, either, in relation to doing everything we possibly can - we stand ready to play our part."

Ms O'Neill says politicians needed to ensure families were "not pitted against each other" [Reuters]

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said politicians needed to ensure families were "not pitted against each other".

"Labour have rubbished the fundamentally flawed Tory legislation, but it's still not right.

"This needs to be got right once and for all, today's young people are being burdened with yesterday."

The Tanaiste (Irish Deputy PM) Micheal Martin said there had been "too much stop-start" on legacy issues.

"What we need to do now is collectively meet victims' groups to hear what they have to say. It can't be another couple of years before we get a framework in place."

What else was on the agenda?

Infrastructure projects, including the A5 and Narrow Water Bridge, were also discussed by Stormont and Irish government ministers at Friday's NSMC.

In February, the Irish government announced new funding worth 800m (685m) towards cross-border projects, including those redevelopments and road upgrades.

Ministers were asked whether the UK government had indicated a date for announcing a decision on funding for the redevelopment of Casement Park in time for Euro 2028, but said that remained in the hands of the prime minister.

The four political leaders also praised what they described as a "reset" in relations between Stormont, Dublin and London since Labour took power in July.

The first and deputy first ministers met Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Taoiseach Simon Harris [PA Media]

What is the the North South Ministerial Council?

It was set up under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and involves ministers from Dublin and Stormont working together on "matters of mutual interest".

The council covers six areas of co-operation: agriculture, education, environment, health, tourism and transport.

Common policies and approaches are agreed, but implemented separately in each jurisdiction.

The NSMC was last suspended when power-sharing at Stormont collapsed in 2022.

Prior to its collapse, DUP ministers had taken a decision to boycott the meetings in protest at the Northern Ireland Protocol, but this was ruled unlawful by the High Court.
A Minneapolis man was sentenced to more than three decades in prison for killing a transgender woman in November, though prosecutors said they couldnt prove the crime was bias-motivated.

A judge in Hennepin County, Minnesota, sentenced Damarean Kaylon Bible, 25, to 367 months  or nearly 31 years  in prison for second-degree murder after he fatally shot Savannah Ryan Williams, a 38-year-old trans woman who was well known among the local trans community, according to NBC affiliate KARE of Minneapolis.

This senseless act of violence against a Native and Cuban transgender woman has left a family without a daughter, a partner without their person, and a community without the vibrant light that Savannah uniquely brought to every room she was in, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a news conference after the sentencing. Savannah deserved safety.

Bible told police that he shot Williams following a sex act because he felt suspicious about her. After a thorough investigation, Moriarty said, her office could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime was bias-motivated but added that hate still could have been a factor.

The fact that we could not charge this as a bias crime does not change the impact that this crime has had on making our trans community feel less safe, Moriarty said, according to KARE. Across the country and in our community, hateful acts of violence against transgender people are on the rise. Every time a trans person is attacked, the entire community feels less safe.

Moriarty said Williams murder is part of a trend of escalating violence against trans people, particularly trans people of color, in recent years. Trans people are four times more likely than cisgender people to be the victims of violent crimes, according to a 2021 report from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.

Courtuni Mason stands next to a poster of his partner, Savannah Williams, at a news conference at the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul on Dec. 7.

Since 2013, the Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBTQ rights group, has identified 335 trans and gender-nonconforming people who were violently killed, and 85% of them were trans people of color. So far this year, at least 25 trans and gender-expansive people have been violently killed, according to the HRC.

Kim Stillday, Williams mother, described her daughter as her best friend.

Savannah still lives on, she said through tears in a victim impact statement during the sentencing hearing, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported. Her memory makes us laugh and smile.

Gabrielle Stillday, one of Williams' sisters, said she never got to say goodbye to her sister, but something Ill always remember she told me was to never say goodbye, to say, See you later, Stillday said at a news conference, according to KARE.

Williams other sister, Kelly Stillday, said Bibles actions have forever stained our lives with grief, KARE reported.

It shows you, Savannah was a magnet, Kelly Stillday said. She pulled everyone towards her, including the defendant.

Bible briefly addressed Williams family during Wednesdays hearing, Minnesota Public Radio reported.

I completely apologize, Bible said. I feel like I do need to sit down and do some time.

Minnesota state Rep. Leigh Finke, the first trans person elected to the states Legislature, said the governing bodys Queer Caucus would continue to do everything in our power at the Capitol to solve this crisis of violence against trans people.

Savannah Ryan Williams was a beloved member of the trans and Two Spirit community, and she should be alive today, Finke said, according to KARE. The data is clear that trans people, especially trans people of color, suffer violence at rates far greater than our cisgender neighbors.

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This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
MANSFIELD, Ohio (WJW)  FOX 8 and Amanda Berry are working together to find the missing.

Savanna Pappendick is 17. She has been missing from Mansfield since Feb. 26, 2024.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-THE-LOST.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
OXFORD, Miss. (WJTV)  Oxford police assisted Carroll County deputies with the arrest of an escaped inmate and a prison employee.

Authorities said Ryan Burks, 39, of Ridgeland, escaped from the Carroll County Regional Correctional Facility on Wednesday, September 11. Carroll County deputies said the facility went into lockdown and began emergency procedures. At that time, they discovered that a kitchen employee was also missing.

Man with rifle shot, killed after entering ex-girlfriends home: sheriff

Investigators determined that the employee, Leslie Nichole McNeal, 44, of Grenada, left the property with Burks in the car.

The vehicle was later spotted in Lafayette County. Authorities attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle did not stop. The car eventually wrecked, and both occupants were arrested.

Oxford police said Burks was arrested for felony fleeing in a motor vehicle and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He was turned over to the Carroll County Sheriffs Office and later transferred to the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC).

Ryan Burks (Courtesy: Oxford Police Dept.)

Ryan Burks (Courtesy: Carroll Co. Sheriffs Office)

Leslie Nichole McNeal (Courtesy: Carroll Co. Sheriffs Office)

Burks was serving a 30 year sentenced for two counts of sexual battery and one count of burglary.

McNeal was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later charged with felony aiding and abetting. She is being held at the Lafayette County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Supporters of Amendment 3 celebrate on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, on the steps of the Missouri Capitol after the state Supreme Court ruled the abortion-rights measure could remain on the ballot (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).

Missouris campaign to legalize abortion has more than doubled its fundraising totals since it was approved for the ballot in mid-August, despite  and perhaps fueled by  a lawsuit that threatened to knock it off the Nov. 5 ballot.

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the coalition behind what will appear on the ballot as Amendment 3, has raised more than $16 million since launching in January, according to reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Of that, $9 million in donations greater than $5,000 were reported to the commission since the measure was certified for the ballot on Aug. 13. Campaigns are required to report any donations over $5,000 within 48 hours of receiving them. Reports totaling all donations and expenditures are due to the state each quarter.

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The two most well-established political action committees working to fight the amendment include Missouri Stands with Women, which has raised at least $200,000, and Missouri Right to Life, which has raised nearly $675,000 this election cycle.

The largest donations to Missourians for Constitutional Freedom have come from four out-of-state progressive nonprofits that are not required to disclose their donors and are also helping fund reproductive-rights campaigns in several states.

As of Thursday, the Sixteen Thirty Fund based out of Washington D.C. donated $4.5 million to Missouris effort. That includes a $3.5 million check on Aug. 30  the second largest single donation in Missouri this year.

The Fairness Project, also based out of Washington D.C., has donated $2.9 million. Most of that money came on Aug. 23, when the organization cut a $2.1 million check to the campaign.

Both nonprofits also contributed significant funds to the states 2020 Medicaid expansion initiative petition effort, which ultimately succeeded, and to the current ballot effort to raise the minimum wage and mandate paid sick leave.

The campaign also received $1 million from a nonprofit out of Washington D.C. listed as Open Source Action Fund, which is linked to an address for Open Society Action Fund. The nonprofit was founded by George Soros, a liberal billionaire.

On Thursday, a Virginia-based nonprofit called Global Impact Social Welfare donated $750,000.

Successful statewide ballot initiative campaigns are often multi-million dollar endeavors.

It is expensive, and in these places where we can do it, it is the least expensive pathway to restoring rights, Kelly Hall, executive director of The Fairness Project, said at a panel discussion during the Democratic National Convention. In Missouri, for example, it would take a lot more money to flip that legislature and to flip that gubernatorial seat  the best (return on investment) we can get is putting this on the ballot and appealing to those Missouri voters who do want this.

In an interview with The Independent, Hall said The Fairness Project is both a leading funder and a coalition partner of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom. The coalition also includes the states Planned Parenthood affiliates, the ACLU of Missouri and Abortion Action Missouri.

She said any assumption that they simply parachute money into states is false.

It is impossible for nonprofits like us who may have resources to bring to bear to achieve anything without a campaign that is grounded in grassroots support and the support of Missouri voters, Hall said.

The fact that the nonprofits helping bankroll the campaign dont disclose their donors has become a point of attack from anti-abortion activists and lawmakers in Missouri.

There is going to be a massive effort  and by massive I mean to the tune of millions of dollars, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley said of the abortion ballot campaign at a conference last weekend in Missouri. Already, George Soros and dark money groups have poured into this state almost $5 million to begin spending on this radical amendment.

Stephanie Bell, a spokeswoman for Missouri Stands with Women, blamed out-of-state liberal groups for boosting the abortion-rights campaigns finances.

On Tuesday, after the Missouri Supreme Court reversed a lower courts attempt to take Amendment 3 from the ballot, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the front-runner for governor, called the ballot measure a deceptive effort by out-of-state interests. The Missouri Republican Party called Amendment 3 bankrolled by radical out-of-state interest groups.

Hall, with The Fairness Project, said she doesnt usually push back on dark money criticisms.

If they want to focus on this rather than on the issue that Missouri voters care about, which is making sure that everyone in their state has access to lifesaving reproductive health care when they need it, she said, then thats a misread on their part of what Missouri voters care most about.

The campaign has seen overwhelming support from across the state, collecting initiative petition signatures from every county and turning in more than 380,000 signatures to the Missouri Secretary of States Office in May.

While the top donors have come from out of state, the campaign has also raised several million dollars so far from Missouri individuals and organizations.

Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, which have clinics in Missouri, have donated more than $1.1 million. The ACLU of Missouri has donated more than $620,000, the Health Forward Foundation based in Kansas City donated $500,000 and Abortion Action Missouri has given more than $230,000.

The campaign stresses that the largest donor base remains Missourians affected by the ban.

Throughout the campaign, eight out of 10 online contributions have come from right here in Missouri, Rachel Sweet, campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement. Underscoring the true grassroots nature of this movement.

Sweet said that in the days following a Friday ruling by a Cole County circuit judge that threatened to remove Amendment 3 from the ballot, more than 2,400 Missourians donated a quarter million dollars to the campaign.

If Amendment 3 passes by a simple majority in November, Missouri could become the first state to overturn an abortion ban by the vote of the people. It would also join several other states that successfully protected abortion-rights through citizen-led ballot campaigns since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022.

Abortion is illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies. The amendment would legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability and protect access to other reproductive health care, like birth control.

It is truly the grassroots infrastructure in Missouri, Kelly said. And the leadership of in-state partners in every ballot measure campaign that advances to voters that weve been involved in that make it such an inspiring place to work.

This story was updated at 12:22 p.m. to correctly state that The Fairness Project is based out of Washington D.C.

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FESTUS, Mo.  An Auto Zone manager in Jefferson County, Missouri, faces criminal charges after allegedly staging a robbery at his own store and filing a false police report. Alen Cole Wilson, who initially claimed to be a victim, is now accused of conspiring with a someone else to steal thousands of dollars from the business.

According to court documents, Wilson initially reported a robbery at the Auto Zone store on the evening of May 2, 2024, where he was the on-duty manager. He claimed a man forced him to open the safe and cash registers, stealing cash.

Police cut ties with 1st Phorm after founders rant against female cops

A later non-custodial interview revealed another story. Police say Wilson allegedly admitted to staging the robbery. He told the other suspect about a large amount of cash in the business safe and knew when the crime was going to take place. Wilson expected to be paid for his participation in the form of vehicle repairs from the other suspect.

The total amount allegedly stolen in this scheme was $9,000. Wilson has a court date in 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 FOX 2.
VFW Post 2661 in Washington, Missouri (Photo by Max Mueller).

Not long after Commander Jason Stanfield had lowered the flag Wednesday to honor the lives lost on Sept. 11 at his Franklin County VFW Post, he learned state food inspectors had arrived.

Its not an easy day, Stanfield said. 9/11 is a tough day for all of us, particularly for veterans. I was not in the best mindset.

The regulators said they had received a complaint that the posts bar had been selling seltzers that contain hemp-derived THC  which has the same intoxicating effect as THC from marijuana thats sold at dispensaries.

The bar was selling a brand of fruity seltzers called UR Lit, which contains 5mg of Delta-9 THC.

While hemp is federally legal, Missouri recently joined a growing number of states trying to ban all intoxicating hemp products.

When Gov. Mike Parson signed his executive order on Aug. 1 to ban the products, he said his primary focus was to protect children consuming the products that resemble popular candy, like Lifesavers, or fruity drinks.

Given the governors goal, Stanfield said he was surprised the state wanted to inspect the post, where members are well over 21.

Theres not a whole lot of kids that run around the VFW, he said.

Since the ban went into effect on Sept. 1, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services officials have inspected 74 establishments and found intoxicating products at 42 of them, said Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the department.

On a social media post on Wednesday, Stanfield described the inspection as a raid, but Cox said that description is misleading because there were just two inspectors responding to a complaint.

The two inspectors were let inside through a locked door upon request, Cox said, but quickly recognized that the VFW Post did not pose an immediate cause for concern, specifically in regard to Missouri children. As a result, zero product was embargoed or destroyed.

Cox said the department has no plans in place of returning to the establishment.

Hemp and marijuana are essentially terms the government uses to distinguish between the part of the cannabis plant that can get you high when smoked  thats marijuana  and the part that cant  thats hemp.

But with a little science and extraction, people can enhance the small amount of the naturally occurring THC, or the psychoactive component, in hemp to make edibles and drinks.

Because hemp isnt a controlled substance like marijuana, theres no state or federal law saying teenagers or children cant buy products, such as delta-8 drinks, or that stores cant sell them to minors, Parson said.

And theres no requirement to list potential effects on the label or test how much THC is actually in them. State lawmakers have failed to pass such requirements the last two years.

Stanfield said the state ban is harmful for VFW members who are trying to recover from alcoholism or opioid addiction.

I have testimony after testimony in my post alone of people that are still alive today, Stanfield said, because they use cannabis to get off of their opioids that they were addicted to.

During the inspection, he said the DHSS employees told him that the drinks were considered adulterated. If a product is considered adulterated, DHSS has the authority to embargo it  which means put a tag on it until the department gets a court order to destroy it.

Stanfield points to the state law that says, a food shall not be considered adulterated solely for containing industrial hemp, or an industrial hemp commodity or product.

That line was added to Missouris law in 2018, after Congress legalized hemp as part of the federal Farm Bill. It was part of a Missouri House bill that brought the states definition of hemp in alignment with the federal governments.

It is the same law fueling the Missouri Hemp Trade Associations lawsuit against the governors ban.

I will continue to comply with federal law and sell these products until theyre not legal, Stanfield said, to give my veterans a non-alcoholic option in a place where they can come and be with other veterans and not have to consume alcohol.
The Jordan Valley Medical Center in West Jordan is pictured on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. The hospital was formerly owned by Steward Health Care, which faces congressional scrutiny. The facility is now owned and operated by CommonSpirit Health. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

During a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing Thursday, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, denounced the mismanagement at Steward Health Care, which operated around 30 hospitals across the country before declaring bankruptcy in May.

Steward acquired five Utah-based hospitals in Layton, West Jordan, West Valley, Lehi and Salt Lake City in 2017. It sold these acquisitions to CommonSpirit Health in February 2023.

The Dallas-based company prioritized profit over patient care, Romney said. The company faces several lawsuits in Utah.

Steward Health Care CEO ditches congressional hearing

Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre did not show up to the hearing. His lawyers, in a letter to Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., the chairman of the Senate HELP Committee, declined to adhere to a congressional subpoena that required him to attend.

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 letter said, according to The Associated Press. His lawyers said de la Torre is open to testifying at a later time, when he is not tied up in courts over Stewards bankruptcy.

The HELP Committee will vote on holding de la Torre in contempt of Congress, a misdemeanor that could lead to a fine or time in prison. Sanders, in a post on X, said he would hold de la Torre accountable for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena and justify his $250 million pay day while he was busy bankrupting hospitals across America.

What did Romney say about Steward Health Care?

During the hearing, Sanders alleged de la Torre grew wealthy by buying hospitals that are billions of dollars in debt and selling the land underneath these hospitals to real estate executives, per the AP.

In his remarks, Romney also accused de la Torre of mismanaging medical facilities, including the ones in Utah, calling the Steward CEOs actions reprehensible.

Of the operation in Utah, the Utah senator said Steward understaffed health care facilities. They didnt pay for the required medical equipment. They failed to meet minimum operating standards. They refused to pay a number of vendors to the tune of about $3.4 million.

Most importantly, they endangered lives, Romney said. Ellen MacInnis, a nurse at St. Elizabeths Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, in her testimony said nurses were forced to put babies in cardboard boxes, and the hospital often didnt have basic supplies like Similac, Pedialyte and diapers. She also recounted incidents where deaths could have been avoided through proper staffing and required resources.

This kind of unusual setting warrants careful and thorough federal review, Romney said.

Should Steward Health Care face federal review?

Directing his question at Louisiana state Rep. Michael Charles Echols, Romney asked whether the Department of Health and Human Services should step in to conduct oversight or whether state-level action suffices.

Echols said the Louisiana Health Department began investigating Steward in November 2023, leading to a House hearing in springtime this year. The state agency has the ability to suspend or terminate the license for the facility, and thats the path we were headed down with this particular situation.

The Louisiana state representative noted some states were more aggressive than others in their approach. Whether its state or federal government, shutting down a hospital comes with the risk of hurting more people, Echols said. This is how both private equity and these facilities get away with these schemes, he explained, adding these companies later approach politicians for a bail out, which, to me, is part of the broader crime.

Echols said the federal health department can help hold such private entities accountable. But the question is, is the pain worth more than the punishment? he said.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  Food trucks are returning to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

The 10th Annual Missouri Food Truck Fest is happening tomorrow, Sept. 14. The one-day event will feature food trucks from right here in the Ozarks, across Missouri and beyond.

We get about six or seven thousand people over the course of the day. Weve got 25 different food trucks that are planned to be there, said Larry Krauck, Special Events Manager at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Weve got some returning favorites that come every year, and weve got some folks that are new to the festival this year, and its just going to be a great time.

In years past the festival has brought in quite a crowd of foodies trying all types of cuisine in one location.

Willards Chappell Roan wins VMAs Best New Artist

When we started our truck, there was maybe a handful of trucks that were licensed in Greene County. Now theres upwards to 100 plus, said Casey McTavish who will have two food trucks Saturday. This particular festival has helped the food truck industry grow tremendously.

McTavish says he will be returning with his Notcho Ordinary Taco Truck and will have his Bada Bing Wing Truck there for the first time.

The food truck industry is a tight-knit community. We all work together. We all share ideas, McTavish said. We share events, its not real cutthroat. Were all in it together. Were all just trying to make it.

The event starts at 11 a.m. and runs to 7 p.m. on the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Guests should enter through Gate 10 across the street from Hillcrest High School. It is free to attend and has free parking. Each truck will have its own prices based on its menu.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) is still searching for suspects in a shooting that happened at Kalo Place Mini Park Wednesday night.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You







EMS responded to the incident on Kalo Place at approximately 8:20 p.m. A 29-year-old man was found suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the lower backside and lacerations to his head, per HPD. The victim was transported to a hospital in serious condition.

Theres people with mental health issues, drug-related issues. Some of the homeless carry weapons that the police have warned us about, and theres been some harassment, stated Grace Kiyozuka, a worker in the area.

Man arrested for attempted murder after Pauoa stabbing

According to HPDs crime map larceny, assault, vehicle break-ins, and burglary were among the most reported crimes in the area within the past week. Business owners and community members say they believe overall crime has increased and hope to see changes.

You kind of think that itd be a little bit better area, said Valeria Delamora, a Moiliili resident. You got dorms right here and a lot of college kids around, so you dont really expect that kind of crime right next to a college campus.

Some businesses said more expenses go into adding extra security like building fences and installing cameras. Shop owners still want more to be done to keep the area safe.

Theres not enough lighting, so adding more lights in this area would definitely help, stated Alan So, another worker in the area. Maybe like stricter laws on these kinds of crimes.

The attempted homicide investigation remains ongoing.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Everywhere on Oahu, its been getting pretty bad. Im not too sure what can be done, but hopefully, something is done soon, said Delamora.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Mom Furious After Unaccompanied 14-Year-Old Daughter Was Forced Off Flight, Left Alone at Toronto Airport

A spokesperson for Canada's Porter Airlines said they weren't aware the girl was a minor when they removed her from the aircraft

CBC News/Youtube Catherine and Camryn Larkan

14-year-old Camryn Larkan was removed from a Porter Airlines flight after she was already seated on the plane

She was traveling alone for the second time ever when the incident occurred on Friday, Aug. 30

A spokesperson for the airline claims that crew members were unaware that Camryn was a minor when they asked her to get off due to a weight imbalance issue

An unaccompanied minor was forced off a Porter Airlines flight in Toronto, leaving her parents outraged and accusing the company of endangering her.

Camryn Larkan, 14, was heading home to Victoria, Canada and was already seated when crew members told her she needed to get off the aircraft, PEOPLE confirms. Camryn, who was traveling alone for the second time ever, was reportedly not given any support or guidance from the Canadian airline during the Aug. 30 incident, according to the CBC.

Her mom, Catherine, told the outlet, "They put my child in imminent danger. It was completely negligent and it shouldn't happen to any other minor."

A representative for Porter Airlines tells PEOPLE, Camryn was removed "due to a weight and balance issue. The crew asked for volunteers to be rebooked the next day. "When none came forward, passengers were selected based on their fare type."

The statement continues. "It was not known to our team at the time that Camryn was a minor. Camryn quickly left the airport and there was limited opportunity for our team to discuss options with her."



Related: Plane Passenger Sparks Outrage Over 'Self-Centered' Parents Ditching Kids for First Class  But Who's Wrong?

Getty Porter Airlines plane

Speaking to the CBC, Camryn says she was glad her dad was still in the area and was able to return to the airport and pick her up, otherwise I would have been alone.

Redistributing passengers and baggage due to a weight imbalance issue is not uncommon, especially on smaller aircrafts. However, Camryn says the airline did not convey that information to her at the time, leaving her shocked when the plane took off without her.

"I was kind of just like really confused... I thought I was coming back to my seat, she says. I thought that they were just going to take my bags. As soon as I got off the plane and I saw that the door had closed, that's when I started to like get really anxious."

Related: Mom Details How Her Teen Ended Up Stranded in NYC for 5 Days Alone After Airline Cancellations: 'Beside Myself' (Exclusive)

Porter Airlines offers an unaccompanied minor service for travelers ages 8 to 17 that is designed to assist children flying without their parents, a representative confirmed to PEOPLE. The service is mandatory for passengers ages 8 to 11 and optional for ages 12-17 and costs $100.

The service "provides dedicated supervision by Porter team members and exemption from involuntary deplaning," the representative explained, adding, "This service is at the discretion of the family to decide whether the passenger is capable of flying independently. In Camryn's case, the unaccompanied minor service was not purchased."

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.

Catherine said she was unaware of the service and claims its ludicrous for the airline to treat her 14-year-old daughter like shes an independent adult while traveling alone.

"They're providing a service saying we know these people are at-risk and they're saying if you don't [pay for] the service, you're treated as any other adult passenger traveling," Catherine told the CBC.

The Porter representative adds that Camryn's family is in touch with their customer relations team and notes the airline has "already begun working on additional options to minimize the possibility of this happening in the future."



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Read the original article on People.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Mon Health hosted an international team from Japan on Wednesday in order to explain a new, innovative procedure offered at its hospital that works to lower blood pressure.

Renal Denervation (RDN) uses ultrasound waves to significantly lower blood pressure and improve health. Mon Health has used it to treat 20 patients so far, many of whom had previously had strokes and heart attacks. Two of those patients testified at the meeting.

The procedure was developed by Recor Medical. Recors parent company, Otsuka Medical Devices Co., Ltd., sent representatives to learn about the hospitals success as they hope to expand the availability of RDN hospitals around the world.

Dr. Bradford Warden, Chief of Cardiology at Mon Health, explained to 12 News how RDN works. He said that the liver releases hormones that control blood pressure. Clinicians put a transmitter in the artery that leads to the kidney, and then the transmitter releases ultrasound waves to stimulate nerves surrounding the artery so the liver does not release the hormones that increase blood pressure. The procedure can cause as much as 20 millimeters of mercury drop in blood pressure. Dr. Warden said that this is a significant drop in blood pressure and is one that is sustainedas opposed to oral medicine where blood pressure might fluctuate depending on if doses are missed.

Clarksburg Honor Flight guardian continues her husbands legacy

Dr. Wissam Gharib, Interventional Cardiologist at Mon Health, credits Mon Health and Recor for making RDN at Mon Health possible.

We want to make sure no one has to leave West Virginia for the kind of care that they need. This is a great example where our doctors identified a device, they found an opportunity and partnered with us, Mon Health System President and CEO David Goldbert said.

Although the procedure is being offered at Mon Health, it is still very new, meaning that insurance doesnt fully cover it.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Moo-Deng: Baby pygmy hippo gets harassed by zoo visitors as videos go viral

A two-month-old baby pygmy hippo in Thailand who went viral on social media has been harassed by visitors, leading to zoo authorities adding additional security around her enclosure.

Moo Deng, whose name translates to bouncy pork, became instantly popular after clips of her on the zoos TikTok account caught the notice of people online.

Born on 10 June to parents Jona and Tony at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Moo Deng has two siblings, Moo Tun, meaning stewed pork, and Moo Wan, meaning sweet pork. She was first revealed to the public on 25 July, and her name was chosen after a vote held by the zoo.

Moo Deng STUNS in new photos https://t.co/Xmyp7cFhcp  Patrick Monahan (@pattymo) September 9, 2024

BUT MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM pic.twitter.com/cxubCWuhUi  hope hopes hoping (@hopes_revenge) September 8, 2024

The moment I saw Moo-Deng born, I set a goal to make her famous, but I never expected it would spread abroad. I thought she could be famous in Thailand but not internationally, zookeeper Atthapon Nundee told The Guardian.

Social media users cant get enough of the adorable hippo going about her daywhether shes sprayed with water, carried by zookeepers, showing off her new teeth, or simply lying on the ground in her enclosure.

The only time Mu-Deng stops yelling is when shes biting  pic.twitter.com/QNMDlL8rtw  Martha Kelly (@MarthaKelly3) September 12, 2024

I WAS NOT EATING SAND pic.twitter.com/at2qFAqeO9  hope hopes hoping (@hopes_revenge) September 12, 2024

Obsessed with this one baby hippo that looks fucking MORTIFIED pic.twitter.com/0fE6BB5Kju  Rel (RobotFucker) (@DewEnjoyer) September 6, 2024

Moo Dengs popularity has caused a massive surge in visitors to the zoo, seeing anywhere between 6,000 and 7,000 on the weekends, reported Thai PBS.

However, not all the attention Moo Deng is receiving is welcome. In a video shared on social media, Moo Deng is sleeping in her enclosure when a visitor pours water on her. Other visitors have thrown bananas and shellfish at her to try and get her attention.

Narongwit Chodchoi, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, on Thursday released a statement asking visitors not to throw objects at her or make loud noises. He warned that the zoo would take legal action against those who do not behave, according to the Bangkok Post.

These behaviours are not only cruel but also dangerous, he said. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.

He added that the zoo had installed surveillance cameras in the area and an officer had been appointed to watch over her.

Moo Deng, who Time magazine has dubbed legend and the moment, has inspired fanart, zoo merchandise, and even makeup looks from Sephora.

A popular cafe in Bangkok, the Vetmon Cafe, created a cake in her honour, which is being called too cute to eat.

Native to western Africa, pygmy hippos are listed as an endangered species, with reports saying only about 2,000 of them remain in the wild.

Indonesia, meanwhile, had cause to celebrate as it welcomed the birth of a baby Javan rhinoceros, one of the worlds most critically endangered species.

The environment and forestry ministry announced the birth along with footage captured in May from Ujung Kulon National Park on the western tip of Java island. The footage showed the baby calf, named Iris, walking with her mother.

There are only about 80 Javan rhinoceros left in the world, all in Indonesia, according to the International Rhino Foundation.
Diana Tregle Loupe stands in front of her Bayou Bouef home where Hurricane Francine's damage is visible under her carport.

Lafourche Parish resident Diana Tregle Loupe saw her house flood for the second time in three years due to storms. Hurricane Francine made landfall Wednesday Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo by Julie O'Donoghue/Louisiana Illuminator)

THIBODAUX  Over her 65 years of living in the small community of Bayou Boeuf in eastern Lafourche Parish, Diana Tregle Loupe has seen it flood just three times.



First, when she was 9 years old, the Louisiana National Guard came to rescue folks. The second time was in 2021 when Hurricane Ida tore up south Louisiana, and the latest came Wednesday night during Hurricane Francine.



Thats two floods in the past three years of her life  and just one in the previous 62.



During Ida, a Category 4 storm, the flood water got so high that it entered her house and topped Loupes bathtub. For Francine, it was about a foot less, she said, but still distressing.



Loupe is unlikely to leave though.

Where else are you going to go? she said Thursday during an interview in her backyard.

Her home isnt so much a residence, as it is a sprawling swamp compound at the center of this community. She has more than a dozen of stone tables and benches in the front yard. At the back of the property, her husband Lloyd looks after a small zoo with horses, a goat, an enormous snapping turtle and alligators ranging from 1-14 feet long.

The small community of Bayou Beouf on the outskirts of Thibodaux in Lafourche Parish flooded after Hurricane Francine on Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo by Julie ODonoghue/Louisiana Illuminator)

Diana inherited the property from her parents, and its across the street from Zams Swamp Tours. One of the first of its kind in Louisiana, the business was started by her mother decades ago and is now run by her son.

The Loupes might not be willing to leave Bayou Beouf, but that doesnt mean other residents in this tight-knit community arent considering a change after increasingly frequent natural disasters.

This small enclave of houses on the outskirts of Thibodaux is also called Kraemer. It is almost entirely surrounded by a bayou that dumps into Lac des Allemands. With Spanish moss and skiff boats to spare, Bayou Beouf almost looks like a Hollywood mockup of a Louisiana swamp. In fact, it was the backdrop for an episode of NCIS: New Orleans in 2014.

Lloyd Lupe handles his snapping alligator turtle after flooding on his property during Hurricane Francine. (Photo by Julie ODonoghue/Louisiana Illuminator)

The ambiance is what convinced Andrew and Mirna Ellis to move here 12 years ago. Andrew, who grew up in Prairieville, loves the water and hunting. Bayou Boeuf is also close to his job. Hes an engineer who works for a boat building company.



Two floods in three years have been difficult, however. During Ida, the family got 14 inches of water in their home. This week during Francine, about 2 inches of water came into two bedrooms at the back of their house.

It is what it is. You just have to change out the floors, Mirna Ellis said.

A combination of parish government employees, incarcerated people and volunteers worked diligently Thursday morning to erect a sand barrier and keep more water from invading the homes of the Ellises and their neighbors. The bayous high tide comes at 3 oclock in the afternoon, meaning the flooding could have continued.

Its been awhile since Ive seen this much water come over the road, said Maj. J.P. deGravelles with the Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Office, who was helping to oversee the sand operation.

Andrew Ellis was taken aback when Bayou Boeuf took on water Wednesday during Francine, a Category 2 storm. After Ida, which was a much stronger hurricane, the local levee system was upgraded.

We thought we would be more protected, he said.





Volunteers, parish workers and state prisoners build a wall of sand to prevent flooding after Hurricane Francine. (Photo by Julie ODonoghue/Louisiana Illuminator)

The Ellises are also dealing with the traumatic death of a family pet this week.

On Tuesday, as Francine brewed out in the Gulf of Mexico, a large alligator came out of the swamp near the Ellis house and snatched their 9-year-old Boykin Spaniel in front of their toddler son.

Our dog got taken  partly due to high water that encouraged the alligator to come out of the bayou, Andrew Ellis said.

Leslie Martinez grew up in the house next to the Ellises and came to check on her childhood home where her mother still lives.

A raised structure, the main home didnt flood this week, but an enclosed carport at the front of the building took on a few inches of water. They call that carport the church house because Martinezs father used to run a church mission out of it when she was growing up.



She doesnt remember the house ever flooding before 2021, when Ida hit.

We sat in water in Ida. We sat in water all night long, Martinez said.



The Ida flood is part of the reason Martinezs elderly mother evacuated to Chackbay, a few miles up the road, ahead of Francine. It may also keep Martinez from coming back to Bayou Boeuf with her own family.

We thought about moving back, but with these two hurricanes, were not moving back, Martinezs husband, Claude, said after he locked up his mother-in-laws front door.

The Zams Swamp Tours building is surrounded by water in Lafourche Parish after Hurricane Francine on Sept. 12, 2024. (Photo by Julie ODonoghue/Louisiana Illuminator)
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  Additional schools in Springfield have been evacuated and closed for Friday.

Springfield City School District

According to the Springfield City School District, students from Perrin Woods and Snowhill elementary schools in Springfield were evacuated during the morning of Sept. 13. The district cites the evacuations were conducted due to information received from the Springfield Police Division.

Students from the two schools were taken to another location within the school district. Those students from the affected buildings are going to be part of a controlled release from the alternate location to their parents.

Springfield City Schools reports the district also received information from Springfield Police, which prompted Roosevelt Middle School to close before opening for the day.

All impacted buildings have been searched by law enforcement officials, who deemed the buildings safe to enter.

If credible information is received at any time, the District will enact appropriate safety

protocols, said Springfield Schools. All threats to the Springfield City School District are taken seriously and will be prosecuted at the highest levels.

On Thursday, students were evacuated from Fulton Elementary School in Springfield. The district claimed the evacuation was caused by information received from the State Fire Marshal.

Catholic Central  Springfield

Catholic Central School in Springfield also announced its closure for all students. Individuals in grades kindergarten through fifth grade were released at 10 a.m., while children in grades six through 12 were released at 10:15.

The school cited safety threats of nearby locations as the decision of the early closure, and that busing was not available.

Clark State College

According to Clark State College, its Brinkman Building in Springfield is closed on Sept. 13. The location was also closed on Sept. 12.

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

An official from the Springfield Police Division confirmed to 2 NEWS that at least one Springfield location of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is closed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
GLASCOCK COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF)  More threats are being investigated at Glascock County Consolidated School, according to the Glascock County Sheriffs Office.

According to authorities, the Glascock County Sheriffs Office was notified by the school administration about two separate possible threats made by students during the school day on Wednesday, September 11th.

According to authorities, after deputies and administrators collected information about each student and incident, it was determined that both students made comments to other students that caused fear and disruption; however, it was reported that neither of the students had any guns or weapons or access to any weapons.

Authorities state that both students were immediately removed from class and searched along with their belongings.

ALSO ON WJBF: SLED looking for two escaped DJJ males

According to the Glascock County Sheriffs Office, the 14-year-old high school student has been charged with Terroristic Threats and Acts and is detained at the Regional Youth Detention Center in Augusta, Georgia, and the 11-year-old middle school student has been disciplined according to school code of conduct but has not been criminally charged due to insufficient evidence. Authorities say the 11-year-old student will be referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice for services.

Glascock County Sheriff Jeremy Kelley posted a statement:

Students safety was not in danger at any time during these incidents. We take each and every threat to our schools as real and investigate them thoroughly. It is upsetting that threats like these and others in our jurisdiction, hoax, joke or not, have come closely on the heels of the horrific tragedy in Barrow County last week, said Sheriff Jeremy Kelley, Parents, please talk to your kids and explain that mentioning shooting up a school, doing harm to or inciting fear into the student body, is not a joke. I want to say thank you to our students and parents who have stepped up to say something was suspicious or alarming. I can assure that I and our Sheriffs Offices number one priority is the safety of our students. Glascock County Sheriff Jeremy Kelley

This comes after the Glascock County Sheriffs Office received reports of possible school threats on Thursday, September 5th and Tuesday, September 10th.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LENOIR, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A Morganton teen was arrested Friday on two felony charges after being accused of making threats toward Hibriten High School.

According to the Lenoir Police Department, officers received information on potential threats of violence at the high school. They were being made on a social media platform and shared with students.

Georgia school shooting suspects dad seeks protection in jail, citing incalculable number of threats

As a result, both Hibriten High School and William Lenoir Middle School were placed on lockdown until the officers could evaluate the legitimacy of the threats.

The department filed legal documents on various digital media sources in an attempt to obtain the offenders location and identity. The suspect, 18-year-old Brynnem Scott Gregory, was located in Morganton and was immediately arrested.

He was charged with:

Terrorism (felony)

Making a False Report Concerning Mass Violence On Educational Property (felony)

Disorderly Conduct by Disrupting Students

Communicating Threats

He is being held in the Burke County jail on a $150,000 secured bond.

This was the latest threat made against schools in North Carolina this week, including in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties.

We are aware that these types of incidents have been occurring at other schools within Caldwell County, the department said in a statement.

This investigation is ongoing. The Caldwell County Sheriffs Office, Caldwell County School System and the Burke County Sheriffs Office assisted Lenoir Police in the case.

The safety and security of our schools are of the highest importance to the Lenoir Police Department and all law enforcement agencies within Caldwell County, said Lenoir PD Chief Brent Phelps. I want to reiterate that the collaboration and partnerships that law enforcement possess with our school system are and always have been a top priority. I want to thank the administrative staff of Hibriten High School and the Caldwell County School System for their continued efforts to ensure we have their utmost cooperation and support when incidents like these arise. We know as a team, we cant do this alone.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Boeing strike: Aircraft assembly workers at Boeing factories near Seattle and elsewhere walked off the job early Friday morning. The move comes after union members voted overwhelmingly to go on strike and turn down a tentative contract that would have raised wages by 25% over four years. The strike started less than three hours after the local branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced 94.6% of voting workers rejected the proposed contract and 96% approved the work stoppage. The latest >



Zoom in: The strike involves 33,000 Boeing machinists mostly in Washington state. It is expected to delay the production of the companys bestselling planes like the 737 Max. Its not expected to affect commercial flights. Read more >


Kremlin says it disagrees with Turkey's Erdogan that Crimea should return to Kyiv's control

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia completely disagrees with comments from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that Crimea should return to Ukrainian control, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

Erdogan said this week that Turkish support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence was unwavering, and that the return of Crimea - which Russia seized from Ukraine and annexed in 2014 - was a requirement of international law.

Asked about Erdogan's comments, Peskov said the topic of Crimea "falls under the category of disagreements between us and our Turkish friends.

"Here we have completely divergent opinions. At the same time, we do not abandon our deliberate attempts to explain to our Turkish friends and colleagues our point of view, our position".

Peskov said that Erdogan was under pressure from the United States over its traditionally close economic ties with Moscow

"As for Turkey's attempts to mitigate U.S. pressure, indeed, the U.S. is exerting undisguised pressure on the Turkish Republic, not shying away from intimidation, with consequences for the Turkish economy," said Peskov.

The Kremlin said this week that President Vladimir Putin may visit Turkey for talks with Erdogan once preparations are completed.

Turkey, a NATO member, has played a key role as a go-between for Russia and Ukraine during their 2-1/2-year-old conflict, including arranging an export deal for Ukrainian grain.

Erdogan told Putin at a summit in Kazakhstan in July that Ankara could help end the conflict, but the Kremlin has not taken the Turkish leader up on his offer.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
'He did not light that fire' says mother of man charged with starting California wildfire

The Line fire burns in the San Bernardino National Forest above homes Monday in Redlands. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The 34-year-old Norco man arrested on suspicion of starting the Line fire, which has raged through San Bernardino County, tried multiple times to start a fire before succeeding, prosecutors allege.

The San Bernardino County district attorney's office filed criminal charges Thursday against Justin Wayne Halstenberg. He's facing multiple counts of arson, including using incendiary devices to start fires and arson causing great bodily injury. Prosecutors said additional charges may be filed for any further structure damage or injuries as the fire continues.

They said Halstenberg also could be tied to other fires.

The devastation that has unfolded due to the alleged actions of one man cannot be undone," Dist. Atty. Jason Anderson said in a statement, adding that "37,000 acres of forest land and mountain communities might never be what they once were."

"My hope is that with the investigative efforts of our law enforcement partners and thorough prosecution of this case," he said, "we can offer some measure of justice.

The man's mother, who is battling cancer, spoke out in her son's defense, telling The Times on Thursday that he "did not light that fire."

A helicopter drops water on the Line fire Monday in Mentone, Calif. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Connie Halstenberg made the comment in a text message response to The Times in which she said that she was not talking to the press.

But, she said: "I do want to say this about my baby boy. He did not light that fire, I repeat he did not light that fire."

She said there are things that her son does that she does not approve of but that "he is not an arsonist."

In filing charges, prosecutors said Halstenberg attempted to start multiple fires within an hour in the city of Highland. His first alleged attempt occurred at Bacon and Lytle lanes. That fire was reported and extinguished by local firefighters.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, is being held without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. (San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department )

Prosecutors said he tried a second time just east of Bacon Lane, near Base Line and Aplin streets. They said the fire was stomped out by a good Samaritan.

"Undeterred, he ignited a third fire which is what we now know as the Line Fire," prosecutors said in the statement.

Three firefighters were injured in the first couple of days of the fire. At least one structure has been destroyed, and three others have been damaged. Although San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus initially said the structures weren't residences, court papers later revealed that one structure that was destroyed was a home in Running Springs.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Battalion Chief Matt Kirkhart, who supervises the law enforcement investigation unit, said arson investigators responded to the fire that day to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

Flames from the Line fire reach the treetops Tuesday in Running Springs, Calif. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

He said investigators immediately began to comb through video taken from traffic cameras and license plate readers in an effort to develop a lead. They were joined by detectives with the Sheriff's Department. Kirkhart said investigators at some point were able to identify a white truck, which led them to the suspect.

Sheriff's Det. Jake Hernandez said Halstenberg was taken into custody Tuesday at his home in the 1000 block of Detroit Street in Norco, where a search was conducted.

He said Halstenberg worked as a FedEx contract delivery driver and traveled throughout the country, wherever the company needed him. In a written statement, FedEx said Halstenberg was no longer a contractor for the company, nor was he at the time when the Line fire broke out.

Riverside County court records show that Halstenberg has a criminal history, primarily traffic violations such as driving with a suspended license. In April, he was charged with possession of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Property records show that Halstenberg was living with his parents and siblings in Norco, where he was ultimately captured. A Facebook account in his name shows photos of a tall, slim man surrounded by family and friends. On his profile, it states that at one point he worked for Stater Bros. Markets.

Halstenberg, who remains in jail without bail, is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Mother holds kids hostage at knifepoint, officers use taser to end situation, Pittsburgh police say

Pittsburgh police officers are being praised for how they ended a nightmarish situation.

On Thursday, officers found themselves in a standoff with a woman holding her children at knifepoint.

Channel 11 has obtained exclusive video of the situation, that at first captured the audio of the chaos that was happening behind a home on Moore Avenue in Knoxville.

After you hear the officers shouting, you see them carrying a young girl to the front yard, as they try to make sure shes OK after she had been hit by a taser.

Its the aftermath of a violent scenario when police say the girls mother, Gwendolyn Gilmore, had her at knifepoint, while also holding on to another child.

What an incredibly dangerous situation that those two children were in, said Beth Pittinger with the Citizen Police Review Board.

The officer made the decision to deploy his taser to de-escalate the situation and one of the probes hit the young girl, who then had a seizure, and went in and out of consciousness.

Compared to being stabbed or having your throat cut? I think those officers did a great job managing that situation, Pittinger added.

They put the child in an ambulance and took her to the hospital where she made a full recovery.

A day later, Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto is praising his officers.

Our officers showed great restraint to this entire incident. They processed, they used the appropriate level of force based on the scenario as it presented itself, and they were ultimately able to save these children, Scirotto said.

Before the situation escalated to the backyard in Knoxville, investigators say Gilmore carjacked a man and picked up her daughter at Brashear Association  a community social service center.

The centers executive director told Channel 11 over the phone that one of her employees called 911 because Gilmore was acting odd and was reportedly asking everyone in the center to pray and unplug electronics.

Before police got there, Gilmore grabbed her daughter and headed to the home on Moore Avenue, where she held a knife to her throat, until officers stopped her.

They thought clearly and used the tools they had available, and as a result everyone is safe, Pittinger added.

Gilmore is in jail and a judge denied her bond because she is a threat to the victims and the community.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  It was a night of celebration and recognition at Youngstowns Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica.

Dozens of volunteers and sponsors came together to be honored by the church for another successful Italian Festival.

WKBN was among those recognized for our many years of sponsorship and support for the festival.

At the end of the night, all of the money raised from the festival this summer was presented in an $86,000 check to Monsignor Cariglio.

Its the largest amount of money raised by the festival in its 24-year history.

It makes us all feel good. I mean, were about family, were about putting on an event thats family-friendly and also supports our parish and keeps our faith alive, said Mount Carmel Chairman Scott Schulick.

Planning for next years Italian Fest is already underway and the dates have been selected.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Johannesburg  Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo said Thursday they would start administering mpox vaccinations on Oct. 2, about a week sooner than initially planned, in a bid to counter the sharp rise of cases in the central African nation. The World Health Organization, meanwhile, granted pre-authorization Friday to the mpox vaccine already widely in use around the world, which should make it easier for African nations to obtain doses  if the developed world provides the necessary funding.

"This first prequalification of a vaccine against mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa, and in future," WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

Congo authorities approved two mpox vaccines for use in adults in the country in late June as they raced to contain a growing outbreak. Without the WHO pre-authorization, however, Gavi, the global vaccine alliance that funds the purchase of vaccines for low-income countries, could only accept donations from other nations. The Friday announcement paves the way for Gavi to directly purchase vaccines from pharmaceutical companies to ship to affected countries.

Race to roll out first mpox vaccinations in hard-hit Congo

An initial 10-day vaccination drive, using vaccines donated by the U.S. and Europe, is to launch simultaneously in several of Congo's most affected regions, targeting only adults who work in health care, sex work and other front-line community jobs, according to Cris Kacita Osako, coordinator of the country's Monkeypox Response Committee.

U.S. Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn announced in a Tuesday social media post the arrival of 50,000 mpox vaccine doses in Congo donated by the U.S. government, adding to the 200,000 doses received late last week from the European Union.

Je suis heureuse d'annoncer que le don de 50 000 vaccins contre la variole du singe (mpox) en provenance des Etats-Unis est arrive aujourd'hui en Republique democratique du Congo.



Les vaccins sont un element crucial pour prevenir la propagation du mpox et constituent une des pic.twitter.com/pPbEtk2w6n  Ambassadeur Lucy Tamlyn (@USAmbDRC) September 10, 2024

Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, welcomed the vaccine deliveries, adding a call for the U.S. to provide "continued support as we need to vaccinate 10 million people in Africa in the next 6 months."

Kaseya said the Africa CDC was seeking an additional $599 million from the U.S. to support "the continental response to the outbreak." Such funding would help Congo and other poor nations obtain significantly more vaccines through the Gavi alliance.

The mpox vaccine, manufactured by Denmark-based Bavarian Nordic, has been approved for adult use and distributed globally. The company recently filed an application with the European Medicines Agency to extend the approval to children from the age of 12. Regulators could authorize the vaccination for that age group by the end of the month.

Mpox cases spreading fast in Congo and beyond

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has continued to evolve and spread quickly in Congo, with new strains or clades of the virus causing multiple outbreaks with distinct epicenters in the country, putting different groups at risk. The newly arrived vaccines are known to be effective against the older clade 2 variant, but it's not yet clear how well they will work against the newer, more lethal clade 1 strain.

Congo health officials have confirmed more than 22,000 mpox cases in the country and more than 716 deaths from the disease this year. But experts believe very low testing rates and under-reporting of cases mean the real mpox caseload in Congo and surrounding nations is likely much higher.

The virus has spread to 22 of Congo's 26 provinces and 13 of its neighboring African nations. It has been declared a public health emergency by both the WHO and the Africa CDC, which have crafted a six-month, $600 million response plan.

Mpox infections have reached as far abroad as Sweden, Thailand and India, with most cases linked to recent travel to affected regions.

Morocco reported its first case this week  a 32 year old man who tested positive in Marrakech. In a statement, the Health Ministry said he was receiving treatment and was in a stable condition, and that none one he'd come into contact with was showing symptoms.

South Africa recorded its 25th case last week, a 38-year-old Cape Town man who had not traveled nor had contact with any suspected or confirmed other cases. In a statement, the South African Health Department said it had deployed a provincial outbreak response team to identify possible contacts, adding the protocol was for positive cases to be isolated at home.

The National Institute for Communicable Disease in South Africa says there are currently no mpox vaccines available in the country. That's a significant concern for health officials in the country, which has a highly immunocompromised population, with close to 9 million people infected with HIV.

"We need to stop this outbreak now to ensure we don't get a new mutation," the Africa CDC's Kaseya told journalists during a virtual news conference on Thursday.

More than 70% of mpox cases in Congo are currently in children, and the Africa CDC says four of every five deaths recorded are minors. Health officials say children are more vulnerable to mpox, a virus with similarities to smallpox. Experts believe older generations could still have some immunity to mpox from previous smallpox vaccinations.

Other diseases complicate mpox response in Congo

Eastern DRC is racked by conflict, largely between the army and militias, including the Rwandan-backed M23 group. The clashes have caused mass displacement of the population and made vaccination campaigns, for all diseases, far more complicated.

Even before the mpox outbreaks, Congo was facing one of the biggest human displacement crises in the world. According to the U.N. children's charity, some 7 million people in the east of the country have fled their homes and more than 25 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance to survive, including almost 15 million children.

"Things are really moving fast  we are seeing cases going up in the whole province," Marietta Nagtzaam, Congo country coordinator for the Doctors Without Borders charity, who is based in the hard-hit South Kivu region, told CBS News. "There is a lot of underreporting in an overburdened health system."

South Kivu is divided into 34 health zones. In the Uvira zone, Nagtzaam said her organization, which goes by the French acronym MSF, had treated more than 850 patients over the last three months alone. A handful of those who made it to the medics still died with the disease.

"This clade of mpox [clade 1] is so new, we just don't know enough, and the population is easily confused between measles and mpox, with similar looking lesions," Nagtzaam said of the challenges facing her team.

MSF also works in the Fizi health zone, at two hospitals with isolation centers where medics are having to treat measles and mpox cases simultaneously, requiring separate isolation areas.

Suspected mpox patients wait for consultation at an mpox treatment center in the Kavumu hospital in Kabare territory, South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, Aug. 29, 2024. / Credit: Arlette Bashizi/REUTERS

Diagnosing a sick child with very limited supplies, in an area with endemic measles, cholera, poor sanitation and little access to proper nutrition or clean water, has proven an immense challenge for the overburdened health workers.

"Fluid needs to be collected from the lesions by a health worker with protective gear, transported in a cool box on often non-existent or flooded roads to the capital of Bukavu to the testing lab. This alone is very difficult, then we need stock of the expensive PCR cartridges to test for mpox," she explained, highlighting the logistical challenges.

"We would love to do contact tracing," Nagtzaam added, "but the money isn't there to test close contacts."

A vast shortage of mpox vaccines in Africa

The Africa CDC said last month that it had started talks with Bavarian Nordic about manufacturing its mpox vaccine in Africa. The CDC's Kaseya said transferring the technology required to do that to Africa would cut the cost of the vaccine by 80-90% on the continent.

The 250,000 vaccine doses now in Congo are far short of the 3.5 million the country's Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba has said are needed urgently to stem the spread of the virus.

The WHO's designation last month of mpox as a "public health emergency of international concern" was partly intended to spur nations around the world to assist in the response in Congo and other poor nations, as well as to prepare their own contingency measures.

Germany, Belgium and France have said they will donate 100,000 vaccines each, according to Kaseya. On Wednesday, the Reuters news agency quoted a Canadian government spokesperson as saying the country would send 200,000 doses.

The pledges of help come after criticism leveled at the developed world as African countries grappled with the last mpox outbreak in 2022, when they had no vaccines.

African health officials have told CBS News that some countries still have not been transparent about the number of vaccine doses they have in stock.

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The U.S. Air Force brought together more than 30 MQ-9 Reaper drone squadrons for the latest iteration of the Reaper Smoke competition, scenarios in which included simulated missions over the highly strategic and tumultuous South China Sea. This is an interesting development in as much as there have been questions about the utility of the MQ-9 in that kind of context, although Air Force Special Operations Command, in particular, has been looking at ways of ensuring the Reaper is relevant in contested or denied environments.

The South China Sea context in Reaper Smoke 2024 was brought to wider attention by @IntelWalrus on the social media platform X. A closer look at a photo published by the Pentagons Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) shows a computer monitor displaying a map that includes Mischief Reef, an atoll in the east of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

AFSOC hosted an exercise for MQ-9 reaper pilots and operators at Hurlburt Field, featuring simulated missions & strikes over Mischief Reef in the Spratlys. 'Reaper Smoke 24' included "tactical scenarios aimed to test their abilities and decision-making" such as the one pictured. pic.twitter.com/24O8lU0cHs  IntelWalrus (@IntelWalrus) September 12, 2024

Located around 130 nautical miles west of Palawan Island in the Philippines, Mischief Reef is claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, although its located well within the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ). However, China has controlled the atoll since the mid-1990s and more recently has used it to build a large artificial island, including a harbor, as well as an 8,675-foot runway, part of its efforts to assert claims over this and other disputed shoals in the South China Sea.

The harbor and part of the living and admin section among Chinas man-made constructions on Mischief Reef. Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images



As for how Mischief Reef was employed as part of a scenario in Reaper Smoke is unclear, with the accompanying DVIDS text not making any mention of an Indo-Pacific angle to the competition.

What we do know is that this was the fifth edition of the annual Reaper Smoke exercise, and it took place at Hurlburt Field, Florida, from September 5-6. It was organized there by the resident 2nd Special Operations Squadron.

U.S. Air Force MQ-9 pilot, left, and sensor operator, right, assigned to the 25th Operations Support Squadron participate in Reaper Smoke 2024 at Hurlburt Field, Florida, September 5, 2024. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Deanna Muir Senior Airman Deanna Muir

Inspired by the Air Forces famous Gunsmoke competition launched in 1949, Reaper Smoke sees MQ-9 pilots and sensor operators from across the Air Force take part in 30-minute tactical scenarios aimed to test their abilities and decision-making. According to a media release, the competing crews faced challenges that ranged from general tactical maneuvers to specialized skills requiring precise and advanced techniques, reflecting the evolving nature of modern warfare.

The 196th Attack Squadron from the California Air National Guard sealed the victory, but as well as the competitive rivalry between units, Reaper Smoke provides a platform for the exchange of MQ-9 tactics and strategies.

When it comes to the fight of tomorrow, were all going to be working together, Staff Sgt. Francisco Rivera-Monge, 2nd SOS MQ-9 sensor operator and combat operations noncommissioned officer said in an official media release. Understanding each others capabilities is the key to success when it comes to MQ-9 survivability and the contribution in the fight for tomorrow.

An MQ-9 Reaper lands on Highway 287 during Exercise Agile Chariot, April 30, 2023, honing capabilities linked to Agile Combat Employment. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carly Kavish Tech. Sgt. Carly Kavish

With briefings from leaders across the MQ-9 community, the competition will also have provided insight into how Hurlburt Fields 2nd Special Operations Squadron and the broader Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) envisage using the Reaper in future contingencies.

Its here, perhaps, that the apparent focus on the South China Sea  for at least a portion of the competition  is notable.

Air Force Special Operations Command is focused on specialized air power, explained Col. Mark Jones, chief of the AFSOC Concepts and Capabilities Development Division. The MQ-9 inside AFSOC is focused on training the fundamentals  training airmen to be skilled and adapt to use the MQ-9 in ways we havent used it before, for the future.

One of the ways that AFSOC is planning to use the Reaper, especially in a conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific theater, or with other near-peer and peer adversaries, is the Adaptive Airborne Enterprise concept, or A2E. This is part of broader efforts within the command to adapt to the reality that future conflicts are likely to be fought against much more capable adversaries, after decades of counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

Two MQ-9A Reapers operated by the 3rd Special Operations Squadron undergo pre-flight checks before an experimental multi-aircraft control flight for the Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, December 6, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Vernon R. Walter III Senior Airman Vernon Walter

Above all, A2E plans to find ways to ensure the MQ-9 is relevant for future contingencies, by expanding its mission repertoire beyond the more familiar intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike operations.

Adaptive Airborne Enterprise is vital to thickening the Joint Force kill web throughout the spectrum of conflict and continues to be AFSOCs number one acquisition priority, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander said earlier this year. Our Air Commandos are incredibly innovative, capable, and driven they are bringing A2E to life. We will continuously develop the concept to full capability through multiple demonstrations over the next few years.

An MQ-9 Reaper rests inside a hangar at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 7, 2023. The attached travel pod allows combatant commanders to use the MQ-9 Reaper to deliver vital supplies in a confined area instead of relying on a cargo aircraft. U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Doniell Mojazza

AFSOCs development of A2E has been broken down into five phases, of which the first three were already underway as of January this year. They are as follows:

Phase one, replacing the traditional stationary drone control system with a new A2E interface to create a much-reduced deployed footprint, optimized for austere locations.

Phase two, developing a capability for a single crew to fly multiple MQ-9s.

Phase three, developing a capability for a single crew to fly multiple types of drones, ranging from small Group 1 types like the RQ-11B Raven to larger Group 5 ones like the Reaper.

Phase four, a single crew will control formations of drones from mobile and austere locations.

Phase five, establishing new effects-based ISR units. According to AFSOC, as well as drones, these units could include forward-deployed ground forces, cyber operators and space operators that can collaboratively employ UAS capabilities in permissive, contested or denied environments.

The first three phases of A2E were demonstrations conducted last year at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, in Exercise Talon Spear, hosted by the 27th Special Operations Wing.

Last December, meanwhile, the A2E demonstrations were expanded to include a single drone crew controlling three MQ-9s via a single common control interface, as well as attaching and air-launching a Group 2 drone from an MQ-9A.

The capability for one drone to launch and recover other, smaller drones in flight is something that the U.S. military at large is showing increasing interest in. It also has particular resonance in the Indo-Pacific, where long distances are the norm, airspace will likely be heavily contested, and the maximum number of assets will likely need to be brought to bear to achieve the desired effects.

An MQ-9 Reaper lands on Highway 287 during Exercise Agile Chariot, on April 30, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carly Kavish An MQ-9 Reaper lands on Highway 287 during Exercise Agile Chariot, April 30, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carly Kavish U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carly Kavish

As we have explored in the past, the shift from U.S. military operations in almost exclusively permissive environments, towards future conflicts in contested and denied spaces, has led to a recognition of the vulnerability of the MQ-9 and similar platforms. This issue would likely be particularly acute in a future conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific. Even in Yemen, where the anti-aircraft threat is an order of magnitude lower than it would be in a war with China, several U.S. military Reapers have already been brought down, with Houthi officials claiming eight examples of the drone shot down since the start of the war on Gaza.

Giving the Reaper the ability to act as a mothership for other smaller drones, including ones with standoff sensor payloads, as well as loitering munitions, is one way to get around the problem and maximize its potential. Other survival measures that should help improve the survivability of the MQ-9 include using its own standoff sensors, making better use of intelligence, working with combined forces, as well as self-protection capabilities including electronic warfare pods and air-to-air missiles.

An Air Force MQ-9 Reaper armed with an AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missile. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Haley Stevens

www.twz.com

Ultimately, A2E envisages an MQ-9 controller also being responsible for controlling swarms of drones and being able to have these operate from dispersed and austere locations. In this scenario, the Reaper would also be expected to function as a data transport node, ensuring long-range communications and establishing the mesh networks required for complex drone operations, including swarms.

One potential threat to the MQ-9 is a budgetary one, especially now, with a raft of other big-ticket programs for the Pentagon to fund. If its determined that the Reaper is no longer so relevant, the program could be scaled back and further airframes withdrawn. This also helps explain why AFSOC and others are scrambling to find new ways to employ these drones in contested battlespaces. A similar issue currently affects another niche Air Force platform, the AC-130 gunship, as discussed in the video below.

As to Mischief Reef, its not clear whether the presence of this location in a Reaper Smoke scenario implies that the Air Force is already looking specifically at options for operating MQ-9s in this area. However, it is notable that the U.S. military has stepped up its MQ-9s operations from the Philippines.

A map showing Chinese military outposts in the Spratly Islands at the southern end of the South China Sea, as well as other non-Chinese facilities in the hotly contested region. DOD

Reapers were deployed to the Philippines for the first time in April 2023, when a pair of MQ-9s from the California Air National Guards 163rd Attack Wing operated from the former U.S. naval air station at Subic Bay on the Philippines main island of Luzon. From here, the drones flew ISR missions during the annual Balikatan exercise.

Meanwhile, tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea have been notably high in recent weeks, with an uptick in maritime confrontations. These have been centered around Sabina Shoal, another disputed atoll in the Spratly Islands.

Manila has repeatedly accused Chinese maritime forces of ramming its vessels, blasting them with water cannons, and firing flares toward its aircraft.

South China Sea: Chinese Coast Guard vessel "deliberately and intentionally" rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) three times at Escoda Shoal. pic.twitter.com/7VldkBi3tG  Clash Report (@clashreport) August 31, 2024

The Philippines points out that Sabina Shoal, like Mischief Reef, lies within its EEZ, meaning it has the right to build and construct in the area. Beijing, however, claims large swathes of the South China Sea as its own, despite an international tribunal in the Hague rejecting its arguments.

Tensions in the South China Sea, a strategically important waterway linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, show no sign of dissipating, and, against this backdrop, its very interesting, at the least, that the Air Force is building training scenarios around the flashpoint of Mischief Reef.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A police chief in Drew, Mississippi was indicted on charges related to a shootout back in 2022 in Southaven, according to the DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton.

Drew Chief of Police Terry Tyler, of Drew, Mississippi, is charged with aggravated assault.

Barton says the shootout began after a confrontation escalated into gunfire, which resulted in significant public concern. An investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation was then conducted.

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After a review of the evidence, witness statements, forensic analysis, and police reports, a DeSoto County Grand Jury issued an indictment against Tyler on Thursday.

This indictment demonstrates our commitment to holding everyone accountable under the law, regardless of their position. No one is above the law, and the integrity of our legal system demands that we address misconduct wherever it is found. We trust the legal process will reveal the truth, and we will continue to pursue justice in an impartial and thorough manner, Barton 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.
Maryland State Police: 3 on senior living bus killed in head-on collision with dump truck in Charles County

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Maryland State Police (MSP) are investigating after three people who were on a senior-living assisted facility bus died in a crash in Charles County on Friday.

According to state police, around 8 a.m. on Sept. 13, troopers were called to Port Tobacco Road and Bowie Road for a crash involving two vehicles.

Person injured after deputy was involved in shooting in Charles County

Their investigation indicated that a person driving the bus was traveling west on Port Tobacco Road when, for unknown reasons, they lost control and slammed head-on into a dump truck.

(Tim Reid/DC News Now)

(Tim Reid/DC News Now)

The driver 84-year-old Charlie Parker and two passengers, 64-year-old Darlene Burrell and 61-year-old Cassandra Brown, on the bus died at the scene.

The driver of the dump truck was not injured.

MSP said investigators do not believe that impairment was a factor in the collision.

MSP trooper Lt. Everett West said his heart breaks for all the victims involved.

Whenever anything likes regardless of the age its someones brother or someones father or sister so there are families that will feel the impact of this and its always tragic, he said.

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West said it was one of the worst accidents he has responded to.

It was a very somber scene with all the first responders and police agencies and fire and many others. And we were very upset about what a tragic loss it was, he said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Both state agencies and units from multiple counties have recovered a body from Old Hickory Lake.

A spokesperson with the Gallatin Fire Department told News 2 that their agency assisted the Wilson County EMA with a drowning call on Friday afternoon. The fire department reportedly made contact with the victims boat.

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Wilson County law enforcement on the scene told News 2 that a family rented a pontoon boat when a man entered the water and never came back up. Authorities added that the rest of the family is safe.

Recovery efforts are underway. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has taken the lead in the recovery process along with Wilson County authorities. Hendersonville authorities joined the effort later on Friday afternoon. The TWRA later said that the Army Corps of Engineers also assisted with the recovery.

Just after 5:30 p.m., a spokesperson for Hendersonville Fire said that the body was officially recovered from the lake.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The TWRA later identified the victim as a 49-year-old Clarence Claiborne from Petersburg, Virginia. The agency said that the man was not wearing a life jacket when he jumped from the pontoon to go for a swim.

This incident is the 18th boating fatality on Tennessee waters for 2024, according to the TWRA.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Tech mogul Elon Musk has attacked the Australian government over proposed misinformation laws (Sergei GAPON) (Sergei GAPON/AFP/AFP)

Tech mogul Elon Musk has likened the Australian government to "fascists", attacking proposed laws that would fine social media giants for failing to stem the spread of misinformation.

Australia introduced a "combating misinformation" bill on Thursday, which includes sweeping powers to fine tech giants up to five percent of their yearly turnover for breaching online safety obligations.

"Fascists," Musk posted on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Musk's salvo threatened to rekindle his long-running spat with the Australian government.

"Elon Musk has had more positions on free speech than the Kama Sutra," said Government Services Minister Bill Shorten.

"When it's in his commercial interests, he is the champion of free speech. And when he doesn't like it, he's going to shut it all down," Shorten told Australian broadcaster Channel Nine.

Australia's online watchdog took Musk's company to court earlier this year, alleging it had failed to remove "extremely violent" videos that showed a Sydney preacher being stabbed.

But it abruptly dropped its attempt to force a global takedown order on X after Musk scored a legal victory in a preliminary hearing, a move he celebrated as a free speech triumph.

Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety commissioner and a former Twitter employee, has said Musk's takeover coincided with a rise in "toxicity and hate" on the platform.

Musk, a self-described "free speech absolutist", has clashed with politicians and digital rights groups worldwide, including in the European Union, which could decide within months to take action against X with possible fines.

In Brazil, where X has effectively been suspended after it ignored a series of court directives, Musk has responded by blasting the judge as an "evil dictator cosplaying as a judge".

Australia has been at the forefront of global efforts to regulate social media platforms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled plans earlier this week to ban children from social media until they are at least 14 years old.

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(Bloomberg) -- Tech billionaire Elon Musk has labeled the Australian government as fascists over proposed new laws to crack down on digital misinformation, particularly on social media websites.

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Under the proposed legislation, which have yet to pass Parliament, social media companies could be fined up to 5% of their annual revenue if they fail to take steps to manage the risk that misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms poses in Australia.

Misinformation and disinformation pose a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of Australians, as well as to our democracy, society and economy, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said in a statement on Thursday. Doing nothing and allowing this problem to fester is not an option.

The proposed legislation is the latest fight between Australias government and global tech giants. Over the past year, the government has taken Musks X, formally known as Twitter, to court to attempt to remove a violent video of a terrorist attack and flagged it would introduce age limits for teenagers using social media.

In an explanatory memo accompanying the legislation, the government made clear it wanted to set a high standard for what qualified as misinformation. In addition, the laws will carve out exceptions for professional news, content that would reasonably be regarded as parody or satire as well as the reasonable dissemination of content for any academic, artistic, scientific or religious purpose.

However, in a short post on X on Thursday, Musk called the Australian government fascists for trying to introduce the laws, setting up his latest showdown with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his center-left Labor government.

The new laws will need the support of either the center-right Liberal National opposition or enough left-wing Greens and independent senators to pass.

In an interview with Sky News after the introduction of the laws, opposition Home Affairs spokesman James Paterson flagged his skepticism toward the legislation.

Australians legitimately held political beliefs should not be censored by either the government, or by foreign social media platforms, he said.

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The overall death toll across the four countries stands at 280, but with many people missing it is expected to rise further (Sai Aung MAIN) (Sai Aung MAIN/AFP/AFP)

Hundreds of villagers in Myanmar waded or swam through chin-high waters, fleeing severe floods around the remote capital Naypyidaw on Friday, while Vietnam began clearing up after deadly Typhoon Yagi.

People in parts of Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar have been battling floods and landslides in the wake of Typhoon Yagi, which dumped a colossal deluge of rain when it hit the region last weekend.

The overall death toll across the four countries stands at nearly 300, including 233 in Vietnam, but with many people missing it is expected to rise.

More than 235,000 people have been forced from their homes in Myanmar, the junta said Friday, piling further misery on the country hit by conflict since the military seized power in 2021.

Authorities were investigating unconfirmed reports that dozens of migrant workers were missing following landslides in a gold mining area in central Mandalay region, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said.

The junta gave a death toll Friday of 33, while earlier in the day the country's fire department said rescuers had recovered 36 bodies.

One resident of Sin Thay village near the capital Naypyidaw said he and his two children had spent the previous night sheltering in a tree to avoid the surging floodwaters.

"The water reached the village very suddenly at night, there was no time to run," he told AFP.

"We didn't get rescued until later. If they had come 30 minutes later, my family would be dead."

Some villagers dragged makeshift rafts behind them carrying their possessions, while others led livestock to higher ground.

"This is the very first time I have experienced such a flood," another man said near the village.

"We didn't have time to prepare. It was a very scary experience."

State media said flooding in the area around the capital had caused landslides and destroyed electricity towers, buildings, roads, bridges and houses.

In the Mandalay region, one group of villagers rode elephants to reach dry land, in footage posted on social media.

- Hanoi clear-up -

In the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, residents equipped with shovels, brushes and hoses were out clearing up debris and mud after the waters that had submerged parts of the city receded -- and the sun came out for the first time in days.

The Red River through Hanoi reached its highest level in 20 years this week, as the rain brought by Yagi funnelled out towards the sea.

"This was the highest flooding I've ever seen, it was more than a metre on our first floor," Nguyen Lan Huong, 40, told AFP.

"The water started to recede yesterday afternoon so we began cleaning up bit by bit. But it will take days for our family to fully recover, and even weeks for the community here I think."

A total of 130,000 people have been evacuated in northern Vietnam since Yagi hit on Saturday -- and many have not yet been able to return home -- while more than 135,000 homes have been damaged according to the authorities.

In the deadliest single incident, a landslide wiped out a village in mountainous Lao Cai province, killing 48 people.

But in a rare piece of good news, eight people missing in the landslide and feared dead have returned safe. Some had been staying with relatives while others managed to escape in time.

Northern Thailand was also badly affected, with one district on the Myanmar border reporting its worst floods in 80 years.

Officials said Friday a fatality in a landslide in Chiang Rai province had taken the toll in the kingdom to 10.

Flights to Chiang Rai airport meanwhile resumed, a day after airlines halted them.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrived in Chiang Rai on Friday to see relief efforts, which are being led by the military.

There are flood warnings for several locations along the River Mekong, including the Laotian capital Vientiane.

The Mekong River Commission, the international body overseeing the crucial waterway, said low-lying areas around Vientiane are expected to be flooded over the next few days.

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Big Money Thrustas

NASA engineers have pulled off an incredible feat: switching the agency's ancient Voyager 1 probe  the farthest human-made object in existence  to a different set of thrusters.

The feat, heavily complicated by the record 15.3 billion miles of outer space separating the probe from ground control, took weeks of careful planning.

Some of the 46-year-old spacecraft's thrusters started getting gunked up with silicon dioxide, the apparent result of a rubber diaphragm breaking down inside its fuel tank. The material reduced the thrusters' efficiency, forcing NASA to come up with a workaround.

Their solution: reactivate a different set of thrusters to keep it going.

The feat, successfully completed in late August, gives Voyager 1 yet another lease on life. The probe has been on life support for quite some time now  but it's still not giving up.

Dead Space

Voyager 1 has three sets of thrusters, which were designed to help it perform several planetary flybys. However, now that it's on a straight path away from the solar system, "its thruster needs are simpler, and either thruster branch can be used to point the spacecraft at Earth," according to NASA.

It's not the first time engineers have had to switch to a different set of thrusters. Both in 2002 and 2018, teams swapped the probe to a different branch due to similar material buildup.

The team's latest move was to swap to an attitude propulsion thruster branch, which had already been partially clogged, but to a lesser degree.

Complicating matters are power supply and temperature issues. Having "turned off all non-essential onboard systems, including some heaters" to conserve power, both Voyager 1 and its twin Voyager 2 have grown colder.

Consequently, engineers had to warm up the thrusters before bringing them back online to avoid any damage. However, turning on the heater could put too much stress on the spacecraft's dwindling power supplies.

Fortunately, the team confirmed on August 27 that their final plan  turning off one of the main heaters to free up power for the thruster heaters  had worked, allowing Voyager 1 to keep edging into interstellar space.

"All the decisions we will have to make going forward are going to require a lot more analysis and caution than they once did," said Voyager's project manager Suzanne Dodd in a statement.

Nobody knows how long Voyager 1 will hold on. The spacecraft has more than exceeded expectations, having fulfilled its original mission to explore Jupiter, Saturn, and Saturn's largest moon, Titan, decades ago.

But NASA remains optimistic.

"My motto for a long time was 50 years or bust," astronomer Stamatios Krimigis, who has worked on the Voyager 1 mission since the 1970s, told NPR in March, "but we're sort of approaching that."

More on Voyager 1: NASA's Ingenious Hack Brings Dying Voyager Probe Back Online
TechCrunch

ByteDance said it is shuttering its music streaming service, TikTok Music, in November. "We are sorry to inform you that TikTok Music will be closing on 28 November 2024," a notice on TikTok Music's website reads. Users who want to transfer their playlists to other streaming services would need to do so by October 28, and refund requests would need to be submitted by November 28.
National Suicide Prevention Month; What to know, resources

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  September is National Suicide Prevention Month and when mental health advocates, organizations, survivors, allies and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness, according to 988 Lifeline website.

According to an article published on Aug. 29 by the World Health Organization (WHO), over 720,000 people die due to suicide every year, and for every suicide, many more people attempt to take their own life.

In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally, according to WHO.

As we previously reported, El Paso reported 100 suicides in 2023. Out of that number, nine were in the age range of 11-19.

El Paso hits 100 suicides last year; experts offer warning signs

Although the reasons for suicide are multi-faceted, and influenced by multiple aspects of life, resources across the nation are available 24/7, as well as additional help you can get from locally.

One of these local resources is El Paso Behavioral Health System, a psychiatric hospital specializing in mental health and chemical dependency treatment, as well as specialized military mental health treatment.

As a behavioral healthcare provider here in El Paso, Texas our team at El Paso Behavioral Health System is dedicated to #BeThere in a manner that promotes connectedness. Culturally relevant services, evidence-based treatments and support are available, read a news release sent by the hospital regarding Suicide Prevention Month.

You can call the hospital at (915) 541-6680 for a no-cost, confidential assessment 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Other local resources to visit if struggling with mental health issues:

National resources:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Modesto school officials and police released statements Friday about threats of school shootings  found to not be credible  made on social media.

And in the city of Newman on the West Side of Stanislaus County, police announced the arrest Friday afternoon of a local juvenile in connection with threatening posts made on social media.

The Modesto Police Department stated it was aware of images and threats posted on social media regarding shootings that were supposed to occur Friday.

Student safety is our top priority. You will see an increased police presence at our schools today to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, read MPDs social media post, which asked residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

An email about the threats was sent to families and staff of Modesto City Schools by Deputy Superintendent Brad Goudeau on Friday. The email stated the threats were circulating widely throughout Stanislaus County but reiterated they were found to not be credible. MPD apparently informed MCS the social media post originated in Southern California and not locally.

I know that seeing threats against schools, whether they are posted on the internet or shared in some other way, is very concerning, read Goudeaus email. Please rest assured that the Modesto Police Department has confirmed that this threat is not a credible threat.

The email went on to state that school days would proceed as usual and ask students to not repost threats on social media, but rather report them to a trusted adult.

The threats appear to be part of a nationwide trend, according to several news outlets.

In the Sacramento area, the San Juan Unified School District said four of its schools were targeted on social media, The Sacramento Bee reported. Threats were made against Silverado Middle School, which resulted in the arrest of a 13-year-old boy. The Buckeye Union School District announced it had several schools mentioned in an online post. Rocklin Unified School District also was the subject of a threat made on TikTok. These incidents were reported by the Sacramento-based news agency KCRA.

On Thursday, USA Today reported that a flurry of threats across the nation, some credible and some not, resulted in several arrests of children. The spate of threats came in the wake of the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia.

One of the threatening posts found by Newman police on Thursday named several West Side schools. The subsequent investigation identified a Newman juvenile as the suspect. The teen was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats and threats to inflict bodily injury or property damage upon public officers, public employees or school officials or employees.

The NPD post said it will seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. It encouraged parents to use this opportunity to speak with your children to educate them about the potential consequences and repercussions of such serious actions.

It encouraged parents to continuously monitor their childrens social media activity.

Bee reporter Taylor Johnson contributed to this report.
Poland held the first high-level meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre (JATEC), the first joint NATO-Ukraine institution aimed at strengthening Ukraines defence capabilities and accelerating NATO membership.

Source: Ukraines Ministry of Defence, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The decision to establish JATEC was agreed at the NATO summit in Washington in July 2024, and it has been opened in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz.

Deputy Defence Minister Stanislav Haider stated that the joint centre with NATO will assist Ukraine in not only implementing its procedures, techniques, and standards, but also sharing its own experience.

Quote: "Interoperability is one of our main goals and we are taking concrete steps for this. We have provided our proposals for the implementation of projects and expect substantive decisions."

Poland feels that starting a joint centre with NATO is a significant step towards Ukraine's admission into the Alliance.

According to the Defence Ministry, the parties officially established the centre and defined its primary tasks, structure, positions, and leadership functions. The parties also agreed that the centre should be formally established between October and November of this year.

Another point of discussion in the negotiations is assuring the centre's operations, namely the necessity for NATO resources to implement activities and establish an information and communication network.

Representatives from Ukraine and NATO also agreed on the importance of launching projects as soon as feasible as part of JATEC efforts.

Specifically, Ukraine presented a list of 70 cooperative projects and indicated which ones should be prioritised.

JATEC's aim is to achieve interoperability between Ukraine's security and defence institutions and the relevant institutions of the Alliance, improve educational quality, increase the analytical component, and provide staff training.

Background:

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, said Ukraine will join the North Atlantic Alliance as a sovereign and independent country within its 1991 borders, and no other options have been discussed.

European Pravda analysed the suggestion of Ukraines accession to NATO "by parts" last year and explained why it may be dangerous.

The Ukrainian authorities admitted that the Alliance would not provide an accession invitation for Kyiv until the end of the war.

Petr Pavel, President of Czechia, believes that Ukraines NATO accession should not depend on regaining full control over all its territory.

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A Navy commodore gave untruthful evidence in a 500,000 court battle over an injured sailor, a judge has said.

Joleen Williams, 39, sustained a spinal injury while having dinner at the captains table when the frigate HMS St Albans made an unplanned turn while sailing off the south coast of England in October 2014.

She was thrown backwards as the ship turned, striking her spine on a key protruding from a filing cabinet, with commanding officer Catherine Jordans heavy wooden table pinning her against it.

The sailor was subsequently medically discharged from the Navy due to back problems in December 2017 and sued the Ministry of Defence for about 500,000 compensation.

Now at Central London County Court, Judge Richard Roberts has ruled in her favour, saying ship crew were negligent in not securing the table to the deck and criticising her then-commanding officer, now Commodore Catherine Jordan, for giving untruthful evidence.

Commodore Catherine Jordan gave inconsistent statements about the incident - COLIN EDWARDS/ALAMY

Cdre Jordan had given inconsistent statements about where the table was secured, changing her evidence when she realised it could not have been attached where she said it was, the judge said.

The exact amount in compensation that Miss Williams will receive will be decided at a later court hearing, if not agreed with the MoD outside court.

During the trial in May, Judge Roberts heard that former leading medical assistant (LMA) Miss Williams was sailing on board HMS St Albans off the Isle of Portland when she was injured.

In her evidence, Miss Williams, from the Poole area, told the court she had been ordered to have dinner at the table of the ships commanding officer, Catherine Jordan.

At about 20:00 hours, after we had finished the last course of the dinner, but the table had still to be cleared, the ship rolled unexpectedly to starboard, she said.

Joleen Williams leaves Central London County Court after hearing in case against MoD - CHAMPION NEWS

No warning pipe had been given in advance. I was thrown backwards in my chair with my back against the drawers/filing cabinet.

The back of my neck to the right was against the key in the top draw of the filing cabinet as the table, which was not secured to the deck, tipped over onto me, pinning me against the drawers with my chin down into my neck.

I remember my neck and right shoulder hitting the key in the lock and handle, such was the force that the handle broke and the key bent in the lock as a result.

The plates and cutlery on the table came crashing down on me.

I remember the commanding officer calling up to the bridge and telling them: What the hell are you doing up there? You just took out our LMA.

It took a few minutes for the other people in the cabin to get the table off me.

According to claim papers, the former sailor, who more recently has worked in finance, was left suffering with neck pain, headaches, low mood and spinal instability, leading to her discharge.

The MoD defended the claim, denying that the captains table was unsecured and insisting that the crew were given warning of the turn.

Giving judgement, Judge Roberts commended Miss Williams as an honest witness, but said there were serious contradictions and untruths in Cdre Jordans evidence which severely reduced her credibility.

She had changed her account of where in the cabin the table was positioned in her various statements, he said, altering her evidence when she realised that, if it was in the centre of the room as she had earlier said, it could not have been fastened down.

I find that Cdre Jordan changed her evidence as to the position of the table in her third witness statement, because she had realised that if the table was placed in the centre of the cabin, there was no securing mechanism, he said.

Inconsistency in her statements arose because her evidence that the table was secured is not truthful, he added, criticising Cdre Jordans lax and negligent attitude towards health and safety in her cabin.

Cdre Jordan, in admitting that her table was not always secured at sea, had shown a sub-standard approach to health and safety in her cabin, which was described by an expert witness, retired Captain Jon White, as very poor seamanship.

I accept the claimants evidence, which has been consistent throughout, that the table in Cdre Jordans cabin was not secured to the deck, he said.

I find the MoDs evidence that the table was secured to the deck to be contradictory and untruthful.

I find on the balance of probabilities that the table was not secured to the deck prior to the index accident and that this was negligent at common law.

I find that the table moved backwards at an angle, causing the claimant to fall backwards onto the key, which was protruding from the top drawer of the cabinet.

I find that the claimant has proved on the balance of probabilities that the MoD was negligent and in breach of its duty of care at common law and that this breach caused the claimant injury, loss and damage.

Although he found that a warning was sounded, he said it would not have prevented the injury to Miss Williams, who he also cleared of any personal contribution to the accident.

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(NewsNation)  The U.S. Navys first gender-integrated submarine will enter service on Sep. 14, according to Naval Sea Systems Command.

Following eight years of construction, the USS New Jersey, a Virginia-class submarine, is a historic shift for the Navy. The service had a ban on women serving on submarines until 2010.

As of 2023, there were 609 female sailors assigned to operational submarines, mostly on Ohio-class submarines, which are larger than Virginia-class subs, that had been retrofitted to accommodate both genders.

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In the future, all nuclear-powered attack submarines and new Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines will be designed to be gender-neutral from the keel up.

Admitting women to submarines posed a challenge for the Navy, which had to reorganize and retrofit the vessels where space is already at a premium.

The USS New Jersey has been adjusted to account for male and female service members, including changes to the height of overhead valves, added steps for high bunks and stacked laundry machines and additional privacy for washrooms and berths.

Previously, the Navy announced it would expand the number of co-ed crewed submarines from 30 to 40. Designed for all-male crews, existing submarines havent easily supported the addition of women.

USPS long-awaited new mail truck makes its debut to rave reviews from carriers

One example is berths, which are usually built in three or six rack person rack configurations, which may not easily be adapted if the number of women on a vessel doesnt match. Washrooms face similar issues, which crews have dealt with by dividing up space or using facilities in all-male or all-female blocks.

Female submariners also say culture has to adapt along with the physical layout of the vessels, as male crew members were not always accepting and the first women on a crew were often the subject of awkward curiosity.

The USS New Jersey will be the 23rd Virginia-class submarine in the Navys fleet, named after the state where the first U.S. submarine was built in 1900.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Heres when NC absentee ballots will go out after weekslong delay over RFK withdrawal

The North Carolina State Board of Elections announced Friday it will begin sending out absentee ballots to military and overseas voters on Sept. 20  two weeks past the states deadline.

Absentee ballots will go out to other eligible voters whove requested them starting on Sept. 24.

The delay is due to a dispute over third-party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s campaign. He sued to get off the states ballot after most counties had already printed ballots with his name on them.

On the day absentee ballots were set to go out, the Court of Appeals sided with Kennedy and ordered the state not to send out ballots. The state Supreme Court upheld this ruling on Monday.

This forced state and county election officials to discard the nearly 3 million ballots that had already been printed and begin scrambling to recode, design, proof and print over 2,300 different ballot styles.

The federal deadline for sending out absentee ballots to military and overseas voters is Sept. 21.

This schedule is only possible because of the hard work of elections professionals across this state that will continue throughout the next week, Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections, said in a press release. Because of them, we expect to meet the federal deadline for ballot delivery, and North Carolinians can finally start voting in this important election.

As of Friday, over 166,000 North Carolinians had requested an absentee ballot. Currently about 8% of these requests are from military and overseas voters, whose ballots will be sent out first.

The reprinting process will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and county governments  not the state  are responsible for footing the bill. Wake County estimates the cost will be around $300,000.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 29. They must be completed and returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, which is Nov. 5.
Photo: Adobe Stock

North Carolina will beat the federal deadline for having absentee ballots ready for military service members and citizens living overseas.

The state Board of Elections announced Friday that all 100 counties will send military and citizen overseas ballots to people who requested them on Friday, Sept. 20, beating the federal deadline by one day.

The first wave of absentee ballot mailings for all other voters will begin Sept. 24.

Counties were ready to begin mailing absentee ballots on Sept. 6, but a lawsuit and appeal by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. scuttled that plan.

The only way to meet the federal deadline was to have different start dates for absentee ballot distribution, according to an email from the elections board.

On Monday, the state Supreme Court in a 4-3 ruling ordered Kennedys name removed from the ballot. About 2.9 million ballots with his name on them had been printed by that time. Kennedy, a nominee of the new We the People party, wanted his name removed so he wouldnt draw votes from former President Donald Trump.

Through Thursday, more than 166,000 voters, including more than 13,600 military and overseas voters, had requested ballots, according to the Board of Elections.

Counties pay for ballot printing, so the cost to each county to prepare new ballots varies widely.

New ballots cost some counties a few thousand dollars. Durhams cost is $55,100, according to the state Board. In Wake, the county with the most registered voters in the state, printing new ballots cost $300,000, the email said.

The deadline for requesting absentee ballots is 5 pm, Oct. 29.

The ballot mailing schedule has changed but the deadline for returning them has not.

Mail-in ballots must be returned to county elections offices by 7:30 pm on Election Day.

Absentee ballot request and return deadlines are different for members of the military and citizens living outside the United States.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  After filing back-to-back election lawsuits in late August, the NCGOP has filed a new piece of litigation against the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the NCGOP and Republican National Committee argued that allowing UNC-Chapel Hill students to use digital IDs violates a statute which aims at preventing electoral fraud. Namely, the groups are taking issue with the card being digital and say it does not meet the requirement as a valid ID card because it is not physical and tangible.

NC Board of Elections approve use of digital ID cards for UNC-Chapel Hill students to vote

On Aug. 20, the NCSBE said students of the university would be allowed to use a digital version of their student ID cards to vote in the 2024 election. This digital ID is called the One Card and is only available on Apple devices like iPhones and Apple Watchesnot on Android and Google devices.

The lawsuit argues the NC General Assembly, in General Statute 163-166.16 and related statues, do not describe or indirectly permit the use of electronic forms of photo identification. Further, the NCGOP said there has been an obvious application of the statute until the Aug. 20 decision which abruptly reversed that application three months before the November election.

The law never changed, the lawsuit states. The Court should, respectfully, curb the NCSBE from acting outside its statutory authority.

As of Thursday, there are 70 North Carolina universities and colleges where student ID cards are acceptable statewide for voting, including UNCs One Card. Heres the full list.

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CENTRAL ILLINOIS, (WCIA)  Three Central Illinois airports will receive nearly $5 million in federal funding to improve infrastructure.

Vermilion Regional Airport in Danville, State of Illinois Airport System Plan in Springfield and Rantoul National Aviation Center-Frank Elliott Field Airport will receive this funding from U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Aviation Administration.

DACC board to meet again over investigation of president after mayors complaint

The money will be spent on expanding the terminal buildings, making sure the taxiway structures are safe, installing devices which limit noise pollution, investing in clean energy, improving drainage systems and limiting things areas that may attract wildlife.

Rantoul airport used their funds to improve their north-south runway.

The runways are graded by a company called applied payment technology, Carson Vericker, Rantouls airport manager said. And they put a grade on what they asphalt is and the degrade that come off of runway 1836 was very poor.

He says the FAA paid 90% of the runways re-do with the state and village splitting the rest.

Illinoiss airports are critical economic engines for our state and the source of jobs for so many working families, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth said in a press release. Im proud to join Senator Durbin in announcing this investment of federal funding to help grow and modernize our airports across the state. I will continue to work alongside Senator Durbin to make traveling safer and more reliable for all passengers while ensuring that our communities are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.

Springfield bridge to be renamed, decorated with mural to honor Sonya Massey

In total, 12 airports across the state of Illinois received more than $37 million in federal funding. Danville and Rantoul airports were both given over $2 million, and Springfield received $300,000.

By improving and modernizing airport infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin said in a press release. Todays announced federal funding for upgrading our airports across Illinois will enhance the travel experience for passengers and promote economic growth. I will continue working with Senator Duckworth to ensure Illinois airports have the necessary federal resources to keep passengers safe and connected.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Nearly $6 billion in funding for Ukraine will expire if Congress doesn't act by the end of the month

FILE - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown Jr., speaks during a press briefing with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, left, April 26, 2024 at the Pentagon in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Nearly $6 billion in U.S. funding for aid to Ukraine will expire at the end of the month unless Congress acts to extend the Pentagon's authority to send weapons from its stockpile to Kyiv, according to U.S. officials.

U.S. officials said the Biden administration has asked Congress to include the funding authority in any continuing resolution lawmakers may manage to pass before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30 in order to fund the federal government and prevent a shutdown. Officials said they hope to have the authority extended for another year.

They also said the Defense Department is looking into other options if that effort fails.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the funding talks, did not provide details on the options. But they said about $5.8 billion in presidential drawdown authority (PDA) will expire. Another $100 million in PDA does not expire at the end of the month, the officials said. The PDA allows the Pentagon to take weapons off the shelves and send them quickly to Ukraine.

They said there is a little more than $4 billion available in longer-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative that will not expire at the end of the month. That money, which expires Sept. 30, 2025, is used to pay for weapons contracts that would not be delivered for a year or more.

Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Thursday that as the Defense Department comptroller provides options to senior defense and military service leaders, they will look at ways they can tap the PDA and USAI funding.

He said it could be important to Ukraine as it prepares for the winter fight.

One of the areas that we could do work with them on ... is air defense capabilities and the ability to defend their critical infrastructure, Brown told reporters traveling with him to meetings in Europe. Its very important to Ukraine on how they defend their national infrastructure, but also set their defenses for the winter so they can slow down any type of Russian advance during the winter months."

Earlier Thursday at the Pentagon, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the press secretary, noted that the PDA gives the Pentagon the ability to spend money from its budget to send military aid to Ukraine. Funding in the $61 billion supplemental bill for Ukraine passed in April can reimburse the department for the weapons it sends.

Right now, were continuing to work with Congress to see about getting those authorities extended to enable us to continue to do drawdown packages, said Ryder. In the meantime, youre going to continue to see drawdown packages. But well have much more to provide on that in the near future."

The U.S. has routinely announced new drawdown packages  often two to three a month.

Failure by lawmakers to act on the PDA funding could once again deliver a serious setback in Ukraine's battle against Russia, just five months after a bitterly divided Congress finally overcame a long and devastating gridlock and approved new Ukraine funding.

Delays in passing that $61 billion for Ukraine earlier this year triggered dire battlefield conditions as Ukrainian forces ran low on munitions and Russian forces were able to make gains. Officials have blamed the monthslong deadlocked Congress for Russia's ability to take more territory.

Since funding began again, U.S. weapons have flowed into Ukraine, bolstering the forces and aiding Kyiv's incursion into Russia's Kursk region. Ukraines forces stormed across the border five weeks ago and put Russian territory under foreign occupation for the first time since World War II.
Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Hall County Attorney Marty Klein host a news conference related to a Grand Island man charged with collecting allegedly fraudulent signatures on two petitions related to medical marijuana earlier in 2024. Sept. 13, 2024. (Screenshot by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said Friday a statewide investigation continues into several thousand signatures collected on ballot initiative petitions, just hours before a key deadline to include them on the November ballot.

Hilgers, a Republican, also announced at least one Grand Island man who had been hired to collect signatures for a marijuana initiative has been criminally charged. Hilgers has opposed legalizing any form of cannabis, but said the timing of his announcement coincided with the conclusion of part of his investigation and not the signature certification deadline.

Weve seen these irregularities implicate several thousand signatures, Hilgers told reporters Friday. Our work is still ongoing, we will have more to say. Today is the deadline for the Secretary of State but it is not our deadline in order to complete our work.

Signatures not counted from the get-go

Hilgers is a former state lawmaker and has also led a statewide campaign against delta-8, which contains THC, the compound in the cannabis plant most commonly associated with getting a person high.

Tracy Overstreet

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen must decide Friday whether the petitions from Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana collected enough valid signatures to be included on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Evnen said Aug. 30 that the campaign had provisionally qualified with enough valid signatures. The campaign needs about 86,500 and had 89,000 signatures as of Aug. 30, as the validation process continued. He had not yet decided the petitions fate as of midday Friday.

Hall County Election Commissioner Tracy Overstreet confirmed to the Nebraska Examiner that the numbers Evnen used at the time did not include the ones from the man who has been criminally charged.

She said they were flagged as fraudulent and rejected and not counted toward those totals from the get-go.

Petition verification continues

Hilgers said other irregularities are being investigated but did not specify on which petition or how many on any petition being circulated, or in which counties.

There are currently six petitions vying for a spot on the Nov. 5 ballot, and Evnen has certified four of them. Three were successful Friday morning against legal challenges, and medical marijuana faces its own, including claims against valid signatures.

Should the petitions be placed on the ballot, and enough signatures knocked off in that time frame, Hilgers said, the outcome of his investigation might mean the new laws wont take effect.

The integrity of our elections transcends ideology. It transcends policy issues. It transcends party, Hilgers said. This is about making sure that Nebraskans have confidence in our election system.

Petition pages are turned in to the Secretary of States Office four months before the general election they seek to be printed on. Local election officials then count and validate the signatures according to state law, not state officials.

Signatures are regularly tossed from the count if local officials determine they are not valid, including for any of the other petitions in circulation this cycle. Klein said officials must link any irregularities back to a specific person in order to pursue charges.

Petition circulators and voters alike should know and understand that this office  and all election offices across Nebraska  take elections and signature verification very seriously, Overstreet said in a statement. We go through each petition line by line by line, signature by signature  just like we do for signatures on early voting ballot envelopes.

Alleged petition signatures

Hall County Attorney Martin Klein announced allegedly fraudulent signatures collected on petitions backed by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana between February and June 2024 from one petition circulator. The campaign has two active petitions for the 2024 election.

On the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, 98 irregular signatures were identified on 17 signature pages circulated between Feb. 9 and June 26. On the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, 104 irregular signatures were identified on 21 signature pages circulated Feb. 18 and June 30.

Of the irregularities that were identified, on each petition:

68 signatures from voters with wrong dates of birth.

Eight signatures from voters who had died.

Six signatures from voters whose names were misspelled.

Wouldnt matter what the petition would be

Hilgers said Nebraskans should be confident that election or law enforcement officials who identify any instance of fraud or wrongdoing will investigate and, if appropriate, prosecute.

He said it is up to Evnen to determine the legal sufficiency of the ballot measures.

Asked whether every other petition circulating in Nebraska this cycle is being given the same scrutiny  those related to abortion, private K-12 school vouchers and paid sick leave  Hilgers said: We have a process, and it applies to everyone equally and fairly.

I can absolutely tell you definitively, with 100% certainty, no matter what the petition was, if we had evidence of signature fraud, the same kind of evidence that we have in this case. Absolutely wouldnt matter what the petition would be, Hilgers said.

Hilgers said he and other local officials are on the lookout for fraud, but he is unaware of other irregularities that have at least been brought to his office. He cautioned that doesnt mean Ive blessed the process of any other petitions.

Marijuana signature case

Hilgers and Hall County Attorney Martin Klein announced that Michael K. Egbert, 66, had been charged with allegedly collecting at least 200 fraudulent signatures. Egbert allegedly did so across 38 signature pages spread between two medical marijuana-related petitions to respectively legalize and regulate the drug between Feb. 9 and June 30.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed Thursday, Egbert said in an Aug. 30 interview he had been working as a paid petition circulator and was paid by the hour, mostly in Hall County. Egbert allegedly said at the time he submitted well over 100 pages of signatures.

He had in fact written names down, gone out into a phone book and got names of individuals with addresses here in the Grand Island, Hall County area, Klein told reporters.

The affidavit charged Egbert with making up wrong dates of birth and listing up to eight voters who had died on each petition.

Hilgers said the count of alleged fraudulent signatures is not a static, firm number.

Egbert is charged with false swearing to a circulators affidavit on a ballot petition, a Class IV felony. The penalty ranges from probation to up to two years in prison, and up to a $10,000 fine.

The case has been assigned to Judge Arthur S Wetzel. Egbert will be arraigned Oct. 2 in Hall County.

Egberts attorney, Robert Alexander, who sat in on an interview with Egbert and local officials on Sept. 10, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

At that interview, according to the affidavit, Egbert said he would leave his petitions unattended and did not sign his circulators calculators oath in the presence of a notary.

Crista Eggers, statewide campaign manager for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, said in a statement that all circulators are given extensive training. She thanked Klein and Hilgers for looking into any irregularities and working to protect the integrity of the public initiative process.

Circulators are held to an extremely high standard and are required to strictly follow all legal requirements for collecting signatures, Eggers said in a statement. Any circulators caught violating the law should be held accountable for their actions.

egbert-probable-cause-affidavit

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Two abortion-related ballot measures will appear in front of Nebraska voters in November.

The state Supreme Court ruled on Friday morning that Nebraskans will be able to cast votes on both measures, one in favor of abortion rights and one against. The abortion rights ballot measure asks voters if they would like to enshrine abortion access until fetal viability, or somewhere around 22 to 24 weeks of pregnancy, into the state constitution. The measure opposed to abortion rights seeks to codify the states current 12-week abortion ban.

The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments in three lawsuits pertaining to one or both amendments earlier this week. A conservative Christian law firm brought two lawsuits against the pro-choice measure, on behalf of two local anti-abortion advocates. The law firm, which recently lost a similar argument against a Missouri pro-choice measure, claimed that the abortion-rights measure violated state law requiring amendments to only address a single subject. They claimed that reproductive freedom encompasses more than one issue  an argument that anti-abortion advocates also used against Floridas abortion-rights ballot measure.

The third lawsuit, filed by nearly 30 pro-choice physicians, argued that if one measure is allowed on the ballot then both should be allowed.

This is the first time competing abortion measures will be on a state ballot since the Supreme Court repealed Roe v. Wade in 2022.

The state Supreme Court decision was handed down just hours before the deadline to take an amendment off the Nebraska ballot.

Abortion-rights amendments 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. A recent poll shows that the anti-abortion measure has more support than the abortion-rights measure, but not by much.

Related...
The symbol of justice adorns one of the doors to the Nebraska Supreme Court. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  The Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday left voters with the choice about the future of the latest remake of a scholarship or voucher program to help families offset the costs of private K-12 education.

The court unanimously decided, 7-0, that the ballot measure seeking to repeal Legislative Bill 1402 was not an appropriation and therefore is subject to the referendum process under the Nebraska Constitution.

We see no language in Section 1 of LB 1402 making an appropriation at all, the court wrote in a joint or per curiam opinion. It is settled law in Nebraska that there can be no implied appropriation. Appropriations must be expressly stated or directly necessary for the implementation of a statutory provision.

Attorneys for the mother of a Douglas County student receiving funds under a scholarship program had argued the measure was regular spending by the Legislature and shouldnt be subject to a vote of the people.

Tom Venzor, an attorney known for his work with the Nebraska Catholic Conference, argued on Tuesday that Article III, Section 3 of the Nebraska Constitution reserves that right for the Legislature.

He argued that the bill and its related appropriations bill were intertwined.

Reasoning telegraphed at hearing

Justices on Tuesday telegraphed the majoritys reasoning, that the ballot measure pushed by Support Our Schools sought only to repeal LB 1402 and not its related-but-separate appropriations bill, LB 1402A.

Local school choice advocates, including LB 1402s sponsor, State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha, and others who voted for it, including State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, had argued it was an appropriation.

We applaud Ms. Collars bravery in bringing the case forward and representing the thousands of Nebraska parents like her who now have hope for their childs education thanks to scholarships, said Jeremy Ekeler of Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska. We are confident voters will stand with kids and families this fall.

Daniel Gutman, an attorney for the public school advocates, argued that the $10 million appropriation in LB 1402A would still exist if voters rejected LB 1402 and would eventually revert to the general fund.

He argued that LB 1402, by benefiting private schools, unconstitutionally directed state funds to private institutions, something prohibited by Article VII, Section 11.

The court sidestepped that question, ruling instead on the narrower question of whether a law without its associated appropriations bill could be repealed by public referendum, ruling that it can.

Tim Royers of Support Our Schools, the new president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said his group is thrilled that the Supreme Court protected one of our most important rights as Nebraskans, and we look forward to repealing LB 1402 in the upcoming election.

His predecessor at NSEA, Jenni Benson, said people seeking public funds for private schooling have fought letting the voters decide at every turn.

These voucher proponents want to impose their costly private school voucher scheme on Nebraska taxpayers, she said in a statement. But public school supporters from all across our state joined together to protect our public schools with two successful petition drives and a winning defense of the petition process in the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Venzor issued a statement Friday from the Catholic Conference saying the decision hurts the children and families who need support the most  those facing hardships such as bullying, disabilities, or the unique challenges of military life.

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, the target of the lawsuit, complicated the lawsuit by filing a pledge to force another lawsuit if the court sidestepped the key legal question and instead ruled on a technicality.

The court did not seem pleased with his change in position. Chief Justice Mike Heavican argued that Evnen had already made a determination that the referendum was valid and sufficient.

Once done, I am aware of no process by which the Secretary can change his mind and rescind his legal sufficiency determination and not place the referendum on the ballot, Heavican wrote in a concurring opinion, criticizing Evnens attempt to reverse his certification decision.

Evnens office had no immediate comment on the decision.

Will appropriators gain power?

Linehan said she felt bad for the 2,500 students now attending a private school of their choice whose families will now worry about whether the money that helps them attend will be there.

But she said she is more worried about what the decisions interpretation might mean for future Legislatures because it seems to increase the power of senators on the Appropriations Committee.

She said it will make Lincoln more like Washington, D.C., where she served as chief of staff for former U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb. She said people who want anything done will go through appropriators.

Its horrible, Linehan said. Not to do with school choice. The real problem is that decision says if its not in the budget, if the appropriators dont like it, everybody else in the Legislature is neutered.

State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha said the decision could impact even judicial salaries because their funding bills come through the Judiciary Committee.

Voters, if they got upset, could cut the salaries, he argued.

A bills (appropriations bills) were created as a way for the Legislature to keep track of stuff, he said.

Linehan said any bill with spending that is not ongoing and in the budget will be at risk of being rejected by the voters. She partly blamed the tight timeline the court had to decide the case.

I think the time crunch probably didnt give the court enough time to think through thoroughly what they were doing here, Linehan said. The governor and the appropriators will now run the place.

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The second anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, in Washington

By Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) - Competing proposals to amend Nebraska's constitution, one to guarantee abortion rights and the other to restrict them, can appear on ballots in November's election, the state's highest court ruled on Friday.

One proposed amendment, sponsored by a coalition of pro-abortion rights organizations including a Planned Parenthood affiliate, would establish a "fundamental right" to abortion up to fetal viability, and to protect the mother's life or health after that.

The opposing measure, sponsored by a group of anti-abortion doctors, would prohibit abortion after the first trimester, with exceptions for medical emergencies, rape or incest. That is similar to Nebraska's existing abortion law.

The pro-abortion rights amendment was challenged by a doctor and by the founder of a facility that houses women facing unplanned pregnancies. The opposing amendment was challenged by a group of practicing and retired doctors.

Both challenges argued that the proposed amendments improperly addressed multiple subjects, since they involved abortion rights under various circumstances, and risked confusing voters. But the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that both addressed a single subject and were clear.

"Unregulated late-term abortions are what Nebraskans will get if the abortion expansion ballot initiative passes," Matt Heffron of the Thomas More Society, a lawyer for the anti-abortion challengers, said in a statement. "We are deeply concerned that the Nebraska Supreme Court has allowed this intentionally deceptive initiative to go before Nebraskans for a confusing vote."

Lawyers for the challengers to the anti-abortion measure and the office of Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Nebraska is one of nine states expected to vote on abortion rights in November, as abortion rights advocates seek to undo new abortion bans and restrictions passed by Republican-controlled states in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 ruling eliminating the long-standing nationwide right to abortion. Policy regarding abortion and women's reproductive rights in general is a key issue in this year's presidential election.

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
WEBSTER GROVES, Mo.  KVC Missouri and St. Louis Childrens Hospital want to build a new behavioral health hospital in Webster Groves surrounded by homes. One of those homes is Jared Cohens.

Being a physician myself and practicing numerous different medical facilities both in St. Louis and around the country, the general theme with a lot of them is that theyre generally not situated in the middle of residential communities and for good reason, he said.

Its an area where parents say kids often walk to Givens Elementary, about half a mile away. Plans show the hospital would be 64,000 square-feet and have 77 beds for patients. St. Louis Childrens said it would include an outpatient treatment center and traditional counseling.

KVC and St. Louis Childrens Hospital are proud to be working together to address this urgent need on behalf of our community. As experts in caring for the behavioral health of pediatric patients, we are uniquely qualified to provide this often lifesaving care and are proud to do so on a beautifully landscaped mental wellness campus that features the latest safety and security technology and state-of-the art health care, St. Louis Childrens and KVC Missouri said through a statement.

But the property would first need to be rezoned.

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Various operators have run a residential treatment facility for troubled kids here for years. In 2021, the residential facility known as Great Circle shut down shortly after multiple employees were accused of endangering kids who lived there. But the day school on campus is still open and is now run by KVC Missouri.

Its not that any one operator is doing a poor job. Its that this is a difficult thing to manage and all more to the point why it should not be coexisting in a very densely residential neighborhood, Cohen said.

Earlier this year, a teacher at the day school died in what KVC says was the result of unintentional injuries after a collision between two people.

Last year, Cohen said a student had run away and was caught right in front of his home while his kids were out in the yard.

That was upsetting to them, asking what happened and just to see that physical restraint right in front of them, it was shocking and disturbing for them as well, he said.

Overall, Webster Groves Police Department has had 84 calls for service at this location dating back to October 2022.

KVC Health Systems said in a statement sent to FOX 2 News, Safety is our top priority. We have a long track record of operating childrens mental wellness facilities with safety and security for patients and neighbors.

In a presentation to the Webster Groves Plan Commission, KVC says there would be added fencing, increased setbacks and improved security measures.

St. Louis Childrens Hospital and KVC Missouri believe this facility is needed. They say that St. Louis and the surrounding areas have fewer than 50% of the behavioral health beds needed to support our children and that suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10- to 14-year-olds.

Cohen says he is fully supportive of this type of treatment.

I wish that the public discourse wasnt such that our speaking out against this proposal is a vote against pediatric mental health support; it couldnt be farther from that. Its more of a this is not the appropriate community for that, he said.

He says neighbors will be at the next plan commission meeting. It is scheduled for October 3.

Request for a Changes of Zoning and Conditional Use Permits  Proposed Plan by KevinSeanHeld on Scribd

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New Hampshires net metering rules havent been modified since they were established in 2017. (Dave Cummings | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Solar customers and clean energy advocates are waiting to see if New Hampshire will continue its system for compensating customers who share excess power on the grid.

State regulators at a recent hearing seemed unconvinced about the policys benefits, despite support from utilities, customers, and hundreds of residents who submitted public comments on a proposed extension.

This commission is highly skeptical of anything involving energy efficiency or clean energy, and focused almost solely on cost, said Nick Krakoff, senior attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation in New Hampshire.

These compensation plans, generally referred to as net metering, are widely considered one of the most effective policies for encouraging more solar adoption. Recently, however, several states have changed or considered changing their programs, as utilities object that the policies are too costly and some politicians and policymakers push for more purely market-based approaches.

New Hampshires net metering rules havent been modified since they were established in 2017. The states public utilities commission opened a case to consider the question of whether and how to adjust the rules in September 2022. A year into the proceedings, the states major electric utilities  Eversource, Liberty Utilities, and Unitil  came out in support of continuing the existing system of net metering, despite the tendency of utilities nationwide to consistently push for lower net metering rates. The move was a welcome surprise for environmental advocates.

If you dont have a compensation rate thats high enough, youre not going to have customers that are going to want to invest in solar panels or other renewable energy, Krakoff said.

Striking an agreement

In early August, a diverse coalition including the utilities, the Conservation Law Foundation, Clean Energy New Hampshire, Granite State Hydropower Association, Standard Power of America, and Walmart reached a settlement agreement about the future of the policy.

The agreement calls for the state to keep the current net metering structure in place for two years; at the end of two years, utilities would propose time-of-use rates for net metering, so the compensation rate more closely matches the real-time value of the power being sent into the grid. Also, any projects that join the net metering program during those two years will receive the same compensation for 20 years before transitioning into whatever new system is created by then (currently the compensation ends in 2040).

An influx of public comments has also reflected wide support for the tenets of the agreement. Nearly 450 comments were submitted since the beginning of the year, more than Sam Evans-Brown, executive director of Clean Energy New Hampshire, has ever seen in a public utilities case, he said. The vast majority urge the commission to maintain the current net metering system.

Peterborough resident Brian Stiefel was among those who filed comments. He and his wife installed 37 solar panels on their home in 2021, at a cost of $51,000. Though the solar doesnt fully cover their electric bills, it provides $2,000 to $3,000 in savings per year, in large part due to net metering.

A big part of the decision to do this was the fact that the state would approve us for net metering, Stiefel said in an interview. If thats going to change it could have a significant financial impact on everybody who has panels and is set up with net metering.

An uncertain path forward

However, clean energy advocates say they have seen some signs in recent months that the commission might not be paying much attention to the benefits the system creates, while seeking out evidence that net metering creates a cost burden for consumers who arent part of the program.

The concern is that the chair is looking for a cost shift and is going to do whatever it takes to find one, Evans-Brown said.

Last spring, the commissioner requested a series of records in the case, several focused on gathering information about other states net metering programs  information that did not seem relevant to the decisions needed in New Hampshire, Evans-Brown said. The commission also requested, in a different docket, information about stranded cost recovery, which it then placed into the record on the net metering case as well, a move energy advocates interpreted as an attempt to focus on costs to the exclusion of benefits.

Then, in hearings on August 20 and 22, the commissioners asked questions that seemed focused on finding costs being passed on to consumers, even though there is simply no such evidence on the record, Krakoff said.

Advocates concerns are magnified by the commissions history: In 2021, the commission drastically reduced funding for the states energy efficiency rebate and incentives. Though the utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental groups had come to an agreement to raise funding for the programs, the commission claimed that the program would burden consumers and that the state should focus on promoting market-based energy efficiency services.

Current commission chair Daniel Goldner was one of the commissioners who signed the energy efficiency decision. During his confirmation hearing earlier that year, Goldner expressed skepticism about climate science, and advocates raised concerns about his lack of experience in the energy field.

They expressed strong skepticism of energy efficiency and actually gutted the program, Krakoff said, comparing that case to the present-day net metering proceedings. Its very concerning.

Now advocates, homeowners, and other stakeholders can only wait to see what the commission decides and when they decide it. An order could come by the end of the year, said Evans-Brown, or the commissioners could decide to push the matter well into the new year  there are no deadlines set on the process.

Should the commission in some way reject the settlement, there is still hope the Legislature would take action to protect net metering. As part of the proceeding, state Sens. Kevin Avard, Howard Pearl, and David Watters submitted a letter explaining their belief that reducing net metering compensation would be against the goals of the legislature.

It is the intent of the legislature to preserve a viable net metering program in the state of New Hampshire, and we will take action to do so if necessary, they wrote.

Resolving the question through legislative action, however, would leave the matter open and undecided for even longer, making it harder to encourage solar development in the state, advocates noted.

We were expecting this to be a challenging docket when this was first announced, Evans-Brown said. Its frustrating, but not surprising.

This article first appeared on Energy News Network and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
The Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve in Jasper and Hampton counties. (Provided/Andrew Busbee)

RIDGELAND  After working for years to preserve the pieces, South Carolina has opened 10,570 acres in the Lowcountry to the public for hiking, kayaking or just enjoying Mother Nature, the state Department of Natural Resources announced this week.

The $50 million Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area  which spans Jasper and Hampton counties  opened Sept. 1, becoming the states 78th heritage preserve.

Already one of the largest properties owned by the natural resources agency, the preserve is still growing. A 1,992-acre chunk of land should soon be added.

About $40 million of the price for the land came from various state funds, including the Conservation Bank and Heritage Trust fund. An additional $9.5 million came from a federal program to protect forests, and $50,000 was from conservation group The Nature Conservancy, according to the natural resources department.

For years, conservation groups have been buying pieces of property to then sell to the state to manage. The Open Space Institute bought the first 3,800 acres in 2021.

A map of the Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area. (Provided by S.C. Department of Natural Resources)

We thought wed hit a home run, Nate Berry, the groups chief land protection officer, said about that initial purchase. But soon thereafter, the partners came together, and in short order we were able to protect far more.

The excitement around the first piece of land persuaded neighboring landowners to conserve and sell their own property, said Open Space Institute spokeswoman Michelle Sinkler.

The conservation groups agreed to hold onto the land and sell it piecemeal to the state as money became available.

The opening over Labor Day weekend followed state officials giving the go-ahead last month to buy a 1,600-acre chunk.

The agency waited to open the preserve until the bulk of it, including as many connecting pieces as possible, was under its management. Officials also had to clear roads and put gravel onto some to make them accessible by car, said natural resources spokesman Stephen Fastenau.

Once the purchase on an adjacent piece of land is finished, the preserve will be almost 12,600 acres. Open Space Institute is in the process of transferring that land to the state, Sinkler said.

A handful of other wildlife management areas are larger than the new preserve, including Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area in the Upstate, which is more than 40,000 acres, and Woodbury Wildlife Management Area in Marion County, which is about 25,000 acres.

But the large Coosawhatchie property stands out because it is increasingly rare to find such a large piece of undeveloped land in the fast-growing counties along the coast, Fastenau said.

Protecting the land was important because rare, charismatic species live there, said David Bishop, The Nature Conservancys coastal and Midlands conservation director.

That includes the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake and nonvenomous Florida pine snake, which are high priorities for conservation in the state.

The land is also home to more than 150 gopher tortoises, which are in danger of becoming extinct in the state. The tortoises are considered particularly important to save because more than 300 other species share their burrows, according to The Nature Conservancy.

Were pleased that this special place will be open for the public to appreciate, Bishop said in a statement.

Visitors will be able to hike along existing roads and paths, though the property does not have a formal trail system.

The public can access the property through an entrance in Ridgeland, off Stock Farm and Adger Access roads, Fastenau said.

A county-run boat launch near the property, Corner Lake Landing, will allow people to canoe or kayak the Coosawhatchie River through the preserve.

Hunters can enter a statewide lottery to shoot deer. During scheduled hunts, the preserve will close to the public. The area is also a good place for birdwatching, Fastenau said.

Nearby, an additional 13,100 acres are under protection, both privately and publicly, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

That includes the 4,400-acre Gregorie Neck property, which The Nature Conservancy will split among six private landowners who must agree not to develop the land. The state chipped in $2 million to help recoup costs.

This is yet another significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect our states most precious natural resources, Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement. 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.
News organizations unite on U.S. Democracy Day to help protect a democracy under attack.

This article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.

There were a few simple lawn signs on the front yard of a home in Merced.

One stated: Vote like Democracy Depends on it. It does.

Another read: Its your voice! Vote!

The political divides run even deeper.

In contrast to those signs, there are others about Making America Great Again. Or saying to back a certain candidate and f--- your feelings.

In a March poll by the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service, 81% of respondents said they believe democracy in America is being threatened.

The threats they cited included Donald Trump, MAGA Republicans, major news organizations and social media.

Anyone watching the recent presidential debate between Trump and Kamala Harris mightagree, depending on their political leanings.

And this is why I am writing, to bring attention to U.S. Democracy Day. On Sept. 15, news organizations come together to sound the alarm about the threats to democracy.

Sept. 15 marks the International Day of Democracy. Logo provided by Center for Cooperative Media. Generative AI was involved in the creation of this illustration.

Threats thrive in darkness. Thats where rumor, misinformation and disinformation gather strength.

By shedding light on the big uglies out there, we have the opportunity to defeat them.

Democracy here has always been under threat, ever since July 4, 1776, when the nation claimed its independence.

Initially, voting rights went to white male landowners, a small portion of America.

Thats just a reflection of the complicated relationship the U.S. has had with itself and its inhabitants.

The country wanted its freedom from the rule of England but enslaved others.

Later, people migrated to the seemingly unclaimed territories of the West to seek their own destiny. But in doing so, they devastated Native Americans in the process.

And even as some gained their freedom, there remained strong opposition to allow others to do the same.

And those being disadvantaged would not go away.

Even today, we battle voter suppression.

We always have lived in a teetering alliance with ourselves.

What we do as a news organization to help is provide readers with information.

This is why we have added a civics and democracy reporter at The Modesto Bee. Kathleen Quinn will cover that topic in Stanislaus County.

This is why Alma Villegas of The Merced Sun-Star will be writing stories that hold government accountable in Merced County.

This is why Erik Galicia at The Fresno Bee is working on a collaborative project about a Latino Republican who supports Donald Trump for president.

All three reporters have joined McClatchy as part of the states Local News Fellowship program, the state-funded initiative that puts journalists in newsrooms to cover local news.

Kathleen, Alma and Erik are among more than 70 state-funded journalists devoted to independent local news.

They will live and work full-time for two years in their respective communities, gaining newsroom experience, training and mentorship while generating local news for readers.

Kathleen and Alma joined their news sites just last week.

Erik, who is in his second year at The Fresno Bee, has written extensively about Madera County, stories ranging from Valley Childrens Hospital to homelessness to transportation of farmworkers.

Kathleen is a graduate of UC Davis and has a masters degree in journalism from UC Berkeley.

Alma is a graduate of San Francisco State and has a bachelors degree in journalism with a minor in Latina/o studies.

This program helps news organizations provide additional coverage for readers.

It is because we live in a democratic society that we can express our voice, question authority and offer differing opinions.

At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith and John Carlos stood on the podium after finishing first and third in the 200 meters, wearing black socks and no shoes to represent Black poverty. With heads bowed, they raised black-gloved fists in protest as the national anthem played.

There was a cost for Smith and Carlos: death threats, economic hardship.

And then came the acceptance and appreciation that can come with time and perspective: They received the highest honor from the university they attended: San Jose State. They have received the ESPY Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

And a statue of that iconic moment stands at San Jose State.

Our democracy will continue to be imperfect. But as we observe Democracy Day, do your part to protect it.

Be informed and vote.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Kids having access to cell phones in school has become a widely debated issue.

In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul is even considering a cell phone ban in schools.

On this weeks Newsmakers, Andrew Donovan sits down with Steve Dunham, the superintendent of the Westhill School District, and Kimberly Kopko, a human development specialist from Cornell University, to discuss the issue.

You can watch the entire interview in the video player above.

Latest local news

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
California will enforce new penalties for those who damage or destroy property valued at more than $50,000 while committing a felony, including retail theft, after Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a law Thursday aiming to curb large-scale theft offenses and smash-and-grab robberies.

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 bill, known as AB 1960, was introduced by state Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D), who said, Violent sledgehammer crimes and flash-mob attacks by organized gangs must stop now.  our business owners and workers should not have to live in fear that these crimes will come to their doorstep.

The signing follows a bipartisan package of 10 bills aimed at cracking down on property crimes and the states $267 million investment in local grants to help law enforcement address organized criminal activity.

To date, more than 6,900 suspects have been arrested for retail and property crime offenses by agencies that have received the grant, according to a release from Newsoms office. Since 2019, California has invested $1.1 billion to fight crime, hire more police and improve public safety, it added.

According to reports earlier this year, the California Highway Patrol had recovered $45 million in stolen goods and arrested nearly 3,000 people since 2019. The agency has surged officers to hot spots in Oakland, Bakersfield and San Francisco to improve response times for crimes.

The San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles saw a steady increase in shoplifting between 2021 and 2022, according to a study by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California.

In November, Californians will vote on Proposition 36, which would create felonies for repeat shoplifters, some drug charges and other crimes. The proposal would repeal parts of Proposition 47, a landmark bill that turned many crimes in the state from felonies to misdemeanors.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, 88 percent of retailers nationwide reported a rise in confrontational and violent behavior from shoplifters in the past year.

Safe and Sound Security, a private security company, reported that 14 of Californias 15 largest counties have seen an increase in commercial burglary rates, while the states smaller counties have experienced a decline.

Lawmakers and other supporters of AB 1960 say it will help spark a much needed change.

By implementing stricter sentencing enhancements for the value of stolen property, we are sending a strong message to criminals that preying on other peoples possessions will not be tolerated, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna said. This piece of legislation is vital in ensuring that those who continue to undermine our communitys well-being face appropriate consequences, ultimately creating a safer environment for all.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NJ lawmakers map out their plans upon returning to the state house

NJ lawmakers map out their plans upon returning to the state house

TRENTON, N.J.- The State House was bustling on Thursday as the legislature reconvened for the first time since late June.

Its nice getting back. People are excited about it, said Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Roy Freiman (D-16th District).

More New Jersey News

Looking to the legislative season ahead, Freiman says he hopes to tackle key issues, like school funding.

From my perspective, I think that there is opportunity for us to improve it and the biggest area, for school boards and local folks is giving them the opportunity to have more predictability in the process, said Freiman.

He also wants to work on ways to consolidate economic improvement efforts. You compare New Jersey to some of our other States. I think we should be bringing this together as a governmental entity, said Freiman.

On the other side of the aisle, Republicans are mapping out their Autumn to-do list.

Its very exciting, said Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis (R-21st District). Anything we can do to help our district and represent them in the best possible way.

Matsikoudis is currently writing legislation to close loopholes in ghost gun laws, just days after the State Commission of Investigation released a report calling for stronger laws.

Its going to be bipartisan, said Matsikoudis, because I really believe that both sides of the aisle want to protect our residents safety.

Her other priorities include a mental health task force and cutting red tape for businesses.

Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-24th District) says school funding and property taxes remain big issues for Republicans. Were hopeful that after years of ignoring the Republican side and some viable plans and options to help bring those property taxes down, said Fantasia, were hoping that the Democrats actually this year re-open their eyes, take a look and understand the Republicans are proposing some feasible solutions.

While this is the first time lawmakers have met in committee since the beginning of the Summer, they say the work in their respective districts has not stopped.

Theres a lot of activity that happens, a lot of work behind the scenes, said Freiman.

If anyone out there needs help from our district office, we are here to do that, said Matsikoudis.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The New Mexico Legislature on June 26, 2024 in Santa Fe. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM)

State lawmakers are meeting in Hobbs to tour oil and gas fields, hear presentations on uranium refinement, nuclear waste storage and consider future bills on addressing air pollution and wastewater.

The Radioactive and Hazardous Materials interim committee will hear four presentations on Friday during a meeting scheduled to start at 9 a.m. in the Zia Park Casino Hotel and Racetrack.

Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces), who chairs the committee, said the tours of oil and gas operations will begin before the meeting.

Staff and committee members will tour the setbacks of some of the different operations, and see how close they are to schools, homes and housing developments, Ferrary said. We think thatll give us a good idea when we come to the afternoon and talk about produced water and water reuse, and setbacks.

The first two presentations are centered on nuclear industry impacts. Those are expected to be mostly informational and allow lawmakers to ask questions, Ferrary said.

This ensures theyre monitoring and keeping us up to date when things are happening and allow for us, with any concerns, to bring them to light, she said.

The first panel features representatives of Urenco USA, the company that runs a uranium enrichment facility, which announced plans earlier this year to expand its plant in Eunice, New Mexico. That plant is the only operating commercial uranium enrichment facility in the United States.

On the same panel, the New Mexico lawmakers on the committee will also hear from Eunice resident Rose Gardner, who co-founded a grassroots group Alliance for Environmental Strategies, which has rallied community concerns around proposed nuclear storage facilities in the area, and across the border in Texas.

The second panel will include members from the U.S. Department of Energy. Also slated to talk regarding the Waste Isolation Pilot Program (WIPP) near Carlsbad isDon Hancock, a member of the nuclear watchdog the Southwest Research and Information center.

Hancock told Source New Mexico l that his presentation will center on the changes to WIPPs 10-year operating permit, which state environmental officials granted last year.

WIPP is the nations only storage site for defense-related nuclear waste, usually items soiled with elements heavier than uranium  mostly plutonium.

Some of the new provisions require additional disclosure from the U.S. Department of Energy, about plans for WIPP expansion and potential changes in its mission for disposal. It requires the agency to say what its doing for finding additional sites to store nuclear waste each year.

Hancock said its also incumbent on New Mexico to enforce the new contract, saying he hopes this will push a public engagement plan from state and federal officials to describe what exactly is happening with the pilot project.

WIPP was previously slated to close in 2024, but the Department of Energy said it could be open until 2083.

Hancock said the federal government is failing to be transparent about its plans for the nuclear waste site.

The DOE has said for the last 25 years that WIPP would operate for 25 years, well it turns out that 25 years isnt credible, and 85 years isnt credible either, he said.

The afternoon panels include the return of priorities from the previous legislative session this year. This includes reports to lawmakers about setbacks and uses and regulation of oil and gas wastewater.

Rep. Debra Sarinana (D-Albuquerque) said one of her 2025 legislative priorities includes bringing back restrictions on how close oil and gas can drill in proximity to schools, to reduce air pollution impacts on kids.

She cited a recent report from the New Mexico Environment Department that 60% of inspected facilities in New Mexicos Permian Basin were violating air quality permits.

Were really looking at oil and gas, because they keep polluting, Sarinana said.
Rumors have been circulating online suggesting that ABC News debate moderator Linsey Davis was fired after a recent presidential debate. These claims have quickly gained attention, leaving many wondering whether they are true. Here are more details.

Did Linsey Davis get fired by ABC?

No, Linsey Davis wasnt fired by ABC.

At a campaign event in Tucson, Arizona, former President Donald Trump took a significant portion of his speech to criticize the moderators of his recent debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump referred to ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis as low lives, calling for their dismissal. He accused them of unfairly fact-checking him while not doing the same for Harris. Trump further described Davis, who is Black, as nasty and claimed she looked at him with hatred in her eyes. His remarks came during what was meant to be an event focused on the economy and rising costs. (via The Hill)

Why do people think Linsey Davis has been fired?

A rumor began circulating on Facebook claiming that ABC News had fired its debate moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis. The story originated from a post shared by a Facebook account called SpaceX Fanclub on September 11. The post, which featured images of Muir and Davis, included the caption, ABC fires debate moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis: They are a disgrace to their profession.

However, the post was clearly marked as satire. The caption included a disclaimer, and text on the image humorously stated, Nothing on this page is real. if you believe anything we post, then you are a potato crop. Despite the satirical intent, many users failed to recognize the joke, spreading the rumor further.

Check out the post here:

The post also linked to an article on Esspots, a satirical news website, claiming the moderators were fired due to their performance during the debate, where they fact-checked Trumps statements and occasionally asked Vice President Harris questions. However, the story is completely false.

The post No, ABCs Debate Moderator Linsey Davis Wasnt Fired appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
No change to US policy on long-range missiles to Ukraine expected Friday, White House says

By Doina Chiacu

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is not planning to announce any new policy on Ukraine and the use of long-range missiles on Friday, the White House said.

"There is no change to our view on the provision of long range strike capabilities for Ukraine to use inside of Russia," White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters. "I would not expect any major announcement in that regard," from discussions between U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, Kirby said.

Biden and Starmer will meet at the White House on Friday afternoon.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been pleading with allies for months to let Ukraine fire Western missiles including long-range U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows deep into Russia.

Kirby said that the US was taking seriously Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning he would consider the West directly involved in the conflict if Ukraine fired Western-made long range missiles into Russia, but that it was not a new stance from Putin.

"This is not rhetoric that we haven't heard from him before," Kirby said. "He has obviously proven capable of aggression...so, yeah we take these comments seriously."

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Heather Timmons; editing by Susan Heavey and Deepa Babington)
No changes in US policy on long-range strikes into Russia expected, White House says

The U.S. is not planning to change its policy regarding Ukraine's use of Western weapons to carry out long-range strikes into Russia, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Sept. 13.

"There is no change to our view on the provision of long-range strike capabilities for Ukraine to use inside of Russia," Kirby said.

"I would not expect any major announcement in that regard," he said, referencing speculation that such a decision would be announced following meetings between President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington.

While 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.

At the same time, there have been growing reports that the U.K. may amend its position regarding the use of its Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes.

The Guardian reported on Sept. 11, citing unnamed U.K. officials, that such a decision had already been made ahead of a joint trip by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Kyiv.

Other countries, such as Sweden, Finland, and Canada, have come out in recent days to say they fully support Ukraine using Western-supplied weapons to hit deep into Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have upped their saber-rattling in response, claiming that the move would mean NATO is directly at war with Russia.

Kirby said that the U.S. was taking the threats seriously but added that "this is not rhetoric that we haven't heard from (Putin) before."

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.
No indictment in local sex case

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Mahoning County grand jury declined to return an indictment Thursday in a local sex case.

A no bill was returned in the case against David Vasquez, 63, which means the case wont proceed to trial.

Vasquez had been arrested in May, accused of sexual conduct with a minor.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
We are all in disbelief: How the New Hampshire National Guard failed to protect female soldiers

When a military police battalion from the New Hampshire National Guard arrived at the US southern border in October 2022, the units commander Lt. Col. Mark Patterson immediately began making soldiers uncomfortable.

In one instance, Patterson sent a junior female officer a picture of a sexually themed Beer Garden Babe costume suggesting she wear it to the battalions upcoming Halloween party. In another, he told a female colleague that hed gotten an erection while thinking of her during a massage.

Some of the women felt that Patterson often followed them, including around their hotel and to a local gym. He would also take photos of them without their knowledge and share them with others along with comments about their bodies. Patterson repeatedly ordered women in the battalion to come to his hotel room, texted them at all hours, and spoke at length about wanting a relationship with a younger woman.

If they complained about his behavior, Patterson would threaten to make their deployment miserable.

Pattersons conduct was detailed in a 50-page report from March 2023 obtained by CNN laying out the findings of an Army investigation, which eventually led to Patterson being charged and convicted in a military court-martial for his actions at the border, including sexually harassing four women in his battalion over several months.

As part of a plea deal, Patterson is being forced to retire. His attorney told CNN Patterson is expected to retire as a major, one rank below lieutenant colonel, by November 1.

His case is perhaps the most high-profile example of a problem women say has plagued the New Hampshire National Guard for years: A toxic, sexist work environment.

In interviews with CNN, nine current and former members of the New Hampshire National Guard (NHNG) described a culture where sexual harassment and assault have been allowed to flourish, where whistleblowers are retaliated against and where survivors have often been neglected as leaders fail to enforce any real means of accountability.

Data obtained by CNN show that New Hampshire had by far the highest rate of reported sexual assault cases in the spring of 2023 than any other National Guard unit in the US  5.29 cases per 1,000 service members. The second highest state, Wyoming, had a rate of 2.91 per 1,000. The New Hampshire National Guard told CNN in a statement that 2023 was an anomalous year for sexual assault reports.

None of Pattersons behavior at the border shouldve surprised the top brass back in New Hampshire. The Guard had previously investigated Patterson numerous times, including over allegations of sexual harassment, multiple sources told CNN. One of the New Hampshire National Guards most senior officers was also warned directly about Pattersons concerning behavior and his impact on soldiers under his command.

Several months before Pattersons unit deployed, a lieutenant colonel warned the head of the New Hampshire National Guards Army component that there was significant stress and serious depression among soldiers and officers who served under Patterson, according to a memo obtained by CNN.

If these issues are not resolved before deployment to the border, Pattersons past problems could fester, grow, and may cause embarrassment for the New Hampshire National Guard, wrote Lt. Col. Kennith Kruger, a field artillery commander.

Of the more than 50 service members interviewed by the Army during its investigation into Patterson, many expressed a deep sense of anger.

We all are in disbelief that the state of NH would let him command this (battalion), one service member told the Armys investigating officer. Another said that Patterson has remained unscathed through multiple investigations, and many of us have lost hope in the system and fear speaking up because he wont be held accountable.

Asked if he had any response to the investigations conclusion that Patterson made women feel targeted, groomed, and threatened, Pattersons civilian attorney told CNN his client felt that the female subordinates under his command were being friendly to him and thus he reciprocated. He erred in letting the level of familiarity go too far.

I no longer trust this organization

After Patterson was suspended in January 2023, the states sexual assault response program manager, a 10-year military veteran named Katrina Dupuis, went to the border and said she found soldiers traumatized by his behavior. When she learned that Patterson had been investigated multiple times already, including once just before he had deployed, Dupuis was appalled.

She said she was told the latest probe had ended after multiple soldiers retracted their complaints against Patterson, which she found troubling.

I said, You werent deeply concerned about that? What do you mean (they) took it back, thats concerning, Dupuis told CNN, recalling the conversation she had with leadership at the time.

By March 2023, Dupuis, frustrated by a lack of response from leadership, brought her concerns to authorities outside of her chain of command, filing reports to the Department of the Army Inspector General and the New Hampshire attorney generals office.

I no longer trust this organization and its ability to keep myself or anyone else safe, Dupuis wrote in an official complaint to the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services. Concerns shed brought forward on behalf of sexual assault survivors arent even acknowledged, Dupuis added, writing that, for her, (h)ostility, maltreatment and retaliation are just a daily expectation now.

In June 2023, the New Hampshire National Guards most senior commander, Maj. Gen. David Mikolaities, temporarily suspended Dupuis, citing medical issues that were interfering with her performance. Dupuis, however, told CNN that she had not reported medical issues, saying instead shed been discussing concerns over retaliation and leaderships treatment of her in a conversation she believed to be confidential.

Katrina Dupuis - Courtesy Katrina Dupuis

In July, she was told she was being fired for, among other things, unprofessional behavior. A memo to Dupuis, dated two days before her termination was final, listed a series of allegations against her, including that she failed to take steps to quell negative, insubstantial rumors about colleagues and told a victim of sexual harassment that our higher leadership wont do anything and they should file a complaint through their Congress representative.

The memo did not cite medical issues as a reason for her firing. A few months earlier, Dupuis received a glowing performance review, giving her the highest rating of outstanding for her work overseeing victim support services and training.

Dupuis says she believes she was retaliated against for raising issues the units top leaders didnt want to hear and for trying to alert outside authorities to the problem.

Emily Paige Kamal, a lieutenant colonel who worked as a civilian alongside Dupuis as the NHNG director of the wellness division, told CNN she believed Dupuis was fired for blowing the whistle about the units lack of response to reports of sexual assault.

I think that the leadership was deeply troubled by the information that she was providing to them, Kamal said. I think that she was not willing to change her narrative to be the misleading story that the leadership was providing.

The New Hampshire National Guard declined to comment on Dupuis employment citing privacy laws.

Mikolaities, who declined to be interviewed for this article, said in a written response to questions from CNN that there was nothing in Pattersons past performance to indicate he was capable of the kind of misconduct and abuse of authority revealed in the findings that he (pleaded) guilty to.

The New Hampshire National Guard takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously and significant work has been done to improve the prevention and response, victim care, accountability, prevention, climate and culture, he said.

Foxes guarding the henhouse

In recent years, the US military has made a priority of addressing sexual assault and harassment. While the National Guard has focused on these issues, experts told CNN change can take longer to sink into National Guard units because they are largely made up of part-time troops, who are often not subject to the same federal regulations as their active-duty counterparts.

National Guard units are also led by general officers, known as TAGs or adjutant generals, such as Mikolaities, who report directly to their states governor but also to the Pentagon. This effectively gives them two bosses, and leads to confusion on whether issues should be handled by the state or federal government, said Kate Kuzminski, the director of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security.

If theres an open question mark, and its a topic no one wants to spend their time on, Kuzminski said, then thats the thing thats likely to fall between the cracks.

Maj. Gen. David Mikolaities addresses attendees of the New Hampshire National Guard Annual Awards Ceremony in December 2022 in Pembroke, New Hampshire. - Tech. Sgt. Charles Johnston/New Hampshire National Guard

The investigation of Patterson offers a window into those competing authorities. Because he was on federal orders at the time of his misconduct at the border, and therefore subject to active-duty military regulations, the investigation was ordered by his chain of command at the border and not the National Guard.

A major report delivered to the Secretary of Defense in June 2021 outlined a series of recommendations for the military to improve how it handles assault and harassment. The report made a point of calling out the National Guard, saying it faced unique challenges in preventing assault or harassment.

The complexities of National Guard members being on state or federal orders, the report said, make prevention oversight and accountability highly convoluted, stalling necessary change and progress.

A civilian member of the Independent Review Commission (IRC) who put that report together for the Pentagon and requested anonymity in order to speak freely about the findings, said the National Guard has particular challenges in enforcing change because of the power TAGs have in their states.

TAGs typically serve at the pleasure of their state governor, leaving the National Guard Bureau  the Guards administrative federal agency  without an effective way of enforcing accountability in specific units, the person said.

Theres way too much of foxes guarding the henhouse in every angle of the [National Guard Bureau], the IRC member said. The National Guard belongs to the governors, and so they can do what they want.

The office of New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu did not respond to requests from CNN for an interview with Sununu for this article, instead sending a written statement attributed only to the governors office.

Governor Sununu and NH National Guard (NHNG) leadership take allegations of sexual assault seriously, the statement said. When they were raised over a year ago, Governor Sununu in conjunction with NHNG leadership, took quick action and conducted a third-party external review to ensure a workplace environment where there is zero tolerance for sexual assault or harassment.

No guarantee of justice for survivors

Both Kuzminski and the IRC member pointed to the lack of a robust investigative unit within the National Guard as part of the reason why the toxic culture is often allowed to linger. While active-duty military branches have their own criminal investigation agencies  like the Navys Criminal Investigative Services  the National Guard does not.

The part-time status of many National Guard members presents jurisdiction issues on criminal investigations; oftentimes, unless members are on federal orders, they are under the jurisdiction of their local civilian law enforcement agencies.

CNN found at least six civilian police reports involving sexual assault, harassment, stalking, and hazing allegations within the New Hampshire National Guard that were investigated by local law enforcement in cities and towns around the state since 2019.

One case involved a female soldier who reported being sexually assaulted by a male officer. Another involved a female soldier who said she was assaulted by a male soldier during her recruiting process; that same alleged offender was also investigated over allegations of domestic violence and stalking.

A case handled by the Manchester Police Department included claims from Staff Sgt. Jaleesa Ackerman, who reported being sexually assaulted by her company commander at a holiday party in December 2019.

Within like 30 minutes of me being there, I was being inappropriately touched in front of his kids and wife, said Ackerman, who chose to speak to CNN on the record about the incident involving her company commander.

He had his arm around me, started touching my boobs and my thighs, and his wife was right there kind of watching, kind of giving him the stink eye like, You better knock it off, she recalled.

Ackerman reported the incident to the Manchester Police Department three days later. The commander ultimately received a memorandum of reprimand, according to official documents; he has since left the military, according to Ackerman.

Keri Wareing, a former soldier with the New Hampshire National Guard, described several harrowing weeks when she claims she was sexually assaulted numerous times by an officer, who then threatened to ruin her career and marriage if she told anyone. In an emotional interview with CNN, Wareing said that after keeping the incidents to herself for years, she changed her mind when she learned of allegations that her assailant had assaulted other women.

Wareing also chose to speak to CNN on the record. She said ultimately the Guard found her complaint unsubstantiated, though she said they found proof of gross misconduct on the officers part  an outcome she found upsetting.

Wareing recalled the regular, required sexual assault and harassment trainings her unit conducted over the years  routine training for military units  and how no one ever seemed to take it seriously.

Everybody would joke and be like, Alright, you guys ready to go to the rape briefing? It wasnt taken seriously, Wareing said.

In his statement to CNN, Mikolaities, the NHNGs most senior commander, said, Every sexual assault reported is referred to the appropriate external local law enforcement agency or Military Criminal Investigation Organization for investigation  Upon the receipt of a substantiated investigation, the NHNG takes action to the fullest extent practicable.

The civilian member of the Independent Review Commission who spoke to CNN, however, cast doubt on the idea of survivors in the National Guard having real assurances that they will be taken care of.

The bottom line is its up to leaders in uniform to care for their soldiers, whether they are active duty, or National Guard, or a reservist, the member said. And the way the National Guard is currently structured, there is no guarantee to survivors that they will see any form of justice.

Action in Congress

But a recent move by New Hampshires senior US senator, Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, suggests theyve finally spurred some action on Capitol Hill.

Shaheen, who is on the Senate Armed Services Committee and also serves as a co-chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus, recently wrote a provision into the drafted language of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act  the major defense spending bill which is passed annually  that would require a Pentagon committee to review every states National Guard policies around handling assault and harassment.

Shaheen also wants to strengthen the National Guards internal investigative agency, the Office of Complex Investigations (OCI), which was involved in an assessment of the NHNG that current and former members of the unit said fell flat.

They dont have the ability to truly hold perpetrators accountable, the source familiar with Shaheens thinking told CNN. The IRC member who spoke to CNN echoed that OCI ultimately has no teeth, despite being the only honest broker in the National Guard Bureau to conduct independent investigations.

Ultimately Shaheen wants justice for these women, the source familiar with her thinking said, and wants to ensure were taking all the appropriate steps necessary to help them, and also use her position on a federal level to influence legislation, since this is an issue on a national level.

But doubt remains as to how effective new legislation could be, given the complex nature of the National Guard and what many sources see as a lack of means to hold leaders accountable for rules already on the books.

At the end of the day, regardless of what the National Guard is supposed to do, theres nobody holding them accountable for the things they fail to do, Dupuis said. We already know what theyre supposed to do. Theyre not doing it, and nobody holds them accountable for it.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
President Joe Biden weighed in Friday on unsubstantiated claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are abducting and eating cats and dogs, saying the narrative is "simply wrong" and has "no place in America."

"This has to stop, what he's doing. It has to stop," he added, referring to former President Donald Trump.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden speaks during a 'Brunch in Celebration of Black Excellence' on the South Lawn of the White House, Sept. 13, 2024, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Throughout this past week, former President Donald Trump and his allies have continued to double down on the unsubstantiated narrative that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Springfield.

MORE: Trump pushes false claim that Haitian migrants are stealing and eating pets

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated the president's message condemning attacks on Haitian migrant communities in Springfield, Ohio, during a press briefing Friday.

"It is extremely sad and concerning, that a community is facing this type of danger and vitriol, and as the president said today, I think very forcefully, this needs to stop. And there is absolutely no place - absolutely no place, in this country, you know, certainly in our political discourse for this type of vitriolic, smearing hateful language," she said, emphasizing the danger of "hateful conspiracy theories."

Jean-Pierre, who herself is Haitian-American, said that she takes it personally when "any community, any vulnerable community is attacked, not just not just a community that I belong to," when asked by reporters.

She also noted that the federal government has been working with Springfield officials since the spring.

The press secretary also talked about how the federal government has provided "one-stop clinics" to migrant communities across the country, which she said have served more than 37,000 people.

"We've delivered resources to Ohio as well to cities, states and nonprofits across the country. Since the spring, DHS (Department of Homeland Security) has been directly engaged with the city of Springfield and local officials to make sure they have the support they need. And we want to do more. We would like to do more. That's why we did the bipartisan proposal, with the Senate early - at the end of last year - obviously early into this year. And it was stopped," Jean-Pierre said.

But in order to help more, Jean-Pierre said, "we need more funding, we need more." She repeatedly laid blame on Congressional Republicans, who she said is at fault for spiking the bipartisan border legislation that would have provided funding for places like Springfield.

"It was stopped because the former president said that bill, that particular proposal would hurt him and help Joe Biden. And so, Republicans in Congress stopped that. It would have given more resources to cities like Springfield, Ohio. But I don't want to miss the point here that the administration has indeed provided more than $1.3 billion in grant funding to jurisdiction[s] around the country to help with the influx and what they're dealing with. We want to do more, but we've been blocked in doing so," she said.

On Thursday, Jean-Pierre called the claims towards Haitian immigrants a "very bizarre and very hateful smear" that the "police department has debunked."

She also noted that Haitian communities are fearful, keeping children home from school and facing threats to their property.

PHOTO: White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily briefing at the White House, Sept. 13, 2024, in Washington. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

"So many Americans like Karine, as she pointed out a proud Haitian-American, a community that's under attack in our country right now. It's simply wrong. There's no place in America," Biden said.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue told ABC News on Friday that such rumors are "factually not true" and promised that "your pets are safe in Springfield."

MORE: Ohio's GOP governor dispels Republican claims that Haitian migrants are eating pets

The city of Springfield previously told ABC News in a statement that "there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community."

ABC News' Emily Chang and Armando Garcia contributed to this report.

'No place in America': Biden says narrative about Haitian immigrants 'simply wrong' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  School districts throughout the Miami Valley are taking precautionary measures in response to possible threats.

Troy City Schools said on social media this morning that the district was aware of rumors of threats spreading online.

We have spoken with the Troy Police Department, who received calls and investigated the situation, and we have been assured there have been NO specific or credible threats related to the Troy City Schools, reads the post.

Students evacuated from more Springfield schools

Meanwhile, Huber Heights City Schools alerted families that the district was aware of online threats reported through the Huber Heights Police Department and the districts Public School Works system.

In a statement obtained by 2 NEWS, the district confirmed that the threats are not credible. The district also reiterated that the safety of students and staff is of the utmost importance.

None of the threats have been deemed credible. We are actively working with HHPD to investigate these vague threats to the greatest extent possible. This communication is not intended to alarm anyone, however it is important to keep our community informed that we take any threat against our district seriously and work closely with HHPD to ensure that our students, staff and buildings remain a safe and conducive learning environment.  Huber Heights City Schools District

All buildings are operating under normal capacity. An increased police presence will be felt at buildings within the district.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
(NewsNation)  The Springfield, Ohio, community is on edge Friday morning after a bomb threat was called into city hall and two elementary schools Thursday.

Additional schools in the city were closed Friday due to information received from the Springfield Police Division, according to the Springfield City School District.

Students from Perrin Woods and Snowhill elementary schools were evacuated Friday morning. Roosevelt Middle School closed before opening for the day.

On Thursday, students were evacuated from Fulton Elementary School in Springfield. The district said the evacuation was caused by information received from the State Fire Marshal.

Springfield police dont have any suspects in connection to Thursdays bomb threat but are working with the FBI to track down where the threatening messages came from. The threat sent schools, city hall and other city services on lockdown.

The city has been dragged into the spotlight this week over unsubstantiated claims that Haitian migrants are eating pets and local animals like ducks  claims the citys mayor and police have confirmed not to be true.

Some residents have also pushed back on those claims but have admitted their city is at a breaking point due to the influx of migrants.

Trump shooter was acting strange days before rally: Lawmaker

A note on the front door of Fulton Elementary School advises parents wanting to pick up their children to go to another school nearby for pick up after the school was evacuated following bomb threats that were made against buildings earlier in the day in Springfield, Ohio on September 12, 2024. 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. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

A Haitian father trying to pick up his 6th grade son reads a note left on the front door of Fulton Elementary School advising parents wanting to pick up their children to go to another school nearby for pick up after the school was evacuated following bomb threats that were made against buildings earlier in the day in Springfield, Ohio on September 12, 2024. 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. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Springfield in spotlight amid migrant claims

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue told the Washington Post the bomb threat used hateful language toward immigrants, specifically Haitians.

Rue said the rumors being spread about migrants eating pets are taking resources away from the real problem, which is the strain the city feels from trying to accommodate thousands of new migrants.

The mayor told NewsNations Chris Cuomo that the influx of migrants coming into the city is beyond their control, but they are trying and need help to sustain the influx.

It did happen to us with the federal policy. Under the current federal policy, they are here legally. They are here and there is nothing that is taking them out right away, Rue said. As a community, we are trying to embrace them and embrace the situation we are in and get our arms around it.

The mayor says theres a big need for translation services.

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine doubled down on the need for federal assistance, saying he is saddened and condemns anyone creating fear and terror through false threats. Its a sentiment echoed by the White House.

Uvalde shooting response marred by breakdowns: Report

Unsubstantiated claims about migrants used as political leverage

Still, the memes online have exploded, and even the Republican Party of Arizona has leaned into the false claims with billboards saying, Eat less kittens, vote Republican.

Rumors have spread after police bodycam video began circulating online showing police arresting a woman accused of killing and eating someones cat.

However, local news stations report the woman in the video was not a migrant and was born in Ohio. Plus, the incident happened about two hours away from Springfield.

NewsNation affiliate WDTN contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
No trial for man accused of beating wife to death

HONOLULU (KHON2)  A trial will not proceed for Rogelio Canilao, the man accused of fatally beating his wife two years ago, after a panel of doctors deemed him mentally unfit to stand trial.

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The incident in question occurred in October 2022 when officers discovered Canilaos wife beaten to death.

I bet his was an easy hike I think I cried all the way: Hawaii hikes

Court documents reveal that Canilao was charged with the death of his 76-year-old wife and found with blood on his chest, legs, and socks when officers arrived at the scene in October 2022.

Jury indicts elderly man accused of killing wife

The doctors assessment concluded that Canilao poses a moderate to high risk to the community and has ordered his commitment to the state hospital for treatment.

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Canilao was initially held on a $1 million bail, and his case has been under judicial review since then.

As a result of the doctors findings, the court has decided against proceeding with a trial.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Canilao will remain at the state hospital for the foreseeable future as part of his treatment and evaluation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  The New Orleans Police Department is seeking a man after he allegedly threatened someones life at Delgado Community College on Friday morning.

NOPD investigators say that shortly before 10 a.m. on Sept. 13, the suspect drove to the 600 block of City Park Avenue in a grey Infinity sedan, where he then got into an argument with another person.

The suspect allegedly threatened the victims life and lifted the front of his shirt to expose a handgun in his waistband. The suspect then left in the Infinity vehicle.

Entergy Louisiana, Cleco update estimated power restoration timeline

The man is described as being in his 30s with a black twists hair style, glasses and tattoos on the left side of his neck and inner right forearm.

Officials with Delgado Community College also issued a release on the incident, confirming that it occurred in Building 1 on their City Park campus. The confrontation was reportedly between a non-student, who was the suspect, and a student, who was the victim.

Delgado Campus Police responded to the incident and are reportedly coordinating with local law enforcement in the investigation.

Some employees and students at Delgado were aware of the situation and took shelter as a precaution, but following an inspection by campus police, Delgado was deemed to be secure and normal operations were resumed.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, Congressman Steve Scalise discuss Hurricane Francine recovery in Southeast Louisiana

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Third District detectives at 504-568-6030 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
'Normally when police show up, it's bad news'

BBC Newsbeat was invited to join police officers targeting gang crime on duty (stock picture used) [Getty Images]

A mum opens the door to two plain-clothes police officers in Hackney, east London.

They're here to talk to her son. She's "terrified".

Normally a knock on the door like this is bad news, say PCs Jovon Lennon and Dean Waters.

But they're not here to arrest anyone.

The house is one of five stops on their daily rounds, calling in on young people the police believe are at risk of being drawn into crime.

"It's very rare that police are coming to young people's doors like this and not trying to collect them to put them in a cell," says PC Lennon.

The officers are from Hackney's Integrated Gangs Unit which was set up to build better relationships with the community and deter people from gangs.

BBC Newsbeat was given exclusive access by the Metropolitan Police to join them at work. They asked not to be photographed while on duty.

When the boy's mum realises why they wanted to speak to her son, the mood changes.

"She was initially a bit thrown off because she thought we were there to deliver bad news," says PC Lennon.

"We're literally just here to keep them on the right track."

That support could just be a warning of what could happen if they get sucked into crime but it can also include help getting a job or on a course.

In serious circumstances, it can even mean getting help to leave the area if someone feels unsafe.

A report earlier this year found the Met was failing in almost all of its areas of work [Getty Images]

Hackney has one of the capital's worst rates of gang and knife violence with more than 350 knife crime offences already recorded so far this year.

But it's not just a London problem. According to government data, just over 40% of murders in England and Wales last year were knife-related.

Recorded knife crime remains lower than it was before the Covid-19 pandemic but is still higher than it was in 2012 when numbers began to gradually increase.

A top police officer in the Met, Det Ch Supt James Conway, tells Newsbeat these types of crime are an "area of focus" for the force.

Neighbourhood operations like the one carried out by PCs Lennon and Waters are part of a plan to reduce knife crime.

But with stretched resources it can be a challenge to keep on top of it.

In 2023, a review into the Met by Baroness Casey found that the force "no longer has a functioning neighbourhood policing service".

"Sadly there's not enough of us," says PC Lennon.

"Sometimes we get taken away from what we do to assist with other stuff."

Det Ch Supt Conway admits officers have to be directed away from community duties to deal with other events.

The riots earlier this summer are one example, he says, and can be a "real challenge" for local policing efforts.

He acknowledges there's still room for improvement but insists his officers in Hackney have "made big strides" over the past year.

'It's normal now'

At some of the houses PCs Lennon and Waters visit, the people they're here to talk to have already been pulled into gangs. Three of them routinely carry knives.

"It's sad because it gets to the point where it's normal now," says PC Lennon.

"You're not even shocked any more."

Rates of knife crime in Hackney have stayed steady over the past five years, but Det Ch Supt Conway says police have noticed a change in how gangs get young people into crime.

"The degree of exploitation of young people by criminal gangs feels a lot more serious now," he says.

"We've seen attacks, we've seen violence come about because of what people are posting on social media and the way they're using social media to call on attacks on rivals."

Det Ch Supt James Conway says gangs are changing how they exploit young people [PA Media]

He says there's lots of complicated reasons why people might get drawn in.

"Poverty, deprivation, lack of opportunity - they all contribute," he says.

Det Ch Supt Conway says gangs prey on this, offering money, designer clothes and trainers to groom young people.

But those luxury items quickly become a debt that needs to be repaid, he says.

"This is not a route to riches," he says. "This is a route to control and to exploitation."

While he says police can't solve the root causes, he believes officers like PC Lennon and PC Waters can show young people an alternative path.

The officers try to build a relationship with the community, and don't wear uniforms.

They insist on meeting vulnerable people face-to-face where they can.

Returning to that knock on the door scenario, PC Lennon says the police don't usually visit for a conversation.

"But with this, you're in a situation where there's no impending situations," he says.

"We want it to stay like that."

Officers have been spending time at the youth club to improve their relationship with the community [BBC]

One of the unit's regular visits is to the Morningside Community Youth Club.

Volunteer Kevin says they often have a kick-about and even once brought police horses to meet members.

"Once we build that rapport with the police, I reckon we can gain a mutual understanding of what we both want," he says.

Det Ch Supt Conway says it's important work but to make a real difference to cutting knife crime and gang violence, "we need to work in partnership with government, with local authorities, with housing, with schools, with education, with employers".

Youth clubs across England have faced a significant cut in funding, with the YMCA reporting more than half the country's centres have closed since 2010. In London alone, the Mayor's office says 130 have closed.

Lib Peck, the Director of Londons Violence Reduction Unit, told Newsbeat the approach of the city's mayor, Sadiq Khan, was "to be tough on violence... at the same time as being tough on the complex causes of violence".

She said thousands of initiatives were being supported including funding youth workers in police custody and hospitals as well as spending 15.6m "to help rescue young people who are being exploited by criminal gangs".

On a national level, a Home Office spokesperson told Newsbeat the government was committed to supporting youth services across the country.

On Monday, it announced a new anti-knife crime coalition as part of its pledge to protect people from getting sucked into gangs.

Measures include banning zombie knives and machetes, with thousands already being surrendered.

The department also told Newsbeat it was rolling out a Youth Futures programme which it says will "bring local services together to deliver support for young people in their communities and help to tackle youth violence".

[BBC]

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.

More on this story
Natural gas is flared from oil and gas facilities at Fort Berthold in August 2021. (Photo provided by Environmental Protection Agency)

A North Dakota judges ruling blocks a federal agency from enforcing new restrictions on natural gas venting and flaring.

The preliminary injunction granted Thursday by U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor temporarily prevents the Bureau of Land Management from enforcing the rule in North Dakota, Montana, Texas, Wyoming and Utah. North Dakota is the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit over the rule that took effect in April.

The BLMs new rule is aimed at reducing natural gas waste. It not only sets new standards on venting and flaring, but also requires oil operators to do more to detect and fix gas leaks, among other practices.

Traynor wrote in his ruling that the states will likely win their case on the merits of their claim the 2024 Rule is arbitrary and capricious, when a final ruling is made. He noted that several elements of the rule are inadequately explained and contradictory.

The rule affects federally owned and tribal lands. Most of the oil and gas production on North Dakota tribal lands occurs on the Fort Berthold Reservation.

The Bureau of Land Management, part of the Department of the Interior, has argued that venting and flaring of natural gas wastes valuable publicly or Indian owned resources and deprives American taxpayers, Tribes, and States of substantial royalty revenues.

It adds that the practices contribute to climate change.

Traynor said the BLM doesnt have the authority to regulate air quality. Congress granted that to the Environmental Protection Agency and states under the Clean Air Act, he wrote.

This case is an example of where the left hand of the government does not know what the right hand of the government is doing, Traynor wrote in the order.

He also voiced skepticism that the rule would meaningfully bring down air pollution.

North Dakotas arguments included that the rule infringed on states sovereignty, and that it would cost the state revenue from oil and gas production.

The BLM has previously stated that it estimates the rule to generate more than $50 million in tax revenue.

Traynor wrote in the order that the rule offers no rationale why flaring is more economically productive than venting.

The North Dakota Petroleum Council called the ruling a win for the oil industry, saying the rule would have required additional flaring limits, costly compliance measures and would have been especially hard on small operators.

In a news release, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Attorney General Drew Wrigley praised the temporary injunction and said the Biden administration is overstepping its authority on oil and gas production on federal lands.

The BLM rule imposes harmful and unnecessary regulations that undermine states authority to be the primary regulator of air quality within their borders under the Clean Air Act, Burgum said in a statement. The courts decision is a temporary victory for consumers, U.S. energy independence and national security.

Fort Berthold POWER, which stands for Protectors of Water and Earth Rights, is among the conservation groups that supported the BLM rule. State Rep. Lisa Finley-Deville, D-Mandaree, a co-founder of the group, said the rule reduces the waste of natural resources.

My ancestors worked hard not to waste any resources, Finley-Deville, a citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, said in a previous statement to the North Dakota Monitor. To my people, the earth is sacred and to waste any of the earths natural resources is to disrespect the earth.

When the rule was finalized, Interior Secretary Deb Haalad said it modernized 40-year-old regulations and would encourage using modern technology to protect the environment and ensure a fair return to American taxpayers.

We are taking long-overdue steps that will increase accountability for oil and gas operators and benefit energy communities now and for generations to come, Haaland said at the time.

All three members of North Dakotas congressional delegation praised the judges ruling on Friday.

U.S. John Hoeven, R-N.D., called it welcome progress in stopping the overregulation that is handcuffing our domestic energy producers.

Preliminary injunction order

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North Idaho gas station explosion Wednesday wound up being deadly. Heres what we know

Two people were killed and two injured when a gas station exploded east of Lewiston in Clearwater County on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Idaho Department of Insurance.

The two deceased victims were found at the scene in Cardiff, a spokesperson said, and the injured individuals taken to a hospital.

It is still way too early to even speculate the cause of this tragic event, said Idaho State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl. Piecing together the events leading up to the explosion and fire could take several weeks. We must be methodical and thorough.

Two are dead and two injured after a gas station fire and explosion in Cardiff.

A dramatic photo on Wednesday showed large black smoke billowing up from orange flames at the scene.

Investigators have been sifting through the debris and checking to see if there are more victims, according to the Idaho Department of Insurance. However, the amount of fuel on site has been an obstacle for investigators, according to a news release.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are assisting with the investigation, the release said.

A gas station explosion and fire Wednesday in the North Idaho town of Cardiff.
This undated photo provided on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, by the North Korean government shows its leader Kim Jong Un, center, on an inspecting visit at what they say is an institute of nuclear weapons and a facility for nuclear materials at an undisclosed location in North Korea. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea offered a rare glimpse into a secretive facility to produce weapons-grade uranium as state media reported Friday that leader Kim Jong Un visited the area and called for stronger efforts to exponentially increase its number of nuclear weapons.

Its unclear whether the site is at North Korea's main Yongbyon nuclear complex, but it's the North's first disclosure of a uranium-enrichment facility since it showed one at Yongbyon to visiting American scholars in 2010. While the latest unveiling is likely an attempt to apply more pressure on the U.S. and its allies, the images released by North Korean media of the area could provide outsiders with a valuable source of information for estimating the amount of nuclear ingredients that North Korea has produced.

During a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the facility producing weapons-grade nuclear materials, Kim expressed great satisfaction repeatedly over the wonderful technical force of the nuclear power field held by North Korea, the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

KCNA said Kim went around the control room of the uranium enrichment facility and a construction site that would expand its capacity for producing nuclear weapons. North Korean state media photos showed Kim being briefed by scientists while walking along long lines of centrifuges. KCNA didnt say when Kim visited the facilities or where they are located.

KCNA said Kim stressed the need to further augment the number of centrifuges to exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defense, a goal he has repeatedly stated in recent years. It said Kim ordered officials to push forward the introduction of a new type of centrifuge.

Kim said North Korea needs greater defense and preemptive attack capabilities because anti-(North Korea) nuclear threats perpetrated by the U.S. imperialists-led vassal forces have become more undisguised and crossed the red line, KCNA said.

South Koreas Unification Ministry strongly condemned North Koreas push to boost its nuclear capability. A ministry statement said North Koreas illegal pursuit of nuclear weapons in defiance of U.N. prohibitions is a serious threat to international peace. It said North Korea must realize it cannot win anything with its nuclear program.

North Korea first showed a uranium enrichment site in Yongbyon to the outside world in November 2010, when it allowed a visiting delegation of Stanford University scholars led by nuclear physicist Siegfried Hecker to tour its centrifuges. North Korean officials then reportedly told Hecker that 2,000 centrifuges were installed and running at Yongbyon.

Satellite images in recent years have indicated North Korea was expanding a uranium enrichment plant at Yongbyon. Nuclear weapons can be built using either highly enriched uranium or plutonium, and North Korea has facilities to produce both at Yongbyon. Some U.S. and South Korean experts believe North Korea is covertly running at least one other uranium-enrichment plant.

Its not clear exactly how much weapons-grade plutonium and highly enriched uranium have been produced at Yongbyon and elsewhere. In 2018, a top South Korean official told parliament that North Korea was estimated to have already manufactured 20-60 nuclear weapons, but some experts say the North likely has more than 100. Estimates of how many nuclear bombs North Korea can add every year vary, ranging from six to as many as 18.

For analysts outside the country, the released images will provide a valuable source of information for rectifying our assumptions about how much material North Korea may have amassed to date, said Ankit Panda, an expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Overall, we should not assume that North Korea will be as constrained as it once was by fissile material limitations. This is especially true for highly enriched uranium, where North Korea is significantly less constrained in its ability to scale up than it is with plutonium, Panda said.

In 2018, Hecker and Stanford University scholars estimated North Korea's highly enriched uranium inventory was 250 to 500 kilograms (550 to 1,100 pounds), sufficient for 25 to 30 nuclear devices.

The North Korean photos released Friday showed about 1,000 centrifuges. When operated year-round, they would be able to produce around 20 to 25 kilograms (44 to 55 pounds) of highly enriched uranium, which would be enough to create a single bomb, according to Yang Uk, a security expert at Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

The new-type centrifuge Kim wants to introduce is likely an advanced carbon fiber-based one that could allow North Korea to produce five to 10 times more highly enriched uranium than its existing ones, said Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Koreas Science and Technology Policy Institute.

Since 2022, North Korea has sharply ramped up its weapons testing activities to expand and modernize its arsenal of nuclear missiles targeting the U.S. and South Korea. Analysts say North Korea could conduct a nuclear test explosion or long-range missile test ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November with the intent of influencing the outcome and increasing its leverage in future dealings with the Americans.

Overall, the message they are trying to send is that their nuclear capability is not just an empty threat, but that they are continuing to produce (bomb fuel), Yang said. And who are they speaking to? It could obviously be South Korea but also certainly the U.S."

Kims recent nuclear drive comes as North Korea is deepening its military cooperation with Russia. The U.S. and South Korea have accused North Korea of supplying badly needed conventional arms to support Russias war in Ukraine in return for military and economic aid.

On Friday, a Russian delegation led by the countrys Security Council secretary, Sergei Shoigu, traveled to North Korea and met Kim for talks on bilateral and international issues, Russian media reported. In July 2023, Shoigu, then defense minister, visited North Korea and met Kim.

___

Associated Press writer Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP's Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
(Bloomberg) -- North Korea released its first photos of a facility to enrich uranium for atomic bombs, showing leader Kim Jong Un touring a plant at the center of a program that has been a point of friction with the US for more than 20 years.

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Kim visited the Nuclear Weapons Institute, which is the production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials, the states official media reported Friday. He stressed the need to further augment the number of centrifuges in order to exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defense, the official Korean Central News Agency said.

It is extremely rare for North Korea to disclose its uranium enrichment facilities. South Koreas Unification Ministry strongly condemned North Korea for vowing to accelerate its nuclear weapons program.

The images are certain to be scrutinized by the US and its partners, as well as by weapons experts, to get a better idea of the equipment North Korea uses to enrich uranium and how much it could produce.

The visit came as Kim has reiterated his pledge to ramp up production of nuclear weapons. It also indicates Pyongyang no longer sees any reason to hide its program to enrich uranium, which it once furiously denied when then President George W. Bush first made the accusation in 2002.

Ultimately, they are saying that denuclearization is a nonstarter, said Hong Min, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul.

The release of the images sends a message to the US as it heads into presidential elections that Kim intends to keep producing nuclear weapons, Hong said.

South Korean officials have said North Korea may be considering a nuclear test near the time of the election to raise its profile. North Korea last tested a nuclear device in September 2017, which was its most powerful atomic bomb by far with an estimated yield of between 120-250 kilotons.

North Korea initially relied on plutonium production for fissile material, turning out enough for about one bomb a year. But with its program to enrich uranium, it can now produce enough fissile material for about six nuclear weapons a year, according to arms experts.

North Korea is estimated to have about 80 to 90 warheads, the Seoul-based Korea Institute for Defense Analyses said in a paper released in January 2023, adding Kim was looking to have between 100 to 300 over the long term.

It also has at least two facilities to enrich uranium. The first is at its main Yongbyon nuclear research facility, a complex about 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Pyongyang that has been visited by outside scientific observers. Another is in Kangson, a covert facility near Pyongyang.

Ankit Panda, an expert on nuclear policy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, posted on the X social media platform that the images released by North Korea may be from inside the Kangson facility. The 38 North website specializing in North Korea reported in March that satellite imagery indicated the country had been expanding the facility in what appeared to be a bid to add more centrifuges.

KCNA also said that Kim this week oversaw the test-fire of a new multiple rocket launcher and visited the special operation unit of Norths Korean Peoples Army as he urged troops to intensify the drills for real war.

(Updates with analysis, reaction from South Korea.)

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North Korea gives first look at uranium enrichment site amid nuclear weapons push

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a uranium enrichment facility and called for an increase in the number of centrifuges to "exponentially" expand the country's nuclear arsenal, state-run media reported Friday. Photo by KCNA/UPI

SEOUL, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a uranium enrichment facility and called for an increase in the number of centrifuges to "exponentially" boost the isolated regime's nuclear arsenal, state media reported Friday.

Kim toured the Nuclear Weapons Institute along with high-ranking party official Hong Sung Mu, state-run Korean Central News Agency reported, without specifying the location of the facility or date of the visit.

Photos accompanying the report showed Kim walking among long rows of cylindrical centrifuges inside an industrial warehouse -- the first images the North has released of a facility to produce fissile material for nuclear weapons, which is banned under United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Kim "acquainted himself with the production of nuclear warheads and current nuclear materials and set forth important tasks for long-term plan for increasing the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials," KCNA reported.

"He stressed the need to further augment the number of centrifuges in order to exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defense," the report added.

In 2022, North Korea passed a law officially declaring itself a nuclear state with the right to conduct pre-emptive strikes -- a decision Kim Jong Un called "irreversible."

Friday's display of its highly enriched uranium, or HEU, facility, is the latest sign that North Korea has no intention of turning back on its nuclear ambitions, Park Won-gon, professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said.

"Kim Jong Un's very clearly sending a message, especially to the United States," Park told UPI.

"Showing off this kind of HEU facility means that North Korea is never going to have any intention to give up their nuclear program," Park said. "This is a very clear political message, that the United States should accept North Korea as a de facto nuclear weapon state. That starts future negotiations vis-a-vis arms control, not the denuclearization of North Korea."

It is unclear whether the facility is at North Korea's main Yongbyon nuclear complex, which was last visited by outside observers in 2010, or a newer site. The North is believed to have centrifuges in other locations including its Kangson nuclear complex near Pyongyang.

In June, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said that the North had finished construction on a new annex at Kangson.

"The Kangson Complex shares infrastructure characteristics with the reported centrifuge enrichment facility at Yongbyon," Grossi said in a statement to the IAEA board of governors.

Seoul's Unification Ministry, which oversees inter-Korean affairs, condemned the North for disclosing the uranium enrichment facility, calling its development of nuclear weapons a clear violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"North Korea must clearly recognize that under no circumstances will we and the international community tolerate North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons," ministry spokesman Koo Byung-sam told reporters at a press briefing Friday.

"I give a stern warning that any nuclear threat or provocation by North Korea will be met with an overwhelming and strong response from our government and military, based on the integrated extended deterrence system of the steadfast South Korea-U.S. alliance," Koo said.

Kim's visit to the facility comes on the heels of a 76th founding anniversary address he gave earlier this week, calling for a major nuclear buildup.

A recent study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated that the North has assembled around 50 warheads and possesses enough fissile material for up to 90 warheads.

North Korea last conducted an underground nuclear test in 2017, although Seoul and Washington have assessed that it has long been ready to conduct its seventh overall detonation.

Last week, South Korean officials suggested that North Korea may plan to conduct major provocations, such as a nuclear test or intercontinental ballistic missile launch, around the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

The North, and Kim Jong Un in particular, has been a topic in the race between former President Donald Trump -- who held two high-profile summits with Kim and met him briefly a third time at the DMZ -- and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump touted his relationship with Kim during his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in July, saying "I think he misses me."

"We stopped the missile launches from North Korea," Trump said. "Now, North Korea is acting up again. But when we get back, I get along with him. He'd like to see me back too."

Harris, meanwhile, criticized Trump's ties with Kim during their presidential debate on Tuesday.

"It is well known [Trump] exchanged love letters with Kim Jong Un," she said. "And it is absolutely well known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again because they're so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favors."

Tensions have remained high on the Korean Peninsula over the past few years amid a steady stream of weapons tests and bellicose rhetoric from the North and a hardline stance from Seoul.

The South's military announced that North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday for the first time in more than two months. KCNA reported Friday that the launch was a test of a new 600mm multiple launch rocket system.
New pictures of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un touring what state media said is a uranium enrichment facility have given an extremely rare glimpse inside the isolated nations closely guarded nuclear weapons program.

According to a report from Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday, Kim visited the facility - a bright, sterile warehouse filled with long rows of cylindrical machinery - which is used to produce weapons-grade nuclear material for the Norths growing arsenal.

The report comes as North Korea continues to ramp up its illegal nuclear weapons program and strengthens relations with Russia, deepening widespread concern in the West over the isolated nations direction under Kim.

The location and exact date of Kims visit to the site were not disclosed in the report, but the purpose of his inspection was clear, according to KCNA: to lay out a long-term plan for increasing the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials.

Experts say the images  which show Kim flanked by men in military uniforms and crisp white lab shirts  underscore North Koreas growing confidence in its position as a nuclear power.

Kim is exceptionally confident these days and hes particularly interested in making sure that his calls for a massive increase in nuclear capabilities are not misinterpreted, said Ankit Panda, Stanton Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, adding these disclosures lend credibility to North Koreas plans and demonstrate that theyve come a long way in their enrichment capabilities.

Its a theme the North Korean leader has touched on frequently in recent years, including this week.

In a speech celebrating the 76th anniversary of North Koreas founding on Monday, Kim pledged to exponentially expand the regimes nuclear arsenal, reiterating bellicose rhetoric he has used in the past.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits a uranium enrichment facility, which produces weapon-grade nuclear materials, in a photo published by North Korean state media on Friday, September 13, 2024. No located or date were released for the photos. - KCNA

During his visit to the purported enrichment facility, Kim expressed repeated satisfaction with the technical capabilities of North Koreas nuclear sector and emphasized the need to increase the number of centrifuges for greater production, according to state media.

Park Won-gon, professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said the timing of the disclosure is also important.

By showing highly enriched uranium and production facilities, they are sending a message that the world must recognize North Korea as a nuclear state. By disclosing these facilities, Kim Jong Un is saying that denuclearization of North Korea is unrealistic, he told CNN.

That stance is unlikely to be accepted by the US and its allies in the region.

In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, former US national security adviser Robert OBrien said America and its partners should continue to work towards denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The former Trump Administration official added it would be difficult for the US to accept North Korea as a nuclear power even if Pyongyang were to stop building new nuclear weapons. Such an agreement, he argued, could contribute to wider nuclear proliferation.

To excuse the North Koreans and say, Its okay for North Korea to have a bomb, its pretty hard then to say, Well, no, Iran cant have a bomb, and Saudi Arabia cant have a bomb to deter Iran, OBrien said.

It cant just be that the bad guys can get the bomb with impunity.

The carefully released pictures of the uranium enrichment facility comes at a time of heightened tensions between North Korea and the West, with the US and its allies accusing North Korea of providing substantial military aid to Russias war effort in Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied North Korean arms exports, despite significant evidence of such transfers.

In June, the two autocratic nations pledged to use all available means to provide immediate military assistance in the event the other is attacked, according to a landmark defense pact agreed to during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang.

Since the location of this facility was not revealed in the KCNA report, its unclear whether the images are from a site already known to international observers, such as the Yongbyon nuclear research facility, or something entirely new. North Korea is believed to have several sites for enriching uranium.

Im not sure we can establish the site from the images, said Martyn Williams, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center, but its certainly the first time weve seen this set up and in this level of detail.

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North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and is under rafts of UN sanctions for its banned weapons programs (STR) (STR/KCNA VIA KNS/AFP)

North Korea released images of its uranium enrichment facility for the first time on Friday, showing leader Kim Jong Un touring it as he called for more centrifuges to boost his nuclear arsenal.

The country, which conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and is under rafts of UN sanctions for its banned weapons programmes, has never publicly disclosed details of its uranium enrichment facility.

Such facilities produce highly enriched uranium -- which is needed to produce nuclear warheads -- by spinning the material in centrifuges at high speeds.

Kim toured the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the "production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials," the official Korean Central News Agency reported, without giving the location of the facility or the date of the visit.

Kim "stressed the need to further augment the number of centrifuges in order to exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defence," state media reported, publishing images of Kim inspecting rows of centrifuges.

The North Korean leader urged the facility to "push forward the introduction of a new-type centrifuge... so as to further strengthen the foundation for producing weapon-grade nuclear materials".

Kim also "stressed the need to set a higher long-term goal in producing nuclear materials necessary", added KCNA.

North Korea's nuclear weapons programmes are banned by UN sanctions, but the country has long flouted the restrictions, thanks in part to support from allies Russia and China.

South Korea slammed the North over the uranium enrichment facility and its aims to boost production of materials for tactical nuclear weapons.

It "is a clear violation of a number of UN Security Council resolutions," a spokesperson for Seoul's unification ministry said.

- Message for US? -

Experts said the sudden public disclosure of the North's uranium enrichment facility could be intended to impact the US presidential election in November.

The images are "a message to the next administration that it will be impossible to denuclearise North Korea", Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP.

"It is also a message demanding other countries to acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear state," he added.

North Korea is believed to operate multiple uranium enrichment facilities, Seoul's spy agency has said, including one at its Yongbyon nuclear site, which Pyongyang purportedly decommissioned after talks -- although it later reactivated the facility in 2021.

According to Hong, the facility unveiled Friday is "highly likely to be the Kangson site" -- another top secret nuclear complex near Pyongyang.

It is unlikely that the disclosure will be quickly followed by another nuclear test, Hong said.

Pyongyang last month said record rain 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 had been damaged by floodwaters.

North Korea's main nuclear test site "is in very bad condition. All roads and railways have been lost due to rain damage, and the ground is very weakened," Hong added.

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.

On Thursday, Seoul said the North had fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into waters east of the Korean peninsula.

But KCNA said in a separate dispatch Friday that this had been a test of a "new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher" which was overseen by Kim.

hs/ceb/lb
North Korea offered the world a rare look into a secretive facility producing enriched uranium as leader Kim Jong-un called for an exponential increase in nuclear weapons production.

Mr Kim visited the control room of the uranium enrichment facility and a construction site aimed at increasing its capacity for nuclear weapons production, KCNA reported. Pictures released by the state news agency on Friday showed the leader being briefed by scientists as he walked along rows of tall grey tubes, though it did not specify when or where the visit took place.

The photos showed around 1,000 centrifuges. If operated throughout the year, they could produce 20-25kg of highly enriched uranium, enough to manufacture one nuclear bomb, according to security expert Yang Uk from Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

It was not clear if the site Mr Kim toured was part of the Yongbyon nuclear complex, but this was North Koreas first disclosure of a uranium enrichment facility since 2010.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula deepened last year after North Korea test-launched the solid-fuelled Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile  its most advanced weapon designed to strike the mainland US  in its third test in 2023.

Uranium is a radioactive element that exists naturally. To make nuclear fuel, raw uranium undergoes processes that result in a material with an increased concentration of the isotope uranium-235.

The Yongbyon complex, which North Korea calls the heart of its nuclear programme and research, has been at the centre of international concerns for decades. Its not clear exactly how much weapons-grade plutonium or highly enriched uranium has been produced at Yongbyon and where North Korea stores it.

The move was likely aimed at increasing pressure on the US and its allies, particularly South Korea and Japan, which have long been critical of the isolated countrys nuclear programme.

The Security Council imposed sanctions after North Koreas first nuclear test explosion in 2006 and tightened them over the years in a total of 10 resolutions seeking to cut funds and curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

The last sanctions resolution was adopted by the council in 2017. China and Russia vetoed a US-sponsored resolution in May 2022 that would have imposed new sanctions over a spate of intercontinental ballistic missile launches. Since then, the two veto-wielding permanent council members have blocked any council action, including media statements.

Kim Jong-un tours a uranium enrichment facility at an undisclosed location in North Korea in this photo released by KCNS on 13 September 2024 (AP)

Mr Kim underlined the need to expand uranium enrichment capacity and develop a new centrifuge, claiming his country needed greater defence capability against threats by the US and its allies.

He expressed great satisfaction over the wonderful technical force of the nuclear power field held by North Korea, KCNA reported.

South Korea criticised its neighbours illegal pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of UN sanctions and called it a significant threat to international peace.

Kim Jong-un inspects a missile test firing range at an undisclosed location in North Korea (Getty)

For outside analysts, the images will provide a valuable source of information for rectifying our assumptions about how much material North Korea may have amassed to date, Ankit Panda of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace told the Associated Press.

Overall, we shouldnt assume North Korea will be as constrained as it once was by fissile material limitations. This is especially true for highly enriched uranium where its significantly less constrained in its ability to scale up than it is with plutonium.

Kim Jong-un visits a training base for special forces of the Korean Peoples Army (Getty)

A few days ago, in a speech marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of North Korea, Mr Kim said there would be no limit on the expansion of the countrys military prowess, KCNA reported on Tuesday.

Pyongyang last month said it had moved 250 new mobile launchers for ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads to the frontline. The military also unveiled new suicide attack drones. All this, South Korea said, was happening for the first time.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan.  A woman from Weir is charged in the fentanyl overdose death of a Columbus man.

The Cherokee County Attorneys Office filed criminal charges Thursday (9/12) against Mikaela Marie Sellars, 22, of Webb City.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office and the Columbus Police Department, following the death of Patrick Stephens, 27, on July 2.

An autopsy showed Stephens died from fentanyl intoxication.

Sellars is alleged to have arranged to meet Stephens on July 1 at a rural Cherokee County convenience store and sold him fentanyl, which ultimately resulted in his death the following morning.

Sellars is charged with two felonies: Distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and distribution of controlled substances using a communication device.

In an unrelated case, Sellars is also charged with aggravated child endangerment, abuse of a child, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

When Stephens died and when she was arrested on the child abuse allegations, officials say Sellars was violating the terms of her probation.

Sellars is currently in the Cherokee County Jail.

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DENVER (KDVR)  A Northglenn man is facing a federal assault charge after driving recklessly through Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday.

Wade Thyfault, 24, is charged with one count of assault resulting in bodily injury for his part in a high-speed chase and crash that occurred inside the national park.

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The incident began at about 4 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the Grand Lake entrance to the park. The National Park Service was notified of a white Dodge Ram truck that drove through the entrance without stopping and threw a necklace out the window that struck the entrance booth.

According to the federal complaint, a ranger found the truck driving east on U.S. 34 near the Medicine Bow area. The ranger saw the truck attempt to pass another vehicle by crossing the double yellow lines, before aggressively swerving back into the original lane of travel. Shortly after, the ranger described the vehicle speeding past several cars in a no-passing zone, which caused her to activate her lights and sirens and follow the truck.

Thyfaults vehicle did not yield to the rangers signals and continued east.

Another ranger caught up with Thyfault at the junction of U.S. 36 and U.S. 34 and followed the pickup truck east on U.S. 36 toward the town of Estes Park.

At the junction of Bear Lake Road and U.S. 36, an Estes Park police officer placed stop sticks to deflate Thyfaults vehicle tires, but it appeared to have only worked on one tire. According to the federal complaint, Thyfault kept driving for another 2 miles before crashing into a silver Toyota Corolla at the intersection of Mills Drive and U.S. 36.

According to the complaint, Thyfault appears to have lost control of his vehicle due to speed and the damaged tire, crossed the center line and hit the left front portion of the sedan.

Thyfault fled the area on foot, wearing only a pair of blue jeans  no shirt or shoes. Residents reported seeing him attempting to open a car door in a Larimer County neighborhood but he was unsuccessful. Officers were unable to locate Thyfault on Sunday night.

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But on Monday morning, a property owner in the 1500 block of High Drive in Estes Park reported damage at his property. Estes Park police arrived on scene and located Thyfault in the home, leading to his arrest.

According to the complaint, Thyfault has a history of eluding police. On Aug. 25, Thyfault fled from Hudson police in Weld County, where officers had staged on a county road to look for a blue pickup truck suspected in a homicide that night.

Thyfault was alleged to have been driving fast, and officers could not determine his pickup trucks color, so they attempted to pull him over. Instead, Thyfault allegedly blacked out the trucks lights and continued driving.

Eventually, Lochbuie police assisted in the chase by deploying stop sticks and the white Ram pickup was disabled. Thyfault was found hiding in a nearby ditch.

Thyfault appeared before a judge on Thursday in Denver. The case is under investigation by the National Park Service.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A Northwest Louisiana non profit is hosting a fall bake sale fundraiser in October.

Yogie and Friends FIV Positive Cat Sanctuary based in Frierson is hosting a bake sale with Petco to raise money for the sanctuary.

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The sanctuary offers a forever home for cats who are diagnosed with Feline immunodeficiency virus. FIV is one of the most common infectious diseases of cats in the world. FIV attacks the immune system and leaves the cat susceptible to other infections.

According to their website, they also do a large amount of TNR work, trap neuter release, of feral cats.

The fundraiser will be on Saturday October 12 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Petco at 6596 Youree Drive in Shreveport. The sale will include treats from local bakeries and supports. The team will also have Yogie merch for purchase.

Money from the fundraiser will be used to support the FIV positive cats with food, vet care, cat litter, and other necessary support for the cats.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Several notable figures from Colorado and out-of-state have endorsed Proposition 127, which would ban trophy hunting of big cats like mountain lions, bobcats or lynx.

Some notable people who are in favor of the proposition include Academy Award-winning actor Robert Redford, international conservationist Jane Goodall and former Colorado politicians Tom Tancredo and Mark Udall, according to a press release from Cats Arent Trophies, a coalition behind the effort that includes multiple Colorado organizations.

These endorsements follow a similar one by Carole Baskin. Channel 2 was able to sit down with her for an exclusive interview about her thoughts on Prop 127.

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Robert Redford, known for his roles in The Sting and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, is experienced in playing a cowboy and rugged man on screen. Offscreen he has taken a softer stance and is advocating to preserve life for big cats in Colorado.

Redford has ties to colorful Colorado and attended the University of Colorado Boulder in his youth. He worked locally at The Sink on University Hill. His children also attended CU Boulder, so he knows what Colorado culture and wildlife are all about.

Preserving the natural balance of Colorados wilderness means respecting all its inhabitants, Redford said. 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.

The world-recognized Goodall has also taken an interest in Prop 127. With decades of advocating for the conservation of animals globally, Goodalls word will come with weight.

These magnificent animals are sentient beings and like us can feel happy, sad, nervous and fearful. This means they can suffer mentally as well as physically. They are not out there to be shot for trophies or to make money, Goodall said.

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Normally on opposite ends of the political spectrum, former Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo and former Democratic U.S. Rep. and U.S. Sen. Mark Udall agreed in their support of the proposition.

Nor do I like the unsporting nature of shooting a lion or a bobcat out of a tree for a trophy or strangling a bobcat in a trap to take the fur and send it to China, Tancredo said. 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. 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. I recommend my fellow Coloradans to join me in voting YES to combat cruelty to animals.

Rocky Mountain Showdown pauses rivalry game for the next 5 years

Tancredo was joined in his sentiments by Udall.

As a Coloradan, avid outdoorsman and someone who has a proven track record of working to protect our states magnificent healthy landscapes and wildlife within, I am pleased to support Prop 127. This measure conserves our ecologically valuable apex feline predators, by protecting both lions and bobcats from commercial trophy hunting. 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.

Prop 127 received approximately 188,000 signatures gathered by 900 volunteers to appear on the ballot in November.

Patt Dorsey is the director of conservation operations for the National Wild Turkey Federations Western division.

We have really healthy wildlife populations because of all the hard work and all of the expertise and all of the stuff that has gone into wildlife management in the past, she said. And any change can potentially change the outcome for wildlife and conservation.

CPW said they are staying neutral on the ballot initiative.

Colorado state agencies, like Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources, are prohibited by Colorado law from having positions/opinions or using state resources in support of or against ballot initiatives, CPW said in a statement. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is neutral, which means we take no position for or against Proposition 91 and will diligently implement all laws duly passed by the legislature, the Governor, or Colorado voters.

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Your November ballot will include a sales tax increase for schools. Here's what to know

When Palm Beach County voters cast their ballots for president on Nov. 5, they'll also be asked whether to approve a half-cent sales tax increase to benefit Palm Beach County's public schools.

This ballot question would be a continuation of the schools' portion of a 2016 penny sales tax increase that also helped local cities and unincorporated Palm Beach County. If this year's ballot measure is approved, Palm Beach County's sales tax will effectively drop to 6.5% from 7% because voters are not being asked to renew the other half-penny increase for cities and counties when it sunsets in December 2025.

If approved, the half penny increase will go into effect in January 2026 and generate $2 billion over 10 years. The tax would end in 2035 regardless of how much money it raises.

The money will be used primarily to upgrade school buildings: replacing aging roofs, renovating restrooms, upgrading lighting and HVAC systems throughout local schools, enhancing school security, buying buses and updating technology, according to the school district's website.

Local school advisory councils, which include principals, parents and teachers, would also receive school enhancement money that they could decide how to spend.

This sales tax increase is different from a property tax increase voters approved in 2022 that funds teacher pay, school safety and mental health counselors in schools. Florida school districts are increasingly looking to voters to approve such ballot measures because a majority of the property tax for schools is controlled by the state.

2025 schools budget: Palm Beach County school leaders OK a $5.6B budget for 2025. Here's what to know

"Existing funding streams are not sufficient to maintain current needs due to escalation of construction, materials, and maintenance costs," according to a school district presentation on the proposed sales tax increase. "There are no other funding options available for schools."

Here's what to know about the sales tax referendum for schools on your November ballot:

What is the schools' sales tax increase being sought Nov. 5?

The ballot question on Nov. 5 asks voters whether to approve a one-half cent sales tax increase on all purchases from 2026 to 2035.

The increase would generate about $200 million per year or $2 billion over 10 years. Unlike the penny increase approved in 2016, it would not end once $2 billion is raised.

Where will the money go? What about charter schools?

Money raised by the sales tax increase would fund building repair at local public schools, including charter schools. It would also go toward buying buses, updating technology and adding security features to school campuses.

Grove Park Elementary School in Palm Beach Gardens was modernized and reopened in 2024.

Didn't we approve something like this in 2022?

In 2018 and again in 2022, Palm Beach County voters approved an increase to property taxes to fund teacher bonuses, mental health support at schools, arts and music programs and to enhance school security measures.

The property tax increase began in 2023 and ends in 2027.

Unlike the property tax increase, the proposed sales tax increase can be spent only on capital projects such as buildings, new schools and buses. The money cannot be spent to fill operational needs such as teacher salaries or specific school programs.

Where is the oversight on how this money is spent?

The school district's Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee is tasked with ensuring that all money spent aligns with the ballot language voters approve.

The committee meets quarterly and supplies reports to the school board about spending.

Recent construction projects by the School District of Palm Beach County include, clockwise from top left, Dr. Joaquin Garcia High, the exterior of West Boynton Middle School, Blue Lake Elementary School and the interior of West Boynton Middle School. The projects are part of a capital plan that school leaders say they may need to supplement with a sales tax increase starting in 2026.

Will the county ask for a continuation of its half-penny sales tax increase, too?

While half of the penny sales tax increase approved in 2016 went to school projects, the other half was reserved for county and city infrastructure projects.

When school district leaders began to weigh the need to continue the school portion of the sales tax increase last winter, Palm Beach County commissioners said they wouldn't seek to continue the other half of the sales tax hike.

Our taxpayers deserve a break, and we need to honor the provision that called for a sunset (in December 2025)," Commissioner Mack Bernard said of the county's half.

'Taxpayers need a break': But League of Cities argues county is replacing one tax with another

Palm Beach County schools ballot question language for 2024 election

Here's what Palm Beach County voters will see on their ballots: "To support educational opportunities for students by upgrading and enhancing safety and security of schools; classroom technology and equipment, school buildings and facilities, and school buses, for Palm Beach County traditional public and charter public schools; shall the School Board levy a one-half cent sales surtax beginning January 1, 2026 and, by law, automatically ending December 31, 2035, with oversight of all funds by an independent committee of citizens and experts? _____ FOR THE ONE-HALF CENT TAX _____ AGAINST THE ONE-HALF CENT TAX"

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Katherine Kokal is a journalist covering education at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at kkokal@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today!

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Sales tax hike for Palm Beach County schools on ballot in November
HONOLULU (KHON2)  About 600 nurses represented by the Hawaii Nurses Association/OPEIU Local 50 have launched a one-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike at Kapiolani Medical Center in Honolulu.

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Nurses are focusing on wages, staffing ratios and fear of retaliation but the hospital said it presented a generous contract offer.

The Chief Operations Officer of Kapiolani told KHON2 that they have been negotiating a new nurses contract for the last year and proposed a three-year deal on Thursday, Sept. 12.

Kapiolani Medical Center nurses to strike despite threat of lockout

Which would put our nurses at $133,000  $160,000 a year for a three-day workweek, said Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children chief operations officer Gidget Ruscetta.

Nurses said it is not about the money.

Its all about safety, said Meredith Evenson, a Kapiolani Resource Team registered nurse. They frequently try to give us more and more patients and we tell them like, We cant provide good quality care running around as is.'

Sometimes being on the floor and taking up to eight patients at a time. New mothers, new babies. Meredith Evenson, Kapiolani Resource Team registered nurse

The Healthcare Association of Hawaii spoke to KHON2 about general hospital policies and said nurse-to-patient ratios are not set in stone and need to be adjusted by managers based on demand.

Some patients are being admitted, patients are being discharged. Theres a constant movement of patients. They may be moved from an ICU to a med-surge unit, said HAH executive director Hilton Raethel.

Another big concern is fear of retaliation  the hospital COO said she encourages folks to come forward with their concerns, but KHON2 heard concerns from nurses that it is not always so easy.

Travel nurse Justin Riney was training temporary replacement nurses, but said he was fired on Friday after he stopped by the picket line to greet friends on a break. He found out about his termination after he went back to his unit and spoke to his supervisor.

Patients at Kapiolani Medical Center concerned the strike and lockout of nurses will impact patient care

She let me know that they had security footage of me coming outside twice with my, my duck scrub cap on, the duck symbolizes the nurses here! And they said that they were terminating me because of it, ending my contract effective immediately, Riney said, like Im some criminal!

Riney said he informed the nurse who he was training that he would be taking a five-minute break, but the hospital said through a statement:

A contracted nurse, who was not part of the temporary workforce, twice abandoned their post during work hours. This person did not tell the charge nurse that they were leaving before walking off duty. Kapiolani informed the agency, which is the employer of the individual, that the worker twice left their post without notice. The agency has suspended the clinician pending further investigation. Gidget Ruscetta, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children

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The strike started on Friday, but the hospital-imposed lockout  where HNA nurses will not be allowed to clock in to work  starts on Saturday, Aug. 14.

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NYC Council pass bill to create task force to study reparations for black residents

NYC Council pass bill to create task force to study reparations for black residents

City lawmakers passed a controversial bill Thursday to create a reparations task force in New York City  which could lead to proposals to spend billions in taxpayer money as compensation for slavery and racial injustice.

The legislation was approved 41-8 before the full council on Thursday, with its sponsor, Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), calling it a monumental step to pay back injustices that have plagued our society for centuries.

This is a matter of morality and justice, equality and equity, Louis said.

The City Council has passed a bill that would create a reparations task force in New York City. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Among the 8 lawmakers who voted against the bill, David Carr (R-Staten Island) told The Post that the idea of taxpayers having to pay reparations is insulting.

No one currently living in our city had anything to do with the evils of slavery and the vast majority of New Yorkers are descendants of immigrants who came after it was abolished, he said.

Robert Holden (D-Queens) said the legislation is a Pandoras box that will lead to an endless parade of historical grievances.

Taxpayers have had enough of being nickeled and dimed at every turn, he added.

The legislation  that mandates $1.5 million to pay for the nine-member task forces work  did not say who would foot the bill.

The bills sponsor Council Member Farrah Louis called it a monumental step to pay back injustices that have plagued our society for centuries. Paul Martinka

The group will examine the impact of slavery and past injustices for African Americans in New York City and determine what, if any, monetary or nonmonetary reparations are necessary.

This could lead to a call for massive payout funded by taxpayers, as seen in other areas that have done similar reparations studies.

San Francisco established its own African American Reparations Advisory Committee, which last year proposed paying $5 million lump-sum payments to each Black city resident. The Hill estimated Californias payouts could cost $175 billion.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed nixed that idea.

Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams would choose the members of the task force. Robert Miller

The state of California also had a task force study statewide reparations.

The final report did not come up with a suggested payout, but experts questioned by legislators said it could cost as much as $800 billion.

Louis bill will give the task force 12 months to make its recommendations.

During that time the unpaid taskforce would meet and hold public hearings while receiving administrative support from a city agency designated by the mayor.

Task force members would be chosen by the mayor and the Speaker. Mayors Adams office did not immediately respond to request for comment on if he supported the bill.

The legislation was among a package of bills that passed aimed at relieving racial injustice.

New York City has a moral obligation to confront its historical role in the institution of slavery, including harms and long-lasting consequences, a City Hall spokesperson told The Post.

This is another crucial step towards addressing systemic inequities, fostering reconciliation, and creating a more just and equitable future for all New Yorkers.

Mayor Adams is supportive of it, sources said.
NYC inmate escapes from custody at hospital after virtual appearance before judge

An inmate with a long rap sheet escaped from a hospital Thursday morning  minutes after he appeared virtually in front of a Bronx judge, according to police and court records.

Career criminal Jose Lopez, 37, slipped away from police custody during a stay at NYC Health and Hospitals/Lincoln around 11:52 a.m. in Mott Haven, police said.

Around 20 minutes earlier, he was arraigned from his hospital bed on a slew of charges after allegedly speeding and crashing a motorcycle while running from cops in the Bronx on Aug. 29 , according to police and records.

Jose Lopez, 37, slipped away from police custody during a stay at a Bronx hospital. DCPI

Cops tried to pull him over at the time but he fled, leading police on a wild chase.

When officers finally collared him on Gerard Avenue and East 150 Street, he was carrying drugs, the NYPD said.

He was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment, obstruction of governmental administration, reckless driving, failure to yield to a pedestrian, operator leaving the scene causing property damage and driving a vehicle on or across a sidewalk.

Inmate Jose Lopez escaped from NYC Health and Hospitals/Lincoln Thursday morning. Peter Gerber

Lopez pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday morning, while Bronx judge Daniel Lewis set $1 cash bail, records show.

Since 2008, Lopez racked up 16 arrests ranging from robbery, burglary and drug charges, police said.

After his daring escape Thursday morning, police and K-9 units flooded the area around the hospital to try to find him.

Police flooded the area after inmate Jose Lopez slipped away from police. Peter Gerber

Cops said its unclear how he managed to get away.

A photo released by the NYPD shows Lopez, of University Heights, in blue hospital garb before he fled on foot.

Hes described as 5-foot-11, 170 pounds.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A New York State trooper was seriously injured Friday afternoon after a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle in Niagara County, police announced.

A Youngstown woman, identified as 69-year-old Anastassia Radell, was allegedly exiting the Niagara Scenic Parkway northbound onto Route 93 in the Town of Porter when she failed to yield the right of way and was struck by a New York State Police motorcycle, driven by 10-year NYSP veteran Salvatore Mattina, traveling eastbound.

State police confirmed to WIVB News 4 that Mattina was doing a safety run for Saturdays Dice Run by the WNY Riding Lions Club at Mercy Flight when the crash occurred.

Mattina was transported to ECMC with serious injuries, while the Youngstown woman was taken to St. Marys Hospital with minor injuries.

Police said Mattinas injuries include multiple fractures, internal bleeding and organ damage. Other injuries include broken bones in his face, arm, pelvis, right leg and sternum, along with internal bleeding and brain injury.

Officials said Mattina has a critical and complex medical situation with multiple surgeries ahead. It is unclear if he will be able to return to the job.

Intoxication did not play a factor in the crash, according to police. The driver of the other vehicle will be ticketed, but will not face any other charges.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and Route 93 between East Avenue and Niagara Scenic Parkway remains closed as of 5 p.m. Friday.

A GoFundMe has been started to support Mattina, which can be found here.

Latest Local News

Adam Gorski is a Buffalo native who joined the WIVB News 4 team in 2022. You can find more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
A Utah man whom authorities described as becoming increasingly obsessed and controlling over his adult daughter, a 25-year-old sheriffs deputy, is on the run after he was accused of killing her last month.

Hector Ramon Martinez-Ayala, 54, was charged last week with offenses including murder and stalking a current or former cohabitant after his daughter, Salt Lake County Sheriffs Deputy Marbella Martinez, was discovered dead on Aug. 1.

Martinezs body was found lying on top of the bed, covered with a blanket up to her neck, in the home she shared with her father in Tooele, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by HuffPost.

Deputy Marbella Martinez, pictured here with colleagues from the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office, was found dead at the home she shared with her father on Aug. 1. Courtesy of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office

Officers who discovered Martinezs body called her death suspicious after seeing blood in her mouth and what looked like fingernail claw marks on her face and neck, according to the affidavit.

The state medical examiners office determined Martinezs death was caused by strangulation.

Police described text messages that Martinez received from her father as more of the nature of a jealous lover than a father. Authorities also cited more disturbing incidents involving Martinezs father and how he allegedly behaved toward his adult child.

At one point, after Martinez found a bag of her underwear with her used feminine hygiene products inside her dads room, she confronted him via text message and he promised he would change and stop the behavior, the affidavit said.

But in July, the 54-year-old placed a tracking device on his daughters car while she was out of the country, according to the affidavit. That same month, he allegedly tracked down Martinez and her romantic partner in a neighboring town.

For two days after that, Martinez did not return home and instead stayed at a hotel, according to the affidavit.

Surveillance footage from their home showed the deputy returning on July 31 at around 11 a.m. and her father arriving about 3 hours later, according to the affidavit. Authorities said that any surveillance footage from after his arrival was deleted or that the cameras had been disabled.

Around 4:34 p.m. that day, police allege, Martinez-Ayala texted his brother, stating that he made a mistake and was not coming back. (Police did not say where his brother is living.)

My brother, you know much I love you, I made a big mistake, an unforgivable sin, now Im too scared and I dont know what to do, the message read, according to police. I think I will never come back.

Martinez-Ayala left the home, taking his daughters cellphone and disposing of it on the way to the Salt Lake City Airport, police said in the affidavit. The phone was later found on the side of the highway.

According to the affidavit, Martinez-Ayala flew to San Francisco and then to Houston, and then used his twin brothers identification when he landed in another country. (Police also did not clarify whether his twin brother is the brother he texted, or if he has other siblings.) His last known location was outside the U.S.  authorities did not specify where  and his current whereabouts are unknown.

The Tooele City Police Department told HuffPost on Friday that there is no update on the investigation at this time.

Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said in a statement following Martinezs death that the 25-year-old had been sworn in as a corrections officer in January.

Deputy Martinez was a dedicated member of our Sheriffs Office family. In her short time with us, she became a cherished friend and an integral part of our team, Rivera said. Her untimely and tragic death is a profound loss for us all.

Dive deep into true crime cases and follow the latest headlines with HuffPosts Suspicious Circumstances newsletter. Sign up here.

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The Oconee County School District and the Oconee County Sheriffs Office may soon enter negotiations on developing a law enforcement presence at the 12 public schools in the county.

Oconee County currently does not have a school resource officer program in place. Such programs have officers on a school campus throughout the school day.

The joint effort by the two agencies to examine school security falls in the wake of the recent tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, where two teachers and two students were shot and killed. Nine others were wounded.

A Oconee County Sheriff's deputy direct traffic outside of Oconee County High School in Watkinsville, Ga., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Oconee County is considering adding school resource officers to its schools.

The school district and sheriffs office this week jointly issued an announcement that also reported that deputies now will be assigned to Oconee County High and North Oconee High schools. Deputies will assist at the elementary and middle schools, according to the statement.

Currently, the sheriffs office has deputies who do zone patrols on campus and enter schools periodically throughout the day, officials said. The deputies also work traffic at the beginning and end of the school days.

Following the tragic events at Apalachee High School, it is prudent that we collectively review the safety protocols to determine if modifications to any of our practices should be made," noted Oconee schools Superintendent Jason Branch.

School Resource Officer programs are not used by every school system.

How other school systems handle safety, law enforcement

In the Athens area, Barrow, Madison and Jackson counties have such SRO programs. It was a school resource officer that initially confronted and arrested the suspect in the Apalachee attack.

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department not only has a school resource program, but the school system has its own police force.

We have our school resources officers, and the school district has its own police department and they also have security officers, police Lt. Jody Thompson said about security measures in place in Clarke County.

Madison County Sheriff Michael Moore said a deputy is assigned to every school every day and at the middle and high schools an off-duty deputy comes in to add a second person.

Oglethorpe County doesnt have an SRO program, but Chief Deputy Jason Task said they work schools in a similar fashion as Oconee County, where deputies make a presence at the schools.

The measure was introduced to the Oconee County Board of Education on Monday and if approved during a Sept. 16 meeting, the discussions on school security would begin, according to officials.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Oconee schools, sheriff's office propose discussions on school safety
A Eugene police officer was arraigned Wednesday in Lane County Circuit Court on domestic violence-related charges after allegedly strangling a woman while off duty on Sept. 7.

According to court documents, Joshua West, 40, was charged with one count of felony strangulation - constituting domestic violence and two counts of recklessly endangering another person.

West was arrested Tuesday by Springfield Police Department officers and booked into the Lane County Jail. He agreed to a supervised release plan and was no longer in custody as of early Thursday.

Melinda McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Eugene Police Department, told The Register-Guard that West was "immediately" placed on administrative leave following his arrest, pending the outcome of the court's process.

"When an agency develops probable cause for an Abuse Prevention Act crime, such as is alleged, we would fully expect the agency to act on the probable cause and make an arrest," McLaughlin said in a written statement.

West was investigated for using poor judgment in 2016 and appeared to struggle with a field sobriety test after he was pulled over by Oregon State Police troopers on Highway 58. At the time, he was just past his 18-month probationary period when the incident occurred.

A female passenger had called 911, alleging he threw his gun and badge into her lap and told her to shoot him, a claim West denied.

Although he admitted to drinking before driving, he was not arrested or given a Breathalyzer test.

In a 2017 case review of the incident with the Civilian Review Board, the police auditor's office and then Eugene Police Chief Pete Kerns agreed West violated policies of judgment and conduct. Any disciplinary action taken by the police department was not disclosed.

Kerns said the "behavior and judgment of the off-duty officer in this case is disappointing and embarrassing and is not representative of the women and men of great character who work diligently for our community."

Kerns followed up to say West was "humble, honest and forthcoming with us in the wake of this incident. He provided us with information we would not have known if he had not been so thoroughly candid. He made no effort to conceal his action, and my hope is that he has grown from the experience."

When asked this week for records regarding any internal and external complaints involving West since that 2017 incident, the Eugene Police Auditor's office declined to comment or provide records on closed or historical investigations.

West signed a supervised release agreement Thursday and has been ordered to not be "within a one-mile radius of the alleged victim's home, property, place of work or school," according to court documents.

A pre-trial conference hearing is scheduled at the Lane County Circuit Courthouse in Eugene on Oct. 7. West will remain under the supervision of what appears to be a family member who has guaranteed his appearance in future court proceedings under the terms and conditions of the release.

If you are or know anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, the Hope and Safety Alliance in Lane County operates a 24-hour Crisis and Support Line at (541)-485-6513 or (800)-281-2800. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. More information about Hope and Safety Alliance services can be found at www.hopesafetyalliance.org/get-help.

This story will be updated.

Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Eugene police officer charged with strangling woman while off duty
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  An Amber Alert on Thursday for a missing infant girl from Newark was resolved after about two hours when a COTA bus operator identified the accused abductors license plate.

The alert was issued about 5 p.m. for a girl just under 1 year old in Newark. She was last seen with her father, Sewak Tiwari, who was facing a domestic violence charge in Licking County and separate charges of swatting and theft in Franklin County.

A COTA bus operator noticed the suspects car while on his break and called the transit authoritys dispatch center. He was able to confirm it was the car from the alert by reading the license plate, then seeing Tiwari get out of the vehicle with the baby. COTA dispatch called the police, who came ten minutes after the call.

The alert was canceled just after 7 p.m., when police said they found the pair safe at a hotel on Morse Road near Easton Town Center and Tiwari was arrested.

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[Watch in the player above: What do you do in an Amber Alert?]

NEWARK, Ohio (WJW)  An Ohio child allegedly abducted on Thursday afternoon has been found safe, according to police.

Newark Police Department on Thursday issued an Amber Alert for Lux Tiwari, an infant girl who had been reportedly abducted by her non-custodial father on Thursday.

Police said the infants non-custodial father, 19-year-old Sewak Tiwari, took the child just before 4 p.m. on Thursday from 15 Mesimer Drive in Newark, Licking County, which is the address of Licking Memorial Womens Health  Newark.

Twin toddlers found dead in car

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Just before 6 p.m., Newark police reported on Facebook that the child had been found safe. The Amber Alert has since been canceled.

Aiden Clarks father said he doesnt want his sons death to be used for political gain

The suspect vehicle was a 2006 Honda Pilot SUV (pictured above). The vehicle had damage to its front-passenger side, authorities reported.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. (Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost on Wednesday did his bit to amplify a conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants legally present in Springfield, Ohio are stealing and eating pets, ducks and geese.

The conspiracy has been debunked by the Springfield mayor, city manager and chief of police, as well as by Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. Yost is looking to succeed DeWine as governor in 2026.

Citizens testified to City Council, Yost posted on X Wednesday. These people would be competent witnesses in court. Why does the media find a carefully worded City Hall press release better evidence?

Many of Springfields public buildings were closed for much of the day Thursday due to bomb threats after former President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeated a widely debunked conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants were stealing peoples pets and eating them.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, he said during a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

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A day earlier, on Monday, Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, posted on X that Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

As the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Thursday, between 15,000 and 20,000 Haitians have migrated to Springfield over the past five years. Contrary to Vances claim, the great majority of them are legally in the United States, either as naturalized citizens or under temporary protected status due to the violent chaos in their home country. Earlier this week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced he would send state highway patrol troopers to Springfield to help, as well as $2.5 million to help with health care resources.

While resources in the city of almost 60,000 have been strained by the heavy influx, the New York Times last week reported that many there believe it also revitalized a community that had long been on the decline.

But Trump and his supporters have long been whipping up fears of immigrants  particularly those of color  even though multiple studies show that immigrants  particularly the undocumented  commit crime at substantially lower rates than the native-born.

The influx of thousands of immigrants had already brought hate groups to Springfield, with a neo-Nazi group marching there in August.

Some Springfield residents have begged politicians to stop promoting conspiracy theories about their community. And some Haitian immigrants are keeping their children home out of fear for their safety, the Haitian Times reported Thursday.

But last week, Yosts campaign claimed that undocumented immigrants were terrorizing Ohio communities. As evidence, it pointed to a Fox News article about the situation in Springfield that made no such claim.

Nevertheless, on Wednesday, Yost continued to perpetuate assertions about Haitians in Springfield.

Theres a recorded police call from a witness who saw immigrants capturing geese for food in Springfield, Yost said in his X post. Citizens testified to City Council. These people would be competent witnesses in court. Why does the media find a carefully worded City Hall press release better evidence?

In other words, Yost, a former journalist, was criticizing the media for not assigning the same credibility to any claim made in a police call or council meeting as they would to the public declarations of the Springfield mayor, city manager, police chief, and the Ohio governor.

Yost campaign spokeswoman Amy Natoce was asked how the attorney general could justify this logic, and whether he was concerned that his post would further whip up racial resentments and place a target on a minority community in the United States.

She replied that Yost was using official resources to answer those questions.

Since the AGs staff is writing a legal memo on this, Ill have you reach out to the official office with your inquiries, she said.

Asked the same questions, the AGs Communications Director didnt respond directly. She instead discussed problems dealing with the influx.

This is what the people of Springfield are reporting, she said in an email. You can choose to believe them or not believe them. But the indisputable fact is that the heavy influx of immigrants is overwhelming the citys services and schools. And the federal government is doing nothing to help. AG Yost is interested in finding a pathway to help Springfield and other communities by holding the federal government accountable.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric has been linked to mass violence. Experts say that whipping up fears of an immigrant invasion and terror and conspiracy theories of a great replacement have helped motivate racist massacres over the past six years in El Paso, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh.

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While bomb threats forced elementary and middle schools in Springfield, Ohio, to evacuate Friday for a second day, the states attorney general was amplifying the conspiracy theory that likely prompted those bomb threats in the first place.

Despite lacking any firm evidence, and in the face of clear denials from city officials, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost this week leaned into the lie that immigrants in Springfield are abducting and eating domesticated animals around the city.

Theres a recorded police call from a witness who saw immigrants capturing geese for food in Springfield, Yost wrote on social media Wednesday.

Citizens testified to City Council. These people would be competent witnesses in court. Why does the media find a carefully worded City Hall press release better evidence?

Yost appeared to be referencing a weeks-old, non-emergency police call from a resident who claimed to see immigrants carrying dead geese.

Springfields deputy director of public safety and operations, Jason Via, told NPR that local authorities are familiar with that claim, among others.

We get these reports, The Haitians are killing ducks in a lot of our parks or The Haitians are eating vegetables right out of the aisle at the grocery store, Via said. And we havent really seen any of that.Its really frustrating.

And even the accusations about local waterfowl are a far cry from the conspiracy theory propagated by Republican nominee Donald Trump during the presidential debate on Tuesday that immigrants are abducting and eating peoples cats and dogs.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said Tuesday night. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country. And its a shame.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost speaks during a rally for Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance in Middletown, Ohio, on July 22, 2024. AP Photo/Paul Vernon

Debate moderators immediately debunked Trumps remark, citing a statement from Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, has also said theres no merit to the claims.

In the days since, as other GOP politicians nonetheless doubled down on the lie, a barrage of bomb threats has forced schools, government agencies and other buildings in Springfield to evacuate.

The city hall building had to be evacuated on Thursday. On Friday morning, three elementary schools in the city were evacuated due to information received from the Springfield Police Division, according to the Springfield City School District. Threats closed a middle school before it could even open for the day.

While the FBI didnt immediately respond to a request for comment from HuffPost regarding the particulars of the threats, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue told The Washington Post the threats had used hateful language toward Haitians and immigrants.

Asked by the Ohio Capital Journal if Yost believes a 911 call is more credible than public declarations from the Springfield mayor, city manager, police chief and Ohios governor, and if Yost was concerned that his actions are inflaming racial resentment, a communications director for the attorney general deflected.

This is what the people of Springfield are reporting, she told the outlet. You can choose to believe them or not believe them. But the indisputable fact is that the heavy influx of immigrants is overwhelming the citys services and schools.

Related...
The city hall building in Springfield, Ohio was evacuated on Thursday after reportedly receiving a bomb threat, days after the city was thrust into the national spotlight when former President Donald Trump shared racist lies about immigrants living there.

Multiple agencies and media outlets were alerted to the bomb threat directed at Springfield City Hall and other buildings via an email on Thursday morning, according to a statement from city government. The threat prompted an immediate response from local and regional law enforcement.

The buildings were evacuated as a safety precaution until all affected areas had been cleared, Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott said at a press conference. The source of the threat remains unclear, but authorities have opened an investigation.

Springfield is a community that needs help, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue told the Washington Post, adding that national leaders should provide that help and not hurt [his] community like, unfortunately, we have seen over the last couple of days.

Rue did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for additional comment on the threat, but told the Post that the threats had used hateful language towards Haitians and immigrants. The city also did not reply to a request for comment.

Around 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants live in the county surrounding Springfield, ABC News reported.

Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), have recently spread false claims that Haitians in Springfield steal and eat peoples pets.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said at the presidential debate on Tuesday. 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.

Theres no credible evidence to back up that claim, which took off after right-wing internet users conflated accounts of a missing cat with unrelated police body camera footage showing a woman arrested for allegedly eating a cat.

Both Rue and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) dismissed the baseless claims about Haitians eating pets.

Related...
Several schools in the small town of Springfield, Ohio were evacuated Friday, the second day of worrying disruptions amid anti-Haitian-immigrant tensions stoked by Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

Springfield's authorities closed a middle school and evacuated two elementary schools, the local Springfield News-Sun newspaper and other media reported.

The disruptions -- which come after similar evacuations Thursday in reaction to an emailed bomb threat -- followed an unspecified warning from the Springfield police department, the reports said.

The head of the local Haitian community center, Viles Dorsainvil, told AFP that the FBI was also investigating threatening phone calls to the organization.

The Ohio town has been suddenly thrust into the national spotlight after a conspiracy theory -- quickly debunked by local authorities -- spread on social media that members of the Haitian immigrant community had stolen and eaten the predominately white population's pets.

Trump told reporters in California on Friday that he would do "large deportations" of Haitians from Springfield.

President Joe Biden said at the White House that Trump "has to stop" inflaming tensions, and "there's no place in America for this."

The bizarre story took off last week with a post on social media site X claiming that "ducks and pets are disappearing."

It was then quickly amplified by Republican politicians, X's billionaire owner Elon Musk, and Trump himself -- including during his nationally televised debate Tuesday with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

Trump, the Republican White House candidate, is seizing on the fake story to fuel his campaign message that the United States faces an "invasion" of illegal immigrants, whom he characterizes as violent criminals and escapees from "insane asylums."

On Thursday, Trump said that locals in Springfield faced "20,000 illegals" who were "destroying their entire way of life."

"Nobody knows where they come from. I'm angry about young American girls being raped and sodomized and murdered by savage criminal aliens," Trump added.

Biden, speaking at a Black excellence brunch at the White House, said there was a "proud Haitian American community that's under attack in our country right now, it's simply wrong."

"This has to stop, what he's doing, it has to stop," the president said of Trump.

- Father blasts 'hate' -

Trump's vice presidential pick, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, posted Friday on X that Springfield has seen "a massive rise in communicable diseases, rent prices, car insurance rates, and crime. This is what happens when you drop 20,000 people into a small community."

The Haitian community in Springfield is part of an influx of immigrants who have a legally protected status since their home countries are in upheaval.

The Ohio town had seen years of falling population and economic decline as manufacturing industries moved away.

The arrival of an estimated 20,000 Haitians has been credited with reviving the local economy, but has also put strains on public services in a town that the 2020 Census found had a population of 58,000.

Tensions first erupted in the open last year when a recently arrived Haitian driver collided his minivan with a school bus, killing an 11-year-old boy, Aiden Clark.

Anti-immigrant activists have seized on that incident but the child's father this week issued an impassioned plea for politicians to back off.

"They can vomit all the hate they want," Nathan Clark said. "However, they are not allowed, nor have they ever been allowed, to mention Aiden."

nro-sms/des
Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and longtime local talk-radio host. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has rejected a request to reconsider its ruling to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the last two known living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Without comment, seven members of the court on Tuesday turned away the request by 110-year-old Viola Fletcher and 109-year-old Lessie Benningfield Randle to rehear its June ruling that upheld a decision by a district court judge in Tulsa to dismiss the case.

Justice James Edmondson would have reheard the case and Justice Richard Darby did not vote.

Fletcher and Randle survived the massacre that is considered one of the worst single acts of violence against Black people in U.S. history.

Read: Latest search for 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre victims ends with 3 more found with gunshot wounds

FILE - Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Viola Ford Fletcher gestures while speaking during an interview with The Associated Press, June 16, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

As many as 300 Black people were killed; more than 1,200 homes, businesses, schools and churches were destroyed; and thousands were forced into internment camps overseen by the National Guard when a white mob, including some deputized by authorities, looted and burned the Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street.

Damario Solomon-Simmons, attorney for Fletcher and Benningfield, was not immediately available for comment.

Solomon-Simmons, after filing the motion for rehearing in July, also asked the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation into the massacre under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act.

President Biden sat down with my clients. He promised them that he would see that they get justice, Solomon-Simmons said at the time.

Read: Former Florida Senator plans to produce film on the 1920 Ocoee Massacre

Then he went to the next room and had a robust speech where he told the nation that he stood with the survivors and descendants of the Tulsa race massacre ... we are calling upon President Biden to fulfill his promise to these survivors, to this community and for Black people across the nation, Solomon-Simmons said.

The Emmett Till Act allows for the reopening of cold cases of violent crimes against Black people committed before 1970.

The lawsuit was an attempt under Oklahomas public nuisance law to force the city of Tulsa and others to make restitution for the destruction.

Attorneys also argued that Tulsa appropriated the historic reputation of Black Wall Street to their own financial and reputational benefit. They argue that any money the city receives from promoting Greenwood or Black Wall Street, including revenue from the Greenwood Rising History Center, should be placed in a compensation fund for victims and their descendants.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
One dad riding his bike across the country makes stop in Peoria

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  How far would you go for your daughter?

That is the tagline for One Dads Mission, a charity that a dad from the greater Philadelphia area is actively embarking on.

Jeff Bekos is riding his bike 4,600 miles across the U.S. to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House, a place near to his family.

In 2013, Bekoss daughter Hailey had a seizure, losing all mobility of her body. The Ronald McDonald House played a big part of getting Hailey back to full health.

Bekos said he wants to garner support for families grappling with the profound challenges of having a sick child by riding his bike.

Biking across the country to eliminate poverty housing for veterans

With the Ronald McDonald Houses foundation celebrating 50 years this year, Bekos wanted to do something special.

In my familys mission of giving back, we wanted to do something that would have a huge impact on the charity and people, to raise awareness, volunteerism, in kind donations and money to keep the charities going for another 50 years, he said.

At his halfway mark, Bekos reflects on the support he and his family have garnered along the way.

I mean, I get choked up about it, Bekos said. I mean, its just so nice. And the kindness of others and the concern of others just has been fantastic.

Bekoss last stop is in Philadelphia on Oct. 14. To donate to his mission, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
A Fayette County Public Schools bus carrying students was involved in a crash Monday morning that left the driver of another car injured.

Lexington Fire Department responded to the crash about 7:30 a.m. on Friday at Alumni Drive and an exit ramp of East New Circle Road. The crash involved a bus and a car. Ambulance crews also responded.

A Lexington Fire Department spokesman said that there were four students on the school bus but none suffered injuries. The bus driver also was not injured.

The driver of the car, which suffered minor damage, was taken to St. Joseph East Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the fire department spokesman.

Fayette County Public Schools chief operating officer Myron Q. Thompson said via email, Today at 7:25 a.m., Bus #19 heading to SCAPA (the School for the Creative and Performing Arts at Lafayette High School) with four students on board was clipped by a vehicle. There were no injuries.

The crash briefly snarled traffic at the busy intersection and resulted in one subsequent crash.
One of the last large consumers in Europe gives up Russian gas  Bloomberg

The Wien Energie GmbH company, which provides two million people with energy in Vienna and its suburbs, has stated that in 2025 it will give up Russian fuel for the first time in several decades.

Source: Bloomberg

Details: The company sourced 10 terawatt-hours of alternatives, equivalent to about 12% of national consumption, from North Africa, the North Sea and other global liquefied natural gas suppliers.

"Because of Russias war of aggression, independence from Russian gas is critical for security of supply. All households, commercial customers and power plants will be running on non-Russian gas in 2025," said Viennas finance chief Peter Hanke at a press conference on 13 September.

Even though Wien Energie will keep procuring gas through the Central European Gas Hub, in the future it will require traders to certify that the fuel used in Vienna isnt from Russia.

The company will use certificates of origin that it said are forgery-proof and based on blockchain technology.

Michael Strebl, Chief Executive Officer of the company, stated that the utility also pledged not to raise prices on end users, even as the alternative energy sources cost slightly more than Russian gas.

Background:

The supply of gas to the EU in 2025 might contain covertly mixed flows from Russia, which will give Russia a workaround when the validity of the current transit agreement ends.

Europe makes efforts to no longer depend on Russian gas, but several Eastern European countries will keep receiving it through a gas pipeline which goes through Ukraine. The validity of this agreement ends this year, potentially cutting as much as 15 billion cubic metres of gas supplies for such countries as Austria and Slovakia.

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In one month, more than 100 animals illegally killed in Utah

A law enforcement officer with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources loads an elk skull into the back of a truc

A law enforcement officer with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources loads an elk skull into the back of a truck. (Photo courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

Utah wildlife officials say at least 104 animals were illegally killed in the span of about one month this summer, putting 2024 on track to see more poaching than the year prior.

Data from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, or DWR, shows that between Aug. 1 through Sept. 9, at least nine deer, six elk, two moose, a bear and a pronghorn were illegally killed. Thats on top of 60 fish and 25 other animals that the division said were illegally killed.

More than 100 illegally killed animals might seem like a lot, but Capt. Chad Bettridge, a law enforcement officer with the DWR, said thats roughly on par with other months, especially now that several seasons, including archery hunts for deer and elk, are underway.

Unfortunately, yes, its too many. But its kind of in line with where weve been, Bettridge said. For reference, during that same timeframe last year, there were 173 instances of illegally killed wildlife

Do you believe an animal was killed illegally? Consider these four resources:

Text UTiP at 847411. Make sure to include any available information.

Call the 24/7 UTiP hotline at 800-662-3337

Download the UTDWR app, available for IOS and Android. The app will allow you to direct message a DWR officer. You can remain anonymous, send pictures and share GPS coordinates.

Submit a tip online at the DWRs website.

And remember these tips from the DWR:

Get a license plate number. Officials say this is the most important piece of information to pass along.

Dont confront the person. Instead, watch from a distance and avoid putting yourself in harms way.

Calling the 24/7 hotline is the quickest way to report a wildlife violation.

The hotline is not an information line, so if youre looking for information, visit the DWRs website or call the nearest office.

Each year, between 1,000 to 1,200 animals are illegally killed in Utah, with numbers from the state showing a slight, upward trend, with 2023 being an exception.

There were 1,065 animals illegally killed in 2019.

1,079 killed in 2020.

1,153 killed in 2021.

1,283 killed in 2022.

1,056 killed in 2023.

Bettridge thinks this year could put the state back on that upward trend.

It wont surprise me if we end up a little bit higher than last year. Hopefully thats not the case, he said.

Poaching data in Utah can be easily skewed, mostly because of illegal fishing. There can be instances where an angler mistakenly catches a few fish over the legal limit, with each fish counted as an illegally harvested animal. Bettridge pointed to one instance at a pond in southern Utah a few years ago where someone caught nearly 50 fish over the limit.

And like other outdoor activities in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, more people are fishing now than ever before. That means there are likely more inexperienced, mistake-prone anglers on Utahs rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Not every illegally harvested fish or animal is nefariously killed  in fact, most are accidents.

Just because an animal is taken illegally doesnt mean that the person meant to do it. People make mistakes, said Bettridge, who reminded Utahns to report their accidents.

Contact us. Let us know. It makes for a much better circumstance if a little bit of responsibility is taken, he said.

Its also incredibly easy to report poaching in Utah, which could be contributing to the slow, upward trend. During that Aug. 1 to Sept. 9 timeframe, the DWR received 201 tips, which Bettridge said is high.

Its definitely going up. I dont know if theyre more in tune with whats going on around them, or they have more curiosity, he said.

Those tips are crucial to combating poaching in Utah, where just 53 officers are responsible for patrolling the entire state.

Our officers are in great need of the publics help. We just dont have that many officers out there, Bettridge said.

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Election workers process ballots for the presidential primaries on Super Tuesday at the Denver Elections Division, March 5, 2024. (Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline)

Im a lifelong Coloradan, and Ive spent more than a decade talking with folks across this state about the policies we need to strengthen our families and communities. One thing Ive learned is that people from all walks of life, whether theyre living in the heart of Denver or from my hometown Delta, want their voices to be heard. They want to engage. But too often, the pathways for doing so just arent clear.

So many people spend their days caring for children, grandchildren and aging parents, and working around the clock to provide for their families. Taking the time to fill out mounds of government paperwork to register to vote is a luxury many cannot afford. Thats why I support a promising policy here in Colorado that would make it easier and more secure for every eligible voter to participate in our democracy  its called secure automatic voter registration (SAVR) at Medicaid.

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Our state Legislature passed a bill five years ago expanding SAVR to Medicaid offices, and the policy would make it easier for people enrolling in Medicaid to register to vote. Thats because much of the information folks must provide when they apply for Medicaid  including name and proof of citizenship  is the same information needed to register to vote. Once the government collects this information, they affirm an applicants eligibility to vote and automatically register those who are eligible. Folks will then receive a card in the mail offering them the opportunity to opt out.

This is a policy with the potential to engage more than 428,000 eligible but currently unregistered voters across our state, according to an estimate from the Institute for Responsive Government. Many of those are folks who otherwise wouldnt have the opportunity to register  in fact, Medicaid enrollment is typically negatively correlated with voter registration.

Thats transformational change  but theres one problem. Colorado, along with six other states and Washington, D.C., are waiting for clarity from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services before implementing their SAVR programs. This delay is costing people their ability to participate in our democracy.

A core part of the work I do with the Positive Womens Network, a national network of women like myself living with HIV, is registering people to vote. As I knock doors and meet people, I cant help but think back on my own childhood.

Im the daughter of a Mexican American father and an Indigenous mother. My dad served as a police officer and city councilman. But despite my dads service, I remember thinking that our voices didnt matter  that we couldnt affect change.

What Ive come to realize is that when communities are empowered to participate in democracy, our voices absolutely matter and we can drive change. I draw inspiration and pride from the conversations I have with neighbors every day  like a recent interaction where I knocked the door of a home headed by a grandmother in a wheelchair, who was caring for both her children and grandchildren. We sat on the stoop and had such a powerful conversation about our stories, our values, and our desire to have our voices heard. We were able to get her 18-year-old granddaughter registered to vote that day, and I believe that was a moment for her to take ahold of real power.

But I and my PWN sisters can only knock so many doors. It shouldnt be so difficult for people to access the fundamental right to vote. Thats why SAVR is such a transformative policy, and why we need to implement it as soon as possible.

I dont want little girls growing up today in Delta or anywhere else in our state to think their voices dont matter. Their voices do matter, and policies like SAVR at Medicaid will help them begin a lifelong journey of participating in our democracy.

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Is one of the worlds deadliest mushrooms found in Utah?

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A recent post in an online forum claimed a user had found one of the worlds deadliest mushrooms in various parts of Salt Lake City.

Specifically, the user said they had found a mushroom commonly called a destroying angel  and Bryn Dentinger, an associate professor in the plant biology department at the University of Utah, told ABC4.com that a destroying angel is one of the deadliest types of mushrooms in the world.

See something? Dont swim  Harmful algal bloom recorded at Deer Creek Reservoir

So, should Utahns be worried about finding a deadly mushroom in their yard or around Utah cities? Dentinger said no.

At the moment, there is no record of destroying angels in Utah, Dentinger said.

Dentinger said the user who posted about the mushroom incorrectly identified the mushroom as a destroying angel  what the user found was actually a mushroom more commonly known as smooth lepiota or white dapperling.

An image of Leucoagaricus leucothites (commonly known as smooth lepiota or white dapperling). The mushroom has visual similarities to a toxic mushroom, but white dapperlings are not toxic. (Courtesy: Bryn Dentinger)

An image of Amanita virosa (commonly known as a destroying angel). The mushroom has visual similarities to a benign mushroom, but destroying angels are among the deadliest mushrooms in the world. (Courtesy: Bryn Dentinger)

An image of Leucoagaricus leucothites (commonly known as smooth lepiota or white dapperling). The mushroom has visual similarities to a toxic mushroom, but white dapperlings are not toxic. (Courtesy: Bryn Dentinger)

An image of Amanita virosa (commonly known as a destroying angel). The mushroom has visual similarities to a benign mushroom, but destroying angels are among the deadliest mushrooms in the world. (Courtesy: Bryn Dentinger)

Dentinger provided photos of white dapperlings (or Leucoagaricus leucothites) and destroying angels (identified in the photos as Amanita virosa).

Dentinger said theres not much of a visual difference between the mushrooms. The most obvious distinction is the fact that a destroying angel (and other mushrooms of the Amanita family) would have a cup at the base.

While there are no current reports of destroying angels in Utah  or any other deadly mushrooms in the Amanita family like the death cap  Dentinger said its not impossible for them to show up.

Should I be worried about poisonous mushrooms in my yard?

There are very few poisonous mushrooms in Utah that grow in peoples lawns, Dentinger said.

Dentinger said if you find a mushroom and think it might be deadly, you should reach out to the Mushroom Society of Utah  or use other online resources such as iNaturalist or Mushroom Observer  for help identifying the mushroom.

While some people on the online forum expressed concerns about children or pets eating potentially poisonous mushrooms, Dentinger advised parents and owners to keep a closer eye on those populations.

If you are concerned about the mushrooms in your yard, you can go pick them and remove them  thats not going to take the fungus out of the soil, because the mushroom is really just like a flower or a fruit, Dentinger said.

Dentinger also said getting rid of mushrooms is hard without the use of harsh chemicals, which he advised against. He said some types of mushrooms are in the sod and help enrich the soil by decomposing dead roots and other dead plant material.

Plus, Dentinger said he would not recommend eating mushrooms that grow in the city for several reasons  including the fact that mushrooms absorb herbicides and pesticides, and even heavy metals.

Are there poisonous mushrooms in Utah?

Dentinger said there are, in fact, mushrooms in Utah that could have the same poisonous effects as a destroying angel or death cap mushroom.

If consumed, destroying angel mushrooms can cause dysfunction of the kidney or the liver before causing death, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. One of the mushrooms in Utah that can cause similar effects is called Galerina autumnalis, and Dentinger provided an example of what that mushroom may look like (seen in the photo below).

An image of the mushroom Galerina autumnalis, which is a deadly mushroom found in Utah. (Courtesy: Bryn Dentinger)

While these deadly mushrooms are found in the Beehive State, Dentinger said those mushrooms are something that people are unlikely to collect and eat.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness (BWCAW) closed on Thursday due to the Wood Lake Wildfire.

Superior National Forest supervisor Tom Hall issued an emergency forest order to close a portion of the Boundary Waters that became active at midnight. This will prevent visitors from entering specific campsites, portages, and lakes. The closure may be modified or extended as conditions allow.

The order include all campsites, portages, rivers, and lakes within the closure area. The Forest Service has notified permit holders, cooperators, and outfitters and encourages them to seek a different area of the Boundary Waters, or consider non-wilderness areas of the forest. At this time, overnight paddle and day use are not permitted in the closure area.

Photo Credit: USDA Forest Service-J Harmon

The closure was put in place due to a fire at Wood Lake caused by dry conditions. According to InciWeb, the fire has grown to three acres since it broke out.

A large area of northern and northeastern Minnesota is currently considered "abnormally dry," according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Fire suppression is ongoing at the Wood Lake Fire.

Beyond the Wood Lake Fire closures, Superior National Forest is open to the public.

USDA

Closure areas:

BWCAW Entry Point: #26-Wood Lake.

Lakes: Wood, Hula, Good, Indiana, Wind Bay (Basswood Lake), Wind Lake, and Washte Lakes

Portages: Wood Lake Entry Point Parking Lot to Wood Lake, Wood Lake to Hula Lake, Hula Lake to Good Lake, Good Lake to Good Creek, Good Lake to Hoist Bay (Basswood Lake), Good Lake to Indiana Lake, Indiana Lake to Basswood Lake, Indiana Lake to Wind Bay Creek (Wind Bay, Basswood Lake), Wind Bay to Wind Lake, Wind Lake to Washte Lake, Wind Lake to Moose Lake.

Related: After an incredibly wet spring and summer, its getting dry in Minnesota
What is onigiri? Unique food vendor being featured at Modesto boba shop for a limited time

A Manteca husband and wife are teaming with a local boba shop to bring a relatively unique Japanese delicacy to Modesto.

Jonathan and Kim Pasamonte own Oni-gurus, a fusion catering business established in 2023 that sells onigiri and dessert. Theyre serving their menu at Tealite Drinks and Snow for a pop-up event through Sunday.

While onigiri isnt a unique Japanese food item, it is not a popular sell in Modesto. From what The Modesto Bee could find, the only place in the city that sells onigiri is Poke Bowl  and it sells only a sweet shrimp flavor.

I think that were going to learn a lot of things, for example, the demand and the appetite that people have in Modesto for it, Jonathan Pasamonte said.

What is onigiri?

The Japanese best describe this dish as the sandwich of Japan, Pasamonte said. Its a rice ball (commonly found in a triangular shape) wrapped in seaweed and traditionally stuffed with salted plum, salmon, chicken teriyaki and more.

But Oni-gurus does it a little different. The filling for its onigiri is a fusion of flavors from different cultures.

The Pasamontes sell flavors including Korean chicken and beef bulgogi, Filipino pork adobo, Japanese sriracha crab and Korean kimchi pork.

We have so many different types of flavors that we try, Jonathan Pasamonte said. All of them tend to get positive reception. Its difficult for us because then we never know which ones are the best ones. ... Its a good problem to have.

Beef bulgogi and kimchi pork onigiri from Oni-Gurus sold out of Tealite Drinks and Snow in Modesto, Calif.

The menu for the pop-up event will rotate daily, and the couple will introduce flavors they havent yet served.

The event at Tealite will be Oni-gurus first indoor pop-up in a retail spot. The couple typically have worked with breweries in the Bay Area.

I want to work with people locally, Pasamonte said. I want to expose the community to more of this stuff because the Bay Areas kind of got all of that already.

Traditionally, onigiri is single layer with rice bedding and filling in the middle of it, but Oni-gurus makes its larger and with three layers. One layer is the filling, allowing consumers to get filling from the first bite.

The onigiri is $9 per piece, but with a Tealight drink purchase, $1 per piece will be discounted. There is also a three-for-$25 bundle.

Oni-gurus will be at 3848 McHenry Ave. , Suite 120, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Onigiri from Oni-gurus and tea from Tealite Drinks and Snow in Modesto, Calif.

From kitchen catering to a possible brick and mortar

Kim Pasamonte has been in corporate dining for around a decade. Her husband describes her as an accomplished chef who can make virtually any type of food.

Her skill is what led to the couple to unintentionally become caterers in 2021, Jonathan said. They mostly do family events, but also corporate events, including one that sort of sparked the creation of Oni-gurus.

An Asian American Pacific Islander event they were hired for requested an assortment of Asian food, so the Pasamontes delivered with Japanese, Filipino and Korean dishes.

As an experiment, they also prepared fusion onigiris with flavors representing each culture from Southeast Asia.

We had set out something like 150 on the table and they were all gone within 20 minutes. Everything else was still there, Jonathan Pasamonte said. We were surprised.

After that event, the couple received several requests for onigiri. They added it to their catering menu and two years. A lot of interest later, the couple branched off and created Oni-gurus.

The Pasamontes now hope to open their first grab-and-go-style storefront. Theyve been looking at real estate in cities around the Central Valley, including Modesto.

Until then, you can find Oni-gurus at Tealite until Sunday and place orders at contact@oni-gurus.com.

Jasmine tea with lychee and strawberry popping boba from Tealite Drinks and Snow in Modesto, Calif.

Tealite Drinks and Snow on McHenry Avenue in Modesto, Calif.
The 2024 presidential race will likely come down again to just a handful of states and a close Electoral College contest.

The U.S. Constitution requires that a candidate win a majority of electoral votes to win the election outright. With the total number of electoral votes currently set at 538, a candidate must tally at least 270 to become president.

An even number of total electoral votes presents the country with the risk of a potential tie of 269-269 in the Electoral College, a risk made more possible in a close contest.

The U.S. nearly witnessed a tie four years ago. This would have happened had Donald Trump won in Wisconsin, Arizona and either Michigan or Georgia. Alternatively, Trump wins in Pennsylvania, Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District, and either Michigan or Georgia would have also resulted in an Electoral College deadlock.

Indeed, less than 43,000 votes separated Trump from Joe Biden in Georgia, Wisconsin and Arizona.

The 2024 election will likely be determined by the blue wall states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania and the sunbelt swing states of Arizona, Nevada, Georgia and North Carolina. Polling shows these battleground states to be the closest and both campaigns are investing their resources most heavily  and almost exclusively  in these seven states.

The election is also being waged in the 2nd Congressional District of Nebraska, one of only two states (along with Maine) that allocate their electoral votes using the district method, rather than using a winner-take-all vote. Although Joe Biden carried the 2nd District in 2020, it is currently represented by Don Bacon, a Republican, and rated as even in Cook Partisan Voter Index.

Holding the results of the 2020 electoral map constant, if Kamala Harris wins the blue wall states, and Donald Trump wins the sunbelt swing states and Nebraskas 2nd District, the election would result in a tie.

Another scenario yielding a tie would involve Trump winning in Michigan, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, and Harris winning Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Wisconsin and Nebraskas 2nd District. Given the perceived closeness of the 2024 election, these outcomes have a much greater than zero chance of happening.

If a tie were to happen in November, real humans holding the office of presidential elector will gather in their state capitols on Dec. 17 to translate the popular vote into electoral votes. While most states have laws seeking to bind electors to the winner of the popular vote in their state, many do not, thus making them suspectable to high-pressure lobbying campaigns in the weeks following the election.

In the event of a tie, even one faithless elector could ostensibly swing the election.

Despite the Supreme Courts ruling in 2020 in Chiafalo v. Washington that states can prohibit faithless electors, 13 states, composing 106 electoral votes, have no laws prohibiting faithless votes. These include the swing states of Pennsylvania and Georgia.

Another 15 states prohibit faithless votes but do not identify a means to cancel those votes. If faithless votes occur, they will certainly be challenged during Congresss certification of electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2025.

Provided an electoral vote tie remains in place after the Electoral College vote, it would be up to the newly elected 119th Congress to determine the election winners with the House of Representatives deciding on the president and the Senate tasked with picking the vice president.

In the Senate, each senator would have one vote, and voting would continue until one candidate commands a majority. If Democrats retain control of the Senate following the election, they will certainly select Tim Walz to become the vice president. If Republicans gain control, they will undoubtedly select JD Vance.

The Constitution is silent about whether Kamala Harris, the sitting vice president, could cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate if the body was deadlocked in such a unique circumstance.

The House utilizes a wholly different procedure. Instead of each individual representative casting a vote, every state House delegation would have to decide how that particular state would cast its vote.

The Republicans currently have a 28-22 edge in control over U.S. House delegations. Unless Democrats made significant gains in control over House delegations in the election, the House of Representatives would likely choose Donald Trump as president.

For those who are critical of the Electoral College, the contingency procedure reveals significant problems. First, it provides great power to individual states, regardless of their population. In the House, a vote from California, with a population of more than 40 million people, would be equal to a vote from Wyoming, with a population of less than 600,000.

The contingency procedure also reveals how Americans could end up with a president of one party and a vice president of another. If Republicans controlled enough delegations in the House and Democrats hold on to the Senate, the result would likely be a Trump-Walz administration.

The last time an administration had two presidential competitors from different parties end up in the same administration was 1800 with President John Adams, the Federalist, and Vice President Thomas Jefferson, the Democratic-Republican, serving together for four very tumultuous years.

The 2020 election and the Jan. 6 Capitol riot demonstrated that campaigns may go to great lengths to test the bounds of the Constitution, along with those charged to enforce it. Although an Electoral College tie is unlikely, it is possible given the current state of the race.

The chicanery that would ensue as a result would usher in yet another constitutional crisis that would test the American republic in unprecedented and potentially dangerous ways.

Robert Alexander, Ph.D., is a professor of political science at Bowling Green State University. He is the author of Representation and the Electoral College, published by Oxford University Press. David B. Cohen, Ph.D., is a professor of political science and director of the applied politics program at The University of Akron.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NewsNation Chief Washington Anchor and On Balance host Leland Vittert was a foreign correspondent for four years in Jerusalem. He gives you an early look at tonights 7 p.m. ET show. Subscribe to War Notes here.

State of play:

53 days to the election

Decision Desk HQ average : Kamala Harris +3.4, as of around noon ET today. Click here to see the latest numbers. PredictIt betting odds: 58 to 46 in favor of Harris.



Programming alert: Bill OReilly joins us tonight for a preview of Sundays special, Confronting the Presidents: Americas Best and Worst.

We spent a few hours together in a no-holds-barred interview ranking OReillys five best and worst presidents  there were a few huge surprises. Especially what he says about Obama, Reagan and Kennedy



Confronting the Presidents airs Sunday at 9 p.m. ET  go set your DVRs right now.

 Order your copy of OReillys book Confronting the Presidents here  its great reading by the fireplace this fall.

Democrats Worst Nightmare

With 53 days to the election in 2016, Hillary Clinton led in the RealClearPolitics average by 2.4%  she lost.

Our buddy Niall Stanage is out today (and joins us tonight) with a must-read article in The Hill: Democrats fear Trump will outperform polls again.

His article highlights the ground truth: Nobody knows what or who will define the election.

Axios says the must-watch group is Americas youth, and The Wall Street Journal says its seniors  are they both right? Maybe?!

Former President Donald Trump still leads in polling on the issues.

Watch tonight: Philippe Reines joins us from the Team Harris perspective  he role-played Trump for Vice President Harris during debate prep.

What Would Harris Do?!

Kamala the genius, 4D chess-playing woman of foreign relations, writes David Ignatius in The Washington Post  OK, that wasnt the headline  but it could have been in his piece, which would make North Korean media blush at its sycophancy.

As an example of her prowess, Ignatius presents a few of the probing questions Harris asked during briefings about Russias coming invasion of Ukraine: How fast can the Russians move? What kind of units do they have? What are their capabilities? Is that now the bar for foreign policy genius?



Somehow, Ignatius column whitewashes Harris role in the multiple Biden-Harris foreign policy disasters:

The Afghanistan withdrawal

War in Ukraine

Rise of Iran and Oct. 7 attack

It appears the next James Baker, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Dean Acheson (all rolled into one) wont be at the White House today for a summit between the U.S. and U.K.

Thats too bad, because it sounds like she would be needed in the decision to allow Ukraines use of NATO weapons systems to strike deep in Russia.

CHARLOTTE, USA  SEPTEMBER 12: Vice President and Presidential nominee Kamala Harris kicks off her New Way Forward Tour with her first rally after the debate in Charlotte, United States on September 12, 2024. (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images)

From Politico: In a final bid to scare off the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Thursday evening he would regard such an agreement as tantamount to NATO directly entering the war. This will mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are fighting Russia, he said.

The New York Times reports Putin just evicted U.K. diplomats from Russia over the deal.

And Reuters reports Russia is now producing kamikaze drones with Chinese engines. Remember when the U.S. warned China not to help Russia  how is that working?

Then there is North Korea, which is now so emboldened by its Russia relationship that it is showing off its once-secret nuclear facilities  and asking Russia for help building more nukes as they want to exponentially increase production.

There is nobody at the wheel, writes Leighton Woodhouse on Americas foreign policy. He warns the decision to allow strikes in Russia will lead to Russian strikes on European capitals, a terrifying reality should it come true.

He writes, On the American side, decisions are being made and events are unfolding based on momentum alone. Were driving directly into a storm on cruise control with a blindfold on.

What would Harris do?

Trump, the (Very Stable) Genius

No, Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, arent eating the pets as Trump has now claimed at least twice, but that is besides the point.

He has successfully spotlighted immigration and the problems immigrants bring to communities across America: Crime Hospital overcrowding Housing shortages



Call it stray voltage.

John Dickerson writes it up as Obama trolling the GOP. To be fair, Obama is but an amateur at Trumps ability to change the coverage to what he wants, even at what appears to be a great cost to him.

Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on September 13, 2024. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)

Speaking of the debate: For all the talk about what the ABC moderators did to be unfair to Trump, there is little or no talk about what they didnt do to serve the audience.

Our buddy Steve Krakauer opines in The Hill that the moderators never brought up the Biden-to-Harris switch  without a single vote.

He writes, ABC News avoided the issue entirely because they dont care  they dont see it as a problem. When Biden was flailing in early July and looked to be heading for a November loss to Trump, the legacy media suddenly became very curious to uncover the truth. Now that Harris is better positioned, why rock the boat?

Watch tonight: Krakauer joins us to discuss why that question is so important.

Tune into On Balance with Leland Vittert weeknights at 7/6C on NewsNation. Find your channel here.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is back in the news. As of early September, the World Health Organization has reported more than 5,000 laboratory-confirmed cases this year. Given the well-documented shortcomings of mpox surveillance , these numbers underestimate the true magnitude of the disease burden.

The highest number of cases are in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the current outbreak has expanded to several other countries in Africa. The first case outside that continent appeared in Sweden , in a patient who returned from Africa; its only a matter of time before a case shows up in the United States, although the extent of a potential U.S. outbreak is uncertain.

To combat the spread of mpox, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have declared a public health emergency. How the world, and the U.S., responds to this latest flare-up will test whether we are at all better prepared to confront global public health emergencies since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more: Mpox is again a global health emergency. How concerned should Californians be?

The current uptick, primarily driven by a new virus strain, clade I, is different from the 2022 mpox surge, which was successfully controlled by the U.S. and other countries. Unlike in 2022, more than half of reported cases, and most deaths , have been in children younger than 5 years old. During the earlier outbreak, the virus primarily spread through sexual contact among men who have sex with men, whereas the evidence shows the current outbreak spreading through heterosexual and nonsexual contact. In the U.S., the 2022 outbreak was contained by health authorities working with groups including men who have sex with men to increase vaccine uptake and reduce transmission risk; this years requires a more extensive approach.

For the U.S. now, waiting to act until clade I cases are detected here will be too late. The best way to control an outbreak is to prevent it.

There are a few steps that can help us prepare. Ensuring adequate vaccine supplies should be the highest priority. Danish vaccine manufacturer Bavarian Nordic is one of a few companies in the world with an approved mpox vaccine . Before the 2022 outbreak, it did not have a large inventory of mpox vaccine and doses were produced to order, delaying their availability in 2022 and stymieing outbreak control in the initial days.

Read more: A year after outbreak, Africa waits for its share of mpox vaccines

Since then, the company has maintained an inventory of mpox vaccine doses. More than 250,000 doses have been sent to the DRC, and the company indicated that it could produce another 2 million by the end of the year. However, the precise schedule of availability of these doses is uncertain, and the 2 million would cover just a fraction of the doses needed to vaccinate 10 million people in the coming months, according to estimates from the Africa CDC. Meanwhile, wealthy countries, including the U.S. and Canada , have donated or pledged modest amounts of vaccine and have further stockpiles that could provide some emergency donations . Adequate vaccine supplies to Africa to control the outbreak will be essential for preventing broader spread.

Another urgent need is to evaluate the efficacy of the mpox vaccine against the new strain. Previous evaluations have primarily focused on effectiveness against clade II. While it is reasonable to deploy the current vaccine, as it is the best tool available to protect against mpox, a more precise estimate of its effectiveness against clade I will help ensure that the optimal number of doses and the right vaccination schedule are used.

Modest investments in early stages of outbreaks can prevent much larger financial costs associated with widespread epidemics. Failure by high-income countries to ensure that the World Health Organization and Africa CDC have the financial resources to fight this now may result in a much more expensive outbreak in a few months.

Fast-moving outbreaks also have the tendency to increase the spread of misinformation. In the past, public health agencies ramped up their communication efforts only after rumors started taking hold. Evidence from behavioral science supports preemptively inoculating the public against misinformation, such as what weve seen regarding the COVID vaccine.

There is a window to mount an effective national and global response to control mpox and avoid past mistakes. If we dont respond within that window, we may have deja vu from our imperfect COVID response, when delays in getting ahead of outbreaks caused so much unnecessary suffering.

Saad B. Omer is an epidemiologist and vaccine expert.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Running a school district is challenging. Superintendents and principals shoulder the great responsibility of ensuring students receive a high-quality education and services to support learning in a fiscally responsible way. This requires establishing relationships with multiple vendors  perhaps even hundreds  to provide needed supplies and educational services. The expiration of ESSER funds places additional pressure on districts to make the most of their financial resources. In this environment of increasingly complex resource constraints, ensuring that providers services directly improve student outcomes is more critical than ever.

Frequently, districts use a single procurement process and request for proposal/contract documents to purchase everything from goods and supplies, like food and laptops, to instructional services. However, the latter are quite different from durable goods and supplies, which are easily quantified and measured. Determining whether a district got its moneys worth for instructional services is less straightforward; nationally, districts have invested billions of dollars in ed tech tools regardless of student participation or learning gains.

Outcomes Based Contracting, a strategic initiative of the Southern Education Foundation, has offered tailored support, technical assistance and expert guidance to nearly 20 school districts. These resources and hands-on experience empower them to achieve measurable, long-term student outcomes. Under the outcomes-based contracting model, at least 40% of a providers pay is contingent on meeting agreed-upon student outcomes. This approach compels mutual accountability between school districts and providers and helps shift districts from buying services to prioritizing buying outcomes, ensuring that dollars spent deliver academic impact.

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Related

Researchers: Higher Special Education Funding Not Tied to Better Outcomes

Two critical features make outcomes-based contracting effective. First, tying financial incentives directly to educational achievements ensures that every dollar invested drives tangible student success. Both the district and the provider have a financial stake in producing the agreed-upon results, with financial repercussions if either side does not uphold its end of the deal.

For example, a charter school network signed a $700,000 contract for high-impact literacy and math tutoring. It was 40% contingent on performance on the NWEA MAP and state assessment results, and the agreement included a midyear assessment to measure student progress. When it was discovered that not all students had taken the midyear assessment, the district and provider had to work together to ensure those students took the test in order to fulfill their contractual obligations.

Outcomes-based contracts include financial incentives tied to measurable student outcomes, like a midyear assessment, to formalize both sides commitment to student achievement.

In addition to the financial incentives, the model requires ongoing commitment and partnership. This begins with presenting the contract to the school board for approval and gaining community buy-in, rolling it out in the district and ensuring all parties are aware of their responsibilities. The contract includes specific requirements, measures and outcomes for each student that districts and providers are required to revisit and continuously check throughout and at the end of the contract period.

Final payment depends on three critical factors: whether the student met the attendance requirement, whether the provider upheld its responsibilities (such as ensuring students have the same tutor for each session) and whether the student achieved the expected outcomes. During ongoing continuous improvement meetings, the district and provider examine data for each student. If one is not on track for any of the three critical factors, they collaborate to determine how to address this deficit.

This approach is much more in-depth than a typical contract. Because the final payment is contingent on specific outcomes for individual students, the outcomes-based model forces districts and providers to thoroughly evaluate their performance and adherence to the contract. This thorough review process guarantees that both sides remain focused on student success and accountability.

A great example of this collaborative approach is Jackson Public Schools in Mississippi. The district spent significant time working with principals to schedule high-impact math tutoring sessions to ensure at least 70% of its approximately 800 middle schoolers attended. Throughout the program, Jackson Public Schools monitored attendance and collaborated with the provider to address any challenges. Though attendance fell early in implementation, the district and provider, working together, were ultimately able to maintain an attendance rate of 70%-81% for the duration of the program.

Districts are not simply committing to meeting a 70% attendance threshold in isolation. Instead, they are engaging in regular, collaborative progress monitoring with their providers. The schedule for evidence-based continuous improvement meetings is established in the contract  no less than every two weeks. These meetings ensure regular check-ins on progress toward achieving the specific goals articulated in the contract. If any issues arise, the district and provider work together to find solutions.

rl=https://www.the74million.org/article/under-pilot-program-in-texas-florida-tutoring-fees-depend-on-student-progress/]

Additionally, this collaborative accountability has demonstrated improved instructional alignment between districts and providers. In the case of Jackson Public Schools, the district noticed some differences between how the provider was teaching the standards and how they were assessed on state exams. As a result, the provider adjusted its instruction and started sharing sample lessons and items ahead of time, allowing the district to give further feedback. The provider found this so valuable that it extended this practice to other partners as well.

These are just a few examples of how outcomes-based contracting directly translates into maximizing the impact of a districts investment in instructional support services. It promotes a culture of mutual accountability and collaboration, holds all parties responsible for measurable outcomes through a contractual obligation, encourages efficient use of resources, prevents investments in ineffective solutions and drives meaningful progress in student success.

Through clear and quantifiable expectations within contracts, districts and providers move from trying to work together, despite other priorities, to being mutually accountable for instructional interventions that lead to student success. District leaders, accountable to the community and students they serve, can work closely with providers to meet shared goals, turning accountability from a concept into a concrete practice. This collaboration drives continuous improvement and helps districts make strategic decisions under increasingly complex resource constraints while staying focused on what matters most: student learning.
If you are among the 70 percent of Americans who do not know a transgender person: Hi! My name is Leigh Finke, my pronouns are she/her/hers. Im a parent, Im a renter, I have a lovely girlfriend, and a strong community here in Minnesota, where I also serve in the House of Representatives.

I was elected in 2022 as the first out transgender state legislator. For the last two years, I have worked with Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to successfully pass at least a half-dozen laws protecting the rights of transgender people, and access to healthcare. Many of those bills I authored. I love being trans, I love my community, and Im honored to have the chance to fight for our future.

The biggest move we made in Minnesota  and the one receiving the most attention  was becoming a trans refuge state. The transgender refuge law protects transgender, non-binary and two-spirit patients and their families who are in the state of Minnesota to receive transgender health care, shielding them from laws in other states that limit or ban access to that care. I think of it as a bubble law. If youre in the Minnesota bubble for this care, youre protected by our values: bodily autonomy, access to world-class healthcare, and independent decision-making free of government intrusion.

Like all healthcare, transgender healthcare decisions are complex and individualized. In Minnesota, we treat them as such, and let patients and families decide how best to proceed. The values of the Minnesota trans refuge law are the same as the values of Minnesota at large: compassion and bodily autonomy, freedom, dignity.

Transgender healthcare is healthcare, and trans people are happier and healthier after we transition. Theres no question about this. NCTE surveyed 92,000 trans Americans and 94 percent said they were more satisfied with their lives after transition. Affirming healthcare allows trans people to live the best version of our lives. Its healthcare that helps us be our best.

The trans refuge law also says that if a transgender minor is in the state of Minnesota to receive healthcare and the parents of that minor disagree about the administration of that care, then Minnesota courts can hear the dispute to determine if transition-related care is in the best interest of the patient.

Contrary to what JD Vance and many other voices on the conservative right are saying Minnesota does not have any legal mechanism to remove a child from the custody of their parents over decisions about transgender healthcare. Nor can the state of Minnesota force any patient to receive transition-related healthcare. There is no mechanism in the state of Minnesota to grant non-parental adults custody over someone elses child for the purpose of receiving transition-related healthcare. These scenarios of forced transition or loss of child custody are pure fiction.

Such disinformation advanced for political gain is what advocates face every day in our work to protect trans people. These lies spread fear fueled by distrust and lack of familiarity with difference. This kind of hateful rhetoric is constant, toxic and follows a long, tedious history of anti-queer politicking.

Extreme political movements in America have spent a century fighting against LGBTQ peoples rights to live fully authentic and happy lives. The same paranoid lies about who we are, how we live and how we love have traveled from decade to decade, subjecting us to discrimination and rejection, arrest and violence.

In the 1950s we were forced out of the closet and fired from our government jobs. In the 1960s and 70s, police officers raided our social spaces, arresting and outing us in local papers. In the 1980s, the federal government laughed at and ignored a growing HIV epidemic that would take the lives of half a million Americans. By the 21st century, same-sex marriage was cast as a dangerous threat to the entire fabric of human civilization. When that false threat collapsed, they turned their attacks to transgender people.

The fact is, we are here, we have always been here, and we just want to live in safety and dignity like everyone else.

Im proud to have worked with Tim Walz to make Minnesota a beacon of hope for the transgender community. Right-wing panic-inducing rhetoric about queer people and our civil rights has destroyed countless families and cost many, many lives. These kinds of lies must be actively rejected. Trans lives must be regarded as equally deserving of dignity and protection.

Leigh Finke represents Saint Paul in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She was the first out trans person elected to the state legislature, and serves as chair of the Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus.

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In an interview Monday with the hosts of the podcast All-in, Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance of Ohio said that if hed been vice president on Jan. 6, 2021, he would have gone along with then-President Donald Trumps attempts to delay Congress certification of Joe Bidens victory.

That may be the most dangerous thing Vance has said since he joined Trumps ticket in July. The problem isnt just that Vance is clinging to the lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen and that there were legal avenues to change the results; Vances statement doubles as a bright clear warning that hell go along with whatever Trump orders him to do.

When asked what he would have done if hed been in then-Vice President Mike Pences shoes on Jan. 6, Vance didnt say hed have outright declared Trump the victor. He instead said he would have asked the states to submit alternative slates of electors and let the country have the debate about what actually matters and what kind of an election that we had.

That was the goal of the fake electors plot, a key component of Trumps failed attempt to reverse his loss to Biden. Having failed in court, Trumps accomplices dreamed up a plan to have Republicans in states he lost illegally cast Electoral College ballots for him anyway. Those ballots would then be submitted both to the National Archives and Congress, prompting confusion over which slate to certify.

Option A in that case was to have Pence accept the fake electors as real and declare Trump the winner. The backup that Trump-allied lawyer John Eastman pitched was to have Congress send the matter back to state legislatures to decide what to do with those contested slates. The idea was that Republican state lawmakers would succumb to pressure and say Trump won, despite vote tallies that showed he hadnt.

Its not clear whether that would have worked, given the reluctance of those same GOP legislators to get behind Trumps chicanery earlier in the process. But having the imprimatur of Congress to give them cover to throw the election to their candidate would certainly have helped the plots chances of success. Once those alternative slates were returned after the delay, the plot called for Pence to either declare Trump victorious, or let Congress decide, as Vance has previously suggested hed have done.

If I had been vice president, I would have told the states, like Pennsylvania, Georgia and so many others, that we needed to have multiple slates of electors and I think the U.S. Congress should have fought over it from there, Vance told ABC News This Week host George Stephanopoulos in a February interview, months before he was tapped to join the GOP ticket.

Its only rarely happened, but the 11th Amendment does allow for the House to make the final call on who has won a contested presidential election. The process requires a vote by state delegation, and Republicans had the majority in enough House delegations to throw the presidency Trumps way if it came down to it.

However, Pence refused to pretend he had the authority to go along with Trumps plot while presiding over the certification process. Trumps speech ahead of the attack on the Capitol, and his tweet claiming that Mike Pence could still do the right thing, made his vice president a target of the rioters. And yet Vance, who knows that Trump put Pences life in danger, still said Monday that Mike Pence could have done more to sort of surface some of the problems in the 2020 election.

If anything, the opposite was true. Pences silence about the lies that Trump was telling may have helped those lives take hold in the minds of MAGA believers. As I have written before, the fact that Pence eventually did the right thing on Jan. 6 doesnt make him a hero. He followed the law only after letting Trump pretend for two months that rampant fraud had existed.

Pence, who made a short-lived attempt to win the 2020 Republican nomination, has said he wont endorse Trump this time. Vance provided a laughable theory Monday as to why that might be. In reality, if Donald Trump wanted to start a nuclear war with Russia, Mike Pence would be at the front of the line endorsing him right now, he said. Fundamentally the reason the old guard of the Republican Party hates Donald Trump  its not because of January 6, 2021, whatever your views on it  its because Donald Trump doesnt think we should start stupid wars in foreign countries and thats why they all hate him.

The idea that Trump is a peace candidate is absurd, as there are plenty of hawkish Republicans, such as Vances colleague Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., whove been more than happy to continue to support him. And there are still more, like Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who were willing to back Trumps attempts to delay certification without endorsing his most blatantly false conspiracy theories.

Vance stands out, though, even among his fellow shape-shifting Republicans for the eagerness to mold himself to fit Trumps will. Congress has changed the law that Trump tried to exploit to clarify the vice presidents ceremonial role in certifying elections. But what is the law to someone like Vance, who has decided that proximity to power is more important? His cowardice in the face of Trumps bullying made him an ideal running mate, and his assertion that hed have done what Pence did not is a promise to Trump that his cowardice will always win out.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Health care has emerged as a fault line in this years election campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris supports expanding the Affordable Care Act, while former President Donald Trump wants to scale it back. Yet theres one health care policy that the Biden-Harris and Trump administrations both supported and can coalesce around again: price transparency.

This bipartisan health care fix is supported by 92 percent of Americans, according to a new poll by Echelon Insights and SocialSphere. Thirty-two economists, including me, recently sent a letter to U.S. senators, urging them to pass the Health Care PRICE Transparency Act 2.0, co-sponsored by Sens. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

This bill requires providers and insurers to publish their actual prices, including their cash and negotiated insurance rates, empowering consumers with choice and competition. Such systemwide price transparency can substantially reduce health care costs while boosting the economy and worker paychecks.

Prices are a necessary component of functioning markets, and their absence in American health care is a major reason for runaway costs that burden patients, employers and workers. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average annual employer-sponsored family health insurance premium is $24,000, a 50 percent increase over the last decade.

Hidden health care prices cause an information asymmetry that gives hospitals and health insurers unfair pricing power over consumers who are forced to pay with the equivalent of a blank check. Its no surprise that health care costs are a top concern for voters.

The Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University recently analyzed hospital and health insurance charges in Houston and found wide price variations for the same care  a sign of market failure.

For example, among patients covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, the average price of a hospital stay for 25 common diagnoses was $18,858 in the Houston Methodist hospital system, more than twice as much as at several independent hospitals in Harris County.

The average price for 32 outpatient services negotiated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas in Harris County varied from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the hospital. The average price for 19 outpatient services negotiated by Aetna in Harris County ranged from less than $2,000 to more than $6,000, again depending on the hospital.

Our analysis was only able to compare prices for a limited number of diagnoses and services because the data was non-standardized and incomplete. The Health Care PRICE Transparency Act 2.0 would finally unleash all prices throughout the health care system in a standard format, allowing consumers to spot price variations and choose high-value care.

Armed with this price information, employers could steer employees to less expensive care and share savings through lower premiums. Employers would also finally get access to their complete claims receipt data, which they could compare with health plan spending and posted prices to avoid overbilling, errors and fraud.

Prices foster competition, greatly reducing pervasive waste and unproductive middle players that proliferate in the dark and drive-up costs. According to a 2019 JAMA study, 25 percent of U.S. health expenditures, which reached $4.5 trillion in 2022, is administrative waste and unnecessary overcharging. This study implies an annual economic stimulus of around $1 trillion from an efficient and transparent system.

Economists of all backgrounds support price transparency as a fundamental solution to the American health care cost crisis. But you dont need to be an economist to understand the importance of upfront prices. Ordinary Americans already price shop for all other goods and services and would do so for non-emergency health care if given the chance. With the help of tech innovators and consumer-friendly apps, health care price disclosures would empower patients and businesses to choose affordable care.

This Congress should conclude its term by passing the bipartisan Health Care PRICE Transparency Act 2.0. It would bring Republicans and Democrats together during this contentious campaign season. More importantly, it would take a big step toward a pro-consumer health care system that reduces costs, raises worker pay and stimulates the economy at this time when its needed most.

Vivian Ho, Ph.D., is the James A. Baker III Institute Chair in Health Economics at Rice University.

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The U.S. Justice Department disclosed last week that it had charged six Hamas leaders with terrorism in February for organizing the Oct. 7 massacre of approximately 1,200 people in Israel  including more than 40 U.S. citizens.

Although none of those charged are likely to ever appear in a U.S. courtroom  three have since been killed and Israeli forces are hunting down the rest  the unsealed indictments are a crucial expression of American solidarity with terrorism victims everywhere.

Attorney General Merrick Garland drove home the horror of the Oct. 7 bloodbath in a statement justifying the charges: During the attack, Hamas terrorists murdered civilians who tried to flee, and those who sought refuge in bomb shelters, he said. They murdered entire families. They murdered the elderly, and they murdered young children. They weaponized sexual violence against women.

Hamas also seized about 240 hostages and recently killed six more of them to pressure Israel to stop the fighting and leave Gaza.

The perpetrators of such depravities surely deserve to be called terrorists. The U.S. government designated Hamas as a terrorist organization way back in 1997. Yet many major media organizations now insist on using the innocuous word militants to describe Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist gangs.

This semantic dodge brings to mind George Orwells classic essay, Politics and the English Language. It describes how politicians and polemicists adopt euphemisms to mask harsh realities and couch their arguments in hazy abstractions rather than plain English.

This debasement of language, Orwell contended, undermines honest analysis and wise public decision-making. The slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts.

Foolish thoughts abound on elite U.S. campuses, where Gaza protesters chant Hamass antisemitic slogans, intimidate Jewish students and misread the Jews return to Israel as a parable of Western colonialism.

This week, Americans mark the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. What al Qaedas hijackers did to our country is morally indistinguishable from the sadistic violence Hamas inflicted on Israel.

This makes it a fitting moment to ask why prestigious news organizations like the New York Times, the Washington Post and the BBC have taken it upon themselves to downgrade terrorists to militants.

Calling someone a terrorist means youre taking sides and ceasing to treat the situation with due impartiality, BBC foreign correspondent John Simpson explained to critics of the dont say terrorist rule.

Similarly, the Guardians style guide reportedly cautions its writers that One persons terrorist may be another persons freedom fighter.

Having once been one, I think reporters should strive to be objective. But no journalistic canon requires reporters to suspend all moral judgment when writing about Nazi Germany, the Rwandan genocidaires or ISIS jihadists who massacre Moscow concertgoers, behead infidels on video, throw gays off buildings and turn female captives into sex slaves.

Thats not just moral relativism  its moral idiocy.

And what is a militant anyway? The word seems to connote fighters who stand somewhere between terrorists and uniformed soldiers. But its practical effect is to make what these militants do sound less terrible.

We already have better words  insurgent, rebel, guerilla  to describe people waging legitimate struggles against tyranny, oppression and foreign occupation. When these fighters cross the line and deliberately kill non-combatants, they taint their cause. They become terrorists.

Its true that terrorism is a word thats hurled around loosely and should always be used with precision. Russian ruler Vladimir Putin calls Ukrainians fighting for their independence terrorists, even as his forces rain missiles and bombs on hospitals and civilian dwellings in Kyiv and other cities.

Citing the wars ghastly toll on Gaza civilians, some foreign leaders exonerate Hamas and accuse Israel of terrorism and genocide. Yet although there is plenty to criticize in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus policies and conduct of the war, Americans should reject the spurious logic of moral equivalence.

The distinction between self-defense and terrorism also seems to elude U.S. college students besotted by anti-Zionist activism. Theyve discredited and marginalized their cause by rationalizing if not celebrating terrorism as a legitimate tool of Palestinian resistance and liberation.

Netanyahu faces strong pressure from President Biden and domestic critics to agree to a cease-fire in Gaza. Israeli leaders say Hamass demands are the chief obstacle. In any case, a cease-fire is worth pursuing to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and try to bring home the estimated 60 Israeli hostages that Hamas has not yet murdered.

But no one should confuse a cease-fire with peace. After Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran last July, the group named Yahya Sinwar as his successor. Sinwar is the mastermind of the Oct. 7 rampage and one of the six the Justice Department charged with terrorism. Isnt it a bit much to ask any Israeli leader to negotiate peace with the man who instigated the slaughter, and whose avowed goal is to wipe the Jewish state off the map?

After 9/11, would U.S. leaders have succumbed to external pressure to strike a peace deal with Osama bin Laden? Fat chance.

Its true that Netanyahu and his right-wing allies seem bent on depriving Palestinians of land, dignity and hope. But the U.S. should stand firm on this point: Palestinians will never achieve their legitimate national aspirations through terrorism aimed at Israels destruction. And the media should dispense with militants, a weaselly word that risks normalizing the wanton killing of innocents.

Orwell was right: In the fight to uphold rules of civilized conduct against barbarism, plain language and moral clarity are vital weapons.

Will Marshall is president and founder of the Progressive Policy Institute.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Students in third through seventh grade have the opportunity to receive free violin lessons through the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra (WPO).

The free lessons are part of the Frank R. Bodor Strings of Joy program that provides a child with a violin to use for the lessons as well as sheet music.

The individual, 30-minute lessons will be taught by accomplished violinist Jenna Barvitski, a graduate of Youngstown State Universitys Dana School of Music, where she was honored as a Leslie H. Cochran Academic Scholar. Barvitski is an experienced music educator for grades K-12, having taught at Lordstown Local Schools. She has provided private lessons and has directed choirs and orchestras.

With string programs eliminated from most area schools, the Frank R. Bodor Strings of Joy program helps fill a need for those students interested in learning to play the violin and develop a deeper appreciation for our musical heritage, said Barry G. Dunaway, executive director of the Orchestra.

The lessons will be held Sundays at Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic Street, NE, Warren. Occasional group lessons and performance opportunities will be scheduled, as well.

The application deadline for the free lessons is Sept. 30. A limited number of students will be accepted. The lessons run from October to May.

An application form and related documents are available to download from the WPO website at or can be requested from the WPO office, 154 North Park Avenue in Downtown Warren.

Parents/Guardians needing more information about Strings of Joy can contact Dunaway at 330-399-3606 or warren.philharmonic@gmail.com.

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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO-WAWV)  The changes to the rules surrounding hosting special events in Terre Haute, front and center during Thursdays city council meeting.

The decision had previously been tabled.

A general ordinance was passed that increases permit fees and insurance requirements for those hosting an event. It also requires security and a local point of contact.

Mayor Sakbun requested the council table the ordinance, in August, to review the exemptions.

We withdrew it to look into exemptions because we werent looking at exemptions previously. The way the exemptions are currently worded kind of limit some of our student organizations that dont have 50 members in a group. Rose-Hulman is about to have a freshman class of 615 students, how many of their organizations have 50 people, right. Even some of our Indiana State organizations or St. Marys of the Woods college organizations. Brandon Sakbun  Terre Haute Mayor

Thursday, the ordinance was passed with a unanimous vote. It amends Terre Haute city code chapter four, article 22, about special event permits. The city council president says taking their time was paramount to get this done.

We dont want to appropriate an ordinance that we cant enforce. Im really pleased, not just with the council, but for all the players that had to take a look at this, that we took our time. We really believed that we got it right. Its important for public safety in our community and the protection of our public safety officers. Tammy Boland  Terre Haute City Council President

Also Thursday, several people spoke during public comments about the proposed city budget.

That budget will be voted on in October.

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Will Lathrop, a Republican candidate for attorney general. (Campaign photo)

As he seeks to become Oregons first Republican attorney general in more than three decades, Will Lathrop has touted his five years leading an international charitys efforts to eliminate slavery and human trafficking in Ghana.

Its in his first campaign ad: In Africa, I led multinational teams to rescue children from human trafficking and protect women from violence.

In the state-issued voters pamphlet: Will led large multinational teams in East and West Africa to protect women from violence, rescue child slaves and human trafficking victims and build up criminal justice systems.

And in bold and underlined on his campaign website: As a result of his teams work in Ghana, there has been an estimated 36% reduction in the number of children used as slaves in the fishing industry in Ghana, an unprecedented accomplishment in just a five-year period.

But a BBC documentary from 2023 tells a darker story: that a single-minded focus on setting and meeting targets resulted in Lathrops team working with police to effectively kidnap some children and take them from their families under false pretenses.

Lathrop disputes that and told the Capital Chronicle in an interview that the team he oversaw at the Washington D.C-based International Justice Mission felt pressure to save endangered children  not meet arbitrary targets.

You felt that pressure every day because there were tens of thousands of cases. You might get to 100 a year, and you still had thousands and thousands and thousands left, he said. There was no amount of money, there was no amount of targets or objectives, whatever you call it, that was going to be any more motivating to myself and the people I worked with than pressure over human life.

The International Justice Mission, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit, has operations in Asia, Africa, Europe and South and Central America, focused on ending slavery and violence, especially against women. In Ghana, where Lathrop was based, the BBC World Services investigative branch spent months looking into tips that the organization failed to ensure the children it identified as trafficking victims were actually victims.

Reporter Kyenkyehene Boateng used interviews with more than a dozen people, reviews of internal WhatsApp messages and audio captured by an undercover journalist working in the International Justice Missions accounting department to make the 50-minute documentary, The Night They Came For Our Children.

Ive spent a year investigating a big charity that sets out to look after the vulnerable, Boateng concluded in the film. Driven by the need to meet targets, they appear to have lost their way. I believe I have seen innocent but poor families torn apart as a result. I cant help wondering how many others are out there.

Two cases

Lathrop was the International Justice Missions country director in Ghana from 2018 until 2023, shortly before returning to Oregon to run for attorney general. The documentary highlighted two cases during his tenure.

In September of 2022, armed Ghanaian police, following a tip from the International Justice Mission, arrived at the remote northern village of Mogyigna in the dead of night to take four children. In the documentary, a woman who described herself as the grandmother of the children said police held a gun to her throat. Other villagers described the night as traumatizing  children who remained in the village tried to hide when they heard cars, and the grandfather of the children taken by police later died, unable to see his grandchildren again.

The three girls and a boy taken that night ranged in age from 5 to 11. They were taken to a hotel, where they were bathed, fed and photographed, then taken to a shelter, where they ended up staying for four months, the documentary said.

International Justice Mission officials had determined before the raid that the three girls were not trafficked, and the boy might have been, according to texts featured in the documentary and a subsequent statement from the organization. Still, two of the childrens uncles were arrested and charged with child trafficking and child labor law violations, charges that were ultimately dropped.

Lathrop said he didnt know much about the case, which occurred toward the end of his tenure, and questioned whether the story presented in the documentary was true. Many areas of Ghana are still controlled by the countrys slave master class, he said, and theres an incentive to look the other way on child trafficking and slave labor.

Additionally, he said, it wasnt uncommon for police following a trafficking-related tip from the International Justice Mission to take other children because of abuse, neglect or child labor violations.

In the other featured case, a boy and his sibling were taken from their mother in 2019. The sickly woman was accused of selling her son into slavery on a fishing boat and was sentenced to five years in prison  but her conviction was overturned after two years by the Sudreau Global Justice Institute, a partner of the International Justice Mission. It advertised her case in a fundraising campaign, saying she was falsely convicted of a serious crime.

Setting goals

Globally, the organization set a goal in 2019 of rescuing millions of children from slavery by 2030. In Ghana, Lathrop said he signed off on local goals, though employees at the nonprofit told the BBCs undercover journalist that Lathrop set them himself.

Such targets are all set from the top, and in the organization if a target should be set, it should come from Will, an employee says on secretly-recorded video included in the documentary. Then, based on that, all the departments, we are looking at rescuing this number of victims. This number of suspects should be arrested.

And with a lot of money on the line  the nonprofit brought in more than $118 million in contributions in 2023 and spent nearly all of it  employees interviewed by the BBCs undercover reporter said there was pressure to perform.

We are committing resources, so we cant commit a lot of resources for you to rescue just 10 children in the year, an employee said. So the targets will be set. You just have to push yourself and achieve them.

Fail to meet those goals, an employee said in the documentary, and employees could miss out on raises or even lose their jobs.

Lathrop said goals were set at the beginning of the year by each team  the nonprofit had people working on teams dedicated to investigations, advocacy and social work, among others  and then reviewed by their supervisor and office director before he signed off on them.

Goals could include things like how many cases a team wanted to work with police to investigate or how many victims they wanted to work with social workers to find, he said. Lathrop said he didnt recall ever increasing a target, and that there were times he lowered targets because of the available resources or other expected disruptions to work.

He said he was shocked by the report that employees thought they would lose their jobs if they didnt meet targets.

I cant say for the whole organization, I can only talk about my time in Uganda and Ghana, but nobody was ever let go for not meeting their targets or sanctioned, he said. The people that ultimately left the organization, like most organizations, usually came down to behavior, like not coming to work, or fighting with coworkers, or things like that. It was never related to goals.

One of the people who ultimately left the organization was Lathrop  who, in his words, worked himself out of a job. He said his main task in Ghana was to put together a functioning team, make relationships with the local government and raise up local leaders to take his place. A Ghanaian woman now leads the team he left.

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Oregon men arrested in Merced County with $1.3M worth of cocaine, CHP says

Oregon men arrested in Merced County with $1.3M worth of cocaine, CHP says

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Two men from Oregon were arrested in Merced County after being found with approximately 37 pounds of cocaine worth a street value of $1.3M in a Jeep Cherokee on Interstate 5, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP says on September 7 at 6:05 p.m., officers stopped the Jeep for a traffic violation on northbound Interstate 5, north of Highway 152. CHP officers said they spotted several indicators that led him to believe the two occupants were engaged in criminal activity.

California Highway Patrol

When officers searched the Jeep they found approximately 37 pounds of cocaine.

I would like to thank our officers for their continued commitment and dedication to removing dangerous narcotics from our roadways, said CHP Central Division Chief Damon Gilmore.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Tyler Lee Smith, 24, of Philomath, Oregon, and Angel Pacheco, 20, of Albany, Oregon, were arrested.

Both suspects were transported and booked into the Merced County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
OREGON, Ill. (WTVO)  James Clevenger III, 61, has been sentenced to 180 years in prison for sexual assault of a minor.

Clevenger, a resident of Oregon, was the subject of an investigation that began in June 2021 after a minor girl filed a domestic battery complaint with police.

During the investigation, authorities discovered Clevenger had sexually assaulted the girl, and charges were authorized against him.

Ogle County States Attorney Mike Rock said Clevengers criminal record qualified him for a special sentencing range of 30-60 years for each of the six counts against him. Judge John Roe sentenced him to 30 years for each count, to be served consecutively.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A program for Ottawa Hills High School students that took an enrollment hit during the pandemic is now seeing major signs of growth.

Leaders say the nearly half of students enrolled in the Early Middle College program are sophomores, a sign of renewed interest.

Instead of attending only high school for four years, the students in the EMC commit to five years to earn a high school diploma and associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College.

Ottawa Hills High School students participate in the Early Middle College program with Grand Rapids Community College. (Sept. 5, 2024)

GRCC has six early middle colleges in Kent County, but Ottawa Hills program is the only one in GRPS. GRCC student navigator Cheryl Garner said students attend all of their classes on campus at GRCC in their fifth year, and can the go on to a four-year college as academic juniors while maintaining their freshman financial eligibility.

Financial aid-wise, theyre still considered freshman when they finish the Early Middle College program, and thats usually where the biggest amount of money comes from when you apply for financial aid, she explained.

Heman Poudyel is a senior at Ottawa Hills who hopes to go into the medical field, possibly as a physician assistant. He said his former administrator, Mr. Metz, encouraged him to join the EMC program.

He kept on pursuing us, telling us to do this and commit to it, and Im really grateful for him because honestly, if it werent for him, I dont think I would be here right now, Heman said.

Besides helping him academically, the experience of taking college classes has also led to a surprising area of growth:

I wouldnt think that going into a program thats supposed to help me with my education would lead me into being more friendly, more confident in myself, more outgoing, I guess, and making new friends, he said.

Junior Nusra Juma said the program offered her guidance. She spent the first half of her childhood in the nation of Burundi in Africa before moving to the U.S. when she was 11 years old.

Ottawa Hills High School student Nusra Juma participates in the Early Middle College program with Grand Rapids Community College. (Sept. 5, 2024)

Our English class had many students from all over the world, so it was even more difficult to learn English while someone else was speaking Spanish or Arabic, she said.

The program has helped her focus on her grades and learn about time management and other responsibilities.

Thats exactly what Garner hopes to see happen for her students.

Were trying to consistently message GPA like: Make sure you understand youre creating a college transcript and how important that is to their future success, she said.

Ottawa Hills is also celebrating another area of growth: Its been nearly 15 years since the school has had a full staff, but every single certified teaching position this year is filled with someone certified in that subject area, Principal Timothy Mabin said.

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RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WSAV)  Documents show little communication between the City of Richmond Hill and Bryan County during Tropical Storm Debby, which hit the area on Aug. 4.

The flood devastated parts of the Coastal Empire, particularly Richmond Hill.

According to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, cities are in charge of providing for their citizens at the start of a disaster. When their resources run out, theyre supposed to reach out to the next level of government, which in this case is Bryan County.

Those states guidelines are also reflected in Bryan County and Richmond Hills Emergency Action Plans.

WSAV Investigates: Debby response

But documents show Richmond Hill for the most part stuck with their own resources and personnel. Their reasoning is found in an email from Richmond Hill Fire Chief Brendon Greene.

The actions of BCEMA during this storm clearly demonstrated that we must be prepared to go places and do things that are not and should not be expected of a municipality, Greene said. However, for the sake of citizens, visitors, and business owners we must.

When asked for clarification, City Manager Chris Lovell told WSAV, Chief Greenes email highlighted the crucial need of the city to have its own EMA and start a new CERT program since he understands it is challenging to be an EMA director and fire chief at the same time. The context was whether or not we should move forward with that

Bryan County is led by Interim EMA Director Anthony Van Es, also a member of leadership in the fire department.

But at the most recent commission meeting, the county mentioned separating these job functions by creating a full-time EMA director with staff, independent of the fire department. Also, all volunteer coordination would be designated and controlled by Bryan County EMA.

Lovell acknowledged this but said, We are moving forward with the CERT program.

A CERT, or Community Emergency Response Team, trains volunteers so they can be relied on during a disaster.

The city received help from Port Wentworth as well, which Lovell said was offered to them.

Port Wentworth was staging in Savannah and was not needed at that time, Lovell said. So, they contacted Richmond Hill Fire Department directly to see if their MRAP and personnel could be of use.

RH-Municipal-Emergency-Operation-PlanDownload

Bryan County Chairman Carter Infinger said the county went to Richmond Hill EOC three times to offer help. He also added that the county offered debris removal, and the City of Richmond Hill denied it and said that they had their own debris removal operation.

WSAV asked Lovell if the outcome of this storm would have been different if Richmond Hill used more of the countys resources and personnel.

I do not think the outcome was affected by anything anyone did, Lovell said in response. The flooding was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Distribution-Management-Plan-2022Download

County-Disaster-LOG-SOG-2022Download

Logistics-Management-and-Resource-Support-SOG-2022-asof4May22-1Download

Mutual-Aid-Operations-SOG-2022Download

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Over 100 Russian drones and missiles flew near Ukrainian nuclear power plants recently

Power engineers have recorded over 70 Russian drones and more than 30 cruise missiles flying close to Ukrainian nuclear power plants in recent weeks.

Source: Energoatom, the Ukrainian state-owned nuclear company

Quote: "The movement of more than 70 unmanned aerial vehicles from the terrorist state and over 30 enemy cruise missiles flying near Ukrainian nuclear power plants was recorded in recent weeks," the statement reads.

Energoatom states that such actions by Russia "pose an unprecedented threat not only to Ukraine but to the entire continent".

Background:

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will expand the presence of its monitoring missions in Ukraine to infrastructure facilities that affect the safety of nuclear power plants.

Further Russian attacks on the power system of Ukraine may lead to an emergency at one of the three operating nuclear power plants still controlled by Kyiv, Bloomberg reported.

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Over 30,000 Boeing workers are preparing to strike after rejecting a new labor contract

Over 30,000 Boeing workers are preparing to strike after rejecting a new labor contract

Over 30,000 Boeing workers plan to strike after rejecting a new labor contract.

The strike would halt most of Boeing's production in Washington and Oregon.

The rejected contract included a 25% wage increase and a new plane program in Seattle.

Over 30,000 Boeing workers, or about 20% of the company's employees, are preparing to strike on Friday after rejecting a new labor contract.

Workers in Washington and Oregon voted against an agreement that Boeing and the labor union for machinists and aerospace workers proposed on Sunday. The vote was the first full contract vote in 16 years. It did not come out in Boeing's favor: almost 95% voted to reject the contract and 96% voted in favor of striking.

"The message was clear that the tentative agreement we reached with IAM leadership was not acceptable to the members," Boeing said in a statement Friday. "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."

Under rules set by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the labor union for Boeing employees, at least two-thirds of unionized workers have to vote in favor for a strike to begin or a contract to be rejected.

"IAM members from across North America stand in solidarity with our members in the Pacific Northwest and California," the union said in a statement released Thursday. "Our goal is to get a strong contract that meets the needs of our members."

On Thursday, dozens of employees marched to a union hall near Boeing's 737 Max plant in Renton, Washington, blowing whistles, banging drums, and holding up signs calling for a strike.

Photographs from outside the Renton facility showed workers picketing overnight.

Boeing workers picket outside the aviation giant's Renton, Washington plant on Friday, September 13, 2024. Lindsey Wasson/AP Images

The strike would pause most of the American aircraft maker's production, a headache for the company grappling with safety and reputation concerns after taking several hits this year. It is also a big blow to its new CEO Kelly Ortberg, who stepped into the role about six weeks ago.

A day before the vote, Ortberg urged workers to accept the contract and not to strike, saying that it would jeopardize the company's recovery.

According to an estimate from TD Cowen, a 50-day strike could cost Boeing an estimated $3 billion to $3.5 billion. The last strike, in 2008, shuttered plants for 52 days and hit revenue by an estimated $100 million per day, Reuters reported.

The rejected contract would have increased workers' general wages by 25% over the length of the four-year contract. Boeing would also build its next commercial plane in the Seattle area, as long as the program is initiated within four years of the contract. The tentative labor contract, which included a pay increase over four years, was touted as another win for the beleaguered company.

The proposal left workers unsatisfied, Jon Holden, president of the IAM's district 751 and lead negotiator on the Boeing contract, told Reuters on Monday.

"They're angry," Holden told Reuters. "It's hard to come off of 10 years when you lost so many things that were critical."

Some union members had been pushing for a much higher wage hike up to 40%  and the return of the company's pension plan, which it discontinued a decade ago, Holden said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Owners fight to reopen Fresno store closed by fire. But are there too many liquor stores?

Reality Check is a Fresno Bee series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email tips@fresnobee.com.

The owners of a central Fresno store damaged by a fire six years ago hopes to reopen soon, including offering beer, wine and hard liquor for sale.

But not everyone, including City Councilmember Miguel Arias, thinks its a good idea because the nearby neighborhood  which includes a pair of schools  is already saturated with stores also selling alcohol.

The Fresno City Council on Thursday voted to approve a land-use permit for owners Baldev and Jasjit Khela to rebuild and reopen their Circle D Food & Liquor store at the southeast corner of Olive Avenue and Fresno Street, including the owners desire to once again sell alcohol.

The councils 6-1 vote, with Arias the lone, no, overturned the Fresno Planning Commissions rejection earlier this year of the Khela familys permit application, based in part on the location of six other stores within the same Census tract that already have off-sale licenses for alcohol  already over the limit of four off-sale licenses allowed in the neighborhood.

The city has leeway to authorize more stores in a census tract than whats ordinarily allowed, if it can determine that more are needed in the interest of public necessity or convenience.

Thirteen additional stores located just outside the fringe of Census Tract 24 also have liquor licenses from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control  some selling only beer and wine, others selling distilled spirits in addition to beer and wine.

Dirk Poeschel, a consultant for the Khelas, said the delay of more than six years to reopen the business is the result of a dispute between the owners and their insurance company. In the interim, the Khelas had to surrender their state liquor license  a Type 21 license for sale of beer, wine and spirits to be consumed off the site  and also had to reapply to the city for permits under current rules for neighborhood markets.

The conditions for the citys permit include limiting the stores operating hours to 6 a.m. to midnight and not selling vape, pipes and other smoking paraphernalia beyond cigarettes and tobacco products.

The operational statement submitted by the family also states that no magazines of any kind, including adult magazines, will be sold at the store. They also state that rather than operating as a convenience store, the product mix will be that of a general grocery market with beverages, dairy products, baked goods, deli foods, nonperishable canned, boxed or packaged foods, a hot food area, over-the-counter non-prescription medications, first aid, diapers and baby products, and fresh produce.

In a memo to City Manager Georgeanne White, Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto said that based on data for calls for service in the surrounding area, the Circle D store is not located in an area that would be detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of persons located in the area.

Additionally, Casto wrote, the store would not increase the severity of existing law enforcement or public nuisance problems in the area.

One of the key issues that arose Thursday was the number of alcohol-selling licenses in the surrounding area. Three of the six licensees within the census tract have Type 20 licenses to sell beer and wine, while the other three have Type 21 licenses for beer, wine and spirits.

An additional concern is that two Fresno Unified School District campuses  Webster Elementary School and Tehipite Middle School  are located in the same census tract. Webster Elementary is about 900 feet southeast of the Circle D location, while the middle school is about 1,800 feet away to the southeast.

Several speakers from the Youth Leadership Institute addressed the City Council on Thursday to implore them to deny the appeal by the Khelas based on worries that it would increase exposure of students and young people to alcohol.

But neighbors of the store urged the city to allow the family to rebuild their store.

Dez Martinez, an advocate for homeless residents in the Fresno area, told councilmembers that she and other neighbors relied on the store for about 30 years before the fire forced it to close in 2018.

Any individual in the neighborhood that was hungry could go there and they would feed them; if you were thirsty, they would give them something to drink, Martinez said. You guys dont understand how many people theyve helped over the years. When it burned down, we were upset. The whole neighborhood was mad. You cant take that store from us.

Even with the citys approval Thursday, before the Khelas can sell alcohol and under the terms of Fresnos city codes, they will have to obtain two licenses from Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control: one for their own operation, and other to be retired to serve the citys goal of reducing the overall number of businesses selling alcohol in Fresno.

Hes got to start from scratch, Poeschel said. He has to go buy those licenses just to get one. (The state) is going to have a lottery, and he could try to buy one through that.  Its very expensive, by the way. So far, Poeschel added, the Khelas have not lined up a seller for an existing license.

Arias asked why the Khelas could not open without selling alcohol  a step that would negate the need for a new conditional permit from the city. Poeschel said that even though beer, wine and liquor will represent less than 2% f the roughly 3,000-square-foot store, alcohol sales are necessary for the business to be a success.

Theres a very, very thin margin on the food products that are sold and other things that are sold, Poeschel said. Alcohol, in contrast, has a relatively high profit margin. So you could sell much less of alcohol, but make much more because of the per-sale profit.

Across the greater Fresno-Clovis area, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control reports there are nearly 600 licenses for businesses to sell alcohol. That doesnt count hundreds more licenses for restaurants, bars, taverns or nightclubs where drinks are sold and consumed on the premises.

The abundance of booze businesses is one factor that Arias contended distinguish Fresno as having more liquor licenses per capita than any other California city, even as the city seeks to reduce the number of licenses. I fear todays decision is going to take us backwards to the days where every liquor store that came forward was approved no matter what.

City planners said that because Fresno passed its Responsible Neighborhood Market Act, which bars the sale of single containers of alcohol  single cans or bottles of beer or single serving-sized mini bottles of hard liquor  in 2022, there are 23 fewer off-sale liquor licenses in the city as new businesses comply with requirements to buy and retire existing licenses.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Four wildfire prevention projects in Oregon and Washington will receive over $9 million from the United States Department of Agriculture, Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Thursday.

The funding includes over $4.8 million for the Elk Tribal and Community Healthy Forest Restoration Project in Oregons Umpqua National Forest for prescribed fire and fuel breaks in the Elk Creek Watershed.

Another $4 million will help wildfire prevention efforts in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in southwest Oregon, which includes conifer forests that mostly have not experienced wildfire in at least 125 years, the USDA said, noting the area has critically-high levels of dead and live vegetation.

Weak and short La Nina coming: How it will impact Oregons winter

The projects funded through the program were collaboratively designed with local partners and Tribes and will provide economic benefits to local economies while reducing wildfire risk, said Jacque Buchanan, regional forester for the Pacific Northwest region of the Forest Service.

In addition to on-the-ground forest restoration work such as mechanical thinning and prescribed fire, the projects support crucial surveys, workforce development, and public engagement that enable future wildfire risk reduction efforts, Buchanan furthered.

Additional funding will go towards the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area for cultural resource surveys and to promote tribal youth engagement on approximately 5,000 acres of the scenic area.

Abandoned, derelict pirate boats still a headache on Willamette River

Another $132,000 will benefit Oregons Wallowa-Whitman National Forest for critical heritage surveys and an environmental analysis in the La Grande Ranger District.

The funding for wildfire prevention projects comes as Oregon has seen four megafires in 2024, marking the largest wildfire season since the Labor Day Fires of 2020.

In July 2024, Oregon was the number one firefighting priority in the country with close to 6,800 firefighters working across the state to contain the fires.

Director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, Erica Fleishman, previously told KOIN 6 News that the area burned by wildfires in Oregon in 2024, so far, is fairly high compared to past years. However, more than 1 million acres burned in at least six other years from 1984 to 2022, she said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
"Buonasera Tutti," former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio toasted as he opened a three-hour "Paisans for Kamala" virtual dinner this week in support of Vice President Kamala Harris presidential bid headlined by staunch Trump critic Robert De Niro.

De Blasio co-hosted the event with Paul Mercurio, a comedian who works on Stephen Colberts CBS late-night program.

During the livestream event, which featured several high-profile Italian Americans, many dinner guests lauded Harris while criticizing former President Trumps immigration policies from the viewpoint of children or grandchildren of Italian immigrants.

De Blasio noted he had made an intentional visit to the childhood home of one such prominent Italian-American official.

"We just did a little pilgrimage [to] Little Italy in Baltimore  to the home of Nancy DAlesandro-Pelosi; where she grew up," he said, as the former mayor also highlighted the visit on X, posing at Pelosis former home alongside Maryland State Sen. James Rosapepe, D-Laurel.

"A dinner expresses who we are  we want to be a family as Italian-Americans  [and] bring everyone together for these amazing candidates," de Blasio said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

DE NIRO CLAIMS TRUMP COULD DESTROY THE WORLD

Former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Mercurio went on to tell De Niro that Trump has "tapped into something" within his base that have bonded them to him.

De Niro, who once expressed a wish to "punch [Trump] in the face," replied that he has indeed listened to some of Trumps supporters.

"I could very well see that there is a way, with them, that's more for them than with Trump, because Trump doesnt offer anything," the actor said.

"We've seen this before in other countries and other societies... they think they can control someone like him... God forbid he becomes 'the boss,' all the people who thought they could control him, they'll find out differently."

Later, former Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, who said his maternal side is "fully Italian," joined the dinner sporting a "White Dudes for Harris" hat and spoke about the values he believes Harris brings to the table.

De Blasio soon displayed a slice of pizza and proceeded to eat it with a fork  in an apparent homage to a 2014 controversy that erupted when he dined in the same fashion in Staten Island.

De Blasio argued he remains correct that it is the proper way to eat a pie.

Former CIA Director Leon Panetta later appeared and said he supports Harris because Trump appears to support isolationism, remarking that such behavior "didnt work before World War II."

"[There is] the importance of presidents standing up to tyrants not appeasing them," he said.

Later, actor Steve Buscemi said Harris struck the right tone as a descendant of immigrants.

WATCH: DE BLASIO DEBATES SEAN HANNITY

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

"Most immigrants are just looking for a better life, better opportunities, and they don't deserve to be punished for pursuing that dream," Buscemi said. "Kamala Harris is smart, strong, kind and inclusive."

When Pelosi appeared at the dinner, she recounted how her family lived for multiple generations in the Little Italy neighborhood of Baltimore that de Blasio visited.

"My grandfather and his contemporaries came here thinking the streets would be paved in gold  little did they know they would pave the streets when they got here," said Pelosi, whose father and grandfather, both named Thomas DAlesandro, were mayors of Baltimore.

"It is an important race because of [Trumps attitude toward immigrants] and so many other reasons. We must not take this election for granted," she said.

Anthony Scaramucci was the White House communications director for less than two weeks. He was dismissed from his position after he went on an on-the-record, profanity-laced rant about other members of the Trump administration.

Pelosi went on to cite a speech by former President Reagan, highlighting the fact she was quoting a Republican, and saying that he understood in the speech that the Statue of Liberty is a "beacon of hope."

She claimed to have recited the quote to Republicans, who did not applaud: "I said, They dont applaud for Ronald Reagan?"

Near the close of the dinner, one of Trumps former officials  who notably broke with the president years ago  appeared.

Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci quipped, in addressing de Blasio, "Can you imagine me, you and [former Republican Vice President] Dick Cheney getting together to support Vice President Harris?"

"Yes, I can imagine it because each of us understands the systemic danger involved with the potential reelection of Donald Trump," he said, before pledging $5,000 to Paisans for Harris.

"I bet they didn't discuss Kamala's support for ending Columbus Day, a very important national holiday for Italian Americans, named after the Italian explorer who discovered the Americas!" Karoline Leavitt, Trump campaign national press secretary told Fox in a statement.

"While Kamala Harris is supported by these disconnected California elites who wouldn't know their Sunday dinner costs 21.5 percent more thanks to Kamala's economic policies, President Trump will continue to earn the support of everyday Americans who want to lower costs, secure the border, and Make America Great Again," Leavitt added.





Original article source: 'Paisans for Kamala' event features De Niro, Pelosi blasting Trump on immigration
The Palatka City Commission voted 4 to 1 to terminate City Manager Troy Bell Thursday night after he released city funds without the citys approval and other questionable decisions.

We have identified our city manager violated a policy. What are we going to do as a commission? Palatka City Commissioner Tammie McCaskill said.

The commission stated that Bell authorized a $50,000 check from the citys funds to pay for a private vendor for an upcoming festival. They say he did this without the citys approval.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The check was going to the vendor who did the citys Blue Crab for the last three years. With regards to the issuing of the check, anything over $25,000 has to come to the commission for proper approval. His signing authority is up to $25,000, Palatka City Commissioner Justin Campbell said.

Bell addressed why he signed the check.

I only think that because I thought it was the authority I had, Former City Manager Troy Bell said.

This is not the first time Bells actions have been questioned.

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The commission stated in a meeting that Bell removed a tracking device from a citys vehicle shortly after he was hired. An independent investigation was approved concerning some city employees complaining about the work environment under Bell.

After listening to all the facts last night, there was definitely poor judgment on more than one occasion, Campbell said.

Bell is from the state of Michigan and was hired in February of this year as Palatkas city manager.

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The commission appointed City Finance Director Marcia Carty as interim city manager in Thursdays meeting.

In the next city meeting, the commission will further discuss the independent investigation of Bell.

Action News Jax asked the question if law enforcement would be getting involved since there was a misuse of funds, but we werent able to have that question answered at this time.

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OAKLAND, Calif. - Employees at the Alameda County District Attorney's Office accuse District Attorney Pamela Price of making criminal threats and intimidating them for their participation in the recall campaign against her.

Lawyer Daniel Horowitz, who is representing the employees, wrote a letter to the county's top prosecutor with a list of demands to halt the alleged threats and intimidation tactics.

"District Attorney Price has used the authority of her office threaten hundreds of employees of the Alameda County District Attorneys office with arrest should they engage in political activity relating to the Citizens Recall election this November," Horowitz wrote in the letter addressed to Price, County Counsel Donna Ziegler, and Chief Assistant District Attorney Royl Roberts.

According to Horowitz, Price has displayed "mob boss tactics," including hiring private armed guards for her office and courthouse unprecedented in the countys history as Alameda County Sheriff's deputies typically provide security.

"These unverified personal armed guards created an atmosphere of fear in the office, said Horowitz. He added that "Guns in the courthouse in the hands of unvetted men threatened judges, prosecutors and the public."

Horowitz said that the sheriff's office barred these private guards from the courthouse. However, Price relocated to 7677 Oakport Street, where the guards are still present.

There are also allegations that Price has retaliated against prosecutors who did not support her election and warned employees of possible arrest for engaging in the recall campaign against her.

In Horowitz's letter, he included a list of employee demands to rectify the situation, including Price discontinuing her use of private armed security on the job, stopping threats of "job actions" for those taking part in the recall effort, and providing written assurance that employees can solicit funds for the recall.

In response to these allegations, the only statement provided by Price's office was "no comment."
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  Panama City commissioners met at city hall Thursday with the intention of passing a budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

However, the topic that dominated the special public hearing was the citys controversial fire assessment fee. Dozens of people showed up to speak against it.



Going into Thursdays meeting, city commissioners had budgeted for a flat $350 fire assessment fee for all residential dwelling units.

That means any house, apartment or condo would pay the $350 annual fee. There are hardship exemptions for residential owners who cant afford that amount.

Under those conditions, the city estimated the fire assessment would raise $8.5 million, about 56% of the fire departments $15 million budget.

But residents and small business owners say the $350 fee is too much.

After more than an hour of public comments, commissioners discussed decreasing the fee.

Michael Rowan won the mayors seat last year, campaigning against the assessment.

Other commissioners were in favor of helping apartment owners, who are required to pay the fee for each of their apartment units.



In the end, the commissioners agreed to decrease the residential fire assessment fee to $300 and $150 with the homestead exemption.

They also expanded the hardship waivers to very low-income renters and extended the application deadline to November 1st, according to HUD.

The reductions mean the total amount of assessment fees will be as much as $2 million less, forcing commissioners to dip into city reserves and the housing budget to meet the fire departments financial needs.

Vacant landowners pay a $24.51 flat assessment per parcel. Commercial properties pay based on the square footage of their buildings.

Commissioners passed a $136 million budget. It includes a millage rate of just under 4.8 mills.

That is the same as this years budget.

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CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  An increase in violent crime committed by underaged offenders has many people in the community wondering if parents can be prosecuted for their childrens crimes.

Recent prosecutions of parents of school shooters in Michigan and Georgia have raised the publics awareness and curiosity as to how much responsibility can be placed on the parent of a child who is accused of or who has admitted to a heinous act.

Deputy District Attorney for Caddo Parish, Wilbert Pryor, said there is a burden of proof as with all criminal prosecutions. However, it is possible.

Teen faces adult prosecution, step mother also charged in Shreveport Applebees shooting

Well, there are laws about being an accessory to a crime. Theres laws for parents to be prosecuted for cruelty to their juveniles, and there are certain crimes. There are certainly crimes in the. The criminal code, just depending on the facts that could apply to a parent having the responsibility for a crime, Pryor said. But it is a they would be proving that would be a hurdle because of youd have to show their direct responsibility of a crime of someone else.

In Louisiana, laws such as contributing to a juveniles delinquency, child neglect, and vicarious liability hold a parent responsible when applicable.

You could envision a case where parents, those parents that allow the teenagers to drink at their house, you know, they would could be charged, would be charged and could be convicted of a crime of providing that alcohol to children that caused a wreck, Pryor explained. So it just depends on the facts of the case. And the did the parent knowingly provide alcohol or did the kids steal it?

As it relates to crimes committed by juveniles, like homicide, Pryor said the Caddo DAs Office will not shy away from prosecuting the parent if the law enforcements investigation can prove that the parent is in some way guilty.

It has happened recently with the the murder of the man recently by the 14-year-old. His parents were both charged in the case. So, you know, it is happening. You know, we encourage law enforcement in every case involving a juvenile to check on the whereabouts of the parents in the situation, Pryor said. And, you know, and if they bring forth a parent that had some sort of responsibility or irresponsibility, that that contributed to the crime, we will certainly prosecute that parent as well as the child.

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  Parents, educators, public health experts, policy makers, and many others joined together at The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation on Thursday to discuss cell phone use in schools.

Krista Glazewski, the Executive Director of the Friday Institute, said they hosted the conversation on North Carolina State Universitys campus to bring different perspectives together and help provide guidance. Were continuing to ask the question of what are we seeing and what does the research say, but also what do people experience on the ground, in schools, in homes, and in communities? Glazewski said.

Several parents ask for cell phone ban at Wake County Schools

Glazewski said its been a hot topic for local school districts and families in North Carolina as a number of states introduce legislation to ban or restrict cell phone use in classrooms. A handful of states have already passed laws and adopted new rules this year.

Part of that bigger conversation is a consideration of how do we think about student access to cell phones across the age span, she said. Are there any specific guidance we might be able to offer at the younger ages that might be different than what we offer at older ages when these kids are hitting their teenage years and beyond?

Glazewski and others said the pandemic opened the door to a sudden shift of students utilizing mobile devices and technology from home. She added, What I appreciate about the General Assembly and lawmakers who are represented here, they are taking seriously what would be the downstream impacts, what works for North Carolina, what we could reasonably expect, and what might be some of the potential outcomes.

State Sen. Jay Chaudhuri said the day-long discussion has brought parties from all sides and lawmakers looking to local districts and other states. He said, At the end of the day, its not a Democrat or Republican issue, its an issue of parents who have concerns of the increasing number of students who are suffering from anxiety and depression.

Virginia joins other states with effort to restrict cellphones in schools

We know that the pandemic has super charged our kids in using these devices and in many ways, we have to look at ways to scale it back to make sure theres not overuse of these cell phones thats going to cause problems inside and outside the classroom, Chaudhuri added.

Chaudhuri said theres been a consensus from many in the conversation that a full cell phone ban is not necessary, but some kind of legislation that modifies how cell phones are used in schools could be vital to improving students education and mental health.

I think its the first time that we really have a lot of folks to talk about it in a very thoughtful way and look at whats happening to our young people with cell phones, state Sen. Jim Burgin said. The average kid now is spending eight hours a day on their phone and devices. Thats a lot of time. Thats time theyre not talking to people, theyre not developing closer personal relationships, theyre not going outside. Its a concern.

Schools are competing with cellphones. Heres how they think they could win

Burgin said hes traveled across the state and talked a lot about mental health. He said many people have expressed how cell phone use has impacted bullying, created distractions in the classroom, and caused mental health issues in the classroom and at home.

Burgin and Chaudhuri said they hope to have more conversations and look at more research before lawmakers come into session next year. Glazewski said members of The Friday Institute plan to also do additional research and review what outcomes of certain policies could look like. She believes the discussion will support lawmakers and help introduce legislation on the issue in the near future.

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Catherine Larkan, left, and her daughter, Camryn, are speaking out after the 14 -year-old was forced to deplane a Porter Airlines flight while travelling alone. (Submitted by Catherine Larkan)

The parents of a 14-year-old girl say they're outraged after their daughter was removed from a Porter Airlines flight last month and left to fend for herself for the next 24 hours  without compensation or supervision from airline staff.

Camryn Larkan was flying alone for only the second time on Aug. 30, headed home to Victoria, B.C., after visiting a friend and family in Toronto.

She boarded the plane and was sitting in her seat ready for take-off, when a flight attendant told her there was a problem. She needed to grab her bags and get off the aircraft.

"I was kind of just like really confused ... I thought I was coming back to my seat. I thought that they were just going to take my bags," Camryn said. "As soon as I got off the plane and I saw that the door had closed, that's when I started to like get really anxious."

Camryn said she later learned the plane took off without her and some other passengers due a weight imbalance. She was rebooked on a flight to Victoria at the same time the next day, and the airline sent her on her way. Her dad, who had brought her to the airport, rushed back to pick her up.

"I'm just glad that my dad was there because if he wasn't I would have been alone," Camryn said.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Camryn's parents say they're angry that a minor travelling alone was forced to deplane with little information or support from the airline.

"They put my child in imminent danger," Catherine Larkan said. "It was completely negligent and it shouldn't happen to any other minor."

Porter says staff weren't aware girl was minor

A spokesperson for Porter Airlines told CBC News the 14-year-old was removed from the plane due to a "weight and balance issue," but that its staff weren't aware that she was under the age of 18.

"Our team asked for volunteers to travel the following day to Victoria. When none came forward, passengers were selected based on their fare type. It was not known to our team at the time that Camryn was a minor," Robyn van Teunenbroek said in an email statement.

The statement added that Porter offers an unaccompanied minor service that provides dedicated supervision by its staff and exemption from involuntary deplaning. The service costs $100 per child and is mandatory for those between the ages of 8 and 11 who are travelling without a guardian, but optional for those between 12 and 17, the airline says on its website. Children eight and younger must travel with an adult aged 16 or older.

The Larkans say they were unaware of the service and so they didn't pay for it.

The parents of a 14-year-old girl say they're angry their daughter was removed from a Porter Airlines flight in August and left to fend for herself. Above, a Porter plane sits on the runway at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. (Patrick Morrell/CBC )

A Porter customer service agent told the Larkans that passengers over the age of 12 who choose to travel alone without purchasing the unaccompanied minor service  such as Camryn  are considered to be "independent adults" subject to "adult passenger situations such as the weight and balance and offloading situation experience," according to email correspondence seen by CBC News.

That's unacceptable in Catherine Larkan's view. She said she wants Porter to change its policy to cover those 12 and over.

"They're providing a service saying we know these people are at-risk and they're saying if you don't [pay for] the service, you're treated as any other adult passenger travelling," she said. "It's just absolutely ludicrous."

Airlines need notification, analyst says

Duncan Dee, former chief operating officer at Air Canada, said sometimes airlines must unexpectedly remove passengers or cargo to reduce the "payload," or weight of the aircraft, depending on the flight plan or other conditions, such as inclement weather. But he said it's rare for passengers to be "involuntarily deplaned" because airlines often try to entice volunteers by offering compensation.

In cases where not enough people volunteer, though, Dee said airlines will have an "order of precedence" that will help their staff determine who is subject to removal.

Unaccompanied minors are generally protected from removal, Dee said, but if they don't register with the airline it can lead to a "breakdown" in the process.

Former Air Canada executive, Duncan Dee says airlines require advance notification when minor is travelling alone. (CBC)

"If someone is booking their own flight or their family has booked their own flight and has not volunteered that they are a minor that requires special attention, an airline would basically treat them like any other customer," Dee said.

In its statement, Porter said its customer relations team is following up with the Larkans and the airline is considering ways to reduce the possibility of something similar happening in the future.

Camryn said she decided to speak out because she doesn't want the same thing to happen to other young people.

"I'm just glad that I knew how to operate or speak to the people in the airport," Camryn said. "I just don't want this happening to anyone else my age and younger."
Sitting in a packed movie theater in Downtown Miami with his shirt unbuttoned down most of his chest, exposing a mass of gold chains, Lev Parnas watched the story of his life play out on the silver screen.

The Soviet-born former associate of ex-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was in Miami on Thursday night for the Florida debut of From Russia with Lev, a new documentary detailing his quest to ingratiate himself with former President Donald Trumps orbit and his involvement in a scheme to dig up dirt on President Joe Biden and his son Hunter in Ukraine.





After the screening, Parnas and his wife sat before the audience and talked in at-times emotional terms about Trumps presidency, his run-ins with Republican luminaries and how he came to leave the political movement that helped put Trump win the White House eight years ago.

Now, with Trump seeking the presidency once again, Parnas said that he hopes his story  which played a central role in Trumps first impeachment nearly five years ago  will help make the case against the former president.

Im extremely blessed and thankful that the truth finally got out. I think the most important thing, got out just in time before the 2024 election, Parnas said during a post-screening Q&A session. This is the most important election of our lives.

The documentary, directed by Miami filmmaker Billy Corben and produced by MSNBC host Rachel Maddow and Corbens business partner Alfred Spellman, was billed as something of a redemption story for Parnas, a former Trump die-hard who now counts himself among the former presidents critics. Its set to air on MSNBC on Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. EDT.

Here are some key moments from Thursday nights screening of From Russia with Lev.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Florida businessmen with Giuliani, Ukraine ties arrested on campaign finance charges

I was part of that cult

Parnas, 52, didnt mince words when it came to his past support for Trump, describing the former presidents political following as a cult that he himself once belonged to.

I was one of the leaders of that cult. I trained people in how to brainwash people in that cult, Parnas said during the panel discussion following the documentary screening. I can tell you as somebody thats been in that cult and now is out of it, its a cult. And after Nov. 5, were going to see lots of people coming out of that cult, because its going to disappear once Donald Trump loses.

Parnas was sentenced in 2022 to 20 months in prison for fraud and campaign finance crimes.

Joining Parnas on the panel was his wife, Svetlana Parnas, who recalled the toll that her husbands support for Trump took on their family and relationship.

It was a real period of my life where I was so confused, the man that I knew for so many years, the father of my children has now become this version of himself that twas no longer acceptable in our family, and it changed our family dynamic at its core, she said.

Speaking during Thursdays panel discussion, Corben described his conversations with Parnas as a kind of exit interview with someone who escaped a cult.

Parnas says he helped get DeSantis elected governor

While Parnas is best known for his efforts to help Giuliani and, by extension, Trump, he also claimed to have deep ties to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. At one point in From Russia with Lev, Parnas said that he was responsible for getting DeSantis elected to the governors mansion in 2018.

According to Parnas, he was among the first people that DeSantis hugged after getting the news in 2018 that he had won the governors race.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Giuliani associate embroiled in Trump Ukraine drama raised money for DeSantis campaign

In a brief interview after the documentary screening, Parnas recounted how he first met DeSantis in 2018, a few months before that years gubernatorial primary. At the time, DeSantis was trailing then-Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam in the polls and was in need of a boost.

He approached me at the Trump Hotel and basically asked me to introduce him to Trump, Parnas told the Miami Herald. Parnas said he was reluctant to help DeSantis at the time, because of his opposition to the cannabis industry in Florida.

I introduced him to Trump and now were here, Parnas said. Trump formally endorsed DeSantis for Florida governor in June 2018. The former presidents support was widely seen as a key factor in DeSantis primary victory over Putnam that year.

DeSantis office did not respond to the Heralds request for comment. (A spokeswoman for the governor previously said the two men likely met following an appearance by DeSantis, then a congressman, following a Zionist Organization of America event in Washington in May of 2018).

Parnas surprise apology

Parnas work with Giuliani centered on digging up dirt on Hunter Biden, the presidents only surviving son who has dealt with his own personal and legal troubles for years. So it came as a surprise when From Russia with Lev spotlighted an emotional meeting this summer between Parnas and the presidents son in Los Angeles where Parnas apologized for his actions.

Recounting that meeting during Thursday nights Q&A, Parnas said the opportunity to meet with and apologize to Hunter Biden was the most important thing of this whole journey. After he got out of prison, Parnas recalled, he began following the presidents son on social media and started getting a look at the actual damage that we caused to him as a human being, to his kids, to his family.

For me, myself, I needed to see him, I needed to meet him, I needed to apologize, Parnas said.

Parnas said that part of what spurred him to reach out to Hunter Biden was his recovery process from a gambling addiction. Part of his 12-step program, he said, was to apologize and seek forgiveness. He said that he believed it was also important for Hunter Biden, who has struggled for years with drug addiction.

Knowing Hunter going through his own addictions, I knew for him it was very important, Parnas said.
Passenger ordered to pay more than $5,000 in fuel costs after flight diverted due to bad behavior

A problematic airline passenger has been hit with an unusual form of punishment  he has to pay back the airline for the cost of fuel.

According to the Australian Federal Police, a then-32-year-old man from Western Australia was disruptive on a flight headed from Perth to Sydney. As a result, the plane had to turn around and go back to Perth, which meant that the pilot was forced to dump some fuel to land.

Now, the passenger has been ordered to pay $8,630 AUD ($5,806 USD) back to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel. The Perth Magistrate Court also fined him $6,055, meaning that his mid-air misbehavior has a total price tag of $11,861  likely many times higher than whatever he spent on the ticket.

This incident should serve as a warning that criminal behavior on board can come at a heavy cost to the offender, Shona Davis, the AFPs Acting Superintendent, said in a statement.

Its far simpler to obey the directions of airline staff than cause unnecessary issues, which can end up hitting you in the hip pocket.

Although the flight happened on September 25, 2023, it has taken about a year for the case against the unruly passenger to work its way through the Australian legal system.

Neither the man nor the airline was publicly named, nor was it specified exactly what he did to earn such a hefty penalty.

The passenger pleaded guilty to one count of disorderly behavior on an aircraft and one count of failure to comply with safety instructions.

While charging a disruptive traveler for the cost of fuel is not a typical penalty, other kinds of fines are more common.

In 2021, the US Federal Aviation Administration announced that they would be introducing a zero-tolerance policy for fliers behaving badly on planes.

That year, passengers were issued fines for a range of incidents on planes across the United States, including one passenger who attempted to enter the planes cockpit and had to be restrained and another who punched a flight attendant in the face, sending them to the hospital. The most serious cases of in-flight mischief are also reported to the Department of Justice.

The single highest individual penalty, $40,823, was issued to a traveler who brought their own alcohol on board, was intoxicated, attempted to smoke marijuana in the lavatory, and sexually assaulted a flight attendant  all in a single flight.

CNNs Pete Muntean and Gregory Wallace contributed reporting.

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Pastor sought by US pleads not guilty in Philippine sex trafficking case

Apollo Quiboloy is brought to court by officials in Manila (JAM STA ROSA) (JAM STA ROSA/AFP/AFP)

A Philippine pastor wanted in the United States for sex trafficking children pleaded not guilty to similar charges in Manila Friday, his lawyer said.

Apollo Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God" and ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, surrendered last Sunday two weeks into a police search of his sect's sprawling compound in Davao City.

"Stand firm," the handcuffed preacher said to followers as police ushered him into the courtroom.

Aged at least 74, he wore a black face mask, dark sunglasses, and a bullet-proof vest and helmet over an orange prison shirt.

Quiboloy faces life in prison in the Philippines if found guilty of human trafficking in a case involving the alleged use of women and child sect members to sell goods and raise funds for his church.

A US grand jury has separately indicted Quiboloy for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, sex trafficking of children, and bulk cash smuggling.

The 2021 US indictment alleges women were recruited as personal assistants for Quiboloy to prepare his meals, clean his residence, give him massages, and have sex with him.

Quiboloy's lawyer Israelito Torreon said he pleaded "not guilty" at the brief Manila court hearing, from which journalists were barred .

Four other detained sect members also pleaded not guilty.

Quiboloy and the others also pleaded not guilty via video conference on separate child abuse and sex abuse charges in a separate Manila court later Friday, his lawyer said.

Following his arrest in Davao, police said more victims, including girls as young as 12, have come forward to allege sex crimes committed against them by the pastor.

The young victims were told they were having sex with the "Spirit of God", and were threatened not to tell anyone on pain of being hunted down by "angels of death", Philippine police spokeswoman Colonel Jean Fajardo told reporters on Thursday.

Quiboloy's Kingdom of Christ Church said on its website that members have "freedom of choice" and thus "anything that happens to you... is your own voluntary will or choice".

The powerful sect claims millions of followers in the mainly Catholic Asian nation and owns a television network.

Women and children advocate Senator Risa Hontiveros said in a statement Friday that Quiboloy must be held accountable.

"He and his co-accused have caused unspeakable pain to women, children, and the most vulnerable," she said.

President Ferdinand Marcos said Monday the government was not yet looking to extradite the pastor to the United States, because "we are focusing on the cases filed in the Philippines".

pam/cgm/fox
Patients at Kapiolani Medical Center concerned the strike and lockout of nurses will impact patient care

HONOLULU (KHON2)  Efforts to reach an agreement between Kapiolani Medical Center and the nurses union to avert a strike have once again failed.

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Hawaii Nurses Association President Rosalee Agas-Yuu said, There was a lot of conversation about how important patient care is to them on the management side. Not much happened. Today didnt feel like there was going to be much movement.

The stalemate left the union with no choice but to proceed with a 24-hour strike, starting at 7 a.m. on Friday, September 13.

In a statement, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children Chief Operating Officer Gidget Ruscetta expressed disappointment. We are extremely disappointed that the Hawaii Nurses Association decided to end talks early, which will lead to a strike and lockout for our nurses. Our Kapiolani negotiation team came prepared to stay as long as possible today to reach a deal that would immediately benefit our nurses. Unfortunately, after less than three hours, HNA ended negotiations for the day.

Kapiolani Medical Center said that if the strike occurs, the lockout will affect all employees covered by the agreement that expired in November 2023, not just those who strike. The nurses will not be allowed to return to work until they accept the agreement already on the table.

Kapiolani Medical Center nurses to strike despite threat of lockout

Agas-Yuu criticized the lockout, stating, Its a whole different story. It shows something is wrong. Its like youre bullying these nurses into submission.

Kapiolani also warned that if the lockout extends beyond September, nurses would lose their medical and dental coverage, a move HNA described as retaliatory.

What are they trying to do? That is the ultimate retaliation. Now youre trying to take away more things from the nurses, Agas-Yuu said.

Patients are concerned about the impact of the lockout. Justin Jansens wife was admitted to Kapiolani two weeks ago, and their premature newborn son has been in the NICU for about a week.

Were really thankful for the nurses who are fighting for quality care for us, Jansen said. They have been instrumental in saving my wifes life and our babys life. Keeping them alive.

Jansen expressed unease about the replacement nurses being brought in during the strike. We dont know what the qualifications are of the nurses who are going to be coming in here. We dont know where theyre coming from or what theyve been exposed to, he said. We know how fragile our baby is, and all the babies are.

Jansen added that the current nurses have gone above and beyond in their care. Were really appreciative of the nurses for being thoughtful in this frustrating situation, he said.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

HNA mentioned that they have a strike fund to cover a portion of the nurses salaries but are unsure how long it will last.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
At a police hearing in April, Sophie Brown was found to have committed gross misconduct [Getty Images]

A police officer who encouraged her sister to post explicit photos of their father's mistress on an escort website committed gross misconduct, it can be revealed.

Sophie Brown, who worked as a West Yorkshire Police patrol officer, and her sister, Eleanor, plotted to take "revenge" on the woman by uploading the pictures and creating a fake profile on the adult site.

A police misconduct hearing ruled Sophie Brown would have been sacked from her job had she not already resigned.

The outcome of the hearing in April can only now be reported after Eleanor Brown, from Morley, in Leeds, pleaded guilty midway through a trial at Leeds Crown Court to two counts of disclosing the photos without consent.

The misconduct hearing earlier this year was told that between 27 August and 8 September 2022, the sisters had engaged in a campaign of bullying and harassment against their victim which was motivated by revenge.

Messages between the siblings showed how they had initially planned to set up a profile of the victim on the Gumtree website, where they intended to post the naked photos and advertise sexual services for 5.

They then switched their discussions to using an escort site and adding the woman's husband's phone number to the profile.

Sophie Brown admitted exchanging messages with her sister, but denied setting up the profile herself.

The panel heard that while many of the actions were carried out by Eleanor, they had been initiated and encouraged by Sophie.

The hearing was told that the victim and her husband had suffered alarm and distress after the phone number was called several times.

'Not revenge'

Police Federation representative Sgt Luke Stead told the misconduct hearing the incidents had happened over a short period and the family had been under stress at the time.

Sophie Brown, who interrupted the proceedings on multiple occasions, said: This was not revenge. We were taking the mick out of her because of the photos shed sent to my dad."

She was found guilty of gross misconduct, but cleared of an unrelated allegation of racial discrimination, though she had admitted using a racially offensive slur in phone messages to her sister on multiple occasions.

Panel chair Andrew Clemes said the messages exchanged were offensive and derogatory, but the context was unclear.

The hearing was told Sophie Brown had resigned from West Yorkshire Police after the allegations came to light, having only served for a short period of time.

The misconduct panel ruled she would have been dismissed from the force had she still been serving.

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 Metropolitan Police officer who was fined for assault after wrongly arresting a woman for bus fare evasion in Croydon, south London, has had his conviction quashed.

PC Perry Lathwood's appeal was upheld at Southwark Crown Court on Friday.

The officer was convicted of common assault on 17 May following a trial at Westminster Magistrates Court.

The conviction related to an incident in June 2023 where a woman who had been travelling on a bus was arrested on suspicion of fare evasion.

A video of the incident was shared online, attracting significant public interest.

PC Lathwood, of the Roads and Transport Policing Command, remains on restricted duties pending the outcome of a police misconduct process.

Met Police Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe said she recognised that the incident had "divided opinions".

"The impact it had, particularly on black communities in Croydon and further afield, was significant," she said.

"However, PC Lathwood has now been cleared by the criminal courts and that decision must be respected."

She added: "We accept this incident was not handled perfectly and there is valuable learning to be taken from it.

"However we believe that could have been done through police misconduct mechanisms, not the courts."

She said that the force would "continue to push for a system of police accountability that officers can have confidence in".

One, she said, which recognised their "very challenging role" and the need to make "fast decisions under pressure".

During the trial, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that PC Lathwood "manhandled" Jocelyn Agyemang and called her a "daft cow".

Ms Agyemang told the court she felt "very violated" during the arrest and was left with pain in her wrist and a bruised shoulder.

The court heard that after she and her son disembarked the bus at about 11:00 BST on 21 July 2023, she was asked to show she had paid her fare by a bus inspector.

When she did not hand over her Oyster card, PC Lathwood became "involved", the court heard.

The prosecution told the court that PC Lathwood put a hand on Ms Agyemang and grabbed her arm and arrested her for fare evasion when she moved away.

A crowd gathered, and people filmed the officer and asked him why he had arrested her.

The court heard that PC Lathwood handcuffed Ms Agyemang and another officer took her Oyster card from her hand to check if she had paid.

She was de-arrested at the scene after the force confirmed Ms Agyemang had paid her fare.

Ms Agyemang told the court she felt "a bit degraded" by the incident, adding that it was "very scary" when PC Lathwood grabbed her.

When asked why she walked off, Ms Agyemang said: "At the time I was just thinking about getting to my mother's house."

She was also asked why she "resisted" the police when she was stopped.

"I honestly don't see it as resisting," she said.

During sentencing, Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram said PC Lathwood had "crossed the line and got it wrong", but added that it was not "an abuse of power", but instead a "mistake".

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (WSAV)Southern Peanut Farmers Federation (SPFF) joined forces with over 50 other representatives from crop production and agricultural lending organizations on Thursday to push for a new farm bill.

During the trip, SPFF said that their representatives met with Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, as well as senior agricultural staff, to discuss the critical need for passing a Farm Bill before the end of 2024.

In November 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate passed a one-year extension of Farm Bill programs at the same levels authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, the SPFF said. This extension will expire on September 30, 2024, and they said that many commodity organizations are strongly encouraging a new Farm Bill, rather than another extension of the 2018 bill.

GADNR is asking for help finding a threatened plant

SPFF representatives advocated for the Farm Bill during approximately 60 meetings on Capitol Hill, providing insight to current extreme economic conditions and other issues they are experiencing across the southeast, the SPFF said. The SPFF also said that they addressed the desperate need for financial assistance to farmers before the new year and new Congress.

Joe Boddiford, Chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, was among the SPFF representatives this week.

We met with Members and their staff to convey the extreme urgency to have a new farm bill done before the end of the year, Boddiford said. Its clear that we need this congress to write the farm bill. Time is of the essence.

Joey Williams, a peanut farmer from Lenox, GA, also attended with the group.

I enjoyed working alongside other commodity members toward a common goal for the betterment of the agricultural industry, he said. I appreciated the interest and support shown to us by the congressional members and staff this week.

Over 300 national and state groups sent a letter to congressional leaders on Sept. 9 calling on them to pass the farm bill before 2024s end.

Signatories included groups representing farmers, livestock and specialty crop producers, lenders and other essential stakeholders. The SPFF said that peanut-specific support was provided by American Peanut Shellers Association, National Peanut Buying Points Association, U.S. Peanut Federation, Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Florida Peanut Federation, Florida Peanut Producers Association, Georgia Peanut Commission, Mississippi Peanut Growers Association and Western Peanut Growers.

SPFF is comprised of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Florida Peanut Producers Association, Georgia Peanut Commission and Mississippi Peanut Growers Association.

The letter stated, It is critical that Congress pass a new farm bill that strengthens the safety net as many producers are facing multiple years of not being profitable, and this is causing their overall financial situation to deteriorate.

Some will have challenges as they seek operating credit for the 2025 crop year.

Since the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law, we have realized considerable gaps in the farm safety net due to sharply changing conditions, including the trade war with China, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, COVID-19 and related supply chain challenges, rising foreign subsidies, tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers and other harmful practices. 

These conditions seriously tested the effectiveness of the 2018 Farm Bill, and it was only by the aggressive use of supplemental assistance that many farms survived.

The farm bill reauthorization provides an opportunity for Congress to address serious challenges in agriculture.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Public schools in Pennsylvania are receiving funding to provide free period products to their students.

School districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools are receiving their share of $3 million allocated in this years state budget.

Free menstrual products could soon be available to Pennsylvania students

We know that students are missing valuable learning opportunities when they have their periods because they dont have access to menstrual products, said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. Providing menstrual hygiene products for students will positively impact public health and education for young people throughout Pennsylvania.

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Schools will receive funding at a rate of $1.75 per student and may be used toward period product purchases made between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

Students deserve to learn in environments where they are safe, healthy, and cared forand providing schools with menstrual products at no charge will ensure that no learner has to miss school because they cant access the care they need, said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. The Shapiro Administration is committed to health equity for learners of all ages in all areas of the Commonwealth, and this funding will provide another critical resource to Pennsylvanias school communities.

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Jefferson County, Pa. (WTAJ)  An Indiana County man is accused of sexually assaulting and beating a woman in Punxsutawney.

Michael Troup, 45, of Home is facing felony charges after a woman had to be taken to the hospital, according to a criminal complaint. On Sept. 11, Punxsutawney Borough Police were called to Indiana Street for a report of an assault. On scene, they found a woman sitting on the sidewalk.

Police noted in the affidavit that she was distraught and told them that she had been sexually and physically assaulted by Troup. She told police that she had gone on a walk with Troup and that when she wanted to go home he became angry.

Altoona man arrested after multiple reports of shots fired in the city

The woman claimed that Troup called her names, punched her, slapped her and then raped her before fleeing from the scene. She told officers that she bit and tried to fight back, but was knocked unconscious at least twice during the attack, according to the report. EMS arrived and took her to Punxsutawney Area Hospital for treatment. Police noted that there was bruising on her face, hands, behind her ear, under her chin and upper right arm along with scratches on her leg.

Troup then allegedly called the victims phone while she was in the hospital and the officer spoke with him. He allegedly admitted to getting into a fight with the victim. The hospital reported that after a physical exam, the victim also found bruising and abrasions on her head, eyes, neck, upper extremities, chest, breast, lower extremities and back.

Police also received screenshots of messages that Troup allegedly sent the victim after the assault. In those messages, he wrote that he was sorry for everything and I feel horrible and like a piece of s*it. I am sorry again and apologize, according to the affidavit. He also told her that she wouldnt let me see you so here it goes I am sorry for my actions and behavior. I did not punch you, but I did slap when was biting my finger and wouldnt stop. I feel horrible for fighting and leaving you there.

Troup is in the Jefferson County Prison with bail set at 10% of $80,000. He is facing felony charges of aggravated assault, sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault along with other charges of simple assault, indecent assault and harassment.

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He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 1.

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Two brothers were arrested Thursday on charges that they assaulted a New York Times photographer inside the U.S. Capitol during a mobs 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 agents affidavit.

Court records dont 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 didnt 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 Schaffs 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 didnt 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 with 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.

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Pennsylvania man to spend decade in federal prison after carjacking two rideshare drivers in one week

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WHTM)  A Philadelphia County man will spend the next decade in a federal lock-up after authorities say he carjacked two ride-share drivers in the same week.

Rashad Johnson-Price, 20, of Philadelphia, was sentenced Thursday to 135 months in prison, or just over 11 years, followed by five years of supervised release.

Uber to start offering self-driving cars

He was facing two counts of carjacking and one count of carrying and using a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. Those charges were prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said Johnson-Price was indicted in January 2023 and pleaded guilty in September 2023.

He was accused of carjacking a Lyft driver with an accomplice in the Frankford section of Philadelphia on August 9, 2022. Authorities say he then carjacked an Uber driver on August 13, 2022. Both carjackings were at gunpoint.

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The victims in this case were just trying to make an honest living when two criminals threatened them at gunpoint, said U.S. Attorney Romero. It must have been terrifying, especially in the early hours of the morning, with few other people around.

Luring victims through their ride-share service to take their cars and livelihood at gunpoint was a particularly awful crime that will not go unpunished, said Eric J. DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Philadelphia Field Division.

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(Capital-Star photo).

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Friday threw out a lower courts decision finding the requirement for voters to write the date on mail-in ballots to have them counted unconstitutional.

In a two-page order, the states highest court said the lower Commonwealth Court lacked jurisdiction to hear a challenge of the dating provision by voters rights groups.

Commonwealth Court ruled in a 4-1 decision last month that election officials in Philadelphia and Allegheny counties violated the Pennsylvania Constitution by refusing to count mail-in ballots with missing or incorrect dates. The majority concluded that the dating requirement violates the fair and equal elections clause of the constitution because it restricts the right to vote but does not serve a compelling governmental purpose.

Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee which led the appeal, said in a statement that the Supreme Courts decision Friday was a huge win that would protect mail ballot security and help voters cast their ballots with confidence.

The Keystone State will be absolutely critical in this election, and the Supreme Court has decided a major victory for election integrity, Whatley said.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, which represented the voting rights groups in court, said the procedural ruling by the state Supreme Court was only a setback for voters and that it would continue fighting for them.

These eligible voters who got their ballots in on time should have their votes counted and voices heard, senior supervising attorney Stephen Loney said. The fundamental right to vote is among the most precious rights we enjoy as Pennsylvanians, and it should take more than a trivial paperwork error to take it away.

Whether mail-in ballots returned without a date or an incorrect date should be counted has been a subject of litigation since 2020, when Pennsylvania first allowed voting by mail without an excuse for not going to the polls in person. The challenge led by the Black Political Empowerment Project was the first to address the constitutionality of the law.

Parties in the cases have disagreed on whether the dating requirement serves a purpose, as the timeliness of mail-in ballots is determined by when they are received in county elections offices and not the date on the envelope.

In the unsigned decision Friday, a majority of the seven-member Supreme Court said Commonwealth Court did not have the authority to review the issue, which would have had statewide implications for the Nov. 5 presidential election, without including election officials for all 67 Pennsylvania counties.

The inclusion of Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt as a party did not give Commonwealth Court jurisdiction, the Supreme Court said.

Three justices signed a dissenting statement that a prompt and definitive ruling on the constitutional question presented in this appeal is of paramount public importance, given its impact on the upcoming election. Justice David Wecht wrote that he would exercise the courts extraordinary jurisdiction giving it authority to hear any case to render a decision before the election.

The order vacating the Commonwealth Court decision is in line with an argument by attorneys for the Republican National Committee. They asserted that because Schmidts guidance as Secretary of the Commonwealth was not binding on the county boards of elections, he was not an indispensable party to the lawsuit.

The only relief Petitioners seek is an injunction against enforcement of the date requirement, but the Secretary has no authority, and plays no role, in such enforcement. Rather, that authority rests exclusively with the county boards, the RNCs lawyers argued.

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(WHTM)  More than $140,000 was recently returned to residents and organizations in Adams and Franklin counties.

The Pennsylvania Treasury says $143,273.62 was found during the two events hosted by State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-Adams/Franklin) in August.

Residents, businesses, nonprofits, and government entities had the chance to come out and see if they had unclaimed property in the Treasury. Examples of unclaimed property include dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten stocks, insurance policies, and even tangible items forgotten in safe deposit boxes.

Because of the event, more than $92,000 will be returned to Letterkenny Army Depot and another $21,000 will be returned to Chambersburg Hospital.

Im thrilled that we reunited more than $140,000 with its rightful owners in a single day, said Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. Its easy to search, and it makes a huge difference for anyone trying to make ends meet, but it can also be a boost for any organization or business  like these big returns to the Letterkenny Army Depot and the Chambersburg Hospital. Im glad to work with Sen. Mastriano to get this money back where it belongs, and I encourage everyone to search regularly for unclaimed property for themselves, their family and any organization theyre a part of.

It is both my honor and privilege to help assist the constituents of the 33rd Senate District in their search for their unclaimed property, said Mastriano. As the Senator of all the people of Adams and Franklin counties, whether Republican, Democrat, Independent, supporter or opponent, I will always work to provide access to the resources that are made available by the State and its Departments. I want to thank Treasurer Garrity and her Staff for their hard work, diligence and tenacity in reuniting the good folks of Adams and Franklin Counties with the rightful property

To search for unclaimed property, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.

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'When can I get my pension?' Chinese process rise in retirement age

China's retirement age will be gradually raised over 15 years from January (STR) (STR/AFP/AFP)

Chinese employees on Friday began processing the news that they would have to work at least three extra years after officials announced they would raise the country's retirement age from 2025.

"My first reaction is: so when can I get my pension?" a 30-year-old marketing professional who gave her name as Xinzi, told AFP in Beijing.

"I'm worried that we modern people now are so competitive and distressed that our health may not see us through to that age," she said.

Officials announced the statutory retirement age for male workers would be raised from 60 to 63. For women workers, it would rise from 50 or 55 years to 55 and 58 years, depending on whether they were "blue-collar workers" or "cadres".

The retirement age will be gradually raised over 15 years from January 1, 2025, state media said.

Xinzi said she was also concerned about the current job market, where China's youth unemployment stood at 17.1 percent in July, and whether the extension would make people reconsider having children, exacerbating China's ageing population.

University student David told AFP he felt "a bit reluctant about working so long", but said he "can understand the decision".

"The country is probably thinking about its ageing population", the intern at a PR firm, who only wished to give his first name for privacy reasons, said.

- Ageing society -

China is facing a rapidly ageing society: its population fell in 2023 for the second year in a row, with policymakers warning of potentially severe impacts on the economy, healthcare and social welfare systems if action is not taken.

The country's retirement age had not been raised for decades and had been among the lowest in the world.

Online, a related hashtag quickly shot to the top of social media platform Weibo's "hot search" list, garnering 560 million views by Friday evening.

Some were supportive of the move. "It's more moderate than I expected, I can accept it," read one Weibo comment with over 3,000 likes.

"National policies are in line with the country's conditions," another user wrote.

Government censors appeared to scrub many posts from the site -- a common occurrence in a country where open discussions of national policy are often deemed sensitive.

However, some dismayed netizens were able to post.

"I don't know how they thought up this policy, young people are already so anxious, now the retirement age is being extended," one comment read.

"We're eating pre-made meals, living in shared apartments, working endless shifts. Don't feel too sad, everyone; in 15 years, the retirement age will probably be raised again," read another.

A 21-year-old entrepreneur in Beijing who gave his name as Ha Lide told AFP: "I'm not surprised, I think delaying retirement is an inevitable process.

"If the ageing population is severe... there won't be enough money to distribute for pensions", he said.

"I'll just have to bear the three extra years of work."

sam/je/ssy
The US Department of Defense has assessed the counter-offensive actions of Russian troops in Kursk Oblast, Russia, calling them "marginal".

Source: Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder at a briefing, quoted by the news agency Ukrinform

Quote: "So, you know, what we have seen is Russian units beginning to try to conduct some type of counteroffensive in the Kursk region."

Details: He said that these actions are "marginal". However, Ryder added that the Pentagon is monitoring the developments.

Previously: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russian troops have launched a counteroffensive in Kursk Oblast.

Read also: Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi's raid: how the Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk Oblast is progressing and what to expect next

Background:

The operation in Kursk Oblast began on 6 August. On 10 August, on the fifth day of the Ukrainian army's offensive deep into Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine had brought the war to Russian territory.

On 27 August, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said that since the beginning of the operation in Kursk Oblast, 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 were 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 control by 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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Pentagon to unveil new programs to boost quality of life for troops

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin traveled Friday to Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, where he announced new goals to lower living costs and improve the quality of life for service members and their families.

Austin joined first lady Jill Biden, touring the base to bring attention to a universal pre-kindergarten program put in place for schools run by the Defense Department.

The two visited a classroom and spoke with teachers as kindergarten students played in the background. Biden and Austin later addressed troops and their families in a school auditorium, where the secretary announced the new measures.

Military quality of life a key focus of Congress in 2024

The Pentagon branded the trip around Taking Care of Our People, Austins plan to solve issues such as child care and low pay for service members. He issued another memo outlining the effort Friday morning.

The memo included a list of seven new steps to aid service members, from making it easier for military families to move to offering more military spouses money to pursue their own careers. In sum, the Pentagon hopes these ideas will help ease pressing challenges for personnel, from housing quality to child care.

The measures include:

Flexible spending accounts for active duty troops and certain reservists to hold up to $3,200 pretax for qualified medical expenses

Expanded WiFi access in barracks

Increasing the number of days to expense temporary lodging during military moves from 14 to 21 days

Making more military spouses eligible for funds to help train for their own careers

Helping recruit and retain more child care workers

Studying three remote posts next year to improve the quality of life at such installations

Reviewing the quality and cost of uniforms

Even so, many of the goals listed are either tweaks to past announcements or lack specific timelines. When asked whether the Defense Department was keeping pace with service members needs, several senior defense officials briefing reports before the trip were oblique.

Theres a balance here between making sure that were addressing the short-term needs and the immediate acute needs with putting in place some longer-term programs, said one official, who like the others, spoke anonymously per Pentagon policy.

Theres also a balance dictated by funding.

Due to a deal struck to avoid a government default last year, defense spending is capped at a 1% increase in fiscal 2025. The limit is forcing members of Congress into a bind: renege on the deal or end up having to choose between funding big weapons programs or pay raises.

Different committees in the two chambers have chosen different paths, with the House Armed Services Committee proposing an almost 20% pay raise for junior enlisted members and a 4.5% raise for other ranks. The Senates bill, meanwhile, would skirt the caps altogether and surge defense spending.

The eventual bill will need the backing of the House and Senate appropriations committees, which actually control government funding.

Decision on junior enlisted pay boost not expected until November

Regardless of the eventual deal, because of the presidential election, Congress will almost certainly start the year in a short-term funding bill known as a continuing resolution. These measures freeze government spending at the previous fiscal years level, a headache for the Pentagon as it manages rising costs and new programs.

Because the baseline budget would not change, that would force us to offset the costs of these well-deserved pay raises, and it would cut into other programs and accounts at potentially damaging levels, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a Thursday briefing.

Another defense official, speaking before the trip, said limited funds affected their choice on how far to expand the My Career Advancement Account, or MyCAA, workforce development program that provides tuition assistance for military spouses.

We have a certain amount of dollars that would be put towards MyCAA, and we wanted to start with those ranks that were going to have the highest impact, the official said.

The Pentagons four-year report on military pay is due early next year, and while the officials wouldnt offer specifics on what it would cover, they said that the Basic Allowance for Housing would be a key part.

BAH compensation covers the housing costs of active duty troops stationed in the 50 U.S. states who dont live on government-owned property. BAH rates, which aim to cover 95% of housing costs, are linked to local rental markets and vary based on a service members pay grade, duty station location and whether they have dependents.

However, given how fast housing costs are rising in some areas, keeping pace with commercial rents near military sites can be challenging.

Theres been a lot of progress, and I think its progress that were proud of, but with the recognition that we have a lot more work to do, the first official said.

This story has been updated with details from the visit.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A man is facing many charges after he was allegedly caught with a gun and drugs after urinating outside a business on Wednesday.

According to Peoria police spokeswoman Semone Roth, officers responded to a business near Western and Lincoln Avenues at about 8 p.m. on a report of a man urinating outside a business.

When they arrived, officers located Jerkarris Brown, 33, who immediately began walking away. Officers attempted to stop Brown and noticed he was armed with a handgun.

Peoria traffic stop leads to ghost gun arrests

Brown allegedly ignored commands to stop and resisted arrest. Officers eventually disarmed him and took him into custody.

Brown was arrested on charges of:

Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon,

Unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon,

Possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card,

Aggravated battery,

Aggravated domestic battery,

Resisting police,

Public indecency,

Armed violence,

Possession of a firearm projectile,

Unlawful possession of cannabis,

Unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver,

Unlawful possession of firearm ammunition without a FOID card.

Brown was taken to the Peoria County Jail, where records show he remains at this time. As of 4 p.m. Thursday, he has not yet been formally charged in Peoria County Circuit Court.

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Pep Guardiola insists the legal case has not been discussed among the City squad - Sebastian Frej/Getty Images

Pep Guardiola believes many of Manchester Citys rivals are hoping the Premier League champions will be sanctioned over allegations of financial doping.

The hearing into Citys 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules is scheduled to begin on Monday.

And Guardiola  who said he was looking forward to the case finally being resolved  is of the view that many rival Premier League clubs want to see City punished.

Im happy it starts on Monday and I know there will be more rumours about the sentences that come up, the City manager said.

I know what people are looking for, I know what they are expecting  I know it because I have read it for many years  but Ive said everyone is innocent until guilt is proven.

So we will see. It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon. An independent panel will decide. Im looking forward to the decision.

Tebas joins calls for Premier League sanctions

Guardiolas comments came as La Liga president Javier Tebas claimed the majority of Premier League clubs believe City should be sanctioned.

I have spoken with many Premier League clubs and most of them understand that City should be sanctioned, Tebas told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

Tebas has been a vocal critic of City and Guardiola has seldom seen eye to eye with the Spaniard. But in terms of Citys rivals reputedly wanting to see the club punished, Guardiola said he was in rare agreement with Tebas.

Maybe hes right, Guardiola said. For the fact that all the Premier League teams want us to be sanctioned that is for sure  I agree with Tebas for the first time, and hopefully the last.

Thats why I say to Mr Tebas and the Premier League teams - wait for the independent panel. Justice is there in a modern democracy so yeah, wait for the decision, its not more complicated than that.

But I dont know if he is a lawyer or the rest of the Premier League teams are lawyers so what I ask for is that  wait, it happened with Uefa. We believe that we have not done anything wrong so we go to an independent panel and we are going to wait.

Guardiola said the landmark case was not a topic of discussion in the City dressing room. No, we are not lawyers, he said. Erling [Haaland] is not a lawyer so we didnt talk about it.

What is going to happen is with the independent panel and we will accept the sentence. Im not a lawyer. There are many lawyers in this country and in Spain, but I wait. Were going to wait and see.

City were charged in February with multiple alleged breaches of league rules between 2009 and 2023 which, if proven, could result in sanctions ranging from warnings, fines and points deductions to expulsion from the League.

The hearing is scheduled to last for around 10 weeks with hope of a verdict being delivered early next year.

The charges include not providing accurate financial information for nine separate seasons, not providing full details of Roberto Mancinis pay over the four seasons he was manager at the club from 2009 to 2013 and not providing full details of players remuneration  including that of former midfielder Yaya Toure  over six seasons from 2010-11 to 2015-16.

City have also been charged with not co-operating with an investigation and not handing over documents as required over five seasons from 2018-19 to 2022-23.

Guardiolas fixture schedule fury: Useless meetings helping nobody

Pep Guardiola has hit out at Man Citys latest fixture pile-up  and accused the authorities of ignoring the concerns of players and managers.

City are already feeling the impact of Uefas decision to expand the Champions League and Europa League this season as the Spaniards side face the prospect of four games in 10 days.

The Premier League champions face Watford at the Etihad Stadium in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday week - only 49 hours after hosting title rivals Arsenal.

They must then travel to Newcastle to play Eddie Howes side at St James Park on the following Saturday lunchtime before travelling to Slovakia to face Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League three days later.

Its going to happen more and more, Guardiola said. Its impossible to fix all the schedules and calendars. People say with players and managers with the money they shouldnt complain but its not, its about the health.

Doctors especially say the bodies have to recover for four or five days. We will do our job anyway  with this salary or less salary  because we love to do it, but we play Arsenal on the Sunday and its not an easy game and two days later we have to do it [against Watford].

Im not a specialist on the calendars or fixtures and the competitions. Were not going to change  the meetings [with the authorities] are useless.

If they decide theyre going to do it, theyre going to do it. We will do it on Tuesday; hopefully, we can select two teams [for Arsenal and Watford] and be fit and have no injuries but everyone knows the schedule will be tight this season.

Guardiola will check on the availability of Erling Haaland for Saturdays match with Brentford after the City striker lost a close family friend - Getty Images/Mateusz Slodkowski

City were given the option of playing Watford at home on Tuesday or away in London on Wednesday or Thursday and elected for Tuesday at the Etihad to give them more time to recover for the Newcastle game  even though that meant a rapid turnaround from the Arsenal match.

Guardiola expects such problems to become more frequent now Uefa have increased the number of Champions League matches, and anticipates the new Fifa Club World Cup at the end of the season will create even more headaches.

Its going to happen in many cases, its going to happen many times for teams that play in all competitions, said Guardiola, whose side face Brentford at home on Saturday before Inter Milan visit the Etihad next Wednesday.

They gave an alternative, to play on Thursday away in London to have more days but then we had a Saturday game in Newcastle and we prioritise of course to have more rest for Newcastle.

So were going to play on Tuesday because we could not play on Wednesday when it should be because United play in the Europa League and the police wont accept it.

Its going to happen many times. When someone [Fifa] creates a new competition [the Club World Cup], its going to be even worse.

I prefer to play at home [against Watford on Tuesday] than go on Thursday to London and my fans to watch this lovely, adorable team at home. Thats why I decided to play on Tuesday. Because on Thursday we wouldnt have time to recover to go to Newcastle.

Haaland doubt for Brentford

Guardiola said he would make a decision on Erling Haalands availability against Brentford on Saturday morning after the death of close friend Ivar Eggja, who was the best man at his father Alfies wedding and had become a confidant of the Norway striker.

It was a tough moment for him and his family, it was sad news, its a person close to him and his family, Guardiola said. Our thoughts are with him and all his family. Its sad and we will see tomorrow if he is able mentally and physically to play.

Guardiola said he expects to be without Nathan Ake until the next international break after the City defender was forced off during the Netherlands game against Germany this week with a hamstring injury.

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UPDATE (12:06 p.m. Sept. 13): The Mobile Police Department has identified the suspect arrested in connection with a Thursday evening shooting, News 5 has learned.

Baldwin County Public Schools superintendent: false information going around on Foley High School lockdown

Darian Thomas Chatman, 33, of Mobile, was arrested on a first-degree assault charge, according to the Mobile Jail Log.

Darian Thomas Chatman (Photo courtesy of the Mobile County Sheriffs Office)

PREVIOUS REPORTING

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  Mobile Police have arrested a person after a male was shot Thursday night on Broad Street.

An MPD spokesperson said officers responded to a shooting on Broad Street just south of Texas Street before 6 p.m. Thursday.

LOCATION:

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The victim has been taken to a local hospital for treatment of his minor injuries.

This is a developing story. News 5 will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Adelina Vargas, Lita Rojas, Julia Perez, and Ergilia Rengifo, the wives of four Indigenous Saweto men who were murdered in 2014 for fighting back against illegal logging in the Peruvian Amazon. Pablo Sanchez / LVU

Indigenous Peruvians have long faced violent attacks by miners, loggers, coca growers, and drug traffickers, but a troubling new report finds that murders of environmental defenders are on the rise.

Peru saw the killings of 29 environmental defenders between 2010 and 2022, according to the Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project, but nearly half of those killings, 14, took place after 2020. Defenders continue to face criminalization, legal harassment, and threats of violence and murder, the report said, noting that Peru ranks among the most dangerous countries in the world for environmental activists.

The numbers from Peru reflect a broader global trend, according to a new report from Global Witness, which finds that killings of environmental defenders have been increasing for more than a decade worldwide. Murder continues to be a common strategy for silencing defenders and is unquestionably the most brutal, authors said.

The report found that Latin America is far and away the most deadly region in the world, accounting for 166 of the 196 defenders killed last year. Included in that tally were four slain defenders in Peru.

Peru is also seeing violence take the lives of land intruders. Earlier this month, the Mashco Piro people, the worlds largest uncontacted tribe, killed two loggers encroaching on their lands.

This is a tragedy that was entirely avoidable, said Caroline Pearce of Survival International. By allowing logging on Indigenous lands, she said, Peruvian officials are not only endangering the very survival of the Mashco Piro people, who are incredibly vulnerable to epidemics of disease brought in by outsiders, but theyve knowingly put the lives of the logging workers in danger.

ALSO ON YALE E360

Solomon Islands Tribes Sell Carbon Credits, Not Their Trees
The social media user who posted what appears to be one of the first claims of Haitian migrants kidnapping and eating family pets in Springfield, Ohio was simply repeating a story she had heard from a neighborwhod heard it themselves from a friend, whod heard it from someone else, according to a new report.

The fourth-hand claim about a dead cat rocketed to national prominence when Donald Trump mangled it during his Tuesday night debate with Kamala Harris, claiming, Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

Reporters from NewsGuard, a company that works to counter online misinformation, tracked down the poster, a Springfield woman named Erika Lee, 35, who admitted to being the source of the Facebook rumor that traveled from her keyboard to Trump in just a matter of days. But Lee said she had not actually witnessed the storyconcerning a cat found hung from a tree for butchering.

Instead, she said a neighbor named Kimberly Newton, 43, told her about it. When contacted by NewsGuard, Newton said, Im not sure Im the most credible source because I dont actually know the person who lost the cat, adding that the cats owner was the acquaintance of a friend, and therefore not of the daughter mentioned in the post. Newton added: I dont have any proof.

Lee has deleted the post but not before it was screengrabbed from the private Springfield Ohio Crime and Information Facebook group. Facebook

City officials and police have repeatedly said there has been no evidence or credible reports of peoples pets being abducted or harmed by members of the immigrant community. But the rumor has taken off since Tuesday's debate, with many linking to an unrelated animal abuse case as proof. The woman accused of killing and eating a cat some 170 miles northeast of Springfield in Canton, Ohio is an American citizen.

Lee was reasonably clear in her since-deleted Facebook post about the fourth-hand nature of this rumor. Posting in a private group called Springfield Ohio Crime and Information earlier this month, Lee wrote that her neighbor told her that her daughters friend found her lost cat hanging dead from a tree near her Haitian neighbors house like a deer for butchering.

Newton, the neighbor in question, told NewsGuard that her daughter was not involved, but that the friend who told her about the supposed incident had learned about it from a source that she had.

Lee's claim took off when it jumped from Facebook to X, and a conservative user named @BuckeyeGirrl with just over 2,100 followers posted a screenshot of Lees post on Sept. 5.

JD Vance then doubled-down on the claim by tweeting on Monday that while the specifics of the rumor may turn out to be false, it represents the real danger they supposedly pose to suffering Americans. Right-wing X users have since gone on to flood social media with AI-generated images of Trump protecting cats and ducks. Elon Musk tweeted Ohio rn over a screenshot of a Simpsons episode showing Bart and Lisa staring at a cats grave.

Prior to the debate, the Trump campaign said in a news release that Haitian migrants had reportedly been caught decapitating ducks and hunting geese and other livestock in public parksand even kidnapping residents petsthen eating them.

Lee, who described herself as a Democrat who supports Donald Trump, said while she was shocked to see Trump repeat a claim she had made on social media, she has not been following the story closelyeven as it became a viral sensation.

Actually, I havent really been following the news much on it at all, she told NewsGuard. Ive only really seen it like on Facebook, what things pop up on my news feed, or what other people have shared on things that they have read up on.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Springfields mayor is speaking out after city hall was closed for the second day in a row due to bomb threats.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

Mayor Rob Rue is upset with national leaders who have put the city in a negative national light by repeating unverified claims of immigrants killing and eating animals.

Rue has been dealing with the crisis created by the Haitian immigration surge for years as a city commissioner and now as mayor. Hes listened to a lot of frustration from residents and some increasingly dangerous rhetoric, but he didnt expect what he says are false claims to be repeated on a national level.

What we need is help, not hate, Rue said on Friday.

As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00, the city has seen a surge of 15,000 Haitian immigrants come into Springfield in the last three years. The problem appears to be that the temporary refugee status approved for Haitians by the administration did not include congressional approval, which meant no federal dollars have been sent to help the city.

Has it caused a strain on our infrastructure? Absolutely. Has it overwhelmed our health care system? Yes. Overwhelmed our school system, yes, and also our safety forces, Rue said.

Thats why Springfield is looking for help, specifically in translation services.

Rue is upset with the current administration and upset with Republican candidates Donald Trump and JD Vance for repeated unverified claims that immigrants have targeted cats, dogs, and geese.

I would tell you, yes Springfield is a beautiful place, I would have said that, Rue said. But I never would have had the thought that I would tell you that your pets are safe in Springfield, which they absolutely are.

Rue said the city is in a negative spotlight it doesnt deserve and many Haitians feel the same.

News Center 7 tried to talk to many members of the community on Friday. Most told us they only speak French and Creole, but those with English skills also avoided our team, seemingly nervous about negative attention.

Rue insists everyones attention should be on making things better for long-time residents and new arrivals.

We have folks here that we need to be able to communicate with so we need help for our translation offices, he said.

He also called the recent string of bomb threats at city buildings and schools very disturbing and upsetting for the community.

Its just difficult to hear and its across the board. There have just been so many threats that we just need them to stop, he said.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  After a historical marker was found split in two last week, a local historian and philanthropist has stepped up to cover the cost of its replacement.

It remains unclear whether the damage to the sign off Polk Avenue was intentional. However, seeing the marker split in two sparked an emotional response from many in the Nashville community.

PREVIOUS: Nashville historical marker honoring Black soldiers damaged

Gary Burke has been one of the people spearheading an effort to erect historical markers across Nashville recognizing the contributions of Black soldiers. In a social media post, Burke wrote that he was moved to tears when he saw the damaged sign.

Ive worked so hard and so long to get these forgotten heroes honored, Burke said. I pray it was an accident that damaged the sign, because these soldiers deserve their recognition.

(WKRN photo)

(WKRN photo)

(WKRN photo)

The marker on Polk Avenue was erected by the Historical Commission of Metro Nashville and Davidson County in 2021 in commemoration of the Black soldiers who helped fight for the Union during the Battle of Nashville.

Early on Dec. 15, 1864, three brigades  two of which were U.S. Colored Troops (USCT)  launched an attack on Confederate troops who were heading toward the capital.

SEE ALSO: Metro Historical Commission planning to honor Black soldiers with new historical marker

While that attack was unsuccessful due to heavy fortification around the Confederate troops, the two-day battle marked a significant turning point in the Civil War.

After seeing the reports of damage, the Metro Historical Commission said Heather Carver offered to pay for the full cost to replace the marker, amounting to around $3,500.

Carver, who is also the CEO of Carver Construction Company, has regularly spoken out for and offered her support to the causes of marginalized communities in the Nashville area.

In a statement provided after the marker was discovered last Tuesday, the Metro Historical Commission said, Damaged markers do happen from time to time, either by people trying to intentionally remove them or accidentally hitting them.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

However, the organization does not have the staffing nor capability to investigate missing or damaged markers.

The remaining pieces of the Polk Avenue marker were removed by NDOT last week. Officials said a replacement should be installed by next spring.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Photo hints a big US Air Force Reaper drone competition was focused on one of China's fake islands in the South China Sea

The US Air Force held a competition for its MQ-9 Reaper drones last week.

One photo from the event shows a drone operator sitting in front of a map of Mischief Reef.

The reef is a Chinese military outpost, and the photo hints it may have been a simulated target or focal point.

A newly released photo suggests a recent US Air Force Reaper combat drone event appears to have been focused to some degree on an artificial Chinese island in the South China Sea.

Dozens of MQ-9 Reaper drone squadrons flocked to Hurlburt Field in Florida last week for an annual competition that tests the skills of pilots and sensor operators, who engaged in brief tactical scenarios to test their combat decision-making and capabilities, the 1st Special Operations Wing said in a statement on Wednesday.

The unit said the pilots and sensor operators faced "challenges that ranged from general tactical maneuvers to specialized skills requiring precise and advanced techniques, reflecting the evolving nature of modern warfare."

The Air Force published several photos from the competition, known as Reaper Smoke 2024. One showed a drone pilot and a sensor operator assigned to the 25th Operations Support Squadron working in front of multiple screens.

One of the screens featured a map of Mischief Reef and the surrounding area in the contested Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. Mischief Reef is located just miles away from the Second Thomas Shoal, another disputed territory, and several other screens feature what appears to be a satellite image of the reef.

The pilot, left, and sensor operator, right, during Reaper Smoke 2024 on September 5. US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Deanna Muir

A close-up view of a screen that includes a map of Mischief Reef and the Second Thomas Shoal. US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Deanna Muir

China has built up Mischief Reef over the years, essentially turning it into an artificial island that functions as a small Chinese military outpost. The US and its allies and partners have criticized this activity as the atoll is considered part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The Chinese Mischief Reef military outpost features an airstrip, missile systems, and jamming equipment, among other capabilities. Beijing has made similar efforts to arm nearby atolls in the area, which is hundreds of miles away from the Chinese coastline.

The South China Sea has long been a source of tension between the US and China, as well as a number of other Indo-Pacific nations. Beijing claims sovereignty over vast swaths of this strategic waterway, and Washington and its partners routinely criticize Beijing over its increasingly aggressive behavior to enforce its control, such as its recent clashes with the Philippines.

Satellite imagery of the Mischief Reef in the South China Sea. Satellite Image (c) 2022 Maxar Technologies.

The map in the Air Force photos suggests that the reef may have been a simulated target in last week's Reaper drone exercise, though the Air Force has not explicitly stated that. A potential future clash between the US and China in the Pacific could see American forces go after the site with MQ-9s or other assets that they have stationed in the region.

The 1st Special Operations Wing did not mention Mischief Reef in its release, and neither did Air Force Special Operations Command when Business Insider reached out.

An AFSOC spokesperson did say, however, that the Air Force "conducts a wide range of training events to enhance operational readiness, such as the Reaper Smoke competition."

"This annual event brings together MQ-9 squadrons from across the service and includes mission scenarios from different locations worldwide," the spokesperson told Business Insider. "Reaper Smoke focuses on refining the skills of the Air Force MQ-9 community across diverse mission scenarios, enabling collaboration and networking among aircrews for shared lessons learned and best practices."

The Wing emphasized the intent of exercises like this in its press release.

"Air Force Special Operations Command is focused on specialized air power," said Col. Mark Jones, AFSOC concepts and capabilities development division chief, in the Wednesday release.

"The MQ-9 inside AFSOC is focused on training the fundamentals  training Airmen to be skilled and adapt to use the MQ-9 in ways we haven't used it before, for the future," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
North Korea has for the first time revealed images of the facility that produces fuel for its nuclear bombs.

The regime on Friday offered a rare glimpse into a clandestine factory that makes weapons-grade uranium just days after Kim Jong-un vowed to exponentially increase the size of the countrys nuclear arsenal.

The authoritarian leader was pictured for the first time ever inspecting such a site.

Official photos showed him walking between rows of tall, grey centrifuges while conversing with senior officials.

The North Korean leader urged workers to produce more materials for nuclear weapons - KCNA

He went round the control room of the uranium enrichment base to learn about the overall operation of the production lines, reported state newswire KCNA, adding that he was greatly satisfied about the dynamic production of nuclear materials.

The exact location of the facility was not disclosed but it may be an expansion of a site at the countrys main Yongbyon nuclear complex, about 60 miles north of Pyongyang.

South Korean and US intelligence agencies believe there are also facilities at the Kangson nuclear complex.

In 2010, North Korea revealed its uranium-enrichment capabilities to Stanford University scholars visiting Yongbyon from the United States, telling them that 2,000 centrifuges were installed and in operation there.

Kim also visited a training base where he aimed a rifle and inspected troops - REUTERS

Satellite images have since indicated an expansion of the plant.

The latest public announcement confirming the production of highly enriched uranium, which is used to make nuclear weapons, was likely meant as another power play by Kim, who has repeatedly tested ballistic missiles and accelerated his weapons of mass destruction programme.

Kim also visited a military training facility on Thursday, according to KCNA.

On the same day, North Korea test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

Kim said his troops needed to be ready to fight the US imperialists - GETTY IMAGES

Kim visited the base of the special operations force of the Korean Peoples Army - GETTY IMAGES

However, experts say the new information on centrifuges could also offer up valuable estimates about the amount of nuclear ingredients that North Korea has produced.

KCNA said Kim emphasised the need for more and a new type of centrifuges to meet his demand for a greater number of nuclear weapons for self defence.

In a speech on Monday, he justified the move by claiming that North Korea faces a grave threat from what it perceives as a US-nuclear bloc in the region.

The new type of centrifuge seen in the photographs shows North Korea is advancing its fuel cycle capabilities, said Ankit Panda of the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Kim also appears to suggest that North Korean tactical nuclear weapons designs may primarily rely on uranium for their cores, he said.

This is notable because North Korea is more able to scale up its highly enriched uranium stockpiles, Mr Panda said, compared to the more complicated process for plutonium.

Kim with senior military officials - REUTERS

The reclusive regime also revealed photos of a new 12-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL), which has stoked fears that it could be used to launch a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking the mainland United States.

Kim also oversaw the test launch of a new 600mm multiple launch rocket system on Thursday.

On Friday he urged workers to produce more materials for tactical nuclear weapons, saying the countrys nuclear arsenal is vital for confronting threats from the US and its allies.

The weapons are needed for self-defence and the capability for a pre-emptive attack, he said.

The North Korean leader said anti-DPRK nuclear threats from the US imperialists-led vassal forces have crossed the red line, according to the KCNA.

North Korea has previously shown photos of what it says were nuclear warheads. It has conducted six underground nuclear tests between 2006 and 2017.

Kim inspected a new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher . . . - GETTY IMAGES

. . . which was then test fired, according to state media footage - REUTERS

Estimates of the number of North Korean nuclear weapons varies widely. In July a report by the Federation of American Scientists concluded that the country may have produced enough fissile material to build up to 90 nuclear warheads, but that it has likely assembled closer to 50.

Kim also oversaw the test launch of a new 600mm multiple launch rocket system on Thursday.

In a statement carried by KCNA, North Koreas foreign ministry institute spokesperson criticised a recent defence ministerial meeting between member states of the US-led United Nations Command in Seoul, calling it a war organisation.

Germany joined the command last month, becoming the 18th nation in a group that helps police the heavily fortified border with North Korea and has committed to defend the South in the event of a war.

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A version of this story first appeared on The Ankler .

Greetings from my house, to which I have finally returned after a wonderful, exhausting week at TIFF, where I saw 25 movies and, like my compadre Richard Rushfield, really pushed the limits of how many times you can make hors doeuvres qualify as a proper meal.



One time I actually did sit down for a real meal was in the company of Pete Docter, Pixars chief creative officer, who was in town for an onstage conversation at the TIFF Industry conference. While I ate my avocado toast, he gamely answered many of my questions, from the future of movie theaters  hes more nervous than youd think, particularly given the blockbuster success of Inside Out 2  to AIs role in animation.



Ill share more of that conversation below, after a look back at the bold, boundary-breaking TIFF premieres that could make this one of the more forward-looking Oscar races in years.



One more programming note: Next Monday will bring both a newsletter and a special edition of the Prestige Junkie podcast, in which my colleague Elaine Low and I will discuss Sunday nights Emmys. Youve subscribed to the podcast already, right?

How the Oscar Race is Shaping Up

Halina Reijn was fresh off the most acclaimed premiere of her career, but when she arrived in Toronto from Venice on Tuesday night for the North American premiere of her film Babygirl, she swore to the audience she was still shaking with nerves.



As the 48-year-old Dutch director explained, she made Babygirl as a way to talk about things that scared her  female desire and power, to be specific. The film won the best actress award for star Nicole Kidman at Venice, which put expectations sky high once the film arrived in Toronto and played for a crowd eager to celebrate it.



Dark, erotic and morally ambiguous  with Kidman playing a powerful female CEO who starts an affair with a self-assured intern (Harris Dickinson)  Babygirl played like a crowd-pleaser in Toronto. Its intriguing evidence that A24 might be able to reach outside of an arthouse crowd when the film opens in December, much as its The Iron Claw made it to $45 million worldwide last year.



But that doesnt make Babygirl any less of a big swing in a season thats turning out to be full of them, and might just test the limits of how bold the Oscars are willing to be.

Without new films from perennial heavyweights like Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg or Christopher Nolan, its younger, never-nominated directors like Reijn, Anoras Sean Baker, Nickel Boys RaMell Ross and The Brutalists Brady Corbet now leading the pack. Movies about affairs, sex workers, the Civil Rights era and the Holocaust have had plenty of time in the Oscar spotlight, but none have ever looked like any of these in either style or substance.



You dont have to be a newcomer to be pushing boundaries, either. Jacques Audiard, the 72-year-old French director, has a huge audience favorite with Emilia Perez, a melodramatic musical whose stars Karla Sofia Gascon, Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez are well on their way through the Oscar buzz gauntlet. Recent Oscar nominees like Luca Guadagnino and Denis Villeneuve are backing their own big swings as well, with Guadagnino in the mix for both this springs Challengers and the upcoming Queer and Villeneuve once again primed for recognition for his ambitious, wildly successful Dune franchise.

Related: Emmy's Surprise Nom and the Case for Multi-Cam

Of course there are some more broadly accessible titles out there too, including TIFF hits from previous best director nominees Edward Berger (Conclave) and Jason Reitman (Saturday Night), both of which could be contenders for TIFFs audience award. The bolder stuff that relies more on critical acclaim often premieres earlier at festivals, so we can probably expect a more straightforward tone from the likes of Gladiator 2, Steve McQueens World War II drama Blitz and the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. Ideally every best picture lineup has a nice mix of something for everyone  a Top Gun: Maverick for every Tar, you might say  and this years lineup will likely be no different.



But after a week in Toronto, arguing with my fellow journalists about the ambiguities in The Brutalist and marveling at the pugnacious female leads of both Hard Truths and Anora, Im thrilled by the forward-looking, daring bunch of contenders we have right now. Is there such a thing as being too weird for best picture? This year may put that notion to the test.

Breakfast with Pete Docter

IT TOOK A VILLAGE The team and stars of Inside Out 2 at the June premiere, including Docter (second from left), co-chairman Disney Entertainment Alan Bergman (far left) and Asad Ayaz (front, second from right), chief brand officer of the Walt Disney Co. and president of marketing. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney/Pixar

Sure, hes currently backing the eighth-highest grossing movie of all time, and is the head of a studio thats released six sequels in the past decade. But credit where its due: Pete Docter knows a thing or two about big swings, too. And hes as aware as anyone that risk in Hollywood doesnt get any less scary when youre on a bigger scale.



This film did great  more than great, he tells me, about as modestly as you can when the film hes referring to, Inside Out 2, has made $1.6 billion and counting. But theres no sense of where things are going in the future in terms of cinema.



Docter was Pixar employee no. 10, starting three days after his college graduation in 1990, and hes directed bedrock Pixar classics Monsters Inc. and Up in addition to having a creative role on all the others. But when he took over as the companys chief creative officer in 2018, he became synonymous with the company in a way he never had before  and just in time for a pandemic and a streaming revolution that changed everything.



Like everyone else, Pixar is still picking up the pieces. Weeks before Inside Out 2s phenomenal debut, Pixar laid off 175 employees, which Docter describes as the companys biggest layoffs ever. That was another thing that made this year really weird, he says, clarifying that the layoffs were a result of moving away from streaming-only Pixar projects like Win or Lose. Unfortunately now Disney has come to the point where they realized, you know what? The amount we have to spend to do the quality we do doesn't make sense.



Pixars commitment to high quality has remained consistent even as other animation houses have begun to challenge them for inventiveness; I ran out of time before I got to ask him about DreamWorks Animations The Wild Robot, which premiered at TIFF and got the kind of emotional responses from grown-ups that used to be Pixars exclusive domain.



Some of that quality is coming courtesy of AI, which Pixar has used for nearly a decade in highly technical ways that are a far cry from the viral AI animation you might see online. I mean, you see these demos and it looks like, oh my gosh, AI can do anything. It's a magic box, Docter tells me. But when you dig a little deeper, its pretty problematic just getting consistency. My experience with it is, if I have any vision at all of what I want in my head, its a disaster.

Docter does see an interesting philosophical question in the human fears around AI, and the ways people fear robots might start to take ownership of what we feel belongs to us. Pixar is a company built on computers and pixels, of course, but also its people  theres a reason people like Docter or Elemental director Peter Sohn spend their entire careers there.



As the leader of Pixars vaunted creative braintrust, Docter places a premium on weird hallway interactions, so hes fighting the good fight to get more of his employees back in the office post-pandemic. You bump into somebody and go like, Oh, now that youre here, let me ask you this. And then they say something that changes the course of the movie, he tells me. Thats happened on almost every film Ive worked on.

Get the latest news delivered to your inbox daily! Sign up for Los Angeles Magazines The Daily Brief below or here.
Placer County jury hears closing arguments in first fentanyl murder case to go to trial

Kade Kristopher Webb walked into the bathroom of Safeway in Roseville three years ago but never walked out. About five hours later, medics found him lifeless face down in that bathroom.

A Placer County prosecutor on Thursday told a jury that Carson David Schewe had sold fentanyl-laced pill to his friend, Webb, moments before the 20-year-old walked into the bathroom on Dec. 3, 2021, crushed the pill and snorted the deadly synthetic opioid.

After he walked into that bathroom, he died within minutes, said Deputy District Attorney Devan Portillo, who is prosecuting Schewe on a charge of murder in Webbs death. Its pretty obvious he sold the fentanyl to Kade.

Rohan Beesla, one of Schewes defense attorneys, told the jury the prosecution hadnt proven Webb died from fentanyl intoxication. Beesla argued the District Attorneys Office relied solely on a toxicology report, and the forensic pathologist  who was not called to testify in the trial  chose not to conduct an internal autopsy exam that wouldve provided a more accurate amount of how much fentanyl was in Webbs system in the moments leading up to his death.

Thats not how you build a murder case, Beesla said in court Thursday afternoon as the attorneys gave closing arguments in Schewes murder trial.

Judge declared mistrial in March

Schewes first trial ended abruptly March 1, four days after it began, because a lab failed to provide the prosecution and the defense a report detailing a summary of results from Webbs blood tests. Placer Superior Court Judge Michael Jones was forced to declare a mistrial, and he ordered a second trial for Schewe with a new jury.

Schewes second trial began Aug. 26 with jury selection. For nearly three weeks, jurors heard testimony and viewed evidence presented in the case. The jury began deliberations about 4 p.m. Thursday. Now, Schewes fate rest in their hands.

Schewe, 23, of Roseville has remained in custody at the Placer County Jail since his February 2022 arrest. Two years ago, Schewe was the first defendant in Placer County to be charged with murder in a fentanyl death.

Fentanyl is a powerful and potentially addictive synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin. The California Department of Justice has said two milligrams of fentanyl can result in overdose and potentially death.

Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire and other prosecutors in California have taken a new approach to fentanyl deaths: filing murder charges against people who sell or provide fentanyl to someone who later dies from ingesting the drugs.

In August, James Scott Teahan Jr., 34, became the fifth person in Placer County to be charged with murder in connection with a fentanyl death. Teahan is accused in the April 24 death of Stephen Windham.

Three other men, all in their 20s, have agreed to plea deals with Placer County prosecutors. Each were convinced of homicide in connection with a fentanyl death. Schewes fentanyl-related murder case is the first one in the county that has gone to trial.

Murder theory in fentanyl death

On Thursday, the defense attorney argued that the District Attorneys Office is trying to shoehorn in the implied malice theory to file murder charges against street dealers, the last rung on the ladder in the fentanyl supply chain.

Beesla told the jurors this prosecution strategy to respond to a rising number of fentanyl deaths doesnt make common sense and wont work. He argued drug cartels trafficking the fentanyl into the United States, wholesale suppliers and regional distributors remain shielded from murder liability.

The prosecutor argued that the implied malice theory to support a murder charge applies to Schewe, who knew how dangerous fentanyl was and continued to sell it as the bodies were dropping all around him. Portillo told the jury Schewe had two other friends die from fentanyl overdoses, along with his ex-girlfriend who died in a bed next to him a few months before Webb died.

None of that mattered. Kade didnt matter. No one mattered, Portillo said about Schewe. He chose profits over life.

Snapchat videos

The prosecutor showed the jurors videos of Schewe on Snapchat fanning numerous dollar bills and what he was selling. Portillo said Schewe bragged about his potent pills in pseudo-advertisements on social media, selling what he claimed were Percocet and Xanax pills, along with cocaine weed.

He (Schewe) told his customers whatever you want, hell get you, Portillo argued in court. This isnt a secret, this is an open market on Snapchat.

Webb had been released from a drug rehab facility six days before he died. Portillo said Schewe and Webb had met hours before his death, which the prosecutor said was proven by Uber records.

Portillo told the jurors Schewe made a video not long before meeting Webb that day; the video showed pills in a small plastic food storage bags containing the fentanyl that killed Webb.

The drug he peddled was found inside Kade Webb, the prosecutor said while showing the video in court. Ladies and gentlemen, thats the murder weapon.

The defense attorney told the jury that his client was guilty of selling drugs, but he was dealing as he struggled with his own drug addiction. Beesla called Schewes statements in the social media videos ugly, but it was just a persona he adopted as a low-level street dealer. It was more bravado than anything, Beesla said, with Schewe holding cash in his hands that was about as much as a minimum wage worker took home in a month.

This is not a kingpin, Schewes attorney said about his client.

He told the jurors that the prosecution built a campaign of innuendo to falsely characterize Schewe as a monster to cause you to revile him, to be repulsed by him.

Beesla said this trial has shown that this was a group of friends who grew up together, started using drugs together and started snorting (crushed) pills together, and Schewe was the friend who would get them their drugs. But the defense attorney argued no evidence was presented in the trial that shows Schewe sold them the drugs that led to their deaths.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Planned Parenthood North Central States celebrated 90 years of its Sioux City Health Center.

An open house was held Thursday night to celebrate the anniversary, which dates back to 1934. The center underwent renovations, which includes a lighted sign on the exterior of the building, improved interior lighting, and new flooring. The center now has seven exam rooms that can see more patients.

Sioux City gets public transit infrastructure grant

Planned Parenthood helps provide birth control, sexually transmitted disease and infection tests, and sexually reproductive health care.

When and wherever you want, Sheilahn Davis-Wyatt with Planned Parenthood said.

The health center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It was forced to close down back in 2017 after the Iowa legislature approved about $3 million in Medicaid funding cuts.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A man from the Dominican Republic has been accused in the murder of a family of four found dead in a fire at their Irondequoit home last month.

Julio Cesar Pimentel Soriano, 34, was arrested Saturday in connection to the death of 30-year-old Fraime Ubaldo, 26-year-old Marangely Moreno-Santiago, 4-year-old Evangeline Ubaldo-Moreno, and 2-year-old Sebastian Ubaldo-Moreno.

The familys bodies were found in a fire at their Knapp Avenue home on August 31.

According to police, Soriano was one of the people responsible for the heinous attack. He was arraigned on four counts of second degree murder last week and is being held at the Monroe County Jail. Police did not elaborate on the role investigators believe he played.

Investigators said Soriano is wanted for a 2019 murder in the Dominican Republic. He allegedly traveled to Puerto Rico illegally and got a fake New York ID, which he used to enter the US mainland.

I think its one of those cases where a motivation exists just based on the facts and the circumstances, Monroe County First Assistant District Attorney Perry Duckles said. What that motive is is another one of those things that we continue to investigate. I dont want anyone to let their imaginations run wild just because of the circumstances and what happened to this family, but certainly its something were checking into.

Police said they are currently working to find more people connected to this incident. They said they would release limited details due to the nature of the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Irondequoit Police Department at (585)-336-6000 or CrimeStoppers at (585)-423-9300.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
GEARY COUNTY (KSNT)  Law enforcement in Geary County is increasing its presence at two local schools this week in an effort to increase the safety of students.

The Geary County Sheriffs Office posted to social media Friday, Sept. 13 stating it is working hand in hand with school officials at USD 475 to protect students. The sheriffs office reposted a message issued to families in the district about a social media trend which lists Junction City Middle school and Fort Riley Middle School by name.

School officials say the trend lists these schools, alongside other educational institutions around the country, as potential schools being targeted for shootings. USD 475 said it is working with the sheriffs office, Junction City Police Department and Fort Riley about this worrying trend.

Regardless of the nature of these threats, the Junction City Police Department, Geary County Sheriffs Office, and USD 475 are fully committed to the safety and well-being of all students within our community. As a precautionary measure, there will be an increased officer presence at our districts schools over the coming days. Safety is our top priority in Geary County Schools USD 475, and we are committed to maintaining a safe school environment for all students and staff. USD 475 statement excerpt sent to families

Woman with special needs allegedly kidnapped during vehicle theft in Topeka, one in custody

27 News has reached out to USD 475 for further comment on the situation.

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

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Police are investigating a threat allegedly made to a student at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School.

Investigators say a parent called police after their child received an anonymous phone call threatening them with a weapon.

Police ordered the school to shelter in place while they swept the buildings.

Nothing was found and police determined the threat was not credible.

Police say they are working to identify a suspect. No charges have been filed.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A 75-year-old man is expected to be arraigned in municipal court Monday after reports said he was arrested for OVI while driving the wrong way on Interstate 680.

John Rosa Jr. was released on a summons for a charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a first-degree misdemeanor. He was taken into custody after police and troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol were called about 12:35 a.m. to the freeway for a report of a vehicle traveling south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 680.

Reports said an officer found a car on the shoulder next to the center divider in the northbound lane of the freeway facing south near the Himrod Avenue Expressway. Reports said the driver, later identified as Rosa, smelled heavily of alcohol and was slurring his words.

When asked how much he had to drink, reports said he told the officer he had a bottle of wine earlier.

Reports said Rosa appeared apprehensive about taking a field sobriety test and was put in a cruiser. He later agreed to take the test, reports said. Reports said he almost fell over and he could not follow any of the instructions, so the test was halted and he was taken to the police department for a breath test.

Reports said Rosa agreed to the breath but did not perform the test properly so a proper reading could not be obtained from the machine.

Police seized Rosas license after they charged him because his license was suspended immediately, reports said.

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. - A 21-year-old Milton man is accused of opening fire while riding a motorcycle through downtown Alpharetta, killing one person.

Jaden Lewis was arrested on Thursday afternoon and charged with murder and aggravated assault.

The shooting happened around 11 p.m. Wednesday along Highway 9 near Milton Avenue.

The Alpharetta Police Department released several images of the shooter riding a motorcycle wearing a black jacket with white patches, black pants, helmet, and gloves. In one image, he is seen pointing a gun. Police say the images of the suspect came from a witness's dash cam.

Justin Mourning, 46, was struck by that gunfire. He was taken to an area hospital, but he later died.

Police say they found multiple shell casings and spoke to several witnesses after the shooting. Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an argument.

"It appears that this shooting incident escalated from an argument that occurred between the victim and a motorcycle operator," said Captain Andrew Splawn of the Alpharetta Police Department. "The altercation and incident occurred in the roadway."

Jaden Lewis waived his first court appearance on Friday morning.

Shooting in Alpharetta shakes residents

Wednesday nights shooting happened in the normally quiet area of downtown Alpharreta.

"We're just always disappointed when we hear about any kind of crime in the area and this is particularly bad," said Mark Bundy.

"It makes you a little uncomfortable, but it definitely makes you keep your guard up when you're out and about," said Lydia Tessfaye.

Detectives say shootings in downtown Alpharetta are not common.

"This incident is unusual," Spawn said. "Based on the argument that occurred before the shooting, we do believe that it's isolated."

Bundy has a son who works in the area and says this violence is upsetting.

"Anger was my first thought that I don't want that happening in my city," he said. "There's nothing going on that's worth dying for."

Mourning worked at Lumen Technologies. The company sent FOX 5 this statement: "We deeply mourn the tragic loss of a member of the Lumen family. We are doing what we can to comfort his family and those who worked with him."
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Beaverton police are alerting the public after fraudulent fundraising accounts claiming to support the family of Melissa Jubane were discovered on Thursday.

The Beaverton Police Department is being made aware of fraudulent/nefarious fundraising accounts for Melissa Jubanes Family, a Beaverton police spokesperson said in a statement.

Jubane, a nurse at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Southwest Portland, went missing on Wednesday, Sept. 4 and was found dead two days later.

Suspect arrested after Downtown Portland theft, chase

Specific details of Jubanes death remain unclear, but officials confirmed Tuesday that she was killed on the same day as her disappearance.

Bryce Schubert, the man accused of Jubanes murder, was arrested the same day her remains were recovered by Beaverton police. Schubert made his first court appearance virtually on Monday and then was in-person on Tuesday.

The sanctioned GoFundMe, organized by Jubanes brother Maverick, states the family is not only experiencing a sudden loss, but an unexpected financial burden of funeral costs, legal fees and other expenses.

Sweet Home schools closed following threat toward district high school

We want to give Melissa the memorial she deserves, to honor her memory, and allow her family the time and space to heal without additional financial stress, the fundraiser states.

Jubane was also honored when around 200 people showed up for a vigil on Monday night put together by the Oregon Nurses Association.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
FILE PHOTO: Poland's central bank governor-designate Glapinski speaks during a hearing at a parliamentary panel at the Parliament in Warsaw

FILE PHOTO: Poland's central bank governor-designate Glapinski speaks during a hearing at a parliamentary panel at the Parliament in Warsaw

WARSAW (Reuters) -The National Bank of Poland said on Friday it had informed prosecutors of the possibility that the speaker of parliament and the head of a parliamentary committee may have committed a crime in trying to bring the central bank governor before a tribunal.

NBP governor Adam Glapinski faces several accusations from lawmakers of the ruling coalition, including that he lacked independence from the previous government, broke rules barring the central bank from financing government borrowing and misled the finance ministry about the bank's financial results.

Glapinski, who has decades-old ties to Jaroslaw Kaczynski, head of the opposition Law and Justice party that lost power last year, reiterated on Thursday his rejection of the accusations, calling on the government and lawmakers to respect the bank's independence.

On Friday, the central bank said in a statement it notified prosecutors of potential offences by Szymon Holownia, the speaker of the lower house of parliament, and Zdzislaw Gawlik, chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Responsibility.

"The notification concerns illegal and groundless actions undertaken... in relation to the preliminary motion to bring (Glapinski) to constitutional responsibility before the State Tribunal, despite the lack of legal and factual grounds for specific actions," the bank said.

Gawlik did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Holownia's spokesperson said the speaker was determined to "defend the constitutional competences of the (lower house) to conduct proceedings regarding constitutional responsibility".

Gawlik told reporters on Thursday the committee would next meet on Sept. 24 and planned to start hearings then.

Final motions to bring people in Poland's highest offices before a State Tribunal must pass a parliamentary vote in order to proceed.

(Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Additional reporting by Karol Badohal; Editing by William Maclean and Hugh Lawson)
Polish foreign minister explains under what conditions Ukraine can get Polish MG-29s

Radosaw Sikorski, Foreign Minister of Poland, stated that Warsaw might give Ukraine more MiG-29 aircraft, but it would depend on whether it has the means to defend its own airspace.

Source: Sikorski at a joint press conference with Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Ukraine has received "approximately 400 tanks" from Poland, some of which are also involved in hostilities in Russias Kursk Oblast, as well as Krab howitzers and Piorun launchers, Sikorski says.

Quote: "And I heard with great pleasure that our equipment, which is produced in Poland, showed great results," he added.

The Polish foreign minister confirmed that Warsaw is also considering "the possibility of transferring the next batch of equipment and, possibly, also MG-29 aircraft, which are needed today to protect our sky."

He pointed out that if Ukraines allies can help with patrolling Polish airspace, this will allow "to fulfil this promise", but did not offer any specifics.

Background:

In July, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Poland might consider transferring additional Soviet-model fighters to Ukraine if it could find a replacement with its partners.

Polish Defence Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz later rejected Volodymyr Zelenskyy's calls to accelerate the transfer of MiG-29s to Ukraine, reiterating the sentiment.

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Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and his Lithuanian counterpart Gabrielius Landsbergis arrived in Kyiv on Sept. 13.

Their arrival follows the visits of several other foreign leaders, some of whom arrived for the fourth Crimean Platform summit on Sept. 11.

"I am back in Kyiv because that's what friends are for," Landsbergis wrote on social media.

The Polish minister's visit comes amid discussions in Warsaw of the possibility of intercepting Russian aerial targets launched against Ukraine.

While Sikorski said that Poland has the legal right to shoot down stray Russian missiles and drones that enter Polish airspace, the country's government stressed these were merely his personal views that do not represent Warsaw's official policy.

Poland has yet to make a public decision on the matter, and there has been no indication that the Polish military attempted to intercept Russian projectiles.

Read also: Lithuanian FM: West chose to be caught off guard by Russias invasion

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Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on Sept. 13 called on the Ukrainian government to resolve the issue of the Volyn (Volhynia) tragedy.

He was speaking at a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, which was attended by a Kyiv Independent journalist.

The minister was referring to the 1943 massacre of tens of thousands of Poles by members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) in Nazi-occupied Volyn, a region that used to be part of Poland and is now part of Ukraine. Thousands of Ukrainians were killed in retaliation.

Despite several attempts at reconciliation between modern-day Poland and Ukraine, the issue has come to the forefront of public discussion several times, namely during the tenure of the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, in was in power between 2015 and 2023.

"We have to tell the truth, talk about the Volyn tragedy, about other mutual acts (between Poland and Ukraine)," Sikorski said, adding that Ukraine and Poland must choose a "common and secure future."

Sikorski stressed that victims of the Volyn tragedy should receive "Christian burials."

"This is a non-political issue that cannot be bargained over. And we hope that it will be resolved. This is part of the European canon of values, to which Ukraine also belongs," Sikorski said.

Sybiha, in turn, said that Kyiv shares Warsaw's stance on the need to depoliticize approaches to resolving "complex issues of the past."

"I believe that we have enough political will and diplomatic talent to resolve any difficult or complex relations issues in the spirit of strategic partnership and brotherly relations," Sybiha added.

President Volodymyr Zelensky promised in 2019 to lift the Ukrainian moratorium on the exhumation of Volyn victims, imposed in reaction to cases of destruction of UPA memorials in Poland.

The matter has not yet been resolved, however, and Polish President Andrzej Duda said in 2023 that obtaining permission for the exhumations plays a crucial role in Polish-Ukrainian relations.

In July, a newly erected memorial to the Volyn massacres in Poland sparked controversy by featuring a depiction of a baby impaled on what resembled a Ukrainian trident.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by figures from the far-right Confederation party, while the monument itself was funded by the Polish Army Veterans' Association in America.

Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy, director of the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University, estimates that the number of Polish victims of the massacre varies from 60,000 to 90,000.

The number of Ukrainians killed by Poles in the 1940s is estimated at between 10,000 and 20,000, including between 2,000 and 3,000 in Volyn, according to Polish historian Grzegorz Motyka.

In 2016, Poland's parliament recognized the killings as a genocide, a term that Ukraine denies.

Read also: Volhynian Massacre  the Achilles heel of Ukrainian-Polish relations

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Polish newspaper says Poland not funding Czech-led initiative to buy ammunition for Ukraine despite pledge

Poland is said to be the only country that has pledged to support the Czech-led initiative to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine worldwide but has not yet provided any funds for this purpose. Meanwhile, Germany has made the largest financial investment in the project.

Source: European Pravda, citing Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza

Details: The newspaper says 18 non-EU countries have joined the Czech-led initiative to source ammunition for Ukraine. Germany contributed the largest sum and did so the quickest.

Poland is supposedly the only country that has not provided any funds, although it promised to.

Barring any unforeseen developments, Czechia is set to deliver around 100,000 shells to Ukraine in September under the initiative, bringing it closer to the goal of securing half a million shells of various calibres  primarily 155 mm  by the end of the year.

Background:

In late August, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that Ukraine receives tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition every month.

The Czech Defence Ministry announced that part of the funds from the proceeds of Russian assets frozen in the EU would be used to supply ammunition to Ukraine as part of the Czech-led initiative.

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Politics by Belleville mayor threatens future of Art on the Square, directors say

Art on the Square Co-Directors Carol Bartle and Stephanie Dorris sent an email to committee members last week, stating that they didnt see a path for putting on a show in 2025.

Bartle, 78, a volunteer since the show began in 2002, is retiring. Dorris, 61, a volunteer for 14 years, is moving to Florida to be closer to family. They dont have a replacement.

Developments in the past few weeks have prompted the co-directors to speak out for the first time about a problem they say theyve been dealing with for three years: Hostility from Belleville Mayor Patty Gregory, who co-founded the show and formerly served as executive director for 20 years.

Gregory wanted to continue running the show after being elected mayor in 2021, but board members rejected that idea due to ethical, legal and practical concerns, according to Bartle and Dorris.

We had created our own little monster because none of us went up against (Gregory), Dorris said this week. We didnt challenge her. She was used to getting her way.

The co-directors said the mayor started criticizing their decisions, bad-mouthing the organization to sponsors and artists and otherwise making it difficult for them to carry out their tasks, but they mostly stayed silent to protect everyone from the drama.

They said Gregory had a meltdown during one show, initially refusing to leave the office before going outside and screaming at Bartle in front of a group of high-school students.

I cant tell you how many times we asked, Patty, what do you want? What have we done? Bartle said. She wouldnt tell us.

Gregory didnt respond to BND requests for comment this week.

Bartle and Dorris said theyve been working for nearly a year to find a new executive director for Art on the Square, and after someone finally agreed to take on the volunteer position, politics involving the mayor caused the person to withdraw in late August.

The co-directors recently learned that some past and present volunteers are proposing that a new organization and art show be established and, on Gregorys recommendation, it would happen under the auspices of the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation.

If you were mayor, and you were possibly losing one of the best things in Belleville, I would think that no matter how angry or vengeful you were, you would try to make contact with us or some of the other (Art on the Square) board members and try to figure out how to keep this thing going, Dorris said.

That contact never happened, she said.

Carol Bartle, left, and Stephanie Dorris have served as co-directors of Art on the Square for three years. Bartle became a volunteer in 2002, the shows first year. Dorris got involved in 2014.

Terrible message to community

Tom Barnett, a former Art on the Square board president and volunteer for about 15 years, until 2021, said a committee member forwarded the email from Bartle and Dorris to him, and he found it alarming because of the shows importance to the community.

The annual juried show in downtown Belleville is a major tourist attraction that draws tens of thousands of people to view and buy the artwork of more than 100 artists from all over the country.

When you send out something like that (email), it sends a terrible message to the community, Barnett said.

Barnett said he talked to local merchants who were floored by the possibility of Art on the Square being canceled and committee members who told him they would do whatever they could to keep an art show in Belleville, so he moved quickly to take advantage of the momentum.

Barnett said he called Gregory, who suggested he reach out to Nick Mance, president of Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), and that Mance agreed to allow a new organization to raise money through the colleges foundation, which is a non-profit like Art on the Square.

Mance didnt respond to BND requests for comment this week.

Barnett said he has nothing against Bartle and Dorris, who have done a good job with Art on the Square, but he thought it made sense to call Gregory because they are friends and, if a new organization was being formed, she could help because she knows many of the artists.

All I was interested in doing was making sure we had an art show going forward, Barnett said.

Barnett said he also called Paula Haniszewski, director of Schmitt Art Center, which is part of SWIC, and she indicated that she would be willing to serve as director of a new art show.

Haniszewski serves on the Art on the Square board. She was the person who had agreed this summer to be that organizations executive director before she withdrew, citing concerns by Mance that it would create a conflict with Gregory, according to Bartle and Dorris.

None of this makes sense, Bartle said.

Haniszewski didnt respond to BND requests for comment this week.

SWIC has an agreement with Belleville to manage the citys Southwestern Illinois Justice & Workforce Development Center, formerly the Lindenwood University-Belleville campus. The college receives about $6 million a year from the state of Illinois to do it.

Bartle and Dorris questioned why people would want to create a new art show from scratch when Art on the Square is an established organization with a six-member board, 30 committee chairs, 300 volunteers, a good reputation among artists and steady crowd of patrons. It just needs a director, they said.

Board members include Bartle, Dorris, Haniszewski, Julie Harvey, Ann Thomure and Jenny Meyer, Belleville city clerk, who acts as a liaison with the city. Bartle is president. Meyer recently announced that shes running for mayor in a challenge to Gregory.

Bartle and Dorris said Art on the Square is in better fiscal shape than it was when Gregory left. They declined to discuss its bank account for proprietary reasons. But they gave a hint in their email, which explained why they want to keep the directorship a volunteer position.

Hiring an executive director would be a short term option as the funds for salary and benefits would drain the surplus in a few years, they wrote.

Mark and Carol Reynolds of Austin, Texas, artists in the fine crafts category, won the Best of Show award at Art on the Square in downtown Belleville last year. They received a $5,000 prize.

Friendships suffer after election

Bartle and Dorris said they considered Gregory a friend for many years. Dorris served as treasurer of her mayoral campaign under Campaign Chairman Steve Campo, who is vice chair of SWICs Board of Trustees.

Bartle and Dorris said Art on the Square board members never tried to keep Gregory from being involved; they just didnt want her to serve as director or solicit money from sponsors while mayor. Also, bylaws limit board service to 10 consecutive two-year terms, which Gregory had completed.

At one point, Gregory brought Lloyd Cueto, a city attorney, to a board meeting to assure members that her leadership wouldnt violate any laws, according to Bartle and Dorris.

Barnett agreed with other board members, noting that it could be perceived as a conflict of interest.

The boards decision regarding Gregory caused other problems. One anonymous sponsor withdrew support.

That money ($30,000 for the Artist Awards) just went away, Bartle said. I talked to the sponsor, and I said, Thank you for your past support, and I went out and found another sponsor.

Bartle and Dorris said a rumor circulating that they asked SWIC to take over Art on the Square two years ago is false and that SWIC actually made the proposal, which they rejected.

The co-directors said the Art on the Square boards long-term philosophy, including under Gregory, has been that the show should remain independent and not be operated by the city of Belleville or any other entity. Barnett verified that this was true during his tenure.

Barnett said the goal of a new organization would be to host an art show in downtown Belleville as usual on the weekend of May 16-18, 2025. Hes not sure what it would be called or how it would be structured, beyond Haniszewski as executive director and Gregory as a consultant.

Theres a lot to do, Barnett said.

Bartle and Dorris said the Art on the Square board will meet in the near future to determine its next step. They said it doesnt make sense for a community such as Belleville, which has limited sponsorship opportunities, to try and support two major art shows.

If Art on the Square were to disband, the board would need to decide what to do with its funds.

We dont want to see (Art on the Square) end, Bartle said. We want to see it continue on. But this nonsense has got to stop. I have given 23 years, and there is no excuse for what is going on here. It breaks my heart.

Children contribute to a mural during Art on the Square in downtown Belleville last year. The show also includes the work of more than 100 professional artists from all over the country.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A new poll released Friday shows strong support among Arkansas voters for former President Donald Trump but growing numbers in parts of the state for VP Kamala Harris.

The results of the poll from Talk Business & Politics and Hendrix College have Republican nominee Trump with a commanding 55% to 40% lead over his Democratic rival, who took over the lead spot on the ticket after President Joe Biden withdrew from the campaign in July.

Harris widens lead over Trump in postdebate poll

In addition to the top party candidates, Independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Libertarian Chase Oliver each showed up with 1% support. Another 1% was split among various other candidates, and 2% were undecided. Green Party candidate Jill Stein showed 0% support.

The poll gathered the opinions of 696 likely voters around the Natural State and was conducted Sept. 5-6, which was after Kennedy said he was ending his campaign but before what could well be the only debate between Trump and Harris.

Trump says he wont do another debate with Harris

Talk Business & Politics editor-in-chief & Capitol View host Roby Brock said the poll results show a continuing trend of GOP dominance in the states elections.

Donald Trump has been the leading choice of Arkansas voters in the past two election cycles, Brock explained. With the Republican Partys dominance in Arkansas and Trumps stronghold on the GOP, this result is quite consistent with historical performance.

The news was not all bad for the vice president. The data showed that Harris actually led Trump in terms of support in the Second Congressional District, which includes parts of Little Rock and much of central Arkansas, as well as in the Third District in the northwest part of the state.

Officials warn postal service problems could disrupt voting

The former president shows very strong support in the First and Fourth Districts, Hendrix College emeritus professor of politics Jay Barth explained, with Trump being the choice for two out of three voters in those more rural parts of Arkansas.

If Harris continues to show support in northwest Arkansas across the campaign it could have significant ramifications for the dynamics of the states politics moving forward, Barth said.

Harris, Trump campaign across the country

Republican strategist and managing partner at Impact Management Group Robert Coon said the results showing strong support for Trump at this point in the race was expected and that he believes the split will widen before November.

Its no surprise that former President Donald Trump is leading in the race for President in Arkansas and his margin of victory will likely grow beyond the 15% gap shown in this poll, Coon predicted. Vice President Kamala Harris receives 40% of the vote in this survey, a threshold that would exceed the 35% obtained by President Joe Biden in 2020 if it were to hold.

Arkansas medical marijuana group submits triple the required signatures for cure period

For the full poll results, head to TalkBusiness.net.

Brock will release more poll results, including voters thoughts on November ballot issues and Arkansas elected officials, Sunday on Capitol View. The show airs at 8:30 a.m. on KARK-TV.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP)  Pope Francis on Friday slammed both U.S. presidential candidates for what he called anti-life policies on abortion and migration, and he advised American Catholics to choose who they think is the lesser evil in the upcoming U.S. elections.

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies, Francis said.

The Argentine Jesuit was asked to provide counsel to American Catholic voters during an airborne news conference while he flew back to Rome from his four-nation tour through Asia. Francis stressed that he is not an American and would not be voting.

Neither Republican candidate Donald Trump nor the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, was mentioned by name.

But Francis nevertheless expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the U.S. election  abortion and migration  that are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.

Francis has made the plight of migrants a priority of his pontificate and speaks out emphatically and frequently about it. While strongly upholding church teaching forbidding abortion, Francis has not emphasized church doctrine as much as his predecessors.

Francis said migration is a right described in Scripture and that anyone who does not follow the Biblical call to welcome the stranger is committing a grave sin.

He was also blunt in speaking about abortion. To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but its killing, he said. We have to see this clearly.

Asked what voters should do at the polls, Francis recalled the civic duty to vote.

One should vote, and choose the lesser evil, he said. Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I dont know.

Everyone in their conscience should think and do it, he said.

Its not the first time Francis has weighed in on a U.S. election. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Francis was asked about Trumps plan to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Francis declared then that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is not Christian.

Harris campaign suggests Trump avoiding debate because he doesnt want to defend toxic positions

In responding Friday, Francis recalled that he celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and there were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.

Trump pledges massive deportations, just as he did in his first White House bid, when there was a vast gulf between his ambitions and the legal, financial and political realities of such an undertaking.

The U.S. bishops conference, for its part, has called abortion the preeminent priority for American Catholics in its published voter advice. Harris has strongly defended abortion rights and has emphasized support for reinstating a federal right to abortion.

In his comments, the pope added: On abortion, science says that a month from conception, all the organs of a human being are already there, all of them. Performing an abortion is killing a human being. Whether you like the word or not, this is killing. You cant say the church is closed because it does not allow abortion. The church does not allow abortion because its killing. It is murder.

However, cells are only beginning the process of developing organs in the earliest weeks of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that by 13 weeks, all major organs have formed. For example, cardiac tissue starts to form in the first two months  initially a tube that only later evolves into the four chambers that define a heart.

In other comments, Francis:

 denied a French media report that he would travel to Paris for the December inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral, saying flat-out he would not be there. But he confirmed he would like to go to the Canary Islands to highlight the plight of migrants.

 tamped down renewed speculation that he might finally return to Argentina later this year, saying he wants to go but that nothing had been decided. He added: There are various things to resolve first. Francis has not been home since before the 2013 conclave that elected him pope.

 declared that China was a promise and a hope for the Catholic Church and hoped to one day visit.

 called sexual abuse demonic and weighed on the latest revelations of assault against a legendary French priest, Abbe Pierre.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A child falls asleep as Catholic faithful wait to attend the holy mass led by Pope Francis at the National Stadium in Singapore on September 12, 2024. (Tiziana FABI) (Tiziana FABI/AFP/AFP)

Pope Francis wrapped up an arduous 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific on Friday, defying health concerns to connect with believers from the jungle of Papua New Guinea to the skyscrapers of Singapore.

The 87-year-old pontiff flies home from Singapore within hours, completing his longest trip in duration and distance since he became head of the world's estimated 1.4 billion Roman Catholics more than 13 years ago.

The Argentine pope has relied on a wheelchair since 2022 because of knee pain and sciatica. He had a hernia operation in June 2023, and earlier this year he battled flu and bronchitis.

But the octogenarian has clearly revelled in energising believers on this four-nation trip -- cheerfully goading young people in stadiums to shout out their agreement with his calls to help those in need.

The historic tour, initially planned for 2020 but postponed by the Covid-19 pandemic, has included 43 hours of flight time and a distance of 32,000 kilometres (almost 20,000 miles).

Occasionally, the pope has appeared to struggle to keep his eyes open when listening to late-night liturgical readings or to remain engaged during formal military parades.

But neither the pace -- 16 speeches and up to eight hours of time difference -- nor the heat, nor multiple meetings have forced any rescheduling of his international odyssey.

- 'Superstition and magic' -

On a trip that took him to the outer edges of the Church's world, the pope delivered a sometimes uncomfortable message for leaders not to forget the poor and marginalised.

In Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority state, he visited the capital Istiqlal Mosque to deliver a joint message against conflict and climate change.

In sweltering Papua New Guinea, he donned a Bird of Paradise headdress in a remote, jungle village where he told inhabitants to halt violence and renounce "superstition and magic".

Addressing political and business leaders, he insisted that the country's vast natural resources should benefit the "entire community" -- a demand likely to resound in a nation where many believe their riches are being stolen or squandered.

And in staunchly Roman Catholic East Timor, he addressed nearly half the population, drawing about 600,000 rapturous believers in the tropical heat to a celebration of mass on the island's coast.

Francis addressed East Timor's leaders, hailing a new era of "peace" since independence in 2002.

- 'Deeply touched' -

But he also called on them to do more to prevent abuse against young people, in a nod to recent Catholic Church child abuse scandals.

In the affluent city-state of Singapore, the pope called for "special attention" to be paid to protecting the dignity of migrant workers.

"These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage," he said.

There are an estimated 170 million migrant workers around the world. Most live in the Americas or Europe-Central Asia.

But the Argentine pope was otherwise full of praise for the "entrepreneurial spirit" and dynamism that built a "mass of ultra-modern skyscrapers that seem to rise from the sea" in his final destination.

Sandra Ross, 55, a church administrator in Singapore, said she still "feeling the warmth and joy" after attending mass led by the pope.

"I was deeply touched by Pope Francis' courage and dedication to his mission, despite his health challenges. His spirit and enthusiasm are truly inspiring," she said.

"This Asia tour is a beautiful gesture, highlighting the importance of unity and understanding across cultures and faiths."

bur-djw/arb/hmn
ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT - Pope Francis on Friday criticized both former U.S. President Donald Trump over his plan to deport millions of immigrants and Vice President Kamala Harris over her stance supporting abortion rights.

Asked about the U.S. presidential election on his flight back to Rome from Singapore, the pope said not welcoming migrants is a "grave" sin, and likened having an abortion to an "assassination." He said U.S. Catholics would have to "choose the lesser evil" when they vote in November, without elaborating.

Francis was speaking in a press conference with journalists after a demanding 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania. Although the pope did not use Trump and Harris' names, he referred specifically to their policies and their genders. Despite criticizing both candidates, he said Catholics should vote.

"Not voting is ugly," the 87-year-old pontiff said. "It is not good. You must vote."

Pope Francis holds the weekly general audience at the Vatican, August 28, 2024. REUTERS/Ciro De Luca

"You must choose the lesser evil," he said. "Who is the lesser evil? That lady, or that gentleman? I don't know. Everyone, in conscience, (has to) think and do this."

American Catholics, numbering roughly 52 million nationwide, are often seen as crucial swing voters. In some battleground states, including Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, more than 20% of adults are Catholic.

Francis, leader of about 1.4 billion Catholics globally, is usually careful about weighing in on national political elections. But he frequently criticizes abortion, which is forbidden by Catholic teaching, in sharp terms. He has also previously criticized Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric. During the 2016 election, he said Trump was "not Christian" in his views.

On Friday, Francis said both candidates' policies are "against life."

"Whether it is the one who is chasing away migrants, or the one who that kills children," said the pope. "Both are against life."

Trump has promised to crack down on illegal immigration and deport millions of immigrants already in the U.S. if elected to a second term as president. He has also refused to rule out building detention camps for undocumented immigrants.

Harris has promised to sign any legislation passed by Congress to restore national protections for abortion access, which were struck down by the Supreme Court in its 2022 Dobbs decision.

The two candidates sparred over both issues on Wednesday in their first debate together. Most polls show a tight race, with Harris leading slightly.

The pope called immigration "a right," citing Bible passages that call orphans, widows and foreigners three kinds of people that society must care for. "Not giving welcome to migrants is a sin," said the pope. "It is grave."

Francis said abortion "is killing a human being". He said there could be no excuses for an abortion. "It is an assassination," he said. "On these things we must speak clearly. No 'but' or 'however'."

Balancing political priorities has become a subject of discussion among the U.S. bishops, who have issued a similar election guidance each presidential cycle since 2007-08, with some updates.

Their latest version, released with a new introduction in November 2023, states that the "threat of abortion" is a "preeminent priority" for Catholics.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pope tells US Catholics to choose 'lesser evil' between Harris, Trump
Danville House, a historic apartment building that houses senior citizens on Main Street downtown, has been sold.

The New York-based NHP Foundation purchased the property at 600 Main St. including the 106-unit, Section 8 senior community structure from HallKeen Management for $13.7 million, the foundation announced Tuesday in a news release.

John Hoffer, NHPF vice president of project management, told the Register & Bee the purchase is consistent with the foundations mission of creating and preserving affordable housing.

We also have a strong track record in historic preservation, so this prominent historic structure in downtown Danville held tremendous appeal for us, Hoffer said. Further, it houses a vulnerable population of senior citizens, and we are always looking to include senior properties in our portfolio.

The NHP Foundation has 60 properties in 16 states and Washington, D.C., through partnerships with major financial institutions, the public sector, faith-based initiatives and not-for-profit groups, according to a news release from the foundation.

Hoffer did not say how many residents live in the building, but said most of the 96 one-bedroom apartments will be occupied by a single senior citizen. The 10 two-bedroom apartments would typically be occupied by two seniors.

Residents will not be forced to permanently leave the structure, but will likely have to temporarily move to allow sections of the building to be renovated, he said.

The NHP Foundation is a not-for-proft owner/developer of affordable housing, Hoffer said. So, consistent with our mission, we would not be changing the structure in a way that forces residents to permanently relocate.

The NHPF will spend the next year preparing a renovation plan for the building that matches available funding sources, he said.

We anticipate performing a substantial renovation, which updates the major systems and interior spaces, Hoffer said.

As for residents having to live elsewhere during work, Hoffer said part of the renovations costs will include paying for movers and covering residents additional housing expenses during the temporary relocation.

He estimated that each group of residents will be relocated for about three months during renovations, including time needed to move in and out of Danville House.

After taking about a year or more to develop final plans, secure permits and get financing, construction should begin and take about 18 months, he said.

Renovations are expected to begin in 2026 and will include, according to a news release from the NHPF:

New interior finishes and flooring.

Kitchen and bathroom upgrades, including new appliances, cabinets and plumbing fixtures.

Replacement of heating and air systems, water heaters and electrical panels.

Repair of historic wood windows and replacement of vinyl windows.

Roof replacement and other updates to the structure.

Enhancements to compliance with Uniform Federal Accessiblity Standards.

Energy sustainability upgrades.

The property includes two historic buildings: a 10-story Neo-Adamesque building constructed as Hotel Danville in 1926, and a three-story former city market building dating back to 1890, according to the news release.

Both structures are adapted for senior housing and are listed in the National Park Services National Register of Historic Places, according to the news release.

The release from NHPF also refers to Danvilles emphasis on affordable housing development and the citys growth.

The purchase comes at a time of increased focus on affordable housing development in Southside Virginia, driven by economic investments such as the new Ceasars Casino. NHPF anticipates further opportunities to collaborate with local authorities and expand its impact in the region, the release states.

The property will have a manager on site during normal business hours, Hoffer said. The NHPF will also have a resident services coordinator provided by its resident services subsidiary, Operation Pathways, he said.

The senior maintenance engineer resides locally and management has policies and procedures in place to provide emergency services if/when needed, Hoffer said.

HallKeen will be the property management company for Danville House, he said.
By Joshua McElwee

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Friday decried the deaths of Palestinian children in Israeli military strikes in Gaza, calling bombings of schools, on the "presumption" of striking Hamas militants, "ugly".

On the flight back to Rome from Singapore, the pontiff expressed doubt that either Israel or Hamas, now at war for eleven months, were seeking to end the conflict. "I am sorry to have to say this," the pope said. "But I do not think that they are taking steps to make peace."

Francis was speaking in a press conference with journalists after a demanding 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania. He said he speaks on the phone with members of a Catholic parish in Gaza "every day" and "they tell me ugly things, difficult things".

"Please, when you see the bodies of killed children, when you see that, under the presumption that some guerrillas are there, a school is bombed, this is ugly," the 87-year-old pontiff said. "It is ugly."

The pope, who has supported calls for a ceasefire in the conflict and for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, said "sometimes I think it's a war that is too much, too much".

The Israel-Hamas war was triggered by Hamas' attack on Oct. 7, when the militant group killed some 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. The resulting Israeli military campaign has reduced the Strip to rubble and killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave's health ministry.

The United Nations said on Thursday that the war has left Gaza's economy "in ruins".

The pope spoke about a range of other issues during the 40-minute press conference. He criticized both former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris' policies, and said U.S. Catholics would have to "choose the lesser evil" when they vote in November, without elaborating.

'HAPPY' WITH CHINA DEAL

Francis also said a Vatican deal with China over the appointment of Catholic bishops in the communist country was showing good results, indicating it will almost certainly be extended when it comes up for renewal this fall.

The pope said the results of the 2018 deal, in which China gets some input into selection of Catholic bishops, "are good". "I am happy with the dialogue with China," said the pontiff. "We are working with good will."

Conservative Catholics have sharply criticized the agreement as handing over too much control to China. The Vatican says the accord resolves a decades-long split between an underground church swearing loyalty to the Vatican and the state-supervised Catholic Patriotic Association.

The deal has never been published, but only described by diplomatic officials. The Vatican says the pope retains final decision-making power in appointment of Chinese bishops.

PARIS, ARGENTINA, CLERGY ABUSE

The pope also firmly denied a French media report that he will go to Paris in December for the reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral. Francis said: "I will not go to Paris".

A small French outlet had reported the pope would go for the cathedral's planned Dec. 8 reopening ceremony, five years after a devastating fire. The pontiff also said on Friday he was still considering whether to travel this year to Argentina, his home country.

"I would like to go," said Francis, who is the first pope from the Americas and before becoming pontiff served as the archbishop of Buenos Aires. "But it is not yet decided. There are some things to resolve first."

The pope said that if he did go to Argentina, he would like to make a stop on the way from Rome in the Canary Islands, an autonomous Spanish territory off the coast of northwestern Africa. It has become an increasingly popular destination for migrants braving an Atlantic crossing to try to reach Europe.

Caring for migrants has been a key theme of Francis' 11-year papacy. He made his first visit as pope to the Italian island of Lampedusa, also confronting an influx of migrants.

"There is situation there with migrants, who are coming by sea," he said of the Canaries. "And I would like to be close to the government and people."

Francis was also asked about Catholic clergy sexual abuse, and the case of a French priest, known as Abbe Pierre, who was long celebrated for his work with homeless but was later revealed to have been accused of sexually assaulting at least seven women. He died in 2007.

The organization Pierre founded, Emmaus, disclosed an additional 17 testimonies against the late priest on Sept. 6.

The pope said he did not know when the Vatican had first become aware of the allegations. "Certainly, after his death, surely," said Francis. "But before (his death), I don't know."

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after his 12-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. The Catholic leader said former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are both against life, while criticizing some of their policy positions. | Guglielmo Mangiapane

Pope Francis commented on the 2024 election Friday during his flight home from the longest trip of his papacy: a 12-day journey across Asia.

The Catholic leader said former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are both against life, while criticizing some of their policy positions.

Both are against life. Both are against life. Both: the one who throws out migrants and the one who kills children. Both are against life, Pope Francis said, per America magazine.

Pope comments on Trump

The popes main concern about Trump stems from the former presidents immigration policy. On the campaign trail, Trump speaks often about violence committed by immigrants and has promised to increase deportation if he returns to the White House.

Pope Francis said its a sin to not welcome migrants, according to America magazine.

In the Old Testament, the pope said Friday, there is a refrain: The orphan, the widow and the stranger  that is, the migrant. They are the three that the people of Israel must protect. The one who does not protect the migrant is failing. It is a sin. Its also a sin against the life of those people.

He argued that the Bible supports immigration.

Immigration is a right, a right that is in sacred scripture, and it was in the Old Testament: the stranger, the orphan and the widow. Dont forget that. Thats what I think on migrants, Pope Francis said.

Pope comments on Harris

The pope was also critical of Harris, but, in her case, his displeasure stems from her plan to expand abortion access.

To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word, or you dont like it, but it is to kill. ... The church does not permit abortion. Why? Because it is to kill, its an assassination. Its an assassination, and we must have things clear on this, he said, per America magazine.

As Pope Francis noted, the Catholic Church is against abortion. Other faith groups leave abortion decisions up to individual church members, or say that abortion should be legal when a mothers life is threatened.

During the Sept. 10 presidential debate, Harris argued that you dont have to abandon your religious beliefs to advocate for expanding abortion access, as the Deseret News previously reported.

One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government, and Donald Trump certainly, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, she said.

Would the pope vote for Trump or Harris?

During Fridays flight, Pope Francis was asked whether its moral for a Catholic to vote for a candidate who supports abortion.

The pope didnt offer a direct answer, according to America magazine. Instead, he described the choice between Trump and Harris as a quest for a lesser evil.

In the moral (teaching) about politics, in general, it is said that to not vote is bad. It is not good. You must vote, and one has to choose the lesser evil, he said.

The pope continued, What is the lesser evil? That woman, or that man? ... I dont know. Each one, in their conscience, must think and (vote.)

The most recenter survey from Pew Research Center found that U.S. Catholics are pretty evenly divided between the two candidates, with white Catholics leaning more toward Trump and Hispanic Catholics leaning more toward Harris.

If the 2024 presidential election were held today, 52% of registered voters who are Catholic would vote for Trump, while 47% were vote for Harris, Pew reported.
Pope slams both Harris and Trump as 'against life' and urges Catholics to vote for 'lesser evil'

Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after his 12-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Pool Photo via AP)

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP)  Pope Francis on Friday slammed both U.S. presidential candidates for what he called anti-life policies on abortion and migration, and he advised American Catholics to choose who they think is the lesser evil in the upcoming U.S. elections.

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies, Francis said.

The Argentine Jesuit was asked to provide counsel to American Catholic voters during an airborne news conference while he flew back to Rome from his four-nation tour through Asia. Francis stressed that he is not an American and would not be voting.

Neither Republican candidate Donald Trump nor the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, was mentioned by name.

But Francis nevertheless expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the U.S. election  abortion and migration  that are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.

Francis has made the plight of migrants a priority of his pontificate and speaks out emphatically and frequently about it. While strongly upholding church teaching forbidding abortion, Francis has not emphasized church doctrine as much as his predecessors.

Francis said migration is a right described in Scripture and that anyone who does not follow the Biblical call to welcome the stranger is committing a grave sin.

He was also blunt in speaking about abortion. To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but its killing, he said. We have to see this clearly.

Asked what voters should do at the polls, Francis recalled the civic duty to vote.

One should vote, and choose the lesser evil, he said. Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I dont know.

Everyone in their conscience should think and do it, he said.

The Harris and Trump campaigns did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

U.S. President Joe Biden, an observant Catholic, shares Harris strong support for abortion rights, a stance that prompted some Catholic bishops and other conservatives to call for him to be denied access to Communion.

After meeting Francis in person at the Vatican in October 2021, Biden came away saying the pope told him he was a good Catholic and should continue receiving Communion.

Francis, asked on previous occasions about some U.S. bishops who want to deny Communion to Biden over his support for abortion rights, has said bishops should be pastors, not politicians.

Friday's news conference was not the first time Francis has weighed in on a U.S. election. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Francis was asked about Trumps plan to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Francis declared then that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is not Christian.

In responding Friday, Francis recalled that he celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and there were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.

Trump pledges massive deportations, just as he did in his first White House bid, when there was a vast gulf between his ambitions and the legal, financial and political realities of such an undertaking.

The U.S. bishops conference, for its part, has called abortion the preeminent priority for American Catholics in its published voter advice. Harris has strongly defended abortion rights and has emphasized support for reinstating a federal right to abortion.

In his comments, the pope added: On abortion, science says that a month from conception, all the organs of a human being are already there, all of them. Performing an abortion is killing a human being. Whether you like the word or not, this is killing. You cant say the church is closed because it does not allow abortion. The church does not allow abortion because its killing. It is murder.

However, cells are only beginning the process of developing into organs in the earliest weeks of pregnancy. For example, cardiac tissue starts to form in the first two months  initially a tube that only later evolves into the four chambers that define a heart. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that by 13 weeks, all major organs have formed.

In other comments, Francis:

 denied a French media report that he would travel to Paris for the December inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral, saying flat-out he would not be there. But he confirmed he would like to go to the Canary Islands to highlight the plight of migrants.

 tamped down renewed speculation that he might finally return to Argentina later this year, saying he wants to go but that nothing had been decided. He added: There are various things to resolve first. Francis has not been home since before the 2013 conclave that elected him pope.

 declared that China was a promise and a hope for the Catholic Church and hoped to one day visit.

 called sexual abuse demonic and weighed on the latest revelations of assault against a legendary French priest, Abbe Pierre.

___

AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard in Washington contributed to this report.

___

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.
Pope Francis slams both US presidential candidates over what he calls anti-life policies

Pope Francis slams both US presidential candidates over what he calls anti-life policies

Related video: Live Poll: Who won the debate between Kamala Harris, Donald Trump? Vote on WFLA.com/Poll

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP)  Pope Francis on Friday slammed both U.S. presidential candidates for what he called anti-life policies on abortion and migration, and advised American Catholics to choose the lesser evil in the upcoming U.S. elections.

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or the one who (supports) killing babies, Francis said. Both are against life.

The Argentine Jesuit was asked to provide counsel to American Catholic voters during an airborne press conference en route back to Rome from his four-nation tour through Asia. Francis stressed that he is not an American and would not be voting.

Neither the Republican candidate Donald Trump nor the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris was mentioned by name.

But Francis nevertheless expressed himself in stark terms when asked to weigh in on their positions on two hot-button issues in the U.S. election  abortion and migration  that are also of major concern to the Catholic Church.

Francis has made the plight of migrants a priority of his pontificate and speaks out emphatically and frequently about it. While strongly upholding church teaching forbidding abortion, Francis hasnt emphasized church doctrine as much as his predecessors.

Francis said migration is a right described in Scripture, and that anyone who doesnt follow the Biblical call to welcome the stranger is committing a grave sin.

He was also blunt in speaking about abortion. To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but its killing, he said. We have to see this clearly.

Asked though what to do at the polls, Francis recalled the civic duty to vote.

One should vote, and choose the lesser evil, he said. Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I dont know.

Everyone in their conscience should think and do it, he said.

Its not the first time Francis has weighed in on a U.S. election. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Francis was asked about Trumps plan to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexican border. Francis declared then that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is not Christian.

In responding Friday, Francis recalled that he celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and there were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.

The U.S. bishops conference, for its part, has called abortion the preeminent priority for American Catholics in its published voter advice. Harris has strongly defended abortion rights.

In other comments, Francis:

 denied a French media report that he would travel to Paris for the December inauguration of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral, saying flat-out he would not be there. But he confirmed he would like to go to the Canary Islands to highlight the plight of migrants.

 tamped down renewed speculation that he might finally return to Argentina later this year, saying he wants to go but that nothing had been decided. He added: There are various things to resolve first. Francis hasnt been home since before the 2013 conclave that elected him pope.

 declared that China was a promise and a hope for the Catholic Church and hoped to one day visit.

 called sexual abuse demonic and weighed on the latest revelations of assault against a legendary French priest, Abbe Pierre.

___

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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Pope Francis delivered a searing indictment of both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris Friday as he unexpectedly intervened in the presidential election.

A reporter from CBS News asked the supreme pontiff what a Catholic voter should do when faced with one candidate who supports abortion rights and the other who advocates deporting millions of migrants. They are both against life, the Pope responded, the one who throws away migrants and the one who kills children.

The Pope touched on two issues that took center stage at Tuesdays presidential debate.

It should be clear that sending migrants away, denying migrants the capacity to work, to not welcome migrants, it is a sin. It is grave, the pope added.

Pope Suggests Trump Is Not Christian

He also emphasized the Catholic Churchs perennial stance that abortion is murder.

Whether you like the word or not, it is a killing, he said. It is an assassination, and on this we should be clear.

Despite his disapproval of the two candidates, the pope made it clear that he wasnt trying to deter his followers from going to the polls. One must vote, he said.

One must choose the lesser of two evils, he added. Who is the lesser of two evils, that lady or that gentleman, I do not know.

The Pope concluded that Catholics in America must consult their conscience before casting a vote one way or the other.

This isnt the first time the Pope has weighed in on a presidential election. In 2016, he slammed Trump again for his stance on immigration. Anyone who intends to expel migrants en masse, the pope said at the time, is not Christian.

966770424 The Pope met Trump and his wife Melania at the Vatican in 2017. At the time the White House said the then first lady was Catholic, although she has been seen subsequently attending an Anglican church near Mar-a-Lago. Maurix/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

An estimated 52 million Americansone in fiveidentify as Catholic, according to Pew Research, of whom 28 per cent attend Mass weekly. The proportion of people who are Catholic has fallen throughout the last two decades, but still represents the biggest single denomination in the country.

The Catholic communitys political power is less clear; traditionally a solidly Democratic constituency, it now reflects a divided nation. Pew reported that in the 2022 midterm elections, 56% voted for Republicans and 43% for Democrats while in 2020 49% supported Donald Trump and 50% for Joe Biden.

The two candidates will succeed only the second Catholic to ever hold the White House. Trump has spoken about being saved by God from the bullet aimed at him by would-be assassin Thomas Crooks in Butler, PA, in July. He has also said that he felt closer to God as a result. He has also relied heavily on Evangelical voters for support, despite being twice divorced.

Trum was raised Presbyterian, thanks to his mother being born in the austere Free Presbyterian Church in the islands of Scotland. His father, whose parents were German, was Lutheran. In recent years Trump has described himself as non-denominational Christian and been seen at an Anglican church near Mar-a-Lago. His wife Melania was said to be Catholic when the couple met the Pope in Rome in 2017, but her father was a member of the Yugoslavian Communist Party, which would have meant declaring he was an atheist.

His running mate, JD Vance, has converted to Catholicism while his wife is a Hindu.

Meanwhile Harris is a Baptist. Her mother, a Hindu, sent her to church when she was a child, while her husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish and has said he attends Christmas and Easter services with her. Her running mate Tim Walz is a Lutheran, he has said.

Pres. Biden is only the second Catholic commander-in-chief, after Pres. John F. Kennedy.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Pope Francis attends an interreligious meeting with young people at the Catholic Junior College in Singapore, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Pope Francis is wrapping up his visit to Singapore by praising its tradition of interfaith harmony. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP)  Pope Francis declared Friday that China was a promise and a hope for the Catholic Church, offering extensive praise for Beijing at the end of a four-nation tour through Asia and again expressed hope to one day visit.

Francis comments, during an in-flight press conference en route home from Singapore, came as the Vatican enters into the final weeks of negotiations to renew a 2018 agreement over the contentious issue of bishop nominations.

Francis declared himself happy with the process, saying both sides were engaging in negotiations in a spirit of good will. Im happy with the dialogue with China, he said. The result is good.

China for me is an illusion, in the sense that I want to visit China, he said. A great country. I admire China. I respect China. Its a country with a millennial culture, with a capacity for dialogue and understanding that goes beyond other systems of democracy.

The Vatican has been working for years to try to improve relations with China that were officially severed over seven decades ago when the Communists came to power. The aim is to unite the countrys estimated 12 million Catholics, who were divided into an official, state-recognized church and an underground church that stayed loyal to Rome.

Relations had long been stymied over Chinas insistence on its exclusive right to name bishops as a matter of national sovereignty, while the Vatican insisted on the popes exclusive right to name the successors of the original Apostles.

The 2018 deal sought to find a middle ground, although the Vatican has flagged repeated violations and Rome has acknowledged it was a bad deal but the only one it could get. It was signed at a time when China was tightening controls on all religions, especially Christianity and Islam, which are viewed as foreign imports and potential challengers to Communist authority.

The Holy See under Francis has gone out of its way to extend overtures to China. But its position has drawn criticism especially from American conservatives, who have accused the Vatican of selling out the faithful who have been forced underground.

Francis nevertheless was upbeat and seemed grateful for the opportunity to speak about China on his return from Asia, a region where Beijing wields so much influence.

I think China is a promise and a hope for the church, he added.

___

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.
Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after his 12-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania (Guglielmo Mangiapane) (Guglielmo Mangiapane/POOL/AFP)

Pope Francis said Friday that he considered both candidates for the US presidency "against life", citing Donald Trump's anti-immigrant policies and Kamala Harris's support for abortion rights.

"Both are against life. The one who discards migrants and the one who kills children. Both are against life," Francis told reporters aboard his plane returning to Rome after a 12-day tour of Asia.

"I am not an American and I will not be voting there. But let it be clear: both sending migrants away and not giving migrants the ability to work or welcoming them is a sin, it is serious," he said.

Former president Trump has promised to round up illegal immigrants and deport them as he seeks to return to the White House in the looming November election.

He also paved the way for a 2022 US Supreme Court overturning of Roe v Wade, the 1973 ruling that made abortion a national right for women -- a right that Harris has pledged to restore.

"One has to choose the lesser of two evils. Who is the lesser evil? That lady or that gentleman? I don't know. Everyone have to think and make this decision according to their conscience," Francis said.

gab/js/gv
Pope Francis has called both major US presidential candidates "against life" and advised Catholic voters to choose the "lesser evil" when casting their ballots in the November election.

The pontiff said not welcoming migrants - seemingly referring to Trump - is a "grave" sin, and compared Kamala Harris's stance on abortion to an "assassination".

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies, the Pope said in rare political comments at a Friday news conference as he wrapped up a 12-day tour through southeast Asia.

The Pope did not refer to Harris or Trump by name in his comments.

American Catholics make up 52 million of the 1.4 billion Catholics globally.

Pope Francis was asked to consul Catholic voters during the in-flight news conference and noted in his remarks that he was not an American and would not be voting in the election.

But he encouraged Americans to vote.

"Not voting is ugly. It is not good. You must vote," he said.

"You must choose the lesser evil. Who is the lesser evil? That lady, or that gentleman? I don't know. Everyone, in conscience, (has to) think and do this."

The Pope has frequently criticised abortion, which is forbidden by Catholic teaching, in sharp terms.

"Forcing a child from the mother's womb is an assassination because there is life there," Francis said.

And this is not his first time making critical comments about Trump.

During the 2016 election, he described Trump as "not Christian" because of the presidential contender's anti-immigrant language.

"Expelling migrants, not letting them develop, not letting them have a life is an ugly thing, it's mean," he said on Friday.

Trump has repeatedly promised to crack down on illegal immigration and as recently as Friday afternoon said he would deport millions of immigrants if re-elected.

Harris has promised to expand nationwide protections for access to abortion after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Pope Francis's remarks come days after Trump and Harris debated one another for the first time. The pair was expected to take the debate stage one more time before election day, but Trump has said he would not debate Harris again.
Pope Francis said Friday that American Catholics should pick a presidential candidate who represents a lesser evil to them, according to The Associated Press.

One should vote, and choose the lesser evil, Francis said, per the AP, while on his plane. Who is the lesser evil, the woman or man? I dont know.

The pope also stated that Vice President Harris and former President Trump are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies, the AP reported.

Stances on abortion and immigration were featured prominently in Tuesdays presidential debate. Harris went after Trump when it came to his abortion policy, saying if Congress passed a bill to codify Roe v. Wade, she would sign it.

Pregnant women who want to carry a pregnancy to term, suffering from a miscarriage, being denied care in an emergency room because their health care providers are afraid they might go to jail, and shes bleeding out in a car in the parking lot  she didnt want that. Her husband didnt want that, Harris said.

Immigration was also a major battleground in the debate, with Trump criticizing the Biden administrations handling of the border. Trump also made reference in the debate to an untrue allegation about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, eating pets.

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. A lot of towns dont want to talk about it because theyre so embarrassed by it. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs.

In response to Pope Franciss remarks, the Republican National Committee (RNC) directed The Hill to statements in an early September release titled Trump Campaign Announces Catholics for Trump Coalition, featuring words from figures like ex-Sen. Rick Santourm (R-Pa.).

Like all Catholics who follow the teachings of the church, it guides every decision I make, Santorum said in his statement. There has never been a time when those values and the freedom to practice them have been in greater peril. With such high stakes, we are blessed to have the easiest decision in modern history as to which candidate for president has a record in public office more consistent with those teachings.

Thats why I will vote for and support Donald Trump and encourage my fellow Catholics to likewise.

The Hill has reached out to the Trump and Harris campaigns.

This story was updated at 4:53 p.m.

The Associated Press contributed.

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ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  One of Elmiras most driven streets received much-needed paving on Friday after months of patchwork and construction.

Crews were out early on Friday, Sept. 13 setting up cones and blocking off streets as a large section of East Water Street was paved over.

According to Chemung County Department of Public Works Deputy Commissioner, Jason French, the paving work being done on Friday is only a one-inch temporary job designed to better the conditions for the road and prepare it for the winter months.

Cornings Gaffer District announces street closures for 2024 Harvest Festival

French said it was best to do it now while conditions were cooperative, but said the stretch of road between Madison Avenue and Clemens Center Parkway will be torn up again in the spring when a more permanent roadway project will be done.

French said the project will be similar to that of the work that was done on West Water Street back in 2021. When asked if there would be similar medians like the ones on West Water Street, French said that was still being decided.

French said the project on Friday would be done around 2 p.m. and mentioned all of the cones on Madison Avenue were to block traffic, and that no work was being done to that road.

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Cornel West is back on the presidential ballot in Virginia, despite a new state law that had appeared to disqualify a dozen of his electors if he won his longshot bid for the White House.

The Department of Elections had informed West's campaign Aug. 27 that 12 of the nominated electors had submitted the wrong form for "signed and notarized elector oaths" under a state law that took effect on July 1. The new law, based on legislation that Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Fairfax, introduced early this year, requires that each elector "be a citizen of the United States and a legal resident of the Commonwealth" in a notarized statement to the department.

The department reversed itself last week after West's campaign protested that each of the notarized statements had been executed earlier this year, before the law took effect, and that the state had not informed the campaign that a new form would be required.

"In fact, the Virginia Board of Elections' Guidance was never updated to reflect the change in statute and clearly indicates that the filing period for the Elector Oaths began" on Jan. 2, said Mike McCorkle, legal counsel to the West campaign.

"To invalidate the Elector Oath forms that were executed prior to the July 1, 2024, statutory amendment disenfranchises thousands of voters, including the 9,900-plus individuals" who signed petitions on West's behalf, McCorkle added.

Election Commissioner Susan Beals informed the campaign last week that the department had reversed its earlier decision and qualified West and his vice-presidential running mate, Melina Abdullah, for the Virginia ballot after re-examining the elector forms it had submitted.

"The Department is satisfied that each of these electors has affirmed their citizenship as a registered voter of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is thus eligible to serve as an elector," Beals wrote McCorkle.

West, a high-profile philosopher and academic on the political left, took a victory lap.

"We're celebrating today  Virginia has officially welcomed us onto the ballot after surpassing the signature threshold!" he said in a statement on Saturday. "This achievement in Virginia, along with our other victories, fuels our campaign's drive toward truth, justice and love."

Not so fast, said a Washington law firm representing Clear Choice Action, a political action committee that scrutinizes independent political candidates who might siphon votes from Democratic candidates.

Elias Law Group, in a letter to the Department on Monday, argued that the state elections agency had properly done its job by enforcing the new law and disqualifying West from the presidential ballot in Virginia.

The law firm challenged the state's decision to reverse its initial decision and its authority to "waive the requirement" under the new law.

"The legislature determined that Elector Oaths were a legal precondition for ballot access; as it recognized on Aug. 27, ELECT must follow that directive," wrote Elias partner Jonathan Berkon and Clear Choice counsel Aria Branch.

The letter also challenged whether one of the Elector Oaths had been signed in the presence of a notary public because the notarization date was different than the date on the oath.

"Given that localities are scheduled to begin printing ballots this week, and the September 20 deadline for printing absentee ballots is fast approaching," Berkon and Branch urged the department to immediately disqualify West from the ballot and instruct local election officials to ensure that his campaign is not printed on their ballots.

Otherwise, they warned of potential legal action against the state.

"If the Department refuses to take the requested actions, we reserve the right to pursue all legal remedies against the Department, including litigation seeking an injunction and writ of mandamus ordering compliance with the law," they wrote.

With early voting set to begin next Friday, Virginia's presidential ballot currently includes West; former President Donald Trump of the Republican Party; Vice President Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party; Jill Stein of the Green Party; Chase Oliver of the Libertarian Party; and Claudia de la Cruz of the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously asked to be removed from the presidential ballot in Virginia.

PHOTOS: Giant president heads in Virginia park
Port Royal Town Council members unanimously voted Wednesday to ban personal storage units in several high-profile locations in a move that was mostly applauded but came over the objection of one landowner.

Storage units remain a permitted use in other districts in the town.

Under the new ordinance, personal storage units are no longer a permitted use in a zoning district known as T4 Neighborhood Center-Open. That is a subzone of T4 Neighborhhood Center that permits a wider range of office and service uses and it includes some 20 properties fronting some of the towns busiest roads including Highway 170, Parris Island Gateway, Robert Smalls Parkway and the Savannah Highway.

Rebecca Bass, a real estate agent who led the effort to put the brakes on storage rentals, said she was delighted by the councils action.

What we have here is very special, she said of Port Royal, and if were not careful we will end up as anywhere USA, which is what the comprehensive plan says they dont want to become.

Rebecca Bass speaks about personal storage units at a Port Royal Town Council meeting earlier this month. Bass proposed storage units be removed as an acceptable use from the T4 Neighborhood Center-Open zoning district.

The approval came over the objection of Bennett McNeil, whose family owns a seven-acre parcel at the intersection of Highway 21 and Wrights Point Lane that is located in the affected zone. A small, gated, secure and safe personal storage facility could exist in the in the district, Bennett argued. He asked that the ordinance be delayed for 120 days until he could bring a site layout and design exhibits before the council.

While the supporters of reigning in storage units are well-intentioned, Bennett said, many residents in Port Royal live in small houses or apartments and need conveniently located storage units for their extra possessions.

My guess is they dont know about these meetings, Bennett said. Many many not know where City Hall is.

But Bass and several other residents appeared regularly before the Planning Commission and later the Town Council to make their case that the town already has too many storage units. They argued Port Royal was becoming the storage capital of the Lowcountry. Remaining open land in T4 Neighborhood Center-Open zone, they said, should be used to in ways that compliment the towns sensitive environment and cool, coastal and far from ordinary reputation.

The ordinance became effective upon its final passage Wednesday, which came on a 5-0 vote.
Port Royal Y locked down after threat to preschool. FBI and police investigating

A threat at the Wardle Family YMCA in Port Royal late Friday morning prompted an emergency lockdown, according to official sources.

Police notified the YMCA at 1801 Richmond Ave. that there was a threat made to the preschool, Olga Maxley, the YMCAs chief financial officer, told the Beaufort Gazette and Island Packet at 11:45 a.m. when police were on the scene.

Children and other members were safely evacuated from the building.

The kids were released to their parents and everybody is safe, Maxley said.

During the lockdown, members in the building could leave but nobody was allowed to enter until it is safe to do so, according to a Facebook post. Parents of children enrolled in preschool and afterschool programs were notified immediately.

The YMCA has a pool and exercise equipment and a broad range of programs and activities including a preschool program.

Parents with enrolled children were asked to contact the front desk at 843-522-9622.

The YMCA said at 1:15 p.m. that the facility will remain closed until authorities deem it safe to re-open. The Y will be posting updates on Facebook.

Port Royal police said at 12:35 p.m. that they received correspondence regarding an unsubstantiated threat against the YMCA. As a result, the YMCA was notified of the information and extra patrols were initiated for the facility. The YMCA requested an officer to be on site while they dismissed their preschool students. The source of the information is still under investigation.

The YMCA said it was the FBI that contacted them about the unsubstantiated threat to the facility.

Out of caution, the Y took the threat seriously, immediately going into an emergency lockdown to ensure the safety of their members and program participants, the YMCA said in a statement.

Its the second time a threat involving a Port Royal facility has been made this week.

Port Royal police increased their presence at Bridges Preparatory School Wednesday after a student made school shooting threats during an episode in the hallway the previous afternoon. That threat was found to be low-level, according to Gary McCulloch, chief executive officer of Bridges Preparatory School.
(Bloomberg) -- Portugals government plans to increase the stock of public housing by about 59,000 homes until 2030 as it tries to address a lack of affordable property, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said.

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The country had initially planned to have 26,000 new homes by 2026 with the help of European Union funds.

The government said in a presentation on Friday that it approved an additional investment of 2 billion ($2.2 billion) for its housing plan. It will also help ensure financing for projects that increase supply of homes, Montenegro said at an event in Alcanena, central Portugal.

Social housing accounts for just 2% of the total housing stock in Portugal  one of the lowest levels in the EU. A property boom in Lisbon and other regions has also made housing in city centers unaffordable for many locals.

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Old photos from a super typhoon that hit the Philippines a decade ago have been shared by social media users in Myanmar that falsely claimed it showed the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, which slammed into several Asian countries and left more than 200 dead in September 2024. The photos in fact showed the impact of Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 after it hit the Philippines and left thousands of people dead and millions more homeless.

"The storm that hit the Philippines about an hour ago," read a Burmese-language Facebook post on September 7, 2024, where it has since been shared more than 1,000 times.

The post featured two photos of ruined houses and battered trees.

Screenshot taken on September 10, 2024 of the false post

The photos surfaced on the same day Typhoon Yagi slammed into Vietnam after leaving two dozen people dead across southern China and the Philippines earlier in the week (archived link).

The storm went on to wreak havoc across Southeast Asia, triggering deadly landslides and widespread river flooding.

The worst-hit Vietnam has seen the death toll rise to 197, while eight have been confirmed dead in northern Thailand -- where one district is suffering the most severe floods in 80 years (archived link).

The same set of photos were linked to the impact of Typhoon Yagi across Facebook here, here and here.

But the pictures show the aftermath of a super typhoon that hit the Philippines in 2013.

Super Typhoon Haiyan

A Google reverse image search of the first photo found it was published by Reuters on November 13, 2013 in a photo series titled "Tacloban in ruins" (archived link).

The photo's caption read: "People stand among debris and ruins of houses destroyed after Super Typhoon Haiyan battered Tacloban city in central Philippines November 10, 2013."

Below is a screenshot comparison of the photo from the false post (left) and the Reuters photo (right):

Screenshot comparison of the photo from the false post (left) and the Reuters photo (right)

Super Typhoon Haiyan made landfall in the central Philippines on November 8, 2013 and left over 7,000 people dead or missing, while millions across the region lost their homes as the super storm wiped out entire communities (archived link).

AFP has previously debunked false social media posts that linked the photo to a tropical storm that hit Myanmar in 2022.

A reverse image search of the second photo, which shows people walking along a street with debris on both sides, found it was published by the Associated Press on November 10, 2013, also in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan (archived link).

The caption states the photo was taken in the central Philippines' Tacloban city on November 10, 2013, where residents complained of a shortage of food and water and no electricity after Typhoon Haiyan hit.

Below is a screenshot comparison of the photo from the false post (left)and the AP photo (right):

Screenshot comparison of the photo from the false post (left)and the AP photo (right)

AFP has debunked other posts linking old images to Typhoon Yagi here.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The Power Dam Road Fire was being held at the White River early Friday morning, Jones County Emergency Management said in a Facebook post.

Jones County Emergency Management said Friday morning the fire seems to be slowing up.

Authorities said on Thursday evening, the strong winds were pushing the fire northward and the fire was located in the river bottom of the White River on the south bank.

Okaton town & ranches evacuated as fire burns near White River, SD

The town of Okaton and several ranches were evacuated as precaution, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety said in a release Thursday night.

Power Dam Road fire photo from Sept. 13. Photo courtesy of Jones County Emergency Management

Power Dam Road fire photo from Sept. 13. Photo courtesy of Jones County Emergency Management

Power Dam Road fire photo from Sept. 13. Photo courtesy of Jones County Emergency Management

Power Dam Road in the early morning Friday, Sept. 13. Photo courtesy of Jones County Emergency Management

The fire destroyed more than 30 electric poles in a section of Mellette County, the far northwestern corner of the Cherry-Todd Electric Cooperative service area, the cooperative said on Facebook. That northwestern section lost power overnight and into Friday.

Firefighters from multiple departments have responded to the fire. The pancake feed for the Murdo Volunteer Fire Department has been postponed from Friday until a later date, the fire department said on its Facebook page. Jones County Emergency Management said on Facebook that donations buckets would be available at the Friday high school football game to collection donations for the Murdo fire department.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City Power and Light District announced that it is renewing its partnership with Kansas City Public Schools by gifting a teacher a two-year lease.

Power and Light is celebrating the hard work, creativity and dedication of teachers for the sixth time since 2019. This time, the lease will be for a newly renovated loft at Midland Lofts.

Our tradition of recognizing Kansas City Public Schools educators for their hard work and dedication continues this fall and we couldnt be more pleased, said John Moncke, president of KC P&L.

We are passionate about investing in our community and are proud to partner with Kansas City Public Schools.

Developers hope to bring entertainment district to Olathe with STAR bonds

KCPS teachers can nominate themselves or colleagues for the giveaway. The application will be sent out directly to teachers, with the nomination period ending on September 30. The winner will be selected in late October.

We are thrilled to once again partner with the Kansas City Power & Light District for the sixth year to provide a free apartment lease to one of our incredible teachers. This initiative is just one way we can show our gratitude for the tireless dedication of our educators. Were also deeply appreciative of the Kansas City Power & Light District for offering generous discounts to all KCPS employees, further supporting our team, said Dr. Jennifer Collier, superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools.

As we continue to seek meaningful ways to recognize our teachers and staff, this tradition remains a testament to the strong community partnerships that help make KCPS a great place to work.

Additionally, the lease giveaway, special pricing incentives at One Light, Two Light, Three Light and Midland Lofts apartment leases for qualified employees were announced early this year at a Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour held by the Kansas City Power & Light District for KCPS.

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(Bloomberg) -- Pravin Gordhan, who held three positions in South Africas cabinet and won plaudits for standing up to Jacob Zuma during his scandal-marred presidency, has died. He was 75.

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Gordhan died in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after battling cancer, his family said in an emailed statement.

A veteran anti-apartheid activist and high-ranking member of the African National Congress, Gordhan made a name for himself within government by leading an overhaul of the national tax agency years before serving under Zuma.

Recruited to the post in 1999 by then-Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, Gordhan served as commissioner of the South African Revenue Service for a decade and transformed it into a world-class organization, overhauling its systems and recruiting a new team of highly skilled personnel. Government revenue more than tripled during his tenure as an additional 1.5 million people were drawn into the tax net.

Finance Minister

Zuma was appointed president in 2009  weeks after prosecutors dropped charges against him of taking bribes from arms dealers  and tapped Gordhan to replace Manuel as finance minister. Gordhan steered the economy through the aftermath of the global financial crisis, and the economy grew by an average of about 1.8% annually during the five years he held the post.

After winning a second term in 2014, Zuma assigned the finance portfolio to Nhlanhla Nene and named Gordhan as cooperative governance and traditional affairs minister. Linked to a succession of scandals, Zuma in 2015 fired Nene and replaced him with a little-known lawmaker, David van Rooyen.

The move triggered a selloff in the rand and the nations bonds, and business and ruling-party leaders pressured Zuma to reconsider. Four days later, he announced that Gordhan and Van Rooyen would swap portfolios.

But Zuma repeatedly undermined Gordhans authority, describing Van Rooyen as the most qualified finance minister hed ever appointed and rebuffing Gordhans request to fire tax chief Tom Moyane for insubordination. Gordhan defied Zumas attempts to open the spending taps and finance a nuclear-expansion program, presenting a national budget that proposed spending curbs and higher taxes.

Fraud Charges

In 2016, prosecutors said Gordhan would face two fraud charges for illegally approving the early retirement of a subordinate, resulting in 1.1 million rand ($61,000) of wasteful expenditure. Civil-rights groups, the heads of some of South Africas biggest companies and scores of ANC leaders rallied to Gordhans defense, and the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.

Gordhan said hed been the victim of persecution and political mischief driven by rent-seekers intent on accessing state coffers.

In March 2017, Gordhan flew to London to promote South Africa as an investment destination, and upon his arrival he received a message from Zumas office instructing him to return home. He was fired shortly thereafter, part of a major cabinet reshuffle that saw Zuma appoint loyalists to key posts.

Zuma stood down as ANC leader in December 2017 and the ANC forced him to quit as president two months later to stem a loss of electoral support. A judicial commission of inquiry found that state entities were systematically looted during Zumas almost nine-year tenure with his tacit consent.

Rolling Blackouts

Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded Zuma, named Gordhan as his public enterprises minister and tasked him with turning around mismanaged, cash-strapped state companies. While their boards and management teams were overhauled, they continued to underperform, resulting in the country being subjected to rolling power blackouts and logistics snarlups that hamstrung the economy.

Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan was born on April 12, 1949, in the eastern port city of Durban, the son of traders who had immigrated to South Africa from India in the 1920s.

He became immersed in the struggle against White-minority rule while studying pharmacy and was detained three times for his political activism, enduring torture at the hands of the police. He played a key role in negotiating a peaceful end to apartheid and became a lawmaker for the party after the nations first multiracial elections in 1994.

Gordhan announced his retirement ahead of May 2024 elections and had kept a low profile since then. He had one daughter with his wife, Vanitha, and another daughter from a previous relationship.

(Updates family details in final paragraph.)

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Prison chief shot dead as she drove, 2nd such killing this month

The director of Ecuador's biggest prison was killed in an armed attack on Thursday, the second such killing in under two weeks in the Latin American country, the SNAI prison agency said.

Maria Daniela Icaza, director of the infamous Litoral penitentiary in the port city Guayaquil died of injuries sustained "following an armed attack on the road" leading to the nearby town of Daule, the agency said.

She died while being taken to hospital, the agency said in a WhatsApp message, adding that an official from the prison service who was travelling with her was injured in the incident.

"We convey our deepest condolences," the agency wrote on social media.

A police officer inspects the car of prison director Maria Daniela Icaza, after being attacked in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on September 12, 2024. The director of a prison in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest and the scene of some of the worst inmate killings, was murdered on Thursday, the agency in charge of prisons (SNAI) said. / Credit: MARCOS PIN/AFP via Getty Images

Ecuador's prisons are among the most dangerous in the world, and many have been taken over by drug gangs.

The penitentiaries have been under military control since January, when President Daniel Noboa declared a state of "internal armed conflict" after a brutal wave of violence, sparked by the jailbreak of a powerful crime boss.

In January, gunmen stormed and opened fire in a TV studio and bandits threatened random executions of civilians and security forces. A prosecutor investigating the assault was later shot dead.

Icaza's death comes nine days after the head of a prison in the Amazonian province of Sucumbios, Alex Guevara, was killed, also in an armed attack while travelling by car.

Two other workers who were with him were wounded after unknown assailants raked his vehicle with gunfire.

And two weeks ago, two prison officers in Guayaquil were murdered on their way to work.

Ecuador registered a record 47 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, up from a rate of six murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018.

Once considered a bastion of peace in Latin America, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis by the rapid spread of transnational cartels that use its ports -- mainly Guayaquil -- to ship drugs to the United States and Europe.

Noboa's government claims that its offensive against organized crime has reduced homicides.

Between January and September this year, 4,236 murders were reported, while in the same period in 2023, there were 5,112, according to the interior ministry.

Noboa said he is targeting 22 criminal groups, the most powerful of which are Los Choneros, Los Lobos, and Tiguerones.

In June, the U.S. sanctioned Los Lobos and its leader, Wilmer Geovanny Chavarria Barre, who also goes by "Pipo." U.S. officials have deemed Los Lobos the largest drug trafficking ring in Ecuador and said the gang "contributes significantly to the violence gripping the country."

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The prison sentence for one of the former paramedics convicted in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain was vacated Friday by a Colorado district court judge. Peter Cichuniec had been found guilty of criminally negligent homicide last year and will now only face a four-year probation period.

Jeremy Cooper, left, and Peter Cichuniec, center / Credit: CBS

In a motion to reduce his sentence, his attorneys wrote Cichuniec is an "individual with no history of violence and no prior criminal history ... and is not an ongoing risk to the public." On Friday, the court determined sentence reconsideration is appropriate.

According to the Denver Post, Judge Mark Warner said in Friday's court hearing that he was vacating the sentence due to "unusual and extenuating circumstances and they are truly exceptional in this particular case."

The Colorado Attorney General's Office also said this week's court decision was made due to "unusual circumstances" in Cichuniec's case, but did not elaborate.

Cichuniec was a paramedic with Aurora Fire Rescue in 2019 when he responded to the scene where McClain, a 23-year-old Black man, had a confrontation with police. McClain, a massage therapist, had been walking home and police stopped him after someone reported him as looking suspicious and the situation escalated to violence. After Cichuniec arrived, he, along with another paramedic, injected McClain -- who had been slammed to the ground, restrained by officers and put in a neck hold -- with ketamine. McClain went into cardiac arrest soon after that and died several days later.

Cichuniec was sentenced to 5 years in prison in March, which was the minimum possible sentence. After that, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser issued a statement saying in part that the sentence sent "a strong message that no profession, whether a paramedic, a nurse, a police officer, an elected official, or a CEO should be immune from criminal prosecution for actions that violate the law and harm people."

Elijah McClain / Credit: CBS

After Friday's decision, Weiser released a statement saying: "After considering the evidence, a statewide grand jury indicted Cichuniec and a jury of his peers found him guilty of his criminal acts that led to the death of Elijah McClain. We are disappointed the court reduced his sentence today, but we respect the court's decision."

During his trial, Cichuniec testified that his training never provided a warning that ketamine could kill someone.

The International Association of Fire Fighters says the judge's decision acknowledges the challenges faced when making split-second decisions. In a statement their president wrote: "While nothing can undo the tragic events of Mr. McClain's death, the IAFF is relieved that the court recognized the need for fairness and justice in this case."

Aurora's NAACP says their heart goes out to Elijah's mother and that "The recent change in sentencing serves as a reminder that the fight for Black Lives Matter is ongoing. We thank the Colorado Attorney General's Office for their courageous efforts in making sure that the individuals responsible for the murder of Elijah McClain were made accountable for their actions."

Paramedic Jeremy Cooper was also found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and sentenced to four years probation. One of the police officers, Randy Roedema, was also convicted in the case of criminally negligent homicide and sentenced in January to 14 months in jail. Two other officers were acquitted.

As a result of the lengthy investigations that ensued after McClain's death, the Aurora Police Department went through major reforms. McClain's death also led to rallies with protesters crying for social justice and scrutiny towards the practice of administering ketamine to patients who are showing signs of being agitated.

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
Around 1,750 prisoners were freed on Tuesday after jails in England and Wales came close to running out of space - Tolga Akmen/Shutterstock

Some prisoners released early this week have been recalled to jail within days of being freed, The Telegraph can reveal.

The first criminal to be returned to prison is understood to have been recalled within 36 hours of being freed on Tuesday as part of the Governments early release scheme.

Around 1,750 prisoners were freed on Tuesday after jails in England and Wales came close to running out of space.

Under the scheme, prisoners were released 40 per cent of the way through their sentences rather than halfway. Up to 1,700 more are due to be freed on Tuesday Oct 22.

Most have been recalled for breaches of their licence, which places restrictions on where they can go, who they can meet and where they can live, as well as requiring them to attend meetings with their probation officers.

The first to be recalled is believed to have failed to turn up at a pre-arranged address, leading to probation officers alerting police, who found him and took him back into custody within 36 hours.

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Prison and probation sources said they always expected prisoners to be recalled, irrespective of whether they were released early.

The idea that they would have significantly changed their behaviour by serving another 10 per cent of their time in custody would be wildly optimistic, said one source.

Martin Jones, the chief inspector of probation, had forecast the early recalls on Tuesday, saying prisoners were almost bound to be sent back to jail within days or weeks because things will go wrong in the community and they would breach the terms of their licence.

He said the biggest factor in determining early recalls was whether freed prisoners had accommodation and predicted that a third were likely to reoffend within a year of their release, based on previous trends.

On Tuesday, The Telegraph spoke to one prisoner who expected to be back in jail in short order. Jack Creighton, 54, said he would be sleeping on a park bench tonight after he was released early without sorting any accommodation.

Creighton, who said he had been in and out of prison for petty offences, was released from HMP Wandsworth in south London.

Speaking outside the prison gates, he said: Im going to be sleeping on a park bench tonight, and then Ill no doubt start drinking and then Ill come back.

Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, put budget hotels on standby as contingency accommodation for the freed prisoners in an attempt to reduce the chances of them being left homeless. Just over 13 per cent of offenders released in the year to this March were homeless.

The chances of recall have also been increased by the prison overcrowding, which has meant rehabilitative work  such as training for work, education and drug or alcohol treatment schemes  has been restricted, according to reports by Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons.

One 59 year-old freed early from HMP Brixton on Tuesday told The Times he had been locked up there for punching people in the head but was released after spending 17 months behind bars.

Asked whether he felt rehabilitated, the man, who gave his name only as Mr T, said: Certainly not. There is no rehabilitation.

No one talks to you  you just go in, lie down and 17 months later Im out. Im not looking to reoffend, but you never know. You can never say no.

Ministry of Justice figures show that the number of recalls of freed prisoners for breaching their licence was 7,415 between January and March this year, a nine per cent increase on the same quarter in the previous year.

The 7,415 recalls were equivalent to more than half of the 13,829 prisoners released during the same quarter. Around 12,000 prisoners  some 13 per cent of the total prison population  are said to be recalled to jail at any one time.

The nine per cent increase has been attributed to the Tories introduction of their ad hoc early release scheme and increasing caution by probation officers after high-profile scandals over serious further offences by ex-prisoners.

In a report on the data, MoJ officials warned that the expansion of the Tories early release scheme for prisoners, to up to 70 days before their scheduled date, would mean recalls are likely to show increases in the next few quarters.

Labours scheme is different in that it changes all prisoners release date to 40 per cent of their sentences unless they have been jailed for sexual offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or for more than four years for violence.

Sources said this gave prison and probation officers more certainty about the release dates. Also, by announcing the scheme two months ago, the MoJ said it had aimed to give all relevant authorities and services the necessary time to prepare for the release of offenders and to notify victims.

An MoJ spokesman said: This Government inherited a justice system on the verge of collapse, and the worst possible outcome for victims would have been to allow this to happen. 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  including tough licence conditions such as tags, exclusion zones and curfews  and we will not hesitate to recall those who break the rules to custody.

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.
GREENSBORO  A 21-year-old man has died from gunshot wounds he sustained downtown early Friday morning, according to a news release from police.

At roughly 2 a.m., police and Guilford County EMS responded to a call from Sheetz at 3941 W. Market St. about a shooting, the release said.

While traveling to Sheetz, police stopped a vehicle near West Market Street and South Greene Street and discovered the alleged shooting victim, Jamon Terell Eubanks, 21, a passenger suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Despite life-saving measures by medical personnel, Eubanks died at the scene, police said.

Police did not provide a description of the vehicle in which Eubanks was found or the name of its driver. So far, police have not disclosed any information about a suspect or motive for the crime, but said the investigation is ongoing.

Eubanks' death marks the 28th homicide in Greensboro this year.

The crime forced police to close a span of West Market Street between South Eugene and South Greene streets for several hours.
We believe this is the right thing to do to provide stability to pupils, says Harjesh Singh Kaushal, the schools director - Julian Simmonds

A private school will take on the full 20pc cost of Labours VAT raid in the hopes of attracting new pupils from rival independents.

Heath House Preparatory School, in Blackheath, London, has told parents it will absorb the 250,000 bill indefinitely from January to provide stability for pupils and avoid any kind of disruption.

The school said it hopes to offset the cost by attracting up to 25 new pupils  a 20pc increase  every year.

Harjesh Singh Kaushal, director at Heath House Prep School said: At present our intent is to absorb this indefinitely, we do not want to pass this on to parents, even in the future.

We believe this is the right thing to do to provide stability to pupils, to provide comfort to the parents and to avoid any kind of disruption.

Mr Kaushal added: There is hope and expectation to grow the school. At the moment we have around 120 students, we could potentially have 20 to 25 more students if we have the interest.

The most conservative estimate suggests up to 7pc, equivalent to 40,000 pupils, could be forced out by the Governments VAT raid. Heath House had anticipated it could lose up to 10pc of its pupils had it passed on the VAT to parents.

The small primary school was acquired by Global Schools Group, a Singapore-based education firm with more than 60 schools worldwide, in November 2023.

But because Heath House is the only British school in Global Schools Groups portfolio, it is not able to reclaim VAT on other parts of its business.

Mr Kaushal said Heath House would only be able to reclaim up to 3.5pc of the VAT. If it had passed on the Governments VAT raid to parents, it would see fees at the 19,575-a-year school rise by 3,230 annually.

Heath House now becomes an outlier as one of the only schools in the country to announce it wont pass on any VAT to its parents.

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Eton College recently announced its fees would increase by 20pc, meaning for most pupils fees will rise to 63,000 from January.

Winchester College told parents last week its fees would rise by 10pc from January, meaning boarding fees at the 642-year-old school would rise by more than 5,000 to 57,040 per year.

One of the only other schools to announce it will absorb the VAT bill is Adcote School, a day and boarding school for girls in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

It caused controversy earlier this year after the school paid for a motorway billboard saying VAT? What VAT to advertise its decision not to add the tax to fees.

The school confirmed this decision is in place for the next two years and will be reviewed after that.

Mr Kaushal stressed Heath House had no such intention to put up billboards and was relying on word of mouth to help attract new pupils.

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Should private utilities be able to provide water in Georgia? Lawmakers will consider

The role private water systems can and should play in meeting the demands of Georgias growing population will be the focus of a legislative study committee that will begin meeting next week.

Private water systems became an issue earlier this year when the Republican-controlled General Assembly voted largely along party lines to allow private utilities to provide water in areas where no public service can be provided within 18 months.

Three Republicans from the Georgia coast introduced House Bill 1146 to clear the way for a private company to provide water to new homes being built in Bryan County for workers at the massive Hyundai electric-vehicle manufacturing plant under construction west of Savannah.

If cities or counties cant or wont supply water to an area, if someone does have the capacity in a private system, they ought to be able to come in and supply water, said state Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, the bills chief sponsor.

The need for private water systems to step in where public water service is not available or - in some cases - is extremely expensive is being felt in other areas besides the Georgia coast.

Residents near Lake Oconee have complained about high water rates. In fact, Rep. Trey Rhodes, R-Greensboro, whose House district includes the Lake Oconee area, will serve as the study committees chairman.

Martha Revolo, associate director of governmental affairs for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), said private water systems are a particularly attractive option in fast-growing rural areas of Georgia, where population increase is outstripping public water supplies.

Were having a lot of housing issues ... especially in rural areas, she said. We need the infrastructure, and it takes three to five years to have a fully implemented water plan for a county or region.

However, the ACCG opposed Stephens bill because it allows private water systems to operate in an area without the approval of the local government.

Bypassing local government was our No.-1 concern, setting a precedent for the rest of the state where industries could come in and say, We dont need local consent, Revolo said.

During the debate on the bill, legislative Democrats argued that letting private water systems start serving communities along or near the Georgia coast would hamstring local governments ability to manage limited water resources. Saltwater intrusion has long been a concern of officials in coastal counties.

Weve worked for years to try to keep the people of Savannah from having to drink salty water, said Rep. Debbie Buckner, D-Junction City, who voted against Stephens bill. A private company could come in and drill a well and upset the apple cart.

But Buckner said she welcomes the study committee as an opportunity to learn how many private water companies exist across Georgia and whether they have to abide by the same rules as public water utilities.

If were going to be the No.-1 place to do business, we have to take care of our natural resources, said Buckner, who will serve on the committee. [Water] is a finite resource. We have to be very careful about it.
A pro-Israel demonstrator in Massachusetts has been charged after prosecutors say he shot a man sporting a Palestinian flag pin who ran across the street through traffic and tackled the defendant Thursday during a heated dispute about the war in Gaza in which the man accused protesters of "defending genocide" and calling them "sick."

Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, as well as violation of a constitutional right causing injury, after he shot his attacker in the stomach as they tussled on the ground in Newton at around 6:40 p.m., Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said at a late night press briefing.

Hayes fired his gun after the man made a beeline from across the street, tackled Hayes and knocked him to the ground before grabbing him around the neck on a sidewalk, video shows.

AMERICAN KILLED IN WEST BANK, STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS

After the shot rang out, two other pro-Israel demonstrators could be seen stomping on the pro-Palestinian supporter, who has not been identified, and then dragging him off Hayes.

In another video posted online, Hayes can be seen administering aid to the man seconds after the shooting and telling an onlooker to call 911. The shooting victim suffered life-threatening injuries and was being treated at a local hospital, according to Ryan.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The incident was sparked while Hayes and a group of other pro-Israel supporters were protesting at the intersection of Washington Street and Harvard Street, which is about seven and a half miles west of Boston. Newton, a city of around 90,000 people, has a large Jewish population.

"There was a small group of individuals, pro-Israeli demonstrators who were demonstrating on one side of the street. There was an individual, apparently completely randomly walking down the other side of the street," Ryan said. "Words were exchanged back and forth across the street."

The man, left, running toward Scott Hayes, the man holding Hayes in a headlock, center, and pro-Israel protesters try to pull the attacker off Hayes.

HOLLYWOOD STARS 'AFRAID OF THE BACKLASH' IF THEY SIDE WITH ISRAEL OVER PALESTINIANS, JEWISH CRITIC SAYS

"You are sick, you are sick," the man, wearing a purple T-shirt and shorts with a face mask around his neck, can be heard saying, according to the video footage.

"We are sick?" a woman can be heard clapping back at him and laughing.

"Yes, you are defending genocide," the man shouts back.

Then, in the next clip, the man can be seen running across a busy pedestrian crossing through traffic and lunging at Hayes.

"Ultimately, that individual came very rapidly across the street and tackled one of the demonstrators," Ryan said.

"There was a scuffle that was going on, on the street, and at some point Mr. Hayes used a gun and fired a shot that struck the individual who had come across the street."

Ryan said that Hayes legally owns the firearm.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to support Hayes, and the fundraiser has already raised over $100,000.

The page states that Hayes is an Iraq War veteran, and even though he is not Jewish, has been taking part in demonstrations across Boston defending the Jewish people and their right to self-determination and governance all across Boston.

Hayes is expected to be arraigned Friday at Newton District Court.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said it was a "frightening incident" and called for patience as investigators look into what took place.

"Let the Newton police do their work and get the facts straight," Fuller said. It is the really early stages of an active investigation.

Meanwhile, Acting Newton Police Chief George McMains asked the public who have information or video of the incident to come forward.

He also said that extra police will patrol houses of worship over the next several days.





Original article source: Pro-Israel demonstrator in Mass. charged after firing at attacker in apparent self-defense shooting
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 2903 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 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
Pictured are nine boxes of Narcan, which can reverse opioid overdoses

Boxes of Narcan nasal spray sit on a table at a syringe disposal event hosted by Shred the Stigma, a harm reduction nonprofit based in Oklahoma City. Narcan is the most commonly known form of naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversing drug. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  State mental health officials are abruptly pulling the plug on a vending machine initiative designed to provide Oklahomans access to overdose-prevention medications and testing strips.

The 25 vending machines offering free naloxone and fentanyl test strips will be removed from their locations by the end of the month, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse said in a statement Friday.

The agency said it began placing vending machines in May 2023, but has determined the program was not cost effective and did not deliver positive enough results.

After reviewing the financial implications, data, and overall outcomes, it has become evident that the program has not proven to be cost-effective, nor has it consistently delivered the positive results we had hoped for, said Allie Friesen, commissioner of the agency.

The Mental Health Department reported that 47,604 naloxone kits were distributed through the vending machines in 2023. The agency shipped 148,886 naloxone kits and 108,306 fentanyl test strips through its mail-out program in the same year.

Last summer, the agency, which was under different leadership at the time, heralded its new initiative, which was supposed to place vending machines in strategic zip code locations where overdose prevalence was high. Oklahoma officials said it would be the largest such effort in the nation.

A black vending machine dispenses free naloxone

The campaign was intended to address the opioid crisis, focusing on reducing accidental overdoses in Oklahoma through education, awareness, and providing resources. Naloxone reverses and blocks the effects of opioids, while fentanyl test strips detect the presence of fentanyl in various substances.

The agency spent about $300,000 to purchase 42 vending machines, but ultimately didnt place all of them, officials said Friday.

Alex McGowan Rayburn, board president of Shred the Stigma, said she was saddened by the phasing out of this innovative approach to distributing Naloxone and fentanyl test kits, especially the added anonymity of vending machines.

The Oklahoma City group aims to end drug-related harm by providing resources and supplies.

This change in service is not a failure of harm reduction but a reminder that mutual aid is the most effective way to reach our neighbors, she said. Rural communities face the greatest challenges in the overdose crisis, as they have less access to supplies and more people are using alone.

Shred the Stigma will continue its own mail-out program with supplies provided by the Mental Health Department.

In place of the vending machines, state mental health officials plan to hang marketing posters with QR codes offering information on the agencys mailing program which will allow products to be delivered directly to individuals at their homes.

Overdose education and naloxone distribution is a core strategy to reduce opioid overdose deaths in Oklahoma  By adopting this revised strategy, we aim to provide a more effective and efficient experience for everyone involved, said Andrea Hamor Edmondson, senior prevention program manager for the agency.

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Progress at 'inadequate' school but still work to do

Idsall School has been in special measures since being rated inadequate in 2022 [Google]

A secondary school which was rated inadequate by Ofsted in 2022 has made some progress towards coming out of special measures, the regulator has said.

But in a letter to the headteacher of Idsall School in Shifnal, Shropshire, based on a visit in July, it said more needed to be done.

The monitoring visit report, published on Friday, said senior management at the school were "continuing to take the right actions, in the right order and at the right pace".

The headteacher, Michelle King, said she was "proud of the progress" made since Ofsted's last visit, which took place in March.

The inspector responsible for the latest report, Alexander Laney, wrote to headteacher to explain his findings.

He noted the school, which is now being supported by the Marches Academy Trust had added to its leadership team and filled most of its vacant posts.

Mr Laney also noted the school had changed its approach towards behaviour management.

He said the school had "reset the schools expectations regarding pupils behaviour" and made it clearer for pupils and teachers to understand.

"This is beginning to have a positive impact," he said.

His letter also said he believed the school had "worked smartly to tackle the weaknesses in reading", but said in general teaching needed to improve.

Overall, the inspector concluded: "Leaders have made progress to improve the school, but more work is necessary for the school to be no longer judged as requiring special measures."

Following the publication of his findings, Ms King said: "We are encouraged by the positive feedback in this monitoring inspection."

She praised her leadership team, teachers and students and added: "We are taking the right steps to ensure our school is on the path to long-term success."

Ms King said Ofsted had agreed to carry out a full inspection this term.

These visits are where ratings are most often changed.

Mr Laney did not mention if progress had been made in safeguarding or in the school's support for children with special educational needs - two areas for which the school was criticised in the 2022 report.

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

More on this story
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) After creating a task force dedicated to animal health and safety, a local assistant district attorney has been recognized for her work.

Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Erin Aiello received the Frances M. Wells Award from the Dakin Humane Society for her outstanding work on behalf of animals. The award is given for notable contributions to the health and welfare of animals.

Task force formed to combat animal cruelty in western Mass.

The Northwestern DAs office serves 47 different communities in Hampshire and Franklin Counties, many of which dont have full time animal control officers, meaning many of the animal welfare cases dont get the attention they need. Aiello lead an effort in 2023 to create the Animal Protection Task Force to help strengthen the work of animal welfare professionals in the region in preventing, identifying, and prosecuting animal cruelty.

Erin is a fierce advocate for the welfare of animals. She trains people nationally to use best practices in their efforts to ensure proper treatment of animals, said Northwestern DA David Sullivan. We are fortunate to have her in the office and in our community.

In a letter announcing Aiellos award, Kaitlyn Holloway, community engagement manager for Dakin Humane Society, wrote: This award is a well-deserved acknowledgement of your outstanding work on behalf of animals and the people who care about them. We at Dakin are incredibly proud to have you as part of our community.

In 2023 she was also recognized by the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts for her animal safety advocacy.

Aiello has been a prosecutor in the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit at the Northwestern DAs office for five years.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Veronica Butler, 27, and Jillian Kelley, 39, were found dead in April after they disappeared the previous month

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Veronica Butler (left), Jilian Kelley.

Two Kansas women who were found dead after disappearing under suspicious circumstances in March were allegedly killed by two separate suspects, while two other suspects allegedly helped cover up the crime, prosecutors say in a recent court brief.

Veronica Butler, 27, and Jillian Kelley, 39, were reported missing after their car was found abandoned by the road in rural Oklahoma in March, per the Texas County Sheriff's Department.

They were found dead on April 14, a day after police arrested Tiffany Machel Adams, 54, her boyfriend Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Cole Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, in connection with the investigation, police said. Paul Grice, a fifth suspect, was arrested later that month, online court records show. All are charged with murder among several other offenses.

This week, a brief submitted by prosecutors revealed the details surrounding the alleged attacks on the women and what authorities say was the cover-up that followed. The brief, in support of consolidating a preliminary hearing for the five suspects, was shared by KWCH and reviewed by PEOPLE.

In the brief, which was submitted in court on Sep. 9, prosecutors allege Grice stabbed Butler and Cullum stabbed Kelley; in the process Grice allegedly sliced his own hand.



The brief alleges that Adams purchased burner phones used by the suspects to coordinate the killings. She also allegedly bought stun guns, one of which was found in the burial site, and bought yellow straps that were used to wrap a freezer where the victims' bodies were found, according to the brief.

The brief further alleges Cullum discussed with the owner of the property where the bodies were recovered, and gained permission to dig a hole the day before the killings. (The landowner has not been linked to the investigation by authorities).

Texas County Sheriff's Office Cole Earl Twombly (left); Tiffany Machel Adams; and Paul Jeremiah Grice.

Related: Slayings of 2 Kan. Women Involved Anti-Government Fringe Group Members and Custody Battle, Police Believe

On the morning of the alleged killings, Cole and Cora Twombly acted as lookouts, prosecutors allege in the brief.

After the killings, the brief alleges, Cullum and Grice allegedly drove the bodies to the burial site, where they both discarded their clothing and Grice discarded his knife.



Investigators recovered Butlers DNA from Grices buried clothing and Kelleys DNA from Cullums clothes, prosecutors allege in the filing.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Cora Twombly (left); and Tad Bert Cullum.

Related: Preacher's Wife and Her Friend Missing in 'Suspicious Disappearance,' Okla. Police Say

The killings allegedly stemmed from a custody dispute between Butler and the paternal grandmother of her children, Adams, according to an affidavit previously cited by the Des Moines Register, FOX 25 and WRHN.

Adams hated and despised Butler and wanted her dead, prosecutors allege in this week's filing.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Prosecutors allege all five suspects, who were members of an anti-government religious group "God's Misfits," had their individual roles in the killings. (The "God's Misfits" group has denounced the crime).



All five suspects have been charged with murder, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit murder, Oklahoma online court records show. Plea information was not available in the online records. PEOPLE wasn't able to immediately reach the defendants' attorneys.



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Read the original article on People.
Protestors come out for Vice President Harris visit to Wilkes-Barre

Protestors come out for Vice President Harris visit to Wilkes-Barre

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Vice President Kamala Harriss visit is being met with plenty of opposition in the Diamond City.

Dozens of protestors gathered near where the vice president is set to speak Friday evening to send Vice President Kamala Harris a message and show their support for former president Donald Trump.

Roads closures, public parking for Vice President Kamala Harris Wilkes-Barre rally

People began arriving around 3:00 p.m. holding signs, posters, and flags at the corner of South River and West Market streets. The Trump supporters have been catching the attention of traffic with people honking at them.

The energy is high as the crowd gathers together to support Trump.

Earlier Friday we caught up with a man who was protesting just outside of where Harris supporters were gathered.

Vice President Kamala Harris visits Wilkes-University

He came to Wilkes-Barre after attending the debate in Philadelphia.

Well, I wanted to register my protest against Kamala Harris and Biden, to me theyre the same. I wanted to give my support, as a registered Democrat who I think is the only one who can get us out of this mess, stated Bob Kunst.

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A political sign for Montana Public Service Commissioner Randy Pinocci, R-Sun River, is displayed near Stanford, Montana, nearby a welcome sign from the Stanford 4H (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

Its not the kind of victory he had probably planned, but Montana Public Service Commissioner Randy Pinoccis campaign signs will likely stay up for longer than hell sit on the five-person board that oversees public utilities in Montana.

A consent decree signed by federal district court Judge Dana Christensen means that the Montana Department of Transportation will not threaten to remove campaign signs on private property because it violates their constitutional rights.

This is another victory for Montanans First Amendment rights and another blow to the Gianforte administration which is trying to silence conservatives, said Pinoccis attorney, Matthew Monforton of Bozeman.

The Montana Department of Transportation had threatened Pinocci, a Republican, and his supporters with fines and punishment if they did not remove his campaign signs from their property. Montana law says that all campaign-related signs must be removed from property near roadways within two weeks of the election or face fines. Those fines could have taken the form of having to pay for the mileage and staff time for MDOT employees to remove the signs.

However, a drive along Montanas highways and roads demonstrates that some yard and campaign signs live well beyond the campaign season. MDOT had said previously that the purpose of the law wasnt to crack down on political speech, rather not leave litter or garbage on the side of the road.

Pinocci was first elected to the Public Service Commission in 2018 and is serving out his second term. He is also a former legislator from Sun River, and ran as a lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket in the primary with Rep. Tanner Smith, R-Lakeside. They lost to incumbent Republican Gov. Gianforte and his running mate, Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras.

That means the Pinocci signs, which are still up because of a preliminary injunction issued by Christensen, will likely outlast Pinoccis term on the public utility oversight commission.

The court process, discovery and public documents requests show that the Montana Department of Transportation responds to few complaints about political signs. Most political signage is under the jurisdiction of the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices.

However, a resident in eastern Montana complained in writing to MDOT, which triggered the enforcement of the law. Monforton said that this wasnt a case of littering, rather a First Amendment case with political and free speech implications.

Yard signs, he explained, are a form of political speech and as such, among the most protected forms of communication protected under the United States Constitutions First Amendment guarantees.

Political speech lies at the heart of the First Amendment, Monforton said. This was truly a constitutional case. Surprisingly, theres more in Montana than what youd expect. There has been a historical and bipartisan effort to stifle free speech in this state.

While the new law will prohibit MDOT officials from enforcing the state law when signs are on private property, it does not change rules or laws about signs on public properties or rights-of-way. And, the federal consent decree does not affect commercial signage rules and requirements.

As part of the consent decree, an agreement to settle the lawsuit without going to trial, MDOT will agree not to enforce the provision against Pinocci and his supporters. MDOT has also agreed to pay nearly $41,000 in attorneys fees.

240912 (56) Consent Decree (1)
Police on Wednesday charged a Reidsville man with first-degree murder in the Sept. 1 shooting death of Joseph Minor at a downtown parking garage, according to a news release from the Greensboro Police Department.

Davian W. Larry, 20, is being held in the Guilford County Jail without bond. No court date was immediately available.

Minor, 20, of Browns Summit was shot multiple times on a Sunday morning on the ground floor of the Marriott parking deck at 304 N. Greene St.

Police were called to the scene around 6:13 a.m. where they found Minor still alive. EMS workers transported him to a local hospital where he died later that day, police have said.

Authorities havent disclosed any theory about a motive or details about the weapon used in the shooting. But police have said the shooting was not random.

Minor had recently worked on the loading dock at R&L Carriers in Greensboro, a trucking line that handles nationwide shipping.

His Facebook page shows Minor sharing his Christian-theme tattoos, including a trinity of crucifixes across his front midsection and a cross along his sternum that divides profiles of a lion and Jesus in prayer.

Minors death marked the 27th homicide in Greensboro this year.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000. Residents can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to P3tips.com to submit a web tip. All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous.
A clinical psychiatrist at a leading medical school says if a patient presented with the rambling incoherence that former president Donald Trump showed in his widely panned debate performance earlier this week he would refer them for a rigorous neuropsychiatric evaluation.

Richard Friedman, a professor of clinical psychiatry and director of Weill Cornell Medical Colleges psychopharmacology clinic, wrote in The Atlantic Thursday that he watched Trump debate Vice President Kamala Harris with particular attention to candidates vocabulary, verbal and logical coherence, and ability to adapt to new topicsall signs of a healthy brain.

The Republican nominees brain did not win a vote of confidence from the professor.

Kamala Harris Taunts Chicken Man Trump After He Dodges Another Debate

Donald Trumps expressions of those tendencies were alarming, he wrote. He displayed some striking, if familiar, patterns that are commonly seen among people in cognitive decline.

As a key example, Friedman cited Trumps answerif it can be called thatto a question from moderator David Muir about if he has regrets over his behavior during the January 6 riots in 2021.

I have said blood bashbath. It was a different term, and it was a term that related to energy, because they have destroyed our energy business, said Trump, making virtually no sense. That was where bloodbath was. Also, on Charlottesville, that story has been, as you would say, debunked. Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity, Jesseall of these people, they covered it. If they go an extra sentence, they will see it was perfect. It was debunked in almost every newspaper.

Friedman noted that, while its normal for politicians to evade questions, Trumps response went beyond evasion and essentially amounted to completely irrelevant babbling, an IRL Old Man Yells at Cloud meme.

He also flagged Trumps compulsive repetitions, such as bringing up gas pipelines multiple times, including when they were not relevant and, in one case, leading moderators to cut him off to go to commercial.

If a patient presented to me with the verbal incoherence, tangential thinking, and repetitive speech that Trump now regularly demonstrates, I would almost certainly refer them for a rigorous neuropsychiatric evaluation to rule out a cognitive illness, wrote Friedman. A condition such as vascular dementia or Alzheimers disease would not be out of the ordinary for a 78-year-old. Only careful medical examination can establish whether someone indeed has a diagnosable illnesssimply observing Trump, or anyone else, from afar is not enough.

Friedman isnt alone in his concerns. MSNBC host Chris Hayes said last week there has not been nearly as much discussion about Trumps diminished mental acuity compared to President Bidens. Trump biographer Timothy OBrien even told The Guardian he thinks Trump is aware that hes mentally slipping. What were seeing now is a reflection of someone whos very troubled and very desperate, OBrien told the newspaper.

In an attempt to recast his incoherence as a strength, Trump even flamboyantly branded his own purported ramblings as the weave earlier this month.

Ill talk about, like, nine different things that they all come back brilliantly together, he told a rally in Pennsylvania. And its likeand friends of mine that are, like, English professors, they say: Its the most brilliant thing Ive ever seen. At least one psychiatry professor disagrees.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The West African nation of Benin is supposed to be a critical partner in the multinational security mission helping Haiti fight violent gangs  pledging the single-largest force of 1,500 to 2,000 soldiers, who also would be the only native French-speakers enlisted in the campaign.

But now the nations deployment plans appear to be on hold. At issue is who Beninese troops, once deployed to Haiti, will be answering to and whether the international effort to stabilize and secure the country for elections should be carried out by police or military personnel.

Our position and our commitment remains the same, to help Haiti, Benin Foreign Minister Shegun Adjadi Bakari told the Miami Herald in an interview. But since the beginning we said clearly, what Haiti needs is not a police mission. We believe that we need a military mission in Haiti to fight against gangs, restore the security in the country and restore the stability, which is a prerequisite for any election.

The participation of Benin, where the population speaks French like many Haitians, is considered a key to the success of the mission. Its concerns about the rules of engagement recently came up in a briefing with congressional foreign affairs staff. Some congressional staff have been concerned about the pulling of resources by the Biden administration from strained areas of the globe to put out fires in other areas.

Islamic State and al Qaeda militants, for example, are currently spreading violence across West Africa, and the Pentagon has turned to coastal countries such as Benin and others in the region, to house U.S. forces and assist U.S. counterinsurgency efforts after American soldiers over the summer were forced to withdraw from Niger.

Benin first offered to join the Multinational Security Support mission in February amid calls from the Caribbean Community for more Francophone nations to join the effort after the United Nations agreed to the deployment of foreign forces to help the Haitian national police dismantle armed gangs controlling most of the capital.

Kenya had volunteered to lead the effort and agreed to deploy 1,000 of its police officers. However, the effort was delayed due to court challenges in Nairobi and funding issues in Washington. Still, Washington was able to amass a list of countries to volunteer troops to what it continuously touted as a police-led security mission. Those countries The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Chad, Jamaica and most recently, Guatemala.

Of those, the Kenyans were the first to deploy. The first contingent of the 400 Kenyan police officers began arriving in late June. On Thursday, they were joined by 25 Caribbean security personnel including members of the Jamaican military and police force, and two members of Belizes military.

In welcoming the Caribbean contingent, Godfrey Otunge, the Kenyan force commander and a policeman, said the presence of the Caribbean forces will enhance the synergy of the ongoing operations between the Multinational Security Support mission and the Haiti National Police.

Until now, both groups have struggled to make a significant impact against the armed gangs, which have grown even more emboldened amid the missions lack of resources, which include a lack of security personnel, equipment and financing.

Bakari said Benin has several concerns about the mission, which the government shared with partners from the onset. Among them was about the command structure, which was voiced the minute it offered to contribute between 1,500 to 2,000 military soldiers.

They came back to us and said are you ready to send your military right now? We said, Yes. But you cannot ask the military to be led by policemen,  he said. It hasnt happened anywhere in the world. You need the military to command military people.This is where we stand today, we said We cannot send our military persons in Haiti to be led by policemen coming from Kenya. 

The State Department did not respond to a request for comment.

This is not the first time the question of who is better equipped at taking on Haitis armed gangs has come up. A confidential U.N. document obtained by the Herald ahead of Kenyas pledge to lead the effort suggested that the international armed force could consist of a mix of military and police units, but must have the muscle, assets and intelligence capabilities necessary to fight heavily armed kidnapping gangs.

Bakari said Benin raised this very idea in its own conversations, suggesting that the security mission be a mix of army and police, or just army.

All of us know that it is impossible for policemen to solve this issue, he said. They dont know how to do this kind of operation; its a pure war, we know that.

He also raised another concern, one that also help lead to the decision by Canada not to take the lead despite heavy courting by the United States to do so.

They should understand us also, how can I send my people to Haiti and they will be shot at? What will I tell my constituents? Bakari said.

While some in Washington view the uncertainty around Benin as a blow to U.S. efforts to securing Haiti enough for the country to be able to hold long-overdue general elections next year, Bakari said he remains hopeful that his nation can keep its commitment to the troubled Caribbean country that not only shares the French language but other cultural touchstones.

There is a diplomatic meeting with U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken later this month, he said, where Benin plans to once more raise its concerns.

The U.S. is the largest financial contributor to the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission, providing more than $300 million toward its operations and the construction of a base near the international airport in Port-au-Prince.

Despite the largess, there still isnt enough money to support the 2,500-security personnel it who are expected to field the operation. Concerns are also growing that while the current funding, including $84.5 million in a U.N.-controlled Trust Fund, is enough to support the troops currently employed, funding will soon run out by early next year.

To address the funding and resource issues, the U.S. plans to push for more funding during the upcoming U.N. Genera Assembly that begins on Tuesday. It is also pushing to transform the non-U.N. mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation. Along with Ecuador, the U.S. is floating a resolution among members of the Security Council for a years extension on the mandate of the current mission until October 2025, and for planning to begin on transforming it into a peacekeeping operation.

As a peacekeeping mission, funding would come from member state assessed contributions, and not voluntary contributions. It would also have assets like helicopters and a hospital capable of doing surgeries, which doesnt currently exist.

But for any of this to happen, the U.S. will first need to convince U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that a formal peacekeeping mission is the way to go, and then it will have to ensure that neither Russia nor China vetoes the idea when the resolution comes up for a vote on Sept. 30, two days before the mandate expires.

I believe at some point our partners will hear us and they will understand our position and what we are asking for, Bakari said.

Our position is simple, he added. We are ready. Our people are trained, they have all of the clearances but at the same time the United States, Canada, France and other countries, they have to commit in terms of financing.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The chairman of Russia's State Duma, the lower house of parliament, on Friday accused NATO of being a party to military action in Ukraine, suggesting it was already heavily involved in military decision-making.

The comments, by Vyacheslav Volodin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, came a day after Putin warned 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 of the conflict.

Volodin, who did not reference documentary evidence to back his assertions, accused the U.S.-led military alliance of helping Ukraine choose which Russian cities to target, of agreeing specific military action, and of giving Kyiv orders.

"The United States, Germany, Britain and France are discussing the possibility of strikes (by Ukraine) using long-range weapons on the territory of our country. This is nothing but an attempt to camouflage and conceal their direct participation in military action," Volodin wrote on his official Telegram channel.

"In fact, the United States and its allies are actually trying to give themselves permission to carry out acts of aggression with missiles against Russia."

He said the use in Ukraine of NATO advisers and instructors had now been complemented by what he called mercenaries and spoke of entire units armed with NATO weaponry.

Reuters could not independently confirm his assertions.

"They (NATO personnel) determine which cities in our country will be attacked, coordinate military actions and give orders. NATO has become a participant in military actions in Ukraine. They are waging war on our country," said Volodin.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
Vladimir Putin has warned the West against providing Ukraine with long-range missiles to strike targets inside Ukraine - REUTERS

Click here to view this content.

Vladimir Putin has delivered a clear message to the West about the consequences of providing Ukraine with long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia, the Kremlin said on Friday.

The statement made by President Putin yesterday is very important. It is extremely clear, unambiguous and does not allow for double readings. We have no doubt that this statement reached those it was intended for, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlins spokesperson, said.

The Russian president said on Thursday that providing Ukraine with long-range missiles would result in the Wests direct participation in the war.

Of course, this substantially changes the very essence, the nature of the conflict. If that is the case, we will take corresponding decisions based on the threats that will be created to us, Putin said.

His warning came as Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy travelled to Washington on Friday for a meeting with Joe Biden, in which they are expected to discuss lifting restrictions on British Storm Shadow missiles being used by Ukraine.

Kyiv has repeatedly called on Western nations to allow its forces to use the missile, which has a range of up to 250km, to strike defensive targets inside Russia.

03:32 PM BST

Thanks for following todays live blog

Thank you for following todays live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Well be back soon with more updates and analysis from the conflict.

03:25 PM BST

Pictured: Boris Johnson arrives at Yalta European Strategy summit in Kyiv

Boris Johnson, the former prime minister, has been pictured arriving at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) summit in Kyiv.

The YES summit is an annual conference which welcomes politicians and diplomats to discuss Ukraines future in Europe.

Boris Johnson is greeted as he arrives at the Yalta European Strategy summit in Kyiv - AP

Boris Johnson is greeted as he arrives at the Yalta European Strategy summit in Kyiv - AP

03:01 PM BST

Russia claims capture of another village in eastern Ukraine

Russia has taken control of the village of Dolynivka in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed on Friday.

02:30 PM BST

Zelensky: Russia had no serious success with Kursk counteroffensive

Russia has had no serious success with its counteroffensive in Kursk, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday.

The Ukrainian president also acknowledged that Kyivs forces are continuing to face difficulties in the eastern city of Pokrovsk, though said the Kursk invasion led to Russia redeploying 40,000 troops from the east to the border region.

02:19 PM BST

Nato is waging war on Russia, says Putin ally

Nato is already waging war on Russia by giving Kyiv orders on which targets to strike, Vladimir Putins close ally has said.

Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russias lower parliament, made the comments after the Russian president warned the West against providing Ukraine with long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia.

Mr Volodin said discussions surrounding Kyivs use of the Western-made missiles are nothing but an attempt to camouflage and conceal their direct participation in military action.

They (Nato personnel) determine which cities in our country will be attacked, coordinate military actions and give orders. Nato has become a participant in military actions in Ukraine. They are waging war on our country, Mr Volodin said.

It comes after Putin warned Russia would take appropriate action should Ukraine be given long-range weapons, including Storm Shadow missiles. This substantially changes the very essence, the nature of the conflict, he said.

Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy are preparing to hold talks with Joe Biden in Washington on Friday over lifting restrictions on the weapons. Kyiv has repeatedly asked for the missiles so it can carry out defensive strikes on targets inside Russia.

01:51 PM BST

Pictured: Russians stalling Kursk counteroffensive

Russia has released pictures from its counteroffensive in Kursk, where it is trying to take back land from Kyiv, who invaded the border region on Aug 6.

According to military analysts, Russia has only made marginal gains so far and have even been pushed back in some parts of the region (see 7.45am post).

Russian soldier fires Msta-B howitzer toward a Ukrainian position in Kursk - Rusian Defense Ministry

A Russian soldier stands next to a damaged Ukrainian military vehicle in Kursk - Rusian Defense Ministry

01:33 PM BST

US fears giving Kyiv long-range weapons could lead to attacks on soldiers in Middle East

Washington has held back on lifting restrictions on the use of long-range missiles in Ukraine over fears it could lead to American troops being attacked in the Middle East.

There is particular concern that it could lead to Russia providing Iran and its proxy forces with technological help to attack US forces.

Senior American intelligence officials have raised such concerns in classified briefings, the New York Times reported.

01:14 PM BST

Pictured: Starmer and Lammy at British embassy in Washington

Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy at the British ambassadors residence in Washington - PA

12:34 PM BST

Russia turns focus on Kurakhove near Pokrovsk

Russian forces have been focusing on the embattled town of Kurakhove as it continues its assault in the east of Ukraine.

Kurakhove is located around 33 km (20 miles) south of Pokrovsk, a key target for Russia as it seeks to take control of the Ukrainian logistics hub and the entire Donetsk region.

Kyiv said its forces repelled 64 assaults near Kurakhove on Thursday and 36 near Pokrovsk.

12:09 PM BST

Zelensky: 49 Ukrainians returned from Russian captivity

Some 49 Ukrainians have been returned from Russian captivity, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday.

The Ukrainian president said those returned included soldiers, police officers and civilians. It also included fighters from the siege of Mariupol in 2022.

Among them is Leniye Umerova, a young woman taken hostage by the Russians when she came to take care of her sick father, Mr Zelensky said.

Another return of our people  something we always wait for and work tirelessly to achieve.



Forty-nine Ukrainians are now home. These include warriors from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the National Police, the State Border Guard Service, and our civilians. pic.twitter.com/mD5z7zyIvs  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) September 13, 2024

11:57 AM BST

Russia cuts off water supply in Pokrovsk

Russia has cut off water supplies to the city of Pokrovsk as Moscow continues its relentless assault on the east Ukrainian region of Donetsk.

Pokrovsk, a small city in the Donbas region, is a key hub for army logistics and has faced relentless shelling for several months.

As a result of the hostilities, the work of the modular filter station, thanks to which Pokrovsk received water, was stopped, Vadym Filashkin, Donetsks governor, said.

Locals have been urged to evacuate immediately.

The situation is difficult and will not get better in the near future, Mr Filashkin added.

11:49 AM BST

Ignore Putins bluffing. Storm Shadow could change the course of war

We cannot claim to support Ukraine and fail to follow through. Putin isnt the fool Westminster hope he is, writes Hamish De Bretton-Gordon.

President Zelensky has relied on Britain to lead the charge of the Allies, holding off the illegal Russian invasion and thence to preventing the destruction of schools and hospitals. Its a dark portent of Labours leadership that he now has now indicated concerns over wavering support.

To see our new foreign secretary in Kyiv speaking, but saying nothing of consequence, is hard for those of us who have been helping Ukraine from the start. It must be even more devastating for the rank and file in Ukraine who have lost so much and face a third freezing and dark winter.

Who is advising David Lammy? For the want of a Storm Shadow or two, the Ukrainian population are at a point of potential Russian subjugation. Missiles, glide bombs and long-range drones have been hammering into hospitals, schools and the power grid for months. This chaos could have been brought to an abrupt halt, if the UK unshackled Ukraine and allowed them to strike these threats from the Russian airfields from whence they came.

Presumably, the foreign secretary is concerned too much by escalation, and feels the need to appease the Left of his party by focusing on halting some arms licenses to Israel.

Read the full story here.

11:32 AM BST

Kremlin: Putin has sent a clear message to the West

Vladimir Putin has delivered a clear message to the West about the consequences of providing Ukraine with long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia, the Kremlin said on Friday.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlins spokesperson, said there was no doubt that his message had reached those it was intended for.

The Russian president said on Thursday providing Ukraine with long-range missiles would involve the Wests direct participation in the war.

Putin said: 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.

11:13 AM BST

What Telegraph readers are saying...

11:02 AM BST

Diplomats expelled after engaging in classic British espionage

Six diplomats were expelled by Russia after officers became tired of chasing them around Moscow as they engaged in classic British espionage, an FSB employee told Russian state-controlled news channel Rossiya-24.

This reportedly included making rapid changes of public transport and sitting for several hours on benches in the freezing cold as they waited to meet members from banned groups.

Their spouses were allegedly deployed as spies, while young children were used to cover up their spying activity, the officer added. Basically, one cannot speak of any diplomatic etiquette, the officer told the news channel.

10:48 AM BST

UK attacks baseless Russian claims that six diplomats are spies

The Foreign Office has rejected Russias baseless claims that six British diplomats who were expelled from Moscow were spies.

The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless, an FCDO spokesman said.

The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of 6 UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state directed activity across Europe and in the UK.

We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.

10:26 AM BST

Russian media names expelled diplomats

Russian state media have named the diplomats expelled from Moscow as Jessica Davenport, Grace Elvin, Callum Duff, Catherine McDonnell, Thomas Stevenette and Blake Pattel.

Ms Davenport was previously a second secretary and assistant to Nigel Casey, the Russian ambassador. Mr Duff, Mr Pattel and Mr Stevenette are also second secretaries, according to the Russian foreign ministry website. Ms McDonnell is a first secretary.

10:09 AM BST

British expats expelled from Moscow in August

Six British diplomats who were expelled from Moscow over accusations of spying and sabotage left the country in August, a Whitehall source told Sky News.

Their removal was part of a wave of tit-for-tat expulsions, the source added.

Russia said on Friday it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow whose actions it claimed showed signs of spying and sabotage.

The FSB said it had documents showing that a British Foreign Office department in London was coordinating what it called the escalation of the political and military situation.

The six diplomats were named on Russian state TV, which reportedly showed photographs of them leaving the country.

09:38 AM BST

Watch: Starmer and Lammy arrive in Washington for missile talks

Keir Starmer and David Lammy arrived in Washington on Thursday ahead of scheduled talks with Joe Biden, which are expected to focus in part on lifting restrictions on the use of British Storm Shadow missiles being used inside Russia.

Click here to view this content.

09:18 AM BST

Poland not worried about Putins Nato comments

Polands prime minister said on Friday he was not worried by Vladimir Putins comments that the West would be directly fighting with Russia if it allowed Ukraine to strike Russian territory with Western-made long-range missiles.

It is necessary to take all events in Ukraine and on the Ukrainian-Russian front very seriously, but I would not attach excessive importance to the latest statements from President Putin, Donald Tusk said.

They rather show the difficult situation the Russians have on the front.

08:51 AM BST

Diplomat expulsions punishment for missile talks, says ex-national security adviser

Russias decision to expel six British diplomats from Moscow is punishment for the UKs role in providing weapons to Ukraine, a former national security adviser has said.

Lord Peter Ricketts told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that the statement which confirmed the expulsion of the diplomats from Moscow was trumped up.

Were told the Russian spy agency has documents from a department in the foreign office, which say that the task of the embassy is ensuring Russias strategic defeat against Ukraine, Lord Rickets said.

Well, surprise, surprise. That has been British declared politics for two-and-a-half years.

He added that because the embassy is not a large one, it will inhibit what it is able to do.

08:32 AM BST

US confirms Russian gains in Kursk only marginal

Moscows counteroffensive against Ukrainian forces in Kursk is only marginal at this stage, the Pentagon has said.

What we have seen is Russian units beginning to try to conduct some type of counteroffensive in the Kursk region. At this stage, I would say that it is marginal, but something obviously that were keeping an eye on, Pat Ryder, Pentagon spokesperson, said.

Earlier we reported that Russia has only made advances in areas where Ukrainian forces were not yet fully in control of or attempting to control (see 7.45am post).

08:23 AM BST

British forces shadowed Russian warships and planes in past week

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.

HMS Iron Duke (back right) follows the Russian Navys Steregushchiy-class corvette RFS Stoiky - PA

08:05 AM BST

Putin will retaliate if Storm Shadows approved for use in Russia, Biden warned

Joe Biden must be ready to send backup if he allows Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia because Vladimir Putin will retaliate, Americas first and only Ukrainian-American congresswoman has said.

The US president is expected to allow Ukraine to use the British-made long-range missiles inside Russia for the first time in the coming days, despite concerns from the Pentagon the move will escalate the war.

The missiles are used alongside American targeting systems, which require US permission to be used outside of Ukrainian territory.

Victoria Spartz, a Ukrainian-American congresswoman from Indiana, told The Telegraph that the move could provoke a response from Russia and that the US should consider deploying backup.

Read the full story here and watch the interview below.

07:45 AM BST

Russia only making marginal gains in Kursk counteroffensive

Russia is only making marginal gains in its counteroffensive in Kursk due to repeated Ukrainian attacks, military analysts have suggested.

Moscows forces made marginal advances in the west if Vishnevka and in northern Krasnooktyabrskoye (both southwest of Korenevo), according to the Institute for the Study of War.

In effect, Russia has only made advances in areas where Ukrainian forces were not yet fully in control of or attempting to control.

As a result, Russian forces will face more difficulty when it attempts to take back control of areas where Ukrainian forces are fully in control.

Kyiv said it has taken 1,300 sq km of land across more than 100 settlements since launching its daring invasion on Aug 6.

NEW: Russian forces continued counterattacking throughout the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast on September 12 but made only marginal gains, likely due to continued Ukrainian offensive operations and defensive counterattacks in the area. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/yZbn5VcKrj  Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) September 13, 2024

07:38 AM BST

Lammy: UK missiles are vital to stop Putin

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.

Read the full story here.

Keir Starmer and David Lammy have arrived in Washington for talks with Joe Biden over Ukraines use of Storm Shadow missiles - REUTERS

07:27 AM BST

Russian TV shows footage of diplomats leaving country

Russias public Rossia-24 TV channel reportedly identified the six diplomats and showed them leaving the country.

It said the withdrawal of accreditation of a foreign diplomat automatically leads to expulsion.

There was no official confirmation of the identities of the six for the moment.

07:12 AM BST

Moscow accuses diplomats of trying to harm Russian people

The activity of diplomats from the British embassy in Moscow had gone well beyond diplomatic convention, Maria Zakharova, Russias foreign ministry spokesperson, said.

The diplomats were also accused of carrying out activity designed to harm the Russian people.

07:10 AM BST

Welcome to our live coverage

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Were bringing you the latest after Russias FSB security service said it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow.

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Putin is threatening disaster over Ukraine's long-range missiles  but his past 'red lines' came to nothing

Putin is threatening disaster over Ukraine's long-range missiles  but his past 'red lines' came to nothing

Putin has drawn a new red line over the West's support for Ukraine.

He said lifting the ban on using long-range missiles to strike Russia would mean war with the West.

Putin has drawn red lines before but hasn't acted on them.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn a new red line, threatening the West with war if the UK and US approve plans to give Ukraine more leeway to use Western long-range missiles to strike inside Russia.

Speaking to Russian state media on Thursday, Putin said that Ukraine can't operate the missiles alone because they need Western technical support and satellite guidance.

This, he said, means any strikes with those missiles would directly implicate the West.

"This will mean that NATO countries  the United States and European countries  are at war with Russia," Putin said.

"And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the essence of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will be posed to us."

The threat was unusually stark.

It came as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer traveled to Washington, DC, where he is expected to discuss with President Joe Biden how Ukraine can use the British Storm Shadow missiles in its arsenal.

Analysts say it's not the first time the Russian president has drawn a red line over Western involvement in the conflict  only to back down.

"Russia has not previously escalated militarily against perceived Western violations of Russia's 'red lines,'" said the Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, of Putin's remarks Thursday, noting that the remarks are aimed at "influencing the ongoing Western policy debate."

February 2022  an opening warning

Days after the invasion in February 2022, Putin warned Western countries that attempts to interfere in the war would lead to consequences "such as you have never seen in your entire history."

To underline his point, he placed Russia's nuclear forces on high alert.

But Ukraine's Western allies have provided billions in military aid to Ukraine, sending the aid incrementally in the form of increasingly effective weapons.

History-making consequences have yet to arrive.

September 2022  new territory

Putin issued another threat as Russia found itself on the back foot against a Ukrainian counteroffensive in fall 2022.

Putin annexed large swaths of the territory Russia had conquered, declaring them as much a part of Russia as Moscow. He hinted that he'd defend the land with nuclear weapons.

" This is not a bluff ," he said.

Yet Ukraine continued to drive back Russian forces that year until a stalemate developed. And Ukraine has targeted occupied territory, including the Crimea peninsula, with long-range Western weapons.

June 2024  long-range strikes

A decision by Ukraine's Western allies to allow it to use some weapons for attacks on Russia provoked another round of thinly veiled threats.

"They should keep in mind that theirs are small and densely populated countries, which is a factor to reckon with before they start talking about striking deep into Russian territory," Putin reportedly said in June.

Yet Western weapons have been used several times in attacks on Russian territory without triggering an attack on NATO by Russia.

Ukraine has said the threats, even if they don't come good, have still worked.

Those threats have succeeded in rattling the West, which has supplied Ukraine with weapons in a piecemeal way and much later than Ukraine requests them.

This, Ukraine has said, holds it back from truly making headway in the war.

The country has repeatedly requested permission to use long-range missiles for attacks deep inside Russia to target bases and disrupt supply networks.

August 2024  a ground invasion

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the audacious cross-border attack it launched in August on Russia's Kursk province showed that Putin's red lines are "crumbling."

The attack was the clearest defiance of Putin yet  a direct assault on Russian territory  yet Russia has done little more than divert some units to stop Ukraine's advance and downplayed its importance.

Another bluff?

A local volunteer in front of a building damaged by Ukrainian strikes in Kursk. TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP via Getty Images

The Kremlin is employing the playbook again over the long-range strikes.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last week warned the West not to joke about its red lines.

"But they should understand  they are joking about our red lines here. They shouldn't joke about our red lines," he remarked in a Russian TV interview.

Analysts writing for the US think tank Responsible Statecraft said in June 2023 that the West would never know if it had crossed a real Russian red line until it was too late.

"We are likely to discover that we have gone too far only after we find ourselves in a direct confrontation with Russia, not before," they wrote.

According to The New York Times, Biden is wary of allowing Ukraine to use US long-range missiles in attacks on Russia because the response could come not in the form of a direct attack on the US but by enabling Iran to target US bases in the Middle East.

It's a less terrifying scenario than nuclear war  but still constitutes a dangerous escalation that could spiral out of control.

For now, though, the US and its allies seem to be willing to wager that the benefits of providing Ukraine with permission to use long-range weapons in attacks on Russia outweigh the risks.

"I wouldn't attach excessive importance to Putin's latest declarations," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Putins threats to restrict uranium supplies come as Ukraines allies consider granting it permission to strike further into Russia - ALEXEI DANICHEV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Vladimir Putins threat to curb exports of nuclear fuel risks igniting a global supply crunch that could also cut off billions of dollars to the Russian war machine, experts have warned.

The Russian president on Wednesday suggested the Kremlin should consider halting supplies of uranium, nickel and titanium to the West in retaliation for sanctions imposed over his ongoing war on Ukraine.

However, he also expressed caution about doing anything that would harm ourselves.

Russia currently generates about $3.1bn (2.4bn) a year from nuclear exports, including $905m sent to the US, according to trade data previously reported by Tortoise.

Meanwhile, Russias state nuclear company, Rosatom, has so far mostly escaped sanctions and currently accounts for 5pc of raw uranium production, 30pc of conversion and almost 50pc of enrichment capacity.

But Mr Putins comments sent shares in uranium mining companies surging on Thursday while analysts said they would spook power suppliers that relied on a stable flow of enriched uranium.

The US depends on Russia for one-quarter of the enriched uranium needed to fuel its 93 nuclear reactors. Lawmakers voted to ban imports from August but electricity providers with existing contracts can obtain exemptions until the end of 2027.

Although the UK, Canada, France, Japan and the US have announced plans to jointly develop a fully independent uranium supply chain, much of what has been proposed is yet to come online and new facilities take years to develop.

Nick Lawson, chief executive of Ocean Wall, a London-based brokerage, likened Mr Putins threat to the nuclear equivalent of the OPEC cartel threatening to stop selling oil to the West.

He added: It takes time to build [enrichment facilities] and, for the last 30 years, the US has developed a dependency on Russia.

Theres been a lot of excitement about this idea that we are about to have a nuclear renaissance but the fuel, which is the most critical component, is now going to have to largely come from the West.

And the West does not have the capability to mine the ore and to be able to enrich it in the quantities that are needed to supply our reactors.

So were now getting to a point where somethings going to give.

Arkady Gevorkyan, a Citi analyst, warned Reuters that Russian supplies would be really hard to replace, especially in the short term, the next two to three years.

He added: Western enrichers are only making plans to build additional enrichment capacity, which would require at least three years to be completed.

We anticipate that utilities in the US might be able to partially replace it by importing low enriched uranium from China.

Urenco, the British-German-Dutch nuclear fuel consortium that controls about one third of global enrichment capacity, is in the process of expanding its facility in New Mexico.

However, this is only expected to add an extra 700 tonnes of separative work units per year, the equivalent of 1pc of global capacity today.

Foreign policy analysts said Mr Putins threat, though potentially costly for Russia as well, was likely a reaction to US and UK discussions about authorising Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory.

President Putins threats were made ahead of a meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and Joe Biden - Ting Shen/Bloomberg

Theresa Fallon, founder of the Brussels-based Center for Russia Europe Asia Studies, said: I think this is in response to the meetings in Kyiv [about US and UK permission to make long-range missile strikes into Russia].

Its also worth noting that its been made ahead of the scheduled meeting between Joe Biden and Keir Starmer.

Perhaps Putin feels at this stage that, after two and a half years, his threats to use nuclear weapons are getting tired and he instead needs to remind everybody that their nuclear reactors also depend on Russian uranium.

Frankly, its a far more credible threat that will make people pause.

Its also not something the Biden administration will want to be worrying about with the US elections coming up in November.

John Lough, an associate fellow of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House, said cutting off uranium supplies would not be done lightly as it would likely destroy Rosatoms commercial relationships with western customers for good.

He pointed to the pariah status of Russian state gas giant Gazprom as an example after Mr Putins decision to use energy as a weapon and throttle supplies to Europe.

Mr Lough added: There are a lot of factors at play. Rosatom is important to Russia but it is also regarded as a company with global influence, and I am sure theyd like to keep it that way.

Before the war, [Russian state gas company] Gazprom had a reputation for being a reliable supplier but now there is no way it will recover that business in Europe, precisely because they spooked all the customers.

The Russians will also be thinking about the possible retaliatory measures the US could take  these decisions are always finely balanced because there will be a reaction.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin this week issued an ominous warning against the U.S. and its NATO allies and said they risk being "at war" with Moscow if Ukraine is allowed to use long-range weapons to hit targets inside Russia.

Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing the U.S. and NATO for months to remove any and all restrictions they have on Kyivs use of Western-supplied long-range weapons and permit it to hit military targets deep in Russia.

But Putin on Thursday drew a red line and said, "This will mean that NATO countries, the U.S. and European countries are at war with Russia."

In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state-owned agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting regarding the situation in the Kursk region, in his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow, on August 12, 2024.

BIDEN ADMIN FACES MOUNTING PRESSURE TO ALLOW UKRAINE TO STRIKE INSIDE RUSSIA WITH US MISSILES

"And 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," he added, according to a translation posted by NBC News.

The comments were issued one day ahead of talks at the White House where President Biden will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss lifting the current strike bans on Friday.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Putin did not lay out what actions Russia would take against the West should Washington and London lift their strike restrictions, but the Kremlin chief has long relied on escalated rhetoric in his war strategy to deter Western aid for Ukraine.

Since the onslaught of the war, Putin has warned NATO against supplying Kyiv with lethal aid, and at nearly every step of the way he has warned the war could spread beyond Ukraines borders  a strategy that one expert says has achieved its intended effect on Washington.

UKRAINE HITS MOSCOW IN LARGEST DRONE STRIKE SINCE WAR BEGAN

"Putin's war in Ukraine has been a massive failure  hundreds of thousands of casualties, a brain drain, a million Russians have fled, Sweden and Finland are now NATO members, the list goes on," former CIA Moscow station chief Dan Hoffman told Fox News Digital. "The only thing he succeeded at is rhetorical nuclear brinkmanship and other threats, trying to induce the Biden administration not to give Ukraine what they need, when they need it, to defend themselves."

Hoffman said Putins remarks were likely tailored to President Biden and his administration, which has repeatedly been slow to send Ukraine sorely needed defense equipment like tanks, F-16s and long-range ATACMS missiles before then reversing course and eventually agreeing to send the top weaponry.

"He makes these threats because he knows they work," Hoffman argued. "We shouldn't be micromanaging how [Ukrainians] conduct their war.

"Just give them the weapons. They have every lawful right to defend themselves," he added.

Defense officials on both sides of the aisle have argued it behooves the U.S. and NATO to arm Kyiv in its war against Russia, as many believe Putin will not stop with his deadly ambitions in Europe if he gains a win in Ukraine.

It remains to be seen whether Putin will actually escalate the war beyond Russia and Ukraines borders, should Biden and Starmer agree on Friday to lift strike bans.

Though White House national security communications advisor John Kirby told reporters Friday not to expect any announcement regarding the strike bans.

"I wouldn't be looking for an announcement today, about the long range strike capabilities," he said. "There's no change to our policy with respect to that."

Russian officials have been drawing "red lines" since 2022, along with issuing warnings that the U.S. would become "a party to the conflict" by providing Ukraine with defensive aid.

Starmer responded to Putins apparent threat while aboard his flight to D.C. on Thursday and told a reporter for The Guardian, "Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away. Ukraine has the right to self-defense."





Original article source: Putin warns US, NATO risk war with Russia if long-range strike bans lifted for Ukraine
President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia would be at war with the United States and its allies if they lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range Western weapons.

Putin's vow to follow such a move with appropriate decisions was his latest, perhaps most drastic attempt to draw red lines over NATO members' backing for Kyiv, and it came on the eve of a meeting in Washington where the issue is expected to be high on the agenda.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks with President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday afternoon, as London clashed with Moscow over the expulsion of six diplomats accused of spying  accusations the U.K. dismissed as "baseless."

Before beginning the talks, Biden said the U.S. is "committed" to standing with the U.K. to help support Ukraine against Russia.

"Ive often said theres no issue of global consequence where the United States and U.K. cant work together," Biden said. "Its clear that Putin will not prevail in this war. The people of Ukraine will prevail."

Asked about Putins comments on a potential direct war with Russia, Biden told reporters, "I dont think much about Vladimir Putin."

A White House readout of the meeting said that the two leaders "reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to defend against Russias aggression," and that they shared "deep concern about Iran and North Koreas provision of lethal weapons to Russia."

The U.S. and its allies have appeared increasingly open to letting Ukraine use long-range Western missiles to strike deep inside Russia, the culmination of a monthslong push by Kyiv that has sparked the Kremlin's fury.

We are not talking about allowing or not allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons, Putin said Thursday in comments to propagandist Pavel Zarubin. We are talking about deciding whether NATO countries are directly involved in the military conflict or not.

Starmer, right, is in Washington for talks alongside his top diplomat David Lammy.

"This will mean that NATO countries, the U.S. and European countries are at war with Russia," Putin said. "And 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."

Putin added that the Ukrainian army does not have the ability to program long-range missiles or the satellite data necessary for their targeting, relying on NATO military personnel for those tasks.

Putins comments were echoed by the speaker of Russias State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, in a Telegram post Friday. NATO became a participant in military operations in Ukraine, Volodin wrote. They are waging war on our country.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also told reporters Friday that Putin's message was extremely clear, unambiguous and does not allow for any double readings.

We have no doubt that it has reached its intended recipients, Peskov noted.

The Kremlin and Russian propaganda have been portraying the war in Ukraine as a clash with the West and NATO since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, and the latest threatening rhetoric from Putin appears to be an escalation of that strategy at a crucial moment.

It was unclear what Moscow's implied response might be, though in June Putin suggested he could provide arms to other countries to hit Western targets.

Putin has repeatedly warned the West not to cross Moscows so-called red lines, which he warned could trigger nuclear conflict, but they have been repeatedly crossed without such a response from the Kremlin.

Ukrainian forces launched the first invasion of Russian territory since World War II last month, only to be met with a relatively muted response.

After more than a month, the Kremlin announced Thursday it had begun a major counteroffensive to retake some of the land seized in the Kursk border region, while its forces press on with an offensive in Ukraine's east that threatens the key strategic hub city of Pokrovsk.

A destroyed building in Sudzha, a border town seized in Ukraine's daring incursion.

As things stand, Kyiv only has permission to use Western-supplied long-range weapons such as American ATACMS and British Storm Shadows to strike Russian territory along its border, and only in response to attacks from these areas.

Its been pleading for that policy to change so it can strike military assets deeper inside Russia that are used to launch attacks on Ukrainian cities.

But Washington and its allies have been reluctant to allow that, fearing a major escalation.

That appears to have shifted in recent weeks.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Kyiv on Wednesday with his British counterpart, and Biden indicated earlier this week that the U.S. was working out the issue.

Members of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus signed a letter earlier this week urging Biden to lift restrictions on Kyiv's use of long-range weapons, saying they are inconsistent with what America would ever accept for its own operations or restrictions that the U.S. places on its other allies, such as Israel.

Ahead of his meeting with Biden, the British leader's office told NBC News that Starmer told reporters the U.K. does not seek any conflict with Russia. But he noted: Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia could end this conflict straight away.

As he arrived in Washington, Russias FSB internal security service announced it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow whose actions it said had signs of reconnaissance and subversive work.

Britain dismissed the accusations as completely baseless.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The headline in this mornings Kommersant newspaper captured the drama.

Vladimir Putin draws his red line.

Will the West cross it? And, if it does, how will Russia respond?

Speaking in St Petersburg, President Putin sent a clear warning to the West: dont allow Ukraine to use your long-range missiles to strike Russian territory.

Moscow, he said, would view that as the direct participation of Nato countries in the war in Ukraine.

It would substantially change the very essence, the nature of the conflict, the Kremlin leader continued.

This will mean that Nato countries, the USA and European states, are fighting with Russia.

He claimed that, for missile launches into Russia, Ukraine would require data from Western satellites and that only servicemen from Nato member states would be able to input flight missions into these missile systems.

Russia has drawn red lines before. And seen them crossed before.

On 24 February 2022, when he announced the start of his "special military operation"  the full-scale invasion of Ukraine  President Putin issued a warning to those who may be tempted to interfere from the outside.

No matter who tries to stand in our way or create threats for our country and our people, they must know that Russia will respond immediately, the Kremlin leader had declared.

And the consequences will be such as you have never seen in your entire history.

Western leaders ignored what was widely interpreted at the time as nuclear sabre-rattling. The West has since provided Ukraine with tanks, advanced missile systems and, most recently, F-16 American fighter jets.

This year Russia has already accused Ukraine of using American long-range ATACMS missiles to target Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia.

ATACMS being fired during US-South Korean military exercises [Reuters]

Whats more, over the last two years, Russian officials and the state media here have on many occasions accused the West of fighting Russia or launching a war on Russia. Even though it was Russia that invaded Ukraine.

But from the tone of President Putins latest remarks, its clear he considers that the targeting of internationally recognised Russian territory with Western missile systems would take the conflict to a new level.

What he didnt make clear yesterday is how Moscow would respond.

We will take corresponding decisions based on the threats to us that will be created, Vladimir Putin said.

On Friday, Russia withdrew the accreditation of six British diplomats, accusing them of subversive activities and threatening Russias security.

But Putins potential response is much broader. He offered some clues back in June.

At a meeting with the heads of international news agencies, he was asked: how would Russia react if Ukraine was given the opportunity to hit targets on Russian territory with weapons supplied by Europe?

First, we will, of course, improve our air defence systems. We will be destroying their missiles, President Putin replied.

Second, we believe that if someone is thinking it is possible to supply such weapons to a war zone to strike our territory and create problems for us, why cant we supply our weapons of the same class to those regions around the world where they will target sensitive facilities of the countries that are doing this to Russia?

In other words, arming Western adversaries to strike Western targets abroad is something that Moscow has been considering.

Earlier this month, Russias deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, announced that Russia was set to revise its nuclear doctrine: the document that lays out under what circumstances Moscow may consider using nuclear weapons.

He suggested that the decision to revise the doctrine was connected with the escalation course of [Russias] Western adversaries.

The UK's Prime Minister Starmer and Foreign Secretary Lammy arriving in the US [Reuters]

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is in Washington for talks with President Biden. Among the issues the two leaders are expected to discuss is the question of Ukraine and long-range missiles.

Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine, Sir Keir said on his way to Washington. Russia can end this conflict straight away.

Western leaders will need to decide which they consider greater: the risk of escalation of this conflict, or the need to lift restrictions on Ukraines use of western missiles.
NUUANU, Hawaii (KHON2)  There are still many questions over the apparent mass death of dozens of chickens on Oahu.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Pauoa residents reached out to KHON2 after finding over 60 carcasses. The wife of the Pauoa man who spoke to KHON2 on Wednesday, Sept. 11 said she has never seen anything like it and he felt something had to be done.

It would have been the stench, because as the carcasses quickly decomposed, this place would have been very stink, she said.

Dozens of mysterious chicken deaths on Oahu prompt inquiry

The resident is currently trying to nurse a 64th chicken back to health. The Hawaiian Humane Society started an investigation and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture was contacted  HDOA officials said the 63 deaths were likely due to an avian disease and said through a statement:

Further action is not needed as the situation aligns with the natural phenomena of Avian botulism. Evaluation was done by a veterinary medical officer after speaking with both the responding HHS representative and the citizen who reported the situation to HHS. Clinical signs, pattern of events, seasonality and environmental factors (severe rain event a few weeks ago followed by periods of high heat and humidity) are supportive of the Avian botulism cycle. Informational sheet provided has been shared with HHS representative and the citizen reporter. The Division will continue to monitor the situation when additional calls are received. Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture

Residents said they have seen deaths in the area from botulism before, but never this many.

63?! Okay, maybe 10 or 15, but 63 is a huge number of ferals to actually just drop dead within, you know, a 24- to possibly 72-hour time frame, she said. If it was botulism, wheres the source?

Avian doctors said botulism can be found in a bacteria produced in marshes, swamps and streams with low oxygen levels  birds that feed there will often get infected and then pass away.

When we see chickens and other birds that typically dont feed on those kind of, from those sources, when they start getting that, its from eating the bugs, from the maggots and other things from something that have passed away from it, said Feathers & Fur Animal Hospital medical director Dr. Brian Walsh.

The Humane Society and residents both told KHON2 that the HDOA has agreed to take one or two samples of recently-deceased chickens for analysis. HDOA officials did not confirm the sampling directly to KHON2, but said residents can call their Animal Disease Control Branch at 808-483-7100 if they have concerns about dead chickens in their area.

I will definitely cooperate with them, but I am very disappointed that its taken three days for them to finally agree to do this, the resident said.

Stolen jewels, boa constrictors killing owners, check out Weird News here

City and County officials told KHON2 that their Department of Parks and Recreation staff will keep a lookout for dead animals at public parks, click here for more information on how to properly dispose of feral chickens that die on residential property.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
()

Andersen AFB and Naval Base Guam are both equipped with a public alert system (AKA Giant Voice) that announces the Tropical Cyclone Condition or Readiness (TCCOR). Due to Guam being located inside Typhoon Alley, both bases are always in TCCOR 4 which is weather expected within 72 hours.

The 36 CES Readiness and Emergency Management Flight always has the most current information with regard to typhoon preparedness. They can be reached at 671-366-3113.

A typhoon is a large-scale tropical storm that occurs west of the International Date Line. It would be called a hurricane if it was east of the International Date Line. A typhoon has sustained wind speeds of at least 74 mph. The warm waters surrounding Guam are ideal for the development of typhoons year round. Most occur June  December but one can occur anytime.

Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR)

TCCOR 4: Winds of 58 mph or greater are expected within 72 hours.

TCCOR 3: Winds of 58 mph or greater are expected within 48 hours.

TCCOR 2: Winds of 58 mph or greater are expected within 24 hours.

TCCOR 1 Caution: Winds of 58 mph or greater are expected within 12 hours.

TCCOR 1 Emergency: Declared when sustained destructive winds reach or exceed 58 mph.

TCCOR 1 Recovery: Declared when destructive winds have passed, but dangerous weather may still exist.

Little to no movement should take place on base TCCOR 3, 2, or 1. The base traffic signs (stop signs, speed limit signs, etc.) are removed during TCCOR 3, so proceed with caution at all intersections.

Typhoon Preparedness Kit should include enough supplies for at least 1-2 weeks.

Contents should include: canned & ready-to-eat food, can opener, 1-2 gal water per person per day, propane stove, first aid kit, plastic dining ware, flashlight/batteries, cash, mop/towels, duct tape, hygiene items, baby supplies (formula, diapers, etc.), battery-operated radio, 550 cord/rope, medications, and tool kit.

Housing Residents and Member Responsibilities

Please refer to your bases housing guide for detailed information regarding typhoon preparedness.

Earthquakes

If inside...

1. Drop to the floor.

2. Take cover under a sturdy desk or furniture and be prepared to move with it. Hold this position until ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.

3. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces and heavy furniture or appliances.

4. Stay inside.

5. Stay calm.

If outside...

1. Get into the open and away from buildings and power lines.

2. If driving, stop if you are in a safe location; however, stay inside your car.

3. Stay away from bridges, overpasses, and tunnels.

4. If possible, avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.

5. If near mountainous area or unstable cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris.

6. If at the beach, move to higher ground.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are a series of large ocean waves generated by large undersea disturbances, such as a major earthquake or landslide. Tsunamis are not affected by tides or currents. A tsunami means the whole water column is moving, not just the surface. Tsunamis can strike any ocean shoreline. If you are on the beach or in low coastal areas, you may not have much time to seek higher ground. The tsunami danger period can last several hours as the waves move onto land, recede, and return. The second and third waves have been known to be more devastating than the first.

Be aware of the signs

1. A strong earthquake lasting 20 seconds or more near the coast.

2. A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters.

3. A loud roaring noise from the ocean. If you suspect a potential tsunami, move to your designated assembly area or proceed inland and uphill.

What to do during watch

1. Use a NOAA Weather Radio or listen to local radio or television stations for updated information.

2. Locate loved ones and review evacuation plans. Be ready to move quickly if a tsunami warning is issued.

3. Tsunamis produce strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or near the water. Local officials may close beaches, evacuate harbors and marinas, and ask ships to reposition to deep water. Obey their directions.

What to do during warning

1. If you hear a tsunami warning siren or suspect a tsunami at your location, leave the area immediately.

2. Offer assistance to those who may need help evacuating the area.

3. Bring pets with you to keep them safe.

4. Take your disaster supply kit.

5. Move to higher ground as far inland as possible.

6. Keep listening to the NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, or TV for the latest updates.

What to do after tsunami

1. Return home only after local officials tell you it is safe.

2. Stay away from damaged areas so emergency responders can have full access.

3. Stay out of any building that has water around it.

4. Be careful re-entering buildings or homes. Tsunami-driven floodwater may have damaged buildings.

Ridin the storm out with Dave

Dave Ornauer has been with Stars and Stripes since 1981, and one of his first assignments as a beat reporter in the old Japan News Bureau was typhoon chaser. Pacific Storm Tracker is designed to take the technical weather lingo and simplify it for the average Stripes reader.

(Dave Ornauer) ()

 Source: Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam
Quick-service coffee shops are popping up all over Johnson County. Here comes another

With close to 50 locations  including ones in grocery stores and hotels  Starbucks seems to be a fan of Johnson County.

(Comparatively, the company has more than 30 locations in Jackson County.)

In May, the Seattle-based coffee giant began building a location at 75th Street and Frontage Road in Overland Park. Last month, it opened another in the new Merriam Grand Station development, less than 2 miles away, at 8719 Shawnee Mission Parkway.

Now, yet another location is coming to Johnson County.

Starbucks is opening a location at 11350 Nall Ave. in the Galleria 115 development, according to documents from the city of Overland Park.

The new coffee shop will neighbor First Watch, which opened this summer, and Whataburger.

Starbucks could not be immediately reached Friday morning to comment on the locations opening date.

But the chain isnt the only coffee company looking to capitalize on the countys caffeine cravings.

Dutch Bros has five Johnson County locations, and its looking to open two more: 9721 Metcalf Ave., where Sears once operated, and in the Prairiefire district at 135th Street and Nall Avenue.

In 2017, Arkansas-based coffee company 7 Brew made its way to the Kansas City metro, and its Johnson County locations include 11001 Metcalf Ave. and 15027 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park.

Caribou Coffee is looking to open a location at 159th and Brentwood streets in Olathe.

Dallas-based 151 Coffee built a location at 9180 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park. Mike Wattles, vice president of finance for the company, said the coffee drive-thru will open as soon as its certificate of occupancy is approved by the city.

Meanwhile, Starbucks has generated national controversies over some of its employment practices.

Employees at the 75th Street and I-35 Starbucks became the fourth store in the Kansas City area to unionize in May. Months before, employees at the location joined around 200 other Starbucks locations nationwide and walked off to protest working conditions.
Palestinian militants take part in the funeral procession of men killed in an Israeli air strike in Tubas, in the occupied West Bank (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH) (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP/AFP)

The families of Palestinians killed in an air strike in the occupied West Bank city of Tubas held funerals on Friday after Israeli forces withdrew following their latest raid in the territory.

Violence in the Palestinian territory had already soared alongside the nearly 12-month-old war in Gaza but in late August Israel began large-scale raids that residents say marked an escalation.

A military statement on Friday said Israeli forces had "conducted a 48-hour counter-terrorism operation" in the areas of Tubas, Tamun and Faraa, killing "five armed terrorists" in an air strike and a sixth in "exchanges of fire" with "a terrorist that hurled explosive devices".

Major Israeli operations in the West Bank are sometimes occurring "at a scale not witnessed in the last two decades," the United Nations human rights chief said this week.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa said the military withdrew from Tubas on Thursday evening, allowing the funerals to go ahead.

The four men buried in Tubas on Friday were killed in the air strike, which the Palestine Red Crescent Society said occurred at dawn on Wednesday.

On Friday morning, hundreds of people including armed Palestinian militants walked through the streets of Tubas alongside the four bodies hoisted on stretchers and wrapped in white cloth.

Some in the crowd waved the green flag of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas and gunfire punctuated the mourners' chants.

"I woke up in the morning to the sound of an explosion," Ahmed Sawafta, father of one of the dead men, told AFP, describing the strike on Wednesday.

"My brothers came and told me that Yassin had been martyred," he said, referring to his son.

The fifth fatality from the strike was buried on Friday in Tamun, also in the northern West Bank.

Osaid Kharaz, who identified himself as a Hamas activist, told AFP at the funeral in Tubas that Israel "is attempting to impose a new reality and undermine the popular support for the resistance (to Israeli occupation) in the West Bank."

- 'Full strength' -

The military will use its "full strength" to strike Palestinian militants in the West Bank, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on September 4 during a large-scale operation in the north of the territory that killed dozens and which is ongoing.

He said he had ordered the military to carry out air strikes "wherever necessary" in order to "avoid endangering soldiers".

Among those killed at the time were five people in a car hit by an air strike in Tubas, Palestinian medics said. The military reported striking "an armed terrorist cell."

Days later, the European Union's top diplomat Josep Borrell said Israel aimed "to turn the West Bank into a new Gaza."

Israeli forces this week also carried out operations in the northern West Bank governorate of Tulkarem.

A military statement on Friday reported four fatalities "in the areas of Tulkarem and Nur Shams".

It said "three of the terrorists were eliminated in an aerial strike on Wednesday, and the fourth terrorist was eliminated during close-quarters combat with the security forces".

One of those killed in the air strike "was suspected of killing" a border police officer last October, the statement said.

The armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad said in a statement that the three killed in the strike were its fighters.

Wafa reported that Israeli forces also withdrew from Tulkarem on Thursday and that funerals were held there on Friday.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and has ramped up deadly raids in the territory since Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel sparked the war in Gaza.

According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 679 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by the Israeli military or settlers since October 7.

At least 24 Israelis, including security forces, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military operations in the territory during the same period, according to Israeli officials.

str-lba/rcb/it
RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  Damage from Francine was minimal in Rankin County early Thursday morning.

Rankin County emergency crews said they were well prepared to help with any weather-related incidents from the storm. Crews were busy throughout the day. They checked roadways and looked for areas with flash flooding.

One injured during storm clean up in Mississippi

We expected multiple trees down in the roadways. We also expect to see flash flooding in multiple locations just to the amount of rainwater that was coming in that was predicted. So, we prepare for that, and then we are relieved whenever its not as bad as we thought it was going to be, said Brian Grantham, director of Rankin County Emergency Operations.

He encouraged residents to call the Rankin County Sheriffs Office to report any downed trees.

For customers without power in Rankin County, Entergy Mississippi officials hope to restore power by Thursday night.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  The rape and sodomy case against a Dothan-based activist has been dropped at the request of Houston County prosecutors.

Houston County Judge Kevin Moulton dropped the charges against Derrick Wayne Oliver and dismissed his case on Wednesday, September 11.

District Attorney Russ Goodman tells WDHN that during a meeting with prosecutors, the alleged victim recanted her claim and said the crime did not happen.

Oliver was arrested last Halloween and charged with one count of rape and three counts of sodomy.

At the time of his arrest, Oliver helped with the group Team Up 4 Teens in the Wiregrass.

Oliver was indicted in April and pled not guilty to the charges in July, just three months before his case was dropped.

Dothan Police investigators claimed the alleged crimes took place against a 12-year-old within the Dothan city limits between February 2019 and June 2023.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
The chief executive of a sexual assault support service has stood down after a review found it failed to protect women-only spaces.

Mridul Wadhwa  a trans woman  resigned after a Rape Crisis Scotland report found she failed to behave professionally while head of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC).

The investigation, carried out by an independent consultant, also found Ms Wadhwa did not understand the limits of her authority and the needs of survivors were not prioritised.

In a statement, the ERCC board said it was implementing recommendations from the review, but felt the time was right for a change of leadership.

The review was sparked after an employment tribunal found a counsellor with gender-critical views had been unfairly constructively dismissed.

Former worker Roz Adams believed that those using the service should be able to know the sex of the staff that deal with their case.

The charity has paused new referrals to the centre and said it was "extremely concerned" that women-only spaces had not been provided for 16 months.

An ERCC statement said: "Mridul has stood down from her role as CEO of ERCC. Recruitment of a new CEO will happen in due course.

"We are committed to delivering excellence while taking on board the recommendations from the independent review to ensure we place survivors voices at the heart of our strategy.

"We are in daily communication with Rape Crisis Scotland, have met their urgent demands, and are currently implementing the recommendations in the report.

"We will continue to work alongside RCS to ensure our services not only meet but exceed the National Service Standards."

However, For Women Scotland, which campaigns for Women's Rights, accused the board of "ignoring its own culpability".

In a statement posted on X, they said: "This is the very least that they can do. It seems the board are intent on ignoring their own culpability.

"It's not good enough.

"They, and Rape Crisis Scotland , are making a sacrifice. But they created the problem."

Tribunal row

Ms Adams' tribunal, which concluded in May, centred on a disciplinary process that began after she repeatedly sought clarity on how to respond to an abuse survivor who wanted to know if a support worker who identified as non-binary was a man or a woman.

Some people who do not consider themselves to have a solely male or female gender identity describe themselves as non-binary.

Ms Adams' view was that people using the centre should have a choice over who they received support from on the basis of sex, and that sex was binary and "everyone is either male or female at that level".

The tribunal found that an investigation into Ms Adams' conduct should not have been launched and was clearly motivated by a strong belief amongst the senior management and some of the claimants colleagues that the claimants views were inherently hateful".

The review found an investigation into Roz Adams' conduct should never have happened [BBC]

Ms Wadhwa was highlighted in the outcome of the case as she appeared to believe that Ms Adams was transphobic.

It said Ms Wadhwa was the invisible hand behind everything that had taken place.

The review into the charity, which was published on Thursday, also concluded that Ms Wadhwa did not understand the limits on her roles authority.

Ms Adams has since gone on to work for Beira's Place - a women-only support service for victims of sexual violence, partly funded by JK Rowling.

'High quality services'

The review found the charity had experienced a number of difficulties including a restructuring of the service during the pandemic and a series of board and trustee changes.

It said that some basic systems were not robust which "did not help the organisation manage situations well".

This included a strategy "which did not put survivors first" and a failure to protect women-only spaces.

In its recommendations, the review said the Edinburgh centre should take advice from Rape Crisis Scotland on the definition of "woman" and publicise this within the service.

Women-only spaces and times "must be protected and clearly publicised", it said.

But the review also acknowledged it continued to "deliver high quality services to a significant number of people".

Survivors are still able to self-refer to the charity.
Springtown bills itself as the place where country meets living. Cynthia Courtney and her parents have long embodied the motto.

The family lives in a spacious and lush two-building lot at the end of a cul-de-sac two turns off Texas 199. They bought the property in the early 1980s, when much of the surrounding land was pasture ably serviced by the citys still patchy, cramped country roads.

Larry Jackson, Courtneys father, grew up near Haltom City. He couldnt wait to leave.

You could raise your window and spit on the house next door. I couldnt stand it, he said of his childhood home.

The 78-year-old sat in a homemade gazebo in the middle of his yard decorated with old license plates and playful signage, including a green placard mandating: No Farting. Light rain pattered the metal paneling on the roof.

You moved out here to get away from the crowds, he said.

In recent years, thousands have followed Jacksons path, settling in Springtown and surrounding communities to enjoy cheaper homes, fewer people, and what remains of its unspoiled natural landscape  all while keeping Fort Worth within reach.

Sensitive to the swell, Arlington-based construction giant D.R. Horton built a subdivision of roughly 100 starter homes right behind Jacksons fence line, further cementing the firms status as the nations most prolific homebuilder. Early anxieties about noise and new traffic gave way to genuine grievance over the past year.

Construction, Jackson and some neighbors say, upended the natural drainage pattern of the land. Big downpours, typically manageable, have since caused substantial flooding on their properties. Runoff from D.R. Horton homes has eroded their soil, and rain now pools in their yards.

Springtown resident Cynthia Courtney points to the area where runoff streams into her backyard. Courtney has dealt with flooding since the D.R. Horton subdivision was built behind her property in 2023. According to Courtney, the construction has disrupted the natural drainage pattern and has since caused substantial flooding in and around her home.

Springtown leaders maintain the city has done its due diligence, vetting the developers plans, pointing out flaws as they arose, and advocating for existing residents as much as local ordinances and state laws allow.

Courtney said D.R. Horton has yet to effectively resolve the problem, despite making some fixes and offering to pay for the damages. (D.R. Horton did not respond to multiple requests for comment.) She blames city officials for doing too little to pressure them.

Were big, youre little; we can push you around and you dont have any say so, Courtney said of D.R. Hortons attitude. The city is there to protect their citizens, to stand up for their citizens, she continued, not to let their citizens be run over by businesses that arent even local.

7 new subdivisions in Springtown

Springtown hugs the northeastern edge of Parker County. City proper, a roughly 45 min drive northwest from downtown Fort Worth, spans only three square miles.

Its population surged in the early 2000s before tumbling in 2009. The city has since rebounded, absorbing roughly 1,200 new residents between 2010 and 2022, a 140% increase. The 76082 ZIP code, which encompasses Springtown and surrounding smaller localities, added around 5,500 residents in that time frame.

I think any community that has been small for generations and then all of a sudden is faced with a wave of growth like what weve encountered  I think thats going to be difficult for any community to accept, said Christina Derr, Springtowns assistant city manager.

Derr estimates that seven new subdivisions have cropped up in and around city limits in the past five years.

The D.R. Horton subdivision of about 100 starter homes was built behind Cynthia Courtneys Springtown property in 2023. According to Courtney, the construction has disrupted the natural drainage pattern and has since caused substantial flooding in and around her home.

Plans for Sculptors Park  the D.R. Horton project  began taking their final shape in 2021. The company bought the 22-acre lot from Lisa Perry, a local artist who rose to regional acclaim for her bronze horse statues before offloading her property to investors to reap the full fruits of retirement, now a ritual among aging North Texas landowners.

South Birch Street residents greeted the proposal with a familiar list of concerns: Could the neighborhoods infrastructure handle the new influx of people and cars? Would residents spend minutes, maybe hours more idling in traffic during rush hour?

And then there were the more intangible losses  the pain of seeing suburban sprawl swallow acres of untouched countryside; the disorientation of a once tight, familiar community rapidly becoming large and anonymous and distant.

You dont have that home feeling anymore, said Jackson, who for decades served as the citys go-to electrician. You cant hold back progress, but that feeling is no longer there.

Drainage problems surface

Loaders and bulldozers began moving dirt for Sculptors Park in the fall of 2022. Drainage problems surfaced the following year, according to some South Birch Street residents.

Rocky Longs property, a few homes south of the Jacksons, also shares a fence line with the subdivision. Heavy rainfall now transforms his backyard into a small, mosquito-infested marsh, an unwelcome landscaping change he pins on D.R. Horton raising the elevation of its homes much higher than our existing grade level. Courtney says Horton-generated runoff flooded her parents bedroom last spring.

The exposed roots show water erosion in her backyard from the flooding Cynthia Courtney has dealt with since the D.R. Horton subdivision was built behind her property in 2023. According to Courtney, the construction has disrupted the natural drainage pattern and has since caused substantial flooding in and around her home.

Matters came to a head in April. Courtney woke one morning to find muddy water had seeped into her home, damaging floors and furniture in her living room, kitchen and bedroom. The yard had become a loose network of streams and ponds, some ankle deep.

Courtney says Springtowns director of public works, Joseph McCanless, visited her home later that day to inspect the damage. According to Courtney, McCanless offered his sympathies but little more, saying it was D.R. Hortons responsibility to deal with the problem. (D.R. Horton offered to pay for the damages caused to Courtneys home, but she is still weighing potential legal action against the company and the city. McCanless said hes visited the property numerous times throughout the course of construction and after residents raised concerns, but declined to specify when, citing the possibility of a lawsuit.)

Springtown resident Cynthia Courtney points to the areas of her home affected by flooding she has dealt with since the D.R. Horton subdivision was built behind her property in 2023. According to Courtney, the construction has disrupted the natural drainage pattern and has since caused substantial flooding in and around her home.

Springtown annexed Sculptors Park in January 2022 as a part of its development agreement with the builder. The arrangement, Derr, the assistant city manager, explained, required D.R. Horton to comply with local drainage ordinances.

D.R. Horton, among other precautions, had to forecast how the subdivision would impact drainage and water discharge on surrounding properties. If it expected to worsen preexisting conditions, it had to draw up plans to mitigate potential runoff and flooding.

City planning officials and their consultants must approve the developers drainage plans before construction can proceed; the city undertakes follow-up inspections to ensure developers fulfill their promises, Derr added  and can issue warnings or citations if they fall short.

During the review process anything that causes concern to myself, Christina [Derr], or our engineer must be addressed in the plans prior to the plans being released for construction, McCanless wrote in an email to the Star-Telegram.

When asked if city staff encountered any particular red flags with Sculptors Parks plans, McCanless said he couldnt answer the question in detail because drainage plans are reviewed by the citys engineering consultant. He also declined to say if D.R. Horton or its contractors had violated any ordinances over the course of the subdivisions development, citing possible litigation. (D.R. Horton did not respond to requests for comment.)

The drainage system built by Cynthia Courtney and her family when they first moved to Springtown, but has since been close to ineffective due to the flooding issues on her property. The D.R. Horton subdivision was built behind her property in 2023 and according to Courtney, the construction has disrupted the natural drainage pattern and has since caused substantial flooding in and around her home.

City leaders chalked up the April 9 flood to a flaw in the detention pond just behind Courtneys yard. Derr and McCanless said D.R. Horton have since fixed it up, and a city-hired engineer found it to be up to par.

I will state that in the event that our engineer found it to be insufficient or in violation of any city ordinance or state law, we would have taken any enforcement action available to us, McCanless wrote.

Courtney, for her part, doubts enough has been done to address the issue. Barring some wholesale reworking of the boundary separating her street from her new neighbors, she expects floods to return and in greater force. Long and another neighbor on the block have yet to have their properties inspected, despite multiple requests.

Her father has considered leaving Springtown because of the ordeal.

You cant hold back progress; everythings going to change  but not so quickly! he laughed before turning somber. The pressures, the ill feelings  it makes you change your mind.

Springtown resident Cynthia Courtney is photographed in her backyard where she used to have grass and grass seed, but has since turned into a field of mud and dirt. Courtney has dealt with flooding issues since the D.R. Horton subdivision was built behind her property in 2023. According to Courtney, the construction has disrupted the natural drainage pattern and has since caused substantial flooding in and around her home.

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A rare 14th-century ornate Hebrew Bible written during the golden age of Spain will be put on public display after being sold for $6.9m (5.3m).

The Bible, written by Rabbi Shem Tov Ibn Gaon in 1312AD in Soria, Castil, blends Jewish, Christian and Islamic artistic traditions, auction house Sotheby's said.

The Shem Tov Bible, described by Sotheby's as a tour de force of biblical and kabbalistic scholarship and a precious witness to the mediaeval tradition of Sephardic book art, was sold on Tuesday evening in New York.

The Bible with its gilded and colourful pages offers a direct link to a Hebrew text known as the Codex Hilleli, a now-lost manuscript believed to have been written circa 600AD. The manuscript was widely revered as the "most accurate transmission of the text of the Hebrew bible in circulation", according to the auction house.

The sale marks the Bible's first appearance at an auction since 1984, when it reportedly fetched a record price for a Hebrew manuscript at the time.

A rare Hebrew Bible was auctioned in New York on Tuesday (Sothebys)

The Bible was previously owned by collector David Sassoon, who bought it in 1909 from a leading Jewish family called Seror in Tripoli, Libya.

It is one of the important manuscripts of the Hebrew scriptures that have survived from mediaeval Spain," said Sharon Liberman Mintz, Sothebys international senior Judaica specialist, books and manuscripts. "It was richly illuminated throughout, researched and extensively annotated.

Its rare to have illuminated Hebrew Bibles come to the market as so few are in private hands, she said.

The Bible also contains about 2,000 marked anomalous letters, which are imbued with a special, secret meaning, in accordance with the traditions of Jewish mysticism, known as Kabbalah.

The Shem Tov Bible also includes Kabbalistic symbolism, evident in the inclusion of a mediaeval text called the Sefer Tagei, which specifies how Jewish scribes were to write the holy letters of the bible in Hebrew, Ms Mintz told Penta Magazine.

"There are drawings of arches that resemble those of the Alhambra, the Moorish palace in Granada, Spain, and others that appear Gothic.

Last year, a 1,100-year-old Hebrew Bible, considered to be one of the oldest surviving biblical manuscripts, sold for $38m (28.9m) in New York.

The manuscript was exhibited at the ANU Museum in Israel in March as part of a worldwide tour before the auction.
Palestinian militants in the funeral procession for men killed in an Israeli air strike in Tubas, in the occupied West Bank (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH) (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP/AFP)

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said Friday one of its employees was killed during an Israeli operation in the occupied West Bank, where raids have escalated since last month.

Israel's military called the UN worker a "terrorist" who posed a threat to troops.

The United Nations agency, UNRWA, said the employee was its first to be killed in the Palestinian territory in more than a decade.

But he is among dozens of Palestinians killed during the large-scale Israeli operation which began days ago and is ongoing, with several more Palestinians dead since Wednesday.

UNRWA identified the employee as Sufyan Jaber Abed Jawwad, who worked as a sanitation labourer. It said he was "shot and killed on the roof of his home by a sniper" in Faraa refugee camp.

A military spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, said on social media platform X that during an operation in Faraa "a terrorist was identified hurling explosive devices that posed a threat" to forces, leading troops to open fire to remove the threat.

It was later "discovered he is also an UNRWA employee," Shoshani said.

Jawwad's death is in addition to those of six other UNRWA staffers the UN said were killed in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday during a strike on a shool-turned-shelter. It was the highest single incident toll for the agency, UNRWA said.

Mourners on Friday carried Jawwad's body through the streets of Faraa, with his blue UN vest resting atop the Palestinian flag that covered him.

In nearby Tubas, funerals also took place for other Palestinians, who were killed by an air strike.

A military statement on Friday said Israeli forces had "conducted a 48-hour counter-terrorism operation" in the areas of Tubas, Tamun and Faraa -- northeast of Nablus -- in which an air strike killed "five armed terrorists".

UNRWA has more than 30,000 employees in the Palestinian territories and elsewhere. Israel has previously accused it of employing "more than 400 terrorists" in Gaza.

Violence in the West Bank had already soared alongside the nearly 12-month-old war in the Gaza Strip but in late August Israel began its large-scale raids.

Major Israeli operations in the West Bank are sometimes occurring "at a scale not witnessed in the last two decades," the United Nations human rights chief said this week.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa said the military withdrew from Tubas on Thursday evening, allowing the funerals there to go ahead, after the air strike which the Palestinian Red Crescent said killed the men on Wednesday.

"I woke up in the morning to the sound of an explosion," Ahmed Sawafta, father of one of the dead men, told AFP.

Osaid Kharaz, who identified himself as a Hamas activist, told AFP at the funeral in Tubas that Israel "is attempting to impose a new reality and undermine the popular support for the resistance (to Israeli occupation) in the West Bank."

- 'Full strength' -

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced on September 4 that the military would use its "full strength" to strike Palestinian militants in the West Bank.

He said he had ordered the military to carry out air strikes "wherever necessary" in order to "avoid endangering soldiers".

Days later, the European Union's top diplomat Josep Borrell said Israel aimed "to turn the West Bank into a new Gaza."

Israeli forces this week also carried out operations around the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem.

A military statement on Friday reported four deaths "in the areas of Tulkarem and Nur Shams".

It said "three of the terrorists were eliminated in an aerial strike on Wednesday," while the fourth was killed "during close-quarters combat".

The armed wing of Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad said that the strike killed three of its fighters.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and has ramped up deadly raids in the territory since Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel sparked the war in Gaza.

According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 679 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by the Israeli military or settlers since October 7.

At least 24 Israelis, including security forces, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military operations in the territory during the same period, according to Israeli officials.

str-lba/rcb/it/kir
Read the will surrounding dead woman's home that pushed son to massacre siblings

Read the will surrounding dead woman's home that pushed son to massacre siblings

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

When Theresa DeLucia, a 95-year-old mother of four from New York's Long Island, died last month, she had already laid out her wishes in a last will and testament more than a decade ago.

The 2007 document, however, may have played a role in her youngest son's shooting rampage, which killed his three siblings and a niece in a murder-suicide.

Joseph DeLucia stood to gain one-fourth of the value of the home's sale as well as a quarter of the rest of his mother's estate. Zillow estimates placed the property value at almost $900,000.

NY MURDER-SUICIDE LEAVES 5 DEAD BEFORE MEETING WITH REALTOR TO SELL RECENTLY DECEASED MOTHER'S HOME

DeLucia lived with his mother up until her death, but in her will, she wrote that "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."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

She also empowered her oldest son, Frank, to enforce the provision.

Apparently fearing that he would be left homeless, Joseph massacred the rest of his family.

Read Theresa DeLucia's last will and testament

"[In] 41 years, it is probably one of the most horrific scenes I've ever seen," Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder told reporters in a news briefing.

He said that there were warning signs that might have prevented the slayings if they had been reported to police.

GRANDMOTHER KILLS COLLEGE TRACK COACH IN MURDER-SUICIDE IN WEALTHY NEW YORK NEIGHBORHOOD: POLICE

"There was talk in that community about the distress of this shooter that had decided he did not want to leave his residence after his mom died," he said. "There was talk in the community in the past that if you hear shots fired, don't call the police  it'll be too late."

Family members gathered at the DeLucia matriarch's home on Wyoming Court in Syosset on the morning of Aug. 25, grabbing coffee from Starbucks ahead of a planned meeting with a real estate agent to discuss selling the home, police said. The suburban neighborhood is about 30 miles east of New York City.

Responding officers found the gunman dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. They also recovered his 12-gauge shotgun.

COUSINS ARRESTED AFTER BIZARRE INCIDENT INVOLVING POSSIBLE PIPE BOMB, MACHETE OUTSIDE NYC POLICE PRECINCT

A neighbor called 911 just before noon. Police found Joseph DeLucia, 59, dead outside, near a shotgun on the grass.

Inside, they found Joanne Kearns, a 69-year-old sister who lived in Tampa, Florida; Frank DeLucia, a 64-year-old brother who lived in Durham, North Carolina; Tina Hammond, a 64-year-old sister who lived in the neighboring Suffolk County; and her daughter Victoria, 30.

Nassau County police responded to reports of shots fired and a man lying on the front lawn of the home on Wyoming Court in Syosset, New York, on Aug. 25, 2024.

Joseph DeLucia had a history of mental illness but no significant criminal record beyond a drunken driving stop decades ago, according to authorities. However, under New York's red flag law, police could have taken away his shotgun, police said.

Nassau Detective Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said the killer believed he was being cut out of the will and would have been thrown out on the streets when his siblings sold the home.

"Because of that perception, he decided that day to get a loaded Mossberg shotgun, 12-gauge, approach them in the rear area of the house, and from the kitchen fire 12 shots, striking all four of them multiple times," he told reporters at the briefing.

Neighbors heard him on the front lawn shouting before DeLucia fired a final shot into his own chest. A haunting final post on a Facebook page under his name shows a New York license plate reading, "DEPRSSED."

"If anybody has somebody that they think has issues, they should be calling us," Fitzpatrick added.

Mary Macaluso, a local realtor, told the local newspaper Newsday that she was supposed to meet the family and arrived to find the block closed off with police tape.

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).





Original article source: Read the will surrounding dead woman's home that pushed son to massacre siblings
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The personnel file and disciplinary record of a former Blount County Schools employee is shedding light on previous incidents before he pleaded guilty to offensive touching.

Joseph Dalton pleaded guilty on September 4 to five counts of offensive touching assault. According to Blount County Schools, Dalton worked at school locations in Friendsville, Walland, and Lanier. The school system also released that he resigned on September 29, 2023. The incidents that led to the guilty plea took place in September 2023.

Emerald Academy using pouches to become a phone-free school

Sick leave records obtained by WATE show that Dalton worked for Blount County School between 2002 to 2017. Additional records show he held several positions during this time. Personnel request forms state that Dalton was requested for positions including:

Full-time Special Education at William Blount High School in August 2001

Part time teaching assistant at Mary Blount Elementary in September 2002

Temporary full-time teaching assistant in special education at Mary Blount Elementary in November 2002

Full time (from part time) as a special education teaching assistant at Maryville Blount Elementary in July 2003

Systemwide part-time physical education teacher in July 2004

Part-time Special Education TA at Eagleton Elementary in August 2004

Full-time countywide physical education in December 2004

Full-time systemwide physical education in July 2005

Records from the Blount County Sheriffs Office state that Dalton was first investigated in August 2005 on an allegation of forcible fondling at Porter Elementary.

In a Blount County Sheriffs Office report dated August 25, 2005, a deputy who was serving as a school resource officer wrote that he was approached by the schools principal, who reported that she had been approached by a students parents who believed that Dalton, a gym teacher at the time, may have touched their child inappropriately.

The report states the parents told the deputy that they picked up their child from school on August 22, 2005, their child was crying and was unable to tell them why. They continued to explain that the next morning, the child did not want to go to school. The report continues to state that the parents alleged they were told by the child or another individual whose name was redacted that the gym teacher had touched the childs belly, leg and too-too, referring to the frontal crotch area, during gym class with his finger.

The report then states that Dalton was the only gym teacher at the school that year, and the deputy filed a report with DCS.

DA: Four students charged in separate school threats in Morgan & Roane counties

In another report from February 21, 2018, a deputy was told by a school nurse at Eagleton Elementary School that she saw Dalton come into contact with several female students in his class in a way that made her uncomfortable. The deputy reviewed video of the gym class and wrote that he saw Dalton with a female student standing to his left in contact with his left thigh and that he had both of his arms around another female students chest that was standing directly in front of him. The deputy also wrote that about five minutes later in the video, he saw Dalton sitting in a chair in the back corner of the gym with the same two girls sitting on his lap, straddling each knee, and Dalton had an arm around each girls waist.

Another BCSO report states that Dalton was accused of sexual battery by an authority figure following an incident on October 29, 2019. According to the report, a school resource officer at Eagleton Elementary was told by the schools assistant principal in regard to a report that had been made by a guidance counselor about Dalton allegedly inappropriately touching a student.

The resource officer spoke with the students mother, who reportedly told him that the student said while she was in gym class with everyone sitting in a circle, Dalton placed a hand on her right leg above the knee and slid his hand behind her, touching her buttocks. The deputy wrote that he watched school video with the assistant principal that confirmed the allegations.

The report continues to state that the deputy then notified their chain of command and filed a report with DCS, however, an update in the report explains the district attorneys office declined to prosecute the case citing being able to prove sexual gratification and this being a he said she said type of case.

Previous story: Former Blount County Schools employee pleads guilty to offensive touching

Two emails from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to the Blount County Board of Education included in Daltons employee file state that background checks were completed in November 2018 and June 2023. Both emails state that there was no indication of any record that would preclude Dalton from employment in the school system.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Some local groups are coming together to tackle addiction and celebrate September as National Recovery Month.

The national designation started in 1989 as a chance to spotlight resources and promote recovery.

Were all miracles here. So, September is, as I call it, the miracle month, says Shawn Trapp with Good Shepherd Ministries.

He says he considers himself blessed every day hes in recovery.

I moved to Dayton nine years ago, went to treatment at Woodhaven Treatment Center, got out of treatment, went to recovery housing, describes Trapp. The biggest part of our organization is service work, being of service to other people, giving back, because unfortunately, in active addiction, we did a lot of taking. So now, we love being a part of RAMCO and these other collaborations. Community service work is a big part of our program. When I help somebody else out, its actually helping me out. So its a big part of my recovery.

RAMCO, The Recovery Alliance of Montgomery County Ohio, and the organizations under it are planning to once again host a Healthy Recovery Celebration.

Gilbert Dillard is a board member for RAMCO.

Im eight years sober, Crime-free, drug-free. I help other people engage and maintain the recovery process because I am a certified peer recovery supporter So, I work in the behavioral health system, says Dillard. We want to celebrate those that are already in recovery, and then, we want to celebrate those coming into recovery. So, yes, we dont care if you got one minute clean. Come on out here! Right? You got 12 years clean? Come on out here! Yes! Have some fun with us. Tell your story because people need to hear your story.

The Healthy Recovery Celebration is set for Saturday, September 21 from noon until 5 p.m. at Burkham Park at 979 Dona Avenue in Dayton. There will be free food, live music, giveaways, information, and resources.

Alan Walder with the Dayton Fellowship Club will be there to help hand out those resources.

I started in recovery in 1990. We needed a place to go. We got together with a few members, men and women got together, and tried to provide a place so we can be positive impact for our community, states Walder. What were seeing now is now resources are more available, such as peer support, such as treatment facilities, such as things that are popping up and getting support. So, if people want help to find help that they need, it is available in our community.

Coming up on two years sober, Amber Ross with the WestSide Club has found her place.

This life that I have now that Im in recovery is completely and utterly just so different than what Ive ever known. So to even being a part of this, I almost feel like its a privilege. Its an honor, you know, just to even be here, that these guys would have me. Its just like, wow, Im excited, says Ross.

Ross is also a part of RAMCO, brought on as the organizations secretary.

I just get to sit and listen and absorb all their knowledge. I take the notes for them and its a privilege to just be able to, like I said, come on to such a powerful organization that is reaching out to the community, providing us with those resources, states Ross.

Shirley Quinn with Voices of Fellowship and the Dayton Fellowship Club is sharing her voice with events like this.

I was lost and broken and hopeless. So I came into Narcotics Anonymous about 20 years ago. And my life has changed, describes Quinn. Its gratifying because we know that people are suffering and need help, and theres plenty of resources that are available now. So, its a gratifying feeling knowing that theyre getting a chance to change their life.

In addition to the Healthy Recovery Celebration, a mobile recovery bus is coming to the Dayton Fellowship Club on Saturday, October 5 from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. It is a national movement  stopping in more than a dozen cities  highlighting the work of recovery in the community and advocating for solutions.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Following the attack on its staff, the International Committee of the Red Cross will cease operations of its Dnipro headquarters.

Source: Oleksandr Vlasenko, the spokesperson of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ukraine, writes Radio Liberty

Details: According to Vlasenko, the delegation intends to update its safety guidelines.

Quote: "We have offices in Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa, as well as the head office in Kyiv and Lviv, and on the other side, in Donetsk and Luhansk. So far, our Dnipro office has been offline for some time."

Vlasenko noted that the ICRC will conduct its own investigation into the situation to understand whether "any mistakes were made on our part". At the same time, the spokesman expressed hope that in the near future the office will return to work.

He specified that the attack on the ICRC mission occurred before its employees began to distribute humanitarian aid, otherwise "there could have been much more casualties".

Commenting on the fact that the ICRC leadership has not named those responsible for the attack, Vlasenko said that the organisation "does not know exactly" who is to blame for it.

Quote: "Employees of the Ukrainian mission have been killed before, including one in Donetsk in October 2014. However, I recall that our employees in the Gaza Strip, Ethiopia, and Yemen have also been killed. We never try to assign blame to anyone in particular. It is indeed a catastrophe for us. Every time we lose an employee, it is a big tragedy. As a result, it is less necessary for us to name specific criminals than it is to ensure that this does not happen again."

Background:

On 12 September, three ICRC staff members were killed and two others injured in a morning artillery attack on Viroliubivka in Kostiantynivka hromada, Donetsk Oblast. A lorry carrying humanitarian aid and a car were destroyed.

The ICRC said their team had been preparing to distribute firewood and fuel briquettes north of Donetsk when their vehicles came under fire. The organisations statement did not specify who carried out the attack.

Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that the dead and injured were ICRC staff members who were in the lorry at the time of the attack. He urged the ICRC to publicly condemn Russias actions, which violate the Geneva Conventions, and expressed outrage at the lack of response from international organisations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed regret that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been hesitant to blame Russia for a strike on humanitarian mission vehicles in Donetsk which resulted in the deaths of three ICRC staff members.

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Red Cross volunteers from South Carolina deploy to Mississippi to provide disaster relief from Hurricane Francine

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Six disaster-trained volunteers from the American Red Cross of South Carolina are deploying to support disaster relief operations in Mississippi following Hurricane Francine.

Hurricane Francine first made landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday. The Category 2 hurricane brought massive flooding, downed trees and widespread power outages.

Though weakening, Francine may cause flooding with more rain possible in Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, on top of a dangerous storm surge.

I want to help some people who are in need and do my part. Hopefully, they can pass on good deeds in the future, said Jim Bufano, Red Cross volunteer deploying to Mississippi from Greenville today. Hopefully that will improve our whole society, all helping one another.

The Red Cross mobilized trained workers, emergency response vehicles and thousands of relief supplies and ready-to-eat meals to be ready to help.

Individuals looking to help those affected by this disaster can donate a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit redcross.org , call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) to help today.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Mariyah Phillips

This article contains descriptions of fatal violence against a Black transgender woman.

Redd, a Black trans woman from Chicago also known to her friends as Barbie, was shot and killed in the early morning of September 8. She was 26 years old.

At about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, Redd and her best friend Michelle Lee were hanging out with their other friends on the corner of Monroe Street and Kenton Avenue, as the Chicago Sun-Times reported this week. Lee told the Sun-Times that around that time, a man walked by, talked to another group of people nearby, then left  only to return at roughly 2 a.m. and begin shooting. We heard one shot, [and] we all ran, she said. And he kept shooting.

Police told the Sun-Times that 15 rifle shell casings were recovered at the intersection. Redd was shot multiple times in the back and legs, killing her, while another unidentified person was shot in the chest and hospitalized in critical condition. Little other information is publicly known about the shooting, and police did not release further public statements this week. Redds cousin Mariyah Philips alleged to the paper that police told her they had video footage of the shooting, but that she had not received updates from them as of Tuesday. Officials have not said whether her killing will be investigated as a hate crime.

I do feel like it was a hate crime, Phillips told the Sun-Times. I want to start [bringing] awareness [that] people are really attacking that community. I want people to know that they are being attacked. According to the Sun-Times, at least 14 trans and gender-nonconforming people have been killed in Chicago since 2016; Redds is reportedly the first such killing in the city this year.

Redd began her transition at 16, Phillips recalled, and was close with both her biological and chosen family. Another friend, Trevon Pope, remembered Redd as someone who wanted to be loved and respected [...] Thats one thing she didnt play about. She loved and respected people.

A balloon release was held in Redds memory on Wednesday night at the headquarters of TaskForce Prevention and Community Services, a community program for LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive youth Redd was involved with, as WLS-TV reported.

Redd, known to her friends as Barbie, should be alive today, wrote Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on September 11. While the investigation continues, Im sending love and light to her family and all who love her as they mourn her loss. Black trans lives matter. Redds life mattered.

Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here.

Originally Appeared on them.
Rent is eating up a greater share of tenants income in almost every state

A worker changes the lock of an apartment after an eviction order in Phoenix. In Arizona, low wages, a housing shortage and short-term rental and vacation homes are cutting into affordable housing available to renters. Photo by 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 this week by the U.S. Census Bureau. Florida and Maine also saw large jumps.

The percentage of cost-burdened renters in Maryland rose from 49.9% in 2019 to 53.3% in 2023, the ninth-highest share among states for that year, the census numbers show.

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, said 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.

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, Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy

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%).

The 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%).

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.
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. (File/John Moore/Getty Images)

South Carolina is among 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 this week by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Florida and Maine also saw large jumps.

In South Carolina, more than half of renters are considered cost burdened, following a nearly 5 percentage point increase since 2019.

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%).

This week's 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.

Like SC Daily Gazette, 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.
Renters say they have developed breathing issues after moving into Gwinnett apartment complex

Its an ongoing mold problem that senior Gwinnett County renters say they can no longer be silent about.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln spoke with seniors living at the Redland Creek Apartments in Lawrenceville.

Several renters told her that after moving in they developed breathing and lung issues.

Blackout spells, dizziness, I was unable to breathe properly, Mildred Amore told Lincoln.

Earlier this year Channel 2 Action News reported about growing mold inside of multiple units.

Renter Yolanda Jordan said one renter told her she has to sleep in her bathroom because its the easiest room to breathe in.

Its uncomfortable to breathe, she said.

Renters said management hired a mold company to assess their units, but they refused to release the findings to tenants.

Everybody is getting sick as far as irritation, breathing, headaches, Jordan told Lincoln. It needs to be called out.

Renters told Channel 2 Action News they hired an independent company. Lincoln went through their report, and it noted the presence of highly toxic molds.

The company noted some units had high levels of humidity leading to several molds that are found outdoors were located inside of units.

The report said wood decay with the buildings framing could be the cause.

He says they left the drywall out, he said its contaminated through the building, Jordan said.

TRENDING STORIES:

Michael Ryan said he moved out in 2022 after he says remediation efforts were ignored by management.

I went to the city and pulled the documents for the entire building, when this place flooded before it opened all that mold got inside the building, Ryan said.

Earlier this month the Georgia Department of Community Affairs which issues housing vouchers for this property placed some units in abatement after they failed inspection.

DCA said in a statement:

DCAs Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) inspectors conducted three special inspections on this unit in 2024. Special Inspections may be complaint inspections or quality control inspections. Complaint inspections occur when a tenant, owner, or member of the public complains about the condition of an HCV housing unit.

During the third inspection on August 22, 2024, it was noted that bio-organic matter was present in the closet and on the tenants belongings. It was observed that the bio-organic matter was not rectified within the designated timeframe defined by Dept. of Housing and Urban Development policies.

Consequently, the unit was placed under abatement, effective 9/1/2024. The tenant was immediately issued a voucher to relocate to a unit that meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These regulations consist of 13 key aspects of housing quality, performance requirements, and acceptability criteria to meet each performance requirement. HQS includes requirements for all housing types, including single- and multi-family dwelling units, as well as specific requirements for special housing types such as manufactured homes, congregate housing, single-room occupancy, shared housing, and group residence.

Channel 2 Action News learned the complex is owned by Wilhoit Properties based in Springfield, Missouri.

Lincoln emailed and called their corporate office but they have not responded.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Editors note: A previous version of this story misstated when the commission was established. The story has been updated.

LOWER MANHATTAN  What does New York City owe to people whose ancestors were enslaved and to others who were negatively impacted by the slave trade? Thats what a commission will try to answer over the next three years now that the City Council has approved a reparations study in a vote on Thursday.

More than half of the councils members co-sponsored a bill allowing the citys Commission on Racial Equity, or CORE, to study the impacts of slavery and its legacies in New York City, and recommend potential reparative measures for resulting harms. The measure passed by a strong margin on Thursday afternoon.

Hours before the final testimony and vote, supporters of the legislation held a rally on the steps of City Hall. As they pointed out, the early American building behind them was constructed in part by enslaved people.

One of the supporters, Ammie Belle Olatunji, who turns 95 next month, said the bills time is overdue.

More Local News

I want to get my reparations in my lifetime, she said.

Elsewhere around New York, some residents agreed with her.

Mildred Rojas, who lives in the Bronx, reacted strongly to the news that the measure had passed. I think thats amazing, she said while walking past the corner of Wall and Water Streets, a location near where the citys slave market had once been located. Thats really great that they approved it. Its about time.

The main sponsor of the bill is Brooklyn Councilmember Farah Louis. She talked about the legislation on the PIX11 Morning News on Thursday. The reparations study, she said, is meant to figure out details of what forms of compensation might be most feasible and most applicable to communities in New York.

Were going to work with subject experts on constitutional law, urban planning, on historical trauma, Councilmember Louis said, to make sure we get this right.

In addition to her bill thats resulted in CORE studying reparations, three other measures related to the citys enslavement history are now also on course to become law.

One bill, which was approved by a City Council vote on Thursday afternoon, promotes CORE establishing a truth, healing, and reconciliation process in connection with the citys historic involvement in slavery and its present-day legacies.

Another measure creates whats called a freedom trail, highlighting historical locations related to the slave trade; another creates a new historical marker that shows where the citys slave market had been located, at Wall and Pearl Streets.

That marker would replace a temporary one thats a block away on Water and Wall Streets. Its where Rasheed Lucas, a Queens resident, walked past when he told PIX11 News his reaction to the new measures.

[Its] something that we need put together for us, who helped build this economy, he said.

Regarding reparations specifically, CORE will hold public hearings and provide updates periodically, according to Councilmember Louis. The commission is expected to make its final recommendations by July 2027. The details will be determined over the course of that time.

The measure is consistent with a bill approved last year by New York State that creates a reparations commission at the state level. Some Republicans in the state legislature and the City Council have expressed concerns about the cost of the studies, as well as the costs of the reparations themselves.

In response, L. Joy Williams, the president of the Brooklyn NAACP, said that its important for all people to note that reparations are meant to make conditions better for everyone, overall, and not to target specific groups.

No one is coming to your house to empty your personal bank account, Williams said in an interview.

The newly approved measures require mayoral approval in order to become law. Mayor Eric Adams has expressed interest in the past in supporting reparations.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FILE - A general view shows the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Aug. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

HONOLULU (AP)  Investigators reviewing the emergency response to last year's wildfire that killed 102 people on Maui said in a report released Friday they found no evidence Hawaii officials made preparations for it, despite days of warnings that critical fire weather was coming.

That lack of planning hindered efforts to evacuate the historic town of Lahaina before it burned, the report said.

A forecaster with the National Weather Service emailed fire managers an unprecedented advance warning on Aug. 4, 2023, of the danger that would develop on Aug. 8, including extreme winds as a hurricane passed far to the south, according to the report released by the state attorney general.

But in the ensuing days, the report found, there is no evidence that key agencies  the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Maui Fire Department, Maui Police and others  developed plans for dealing with severe wildfire risk, such as by having extra staff on duty, stationing emergency vehicles or supplies in high-risk areas, or plotting possible evacuations.

The strongly worded nature of the email, had it been communicated to fire managers in other states with better developed severity preparedness strategies, could have gained attention and prompted discussion and operational planning, the report said. It was a call for State of Hawaii fire managers to prepare for the impending extreme weather.

The heroic efforts of firefighters and police  who risked their lives sprinting door to door to warn residents to leave  were undercut by the lack of planning as the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century destroyed thousands of buildings.

This investigation serves as a wake-up call for the state and county governments to learn from the past and urgently prepare for the future, Attorney General Anne Lopez said in a statement.

Maui's mayor said the report will help Maui respond to future disasters and save lives.

The County remains committed to a transparent and thorough investigation that will help us identify and implement best practices, Mayor Richard Bissen said in a statement.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency didn't immediately respond with comment.

Maui fire commanders discussed the forecast, but no evidence of pre-event preparedness plans by the MFD were produced, the report said. The police and fire departments never established a unified incident command post or action plan, and as a result it was more difficult to know who was responding to what, where to direct resources, or which evacuation routes were blocked by downed trees or power lines.

The departments share a mobile command vehicle, but the county did not provide evidence that it was used that day, the report said. Some emergency vehicles didn't have equipment for clearing roadblocks.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has acknowledged that its power lines caused a fire the morning of Aug. 8. Firefighters who responded believed they had extinguished it. But, the report notes, they had limited access to the area due to steep terrain and unstable power lines overhead, making it difficult to determine if the fire was truly out.

The fire that destroyed Lahaina later that day ignited in the same area. Maui County's report on the cause of the catastrophe has not been released.

With multiple fires burning on Maui that day, police focused on routine duties like traffic control rather than preparing for an evacuation, the report said. The police and fire departments operated separately, hindering communication as winds toppled utility poles, cutting power and cell service.

Maui County and the state use private contractors to help fight fires with water tankers and heavy equipment. But those contractors werent trained to use portable radios, and with cell service down many had to communicate with firefighters in person. Firefighters had to flag down water tankers to ask them to fight fires. Some hydrants failed as the fire melted water lines.

Maui Fire Department policy requires backup relief engines to be ready to respond to an emergency. But some lacked breathing equipment and portable radios, the report said. Personnel at fire stations spent valuable time locating and loading hoses, nozzles and hand tools.

And despite the warnings, the heads of the county emergency management agency and the Maui Fire Department were off-island that day, attending conferences in Honolulu. The report said no one appeared to be in charge of strategic resource allocation.

Some of the challenges facing officials and residents were particular to Hawaii and Maui: narrow roads clogged with parked cars and private dirt roads blocked by gates.

Many older, wooden homes were separated by less than 6 feet (1.8 meters), and residents frequently left windows open, making it easier for the fire to spread.

The 518-page report, conducted by the Fire Safety Research Institute, is the second part of a three-part attempt by officials to understand the tragedy and how best to avoid such disasters in the future.

The review determined that the lack of planning fit a long pattern of apathy to wildfire risk in Hawaii, where tsunamis and hurricanes are considered more pressing dangers, and it was among many factors that set the stage for the catastrophe.

Nationally, the report noted, people think of Hawaii as a tropical vacation destination, not fire-prone. Even among residents it may be difficult to get excited about wildfire risk when red-flag weather  hot, dry and windy  isn't much different from a typical summer day.

This gap between risk perception and reality seems to have contributed to a relative underinvestment in wildfire prevention, preparedness and response capacity over the years, the report said.

Even though a 2018 wildfire in West Maui near Lahaina burned 2,000 acres (810 hectares), destroyed 21 structures and forced 600 people into shelters, the Maui Police Departments Natural and Man-Made Disaster Plan didnt include wildfires. The Maui Fire Department has policies for responding to hurricanes but not high fire danger.

Maui County passed legislation in 2022 giving the fire department the authority to require property owners to clear vegetation, such as the dry invasive grasses that helped fuel the Aug. 8 fire, but the county has not produced any evidence that the MFD has enforced these amendments in the Lahaina area, according to the report.

It called for better vegetation management and fire breaks and recommended providing alternate means of firefighting water supply for extreme events, including portable pumps to draw from pools, ponds and the ocean.

The Maui Police Department should develop safe evacuation procedures, and the fire department should establish operating procedures for bad fire weather, the report said.

Things need to change, and preparedness is where it starts, Derek Alkonis, of the review team, told a news conference Friday.

___

Johnson reported from Seattle. Associated Press reporters Mark Thiessen in Anchorage, Alaska; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia; Jacques Billeaud in Phoenix; and Christopher L. Keller in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed.
Report: These Middle TN schools are the healthiest in the state

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Four schools in Middle Tennessee have been named the healthiest in the state by Alliance for a Healthier Generation, according to the Tennessee Department of Education.

The department shared this week schools in Benton, Coffee, Davidson and Sumner counties all made the list for 2024, which was released earlier this month. The schools were:

Camden Elementary School, Benton County Schools

Schwab Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools

T. W. Hunter Middle School, Sumner County Schools

Robert E. Lee Elementary School, Tullahoma City Schools

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Each school received at least one awarded topic from Healthier Generation, but Robert E. Lee Elementary School was awarded on all nine topics, the Department of Education said.

According to Alliance for a Healthier Generation, nearly 900 schools across the country were awarded for their achievements in advancing the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of students, staff, and families.

The evaluation was supported by Del Monte Foods, Kaiser Permanente, and Kohls, according to Healthier Generation.

In order to be considered for the recognition, Healthier Generation says schools apply in the following categories:

Strengthening Social-Emotional Health & Learning

Cultivating Staff Well-Being

Increasing Family & Community Engagement

Improving Nutrition & Food Access

Implementing Local School Wellness Policy

Bolstering Physical Education & Activity

Enriching Health Education

Promoting Tobacco-Free Schools

Supporting School Health Services

According to a spokesperson for Healthier Generation, Camden Elementary School was awarded for Supporting School Health Services; Schwab Elementary School was awarded for Increasing Family & Community Support, Bolstering Physical Education & Activity, and Cultivating Staff Well-Being; and T.W. Hunter Middle School was awarded for Implementing Local School Wellness Policy, Bolstering Physical Education and Activity, Promoting Tobacco-Free Schools, and Supporting School Health Services.

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By being awarded in all nine categories, Robert E. Lee Elementary School was one of just 66 total schools awarded All-Star status. As a result of being awarded All-Star status, the school will be celebrated in person at the Americas Healthiest Schools Leaders Summit in October, the spokesperson told News 2.

We invite the nation to join us in honoring Americas Healthiest Schools for their commitment to meeting the health needs of their students, staff, and families, said Kathy Higgins, chief executive officer at Healthier Generation. As educators across the nation grapple with challenges from historic levels of chronic absenteeism to a youth mental health crisis, Americas Healthiest Schools serve as models of resilience and determination. With support from Healthier Generations resources and staff, these award-winning schools are implementing best practices and policies to better serve their learning communities.

Were excited for Camden Elementary and their students, Benton County Director of Schools Mark Florence told News 2. The Camden Elementary School staff and Coordinated School Health team have worked hard to ensure their students have opportunities on a regular basis to improve their overall health.

T.W. Hunter Middle School consistently excels in many areas, setting high expectations across the board. We are proud of the strong work of their Health School Team, led by Ryan Mash, which earned them this prestigious recognition, Director of Health Services for Sumner County Schools Lisa Herron said. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and commitment to student and staff well-being.

Metro Nashville Public Schools spokesperson Sean Braisted said the district was appreciative for the award.

We appreciate this organization recognizing the work of Shwab to create a healthy school environment, he told News 2.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Braisted added MNPS schools overall prioritize the physical and mental health of our students with investments aimed at providing wrap-around support systems.

According to Braisted, some of those investments include:

Funding for a school nurse for every school at MNPS, first through the federal ESSER program and this year with funds provided by Metro Government through the ESSER bridge program.

Close coordination with the Metro Nashville Public Health Department on our school nurse program, as well as offering vaccinations and immunizations for our students.

Social-emotional well-being programs such as advocacy centers at all of our elementary schools which support emotional regulation, as well as investments in mental health specialists and social workers for additional support.

Nutritious, no-cost breakfast and lunch for all students.

We are so proud and grateful to receive this All-Star Award, said Robert E. Lee Elementary School (REL) Principal Mary Gilbert. This is a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our students, staff and families. This award would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our community. I want to say thank you to every individual who has dedicated time and effort to our school in order to make this achievement possible.

According to a spokesperson for Tullahoma City Schools, this is the third time REL has been named on the Healthier Schools list from Healthier Generation but the first time it has received the All-Star status from the organization.

I am one proud Director of Schools, and this is a milestone that should be celebrated by all Robert E. Lee Elementary students, staff, families and the Tullahoma community as a whole, Tullahoma City Schools Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens said. To be the only school in Tennessee selected an All-Star speaks volumes. The staff and administration at Robert E. Lee Elementary School continually work to create positive and healthy learning environments for all students, and it is wonderful to see their work being honored at a national level.

Three Memphis-Shelby County Schools also made the list: Dexter Elementary School, Evans Elementary School, and Hickory Ridge Middle School.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Report shows details of Cincinnati Metro bus crash that left 1 seriously injured

A crash report shows what happened in a crash that involved a Cincinnati Metro bus in Downtown earlier this week.

The report, obtained by The Enquirer from Cincinnati police, shows that at 6:37 a.m. Tuesday, the driver of a 2009 Honda Civic was traveling eastbound on West Seventh Street before running a red light at the intersection with Elm Street.

The Metro bus, which was crossing the intersection while traveling northbound on Elm Street, then crashed with the Civic, causing it to hit a nearby light pole.

More: Metro wrestles with safety, service. Critics say it's hiring at risk bus drivers

The driver of the Civic sustained serious injuries and was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, the report says. His status as of Friday afternoon is unknown.

The bus driver suffered no injuries while the bus' sole passenger suffered minor ones.

The crash closed the roadway for nearly two hours.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Report: Driver ran red light before crashing into Cincinnati Metro bus
RAMONA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  A limited lockdown at a middle school in Ramona was lifted Thursday after a reported school threat turned out to be unfounded, according to law enforcement.

Authorities were informed about a possible shooting threat around 9 a.m. at Olive Pierce Middle School, located in the 1500 block of Hanson Lane, Sgt. Sean Gallagher with the San Diego County Sheriffs Department said in a news release.

Deputies responded to the campus, prompting school administrators to place the school on a limited lockdown.

The sheriffs department did not find anything suspicious following a thorough search of the campus, per authorities. There were no injuries reported.

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Out of an abundance of caution, deputies conducted security sweeps at Ramona High School and Ramona Community Montessori School. Deputies also provided extra patrols at all three campuses until the end of the school day, Gallagher said.

This week, police reported a flurry of unsubstantiated shooting threats involving San Diego elementary, middle and high school.

In Chula Vista, a 12-year-old Bonita Vista Middle School student was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of fabricating shooting threats that circulated through texts and social media.

However, authorities do not know if the Ramona incident is related to the unsubstantiated shooting threats in San Diego.

Those with information about the incident should call the Ramona Sheriffs Substation at 760-738-2491. If students hear any threats or potential violence, they can approach the sheriff departments school resource deputies or call the anonymous Student Speaking Out hotline 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.
A new advertisement from a political action committee is emphasizing Kamala Harriss relationship with Israel as well as Doug Emhoffs Jewish faith and targeting Muslim voters (Getty)

A political action committee with apparent ties to Republican groups has aired advertisements in Michigan zip codes with notable Mulsim populations that emphasize Vice President Kamala Harriss ties to Israel and her husband, Doug Emhoffs, Jewish faith  seemingly in an attempt to draw the specific voters away.

A series of six advertisements from the Future Coalition PAC have aired in cities like Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck where the largest concentration of Arab Americans live.

At first, the ads appear celebratory of Emhoff potentially being the first Jewish presidential spouse ever.

But a repeated strong emphasis on Emhoff being Harriss top adviser, the claim that Harris hates Free Palestine protestors and the assertion that the two will always support the unbreakable bond between the U.S. and Israel begins to feel more like an attempt to play into the antisemitic trope that Jewish people are equally loyal to Israel and the U.S.

The ads use emotive language, saying Harris is tough on Hamas terrorists who murdered innocent Jews and Harris put [Free Palestine protesters] in their place.

An image from one of the Future Coalition PACs advertisements that ran in Michigan depicts Harris as a pro-Israel president (Future Coalition PAC / YouTube)

Future Coalition PAC spent at least $50,000 on the ads, which began airing on September 5, according to Google Ads Transparency.

Information about the PAC is little-known because it only first registered with the Federal Election Commission in July. They are

It currently lists its custodian of records as Cabell Hobbs and its treasurer as Ray Zaborney.

It also lists its bank as Chain Bridge Bank  a privately-owned bank that has worked on every Republican Party presidential nominees campaign since 2008.

The ads arrive at a time of heightened political tension due to the IsraelHamas war.

Many Jewish Americans have faced an increasing amount of antisemitism over the last year and some have voiced concern about attacks on their communities due to the war. Notably, college students and faculty raised issues with antisemitism on campus after pro-Palestinian protests took over universities this past year.

Arab Americans have also faced attacks on their communities as a result of the war. Some have expressed outrage over the U.S. backing Israels military since more than 40,000 Palestinians have died and people in Gaza are being put in a dire humanitarian crisis.

During the Democratic presidential primaries this year, areas of Michigan with a large Arab American population voted uncommitted over Biden.

Those are the same areas being targeted with the advertisements.

The Independent has reached out to the Future Coalition PAC for comment.

Future Coalition PAC has no affiliation with Future Coalition, a 501(c)(4) organization focused on elevating young progressive candidates and policies in the United States.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Future Coalition said they Completely denounce the anti-Semitic and hateful advertisements by Future Coalition PAC leveraging our name and brand for political actions that do not reflect our values or principles. We urge our supporters, partners, and the wider public to remain vigilant and discerning about the sources of political messaging in this time of concerning attempts to misinform and stew division.

The spokesperson said Future Coalition sent a letter to Future Coalition PAC demanding it cease all use of the name Future Coalition because it violates the groups trademark.
Several GOP lawmakers have come to the defense of Donald Trumps false claims that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Ohio.

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.

The baseless claim 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.

Ohio Representative and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan used the theory to promote Trumps campaign earlier this week. Jordan, on the right of the Republican Party, is co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus.

When President Trump was in office: 1. The border was secure. 2. Illegal aliens werent eating your pets, Jordan wrote on X.

Representative Jim Jordan promoted the baseless theory on social media this week (AP)

Meanwhile, Florida GOP Representative Greg Steube told NOTUS apparently theres pictures to back up the claim.

The fact that youre saying its not happening, its not true, he told NOTUS

Fellow Florida congressman Brian Mast also told NOTUS its not a stereotype that people eat different animals.

You go to different markets in different parts of the world, and youre going to find horse on the menu, youre going to find dog on the menu, youre going to find cat on the menu, he said.

Other Republican lawmakers, when asked by The Independent earlier this week, dodged the topic.

This week, Texas Senator Ted Cruz shared a meme of a cat with the text Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us. But he had nothing to say about the theory when previously approached by The Independent.

I talked about the debate last night on Hannity and also todays podcast is entirely on that issue, Cruz said.

Fellow Texan John Cornyn also brushed off The Independents question.

If you have a serious question, Im happy [to answer], the senator previously told The Independent.

Meanwhile, the White House has condemned these claims.

I think its important that all of us take a step back here and just lean on the facts here, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Thursday. 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, she continued. 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.
You Could Reduce Your Alzheimers Risk With This One Simple Trick, New Research Finds

Alzheimers disease impacts more than six million Americans, but the exact cause of the devastating condition is still being investigated by scientists. Now, new research has found a new risk factor to consider: light pollution.

The study, which was published in Frontiers in Neuroscience on September 5, is the first to connect Alzheimers disease with light pollution. Its also raising a lot of questions about whats behind this link, and how to avoid light pollution in the first place. Heres what you need to know.

Meet the experts: Clifford Segil, DO, is a neurologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California. W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast.

What did the study find?

For the study, researchers looked at light pollution information in the lower 48 states, along with medical data linked with Alzheimer's disease risk factors. They then divided people into groups by light intensity exposure.

The researchers discovered that people in the groups with higher nighttime light pollution were more likely to develop Alzheimers disease, even when other risk factors (like high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke) weren't there. The scientists also found that the link was strongest for people under the age of 65, which suggests that younger people may be more sensitive to light pollution at night than their older counterparts.

Does light pollution cause Alzheimers disease?

This is the first study to link light pollution to Alzheimers disease, making it tricky to say that exposure to light at night is a risk factor for the disease. Also, the study merely found an associationit didnt prove that nighttime light exposure causes people to develop Alzheimers. In fact, the researchers even wrote in their conclusion that these data suggest light exposure at night may influence Alzheimers disease, but additional studies are needed.

That said, they did theorize that this could all be linked to inflammation. Specifically, exposure to light at night can throw your circadian rhythm out of whack, which raises the risk of inflammation. This increases the odds youll develop a host of different diseases.



W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast, adds that light pollution could be a risk factor since it "erodes sleep quality," which may "increase risk for dementia."

"Light pollution has been associated with other negative health outcomesobesity, depression, anxiety, memory dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and cancerand the dementia risk might be related to one of these outcomes," he continues.

But Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, says that its challenging to say that people who are exposed to light at night will increase their risk of developing Alzheimers disease down the road. He points out that light pollution is not an accepted dementia risk factor and that more research is needed before it can become one.

How can I avoid light pollution at night?

Light pollution can cause more issues than an increased risk of Alzheimers disease, including making it difficult to get a good nights sleep.

If light pollution is an issue for you, the studys researchers said in a statement that doing your best to block out light when youre trying to sleep can make a big difference. That includes adding blackout curtains to any windows in your room or sleeping with an eye mask on. You can try covering items in your bedroom that may give off light at night, too.

Again, the link between light pollution and Alzheimers disease is a newer one that needs to be explored more. But lowering your exposure to light could help you sleep better, now and in the future.

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NYPD Commissioner Edward Cabans resignation on Thursday, though rumored for days, has added a new layer of debate to City Hall  with divided views on whether the move will calm the turbulence now facing the Adams administration.

The police commissioner was largely expected to step down after his brother, James Caban, and several of Adams top aides were raided by the FBI last week, sending shockwaves across the political spectrum. Many  notably the mayors political opponents  were quick to slam Adams, who is already facing low approval ratings, a rift between with the City Council and mayoral challengers snapping at his heels.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams challenged the idea that Cabans resignation would eliminate distractions the raids have created for City Hall.

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, she said at a press conference Thursday. 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.

Progressive Council members Shahana Hanif, Sandy Nurse, Carmen De La Rosa and Jennifer Gutierrez urged Adams to use this opportunity to turn the page on his scandal-plagued administration in a joint statement.

Refusing to change course would put the safety and well-being of everyday New Yorkers at risk, they wrote.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams called this a moment of confusion for city leadership.

Im saddened and angered that this is the place our city is in, and hope this step is one in a series toward restoring confidence, Williams said in a statement. This resignation is a correct decision, from an array of options at a moment I wish we werent in  one when New Yorkers have little trust in the administration, and little information from the mayor to help restore it.

Others said the decision was a good one.

Eddie Caban is the citys first Latino police commissioner, which was something the Latino community was very proud of and New York City was very proud of, Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn told the Daily News. I believe that his decision for resignation was a mutual decision between him and the mayor, and hes leaving on good terms.  He probably feels that its too much of a distraction.

Queens Councilman Robert Holden, a more conservative Democrat, had pushed for Caban to step down over the past week and said the move will allow the department to push forward.

The integrity of the NYPD is paramount, and his decision allows the department to move forward without this distraction, ensuring it can continue its critical mission of providing public safety for all New Yorkers, Holden said in a statement.

The PBA addressed the ongoing challenges its members are facing.

We thank Commissioner Caban for always listening to our concerns and being willing to work with us on the issues affecting our members. We wish him the best in the future. But no matter who is leading the NYPD, this remains a uniquely challenging period for police officers on the streets, Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said in a statement, citing criminals, anti-police activists and understaffing as issues facing the department.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Medical professionals, educators, experts and device manufacturers gathered in Morgantown on Thursday as the West Virginia Society for Respiratory Care held its Fall Healthcare Conference at the Erickson Alumni Center.

Also in attendance were representatives from the West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) who showed off its mobile simulation Lab it uses to instruct students. These labs will be a part of a new respiratory care program that WVJC is launching in 2025.

Mon Health offering innovative, new procedure to lower blood pressure

West Virginia Society for Respiratory Care Delegate Cynthia Keely told 12 News that the COVID-19 pandemic spurred greater need and interest in the respiratory field. The need for respiratory therapists are great, and theres a lot of companies and products that are available that go along with what care is provided by respiratory therapist, she said.

The West Virginia Society for Respiratory Care said that Thursdays conference is the largest one that its ever held with more than 200 people in attendance.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Deputy Chief Neil Minardi, left, and Police Chief Normand A. Crepeau Jr. Crepeau is retiring Oct. 4, and Minardi will become the new chief.

GRAFTON  Norman A. Crepeau Jr., the towns police chief for the last 20 years and a 43-year law enforcement officer who helped put a wanted serial killer behind bars, will be retiring next month.

Deputy Chief Neil A. Minardi will be Crepeaus successor.

Its time to let the other officers move up. We have a great department and we have a lot of talent here, a lot of very dedicated officers. The town is very lucky here. And weve hired the best, Crepeau said. Everybody's got to move up. Life will go on and things will go on and maybe even get better with fresh ideas and all.

Crepeau had been a captain in the Woonsocket, Rhode Island, police when he was officially named Grafton's chief in August 2004. He began his career in 1981 as a patrolman in Woonsocket.

He was detective captain when Jeffrey S. Mailhot, also known as the Rhode Island Ripper, was arrested for the murder of three prostitutes in Woonsocket between 2003 and 2004.

There was excellent police work by the detectives involved, everybody involved, detectives and crime lab involved, Crepeau said. The uniformed personnel assisted greatly. It was a big department effort. Everybody was concerned. Everybody wanted to put this person away and find out exactly what happened to these young women. Unfortunately, it was found that they were indeed murdered.

After strangling his victims to death, Mailhot dismembered their corpses with a saw, placed them in garbage bags and threw them into dumpsters. Mailhot was arrested on July 14, 2004, after a woman fended off his attack and later identified Mailhot to police. He was arrested on July 17, 2004, and later sentenced to three life terms in prison.

Im not a psychologist, Crepeau said, but, given the circumstances and what he had to say, if he hadnt been found and arrested, I think he would have struck again.

Coincidentally, the night they brought Mailhot into the Woonsocket Police Department, Crepeau and his family were in Grafton checking the town out.

I got a call from the detectives saying that had this guy in and they had a breakthrough in the case. So I rushed back that night, Crepeau said. Everything fell into place. It was nice to leave with that case solved.

Crepeau said the Mailhot case was the ugliest and most difficult case he faced in his four-decade-plus career in law enforcement.

Weve had some murders in town and, fortunately, they were solved. This one here, you have three women who had lost their lives and the way it was done, it was horrible, no two ways about it, Crepeau said. What stood out, which made it so difficult, this person had no record at all. So hes completely under the radar. But the detectives did an outstanding job. They got a few leads. Followed up on it. And it worked out great.

While the Mailhot case in Woonsocket got national attention, Crepeau said the toughest case he faced in Grafton was the killing of Kelly Sugarman.

On April 13, 2016, Michael E. Sugarman, 48, was accused of killing his 36-year-old wife, Kelly, in front of their 5-year-old daughter. The child led police to the family's house about 6 a.m. after she was seen, dressed in pajamas, walking along the side of Route 140 about a block from home.

Sugarman was charged with second-degree murder. He was eventually found not guilty by reason of insanity.

While he said he is going to miss the job, Crepeau said it's time.

Before coming to Grafton, Crepeau said all he knew about the town was its flea market.

Crepeau and his wife found a house in Grafton and moved in the week before Christmas 2004.

We did the move and we still managed to do Christmas dinner for the family. We had relatives to come over. We had towels in the windows because the drapes werent up yet, Crepeau said. We settled. Great neighbors. The town is great.

Crepeau said he doesnt have any big plans for retirement.

As for his successor, Crepeau said he thinks Minardi is going to do an excellent job.

I wouldnt have recommended him when I announced my retirement if I thought otherwise, Crepeau said. Hes highly trained. Hes motivated. Hes up on everything. So the town couldnt do any better than Neil to replace me.

A Westborough native, Minardi has been with the Grafton Police Department for 28 years, serving as deputy chief for the last two.

We enjoy a tremendous amount of support from the people who live and work in Grafton, also from the Select Board, the town boards and the town administrator, Minardi said. Everyone is very supportive. So, were fortunate.

Minardi has been a deputy commander for the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT team for more than 15 years. He has a master's degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College.

I really look forward to my continued service and leadership in this position, Minardi said, The Town of Grafton and myself are very fortunate to have the dedicated members of the Police Department. The men and women of this police department are fantastic. I cant say enough about them.

As for giving him any advice for being chief, Crepeau said Minardi doesnt need any.

Neil's got good common sense, Crepeau said. He also got the command on the CEMLEC SWAT team. He knows his tactics. He knows the law. Theres not really much I can teach him other than the budgeting stuff. We all need to learn that. And he writes grants. So, some grants I do he does. Its not going to be a big learning curve for him.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Grafton Police Chief Norman Crepeau retiring; worked in Woonsocket, RI
Return to school plan released for Apalachee High School families following mass shooting

Apalachee High School will begin the process of reopening the school after a student went in with a rifle and opened fire, killing two teachers and two students.

The district confirmed to Channel 2s Courtney Francisco that the school will begin to reopen gradually, starting Sept. 24.

We are working with our community, teachers, parents, and experts to ensure we have the right systems and resources in place, Barrow County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff said.

LeDuff sent a letter to families Friday evening.

He said the plan will include relocating some of the classrooms. Although, the district is still working to finalize where the district will move those classrooms.

In other situations, students have never returned to those campuses, Lisa Morgan said.

Morgan represents teachers and staff through the Georgia Association of Educators.

She told Francisco that considering the trauma of returning to ground zero is critical.

She said the mental health aspect of the return plan is, perhaps, one of the most important.

I truly believe this is a time to take a step back and focus on the trauma students and educators have experienced and focus on healing, Morgan said.

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She said security improvements should be another layer of the plan.

The Barrow County Schools website said Friday that leaders are discussing possible additional layers of prevention and security with input from local, state, and federal law enforcement.

The districts website said students can expect to see more police patrols when they return to campus and visitations may be limited.

We have to look beyond what we can do within the confines of the school, Morgan said.

She pointed out the detail investigators released Friday that the suspected shooter rode the bus to school the day of the attack.

I never considered the bus, Morgan said.

His gun was hidden in his backpack, and there are no metal detectors at AHS, according to investigators.

The districts website lists security measures the school has in place currently.

That includes resource officers, digital door locks, and emergency buttons on staff badges.

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The Rt Rev Mark Santer, who has died aged 87, was appointed Bishop of Birmingham in controversial circumstances in 1987.

The Crown Appointments Commission had nominated the Rt Rev Jim Thompson, the Bishop of Stepney, for the vacant see. But Bishop Jim, a man whose determinedly liberal views  on gay adoption, racism, women priests and so on  were regularly aired in the Today programmes Thought for the Day slot, was the bete noire of some elements of the Conservative Party, and the Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, refused to forward his name to the Queen.

She chose Santer, the other nominee, instead, apparently unaware that he had views even more radical than Thompsons  having, for example, as Bishop of Kensington, led a CND march on RAF Heyford  though he had been less vocal in expressing them.

Santers political complexion became clear within days of his translation, when he used his inaugural sermon to mount a thinly veiled attack on the Government, claiming that people were not treated as equals in contemporary society, and that far from being recognised as a sin, selfishness is turned into a publicly accepted principle of social and personal policy.

This prompted The Daily Telegraph to suggest in an editorial that Birmingham Cathedral deserved the Divine displeasure visited on York Minster after the consecration of the Rt Rev David Jenkins as Bishop of Durham.

What on earth must Bishop Thompsons opinions be if they make Dr Santer acceptable to Mrs Thatcher? the paper asked.

Otherwise Santer was known as a leading champion of ecumenism. From 1983 to 1998 he served, alongside Bishop, later Cardinal, Cormac Murphy-OConnor, as Anglican co-chairman of the second Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission.

In his inaugural sermon Santer expressed the hope that there will once again be only one Christian community here presided over by one bishop. It wont be the Church of England we know. It wont be the Roman Catholic Church we know. It wont be the Methodist Church or anything else we know. It will be the universal Church of Jesus Christ in this place.

Bishop Mark Santer with Queen Elizabeth II for the Maundy service at St Philips Cathedral, Birmingham, in March 1989 - Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

But the frustrations of this role became apparent in 1989 when, in a speech at the General Synod, Santer criticised the Vatican for insisting on un-ambiguity in negotiations over doctrine: The Congregation [for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome] do not appear to have understood the nature of ecumenical methods and of ecumenical doctrinal statements, he said.

Any statement, not of a particular theological position but of the faith of the community, must at once respect the limits of what can be said, and also leave room for proper width of interpretation.

Mark Santer was born on December 29 1936, the son of Canon Eric Santer, an incumbent in the diocese of Bristol, and Phyllis, nee Barlow, and was educated at Marlborough, at Queens College, Cambridge, and at Westcott House.

Before ordination, during studies at the University of Utrecht, he met Henriette Weststrate, a Dutch clinical psychologist. They married in 1964 and he was ordained the same year.

After a curacy at All Saints, Cuddesdon, he was appointed a tutor at Cuddesdon College under the future Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie. The two men became close friends and after Runcies death in 2000, Santer would describe him as a new breed of archbishop in a new time when the fashion was to mock established institutions, and I include Margaret Thatcher as one of the mockers.

In 1967 Santer became Fellow and Dean of Clare College, Cambridge, and, in 1973, Principal of Westcott House, where he appointed to the staff another future Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams (who sometimes babysat Santers children), as well as the first woman staff member, Mary (now Dame Mary) Tanner.

Santer, left, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, and the Bishop of Thetford, Timothy Dudley-Smith, in 1991 - Keystone/Getty Images

Santer developed harmonious relations with leaders of other Christian denominations in Cambridge and established ties with the Roman Catholic English College in Rome, where he spent a sabbatical, becoming a friend of its then rector, Cormac Murphy-OConnor.

In 1981 he was appointed area Bishop of Kensington, where he established good relations with area deans and archdeacon and endeared himself to parish clergy with a new review programme aimed at supporting them in their pastoral ministry. After six years he was translated to Birmingham.

Santer continued to cause irritation in high places. In 1993 he was denounced by the CBI as an eccentric who has gone too far after he attacked high salary earners and accused businessmen, politicians and public servants of helping to rot societys moral fabric. The following year he delighted the BMA with an attack on the governments internal market health reforms as immoral.

And while he developed good relations with politicians and officers on Birmingham City Council, in 1997 he clashed with the council over its decision to call Christmas festivities Winterval. He had laughed when he heard the news, he said. I wonder what madness is in store for us this Christmas? he wrote. Now it seems, the secular world, which expresses respect for all, is actually embarrassed by faith. Or perhaps it is Christianity which is being censored.

With Sir Cliff Richard in 1999 - Shaun Fellows/News Team International

Santers obituary in the Church Times noted that while his intellectual sharpness could sometimes irritate, his staff meetings were humane, convivial, and effective and he would as readily serve at the Eucharist as preside. Among the bishops, the obituary went on, he was early in recognising the seriousness of safeguarding issues.

In 2002, the year of his retirement, he made headlines by calling for Anglicans to remove the Queen as their Supreme Governor  partly on the grounds that the monarchy might be abolished within the next half-century. The Church of England ought to prepare for that possibility by so modifying its relationship with the state as to be relatively independent of any changes in the constitution of the country as a whole, he said.

After retiring in 2002 Santer served as vice-chairman of Birminghams Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust, and as an assistant bishop in the Diocese of Worcester.

Santers first wife, Henriette, died in 1994 and in 1997 he married her close friend Sabine Bird, a divorcee, causing some press comment as the marriage took place in a register office.

Sabine died in 2021 and the following year Santer moved to Poole, Dorset to be closer to his family.

He is survived by two daughters and a son from his first marriage, and by three stepchildren.

The Rt Rev Mark Santer, born December 29 1936, died August 14 2024

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A review of some of Pope Francis' most memorable quotes over his papacy

Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after his 12-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Pool Photo via AP)

On Friday, flying back to Rome from a lengthy trip to Asia, Pope Francis criticized both U.S. presidential candidates for what he called anti-life policies on abortion and migration. He advised American Catholics to choose who they think is the lesser evil in the upcoming U.S. elections.

Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants, or be it the one who kills babies, Francis said. Neither Republican candidate Donald Trump nor the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, was mentioned by name.

It was the latest in a long string of memorable  and sometimes controversial  comments from the pope, who throughout his 11-year papacy has often been willing to speak out in impromptu fashion.

Several of the most noteworthy comments related to LGBTQ+ issues  a matter of keen public interest given official Catholic teaching that condemns same-sex marriage and sexual relations. Some examples:

 July 30, 2013. During his first press conference, says Who am I to judge? when asked about a purportedly gay priest, signaling a more welcoming approach to LGBTQ+ Catholics.

 May 21, 2018: Tells a gay man God made you like this and he loves you.

 Jan. 24, 2023: Declares in an Associated Press interview that  Being homosexual is not a crime.

 Jan. 28, 2023: Clarifies his comments to AP which implied that while homosexual activity was not a crime it is a sin in the eyes of the church. When I said it is a sin, I was simply referring to Catholic moral teaching, which says that every sexual act outside of marriage is a sin.

 Aug. 24, 2023: During World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, the pope led a crowd of a half-million young people chanting todos, todos, todos (everyone, everyone, everyone) to emphasize that all are welcome in the Catholic Church.

 May 20, 2024: Francis reportedly says  there is already an air of faggotness in seminaries, in closed-door comments to Italian bishops in reaffirming the churchs ban on gay priests. He later apologized for causing offense.

Among other notable quotes:

 Jan. 19, 2015: Francis, while firmly upholding church teaching banning contraception, said Catholics dont have to breed like rabbits and should instead practice responsible parenting.

 February 2015: The pope referred to the possible Mexicanization of his native Argentina from drug trafficking. It created a stir, prompting the Vatican to send a diplomatic note to Mexicos ambassador insisting that Francis absolutely did not intend to offend the Mexican people with the remark.

 Feb. 18, 2016: Flying back to Rome from a pilgrimage that included Mass at the Mexican side of the border with the U.S., Pope Francis, answering a reporters question, said a person who advocates building walls is not Christian. A spokesperson later insisted the pope was not singling out Donald Trump.

 May 25, 2019: Addressing a Vatican-sponsored conference, the pope said abortion can never be condoned, even when the fetus is gravely sick or likely to die. Is it licit to throw away a life to resolve a problem? he asked. Is it licit to hire a hitman to resolve a problem?

 July 26, 2022: The pope issued a historic apology for the Catholic Churchs cooperation with Canadas catastrophic policy of Indigenous residential schools. I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples," he said.

 May 12, 2023: Blasting couples who have pets instead of children, Francis called for resources to be dedicated to helping couples grow their families, saying it was necessary to plant the future with hope.

 February 2024: The pope said in an interview that Ukraine, facing a possible defeat, should have the courage to negotiate an end to the war with Russia. I think that the strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people and has the courage of the white flag, and negotiates, he said.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis picked up the white flag term that had been used by the interviewer. He issued a statement of clarification after the popes white flag comments sparked criticism that he was siding with Russia in the conflict.

___

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.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Republican-run North Carolina state Supreme Court have majorly sabotaged the democratic process in the key battleground state.

The court ruled 43 on Monday to remove Kennedy from the ballot in that state, requiring election officials to destroy nearly three million ballots that included Kennedys name and to redesign 2,348 ballot styles.

To protect this important right, the elections process should ensure that voters are presented with accurate information regarding the candidates running for an elected office, wrote Republican Justice Trey Allen in his majority opinion. Where a ballot contains misleading information or inaccurately lists the candidates, it risks interfering with the right to vote according to ones conscience.

Not only will this last-minute change delay the distribution of ballots, it will also cut into early voting for North Carolina residents in violation of state and possibly federal laws, according to Slate.

State law requires early voting to begin on September 6, and federal law requires that absentee ballots be mailed overseas by September 21a deadline election administrators are now unlikely to meet.

Allen alleged that the state board of elections had purposefully rushed to print ballots featuring Kennedys name, noting that they had not halted production the second he announced he was suspending his campaign. But in his speech announcing his withdrawal from the presidential race, Kennedy made no mention of dropping out in North Carolina and did not file for removal until five days later.

Since suspending his campaign, Kennedy has sought to take his name off the ballots in states where his presence will hurt Donald Trumps chances at winning but keep his name on the ballot where it will help him. Even in suspension, Kennedy is insistent on running a spoiler campaign against the Democrats.

We acknowledge that expediting the process of printing new ballots will require considerable time and effort by our election officials and significant expense to the State, Allen wrote in his opinion. But that is a price the North Carolina Constitution expects us to incur to protect voters fundamental right to vote their conscience and have that vote count.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The former head of the Providence chapter of the Hells Angels motorcycle club is back behind bars after attending the wake of a top New England crime family figure.

Joseph Lancia, 33, of Smithfield, was taken into custody Friday by the R.I. State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force. An administrator for the state parole board confirmed Lancia is back at the Adult Correctional Institution, accused of violating the conditions of his early release.

Lancia was sentenced to five years behind bars in 2022 for shooting at a rival outside the biker gangs Providence headquarters, and for a separate case where he was charged for knocking out a bouncer at the Cadillac Lounge strip club.

Last year, the parole board agreed to let Lancia out of prison early under certain conditions, including having no contact with Hells Angels members, or being an officer of the club, as well as not having contact with convicted felons. He was released from the ACI in June.

Lancia was spotted at the wake of the late Edward Eddie Lato, the reputed underboss of the Patriarca crime family. Among the other attendees were several people with criminal records, as well as fellow Hells Angels members, and at least two members of the Red Devils Motorcycle Club, a support group of the Hells Angels.

An associate of attorney Joseph Voccola  who has represented the former biker gang president in previous criminal cases  provided Target 12 with an email where Lancia asked permission of his parole officer to attend the wake.

The wake Tuesday is for Eddie [L]ato, I am going alone with no club members, Lancia wrote. Eddy was a family friend.

The following day, the parole officer responded, approved!

It will be up to the parole board to determine if any contact Lancia had at the wake or elsewhere violated the conditions of his early release.

Matt Degnan, the administrator for the R.I. Parole Board, said a violation hearing is scheduled for October. Meanwhile Lancia will remain in state custody at the ACI.

Lato, a longtime member of the New England crime family who eventually rose to the second in command, died late last month after battling cancer. He was 77.

Former R.I. State Police Col. Steven ODonnell, a law enforcement analyst for 12 News, said its not surprising Lancia was at the wake despite the legal jeopardy it may have placed him in.

Eddie Lato was always really the major conduit with all the Hells Angels for years, ODonnell said. Joe Lancia and any other Hells Angels are just showing deference and respect to the passing of Eddie Lato.

For decades the Hells Angels and the Patriarca crime family have forged an alliance, ODonnell said, partnering on underworld activities like shaking down strip clubs for protection money.

Its a huge connection, he said. Sometimes you think outlaw bikers and La Cosa Nostra operate differently. They dont. Its in their interest to cooperate and collaborate.

Historically biker gang members have also provided protection for Mafia figures and acted as muscle in collecting outstanding debts.

ODonnell said its common law enforcement practice for investigators to conduct surveillance at high-profile services, like Latos wake.

Every person involved in organized crime activity knows the state police monitor multiple different public events, he said.

Lisa Holley, Lancias attorney handling the parole violation, declined to comment when reached via email.

Lancia had just over a year left on his sentence when he was released, meaning he could be ordered to remain behind bars through next fall if the board finds he is a violator.

The main case against Lancia stems from a June 2019 incident when police said he fired a gun at a truck driven by Richard Starnino  once a prospect to join the biker club  who was involved in an ongoing dispute with Lancia.

Investigators said video surveillance shows Lancia shooting at the truck as Starnino was driving by the Hells Angels Providence headquarters on Messer Street. The video  which was the main evidence against Lancia  was from the clubhouses own security system.

The investigation into the shooting led to a dramatic daytime raid by the R.I. State Police.

According to police, while out on bail in that case, Lancia punched a security member of the Cadillac Lounge strip club, who struck his head on the ground and was knocked unconscious.

Lancia eventually pleaded no contest to the gun and assault charges.

Tim White (twhite@wpri.com) is Target 12 managing editor and chief investigative reporter and host of Newsmakers for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook.

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RI landlords required to sign up for lead registry by Oct. 1

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  The Rhode Island Department of Health has launched a new lead registry and is requiring landlords statewide to sign up before Oct. 1.

The registry went live just before Labor Day weekend as part of a 2023 law that will soon allow renters to see which landlords have their lead certificates.

Matthew Stevens and his fiance rent a home in Cranston. He said this new registry will allow him to protect the health and safety of his two young children.

That kind of gives us peace of mind at night especially because Gabe likes to put things in his mouth, said Stevens.

Click here to sign up for the RI lead registry

State law requires all landlords to sign up online, even if the apartment was built after 1978.

Shannon Weinstein, a landlord who works with RentProv Realty, expressed concern over the requirement. She worries landlords wont have enough time to sign up before the deadline, especially when the law now requires lead certificates for owner-occupied buildings.

Just owner-occupied units means almost 100,000 units are being added to this, with 36 lead inspectors in the state, Weinstein said. That tells us that we would have to get almost seven certificates issued every day for 365 days a year from these inspectors. Were almost set up for failure.

The Health Department warned that landlords who dont sign up may face a minimum fine of $50 per month and could be barred from evicting tenants.

Target 12 asked Deputy Director Seema Dixit when the fines would take effect.

Our plan is to not immediately start issuing penalties after Oct. 1, but give them time to ask us questions, to schedule the appointments with lead inspectors, she said.

Dixit said appointments are available for landlords in October.

Right now, the form is only available in English. Dixit said the state plans to offer the registry in other languages in the coming months. However, if a landlord wants an interpreters assistance filling out the form, Dixit said they can contact the Health Department.

R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha has already taken legal action against landlords he claims violated lead safety laws.

He said this registry is about preventing children from being exposed to lead, and ensuring that landlords are held accountable.

What I would say to landlords is youve known about this obligation for a long time, Neronha said. This is really important to the development and health of children.

Stevens said he expects to continue renting for the foreseeable future. Hes glad a tool will be available to ensure each home his family lives in will be lead free.

Its really, really important to us that, no matter where we live physically, that they see good memories and good times, he said. The last thing Id want is some sort of a health scare.

Kate Wilkinson (kwilkinson@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

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Travel writer and television host Rick Steves endorsed Vice President Harris in the 2024 general election in a video released Thursday night, arguing the world doesnt need the chaos of former President Trump returning to the White House.

The world needs not the chaos of Trump but the stability of Kamala Harris, Steves said in a video that was filmed in France and shared on social platform X. It needs American leadership within the family of nations as we effectively confront the challenges of the future. Thats why Im voting blue, and I hope you will too.

Steves, a prominent marijuana legalization proponent who has previously backed Democrats against Trump, elaborated further on his choice in a message posted along with the video.

Its far more than Republican versus Democrat, he wrote. In the future, big challenges like pandemics, refugees, and climate change will be blind to borders. Theyll be everyones problem and only solved by working together as a family of nations.

The TV personality, who hosts Rick Steves Europe, added that Americans should make their own minds on whom they select at the ballot box  encouraging them to register to vote at vote.gov.

Of course, how you vote is your choice, Steves wrote. But if you believe, as I do, in the importance of nations working together constructively, the stakes are really highand the best candidate is clear.

Steves endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and now-President Biden in 2020.

Harriss campaign has accumulated support from Hollywood celebrities and pop-culture icons. Pop superstar Taylor Swift endorsed Harris shortly after the ABC News debate between the Democratic nominee and Trump wrapped up Tuesday night.

I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos, Swift wrote on her Instagram account, which has more than 280 million followers.

More than 330,000 visitors flocked to vote.gov within 24 hours by way of Swifts postdebate endorsement, according to the General Services Administration.

The Hill has reached out to both Harriss and Trumps campaigns for comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A young child is recovering after being dragged under the water and injured by a river otter at a marina, officials in Washington state said Thursday.

The child and their mother were walking down a dock on Thursday morning at Bremerton Marina in Kitsap County, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a news release. Neither the child nor their mother was identified by the department.

The otter pulled the child into the water and dragged them underwater, according to the child's mother.

After a few moments, the child resurfaced, and the mother was able to act quickly and pull the child out of the water.

While the mother rescued the child, the otter continued to attack, officials said. The child sustained scratches and bites to the top of the head, face and legs, the department said, but only sustained "minor injuries" because of the mother's "quick actions," according to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife sergeant Ken Balazs. The child was treated at an area hospital.

A river otter. / Credit: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

As the pair fled down the dock, the otter pursued the family, the department said.

Officers from the department have contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services to "trap and lethally remove" river otters from the marina, officials said. The animals will be evaluated and tested for rabies at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, the department said.

River otters, which are common througout the state, are territorial and "like any wildlife, are inherently unpredictable," the department said. Encounters between humans and river otters are rare, officials said, with just six documented incidents between the two species recorded in the state in the past decade.

River otter attacks can result in more severe injuries. A woman in Montana was airlifted to an area hospital after being attacked by a river otter in 2023, CBS News previously reported. Two other women also needed medical treatment.

River otters can also pose a threat to pets. In Florida, otters bit a man and dog in separate incidents on the same day in September 2023, CBS News reported.

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Republicans have found a new way to try to secure a swing state for Donald Trump: voter disenfranchisement.



On Thursday, the Republican National Committee and North Carolinas Republican Party sued the states Board of Elections, or NCSBE, to limit acceptable forms of voter identification at the polls this November. The lawsuit argues that students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill should not be allowed to use a digital form of ID in order to vote.



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 GOP argued in the lawsuit. They argued, without evidence, that allowing students and university staff to use their Mobile UNC One Card at in-person poll sites could allow hundreds or thousands of ineligible voters to cast their ballots. Additionally, they addedagain without evidencethat the digital identification shouldnt be accepted because it may be difficult for precinct official[s] to be able to see [the] screen.

Republicans also filed a separate request for a judge to issue a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction preventing the use of the mobile ID.

While this may seem like a small story, young Americans are using digital wallets at greater rates. As a joke from earlier this year said, an easy way you can spot a millennial is if theyre carrying a physical wallet with them. And changing voter ID laws at the last minute is sure to have repercussions.

In July, Democratic North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper passed a law to allow voters to use mobile drivers licenses starting in July 2025, which could now also face legal challenges down the line.



In 2020, Donald Trump won North Carolina by just under 75,000 votes. According to recent numbers, there are more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students who attend UNC-Chapel Hill and over 12,000 members of faculty and staff.



In North Carolina, in-person early voting begins October 17.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  The Franklin County Sheriff has charged a man with felony possession and distribution after an incident that occurred at a local business in Franklin County back in August.

The FCS says that on Wednesday, August 28, 29-year-old Timothy George Zimmerman from Roanoke, was at a local business in the Boones Mill area when he allegedly had a consensual encounter with deputies.

Man receives life sentence for murder of Roanoke woman in 2019

During the encounter, deputies allegedly found and seized a loaded gun, substances believed to be drugs, and an undisclosed amount of money on his person.

Zimmerman has been arrested and charged with the following:

Distribution of Methamphetamine, 10grams or more

Possessing/Transporting Firearm

Sell Schedule I or II Drug While Possessing Firearm

He is currently being held at the Western Virginia Regional Jail without bond.

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Rockford airport to receive nearly $9M from FAA. Heres how it will use it

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  The Chicago-Rockford International Airport will be getting some new upgrades thanks to nearly $9 million in funding.

The money is coming from $37 million in grants coming from the State of Illinois.

The funding will be used to replace a main taxiway at the airport that allows access to the runways and is used by both UPS and Amazon cargo flights.

The grant will cover nearly 90% of the cost of the renovation, with the remainder coming from both the state and the airport authority.

RFD Executive Director Zach Oakley says it is a needed upgrade.

This piece of pavement that were replacing is a unique piece of pavement. Its about 30 years old. It goes back to the extension of the runway back in the 90s. It was a unique construction that served a very useful life here at the airport, but now its coming up on a little over 30 years and its time to replace that piece, he said.

Construction will take place next year, but is not expected to impact flights.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  A vehicle has rolled on its top at a central Topeka intersection Friday morning.

A 27 News reporter at the intersection of Southwest Washburn Avenue and Southwest 10th Street is reporting a vehicle is being removed that has rolled over. Officers with the Topeka Police Department are assisting with traffic control as the vehicle is removed.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

City of Topeka spokeswoman Rosie Nichols said the crash was reported just before 10:30 a.m. involving two vehicles. Officers arriving at the scene found one person who was treated for minor injuries at the scene. Traffic was blocked in the area until around 11:15 a.m. when the scene was cleared.

Police increase presence at two Geary County schools over social media trend

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

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Romania's Foreign Ministry said on Sept. 13 that Russia's strike against a cargo ship loaded with Ukrainian grain in the Black Sea is an "unprecedented escalation" of Moscow's war.

Russia reportedly struck the Turkish-operated, Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged merchant vessel Aya with a Kh-22 cruise missile  launched from a Russian Tu-22M bomber plane  at around 11 p.m. local time on Sept. 11 within Romania's exclusive economic zone.

The ship, which was carrying 26,550 metric tons of grain to Egypt from the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk, suffered damage to its port side and had to change course toward the Romanian port of Constanta. The crew was not injured.

"This event represents an unprecedented escalation of Russia's illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine," the ministry's statement read.

"Deliberately attacking a cargo ship is a serious violation of international humanitarian legal norms governing the conduct of war at sea."

Bucharest also condemned Russia's violations of the U.N. Charter through the "systematic and irresponsible bombing of Ukrainian infrastructure and grain-carrying ships," adding these attacks "threaten global food security."

The incident comes as another sign of Russia's war against Ukraine spilling over to NATO territory. Romanian authorities have repeatedly uncovered drone wreckage on its soil following Russia's mass attack against Ukrainian Danube ports, lying in the vicinity of the Romanian border.

While Bucharest said it sees no intent behind Russian drones crashing on Romanian territory, it presented the Russian attack against the vessel as deliberate.

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. Some vessels have been previously damaged by mines or while moored in Ukrainian ports.

President Volodymyr 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.

"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," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

Russia is yet to comment on the incident.

Read also: Ukraines second Ada-class corvette launched in Turkey

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Rowan County Animal Shelter calls for help after new facility reaches capacity for first time

The Rowan County Animal Shelter is organizing an event and calling for help after its new facility reached maximum capacity for the first time.

Theyre hosting a clear the shelter event on Saturday, and adoption fees are being cut drastically to help get some dogs and cats into new homes.

The shelter moved into its new facility in Salisbury a little over a year ago. Workers say this week, the shelter filled every single adoptable dog kennel and all of their emergency kennels.

Normally, adoptions are around $80. On Saturday, fees for unaltered cats are $16 and unaltered dogs are $17.

It starts at 9 a.m. Saturday. You can learn more about the adoption event at this link.

(WATCH: As renovations near completion, Charlotte animal shelter asks for help again)
A Royal Navy warship was deployed to shadow a Russian submarine through the English Channel.

HMS Iron Duke monitored Novorossiysk, a Kilo-class submarine, and Evgeny Churov, its supporting tug, as it passed through the Channel and the North Sea at the start of the month.

The Portsmouth-based frigate also shadowed two other Russian vessels with the help of another ship, HMS Tyne. Alongside this, two RAF Typhoons scrambled to intercept two Russian Bear F aircraft on Wednesday.

The developments come at a time of high tension between the UK and Russia amid the war in Ukraine.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has urged Britain and the US to give Ukraine the weapons it needs to win against Russia before a pivotal winter of fighting.

Ahead of Washington talks on long-range missile use, Mr Lammy told The Telegraph the coming months were crucial in helping Kyiv get into 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.

The shadowing of the Novorossiysk started at the beginning of September when HMCS Shawinigan, a Canadian warship, escorted the submarine and its supporting vessel as they sailed from the Baltic and headed across the North Sea.

The Canadian patrol ship handed over monitoring duties to the Royal Navy as the Russian vessels approached the busy Dover Strait.

From there, HMS Iron Duke ensured constant watch on the two vessels, using its Wildcat helicopter and 815 Naval Air Squadron. The submarine remained on the surface throughout the operation.

HMS Iron Duke then began shadowing two other vessels  the Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz  in the North Sea near Dover. It then handed over monitoring duties to patrol ship HMS Tyne off north-western France.

The journeys of the Russian ships are permitted under international law in accordance with the right of innocent passage.

HMS Iron Duke (back right) follows Russian Steregushchiy-class corvette RFS Stoiky - RN Aircrew/MoD/Crown Copyright

Cdr David Armstrong, the commanding officer of HMS Iron Duke, said: I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ships company consistently displays as they perform their duty.

Maritime security operations of this nature are a fundamental capability of the Royal Navy, with the protection of our sovereign waters and critical national infrastructure a key focus.

In a separate incident on Wednesday, a pair of RAF Typhoons were sent from RAF Lossiemouth, supported by a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, to intercept two Russian Bear F aircraft.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, praised the actions of both the Royal Navy and the RAF over the operations, saying: 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.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  One firefighter was injured after responding to a house fire on Roycroft Drive.

The Rochester Fire Department says they were called to the fire around 5 a.m. and encountered a heavy fire at the two-and-a-half-story home.

Fire crews were able to protect nearby homes from the flames and were able to bring the fire under control in less than an hour. Nobody was found inside the home.

No civilians were injured, but one firefighter was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated for their injuries.

The fire is currently under investigation.

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EXCLUSIVE: The media and the public will not have access to the upcoming Nevada courtroom battle between Rupert Murdoch and most of his children over future control of the 93-year-old moguls media empire that stretches from Fox News to News Corp.

The Motion for Access to the hearings in this case is denied, probate commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr. recommended late Thursday, four days before the Murdoch family succession case is set to start in Reno. All hearings in this case shall remain closed to the public and to the media, including the movants, the 17-page order added.

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Later in the day, a district judge signed off on the recommendation, locking in the proceedings to run September 16-20.

A family trust like the one at issue in this case, even when it is a stockholder in publicly traded companies, is essentially a private legal arrangement, as the applicable sealing statutes recognize, Gorman wrote on the matter that first hit the Nevada court last October and became sealed and confidential in January.

Covering the Nevada judiciary for the shutting of the courtroom doors, Gorman today also offered up the personal security of the divisive and divided Murdoch clan as part of the raison detre of his order.

In addition to the protection of privacy interests that outweigh the publics right to access these proceedings, the court also recognizes that several of the parties and witnesses in this case  as even movants concede a re well known to the public and the subjects of intense media and public scrutiny, Gorman wrote in the document on the still-sealed docket. These parties warrant additional security measures to ensure that their own physical access to the courts is not infringed, and that malicious actors who might wish them harm cannot use their appearances in this probate court to facilitate that harm. Certainly, additional court security measures can partially mollify these risks, but closure of hearings is another tool this court can employ to ensure these parties safe access to the courthouse. In this particular case, while these considerations do not, by themselves, warrant complete closure of hearings to the public, these considerations weigh in favor of closure when combined with the other privacy factors discussed above.

While the trial will go ahead without prying eyes, Gorman did also allow for a limited number of documents related to the case to be unsealed. However, before anyone starts preparing their Pulitzer Prize speech, most of those documents appear to be connected to whether or not documents in the matter should be sealed, like the approved recommendation today.

Determined to keep the whole matter behind closed doors, the elder Murdoch is trying to change the long-established family trust set up for his offspring so current CEO of Fox and favorite son Lachlan Murdoch would continue to rule Fox News and other media holdings after Ruperts death. As the trust stands now, all four siblings would have an equal vote, which means the three other eldest Murdoch kids, most of whom are estranged from their father, could gang up on Lachlan.

A pile-on could see Lachlan given the boot or reined in.

(L-R) James Murdoch, Elisabeth Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch and Lachlan Murdoch

Holding differing idealogical views than their father and eldest brother, siblings Elisabeth and James (who last week endorsed Kamala Harris for president) are fighting any change to the trust. Murdochs eldest daughter Prudence, from his first marriage, who is also a voting member of the trust, is also resisting the change and their fathers will. The two girls from the Aussie patriarch and his third wife Wendi Deng have an economic interest in the trust but no voting control.

As it stands, the trust controls News Corp and Fox, with about a 40% stake in super voting shares of each company.

Upon the death of the Dirty Digger, as the Wall Street Journal owner Murdoch has been called for decades for the muck his tabloids like the New York Post and the UKs The Sun love to dig up on celebs and politicians, the four eldest children would be in shared control. However, having anointed Lachlan his heir in all professional aspects in 2019 after the sale of Fox Studios and other assets to Disney for $71.3 billion, the elder Murdoch hopes to alter the trust so his eldest son will enjoy the near complete control over the media holdings that the nonagenarian presently has.

In other words, a Murdoch civil war no matter which way you cut it.

The trust is irrevocable, but a Nevada probate commissioner previously found that theres an opening for it to be altered it if the elder Murdoch is acting in good faith and seeking change for the benefit of all heirs  which, with former Trump-era Attorney General Bill Barr in his corner and in a move that reeks of HBOs now completed Succession, is what the elder Murdoch is claiming hes doing. The idea is that feuding siblings, power moves and potential changes in strategy could wreck the value of the extremely lucrative Fox News empire in particular.

Brian Cox in Succession

Its all ironic in a sense since the elder Murdoch for decades attempted to place one of his children atop the family business. James was the heir at one point. Lachlan was in, but then exited the company for eight years, moving back to Australia, before assuming his trajectory and landing as the CEO of Fox Corp. and chairman of News Corp. Now that an heir is settled, its at risk.

The jousting has thoroughly exasperated at least one News Corp. shareholder, activist Starboard Value, which said this week the choppy transition of power from Rupert Murdoch to his children has allowed for complicated family dynamics to potentially impact the stability and strategic direction of News Corp. The firm plans to challenge the companys dual-class share structure that gives control to Rupert Murdoch and makes it his to transfer.

While we can understand how some could see a benefit to a visionary founder retaining outsized control for a limited duration of time, that potential understanding vanishes as super-voting power and the associated protections transition to others, it said. The four Murdoch siblings with voting rights within the Trust are reported to have widely differing worldviews, which, collectively, could be paralyzing to the strategic direction of the Company.

Todays order by the Nevada probate judge is a rebuke to the likes of the AP, CNN, NPR, the New York Times, the Washington Post and Reuters, which all had filed to have the proceedings opened to the public and records unsealed. Though some litigants may desire secrecy and some courts indulge this desire, this level of sealing does not pass constitutional muster, lawyers for the media outlets said in First Amendment-based filings of their own last month.

Turns out, for the most part, they dont agree in the Silver State.

Jill Goldsmith contributed to this post

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Russ Rosser, a guitarist who was a mainstay of the local music scene in Gadsden and across Alabama, has died.

Rosser, a one-man band who would often play restaurants, bars and small clubs with a unique guitar he designed himself, died earlier this week. According to online records, he was 68 years old.

Rosser first picked up the guitar when he was 13 and spent the rest of his life playing in bands and on his own as a solo act. For years, he was particularly known for a custom Formica guitar that was wired for him to be able to play guitar, drums and sing at the same time, as well as access sounds not common on guitar alone, such as synth and keyboards. The guitar was stolen following a gig in 2017 and, as of Thursday, was never recovered.

In 2009, Rosser experienced tragedy when he severed three fingers on his left hand in a saw accident. For a time, he thought his music career was over.

Homewood Patriot Band drawing national attention with halftime performance

Thats the first thing I thought about when it happened, Rosser said in an interview with The Gadsden Times. It was a freakish accident, and I thought, Well, Im not a guitarist anymore.

However, through surgery and a change in his playing style, Rosser was able to play music again, this time using three fingers and a thumb to play notes. In an interview with The Times, Rosser credited his comeback with a higher power having plans for him in music.

Following Rossers death, friends and fellow musicians took to his Facebook page to share their memories of the guitarist.

He had an encyclopedic knowledge of 60s and 70s popular music and a seemingly unlimited reservoir of patience with drunks and their attempts to stump the (one man) band that was Russ, Phil Proctor wrote.

Others spoke about how in addition to being an incomparable musician, Rosser was also a decent man.

I know a lot of you guys that knew him might be aware of some of this, but I have to say that Ive never known a more kind-hearted and generous genius, than Russ Rosser, Tommy Carter wrote.

No funeral arrangements have been announced.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Russia will be able to use Iranian missiles to strike Ukrainian targets close to front lines  UK intelligence

The supply of Iranian ballistic missiles will enhance Russias ability to carry out precision strikes on Ukrainian military and civilian targets close to front lines.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence update on Ukraine on 13 September 2024

Details: UK Defence Intelligence addressed the fact that Iran has recently delivered Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles to Russia.

"First publicly displayed in 2020, the Iranian Fath-360 (also known as the BM-120) can deliver a 150kg warhead to a range of 120 km with a claimed accuracy of less than 30 metres. It can be deployed on a variety of road-mobile launchers including one capable of launching up to six missiles," the UK Defence Intelligence report reads.

The supply of Iranian ballistic missiles will "supplement and enhance" Russias ability to carry out high-precision strikes against Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure targets close to front lines, "whilst also enabling Russia to preserve more of its longer-range capabilities for use against targets deeper inside Ukraine".

Iranian military aid to Russias military campaign in Ukraine has so far included the supply of hundreds of one-way attack (OWA) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), artillery munitions and extensive support to Russian domestic production of UAVs.

"The supply of ballistic missiles represents a further deepening of Iran's and Russia's military relationship," the UK Defence Intelligence report warns.

Background:

On 12 September, it was reported that 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.

On 10 September, the UK announced it would impose new sanctions on Iran over its supply of ballistic missiles to Russia. The US Department of Treasury had also announced new sanctions against Iran over the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.

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Russia managed to import aircraft tires worth $30 million from Western and other foreign manufacturers last year despite sanctions, The Guardian reported on Sept. 12, citing a report from a Ukrainian agency it had obtained.

Using third-country intermediaries, Russia has managed to obtain these critically needed components from the U.S. company Goodyear, the British Dunlop, Japan's Bridgestone, and France's Michelin, the report by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) read.

The Western countries and other partners have sought to undermine Russia's defense industry by sanctioning military-use materials and components.

The vast majority of the 2023 imports (70%) reportedly came from Michelin, including the type of tires used by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's plane.

The EU, U.K., U.S., and Japan have imposed sanctions on the sale of aviation tires to Russia in an effort to stifle Russia's aviation manufacturing amid the ongoing war against Ukraine.

The report indicated no wrongdoing by the said companies, The Guardian wrote, as Moscow mostly used entities in China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and central Asian countries as intermediaries.

The report also said that there is evidence of some of these parts flowing to Russia directly from the West. Michelin and Goodyear told The Guardian they had suspended sales to Russia.

Also on Sept. 12, the Ukrainian investigative project InformNapalm released an investigation saying that Russia maintains its Su-30SM fighter aircraft using French equipment.

Citing documents and testimonies, InformNapalm said that an obscure Kazakh company, ARC Group, helps Russia equip its fighter jets with displays, navigation systems, and other electronics produced by the French companies Thales and Sagem.

The Su-30SM is a modernized version of the Sukhoi Su-30 jet widely used in the war against Ukraine. One aircraft to this model was reportedly shot down by Ukrainian military intelligence agency forces over the Black Sea earlier this week.

Russia has been adapting to Western sanctions, using smuggling and various schemes to acquire the sanctioned goods. Last December, NACP released a report listing roughly 2,500 foreign-made components found in Russian weaponry on the battlefield, with roughly three-quarters originating in the U.S.

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Russia putting tires on top of bombers and other aircraft was about confusing seekers with image-matching capability on incoming munitions, a senior U.S. military technologist has confirmed.

Russia putting tires on top of bombers and other aircraft was about confusing seekers with image-matching capability on incoming munitions, a senior U.S. military technologist has confirmed. This is exactly what The War Zone said was the most likely explanation for the tactic when it first emerged last year.

A close-up of a Russian Tu-95 Bear bomber with tires on the wings and top of the center fuselage at Engels-2 Air Base, taken August 28, 2023. Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies

Schuyler Moore, U.S. Central Commands (CENTCOM) first-ever Chief Technology Officer, mentioned the Russian use of tires to disrupt incoming attacks on air bases during a broader live-streamed roundtable talk on artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies that the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) think tank hosted today. Before taking up her current role, Moore had been Chief Strategy Officer for U.S. Naval Forces Central Commands (NAVCENT) Task Force 59, which is tasked with experimenting with integrating new AI-driven and uncrewed capabilities into day-to-day naval operations in the Middle East.

A sort of classic unclassified example that exists is like a picture of a plane from the top, and youre looking for a plane, and then if you put tires on top of the wings, all of a sudden, a lot of computer vision models have difficulty identifying that thats a plane, Moore said as part of a larger discussion about AI models and data sets.

Russia was first observed using tires to help shield Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers at the Engels-2 Air Base from attack in the fall of 2023. This followed numerous Ukrainian long-range kamikaze drone attacks on the base, which is situated some 300 miles from the border with Ukraine. Images of other types of Russian aircraft covered with tires subsequently emerged.

Russian Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers seen covered with tires at Engels-2 Air Base in Russia in 2023. PHOTO  2023 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

A Russian Su-34 Fullback combat jet covered in tires. via Telegram

At around the same time, it also emerged that Ukrainian forces had begun using a land-attack variant of the domestically developed Neptune ground-launched anti-ship cruise missile said to use an infrared imaging seeker. Before then, Ukraines Air Force had also begun receiving virtually identical Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles, which also use imaging infrared seekers to find their targets in the terminal stages of flight.

Volodymyr Zelensky signs the SCALP EG cruise missile handed over by #France, suspended from the Su-24



Thank you France pic.twitter.com/kjguoR48pb  Cloooud | (@GloOouD) August 6, 2023

While some suggested the tires could provide some degree of added physical protection against drones and other threats, The War Zone laid out a detailed case that the tactic most likely had to do with befuddling image-matching seekers on incoming munitions. Seekers of this kind are immune to radiofrequency electronic warfare jamming and also scan for potential targets to check against their pre-loaded data library passively making weapons equipped with them harder to detect in the first place. Other AI-driven targeting capabilities are now also starting to emerge on the battlefield in Ukraine. These are likely to keep proliferating, and on far less complex platforms that can be deployed en masse, as The War Zone has previously explored in detail.

CENTCOMs Moore brought up the tire tactics as an example of why AI-driven targeting systems need to use models and data sets that are readily accessible in various ways to users as close as possible to the tactical edge to be truly effective going forward.

Were not saying that we need to have our own internal AI development team. What we need is for our users to better be able to engage with the models that exist out there, she explained. So that means that they need to be able to label new data sets that they think are relevant to them. They need to be able to push those labeled data sets to then retrain a model to look for something different.

If you were able, in that single moment for a user to say, I identified that the adversary has changed what they are doing visually [with the tires], I am going to go back and start labeling to at least adjust for maybe Im looking for a different type of plane shape, or Im looking for a nuance that accounts for a change in coloration on top of the wings, that may be able to get me there, she continued. But if it takes you six months to get to that answer, and then the next day, they said Oh, perfect. You didnt like tires? Okay, Ill put something else on top, and it breaks the model  again, we are spending inordinate amounts of time on computer vision with very little to gain.

Moores mention of coloration here is also notable. Though she did not reference it directly, Russia has also been painting silhouettes of aircraft on the tarmac at air bases, again most likely to try to confuse imaging seekers and lure them away from real targets. There is at least one example of a submarine silhouette (which also had a fake sail structure) appearing at a Russian naval base for what is very likely the same reason. Last year, some surface warships in Russias Black Sea fleet also began sporting new paint jobs that seemed similarly intentioned.

Silhouettes of Tu-95 bombers painted on the tarmac at Engels-2 alongside an actual Tu-95 with tires on top. PHOTO  2023 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  20 March 2024.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/aCbSXPVpTt#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/DmWPWyqVUk  Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) March 20, 2024

Russia has also employed other kinds of physical decoys to try to draw enemy fire in the ongoing conflict, though Ukraine has so far been more prolific when it comes to this kind of deception.

Earlier today, Russian channels released a video reportedly showing a Lancet attack drone striking a Ukrainian Su-25 at Kryvyi Rih Air Base.



Only one caveat; the Ukrainian Su-25 was a decoy. pic.twitter.com/XXxi5THZJD  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) November 30, 2023

Ukrainian forces continue to field incredibly realistic decoys, seen here, a fully mechanically functional fake AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar system. pic.twitter.com/rdpcpICLC4  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 1, 2024

As CENTCOMs Moore made clear today, the observations from Ukraine are relevant for the U.S. military, and not just when it comes to targeting enemy forces in the future using AI-driven capabilities. Americas armed forces are currently focused primarily on preparing for future high-end fights, especially a potential one against China in the Pacific. As a result, there has been a notable resurgence of interest in camouflage, concealment, and deception capacities and tactics in the face of significantly growing Chinese intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, particularly in space. AI has already progressed to the point where it is being used to help find objects of interest in publicly available commercial satellite imagery.

Today, the adversary has migrated to kill webs that fully integrate multiple sensors [and] multiple bullets [kinetic and non-kinetic effects]  against multiple simultaneous targets, all fully networked together  and all talking together through multiple communication paths, U.S. Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations, said at the 2024 Defense News Conference just last week. Unfortunately, the adversary is capable of using these kill webs to hold our joint forces at risk across great distances, across multiple domains, and with persistence. This is a very sophisticated and challenging threat.

We have to be very sophisticated in our decoys, if you will, Gen. David Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force also said at another live-streamed talk at the Hudson Institute think tank back in August. I mean, you cant just put [up] an inflatable F-35 and say, Guess what? Everybodys gonna think its an F-35.

When you think of how advanced algorithms are, you need to be pretty sophisticated, otherwise that money will be worthless because the adversary will go, theyll discount it immediately, Allvin continued. How do you mimic pattern of life? How do you mimic a signature? And so were looking at all those ways to ensure that the things that we are doing are actually appropriate for the time.

It seems unlikely that American military aircraft will emerge covered in tires any time soon. At the same time, that Russian tactic, now confirmed to have been about confusing imaging seekers, reflects real issues that go well beyond the conflict in Ukraine.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Russia announced on Sept. 13 that it is expelling six staff members of the British Embassy in Moscow, accusing them of "espionage and subversive activities."

The step comes shortly after U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to Kyiv and amid rumors that the West may soon greenlight strikes with British long-range missiles against Russian soil.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said it had canceled the diplomats' accreditation based on "evidence" of their alleged intelligence activities provided by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).

London has not yet responded to Moscow's accusations. The U.K. has previously also expelled Russian diplomats over suspicions of espionage.

Moscow called the step a response to "numerous unfriendly steps by London" and said the diplomats' activity "threatened Russia's security." Russian pro-state media have often portrayed the U.K. as one of Russia's key geopolitical adversaries.

The FSB claimed it had uncovered "documentary materials... confirming London's coordination of the escalation of the international military-political situation."

The security service specifically named the British Foreign Office's Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate as the "lead unit coordinating the implementation of subversive policies" against Russia.

The FSB threatened further expulsions if more "evidence" of the supposed espionage was found.

The relations between London and Moscow have been marred by Russia's attempted poisoning of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter on British soil in 2018 and by the U.K.'s extensive support for Ukraine.

Russia has been repeatedly accused of deploying spies to European capitals under the guise of diplomatic work. Dozens of embassy staff members have been expelled over the past years due to suspicions of espionage from Austria, Czechia, Moldova, Germany, and elsewhere.

Read also: The long-range missiles Ukraine could soon be firing deep into Russia

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Russia expels British diplomats as tensions rise over Ukraines use of Western missiles

Police officers guard the entrance of the Russian Embassy in London, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. The Russian Federal Security Service has accused six British diplomats of spying and sabotage, leading to their expulsion from the country. | Frank Augstein

The Russian Federal Security Service has accused six British diplomats of spying and sabotage, leading to their expulsion from the country, according to multiple reports.

The claims come amid rising tensions between Russia and Western nations over Ukraines ongoing request to use Western-supplied weapons to target Russia.

According to CNN, the FSB, without providing evidence, said it uncovered signs of intelligence and subversive work by the diplomats that posed a threat to Russias security.

Britain dismissed the accusations as completely baseless and suggested they were in retaliation for the U.K.s actions in May, which included the removal of a Russian attache and restrictions on Russian Embassy activities in London.

Russian state TV quoted an FSB official who claimed the expelled diplomats had met with groups critical of the Kremlin and the FSB had received documents proving the diplomats worked for a division of the U.K.s Foreign Office tasked with inflicting strategic defeat on Russia, per The Associated Press.

The FSB warned that any diplomats it deemed suspicious would face similar actions.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement that the British Embassy had violated the Vienna Conventions by engaging in subversive actions aimed at harming our people.

She added, We intend to continue to respond to any unfriendly actions by London in a tough and proportionate manner.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently in Washington seeking approval from President Joe Biden to reduce restrictions placed on Ukraines use of long-range missiles against Russia.

Biden, who has resisted Ukraines previous requests, has shown signs of reconsidering the policy, according to The Associated Press.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that if Ukraine uses Western-supplied missiles to strike Russia, it would be considered an act of war by NATO.

This will mean that NATO countries  the United States and European countries  are at war with Russia, Putin said Thursday, per CNN. And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the essence of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will be posed to us.

Starmer, however, rejected the notion that Ukraines use of Western-supplied weapons would constitute an act of war.

Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia could end this conflict straight away, he said, per the AP.

Ukraine has the right to self-defense and weve obviously been absolutely fully supportive of Ukraines right to self-defense  were providing training capability, as you know. But we dont seek any conflict with Russia  thats not our intention in the slightest, he added.
Vladimir Putin has warned that Britain and the United States would be at war with Russia if they allowed Ukraine to use their missiles to strike targets across the border - Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik/Pool via Reuters

Russian accusations that six British diplomats engaged in spying and sabotage in Moscow are completely baseless, the Foreign Office has said.

The Russian FSB security service said on Friday it had expelled the group after it obtained documents showing that a Foreign Office department was overseeing the escalation of the political and military situation, including plans for the strategic defeat of Moscows forces in Ukraine.

Responding to the Kremlin move, the Foreign Office said: The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless.

The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state-directed activity across Europe and in the UK.

It added: We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.

The diplomats were expelled after Russian counter-intelligence officers became tired of chasing them around Moscow as they engaged in classic British espionage, an FSB employee told state-controlled news channel Rossiya-24.

Tactics reportedly included making rapid changes of public transport and sitting for several hours on benches in the freezing cold as they waited to meet members from banned groups.

Their spouses were allegedly deployed as spies, while young children were used to cover up their spying activity, the officer added. Basically, one cannot speak of any diplomatic etiquette, the FSB officer told the news channel.

Signs of spying and sabotage

The move comes after Vladimir Putin warned Britain and the United States they would be at war with Russia if they gave Ukraine permission to use Western long-range missiles to strike targets across the border.

Thus, the facts revealed give grounds to consider the activities of British diplomats sent to Moscow by the directorate as threatening the security of the Russian Federation, the FSB said in a statement.

In this connection, on the basis of documents provided by the Federal Security Service of Russia and as a response to the numerous unfriendly steps taken by London, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, in cooperation with the agencies concerned, has terminated the accreditation of six members of the political department of the British Embassy in Moscow in whose actions signs of spying and sabotage were found, it said.

Pro-Kremlin propagandists published details on Friday of what they claimed was a UK Foreign Office department used to wage a hybrid war with Russia.

Its channel on the Telegram messaging app said they were involved in the dissemination of pro-Western information throughout Russia, where the media is mostly controlled by Putins Kremlin.

The English did not take our hints... so we decided to expel them

The English did not take our hints about the need to stop this practice (of carrying out intelligence activities inside Russia), so we decided to expel these six to begin with, an FSB employee told the Rossiya-24 state TV channel.

The FSB threatened to expel other British diplomats if they were found to be involved in the alleged activities.

Maria Zakharova, Russias foreign ministry spokesman, told the Tass news agency that the British embassy in Moscow had gone beyond diplomatic convention.

Maria Zakharova, Russias foreign ministry spokesman, has said the British embassy in Moscow had gone beyond diplomatic convention - Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

Britain has previously expelled Russian diplomats it has accused of being involved in spying and espionage.

Maxim Elovik, its former defence attache in the country, was thrown out as part of sanctions introduced by James Cleverly, the former Home Secretary, to crack down on malign Russian activity in Britain and Europe.

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Colonel Ants Kiviselg, Head of the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) Intelligence Center, has reported that over the past week Russia has the Ukrainian positions in Donetsk Oblast on the defensive despite having transferred a part of its troops to Kursk Oblast.

Source: European Pravda with reference to ERR

Details: Kiviselg states that Russia keeps maintaining the initiative at the operational level and conducting tactical offensives with the main focus on the Donetsk front. At the same time, Russian operational pressure has gradually decreased during the week. While at the beginning of the week there were 185 attacks per day, today it has dropped to around 110 attacks per day.

Kiviselg added that almost a third of Russia's attacks currently take place on the Pokrovsk front.

Despite a partial transfer of Russian forces to Russias Kursk Oblast and the start of the Russian counter-offensive operation there, offensive actions of Russian forces on the Donetsk front have not decreased, Kiviselg added.

"According to the latest information, a group of Russian Federation troops has been put together, formed mainly from more combat capable units, i.e. assault troops and naval units. Additional units have also been brought from the Russian-Ukrainian front in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts to the Kursk direction," Kiviselg revealed.

He admitted that Russian troops had not achieved significant success in Kursk Oblast, and Ukrainian forces destroyed 11 combat Russian tanks.

Kiviselg noted that Russia became more active on the Kurakhove front, starting its offensive actions using armoured equipment. At the same time, Ukrainian forces managed to destroy or damage aout 50% of Russian military equipment.

"The Russian Federation has been more active in that direction, but there has been no significant progress," he summed up.

Last week Estonian Intelligence also reported that the Russians had not managed to achieve significant progress in the battlefield in Ukraine.

At the same time, UK Intelligence admitted that over the past few weeks the Russian army had managed to achieve tactical progress near the Ukrainian settlement of Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast and said that this front would most likely remain a hotspot.

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Russia launched production of new drone with Chinese parts in 2023, Reuters reports

Russia began producing a new long-range attack drone, the Garpiya-A1, using a Chinese engine and other parts in 2023, Reuters reported on Sept. 13, citing two undisclosed sources in European intelligence and obtained documents.

China has positioned itself as neutral in the ongoing war but has deepened economic ties with Russia and become Moscow's leading source of dual-use goods during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, feeding the Russian defense industry.

The IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned weapons maker Almaz-Antey, produced more than 2,500 Garpiyas from July 2023 to July 2024, the news agency reported, citing the intelligence, which included a production contract for the new drone, company correspondence on the manufacturing process, and financial documents.

The production of the new drone has not been previously disclosed, Reuters said.

The Garpiya-A1 is used against military and civilian targets in Ukraine, causing damage to critical infrastructure and casualties among "both civilians and the military," two undisclosed intelligence sources told the news agency.

Reuters received from its sources photos from Ukraine allegedly showing the wreckage of the new Russian development. The outlet found information reinforcing this conclusion but could not verify the images independently.

Samuel Bendett, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security think tank, told Reuters that the Garpiya, if confirmed, would mark a departure from Russia's reliance on Iranian designs for long-range drones.

"If this is happening, it could indicate that Russia can now rely more on domestic development as well as, obviously, on China, since both sides in this war depend on many Chinese components for drone production," Bendett said.

Previously Russia has largely relied on Iranian-designed Shahed kamikaze drones to target Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, as Moscow and Tehran have deepened military cooperation in recent years.

The U.S. confirmed on Sept. 10 that Iran has provided Russia with shipments of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles as a boost to Moscow's war against Ukraine.

Read also: Russia now has Irans Fath-360 ballistic missile  heres what it means for Ukraine

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Forty-five Indians tricked into joining the Russian military fighting in Ukraine have been released, with 50 more yet to be discharged, NDTV reported on Sept. 12, citing the Indian Foreign Ministry.

Moscow agreed to discharge Indian nationals who were illegally inducted into the Russian Armed Forces during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in July.

An Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that efforts to bring back the remaining 50 citizens who are still on the battlefield are underway, NDTV wrote.

Earlier media reports revealed various schemes to lure people from third-party countries, including India, to Russia under promises of lucrative jobs or other opportunities only to pressure them into enlisting.

At least four Indians have been killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine.

The issue was complicating otherwise warm relations between Moscow and New Delhi, with India becoming one of the chief buyers of Russian oil amid Western sanctions.

India refused to take sides in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, opting out of joining international sanctions against Moscow and calling for a peaceful resolution.

Modi has visited both Moscow and Kyiv over the past months, underscoring how New Delhi is walking a tightrope between Russia on one side and Ukraine with its Western partners on the other.

Read also: Leaked documents reveal India and Russia developed secret trade links, FT reports

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Russia has revoked the accreditation of six staff members of the UK Embassy in Moscow, accusing them of conducting intelligence and subversion.

Source: European Pravda, citing the Russian Interfax service, quoting the Public Affairs Centre of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation

Quote from the FSB report: "Based on the documents provided by the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, as well as in response to numerous unfriendly steps taken by London, the Russian Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with the agencies concerned, has suspended the accreditation of six employees of the political department of the UK Embassy in Moscow, whose actions have shown signs of conducting intelligence and subversion."

Details: The propaganda channel Rossiya 24 showed a photo of the embassy staff and revealed their identities: Jessica Davenport, Grace Elvin, Andrew Callum, Catherine McDonnell, Thomas Hickson and Blake Pattel.

Background:

On 11 September, the UK Foreign Office summoned the Charge d'Affaires to Iran in connection with the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia.

Earlier, the UK imposed sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities involved in the production of drones and missiles, as well as on Russian cargo ships involved in the transport of missiles from Iran to Russia.

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Russia has revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats it has accused of spying.

The country's security service FSB said in a statement it had received documents indicating Britain's involvement in inflicting "a strategic defeat" on Russia.

The six diplomats have been named and pictured on Russian state TV. The UK Foreign Office has been approached for comment.

It comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arrives in Washington for talks with US President Joe Biden about the war in Ukraine, including whether to give Kyiv permission to fire their missiles at targets inside Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested Moscow will regard this as a serious escalation of the war which equates to "direct participation" of Nato countries.

If that is the case, we will take corresponding decisions based on the threats that will be created to us, he said on state TV.

Former national security advisor Lord Peter Ricketts said the withdrawal of diplomatic accreditation was a retaliatory punishment for the upcoming meeting in Washington and the UK's continued military support of Ukraine.

"The timing is too coincidental," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme, describing the allegations levelled at the six diplomats as "trumped up".

Lord Ricketts said he was not surprised President Putin took the opportunity to "strike first" in a move to try and "intimidate western politicians".

Announcing the decision, the FSB said the diplomats had shown signs of conducting intelligence and were tasked with inflicting a "strategic defeat on our country".

In a Telegram post, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow "fully share the assessments" made by the FSB on the activities of the diplomats.

An FSB officer told Russian media "hints" to "stop this practice [of gathering intelligence]", were not heeded.

The security service added that it would revoke accreditation from more British diplomats if they are found to be involved in similar activity.
Russia is sending troops with zero combat experience to a key part of the front, Ukraine says

Russia is sending troops with zero combat experience to a key part of the front, Ukraine says

Russia is sending inexperienced troops to boost attacks in Vovchansk, Kharkiv, Ukraine says.

It comes four months after Russia launched a now-stalled attack on the region.

Earlier reports suggested that troops being sent there were poorly equipped.

Russia is sending troops with no combat experience to reinforce attacks in northern Ukraine, a Ukrainian military spokesperson said.

Vitaliy Sarantsev, a spokesperson for the Kharkiv Operational Strategic Group of Forces, said on a Ukrainian newscast that Russia was increasingly bolstering its forces with troops who are "not morally ready" for service, according to Ukrinform.

"The latest reports say that the units being brought in for assault actions in Vovchansk have received rather poor training: These servicemen have never seen combat before," Ukrainska Pravda reported him as saying.

Ukraine and Russia have spent much of the summer fighting for control of Vovchansk, a city in the Kharkiv region about three miles from the border.

In May, an estimated 30,000 Russian troops poured over the border from the Russian region of Belgorod and into Kharkiv, opening up a new front and adding miles to Ukraine's already-strained front lines.

But within a month, the offensive had stalled, and Russian positions have not moved significantly since  including in Vovchansk, which has been largely reduced to rubble.

Speaking on Thursday, Sarantsev said that the newer Russian troops reinforcing Vovchansk are very inexperienced.

"It is our understanding that this newly arrived personnel is a mobilization resource raised by Russia," he said, per Ukrainska Pravda.

"It's not yet known for certain whether these are former prisoners or representatives of other countries," he added.

Meanwhile, the US-based Institute for the Study of War said that it had not seen any evidence supporting the idea that new conscripts had been fighting in Kharkiv.

Over the summer, there have been scattered reports  which Business Insider was unable to independently verify  of Russian soldiers being sent into battle in Vovchansk poorly equipped, with little support and with barely any training.

The use of conscripts in fighting positions  as has been widely reported in Russia's defense of Kursk, where Ukraine launched its own offensive  is a politically sensitive matter in Russia, and one that Ukraine has a strong interest in highlighting.

Sarantsev continued, per Ukrinform: "The enemy is increasingly attracting personnel who are not morally ready to perform any tasks."

"That is, they raise a mobilization resource, hastily prepare them, or send them to war by deception, coercion, or promises of monetary rewards.

"But people understand that they are cheated, and refuse to go into battle," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Russia started the war against Ukraine and can end it right away, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters on Sept. 12 following Russian leader Vladimir Putin's warnings that the use of Western arms in Russia would draw NATO into war.

Putin's comments came amid growing signs that the U.S. and the U.K. are considering easing restrictions on Ukraine using long-range weapons to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, something Kyiv has requested for months.

The Kremlin's chief said on state TV that such a decision would "mean nothing less than the direct involvement of NATO countries, the U.S. and European states, in the war in Ukraine."

It would mean that "the very essence of the conflict will change" and Moscow "will take appropriate decisions based on the posed threats," he said. Russia has repeatedly set supposed "red lines" on Western assistance for Ukraine, sometimes accompanied by veiled or overt nuclear threats.

Putin has also claimed that the Ukrainian military would not be able to use cutting-edge Western arms without direct assistance from NATO militaries.

Speaking during the flight to Washington for his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, Starmer said: "Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away."

"To reiterate, it was Russia who started this in the first place. They caused the conflict; they're the ones who are acting unlawfully," the British prime minister stressed.

Joining the U.K., the EU has also rebuffed Putin's threats. EU spokesperson Peter Stano said that Putin regularly makes false statements and that nothing will change Brussels's stance as long as he continues his illegal war against Ukraine.

Starmer and Biden are expected to discuss long-range strikes during their meeting on Sept. 13, but it is unclear whether the final decision will be made that day.

A source close to President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Kyiv Independent that the Ukrainain president provided a detailed explanation on the need for long-range strikes to American and British top diplomats, Antony Blinken and David Lammy, during their visit to Ukraine on Sept. 11.

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. Kyiv has repeatedly appealed to its partners to lift the ban and allow Ukraine to counter Russian aerial strikes and ground offensives effectively.

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.

The debate comes at a critical time as Russia is ramping up its pressure along the eastern front while also counterattacking in Kursk Oblast, threatening Ukraine's rare and hard-won gains on Russian soil.

Russia also recently received short-range ballistic missiles from Iran, in addition to those previously provided by North Korea and domestic-made missiles.

Read also: Kursk counteroffensive: Will Russia push Ukraine out of its turf?

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Russia Today functions like a de facto arm of Russias intelligence apparatus, the US has said.

Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, said countries should expect that RT, a Kremlin-backed state broadcaster, was conducting covert foreign intelligence operations while spreading Russian propaganda in the West.

He said RT now possessed cyber capabilities and conducted covert information and influence operations overseas.

Today, were announcing that these Kremlin-backed media outlets are not only playing this covert influence role to undermine democracy in the United States, but also to meddle in the sovereign affairs of countries around the world, Mr Blinken said.

Following a US government investigation that collected testimony from former employees of the broadcaster, he warned Russian media companies were functioning like a de facto arm of Russias intelligence apparatus.

Each government, of course, is going to decide how it responds to this threat, but we urge every ally, every partner, to start by treating RTs activities as they do other intelligence activities by Russia within their border, he added.

Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden in the Blue Room of the White House - EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Yuri Gripas

RT had its licence revoked in the UK by Ofcom following Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 after an investigation found it had unfairly represented the conflict to viewers in the UK. In the US, RT has mocked the Biden administrations funding of Ukraines war effort 9.

Last week, the US filed money-laundering charges against two employees of RT and imposed sanctions on Margarita Simonyan, its editor in chief, over what officials said was a scheme to hire an American company to produce online content to influence the 2024 U.S. election.

The State Department has now imposed sanctions on three Russian entities and two individuals linked to RT, over a malign influence campaign in Moldova.

Both the US and UK have expressed concern over Russian influence operations during the elections held in both countries this year.

Staff on both Democratic and Republican campaigns have had their emails hacked during this election cycle. Last month, it was revealed that hackers linked to Russian intelligence are targeting the Kremlins critics around the globe with phishing emails.

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Moscow's announcement Friday of expelling six British diplomats for alleged espionage has drawn a strong rebuke from the United Kingdom while also intensifying animosity between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine.

However, the six are but a small number in the history of Moscow-London acts of expulsion, which have a record of angry bursts over the past decades. Both sides have expelled more than 20 at a time  and in one case, more than 100.

The expulsions are frequently tit-for-tat moves, with one side retaliating for the act of the other, something Russian diplomatic language calls a mirror answer.

Here is a look at some major acts of expulsion between London and Moscow:

The Skripal Affair in 2018

Sergei Skripal, a Russian intelligence officer who was a double agent for Britain, was severely poisoned along with his daughter in Salisbury, where he had settled after being released by Russia in a 2010 prisoner swap. The poison was identified as Novichok, a Soviet-developed nerve agent.

A week and a half after the Skripals were discovered in grave condition, British Prime Minister Teresa May declared Russia to be responsible for the attack and ordered the expulsion of 23 diplomats. Russia then expelled an equal number of Britons.

The Gordievsky Scandal in 1985

Oleg Gordievsky was the KGB's station chief in London, but had been passing along information to British intelligence for years. He was called back to Moscow for consultations in 1985 and decided to go despite fears that his role as a double agent might have been exposed.

He was interrogated but not charged, and Britain arranged an undercover operation to spirit him out of the Soviet Union. In the aftermath of the operation, Britain used information from Gordievsky to expel 25 Soviet diplomats. Moscow retaliated two days later with the same number.

Operation FOOT in 1971

In an effort to curb suspected widespread espionage by Soviet diplomats and even their wives, British agents managed to recruit a member of the Soviet trade delegation who was also a KGB operative. The agent, Oleg Lyalin, provided extensive information identifying others working for the KGB.

Britain hesitated to act on the information, concerned it could jeopardize international talks that were underway on the status of the divided city of Berlin. After the talks concluded, the U.K. announced that 90 Soviet officials would be expelled and 15 others who were out of the country at the time would not be allowed to return  105 in all.
A Russian airstrike against the village of Yampil in Sumy Oblast on the morning of Sept. 13 killed two civilians and injured six, including a 4-year-old child, regional authorities reported.

Russia has intensified strikes against Sumy Oblast, a northeastern region lying at Ukraine's border with Russia, since Kyiv launched a cross-border incursion into neighboring Kursk Oblast.

Four explosions were recorded at around 9 a.m. local time as Russian aircraft dropped KAB bombs on civilian infrastructure.

Multi-story buildings and a hospital were damaged in the attack, which also disrupted the energy supply.

The fatalities included a 60-year-old man who was killed while driving his car through the village and a 54-year-old man who died later in the hospital, prosecutors said.

"All relevant services are working on the spot," the regional military administration said.

Yampil, with a pre-war population of over 4,000, lies roughly 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Russian border and around 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the regional center, Sumy.

Ukrainian authorities have mandated evacuations from a number of border settlements in Sumy Oblast amid intensifying Russian cross-border attacks.

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Read also: Kursk counteroffensive: Will Russia push Ukraine out of its turf?

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Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 10 people and injured at least 41 over the past day, with humanitarian aid workers and first responders among the casualties, regional authorities reported on Sept. 13.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 24 of the 26 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.

Russian forces targeted the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight and on Sept. 12, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

A 73-year-old resident of Nikopol was injured and hospitalized with shrapnel wounds following the night attacks. A church, a fire truck, houses, and other buildings were damaged over the past day.

Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast killed four people and injured 10 over the past day, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin.

A strike against the village of Viroliubivka near Kostiantynivka destroyed a humanitarian truck of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), killing three Red Cross staff members and injuring two others.

One person was killed and four injured after Russian forces hit a house in the village of Krasnoiarske. Two injuries were reported in Kostiantynivka, and two more in Kurakhove and Sukha Balka.

Russian attacks against Kharkiv Oblast killed four and injured 18 people over the past day, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

Attacks against the village of Borova near Izium on Sept. 12 killed four people and injured 10, including three first responders. Four houses were damaged.

An airstrike against Kharkiv the same day injured four people: three women aged 39, 70, and 83, and a 33-year-old man. A 10-year-old girl suffered shock, the governor reported.

Two men and a woman were injured in the town of Derhachi, and one person was injured in the village of Morozova.

In Kherson Oblast, one person was killed and 10 injured over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. An agricultural enterprise, 16 houses, an outbuilding, and cars were damaged.

A 16-year-old girl was injured during a drone attack against the town of Ochakiv in Mykolaiv Oblast at 10:42 local time on Sept. 12, Governor Vitalii Kim reported.

Russia reportedly launched a drone attack against Odesa Oblast, injuring a 74-year-old man and damaging four garages, 20 houses, four cars, and other property.

A woman was killed during a Russian airstrike against the Yampil community in Sumy Oblast on Sept. 12, the regional military administration reported.

An industrial facility was damaged during a drone attack against western Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, the Energy Ministry said. No casualties were reported.

Chernihiv, Luhansk, Khmelnytskyi, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack, but no casualties were reported.

Read also: Russian cities left defenseless as Ukraine ramps up drone attacks

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Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have noted minor advances by Russian forces in Kursk Oblast, in areas that are not fully controlled by Ukraine's defence forces. However, they have emphasised that Russian troops are likely to face greater difficulties in further attempts to counterattack in areas still under Ukrainian control.

Source: ISW

Quote: "Russian forces continued counterattacking throughout the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast on 12 September but made only marginal gains, likely due to continued Ukrainian offensive operations and defensive counterattacks in the area."

Details: Geolocated footage published on 12 September shows that Russian forces have made slight progress west of Vishnevka (southwest of Korenevo) and in the northern part of Krasnooktyabrskoye (also southwest of Korenevo).

The Russian Defence Ministry reported that Russian forces have retaken 10 settlements south and southwest of Korenevo since launching counterattacks on the night of 10-11 September. These settlements include Apanasovka, Byakhovo, Vishnevka, Viktorovka, Vnezapnoye, Gordeevka, Krasnooktyabrskoye, Obukhovka, Snagost and 10-y Oktyabr.

However, all of these areas fall within previously claimed limits of Russian advances and the ISW has not visually confirmed the recapture of any settlements other than parts of Snagost and Krasnooktyabrskoye.

Additional geolocated footage, also published on 12 September, shows Ukrainian infantry crossing into southwestern part of Tetkino, around 40 km southwest of the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast.

Further footage reveals Ukrainian armoured vehicles and infantry bypassing Russian dragon's teeth anti-tank defences near the Russian-Ukrainian border southwest of Novy Put (southwest of Glushkovo) without facing resistance, suggesting that Ukrainian forces have advanced in the area and that Russian forces were not ready to use these obstacles to stop cross-border attacks.

Russian sources also reported continued Ukrainian assaults near Novy Put, Medvezhye (southeast of Glushkovo), Snagost, Olgovka (east of Korenevo) and Fanaseyevka (southeast of Sudzha).

Quote: "Russian forces have so far advanced in areas of Kursk Oblast that Ukrainian forces were not yet fully controlling nor attempting to control, and Russian forces will likely face more difficulty when counterattacking further into areas of the salient where Ukrainian forces do have control."

"Ukrainian forces have not attempted to consolidate positions everywhere in their salient in Kursk Oblast, and it is likely that Ukrainian forces had fewer consolidated positions in forward areas at the edges of the salient where Russian forces have recently advanced."

"Russian counterattacks against better prepared and consolidated positions in territory where Ukrainian forces exert control will likely be far less successful than the counterattacks Russian forces launched on 10 to 11 September."

To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 12 September:

Russian forces continued counterattacking throughout the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast on 12 September but made only marginal gains, likely due to continued Ukrainian offensive operations and defensive counterattacks in the area.

Russian forces have so far advanced in areas of Kursk Oblast that Ukrainian forces were not yet fully controlling nor attempting to control, and Russian forces will likely face more difficulty when counterattacking further into areas of the salient where Ukrainian forces do have control.

A Ukrainian HIMARS strike reportedly damaged a temporary pontoon bridge across the Seym River and wounded a group of nearby Russian troops on 12 September.

Russian authorities have reportedly deployed additional elements of the Russian 106th Airborne (VDV) Division to Kursk Oblast and may begin redeploying more combat experienced forces to support ongoing Russian counterattacks and future counteroffensive operations against Ukrainian forces in Russia.

The United Kingdom (UK) will reportedly allow Ukraine to use UK-provided long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike military objects in Russia in the coming days.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin continues rhetorical efforts aimed at influencing the ongoing Western policy debate about granting Ukraine permission to use Western-provided weapons against military objects in Russia, although Russia has not previously escalated militarily against perceived Western violations of Russia's "red lines".

Russia continued its efforts to enhance relations with non-Western countries at the meeting of BRICS high-ranking security officials and advisors in St. Petersburg.

Iran and Russia are downplaying their disagreement over the Zangezur Corridor project in the Caucasus.

Russia is continuing to balance its relationships with Iran and the Gulf states.

Russian investigative outlet Dossier Center published an investigation on 12 September into the Kremlin's efforts to consolidate its influence over the Russian information space via Telegram ahead of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russian forces recently north of Chasiv Yar, southeast of Pokrovsk and west of Donetsk City.

Former Roscosmos (Russian space agency) head and Zaporizhzhia Oblast occupation senator Dmitry Rogozin claimed on 12 September that the first group of the newly-formed "BARS-Sarmat" volunteer detachment (Russian Combat Army Reserve) signed military service contracts with the Russian Defence Ministry and are training for deployment to the frontline in Ukraine.

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The Russian aircraft struck the civilian infrastructure in the Yampil hromada in Sumy Oblast on the morning of 13 September, killing two civilians and injuring six, including a four-year-old child. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration and Sumy Oblast Prosecutors Office on Telegram

Details: Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported that four explosions had sounded.

Photo: Sumy Oblast Prosecutors Office

The prosecutor's office reports that as a result of the Russian attack, two men aged 54 and 60 were killed.

Photo: Sumy Oblast Prosecutors Office

Residential buildings and a pharmacy were damaged, and power supply was disrupted.

Background:

On 13 September, two women residing at the Okhtyrka Nursing Home for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities in Sumy Oblast were killed by a Russian attack involving guided aerial bombs.

One civilian was killed in Yampil hromada, Sumy Oblast, as a result of a Russian attack on 12 September.

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The Russian Security Council has announced that its chairman, former Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, paid a visit to Pyongyang on 13 September and was greeted by North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un.

Source: Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti

Quote: "On 13 September, a group led by S.K. Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Federation's Security Council, visited Pyongyang. As part of our countries' continuous strategic dialogue, we had a thorough discussion with Korean colleagues about a variety of bilateral and international problems."

Details: It is noted that "Shoigu was hosted by the Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK, Comrade Kim Jong Un."

The report also noted that the meetings in Pyongyang "took place in an exceptionally trusting, friendly atmosphere" in line with the agreements reached during the state visit of Russian ruler Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang in June 2024.

"They will make an important contribution to the implementation of the provisions of the bilateral agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership they signed," the Russian Security Council added.

Background: In June 2024, Russian leader Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement which includes a provision about mutual assistance in case of aggression against either of these states.

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Russia's 'rapid' offensive in Kursk Oblast hasn't yet achieved 'serious' success, Zelensky says

Russian troops have launched a "rapid" offensive in Kursk Oblast but have not yet achieved "serious" success in the area, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 13 at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference.

Russia recently launched a counterattack in the embattled region, which has been partially held by Ukrainian forces since the start of the cross-border incursion on Aug. 6.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Russian soldiers had regained control of 10 settlements as of Sept. 12. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

"In the Kursk direction, the Russians have started their rapid offensive, and they want to use about 60,000-70,000 people there. We know about 40,000 people who are there," Zelensky said.

"They wanted to make quick breakthroughs... They are doing it, but we have not seen any serious success yet."

According to Zelensky, Ukraine's operation in Kursk Oblast resulted in a decrease in the number of Russian assaults in Donetsk Oblast. The situation near Pokrovsk, one of the major goals of Russia's ongoing offensive in Donetsk Oblast, has been gradually stabilizing over the past week, he added.

While the Russian offensive on Pokrovsk has slowed down, heavy fighting continues in other sectors of the front in Donetsk Oblast, including near Vuhledar.

According to Zelensky, before the Kursk operation, Russia fired 12 shells against one Ukrainian in Donetsk Oblast. Now, the ratio is 1 to 2.5, he claimed.

Speaking of Moscow's counterattack in Kursk Oblast a day prior, Zelensky said that "everything is going according to our plan."

As of Sept. 6, Ukraine controlled over 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) 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.

Ukrainian soldiers also have reportedly taken over 600 Russian captives and inflicted 6,000 casualties in Kursk Oblast as of early September.

Read also: Russia launches counteroffensive in Kursk  can it push Ukraine off its own turf?

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Eleven Rutherford County Commissioners censured Mayor Joe Carr Thursday for signing a contract prior to receiving the required Purchasing Committee approval.

The censure to express the commission's formal disapproval follows Carr signing a proposed contract Aug. 2 with Waste Management Inc. to load and haul trash out of Rutherford from the county's future $20 million transfer station where garbage is dumped before being rerouted.

In addition to the censure, Carr has faced criticism from commission members. Commissioner Mike Kusch in particular scolded the mayor during an Aug. 6 Public Works Committee meeting for not keeping the members up to date on the transfer station project and proposed contract.

Commissioner Jonathan Beverly called for the 11-8 vote to censure the mayor.

"I don't appreciate the way we were treated," Beverly said.

Others joining Beverly to censure the mayor were Commissioners Hope Oliver, Michael Wrather, Robert Peay Jr., Pettus Read, Phil Wilson, Anthony Johnson, Carl Boyd, Craig Harris, Romel McMurry and Chantho Sourinho.

"I feel we haven't had that cooperation," Johnson said.

"It's not personal," Oliver said. "It's a fact. A violation occurred."

In a statement to The Daily News Journal following the vote, Carr quoted the Bible in criticizing the commission's decision.

"Tonight's vote reminds me of Matthew 7:5. 'You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.'"

Solid waste issues: Rutherford officials ask Mayor Carr to improve contract to haul trash out of county

Eight opposing commissioners contend the censure is wrong

Commissioner Trey Gooch was among the eight opposing the censure of the mayor for signing the contract before the Purchasing Committee could approve it.

"He did that in my opinion by mistake," said Gooch, adding that he's concerned about making it big deal through a censure vote. "When does it stop? We've been at odds with this mayor from day one for two years."

Gooch said censuring the mayor is not good for the residents of Rutherford County.

"How many of us called him to find out what was going on?" Gooch asked his fellow commissioners.

"I called him," Commissioner Steve Pearcy said. "I see no crime. I cannot support this censure. It is not good for Rutherford County."

Gooch and Pearcy joined Commissioners Kusch, Laura Davidson, Joshua James, Wayne Irvin, Phil Dodd and Allen McAdoo in opposing the censure.

Commissioners Paul Johnson and Jeff Phillips, the chair, abstained.

Government accountability: Rutherford County Commissioners scold Mayor Joe Carr for signing solid waste contract

Carr's statement says the commission has violated state law

Bishop Wagener, left, Rutherford County Solid Waste Director looks on as Joe Carr, right, Rutherford County Mayor speaks about the Middle Point Landfill with a view the landfill behind them, on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022.

In his statement, Carr said after two years of "constant theatrics from some members of the County Commission no one should be surprised by tonight's vote."

"Do the eleven County Commissioners who voted for censor tonight take what they did seriously or was it just more political theatre?" Carr said.

Carr went on to then accuse commissioners of a violation by pushing a resolution through committee and the commission that Harris said "broke the law."

"That unlawful resolution then stayed in effect for nine months," Carr said. "If the eleven commissioners who voted yes tonight hold themselves to the same standard then this vote would matter. We will see."

'We can't have nasty': Altercation disrupts relationship of Mayor Joe Carr and commission

Commission has been divided on what to do with contract

The 21-member commission has been divided on what to do about the contract since the mayor's signing mistake.

The Purchasing Committee previously voted 4-2 Aug. 13 to rebid the contract.

The full commission by Aug. 15 voted 13-8 to ask the committee to reconsider the decision.

The Purchasing Committee by Aug. 27 voted 4-3 to repeal the rebidding decision and then voted 6-1 to ask for the contract to be vetted by the commission's Public Works and Budget committees.

The Public Works Committee had a split 3-3 vote Sept. 3 on whether to recommend the contract. The majority of the Budget Committee voted 5-2 Sept. 5 to oppose the contract.

Commissioner Phillips was the swing voter on the Purchasing Committee and called for the 5-2 vote to negotiate an improved contract. Phillips said he wanted to consider the will of the full commission in asking for the contract to be reconsidered as well as the concerns mentioned by the members of the Public Works and Budget committees.

The majority of the Purchasing Committee, which includes the mayor serving as chair, voted 5-2 Tuesday directing Carr to negotiate an improved contract in consultation with County Attorney Nick Christiansen and Finance Director Michael Smith.

'We could have some unexpected costs': Trash hauling contract still divides County Commission

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Rutherford commission censures Mayor Joe Carr for signing contract
Sacramento is renaming a street to Lowrider Lane, furthering its support of cruising culture

Sacramento is continuing a trend of recent support for lowrider cruising by renaming a scenic street in the Miller Regional Park to Lowrider Lane.

The Planning and Design Commission unanimously approved the name change of Marina View Drive, which runs through the park located south of Broadway. No homes or businesses will need to change their addresses.

What the commission conveyed to us last night, weve been waiting years to hear, said Francine Mata, president of Sacramento Lowrider Commission. Im really proud our city came together on this.

Lowriding is a popular pastime in which participants showcase their customized classic cars by cruising on city streets. The culture originated among Latinos during the 1940s and 1950s and has been regarded as an outlet for individuality and innovation.

The Sacramento Lowrider Commission, a nonprofit organization supporting the lowrider community, led the effort to rename the street  submitting an application in May and raising about $10,400.

The application cost about $10,200, said Kelli Trapani, communications coordinator for the citys community development department. The group will have to pay another $220 for the new sign and labor.

At Thursdays meeting, Mata said the move acknowledges the decades-long contributions of the citys lowriding community. These efforts, including hosting family events and volunteer clean-ups of local parks, stretch back to the 1980s, Mata added.

The street name change will be a meaningful tribute to our lowriding family, Mata said. Lowrider antiques, muscle cars  a group that has significantly shaped our community.

The commission was instrumental in ending the citys 34-year-old anti-cruising ordinance in 2022. The change in law ended years of discrimination against a pastime sometimes viewed as having ties to gang life and crime.

In 2023, Newsom signed a law prohibiting cities from restricting street cruising of customized classic cars.

The street change approval can move forward after 30 days, but there is no timeline for when the name will be officially changed, Trapani said. If appealed, the street renaming will go before the Sacramento City Council.
The Mayor of Londons comments come amid huge pressure on housing in the capital and an escalating homelessness crisis - STEFAN ROUSSEAU/PA ARCHIVE

Prisoners should be allowed to jump the housing queue as part of efforts to cut crime, Sadiq Khan has said.

The Mayor of London said that despite there being a big shortage of housing in London, some prisoners ought to jump in the queue to get housing to avoid them reoffending again.

On Tuesday, about 1,750 prisoners were freed under the Governments early release scheme, which sees offenders freed 40 per cent of the way through their sentence rather than halfway.

The comments come amid huge pressure on housing in the capital and an escalating homelessness crisis. In London, one in 50 are currently homeless.

A lack of housing is one of the main reasons that those released from prison are recalled or go on to reoffend.

Prisoners released into homelessness are significantly more likely to breach their licence conditions because of missed appointments and breaking curfews. They are also more likely to succumb to a drug or alcohol addiction.

Claiming benefits and securing work is also more difficult without a permanent address, in turn raising their likelihood of returning to crime.

On Tuesday, about 1,750 prisoners were freed under the Governments early release scheme - Tolga Akmen/Shutterstock

Martin Jones, the chief inspector of probation, said offenders freed under the Government scheme were almost bound to be sent back to jail within days or weeks because things will go wrong in the community and they would breach the terms of their licence.

The chief inspector said the main risk was that freed prisoners would end up homeless and fall back into crime as a result, despite a pledge by the Ministry of Justice to ensure all 1,750 will have guaranteed accommodation for 12 weeks.

Mr Khan, speaking at The Timess Crime and Justice Commission, which focuses on the prisons crisis, said: For us, the big challenge is there is no housing in London, a big shortage of housing in London.

He said they ought to be 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.

Asked whether newly released prisoners should jump the queue, he said: A certain percentage. Yeah, its the honest conversation weve got to have with people across our respective cities and stuff to explain the reason were doing this.

On Tuesday, Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary, told MPs hotels would be used to house prisoners if they could not find enough temporary accommodation.

Jack Creighton, 54, who said he had been in and out of prison for petty offences, was released from HMP Wandsworth on Tuesday. He criticised the early release scheme as rushed and said the authorities were ticking boxes.

Speaking to The Telegraph outside the prison, he said: Im going to be sleeping on a park bench tonight and then Ill no doubt start drinking and then Ill come back. It [the early release scheme] works for the right people if theyve got accommodation  but if I was in charge, I wouldnt let homeless people out.

Its kind of rushed. Theyre [the prison officials] glad because theres too many inmates in there. But theyre just ticking boxes. Its like the blind leading the blind.

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'He said concepts of a plan': Harris mocks Trump in first post-debate rally

GREENSBORO, N.C. - At her first campaign stop since her debate against Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris mocked the former president for saying he has the "concepts of a plan" to improve healthcare in America.

Trump said at the debate that he'd only replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, if he sees a better and less expensive option. He could not offer the details of his plan and said he'd have more to add in the near future.

Harris took a jab at him in on Thursday in Charlotte over the answer. "You heard what he said in the debate. He has no plan to replace it."

Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris holds a campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S., September 12, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

He said, he said concepts of a plan, Harris told the audience, pointing and laughing.

At the crowd's enthusiastic response, Harris added, Oh you did watch the debate?"

And Harris used a similar line against Trump on Thursday evening at a second rally in North Carolina.

"You remember? 'Concepts' . . . Which means no actual plan," she told a crowd in Greensboro.

Her remarks in Charlotte came shortly after Trump announced in a social media post he would not be debating Harris again.

The former president's refusal drew criticism from Democrats, and a response from Harris on stage. "We owe it to the voters to have another debate," she said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Harris mocks Trump for healthcare answer at debate
An evening view of the Egyptian Theatre marquee during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 18, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (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.

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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.

Utah News Dispatch, 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. Utah News Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor McKenzie Romero for questions: info@utahnewsdispatch.com. Follow Utah News Dispatch on Facebook and X.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Samuel Sammy J. Traino III, 61, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Greenbriar Healthcare Center, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of kindness.

Born on March 25, 1963, in Youngstown, Ohio, Sam was the son of Virginia Bistarkey Traino and Samuel J. Traino Jr.

Find obituaries from your high school

He graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1981 and continued his education with some college courses at Youngstown State University. For nearly 30 years, Sam devoted his professional life to Polaris Windows & Doors, formerly recognized as Modern Builders. His dedication to his work exemplified his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Outside of his career, Sam was a passionate enthusiast of Chevy Camaros, a hobby that brought him immense joy and fulfillment. He took pride in fixing them up, ensuring they received the utmost care. In addition to his love for cars, he was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians, sharing his enthusiasm with his family, especially his mother, with whom he maintained a routine tradition of calling to discuss the latest game. He was also an animal enthusiast, recognizing the special role that comes with taking care of animals.

Sam is survived by his mother, Virginia Bistarkey Traino, and his father, Samuel J. Traino Jr. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who will carry his memory in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Gina Traino, who was a significant part of his life.

As we remember Sammy, we celebrate a man who lived with passion, embraced his interests wholeheartedly, and cultivated loving relationships with his family and friends. His memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to those who knew him.

There will be no public services held for Sammy at this time. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you make donations to the following charities:

Akron Childrens Hospital https://give.akronchildrens.org/give/546472/#!/donation/checkout

The MS Foundation https://msfocus.org/Donate.aspx

Friends of Fido https://www.friendsoffidomahoning.org/

Arrangements have been entrusted to Higgins Reardon Funeral Homes and this obituary can be shared and condolences sent to the family by visiting www.higgins-reardon.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Samuel J. Traino III, please visit our flower store.

A television tribute will air Sunday, September 15, at the following approximate times: 8:58 a.m. on FOX and 9:58 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
San Antonio teen on Texas most wanted list in connection with deadly shooting

AUSTIN (KXAN)  A 17-year-old was added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List and is wanted for the alleged murder of a man that happened in July in San Antonio, the Texas Department of Public Safety said in a news release.

On July 7, around 9:40 p.m., the San Antonio Police Department responded to the Sonic Drive-In, 5510 Babcock Road, in San Antonio for a report of a shooting. According to SAPD, police and EMS found the victim, who was identified as Daniel Lacy Shrewsbury. He was the manager of Sonic-Drive In at this location.

Police: Suspect in San Antonio deadly shooting may be in Austin

Shrewsbury was shot in the chest and died on the scene, according to SAPD.

Adiah Namir Roberson was a customer at the drive-in restaurant and allegedly shot Shrewsbury after creating a disturbance over counterfeit money she had passed and stealing money, according to a news release from SAPD.

Adiah Namir Roberson, 17 | Courtesy Texas Department of Public Safety

Roberson is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 110 pounds. She has piercings on her nose, upper and lower lips, face and eyebrow, DPS said in the release.

KXAN reported earlier this week that Roberson may be in Austin.

DPS said a cash reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for any information leading to an arrest. Tipsters can call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), submit a tip via the DPS website or submit a tip on Facebook and click the SUBMIT A TIP link, the release said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
BOSTON (AP)  Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and 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.

Sanders, the committee chair, 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.

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 Sanders.

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 Torres 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 hes 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.

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.

The announcement of next weeks planned vote following a hearing into Steward.

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.



She 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 hadnt been any in the hospital because they had been repossessed by the vendor.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Santa Cruz to prohibit other cities from dropping off homeless people

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KRON)  Santa Cruz officials are taking action after a homeless person was transported from San Joaquin Valley and dropped off in the beachside city. Hanford Police Department officers gave the free ride and left the person who had no ties to Santa Cruz, city officials said.

This week, the Santa Cruz City Council introduced a new ordinance titled Prohibition of Government-Sponsored Unsanctioned Transport of Homeless Persons.

Under the ordinance, Chapter 9.91 will be added to the municipal code explicitly prohibiting the unsanctioned transport of homeless people without a coordinated and responsible plan for shelter or services, officials wrote.

The new ordinance also aims to prevent other cities from dumping their unhoused residents without notifying Surf City first.

Officials said Santa Cruz reserves and limits its shelter resources for people who are currently living in the area, not 180 miles away in Hanford, California.

The Hanford Police Department did not respond to KRON4s request for comment Thursday.

Influx of non-San Franciscans are living on SF streets, data shows

This ordinance is an important step to ensure that the Citys limited resources are focused on supporting those who are already part of our community and not overwhelmed by unsanctioned actions by other jurisdictions, Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley said.

City officials said their humane approach to the homelessness crisis focuses on providing compassion for locals through housing-first programs and services.

The Surfer Monument is seen in Santa Cruz, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/ Getty Images /File)

Keeley said, Weve developed compassionate and progressive programs, from our outreach teams to our housing-first initiatives, all designed to provide real solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness. These efforts reflect our belief that every person deserves access to supportive services that foster stability and dignity.

Councilmember Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson said, Our City is proud of the strides weve made in addressing homelessness over the past three years. Weve worked tirelessly to stand up comprehensive programs that offer real support and long-term solutions for those experiencing homelessness here in Santa Cruz.

Kalantari-Johnson said, We encourage other jurisdictions to follow suit by developing similar programs that provide services and shelter to those within their own communities.

According to the 2024 Point-in-Time census count, 1,850 people were homeless in Santa Cruz 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 KRON4.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The San Angelo Police Department has announced that a juvenile has been arrested in relation to an investigation sparked by a social media post involving a Lake View High School student brandishing a gun near the campus.

According to the SAPD, the department was notified of a social media post on Sept. 12. The post depicted a Lake View High School student brandishing a firearm inside a vehicle on the Lake View High School Campus on a different date.

Sonora ISD found on online shooting targets list  again

An investigation was launched with the assistance of San Angelo ISD as well as the SAPDs Criminal Investigations Unit, Anti-Crime Unit and school resource officers. This investigation is ongoing as of the time of publication.

The SAPD stated that a juvenile has been arrested on a third-degree felony charge of having a weapon in a prohibited place after probable cause was developed.

The SAPDs announcement comes just two days after it stated that it was aware of a rumor circulating online regarding an alleged incident of a Central High School student with a gun being tackled and arrested. SAPD Chief Travis Griffith debunked the rumor through an online video posted to the departments Facebook page on Sept. 11.

SAPD chief addresses rumors of threat at CHS

An SAPD public information officer stated that the social media post investigation and arrest had nothing to do with the Central High School rumor.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
The News

WILMINGTON, Del.  On Tuesday night, Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride won the Democratic nomination to represent her state in Congress. The suspense had drained from her race months ago; McBride, one of the most prominent transgender people ever to hold elected office, raised nearly $3 million for the race, and her most serious opponents quit when it became clear theyd lose.

McBrides now all but certain to head to Congress, as its first transgender member, eight years after she became the first trans speaker at a national convention. For four years, McBride had been a productive legislator in Dover; she had also spoken out as bills targeting transgender people passed across the country. The day after her victory, McBride sat down with Americana at a Brew-Ha-Ha coffee shop here to talk about her next steps, and the place she was carving out in the LGBTQ rights movement.

Q&A

Americana: How do you balance the work you want to do  which is broad, and covers a lot of different policies  with the demand to be a spokesperson for trans people?

Sarah McBride: Well, Ive a spokesperson for the movement, and there are people doing that work. To do right by the LGBTQ community, I need to simply be the best member of Congress that I can be, and show that when you elect trans people or LGBTQ people or people of any underrepresented background, they can do the job as well as anyone else.

Thats the only way I can actually fulfill that responsibility. If someone goes down there and only focuses on one set of issues, theyre actually going to undermine the capacity to get even more diverse representation down there. Thats because, fundamentally, what voters want is a member of Congress whos doing the full job.

Americana: Thats an interesting way to put it. There have been some anti-identity politics Republicans  Im thinking of Marjorie Taylor Greene  who have been much more reactive to things bubbling up online than to any specific policy goals.

Sarah McBride: The reality is that far right-wing MAGA Republicans and the weird dredges of the right-wing internet are the only places that are really talking about identity politics at the expense of everything else. Right? Democrats are out there talking about kitchen table issues. Were out there talking about the cost of childcare and housing and healthcare and about the threat of gun violence. And at the same time you see these professional provocateurs, who are performing as politicians, focusing on these weird culture warrior wedge issues of the moment.

Look, we have to be clear that there are real differences of opinion on a whole host of issues around LGBTQ rights and abortion rights. But on issues of LGBTQ equality, on trans rights, in particular, this weird obsession with kids and what whether a kid can play on a team with their friends after school, or whether they can get the health care they need, or trying to get between a kid and their family; not only is that out of the mainstream of political thought, but its also completely out of the list of priorities that everyday people have.

People are not waking up in the middle of the night, concerned with whether their 10th grade childs friend, whos trans, is playing on the team with their friends. I think thats one of the reasons why when right wing politicians, who clearly live in the dredges of the internet, make these issues central to their campaigns, they lose. We saw it in Michigan in 2022. We just had the Republican primary here, and the only issue ads that were run anywhere were focused on trans issues. The candidate who ran those ads lost. So its not even working for Republican politicians with Republican voters in Republican primaries.

Americana: Where do you see yourself actually working with Republicans if you win?

Sarah McBride: Look, there are a whole host of issues where you can find common ground. I still think that you can find it on immigration. We had a border security deal that was negotiated between Democrats and conservative Republicans, and the only reason why it didnt pass was because Donald Trump decided that he wanted the issue to fear-monger around in the election.

Here in Delaware, I worked really closely with my Republican colleagues on expanding access to oral healthcare in rural communities. We worked with dentists, we worked with dental hygienists, we worked with insurers, we worked with hospitals, we worked with advocates, and we worked with one another to craft some solutions around licensure that have resulted in previously closed clinics reopening and serving particularly low-income Delawareans who for too long were unable to access a quality dental care provider.

One of the dynamics we have in our politics right now is recency bias, where we see the chaos of the last two years with a Republican House and go: Well, theres no way that anything can ever get done on a bipartisan basis in Washington. We forget that during the first two years of the Biden-Harris administration, a lot got done, and a lot got done with bipartisan support.

Americana: What would change for trans people if the Trump-Vance ticket wins?

Sarah McBride: I think its clear that Donald Trump and JD Vance would seek to cut off healthcare for millions and millions of people in this country, whether thats LGBTQ people seeking health care, whether thats families trying to, or parents wanting to, have a child through IVF, whether thats a woman whos seeking an abortion.

But we also have to recognize that LGBTQ people are people, and all of the other horrific things that Donald Trump and JD Vance want to do would also have a horrible impact on their lives. Right? Trans people are also retirees. Theyre on Social Security, theyre on Medicare, and we know that Donald Trump and JD Vance would seek to gut those programs. Trans people are starting families, and we know that instead of improving public schools and expanding access to child care, Donald Trump and JD, Vance would seek to defund public schools and child care in this country. The list goes on, but all of this is part of a larger, far right wing agenda that seemed to take this country back, not just in the 1950s but really the 1890s and these attacks are all connected.

Americana: Im thinking back to 2016. You give a speech at the DNC, and Trump is not talking about trans issues; hes posing with a rainbow flag. In 2020 and 2024 hes made this a much bigger part of his campaign. Has there been some backsliding since 2016?

Sarah McBride: Progress happens in fits and starts. Is the policy reality for LGBTQ people in this country better than it was in 2016? In many cases, no. Its worse. But is it better than it was 30 years ago and 50 years ago? Yes. There has been a backsliding on policy in a lot of places in this country, and here certainly would be a backsliding in policy, on so many issues, should Donald Trump and JD Vance win in November.

Beyond all of that, weve seen the rhetoric become coarser and crueler over the last few years. I think that thats one example of a larger coarseness and cruelty that has only increased in our politics. But I also think the backsliding weve seen is the last gasp of a dying movement that knows that the clock is ticking on the long term political efficacy of these types of attacks. Eventually, tragically, they will move on to a new bogey-person, once they realize that the country doesnt hate us. Theyre probably going to start realizing that pretty soon. I keep waiting for them to realize it, election after election, when it doesnt work.

Americana: One way Ive seen this play out in the presidential campaign is that Tim Walz signed transgender sanctuary legislation, and Republicans have attacked that, saying that this is going to steal kids away from parents. Whats the response when Republicans split up this issue, and say theyre focused not on adults but on protecting minors?

Sarah McBride: They realized in 2016, with the backlash [to the bathroom bill] in North Carolina, that going after adults didnt work. So, now theyre going after young people. I think that the movement needs to realize that there are still conversations to have with people that can open hearts and change minds. There are a lot of people who are still just entering this conversation, and we need to educate people on the diversity of experience that exists in our country, in humanity and, yes, within the LGBTQ community.

The bigger picture here is that weve lost the capacity to have conversations and bridge disagreements. We have lost the capacity to have to meet people where they are in too many instances. The community and the movement is going to have to have some important and difficult conversations itself about the balance between in-community conversations and conversations with the rest of the country

Americana: What do you mean?

Sarah McBride: I think that right now, in advocacy, theres a lot of signaling to your existing chorus that youre saying and doing exactly the right thing, and not as much intentionality about reaching people where they are. Change-making is the art of addition. You have to have conversations. You have to allow people to grow. You have to create space for people to grow. And the fact that there is still room for growth for some people does not make them evil.

As elected officials, we should be modeling the kind of approach to citizenship that we need. Thats a willingness to recognize that diversity of thought is going to exist, that people are going to hold positions that might be very, very, very, personally hurtful to some of us. Maybe were going to have to actually get some people who dont start out agreeing with us to agree with us. Thats what Ive done in the General Assembly, on a whole host of issues. The larger progressive movement, the larger movement for social change in this country, probably has to have similar conversations amongst itself, about whether it is engaging in the most effective change-making strategies.

There is a growing fear that youre going to be shouted down on the internet if you use terminology thats not acceptable, right? Im talking even about people on our side fearing that if they use, for instance, pro-business language to articulate support for equality, or if they use the language of faith to articulate support for equality, or if they use the language of patriotism to articulate support for equality, that they will get shouted down by our own side. Too often, we give up tools for change in order to show our own side that we are the purest and the most up-to-date on every every bit of terminology. Thats what I mean.

Americana: Youve known Joe Biden well for a long time. He was out very early on trans rights; as long ago as 2012, he was calling it the civil rights issue of our time. Whats your sense of why?

Sarah McBride: A couple of things. One, I think Joe Biden is where most people actually are on this issue. He just wants people to be treated with dignity and respect. He wants people to feel loved and be seen, to live and thrive in our society. When you present Joe Biden with a question about whether a person of any background should be guaranteed equal rights and equal opportunity, the man is going to say yes, absolutely, because thats just who he is.

Two, Delawares a small state. You get to know people who are different than you, and it builds up a level of empathy and compassion. Joe Biden is a product of Delaware and that state of neighbors mentality that we have. Two, I think that Joe Biden is carrying on Beau Bidens legacy. He watched Beau become one of the first statewide elected officials in Delaware to endorse marriage equality, and watched him champion the gender identity nondiscrimination bill. Would Joe Biden be in the right place on these issues without Beaus legacy? I think so. But that legacy makes it that much more personal for him.

Americana: The flip side here is that there are Republicans in Congress, whod be your colleagues next year, who do not buy into this. I covered Marie Newman, who has a child who identifies as trans and had a trans flag outside of her office; Greene responded by putting up a sign that said there are two genders. How would you respond to that sort of attack?

Sarah McBride: Im just going to keep walking forward and doing what Ive done here in Delaware: Roll up my sleeves, dive into the details, bring people together, deliver real progress. And those folks can go off with their weird, childish political antics. Yeah, theyre going to be weird about me, but these are also the Republicans that are never going to work with any Democrat on any issue. Theyre there as professional provocateurs, to sow discord and chaos, and get likes on whatever social media platform the big boss tells them theyre allowed to be on today. Sadly, that has just destroyed their capacity to be a responsible governing caucus. But I know there are Republicans in Congress who are willing to work with Democrats, who will be willing to work with me.
SBU, National Police arrest 5 suspects accused of committing arson attacks in Kyiv on behalf of Russia

Ukraine's State Security Service (SBU) along with the country's National Police arrested five people on Sept. 12 accused of committing arson attacks on Ukrainian military vehicles on behalf of the Russian intelligence service (FSB).

According to investigators, the individuals set fire to five vehicles owned by Ukraine's military, including SUVs and military transport vans, in three neighborhoods of Kyiv. The accused also allegedly left leaflets near the arson sites "aimed at discrediting Defense Forces," the SBU said.

The unnamed suspects, described by the National Police as being between the ages of 21 and 29, are originally from the cities of Sumy, Poltava, and Mykolaiv.

The accused sought employment opportunities in Kyiv, the SBU alleges, while being lured into committing the arson attacks by Russian intelligence agents through Telegram channels in exchange for compensation.

The arsonists first identified the military targets to Russian intelligence agents, and then following the attack sent photographic evidence to Russian agents - evidence that the SBU subsequently seized after arresting the individuals.

The accused were charged under Ukraine's Criminal Code with charges related to interfering with the activities of the Armed Forces. They face up to eight years in prison, if convicted.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian forces recapture 10 settlements in Kursk Oblast amid ongoing counterattack, Moscow claims

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A Lancaster man is charged with murder in the fatal shooting death of a teen earlier this month.

Lancaster police charged Kenyan Lamar Blair, 19, on Wednesday for the Sept. 4 killing of Jelani Jackson, 18.

Jackson died after he was shot on Clinton Avenue in Lancaster.

Blair was in the Lancaster County jail on unrelated charges when police served the arrest warrant for murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, Lancaster police said in a statement.

The arrest came after a week of investigation by Lancaster city police and county sheriffs office deputies who work on a violent crime task force.

Police have not released any other details about the killing.
SC Congressman Joe Wilson gets pacemaker after collapsing this week, his office says

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale, is expected to be released from a D.C.-area hospital after receiving a pacemaker, his office said.

Wilson collapsed and experienced strokelike symptoms Tuesday at an event in Washington, D.C.

However, after receiving the pacemaker, he is expected to be able to leave the hospital in a matter of days.

He is recovering quickly, Wilsons office said.

While being evaluated this week, the congressmans office said in an update Thursday (Wilson) is in good spirits, improving and speaking with family.

Wilsons wife, Roxanne, was with the 77-year-old congressman in the hospital.

Joe Wilsons office did not immediately disclose what medical issue led to his collapse Tuesday.
SC House candidate claims yard sign was taken by someone associated with his opponent

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD)  The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating after a candidate said one of his campaign signs was removed.

Carlton Walker is running for South Carolina House seat 15 and said one of his signs on Red Bank Road was removed recently. The Berkeley County Sheriffs Office said they have investigated the matter and turned it over to state police.

One of my yard signs- I noticed it was missing. So, I walked across the street to where it was supposed to be. I thought maybe it was blown down in the ditch, and it wasnt there. So, I walked down the sidewalk to see if it was in one of the cars. My opponent was having a fundraiser. I was across the street with all of my stuff set up, and as I walked by, I noticed my sign was in the back of a car right at his event, he said. I immediately took a picture of the vehicle.

Walker said he asked the man to give him his sign back, and he did. He then reached out to the sheriffs office.

These things are protected by South Carolina election law. Its election interference, Walker said.

News 2 reached out to the sheriffs office, and they said they turned this investigation over to SLED. We left a message with the agency.

The Berkeley County Sheriffs Office report does say the vehicle identified with the sign in it is registered to a Mr. Moore.

Meanwhile, Sam Skardon, chairman of the Charleston County Democratic Party sent us a statement about the situation:

The yard sign was on private property during a private event. There are real issues that need to be addressed in South Carolina and the voters deserve better than a Republican candidate who wastes their time, and law enforcements time, whining about yard signs.

Walker, however, said the sign was not on private property, nor was it on the property where the event was being held.

News 2 will provide any updates we receive.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
The South Carolina Supreme Court has denied a stay of execution for Freddie Eugene Owens, clearing the path for the South Carolina man to be the first person executed in the state since 2011.

In an order released Thursday evening, the five justices of the state Supreme Court responded to a series of motions filed by Owens attorneys that argued the death penalty was disproportionate, prosecutors had concealed a secret deal with a key witness and a juror at Owens original trial had seen him wearing an electric stun belt, violating his right to a fair trial.

But in a unanimous ruling, the court rejected these claims, finding that Owens had not demonstrated there were exceptional circumstances or a constitutional violation shocking to the universal sense of justice required to halt his execution, scheduled for Sept. 20.

Owens, 46, was sentenced to death for the murder of Irene Graves, a gas station clerk, in the early morning hours of Nov. 1, 1997. A jury found that the 19-year-old Owens had shot and killed Graves, a mother of three, during a robbery spree that he committed with three other accomplices.

Owens was found guilty and sentenced to death in 1999. Following appeals, he was resentenced to death, first in 2003 by then circuit court judge now South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge and again by a jury in 2006. In 2015, Owens converted to Islam and changed his name to Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah but continues to use the name Freddie Owens in his appeals.

Thursdays ruling comes following a motion that alleged prosecutors concealed a secret deal to secure the testimony of Owens accomplice, Steven Golden, who identified Owens as the shooter.

On the stand, Golden denied being promised a specific sentence. But in a sworn affidavit provided to Owens attorneys in August, Golden said his attorneys told him prosecutors would not seek the death penalty for him if he testified. This was backed up, Owens attorneys said, by the rediscovery of a draft affidavit prepared by Goldens lawyer in 1999.

Rejecting this claim, the Supreme Court said that not only was this evidence already known and being introduced too late, but the two affidavits only showed evidence of what Goldens attorneys told him in order to induce him to accept a plea deal.

Death row inmate Freddie Owens received an execution notice on June 1.

The court also dismissed a highly technical argument made by Owens attorneys in a blitz of motions filed last week that the death sentence would be disproportionate as the jury had not necessarily found that Owens was the one who fatally shot Graves.

Instead, his attorneys argued that the court in Owens original 1999 trial had allowed prosecutors to advance a legal theory that the jury could find him guilty of murder simply by finding that he had participated in the robbery that led to Graves killing.

Were he to be executed, his attorneys argued, it could be the first time since the death penalty was reinstated in South Carolina in 1976 that a person would be put to death with no specific finding that they had actually killed someone.

Just the act of taking a life is not going to always result in a capital prosecution or death sentence, Josh Kendrick, a member of Owens defense team, told The State. What were saying is this is not the kind of case where you would typically be subject to the death penalty.

But the Supreme Court was unmoved. The justices wrote that there was sufficient evidence to prove Owens deserved a sentence of death.

Besides evidence that Owens had been the one to fatally shoot Graves, including testimony from his ex-girlfriend and accomplices, the Supreme Court noted the many disciplinary infractions Owens committed while in jail awaiting trial and an admission by Owens that he brutally murdered his cellmate during the twenty-four-hour waiting period between his 1999 criminal conviction and his first sentencing trial.

Owens was never tried for killing cellmate Christopher Bryan Lee, who was serving a 90-day charge for drunk driving.

With this latest ruling, Owens execution is set to take place at 6 p.m. on Sept. 20. Last week, citing Owens Muslim faith that forbid him from making the selection, his attorney selected lethal injection as his method of execution.

What did Owens attorneys argue?

Around 4 a.m. on Nov. 1, 1997, two men entered Starvin Marvin Speedway gas station on Laurens Road in Greenville. Both could be seen on CCTV, one man wearing a ski mask, the other a stocking over his head. They were carrying guns and demanded that the clerk, Graves, open the safe.

When she couldnt, the man in the ski mask shot Graves, a mother of three. The two men made off with $37.29 taken from the register.

In closing arguments, prosecutors told the jury that the necessary elements to find Owens guilty of murder would be proven simply by finding that he was present during the armed robbery.

The one issue you are here to decide is was Freddie Owens present in the Speedway when Ms. Graves was killed, The prosecutor told juror in closing statements. Who was the shooter is not important. Because the state does not rest its case upon the fact that we can prove at this stage who was the shooter....If you find that both of these individuals are present and you find that Ms. Graves was killed by one of them.... then they are both guilty.

In court filings, Owens attorneys argued that executing Owens would be unconstitutionally disproportionate for someone found guilty of accomplice liability of felony murder  the legal theory that an individual can be found guilty of murder that occurred while they were the accomplice in committing a felony.

It seems like the court here has introduced a way for you to find someone guilty of a murder that is not historically in line with how you would find someone guilty of a capital murder, because you could under this theory find someone who did not fire a gun, you could put them to death. Thats pretty unique, Kendrick told The State.

Owens has always maintained his innocence and there is no forensic evidence proving that he was the man in the ski mask, according to his attorneys.

But in their ruling, the justices found that the original trial court had appropriately instructed the jury on how to infer malice, one of the requirements for finding someone guilty of murder, from Owens actions the night of the murder. They also agreed with the S.C. Attorney Generals Office, which represents the state during the appeals stage, that there was other evidence to convict Owens.

The evidence, which was reintroduced at Owens third and final sentencing trial, showed conclusively Owens was the person who shot the clerk, according to the Supreme Court.

However, even if the jury determined Owens was the man in the stocking mask, the Supreme Court justices wrote, he was a major participant in the murder and armed robbery who showed a reckless disregard for human life by knowingly engaging in criminal activity that carries a grave risk of death.
Beleaguered aerospace company Boeing faced a new source of woe on Friday when more than 30,000 workers in the Pacific Northwest commenced a major strike.

The labor action began days after Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth without its crew due to mechanical issues, and months after a door plug blew out of the company's aircraft mid-flight, which itself happened five years after Boeing's 737 Max aircraft were first grounded worldwide following a pair of tragic crashes.

The company's difficulties helped set the stage for the strike, deepening frustration among workers while bolstering their leverage, experts told ABC News. Still, they added, the company could itself invoke the challenges in an effort to strengthen its position in the standoff, claiming that a prolonged work stoppage could further imperil the already weakened firm and ultimately hurt workers.

MORE: Boeing union workers reject contract; 96% vote to strike

"Everybody on the planet understands Boeing has had some quality issues," Art Wheaton, director of labor studies at the Worker Institute at Cornell University, told ABC News.

"Workers should be concerned about the bottom line because if Boeing goes out of business, then they lose their jobs," Wheaton said. "But the problems are a byproduct of sacrificing quality by trying to make more planes with fewer people. Workers want decent pay and planes that are safe."

Boeing had reached a tentative agreement earlier this week with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the union representing 33,000 workers at Boeing plants in Washington State, Oregon and California.

However, 94.6% of union members voted Thursday night to reject the tentative agreement. IAM's members went on strike at midnight on Friday after 96% of them voted in favor of 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."

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged the company's missteps in a letter to union members before the strike vote was taken.

"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 said in the letter, which the company shared with ABC News.

Boeing declined to comment in response to an ABC News request after the strike began. A similar ABC News request to the IAM did not immediately receive a response.

The tentative agreement struck this week between Boeing and the IAM would have delivered a 25% raise over the contract's four-year duration, 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 included a commitment from Boeing to build its next commercial plane with union labor in Washington state.

Union members view themselves as being asked to make sacrifices that were made necessary by the company's mismanagement, Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst at Atmosphere Research Group, told ABC News.

PHOTO: Boeing Co. signage outside the company's manufacturing facility in Renton, Wash., Sept. 12, 2024. (M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

On Jan. 5, a door plug blew out of the company's 737 Max 9 aircraft at around 15,000 feet in altitude 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.

"Boeing's management approved the various shortcuts initially that led to the problems," Harteveldt said.

The high-profile mishaps for which company leadership is responsible afford workers leverage, garnering goodwill from the public and urgency from Boeing as it seeks a turnaround, experts said.

"Public sentiment could be more inclined to the workers' side because we all observed Boeing's horrific incidents in the last few years," Jungho Suh, a professor of management at George Washington University, told ABC News.

The Federal Aviation Administration mandated a production cap of 38 737 Max planes per month from Boeing earlier this year following the door plug incident. Boeing recently delayed until March 2025 a production increase that was scheduled to begin this month, according to a Bank of America Global Research analysis shared with ABC News.

Strikes undertaken by this group of unionized Boeing employees in the Pacific Northwest have historically lasted an average of 60 days, a Bank of America Global Research analysis found after examining seven strikes, the earliest in 1948.

"We see Boeing in a particularly weakened position," Bank of America said. "An elongated strike would likely exacerbate the existing challenges."

However, Boeing could invoke its corporate travails as a means of exerting pressure at the bargaining table, some experts said.

MORE: Boeing's Starliner undocks from the ISS and returns to Earth, without NASA astronauts

Boeing is carrying nearly $60 billion in debt, Stephanie Pope, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and COO, noted in a letter to union members earlier this week. The company's share price has plummeted almost 40% since the outset of 2024. Kelly Ortberg took over as Boeing president and CEO last month as part of a turnaround effort, replacing previous CEO Dave Calhoun, who announced his retirement in March in the wake of the Alaska Airlines door plug incident.

"If there's a strike, Boeing becomes that much weaker," said Harteveldt, of Atmosphere Research Group. "If the strike lasts a long time, it could take Boeing a long time to recover. There's a risk that it will create more potential problems for workers."

Workers and management will make their respective cases at the bargaining table, said Cornell University's Wheaton.

"That's why they have negotiations," Wheaton said. "Both sides aren't going to get everything they want, but something they can live with."

How scandals at Boeing helped bring about the current strike originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV)  Savannah-Chatham County School System (SCCPSS) Superintendent Denise Watts reached out to parents are the wave of violent threats directed at schools in the region.



Eleven schools in the district have been affected by threats and while district leaders say none of them caused harm, they told WSAV that safety will continue to be top of mind.

We have been the victims of jokes and hoaxes of our students over the last few days, Watts said. I want to iterate and emphasis the fact that we take each and every one of these seriously.

SCCPSS campus police have been dealing with several threats directed at schools in the area since the shooting in Winder, Ga. Board of Education Police Department (BOEPD) Chief Terry Enoch, spoke about the recent threats.

Juvenile injured in early morning Beaufort shooting

Weve had about 15 incidents that weve responded to and are investigating, Enoch said. Some of them have been closed out but majority is still open, and we are working with our law enforcement partners in order to hold folks accountable.

Enoch told News 3 the threats appear to originate from calls and social media.

The other day we had a threat that someone was in route to a school to shoot it up, he said. It was determined to be a spoof call where someone does a voice over and the account is some account overseas.

Watts said the hoaxes are a drain on district resources and causes fear. However, the school system said that they will continue to keep their guard up and take strategic and measured approaches to keep all students and staff safe.

We have different levels of lockdown, Enoch said. Some are designed to keep anyone coming in. Some are designed to keep students in a secure place, while we identify a threat and eliminate it. Some are designed to evacuate.

Georgias fiscal year 2025 budget included a school safety grant program, which includes over $100 million to establish the yearly program. WSAV asked campus police how they plan to use those funds.

We are throwing around ideas like hiring additional officers to help with screening of students and visitors as they come in our facility, Justin Pratt, BOEPD Emergency Management Coordinator said. Were looking at adding additional weapons detectors.

The district said security starts at home and explained that it is a shared responsibility.

Nothing is 100%, said Enoch. Thats why we talked about safety and security being a shared responsibility. It starts at home. If you see something let us now.

School officials reminded everyone that if you make a threat against a school, you can face serious charges including jail time. They added anyone caught will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  As Congress scrambles to avert a government shutdown, Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz is calling on his colleagues to ensure that disaster relief for Maui is included in any short-term spending bill.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

With a deadline of September 30 approaching, lawmakers are working to pass a temporary funding measure to keep the government operational.

Schatz emphasized the urgent need for continued support for Maui, highlighting the lack of progress in rebuilding efforts since the wildfires.

This book is a love letter to Hawaii: Tom Peeks Mauna Kea

Not a single home has been rebuilt so far. Thats a dire emergency for any community, Schatz said. Its especially concerning as FEMAs temporary housing assistance is set to expire in five months.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Without an agreement on the spending bill, parts of the government could shut down starting October 1.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) After four people were killed in the Georgia school shooting on September 4, safety threats against schools across the nation have increased including in South Dakota.

There have been four incidents across the state over the last week where safety threats against schools have caused them to go on lockdown, increase police presence or call off school altogether.

USA Today reported that high-profile shootings typically lead to a surge in threats and student arrests.

Rapid City

A day after the Georgia shooting, Rapid City schools were under a secure status after a threat was made to a west side school.

On social media, the Pennington County Sheriffs Office said there was a report of a social media message circulating among students depicting a firearm. No student was harmed.

There (was on Sept. 5) a large law enforcement presence in and around Stevens High School as we work through determining the validity of a generalized threat and the identity of the individuals responsible, the Pennington County Sheriffs Office said at the time.

Teenager accused of having a weapon on school grounds in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls

On Monday, threats circulated online that mentioned Sioux Falls middle schools, including George McGovern and Memorial.

Sioux Falls Police spokesperson Sam Clemens said the post was from out of state and did not believe there was a threat.

We believe its probably a spinoff from an earlier threat that happened in another state, there are some similarities between that one and this and this most recent one we believe someone probably altered it or manipulated it to make it seem like there are schools from Sioux Falls listed, Clemens said.

Another incident in Sioux Falls happened on Wednesday when a 15-year-old was arrested for having a weapon outside Axtell Park school.

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.

Pine Ridge

Schools on the Pine Ridge Reservation were canceled on Thursday due to safety concerns from a social media post.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety (OST DPS) posted on Facebook Wednesday evening shortly before 11 p.m. CT that officers were aware of the social media threats.

A half-hour later, the OST DPS posted again that the male who made the threats, along with his parents, were taken into custody.

School will resume on Friday, September 13.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
The Springfield City School District evacuated two elementary schools and a middle school Friday morning based on information received from the Springfield Police Division, according to school officials, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

The school shutdowns come a day after Springfields City Hall had to be evacuated because of a bomb threat and three days after Donald Trumps false claim that Haitian immigrants are eating the citys dogs and cats. City officials, as well as Ohio's Republican governor, Mike DeWine, have debunked the viral claim, but Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, only doubled down on attacking the immigrant community there.

It is not yet clear if Fridays evacuations are from a new threat or related to Thursdays bomb threats, ABC News reported.

Students from Perrin Woods Elementary School and Snowhill Elementary School were evacuated from their buildings and moved to an alternate district location according to an SCSD news release as the district currently dismisses students to their parents.

Roosevelt Middle School did not open Friday based on the information provided by Springfield police. Some parents arriving to drop their children off at school were turned away, the Springfield News-Sun reported.

Bomb-detecting dogs helped police clear out multiple facilities listed in the threatening email on Thursday, including the two elementary schools, City Hall, and a few drivers license bureaus, Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott told ABC News. Elliot added that the county court facilities have also been cleared out of an abundance of caution until FBI and local police uncover the source of the threat.


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The graviton, the hypothetical force carrier for gravity, is the only fundamental force carrier that has yet to be detected.

A new study suggests that a proposed graviton detector that uses 4,000-pound aluminum cylinders as acoustic resonators could be used in conjunction with Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) to detect single gravitons.

Although an ambitious plan, the experiment needs to develop the quantum sensors required to detect energy level changes in the supercooled material, which won't be easy.

So  where are all the gravitons?

Disregarding the fact that it sounds more like a Decepticon than a theoretical particle, the long-hypothesized graviton is the only missing force carrier in todays Standard Model of particle physics.

As their name suggests, force carriers are like the messages exchanged between particles. The most well-known of this quantum family is the photon, which is the force carrier of electromagnetism, but the strong and weak nuclear forces also have the gluon and w and z bosons as force carriers, respectively. Gravity is the only one of the four fundamental forces whose force carrier, the graviton, has never been directly observed.

Because of physicists inability to square quantum theory with general relativity, this has led some to question whether gravity even acts like the other fundamental forces and if the graviton itself even exists. However, scientists havent ceded the field quite yet, because if gravitons did exist, theyd likely be exponentially more difficult to detectby some measurements, theyre a billion, billion, billion times lighter than an electron at around 6  1032 electron-volts.

Difficult... but not impossible.

At least thats the thinking behind a new paper from scientists at Stockholm University and New Jersey private research university Stevens Institute of Technology. In this new study published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers argue that a new quantum-sensing technique might just pull it off. Drawing inspiration from Albert Einsteins Nobel Prize-winning work on the photoelectric effect, which essentially discovered the existence of the photon, this detection method would similarly hunt for gravitons in gravitational waves.

Our solution mimics the photoelectric effect, Stockholm University Ph.D student Germain Tobar, a co-author of the study, said in a press statement , but we use acoustic resonators and gravitational waves that pass Earth. We call it the gravito-phononic effect.

The researchers contrast these acoustic resonators with the technique used by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), which detected the first gravitational waves back in 2015. Where LIGO uses lasers to measure changes in distance as a passing gravitational wave distorts spacetime (all the way down to 1/10,000th the width of a proton), this new research instead relies on massive, vibrating objects.

If we use heavy cylinders that resonate with the waves, postdoctoral researcher at the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (Nordita) Sreenath Manikandan, also a co-author of the study, said in a press statement, then for a sufficiently strong wave some energy can get deposited. The trick is to use quantum sensing to observe single quantum jumps in energy whenever single gravitons are absorbed or emitted.

These cylinders would be 4,000-pound bars of aluminum chilled to just above absolute zero (we are talking about quantum sensing, after all). Once a gravitational wave passes through this massive detector, each oh-so-subtle vibration detected by a change in energy level would be a graviton.

To pull this off, the team does get a big boost from existing gravitational wave detectors. Although LIGO is good at detecting gravitational wave events, it cant single out one specific graviton, so this gravito-phononic effect experiment will cross-reference events detected by LIGO to see if their detector sensed any possible gravitons. For such gravitons to be detected, the team admits that it needs a pretty energetic gravitational wave, but their calculations suggest that one such wave created by a neutron-star merger in 2017 couldve created enough gravitons for a high probability of absorption.

The biggest hurdle between now and finally closing the book on the physics bestseller Mystery of the Missing Graviton is building the quantum sensors themselves, which currently dont exist. But this preliminary work suggests that once theyre in place, solving one of physics biggest unknowns could be within our grasp.

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Scientists revolutionize age-estimation tool for seabirds: 'It has the potential to transform conservation decision-making'

Scientists have developed a fast and reliable way to estimate the age of seabirds, which could improve the conservation of the threatened species through more accurate assessment.

Called an epigenetic clock, the genomic tool maps differences in a seabird species' DNA during its lifespan. By comparing an individual bird's DNA to the epigenetic clock via a small blood sample, researchers can estimate the age of the seabird accurately and easily.

Researchers with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation of Australia recently documented the process in Molecular Ecology Resources, which builds on an existing technique for other species. In their research, the team mapped changes in the DNA of Gould's petrel seabirds as they aged.

"Our research team adapted this tool to create the first epigenetic clock for birds using a rapid and affordable method, specifically Gould's petrel  and it can be applied across other long-lived species," study co-author Chloe Anderson told Phys.org.

Seabirds have impressively long lifespans, with some species living over 50 years. Previously, conservationists have had difficulty accurately determining a seabird's age, as juveniles often look the same as those nearing the end of their lives.

Before the epigenetic clock, conservationists would fit a bird with a leg ring as a chick, hoping to recapture it later to track populations. The method was labor-intensive, expensive, and often resulted in incomplete data.

"A vital aspect of ecology and conservation is understanding the age structure of populations under threat, like albatrosses, petrels, and other long-lived creatures," Lauren Roman, a research associate with the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, told Phys.org.

Seabirds are especially vulnerable to the impacts of our changing climate, with one study finding seabird populations have dropped 70% since the 1950s. According to the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, rising ocean waters due to the warming of our planet have reduced nesting habitats for seabirds. Climate shifts have also decreased fish populations, reducing available prey for seabirds.

Seabirds are also threatened by marine pollution, including plastic and fishing debris, which can be ingested by the birds or can entangle the animals. Additionally, oil spills, bycatch threats, and increasingly volatile weather negatively impact seabirds.

Scientists say the new tool will allow them to establish baselines for seabird breeding populations, evaluate the magnitude of differing threats, and evaluate the efficacy of conservation actions.

"It has the potential to transform conservation decision-making for these and other long-lived animals," Roman said of the epigenetic clock.

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.
BLUFF CITY, Tenn. Community members gathered Tuesday to dedicate a new regional history and heritage museum in a portion of the old Bluff City Middle School.

The Holston Heritage Museum features numerous exhibits on the regions heritage and is housed in an old stone building off Carter Street.

It usually takes six years to get to where we are now, said museum director Betsy Carrier. We have done this with the help of this wonderful board in two and a half years. I am so proud of them.

HOW WE GOT HERE

A few years ago, when the Sullivan County Board of Education announced it was consolidating schools and closing the middle school, local residents started thinking about creating a museum dedicated to the areas history.

When we found out that the school was going to be closed, you know, thats the heart of a community and its right in the center of Bluff City, said Carrier, who spoke during Tuesdays grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.

The school was where the community gathered to watch ball games and come and see plays, she said.

Carrier got together with board member Jack Hurlbert.

Its a shame to see that building abandoned, Carrier said. We need something that will help the youth and the community.

Carrier eventually spoke with school board member Michael Hughes, who connected her with local entrepreneur Chris Laisure.

Chris Laisure took it and ran with it, Carrier said.

Laisure acquired the middle school property and turned it into the Impact Community Center. He has allowed a group of local residents to use a portion of the property for the museum.

Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable spoke during the celebration.

Projects like this can only happen on an individual basis, Venable said.

Laisure noted that the building which now houses the museum was once a band room.

It didnt look like a museum at all, Laisure said. It was a band room, actually.

The building was full of band equipment and walls that no longer exist. It no longer looks like the old band room, he added.

THE REGIONS PAST

The new museum is dedicated to showcasing the historical and cultural background of the Holston River Valley region. It will be available to the public as a free and educational museum with the primary purpose to collect, protect, preserve and exhibit the unique physical and cultural history of the area, museum officials said.

Since its establishment, the museum, which consists of four major areas, has developed and has hosted educational tours to more than 1,000 local school children.

The museums four areas include the entrance and reception room; an American History Gallery that displays the regions indigenous people, frontiersmen, Overmountain men, early settlers, and the Civil War; the Andrew Johnson room features objects connected to the former presidents links to the area; and a nostalgia-themed Memories of Yesteryear Gallery.

Theres also a small room with auditorium seating for video presentations or guest-speaker programs.

Visitors on Tuesday had a chance to tour the new museum, including the wall-length mural and large table-top diorama located in the center of the museums entrance.

The mural is a timeline of historical events starting with early civilizations progressing through the years of European settlement as new cultures were introduced to the continent on through the 1940s. Pictures that are displayed on the mural set much of the background for todays lifestyles.

In coordination with the mural, the diorama defines the location of the stories that are exhibited throughout the museum. It is a three-dimensional topographical replica of the Holston River Valley. The diorama also features several natural and historical sites in the region.

Other exhibits in the room include local stories and artifacts from veterans of foreign wars and their families. Because of the importance of the railroad in the regions history, a large electric scale model train will run near the exit of the room on a track suspended from the ceiling.
Tennessee Rep. Mark Greens wife accused the top Republican of having an affair during a Wednesday text exchange with his colleagues.

Green, 59, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, filed for divorce from his wife of 30 years, Camilla Camie Green, last month. The New York Post reported Camie alleged that the impetus for his filing was the congressmans affair with a 32-year-old woman.

I have offered reconciliation, and he wants nothing of it and has insisted on a divorce, Camie reportedly wrote in texts. The Post reported that Camie also forwarded her allegations in an email to Capitol Hill lawmakers.

I am being quite open about this as 1) I cherish the prayer of any who are willing and 2) I want to make others aware of how readily available predators are for our husbands, Camie allegedly wrote.

Camie went on to attack lawmakers for how they become intoxicated with power and adoration. Such is what caused Green to push God out of his life, me out of his life, she alleged, adding that he developed friendships with other congressmen and women having affairs and getting divorces, drinking, parties, all while hosting a weekly Bible study in the basement of our home.

I am still praying for him but my hope is dwindling. He is no longer wearing his wedding band and his will is dug in, she added. If my story can prevent this tragedy from happening to someone else, I will tell it.

Green responded to the news in a statement released Friday acknowledging a difficult time for my family and me, reported the Daily Mail.

We are currently going through divorce proceedings, said Green. As this is a deeply private matter, I ask for privacy. I will continue to serve this district with all Ive got, as I have the last five and a half years.

MAGA Congressmans Wife Accuses Him of Being on Drugs

In her letter, Camie further claimed that Greens affair was with a political reporterand named the journalists employers. However, a cease-and-desist letter from the news outlets counsel reportedly rebuked those claims as false and per se defamatory.

Your message has not only caused this reporter considerable emotional distress, it has harmed her professional reputation, wrote content counsel Brian Westley, as reported by the Post. We therefore insist that you immediately set the record straight.

(Camie later did so in a statement to POLITICO, saying she wanted to correct the record and regretted her error. The woman with whom Green cheated also spoke with POLITICO, anonymously, describing their relationship as on-again-off-again.)

Green cited irreconcilable differences in his divorce filing. After announcing plans to retire this year, he reversed course after Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, encouraged him to stay in Congress.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Two Scott County high schools were evacuated on Friday morning after a reported bomb threat.

Scott County Schools (SCS) said that around 10:45 a.m. the Scott County Sheriffs Office reportedly received a bomb threat targeted at a Scott County High School.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Both Scott County High School and Great Crossing High School were evacuated until the buildings could be cleared and determined to be safe to continue instruction, per SCS.

The district said that all students have since returned to class.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SDC has plans to reopen, but says its bank and IT firm are standing in the way

After abruptly closing its doors and laying off its entire staff nearly five months ago, the Social Development Commission is talking about making a comeback.

But according to SDC attorney William Sulton, the anti-poverty agency's plans for reopening are being slowed by its bank and IT firm.

According to Sulton, SDC has been unable to access its bank account or its computer systems since spring, shortly after the agency shuttered its doors. BMO Harris Bank froze the agency's bank account in April, and Caspian Technologies revoked SDC's access to its computer systems in May, including emails, website and transactional information, Sulton said.

As a result, the agency has been unable to pay its former employees, its debt to Caspian Technologies and other operating expenses, Sulton said. It also can't accept deposits from organizations that owe SDC money. Sulton said those deposits could have amounted to a million dollars and set SDC on track for reopening.

"I think it's fair to say that SDC's doors would be open today if BMO Harris had simply allowed SDC the ability to have deposits made into the account and the ability to have access to its money," Sulton said.

Scott Doll, BMO Harris Bank spokesperson, said the company "cannot comment on customer matters."

However, "we always strive to work with our customers when they face difficult times," Doll said via email on Thursday.

Sulton said SDC also owes Caspian Technologies, an IT service and consulting company based in Waukesha, more than $100,000. In May, Caspian Technologies revoked SDC's access, he said.

As a result, Sulton said SDC has not been able to fulfill the IRS' July subpoena for financial records and other records requests.

"While we appreciate that Caspian is owed money, the data information belongs to SDC," Sulton said. "It also belongs to third parties like state and federal agencies, and Caspian does not have legal right to withhold that information or to destroy it."

Caspian Technologies did not respond to the Journal Sentinel's calls for comment.

SDC finding work-around for banking issues

According to a May 10 email Sulton shared from a BMO senior manager, BMO placed a "hold" on SDC's account following the news of the agency's closure at the end of April.

In the email, the manager explained that SDC would still have access to its funds to pay its employees. The manager also asked about SDC's plan to reopen and how it could impact the agency's ability to repay its loans.

The SDC board didn't realize the hold would prevent other organizations from depositing funds into its account, Sulton said.

It wasn't until after the volunteer board spent hours of time tracking down organizations that owe SDC money  without access to SDC's computer system  that SDC discovered BMO Harris Bank had denied the organizations' deposits, Sulton said.

According to Sulton, the bank froze SDC's account out of concern the agency would default on its two loans, but SDC has yet to miss a payment. Combined, the two loans are under a million dollars, Sulton said.

The last thing the SDC board wanted to do was create a new bank account, Sulton said.

"We're talking about dozens and dozens of contracts that we have to go back, rewrite, reauthorize, to change over to another account," Sulton said. "It's a huge lift."

However, the SDC board is managing to pay some project-based employees, Sulton said.

The SDC Foundation, the nonprofit arm of SDC, has accounts with BMO Harris Bank that are also frozen, but it has accounts with other banks that aren't, Sulton said. He said the foundation has contributed some funds to paying employees.

When the Journal Sentinel asked if it is possible for the foundation to use its funds to pay Caspian so that the board can regain access to SDC's computer system, Sulton said he would have to ask the foundation board.

Foundation chairwoman Alicia Smith did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

On Wednesday, the SDC board met briefly before heading into closed session for more than two hours. Barbara Toles, board chair, said the focus of the closed session was to plan SDC's reopening.

Gina Lee Castro is a Public Investigator reporter for the Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at gcastro@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: SDC is on track to reopen if its bank and IT firm cooperate, it says
ADRIAN  Sean "Diddy" Combs has asked a Lenawee County court to set aside the $100 million judgment it granted in a Michigan inmate's lawsuit claiming the hip-hop mogul sexually assaulted him in 1997 in an Adrian hotel.

Combs has also asked that the temporary restraining order Circuit Judge Anna Marie Anzalone granted to inmate Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith be dissolved. Anzalone granted the temporary restraining order barring Combs from selling any of his real estate or personal property for 90 days. Cardello-Smith argued that the order was necessary to prevent Combs from selling assets that could be used to pay any financial award from his lawsuit.

A hearing has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, before Circuit Judge Anna Marie Anzalone to consider the request filed Friday by Combs' Bloomfield Hills-based attorneys from the Fink Bressack firm.

Attorneys for Sean "Diddy" Combs, pictured Sept. 21, 2023, at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference National Town Hall in Washington, D.C., have asked a Lenawee County court to set aside a $100 million default judgment in a lawsuit by a Michigan inmate against the hip-hop mogul.

The $10 million monthly payments are due to begin Oct. 1, according to the schedule set by Anzalone.

In the filings, Combs argues that he was never served with the lawsuit and did not learn about it until the default judgment made national news on Sept. 9. Cardello-Smith included a certified mail return receipt that appeared to show that the lawsuit was delivered to a Los Angeles estate associated with Combs. However, Combs argues, he lives in Miami, the Los Angeles address is not his primary residence, the signature on the return receipt is not his, and no one was authorized to sign for any mail for him.

The date of delivery on the return receipt also appears to be July 6, 2021, the attorneys write, while Cardello-Smith claims to have mailed it on May 31, 2024.

When Anzalone reviewed the documentation before granting the temporary restraining order, she paused when looking at the certified mail return receipt and reading the delivery date. The last digit in the year is unclear.

The judgment should be set aside, Combs' attorneys argue, because even if it had been properly served, he has meritorious defenses. The brief says after he learned of the "astronomically high" default judgment, he promptly contacted legal counsel in Michigan and diligently moved to have the judgment set aside. Other defenses include Cardello-Smith's "facially implausible and incoherent allegations are totally made up, and that the decades-old claims are absolutely barred by the statute of limitation."

Combs' motion to dissolve the temporary restraining order calls Cardello-Smith's allegations "a frivolous lawsuit against a prominent businessman, based on obvious fabrications, filed by a convicted rapist and serial litigant with an overactive imagination and a thirst for fame."

Cardello-Smith is serving to up to 75 years in prison after being sentenced in 2008 in Wayne County on first-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping charges after he pleaded no contest to the charges, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records. In 2019, he was sentenced to up to 35 years on four more first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges in Wayne County to which he also pleaded no contest. Those four newer charges were from offenses that took place in 1997. The original eight charges were committed in 2008. He also was convicted in 1998 of two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct in 1998 in Wayne County for offenses that took place in 1997 and 1998. Those sentences ended in 2013. On the active charges, the earliest date he could be released from prison is in 2036.

He has filed several lawsuits against a variety of defendants, including one against the Archdiocese of Detroit claiming he was sexually abused by a priest between 1979 and 1993 when he was between the ages of 6 or 7 and 20 or 21. The lawsuit was dismissed by a Wayne County judge. When Cardello-Smith appealed, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal, saying the statute of limitations for him to file a lawsuit had lapsed.

Cardello-Smith's allegations against Combs state that he met the rapper in June 1997 while working at a restaurant in Detroit's Greektown. He states in his lawsuit that Combs invited him to a party with several women and others at a hotel in Adrian. During the party, according to Cardello-Smith, Combs gave him a drink that had been altered with something that made him pass out. When he came to, he claims, Combs told him he had had anal sex with him.

Cardello-Smith claims he reported the assault to Adrian police, but in a alleged coverup involving an Adrian police officer, high-ranking Wayne County officials, Detroit police and others, he agreed to go to prison for sexual assaults allegedly committed by Combs in order to protect his family from harm by Combs or people in law enforcement.

There is no record of Cardello-Smith or Combs in the Adrian Police Department's records, Deputy Police Chief Larry Van Alstine said in an email.

The signature of the Adrian officer who Cardello-Smith claims was part of the coverup appears on a signature page of the alleged agreement, but former Adrian Police Chief Terry Collins reviewed the signature and said it is not the officer's. The officer retired from the department in 1997 and died this past August.

On the same day Cardello-Smith filed his Lenawee County lawsuit against Combs, he filed almost the exact same lawsuit in Monroe County Circuit Court, except he says the assault took place in a hotel in Monroe. In the Lenawee County claim, the city is whited out, but in other documentation Cardello-Smith says the assault happened in Adrian and that he was living in Detroit and Adrian at the time. Both complaints say Monroe and Detroit police were part of the alleged coverup, but the hand-written agreement included with the Lenawee County case implicates Adrian police and the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office.

Combs faces several sexual misconduct allegations, including an accusation of rape that was settled out of court. Cardello-Smith claims the alleged coverup agreement gives him rights to 49% of all of Combs' business interests if Combs violates any part of the agreement by committing acts of sexual violence.

 Contact reporter David Panian at dpanian@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @lenaweepanian.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Sean 'Diddy' Combs asks Michigan court to set aside default judgment
Combs lost the judgment after failing to attend a virtual court hearing in Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith's sexual assault lawsuit against him on Monday

Paras Griffin/Getty Images Sean 'Diddy' Combs

Sean "Diddy" Combs is challenging a recent ruling in a sexual assault lawsuit against him.

On Thursday, Sept. 12, Combs, 54, filed an emergency motion to vacate a default judgment, and a motion to dissolve a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, per court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

This comes after he lost the $100 million default judgment in Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith's lawsuit against him due to his failure to attend a virtual hearing on Monday, Sept. 9. Judge Anna Marie Anzalone awarded Cardello-Smith the multi-million dollar judgment in Lenawee County Circuit Court.

In his request for Judge Anzalone to vacate the default judgment, Combs' attorneys said that Cardello-Smith is a "convicted felon who is serving time in prison for kidnapping and sexual assault."

Related: Danity Kane's Dawn Richard Sues Sean 'Diddy' Combs for Sexual Abuse, Claims She Witnessed Violence Against Cassie Ventura

Michigan Department of Corrections; Jon Kopaloff/Getty (L-R) Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, Sean 'Diddy' Combs

They claim that Cardello-Smith has frequently filed "frivolous" claims in the past, and his allegations that Combs sexually assaulted him in 1997 "are objectively unbelievable."

Combs' legal team also argues that the Bad Boy Records founder was not properly served in Cardello-Smith's lawsuit, so the default judgment is invalid under Michigan Court Rule 2.105(A).

Combs' motion alleged that he was unaware of the lawsuit until the news concerning the $100 million default judgment was reported in the media. His attorneys allege that any delay he had in responding was unintentional. Once Combs became aware of the lawsuit, he quickly filed the motion to vacate the ruling, the court papers stated.

The filing also alleges that Cardello-Smith's allegations, which Combs has denied in a sworn affidavit, are fabricated, implausible and full of "inconsistencies and fantastical claims," such as Cardello-Smith's claims that he invested $150,000 for 49% of Combs' net worth.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The court papers also said the default judgment should be vacated, calling the $100 million award "extraordinary and incompatible with any possible measure of actual damages even if every (facially implausible) allegation in the Complaint were true" as Combs "did not receive notice of the lawsuit" until Monday.

Combs' attorneys noted that even if Cardello-Smith's claims were true, the statute of limitations ended in 2007, so they should be dismissed.

Combs also filed a motion to dissolve a temporary restraining order and/or preliminary injunction, reiterating that Cardello-Smith is not owed injunctive relief and Combs' constitutional rights were violated since he was not served with the complaint. They said the judgment is improper because Cardello-Smith didn't claim he had an equitable interest in the property, but instead said he could be awarded a monetary judgment against Combs. The Michigan Supreme Court has previously determined that this isn't enough to authorize relief in the injunction order, per Combs' motion.

Related: Diddy Officially Lists $62 Million L.A. Home Raided by Federal Agents as He Lives Primarily 'in Miami': Source

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Sean 'Diddy' Combs

Combs' lawyers say the court doesn't have jurisdiction over Combs as a signature on a return receipt is not his.

Cardello-Smith filed a complaint against Combs in June. In August, he was granted a temporary restraining order that blocked Combs from selling assets that could be used to compensate Cardello-Smith for possible damages," The Detroit Metro Times reported.

In a court hearing later that month, Cardello-Smith claimed that Combs came to see him in prison and offered him $2.3 million to dismiss the lawsuit, according to the Guardian.

In his lawsuit, Cardello-Smith alleged he met Combs in 1997 during an afterparty at a Holiday Inn in Detroit. The two got a private hotel with two women when Combs allegedly groped Cardello-Smith's buttocks while the latter was having intercourse with one of the women. Cardello-Smith also alleged that Combs drugged him and sexually assaulted him.

Marc Agnifilo, an attorney for Combs, addressed the lawsuit in a statement on Tuesday, Sept. 10, saying, This man is a convicted felon and sexual predator, who has been sentenced on 14 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping over the last 26 years. His resume now includes committing a fraud on the court from prison, as Mr. Combs has never heard of him let alone been served with any lawsuit. Mr. Combs looks forward to having this judgment swiftly dismissed.

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.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  Palisade Police Department and Mesa County Sheriffs Office announced Friday that 75-year-old John Fadel was found alive and safe.

Both law enforcement entities said he was located by the countys Search and Rescue team around 1 p.m. The police department thanked the SAR team for locating Fadel.

The previous story follow:

Law enforcement is asking Palisade residents  as well as the community at large  to be on the lookout for a 75-year-old male whos been missing since Wednesday.

John Fadel was last seen around 7 p.m. in the 150 block of East Third Street. He was last seen wearing dark pants, a gray shirt and using a walker. He has gray hair, white eyes, weighs 155 pounds and is listed as 56.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Fadel has cognitive impairments and hes currently without his required medication.

According to the Palisade Police Department, a reserve 911 call was sent out to residents to inform them that Mesa County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue volunteers will be in the area Friday searching for Fadel.

They are urging residents to check their properties in the event that Mr. Fadel has wandered there, the police department said in a Facebook post.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
MANASSAS PARK, Va. (DC News Now)  Manassas Park police said they are still searching for Mamta Kafle Bhatt.

The Manassas Park Police Department and the Prince William County Police Departments Forensic Division executed another search warrant on the couples home, located at 9408 Heather Ct., on Sept. 12.

Former US Attorney weighs in on Mamta Kafle Bhatt case, husband heads back to court

Over the last few days, Manassas Park police said they received new information which led them to obtaining and executing another search warrant of the home.

On Sept. 10, police said somebody had come forward with information that was helpful in the case.

Kafle Bhatt, 28, has not been seen since July 27. She was reported missing days later by her husband, 37-year-old Naresh Bhatt, who has since been arrested and charged for Prohibition Against Concealment of Dead Body, a felony.

He has appeared in court numerous times since his arrest where court documents alleged that he killed Kafle Bhatt in their home, dragged her body out and hid it.

Community members gather at vigil for missing Manassas Park mother after husband was charged with concealing a dead body

Police have continued to search for her body in numerous places including Blooms Crossing Community, the area surrounding Manassas Christian School, Camp Carondelet and a portion of Blooms Park.

Anyone with information or who has had contact with Bhatt between July 28 to Aug. 5 is asked to contact Manassas Park police at (703) 361-1136.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Editors note: This article has been updated to correct the county where the search for Joseph Couch is underway. We regret the error.

LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Law enforcement officials are continuing their search for Joseph Couch, the suspect in the I-75 shooting, across thousands of challenging acres in Laurel County. The area under scrutiny is marked by its rugged and mountainous terrain, presenting significant obstacles for search teams.

Wolfe County Search and Rescue Chief John May provided insight into the difficulties faced during the search.

Man arrested by US Marshals in August road rage attack on UK campus

Just the vastness of the area would certainly be problematic, May said. He compared the current search area to other rugged regions he has worked in, describing it as very rugged, very mountainous, with many creeks and river crossings, cliff lines, rock shelters, snakes, bearsyou name it, its kind of all in there.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington also highlighted the challenges posed by the terrain during a news briefing earlier this week. The leaves, its real thick; its not really cold enough for the leaves to start falling so its very green, its like a jungle, like I said, its pretty thick out there, Pennington said.

Chief May further explained the complexity of searching for an individual who is actively evading capture. Its difficult enough to find someone who wants to be found. And then when searching for someone who is actively avoiding search teams, the police, or whoever it may be, it just complicates it that much more. Theres so many places to hide; you can walk right past someone thats behind a large tree and not even see them, for instance.

As questions arise about how Couch might be surviving in the wilderness, May addressed concerns about basic survival needs. Typically folks operating in a wilderness would talk about the big three: three minutes without oxygen, three days without water, and three weeks without food. Its really hard to say, you know, if hes been able to meet some of those basic survival needs that you would need to be out there going on, I guess, six or seven days at this point.

Both Pennington and May emphasized the physical and mental toll the search takes on law enforcement personnel. Those guys are carrying some fairly heavy equipment, bulletproof vests, firearms, their turnout gear, their special response teams would be wearing all that kind of gear and adding weight to your water, plus just food and stuff. Youre carrying them when youre going in on a search so you can survive on your own while youre out there, I really feel for them, May said.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Pennington added, Its not an easy task, and theyre doing this to make this community safer. Well keep going until were told otherwise, until we can find Mr. Couch or until something leads us in another direction.

Authorities have yet to find evidence suggesting that Couch has left the area. The search efforts continue as the community remains on high alert.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Many families in KELOLAND are looking for answers about missing loved ones.

One of those people is 28-year-old Matthew Marshall.

The Hot Springs Police Chief says Matthews last confirmed sighting was in the town on the night of July 24th.

He was reported missing by a family member on August 4th.

Marisa Hodgson is in Sioux Falls.

But shes thinking about someone who could be anywhere.

It feels like its just out of my reach, and I dont know, I feel stuck, Hodgson said.

My leg exploded: Miraculous survival of car vs. motorcycle crash

Matthew Marshall and Marissa have been in a relationship, although she says its been on and off again recently.

Marisa says Matthew went to Hot Springs to be around family, including his grandmother who last heard from Matthew on July 23rd.

Volk: Was he known to disappear? Would he ever go through times where he wouldnt contact you or is this unusual behavior for him?

Waters: Yes, unusual because he knows my phone number by heart.

He is a grandmas boy. He does not leave his grandma, so that fact that he hasnt reached out to his grandma Wanda is really concerning, Hodgson said.

Now, Matthews loved ones are doing whatever they can to find him.

His family out there has gone and done most of the footwork where theyve looked at all the places hed typically hang out that the liked out there. Everyones just kind of coming up empty handed, Hodgson said.

Marisa has printed posters, posted on social media, and now shes trying to raise money for a private investigator.

Truthfully, I cry everyday. I dont know. Im very worried, but I keep reminding myself that its not about me. Its about Matthew, so I do what I gotta do, Hodgson said.

KELOLAND News also talked with Matthews mom on the phone Thursday.

She called this a mothers worst nightmare.

Shes asking people to keep sharing posts and report anything they know.

If you have any information, call Hot Springs Police or Fall River County Dispatch.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is considering shutting down at least 17 schools next school year to help address its $100 million deficit and low enrollment.

On Wednesday, the district released its System of Well-Resourced Schools initiative, which includes two options that aim to address the issues.

Option A would close 21 schools and save the district around $31.5 million. Fifty-two schools would remain open.

Option B is a little different.

The proposal would keep 56 schools open and shut down 17 schools. This plan would save Seattle Public Schools around $25.5 million.

Seattle Public Schools is considering closing at least 17 schools next year as it grapples with low enrollment & a $100 M deficit. Option A would save it over $31 M, while Option B would save over $25 M. Details on possible layoffs & student-to-teacher ratio on @KIRO7Seattle at 5 pic.twitter.com/OVzMNQnw7y  Louie Tran (@louie_tran) September 12, 2024

We have a great deal of many schools that are operating not at full capacity, said Marni Campbell, Well-Resourced Schools officer for SPS.

Several schools are listed in both options, including McGilvra Elementary School and Catharine Blaine K-8 School.

I do think its taking away safety to some degree because you have to go relearn the new community whether youre a student, a parent, a faculty. Theres a huge cost and time suck of going in and having to do that whole thing over, said John Lorton, a father.

Alice Appleton, whose son attends McGilvra Elementary School, said she fears at-risk students across the district will fall through the cracks since there would be fewer schools to meet each communitys unique needs.

This has been very top-down. Its very operationally focused. This has been a one size fits all. Lets put a factory farm model of a school on top of an incredibly diverse and beautiful and different community where students have lots of unique and different needs, she said. The idea that youre going to have no choice. Youre going to go to your neighborhood school. And thats all you get, and each neighborhood school is exactly the same, and its this large-scale operation where people wont actually know your kid.

Parents of students at Catharine Blaine K-8 School said the possible closure does not seem to align with the City of Seattles investment in Magnolia Community Center, which is connected to the school.

It centers around this community center. It centers around this school. To have a shuttered school, but to still have a community center that the City is pouring millions of dollars into retrofitting and making more modern makes zero sense, said Michelle Dunlop, a mother.

The plans have been in the works for at least a year and a half, Campbell said, however, the district has been discussing this topic for almost two decades.

According to SPS, the districts enrollment in 2024 significantly decreased to 48,000 students from 94,042 students in 1964.

The districts 117 school buildings in 1964 also declined to 104 school buildings in operation in 2024, according to the districts website.

Campbell said the district had considered several factors when it created its two options.

Which are the ones that are going to best serve our students? Either, is the building condition, the right size, and distributed correctly around the district? It was really looking more at, we need 12 schools in this part of this city. What are the 12 schools that are going to best be the places for our students to learn and grow? she shared.

KIRO 7 News asked the district if teachers, staff members, and faculty could face layoffs within its plans.

We know that were taking cuts. We took cuts this year. That is again part of the reality of living in a time of an operating deficit, but no I would not say, Im not in the position to say if were having layoffs, Campbell said.

However, parents like Andrea Larson said the changes would still affect teachers as many would have to shift around or welcome more students in their classes.

Its a really horrible way to treat teachers that have been loyal and teaching this district essentially for their entire career, she said.

The student-to-teacher ratio would not increase next school year, Campbell said. She also anticipates that the plan would not require more buses or bus drivers, she added.

The teachers follow the students. If we move students into larger schools, we would have more teachers. That ratio is not changing, but they perhaps would be in a different school or in a different building, she said. If we decide to not close any school, we would then need to reduce that deficit, fill that gap of 30 million dollars in another way, and in that case, we would likely look at increasing the student-to-teacher ratio, if we were not able to move forward with some right sizing of our district, but under this plan, we are not changing the student-to-teacher ratio.

Campbell told KIRO 7 News that the well-resourced schools would have enough classrooms to fit teachers and students impacted by the possible closures.

The districts school board, with four elected and two appointed members, is scheduled to vote on a possible decision in December of 2024.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Vice President Kamala Harris husband, second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, thanked firefighters who are battling ongoing wildfires and brought his support for Nevada Democrats running for federal and state offices during a visit to Henderson on Thursday.

In a field office for Democrats just larger than an average living room, about 100 people packed in to hear the second gentleman speak as part of his wifes campaign. Emhoff was met with cheers.

As plug-in fans did their best to cool off the crowded room, the Emhoff recapped what he sees as the highlights of his wifes campaign, the lowlights of Donald Trumps campaign and mentioned Nevada a few times.

Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff in Henderson on Thursday. (KLAS)

Democrats crowd into an event for second gentleman Douglas Emhoff on Thursday. (KLAS)

Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff in Henderson on Thursday. (KLAS)

He told supporters they can put in the work to produce a victory.

We can do the work, especially right here in Nevada, so we can win this state. If we can win this state, weve got a really good chance of winning this election, right? Emhoff said.

Emhoff also encouraged his supporters to get others to register to vote.

Some of that work started immediately after the speech, with the room being converted into a phone bank. Some supporters stayed behind to work the phones.

The Republican National Committees Nevada communications director, Halee Dobbins, responded to Emhoffs trip, saying in part, No visit from Doug Emhoff can conceal the reality that the dangerously liberal Harris-Walz agenda will be one that Nevadans simply cant afford.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Second man indicted on charges related to August shooting death of Riverton man

RIVERTON, Utah (ABC4)  A second man was indicted by a grand jury in the shooting death of a Riverton man that took place in August.

Max Day, 20, was indicted Thursday on one count of obstruction of justice related to the shooting that killed a 19-year-old man.

19-year-old suspected of killing man in Riverton shooting

Police responded to a shots fired call in the Monarch Meadows neighborhood of Riverton just before midnight on Aug. 18.

Officers found that the man had multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to charging documents, detectives found a wallet at the scene. The wallet contained a Utah drivers license, a student ID from Utah Valley University, and three bank cards.

Officers went to an address in Orem identified from the wallet they found at the scene. They reportedly found a silver passenger car matching what was seen on surveillance video the night of the shooting. In an interview with authorities, Day allegedly admitted to driving the vehicle during the shooting, which happened near Skipperling Lane.

Day told detectives that Thomas Leelyn Rose, 19, had been with him. Day, Rose, and the deceased had an interaction, charging documents say.

19-year-old with machete and gun killed in Riverton shooting

After Rose reportedly fired multiple shots at the victim, Day and Rose sped from the scene. Day also told detectives that Rose threw Days phone out of the car so police couldnt track them.

Day allegedly admitted to police he also removed the license plate and any identifying stickers from the car.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A second suspect was charged with murder Friday for a fatal August shooting in Rochester.

James Jackson Jr., 39, was shot multiple times while sitting in his car on Cuba Place. He did not survive. Investigators determined the shooting happened during a robbery attempt.

Timothy Brooks at his Saturday morning arraignment (media pool cam).

Timothy Brooks Jr., 20, was arrested on September 8 for a gunpoint robbery on Upper Falls Boulevard. Police said they learned he was involved in Jacksons murder and charged with second degree murder Friday, before he could be released on bail for the robbery. Brooks was arraigned Saturday morning in Rochester City Court. Brooks pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder.

Raphael Marquez, 17, was also arrested and charged with second degree murder on September 8. Police allege Marquez was the shooter who killed Jackson.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  While class has only been back in session for a few weeks, Ohio schools received their grades on Thursday as report cards were posted by the states Department of Education.

This is the third year the report cards for Ohio schools are using star-based scores, on a scale of one to five, instead of letter scores from A to F. A three-star rating meets state standards, a five significantly exceeds them, and a one needs significant support to meet state standards.

A state law passed in 2021 to overhaul the system after two years of report cards where skipped because of the COVID-19 pandemic. When they returned in 2022, the Ohio Department of Education removed overall ratings for schools and districts, but brought them back for the 2023 edition.

To search for ratings by school district, check below.

The components include: achievement, which considers testing performance; progress, or student growth based on previous performance; gap closing, which looks at reducing educational gaps among subgroups of students; graduation and early literacy.

Columbus City Schools received the same overall score as last year, two out of five stars. CCS received Also like last year, CCS received one-star scores for graduation and early literacy. Bexley City, Grandview Heights, Upper Arlington, New Albany-Plain, were among the school districts to receive five stars overall.

Delaware City Schools overall score was 4.5 stars out of a possible five, the same as last year, and received a five-star rating for the progress component of the score.

To search ratings for public schools, check below.

To search ratings for community schools, check below.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  With the school year underway across the nation and here in Siouxland, there has been an increase in school threats. Lately, those have been posted on social media.

Many students have started simply reposting threats rather than reporting them, so officials are encouraging all students to report instead of repost. Even if the post may not seem real, people are asked to contact police or school administrators as soon as possible so the threat can be evaluated as credible or not.

Student taken into custody after threat at Norfolk Public Schools

The hardest thing about dealing with a school threat is with social media now, its so easy for someone to see it, repost it, and the next thing you know, it has five views, then its up to a hundred or a thousand, it spreads so quickly, West Middle School resources officer Nick Thompson said. So again, we ask that rather then keep spreading the fear to notify the authorities so that it can be handled appropriately.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Seen that new construction site on Fort Mill Parkway? Heres what it will be, and when

Drivers along one of Fort Mills busiest rush hour routes can see the construction. And there could be more building to come.

Trees have come down and a J.M. Cope Construction is up at Fort Mill Parkway, Banks Road and Wolfpack Trail. An almost 4-acre triangular lot there will bring a childcare center, The Learning Experience.

The childcare center will be initially be the only structure on the site, said property owner Elias Garcia with GSG Holdings, based in Cornelius, North Carolina. There is another part of the parcel for future development. Its an undetermined use.

The Learning Experience will be on the back portion away from Fort Mill Parkway, near where Banks and Wolfpack meet. Future construction would go along Fort Mill Parkway. That lands going to be cleared and available, Garcia said.

Fort Mill Parkway has been a busy town route and cut-through option since it opened half a dozen years ago.

Traffic has grown with new homes and commercial space. Theres more of both coming, including a Harris Teeter shopping center not far from the childcare center property.

The parkway backs up the most when school lets in our out each weekday. More than half of the 20 Fort Mill School District schools are on or within a horns blow of the town bypass.

That road starts as Fort Mill Parkway on the south and becomes Springfield Parkway when it crosses S.C. 160. The childcare center site is straight across the parkway from the main entrance to Banks Trail Middle School.

The school district appeal for families means plenty of people looking for childcare options, something Garcia wants to provide. He also has a Lake Wylie center under construction on Blucher Circle, just on the South Carolina side of Buster Boyd Bridge. Hes worked with other facilities in Tega Cay and in Waxhaw, North Carolina.

Childcare capacity is an issue, Garcia said. Reliable, available childcare is something were very interested in helping with.

The new Fort Mill facility should be open by the start of school next year, Garcia said. Any additional construction on the parkway site would happen after that. Theres no timeline for it, Garcia said.
South Carolina public school bus (File/Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

As an educator and product of South Carolinas public schools, I am disheartened to know that 70 years after Brown v. Board of Education, the ruling which desegregated our schools, the educational experience for many children of color remains separate and unequal.

In 1954, that inequality was enforced by Jim Crow. In 2024, one way its reinforced is through school discipline.

Last month, I was not surprised to read that South Carolina ranked number one in the nation for most suspensions of preschool students in public schools. Unfortunately, it is no surprise that more than 60% of our youngest learners who received suspensions last school year were children of color and 77% were boys.

My experiences in South Carolinas elementary schools in the 1990s mirror these statistics.

Its time for radical change. Thats why I wrote Being Black in Americas Schools, a book which exposes these disparities in part by recounting my years in Sumter, South Carolina schools, and calls us all to rethink education at the classroom and legislative levels.

I have been uniquely positioned to see this trend play out in my own life.

By the age of 6, I was witnessing my father in the criminal justice system  a Black man who had also experienced harsh disciplinary practices in South Carolina schools. At the same time, I was witnessing my first-grade classmates suffer the brunt of similarly harsh disciplinary actions.

One of those students in particular was another Black boy who was a jokester  a talkative, active, and playful first grader. He often frustrated our teacher and sometimes other students but, looking back, I see how his daily behavior was typical for his age and certainly not much worse than my other classmates of various racial backgrounds.

Still, I saw from even that young age how he was often separated from the classroom and received corporal punishment and was suspended from time to time until he was eventually expelled.

In my book, I write:

I frequently wonder, what ever happened to him? How did his expulsion in first grade impact his life? Did he experience juvenile delinquency? Was he later incarcerated?

The National Education Association states, A suspension can be life altering. It is the number-one predictor  more than poverty  of whether children will drop out of school and walk down a road that includes greater likelihood of unemployment, reliance on social-welfare programs, and imprisonment.

Over the last decade, educational experts have begun to use the phrase school-to-prison pipeline or school-prison nexus to acknowledge the disproportionate rate of minority students and students with disabilities who experience harsher discipline policies in schools and later become incarcerated adults.

Specifically Black, Latino, and students with disabilities (who are more often Black and Latino) are much more likely to be suspended or expelled from school than their white counterparts. And in the three decades since I was in elementary school, the trend of disproportionately suspending Black students has not only continued but has grown worse.

This pattern of separate and unequal punishment does not surprise me since, as I recall, most students of color experienced it in Sumter schools, even those like myself who were considered high achieving. Some years, it was my honors teacher who singled out the four boys of color in their class, kicking us out sometimes for reasons as small as laughing while entering the classroom.

Or it was the principal who enforced dress codes for Black students but not for white students and, when I presented evidence of this unfair policy, he was inclined to harshly punish me rather than examine his own potential biases.

Unfortunately, as an educational leader who has now worked in many settings and states, I have encountered many more stories like mine.

One of the first steps, I believe, in changing a seemingly unchangeable reality is to elevate the stories of the students behind these statistics.

We must use powerful storytelling as a tool to inspire those being affected to speak up and speak out and those in power to address harmful policies and practices.

We need to demand more resources for all our overburdened educators, but especially our early childhood ones who deserve the training and resources necessary to help them nurture children rather than punish them.

Our children are depending on us to address the inequities in our education system. And as I ask in my book, Isnt it time to challenge the system to actually hold true to Americas promise? If not now, then when?

Brian Rashad Fuller is the author of Being Black in Americas Schools: A Student-Educator-Reformers Call for Change, released in 2024. He will appear at Turning Page Bookshop in Goose Creek this Saturday, Sept. 14, from noon to 2 p.m.

Let us know what you think...
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Nurses who treat blood disorders were honored in Peoria Thursday morning.

Rita Ali, mayor of Peoria, proclaimed Sept. 8 as Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses Day in Peoria.

The day was originally established at Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses Day back in 2010 by the Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses (APHON), however, it has now been adopted regionally in Peoria.

Two local nursing programs awarded state grants

Kristen Dotson, the local chapter president of APHON, said the title of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse is an important one.

A pediatric hematology oncology nurse, is a true calling of compassion, perseverance, optimism, empathy, and most importantly, love and hope. We care for infants, three young adults at a time in their lives where they should just be kids reaching all the milestones for their age.

Mayor Ali holds healthcare in a special place, and she said this week means a lot to her.

Being a survivor myself, Im very appreciative of the health care that has been provided in my life, she said. Im just very personally gratified.

The Childrens Hospital of Illinois houses a local chapter of APHON, and celebrates the hospital staff throughout the week to celebrate the day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Cincinnati has entered the chat.

All eyes have been on Springfield, Ohio, as of late after former President Donald Trump repeated false claims Tuesday that Haitian immigrants in the city are eating people's pets. The community currently finds itself in the middle of a heated immigration debate, with an estimated 15,000 Haitians settling in Springfield over the past several years, a dramatic population increase for a community with nearly 59,000 people as of the 2020 census.

Seth Meyers brought up the issue during his late night show Thursday, but he also threw shade at Cincinnati.

Seth Meyers talked Springfield, Ohio, during his late night show Thursday.

"Ohio Governor Mike DeWine yesterday rejected former President Trump's claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield are eating household pets, but he admitted that some sickos in Cincinnati were caught putting chili on spaghetti," Meyers joked. Cincinnati-style chili is often eaten on top of noodles and with beans, cheese and onions.

Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck issued a statement this week dismissing rumors about Haitians harming pets and ducks at the park.

"In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community," Heck said.

Ohio will funnel resources to Springfield for health care and road safety as the city contends with the influx of migrants, Gov. DeWine announced Tuesday.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Seth Meyers teases 'sickos in Cincinnati' while talking Springfield
The line lawsuit continues.

Two of the county clerks named in the federal lawsuit by Rep. Andy Kim that challenges the ballot design used in much of the state have proposed settlements.

The clerks for Burlington and Middlesex counties both agreed to no longer use ballots displaying the county line style for primary elections in the settlement plan filed Thursday.

Clerks Joanne Schwartz and Nancy Pinkin agreed to no longer use ballots that are designed by columns or rows rather than by organized by the office sought. Instead, they will use a separate drawing for every office and candidate, where every candidate running for the same office has an equal chance at the first ballot position.

Elko County, NV 2018 Democratic primary ballot, left, and Sussex County, DE 2018 Democratic primary ballot, right, are examples of a block design and how it would look if Rep. Andy Kim prevails in his lawsuit.

The agreements both note that they would be nullified if the Legislature passes new legislation that supersedes, amends or replaces the statutory provisions that are the subject of this litigation, such that compliance with such new legislation and terms of this order would be impossible.

The agreement doesnt prohibit the use of a common slogan among multiple candidates.

Kim issued a statement regarding the proposal, saying while the court considers the proposed settlement agreements filed today, 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.

With the settlements also come the payment of attorney fees.

Middlesex County will pay $32,532 and Burlington County will pay $25,000 to the firm Weissman & Mintz for the work they did for the plaintiff. There are separate legal fees each county will have to pay for defending their respective clerks.

Kims initial suit was filed in February in the U.S. District Court in Trenton and challenged the so-called "county line," the longstanding New Jersey ballot design that gave preferential placement to candidates backed by county political organizations.

U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi ordered on March 29, for the states Democratic primary in June to use office block-style ballots instead. All 49 other states and two New Jersey counties already use the office block style.

That order was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit in Philadelphia.

In his preliminary opinion, Quraishi said he "recognizes the magnitude" of the decision and that the "integrity of the democratic process for a primary election is at stake."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Two clerks have settled their part of a lawsuit on NJ 'county line'
Several illegal cartel-related marijuana grows shut down in California Delta

(FOX40.COM)  Over a two-day operation, law enforcement agencies from across Sacramento County shut down nearly a dozen cartel-related illegal marijuana grow sites, according to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office.

The operation focused on the Delta area of southern Sacramento County, where 10 separate grow sites had 36,524 illegally grown marijuana plants.

Large illegal firearm arsenal uncovered in Solano County after arrest in Davis

These grows were located on private property throughout the Delta without the knowledge of the property owners, according to the sheriffs office.

The criminals that plant and facilitate these grows will sneak the marijuana crop between the land owners legitimate crops to hide them, the sheriffs office wrote in a news release.

Besides the illegal nature of the grows, these invasive crops disrupt landowners crops, require the theft of water and electricity and harm the environment with waste and toxic chemicals.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
LAFOURCHE PARISH, La. (WGNO)  Hurricane Francine is over, and many are grateful to be alive.

Flying over several parishes affected by storm damage, Gov. Jeff Landry says it could have been much worse without the pre-storm planning and flood damage investments made in Louisiana.

Understanding the need to have levee protection and hurricane protection in this area. We will continue to being committed to making sure we can speed those projects up, said Landry.

Louisiana hit by sixth hurricane in five years with Hurricane Francine

In Lafourche Parish, Hurricane Francines rains and winds flooded several areas taking some trees down with it. One man says its now left him to rebuild again.

Upset, hurt because we worked for everything we got, and we come back to this. Water all over the place, and seeing the roof messed up and trees down, said Lafourche Parish resident Ricky Orgeron.

As the flooding continues to subside, others are happy a pole didnt come crashing down onto their homes. They remember being out of power for days following Ida.

The power pole that was actually across the highway broke first, and actually pulled the pole thats down on our side. Todays concern about the power pole going down is because, last storm we had, when the power pole did come down, it actually pulled a meter off the house, said Lafourche Parish resident Keith Labat.

Jefferson Parish leaders give update on Francine recovery

With this only being the peak of hurricane season, others, sadly, are unsure whether or not they can withstand another hurricane.

Louisiana, were known for swamp lands. Which, we chose to live here, and I love it here, but to lose things twice in less than five years. No, Ill pack up and leave, said Lafourche Parish resident Angie Orgeron.

Senator John Kennedy also spoke, promising that Louisiana will get the money that we deserve from the federal government to help us.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

Latest Posts

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Sexually violent child predator may spend the rest of his life in Pennsylvania prison

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ)  A repeat child molester, who a sentencing judge declared a sexually violent predator, will likely spend the rest of his life in a Pennsylvania prison.

William Show, 52 (Office of the Attorney General)

Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the sentencing of William Lee Show of Venango County Friday morning. Shaw pleaded guilty to numerous felony counts of manufacturing and possessing child pornography, indecent assault of minors and related offenses.

Show, 52, was sentenced to a minimum of 50 years in prison, meaning hed be 102 for his earliest possible release. The maximum is 100 years, meaning Show will likely spend the rest of his natural-born life behind bars.

When agents with the Attorney Generals office and state police executed a search warrant in February, they said child sex abuse files were found on Shows electronic devices, including images of the 52-year-old sexually assaulting children.

Henry said that Show pleaded guilty in May and was sentenced Thursday in Venango County Court.

The hard work and collaboration of investigators exposed this child predator, and the end result is that he will never again have an opportunity to harm another child, Attorney General Henry said. With this prosecution, we upheld our sworn obligation to remove from society dangerous offenders who prey on the most vulnerable, our children.

Henry added that an investigation into Show was launched after a Cyber Tipline report came in. During an interview with him, Show admitted to possessing the material and having sexual contact with three children in recent years.

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.

Henry said that Show has previous convictions for indecent assault of a person under 13 and luring a child into a motor vehicle.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Sioux Falls woman is behind bars, accused of grabbing a 3-year-old childs arm and trying to pull from her mothers car as the childs mother sat in the front seat.

Authorities arrested 45-year-old Penny Stands on Thursday in Sioux Falls. She is charged with crime called Enticing Away a Child.

Marion man sentenced to 160 years in prison

Its a misdemeanor charge, so we are unable to show you her picture.

The little girls mother says she doesnt know Stands and that she tried to snatch her daughter from the car for no apparent reason.

The judge called it a nightmare and set bond at $1,000 cash only.

The judge told Stands, Quite frankly, if the state would have asked for $ 50 thousand dollars, I would have held you on that.

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Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to create Pennsylvanias first comprehensive Housing Action Plan, Sept. 12, 2024 (Photo by Commonwealth Media Services)

PHILADELPHIA As Pennsylvania risks falling behind other states on addressing affordable housing and homelessness, Gov. Josh Shapiro on Thursday signed an executive order creating the commonwealths first comprehensive Housing Action Plan.

What we need is a coordinated, comprehensive, statewide housing solution, Shapiro said during a press conference at Wynne Senior Residences in West Philadelphia. One that is grounded in Pennsylvanias unique challenges, but also takes advantage of our unique opportunities.

The executive order directs the states Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and Department of Human Services (DHS) to create the housing action plan by working with stakeholders to create a roadmap for building more affordable housing, while addressing homelessness. Shapiro called it a big task, and said that the agencies have one year to come up with a strategic plan.

According to the executive order, the plan will be data-driven, and the agencies will provide recommendations for how to increase housing supply, and support the preservation of existing housing.

Under the Housing Action Plan the DCED and DHS will:

Assess and determine Commonwealth-wide and regional housing needs

Identify goals with measurable outcomes,

Review existing housing programs and resources provided by Commonwealth agencies for effectiveness and

Provide recommendations for housing programs, investments and policymaking, with strategic planning initiatives to be implemented over the next five years.

I want to be clear about something, Shapiro said. This is not a need thats unique just to Philadelphia or just to Pennsylvania. Other states, like Michigan, Massachusetts and New York have made major investments toward addressing housing shortages.

States all across the country are grappling with it, he added. But Pennsylvania, we are falling behind some of our fellow states, including some of our neighboring states.

Shapiro said homeownership in the state has decreased since 2010 and the supply of new housing is not keeping up with demand. He said he believes 100,000 additional housing units are needed to meet the current need. Shapiro also said that almost 60% of housing in Pennsylvania was built before 1970.

We cant expect people to be healthy, productive and capable of giving back to others if they dont have a stable housing situation, Shapiro said. If they dont have a safe roof over their heads.

State Sen. Vince Hughes (D-Philadelphia) said Thursday that the executive order was once a bill that was introduced in the state legislature in 2022, but didnt advance.

And in case you havent heard, weve got surplus dollars in Pennsylvania, Hughes said.

Why not utilize those surplus dollars for housing, he added. Why not?

Shapiro told reporters that while the state needs to be fiscally responsible, and make targeted investments in a few distinct areas: education, economic development, and public safety, he would consider using surplus funds to address affordable housing.

I addressed it in the last budget cycle, Ill address it again going forward, Shapiro said.

So what we want to do is make sure that we are investing those dollars that the taxpayers send to the capital for their benefit, either by cutting their costs and putting more money in their pocket, or by investing in critical areas that help lift them up, he added. And housing is one of those areas.

State Sen. Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia), who authored the Whole-Home Repair Program, which provided assistance to eligible homeowners and landlords across the state with critical home repairs. He said that Thursdays executive order could not be more timely to address the states housing crisis.

Although the executive order directs the plan to be completed in one year, Shapiro noted his administration has addressed the matter of affordable housing in his administration so far in multiple ways, including the expansion of property tax/rent rebate and the child and dependent care enhancement, expanding affordable housing by increasing the cap for the Pennsylvania House Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE), and for the first time ever, investing in access to counsel for those facing eviction.

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The News

Donald Trump, during a press conference on Friday, downplayed the significance of right-wing agitator Laura Loomer traveling with him on his private plane earlier this week, describing her to reporters as a free spirit who speaks very positively of the campaign.

Lauras a supporter, I dont control Laura, Trump said, before claiming that he had not seen her inflammatory and racist rhetoric. Lauras a supporter, I dont know. She is a strong person, shes got strong opinions, and I dont know what she said, but thats not up to me.

The presence of Loomer, a two-time Congressional candidate, has drawn increased attention this week  she has a history of open support for white nationalism and vicious attacks against political opponents and their families. The Biden administration, along with a handful of prominent Republicans, condemned a recent Loomer post denigrating Harris Indian heritage in which she said shed make the White House smell like curry.

Loomer traveled with Trump to the ABC News debate on Tuesday night as well as to his 9/11 events the following day. She had previously promoted conspiracy theories about 9/11 on social media and did so again this week.

Trump, who added that a lot of people travel with him on his plane, also said that hed go take a look at what Loomer said and would put out a statement later on. When pressed on what he feels she brings to the campaign, Trump said Loomer brings a spirit to us that a lot of people have before pivoting back to focus on the state of California, where he was hosting the press conference.

Know More

Trumps comments about Loomer come as some of his allies have grown concerned about the social-media firestarters coziness with the former president  particularly after Trump repeated at his debate a viral unfounded claim about Haitian migrants eating pets in an Ohio town.

One person close to the Trump campaign told Semafor this week that they were 100% concerned after seeing her traveling with him. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has feuded with Loomer before, also denounced her curry comments. Greene called the post, which has since been removed for violating Xs rules, appalling and extremely racist, and later said shed called Trump about the matter.

Greenes concerns have spread to others in the party as well, who worry Loomers behavior  both her outrageous rhetoric and her attacks on fellow Republicans  are undermining the campaign. She has responded to some of her critics on the right on social media this week, including with posts referencing their personal lives.

Laura Loomer is a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina posted on X. A DNC plant couldnt do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trumps chances of winning re-election. Enough.

Notable

Huffpost talked to Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who has also condemned Loomer this week. I think that the president would serve himself well to make sure this doesnt become a bigger story, he said.

The New York Times reported last year that Trump wanted to hire Loomer for his campaign, but was dissuaded after an immediate backlash from Republican allies.
(WTAJ)  As the Pittsburgh Pirates versus Kansas City Royals series kicks off, both teams patch partners took the rivalry to social media.

The teams patch partners, Sheetz and QuikTrip, took to X on Thursday, Sept. 12, with QuikTrip asking if the two should place a bet on the series. Sheetz responded to the post by saying it was alwayz down for a challenge.

If the Pirates win the series, QuikTrip will donate $20,000 to the Special Olympics Pennsylvania, which Sheetz has been a proud supporter of for over 30 years. If the Royals come out on top, Sheetz will donate $20,000 to the Kansas City Royals Foundation to support the Royals Literacy Leagues and SchoolSmart KC.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters.

However, both companies agree that its not just about winning, its also about making a positive impact in each others and their own communities.

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A shelter-in-place order that was issued Thursday in a New Hampshire town amid a search for an armed and dangerous man was lifted early Friday morning, although the suspect remained on the run, authorities said.

The Hillsboro Police Department issued the order as officers scoured the area near Emerald Lake for 32-year-old Tae Potwin, who fled on foot when officers tried to apprehend him.

Potwin, also known as Tae Bacon, is wanted in Oklahoma for possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, failure to appear, and narcotics trafficking, according to Hillsboro police.

Police said Potwin has ties to Hillsboro and Lebanon and should not be approached by the public. He is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, about 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

As of Friday morning, Hillsboro residents were permitted to resume normal activities, however, the public was urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

As we work diligently to ensure the safety of the community and locate the individual, your cooperation and awareness are crucial during this time, police wrote in an updated statement.

Anyone with information on Potwins whereabouts is urged to contact Hillsboro police at 603-464-5512.

The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, allowing residents to resume their normal activities. However, the public is... Posted by Hillsboro NH Police Department on Thursday, September 12, 2024

**News Release** Hillsboro, NH  September 12, 2024 Law enforcement officers attempted to apprehend Tae Potwin, also... Posted by Hillsboro NH Police Department on Thursday, September 12, 2024

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  The Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office determined that threats made against some Albuquerque public schools are not credible, according to a social media post made by the sheriffs office on Thursday.

BSCO said Student Support Deputies and Albuquerque Public School Police worked together to investigate the threats, which they said were made via social media. Officials found that the threats originated outside the state. BSCO did not disclose which schools were named in the threats but said they were not directed at any students or staff members.

Story continues below

As a precaution, additional law enforcement has been added to some schools, the sheriffs office said. BSCO asked parents and guardians to speak to their children about not reposting the threat on social media and to report it instead.

If you have questions concerning the safety of the schools, BCSO encourages families to reach out to schools specifically. If you have additional information to provide to law enforcement, contact the non-emergency dispatch line at 505-798-7000

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GUERNSEY, MUSKINGUM COUNTIES  Two local social media scares originating in the Rolling Hills Local School District in Guernsey County and Tri-Valley School District in Muskingum County have both appeared to be victims of a larger, statewide network of perceived Snapchat-born threats that have now led to a local arrest.

According to a Guernsey County Sheriff's Office Facebook post on Tuesday, Sept. 10, they and local resource officers were alerted of a potential social media-fueled threat listing "several schools being targeted for violence through the country," with a Rolling Hills elementary school found among them.

Both the sheriff's offices for Guernsey and Muskingum released similar Facebook updates regarding two school districts catching wind of lists with names of schools, prompting investigations by both.

"Upon reviewing the message in further detail, deputies determined that the message was not an actual threat," read the post on the Guernsey County Sheriff's Facebook release. "It was found to be a list of schools in districts that are considered to be available for the government's target assistance plan."

Sam Williams, a captain with the Guernsey County Sheriff's Office, also confirmed the findings of the investigation. "Screenshots had been shared through contacts that they (a student) had through the social media app Snapchat, and it was concerning to them. They took it to the staff. The staff then alerts our school resource officer," explained Williams.

The danger has since been debunked, he added. Instead, the graphic of alphabetized school names that initially startled at least one worried student was a list of facilities for the Title 1 Targeted Assistance Program.

"So we were able to determine (there weren't) really any threats or directed threats or anything like that. So whoever began sharing that, whether it be out of concern or to cause some type of panic, they misconstrued what it was. It just kind of got shared and kind of took off like a wildfire at that school district."

Williams also speculated that a shooting threat and subsequent lockdown at Buckeye Local School District in mostly Jefferson County earlier in the week could've put students, staff, and parents more on edge around the Ohio Valley, partially driving a hysteria in both Guernsey and Muskingum.

"These students were still very upset, nervous over that situation, and they just seem targeted, and they didn't look a little further. So we were able to determine there was nothing on there," Williams confirmed.

"We wanted to get that out on our social media, just to alert that there have been no direct threats of anything, harm to any students or staff at any of our school districts here in Guernsey County," he concluded.

In Muskingum, a similar problem circulated in the Tri-Valley district, as revealed in a Facebook release from the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday night. They and school officials "are investigating a complaint of a school threat in the Tri-Valley District."

"The Muskingum County Sheriff's Office is aware of the social media posts about threats to schools across Ohio. Our (school resource officers) are in contact with their schools, and at this time, there is no credible threat to students or staff. We will continue to monitor this situation going forward and will update as needed," their post on Facebook read.

What were seen as threats were sent to many schools across the state, producing off-shoots that varied by region or school district, stated Muskingum County Sheriff Matthew Lutz. But it appeared that the Muskingum and Guernsey events could be traced back to the social media post that affected Buckeye Local.

With that, an arrest had reportedly been made in connection to the Tri-Valley event, but not much could be disclosed about the case at this point. "The arrest was connected to the original social media post," Lutz shared, at least going back to the Buckeye Local scare.

But all in all, "there was no credible threat determined in our arrest," stated Lutz. He noted, too, that "there was some alarm caused, and we will have to provide more once charges are reviewed by the prosecutor's office." The arrested party was a minor.

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: One arrest made after Guernsey, Muskingum county school threats
SIDNEY, Ohio (WDTN)  Sidney police arrested a 15-year-old girl accused of posted shooting threats on social media Wednesday.

The Sidney Police Department received information regarding a threat posted to Instagram on Sept. 11. The post discussed a shooting planned for Sidney Middle School on Sept. 12.

More Springfield schools evacuated; Ohio BMV location closed

Sidney PD officers coordinated with the Shelby County Sheriffs Office and the FBI to investigate the threats. Through the joint efforts, police say they identified a suspect  a 15-year-old female.

The teen was taken into custody and charged with Inducing Panic, a second-degree felony. She is now being held at the West Central Detention Center in Troy.

Law enforcement does not believe any other subjects were involved. No additional threats were made against Sidney City Schools relating to this incident.

Sidney officers and Sheriffs office deputies will provide additional security and patrols throughout the rest of the week.

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Joginder Singh Kaler is pictured here before and after he was shaved by staff at Brampton Civic Hospital in late August without permission from him or his family. (Submitted by World Sikh Organization)

An Ontario hospital network says it will conduct an "extensive review" of an incident in which an elderly Sikh patient was shaved last month without permission from him or his family and in violation of his religious principles.

According to the World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO), a non-profit organization that represents Sikhs in Canada, staff at Brampton Civic Hospital shaved Joginder Singh Kaler, 85, a patient who is a practising Sikh, on either Aug. 28 or 29 "in violation of his religious principles and personal dignity."

Kaler had never shaved or cut his beard in his life before this incident, the organization said.

The WSO said Kaler was unconscious and could not provide consent himself. It said the hospital contacted Kaler's family to obtain permission to shave him but his family refused the request.

The William Osler Health System said in a statement on Wednesday it is taking the situation very seriously.

"Osler strives to deliver safe and compassionate care for every patient we serve, and we are sorry and deeply concerned when we do not meet the standard our patients and their families expect and deserve," said spokesperson Jim Schembri in the statement.

"Osler respects the religious rights and freedoms of all Canadians, and supports a positive, inclusive, and safe environment while caring for our community and each other with kindness, empathy and understanding," he added.

Schembri said he could not comment on individual experiences out of respect for patient privacy, but that the review of the incident would be in keeping with the health system's quality review processes.

"Osler is continually improving processes and clinical practices to ensure all patients receive compassionate, high-quality care."

World Sikh Organization 'shocked' by incident

Shaving or removal of hair is a violation of the beliefs of practicing Sikhs, the WSO said. Unshorn hair and beards are one of the five articles of faith for baptized Sikhs.

In a news release on Wednesday, the WSO said it wrote to Dr. Frank Martino, CEO of the William Osler Health System, to express its shock and outrage over the "troubling incident."

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the incident that took place with Mr. Kaler," WSO President Danish Singh said in the release.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

"Despite specific instructions by his family not to shave him, Mr. Kaler still had his faith violated in such an egregious fashion. Given that Brampton is home to the largest Sikh population in Canada, it is inconceivable that such disregard for Sikh faith practices could occur at Brampton Civic Hospital," Singh said.

The WSO said the incident has caused the family to be emotionally distressed during a time that is already challenging.

The WSO said it has offered to provide cultural sensitivity training to health care providers to prevent such incidents. The health system did not comment on this offer.

Family told shaving was 'mistake,' relative says

Jasjit Dhaliwal, Kaler's son-in-law, said his father-in-law fell down about 15 steps onto a hard floor around July 26, leaving him unconscious.

Kaler was taken to Brampton Civic Hospital, then transferred to the trauma centre at St. Michael's Hospital, where he was treated for about a month. He suffered internal bleeding in his head, fractured his skull in three places, fractured his jaw and his ribs and broke one of his arms, Dhaliwal said.

Staff at St. Michael's Hospital asked if they could shave Kaler's facial hair, but the family did not give consent and it was not done, he said. St. Michael's Hospital operated on his jaw, he said. Later, Kaler, who is still unconscious, was transferred back to Brampton Civic Hospital.

Jasjit Dhaliwal, Kaler's son-in-law, said Brampton Civic Hospital failed to provide a medical reason for the shaving. 'They just did what they wanted to do, I guess,' he says. (Dale Manucdoc/CBC)

Dhaliwal said the family then received a call from Brampton Civic Hospital asking if staff could shave Kaler's face but that no reason was provided. The family explained that members of the Sikh religion do not cut or shave their hair unless there is a medical reason.

The family refused to give consent and the caller said, 'OK,' he added.

"Next day, my sister-in-law goes to visit him and he was clean shaved," Dhaliwal said.

He said his sister-in-law asked hospital staff why and was told, "We're sorry. It was a mistake."

When family members asked a doctor, he apparently said that was not his department and it was up to the nurses.

Dhaliwal said the hospital did not issue an apology. The family waited for one, then contacted the WSO.

"Brampton had no medical reason at that time. None was provided to us," he said. "They just did what they wanted to do, I guess."

He said the hospital needs to educate its staff about religious practices.

Incident a 'very serious cultural violation,' prof says

Kerry Bowman, a bioethics professor at the University of Toronto, said he was horrified to hear of the incident and surprised because many hospitals have come a long way with cultural awareness. His doctoral research was in the area of cultural sensitivity.

"This is a very serious cultural violation," Bowman said. "There clearly was not consent. The argument cannot be made that they weren't able to access consent. They didn't have consent."

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Bowman added, however, that he doesn't have all the details and that health care systems are under a lot of strain following the COVID-19 pandemic.

"But on the surface of it, I'm very shocked, I'm very surprised," he said. "It's very, very worrisome."
The co-founder of the deadly Mexican Sinaloa cartel, Ismael Zambada, appeared in court in Brooklyn Friday, pleading not guilty to a raft of charges following his arrest in a dramatic sting by US agents.

New York has charged Zambada, who has also faced charges in Texas, with crimes including conspiracy to manufacture and internationally distribute drugs such as cocaine and fentanyl.

In Texas he pleaded not guilty to charges of drug trafficking, money laundering and conspiracy to commit murder.

Zambada co-founded the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel with Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman in the 1990s.

He escaped capture for much of his life despite a US bounty on his head of $15 million.

Then, seemingly out of the blue, Zambada was detained on July 25 with El Chapo's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, after they landed in the United States on a private plane.

"I was ambushed," Zambada, 76, said in a statement released through his lawyer that he said aimed at clearing up the rumors and misinformation surrounding his capture.

Zambada's lawyer and the US ambassador to Mexico have both previously said that he was taken against his will.

Spiraling criminal violence, much of it linked to drug trafficking and gangs, has seen more than 450,000 people murdered in Mexico since 2006.

gw/st
The co-founder of the deadly Mexican Sinaloa cartel, Ismael Zambada, appeared in court in Brooklyn Friday, pleading not guilty to a raft of charges following his arrest in a dramatic sting by US agents.

Zambada, 76, cut a frail figure as he appeared in the federal courthouse in prison uniform, needing assistance to get out of his chair, answering judge James Cho's questions tersely.

In New York Zambada, who has also faced charges in Texas, has been charged with 17 crimes including conspiracy to manufacture and internationally distribute drugs such as cocaine and fentanyl, for which he faces life imprisonment.

His next court appearance will be October 31.

US Attorney Francisco Navarro's office opposed any bail for Zambada, telling the court he poses "an extreme danger" to society and was a flight risk.

"The government is seeking a permanent order of detention," prosecutors said.

"Until his arrest on July 25, 2024, the defendant was one of the most -- if not the most -- powerful wanted narcotics Kingpins in the world."

In Texas he pleaded not guilty to charges of drug trafficking, money laundering and conspiracy to commit murder.

"El Mayo joins the many other Sinaloa Cartel leaders who have faced charges in an American courtroom for the immeasurable harm they have inflicted on families and communities across our country," said US Attorney General Merrick Garland.

- 'Assassinations, kidnappings, torture' -

Zambada co-founded the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel with Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman in the 1990s, sitting "atop the narcotrafficking world for decades through extreme and prolonged violence and rampant corruption of public officials," according to prosecutors.

He escaped capture for much of his life despite a US bounty on his head of $15 million.

Then, seemingly out of the blue, Zambada was detained on July 25 with El Chapo's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, after they landed in the United States on a private plane.

"I was ambushed," Zambada, 76, said in a statement released through his lawyer that he said aimed at clearing up the rumors and misinformation surrounding his capture.

Zambada's lawyer and the US ambassador to Mexico have both previously said that he was taken against his will.

Spiraling criminal violence, much of it linked to drug trafficking and gangs, has seen more than 450,000 people murdered in Mexico since 2006.

"Assassinations, kidnappings, torture, extortion, and bribery were the tools of the trade for the defendant," prosecutors added.

Mexico's National Guard was this week deployed in the state of Sinaloa, in the northwest of the country, amid an escalation of violence authorities attributed to internal struggles within the Sinaloa cartel following Zambada's capture.

gw/st
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Iowa Transportation Commission approved more than $1.7 million to support four public transit projects. One of those is here in Sioux City.

The citys transit received $600,000 for their heat pump condenser water piping replacement project. The funds come from the states Public Transit Infrastructure Grant Program. Its for new or improved facilities to support public transit services.

FEMA on hand at Clay County Fair in Spencer

Meanwhile, Sioux City Transit is getting funds to have three of their vehicles replaced. One is a heavy duty bus receiving almost $486,000. A light duty bus with video surveillance system received just over $266,000. A light duty bus with a low floor got more than $154,000.

In total, the Iowa Transportation Commission approved more than $8 million in funding for 39 new public transit vehicles. Those will replace the old ones that are past their life cycle.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Court proceedings for a Sioux City man charged with kidnapping and sexual abuse will continue after he passed a mental competency evaluation.

On Sept. 5, a status hearing was held, where Aaron Thomas, 39, was declared competent to stand trial. He was found not to have a mental disorder which would affect his ability to understand the nature of the trial against him and defend himself.

Thomas is accused of kidnapping a woman who had delivered food to his residence on May 11, 2024. While the woman was being held by Thomas, she was allegedly sexually abused and beaten by him.

Police said that Thomas kept her restrained and beat her so badly he broke the orbital socket in her eye and blew out a globe. This injury could cause permanent blindness in her eye, court documents state. She also had multiple injuries to her face, arms, and legs.

Student taken into custody after threat at Norfolk Public Schools

The victim reported the kidnapping to police the next morning when she stopped at a gas station. Police then searched Thomas residence and reportedly found evidence of sexual abuse and kidnapping.

Thomas was arrested and charged in May 2024 with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree sex abuse, and false imprisonment. He has previously pleaded not guilty.

On July 8, Thomas was ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in eastern Iowa.

Gage Teunissen contributed to this report.

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Siouxland Artists Inc. to host first annual Missouri River Art Crawl

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Siouxland Artiists Inc. will be hosting its first annual Missouri River Art Crawl.

According to a Sioux City Art Center Facebook page, there will be opportunities to see artwork from the Siouxland Metro, Plymouth, Woodbury, and Monona counties.

Paralympic gold medalist to partake in one of many events at Missouri River Outdoor Expo

Local artists who are painters, potters, sculptors, photographers, fiber artists, and more are all welcome to participate. Art Instructor, Paula Crandell, will also be participating in the Missouri River Art Crawl.

The event will be on Sep. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sep. 15 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. To view the map for the Missouri River Art Crawl, click here.

For more information about the Art Crawl, visit the Siouxland Artists website or the Missouri River Art Crawl Facebook page

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Native Vote 2024. On Saturday, September 14, Protect the Sacred, an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to preserving Native culture and mobilizing Native voters, will host Skate for Democracy in Tuba City, Arizona.





The event, a fusion of skateboarding and heavy metal music, aims to register young Indigenous voters ahead of the upcoming election, creating a platform for cultural expression and political engagement.

Founded in 2020 and led by Dine activist Allie Young, Protect the Sacred advocates for Native voter participation. Since its creation, the organization has launched the Ride to the Polls campaign, using cultural events to inspire young Native people to register and vote.

This campaign started with horseback rides to polling places and has since evolved to embrace other forms of transportation, like skateboarding, to engage younger generations of Native voters.

In 2020, we launched Ride to the Polls with the presidential election, and in 2022, we expanded it. We really wanted to meet our young voters where they are and where their interests and passions lie, Young told Native News Online. Skateboarding culture has really boomed in recent years, and we saw it as an opportunity to engage Indigenous youth through something they love.

Skateboarding holds a special place in many Native communities, especially in the Navajo Nation. Over the past few years, the building of skate parks has surged across reservations, giving young people new spaces to gather and express themselves.

Skateboarding is a passion for many of our native young people, Young said. Its just about getting out there and riding, being a part of a community.

The event will kick off at noon MDT with a skateboarding competition at Louise Yellowman County Park. Skaters can compete in three age groups12 and under, 13-17, and 18 and upwith a dedicated girls category. The competition, operated by Apache Skateboards, is open to all experience levels, with prizes awarded to the top three participants.

Registration is free, and all participants will receive a custom-designed shirt created by Dine artist Ryan Allison (Neon Navajo), featuring the slogan Pop an Ollie, Drop a Vote.

Following the competition, participants will head to Greyhills Academy High School Auditorium for a high-energy metal concert. Local favorites Under Exile, Lilith, and Sage Bond will perform, blending skate culture and music.

Were tapping into these subcultures, skate culture and metalheads, to show that Native American communities arent a monolith, Young said. Theres incredible diversity within our communities, and Skate for Democracy is a way to celebrate that while encouraging civic engagement.

The event also marks the beginning of Protect the Sacreds voter registration tour, covering various rural reservation communities across the Navajo Nation.

After Skate for Democracy, well continue with a six-day horseback trail ride, making stops in communities to help people register to vote, Young said. Were focused on voter registration now because Arizona has an early deadline of October 7, and we want to make sure our people are prepared.

Arizona has become a critical battleground state, making voter participation even more important. With over 400,000 Indigenous people in the state, including large populations from the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache tribes, mobilizing Native voters could have a significant impact on election outcomes.

However, recent changes to Arizonas voting laws have posed additional challenges. In 2023, the Supreme Court upheld a new law requiring proof of citizenship for newly registered voters.

(photo/courtesy)

This new law is a slap in the face to Indigenous people, asking us to prove our citizenship on our own ancestral homelands, said Young. But its the law in Arizona now, and we want to ensure that our voters have the right documents so they dont face issues when registering.

By combining skateboarding and voter registration, Protect the Sacred hopes to engage young people in a fun and meaningful way.

I want our youth to walk away realizing how powerful they are, and that by voting, theyre making sure theyre represented, Young said. Our influence is growing, and Skate for Democracy is just one way were reminding them of that.

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
Sleeping with a pillow or blanket outdoors can be a sign of illegal camping in Santa Monica

Devon O'Malley, left, a harm reduction case manager with the Venice Family Clinic, and Chelsea Agee, a prevention advocate with the Venice Family Clinic, talk with Ken Newark, 63, who is homeless, at Tongva Park in Santa Monica. O'Malley handed him underwear, socks, and a Narcan nasal kit. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

A narrowly divided Santa Monica City Council voted this week to remove a section of its anti-camping ordinance that allowed people experiencing homelessness to use pillows, blankets and bedrolls while sleeping outdoors.

In a 4-3 vote, the council reversed a step taken in 2022 to comply with a federal appeals court ruling that declared it unconstitutional to bar people from "protect[ing] themselves from the elements when there is no shelter space available." The Supreme Court overturned that ruling three months ago.

The council majority also directed administrative, housing and law enforcement staff to look at how other municipalities are addressing homeless encampments. The amended ordinance, which is expected to be formally adopted later this month, is slated to go into effect in mid-October.

Although Santa Monica does not prohibit sleeping on public property, it does prohibit camping. The amendment means that Santa Monica police officers will have more discretion about what constitutes camping on public property and therefore more leeway when issuing citations or making arrests.

Read more: Long Beach begins citywide homeless sweeps. But where will the unhoused go?

The amendments will also provide city prosecutors more evidence to use in criminal cases.

Critics say the changes are cruel and will bring added hardship to an already vulnerable population that may decide to discard pillows and blankets to avoid violating the ordinance.

A homeless man packs up his belongings during a clean-up of homeless encampments on Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey on Aug. 22. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Proponents say the change will give police an added tool to engage homeless people and build a rapport in an effort to encourage them to get off the streets.

Police Chief Ramon Batista told council members before Tuesday's vote that the amendments would not change how officers enforce anti-camping laws and interact with the citys homeless population.

Sleeping in public spaces is not what we are regulating, he said. Were regulating encampments in public space, and weve been successful because we follow the guidelines on how to approach these individuals in cases where theyre beginning to build a camp.

Jenna Grigsby, chief of the Criminal Division of the city attorney's office, said officers have been trained to look at the totality of circumstances to show that someone is camping, not just sleeping, on a public space.

Ive been doing this to the point that I understand what camping means, and its not purely one object in the homeless person's possession, she said. You have to be able to show that this person has taken over public space for the purpose of a living accommodation.

City officials say in the case of the amended anti-camping ordinance, a blanket and a pillow would not be enough to prove that someone is camping on public property.

Batista, however, acknowledged that the items would give officers a reason to detain homeless people.

Councilwoman Gleam Davis disagreed with that tactic and suggested that officers approach people who are willing to talk to them. Batista said officers do that as well.

Read more: The Supreme Court could reset homelessness policy in California

Councilwoman Caroline Torosis raised concerns that the enforcement would mostly affect Black and Latino people, who make up a large portion of the citys homeless population.

The same fines and citations can actually become a barrier to getting Section 8 [housing aid], to getting permanent housing, to getting a job, Torosis said. We need to help people with rehabilitative measures, not punitive measures.

Davis, Torosis and Councilman Jesse Zwick voted against the changes, while Mayor Phil Brock, Mayor Pro Tem Lana Negrete and Councilmembers Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra cast votes in favor.

Brock, who is running for reelection, has long maintained that compassion for homeless people sometimes turns into neglect. He said he supported the ordinance in an effort to push people to get indoors.

How are we accepting people living in our streets, living in alleys or living in carports for days, weeks and months, he said. "I dont care whether they have a pillow, a backpack, a tent or a cooking stove, theyre living in our streets and theyre being neglected.

The changes to Santa Monicas ordinance comes as other California cities are cracking down on homeless encampments in response to the June Supreme Court ruling in Grant Pass vs. Johnson. In a 6-3 decision, the justices held that laws penalizing homeless people for sleeping or pitching tents in public spaces do not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

The landmark decision ended years of protections for people experiencing homelessness and paved the way for California cities to start clearing encampments from parks, sidewalks and other areas even when they lack sufficient shelter beds.

Santa Monica, known for its progressive stances on many issues, now joins other towns that have taken a more aggressive approach when it comes to encampments they consider problematic.

Read more: 'Shameful': Gov. Newsom decries Elk Grove's opposition to homeless housing, announces legal settlement

On the same night that the city approved its controversial amendments, the Berkeley City Council adopted new rules that would allow city workers to clear homeless encampments without offering shelter first.

Berkeley's rules, however, apply just to encampments that are a fire hazard and pose a health risk or impede public or utility operations.

Last month, Newport Beach beefed up its anti-camping laws to make it illegal to store belongings on public property and expanded the definition of camping to include people sleeping in vehicles. City leaders also assigned more officers to handle calls related to homeless people.

That same month, the city of Long Beach began clearing encampments deemed to pose a threat to public health and safety or where unhoused people have been resistant to services. The city said while it would aim to get people into shelters, it would also give police the discretion to issue citations and possibly make arrests.

Miguel Angel Gonzalez Martinez, 42, and his dog Lincoln in Long Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Santa Monica has long dealt with homelessness, but a recent wave of crimes on the citys promenade and beaches where tourists gather have raised concerns about public safety.

I look at our residents who are  frustrated as hell because there are [homeless] people in their alleys and on their streets, Brock said. And for whatever reason, whether its unjustified or not, theyre fearful of their own city, theyre fearful of a place they came to because we have the best climate for them, we have palm trees, a beautiful ocean and great parks and now theyre afraid to use them.

I think we have to have that part of the discussion, he said.

The latest annual count found an estimated 774 people experiencing homelessness in Santa Monica in January, a 6% drop from 826 in 2023, according to the citys recent homeless count. At least 62% of that population lived outdoors.

City officials said programs preventing homelessness, combined with enforcement of its anti-camping laws, have kept encampments from cropping up to the extent seen in other cities.

The city also has shelter beds to move people off the street, although the city is 100 beds short of where they need to be to fully accommodate the unsheltered population.

Read more: L.A.s mansion tax has collected $375 million. Where is the money going?

Tuesday nights amendments stem from a July City Council meeting in which Negrete and de la Torre asked the city manager and city attorneys office to evaluate and provide options to amend the citys municipal code in light of the Supreme Court decision.

In supporting the changes to the ordinance, Brock and Negrete at times sketched out a homeless population made up of mostly drug addicts and mentally ill people.

I think were trying to paint a picture that women and children and people with babies are shivering outside in the cold and thats our homeless population, I know that exists somewhere, Negrete said. But I think what we are seeing and what we are responding to is the fact that we have a mental health crisis and a substance abuse crisis, and the majority of the people out on our streets are experiencing those things  

The pair also implied that many of the homeless people are not from the city, despite numerous research studies showing that the vast majority of people experiencing homelessness have ties to the places theyre in.

At some point, Brock accused San Francisco and Vancouver of sending homeless people to Southern California, where they then end up in Santa Monica.

Im getting reports from LAX that people are getting off those planes, theyre homeless and theyre asking wheres Venice, wheres Santa Monica, he said.

U.S. cities have relocation programs to help homeless people move to places where they have family members who will care for them.

Read more: Humboldt officials accuse San Francisco of busing the city's homeless problems north

Zwick questioned whether the changes to the ordinance were necessary.

I hear this is not really going to change anything, then I also hear that it is really important that we change," he said. "Either its going to do something really different, which is worrisome to me because I think we do things pretty well here, or its not really going to do anything, and then were just all enacting a bunch of theater up here to act like were doing something.

Negrete explained that the purpose was to remove language added to the ordinance two years ago and to make it less easy for folks to sleep outdoors.

We dont want to create an environment where people can create the ability to sleep outside, she said. We have services and service providers, and we need more for sure, but why not create an environment where we say we want to be able to engage and encourage you to get those services?

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Small businesses in KC under attack. Can new jail space at police headquarters help? | Opinion

Are small businesses in Kansas City being targeted? Based on what has occurred in this city in recent months, that certainly seems to be a distinct possibility.

A string of commercial break-ins across the city has the potential to cause quality of life issues no one wants here. Independently owned and operated businesses are vital to the growth of the local economy.

City leaders must use every tool at their disposal to address what some entrepreneurs here have labeled an epidemic.

On Thursday, Mayor Quinton Lucas was expected to discuss details of a program designed to financially help out a small business damaged by thieves or vandals. Lucas proposed ordinance would provide up to $3,000 to each eligible small business to repair broken windows, doors or locks or remove graffiti. If approved, the $325,000 fund would also pay a business up to $5,000 to help improve its security, according to Lucas office.

I unequivocally support this proposal. And the City Council should too. But thats just a start. Until we get these burglaries under control, the city must consider other ways to aid businesses that suffer economic harm because of theft.

Mayor Lucas:  consequences for criminal misconduct

To deter some of these brazen property crimes, and at the urging of community members from the East Side, Lucas introduced an ordinance that would allocate $16 million to redesign the eighth floor of Kansas City Police Departments downtown headquarters at East 11th and Locust streets. The new space, with 55 overnight beds, would be used to book and hold up to 144 people accused of violating city ordinances.

In 2015, the police departments downtown holding and booking facility closed, according to Lucas office.

Im torn on this development. The city has to hold criminals accountable, community activists argued during a series of meetings about crime issues near 31st Street and Prospect Avenue. But locking up people for petty crimes is never a good idea.

Still, anyone caught breaking into a business should be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. So should folks engaging in open-air prostitution and other criminal activity reportedly found along the Prospect business corridor near 31st.

Those who offend in our city must know and will know there are consequences for criminal misconduct in Kansas City, Lucas said. Our residents and businesses must know and will know their calls and their concerns are being addressed. Our families must know and will know our city is safe.

In Kansas City, there is an ongoing concern about the overpolicing of minority communities. But with crooks damaging property all over the city in order to get a quick buck, deterrence has to start somewhere.

My hope is that city officials will invest just as much money in wraparound services for offenders willing to participate in restorative justice and rehabilitation. To escape a life of crime, 3rd District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson told me, some people may just need access to a well-paying job, affordable housing, mental and physical health care or substance abuse counseling. On this point, most of us would agree.

On Tuesday, Police Chief Stacey Graves said data shows burglaries and other property crimes such as theft from vehicles are down. Yet, brazen overnight break-ins have setback many small businesses throughout the city. And no area is exempt. In recent weeks, thieves have burglarized coffee shops, cafes and other commercial establishments from Waldo to Brookside to Midtown, the Crossroads Arts District and the West Bottoms.

And most of these crimes follow a familiar pattern, Kansas City police officials have said: Thieves smash the glass front doors of a business and enter to seek out cash or other valuables.

Restaurant, coffee shop break-ins

Business owners such as The Combine pizza restaurants Alan Kneeland fear the thought of being burglarized. At a special meeting on public safety Tuesday at the Kansas City Public Librarys Country Club Plaza branch, Kneeland implored city leaders to address these thefts that could cripple a mom and pop operations bottom line.

What are we doing for local restaurants when it comes to this epidemic of break-ins? Kneeland, the first Black president of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, said. We just want some type of reassurance that there is something that is happening on the back end.

Kneeland told members of Kansas Citys finance and public safety committee that his business near 30th Street and Troost Avenue hasnt been hit yet. Others havent been as lucky. Nevertheless, the possibility of someone breaking into The Combine keeps Kneeland up at night, he said.

He isnt the only small business owner losing sleep over the break-ins occurring here.

Hours after Tuesdays public safety meeting, Messenger Coffee Co. and Ibis Bakery on Grand Boulevard near downtown was reportedly broken into. Another local business, Enzo Bistro & Bar in the River Market, was hit early Wednesday too, according to a post on the restaurants Instagram page showing shattered glass on the pavement in front of the business. Donutology at the Trolley and Blue Nile Cafe in the River Market were burglarized overnight as well.

Thieves recently broke into the downtown and Crossroads locations of the popular Mildreds cafes, too.

Along the Troost corridor, thieves and vandals have not spared the owners of Ruby Jeans Juicery, Anchor Island Coffee, Oddly Correct coffee shop, Equal Minded Cafe and others nearby.

Graves, Lucas and Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker were among city leaders who attended the nearly two-hour public safety meeting. So were several City Council members and Kansas City police commissioners. They listened to multiple testimonies from business owners, concerned citizens and community activists.

Some speakers spoke in favor of more jail space, while others were opposed.

You dont build new jails and hire new police to respond to crime thats already happened, Kansas City resident Ben Nill told the public safety committee. That is not how we build safe communities. We need to address the underlying issues and make sure that people have affordable housing  and access to the care that they need. That is how we prevent crime.

Among other topics broached was the ongoing security issues at the Linwood Shopping Plaza and its anchor tenant, Sun Fresh grocery store. I will share my thoughts on Sun Fresh in a future column. A separate ordinance to stiffen penalties for sideshows  illegal car stunt demonstrations that often shut down streets  passed through committee and is expected to be up for approval at Thursdays city council meeting.

The all-hands-on-deck approach I witnessed Tuesday was much needed. With input from the community, this sort of collaboration must continue.

But talk is cheap. Lets hope our city leaders back up their words with tangible action.
A man is accused of repeatedly squatting in the same home, leading police to increase patrols to address the issue.

Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell went out to a home on Old Spring Road when the accused squatter showed up.

She saw a car parked in the driveway and the man standing near the trunk.

According to Newell, the man claimed he was there to get his belongings and said he had been renting the house for a few months.

However, when she questioned him about the criminal charges he faced, he quickly left.

You want to share your side of the story? Newell asked during the confrontation.

The man, identified as Andres Fernandez Lagunes, then got into a car with someone and drove away.

Police have issued multiple arrest warrants for Lagunes, who is accused of squatting in three different incidents.

To ensure Lagunes didnt return, police began patrolling the house.

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Neighbor T.J. Whitaker, who lives across the street, said, He usually goes into the back door over there.

Multiple police cars have come and parked along the street next to the house, Whitaker added. He was in handcuffs, he went to the back of the police car, and a few days later he was there again.

We are cracking down on squatters. Different neighborhoods have called us, its the residents who are giving us the call, Officer Arial Marshalle from the Smyrna Police Department told Newell.

Smyra police said it is ready to arrest squatters if they find them.

We do come out, we will walk the home, to see if theres any individuals in the home, and if so, we will have them removed from the home, Marshalle said.

As a precaution, police recommend that property owners secure their homes with alarm systems and lock all windows to prevent squatting.

Police told Newell that squatters are walking around neighborhoods at times looking for vacant homes, they are also online searching for homes on the market.

If you live in Smyrna and suspect a squatter is living near you, officers say to call the police.

RELATED NEWS:
Katy Rogers, the farm manager at Teter Organic Farm and Retreat Center in Noblesville, Indiana, inspects produce growing in one of the high tunnels at the farm on June 21, 2022. (NRCS/USDA photo by Brandon OConnor)

Katy Rogers, the farm manager at Teter Organic Farm and Retreat Center in Noblesville, Indiana, inspects produce growing in one of the high tunnels at the farm on June 21, 2022. (NRCS/USDA photo by Brandon OConnor)

A farmer- and rancher-led organization committed to promoting soil health recently launched a new online platform to help local food producers and consumers connect.

The South Dakota Soil Health Coalitions Fresh Connect website provides an interface to bridge the gap between farm-fresh goods and local demand.

Through the platform, producers can create free accounts to list available products on an interactive map, allowing consumers and restaurants to search for fresh local meat and produce by location and product type.

The detailed farm profile allows us to showcase our unique growing practices and the quality of our offerings, said Chris Goldade, who owns and operates Flat Rock Farms near Westport. By using Fresh Connect, we can introduce new, exciting products to our local residents and support a thriving local food economy.

The website is also designed to benefit small-scale and urban farmers, offering access to educational resources and opportunities for improving soil health, drought resilience and farm sustainability.

The South Dakota Fresh Connect website is made possible with financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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City of Santa Fe officials authorized the placement of this sign which attempts to provide historical information about the box that encases the base of what remains of the former Soldier's Monument on the Santa Fe Plaza, Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber said in court on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Residue of graffiti can still be seen on the sign's acrylic covering. (Photo by Shaun Griswold / Source NM)

Santa Fe city government officials didnt violate the law when they started the process of removing a controversial monument in 2020, because in a strict legal sense it is irrelevant to the plazas historical significance, the mayor of Santa Fe and an expert witness said in court Thursday afternoon.

The first day of the trial over the former Soldiers Monument, which is at the center of New Mexicos capital city, ended about 30 minutes early after both sides heard from witnesses.

The plaintiffs, the Union Protectiva de Santa Fe, rested their case after hearing testimony from defendant Alan Webber, the citys mayor.

The defense called its last witness, a historian and archaeologist, later on Thursday afternoon.

On Friday morning starting at 9 a.m., both sides intend to make closing arguments. First Judicial District Court Judge Matthew Wilson will determine the outcome for the case with a judgment.

Mayor didnt want rerun of 2017 Entrada protest

The Union Protectiva argued Webbers proclamation was unlawful because the city government never did the legally required planning to come up with alternatives to remove three monuments in the city. The group argued that Santa Fe was barred from spending public funds in the way it did to remove the monuments.

Webber said at the time he issued the emergency proclamation to state that Santa Fe was facing the possibility of civil unrest, due to reports of imminent demonstrations and counter-protests at monuments.

He said he was worried about the potential for violence.

Taking inspiration from formal Pueblo boycotts of the Santa Fe Entrada pageant in the late 1970s, a new generation of activists reinvigorated the public debate around the event, which boiled over during a high-profile protest in 2017.

Webber said when he had taken office in 2018, he had been briefed on what happened, and heard about police carrying sniper rifles on rooftops and arresting demonstrators that day in 2017.

He told the court on Thursday that learning about that situation made him feel obligated as mayor to never allow something similar to happen under his watch.

After the obelisk in the Plaza was torn down, Webber and the Santa Fe City Council created the Culture, History, Art, Reconciliation, and Truth (CHART) Process. It was modeled after similar commissions in the U.S. and globally.

It was a yearlong community engagement effort and it, in some ways, was very successful, Webber said. We had community conversations that otherwise would not have taken place. There were people who were very involved who became friends  who thought they were adversaries  because of this process.

What it revealed was that the divisions over the Soldiers Monument existed before the review and remain unresolved afterwards, Webber said.

I think its not just the monument, it becomes the object upon which people can express those divisions, he said.

Webber said the CHART Process does not meet the definition of a project or process as defined in state law governing historically significant sites because it did not obligate the city government to do anything.

He added that it specifically recommended more discussion about the Soldiers Monument.

There is a resolution about the Soldiers Monument currently going through the citys legislative process and has not yet been accepted by the City Council, Webber said.

Obelisk irrelevant, expert testifies

Webber also said he did not consult with the state historic preservation officer before issuing the proclamation because he and Santa Fe officials thought the public safety emergency was enough to move forward.

I feel pretty clear that we didnt trigger that requirement by doing this, because we didnt adversely affect the site, Webber said.

The defenses other witness was Kimberly Parker, senior project manager and architectural historian for Albuquerque-based Environmental Consulting and Technology.

Judge Wilson qualified Parker as an expert in the way federal law is applied when listing a property on the National Register of Historic Places.

Places can get on the register when either a member of the public or Congress nominates it through a form created by the National Park Service, Parker said.

The Santa Fe Plaza was designated a national historic landmark by the National Park Service in 1960, Parker said.

The National Historic Preservation Act was passed in 1966, the National Register of Historic Places didnt exist until 1969, and the Plaza was included automatically because it was already a national historic landmark, Parker said. It didnt go through the formal nomination process until 1975, she said.

In her opinion, the Soldiers Monument is irrelevant to the Santa Fe Plazas listing on the register because even though the nomination form mentions the obelisk in the Plazas physical description, it is not included in the part of the form used to describe the Plazas historical significance.

On cross-examination, Parker said she is not giving an opinion about whether the Soldiers Monument could or should be eligible to be listed, or whether it is significant on its own.

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Sonora ISD schools saw an increased law enforcement presence on Sept. 13 after the district was reportedly found on a list of school shooting targets circulating online. This isnt the first time this has happened, though.

According to a public statement issued on the morning of Sept. 13, Sonora ISD Superintendent Michael Kissire was notified by the Sonora Police Department and Sutton County Sheriffs Office during the night of Sept. 12 that Sonora was added to a list that is being circulated on social media that references school shooting targets.

Despite the nature of the list, Kissire stated that it is not believed that Sonora ISD is in danger at this time and that the school will continue operating as normal. He said that all safety measures have been enhanced to protect everyone, however.

San Angelo PD chief addresses rumors of threat at Central High School

Kissire also stated in the announcement that Sonora ISD was involved in a similar situation during the previous school year when the district was found on another list of schools that was circulating online. Although the district wasnt initially on the list, it would eventually be added as the list continued to be propagated digitally.

As time went on, the list added schools and eventually added Sonora ISD, Kissire said. We enhanced our safety measures at that time, and we are addressing this threat with the same dedication to safety.

The superintendent said that Sonora ISD is communicating with area law enforcement to coordinate its response. He also stated that there would be a stronger-than-normal law enforcement presence near the districts schools on Sept. 13.

Kissire asks community members to report suspicious activity, behavior or items to area law enforcement.

We welcome the watchful eyes of our community in every effort to keep our school safe, Kissire said.

He also promised that Sonora ISD would communicate with the community should any changes be made to its operations.

Thank you for trusting us with your children, Kissire 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
(Bloomberg) -- South Africa has been told that the pace of its energy transition is too slow by a key funder, Germany, Environment Minister, Dion George, said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Germany is one of the partners in the so-called Just Energy Transition Partnership, a $9.3 billion climate finance pact between South Africa and some of the worlds richest nations.

George, who was speaking Friday at a meeting of South Africas Presidential Climate Commission in Johannesburg, said he was cognizant that the governments efforts to reduce its reliance on coal needs to be sped up.

A delegation of German officials including international climate envoy Jennifer Morgan, were in South Africa last week.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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By Tannur Anders

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African politician Pravin Gordhan, who served as finance minister twice, overhauled the tax service and waged a battle against corruption under a former president, died on Friday from cancer aged 75, his family said.

Gordhan is also remembered for his efforts in fighting what South Africans called "state capture" by private interests under former president Jacob Zuma. He had repeatedly warned about state corruption during his tenure as finance minister.

"Mr Gordhan passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family, closest friends and his lifelong comrades in the liberation struggle in the early hours of this morning," Gordhan's family said in a statement.

He had fought "a short, courageous battle with cancer," they said.

Gordhan's long-time party the African National Congress reveres him for his role as an anti-apartheid activist. Gordhan was also involved in the negotiations that led to the end of white minority rule in 1994.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recounted Gordhan's personal sacrifices and achievements in serving South Africa.

"In the latter years of this service to the nation...Pravin Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from...those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets," Ramaphosa said in a statement.

Zuma faces several court proceedings over alleged corruption before and after his 2009 to 2018 presidency, charges he has vehemently denied. A judicial inquiry in 2022 highlighted systemic graft during his rule.

Gordhan held several ministerial positions in addition to his role as finance minister, including minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs and minister of public enterprises. He announced his retirement in March.

He served as commissioner of the South African Revenue Service from 1999 to 2009, and is credited with conceptualising a modern tax and customs administration.

(Reporting by Tannur Anders, Addional reporting by Wendell Roelf, Editing by Tim Cocks and Angus MacSwan)
President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) and John Steenhuisen (R) agreed to form a coalition government after the ANC lost its majority in May's election [AFP]

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has tried to head off a major row within his uneasy governing coalition by delaying the implementation of the most controversial part of a new education law.

A dispute over language policy had threatened the stability of the 10-party government created after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in May's election.

Speaking before he signed the new measures into law at a public ceremony, Mr Ramaphosa said there would now be a three-month consultation period.

But John Steenhuisen, the leader of the coalition's second largest party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has since reiterated the plan to challenge the new law in court.

Now partners in government, the ANC and DA had previously been bitter rivals.

While welcoming the idea of further talks, Steenhuisen said that the reforms in the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) law threatened the constitutional right to mother-tongue education and this must be protected in any negotiation.

The president says he now wants the parties in government to find ways for "different views [to] be accommodated".

What is in the Bela law?

The disputed law, passed by the previous ANC-dominated parliament, outlines controversial and significant reforms to existing education law.

The major changes include:

School admissions and the language of instruction will be regulated by government

Home schooling will be regulated

Parents who fail to ensure their child is in school may face jail

Grade R, for four and five-year-olds, will be the new compulsory school starting level  a year earlier than currently

The abolition of corporal punishment will be backed by fines and possibly jail time for those who administer it

The ANC says the changes are necessary in order to transform the education system and address continued inequalities.

Experts say that South Africa's education system needs to drastically improve.

In 2021, it ranked last out of 57 countries assessed in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, which tested the reading ability of 400,000 students around the world.

Why has there been such fierce opposition?

The clause which has caused the most controversy is the one concerning strengthening government oversight over language and admission policies.

This is a sensitive topic relating to racial integration.

The previous ANC government argued that language and other admission criteria were being used to derail access to schools [for] the majority of learners.

Even though apartheid  a system of legally enforced racism  ended more than three decades ago, the racial divide it created still persists in some areas of education, with previously white schools still far better equipped than those serving mainly black communities

Afrikaans is not specifically mentioned in the legislation, but the ANC says that some children are being excluded from schools where the language of the white-minority Afrikaners is used as the medium of instruction.

The DA has defended the right of school governing bodies to determine their language policies, citing the constitution and the importance and protection of learning in one's mother-tongue.

The strongest opposition has come from the Afrikaans-speaking community.

Civil rights group AfriForum has described the bill as an attack against Afrikaans education and has said it remains committed to opposing the legislation as it poses a threat to the continued existence of Afrikaans schools and quality education.

The Freedom Front Plus - another one of the 10 parties in the coalition government and seen as representing the interests of Afrikaners - is also opposed to Bela. It called it "ill-conceived", saying it would "cause needless uncertainty and disputes about clearly established rights and responsibilities related to Basic Education".

Some are also concerned about the reforms to home schooling. There are currently many unregulated schools popular with the middle classes because of the poor state of government schools.

These are allowed to continue through a loophole in the current law where the students are registered as home learners and the teachers offer tuition. But through the Bela bill, the government wants to close the loophole and ensure they are regulated like state schools.

Has Ramaphosa defused the threat to the coalition government?

In his immediate reaction to the signing, DA leader Steenhuisen did not sound satisfied, saying that the party's lawyers would continue to prepare for court action.

Ramaphosa's proposal to delay the implementation of the language measure is a response to the DA's proposal of changes that it said would make the reforms acceptable.

But after three months they may still find themselves in the same position they are in now, and the president said the law would be implemented as it is if no compromise is found.

Steenhuisen described this as a "threat" that was contrary to the spirit in which the coalition was formed in the first place.

"If this is just a delaying tactic to defuse opposition before implementing the clauses at a later point, then we will continue to fight this bill with everything we have got, including in the courts," he said in a statement.

On Thursday, though, Steenhuisen insisted that conflict over policy was not necessarily an existential threat to the government.

There are now three more months to find out whether this is true.

More South Africa stories from the BBC:

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

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SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (PIX11)  South Brunswick police are asking residents of the Royal Oaks Apartment Complex to be on the lookout for a man who has been accosting women while only wearing a ski mask.

There have been five incidents since July, according to police. The first four incidents took place between 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. The fifth and most recent encounter happened at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

More Local News

In each case, victims report that the suspect is naked except for a ski mask. The suspect reportedly approaches women while naked and aggressively manipulates his waist area.

All the incident have taken place in the Royal Oaks Apartment Complex and the adjacent trail. The complex is off of Henderson Road between Route 1 and Blackhorse Lane.

The suspect is described as a Black male, between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall, with a medium build and long dreadlocks.

Police believe there may have been additional unreported incidents.

Lauren Ayres, Royal Oaks director of site operations, said the complex emailed the suspects picture to all residents Wednesday morning and asked that they check their doorbell cameras for possible footage.

We want as many eyes out there to help solve the problem, said Ayres.

Ayres said she had heard murmurs of incidents at other complexes.

Im almost certain that hes not a resident here, since he has been seen at other complexes, said Ayres. But we dont know for sure.

Multiple parents told PIX11 News that they will not be letting their children play outside unsupervised until the suspect is apprehended.

They are not going to be alone, said Felix Takyi, a father of two who lives in the complex. Even at our door, theyre not going to be alone.

Police also believe the suspect may work out, and have asked area gyms to review his picture as well.

Anyone with information should contact the South Brunswick Police Detective Bureau at (732)-329-4000 ext. 7469.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON (WCBD)- Congressman Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) is in good spirits as he continues to be evaluated at a Washington hospital after reportedly collapsing during an event this week, according to his office.

The Hill reported that Wilson, 77, was attending Ukraines Independence Day celebration when he suddenly collapsed and was taken to a local hospital.

While Congressman Wilson continues to be evaluated by medical staff, he is in good spirits, improving, and speaking with family, an Aug. 12 update on Wilsons official X (formerly Twitter) page stated.

Wilsons office has not provided details on his condition, but doctors reportedly told family members that the 77-year-old congressman suffered stroke-like symptoms.

I was able to speak with him moments ago and I am incredibly thankful that he is stable and being monitored by medical professionals, his son, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, wrote in an Aug. 10 post on X.

Wilson has represented South Carolinas 2nd congressional district, which stretches from Columbia to the border with Georgia, since 2001.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
CHICAGO - A man was shot and critically wounded Friday morning in the South Chicago neighborhood.

The 19-year-old was outside around 12:45 a.m. when shots were fired at him in the 3100 block of East 91st Street, according to police.

The man was shot once in the back. He was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital where he was listed in critical condition, police said.

No one has been arrested. Area Two detectives are investigating.
DALLAS - Texas homeowners and prosecutors shared horror stories of houses being stolen from their rightful owners.

Thieves are now using fraudulent deeds to seize control of property, and catching them is not an easy task.

Property deed theft is becoming such a problem in Texas that state lawmakers are considering creating a new criminal offense to hold crooks accountable.

Buying a house is considered part of the American dream. But dreams of homeownership have turned into a nightmare for many Texans.

A South Dallas woman says it happened to her.

Norma Adams Wade testified virtually before the Texas House Committee on Business and Industry on Thursday.

State lawmakers held the hearing in Austin to discuss the growing number of fraudulent deeds purporting to show that property has been legitimately transferred or sold.

Wade had no idea it was happening to her until her tenant called about the empty lot she owned next door in South Dallas. The land was being cleared.

"I saw the crew. I rushed over there and said, What are you doing? What's going on?" she recalled. "Come over here and tell me what do you mean you bought this property? I haven't sold anything to you."

Wade eventually got her hands on the fake deed of sale.

"The deed looked unprofessional once I finally did see it with crossed out words and such and an out-of-state address written in by hand on a form document," testified Wade.

But the damage was already done.

For the past seven months, Wade has been fighting in civil court to get the property put back in her name, spending thousands of dollars on the legal process.

"It clearly was a scam," she said. "It involved mainly two people who changed Dallas County property records."

Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Phillip Clark is urging lawmakers to create a new criminal offense for theft of real property.

"I'm often asked, How often does this happen? And we don't know," he said. "Because all thefts are categorized as theft, we don't know how many thefts across the state are real property thefts."

It would increase penalties and punishments according to the value of a property and extend the statute of limitations to file charges against those responsible.

"To provide some definitions to really clarify the prosecution because we get ridiculous arguments from defense attorneys," Clark said.

Wade said twice the two defendants have failed to show up to court, so her saga continues.

Wade told lawmakers other homeowners in her neighborhood have been victimized, too, but don't have the financial means to fight it.

The committee seems determined to take action during the next legislative session.
A hint of drier air  no more than a sigh  will filter through South Florida this weekend offering a reprieve from copious showers that have more than doubled the normal amount of rain in some areas of Palm Beach County.

The National Weather Service in Miami said whats left of Hurricane Francine will jostle loose a stubborn front loitering over Central Florida that has been responsible for the daily deluges. West Palm Beach has gotten 7.79 inches of rain this month through Wednesday. Thats 4.64 inches more than average.

But meteorologist Ana Torres-Vazquez cautioned against high expectations for what is coming. Its not a true cool front and temperatures will only take a slight dip with daytime highs topping out in the upper-80s.

When I say theres going to be drier air, its very relative, Torres-Vazquez said. The humidity values have been way above average this past week or so and well be getting back to something more normal.

That means typical scattered thunderstorms are still expected with a potential for heat advisories, which are novel for Palm Beach County in September.

Until Sept. 3  the first of six days this month to have a heat advisory  none had been issued for Palm Beach County in September going back to at least 2009, according to the NWS records.

A heat advisory is issued for Palm Beach County when heat-index temperatures are forecast to reach 108 degrees or higher for at least two hours. In Broward and Miami-Dade counties, a heat advisory is issued if heat-index temperatures of 105 or higher are expected for at least two hours.

More: Meteorologists look for clues as to why hurricane season stalled. Is the answer in Africa?

Average daily temperatures have been running up to four degrees above normal this month in West Palm Beach as measured at Palm Beach International Airport. That combined with the heavy moisture in the air is one reason for the unusual September heat advisories.

The other part of the answer is since Broward and Miami-Dade lowered their criteria, there are times when they are a slam dunk for an advisory and Palm Beach is borderline but for messaging purposes, its easier to message for the whole east coast, Torres-Vazquez said.

The advisories continue a summertime trend where West Palm Beach had 29 heat advisories June 1 through Aug. 31. The summer season ended as the fifth-hottest in records dating back 131 years.

As has been the trend for well over a decade, temperatures averaged above normal, said Robert Molleda, meteorologist in charge at the NWS Miami office, in his summer summary.

He noted that much of the summer heat was captured in overnight temperatures. West Palm Beach had 25 overnight temperatures of 80 degrees or higher  at least twice as many as the summer of 2023.

Those looking for relief from the summer-long heat and humidity typically have to wait until early or mid-October for the first noticeable cold front, Molleda said. More substantial lowering of temperatures into the 50s are not normally observed until late October or November.

While the tropics suddenly came alive this week with Hurricane Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday as a Category 2 storm, there are no current direct threats to South Florida.

The National Hurricane Center is watching Tropical Depression Seven, which is about halfway between Africa and the Lesser Antilles. The system is forecast to become Tropical Storm Gordon but should turn north out to sea with no threat to land.

2024 Hurricane Season Guide: Storm preparation tips, supplies, evacuation zones, insurance info

Also, an area of low pressure could form off the coast of the Carolinas and Georgia with the potential to become a subtropical or tropical storm early next week as it drifts northwest. The next name on this years hurricane list is Helene followed by Isaac.

Fox Weather hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross called the state of the Atlantic basin odd.

Systems we would expect to develop, considering the extremely warm ocean water and apparently conducive atmosphere, dont organize as quickly or as robustly as they often do, he said Thursday in his Hurricane Intel blog. Its a bit of a puzzle that will likely take time to resolve.

Francine is the third hurricane to make a U.S. landfall this year following Beryl on July 8 in Texas and Debby on Aug. 5 in Floridas Big Bend region. Only eight other years since 1900 have had three or more continental U.S. landfalls by Sept. 11, according to Colorado State University hurricane expert Phil Klotzbach. Those years include the hyperactive seasons of 2004, 2005 and 2020.

Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism, subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm Beach weather drier this weekend but still warm with some storms
South Korea was the worlds biggest baby exporter. New evidence shows some mothers were forced to give up children

South Korea has for decades been known as the worlds largest baby exporter  sending hundreds of thousands of children overseas after the country was ravaged by war and many mothers left destitute.

Many of those adopted children, now adults scattered across the globe and trying to trace their origins, have accused agencies of corruption and malpractice, including in some cases forcibly removing them from their mothers.

A report released earlier this week by a Korean government commission supports those claims and uncovers new evidence on the coercive methods used to force mothers to give up their children.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, tasked in 2022 with investigating the claims, found that more than a dozen babies in several government-funded care facilities in the 1980s had been forcibly taken to adoption agencies, sometimes on the day of birth or the next day.

It examined three care facilities in the cities of Daegu and Sejong where, in 1985 and 1986, 20 children in total were transferred to adoption agencies. Most of those children were adopted overseas in the United States, Australia, Norway and Denmark.

The circumstances confirm the facilities forcing mothers to give up their parental rights, the commission told CNN in a statement, marking a bittersweet victory for adoptees who have sought for decades to hold the government to account.

The commission is still investigating cases allegedly involving falsified paperwork. An interim report is expected to publish later this year.

Searching for their roots

More than 200,000 South Korean children have been adopted overseas since the 1950s following World War II and the Korean War, according to authorities. Many of those children were adopted by families in the US and Europe.

While adoptions continue today, the trend has been declining since the 2010s after South Korea amended its adoption laws in an effort to address systematic issues and reduce the number of children adopted overseas.

For a generation of adoptees who have grown up in often homogenous, majority-White populations, some say they feel both disconnected from their Korean roots and unable to fit in. Its what prompted a search for their biological families.

Some of those adoptees say they have mixed emotions over the commissions findings, feeling both horror and hope that the investigation will shed light on what many long suspected.

Its truly terrifying to hear how systemic these issues were, but I wouldnt say its necessarily surprising, said Susanne Seong-eun Bergsten, who was adopted from South Korea and grew up in Sweden.

Bergstens biological family found her when she was a young adult, and while there was no sign that her paperwork was falsified, she says she can understand the struggles having been involved in advocacy for Korean adoptees.

Us adoptees, were all kind of told, these adoptions are for our own good and we should all feel grateful for escaping poverty, she said, calling the reality far more complex.

Our adoption papers often lack important information which could give us more context for adoption, like our cultural background, stigma, and the individual struggles that our parents faced in the post-war era, she said.

Mark Zastrow, a Korean adoptee who was raised in the US, told CNN the findings were an important milestone.

[It] validates what Korean adoptees have known for decades within our community: The narrative that Korean mothers chose of their own volition to relinquish their children is, in all too many cases, a fiction, he said.

While both Zastrow and Bergsten said it marked a promising step in the right direction, Bergsten urged the government to continue taking accountability and offer reparations to adoptees and their families.

Adoption touches every level of Korean society, every economic class, said Zastrow. There is still much about Korean adoption that has not been formally acknowledged.

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South Mississippi authorities on Friday arrested a man accused of kidnapping a teenager, the George County Sheriffs Office said.

Logan Barber, 34, was wanted in connection to the kidnapping case, the Sheriffs Office said. The Sheriffs Office asked residents to lookout for Barber Friday afternoon and announced just over an hour later that he was in custody.

Authorities accused Barber of kidnapping a 16-year-old who was believed to be held against his will. The teenager was located safely on Friday, the Sheriffs Office said.

Authorities did not say where Barber and the teenager were found. But before the arrest, the Sheriffs Office said Barber and the teenager were last seen in George County, in the Rocky Creek community near Lucedale.

The Sheriffs Office said Barber was considered dangerous and believed to frequent Escambia County in Florida. Authorities described him as 5 foot 7 inches tall and 172 pounds with tattoos on his face and neck. He drives a Black 2014 Cadillac Escalade with an Illinois license plate that reads DJSETH, the Sheriffs Office said.
JUBA, South Sudan (AP)  The government in South Sudan has postponed elections scheduled for December for two years citing the need to complete processes such as a census, the drafting of a permanent constitution and the registration of political parties.

The Presidential Adviser on National Security Tut Gatluak on Friday said the extension would provide an opportunity to complete critical processes before the new election date of Dec. 22, 2026.

This is the second time the country, which gained independence in 2011, is postponing elections and extending a transitional period that started in February 2020.

President Salva Kiir and his former rival turned deputy, Riek Machar, signed a peace agreement in 2018 that ended a five-year civil war in which more than 400,000 people died.

Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro said the extension followed recommendations from both electoral institutions and the security sector.

Last month, the chairperson of National Election Commission, Prof. Abednego Akok, told the Associated Press the country was behind the electoral calendar which required voter registration to have started in June but was still pending due to a shortage of funds.

The country is going through an economic crisis that has seen civil servants go unpaid for almost one year, after its oil exports were affected by a damaged pipeline in war-torn neighboring Sudan through which it exports.

The Tumaini initiative peace talks that have been going on in neighboring Kenya, believed to provide a foundation for the inclusion of non-signatory groups to sustain peace, have also stalled.

A new security act that allows for warrantless detentions became law in August despite concerns from human rights groups that it would create fear in the runup to the elections.

Andrea Mach Mabior, an independent political analyst, warned that any sham elections may result in a waste of resources and chaos.

Going for elections that do not meet international standards will be a waste of money, Mabior told the AP.

But others like Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment Progress Organization, said delays to the elections or any extension of the transitional period would create a possibility of violence erupting across the fragile country.

If we fail to conduct the elections in December 2024 the chance of the country turning into violence is higher than if we go for the elections, Yakani told the AP in August.

The country, which has gone through the shocks of civil war and climate change is in need of humanitarian aid with an estimated 9 million people  73% of the countrys population  projected to be in need of humanitarian assistance during 2024, according to the 2024 UN Humanitarian Needs Overview for South Sudan.
A Ventura County gang member will spend between 60 years and the rest of his life in prison for killing a man with a sawed-off shotgun in December 2022 in an attempt to impress members of his gang.

On Thursday, the Ventura County District Attorneys office announced that 24-year-old Michael Ortega of Oxnard was sentenced to 64 years to life in state prison for the killing of John Paul Carrillo.

Ortega was convicted by a jury in August on charges of murder, felony possession of methamphetamine and felony possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

Ortega was one of two men charged in the Dec. 5, 2022 killing of Carrillo.

Authorities said Ortega, his co-defendant Paul Ramos, and a third man, traveled to an apartment complex on Gonzales Road in Oxnard just after midnight where they confronted a man in the complex parking lot.

The man convinced the three that he was in good standing with their gang, and the men let him go.

They then confronted Carrillo in a nearby carport. Carrillo, who the D.A.s Office says was not affiliated with any gangs, was punched and shot in the chest with the shotgun and pronounced dead at the scene.

The three suspects fled the scene in Ramos vehicle but were captured on security footage committing the crime.

Michael Ortega, 33, of Oxnard was convicted of killing a man with a sawed-off shotgun in December 2022. (Ventura County District Attorney's Office)

Ortega was arrested days later by Oxnard Police Department officers. The murder weapon, the D.A.s Office said, fell out of his pants as they arrested him. He was also found to be in possession of meth at the time of his arrest.

Ramos was arrested in March 2023 during a traffic stop and pleaded guilty to two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced in June to 10 years in state prison.

Ortega had previously been convicted of shooting a victim in the back with a shotgun in 2019 and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The case was prosecuted by Theresa Pollara, Senior Deputy District Attorney of the Ventura County District Attorneys Office.

Pollara said the senseless killing of John Paul Carrillo illustrates the tragedy of street gang crime.

[Ortega] acted to impress his gang, but there was nothing noble or brave about shooting an innocent youth. The judge said it best when he explained to the defendant that he took two lives, his and Mr. Carrillos.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Three major wildfires burning simultaneously in Southern California have burned homes and stretched resources from multiple agencies across four counties this week. Heres a look at each incident, and the challenges crews face Saturday.

Bridge Fire

The Bridge Fire burning in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties started on Sunday and remained the only fire with no containment as of Thursday night. However, progress was made overnight with little containment being reported by fire officials on Friday and Saturday morning. The fire is estimated to have destroyed about 40 structures and is threatening thousands of others.

The latest Cal Fire update was issued at 6:40 a.m. Saturday.

Containment : 3%

Acres : 52,960

Date Started : Sept. 8, 2024

Location : Camp Bonita Road east of Camp Williams

Cause: Under investigation

Evacuation Map (burn area in orange  mandatory evacuations in red  evacuation warnings in yellow) via Cal Fire:

Evacuation Shelters can be found at Pomona Fairplex: 601 W McKinley Ave, Pomona; San Bernardino County Fairgrounds (Building 6): 14800 7th St, Victorville; Jessie Turner Community Center: 15556 Summit Ave, Fontana and Hacienda Heights Community Center: 1234 Valencia Ave, Hacienda Heights.

Updated information can be found on the Bridge Fire incident page.

Airport Fire

The most recent of the wildfires, the Airport Fire began Monday in Orange Countys Trabuco Canyon before spreading to Riverside County. Containment on the fire increased overnight from 5% to 8%. Officials said the blaze was ignited accidentally by a spark from heavy equipment used by public workers. The Orange County Health Officer issued a Declaration of Local Health Emergency in response to this fire on Friday evening.

The latest Cal Fire update was issued at 5:46 p.m. Friday.

Containment : 9%

Acres : 23,494

Date Started : Sept. 9, 2024

Location : Trabuco Canyon

Cause: Spark from heavy equipment

Evacuation Map (burn area in orange  mandatory evacuations in red  evacuation warnings in yellow) via Cal Fire:

Evacuation Shelters can be found at RSM Bell Tower Community Center: 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita; Temescal Canyon High School: 28755 El Toro Road, Lake Elsinore and Santiago High School: 1395 E Foothill Pkwy, Corona.

Updated information can be found on the Airport Fire incident page.

Line Fire

The Line Fire burning in San Bernardino County is the oldest of the three major wildfires starting on Sept. 5. The blaze destroyed at least one home in Running Springs and was believed to have been intentionally caused. Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco has been charged with nine felony counts including arson causing damages of over $7 million, great bodily injury to a firefighter, and possession of incendiary devices.

The latest Cal Fire update was issued at 6:40 a.m. Saturday.

Containment : 25%

Acres : 38,074

Date Started : Sept. 5, 2024

Location : Baseline Street and Aplin Street in Highland

Cause: Arson

Evacuation Map (burn area in orange  mandatory evacuations in red  evacuation warnings in yellow) via Cal Fire:

Evacuation Shelters can be found at San Bernardino County Fairgrounds (Building 6): 14800 7th St, Victorville; Jessie Turner Community Center: 15556 Summit Ave, Fontana and Hacienda Heights Community Center: 1234 Valencia Ave, Hacienda Heights.

Updated information can be found on the Line Fire incident page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
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.

This article was first published by the North Dakota Monitor, 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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A Starlink mission is set for launch out of Vandenberg Space Force Base on Thursday.

On Sept. 12, SpaceX is planning on launching 21 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Officials say 13 of the satellites will have direct to cell capabilities. The satellites will be launched into low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4, with backup opportunities available until 9:49 p.m.

What is Galaxy Gas?: The dangerous effects of inhaling flavored whip cream chargers

Additional opportunities, if needed, will also be available on Friday, Sept. 13 at 6:35 p.m.

A live webcast of this mission will begin about 5 minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch on X @SpaceX.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Ministers from Muslim and European countries along with the European Union's foreign affairs chief gathered Friday in Madrid to discuss how to advance a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"Together, we want to identify the concrete actions that will enable us to make progress towards this objective," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on social network X.

"The international community must take a decisive step towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," the Socialist premier added.

Sanchez welcomed participants at his official residence before the start of the meeting at the foreign ministry in central Madrid, hosted by his top diplomat Jose Manuel Albares.

"The implementation of the two-state solution is the only way to ensure a just and lasting peace in the region through the peaceful and secure coexistence of the state of Palestine and the state of Israel," Albares told a news conference.

In attendance were Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey -- all members of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group for Gaza -- as well as the heads of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The European Union was represented by its foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell as well as the foreign ministers of Ireland, Norway and Slovenia in addition to Spain.

EU nations have "different positions" on whether to recognise Palestine as a state "but there is undoubtedly unanimity in the union on the need to support the solution based on the construction of the Palestinian state, because the state of Israel already exists," Borrell told a separate press conference after the end of the meeting.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz blasted Borrell for taking part in the gathering, writing on social network X that "Borrell supports establishing a Palestinian terror state controlled by Iran, and the axis of evil against Israel, moderate Arab states, and Europe."

"This is Borrell's legacy - anti-Semitism and hatred towards Israel," he added.

- 'Tragic dimension' -

Asked about Katz's comments, Borrell said that "accusing those who disagree with a government's position of anti-Semitism makes no sense."

"There have unfortunately been examples in history of what it means to be anti-Semitic, and I don't think we should play with big words that have had a tragic dimension in history," he added.

Calls for a two-state solution have grown since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, which began with Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.

That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The militants also seized 251 hostages, 97 of whom are still in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel has responded with an offensive that has killed at least 41,118 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The UN rights office says most of the dead are women and children.

Sanchez has been one of the staunchest critics in Europe of Israel's Gaza offensive since the start of the conflict.

Under his watch, Spain on May 28 along with Ireland and Norway formally recognised a Palestinian state comprising the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Earlier this month he announced that the first "bilateral summit between Spain and Palestine" would be held before the end of the year. He said he expected "several collaboration agreements between the two states" to be signed.

mdm-vab-du/ds/rlp
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  Announcing his candidacy for the Texas Speaker of the House this week, 69th District Representative James Frank is the fourth to challenge current Speaker Dade Phelan.

Pointing toward strained relationships between Phelan and Attorney General Ken Paxton and what he calls an unnecessary focus on controversial matters, Franks immediate goal is to patch things up.

When you leave talent on the bench, then Texas loses, Frank said.

Its why Frank is challenging Phelan for speaker of the Texas House.

Bowie holds informational meeting for upcoming downtown renovations

If you stop talking to somebody you disagree with, its over. You just cant do that, Frank said. Dade has been speaker for four years, and theres, theres a lot of good in it, and theres a lot of challenges that weve have. Obviously, Im not the only one.

Frank called for a refresher, saying Phelans service as speaker since 2021 has left much to be desired.

Probably 15 or 20 bills this year that are highly partisan, and we just need to get this done, Frank said. Weve spent far too much time on a small number of controversial bills, and sometimes, that has kept us from focusing on all of the blocking and tackling.

If elected, Frank aims for all Republican chairs to expedite Conservative legislation.

Roads, water, child welfare, Medicaid, you know, a lot of things that we are doing that are not highly partisan to me, Frank said. We need to make sure that were doing, to me, the partisan stuff, the things that get all the attention, we need to do this early and quickly in session as outlined so that we can still continue to spend our time on the 90 to 95% of bills that Republicans and Democrats expect.

He also said concise communication and member empowerment are needed to forge stronger relationships with those already in leadership.

I definitely want to continue to shepherd some of the improvements that we made in the foster care system, and honestly, some of the changes and some of the improvements I want to make on medical I dont think can be done without a little more influence, Frank said. Theyre big asks. I think some of the changes I would like on healthcare wont happen unless the speaker, lieutenant governor, and governor are behind it.

Despite his strong partisan standpoint, he said his support runs beyond politics.

Ive talked to several Democrats since I filed, probably four or five Democrats, Frank said. Theyve called me, and everybody says, Well, you always talk. You listen.'

Representatives Tom Oliverson of Cypress, Shelby Slawson of Stephenville, and David Cook of Mansfield join Frank in challenging speaker Phelan in November.

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Georgia lieutenant governor Burt Jones will not face criminal charges for serving as one of the alternate electors who falsely swore that Donald Trump won the state in the 2020 presidential election, a special prosecutor announced on Friday.

Jones was a state senator at the time of the declaration.

I find Senator Jones involvement and actions during the times in question to be within the scope of his duties as a Senator to address the concerns of constituents and that his participation in voting as an alternate elector on Dec. 14, 2020 was a result of relying upon the advice of attorneys and legal scholars, Pete Skandalakis of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia said in a statement. Therefore, this case does not warrant further investigation or further actions, and I consider the matter closed.

The special prosecutor, who took the case in April, said Jones did not act with criminal intent and was relying on the advice of attorneys and legal scholars.

While the advice may eventually be judged to be incorrect  Jones, like any other citizen, should not be punished for relying upon the guidance of counsel under these specific facts and conditions, Skandalakis said.

Burt Jones is thought to be considering a run for governor in 2026 (AP)

Jones, who is thought to be considering a run for governor in 2026, celebrated the decision.

I have always wanted to tell my story in front of a fair and unbiased prosecutor, he told CNN. I look forward to being able to focus on the work I was elected to do.

In addition to claiming to be an alternate elector, Jones pushed for a special legislative session to overturn Bidens narrow victory in Georgia.

A special purpose grand jury investigating Trumps efforts in 2020 to subvert the election results recommended charges for Jones, but a judge barred Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from including Jones in her racketeering investigation of Trump and his allies, after the prosecutor held a fundraiser for one of Joness political opponents in 2022.

Three other false electors were indicted last August by a Fulton County grand jury on charges including racketeering, and they have pleaded not guilty.

Earlier this week, a Fulton County judge narrowed the scope of the election interference case against Trump, dropping two charges, arguing the counts, related to perjury or false statements, should fall under federal jurisdiction.

On Friday, Willis declined to appear before the Georgia Senate, as she challenges the legality of a subpoena from a Republican-led committee that is investigating her.

Willis has faced scrutiny, particularly on the right, including a Trump effort to disqualify her from the election case, for having a relationship with a prosecutor who was on the Trump case.
The bomb threat that resulted in the evacuation of Springfield City Hall in Ohio on Thursday used harmful language against the citys immigrant community, aligning with recent false claims touted by Republicans, including former President Trump.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue told The Washington Post that the threat used hateful language towards immigrants and Haitians in our community.

At the second presidential debate Tuesday, Trump said migrants are eating the dogs in the rural town 45 minutes west of Columbus.

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, Trump said. Not going to be Aurora [or] Springfield. A lot of towns dont want to talk about it, because theyre so embarrassed by it. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs.

At a campaign stop in Arizona on Thursday afternoon, Trump doubled down on these claims, emphasizing that 20,000 illegal Haitian immigrants have descended on a town of 58,000 people, destroying their way of life.

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.

City officials continue to insist thats not the case, and Rue said these claims have hurt the community.

Springfield is a dynamic community with many positive attributes, Springfield city manager Bryan Heck added via a video statement Wednesday. 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.

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Springfield, Ohio, Mayor Rob Rue in an interview late Thursday assured residents that their pets are safe and dismissed claims about Haitian migrants amplified by former President Trump at the debate with Vice President Harris earlier this week.

Id like to first say Springfield is still beautiful and your pets are safe in Springfield, Ohio. Safe, Rue said on NewsNations Cuomo with Chris Cuomo.

Rue said Trumps amplification of false claims has created a negative light for the city.

These claims are, they were just untrue. And we may mention that  we just dont see reports of those, Rue said of Trumps remark.

During the debate Tuesday, Trump referred to a false allegation amplified by his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), that peoples pets were being eaten by migrants in Springfield.

A lot of towns dont want to talk about it, because theyre so embarrassed by it. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said.

Rue, local police and city authorities all say no pet abductions have been reported and dismissed the claims.

Theres a lot of frenzy on the internet, but this is not what were seeing, the mayor said. Its a bit frustrating.

Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine also brushed off the claim, saying the internet can be quite crazy sometimes.

Rue did say that Springfield is dealing with an infrastructure strain due to an influx of migrants arriving in the city. He said hes reached out for help, including translation services, so they can understand migrants needs.

He also said migrants are choosing Springfield because there are job opportunities and a housing boom.

Theres a lot of good things happening in Springfield, he said, noting the cost of living and opportunity in surrounding communities.

Rue also said Springfield is starting to see a culture clash as the false claims about migrants spread and are amplified by a presidential candidate.

2 Springfield schools evacuated, another closed for the day

There is a culture clash, and we see it and we know it, but  its just hitting us from all levels, and the federal leaders who had the national stage did not help us solve this problem, he said.

Springfield City Hall was evacuated Thursday after a bomb threat. The city government said in a post online it was closing City Hall as a precautionary measure after the bomb threat was issued to multiple Springfield facilities.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

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Springfield, Ohio, Mayor Rob Rue is setting the record straight after his towns city hall was evacuated due to a bomb threat.

Rue spoke with CNNs Laura Coates Thursday night to hit back at the outlandish claims that Haitian immigrants had begun eating their neighbors pets. He asserted that while it had been difficult to adjust to the influx of new residents, the city was certainly not imploding on itself.

Unfortunately, right now we have to focus on making sure this rhetoric is dispelled, that these rumors are justtheyre just not true. You know, Springfield is a beautiful place and your pets are safe in Springfield, Rue said, laughing slightly at how insane it all sounded.

Coates played a clip of Donald Trump giving a speech in Arizona earlier Thursday, during which the former president claimed that Haitian immigrants had descended upon Springfield, destroying their entire way of life. Trump again claimed that migrants were snatching geese from local parks and even walking off with their pets.

Coates sighed, exasperated, while Rue shook his head. If you could speak to the former president what would you tell him? Coates asked.

We need help, not hate, Rue repeated. He criticized lawmakers who carelessly cast the city of Springfield in a negative light.

We have a beautiful city, and we need, we need the national stage to pay attention to what their words are doing to cities like ours, Rue added. We dont need this pushback that is hurting our citizens and hurting our communityI would say that to anybody who would take a mic and say those things.
Friday's evacuations come after a bomb threat, which referenced a false Donald Trump conspiracy theory, forced government buildings to evacuate Thursday

halbergman/Getty Springfield, Ohio

Two middle schools and a high school in Springfield, Ohio, were evacuated because of two bomb threats made the morning of Friday, Sept. 13, as well as the Springfield City Hall and two other government buildings, a city official tells PEOPLE.

A third middle school was also preemptively closed before school started.

Springfield Police Department spokesperson Karen Graves tells PEOPLE that an initial email sent around 7:21 a.m. local time targeted several City Commissioners and a city employee. Another email sent about 25 minutes later directly threatened Cliff Park High School, Perrin Woods Elementary School and Roosevelt Middle School, as well as city hall, the citys Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Ohio License Bureau Southside.

In response to these threats, local and regional law enforcement, along with our public safety partners, have acted promptly, Graves said, adding that law enforcement using bomb-sniffing K-9 units conducted thorough inspections and cleared the facilities listed in the threats.

The evacuations come one day after Springfield announced it was evacuating and shutting down government buildings and several other schools because of a bomb threat made in an email on Thursday, Sept. 12.

USA Today reported the bomb threats made Thursday, which prompted the city to shut down its government offices, specifically mentioned the baseless conspiracy theory promoted by former President Donald Trump during Tuesday nights presidential debate, which claims that local Haitian immigrants have been eating domesticated pets.

The local Springfield News-Sun, NBC News and ABC News also reported Friday that officials had evacuated Snowhill Elementary School due to the threats, as well.

Graves said local police are working with the FBI to determine the origin of these email threats.

Related: Daughter of Haitian Immigrants Says Trump's 'Eating the Pets' Comment Opens Old Wounds: 'It's So Ignorant' (Exclusive)

ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Police officers stand outside the Springfield City Hall after bomb threats were made against buildings earlier in the day in Springfield, Ohio on September 12, 2024. 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 its being debunked.

BBC reported earlier this week that the false rumor Trump espoused Tuesday had first become widespread after Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance began repeating the claim on social media.

The outlet reports that Vance, who doubled down on the claim after Tuesday's debate (despite city officials debunking it), appears to have picked up the falsehood from a local social media influencer who attended a Springfield, Ohio, city council meeting and complained about the outlandish scenario without providing any evidence to support the statements.

Trump then repeated the false claims on the debate stage Tuesday, bringing the conspiracy theory into the national spotlight. ABC News anchor David Muir, who was moderating the debate, interrupted Trump to tell viewers that the former presidents claim was not supported by fact. In reality, Muir told the more than 67 million viewers, ABC News reporters had already reached out to city officials about the claims, to which city officials said there were no credible reports of anything like it happening in the Springfield, Ohio, community.

Graves also confirmed with PEOPLE earlier this week that there were also no credible reports of any such incidents taking place.

Related: Haitian Immigration Lawyer Says Ohio Clients Are Panicked amid New Wave of Hate: 'Everyone Is Disheartened' (Exclusive)

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Donald Trump and Kamala Harris

PEOPLE spoke with several Haitian-Americans this week who expressed concern about Trump inciting violence by promoting the theory on national television with tens of millions of people tuning in.

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Melissa Chataigne, a first-generation Haitian American, told PEOPLE Trumps comments had stung and are very dangerous.

Meanwhile, Lana Marcius Joseph, a Haitian-born immigration lawyer who represents clients around the United States, told PEOPLE shes had clients reaching out this week asking if its safer to relocate from where they live in Springfield, Ohio.

Joseph says she was hurt, embarrassed, and upset when she heard Trump make the claim.



"I was in shock to just sit there and hear this man say these things on national TV. And I'm looking at it, and millions of people are watching this, not only just in the United States, but all over the world," she said. "Bringing these types of ideas is only dividing us. It's not doing anything positive or uniting us in any kind of way, but it is just a way to attack us again."

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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio  Two local pastors spoke to Fox News Digital about the ministry challenges facing their town that has been thrust into the national spotlight after viral videos of residents complaining of disturbing behavior from Haitian refugees who have settled in the area.

"I think the biggest change that weve seen happen has just been sort of a breakdown in the trust of the community and some basic civility has also broken down a little bit," BJ Newman, a pastor in Springfield, Ohio, told Fox News Digital from Springfields Snyder Park on Thursday. "I think the reason for that is because there have been so many changes so quickly. In the 2020 census, there was about 50,000, a little north of that, residents here, now we have, numbers I have been reading, between 15,000 and 20,000 additional immigrants have arrived."

The comments come as the town where Newman works has been thrust into the national spotlight, attention that has only grown since Ohio Sen. JD Vance and former President Donald Trump highlighted the town in back-to-back days earlier this week.

On Monday, Vance took to social media to write about the town, claiming that "people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country."

HAITIAN REFUGEES DONT UNDERSTAND THE LAWS, LAWMAKER SAYS AMID FATAL WRECK, CULTURAL CLASHES

Trump doubled down on the claim during Tuesdays debate, arguing that Haitian refugees in Springfield are "eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats."

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"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 in a response to a question about immigration.

Many local leaders rushed to the towns defense, disputing what has become a widespread claim.

Newman also expressed frustration with the claim, arguing that it has distracted from real issues being faced by Springfield locals as they try to adjust to the boom in the towns population.

"I think the suffering is real," Newman said. "One of the reasons that I wanted to speak to this is because I am a pastor, and because I am seeing the local people that Im ministering to are being affected by it."

At the heart of the issue, Newman argued, is how quickly the makeup of the town changed, exacerbating cultural differences that have led to tensions between longtime locals and the growing population of refugees from Haiti.

RESIDENTS OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO SHARE FRUSTRATION ABOUT MIGRANT CRISIS HITTING THEIR COMMUNITY

This is the lake where geese have allegedly been poached and slaughtered by Haitian refugees.

"I think most people here in Springfield are good people, I think most people here are very kind and hospitable people. And I do think that the massive influx in such a short time has created real stress, real friction, and ultimately, I think thats the source of all of the difficulty," Newman said.

That friction has increasingly bubbled up among longtime residents, who have attended city council meetings to attempt to voice their concerns about the influx.

Locals have specifically pointed to road safety issues, arguing that many immigrant drivers have been found responsible for many recent crashes, including some of which have been fatal.

"The driving in town is horrendous," former Ohio Republican State Rep. Kyle Koehler told Fox News Digital, adding that much of that can be chalked up to cultural differences and the fact that many immigrants have arrived in Springfield with no license and very little experience driving.

In one high profile incident last August, a school bus with dozens of children collided with a minivan, resulting in over 20 injuries to students on board and one fatality, Aiden Clark.

Hermanio Joseph, a Haitian immigrant, was found responsible for the accident and was later found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

FOCUS GROUP REACTS TO TRUMP CLAIM THAT MIGRANTS ARE 'EATING THE DOGS' IN OHIO TOWN

"That traumatized this community," Newman said of the fatal crash. "We mobilized pretty quickly in my role as a minister, and we had to work really hard to do some counseling and to intervene. And I think what that did was that shown a bright flashing star, like wait a second, whats going on here."

However, as some residents mobilized to push back against the influx, others began mounting an effort to defend the Haitian refugees.

At an event across town later Thursday, other religious leaders in town gathered at Springfields Covenant Presbyterian Church to highlight their efforts to welcome and assist the growing number of Haitian refugees.

One of those attending the event was First Baptist Church Reverend Adam Banks, who told Fox News Digital that tension in Springfield is expected but can be overcome.

"Theres tension in the community, much like the ways that tension has arisen in the past when there have been new members to move into an established area," Banks said.

Banks chalked up the current tension in Springfield to a "lack of understanding" and "familiarity" between two cultures not used to each other, but argued that also means there are "more people who are available to share their gifts" and assist with "services in the community."

Banks, who said some members of the Haitian community have attended his services, argued that refugees should be welcomed by the community instead of shunned.

"They have joined right in helping with the sound system, sharing special music, sharing their lovely voices, reading scripture, providing leadership in various capacities in the congregation," Banks said, adding that he will continue to "welcome" people who "want to celebrate the gift that each person brings and magnify god."

"We do not need any more false information being shared, that really display a fear we have for those that we dont understand," Banks said.

Meanwhile, Newman argued that those who have been members of the community for a long time should be able to be part of the conversation, though they are typically dismissed for voicing any concerns.

"I think theres a larger narrative that says the only compassionate response in a situation like this is you accept all of these immigrants and shut up. Any sense of raising our hand and saying wait a second, we werent considered, were suffering her too. And the response is something like youre racist or youre a bigot, why are you so anti-immigrant," Newman said.





Original article source: Springfield pastors speak out on Haitian refugee challenges: 'The suffering is real'
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Excitement is building for this years 34th annual Puerto Rican Parade in Springfield.

This parade is a time-honored celebration that embraces the culture, heritage, and the many contributions of the Puerto Rican community in Springfield.

Beyond being a celebration, the parade is a testament to resilience, pride, unity, and the power of collective voices.

The best part is you do not have to be Puerto Rican to celebrate. Everyone is welcomed with open arms to celebrate all. The parade route spans 2.1 miles through the city center which begins in the north-end neighborhood and culminates downtown.

This event is a night that many Latinos look forward to Kyra Rodriguez telling 22News why its important to have cultural celebrations like this.

I hope they feel part of our heritage and that the culture sinks into their soul and their blood the same way it does for us. If we dont do things like this then they wont know they wont know how beautiful our culture is how much we love each other. We just love to be together and have fun and and share out culture. Kyra Rodriguez, Board Member, Puerto Rican Parade Committee

The event will go on rain or shine. starting at 11 am on Sunday. People are encouraged to park at the lots on Main Street in Springfield.

There will be free parking for those who attend as long as it is in the designated area.

UMass and White Lion Brewery will be hosting a block party from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

with a special performance from Madison Curbelo.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Springfield, Ohio resident Mark Sanders detailed Thursday how the influx of tens of thousands of illegal immigrants has left a devastating impact on his community's small population.

Sanders told Fox News host Jesse Waters that about 30,000 Haitians have come to Springfield over the past two years, leading to a housing, jobs and healthcare crisis for the city's 60,000 residents.

A big problem, he says, is the impact on the roads and driving: "Our roads are like it's like Escape from New York You don't know if you're going to get from point A to point B without getting run over," he said, referring to the 1981 movie.

"Life-long residents have been moved out of their homes that they've rented for decades. People who own their homes have accepted very high offers and then they've been turned into basically dormitories by landlords, both American and Haitian. There's a lot of greed on both sides of the fence," Sanders said on "Jesse Waters Primetime."

"We have a temp service. A temporary staffing service, that actually is probably employing about 95% of those that have arrived here that are working. Many aren't. Not everybody's working. And people will say that not everybody is. But the staffing service owns 63 homes. Those homes are used as dormitories. They shuttle the workers to and from their jobs. And, you know, they go. He takes a portion of their check, charges them for transportation charges and for lodging," he continued.

HAITIAN REFUGEES DONT UNDERSTAND THE LAWS,' LAWMAKERS SAY AMID FATAL WRECK, CULTURAL CLASHES

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Residents say auto wrecks have also spiked since migrants arrived.

Last year in Springfield, dozens were injured and a boy was killed after a Haitian migrant without a valid driver's license swerved and caused a school bus to crash.

Sanders says Springfield residents aren't "anti-immigrant;" they just want the town to feel safe again and for its residents to have the resources they need.

"Nothing can be further from the truth," Sanders said. "What we are is a city that only wants our safety, security and sovereignty back."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

"When you have, obviously the incident that occurred a year ago, we've had total upheaval because of that. Our food pantries, they get stripped. Our clinic, which is [called] Rocking Horse, is a federally funded clinic in town. Their budget was decimated. In Haitian, clinic means hospital. Our emergency rooms are overrun," he continued.

"Of course nobody's being compensated unless they've actually checked in with the Health department and qualified for the Medicaid," he said. "Our roads are like it's like Escape from New York and everybody feels like Snake Plissken. You don't know if you're going to get from point A to point B without getting run over, run into or have a SUV flip over in front of you. And again, the bad driving is multinational. I don't want to sound like it's only one group that's doing it, but I think that they're the most that's happening. I mean, they have between four and six wrecks a day and probably over 50% of those are people without licenses, without insurance and have no English skills."

RESIDENTS OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO SHARE FRUSTRATION ABOUT MIGRANT CRISIS HITTING THEIR COMMUNITY

Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Springfield came into the national spotlight this week after former President Trump highlighted the tiny town's problems during the presidential debate, blaming President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' "open-border" policies.

During her 2019 presidential campaign, Harris supported decriminalizing illegal border crossings, called to shut down immigration detention centers on day one and talked about Immigration and Customs Enforcement starting again "from scratch."

Since emerging as the 2024 Democratic nominee, Harris has pledged to "Secure Our Borders and Fix Our Broken Immigration System," on her campaign's policy page. She has also doubled down on her support for an "earned pathway to citizenship" for illegal immigrants.

Sanders was skeptical of Harris' pledge to secure the border after three and-a-half years in office.

"I think Kamala is kind of like that spouse that cheats on you and says she'll stop when it's your anniversary. All the things she's promising to do she can do now. She just chooses not to," he told Watters. "She's not the one for the White House. She's not the one."

Fox News' Adam Shaw contributed to this report.





Original article source: Springfield resident says roads are like 'Escape from New York' after Haitian migrants overrun rural town
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Springfield School Committee convened to vote on the contract renewal between the citys police department and public schools.

I dont want to gamble on the safety of our students, shared Mayor Sarno, Chairman of Springfield School Committee.

The three-year-old contract has granted access to cameras in the event of an emergency like a fire, gas leak, and a lockdown.

Group of mothers push for phone-free schools nationwide

Officers can shave off minutes of their response time knowing who, what, where, when, it will undoubtedly save lives, said Adam Fenn, Director of Safety and Security with Springfield Public Schools.

This agreement allows school officials to get in contact with law enforcement and request access to the security cameras. Springfield Public Schools are the only district in the commonwealth with this kind of technology.

In the last three years, this resource has been used seven times. Six of the calls to turn on the cameras were SWAT incidents, and the seventh incident responded to the Sci-Tech shooting. In that case, allowing officers to make an arrest within hours.

I would approve the vote, if we approve the access to the school security cameras MOU for 120 days which would give us the time to be able to have our public meeting that we are asking for, and that way we do not lapse on the access to the camera in the meantime, said Latonia Monroe Laynor, School Committee Member with the Springfield School Committee.

A motion passed Thursday evening concerning Mayor Sarno, who is also a member of the committee. Im speaking on the motion, this is serious business here. You have agreed upon a contract for MOU, mutually agreed upon by both entities for three years, to keep our children and students and teachers safe and sound, shared Mayor Sarno.

Committee members say there is not enough transparency as to whos accessing these cameras and when with parents of children who attend Springfield Public Schools. But if something should occur and something lapses in 120 days then the fingers are going to start getting pointed, said Mayor Sarno.

As of Thursday evening, a 120-day extension has been set in place for the committee. During this time Springfield Public Schools in partnership with the citys police department will be able to access the cameras if needed. In addition, the committee will need to hold a public forum to detail this resource and come to a new agreement with the police department.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- Sri Lankas main opposition leader said hell reopen negotiations with the International Monetary Fund on its $3 billion loan if he wins next weeks presidential election to ease the financial burden on working class people.

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Sajith Premadasa, 57, wants rich individuals to bear more of the cost of the economic adjustment that came with the bailout program. The austerity measures that were imposed, such as tax and electricity-price hikes, and the debt restructuring, have made the incumbent leader Ranil Wickremesinghe deeply unpopular, creating a tight race for the Sept. 21 vote.

We will make sure there is justice and fairness, Premadasa said in an interview in his Colombo office. The burden should be shared by the super rich, not the working class poor.

The election will be the first for the country since an economic crisis in 2022 caused living standards to plunge and the government to default on its debt for the first time ever. Widespread unrest that followed forced the populist Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign. His successor Wickremesinghe went on to negotiate the IMF bailout the following year.

Premadasa, who runs a breakaway group that splintered from Wickremesinghes party in 2020, has emerged as one of the three leading candidates contesting an election that analysts say is too close to call. Hell face Wickremesinghe and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a candidate with roots in Marxist socialist policy.

Both Premadasa and Dissanayake have said theyll reopen negotiations with the IMF, adding to policy uncertainty. The IMF needs to conduct a third review of the loan program before it disburses the next tranche of funding, estimated at about $350 million.

Sri Lankas government still hasnt finalized debt restructuring deals with some of its creditors two years after defaulting. Investors have in recent weeks started to cut their exposure to the nations dollar bonds amid concerns over further delays in the debt overhaul.

The nations private creditors and government officials are holding a third round of talks this week to agree on the restructuring of $12.6 billion in defaulted bonds, Bloomberg News reported earlier, citing people familiar with the matter. The government is seeking to reach a final agreement on the debt before the election, one of the people said, adding that a statement with details on the ongoing negotiations may be released next week.

Premadasa declined to give details of what hell seek to change in the IMF loan conditions, although he was critical of a domestic debt restructuring agreed to by the current administration, which he called dastardly unfair in its treatment of local pension funds.

In an Aug. 2 statement, the IMF said that the timing of the programs third review will be discussed with the government after the polls. Julie Kozack, the IMFs chief spokesperson, reiterated that view on Thursday in Washington, saying we will move forward with program discussions after the presidential elections take place.

Dhananath Fernando, chief executive officer of Advocata Institute, a Colombo-based think tank, said rising costs, including food price hikes, cant be fully attributed to the IMF program, and energy prices were raised to partly make up for the currencys depreciation.

He noted that most food prices and energy costs have eased in the past two years, although lower-income consumers are still worse off compared to before the crisis.

Boosting Exports

Premadasa leads the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya and has previously held ministerial portfolios in government, including housing and health. His manifesto, titled Towards an Advanced Social Market Economy, champions boosting exports, reducing taxes, setting up an independent public prosecutor to tackle corruption and strengthening the rule of law.

Export-driven economic development is one of our main mantras, Premadasa said in the interview on Wednesday. We would also have a purposeful effort to promote manufacturing industry, as it is of great importance to ensure that we have quality economic growth.

Premadasa said he champions good governance and will strive to improve Sri Lankas business environment to help lure foreign direct investment. In a reference to popular leftist candidate Dissanayake, Premadasa said Marxist ideologies, and extreme hardline leftist tendencies will certainly not be the kind of situation which would attract FDI.

Dissanayake is gaining momentum in the race on a campaign platform of eliminating corruption. His coalition of leftist parties and groups, backed by protesters who ousted the Rajapaksa government in 2022, opposes the debt restructuring framework agreed with the multilateral lender.

Premadasa said the IMF program needs to be reworked to ensure a better outcome for citizens.

We need to be very professional in our negotiations with the IMF and we will have a good deal, a strong deal, he said. Nothing will be derailed but everything would be humanized.

--With assistance from Asantha Sirimanne and Eric Martin.

(Updates with bondholder talks in eighth paragraph)

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A St. Ann man has been charged with driving off the road and striking a pedestrian who was walking his dog, killing both.

According to the St. Louis County Police Departments probable cause statement, the incident took place on July 29, 2023, at the intersection of Ashby Road and Briston Drive.

Police said Terry Parnley (age not provided) was driving south on Ashby approaching Briston when his vehicle went off the roadway, then onto the sidewalk and grassy area. Parnley struck the victim and his dog and then re-entered the roadway and continued southward on Ashby.

Both the victim and dog died.

Investigators recovered a Craftsman brand wrench, a piece of tire, a side view mirror, an antenna, and other items from the crash scene. Later that day, police received word of an abandoned vehicle in the 10900 block of North Warson Road, approximately one mile away from the crash.

STL suburb among best Midwest cities to live despite shrinking middle class

The vehicle had two deflated tires, a missing side view mirror, a missing antenna, and a large circular shatter on the right portion of the dash window with dried blood. Police said the vehicle contained a tool set of Craftsman wrenches that was missing an 18mm wrench.

Investigators said the front bumper had hair fibers consistent with the victims dog, and the blood from the dash window matched the victim.

Police eventually questioned Parnley, who claimed he was in an accident at Lindbergh and St. Charles Rock Road. Authorities said they found DNA evidence linking Parnley to the abandoned vehicle.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Parnley with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Parnley has prior convictions in Missouri for burglary, stealing, failure to appear in court, endangering the welfare of a child, and non-support, as well as a domestic battery conviction in Illinois.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
ST. LOUIS  Three people from St. Louis and an Atlanta man appeared in U.S. District Court on Thursday and were found guilty of acting as illegal agents of the Russian government.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said Omali Yeshitela, 82, Penny Hess, 78, and Jesse Nevel, 34, of St. Louis, and Augustus C. Romain Jr., 38, of Atlanta, conspired to support Russias efforts to undermine the U.S.

Yeshitela, Hess, Nevel, and Romain were charged with conspiracy to act as agents of a foreign government as part of a superseding indictment on April 13, 2023.

Sentencing has not been scheduled. Each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison.

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According to prosecutors, Yeshitela, Hess, and Nevel were leaders of the African Peoples Socialist Party (APSP) and worked on behalf of the Russian government from at least May 2015 until July 2022. Romain was once a high-level official in the APSP until November 2018, when he left the organization, traveled to Georgia, and founded a new group called the Black Hammer.

All four had ties to Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov, the founder and head of the Russian government-funded Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia (AGMR).

Prosecutors said in May 2015, Ionov invited Yeshitela on an all-expenses-paid trip to Russia to communicate on future cooperation. Yeshitela communicated with Hess, Nevel, and Romain that Ionov was indeed an instrument of the Russian government and that the Russians were acting in the United States and to sow division inside the country.

Ionov provided cash and directed Yeshitela, Hess, and Nevel to draft and publish a petition calling for the United Nations to charge the U.S. with an active genocide against the African people. Hess eventually complied with the request, and Ionov promoted the petition and the trios actions in Russian media.

In 2016, Ionov funded a four-city tour to promote the petition. At the conclusion of the tour, Yeshitela told his cohorts in the APSP that their organization had developed a relationship with forces in Russia who are involved in their own struggle with the U.S.

Prosecutors said Ionov later attempted to influence elections in St. Petersburg, Florida, including offering financial support to Nevel, who was running for mayor at the time.

In April 2020, Ionov invited both Yeshitela and Nevel to speak at a conference to promote Russian-backed secessionist groups in eastern Ukraine. After Russa invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Ionov directed the defendants to demonstrate outside a California-based social media company to protest the suppression of pro-Russian views. That May, Romain demonstrated outside an Atlanta media company to celebrate Russias Victory Day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo.  An employee at a St. Peters business faces charges of theft and fraud for allegedly misusing company credit cards. Tina Wagner is accused of making over $32,000 in unauthorized personal purchases and payments to her husbands construction business between September 2023 and January 2024.

Texas Brown Tarantulas on the move in Missouri  What to do if you spot one

The fraud came to light in January when company officials reported suspicious credit card activity. One of the purchases was for saltwater fish, even though her company has a freshwater tank. Court documents note that Wagners scheme included inflated invoices for construction work and a tool chest delivered to her sons home.

Investigators uncovered attempts to conceal the fraud, including possible $1,000 kickbacks to another employee, and refunds that started after Wagner learned of an internal company investigation. She initially claimed some purchases were accidental but later admitted to intentionally overpricing invoices, according to police statements.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The State Department on Friday accused Russian media outlet RT of being involved in covert influence campaigns across the globe, sanctioning its parent company for working on behalf of the Russian government.

We now know that RT moved beyond being simply a media outlet and has been an entity with cyber capabilities. It is also engaged in information operations, covert influence, and military procurement, the State Department said in a release, saying RT has carried out operations in Europe, Africa, and North and South America.

We are not taking action against these entities and individuals for the content of their reporting, or even the disinformation they create and spread publicly. We are taking action against them for their covert influence activities. Covert influence activities are not journalism. The United States will always stand for freedom of expression, including for those with whom we disagree. We encourage dissent, open debate, and free discourse. But we will not stand for attempts by state actors to carry out covert activities with the goal of hijacking that discourse.

RT, formerly known as Russia Today, is also accused of managing a crowdfunding site that helps provide weapons and other military equipment.

The notice comes on the heels of a Justice Department (DOJ) indictment last week accusing two RT employees of leading a covert influence campaign by partnering with conservative media company Tenet Media to hire various right-wing influencers, all the while purporting to provide funding from a fictitious donor. The two also had some editorial control at the company.

We know that for over two years, RT has leveraged its extensive state funding to covertly recruit and pay social media personalities and provide them with unbranded content to disseminate and promote around the world while hiding RTs involvement, the State Department said.

The alert notes that RT similarly hired an influencer in France, and likewise runs websites in South Africa and Germany.

Its also been undertaking various efforts to influence the coming Moldovan elections, including fomenting arrest with the goal of sparking violent protests.

Much like with the DOJ indictment of its employees, RT responded with a tongue-in-cheek dig.

Weve been broadcasting straight out of the KGB headquarters all this time, RT said on its own site.

No, but seriously, were running out of popcorn to sit and watch what the US government will come up with next about us.

According to the State Department, since last year the Russian government embedded within RT an entity with cyber operational capabilities and ties to Russian intelligence.

Under the cover of RT, information produced through this entitys capabilities flows to Russias intelligence services, Russian media outlets, Russian mercenary groups, and other various state and proxy arms of the Russian Government, the warning says.

Also among the allegations is that the crowdfunding platform was used to finance the purchase of items from China.

Military equipment and supplies, to include sniper rifles, suppressors, personal weapon sights, body armor, clothing, night-vision equipment, drones, radio equipment, and diesel generators are imported in small orders to avoid unwanted scrutiny, the State Department said.

Updated at 3:38 p.m. EDT

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LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - A woman fired by Georgia DFCS, blamed for mishandling an abuse investigation that might have saved a little girls life, says her former bosses owe her an apology.

Alexandria Armah expressed that to the FOX 5 I-Team after learning the state Division of Family and Children Services has fired a third employee over the beating death of 8-year-old Sayra Barros  firing the very manager who Armah insisted for months was the one who actually closed an earlier complaint about the Barros family too quickly, not her.

Records show DFCS fired Social Services Specialist Supervisor Sasha Carr on August 19, after an outside investigation found shes the one who pushed to end the earlier case a few days before Christmas, then took the final steps to make it happen.

Former DFCS supervisor Alexandria Armah, fired by DFCS in February and accused of mishanding a child abuse case, says the state owes her an apology after an independent investigation laid blame on her former supervisor. (FOX 5)

"I want my name cleared," Armah told the I-Team. "I want them to retract everything that they said."

But an apology from the states child welfare agency, or even an offer of her job back, isnt happening. The agency apparently still holds Armah partly responsible. Asked if DFCS will change any of its earlier statements about Armah, the agency responded by email through a spokeswoman, "No."

A third DFCS worker, Gwinnett County manager Sasha Carr, has been fired after an independent investigation uncovered her role in closing an earlier case on 8-year-old Sayra Barros, who was beaten to death in January.

DFCS leaders declined interview requests for this story.

The I-Team reached out to Carr by phone and email, and tried knocking on her door, but she did not respond.

A warning sign, bungled

DFCS fired both Armah and case manager Shetial Wingard in February, saying they mishandled a 2023 complaint from Sayra's school that included disturbing comments allegedly made by her father.

According to records obtained by the I-Team, Harbins Elementary had reported that father Cledir Barros "referred to the child as a demon" and "admitted that the (stepmother) loses her cool and disciplines the child inappropriately causing bruising."

Cledir Barros is on trial for child cruelty for a third time, after two hung juries. (FOX 5)

Records show Gwinnett County DFCS closed that complaint after 38 days, on Dec. 22.

Sayra died about a month later. On Jan. 30, her stepmother, Natiela Barros, became angry with her for playing with her toast and not doing her school work, a statement issued by the Gwinnett County DA's office said. An initial spanking allegedly escalated into the stepmother retrieving a rolling pin from the kitchen. Then she "struck the child ten to twenty times on the back of the head, neck and arms," a Gwinnett prosecutor said in a March court hearing.

Cledir Barros is accused of knowing about his wifes abuse, but leaving his daughter in her care anyway. The parents are being tried separately in Gwinnett County, with Cledir Barros currently on trial for a third time after two hung juries.

Natiela Barros faces a judge soon after being arrested in the death of her 8-year-old stepdaughter Sayra Barros. She is being tried separately from her husband. (FOX 5)

In the weeks after Sayras killing, personnel records show DFCS zeroed in on Armah and Wingard. In an email recommending their terminations, then-Gwinnett DFCS Director Travis Moses cited a "pattern of closing  cases (particularly when child vulnerability is high) without fully assessing for safety of the children," saying they should be let go for "reckless assessment decisions/conduct."

But Armah later spoke out to the FOX 5 I-Team, saying that during most of the case, including when it was being closed, she wasnt even in Gwinnett County, but in a classroom in Griffin for mandatory supervisor training.

A photo of Sayra Barros, killed on Jan. 30, is displayed during a court hearing.

Initially, she blamed unnamed superiors in the Gwinnett DFCS office.

"I feel like my name was tarnished," Armah said in March, "to protect and to save their livelihoods."

She said who closed it

In a second interview in May, Armah identified Carr  who ranked immediately above her  as the person who actually closed the earlier abuse allegation.

The state stood by Armah's firing, though. Responding to the I-Teams questions, DFCS provided what it described as a line of data from its case management system, showing an "Investigation Conclusion" of "Barros, Cledir" on "12/22/2023," with the name "Armah, Alexandr."

Alexandria Armah said of her former bosses at DFCS, "I want a public apology, because this has literally done so much damage, to just me as an individual." (FOX 5)

It would take outside eyes to go deeper.

State records show Georgia Department of Human Services Commissioner Candice Broce asked for an impartial probe by the state Inspector Generals office in May  a week after FOX 5 aired a third story on Armahs firing.

Click to open this PDF in a new window.

Moses, the Gwinnett DFCS director when Sayra died, has been promoted to a DFCS regional director. In a May meeting, Carr told him, "I did not close that case," according to an Aug. 14 letter from Inspector General Nigel Lange to the DHS commissioner. The I-Team obtained that letter in an open records request for Carr's personnel file.

But the Inspector General "found evidence to the contrary," the letter says, including a Dec. 22 email where Carr told Armah and her case worker to submit the case for approval "by noon that day."

When the Inspector General checked the DFCS case management system, it found Carr took the final step in closing the Barros case. The letter to Commissioner Broce says, "SHINES revealed the CPS Investigation was approved by Ms. Carr, which closed the case and contradicted her statement "

The findings of an Inspector General's probe into the premature closing of an earlier DFCS case on Sayra Barros raises questions about why the Gwinnett office didn't focus on manager Sasha Carr sooner. (FOX 5)

So why didn't Gwinnett DFCS know that already?

The agency said in a written answer to that question, "This case is complex. There were several shortcomings, but sometimes it can be difficult to ascertain who holds the ultimate responsibility due to case coordination and shared decision-making."

A culture problem?

The letter says the Inspector General took issue with Carrs dishonesty, concluding "she lied" regarding her involvement in closing the case.

The letter also says Carr blamed "DHS culture," saying "overdue cases are frowned upon."

Armah had also described such a culture in the Gwinnett office to the I-Team.

"A lot of case closures, it's about the numbers as opposed to the real issues that are going on with families and children," Armah said last month. "I feel that there were other things that could have been done (in the Barros case). One of those things being the case manager going out and seeing that kid again."

Alexandria Armah told the FOX 5 I-Team there was pressure to close cases within the Gwinnett County DFCS office. (FOX 5)

A letter from DFCS to Carr, informing her she's being separated, accuses her of "negligence in the performance of your job duties," citing a list of policy violations. DFCS told the I-Team her firing was also because of "the State IGs letter which outlines various performance issues and policy violations."

Other DFCS records raise questions about why the agency didn't focus on Carr to begin with. While Armah had a clean disciplinary record and had just been promoted to supervisor, Carr's personnel file shows her being disciplined five times, including for closing cases without reviewing them properly. The records describe that as her responsibility  to make final decisions on cases and to close them when needed.

Inspector General Lange said his investigation into the case closing remains ongoing. Sayra Barros death is also being investigated the Georgia Office of the Child Advocate.


Katie Hobbs, Democratic candidate for Arizona governor, speaks with Stacey Barchenger, State Politics Reporter, during an interview on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, in Phoenix.

The Arizona Supreme Court will not hear the state Republican Party's lawsuit challenging executive orders issued by Gov. Katie Hobbs last year designed to make voting easier, leaving the pair of orders in place.

The Republican Party of Arizona went directly to the state's top court in August, asking it to take up the matter without first going through the legal process that typically starts in a county superior court. To grant that request would be unusual, and the Arizona Supreme Court said Thursday the party had offered no justification for doing so.

The court dismissed the matter without assessing the merits.

The court's order noted the timing of the GOP's lawsuit, which is called a special action petition, and its argument that there was urgency to act ahead of the November election.

"The issues raised in the special action petition will not be mooted by the November 2024 election," Chief Justice Ann. Scott Timmer wrote, noting that the GOP did not address why it didn't challenge the orders until now.

"An earlier challenge would have permitted the Petitioners to secure a final ruling well before the upcoming election," the order read.

Hobbs signed the executive orders in November. They directed the Arizona Department of Administration to work with state agencies and counties to make state facilities available as polling places or ballot drop-off locations and said state agencies should, "to the greatest extent practicable and allowed by law," make the voter registration form available online and in offices.

When the lawsuit was filed in August, a spokesperson for the GOP noted that Chair Gina Swoboda wasn't the party leader at the time the orders were signed. And he said a June 30 deadline created by one order to report on implementation had been missed.

The party's lawsuit asked the Supreme Court to intervene, claiming Hobbs overstepped her legal authority, and stop enforcement of the orders.

Lawyers for the Democratic governor noted in court paperwork that the GOP waited 294 days to go to court. The party created its own "supposed emergency," attorney Andy Gaona argued, also challenging the GOP's case as driven by "anti-democratic goals."

The Supreme Court ruling allows the party to re-file the case in a lower court. A spokesperson for the Republican Party of Arizona did not immediately comment on whether it would do so.

Hobbs is "committed to ensuring every eligible Arizonan can express their voices at the ballot box" and stands by the orders, her spokesperson Christian Slater said. The Governor's Office looks "forward to Arizonans having the access that they need to make their voices heard in November," he said.

Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at stacey.barchenger@arizonarepublic.com or 480-416-5669.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona court dismisses GOP challenge to governor's orders on voting
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  The South Dakota State Historical Society is trying a new promotion to increase its paid memberships.

Current members will be able to provide gift memberships for one year at discounted introductory prices.

The societys trustees unanimously approved the change at their meeting on Friday.

Supreme Court upholds divorce but finds errors

A regular annual membership costs $50. That will be reduced to $30 the first year for a new member who joins through the gift program.

There will be similar discounted pricing for new gift memberships for families, library and history groups, students and businesses.

Members would then decide whether to renew at regular prices for a second year.

The society currently has about 1,400 members worldwide.

State Historian Ben Jones explained the promotion to the trustees. He said experience has shown that the best way for the society to add memberships is through current members telling friends.

The item was added to the agenda at the start of the meeting.

Its a bit of a rush, Jones acknowledged. Wed like to do this for Christmas as part of the gift-giving for the holidays.

He said the first-year results will be reviewed when the trustees meet next fall.

Trustee John Fowler of Elk Point chaired the meeting Friday. He said many of the membership offers hes received as a private citizen have been free for the first year.

Jones said that could be considered in the future, depending on how the gift memberships fare.

Progress continues meanwhile on updating the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre, which has been closed for the past year.

Museum director David Grabitske said staff members are scheduled to move back into the center on October 8. He said the museums historical collections would start returning sometime after.

Exterior work is nearly complete. A new Arikara-style meeting hut has been added to the front and its outer surface still needs to be installed. Driveways at the centers front have been reconfigured. On Friday, crews were finishing work on new sidewalks and laying new sod.

Jones in a September newsletter said the centers historical archives office could re-open to the public in December and the plan calls for hosting legislators at a gathering in January.

When the museum opens to the public isnt certain. Jones in the newsletter said that the hope is for late 2025. We continue to finalize the design with the museum exhibit designer, Split Rock, he said.

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The state will not bring charges against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for his alleged role in the Georgia election interference case.

According to Pete Skandalakis with the Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys Council, the case doesnt warrant further action.

Jones was one of 16 Georgia Republican electors who falsely claimed that former President Donald Trump won the state of Georgia over President Joe Biden.

RELATED NEWS:

He was not one of the 19 co-defendants named in a grand jury indictment released that included former President Trump, Rudy Guiliani and more.

A Fulton County judge barred District Attorney Fani Willis from investigating him after it was revealed she held a fundraiser for his Democratic opponent during the election.

It is important to note that every other false elector in the case was indicted over their involvement and the special purpose grand jury recommended that Jones be indicted.

Jones responded to the news with a statement, saying:

I have always wanted to tell my story in front of a fair and unbiased prosecutor, which Fani Willis clearly is not. I am thankful that I finally had the opportunity to do that. Ms. Willis has wasted millions of taxpayer dollars trying to weaponize our judicial system, increase her political profile, and finance an inappropriate relationship with her boyfriend.

I look forward to being able to focus on the work I was elected to do. And while I dont expect an apology from Ms. Willis or her mouthpieces in the media, I would ask that she provide one to the Georgians whose time and money she has wasted. She can start by being transparent with the General Assembly and complying with the subpoena issued for her testimony regarding the use of state tax dollars distributed to her office.

RELATED NEWS:
State Police and DA ask parents in Pennsylvania to talk with their kids following school threats

State Police and DA ask parents in Pennsylvania to talk with their kids following school threats

PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM)  Pennsylvania State Police and the Cumberland County District Attorneys Office is asking parents to talk with their kids following school threats made across the Midstate.

For the parents, for the caregivers, have those conversations with your kids, if their school age, let them know that law enforcement does take these seriously, said Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Adam Reed.

Any threats made towards a school and its students, even if its a joke or prank may result in serious consequences.

Its something that we are very concerned about. We take it very seriously here in the district attorneys office, and it is something we are going to prosecute to the fullest extent that we can. There is no funny prank that involves making a threat. Its not funny. Its not something that anyone is going to laugh at, said Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack.

Depending on the threat, You can go anywhere from a misdemeanor up to a up to a felony charge and being prosecuted. You could wind up being detained in a juvenile detention facility. You can wind up being adjudicated and sent away to a juvenile detention facility, said McCormack.

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Depending on the circumstances, your kid could be charged as an adult for making a threat.

Even if you are a minor, you could be looking at some juvenile charges. And again, youre going to be looking at something that potentially is on your record and youre going to have to deal with in the court system, said Reed.

What some kids may not understand is that something on their record can affect their future.

McCormack says they frequently hear from attorneys representing juveniles asking there office not to go through with the prosecution.

Its going to affect their ability to get into college and and all of those different ramifications. So, it has an even if youre not being detained and youre not being sent to a juvenile detention facility, it does have potential long-term implications, said McCormack.

McCormack says social media plays a huge role in school threats.

Social media is so easy to just get on a phone and to to type something out and send it without even thinking. You definitely have to think before you post something on social media, said McCormack.

Whats common in some of these recent school threats is that tips are being submitted through Safe2Say Something. Its a program that allows students or anyone to send anonymous reports of safety concerns.

Tips can be submitted online or through their app.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Missing, endangered man last seen at Armstrong County hospital found safe

A missing and endangered man who was last seen at a hospital in Armstrong County has been found.

Pennsylvania State Police said Sean Powell has been found safely.

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Alabama State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey listens during the Alabama State Board of Education's regular meeting on February 9, 2023 in Montgomery, Alabama. Mackey said Thursday that putting kids on diploma pathways based on scores will bring his "furor." (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama state superintendent said Thursday afternoon that a diploma pathway focused on career readiness should not be used to remove lower achieving students from another diploma pathway.

Speaking to members of the Alabama State Board of Education during a work session, Eric Mackey told board members that students should not be forced to work toward a career-pathway focused diploma known as Diploma B just because they have lower ACT scores than others.

There will be no If your ACT score is 22 youre on Option A, and if its 21 youre on Option B, Mackey said. And if anybody tries to do that, the furor of the state superintendent will come down on them, because that is not the purpose.

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The remarks came in a discussion over the diploma options of A and B, with B meeting a career-focused option required by the Legislature.

SB 253, sponsored by Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, the chair of the Senate Education Policy Committee, was part of a package of bills focused on workforce development in the 2024 regular legislative session. The legislation requires the board to create a diploma under the laws goal of facilitating the development of a career pathways diploma at the K-12 level that would enhance career and technical education opportunities for high school students who plan to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.

Mackey said that diplomas issued by the schools will not note whether they are the A or B option. Both diplomas require 24 credits.

But the superintendent said he was worried about returning to an old educational model where people sent students to vocational schools just to get them out of the building.

Im telling you, if anybody tries to go back to that, there will be fire raining down on them because that is not what this is about, he said. This is about giving students opportunities.

Chesteen said in a Thursday afternoon phone call that he agreed with Mackey after the Reflector summarized what was said at the work session.

I think its one thing to pass a piece of legislation. I think the most important piece to that is the implementation. How is it going to affect the students? And thats what I want to monitor very carefully, he said.

Chesteen said we cant use it for an easy pathway out for these kids that dont score well, and they need to have a career pathway after they graduate.

Diploma A requires four credits each in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Diploma B requires four credits in English Language Arts and Social Studies, but two credits in Mathematics and Science. Option B also requires three credits in Career and Technical Education to complete a whole sequence.

Were going to have kids that score a 32 on the ACT, that want to be Option B because they like working with their hands, and they want to go into robotics or such thing, and were going to have kids with with a 20 ACT, that are strivers, they want to do the Option A, Mackey said.

The Board intends to announce the intent to adopt the changes in the October meeting.

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TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW)  The Kansas Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the woman convicted in a 2019 crash that killed two people and critically injured a Wichita musician.

In April 2022, Mia Collins was sentenced to 25 years plus 38 months for causing the deaths of 70-year-old Maria Wood and Woods 12-year-old granddaughter, Rosemary McElroy. Collins was fleeing from police when she crashed into another car in downtown Wichita on May 5, 2019.

Mia Collins in this 2024 photo from the Kansas Dept. of Corrections

The crash also injured Woods daughter and musician, Jenny Wood, and a 65-year-old man. Woods later sued the city of Wichita, and the two sides settled out of court.

Man sentenced in 1980 Kansas murder

Collins initially pled guilty to two counts of felony murder, one count of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, and three counts of aggravated battery but then attempted to withdraw that plea. However, the Sedgwick County judge presiding over the case rejected the motion.

She appealed her conviction to the Kansas Supreme Court. Writing for the majority, Justice Caleb Stegall wrote that even though the state did not provide details about the settlement agreement the city of Wichita reached with Woods, it did not constitute good cause for her to withdraw her plea.

In a second case brought by Collins, the court dismissed her motion for jailtime credit because it had already been awarded to her while her appeal was pending.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  The Illinois State Trooper who was shot last year during a traffic stop in Springfield has returned to duty.

Its been 11 months since Trooper Dakotah Chapman-Green was hurt while pulling over Cristobal Santana, who was considered a suspect in the murder of his ex-girlfriend in Chicago. During that traffic stop, the Santana allegedly shot Chapman-Green multiple times, chased him down and then beat him in the face with his gun.

Rallying through rubber ducks: Recovering ISP Trooper receives unique support from Jeep owners

Santana was arrested a short time later and is facing Sangamon County charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery to a peace officer and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Hes been incarcerated in the Sangamon County Jail since then and is due back in court for a status hearing on Oct. 1.

Chapman-Green suffered extensive injuries that included gunshot wounds, skull and facial fractures and a brain bleed. He spent two weeks in the hospital and in rehabilitation before going home.

ISP releases footage from Springfield State Trooper shooting

State Police said Chapman-Green returned to duty in July.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A STEM Academy student has been arrested after allegedly making a school threat Friday.

According to a new release sent to parents, on Friday morning, a student made a verbal threat to bring a gun to school. Campus leaders said students immediately reported the threat to staff which prompted a multi-agency police response, including Ector County ISD police, University of Texas Permian Basin police, as well as the Odessa Police Department.

RELATED: Nimitz Middle School on lockdown amid reports of guns on campus

Campus officials said the student was quickly arrested and will face criminal charges.

There is zero tolerance for any threat against the school as student safety is our top priority, the school said in a statement.

The age and grade level of the student involved has not been released.

Ector County ISD also sent an email to parents which read:

Parents, we are again getting reports of threats over social media and they are spreading between students from school to school. While police have repeatedly deemed these not credible, due to the high volume of them that we are receiving our ECISD police are in the process of running our 2 weapons K9 officers through schools across the district. This is response is out of the ordinary, however, we feel this is necessary to ease our collective anxiety.

Parents, if you become aware of a threat please notify police or your childs school but we are asking that you not continue to share/promote them on social media. Local law enforcement is actively investigating each report but do not want to spread rumors and false reports.

We very much appreciate your patience and understanding this week. There are those who believe it is funny to create this kind of fear and chaos but we will overcome it and criminal charges will be pressed if we are able to track the person or people doing it.

Please reach out to your childs principal if you have questions about our schools safety procedures. You can also contact us at any time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg and X owner Elon Musk are "the worst polluters in human history", Stephen Fry has said.

The actor and comedian made the claim during a lecture at Kings College, London.

"You and your children cannot breathe the air or swim in the waters of our culture without breathing in the toxic particulates and stinking effluvia that belch and pour unchecked from their companies into the currents of our world," he said of the pair.

The BBC has approached the two men's companies for comment.

Mr Fry has a track record of being an early adopter of technology - and was once a regular poster on X, when it was known as Twitter.

He stopped posting in 2022, a few months after the platform was purchased by Mr Musk, but has retained his account. He is no longer active on any social networks.

"Im the chump who thought social media could change the world," he told his audience at the Digital Futures Institute.

He said he was at first enthusiastic about the potential of social media to unite people around the world and bring about positive change in society, citing the Arab Spring protests which were coordinated online as an example  but added that he had been proved wrong.

He described what he considered to be a fatal flaw in attempts by early Facebook algorithms to maximise engagement, saying nobody had predicted that engagement would be most maximised by... the worst passions" such as anger, shock and horror.

We are decidedly hopeless at knowing where technology will take us or what it will do to us, he said.

He returned to the theme several times throughout his one hour speech, in which he also considered the future of artificial intelligence.

Mr Fry argued that AI was poised to disrupt every space we have.

He said he hoped corporate greed would not corrupt the development of AI tech at the expense of safety.

The best I can do is this  Einstein and Russell said in their manifesto on nuclear weapons  we appeal as human beings to human beings, remember your humanity and forget the rest, he said.

Mr Fry's broadside was not the only attack on Mr Musk.

Earlier on Thursday, senior Meta executive Sir Nick Clegg, talking at Chatham House, in London, had been similarly scathing of Mr Musks platform X.

The former deputy prime minister called it a tiny, elite, news-obsessed, politics-obsessed app and added that in his view the social network had become a one-man hyper-partisan hobby horse."

In March 2024 X claimed to have 550 million monthly visitors. Facebook has just over 3bn.

Additional reporting by Liv McMahon
Stephen Lawrence would have been 50 today. Is there still a chance to get justice for him?

Stephen Lawrence would have turned 50 today.

His racist murder in 1993, when he was aged only 18, stole his life.

Amid the Metropolitan Polices many failures, Stephens murder has never been fully solved and the 31 years since have been stolen, too, from his family, whose campaign for justice has been unceasing.

Stephen was stabbed to death by a gang of five or six young white men. He had been with his friend Duwayne Brooks waiting for a bus in Eltham, south London.

Only two of his killers have been convicted of murder, after a trial that concluded in 2012, meaning others responsible remain free. Another suspect has died.

Stephens case is the Mets best-known and most controversial murder. It generated one of the great justice campaigns in UK history and has changed policing, the law, and society. The Met knows the case matters to millions of people and it is a case I have spent a large amount of time investigating for the BBC.

In 2020, the Met announced it was closing the murder investigation and that it had exhausted all viable lines of inquiry.

Following this, I began investigating and, last year, the BBC publicly identified a major suspect for the first time and exposed decades of Met failures relating to him.

For a long time, the suggestion that Stephens murder could ever be fully solved has seemed fanciful to many.

But if you look closely, as I have done, there may, in fact, be a genuine opportunity for further charges.

Matthew White was named as a major suspect in 2023 after a BBC investigation [BBC]

The current situation is that in April this year, following a series of further BBC revelations and calls by Stephens mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, for the case to be reopened, the Met was forced by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to announce an independent review of the murder would take place.

The mayor said the Lawrence family must be satisfied with the review.

This review, as proposed, means there is the potential for the case to be reopened should fresh or neglected lines of inquiry be identified.

Since then: stasis, despite a series of behind-the-scenes meetings and negotiations.

The process is now nearing a conclusion and can really only end in one of two ways: with the setting-up of a review that the Lawrence family supports; or with one they do not support and which therefore may not take place at all.

The review has been described as perhaps the last chance for justice by Imran Khan, the solicitor for Baroness Lawrence.

An independent police force or body capable of taking on a review has not been agreed. Some forces were considered but deemed unsuitable.

However, disagreements around the breadth and scope of the review have been the major stumbling block.

No limits

The Met has proposed that it should have a relatively narrow focus, looking at recent decision-making, mainly relating to the closure of the case in 2020 and how the force responded to my own investigation last year. This review would essentially be paper-based.

Stephens family want a far broader review, with no limits on what can be examined - meaning much earlier decisions and investigations stretching back to 1993 would be in scope.

The family think the Met may have neglected chances to bring the other killers to justice, something that can only be examined by a broad review with the power to make enquiries and speak to witnesses. The family are not asking for a full re-investigation of the whole case, but want a review that may lead to the case being formally reopened.

To understand why this issue is so crucial, we need to consider both the history of the case and the recent revelations.

The sheer number of investigations, inquiries, and other official processes spanning 31 years mean the case now, arguably, is uniquely complex, despite starting as one that should have been relatively straightforward to solve.

This complexity is now being held up by the Met as a reason why it is impractical to carry out a full review or reinvestigation - but of course the Mets own failure to deliver full justice is central to this complexity.

The Met itself now accepts the first investigation in 1993 and 1994 was a failure. That investigation was lambasted in 1999 by the landmark Macpherson Report as having been marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership.

Given this, the Met had, and has, no choice but to accept it was a disaster.

But 1999 is now a long time ago. The Met has been defensive of its other investigations into the murder since that year, but then there hasnt been another public inquiry examining its actions and producing official adverse findings after that point.

The Met, bluntly, has seemed content to lay the blame for everything that has gone wrong with the case on the first investigation. When I have asked the force if it accepts failings by later investigations, it has not done so, despite clear evidence of failures in reviews that took place after the publication of the Macpherson report.

Baroness Lawrence, pictured here in 2012, has campained for decades to get justice for her son's murder [BBC]

In terms of the first investigation, failures are still being uncovered and new opportunities for evidence are being identified.

The suspect we named last year, Matthew White, was treated as a witness by the first investigation and was repeatedly referred to as such under an alias during Macpherson. But he was really a major suspect and the failure to identify him as one is arguably the worst of all those committed by the first investigating team.

Lord Sentamu, who was part of the Macpherson Inquiry team, has told me the murder would have been resolved in the 1990s if White had been dealt with properly and that Sir William Macpherson, who is now dead, would have felt he had failed by not having identified the White issue during his inquiry.

The fact that Whites stepfather had tried to tell the first investigation that White had admitted to being present during the murder was only uncovered in 2013 by Clive Driscoll, the officer who achieved the only two murder convictions in the case.

He uncovered all this after reviewing notes and messages from the first investigation and then going out to speak to people on the ground, which is what Stephens family now want from the new review.

Mr Driscoll was in the process of investigating White when he was made to retire early the next year and, from my own research, it is clear the Met did not subsequently fully pursue the lines of inquiry he was following, something the Met disputes. The Met has said it twice passed files on White to the Crown Prosecution Service. They ruled out murder charges, but my research has shown not everything possible was done prior to those files being submitted.

When investigating the case, which has meant knocking on doors all over the country, I repeatedly found that evidence from the first investigation could not be taken at face value, and that probing and testing it could generate opportunities and fresh leads.

Some witnesses have not been spoken to for many years, meaning the Met is not taking advantage of the fact that some people may now feel able to speak about what they know.

It is a maxim of police appeals that, over time, allegiances can shift and minds can change. But time is not a friend - witnesses are getting old, and some have died even during the time Ive been investigating the case.

The Mets focusing of the blame on what happened in 1993 and 1994, deflects from a critical examination of the various later investigations. These contained their own failures and therefore now hold their own opportunities as sources of evidence.

After the Macpherson report was published in 1999, a major investigation codenamed Operation Athena Tower took place. It was vast and costly, and employed techniques typically associated with counter-terrorism, including surveillance and bugging.

The Met have refused to acknowledge failures in Athena Tower, as it has about the investigation which preceded the closure decision in 2020. Neither resulted in any charges being brought. Indeed, the only successful Met investigation was the one run by Clive Driscoll between 2006 and 2014.

Mr Driscoll, whom I got to know well during my own research, had repaired relations between the Met and the Lawrences, which subsequently collapsed again after he left the Met. The family view him as honest and determined to get to the bottom of the case, regardless of whether that highlights failures in the Mets other inquiries.

A sense of humiliation

This is why both of Stephens parents have separately proposed that Mr Driscoll must have a role in the new review, and that has been accepted by the Met. But he has made it clear he will only take part in a review if its terms of reference are acceptable to the family.

The context for all this is that, for some within the Met, there is a sense of humiliation about whats been revealed about White since last year. Looking at the case with him as a suspect upends parts of the previously publicly accepted timeline of the night of the murder. Crucially, it further implicates the outstanding suspects and opens up evidential opportunities.

Given what we now know about what was missing from the investigation into White prior to his death, Stephens family now questions what has not been done in relation to the outstanding living suspects - namely Luke Knight and brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt. They have always denied murder.

There is now less fear in Eltham of the Acourts and the gangster father of David Norris, who was convicted of the murder in 2012. When I turned up to question the Acourts separately last year, they both fled and appeared very nervous.

The Met said it would not comment on this article, but - in response to previous stories - the force has said it reiterates apologies about the mistakes made in the initial investigation.

In July they said: Earlier this year, we made the decision that we would seek an independent review of our recent approach to the murder of Stephen Lawrence, including material published by the BBC.

The terms of reference for the review are currently being discussed with Baroness Lawrence, Dr Lawrence and Duwayne Brooks."

There are leads that can still be pursued, which, should they go somewhere, could make a difference to the case. This information is also available within the Met and would be considered by the type of broad review proposed by Stephens family.

There is some forensic evidence relating to a suspect. I know which suspect, but the BBC is not naming him. He does not know himself and could yet face further investigation.

Contrary to the organisations defensive public statements, a Met source has told me that, at senior levels within the Met, the force accepts various leads were left unfollowed when the investigation closed in 2020. But according to the source, the same senior members of the force do not feel under enough public pressure to reopen the case.

My understanding is that the prevailing decision to keep the case closed is therefore not based on a cool balancing of all the evidence after every possible line of inquiry has been exhausted. It is a matter of will.

Just as Stephen would now have been entering his 50s, the mother and father who have never stopped fighting for him are into their 70s and 80s, respectively.

With unsolved murders, there can sometimes be a passive sense that, in time, we will somehow eventually find out what really happened. But, based on what I have found out about this case, uncovering what happened will require active effort.

In the case of Stephen Lawrence, time itself will not reveal the truth.

BBC InDepth is the new home on the website and app for the best analysis and expertise from our top journalists. Under a distinctive new brand, well bring you fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions, and deep reporting on the biggest issues to help you make sense of a complex world. And well be showcasing thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. Were starting small but thinking big, and we want to know what you think - you can send us your feedback by clicking on the button below.
Stockard on the Stump: AGs Office needs outside help to argue gender-affirming care case

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has hired a Nashville attorney to handle cases related to transgender issues at the rate of $10,000 per month. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has hired a Nashville attorney to handle cases related to transgender issues at the rate of $10,000 per month. (Photo: John Partipilo)

The Tennessee Attorney Generals Office has a strategic litigation unit that spends time fighting the Biden Administration on federal overreach. Yet it hired a Nashville-based attorney, one of several outside attorneys, to help it win the states gender-affirming care battle, at $10,000 a month for two years.

WIRED, a liberal leaning news site, and The Tennessean both reported on the matter, noting Gov. Bill Lee authorized the monthly rate for Nashville-based Lawfair attorney Adam Mortara. The AGs Office did not respond to questions about the matter Thursday.

Lawfair also had a contract attorney on its staff, Christopher Roach, who left the firm after WIRED asked about his connections to online accounts that posted white supremacist and antisemitic posts.

One account said, America, frankly, would be a much more civilized, safe, wealthy, and orderly place, but for its minorities, according to the article.

Mortara is a former clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas who represented Students for Fair Admissions in the Supreme Court case that killed university affirmative action policies. He reportedly told WIRED that Roach is no longer with the firm and that he didnt work on the gender-affirming care or affirmative action challenge. Roach was an adjunct fellow at the Center for American Greatness, whose publisher was a part of the Claremont Institution, which is a Project 2025 advisory board member, according to the report.

Its interesting how the state keeps hiring outside counsel to fight its legal battles, despite funding a strategic litigation unit within the Tennessee Attorney Generals Office to handle cases of federal overreach.

Gee, its funny how all of these groups are linked to a plan to reshape the country if Donald Trump wins the presidency this fall. Mortara might have forced Roach out, but he should have known his background in the first place. And so should the state.

Even more interesting is how the state keeps putting itself into the position of hiring outside counsel to fight its legal battles. The gender-affirming care case is set to be argued before the high court this fall after the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal requested the court review a ruling by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld the state law. It prohibits doctors from giving gender-affirming medical care to minors, including puberty blockers, hormones and surgery, the same sort of Big Brother-type philosophy that prohibits abortions and punished doctors who might give women the care they need in deadly pregnancies.

Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said in a June statement, We fought hard to defend Tennessees law protecting kids from irreversible gender treatments and secured a thoughtful and well-reasoned opinion from the Sixth Circuit. He noted the case will provide clarity on whether the Constitution protects gender identity.

The Biden Administration also sought a high court review arguing that under federal law the government can intervene in cases involving equal protection violations.

If you dont like it, nullify it

Despite an attorney generals opinion invoking the supremacy clause, state Rep. Bud Hulsey is standing by a bill to nullify federal laws and orders deemed unconstitutional (by who else but the state Legislature).

Hulsey, a Bristol Republican, and Sen. Janice Bowling, a Tullahoma Republican, sponsored such a bill in 2024 designed to let the state Legislature ignore federal edicts and laws. It didnt fare well, failing in the Senate State and Local Government Committee and never moving in the House.

You know its a sketchy idea when even a Republican bill cant get footing among the GOP supermajority.

Rep. Bud Hulsey, a Bristol Republican, is likely to again sponsor a bill to permit nullification, which would allow the state to ignore federal laws. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Not one to be dissuaded, Hulsey, a former law officer, is likely to revive his bill in 2025, arguing that states establishment of the central government allows them to ignore laws and executive orders that dont fall within the federal governments limited original construct and the Bill of Rights, especially those that state leaders find to be the dreaded overreach.

That would include the 10th Amendment, which gives states power over any matters not specifically outlined for the federal government.

They were very, very worried and leery that this central government could become tyrannical because everything in their lifetime, in their history, theyd seen that, Hulsey says.

Curse you, King George, and those Biden vaccinations too.

Hulsey is well aware that even Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, who pours a great deal of time and energy into fighting the federal government, opined that the supremacy clause gives the feds authority over state action.

But Hulsey contends thats because the law school boys have been taught that concept for the last 100 years.

Nevermind a little conflagration over states rights (slavery) from 1861 to 1865 that killed up to 750,000 Southern and Northern soldiers, not including civilian casualties or those maimed for life after running into a hail of cannon fire.

With an eye out for insurrection  I mean the bills resurrection  Senate State and Local Government Chairman Richard Briggs is holding an Oct. 3 meeting to give both sides of the issue plenty of time to make their arguments.

The Supreme Court consistently, again and again, said you cant do that. Thats unconstitutional.

 Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville, on the concept of nullification

Briggs acknowledges the matter has been controversial since the 1700s when even Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Johns Adams weighed in for it. And when South Carolina balked at tariffs enacted by Andrew Jacksons administration, he threatened to invade the state, a precursor of sorts to secession and the Civil War.

States also tried to use the nullification argument against Brown v. Board of Education, Briggs, a Knoxville Republican, points out. It also took most states about 15 years to integrate schools.

The Supreme Court consistently, again and again, said you cant do that. Thats unconstitutional, says Briggs, who sought the AGs opinion on nullification.

Of course, this Supreme Court has its own way of thinking, depending on how much benefactors fill the justices pockets. Thus, its hard to put too much stock in the lands highest court, even if we have no choice.

Under Hulseys reasoning, though, the Supreme Court doesnt determine the law of the land, which in some cases might not be a bad idea.

But for the time being, federal law trumps state law, Briggs points out. In addition, the AG opinion wandered into the separation of powers, because the state Legislature would be setting itself up to decide which laws and orders are constitutional, something Skrmetti wrote was indefensible.

Wrap it up, please

Based on the Legislatures actions in trying to run Metro Nashville the last couple of years, constitutional muster isnt a strong point.

Republican lawmakers put the attorney general in a hard spot, asking him to defend them in cases they were unlikely to win. Maybe he should have told them he was going into court with both hands tied behind his back. Of course, they wouldnt have listened, and wed have chaos, which is often the case  on the House floor anyway  and makes a great opportunity for journalists who like to shoot video. One of these days, Im going to learn how to type, post online, record video and chew bubble gum at the same time. By then, Ill probably be closer to retirement than Tennessee Journal writer Andy Sher.

But getting back to this summer study (fall) session, Briggs appears to be getting it out of the way because his committee wont have time to deal with nullification witnesses when the real session starts.

That vote, though, is likely to be pretty quick and painless.

Take the highway

A Shelby County chancellor ruled in favor of the Memphis City Council this week, determining it could place three gun-restriction questions on the November ballot.

The decision came after the Shelby County Commission backed the council decision with an 8-3-1 vote.

Memphis City Council attorney Allan Wade was writing an official decree Thursday for the chancellor to sign.

Its unclear yet whether the state attorney general will appeal the case, which was moved up from Sept. 16.

Tennessee Election Administrator Mark Goins contends the items cant go on the ballot because state law preempts local governments from setting gun restrictions. The city charter questions ask voters about handgun permits, military-type gun laws and extreme risk protection orders.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and House Speaker Cameron Sexton arent likely to stand for it, though theres no word from their offices on a possible appeal.

Odds are its automatic, even though City Councilman Jeff Warren, co-sponsor of the referendum resolutions, says they are only a trigger mechanism that wouldnt take effect unless the state passes laws making them possible.

TSU Tigers hitting the big time

Tennessee State University will be the focal point of ESPN on Oct. 11 when First Take, starring Molly Qerim, Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe, will shoot its morning talk show there. Its part of the groups travels to HBCUs nationwide this fall.

A nagging question

Tennessee Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds repaid more than $2,000 to her former employer, ExcelInEd after it funded her travel to two out-of-state conferences last year. The money swap led the Tennessee Ethics Commission to dismiss a sworn complaint against her.

Gov. Bill Lee, though, is refusing to repay Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian group, after it funded his travel and lodging to speak at a conference at tony San Marco Island in South Florida. Lee said this week 501(c)3 groups are allowed to pay the expenses. In this case, ADF Action, the groups kissing cousin, hires a Tennessee lobbyist whos also employed by the partner group. Fortunately, state law no longer allows first cousins to marry.

Yet the question remains: Why would someone with more money than Davy Crockett worry about paying for travel and lodging to Florida?

Looks as if we have rules for thee but not for Lee.

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Moo Deng  which translates roughly as bouncy pig or pork patty  has triggered a wave of adoration and memes online

Zookeepers have warned visitors not to abuse a two-month-old pygmy hippo thats gained a cult following online for its dewy glow, feisty expressions and wobbly antics.

Called Moo Deng  a name which translates roughly as bouncy pig or pork patty  the endearing calf has won hearts across Asia since its birth was announced by a Thai zoo in July.

But viral fame has come at a cost.

This week, the director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo urged people to be kind to Moo Deng after videos emerged online of visitors harassing the baby hippo. Some were throwing shellfish at it and others splashing it with water as they attempted to wake it.

These behaviours are not only cruel but also dangerous, Narongwit Chodchoi said in a statement posted online. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.

im crying good morning moo deng i love you pic.twitter.com/HCUp7K3dWP  faith  (@faitheeyy) September 13, 2024

Visitors flock to the zoo to see the chubby little hippo

The zoo just outside the coastal city of Pattaya  where visitor numbers have doubled since Moo Dengs birth  has installed CCTV cameras around the hippos enclosure and has said it would take legal action against anyone mistreating it.

The zoos regular updates about Moo Deng have triggered a wave of adoration and memes online, with posts dubbing the chubby little hippo a lifestyle icon racking up hundreds of thousands of likes and shares.

A zoo worker plays with Moo Deng alongside its mother Jona - Zuma Press/eyevine

At least one cosmetics chain agreed. Sephora Thailand told its social media followers to wear your blush like a baby hippo in posts promoting blusher. Fans have also made cakes in Moo Dengs image, memes comparing it to Jesus, and stylised cartoons featuring bright eyes and rosy cheeks.

Shes very energetic and her cute appearance is soothing, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo said on X after a Japanese TV crew visited the zoo to report on Moo Dengs celebrity status.

Moo Deng has triggered a wave of adoration and memes online - Zuma Press/eyevine

The calf is a pygmy hippo, sometimes known as a dwarf hippo, which is native to West Africa but increasingly rare due to habitat loss. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the animal as endangered and experts estimate that there are fewer than 3,000 left in the wild.

Moo Deng lives in the Thai zoo with its siblings, whose names are also variations of popular pork dishes: Moo Wan (sweet pork), Pha Lor (pork belly stew) and Moo Tun (stewed pork).

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After storms like Francine, New Orleans rushes to dry out

Workers dry the floor of The Steak Knife, aNew Orleans Lakeview area restaurant, after flooding from Hurricane Francine Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Brett Martel)

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Hurricane Francine rapidly strengthened before making landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands of people, flooding a cemetery and dumping rain on New Orleans, a city that relies on a uniquely complicated network of canals and pumps to get the water out.

More than 7 inches (18 centimeters) of rain fell in some areas, outpacing its drainage system. Water rose fast in some spots, forcing an emergency room nurse to rescue a pickup truck driver minutes before water covered his vehicle.

Effectively, the swamp of centuries ago comes back to life, and communities built on those drained lowlands get water in their houses and cars during bad storms, said Richard Campanella, a professor at Tulane Universitys School of Architecture and author of the book Draining New Orleans.

New Orleans was shaped by flooding and has long struggled to keep homes dry and the water out. Residents were cautioned to conserve water to reduce stress on the sewer system, although drinking water was never affected. By Thursday, officials said they had emptied out the rain, but that job requires an immense amount of infrastructure vital to keeping New Orleans habitable.

Here is why the city struggles with downpours and how officials fight floodwaters:

LEVEES

Hurricane Katrina showed how bad it can get. A breach in the levy flooded most of the city, stranding residents on rooftops and killing almost 1,400 people. For weeks, pumps worked to drain the flood.

Afterwards, the federal government invested more than $14 billion on a 133-mile massive protection system of levees, pumps and other infrastructure designed to keep the water out. Hurricanes create storm surges that those walls are meant to stop, and Francine didnt come close to challenging the design. Initial estimates of storm surge at the lakefront of Lake Pontchartrain were about 3 to 5 feet.

The walls at that location were about 16 feet. We had a lot more room to go, said Ricky Boyett, a spokesperson with the Army Corps of Engineers.

But when there is a tight ring of built-up earth, concrete and steel acting as a seal around the city and nearby areas, it keeps rain in, too, and that is a problem.

GRAVITY

Simply put, a lot of the city is below sea level. Gravity, which helps most city sewer systems' drain water in nearby wastewater treatment systems, lakes and rivers, is working against it.

That requires moving water uphill, mainly into Lake Pontchartrain to the city's north.

New Orleans rests just up the Mississippi River from Louisianas marshy southeastern coast. It is a region shaped by the Mississippi River, which deposited sediment that formed strips of higher ground that are surrounded by dense, swampy lowlands. But building New Orleans meant engineering the river and keeping water out. That stopped the river from depositing new sediment, said Boyce Upholt, author of the book The Great River: The Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi.

Now, the city sinks under its own weight, he said.

DRAINAGE

Francine dumped rain inside the city's walls. That is when a complex system of pumps and canals are needed. Generally speaking, the system can drain an inch of water in the first hour and a half-inch each hour after that.

When a raindrop falls on the city, it goes into catch basins, the catch basin  a minor drainage system  conveys that water into larger pipes or canals and the canals drain that water to those individual pumping stations," said Ghassan Korban, the executive director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans that manages the drainage system.

When the system backs up, the streets fill first. But homes and businesses can take on water, too, when the system is overwhelmed  as happened in the Lakeview neighborhood when Francine passed over.

Some of the infrastructure the city relies on is old. Some pumps date back as much as a century, although those items have been refurbished over the years.

The infrastructure is enormous  some of the canals can fit a bus. There are 24 drainage pumping stations and 99 major pumps. But the aging pumps run on an outmoded electric frequency, requiring extra equipment to adapt them to modern power generation.

Campanella said reliable power at the correct frequency is one of the system's vulnerabilities.

Because they are pumps, they need power, and that's where it gets a little dicey, Korban said.

When Francine arrived, a few pumps had electrical issues, slowing drainage in some places.

The drainage system has undergone various improvements over the years. After severe flooding in 1995, federal projects added new pumping stations and upgraded others while adding miles of canals. A major rainstorm in 2017 sparked significant changes in management at the agency that operates the drainage system. Officials have also constructed ponds to hold stormwater and worked to improve power reliability.

At a post-Francine news conference on Friday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the drainage system had improved over the years, but there was more work to do. The Republican said state and federal emergency officials are working with the city to determine where pumps and power generation are needed.

Its so we can plug rainfall amounts into a model and more accurately predict what those disasters are going to look like and what resources are going to be needed, Landry said.

A worst-case scenario is when a storm surprises forecasters and stalls over the city, dumping huge amounts of rain. Some of the worst floods the city has seen in recent memory weren't hurricanes, but major rainstorms.

You just manage the best you can, Korban said.

And climate change means the atmosphere can hold more moisture, which means the potential for big, wet storms.

Youve seen a number of events in Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina that have really challenged the existing storm water infrastructure," said Dominic Boyer, a professor at Rice University in Houston who co-directs Center for Coastal Futures and Adaptive Resilience.

That's only going to be more challenging as time goes on, he said.

___

Phillis reported from St. Louis. Associated Press writer Sara Cline contributed from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

___

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After several months of ongoing litigation, a class action lawsuit against the Cabarrus County Board of Education was dropped last week. Several members of Save Our Schools, the nonprofit organization that had been advocating for years against the closure of Beverly Hills Elementary School, filed the lawsuit in March.

Board Attorney William Isenhour told the school board during its Monday work session that on Sept. 4, Superior Court Judge Michael D. Duncan issued an order ruling that there was no genuine issue of material fact, as to claims SOS brought against the board.

The board of educations motion for summary judgment was granted while SOS motion for summary judgment was denied. As a result, there is no more pending action concerning Beverly Hills.

School board members were deposed under oath in May as part of the lawsuit. A few months later, on Aug. 7, Duncan heard oral arguments on the boards motion for summary judgment.

Demolition of parts of the school, which the board voted 4-3 to close during its Feb. 5 meeting, is slated to begin this week. The Beverly Hills site is being turned into a Pre-K center to replace the current Mary Frances Wall Center.

A $50.6 million, 750-seat replacement school for Beverly Hills and Coltrane-Webb students is being built on the current Coltrane-Webb site.

The Cabarrus County Board of Education respects last weeks Superior Courts thoughtful and impartial decision in the matter of the closing of Beverly Hills Elementary School, said Board Chair Denise Adcock in a statement sent to the paper. This decision affirms the fairness and integrity of our legal system. Though it was a difficult decision by our Board, it was made with a clear commitment to enhancing education for our students by providing more efficient, future-focused facilities.

Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki said he respected the courts thoughtful and impartial consideration throughout the process, adding the decision underscores the integrity of the legal system and the importance of fair, objective review.

Members of SOS, while not happy with the result, plan to continue advocating for the best interests of students.

Its sad that we had to file a lawsuit, said SOS President Lee Shuman, who is not one of the named plaintiffs but was still knowledgeable about the proceedings over the past several months. That was not something that anybody enjoyed or relished in.

At the same time, despite the unfavorable ruling, Shuman told The Independent Tribune how incredibly proud he was of the organization and how much he appreciated the publics ongoing support. Weve had people give financial support. Weve had people give moral support, political support.

The ultimate goal behind the lawsuit, Shuman said, was to simply try to hold people accountable to the decisions that theyre making and to being transparent and being open and honest about those decisions.

About the lawsuit

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which were Beverly Hills parents representing themselves and more than 600 others, contended that the board of education acted outside its scope of authority under North Carolina law and abused its discretion in approving the closing of Beverly Hills.

Closing Beverly Hills, a Title 1 school which first opened in 1954, would adversely impact the plaintiffs children, according to the lawsuit, depriving them of attending an established STEM program and increasing their school commute time.

The plaintiffs alleged that the board violated G.S. 115C-72 by not first conducting a thorough study of Beverly Hills, which must focus primarily on the welfare of the students to be affected by a proposed closing along with other key factors, including the inconvenience or hardship that might result to the pupils to be affected by such closing.

The plaintiffs also alleged that the school board violated its own policy by not giving proper notice of the Jan. 29 public hearing regarding the closure. A notice about the hearing was posted on the CCS website on Jan. 25, the lawsuit said, four days prior to the hearing, which violates board policy.

Per Policy 2330, which the lawsuit references: Notice of a public hearing shall be given a minimum of seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing or as otherwise provided by law.

The lawsuit called the four-day notice of the public hearing unreasonable in time and scope and noted that neither CCS nor the board attempted to notify parents of Beverly Hills students about the hearing.

Chimney swift update

When a question was raised by Rob Walter about the status of the chimney swifts, the endangered bird that resides inside the schools chimney for parts of the year, Kopicki assured the board the district would make sure the birds were gone before tearing down the chimney.

Following a detailed inspection in June from a wildlife expert, the district confirmed there were no signs of nests created by chimney swifts within the Beverly Hills Elementary chimney.

Shuman, who lives in the area, told the paper he still regularly sees hundreds of birds flying near the school, possibly twice as many from the time the inspection was performed. There are probably 500 or 600 now because theyve nested, Shuman said.

Kopicki told The Independent Tribune in June, following the results of the inspection, that the district would do everything it could to protect the birds.

Whether theyre nesting in there or not, were not touching that chimney until the migratory season is over, he said. Those birds will be able to come and go as they want.
The astronauts will list their address as low-Earth orbit when filling it out.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams's eight-day trip to space in June turned into eight months. And now they'll have to vote in the Nov. 5 presidential election from the International Space Station.

Wilmore told reporters during a press conference from space on Friday that he sent a request for a ballot. They should get it to us in a couple of weeks, he said.

Looking forward to being able to vote from space, which is pretty cool, Williams added.

They spoke publicly for the first time since the Boeing Starliner capsule returned to Earth last week without them. Wilmore and Williams had to stay behind on the space station after NASA determined it was not safe for them to return on Starliner due to helium leaks and thruster failures.

This image made from a NASA live stream shows NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during a press conference from the International Space Station on Friday. (NASA via AP)

The astronauts were originally supposed to be in space for just eight days. Now they arent scheduled to return back home until February 2025, which means they wont be able to vote in person at their usual polling station as planned.

However, they are still able to vote  just in orbit. Heres how it works and how it was made possible in the first place.

 How do astronauts cast a ballot from space?

Astronauts are typically provided with a standard form similar to U.S. absentee ballots, the space agency explains.

The forms are uplinked to NASAs Johnson Space Center Mission Control. From there, astronauts can use their unique credentials sent to them by email to access their ballot.

When astronauts fill out their ballots, they list their address as low-Earth orbit.

Once their ballot is filled out, its then downlinked to Earth to the corresponding county clerks office of where they reside.

The ballot is encrypted and only accessible by the astronaut and the clerk to preserve the votes integrity, NASA says.

 How did voting from space come about?

Before the International Space Station, U.S. astronauts werent away long enough to miss performing their civic duty on Election Day. But in 1996, astronaut John Blaha was serving on Russia's Mir space station, a predecessor to the International Space Station, and couldnt vote in that years election between President Bill Clinton and Bob Dole.

Most astronauts live in Houston, Texas, near NASAs Johnson Space Center. So Texas lawmakers at the time took quick action when they learned that Blaha couldnt participate in the election. In 1997, then-Gov. George W. Bush signed the legislature's bill into law, which states, A person who meets the eligibility requirements of a voter under the Texas Election Code, Chapter 101, but who will be on a space flight during the early-voting period and on Election Day, may vote.
Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) at a rally in June 2024. Photo by Elijah Pittman.

A year ago, the annual dinner of the group Progressive Maryland turned into an impromptu pep rally for U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th), who was the keynote speaker. Raskin had already said he wasnt going to run for Senate in 2024, but many of the activists at the dinner tried to persuade him to change his mind, with chants of Run, Jamie, Run!

It didnt work, of course.

A year later, Progressive Maryland is devoting most of its resources this fall to electing Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) to the Senate seat that Raskin declined to run for. The group has budgeted about $500,000 for the effort to defeat former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and expects its volunteers and field organizers to hit between 100,000 and 200,000 voters doors before Election Day.

Were going to have her back to beat Hogan, said Larry Stafford, Progressive Marylands executive director. Were going to do the biggest field work in Maryland this fall, with the possible exception of the Democratic Party.

Thats not as obvious a development as it may sound.

Progressive Maryland has had an uneasy relationship with Alsobrooks at times during her political career, publicly chastising her for close ties to Prince Georges County developers, and parting company with her on certain economic and criminal justice issues in the county. Staffords wife, Shalya Adams-Stafford, is an elected member of the Prince Georges County Board of Education  part of a faction on the school board that is frequently at odds with Alsobrooks allies.

But with control of the U.S. Senate up for grabs this November, Progressive Maryland leaders believe theres too much at stake to sit the election out.

Weve had our differences with Angela, Stafford conceded, but we are fully committed to making sure that Larry Hogan doesnt win this Senate seat.

Stafford said the groups canvassers are focusing on Prince Georges and Baltimore City, and may dip into Montgomery County and other jurisdictions as well.

The type of voter were profiling is the low- to mid-range turnout voter, he said. We want to make sure theyre excited and prepared.

The group is also partnering with its allies in the labor movement to reach union members who will be a critical part of Alsobrooks coalition.

Stafford said Progressive Maryland troops have been surprised to encounter voters on their target list who view Hogan favorably, or are reluctant to support Alsobrooks, or seem disinclined to vote at all.

Were trying to persuade people more than we want, he said.

While Alsobrooks and her allies continue to try to paint Hogan as a surefire vote for conservative Republican priorities, a group called Democrats for Hogan hit back Wednesday, asserting that Alsobrooks has run a strictly partisan campaign while Hogan preaches bipartisanship.

As Montgomery County Democrats, we are proud to support Governor Hogan because he has always put the best interests of Marylanders above party politics. Independent leadership is the cornerstone of his campaign, the co-chairs of the group, Rona Kramer and Luiz Simmons said in a statement.

In stark contrast, all of the TV ads from his opponent and her allies are negative and divisive, the statement said. Anyone who cares about protecting the right to choose would applaud Governor Hogans pro-choice stance instead of turning it into just another political weapon. In todays polarized environment, its more important than ever to celebrate the common ground between candidates rather than fueling division.

Kramer is a former state senator who spent eight years in Hogans Cabinet, as secretary of Aging. Simmons is a former state delegate who was first elected to the legislature, in the 1970s, as a Republican. He returned decades later as a Democrat.

Stafford said he frets that Democratic leaders and donors, especially at the national level, are taking the Maryland Senate election for granted, and are assuming the states 2-1 advantage in Democratic voter enrollment will carry Alsobrooks to victory.

But polls here continue to be tight: One recent poll from AARP Maryland had Hogan and Alsobrooks tied, while a Gonzales poll showed Alsobrooks with a 5-point lead. The Hill on Tuesday reported that Republican senators were given a GOP poll this week showing the Maryland race is tied, though the newspaper had no further information on the poll the lawmakers were reportedly shown by party strategists.

Staffords fears that national Democratic leaders may not be prioritizing the Maryland Senate election appear to be confirmed by remarks U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, gave reporters on Tuesday. Peters said his top priority this November is defending incumbents in tough races  placing Montanas Jon Tester and Ohios Sherrod Brown at the top of the list for resources.

Tester has been trailing his Republican challenger in recent polls, while Brown is clinging to a very narrow lead. Montana and Ohio are almost certain to be carried by former President Donald Trump in the White House election, potentially boosting the Republican challengers  just as Maryland is almost certain to be carried by Vice President Kamala Harris.

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Democrats are also defending closely fought Senate seats in Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The Cook Political Report rates the Senate election in Montana as lean Republican, while the campaigns in Michigan and Ohio are listed as toss up races. The political tip sheet places Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in the lean Democrat category.

The Maryland Senate race is rated as likely Democrat, a less competitive category, which may explain why its getting less national attention.

West Virginias Senate seat is almost certain to flip from blue to red this fall, giving Democrats zero margin for error in other states  and even then, theyd only keep the majority if Harris defeats Trump. Senate Democrats hope to knock off Republican incumbents in Texas and Florida, but Cook currently rates those races as likely Republican.

To be candid, my No. 1 priority is to bring back all of the incumbents, Peters said. But we also want to go on the offense, and offense is going to be very important. And right now our focus is Texas and Florida.

This year, Progressive Marylands annual gala is scheduled for Sept. 26, with former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner (D), a close ally of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, as the headline speaker. Sept. 26 appears to be a night of progressive fundraising in Maryland: The Maryland League of Conservation Voters also has its annual dinner that evening, and U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) is headlining a fundraiser for the Baltimore County Progressive Democrats Club to benefit the Harris campaign.

 Jennifer Shutt from States Newsroom contributed to this report.
These streets will be closed for the Mexican Independence Day parade in Brooklyn

NEW YORK (PIX11)Mexican Independence Day is around the corner, and New York City is celebrating with a parade in Brooklyn on Sunday on the eve before September 16.

Celebrations are held to pay homage to Father Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla, who, in a speech, urged followers to revolt against the Spaniards who ruled Mexico at the time. September 16 celebrates the rebellion that fueled a decade-long war that led to Mexicos independence, according to the History Channel.

More Local News

The following Brooklyn streets will be closed for the Mexican Independence Parade:

Formation:

59th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue

Parade route:

5th Avenue between 41st Street and 59th Street

Parade dispersal:

5th Avenue between 41st Street and 43rd Street

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.
Water quality is something Ed Davey focused on in the general election campaign [BBC]

"Failed" efforts to tackle sewage pollution mean Wales' water watchdog should be stripped of its role regulating the industry, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has said.

The water industry in Wales is covered by Welsh government agency Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the environmental regulator and Ofwat, the economic regulator.

Sir Ed said a "different system" should be drawn up to create a "more powerful" regulator.

The Welsh government said NRW was "passionate" about its work and was "reviewing" its activities so delivery of core functions take priority.

Speaking on the eve of his party's autumn conference in Brighton, Sir Ed said the Liberal Democrats also wanted to see Ofwat scrapped in England and replaced with a "clean water authority".

He said this "tougher regulator", with powers from the Environment Agency, could "really hold the water companies to account".

Acknowledging the differences in Wales, he said the Welsh government "hasnt done a good enough job, the regulator needs to be tougher".

A lack of resources to carry out enforcement action was a "big issue", said Sir Ed.

The Welsh government said, while issues around the environment were its responsibility, it was working with Westminster to "consider how regulation of the water sector can be strengthened".

It added: "NRW is critically reviewing its entire range of activities recognising that delivery of its core functions and statutory duties take priority."

Sir Ed praised the structure of Welsh Water, which supplies most of Wales and parts of England and is a not-for-profit organisation.

He said it had the potential "to be a much better model than the privatised water industry weve seen in England".

Unease over Senedd changes

Meanwhile, Sir Ed also said he had some concerns about the proposed new constituency boundaries and voting system for the 2026 Senedd election.

The Welsh Parliament will have 96 politicians - up from 60 - with fewer and larger constituencies and all Members of the Senedd (MSs) elected under a proportional system.

"We need to make sure the boundaries truly represent communities and some communities have talked about feeling that they dont," said Sir Ed.

He called the new voting system an "improvement", but said changing so people vote for parties rather than candidates meant "some of the candidates arent as accountable to the local area".

His party would have preferred a different system, he said, but insisted the Lib Dems had a "great chance" to do well at the next Senedd election.

The party has one Welsh MP at Westminster, one MS in Cardiff Bay and leads Powys council in coalition with Labour.

Sir Ed will be on Politics Wales on BBC One Wales at 10:00 BST on Sunday
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A Woodlawn High School Student was arrested after reportedly calling in a bomb threat to the school, Birmingham police announced.

16-year-old arrested after threats made towards Carver and Parker High School

Woodlawns school resource officers were alerted of the threat and contacted BPD. A 16-year-old juvenile was taken into custody at the school and confessed to making the bomb threat, according to police.

He was taken to the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center and charged with first-degree making a terrorist 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 CBS 42.
Some Paulding County High School administrators are trying to figure out what substance two students took Tuesday morning that made them sick.

They both passed out and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital.

By the time deputies arrived, they said the students had already gotten rid of the evidence.

Investigators say theyll probably never know what those kids took which makes it hard to criminally charge anyone.

Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes spoke to some parents and grandparents of students at the school.

Its wrong, I mean they need to keep that stuff out of schools -- guns and drugs, you know? Richard Peacock said.

Principal Andy Dorsey told parents what happened in letters sent out Wednesday and Thursday.

TRENDING STORIES:

The latest letter said a student got a hold of their parents drug-laced candy and at least two students ate the candy and started falling out and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital.

Paulding County deputies said one of the students admitted he also hit a vape without knowing what was in it.

Parent Ashley Johnson said she has never talked to her 17-year-old son about drug-laced candy.

You know, I never even really thought about that honestly. He knows what edibles are. Hes almost 17. He knows right from wrong, Johnson said.

Deputies said both students got rid of the evidence before they arrived so theyre not sure what was in the candy or vape, and they dont have enough to criminally charge anyone for the incident.

School administrators said theyre doing their own investigation.

IN OTHER NEWS:
One third of cinnamon products tested by Consumer Reports contained elevated levels of lead, the watchdog agency warned Thursday. Photo by Consumer Reports/HealthDay News

One third of cinnamon products tested by Consumer Reports contained elevated levels of lead, the watchdog agency warned Thursday.

The finding follows concerns about metals in foods after tainted cinnamon applesauce poisoned hundreds in 44 states last year, most of them children.

In the new study, Consumer Reports tested 36 cinnamon products and discovered high levels of lead in 12 cinnamon items sold at discount stores and ethnic markets. Sometimes, lead levels sometimes reached 3.5 parts per million.

How much lead is too much? The Codex Alimentarius, an international council created by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is "considering adopting a maximum level of 2.5 ppm for lead in bark spices, including cinnamon, in 2024," according to the FDA.

Badia, one common brand, sold cinnamon with one part per million of lead, according to the report.

Consumer Reports advised people to discard any items containing that amount of lead or more.

Just a quarter teaspoon of any of those products has more lead than you should consume in an entire day, James Rogers, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports.

"If you have one of those products, we think you should throw it away," he said in a Consumer Reports news release.

"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," Rogers added.

But the amounts of lead found in the report were not small, experts noted.

While the levels in the cinnamon applesauce recalled last year were "astronomical," those in the new report were still 1,000 times as high as the levels that concern experts, Tomas Guilarte, a neuroscience and environmental health professor at Florida International University, told the New York Times.

"These are extremely high levels of lead," he said. "Clearly they shouldn't be used."

Still, Consumer Reports also found far lower levels of lead in some cinnamon products, including from some brands it said were safe to use: Whole Foods 365, McCormick, Penzeys and Morton & Bassett.

"These products demonstrate that it's possible to produce cinnamon with no lead or extremely low levels," Rogers noted.

Food safety experts say lead could enter cinnamon bark when trees grow in contaminated soil or when the spice is processed with aging machinery, the Times reported. Cinnamon mainly grows in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, the report said, and then is shipped around the world.

In the 2023 recall, the FDA has said it suspected that the cinnamon had been intentionally adulterated with lead chromate, a powder used to stretch the valuable commodity and boost profits.

Brian Ronholm, director of food safety policy at Consumer Reports, said the federal government should set a national policy on the amount of lead allowed in herbs and spices, something New York State already does.

"Ultimately, we want the FDA to develop a preventive strategy for reducing lead exposure in all foods," he added in a Consumer Reports news release. "Right now, they're just not in a position to do that because they're chronically underfunded, and have been for decades, particularly on the food side, and that makes it very difficult for them to summon the will to focus on this."

More information

The FDA has more on lead in food.

Copyright  2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Sniffer dogs among methods used to find illegal drugs at Dublin Airport [PA Media]

Drug seizures at ports, airports, and mail centres in the Republic of Ireland have more than doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the Irish Revenue Service.

It said it's officials have seized 170 million (143 million) worth of illegal drugs up to the end of August this year, compared with 75 million (63 million) during the same period in 2023.

Over 3 million (2.5 million) worth of cocaine and cannabis has been seized at Dublin Airport in the last two weeks.

Officers said smugglers were becoming "increasingly inventive," with a number of people being arrested having concealed substances inside their bodies.

"In recent days, revenue officers have carried out several intelligence-led operations, as a result of which over 3 million (2.5 million) worth of cocaine and herbal cannabis were seized," a spokesperson added.

This included 258 cocaine pellets weighing 3.9 kg and 140 kg of herbal cannabis, which was discovered using detection dogs and x-ray machines.

The discoveries were made after officers stopped and searched a number of passengers who had arrived on separate flights originating from Brazil and Thailand.

'Serious risk'

Officers have said cocain pellets are often used to smuggle drugs [Irish Revenue Service]

Supt Darren McCarthy, who oversees policing at Dublin Airport, recently emphasised the severe risks associated with internal drug concealment.

During an interview on RTE's Morning Ireland programme, he highlighted that individuals who ingest drug pellets face significant health dangers.

He explained that those caught attempting to smuggle drugs internally often require hospital treatment.
The Sudan National Museum in the capital Khartoum, seen in 2020, has suffered looting during the war between the army and paramilitaries (ASHRAF SHAZLY) (ASHRAF SHAZLY/AFP/AFP)

Sudan's priceless archaeological heritage is being stripped from museums, with looters loading statuettes and fragments of ancient palaces onto lorries, smuggling them out of the war-torn country, and selling them online.

More than a year of war between rival generals has killed tens of thousands of people, forced millions more to flee their homes, and left the country's prized antiquities at the mercy of pillagers.

On Thursday, UNESCO, the United Nations's cultural body, said the "threat to culture appears to have reached an unprecedented level, with reports of looting of museums, heritage and archaeological sites and private collections".

In the capital Khartoum, where fighting broke out in April 2023 between the army and paramilitary forces, the recently renovated Sudan National Museum has had prized artefacts stolen, archaeologists and officials say.

The museum houses prehistoric artefacts from the Palaeolithic era and items from the famed site of Kerma in northern Sudan, as well as Pharaonic and Nubian pieces.

First opened in 1971, the museum was founded in part to house objects rescued from an area due to be flooded by the construction of Egypt's massive Aswan dam.

Now, its artefacts are under threat from war.

"The Sudan National Museum has been the subject of major looting," said Ikhlas Abdel Latif, head of museums at the national antiquities authority.

"Archaeological objects stored there have been taken in big lorries and transferred to the west and to border areas, particularly near South Sudan," she told AFP.

- 'Refrain' from trade -

The extent of the looting is hard to determine because the museum is located in an area controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Officials and experts have accused the RSF of looting the site. Contacted by AFP, a spokesman for the force did not comment.

In May, the RSF said it was being "vigilant" in "protecting and preserving the antiquities of the Sudanese people".

Throughout history, fighters have used plunder to fund their war efforts.

UNESCO said it was calling on "the public and the art market... in the region and worldwide to refrain" from trading in Sudanese items.

The agency also said it was planning training in the Egyptian capital Cairo for law enforcement and the judiciary from Sudan's neighbours.

"Because of the war, the museum and the artefacts are not being monitored," said Hassan Hussein, a researcher and former director of the national antiquities authority.

The army, led by Sudan's de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is locked in conflict with the RSF, which is led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

- For sale -

The Island of Meroe, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kush and dozens of its pyramids, is also under threat.

Artefacts and exhibition accessories have been stolen from the museum in Nyala, the South Darfur state capital, said Abdel Latif.

In Omdurman, just across the River Nile from Khartoum, part of the Khalifa House museum was also destroyed, she said.

Last week, the Association of Friends of Sudanese Museums condemned "in the strongest terms" the looting that is taking place across the country.

Experts voiced alarm after finding looted artefacts offered for sale online.

On the auction site eBay, a user offered items presented as Egyptian antiquities that, according to Sudanese media, were looted from Sudan.

AFP saw the listings, with items offered for a few hundred dollars, but was not able to independently verify the authenticity or origin of the items.

A Sudanese archaeologist, speaking anonymously for security reasons, told AFP that pottery, gold objects and paintings listed for sale appeared to have come from the National Museum in Khartoum -- although at least one statuette was an imitation.

He said he feared for the larger statues, which "must be handled by specialists in a precise manner" and could be damaged if looters were to lay hands on them.

The issue is set to be discussed at an upcoming conference in Germany, which Hussein will attend.

"The current state of the collections is a concern for anyone who cares about humanity's heritage," he said.

bur-bam/cgo/ami/dcp/ser/smw
A lawsuit Bellefonte resident Peter Serefine filed last month alleging Sunshine Act violations against Bellefonte Borough Council has been dismissed over an error with how the suit was filed.

Serefine filed his lawsuit Aug. 22, after the Borough Council passed a controversial resolution making changes to who can speak at meetings without offering the public a chance comment. Serefines lawsuit alleged a violation of Pennsylvanias Sunshine Act laws, which state that agencies must provide a reasonable opportunity for residents and/or taxpayers to comment on an issue before a decision takes place.

Last week, Borough Manager Ralph Stewart apologized for the way the resolution was passed, and it was rescinded. The resolution had been passed over an objection from Councilwoman Joanna Tosti-Vasey, and temporarily imposed new public comment rules that meant only borough residents could speak at Borough Council meetings, and that those residents had to provide ID.

Though the resolution was deemed null and void, Serefine said he still planned to move forward with his lawsuit that sought to provide accountability. He also called for the removal of Stewart, Council President Kent Bernier and Vice President Barbara Dann.

But on Aug. 30, Centre County Court of Common Pleas Judge Jonathan Grine dismissed the case without prejudice on the basis that Serefine had filed his lawsuit using the wrong paperwork. A case dismissed without prejudice can be refiled at a later date.

Serefine told the CDT in an email Thursday that the Centre County Prothonotarys Office had given him the wrong document after explaining to them what kind of lawsuit he was trying to file. By the time he found out about the dismissal of the case, hed missed the refiling deadline, he said.

I originally filed my complaint on Aug. 22, giving me 14 days left in the 30-day window allowed for Sunshine Law cases. When the judge dismissed my case on Aug. 30 for using the wrong form, there were still five days left in that window, Serefine wrote. However, it took five days for the dismissal order to move from the judge to the prothonotarys office, where it was time-stamped on Sept. 4  exactly day 30. It was then another two days before the order was mailed, and I didnt receive it until Sept. 9, five days after the 30-day window had closed.

Prothonotary and Chief of Clerks Jeremy Breon wrote in an email to the CDT that the dismissal order was handled regularly, as all dismissal orders that come through the office are handled.

I would like to note that prothonotary staff did time stamp the order dismissing the action without prejudice as soon as it was received, at 3:45 p.m. on Sept. 4, Breon wrote. It was then processed and mailed to the parties in a timely fashion, in accordance with office policies.

Breon also wrote that while the prothonotarys office does provide commonly used forms as a public service, they cannot advise litigants which forms to use for public action and they cannot instruct them on how to complete the forms as they are not attorneys.

Serefine said the lawsuit was his last resort, and that the onus is now on the public to share his outrage and take that energy to the ballot box. He urged the public to keep a watchful eye on their respective local governments and their councils, as the decisions they make could have a significant impact on the lives of those living there.

He also hopes that his case will serve as an example to any who wishes to engage with the prothonotarys office in the future.

Serefine intends on petitioning the court for a refund of the expenses he procured due to filing and service fees.

The next Bellefonte Borough Council work session will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 16, followed by a business meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Support for access to in vitro fertilization to be voted on again in U.S. Senate

Embryologist Ric Ross holds a dish with human embryos at the La Jolla IVF Clinic Feb. 28, 2007 in La Jolla, California. The clinic accepts donated embryos from around the country through The Stem Cell resource which are then given to stem cell research labs for research. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker | Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate will vote for a second time next week on legislation from Democrats that would bolster support for in vitro fertilization, though its unlikely GOP lawmakers will reverse course from their previous opposition.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the revote Thursday afternoon, saying he hopes that Republicans will join with Democrats to advance the measure toward final passage. The bill would ensure patients have access to in vitro fertilization.

Republicans cant claim to be pro-family on one hand, only to block pro-family policies like federal protections for IVF and the child tax credit, Schumer said. But thats just what they did this summer and I hope we get a different outcome when we vote for a second time.

The Senate last held a procedural vote on the bill in June, though it didnt come close to the 60 senators needed to advance.

The 48-47 procedural vote was mostly along party lines with Maines Susan Collins and Alaskas Lisa Murkowski breaking with Republicans to support moving forward with debate and a final passage vote.

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy argued against advancing the bill during debate, saying the legislation wasnt necessary since no state currently barred IVF.

Todays vote is disingenuous  pushing a bill haphazardly drafted and destined to fail does a disservice to all who may pursue IVF treatments, Cassidy said at the time.

Washington state Democratic Sen. Patty Murray spoke in support of approving the legislation, saying in June it shouldnt be controversial, especially if Republicans are serious about supporting access to IVF.

As we saw in Alabama, the threat to IVF is not hypothetical, it is not overblown and it is not fearmongering, Murray said.

Alabama state legislators earlier this year had to provide criminal and civil protection to IVF clinics after the state Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos constituted children under state law.

The opinion from Alabamas justices temporarily led all IVF clinics within the state to close their doors to patients, wreaking havoc on couples hoping to start or grow their families through the complicated, emotionally draining and often expensive process.

The issue also has emerged in the presidential race, and was fought over in the Sept. 10 debate by the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump.
Justin Metz

In August 2022, when Amanda Zurawski was 18 weeks pregnant, she experienced a preterm premature rupture of membranes, a catastrophic condition thats fatal to the fetus and can pose serious risks to the mother as well. She and her husband rushed to their local Texas hospital but, because there was still fetal cardiac activity detected, she details in a subsequent lawsuit against the state that attending doctors refused to terminate her pregnancy. Texas, following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, had banned all abortions, except to save the life of the pregnant patient or prevent serious physical impairment. Zurawski says that according to doctors, her case didnt qualify. After her health deteriorated dramatically, doctors finally performed an abortion. Because of the delay, though, she would develop an infection, go into sepsis, and spend days in the ICU fighting for her life. Zurawski survived but the traumatic experience impacted her ability to conceive in the future, and doctors recommended that she not try to carry a baby again. She and her husband began IVF (in vitro fertilization) intending to conceive via surrogate and created a number of frozen embryos. But she moved them out of Texas this year, terrified that the state could make its laws around IVF more restrictive.

She is not alone in her anxiety. I started reporting this story after Allure spoke to 30 IVF patients earlier this year about the unspoken realities of the treatment. Several had shared concerns about how the shifting political landscape could impact laws around IVF in their respective states. When I began to spend time in the #ivfjourney corner of TikTok, I found similar worries expressed again and again.

They are worries that heightened dramatically after a February 2024 decision by Alabamas Supreme Court that ruled frozen embryos are unborn children, meaning IVF clinics could be subject to wrongful death civil liability. Riley, a self-proclaimed IVF girlie in Florida who goes by @journey.to.baby.gersch on TikTok, posted an anxious video from her doctors office that month with the caption: My heart is breaking for all couples who were planning to seek IVF treatment, and currently going through IVF treatment in Alabama. As if IVF isnt emotionally and physically challenging already. Terrified of Florida following suit. We have two precious PGT normal embryos on ice waiting for transfer. Can I claim our embryos as dependents on our taxes? This is insane.

According to Hank Greely, a professor of law at Stanford who specializes in the ethical, legal, and social implications of biomedical technologies, the Alabama decision was both odd and narrow, focusing on the damages a couple could claim if their embryos were destroyed as a result of negligence. The headlines in the news said Alabama Supreme Court decides frozen embryos are children, which was true except they decided it only for the purposes of the Wrongful Death Act, says Greely, citing a statute dating back over a century that pertains to a civil method of holding someone accountable.

The Alabama decision had immediate medical implications for anyone in the midst of the IVF process in the state. It contradicts science and not only misrepresents the complexities of reproductive technology but also threatens to undermine the rights of patients and the medical ethics fundamental to our profession, says Kristin Bendikson, MD, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and ob-gyn, and the chief medical officer at Kindbody, a fertility clinic with locations nationwide. The broadly inflammatory language of the judges written opinion (see Chief Justice Tom Parkers Biblical quotes and the repeated usage of the term extra-uterine children) threw gasoline on what should have been a small fire, says Greely. And while the extreme and misguided nature of the decision led the Alabama legislature to respond within weeks to enact statutes to protect IVF, the fact that it even happened was enough to panic many families who were in the process elsewhere. Families all across the country fear their access to reproductive health care is at risk because of that decision and, sadly, they are not mistaken, says Dr. Bendikson.

Meet the experts:

Despite Donald Trump's recent claims on the campaign trail that he fully supports IVFand would even somehow make the expensive treatment freefew believe that women's reproductive rights and IVF would actually be protected in a second Trump presidency. In his last term, he implemented more than 60% of the recommendations of the Heritage Foundationthe extremist architects of Project 2025and nominated three deeply conservative Supreme Court justices pushed by the group. And as reported by the New York Times, Trumps 2024 running mate, Senator JD Vance, wrote the introduction to a 2017 Heritage Foundation report that argued in a series of essays, among other things, against IVF access; he was also the keynote speaker at its public release in Washington, DC.

To support IVF, you must also support abortion. They cannot be siloed. They are two sides of the same coin, says Marcelle Cedars, MD, a double board-certified fertility specialist and reproductive endocrinologist and the director of the UCSF Center for Reproductive Health. Reproductive care and choice is having children when you want them (IVF, if necessary) and not having them when you dont (contraception and abortion). Its all interconnected and when there are attacks on one aspect of reproductive rights, there are implications for the whole spectrum of care. One social media post that went viral this summer read: The treatment for ectopic pregnancy is abortion. The treatment for a septic uterus is abortion. The treatment for a miscarriage that your body wont release is abortion. If you cant get those abortions, you die. Between them, the 30 IVF patients that Allure spoke with earlier this year had had 65 miscarriages or chemical pregnancies (a miscarriage that happens within the first five weeks). One was hospitalized for 10 days after she says Georgia's heartbeat bill prevented her from getting the treatment she needed during a miscarriage. Its not surprising that states with the most restrictive abortion laws also have the highest maternal mortality rates.

All these politicians have agendas, and things that affect my patients lives tremendously are soundbites for them.

For the pro-life movement (I will use that categorization here for the sake of clarity, though really its a misnomer; anti-choice is more accurate), Roe v. Wade was always the white whale. Since it was overturned in 2022 with the Dobbs decision, activists have had to direct their rhetoric elsewhere. IVF has seemingly become the movements new target. Dobbs energized the pro-life movement and, looking for their next goal, it also redirected the attention of some of these groups to IVF, says Greely. Pro-life activists and the politicians who share their views want to make health decisions for women when they have no medical training or experience. Its chaos, says Julian Escobar, MD, a double board-certified ob-gyn and specialist in reproductive endocrinology whose fertility practice is in Dallas. All these politicians have agendas, and things that affect my patients lives tremendously are soundbites for them, says Dr. Escobar.

The post-Dobbs politicization of reproductive health care has already led to ongoing medical uncertainty and a widespread crisis of care. A recent Associated Press analysis of federal hospital investigations found that since 2022 more than 100 pregnant women in medical distress who went to emergency rooms seeking help were either refused care or treated negligently. Two women in Texas who say they were denied abortions for ectopic pregnancies (the leading cause of maternal mortality during the first trimester, its when a fertilized egg is growing outside the uterus and therefore cannot survive) are now filing federal complaints. The Center for Reproductive Rights notes that under current Texas law, doctors can face up to 99 years in prison for performing an illegal abortion. They werent planning to stop at Roe and I think well continue to see IVF be included as part of the criminalization and attacks on reproductive rights, says Jorie Dugan, human rights counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights, US Human Rights Program.

One of the biggest links between abortion bans and the potential complication of access to fertility care is the push for personhood laws by pro-lifers and conservative politicians. Personhood bills aim to categorize, not just a fetus, but also embryos and fertilized eggs as persons, says Dugan who points out that this year alone 38 personhood bills were introduced or carried over from previous sessions across 21 states; Colorado, Indiana, and Iowa all introduced legislation that would define a person in their criminal code to include an embryo from the moment of fertilization. Last year, Alabama, Alaska, and Illinois had already done the same.

While these bills to include embryos under criminal codes havent yet passed, Dugan expects the efforts to be ongoing. If they do become law, the impact would be devastating because they affect the entirety of fertility care. One inevitability of the IVF process is the high likelihood that some embryos will not be viable, explains Dr. Escobar. During the IVF process, the ovaries are stimulated to produce eggs (something which involves extensive monitoring and hormones), eggs are retrieved, and then mixed with a viable sperm sample to create as many healthy embryos as possible.

But there are several stages of embryo growth and there are always embryos that will fail to develop. Eventually, some embryos will be transferred into a patients uterus, some embryos may be frozen for future use, some may be donated to research (which means they will eventually be discarded), and some embryos, for a variety of reasonsincluding personal preferencemay be destroyed. Destruction of embryos is simply part of the process of IVF. Treating these embryos as if they are people creates a level of legal liability that goes above and beyond what is appropriate, says Cathryn Oakley, senior director of legal policy at the Human Rights Campaign. This fundamental misalignment around the definition of an embryo as a person creates a really hard to understand, difficult to anticipate, and gnarly situation to navigate.

Even in nature not all fertilized eggs become babies, and IVF will never be more efficient than nature.

These personhood laws would not only restrict the destruction of embryos but also open up a myriad of questions, says Cedars. These include: Would IVF doctors and embryologists be found at fault for the failure of an embryo to grow to the blastocyst stage (as occurs naturally in more than 50% of patients)? Would a miscarriage be considered involuntary homicide? What would a frozen embryo be considered? What about an embryo that doesnt survive freezing and thawing? Or an embryo that doesnt implant after transfer? This personhood concept doesnt recognize that even in nature, the best possible environment, only about 25% of fertilized eggs will make it to birth, says Dr. Cedars. Even in nature not all fertilized eggs become babies, and IVF will never be more efficient than nature.

The aspect of IVF that Greely believes is most at risk of being in the pro-life crosshairs is preimplantation genetic screening (PGT or PGS), an early form of prenatal diagnosis that identifies embryos with chromosomal abnormalities that can lead to the development of conditions like Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, and Down syndrome. That would open up even more questions, says Lora Shahine, MD, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility in Seattle clinical associate professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, cofounder of the nonprofit Doctors for Fertility, and host of the Baby or Bust fertility podcast. Could legislators and politicians argue that biopsying embryos to test for genetic abnormalities be interpreted as harming the embryos? Will patients and clinics be able to discard embryos diagnosed with abnormalities that are not compatible with live birth or are considered significant birth defects?

The passage of personhood bills could also endanger the practice of selective reduction used to improve the health of the pregnancy and decrease the risk of early delivery for someone who conceives with high-order multiple gestation, like triplets. If IVF treatment is altered due to embryo protections, women could be required to transfer any fertilized eggs that become embryos, says Dr. Shahine, adding that this is something Italy already did in the 2000s when they allowed only three eggs to be fertilized at a time and mandated that all resulting embryos be transferred. Though the countrys laws have been updated since then, in 2024, Italydespite its conservative leadership lamenting the countrys plummeting birth ratesexcludes any same-sex couples and single women (unless they can prove they were in a heterosexual relationship at the time the embryos were created) from using IVF.

Limiting the number of eggs that can be fertilized would create major financial barriers. It decreases efficiency and increases cost for fertility treatments, which are already inaccessible to many, adds Dr. Cedars. IVF is rarely covered by insurance (fewer than half of states have legislated infertility insurance coverage) and only two states have at least some Medicaid coverage for it. Many civilized countries cover IVF, but of course civilized countries have universal health coverage too, adds Greely.

Beyond cost though, going through the process of IVF, undergoing the ovulation and induction process multiple times, can be extremely taxing on someones body. The fact is, there are countless dangers that these potential regulations, much like abortion restrictions, pose to the mothers health. People glamorize pregnancy, but that is not the case, says Dr. Escobar. Banning embryo freezing (as Italy did) would also increase the multiple gestation rate which ups the risk of problems like diabetes, hypertension, and postpartum hemorrhage; the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality is greater with a multiple pregnancy than a singleton, Dr. Cedars explains. With IVF, time is also of the essence, and prolonging the process can be not only nerve-wracking for couples who have spent years trying to conceive but also hurt their chances of success. It could put patients at higher risk of miscarriage and impact those who are doing egg retrieval for fertility preservation before cancer treatment and require immediate care, says Dr. Bendikson.

Pregnancy and cancer care are more connected than people think. There is no part of a younger womans cancer journey that potential reproductive ethics dont end up affecting somehow, says Divya Yerramilli, MD, a board-certified radiation oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Cancer patients of child-bearing age must often quickly consider their fertility preservation options after their diagnosis, freezing eggs or embryos. And a number of cancers, like breast and cervical, can be hormone-receptive and may be affected by pregnancy. Patients who receive a cancer diagnosis while pregnant or while trying to conceive with IVF are faced with the decision to do lifesaving treatment that will compromise the fetus or continue their pregnancy journey and contend with higher risks of the cancer coming back, not being curable, or shortening their life. If I as a cancer doctor make a decision to treat someones cancer and that treatment terminates somebodys pregnancy, am I then held responsible for murder? posits Dr. Yerramilli.

The phrasing baked into these laws about a threat to the life of the mother is also problematic. Its not imminent that a patient is going to immediately die of their breast cancer, but [delaying treatment because of pregnancy] certainly compromises their outcome and its not standard of care, says Dr. Yerramilli. To mandate that people take a nonstandard of care approach to cancer treatment is ridiculous and flies in the face of evidence-based medicine.

Fertility and ob-gyn doctors and providers face their own set of roadblocks. In Texas, Dr. Escobar has struggled post-Dobbs because of a lack of access to essential drugs like misoprostol, which is administered for miscarriages and to soften the cervix pre-surgery, and methotrexate, prescribed for ectopic pregnancies to stop cells from growing and end the pregnancy. In May, Louisiana governor Jeff Landry signed a bill reclassifying mifepristone and misoprostol (commonly used in tandem for medication abortions) as schedule IV controlled substances, and doctors there are panicked about not being able to access a lifesaving medication like misoprostol used regularly for postpartum hemorrhages.

A recent paper published in The American Journal of Bioethics by researchers at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Florida and University of Cincinnati Colleges of Medicine, found that the political fixation on the detection of fetal cardiac activity (as was the case with Zurawski, and one of the subjects in Allures recent IVF coverage) is reductive and dangerous because it often supersedes the consideration of the pregnant person. It not only fails to include the pregnant individual in pregnancy management discussions, but falsely equates the presence of fetal cardiac activity with the birth of a healthy baby, the authors wrote.

Increasingly, in addition to trying to provide adequate care for their patients, doctors are having to navigate the nuances of unclearly written legislation and consider the legal implications of the medical decisions they make. Physicians in a lot of restricted states are being compromised when theyre not able to discuss abortion, which is a part of normal health care, says Dr. Cedars. To restrict a full and honest discussion of reproductive options is really the antithesis of everything were taught as doctors to do.

This politicization of care and the potential ethical challenges it creates is dissuading doctors from pursuing careers in reproductive health care altogether. In the year following Dobbs, applications to ob-gyn residency programs in states that banned abortion decreased by 10%. As stated in the same paper from The American Journal of Bioethics: Restrictive political contexts and imparting greater responsibilities on individual physicians to uphold patient rights may contribute to declining willingness to train and practice in these fields, which could contribute to worsening existing maternity care deserts and endangering all pregnancies. Dr. Yerramilli says even cancer doctors like herself are afraid to practice in states with super-restrictive abortion laws. It means that states that already have poor access to health care are being drained of the resources of health-care providers, she adds. Another longer-standing issue within the medical community is the USs restrictions on embryo research which date back to the 1980s. Greely points out that the federal government has banned federal funding for any research that creates human embryos for the purposes of research or destroys them or puts them at risk (unless its intended to help that particular embryo) since 1995 when a rider called the Dickey-Wicker Amendment was introduced. It has to get repassed every year and for nearly three decades it hasat a great loss to the advancement of IVF research and technology.

In this election year, women stand to lose so much more. Democrats, led by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)who used IVF to have her two children while in officehave been pushing for passage of the Right to IVF bill (which includes the previously introduced Access to Family Building Act). The bill would codify access to IVF, protect health-care providers, and also require employer-sponsored health insurance plans to cover treatments. In June and then again in September, it was voted downall Senate Republicans, minus two, were against it. Republican senators (and staunch pro-lifers) Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced their version of an IVF bill that, in their words, affirms both life and liberty. That bill claimed to protect access to IVF and would deny Medicaid funding to states who banned the fertility technologywhich the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) quickly pointed out would only punish vulnerable patients and do little to protect fertility care. But the bills oblique language didnt mention anything about the potential legal consequences associated with the discarding or storage of embryos, and stated that nothing can block states from implementing health and safety standards regarding the practice of in vitro fertilization, as reported in a column by Michael Hiltzik in The Los Angeles Times. It was blocked by Democrats who felt it didnt go far enough to protect IVF and, in fact, allows states to restrict the treatment in various ways.

Despite a very vocal conservative minority, IVF has plenty of public supportits no surprise that as American voters get closer to the ballot box, Trump has quickly made an abrupt campaign trail about-face on the topic of reproductive freedoms. The drastic Alabama ruling this year was met by an immediate public outcry; within three weeks, it was reversed by one of the most conservative legislatures in the country. The Southern Baptist Convention took a position against IVF, and more specifically the destruction of embryos this year, but again it likely doesnt reflect the feelings of their parishioners. Greely mentions that Southern Baptists are technically against divorce too, but they have high divorce rates. The same goes for the Roman Catholic Church, whose leadership has been vocal about its disapproval of IVF. Its nice that the old men in the Vatican think this way, but very few American Catholics follow the churchs teachings on sex and reproduction, says Greely.

At the Democratic National Convention, protecting IVF came up again and again in speeches, most notably by vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, who credits fertility treatments for helping to build his own family. The enthusiastic DNC audience response is reflected in wider polls: A February 2024 Axios-Ipsos poll found that two-thirds of Americans oppose designating frozen IVF embryos as children and a Mary 2024 Pew Research Center survey stated that 7 in 10 adults support access to IVF.

Much like with IVF, polls show widespread support for abortion. Whenever American voters have been presented with a choice at the ballot box, they support more access to reproductive medical treatments every single time and thats why Republicans work so hard to keep these measures off the ballot because they think theyre going to lose, says Sean Tipton, chief advocacy and policy officer for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). At press time, there are, says Tipton, a number of states with ballot measures around abortion. ASRM is focusing its energy on the states among the ones that already have active restrictions on women's reproductive autonomy, like Florida and South Dakota.

In the US, womens bodies are more regulated than guns, so this election feels existential. If we want to continue to live in a world where we have agency over whats happening in our bodies, at the ballot box theres only one ticket that supports that, says Oakley at the Human Rights Campaign. And while many of the most drastic limits on womens reproductive freedom are happening at a state level, everyone, no matter what their zip code, should be worried. A Republican president and legislature could affect federal law, so all women should be concerned about access to the full spectrum of reproductive health, says Dr. Cedars. Reproductive choice is an issue that will define this election: The choice not to parent is as valuable as the choice to parent. Says Dr. Bendikson: The path to parenthood is a personal decision that should be made by families, not politicians.

Make your plan to vote at weall.vote/allure.

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Originally Appeared on Allure
Sheep farmer George Wherry, and his daughter Diana Petrie, both intend to vote for Trump in the 2024 presidential election (Rebecca DROKE) (Rebecca DROKE/None/AFP)

For Pennsylvania farmer George Wherry, 85, fracking for natural gas under his otherwise bucolic fields means greater economic "freedom" -- one of the many reasons he'll be voting for Donald Trump in November.

Hydraulic fracturing is a controversial but highly effective technique for unlocking fossil fuels deep underground. With Pennsylvania both rich in natural gas and a vital swing state in presidential elections, Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris are going out of their way to express support.

Unfortunately for Harris, who supported a ban on the practice during her first run for president in 2019, many voters in prime fracking country say they trust Trump to be a better steward of the industry.

Wherry and his 56-year-old daughter Diana Petrie, who recently returned to the family sheep farm after 30 years in Colorado, say they will go for the Republican.

"I'm hoping that it's definitely Trump," Petrie told AFP, standing next to her father at the gravel-covered fracking pad, which sits on a flattened hilltop a short buggy ride from the family home in nearby Scenery Hill.

"You know what you're going to get," she said. "And that's what I wholeheartedly believe in."

Their 360-acre farm lies in Pennsylvania's southwestern county of Washington, a largely rural corner where Trump won more than 60 percent of the vote in both 2016 and 2020.

They have a flock of more than 500 sheep and a small herd of beef cattle for personal consumption, along with what's known as a fracking pad: three deep wells extending thousands of feet beneath the earth's surface to reach the abundant natural gas trapped in the Marcellus Shale formation.

The royalties allow Wherry to invest in new technology that makes sheep farming "easier" and more cost-effective, he says. "It's allowed me a little more freedom."

- Growing support in Pennsylvania -

Once a Democratic stronghold with a strong union presence, Washington County has voted Republican in every presidential election since 2008.

Trump's strong support for fracking has helped him here  as it has across the Appalachia region, where a controversial shale gas boom since 2008 minted millionaires almost overnight and created rare, well-paying blue-collar jobs in an area undergoing deindustrialization.

Harris's past support for a fracking ban  which she has reversed in her current presidential run has left many in Washington County skeptical.

"I believe that your word is your bond," former coal mine manager Jason White told AFP in an interview, adding that Harriss "about-face" on fracking had not convinced him.

A registered Republican, the 37-year-old runs Wild Acres Farms, a 400-acre site in Deemston Borough Township dotted with small, shallow fracking wells, which also hosts hunting and fishing trips.

He plans to vote for Trump in November.

Environmentalists, scientists, and public health experts have raised repeated concerns about the health and climate impacts of the fracking process, which involves pumping water, sand, and a proprietary blend of chemicals thousands of feet underground at high pressure to create fractures in the bedrock and release the gas trapped inside.

But even as countries across Europe, including France, Britain, and Germany, have paused or banned fracking on environmental and health grounds, many Pennsylvanians have grown more enthusiastic.

According to a 2022 poll from the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion, Pennsylvanians are "highly divided" on the impact of natural gas extraction in the state, with 48 percent in favor of fracking  up nine percentage points from a decade earlier  and 44 percent opposed.

But when asked if they thought natural gas was important for Pennsylvania's economy, more than 85 percent of respondents said yes.

- 'Bought and sold already' -

"Fracking has been positive, I would say, all around," said August Michel, a long-time Republican voter who runs a lemonade business at farmers markets across Washington County.

"So to be anti-fracking is kind of like being anti-farmer, right?" the 53-year-old told AFP at his stall in the Monongahela farmers' market. "You can't really get rid of the farmer now that fracking has worked as well as it has."

Michel, 53, voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020, and plans to do so again in November.

A few stalls away, Laura Jean Kahl, who sells fresh produce from her family farm, told AFP that she will be voting for Harris in November for one simple reason: "She's not Donald Trump."

"We got a woman of color here. She's young, she's got her wits about her," said Kahl, 40. "That's at least a little more inspiring."

Kahl said she does not think the short-term financial gain from fracking is worth its long-term environmental impact. But she does not hold out much hope that Harris's election would put a stop to it.

"There's too much money and momentum behind fracking as an industry." she said. "It's bought and sold already. The deals are done."

da/sms
Ian Khama says the charges against him are politically motivated [AFP]

Botswana's former President Ian Khama has unexpectedly returned to the country after three years of self-imposed exile, appearing in court to face charges, including money laundering and owning illegal firearms.

The 71-year-old had only recently claimed there was a plot to poison him if he set foot on home soil.

The government called those allegations "outrageous".

Supporters chanted "the general is back" as Khama left the courthouse on Friday in the capital, Gaborone.

"We were taken by surprise," said state prosecutor Ambrose Mubika of Khama's decision to appear.

Ian Khama led Botswana for 10 years until 2018.

He is not standing for office again in next month's election, in which his bitter rival President Mokgweetsi Masisi is seeking a second term.

Khama has called Masisi "the Botswana version of Donald Trump" and believes appointing him as his successor in the governing Botswana Democratic Party was a "mistake".

At Friday's hearing, the magistrate dropped arrest warrants against Khama that had been issued in 2022 after his previous no-shows at court.

"I'm happy with the magistrate's ruling," Khama said afterwards, according to the AFP news agency.

"The state wanted him back in the country and now he is back. He is in the country for as much as he likes," his lawyer Unoda Mack told reporters.

Khama has long denied the 14 charges against him, which also include handling stolen property, saying they are politically motivated.

He is jointly charged with the former heads of intelligence and police services.

During his presidency, Khama was praised for seeking to diversify the economy which is heavily reliant on diamond production.

Since Masisi assumed office he has reversed some of his predecessor's policies, which is said to have played a part in the rift.

According to the polling company Afrobarometer, citizens of Botswana feel increasingly concerned about corruption, including the awarding of large government contracts to officials' relatives.

Khama is next due to appear in court on 23 September.

The ex-president had been living in South Africa since falling out with Masisi, and, in a sign of mistrust between the two men, has said he pays for his own private security guards despite being entitled to state-funded protection.

The former army general is known for his love of flying planes, but was reportedly barred from using the state fleet as his feud with President Masisi worsened.

Ian Khama was born in 1953 in the UK county of Surrey, the son of exiled independence leader Seretse Khama and his British wife, Ruth.

Khama senior went on to become Botswana's first president in 1960. His life was the subject of a recent Hollywood film called A United Kingdom.

More BBC stories on Botswana:

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

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Survey says most Americans plan to get flu shot, but not COVID-19 booster

A majority of respondents to a poll released Thursday said they have gotten or plan to get this years flu vaccine, while less than half said the same about the 2024 COVID-19 booster.

Thirty-seven percent in the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center survey said they have gotten vaccines in the past but do not plan to again.

Some 56 percent said they will get or have already received the flu shot, but only 43 percent have gotten or plan to get the coronavirus vaccine.

Were at the start of respiratory virus season when you have the triple threat of flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about vaccinations, but the reality is that they are safe and highly effective in preventing serious illness and death, said Nora Colburn, medical director of clinical epidemiology at Ohio States Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, in a statement.

Older adults, people with certain chronic medical conditions and those who are pregnant are especially at risk during respiratory virus season, Colburn added.

Doctors recommend that everyone receive updated COVID-19 vaccines outside of infants younger than 6 months, and that children older than 6 years receive updated flu shots annually.

According to Colburn, Vaccinations play a critical role in helping keep individuals and communities healthy. Other things you can do is to stay home when sick, avoid those who are sick and wear a mask if youre not feeling well and going out of your home. All of these things can help prevent you from getting sick and spreading it to others.

The survey was conducted on behalf of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center by SSRS from Aug. 16-18 among 1,006 respondents. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Attendees at a roundtable on the importance of the Latino vote hosted by Make the Road Nevada in August. Speakers at the forum included Julian Castro, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar. (Photo: Mike Willoughby for Make the Road Nevada)

More than half of Nevada registered Latino voters surveyed in a recent poll said they had not been contacted by any political party or campaign as of the end of August, according to a new report from UnidosUS.

UnidosUS released results Thursday from its 2024 Pre-Election Poll of the Hispanic Electorate, which surveyed 3,000 swing state voters, including 300 voters in Nevada, from Aug. 5-23 on key issues and races.

The group said one extremely concerning aspect of the results showed 53% of Latino voters polled in Nevada said they still hadnt been contacted by a campaign or political party.

That was comparable to the polls results for all states. When asked Has anyone from a political party, campaign or any other organization contacted you and asked you to register and/or vote in this election, whether by text, mail, email, or in-person?, 55% of all Latino voters surveyed said no.

According to the survey, 25% of those polled in Nevada said they have been contacted by Democratic campaigns, versus 14% of people saying theyve been contacted by Republicans. Some respondents also said they had been contacted about voting on ballot initiatives or by nonpartisan community organizations.

The poll showed that Latino Nevada voters are fully engaged and have very strong opinions about the policies both parties embrace, said Rafael Collazo, the director of Political Affairs with UnidosUS.

Despite the track record of engagement, its sad the report lays out that nearly half of Latino voters still havent been contacted by local campaigns, Collazo said.

Clarissa Martinez de Castro, the vice president of the Latino Vote Initiative with UnidosUS, said the low engagement begs the question about how much campaigns are investing in Latino voters, which is an ever growing key electorate.

Why is it that this close to the election only 25% of Hispanic voters in Nevada are saying they have been contacted by Democrats and only 14% by Republicans? she asked.

Campaigns, she added, have less time than they realize.

Though the election is Nov. 5, less than two months away, early voting starts Oct. 19. With more people being able to utilize vote by mail, the window to engage Latino voters is shrinking.

In response to the poll, Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Claudia Alvarado said the party has hired diverse staff, is hosting events within the heart of the Latino community to meet voters where they are, and offered campaign materials in Spanish to recruit Spanish-speaking volunteers.

With less than two months before election, she said the party will continue to ramp up our outreach campaign.

Democrats never take any vote for granted and were working every day to grow our coalition and build a winning ground game thats second to none to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, she said in a statement to Nevada Current. Latino voters are a key part of our winning coalition, and we are committed to earning every single vote by establishing a year-round substantial and sustained presence within Latino communities and running a multi-lingual field program that reaches voters in diverse communities.

Emilia Pablo, Latino media press secretary for the Harris campaign, did not directly address the UnidosUS finding indicating Democratic outreach to Latino voters was falling short. But, Latinos are energized by the Vice Presidents stances since she represents a stark contrast from Donald Trump, who is proudly running on an anti-Latino platform, Pablo said in a statement.

Trump devastated Nevadas economy and left Latino families in Nevada behind as president, and would go even further with his Project 2025 agenda to separate families, hurt union workers, and send costs soaring, Pablo wrote.

According to the poll, 56% of Latino voters said they would vote for Harris over former President Donald Trump. The poll found 55% would vote for Rosen over her Republican opponent, Sam Brown.

Those advantages are slightly smaller than those enjoyed by Democrats in recent campaign cycles. In 2022, Democratic Sen. Catherine. Cortez Masto received 62% of the Latino vote, according to exit polls. And in the 2020 presidential race, exit polls indicate Joe Biden garnered 61% of Nevada Latino voters in his victory over Trump.

The UnidosUS results announced Thursday showed that 10% of Nevada Latino voters remain undecided about who theyll vote for in the presidential, race while 21% were undecided in the Senate race.

Nearly 20% said this upcoming election would be their first time voting in a presidential election.

In addition to asking about candidate preferences for the presidential and Senate races, Latinos weighed in on top policy concerns and priorities.

Latino voters around the country, like all voters in virtually every poll this election cycle, ranked economic concerns, including higher prices and rising rents and the lack of affordable housing, as among the most pressing issues going into this election.

Immigration reform and border security was another priority, with voters favoring policies that provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. There was minimal support for mass deportation, a proposal Trump has promoted on the campaign trail and promised to carry out if elected.

Speakers on Thursday stressed the importance of Democrats winning Nevada if they want to win the presidency and Congress, and warned campaigns may be ignoring Latino voters at their own peril.

We have the opportunity to create a political earthquake not just here in Nevada but nationally, said Manny Santamaria, the Nevada state director for Latino outreach group Mi Familia Vota. It can start in Nevada.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A 26-year-old man allegedly responsible for multiple shootings and other violent crimes in Fresno has been arrested, according to the Fresno Police Department.

The Fresno Police Department announced on Friday that after they served six search warrants on Sept. 4, resulting in the arrest of 26-year-old Noah Devyn Rios. Officers describe him as a known gang member with an extensive violent criminal history; he was released from prison in July 2024.

26-year-old Noah Devyn Rios

According to the Fresno Police Department Rios was placed on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS). Soon after his release from prison, police say Rios restarted his violent behavior in our community.





Detectives from the Felony Assault Unit identified Rios as the suspect responsible for eight separate cases between July and September of 2024. Charges listed include shooting at an inhabited dwelling, assault with a firearm, and armed robbery.

On Sept. 4, 2024, police say detectives and officers, along with officers from the Adult Compliance Team (ACT) and the United States Marshal Service (USMS), served six search warrants related to these violent acts committed by Rios.

Rios was located and taken into custody without incident.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A gas station in Highspire was robbed twice within the past month, and police are asking for the publics help in trying to find the suspect who is accused of firing shots during one of the incidents.

In the most recent robbery Wednesday night around 9:45 p.m., the suspect fired three shots from a handgun while inside the Highland Mart Fuel Market before leaving the scene, Highspire Borough Police said in a news release. The employee was not injured.

Man charged for armed robberies at York County gas station: Give me everything you got in the register

Police said there was another similar incident at the gas station on Aug. 21, when the suspect displayed a handgun and demanded money, before getting the cash and getting away before 10 p.m. In this armed robbery, no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.

Photos of the suspect that police provided show a person dressed in all black, wearing a sweatshirt that says I (heart) MY GIRLFRIEND during the second incident. In the first incident, they were wearing a red hooded Adidas sweatshirt, long black pants, and a black ski mask.

Photo of robbery suspect from August incident. From police

Photo of robbery suspect from September incident. From police

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Police are investigating and ask anyone with information to contact Highspire Police Detective, Chris Santiago at 717-939-9866 ext. 1105.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Leonel Gutierrez, one of four men charged as defendants in the attempted robbery and murder of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor, plead guilty to all charges Wednesday.

The charges against Gutierrez include attempted robbery and grand theft, as well as a principal armed with a firearm allegation. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 50 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. His sentence will be determined by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge.

Today marks a significant step toward justice for the family and friends of Johnny Wactor, District Attorney Gascon said in a statement. Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved him, and we recognize the profound pain his loss has caused. With one of the four defendants having pleaded guilty, we are committed to pursuing the remaining individuals with the same unwavering dedication. Our office will continue to work diligently to ensure that justice is fully served and that Mr. Wactors loved ones can find some measure of closure in this difficult time.

Gutierrez is one of four men charged in the crime. Eighteen-year-olds Robert Barceleau of Huntington Park and Sergio Estrada of Los Angeles County were each charged with one count of murder. In addition to Barceleaus murder charge, he was given a special circumstance allegation of killing in the commission of a robbery, which could result in him receiving life in prison without parole.

Barceleau was also charged with attempted armed robbery and armed grand theft, and is being held without bail. Estrada received the same armed robbery and armed grand theft charges.

Frank Olano, 22, 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.

Wactor was shot and killed after leaving a bartending shift in May.

In a statement, Wactors agent David Shaul told TheWrap, Johnny Wactor was a spectacular human being. Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never-give-up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be.

Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone, Shaul added. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.

Wactors mother told TMZ he was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles as part of an attempted robbery. Wactor and a friend saw three men attempting to remove the catalytic converter from his car, his mother told the outlet.

Though the actor didnt attempt to stop the men, she said, they shot him as they left the scene.

Anita Joy, a friend and co-worker of the General Hospital actor, shared an eyewitness account of his murder days later on Instagram.

My friend of eight years went from laughing together, working side by side, leaving our bartending shift and walking to our cars, to him dying in my arms in the streets of DTLA in the dark hours of 3 a.m., she wrote.

Recounting the early Saturday morning incident following their May 24 shift at Level 8, Joy said Wactors slaying came down to the fact that a few criminals [were] trying to steal a car part and all they took was my friends life.

Everything happened in an instant, she said, noting that Wactor approached the thieves who were after his cars catalytic converter, initially thinking that he was being towed. Ive come to describe it as a glass of water that gets tipped over and youre scrambling to grab it and save it from spilling out completely, but it just runs through your fingertips and is gone.

Hands open to his sides in peace. Johnny was between me and the man who shot him  as I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms and as I grabbed him, I shouted, Hunny you OK?! And he only responded, Nope! Shot!, her post continued. We toppled onto the street where I pushed my legs under him and tried to hold his body up while screaming for help and screaming at him to stay with me.

The post Suspect in General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactors Murder Pleads Guilty to Attempted Robbery Charges appeared first on TheWrap.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A suspected kidnapper was hospitalized after being shot by an officer early Friday morning in Salem, authorities said.

The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Daniel Lewis Garcia, Oregon State Police said.

According to Salem police, officers responded at around 4:30 a.m. to a call from a woman who said she was being kidnapped.

Officers said they found the suspects vehicle with the woman inside and attempted to stop the driver, who pulled into the parking lot of an apartment on Glen Creek Road NW.

As officers approached the vehicle, authorities said the woman got out of the car and the suspect followed, wielding a knife.

Juvenile suspect arrested in Sweet Home school threat case

As soon as the suspect exited the car, he was shot by two responding officers, authorities said.

The involved Salem Police Department officers were identified as Officer Nathan Bush, Officer Colten Ruyle and Officer Faith Hovenden, OSP said.

Shootings involving Salem police officers in recent years. September 13, 2024 (KOIN).

The suspect was treated at the scene and officials said he was taken to a nearby hospital. Its unknown how badly the suspect was injured.

No officers were injured during the incident.

Residents at the complex told KOIN 6 News they woke up to pops of gunfire.

I just think its crazy that this happened so close to where I live, said a neighbor named Lucas.

Scary. I dont even walk down here in the dark anymore, its too scary. They say its too scary for a female to walk down here alone, said another neighbor, Jolene.

The neighbors both said they thought it was necessary for the police to open fire since the suspect had a knife.

OSPs investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

The shooting marks the first Salem police officer-involved shooting this year. Last year, there were four, and two were fatal. In 2022, there were also four officer-involved shootings in Salem, and three were fatal. In 2021, three officer-involved shootings happened in Salem, and two were fatal.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Police say the 37-year-old actor was killed on May 25 after a confrontation with four men who were allegedly trying to steal the catalytic converter on his car

AFF-USA/Shutterstock Johnny Wactor

One of the four people charged in connection with the incident that left General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor dead is out on bail after pleading guilty to attempted robbery and grand theft, according to several reports.

CBS News, local KTLA 5, and Fox 11 reported Thursday evening that Leonel Gutierrez, 18, was released after posting bail at $120,000 and pleading guilty to the two charges.

Gutierrez is one of four people who were charged following Wactors May 25 shooting death in downtown Los Angeles. Wactor was 37.

The Los Angeles Police Department alleged in a statement shared with PEOPLE last month that Guitierrez, as well as Robert Barceleau, 18, Sergio Estrada, 18, and Frank Olano, 22, were attempting to steal the catalytic converter on Wactors vehicle when the actor approached them and was shot dead.

Wactors brother, Grant Wactor, had previously told PEOPLE that Johnny was working as a bartender at the time. After his shift let off around 3:25 a.m. local time, he and a female colleague were walking back to their vehicles when Wactor allegedly spotted the four men around his car.

Wactors brother told PEOPLE the actor had put his hands up before being shot and stood in front of his colleague to protect her. He did not confront them, Grant said. He did not try to stop them. He was just trying to diffuse the situation by stepping back.



A medical examiner later determined Wactor died from a gunshot wound to the chest, and authorities ruled his death a homicide.

Related: Johnny Wactor's Ex-Fiancee Tearfully Honors 'Phenomenal Actor' Following His Tragic Death: 'Such a Bright Soul'

Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Grant Factor, left, the brother of actor Johnny Wactor, joins a rally to protest the shooting death of actor, at the site where he lost his life, to call for justice and urge city officials to post a reward for information leading to the arrest of killers at 1239 S. Hope St. in Los Angeles on June 12, 2024. Brian Barkley, right, who worked with Johnny Wactor, was with him when he was sho

Barceleau and Estrada were charged with murder in addition to attempted robbery charges, according to CBS News. Olano was reportedly charged with being an accessory, receiving stolen property and was charged with three counts of possessing a firearm as a felon. All three men pleaded not guilty to their charges last month, according to the outlet.

Earlier this year, Wactors agent David Shaul told PEOPLE his client was a spectacular human being who always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be.

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.

Related: General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Brother Speaks Out on His Killing: 'He Was Taken Way Too Early'

Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Some of the more than one hundred friends, actors and family protests in front of City Hall to call for justice in the shooting death of actor Johnny Wactor and urge city officials to post a reward for information leading to the arrest of the killers in Los Angeles on June 12, 2024

Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back, Shaul added. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.

Wactor, who was best known for his General Hospital role as Brando Corbin, also appeared in Army Wives, NCIS, The OA, Westworld, The Passenger, Station 19, Barbee Rehab, Siberia, Agent X, Vantastic, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Girl, Training Day, Criminal Minds and more.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
A town sign reads "University town of Hof". Investigators in Bavaria have arrested a 27-year-old Syrian man for planning to attack Bundeswehr soldiers in Upper Franconia. It is assumed that the man wanted to kill as many soldiers as possible in the city center of Hof with two machetes, according to the public prosecutor's office in Munich. Pia Bayer/dpa

German authorities have detained a man on suspicion of planning a machete attack on soldiers in Bavaria, prosecutors in Munich said on Friday.

The 27-year-old suspected Islamist from Syria is accused of planning to kill soldiers in the town of Hof, in the north-eastern part of Bavaria.

He had already brought the weapons he intended to use in the attack, prosecutors said.

Police officers detained the man in the Hof region on Thursday.

A judge issued a formal arrest warrant on Friday.
Sweden, Finland will not prohibit Ukraine from striking Russia with its weapons amid Putin's threats to NATO

Helsinki and Stockholm declared on Sept. 13 that they would not prohibit Ukraine from attacking Russia with their weapons amid Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent threats against NATO.

The day before, Putin said that Ukraine's use of Western long-range weapons against Russia would mean that NATO countries were directly involved in the full-scale war. According to Putin, allowing Ukraine to use such weapons would change the "nature of the conflict," meaning that NATO countries would be fighting against Russia.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, during a joint press conference with her Swedish counterpart Maria Malmer Stenergard, said that the only restriction for Ukraine is that Western weapons supplied by Finland must be used in accordance with international law, the media outlet YLE reported.

Malmer Stenergard echoed Valtonen's stance, adding that the use of Swedish-provided weapons is not limited to the territory of Ukraine and can be used to strike Russia.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who held a press conference on the same day, said that Canada "fully supports Ukraine using long-range weaponry to prevent and interdict Russia's continued ability to degrade Ukrainian civilian infrastructure" and kill civilians, the Canadian public broadcaster CBC News reported.

"(Putin) is trying to extremely destabilize the rules-based international order that protects all of us, not just in every democracy in the world, but in every country in the world," Trudeau said.

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 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.
A Joint Base Charleston C-17 Globemaster III landed safely after a malfunction in flight, Joint Base officials said Thursday night.

NC Air National Guard transitions to C-17 aircraft

The crew of the C-17 notified Joint Base Charleston and returned to base after a piece of the tail cone fell off during the flight, ABC affiliate WCIV reported.

FILE PHOTO: An air-to-air left side view of a C-17 Globemaster III from the 17th Airlift Squadron, 437th Air Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina as it flies along the coast. (Photo by USAF)

A team recovered the piece of the aircraft in the parking lot of Divine Redeemer School in Hanahan, which is near Charleston.

There were no injuries or property damage, officials said.

The incident is under investigation.
Yahoo Finance

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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida man is facing charges for stealing two Spanish gold coins worth more than $50,000 from a Florida Keys resident, NBC affiliate WTVJ reports.

Keiontae Raneake Osean Smith, 35, was charged with grand theft and dealing in stolen property, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office told WTVJ on Friday.

Smith, of Tampa, reportedly stole the coins after agreeing to buy them for $53,750 from a resident of Bay Point.

The two agreed to the sale in August and met to make the exchange. Smith showed the victim a photo of what appeared to be a bank transfer for the funds, but no money was exchanged according to authorities.

Smith reportedly used a fake name during the sale and provided fake bank tracking and credit card numbers.

Smith was arrested on a warrant and booked into jail, WTVJ reports.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
(NewsNation)  A Mexican cartel member known as The Tank was sanctioned Tuesday for his alleged involvement in fentanyl drug trafficking into the U.S. by leading a million-dollar operation that stole fuel.

The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Ivan Cazarin Molina, The Tank, along with eight others and 26 Mexico-based businesses linked to the theft ring, which generated millions of dollars to fund drug smuggling.

Who is The Tank?

The 34-year-old is a senior member of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), or Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which is known for trafficking a significant amount of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the U.S.

Allegedly running a network of fuel thefts in the Mexican states of Jalisco and Veracruz, Molina is believed to store the stolen fuel in a tank, his namesake, large enough to hold millions of liters. Family members and associates of his turn around and sell the fuel on the black market, some of it making its way to U.S. businesses. The revenue then helps fund the cartels drug smuggling expansion.

Molina also engages in drug trafficking, extortion and homicide, authorities claim.

Florida Coast Guard offloads $54 million of cocaine, 11 smuggling suspects

The U.S. government sanctioned members and leaders of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), who are involved in a fuel theft ring that benefits the cartels drug trafficking of fentanyl.

The hunt for The Tank

The U.S. government is particularly concerned with the cartels continued efforts to get deadly drugs like fentanyl across the border. Those efforts, such as Molinas fuel theft ring, have gotten more creative and lucrative.

CJNGs diverse revenue streams, including fuel theft, ultimately strengthen its ability to traffic fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States, said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo in a news release earlier this week.

Illicit fentanyl is manufactured in a lab, increasingly by pressing them into pills made to look like prescription opioids. Someone may think they are taking a Xanax or Percocet but are instead unknowingly ingesting fentanyl. Drug trafficking organizations typically distribute fentanyl by the kilogram, an amount that has the potential to kill 500,000 people, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The DEAs anti-fentanyl slogan is One pill can kill.

The Jalisco cartel produces millions of deadly fentanyl pills, making their way into communities all across the U.S.

How social media became a storefront for deadly fake pills

The connection between fentanyl trafficking and fuel theft

The fuel theft ring nets tens of millions of dollars per year, profiting from the cartels drug trafficking expansion.

Molina steals fuel through illicit taps of state-controlled petroleum company pipelines and stores them in massive tanks. Using the stolen fuel, a network of family members and associates operate legitimate retail gas stations, selling to regular customers, the U.S. Treasury says.

The stolen fuel is also sold to third parties in Mexico, who in turn sell to the U.S. market, mostly in Texas. They also steal fuel from refineries and hijack tanker trucks using bribery and violence.

El Mayo Zambada set to appear in New York courtroom

The Mexican government is also losing billions of dollars in lost revenue from the fuel theft, which became a profitable revenue stream for the cartel in recent years.

Authorities are still looking for the groups head leader, Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, to who Molina reports. They are offering a $10 million reward for information leading to Cervantes arrest.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Travis County Sheriffs Office recently made policy changes to allow female Muslim detainees to keep their Hijab for the photos and during the booking process.

The policy changes also have TCSO taking privacy precautions during the search process, as well as providing access to long-sleeved clothes for religious reasons.

The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas, Austin) said it welcomed the changes.

RELATED: 79 arrested on UT campus during protest, sheriffs office says

CAIR-Texas, Austin said the changes were influenced by the organizations intervention after protesters were arrested and reportedly denied many of their constitutional rights in April.

The organization said it condemned the violation and asked for policy reforms, cultural competence training for officers and investigations into the alleged incidents.

CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan issued the following statement regarding the policy changes.

We have been in contact with the sheriffs office and the chaplaincy leadership in Travis County since May to enhance understanding of Islam and build mutual respect. As we welcome the policy changes regarding religious articles, such as hijab and sleeves attire, and see them as a good step in the right direction, we still wait for deeper and institutional cultural reforms to increase the diversity in the chaplaincy effort and ensure freedom of religion for all. Exploring practices and policies implemented at other counties across the nation, I was shocked to see the gap between the Federal Bureau of Prisons standards regarding religious accommodations, especially for Muslim females, and what is implemented, or not implemented, in Texas counties. I hope the time comes when we dont have to fight for our basic rights, and this can only happen with continuous communication and deep systemic reforms. CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan

TCSO also issued the following statement regarding the changes.

The Travis County Sheriffs Office has enjoyed the collaboration with CAIR regarding ways to better serve members of the Muslim community within the security and safety requirements of a jail facility. One of the topics of discussion has been the wearing of a hijab. TCSO has long had a policy for accommodating religious clothing of individuals in its inmate housing areas. The wardrobe policy in Central Booking is stringent by design because it is the point at which items that could be used to harm someone are discovered. In accordance with TCSOs mission to foster trust and collaboration with the Travis County community, Sheriff Hernandez and her command staff, along with TCSOs Sr. Chaplain have engaged in various conversations with CAIR. Those conversations influenced TCSOs decision to review and modify internal standard operating procedures, have more long-sleeved clothing on hand at Central Booking and purchase hijabs that better meet safety requirements than some of the garments women have worn into Central Booking. We remain committed to conversations that enable us to respect the religious beliefs of those entering our facility while also ensuring their safety and security. TCSO

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Teacher smuggled girl into UK to be her slave  and hid conviction from school

Ernestina Quainoo was sentenced for her crime in 2008 but failed to disclose her previous conviction to Cherry Lane Primary School in West Drayton, London - www.dailymail.co.uk

A primary school teacher has been barred from the classroom after it was revealed she helped smuggle a 14-year-old African girl into Britain to act as her slave.

Ernestina Quainoo, 53, was sentenced for her crime in 2008 but failed to disclose her previous conviction to Cherry Lane Primary School in West Drayton, London, before taking up a teaching role in 2019.

She taught children aged between five and seven until December 2022, when a colleague received an old newspaper clipping divulging her criminal past.

Following a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) investigation, Ms Quainoo has been banned from teaching for her actions, which went against the very core of her practice.

Ms Quainoo moved to the UK from Ghana with her husband, Samuel Quainoo, in 2004.

The pair managed to smuggle a 14-year-old African girl into the country, promising her that she would receive an education and a job, a court heard in 2008.

The girl was instead subjected to 18 months of unpaid labour that left her contemplating suicide.

My other name is bitch

She was forced to cook, clean the house and babysit the couples two young sons, while the couple bought her T-shirt to wear with my other name is bitch printed on them.

The pair kept the girl isolated, preventing her from going to school and forming friendships.

Falling ill, the girl fled to find medical aid and subsequently escaped, later telling police and social workers that she had contemplated suicide.

Mr Quainoo is said to have told the police that the girl had cast a voodoo spell on them.

Mr Quainoo, who had a previous conviction for false accounting, was jailed for 18 months and his wife was given a two-year suspended sentence for assisting unlawful immigration into the UK.

Mrs Quainoo resigned from her role in February but her former employers referred the matter to the TRA.

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act affords those with spent convictions and cautions the right not to have to disclose when applying for most jobs.

Cultural differences

However, the teaching panel heard that Mrs Quainoos conviction was not protected under the act.

Teaching watchdogs were informed that Mrs Quainoo had initially denied having any convictions and later declared to the school that she had committed an immigration offence.

In her disclosure statement, Mrs Quainoo explained: Due to my inability to demonstrate that she [the individual] was a member [of] the family, I was charged with assisting her unlawful entry into the UK on 11th July, for which I pleaded guilty as I completely misunderstood the cultural differences that exist between the two.

Sue Davies, who chaired the TRA hearing, said: The panel concluded that the information Mrs Quainoo provided on the application form when she answered no to that question was not correct.

However, the panel ruled there was not enough evidence that she had deliberately lied and therefore found a dishonesty allegation not proved.

Mrs Davies added: At the time, the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance did not require that an internet search of candidates was undertaken.

The panel accepted that the school chose to still employ Mrs Quainoo on the basis of the disclosure statement and the DBS check giving them no reason to believe the offence might have been in relation to a child.

The panel described a lack of further investigation from the school as regrettable.

Banning the former teacher from the profession for two years, Sarah Buxcey, head of the TRAs teacher investigation unit, said that Ms Quainoos past actions went against the very core of her practice as a teacher with a duty of care towards children.

She added: A prohibition order would therefore prevent such a risk from being present in the future.

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.
Zscaler, the leader in cloud security, today announced the launch of a new co-located data centre in Perth to extend greater support to customers in the region to further fortify their organisations Zero Trust cybersecurity postures. As part of Zscalers continued investment in the Australia and New Zealand markets, the new site will complement the existing Zscaler data centre infrastructures in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra  all of which are co-located within Equinix data centres.

As Australian entities continue to battle the rising volume and sophistication of cyber threats, there is a growing impetus from both the public and private sectors to double down on Zero Trust adoption. In fact, the Zscaler ThreatLabz found over 29 million phishing attempts in Australia alone  with a 479% surge in volume of phishing content hosted in the country year-over-year. In line with the Australian Federal Governments goal of becoming the most cyber secure nation in the world by 2030, the launch of this new site will provide customers with improved capacity and performance and prevent malicious activities from impacting their operations.

The new data centres will support the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform, including solutions such as Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) and Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA), to optimise digital experiences and support security for modern, dynamic applications. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform was the first cloud security vendor to achieve IRAP assessed to Protected. Furthermore, as part of our commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2025, the new site adds to Zscalers more than 150 data centres  all of which are fully powered by renewable energy.

With the advent of new technologies like GenAI tools, the threat landscape is advancing in volume and sophistication, making it all the more critical to adopt a Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity  especially as more organisations move beyond legacy private network to connect in a cloud-enabled, mobile world, said Eric Swift, Area Vice President, Australia & New Zealand at Zscaler. Australia is setting the benchmark on the global stage when it comes to being cybersecurity-first and we are proud to partner with both public and private enterprises across the region to implement a Zero Trust strategy. We are deeply committed to helping all organisations to secure,simplify and transform their operations.

Some of Zscaler's customers in Australia include John Holland, Probe CX, Northern Beaches Council and Ramsay Healthcare.

Were delighted Zscaler continues to choose Equinix as its preferred data centre partner, adding a point of presence in Perth to complement existing sites in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, said Guy Danskine, Managing Director, Equinix Australia. This expanded partnership illustrates the role Equinix plays in enabling the critical infrastructure that powers a safe and prosperous digital economy, giving customers and partners unbridled access to a dense ecosystem of technologies and networks. With continued investments in Western Australia, Perth is becoming a major data hub in Australia and together, Equinix and Zscaler provide the resilient infrastructure organisations need to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and maximise the benefits of a digital-first strategy.

Register here to learn more about the latest product innovations and industry trends and best practices on Zero Trust & AI, join us at our annual Zenith Live roadshow in Sydney on 17 September 2024.
A police officer stands guard outside One Police Plaza NYPD Headquarters on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

NEW YORK (AP)  Ahead of the 2022 school year, the education technology company 21stCentEd was seeking to expand its presence in New York City's public schools. So they turned to a man, Terence Banks, whose new consulting firm promised to connect clients with top government stakeholders.

Banks wasn't a registered lobbyist. His day job, at the time, was as a supervisor in the city's subway system. But he had at least one platinum connection: His older brother, David Banks, is New York City's schools chancellor, overseeing the nation's largest school system.

Within a month of the hire, 21stCentEd had secured a private meeting with the schools chancellor. In the two years since that October 2022 meeting, more than $1.4 million in Education Department funds have flowed to the company, nearly tripling its previous total, records show.

The siblings  along with a third brother, Philip Banks, who serves as New York Citys deputy mayor of public safety  are now enmeshed in a sprawling federal probe that has touched several high-ranking members of Mayor Eric Adams' administration.

Federal investigators seized phones last week from all three brothers and at least three other top city officials, including Police Commissioner Edward Caban, who resigned Thursday. Tom Donlon, a retired FBI official, was sworn in Friday as the interim police commissioner.

The exact nature of the investigation  or investigations  has not been disclosed. Among other things, federal authorities are investigating the former police commissioner's twin brother, James Caban, a former police sergeant who runs a nightclub security business.

On Wednesday, a city operations coordinator was fired after a bar owner in Brooklyn told NBC New York that he had been pressured by the aide into hiring the police commissioner's brother to make noise complaints against his business go away.

Federal investigators are also scrutinizing whether Terence Banks consulting firm, the Pearl Alliance, broke the law by leveraging his family connections to help private companies secure city contracts, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose information about the investigations.

All three Banks brothers have denied wrongdoing. David and Terence Banks have said they dont believe they are the target of the investigation. But government watchdogs say the familys overlapping work in the private and public sector may have run afoul of conflict of interest guardrails as well as city and state laws on procurement lobbying.

It has the appearance of Terence Banks using his family connections to help his client and enrich himself, said Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, a good-government group.

Timothy Sini, an attorney for Terence Banks, did not respond to specific questions about the consulting firm. But he wrote in an email, We have been assured by the Government that Mr. Banks is not a target of this investigation.

Speaking at a news conference Friday, David Banks said FBI agents had not returned his phone, and he declined to answer questions about his relationship to his brothers consulting firm. We are cooperating with a federal investigation, he said.

City ethics rules ban relatives from lobbying each other. At minimum, David Banks would be required to secure a waiver from the citys Conflicts of Interest Board before meeting with a company represented by his brother, according to John Kaehny, the executive director of the good-government group Reinvent Albany.

Its surprisingly arrogant or obtuse that David Banks, one of the citys top government officials, would ignore this basic, commonsense, conflict of interest rule, Kaehny said in an email.

Neither the Department of Education nor the Conflicts of Interest Board would say whether a waiver was requested.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education, Nathaniel Styer, said all spending linked to 21stCentEd had come from individual schools and districts, which can make purchases of less than $25,000 without the agencys approval.

The Utah-based company trains teachers and provides curriculums focused on artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation.

Dylan Howard, a spokesperson for the company, said Terence Banks was hired to help 21stCentEd present our STEM solutions and services to decision makers within New York City public schools. He said they learned of his consulting firm through a 21stCentEd employee who has since left the company.

The spokesperson could not say how the meeting with the schools chancellor came about or whether Terence Banks attended. He added that Terence Banks had provided no value" to the company and that his contract was terminated last December.

21stCentEd was one of several companies with city contracts that hired Terence Banks' consulting firm, according to a website for the Pearl Alliance that was taken down after news of the federal investigations emerged last week.

Another listed client, SaferWatch, sells panic buttons to schools and police departments. Since August of 2023, it has been awarded more than $67,000 in city contracts, according to city records.

The third Banks brother, Philip Banks, maintains wide influence over the NYPD as deputy mayor for public safety. A spokesperson for SaferWatch, Hank Sheinkopf, declined to comment. The NYPD did not respond to email inquiries.

In total, the Pearl Alliance listed nine clients with millions of dollars in city contracts, including a software business, a grocery delivery start-up, and a company that specializes in concrete. At least seven of the companies have past or current contracts with the city.

It wasn't clear whether the federal inquiry into the consulting firm run by Terence Banks was part of the investigation into the police commissioner's brother.

Ray Martin, the city official who was said to have pressured a bar owner to hire James Caban, was terminated for cause Thursday after the mayor's office learned of the allegations, according to Fabien Levy, the deputy mayor for communications.

The bar owner, Shamel Kelly, told WNBC-TV that Martin gave him what felt like an ultimatum last year to either pay James Caban or risk having his business shut down. Kelly said James Caban demanded an upfront fee of $2,500. He said he had been interviewed Thursday by federal investigators and the city's Department of Investigation. The U.S. attorney's office and the Department of Investigation declined comment.

Attempts to reach Martin were not immediately successful. A cellphone number listed in his name was no longer working.

A lawyer for James Caban said he unequivocally denies any wrongdoing and has cooperated fully with law enforcement. Once the investigation is complete, lawyer Sean Hecker said, it will be clear that these claims are unfounded and lack merit.

Both David and Philip Banks remain in their government positions. An attorney for Philip Banks, Benjamin Brafman, declined to comment.

At a press briefing Tuesday, Adams noted his relationship with the Banks family dates back decades, to when he served in the police department under the brothers' father. He said he never met with Terence Banks about city business.

Ive known the Banks families for years, Adams said. And my knowing someone, I hold them to the same standard that I hold myself to.
A Florida teenager has been charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of his mother, less than two years after he was arrested for fatally shooting his father but never charged, authorities said.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said during a Wednesday press briefing that the teen had previously allegedly threatened to kill his mother before Sunday's "cold-blooded murder."

The stabbing occurred after the teen, 17-year-old Collin Griffith, and his mother, 39-year-old Catherine Griffith, were seen having an altercation outside a mobile home in Auburndale, according to Judd.

"There were witnesses outside the mobile home that actually saw Collin drag his mother into the house by the hair on her head," the sheriff said.

PHOTO: Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shows the booking photo for Collin Griffith during a press briefing, Sept. 11, 2024. (Polk County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)

Griffith called 911 Sunday evening to report that his mother "fell on a knife" and was bleeding from the neck, Judd said. The teen reportedly said his mother had lunged at him with the knife when she fell on it during a prolonged fight inside the home, according to Judd.

The home belongs to the teen's grandmother, who was not there at the time of the incident, Judd said.

When deputies arrived, the teen met them outside and was "calm, cool, collected  not upset," Judd said. Griffith reportedly told them, "I know my rights, I want an attorney," according to Judd.

A bloody kitchen knife with an 8-inch blade was found inside the home, the sheriff said.

MORE: Teen shot in the face while looking for location to take homecoming pictures: Sheriff's office

During an autopsy conducted on Monday, the medical examiner determined that Catherine Griffith died from a deep knife wound to the neck that was inconsistent with an accidental injury, according to Judd.

"The medical examiner said it is not reasonable or plausible that she died the way that [her son] said she did," Judd said.

Collin Griffith is in custody and has been charged with first-degree murder, Judd said, adding that they have asked the state attorney's office to prosecute the teen as an adult.

The State Attorney's Office 10th Judicial Circuit, which includes Polk County, told ABC News on Thursday they have no comment on the case at this time.

It is unknown if Griffith has an attorney. ABC News' attempts to reach his grandmother were unsuccessful.

PHOTO: Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd during a press briefing, Sept. 11, 2024. (Polk County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)

Judd said as investigators started to "peel back the layer of this onion," the teen's family told investigators that he had previously been physically or verbally confrontational with his mother.

Sheriff's office reports out of Charlotte County in Florida, where Collin Griffith and his mother lived, showed that he had allegedly threatened to kill her in statements purportedly made in September 2023 and, most recently, in February, according to the charging affidavit for his mother's murder.

Collin Griffith was also arrested by the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office for domestic violence battery against his mother in November 2023, according to Judd.

"She was disciplining him and took his video game privileges away, so he beat up his mother," Judd said. "He pushed her to the ground and he stomped on her."

Days before the stabbing, Collin Griffith and his mother had an argument about chores and he went to his grandmother's home, Judd said. Catherine Griffith went to the grandmother's home on Sunday to bring him back to hers, and she and her son were seen arguing outside of the grandmother's home around 4:30 p.m., fewer than two hours before the teen called 911 to report the stabbing incident, Judd said.

While investigating the stabbing, the sheriff's office learned that authorities in Oklahoma also had arrested the teen last year in connection with the fatal shooting of his father, Charles Griffith, at their home in Lincoln County.

Collin Griffith told authorities that he shot his father in self-defense on Feb. 14, 2023, during an argument that turned physical, according to Adam Panter, the district attorney for Oklahoma's 23rd District, which includes Lincoln County.

During a 911 call, the teen said he grabbed a rifle and shot his father twice after his father chased him into a bedroom while armed with a knife, according to the district attorney.

"At the start of his police interview, he requested an attorney and the interview was terminated, so the only version of events that we were able to obtain was what Collin said on the 911 call, which was consistent with the evidence we found at the scene," Panter said in a statement to ABC News.

State police investigated forensic and digital evidence and no charges were ever filed against the teen in the case, Panter said.

"Ultimately, after evaluating all of the evidence and possible theories, it was determined that we could not rule out self-defense and as a result, declined to file any formal charges," Panter said.

Both Panter and Judd said any relevant information obtained in the investigation into the mother's death will be considered in connection with the shooting of the teen's father.

"If any new evidence is obtained that is both relevant and credible to our investigation into the death of Collin Griffiths father, we will certainly re-evaluate the case and make a new determination if necessary," Panter told ABC News.

MORE: Georgia school shooting suspect kept gun in backpack, hid in bathroom before attack: GBI

Following the Oklahoma shooting of his father, Collin Griffith came to Charlotte County in Florida in March 2023 to live with his mother, Judd said.

He was "being intensely watched" by the county's sheriff's office prior to the stabbing, Judd said. Griffith had been placed on active juvenile probation following his arrest in November 2023 for battery domestic violence in connection to his physical attack on his mother, according to an affidavit.

A spokesperson for the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office told ABC News that its juvenile unit had been working with the teen and his family "in various ways to include connecting them with available resources."

"I cannot expand any further on that as I am not privy to those interactions, and because he is a minor," the spokesperson said.

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) had also been in contact with the family, including after the teen ran away from home in February following an argument with his mother, according to Judd.

A spokesperson for DCF, which investigates allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment, said information regarding its investigations is confidential, per state law.

Judd said they are looking into Collin Griffith's history and interactions with other agencies in Florida and Oklahoma as they investigate the case.

"My question is, was there anything else that could have been done?" he said

He noted that the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office did a "remarkable job keeping up" with Collin Griffith.

In addition to murder, Collin Griffith has been charged with kidnapping and violation of a no-contact order, the sheriff's office said. The charges stem from his juvenile probation in Charlotte County for battery domestic violence, with conditions including that he have no contact with his mother, according to the affidavit.

Teen arrested in mother's stabbing death, 19 months after fatally shooting father originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Teen girl accused in Las Vegas death told co-conspirators to stick to the same story: police

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A teenage girl facing charges, including open murder and robbery, in a January shooting death told her alleged co-conspirators to stick to the same story after the shooting, police documents obtained by 8 News Now said.

On Jan. 2 around 9:40 p.m. officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to an apartment complex on Torrey Pines Drive near Sahara Avenue after reports of a shooting. The person reporting told police his neighbor was shot inside his apartment and he saw several people running from the apartment, according to an arrest warrant.

Arriving officers found the victim, later identified as Darian Alexander Gonzalez, lying on the floor in the apartment suffering from gunshot wounds.

The person reporting told police there was an increase in foot traffic at Darians apartment that night and he assumed Darian was having a party. The caller went to the apartment, where he saw Darian with a man later identified as Javier Galvan. At one point, Galvan left the apartment and came back with another man.

After he left the apartment, he heard gunfire and opened the door to his apartment and at least three people leaving the apartment, including Galvan. He then found Darian shot in the apartment and called 911.

RELATED: Teenage girl arrested, 3 wanted in deadly Las Vegas shooting

Around 20 minutes after the shooting, another man, identified as David Valle, walked into a nearby hospital with his girlfriend, Prseyus Dennis. Valle was suffering from a gunshot wound in the leg.

Valle told police his friend Daisy Gonzalez called him on Instagram at around 6 p.m. to show him a new song she recorded. Valle and Dennis decided to go visit Gonzalez at the apartment, the warrant stated.

Daisy Gonzalez faces charges of open murder with the use of a deadly weapon, robbery with the use of a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit robbery. (LVMPD)

Dennis and Valle gave police conflicting statements about what happened during the shooting, with Dennis saying Darian pointed a firearm at them demanding their iPhones. Valle told police three unknown men were in the apartment and pointed guns at them, according to the warrant.

Valle also told police that the unknown men took Darians AR pistol, which he showed to Valle earlier in the evening.

The two then drove to the hospital but did not call the police, the warrant stated.

Police spoke to Gonzalez, who was either 15 or 16 at the time, a few days later. She said Valle, Dennis, and Galvan were recording a song with her in a makeshift studio in the apartment, where they smoked marijuana and drank alcohol. While they were there, Darian was showing them his rifle and other people were showing guns.

Gonzalez said she was in the bathroom when she heard a lot of shots. When she left the bathroom, she told police she saw Darian lying on the floor, and because she was high, drunk, and underage, she ran with everyone else, the warrant stated.

Messages on the Instagram accounts for Gonzalez, Galvan, Valle, and a man identified as Dewey Arredondo-Ramirez showed the group planned to steal Darians AR pistol while at the apartment. Police said some messages sent from Valles account after the shooting were sent by Dennis while Vale was in the hospital.

Less than an hour after the shooting, Gonzalez sent messages to Valles account that read: Dont mention nothing that happen [sic] and You both have to stick to the same story.

A few days after the shooting, Gonzalez sent messages to an unknown person on Instagram, including If I get locked up and charged Cz nobodys talking [sic], I might do a little time because Im an accessory, and I have good lawyers, the warrant stated.

Gonzalez also said in a message that she could have prevented all this [from] happening.

Gonzalez was recently certified as an adult. She faces charges of open murder with the use of a deadly weapon, robbery with the use of a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit robbery.

She was held without bail. Her next court appearance was scheduled for Sept. 16.

A grand jury indicted Valle and Arredondo-Ramirez on charges of murder with the use of a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery, and robbery with the use of a deadly weapon, court records show.

Galvan was indicted on charges of accessory to murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, and robbery with the use of a deadly weapon. Dennis was indicted on charges of voluntary manslaughter with the use of a deadly weapon, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A homeowner in Conifer is facing serious allegations of shooting a teenager through the windshield of a car parked on a road outside of the homeowner's Colorado property Tuesday.

The teenage boy was taken to the hospital where he remained Wednesday evening with serious injuries.

38-year-old Brent Metz, a town council member in tiny Mountain View in Jefferson County, is charged with first-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm and two counts each of felony menacing and reckless endangerment, both misdemeanors.

Brent Metz / Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

The 17-year-old and a 15-year-old friend had been on the homeowner's property seeking permission to take homecoming photos there.



The teenagers told deputies they stopped outside a property in the 23000 block of Pleasant Park Road around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday.



They jumped over the fence and tried to locate the homeowner to ask if they could take high school homecoming photos at their property. When no one answered, they told authorities they walked to an outbuilding where they heard music and found no one. Some mountain residents with livestock leave music playing to scare away predators. When they couldn't find anyone, they assumed no one was home and returned to their car, the sheriff's office said.



Seeing the teenagers on cameras, one of the residents called law enforcement, saying the teens were trespassing. Jefferson County Sheriff's spokesperson Jacki Kelley says there was no indication from the caller that they were being robbed.



"We were headed up there on an unwanted party on their property," said Kelley.



Investigators say the teens shared that they were in their Audi parked along the road writing a note to the homeowners to ask for permission when a pickup driven by Metz pulled up at an angle, blocking their departure.

"In the process of writing that note, a truck pulled up next to them. An adult male got out, pointed a gun at the windshield of their car and fired the gun," said Kelley.

That person was identified by the sheriff's office as Metz. Investigators found the note the teens were writing in a school binder. They say Metz said nothing before firing.

"There was no conversation," said Kelley.

Metz did not explain why the teenager was shot to deputies but insisted on talking to a lawyer.

An arrest affidavit indicates that the 17-year-old victim says he did not think Metz shot him intentionally. His 15-year-old friend told authorities he heard the gun go off and saw the windshield glass shatter before he ducked down. He heard Metz say, "Oh s..., my gun went off."

The 15-year-old took off his shirt and ran around to his friend to render aid applying pressure to his friend's wounds. He told authorities Metz tried to assist in rendering aid, but he pushed him away and asked why he had shot his friend.

"There is nothing so far that we have learned that would cause us to believe that this was, that there was any intent to commit crimes that they were doing anything that would have been malicious or criminal other than stepping across their fence," said Kelley.

She pointed out that under Colorado law, it's not legal to use deadly force in defense of property unless there's reason to believe there will be harm to oneself or others.

Addressing a question about the charges against Metz if the gun went off accidentally, Kelley noted that Metz was not charged with attempted first-degree murder.

Metz was booked into the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office on a $5,000 bond.

"Our office requested a cash only bond, but the court gave Metz a PR bond," said a spokesperson for District Attorney Alexis King via email. That type of bond means the defendant's signature acts as the promise to appear in court. Metz bonded out Wednesday.

Metz was sworn in last year as a town council member in Mountain View. His term runs until 2027. Mountain View's mayor declined to comment, referring questions to the town administrator, who did not immediately respond.

Metz is due back in court Tuesday. He did not return a phone call from CBS Colorado asking about the incident.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Police say a 16-year-old girl was found dead after a shooting Friday in southwest Memphis.

Police responded to the 500 block of Deerskin Road at 11:30 a.m. They found a the 16-year-old dead at the scene.

Police said they have no suspect information, and are not releasing more information.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Teenager accused of having a weapon on school grounds in Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  There was an extra police presence at Sioux Falls schools this morning after a student, who was accused of bringing a weapon to school and making terroristic threats, escaped from juvenile custody Wednesday night.

It happened Wednesday afternoon outside Axtell Park, but the 15-year-old was arrested again Thursday morning and taken back into custody.

Second arrest made in connection with SF murder

For several hours, police were on high alert after a threatening incident outside one of the districts schools.

Police received a call of a person who was outside Axtell Park with a weapon, initially when officers arrived they found the person who was a 15-year-old, he was taken into custody for having a weapon on school grounds and making terroristic threats, Sioux Falls Police Public Information Officer Sam Clemens said.

The teen never was inside the school. Because hes a juvenile, police wouldnt say what kind of terroristic threats were made or what kind of weapon he had.

But then things got a little crazy and concerning.

As the teen was being transported to the juvenile detention center from a different juvenile facility, he somehow managed to escape, but police wouldnt go into details on how that happened, either.

Due to the seriousness of the alleged crime, police released his name, his height and weight to see if the public could help find him.

We dont normally talk about juvenile crime, juvenile arrests, but in this case, we were able to get a court order that allows us to release some specific information related to being able to find him and get him taken back into custody, Clemens said.

And it worked. The 15-year-old was arrested around 10 Thursday morning.

Police say the 15-year-old was not a current student at the school and after he was arrested they asked us not to use his name.

KELOLAND News reached out to the school district about the case.

In an email statement, the district says staff were notified this morning and additional precautions were taken at Axtell Park with support from the Police Department.

The district says they are grateful to the community member who reported the concern by following the See Something, Say Something protocol.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV)  While officers in southeastern Wisconsin were pursuing three teenagers who allegedly carjacked a vehicle on Thursday evening, one reportedly fired a gun at them during a foot pursuit.

According to the Milwaukee Police Department, officers were investigating a report of a carjacking in the 1000 block of West Keefe Avenue on September 12. Later that day, around 7 p.m. officers spotted the stolen vehicle in the 3500 block of North 23rd Street.

Man arrested on serious charges, Wisconsin pursuit ends in Illinois after crossing state border

This embedded content is not available in your region.

As authorities approached the vehicle, it reportedly fled at a high rate of speed, leading to a pursuit. The pursuit eventually ended in the 2300 block of West Finn Place and three people in the vehicle took off on foot.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

20-year-old New York woman arrested in Wisconsin for allegedly stealing mail

All three suspects, a 17-year-old driver, and 16 and 18-year-old passengers, were taken into custody after a dangerous foot pursuit where the 16-year-old allegedly discharged a firearm towards officers. It was not specifically stated how many shots were fired.

No officers were hit and there was no return fire by the Milwaukee PD.

Charges will be reviewed by the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Tempe police officers fatally shot at a person Thursday afternoon near Arizona Mills, according to the department.

The shooting unfolded near Baseline Road and Beck Avenue when Jake Carruth, 44, walked out of an apartment with a handgun he pointed at officers, Phoenix police Officer Jessica Ells said Friday evening. Two officers responded by shooting him, Ells said.

Officers responded after a 911 caller reported just before 12:30 p.m. that a man had threatened him with a gun at Baseline Road near South Alma School Road. Upon arriving, officers spoke with the caller, who identified Carruth as the suspect.

According to police, Carruth communicated with officers through a window and refused to open his door. The officers stepped back from the apartment and continued talking to him. Carruth exited the apartment briefly before re-entering and then emerged with his handgun, police said. Police reported that two officers then shot Carruth.

The Mesa Police Department was investigating the shooting, according to Tempe police.

No officers were injured during the shooting, and police were not looking for any suspects, the department posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The department briefly closed Baseline Road for an investigation.

There have been at least 18 fatal police shootings in metro Phoenix this year.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tempe police shoot, kill armed man near Arizona Mills shopping mall
New to Tennessee? Why you can thank this Vanderbilt professor for your voting rights

Jim Blumstein was just 25 years old when he stood before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1971 in his landmark challenge of Tennessee's voter residency law.

The precocious, redheaded Yale Law School graduate represented himself at the highest court in an effort to overturn Tennessees requirement that until then, banned new state residents  including him  from voting until they had lived in Tennessee for at least a year.

Five decades later, Blumstein, now the director of Vanderbilts Health Policy Center, shared memories from his watershed challenge of Tennessees repressive voter registration law during a lecture at Vanderbilt Law School this week.

I was young, didnt have a lot of money, and didnt pay for a recording of the oral argument, so I thought that was ancient history, Blumstein recalled Tuesday. Then about 15 years ago, a student in one of my classes said, I found your oral argument online.  I didn't even know it existed. And they said, 'but Professor Blumstein, you sounded so young!'

Blumstein moved to Nashville after graduation from Yale Law School to teach constitutional law at Vanderbilt. When he went to register to vote, officials told him to come back in a year.

At the time, Tennessee required voters to have lived in the state for at least one year, and in the county of the election in which they would vote for three months before being eligible to register.

I was a resident just like anyone else is a resident, Blumstein told Tennessean reporter Keel Hunt at the time. Just because I happened to move and I didnt live here for a year, does that mean I shouldnt be able to participate in decisions that are going to affect this community for 50 years?

With no intention of returning to his native New York, Blumstein found himself a man without a vote, and filed a lawsuit challenging Tennessees lengthy residency requirement.

His case focused on challenging the premise of the law, which had existed to combat voter fraud, and prevent voters who lacked knowledge of the community from impacting election outcomes.

"I was really bent on showing that I was not going to commit fraud. I was here to teach at Vanderbilt, and there was no fraud  I was working here, teaching the students and trying to make my way  and that I had average knowledge of what was going on in the 1970 election between Sen. Gore, Al Gore's father, and Bill Brock, who was the Republican," Blumstein said. "I offered to show that I was a legitimate and knowledgeable voter  I daresay I had at least as much knowledge as many of the voters in Tennessee, and I would be glad to take a test if they wanted to give me a test."

Blumstein filled out a Xerox copy of a sample ballot that had been published in The Tennessean, then sealed the envelope containing his unofficial ballot, and asked that it be filed with the records of his case.

I said, at least let me vote on a provisional basis, and if I prevail, then its something that will allow me to count my vote, Blumstein said Tuesday. The people at the voting place didnt really know what to do with this, and I finally said, Ill make it a secret ballot. Ill seal the envelope.  That was how the idea of provisional ballots developed. Theyre now enshrined in law.

His case went to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he represented himself.

Listen to Blumstein's argument before the U.S. Supreme Court

It would surely be anomalous that appellee on moving to Tennessee would be qualified to run for office as a United States Representative, but not able to vote for himself, Blumstein wrote in one brief. Were appellee 30 years of age, the same anomaly would present itself were he to run for U.S. Senate.

The following spring, in March 1972, the high court struck down Tennessees residency rule, finding it violated the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Justice Thurgood Marshall wrote the state could not find a compelling state interest in denying Blumsteins right to vote. Chief Justice Warren Burger was the lone dissenting opinion.

November will mark the 53rd anniversary of Blumstein's arguments at the Supreme Court.

Since the court's 1972 decision in Dunn v. Blumstein, millions of newly relocated voters have been able to participate in elections in Tennessee and other states because of Blumsteins challenge. About 8 million people move residence between states each year.

"He set precedent that you cannot bar people from voting for the first year in which they arrive in a new state," said Vanderbilt Associate Dean for Research Rebecca Haw Allensworth. "Think about the millions of Americans who move every year to a new state. It gives them almost a year of more time to have a say in their laws  and that's all because of Professor Blumstein."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Registering to vote in Tennessee: Professor marks historic win
As Terrebonne recovers from Francine, some residents worry about its future

A crew of linemen use bucket trucks to repair a utility pole near Houma on Sept. 12, 2024, one day after Hurricane Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish.

A crew of linemen use bucket trucks to repair a utility pole near Houma on Sept. 12, 2024, one day after Hurricane Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

HOUMA  Recovery efforts continued Thursday in Terrebonne Parish, where thousands remained without electricity a day after Hurricane Francine made landfall there. While the Category 2 storm brought less severe property damage than recent storms, it left some residents with greater worries for the areas future.

Among them is Terrebonne Parish Councilwoman Kim Chauvin, who spent much of the day looking for and clearing clogged storm drains.

Ive been literally out in my district clearing out drains, Chauvin said. Government moves at too slow of a pace for me  We got a lot of leaves and sticks and everything clogging drains.

One of the few remaining shrimpers in Louisiana, Chauvin and her family operate shrimp boats, a fuel and ice dock, a shrimp processing plant and seafood shop. Her home and businesses lost power when the storm approached, and she was still without electricity as of 8 p.m. Thursday. Entergy Louisiana reported less than 22,000 of its customers in Terrebonne Parish were powerless as of 7 a.m. Friday.

The damaged remains of J.C. Allens home in Bayou Dularge on Sept. 12, 2024, one day after Hurricane Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

Chauvin was elected to the parish council last year and is working with state officials to try to keep Louisianas shrimp industry afloat as it struggles to compete with cheap foreign catch from Asia and South America.

Her home and businesses sustained some damage, which she will likely have to pay for out of pocket because the cost of insurance has skyrocketed after recent disasters, including Hurricane Ida in 2021.

To afford homeowners insurance, Chauvin said, she had to choose a policy with a $50,000 deductible.

It amazes me because we still havent mitigated Idas damages, she said. Ida cost us a lot and were still reeling from that.

Bayou Dularge resident J.C. Allen echoed a similar situation as he stood in his front yard Thursday, looking at large piles of mangled materials that, less than 24 hours before, were part of his mobile home. Francine destroyed a second-story sunroom that he had just added to his home a few years ago while renovating damages from Hurricane Ida.

The 71-year-old retired postal carrier and U.S. Marine Corps veteran said his homeowners insurance company recently refused to renew his 15-year-old policy.

Allen, who does his own construction work, planned to start rebuilding Friday but believes this will be his last time, he said.

I just cant do it anymore, Allen said. We want to be down here where the living is good and the fishing is good, but the hurricanes and the insurance companies are forcing us to move away.

Workers with the nonprofit World Central Kitchen hand out food and water to thousands in Houma on Sept. 12, 2024, a day after Hurricane Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish. Five months earlier, the organization lost seven of its volunteers in Gaza when the Israeli military erroneously targeted their vehicle convoy with a missile. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

From Gaza to Houma

At the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, people waited Thursday for a hot meal in a line of vehicles that stretched several blocks from the parking lot. Most area stores and restaurants remained closed, leaving few options for the hungry.

The World Central Kitchen, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that delivers food and humanitarian aid into disaster and conflict zones around the world, set up an aid station at the civic center. Its team cooked and handed out over a thousand free meals and bottles of water.

The organization is perhaps best known for what it experienced in Gaza in April when the Israeli military, for reasons still unknown, attacked the vehicles. Seven people were killed, including an American citizen.

To some of the people in Terrebonne Parish, the World Central Kitchen was just another out-of-town group handing out food after a hurricane. Many drivers lined up for meals said they had never heard of the group and were surprised when told of the Gaza incident.

Yall are really wonderful for what yall do, one driver told a volunteer after learning about the groups history. I had no idea. Thank yall so much.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Tesla truck fire took 190,000 liters of water to extinguish

A crash involving a Tesla Semi took place in the wee hours of August 19, a US agency said. (SUZANNE CORDEIRO) (SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP/AFP)

US firefighters used some 190,000 liters of water to extinguish a blaze involving an electric Tesla Semi truck this month following a crash, a government agency said.

Besides water to cool the vehicle's batteries, California firefighters also "used an aircraft to apply fire retardant to the immediate area as a precautionary measure," said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in a statement released Thursday.

The crash involving the Tesla Semi took place in the wee hours of August 19 as the vehicle was traveling near Emigrant Gap in California, the NTSB said.

The semi-truck operated by a Tesla employee was headed from Livermore, California, to a Tesla facility in Sparks, Nevada.

The vehicle veered off the road while navigating a curve and struck a tree, before going down a slope to rest against several trees, the report added.

The driver was not injured.

But "the vehicle's lithium-ion electric battery system ignited after the roadway departure, resulting in a postcrash fire," said the NTSB.

It took about 50,000 gallons of water -- nearly 190,000 liters -- to extinguish the flames and cool the vehicle's batteries, the agency said.

California firefighters also mobilized an aircraft to drop retardant around the crash site.

California suffers from numerous forest fires every summer, which are destructive and sometimes fatal.

The freeway was closed for around 15 hours so firefighters could ensure the batteries were "at a safe temperature for vehicle recovery operations," said the NTSB.

This was also to prevent the spread of the fire to surrounding forested areas.

When Tesla announced its second quarter results recently, chief executive Elon Musk indicated that large-scale production of Semis was still planned to start by end-2025.

The first such vehicles have been delivered to a few selected customers such as PepsiCo since 2022.

elm-bys/md
VERNON, CT Students in the Vernon Public School system, for the third straight year, have outperformed the state average in the latest Connecticut Smarter Balanced Assessments.

The number of Vernon students attaining grade level expectations in English language arts and math continues to improve and exceeds the statewide average, according to the results released for the start of the school year.

The program involves testing for grades 3 through 8 in English language arts/literacy and mathematics that gauge student achievement and growth in what state officials call "the Connecticut Core Standards."



Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary told Patch Thursday that Vernon students have not only recovered from "learning disruptions" related to the coronavirus pandemic, but have "rocketed" ahead of the statewide average.

"Our student achievement is all about growth and our students continue to show growth in English language arts, mathematics and science," Macary said. "We are preparing our students for success in their lives beyond school, whether it be the workforce, the armed forces,

vocational training or college. These scores demonstrate we are giving our students a strong foundation to help prepare them for the global economy."





(Vernon Public Schools)

While test scores are an important measure of how students are doing, they tell only part of a school or district's story, administrators said. Student growth provides a more accurate measure of how schools contribute to student learning by demonstrating achievement over time. Students start each year with different levels of knowledge, they added.

"Measuring growth in that knowledge shows how well a school is helping students learn," administrators said.

"This is one piece of a larger picture, but it tells us that we are on the right track," Assistant Superintendent of Schools Robert Testa said.

More detailed statistics about student performance are expected to be released in October, Macary said.

Over the past decade, Vernon students have demonstrated a steady increase in their mastery of English language arts, math and science.

"Since the 2018-2019 school year, the statewide average of students reaching grade level expectations has declined, while in Vernon the number of students who have reached or exceeded the standards has steadily increased and is well ahead of that state average," Testa said.

Statewide, the number of students achieving grade level mastery declined from the 2017-2018 to the 2023-2024 school year, Testa said.

"When you look at Vernon you see a different picture," Testa said. "You see an increase of over 8 percent in the number of students who are reaching grade level expectations in English language arts and nearly 16 percent in math."

Vernon is No. 1 among the 33 Alliance Districts in English language arts and math and third in science, the statistics show.

A key to Vernon's continued progress is a "quality classroom curriculum that is aligned to standards and quality instruction by Vernon's teachers, Macary said. The third essential element is intervention and support for students who are not reaching grade level, he added.

"When you put those three ingredients together, you've got the secret sauce," Macary said.

A decade ago, Vernon was identified as one of the 30 lowest performing school districts in the state.

"Today, that's not the case," Macary said. "Every child is growing academically, socially and emotionally and the scores show that."

And why is that so important?

"The more student we have performing at grade level means we have more students ready to advance to the next level," Macary said.

One example is the celebrated creative writing program at Rockville High School, which annually wins more awards that any other program in the state by a wide margin.

"The more kids who can effectively read and write before high school means we have more kids ready to excel in high school  and after," he said. "It you don't have basic sentence structure, you can't advance as a writer."

Macary said the same goes for basic math, which can pave the way to another top program at RHS  agricultural science and technology, as well as toward advanced math courses.

"If students don't know the basics, they can't go on," he said. "I think we should all be proud of the teachers, staff and administrators who have contributed to so many improvements and gains.

"We're moving the needle to make sure more students have opportunities for success."





(Vernon Public Schools)





Test Scores Show Vernon Students 'Moving The Needle To More Success' originally appeared on the Vernon Patch
Texas Boy, 14, Was Killed by Car While Walking to School. Why Is Vehicle's Passenger Charged with Murder?

Dallas middle school student Jonathan Ayala was walking in the grass when a car veered off the road and hit him, police said

Elias Ayala/GoFundMe Jonathan Ayala

A 14-year-old Texas boy was struck and killed while walking to school  and now the passenger of the car that hit him is charged with murder.

Just before 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, Jonathan Ayala was walking to school in the East Oak Cliff section of Dallas when a car veered off the road and hit him, Dallas Police said in a statement.

Jonathan was walking in the grass near the intersection of Marsalis Avenue and Ledbetter Drive when he was struck, police said.

Upon further investigation, police said they learned that passenger James Grant, 47, allegedly got into an argument with the driver as they drove south on Marsalis Avenue.

Grant started struggling with the driver and assaulted them, the statement said.

Dallas County Jail James Grant

As the car headed east onto Ledbetter, Grant reached across the driver causing the car to go off the road and hit the teen, walking in the grass, police alleged in the statement.



Grant allegedly stole property from the driver and ran from the scene, the statement alleges.

The driver called 911, stopped and remained at the scene. Jonathan was rushed to a local hospital where he died.

Later that day, officers located Grant, who was arrested on a charge of felony murder, as he was in the act of committing a felony offense which caused the death of the teen, police alleged in the statement.

He was also arrested for allegedly violating parole, according to online jail records.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Grant remains held at the Dallas County North Tower Jail on a $750,000 bond, online jail records show.

It is unclear whether he has retained an attorney who can comment on his behalf.

As Grant awaits his next court date, Jonathan's family is mourning the loss of the boy described as a bright, kind-hearted soul, according to Elias Ayala, who started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his younger brothers funeral.

Jonathans infectious laughter and boundless enthusiasm brought joy to everyone he met, Elias wrote. His absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives, and we are struggling to cope with the immense grief of losing such a precious part of our family."

Jonathan was a student at Boude Storey Middle School, the Dallas Independent School District confirmed, CBS News reports.

The school is located several blocks down the street from where Jonathan was struck.



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Read the original article on People.
Texas Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives formally requested the U.S. Department of Justice investigate potential civil and voting rights violations by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his Elections Integrity Unit.

In a letter, dated Sept. 6, the Texas delegation asked U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Paxton's recent raids on the homes of Latino voting rights advocates and volunteers in South Texas and the San Antonio area.

"We are concerned that these actions are intended to intimidate American citizens, in particular Latinos and members of minority communities, from exercising their right to vote through political persecution or deny them that right altogether," the representatives wrote. "We request that the department investigate these actions, including for violations of the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act, and take any necessary action to prevent further interference with the rights of voters in the state of Texas."

The letter follows staunch criticism from the League of United Latin American Citizens, a Hispanic civil rights group, which only days before held a news conference in Downtown El Paso alongside El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego and El Paso County Commissioner Sergio Coronado calling for an investigation.

El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego joins members of the League of United Latin American Citizens for a news conference Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. The group is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate potential voter suppression in Texas.

Along with Paxton's raids, the letter calls into question Gov. Greg Abbott's hand in stifling the vote among minority voters with his recent purge of voting rolls, which included 6,500 alleged "noncitizens."

"There is little to no transparency in how Governor Abbott has assessed these individuals to be 'potential noncitizens,'" the letter stated, "and we fear these decisions may be made on the basis of those individuals perceived race or ethnicity and may deny American citizens their right to vote."

Paxton's office did not respond to a request for comment.

Who signed the letter?

While U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, and Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, led the charge in drafting the letter to the DOJ, they were joined by nine colleagues, all prominent Texas Democrats.

U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, poses for a photo with U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, during a recent stop in Downtown El Paso. Allred is running against U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, in the Nov. 5 General Election.

The signatories of the letter are: U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, who is now mounting a campaign to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, in the Nov. 5 General Election; U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin; Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston; U.S. Rep. Al Green, D-Houston; U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas; U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin; U.S. Rep. Lizzy Fletcher, D-Houston; Marc Veasey, D-Dallas; and U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen.

Allegations against Paxton's office

The brunt of the letter centers around Paxton's Elections Integrity Office, established in the wake of the 2020 presidential election and former President Donald Trump's subsequent false claims about a stolen election.

The raids were launched primarily against elderly Latino voting rights advocates and volunteers. Officers with Paxton's EIO were reportedly instructed to seize computers, cellphones, tablets and all other election-related materials, according to the letter.

In one case described by LULAC during its news conference, an 87-year-old woman was pulled from her home by armed agents during an early morning raid and scarcely allowed to clothe herself before being forced outdoors as officers rummaged through her home.

"While states attorneys general have the right to investigate unlawful behavior and those suspected of it within their states, (Paxtons) targeting of Latino activists, volunteers, and operatives raises concerns about potential ulterior motives behind these actions," the lawmakers wrote in the letter, "particularly in a state like Texas, where state legislators and leaders like (Abbott) and (Paxton) have worked to actively undermine minority voices at the ballot box."

Paxton's 'history of misusing his power'

This is hardly Paxton's first foray into attacks against Texas Latinos, the letter contends, as he has a "well-established pattern of using the power of the attorney generals office to target companies, organizations, and communities that do not align with his personal or political views."

Earlier this year, Paxton launched an all-out assault on El Paso nonprofit Annunciation House by falsely accusing it of running a "stash house" and aiding illegal immigration.

A bevy of local leaders took part in a news conference Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at Casa Vides to denounce the lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against El Paso-based Catholic nonprofit Annunciation House.

The same trend played out in Houston this year when Paxton attempted to shutter immigrant rights group Immigrant Families and Students in the Fight for allegedly violating state nonprofit rules.

"Given the Attorney Generals history of misusing his power," the lawmakers wrote, "we believe it is imperative that the (DOJ) investigate these raids as potential civil rights violations and potential interference with Latinos right to vote fairly and freely."

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: DOJ asked to investigate Texas AG by House Democrats
Most of the stories I write about are heartwarming stories or ones that make you laugh or smile. Sadly, this story is neither of those. John Gilcrease, a father of six, and known on TikTok as CrazyRandomDad shared a devasting story at the beginning of September about his 12-year-old Labrador Retriever named Gunner, and it's one that's touching the hearts of millions.

John realized that Gunner was missing from their 8-acre Texas property on Tuesday, September 3rd when he went to feed him dinner. Gunner, who has arthritis and has a hard time getting around, spends his day roaming the property, so it's not unusual for the family not to see him throughout the day. At some point, he was picked up by their local animal shelter, the City of Denton Animal Shelter. The family contacted the shelter and learned that it was closed to the public on Wednesdays, so John headed over on Thursday to pick Gunner up. John's video is long, but worth listening to. Tune in to hear what happened when he got there.

How was Gunner picked up 12.2 miles away from home when he could barely walk? I was shocked to hear that Gunner had already been euthanized before John had made the call to claim him which was less than 24 hours after Gunner was missing! John's video has more than 5 million views and nearly 100 thousand comments. People were shocked and appalled by the shelter's actions.

According to commenters, this wasn't the first time that the shelter had done this to a dog. @Bri shared, "I experienced this about 7 years ago with the SAME animal shelter!!!!! They also euthanized my dog the day he was brought into the shelter. I hope you get justice for you boy." @Darrian said, "The fact that he was even chipped is absolutely insane!" @Ralphie the Planker added, "I just cannot get over the negligence of the Denton animal shelter. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you get justice for Gunner." and another commenter added, "That red bag picture is heartbreaking."

Related: Bringing Attention to Bowie's Law: Legislation to Prevent Euthanasia of Healthy Shelter Pets

More About Gunner's Story & Fight For Justice

The Denton Record-Chronicle shared more details about John's fight for Justice, as well as how the city responded to the incident. Dustin Sternbeck, the citys chief spokesperson, issued a statement that said Gunner was euthanized because "he was geriatric, had severe mobility impairment and no control over his bladder and bowels," clearly a much different picture than the one John gave about Gunner's health.

The shelter's website also states that families have 72 hours to pick their animals up 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."

The City issued another statement to various news outlets, including People. In it, they addressed why the dog was euthanized, "We are aware that there has been concern about the 72-hour stray hold period," the follow-up 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."

John posted a follow-up video and is seeking criminal charges. The video's description contained this message, "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." He's also asking followers and supporters to sign a change.org petition. As of this writing, he has more than 42 thousand signatures, with a goal of reaching 50 thousand. I hope he reaches his goal and will continue to update this story as new information is released.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
Things to know about about the deadly wildfire that destroyed the Maui town of Lahaina

FILE - Rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, above homes burned by wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

HONOLULU (AP)  Hawaii officials didn't prepare for dangerous fire weather in the days before flames incinerated the historic Maui town of Lahaina even though they were warned by meteorologists, the state's attorney general said Friday.

The finding came in a 518-page report drafted for the attorney general by the Fire Safety Research Institute. It's the second of a three-part investigation aimed at understanding the tragedy and how best to avoid such disasters in the future.

The Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century.

Here's what to know:

How did people escape?

Many didn't know the fire was threatening their seaside town. Powerful winds knocked out electricity, depriving people of internet, television and radio. Cell networks went down, so people couldn't exchange calls and texts or receive emergency alerts. Police delivered warnings door to door, but Maui County officials failed to sound emergency sirens telling residents to flee.

Many decided to leave upon smelling smoke and seeing flames. But they soon found themselves stuck in traffic after police closed key routes to protect people from live power lines toppled by high winds.

One family made it out by swerving around a barricade blocking Honoapiilani Highway, the main coastal road leading in and out of Lahaina. Some jumped in the ocean to escape the flames. Others died in their cars.

How many people died?

Maui police said 102 people died. Victims ranged in age from 7 to 97, but more than two-thirds were in their 60s or older, according to the Maui police. Two people are missing.

The toll surpassed that of the 2018 Camp Fire in northern California, which left 85 dead and destroyed the town of Paradise. A century earlier, the 1918 Cloquet Fire broke out in drought-stricken northern Minnesota, destroying thousands of homes and killing hundreds.

When will we know how the fire started?

The Maui Fire Department will release a report on the origin and cause of the fire, which will include the results of an investigation led by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A county spokesperson said the fire department hasn't yet received the ATF's findings.

Some queries have focused on a small, wind-whipped fire sparked by downed power lines early on Aug. 8. Firefighters declared it extinguished, but the blaze appears to have flared up hours later and turned into an inferno.

An Associated Press investigation found the answer may lie in an overgrown gully beneath Hawaiian Electric Co. power lines and something that harbored smoldering embers from the initial fire before rekindling.

Hawaiian Electric has acknowledged its downed lines caused the initial fire but has argued in court filings it couldnt be responsible for the later flare-up because its lines had been turned off for hours by the time the fire reignited and spread through the town. The utility has instead blamed Maui fire officials for what it believes was their premature, false claim that they had extinguished the first fire. The county denies firefighters were negligent.

Is anyone paying damages?

Thousands of Lahaina residents have sued various parties they believe to be at fault for the fire, including Hawaiian Electric, Maui County and the state of Hawaii.

Plaintiffs and defendants reached a $4 billion global settlement last month. It's not final because some parties have asked the Hawaii Supreme Court to weigh in on how insurance companies might be allowed go after Hawaiian Electric and others to recoup money they've already paid to policyholders to satisfy insurance claims.

Where are survivors living?

The fire displaced about 12,000 people, most of them renters, upending a housing market already squeezed by a severe supply shortage.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is helping 1,700 households pay rent. It's building modular homes for hundreds more alongside the state and nonprofit organizations.

Maui's mayor has proposed legislation that would force owners of 7,000 vacation rentals to rent to residents to free up housing for survivors. Some estimates say 1,500 households have left Maui as rents have soared.

The Army Corps of Engineers this month finished clearing debris from all 1,390 burned residential properties. Rebuilding has begun on 20 lots.
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  The South Dakota Supreme Court has upheld the simple-assault conviction of a Box Elder man who argued that he shouldnt have faced a third criminal trial for striking his eight-year-old son who had misbehaved.

In a decision publicly released this week, the states high court turned down the request from Joshua Jay Rose.

State Historical Society starts gift memberships

He admitted to a school resource officer that on January 14, 2019, he had bopped his son, C.R., on both ears with open palms.

Rose was tried in Pennington County magistrate court. A jury couldnt reach a verdict after seven hours of deliberation, so a second trial was held.

During the second trial, Magistrate Judge Sarah Morrison declared a mistrial, because of inappropriate questions and statements made by Roses defense attorney.

After a third trial was scheduled, Rose argued that he now faced double jeopardy.

Magistrate Judge Morrison however rejected the motion.

The third jury convicted Rose, and the magistrate sentenced him to 180 days in jail, all suspended, but with other conditions.

Rose appealed the conviction, but Circuit Judge Craig Pfeifle dismissed the appeal.

Rose then appealed to the Supreme Court. The justices unanimously rejected Roses judicial-error and double-jeopardy claims. Justice Patricia DeVaney wrote the decision.

Admittedly, this case is a close call. However, in reviewing for an abuse of discretion, the question is not whether we would have made the same decision as the trial court, Justice DeVaney wrote. Considering all the circumstances, as we must, and giving due deference to the magistrate court, which was better positioned to judge the impact that the statements, repetitive objections, and the courts rulings may have had on the jurors, it is not so clear that the court abused its considerable discretion in granting a mistrial.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
US and British citizens among 37 sentenced to death in DR Congo coup trial

Benjamin Zalman Polun, Marcel Malanga and Tyler Thompson, American citizens suspected along with a group of around fifty other people to be involved in an attempted coup in Congo, wait for the final verdict during their trial in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, September 13, 2024.

Thirty-seven people  including three Americans, a Briton, a Belgian and a Canadian national  have been sentenced to death over an attempt to overthrow the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The men were accused of leading an attack on both the presidential palace and the home of an ally of President Felix Tshisekedi in May.

Christian Malanga, a US national of Congolese origin, the suspected leader of the plot, was killed during the attack, along with five others.

In total 51 people were tried in a military court, with hearings broadcast on national TV and radio.

Malanga's son Marcel, one of the US citizens sentenced to death, previously told the court that his father had threatened to kill him unless he took part.

His friend Tyler Thompson, was also given the death penalty. The pair, aged in their 20s, had played football together in Utah.

His stepmother Miranda Thompson in June told the BBC the family had "zero idea" how he had ended up in DR Congo.

"We were in complete shock as to what was happening, and the unknown. Everything we were learning was what we were getting off Google," she said.

The third American, Benjamin Zalman-Polun, had business interests with Christian Malanga.

Also sentenced to death was Jean-Jacques Wondo, a dual Congolese and Belgian citizen.

Human Rights Watch previously described him as a prominent researcher on regional politics and security, and suggested the evidence connecting him to the coup attempt was thin.

The AFP news agency reports that the Briton and Canadian nationals were of Congolese origin.

The court heard the British national, Youssouf Ezangi, had helped recruit some of the others who took part.

Of the 51 tried, 14 people were acquitted and freed, with the court finding they had no connection to the attack.

Those convicted have five days to appeal against their sentences.

Death sentences have not been carried out in DR Congo for roughly two decades  convicts who receive the penalty serve life imprisonment instead.

The government lifted this moratorium in March this year, citing the need to remove "traitors" from the nations dysfunctional army. However, no death penalties have been carried out since.

The attempted coup began in the capital, Kinshasa, in the early hours of 19 May. Armed men first attacked parliamentary speaker Vital Kamerhes home in Kinshasa then headed to the presidents official residence.

Witnesses say a group of about 20 assailants in army uniform attacked the palace and an exchange of gunfire followed.

An army spokesman later announced on national TV that security forces had stopped "an attempted coup d'etat".

Local media reports said the assailants were members of the New Zaire Movement linked to Malanga, an exiled DR Congolese politician.

Malanga was shot dead in the attack after resisting arrest, said army spokesperson Brig Gen Sylavin Ekenge.

President Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term in disputed elections last year in December. He won about 78% of the vote.

DR Congo is a country with vast mineral wealth and a huge population. Despite this, life is difficult for many people, with conflict, corruption and poor governance persisting.

Much of the country's natural resources lie in the east where violence still rages despite Mr Tshisekedi's attempts to deal with the situation by imposing a state of siege, ceasefire deals and bringing in troops from neighbouring countries.

Additional reporting by Emery Makumeno in Kinshasa & Natasha Booty in London

More DR Congo stories from the BBC:

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts
Boeing employees  33,000 of them who are mostly in Washington State  are on strike for the first time since 2008.

Of the voting members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Union, 94.6% rejected Boeings proposed contract, with 96% voting to strike Thursday.

The deal proposed by Boeing included 25% raises over four years and a promise that the companys next new airplane would be built in Washington.

The unions first proposal included 40% raises over three years and the resurrection of a traditional pension, which was eliminated a decade ago.

Work stopped at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

KIRO 7 was in the room when union leaders announced the strike.

IAM District 751 President Jon Holden said union leadership tried its best to find a compromise, but supports the strike because its what members want.

I know that were acting in their best interests, so you know...we had an agreement that we negotiated, and we recommended that because there was many important things in it, but within our system, our members have the final say. This is exactly how it should be, we achieved everything we could in bargaining, short of a strike, and now its in their hands, said Holden.

9-13-24. Boeing workers in Everett walk the picket line after rejection the company's proposed contract on Thursday.

9-13-24. Boeing workers in Everett walk the picket line after rejection the company's proposed contract on Thursday.

9-13-24. Boeing workers in Everett walk the picket line after rejection the company's proposed contract on Thursday.

9-13-24. Boeing workers in Everett walk the picket line after rejection the company's proposed contract on Thursday.

9-13-24. Boeing workers in Everett walk the picket line after rejection the company's proposed contract on Thursday.

9-13-24. Boeing workers in Everett walk the picket line after rejection the company's proposed contract on Thursday.

9-13-24. Boeing workers in Everett walk the picket line after rejection the company's proposed contract on Thursday.

9-13-24. Boeing workers in Everett walk the picket line after rejection the company's proposed contract on Thursday.

9-13-24. Boeing workers in Everett walk the picket line after rejection the company's proposed contract on Thursday.

Boeing employee Dianna Vu, 20, a grade 6 mechanic, holds a picket sign with coworkers after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, outside the company's factory in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A sign sits just outside the property line for Boeing's Renton factory as a security guard stands behind a fence as Boeing workers picket after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Signs and firewood sit in front of a Boeing sign as employees picket after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, outside the company's factory in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Boeing employee Ritz Amador, 40, who works as a customer coordinator, wears a

A driver holds a sign out their window as they drive by Boeing workers picketing after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, outside the company's factory in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Boeing workers wave at a car honking in support while they picket after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Solomon Hammond, 33, left, and John Olson, 45, right, both toolmakers at Boeing's Renton factory, hold picket signs after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, outside the company's factory in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A Boeing worker wears a mask while holding a

Boeing workers picket after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, outside the company's factory in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A Boeing worker wears a mask with a digital

Some workers concerns include pay, job security, medical expenses, the absence of a pension, and work-life balance.

In the early morning hours of Friday, workers outside the companys Everett plant walked picket lines in darkness, using burn barrels to keep warm amid honks from passing cars.

Blasting music from speakers, Twisted Sisters rock anthem, Were Not Gonna Take it, was heard - a sentiment that underlined their dissatisfaction with the proposed contract.

Workers have gone on strike seven other times, with the last machinists strike in 2008. It lasted just 57 days but cost Boeing at least $2 billion, according to Wall Street analysts.

Boeing reopened negotiations on that contract in 2011 and 2013, when the union made major compromises, including raising employees cost of health care and ending its traditional pension program in exchange for agreeing to keep airplane production in Washington.

Now, workers are warning about the ripple effect the strike could have, saying that for every person who goes on strike, four others with be affected around the community. For example, striking workers may save money instead of eating at restaurants and spending money at local businesses.

In terms of the timetable for coming to an agreement, workers say they are prepared to hold out until they get what they feel they deserve.

Holden said that they will take it one day at a time, prioritizing talking with members about their specific needs.

Meanwhile, Boeing issued a statement to KIRO 7 Thursday night:

Over the last several years, Boeing has been plagued with issues, starting with two 737 MAX planes crashing in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people. The airplane was grounded worldwide between March 2019 and December 2020.

Then came the door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight on Jan. 5, 2024, which again brought the safety of Boeings airplanes under the microscope. The FAA grounded the 737-9 MAX fleet until Jan. 26.

There has also been issues with the companys Starliner capsule  which was forced to leave its two test pilots at the International Space Station due to thruster trouble and helium leaks.

The company has lost more than $25 billion over about the last six years.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Keiko Fujimori cried next to her father's coffin during his wake at the Culture Ministry in Lima [Getty Images]

Thousands of people in Peru have been paying their respects to the late President, Alberto Fujimori, who died at the age of 86 after serving prison time for corruption and human rights abuses.

Long queues formed outside the Culture Ministry in Lima where Fujimori's body is lying in state.

Among the first to arrive was incumbent President Dina Boluarte who has declared three days of national mourning.

Critics say the government has gone too far by honouring a man who was convicted of serious crimes during the fight against Shining Path rebels in the 1990s.

Supporters held up an image of Fujimori while they waited for his hearse to pass in Lima [Getty Images]

There was a heavy security presence as the hearse passed [Getty Images]

An aerial shot shows Fujimori's coffin, draped in a Peruvian national flag, being taken out of the hearse [Getty Images]

Several congressmen carried the coffin of Fujimori [Getty Images]

Keiko and Kenji Fujimori, children of the late president, accepted condolences from relatives [Getty Images]

Thousands of people gathered to queue to pay their respects [Getty Images]

Supporters expressed their grief [Getty Images]

But not everyone mourned. This woman shouted against Fujimori - a man who ruled Peru with an iron fist and then spent 16 years in prison for crimes against humanity [Getty Images]

All images subject to copyright.
GUEST OPINION: In today's digital landscape, where the threat of phishing, identity theft, and credential stuffing is rising, organisations must continuously assess their cybersecurity measures. Adversaries can buy and sell compromised data, increasing the sophistication of their evolving tactics.

On the surface level, a cyber attack impacts financial losses and downtime. Threat actors are evolving from basic cyber attacks to strategic multi-step attacks. The impact extends beyond tangible impacts. Damage to brand reputation can have lasting effects on customer advocacy and hinder growth.

As a Chief Customer Officer (CCO), it's essential to recognise the interconnectedness of security and customer trust. The right balance between enhancing customer experience and implementing robust security measures is critical. Today's customers are tech-savvy, quick to compare your customer experience, and aware of the potential risks to their data.

Customers are exposed to frequent media reports of customer data breaches. The media reports have raised awareness not just of the frequency but also the severity of considerable leaks of personally identifiable information (PII). This data can and will be used for social engineering hacks. Customers expect organisations to go above and beyond in securing their data.

Users also expect a frictionless experience when logging in to an account and engaging with a retailer's services. Anything that slows down a person's interactions with your service will hurt conversions. Okta's Customer Identity Trends Report 2023 revealed that most survey respondents indicated they would be more likely to spend money when services offered a simple, secure, and frictionless login process.

To balance the security and experience expectations of our customers. There are three things to consider.

Adaptive Multifactor Controls

One solution to reduce friction is to be adaptable to our customers. Adaptive multifactor controls adapt to the level of risk associated with specific transactions. Tailoring security measures to the interaction context means the customer won't experience a prompt in a low-risk scenario. A high-risk challenge will occur if they reset their password and their geolocation has changed since the last interaction.

Normal customer behaviour could be switching from iPhone to iPad to complete purchases. With basic Multifactor controls, this could introduce friction with an Identity challenge. Using Adaptive MFA, you would configure the control to evaluate 2-3 signals before determining the risk threshold and hold back the challenge for the customer to complete the transaction without friction.

Silent Re-Risk Assessment

Using tokens with long time-out periods often reduces the customer's friction. This lets customers frequently visit your application to purchase or edit their profile without any security prompts. Non-checked authorisation tokens allow a threat actor to utilise techniques like session hijacking to complete a purchase on the customer's profile.

We can proactively prevent potential threats by conducting silent re-risk assessments on account changes or purchases. Organisations can quickly identify and mitigate risks by analysing changes without interrupting the customer experience, ensuring a secure environment.

Stopping fraudulent registrations

In the first 90 days of 2022, signup fraud accounted for approximately 23% of signup attempts on our platform, up from 15% in the same period last year. The creation of fraudulent accounts can result in high costs due to the significant number of SMS sent for MFA enrollment. You will also be vulnerable to spam and DoS attacks, which could damage your site's reputation and lead to reduced performance.

Fake accounts can be used for malicious activities and mimicking a real person's activity, skewing results or causing brand damage.

With bot protection, you try to ensure that only human users and good bots can access your website, improving the general user experience. Bot protection can be implemented in several ways, including blocking IPS based on their reputation, device fingerprinting, and behavioural analysis.

CAPTCHAs and JavaScript challenges are two of the most effective and widely adopted antibot solutions.

Safeguarding your customers while providing a low-friction customer experience is possible using out-of-the-box solutions. Utilising a combination of deterrents and adaptive controls provides the flexibility to use these solutions across various customer interactions with your applications.

With the proper measures to foster a secure digital environment for your customers, you reduce the threats of higher operating costs and brand damage and improve your check-out conversions.
CAMP HILL, Pa. (WHTM)  The Camp Hill School District had a heightened police presence Friday after police say they received reports of a threat.

The reports came in Thursday evening, indicating that an unknown person threatened to bring a gun to the Camp Hill High School Friday.

4 districts, 3 days: Midstate schools see slew of violent threats

Police interviewed multiple students and determined there was no credible threat.

This appears to be a continuation of national and regional social media postings suggesting vague reference to purported future episodes of anticipated incidents of school violence, Camp Hill Police said in a statement. Even though we concluded there was no credible evidence of a threat to any Camp Hill School District school, additional police were assigned to the vicinity of Camp Hill schools throughout the day as a safety re-assurance for students, their families, and Camp Hill School District staff.

State Police and DA ask parents in Pennsylvania to talk with their kids following school threats

Police said Friday went safely and calmly.

This is the latest in a string of threats reported across central and eastern Pennsylvania, including at West Shore, Mount Carmel, Chambersburg, Mifflin County, and an unidentified school district in Schuylkill County. Several alleged culprits have been identified and arrested as well.

abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Bomb threat forces evacuation, closure of at least 4 schools in Springfield

Another threat is impacting students in Springfield.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

A day after a bomb threat caused city hall and several other buildings, including Fulton Elementary School, to evacuate, another threat has been reported and at least three schools in the Springfield City School District are being impacted.

The email threat was sent to local media outlets, including WHIO-TV.

News Center 7 was there at Perrin Woods and Snowhill Elementary when some students were evacuated to an alternate location Friday morning where a controlled release of the students. Other students were picked up by their parents after learning of the threat.

In addition to that, Roosevelt Middle School was closed before the beginning of the school day in relation to the information received from the (Springfield Police Division).

Bryan Peterson went to drop his granddaughter off at Roosevelt Middle School but learned that the school was suddenly closed.

Its a new world were living in, Peterson said. Crazy, you know, you just deal with it.

Cliff Park High School, which is not part of the Springfield City School District, was also named in the threat.

In a social media post, officials said that they were following law enforcements recommendation to evacuate the school.

We apologize for whatever inconvenience this causes but we have to make the best decision for the safety of our students, staff and families. All students currently in the building will need picked up and signed out, the post stated.

Clark State College also closed the Brinkman building and canceled classes and activities in it on Friday due to the safety shutdown in downtown Springfield.

As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, Perrin Woods Elementary School was featured on News Center 7 last month for their program where students learn both English and Spanish throughout the day. Principal Rebecca Warner said she hoped this would help bridge the gap with non-English speaking students and their families.

I think thats a really, really neat opportunity to make those parents feel more comfortable, engaging with the school and knowing that were ready to invest in what their children bring to the table, Warner said.

It came as the district has worked to adapt to its growing population of non-English speaking students. But with school closed, no one is in class.

You just deal with the day as it comes, Peterson said. Yeah and try to be safe and smart.

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MARIN COUNTY, Calif. (KRON)  The Tamalpais Union High School District received specific threats of violence to high schools Friday morning, causing the district to cancel classes, according to officials.

All five TUHSD campuses were evacuated and closed for the remainder of Friday due to the threats, district officials said. All students and staff have been sent home.

The threat of violence was received at approximately 7:30 a.m. by text at the school districts office. Consistent with established safety protocols, school administration immediately evacuated all buildings on all five district campuses and contacted local law enforcement to secure all sites, investigate the credibility of the threat and to consult regarding next steps in order to ensure the safety of our entire school community, TUHSD Superintendent Tara Taupier said in a statement.

Be alert: Mountain lion possibly spotted in Antioch

In an email to the community, Larkspur-Corte Madera School District Superintendent Brett Geithman said, I have spoken directly with our Chief of Police, and there is no known threat to Hall Middle School or any LCMSD schools. The superintendent said police deemed schools in the LCMSD district safe to continue operations as usual.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Three Americans and 34 others sentenced to death over coup attempt in Congo

A military court in Congo handed down death sentences Friday to 37 people, including three Americans, after convicting them on charges of taking part in a coup attempt.

The defendants, who also included a Briton, Belgian, Canadian and several Congolese, can appeal the verdict on charges that included terrorism, murder and criminal association. Fourteen people were acquitted in the trial, which opened in June.

Six people were killed during the botched coup attempt led by the little-known opposition figure Christian Malanga in May that targeted the presidential palace and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi. Malanga was fatally shot while resisting arrest soon after live-streaming the attack on his social media, the Congolese army said.

Malangas 21-year-old son Marcel Malanga, who is a US citizen, and two other Americans were convicted in the the attack. His mother, Brittney Sawyer, has said her son is innocent and was simply following his father, who considered himself president of a shadow government in exile.

The other Americans were Tyler Thompson Jr., who flew to Africa from Utah with the younger Malanga for what his family believed was a vacation, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, who is reported to have known Christian Malanga through a gold mining company.

The company was set up in Mozambique in 2022, according to an official journal published by Mozambiques government, and a report by the Africa Intelligence newsletter.

Thompsons family maintains he had no knowledge of the elder Malangas intentions, no plans for political activism and didnt even plan to enter Congo. He and the Malangas were meant to travel only to South Africa and Eswatini, Thompsons stepmother said.

The reading out of the verdict and sentencing before the open-air military court were broadcast live on television.

Last month, the military prosecutor, Lt. Col. Innocent Radjabu. called on the judges to sentence to death all of the defendants, except for one who suffers from psychological problems.

Earlier this year, Congo reinstated the death penalty, lifting a more than two-decade-old moratorium, as authorities struggle to curb violence and militant attacks in the country.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The three-year-old was reportedly playing with his brother and a neighbor when the incident took place (Getty/iStock)

A three-year-old boy died Sunday in Washington after falling into a neighbors septic tank, local authorities have reported.

The young boy was playing with his older brother, four, and a six-year-old neighbor in the town of Lakewood, less than a one-hour drive southwest of Seattle, when the incident took place, per Pierce County Sheriff's Office via USA Today.

The office added that "an adult was in and out of the house with the children.

At some point that day, the three-year-old managed to get access to a neighbor's septic tank by removing its lid before falling in.

His brother reportedly went inside and told their grandmother, who called 911 at around 2:15pm, according to WIFR.

The Independent has contacted Pierce County Sheriff's Office for further details.

Ten minutes later firefighters and deputies were reportedly on the scene, but found the boy dead in the seven-foot-deep tank, which was approximately four to five feet full.

Authorities said they had to pump the tank for around 45 minutes to empty it of its contents before they could remove the three-year-old's body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriff's office told USA Today that no charges have been referred to prosecutors.
Three South Mississippi kitchens fail health inspections, two with repeat violations

Only three restaurants and kitchens in South Mississippi were cited for health issues over the last three weeks, but two of them had repeat issues that werent corrected from prior inspections.

These kitchens were cited by the state health department since Aug. 27:

Twin Peaks Restaurant at 3516 Sangani Blvd., DIberville, was inspected for a permit on Sept. 4.

It was cited for:

 Inadequate hand washing facilities supplied and accessible, a repeat violation.

A corrective follow-up inspection the same day showed the violation was corrected and the restaurant scored a B. This was the second C dating back to 2015. The prior one was in 2023.

Pericos Mexican Grill at 547 E Frontage Dr. , Wiggins, had a scheduled inspection Sept. 12. It was cited for:

 Improper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use, a repeat offense

 Food separated and protected, repeat

 Improper hot holding temperatures, repeat

 Improper date marking and disposition, repeat

Corrected during the inspection was:

 Proper cooling time and temperatures

This was the first C dating back to 2017

Wayne Lees Deli, 12109 Mississippi 63 South, Lucedale, had a corrective follow-up inspection Aug. 29 after failing its scheduled inspection Aug. 20.

It was again sited for two repeat violations:

 Food contact surface not cleaned and sanitized

 Time as public health control procedures and records

Corrected during the Aug. 29 inspection was:

 Proper date marking and disposition

This is the fifth C since Aug. 2010, with three in the last two years.

Restaurants and kitchens in Mississippi are rated A if they pass the health department inspection, B if all violations are corrected during the inspection and C if the violations are critical.

The health inspection grade must be displayed in all restaurants, in kitchens such as school cafeterias, day care centers, and cafes and bars where food is sold.

The vast majority of restaurants pass their inspections. From Aug. 27 to Sept. 12, the inspectors graded 146 kitchens in South Mississippi an A with no violations and 19 a B.
MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR)  Midwest Police have arrested three people in connection to the shooting in a Midwest City park that killed 14-year-old Dehmaurieon Denmark.

Zantayvean Dayvon Smith, 18, and two juveniles  ages 16 and 17  were arrested Wednesday night.

UPDATE: Three arrested in Midwest City homicide

The arrest affidavit also details more of what allegedly happened Sunday night.

We heard, I think, three or four gunshots go off. And he came out and just asked me, did you hear that, said a neighbor who lives in the area.

The court papers explain that the victim, Denmark, planned to meet the 17-year-old suspect at Tom Poore Park.

During the investigation, the car driven by the 17-year-old was found at Star Spencer High School.

According to police, the suspect claimed a gun would not be found during a search of the car. However, investigators found a pistol in the vehicle after all.

Police identify suspect in deadly Midwest City shooting

Court papers also explain the shell casings that officers found at the scene, did not match the weapon found in the suspects car.

During Smiths interview, officers were told the 17-year-old suspect was going to meet someone at the park to do a deal.

Smith said he also heard the 17-year-old yell hes got a gun.

Court documents go on to detail that during the interview with police, Smith said the 17-year-old had a gun and also allegedly claimed he saw Denmark with a gun, but wasnt sure who fired the shots.

However, later in the court documents, a 16-year-old suspect, who claims he was on the other side of the park during the shooting, told officers Denmark did not have a weapon.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Can you get a ticket in SC for failing to signal a turn? Heres what state law says

Lets just say youre driving along a four-lane highway and want to pass the car in front of you.

No one is behind or beside. Surely its OK to just slip past.

UM. No.

South Carolina law requires you must use your turn signal no matter the circumstances.

And if youre turning onto another road, the law says the signal must be on continuously. For at least 100 feet. No signaling as you make the turn.

Hand turn signals may be a thing of the past for many, but South Carolina law says you may use them if for some reason your blinker is broken.

Not only that but the same statute says you cant stop or suddenly decrease your speed without giving a signal.

The law doesnt specify what the signal is, but it is surely not something rude to express your frustration with the person tailgating you or the slowpoke ahead.

Heres the one-side only part of the statute.

The signals required on vehicles by subsection (B) of Section 56-5-2180, shall not be flashed on one side only on a disabled vehicle, flashed as a courtesy or do pass signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear, nor be flashed on one side only of a parked vehicle except as may be necessary for compliance with this section.

Violations of this statute bring a $25 fine, low compared to California where the fine can be up to $238.

New York is even harsher. First offense up to $150, second offense within 18 months up to $300, third offense within 18 months up to $450.

Plus a finding of guilt brings two points on your license. Each time. Plus surcharges, which are up to $93.

Wonder if they had a problem with serial signal violators?

South Carolina does not assess court costs, surcharges, or points.
The crowd at Tim Walzs rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Thursday trolled Donald Trump over his false claims that Haitian immigrants are eating pets, breaking out into chants of: We dont eat cats!

The Democratic vice presidential nominee reflected on Tuesdays presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Trump, teasing the former president with his now-classic buzzword for the Republican ticket: weird.

He said a lot of weird stuff too, so Im just going to say that, the Minnesota governor told the crowd.

You tell me that you had this on your bingo card: And theyre eating cats.

A chorus of we dont eat cats erupted from the crowd, as Walz jubilantly looked on from his podium.

Ah, Michigan, we love you, he said.

Tim Walz made the cat comments during his Grand Rapids, Michigan rally on Thursday (AP)

The governor was referencing Trumps wild conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.

The baseless claim, which was debunked by local authorities, came from a Facebook group post from a woman who had heard the story fourth-hand.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump said during the presidential debate, leaving Harris aghast.

Extreme, she responded.

Sticking with the feline theme at Thursday nights rally, Walz also expressed gratitude to the cat-loving global pop star Taylor Swift who announced her endorsement of the Harris-Walz ticket moments after the debate concluded.

Thanks to my fellow cat owner, Taylor Swift, he said to a sea of rallygoers.

Taylor Swift threw her weight behind Harris and Walz with a post-debate Instragam announcement on Tuesday (AFP via Getty Images)

Vice President Harris and I couldnt be more grateful to have her support. And look, its not as if I didnt warn these guys a few months ago, you mess with cat people and you will find out.

On Tuesday night, Swift, who carries enormous sway with Gen Z and Millennial voters, announced: I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.

She signed off the post Taylor Swift. Childless Cat Lady and shared a photo of her holding her pet cat in a clear jab at Ohio Senator JD Vances resurfaced 2021 comments were he used the slur against female Democrats.
The Waupun prison sits in the middle of a residential neighborhood (Photo | Wisconsin Examiner)

Friday the 13th of September is the gloomy anniversary of the signing of the federal 1994 Crime Bill. It is also a chance to start to remedy a horrible mistake.

It seems rare that there is consensus among leaders of both of our political parties to make a significant change. Sometimes, those are great steps forward. Sometimes it is just a big bipartisan mistake. Such was the case 30 years ago when the US Congress and President Bill Clinton passed and signed the 1994 Crime Bill.

In 1994, our leaders saw a real problem  the toll being taken by drug addiction. But they came up with the wrong solution. That mistake cost billions of dollars; it devastated entire communities; it broke up families; it ruined thousands of lives.

The 1994 Crime Bill had very little impact on crime. In the U.S., as in Wisconsin, there is almost no relationship between crime levels and prison population levels. The Crime Bill did, however, devastate many communities, especially low-income communities and communities of color. The Crime Bill introduced extremely harsh penalties for even low-level drug crimes. Famously, it was far harder on crimes involving crack than for crimes involving powder cocaine, which resulted in more and longer incarceration for central city residents. The population of U.S. federal prisons in 1994 was less than 50,000. Today, it is more than 158,000.

The 1994 Crime Bill had a huge impact on Wisconsin and other states. The Crime Bill helped pay for new prisons. It rewarded police departments for increasing their arrest rates as well as tougher sentencing laws, like Wisconsins so-called Truth in Sentencing. Aided and encouraged by the Crime Bill, Wisconsins prison population went from less than 10,000 in 1994 to more than 22,000 today.

In Wisconsin in 2024, there is a new bipartisan consensus: We need to close at least two of Wisconsins prisons. The Green Bay Correctional Institution (GBCI) and the Waupun Correctional Institution (WCI) were built in the 1800s. Both have received a lot of well-deserved negative publicity recently, as people have died and as the horrid conditions in those prisons have become better known. Even with dramatic pay increases, the Department of Corrections has not been able to keep enough staff to fully run programs at GBCI and WCI. The facilities are dangerous and outdated. Even spending about $50 million for each facility every year, it is impossible to make them suitable for humans to live in, or even to want to work in.

We all, Republicans, Democrats and Independents, believe GBCI and WCI need to be closed. The question is: How? There are those who want to spend $500 million of taxpayer money to build a new prison. We believe there is a better way.

Wisconsin can close the Waupun and Green Bay prisons by taking common sense steps to safely reduce the prison population. Consider this: the combined populations of GBCI and WCI is about 2,000 people, less than 10% of the prison population. In Wisconsins 38 prisons, there are about 5,000 people incarcerated for crimeless revocations. These are people who served a sentence and have been sent back for a technical violation of their terms of supervision  not because of another crime. By reducing such revocations, as states like Texas have done, we could easily have 2,000 fewer people in prison in less than a year.

Thousands of people in Wisconsin prisons are, as part of their sentence, eligible to participate in Earned Release programs. But, we have not funded the Earned Release program sufficiently, so that many of them wait for years to get into the program so they can go home. We have hundreds of senior citizens languishing in Wisconsin prisons, some of them in assisted living wings of prisons.

To build a new prison would cost Wisconsin about $500 million, and would take at least 4-5 years. In the meantime, we would o force incarcerated people and staff to continue suffering in WCI and GBCI. Common sense policies could safely reduce the population such that we could create enough space to move everybody out of the Green Bay and Waupun prisons within a year.

In 1994, we spent billions to build the incarceration infrastructure. In 2024 we can turn that around, and we can reinvest the savings in education, mental health and addiction treatment and other programs that will heal and revitalize the communities the Crime Bill helped to devastate.

After 30 years, we have a new chance to get it right. We can get it right in Wisconsin by closing our worst prisons without building new ones. And, in 2025 our new President needs to work with the new Congress to repeal the 1994 Crime Bill, and replace it with a 2025 Justice Reinvestment Bill.

Angela Lang Robert Kraig David Liners

Black Leaders Organizing Communities (BLOC) Citizen Action of Wisconsin WISDOM
(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)

Tsukiji is known for fresh catches and restaurants serving mouthwatering sushi. The district was once a busy area for fishmongers and locals looking to buy impressive tuna, salmon and other sea delicacies.

In 2018, Tsukiji Market closed after 83 years and all wholesale fish operations moved to Toyosu, about a 20-minute train ride away. Although the market is gone, it is still a popular area for sushi, street food and more.

Tsujiki is also home to Tsukiji Honganji, a Buddhist temple, and Tsukiji Namiyoke Jinja, a Shinto shrine, which are popular attractions in the area.

During a recent visit with my wife, we fought off temptations for sushi and stopped in at Viet Quan, a small food stall serving up tasty pho.

My wife and I are big fans of Vietnamese food and love the gentle and chewy texture of the noodles in pho, which are made from rice not flour.

Viet Quan, known for its genuine and authentic traditional tastes of South Vietnam, can accommodate only 18 diners at a time.

We snagged a seat and ordered our dishes from a machine at the entrance. My wife ordered the shops signature chicken pho, while I chose a cold noodle bun with seasoned chicken grilled with shredded lime leaves, both for 980 yen ($7) each.

If youre not in the mood for pho, Viet Quans menu also offers a variety of bahn mi sandwiches consisting of soft French baguettes stuffed with pork, ham, radish, carrot, onion butter and pork liver paste. Vietnamese sweets and drinks are also available.

When our bowls arrived, the flavor of the delicate broth was smooth and full-bodied thanks to the various fragrant herbs and spices used to make the dish. The smooth noodles and tender chicken completed this delicious trip to the southern coast of Vietnam.

After a long walk around Tsukiji District, this was the perfect way to refresh and reenergize us for the long trip back home. If your tastebuds are craving a trip to Vietnam, add Viet Quan to your list!

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)

Viet Quan
On the night he was elected the 110th mayor of New York City, former police Capt. Eric Adams vowed to fight for those "this city has betrayed."

"This city betrayed New Yorkers every day, especially the ones who rely on it the most. My fellow New Yorkers, that betrayal stops on January 1," Adams said that night in November 2021.

For the past year, federal authorities have been investigating the possibility of corruption at City Hall, issuing subpoenas for Adams and members of his inner circle.

PHOTO: Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a press conference at City Hall in New York, Dec. 12, 2023. (Peter K. Afriyie/AP, FILE)

It all led up to the historic moment on Sept. 25 when Adams became the first sitting New York City mayor to be indicted. The indictment was sealed as of Wednesday evening and the charges were not immediately revealed.

Adams has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to fight for his innocence.

"I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a targetand a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit," he said in a statement on Sept. 25.

Federal authorities have not commented on what they are specifically investigating. Sources have told ABC News that one of the probes concerns city contracts, and a second involves the enforcement of regulations governing bars and clubs.

None of the mayor's aides who have been subpoenaed, had their homes searched, or their electronic devices seized by investigators have been charged with any crimes.

PHOTO: Edward A. Caban, left, speaks after being sworn in as NYPD police commissioner outside New York City Police Department 40th Precinct, July 17, 2023, in New York. (Jeenah Moon/AP, FILE)

Here is a timeline of the subpoenas, searches and seizures dogging Adams and his inner circle:

Nov. 2, 2023  FBI agents search the Crown Heights, Brooklyn, home of Brianna Suggs, a campaign consultant and top fundraiser for Adams. Federal agents also search the New Jersey home of Rana Abbasova, the mayor's international affairs aid. That same day, Adams unexpectedly returned to New York from Washington, D.C., to "address the matter," despite planned meetings with White House officials and other big city mayors on immigration. The investigation involves a construction company, KSK Construction Group, based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, sources told ABC News. KSK donated about $14,000 to Adams' 2021 campaign. Suggs has not been charged with any crimes connected to the probe.

Nov. 6, 2023  The FBI seizes Mayor Adams' electronic devices, including an iPad and a cell phone, as part of a federal probe. Sources told ABC News that the investigation was seeking to determine whether the mayor's campaign received illegal foreign donations from Turkey with a Brooklyn construction company as a conduit.

Nov. 15, 2023  Adams launches a legal defense fund intended to defray expenses in connection with inquiries by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York into his mayoral 2021 campaign committee.

Jan. 15, 2024  Vito Pitta, Adam's longtime campaign compliance lawyer, releases a statement saying the mayor's legal defense fund had raised $650,000 in just two months.

Feb. 29, 2024  The FBI, investigating Adam's fundraising, searches the Bronx home of Winnie Greco, the director of Asian affairs for Adam's administration. The probe also involves a construction company, KSK Construction Group, sources tell ABC News.

April 5, 2024  ABC News reports that the FBI is investigating whether Adams received free upgrades on Turkish Airlines, Turkey's national carrier.

July 2024  Federal prosecutors in New York serve Adams grand jury subpoenas as part of what sources tell ABC News is an ongoing corruption investigation involving whether his campaign sought illegal donations from Turkey in exchange for pressuring the fire department to rush an inspection of the new Turkish consulate in New York City. The subpoenas seek communications and documents from the mayor, according to sources. In an interview with ABC New York station WABC, Adams says, "Like previous administrations that have gone through subpoenas, you participate and cooperate. You see a subpoena, and you respond. At the end of the day, it will show there is no criminality here."

PHOTO: New York Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright speaks during a press conference on gun violence prevention and public safety on July 31, 2023 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, FILE)

Sept. 4, 2024  The FBI conducts searches at the homes of two of Adams' closest aids. Federal agents search the upper Manhattan home of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who is engaged to Schools Chancellor David Banks. Agents also search the Hollis, Queens, home of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks. The FBI seized evidence, including electronics, as part of the searches, sources told ABC News. David and Phil Banks are brothers and both have known Adams for years.

PHOTO: Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks during a briefing on security preparations ahead of former President Donald Trump's arrival, April 3, 2023, in New York. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Sept. 5, 2024  ABC News reports that federal investigators subpoenaed the cell phones of four high-ranking New York Police Department officials, including NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. The subpoenas are part of the same investigation that sent the FBI to search the homes of Deputy Mayors Wright and Banks, sources told ABC News. Tim Pearson, a close adviser to Adams, also receives a subpoena for his cell phone, sources said. The subpoenas, according to sources, are connected to an undisclosed investigation separate from one into whether Adams allegedly accepted illegal donations from Turkey in exchange for official favors.

Sept. 10, 2024  Adams declines to say at a news conference if he remains confident in Police Commissioner Caban amid news reports claiming Caban is under pressure to resign. When asked if he was confident in Caban's leadership, Adams says, "I have the utmost confidence in the New York City Police Department."

Sept. 12, 2024 -- Commissioner Caban resigns. His attorneys, Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, released a statement saying 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 says in a statement, "My complete focus must be on the NYPD -- the Department I profoundly honor and have dedicated my career to serving. However, the noise around recent developments has made that impossible and has hindered the important work our city requires. Therefore, I have decided it is in the Department's best interest that I resign as Commissioner."

Adams confirms he accepts Caban's resignation and announces he 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," the mayor says 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."

Sept. 14, 2024 -- City Hall chief counsel Lisa Zornberg, a former federal prosecutor, resigns from her position after 13 months on the job, the mayor's office announces in an email. The mayor's office offers no explanation for Zornberg's departure from the administration.

"I am deeply grateful to Mayor Adams for giving me the opportunity to serve the city, and I strongly support the work he has done and continues to do for New Yorkers," Zornberg says in a statement.

In a statement, Adams says, "We appreciate all the work Lisa has done for our administration and, more importantly, the city over the past 13 months. These are hard jobs and we don't expect anyone to stay in them forever. We wish Lisa all the best in her future endeavors. The other senior members of the counsel's team will remain in their roles to ensure the office continues to fully operate without issue, and we expect to name an acting chief counsel in the coming days."

Mayor Eric Adams speaks at the Tribeca Festival opening night reception at Tribeca Grill on June 07, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival) (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Tribeca Festiva)

Sept. 16, 2024 -- Two retired chiefs from the New York City Fire Department are arrested following a yearlong corruption investigation, law enforcement sources tell ABC News. Retired chiefs Brian Cordasco and Anthony Saccavino were arrested at their homes.

An unsealed Manhattan federal court indictment alleges Saccavino and Cordasco "repeatedly abused their positions of trust as high-ranking officials in the New York City Fire Department" by soliciting and accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments in exchange for providing preferential treatment to certain individuals and companies, according to an indictment unsealed Monday in Manhattan federal court. The two men were chiefs with the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention, which regulates the installation of fire safety and suppression systems in commercial and residential buildings. For nearly two years, the indictment said, Saccavino and Cordasco misused this authority for their own financial gain.

The two allegedly accepted $190,000 in bribes in exchange for expediting inspections, according to the indictment. The court document alleges Cordasco publicly complained about a so-called "City Hall List" of building projects that should be prioritized by FDNY inspectors.

Both Saccavino and Cordasco pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Sept. 20, 2024 -- Federal authorities executed search warrants at the residences of Interim NYPD Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon. Donlon said in a statement the FBI took classified files dating back 20 years that were not related to NYPD matters.

Federal law enforcement executed search warrants after receiving a tip that Donlon allegedly retained classified documents from an investigation he was involved in more than 20 years ago, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Donlon had access to classified information during his FBI career. When he was named interim NYPD commissioner, someone who said they knew Donlon retained materials from a previous investigation filed a complaint, prompting the search according to the sources.

A spokesperson for Adams said there was "no indication of any direct connection to anyone at City Hall."

PHOTO: Who's who in the Eric Adams federal investigation (ABC News)

Sept. 24, 2024 -- Schools Chancellor Banks announces his retirement at the end of the calendar year. The letter suggested the decision was in the works prior to the federal investigations that have engulfed the Adams administration. Adams announced the next day that Melissa Aviles-Ramos would take over the leadership of the Department of Education on Jan. 1.

Sept. 25, 2024 Adams is indicted by a federal grand jury, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.

Reacting to the news, Mayor Adams said in a statement that he is innocent.

"I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a targetand a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit," he said.

Sept. 26, 2024 -- Federal investigators search Gracie Mansion and seize Adams' phone, according to the mayor's attorney.

Later in the morning, the indictment is unsealed revealing five criminal counts including wire fraud, bribery and solicitation of contribution from a foreign national.

Federal prosecutors alleged Adams illegally accepted more than $100,000 in improper benefits, many of which came in the form of flight upgrades and stays in luxury hotels, none of which were publicly divulged as required and engaged in a straw donor scheme to reap in over $10 million from the New York City matching fund program for his mayoral campaign.

Adams denied the allegations and said he was going to fight the charges.

Sept. 27, 2024 -- Adams appears in federal court in Manhattan for his arraignment. He pleads not guilty and continues to defy growing calls for him to stand down.

Later in the day Ingrid Lewis-Martin, chief adviser to the mayor, had her Brooklyn home searched and her phone seized upon return to the United States from a vacation in Japan, her attorney said.

Oct. 7, 2024 -- Deputy mayor for public safety, Phil Banks III, one of Adam's closest advisers, resigns. Banks is the brother of Schools Chancellor David Banks, who announced his resignation on Sept. 24 and is expected to leave office on Oct. 16.

FBI agents searched Phil Banks' Hollis, Queens, home on Sept. 4 and seized evidence, including electronics, sources told ABC News.

"We spoke yesterday and we spoke again this morning and he stated he wants to move on to other things in his life," Adams said of Phil Banks III during an interview with NY1. "I wish my good friend well."

ABC News' Aaron Katersky, Mark Crudele and Josh Margolin contributed to this report.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams' federal probe: A timeline of corruption investigation originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The newly appointed NYPD interim commissioner, Tom Donlon, had a long career as a federal agent steeped in terrorism investigations, and once wrote a key affidavit that laid out the steps that led probers to the culprits in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.

Donlon, Mayor Adams pick to replace Edward Caban, as an FBI agent also investigated the 1998 bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania and the attack in 2000 on the USS Cole in Yemen, in addition to the 1993 twin towers bombing.

Donlon, who like Caban is from the Bronx, has also served as the head of the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force and of states director of the Office of Homeland Security. He has also overseen worldwide security for the investment bank Credit Suisse and Blackrock, a larger financial services firm.

Now he faces a new challenge  leading at least for awhile a Police Department in crisis, buffeted by a federal investigation that is causing tremors from 1 Police Plaza to City Hall.

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, Donlon said in a statement.

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 also thanked Caban for his more than 30 years with the NYPD.

Donlon joined the FBI in 1981 and was assigned to the agencys Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York in 1985, his bio states.

On Feb. 26, 1993, terrorists placed a rented van packed with explosive in the underground parking garage at the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan and detonated it, killing six people and injuring hundreds.

Donlon was selected as a co-case agent leading the investigation into the bombing and wrote a key affidavit that laid out the remarkably rapid capture of the bombers.

Key to the investigation was the discovery of a metal shard that contained the partial vehicle identification number for the van in the massive debris field.

In the affidavit, Donlon described how after tracing the VIN number, agents learned that a key suspect, Mohammed Salameh, had returned hours after the bombing to get his deposit for the van back. Donlon wrote how Salameh was told he had to report it to the police. The plotters were swept up from there.

Donlon also ran the agencys New York City counterterror division and worked in the violent crime task force at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Before retiring from the FBI, he served as the chief of the National Threat Center, where he oversaw the FBIs Terrorist Watch List.

In 2020, Donlon founded a security company called Global Security Resolutions. Minutes after Adams announcement, the firms website, which included an extensive bio of Donlon, was disabled.

Sworn in last summer as the citys First Latino Police Commissioner, Caban as recently as Tuesday  less than a week after the FBI seized his cell phone  was telling his inner circle he had no plans to resign.

He has not been accused of any wrongdoing, nor is it clear if he was a target of the investigation. His brother James, is also being investigated, as are several other police officers and several City Hall officials.

Adams announced Cabans resignation and Donlons appointment standing alone in a brief video appearance while he is quarantining with COVID symptoms. There was no opportunity to ask questions of the mayor.
Too much? Many Americans feel the need to limit their political news, AP-NORC/USAFacts poll finds

Viewers gather to 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)

NEW YORK (AP)  When her husband turns on the television to hear news about the upcoming presidential election, that's often a signal for Lori Johnson Malveaux to leave the room.

It can get to be too much. Often, she'll go to a TV in another room to watch a movie on the Hallmark Channel or BET. She craves something comforting and entertaining. And in that, she has company.

While about half of Americans say they are following political news extremely or very closely, about 6 in 10 say they need to limit how much information they consume about the government and politics to avoid feeling overloaded or fatigued, according to a new survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFacts.

Make no mistake: Malveaux plans to vote. She always does. I just get to the point where I don't want to hear the rhetoric, she said.

The 54-year-old Democrat said she's most bothered when she hears people on the news telling her that something she saw with her own eyes  like the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol  didn't really happen.

I feel like I'm being gaslit. That's the way to put it, she said.

Sometimes it feels like a bombardment

Caleb Pack, 23, a Republican from Ardmore, Oklahoma, who works in IT, tries to keep informed through the news feeds on his phone, which is stocked with a variety of sources, including CNN, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press.

Yet sometimes, Pack says, it seems like a bombardment.

It's good to know what's going on, but both sides are pulling a little bit extreme, he said. It just feels like it's a conversation piece everywhere, and it's hard to escape it.

Media fatigue isn't a new phenomenon. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in late 2019 found roughly two in three Americans felt worn out by the amount of news there is, about the same as in a poll taken in early 2018. During the 2016 presidential campaign, about 6 in 10 people felt overloaded by campaign news.

But it can be particularly acute with news related to politics. The AP-NORC/USAFacts poll found that half of Americans feel a need to limit their consumption of information related to crime or overseas conflicts, while only about 4 in 10 are limiting news about the economy and jobs.

It's easy to understand, with television outlets like CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC full of political talk and a wide array of political news online, sometimes complicated by disinformation.

There's a glut of information, said Richard Coffin, director of research and advocacy for USAFacts, and people are having a hard time figuring out what is true or not.

Women are more likely to feel they need to limit media

In the AP-NORC poll, about 6 in 10 men said they follow news about elections and politics at least very closely, compared to about half of women. For all types of news, not just politics, women are more likely than men to report the need to limit their media consumption, the survey found.

White adults are also more likely than Black or Hispanic adults to say they need to limit media consumption on politics, the poll found.

Kaleb Aravzo, 19, a Democrat, gets a baseline of news by listening to National Public Radio in the morning at home in Logan, Utah. Too much politics, particularly when he's on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram, can trigger anxiety and depression.

If it pops up on my page when I'm on social media," he said, I'll just scroll past it.

___

Sanders reported from Washington. David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder.

The AP poll of 1,019 adults was conducted July 29-August 8, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points.
In attendance on the industry side were OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft President and Vice Chairman Brad Smith and Nvidia President and CEO Jensen Huang, according to a readout from the White House.

Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat, Meta Chief Operating Officer Javier Olivan, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman also participated in the meeting.

They were joined on the govenrment side by Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, as well as several senior White House officials, including White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, national economic adviser Lael Brainard and national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

The White House convened the meeting to discuss the clean energy, permitting and work force needs for developing the large-scale data centers and power infrastructure required for AI.

Following the roundtable, the administration announced several new initiatives focused on building out data center capacity, including a Task Force on AI Datacenter Infrastructure and efforts to scale up technical assistance for data center permitting.

These actions will enable datacenters catalyzing the industries of the future to be built here in the United States by American workers, the White House said in its readout.

Googles Porat described Thursdays meeting as an important opportunity to advance the work required to modernize and expand the capacity of Americas energy grid.

An AWS spokesperson similarly said in a statement that it appreciated the opportunity to discuss efforts to ensure AI development in the US and the needs to modernize the nations utility grid, expedite permitting for new projects, and ensure timely grid connections for carbon-free energy projects.

AI requires significant amounts of energy. A single request to OpenAIs ChatGPT uses nearly 10 times as much energy as a typical Google search, according to the International Energy Agency.

And image generation requires more than 60 times the energy of text generation, a study by Carnegie Mellon University and AI startup Hugging Face found.

AIs increased energy demands have thrown a wrench in major tech companies efforts to rein in their emissions. Googles emissions have risen 48 percent since 2019, while Microsofts emissions have grown 29 percent since 2020. Both have pointed to AI.
Top US health official issues serious warning after contracting deadly insect-spread disease: 'I've never been as sick in my life'

When Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, contracted West Nile virus, he was unprepared for the severity of the disease. Now, he's warning that as rising temperatures exacerbate the spread, people need to be on high alert to avoid the disease that made him feel like he'd been "hit by a truck."

What's happening?

After contracting the virus, Dr. Fauci was hospitalized for six days, USA Today reported.

"I've never been as sick in my life. Ever," Dr. Fauci told health news site STAT. "By far, this is the worst I've ever been with an illness."

While his case was more severe than most, it serves as a timely warning that West Nile  among other mosquito-borne diseases  is not to be underestimated. And while it's been endemic in the U.S. for 25 years, the risk of its spread is increasing as breeding conditions grow more favorable with global heating. Unfortunately, no vaccine or cure exists as of now.

"We've learned a lot, but we still have the same tools available that we did back then to prevent diseases," medical epidemiologist Dr. Erin Staples told USA Today. "We need to do better."

She also called mosquitoes "the world's deadliest animal."

Why is this so concerning?

The breeding conditions for the culex mosquito, which spreads West Nile, are simple: Any warm stagnant water will work.

Unfortunately, with the increase in severe precipitation and higher atmospheric temperatures due to a changing climate, their breeding season is expanding.

According to research in The Journal of Climate Change and Health, the culex isn't the only mosquito species that is expected to respond resiliently to planetary heating. Longer breeding seasons and expanded geographical territories will put people at risk for higher exposure to West Nile as well as chikungunya, dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and more.

When it comes to West Nile, the disease has been documented on the rise everywhere from Texas to California.

What's being done to slow the spread?

Ultimately, limiting the expansion of disease-spreading mosquito populations will come down to the actions taken by world governments and corporations to minimize the weather-changing emissions they produce. But more immediately, scientists are hard at work finding solutions  from developing a simple motorized tool that causes ripples in standing water to prevent the laying of eggs, to testing methods to make pesticides and repellents even stronger.

While there is no vaccine available to prevent the spread of West Nile in humans, people can take protective measures to try to avoid being bitten. This includes covering or draining standing water, wearing mosquito repellents (or growing mosquito-repellant plants), and wearing long-sleeved clothing.

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.
Towanda man sentenced up to 64 years in prison for sexual crimes against children

TOWANDA, Pa. (WETM)  A Towanda man was sentenced recently and could see up to 64 years in prison following a conviction back in April for sexual crimes against children.

According to the Bradford County District Attorneys Office, 34-year-old Jonathan Rivera was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of 64 years in a state correctional facility.

Rivera was sentenced following several convictions for endangering the welfare of children, indecent assault, indecent exposure, and corruption of minors.

Bradford County man found guilty on child sex charges following retrial

Rivera was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police in 2018 for offenses that happened at different times and locations dating as far back as 2009. The DAs office said the offenses were against four children ranging from eight to 12 years old. The court said the crimes were done in various locations throughout Pennsylvania, including Scranton, Tobyhanna, Carbondale, and Towanda Township.

Originally charged in 2018, Rivera was found guilty of the charges in 2019, but in 2023 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the conviction on a legal technicality, thus setting up a new trial.

After the courts decision in September of 2023, Rivera posted bail and was released from prison after spending more than four years in a state correctional facility.

Rivera was Tried by the courts again in April 2024 where he was found guilty on the 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Local law enforcement say a string of violent incidents near the 1300 block of Western Avenue have not gone unnoticed.

Since June, the area has seen three murders, a shooting and stabbing that were both non-fatal, and two instances of arson.

Captain Jerry Monasmith with the Topeka Police Department told 27 News its not a typical pattern for the neighborhood.

Were here for community safety, Monasmith said, and we wanna be here whether its during the day or night to kind of promote some of that. What we wanna do is really disrupt what weve seen.

Breaking down the numbers: Topekas proposed 2025 property tax increase

Monasmith said he could not go into specifics because investigations are ongoing, but confirmed some of the incidents are connected while others are isolated.

We do see some in that area that weve had since June first that are related, Monasmith said.

He also said community problems need community solutions. He encourages anyone with helpful information to partner with police.

Police can be emailed at telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at www.p3tips.com/128.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Police arrested a woman wanted for allegedly stealing $200,000 in jewelry and other items from two tourists after she reportedly drove a car impaired and without a license plate on the Las Vegas Strip, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Police arrested Cassandra Tovar, 31, following a traffic stop on the Las Vegas Strip on Friday, Sept. 6, they said. An officer pulled Tovar over after noticing she was driving a car without a license plate and appeared intoxicated. While checking Tovars information, officers learned she was wanted for theft and other charges.

On April 23, 2023, a man called police saying he was the victim of a theft, documents said. The man said he and another man were staying at the MGM Signature Towers when they met three women at a bar and later transitioned to their room.

One of the women propositioned [one of the men] for sexual intercourse and stated it was $1,000 each, documents said, [The victim] stated he told her he was not paying for sex. They continued to converse outside on the balcony and [one woman] brought him a drink in a shot glass. They encouraged [the victim] to drink it. After [he] drank it, he stated he passed [out] and did not remember anything else.

Police arrested Cassandra Tovar, 31, following a traffic stop on the Las Vegas Strip on Friday, Sept. 6, they said. (LVMPD/KLAS)

The men later woke up, finding all their jewelry and other items missing. A toxicology test later showed various controlled substances in the sample.

Police located surveillance video and a car registered to one of the women, they said. The woman later admitted to having drinks with the men and stealing the jewelry.

Inside the womans home, police said they found several high-end watches, diamond bracelets and clothing, they said. After arresting the woman, police located Tovar as a possible second suspect involved in the theft.

Police attempted to contact Tovar but were unsuccessful. A judge then signed off on a warrant for her arrest.

During Tovars initial court appearance, Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Daniel Westmeyer set bail at $20,000. Tovar remained in custody at the Clark County Detention Center as of Thursday. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for November.

Prosecutors did not file any charges related to Tovars traffic stop, records said. Two other women face charges for the 2023 theft.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A silent crisis is unfolding in our schools and impacting millions of California students: chronic absenteeism. The consequences of unchecked absenteeism are severe and far-reaching.

It starts innocuously with a few missed days, but can quickly spiral, decimating a childs future prospects. When dropout rates increase and college readiness declines, the ripple effects harm entire communities.

Traditionally, students and their families are penalized for missing school, but this hasnt resolved the issue and instead, targets marginalized student groups. As an educator with years of experience in the classroom and administration, I propose a radical shift in our approach  treating chronic absenteeism as a public health emergency.

The rise in social isolation, health concerns and economic hardships have dramatically increased the number of students consistently missing school nationwide. In California, we are seeing consistent, distressing high chronic absence rates, particularly among high school studeents and historically marginalized populations.

We cant simply discipline our way out of this crisis. Instead, we need a comprehensive strategy that addresses the complex roots of absenteeism, from persistent health issues to limited transportation access, from heightened stress to trauma.

Imagine if schools treated chronic absenteeism with the same urgency and collaboration used during the Covid-19 pandemic. We mobilized resources to fight a global crisis, and we can apply that same level of commitment to ensuring every child attends school regularly.

By framing chronic absenteeism as a public health crisis, we open the door to more effective interventions. One crucial strategy for dealing with public health emergencies is risk communication, which helps convey urgency, provide accurate information, and mobilize stakeholders to take collaborative action. The impact of proactive attendance management has shown to improve attendance rates threefold for chronically absent students.

Here are strategies schools can implement, drawing from public health approaches:

Convey urgency: Research shows attendance is the most crucial predictor of school success. Schools must create a relentless drumbeat about the importance of attendance through daily text messages, visual aids, public recognition and personalized follow-ups with absent students. Provide accurate information: Transparency is key. Schools should share clear data on absenteeism and its effects. Implementing user-friendly attendance management systems can automate positive intervention letters and free up staff for more personalized outreach. Training teachers to analyze attendance data enables early, tailored interventions. Mobilize stakeholders: Thirty-seven percent of K-12 families want actionable steps to improve their childrens attendance. Schools must provide specific, consistent messaging about attendance importance to all stakeholders  students, families, educators, board members and policymakers. Offer concrete ways for everyone to contribute to the solution. Advocate for prevention: Positive messaging encourages attendance; punitive actions deter it. A multilevel approach works best:

District level: Superintendents should regularly communicate about the importance of attendance.

Building level: Principals should celebrate good attendance and offer incentives.

Classroom level: Teachers should reach out personally to families, highlighting successes and addressing issues promptly.

Foster two-Way, equitable communication: A Harvard study found that students with the best outcomes for remote learning during the pandemic were in communities with high levels of trust. Schools must establish open dialogues with families in their preferred languages and communication channels. This approach helps identify root causes of absenteeism and builds the trust essential for consistent attendance.

The responsibility for addressing chronic absenteeism extends beyond individual schools or districts  it requires a unified national effort. However, we neednt wait for a grand solution. By prioritizing consistent, positive communication in our classrooms, schools and communities, we can make significant strides in reducing absenteeism.

Treating chronic absenteeism as a public health emergency isnt just a metaphor  its a call to action. It demands we recognize the severity of the issue and respond with the urgency, coordination and comprehensive strategies that have proven effective in addressing other public health crises.

By reframing our approach, we can foster healthier educational environments and brighter futures for our students, one attendance record at a time.

Kara Stern, Ph.D., is the director of education and engagement at SchoolStatus, a provider of K-12 data-driven communication, attendance and professional development solutions. She wrote this for EdSource.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Treat chronic absenteeism in California like a public health emergency
CHARLESTON  Brice Fritz was naked, strapped down to a chair in a jail cell when a staff member monitoring her via video delivered 80,000 volts of electricity through the stun cuff on her leg.

I felt like I was being electrocuted, Fritz told the Illinois Answers Project, recalling the incident at Coles County Jail in 2021. The cuff is a sort of shock collar for humans that the manufacturer describes as a wireless device to control detainees, typically used during court or transport.

Fritz, then 25, had been arrested on heroin and meth charges. She said she was in withdrawal that day, her period had started, she was bleeding, and jail staff did not allow her to shower.

She was on suicide watch, hitting her head repeatedly onto the ground, when staff put her in the chair with the cuff and stunned her, records show. She said the shock  which lasts five seconds and can leave burn marks  took her breath away and caused her to urinate on herself.

When they stunned me, I felt like it lasted forever, Fritz said. A standard police Taser, by comparison, issues 50,000 volts, and dog collars just a fraction of that. I felt exposed and violated.

Fritz is not alone. Other people endured similar treatment in the jail that year in this small eastern Illinois county.

A recent Illinois Answers Project investigation into the use of restraint chairs statewide found county jails used the devices more than a thousand times per year from 2019 to 2023. The investigation also identified a number of extreme incidents at Coles County Jail, which restrained people in chairs more than 200 times during that period and continues to use the device.

In multiple incidents, staff shocked someone with a stun cuff right before restraining them or right after releasing them. In others, staff kept a cuff on a restrained person but did not activate it. At least one other person was shocked with a cuff while restrained, one was stunned with a Taser while restrained, and one was stunned with a Taser while partially restrained.

In 2020, the jail restrained a man in a chair for the better part of 30 hours, until his hands and feet swelled, went cold and turned purple.

Whats more, Illinois Answers found Coles County failed to report some uses of a restraint chair to the state unit charged with overseeing jails.

The current sheriff, Kent Martin, attributes the issues to a vacuum of leadership under former Sheriff James Rankin, who resigned unexpectedly in early 2022 after eight years. Martin also points to the lack of medical and mental health resources both in and outside the jail.

At least two advocacy groups received complaints about Coles County Jail in 2020 and 2021 and issued reports finding the jail violated its own policies on restraint chairs and endangered people with disabilities. One warned the jail that its actions were unconstitutional.

In response, under Rankins leadership, the jail stopped using stun cuffs and pledged reform. Years later, Martin says hes committed to those reforms. But an Illinois Answers investigation found that the jail has yet to live up to those promises.

Without continued oversight, there just hasnt been ongoing attention to these issues, said Amanda Antholt, a managing attorney with Equip for Equality, a Chicago-based nonprofit watchdog.

Report found grossly improper use of stun cuffs

In 2021, Equip for Equality investigated a complaint about Coles County Jail and concluded that staff responded to mental and behavioral health crises with excessive force and used restraint and seclusion as punishments in ways that posed significant risk of harm, according to a previously unpublished report obtained by Illinois Answers.

The nonprofit, which litigates civil rights cases, is mandated under federal law to monitor for abuse and neglect at Illinois facilities where there are people with disabilities, including mental illness. The group declined to say who filed the complaint, which is not public.

The groups report  which included a site visit, interviews and a review of records  identified routine uses of the restraint chairs as a control and punishment technique. Due in part to the high ratio of detainees to officers, staff regularly used the chair in non-emergency situations, such as when inmates talked back, yelled or banged on a door, the report found.

Detainees are restrained for periods in excess of therapeutic or security needs, the report found. That detainees are no longer a threat to themselves or others is evidenced by the detainee being able to leave the restraint chair to go to the toilet or being partially released to eat or drink.

Daniel Lee Parks, 31, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Coles County officials in 2019, alleging he was restrained in a chair for three days. Parks, who has diagnosed mental illness and now receives treatment, said he was not properly medicated at the time.

Instead of them trying to assist me, they would place me into a restraint chair, Parks said, adding, That would typically just get me more angrier.

Parks settled his lawsuit for $1,000 after he couldnt find an attorney, records show. Staff also placed a stun cuff on Parks at least once and shocked him with a Taser while trying to restrain him two other times, records show.

That fit a pattern. Equip for Equality found staff often deployed a Taser while forcing someone into a chair, attached a stun cuff as an additional means of control or punishment, and then threatened or violently shocked them with the cuff while restrained. The group received reports of detainees urinating, losing consciousness or having a seizure after being stunned.

Stun cuff policies posted online by the manufacturer advise staff to use extreme caution and avoid standing near the suspect during its activation and to take pictures of any subsequent burns.

From 2014 to 2021, the jail  with an average daily population of 100 detainees in that time  activated the devices more than 1,200 times, according to log entries generated each time a cuff is deployed, obtained by Illinois Answers. It is unclear how many of those incidents happened while someone was restrained.

Jail staff told Equip for Equality they used the devices on people in chairs when detainees attempted to loosen or remove straps, flip the chair or hit their head on the wall or furniture. All these reasons indicate that the restraint chair is being used for inappropriate purposes and further mental health interventions are required, the report concluded.

The group noted that being deliberately indifferent to a substantial risk of serious harm violates the detainees constitutional rights; and, restraining a person with mental illness, rather than finding appropriate treatment, may violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In Fritzs case, staff placed the stun cuff on her left calf in light of her continued attempts to free herself from the chair, a county incident report states. Staff shocked her once, the report says.

More than an hour-and-a-half later, staff released Fritz from the chair and then removed the cuff, records show. She said she had marks from the electrodes on her leg for months. In its required report to the state, the jail detailed use of the chair but did not mention the stun cuff.

A month later, staff restrained a man in his 40s who had been hitting his head on the wall, and they placed a stun cuff on his leg. The man was rocking the chair back and forth and screaming help me when staff shocked him, records show. He was released an hour-and-a-half later.

Civil rights advocates, informed of the incidents by Illinois Answers, described the practice as torture. Daniel Sheline, president of the Illinois Correctional Association, the local chapter of the national trade association and accrediting body, called it punishment.

While a large percentage of the jail's population had uncontrolled and worsening symptoms of mental illness and were experiencing drug and alcohol withdrawal, the jail had a near-complete lack of psychiatric care and no treatment for people in withdrawal, the Equip for Equality report found.

At the time, the jail contracted with Advanced Correctional Healthcare to provide a mental health professional for six hours per week. The report found the mental health professional did not routinely screen detainees for mental illness at booking, and even those with prior mental health treatment history at the jail were not identified for follow-up.

One person who disclosed their diagnoses of serious psychiatric conditions was not seen for over a month, and no psychiatric medications were prescribed for over two months even though the individual was experiencing active delusions, the report found.

Jessica Young, president and CEO of Advanced Correctional Healthcare, said she disagreed with some of the reports findings. She said detainees are not required to be screened by a mental health provider during intake and that medical providers can use their discretion in issuing medications and determining next steps.

The situation in Coles County has changed significantly since 2021 and numerous changes and improvements have been made, she said.

The report also found jail staff routinely denied detainees access to previously prescribed medications for anxiety, sleep, and substance abuse disorders. Jail staff placed people in observation cells for days to weeks at a time where they had no access to water and nowhere to relieve themselves except to urinate or defecate on the floor, the report found.

Cory Barnes, 47, was restrained for more than seven-and-a-half hours in 2020 after he was arrested on charges of driving on a revoked license and possession of meth. Barnes said hes struggled with mental illness since he was a boy and has long grappled with addiction. He has diagnosed bipolar disorder and a history of self-harm.

He refused to cooperate when officers were trying to move him from one cell to another, so they Tased him and put him in the chair. He said he sat for hours in his own urine, experienced cramps and screamed in pain.

It's a special kind of hell, he said.

Restrained 30 hours, mans hands and feet go cold

In 2020, Coles County Jail restrained a man for nearly 30 hours, records show.

That March, deputies from a neighboring county brought him in on suspicion of disorderly conduct, resisting and obstructing an officer, and attempting to disarm an officer, according to records. He stared at the wall for three hours before banging his head on it, leaving a bloodstain, records show. Thats when staff restrained him in the chair.

One of the officers texted the jail administrator and nurse to let them know what had happened, according to the reports. When officers tried to release the man later, he began hitting his head again, and the officers again restrained him, the reports said.

Staff attempted to remove him from the chair several times over the course of the next day, but he gave staff conflicting messages, saying he wished to be restrained and released. He rocked the chair back and forth and displayed odd behavior, the officers wrote.

When correctional officers checked on him the following morning, one observed that his hands and feet were swollen and a purplish color. Another said his hands did not feel as warm as they should. Jail staff then called the neighboring county to pick him up, and officers took the man to a nearby jail.

Dr. Marc Stern, who helped author guidelines for correctional healthcare and has monitored correctional facilities for the DOJ, said body tissues without circulation can be permanently damaged in approximately two hours and can die in four to six. If someone completely loses circulation for a few hours, he said, the risk is losing your hands and feet.

Following the incident, the Human Rights Authority of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, a state agency that advocates for people with disabilities, received a complaint alleging Coles County Jail staff do not follow policies on the use of restraints and do not notify medical staff when a patient is restrained.

Its unclear who filed the complaint. The HRA denied a public records request for a copy of the complaint, and the man who was restrained and his family told Illinois Answers they did not file it.

The HRA interviewed jail employees, reviewed practices and policies and determined the jail violated state standards for county jails. Investigators reviewed the logs that staff use to document when they check on restrained people and allow them to stretch. The HRA found numerous gaps in the logs  up to six hours.

The unit charged with monitoring jails compliance  the Jail and Detention Standards Unit within the Illinois Department of Corrections  referenced the 30-hour incident in its annual inspection report, concluding jail staff are relying on their own assessment of a detainees medical and mental health needs without seeking the review of a physician or mental health professional.

The man who was restrained initially spoke with Illinois Answers but ultimately declined to be named for this story. His family, meanwhile, remains upset.

He didnt deserve that, said his mother, who Illinois Answers is not identifying to protect her sons identity. Who do we hold responsible?

Stun cuffs in storage after reforms recommended

Following the investigations, the advocacy groups recommended reforms to Coles County Jail.

The Human Rights Authority recommended Coles County retrain staff on the use of restraint chairs and how to check on restrained people; develop a policy on how to observe potentially suicidal inmates; and, date any new or updated polices to track changes.

Teresa Parks, director of the HRA, said the agency was satisfied with the response and negotiations with the jail following its investigation, so it did not refer the matter to the Jail and Detention Standards Unit for enforcement.

The jail declined to make its response public, which is allowed, Parks said. She did not detail the countys response.

The following year, in 2021, Equip for Equality recommended the jail prohibit the use of stun cuffs, increase mental health staff, revise health screening protocols, curtail use of restraint chairs and limit their use to the shortest duration possible, among other reforms. The report said many of the jails challenges appear linked to insufficient staffing levels  clinical and correctional  and deficiencies in the physical space.

Antholt, of Equip for Equality, said the sheriff's department took really quick action on important steps, such as stopping the use of stun cuffs, which the sheriff says are now in storage.

The jail pledged to retrain staff and improve mental health care, she said. Staff showed investigators architectural plans for a medical observation area in the facility, and, in initial follow-ups, reported a decline in use of force.

That's what they reported back to us, and those were all really, really good steps, I think, if they were followed through on, Antholt said.

Equip for Equality has not returned to Coles County Jail since mid-2022.

Some action, but little progress

Since then, the jail has taken action on some recommendations but failed to make progress on others amid a change in leadership, Illinois Answers found.

Many of the most extreme incidents took place under the tenure of former Sheriff Rankin, who was elected in 2014 and resigned in early 2022, months before his term ended. At least nine other employees also left the department that year.

Martin was elected and took office in late 2022. He said he was unaware of the advocacy groups reports when first questioned by Illinois Answers.

Martin said that Rankin was frequently absent, so staff stopped soliciting his input and took matters into their own hands.

There was kind of a void there in leadership, Martin said, adding, There wasn't necessarily as much oversight as there should have been.

Rankin did not respond to numerous requests for comment by phone, email and mail.

Martin said Coles County Jail staff may have been retrained on the use of restraint chairs after the reports, but his office could provide no documentation.

In response to the HRAs recommendation from late 2020, the jail created a policy specifically focused on how to observe possibly suicidal detainees, records show. But that didnt happen until this past April. Previously, the jail had a general policy on inmate medical care that mentioned suicide risk screening.

The department has also added questions about mental health to intake and medical screening and plans to adopt a policy requiring mental health screening within two weeks of admission, he said. Sheline, of the Illinois Correctional Association, said its best practice for inmates to receive an initial mental health and medical screening upon admission.

Meanwhile, theres been no new construction in the jail, and plans for a remodel are ongoing, which Antholt called disappointing. The remodel would include 10 double-occupancy medical cells, a shower area, a nurses exam area, and an area for corrections officers, Martin said.

The jails initial plans for a remodel were estimated at $792,000, records show. But bids for the project came in much higher, Martin said, so he has narrowed the plan, put out a new call for bids, and is looking for more money to start the project.

In the meantime, he said the jail has been using previously existing cells as medical observation areas that are equipped with a toilet, in-cell camera, sink, and shower.

In an April interview, Martin said the jail still only had a mental health professional for six hours per week, although he recently budgeted to bump that up to 12 hours.

When they are here, they're overburdened, he said, adding that one inmates crisis can eat up most of the professionals time.

The jail used to have a padded cell where staff would put someone in crisis, but the padding degraded and became unusable, he said. Martin said he is researching options on converting an existing cell into a padded cell and hopes to include a request for one in the next fiscal year budget.

Without having a cash cow or a staffing explosion, I'm not sure what the best way is to handle that, frankly, Martin said. I think a padded cell may be helpful, so we could at least have a way to keep them from slamming their head into the concrete wall or the steel door, which really the only way we have right now for that is that chair.

Reports missing as restraints continue

Even under new leadership, jail staff failed to report some restraint chair incidents to the Jail and Detention Standards Unit  the group within the Illinois Department of Corrections that monitors jails compliance with state standards.

Illinois Answers reviewed all reports submitted to the state but found no evidence showing that Coles County Jail staff submitted reports to the unit for more than a quarter of all incidents from 2019 through 2023, as required by administrative code.

Martin said he believes his staff submitted the reports to the state but may have misfiled them.

While the jails reporting to the state improved during the five-year period, there was still no evidence that multiple incidents last year were reported.

When the state did receive reports from the county, its unclear if anyone contacted the jail for follow-up or was aware of the improper use of restraint chairs and stun cuffs.

The IDOC said in an email that the state unit makes every effort to ensure reports are reviewed individually and handled dependent on its content and suggests improvements.

Brief mentions in the states annual inspection reports in 2020 and 2021 indicate the unit knew of the 30-hour incident and that the jail stopped using stun cuffs.

These same reports, along with the 2022 report, also cited the jail for not complying with state standards, finding insufficient staffing, officers not regularly checking on detainees, and problems with cell conditions and admission procedures. In 2023, the jail got a clean review.

Meanwhile, staff continued to restrain people in chairs dozens of times a year even after the advocacy groups reports. Staff used a chair at least 40 times in 2022 and 33 times in 2023, according to an Illinois Answers review of county records.

For that small of a population to have that number of usages, it's really concerning, Antholt said.

Records show one person was restrained for half a day in late 2022, and, the following year, one person was restrained for more than six hours and another for nearly 11 hours.

A way forward for Coles County

Martin said hes trying to professionalize and modernize the department and promote transparency.

He said he has emphasized with staff the importance of documentation and record-keeping. He implemented new software to electronically track cell checks and policy revisions, and he plans to send daily training bulletins to quiz his staff.

The department has also established a mentorship program with people from religious groups and a recovery program with a treatment center to address substance abuse issues.

In response to questions from Illinois Answers, Martin said that the department added restraint training to all quarterly training dates. Previously, restraint chair training wasn't as structured, he said.

So far in 2024, jail staff have used the restraint chair at least 13 times and restrained one person at least four times, Martin said. Thats fewer instances at this point in the year than in prior years.

Asked why, Martin suggested that the state law eliminating cash bail beginning last September reduced the jail population and made it more manageable.

In 2021, the jail had 20 correctional officers and an average daily population of approximately 100 detainees, according to the county. Now, the jail has 21 correctional officers and a population closer to 78, the county said.

Martin said his jail and community face steep challenges. Part of the problem, he said, is that Coles County, a rural region in Central Illinois with a high poverty rate, generally lacks access to health care.

It's frustrating that we're trying to do the best we can with what we have, Martin said, But the system or the state can do better.

The Illinois Answers Project is interested in hearing from people who have been restrained in chairs. Reach out to reporter Grace Hauck at ghauck@illinoisanswers.org. Interested in localizing this story? Contact Mumina Mohamud at mmohamud@bettergov.org.

Edited by Rachel Aretakis and Casey Toner. Contributing: Cam Rodriguez and Laura Stewart, Illinois Answers Project. Database fact checking by Audrey Azzo, Doris Alvarez and John Volk.

Note on the methodology: Theres no clear definition of what constitutes a separate versus ongoing restraint chair incident in Illinois, where people are typically restrained in repeated two-hour blocks. For the purposes of this data collection and analysis, Illinois Answers considered an incident to be ongoing if someone was held continuously in a chair, or if they were only given brief and periodic breaks over a long period of restraint. In these cases, county jails often identified the case with a unique incident number, kept an ongoing observation log, and submitted a single, all-encompassing report to the state. Illinois Answers considered an incident as separate if someone was released from a chair for a prolonged period of time before being restrained again. In these cases, county jails often designated separate incident numbers, logs, and reports.

Data shows severe depression is most prevalent among teens Data shows severe depression is most prevalent among teens Teens face a mental health crisis exacerbated by social media, climate change, and COVID-19 How drugs and alcohol play a role What's being done to support teen mental health
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  New information has been released on the 14 members of a local motorcycle club arrested in a series of federal raids three months ago.

In a court filing on Wednesday, prosecutors and lawyers for all 14 co-defendants say they need more time to review evidence. That includes data from computer hard drives and thousands of pages of documents.

Springfield school evacuated, Ohio BMV locations and county offices closed

Prosecutors say most of that work wont be ready to share with the defense until October, meaning the current trial date of Sept. 30 will need to be pushed back.

Of the 14 men arrested, 10 are charged with conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon, seven are charged with racketeering conspiracy and are charged with attempted assault.

Three are charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. A lawyer for the lead defendant filed a motion yesterday to move him out of solitary confinement.

At least two are free on bond awaiting trial.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Atlanta police are investigating a double shooting that left one man critically injured.

Police said the shooting happened on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in SW Atlanta.

Both men were taken to a nearby hospital.

Police initially said three men were shot, but later learned it was only two.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The shooting occurred near multiple businesses, including an American Deli and a barbershop.

It is unclear exactly what led up to this shooting.

Officers are continuing to investigate this shooting.

TRENDING STORIES:

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Michael Proctor, the Massachusetts state trooper suspended over his conduct while he was investigating Karen Read, will not testify in another high-profile case on which he was a lead investigator, prosecutors said.

In a Sept. 6 court filing, the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office said prosecutors do not intend to call Proctor in the trial of Brian Walshe, the convicted art fraudster indicted on charges of murder and other crimes in the disappearance last year of his wife, Ana Walshe.

The filing, which identifies Proctor as the case officer in Walshes disappearance, said a local police department involved in the investigation had placed a sergeant in an identical position as the state trooper.

The department devoted dozens of additional officers to investigating the case, the filing says.

The filing cites Proctors testimony in the Read case, in which he testified that he made derogatory comments about Read to his family, friends and supervisors, and it says the prosecutors office is reviewing data extracted from the troopers cellphone.

Prosecutors are trying to determine what information they can share with defense lawyers in the Walshe matter and other cases Proctor investigated without compromising them, the filing says.

Walshe's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Proctor, who testified during Read's trial that his comments were unprofessional but did not compromise the integrity of the investigation, did not respond to a message sent to a phone number listed under his name.

Immediately after Reads murder trial in the death last year of her Boston police officer boyfriend ended with a hung jury in July, the Massachusetts State Police relieved Proctor of duty from his unit within the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office.

The agency had opened an internal affairs investigation into allegations of "serious misconduct" raised at trial, a state police official said at the time. Proctor was later suspended without pay.

A state police spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday about the status of the internal affairs investigation.

Brian Walshe was indicted last year on charges of murder, misleading a police investigation/obstruction of justice and improper conveyance of a human body in connection with the killing of his wife. He has pleaded not guilty.

Ana Walshe, a regional manager for a real estate company, disappeared on New Year's Day 2023. Her body has not been found.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for Oct. 2.

In a separate case, Brian Walshe admitted to selling fake Andy Warhol paintings in what federal authorities called "a years-long, multi-faceted art fraud scheme.

He passed off the Warhol "Shadows" as authentic and sold them for $80,000, prosecutors with the U.S. attorney's office in Boston said. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud, interstate transportation for a scheme to defraud and unlawful monetary transaction, the prosecutor's office said.

In February, he was sentenced to 37 months in prison.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Tropical Storm Gordon forms in the Atlantic. Is it heading to Texas? Track its path

The National Hurricane Center is tracking three systems in the Atlantic basin, including newly-formed Tropical Storm Gordon and a disturbance northeast of Florida showing more potential for development, according to the latest advisory.

The system off the southeastern U.S. could become a subtropical or tropical depression early next week as it moves toward the coast.

Francine made landfall Wednesday night as a Category 2 storm in Terrebonne Parish in Louisiana with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph.

 Track all active storms

 Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location

Now, forecasters are tracking the following three systems:

Tropical Storm Gordon in the eastern Atlantic

Invest 94L near the northern Leeward Islands

Disturbance a few hundred miles off the southeastern U.S. coast

Here's the latest update from the NHC as of 1 p.m. CDT Sept. 13:

Where is Tropical Storm Gordon? Track its path

Location : 990 miles west-northwest of Cabo Verde Islands

Maximum sustained winds: 40 mph

Movement : west-northwest at 11 mph

Pressure: 1006 mb

At 10 a.m. CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Gordon was located near latitude 19.4 North, longitude 38.6 West.

Gordon is moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph, and the storm is expected to move more to the west this weekend and Monday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40 mph, with higher gusts.

Slight strengthening is expected today before a weakening trend begins on Saturday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center.

Spaghetti models: Tropical Storm Gordon

Special note about spaghetti models: Spaghetti model illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The Hurricane Center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.

Will Tropical Storm Gordon hit Texas, US?

Don't expect any impacts from Tropical Storm Gordon in the U.S., according to Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane forecaster.

"This will not bother anyone, except maybe shipping," DaSilva said in a telephone interview Thursday. "It will stay in the Atlantic and pose no threat to the U.S.

NHC tracking 2 other disturbances: See tropical outlook

Tropical conditions 2 p.m. Sept. 13, 2024.

Offshore the Southeastern U.S. over the western Atlantic: A non-tropical area of low pressure could form along a frontal boundary a few hundred miles off the southeastern U.S. coastline this weekend.

Thereafter, the low may develop some subtropical or tropical characteristics, and a subtropical or tropical depressioncould form early next week while the system moves generally northwestward toward the coast.

Formation chance through 48 hours: Low, 10 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days: Medium, 40 percent.

Invest 94L, east of the Leeward Islands: An area of low pressure near the Northern Leeward Islands is producing limited shower and thunderstorm activity. Environmental conditions, including the proximity of dry air, do not favor development of this system and development is no longer expected while it moves west-northwestward at about 15 mph.

Formation chance through 48 hours: Near 0 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days: Near 0 percent.

What do the colored areas on the NOAA map mean?

The hatched areas on a tropical outlook map indicate "areas where a tropical cyclone  which could be a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane  could develop," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome.

The colors make it visibly clear how likely a system could develop with yellow being low, orange medium and red high.

The National Hurricane Center generally doesn't issue tropical advisories until there is a named storm, but there is an exception.

"If a system is near land and there is potential for development, the National Hurricane Center won't wait before it issues advisories, even if the system hasn't become an actual storm. This gives residents time to prepare," Rhome said.

Hurricane tracker: See active storms in the Atlantic

Texas weather watches and warnings

2024 hurricane season names

With the addition of Tropical Storm Gordon, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has now seen seven named storms:

Tropical Storm Alberto : Made landfall on the Texas coast in June 2024 with some flooding, impacting the region less than initially forecasted.

Hurricane Beryl : Hit the Texas coast on July 8 as a Category 1 hurricane near Matagorda, causing at least 38 deaths and setting records for tornado spin-offs.

Tropical Storm Chris : Brought heavy rainfall and flooding to parts of Mexico in early July.

Hurricane Debby : Made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, on Aug. 5, and caused severe damage along the East Coast, resulting in at least 10 fatalities.

Hurricane Ernesto : Struck Puerto Rico on Aug. 24 with significant flooding, then hit Bermuda. It was a moderately strong hurricane with three indirect fatalities.

Hurricane Francine: Made landfall Sept. 11 in the Parish of Terrebonne in Louisiana, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, and caused power outages for thousands in the state.

Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text

Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: NHC tracking Tropical Storm Gordon in Atlantic. Is it heading to Texas?
Hotels stand along the shore before the arrival of Tropical Storm Ileana in San Jose de los Cabos, Mexico, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Figaredo)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Authorities in Mexico's resort-studded Los Cabos area warned tourists and residents alike to stay inside Friday as Tropical Storm Ileana began to pound the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula with rain.

Ileana formed Thursday off the Pacific coast of Mexico and was lumbering north at 7 mph (11 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. The forecast path would take it over or near the twin resorts of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

Ileana was centered about 35 miles (55 kilometers) east-northeast of Cabo San Lucas, the center said in a Friday afternoon advisory. Maximum sustained winds were at 40 mph (65 kph), and Ileana is forecast to move near or over the southern portion of the Baja California peninsula Friday evening and over the southern and central Gulf of California this weekend.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for portions of the Baja California Peninsula, including Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Forecasters predicted 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) of rain would fall with Ileana, and up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) was possible for coastal areas of Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco states through Friday.

Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in portions of Baja California Sur during the next several hours where Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect. This heavy rainfall will bring a risk of flash flooding and mudslides to portions of western Mexico and southern Baja California.

Juan Manuel Arce Ortega, from Los Cabos Civil Protection, said, "The entire municipalities of La Paz and Los Cabos are already on red alert. This means that efforts are already underway to inform the population, as well as the implementation (of measures) and evacuation to temporary shelters.

They also urged residents to avoid crossing rivers, streams, and low areas where they can be swept away by water.

All schools in Los Cabos were also suspended Friday due to the storm.

Oscar Cruces Rodriguez of Mexicos federal Civil Protection said in a statement that residents should avoid leaving their homes until the storm passes and if residents are in an area at risk of flooding to find temporary shelters.

Authorities prepared 20 temporary shelters in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, according to Los Cabos Civil Protection.

At the Hacienda Beach Club and Residences in Cabo San Lucas, valet worker Alan Galvan said the rain arrived late Thursday night and has been constant. The rain isn't very strong right now, but the waves are choppy," he said.

The guests are very calm and already came down for coffee, Galvan said. There's some flights canceled but everything is ok at the moment. Galvan said they are awaiting further advisories from authorities.

Rain remained consistent through Los Cabos Friday afternoon, with several roads flooded and some resorts stacking up sandbags on their perimeters. Some people were still walking around boat docks with their umbrellas.

The priority has to be safety, starting with the workers. We always have to check on our colleagues who live in risk areas, said Lyzzette Liceaga, a tour operator at Los Cabos.

We give them the information shared by the authorities  firefighters in risk areas  so that they can go to the shelters if necessary, she added.
Carmen Broesder was watching the presidential debate Tuesday night when she heard something that stopped her cold. As she processed the moment, her phone lit up with messages from friends.

They said when they heard the words, the person they thought of was me, Broesder tells Rolling Stone. I felt validated.

Vice President Kamala Harris had just destroyed Donald Trump on the topic of abortion by describing some of the terrifying realities for women seeking reproductive health care in states with new, draconian abortion bans. Harris was hitting back at Trumps suggestions people wanted Roe v. Wade overturned two years ago.

This is what people wanted? Harris asked incredulously on the debate stage. Being denied care in an emergency room because the health care providers are afraid they might go to jail, and shes bleeding out in a car in the parking lot? She didnt want that.

For Broesder, the bleeding out line was a visceral reminder of the 19-day miscarriage she suffered in December 2022 while living in Idaho, a state that began enforcing a near-total ban on abortion after Roe fell. Broesder, 37, says she begged in vain for care at three different emergency rooms and believes she nearly died during her nightmare. Harris powerful response left her feeling heard.

Then, just a day later, friends reached out again. This time, they were sharing a video that longtime Trump loyalist John McEntee posted on TikTok and Instagram. In a smug tone, the aide who acted as the head of White House personnel during Trumps last year in office  someone considered a top contender for powerful roles if theres a second Trump administration  scoffed at Harris words.

Can someone track down the women Kamala Harris says are bleeding out in parking lots because Roe v. Wade was overturned? Dont hold your breath, McEntee said as he dug into a platter of fried food while wearing a hoodie for his right-wing dating app, The Right Stuff. McEntees clip garnered tens of thousands of likes.

As Broesder tells Rolling Stone, she found the video disgusting and knew she had to calm down first before stitching it into a response of her own that went much more viral. She was admittedly angry. I was like, Are you serious? You cant find us? Ive done all this work. You can google. Google is free, Broesder says. It just shows his lack of care. He made that video to almost bait us. Like, you wont possibly have the bravery to speak up against men. Its just more dehumanization. They dont exist? No, Im right here, jerk.

For Broesder, McEntees post was offensive on so many levels. She had been heartbroken when she lost her pregnancy and still vividly recalls how one medical worker allegedly told her, Dont come back until your pain or bleeding are worse than your worst possible moment. It wasnt until her fourth visit to an emergency room that she received a procedure to remove tissue stuck to her cervix after weeks of excruciating pain, ABC News previously reported. She tells Rolling Stone her sustained and severe blood loss caused erratic blood pressure and a stress response that led to a subsequent diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, a heart condition known AFib.

When her initial reaction to McEntee subsided, she was ready to respond. I have to be calm and level-headed and speak with kindness, even with people who dont deserve it, she says. In her stitched TikTok, which clocked more than a million likes as of Friday morning, Broesder explained how she was turned away from the various emergency rooms and continued to suffer exponentially.

I blacked out in my hallway due to blood loss, she says in the post. I developed a heart condition called AFib. It means my heart doesnt work right anymore, and it fucks up. So, if I get too excited, too hot, too much in pain, too traumatized, if somebody yells at me too much, my heart fucks up. So, I have to regulate for my heart to keep active, otherwise I could have a heart attack and die. I have to deal with these side effects for the rest of my life because of abortion laws.  But yeah, women are bleeding out in parking lots. I actually have a pinned video of me saying theyre going to just let me fucking bleed out here.  But yeah, we exist.

Broesder, whose experience is cited in a high-profile lawsuit challenging abortion laws, knows she is far from alone. In the comments section of McEntees post, that is clear. Countless women ratioed the post with an outpouring of similar stories.

Here! I almost died in Cincinnati Ohio with an ectopic they wouldnt treat me for. I wasnt treated until 9wks3 days. I bled out for 78 days. My hemoglobin was dangerously low, a TikTok user named Missy wrote in one reply that garnered thousands of likes.

Ectopic pregnancy survivor. Sat in the ER while my doctor called her attorney to find out if I could receive medicine or if they had to wait till I bled internally to help me, another TikTok user with the user name Lizzmarie wrote.

Others online said Harris comments made them think of Jaci Statton, the Oklahoma woman who told NPR last year that she was denied a surgical abortion and instructed to go wait in her car after she started bleeding profusely with a non-viable pregnancy. Statton said staff at the Oklahoma hospital she visited told her, and her equally terrified husband, that they felt bad they had to turn her away. They allegedly admitted they felt thwarted by the states near total abortion ban, considered one of the most stringent in the country.

They were very sincere; they werent trying to be mean, Statton, 27, told NPR. They said, The best we can tell you to do is sit in the parking lot, and if anything else happens, we will be ready to help you. But we cannot touch you unless you are crashing in front of us, or your blood pressure goes so high that you are fixing to have a heart attack.

Broesder says shell be dealing with the lasting effects of the heart damage she suffered for the rest of her life. I have a daughter who just turned 3. I used to love roller coasters. My dream my whole life was to do fun things with my kids. Now I can watch her do the fun things, but I cant always participate. If my heart rate gets too high, I can black out, the mom, who has since started an Oregon-based nonprofit called Unity Harbour centered on access to reproductive health care, tells Rolling Stone. This literally changed my plan for myself and my daughter.

More from Rolling Stone

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Former President Donald Trump had just started delivering his first answer at Tuesdays presidential debate when he promised to impose major tariffs, part of his ever-growing interest in frequently deploying them to mold the American economy.

As a candidate, Trump has proposed a 10% or 20% baseline across-the-board tariff on all imports, as well as a 60% tariff on imports from China.

Other countries are going to finally, after 75 years, pay us back for all that weve done for the world, Trump said at the debate. And the tariff will be substantial in some cases.

Top Republicans in the Kansas City region are not rushing to embrace Trumps vision.

A week before the debate, several Kansas congressional candidates gathered at a Kansas Chamber of Commerce event to cultivate support among the states business community. Addressing an audience of several dozen at the Topeka Country Club, Republicans  along with Democrats  painted themselves as fundamentally supportive of free trade and hesitant to turn to sweeping tariffs.

The event illustrated the balancing act facing Republicans skeptical of Trumps calls for broad tariffs but who dont want to risk antagonizing the partys standard bearer and his supporters. The candidates delicately avoided directly criticizing Trump. At the same time, they made the case that tariffs should be a limited tool used under the right circumstances  an implicit rejection of Trumps call for their wider use.

My philosophy is less is better, said Republican Derek Schmidt, the former Kansas attorney general now running for Congress in the states 2nd District, which includes northern Wyandotte County and much of eastern Kansas.

For years, tariffs  which effectively set a tax on certain goods that come into the country  have typically been viewed as a last resort in Washington. The costs of tariffs, and retaliatory measures imposed by other countries, often lead to higher prices for both businesses and consumers.

Kansas and Missouri residents stand to suffer from any ramped up trade wars that would result from extensive tariffs. Farmers and other agricultural producers are particularly sensitive to tit-for-tat trade disputes as they depend on access to international markets to help sell their commodities. When Trump during his first term triggered a trade war with China and other countries in 2018, Kansas lost out on hundreds of millions in agricultural exports.

While the Biden administration has kept some of Trumps first-term tariffs in place, Vice President Kamala Harris isnt promising a massive expansion of tariffs if elected. Harris has branded the former presidents plan a Trump sales tax.

When the United States imposes tariffs, they are typically paid by American buyers who often pass the costs on to consumers in the form of higher prices. In theory, tariffs can make it easier for American-made goods to compete in the marketplace. In practice, targeted countries often impose retaliatory tariffs in response, making it more difficult for American businesses to sell their products abroad.

Im made uneasy by some of the discussion in the campaign trail  not our campaigns, but more generally in the country  about these sort of very aggressive, very large tariff increases, Schmidt said. That is not where Id like to see us go.

But Schmidt also acknowledged that the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, a 1990s deal that promoted trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico, had led to negative consequences for some in the region. Trump was sharply critical of the agreement, which his administration renegotiated.

I saw a major employer in my hometown of Independence (Kansas) close up shop after NAFTA, move its operations just south of the border and reopen, Schmidt said, adding that hundreds of people lost their jobs.

At the end of the day, Im a free market guy, Republican Prasanth Reddy, a physician who is running against Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids in Kansass 3rd Congressional District, told the audience, adding that he isnt a huge fan of tariffs but that they can be helpful in specific situations.

Trumps foray into trade wars in his first term has left some Kansas City-area farmers apprehensive about whether more turbulence is ahead.

In 2018 Trump imposed tariffs on aluminum and steel imports, along with tariffs on numerous goods from China. In turn, China, the European Union and other major trading partners imposed their own tariffs on agricultural and other products.

Between mid-2018 through 2019, the retaliatory tariffs reduced U.S. agricultural exports by more than $27 billion, according to a 2022 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Soybeans accounted for about 71% of the losses.

Kansas was one of the hardest-hit states. The state had about $955 million in annualized losses, about 7% of the nationwide total, according to the USDA study. Only Iowa and Illinois experienced greater losses.

I think we all know the devastation that the tariffs have brought on to our Kansas farmers. It has been devastating, Nancy Boyda, a former Democratic congresswoman now running against Schmidt, said at the Kansas Chamber of Commerce event.

Tariffs sound like theyre a really good thing. Its a very populist message. But the fact is  theyre a tax, Boyda said.

Ag trade deficit

For the past three years, the United States has imported more agricultural products than it exports. USDA estimates that in 2024 the deficit will reach a record $32 billion, up from $16.7 billion in 2023. The United States has had an agricultural trade deficit only three times in the past half century.

Falling commodity prices and a strong U.S. dollar have been significant contributors to the deficit. The agricultural community believes further disruptions to free trade are unlikely to help the trade deficit.

When you talk about those trade issues, then, it kind of makes the hairs stand up on the back of everybodys neck because we know thats just going to put more downward pressure on commodities, its going to make our trade deficit even worse, said Rick Miller, who sits on the Johnson County Farm Bureau board of directors and owns a 150-acre farm.

Miller suggested Trumps renegotiation of NAFTA, known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and the signing of other trade agreements marked positive developments. Still, he voiced concern about a forecasted record-breaking agricultural trade deficit for 2024.

Kansas state Rep. Ken Rahjes, an Agra Republican with a long history in agricultural communications, said discussion of tariffs among presidential campaigns is not a good sign.

Farmers want good trade policy and want to avoid tit-for-tat conflicts, Rahjes said. The United States and China may not be best friends, he said, but need each other for trade.

We need to be very careful and take a very measured approach is really what I believe farmers are saying, Rahjes said.

Tariffs plan attacked

Trumps tariffs plan is a key line of attack for Harris and Democrats across the country.

In Tuesdays debate, Harris described the tariff plan as a 20% tax on everyday goods that you rely on to get through the month. She said this would cost middle-class families about $4,000 a year.

That figure is roughly reflected by estimates from the center-right think tank American Action Forum, which in June said Trumps 10% across-the-board tariff combined with a 60% tariff on Chinese products would cost U.S. households up to $4,300 a year.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, said he believes Trump first turned to tariffs years ago because he didnt have an answer to how to pay for his proposals.

I think he got out there and nobody has figured out a way for him to retreat, Cleaver said.

Tariffs should be limited to national defense and abusive economies, said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican.

They cannot be a normal practice, he said and should be imposed in a focused way to achieve a result  not applied broadly.

Asked whether he believes most Republicans agree with him, Moran replied simply: I dont know.
Donald Trump called far-right activist Laura Loomer a free spirit who has strong opinions on Friday, after Republicans criticized her for spreading conspiracy theories and for a recent bigoted social media post about Kamala Harris race.

Loomer traveled with the former president this week, including attending 9/11 memorial events in New York and elsewhere on Wednesday. Loomer, who has served as an informal adviser to Trump, last year called 9/11 an inside job.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) on Friday denounced Loomer as a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans in a post on X. He added that a DNC plant couldn't do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trump's chances of winning re-election.

The history of statements by Ms. Loomer are beyond disturbing, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told The Washington Post on Thursday. I hope this problem gets resolved. I think we should be talking about things that people are concerned about, and this issue, I think, doesnt help the cause.

When asked about Loomer during a press conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on Friday, Trump claimed he did not know about her remarks. She is a strong person, shes got strong opinions, and I dont know what she said, but thats not up to me, he said.

"Laura's a supporter. I don't control Laura, Laura has to say what she wants. She's a free spirit, Trump said.

Loomer has described herself as pro-white nationalism and a proud Islamophobe, and was previously banned from several social media sites. She has a history of platforming far-right conspiracy theories and anti-immigrant views, including most recently that Haitian migrants are killing and eating pets in Ohio. Trump repeated the false claims about immigrants eating animals and pets in Springfield, Ohio, twice during the presidential debate Tuesday.

In a Truth Social post later Friday, Trump said he "disagree(s) with the statements she made."

"Laura Loomer doesnt work for the Campaign. Shes a private citizen and longtime supporter," he posted.



On Sunday, Loomer disparaged Harris Indian heritage by writing on X that if Harris won the presidential election, the White House would smell like curry and White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center. The post has since been removed for violating Xs rules.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) called the post appalling and extremely racist in an X post Wednesday, saying it does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA.

Loomer wrote Thursday on social media I stand by everything I have said and that she would not be deleting any tweets or apologize for fighting for Donald Trump.
Trump campaign to hold town hall event in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  With just over seven weeks to go till the 2024 Presidential Election, the Trump campaign is scheduled to stop in Savannah to hold a town hall event.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Trump campaign will be making a stop in Savannah to connect with voters and rally support.

The town hall will take place at the Charles H. Morris Center. The event aims to inform potential voters about what the former Presidents policies would be if hes elected again.

South Carolinas 2024 presidential ballot is set. When is the deadline to register to vote?

Former President Trump will not be in attendance. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who is hosting the event, will speak to attendees about Trumps policies.

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to pose questions to Governor Noem.

Doors open at 2 p.m. and the event will begin at 3 p.m.

For more information on how to get tickets to the event, 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 WSAV-TV.
Former President Trump on Thursday escalated his attacks on Haitian migrants in an Ohio city, days after he repeated a conspiracy on the debate stage that those migrants were eating pets.

Trump spoke in the border state of Arizona, where he hammered Vice President Harris over the surge of migrants at the southern border in recent years, likening it to a military invasion and claiming the country was being occupied by a foreign element.

He focused specifically on Springfield, Ohio, which has found itself at the center of the immigration debate after Trump and others elevated a false viral claim about the Haitian migrants there.

On Thursday, Trump called Haiti a totally failed country and said those migrants have put a strain on the community.

Theres a place called Springfield, Ohio, that youve been reading about. Twenty-thousand illegal Haitian immigrants have descended upon the town of 58,000 people, destroying their entire way of life. This was a beautiful community and now its horrible whats happened, Trump said.

Many Haitians are in the U.S. under the protection of temporary protected status, which keeps people from being deported to nations in turmoil and allows them to work here. The Biden administration will allow an estimated 309,000 Haitians to remain in the U.S. through at least February 2026.

He echoed concerns from local officials that those migrants have strained social services, then repeated false claims that they are abducting animals.

Roughly 15,000 Haitian immigrants have arrived in Springfield, a town of about 60,000 people, in recent years, according to The Associated Press.

During Tuesday nights debate, Trump amplified a debunked conspiracy theory about migrants in Springfield eating pets.

Springfield police and other city authorities denied any abductions had been reported, and City Manager Bryan Heck told The Hill the false controversy takes away from the citys real struggles onboarding immigrants to social services.

We checked with the city manager, ABC News moderator David Muir said at the Philadelphia debate, saying officials found no evidence supporting the allegations of immigrants eating pets.

Harris appeared to laugh as Trump screamed, Theyre eating the dogs!

Trump has repeatedly tried to attack Harris over immigration, branding her the border czar for her work addressing root causes of migration in Central American countries. Trump and his campaign have also highlighted the stories of Americans allegedly killed by migrants who entered the country illegally to argue the country is less safe because of Harris and her policies.

Polling has shown voters trust Trump more than Harris on the issue of immigration. She has sought to counter that by pointing to Trumps role in tanking a bipartisan border security proposal earlier this 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 The Hill.
TUCSON, Arizona  Donald Trump attacked Kamala Harris as a communist, promised to remove taxes from overtime pay and doubled down on unfounded, dramatic claims of migrant crime during lengthy remarks at an event in Tucson.

The former Republican president held his first post-debate campaign event Thursday, where he recapped his recent debate against Harris and unveiled his latest proposal aimed at addressing voter frustrations with the economy.

"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."

The event at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall marked Trumps second visit to battleground Arizona in the past month. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff held a competing political event down the street in Tucson on the same day.

Tuesdays debate was top of mind for Trump, the Republican former president who faced criticism from members of his own party for his lackluster performance against the Democratic vice president.

Trump is under fire for repeating false claims that migrants are stealing and eating house pets in Ohio, but he doubled down on those claims from the stage in Tucson.

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. Residents are reporting that the migrants are walking off with the towns geese. They're taking the geese. You know where the geese are, in the park. And even walking off with their pets.

The Arizona Republican Party got in on the controversy this week, putting up a billboard message in Phoenix that read "Eat Less Kittens. Vote Republican!" and that has been condemned as racist.

Trump also sought to soften his image on abortion, countering Harris debate stage claim that Republicans want to monitor pregnancies. He 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.

I dont want to do that, Trump said. Women, I wont be following you around to the hospital.

The debate on Tuesday could be the last time Trump and Harris meet on stage before Election Day. The Harris campaign is seeking a second debate, but Trump rejected the invitation on stage in Tucson.

There will be no third debate, Trump said, to applause. "It's too late anyway. The voting's already begun."

Many of his supporters attending Thursdays rally justified Trumps debate performance by criticizing the ABC News moderators who fact-checked the former president several times but not for Harris.

I was hoping he would do better, but he had three people coming at him, Anne Moore of Tucson said.

Trump billed his appearance in Tucson as a speech focused on housing and the economy, but he spent nearly an hour talking about immigration and the debate before turning to pocketbook issues.

When he did address the economy, Trump blamed the nations economic state on the Biden administrations policies at the southern border. He claimed that millions of criminals and deranged people are coming into the USA and said hed ban all mortgages for illegal aliens.

Trump pledged to "rapidly reduce inflation by slashing energy costs." He promised to bring mortgage rates down to 2% and cut energy costs in Arizona by 50% in the first year of his second term.

Former president Donald J. Trump smiles while delivering remarks on Sept. 12, 2024, at Tucson Music Hall in Tucson, Ariz.

The most recent data from Customs and Border Protection shows that the number of migrants encountered by agents crossing the southern border illegally has declined significantly in recent months. CBP reported the fewest migrant encounters this past July since February 2021.

However, Trump claims that the data collected by CBP under the Biden administration does not account for migrants coming into the country by airplane. He asserted that Harris is responsible for flying out migrants.

Thats a reference to the CHNV humanitarian parole program the Biden administration recently paused, which allows the federal government to screen migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, instead of having to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border.

They fly them in by the tens of thousands, Trump said. It really means we have 50 border states.

Trump doubled down on his claim that the country is under invasion, being conquered and occupied by a foreign element. He went on to list off several unfounded incidents of migrant crime that have gone viral online and have since been debunked.

Im angry at Venezuelan gangs taking over Aurora, Colorado, he said. And illegal Haitian migrants taking over a beautiful place  Springfield, Ohio. Im angry about young American girls being raped and sodomized and murdered by savage, criminal aliens.

Former president Donald J. Trump delivers remarks on Sept. 12, 2024, at Tucson Music Hall in Tucson, Ariz.

Trump also claimed without evidence that the CBP One app, which is the only guaranteed way that migrants can seek asylum at ports of entry along the Southwest border, is being used by Mexican cartels to funnel people into the country.

He told the crowd he had fixed the border during his time as president, but had been undone by President Joe Biden, describing it as a tenth of what it was. While in office, Trump had instituted a number of programs that decreased crossings, but the biggest drops in migrant encounters happened because of pandemic-era lockdowns worldwide.

Trump vowed to close the border and follow through with his promise of mass deportations of undocumented migrants, prompting a standing ovation by his supporters who chanted USA!

Trumps campaign had billed Thursdays rally in Tucson as a play for Latino voters in Arizona, which make up one quarter of the states electorate. Trump made inroads with Latino men in 2020 and is hoping to build on those gains and to suppress support for Democrats among Latino voters.

Danny de la Torre of San Manuel voted for President Joe Biden in 2020, but this year will be voting for Trump. He wore a Latinos for Trump shirt as he waited to enter the hall for the rally, and said he was disappointed with Bidens handling of the economy, immigration and abortion.

Slowly, paying attention to what the Democrats say, what they believe in, what theyre trying to put on the citizens of this country, I just dont agree with it anymore, he said.

But his message, especially on immigration, has turned off some Latino Republican voters such as Olivia Troye. She served as former Vice President Mike Pences adviser and is now campaigning as part of the Republicans for Harris efforts in Arizona.

Former news anchor and Arizona U.S. Senate Republican nominee Kari Lake speaks during a campaign rally for Former President Donald Trump on Sept. 12, 2024, at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in Tucson.

There was a party that actually used to care about immigrants, used to actually accept me as a Latina in the party, she told The Arizona Republic. And I think it's just been very upsetting to see that kind of trajectory sort of take a different turn to become this party that pushes hate and anti-immigrant sentiment.

Troye, who was born in El Paso and identifies as Mexican-American, said this type of rhetoric was responsible for the shooting in her hometown in 2019. She also blamed Trump for inciting more division and credited him for the attacks that she has continued to receive from his supporters ever since she addressed the Democratic National Convention.

They see me as a traitor, Troye said. I get a lot of messages saying that, like, Mike Pence and I need to be hung.

The race for the White House has tightened in Arizona since Harris took over the top of the Democratic ticket, polls show. As a result, the presidential candidates and their top campaign surrogates have started coming to the state on a near-weekly basis.

Trump and Harris held large-scale rallies at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale last month and Trump even took a trip to the Arizona-Mexico border in Cochise County. Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, spent the leadup to the debate campaigning in the Phoenix area. Trump running mate JD Vance was in the state last week, and held additional events at the beginning of August.

The first time Trump took his campaign to Tucson in 2016, the rally turned violent. A protester was punched and kicked while being escorted out of the event eight years ago. Trump came to the city again in 2020 for another campaign rally.

Tucson has long been a bastion for Democrats and progressive leaders in Arizona. On Wednesday, Tucson-born superstar Linda Ronstadt, whose name is on the hall where Trump's event was held, criticized the former president and endorsed his rival, Harris.

Ahead of Trumps speech, Republican Senate nominee Kari Lake painted a dark picture of Tucson. She decried horrible city leadership, an apparent reference to the citys Democratic mayor. The crowd booed when she mentioned U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., her Democratic opponent in the Senate race, along with Biden and 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.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump vows to end overtime taxes, repeats migrant claims
Trump drags new animal into his debunked claims Haitian migrants are eating pets in Ohio

Trump drags new animal into his debunked claims Haitian migrants are eating pets in Ohio

First it was cats and dogs. Then it was ducks.

And now, Donald Trump has dragged another animal into his wild, debunked conspiracy that Haitian migrants are eating pets in Springfield, Ohio: geese.

A recording of 911 calls show that residents are reporting that the migrants are walking off with the towns geese, Trump told a crowd at a Tuscon, Arizona, rally.

Theyre taking the geese. You know where the geese are? In the park, in the lake. And even walking off with their pets.

The Independent has reached out to Springfield Police Department.

Trump once again offered no evidence to support his claims.

Local authorities had already debunked the lies even before Trump peddled the narrative on the debate stage, with Springfield police saying there is no credible evidence to support the allegations.

Trumps running mate JD Vance also admitted on Monday  after amplifying the claim himself  that it might not be true.

Trump delivered the wild remarks during a campaign event at in Tucson, Arizona, on Thursday (Getty Images)

But that didnt stop the former president from wildly pushing the false narrative when he faced off against Kamala Harris on stage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday for their first  and likely only  presidential debate.

A handshake between the candidates marked the beginning and end of a cordial exchange, which quickly descended into Trump bombarding Harris with his typical lines of attack  claiming Minnesota Governor Tim Walz backed abortions after birth and, of course, the baseless Haitian migrants lie.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, he said on Tuesday as Harriss expression flitted between shock and amusement.

Extreme, the vice president quipped in response, as 67 million ABC viewers watched on television.

While on the surface it may seem like another wacky conspiracy theory, some senior Republicans have used the story as a vehicle to push their anti-immigration policies and perpetuate racial stereotypes among (primarily Black) minorities.

The rumors stemmed from a bizarre anecdote posted by Springfield local Erika Lee on a local Facebook group, where she alleged that a cat owner found her dead pet hanging from the tree ready to be skinned, butchered and eaten in a house said to be occupied by Haitian immigrants.

Former president peddled the conspiracy theory while on the Philadelphia debate state with Harris on Tuesday (AP)

Lee has since told NewsGuard that it was a tale that she heard fourth-hand, coming from a neighbors friends daughter  whom she had never met.

Kimberly Newton, the neighbor who told Lee the story, also told the outlet that she also doesnt actually know the cat owner and confirmed: I dont have any proof.

Despite the dubious sourcing, the post went viral on September 5 and Vance pushed it to his followers on X.

Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio, the Ohio Senator wrote on X.

Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

A slew of congressional Republicans  from Texas Senator Ted Cruz to Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene  then reposted memes of Trump holding kittens and ducks, hailing him as their protector.

Prior to Trump taking to the debate stage, Vance noted it was possible all of these rumors will turn out to be false.
This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Former President Donald Trump will be in Salt Lake City on Saturday for a fundraising event at a private hangar at Salt Lake City International Airport.

Robert Axson, chair of the Utah Republican Party told ABC4.com that Trump will stop at Salt Lake City International Airport for a fundraiser Saturday before jetting off to a rally in Arizona.

Trump expected to attend fundraiser in Utah on Sept. 14

Trumps event comes after the presidential candidate debate between him and Democratic nominee Vice-President Kamala Harris, after which he said he would not debate the VP again, according to Reuters.

According to Axson, Trump is stopping in Salt Lake City between a Friday rally in Las Vegas and another rally in Glendale on Saturday. According to the FEC, Harris has outraised the former president in the Republican stronghold of Utah by roughly $500,000.

It is not known what time the event will start, though the Trump 47 Committee states it will be an evening reception.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Trumps Georgia Case Falls Apart Even More With New Ruling

The judge in Donald Trumps Georgia election interference case tossed three of the charges, including two against the former president, Thursday.

In his ruling, Judge Scott McAfee dismissed three counts related to filing false documents, finding that bringing such charges was outside Georgias jurisdiction. Instead, he determined they belonged in federal court.

Because Counts 14, 15, and 27 lie beyond this States jurisdiction and must be quashed, the Defendants motions to dismiss the indictment under the Supremacy Clause are granted in part, McAfee wrote.

The three counts that were dismissed were criminal attempt to commit filing false documents, conspiracy to commit filing false documents, and filing false documents. Trump had been indicted on the latter two of those three counts.

The motion to dismiss the charges was brought by two of Trumps co-defendants, John Eastman and Shawn Still, who argued that the charges were in violation of the supremacy clause.

McAfee separately declined a motion to toss the indictments racketeering charge. He wrote that the charge remained facially sound and constitutionally sufficient as alleged.

Still, the case against Trump, which has been stalled for months, has only continued to narrow. McAfee previously threw out six counts in March, three of which were against Trump. The former president is still facing eight of his original 13 counts.
When Donald Trump was asked about the concerns voiced by his Republican colleagues regarding his recent associations with far-right activist Laura Loomer, the former president stumbled to provide a concrete answer, instead calling her a supporter five times.

The question comes after Loomer, notorious for pushing outrageous conspiracy theories and racist rhetoric, joined Trump on his plane to Philadelphia ahead of his debate against Kamala Harris on Tuesday. She also attended the 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York  despite previously claiming that the terror attacks were an inside job. Their recent associations have prompted a few notable Trump allies to warn that he should distance himself from such a polarizing figure, especially as the election nears.

Well I dont know what they would say. Lauras been a supporter. Just like a lot of people are supporters. She speaks very positively of the campaign, Trump said during a news conference at his Los Angeles golf resort on Friday evening. I cant tell Laura what to do. Shes a free spirit.

By frequently describing her as a supporter, Trump seemed to be putting a distance between the campaign and Loomer.

The reporter pushed, saying: Laura Loomer is traveling with you on your plane.... She made racist remarks about your opponent. She has also espoused 9/11 conspiracies. Do you disavow those remarks?

I have to see what those remarks are, Trump defended. I dont even know what youre talking about. She may have said something based on what youre telling me.

Ill go take a look and Ill put out a statement later on.

Later that day Trump put out a statement on his Truth Social platform, reading: Laura Loomer doesn't work for the Campaign. She's a private citizen and longtime supporter. I disagree with the statements she made but, like the many millions of people who support me, she is tired of watching the Radical Left Marxists and Fascists violently attack and smear me, even to the point of doing anything to stop their Political Opponent, ME! I am now in California, which Democrats like Comrade Kamala Harris and Governor Gavin Newscum have completely DESTROYED. I will turn it all around and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! -DJT.

Since Loomers recent appearances alongside the former president, Trump ally Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is also a far-right conspiracy theorist and who once endorsed Loomer when she ran for Congress in 2020, condemned a recent racist tweet from Loomer.

Loomer offensively claimed that if Harris, whose mother was from India, wins in November, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center.

This is appalling and extremely racist. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA, the Georgia Republican wrote. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever.

Greene echoed her stance on Thursday, telling CNN that she believes Trump should separate himself from Loomer: I dont think that she has the experience or the right mentality to advise a very important presidential election.

South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham ventured to call Loomer toxic and said that for once he agreed with Greene.

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.

Graham added: Marjorie Taylor Greene is right. I dont say that a lot.

On Friday, Loomer took to X to slam Greene and Graham in personal attacks, before coming to the conclusion that the two Congress members were simply jealous that they were not on the plane with President Trump.

She added: There is only one thing I care about: Getting Donald Trump elected. Donald Trump is my number 1 priority.
Trump got back on track with the border. Then he started talking about the dogs (and geese).

For a moment, it seemed like Donald Trump was using his Tucson, Arizona, rally to return to his typical immigration programming after a shaky debate performance. Then he went there  again.

Trump repeated the baseless claim that Haitian migrants are eating pets in Springfield, Ohio  remarks that became the stuff of endless social media memes soon after his debate.

A recording of 911 calls show that 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, in the lake. And even walking off with their pets. My dogs been taken. My dogs been stolen," Trump said Thursday night in Arizona.

The former president spent much of his campaign stop in the border state warning about an influx of migrants and the threats he says immigration poses to the country. He said he won in 2016 because of his message about the border  and that he knows its one of his top issues this year. He encouraged GOP candidates running in Arizona to talk about little else besides the border.

But after two days of unflattering headlines and Republicans squabbling over him pushing an anti-immigrant conspiracy theory, Trump once again couldnt resist veering off into the outrageous.

Thursday marked Trumps first rally since his Tuesday debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, during which he strayed from his usual talking points on an issue that has long been seen as a political sweet spot for the Republican, made all the more relevant by voters heightened concerns around border security. But instead of capturing headlines for his dominance on one of his more politically favorable subjects, the former president again elevated the false claims about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio.



And instead of reversing course, Trump is further attaching himself to the pet hoax. On Thursday, he posted five digitally doctored photos on Truth Social depicting cats supporting or being rescued by Trump  including a cat at a Trump rally holding a sign that read Kamala hates me.

Now, some Republicans say Trumps embrace of a social media conspiracy about migrants is an example of how he could aid Harris on one of her greatest political vulnerabilities, while potentially turning off undecided voters he could capture with a consistent, steady message on immigration and crime. Prior to his pushing of the pet-eating hoax, Trump had begun to regularly mention the fictional serial killer Hannibal Lecter as he discussed immigration at his rallies.

Trump, said Barrett Marson, a Republican strategist in Arizona, has an uncanny ability to take a popular issue that he can really score points on, and turn it into wild conspiracy theories that make voters scratch their head.

He just cant help himself by veering into conspiracy theory territory, Marson said, when he actually has some really good examples that could scare people and make people question Harris commitment to a secure border.

For some Democrats, Trumps fixation on pets in Ohio this week has come as a relief. First, it allowed Harris to walk away mostly unscathed from Tuesdays debate on an issue that has long vexed the Biden administration  and a topic Harris prepared for heavily during debate prep. Instead, she was able to hit Trump for his role in killing the bipartisan border deal, while mostly avoiding having to play defense on immigration. On Thursday, he raised it again, even as he appeared in a battleground border state.

He just became so discombobulated from the get go that it wasnt the challenge that I think we were all expecting it was going to be, said Democratic strategist Maria Cardona, speaking of the debate.

And instead of being concise and direct on his strongest issue, said Mike Madrid, a political consultant with expertise on Latino voting trends, who co-founded the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, Trump is muddling the issue by playing into this delusional area of a policy that he actually has a decided advantage on.

In an acknowledgment of how challenging the issue remains for Democrats, Harris has been more aggressive on the border since the launch of her campaign, highlighting Trumps role in the collapse of the border security bill, while also attacking some of the more controversial policies he supported as president, including family separation. Its part of her teams effort to lure in undecided voters worried about the border and eager for policy solutions, even as voters trust Trump more to handle immigration.

[Undecided voters] see one candidate in Harris who is talking about bipartisan solutions, and they see another candidate in Trump who is just rambling about racist, unproven conspiracy theories. That doesnt look very presidential to an undecided voter, said Matt Barreto, president of BSP Research, which conducts Latino polling for the Harris campaign.



Still, Harris did not discuss immigration on Thursday as she kicked off her post-debate swing with two rallies in North Carolina. Instead, she dinged the former president on the economy, abortion and Project 2025, the conservative Heritage Foundations controversial blueprint for the next Republican administration that Trump has sought to distance himself from. She said the candidates owe it to the voters to have another debate, as her opponent declared there wont be another face-off.

In the months since President Joe Bidens clampdown on asylum, border crossing numbers are now lower than during Trumps last month in office. This hasnt fully broken through to voters, said Celinda Lake, who did polling for the Biden campaign. But it does help Democrats, she said, that the news isnt filled with footage of an overwhelmed southern border, and that Republican governors arent busing migrants to Democrat-led cities. Instead, Trump is focusing the public on conspiracy theories.

While conservative media figures and some Republican elected officials have pushed blatant misinformation about Haitian migrants in Springfield stealing and eating local residents household pets, the city is, in many ways, facing a strain on resources due to an influx of immigrants.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine this week deployed state troopers to the city, where he said there has been a surge of traffic problems and dangerous driving in Springfield by inexperienced Haitian drivers. DeWine is also allocating $2.5 million in state funds to boost healthcare services in the city, while saying the federal government has not demonstrated that they have any kind of plan to deal with the issue. Local officials have welcomed the migrants, saying they are helping to revitalize the economy of what had been a shrinking city, while asking for help to pay for the strain on schools and other resources.

Theres a place called Springfield, Ohio youve been reading about, Trump said at his rally Thursday. Twenty thousand illegal Haitian immigrants have descended upon the town of 58,000 people, destroying their entire way of life. This was a beautiful community, and now its horrible whats happening.



DeWine and local officials in Springfield have said there is no evidence, however, of Haitian migrants there eating dogs or cats  allegations that may have been conflated with the arrest of an Ohio-born woman in Canton after allegedly eating a cat, or a photo taken of an unidentified man in Columbus carrying a dead goose.

Instead of shouting about Haitians eating pets, Marson said Trump should stick to talking about things like the high-profile killings of innocent people by migrants in the country illegally  victims like Lakin Riley of Georgia and Rachel Morin of Maryland, whom Trump has repeatedly discussed.

Besides there not being any evidence of this, Marson said of the pet-eating claim, its just weird and crazy to discuss. The normal people dont want to talk about this.

Some Republicans have continued to defend Trump and his running mates discussion of debunked claims, arguing that the actual details matter less than the overarching themes  including that some American cities are facing strain from illegal immigration.

In broad terms, if you are talking about the immigration situation, if that is what people are talking about, then you are winning, said Gregg Keller, a Republican strategist and former executive director of the American Conservative Union, speculating that some viewers at home Googled the city name when Trump mentioned there was a problem.

There are now millions of Americans who are learning for the first time whats going on in Springfield, Ohio, Keller said.
Donald Trump is desperately chasing cash in his opponents deep-blue home state of California as Kamala Harris crushes him in the money race and Republicans worry the lack of cash could cost them power in Congress.

Trump attended a fundraiser Thursday in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles, where premium seats and a photo-op went for $50,000. Hes heading up the coast Friday to a Bay Area fundraiser hosted by a billionaire relative of the states Democratic first lady.

But hell need many more billionaires and many more fundraisers to stand any chance of catching up to Harris, who has blown Trump out of the water on fundraising since entering the presidential race in July.

The former presidents poor debate performance could close the cash spigot even further. His own donors were disappointed with his presentation Tuesday night, when he perpetuated far-fetched right-wing conspiracies, The New York Times reported. And polls show most voters think Harris won.

While Trump scraped for dollars in California as his running mate, JD Vance, cozied up to Wall Street donors, Harris raised $47 million in the 24 hours immediately following the debate. It was her best fundraising day since entering the race, capping weeks of fundraising successes.

The campaign money discrepancy between the GOP and Democratic candidates is startling. The Harris campaign says it raised $361 million in August, nearly triple the $130 million the Trump campaign said it raised that month. The Harris campaign and affiliated committees have a war chest of $404 million, compared to the Trump teams $295 million, the campaigns report.

The money race has changed drastically since a few months ago, when President Joe Biden was the presumptive Democratic nominee. Though the president had a fundraising advantage early in the year, Trump pulled ahead in May.

Now, hes on the back foot once again.

Harris has been so flush, shes been able to share the wealth. Her arrival at the top of the ticket has helped juice congressional and state-level fundraising, enabling the direct transfer of millions of dollars to committees responsible for electing down-ballot Democrats. Across the board, party operatives reported record grassroots fundraising as she entered the race.

Down-ballot Republicans, on the other hand, are panicking. The money gap is worrying both House and Senate Republicans, Politico reported. And while the Senate map favors the GOP, the closely divided House is another story.

Whats frustrating me is I firmly believe that House Republicans are going to lose the majority and were going to lose it because of ourselves, moderate Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) said this month. Were getting out-raised. Were getting outspent.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Former president Donald Trump used a visit to California to hit Vice President Kamala Harris on her record as attorney general of the state.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden came after Trump for comments on the debate stage about Haitian migrants.

Theres no place in America. It has to stop. What hes doing. It has to stop, said Biden.

The mayor of Springfield, Ohio says officials havent seen any credible evidence.

Trump continued talking about Haitian migrants at a press conference on Friday but didnt repeat the claim about pets.

In Springfield Ohio 20,000 illegal Haitian migrants have descended upon a town of 58,000 people destroying their way of life, said Trump.

In Harris home state of California, Trump continued attacking Biden and Harris on immigration.

Kamala will turn America into a poor violent third world refugee camp. It already sort of is, said Trump.

While Trump is in California, Governor Tim Walz and Vice President Harris stormed key states. Walz was in Michigan.

Theyre incredibly dangerous to dehumanize other people, said Walz.

Harris was in Pennsylvania. On Thursday this was her message to a crowd in North Carolina.

Donald Trump is not fit to be President of the United States, said Harris.

The Harris campaign says theyre trying to capitalize on Tuesday nights debate. Harris has stops in Johnstown and Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, both places Trump won.

Former president Trump has an event planned in Las Vegas, 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump sent shares of his social media startup soaring Friday after he said he has absolutely no intention of selling his stake when a lockup period is set to expire late next week.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Trump Media & Technology Group Corp., parent of Truth Social, surged as much as 30% immediately following the former presidents comments at a California campaign event. More than half the gains evaporated over the next 20 minutes, and the stock closed up 12% to $17.97.

Trump and other insiders are restricted from selling their shares for roughly six months in the aftermath of Trump Medias merger with a blank-check company in March. He owns nearly 115 million shares, or about 60% of the company, valued at roughly $2.1 billion.

The stock had been mired in a brutal seven-week slide, wiping out billions in value on concern that Trump or other large holders might sell shares in big chunks that would create more selling pressure.

No, Im not selling, Trump said in California. People think the reason its down is that a lot of people think Im going to sell. I can understand that, but I have absolutely no intention of selling.

Trump Media has been something of a meme stock, soaring to dizzying valuations even as the companys underlying operations have generated scant revenue and no profits. For some, the stock served as a proxy of sorts for Trumps election chances, though that correlation has broken down in recent weeks as the former president returned to Elon Musks X platform.

Even after Fridays rally, the stock is still down more than 50% from a high reached July 15 in the aftermath of an assassination attempt on Trump. The company is worth roughly $3.6 billion, down from a high of $9.6 billion in early May.

Market watchers have debated whether Trump would sell shares, with some suggesting an exit could indicate he is prioritizing personal profits and alienating loyal followers who have poured money into the stock.

If he sells shares before the election and the stock price drops, it is likely that he will be getting some bad publicity, said Jay Ritter, professor of finance at the University of Florida.

A Trump Media spokesperson didnt immediately respond to a request for further comment.

Trump will likely be able to start selling shares as soon as the evening of Sept. 19, when a lockup period barring insiders from sales is lifted. So will his co-founders, Andy Litinsky and Wes Moss, both former contestants on The Apprentice, as well as Patrick Orlando, whose fund, ARC Global Investments II LLC, sponsored the special-purpose acquisition company that merged with Trump Media.

--With assistance from Justin Sink.

(Updates share price in second paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
The far-rights pet-eating Haitian migrant conspiracy is having real-world ramifications for the town of Springfield, Ohio.

The epicenter of the conspiracy shut down three of its schools on Friday, reported ABC News. Perrin Woods and Snowhill Elementary were evacuated after receiving unspecified information from the Springfield Police Division, while Roosevelt Middle School was closed from the beginning of the school day due to similar threats, reported the Springfield News-Sun.

The District is in the process of a controlled release to dismiss students to their parents, the Springfield City School District said in a statement. Additionally, Roosevelt Middle School was closed prior to the beginning of the school day in relation to the information received from the SPD.

The educational gridlock comes one day after several other schools and a significant portion of Springfields government facilitiesincluding City Hall, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Ohio License Bureau, the Springfield Academy of Excellence, and Fulton Elementary Schoolwere shut down due to bomb threats.

Authorities have not directly tied Fridays evacuations to the conspiracy, which accuses Haitian migrants who have settled in Springfield of stealing and eating their neighbors pets. The blatantly racist conspiracy has drawn national attention in recent weeks thanks to Donald Trump and his vice presidential pick, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom have repeatedly elevated the evidenceless attack.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said during the presidential debate on Tuesday. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats, theyre eating, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

Meanwhile, Vancewho, again, represents Ohiospent considerable time on the conspiracy this week. On Tuesday, the Republican shared that his office had received many inquiries from Springfield residents who were complaining about migrants eating their pets.

Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false, Vance said before continuing on his diatribe against Haitians.

Multiple city officials and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine have stated that the conspiracy is false. But that hasnt stopped the Republican presidential ticket from endangering an entire towns worth of people.
The Coles County Sheriffs Office was the focus of a recent newspaper article by the Illinois Answers Project. The article examined the use of restraint chairs in Illinois county jails from 2019 to 2023.

As stated in the article, Equip for Equality investigated a complaint about Coles County in 2021 and made recommendations, including increasing mental health services available to inmates and discontinuing the use of stun cuffs. The sheriff's office adopted those recommendations, and we continue to try to find viable solutions to the concerns raised in the article.

The mental health professional who contracted with CCSO resigned a short time after the Equip for Equality report, leaving us with no on-site mental health provider. As a result, mental health screenings were conducted via Zoom for a period of time. Our medical provider, Advanced Correctional Healthcare, made a mental health professional available to us for six hours per week, and we recently expanded that service to 12 hours per week.

After receiving the EFE report, Chief Deputy Tyler Heleine directed jail staff to suspend the use of stun cuffs. The cuffs have not been used since that order was issued. The article states the stun cuffs were activated more than 1,200 times between 2014 and 2021, according to data collected from the devices. However, there is nothing to indicate how many times these activations were for routine testing of the devices or for training purposes. I recently received a copy of the Coles County Jail 2024 Compliance Monitoring Report from the Jail Detention and Standards Unit of the Illinois Department of Corrections. For the second consecutive year, we are compliant with all Illinois county jail standards, including standards related to mental health services and the use of restraints.

CCSO has made several changes to improve the quality and efficiency of our operations. We have recently completed an 18-month conversion from PDF-style policy and procedure manuals to an online public safety platform, known as Lexipol. This platform provides suggested policy revisions based on new legislation and court decisions. It also provides training for deputies on our agency-specific policies and procedures and can be accessed from anywhere a device has internet access.

We are working to ensure all inmates receive a mental health screening within 14 days of admission to our facility. We are expanding our training opportunities, including but not limited to mental health awareness, use of force, proper use of the restraint chair and incident documentation. These topics are being incorporated into our quarterly training schedule. Every deputy will be trained on use of force and proper use of the restraint chair/WRAP system at least annually. I have directed my staff to prioritize incident documentation and video retention and to revise our current practices to ensure these items can be retrieved in the future.

We have also resumed the mentoring program, allowed the Hour House to begin a Recovery Oriented System of Care program to provide services to inmates with addiction problems and partnered with Life Links to help provide counseling services to our jail population. Funding for the jail remodel project is pending and the purchase of the padded cell has been finalized.

Two major problems that need addressed are the lack of available mental health beds locally and the extraordinarily long wait times to transfer an inmate to the Illinois Department of Human Services. It is not uncommon to wait several months for a bed to be available at DHS.

CCSO will continue to do the best we can with the resources we have available to us. I remain committed to transparency and accountability, and my staff and I will keep working hard to serve the citizens of our county to the best of our abilities.
The day after the presidential debate at which former President Donald Trump spread a false story about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, Christopher Pohlhaus, leader of the national neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe, took to his Telegram channel to take credit.

Pohlhaus, a Marine-turned-tattoo artist known as Hammer to his hundreds of followers, wrote Blood Tribe had pushed Springfield into the public consciousness.

Members of his hate group agreed. The president is talking about it now, a member wrote on Gab, a Twitter-like service popular with extremists. This is what real power looks like.

A sign hangs from a streetlight at the intersection of Main Street and Fountain Avenue in Springfield, Ohio, on Wednesday.

Trumps line at the debate was the culmination of a weekslong rumor mill that appears to have at least been amplified by Blood Tribe, which has sought to demonize the local Haitian community online and in person. The debate drew more than 67 million viewers, according to the media analytics company Nielsen.

As with most rumors, the beginning of the baseless claims about Haitians eating pets in Springfield is hard to pinpoint, but Blood Tribe undoubtedly helped spread it.

Starting in late June, people in local Facebook groups had been posting about Haitian children chasing ducks and geese. Around the same time, conservative media was characterizing Springfield as being flooded with Haitian immigrants. Over the next few weeks, the Facebook complaints, still without evidence, got darker, with anonymous posters claiming they were hearing that ducks and geese were going missing, perhaps even being eaten by their immigrant neighbors.

The Springfield Police Division told NBC News that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

The rumor began to grow legs in the private local groups as the blue-collar citys immigration-driven population growth became national news in an election year.

Blood Tribe latched on last month when it started posting to Telegram and Gab about Springfield, stoking racist rumors about Haitians and Black people in general eating domestic animals. In a hate-filled Gab post from early September that included multiple racial epithets, the group claimed Haitians eat the ducks out of the city parks. The reach of Blood Tribes isnt clear, as its Gab and Telegram accounts have fewer than 1,000 followers.

In response to a request for comment sent to Pohlhaus, Blood Tribe said in an email that it stood by its claims and that it would continue its activism, making sure Haitian immigrants are all repatriated.

The claims also began circulating in more mainstream conservative spaces, most notably on social media.

A few days after Blood Tribes Gab post, an X account not affiliated with Blood Tribe that is popular in conservative circles, @EndWokeness, posted a screenshot of a message board post and a picture of a man appearing to hold a goose. The screenshot purports that Haitians had stolen and eaten a neighbors cat, and the message from the X account adds that ducks and pets are disappearing. That post has been viewed 4.9 million times, according to Xs public metrics.

The man who originally posted the photo said that it was taken in Columbus, Ohio, and that he didnt know the persons ethnicity and he said he didnt believe the photo should have been used to spread false rumors.

Even so, the post sparked a major jump for the rumor. What had been steady conversation that spread in August was beginning to die out early this month, according to data from Peak Metrics, a company that tracks online threats. But the goose post led to a second wave of virality.

From there, the rumors snowballed. Claims of residents pets being stolen, animal sacrifice and voodoo worshiping, as well as discussions about the great replacement conspiracy, began to circulate, according to an analysis by Memetica, a digital investigations company.

The memes followed. Artificial intelligence-generated images first circulated on 4chan and then in MAGA communities on X of pets and waterfowl being embraced and protected by Trump, which pushed the conspiracy theories even further into the mainstream. At the height of the spread this week, Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, promoted the baseless rumors on his own X account.

Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false, Vance posted. But he told his followers, without proof that the rumors werent true, they shouldnt let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots. Keep the cat memes flowing.

As the rumors gained steam in conservative online spaces, Blood Tribe was planning real-world actions.

On Aug. 10, about a dozen masked Blood Tribe members carrying banners adorned with swastikas marched in downtown Springfield, labeling the event an anti-Haitian Immigration march. On Facebook, Mayor Rob Rue said: There was an attempt to disrupt our community by an outside hate group. Nothing happened, except they expressed their First Amendment rights.

Blood Tribes Gab account shot back and invited its followers to harass the mayor. Hello, Springfield Ohio! We hear you have a real problem with Haitian refugees.

On Aug. 27, Drake Berentz, the only Blood Tribe member apart from Pohlhaus who marches with his face shown, stood before the Springfield City Commission. Identifying himself by his online moniker, Berentz offered a word of warning before his mic was cut off for threatening the commission. He was escorted out by police.

Springfield isnt Blood Tribes first target, and its not likely to be its last, said Jeff Tischauser, a senior researcher for the Southern Poverty Law Center who monitors hate groups. Blood Tribe and other hate groups have used the real-world actions for recruitment, attention and intimidation.

More from NBC News

<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/bomb-threat-springfield-stokes-fear-false-claims-haitian-migrants-pets-rcna170856" target="_blank">Bomb threat in Springfield spurs fear and closures after false anti-migrant claims </a>

<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/misinformation/jd-vance-ohio-police-no-reports-haitian-immigrants-harming-pets-rcna170271" target="_blank">Ohio police have 'no credible reports' of Haitian immigrants' harming pets, contradicting JD Vance's claim </a>

<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/misinformation/white-house-denounces-dangerous-false-claims-haitian-immigrants-spread-rcna170435" target="_blank">White House denounces 'dangerous' false claims about Haitian immigrants spread by JD Vance </a>

Last year, armed Blood Tribe members rallied at drag events in Columbus and Wadsworth, Ohio, chanting Nazi slogans and waving Nazi salutes. They marched at a Pride event in Watertown, Wisconsin and at the capitol in Madison, and they shouted Heil Hitler outside Disney World. This year, abandoning LGBTQ issues for immigration, they have protested in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Nashville, Tennessee; Pierre, South Dakota; and Springfield.

They aim to stoke fear among local communities that they view as potentially friendly to their ideas, Tischauser said. Goal No. 1 is psychological trauma, to keep folks out of public life that they disagree with. Number 2 is to create these viral moments for their group to get attention on Gab and on Telegram.

Blood Tribe, like other white nationalist groups, also seeks to normalize extremist ideas and symbols, Tischauser said. With Trumps and the wider conservative embrace of the Haitians-eating-pets rumor, Springfield has been a success for the hate groups.

The GOP seems to be falling into their trap, Tischauser said. Groups like Blood Tribe truly see themselves as pushing the GOP further to their position on policy, but also on rhetoric.

The threat from such a mainstreaming of extremist ideas was on display in Springfield on Thursday. Blood Tribe has used its Gab account to dox Springfield residents and government employees who have spoken out against the recent rumors. City Hall had to close down Thursday after multiple government agencies there got bomb threats.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Donald Trump ramped up his fear-mongering about Haitian immigrants in Ohio Thursday at a rally in Arizona, doubling down on his thoroughly debunked conspiracy theory that they are stealing and eating peoples pets while adding a new animal to the mix of fictional entrees: geese.

Haitian immigrants, he told the crowd, have descended upon Springfield, Ohio, and are destroying their way of life.

Yet it seems the real disruption came in the form of a bomb threat Thursday at Springfield City Hall, seemingly lodged by someone disgruntled by the immigrant group. The incident caused early school closures and evacuations in the beleaguered town.

Additionally, Haitians there are reporting property damage, while some are keeping their kids home from school due to safety concerns, according to The Haitian Times.

Trumps claim also runs counter to the experience of one Springfield-area CEO, who praised Haitian immigrants as hard-working and reliable in a recent interview.

Trump: Illegal Haitian migrants taking over a beautiful place Nobody knows where they come from. pic.twitter.com/YKZHvDo7T7  Acyn (@Acyn) September 12, 2024

Trump, who at one point seemed unsure where Haitian immigrants come from, latched onto a spurious right-wing narrativebased on a single 911 calltrying to depict immigrants as also targeting geese in area parks.

Theyre taking the geese. You know where the geese are? In the park. In the lake. And even walking off with their pets, Trump said. These people are the worst.

Trump: "They're taken the geese ... and are even walking off with their pets." pic.twitter.com/hW9QY9Fikt  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 12, 2024

Trump also harped on his rivals crowd sizesa favorite topic of hisby insisting without any evidence that Vice President Kamala Harris draws zero people. He made the comment around the time that Harris took the stage in North Carolinas Greensboro Coliseum before a large audience that her campaign estimated was at least 17,000.

He also seemed to suggest during Thursdays rally that he planned to blame older voters if he loses the presidential election in Novemberwhile noticing the changing demographics of his rally crowds.

We have a lot of young people here, Trump said. My audiences, theyve gotten younger and younger, do you notice that?

Dont worry, I still like the old people the best. I dont care! he then exclaimed, pointing out a few of the old people in the crowd.

I dont care, let that costall these young people, he said, gesturing to another section of the crowd. Let that cost me the election. I still like the old people the best. Got to stay with the people that got you there, right?"

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Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion with local Black business leaders at a campaign rally at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. | John Bazemore

The judge overseeing the 2020 election subversion case in Georgia dismissed three of the remaining 35 charges against former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants on Thursday. Two of the charges directly affected Trump, so he now faces only eight of the original 13 charges. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The two Trump charges were related to conspiracy to file and filing false documents, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee ruled, citing a lack of authority due to the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which puts federal law over state law.

The defendants had cited an 1890 case in which the Supreme Court said a state could not bring a perjury charge spurred by testimony related to a contested congressional election, and their arguments partly persuaded the judge, according to The New York Times.

Trumps legal team attempted to have the racketeering charge  the bulk of the lawsuit  dropped, but McAfee upheld the charge. Last summer, 19 defendants were charged with a combined 41 counts in the Georgia election fraud case. Since then, four defendants have entered into guilty plea deals.

Following Thursdays announcement, Trumps attorney, Steve Sadow, expressed his satisfaction with the dismissal of the charges on social media.

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, he said.

My comment as Lead Counsel for President Trump in the Fulton County GA case:



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.  Steve Sadow (@stevesadow) September 12, 2024

The election subversion case, headed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, has yet to go to trial as Trumps legal team seeks to disqualify her from the case. In January, Willis was accused of having inappropriate relations with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor who she had hired onto the case.

In March, McAfee gave Willis the right to stay on the case if Wade resigned from the case, which he did. The judge also granted Trumps team the right to appeal the decision, which they did. The Georgia Court of Appeals paused the case in June until they heard the defenses motion to dismiss Willis.

Oral arguments are set for Dec. 5.

Also on Thursday, the New York Court of Appeals declined Trumps request to interfere with decisions regarding the criminal case where Trump was found guilty in May. The appeals court said they would not take the case outside of state court, denying his request to move it to federal court.

Trump had made the request in August to U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, arguing that if the case were moved, he would ask the federal court to dismiss it altogether because jurors at trial saw evidence of his official acts as president, per Reuters. He said that violated the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark decision finding presidents have broad immunity from prosecution for official acts.
Trump is only running to stay out of jail, says 9/11 responder and advocate

A September 11, 2001 responder and victims rights advocate said he believes Donald Trump is running for president to stay out of jail and doesnt actually care about the American people after the former president invited far-right figure Laura Loomer to the 9/11 memorial.

John Feal, who was injured while working as a demolition supervisor at Ground Zero after 9/11, told CNN on Thursday that he thinks the former president only cares about himself and has surrounded himself with other self-absorbed people like Loomer.

Donald Trumps not running for president, hes running to stay out of jail, Feal said.I dont care what anybody says.

Feals comments arrived just a day after Trump appeared at the 9/11 memorial on Wednesday to honor the approximately 3,000 people who died. The former president brought his posse with him, including Loomer.

Loomer has a history of promoting a conspiracy theory that 9/11 was an inside job and has used the terrorist attacks to espouse anti-Muslim views. She recently made headlines for making deeply racist remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris.

John Feal, a 9/11 responder and advocate, said Donald Trump is not running for president but running to stay out of jail (CNN / YouTube)

Feal criticized Trump for flying around with Loomer, saying it distracts people from remembering the lives lost and those who are fighting illnesses related to the attack.

I dont think [Trump] cares about the American people, even in the debate or anything hes done at his rallies he doesnt talk about the issues that Americans face, Feal said.

Friends - On July 29th, 2019 I shook the hand of a Con Man who couldn't finish his thought when speaking to me, and I called him a fool to his face. This day was the last of 9/11 Bills I helped pass. On the 10th of August, 2022 I shook the hands of the President of the United pic.twitter.com/8l34lqBTlp  John Feal (@TheJohnFeal9117) July 4, 2024

He also condemned Loomers racist remarks as well as the conspiracy theories she has promoted.

To see this kind of rhetoric, its insulting to the family members, those who lost a loved one, those who are still sick. Its pathetic, its comical but it hurts, Feal said.

On the surface shes silly. Underneath all of that shes an attention-seeking, self-absorbed, me, me, me. Her rhetoric is going to get someone hurt. Her rhetoric might get someone killed, Feal said.

Loomer accused the media of lying about the content she shared and said it was only about the accounting errors by our own government on 9/11. She told CNN she didnt understand what the issue is about her attending the memorial.

Loomer (center) outside Engine 4 Ladder 15, during a visit by Donald Trump on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks (AP)

Feal has been advocating for responders and victims of the terrorist attack for 23 years. While helping with cleanup from the attack, a steel beam fell on his foot which forced him to have a partial amputation. But he was denied compensation because his injury occurred outside of the 96-hour window of the attack.

Since then, he has established a foundation that aims to help get funding for responders who got sick or were injured after the attack.

In 2019, he and comedian Jon Stewart lobbied for Congress to renew the 9/11 victims compensation fund.

Feal reminded people that on September 12, 2001, people came together to help one another and heal from the horrific event.

Nobody cared what your skin color was, nobody cared what your religion was. We all came together. And here we are talking about a woman who needs to be medicated in a hospital and shes flying around with the man who wants to be president? Give me a break, he said.
At his first post-debate rally on Thursday, Donald Trump said he would end taxes on overtime work if he were elected president again.

We will end all taxes for overtime, Trump declared in Tucson, Arizona. That gives people more of an incentive to work. It gives the companies its a lot easier to get the people.

Ending taxes on overtime pay would require an act of Congress. It could shrink tax revenue and incentivize working well beyond a 40-hour week.

The idea is reminiscent of Trumps highly problematic proposal to end taxes on tips, which could prompt employers to shift workers pay from normal wages to gratuities and accelerate the phenomenon of tip creep. (His Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, proposed the same policy after Trump.)

Trump's new policy proposal is ending taxes on overtime



(He's a couple bad polls from calling for the abolition of taxes altogether) pic.twitter.com/92G8fLQe5f  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 12, 2024

On Thursday, Trump, without naming anyone, claimed experts had told him the no-taxes-on-overtime idea was unbelievable.

I went to some economists, great ones, and I said, What do you think? Trump told the crowd. They said, It would unbelievable. Youd get a whole new workforce.

But some real economists on social media werent too hot on the concept.

Arindrajit Dube, an economics professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, joked on X that we should subsidize all types of work except for a regular job with regular working hours and regular forms of pay.

Taking taxes off very particular forms of compensation (overtime, tips, etc.) is an absolutely terrible way to structure wage policies, Dube said.

Trump floated his no-taxes-on-overtime idea at a rally in Tucson, Arizona, on Thursday. Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

Ernie Tedeschi, former chief economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Joe Biden, said Trumps tax ideas could perhaps help workers weather the high cost of his tariff plans.

Get a tipped overtime job, he quipped.

Trump didnt mention it during his Tucson rally, but he already has a record on overtime policy from his time as president.

Unlike hourly employees, most workers paid on salary are not guaranteed time-and-a-half pay when they work more than 40 hours in a week. Trumps White House predecessor, Barack Obama, rolled out an ambitious plan to expand overtime protections to millions more salaried workers.

But business groups sued to stop Obamas rule from taking effect, and then Trump won the presidency. Once he was in the White House, Trump rolled out a watered-down version of Obamas proposal that gave far fewer people overtime pay.

The Economic Policy Institute, a progressive think tank that was influential in crafting the Obama plan, said that Trumps rule was a betrayal of his campaign promises to help the working class.

This administration is effectively turning its back on millions of workers, the group said at the time.

Related...
(NewsNation)  Former President Donald Trump has unveiled a proposal to eliminate federal income taxes on overtime pay. He made that idea public during a Thursday speech in Tucson, Arizona.

Eliminating taxes on overtime would give people more of an incentive to work. It gives the companies  its a lot easier to get the people, he said.

He added that great economists told him they like the idea.

It would be unbelievable, Trump quoted the unnamed economists as saying. Youll get a whole new workforce by doing that. The people who work overtime are among the hardest-working citizens in our country.

What happens if theres an Electoral College tie this election?

Trump has also proposed to eliminate federal income tax for Social Security benefits and tips.

He is desperate and scrambling and saying whatever it takes to try to trick people into voting for him, Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson Joseph Costello said in a statement.

When he was President before, he took executive action to rip away overtime pay for millions of workers  and his Project 2025 Agenda would make even more damaging changes for workers seeking overtime pay, the statement added.

Does Project 2025 propose eliminating overtime pay?

Trumps proposal is a departure from the overtime revisions put forth in Project 2025, the blueprint for a second Trump term  though Trump has tried to distance himself from that blueprint.

The Heritage Foundations Project 2025 playbook proposes an overtime pay threshold that is not an abolishment of overtime pay. It would allow employers to calculate overtime hours over two to four weeks, not a single week, and would base overtime strictly on the regular rate of pay, not including extra benefits.

NewsNation senior political contributor George Will is not a fan of the idea, which he said is one of several unrealistic campaign promises by both Trump and Kamala Harris.

Were in an uncommonly vulgar auction between these two candidates  both of them giving away money and giving away government revenues despite the recent Congressional Budget Office projection of a nearly $2 trillion federal deficit.

Will noted Harris promises, such as raising the child tax credit to $6,000 and granting first-time homebuyers $25,000 to help with the purchase, would also increase the federal budget deficit, .

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
The 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 Sept. 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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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Donald Trumps claims about Haitian immigrants eating household pets during Tuesdays debate with Vice President Kamala Harris went viral for being both false and ridiculous. But the Ohio town Trump referenced during the debate is experiencing real, and damaging, implications from those comments.

Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio have reportedly feared for their lives as other residents have begun to threaten their safety, according to the Haitian Times, despite the local police insisting there are no reports of stolen pets.



tiktok-7413891289915198763

The jokes and memes online arent making matters better.

I dont think folks should be making jokes about the eating pets lie. It is so violently racist and we should not contribute to any normalization of that kind of anti-Blackness and fear mongering against our Haitian, and other migrant, siblings, one tweet said.



I don't think folks should be making jokes about the eating pets lie. It is so violently racist and we should not contribute to any normalization of that kind of anti-Blackness & fear-mongering against our Haitian, and other migrant, siblings.  Brittany P. Battle, PhD (@Dr_B_Pearl) September 11, 2024

Mission accomplished. Demonize and dehumanize an entire group of people because hatred is the only policy they have, another tweet said.



Mission accomplished. Demonize and dehumanize an entire group of people because hatred is the only policy they have. https://t.co/wLD8xBXqP7  Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 12, 2024

There have also been bomb threats targeted to Springfields City Hall, schools and other facilities throughout the city. Making matters worse, the Trump campaign has used the death of Aiden Clark, an 11-year-old boy, killed in a school bus crash caused by a Haitian immigrant as more fuel to make the community feel unwelcome.

Clarks father Nathan Clark has since urged people to stop using his sons name for political purposes.

Nathan Clark  the father of 11-year-old Aiden Clark, who was killed in a car accident in Springfield, Ohio  tells JD Vance and Donald Trump to stop using his sons name and the city of Springfield to demonize Haitian immigrants. This needs to stop now! pic.twitter.com/3J8FtZ82Ts  Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) September 11, 2024

They have spoken my sons name and used his death for political gain. This needs to stop now, Nathan said at a Springfield City Commission meeting.

More than15,000 Haitian migrants moved to Springfield in the last three years in hopes of discovering improved economic opportunities, according to Reuters.

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Trump rules out another debate with Harris after polls show he lost the last one by a lot

Donald Trump said Thursday that he will not debate Vice President Kamala Harris again.

In a post on his website, Truth Social, Trump continued to insist that he won the debate, despite his disastrous performance, and that because of this he does not need to do it again. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE, Trump declared, referencing this week's debate and his earlier showdown with President Joe Biden.

By contrast, the Harris campaign continues to press for another matchup. We owe it to the voters to have another debate, she said Thursday.

Experts and several polls  from Reuters, YouGov, and CNN  suggest Harris had a far better showing than the former president. But Trump on Thursday continued to insist he won, twisting Harriss enthusiasm for another debate into desperation to redeem herself. When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, 'I WANT A REMATCH,'" Trump claimed

At the same time, the former president sought to excuse his poor performance by claiming he was ganged up on by the ABC News moderators.

It was three to one, Trump said during a call with Fox & Friends, adding: It was a rigged deal, as I assumed it would be, because when you looked at the fact that they were correcting everything and not correcting with her, the Maine Morning Star reported.

Trump reiterated his opposition to another plausible debate at a campaign stop in Tuscon, Arizona. "Because we've done two debates and because they were successful, there will be no third debate. Too late anyway, the voting has already begun," he told supporters, CBS News reported.
Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, plan to travel to North Carolina next week for separate rallies focused on the economy.

Trump plans to visit Wilmington on Sept. 21, while Vance is schedule to appear in Raleigh on Wednesday.

The Trump campaign announced both visits Friday.

The Trump campaign said it has a plan to defeat inflation, bring down mortgage rates and make purchasing homes affordable, but further details were not offered in the news release.

The campaign said Vances speech will focus on how the economy has affected North Carolina families and farmers from the price of groceries to the housing market.

Wednesdays visit marks Vances second visit to the state in two weeks.

Trump announced he had chosen Vance as his running mate during the Republican National Convention. Since then, Vance has made two other visits to the state, once with Trump in Asheboro on Aug. 21 and on Tuesday for a private fundraiser in Greenville.

Saturdays visit by Trump marks his fifth to the state since Harris became his opponent.

North Carolinians have seen more visits from the Harris campaign since the start of the campaign season, with near weekly trips from her or her surrogates. Trump has been a less frequent visitor.

Despite North Carolina being considered a battleground state, Trumps campaign didnt have a lot to worry about when he was running against Biden. Trump nearly always polled ahead in North Carolina, sometimes by double digits.

But after Biden withdrew his candidacy following a poor debate performance in June, and endorsed Harris as his successor, the Trump campaign began to refocus on the Tar Heel state.

Trump began holding more rallies in North Carolina as Harris pulled even then began leading in polls.

This week, Quinnipiac University showed Harris up by three percentage points, though that was still within the margin of error.

It is rare for a Democratic presidential candidate to win North Carolina. Its happened only once since 1976, when former President Barack Obama won the state in 2008. But Democrats have put a lot of time and energy into North Carolina this election cycle and Gov. Roy Cooper has repeatedly said he has a 2008 feeling about Harris chances.

North Carolina also had the smallest margin between Trump and Biden of any state Trump won in 2020.

Vance will appear at 3 p.m. at Union Hall on Martin Street in Raleigh. Those wanting to attend can register for tickets here.

Trump will appear at Aero Center Wilmington at 2 p.m. Tickets can be found on this website.
Trump says his mass deportation will begin in Ohio town where he falsely claimed Haitians were eating pets

Donald Trump said he would conduct the largest deportation in the history of the United States and begin by removing immigrants and migrants in Springfield, Ohio  the same town in which he falsely claimed Haitian immigrants were eating pets.

On Friday, the former president repeated his anti-immigration policies and amplified familiar unsubstantiated claims of migrant crime during a press conference at his golf course in Racho Palos Verdes, California.

Were going to have the largest deportation in the history of our country and were going to start with Springfield, Trump said.

The former president has garnered international attention for falsely accusing the Haitian immigrant community in Springfield of abducting and eating peoples cats and dogs  a conspiracy theory that originated online but was quickly debunked by local and state officials.

Despite officials shutting down the accusations, the former president still insisted he would deport people living in Springfield  specifically Venezuelan migrants who he claimed were emptied from jails.

Donald Trump speaks at a press conference at his golf club in southern California on Friday, September 13 (AFP via Getty Images)

We will do large deportations from Springfield, Ohio. Large deportations. Were going to get these people back were bringing them back to Venezuela, Trump said.

They emptied their jails in Venezuela, emptied their criminals, emptied their nests. They call them nests of bad people. Theyre all now in the United States and theyre taking over cities. Its like an invasion from within, he added.

Springfield has seen a large influx of immigrants from Haiti, not Venezuela. It is unclear why the former president mentioned Venezuelans.

Additionally, the Haitian immigrants living in Springfield are under Temporary Protected Status, according to the citys website. This means Haitian nationals can lawfully live in the U.S. without fear of deportation because the government has determined it is unsafe for them to return to Haiti.

TPS does not give people a permanent resident status or any other immigration status.

Trump says his mass deportation will begin with Springfield, Ohio pic.twitter.com/2aCwIo7Pc8  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 13, 2024

Much of Trumps campaign message is about fear-mongering mass immigration and promising to conduct sweeping deportations.

Trump has often exaggerated the number of migrants crossing the border and the instances of violent crime conducted by migrants. He has used single instances of crimes committed by migrants as examples of mass migrant crime.

Most recently, an Ohio father, whose son was killed in a car crash involving a Haitian immigrant, asked the former president and his running mate JD Vance to stop using his sons death to espouse anti-immigration views.

On Friday, a reporter questioned the former president about his use of the unsubstantiated Haitians eating pets claim and raised concerns that the claim led to real bomb threats in Springfield.

Trump interrupted the reporter, sayingNo. No. No. The real threat is whats happening at the border.
Former President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would push for legislation that would end taxes on overtime pay if he wins a second term.

Today, Im also announcing that as part of our additional tax cuts, we will end all taxes on overtime. You know what that means? Think of that, Trump said at a campaign rally in Tucson, Arizona.

That gives people more of an incentive to work. It gives the companies a lot, its a lot easier to get the people, Trump said in his first rally since his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris earlier this week.

His pitch came in battleground Arizona, where Harris ascendance on the ticket has put the state  which President Joe Biden won by just 10,000 votes  back in play for Democrats this year.

The former president previously announced he would push to end taxes on tips and proposed that seniors should not pay taxes on Social Security benefits.

The people who work overtime are among the hardest working citizens in our country and for too long, no one in Washington has been looking out for them, Trump said. Those are the people, they really work. Theyre police officers, nurses, factory workers, construction workers, truck drivers and machine operators.

The Harris campaign quickly countered that Trump, as president, denied overtime pay for millions of workers and warned that if he wins a second term, fewer workers would receive overtime.

Trump tried to rip away overtime pay for nearly 10 million workers and devastated families, said Harris-Walz 2024 spokesperson Joseph Costello in a statement. A second term will be even worse: Trumps Project 2025 Agenda would allow employers to stop paying many workers overtime.

Trumps overtime rule

Harris claim references a 2016 effort by then-President Barack Obama to overhaul federal overtime rules and raise the salary threshold to about $47,500 a year, or $913 a week. That would have roughly doubled the level that was in place at the time. But business groups and 21 states sued, and later that year, a federal judge in Texas issued an injunction

The Trump administration said in 2017 that it would not defend the rule in appellate court. Two years later, the Trump administration lifted the threshold to roughly $35,600 a year, or $684 per week, making an estimated 1.2 million more people eligible  nearly 3 million fewer workers than would have been eligible under Obamas rule.

If Trump wins a second term, he would once again have to decide whether to defend his predecessors overtime rule. The Biden administration in April finalized a rule that would raise the threshold to the equivalent of an annual salary of roughly $43,900, or $844 a week, starting July 1, and then to about $58,700, or $1,128 a week, on January 1, 2025. Bidens rule is also facing several legal challenges, which are winding their way through the courts.

This story has been updated with additional details.

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Former President Trump said in a Truth Social post Friday that he did not agree with statements made by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who has come under scrutiny after traveling with the former president and battling with various other Republicans friendly with Trump.

In the post, Trump wrote that he disagreed with the statements Loomer made, though he didnt specify any particular comments. He otherwise described her as a private citizen and longtime supporter.

I disagree with the statements she made but, like the many millions of people who support me, she is tired of watching the Radical Left Marxists and Fascists violently attack and smear me, even to the point of doing anything to stop their Political Opponent, ME! Trump wrote.

At an campaign event earlier Friday, Trump shrugged off a question about Loomer as some of his Republican allies sound the alarm about her influence, saying she brings a spirit to his campaign.

Trump at the event in California made no effort to distance himself from Loomer, who has made numerous racist and conspiratorial comments over the years, and said he was unfamiliar with her past inflammatory statements.

Lauras been a supporter of mine. She speaks positively of the campaign, Trump said. Laura is a supporter. I dont control Laura; shes a free spirit.

Trump went on to call Loomer a strong person with strong opinions, and he said he would go look at some of her comments that have caused controversy.

Loomer is an outspoken Trump supporter who is known for spreading conspiracy theories and using racist rhetoric. She flew on Trumps plane to Tuesdays debate in Philadelphia and was part of his entourage as he attended memorial events Wednesday to mark the anniversary of 9/11.

She does not have any official role with Trumps campaign, multiple sources said. But her association with the former president has attracted attention during a critical stretch of his White House bid.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), another staunch Trump ally, told reporters Wednesday that Loomer did not have the experience or the right mentality to advise Trump.

I do know this, that her rhetoric and her tone does not match the base, it does not match MAGA, it does not match most Republicans I know, Greene said. And Im really denouncing it. Im over it.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called Loomers recent racist comments about Vice President Harris, in which she used crude stereotypes to attack Harriss Indian heritage, abhorrent, and he noted Loomer made disturbing comments about Republicans.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) on Friday called Loomer a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans.

A DNC plant couldnt do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trumps chances of winning re-election, Tillis added in his social media post. Enough.

This story was first published at 2:32 p.m. EDT

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Most likely voters in six key battleground states express at least some confidence in their states election process, according to recent CNN polling conducted by SSRS. But far fewer of them have high confidence in the process, with that mistrust driven largely by voters who support former President Donald Trump.

Overall, two-thirds or more of likely voters in each of the six states  Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin  say theyre at least somewhat confident that votes in their state will be cast and counted accurately, ranging from 68% in Arizona to 79% in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is the only state where a majority  52%  say theyre very confident about the accuracy of their states voting process, with 46% in Michigan and only about 4 in 10 in the remaining states expressing similarly high confidence.

But the results in each state also show a wide and continuing political gulf on faith in the electoral system, echoing Trumps repeated efforts to undermine confidence in it. At Tuesdays debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again refused to acknowledge his election loss in 2020  a stance that follows social media posts made last week in which he threatened to prosecute election officials if he retakes the presidency and raised baseless attacks on the validity of mail-in voting in Pennsylvania.

While 71% of Harris supporters in the six states are, on average, very confident that votes in their state will be accurately cast and counted, an average of just 15% of Trump supporters across these states feel the same way. And sizable shares of Trump voters lack even modest confidence in the system.

A 61% majority of Trump supporters in Georgia and 58% of Trump supporters in Wisconsin say theyre at least somewhat confident that their states votes will be accurately handled, but that falls to 50% in Nevada and lower in Pennsylvania (47%), Arizona (46%) and Michigan (44%).

In Georgia, where the Republican-controlled state election board recently approved new rules that critics say form a framework that could be used to contest the election results, the gap between backers of Harris and Trump in confidence is significantly smaller. Harris supporters here in the Peach State are less likely than those in other states to express at least some confidence in the system  82% do so, compared with 92% or more in each of the other five states. Thats only about 20 points above the level of confidence among Trumps backers in Georgia, compared with gaps between 40 and 50 points in each of the other five states.

The findings are similar to the overall picture two years ago, when between 40% and 48% of likely midterm voters in five of the same states said they were very confident in election accuracy. (The same question was not asked in Georgia that year.)

The results echo other recent polling on attitudes toward the countrys election system, including a national ABC News/Ipsos poll released just before Labor Day weekend that found a 92% majority of Harris-supporting adults saying that they were prepared to accept the election outcome, falling to 76% among Trump-supporting adults. In a July CNN poll, 71% of Americans said they doubted Trump would concede if he loses this year, up from the 58% who said the same in October 2020, ahead of that years presidential election. The same poll also found that 85% of registered voters and 77% of voters who support Trump said the loser of the presidential election had an obligation to accept the results and concede.

Harris supporters expressions of confidence in the election process come amid a campaign that many of her backers view as a referendum on democracy itself. In each of the six states, Harris supporters choose protecting democracy as the most important issue in this years election, with an average of 43% in each state calling it their top voting issue. By contrast, only 9% of Trump supporters, on average, say the same.

Interviews for the CNN polls were conducted August 23-29, 2024, online and by telephone with registered voters, including 682 voters in Arizona, 617 in Georgia, 708 in Michigan, 626 in Nevada, 789 in Pennsylvania and 976 in Wisconsin. Results for likely voters, which include all registered voters in the poll weighted for their predicted likelihood of voting in this years election, have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4.7 points in Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania; plus or minus 4.9 points in Michigan and Nevada; and plus or minus 4.4 points in Wisconsin. More methodological details are available here.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Donald Trump made more incendiary comments about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, amid threats to the city prompted by GOP statements.

While speaking to reporters in Los Angeles on Friday, the former president and current Republican nominee threatened to deport the Haitians in Springfield, despite the majority of them being in the U.S. legally.

We will do large deportations from Springfield, Ohio, large deportations. Were going to get these people out. Were bringing them back to Venezuela, he said. Its unclear if he meant to say Venezuela.

On Thursday, multiple buildings, including City Hall were evacuated after a bomb threat. An elementary school was also evacuated and closed Friday after the threat. The threats arrived the same week that Trump amplified baseless claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield. About 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants live in the area surrounding Springfield, according to ABC News. The western Ohio citys metro area population is about 136,000.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said at the presidential debate on Tuesday night. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country. And its a shame.

The remarks stemmed from far-right users online who conflated a missing cat in Springfield with an unrelated video of a woman being arrested after allegedly eating a cat. Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), Trumps running mate, made similar comments earlier this month about the Haitian community, repeating the baseless claims about Haitians stealing and eating pets.

Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio, Vance tweeted in a post on X. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar?

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost leaned into the lie on Friday, stating that theres a recorded police call from a witness who saw immigrants capturing geese for food in Springfield. But Springfields deputy director of public safety and operations, Jason Via, told NPR that although authorities are familiar with the claim, there have been no such reports.

We get these reports, The Haitians are killing ducks in a lot of our parks or The Haitians are eating vegetables right out of the aisle at the grocery store, Via said. And we havent really seen any of that. Its really frustrating.

Both the Springfield mayor and the Ohio governor have dismissed the allegations, saying they have no merit. President Joe Biden also condemned the threats facing the Springfield community and the claims spread by GOP leaders.

It is simply wrong that the proud Haitian community is under attack right now in this country, Biden said. Theres no place in America. This has to stop  what hes doing. It has to stop, the president said at a White House event, referring to Trumps comments.

Its unclear whether the threats directed at the Springfield community were targeted, but the mayor told The Washington Post on Thursday that the threats contained hateful language toward Haitians and other immigrants.

Related...
The Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago. A federal judge ruled the hotel had violated the law after its cooling water intake system killed thousands of fish from the Chicago River (AFP via Getty Images)

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.
In a shocking new developmentOK, it was entirely predictablethe mayor of Springfield, Ohio has now confirmed that the widely reported threat by email to bomb Springfields City Hall included hateful language toward immigrants. This suggests at least the possibility that MAGAs Two-Minute Hate of the Week about Haitians eating peoples house pets helped incite a threat of mass violence.

Which raises a question: Will Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and their merry band of MAGA propagandists stop pushing such vile demagoguery about immigrants, now that theres cause for real concern that this latest iteration could end up getting people hurt or even killed?

Of course they wont.

An underappreciated aspect of this sorry saga is that Trump and Vance constantly rhapsodize about places like Springfield, a small metro region in the heartland that has wrestled with postindustrial stagnation and population decline. Yet all of a suddenand we see this again and againthey are almost pathologically unconcerned with the real-world harms their demagoguery is visiting on the people who live there, including the ones they regard as Real Americans.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rues latest comments on the bomb threat illustrate the point. He told the local ABC News affiliate that there was negative language toward immigrants in the threat email, including towards Haitian folks. That was followed up with the bomb threat, Rue said.

Rue was also asked whether he fears Trumps elevation of MAGAs shiny new lie at the presidential debatehe ranted wildly that in Springfield, immigrants are eating the dogs and eating the catsis linked to the bomb threat. Rue didnt answer directly, but he said something remarkable.

When a federal politician has the stage, Rue said, and they dont take the opportunity to build up the community, instead of inadvertently not understanding what their words are gonna do  it can really hurt the community. Rue added that weve been punched, and that it was their words that did it.

The only false note there is the word inadvertently. Trump and Vance know exactly what theyre doing. By the way, Rue is a Republican, and in another interview, Rue explicitly called the anti-immigrant language in the threat hateful.

We may never know how serious this threat really was. But it did result in the evacuation of Springfields City Hall as well as two schools, meaning the safety of all kinds of innocents was thought to be in jeopardy. Law enforcement appears to have taken that possibility extremely seriously.

Whats more, on Friday, the news broke that another bomb threat has again forced the evacuation of schools, this time at least three of them. Yet its unlikely that Trump will back off in inciting hate and rage at the regions Haitian population.

On this score, lets not lose sight of the larger context here. Multiple times when Trump was presidentthat is, when he controlled arguably the biggest megaphone in the worldhe kept on using inciting language even after such language apparently inspired threats of violence and possibly even actual acts of violence.

For instance, in 2018, a California man named Robert Chain was arrested for threatening to murder Boston Globe journalists, while snarling into one employees voicemail: Youre the enemy of the people. Chain echoed Trumps own language about the media. After that, Trump kept on using that same language.

Want more? Robert Bowers, who murdered 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018, appeared motivated by hateful white nationalist tropes, which he trafficked in himself, about Jewish organizations bringing in invadersthat is, refugeeswho kill our people. Also in 2018, a man who owned a van festooned with Trump stickers attempted to mail improvised bombs to prominent Democrats, media organizations, and George Soros. After all that, Trump again fed the Soros-obsessed conspiracy theorizing. The invasion ugliness has been flowing nonstop since.

The point is not that Trump or his rhetoric are to blame for these heinous acts. Rather, its that in situations like these, it would be minimally responsible in a leader to refrain from using this sort of language, if only to err on the side of caution. It will blow your mind to hear this, but Trump is not that leader.

In fact, on Thursday, after news broke of the bomb threat in Springfield (but before it had been linked to anti-immigrant sentiment), Trump unleashed a long rant that ramped up the disgusting language about Haitians. He falsely claimed theyre in Springfield illegally and cast them as akin to an invading force:



Trump: Illegal Haitian migrants taking over a beautiful place Nobody knows where they come from. pic.twitter.com/YKZHvDo7T7  Acyn (@Acyn) September 12, 2024

Again, this was after we knew about the bomb threat. Now that the Republican mayor of Springfield has explicitly linked the threat to anti-immigrant hate rhetoric, all of this looks even darker and more sinister.

The news also wrecks the defense Republicans have mounted on Trumps behalf. As Notus reports, some are claiming the pet-eating meme has highlighted the supposed ill effects of immigration more broadly. Vance too declared in a postdebate interview that the veracity of the pet-eating claims is tangential to the key issuethat Springfield has been ravaged by Haitians. Oozing with phony piety, Vance insisted that the media didnt care about whats going on in these communities until people like him virtuously drew attention to it with their meme about cats.

Well, guess what, J.D.: We have now spent days in a national debate over whether immigration to Springfield has been good or bad. Weve learned that these immigrant workers helped fill the towns genuine labor shortages and helped drive its growth, and that they are bringing rectitude and a healthy work ethic to societally useful manufacturing jobssomething Vance is supposed to valorize. Were having the debate you wanted, J.D. So would you stop the vile nonsense already?

Sure, the influx of Haitians into Springfield has produced genuine tensions. Some social spending is way up, and some services are being strained. But we have also learned thatas Springfields mayor and city manager have both articulatedits leaders regard these tensions as eminently manageable. They believe resolving them judiciously is in the areas best interestsand that inflaming those tensions is very much contrary to them.

Which is the ultimate point: MAGA thought leaders like Vance appear to see exacerbating these tensions as a desirable end. They seem to believe not just that it activates the MAGA coalitions grievancesenergizing its voters for political endsbut also that it forces those grievances to the forefront of the national agenda. Vance said this himself, in his own twisted way: The media would not pay attention to these grievances if MAGA didnt lie odiously about immigrants, so, hey, its all good! Of course, the media actually has reported diligently on the influx for some time, but it has produced a nuanced picture that validates immigration to the region as a positive developmentprecisely what Trump and Vance cannot accept.

Whats missing from the Trump-MAGA stream of deceptions is any meaningful conception of whats good for Springfield itself. Now that its own leaders have called on MAGA to stand downand now that all this MAGA demagoguery has been linked to an active threat of violenceif Trump and Vance dont finally desist, it will be confirmed once again: Supercharging all these toxic and destructive social tensions is precisely what they want.
Trump is using anti-trans rhetoric to distract from his waffling on abortion, experts say

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Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly made baseless claims that American schools are clandestinely performing gender-affirming surgeries on children.

The claims are divorced from reality: Schools are not involved in the medical decisions that families of trans youth make to receive gender-affirming care. Surgeons, or anyone who could conceivably perform such operations, do not work at grade schools, which need parental consent to give students most medical care. The Trump campaign has not provided any evidence to back up the blatantly false statements.

Although Trump didnt bring this rhetoric to the debate stage, experts see his outlandish anti-trans comments as an attempt to shore up support after alienating parts of his base with confusing and unclear stances on restricting abortion access. The point of such bizarre anti-trans rhetoric, experts say, is that it doesnt need to be based in reality  it just has to get people worked up.

Hes had to do some repairing. And its a really easy strategy to just fall back on anti-trans rhetoric, said Alison Gash, professor and chair of political science at the University of Oregon. It doesnt require proof, Gash said. Republicans havent needed proof to make allegations that trans women athletes are taking opportunities away from cisgender women, and proof of trans people posing a threat to cisgender people wasnt needed to pass anti-trans legislation across the country.

Gash expects to see Trump spreading more anti-trans rhetoric in the coming weeks. She expects him to reach for that rhetoric as he tries to hold on to the segments of his base who may be angry about his disavowal of Project 2025, the blueprint for a second Trump administration offered by the conservative Heritage Foundation.

Trump first baselessly accused schools of secretly performing surgeries on students at the annual Moms for Liberty summit in Washington, D.C., on August 30, in conversation with Tiffany Justice, a cofounder of the group. Leaders of Moms for Liberty, a conservative nonprofit group, have accused teachers and librarians of grooming children  without explaining what that means  while encouraging parents to push back against gender ideology.

The transgender thing is incredible. Think of it: Your kid goes to school and comes home a few days later with an operation, Trump said at the event. The school decides whats going to happen with your child. And you know, many of these childs [sic] 15 years later say, What the hell happened, who did this to me? They say, Who did this to me.

The former president didnt make such a bald-faced statement in a vacuum. For years, Republican state lawmakers have worked to keep teachers from being able to affirm students questioning their gender identity and to keep LGBTQ+ subjects out of schools, while far-right pundits have accused public schools of conditioning children into becoming transgender.

Trumps turn to anti-trans rhetoric as a political tool also follows the same playbook as 1980s Republicans propping up gay marriage, and their opposition to it, as part of their national platform  because voters were not as animated on abortion at the time, Gash said.

Hes not just creating a narrative out of the sky, right? He is bringing us right back to the narratives that were catalyzing his campaign at the start, said Gash, who conducts research on advocacy strategies used to advance civil rights and how trans youth are targeted in politics.

In Mosinee, Wisconsin, days before meeting Harris on the debate stage for the first time, Trump repeated the same brazen claim at a campaign rally.

Can you imagine youre a parent and your son leaves the house and you say, Jimmy, I love you so much. Go have a good day in school. And your son comes back with a brutal operation. Can you even imagine this? What the hell is wrong with our country, he said.

Kelly Dittmar, an associate professor of political science at Rutgers-Camden University and the director of research at the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), sees Trump repeating this claim as a desperate attempt to appeal to his base by capitalizing on some Republican voters concerns about gender-affirming care. But making such an outlandish claim may actually alienate the Republicans hes trying to appeal to, she said.

This is not rooted in reality, so its not clear that it would motivate those who have less extreme concerns, Dittmar said.

Supporters cheer as they wait for former President Trump at a campaign rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin, on September 7, 2024. (Alex Wroblewski/AFP/Getty Images)

As found in the third annual poll from The 19th and SurveyMonkey, just because many Americans oppose gender-affirming care for trans youth doesnt mean they back government restrictions. Sixty percent of Americans oppose the right of transgender minors to access gender-affirming care, but 54 percent of Americans do not support lawmakers banning or restricting such care, including half of Republicans. Additionally, 70 percent of Republicans dont think lawmakers have the knowledge to create fair policy about gender-affirming care for minors.

Hopefully, those with enough nuance in their beliefs that they dont back blanket health care restrictions wont be swayed by such strange claims, Dittmar said. Still, there is an inherent danger when someone in a position of power repeats easily debunked claims, she said  because with enough repetition, some people will start to believe it. And either way, trans peoples safety and lives are still being put at risk, she said.

This is a place where he can be more overt and explicit, because he has struggled on abortion, Dittmar said. The struggle is based on an attempt not to alienate either religious conservatives who want abortion completely banned or the majority of Americans, who support abortion access.

Trump has made confusing statements about Floridas six-week abortion ban. It is unclear whether he would veto a national abortion ban. On the debate stage with Harris, Trump doubled down on an often repeated lie that Democrat-led states want to pass laws that permit the execution of babies after birth, which is illegal. On broader reproductive health, Trumps call to mandate free access to in vitro fertilization has sparked confusion and outrage among some congressional Republicans and allies.

At Tuesdays debate, Trump brought up transgender people only once. That comment marked the only moment that LGBTQ+ issues were mentioned on stage by either candidate. He made an apparent reference to a recent CNN report that found Harris in an ACLU questionnaire from 2019 expressed support for taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries for detained immigrants. That questionnaire, provided to candidates during the 2020 presidential race, was focused on immigration during a time when the Democratic Party was more invested in being seen as a strong supporter of migrants and undocumented immigrants.

Now she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison, Trump said at Tuesdays debate. This is a radical left liberal that would do this.

GLAAD, the nations largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy group, noted that a smear against transgender people that went unchallenged was the nights only mention of LGBTQ Americans. In a statement, GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis urged campaign reporters and debate moderators to ask questions that reveal candidates plans for LGBTQ+ Americans, so that the community is included not simply as political talking points.

However, to Jami Taylor, a professor of political science and public administration at the University of Toledo, it was a gift to transgender people that LGBTQ+ issues were not brought up by the moderators.

If Harris was asked a question about trans women in sports, or gender-affirming care for trans kids, Taylor sees that as an unwinnable situation for the vice president  where she has to weigh public attitudes against angering part of her coalition of voters, namely LGBTQ+ rights groups. It is crucial to trans people that Harris wins, Taylor said. To do that, keeping discussions of trans rights off the campaign trail is important, she said.

Democrats are going to lose the election if the election becomes about bathrooms, health care for trans minors and trans people in sports, said Taylor, who has co-edited and co-authored two books on the politics of transgender rights. Public attitudes arent very favorable. At best, theyre mixed.

Strong majorities of Americans  including most people of faith  support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people, but overall support has declined, according to the latest polling from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), which tracks such responses annually. In 2022 and 2023, PRRI found increases in public support for policies that require trans people to use bathrooms based on their sex assigned at birth, as GOP-led states have enacted extreme laws to do just that.

To Taylor, it is clear that Republicans want to use diverging public views on specific policies affecting transgender people to their advantage against Democrats  and for Harris, choosing to not engage on trans rights on the campaign trail is the smart move.

If youre a trans person, it sucks to be left out. Which, I mean, I am one, Taylor said.

But I think Im politically savvy enough to know that winning the election is more important than my feelings at the moment, she said. The movement has to meet people where they are.

To check your voter registration status or to get more information about registering to vote, text 19thnews to 26797.

The post Trump is using anti-trans rhetoric to distract from his waffling on abortion, experts say appeared first on The 19th.

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The lies that Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, are spreading about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio has escalated into a local security concern and generated a new level of fear and misery for a population already struggling to overcome challenging circumstances. Yamiche Alcindor, Washington correspondent for NBC News, talks with Alex Wagner about the human consequences of Trump's racist lies.

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Donald Trump said he would carry out deportations in Springfield, Ohio, during a press conference on Friday. He also dismissed a question about bomb threats in the town that have followed he and his running mate J.D. Vances racist smear campaign against immigrants living there.

I can say this. We will do large deportations from Springfield, Ohio. Large deportations, Trump said. Were going to get these people out. Were bringing them back to Venezuela.

Springfield, Ohio, has been the epicenter of a racist conspiracy theory alleging that Haitian immigrants are stealing and eating cats, and otherwise wreaking havoc on the town. Local authorities have said that these rumors have no basis in reality, but that has not stopped conservatives from demonizing the immigrants. On Thursday, a bomb threat prompted the closing of City Hall and other local buildings. On Friday, two elementary schools evacuated and one middle school closed after guidance from police.

Most of the Haitian immigrants in Springfield are living there legally. Some have temporary protected status, meaning they have a pending asylum claim, which allows them to live and work in the U.S.

They emptied their jails in Venezuela, emptied their criminals, emptied the nests, Trump said. They call them nests of bad people. Theyre all now in the United States, and theyre now taking over cities. Its like an invasion from within. And were going to have the largest deportation in the history of our country. And were going to start with Springfield and Aurora.

Trump has also been harping on Aurora, Colorado, where conservatives have claimed Venezuelan gangs have taken over apartment buildings. The mayor and a council member said that the claims were overstated.

Trump referenced Aurora and Springfield during the presidential debate on Tuesday, as well. We have millions of people pouring into our country from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and insane asylums, Trump said. 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. Theyre going in violently.

Trump also on Friday dismissed a question about bomb threats in Springfield. No, no, no the real threat is whats happening at our border, because you have thousands of people being killed by illegal migrants coming in, he said.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said the bomb threats contained anti-immigrant hate: There was enough negative language toward immigrants, towards Haitian folks that would bring enough concern.

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Former President Donald Trump on Friday said he would conduct a mass deportation of immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio, and dismissed a question from ABC News about the bomb threats the town is experiencing in the wake of unsubstantiated claims about Haitian migrants.

"We're going to have the largest deportation in the history of our country," Trump said as he took reporter questions in Los Angeles, California. "And we're going to start with Springfield and Aurora, [Colorado]."

The remark comes after Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, amplified unsubstantiated claims of Haitian migrants in Springfield eating pets. Trump did not repeat the baseless rumor when speaking in California, but called the Haitian migrants "illegal" despite the city explaining the Haitian population is in the U.S. legally under the Immigration Parole Program.

MORE: Ohio's GOP governor dispels Republican claims that Haitian migrants are eating pets

Two schools were evacuated and another was closed in Springfield on Friday after bomb threats were sent "to multiple agencies and media outlets" in the city, according to the city commission office. The mayor said he believes these threats are directly connected to the unfounded rumors spread online about Haitian migrants.

ABC News Senior National Correspondent Terry Moran asked Trump, "The mayor of Springfield, Ohio, the police chief, the Republican governor of Ohio, have all debunked this story about people eating pets, and now there are bomb threats at schools and kids being evacuated. Why do you still spread this false story?"

"No no, no. The real threat is what's happening at our border," Trump said. "Because you have thousands of people being killed by illegal migrants coming in -- and also dying." (There is no evidence of thousands of people being killed by migrants crossing the border illegally.)

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., Sep. 13, 2024. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump used Ohio to reinforce his promise of overseeing the largest mass deportation operation, one of his most discussed campaign promises this cycle.

"I can say this. We will do large deportations from Springfield, Ohio, large deportations," he said. "We're going to get these people out. We're bringing them back to Venezuela."

On Friday, President Joe Biden weighed in on the controversy, saying it has "no place in America."

"This has to stop, what he's doing. It has to stop," Biden said, referring to Trump.

MORE: 'No place in America': Biden says narrative about Haitian immigrants 'simply wrong'

Trump became angry as he started talking about immigration on Friday, calling America a "dumping group" for people from other countries, stereotyping them as criminals.

Earlier on Friday, Trump's running mate Vance continued to make what appeared to be unsubstantiated claims about Haitian migrants in Springfield. Vance claimed on X that "there has been a massive rise in communicable diseases, rent prices, car insurance rates, and crime. This is what happens when you drop 20,000 people into a small community."

Haiti does not have access to the same access to vaccines or requirements as the United States, but Ohio is already working to address those concerns. Gov. Mike DeWine earlier this week announced he was earmarking $2.5 million to expand primary care access for the entire city.

Springfield's mayor also told ABC News that while there are discrepancies in vaccines, the biggest issue they're dealing with when it comes to the migrants is traffic violations. DeWine also said he's directed the Ohio State Highway Patrol to support the local police with traffic enforcement.

Trump was also asked about Laura Loomer joining him as the campaign trail this week. Loomer is a far-right activist who has spread baseless claims about Springfield on social media.

Loomer's presence has prompted push back from several Republicans, including Sen. Thom Tillis, who said she was "a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans."

Trump claimed she was just a supporter who has "strong opinions" over whom he had no control. He also claimed to not have seen her more controversial posts, including conspiracies about the 9/11 attacks, including that it was an "inside job."

"She's a free spirit ... I mean, look, I can't tell Laura what to do. Laura's a supporter," Trump said. "I have a lot of supporters, but so I don't know what exactly you're referring to." He said he would review what he called her "strong opinions" and put out a statement, which he did hours later.

"Laura Loomer doesn't work for the Campaign. She's a private citizen and longtime supporter. I disagree with the statements she made," he wrote on his social media platform, without specifying what he disagreed with.

Loomer earlier put out a statement, saying, in part, "I am a private citizen and an independent journalist. I don't work for President Trump. I am simply a ride or die supporter and I believe in President Trump and his agenda to Make America Great Again."

ABC News' Hannah Demissie and Armando Garcia contributed to this report.

Trump vows mass deportation of protected migrants in Springfield, dismisses threats to town originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Laura Loomer  the far-right conspiracy theorist, self-described proud anti-Muslim bigot, and close associate of former and perhaps future President Donald Trump  has triggered a multi-day meltdown among the MAGA elite and powerful GOP allies who worry that shes an extreme liability. But in remarks at a California press conference on Friday, Trump signaled that he had no problem with Loomers frequently racist rhetoric about immigrants and his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

I dont control Laura, he said. Shes a free spirit.

Loomer accompanied Trump to Philadelphia ahead of his widely panned debate performance against Harris on Tuesday, and to 9/11 remembrance events the following day, in spite of her professed belief in conspiracy theories around the terrorist attack. Her inclusion in Trumps entourage of late has even alarmed Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), no stranger to extremist rhetoric and a former friend of Loomers. Greene on Wednesday condemned a tweet in which Loomer said that the White House will smell like curry if Harris wins the election.

This is appalling and extremely racist, Greene wrote. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. (X, formerly Twitter, limited the visibility of Loomers post for hateful conduct.) Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has called Loomer toxic and advised Trump to ensure that her influence doesnt become a bigger story. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) posted Thursday that a Democratic plant couldnt do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trumps chances of winning, and accused Loomer of spreading disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans.

Loomer, for her part, fired back by tweeting that Graham is disloyal to Trump and a closeted gay man, while attacking Greene as antisemitic and mocking the circumstances of her divorce.

Others in Trumpworld are as fed up with Loomers antics  and proximity to the campaign  as the members of Congress calling for her exile. This is who hes loyal to?????? one source close to Trump angrily messaged Rolling Stone earlier this week, noting that various far-right and MAGA proxies have been punished or temporarily banished for behavior far less egregious than Loomers.

But throughout the week, it appeared that Trump was still ignoring calls from some of his most prominent political allies to ditch her. Not only that, he was still sharing content from her website on his Truth Social account. Asked about the concerns in his own party over Loomers influence at the press conference in Rancho Palos Verdes on Friday, Trump deflected responsibility for her comments.

Well, I dont know, he said. I mean, look, I cant tell Laura what to do. Lauras a supporter. I have a lot of supporters. So I dont know what exactly youre referring to  Lauras a supporter. I dont know. She is a strong person. Shes got strong opinions, and I dont know what she said, but thats not up to me. Shes a supporter.

Loomer was previously passed over for a formal job on Trumps campaign, but if he wins in November, Loomer could receive an actual government job offer. In fact, her odds of employment are significant, judging by Trumps private conversations.

On multiple occasions this year and last, Trump has mentioned to key associates  including but certainly not limited to Loomer herself  that he wants to have Loomer serve in a second Trump administration, possibly even in the White House, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter, as well as written communications reviewed by Rolling Stone.

Typically, Trump hasnt clarified the precise role or level of seniority he has in mind, though a communications staff position has been floated.

Over the past several months, some of the Trump advisers who have heard him mention Loomer as a possible hire were so annoyed or panicked that they began texting others in the ex-presidents inner circle to inform them that Trump wasnt distancing himself from her, and, worse than that, continued to speculate on her post-election appointment. These advisers also expressed their hope that the campaign would not have to deal with fallout from Loomers involvement.

Given the hostile tweets from Capitol Hill, and Loomers incendiary replies, theyre clearly dealing with it now.

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On Thursday, Trump suffered back-to-back state and federal legal losses in his hush-money case.

If he appeals to SCOTUS, Trump can shoehorn in a request that his conviction also be overturned.

A constitutional-law expert at Columbia Law School predicts this is what Trump will try to do.

Late Thursday morning, former President Donald Trump lost his last state-level appeal of his hush-money gag order. He remains barred from attacking the staff and family members of the trial judge and the Manhattan district attorney until after a newly delayed sentencing date of November 26.

Hours later, a federal appellate court delivered a second defeat, denying Trump's bid to stay the hush-money case, meaning put it on hold, while he seeks to move it from state court to federal court.

These two legal losses now leave the door open for Trump to run to the US Supreme Court, according to Michel Paradis, a constitutional-law expert.

There, Trump can ask the court to overturn not only these two decisions but also the case itself, Paradis, a professor at Columbia Law School, said.

The entirety of the New York Court of Appeals' dismissal of Trump's gag-order appeal. New York Courts

Both losses are eligible under a federal statute for Trump to seek a Supreme Court review, also known as petitioning for "certiorari," or "cert" for short.

In cases where average citizens are concerned, petitioning for cert is a process with strict guardrails. A quartet of justices would look only at the lower-court decisions immediately at hand  in Trump's case, these back-to-back blows upholding the gag and rejecting the stay  in deciding what gets on the docket of the term starting October 7.

"Ordinarily, the Supreme Court will only agree to hear questions that were decided by a lower court. Its mantra in this regard is that: 'We are a court of re-view, not first view,'" Paradis said.

But nothing prevents Trump from trying to shoehorn into his cert petition the larger issue of the constitutionality of the hush-money prosecution as a whole, the professor said.

And because Trump is Trump  and because "the Supreme Court can basically do whatever it wants"  the former president will likely dream big, Paradis said.

He will try to ask that, while it's at it, the court also examine his conviction and even the indictment itself on presidential-immunity grounds, with the argument that grand jurors and trial jurors improperly heard now forbidden evidence involving official presidential acts.

"If he goes for it, and adds the presidential-immunity question to his cert petition, all it takes is four justices to take up the question, notwithstanding the procedural reasons the court would ordinarily not take up the question at this stage," Paradis said.

"The odds that the court would take up the issue, and maybe even enter a stay of the sentencing, are more than zero," he said.

But might the court go further? And more significantly, might it go faster?

Presidential immunity is an argument Trump's lawyers have pushed, always unsuccessfully, in the lower courts for months in trying to escape the first criminal indictment and only conviction of a former president.

Significantly, in its landmark July 1 decision granting former presidents broad immunity, the court banned the use of official-act evidence in any prosecution, even for nonofficial crimes.

While it's hard to paint falsifying documents to hide an election-eve hush-money payment to a porn star as an "official act," Trump has argued that the case relied on significant official-act evidence, including a federal ethics form and an incriminating Oval Office conversation he had with Hope Hicks, his former advisor.

So what if Trump argues that the matter needs deciding before Election Day? What if he argues it would be irreparable harm for him to have to face an election with an unconstitutional conviction tainting his chances?

Paradis said it's still his gut feeling that the Supreme Court wouldn't go so far and so fast that Trump's criminal record would be wiped clean before voters go to the polls.

"I doubt that is anywhere near compelling enough for even sympathetic justices to circumvent the number of procedural rules and norms that would have to be ignored to do anything meaningful between now and Election Day," he said of an "irreparable harm" argument.

Still, he said, "I could be surprised."

A lawyer for Trump and a spokesperson for the district attorney's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on this story.

"It would be the most wildly aggressive judicial intervention into a presidential election in US history," Paradis said of the possibility of a pre-Election Day overturning of Trump's lone criminal conviction.

"It would make Bush v. Gore look like a decision from a traffic court," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Trump's Campaign Is Doubling Down On His Racist Lie  And Things Could Get Much Worse

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On Friday morning, at least three schools in Springfield, Ohio  a city at the center of racist fearmongering about Haitian immigrants  were hit with a bomb threat, forcing two to evacuate and one to close. This came just one day after Springfield City Hall was evacuated due to a bomb threat from someone claiming to be a resident and complaining about immigration. Haitian residents have said they fear sending their children to school and being victimized by property crimes.

The threat of violence that looms over the area is the result of a vile lie from leading Republicans about Haitian immigrants stealing pets and geese for food, a claim that managed to find its way from the dredges of the internet to the presidential debate stage. There is zero evidence that this has ever occurred 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, former President Donald Trump bellowed from his lectern at Tuesday nights debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, while tens of millions of viewers watched.

One thing is clear: If this continues, someone could get hurt  or worse. And yet, even as the threats and evacuations mount, Trump and GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance are refusing to call for calm. In fact, they are doubling down. Around 24 hours after Springfield City Hall closed due to a bomb threat, Vance posted on social media about immigration in Springfield, saying his followers should not let biased media shame you into not discussing this slow moving humanitarian crisis in a small Ohio town.

The crisis is hard to find. In recent years, as many as 20,000 Haitian immigrants have settled in Springfield while local officials promoted the city as offering good, steady jobs and affordable housing. Most of them are in the country legally, with many having temporary protected status, a designation that allows immigrants to escape violence in their nations of origin.

Though many rabid racists on the right have claimed that the city is falling into ruin because of the influx of migrants, the presence of the new residents has helped revitalize the city, boosting the economy and filling church pews. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has pledged $2.5 million to the city to help with the growing pains that come with a population explosion.

What should be a success story about how immigrants helped save a dying industrial town has been reduced to a talking point for right-wing politicians to spew hatred.

The rumor mill was already in motion Monday when Vance posted about the lie on social media.

Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? he wrote, referring to Harris. The following day he admitted that this was just a rumor  but said people should promote it anyway.

Keep the cat memes flowing, he wrote.

Meanwhile, an alarmingnumber of Republicanelected officials, including Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, have gleefully joined in to perpetuate the lie. Trump repeated the fake claim in Arizona on Thursday evening, and in California on Friday he said that Haitian immigrants were destroying Springfield residents way of life. He also pledged to conduct mass deportations from the town, saying that were bringing them back to Venezuela, referencing the wrong country. Trumps persistence in making these claims indicates that they will probably become a part of his rally repertoire, which often includes references to fictional cannibal Hannibal Lecter and other violent imagery about immigrants.

The Republican Partys organization around hatred of immigrants came to the forefront with the 2016 presidential nomination of Trump, who launched his campaign that year by claiming Mexican migrants are rapists. He promised to build a wall to keep migrants out, and one of his very first acts as president was to ban travelers from predominantly Muslim countries.

But Trump, the GOP and America as a whole have long had a special kind of hatred for immigrants from Haiti specifically. Could it be because that nation became the first independent Black republic after successfully overthrowing its French colonizers?

Trump famously referred to Haiti as a shithole country in 2018. And Vance hasnt limited his social media posts to the gross rumor about pets, but has also suggested that immigrants are spreading disease in Springfield (a claim that German Nazis made about Jewish people) and boosting crime rates.

Anybody with a conscience knows that this kind of language inspires violence all the time.

This wouldnt even be the first time that Trumps dangerous lies resulted in violence. After he lost the 2020 presidential election, he spent the months between his loss and Democrat Joe Bidens inauguration riling his supporters with baseless claims about voter fraud. It caused his most ardent followers to storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, an event that left multiple people dead.

Trump and Vance are currently setting the stage for a similar outcome  and this time, its Vances own constituents who are being terrorized by his lies. Now that children are being forced to miss school in his state, he has a responsibility to renounce the claims hes already admitted could be false, and to apologize.

Otherwise, if this ends in violence, Trump, Vance and everyone else who participated in this racist pile-on will have blood on their hands.
When a group of 50 Democrats of Caribbean descent gathered to watch the presidential debate in a south Florida suburb this week, the room filled with stunned laughs as former President Trump repeated a baseless rumor that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were stealing dogs and cats so they could eat them.

"How can this person be a candidate to be president? asked Guithele Ruiz-Nicolas, past president of Haitian American Democratic Club of Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale.

The laughs quickly turned to anger, said Ruiz-Nicolas, who came to the United States with her parents as a child in the 1960s, and has seen new and shocking levels of bigotry directed at her people, who she said were long welcomed with open arms.

Read more: Trump refuses to debate Harris again, claiming he won their first showdown

"Our best revenge is to go out and get the votes out, said Ruiz-Nicolas, adding that Trump's comments have fueled new efforts to achieve that goal.

Florida is a longshot for Democrats. Trump won the state twice, including a 3-percentage-point victory in 2020. And the state has turned more Republican since then with the landslide reelection of Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022.

But it was considered a battleground before that. And recent polls show Trump with margins of between 2 and 6 percentage points over Vice President Kamala Harris. That and an abortion rights ballot initiative that could turn out liberal voters have given Democrats glimmers of hope that they can at least be competitive and perhaps swing some down ballot races.

The state's Haitian American population, estimated at about 500,000, is the nation's largest and votes predominantly Democratic.

Haitian immigrants concentrated in south Florida, who came fleeing economic and political instability, have risen to fill numerous seats in city and county commissions, the state legislature and Congress. Haitian doctors and nurses fill hospitals in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding suburbs. Many newer immigrants take back-breaking jobs that native-born Floridians turn down.

"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," said Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Haitian American Democrat from south Florida, in a statement. "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."

Estimates of Haitian American voters range from 100,000 to 300,000, but Fernand Amandi, a Democratic pollster based in Miami, said they probably account for less than 1% of the voting population. Many were already motivated to elect Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican immigrant who has led the Biden administration's foreign policy in the Caribbean.

A man carries an AI-generated image of Donald Trump carrying cats away from Haitian immigrants, a reference to falsehoods spread about Springfield, Ohio, during a campaign rally for Trump Thursday in Tucson, Ariz. (Rebecca Noble / AFP/Getty Images)

In Florida, we've seen the state and the presidency decided by 537 votes so any group can potentially sway an election or the presidency for that matter," said Amandi, referring to the margin of victory in the contested 2000 election that came down to the Sunshine State. "I just don't think it's in the cards in 2024.

Amandi said it's "plausible, probably not probable" that Florida would turn blue in the case of a landslide victory for Harris at the national level.

Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that the media is trying to distract the American people from the very real problems plaguing the residents of Springfield, Oh," blaming the "sudden influx of migrants" for spiking rents, stressed schools and public safety incidents.

Read more: Immigrants, kittens and a clear debate winner

Trump's 2020 victory in Florida came after he called Haiti a "shithole country."

That comment stung, too.

We see this movie play all over again, every time there's a tragedy of immigrants being forced to flee their countries, said Gepsie Morisset-Metellus, co-founder and executive director of the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, a neighborhood resource center in North Miami.

Morisset-Metellus said she is especially concerned for Haitian residents of Springfield, Ohio, who are being threatened and intimidated by racists, according to published reports that have spread through the Haitian diaspora. Most of them are in the country legally and came to the area because there were jobs and a growing support network of fellow immigrants.

Morisset-Metellus said community members are outraged and contemplating what actions to take. But she is sure about one of them.

People have always cared about these elections and the Haitian American community is a highly engaged voter population and people don't miss elections," she said. "They care.

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Arizona Department of Transportation issued its weekly travel advisory for the upcoming weekend, warning motorists of roadway closures that could disrupt travel plans.

Westbound I-10 closed between SR 43 and the I-17 split interchange

Closures include westbound lanes on Interstate 10 between State Route 143 and the Interstate 17 interchange near Sky Harbor Airport from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday.

Westbound I-10 on-ramps at Baseline and Broadway Roads and the westbound U.S. 60 on-ramp at Mill Avenue will be closed along with the southbound SR 143 on-ramp at University Drive starting at 8 p.m. Friday.

I-10 drivers going west can detour on northbound SR 143 to westbound Loop 202 or use eastbound U.S. 60 to northbound Loop 101 and westbound Loop 202 in Tempe.

Southbound I-17 closed at Loop 303

Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane between Loop 303 and Jomax Road and closed at Loop 303 from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

Southbound I-17 on-ramps at State Route 74/Carefree Highway and Dove Valley Road will also be closed. Loop 303 and Sonoran Desert Drive will be closed under I-17. ADOT suggested drivers use off-ramps and on-ramps at Loop 303 as a detour and avoid local roads east of I-17 that weren't designed for heavy traffic.

Westbound Loop 202 closed between Gilbert Road and Arizona Avenue

Westbound lanes on Loop 202 will be closed between Gilbert Road and Arizona Avenue from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday for a widening project. Westbound Loop 202 on-ramps at Santan Village Parkway, Val Vista Drive and Lindsay Road, along with the eastbound Loop 202 HOV lane, will be closed between Arizona Avenue and Gilbert Road. Drivers can use Germann or Pecos roads as a detour.

Scheduled tunnel maintenance on I-10 overnight Saturday

Eastbound lanes on I-10 will be closed between I-17 and State Route 51 from 9 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday for tunnel maintenance. ADOT suggested drivers heading east on I-10 detour to the southbound lanes on I-17 and reconnect with I-10 near Sky Harbor Airport.

Westbound lanes on I-10 will also be closed between I-17 near Sky Harbor Airport and Seventh Avenue from 9 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday for scheduled tunnel maintenance. The southbound SR 51 ramp to westbound I-10 will also be closed, as will the southbound I-17 ramp onto westbound I-10 near Sky Harbor Airport. The westbound Loop 202 ramp onto westbound I-10 will remain open, but traffic must exit I-10 at Seventh Street.

ADOT said motorists traveling west on I-10 can detour on the northbound lanes of SR 143 to the westbound lanes of Loop 202 to reach westbound I-10. Drivers in the southeast Valley could use the westbound and northbound lanes on Loop 202 to reach I-10 near 59th Avenue.

Eastbound US 60/Superstition Freeway

Eastbound U.S. 60 will be narrowed to three lanes, with the right lanes closed between Gilbert Road and Loop 202 from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday for pavement maintenance. The eastbound on- and off-ramps between Gilbert and Sossaman Roads on U.S. 60 will also be closed. The eastbound U.S. 60 ramp to northbound traffic on Loop 202 will be closed as well.

Those driving in the area can try exiting before the ramp closures and instead use Broadway Road, Southern Avenue or Baseline Road.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tunnel maintenance means I-10 closure in Phoenix over weekend
(Bloomberg) -- Turkey has asked the US for permission to obtain GE Aerospace engines that it hopes to use in locally-made military jets, according to Turkish officials familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Ankara is seeking F404 engines for its program to build training aircraft, according to the officials. The request is critical for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to achieve his aim of modernizing Turkeys air force and building up the NATO members defense industry. If the US approves, it will be another signal that years of tension following Turkeys decision to buy a Russian air-defense system is easing.

Turkeys military wants to replace its aging Northrop Grumman Corp. fleet of T-38s and F-5s with the homemade Hurjet, which the GE Aerospace engines would power, the people said.

We look forward to further deepening our defense partnership with Turkey, a key NATO ally, an official from the US Embassy in Ankara said in response to questions from Bloomberg. They would not comment on specific matters between GE Aerospace and Turkey.

Erdogan is working to bolster ties with the US. Relations were severely strained when Turkey opted to acquire Russias S-400 air-defense system. That led, in 2019, to Washington blocking Ankara from being able to acquire F-35 jets, considered to be among the worlds most advanced fighter planes.

Ties improved in early 2024 when Turkey ratified Swedens bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, something Russia opposed and which the US and European states wanted following Moscows invasion of Ukraine.

Still, Erdogan is keen to retain a strong relationship Russian President Vladimir Putin and build alliances beyond the West, including with China. It is formally seeking to join the BRICS group of emerging-market nations, becoming the first NATO member to make such a move.

Erdogan is set to be in New York later this month to address the United Nations General Assembly and is expected to meet US officials and businesses.

As part of the plans to upgrade its air force, Turkey is also seeking GE Aerospace F110 engines to use for its Kaan fighter jet project. And its urging Germany to allow it to buy Eurofighter jets.

Ankara is scaling back a $23 billion defense contract with the US to purchase F-16 fighter jets and upgrade some of its existing ones. But it is aiming for an offset agreement that would allow it to make some warplane parts locally.

GE Aerospace is based in Cincinnati and the worlds largest maker of jet engines. It has a joint venture with state-owned Turkish Aerospace called TUSAS Engine Industries Inc., or TEI.

They are aiming to use TEI for maintenance, repair and overhaul of F404 engines in addition to assembly, inspection, and testing in Turkey, a GE Aerospace spokesperson said to Bloomberg.

While Hurjet is designed to be a trainer aircraft, Turkey is also planning to manufacture armed versions of the jet, the officials said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Two of four Clovis school board races have sole candidate. Heres how to fix that | Opinion

In November, voters in the Clovis Unified School District will finally get to choose representatives who live in their area rather than voting for candidates who might live anywhere within the 198-square-mile district boundaries.

Too bad choices are limited in two districts where the incumbents are running unopposed. Voters in Districts 5 and 7 will see incumbents Steven G. Fogg and Yolanda Moore, respectively, win reelection without voter input.

Meanwhile, the other two races have a different story.

District 2 incumbent David DeFrank is not seeking reelection, but his wife, author Molly DeFrank, is running. Other candidates are Wilma Tan Hashimoto, a veteran educator and executive director of CASA of Fresno and Madera counties; and, Janet S. Kardashian, a retired teacher.

Opinion

District 4 incumbent Hugh Awtrey is facing Gina Vue, an educator who founded an autism center for children.

Races with just one candidate are not rare in Fresno County. According to information from the Fresno County Elections Office, there are 91 contests not on ballot. That means there is only one candidate in 91 races. There are 14 other races where there are a minimum of two candidates seeking to fill two seats.

That might be OK with voters in small, rural school districts but it shouldnt be that way in the states 12th largest school district with more than 43,000 students, a staff of about 5,200 and a budget of more than $992 million.

Clovis Unified is not alone. Sixty-two percent of school board races nationally were uncontested, according to BallotReady, an organization that analyzes local election data.

Uncontested school board races should not be a way of life in Clovis Unified. Voters deserve a say in how funds are spent, how to choose a superintendent, how school boundaries are defined, and how the district will accommodate future growth, among other issues.

Healthy competition is good.

If youre not at the table, youre on the menu, Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs, a former school board member and executive director/CEO of the National School Boards Association, told EducationWeek in 2023. And we want as many qualified, passionate people at the table as possible.

Were not saying that Clovis Unified is in dire need of new leadership. That is for district residents to determine. However, they should have choices when deciding who is going to represent them on the school board.

Would increasing pay draw more candidates?

Perhaps the solution would be better compensation. Clovis board members are paid $750 a month, or $9,000 a year. Fresno Unified, whose enrollment is almost double that of Clovis, will pay its trustees $29,320 in the 2028-29 school year. That comes out to $2,433 a month.

The Los Angeles Unified School District  the countrys second-largest with 530,000 students  pays $125,000 annually to board members who have no outside income. Members with a second salary get $50,000. Thirteen states ban payment for school board members.

A 2020 study published by the National School Boards Association found that in large districts like Fresno and Clovis, nearly 40 percent of board members work more than 40 hours a month. The association suggests that increasing compensation, and possible include health benefits, could attract more diverse candidates and boost economic diversity.

Better compensation could draw more candidates, including those who most closely resemble a school districts enrollment.

Increasing school board pay, however, isnt easy. Their pay is determined by the California Education Code. It limits board salary to no more than $750 if their school district has an average daily attendance for the previous school year of less than 60,000 but more than 25,000.

The state should consider upping the compensation for school board members

You get what you pay for.

Gavin Newsom gets caught in a Republican trap, and first-time home buyers are the losers | Opinion

Farmworkers are the backbone of Californias ag economy. Reports must recognize that | Opinion
CANTON, Ill. (WMBD)  Two jailers were sent to the hospital after searching a cell at the Illinois River Correctional Center on Wednesday.

According to information from the Illinois Department of Corrections, employees at the correction center learned there might be a tattoo gun in a cell shared by three individuals in custody.

Staff were directed to search the cell. After the search, a sergeant and an officer began experiencing medical symptoms. Both were checked by medical staff before being taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.

New drug combination found in Central Illinois increases risk of overdose

Investigation staff retrieved the confiscated items from the cell to check them for unknown substances and identified an unknown powdery substance on the tattoo gun.

Jail staff were not immediately able to identify the substance, which was sent to an Illinois State Police lab to be tested. The investigation is ongoing.

Both the sergeant and an officer were treated and have been released.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Two Kentucky universities have closed their DEI offices. Here's where other schools stand

Kentucky's universities find themselves at a crossroads following a legislative session that saw lawmakers attempt to impede or dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts within public higher education.

Legislators are expected to continue their counter on DEI initiatives in the next session. And while some universities continue to stand by their programs, the University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University have preemptively dissolved their DEI offices.

Bills aimed at undermining DEI in higher education have risen in popularity among Republican lawmakers in states across the U.S. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education's DEI Legislation Tracker, 86 anti-DEI bills have been filed nationwide since 2023  14 of which are now law.

Two such bills were introduced in the Kentucky state legislature in 2024, though neither became law.

An interim legislative committee has continued discussions of DEI measures on campus ahead of the 2025 General Assembly, with representatives from the University of Louisville, UK and other schools scheduled to speak before the group Tuesday.

Why UK and NKU disbanded their DEI offices

On Aug. 20, UK President Eli Capilouto announced the university's Office of Institutional Diversity, a department focused on DEI policies, would be disbanded.

In the announcement, Capilouto noted the university's commitment to creating a sense of belonging, respect and academic freedom for the campus community.

"But weve also listened to policymakers and heard many of their questions about whether we appear partisan or political on the issues of our day and, as a result, narrowly interpret things solely through the lens of identity," Capilouto wrote. "In so doing, the concern is that we either intentionally or unintentionally limit discourse."

UK delegated responsibilities previously under the Office of Institutional Diversity to "other offices that support the entire institution" and created the Office for Community Relations to aid in the restructuring process.

University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel, left, chatted with University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto following the inaugural meeting of the Louisville Economic Development Alliance at the Humana Waterside building in Louisville, Ky. on July 17, 2024.

NKU President Cady Short-Thompson made a similar announcement Aug. 29 following the resignation of the university's Chief Diversity Officer, Darryl Peal. The university eliminated its Office of Inclusive Excellence, which oversaw DEI practices at NKU.

"The circumstances under which universities across the Commonwealth and the country find themselves, coupled with the legislative priorities of state leaders for the upcoming session, require universities to change," Short-Thompson wrote in an email to students, faculty and staff.

In a follow-up email on Sept. 3, Short-Thompson clarified that the Center For Student Inclusiveness, which provides students with "co-curricular scholarship opportunities" and falls under NKU's division of Student Affairs, will continue. She added that recruitment of international students will not be impacted by the decision and that faculty search committees will now undergo training from human resources staff rather than the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

Both Capilouto and Short-Thompson cited Kentucky lawmakers' aim to revisit DEI issues in 2025 as a reason for dissolving their respective DEI offices.

"Kentucky legislators have made clear to me in our conversations that they are exploring these issues again as they prepare for the 2025 legislative session," Capilouto wrote.

Where U of L, other public universities stand

U of L President Kim Schatzel is slated to testify on DEI to the General Assembly's Interim Joint Committee on Education on Tuesday. In the meantime, the university's Office of Institutional Equity  previously named the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  is active, U of L spokesperson Amanda Carroll said in a statement.

The Office of Institutional Equity remains open and serves all U of L students as they progress and complete their degrees. The success of all our students is U of Ls highest priority, Carroll said.

In an opinion piece recently published in The Courier Journal, U of L Board of Trustees Chair Diane Medley credited several institutional accomplishments to the efforts of the Office of Institutional Equity, including recognitions for the university's work with first-generation and military-connected students.

Modern employers view a diverse workforce as a catalyst to innovation, she argued, and U of L and its programs are key to developing future generations of workers.

"This dynamic tapestry of perspectives and voices helps our Cardinal community fuel positive change," Medley wrote.

A student rides a Bird scooter past Grawemeyer Hall Tuesday on the University of Louisville campus. May 14, 2019

Murray State University, meanwhile, has an Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Access whose function is to field complaints and lead investigations and trainings regarding illegal discrimination and harassment, the Murray State Office of Branding, Marketing and Communication said in a statement.

"This office has a responsibility for remaining impartial and therefore holds no advocacy role," Murray State officials said. "We are required to have a Title IX coordinator and office, as is the case with other universities which receive federal funding."

Not all Kentucky universities have offices dedicated to DEI initiatives, however, including Western Kentucky University.

In a statement to The Courier Journal, WKU spokesperson Jace Lux said the university's focus is "not on programs, initiatives or activities but rather about fostering a sense of belonging so that every individual who comes to our campus to study, teach, live, compete or visit finds their place and recognizes that they are an integral part of our community."

"WKU is committed to a safe and welcoming campus with top-ranked faculty and staff, ethical and transparent policies and a thriving, diverse student body prepared for success as global citizens," Lux continued, adding the university will monitor legislative actions that would impact higher education in the 2025 session.

Eastern Kentucky University also doesn't have an office dedicated to DEI initiatives, according to the school's media relations team.

"We offer services and resources designed to meet all students where they are so they can reach their full potential," EKU officials said in a statement.

Private colleges not swayed by public discourse

Louisville's private colleges are resoundingly standing behind their DEI efforts despite DEI's uncertain future in the public higher education landscape.

Bellarmine University's strategic plan seeks to diversify its student population to become representative of the broader region and to create community support systems so that "all students can benefit from a Bellarmine education," spokesperson Jason Cissell said in a statement.

"We operate programs and offer student organizations to make all members of our student body feel welcome on campus, including an Office of Identity and Inclusion," Cissell said. "We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging for everyone in our community and educating our students to lead in a diverse and changing world."

As a private university, Bellarmine would not have been bound to rules in 2024's proposed anti-DEI legislation, which focused on public institutions that are reliant on government dollars to operate. The same goes for Spalding University, whose officials say it's staunchly committed to DEI initiatives.

"As a private institution, our values are grounded in fostering an inclusive community that welcomes learners from all backgrounds. We are a community of learners made up of veterans, religious leaders, LGBTQIA community members, and more," Spalding spokesperson Maggie Edwards said in a statement.

"Our faculty, staff and educational leaders at the institution are committed to continuously fostering DEI efforts and initiatives to ensure every student feels they have a voice and place of belonging in the Spalding community. This commitment will endure for as long as Spalding University stands," Edwards continued.

DEI principles have also been core to the mission of Simmons College of Kentucky, a private historically Black college, since its inception, said Rick W. Smith Sr., senior vice president of institutional advancement and administrative projects.

"Our commitment to these principles is deeply ingrained in our history and remains essential to the progress we strive to achieve for our students, faculty, and the broader community," he said in a statement.

"While we are aware of the legislative challenges and recent developments regarding DEI initiatives at other institutions, Simmons remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse learning environment," Smith Sr. added. "We believe that DEI efforts are crucial to preparing students for leadership in an increasingly complex and interconnected world."

More: Would school choice help Kentucky students? Other states' programs show mixed results

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Where Kentucky universities stand on DEI offices, initiatives
Giving space to bullies

As a former member of the Winston-Salem City Council, I was dismayed to see your newspaper recently publish a story about liberal Facebook commenters bullying a local small business for hosting an event with Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (Aug. 29).

The left loves to lecture people about tolerance and democracy  but when election season comes around, they have nothing but disdain for these things.

They stoop to bullying a local small business for doing its part to allow people in the community to participate and engage in our democratic process. This is absolutely shameful.

Events like the one Lt. Gov. Robinson attended at Mr. Barbecue are critical to our democratic process  they allow voters in our community to engage up-close and personal with candidates for our states highest offices so they can make better, more informed decisions at the ballot box on Election Day.

Furthermore, Robinson is the first Black man to serve as lieutenant governor of North Carolina  and if he is elected he will serve as our states first Black governor. The historic nature of his candidacy should be inspiring  especially to those who claim to value diversity. It is sad to see that these online trolls are only interested in that when it suits their political agenda.

It is very disappointing to see the Journal give column inches to online bullying like this. Political discourse is good, and people and institutions in our community should be applauded, not attacked, for encouraging people to participate.

Vernon Robinson

Winston-Salem

Most important ever

I will be 82 years old in December and have been voting for more than 60 years. I was raised as a Republican in Kentucky and I have voted for Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated candidates over the years. I believe this election is the most important of my lifetime.

As a retired pastor and chaplain, I seek to support candidates committed to transforming structural injustice through policies of compassion and reconciliation. I choose to be part of a congregation and desire public leaders who share concern for our Mother Earth, who value fairness for victims of racial, gender and orientation discrimination, and who are committed to a fair and just society through representative government. Please vote!

The Rev. Stewart E. Ellis

Clemmons

Suppressing votes

One of the greatest weaknesses of the American political system is gerrymandering. Whether by Republicans or Democrats, gerrymandering quite often suppresses the will of the majority of the citizens. That is certainly true, issue after issue, here in North Carolina with our gerrymandered Republican majorities in the N.C. House and Senate that push through (very frequently overriding vetoes by the governor) legislation that polls confirm is not in line with the opinion, desires and best interests of most of the citizens of our state.

This is a depressing and aggravating situation that seems to have no foreseeable remedy. A hopeful starting point would be to secure one additional Democratic member of the state Senate or House and another Democratic governor whose veto cannot be overridden. Therein lies some hope for the future.

Tom Ginn

Winston-Salem

Good news!

The TV news stations are relatively pleasant with the coverage of the election. All things considered.

I have not seen the face nor read any of the stupid stuff said by folks like Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jim Jordan or other ignorant, cowardly MAGA Republicans. It has been kind of nice.

Bert Grisard

Winston-Salem

Vote for West

I am proud to endorse Marsie West for Forsyth County commissioner. County commissioners affect our lives by setting property tax and local sales tax rates and zoning for new housing. They advocate for public schools by using supplemental funds to attract more qualified teachers and budgeting for facilities and improvements. These are just some of their responsibilities.

Marsie is an excellent choice for county commissioner. She has 12 years of government experience and a lifetime in financial services. Marsie is a strong advocate for affordable housing, strong public schools, transparent government and public safety.

Her deep family ties to Forsyth County and her genuinely kind demeanor make her my choice. She will represent all of us.

Kathy Cooper

Winston-Salem
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  Two students were arrested today in regards to two separate incidents involving threats to shoot up Comeaux High School, authorities said.

One of the students was a 12-year-old boy, and the other a 14-year-old girl, according to Lafayette Police.

The first incident occurred last night, when Lafayette Police received information in connection to a threat that was made in a Comeaux High Snapchat group.

The student posted in the chat, im wearing pajama pants and the shirt and if dey tell me smth im shooting up the skl, authorities said. Police said they were able to locate the student responsible for putting the message out. An arrest was made of a 12-year-old male on charges of one count of terrorizing and he was booked into the Juvenile Detention Center.

Youngsville school addresses shooting threat, student rumors

The second incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. Friday, when a person called the Lafayette Police Department saying, Im-a shoot up Comeaux High. As a result of this a second arrest was made on a 14-year-old female Comeaux High student for one count of terrorizing, officials said.

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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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Two WVU nursing students honored at special signing ceremony on WVU Tech campus

Two WVU nursing students honored at special signing ceremony on WVU Tech campus

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  Two West Virginia University nursing students were honored on the Beckley campus at a special signing ceremony on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Makenna Brown and Devon Edwards pledged to work in WVU Medicine.

Brown signed with Braxton County Memorial Hospital, while Edwards signed with Summersville Regional Medical Center.

Each will receive a $25,000 bonus and work at the hospitals for at least three years.

Fish you shouldnt eat if you catch them in West Virginia

John Forester, the interim CEO of the hospitals, said the Aspiring Nurse program helps students financially and ensures the hospital has quality nursing staff.

They give us a commitment of work after they graduate from their programs, but it helps to ensure that we are meeting our needs and being able to provide care to patients in the future, Forester said.

Academy Sports & Outdoors hosted a giveaway to local kids in Raleigh County

The families of both Brown and Edwards attended the event, along with WVU professors and hospital officials.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GOLDSBORO, N.C. (WNCT)  The U.S. 70 Bypass will be getting new mile markers and exit numbers this Fall as it changes to Interstate 42.

N.C. Department of Transportation received approval to change the 20-mile bypass as a part of the project to convert U.S. 70 to interstate standards.

State transportation officials say having an interstate connecting military bases, the Morehead City port as well as cities will improve travel, safety and support economic opprotunities in eastern North Carolina. This section has a junction with I-795 that connects I-587 and I-95 in Wilson.

Eighty-two metal signs will be replaced along with 108 that will stay in place but have an adhesive overlay of the I-42 shield. Eighty mile marker signs will be replaced to reflect the new numbers.

According to NCDOT, the highways interchange with N.C. 581, now signed as Exit 351, will become Exit 35. The new I-42 mile markers and exit numbers will increase going eastward as NCDOT further develops the future I-42 corridor; and they will decrease going westward  to mile marker 1 where I-40 and U.S. 70 converge outside Clayton.

The new sign installations will begin along the Goldsboro bypass on Monday. The changes will take several weeks. Drivers should be mindful of daytime lane closures, crews, and equipment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Four years ago, Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen was brutally murdered by a fellow soldier at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), Texas. Guillens death attracted national attention, shining a spotlight on sexual harassment and assault within the armed forces as well as how disappearances of military personnel are handled.

Following a high-profile independent review, the Army announced substantial changes to its policies, structures, and processes. One of the Armys major accomplishments was the overhaul of its missing soldier protocols  initiating new regulations regarding searches for absent personnel, contacting local law enforcement, communicating with troops next of kin, listing those who fail to report to duty as missing, instead of absent without leave or AWOL, and making every effort to locate the absent soldier.

An internal Army audit, completed earlier this year but never publicly released and obtained exclusively by Rolling Stone, found that the policy changes  known as Army Directive (AD) 2020-16  instituted in the immediate wake of Guillens murder have been almost universally ignored.

According to the audit, commanders consistently failed to report absences and units neglected to accurately document missing soldiers, placing at-risk troops in further danger. Auditors were unable to tell, for example, if units had even searched for soldiers who may have been absent under unusual or suspicious circumstances. Army units didnt follow the guidance in Army Directive (AD) 2020-161 to track and account for absent soldiers, reads the audit, which also determined that the Army neglected to institute any oversight processes to ensure adherence to the new directive.

The failures documented in the audit are part of a pattern of neglect by the U.S. military that has led to an epidemic of sexual assault as well as domestic violence, drug abuse, self-harm, and avoidable deaths in the armed forces. In many cases, the military has undercounted, poorly tracked, or sought to cover up or minimize the problems. Investigations by Rolling Stone found, for example, that a staggering total of 109 soldiers assigned to North Carolinas Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) died in 2020 and 2021. Ninety-six percent of those deaths took place stateside. Fewer than 20 were from natural causes. All the rest, including macabre or unexplained deaths, homicides, and dozens of drug overdoses, were preventable. The Army has repeatedly stonewalled grieving families seeking answers. This new investigation by Rolling Stone demonstrates that ongoing failures to protect personnel and a lack of transparency and accountability continue to put vulnerable troops at greater risk.

Mayra Guillen, Vanessas oldest sister and the president and founder of the I am Vanessa Guillen Foundation, which advocates on behalf of survivors of sexual assault in the military, was scathing in her response to the new audit.

The Armys failure in following policy is a slap in the face to not just us but many families that have lost their loved ones, she tells Rolling Stone, adding: The Army needs to review these findings and take them seriously these are lives that were talking about.

AFTER VANESSA GUILLEN, 20, went missing on April 22, 2020, she was listed as AWOL. Months later, Guillens remains were discovered in shallow graves about 20 miles from Fort Hood.

Being AWOL, or not being present for duty, was historically seen as a military crime that undermined morale, discipline, and unit effectiveness  a personal failing, typically committed by young, less educated troops with a history of disciplinary and family problems, according to a 1979 government study. Little consideration was given to the possibility that an absence might be involuntary.

An Army investigation later determined that the Army listing Guillen as AWOL sent the wrong message, creating an inaccurate perception that she had voluntarily abandoned her unit and limiting the commands access to certain resources, such as [a] casualty assistance officer to liaise with the family.

That same inquiry also found evidence of sexual harassment and mistreatment toward SPC Guillen, unrelated to her murder, by a superior. This supervisor created an intimidating, hostile environment, says the report. The unit leadership was informed of the harassment as well as the supervisors counterproductive leadership and failed to take appropriate action.

Guillen was bludgeoned to death at Fort Hood by Army Specialist Aaron Robinson. Robinsons girlfriend Cecily Aguilar told investigators that she helped Robinson dismember, burn, and bury Guillens remains. Robinson killed himself before he could be arrested. Aguilar pled guilty to a charge of being an accessory after the fact and three counts of making false statements. In August last year, she was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Guillens murder prompted widespread outrage over the Armys failure to protect her, and prompted renewed attention to the larger issue of sexual assault and harassment in the military. An independent review of Fort Hoods culture, released in November 2020, found strong evidence that sexual assault and harassment were commonplace and significantly underreported, and that commanders frequently looked the other way. In 2021, a federally-funded study by the RAND Corporation found that women at Fort Hood had a far higher risk of sexual assault than the average woman in the Army: 8.4 percent compared a 5.8 percent for the service as a whole.

A new study by Brown Universitys Costs of War Project found that, for the U.S. military as a whole, the prevalence of sexual assault is likely two to four times higher than the Pentagon estimates. Since 9/11, roughly a quarter of women in the military have experienced sexual assault, with minorities at greatest risk. The analysis determined that there were likely 73,695 cases of sexual assault in the military in 2023, compared to the official estimate of 29,000.

ARMY POLICIES WILL REINFORCE our focus on caring for soldiers and families, reads Army Directive 2020-16, adding: The Army will always place people first and will never leave a soldier behind. The audit  which was completed earlier this year  determined this is not the case. Unit leaders didnt report 74 percent of Soldier absences correctly in Army personnel systems, according to the audit. Of 207 soldiers who went missing from December 2022 to March 2023, units failed to follow the required steps for documenting the absence 89 percent of the time.

Under AD 2020-16, once a soldier is listed as absent-unknown (AUN), unit commanders must enter information into a national crime database within three hours, thereby notifying local civilian law enforcement. But the audit found, for example, that after one soldier was reported absent on February 7, 2023, the unit did not contact local law enforcement until February 13.

Mayra Guillen was perplexed by the lag time in reporting and called for consequences for those failing to follow the regulations.

Amy Braley-Franck, a longtime advocate for victims of sexual crimes within the military and a consultant to the Biden administrations Independent Review Commission on Military Sexual Assault, says the Armys process for accounting for absent soldiers is overcomplicated, but the solution is simple: immediately attempt to contact the soldier, their family, and especially law enforcement. The military is fixated on figuring out if the soldiers absence is voluntary or involuntary. Thats inconsequential to the problem, she tells Rolling Stone. We learned how to take care of these problems in kindergarten. Its simple. Call the police and make a report.

The Army auditors discovered that not one unit examined followed all the steps to properly identify their missing soldiers as absent, contact law enforcement within the correct timeframe, and update duty status as prescribed under AD 2020-16. They found that these shortcomings stemmed from a cascade of failures including units misinterpreting the directive or using outdated guidance, a lack of training on the current requirements, and the failure of the Army to implement any oversight mechanisms to determine whether units were complying with AD 2020-16.

While the audit faults low-level unit leaders for not enforcing the revamped protocols, experts say that the failure flows from the top. The Army is blaming the individual units and low-ranking officers for not following their guidance but its not a failure of the units, says Braley-Franck, a former Army sexual assault response coordinator and founder of Never Alone, a coalition seeking to end commanders abuse of power in the military. If you have that many units trying to execute something and failing, then its a failure of the entire program. Its a failure of the Army.

The Army did not respond to questions about the audit, implementation of AD 2020-16, and failures to institute oversight mechanisms prior to publication.

The Army should be transparent  but its a foreign concept for them, says Braley-Franck. Without transparency, were never going to see positive change.

IN THE LAST DECADE, scores of troops  perhaps hundreds  have died or gone missing at Fort Hood/Cavazos. In 2020 alone, 13 soldiers at the base killed themselves and five, including Guillen, were murdered. Last year, another 20-year-old soldier who said she was being sexually harassed, Ana Basaldua Ruiz, was found dead at Fort Cavazos. The Army ruled her death a suicide. Ruizs family disputed the findings. My daughter did not commit suicide; my daughter was suicided, her mother, Alejandra Ruiz Sarco, told Telemundo.

When asked for the latest figures on soldiers who went missing or died at the base, the Fort Cavazos Media Center said it could provide no information and recommended Rolling Stone file a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain these numbers. Such requests, if ever fulfilled, generally take months, if not years, to be completed.

The Public Affairs Office is not the keeper of this kind of data, says a spokesperson, who instead directed this reporter to a media center website with no relevant information and an outdated Remembering Vanessa Guillen webpage. When this reporter clicked on a link to read more about how the Army mourns Spc. Vanessa Guillen, the link led to a Korean language website about online gambling.

There was a lot of positive progress being done until I came across this audit. I truly hope the Army takes these numbers seriously and has more prevention or some kind of consequences to those not doing their job, Mayra Guillen tells Rolling Stone.

She adds, Our soldiers matter and should be accounted for  especially if a family is trusting their loved one to join the forces and defend this country. They are giving up their freedom for ours and the least we can do is push these provisions and make sure the Army doesnt drop the ball again when it comes to accounting for soldiers.

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U.S. DOE announces millions in financial assistance grants to communities, three in S.C.

SOUTH CAROLINA (WJBF)  The United States Department of Energy (DOE) announced nearly $19 million in financial assistance through the Community Capacity Building Grant Program is headed to communities across the country, with approximately $4,882,336 allocated to South Carolina, including Bamberg and Allendale.

According to a press release from the DOE on Sept. 12, the estimated $18,909,777 in grants will focus on reinvestment in disadvantaged communities impacted by decades of nuclear defense and research missions, and currently hosting environmental cleanup sites. The DOE also added the funding aims to help community, economic development goals and revitalization effort.

The Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance of Barnwell, S.C. is receiving a $1,974,371 award that will support community capacity building by renovating an existing building in a disadvantaged community into a regional workforce training center designed to train craft workers needed throughout the DOE complex.

ALSO ON WJBF: SC Supreme Court strikes down part of new private school voucher law

The Southern Palmetto Foundation, which is part of the Allendale and Barnwell area, will receive funds for a three-year education project for rural small business entrepreneurs and leaders in underserved areas interested in learning new business innovation technologies. The total estimated value for this grant is $962,142, including applicant-provided cost share in the amount of $359,422.

The University of South Carolina will receive an estimated grant of $1,945,823 to focus on enhancing STEM opportunities for underserved K-12 schools throughout South Carolina.

Other states receiving funds include California, Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Washington.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
United Nations leaders and others in the international community have fiercely denounced the escalation of violence against humanitarian sites and aid workers in Gaza after Israeli forces killed at least 18 people sheltering at a U.N. school complex overnight on Wednesday, including six staff members of a U.N. relief agency.

Israeli airstrikes hit the United Nations al-Jaouni Preparatory Boys School in central Gazas Nuseirat refugee camp. The school complex, like others in Gaza, has been turned into a shelter for thousands of displaced Palestinians to receive food, water and medical aid since the U.S.-funded military offensive on the territory began in retaliation for an Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist strike on Israelis.

The strikes on the school killed at least 18 people, including women and children, according to UNRWA, the primary U.N. agency providing relief to Palestinians. The attack also killed six UNRWA employees in what the agency said was the deadliest single incident for its staff, bringing the total number of UNRWA workers killed in Gaza to at least 220 in the last 11 months.

This is one of the most difficult days that weve faced in UNRWA in Gaza during the most difficult conflict that weve ever faced, Sam Rose, senior deputy director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, told Al Jazeera on Thursday. Staff in the offices are in shock. Theyre grieving, theyre despairing.

Its devastating, its horrific, its all these superlatives, he said. And just the scale and the rapidity of the incidents are just too difficult to get our heads around sometimes.

"This is one of the most difficult days that we've faced in @UNRWA in #Gaza during the most difficult conflict that we've ever faced."



Sam Rose to @AJEnglish on the horrific attack on one of our schools in Nuseirat yesterday, where six of our colleagues were killed. pic.twitter.com/FktfwjF9xI  UNRWA (@UNRWA) September 12, 2024

Israeli officials have defended the attack, claiming that some of the UNRWA employees were members of Hamas, a claim the Israel Defense Forces often make regarding attacks on the agencys aid workers. Israel has so far not provided any concrete evidence, though, according to Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

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, Dujarric said in a statement on Thursday.

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 added. The Secretary-General calls upon all parties to refrain from using schools, shelters or the areas around them for military purposes.

Wednesday was the fifth time that Israel had bombed the al-Jaouni school, according to UNRWA. Israeli forces frequently attack schools in Gaza by using the often-unsubstantiated claim that the structures are being used by Hamas. More than 90% of Gazas school buildings have been severely or partially damaged in airstrikes, according to a July survey by the Education Cluster, a coalition of aid groups led by UNICEF and Save the Children.

Palestinians perform a funeral prayer for UNRWA worker Yaser Abu Sharar and others who were killed Wednesday in an Israeli airstrike on the al-Jaouni school in the Nuseirat refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, Gaza. Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images

UNRWA said it had informed the Israeli military ahead of time that the al-Jaouni school was being used as a shelter for civilians. But even if reports of potential co-location by militants and civilians, a violation of international humanitarian law, were substantiated, it would not give Israel permission to ignore the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office.

The pattern of attacks on shelters leading to verifiably high civilian fatalities, especially in an area that the Israeli military has unilaterally declared safe, suggests a complete disregard for the lives of Palestinian civilians and raises grave concerns about the systematic commission of disproportionate attacks or attacks directed at civilians, which are war crimes, the office said, adding that any attacks directed at humanitarians would amount to a war crime.

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Poland that aid workers and humanitarian sites must be protected, and thats something we continue to raise with Israel. The secretary still maintained that Hamas is partly responsible for such attacks because militants are hiding, taking over and otherwise using these sites from which to conduct its operations.

Humanitarian workers, especially those who are themselves Palestinian, are under increased danger in Gaza as they work to provide food, water, shelter and medicine to the millions of displaced civilians. UNRWA in particularhas long been a target of Israels attacks. Hundreds of aid workers have been killed and at least 128 agency-supported schools bombed in Gaza since October 2023.

Humanitarian staff, premises and operations have been blatantly and unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said Wednesday. The longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law and the Geneva conventions will become irrelevant.

Since Hamas launched its attack on Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 were taken hostage, the Israeli military has retaliated with strikes on Gaza and in the West Bank. Local officials in Gaza estimate that more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the assaults.

Attempts to reach a cease-fire have repeatedly faltered, and despite the release of more than 100 hostages, Israel estimates 101 remain captive and says dozens have died, according to The Associated Press.

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Uhuru group convicted of conspiring with Russian agent, acquitted of acting on behalf of foreign government

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A jury in federal court handed down a mixed verdict in the case that alleges four members of the Uhuru group, that has a base in St. Petersburg, conspired with Russians to interfere in American politics.

The suspects were convicted of conspiring with Russian agents, but acquitted of the even more serious charge of acting as agents of a foreign government. In an interview following the verdict, Uhuru chairman Omali Yeshitela, called the mixed verdict a full victory.

"I didn't think it was that mixed," he said during an interview at the Uhuru House in South St. Pete. "I thought it was an extraordinarily intelligent, important and good jury that rejected the line of the government that we were Russian agents."

RELATED: Members of Uhuru Movement in St. Pete indicted in connection to Russian campaign to influence local politics

The U.S. government said the Uhuru group, which fielded a candidate for mayor of St. Pete in 2017, conspired with the founder of the anti-globalization movement of Russia.

Prosecutors said founder Aleksandr Ionov was funded by the Russian government and successfully encouraged three Uhuru defendants, Omali Yeshitela, Penny Hess and eventual mayoral candidate Jesse Nevel, to petition the UN in 2015.

The petition said the U.S. was actively committing genocide against African people.

"I don't think anything has been wrong with my communications," he said.

PREVIOUS: 'We are not guilty': Members of St. Pete Uhuru Movement address federal charges filed against them

Officials said Yeshitela and Hess then used $12,000 from Ionov to carry that message around the U.S.

In 2017 and 2019, Ionov was accused of trying to influence elections in St. Pete, including to offer campaign finance help to Nevel. Prosecutors also said Ionov told handlers in Russia that they were supervising a St. Pete City Council candidate in 2019.

The Uhuru group denies those accusations.

"I don't know whether the Russian government is pleased by discord in St. Pete. I can't speak for them," said Yeshitela. "What I can say is that as leaders of the African people, we will do whatever is necessary to raise these contradictions."

The attempts to influence the outcomes of the elections in St. Pete were unsuccessful. But, they said the suspects were aware that Ionov would only provide resources for actions that would support Russias efforts to undermine the U.S.

READ: Radio station based out of Uhuru House wants federal COVID relief funding from Pinellas County

At trial, the Uhuru legal team argued they were merely exercising their First Amendment rights.

"I'm not afraid of [going to jail]," Yeshitela said. "I've done it so many times. You can't do what I do and be afraid of going to jail. I don't want to go to jail. I'll be 83 in a few days, and obviously, I don't want to spend the rest of my life in jail."

Each suspect faces five years in federal prison. No sentencing date has been set, but an appeal is planned.

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BOSTON (SHNS)  Four and a half years after COVID-19 upended the states economy, joblessness remains low, total employment has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, and the fund used to pay jobless benefits has more than $2.5 billion on hand.

But underneath those cheerful check marks, the Massachusetts unemployment system is once again tilting in the direction of major strain.

Benefit payments continue to outpace the funding for them collected from employers. Businesses could face a sizable increase in the taxes they pay for unemployment insurance within the next few years. And by the end of 2028, the account used to dole out aid could be hovering barely in the black, according to the most recent state-produced forecast.

That already-shaky outlook, experts say, is built on a couple of optimistic assumptions: that unemployment will increase only slightly for the next five years, and that Massachusetts will not owe the federal government any money after mistakenly paying $2.5 billion in jobless aid with federal, not state, dollars.

Its gone from bad to worse, and the interesting thing about these projections is that they do not even look at the worst-case scenario, said Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. Theres two worst-case scenarios that are not even included in those projections.

State officials made some significant projection changes in the most recent quarterly report about the unemployment insurance trust fund, which was published in August.

Through the end of 2028, they project, Massachusetts will collect about $11.6 billion for the UI trust fund and pay out $14.3 billion in benefits.

That $2.7 billion chasm between cumulative intake and outlays is larger than the $2.05 billion gap detailed in the prior quarterly report, published in April. As a result, the forecast of how much money will be in the fund available to cover benefits at the end of each year has dwindled.

The April report estimated about $860 million in the trust fund by the end of 2028, and the August report trimmed the projected end-of-2028 balance down to $192 million  less than one-sixteenth of the total benefit payments expected that year.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development attributed much of the change in the outlook between April and August to new data from financial services firm Moodys, whose projections are used to craft the quarterly reports.

Based on Moodys data, the April report assumed the statewide unemployment rate would hold around 3.4 percent from 2025 through 2028. The August forecast incorporates newer Moodys projections for an economic softening, pushing the unemployment rate forecast in out years as high as 3.77 percent.

With more Bay Staters out of work, the thinking goes, the system will need to pay out more in jobless benefits, and thus the gap between revenues and spending grows.

Benefit payments are also indexed to wage growth annually, while employer contributions are not, an official said, further increasing the gap between revenue and expenses.

Theres no guarantee the quarterly report estimates will hold true, especially given how difficult it can be to predict half a decades worth of economic contours. But to some experts, that volatility is itself a reflection of the problem.

If increasing the forecast unemployment rate by one-third of a percentage point carries hundreds of millions of dollars in UI implications, a more pronounced downturn or recession could amplify the strain even more.

If youre offering me a bet, I will absolutely take the over on this bet every time, Evan Horowitz, executive director of the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University, said. The unemployment rate is vanishingly unlikely to stay below 3.75 percent for five years.

Could it happen? Sure, but its extremely unlikely, he added. It would require incredible resilience on the part of the state economy and the national economy, which is right now showing weakness, not resilience. In fact, I think theres every reason to think that the unemployment rate will exceed 3.75 percent in the next six months.

Its not especially new for the states UI fund to be facing headwinds.

The federal government tracks the health of unemployment funds in all states. One measurement officials use is called the average high cost multiple, where a score greater than one is deemed the minimum level for adequate state solvency going into a recession.

Massachusetts has not had an average high cost multiple of one or greater since 2000.

We have not done a good job for decades. I cant recall the last time we were even attempting to do a good job at maintaining solvency, Horowitz said.

Businesses owe taxes on the first $15,000 in wages per employee, a level last adjusted by lawmakers in 2015. The actual amount they pay can vary based on the rate schedule, which changes in response to broader economic factors, as well as each employers experience rating, which is based on the businesss unemployment history.

Massachusetts is today assessing UI taxes at Schedule C, the third-lowest rate. The August quarterly report estimates bumping those employer taxes up to Schedule D in 2025, then jumping two rungs to Schedule F  the second-highest level  for 2026 and beyond.

Bay State employers also face several more years of charges to help cover the surge of benefits paid during the COVID-19 pandemic. That crisis plummeted the states UI system into the red and prompted Massachusetts to borrow more than $2.2 billion from the federal government to keep aid flowing.

In 2022, lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Baker approved about $2.7 billion in bonding, using the borrowed funds to pay back Washington, D.C. and deposit some extra cash into the state trust fund. Beacon Hill assigned a new assessment on businesses to cover those bonding costs, and employers will collectively pay hundreds of millions of dollars per year through 2028 under the latest forecast.

We are monitoring economic and labor market trends for changes in economic conditions that may impact the UI Trust Fund and will take the necessary steps to address any challenges it faces in the future, Matthew Kitsos, a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, said in a statement. The Healey-Driscoll Administration will continue to ensure the stability of the trust fund while maintaining benefits for impacted workers and support for employer partners.

Theres another wild card, too.

In the summer of 2023, Healey administration officials said their predecessors under Baker mistakenly spent about $2.5 billion in federal money on jobless benefits the state should have funded. More than a year later, its still not clear whether Massachusetts will need to repay some or all of that money.

An administration official said Wednesday that talks with the U.S. Department of Labor are ongoing, with a goal of minimizing impacts to the state and especially its employers.

The latest UI trust fund projections do not factor in any possible payments related to the $2.5 billion error.

If Massachusetts does wind up on the hook, its an open question how the state could cover the charge. Some business groups are concerned that elected officials will opt to pass the costs along to employers rather than pulling from elsewhere, like the rainy day fund that has a balance of more than $8 billion.

Hurst said he finds the latest UI outlook to be a very scary projection and, simultaneously, almost too rosy.

Its scary in that its showing huge doublings of outlays and going down to virtually no balance in the trust fund. And then its also a little overly rosy, and its assuming no recession and no charging to employers for the $2.5 billion COVID mistake, he said.

Depending on who you ask, the gathering clouds are somewhere between a crisis and a mere headache.

Horowitz said UI trust fund struggles are nowhere near one of [his] biggest priorities, pointing out that federal loans provide a backstop to prevent benefits from ending.

For Hurst, the costs that businesses face to fund the unemployment system are a major barrier to competitiveness, which has become a buzzword for Healey and legislative Democrats in recent years.

There needs to be a huge focus on UI reform. You cant just keep sweeping it under the rug and say that youre dealing with competitiveness, he said. If youre ignoring UI, youre ignoring one of the biggest messages to employers, large and small, across the country.

[Theres] a lot of focus on biotech, climate tech, on and on. This has to be easily as important of a competitive issue as any of those, Hurst later added.

Just this week, a new report flagged UI costs on Massachusetts businesses as a major outlier compared to other states.

The average employer pays $524 per covered employee in UI taxes, which ranks 43rd in the nation, according to the Massachusetts Competitive Index Report. Florida topped the list with an average employer UI cost of $66 per covered employee.

The most striking aspect of UI taxes in MA is the magnitude of the difference with competitor states. MAs rate is more than 7X that of FL and even 60 percent higher than in CA, the report, published by the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Mass. Competitive Partnership and UMass Amherst Donahue Institute, said.

Lawmakers in the past have intervened to temporarily freeze UI tax rates from increasing, but theres little consensus about broader changes to the system. Many business groups want the state to rein in benefits paid or eligibility criteria that are among the most generous in the nation, while labor representatives think employers should pay more into the fund.

The Legislature in 2021 tasked a commission with crafting recommendations to keep the unemployment system solvent in the long term, but the panels work fizzled out with few concrete recommendations after members could not find much agreement.

I dont see any consensus right now, so I dont see how you could fix this today, said Horowitz, who like Hurst was a member of the commission.

Hurst suggested that on a topic as complex and costly as UI, you really need leadership out of the corner office, with Healey and her deputies carving a path for reforms.

After a particularly contentious stretch of House-Senate sparring and major bills stumbling, Horowitz said UI reforms will likely be slowed by the broader lawmaking dysfunction in the state.

This is not a simple challenge. This is a complex problem that requires negotiations and compromise, and we as a state have not proved ourselves particularly adept at that in the last couple of years, he said. I think a solution to this would be really welcome, but pretty novel to the current context of lawmaking.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Ukraine should be allowed to launch long-range strikes on targets inside Russia  Canada's PM

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stressed that Ukraine should be allowed to launch strikes on targets deep into Russia, despite Moscow's threats that it would draw the North Atlantic Alliance into a direct war with Russia.

Source: The Canadian Press, as reported by European Pravda

Details: At a press conference in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, in the Canadian province of Quebec, Trudeau stated that Canada "fully supports Ukraine using long-range weaponry" that will prevent Russian strikes on hospitals and kindergartens.

"[Putin  ed.] is trying to deeply destabilise the international rules-based order that protects us all, not just in every democracy around the world, but in all countries around the world," Trudeau added.

The Canadian prime minister stressed that Ukraine must win the war against Russia, otherwise it would encourage other large nations to attempt to seize their neighbours.

Background:

Trudeau's statement came after Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin claimed that allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles to strike Russia would mean that NATO and European countries would be directly involved in the war in Ukraine.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to Putin's intimidation by saying that it was the Russian leader who started the war in Ukraine and that he could end it at any time.

The EU also said that Putin's threats would not change the EU's stance on supporting Ukraine.

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Ukraine has brought back 49 more military and civilians from Russian captivity, including 23 women for the first time in a long time.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on social media; Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War; Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights

Quote: "Another homecoming for our people, which we always look forward to and work for.

A total of 49 Ukrainian men and women are at home. These are soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the National Police, the State Border Service, as well as our civilians. In particular, Leniie Umerova, a girl who was taken hostage by the Russians when she came to take care of her sick father. It was also possible to release another part of the defenders of Azovstal. The Hero of Ukraine, military medic Viktor Ivchuk, is also back home."

Leniie Umerova.

Photo: Zelenskyy on social media

The Coordination Headquarters notes that this exchange is special because, for the first time in a long time, Ukrainian women were released from captivity: 23 of them were brought back to Ukraine. In particular, these are Ukrainian civilians who were detained and illegally imprisoned by the Russians before the full-scale invasion.

Ukraine also managed to release women who had been subjected to inhumane treatment, including through forced participation in the so-called "trial" of Mariupol defenders.

Ukrainian soldiers and civilians brought back from Russian captivity.

Photo: Zelenskyy on social media

Crimean Tatar activist Leniie Umerova, who was captured by Russians while crossing the border into Georgia, has been released. Viktor Ivchuk, the Hero of Ukraine and Colonel of the Medical Service, who led the military hospital in Mariupol during the most difficult times, also comes back home.

Among those released are 23 soldiers and sergeants and 19 officers. Eight are representatives of the Armed Forces (including two from the Territorial Defence Forces), two from the National Police, four border guards, 13 sailors, and 15 defenders of Mariupol and Azovstal from the National Guard. The remaining seven are civilians.

Ukrainian soldiers and civilians brought back from Russian captivity.

Photo: Zelenskyy on social media

Quote: "The liberated defenders defended our land on the Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson fronts.

Ukraine expresses its gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in organising another exchange.

The Coordination Headquarters also emphasises that it is the only authorised body that carries out all processes related to the negotiations and release of our defenders.

All those released from Russian captivity will undergo a medical examination, receive physical and psychological rehabilitation, all due payments for the entire period of captivity and reintegrate into society."

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Ukraines Kursk offensive was seen as a major success, but it came at a huge cost

Vasyl was several miles deep in Russian territory when he heard the whizz of an approaching drone loaded with explosives. He had seconds to react. It was very quick. We ran to the trees and then there was a bang a meter or two away from me, the Ukrainian soldier said.

I look down and I see I have pieces of it in my leg. I dont know whats happening, so I put a tourniquet on and try to get out, Vasyl  callsign Bumblebee  told CNN in Sumy, the northern Ukrainian city where he is recovering from his injuries.

Kyiv launched its surprise incursion into Russias Kursk region last month, taking Moscow by surprise and quickly advancing some 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the border. But the campaign slowed and, on Thursday, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Russia had launched counteroffensive actions.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said Russian forces had penetrated into the Kursk region, capturing 10 settlements.

In the days leading up to this counter-attack, CNN spoke with 14 Ukrainian soldiers from five different units who were deployed to Kursk as part of the incursion. Four were wounded in the operation and are currently recovering in hospitals in Ukraine, while the other 10 are still conducting missions in Russia. They included infantrymen, members of a drone unit, armored vehicle drivers and sappers, or frontline combat engineers.

Most have asked to remain anonymous or be identified by their first name and callsign only, given the sensitive nature of the topic and security concerns.

All 14 said the Kursk counteroffensive was a difficult operation with casualty rates on par with other parts of the frontlines. They said it was getting tougher, five weeks in, and some even questioned the decision to launch the incursion at a time when Ukraine was struggling to defend key towns and cities in the east of the country.

It will get more and more difficult. There will be more artillery fire, more soldiers, and there will be very big and difficult battles, but we must do everything we can that improves our position  Ukraine wants peace, but peace when we win, not when we lose, Vasyl said.

Russia is sending a lot of troops and artillery (to Kursk). We have a lot of guys who have been killed and we have a lot of destroyed hardware, he added.

A group of Ukrainian soldiers rest in a village near the Russian border after taking part in Ukraines operation in Kursk. - Ivana Kottasova/CNN

Ukrainian officials said Moscow has sent some 30,000 troops into the Kursk region. Two officers with knowledge of the situation said these reinforcements included soldiers from the now dissolved Wagner Private Military Company who the officers believed had been redeployed from West Africa.

The Wagner mercenaries were meant to be officially absorbed into the Russian military following the death of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin last year. But the Ukrainian soldiers operating in Kursk said Wagner fighters were distinguishable from the rest of the Russian troops because they have much better equipment and are better trained than the regular soldiers.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov also claimed shortly after the start of the incursion that the Chechen special forces unit Akhmat was in the area.

Dmytro, Vasyls commander who oversees the Ukrainian Nightingale battalion, told CNN his unit had also found Wagner flags and insignia in the area  something other soldiers also confirmed.

While Russia has managed to reclaim control of some small settlements in recent days, Ukraine still controls the vast majority of the territory it took over in the first days of the incursion, according to an assessment by the Institute for the Study of War, a US-based conflict monitoring group.

Dmytro (right), the commander of Ukraine's Nightingale battalion, visits Vasyl, a member of the battalion who was wounded in Russia. - Ivana Kottasova/CNN

Tactical achievement

The Kursk operation has given the Ukrainians a huge morale boost, being Kyivs first big strategic gain since the liberation of Kherson in November 2022.

Nearly all of the soldiers CNN spoke with said that giving Russia a taste of its own medicine was worth the pain.

It was a good feeling. Russia is one of the biggest countries by territory, by population, by the size of its military. And they have nuclear bombs. We dont have a lot of people and we have been at war for 10 years, since Russia attacked us and occupied some parts of (the) Luhansk and Donetsk regions, Vasyl said, referring to Moscows support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in 2014, when Crimea was also illegally annexed by the Kremlin.

And now we see that, even after (all) this time, we can attack (Russias) territory and say to all the world, Dont be scared. Be brave. Be strong and smart.

Dmytro, whose callsign is Kholod  or Cold in Ukrainian  gave a simple assessment: F**k yes! Thats the feeling when I saw our tanks shooting at the Russian positions. They put their hands up, we took a lot of prisoners.

In an exclusive interview with CNN last week, Ukraines Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi gave what was the most detailed explanation yet of the rationale behind the incursion. He said its aim was to stop Russia from using Kursk as a launchpad for a new offensive, to divert Moscows forces from other areas, to create a security zone and prevent cross-border shelling of civilians, to take prisoners of war and  indeed  to boost the morale of Ukraines troops and the nation overall.

Zelensky, meanwhile, said that another goal of the operation was to show Kyivs Western allies that with the right support, its military can fight back and eventually win the war.

Ukraine has been under pressure on its eastern front for most of this year and is still struggling to recover from the huge setbacks caused by delays in the delivery of US military assistance last winter and in the spring.

The Kursk offensive, which came as a surprise even to some of Ukraines closest allies, was hailed by Western officials. On Saturday, CIA director Bill Burns called it a significant tactical achievement. It has not only been a boost in Ukrainian morale. It has exposed some of the vulnerabilities of Putins Russia and of its military, Burns said, speaking in London.

A big, tangible win was much needed, and welcomed, within Ukraine. But soldiers involved in the operation who spoke with CNN said it was a difficult undertaking.

One soldier, callsign Fin, said Russias fortifications were built very well, combining different types of defensive measures  for example by placing mines underneath the anti-tank obstacles known as dragons teeth.

His entire team  four men with years of experience  was completely exhausted, he said. They were among the first units to cross into Russia, tasked with demining and dismantling defenses before Ukrainian infantry and artillery units arrived there. They spent two weeks inside Kursk, working non-stop, catching a couple of hours of sleep here and there, always on alert.

There were many casualties, they said. One soldier pointed to his boots and said one could take a lot of DNA samples from them. Ukrainian DNA, unfortunately, he said.

Fin said that the fact that they were operating on foreign land, in an area they didnt know, made their mission uniquely challenging. Most of the units taking part in the Kursk operation were redeployed from other parts of the frontline, from areas they have got to know extremely well over the past two and half years.

An injured crewmember of an armoured personnel carrier told CNN that Ukrainian troops were facing major navigational problems in Kursk. - Ivana Kottasova/CNN

One crew member of an armored personnel carrier (APC) that was transporting Ukrainian infantry troops around the Kursk region told CNN his unit was sent there from Chasiv Yar, on the eastern frontline, where he could drive blindfolded from one position to another.

In Kursk, he and his crew got lost.

We ended up going to (the Russian town of) Sudzha, where we had to wait for our commander to find us, he said, adding poor visibility and the crews lack of knowledge of the terrain made navigation extremely difficult. Several units have told CNN that navigation and communication between units and their commanders were a major problem in Kursk.

With GPS and cellphone signals jammed, the Ukrainians have been relying on the Starlink internet service. But they are finding the service doesnt work at all in certain parts of the Kursk region.

The APC crewmember said that these communication disruptions meant they couldnt contact their commander for many hours.

The area has been experiencing drought for several months and the land is now very dry, which makes it even more challenging to move around in heavy vehicles that stir up the dust. The APC crew member and his commander spoke with CNN in northern Ukraine, where they were recuperating from injuries they said were sustained when two Ukrainian armored vehicles crashed into each other because of very poor visibility and no navigation signal.

If the line of control remains largely unchanged, the battle in the Kursk region could soon start to resemble parts of the frontline in eastern Ukraine, with both sides digging in and fighting hard for every inch of land.

One sapper said his units mission in Kursk had changed dramatically recently. He spoke with CNN in a small village on the Ukrainian side of the border after coming back from a particularly grueling mission.

If it was easy, you wouldnt see the medical evacuation vehicles up and down the road, one soldier told CNN while resting on the Ukrainian side of the border.

Just a few weeks ago, he and his team were removing Russian defenses and clearing minefields to enable Ukrainian infantry to advance deeper into Russia. Now, he said, they are doing the opposite: laying mines and preparing defenses aimed at stopping Russian troops from pushing back.

A destroyed Russian tank lies on a roadside near Sudzha in the Kursk region of Russia. This image was approved by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry before publication. (AP Photo) - Efrem Lukatsky/AP

A group of Ukrainian soldiers rests after completing a long mission in Russia's Kursk region. - Ivana Kottasova/CNN

Control your fear

Like all the soldiers CNN spoke with, Vasyl and his commander, Kholod, had no idea they would end up going into Russia when they were redeployed to the Sumy region from Pokrovsk in the east.

We all thought that the Russians were going to come here, because we didnt have a lot of time. There was a meeting and my commander told me that we needed to be in Sumy in three days, Kholod said.

And then the day when it all started, I was in a meeting with other commanders and they showed me the map and told me what they are going to do, where they are going to drive, what they are going to ambush, and I understood we are going to Russia.

Speaking to CNN, Vasyl said he didnt think too much about the mission  or the fact he got injured in it  preferring to remain in the here-and-now.

This is war. We are soldiers, and we must do all that we can to protect our country. This is part of a big plan and I havent questioned why Im here.

Sitting on a bench in Sumy, with his bandaged leg stretched out and an IV needle protruding from near his elbow, Vasyl said the frontline was swarming with explosive Russian drones on the day he was wounded. Guys from another unit came by and I told them to be careful because it was like a drone slaughterhouse in there and just that second, bang, he said, adding a few expletives.

His mates told him he was lucky to survive. Kholod, who was one of the first to get to him after the blast, commended his calm demeanor after the attack.

Vasyl said that was just his nature. The most important (thing) when you are very scared, is to be in control. If you can control your fear, everything will be all right, he said.

The doctors told him it was too risky to remove some of the pieces of shrapnel.

The doctor said that the pieces will stay in my body, they are too difficult to remove, its better if they stay. I say OK , OK , you are the doctor, Vasyl told CNN, not batting an eyelid over the idea of living the rest of his life with remnants of Russian explosives stuck inside him.

So what, he added. Im not going to become a Russian from these pieces. It doesnt work like with vampires!

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WARSAW, Poland  As Slovakias government wobbles over the previous Cabinets plan to buy 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States, Ukrainian officials are intensifying their lobbying in Washington to secure the aircraft for their defense against Russia.

The U.S. State Department in July approved a tentative foreign military sale of 12 Vipers, made by Bell, to Slovakia for an estimated $600 million, a hefty increase compared to the initial offer of $340 million extended to the previous Slovak government. The discount was in part due to the fact that a deal with the initially envisioned recipient of the U.S. equipment, Pakistan, had fallen through.

A senior industry official close to the talks said Bratislavas efforts have since aimed at decoupling the discount from the Vipers and instead apply it to other prospective purchases like F-16 warplanes and air-defense systems. That has left officials in Washington miffed, the industry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations.

Meanwhile, Vadym Ivchenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker for the Batkivshchyna party, told Defense News that Ukraine has shown interest in the 12 Vipers since 2022. At that time, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces filed a letter of request to the U.S. to obtain the aircraft through a foreign military sale.

We need these helicopters for our soldiers who are fighting on the frontline in the Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and other regions but also leading an operation in the Kursk region, Ivchenko told Defense News.

As a member of the parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, Ivchenko said he has written letter to U.S. lawmakers to convince the Biden administration to reroute the Vipers to Kyiv if Slovakia turns them down.

Slovakia should decide what kind of weapons and equipment they require for their military, and if they dont need these helicopters, then their delivery to Ukraine should take place as soon as possible, he said.

Ivchenko said that officials in Kyiv are also making efforts to host the production of Bell helicopters at a designated Ukraine-based facility.

We wish to deepen our industrial cooperation with the United States to produce such helicopters in Ukraine, according to the lawmaker. This foreign investment would be guaranteed by the Ukrainian government.

In March 2023, then-Slovak Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad announced the U.S. had offered to Slovakia the copters along with AGM-114 Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles, valued at about $1 billion, for roughly a third of their regular price to compensate the country for its donation of Soviet-designed Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jets and 2K12 Kub air defense systems to Ukraine.

However, since a new Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Robert Fico was sworn in last October, Bratislava has suggested that attack helos are no longer high on its shopping list. Instead, the Slovak ministry would rather use the offered discount to buy Patriot air defense systems or additional F-16 fighters on top of the 14 jets it ordered in 2018, local officials suggested.

Nad, who chairs the opposition Demokrati (Democrats) party, told Defense News the new government in Bratislava, which is more aligned with Russian interests, still has gripes about the transfer of outdated fighters and air defense systems to Ukraine during the early days of the war. Fico officials now claim those donations had no basis in law, making Slovakia the only country of Eastern European allies to Kyiv where legal trouble is brewing over military aid to Ukraine, Nad said.

Industry officials have noted that the latest U.S. offer for the Vipers no longer includes Hellfire missiles, attributing the change in scope to growing discontent in Washington.
Key developments on Sept. 13:

49 Ukrainians released from Russian captivity

Finland announces $130 million aid package for Ukraine

Russia's 'rapid' offensive in Kursk Oblast hasn't yet achieved 'serious' success, Zelensky says

Russia buys Western aircraft parts via intermediaries despite sanctions

ATACMS 'pointless' without ability to strike inside Russia, Zelensky says at YES conference

Ukraine brought back 49 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians from Russian captivity on Sept. 13, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

These include personnel of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the National Police, and border guards.

A total of 23 women were brought back, including civilians detained and illegally imprisoned by Russia before the full-scale invasion, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported.

Leniye Umerova, a Crimean Tatar, is among the released. She was detained by Russia at the Georgian-Russian border in 2022 when she traveled to occupied Crimea to look after her cancer-stricken father.

Military medic and Hero of Ukraine Viktor Ivchuk was also among those released. Ivchuk, a colonel of the Armed Forces and head of a military hospital in Mariupol, has been held captive by Russia since April 2022.

"We have to bring home all of our soldiers and civilians," Zelensky said.

The released captives include 15 soldiers of the Azov Brigade who defended the city of Mariupol in 2022.

"The Azov (soldiers) were included in the exchange for the first time in a long time. This group consists mainly of women," said the sub-division of Azov responsible for captured, killed and injured soldiers.

Thirteen sailors, eight soldiers of the Armed Forces, two police officers, and four border guards were also freed from Russian captivity, according to the headquarters.

This is the 56th prisoner exchange since the outbreak of the full-scale war. A total of 3,569 Ukrainians have been brought back from Russian captivity, Ukraine's Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said.

Kyiv aims to conduct an all-for-all prisoner exchange, which was one of the issues at Ukraine's peace summit in Switzerland in mid-June.

Read also: Russian POWs on their capture in Kursk Oblast: Commanders just disappeared

Finland announces $130 million aid package for Ukraine

Helsinki will send its 25th package of military assistance to Ukraine valued at around 118 million euros ($130 million) on Sept. 13, the Finnish Defense Ministry announced.

The total amount of military aid Finland has sent to Kyiv now stands at 2.3 billion euros ($2.5 billion), the ministry said.

"The war situation in Ukraine remains serious. As promised, Finland continues to provide material assistance. Our message to our partners is that we must not give up," Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said.

The full list of arms the new package contains and the time of its delivery were not disclosed.

Finland and Ukraine signed a 10-year security agreement in April, which President Volodymyr Zelensky called a "strong document that proves Finland's readiness to continue supporting Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression."

Read also: Russian cities left defenseless as Ukraine ramps up drone attacks

Russia's 'rapid' offensive in Kursk Oblast hasn't yet achieved 'serious' success, Zelensky says

Russian troops have launched a "rapid" offensive in Kursk Oblast but have not yet achieved "serious" success in the area, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 13 at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference.

Russia recently launched a counterattack in the embattled region, which has been partially held by Ukrainian forces since the start of the cross-border incursion on Aug. 6.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Russian soldiers had regained control of 10 settlements as of Sept. 12. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

"In the Kursk direction, the Russians have started their rapid offensive, and they want to use about 60,000-70,000 people there. We know about 40,000 people who are there," Zelensky said.

"They wanted to make quick breakthroughs... They are doing it, but we have not seen any serious success yet."

According to Zelensky, Ukraine's operation in Kursk Oblast resulted in a decrease in the number of Russian assaults in Donetsk Oblast. The situation near Pokrovsk, one of the major goals of Russia's ongoing offensive in Donetsk Oblast, has been gradually stabilizing over the past week, he added.

While the Russian offensive on Pokrovsk has slowed down, heavy fighting continues in other sectors of the front in Donetsk Oblast, including near Vuhledar. Russian troops are advancing in several directions in the region.

According to Zelensky, before the Kursk operation, Russia fired 12 shells against one Ukrainian shell in Donetsk Oblast. Now, the ratio is 1 to 2.5, he claimed.

Speaking of Moscow's counterattack in Kursk Oblast a day prior, Zelensky said that "everything is going according to our plan."

As of Sept. 6, Ukraine controlled over 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) 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.

Ukrainian soldiers also had reportedly taken over 600 Russian captives and inflicted 6,000 casualties in Kursk Oblast as of early September.

Read also: Russia launches counteroffensive in Kursk  can it push Ukraine off its own turf?

Russia buys Western aircraft parts via intermediaries despite sanctions, Guardian reports

Russia managed to import aircraft tires worth $30 million from Western and other foreign manufacturers last year despite sanctions, The Guardian reported on Sept. 12, citing a report from a Ukrainian agency it had obtained.

Using third-country intermediaries, Russia has managed to obtain these critically needed components from the U.S. company Goodyear, the British Dunlop, Japan's Bridgestone, and France's Michelin, the report by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) read.

The Western countries and other partners have sought to undermine Russia's defense industry by sanctioning military-use materials and components.

The vast majority of the 2023 imports (70%) reportedly came from Michelin, including the type of tires used by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's plane.

The EU, U.K., U.S., and Japan have imposed sanctions on the sale of aviation tires to Russia in an effort to stifle Russia's aviation manufacturing amid the ongoing war against Ukraine.

The report indicated no wrongdoing by the said companies, The Guardian wrote, as Moscow mostly used entities in China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and central Asian countries as intermediaries.

The report also said that there is evidence of some of these parts flowing to Russia directly from the West. Michelin and Goodyear told The Guardian they had suspended sales to Russia.

Also on Sept. 12, the Ukrainian investigative project InformNapalm released an investigation saying that Russia maintains its Su-30SM fighter aircraft using French equipment.

Read also: Opinion: Something is rotten in the state of Russian arms industry

ATACMS 'pointless' without ability to strike inside Russia, Zelensky says at YES conference

U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles are "pointless" in Ukraine due to their limited quantity and restrictions on strikes deep inside Russia imposed by Western partners, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 13 at the Yalta European Strategy conference.

The U.S. began providing Ukraine with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which have a range of up to 300 kilometers (190 miles), in the spring.

While these missiles have been used in Russian-occupied Crimea, Washington's restrictions prevent their use on Russian soil. Kyiv has lobbied the U.S. to lift these restrictions, allowing strikes on airbases and other military targets beyond the border.

"ATACMS in the form that we have today (in Ukraine) is pointless if you cannot use it on their (Russian) military bases, airfields with helicopters and airplanes. It's pointless," Zelensky said.

"If ATACMS has a big restriction on the use of missiles because there are few of them... Unfortunately, it doesn't work."

Zelensky added that although much has changed during the war, Ukraine is still grappling with an arms shortage, relying heavily on imports and assistance from its partners. He emphasized the need for more 155 mm and 122 mm artillery shells.

"Yes, we have started to produce them (155 mm artillery shells), but this is not enough for the full-scale war. You can see that even the production volumes of the whole of Europe are not enough to close this gap for such a large-scale land war," the president said.

He also pointed to a lack of air defense systems, particularly the U.S.-made Patriot systems, and the ongoing shortage of missiles needed for air defense.

"We can't pressure the U.S.; we are grateful to them. Nevertheless, if we are talking about HIMARS, ATACMS, and other means that can accurately shoot down (aerial targets) and destroy the enemy, we need to increase production rather than limit the number," the president said.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Sept. 12, citing an undisclosed senior U.S. official, that U.S. President Joe Biden's administration aims to improve Ukraine's "strategic position" on the front line as much as possible before his presidential term expires this January.

The White House is discussing how best to help Kyiv over the next four months, regardless of who wins the election, the WSJ wrote.

Decisions include potentially lifting some restrictions on the use of long-range Western-supplied weapons against targets inside Russia, a move the details of which Biden is reportedly finalizing.

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.
Ukraine's air defence downs 24 Shahed drones, one still in airspace

A total of 24 drones were downed. Infographic: Ukraines Air Force

Russia has launched nearly 30 kamikaze drones at Ukraine in the night of 12-13 September, with air defence forces destroying 24 of them.

Source: Ukraines Air Force

Details: The Russians attacked with 26 Shahed strike drones (launch areas: Russias Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Cape Chauda in temporarily occupied Crimea).

Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces, mobile fire groups and electronic warfare units of Ukraine's defence forces downed 24 Russian strike drones over Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson, Khmelnytsky and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts.

The Air Force reported that as of 09:00, combat efforts were still ongoing as one Russian UAV remained in the airspace.

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Besides carrying out assaults on the Pokrovsk front in Donetsk Oblast, the Russians are actively deploying sabotage and reconnaissance groups, several of which were defeated by the National Guard of Ukraine over the past few days.

Source: Ruslan Muzychuk, spokesperson for the National Guard of Ukraine, in a comment for Ukrainska Pravda

Quote: "Over the past few days, the units of the National Guard of Ukraine have killed the members of the enemy groups who were trying to infiltrate Ukrainian settlements and conduct sabotage and reconnaissance actions. Having detected them in advance, the soldiers from the National Guard ambushed and killed them. There were some engagements at fairly close range and only small arms were used."

Details: Muzychuk states that the largest number of combat clashes occurred on the Kurakhove and Pokrovsk fronts in Donetsk Oblast. Despite heavy losses, the Russians keep trying to conduct assault actions, deploying infantry groups. A large quantity of personnel is deployed to facilitate a high density in the areas of the offensive.

More details: On 12 September, the members of Ukraines National Guard destroyed two tanks, four vehicles, three infantry fighting vehicles, one Grad multiple-launch rocket system and one Strila-1 anti-aircraft system.

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A member of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine. Archive photo: Special Operations Forces of Ukraine

The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (SOF) have released a video showing combat work in the territory of Kursk Oblast in Russia.

Source: press service of the Special Operations Forces

Quote: "This video, filmed in Kursk Oblast, is one of the few opportunities to see from the inside how our combat groups work in the territory of the enemy."

Details: During combat work in Kursk Oblast, the soldiers of one of the units of the SOF organised an ambush on Russian soldiers, which resulted in one Russian soldier being killed and two being injured.

The Ukrainian SOF combat group retreated without losses after completing the mission.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a press conference of the participants of the Fourth Crimea Platform Summit. -/Ukrinform/dpa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday said Russia's counterattack in its south-western region of Kursk has made little progress.

"They wanted to break through there quickly. [...] We have not seen any serious successes so far," said Zelensky in Kiev.

Zelensky said Moscow intends to deploy up to 70,000 soldiers in the region, which was attacked by Ukraine last month in a surprise offensive. Around 40,000 Russian troops are already in the area.

"Our military is holding up heroically," said Zelensky.

Zelensky said he was satisfied with the results of the operation so far.

"The enemy has been stopped in the Kharkiv region and their advance in the Donetsk region has been slowed down," he said, arguing that Russia had been forced to divert troops from its offensives in northern and eastern Ukraine to defend its territory in Kursk.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Youngstown church founded by Ukrainian Immigrants will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a big event on Saturday.

Big signs outside Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church show that the parish was founded in 1924. The church on North Belle Vista Avenue was built in 1939.

The inside is ornate with virtually everything original, including the chandelier in the middle.

The newest icon of Saints Peter and Paul holding the church will be dedicated during the celebration that starts Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

All they brought was maybe a bag or two, but what they brought with them was their faith in God and we can see, and its quite amazing that this faith, the orthodox Christianity, has carried them through all these years and even 100 years later we can see the beautiful fruits of this faith, said Father Mykola.

Also being dedicated on Saturday will be a new bell and belfry  built specifically to celebrate the 100th anniversary. The bell itself was forged in Ukraine.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
A group of Ukrainian pilots have recently arrived in Romania and begun training on F-16 fighter jets, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Sept. 12.

Ukraine received its first F-16s at the end of July, a year after its allies formed the fighter jet coalition at the NATO summit in Vilnius to support Kyiv with training and aircraft.

Ukrainian pilots arrived in Romania to start training on Dutch aircraft at the Borcea airbase "a few days ago," Digi24 news outlet reported on Sept. 12. They are now reportedly learning details about the F-16s on the ground and should start conducting training flights in October.

"There will also be more F-16s in the Ukrainian skies: a group of our pilots is already undergoing training in Romania," Umerov said.

The Netherlands has pledged to deliver 24 of its fourth-generation U.S.-made jets to Ukraine as Kyiv seeks to bolster its Air Force. Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have also pledged to supply Ukraine with dozens of F-16 jets.

Several countries have also made some of their F-16 jets available for training Ukrainian pilots. Training new pilots has been considered one of the main bottlenecks for expanding Ukraine's F-16 capabilities.

Other Ukrainian pilots have undergone training in the U.S. or Denmark, though Copenhagen said it would not provide instructions to Ukrainian aviators on its territory past 2024.

The crash of an F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine in late August has raised the question of the pace of training of Ukrainian pilots to use the aircraft on the battlefield, the Wall Street Journal reported in September, citing unnamed U.S. and Western officials.

The training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s has been happening at an accelerated pace. Ukraine's pilot training program is ongoing, but "the crash shows what happens when you try to rush things," an unnamed senior defense official told the WSJ.

Read also: F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine unlikely shot down by friendly fire, NYT suggests

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Ukrainian President's Office expects mechanism of compensation for losses caused by Russian aggression to start working in 2025

Iryna Mudra at the second preparatory meeting for the establishment of a commission to review applications for Ukraine, held in The Hague. Photo: Mudra on Facebook

Iryna Mudra, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, predicts that an international compensation mechanism for damage caused by Russia's aggression, established in The Hague, will be operational by 2025.

Source: Mudra on Facebook following the second preparatory meeting of the mechanism's participants, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Mudra noted that over 100 representatives from 55 countries across all continents, the EU, and the Council of Europe attended the meeting. They discussed the "key principles of the future commission" and held the first reading of the draft for the new international instrument.

"We should conclude these negotiations next year and sign an agreement on the establishment of a commission to review applications for the launch of this international tool," she added, stressing that "this is an unprecedented speed for international processes".

Background:

The agreement on the Register of Damage from Russian Aggression was adopted in May 2023 at the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland.

In June, Markiian Kliuchkovskyi was appointed Executive Director of the Hague-based Register of Damage.

The Register of Damage has begun accepting applications from those affected by Russia's aggression. However, no mechanism currently exists to determine the amount of compensation for each case or how it will be paid.

This mechanism is expected to be the compensation commission, which will operate under an international agreement ratified by the Register participants. In March, Iryna Mudra, then Deputy Minister of Justice, estimated it would take at least a year to establish the commission.

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A Nebraska man allegedly falsified dozens of signatures earlier this year as he worked as a paid circulator for a group seeking to legalize medical marijuana in the state through a pair of ballot initiatives, according to court documents.

Michael Egbert, a Grand Island man who began collecting signatures for the petition drive in the Hall County city in February, turned in petition pages that included the supposed signatures of eight deceased people, Deputy Hall County Sheriff Donovan Fowler wrote Thursday in a warrant for Egbert's arrest.

Egbert, who told police he turned in "well over 100 pages of petitions" as part of the campaign's apparently successful effort to crack Nebraska's general election ballot, is also accused of turning in purported signatures that included six misspellings and 68 inaccurate birthdays, Fowler wrote in the warrant.

Reached by phone Friday morning, Egberts attorney, Robert Alexander, declined to comment, citing the pending charges against his client.

The charges against Egbert were announced by Attorney General Mike Hilgers at a news conference Friday, the day that state law requires Nebraska's general election ballot to be certified.

Secretary of State Bob Evnen ultimately certified the petitions Friday after tossing the signatures that election workers couldn't verify, he said in a statement. But the state's top election official left the door open for the effort's eventual removal from the ballot should investigators uncover widespread fraud.

"I am certifying the petitions because, at this point, they appear to have met the threshold signature requirements," Evnen said. "That could change in light of the Attorney Generals investigation. Both cannabis petitions will appear on the ballot, but a court could order later that the initiatives be thrown out.

Each of the two petitions exceeded a number of signatures equal to 7% of registered voters statewide while also getting the names of 5% of voters in 38 of Nebraska's 93 counties.

The petitions qualified in 52 counties, according to Evnen's office, comfortably meeting the requirements to qualify for the ballot regardless of the alleged fraud at play in Hall County.

At Friday's news conference, Hilgers said he kept Evnen apprised of the progress of the investigation  which began in early August, according to court documents  and warned that several thousand signatures may have been impacted by Egbert's alleged forgery.

"The integrity of our elections is of critical statewide importance to Nebraskans," Hilgers said. "These criminal charges are the result of a very collaborative, tightly coordinated work between a number of different agencies."

Hall County Attorney Martin Klein said the irregularities in the petitions submitted by Egbert were discovered by Tracy Overstreet, the county's election commissioner, and her staff during a "diligent, meticulous, thorough" review of the signatures.

"It was during that process that Ms. Overstreet found a number of irregularities that gave her concern," Klein said in the Zoom press conference.

Irregularities were found on 21 pages submitted by Egbert for the first of the two petitions run by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, which would legalize cannabis for medical use, Klein said.

A total of 124 names were found to be fraudulently added to the first measure, the county attorney said.

On the second petition, which creates a regulatory scheme for medical marijuana in Nebraska, there were 17 pages with irregularities totaling 98 fraudulent names.

Egbert allegedly used a phone book to find the names and addresses of individuals in the Grand Island area, forging their signatures on the petitions and making up birthdates to keep up with a per-hour quota he was expected to meet as a paid circulator, according to court documents.

Evnen said Friday afternoon at a press conference in the Rotunda that the signatures found to be falsified were "no doubt" not counted toward the total to qualify the petitions.

He added that should the signatures collected by Egbert be removed from the total collected for Hall County or the state, it would not be enough to disqualify the petitions.

If convicted of the class IV felony, Egbert could face a possible penalty of two years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.

Hilgers said the investigation into the irregularities on the medical marijuana petitions will continue, adding he was unaware of any other potential fraud on other petitions circulated this year.

"I think Nebraskans should feel confident that we are on the lookout for voter fraud or anyone who might interfere with our elections," he said. "We will investigate those actions, we'll do it promptly, and we will take action."

In a statement Friday, Crista Eggers, campaign manager for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, said in a statement the organization provides "extensive training to all" of its petition circulators.

"Circulators are held to an extremely high standard and are required to strictly follow all legal requirements for collecting signatures," the statement said. "Any circulators caught violating the law should be held accountable for their actions."

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana thanked Hilgers and Klein "for looking into any petition irregularities and working to protect campaigns and the integrity of the initiative process."

The charges against Egbert came one day after a former state lawmaker filed a lawsuit to stop the certification of the two petitions that would put the matter before voters this November.

An expedited hearing in that lawsuit was briefly scheduled for Friday afternoon but was canceled before it happened.

Evnen certified the ballot just before 2 p.m. Friday, ensuring the proposals to legalize and regulate medical cannabis in Nebraska will go before voters in November  even as the Hall County investigation and Lancaster County civil suit hang over the effort, which has long faced obstacles in the state.

The secretary of state said his office is working closely with Hilgers to identify any other irregularities in the medical marijuana petitions, but did not say what those might be.

"You would have to ask the attorney general," Evnen said.

This year marks the third straight election cycle Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana sought to get medical cannabis on the ballot.

In 2020, the group submitted more than 196,000 signatures to put the question to voters, but a legal challenge filed by Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner ended up getting it removed from the ballot before the election.

Top Journal Star photos for September 2024
President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at the White House Friday to discuss how far Western allies might be willing to go to help Ukraine defend itself, including the possibility of allowing Ukraine to use European-made long-range missiles to strike certain targets deep inside Russia.

The talks come amid increased tension with Russia as President Vladimir Putin warned that the use of Western weapons to strike Russian targets would be seen as a serious escalation in the war and a direct challenge by NATO nations.

"Ukraine has a right to self defense, and we stood united, not just with allies here in the U.S., but across with our NATO allies. That's very, very important," Starmer told reporters after the meeting.

At issue is whether the United States and the United Kingdom might agree to repeated requests by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to loosen restrictions on the use of Western weapons, specifically Britain's Storm Shadow missiles and the Army Tactical Missile System that can be used to target Russian airfields and other sensitive sites deep inside Russia.

Both U.K. and U.S. officials on Friday sought to tamp down speculation that a decision by Biden or a major policy announcement was imminent.

"There is no change to our view on the provision of long-range strike capabilities for Ukraine to use inside Russia, and I wouldn't expect any sort of major announcement in that regard coming out of the discussions -- certainly not from our side," said John Kirby, White House national security spokesman.

PHOTO: A storm Shadow conventionally armed long range deep strike weapon and a SPEAR, are displayed at the MBDA exhibition hall during the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 on July 22, 2024 in Farnborough, England. (John Keeble/Getty Images)

MORE: No decision made on long-range missiles during Blinken visit to Kyiv: Zelenskyy adviser

Biden has been deeply reluctant to allow Ukraine to use sophisticated Western weapon systems to attack Russian targets far from its border with Ukraine. The U.K., meanwhile, has adopted a more lenient point of view that Russian airfields and other sites used to mobilize troops and other assets to attack Ukraine should be fair game for attack.

Biden's top aides remain skeptical though that deep strikes would do more than provoke Putin. U.S. aides say Russia is believed to have relocated more than 90% of its aircraft out of range of the system, and there is a limited supply of both the Army Tactical Missile System, also known as "ATACMS," and the U.K.'s Storm Shadow missiles.

A British official speaking on condition of anonymity said the focus of the meeting was much broader than any one piece of equipment, with the goal to have an "open" conversation on how to put Ukraine in a good position to defend itself.

Last month, Zelenskyy dispatched top aides to Washington with a list of potential targets inside Russia that the Ukrainians argued could make a significant difference in the war. This week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy traveled to Kyiv where the issue was raised again.

Biden this week stoked speculation of a major policy shift when asked about the discussions, at one point telling reporters, "We are working that out right now."

PHOTO: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to media at the Stormont Parliament Buildings, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, July 8, 2024. (Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters)

Putin said such a change in policy would alter "the very essence" of the conflict.

"This will mean that NATO countries -- the United States and European countries -- are at war with Russia," Putin said.

Zelenskyy said he has a "victory plan" he intends to deliver to Biden this month that he says could pave the way to an end to the war. Speaking at Kyiv's annual Crimean Platform event, Zelenskyy said it was important that Ukraine presented the plan to its allies before a second international summit on peace that he wants to hold later this year.

"If partners support it, it will make it easier for Ukraine to force Russia to end the war," he said.

The Biden administration has already eased some restrictions on the use of U.S. arms, allowing Ukraine to launch limited defensive strikes against Russian forces across its border.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a US official said the U.S. remains deeply skeptical that a change in policy by the U.S. and U.K. allies could shift the tide in Ukraine.

Were really not talking about something thatll have an impact on the battlefield, the official said of long-range strike missiles.

ABC's Michelle Stoddart and Justin Gomez contributed to this report.

UK's Starmer, Biden discuss Ukraine's use of deep-strike missiles inside Russia originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
UN official says Sudan IDP women in desperate need of protection

More than 16 months of war between rival Sudanese generals has killed tens of thousands of people and triggered a massive displacement crisis (-) (-/AFP/AFP)

A United Nations official returning from Sudan described on Friday how women and girls fleeing the civil war there had been "stripped bare of their basic necessities," struggling for food, water and safety.

"We all know that war is ugly, but this is one of the ugliest situations that I have ever witnessed in my entire life," said Laila Baker, a regional director at the UN Population Fund.

"Picture thousands of women crowded into a shelter where (there is) no clean water, no hygiene, not enough food for their next meal, no medical care," she said.

More than 16 months of war between rival Sudanese generals has killed tens of thousands of people and triggered what the United Nations calls the world's worst internal displacement crisis, with more than 10 million affected.

"The conflict is driving a stake into the heart of Sudan," said Baker, denouncing the underfunding of humanitarian aid efforts.

Speaking via video link from Jordan, Baker spoke of an encounter with a 20-year-old woman as she sat on the floor of an overcrowded shelter in Port Sudan.

"She was shy, and I asked her to come and sit next to me," the UN official said. "She very gently whispered in my ear: 'I was raped.'"

Baker's voice trembled as she recalled the conversation with the woman, Sana, who told her she had been raped "fleeing from Khartoum, where she had lost everything."

"She was the sole provider for her family. This is a 20-year-old woman who should be at the prime of her vibrancy and life," said Baker.

Sana "suffered" for 15 months "of silence and pain" before she arrived at the shelter, where she was given psychological support.

Baker also called for more support for aid efforts, saying she had witnessed "babies crowded into incubators and warmers, two or three at a time," and operation theaters with no means of infection control and limited medications.

"I heard the tragic stories of women and girls like Sana, countless others that I can't tell about today, what they want much more than anything else, more than water, more than food, is protection, immediate protection from the raging war," said Baker.

abd/aha/md
FILE - Unauthorized migrants crowd a wooden boat as they sail to the port in La Restinga on the Canary island of El Hierro, Spain, on Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Maria Ximena, File)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  Unauthorized migration to European Union countries dropped significantly overall in the first eight months of this year, even as political rhetoric and violence against migrants increased and far-right parties espousing anti-immigration policies made gains at the polls.

There was, however, a spike in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago close to the African coast that is increasingly used as an alternate stepping stone to continental Europe.

Irregular migration dominated the European parliamentary elections in June and influenced recent state elections in eastern Germany, where a far-right party won for the first time since World War II. The German government this week announced it was expanding border controls around its territory following recent extremist attacks.

What do the numbers show?

Despite the heated debates, irregular crossings over the southern borders of the EU  the region that sees the most unauthorized migration  were down by 35% from January to August, according to the latest preliminary figures compiled by the United Nation's International Organization for Migration.

Nearly 115,000 migrants  less than 0.03% of the EUs population  have arrived without permission into the EU via Mediterranean and Atlantic routes so far this year, compared to 176,252 during the same period last year, the U.N. says. In contrast, more than a million people, most of them fleeing conflict in Syria, entered the EU in 2015.

Data shared by the EU's border and coast guard agency Frontex shows a similar trend: Unauthorized crossings over the region's southern borders fell 39% overall this year compared to last year.

The emergency is not numerical this year, nor was it last year," Flavio di Giacomo, a spokesperson with the IOM office for the Mediterranean, told The Associated Press.

Camille Le Coz, an associate director of the nonprofit Migration Policy Institute in Europe, said irregular migration is getting way too much attention compared to the scope of the issue and compared to other issues Europe should be tackling, such as climate change."

The most commonly used route for migrants is from North Africa, across the dangerous Central Mediterranean to Italy. Yet roughly 64% fewer migrants disembarked in Italy this year than during the same period in 2023, according to IOM and Frontex numbers.

Experts say thats a result of the EU-supported crackdown in Tunisia and Libya, which comes at a price for migrants, many of whom are systematically rounded up and dumped in the desert.

How long the downward trend will hold remains to be seen, however. Smugglers are always quick to adapt and find new routes around border controls. In the Eastern Mediterranean, the second-most-used route, smuggling networks are now using speedboats in increasingly aggressive ways to avoid controls and targeting islands farther away from the Turkish coast in the central Aegean, according to Greek authorities.

The number of migrants arriving in Greece by sea and overland during the first eight months of the year rose by 57%, U.N. data shows.

An alarming spike in the Atlantic

Meanwhile, irregular migration from West Africa to the Canary Islands via the Atlantic, the third-most-used route, has more than doubled: More than 25,500 migrants  mostly from Mali, Senegal and other West African countries  had arrived in the islands as of Aug. 31, the U.N. says.

Countless other migrants have gone missing along the route, where rough winds and strong Atlantic currents work against them. Several migrant boats, carrying only the remains of Malian, Mauritanian and Senegalese citizens, have been found this year drifting as far away as the Caribbean and off Brazil. Precise numbers are hard to verify, but the Spanish migrant rights group Walking Borders has reported more than 4,000 dead or missing.

The trend has Spanish authorities on alert for the fall, when conditions in the Atlantic are most favorable for the journey. The treacherousness of the route seems to have done little to dissuade would-be migrants, whose ranks have swelled to include people from Syria and Pakistan, according to rescuers.

There are situations that need to be addressed, like the situation in the Canary Islands, Le Coz acknowledged.

A humanitarian crisis

The adult migrants who successfully make it to the Canaries usually keep moving, headed for the promise of jobs and safety in mainland Spain or other European countries farther north. But that is not the case for thousands of unaccompanied minors. Under Spanish law, these young migrants must be taken under the wing of the local government, leading to overcrowded shelters and a political crisis. Earlier this year, island leaders fought unsuccessfully to have other regions of Spain share the responsibility.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently traveled to three West African countries in an attempt to curb migration. In Senegal, he and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed agreements to promote temporary work opportunities in Spain for Senegalese nationals and vocational training in Senegal. They also agreed to step up police cooperation.

No magic solutions

Current anti-immigrant sentiments notwithstanding, Europes aging population, declining birth rates and labor shortages have only increased the need for immigrant workers to sustain pensions and boost economic growth.

And as long as migrants lack opportunities in their own countries, their exodus will continue. Add to this the growing instability and conflict in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia that have displaced millions.

There is no magic deterrence, Le Coz said. Migrants end up taking the toll of all of this: They are risking their lives, doing jobs in Europe where they face uncertain legal status for years and are vulnerable to all sorts of exploitation."

While long-term solutions to tackle unauthorized migration are being implemented, such as temporary work programs for migrants, they are still falling short.

Thats one step in the right direction, but this needs to happen at a much larger scale, and they need the private sector to be more involved, Le Coz added.

___

Follow AP's coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
For uninsured Wisconsinites, finding a free COVID-19 vaccine will be harder, now that a key federal program has ended

For Wisconsin residents without health insurance, it will be harder to find free COVID-19 vaccines this fall, now that a federal program that previously footed the bill has ended.

Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens no longer provide free COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured adults, now that the federal Bridge Access Program has run out of funding. Launched last year, the program was meant to be a temporary measure to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines for uninsured adults, while distribution of the vaccines was transitioning from the federal government to the commercial market. Nationwide, more than 1.5 million people were vaccinated against COVID-19 through the program, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CVS charges the uninsured $202 for an updated COVID-19 vaccine, said Amy Thibault, lead director of external communications at CVS Pharmacy. Walgreens charges at least $147 for an updated COVID-19 vaccine for an adult, according to searches of its online coupon-finding tool.

Most insurance plans cover the updated COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to covered patients, as long as the provider of the shot is in their network. But for those without health insurance or whose plan doesn't cover the full cost of the vaccine, the options for finding a free COVID-19 vaccine are now much more limited.

Some local health departments will provide COVID-19 vaccines for free to the uninsured, but many health departments are still waiting to receive the updated vaccines and expect their supply will be limited.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the latest, updated versions of the COVID vaccine last month, and drug manufacturers began shipping the updated vaccines to pharmacies and other health care providers. Similar to the annual flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccines are updated every year to provide better protection against the strains of the virus spreading now.

The Milwaukee Health Department plans to use roughly $500,000 in federal pandemic aid to buy about 4,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to make available to the public, said spokesperson Caroline Reinwald. The health department hopes to have the new vaccines available by early October, in time for an immunization kickoff event whose details are still being finalized, she said.

In addition, the health department expects to receive doses specifically for uninsured and underinsured adults through Wisconsin's Vaccines for Adults program, Reinwald said. The program, which is funded by federal dollars, provides vaccines to local health departments and some free clinics to give to adults without insurance or ones whose insurance doesn't fully cover a COVID-19 vaccine.

Stephanie Schauer, Wisconsin's immunization program manager, expects about 7,000 vaccine doses will be available to uninsured and underinsured adults statewide through the program.

An estimated 312,000 residents in Wisconsin, including nearly 60,000 children, did not have health insurance in 2020, according to a 2022 report by the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance analyzing the state's uninsured population.

"We recognize that the number of doses available to Wisconsin does not meet the need for all un- and underinsured adults," Schauer said.

On Thursday, Schauer did not have an estimated timeline for when local health departments could expect to receive some of those 7,000 doses.

"We are currently working to get that ordering and that implementation in place for the providers, so in the very near future, providers will have that opportunity to go ahead and order, and vaccine will start to be shipped," she said.

The Wauwatosa Health Department hopes to have a "limited supply" of COVID-19 vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults. A public health nurse with the department said Tuesday they were waiting on more information from the state about how to order that vaccine through the Vaccines for Adults program.

The Southwest Suburban Health Department, which serves West Allis, Greenfield and West Milwaukee, also does not have COVID-19 vaccines in stock and hopes to be able to offer the shots within the next month to anyone 6 months old and up, regardless of their insurance status, said Melissa Thomas, public health nurse coordinator. Thomas acknowledged that the number of vaccines for adults without insurance is "limited," and she didn't know how many the department would receive.

The Cudahy and Oak Creek health departments also hope to have a "limited" number of COVID-19 vaccines available for uninsured adults, though they did not have a firm idea of when they would be available.

Children who are uninsured, underinsured or enrolled in BadgerCare Plus are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine for free through a longstanding federal program called Vaccines for Children. Providers who participate in the program can be found online at dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/vfc-parent.htm.

President Joe Biden's administration has proposed a similar program to the longstanding Vaccines for Children program that would fund routine immunizations, including for COVID-19, for uninsured adults, at no cost to them, according to the CDC. But so far, Congress has declined to fund it.

A Walgreens spokesperson encouraged uninsured adults to check with their local health department for vaccine availability and to review whether they might be eligible for Medicaid, Medicare or subsidized health insurance through the Marketplace.

The spokesperson also encouraged them to look up coupons for discounted COVID-19 vaccines using the Walgreens Rx Savings Finder.

A search found coupons listing a discounted price of around $150 for a COVID-19 vaccine. To find coupons for the COVID-19 vaccines using the Walgreens tool, search the names of the vaccines: Comirnaty (made by Pfizer), Spikevax (made by Moderna) and Novavax (made by Novavax).

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: For uninsured Wisconsinites, finding a free COVID vaccine will be hard
FILE - Pro-Palestinian demonstrators continue their encampment at Library Mall on the campus of the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis., May 1, 2024. (Samantha Madar/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File)

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  University of Wisconsin leaders must limit their public statements to matters that affect school operations and maintain neutral viewpoints under a new policy that system administrators released Friday.

UW system spokesperson Mark Pitsch said in an email to The Associated Press that the policy will take effect immediately and doesn't need the approval of the board of regents. Asked what drove the policy's creation, Pitsch pointed to language in the policy that states the restrictions are necessary in order to uphold academic freedom and an environment where ideas can compete freely.

The move comes after UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone struck a deal in May ending pro-Palestinian campus protests. The university agreed to call for a cease-fire in Gaza and discuss cutting ties with Israeli companies.

The deal drew intense criticism from Jewish groups. UW system President Jay Rothman also took Mone to task over the deal, posting on X that campuses need to remain viewpoint-neutral and make sure actions on campus have consequences. Rothman is trying to stay on good terms with Republicans who control the Legislature in the hopes of securing an $855 million boost for the system in the next state budget.

Republican lawmakers have complained for years that universities have become bastions of liberal thought and have been stifling conservative voices. Some in the GOP have called for federal legislation that would require colleges to protect free speech and punish those who infringe on others rights.

Mone announced this summer that he plans to resign next July 1. He has not said specifically why he chose to step down. Like all UW chancellors, he has struggled with financial issues brought on largely by declining enrollment and relatively flat state aid. UW-Milwaukee spokesperson Angelica Duria referred questions to Pitsch.

Under the new policy, university leaders can issue public statements only on matters that directly affect university operations and their core mission. They must maintain viewpoint neutrality whenever referencing any political or social controversy.

Any expression of support or opposition must be approved by Rothman or the school's chancellor. Statements expressing solidarity or empathy should be avoided when they imply support for one group's viewpoint over another.

The policy applies to Rothman, system vice presidents, university chancellors, provosts, vice chancellors, deans, directors, department chairs and anyone else perceived as speaking on behalf of a system institution.

The policy does not apply to faculty or staff when teaching or expressing their expertise of a situation related to their field, although they should be careful when posting such statements on university-owned channels so that they won't be construed as representing the institution's position. The policy also doesn't apply to faculty and staff's personal statements on non-university-owned channels.

David Gwidt, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, declined to comment, saying the organization wasnt ready to talk about the policy yet.
The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco holds Guinness World Record for oldest higher learning institution

The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco holds Guinness World Record for oldest higher learning institution

Universities around the world have extensive histories. Fez, Morocco, is where you can find the school recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest higher learning institution in the world.

The University of al-Qarawiyyin is widely recognized as the oldest university in the world.

Founded as a mosque in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, it was later added to Morocco's university system in 1963.

The University of al-Qarawiyyin is widely considered the oldest in the world, including by Guinness World Records, which acknowledges the school as the oldest higher learning institution in the world.

THE OLDEST CHURCH IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES LIES IN SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

The female founder and her sister Mariam used the fortune passed down to them after their father died to create Al-Karaouine Mosque and University complex, according to the BBC.

The complex where the school is located is made up of a mosque, university and library, according to the source.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The school centers around education in Arabic language and Islamic literature. The school's curriculum also includes teachings in science, mathematics and foreign language.

Another school often recognized for its lengthy existence is the University of Bologna in Italy, which has been cited as the oldest continually operating university by several sources.

The University of Bologna is the oldest continually operating college in Europe.

THE GREAT BASIN BRISTLECONE PINE, DATING BACK ALMOST 5,000 YEARS, IS WORLD'S OLDEST TREE

This university was established in 1088 and has remained operational.

The public university is the oldest in Europe, according to Guinness World Records.

The university has been a place of learning for many famous alumni, including the astronomer and mathematician Nicolaus Copernicus, who enrolled at the university in 1497.

In the 2022-23 school year, there were 96,984 students enrolled at the University of Bologna, which included 8,526 international students.

The oldest English-speaking university is Oxford in England.

THIS CONNECTICUT AMUSEMENT PARK IS THE OLDEST IN THE UNITED STATES

The school is made up of 31 departments, including architecture, engineering, economics, legal studies, mathematics, pharmacy and veterinary medical sciences.

The University of Oxford is also a school known for its long history. The founding of this university came a few years after the establishment of the University of Bologna.

It's believed that teaching at Oxford, in some form, dates back to 1096, though the university's website acknowledges that there is no clear date of origin.

The University of Oxford in England is considered to be the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Harvard University was founded in 1636, making it the oldest in the United States.

Even though the university's earliest days can be dated back to around 1096, the educational institution's popularity began to increase in 1167, when Henry II banned English students from studying at the University of Paris, according to Oxford's website.

As for the oldest university in the United States, that title goes to Harvard University, which was founded Oct. 28, 1636. The Ivy League school is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The acceptance rate at the university is 3%.





Original article source: The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco holds Guinness World Record for oldest higher learning institution
The University of Kentucky is reporting record enrollment and graduation and retention rates for the fall 2024 semester, President Eli Capilouto said Friday.

Overall enrollment is over 36,000 for the first time at the university, up nearly 7% from last school year, according to preliminary data presented at Fridays board of trustees meeting.

UK is the largest university in the commonwealth. Last year, there were 33,885 students enrolled. The University of Louisville, the second-largest university in Kentucky, had 23,225 students enrolled, according to data from the school.

First-year student enrollment at UK also has increased, with more than 6,500 first-year students enrolled. Additionally, UK is reporting graduation and retention rates at an all-time high for the university.

We know that what our students do here  and how successful they are at UK  will determine, in large measure, whether we are successful in advancing Kentucky, Capilouto said.

The graduation rate is more than 71%, which tracks the number of students who enroll at UK and graduate within six years. Nationally, the six-year graduation rate is 62.2%, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Capilouto said that by achieving a graduation rate above 71%, UKs ranks in the top 100 public universities.

Retention, which tracks the number of students who return to UK for their second year, is also at a record high of 87.3%.

We have increased student success rates even as we have grown enrollment, even as we have maintained our commitment to opening doors of access to students from all walks of life  income, geography, race and other backgrounds, Capilouto said. Thats not the norm. But its who we are.

Making significant gains in graduation and retention rates is not an easy task, and can take years to see notable changes at universities. Since 2016, UK has held a meeting each Friday to look at retention data on campus.

Todd Brann, executive director of institutional research, analytics and decision support, said those meetings are one thing that have contributed to record retention and give the university tangible ways to address retention and focus on the success of students.

For example, the UK LEADS program  which uses a data model to match students with scholarships and reduce the cost of attending  was created out of these meetings, Brann said.

When we first started meeting in 2016, we had about a dozen people in it, Brann said. Today, there will be 60 to 80 people attending from all across campus. I think thats one way that weve been trying to work collaboratively and in a data-informed way, always with a specific student success goal in mind.

UK also looked at enrollment of first-year students from Appalachia, as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission. That number increased from last fall, with 560 students from Appalachia enrolled this year.

Data presented on Friday is considered preliminary, with enrollment numbers finalized on Oct. 15.

Other data points presented on Friday include:

Overall enrollment is expected to be 36,161, and first-year enrollment is 6,571.

The largest number of transfer students  1,162  have enrolled at UK in more than a decade. That number is a 16% increase from last year.

A record number of first-year students enrolled come from underrepresented backgrounds, and more than 26% of UKs first-year students are first-generation students.

The number of first-year students who are Black has declined by about 60 students. However, the overall number of Black, Hispanic and students who identify as two or more races has increased.

UK awarded 9,545 degrees and certificates last school year, another record for the university.
UPDATED: (11:30 p.m.)  A Canton man allegedly tried to entice a 15-year-old girl in Alton into get into his vehicle, police there say.

According to an email from the Alton Police Department, Michael J. Roberts, 44, tried to lure the girl in his vehicle but she refused. The incident occurred while the teen was at a bus stop in Alton, which is a city in the Metro East region near St. Louis.

The girls parent had called police saying a man, allegedly Roberts, has approached his daughter at the bus stop. When the teen pulled out a cell phone and threatened to call police, he drove off in a Dodge Charger, police in Alton said.

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 Altons 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, he added.

Anyone with information on Roberts location should call the Alton Police Department or 911.

__________________________________________________________________________________

CANTON, Ill. (WMBD)  The Canton Police Department is asking for the publics help to find a man who is wanted for an child abduction in Alton.

In a Facebook post, the department said that Canton, along with other police agencies, are attempting to locate Michael J. Roberts, 44, of Canton. He is currently wanted for a charge of child abduction that occurred in Alton on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Canton police looking for missing teen

Roberts, the post said, was last known to drive a black Dodge Charger with Illinois license plate # EU74699.

According to Madison County Circuit Court records, the arrest warrant was issued on Sept. 10 and involved a child who is 15 years old.

He faces up to three years in prison if convicted. The online court records indicate he has not yet appeared in court on the charge. Prosecutors there have already filed a petition to detain him pending trial.

Anyone with information on this is asked to contact Canton Police at (309) 647-5131.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Schools in Spartanburg School District One have new technology in place officials said will help boost safety. District leaders said its a more than $400,000 addition to the campuses, made possible through a grant from the South Carolina Department of Education.

Chief Safety Officer for Spartanburg School District One Jeff Harmon told 7NEWS there are 21 CEIA weapon-detecting devices on hand for the district.

Harmon said they introduced the devices on August 12th, and theyre currently in use at Chapman and Landrum high schools. The devices screen all students and staff as they walk inside the buildings.

The devices can detect small-caliber handguns, explosives and other potential threats.

What weve heard from most of students is they feel that layer of safety. They appreciate it because they know the climate that they live in. They know the culture they live in, Harmon said.

School leaders told 7NEWS they havent had cases of students bringing weapons to schools, but theyre prepared for the unexpected.

We can move them all around the school. We can move them to the elementary school and the middle school if we need to, said Officer Kyle Rios, a school resource officer at Chapman High School. If none of us are contributing to the safety then were not doing our job.

School district leaders also said there are two to ten people who man the devices every day including teachers and police officers in the city of Inman. Harmon explained, the goal is not to counter incidents, but to prevent 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 WSPA 7NEWS.
One of the silliest things about the urbanism movement is its insistence that suburbanites abandon single-family homes, spacious yards, and placid neighborhoods for the excitement of big-city living. In those cities, we can supposedly experience more "community," reduce our carbon footprint, and take a bike to buy overpriced groceries at a bodega rather than drive our SUV to Costco.

By all means, developers should be free to build whatever the market demandsincluding characterless multi-family box housing. I dislike zoning and couldn't care less that my single-family suburban house is near duplexes and stores. But I often wonder why advocates for urban living rarely grapple with a main reason many people won't live in cities: the incompetence of urban governments.

In a recent column, the Los Angeles Times' Steve Lopez looked at a most basic area of municipal governance: sidewalk maintenance. Los Angeles, he reported, has created an online process for residents to request help to fix mangled sidewalks, but found it can take City Hall a decade to get to it "if you're lucky." He's conclusion is spot on: "Your first and best option is to pack up, sell the house, and move out of town."

That's years after, he noted, the city agreed to spend $1.4 billion on the problem after a lawsuit. City governments vary, but the bigger the city, the less likely its officials will respond to citizens' run-of-the-mill concerns about quality-of-life concerns such as dangerous intersections, impassable sidewalks, gang activity, etc. Suburban cities can be incompetent too, but the last time I emailed an official in mine I received a polite response within the hour.

By contrast, I own a rental property in a larger Northern California city and spent months simply trying to get anyone to even answer my simple question about pruning a city-owned tree. I finally gave up trying. Here in supposedly wretched suburbia, my neighbor called the police department to complain about speeders and a motorcycle cop set up a patrol the next day. Go figure, but people rather live in places where the government is at least responsive.

Local governance varies greatly, but bigger cities are dominated by public-sector unions that are more interested in spending money than providing quality services. They exert their power whenever a politician gets out of line and starts worrying about constituent concerns rather than just boosting the budget for those services and the pay for those who provide them.

Is it any wonder it took many months and more than $1 million for San Francisco to build one toilet (Google "toilet-gate") in a parkand that was after private companies donated the structure and the labor?

By the way, I added up the annual total compensation for Los Angeles' superintendent of buildings, five deputy superintendents, and six assistant deputy superintendents and it totaled more than $3.3 million. The city's top public works official earns more than $430,000 in total annual compensation. The head of the LA's Department of Disability earns more than $230,000 in total pay. I'm guessing perhaps the sidewalk issue isn't primarily about money.

In big cities, the resident is not the actual constituent. Instead, the unions or special interests are the voices elected officials are most concerned about placating. Even smaller, suburban, and conservative cities suffer from that problem, but it's more pronounced in bigger cities. Smaller cities are rarely dominated by a local Service Employees International Union (SEIU) branch, but few small-city council members can stand up to the police or fire unions and survive. Even smaller school districts in California are dominated by teachers' and staff unions.

So good luck promoting education reform under those circumstances. Poor-performing urban schools are yet another disincentive to embrace urban life. Not that all suburban schools are good (most are mediocre, actually), but who is going to trade a decent school in Orange County for one run by Los Angeles Unified? Not surprisingly, "world-class" cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have largely become childless thanks to poor schools, a high cost of living, and crime concerns.

In a 2016 paper for Chapman University, Rice University professor William Fulton noted that most cities "reflect the prevailing wisdom at the beginning of the last century, which held that municipal systems (sewers, parks, police) could be more efficiently delivered at a large scale" but that they are now "viewed as hidebound and bureaucraticresponsive, perhaps, to public employee unions but not to the residents or the businesses that inhabit those cities."

That's spot on. Some urban thinkers argue for "smaller" and "more nimble" cities, Fulton added, but I think it's time that our nation, which still views itself as an innovator, considers private solutions that give residents a choice. Competition is the only way to lower costs and improve service. Even urbanists should recognize that waiting 10 years for a sidewalk repair only makes their cause more daunting.

This column was first published in The Orange County Register.

The post Urban Living Would Be Better if Big City Governments Were Less Incompetent appeared first on Reason.com.
U.S. President Joe Biden's administration aims to improve Ukraine's "strategic position" on the front line as much as possible before his presidential term expires this January, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sept. 12, citing an undisclosed senior U.S. official.

The news came days after the Biden administration reportedly sent a classified report to Congress on its strategy for the war in Ukraine. No details of the plan are available at the moment.

The White House is discussing how best to help Kyiv over the next four months, regardless of who wins the election, the WSJ wrote.

Decisions include potentially lifting some restrictions on the use of long-range Western-supplied weapons against targets inside Russia, a move the details of which Biden is reportedly finalizing.

The U.S. president's top aides "have no illusions" that Ukraine will be able to win the war before the end of Biden's term, but they are not pushing Kyiv to hold peace talks with Russia or "trying to dictate" battlefield plans, U.S. officials told the newspaper.

"(The goal is to) improve Ukraine's strategic position to the greatest extent possible between now and the end of the term," a senior administration official said.

According to U.S. officials, the Biden administration wants Ukraine to focus on halting the Russian advance in the country's east along current battle lines. They are concerned that by sending troops to carry out an operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Kyiv has "spread its forces too thin and left itself vulnerable in the east," the WSJ reported.

Russia recently 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.

While Moscow claimed to have recaptured 10 settlements as of Sept. 12, the Pentagon said that the counteroffensive against Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast is "marginal" at this stage.

Speaking of Russia's counterattack, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that "everything is going according to our plan."

The president also said earlier that the seized territories during the Kursk operation are part of Kyiv's "victory plan," which he wants to present to the U.S. in September.

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.
An advertising campaign praising Vice President Kamala Harris's experience with Ukraine and criticising former President Donald Trump's approach to Russia is being launched in key US states that traditionally play a decisive role in presidential elections.

Source: Politico, the US political digital newspaper company; European Pravda reports

Details: The advertising campaign is launched by America's Future Majority Fund, an organisation that supports Democratic candidates. The campaign targets Americans of Eastern European descent. It is expected to include television and digital advertising in Pennsylvania, followed by two more important states, Michigan and Wisconsin.

During Tuesday's presidential debate, Harris spoke directly to the "800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania", claiming that Poland would be Russia's next target after Ukraine. "If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now," Harris claimed.

The Democrats appear to be taking a new approach - tying their campaign in key states to communities for whom the war in Ukraine has a greater personal resonance. They are trying to convince them that Trump will abandon Ukraine and allies on NATO's eastern flank.

There are currently no public polls that focus on groups of Central and Eastern European Americans and whether the war in Ukraine is a driving factor in their voting decisions, and whether they prefer Harris's or Trump's approach.

A new poll conducted by CATO Institute and YouGov, a global public opinion and data company, found that in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, voters in small majorities believe Trump is more likely to resolve the war in Ukraine and keep the US out of foreign wars.

More than 700,000 people in Pennsylvania, or about 5% of the state's population, are of Polish descent, and about 122,000 are of Ukrainian descent. Michigan is home to about 900,000 Polish Americans and 40,000 Americans of Ukrainian descent, and Wisconsin has about 480,000 Polish Americans.

Biden won Trump over in 2020 in Pennsylvania by 80,000 votes, Michigan by 154,000 votes, and Wisconsin by 20,000 votes.

Background: During the debate, Trump dodged the question of whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war, repeating only that he "wants the war to stop" and claiming that the real human cost of the war was estimated at millions.

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The U.S. State Department on Friday announced it has approved the sale of 32 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to Romania in a deal worth roughly $7.2 billion.

Romanias deal for the Lockheed Martin-made F-35s will also include F135 engines made by Pratt & Whitney for each jet and a spare engine.

The sale would provide Romania, a NATO member, its first two squadrons of F-35s, and the country wants to later buy 16 more jets to make up a third squadron. If the deal is finalized, it could make Romania the third Eastern European country to fly the F-35, in addition to Poland and the Czech Republic.

Romania said in September 2023 that it expected to receive its first F-35s in 2030. Romanias planned purchases could make it NATOs largest F-35 operator on the eastern flank at a time when Russian aggression in Ukraine has worried allies.

The proposed sale would improve Romanias capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions while enhancing interoperability with the United States and other NATO members, the State Department said. Improving this NATO allys security would support the U.S.s foreign policy and national security goals, it said.

The purchase would also provide logistics and maintenance support, navigation, communications and cryptographic equipment, ammunition and weapons, training for pilots and other personnel, and simulators. Lockheed primarily makes F-35s at its Fort Worth, Texas, facility.

The State Department also cleared a $4.1 billion deal for Japan to buy up to nine KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers from Boeing.
US Election Unspun: Sign up for our new BBC newsletter

It's been one heck of a year in US politics.

With just a few weeks left until Americans go to the polls, the race for the White House is heating up, with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris neck and neck.

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Each week, I'll send you my takeaway of what you really need to know from the election race and help you see the bigger global picture.

I'll also suggest articles for essential further reading that I hope will make you feel well-informed.

As you probably know, American politics can be serious, amusing and downright absurd, and sometimes all three at once. So I'll try to cover the lighter aspects too.

If you have burning questions you'd like me to answer. Please drop me a line at uselectionunspun@bbc.co.uk, and I will do my best to answer them in an upcoming edition.

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US has evidence of RT's involvement in Russian intelligence operations  CNN

In the near future, US President Joe Biden's administration is likely to launch a large-scale initiative aimed at reducing the worldwide power of Russian propaganda media RT, revealing its major role in the Kremlin's intelligence operations and global influence.

Source: CNN, citing data from a senior US administration official and three other sources familiar with the matter, as reported by European Pravda

Details: One of the journalists' sources stated that the US State Department will release declassified US intelligence data indicating that RT is fully integrated into Russia's global intelligence operations, as well as launch a diplomatic campaign to inform countries about the risks associated with this media's activities.

Another insider source revealed that for more than a year, the Russian government has been secretly implementing an RT intelligence-gathering unit that focuses on global influence operations.

According to the source, this extends beyond propaganda and covert influence activities to encompass military purchases.

The US intends to inform other governments that RT and Russian intelligence agencies are collaborating to create dissension and disrupt democratic processes, and to make it far more difficult for RT to operate globally, the source said.

Allegedly, American diplomats anticipate that in the following days and weeks, including at the UN General Assembly session, they will attempt to form a coalition of countries to address this issue.

Background:

The US Treasury Department placed sanctions on RT management and linked organisations for attempting to interfere in the US presidential election.

The US Justice Department recently announced charges against two RT employees for breaching foreign agent regulations and money laundering.

On 4 September, the US Department of Treasury announced sanctions against the management of Russian propagandistic channel RT and the RaHDit hacker group for interfering with the 2024 US presidential elections.

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The moves does include some reprieve for port operators on Chinese cranes (SAUL LOEB) (SAUL LOEB/AFP/AFP)

The United States locked in tariff hikes on billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods Friday, with a 100 percent duty on electric vehicles and 25 percent on EV batteries taking effect in two weeks.

The White House announced the steep tariff increases in May, targeting key sectors including EVs, semiconductors, batteries and solar cells -- drawing a fiery response from Beijing.

It also comes ahead of November's presidential election, where both Democrats and Republicans are seeking to show a tough stance on China as competition between both countries intensifies.

"Today's finalized tariff increases will target the harmful policies and practices of the People's Republic of China that continue to impact American workers and businesses," said US Trade Representative Katherine Tai in a statement.

Apart from tariff increases that take effect later this month including those on solar cells, the US Trade Representative's office confirmed that a 50 percent duty on semiconductors -- a sharp rise from before -- would start in 2025.

A 25 percent tariff on lithium-ion batteries that are non-EV take place January 2026, said the USTR.

The tariff hikes on about $18 billion worth of goods were taken after a review of levies imposed under then-president Donald Trump, which impacted some $300 billion in goods from China.

The moves this year impact both products already targeted by earlier Trump tariffs as well as additional ones.

But the Biden administration's moves go beyond tech for green energy, also impacting goods like cranes and medical products.

Tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes will rise to 25 percent this year, said the USTR.

But the final decision allows exclusions for Chinese cranes ordered before mid-May, if they are delivered before May 2026.

The move on Friday allows some reprieve to port operators, given that China dominates the industry while the United States works to rebuild its own capacity to produce port cranes.

Among medical products, the USTR said it would lift tariffs on medical face masks to 50 percent -- higher than a proposed level of at least 25 percent.

But it delayed the start of 50 percent tariffs to 2026, to give time for a shift away from Chinese sellers.

Levies would also impact items like medical gloves.

President Joe Biden's administration has pumped massive funding into areas like semiconductor manufacturing and research, alongside efforts to boost green investments, and is concerned about underpriced exports from China.

On Friday, the US government also announced it would move to curb a surge in lower-value shipments entering without being subject to tariffs -- concerned about Chinese products entering with minimal scrutiny.

The trade rule is known as de minimis, and foreign shipments are eligible for exemption if the fair retail value of items imported is $800 or less.

bys/st
Alejandro Mayorkas speaks during a briefing at the White House on 11 May 2023.

Alejandro Mayorkas speaks during a briefing at the White House on 11 May 2023. Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP

The secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, has warned that one of the top threats facing the US in the lead-up to Novembers presidential election are lone offenders aiming to disrupt voting and other public targets.

In the aftermath of 9/11 the most prominent terrorism-related threat facing our nation was that of sophisticated foreign terrorist networks, Mayorkas said in a keynote speech at a closed-door conference, hosted by the Soufan Center in New York.

He added: But today another prominent and challenging terrorism-related threat facing the United States is the lone offenders.

Related: US Postal Service delays threaten to disrupt election voting, officials say

In a Manhattan location near where the iconic twin towers once stood, Mayorkas said these types of domestic threat actors do not necessarily need a hijacked 757 to commit terrorism, but instead go after schools and campuses, houses of worship, grocery stores, hospitals, polling places, election workers and law enforcement officers.

These are individuals who have been radicalized to violence based on ideologies of hate, anti-government sentiment, conspiracy theories or personal grievances, he said, describing what are largely the ideologies of rightwing extremists. In our modern, heightened terrorism threat environment, any locality, anywhere, can be a target at any time.

Mayorkass words come against the backdrop of a US election that is playing out amid widespread fears of civil unrest and in which a lone gunman in July tried to assassinate Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, though no specific political motive has yet been established for that attack.

His warning also comes after his department designated the certification of the presidential election on 6 January 2025 as a national special security event commensurate with Super Bowls and presidential inaugurations.

The label comes with a nearly limitless presence of law enforcement aimed at curtailing the type of mass violence that surrounded the last time Congress gathered to certify Joe Bidens victory on the same date in 2021.

Both the Republican and Democratic national conventions held in July and August, respectively, were given the same security status and saw an increased number of police and Secret Service members in attendance.

Mayorkas also made specific mention of his department providing state and local police with tools to help better ensure the protection of polling places and election workers.

National law enforcement agencies have made no secret of their concerns surrounding foreign meddling, domestic terrorists and the threats they pose to the security of the election come November.

Under the Biden administration, the Department of Justice even created an election threats taskforce with the FBI, addressing widespread fears following the turmoil of the 2020 election season.

In a May meeting of that same task force, the FBI director, Christopher Wray, singled out polling workers and other election officials as particularly vulnerable to violence.

Let me be clear: any threat of violence to an election official, volunteer or staff is completely unacceptable and something the FBI takes very seriously, he said.

Earlier this year, the Guardian obtained a document showing how Maricopa county in Arizona, where Republicans and rightwing extremists contested the results of the 2020 election as stolen, instituted new security measures making their election office a veritable fortress ahead of November.

Mayorkas, a Cuban refugee who has served both Republican and Democratic administrations as a law enforcement official, is a popular figure of scorn among rightwing pundits and politicians who despise the Biden administrations handling of immigration.

In January, House Republicans attempted to impeach Mayorkas for what was described as his negligence on border security. The bid was widely seen as a political stunt to satisfy the Maga movement and former president Trump. But months later, Senate Democrats shot down the impeachment case as failing to meet the standards of high crimes and misdemeanors required to oust the sitting secretary.
US imposes sanctions on Rossiya Segodnya media group and its CEO

The US Treasury Department announced the implementation of blocking sanctions against the Russian media group Rossiya Segodnya (Russia Today) and its CEO Dmitry Kiselyov on Friday, 13 September.

Source: data on the website of the US Treasury Department, European Pravda reports

Details: Three legal entities have been added to the US sanctions list, including the Rossiya Segodnya media holding, which includes, among others, the RIA Novosti Russian propaganda news agency and the Sputnik radio and news agency.

The sanctions also apply to the autonomous non-profit organisation TV-Novosti, a legal entity of the propaganda foreign broadcasting channel RT, and Eurasia, an autonomous non-profit organisation that promotes Russia's "cultural diplomacy" abroad.

The US Treasury Department's blacklist has also included Russia Today CEO Dmitry Kiselev and Eurasia head Nelli Parutenco, a citizen of Moldova.

The new sanctions were imposed after Washington publicly accused RT of working for Russian intelligence and raising funds to finance the Russian army in the war in Ukraine.

At the same time, the United States, the UK, and Canada announced a diplomatic campaign to expose Russian propagandists' interference in democratic processes around the world.

Earlier, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on RT's management and related companies for attempting to interfere in the US presidential election.

The US Department of Justice has also indicted two employees of the propaganda channel for violating foreign agent and money laundering regulations.

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced new sanctions against the Russian media channel RT, accusing it of being a "de facto arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus".

The top US diplomat told reporters on Friday that RT is part of a network of Russian-backed media outlets which have sought to covertly "undermine democracy in the United States".

He added that the Russian government has "embedded within RT, a unit with cyber operational capabilities and ties to Russian intelligence".

RT live-streamed Mr Blinken's remarks on X and declared it the "US's latest conspiracy theory".

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said there should be a "new profession" in the US, of specialist in sanctions imposed on Russia.

Responding to US allegations that RT had sought to influence elections, RTs editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan who was sanctioned by the US last week said they were excellent teachers, adding that many RT staff had studied in the US, and with US funding.

The State Department accused the state broadcaster, formerly Russia Today, of engaging in "information operations, covert influence, and military procurement" in countries in Europe, Africa, and North and South America.

Mr Blinken also accused RT of running online fundraisers to purchase body armour, sniper rifles, drones and other equipment for Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

The network, he said, has also sought to influence Moldova's politics in coordination with Russian intelligence ahead of presidential elections in October 2024.

The US had already indicted two RT employees for allegedly attempting to interfere in this year's presidential election, but US officials said on Friday the state broadcaster played a bigger role in Russia's efforts to undermine democracies.

The state-funded media organisation responded at the time by mocking the US government's accusations, saying in a statement to the BBC that "2016 called and it wants its cliches back".

"Three things are certain in life: death, taxes and RT's interference in the US elections."

Mr Blinken said in a press conference: "Our most powerful antidote to Russia's lies is the truth. It's shining a bright light on what the Kremlin is trying to do under the cover of darkness."

Mr Blinken emphasised that the sanctions were not related to the content of the outlet's reporting, and he affirmed the US's support for independent journalism.

"Covert influence activities are not journalism," he said.

The announcement is part of a suite of actions the US government has taken against Russian state media as the 2024 election approaches. The State Department has also designated RT as a foreign mission.
US judge dismisses three counts in Trump election case in Georgia

Judge Scott McAfee declined to quash the entire indictment, which accuses Donald Trump and his allies of racketeering and other offenses (POOL) (POOL/GETTY IMAGES/Getty Images via AFP)

A Georgia judge on Thursday dismissed three of the counts in the indictment accusing former US president Donald Trump and co-defendants of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the southern state.

Two of the three charges thrown out by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee involved Trump, and he now faces a total of eight felony counts in Georgia.

McAfee declined, however, to quash the entire indictment, which accuses the Republican presidential candidate and his allies of racketeering and other offenses.

The three dismissed charges involved the filing of fake elector certificates with a federal court stating that Trump had won the election in Georgia, although he lost to Democrat Joe Biden by some 12,000 votes.

McAfee said that under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, state prosecutors cannot bring a case for federal crimes.

"The Supremacy Clause declares that state law must yield to federal law when the two conflict," the judge said in his order.

Trump had been charged with filing false documents and conspiring to file false documents.

The Georgia case has been frozen by an appeals court until it hears a bid by Trump and his co-defendants to disqualify Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney who brought the charges.

In March, McAfee rejected an attempt to disqualify Willis following revelations she had a romantic relationship with the man she hired as a special prosecutor.

Trump and his co-defendants appealed the ruling, and the Georgia Court of Appeals is to hear arguments in December.

Because the case is paused, the two counts against Trump of filing false documents will not technically be dropped until after the appeals court rules.

Evidence in the case includes a taped phone call in which Trump asked a top Georgia election official to "find" enough votes to reverse the result.

Eighteen co-defendants were indicted in Georgia along with Trump on racketeering and other charges, including his former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and ex-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

Four of Trump's original co-defendants, including three former campaign lawyers, have pleaded guilty to lesser charges in deals that spared them prison time.

Trump was convicted in a separate criminal case in New York in May of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to a porn star who alleged they had a sexual encounter.

Trump is also facing federal charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results, but no date has been set for a trial.

cl/bjt
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US will not change its policy on Ukraine striking deep into Russian territory yet  White House

The United States does not plan to announce any changes to its policy on Ukraines use of long-range missiles on Friday.

Source: John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House, writes Reuters, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kirby advised against expecting major announcements on the issue during US President Joe Biden's meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington.

Quote: "There is no change to our view on the provision of long range strike capabilities for Ukraine to use inside of Russia. I would not expect any major announcement in that regard," he said.

CLARIFIED: The advisors statement referred specifically to changes after Bidens meeting with Starmer on Friday, 13 September.

In addition, the White House official stated that the US was serious about Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's threat that if Ukraine launched Western-made long-range missiles into Russia, he would consider the West to be directly involved in the war.

"This is not rhetoric that we haven't heard from him before," Kirby said, adding that the United States was taking those comments seriously.

Background:

On 12 September, Putin stressed that any move by the West to allow Kyiv to use such long-range weapons against targets in Russia would draw NATO into the war with Russia, a sharp escalation of his rhetoric on the war.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed that Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine has the right to defend itself, responding to Russian leader Vladimir Putins remarks.

At a briefing on Friday 13 September, EU foreign policy spokesperson Peter Stano stated that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putins threats to consider NATO and European countries as participants in the war if Western long-range missiles are used on Russian territory will not affect the EU's position on backing Ukraine.

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The US has proposed rules that would hit many low-value shipments from China with new taxes - a measure aimed at curbing the flood of packages from shopping sites such as Shein and Temu.

The Biden administration said the plan was intended to stop "abuse" of an exemption that allowed packages worth less than $800 (600) to enter the US without facing tariffs and other fees.

The US said the "de minimis" rule has helped firms such as Shein and Temu, which typically ship directly from the manufacturer to the customer, undercut competitors with lower prices.

In statements, the two companies defended their business models.

The US raised the exemption from tariffs and other fees for shipments from $200 to $800 in 2016 to facilitate trade and allow officials to focus on higher priority shipments.

But lawmakers have voiced increasing alarm about "exploitation" by firms such as Temu and Shein, as the two make rapid inroads in the US market.

The new rules would remove the exemption for Chinese goods that currently face tariffs from the US - a wide range of products including shoes, machinery and 70% of textiles and apparel.

They would also increase what information shippers must provide to authorities.

Temu said its success was due to an "efficient business model that cuts out unnecessary middlemen, allowing us to pass savings directly to our consumers".

It said it was reviewing the rules and remained committed to "delivering value to consumers".

"Temu's growth does not depend on the de minimis policy," it added.

Shein said its success came from its "on-demand business model" and that it supported reform of the de minimis exemption so that the rules were applied "evenly and equally".

The company said compliance was a priority and that it was already participating in a trial programme with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

"We want to disclose more of whats in every package and are working closely with CBP," the company said.

'Exponential increase'

Since launching a few years ago, Temu and Shein have gained followers with flashy Super Bowl adverts and ultra-low prices.

The popularity has put such pressure on Amazon, the dominant e-commerce company in the US, that the firm is reportedly exploring its own discount unit focusing on direct-to-consumer shipments.

Their rise has also brought scrutiny from US politicians and regulators, who have raised questions about the safety of products on their sites and warned of a "high risk" that Temu was selling products made using forced labour.

Authorities have blamed their success for putting strains on US border and customs authorities, as the number of packages entering the US under the de minimis exemption has surged from 140 million in 2013 to more than 1 billion last year.

In announcing the action, the Biden administration said "several China-founded e-commerce platforms" now accounted for a "majority" of shipments under the $800 threshold.

It said its actions were a response to an "exponential increase in de minimis shipments" that had made it more difficult to identify and block illegal shipments.

It accused companies of looking to skirt consumer protection laws and avoid trade barriers.

"American workers and businesses can outcompete anyone on a level playing field, but for too long, Chinese e-commerce platforms have skirted tariffs by abusing the de minimis exemption, said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

The American Action Forum, a right-leaning policy group, has estimated that getting rid of the $800 exemption entirely would result in "$8bn to $30bn in additional annual costs that would eventually be passed on to consumers".

The proposal will go through a comment period before being finalised and taking effect.

Authorities in the European Union have been exploring similar measures aimed at low-value shipments, Bloomberg and the Financial Times reported earlier this year.

Shares in PDD Holdings, which owns Temu, fell more than 2% after the announcement.
(Bloomberg) -- The United Steelworkers union says it will not be bullied into accepting Nippon Steel Corp.s last-ditch efforts to win over workers for its takeover of United States Steel Corp., calling the $14.1 billion acquisition a doomed deal and pledging to fight any foreign ownership of the company.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The memo, sent to interested parties including the White House on Thursday, is the latest in a public struggle to win hearts and minds as the fate of the deal hangs in the air, with President Joe Bidens threat to block it looming large.

In its desperate attempt to save a doomed deal, US Steel executives have turned to one of the oldest tricks in the book: attempting to divide USW members and retirees to distract us from the multi-million-dollar payoffs they stand to gain personally, Union President Dave McCall wrote Thursday in the memo, obtained by Bloomberg. Union members and retirees remain steadfast in our opposition.

This week, the two companies unveiled their correspondence with the USW to show how union leaders snubbed efforts to negotiate an agreement. Thats after the Pittsburgh-based company came out and warned that plants could be shut down if the sale fell through, prompting some workers to voice their support for a new owner.

Many people profess to want what is best for our employees, and that is why we negotiated a deal with a partner who will bring $2.7 billion of transformative investments in USW-represented facilities, keeping them in operation for decades to come, US Steel said in a statement, when asked Thursday for comment on the McCall memo.

Nippon referred to a previous statement, saying the deal will benefit American workers, local communities, and national security in a way no other alternative can.

Biden is preparing to kill the deal once a referral from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, reaches his desk, people familiar with the matter said last week. As of Wednesday, the matter remained with CFIUS. Biden has regularly said US Steel should remain domestically owned, which McCall echoed in his memo.

We will not be bullied into going backward and accepting a bad deal, McCall wrote. Our commitment has never been more clear: Keep US Steel US-owned. Nippon Steel Corp. is a Japanese company.

McCall has long opposed the acquisition, as have Biden and former President Donald Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris announced her position on Labor Day, saying US Steel should remain domestically owned.

The drama has played out as Pennsylvania, where US Steel is based, is considered a crucial prize by both Harris and Trump in the November presidential election.

(Updates with US Steel, Nippon Steel statements, starting in paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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The US trial on torture charges of a Gambian man who was allegedly a member of a notorious death squad known as the "Junglers" has been postponed at the last minute.

Michael Sang Correa, 45, a former captain in the Gambian military, was scheduled to go on trial in a federal court in Denver, Colorado, on Monday.

But the presiding judge granted a defense motion on Wednesday to delay the trial to allow Correa's attorneys to travel to The Gambia to collect videotaped depositions from two witnesses.

A new trial date has not been set. It is not expected to be held until next year.

Correa was indicted in June 2020 and faces six counts of inflicting torture and one count of conspiracy to commit torture. Each count is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

He is being tried in the United States for crimes committed in his home country under what is known as universal jurisdiction, which allows for prosecution of torture, genocide and war crimes.

According to Human Rights Watch and Trial International, Correa's torture trial is just the third of its kind to be held in the United States and the first involving a non-US citizen.

Correa entered the United States in 2016 to work as a bodyguard for Gambia's vice president, who was visiting the United Nations.

He stayed in the country and moved to Denver at some point after Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh, who ruled the country with an iron fist from 1994 to 2017, was voted out of office.

Correa was arrested by US authorities in September 2019, initially for overstaying his visa.

According to the indictment, Correa joined the Junglers in 2004.

The paramilitary unit operated outside the Gambian army's chain of command, taking orders directly from Jammeh, and has been accused by watchdog groups of carrying out widespread human rights violations.

In 2006, the indictment says, Jammeh's government learned of a plan to overthrow him and arrested a number of suspected coup plotters.

The prisoners were taken to Mile 2 Prison and the National Intelligence Agency headquarters, where Correa and others allegedly tortured them to coerce confessions.

Some of the prisoners had molten plastic or acid dripped on their bodies while others were brutally beaten and subjected to electric shocks.

Another member of the Junglers, Bai Lowe, was sentenced to life in prison in Germany in November after being convicted of crimes against humanity, murder and attempted murder.

A Swiss court in May sentenced Gambian ex-interior minister Ousman Sonko to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity committed under the Jammeh regime.

Victims of the Junglers included an AFP correspondent, Deyda Hydara, who was gunned down in his car on the outskirts of Gambia's capital Banjul on December 16, 2004.

cl/bbk
The U.S. State Department issued a press release on Sept. 13 saying that the Russian state-run media outlet RT is not just involved in spreading propaganda and misinformation, but is actively working with Russian intelligence to target countries across the world.

"We now know that RT moved beyond being simply a media outlet and has been an entity with cyber capabilities," the statement read.

"(RT) is also engaged in information operations, covert influence, and military procurement. These operations are targeting countries around the world, including in Europe, Africa, and North and South America."

The warning follows similar statements in recent weeks that Russia is planning information campaigns to sow division in U.S. society and undermine support for Ukraine in swing states during the upcoming presidential race. A U.S. official told Reuters that RT is attempting to push U.S. viewers toward voting for Donald Trump in the presidential election through a network of Western media personalities.

Earlier in September, the U.S. announced a sweeping crackdown on supposed Russian election interference, seizing 32 internet domains linked to Kremlin propaganda campaigns and sanctioning several high-profile propagandists working for RT.

Alongside the new warning about RT, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that "the State Department also designated the Russian state-funded and directed media company Rossiya Segodnya and five of its subsidiaries, including RT, under the Foreign Missions Act."

"As a result, these actors are now required to notify the State Department of all personnel working in the U.S. as well as their property."

Blinken reiterated the State Department's warning, saying that "Rossiya Segodnya and these five subsidiaries are no longer merely firehoses of Russian government propaganda and disinformation; they are engaged in covert influence activities aimed at undermining American elections and democracies, functioning like a de facto arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus."

RT and the other subsidiaries are also actively assisting in a crowdfunding program to "provide support and military equipment  supplies, weaponry  to Russian military units in Ukraine," Blinken said.

While the U.S. is conscious not to impinge on free speech, "even when it comes to media outlets that wittingly spread government propaganda," Blinken said that "we will not stand by as RT and other actors carry out covert activities in support of Russia's nefarious activities."

Read also: US foreign agent rules cant keep pace with Russian propaganda

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Mike Kennedy gives remarks following his win during the Utah Republican primary in Sandy on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. | Marielle Scott, Deseret News

The author of Utahs child transgender treatment ban and his Democratic opponent in the 3rd Congressional District race said they would both support a federally commissioned study of transgender treatments for minors like the one that recently led to major policy changes in the United Kingdom.

State Sen. Mike Kennedy, R-Alpine, is the Republican nominee running against former Summit County Councilman Glenn Wright, the Democrat nominee, in the general election to replace Rep. John Curtis. While the two candidates agree on the need for more research on transgender treatments for minors, they disagree strongly on the state law Kennedy helped pass that made those treatments illegal in the state of Utah.

In 2023, Kennedy introduced legislation that banned sex reassignment surgeries for minors, put an indefinite pause on hormonal treatments for new child patients and ordered a review of the medical evidence surrounding these treatments to inform future policies. The law, SB 16, also established credentialing requirements for transgender treatment providers and expanded the ability for patients to sue medical practitioners for malpractice.

The main reasoning behind the legislation was the lack of quality scientific research on transgender treatments and their longterm effects, Kennedy told the Deseret News. Where is the 30 year data? And the answer is, we dont have that data, Kennedy said.

What is the Cass Review?

An exhaustive report commissioned by Englands National Health Service, released in April, came to similar conclusions as Kennedy, leading to a prohibition on puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones as a treatment for minors in the worlds second largest public health system. NHS Scotland followed suit one week later, becoming the sixth European country to limit transgender medications.

The so-called Cass Review, named after Dr. Hilary Cass, the former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, examined dozens of studies in addition to interviewing individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria who received transgender treatments as minors and their parents. As the Deseret News previously published, the findings of the report were stark.

(S)ystematic evidence reviews demonstrated the poor quality of the published studies, meaning there is not a reliable evidence base upon which to make clinical decisions, or for children and their families to make informed choices, the Cass Review summary said.

Not only was the rationale for prescribing early puberty suppression unclear and the effects of cross-sex hormones on minors defined by unknowns, the Cass Review also found that these treatments were likely not completely reversible  potentially impacting bone density, brain maturation and fertility  and did not appear to improve suicidality.

Whats more, amid a surge of female minors seeking clinical transgender treatment in England, the report found that, Clinicians are unable to determine with any certainty which children and young people will go on to have an enduring trans identity. Therefore, the report concluded, For the majority of young people, a medical pathway may not be the best way to manage their gender-related distress.

Should there be an American Cass Review?

Kennedy said he was encouraged by the impact of the Cass Review in the United Kingdom. People are starting to recognize that theres not a great deal of robust data to support these significant measures that have been put into place to help children transition, Kennedy said.

But there have not been similar steps taken in the United States, where the institutional approach of healthcare institutions has mostly been to embrace an ideological approach to transgender treatments hook, line and sinker, Kennedy said. In spite of many professional organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics  theyve entirely endorsed this  the science is weak.

If elected to represent the 3rd District, where he now works as a family physician, Kennedy said he would support federal steps to task our best and brightest minds, that are not ideologically motivated, to conduct high quality, longitudinal studies on the longterm implications of transgender treatments on minors.

Wright, a retired loss control insurance consultant and Vietnam War veteran, told the Deseret News that more data is always useful and that he would absolutely support a federally commissioned study of how transgender hormone treatments affect young people. But he pointed out that the Cass Review was limited to a shift in public health policy, not legal penalties for private practitioners.

The law passed by Kennedy allows for an investigation to result in the revocation of medical licensure if a doctor is found to have preformed transgender surgeries or treatments in violation of the new age limits and credentialing requirements. The law also extends the statute of limitations to allow children that have undergone transgender treatments to sue their healthcare provider for malpractice up until the age of 25 to encourage these doctors to live up to the high standards that we all would expect for the children in our state, Kennedy said.

Wright described the legislation Kennedy helped craft as abominable and unacceptable. Gender dysphoria is a serious condition that affects only a small group of people with treatments that have been around for decades, Wright said. The 2023 law was passed not because hormonal transgender treatments are new or radical, Wright argued, but because they represent a type of treatment Kennedy doesnt particularly like.

In contradiction to the Cass Review, Wright claimed that hormonal treatments before puberty are reversible if the patient changes his or her mind, and that such treatments typically occur only after very extensive counseling with patients, parents and doctors.

While researching his bill, Kennedy said he was shocked to find a lack of caution, credentialing or consistency with how transgender care was provided in the state.

Should there be a federal ban on transgender treatments for minors?

Wright does not have an adamant position on sex characteristic reassignment surgeries for minors  which can potentially remove body parts and potentially make them sterile. This decision should be left up to parents and their children ... as much as possible, according to Wright, who considers Kennedys legislation a violation of personal freedom.

I think what this does is it is usurping the rights of parents to help their children, Wright said. What right does he have to tell a parent what treatment they should be receiving?

The question of transgender treatments is not for Congress, or state legislatures, to decide, Wright said, explaining that he believes the federal government should not get involved in private health concerns and should stick to protecting peoples rights.

Kennedy also has concerns about a federal ban on transgender treatments, but for very different reasons. A national prohibition would likely lead to a national lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court, Kennedy said, which could potentially lead to a win for the other side.

Federal policy is also a worse venue for navigating nuanced subjects like this, Kennedy said.

He said he sees room for federal action on encouraging the Food and Drug Administration to provide guidance on transgender hormonal treatments. But what Kennedy really hopes to see is for other states to follow Utahs example.

The state of Utah and other states are working on this in a productive fashion, Kennedy said. And thats really best in these cases, left to the states, unless theres some compelling national interest that we may need to step in on the federal level and do something about it.
Utah Mom Fatally Shot Her 3 Children in Car Before Turning Gun on Herself

Maribel Ibarra was found dead in a car along with her children Jordan, Yaitza, and Alitzel

GoFundMe Maribel Ibarra, Jordan and her children

A Utah community is in shock after a 32-year old woman and her three children were found dead earlier this month in what authorities say was a murder-suicide perpetrated by the mother.

Maribel Ibarra was found dead on Sep. 3 in a car in West Haven, Utah, with her children, the Weber County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Friday, Sep. 6. They had all been shot, police said.

The statement did not name the children but a GoFundMe set up for funeral expenses identified them as Jordan, Yaitza, and Alitzel. They were all under the age of 5, and the youngest child was a 1-year-old, police confirmed to FOX 13 NOW.

Based on video evidence, physical evidence, witness statements, and interviews with family members, detectives believe that this was a tragic incident of murder-suicide, Lieutenant Terance Lavely said in last week's statement.

GoFundMe Maribel Ibarra's three children

The evidence indicates that Maribel shot her three children in the rear cargo area of her car before turning the gun on herself, Lavely said.

In the GoFundMe fundraiser, a part of the description reads: "Like many people around the world, unfortunately, Maribel Ibarra was overwhelmed by the hopelessness in which people with depression are immersed, which led her to take actions that we deeply regret."

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.

An investigation is ongoing, the sheriff's office confirmed to PEOPLE, adding that there are no further updates at this time.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



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Read the original article on People.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Vancouver man has been accused of attempted murder after allegedly violating a restraining order and shooting his ex-girlfriend in the face while she was asleep in her truck, authorities said.

Blake Reed, 33, was arrested on Wednesday as part of a restraining order violation investigation. The Clark County Sheriffs Office said deputies responded around 4:42 a.m. on reports of Blake inside a home and armed with a rifle.

Police warn of fundraising fraud in Jubane case

Responding deputies watched Reed attempt to leave the residence in a pickup truck and conducted a high-risk traffic stop, utilizing de-escalation tactics to safely place him under arrest, the Clark County Sheriffs Office said in a release.

Investigators learned Blake was a former resident of the home but now has a restraining order prohibiting him from being within 250 feet of it. Reed was booked into the Clark County Jail on burglary and violation of a protection order.

The Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency then informed deputies that Reeds would-be get-away truck actually belonged to a woman who was in a hospital being treated for a gunshot wound.

The investigation revealed the woman was formerly in a relationship with Reed.

She described being asleep in her pickup truck when she was shot in the face through the drivers window. The bullet penetrated her cheek and lodged in her jaw, the sheriffs office said. The female received medical treatment and is expected to survive.

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Deputies said a search warrant of the pickup truck executed by detectives revealed evidence supporting the womans story, such as indicators that she had been seated in the drivers seat of the pickup while parked at the residence when she was shot through the drivers side window.

Surveillance video also showed Reed exiting the home at 3:05 a.m., firing a single gunshot, and then returning inside the residence, all within seconds and with no verbal communication or confrontation occurring.

Family members told deputies the 0.22 caliber rifle Reed allegedly used, which they later showed to investigators, was from inside the home.

On Thursday, the Clark County Prosecutors Office updated Reeds charges to include first-degree attempted murder, gun theft and first-degree burglary.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A woman was arrested on an animal cruelty charge after she was seen allegedly strangling a cat in the lobby of a Vancouver apartment complex on Thursday, officials said.

Vancouver police officers at the apartment complex on an unrelated call were approached by the building manager who claimed a woman visiting another tenant was seen strangling the cat.

Vancouver man arrested, allegedly shot ex-girlfriend in the face

Officers soon found and arrested the woman on a charge of first-degree animal cruelty.

Officials said the cat, named Apollo, was fortunately okay and taken to the Humane Society.

No further information, including the identity of the woman, has been released at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Doctors confirmed Tennessee's first case of measles since 2019 last week in the Nashville area. The highly contagious airborne disease has been widely eradicated in the U.S. since 2000 thanks to effective vaccinations, but about 247 cases have been identified nationwide this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center spokesperson said the adult patient visited a walk-in clinic in Hendersonville Aug. 31 and was treated at Vanderbilt University Hospital on Sept. 4 and 5.

The patient is an unvaccinated Tennessee resident who recently returned from traveling abroad. Before seeking medical care, the person attended several classes at Western Kentucky University, where he or she is enrolled as a student, according to Kentucky health officials.

Infected people are typically contagious from four days before a measles rash appears to four days after, according to the CDC. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services released a list of dates and times people in Bowling Green may have been exposed, and a Vanderbilt official said VUMC is notifying patients and employees who may have been exposed in Nashville.

The Tennessee Department of Health said in a statement that the patient is now recovering.

Doctors said they will not release further information about the patient because of privacy regulations.

What is measles?

The measles virus is a highly contagious respiratory virus spread through the air when an infected person speaks or coughs. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, irritated eyes and a rash of flat, red spots that start at the hairline and spread downward, according to the CDC.

Any unvaccinated person can contract measles, but the World Health Organization says that young children and pregnant women are at the highest risk for severe complications.

This year, 43% of cases in the U.S. have resulted in hospitalization, and 83% of those patients were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, the CDC said.

According to the CDC, 4% of people diagnosed with measles in 2024 had received both doses of the MMR vaccine and 8% received just one dose. Measles is often classified as a "childhood infection," and almost half of 2024 cases have been in children under the age of five.

How to get vaccinated

A vaccine for measles was first introduced in 1963, and doctors developed a more effective version in 1968. The CDC now recommends that all people get an MMR vaccine at a young age to protect against measles, mumps and rubella.

CDC doctors say children should get two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age.

Children who have TennCare, are uninsured, underinsured or are Native American or Alaskan are eligible for free, federally funded vaccines at three health clinics in the Nashville area through the Vaccines for Children Program. Visit Nashville's Health Department Immunization Program website to make an appointment.

Those with private insurance can contact their pediatricians or schedule a vaccination appointment at a local pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens.

Hadley Hitson covers trending business, dining and health care for The Tennessean. She can be reached at hhitson@gannett.com. To support her work, subscribe to The Tennessean.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee identifies highly-contagious measles case in Nashville
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The largest fair in the Northeast starts Friday. Vendors at the Big E were busy today making final preparations for the influx of visitors. 22News spoke with vendors from near and far, who are ready for a successful fair season ahead of them.

Its just a new adventure for us, so were looking forward to it, said Courtney Carlson of Pottery Cellar in Westfield.

Everything you need to know about The Big E opening day

With just hours left until the Big E gates open, vendors were making final touches to their booths, before thousands of fairgoers arrived Friday morning.

We came here early over the weekend and built a bulk of our displays, said the owner of Pottery Cellar in Westfield, Dawn Whitehill.

Whitehill is one of many businesses set up inside the Better Living Center. It was her first time selling authentic Polish pottery at the Eastern States Exposition.

Were looking forward to meeting people, growing our businesses, expressed Whitehill.

Another vendor from New York is also at the fair for the first time, ready to sell her herbal tea. Shes been setting up for the past two days, and hoping for big crowds.

We dont know what to expect and so the whole experience will be new to us which is exciting, said Co-owner of Pixie Doodle Farm in New York, Erika Barbee.

Some of these vendors are just starting out, but many others have been coming back here for years. A Connecticut vendor has been coming to the fair for over two decades with three booths.

In their most popular booth, 3-D interactive puzzles that light up and play music.

Its nice to bring joy to someone and see them come back year after year, its nice meeting people, said Joanne Askins of Gift Tick Human Resources.

Fairgoers can also shop at the Craft Common, Young Building, and Avenue of States. Located in the newly renovated Connecticut building is a new exhibit from the Connecticut Science Center and a shop CT experience.

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.
After days of mounting bilateral tensions, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has summoned Spains ambassador in Caracas in order to protest at a ministers description of his countrys government as a dictatorship.

Gil described as insolent, meddling and rude comments made by Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles.

While discussing various repressive regimes around the world, Robles spoke of the men and women who have had to leave Venezuela precisely because of the dictatorship they are living through.

Gil, writing on messaging app Telegram, said the remarks indicate a deterioration of relations between the two countries.

As well as summoning the Spanish ambassador, Ramon Santos, he said the Venezuelan ambassador in Madrid, Gladys Gutierrez, had been recalled for consultation.

Venezuela's opposition leader, Edmundo Gonzalez, landed in Spain over the weekend after fleeing his homeland [Reuters]

On Sunday, the Venezuelan opposition politician Edmundo Gonzalez arrived in Madrid, requesting asylum which the Spanish government said it would process.

Gonzalezs supporters say he was the clear victor when he ran against President Nicolas Maduro in a July election.

Maduro has insisted he won, although without making public electoral documents to prove it, drawing international condemnation.

Gonzalez took refuge in the embassy of the Netherlands and the residence of the Spanish ambassador before travelling to Spain.

His allies have said his life was in danger in Venezuela.

Spains Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met Gonzalez on Thursday.

Spain's Prime Minister (left) meeting the Venezuelan opposition candidate (right) [EPA]

Spain has close cultural and economic ties with Venezuela, making the South American country a sensitive issue in national politics.

This week, the right-wing opposition presented a non-binding motion which the Spanish Congress approved calling for Sanchezs government to recognise Gonzalez as president-elect.

However, the Sanchez administration prefers to remain in line with the EU, which does not accept Maduros victory claim, but says electoral documents must be seen before acknowledging Gonzalez as the winner.

Before Robles made her comments, the president of the Venezuelan national assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, called for all diplomatic relations, all commercial relations with Spain to be broken off and for all flights between the countries to be cancelled.

Several major Spanish companies operate in Venezuela, including Repsol, Santander, BBVA, Telefonica and Inditex.

Official figures show that 278,000 Venezuelans were residing in Spain at the beginning of 2023, although that figure is believed to have increased substantially since.

Responding to the Venezuelan governments announcement of diplomatic measures, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said: We work to have the best possible relationship with the Venezuelan people.
Marshfield, VT.  An educator at Twinfield Union School is facing charges after she reportedly displayed aggravated behavior against a student in class on September 5.

Police began their investigation after being alerted to the incident on September 10. Officers concluded that Kathleen Wheelock, 48, of Montpelier, had used a permanent marker on a student. Wheelock drew around the throat of a student after they used a permanent marker on a whiteboard.

The juvenile student was not injured, and Wheelock was charged with aggravated disorderly conduct. She is set to appear in Barres Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court on October 3 for arraignment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
West Rutland, VT.  A 23-year-old Vermont man faces multiple charges after police were alerted to a family fight on Clarendon Avenue Friday morning.

Police arrived at the scene around 7:46 p.m. Officers determined that Joshua Alger, of West Rutland, had hurt and physically restrained a member of his household. Alger also took away various means of contacting emergency services.

Alger was taken into custody and brought to Vermont Superior Court, Rutland Criminal Division. He faced charges for unlawful restraint, domestic assault, and interference with access to emergency 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 ABC22 & FOX44.
Victim dies on way to hospital after being shot in Kansas City; man taken into custody

One man is dead, and police are holding another man for further questioning after a shooting in Kansas Citys Oak Park Southwest neighborhood, a police spokeswoman said.

Officers responded shortly after 8:30 p.m. Thursday to a disturbance in the 4200 block of Agnes Avenue, said Officer Alayna Gonzalez with the Kansas City Police Department. While on their way, the officers were told that someone might have been shot.

Arriving officers found a man who had been shot and was unresponsive on the porch of a home in the neighborhood, Gonzalez said. They began rendering medical aid. Once emergency medical crews arrived, they took the victim to the hospital.

Officers were told the man died while on the way to the hospital.

Another man was later taken into custody and was being held pending further investigation into the killing.

Gonzalez said there was no preliminary information indicating what led up to the deadly shooting. Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators responded to the scene to gather evidence and speak with any witnesses.

The killing is Kansas Citys 113th homicide of the year, according to data tracked by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings. By this time in 2023, which was Kansas Citys deadliest year, there were 142 killings. Last year, the city ended the year with a total of 185 homicides.

Anyone with information about the killings is asked to call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS (8744). Information submitted anonymously to the hotline can earn a reward of up to $25,000. Witnesses can also contact homicide detectives at 816-234-5043.
Virginia 6th grader suspended because he waited too long to report classmate who brought bullet to school, family says

Virginia 6th grader suspended because he waited too long to report classmate who brought bullet to school, family says

The family of an 11-year-old boy said he was suspended from his Virginia Beach, Virginia, school because administrators thought he waited too long to report that another student brought a bullet to class.

An attorney for the family accused St. John the Apostle Catholic School of punishing the sixth grader when he was only trying to do the right thing.

Theyre like, Thank you so much for reporting, now youre suspended. And its like, I did the right thing and now Im in trouble, attorney Tim Anderson said in a phone call Friday. Theyre ruining this kids academic career by putting a suspension on his middle school record.

St. John the Apostle Catholic School in Virginia Beach.

The incident happened last week as the boys class was preparing to take a standardized test. Anderson said a student pulled out a bullet and showed it to the 11-year-old right before the test started.

The boy was shocked but didnt tell the school principal until about two hours later, Anderson said.

They took the standardized test. It took about an hour and a half. He then went to another class with the student, and as soon as that was over he went to the principals office and told the principal that this other kid brought a bullet to school, the attorney explained.

The police were called and officers found the bullet in the students bag, according to Anderson. The student who had the bullet was suspended for two days.

The 11-year-old who reported it also received a two-day suspension because he did not immediately report what he saw, the attorney said.

That was quite shocking to [his] mom that one, he would receive the exact same punishment that the kid that brought the bullet to school received. But two, thats not even a punishable violation, Anderson said.

The boys mother, Rachel Wigand, tried to talk to the principal, but the school refused to change its mind about the suspension. The boy was allowed to return to school on Monday.

A spokesperson for The Catholic Diocese of Richmond said its culture of safety requires that students and adults alike report potential threats as quickly as they are made aware of them.

In a real emergency, gaps in reporting time may have major consequences for school safety, the spokesperson said. Our policies affirm this expectation, and we take our policy about timely and urgent reporting seriously. As with any disciplinary matter, we treat this as an opportunity for students to learn and move forward.

Michael Riley, the superintendent of Catholic schools told NBC affiliate WAVY of Portsmouth, that the school cannot, and will not, take chances when it comes to student safety.

As part of this charge, we expect students to bring safety issues to the attention of school staff immediately, and our school safety policies cement this expectation, he said.

Wigand said her son did not immediately tell the teacher during class because he wanted to remain anonymous.

But the school forfeited that on how they handled this, she said, adding that her son is worried about being labeled a snitch.

Shes had to tell him, You did the right thing. You hold your head up high and you let other kids know that they need to report something if they see something.

Anderson said he wants the school to apologize and remove the suspension from the boys record. Wigand said she thinks schools should train students on ways they can report suspicious activity.

People keep saying see something, say something, and I agree with that and thats exactly what my son did, she said. We train these kids on active shooter drills constantly. How are we training them to report?

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
VIRGINIA BEACH  For the second day in a row, St. John the Apostle Catholic School was closed Friday in response to threats received in the wake of a disciplinary decision made by school officials.

The private school, which serves students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, initially planned to only close Thursday, but announced in a notice to parents later that day that it would keep its doors shuttered Friday.

Superintendent for Catholic Schools Michael Riley wrote that school officials have been working with law enforcement. He also said theyd determined the emailed threat was sent by someone outside the Virginia Beach area with no ties to the school.

And we know this individual sent the threat in response to new coverage he saw related to the schools recent disciplinary decision, Riley wrote.

The Virginian-Pilot and other local media outlets reported this week about the schools decision to suspend a 6th-grade student after he told the principal a classmate had a bullet. The boy, 11, was told he also would be punished because he didnt report the incident immediately, according to his mother, Rachel Wigand.

Wigand said her son didnt say anything right away because he wanted to wait until the other boy was no longer around. Both boys ended up getting the same punishment, she said, which was a 1-day suspension.

Wigand contacted attorney Tim Anderson in an effort to get the decision reversed, but the school refused. Shes now considering suing.

A Virginia Beach private school student reported a classmate had a bullet. Both students got suspended.

Public opinion overwhelmingly supports my client that St. Johns wrongfully suspended her son, Anderson wrote Friday. They are in the hot seat for making a dumb decision and now want the parents of the school to be mad at my client because school is shut down.

Riley, however, wrote in his letter to parents that school officials must take such threats seriously. A private security firm has been hired to help ensure a safe return to school next week, he wrote.

Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com
(Bloomberg) -- Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu held talks in Pyongyang with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a visit likely to stir concerns about arms transfers to aid the Kremlins war on Ukraine.

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Shoigu and Kim discussed a wide range of bilateral and international topics when they met Friday, according to a statement from the Security Council. The meeting is aimed at facilitating a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty that Kim signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, it said.

The visit is Shoigus second to North Korea in a little more than a year. As Russias then defense minister, he met Kim in July of 2023 and was given a tour of North Koreas latest weapons, which included ballistic missiles that Ukraine and others said made their way to the battlefield a few months later.

Soon after that visit, satellite imagery showed increased trade between North Korea and Russia that the US and its partners said included millions of rounds of artillery shells as well as short-range ballistic missiles used to attack Ukraine.

The two also met when Kim visited Russia in September of that year.

Shoigus latest visit is part of a series of high-level interactions between the neighbors that included Putins first trip to North Korea in 24 years and the dispatch of a high-level military delegation to Pyongyang in July.

Kim also received that Russian delegation and pledged North Korean support for Moscows military operations in Ukraine, the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

In the agreement signed by Kim and Putin, the two sides pledged to come to each others defense if one is attacked. It bound the two US adversaries even closer and raised the risks of military action on the Korean Peninsula.

Kim holds vast stores of munitions that are interoperable with Soviet-era systems that Russia is using on the frontlines in Ukraine. In return for the weapons, Russia has supplied materials and technology that have propped up North Koreas economy and advanced Kims development of arms, South Korean officials have said.

North Koreas official media hasnt yet reported Shoigus visit, but earlier this week Pyongyang conducted the test of a ballistic missile that it has shipped to Russia.

North Korea and Russia have denied the accusations of arms transfers despite a multitude of evidence showing them taking place.

(Updates with details of military cooperation in the seventh paragraph)

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Native Vote 2024. With only 52 days until Election Day, early voting with an absentee ballot is the plan to help you avoid those long lines at polling places on Tuesday, Nov. 5. American voters will cast their ballots for who will be in the White House for the next 4 years this Election Day.

Registered voters can request an absentee ballot from their municipal clerks office if they cant get to the polls on Election Day. Most states dont require an excuse, while 14 states require a reason to request an absentee ballot.

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Utilizing the absentee ballot may be a way to combat the transportation issues that exist on many tribal lands where it requires a voter to drive over 50 miles to vote.

Vote.org is a good way to make sure you are registered, update your voter information, and request an absentee ballot online. Placing a phone call to your municipal clerks office is another option.

New laws allow for purging voter lists to ensure the registered voter list is up to date, so now more than ever, its important to make sure you are registered to vote.

When requesting your absentee ballot, doing it online is one of the most convenient ways to get it done, but you can also call your municipal clerks office to request your absentee ballot be sent to you. This will also ensure you know their hours and availability.

Two important details to remember when voting via absentee ballot are to complete your ballot accurately, as clerks are not allowed to make any corrections, and have another registered voter with you to witness and sign and address your ballot. Both the voter and the witness must provide their address and signature.

Once you have completed your absentee ballot, you can mail it back to your municipal clerks office or if your state offers drop boxes for absentee ballots, you can drop your ballot in a drop box at your clerk's office or designated locations.

The application to request an absentee ballot gives voters the option to request absentee ballots for the next election or for the calendar year when there is more than one election in the calendar year.

Voters can also go online to track the status of their absentee ballot. Be sure to know and meet the deadlines to register, request your absentee ballot, and return your absentee ballot. A good rule of thumb is to return your absentee ballot one week prior to Election Day.

Some states allow early in-person voting via absentee ballot. This option became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, to avoid large groups and potential exposure to the virus.

If you choose to go in person, remember on Election Day, polls open from 7 am to 8 pm. Depending on your states election laws, you may be required to show a photo ID to vote. If you are in line before polls close at 8 pm, you are still allowed to vote.

This year, September 17 is National Voter Registration Day. Be sure to make your Election Day plan, and bring a friend or two.







About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
Vote No on I-2124. The future of WA long-term care for the aging depends on it | Editorial

Washington voters face a critical decision on the November ballot that will profoundly impact long-term care for many of their neighbors and the sustainability of our health care systems.

Initiative 2124, which proposes to make the WA Cares program voluntary, poses a serious threat to a crucial support system for older adults and those facing serious health challenges.

Voting no on it will help preserve WA Cares and ensure that all Washingtonians have access to at least a basic level of long-term care.

State lawmakers passed WA Cares in 2019 to address the looming crisis of long-term care affordability. Currently, about 5% of the population holds private long-term care insurance policies. That low rate is due in part to the fact that the policies can be prohibitively expensive and often come with strict eligibility requirements.

According to researchers at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, more than half the population will need some long-term care assistance in their older years, with about one-in-four retirees eventually requiring high-intensity care.

WA Cares begins to fill that gap by ensuring that all workers have basic coverage.

After working for 10 years  and paying the minimal 0.58% payroll tax during that time  workers are eligible to receive a $36,500 benefit.

That support can ease the strain on families and providers by helping more aging Washingtonians safely stay at home instead of moving into a care facility prematurely.

Critics complain that the lifetime benefit wont fully cover the long-term care needs of many individuals, but this perspective misses the point entirely.

As the baby boomer generation ages, the demand for long-term care services will skyrocket, placing an enormous burden on families and the states Medicaid system.

Supports like home modifications, personal care assistance, transportation, meal services and home health visits can significantly delay or even prevent the need for more expensive institutional care.

Others argue that WA Cares should be optional, contending its unfair to require workers to join if they might never need long-term care or can find better private insurance.

They ignore that the program is a common good for all, not individual insurance. Indeed, the Office of the State Actuary warns that an opt-out provision could trigger an insurance rate spiral, where healthier, wealthier individuals leave the program, driving up costs for those who remain and ultimately rendering WA Cares unsustainable.

This is the same principle that makes programs like Social Security work  universal participation is necessary to keep it effective and affordable for all.

Meanwhile, nothing prevents individuals who opt to purchase more comprehensive coverage from doing so.

WA Cares is not a perfect solution to the long-term care crisis. The benefit amount is modest, and there are valid concerns about the programs long-term funding stability. However, instead of dismantling it, as I-2124 would do, Washington should focus on improving and strengthening the program.

Those who focus solely on WA Cares current limitations miss the bigger picture: It represents a crucial first step in addressing a complex problem that will only grow more pressing with time.

By rejecting I-2124 and preserving WA Cares, Washingtonians can ensure that their friends, family and neighbors have the support they need to face lifes challenges with dignity and security.

The choice voters make in November will have far-reaching consequences for future generations.

WA Cares represents a forward-thinking approach to a problem that affects everyone, either directly or indirectly. By maintaining and improving this program, Washingtonians invest in a more secure and compassionate future for all.

Vote no on I-2124 to help ensure that WA Cares can continue to evolve and serve the states needs.
Nebraska voters will see two competing ballot initiatives involving abortion access on the ballot, following a Nebraska Supreme Court decision Friday.

"We have repeatedly said that the right of initiative is precious to the people and one which the courts are zealous to preserve to the fullest tenable measure of spirit as well as letter," Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman wrote in the first of two separately authored opinions.

The state's highest court said both the Protect Our Rights initiative and the Protect Women and Children initiative met the single-subject rule, rejecting legal claims that they didn't.

The first would establish in the Nebraska Constitution a fundamental right to abortion up until fetal viability and otherwise when needed to protect the life or health of the mother.

The second would ban abortion access after the first trimester, with certain exceptions for medical emergencies or in cases involving a sexual assault or incest.

Secretary of State Bob Evnen, whose decision to certify them for the ballot triggered the challenges, stayed out of the fight, saying he would defer to the court's judgment.

Solicitor General Eric Hamilton, who represents him, didn't submit a brief or participate in oral arguments earlier this week in the cases.

The court, which typically decides cases over several weeks or months, in this case heard the cases on Monday and issued its decisions Friday, the deadline to certify general election ballots.

In a 19-page decision in two legal cases seeking to keep the Protect Our Rights initiative off the ballot, challengers argued it would open a Pandora's box of unintended consequences.

The attorney for Catherine Brooks, a neonatologist and Lancaster County resident, contended the initiative violated the single-subject requirement because it created a "fundamental right to abortion" until fetal viability for "all persons," not just pregnant women.

Breanna Grasz argued it would establish a right to abortion not only for mothers, but also fathers, parents and third parties.

She also alleged the language was misleading and would cause voter confusion.

The challenge brought by Carolyn LaGreca, a registered voter in Douglas County, argued it would force voters to vote for or against the whole package even if they support only parts of the initiative.

Her attorney, Matthew Heffron, said a majority of voters may support abortion up to viability. But those same voters may not vote for late-term abortion or abortion "without interference from the state." He called it a classic case of log-rolling.

In Friday's decision, the unanimous court rejected their claims.

Miller-Lerman said the court determined the initiative does not violate the constitutional single-subject rule, "therefore, the declaratory relief requested would not be appropriate even if it were available."

"The power of initiative must be liberally construed to promote the democratic process, and provisions authorizing the initiative should be construed in such a manner that the legislative power reserved in the people is effectual," she wrote.

Miller-Lerman said they have followed and continue to follow the natural and necessary connection test that says where the limits of a proposed law has a natural and necessary connection with each other the proposal is a single and not a dual proposition.

"The relators dissect the two sentences of the initiative and examine the words of those sentences to argue that the initiative contains multiple separate subjects. However, we read all parts of the initiative as setting parameters of the constitutional right that the initiative seeks to create or as defining terms that describe the nature and extent of the right," she wrote.

In a separate eight-page decision in the case challenging the Protect Women and Children initiative, Justice William Cassel said the challengers "largely concede that if the challenge to the first initiative fails, so does their contest of the second initiative."

"But regardless, we find no violation of the single subject requirement and determine that any other claims asserted are not ripe. We therefore deny the writ," he wrote.

In other words, if enacted, legal challenges can be raised then.

Attorney David Gacioch, who represented 29 Nebraska physicians who brought the challenge, said they brought the case only so both proposed initiatives had the same level of legal scrutiny.

Sponsors of both ballot initiatives responded soon after the decision came down.

Allie Berry of the Protect Our Rights campaign called it a victory for all Nebraskans.

She said anti-abortion politicians "forced an abortion ban into law" and then coordinated with activists to launch desperate lawsuits to silence over 200,000 Nebraskans by preventing them from voting on what happens to their bodies.

"They know Nebraskans want to end the harmful abortion ban and stop government overreach in their personal and private health care decisions," she said. "Today, their plans failed and were grateful the Supreme Court unanimously affirmed what weve said from the beginning: Let the people vote!"

On the other side, Heffron said they are deeply concerned the Supreme Court has allowed "this intentionally deceptive initiative to go before Nebraskans for a confusing vote," referring to the Protect Our Rights initiative as a "Trojan horse."

"Unregulated late-term abortions are what Nebraskans will get if the abortion expansion ballot initiative passes," he said in a statement.

On the same side, the Protect Women and Children organizers said Nebraskans "overwhelmingly support preserving health and safety standards and commonsense protections for women and children."

In November, voters have the choice to reject the extreme Protect the Right to Abortion amendment that invites government intrusion between a woman and her doctor, giving unlicensed individuals influence over minors in crisis, and paves the way for taxpayer-funded abortions."

Top Journal Star photos for September 2024
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  One organization in western Massachusetts is advocating for disability voting rights.

The governor declared this week Voting Rights Week and Stavros Center is working to educate voters with disabilities about their voting rights. They held a voters registration event to inform people of their rights, show them how to register to vote, and how to request a mail-in ballot if they arent able to make it to the polls in person.

How to check if youre registered to vote and change your political party in Massachusetts

They want to make sure that people who may be in a nursing home or other institutions know that even though they may not be able to go vote in person, they dont lose their right.

Many people dont know that they can request accessibility measures when they go in person. For example, if they are blind, they can do an auto-mark machine that is there and they also can ask for help when they are in the booth, said Stavros CEO Angelina Ramirez.

A voter who needs assistance can also have someone help them when filling out the ballot. She said it can get confusing with the different laws in Massachusetts as to what assistance you can receive, but Stavros is there to help you determine the help you can get.

Ramirez also said some people who move into an institution out of their district dont realize that they can request a mail-in ballot and still be able to vote. Since they are educating those with disabilities, most of the work they do is at nursing homes and other centers, going to them to help them advocate for their rights.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
The 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.
Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., is facing criticism from his Republican opponent for images in a campaign ad that show the border wall as his campaign touts his efforts to secure the southern border despite his past opposition to wall construction, which Casey has called "a waste of money."

A recent ad by Casey says he has "voted repeatedly to secure the border" and has voted "25 times to secure the border." During the spot, the backdrop on the screen shows the border wall and what appears to be Trump-era wall construction.

The move is similar to moves by the Harris campaign, which has also shown images of the border wall in its ads despite shutting down most wall construction.

TEXAS DEM'S SENATE AD FEATURES BORDER WALL HE ONCE BLASTED AS 'RACIST'

But the vulnerable Democratic senator has a history of mostly opposition rather than support for the wall. In 2019, he said "building a wall is a waste of money" and that the U.S. should be "investing in border infrastructure and security technology at ports of entry, where most illegal smuggling happens."

"President Trump doesnt seem to get it. Hes not getting a concrete or steel wall along the width of the border  never, ever, ever, ever," Casey said on X.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"If President Trump is serious about stopping illegal drugs, then he should stop talking about building an ineffective wall and start talking about hiring more people and beginning 24-hour surveillance of vehicle screenings," Casey said in an interview the same year.

Casey also voted against a border security deal that would have combined permanent status for young illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children in exchange for border wall funding.

The Biden administration halted border wall construction in early 2021 after entering office. Caseys votes suggest support for that move. He repeatedly voted against measures introduced by Republicans that blocked the cancellation of wall contracts. He has also voted against the House GOP border security bill, which included border wall funding, and against an amendment in 2022 to replace funding for a chief readiness support officer with $500 million for border wall construction.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE

Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick, right, believes Pennsylvania voters are realizing the importance of the 2024 election.

Fox News Digital has previously reported that Casey supported a border fence in 2006 but later voted against a number of fence-related funding amendments in the years after that.

This year, Casey has thrown his support behind a bipartisan border security measure that would have increased funding to the border and would limit asylum entries into the U.S. It has found support with the Biden administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris. The bill includes a limited amount of border wall funding, but only a fraction of the billions that had been requested by former President Trump.

Dave McCormick, the Republican challenging Casey for his Senate seat, accused him of lying about his record in the ads.

"Bob Casey is yet again lying to the commonwealth. He's weak and desperate to cover up his extreme record of opposing a wall, supporting open borders and enabling the flood of fentanyl pouring into the country," McCormick said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Pennsylvanians are sick of the liberal hypocrisy and ready for a strong leader who will fight every day to finish the wall, secure the border and protect our communities."

The Casey campaign defended his record on the border, pointing to his support of a bipartisan 2013 immigration reform bill by the Gang of Eight" that included adding 700 miles of fencing to the border along with other measures, including a pathway to citizenship for some illegal immigrants.

HARRIS DOUBLES DOWN ON SUPPORT FOR LEFT-WING BENEFIT FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: SMART SOLUTIONS

McCormick accused Casey of lying about his record.

It also pointed to broader border security votes Casey has made, including voting for electronic verification systems, emergency funding for security and Border Patrol hiring, a 2023 appropriations bill that included $10.7 billion in border security funding and a 2021 amendment to create a deficit-neutral reserve for immigration enforcement.

"Sen. Casey has voted more than 25 times to secure our border, working with Republicans to add physical barriers, hire more Border Patrol agents and invest in border security technology to stop the illegal flow of fentanyl and keep Pennsylvanians safe," spokesperson Kate Smart said.

The campaign also noted McCormicks opposition to the bipartisan bill introduced this year. McCormick called that legislation a "capitulation" and said it would solidify high levels of illegal immigration.

"David McCormick opposed the toughest border security bill in modern history that was backed by Border Patrol agents and written by members of his own party because he cares more about playing petty politics than keeping Pennsylvanians safe," Smart said.

The ad is not the only wall-related ad controversy in the Senate race. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, featured the southern border wall in a recent Senate campaign ad despite having previously claimed the wall proposed by former President Trump was "racist."

Fox News' Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.





Original article source: Vulnerable Dem senator touts border wall in new ad despite previously dismissing it: 'Waste of money'
MONETA, Va. (WFXR)  On Saturday, September 21, the 2024 SML Walk to End Poverty will take place to assist families struggling with poverty.

Lake Christian Ministries Executive Director Jane Winters encourages walkers and donors to donate or register online.

The events proceeds will support Lake Christian Ministries with its programs and services to assist families in poverty.

Tie your shoes for walking for a world without ALS

Winters said, You can register and donate online until midnight on September 20th. You can also register in person on the event day starting at 9 AM.

On Saturday, September 21, the 2024 SML Walk to End Poverty will take place to assist families struggling with poverty.

(Photo Credit: Lake Christian Ministries)

She also said, It will be a fun day raising money for a great cause  our SML neighbors in need. Prolonged high living costs have had a devastating impact on families who are struggling with poverty. Over the past two years, we have seen a 55% increase in the number of families who are seeking food and crisis financial assistance.

Take a break at Smith Mountain Lake

The Walk to End Poverty is featuring a 5K and 10K walk or run located at Smith Mountain Lake Park at 1235 Road 888 in Huddleston. Registration for the walk begins at 9 a.m. and the walk/run will begin at 10 a.m.

Lunch will be provided at 11 a.m. along with music and team awards.

New food pantry open for Virginia Tech Corps of Cadet members in need of food

Winters said, A special thanks goes to our sponsors for offering a $28,000 Matching Challenge this year. This challenge offers $1 for $1 match for the first $28,000 donated by the community. The goal is to generate a total of $80,000 for Lake Christian Ministries services so we can address the growing needs of local families who are struggling with poverty.

The Challenge is underwritten by the Walks sponsors, Capps Home Building Center and three anonymous donors; as well as supporting sponsors: Gilbert Law, Jo & Co. Jewelers; Centra; Body Shoppe Fitness; Eastman Construction; Southside Electric Cooperative; Ringmaster Services; Anthem Healthkeepers; and the SML Fraternal Order of Eagles #4344.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Want water in metro Phoenix? Then don't overlook this down-ballot race

It might seem like things are smooth sailing on the Colorado River.

We havent seen headlines about its largest reservoir, Lake Mead, heading for an imminent crash since the wet winter of 2022.

Lake levels have stabilized, in large part because Arizona, California and Nevada (the three states that rely on Lake Mead) are on track to use less water than any time since the 1960s.

And so, in an election with a very full two-page ballot, it might be easy to overlook the race for Central Arizona Water Conservation District.

5 Phoenix seats are up for grabs

The nonpartisan board oversees the Central Arizona Project, the 336-mile canal that brings Colorado River water to residents, businesses and tribes in metro Phoenix, Pinal County and Tucson.

Two-thirds of its 15 members represent metro Phoenix, and half of those seats are up for election this year.

This race in the past has drawn a dozen or more candidates for five seats. This year, though, just six candidates are vying to fill those six-year terms.

And four of the six are incumbents.

But dont mistake fewer candidates for lack of importance.

How deep could water be cut after 2026?

The CAP Canal winds through a neighborhood in Phoenix as seen from the Deem Hills Recreation Area on Dec. 12, 2018.

About 36% of Arizonas water supply comes from the Colorado River.

Yet there is a giant question looming over the district that delivers it: What happens after 2026?

Thats when the current rules expire that govern operations at Lake Mead and the upstream Lake Powell that feeds it.

Negotiators remain at an impasse on what the next set of rules might look like. But there is wide agreement that the states that rely on Lake Mead will need to pare back annual water use even deeper than they are now, probably permanently.

And without billions of dollars in federal money to do so.

There is great debate on just how deep those cuts might go and who would have to shoulder them past 2026, but one scenario involves the Central Arizona Project  with its junior water rights  absorbing an outsized share.

That could vastly reduce the amount of water in the canal, which in addition to providing less water for the cities and tribes that rely on it, also could raise costs to deliver that water and throw a monkey wrench into the districts long-term plans to finance repairs and other projects.

CAWCD will set policy to handle new realities

Central Arizona Project is on track to deliver 887,000 acre-feet of water this year  down from 1.4 million acre-feet in 2018.

And while few of us have felt the pinch of those cuts so far, the difference is more than twice as much Colorado River water as Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale received in 2020.

What happens if we must forgo even more than that, year after year?

Particularly when nearly half of what CAP delivers is permanently allocated to tribes via federal water settlements?

Why I'm rethinking: How Arizona can save more water

There are plenty of other questions surrounding the district  including its role in replenishing groundwater used for housing, which has largely driven development on metro Phoenixs outskirts.

The next round of board members will play an integral role in the policies that answer them.

Listen to candidates discuss this future

If you care about water  and we all should, considering that if we dont have it, we dont live here  the Central Arizona Water Conservation District election matters.

Thats why The Arizona Republic is hosting a forum with the candidates to talk about their backgrounds and issues facing the district (and Ill be writing more about the particulars of this race, but after the forum).

Its an informal chat, not a debate. And all six candidates  incumbents Lisa Atkins, Terry Goddard, Heather Macre and April Pinger-Tornquist, plus newcomers Brian Biesemeyer and Rudy Fischer  have agreed to participate.

The hourlong event, which Ill be moderating, is free. It will be recorded but not livestreamed.

Join us.

If you go

What: Central Arizona Water Conservation District forum.

When: 6-7 p.m. Oct. 8.

Where: Arizona State Universitys Walton Center for Planetary Health, 777 E. University Drive, Tempe.

Joanna Allhands writes opinions primarily about Arizona water and the Colorado River. Reach her at joanna.allhands@arizonarepublic.com or on X, formerly Twitter, @joannaallhands.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: CAWCD faces big water questions. Candidates will answer them at forum
Traffic on I-195 East flows on the Washington Bridge in East Providence on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at 4:52 p.m. Demolition crews have started to take down the bridge deck down on the westbound highway. (Rhode Island Department of Transportation Traffic Camera)

Gov. Dan McKee spent part of this week in Washington D.C. as the states top lobbyist in an attempt to secure federal funding to cover the still-to-be-determined cost of rebuilding the westbound Washington Bridge.

The governor met with Senior White House Adviser Tom Perez Wednesday to get President Joe Bidens administration to approve a $221 million grant application currently pending before the U.S. Department of Transportation. State officials expect to know whether Rhode Island is awarded the federal money sometime in the fall.

So how did the lobbying effort go? Good, McKee said during his weekly Ask the Governor interview with WPROs Gene Valicenti Thursday.

We just made it clear that this is a high priority, McKee said. It is a competitive bid, were competing with the country  but I believe the case were making is one that represents how critical this is and how much an issue this is for the people that live in our state.

The governor also connected with his predecessor, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, about trying to sway the Biden administration on the states behalf, McKee spokesperson Olivia DaRocha said in an emailed statement.

What were doing is taking every possible person who could help us be successful, McKee told Valicenti.

Financials behind the rebuild project are expected to be clarified after the state issues a second request for proposals. The initial request  posted April 30 with a July 3 deadline to respond  drew no bidders.

When the new round of bidding opens is anyones guess.

It should be soon, but no dates have been put out, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) spokesperson Charles St. Martin said in an interview Thursday.

The states continued push for federal dollars comes as bridge deck and beam demolition is underway on the westbound highway, which has been closed to traffic since December. That work is being done under a $45.8 million contract between the state and Warwick-based Aetna Bridge Co.

RIDOT does not expect traffic on the eastbound span to be affected by the ongoing demo work  though it has resulted in ongoing night time closures to portions of Gano Street in Providence for the next couple of weeks. State transportation officials also plan to close Waterfront Drive in East Providence for one week starting Sept. 17.

The superstructure of the bridge is expected to be torn down by the end of January, according to the proposal Aetna submitted to RIDOT. Rhode Island Current submitted a records request for Aetnas full demolition plan on Sept. 3, but still has not received a response from RIDOT as of Friday.

State monitoring weight on eastbound bridge

No implosions will occur, St. Martin said  that way debris doesnt fall into the Seekonk River and it will protect the adjacent eastbound span, which now carries traffic in both directions.

Increased traffic on the eastbound has caused some concerns at RIDOT, as the state in May paid $2.8 million to Swiss-based technology company Kistler to install monitoring systems meant to keep track of the bridges structural health.

The eastbound Washington Bridge has become considerably more sensitive since the closing of the westbound bridge, RIDOT engineer John Priess wrote in an April 25 request form.

Kistler was chosen through a sole source procurement  meaning a public bid process was not required. St. Martin said Thursday that was because no other companies contacted about this technology could provide the combined analysis RIDOT sought.

He added the new monitoring system is a precautionary measure.

One of the great things about this system is that it will use multiple communications channels to notify RIDOT in real time if any issues are detected, St. Martin said in an emailed statement. 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.

There are no plans for weight restrictions. Installation is expected to be complete in October.

What about that lawsuit?

Litigation against the 13 firms who previously worked on or inspected the bridge before its sudden closure is still in its early stages. As things pick up, the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General confirmed Friday it will post filings on its website as they become available.

Spokesperson Timothy Rondeau declined to say when that would begin.

There have been no major filings since the lawsuit itself was filed in mid-August aside from one hearing to get on the Superior Courts business calendar and attorneys signing on to represent the defendants.

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Watch: Bear gets MRI scan for seizures in UK first

A brown bear called Boki has become the first of its kind to undergo an MRI scan in Britain.

The three-year-old 115kg bear, which is based at Wildwood Trust in Canterbury, Kent, had been suffering from seizures and other debilitating health issues.

Conservationists at the charitys wildlife park thought they had explored all avenues of treatment before Prof Noel Fitzpatrick offered his teams MRI services.

Mark Habben, Wildwoods director of zoo operations, said the charity had made it an absolute priority to find the cause of the seizures and give him the help he needs.

Boki the bear gets an MRI scan

Boki is loved by absolutely everyone, he said, adding: Hes really charismatic and friendly and has captured the hearts of not just the staff but every one of our supporters as well.

Mr Habben highlighted the immense challenge of transferring a bear of Bokis size on a 100-mile journey from the park in Herne Bay to the veterinary practice in Surrey.

Becky Copland, the head of animal training, said Wildwood had carried out conditioning work in the lead up to the scans to ensure Boki would remain calm during the procedure.

Boki was familiarised with its transportation crate and taught to present its leg for the hand injected anaesthetic.

Boki, the brown bear, was said to be loved by absolutely everyone at the Wildwood trust

Ms Copland said: The whole procedure went really well and he went to sleep quickly so were really pleased all the hard work paid off.

Honey water was used to help the vet deliver the injection that sedated Boki before the hour-long scan began.

The scan focused specifically on its head to try and find the cause of his seizures and associated health concerns.

Nicola Bromley, the hospital director, said the team had been more than happy to help Boki.

He said: We endeavour to deliver exceptional care and support to the families and guardians of the animals we treat  whether they have paws or claws.

The wait is now on for the results of the scan to see what the next steps are for Boki.

Boki had been hand-reared by keepers at Port Lympne Reserve Park after being rejected by their brown bear group.

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Watch: Biden scolds British reporter for asking question, saying you be quiet

Watch: Biden scolds British reporter for asking question, saying you be quiet - ABACA/Shutterstock/Gripas Yuri

President Biden told a British reporter you be quiet after the journalist asked a question before a key meeting with Sir Keir Starmer.

Mr Biden and the British Prime Minister both made statements to reporters at the start of the meeting.

One Sky News reporter, James Matthews, tried to ask a question about what the President thought of Putins threat of war.

Mr Biden snapped back: You be quiet, Im going to speak, OK?

You gotta be quiet, Im going to make a statement.

Mr Biden and Sir Keir then made statements about the issues that would be discussed at the meeting: Ukraine and Gaza.

The Sky News reporter then asked his question again.

This time, the President replied: I dont think much of Vladimir Putin.

Mr Putin said on Thursday that it would be an act of war if the West allowed Ukraine to use long-range missiles in Russia.

Sir Keir and Mr Biden had a short one to one meeting in the Oval Office before a longer meeting with aides in the Blue Room, where the confrontation with the reporter took place.

Alongside the Prime Minister was David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary.

Sir Keirs chief of staff, Sue Gray was also there, along with Dame Karen Pierce, UK ambassador to the US.

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), the running mate of Vice President Harris, will deliver remarks Thursday during an event in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The campaign stop comes on the heels of a tense debate between Harris and former President Trump. Polls published since the event have largely been in favor of the vice president.

Michigan, which boasts 15 Electoral College votes, is seen as a critical swing state this cycle. The state had been seen as loyally Democratic until Trump won it narrowly in 2016. President Biden, who dropped out earlier this summer and endorsed Harris, reclaimed the Great Lakes State in 2020.

The Hill/Decision Desk HQs aggregate of polls in the battleground state shows Harris leading Trump by just more than 1 point, or 48.1 percent to 46.9 percent.

Thursdays rally is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. EDT.

Watch the live video above.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BRAZIL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  The United Way of the Wabash Valleys Success by 6 Council is launching a fundraising effort to fund programs that help children in the Wabash Valley.

Two volunteers joined David and Jen Friday morning on WTWO 6:30 Today to discuss the event. You can see the full interview at the top of the page.

Money raised by the event goes to the Success By 6 program which promotes early childhood development so that children are ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten.

There is an online auction that starts Friday. The live auction event will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19th at North Clay Middle School. CLICK HERE for the online auction page.

Tickets are $20 and are available for purchase at:

 Riddell National Bank  Main Branch Brazil

 The Hometown Savings Bank  Brazil

 First Farmers Bank and Trust  Clay City

 Call United Way office at 812-235-6287

CLICK HERE to learn more information about the United Way of the Wabash Valleys Success by 6 Council.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
What's on the ballot

Nebraskans will have the opportunity to vote on six ballot issues in November:

MEDICAL MARIJUANA: A pair of initiatives would effectively legalize medical marijuana if approved.

* One petition would allow qualified patients to use marijuana for medical conditions with the recommendation of a health care provider and legally protect providers. It would also allow caregivers to assist patients in using medical marijuana, if necessary.

* The second petition would set up the regulatory process for the manufacture and distribution of medical marijuana to patients.

ABORTION RESTRICTIONS/RIGHTS: Competing measures would expand or limit abortion rights. The Secretary of State has said that whichever receives the most votes will become law.

* One measure would amend the state constitution to ban most abortions after the first trimester, with certain exceptions for medical emergencies or in cases involving a sexual assault or incest.

* Another measure amends the states constitution to establish the right to an abortion up until fetal viability, or later to protect the health of the pregnant woman.

SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS: Nebraskans will be able to repeal part of a recent law that appropriates state funds to support student scholarships to private and faith-based K-12 schools.

PAID SICK LEAVE: If approved, Nebraska employers with fewer than 20 workers would have to offer at least five days of paid sick leave per year, or one hour for every 30 hours worked. Employers with 20 or more workers would have to offer at least seven days per year. The requirements would take effect in October 2025.
The two men scuffle on the floor moments before a gunshot - The Daily Wire

An Israel-supporting veteran has been arrested for shooting a pro-Palestinian attacker who sprinted across the street and tackled him.

Video footage shows a man wearing a Palestinian pin badge confronting a small group of Israeli supporters, as both sides are seen trading heated words across the road in the Boston suburb of Newton.

The man with a pin, who also has a surgical mask around his neck, calls the group of 10 people on a rally sick, and accuses them of defending genocide.

A woman is heard calling him stupid, and suddenly the man makes a b-line for Scott Hayes, 47, who is an Iraq War veteran, according to The Daily Wire.

The video shows him weaving through traffic and leaps onto Mr Hayes, who is tackled violently to the ground and put in a headlock.

Others come to the veterans defence and a melee ensues, during which a gun is fired.

As the scuffle dissipates, it becomes clear the man is hurt, and Mr Hayes can be seen tending to the man who attacked him and asking his fellow demonstrators to call 911.

Click here to view this content.

Mr Hayes, 47, of Framingham, was arrested on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury. He is scheduled to be arraigned in district court Friday.

The shooting victim, who was not identified, was being treated at a hospital for life-threatening injuries, Ryan said.

The veterans fellow protesters said the veteran was acting in self defence, but were not aware he had a gun, which according to Boston 25 he legally owns.

Marian Ryan, Middlesex County District Attorney, said: A scuffle ensued. During that scuffle, the individual who had come across the street was shot by a member of the demonstrating group.

Police were called at 6.40pm on Thursday.

Acting Newton Police Chief George McMains asked witnesses to provide investigators with photos or videos of the confrontation. He said police would provide extra patrols at houses of worship over the next several days.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller called the shooting a frightening incident and asked for everyone to remain calm as police investigate.

I know people will have a lot of questions, and we will share information with Newtonians and the press when we are able, Fuller said. Its really early stages of an active investigation.

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Wave of school shooting threats erupt in Florida, US. Can teens go to jail? How to report

Since a teenager took an AR-style weapon and opened fire at a rural Georgia high school, killing two students and two teachers, a wave of school shooting threats has spread across the country resulting in arrests, increased police presence, and school lockdowns or closings.

On the same day as the Appalachee High shooting, a 15-year-old in a neighboring county was taken into custody after other students heard him talking about "finishing the job."

Just a few days later, a 13-year-old girl was arrested in Hillsborough County, Florida after she posted to Instagram, "im the one whos gonna shoot up dowdell middle magnet." She told sheriff's deputies it was meant it as a joke.

Since then more children have been arrested around the country, including at least 13 in Florida across multiple counties in recent days. Violence prevention group Everytown for Gun Safety told USA TODAY it found more than three dozen threats.

The practice has been called "swatting" and it can be dangerous, even if it was meant to be funny.

What is swatting?

"Swatting" is making a hoax call to law enforcement in the hopes of deliberately causing a large police or SWAT team response. Sometimes it's aimed at a specific person, sometimes it's just randomly done to cause chaos and tie up resources.

Many early instances of swatting were against gamers who were streaming themselves online while playing, which meant the hoaxsters might be able to enjoy watching police break down the door behind the hapless victim. It quickly became a way to harass anyone the caller wanted to antagonize and possibly cause harm.

Is swatting illegal?

Yes. Issuing a threat over social media, by text message or through e-mail is a federal crime (threatening interstate communications). People posting or sending such threats can receive up to five years in federal prison, or they can face state or local charges.

In Florida, making threats of violence on social media platforms is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison, up to 15 years of probation and a $10,000 fine, according to the Columbia County Sheriffs Office.

You also can be charged with a variety of other things such as conspiracy to commit access device fraud and unauthorized access of a protected computer, misuse of 911 systems and other related crimes.

What is a code red in Florida schools?

A code red lockdown is when there is an immediate or potential threat to campus safety, invoking a full-scale lockdown on the campus.

How do you report a school shooting threat? About Fortify Florida

The Fortify Florida app from the Florida Attorney General, the Department of Education, and the Department of Law Enforcement can be used to report threats made against schools.

According to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, "Making threats, even if it is in jest, can have serious consequences. Youth, parents, and teachers are also encouraged to report any and all threats they see or hear. They can notify law enforcement or report a threat anonymously through Floridas FortifyFL App."

The FortifyFL App is a "suspicious activity reporting tool" that helps instantly relay critical information to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials when there is an imminent threat.

Of course, you can also always call 9-1-1 to report your emergency.

If you need more resources, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has a resource guide to school threats.

Is swatting dangerous?

Aside from reports of active shooters traumatizing students, staff and parents, anytime law enforcement must respond to a false call of an active shooter or mass casualties, there is the chance of accidents.

In 2017, California resident Tyler Barriss made a swatting call reporting a fake hostage situation after arguing with a fellow gamer playing "Call of Duty." He gave an address of an innocent, unrelated person who police ended up fatally shooting during their response. Barriss was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

"A crash injured a Georgia police officer who was responding to a falsely reported school shooting at a middle school Sep. 13," said Jay Farlow, spokesperson for the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) in an email. "An upset parent punched a window at a Texas high school September 19 while waiting for access to his child after a false shooting call at the school, leading officers on scene to apply a tourniquet."

They also drain significant resources from schools and local authorities and pull law enforcement attention away from actual crimes and emergencies.

Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY and Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: School shooting threats result in arrests across Florida, US
Well, Well. Laura Loomer's Horrendous Comments About Kamala Harris Even Got Marjorie Taylor Greene Upset

The words of one right-wing activist in particular were so racist and out of line that even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene had to condemn them.

On Sunday (Sept. 8), former congressional candidate and Trump associate Laura Loomer quoted a post on X in which Vice President Kamala Harris was discussing her Indian heritage. Then, Loomer grossly disparaged a Harris presidency.

She wrote that if the VP 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.

Hours later, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and Laura Loomer continue to argue. pic.twitter.com/lza1VhwCWV  Yashar Ali  (@yashar) September 12, 2024

The post is still up on the site but comes with the warning: Visibility limited: this Post may violate Xs rules against Hateful Conduct. In a turn of events that literally no one saw coming, Greene took to the social media app on Wednesday (Sept. 11) to share her disdain regarding Loomers words.

Greene said that Loomers comment 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.

Despite having a history of antisemitic and racist remarks herself, Green felt some kind of way about Loomers hateful message. Since then, the two have been going back and forth on X. Loomer called Greene a raging antisemite and said that her initial post a funny joke about Kamala Harris.

Greene explained in a different post that when it comes to post[s] that are flat out racist, hateful, and make President Trump look bad, [Loomer] needs to be responsible and delete them.

In a statement to The Hill, a Trump campaign spokesperson confirmed that despite ties to the former president, Loomer does not work for him.

You know its bad when your racism is so flagrant Trump doesnt want to be tied you in any official capacity. However, we doubt this will be the last of Loomers buffoonery.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A high school junior in South Fulton County has achieved a significant honor by being named the top cadet at an elite military flight academy.

Channel 2s Berndt Petersen spoke with Cadet Lt. Colonel Lincoln Fletcher, a student at Westlake High School, who is making impressive strides in the Junior ROTC program.

When Lincoln Fletcher receives orders, he follows them diligently.

I want to be great. Not for a specific position. But if I get a position while working to be great, then thats how it is to me, Fletcher said.

Fletcher, a member of Westlake High Schools Junior ROTC, recently returned from the National Flight Academy at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida.

Out of 200 of the best cadets, only one was named the Top Cadet, and that honor went to Fletcher.

They were talking about the specific award. I was listening to it and said, Wow. This person sounds tremendous. Good job to them. When they called my name, it was a shocker. I said, Really? Fletcher recalled.

TRENDING STORIES:

Chief Warrant Officer Dana Strickland praised Fletcher for his representation of the program. Fletcher currently serves as the Battalion Commander over 468 cadets.

He represents the program in the best way possible. Thats why he is the Battalion Commander of over 468 cadets, Strickland said.

Fletcher received the promotion just a week ago, marking him as a top contender in the field.

Youre like the Tom Cruise of this flight school? Petersen asked.

In a way, Fletcher replied with a laugh.

Scholarship offers from the nations top military colleges are already coming in for Fletcher.

While hes still deciding, his options include prestigious institutions like Morehouse and West Point.

IN OTHER NEWS:
A Whatcom County man who is accused of attempting to kill two Whatcom County Sheriffs Office deputies by shooting them in their faces roughly 2.5 years ago felt like he was under siege that day after his neighbors grabbed firearms, walked around the neighborhood and fired several rounds into the air or in his direction following a neighborhood dispute, the mans public defense attorney argued during opening statements of his attempted murder jury trial Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Joel Berck Young, 63, of Maple Falls, is currently on trial in Whatcom County Superior Court for two counts of attempted first-degree murder stemming from the Feb. 10, 2022 shooting of now-retired sheriffs deputies Ryan Rathbun and Jason Thompson in the Peaceful Valley neighborhood of Maple Falls.

Youngs jury trial, which began Monday, Sept. 9, is expected to last approximately two to three weeks, according to court records.

Young has been incarcerated in the Skagit County Community Justice Center in lieu of $5 million bail since his arrest on Feb. 10, 2022. He was recently brought back to Whatcom County, where he remains incarcerated in the Whatcom County Jail throughout the duration of his jury trial.

Young is facing two counts of attempted first-degree murder. There are three ways to charge first-degree murder in Washington state. Young is charged under the first prong, which alleges he acted with premeditated intent to cause the death of another person. Both of his attempted murder charges include enhancements that allege Young was armed with a firearm at the time, and that he knew the victims were law enforcement officers acting in their official duties.

If convicted, Young faces up to life in prison.

Young was previously facing additional charges of two counts of second-degree assault while armed with a firearm, one count of felony harassment and six counts of reckless endangerment. All of those charges were dropped at the start of Youngs jury trial Monday, Sept. 9, court documents show.

At the time of the shooting in mid-February 2022, Rathbun and Thompson were working as the foothills neighborhood deputies for the Whatcom County Sheriffs Office. Rathbun had been in that position for roughly two years, while Thompson had been in the position for only a few months.

Following the shooting, Rathbun returned to duty in late December 2022, while Thompson returned to duty in early January 2023, The Bellingham Herald previously reported. Both suffered significant injuries and permanent damage from the shooting.

Rathbun retired in December 2023. He had been with the sheriffs office since 2009. Thompson, who had been with the sheriffs office since 2008, retired in May 2024, according to Deb Slater, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office.

Both were awarded a state Medal of Honor in May 2023 for their actions during the shooting.

The two deputies and one of their wives have since filed a civil lawsuit against Young. The lawsuit is on hold until Youngs criminal case resolves.

One of Joel Berck Youngs defense attorneys, Kurt Parrish, addressed the jury during opening statements on September 11, 2024, for the first day of Youngs attempted first-degree murder trial.

Defense opening

Regardless of whether Young actively and appropriately interpreted the situation happening in his neighborhood on the afternoon of Feb. 10, 2022, Young felt like he was under attack from his neighbors, Kurt Parrish, Youngs deputy public defender argued during his opening statements in court Wednesday.

Youngs defense team, which includes Parrish and Starck Follis, director of the Whatcom County Public Defenders Office, does not dispute the fact that Young shot now-retired deputies Rathbun and Thompson that day.

They are, however, arguing that Young did not act with premeditation and intent, and therefore should not be found guilty of attempted first-degree murder.

Now theres not a lot factually that we disagree with. There are ultimately going to be two issues that are going to be argued in closing arguments  premeditation and intent. The judge is going to define those terms for you, but ultimately its whether or not Mr. Young deliberated to the point of making a decision to kill deputies Thompson and Rathbun specifically. And secondarily, whether or not he intended to do it at the moment that he pulled the trigger, Parrish told the jury made up of predominantly women on Wednesday.

Bellingham Police investigate Friday, Jan. 11, 2022, after two Whatcom County Sheriffs Office deputies were reportedly shot the night before in a Maple Falls, Wash., neighborhood. Joel Berck Young was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder.

On Feb. 10, 2022, Young was in his home along Green Valley Drive, north of Kendall, with his adult son. At some point that afternoon, Young began drinking alcohol, and his son left to grab food and run errands, Parrish said.

Youngs next door neighbor to the east had recently died, and the house had been acquired by Ron DeBoer, a friend of the neighbors. That afternoon, DeBoer was cleaning up the property and began burning wet wood and items in a fire pit in the backyard. There was a breeze, which caused smoke from the fire to blow toward Youngs house, Parrish, the defense attorney, said.

The smoke began agitating Young to an extreme degree, in part due to Young suffering from emphysema, Parrish said.

At some point, Young went outside and confronted DeBoer and told him to put the fire out. Young came back shortly after with a shotgun and fired one round into the air.

The combination of Mr. Youngs personal health condition  and his intoxication and his general feelings about his neighbors, in total, led him to make an impetuous decision. There is no doubt it was an ill-advised decision to go into his backyard and fire off this shotgun round into the air, Parrish said.

Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Evan Jones swears in Ron DeBoer on the first day of Joel Youngs attempted first-degree murder trial on September 11, 2024. DeBoer owned the house next door to Youngs and provided testimony of his first-hand experience on the day of the alleged crime in 2022.

That shotgun shell landed in the backyard of the Deeters house. The Deeters took their kids inside, before Cody Deeter and Jesse Marshall, a friend who was also living on Green Valley Drive, grabbed their firearms and came back outside, Parrish said.

Deeter and Marshall walked around the neighborhood with a shotgun and a handgun, before Marshall allegedly fired two rounds from his shotgun either into the air or in the direction of Youngs house, Parrish told the jury Wednesday.

It was shortly after this that Dep. Rathbun arrived, followed by Dep. Thompson. Both tried to make contact with Young, believing they were initially investigating a misdemeanor offense of unlawful discharge of a firearm, Parrish said. Young opened and closed the front door of his house roughly three times, each time armed with a shotgun and exchanging limited statements or yelling expletives at the deputies.

The fourth time Young opened the door, he fired two rounds from his shotgun, hitting both deputies in their faces. Thompson was shot first, then Rathbun.

Bellingham Police investigate Friday, Jan. 11, 2022, after two Whatcom County Sheriffs Office deputies were reportedly shot the night before in a Maple Falls, Wash., neighborhood. Joel Berck Young was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder.

While theres no doubt that Young fired those rounds, Parrish said, Young did allegedly tell a detective during an interrogation interview following his arrest that he was dreadfully sorry about what happened.

So all in all, due to a combination of really an imperfect storm  the smoke from DeBoers house, the relations Joel had had with his neighbors, the knee-jerk reactions from the neighbors to grab their firearms and to engage in combat  Mr. Young felt that he was under siege, Parrish told the jury Wednesday. Whats going to happen at the end of this case when we come back for closing arguments is youre going to be tasked with determining whether or not those shots were premeditated and intentional. Im not going to sit here and tell you that deputies Thompson and Rathbun did their jobs incorrectly; you will never hear that from us. What happened that day was an absolute tragedy, but it does not make Mr. Young guilty of the charges that the state has chosen to levy against him.

Prosecution opening

While the prosecutions version of events differs only slightly from that of the defense, they argue that Young not only announced his intent to shoot the deputies but that he followed through on his threats, and that he made excited statements after doing so.

Similar to the defenses version, the prosecution is alleging that Young began drinking sometime in the mid-afternoon of Feb. 10, 2022. Shortly before 4 p.m., Youngs adult son left the house to get food and run errands. It was around this time that DeBoer, Youngs next-door neighbor to the east, began burning wet wood and other items in his backyard, Whatcom County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Maggie Peach said during her opening arguments in court Wednesday. Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Richey is also prosecuting the case with Peach.

The smoke from the fire wafted over Youngs house, which infuriated him, Peach said. Young went into his backyard and began yelling expletives at DeBoer, telling him to put the fire out. While DeBoer was contemplating what to do, Young went back into his house, returned with a shotgun and fired one round into the air over DeBoers head, Peach said.

The shell landed in the Deeters backyard, where they were outside with their children. They were pretty upset, and took the kids inside, before Deeter and Marshall returned outside with their own firearms. Several shotgun blasts were then heard, likely coming from outside the Deeters residence. DeBoer found himself in between an exchange of words and shotgun blasts, Peach told the jury Wednesday.

Bellingham Police investigate Friday, Jan. 11, 2022, after two Whatcom County Sheriffs Office deputies were reportedly shot the night before in a Maple Falls, Wash., neighborhood. Joel Berck Young was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder.

Its at this point that several neighbors heard the gunshots and called 911. Rathbun responded first, parking his vehicle down the street and approaching the neighborhood on foot. He found DeBoer in his driveway and Deeter and Marshall in the front yard of their residence. Rathbun did not see Young outside of his home when he arrived, Peach said.

DeBoer explained what had happened to Rathbun, who then radioed dispatch to tell them the situation was more calm than initially thought and that they didnt need a lot of extra law enforcement personnel to come to the scene. Rathbun then went to speak with Deeter and Marshall as Thompson arrived.

While Thompson was speaking with Rathbun to understand the situation, Youngs front door opened, Peach said.

Rathbun said Hi sir, to which Young responded: Wanna shoot? Peach said.

Thompson told Young no, identified himself and Rathbun as law enforcement, and asked Young to come out and speak with them. Young responded with expletives, Peach said.

It was decided that Thompson would keep an eye on Youngs house from the corner of DeBoers garage, while Rathbun continued speaking with the neighbors.

In a five-minute span, Joel repeatedly opens the door, hollers expletives at Dep. Thompson and closes the door, Peach told the jury. Peach said Young then threatened the deputy, saying, Ill blow your head off.

Deputy Jason Thompson, left, and Deputy Ryan Rathbun were recently cleared to return to full active duty, according to a news release Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022. The deputies were both shot in the face while responding to a Feb. 10 dispute between neighbors in Peaceful Valley.

Young opened his door a fourth time, yelled at Thompson, and then shot Thompson in the face from roughly 50 feet away, Peach said. Rathbun ran over to where Thompson had been kneeling near the corner of DeBoers garage and fired several rounds from his shotgun in the direction of Youngs house.

Rathbun himself was then shot.

The first deputy is shot while taking a knee, the second deputy is shot while standing with a rifle, Peach said.

Following this, Young yelled Whoohoo, called Rathbun an expletive, and then laughed, all of which were recorded on the deputies body worn cameras and a neighbors cell phone video, Peach said.

A neighbor then ran over from the Deeters house and emptied a magazine from a handgun into Youngs house, which allowed Rathbun to pull Thompson out of the way and into DeBoers open garage, Peach said.

Bellingham Police investigate Friday, Jan. 11, 2022, after two Whatcom County Sheriffs Office deputies were reportedly shot the night before in a Maple Falls, Wash., neighborhood. Joel Berck Young was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder.

After shooting both deputies in their faces, Young called his son and told him not to come home, because he just blew a sheriffs head off. When Youngs son asked if he was serious, Young told him he was, Peach said.

Critically, you are going to hear from Dep. Thompson and Dep. Rathbun about everything they did that day to lower the temperature, to de-escalate a tense neighborhood situation, to be transparent in who they were and what they were doing; every step they took, based on their training and experience, to make sure this didnt escalate, Peach told the jury in court Wednesday. And youre going to hear that Joel Young did the exact opposite. At every turn, he turned the temperature up, and at every opportunity to cool things off, he went the other way. He didnt fire two shotgun blasts at two separate deputies heads accidentally, or because he thought he was firing at someone else, or because he didnt know what was going on. He fired those two shotgun blasts at those two faces because he wanted to.
Mystery surrounds Happy, the famous Bronx Zoo elephant who has been the subject of fierce legal battles, with the 53-year-old elephant having not been seen in public for months.

In recent weeks, rampant social media speculation has questioned the elephants condition and whereabouts, with the zoo finally releasing a video of Happy in her enclosure on Thursday to try and quash concerns.

Happy, one of our Asian elephants @BronxZoo, out in the exhibit yesterday morning taking a dust bath & eating browse, the zoo stated on X.

Questions about Happys whereabouts have been spreading on social media for weeks and have continued despite the new video.

Bronx Born Baddie! HAPPY THE ELEPHANT IS CURRENTLY MISSING!!!! 6 WEEKS AND COUNTING! wrote one X user on Friday.

Another post read, @usdagov Hey!!! Wtf is wrong with you all?? Happy the elephant has been missing for over a week living in deplorable conditions. We demand you immediately investigate now!

Yo Im hearing that Happy theElephant from the Bronx Zoo HAS BEEN MISSING for over a month!?!? exclaimed a third.

Happy, one of our Asian elephants @BronxZoo, out in the exhibit yesterday morning taking a dust bath & eating browse pic.twitter.com/132EQuSToC  Jim Breheny (@JimBreheny) September 12, 2024

Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the citys Guardian Angels, posted a video outside the zoo last month urging his 87,000 followers to Save Happy the Elephant!

According to the New York Times, no visitor has set eyes on the New York City zoos hefty star in over two months. But despite the speculation, zoo officials have insisted Happy is, in fact, happy and present.

In an email to The Independent on Friday, one zoo official said the line that Happy is missing is not true at all and highlighted the X video posted this week.

The Bronx Zoo previously put out a statement back on July 31 seeking to put the rumors to rest  though that did little to curb public concern.

Nothing is wrong with Happy, read the press statement, which went on to explain that Happy is fine and doing well.

One of the two Asian elephants at the zoo, Happy and her enclosure-mate, Patty, are both given the chance to choose where they spend each day within their enclosure, which visitors can see from the parks monorail, the zoo said.

Happy has been choosing to not go out into the area visible from the monorail, continued the statement, so Patty is the elephant recently seen by guests.

Happy is given the opportunity each day to use the exhibit area and when she chooses to do so will once again be seen by visitors.

Until then she is hanging back in other indoor/outdoor areas around the people who care for her, opting for their company (and more frequent contact and treats) over the exhibit area.

Nothing has been found amiss at the zoo according to a report from an inspection conducted on August 8 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

No non-compliant items identified during this inspection, the report states.

Happy pictured in her enclosure at The Bronx Zoo on October 19 2022 (Corbis via Getty Images)

Open from May until October, the monorail gives zoo visitors the chance to catch sight of both Happy and Patty and promises to take you "into the heart of the Asian wilderness," according to The Bronx Zoo's website.

Happy has been a lightning rod of animal ethics controversies over the years.

She was the figurehead in a 2022 case that went all the way to the New York Court of Appeals to ascertain whether Happy and by extension, all elephants, have free will - which if found to be the case would have been a violation of habeas corpus.

A habeas corpus proceeding challenges someones alleged illegal confinement on that persons behalf.

Happy was legally found unable to sue under habeas corpus, on account of not being a human, although Chief Judge Janet DiFiore wrote at the time that no one disputes that elephants are intelligent beings deserving of proper care and compassion.

The case was brought forward bythe Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP), which advocates for animals to be given enforceable legal rights.
WASHINGTON  White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday slammed Donald Trumps association with right-wing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who has become an increasing presence alongside the former president as he seeks a second term.

No leader should ever associate with someone who spreads this kind of ugliness, this kind of racist poison, Jean-Pierre said at a press briefing.

The White House reaction comes after Trump attended a Sept. 11 remembrance event on Wednesday with Loomer, who has previously pushed the false conspiracy theory about the terrorist attack being an inside job. A day earlier, Loomer also traveled with Trump on his plane and attended the presidential debate.

Jean-Pierre was asked during the daily White House briefing on Thursday afternoon for President Joe Bidens response to a racist post this week in which Loomer targeted Harris Indian heritage. She was also asked about Loomers recent travels with Trump.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer before the start of Donald Trump's trial at Manhattan criminal court in New York City on April 15.

The press secretary went on to lambaste Loomer as someone who continues to fan these types of dangerous and insulting conspiracy theories, like the false notion  like the false notion  that the tragic 9/11 attacks were an inside job.

Loomer had shared a video on social media last year that falsely claimed 9/11 was an Inside Job! She has a long history of pushing conspiracy theories about migrants, school shootings and Democrats, among other topics.

In a post to X on Sunday, Loomer went after Harris by saying that if the vice president wins the election 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.

It is repugnant, these types of comments, said Jean-Pierre when addressing Loomer during Thursdays press conference. It is un-American to say these types of things, exactly the kind of hateful and divisive rhetoric that we should denounce.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Jean-Pierres remarks.

On Wednesday, a Trump campaign spokesperson provided a statement about the former presidents 9/11 commemoration, but did not answer questions about Trumps travels with Loomer or whether the campaign was aware that she has pushed 9/11 conspiracy theories.

Loomer has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

On Thursday morning, Loomer continued pushing baseless claims, this time targeting Haitians.

Haitian immigrants arent just eating cats and dogs, she said in a social media post. They eat HUMANS.

Two days earlier, at the presidential debate in Philadelphia, Trump pushed a similar conspiracy theory, falsely claiming that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

He doubled down on those remarks during an interview with Arizona Telemundo station KTAZ, which is owned by NBCUniversal, on Thursday, saying that some of the pets were taken by the migrants, and its a shame.

The migrants were doing a lot of damage, he added.

Haitians in Springfield have told NBC News that the anti-migrant rhetoric has made them scared for their lives. On Thursday, the town temporarily closed its City Hall after receiving a bomb threat.

Trumps affiliation with Loomer has prompted feelings of consternation among some Republicans on Capitol Hill, though most GOP lawmakers have declined to weigh in on their association.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., on Wednesday said Loomer should remove her extremely racist post about Harris, adding that this does not represent President Trump.

On Thursday, a spokesperson for Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., called Loomer a stain on society.

There should be no place of prominence in this country for her vile, mean-spirited, destructive, racist rhetoric and views, said spokesperson Taylor Reidy in a statement.

Trump has not distanced himself from Loomers recent comments or her conspiracy theories.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
White House says US activists death in Gaza should have never happened. But dont expect accountability

Aysenur Eygi was killed while in the West Bank to protest Israels ongoing military presence there and the expansion of settlements (AP)

Seven months ago, President Joe Biden shared a scathing statement about the deaths of a trio of American soldiers whod been killed in a drone strike on their base in Jordan by an Iran-backed militia.

In the statement, he announced that the US militarys response would continue at times and places of our choosing until America was satisfied.

The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. But let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond, he said.

It was intended as a declaration that Americans  particularly those in uniform  shall walk the earth unharmed. And for those who fall into harms way, Biden has put significant effort into bringing them home, such as when he orchestrated a multi-national prisoner swap to bring home a group of US nationals whod been held in Russian prisons.

On Wednesday, President Biden called Aysenur Eygis death totally unacceptable (AP)

But that concern for Americans abroad hasnt extended to those citizens who might come under fire by forces belonging to one of Americas closest allies.

Last week, Israeli forces shot and killed Aysenur Eygi, a Turkish-American activist who was in the West Bank to protest Israels ongoing military presence there and the continued expansion of Jewish settlements that have been roundly condemned as illegal under international law.

The IDF has acknowledged causing her death, saying in a statement that it was very likely that the shot to the head she took was one that was unintentionally fired at her during a violent riot.

But an investigation by The Washington Post determined that Eygi was not shot in the midst of a riot. Instead, witnesses told the newspaper that the violence had ended a full 30 minutes before the shot that killed her was fired.

On Wednesday, President Biden called Eygis death totally unacceptable and cited Israels preliminary investigation, which he said 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. We will continue to stay in close contact with Israeli and Palestinian authorities regarding the circumstances that led to Aysenurs death, he said, adding: There must be full accountability. And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.

But its highly unlikely that the Biden administration  or any US administration  will use leverage to force the Israeli military to stop targeting protesters, journalists, or other noncombatants.

Aysenur Eygi was in the West Bank to protest Israels ongoing military presence there and the continued expansion of Jewish settlements (AP)

Two years ago, Biden expressed similar sentiments during a 2022 visit to the West Bank, over the killing of another American, Shireen Abu Akleh.

The Palestinian-American journalist, a veteran correspondent for Al Jazeera, was shot and killed by Israeli forces in May 2022 while wearing body armor identifying her as a reporter during coverage of a raid on the Jenin refugee camp.

Israel initially denied any role in her killing but later conceded that she might have had been shot by Israeli forces unintentionally.

Standing alongside Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Biden called the slain journalist an American citizen and a proud Palestinian who was performing very vital work on an independent media and vital work of democracy.

The United States will continue to insist on a full and transparent accounting of her death, and we will continue to stand up for media freedom everywhere in the world, he added.

But the Biden administration never called for Israel to open a criminal probe into the slaying, even though the Department of Justice opened one without Israels cooperation.

The pattern exhibited with the deaths of Eygi and Abu Akleh has gone on for years. Israeli forces kill unarmed civilians  journalists or protesters  and despite outrage from Americans and the international community, nothing happens. The US continues to send Israel billions in aid, and the Biden administration  like those before it  has refused to condition that aid on Israel making changes to its policies towards protesters and journalists in areas it controls.

More than two decades ago, Israeli soldiers operating a bulldozer in Rafah ran over Rachel Corrie, an American peace activist who was protesting Israels policy of flattening Palestinian homes.

A witness at the time, activist Greg Schnabel, told the press shed been clearly visible to the bulldozer operators and soldiers in a nearby tank, since she and other protesters were acting as human shields to prevent the destruction of the Palestinian-occupied homes.

The US continues to send Israel billions in aid, and the Biden administration  like those before it  has refused to condition that aid on Israel making changes (AP)

As the ground continued to move Rachel went down on her knees. The bulldozer continued to move forward. Rachel began to become buried beneath the dirt. Still it did not stop, he said.

An autopsy report obtained by her parents said she was killed by pressure on the chest (mechanical asphyxiation) with fractures of the ribs and vertebrae of the dorsal spinal column and scapulas, and tear wounds in the right lung with hemorrhaging of the pleural cavities.

In other words, the sort of injuries one could expect when being crushed by a bulldozer.

But Israel described what happened as an accident, despite Corries parents blaming the IDF for her death.

Contrary to allegations, Ms Corrie was not run over by a bulldozer, but sustained injuries caused by earth and debris which fell on her during bulldozer operation. At the time of the incident Ms Corrie was standing behind an earth mound and therefore obscured from bulldozer crews view, an IDF report said.

Corries parents later sued the IDF in an Israeli court, but a judge rejected their lawsuit and said Rachel was responsible for her own demise.

She did not move away as any reasonable person would have done, the judge said. But she chose to endanger herself and thus found her death.
Following months of escalating pleas from lawmakers and industry groups, the White House has announced a new executive strategy to crack down on a growing barrage of foreign de minimis shipments.

Today, the Biden-Harris administration is taking new actions to enforce our laws and protect American consumers, workers and businesses by addressing the significant increased abuse of the de minimis exemption, in particular China-founded e-commerce platforms, and strengthening efforts to target and block shipments that violate U.S. laws, read a statement released on Friday.

More from Sourcing Journal

The multi-pronged framework includes actions that will prohibit parcels subject to other trade laws from using de minimis, strengthen Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement, provide safety standards for shoppers and safeguard the American textile industry against unfair competition.

According to the memo, the administrations rulemaking intends to reduce de minimis volume overall. That means excluding certain shipments from the de minimis exemption, including those subject to tariffs under Section 201 or Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Products subject to duties under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (for posing a risk to national security) will also be excluded from using de minimis.

Section 301 tariffs currently cover approximately 40 percent of U.S. imports, including 70 percent of textile and apparel imports from China, the White House wrote, noting that the countrys biggest e-commerce players have circumvented paying these taxes by shipping directly to consumers using the de minimis exemption. If finalized, apparel goods from retailers like Shein, for example, would no longer be eligible.

The administration also announced new rulemaking to improve accountability and enforcement for de minimis shipments, which includes a proposal to require specific data for such shipments, such as a 10-digit tariff classification number, as well as the name of the person claiming the de minimis exemption. According to the brief, this will improve the targeting of illicit de minimis shipments and also expedite clearance for lawful ones.

The regulatory changes, if imposed, would also help clarify who is actually eligible for the de minimis exemption, and would aid CBP in more efficiently stopping goods that dont meet the requirements.

To strengthen these provisions, the Biden-Harris administration said the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) intends to put forth a final rule requiring importers of consumer products to file Certificates of Compliance (CoC) electronically with both CBP and CPSC when a shipment reaches the U.S. According to the memo, this digital documentation would further bolster customs ability to target unsafe products that dont have the proper safety certifications or product testing.

Notably, the administration laid out specific proposed actions to protect the American textile and apparel manufacturing sector, noting that these producers play a critical role in the U.S. defense industrial base and support hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the United States.

Chinas e-commerce juggernauts are creating unfavorable and unjust market conditions for them, the White House wrote, and it is exploring decisive actions to remediate the issue. Expanding federal procurement of certain textile and apparel products across different government agencies, as well as specifically targeting small packages coming into the country, engaging in joint trade special operations, increasing customs audits and verifications, and adding the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, are among the proposals.

With todays announcement, the administration is using executive authority to stop the abuse of the de minimis exemption, the announcement saidBut further comprehensive de minimis reforms are needed, and these reforms require congressional action.

The Biden-Harris administration is requesting expedited movement on these initiatives, saying it stands ready to work with Congress to pass comprehensive de minimis reform legislation by the end of the year.

The reforms co-signed by the administration include the exclusion of import-sensitive products like textiles and apparel from the de minimis exemption and the congressional ratification of rulemaking surrounding shipments of products subject to Section 301, Section 201 or Section 232 trade enforcement actions to achieve this important reform more quickly.

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), which has been at the forefront of de minimis reform advocacy on behalf of an embattled American textile production sector, applauded the White House announcement, with CEO and president Kim Glas calling the proposed actions a critical first step.

We amplify the need to expedite rulemaking to the fullest extent possible and appreciate their strong engagement with our industry, she said. Further, the administration underscored the need for a comprehensive solution beyond this action announced todayunderscoring the magnitude of the problem, and the inability to effectively enforce our laws with the flood of de minimis packages coming in daily and the need for an urgent solution.

Glas called upon both Congress and the administration to work together to immediately close this disastrous loophole once and for all.

De minimis has facilitated illegal and forced labor products to our doorsteps at the cost of American jobs and our manufacturing sector, she said. We will continue pressing for comprehensive reform given the urgency of the crisisnot just for our industry, which has lost 19 plants this last year, but for all industries and consumers and families impacted by this loophole.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), which counts more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers and service suppliers among its membership, said the Biden-Harris administrations directives to improve compliance obligations will ensure that foreign businesses cannot exploit the de minimis privilege, protecting American consumers and disadvantaged American companies.

These actions will also take a needed step toward addressing concerns that CBP and CPSC cannot adequately prevent non-compliant or dangerous goods from entering the United States through the de minimis channel, the Washington, D.C.-based group wrote.

RILA and other retail groups whose members produce goods in China have spoken out against the continued application of Trump-era Section 301 tariffs, which have remained in place throughout President Joe Bidens term in office. While the group said it remains opposed to the duties and will continue to advocate for their removal, it said it also believes that as long as such tariffs remain in place, they should be applied evenly and fairly.

Pointedly, the retail trade association said that the administrations welcome step toward de minimis reform does not absolve Congress from moving swiftly to reach a bipartisan agreement that permanently levels the playing field for American businesses and, at the same time, protects consumers.

The Alliance for American Manufacturing also weighed in on the announcement, with president Scott Paul saying it is essential that the Biden administration move as quickly as possible to execute its plans to exclude shipments containing products covered by tariffs from the de minimis loophole in U.S. law.

American manufacturers and their workers have fought valiantly for decades against the waves of offshoring, but Chinese companies have saturated the market with a torrential flood of shipments that enter the United States with no inspection or tariffs, he added. Manufacturers in critical sectors, including textiles and apparel, are battling to restore our domestic supply chain and hanging on by a thread.

This proposal from the administration is an important step in the right direction, but Congress must enact legislation immediately to deny de minimis treatment to the worst offenders, with China at the top of that list.

American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) president and CEO Steve Lamar said the D.C. trade group looks forward to learning more about the administrations forthcoming proposals surrounding de minimis reform.

The association alongside its membership will continue to advocate for updated trade and customs policies that ensure fair and effective enforcement, while facilitating trade with trusted partners so that only safe, authentic, responsibly made items are sold in the United States, he added.

Meanwhile, New York Congressman Tom Suozzi, who, alongside 126 House Democrats penned a letter to President Biden this week pushing for executive action on de minimis, expressed his approval of the White Houses Friday brief.

Todays announcement from the Administration about taking such action is a step in the right direction, he said. It will help to address current abuses, protect American consumers, and begin to create a fair playing field for American workers and manufacturers. Furthermore, it will safeguard our children and families from illicit fentanyl and related products.

But he agreed that congressional consensus and cooperation is needed to create a solution that will stick. Ultimately, it is our bipartisan legislation that will ensure the permanent closure of the de minimis trade loophole, he said.
WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH)  A 16-year-old from Whitehall was arrested Thursday after police accused him of threatening to shoot up nearby schools.

At around 7:30 a.m., Whitehall police took the juvenile into custody with assistance from the FBI. The teenager has been charged with swatting, a fourth-degree felony, after he allegedly made threats against schools on an Instagram account.

The suspect is accused of posting a picture of a firearm and making threats toward area schools, according to Whitehall police.

Person dies after construction accident near Ohio elementary school

It appears this individual wanted to scare people, Deputy Chief Dan Kelso said. With the assistance of the FBI, we are happy we could locate him and arrest him before this went any further.

The teenager did not have a firearm at his residence when arrested, and an investigation into the threats found that they were not credible. Police said he did not threaten  and does not attend  any Whitehall schools, but was living there when the threats were made. The suspect had only lived in Whitehall for about a week.

It is the second teenager within a few weeks to be charged for swatting in Whitehall. In August, a girl turned herself in after making a prank phone call that caused the Whitehall-Yearling High School to lock down its doors.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Laura Loomer, a far-right fringe activist with a history of incendiary rhetoric and promoting radical conspiracy theories, has been in close proximity to former President Donald Trump on the campaign trail this week.

On Tuesday, Loomer was seen getting off Trumps plane in Philadelphia ahead of the presidential debate. The next day, she accompanied Trump to the ceremonies commemorating 9/11 in New York and in Shanksville, Pa.

While Trump campaign aides have tried to keep Loomer at arms length before, his appearances with Loomer this week have upset his Republican allies who question Loomers influence over the GOP presidential nominee whos in a tight race with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.

"Lauras been a supporter of mine, just like a lot of people are supporters," Trump said Friday when asked about Loomer at a news conference. "She speaks very positively of the campaign. Im not sure why you asked that question, but Laura is a supporter. I dont control Laura. Laura has to say what she wants. Shes a free spirit."

Click the headlines below to read more from our news partners

Who is Laura Loomer?

The 31-year-old provocateur is a self-described investigative journalist and social media influencer with 1.2 million followers on X. She has previously been seen at Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Fla., and frequently attends his campaign events to support him. Trump has shared several of her videos on Truth Social.

Loomer has worked as an activist and commentator for Project Veritas, a conservative group known for its undercover sting videos, and Alex Jones's Infowars.

Loomer has spewed anti-Muslim rhetoric, once describing herself as a proud Islamophobe, and has promoted white nationalism. She has targeted Harris with racist and sexist attacks.

She is also known for spreading false conspiracy theories, which include the recent unsubstantiated claims that Haitian migrants in Ohio are eating residents pets, a baseless allegation that Trump elevated during the Sept. 10 presidential debate.

Loomer is also a twice-failed Republican congressional candidate in Florida, having lost races in 2020 and 2022.

Read more from BBC News: Laura Loomer: Who is the conspiracy theorist travelling with Trump?

Loomers surprising 9/11 memorial visit

One of the false conspiracy theories Loomer posted last year alleged that the 9/11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York City were an inside job from the U.S. government.

Thats why Trump received backlash from politicians for bringing her as his guest to the 9/11 ceremonies on Wednesday. Loomer posted photos from Ground Zero and shared a video of Trump meeting with firefighters in Lower Manhattan.

Former President Donald Trump visits Ground Zero on the anniversary of 9/11 on Sept. 11, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

She also accompanied the former president to Shanksville, Pa., the site of where one of the hijacked planes crashed 23 years ago after passengers and the crew fought the hijackers. Loomer posted on X Wednesday afternoon: NEVER FORGET!

Loomer told the Associated Press that she didnt work for the Trump campaign and didnt respond to a question about her past 9/11 comments.

But just two days after attending the 9/11 ceremonies, Loomer continued to push the false conspiracy theory. On Friday, she wrote on X, The American people deserve to know the entire truth. Not just what our lying government chose to tell us.

Read more from the Associated Press: Laura Loomer, who promoted a 9/11 conspiracy theory, joins Trump for ceremonies marking the attacks

Republican allies  including Marjorie Taylor Greene  are warning Trump to stay away from Loomer

In April 2023, the New York Times reported that Trump wanted to add Loomer to his 2024 presidential campaign team. Backlash ensued and the former president backed off his plans to hire her at the time.

A year and a half later, concerns have risen once again about Loomers proximity to Trump now that she has been seen in his orbit twice within the past week, particularly among some of his GOP allies who see Loomer as backpedaling Trump's campaign with less than two months until Election Day.

The history of statements by Ms. Loomer are beyond disturbing, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina told the Washington Post on Thursday. I hope this problem gets resolved. I think we should be talking about things that people are concerned about, and this issue, I think, doesnt help the cause.

It has gotten to the point where even far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a staunch Trump ally known for her own incendiary comments, renewed her long-standing beef with Loomer this week. Greene lashed out at her for an extremely racist post mocking Harriss Indian heritage.

Laura Loomer, right, alongside Lynne Patton, watches as former President Donald Trump visits the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Company in Shanksville, Pa., on Sept. 11. (Matt Rourke/AP)

Greene told CNN that she advised Trump to distance himself from Loomer, saying, This is such an important election. I dont think she has the experience or the right mentality to advise a very important presidential election.

What Loomers presence means for the Trump campaign

With Loomer back in Trumps orbit this week, NBC News notes that it could signal his lack of faith in his campaign advisers who previously tried to shield him from her influence in 2023.

The people that have the authority to stop it are hanging on to their jobs, a former 2020 Trump campaign official told NBC. So are you going to pick that fight with him?

A Republican senator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, was asked by NBC whether Trump aides are enabling Loomer for fear of losing their jobs, Theres a lot of that in almost every campaign, but definitely this campaign, he said.

Read more from NBC: Far-right activist Laura Loomer's access to Trump reveals a crisis in his campaign
Why the far right lies about immigrants

Parents-to-be from Haiti stand at a gap in the U.S.-Mexico border wall after having traveled from South America to the United States on Dec. 10, 2021 in Yuma, Arizona. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Parents-to-be from Haiti stand at a gap in the U.S.-Mexico border wall after having traveled from South America to the United States in Yuma, Arizona. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

When my dad moved to southwest Ohio in the early 1970s, the Dayton-Springfield areas second city was home to over 80,000 people. When I was growing up nearby in the 1990s, it was 70,000. Today, its less than 60,000.

Springfields decline looks like an awful lot of Rust Belt cities and towns. And behind those numbers is a lot of human suffering.

Corporations engineered trade deals that made it cheaper to move jobs abroad, where they could pay workers less and pollute more with impunity. As the regions secure blue collar jobs dried up, so did the local tax base  and as union membership dwindled, so did social cohesion.

Young people sought greener pastures elsewhere while those who remained nursed resentments, battled a flood of opioids, and gritted their teeth through empty promises from politicians.

Its a sad chapter for countless American cities, but it hardly needs to be the last one. After all, the regions affordable housing  and infrastructure built to support larger populations  can make it attractive for new arrivals looking to build a better life. And they in turn revitalize their new communities.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

So it was in Springfield, where between 15,000 and 20,000 Haitian migrants have settled in the last few years. On Sunday afternoons, you could suddenly hear Creole mass wafting through downtown streets, NPR reported. Haitian restaurants started popping up.

One migrant told the network hed heard that Ohio is the [best] place to come get a job easily. He now works at a steel plant and as a Creole translator. Local employers have heaped praise on their Haitian American workers, while small businesses have reaped the benefits of new customers and wages have surged.

Reversing decades of population decline in a few short years is bound to cause some growing pains. But on balance, Springfield is a textbook case of how immigration can change a regions luck for the better.

Immigrants are good for this country, my colleagues Lindsay Koshgarian and Alliyah Lusuegro have written. They work critical jobs, pay taxes, build businesses, and introduce many of our favorite foods and cultural innovations (donuts, anyone?) They make the United States the strong, diverse nation that it is.

In fact, it was earlier waves of migration  including African Americans from the South, poor whites from Appalachia, and immigrants from abroad  that fueled much of the industrial heartlands earlier prosperity.

But some powerful people dont want to share prosperity equally. So they lie.

From politicians who win office with anti-immigrant campaigns to white supremacists who peddle racist conspiracy theories and corporations that rely on undocumented workers to keep wages low and deny workers rights, Lindsay and Alliyah explain, these people stoke fear about immigrants to divide us for their own gain.

So it is with an absurd and dangerous lie  peddled recently by Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, Republican politicians, and a bunch of internet trolls  that Haitian Americans are fueling a crime wave in Springfield, abducting and eating peoples pets, and other racist nonsense.

According to interviews with a dozen local, county, and officials as well as city police data, Reuters reports, theres been no general rise in violent or property crime or reports or specific claims of pets being harmed in Springfield. Instead, many of these lies appear to have originated with a local neo-Nazi group called Blood Pride  who are about as lovely as they sound.

In reality, immigrants commit fewer crimes, pay more taxes and do critical jobs that most Americans dont want, Lindsay and Alliyah point out.

Politicians who want you to believe otherwise are covering for someone else  like the corporations who shipped jobs out of communities like Springfield in the first place  all to win votes from pathetic white nationalists in need of a new hobby. Its lies like these, not immigrants, who threaten the recovery of Rust Belt cities.

Springfields immigrant influx is a success story, not a scandal. And dont let any desperate politicians tell you otherwise.

Peter Certo is the communications director of the Institute for Policy Studies and editor of OtherWords.org.

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(NewsNation)  Haitian immigrants have moved to Springfield, Ohio, in recent years, seeing an opportunity to rebuild in the area after escaping mass violence and poverty back home in Haiti.

This week, the community was unwittingly flung into the national spotlight after former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance repeated unsubstantiated claims that some immigrants in the Ohio town are eating neighbors pets.

The claim has been refuted by local authorities, who said there are no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community in a statement.

The Haitian population is estimated to be between 15,000 to 20,000 in the area and has provided a boost to the nearly dying city, which had lost both industry and population over the last decade, reported Dayton Daily News.

No suspect yet in Springfield, Ohio, bomb threats

What is Temporary Protected Status for migrants?

Haiti is among 15 countries that qualify for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a federal immigration designation that allows immigrants to legally live and work in the country for up to 18 months.

It allows individuals to come to the U.S. legally and immediately apply for a work permit. Many who come under TPS also apply for asylum, which takes a considerably longer time due to nationwide backlogs.

President Joe Bidens administration announced an 18-month extension and redesignation to TPS for Haitians living in the country this year due to the ongoing instability of the nation.

Why are Haitians going to Ohio?

Criminal gangs have pillaged their way through the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, killing, raping and kidnapping thousands of people in recent years and leaving hundreds of thousands of others homeless and unemployed, which in turn has deepened poverty.

Haitians first started arriving around 2018 and chose Springfield because of job opportunities and affordable housing, Lucken Merzius, a Haitian immigrant living in the area, told PBS News.

I got a decent job when I was in Haiti, and then had to make a difficult decision to leave. It wasnt easy, he told the outlet.

Springfield, OH, mayor: Trump migrant jabs distract from real problems

Once the first delegation arrived, they told family members and friends back home to join them, and from there, the community steadily grew, he said.

The first motivation was job and work opportunities, Rose Joseph, an Amazon warehouse worker who also does seasonal tax preparation work, told Reuters.

Joseph came to Springfield in 2022 after arriving in Florida two years prior to escape violence in Haiti. Like many others, he made his way north on word of good job prospects, the outlet reported.

The immigrants arrival brought an economic revival to the city, which was once a manufacturing hub but started to crumble once factories shuttered in the last decades.

The city shrank from a population of 80,000 to 60,000 by 2014. That number has since grown due to the increase in Haitian immigrants, reported The New York Times.

Haitians arrival causes mixed reactions among locals

While the immigrants were welcomed by many longtime residents, their arrival has also caused concern and even animosity among others who say the newcomers are taking jobs at factories, driving up housing costs, worsening traffic and straining city services.

Its causing sharp increases in rent and home prices, which is forcing people out of their homes, Bill Monaghan, a former journalist in Springfield, told NewsNation.

Its causing delays in public safety response like police, fire or even emergency services. You go out to a site, and no one speaks English, Monaghan also said.

The number of affordable housing vouchers fell as landlords moved to market-based rents that were rising in the face of higher demand, a blow to existing residents relying on them, reported Reuters.

These sentiments were exacerbated last year when a minivan slammed into a school bus, killing an 11-year-old boy. The driver was a Haitian man who had recently settled in the area and was driving without a valid license.

During a city commission meeting Tuesday, the boys parents condemned politicians use of their sons death to further political points.

What we know about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio

For others, the immigrants have felt like a lifeline.

We want more jobs in our community, and in order to fill those jobs, some jobs need to be people who are not originally from here, Jaime McGregor, who owns the manufacturing factory McGregor Metals in Springfield, told PBS.

McGregor told the outlet that about 10% of his workforce, about 30 employees, is Haitian.

I wish I had 30 more, he said. Our Haitian associates come to work every day. They dont have a drug problem. Theyll stay at their machine. Theyll achieve their numbers. They are here to work. And so in general, thats a stark difference from what were used to in our community.

NewsNations Rich McHugh and 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 NewsNation.
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US Vice-President Kamala Harris has highlighted a little-known aspect of her biography - the fact that she is a gun owner - to stake out ground on the issue of firearms control.

After Donald Trump claimed during their presidential debate that she would "confiscate everybody's gun" if elected, Harris replied by reaffirming that she was a gun owner herself - like her running mate, Tim Walz.

"Were not taking anyones guns away, so stop with the continuous lying about this stuff," she told Trump.

The following week, Harris added that she would be willing to use her gun if an intruder entered her home.

"If somebody breaks into my house, they're getting shot," she said during a livestreamed event with Oprah Winfrey.

Gun control remains among the most contentious issues in American politics but has largely taken a backseat to other policy areas this election.

The question raised during the showdown with Trump over where exactly Harris stood was the first time the issue had even come up in a 2024 debate.

Now that the issue has been raised, critics have pounced on it as an example of Harris's shifting policy positions.

Despite stressing to Winfrey that she supports gun ownership, the Democratic candidate has also argued for tougher laws.

She told the host that she continued to support a ban on assault weapons. A firearm of that type was "literally designed to be a tool of war", she said.

Harris has also recently spoken in favour of more thorough background checks and so-called red-flag laws. These allow people to apply to a judge to confiscate another person's gun if they are deemed to be a risk to themselves or others.

But Harris has also dropped her previous support for a buyback programme for assault weapons.

Gun buybacks

Gun buyback proposals would force gun owners to hand over their AR-15s and other assault-style weapons to the government.

They gained steam during the last election's Democratic presidential primary race, when they received endorsements from a number of senior Democrats including Harris.

In October 2019, said she supported taking the nation's millions of assault weapons "off the streets, but doing it in the right way".

Buyback initiatives have taken place in cities across the US since at least the 1970s, though research indicates that they are often very expensive and not effective as a standalone strategy to curb gun violence.

Advocates, however, point to the impact of two mandatory buybacks in Australia following the deadliest mass shooting on its soil in 1996. The country has largely avoided mass firearm violence since that incident.

Harris made her own case for buybacks as part of a broader effort to rein in the "clear problem" of gun violence. She argued that politicians were offering voters "a false choice" between protecting gun rights and taking guns away.

But by the time the 2024 presidential debate came round, ABC News moderator Linsey Davis noted that Harris no longer supported a buyback programme.

Harris did not directly explain why, and her campaign did not respond to the BBC's request for comment.

Harris's experience

The furthest that Harris has gone in explaining her gun ownership was also in 2019, when she said: I am a gun owner, and I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do  for personal safety. I was a career prosecutor.

Harris began her career as the district attorney - or the top prosecutor - in Alameda County, and then for the city of San Francisco. She also served from 2011 to 2017 as California's attorney general (AG), the top law enforcement job in the state.

Harris still owns that same weapon, which is a handgun, according to an aide. It remains in a secure location at her home in California.

William Lockyer, a fellow Democrat who served as California AG himself from 1999 to 2007, told the BBC that it was not uncommon for a local or state-level prosecutor to own a gun, even though the role comes with its own security team.

"I dont know about Kamala's experience as AG, but I received a threat on average every day during my eight years," he said.

Walz the hunter

It is rare for elected officials in Harris's party to speak openly about their experience as gun owners. Her vice-presidential nominee, Tim Walz, is a notable exception.

Walz, from Nebraska, grew up hunting during summer breaks and trained with firearms over the more than two decades he spent as a National Guardsman.

At the start of his political career, he held an A rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA) - meaning he was a pro-gun politician in the organisation's eyes - and was often spotted wearing an NRA ballcap.

But Walz changed tack amid a series of deadly shootings during the 2010s, including at schools in Sandy Hook, Connecticut and Parkland, Florida.

He held an F rating from the NRA by the time he left Congress and, as Minnesota governor, he signed expansions of background checks and other restrictions into law.

"I know guns," he said at the Democratic National Convention last month.

"I'm a veteran. I'm a hunter. I was a better shot than most Republicans in Congress and I have the trophies to prove it. But I'm also a dad.

"I believe in the Second Amendment, but I also believe that our first responsibility is to keep our kids safe.

On the Republican side, Trump has referred to himself as "the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House".

Speaking to NRA members in February, he bragged that he "did nothing" despite pressure to take action after shootings and pledged "no one will lay a finger on your firearms if he is re-elected.

Trump's record

As a New York resident, Donald Trump owned three licenced firearms, two of which he surrendered in 2023 following his arrest on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

The third weapon is said to have been legally transferred to Florida, the state where he now lives.

His criminal conviction in New York required that his gun licence there be revoked.

Convicted criminals are barred under federal law from owning guns or ammunition, but authorities in Republican-led Florida have expressed no interest in confiscating his weapon.

Trump once claimed in an interview that he "always" carried a gun. Under Florida law, he can carry his firearm concealed and does not need a permit.

The Trump campaign has also said his support for gun rights was unshaken by the attempt on his life this July, when a 20-year-old armed with his father's AR-style rifle shot at least eight rounds in his direction and grazed his right ear with a bullet.

JD Vance, his running mate and a former Marine, has described firing guns from an early age and was lauded earlier this year for his "perfect voting record" on protecting the Second Amendment by the pro-gun group, Gun Owners of America.

[BBC]

More on US election
Why was Tyre Nichols pulled over? What to know about the case as Memphis trial gets underway

The trial for the murder of Tyre Nichols began on Sept. 9 and is expected to last for about a month.

In January 2023, Memphis police pulled Tyre Nichols over for a traffic stop in South Memphis. Three days later, Nichols died from injuries sustained after bring brutally beaten by police.

The trial for the officers charged in Nichols' murder began Monday and continued with opening statements on Wednesday.

Here is everything that has happened since January 2023.

Why was Tyre Nichols pulled over?

Tyre Deandre Nichols, 29, sits by a fire. Nichols died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, three days after a confrontation with Memphis Police officers during a traffic stop. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into the death.

On Jan. 7, 2023, Memphis police pulled Tyre Nichols over for a traffic stop near Raines and Ross roads at 8:30 p.m. on suspicion of reckless driving. During the stop, Nichols was beaten for nearly three minutes by the now-former officers. He was left in critical condition and died from his injuries, including blunt force trauma to the head, three days later.

Officers initially said that a confrontation arose. Nichols ran from the scene and officers chased him on foot. He was later apprehended and complained of shortness of breath.

Memphis police later released body cam footage on Jan. 27 that shows the officers yelling for Nichols to get out of his car, and officers can be seen forcibly removing him from the car. The officers punched, kicked and pepper sprayed him in the fatal beating. They kicked Nichols at least twice in the face, struck him with a baton in the upper body area, punched him in the face, punched him in the upper body area, and kicked him in the abdomen.

This all occurred less than 100 years from his family home.

Former Lt. Dewayne Smith, the supervisor on duty that night took an officer charged in Nichols' beating with him to RowVaughn and Rodney Wells' house after the beating where they told Nichols' parents he was arrest for DUI. Dewayne Smith later resigned from the department but has not faced criminal charges.

Protests from Tyre Nichols' death

Less than a month after Nichols' death, peaceful protests occurred in Memphis seeking justice for Nichols and his family.

A peaceful "Justice for Tyre" protest, organized by Black Lives Matter and Decarcerate Memphis, started near the Shelby County Courthouse and the group marched along Adams Ave. before ending up at Poplar and Danny Thomas. The protesters chanted "Say his name, Tyre" and "Justice for Tyre Nichols."

One of the demonstrations included shutting down the I-55 bridge on the night the Memphis police released the first footage of Nichols' beating.

What happened to the officers involved in Tyre Nichols' death?

The five former officers charged with Nichols' death are Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills, Jr.

On Jan. 20, 2023, all five officers involved were fired. The five were also indicted at the state level.

On Jan 26, they were indicted and booked into the Shelby County Jail. The former officers were all charged with one count of second-degree murder, aggravated assault-acting in concert, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct and one count of official oppression.

Former officer Desmond Mills, Jr. accepted a plea deal on Nov. 2, 2023. He pleaded guilty to excessive force and conspiracy to witness tamper in federal court. In state court, he pleaded guilty to the slew of charges related to Nichols' death. Federal prosecutors recommended Mills serve a 15-year sentence.

"My use of force was excessive, and I gave misleading statements," Mills told Judge Mark Norris when asked by the judge to give his account of what happened.

On Aug. 23, 2024, Emmitt Martin III became the second officer to plead guilty. The plea came over two weeks before the federal criminal case was set to go to trial. Martin pleaded guilty to the use of excessive force and conspiracy to tamper with a witness. All other counts were dropped. Prosecutors recommended a 40-year sentence for Martin.

Preston Hemphill, an officer also active in the scene, was fired but not criminally charged. Dewayne Smith resigned before his internal hearing and has no charges against him. A $550 million civil lawsuit against the city named both former officers.

Changes come from Tyre Nichols' death

After Nichols' death, activists and Memphis City Council members joined forces. They passed ordinances to change the police's traffic stop policies and created public databases for traffic stops.

One ordinance, which prevents officers from pulling people over in what are often referred to as "pretextual stops," was later banned by the Tennessee General Assembly. The law prohibiting the ordinance from being enacted passed along party lines in the Republican supermajority, and over objections from Nichols' family.

Nichols' death also resulted in the SCORPION Unit, a specialized unit that was billed as a violent crime-fighting force, being disbanded. Each officer fired was part of the unit, which was an acronym for Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods.

Trial begins for Tyre Nichols

Opening statements for the trial began Wednesday, Sept. 11. The trial is expected to last between three and four weeks with now-former Memphis police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith remaining. Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr. will testify in this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers said that the evidence presented in court would be "harrowing" and said the beating that Nichols faced at the hands of now-former Memphis police officers was "punishment."

John Keith Perry, who is representing Taddarius Bean, focused on the risk of being a police officer in Memphis, the split-second decisions that had to be made and alleged that Nichols' behavior warranted the use of force in his opening statements.

Michael Stengel, Demetrius Haley's attorney, recounted the events from many perspectives in his opening statements. He said that Haley was "aggressive and profane" in his commands, but he said that was how he was trained to handle "high-risk" suspects.

Martin Zummach's, Justin Smith's attorney, opening statements focused on the fact that the indictment charged each former officer with the same charges, even as he said they had varying culpability in Nichols' beating.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why was Tyre Nichols pulled over? From Memphis police beating to trial
An emergency suspension was issued for a Wichita daycare after the operator forced her foster child to sit in a hot bath, causing second-degree burns all over the childs lower half, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment order signed Thursday.

The 29-year-old Wichita woman, who operated His Loving Hands Home Childcare at 357 North Erie, admitted to smacking the child on the back, causing bruising, and making (the child) sit in a hot bath, resulting in the burns, the order says.

She was arrested Monday at the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County on suspicion of one count of child abuse, but has not yet been charged. The daycare facility became licensed on June 17.

The woman could not be reached for comment.

Child taken to hospital with second-degree burns

Authorities first contacted the woman after one of the two foster children in her care was taken to Ascension Via Christi St. Francis with superficial second-degree burns spanning (the childs) buttocks, posterior thigh, genitalia, inner thighs, and tops of the feet and deep second-degree burns to lower extremities, the order says.

She initially gave differing statements to medical staff and law enforcement about what happened, the order says.

That was on Sept. 5.

Her child and other foster child were placed in police protective custody the next day, the order says.

Upon arrival, staff noted that both children needed baths, the order says.

Her child had a small scratch on his face, red marks on his back, shoulder and knee, and a small abrasion on his heel, the order says. The other boy had missing teeth and bruising on his chest and legs, the order says.

The womans home address is listed in the 1200 block of N Erie, which is less than two miles from the daycare, records show.
Three major Arizona wildfires burned across metro Phoenix on Thursday night, and two more fires northeast of the Valley were burning near high-country communities.

The five fires had engulfed more than 10,000 acres of land so far and were uncontained.

The Gate, Siphon and Point fires  all on the outskirts of metro Phoenix  had scorched more than 5,000 acres in all, according to fire officials.

The Preacher and West fires near Payson and Pine were at nearly 4,000 acres total, according to Tonto National Forest officials.

Here's a look at the five fires and what to know to stay safe.

Gate Fire burns in northeast Scottsdale

On Thursday evening, the newly started Gate Fire burned northeast of Scottsdale near 128th Street and Ranch Gate Road, burning about 100 acres, according to the Scottsdale Fire Department.

About 150 firefighters were actively working to contain the blaze as the sun set, according to the department.

Two homes were evacuated for a few hours on Thursday, but the residents had been allowed to return by about 8:30 p.m., according to fire Capt. Dave Folio.

Air tankers were seen dropping water and fire retardant on the burning brush in the late evening.

There was no reported containment of the fire as of Thursday night.

Traffic to neighborhoods in the area of the fire was reopened as of 7 p.m.

Siphon Fire burns in Superstition Mountains

The Siphon Fire had burned at least 2,350 acres in the Superstition Mountains by Thursday, two days after it began.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office issued a "Go" order for people in the Canyon Lake/Tortilla Flats area to evacuate immediately. Lost Dutchman State Park was closed until further notice, state park officials said.

Pinal County issued a "Set" status for residents east of Mountain View Road and west of the Tonto National Forest, between Broadway Road and Lost Dutchman State Park.

Tonto National Forest officials encouraged the public to avoid the First Water, Boulder and Siphon trails and Forest Road 78 as crews worked to contain the fire. State Route 88 eastbound also was closed in Apache Junction.

Point Fire burns northeast of New River

The Point Fire northeast of New River in the Tonto National Forest had grown to 4,854 acres and was at 0% containment on Thursday.

Tonto National Forest officials posted a message on social media on Thursday urging the public to avoid Forest Road 41, Spur Cross Road and Cottonwood Trailhead while firefighters were working to contain the fire.

Officials said four engines and one initial attack module were assigned to the fire. No communities were immediately threatened, but residents were encouraged to remain aware by following fire updates and messaging from local emergency agencies.

Preacher and West fires burn near Payson and Pine

The Preacher Fire by Payson had burned 3,167 acres, and the West Fire near Pine had burned 1,566, with 0% containment for both, according to InciWeb.

Overnight smoke from the two fires, along with smoke from Southern California wildfires, would be noticeable early Friday in Star Valley northeast of Payson, according to a news release from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

Overnight smoke also was expected to impact East Verde Estates, Tonto Village, Preacher Canyon, Kohls Ranch and Pine communities, according to the department.

State Route 260, connecting Payson to the Mogollon Rim and eastward toward the White Mountains, also could see overnight smoke impact visibility, according to the department.

Smoke from the fires was expected to clear out of the area early Friday.

Wildfire map: Track where fires are burning in Arizona in 2024

The Republic's Kierra Weaver contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Here's what we know about 5 wildfires burning near Phoenix, Payson
In July, after Hurricane Beryl swept through parts of Texas, thousands of animals needed assistance, and Austin Wildlife Rescue was one organization that answered the call.

The Austin American-Statesman reported that the rehabilitation center brought in 76 baby birds orphaned or injured during the Category 1 hurricane, which left millions without electricity and caused an estimated $28 billion to $32 billion in total damages and economic losses, per AccuWeather.

Mississippi kites, cattle egrets, and yellow-crowned night herons were among the birds impacted by Beryl, which destroyed hundreds of nests in some neighborhoods and left other younglings waterlogged or stranded on concrete near roadways.

"I just cannot imagine how frightening that must be [for the birds] to be in a nest and then experience a very frightening storm, and now to be surrounded by dead bodies, literally, of their nesting community," Austin Wildlife Rescue executive director Jules Maron told the American-Statesman, explaining how terrified the birds appeared when brought to the center.

"It's just so important to remove them from that situation quickly and get them warmed up," Maron added. "They've experienced a physical and, I'm sure on some level, an emotional, traumatic event in their lives."

Caring for the birds hasn't come without its challenges.

As Maron noted, the rescue organization has been taking in more animals than usual, even though it's typical for there to be a higher need after storms  which have become more intense as the planet has warmed because of human activities, particularly the burning of dirty fuels.

As a result, the team doesn't have enough incubators for the birds, leading it to get creative to ensure they are comfortable. In part, it has taken advantage of the hot Texas weather to keep the birds warm on a screened-in porch.

According to Maron, as the creatures recover, their personalities are starting to shine. The yellow-crowned herons in particular aren't shy about expressing their needs.

"They were looking at me giving some side-eye about the bugs I was offering," Maron shared with the American-Statesman. "So I picked up some of the crawfish [the Angleton facility sent along with the herons], and they were like: 'Well, thank you very much. This is what we're going to need to continue to get.'"

Some of the rescued baby birds were slated to be released into the wild last month, and if all goes according to plan, more will follow in September as the organization looks to reunite the birds with experienced migration flocks.

Meanwhile, Austin Wildlife Rescue (@austinwildliferescue) is continuing to share heartwarming updates of its rescue operations on its Instagram account. Many community members have already taken action by donating to the rehabilitation center, but the American-Statesman reported the organization is still raising funds as part of an emergency campaign.

"Hurricane Beryl really took a toll on Houston and we are so lucky to be able to help our Texas neighbors with their huge influx of wildlife," the center wrote on Instagram in July. "A huge thank you to everyone who has donated to our fundraiser so far! We wouldn't be able to care for all these orphaned babies without all of your support."

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.
The Prince and Princess of Wales saw reports about the burglary at Southwark Foodbank and decided to donate [Reuters]

The Prince and Princess of Wales have made a donation to help replenish stock at a south London food bank which had thousands of pounds worth of goods stolen.

Southwark Foodbank, which is operated by Pecan on Peckham High Street, was targeted by thieves on Sunday who took about 3,000 of food and hygiene products, as well as a laptop.

Pecan chief executive Peter Edwards said: "This surprise donation by the Prince and Princess of Wales - following such a difficult spell for their family - underlines their kindness and decency.

"After serious ill health, their first thought was of how to help others."

He added: "Their generosity will inspire staff and volunteers to redouble Pecan's efforts to alleviate poverty in London."

The food bank said its food stocks had now been replenished, following a surge in donations from members of the public.

Kensington Palace said Prince William and Catherine had heard about the burglary and wanted to offer their support.

The food bank said the couple had pledged 3,500.

'Overwhelming reaction'

Staff and volunteers had been "very distressed" to be met with empty shelves when they discovered the theft on Monday morning, Mr Edwards said.

Burglars had forced their way into the warehouse, causing damage in the process.

Mr Edwards said there had been an "overwhelming reaction" from individuals, businesses and the local council, adding: "We thank them all for their support at the end of a very tough week.

"We are delighted that after such a difficult time for their own family, the Waleses thought of us and the people of the community in need across Southwark, and that's testament to their decency and compassion."

The food bank lost about 3,000 worth of food and hygiene products in the burglary [BBC]

Mr Edwards previously told the BBC the burglary had had a "devastating impact" which hit "the most vulnerable people in our community".

It followed four other break-ins at two London food banks over the past 14 months including at Lewisham Foodbank in south-east London, where a large quantity of cash that would have been spent on food was stolen in July last year.

The Metropolitan Police has said no arrests had been made over Sunday's burglary, during which a laptop, phone and food was stolen.

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

Related internet links
Right-Wingers Try To Weaponize Kamala Harris' Black Sorority Affiliation  And Get Schooled

Some conservatives are attempting to draw connections between Vice President Kamala Harris historically Black sorority affiliation and the outcome of the recent presidential debate  but people on social media arent having it.

Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, is a part of the same historically Black sorority  Alpha Kappa Alpha  as ABC News anchor Linsey Davis, who served as one of the moderators of Tuesday nights debate in Philadelphia.

Various right-wingers have tried to suggest that Harris received preferential treatment from Davis due to the fact that they are both affiliated with the oldest Black sorority, which was founded in 1908.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., comprises more than 360,000 initiated members, according to its website. Some of its notable members include actor Phylicia Rashad, the late writer Toni Morrison and the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

But despite its vast membership, right-wing social media accounts such as Libs of TikTok, run by Chaya Raichik, have sought to emphasize Harris and Davis connections to AKA.

So it turns out the totally unbiased ABC moderator Linsey Davis and Kamala Harris are sorority sisters! Libs of TikTok wrote Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter. Interesting.

Fox & Friends co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy wrote on X that the moderators affiliation with AKA was not right.

Theres no way #ABC would let a Trump frat bro moderate last nights #debate! she added, referring to Harris GOP rival, former President Donald Trump.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said on X that ABC was shameless for allowing Davis to moderate the debate.

The lefts near-complete domination of broadcast TV couldnt be more obvious, he wrote. Perhaps its time to re-examine the laws that make this possible.

Former President Donald Trump, left, and Vice President Kamala Harris are seen during an ABC News presidential debate on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. via Associated Press

But a wave of social media users have since pushed back on the complaints over Davis sorority affiliation and her involvement in the presidential debate.

On Thursday, New York University law professor Melissa Murray called out the weaponization of Harris and Davis sorority ties, noting that there are endless ways in which people can share common experiences.

Thats like saying a UPenn alum couldnt moderate that debate because DJT is an alum too, she wrote on X, referring to Trumps past attendance of the University of Pennsylvania. I dont think the bonds of sorority sisterhood (or college affiliation) are so profound that youd risk your professional credibility and reputation.

In another post, Murray pointed out that Harris and Davis did not join the organization at the same time. They also did not attend the same college or join via the same alumnae chapter.

Harris joined the Greek-letter organization while studying at Howard University, where she graduated in 1986. Davis joined the sisterhood as an undergraduate at the University of Virginia. She graduated in 1999.

Trump and a chorus of Republican pundits have expressed their frustration with the moderation of the debate, amid widespread criticism of the former presidents performance.

I thought the moderators were very unfair, Trump told reporters in the spin room after Philadelphia event. It basically was three-on-one.

Both Davis and fellow ABC News anchor David Muir fact-checked Trump in real time on several occasions during the debate.

At one point, Davis challenged Trumps lie that Democrats support abortion in the ninth month.

There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, she said.

Check out more responses to conservatives sorority gripes below:

Maga doesnt know the difference between being a sorority sister and the intimacy of being a line sister. They ban books. Do you expect them to understand why the sorority sister argument has no legs? My sister and @KamalaHarris are sorority sisters. My sister, doesnt know VP.  Mike Harvey (@electMikeHarvey) September 13, 2024

Desperate times, desperate measures.  Elliot Kathreptis    (@MrKathreptis) September 12, 2024

These people look for conspiracies im everything. Moderators asked lots of difficult questions to both of them. @KamalaHarris was the only one telling the truth  Robyn Roevember (@ballerinaoaf) September 12, 2024

But they have zero problems with Ivy League secret society relationships.  Flalaw (@bettyeking) September 12, 2024

Harris is 13 years older than Davis. Davis went to UVA and NYU. Harris went to Howard and UC Hastings. The Sorority has had 360,000 members. pic.twitter.com/AjLoWjvmi5  Luke Zaleski (@ZaleskiLuke) September 12, 2024

They lost so badly theyre down to the bottom of the straw box with this one.  Mis (@MisFrankenhand) September 12, 2024

Its a national sorority with 360,000 members. The women are 15 years apart in age and went to different colleges. There is no evidence they have a personal relationship. Your boy lost the debate fair and square, just like he did the 2020 election.  Alicia Strohl Resnicoff (@AliciaResnicoff) September 12, 2024

I bet they both have Amazon prime too  Chris (@Erixon76) September 12, 2024
Wiregrass Museum of Art to receive $75,000 grant, to be used in comprehensive efforts

DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  The Wiregrass Museum of Art has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The funds came from the IMLS Inspire! Grants for Small Museums program, which is giving $3,324,571 in federal funding to 78 small museums to serve the public.

With this money, the WMA is undertaking a comprehensive assessment of its collection to prioritize area for treatment and conservation starting earlier this month, September 2024.

Work will continue through 2025 and is expected to be finished April 30, 2026.

Through this effort, WMA will be able to identify priority areas for treatment and conservation, as well as be able to better know what facility upgrades, staffing needs, and training initiatives theyd like to invest in.

WMA takes seriously our responsibility to care for our collection and we couldnt be more excited about this opportunity to advance our work in collections care. This is an important step in safeguarding our collection, developing a strategic plan to make our collection more accessible, and to continue our work towards meeting requirements for national accreditation, said Dana-Marie Lemmer, WMA executive director and curator.

WMAs Collections Manager and Registrar Paula Haymon will lead WMAs care team in collaboration with the professional conservation specialists from the Atlanta Art Conservation Center to record the condition of the collection.

The Wiregrass Museum of Art is home to more than 700 works of art in its permanent collection, and a significant holder of 20th-century American art and a growing collection of modern and contemporary art, photography, and southern vernacular art- all in an effort to support and collect works by Alabama and Southeastern artists.

WMAs galleries are open to the public every Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. General admission is always free.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CNNs Wolf Blitzer interrupted coverage of Donald Trumps rally in Arizona on Thursday shortly after the former president took a shot at the appearance of one of the moderators from his debate with Kamala Harris earlier this week.

Trump was complaining to supporters in Tucson about his Tuesday night showdown with the vice president, replaying grievances towards the ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis. These two people were bad news, Trump said.

ABCs Linsey Davis Brutally Fact-Checks Trump During Debate

They kept screaming at me, Trump continued, apparently referring to the fact-checking they did of his statements during the debate, which at no point involved screaming. I said: Why are you screaming?

I always liked him, Trump said of Muir. Im not gonna watch him anymore. Im not gonna watch him because hes not legit, what he did. Im not gonna watch him, and his hairs not as good as it used to be, you know?

He went on to attack Harris, using a mocking, stern voice while impersonating her.

She came in last place in the primaries, and then she said: Donald Trump is a threat to democracy, Trump said. No, shes the threatshe is a threat to democracy. But do you remember when she went out and she said thank you, do you remember that? It was the weirdest thing, am I wrong? Because they were saying JD and I are weird. No, were very solid people. Shes weird. And that vice president of hers is really weird.

Alright, were going to continue to monitor Donald Trump, Blitzer said, cutting in on the coverage of the Republican nominees remarks. Hes speaking in Tucson, Arizona right now, making all sorts of very weird statements, including that he had a monumentalhis wordmonumental victory over what he called comrade Kamala Harris at the debate earlier this week.

Trumps longtime adviser Kellyanne Conway told The Daily Beast last week about Trumps personal admiration for Muir, while a former staff at ABC News said theyd heard Trump call Muir handsome.

Since the debate, however, Trump has claimed both Muir and Davis were biased against him to the extent that the event was three on one. Hes also called for everyone at the network to be fired.

Despite polling to the contrary, Trump has hailed the head-to-head as a resounding defeat for Harris and possibly his best debate. He also said Thursday that he wont do another.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
CAMPBELL, Ohio (WKBN)  A woman charged with 10 counts of child endangering has been released on her own recognizance.

Whitney Daye, 30, was arraigned in municipal court before Judge Mark Kolomacic on the counts  all first-degree misdemeanors  after she was arrested Wednesday in a home in the single-digit block of Chambers Street.

She also has an additional charge of obstructing official business, also a first-degree misdemeanor.

She will have a pretrial hearing Dec. 6.

Daye was wanted on warrants for five counts of child endangering when police went to the home about 3 p.m. Wednesday to take her into custody.

As a condition of her bond, Judge Kolomacic ordered that Daye have no unsupervised visits with her children.

Reports said she told police she would come out after she called a friend to take her children. She then ran out a back door with five inside, reports said.

She returned after her friend called her and told her to come back, reports said.

The children in the home were covered in sores and bug bites and the house was in deplorable conditions, reports said. The Mahoning County Childrens Services Board took custody of the children.

Daye was booked into the Mahoning County jail, then later released on summons.

In a barely audible voice, Daye says she has not worked for a couple of years because she has had problems getting identification. She did not say what those problems were.

She said CSB has placed the children with their father.

In an answer to a question by Judge Kolomacic, Daye said the childrens father does not pay child support.

In tears, Daye said she did not run from her property when the police came to her home and she was on the phone with her friend. In tears, she said she suffers from post traumatic stress disorder.

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A teacher who carried a placard at a pro-Palestinian protest depicting Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts has been found not guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence.

Marieha Hussain, 37, of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire denied the charge at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.

She carried a picture showing the faces of the then Prime Minister and Home Secretary superimposed on coconuts under a palm tree in November 2023.

Her defence said the placard was not racist, but satirical and humorous.

Prosecutor Jonathan Bryan argued coconut was a well-known racial slur, suggesting that someone was brown on the outside but white on the inside.

Mr Bryan alleged that Ms Hussain had crossed the line from legitimate political expression to racial insult.

He said: "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."

An image on the other side of the placard depicted the former home secretary as "Cruella Braverman", Ms Hussain said in a statement.

Ms Hussain's defence described the decision to bring the court case as a disturbing attack on the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.

In a statement read to the court, Ms Hussain said: "I find it astonishing it could be conceived as a message of hate."

Rajiv Menon KC, defending, said: "That Marieha Hussain of all people is being prosecuted for a racially aggravated offence whilst the likes of Suella Braverman and Nigel Farage and Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - aka Tommy Robinson - and Frank Hester are seemingly free to make inflammatory and divisive statements ... is, I'm afraid, incomprehensible to many people."

Mr Menon said Ms Hussain was a woman of "impeccable character", adding: "It would be a tragedy - I use that word advisedly - for her to be convicted of a racially aggravated offence when she quite obviously does not have a racist bone in her body."

He told the court the placard was "a pictorial attempt" at "political criticism" of Mr Sunak and Ms Braverman.

After a two-day trial, judge ruled that the placard was "part of the genre of political satire".

District judge Vanessa Lloyd said: "As such, the prosecution have not proved to the criminal standard that it was abusive.

"The prosecution has also not proved to the criminal standard that you were aware that your placard may be abusive."

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Woman injured in Russian attack on Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast

Russian forces struck the city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast on 13 September, injuring a civilian.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "Today at about 15:20 the occupiers struck Kupiansk. The enemy used an FPV-drone to drop a projectile.

As a result of the enemy attack a 30-year-old woman received a blast injury and a shrapnel wound. She has been treated by medics on the spot."

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The defendant left her apartment and spoke to neighbours without a mask, despite having Covid-19 - MOMO

An Austrian woman was found guilty of fatally infecting her neighbour with Covid after she ignored quarantine rules and failed to wear a mask.

The 54-year-old from Carinthia was given a suspended sentence of four months and fined 800 (675) for grossly negligent homicide.

I really didnt take the verdict lightly, Judge Sabine Gotz said.

I feel sorry for you personally  I think that something like this has probably happened hundreds of times.

But you are unlucky that an expert has determined with almost absolute certainty that it was an infection that came from you, she added.

The male victim, a cancer patient, died of pneumonia caused by coronavirus after getting infected in 2021, the court heard before handing down its sentence on Thursday.

Earlier, an expert said the virus DNA matched the defendant and the victim, providing she had almost 100 per cent transmitted it.

Such a close match was convincing evidence because coronaviruses change rapidly, the expert said.

The judge said the virological report gave the necessary certainty to reach the guilty verdict.

The names of the victim and defendant in the case at Klagenfurt district court were not released in line with Austrian privacy rules.

Thousands of people protest against lockdown measures in Vienna on Dec 4, 2021 - MICHAEL GRUBER/GETTY

Earlier this week, the judge had heard statements from the victims family. His son, wife and daughter in law said the neighbours had had contact in a stairwell on Dec 21, 2021.

At that time, the defendant would already have known she had Covid-19.

The family said she was standing in her doorway in the hallway of the apartment building, with the deceased standing opposite her.

She looked really sick. I asked her if she had corona, but she said no and that she only had the flu, the son said. He was worried because he knew how dangerous Covid was for cancer patients.

The defendant denied meeting the neighbour at all and claimed she was too sick to get out of bed that day.

I couldnt get out of bed or talk

She told the court she believed she had bronchitis, which she typically gets every year.

That day I couldnt get out of bed or talk because I was so sick. So it couldnt have happened like that, she said.

It was clear to me that this was bronchitis, like the one I get every year in winter, she said during the trial.

But he womans doctor told police that the defendant had tested positive with a rapid test before telling him that she certainly wont let herself be locked up after the result.

Instead she left her apartment and talked to people without a mask, ignoring her mandatory quarantine and positive test.

The Austrian news agency reported the verdict was not final.

It is the womans second pandemic-related conviction in a year.

She was given a three-month suspended sentence for intentionally endangering people through communicable diseases last summer.

A verdict of grossly negligent homicide was overturned at that time because of insufficient evidence over how the infection was spread, which led to the recent court hearing.

Far-Right party opposed compulsory jabs

Austria will vote in a general election at the end of this month, and the poll-topping far-Right Freedom Party is predicted to win, completing a remarkable comeback since it was ousted from coalition government in 2019 in a corruption scandal.

It rebuilt its support by exploiting Austrian resistance to compulsory coronavirus vaccinations during the pandemic.

Its manifesto has promised a pardon for anyone convicted of breaching coronavirus rules and to repay any fines imposed during the pandemic.

The manifesto says coronavirus regulations were encroachments on fundamental rights accompanied by unprecedented indoctrination and brainwashing.

Even if it wins the elections as expected, the party may struggle to find partners for a coalition government. If it does, the pardon may not survive coalition talks to become national policy.

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Woman with special needs allegedly kidnapped during vehicle theft in Topeka, one in custody

Woman with special needs allegedly kidnapped during vehicle theft in Topeka, one in custody

TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topeka police say one person is in custody following an alleged theft and kidnapping situation on Thursday.

Rosie Nichols with the City of Topeka said in a press release that officers with the Topeka Police Department were called around 1:15 p.m. on Sept. 12 to a gas station in the 600 block of Southeast Quincy. Police were told a vehicle was stolen, which contained a woman with special needs still inside.

The TPD shared information with other law enforcement agencies regarding the incident. The Kansas Highway Patrol later spotted the vehicle near Lawrence on I-70 and tried to pull it over, but the driver refused. The chase ended near Bonner Springs, after the KHP deployed stop sticks and used a tactical vehicle intervention technique. The individual with special needs was returned to her guardians without incident.

$175,000 salary offered in hunt for new Topeka police chief

The suspect, a 29-year-old Topeka woman, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on numerous charges. These included:

Aggravated burglary; Vehicle; to commit felony, theft, DV or sexually motivated crime.

Kidnapping; In Flight Or The Commission Of Any Crime.

Theft >$1,500<$25,000 Motor Vehicle.

Aggravated battery; Recklessly cause great bodily harm/disfigurement.

Criminal Damage To Property; Misdemeanor.

Interference with LEO; Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case.

Theft; shoplifting Unknown Value.

Theft <$1,500 From Motor Vehicle.

Man charged with murder in connection to deadly Topeka shooting

Abigail Christian with the Shawnee County Sheriffs Office said deputies were helping with this incident.

For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
People watch the debate between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday in Las Vegas. (John Locher / Associated Press)

Her microphone may have been muted when it wasn't her turn to speak, but Vice President Kamala Harris facial expressions spoke volumes during her debate against former President Trump.

There was the arched brow, the hand on chin. Her pitying glance and dismissive head shake were particularly effective in communicating disgust and amusement as her opponent claimed that immigrants were eating their neighbors pets and newborn babies were being killed in post-birth abortions.

Polls taken after the faceoff show overwhelmingly that viewers felt shed bested her competitor, and Trump has since announced he won't do a second debate with Harris. But according to The Way It's Always Been Done, she is going about this election in all the wrong ways.

If she wants to win, Harris needs to train her face not to respond, wrote GOP pollster Frank Luntz during Tuesdays debate. It feeds into a female stereotype and, more importantly, risks offending undecided voters.

Warning to sensitive swing voters: The subject of Harris and her untrained face may cause discomfort. Read on at your own risk.

Read more: All of the best and worst moments of the Trump-Harris debate, as they happened

Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before their presidential debate on Tuesday. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

A good poker face has historically been as integral to appearing presidential as a firm handshake or stiff suit. Just take a look at the portraits on U.S. currency. And just to be clear, the term wasn't coined by Lady Gaga. Its a descriptor for an inscrutable face that reveals no hint of a person's thoughts or feelings.

Poker face may have helped lend legitimacy to legions of men who ran for office before her, but despite 235 years of presidential stoicism across 46 leaders, Harris does not draw her power from impassivity. On the contrary, the risky move of showing how she feels has turned out to be one of her great strengths.

Read more: Column: How Trump uses the 'Gish Gallop' to flood debates with lies and nonsense

During the debate, her body language and expressions helped sell her passion and resolve around heated subjects such as the abortion ban and immigration. And as evident in the countless debate memes that now flood social media, her demonstrative approach knocked Trump on his heels.

When Harris leaned in and suggested viewers attend his rallies to witness firsthand his boring manologues and attendees leaving early, you could almost see steam coming out of his ears. She flashed quizzical glances when he said something patently absurd, looked unimpressed when he hurled insults. She easily pivoted to a commanding stance, looking directly at the camera to address viewers, as if she was narrating the event. It was Harris leaning into her own gregarious nature while deploying a tactical restraint as needed.

Harris expressive facial reactions connote progress for those of us who are old enough to remember when women were forbidden from wearing pantsuits on the Senate floor (Barbara Mikulski and Carol Moseley Braun did it anyway in 1993). Laughing, smiling too much or displaying expressions of empathy, disappointment or support at work was interpreted as weakness, immaturity or indecision.

Showing emotion in the workplace was  and still is  seen as a career killer for women aspiring to leadership roles. The unspoken rule: When in doubt, act like the men around the table, even if the company dress code requires you to wear a skirt.

Read more: Ali: What's so hard about mixed-race heritage for Trump to understand?

No matter how far we think weve come, those attitudes are still a very real part of how Americans choose their leaders. A 2019 study from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that about 13% of men and women have doubts about womens emotional suitability for politics.

Put another way, thats one in eight people. It's true that Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by 2.9 million votes in the 2016 election, but that may have been more about trepidation over Trumps emotional instability than changing attitudes about a woman in the Oval Office.

When Harris has tried to maintain a poker face, shes emitted less confidence and power, and frankly, she seems uncomfortable. Last months CNN interview was one such instance where she appeared too controlled, too tamped down.

Thats not to say that Harris is best as a loose cannon. She's not, and besides, thats Trumps job. Still no shortage of advice has been offered to Harris about how to win the presidency. Its come from every major news outlet, every minor media site, every pundit and politician, from Joe Manchin to Chris Christie. Much of it has centered on how to behave.

But if Tuesdays debate is any indication, she need not listen to any of it. As poster Emily Favreau wrote on X, Shes mastered the face of simultaneous pity and disgust and every woman knows that is *the* most important combo.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Lorna Higgins-Bare and Antonia Rainbow are the winners of the BBC Guernsey Make a Difference Award [BBC]

Two islanders have won the BBC Guernsey Make a Difference Awards for their work to help families of children with autism.

Lorna Higgins-Bare and Antonia Rainbow were presented with the trophy on Thursday night in recognition of their work creating a Facebook group called Autism and Me Guernsey.

In just over a year the group has grown to more than 500 members, a success that one of the judges, Raj Singh, called "a really great job" of sharing information about autism.

Last week five islanders were announced as finalists in the awards which aim to celebrate people who have made a positive difference in their community.

'Speechless'

Ms Higgins-Bare and Mrs Rainbow set up the Facebook support group after their own children were diagnosed with the condition.

Ms Higgins-Bare said she was "speechless" and that winning the award was "very unexpected".

"We were up against some incredible competition," she said.

"There's some really amazing people out there doing some great work and doing some great work for our community. I didn't expect this, but it's incredible."

She added: "If anything this has definitely made me feel more motivated to keep going, doing some more things to support the community.

"I suppose this is only the beginning, it's only been a year that we've been up and running so check back in in 12 months' time."

Mrs Rainbow added: "When we started this it was just about trying to reach out to other parents in the same situation as us. But to think we've got over 500 parents now who we're making a difference for."

Mrs Rainbow said the group started out as a "place to look at doing [inclusive] events" but soon become "much more than that".

'Breaking barriers'

Hannah Robins, who nominated the pair, said: "Before they started the group, I didn't feel there was any support out there if you had a neuro-divergent child.

"You feel judged by other people, you feel like you don't want to go anywhere, you don't want your child to be involved in anything that other children are involved in because you're scared of how they're going to behave.

"Lorna and Antonia break that barrier down.

She added: "They've introduced autism friendly events; they've made a massive difference.

"I feel like there's a massive support network in place that wasn't there before."

'So moving'

Mark Mapp, chief executive officer of Guernsey's Ambulance and Rescue Service was another of the judges, working alongside douzenier Evita Bormane and author and speaker Jayne Ozanne.

Mr Mapp said: "It made me very proud to be part of a community where there are lots of people doing lots of good things.

"It actually made me very emotional as well because there are some very humbling things happening in our community that I am completely unaware of in my daily life."

Ms Bormane added: "It's so moving to see ordinary people doing extraordinary things."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

More on this story

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DES MOINES, Iowa  The City of Des Moines on Friday said a popular East Village music venue is no longer at risk of losing its liquor license.

According to Axios, a zoning enforcement officer recommended that the Zoning Board of Adjustment take away Woolys liquor license due to noise levels exceeding the citys decibel limits around the venue. Josh Ivey, co-owner of Woolys, told the Des Moines Register that if the venue was no longer able to sell alcohol it would have to shutter its doors.

Woolys has been providing Des Moines with live music for 12 years. As news of the proposal spread fans began rallying behind the venue, writing emails and calling the city and the board to reverse course.

On Friday, the City of Des Moines announced that Woolys liquor license was no longer at risk and that a solution was reached between all the parties involved.

Johnston-Grimes firefighters training in burning home Friday

As the capital city, our downtown is home to diverse industries. We are a city where people work, live and play, and all industries help create the culture that makes Des Moines a thriving community. Our municipal code is designed to be fair and balanced, creating an environment where everyone can succeed. The intent was never to shut down Woolys. They, like all Des Moines local businesses, are essential in creating an environment that attracts residents and visitors alike. We sat down with the parties involved and reached a solution that respects the interests of both our local businesses and residents. As a result, the item regarding Woolys has been removed from the upcoming Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting. Additionally, the City will be convening a group of music industry experts and city staff to review and make recommendations to refine the Citys sound-related ordinances associated with the music venues. We value the businesses in our community and look forward to their continued success in the City of Des Moines. City of Des Moines

Latest Metro News:

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Lord Rose, Asdas chairman: We must make sure that weve got the benefit system in balance - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

Fixing Britains worklessness crisis will take decades, City grandee Lord Rose has warned.

Lord Rose, the chairman of Asda and previously the chairman of Marks & Spencer and Ocado, said the Government should reform the benefits system to encourage more people into work.

He said: We cant just become a state now where people just live on handouts. Oh, Im not feeling very well. Oh, Ive got a headache. Oh, its a bit cold this morning. Oh, Im feeling a bit tired. Oh, Im a bit stressed out.

Im not being rude. And people will say Im some toff whos got a silver spoon in his mouth. Well, I wasnt born with a silver spoon. I was born and lived in a caravan. Im 75 years old and Im still working.

A total of 2.8m people of working age say long-term sickness means they are unable to work or look for work, according to the Office for National Statistics. That is up from 2.2m before the pandemic.

Along with students, they make up a growing share of the 9.3m people aged between 16 and 64 who are officially classed as economically inactive because they are neither employed nor looking for a job. The total has risen from 8.4m pre-Covid.

Lord Rose, a Conservative peer, said: We must increase productivity. We must tackle these 2.8m people who are economically inactive. We must make sure that weve got the benefit system in balance.

Sure, weve got to help those who are the needy ones. But equally, we have to make sure that those who are more able to contribute than they are doing at the moment are encouraged to do so.

Lord Rose added: This is not about taxing the rich. Its about making sure that we put in place a structure and a way of working which allows the country to thrive.

The increase in worklessness caused by ill health comes amid a crisis in the NHS that has left people facing long waits for treatment.

Worryingly, there has also been a separate rise in youth unemployment in recent months.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed youth unemployment hit 13.3pc in the three months to July. This was the highest level since early 2021 during lockdown. More than 500,000 young adults are currently out of work.

A report by the NHS Confederation and the Boston Consulting Group found that thousands of students were going straight from university to long-term sickness, amid a rise in mental health problems.

The figures have prompted fears that worklessness may be becoming endemic. Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, said this week: I am really concerned by the state of the labour market, by the rise of people not working after the pandemic.

Lord Rose said the issue was very complicated and would take a decade or two to address.

He told the Telegraph: Weve got to start from the beginning, educating our people in the right skills that they need for the future.

People needed to be taught that the workplace is fun and a place where they can learn new skills, he added, rather than it being demonised.

Lord Rose said: The workplace is somewhere where you can earn money and earn self-esteem.

The head of an influential NHS body earlier this week said he believed that a very negative view of work among young people was to blame for the increase in joblessness among the young.

Matthew Taylor, the chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: I think some young people have a very negative view of what working life is. And a lot of their friends have responded by becoming economically inactive. It makes it more likely the next person will do that.

He said the Government needed to build in mental health and wellbeing support in schools, making it a core part of what we do in schools, not just something that is slowly growing in the margins.

Mr Taylor said: I think there is good work now starting to happen in schools around mental health support teams, but its still only in a minority of schools.

Neil Carberry, the chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, said it was particularly concerning when people were not in employment at the start of their working lives as it scars [their] incomes over the following 20 years.

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The World Health Organization Friday approved MVA-BN as the first mpox vaccine added to its pre-qualification list. Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared mpox a global health emergency in August. File Photo by World Health Organization / TWITTER

Sept. 13 (UPI) -- The World Health Organization on Friday approved MVA-BN as the first mpox vaccine added to its pre-qualification list.

The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization recommended approval of the MVA-BN vaccine, made by Bavarian Nordic A/S. It can be given to people over 18 years old in a 2-dose injection administered four weeks apart.

"This first pre-qualification of a vaccine against mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa, and in future," said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement. "We now need urgent scale up in procurement, donations and rollout to ensure equitable access to vaccines where they are needed most, alongside other public health tools, to prevent infections, stop transmission and save lives."

Data shows a single dose of MVA-BN has an estimated effectiveness of 76% in protecting people against mpox. With two shots it's 82% effective.

"The WHO pre-qualification of the MVA-BN vaccine will help accelerate ongoing procurement of the mpox vaccines by governments and international agencies such as Gavi and Unicef to help communities on the frontlines of the ongoing emergency in Africa and beyond," WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products Dr. Yukiko Nakatani said.

Nakatani added that the WHO action will help national regulatory authorities around the world fast-track the vaccine approvals which in turn will increase access worldwide.

In August, the WHO declared mpox a global health emergency following a recommendation from an emergency committee on mpox.

The vaccine is not licensed for people under 18 but the WHO said it may be used "off-label" in infants, children and adolescents as well as pregnant and immunocompromised people.

That guidance means in outbreak settings, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks as other mpox vaccines are being developed.

"We are progressing with pre-qualification and emergency use listing procedures with manufacturers of two other mpox vaccines: LC-16 and ACAM2000. We have also received 6 expressions of interest for mpox diagnostic products for emergency use listing so far," Dr Rogerio Gaspar, WHO Director for Regulation and Pre-qualification, said in statement.

According to the WHO over 120 nations have confirmed more than 103,000 mpox cases since the global outbreak started in 2022.
By Jesus Bustamante

CULIACAN, Mexico (Reuters) - Authorities in the western Mexican state of Sinaloa on Thursday canceled national day celebrations and shut schools on the back of escalating violence stemming from internal Sinaloa Cartel fighting, which has left 12 people dead since Monday.

Shootouts, the sound of gunfire and burnt out vehicles has become a common sight in the state capital Culiacan, a city of nearly 1 million people. Videos posted on social media show convoys of heavily armed gunmen driving down major thoroughfares in Sinaloa, where many businesses have also had to close.

Tensions between the two most powerful factions of the Sinaloa Cartel had been rising since late July, when trafficker and leader of one of those groupings, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, was arrested in the United States.

The cartel leader, believed to be in his mid-70s, alleges that a senior member of the Los Chapitos, another faction of the cartel, kidnapped him and then flew him to the United States against his will.

Ruben Rocha Moya, announcing the suspension of schools and national day celebrations scheduled for Sept. 15, said he was concerned about security of children and young people.

"We need to continue to look after them," Rocha said.

Transport in Culiacan has been operating at reduced capacity with many residents sheltering in their homes and avoiding traveling to work. Mexico's federal government has poured more than 500 special soldiers into the state since Zambada's arrest.

Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the military was trying to maintain order, adding that authorities "have to try to ensure that the population is not affected and that they don't fight each other."

(Writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
As the developers behind the American Dream Miami mega-mall try to revive the stalled $4 billion project, Miami-Dade County might use property taxes to cover some costs.

Legislation set for a final vote Tuesday by the County Commission would water down a subsidy ban imposed on the retail theme park six years ago.

The looser rules would allow Miami-Dade to divert property taxes to cover about $60 million in local road construction and other infrastructure costs that otherwise would be the developers responsibility. The legislation wouldnt authorize any subsidies for the project, but lifts restrictions on spending county dollars to help get it built.

READ MORE: Americas largest mall has been stalled for years. Could Miami-Dade help revive it?

Approved by a committee of the County Commission in July, the proposal revives a fight over public dollars for what would be the largest mall in America, built on vacant land where Interstate 75 meets the Florida Turnpike north of Hialeah.

Why should the county fund a private developers infrastructure obligations? Jeffrey Bercow, a lawyer and lobbyist for a group of existing South Florida malls, asked commissioners at the July 8 hearing where the subsidy legislation won preliminary support.

The company behind Minnesotas Mall of America, developer Triple Five, won county approval to build the six-million-square-foot complex in 2018. That included a provision making public infrastructure needed for the project, including an estimated $60 million in new county roads, the responsibility of the developer.

Triple Five wants to lift 2018 ban on Miami-Dade subsidies for mega-mall

Also in 2018, the rival malls that Bercow represents successfully lobbied commissioners to impose a ban on using county dollars to subsidize the project. The South Florida Taxpayers Alliance, a group backed by the owners behind the Dolphin Mall, Bayside Marketplace and other shopping hubs, claimed Triple Five was bound to seek property-tax subsidies to make the ambitious project profitable, citing government financial support in Minnesota and in a similar and slightly smaller American Dream mall already open in New Jersey.

No commissioner in office during Miami-Dades 2018 approval remains on the board, and Triple Five hopes the new commission will rollback those subsidy restrictions and consider the use of county dollars to boost the creation of a shopping destination like no other in Florida. Plans for American Dream Miami include an indoor ski slope, an artificial lake deep enough to allow submarine rides and tons of sand to create a beach inside the 175-acre complex.

Keon Hardemon, a Miami-Dade commissioner elected in 2020 and reelected in August, said it didnt make sense to have a past commission decree that future commissioners couldnt consider subsidies for only one project in the county.

We at least deserve to have the conversation, Hardemon said at the July 8 committee meeting, noting the commission could ultimately decide to reject any subsidy request for American Dream. Ive never appreciated somebody trying to keep me safe from myself.

Under Triple Fives plan, public dollars wouldnt go to the company but to public roads that, in 2018, the developer agreed to get built before it could start construction.

With the current ban on the use of any county dollars to pay for those roads, Triple Five would be left to pay what it estimates as a $60 million local roads tab if it cant secure state infrastructure dollars or persuade Miami-Dade to change the rules.

Lets be really clear here, Triple Five lobbyist and lawyer Miguel Diaz de la Portilla told the Policy committee on July 8. This item is not asking for any subsidies of any private entity.

Because the public dollars would go to public roads, Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez said its wrong to consider the legislation hes sponsoring as putting Miami-Dade on track to subsidize American Dream.

This is not about any subsidies for anybody, Bermudez, whose district includes the American Dream site, said at the July 8 meeting. Im not asking at all for that.

Will the county help build roads around the American Dream Miami project site?

At the center of the fight sit four roads that for now exist only on blueprints, which would connect the American Dream site to major highways on either side of the site. That includes a potential six-lane road linking Northwest 102nd Avenue with Northwest 170th Street and another connecting 170th with Floridas Turnpike.

For Bermudez, the roads could help ease congestion around the site even if American Dream never materializes. What really matters to me is getting these roads built, he said.

Even if the subsidy legislation passes a final commission vote, Triple Five would still need to come back to the commission for an actual request for public dollars.

By now, the project is years behind schedule. In 2015, Triple Five agreed to have the mall open and employing at least 5,000 people by 2025, but the developer hasnt yet begun the permitting process to start construction.

Carladenise Edwards, chief administrative officer under Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, told commissioners at the July 8 meeting that the administration wanted Triple Five to lay out how the project is going to get built before opening up the subsidy discussion.

One of the things we would like to do is ensure we understand what the path forward is, what the trajectory is, Edwards told the committee members. So that we actually know what transportation needs are there  and how much of that we should subsidize.

In a statement Friday, Triple Five said the county subsidy ban is holding up talks with Florida transportation administrators on state funding for roads the project needs.

To our understanding, the County cannot currently take advantage of possible state interest in building significant freeway infrastructure that alleviates traffic congestion in the northwest part of the county without a lifting of current restrictions, the statement said. Should the restrictions stay in place, the unintended consequence would be a missed opportunity for Miami-Dade County to take advantage of apparent state interest in new infrastructure to relieve traffic congestion.

A spokesperson for Floridas Department of Transportation was not immediately available for comment on the statement.

At the July 8 meeting, Edwards said she wasnt aware of the 2018 legislation preventing Triple Five from negotiating with Florida or Miami-Dade for funding that would help the project.

This does not preclude us from having conversations, Edwards said of the 2018 restrictions on county funding. And it does not preclude them from asking for what is needed from the state or the feds or others related to transportation.

The Bermudez legislation would remove the 2018 restrictions and make it possible to use county property taxes to subsidize the American Dream project, as well as make it easier for Triple Five to pay for road costs with development fees required by the county.

Those are known as impact fees, and they can approach $100 million for a project as large as American Dream. Impact fees are cash payments that are separate from property taxes and are paid only once by developers. Builders of new developments pay impact fees to fund new government expenses that come with growth in the area, including new road maintenance costs, transit expansion, extra police patrols and other costs.

The Bermudez legislation loosens the rules on how Triple Five could use the impact fees to pay for its road obligations  a financial arrangement thats more common for local developments. A spokesperson for Triple Five said the language would move the road projects into a category allowing for the projects impact fees to be used for those infrastructure costs.

On the table: property-tax subsidies for a stalled mega-mall project

Additionally, the proposed legislation would allow Triple Five to access tax increment financing, a term for when a portion of future property taxes is used to pay for expenses associated with a project or improving an area. The idea is the extra investment will spur more construction in the area, generating enough extra tax dollars to make it worth losing the initial diverted tax money.

Charles Marohn Jr. is the president of Strong Towns, a Minnesota-based advocacy group that focuses on local governments financial and planning policies. He said tax increment financing often gets put in place when local governments fear losing out on a development project without considering whether it makes more sense financially just to say no and see if the developer will build it anyway or sell the property to someone eager to develop the land without subsidies.

What would happen if they didnt develop the land? Would it go vacant? Marohn said. The reality is if somebody comes along and builds it to 80% of what they were going to do, [but] with no subsidies, then the county is going to make a lot more money.

At the July 8 meeting, Commissioner Raquel Regalado won approval of language that changed Bermudezs legislation from completely lifting the 2018 subsidy ban to only eliminating some restrictions. If adopted Tuesday, the revised legislation would allow Miami-Dade to use both impact fees and tax-increment financing to fund the roads that American Dream is responsible for getting built.

Regalado said Miami-Dade should at least consider using property taxes that would be generated from the future malls construction to create new roads around the site.

It really is a conversation about infrastructure, Regalado said in an interview after the July 8 hearing. Everyone in that area is going to benefit from this route infrastructure.
(Bloomberg) -- The support rate for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol dived to its lowest level since he took office in 2022 on concerns over strains to the medical system from thousands of doctors remaining off their jobs to protest the governments reform plans.

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The approval rate for Yoon fell to 20% in a weekly tracking poll released Friday by Gallup Korea, down 3 percentage points from last weeks survey. His previous low was 21% recorded in May. The poll was conducted among 1,002 respondents across the country and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, Gallup Korea said.

Among those who had an unfavorable view of Yoon, 18% faulted him for the governments medical reform plans, a turnaround from a few months ago when Yoons approval rating rose to one of its highest levels as voters welcomed the presidents tough stance on doctors who walked off the job.

Thousands of doctors abandoned their posts to protest the government plans to increase medical school admissions, forcing hospitals to delay or cancel surgeries. Concerns over a medical crisis have picked up in recent weeks as emergency rooms were feared to experience further disruptions during the Chuseok holiday period that starts next week.

South Korea started deploying military doctors to emergency rooms this month to deal with the staff shortages, underscoring the strain the countrys health care system has come under since the protest began about seven months ago.

The doctors contend the enrollment plan wont fix fundamental problems such as a shortage of physicians in fields seen as lower paying, a concentration of doctors in urban areas and a malpractice system they argue makes it difficult for them to do their jobs effectively.

The government has offered some concessions to bring the doctors back to work but they have shown little signs of returning.

The plunging approval rating casts a shadow over the prospects of Yoon achieving key policy initiatives, especially as he already faces headwinds in the opposition-led parliament for the remaining three years of his single, five-year term.

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New York to consider paying reparations for slavery

One of the proposals would require a sign to be installed on Wall Street to mark the site of New Yorks first slave market - AP

New York is to consider paying reparations to the descendants of slaves, under plans approved by the city council.

The proposals still need to be signed into law by Democratic Mayor Eric Adams.

However, they would create a truth and reconciliation process to establish historical facts about slavery in the state and direct the citys Commission on Racial Equity to suggest remedies to the legacy of slavery, including reparations.

New York fully abolished slavery in 1827. But businesses, including the predecessors of some modern banks, are believed to have benefited financially from the slave trade as late as 1866.

One of the proposals would also require the city to install a sign on Wall Street in Manhattan to mark the site of New Yorks first slave market.

The reparations movement is often misunderstood as merely a call for compensation, said Farah Louis, a Democratic council member who sponsored one of the bills.

She told the city council that systemic forms of oppression still affected people, including through the underfunding of services in predominantly black neighbourhoods.

Does that mean we are going to hand everyone a check? No, Ms Louis said, according to The New York Times. But starting the conversation is the most important part.

New Yorks annual Jouvert street party, held earlier this month, commemorates the end of slavery - GETTY IMAGES

However, Joseph Borelli, the councils Republican minority leader, who represents Staten Island, criticised the plans.

I bear no responsibility for slavery, Mr Borelli said in an interview. Unless someone could explain to me why I should bear some individual and societal guilt through my taxes, Im going to be opposed.

The Commission on Racial Equity would work with an existing state commission that is already considering the possibility of reparations for slavery. A report from the state commission is expected in early 2025, and the city commission is expected to make recommendations in 2027.

The citys commission was created out of a 2021 racial justice initiative during then-Mayor Bill de Blasios administration. Although it was initially expected to consider reparations, instead it led to the creation of the commission, tracking data on the cost of living and adding a commitment to remedy past and continuing harms to the city charters preamble.

Your call and your ancestors call for reparations had not gone unheard, Linda Tigani, executive director of the commission, said at a news conference before the council vote.

It is estimated that the studies will cost $2.5 million (1.9 million).

New York is the latest city to consider reparations. Tulsa, Oklahoma, the home of a notorious massacre of black residents in 1921, announced a similar commission last month.

Evanston, Illinois, became the first city to offer reparations to black residents and their descendants in 2021, including distributing some payments of $25,000 in 2023, according to PBS. The eligibility was based on harm suffered as a result of the citys discriminatory housing policies or practices.

San Francisco approved reparations in February, but the mayor later cut the funds, saying that reparations should instead be carried out by the federal government.

California budgeted $12 million for a reparations program that included helping black residents research their ancestry, but it was defeated in the states legislature earlier this month.

Allison Hedges Maser, a spokeswoman for Mayor Eric Adams, told The New York Times that he supported the legislation and called it a step toward addressing systemic inequities and reconciliation.

New York City has a moral obligation to confront its historical role in the institution of slavery, including harms and long-lasting consequences, Ms. Maser said in a statement.

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HANOVER, Pa. (WHTM)  A police department in York County is getting new equipment, all thanks to funding from the state.

The money that Hanover Borough Police received from a state grant will get the department nineteen body-worn cameras, five mobile video records, and additional technology.

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The police department was awarded $229,227 for the new tech. That money is from the 227 Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) 2024 / 2025 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).

The JAG Program gives money to help state and local government entities in implementing a wide range of drug enforcement, correctional treatment/supervision, victim services, juvenile justice and criminal justice system improvement projects, according to a news release.

There are multiple factors that the PCCD takes into consideration when awarding the grant; Geographic diversity, strategic framework representation, underserved populations, the applicants compliance history with fiscal and program reporting, historical success in implementing PCCD-funded programs and initiatives, as well as available funding

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The following article is adapted from PBS Student Reporting Labs' On Our Minds: Election 2024 podcast. It is published here with permission as part of a collaboration between PBS and Teen Vogue. Listen to the full segment in episode 2: Does My Vote Matter?

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Ive always had a strong perception of where I lived. When I think about my home what comes to mind is the historic architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, Lake Michigan on a sunny summer day, and deep-dish pizza. But when I drive out of Chicagoland down the I57 highway, its a completely different world. Instead of skyscrapers, I see cornfields, instead of mosques, churches, and temples, I see Jesus Loves You billboards, and instead of Dick Durbin and JB Pritzker yard signs I see pro-trump flags.

Urban and rural Illinoisans live in the same state, learn the same history in school, follow the same traffic laws, and all shovel way too much snow. Despite these similarities, the two parts of the state remain very different, especially politically.

While Illinois electors have voted for every Democratic Presidential candidate since 1988, most of the State outside of Chicago aligns more politically conservative. So how can one area amongst many other cities and towns hold so much weight in the most important elections?

In Chicago, the Democrats have been a political machine since the 1930s with help from the influx of immigrants and African Americans in the Great Migration. Richard J Daley, known as the boss, and his son Richard M Daley, prominent Democrats both served as mayor in the second half of the century. In fact, every mayor of Chicago has been a Democrat for the past 93 years. Chicago became very different from the rest of the state, not just because of their industrial focus but also the agricultural ways of living and traditional ideologies became a thing of the past.

The state government is also heavily controlled by Democrats. Every 10 years the state redistricts based on the Census report, and since the Democrats have the most power, they decide the political boundaries. Before 2020, there were 5 Illinois Republican congressional seats, but now only 3 out of the 17 seats are red. This is called gerrymandering, manipulating boundaries to have more control over election outcomes. Illinois is regarded as one of the most democratically gerrymandered states in the country.

Because Democratic Chicagoland has such a large say in Illinois politics, I wanted to see how conservative Illinois residents feel, particularly the ones who live in downstate which is what we call the rest of the state outside of Chicago. Are they motivated to vote in this upcoming election? Do they think their conservative voice counts?

Parker Rabideau grew up outside of Kankakee, Illinois, in a town of 1,300 people. He spent a lot of time on his grandmas farm as a kid and went to a small high school. As a conservative, Rabideau says while living in Illinois he didnt feel represented in state politics.

It didn't feel like voting mattered because no matter what I did at the ballot box, it was still going to be a safe democratic state, He said.

Rabideau was interested in politics at a young age and said that the driving force in his conservative affiliation was growing up in an underrepresented rural community. Yet most rural Illinoisans dont have the same energy when it comes to voting in the state.

In general, Im a highly motivated voter, I would say that most people don't share in my motivation downstate. I basically had to drag my mom to the polls, Rabideau said.

Many rural residents feel that only Chicago decides the outcome of state-wide elections.

I do vote and I do, make sure my voice is heard, but I have heard other people with similar beliefs say that they don't vote, said McKayla Bartkiewicz, a conservative who graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield this May. They think that their vote is wasted in Illinois because it always goes blue. If you vote, you don't have any idea what could happen. You could completely flip that narrative.

Yet Bartkiewicz does believe that she is represented in state politics. As a political science and legal studies major, she has worked in the state capital and witnessed first hand the legislature in action.

I think that both sides of the aisle do a really good job. So I'd say I'm confident that they're doing what they need to be doing, and I feel confident as a person that lives here, she said. In the state of Illinois, they're doing the best they can do to represent their constituents in the state overall.

Although Bartkiewicz thinks that all residents are represented in the state legislature, Rabideau feels that there is resentment between Chicago area residents and the rest of the state.

I think it goes both ways. They see us as backward intolerant racists, and we see them as these left-wing, tax-and-spend hippie types, he said.

Despite this resentment and possible feelings of hopelessness when it comes to Illinois elections, Rabideau still urges his community to be active in politics.

We don't really go out of our way to make our voices heard, which I think is our mistake. I think we absolutely should make a bigger deal about some of these things to the state government, he said. Even though you might not make a difference, you can still absolutely help yourself out because maybe you put pressure on the state government to pass even one thing that is helpful to you.

Both Bartkiewicz and Rabideau feel that it's hard to vote in Illinois as a non-Chicago conservative resident and to convince others to care. But if you feel shut out of one level of politics, you can still get involved in another, like local or national. That's the beauty of a federal government system.

Still, put yourself out there because nothing will change if you don't do anything. Get involved where your voice can be used for change that you want. Many places in Illinois and beyond have city commissions dedicated to parks and rec, human rights, agriculture, economic development, and much more. And there are often student-representative roles.

When changing or swaying a single city's policies and patterns, it causes a ripple effect, and surrounding areas can take notice. An impact is an impact, no matter how small.

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This story was written by Teen Vogue's 2024 Student Correspondents, a team of college students and recent graduates covering the election cycle from key battleground states.

A record number of Arab and Muslim American voters turned out during the 2020 presidential election. Most notably, in key swing states like Michigan, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, they helped President Joe Biden clinch a narrow margin to secure an electoral win. For the past several decades, party affiliations among Arab and Muslim American voters have favored Democratic candidates. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, however, the tides have begun to turn, with Arab and Muslim American support for the Democratic Party plummeting to 17% and 10%, respectively, according to surveys conducted by the Arab American Institute last fall. Rather than support Biden in the primaries, community leaders organized a mass movement to vote uncommitted to demonstrate opposition to the war in Gaza.

Then, in July, President Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House, ending his bid for reelection, and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee. For many in the Arab and Muslim American community, Harris brought forth a sense of relief, because she is a daughter of immigrants, like many Arab and Muslim American voters, with an inherent understanding of the difficult duality of straddling multiple cultural identities  and most importantly, because she is not Biden.

Nada Al-Hanooti, national deputy organizing director at Emgage, a Muslim civic engagement group, tells Teen Vogue, There was some hope, and the door was open again for the Democratic Party. Kamala stepped in, and I think that was her chance to engage our community. Some of them were still third-party. Some of them were open to negotiating this conversation with the Harris administration." Al-Hanooti adds, "Her statements were a lot more sympathetic to Palestinians in comparison to Joe Biden's and her pick for VP Tim Walz was a step in the right direction.

Where Biden faltered and failed to connect with Arab and Muslim-American voters, for a time, it seemed like Harris wouldnt. Yet, as the presidential election in November fast approaches, these voters still harbor serious concerns. Harris came out with her strongest statements in support of Israel yet at the Democratic National Convention, voicing her support for Israels right to defend itself. At the September 10 debate against Trump, she again ruled out an arms embargo, and backed the Biden administrations ceasefire process.

The conditions of the war in Gaza are intensely personal. Some people are grieving dozens of family members, while others are reckoning with what it means to watch civilians who share their identity die violently. Arab and Muslim American voters are a unique, ever-changing constituency, and while Harriss position on US involvement in Gaza may remain a top policy point, the group's visibility as a voting bloc also influences a wide range of legislation. Arab and Muslim American votes remain something Harris and the Democratic Party must earn, particularly in key swing states.

As Asma Nizami, co-chair of the Uncommitted Minnesota delegation, says, Muslims have always been tokenized to the point where we're really just brought in at the last moment and told, Well, do this, because otherwise you're gonna get deported,' or 'Do this, otherwise you're gonna get Trump. The community is feeling like they've been truly left out because they don't want to let their brothers and sisters in Gaza down right now and, simultaneously, don't want to be Muslim-banned in January if Trump [is] elected. So we're feeling like, What will happen if I do and what will happen if I don't vote for Kamala Harris in November?

Just as Harriss campaign began to take off, she traveled to Michigan, where she met with members of the Uncommitted movement and then held a rally. During the second event, pro-Palestinian protesters called out during her speech, to which she sternly responded, If you want Donald Trump to win, say that. Otherwise, Im speaking. The audience burst into roaring applause. What went viral was not the fact that people had spoken to her before the rally, Nizami says. What went viral was her response and that she was unkind.

That campaign stop in Michigan defined a turning point for some Arab and Muslim American voters, many of whom previously saw the vice president as a tentatively positive alternative to Biden.

I think she kind of shot herself in the foot when she silenced the pro-Palestinian protesters, Al-Hanooti says. They dont want Trump to win. They're here to advocate for the people who cannot advocate for themselves. They're here to advocate for the kids being pulled out of rubble, for the parents who are losing all their children. The Democratic Party keeps pushing this but Trump is worse narrative on us, but to those people, to my community, what's worse than losing 80, 100 family members all at once?

Sam Doten, co-chair of the Uncommitted Minnesota Delegation, echoes this sentiment: Were ringing the alarm bells to the administration and to Vice President Harris that this is a liability. Often the responsibility is put on voters to compromise, compromise, compromise. But there's also a responsibility of the candidates to move to where the voters are and represent them.

Harriss firm response to pro-Palestinian protesters sparked a swirling discourse online, raising critical questions, such as: To what extent can criticism of Harris exist without falling into the realm of anti-Blackness? Given Harriss position on the Israel-Hamas war, is she the perceived safest option? And if Harris loses, then what?

A lot of folks have told us we have to vote for Harris because life is dangerous for us and for our community under the Trump administration," Al-Hanooti tells Teen Vogue. "And I completely understand that. But our freedom rests on the freedom of each other. We are not free until we're all free. It is a collective struggle.

For young Arab and Muslim-American voters, the stakes are equally as high. Some like Noor, 17, is a student in California who is on the precipice of her very first presidential election. Being the ideal candidate means having a moral compass and being on the side of humanity, Noor, who asked to withhold her last name to preserve her anonymity, said.

Sarah, 23, a registered Michigan voter who also asked to withhold her last name, says Harris needs to show her support for the people of Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Yemen, and most importantly, her own constituents.

As the November election looms, the demands of many Arab and Muslim American voters remain the same but grow more urgent. Our goal is to get Kamala Harris to meet with us and go over a plan for getting a ceasefire and an arms embargo, says Nizami.

And that ceasefire plan needs to be different than the one that Joe Biden has right now, Doten notes.

Though the political voting landscape for Arab and Muslim American voters still remains in flux, Al-Hanooti says, I think there's a sizable population that's still going to go third-party, but I think there is still time to persuade them. And there's still some people sitting on the sidelines, like me.

Al-Hanooti adds, I'm waiting for her to do the right thing. Theres still time for her to do the right thing, to do right by our community, to do right by the children of Gaza, and by the American people.

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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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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FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - The jury did not return on Friday morning and court was in session for less than an hour before Judge Paige Reese Whitaker sent everyone home for the weekend.

ORIGINAL STORY

The jury in the Young Thug and YSL trial was unexpectedly sent home around 11 a.m. Thursday due to an issue with a juror.

After the jury left the courtroom, Judge Whitaker informed the lawyers and defendants that they would take a long lunch break until 2 p.m. Judge Whitaker did not provide details about the issue with the juror.

Before being excused, the jury heard testimony regarding 911 calls made in 2015, related to a crime that Antonio Sledge had pleaded guilty to. They also heard testimony from Denise Bell, a woman who was shot during the same incident.

Following the lunch break, Judge Whitaker advised the lawyers and defendants to resolve other matters to avoid wasting time.

One of the upcoming witnesses discussed was Martinez Arnold, also known as "Duke." Arnold, who took a plea deal, is expected to testify. The state suggested it may call Arnold's attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, who also represents Michael Roman, a co-defendant in the Georgia election interference case who filed a motion to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

Judge Whitaker remarked that she hoped another lawyer would not be called to the stand, as it had not gone well the first time.

The state also plans to call Wunnie Lee, aka Slimelife Shawty, to discuss one of his songs that references defendant Shannon Stillwell, who is charged with the murder of Donovan "Nut" Thomas.

Before adjourning for the day, Judge Whitaker said there was no further update regarding the juror's issue. Court is scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. Friday. If the juror remains unavailable, the day will focus on reviewing evidence and preparing for the next witness.

MOST RECENT STORIES

The Young Thug and YSL RICO trial is now the longest-running trial in Georgia's history.

Young Thug and 27 others were indicted in 2022 for violating Georgia's RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) law and committing multiple violent crimes. Following the longest jury selection in history (10 months), the trial for Young Thug and several co-defendants began in November 2023. It is now the longest trial in Georgia history. Prosecutors are attempting to prove that YSL (Young Slime Life) is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous offenses, including murder. The defendants maintain that YSL stands for Young Stoner Life and is the name of a record label founded by Young Thug. Young Thug is facing eight criminal charges. The trial has been plagued by various disruptions, including illnesses, the arrests of a juror and a lawyer, the stabbing of defendant Shannon Stillwell, the removal of the judge originally assigned to the case, and more.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that there are only two ways that the Russo-Ukrainian war could end: either Russian occupation forces are driven out of Ukraine by force, or a diplomatic process is put in place that guarantees the liberation of all Ukrainian lands. Zelenskyy has also stressed the role of the United States in strengthening Ukraines defence capability and supporting it on its path to victory.

Source: President Zelenskyy during the Yalta European Strategy (YES) meeting

Quote from Zelenskyy: "There are several ways to end a war of aggression, such as Russias war against Ukraine, fairly: the occupation army is driven out by force or diplomatically, in such a way that the country preserves its true independence and is freed from occupation. In both scenarios, Ukraine has to be strong. The United States can help with that."

Details: Zelenskyy also said that the "victory package" he will present to the US president can become the basis for a lasting peace and the full implementation of Ukraines Peace Formula. He believes that any illusions regarding the possibility of negotiating with Russia or setting out new red lines only prolong the conflict.

"If we all want to one day hear the words Finally peace, just peace, has come to Ukraine, we have to hear now that Ukraine is sufficiently strong  sufficiently strong to win. This will be the guarantee of peace," Zelenskyy said.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received reports from Defence Minister Rustem Umierov and Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi. They discussed supplying the military on the Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Toretsk fronts.

Source: Zelenskyys evening video address on 13 September 2024

Quote: "A report has just been made by Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umierov. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported today [as well]. The main priority is weapons for our warriors on the Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Toretsk fronts, on all Donetsk fronts, and along the entire frontline. This includes the issue of delivery and the issue of production, both in Ukraine and together with partners. The [goal] is to strengthen our positions as much as possible and put maximum pressure on Russia. We can end this war fairly only from a position of strength. We are doing everything for that."

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that the democratic world should be embarrassed over the fact that Israels allies shoot down missiles and drones over the Middle East but have so far failed to approve a decision to shoot down Russian missiles and Iranian drones in Ukraines airspace.

Source: President Zelenskyy during the Yalta European Strategy (YES) meeting

Quote from Zelenskyy: "When we hear that Russia has received a supply of new missiles from Iran, thats the same evil that [our] allies have had to shoot down in the Middle Eastern sky. The missiles make might be different, but not Irans terrorist intention that lies at the heart of distribution and deployment of these weapons.

If allies can come together to shoot down missiles and drones in the Middle Eastern sky, why have they not made a decision to join forces and shoot down Russian missiles and Iranian Shaheds in the sky over Ukraine? This isnt done even when missiles and drones literally head for our neighbouring countries.

Whenever we raise this issue with our partners  which we do all the time, by the way  everyone is trying to dodge it, to be honest. Theyre afraid of even saying: Were working on it. Theyre even afraid of saying those words. This is true.

So far, only Belarus has distinguished itself by shooting down Russian Shaheds. I didnt think thats how it would happen Its true; I believe that the strong, democratic world should be embarrassed."

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Five New Features Are Coming To PS5 Starting Today And One Of Them Sounds Really Neat

The PlayStation 5 is getting another system update that will begin rolling out five new features, including a surprise one that lets players add a little more customization to the home screen. Its not full-blown background themes as fans keep asking for, but its a start.

Sony is calling it the Welcome Hub, a replacement for the exploration module on the home screen when you first log onto the console. It sounds a bit like the current setup of the Xbox Series X/S except that players can customize which modules appear and where. The PlayStation Blog gives some examples, including console storage, battery levels for accessories, online friends, trophies, and many more.

You can also choose different backgrounds specifically for the Welcome Hub, including images from the screenshot folder that players capture while playing their favorite games. Like I said, its not a replacement for background themes for the rest of the console but its a start. Now if only there was a widget to protect my PS5 from suddenly having the power turned off before shutting down.

The rest of todays update includes the following previously previewed features:

Party share

Personalized 3D audio profiles

Adjustable Remote Play settings

Adaptive charging for controllers

Party share makes it easy to link party voice chat groups on social media and mobile, personalized 3D audio lets you create presets based on your headphones and unique hearing sensitives, and adjustable Remote Play settings lets you save friends info so they can tap into your PS5 whenever theyre around. Adaptive charging is the coolest of these, making charging more economically efficient while the consoles in rest mode, but only for newer PS5s, including the slim models and PS5 Pro when it launches in November.

.

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Flowers and a photo of Summer Taylor, 24, sit outside the King County Jail in Seattle on Monday, July 6, 2020. Taylor was fatally struck by a car on Interstate 5 during a protest. (Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times)
Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump and the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, debated Tuesday for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
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Continuous investment records prove that the players in the international corporate world continue to trust Hungary, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said on Thursday in Budapest when announcing a HUF 9bn investment by Dutch-owned Aalberts Surface Technologies.

The minister said the metal surface treatment company is expanding capacity at its base in Tatabanya (NW Hungary), increasing headcount to nearly 200, with a HUF 1.1bn grant from the government.



Mr Szijjarto noted the need for similar investments, since the continuously growing automotive and battery production capacities also require local suppliers, so that the supply chains can be as short as possible.



Dutch companies represent the twelfth largest investment community in Hungary and bilateral trade was close to EUR 12bn last year, he said.



Mutual respect characterizes the cooperation between the two countries, with a few exceptions, and we are constantly looking for cooperation opportunities, he added.



CE Glass Invests HUF 5bn in Capacity Expansion

Hungary's CE Glass 1989 has invested HUF 5bn in expanding production capacity at its base on the outskirts of Szeged (SE Hungary), managing director Gusztav Varga said.



Mr Varga said the project received HUF 2.4bn of European Union and state funding.



The project, which involved the construction of a 8,000sqm production hall, has improved automation at the plant, helped lower costs, reduced the ratio of faulty products and raised production volume and headcount, he said.



Mr Varga said that due to declining demand in the domestic construction industry, the company wants to expand sales abroad.



Exports already account for more than half of sales. Traditionally, Romania is the most important foreign market for CE Glass, and Slovakia, Austria, and the ex-Yugoslav countries are also important destinations, he said.



CE Glass 1989 had net sales revenue of HUF 5bn last year, public records show.



Meanwhile, Hungary to Acquire Controlling Stake in GySEV

The state of Hungary could acquire Austrian construction company Strabag's stake in GySEV, giving it a majority holding in the regional railway company, Construction and Transportation Minister Janos Lazar said in a post on social media.



Mr Lazar called out Hungary's earlier Socialist governments for signing contracts with the Austrians that had put the Hungarian side at an "unwarranted disadvantage".



While the state of Hungary ploughed even more money into GySEV, the Austrians failed to keep up with their part of the capital raises, while keeping their veto right, he added.



He noted that GySEV was owned by the states of Austria and Hungary, and Strabag. Austria's competition authority has now cleared Hungary's acquisition of Strabag's stake, he added.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.



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The Hungarian government will request that the European Union compensate the country for costs incurred in protecting the bloc's external borders, and is ready to sue the EU to that end, Gergely Gulyas, the head of the Prime Minister's Office, told a regular press conference.

The government has mandated European Affairs Minister Janos Boka to conduct talks with the European Commission regarding a ruling against Hungary over its migration policy, Gulyas said.



The government has established lines it "will not and cannot cross" during negotiations with the EC, Gulyas said. "One of those red lines is the decision the Hungarian people have expressed at a referendum. No one can be settled in Hungary against the will of the Hungarian people," he said.



The government will continue to protect the borders from illegal migrants, and will offer one-way transport to Brussels for those who are granted asylum, he said.



Other countries' costs in protecting the bloc's external maritime borders have been fully or partially compensated, Gulyas said. Meanwhile, Hungary had spent the equivalent of 2 billion euros on the protection of the external borders of the Schengen Area over the past years, and received no compensation, he said.



Gulyas noted that in 2015, Prime Minister Viktor Orban had warned that Schengen would collapse unless Brussels implemented community law, the Schengen Agreement and unless it obligated the countries with external borders to protect those borders effectively. "Migration and Germany are dismantling Schengen", he said, referring to Germany's decision to re-introduce border controls.



Gulyas said that a "great achievement" of the EU, free market and travel within the Schengen Area, "is now at risk because Hungary wasn't listened to. They did not make it clear to member states with external borders that they should act like Hungary: they should protect the external borders in an exemplary fashion," he said.



Turning to the matter of wage increase, Gulyas said the government was aiming for a "significant" increase in the minimum wages for skilled and unskilled workers next year. Gulyas said the government wanted to see an agreement on minimum wage increases that spanned several years, in the interest of predictability, while the minimum wage should be linked to the average gross wage.



He added that national economy minister Marton Nagy was given a mandate to negotiate with unions and employers. Gulyas said the cabinet had discussed the targets for next year's budget, but not the budget itself.



Gulyas noted that some 250,000 people were earning minimum wages for unskilled workers in Hungary, and 700,000 were living from the skilled workers' minimum wage.



Meanwhile, the government is planning to introduce a preferential credit for Hungarians who start work at age 17-18 and are ineligible for student loans, Gulyas said.



Gulyas said the government had weighed offering credit to workers in trades, but had decided against limiting the credit to people with vocational qualifications. Nagy will hammer out the details of the credit which will be introduced on January 1, 2025, at the latest, he added.



Alongside student loans, "an extremely successful product of the first Orban government", the workers' loans will give all young Hungarians access to preferential loans, Gulyas said.



Government spokesperson Eszter Vitalyos told the press conference that the past two weeks have seen investments worth a total of 84 billion forints (EUR 211.9m) completed, in a total of 32 projects.



Kindergartens and nurseries were built or renovated with 2 billion, Vitalyos said.



Road reconstruction worth 4 billion forints was completed between Eger and Szilvasvarad, she added.



In Lorinci, developments worth 1.8 billion forints were finished, including bus shelters, pedestrian crossings, car parks and bicycle docks.



Development projects in five settlement were completed, with a total of 750 million in funding.



Among business developments, investments worth 8.3 billion forints were made, Ms Vitalyos said, noting a 4.8 billion project at sugar refinery Magyar Cukor in Kaposvar, in southern Hungary.



Concerning talks initiated with the European Commission both concerning the fine imposed on Hungary and compensation for border control expenses, Gulyas said the Hungarian government was striving for an agreement through negotiations, adding that "any other step will only be taken should those talks fail".



He added that "Hungary has never requested a full refund for its total border control cost of 2 billion euros but only for half the sum."



"If Hungary is forced through a daily fine or a lump sum to allow migrants to enter, the government will spare the country; Brussels is a suitable place for them to find a new future," Gulyas said. He called the EU's position "hypocritical" adding that "Brussels thinks that migration is a good thing but they would not accommodate migrants".



He suggested introducing a regime in Europe "which does not allow for the arrival of migrants , countries setting an example for protecting the Schengen borders should not be penalised."



Concerning Germany's decision to close down its borders Gulyas said the measure would only impact Hungary in that controls at road crossing stations would slow down freight traffic.



Touching upon the opposition Tisza Party's proposal to address issues around border control in line with European regulations, Gulyas said "Tisza is a member of the European People's Party which opposes migration in words only" and added that "one should not be surprised when an EPP member makes a pro-migration statement".



The EPP, Gulyas said, "is not only pro-migration but pro-war  supporting decisions that lead to the prolongation of the war (in Ukraine)".



Asked about re-nominating Hungary's Oliver Varhelyi for the post of commissioner for enlargement and neighbourhood policy, Gulyas said Varhelyi had done "an excellent job" and the prime minister "had no reason to nominate another person".



On another subject, Gulyas said the government "had not even raised" the idea of setting up individual electoral districts in ethnic Hungarian communities. He added, however, that Hungary's parliament had a clear obligation to "restore proportionality" within the current districts.



"Apart from that, there is no task concerning the electoral system," he added. Gulyas said that Hungary would continue to have 106 electoral districts, and 93 seats in parliament to be distributed according to party lists. "The next election will be conducted under the same rules," he said.



Gulyas was asked about the recent dismissal of a Catholic priest "over a homosexual relationship" and he said the case had not been raised at the government meeting.



Asked if the scandal had harmed the reputation of the Christian Democrat government, he said the leadership of the relevant churches were to make sure that such cases should not recur, "and if they still do, they should manage them in the most exemplary manner."



He added that the Catholic Church had "passed a decision and suspended the priest as soon as the reports came to light".



Govt Official: EU Employing Double Standards on Migration

The European Union is employing double standards when it allows Germany and France to close their borders but punishes Hungary for protecting the bloc's external borders, a state secretary of the interior ministry told public television.



At the defence and security conference held earlier this week in Budapest, nearly all speakers highlighted migration as one of the greatest challenges facing the EU, Bence Retvari said. And yet, the EU continues to pursue a liberal, pro-migration policy "despite the fact that the Wilkommenskultur has failed to solve the situation" in the past decade, he said.



Commenting on reports that France was following Germany in closing all its borders, Retvari said Hungary was victim of "double standards" as it had been hit by a "giga fine" for protecting the EU's external border and for foiling 1 million illegal entry attempts.



Border protection is as much part of European solidarity as redistributing migrants, Retvari said, adding that Hungary was mulling a lawsuit seeking compensation from the EU for the costs incurred in border protection.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.



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From the organisers: The event is held by the Royal Thai Embassy in Budapest which invites local communities and visitors to immerse in the vibrant Thai culture, provides an unforgettable experience, features several activities, and dives into Thailand's unique cultural heritage.

This years festival, will take place on Sunday, 15 September 2024, from 11:00 to 19:00 at the Hungarian National Museum, will bring a full day of spectacular events, promising to deliver an even richer experience with true Thai essence.



Here are what you can expect:

- Traditional Thai Dance Performances from Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts.

- Live Cooking Demonstrations.

- Culinary Delights: Selected-Thai restaurants

- Mini fashion show.

- Exciting Prizes and Giveaways: Attendees can participate in a lucky draw for a chance to win plane tickets to Thailand from Turkish Airlines.

- Quiz shows and egg-fishing to win other exciting prizes, adding more fun and excitement to your Thai Festival experience.



The Royal Thai Embassy in Budapest warmly invites everyone to join this celebration of Thai culture and hospitality. The Thai Festival 2024 offers families, friends, and culture enthusiasts a perfect opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day, exploring the uniqueness of Thai culture.



Free entry



Come and be a part of this extraordinary celebration of Thai culture. Mark your calendars and dont miss out on this incredible cultural experience!



More:

Event's Facebok page
LINCOLN  A slate of decisions from the Nebraska Supreme Court Friday kept two abortion questions and an initiative to repeal a private school scholarship measure on the 2024 ballot.

The high court ruled on four lawsuits challenging the two ballot measures to alter Nebraska abortion policy and repeal a new law allocating funds for private school scholarships. The rulings kept all three measures on the ballot, for now.

Two of the lawsuits were essentially identical, and asked the court to remove a ballot measure that would amend the state's constitution to establish the right to an abortion up until "fetal viability," which is generally considered to be 23 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. They alleged the initiative violates a provision in the Nebraska Constitution that limits ballot measures to a single subject.

A third lawsuit asked the court to treat the abortion rights initiative the same as a second initiative that would restrict most abortions beyond the first trimester.

The fourth lawsuit related to a separate initiative seeking to partially repeal Legislative Bill 1402, removing the program and funding mechanism that allocates $10 million per year to fund private and parochial school scholarships. Arguments on all four cases were first made before the court earlier this week.

Updates below:

Court rejects lawsuits challenging abortion rights petition

The court ruled that the ballot measure seeking to protect the right to abortion did not violate the state constitution's single-subject rule.

The justices ruled that seeking to create a constitutional right to abortion "has a singleness of subject." The use of additional words the two lawsuits relied on are not separate subjects but "facets of the singular subject," the justices determined.

Multiple ballot initiatives in previous years, including a 2020 attempt to put medical marijuana legalization in front of voters, have been struck down by the Nebraska Supreme Court on single subject grounds.

Those who brought the lawsuits, known as relators, said the abortion initiative had at least four separate goals or subjects.

In a unanimous decision, the Nebraska Supreme Court disagreed.

"Having reviewed the text of the proposed constitutional amendment, we determine that the parts of the Initiative all relate to the same general subject of creating a constitutional right to abortion," the opinion reads. "The parts of the Initiative define the limits and set parameters for that right and define terms for purposes of the proposed constitutional provision."

The organizers of the Protect Our Rights campaign, which collected over 200,000 signatures in support of the petition, celebrated the decision.

"We are on the ballot," said Allie Berry, Protect Our Rights campaign manager. "This is a victory for all Nebraskans. Anti-abortion politicians forced an abortion ban into law and then coordinated with activists to launch desperate lawsuits to silence over 200,000 Nebraskans by preventing them from voting on what happens to their bodies."

The text of the Protect Our Rights ballot initiative, now expected to be on November's ballot after the ruling, reads:

"All persons shall have a fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability, or when needed to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient, without interference from the state or its political subdivisions. Fetal viability means the point in pregnancy when, in the professional judgment of the patients treating health care practitioner, there is a significant likelihood of the fetus sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures."

All-or-nothing case rejected

The Nebraska Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit that asked justices to treat two abortion-related initiatives evenly, either removing both from the ballot or keeping both. The lawsuit was filed in response to two other lawsuits that challenged one ballot measure seeking to protect the right to abortion until "fetal viability."

The high court ruled that the other abortion initiative, which seeks to ban most abortions after the first trimester, does not violate the single-subject rule.

"In November, voters have the choice to reject the extreme Protect the Right to Abortion amendment that invites government intrusion between a woman and her doctor, giving unlicensed individuals influence over minors in crisis, and paves the way for taxpayer-funded abortions," the Protect Women and Children Nebraska Committee said in a statement. That group is behind the amendment that would restrict abortion.

'School choice' challenge denied

The Nebraska Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit requesting the removal of a ballot measure that seeks to partially repeal LB 1402. The lawsuit alleged that the measure violated a provision of the state constitution that prohibits voter referendums from impacting direct appropriations.

The high court ruled that since the ballot initiative only seeks to repeal the first section of LB 1402, which "makes no appropriation at all," Secretary of State Bob Evnen is not required to remove it from the ballot.

Evnen could remove the measure anyway. In a document filed in the case, Evnen said although he certified the initiative, afterward he became convinced the measure was ineligible for the ballot. However, Evnen said he would defer to the court's judgment.

In a concurring opinion by Chief Justice Michael Heavican, he addressed Evnen's change in position, noting that Evnen determined the initiative met legal requirements when he certified it for the ballot. Heavican said he is not aware of any processes that allow the secretary of state to change his mind and take a certified initiative off the ballot.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who introduced LB 1402, said the court's ruling was a "dangerous" and "very bad decision," that could threaten other legislation that allocates funds but don't directly change the state budget. She said it could jeopardize other increases to education funding the Legislature has passed in recent sessions.

Support Our Schools Nebraska, which led the initiative's campaign, praised the high court for ordering Evnen to "end his shenanigans" and protecting the petition process. Campaign officials have alleged that the lawsuit, as well as LB 1402, were attempts to suppress the will of voters.

We join Nebraskas public school educators in celebrating the Supreme Courts decision to preserve the right of Nebraskans to vote on whether to direct their taxpayer dollars to private institutions. We applaud their decision to maintain the long-held, intentional and careful process of appropriating funds by the Legislature, an important tenet of effective fiscal management by the state of Nebraska, Rebecca Firestone, executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute, said in a press release.

New suit seeks to keep marijuana initiatives from the ballot

A new lawsuit, filed Thursday in Lancaster County District Court, seeks to keep two petition measures that would legalize medical marijuana off the November ballot. The suit was filed by John Kuehn, a former state senator and longtime opponent of medical marijuana.

Kuehn claims, among other things, that the petitions did not have enough valid signatures, that a petition sponsor had not listed her city, state or zip code on the sponsor statement and that the measures violated the constitutional requirement to have only a single subject. He also claims that Evnen violated Kuehns right to challenge the measures by not completing the validation of signatures until the deadline to certify the ballot.

Evnen announced last week that the medical marijuana petitions had collected enough valid signatures to make the ballot but had not completed the petition certification process as of Friday morning. His office set Friday as the deadline to certify the ballot.

Kuehn has little chance of having his lawsuit decided before the end of the day Friday, given the late date of its filing and that he filed it in a lower court, not the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Other ballot business Friday

Friday is also the deadline to finalize the general election ballot language, and multiple issues are still up in the air. Apart from the court cases, Evnen has yet to officially certify the two petitions that together seek to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska.

Grand Island man charged with signature collection fraud

Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined Hall County Attorney Marty Klein on Friday to announce that they are charging a Grand Island man in connection with the collection of fraudulent signatures on a pair of petitions seeking to legalize medical marijuana. Michael Egbert was charged with false swearing to a circulators affidavit on a petition, a felony punishable by up to two years in prison followed by 12 months supervised release or a $10,000 fine.

Klein said an investigation found a number of concerning irregularities in the marijuana petitions circulated by Egbert. He alleged that Egbert falsified 104 signatures on each of the petitions, including 68 people with the wrong birth date, eight who were deceased and six whose names were misspelled.

Hilgers said his office has worked with local officials on an expanded investigation that has not found additional cases of alleged fraud but has turned up several thousand signatures with irregularities. He declined to say whether those irregularities put the petitions in jeopardy of not qualifying for the ballot.

Evnen's office said last week that the petitions had collected more than enough valid signatures to appear on the ballot.

Nebraskans expect secure elections, Hilgers said. As we head into election season, Nebraskans should be confident that the election and law enforcement officials will work together to identify and investigate fraudulent activity.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2024
For the first time in its 42-year history, the event service provider has appointed a former global FMCG executive as CEO. With the arrival of Andras Palko, Special Effcts Ltd. - the key player in both domestic and international business tourism - has reached an exciting milestone.

Andras Palko has built his career over nearly two decades at major corporations like British American Tobacco, Carlsberg, Heineken, and Coca-Cola HBC. He has held primarily sales, marketing, and strategic positions, which have provided him with a deep understanding of organizational operations. As a leader, he has managed teams of over 100 people and gained nearly 10 years of experience as a board member.



It is an incredible honor to continue my career at a globally recognized, Hungarian-owned company that has been operating excellently, growing consistently and adapting even in the toughest times for decades said Andras.



Founded as a family business in 1982, Special Effects now serves over 3,000 events worldwide annually, primarily providing audiovisual solutions (lighting, sound, and video technology). Ninety percent of the company's clientele are returning customers, a testament not only to the high quality of service but also to its first-class client management.



With a presence on six continents, the company is supported by a team of nearly 150 industry experts based in its Budapest and Debrecen offices, as well as a modern equipment park of 9,000 units, housed in a 2,800 square meter warehouse.



As a continuously growing organization, Special Effects Ltd. has been strategically preparing to transition from a medium-sized business to a large company for several years. One of Andras' primary missions as CEO will be to guide the company through this transformation.



I aim to preserve the valuable culture that has driven the companys success for years while opening up new opportunities for growth and innovation, said Andras. Through open and honest communication, supportive decision-making, and ensuring freedom for my colleagues, I hope to foster further development, he added.



Andras Palko steps into the CEO position, previously held by Zsolt Kassai, who led Special Effects Zrt. for six years. Zsolt will continue to support the company as a board member and as Vice President for Strategy and Innovation, aiding both the company and the recently established Special Effects Group, which now consists of 12 subsidiary companies.



Click here to virtually visit Special Effects Ltd.
Follow me to a ladies work day.

Amish traditions, ideas, and practices vary drastically from one church to the next, but my guess would be that most Amish housewives wash off the interior of their house once, or some even twice a year.

Since it is a major task, we enjoy teaming up and helping one another. After all, its nice being together more than just on Sundays.

Today was a workday at my sister-in-law Virginias house. Most of the ladies brought their horse and buggy and others came with a driver. Stepping inside Virginias house, I smelled cleaners, a quick glance revealed that curtains had been taken off to be laundered. I scanned the list on the kitchen table. The upstairs of her house, including walls, windows, and furniture was in need of a cleaning.

I chose the boys bedroom. Filling up a bucket with hot water I squirted in some soap and added a dash of white vinegar. I decided to work from top to bottom. The ceiling and walls were not super dirty, just dusty with some tell tale marks of flies and a few spiders they had been fighting.

Joshua, who had come with me, played at the toy cabinet just outside the bedroom door. When the walls and ceiling were done I began washing off the bedroom suite. This is probably a set Daniel made, I mused. As I worked alone my thoughts kept rolling, ... much has changed since that work day seven years ago, when Daniel called to let me know he got a call from DCFS with our first foster placement (which ended in adoption).

Usually I enjoyed working with someone else, but today it felt good to be by myself, and God, of course. I showed Joshua the fox hide on the dresser that had been dried and cured. Antlers and turkey calls were more markings of things the boys enjoyed doing.

With the floor scrubbed and furniture polished, I headed back for the list. I was amazed at how swiftly the list was being scratched off. By now ladies were all over, cleaning something somewhere. I stuck the casserole in the oven and by 11:30 everything was marked off the list and we were ready to sit down and eat together. The many times Virginia helped others clean their house came back to bless her before the new baby arrived.

One lady brings a hot dish and the others all pitch in with their choice of salad or dessert. I have been astonished many times over, how the meal ends up having a perfect balance of everything. Today there was coleslaw, pie, cake, fruit slush, tapioca, and jello yogurt.

By 12:30 the dishes were washed and people were heading back home.

Ah, the wonder of being home in my own house again. Joshua and I filled our water bottle and headed straight for the cabin where he is now napping and I am writing. In less than an hour the children will be home, so Ill need to start thinking of heading back and getting an after school snack on the table. Stories from all five of the school children are poured out over this time. Were working at the skill of only one person talking at a time, but we havent mastered it yet.

After snack the children will be teamed up by twos and sent off to do some tasks before having off time until supper.

The first grade boys will probably be wondering about workday. This morning it was hard for them to imagine that they will be going to school instead of workday with me, as they had always done in years gone by.

Okay, there are several recipes Id like to pass on; maybe for today well go with our fresh fruit slush. It is similar to what we had today. The children, down to Joshua, help me peel and slice bananas to make this slush for the school lunches. For our next batch, Im going to try adding tropical fruit for a different twist.

Whenever I find bananas on sale Ill buy a box full and whatever we dont eat fresh, is turned into slush, only we dont really go by an exact recipe. Recently Joshua, my little raspberry guy, helped pick raspberries from our patch which we put in. We all enjoyed that for a change. My sister Faith likes strawberries in hers. Grapes, blueberries, and pineapples also add a yummy dimension.

FRUIT SLUSH

1-quart sliced peaches

Six bananas, sliced

6 oz. orange juice concentrate

1 cup of water

 cup sugar or to taste

One teaspoon stevia (opt)

Instructions

1. Stir all together, refrigerate or freeze. If you like, try adding a handful of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, or some crushed pineapple for some extra flavor.
Two years after making India exit, the US automaker Ford Motor is all set to re-enter India with a renewed vigour. Ford Motor announced today that it will restart its manufacturing plant in Chennai to boost exports, along with hiring another 2,500-3,000 employees. Kay Hart, President of Ford International Markets Group, stated that the company's recent move highlights their ongoing commitment to India, with plans to leverage the manufacturing expertise in Tamil Nadu to serve new global markets.

In a LinkedIn post, she mentioned that the company has submitted a letter of intent (LOI) to the Tamil Nadu government, indicating Ford's intention to use its Chennai plant for export-oriented manufacturing.

This decision comes after several discussions with the Tamil Nadu government. Hart acknowledged their support as Ford explored different options for the plant, noting that more details regarding the type of manufacturing and target export markets will be shared later. Ford had halted its operations in India in 2021 due to low sales and financial losses in the competitive domestic automotive market.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had posted on social media that he had a productive discussion with the Ford Motor team, exploring the possibility of renewing the company's three-decade partnership with the state, aiming to once again manufacture in Tamil Nadu for global markets. During his visit, the Chief Minister also met with executives from Google, Apple, and Microsoft, securing investment agreements for Tamil Nadu.

Hart also indicated that the decision would contribute to Ford's growing workforce in Chennai. Ford's global Ford Business Solutions team in the city already has over 12,000 employees, with plans to add another 2,500 to 3,000 in the coming years. Additionally, Ford operates an engine manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat. India is Ford's second-largest employee base worldwide.
New Delhi: Kareena Kapoor Khan's The Buckingham Murders is finally here. The film has already made a distinct mark on the hearts of the audience with its gripping trailer, leaving everyone eager to see more of this mystery thriller.

The film is indeed very special for Kareena as she is not only making her debut as a producer but has also stepped into a full-fledged intense role. While she is very proud of her choice to do this film, she is also exhilarated to show it to the world.

Taking to her social media, Kareena shared some BTS stills from the sets of The Buckingham Murders, capturing moments from the film's shoot.

Kareen captioned the post, "As an actor, it's the choices one makes... And I am very proud of this choice

Please watch this story and dive into my world of crime and drama... a dream I have always had to act in or produce one...but here I got the best of both worlds.

Go find a screen #TheBuckingham Murders now in cinemas."

The Buckingham Murders features an exceptional ensemble cast, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Ranveer Brar, and Keith Allen.

Directed by Hansal Mehta and written by Aseem Arrora, Kashyap Kapoor, and Raghav Raj Kakker, it is a Mahana Films and TBM Films production, presented by Balaji Telefilms and produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, and first-time producer Kareena Kapoor Khan.
New Delhi: 'Tumbbad' is making a grand return to theatres today, and the buzz is palpable. Bookings show impressive numbers, signaling strong audience interest.

Sohum Shah recently attended screenings of 'Tumbbad' in Mumbai and Delhi, where he received enthusiastic responses from fans. The anticipation surrounding the re-release is further amplified by enthusiastic responses from viewers and celebrities alike.

Kriti Sanon took to Instagram and praised the film, calling it the 'best horror film' she has seen and commending Sohum Shah's performance.

On the other hand, Veteran actor Gajraj Rao took to Instagram has praise the re-release of 'Tumbbad,' sharing the excitement of the film.

Additionally, Tumbbad was a critical success, earning eight nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards and winning three for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design.

It was also the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics Week section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival, a testament to its international appeal and artistic achievement. The film also stars Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar, who contribute to its eerie and compelling narrative.

As Tumbbad returns to theaters, this re-release is more than just a second chance to watch the film; its an invitation to rediscover the haunting world of greed, mythology, and horror that captivated audiences six years ago.

The film will not be available on OTT platforms in 2024; therefore, the best opportunity to view it will be in theaters on September 13, 2024.
New Delhi: Hindenburg Research has alleged that 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 to 2021.

Hindenburg had shared via a tweet alleging, "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. 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 @news_gotham."

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.



Prosecutors detailed how an Adani frontman invested in opaque  Hindenburg Research (@HindenburgRes) September 12, 2024

According to a ruling by the Federal Criminal Court (FCC), the Geneva Public Prosecutor's Office had been investigating alleged wrongdoing by the Indian conglomerate "well before investors from Hindenburg Research made their initial accusations," Gotham City reported.

The report, dated September 11, states: "More than $310 million belonging to an alleged frontman for billionaire Gautam Adani is sequestered in five Swiss banks. The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) took over the investigation after the case was revealed in the press."

Adani Group Responds To Hindenburg Research Allegations On Swiss Authorities Freezing Its Funds

The Adani Group on Thursday unequivocally rejected and denied baseless allegations regarding claims by US short-seller Hindenburg Research that Swiss authorities have frozen its funds. Dismissing the latest allegations, an Adani Group spokesperson denied the baseless claims.

We unequivocally reject and deny the baseless allegations presented. The Adani Group has no involvement in any Swiss court proceedings, nor have any of our company accounts been subject to sequestration by any authority, said the company spokesperson.

Furthermore, even in the alleged order, the Swiss court has neither mentioned our group companies, nor have we received any requests for clarification or information from any such authority or regulatory body. We reiterate that our overseas holding structure is transparent, fully disclosed, and compliant with all relevant laws, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson further said that these allegations are clearly preposterous, irrational, and absurd.

We have no hesitation in stating that this is yet another orchestrated and egregious attempt by the same cohorts acting in unison to inflict irreversible damage on our group's reputation and market value, said the spokesperson.

The Adani Group remains steadfastly committed to transparency and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, the spokesperson noted.
New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday reaffirmed the governments commitment to drive economic growth through robust partnerships with state governments. Chairing the third meeting of the reconstituted Board of Trade here, the minister emphasised that government initiatives are instrumental in guiding India towards a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable trade environment, benefiting the countrys broader economic landscape.

He also launched the Department of Commerces Jan Sunwai Portal, designed to streamline communication between stakeholders and authorities, providing a direct and transparent channel for addressing trade and industry-related issues. The portal offers on-demand video conferencing services, in addition to fixed video conference links for regular, scheduled interactions.

According to the ministry, the portals accessibility extends across various offices and autonomous bodies under the Department of Commerce, such as the DGFT, Coffee Board, Tea Board, Spices Board, Rubber Board, APEDA, MPEDA, ITPO and EIC.

The minister also held discussions centred around critical initiatives aimed at fostering employment across states and enhancing the role of the Department of Commerce in promoting state-level economic growth.

The session also featured interactive presentations from the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, showcasing their achievements in export promotion and ease of doing business, interventions, and ongoing state-level initiatives. Ministers from 10 state governments attended the session.

The minister Goyal also inaugurated ECGCs new online service portal, alongside a revamped in-house SMILE-ERP system. These innovations mark a significant leap towards paperless processing and faceless service delivery, benefiting both exporters and bank, said the ministry.

ECGCs embrace of digital solutions underscores its unwavering commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction, ensuring world-class services for Indian exporters, the ministry noted.
New Delhi: Sebi Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch issued a fresh statement on Friday, refuting all the charges levelled against them by Hindenburg Research and the Opposition Congress in the last couple of days.

Issuing joint statement in their personal capacity, the Buches commented, "There have been numerous questions raised and malicious campaigns run about our integrity."

Rubbishing all the charges, levelled against them, the Buches said attempts have been made of character assassination. This is the third ever statement since the release of US-based research firm's report on August 10 that alleged Sebi chief's connection related to offshore funds by the Adani Group.

In a six-page statement dated September 13, the joint comments read, "It is unfortunate that questions have been raised regarding the consulting assignments of Dhaval Buch and the firms Agora Advisory in India and Agora Partners in Singapore. There seems to be an assumption that when a spouse of a senior government official is appointed as an advisor, it must be attributed to factors beyond professional merit. Such assumptions overlook the strength of qualifications and expertise and reach conclusions that are most unfortunate".

The joint statement heaped praises on Dhaval's bright profile and career stating that he has "his own strong reputation as a leading professional in his field".

"Despite the transparency and professional clarity given by these organisations, it is unfortunate that the need to justify decisions taken by such respected companies, based purely on Dhavals expertise, has to be undertaken by them and by us. The strength of his qualifications and long years of experience should be sufficient, and questions about the motivations behind the decisions taken by these companies are unfortunate and defamatory not just for Dhaval, but for these respected companies as well," noted the statement.

Among several clarifications, the Buchs wrote, in their statement, that the recent allegations that Agora Advisory provided services to two more companies, Sembcorp and Visu Leasing, while Madhabi was a Whole-Time Member (WTM) of SEBI are "patently false". "These assignments were concluded and income accrued in 2016-2017, before Madhabi even joined SEBI as Whole Time Member," it read.

"It has been claimed that ICICI Bank also paid Agora. What was concealed is the fact that these were interest payments on deposits. Ascribing motive to it is unfortunate and defamatory. As already stated in our previous communication, after Dhavals retirement, he undertook his consulting practice under the two companies Agora Advisory and Agora Partners. Dhavals consulting assignments were undertaken under a company structure so as to transparently isolate the income so generated and report accruals and expenses related to these assignments, as separate from his personal income and expenses," wrote the Buch couple.

"It is unfortunate that a process that actually facilitates greater transparency is being sought to be projected as suspicious," they wrote.

"In keeping with the highest standards of governance, Madhabi has never dealt with any file involving Agora Advisory, Agora Partners, the Mahindra Group, Pidilite, Dr Reddys, Alvarez and Marsal, Sembcorp, Visu Leasing or ICICI Bank at any stage after her joining SEBI. As evident from the above facts and the communications from the companies, the allegations are completely false, malicious and defamatory," mentioned the statement, asserting that she has complied with all of SEBI's disclosure and recusal guidelines while maintaining "a proactive continuing recusal list with SEBI over and above the requirements under the guidelines".

"There have been questions raised regarding the rental income received from a property owned by Madhabi and Dhaval. The property was leased out in the normal course. As it turned out subsequently, the lessee happened to be an associate of Wockhardt, a listed company which had come under investigation. Madhabi has not dealt with any files related to Wockhardt," mentioned the September 13 statement.

"Given the all-India remit of SEBIs responsibilities, which encompass hundreds of investigations, thousands of surveillance alerts, hundreds of approvals, and hundreds of orders annually, the Chairperson is usually not even aware of specific cases, as they are handled in the normal course by other designated officials as per Delegation of Powers which have always been in place . In this context, even an allegation of conflict is not only defamatory, false and vexatious, but is clearly malicious and motivated," it added.

"The rental agreement for the property in question was concluded in accordance with standard market practices and this property jointly owned by Madhabi and Dhaval is leased and the rental from the same is declared and tax paid accordingly. A simple internet search and analysis would show that the rental income from the property was completely in line with market rates. The assertion that the rental rates were 'off market' is patently false," it added.

All necessary disclosures have been made to SEBI in writing right from Madhabi's appointment as a Whole-Time Member in 2017, including details about the propertys market value and the rental income derived from it, according to the couple.
New Delhi: The Maharashtra government will soon launch a scheme to facilitate additional income to farmers by selling surplus power generated by their solar pump sets. This was announced here on Friday by Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister, Devendra Fadnavis.

The government's move is important as the state has witnessed transition from farmers waiting for years to get grid connection for agriculture pumps to getting pumps on demand, thanks to Solar Agriculture Pump on Demand (SAPD) scheme of the state government.

He was speaking after inaugurating a registration website for farmers for the SAPD scheme developed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). He also published a booklet about the scheme and a poster.

"A scheme will be launched so that surplus power generated in solar panels of agriculture pumps can be sent to the grid and be sold to power companies so that farmers will get additional income. Thus, farmers will be earning money by selling power instead of paying power bills," said Fadnavis.

He said that before 2014, there was serious problem of paid pending cases. After that during his government, emphasis was given on providing power connections to farmers."Now thanks to SAPD, farmers are getting solar pumps on demand with 90 per cent subsidy.

Due to solar pumps, farmers are getting day time quality power supply. They wont be required to pay bills for the next 25 years as there will be solar power generation for that period. If we consider a 7.5 HP pump, then a farmer will save Rs 10 lakh in a 25-year period. This scheme has been implemented on the basis of the PM Kusum B scheme," he added.

He said that under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0, agreements for 12,000 MW have been done and projects have started. Power generation will start from those projects with full capacity in the next two years. "Hence farmers will get 100 per cent solar energy for irrigation. Apart from farmers getting green energy, a lot of funds for subsidy and cross subsidy will be saved," he added.

MahaVitaran CMD Lokesh Chandra said there has been emphasis on using renewable energy for farmers in the last two-and-a-half years. "At one point of time there were 8.5 lakh farmers waiting for power connection but now the number of paid pending cases is negligible. Now paid pending problem will become history due to SAPD. Under this scheme, one million agriculture solar pumps will be installed in the state.

After the scheme was launched, two lakh farmers registered and paid their share and out of them pumps have been installed in farms of 45,000 growers in the last six months and it is a record. Maharashtra is on number one position in the country regarding installation of solar pumps," he added.
New Delhi: Several employees of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have reportedly received tax notices from the income tax department, raising concerns over discrepancies in their Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) claims.

The company has advised these employees to hold off on making any payments with the amounts in question ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh, according to sources cited by Moneycontrol. TCS has assured its staff that further instructions will be provided soon to resolve the mater.

Associates that received the notice will receive a rectification intimation in due course and are not required to pay any demand amount. Once the tax authorities send the rectification intimations, the discrepancies should be resolved, In an internal email referenced by the report, the company informed its employees about the situation.

The report suggested that authorities may have made an error while processing the filed tax returns. It mentioned that the assessing officer has the authority to amend the notice. In the email, TCS informed employees that the tax authorities would reprocess the returns, aligning the TDS with both Form 26AS from the department and Form 16A issued by the company.
Agartala, Sep 13 (PTI) A 16-year-old girl, was allegedly kidnapped, gang-raped and dumped into a jungle by two persons in North Tripura district, police said on Friday.

The victim is undergoing treatment at Dharmanagar district hospital as she suffered multiple injuries.

Police arrested two persons for their alleged involvement in the gang rape that happened on Thursday.

"The girl was walking on a village road on Thursday afternoon. Suddenly, two persons riding a bike kidnapped the girl and took her to a nearby jungle and gang-raped her," the Superintendent of Police (SP), North Tripura, Bhanupada Chakraborty said on Friday.

After committing the crime, they deserted the girl and fled, the SP said.

Locals later spotted the girl, in an unconscious state, and informed her family about the incident.

"After being alerted by the villagers, we rushed to the spot and rescued my sister, and took her to the Uptakhali health facility. She was referred to Dharmanagar district hospital from there. Her condition was serious," the victim's elder sister told the reporters.

The persons who raped my sister threw her in the jungle assuming that she died, he said.

"We have taken the case seriously. Two persons have already been arrested and will be forwarded before the court today seeking police remand. A team has been constituted for proper investigation of the case. We will try our level best to ensure stringent punishment for those involved in the heinous crime," the SP said.

Chakraborty said he has already spoken to the victim at the health facility and she is now out of danger.
A woman from Andhra Pradesh, who travelled to Kuwait for her job, has accused her employer of subjecting her to severe physical and mental abuse. The woman, identified as Kavita from the Annamayya district, has released a video pleading for her rescue from her employer.

Plea for Rescue

In the video, Kavita directly appeals to Andhra Pradesh Minister Ram Prasad Reddy, asking for help to escape her dire situation. "Please save me, sir. I am being tortured here. I have two children and a disabled husband. I came to Kuwait for their sake, but I am being subjected to injustice here," she stated, visibly distressed.

Kavita alleged that her employer locked her in a room, depriving her of food, and essentially placed her under house arrest. She further claimed that the travel agent who facilitated her move to Kuwait threatened her and blocked her phone, cutting off her communication with her family and authorities.

Government Intervention

In response to her desperate plea, Minister Reddy has written to Union Minister Kondapalli Srinivas, urging his intervention to ensure Kavitas safe return to India. Her case underscores the serious issues faced by many migrant workers in Gulf countries, where they are often vulnerable to exploitation and abuse under the 'Kafala' systema controversial practice that ties the legal status of migrant workers to their employers, severely restricting their rights.
Mumbai: Workers and leaders of Maharashtra BJP on Friday held state-wide protests against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on reservation during his visit to the US.

While Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said it was necessary to stage a protest to tell people about Gandhi's mentality against reservation, Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat accused the saffron party of spreading fake news and doing "nautanki" (drama).

Gandhi, who is in the US, told students of Georgetown University that the Congress would think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place, which he said is not the case right now.

During a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, the Leader of Opposition alleged that democracy in India for the last 10 years was broken, but now it is fighting back.

The BJP announced a state-wide protest over Gandhi's "anti-reservation" remarks.

In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra Housing Minister Atul Save staged a demonstration with party workers, carrying placards and raising slogans against Gandhi.

During the protest in Mumbai, BJP's Dahisar MLA Manisha Chowdhary claimed the Congress has been opposing reservations from the days of late Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi's "anti-reservation" stand is exposed, she said.

Slamming the BJP for staging protests, Thorat accused the party of spreading fake news and doing "nautanki" (drama).

He further pointed out that Gandhi, in his remarks, never said reservations would be done away with.

"What are BJP leaders protesting for? They don't even feel the need to verify information. But people will not be swayed by their fake narrative. People know that it is the BJP that is anti-Constitution and anti-reservation," Thorat wrote in a post on X.
Delhi Excise Policy Case: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today lambasted the rival BJP as he walked out of the Tihar Jail after getting bail from the Supreme Court in the alleged corruption case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Kejriwal was initially arrested by the CBI on June 26 in this case. The Supreme court today put certain conditions on Kejriwal's release, including that he shall not make any public comments about the case and shall be present for all hearings before the trial court unless exempted.

After being released from Tihar Jail, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his renewed resolve, stating, "Today I want to say that I have come out of jail and my courage has increased 100 times...The walls of their jail cannot break me, weaken my courage...I will pray to god to continue showing me the right path and I will continue fighting against all the power who are trying to weaken the country and divide the country."

Kejriwal also reflected on his struggles, noting, "I have faced numerous challenges in my life, but God has always supported me. This time, too, my faith and honesty have been my pillars of strength."

On Friday, the Rouse Avenue court issued a warrant for Kejriwal's release from Tihar Jail. The Supreme Court had granted him bail in connection with a corruption case involving the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Earlier, the apex court had also granted him interim bail in a related money laundering case. Special Judge Rakesh Syal approved the release warrant after accepting two surety bonds and expedited the process by sending the release warrant through a special messenger.
The shocking incident took place after a gym owner was shot dead by some assailants in south Delhi's Greater Kailash on Thursday night, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Nadir Shah.

Delhi police informed that the victim was immediately rushed to the hospital by his friends but was declared dead.

"He was immediately rushed to the hospital by his friends but was declared dead. A case under relevant sections is being registered, and further investigation is underway," the Delhi police said, ANI reported.

"Around 10:45 PM, we received a PCR call about a firing incident. We got the information about the firing incident in the E-block of GK (Greater Kailash). He was identified as Nadir Shah and runs a gym in partnership. Around 7-8 rounds of bullets were fired," DCP (South) Ankit Chauhan told to ANI.
On April 19, 1975, India achieved a historic milestone by launching its first unmanned satellite, Aryabhata, into space. The polyhedron-shaped satellite was launched from a barren site in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia, marking a significant moment for the nation. India became the 11th country in the world to send a satellite into orbit, and more importantly, Aryabhata laid the foundation for Indias thriving space program.

A Pioneering Space Program

Today, India is among the few nations that have sent probes to the moon and is one of only four countries to achieve interplanetary orbit. This journey, however, started long before Aryabhata's launch, with early steps taken in the 1960s. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had already made strides in rocket technology with the Rohini rocket program, which focused on meteorological and atmospheric research using sounding rockets. These early successes set the stage for more ambitious projects.

In the early 1970s, Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary founder of ISRO, initiated the development of Indias first satellite. Dr. Udupi Ramachandra Rao, a distinguished space scientist, was appointed to lead the project. The satellite was assembled in Bangalore, bringing together Indias best scientific minds to work toward a common goal.

Cold War Rivalries and Challenges

Originally, India had planned to launch Aryabhata using the American Scout launch vehicle, which was known for its reliability and affordability. However, geopolitical tensions during the Cold War era played a significant role in altering these plans. In 1971, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev offered to assist India with the launch through a message delivered to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Concerned about potential collaboration between India and the United States, the Soviet Union saw an opportunity to strengthen its ties with India by offering its own launch services.

India accepted the Soviet offer, and plans were made for Aryabhatas launch aboard a Soviet rocket. However, just as the project was gaining momentum, tragedy struck with the sudden death of Vikram Sarabhai in 1971. His passing brought the Indian space program to a halt, and the future of Aryabhata seemed uncertain. Despite this setback, Dr. Rao and his team pushed forward with determination. They completed work on the satellite, and a launch date was set.

The Naming of Aryabhata

While the satellite was ready for launch, it still lacked a name. To secure support from the highest levels of government, the team turned to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to choose a suitable moniker. Gandhi named the satellite Aryabhata, in honor of the renowned 5th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer. Aryabhata made significant contributions to mathematics, including the introduction of a system of phonemic number notation and astronomical discoveries, making the name a fitting tribute to the satellite's scientific mission.

The Legacy of Aryabhata

Aryabhata was equipped with instruments designed to explore the ionosphere, measure solar neutrons and gamma rays, and investigate X-ray astronomy. Despite encountering technical issues after five days in space due to an electrical failure, the satellites brief mission was a success. It recorded valuable data, including observations of the X-ray source Cygnus X-1, which contributed to Indias growing expertise in space science.

More importantly, Aryabhatas launch laid the groundwork for future satellite missions. The project helped India develop the necessary infrastructure and technical know-how for satellite launches, and the mission proved that Indias space program, though in its early stages, was both capable and ambitious. The success of Aryabhata sent a strong message to the world that India was ready to compete in space exploration.

The satellite also became a lasting source of inspiration for future generations of Indian scientists and engineers. Aryabhatas legacy continues to motivate ISROs missions, including successful moon and Mars probes. It marked the beginning of a long journey that transformed India into a global leader in space exploration.

In conclusion, Aryabhata was more than just a satellite; it was a symbol of Indias scientific potential and a testament to the countrys determination to succeed against all odds. While the satellite's mission was short-lived, its impact on Indias space program continues to be felt today. Aryabhata set India on a path of scientific discovery and innovation, ensuring that the country remains a key player in the global space community.
In fresh encounters that are still underway in Jammu and Kashmir, two soldiers were martyred while two terrorists were killed in separate gunfights. According to a senior army official, four soldiers sustained injuries in which two died while two are under treatment. The casualty took place during an intense gunfight with militants in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir. In a separate operation in Kathua, forces from the Rising Star Corps neutralized two terrorists.

"White Knight Corps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of the #Bravehearts; offer deepest condolences to the families," said the army's unit on X. The two soldiers who were killed in action were Nb Sub Vipan Kumar and Sep Arvind Singh.

#WATCH | J&K: Visuals from the Chatroo area of Kishtwar



Four Indian Army soldiers have been injured in the ongoing encounter with terrorists here



(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/hxQXlOwuC8  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

The army, in an official statement, revealed that the joint operation in Kishtwar's Chatroo area was launched in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, following specific intelligence inputs. Contact with the militants was established around 3:30 PM, leading to a firefight in which four soldiers were injured. The operation remains ongoing.

The White Knight Corps said in a post on X, "Based on the intelligence inputs, a joint operation with J&K Police was launched in area Chatroo at #Kishtwar. A contact was established and scout leading the patrol exchanged heavy volume of fire with the terrorists at 1530 hrs. In the ensuing firefight four army personnel have been injured. The operation is in progress."

Based on the intelligence inputs, a joint operation with J&K Police was launched in area Chatroo at #Kishtwar.

A contact was established and scout leading the patrol exchanged heavy volume of fire with the terrorists at 1530 hrs.

In the ensuing firefight four army personnel pic.twitter.com/1KJn3M8UBo  White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) September 13, 2024

Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army said that two terrorists were killed in Kathua. "In the Joint operation launched on 11 Sep by Troops of Rising Star Corps and J&K Police, Two Terrorists Neutralised & Large War Like Stores Recovered. Operations Conclude," it said.





In the Joint operation launched on 11 Sep by , Two Terrorists Neutralised & Large War Like Stores Recovered. pic.twitter.com/QUc92EhElN  Rising Star Corps_IA (@RisingStarCorps) September 13, 2024

Based on a tip-off, security forces initiated a cordon and search operation in the Naidgham area within the Chatroo belt, according to police officials. During the operation, an exchange of gunfire took place between the search teams and terrorists hiding in the Pingnal Dugadda forest, located in the upper reaches of Naidgham village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Chatroo Police Station, the police reported.
National Conference leader and former CM of Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that he is ready to accept the challenge put forth by MP Er Rashid but with one condition. Speaking to reporters in Kulgam, the former CM said that Er Rashid had claimed he would quit politics if Omar Abdullah would accompany him to Tihar Jail. "I accept the challenge. I will personally go with him when the time comes. Let him withdraw his candidates from the election," said Abdullah.

The NC leader also criticized Rashid, questioning his unclear position on potential alliances with the BJP. "If Rashid cannot clearly express his stance on collaborating with the BJP, it raises serious concerns," Abdullah remarked.

Yesterday, after securing interim bail for his campaign, Er Rashid challenged Omar Abdullah, saying, "If Omar accompanies me to Tihar Jail when I surrender, I will withdraw my candidates from the election."

National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah reiterated his commitment to opposing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies in the upcoming elections. Speaking to supporters, Abdullah highlighted the hardships faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir due to BJP policies over the past decade.

"Jammu and Kashmir have endured significant difficulties under the BJPs rule. Both in Jammu and Kashmir, there is visible discontent among the people," Abdullah said. He called for unity to defeat the BJP and its proxies, urging voters to support his party's pre-poll alliance.

"We offer ourselves as an alternative that will not collaborate with the BJP. Others may have hidden agendas, but we stand firm in our commitment to protect J&K from their influence," he added.

Abdullah reaffirmed his party's commitment to restoring Article 370 and safeguarding the rights of the people in the region. "Our main objective is to keep the BJP out of power. The National Conference will not entertain any alliances with them," he emphasized.
Kerala Lottery Results Friday 13-09-2024 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Nirmal NR-397" Lucky Draw Result today Nirmal NR-397, September 13, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Nirmal NR-397" 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 Nirmal NR-397 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Nirmal NR-397 results today.

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The CCTV footage from the bar visited by Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son, Sanket and his friends before his Audi crashed into several vehicles is missing, police said.

"The CCTV footage of the time when they were at La Horee Bar (before the crash) is missing. We seized their DVR on Wednesday and have sent it for forensic analysis," the Sitabuldi police station official said, PTI reported.

Sanket Bawankule's Audi, reportedly driven by his friend Arjun Hawre, hit many vehicles in Ramdaspeth early Monday and also injured two people on a moped.

The Digital Video Recorder of the place has been seized, officials said, PTI reported.

Occupants of a Polo car hit by the Audi chased it to a T Point in Mankapur, apprehended Hawre and Ronit Chittwamwar, and handed them over to the police. Hawre was arrested on Monday night and later released on bail.

On Tuesday, the La Horee manager had refused to give the CCTV footage and the electronic equipment to a probe team, he said.

"The bar management relented after it was threatened with legal action. However, we realised there is no footage since Sunday night. Further probe is underway," he added.

Police added, he consumed liquor and some chicken and mutton dishes at the bar.

(With inputs from PTI)
A nurse at a private hospital in Bihars Samastipur narrowly escaped a gang-rape attempt, said the state police. The incident occurred in Gangapur under the Musrighararari police station limits, when the medic was concluding her duties at the hospital.

The nurse successfully defended herself by injuring one of the attackers and later reported the incident to the police. She used a blade to injure the private parts of the attacker and fled to a nearby field.

According to police, the prime accused is identified as Dr. Sanjay Kumar, a doctor and administrator at RBS Health Care Centre, along with two of his associates, Awadhesh Kumar and Sunil Kumar Gupta. As per the reports, the assaulters were in the influence of alcohol at the time of the alleged assault.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sanjay Kumar Pandey confirmed that a police team was promptly deployed to the hospital following a distress call from a nurse. They successfully detained Dr. Sanjay Kumar and his two accomplices. The nurse is now under protective custody while the investigation continues.

DSP Pandey revealed that the suspects had disabled the hospital's CCTV cameras and locked the premises from the inside in an attempt to sexually assault the nurse. He commended the nurse's quick thinking and bravery in the situation.

Police have seized half a bottle of liquor, the blade used by the nurse, blood-stained clothing, and three cellphones. Officials reported that the three men were intoxicated before attempting to assault the nurse and will face additional charges under Bihar's prohibition laws, as the state is dry.

This incident follows the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. That brutal crime sparked nationwide protests and an indefinite strike by junior doctors in West Bengal, drawing attention to the persistent safety issues faced by medical professionals, especially women.
New Delhi: As the Prime Minister Narendra Modis casual visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachuds residence on Ganesh Puja, faced a significant backlash from the opposition, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has responded by reminding Congress of a similar incident concerning former PM Manmohan Singh.

BJP's spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala shared some old pictures of Manmohan Singh with the then CJI KG Balakrishnan laughing at an Iftar party in 2009.

Poonawalla circulated old photographs of the 2009 Iftar party showing then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh together with then Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan. Poonawalla remarked that during that period, the Opposition believed the judiciary was safe. He compared this with the current situation, where Prime Minister Narendra Modis attendance at Ganesh Puja at the Chief Justices residence has led to claims that the judiciary has been 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

Should they be enemies?... said BJPs Sambit Patra on Oppositions remarks. He said that this is the beauty of democracy that the different pillars maintain different courtesys when on-duty and when off-duty.

Patra asserted, 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?

The speaker questioned the inconsistency in objections, pointing out that while there are concerns about the Prime Minister meeting the Chief Justice of India, similar meetings involving Rahul Gandhi with figures like Ilhan Omar, the Chinese Premier, and George Soros, as well as signing MoUs, have been ignored.

He noted that there was no objection to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh attending Iftar parties, suggesting a double standard regarding the significance of these interactions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah today announced that the government has renamed Port Blair as 'Sri Vijay Puram' in a bid to get rid of colonial imprint. Shah took to social media platform X to inform about the decision.

"Inspired by the vision of PM Narendra Modi to free the nation from the colonial imprints, today we have decided to rename Port Blair as "Sri Vijaya Puram." While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the A&N Islands' unique role in the same," said Shah.

The Union Home Minister further added that Andaman & Nicobar Islands have an unparalleled place in India's freedom struggle and history. "The island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is today poised to be the critical base for our strategic and development aspirations. It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Ji and also the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar Ji and other freedom fighters struggled for an independent nation," said Shah.

Inspired by the vision of PM @narendramodi Ji, to free the nation from the colonial imprints, today we have decided to rename Port Blair as "Sri Vijaya Puram."



While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 13, 2024

The city was named in honor of Captain Archibald Blair, a British naval officer of the East India Company. It is well-known for the notorious Cellular Jail National Memorial, a former prison where numerous freedom fighters and individuals from other nations were once held captive.

This is not the first time that a name of the city or district has been changed by the BJP government. Earlier, the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh had changed the name of many places and railway stations to restore their old names.
In a setback for the Central Bureau of Investigation in the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case of a trainee doctor, the Sealdah Court in Kolkata has rejected the probe agency's plea for the accused Sajay Roy's narco-analysis test. The accused had earlier refused to give consent for Narco analysis test. Earlier, the CBI has conducted a polygraph test on Roy and several others involved in the case.

In 2010, the Supreme Court had ruled that narco-analysis tests cannot be performed without the accused's consent. While narco-analysis holds legal validity, courts may allow its limited admissibility, depending on the specific conditions under which the test was carried out.

What is Narco Test?

A narco test, or narcoanalysis, is an investigative technique used to gather information from an individual by administering a drug that induces a hypnotic or semi-conscious state. Sodium pentothal, commonly referred to as "truth serum," is the drug typically employed in this process. This drug reduces a person's self-awareness, enabling them to speak more openly and without restraint, which helps investigators gather more truthful responses.

What Is The Case?

The incident in question involves the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The following day, Kolkata Police arrested Roy, identifying him as the prime suspect. Roy has maintained his innocence, asserting that he is being framed. On August 23, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI.

Sanjay Roy is currently being held at the Presidency Jail in Kolkata. Last week, a Kolkata court denied his bail request and extended his judicial custody until September 20. On Thursday, the CBI obtained dental impressions and saliva samples from Sanjoy Roy. These samples will be compared to the bite marks discovered on the trainee doctor's body to help determine his potential involvement in the crime.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to announce its verdict on Friday regarding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's petitions for bail and his challenge against the CBI's arrest in connection with the alleged excise policy scam.

As per the cause list of September 13, cited by PTI, a bench headed by Justice Surya Kant will pronounce the verdict, today.

A Supreme Court bench, including Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, reserved its verdict on September 5 regarding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's petitions. Kejriwal has filed two separate pleas, one challenging the denial of bail and the other contesting his arrest by the CBI in a corruption case. The AAP leader was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on June 26.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said, "We are very hopeful. We are waiting for tomorrow, reported PTI.

Delhi Excise Policy Case

The case involves allegations of corruption in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government's now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also filed a separate money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam.

The CBI and ED claim irregularities occurred in the modification of the policy, with undue favours granted to licence holders.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has challenged the Delhi High Court's August 5 ruling, which upheld his arrest in the corruption case. The high court stated that after the CBI gathered relevant evidence post-arrest, it could not be considered unjustified or illegal. However, the court granted Kejriwal the option to seek bail in the trial court.

The ED arrested the Delhi CM on March 21.
Amidst the ongoing protest in Shimla over 'illegal mosque', the police released a video on Friday showing stone pelting during Wednesday's protest in Sanjauli. The protest, concerning the purported illegal construction of the mosque, has led to the registration of eight FIRs so far. Six police officers were injured, including a female officer who sustained vertebrae fractures and is in serious condition.

On Wednesday, protesters removed the initial layer of barricades and clashed with security forces while attempting to enter the Dhalli Tunnel East portal during their march. Police used water cannons and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse protestors.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh | Shimla Police has released the stone pelting video of the Shimla protest (September 11). 8 FIRs have been registered so far. 6 policemen, including a woman Police personnel who had vertebrae fractures and is in serious condition, were injured in the pic.twitter.com/kihTo1DzgE  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma accused the grand old party and said that all of this is happening because of the Congress government and this issue is not raised by BJP.

"Their cabinet minister raised this issue in the House. It is not appropriate for Sukhvinder Sukhu to remain in power now... It is Congress's strategy to make Hindus and Muslims, forward and backward fight... They know how the politics of Himachal will work so they made their cabinet minister make a statement," he said.

#WATCH | Delhi: On alleged illegal mosque in Shimla's Sanjauli, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma says, "... All of this is happening because of the Congress government... This is not an issue raised by the BJP. Their cabinet minister raised this issue in the House. It is not appropriate for pic.twitter.com/j937RyXKeU  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh said that the state government will work according to the law.

"There was a protest in Sanjauli, it happened on a large scale and some police personnel were also injured in it, they are in the hospital and some protesters were also injured in it," Himachal Minister Vikramaditya Singh said, ANI reported.

(With inputs from ANI)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday delivered its verdict on a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, challenging his arrest in connection with a corruption case stemming from the now-scrapped Delhi Excise policy of 2021-22. A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan granted bail to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, providing relief, however, he will be granted bail under specific terms and conditions.

What SC Said During Kejriwal's Bail Order

Justice Bhuyan while pronouncing the ruling, said that he fails to understand why CBI was in a hurry to arrest Delhi CM just after he was granted bail in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case, when the agency had not acted for 22 months.

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan asserted that the arrest of Kejriwal By CBI was only to frustrate the bail granted in ED case. CBI arrest is unjustified and thus Kejriwal should be released forthwith, said Justice Bhuyan. "The CBI needs to prove it is not merely a 'caged parrot' but an independent and proactive agency," he said.

"CBI is a premier investigating agency of the country. It is in the public interest that the CBI must not only be above board but must also be seen to be so. Every effort must be made to remove any perception that the investigation was not carried out fairly and that the arrest was made in a high-handed and biased manner. In a functional democracy governed by the rule of law, perception matters... Not long ago, this court castigated the CBI, comparing it to a caged parrot. It is imperative that CBI dispel the notion of it being a caged parrot. Rather, the perception should be that of an uncaged parrot," the bench said.

In terms of shaping the public narrative around the case, Arvind Kejriwal has been directed not to make any public statements or comments related to the ongoing proceedings. Additionally, he is required to attend all hearings before the trial court unless he is officially granted an exemption.

Kejriwal had filed two separate petitions with the Supreme Court: one challenging the legality of his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and another seeking bail.

Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP Chief, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged irregularities in the scrapped Delhi Excise Policy of 2021-22. Later, on June 26, 2024, while still in ED custody, Kejriwal was taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the same excise case.

Welcome Back Arvind Kejriwal: AAP

Aam Aadmi Party seemed in celebration mood, soon after the verdict was announced, AAP leader Manish Sisodia was seen celebrating alongside Delhi Minister Atishi following the Supreme Court's decision to grant bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from the residence of AAP leader Manish Sisodia as Delhi Minister Atishi and he rejoiced the moment Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise policy scam.



(Video: AAP) pic.twitter.com/hq3iBlh0v4  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

Delhi minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai congratulated the residents of the capital city, he told reporters, "Delhi CM is coming out now. There is joy among people. This has sent a message across Delhi and the entire country that dictatorship loses one day, however strong it might be."

Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, took to Twitter, saying, "Congratulations to AAP family! Kudos for staying strong..."

Meanwhile, AAP MP Raghav Chadha thanked the Supreme Court by saying, He (Arvind Kejriwal) is not just a name, but a brand of honest politics. He had to go to jail for 6 months because of his increasing popularity. Welcome Back Arvind Kejriwal.

Chadha added that now that Kejriwal is out, he will lead the campaign for the AAP in the upcoming Haryana assembly polls.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand on Friday, September 13. The weather department issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall over Uttarakhand, while an orange alert was issued for west Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

According to IMD, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam and Meghalaya.

Delhi has been witnessing moderate rain for the last few days and it is expected to continue for days. The weather department said that the national capital can experience light to moderate rain today with a generally cloudy sky accompanied by Thundershowers. The maximum temperature may record 31 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature goes to 21 degrees Celsius.

IMD announced that the southwest monsoon is expected to begin withdrawing from the country between September 19 and 25.

"Conditions are likely to become favourable for withdrawal of southwest monsoon from some parts of northwest India during the second half of the week (September 19-25)," the IMD said, PTI reported.

Since June 1, the start of the four-month monsoon season, as per PTI reports, the country has received 836.7 mm of rainfall, which is 8 per cent above the normal of 772.5 mm.
In today's fast-paced world, achieving success often feels synonymous with stress, anxiety, and constant pressure. However, true success comes from a calm and balanced state of mind. If you're seeking ways to detox your mind and cultivate peace, clarity, and optimism, Japanese philosophy offers timeless techniques that can help. These practices have been used for centuries to foster a fulfilling and meaningful life. Here are five effective Japanese techniques to detox your mind and achieve mental clarity.

1. Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing)

Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," is a powerful technique that involves immersing yourself in nature. This practice focuses on spending time in forested or natural environments, paying attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Its not just a walk in the woods but a meditative experience where you let go of daily stresses and distractions.

By embracing the natural environment, Shinrin-yoku helps reduce stress and anxiety, enhances mood, and promotes a deep sense of calm and connection to the world around you. Studies have shown that forest bathing can also boost immune function and improve mental clarity. Engaging with nature in this mindful way is a simple yet effective way to detox your mind and reconnect with inner peace.

2. Zazen (Seated Meditation)

Zazen, which translates to "seated meditation," is a practice deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism. The technique involves sitting in a comfortable yet upright position, focusing on your breath, and gently guiding your mind away from distractions. It helps clear mental clutter, negative emotions, and unnecessary worries, allowing you to be fully present in the moment.

Over time, regular practice of Zazen improves your ability to manage stress, cultivates mindfulness, and promotes emotional stability. By centring your mind and letting go of overwhelming thoughts, Zazen helps you build resilience in the face of life's challenges, making it an essential tool for a mental detox.

3. Kaizen (Continuous Improvement)

Kaizen is the practice of making small, continuous improvements in your daily life. The word "Kaizen" means "change for the better," and it encourages the idea of constant, incremental growth. Whether in your professional or personal life, adopting small changes over time helps reduce feelings of overwhelm and fosters a mindset of continuous development.

This technique involves setting achievable goals, creating new habits, and focusing on gradual progress. By embracing Kaizen, you create a sense of optimism and forward momentum, leading to enhanced mental clarity and emotional balance. It's a reminder that big transformations happen through consistent, small steps rather than drastic measures.

4. Ikigai (Purpose of Life)

Ikigai is a concept that has gained global recognition for its ability to help people find their true purpose. It involves self-reflection to discover the intersection between your skills, passions, and what you can contribute to society. This process of self-exploration helps you identify your Ikigai, or your reason for being, which can provide a clear sense of direction in life.

By aligning your actions with your purpose, Ikigai helps improve motivation, drive, and overall satisfaction. Understanding your Ikigai not only leads to greater fulfilment but also fosters mental clarity and emotional stability. Living in harmony with your purpose brings a deep sense of meaning and optimism to everyday life.

5. Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy)

Shodo, the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy, is more than just writingit is a meditative practice that allows you to declutter your mind. Using a brush and ink, the rhythmic movements of Shodo require full concentration, helping you release mental and emotional stress.

As you engage in the mindful strokes of calligraphy, Shodo calms the mind and improves focus. The repetitive and deliberate nature of the practice brings a sense of peace, making it a great tool for achieving mental detox. Additionally, Shodo encourages the expression of creativity, which can be deeply therapeutic and satisfying.

These five Japanese techniquesShinrin-yoku, Zazen, Kaizen, Ikigai, and Shodooffer profound ways to detox your mind and achieve a peaceful, optimistic mindset. Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can help you manage stress, stay present, and cultivate a sense of purpose. Whether youre looking for mental clarity, emotional balance, or a way to calm your busy mind, these powerful methods rooted in ancient Japanese philosophy provide timeless wisdom for modern life.
New Delhi: Remember the star appearance of Amitabh Bachchan in English Vinglish starring Sridevi. The actor was seen hitting back subtly at airport security when asked about his visit to New York. Well, Mr Bachchan lived that in real life too. The incident he shared on his game quiz show, KBc 16 is not similar to his film English Vinglish but definitely worth missing. Amitabh Bachchan recalled how he was just shopping around in the London city where he shut down the shopkeeper who dismissed his purchasing power.

The megastar on his show KBC recalled," We were just shopping around, and I happened to be looking at a tie, when the shopkeeper, with a dismissive tone, said it cost 120 pounds".

He added," I looked right back at him and responded, Pack ten of these for me.. Its moments like these that remind me of the importance of showing our Indian spirit and confidence, even when faced with condescension. We sometimes need to make it clear that we are not to be underestimated.".

Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most successful actors in the industry, his stardom is unmatchable. He is the only actor of his age who is working and giving a run for the money to other superstars, the net worth of Mr Bachchan is more than 3000 cr reportedly. He owns 4 lavish bungalows in a prominent area of Mumbai and has multiple luxurious cars. He was once bankrupt and he is a true example of rise like a phoenix.
New Delhi: Actor Ashish Dixit, who plays Kartik in Sun Neo's Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, took his co-star Brinda Dahal, who plays Vaishnavi, to the renowned AndheriChaRaja pandal for Darshan.

While it was Ashish's first visit to this famous Ganpati pandal, it was particularly special for Brinda, who experienced the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai for the first time, as she hails from Nepal. The lead duo recently shared their heartfelt experience and how memorable the visit was for them.

Ashish Dixit who plays the role of Kartik in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya shared his experience, Even though Ive been in the industry for nearly eight years, I had never visited Andhericha Raja before, so I was filled with excitement to finally experience the incredible positivity there. It was even more special for me because I took Brinda along to experience the vibrant vibe and energy of Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra. On our way, we played a Marathi song dedicated to Ganesh Ji, and it really touched my heart. Brinda and I share a deep bond with Ganpati Bappa, and Ive cherished Marathi culture since I was a child.

He added, When we arrived at Andhericha Raja, I felt a profound sense of emotion and connection. The atmosphere was so uplifting, and the staffs warmth and support were truly heartwarming. We prayed with all our hearts for the success of our Sun Neo show, Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, and I asked Ganesh Ji for guidance to help me grow as an artist. My hope is that every performance feels special and resonates deeply with our audience.

Sharing her experience Brinda Dahal, who plays Vaishnavi in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya shared, "I've been living in Mumbai for just a year and a half, and the way people celebrate here is truly on another level compared to Nepal. Back home, we used to worship Ganesh Ji at home, and my mom would fast during these days. I always believed God is with us, but experiencing the vibrant energy of a pandal brings a unique kind of joy. During the journey, I sang 'Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya,' and it made me feel a deep connection with Bappa.

She further added, When we arrived, the atmosphere was so moving that I felt like I was right in front of Ganpati Bappa himself. We prayed for the success of our show and the channel Sun Neo, and I whispered my wishes into Mushak Jis ear. Ive never felt such an incredible vibe before. The energy and connection here are more meaningful to me than any ritual."

Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, airing on Sun Neo, The show stars Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit.
New Delhi: When a woman embraces motherhood, it's always seen as the end of the road, and even today this is a sad reality. Television actress Rubina Dilaik who is also known as Boss Lady welcomed her twins a few months ago, and now she is back on the roll and is looking for good work, however sadly the actress is not being offered that fits her talent but as per her reality of being a mother. In her latest chat, Rubina Dilaik mentioned that she has been offered only 'bhabhi' roles after the birth of her girls.

Rubina who has started her podcasts Kisine Bataya Hi Nahi, revealed on her on-show about being offered only Bhabhi roles. In her chat with Sharad Kelkar, she discusses parenthood, which happened to reveal the same," When female actors welcome kids, they are being categorised in a certain way (Despite losing the baby weight) I am being asked to play bhabhi-type (sister-in-law type) roles on the whole."

Actor Sharad Kelkar agreed and said," I will tell you, it is a very brutal truth, but that's a fact, you can't deny it  a male actor's shelf life is slightly longer than a female actor's shelf life as a lead it is not about being biased, it is practical. Because you (Rubina) came at 18 (as a lead) and you became a star of television for at least 10 years, ab bari dusro ki hai (Now it is other people's chance to rule like you).

Rubina Dalaik is currently enjoying her motherhood and having twins is one of the biggest blessings for her and the family she said. Earlier too Rubina has spoken about being jobless and mentioned that she only chose to do Khatron Ke Khiladi soon after winning Bigg Boss because she wasn't getting good roles to play.
Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was seen visiting Malaika Arora's father, Anil Mehta's residence to offer his condolences following Mehta's tragic death. Anil Mehta allegedly died by suicide on Wednesday.

Salman was spotted stepping out of his car under tight security.

Earlier in the day, Malaika's father was laid to rest at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium in Mumbai, where members of the film industry also gathered to pay their respects.

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, reached the crematorium centre to pay their last respects to Malaika Arora's father.

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.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have recorded the statements of Malaika, 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.
New Delhi: As per the RBI holiday guidelines, banks are closed on account of gazetted and non-gazetted holidays depending on regional festivities and functions. Tomorrow, September 14 being Onam, banks will remain closed in Kerala. However, tomorrow also being second saturday of the month, banks across all the states will be closed.

Following Bank Holidays Are To Be Observed By Various States From September 14 September 18. But all the states will not observe holidays on all the below mentioned dates.

September 14  Second Saturday / Onam  All over India / Kerala

September 15  Sunday / Thiruvonam  All over India / Kerala

September 16  Eid-e-Milad (Monday)  All over India

September 17  Indra Jatra (Tuesday)  Sikkim

September 18  Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti (Wednesday)  Kerala

Bank Closures for Weekends in September 2024

In addition to the holidays, banks will be closed on the following weekends:

- Sundays: September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

- Second Saturday: September 14

- Fourth Saturday: September 28

The Reserve Bank of India categorises its holidays into three groups: Holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act; Holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act and Real Time Gross Settlement Holiday; and Banks Closing of Accounts. However, it's important to note that bank holidays differ from state to state and are not observed by all banks. These holidays are often based on local festivals or specific occasions announced in those states.
Washington: US President Joe Biden will host the fourth in-person Quad leaders summit at his Delaware residence next week, in a rare gesture for his counterparts from Australia, India and Japan, a presidential spokesperson announced Thursday.

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.

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday, September 21. 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, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

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, she said.

QUAD is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States.

The Biden-Harris administration has elevated and institutionalised the Quad as 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.

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, Jean-Pierre said.
A former employee at a troubled Wisconsin prison has pleaded guilty to smuggling contraband into the maximum-security prison. Forty-seven-year-old William Lee Homan pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. The Appleton Post Crescent reports Homan was working as a facilities repair worker at the Waupun Correctional Institution when he smuggled items, including cellphones, tobacco products and controlled substances, into the prison in exchange for money. Gov. Tony Evers office said in March that federal authorities were investigating an apparent smuggling operation involving employees at the prison.
A handful of local election clerks in Dodge County considered using absentee ballot drop boxes in Wisconsins November election but changed course after the countys Republican sheriff urged them to not use the secure boxes, citing concerns about perceived voter fraud.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court earlier this year ruled that clerks once again may use the freestanding, mailbox-like drop boxes in the upcoming presidential election. The ruling by the state Supreme Courts liberal majority reversed a 2022 decision  handed down by the courts previous conservative majority  that absentee ballot drop boxes could not be used in the state except in clerks offices.

With the new order in place, communities such as Madison and Milwaukee began efforts to have drop boxes back in place for the fall election, while clerks in other Wisconsin communities considered whether to use the boxes.

According to emails provided to the Wisconsin State Journal in a public records request, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, a Republican, sent emails in early August to clerks in three communities  the towns of Beaver Dam, Hustisford and Ashippun  indicating that, while the boxes are once again legal in Wisconsin, I strongly encourage you to avoid using a drop box.

Even if set up the best way possible to avoid the potential for fraudulent activity, criminal activity many times finds ways to subvert even the best plans, Schmidt wrote in the emails, which were first reported by WisPolitics.com. I also struggle with even the appearance of the potential for fraud even if no fraud occurs.

The appearance of fraud can degrade trust in our system, Schmidt continued, adding that his intent in the email was to ensure that every legitimate vote is counted and everyone who is legally permitted by law to vote has the opportunity to vote one time.

In the emails, Schmidt asked clerks a series of questions, including whether drop boxes are being used, if they are monitored by a camera and about the process for collecting ballots.

Ashippun Clerk Michelle Leisener emailed Schmidt back notifying him that her office would be using a secure, monitored drop box at the communitys town hall.

Schmidt responded that Ashippun was the only municipality in Dodge County that planned to use an absentee drop box and he planned to put together a statement indicating, I have worked with the clerks to ensure security of our elections to the best of my ability.

Schmidt continued that he would not name Ashippun in the release, but, if asked, he would share that Ashippun is the only community accepting drop box ballots.

Leisener emailed Schmidt 15 minutes later notifying him that she planned to close the drop box. Leisener confirmed on Monday that her office will not use a ballot drop box this fall.

Beaver Dam town Clerk Aimee Mallon told Schmidt she occasionally receives completed ballots in a secure box that is used for tax and permit payments and cannot be closed. In those instances, Mallon said, she has contacted the voter to ask them to return to the town hall and physically hand her the ballot in order for it to be counted.

Under the courts previous ruling barring drop boxes, a voter that did not physically hand in the ballot would have it rejected, Mallon said. Such ballots would no longer be rejected now that drop boxes are once again legal in Wisconsin, Mallon noted.

In response, Schmidt said his concern about not requiring voters to physically hand over completed ballots is that such a practice will only spread. He recommended Mallon include signage indicating the box is not an absentee ballot drop box and continue to verify the identity of anyone who drops a ballot through the slot.

I think this would be best for the town, best for the integrity of the election process, and best to keep you out of any media (or social media) story that might pop up if people find the town does accept them, Schmidt said.

Mallon responded she had put a sign on the box asking voters to mail or hand-deliver ballots to her, which Schmidt called a wise decision, in response.

Schmidt told the State Journal, as of Monday, no communities in Dodge County planned to use absentee ballot drop boxes this fall.

Sheriff: Helping guard against fraud

Schmidt said the intention of his email was to make sure that procedures were put in place to ensure only proper ballots were cast and that boxes were secure and monitored by any clerks who chose to use drop boxes.

I told them thats their right to do that and I wanted to make sure they had the proper procedures in place to guard against any perceived or actual fraud, Schmidt said. Because if anything were to happen, it would fall back to the sheriffs office to investigate.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Joe Oslund said in a statement its unfortunate that the Dodge County Sheriff is trafficking in Donald Trumps conspiracy theories to cast doubts on our elections.

Ballot drop boxes are a convenient and secure way for folks in communities across the state to cast their vote, a reality that even (Republican Assembly Speaker) Robin Vos acknowledged back in 2020 before Trump lost, Oslund continued.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission in July approved correspondence to local clerks detailing guidelines for absentee ballot drop boxes after the state Supreme Court legalized their use earlier this year.

The boxes must be secure, sturdy enough to withstand the elements and located in a safe, accessible location, according to a memo for clerks the elections commission approved.

In addition, completed absentee ballot envelopes collected from a drop box should be securely transported to the local clerks office, with a record of the time of retrieval, number of ballots and persons collecting the ballots, according to a document approved by the commission thats meant to provide Wisconsins more than 1,800 local clerks with best practices for the use of drop boxes.

Absentee ballot drop boxes are required or allowed in 35 states, according to the nonprofit think tank Movement Advancement Project.

Even so, the use of such drop boxes became a target of Republicans in recent years due in large part to former President Donald Trumps unfounded claims of widespread election fraud. Trump lost the 2020 election in Wisconsin to President Joe Biden by about 21,000 votes. Schmidt has endorsed Trump in his campaign for a second term in office.

Multiple reviews and court decisions have found no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election, and an Associated Press survey of state election officials across the U.S. identified no cases of fraud, vandalism or theft that could have affected the results in 2020.
In the early hours of 13 September, the Argentine senate voted to strike down a presidential decree of necessity and urgency (DNU) that would have increased funding for the national intelligence agency (Side), shortly after voting for a bill readjusting the budget for universities, in a double blow to President

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On 12 September, following rapid approval by a number of state legislatures, Mexicos Presidentsaid he will sign his controversial constitutional reform of the judiciary into law on 15 September, which is also the eve of Mexican Independence Day (El Grito de Independencia).

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On 12 September Panamas Presidentdelivered his first televised address, spelling out his governments plans to overhaul the state social security system Caja de Seguro Social (CSS).

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A mass shooting at an American high school has raised questions about policies restricting cellphone use in classrooms.

The shooting took place September 4 at Apalachee High School in the southern state of Georgia. The suspect was identified as Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student at the school. The shooting left two students and two teachers dead. Nine others were injured.

During the shooting, some students at Apalachee High School used cellphones to call their parents to let them know what was happening. Others made calls to loved ones to leave messages they thought might end up being final goodbyes.

Some opponents of cellphone bans in schools have said such situations demonstrate a reason cellphones should not be completely banned from classrooms. They believe phone bans can cut off a possible lifeline for parents to make sure their children are safe during school shootings or other emergencies.

But supporters of such restrictions  including many teachers  say the rules are needed. They say cellphones can cause many distractions for students.

Keri Rodrigues is president of the National Parents Union, an education activist group. She said she understands that parents are deeply concerned about whether or not they're going to get timely information about their kids in emergency situations.

Rodrigues told The Associated Press (AP), The fact of the matter is parents and families cannot rely on schools to effectively communicate with us in times of emergency, and this has happened time and again.

Nationwide, 77 percent of U.S. schools say they currently ban cellphones for non-school-related work. That number comes from the National Center for Education Statistics. But experts say the number is misleading and does not necessarily mean students are following the bans or that all schools are effectively enforcing them.

In the southern state of Arkansas, Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders offered school districts a state-supported financial assistance program. It helps administrators buy containers to hold students phones during the school day.

In California, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has urged school districts to restrict cellphone use. He is considering signing legislation that would require schools to enact restrictions.

Newsom recently told reporters, Id hate to see another school shooting be the reason that we bring TVs into the classroom and then disrupt our childrens education. He explained that permitting schoolchildren to have cellphones in school is almost like letting them watch television in class. Doing so, Newsom said, can greatly disrupt the learning process.

But opponents of phone bans say the device can be helpful for students facing dangerous situations at school. For example, some students caught in the Apalachee shooting were able to use their phones to contact loved ones during moments they feared could be their last.

One student, high school junior Julie Sandoval, told the AP she texted her mother from inside the school, I love you. I love you so much In another message, she wrote, Im sorry Im not the best daughter. I love you.

Sandoval said she heard another student during the shooting speaking with her mother on the phone. She was heard saying, Theyre shooting up the school! Theyre shooting up the school!

But some supporters of phone restrictions warn that permitting students to use phones during shootings or other emergencies could put them in even more danger.

Kim Whitman is co-founder of the Phone-Free Schools Movement. The group supports school policies to keep cellphones out of students hands during class. Whats even more important to me is their safety, Whitman said. She noted, for example, that a child on the phone with a loved one during a school emergency might miss important guidance from teachers or school officials. Thats a worse scenario in my mind, Whitman added.

Students in other school shootings have used cellphones to inform school officials or parents about the incidents. During the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas  which killed 21 people  a fourth-grader called 911 to get help. And during a 2018 shooting at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, students used their phones to communicate with loved ones and shoot video of the shooting.

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English.

__________________________________________

Words in This Story

distraction  n. something that makes you stop giving your attention to something else

rely  v. to depend on

disrupt  v. to interrupt the normal course of something

scenario  n. a description of a situation, or of a situation that may develop in the future
Helium leaks have been a major problem for spacecraft and rockets.

Recent reports about Boeings Starliner and SpaceXs Polaris Dawn mission have involved problems controlling helium. Recently, the Starliner had a helium leak in a propulsion system. Polaris Dawn also had helium issues on its ground equipment.

Helium leaks have affected past missions including the Indian Space Research Organization's Chandrayaan 2 and the European Space Agencys Ariane 5.

Recently, Reuters news agency explored why spacecraft and rockets use helium, and why it can cause problems:

Why is helium used on spacecraft?

Helium is inert, meaning it does not chemically react with other substances. It also does not burn. Heliums atomic number is 2, making it the second lightest element after hydrogen.

Rockets need to reach exact speeds and altitudes to maintain their orbits. Heavier rockets need more energy to fly and use more fuel. They also require more powerful engines, which are costlier to develop, test, and maintain.

Helium has an extremely low boiling point of -268.9 degrees Celsius. This means that it remains a gas even in extremely cold environments like space. That is an important quality because many rocket fuels are stored at low temperatures.

Helium is not toxic. But it cannot be breathed on its own because it displaces oxygen. Humans need oxygen to live.

How is helium used in rockets?

Because of its special qualities, helium is used to pressurize fuel tanks. It helps ensure fuel flows to the rocket's engines without stopping. Helium is also used for cooling systems.

As fuel and oxidizer are burned in the rocket's engines, helium fills the resulting empty space in the tanks, maintaining the correct pressure inside.

Because it is non-reactive, it can safely mix with other contents in the tanks.

Is helium more likely to leak?

Heliums small atomic size and low molecular weight mean its atoms can escape through small spaces or seals in storage tanks and fuel systems.

However, because there is very little helium in the Earth's atmosphere, leaks can be easily detected. This makes the gas important for identifying possible problems in a rocket or spacecraft's fuel systems.

In May, hours before Boeing's Starliner spacecraft made its first attempt to launch an astronaut crew, sensors inside the spacecraft detected a small helium leak. The American space agency NASA spent several days studying the leak before deciding it was low risk.

Additional leaks were detected in space after Starliner launched in June. Such discoveries played a part in NASA's decision to bring Starliner back to Earth without its crew.

As a result, two NASA astronauts who flew to the International Space Station aboard a Starliner capsule will need to return to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle early next year.

The frequency of helium leaks across space-related systems, some engineers say, has shown an industry-wide need for innovation. Innovation is needed in the design of valves and the mechanisms that tighten them. A valve is a mechanical device that controls the flow of a gas or fluid.

Can another gas be used?

Some rocket scientists have experimented with gases such as argon and nitrogen, which are also inert and can sometimes be less costly. Helium, however, is much more common in the space industry.

In Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket, designers replaced the helium that was used in the rockets predecessor Ariane 5. The Ariane 6 has a new pressurization system. The new system changes a small amount of liquid oxygen and hydrogen propellants to gas, which then pressurizes those fluids for the rocket engine.

That system failed in space, however, during the final part of Ariane 6's otherwise successful launch in July. The failure of the new system added to the international rocket industry's list of pressurization difficulties.

Im John Russell.

Nivedita Bhattacharjee reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

propulsion  n. the act of driving forward or onward

mission n. a flight by an aircraft or spacecraft which has a specific goal

altitude  n. the vertical elevation of an object above a surface (such as sea level or land)

toxic  adj. containing or being poisonous material

detect v. to discover or find

frequency -- n. the proportion or percentage of items in a particular category in a set of data

innovation  n. the introduction of something new

predecessor  n. one that precedes or comes before

propellant  n. something that drives forward or onward


For VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar.

This week we are going to show you how to give advice using modal verbs. Modal verbs (called modals for short) are auxiliary verbs that express a speaker's attitude and the strength of that attitude.

For example, "He should visit Prague."

In this sentence, should is the modal verb, and visit is the main verb.

The simple form of a verb goes after a modal. Do not add the third person "s" to a verb after a modal. It would sound strange to say, "He should visits Prague" or, "He should to visit Prague." The correct way is, "He should visit Prague."

There are about 17 modals in English  grammar experts do not agree on an exact number. Today we will focus on three common modals used for giving advice: should, ought to, and had better.

Using should

Let's start with should. Should has multiple meanings. It can be used to express certainty, such as, "He should be here by 5 o'clock." Should can be a substitute for the conditional word if. You might hear someone say, "Should you need help, just ask me."

But more often, we use should to give suggestions and friendly advice, such as, "You should apply for that job," or "You should try that new restaurant."

The past form of the modal should is should have + the past participle. For example, "I should have brought my wallet." Notice that the main verb brought is in the past participle form.

Use should have to express regret, or a negative feeling about the past. Imagine you trusted someone and that person later cheated on you. You could say, "I should have known better than to trust him." The Beatles used the expression in a popular song.

I should have known better with a girl like you

That I would love everything that you do

And I do

Hey hey hey

Using ought to

The next modal we will talk about is ought to. Ought to is another modal for giving advice. Sometimes ought to sounds more like "otta" as in this romantic song by Al Green.

Sit back down and talk to me

About how you want to be

You ought to be with me

Yeah you ought to be with me

Ought to is similar in meaning to should, but it is not used as often. In modern American English, ought to is seldom used with the past tense or in the question form.

Using had better

Let's move on to had better. Had better is stronger than should and ought to. Had better carries an indirect threat.

For example, if you said, "You had better finish the report," you are not making a polite suggestion. You are making an indirect threat.

In other words, if you don't finish the report, you are in trouble. Authority figures sometimes use had better when speaking to people below them. Parents also use this form often.

Listen to cartoon character Malory Archer. Malory is the head of a spy agency. People think she is arrogant and heartless. Listen to her tone when she uses had better.

Oh for  I'll send up some help.

And Missy, you had better watch it!

As you can hear, Malory is not making a polite suggestion. She is threatening someone in a lower position.

Had better is not always impolite, it could express a sense of urgency as in, "Your plane is leaving! You had better run!" In other words, "If you don't run, you will miss your flight." Had better has no past tense or question form.

Modals in rapid speech

Should, ought to, and had better can be difficult for English learners to hear. Native speakers often shorten these words in casual conversation. In rapid speech, modals seem to disappear because they are shortened and often fall on unstressed syllables.

We will read some examples for you. The first sentence will be in slow, careful speech. Then we will read it again in rapid, informal speech.

I should have been listening to what she had to say.

I shoulda been listenin' ta what she had t' say.

You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

You otta be ashamed of yourself.

You had better decide what you want to do.

You'd better decide whatcha wanna do.

That's all the advice we have for you today. There is much more to learn about modals. We will cover them in more detail in future episodes. Until then, you should practice modals with British punk band, The Clash.

Darling you've got to let me know

Should I stay or should I go?

If you say that you are mine

I'll be here till the end of time

So you've got to let me know

Should I stay or should I go?

I'm Pete Musto.

And I'm Jill Robbins.

Adam Brock wrote this lesson for Learning English. Jill Robbins was the editor.

Now it's your turn. Think of a friend whom you would like to give advice. Write to us in the Comments section. Write two sentences - using should, ought to, or had better - giving advice. We'll give you feedback.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

modal verb - a verb (such as can, could, shall, should, ought to, will, or would) that is usually used with another verb to express ideas such as possibility, necessity, and permission

auxiliary verb - a verb (such as have, be, may, do, shall, will, can, or must) that is used with another verb to show the verb's tense, to form a question, etc.

attitude  n. the way you think and feel about someone or something

certainty  n. the state of being or feeling about how likely it is that something will happen

conditional  adj. showing or used to show that something is true or happens only if something else is true or happens

past participle - the form of the verb that is used with "have" in perfect tenses and with "be" in passive constructions

arrogant  adj. having or showing the insulting attitude of people who believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people

unstressed  adj. not having an accent

syllable  n. any one of the parts into which a word is naturally divided when it is pronounced


Confectioner and MasterChef judge Liza Hlinska told us how to choose good chocolate in the store.

ADVERTISIMENT

She wrote on her Facebook page that real dark chocolate is easy to identify: "You just have to look at its composition."

"The first place among the ingredients is always given to the one that is most abundant in the product. In dark chocolate, it should be grated cocoa, then cocoa butter, sugar, and lecithin  that's it!" says Hlinska.

According to her, she recently decided to find real chocolate in a store, but even on packages labeled "super black" or "supernatural" the ingredients listed sugar in the first place. "It shouldn't be like that," the confectioner assures.

"After half an hour of searching, I found only Swiss and one German chocolate with the appropriate composition," she added.
One sip of beer causes the release of the "happy hormone" in the body. This is the conclusion of American scientists.

ADVERTISIMENT

A group of experts from Indiana University conducted a study that showed that just one sip of beer causes the release of dopamine into the bloodstream. The results of the experiment are published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

The study involved 49 adult men:

those who drink from time to time;

those who abuse alcohol;

those whose parents were alcoholics;

those whose distant relatives drank;

those whose families did not drink.

The scientists used an automatic device that poured 15 ml of liquid into the mouths of the participants: beer, water, or an energy drink. Before and after the fluid was delivered, the participants' brains were scanned using MRI and PET.

The study found that drinking beer for a few minutes produces much more dopamine than drinking water or an energy drink. However, since the volume of beer was small, scientists did not attribute the release of the pleasure hormone to alcohol intoxication.

ADVERTISIMENT

They also found that the amount of dopamine was higher in those participants who had a family history of alcoholism. Those who did not have alcoholics in their families had lower dopamine levels, even if they abused alcohol.

Scientists suggest that their findings may explain why people with a hereditary predisposition to alcoholism may find it more difficult to stop drinking. In their opinion, the tendency to feel pleasure from just one sip may be genetically determined.
18:26





Jaishankar was answering a question during a community event in Geneva about the recently released television series on the hijacking of IC814 in 1999.





Jaishankar told the audience how as a young officer then, he was part of the team dealing with the hijack situation on the one hand and on the other, he was part of the group of families putting pressure on the government.





During the question and answer session after his address to the Indian community, a member of the audience asked the minister about his comments on the recently released series IC814: The Kandahar Hijack on Netflix, which he said, showed "the bureaucracy and the government dealing with hijacking in poor light."





With a disclaimer that he has not watched the series, Jaishankar went on to reveal his personal connection with the hijacking incident.





"In 1984 there was a hijacking. I was a very young officer. I was part of the team which was dealing with it. I rang up my mother, actually, to tell her, "Look, I can't come. There's a hijacking," he said elaborating how it was his turn to go home and feed his young son as his wife too was working.





"And then I discovered, my father was on the flight. The flight ended up in Dubai. It's a long story, but fortunately, nobody got killed. It could have ended as a problem," he added.





On August 24, 1984, an Indian Airlines flight from Delhi to Srinagar was hijacked over Pathankot and ultimately taken to Dubai. After more than 36 hours, 12 pro-Khalistani hijackers surrendered to authorities and released all 68 passengers and six crew members unharmed.





Jaishankar was an IFS officer and became a minister after his retirement.





His father K Subrahmanyam was an IAS officer and a regular commentator on strategic issues.





"And it was interesting because on the one hand, I was part of the team which was working on the hijacking. On the other hand, I was part of the family members who are pressing the government for the hijacking. So actually, I have that very unique window on both sides, in that sense of the problem," he added.





"So, often these are situations and movie guys don't make the governments look good. The hero is supposed to look good. Then nobody would watch the movie and you got to accept that," he commented, evoking peals of laughter from the audience.





To read more about the legendary K Subrahmanyam, please click on this link.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday revealed that his father was on a hijacked flight in 1984 and said he had a unique window on "both sides' in such situations -- the perspective of family members and those in the government.
With presidential candidates looking on, some 9/11 victims relatives appealed to them Wednesday [yesterday, Macau time] 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 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. JENNIFER PELTZ & KAREN MATTHEWS, NEW YORK, MDT/AP
Representatives from over 40 countries gathered in Macau this week for the second Global Legal & Sustainable Timber Forum (GLSTF), seeking to enhance cooperation on legal and sustainable timber markets.

Through networking, collaboration, and business exchanges, the GLSTF aims to promote stable, transparent and predictable business environments in the global timber sector, said a representative from the International Tropical Timber Organization.

Over 800 participants attended the two-day event, a 15% increase from the previous year, exploring topics such as blockchain technology, action plans on supply chains, and green finance integration.

During the forum, participants discussed the Action Framework for Promoting Legal & Sustainable Timber Supply Chains and committed to implementing concrete actions across eight areas of the industry through voluntary and transparent cooperation.

We believe that these achievements are of milestone significance for the sustainable development of the global forestry industry, said the Secretary-General of the organizing Global Green Supply Chain Initiative.

Next, we will formulate specific action plans based on the consensus reached at the forum and strive to translate these plans into practical actions.

Participants attended specialized sub-forums, business matching sessions, and an exhibition to foster ties between governments, businesses and other organizations.

The press release stated, The GLSTF, a professional conference on the global timber industry, has been held in Macau for two consecutive years, further consolidating and enhancing Macaus international image and influence as a hub for conventions and exhibitions.

Local involvement also grew, with the University of Macau co-hosting a youth event and the Greater Bay Area Green Finance Alliance promoting collaboration between African, Chinese and Macanese groups.

In closing, the representative from the Timber Organization expressed satisfaction with the results and emphasized the organizations commitment to strengthening sustainable forest management globally.

While challenges remain in verifying product sources, participants agreed open discussion and joint projects were critical to building reliability across timber industries and markets.

The Global Legal & Sustainable Timber Forum will continue working to meet these goals. Victoria Chan

ITTO Official Outlines Certification Role at Timber Forum

In an interview at the Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum 2024, Mohammed Nurudeen Iddrisu, the officer-in-charge of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), underscored the meetings focus on sustainable management.

Iddrisu highlighted the importance of collaboration among producer countries, primarily in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, with a particular focus on the significant trade volume directed towards Asia, especially China.

A key concern addressed at the forum was the impact of various regulations, such as the European Unions deforestation-free policy, which poses barriers to timber trade. The forum served as a platform for private sector representatives, particularly from China, to engage with producer countries and gain insights into their sustainable forest management practices.

As Iddrisu noted, These producer countriesmanage their forests very well and they manage them sustainably. This dialogue reinforced the message that timber products destined for markets like China, Europe, and North America can be traced back to their sources, ensuring they are legally sourced. Iddrisu also reiterated an actual framework aimed at enhancing market access, transparency, and networking among stakeholders.

The discussion on certification and sustainable forest management emphasized the role of two main voluntary bodies: the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These organizations establish criteria that countries must meet to manage their forests sustainably. As explained, Sustainability means that this forest, which is renewable, can be replanted. This ensures that resources are used wisely, allowing future generations to benefit from the forests resources.

The forum not only reinforced existing frameworks and strategies but also served as a crucial networking opportunity, enabling producers to connect with potential buyers and understand market demands. The overarching message was one of collaboration and transparency in achieving sustainable timber trade. As Iddrisu mentioned, If you are able to discuss issues, then transparency is going to be improved. Victoria Chan
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 Africas 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 Africas 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 Africas capital of Pretoria and nearby Johannesburg, the countrys economic hub. One would spend two weeks in Tembisa alone.

The major metros are really struggling, said Shemona Kendiah, the trains manager.

But the traveling clinic is far from the solution to South Africas 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 countrys first democratic government in 1994. The health departments 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 trains 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.

By MOGOMOTSI MAGOME, JOHANNESBURG, MDT/AP
Officials are intensifying efforts to stimulate Macaus local economic activity, with the government gearing up for the launch of the Macau Consumption Grand Prize in early October.

This initiative follows the success of the Grand Prize for Consumption in the Northern District during the Weekends, which has proven effective in boosting community spending.

The upcoming consumption drive is designed to encourage residents to shop within their neighborhoods, thereby enhancing economic resilience across all districts of Macau.

The initiative, which will run for approximately three months, aims to distribute electronic benefits to consumers who make purchases on weekdays, redeemable on weekends.

This structure mirrors the successful model used in the Northern District, where residents have already adapted to similar promotional strategies.

In recent meetings, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) collaborated with the Monetary Authority (AMCM) and various stakeholders to finalize the details of the program.

The DSEDT anticipates over 22,000 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will participate, providing a much-needed boost to local businesses struggling with competition from neighboring regions.

Angus Chu, Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Macau, expressed optimism about the initiative to The Times.

The Macau Consumption Grand Prize will certainly stimulate local consumption and benefit local SMEs, he stated.

Previously, the government led a campaign on the Northern Districts spending drive, and it was very successful. The participating businesses saw a 10% to 30% increase in sales.

He noted the allocated budget of MOP102 million is expected to generate about MOP500 million for local businesses [] and this grand prize campaign serves as one useful policy tool to stimulate the local economy and strengthen local SMEs.

Chu emphasized the importance of economic diversification, stating, The gaming sector accounts for about 36% of Macaus GDP in 2023, a significant decrease from 63% between 2011 and 2013. This grand prize campaign serves as one useful policy tool to stimulate the local economy and strengthen local SMEs.

He added, The government has made good progress on economic diversification and is likely to continue doing so If there is sufficient fiscal budget, I am hopeful that the government will continue exploring more policy measures to support local SMEs. Nadia Shaw
The 32nd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest begins Saturday after its original opening displays were postponed due to Super Typhoon Yagi last week.

Pyrotechnic teams from Canada and Thailand will stage the first shows, while teams from Russia and France will light up the skies Sunday.

The fireworks displays, scheduled for 9 p.m. and 9:40 p.m. each night, will last about 18 minutes. A fireworks carnival will also be held by the Macau Science Center during each evening of the contest, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Spectators are encouraged to enjoy the shows from prime viewing locations, including Avenida Sun Yat-sen, the Macau Science Center, and Avenida do Ocean in Taipa. The displays will also be broadcast live on TDM. The Macao Government Tourism Office cautions the shows remain dependent on weather events and urges the public to pay attention to forecasts. NS
Sri Lankas opposition leader contesting the presidential election next week said yesterday that if he comes to power he will renegotiate with the International Monetary Fund the 2022 economic reforms package to ensure that the rich pay more taxes and the poor see their conditions improve. The reforms were introduced after Sri Lanka defaulted on its foreign debt creating the worst economic crisis in its history.

Sajith Premadasa, the opposition leader in Parliament told The Associated Press in an interview that his party has already started discussions with the IMF to find ways to ease the tax burden on the people.

We will be embarking on the third path, the middle path, the path is where wealth is created, the country grows and the wealth is equitably distributed, Premadasa said.

He said there needs to be fundamental changes to the current agreement between the IMF and Sri Lankas government but those should be in a more humanistic manner to ensure that the burden on the people is lessened.

And if there are burdens that have to be imposed, the super-rich and the rich have to disproportionately take a bigger share of the burden rather than the working men and women of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is in the middle of reforms and a debt restructuring program under an IMF agreement whereby taxes have been increased to boost state revenue. After the island nation defaulted on its foreign debt in 2022, borrowing was reduced and the printing of new currency notes was stopped by law.

The opposition parties say however that many of the wealthy and those with connections with the authorities dont pay their taxes and the burden is borne by the middle classes and the poor through income taxes and value-added tax on goods and services.

The presidential election on September 21 is seen as a referendum on the reforms initiated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. They have improved key economic figures, but their effects have yet to reach many ordinary people.

Premadasa criticized Wickremesinghes economic policies saying that he is trying to find solutions through contraction. Premadasa said his policy is to grow out of the problem through an export-oriented, knowledge-based economy.

Premadasa, 57, is the son of a former president late Ranasinghe Premadasa who was assassinated by an ethnic Tamil separatist suicide bomber in 1993. KRISHAN FRANCIS, COLOMBO, MDT/AP
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged GBA investors to explore opportunities in South Africa, particularly in the green economy and electric vehicle sectors. During the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing, Ramaphosa praised Shenzhens technological advancements and expressed interest in collaboration, especially in renewable energy and EV industries, as cited by Xinhua. He highlighted regulatory changes in South Africa designed to attract substantial investment in electricity generation and emphasized potential partnerships with Shenzhen-based companies like BYD and CATL.

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The International School of Macau (TIS) kicked off the 2024 school year with a Welcome Back BBQ, bringing together students, families and staff for an evening of fun, food and festivities.

Yesterdays event coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, and the 25th anniversary of the Macau Special Administrative Region, making it a notable occasion.

Head of School Lorne Schmidt expressed enthusiasm for the gathering, emphasizing its role in fostering a sense of community, highlighting the importance of these events in building connections among families and staff.

The BBQ served as an ideal environment for all attendees to enjoy some food, get involved in various activities, and watch student performances.

Families mingled, children played, and the school community united to celebrate not only the new academic year but the Mid-Autumn Festival.

As TIS continues to evolve and welcomes the new academic year, it remains committed to providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for international opportunities.

The school is in the process of becoming an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) institution, aligning with its mission to equip students with essential skills for future success.

Schmidt said Were looking to get accredited in November this year for PYP. Weve been working on that process all year last year. Adding, they (PYP) should be coming in November for an accreditation visit.

Schmidt underscored the curriculums focus on inquiry-based learning, stating, We are preparing students for university abroad, ensuring they develop critical skills in research, communication and collaboration.

This approach is designed to enhance students readiness for higher education and future careers, particularly as Macau diversifies its economy away from gaming.

Despite facing challenges in an increasingly competitive landscape with more schools emerging in Coloane and Hengqin, namely the newly opened Pui Ching Middle School Coloane and Hengqin School affiliated with Hou Kong Middle School, TIS has continued to successfully attract and recruit highly qualified teachers, boasting a diverse staff from countries including Canada, South Africa and the United States.

Schmidt said, From the 16 new staff that came in, only one is Macanese [] And she did her schooling in New Zealand before turning to Macau. All the other teaching staff are mainly from Canada.

TIS plans to expand its extracurricular offerings, particularly in robotics and innovation.

Currently, over 100 students are participating in robotics competitions, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills essential for navigating a rapidly changing world. Nadia Shaw
Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit Russia next month for a summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies, Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed yesterday, a move that comes as Moscow and Beijing seek to counter the Wests global influence.

Xis 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 Russias 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 yesterday and the two hailed ties between the two countries. The Chinese foreign minister said that Xi happily accepted Putins 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. MDT/AP
The nonprofit that delivers blood to SSM Health St. Marys in Madison and 14 other sites in southern Wisconsin is marking a milestone.

Iowa-based ImpactLife, a regional nonprofit that collects blood from donors at permanent centers and through mobile blood drives and then delivers that blood to hospitals, is turning 50.

The organization is the sole blood provider for the hospitals it serves, said Kirby Winn, ImpactLifes public relations manager. When a patient at one of those hospitals receives a transfusion or other donated blood products, Winn said, Its coming from people who gave blood with ImpactLife.

On Thursday, the Madison blood center hosted speakers whose family members had received blood transfusions, as well as a trauma surgeon with SSM Health who discussed the use of donated blood in surgery and himself gave blood at the event.

The celebration was meant to remind ImpactLifes staff and volunteers of the importance of their work, Winn said.

We dont have anything without the donors that step forward and the groups that host mobile blood drives, he said. We rely on that community support.

While the process of giving blood looks different now than it did 50 years ago  donors can now schedule appointments in an app and sign in when they arrive on a touchscreen computer  that spirit of altruism and community support that motivates people to give blood ... thats been the same, Winn said.

And though ImpactLifes name has changed (until 2021, it was known as the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center), its mission hasnt.

Our challenge is taking that awareness and that general support for the idea of a blood supply, Winn said, but then motivating action.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 800-747-5401 or visit bloodcenter.org/madison.
SCPHD presents fentanyl awareness informational event on Sept. 19

In 2023, 386 Idahoans lost their lives to drug overdoses. More than 100 of those deaths can be directly contributed to fentanyl, according to a recent report from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Over the past six years, Idaho has continuously set an annual record for overdoses.

Fentanyl is an extremely potent drug that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, officials say. Although it can be prescribed by physicians, Idaho is seeing a growing rate of illegal fentanyl being transported in the state. Often, fentanyl is mixed with other illegal substances or laced in fake pills.

Join experts to witness an award-winning documentary on the dangers of fentanyl, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the King Fine Arts Centers Little Theatre.

In partnership with the Idaho Department of Education, Idaho State Police and the Idaho Fentanyl Education Project, the South Central Public Health District will inform the public about the dangerous threat to the community.

By understanding the dangers of fentanyl and fake pills we can be better prepared to protect our loved ones and community, Eli Thompson, SCPHD health education specialist, said. The latest data from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency states that 70% of pills seized by the DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. Now, more than ever, we need to educate ourselves on ways to protect the ones we care about.

The event will begin with a screening of Dead on Arrival, a short documentary by filmmaker Dominic Tierno, centering on the dangers of fentanyl, especially for young people. Following the screening, hosts will give a presentation and answer questions. Local resources for drug prevention and recovery will also be available.

Learn more about opioids and strategies to save lives by visiting https://phd5.idaho.gov/opioid-misuse-prevention/.

Also:

The Twin Falls Kiwanis Club will host a German dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at the Depot Grill for this years Oktober Feast celebration. Proceeds will go to the Kiwanis Childrens Programs. All dinners can be picked up via a drive-thru. Meals cost $15 for adults. For more information, call 208-731-9755.

 Times-News

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BOISE  Idaho educators and leaders in rural schools are invited this month to apply for two grants  one to defray teachers educational costs, the other to support art programs.

The rural and underserved educator incentive grants provide qualifying teachers with up to $12,000 over four years to pay off school loans, or for other eligible costs such as additional degrees, advanced degrees, or career technical certifications. Funding is available for 250 applicants this year.

To qualify for the grant, teachers must remain at the same school or district throughout the four-year period. The purpose for the program is to incentivize new educators to accept teaching positions in rural and underserved schools and stay there, according to a press release for the grants.

Legislators created the grant in 2022, and since then, more than 1,000 educators have applied for it. In 2023, the first year awards were given, 500 teachers formed the first cohort of grantees. Each year thereafter, an additional 250 teachers will be awarded grants, as long as the Legislature continues to approve the program.

Successful applicants for the rural arts grant will receive up to $3,500 in one-time funds for curriculum, equipment, and supplies to support arts education programs. These grants aim to increase access to arts education for K-12 learners in rural public schools that otherwise may lack the resources to offer or expand such programs, according to a State Board of Education webpage.

Qualifying rural school districts and charters can only submit one application each, and it must be submitted by leadership. This year, there are enough funds for about 70 grants.

The rural arts grants were also created by the Legislature in 2022. In 2023, the first year of the program, more than 70 school districts and charter schools received the grants, which were for as much as $15,000.
BOISE  Two archery hunters in eastern Idaho shot and killed an adult male grizzly bear last Sunday after the animal knocked one of the men down and bit him.

The men were hunting elk on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Island Park when they had a surprise encounter with the bear, according to a news release from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Officials said the men deterred the bear by shooting and killing it with their sidearms. Fish and Game Upper Snake Region spokesperson James Brower told the Idaho Statesman in an email that the hunters werent carrying bear spray, a strong mace that is recommended in grizzly territory.

Grizzly bears in the contiguous United States are protected under the Endangered Species Act, which means its illegal to hunt or kill them unless in self-defense. Fish and Game said an investigation into the incident has cleared the hunters.

The man who was bitten was taken by air ambulance to Eastern Idaho Region Medical Center to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to the news release.

Regional Supervisor Matt Pieron said in the release that hes extremely grateful that both of these individuals survived this encounter.

In the last several years, hunters, hikers and cyclists have had multiple encounters with grizzlies in the Island Park area, which is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem habitat and has one of the highest concentrations of bears south of the Canadian border.

Last fall, hunters shot and killed two grizzlies after separate encounters near Island Park. A homeowner shot and killed a bear in the same area in June. Fish and Game has also killed grizzlies in the area after they became comfortable with humans or pursued human food sources.

Several of the most recent grizzly attacks in Idaho also occurred near Island Park. In 2021, a trail runner was struck by a female grizzly with a cub after an encounter near Kilgore. Brower said the runner was not carrying bear spray.

A hiker was bit on the stomach by a female bear with cubs while hiking in Henrys Lake State Park in 2020. That bear was killed in September 2023 after it fatally mauled a woman in Montana and broke into a home. Brower said a hunter was also injured by a grizzly near Island Park that same year and hiked out of the Caribou-Targhee on his own after using bear spray.

Another hunter was injured by a grizzly near Sandpoint in northern Idaho in 2020 and received stitches after using bear spray and hiking out of the area.

There have not been any fatal grizzly attacks in Idaho in recent history, Brower said, though some in Montana and Wyoming have occurred close to the states borders with Idaho.

Attacks that result in injury are pretty rare in Idaho, but that doesnt mean that anyone should let their guard down, Brower said. The grizzly population is growing and their range is expanding.

Idaho officials have advocated for years to remove federal protections for grizzlies. The animals were briefly delisted in 2017, at which time Idaho set up a hunting season and issued a single grizzly tag. The following year, a U.S. District Court judge reinstated protections, canceling the planned hunt.

The federal government is still weighing a proposal that could reinstate grizzlies in the Bitterroot ecosystem in Central Idaho and western Montana.
A dozen Philippine companies, including three members of the SM Group, made the list of the worlds 1,000 best companies compiled by Statista and TIME magazine.

This makes the Philippines the top Southeast Asian country with the most companies on the list, surpassing Singapore with 11, Indonesia with five, and Thailand and Malaysia with four each.

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Ayala Corp. was the highest-ranked Philippine company at No. 274 with a score of 89.43, followed by Security Bank Corp. at No. 451 with 87.39 and San Miguel Corp. at No. 451 with 87.24.

SM Investments Corp. ranked No. 502, SM Prime Holdings No. 577, Jollibee Foods Corp. No. 649, Aboitiz Group No. 727, Robinsons Retail Holdings No. 775, China Bank PH No. 849, Alliance Global No. 863, PLDT Inc. No. 897, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. No. 935 and Puregold Price Club No. 997.

The SM Group said the inclusion of SM Investments, SM Prime Holdings and China Bank on the list underscores the groups focus and exceptional performance in employee satisfaction, revenue growth and sustainability.

We are grateful to be part of the list of the worlds best companies as it reflects our groups collective commitment to responsible and inclusive development, said SM Investments president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio. It also highlights our dedication to creating shared value for all stakeholders while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the enterprise.

SM said it continues to drive socioeconomic growth, having created over 131,000 jobs and supported more than 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The Worlds Best Companies 2024 ranking is the result of a comprehensive analysis to identify top-performing companies worldwide. The study evaluates companies across three primary dimensions: employee satisfaction, revenue growth and sustainability.

Employee satisfaction was assessed through surveys conducted in over 50 countries, with data from about 170,000 participants. Revenue growth was measured for companies with revenues of at least $100 million in 2023, reflecting positive growth from 2021 to 2023. Sustainability evaluations were based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) data from Statistas ESG Database and targeted research.

US companies dominated the ranking with 352 firms on the list.

Apple of the US topped this years global list with a score of 97.75, followed by consulting firm Accenture of Ireland, Microsoft Corp. of the US, BMW Group of Germany, Amazon of the US, Electricite de France of France, American Express of the US, Meta Platforms of the US, Siemens of Germany and JPMorganChase of the US.

DBS Bank of Singapore was the highest-ranked Asian company at No. 43.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) hosted on Friday a business matching event to connect 17 Japanese companies and potential partners in the Philippines.

JICA Philippines chief representative Sakamoto Takema emphasized the significance of the partnerships in sustaining economic growth and improving the quality of life in the Philippines through jobs generation.

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I am confident that the business partnerships will significantly contribute to the deeper heart-to-heart ties between Japan and the Philippines. All of you can be powerful promoters to elevate our close partnership to even new heights, he said.

Japanese firms seeking partnerships include agricultural companies E-supportlink Ltd., Kuwanosato Inc. and Takara Inc., while companies offering technology on disaster risk reduction include Aster Co. Ltd., Lida Ironsmith Co., Ltd. and Spectee Inc.

In the environmental sector, Japanese companies like Advantec Philippines Inc., BEMAC Electric Transportation PH Incorporated, FujiClean Co. Ltd., Kanazawa Engineering Systems Inc., Nihon Genryo Co. Ltd.; Nippon Steel Engineering Co. Ltd.; Phil Japan Worldwide Management Services Inc.; SM GUUN Environmental Company Inc.; Takaoka Toko Co., Ltd.; and TAU Corp. presented a diverse range of cutting-edge solutions on water and wastewater treatment systems, renewable energy technologies, and advanced plant engineering services.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) offered a range of financial solutions designed to facilitate collaboration on unique agricultural products, disaster management tools, and innovative environmental technologies. Othel V. Campos

JICA said it remains committed to working closely with both the Philippine government and private sector to bridge economic and societal gaps, striving towards quality growth and prosperity.
PYINMANA, Myanmar  Hundreds of villagers in Myanmar waded or swam through chin-high waters, fleeing severe floods around the remote capital Naypyidaw on Friday, while Vietnam began clearing up after deadly Typhoon Yagi.

People in parts of Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar have been battling floods and landslides in the wake of Typhoon Yagi, which dumped a colossal deluge of rain when it hit the region last weekend.

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The overall death toll across the four countries stands at 280, including 233 in Vietnam and 36 in Myanmar, but with many people missing it is expected to rise.

More than 50,000 people have been forced from their homes in Myanmar, piling further misery on the country hit by conflict since the military seized power in 2021.

One resident of Sin Thay village near Naypyidaw said he and his two children had spent the previous night sheltering in a tree to avoid the surging floodwaters.

The water reached the village very suddenly at night, there was no time to run, he told AFP.

We didnt get rescued until later. If they had come 30 minutes later, my family would be dead.

Some villagers dragged makeshift rafts behind them carrying their possessions, while others led livestock to higher ground.

This is the very first time I have experienced such a flood, another man said near the village.

We didnt have time to prepare. It was a very scary experience.

State media said flooding in the area around the capital had caused landslides and destroyed electricity towers, buildings, roads, bridges and houses.

In the Mandalay region, one group of villagers rode elephants to reach dry land, in footage posted on social media.

A junta spokesman has been approached for an updated death toll.

In the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, residents equipped with shovels, brushes and hoses were out clearing up debris and mud after the waters that had submerged parts of the city receded  and the sun came out for the first time in days.

The Red River through Hanoi reached its highest level in 20 years this week, as the rain brought by Yagi funneled out towards the sea.

This was the highest flooding Ive ever seen, it was more than a meter on our first floor, Nguyen Lan Huong, 40, told AFP.

The water started to recede yesterday afternoon so we began cleaning up bit by bit. But it will take days for our family to fully recover, and even weeks for the community here I think.

A total of 130,000 people have been evacuated in northern Vietnam since Yagi hit on Saturday  and many have not yet been able to return home  while more than 135,000 homes have been damaged according to the authorities.

In the deadliest single incident, a landslide wiped out a village in mountainous Lao Cai province, killing 48 people.

But in a rare piece of good news, eight people missing in the landslide and feared dead have returned safe. Some had been staying with relatives while others managed to escape in time.

Northern Thailand was also badly affected, with one district on the Myanmar border reporting its worst floods in 80 years.

Officials said Friday a fatality in a landslide in Chiang Rai province had taken the toll in the kingdom to 10.

Flights to Chiang Rai airport meanwhile resumed, a day after airlines halted them.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrived in Chiang Rai on Friday to see relief efforts, which are being led by the military.

There are flood warnings for several locations along the River Mekong, including the Laotian capital Vientiane.

The Mekong River Commission, the international body overseeing the crucial waterway, said low-lying areas around Vientiane are expected to be flooded over the next few days.
Our decision not to accept a direct negotiation, regretfully, was a fatal and complete mistake on our part

THE countrys foreign experts, instead of simplifying our squabble with China in the South China Sea, complicated the issue.

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First, they allowed countries outside of the geopolitical equation to form, create and join the expanded pact by calling for a new alliance, called the Indo-Pacific, to justify the participation of India, Canada, United Kingdom and isolate China.

An expanded Indo-Pacific alliance could metamorphose to the formation of a new pact similar to that of NATO that by then would justify the inclusion of new members to add teeth to the containment of China, the same strategy which the West employed to contain Russias alleged expansion into Ukraine.

If the Philippines accepted the offer of China to directly negotiate in the Scarborough Shoal issue, that would have instantly solved our problem in the South China Sea.

Our decision not to accept a direct negotiation, regretfully, was a fatal and complete mistake on our part, as most political analysts observed.

Second, we rejected the offer to negotiate for a more definitive boundary in the South China Sea, which the US and Spain agreed to without the Philippines made a party to the treaty.

The problem in the South China Sea is the Philippines, goaded to go to war against China, is not a party to the Treaty of Paris signed on Dec. 9,1898 that demarcated those boundaries.

Neither is China a signatory to the agreement, for obviously the Peoples Republic of China has yet to exist as an independent political entity.

As part of our territory under the Treaty of Paris in 1898, Spain ceded the whole archipelago and nearby islands to the US.

Our refusal to engage in a direct negotiation with China over those contested islands in the Scarborough Shoal exposed the truth about our motivations for the area.

Our hidden agenda maybe for our own security and economic interest, we allowed ourselves to be party to a proxy conflict with China, thereby justifying our need to strengthen our military alliance with the US.

It is our military alliance with the US that puts justification and semblance to the presence of a naval flotilla in the South China Sea.

We cannot now ask a third party to intervene because of the presence of its military bases, and of its alliance with the Philippines, a non-signatory to the Treaty of Paris.

Third, immediately after the offer to negotiate was rejected by the Philippines and soon after the President Bongbong Marcos Jr. was elected President, his pro-American ambassador to the US announced he would increase the number of US military bases in the Philippines to 10.

Effectively, the announcement made a complete turnaround of the Philippines as a neutral country in the South China Sea.

Fourth, the insistence by the US its presence in the South China Sea is to assure that freedom of navigation is observed by all countries.

Strictly, speaking, China divested the US and he Philippines of its right to freedom of navigation.

By having military bases in the archipelago, the US and the Philippines have practically lost all their rights to freedom of navigation.

Their bases in the archipelago make the two countries belligerent parties against China. This also explains why the passage of the US and those having existing alliance with the US and West cannot pass through the Strait of Taiwan. It is their collateral alliance with the US and the use of the Strait that could convert the area for US hegemonism.

The establishment of US military bases peripheral to the Strait of Taiwan negates whatever claim which the US, Philippines and its allies in the region over its right of freedom of navigation.

To insist on freedom of navigation while there exists a string of bases in the Strait is giving the US the right to recognize a de facto Monroe Doctrine in the Strait.

No doubt, China will never tolerate this arrangement. That will run counter to their position of One China policy and that Taiwan is just part of China. rpkapunan@gmail.com
When Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. was sworn in as president in June 2022, it wasnt just the start of a new political chapter for the Philippines.

It was the revival of a family name once synonymous with dictatorship, excess, and exile. Now, more than three decades after his father was ousted by a historic uprising, the younger Marcos finds himself as the countrys chief executive.

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President Marcos political career started back in the 1980s, during his fathers authoritarian rule, he was appointed vice governor and later governor of Ilocos Norte, a province loyal to the Marcoses. But in 1986, when the People Power Revolution forced the family to flee to Hawaii, any aspirations of staying in power were cut short.

After his fathers death in 1989, Bongbong returned to the Philippines in 1991 and quickly entered politics, winning a congressional seat the next year.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he solidified his place in Ilocos Norte and in the national political landscape. His Senate win in 2010 further cemented his presence, though his tenure wasnt without controversy.

In 2016, Mr. Marcos sought the vice presidency, a step that could lead him to the presidency. His campaign, marked by catchy slogans and promises of national unity, heavily relied on nostalgia for his fathers regime, however, he narrowly lost to Leni Robredo.

Marcos initiated a lengthy legal challenge alleging election fraud. Although his efforts failed, they kept him in the public eye and allowed him to strengthen his support for a larger campaign.

In 2021, Mr. Marcos announced his candidacy for president, this time backed by an alliance with Sara Duterte, daughter of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte.

His campaign was nothing short of a political masterstrokemixing nostalgia with promises of a better future. For many Filipinos, especially younger generations who didnt live through the martial law years, the Marcos name carried less baggage.

He won the 2022 election in a landslide, despite protests and vocal opposition

Since taking office, President Marcos has had to walk a tightrope between honoring his campaign promises and confronting the unresolved legacy of his fathers rule.

Hes faced pressure to address corruption, improve the economy, and tackle longstanding social issues.

Yet, for all his efforts, Bongbongs presidency remains deeply polarizing. But supporters see him as a unifying force, someone who can lead the country into a brighter future.
GREENSBORO  With less than two months to go before Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized to her supporters they will have an uphill fight against Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump.

We are the underdog, lets be clear about that, Harris told a cheering crowd of thousands at the Greensboro Coliseum on Thursday evening. So we have hard work in front of us, but we like hard work.

Harris made the remarks in one of the closest-polling states in the country, a state that is among a handful that could be decisive to the outcome of the election.

The vice president chose North Carolina to mark her return to the campaign trail following a debate performance on Tuesday that bouyed her candidacy. She appeared in Charlotte before coming to the early evening rally at the Coliseum.

Tuesdays debate may prove to be the last between the two candidates. Shortly before Harris took the stage in Greensboro, Trump posted on his social media site Truth Social that he would not be debating again.

Harris, who has been widely praised for her performance, disagreed.

I believe we owe it to (the American people to) have another debate, she said, adding: On Tuesday night, I talked about issues that I know matter to the families across America, like bringing down the cost of living, investing in Americas small businesses, protecting reproductive freedom and keeping our nation safe and secure.

The Democratic nominee highlighted several of her economic proposals, including plans for a $6,000 child tax credit for new parents and reducing regulation to facilitate the building of three million new housing units over a period of four years. She said her tax plan would mean lower taxes for more than 100 million Americans.

Harris contrasted her approach to the economy with that of Trump, saying her policies would help regular Americans while Trumps would largely benefit the wealthy.

"I will always put the middle class and working families first. I know where I came from," Harris said.

She also mocked Trump for his comment at the debate that he had concepts of a plan for replacing the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

I mean, were 54 days from this election, Harris said. Concepts of a plan, which means no actual plan.

Pointing to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision giving presidents criminal immunity related to official acts taken while in office, Harris said Trump would face little accountability if elected to another term.

Imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails, she said.

The crowd booed in response.

In the hours before her appearance, various officials and Democratic candidates spoke briefly in support of Harris, including Gov. Roy Cooper, Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan and gubernatorial candidate and Attorney General Josh Stein.

People who showed up to the event came away impressed with Harris.

She is such an amazing speaker. She is so presidential and so inspiring, said Ryan Hughes, adding that he was particularly glad the vice president mentioned her commitment to protecting voting rights and instituting an assault weapons ban.

Melvania Williams said she liked Harris authenticity.

I think it was dynamic but more important it was honest and it was, like, relatable, Willams said. America relates to every single thing that she said today.

PHOTOS: Kamala Harris brings presidential campaign to Greensboro
Some forty countries reaffirmed on Tuesday their support for Moroccos full sovereignty over its Sahara during the 57th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

This group of countries expressed support for Moroccos territorial integrity in a statement delivered on its behalf by Ambassador Hector Virgilio Alcantara, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic, during the general debate on the annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the world.

In this respect, the group highlighted Moroccos constructive, voluntary, and profound interaction with the UN human rights system.

Morocco has for many years engaged in constructive, voluntary, and profound interaction with the United Nations human rights system, in particular the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), for the promotion and respect of human rights throughout its territory, said Mr. Virgilio Alcantara in this statement under Item 2 of the sessions agenda.

In its resolutions on the Sahara dispute, he recalled, the UN Security Council welcomed the role played by the National and Regional Human Rights Commissions in Dakhla and Laayoune and the interaction between Morocco and the special procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

In its statement, the group also welcomed the opening by many countries of Consulates General in the cities of Dakhla and Laayoune, which represent a lever for strengthening economic cooperation and investment, to the benefit of local populations and regional and continental development.

The Sahara issue is a political dispute dealt with by the Security Council, which recognizes the preeminence of the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco as a credible and serious option for a definitive political solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara, he added.

In this respect, the group affirms its support for efforts aimed at relaunching the exclusively UN-based political process on the basis of the format established at the two Geneva round tables, in accordance with Security Council resolutions, notably the latest resolution 2703 of October 30, 2023, aimed at achieving a realistic, pragmatic, and lasting political compromise-based solution to this regional dispute.

The resolution of this regional dispute will contribute to realizing the legitimate aspirations of the African and Arab peoples for integration and development, an objective that Morocco continues to aim for and for which it is making sincere and ongoing efforts, the Dominican ambassador concluded.
Delegates from over 30 African countries and the USA concluded on September 12 a two-day AI summit in Lagos, Nigeria, focused on promoting the safe development and deployment of AI in Africa. The Pan-African Conference on Artificial Intelligence, a collaboration between Abuja and Washington, brought together government officials, tech leaders, policymakers, academics, and entrepreneurs to discuss secure and reliable AI systems.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell highlighted the importance of fostering U.S.-Africa collaboration on AI research, emphasizing AIs potential to address challenges in health, food security, education, energy, and climate change. He also underscored Africas growing role in the global tech landscape, referencing the African Unions AI Strategy launched in July, which aims to transform Africa into a global technology hub.

Nigerias Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced a $61,000 grant for Nigerias top AI startups. Currently, Africa represents 2.5% of the global AI market, but analysts project that focusing on safe AI use could boost the African economy by $2.9 billion by 2030, with key markets in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria.
Africa has gained significant backing from the United Nations, with the United States supporting the addition of two permanent seats for African countries on the UN Security Council. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, announced this support on September 12, 2024, marking a concrete step by the Biden-Harris administration to expand the Security Council.

While the U.S. has long favored expanding the Council, this recent proposal aligns with Africas nearly 30-year demand for equitable representation, echoed by Russias similar stance earlier this year. This move supports Africas call to correct historical imbalances, as outlined in the 2005 Ezulwini Consensus by the African Union (AU). Currently, Africa, with nearly 30% of UN member states, holds only three non-permanent seats on the Council.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently highlighted the Security Councils legitimacy issues and the need for reform. However, the U.S. proposal stops short of extending veto power beyond the current five permanent members: the U.S., UK, France, China, and Russia.

If the proposal is adopted, the next challenge will be selecting which African countries will fill the seats, with likely candidates including major economic and military powers such as South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Senegal, Ethiopia, etc.
Africas top health boss is sounding the alarm on mpox, and hes not pulling any punches. Dr. Jean Kaseya, the big cheese at the Africa CDC, is calling out Western countries, basically saying, Hey, remember how you dropped the ball during COVID? Lets not do that again.

The numbers are scary  over 3,000 new cases and more than 100 deaths in just a week. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is ground zero for this outbreak, with a nasty new strain causing havoc.

Heres the kicker: Africa CDC is short $600 million to tackle this crisis. Kaseyas not just asking for handouts; hes challenging Western nations to put their money where their mouth is and show theyve learned from past mistakes.

Its not all doom and gloom, though. Some African countries are stepping up, chipping in cash to fight the outbreak. But lets be real  they need help.

The good news? Vaccines are trickling in. The EU, US, and Japan have promised millions of doses. But as always, the devils in the details  when will they actually arrive?

Mpox isnt just a mens disease either. Kids under 15 are getting hit hard too. Kaseyas pushing for more testing, saying they cant fight this thing blindfolded.

To show hes not just all talk, Kaseyas rolling up his sleeve to get vaccinated in the DRC next month. Its a bold move to build trust and show everyone the vaccines safe. The message is clear: Africas ready to fight mpox, but they need the world in their corner.
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Organoid formation potential of ductal compartments. Credit: Gastroenterology (2024). DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.06.008

Pancreatic diseases, such as diabetes or pancreatic cancer, are usually severe and have a strong impact on patients. Unfortunately, today, there are no specific or effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, so the survival rate of patients is very low. In the case of diabetes, the development of new cell replacement therapies for insulin-producing cells seems to be the future cure of insulin-dependent patients.

Despite years of research, very little is known about the great complexity and diversity of the cells that make up the pancreas, specifically the pancreatic duct cells, which may give rise pancreatic cancer. This makes it difficult to achieve effective treatments aimed at the organ's diseases key points.

However, if all these cells, their characteristics and how they relate to each other were well known, we could better understand the development of these diseases and design specific treatments to improve the patients' lives, especially in those who suffer from pancreatic cancer, whose 5-year survival is less than 10%.

In this sense, a study carried out by researchers from the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and the University of Barcelona (UB), has described, with very high detailcell by cellthe cells that make up the pancreas and its ducts.

Published in the journal Gastroenterology, the work was led by Dr. Meritxell Rovira, head of the Pancreatic Regeneration group at IDIBELL, researcher at the Department of Physiological Sciences of the UB Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Bellvitge Campus) and the Program for the Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia (P-CMR[C]).

The advances obtained thanks to this study lay the foundations for the project that this researcher is developing thanks to the CRIS Excellence Program 2023.

15 new cell populations in the pancreas

The pancreas is both an exocrine and endocrine gland. Its endocrine function is to secrete various hormones into the blood flow, such as insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood glucose levels. As an exocrine gland, it secretes, through its duct, pancreatic juice to the duodenum, which contains bicarbonate and digestive enzymes.

Dr. Rovira's team has managed to identify 15 new populations of cells in the pancreas, each of them with their behaviors and characteristics.

According to the researcher, "these results are very relevant: they can be a great starting point to better understand how pancreatic diseases, such as pancreatic cancer, develop. In addition, we have observed that duct cells have great plasticity in culture and could be used as a source of new insulin-producing cells in organoid cultures for regenerative medicine therapies in diabetes."

Rovira says the published data lay the foundation for future studies that investigate the role of new pancreas duct cell populations in the regeneration of the organ and the pathogenesis of its exocrine function. "If we know how a disease develops," adds Rovira, "we can design better, more precise and personalized therapies against it."

Cell-by-cell analysis

The results of the study have been obtained using organoid cultures (or three-dimensional mini-organs), models of exocrine lesions and pancreatic cancer samples. To examine the gene expression of individual cells, the scRNA-seq (single-cell transcriptomics) technique has been used, which is capable of simultaneously measuring the RNA concentration of thousands of genes in each cell.

Thanks to these experimental approaches, it has been possible to comprehensively characterize mouse ductal heterogeneity at single-cell resolution, from the centroacinar cells to the main duct of the pancreas. Even so, the researchers clarify that new animal models are needed to investigate the results obtained in vivo and more thoroughly.

The translation of these findings to the human environment would allow, on the one hand, to identify different pancreatic duct cells involved in the origin of pancreatic cancer and, consequently, lead to a new stratification of patients based on markers and identify new therapeutic goals.

On the other hand, the results obtained in organoid cultures could lead to future cell replacement therapies for the treatment of diabetes.

More information: Angel Fernandez et al, A Single-Cell Atlas of the Murine Pancreatic Ductal Tree Identifies Novel Cell Populations With Potential Implications in Pancreas Regeneration and Exocrine Pathogenesis, Gastroenterology (2024). DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.06.008 Journal information: Gastroenterology
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A lab technician works on a sequencer inside the quality control department at Complete Genomics in San Jose, Calif., Monday, July 22, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Nic Coury

A California biotechnology company that helps doctors detect genetic causes for cancer is among those that could be cut out of the U.S. market over ties to China, underscoring the possible tradeoffs between health innovation and a largely bipartisan push in Congress to counter Beijing's global influence.

The competition between the world's superpowers is hitting Complete Genomics, whose employees, some in white lab coats stitched with U.S. flag arm patches, spin samples in test tubes and huddle around computers in San Jose. Its founder and chief scientific officer said he's frustrated that geopolitics is interfering with science.

"It's just a loss for the research and for the industry," Radoje Drmanac said.

The U.S. House this week overwhelmingly passed the BIOSECURE Act, which cites national security in preventing federal money from benefiting Complete Genomics and four other companies linked to China. They work with U.S. drugmakers to develop new medications or help doctors diagnose diseases.

It is part of a sweeping package of bills aimed at countering China's influence and power, especially in technology, that Congress largely backed this week. The biotech measure, which cleared the House with a 306-81 vote, now heads to the Senate.

Supporters say the legislation is necessary to protect Americans' health care data, reduce reliance on China in the medical supply chain and ensure the U.S. gains an edge in the biotech field, which both countries call crucial to their economy and security.

A lab technician prepares DNA samples for analysis at Complete Genomics in San Jose, Calif., Monday, July 22, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Nic Coury

Opponents say the bill, which would ban China-linked companies from working with firms that receive U.S. government money, would delay clinical trials and hinder development of new drugs, raise costs for medications and hurt innovation.

Rep. Brad Wenstrup, an Ohio Republican and the bill's sponsor, said House approval was the first step in protecting Americans' genetic data and reversing the trend of relying on Beijing for gene testing and basic medical supplies.

"For too long, U.S. policy has failed to recognize the twin economic and national security threats posed by China's domination of particular markets and supply chains," he said.

Rep. James Comer, a Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Oversight Committee, said it's necessary to protect U.S. interests before these companies "become more embedded in the U.S. economy, university systems and federal contracting base."

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., argued that the legislation, which he opposed, should not name specific companies without due process, saying, "If one of these five companies does not belong on the list, too bad, Congress doesn't like you, and that's that."

A lab technician prepares DNA samples for analysis at Complete Genomics in San Jose, Calif., Monday, July 22, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Nic Coury

Drmanac of Complete Genomics, a subsidiary of China-based company MGI, said the privacy of Americans' personal information is not a concern because his company's instruments are only connected to local U.S. servers.

The company also has argued that Congress should broadly apply data protection standards and requirements rather than targeting a small subset of companies.

Some analysts see the issue as more about industry competition than protecting people's personal information from the Chinese government.

"You want to make sure that American pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies are on an even footing in terms of their ability to compete both inside the U.S. market and then also abroad," said Andrew Reddie, a public policy professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who studies the intersection of technology, politics and security and founded the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab.

Complete Genomics is listed in the legislation along with BGI, MGI, WuXi AppTec and WuXi Biologicis. MGI is a spinoff of BGI, a heavyweight genomics company based in China that offers genetic sequencing services for research purposes in the U.S.

Technicians work inside the sequence instrument manufacturing department at Complete Genomics in San Jose, Calif., Monday, July 22, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Nic Coury

BGI Group called the bill "a false flag targeting companies under the premise of national security" and said, "We strictly follow rules and laws, and we have no access to Americans' personal data in any of our work."

MGI said the bill would "serve only to stifle competition and foster a monopoly in DNA testing."

WuXi AppTec and WuXi Biologics work as contractors providing research, development and manufacturing services for U.S. drugmakers. Such services are considered crucial for American pharmaceutical companies to develop and make new drugs.

WuXi AppTec said it and others in the industry are concerned about the bill's impact on biotechnology innovation, drug development, patient care and health care costs. It urged the Senate not to move forward without addressing "these serious consequences."

In filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, dozens of U.S. biotech companies have flagged the BIOSECURE Act as a concern, saying it could have major effects on the pharmaceutical supply chain because of the industry's extensive partnerships with Chinese companies.

Technicians work inside the sequence instrument manufacturing department at Complete Genomics in San Jose, Calif., Monday, July 22, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Nic Coury

Drugmaker Eli Lilly says its third-party suppliers are "sometimes the sole global source for a component" but it has been working to move some development and manufacturing closer to home, which typically takes several years "due to scientific and regulatory complexity and the need to ensure process and product quality."

BIO, the largest advocacy group for U.S. biotech companies and research institutions, supports the bill, saying it reinforces the industry's national security imperative.

The bill, which gives U.S. companies eight years to break ties with Chinese firms, has provided "a reasonable timeframe" for the decoupling, group CEO John Crowley said.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Map: By Jake Miller for HMS. Credit: Harvard Medical School

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority people (LGBTQ+), are at greater risk of dying by suicide, of cardiovascular disease, and of a cascading list of other health problems, compared with the rest of the population. To help stop this suffering and eliminate disparities, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health have called for more research and better care to address the health needs of LGBTQ+ people.

Three recent studies led by Harvard Medical School (HMS) students working with researchers and clinicians from HMS and its affiliated hospitals provide new evidence about the specific causes driving these disparities and point the way to new solutions to overcome these challenges.

These studies demonstrate that the convergence of political and social environment, structural inequities, and implicit and explicit bias within the medical system erode LGBTQ+ health and well-being.

And all of these findings, the HMS researchers noted, point to the importance of tackling LGBTQ+ health disparities on multiple frontsthrough research, education, and outreach.

"Research like this is crucial for building an evidence base that can allow doctors, policymakers, and sexual and gender minority people to work together to design better health care systems and to improve the health and well-being of everyone in our communities," said Alex Keuroghlian, HMS associate professor of psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and senior author of two of the studies.

But it's just as important to augment disparities research with education and community-based efforts to pave the way for inclusive health care that respects and welcomes all patients, notes Keuroghlian, who is also the principal investigator of the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center.

Such evidence-based approaches to LGBTQ+ health are especially important in the face of politicized efforts to limit care for sexual and gender minority people, argues Keuroghlian in a recently authored editorial piece in Science, the first published in the journal to discuss the health of transgender and gender diverse people. These political efforts include limitations or outright bans on some forms of gender-affirming care for transgender people in 25 states in the U.S. and in countries around the world.

The impact of a hostile political environment on mental health

A recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine led by HMS MD student Michael Liu and Keuroghlian found significant increases in poor health outcomes for transgender and gender diverse adults compared to cisgender adults from 2014 to 2022, a time marked by escalating attacks on transgender health care and access to public accommodations in many states in the U.S. The worsening health disparities were especially apparent in self-reported mental distress and depression.

While they did not collect any direct evidence linking these policy changes to increasing disparities, the researchers said that they are an obvious source of stress, which has been shown to be a major driver of health disparities in multiple studies.

"Our findings certainly suggest that this hostile environment is eroding the health of an already very vulnerable population," Liu said.

For example, the percentage of transgender and gender diverse adults experiencing frequent mental distress more than doubled from 18.8 percent in 2014 to 38.9 percent in 2022, while rates among cisgender adults increased from 11.2 percent to 15.5 percent. The number of people reporting frequent mental distress increased five times faster per year among transgender and gender diverse people than among cisgender people.

Unease at the doctor's office

Liu and Keuroghlian were also among the authors of a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine that found that many LQBTQ people don't feel comfortable or welcome in their own doctor's offices. One in five sexual minority adults and more than one in three gender minority adults reported avoiding or delaying necessary care because the provider was of a different background, such as a transgender patient who did not feel comfortable seeing cisgender providers, the analysis showed.

Importantly, people who had experienced discrimination while receiving medical care in the past were far more likely to avoid seeking future care from providers who did not share their sexual orientation or gender identity, the study found.

Taken together, the researchers said, these findings highlight the importance of several mutually reinforcing approaches deployed in parallel: recruitment and retention of a health care workforce with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities; ensuring all members of the health care workforce are trained to deliver affirming and evidence-based care for sexual and gender minority patient (SGM) populations; and policies that explicitly prohibit SGM-based discrimination in health care settings.

"We have an obligation to create health care spaces free from discrimination, and concerted efforts are needed to ensure all members of the health care workforce are capable and willing to provide affirming and culturally responsive care to sexual and gender minority patients," Liu said. "It's the right thing to do, and it's also good medicine."

The researchers note that most similar prior studies have focused on racial discordance, measuring the impact on health and patient experience based on differences in patient and provider racial backgrounds. Understanding that this phenomenon also extends to LGBTQ+ adults is critical for informing policies and practices to improve the care and health outcomes of LGBTQ+ people. The previous research shows that patients who avoid care due to identity mismatches with their clinicians also often report having worse overall patient experiences and less of the necessary care they need.

When the wait is too long or care never comes

A 2023 study led by Lindsay Overhage, a fourth-year student in the Health Policy Ph.D. program at the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Science and an MD student at HMS and colleagues from the Department of Health Care Policy in the Blavatnik Institute at HMS found a dramatic increase in teen mental health emergency department visits in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. This strained emergency departments and inpatient psychiatric units and left many children and teens waiting multiple days to be admitted to the hospital, a phenomenon known as boarding.

"The experience of boardingof being stuck in one room in an emergency department 247, under one-on-one supervision, for days or weeks at a time with little definitive mental health treatment and not knowing how long you'll be stuck thereit's detrimental to kids' well-being," said Overhage.

While it does ensure that a teen in crisis is physically safe, boarding takes a toll of its own that extends beyond the patient.

"Families and clinicians have repeatedly likened it to incarceration in prior qualitative studies," said Overhage, who recently published a follow-up study in JAMA Pediatrics that takes a closer look at the cases of the nearly 5,000 youths who spent three or more days awaiting admission for psychiatric care in Massachusetts emergency departments. The analysis sought to identify whether there were racial or gender disparities in wait times or in the chance of being sent home without being admitted.

Researchers found that transgender and nonbinary youth were less likely to receive an inpatient admission when compared with cisgender females, the group with the shortest wait times and who were most likely to be admitted. On average, transgender and nonbinary youth boarded in the emergency department for about two days longer than their cisgender female peers.

Black youth were also less likely to be admitted for inpatient treatment than their white counterparts with similar clinical presentations, the study showed.

Some of the inequity for transgender and nonbinary youth may be related to structural factors, Overhage noted. For example, most psychiatric units are built with mostly double rooms but have policies that require transgender or nonbinary youth to have a room to themselves. Thus, when a medical unit nears capacity, there may be no empty room available for a gender-diverse patient.

"The resulting disparities are unacceptable. Fixing these inequities will likely require collaboration between hospital administrators, staff, patients, and families to identify effective policy changes," Overhage said.

A path to better health

At HMS and its affiliate hospitals, numerous projects are underway in research, medical education, and clinical care working to improve the health of the LGBTQ+ community.

One such project is the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Gender Identity Program, which provides culturally responsive mental health care across the lifespan, from young children to older adults.

The program delivers mental health services within a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and affirming environment, and it is a training site for HMS students in the senior course, Caring for Patients with Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities, and Sex Development: A Clinical and Scholarly Elective.

All medical and dental students at HMS and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine learn about care for sexually and gender diverse patients in several required preclinical courses, including Introduction to the Profession and Practice of Medicine.

The past informing the future

In addition to looking toward the future, researchers are turning back in search of lessons from the past.

Over the last year, the New England Journal of Medicine has published a series of independently edited perspective pieces analyzing the history of injustice in medicine through the lens of publications in the journal. The two most recent installments are "A Legacy of Cruelty to Sexual and Gender Minority Groups" and "Malicious Midwives, Fruitful Vines, and Bearded WomenSex, Gender, and Medical Expertise in the Journal." On Nov. 20 , the authors will discuss their findings at the third in a series of symposia hosted by the HMS Office for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Partnership.

Moving forward, Keuroghlian emphasized that the voices, priorities, and needs of LGBTQ+ people must guide sexual and gender minority health research, education, training, and policy efforts.

"There is great power working in community with the people who need our help," Keuroghlian said. "As clinicians and health researchers, we have a responsibility to use our privilege, experience, and expertise to help counter disinformation, shape the public discourse, and work with policymakers to advance health equity for all people."

This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu.
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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 World Health Organization said Friday it has granted its first authorization for use of a vaccine against mpox in adults, calling it an important step toward fighting the disease in Africa.

The approval of the vaccine made by Bavarian Nordic A/S means that donors like vaccines alliance Gavi and UNICEF can buy it. But supplies are limited because there's only a single manufacturer.

"This first (authorization) of a vaccine against mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa, and in future," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

WHO also said it was creating an "access and allocation mechanism" to try to fairly distribute mpox tests, treatments and vaccines to the countries who need them most.

The U.N. health agency approved the two-dose mpox vaccine for people aged 18 and above. WHO said that while it was not recommending the vaccine for those under 18, the shot may be used in infants, children and adolescents "in outbreak settings where the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks."

WHO recommended that a single dose of the shot could be used to stretch supplies, but emphasized the need to collect more data on how effective the vaccine might be as a single shot.

The mpox vaccine made by Bavarian Nordic was previously authorized by numerous rich countries across Europe and North America during the global mpox outbreak in 2022. Millions of doses given to adults showed the vaccine helped slow the virus' spread, but there is limited evidence of how it works in children.

Officials at the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention said last month that nearly 70% of cases in Congothe country hardest hit by mpoxare in children younger than 15, who also accounted for 85% of deaths.

Overall, WHO said over 120 countries have confirmed more than 103,000 cases of mpox since the outbreak began two years ago. Its latest tally, as of Sunday, showed that 723 people in more than a dozen countries in Africa have died of the disease.

African experts have estimated they might need about 10 million vaccines to stop the ongoing outbreaks on the continent while donor countries have promised to provide about 3.6 million vaccines. As of last week, Congo had received only about 250,000 doses.

On Thursday, the Africa CDC said 107 new deaths and 3,160 new cases had been recorded in the past week, just a week after it and WHO launched a continent-wide response plan.

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.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Reynardo Etenia Wongso on Unsplash

Fewer and fewer twins and triplets are being born through IVF in Australia, bringing IVF and overall Australian multiple birth rates closer together, a new report by UNSW Sydney medical researchers shows.

Having twins and triplets was once considered the greatest risk of IVF treatment, but the latest IVF report shows that multiple births are less and less common. And the decrease in multiple birth ratesresulting from an accompanying increase in single embryo transfersreflects the level of safety parents-to-be can expect when pursuing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Australia and New Zealand, the researchers say.

The 2022 Australian and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD) reportthe most recent year for which complete IVF data is availablefound the multiple birth rate following ART decreased from 3.2% in 2018 to 2.7% in 2022a record low in Australia and New Zealand's 45-year IVF history.

The rate of single embryo transfers, which is the main factor behind the low multiple birth rate, continued to increase from 90.6% in 2018 to 94.2% in 2022.

"Our multiple birth rate is among the lowest in the world, and has been achieved at the same time as pregnancy rates have been improving," says Professor Georgina Chambers, lead author of the report and Director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit at UNSW Medicine & Health.

"IVF multiple birth rates are decreasing around the world, but Australia has been one of the countries that has led the way in demonstrating that world-class success rates can be achieved by transferring one embryo at a time. Indeed, Australia and New Zealand have had IVF multiple birth rates of less than 5% for a decade, while the average multiple birth rate for European countries remains at 10.2%," says Prof. Chambers.

"This low rate is primarily the result of single embryo transfers. For example, the average single embryo transfer rate in Europe is around 54%, which is why they see higher multiple birth rates, so overall Australia really is a leader in IVF safety."

Petra Wale, a senior embryologist and President of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), which funded the report, says, "The rise in single embryo transfers has been crucial in ensuring that most babies born through IVF are healthy, full-term singletons. This practice not only enhances the babies' well-being but also supports maternal health."

Multiple pregnancies and births bring with them increased risk of certain conditions, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, post-partum hemorrhage, pre-term birth, and low birthweight.

"The continuous improvement in ART practices in Australia and New Zealand not only supports the health and safety of mothers and babies but also demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest standard of reproductive care," Dr. Wale says.

High success rates alongside safety

There were 108,913 ART treatment cycles performed in Australian and New Zealand ART Units in 2022 (100,039 and 8874 respectively), resulting in the birth of 20,058 babies.

More than one in three (38.9%) of the 37,810 women who started their first ART cycle between January 2019 and December 2020 and were followed until December 2022 achieved a live birth in their first complete ART cycle, and 59.5% achieved a live birth by their sixth complete ART cycle.

"It's encouraging to see these ratesthey show that we are able to maintain a high level of safety in Australia and New Zealand while also keeping success rates high," Prof. Chambers says.

"These findings underscore the commitment to patient safety and success, benefiting both intended parents and the broader community," says Dr. Wale.

Embryos transferred during ART can either originate from the cycle in which they were created (fresh cycle) or be frozen (cryopreserved) and thawed before transfer (thaw cycle).

In 2022, thaw cycles again had a higher success rate than fresh cycles, with live birth rates steadily climbing for both methods: the live birth rate per fresh embryo transfer cycle increased from 24.6% in 2018 to 25.9% in 2022, and the live birth rate per thaw embryo transfer cycle increased from 29.3% in 2018 to 32.1% in 2022.

Dr. Simon McDowell, a New Zealand-based fertility specialist and the vice-president of the FSANZ, says, "This improvement is attributed to better synchronization between the embryo's development stage and the optimal condition of the endometrium during thawed embryo transfer cycles.

"Unlike fresh transfers, where hormonal stimulation can disrupt the uterine environment, thawed embryos are transferred in a subsequent cycle, ensuring that the endometrium is perfectly primed for implantation. Additionally, the absence of the ovarian stimulation effects seen in fresh cycles allows for a more favorable hormonal environment, further enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy."

Maternal age is one of the key factors associated with success: the cumulative live birth rate following three ART cycles was 70.4% for women aged under 30 compared to 22.5% for women aged 4044 and 1.3% for women aged 45 or older.

"While female age is a key factor in IVF success, a woman is not a statistic and there are many other factors that play a role in success," says Prof. Chambers.

"This is where the YourIVFSuccess Patient Estimator can help patientsit uses information on over 800,000 IVF cycles performed in Australia to calculate a patient's individualized chance of IVF success, based on the information they enter online about their personal circumstances and treatment characteristics."

Egg freezing increasing yet again

In 2022, the researchers reported 6899 fertility preservation cycles, an 89% increase from 2020. These cycles involve freezing all suitable eggs or embryos for potential future use.

For the third time, ART units reported people's reasons for freezing eggs to ANZARD, with 626 cyclesjust under 10%of egg freezing cycles reported as due to someone's cancer diagnosis.

"More and more women are choosing to freeze their eggs to extend their fertility, but it is important that patients understand that even if they freeze their eggs, it doesn't guarantee IVF success in the future," says Prof. McDowell.

The ANZARD report contains data from all 98 IVF clinics operating in Australia and New Zealand. It presents information about IVF cycles undertaken in 2022 and the resulting babies born in 2022 and 2023. The data presented in the report is managed by the National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU) within UNSW's Centre for Big Data Research in Health and the School of Clinical Medicine.

Key stats from the 2022 report

108,913 ART treatment and lab-only cycles were performed in Australian and New Zealand ART Units in 2022 (100,039 and 8874, respectively), representing a slight overall decrease of 2.1% from 2021.

Of the 108,913 initiated ART cycles, 20,058 babies were born, including 19,833 liveborn babies.

Over a third (38.9%) of women who commenced ART in 2019/2020 achieved a live birth in their first ART cycle. After six complete ART cycles, women had a 59.5% chance of achieving a live birth.

Of all autologous and recipient cycles, 12.8% were undertaken by single female and 4.2% by female-female intending parents.

The proportion of births that were twins or triplets was 2.7%.

Women used their own eggs or embryos in nearly 94% of cycles in 2022; 57.6% were fresh cycles, and 36.1% were thaw cycles.

There were 6899 fertility preservation cycles performed in 2022, representing an increase of 89% from 2020.

More information: Assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New Zealand 2022, www.unsw.edu.au/content/dam/pd  new-zealand-2022.pdf
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Morocco has recorded a case of mpox in the tourist city of Marrakesh, the first in north Africa since the WHO declared an international emergency last month, the Africa CDC said Friday.

"Africa CDC confirms the first mpox case in North Africa for 2024, reported by Morocco's Ministry of Health" on September 12, a statement on the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention website said.

With Morocco, 15 African Union member states have reported casesnow across every region of the continent, according to Africa CDC.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact.

Sometimes deadly, it causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions.

The 32-year-old patient from Marrakesh "tested positive and is receiving treatment," Africa CDC said.

"The Moroccan authorities have activated emergency operations, deployed a rapid response team and begun epidemiological investigations and contact tracing," the statement added.

Morocco's health ministry said separately that the patient was receiving care at a specialized medical center in Marrakesh and was "in a stable health condition that does not give cause for concern".

So far, nobody who has been in contact with the patient is showing symptoms, the ministry added.

The World Health Organization declared an international emergency on August 14, concerned by the surge in cases of the new Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo that spread to nearby countries.

Africa CDC figures show most of the cases are in Central Africa.

According to the agency, since the beginning of the year, 26,544 cases have been reported in the 15 affected countries, 5,732 of which were confirmed. It said that 724 deaths have also been reported.

 2024 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

It could be a real breakthrough for people at risk for HIV infection: A shot given every six months that reduces their risk by a whopping 96%.

That's according to new trial results released Thursday by Gilead Sciences, which is repurposing its HIV treatment, the antiviral lenacapavir, as a twice-yearly preventive shot.

There's a catch, however: Given as either a pill or injection and currently branded as Sunlenca, lenacapavir as treatment for HIV infection is pricey, costing $3,450 per month or over $41,000 per year, NBC News reported.

Its price tag as a twice-yearly preventive injectionpre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP has not yet been released by Gilead.

That has patient advocates worried.

"While lenacapavir is a valuable addition to our toolkit, for it to reach its full potential, it must be made accessible to those who stand to benefit the most from its effectiveness," Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an infectious disease specialist at Emory University, told NBC News.

The new trial involved a group of more than 3,200 individuals over the age of 15, mostly men who have sex with men. Participants were living in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Thailand and the United States.

Beginning in 2021, all were randomly selected to take either the twice-yearly lenacapavir injection for PrEP or a once-daily Truvada pill, a longstanding form of PrEP.

No placebo group was included since leaving patients with no protection against HIV would be unethical.

The result: "99.9% of participants did not acquire HIV infection in the lenacapavir group, with two incident cases among 2,180 participants," Gilead said in a news release.

That beat Truvada's performance: There were nine cases of HIV infection among 1,087 people in the group taking the daily pill.

Relative to Truvada, twice-yearly lenacapavir reduced the odds for HIV infection by 96%, the researchers reported.

No safety concerns for those taking the drug were reported.

The performance of the Gilead drug was so impressive that the trial was halted early so that everyone could avail themselves of the treatment, the company said.

The new findings follow those of another clinical trial of twice-yearly lenacapavir, with similarly impressive results. That trial was conducted among at-risk women living in sub-Saharan Africa and also ended early, after the Gilead regimen showed 100% effectiveness in preventing infection.

Gilead's CEO Daniel O'Day has high hopes for injected lenacapavir's potential, and the company plans to submit the drug for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval by the end of 2024.

"With such remarkable outcomes across two Phase III studies, lenacapavir has demonstrated the potential to transform the prevention of HIV and help to end the epidemic," he said in the company news release.

"Now that we have a comprehensive dataset across multiple study populations, Gilead will work urgently with regulatory, government, public health and community partners to ensure that, if approved, we can deliver twice-yearly lenacapavir for PrEP worldwide, for all those who want or need PrEP," he added.

Besides its effectiveness in stopping the virus that causes AIDS, the new regimen's convenience is a huge plus.

"The difficulty some people can experience with taking an oral pill every day, including challenges with adherence and stigma, have hindered uptake and persistence of the standard of care for too long, thus blunting PrEP's impact on HIV prevention," said the trial's principal investigator, Dr. Onyema Ogbuagu.

The "potential benefits of a twice-yearly injection ... adds significantly to our arsenal of tools to move us closer to achieving an AIDS-free generation," he said in the Gilead news release. Ogbuagu is an associate professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine.

Experts in HIV/AIDS who weren't involved in the trials were optimistic about the drug's potential.

Speaking with NBC News, Jennifer Kates, director of global health and HIV policy at the nonpartisan health nonprofit KFF, called the new findings "nothing short of amazing."

But she added that breakthrough medicines have rocked the world of HIV prevention beforeonly to lead to disappointment as cost limited access.

The effectiveness of twice-yearly lenacapavir "raises the stakes on the importance of getting this new tool to all those who need it, in the United States and around the world," she said. "The track record thus far, has, unfortunately, not been a good one."

With a month's course of lenacapavir as HIV treatment costing nearly $3,500, its unclear how pricey the preventive form of the drug might be. A Gilead spokesman told NBC News that lenacapavir's price as twice-yearly PrEP may not end up reflecting its current price as treatment.

Insurance coverage could be another hurdle to accessing twice-yearly lenacapavir.

Truvada went off patent in 2020 and is now widely available to prevent HIV for as little as $20 a month. Insurers might balk at allowing coverage for an injection that could cost exponentially more.

HIV/AIDS remains a major threat to people living in the developing world, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Since the release of the trial involving African women, HIV activists have put pressure on Gilead to make lenacapavir PrEP affordable to people in low-income nations.

In its news release, Gilead said that it "is committed to making lenacapavir available in the countries where the need is greatest, including expediting voluntary licensing partners to supply high-quality, low-cost versions of lenacapavir. Gilead is actively working to finalize these contracts."

More information: There's more on PrEP at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Copyright  2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Over 200 people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait participated in an event on Thursday to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China's most important traditional holidays, in Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian Province.

Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, met with major Taiwan guests attending the event, including Andrew Hsia, vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang.

It is a tradition for Chinese people to reunite with the whole family and celebrate the festival, Song said.

"We will uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, resolutely oppose 'Taiwan independence,' actively boost the cross-Strait flow of personnel as well as exchanges and cooperation in various areas, and continue deepening the integrated development across the Strait," he said.

The compatriots across the Strait are all Chinese and close as family, Hsia said, calling for cherishing the opportunities of peaceful development, building consensus and forming future-oriented visions, thereby boosting the positive development of cross-Strait relations.

Guests from Taiwan hailed the mainland's relevant policies to advance cross-Strait integrated development and facilitate cross-Strait travel, and expressed their hope for peaceful cross-Strait relations.
As the nations palladium and platinum market continues to tank, Sibanye Stillwater announced a dramatic restructuring Thursday that would include laying off as many as 700 of its 1,680 employees.

The pause in operations will reduce the workforce at the Stillwater West operations to care and maintenance only, Kevin Robertson, a Sibanye executive vice president, said in a letter to employees.

Layoffs are expected to begin Nov. 12.

The international mining company, which has a vast mining complex in the mountains between Columbus and Big Timber, has been losing billions of dollars.

Two years ago, palladium was trading at $2,305 an ounce. During the last three months, it has traded below $1,000. At the same time, while production costs have been reduced from $1,992 per ounce to $1,343, the losses have continued to mount.

In 2023, our Montana operations lost over $265 million, Robertson said. We have lost an additional $87 million in the first half of 2024 for a total of over $350 million since the beginning of 2023.

Robertson told employees the decision to confront the losses with layoffs was delayed as long as possible. But to continue to operate at these losses would jeopardize our ability to operate at all, he said.

He blamed Russia for the fall in metals prices.

We believe Russian dumping is a cause of this sharp price dislocation, he told employees. Russia produces over 40% of the global palladium supply, and rising imports of palladium have inundated the U.S. market over the last several years. Imported palladium prices have fallen by nearly 40% this year alone.

The political response

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, who is running for re-election this fall, blamed the Biden Administrations ongoing regulatory assault on mining.

The United States cannot and should not have to rely on our foreign adversaries for energy, critical metals, or other resources, he said. The United States must support these industries, and their workers, with a policy dedicated to making our nation energy and resource dominant and independent.

Montana Sen. Jon Tester, who is also running for re-election, said it is totally unacceptable that Montanans are losing their jobs because Russia is dumping critical minerals into the American market to strangle our local operations.

He said he planned to support a bill to ban the importation of Russian palladium.

This has gone on for far too long, and I will continue to stand with the Montanans who are being targeted by this unfair trade practice, he said.

Steve Daines, Montanas Republican junior senator, called the layoffs heartbreaking. He also blamed the Biden Administrations failed policies that are crushing our energy industry.

Daines said he too would support a bill banning the Russian imports.

The Boulder mine

The layoffs are meant to address the especially high costs of the mines Stillwater West operations and the companys long-term viability of reserves, Robertson said.

With Stillwater West operations left only with a care and maintenance staff for now, the company will then use its Stillwater East and East Boulder operations to improve efficiencies and restore all operations as prices permit, he said.

Our vision is to manage our smaller operations centrally, with more employees having responsibilities at both mines, Robertson added.
Urban League of Essex County President and CEO Vivian Cox Fraser Vivian Cox Fraser, president and CEO of the Urban League of Essex County stands outside a park developed by the league across Central Avenue from the chapter headquarters in Newark's Fairmount neighborhood. The mural is one of several sponsored by the Grammy Museum Experience Prudential Center. (Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media for Mosaic/Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media for Mosaic)

Rakietou Sini stood outside the house in Newark she bought from the Urban League of Essex County in 2021, glowing with the pride of homeownership and the contentment that an affordable mortgage provides.

Its a true blessing. Im happy I got it, said Sini, 36, a respiratory therapist originally from the West African nation of Burkina Faso, who lives with her husband and four children in a 3-bedroom unit on the first and second floors and rents a 3-bedroom apartment to another family on the third floor.

Sini, a first-time home buyer, could afford the newly built house in Newarks Fairmount neighborhood thanks to a low-purchase price subsidized by city, state and federal sources, and she uses the rental income from the third-floor apartment to offset her mortgage payments.

Were saving a lot, and the feeling of sleeping in your own house, I dont have the right words to express it, Sini added. All I can say is, Thank you, Urban League.

On Monday at 6 p.m., the Urban League will hold a lottery drawing for eight new two-family homes like Sinis, some on the same Fairmount Avenue block, and all in the Fairmount neighborhood where the league is based.

Advertising for the lottery on the Urban Leagues website and social media drew more than 170 applications, prompting the organization to exten its original July 31 deadline by another month, Fraser said. The league is still taking applications for the rental units.

The eight homes make up just a fraction of the 538 affordable housing units under various stages of development by the leagues Essex chapter, founded in 1917, seven years after the National Urban Leagues creation in New York.

With so many units in the pipeline and 49 completed, the leagues Essex chapter has become a formidable affordable housing developer under its president, Vivian Cox Fraser, a Yale MBA and former executive with the financial firm Credit Suisse First Boston. Every unit counts in a city with a deficit of apartments for people with low or moderate incomes that a 2021 Rutgers study put at 16,000.

Apart from the new two-family homes, the league hopes to break ground soon on a 70-unit project in Newarks Fairmount neighborhood in partnership with the RPM Development Group. A third project, still in earlier stages, is the redevelopment of the vacant Reservoir Homes rental complex on 14th Avenue, which Fraser said would include a mix of affordable and market-rate units for sale as condominiums.

Were going to redevelop something that had become an eyesore but will now become a real asset for the families that live there, she said.

Non-residential projects include a small-business hub and community center on a lot near the leagues Central Avenue offices adjacent to a PSE&G switching station.

Often, creating affordable housing involves rental units that make up a fraction of the total number of apartments built in otherwise market-rate residential projects. Newarks inclusionary zoning law requires that 20% of the apartments in projects of 15 units or more be set aside for people with low and moderate incomes.

What distinguishes some of the Urban Leagues projects is that theyre 100% affordable, with development costs subsidized by public sources, including the City of Newark, the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD.

Like Sinis house, the Urban Leagues affordable units are purchased by their occupants, helping to boost the citys low homeownership rate and build family and intergenerational wealth among the buyers.

Were really interested in promoting homeownership, Fraser said.

Urban League of Essex County home interior This is the interior of a three-bedroom apartment in a two-family house on Fairmount Avenue in Newark developed by the Urban League of Essex County. The homeowner would live in a larger apartment downstairs and rent this one to a tenant. (Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For Mosaic/Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For Mosaic)

The Urban Leagues direct role in developing affordable housing was applauded by Adam Gordon, executive director of the nonprofit Fair Share Housing Center in Mount Laurel, a housing law firm that has spurred the creation of thousands of affordable units by suing or negotiating with municipalities to meet their housing obligations through planning and zoning measures.

Gordon noted that a state housing law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in March recognizes the importance of nonprofit developers by encouraging municipalities to work with them in the form of bonuses toward meeting their affordable housing obligations.

Nonprofits often place more of an emphasis on long-term affordability and engage closely with local residents, ensuring housing solutions meet specific community needs, Gordon said.

In Newarks case, for example, that would include boosting the citys lagging homeownership rate, which at 24% in 2022 was one-third the statewide percentage, according to a recent report by the Urban Institute. Housing advocates say low homeownership rates among families of color are a principal driver of broad racial and ethnic wealth gaps in New Jersey, where the average white household had a net worth of $322,500 in 2022 versus $17,700 and $26,100 for Black and Hispanic households, respectively, according to the Institute for Social Justice.

Its exciting to see nonprofits such as the Urban League of Essex County focusing on owner-occupied housing, which is an important step to help close New Jerseys massive racial wealth gap, Gordan said.

The real estate page on the Urban Leagues website details prices and income restrictions for would-be buyers of the eight new houses. For example, four houses priced at $142,500 are reserved for buyers with maximum incomes of $58,237 a year for a family of three. A family of six seeking the same house could earn up to $75,061.

Fraser said the families that buy the houses must live in them for at least 20 years.

There are also maximums the new owners can charge for their rental units, set at $1,286 for the low-income units and $1,824 a month for the moderates. Fraser said the league will schedule a separate lottery for the rental units in the coming weeks and that applications are still available on the leagues real estate page.

Fraser said real estate development was a natural extension of the Urban Leagues traditional mission of fostering economic opportunity through job training and placement services. League training also helps families protect their home investment through financial literacy and home maintenance courses.

A lot of the families didnt grow up in a house where people owned their home, so they dont know, Fraser said during a recent tour of Urban League houses on Fairmount Avenue. Theyre used to maybe somebody calling and somebody coming to fix something, right? Thats why the education component at the Urban League is so important, she added. So that by the time they come here, theyre ready. They know whats involved with ownership.

Obiora Egbuna in front of his house in Newark Obiora Egbuna bought the light-colored house behind him on Fairmount Avenue in Newark from the Urban League of Essex County. The Urban League will hold a lottery drawing Monday for the sale of eight others like it. (Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media for Mosaic/Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For Mosaic)

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com

Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom.
Butte-Silver Bow has a $50,000 head start on funding an outdoor fitness court that county officials would like to locate at Chester Steele Park near the hospital or another Uptown park.

We have so much down at Stodden (Park) and were just kind of running out of room there, said Parks Director Shawn Fredrickson. Theres a lot of people that live Uptown, and we need to start focusing on a little bit more recreation opportunities Uptown and not just have everything at Stodden.

The National Fitness Campaign awarded a $50,000 grant to the Butte-Silver Bow Parks Department to help fund a Fitness Court in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, but there are strings attached.

For one, it will take another $148,000 in local funds to pay for the project. Fredrickson will seek private donations for the money and the Fitness Campaign will assist those efforts, but thats going to take some work, he said

Some local concrete work will be required, too, and the Council of Commissioners would need to formally accept the grant before the $50,000 comes through.

But I think we can make it happen and I think its a really cool thing just by looking at the photos, Fredrickson told The Montana Standard. By all accounts, theyve done 500 of them.

The National Fitness Campaign is a San Francisco-based organization of builders, designers, consultants and sponsors that promote wellness initiatives and help communities build a trademark Fitness Court, which the organization calls the worlds best outdoor gym.

The Fitness Court is free to use and is designed to provide a full-body workout in only seven minutes in an outdoor setting. People can rotate through seven zones: core, squat, push, lunge, pull, agility and bend.

The outdoor courts are 40 feet by 40 feet and have raised boxes and platforms at various heights, pullup bars, rings and floor space for agility exercises.

The number of Fitness Courts in the U.S. reached 500 last year and it will grow to nearly 600 by the end of this year, said Lindsay Valenti, communications manager for the Fitness Campaign.

There are no Fitness Courts in Montana yet but Sidney and Glasgow also received conditional grants recently. They are the first three cities in Montana to get them.

The courts are quite popular with people of all ages 14 and up, Valenti said.

We have active groups in their 60s and 70s who gather at the Fitness Court and do stretching and some of the easier modifications to hardcore enthusiasts who work out solo every day, she said. They use it as part of their walking trails or full-body workouts.

Its been great to see, she said. We have a veterans group in Charlotte, North Carolina, that every Wednesday, at 6 in the morning, they have a Wednesday workout.
China and Latin America share vision for global human rights governance

08:18, September 13, 2024 By Chen Weihua, Xuan Liqi ( Xinhua

Members of a delegation of diplomatic envoys, agency representatives and journalists from Latin American and Caribbean countries visit an ancient town in Xiangyang, central China's Hubei Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

The right to development is an inalienable basic human right, and all countries should follow the path of human rights development suitable for their own national conditions.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials, experts and scholars in the field of human rights from China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) exchanged their views on respecting and protecting human rights during the first China-Latin America human rights roundtable held here on Tuesday.

In a world often dominated by Western narratives on human rights, the participants called for something fundamentally different: human rights cannot be governed by one-size-fits-all models, dictated by Western countries.

Instead, the world needs a more cooperative approach, and the Global South should raise its voice and contribute to the reshaping of global human rights governance.

The underlying message from the roundtable was clear: the right to development is an inalienable basic human right, and all countries should follow the path of human rights development suitable for their own national conditions.

As the world's largest developing country and one of the regions with the most Global South countries, China and LAC share similarities in histories, ideas, goals and paths in human rights development. Both regions have experienced colonialism, grappled with inequality, and are now working to raise living standards for millions.

Since the reform and opening-up in the late 1970s, 770 million rural people in China have been lifted out of poverty, accounting for more than 70 percent of the global poverty-alleviated population in the same period. At the roundtable, China's success was highlighted as an example for other developing nations, including those in Latin America.

LAC countries are also actively exploring development models suited to their own conditions, especially focusing on ensuring people's livelihood, promoting social equity and raising the living standards of low-income groups. The countries have made important achievements in maintaining stability, revitalizing the economy and improving people's livelihoods.

As Gustavo Pacheco Villar, president of the Andean Parliament said, both China and LAC countries have made great contributions to the cause of human rights, adding that China's practice of human rights protection can provide a new path for the world, including LAC countries.

Over the years, China and LAC countries have worked together for common development on the basis of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to benefit people's livelihood.

A series of China-LAC cooperation projects, including the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate in Trinidad and Tobago, has promoted local economic and social development, ensured and improved living standards through development, and constantly consolidated the foundation of human rights progress, to better protect and promote human rights.

Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Keith Rowley (4th L, front), Foreign Minister Amery Browne (2nd L, front), Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon (3rd L, front), Chinese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Fang Qiu (1st L, front) and other officials attend the launch ceremony of the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate in Point Lisas, the second-largest port in Trinidad and Tobago, Jan. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wanjun)

In recent years, China and LAC countries have also actively spoken out for Global South countries, advocating that global human rights governance should be more equitable, just, reasonable and inclusive. Both sides oppose the use of human rights as a tool of unilateralism and hegemony, while supporting the United Nations (UN) human rights bodies in performing their duties in a fair and objective manner.

This shared stance reflects a broader commitment to multilateralism and the principle of national sovereignty, emphasizing that human rights should not be politicized or used to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

China's Belt and Road Initiative, which has extended across the Global South, not only fosters economic growth but also addresses fundamental human rights such as access to infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

The discussion at the roundtable made clear that such projects are seen as integral to building the foundation for a more inclusive human rights model, one that can uplift entire populations by creating conditions conducive to progress.

China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, widely endorsed at the roundtable, also represent a reimagining of how human rights, security, and development intersect.

By fostering cooperation on specific projects -- rather than relying on abstract moral judgments -- China and LAC countries are jointly advocating a model of human rights development rooted in real-world concerns like social inclusion and sustainability.

China-LAC cooperation on human rights development is an important part of South-South cooperation. In a world facing complex global challenges, the shared vision of China and LAC provide a meaningful contribution to the broader discourse on development and human rights.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
In mysterious caves or on steep cliffs, people can view marvelous Buddhist statues appearing to serenely survey all life, while delicate murals often portray Buddhist sutras. Together, they form cave temples  a special cultural landscape embodying the reverence of ancient people for divine blessings.

China boasts many dazzling cave temples, including the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Gansu province; Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing; the Longmen Grottoes in Henan province; and the Yungang Grottoes in Shanxi province  all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Through more than seven decades of efforts, the major risks of China's important cave temples have been eradicated, says Guan Qiang, deputy director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration at the 2024 International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation.

"We have achieved remarkable progress in exploring the protection and restoration of cave temples, consolidation of supporting mountains, management of the surrounding environment, digital preservation and monitoring.  Our ability to protect cave temples has significantly improved," he adds.

In the spotlight

Cave temples were spotlighted during the forum held in Dunhuang in August, bringing together several hundred experts and cave temple professionals from 16 countries to discuss issues like the protection, management and studies of cave temples.

According to Song Xinchao, chairman of the Chinese National Committee for the International Council on Monuments and Sites, there are currently 5,986 cave temples and cliff statues in China, occupying 24.5 percent of the immovable stone carving cultural heritage sites across the country.

He says besides famous large-scale cave temples like the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many medium and small-sized cave temples are lesser-known but pose great challenges to conservation endeavors.

"Among the 5,986 cave temples and cliff statues in China, there are only about 600 belonging to national-level or provincial-level key cultural relics protection units. That means most of them are lower levels in terms of protection efforts and present challenges to our conservation efforts," says Song.

He Xiaodong, director of the cultural relics protection department of the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, says Sichuan has 2,134 cave temples  the largest number nationwide. Most of them are medium and small-sized since they are often scattered in a wide suburban area at a relatively small scale within each cluster.

As a result, they are vulnerable to theft and human destruction. "In the past, thefts of cultural relics from such temples occurred. Moreover, the folk belief that decorating cave temples was auspicious was popular among the public. Therefore, many people went to color them with pigment or paint in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to the destruction of cultural heritage," says He.

In recent years, the situation improved with projects to crack down on criminal activities on cultural relics and change of people's awareness, but being large in number and lacking grassroots heritage protectors means protection is by no means easy work, says He.

Moreover, rain frequently occurs in Sichuan, leading to a moist climate that accelerates erosion of stone statues and murals. Also, Sichuan's cliff statues are mostly built on sandstone, which has a loose structure that makes them vulnerable, he adds.

Considering they are often located in villages, the idea of combining cave temple protection and management and rural vitalization has formed. Through improving infrastructure and building facilities, the temples can be better preserved, thus helping to promote the local economy.

"We have done a lot of work. Based on protection, like installing protective facilities and building supporting facilities for tourism, it becomes a tourist attraction, driving the local economy for better protection," says He.

Protection is the key

A highlight of Sichuan's protection efforts, according to Pu Xin, deputy director of the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, is the thousand-Buddha statues on a cliff of Wolong Mountain in Mianyang, Sichuan, which is among the first batch of the province's nine trial sites to be protected through rural vitalization.

"Originally built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the cluster is of small scale. But it has clear inscriptions indicating its construction time. The statues are of typical Tang style and have high artistic and historical value," says He.

Pu says local and provincial governments have invested nearly 10 million yuan ($1.41 million) to carry out a series of projects protecting the statues and facilitating tourists.

"We have made protective endeavors like reinforcing the slopes on the mountainside, building tourist facilities like toilets and rest areas and an exhibition hall to introduce the statues. Although the site used to be open to the public, it was lesser known with poor conditions, but now it is gaining in popularity," says Pu.

The residents welcome these changes since they are receiving better infrastructure and opportunities to benefit from tourism, he adds.

In the neighboring Chongqing municipality, a project was launched to protect 69 medium and small cave temples  consolidating the dangerous rock formations in some grottoes, adding eaves for caves, improving pedestrian walkways and protecting the drainage ditches around buildings, according to Xing Jun, deputy director of Chongqing's Cultural Heritage Administration.

Let the tech work

Some scholars elaborated on the role technology can play in protecting cave temples. For example, Feng Wei, a computer science professor at Tianjin University, introduced the application of artificial intelligence in inspecting minor changes in cave temples, a significant step in preventive conservation.

According to Feng, preventive conservation means periodically observing the state of cultural relics to see if they have minor changes, then analyzing the reasons for such changes and working on the external reasons so that changes can be relieved or stopped, thus protecting the relics.

However, cultural relics, movable or immovable, are characterized by their long life span and slow changes that are not visible in a short time, says Feng. That poses challenges for preventive conservation at the beginning.

Feng and his team then studied the timely detection of minor changes in cave temples and invented an AI-empowered method to accomplish this task, which can also be used for other types of cultural relics.

They believe comparing images of the same cultural heritage is the most common and effective way for observing changes and analyzing the three fundamental elements that can lead to changes in imaging  camera, light conditions and changes in the cultural relics themselves.

As a result, they have worked to control the former two elements to make them the same as before so that the new image can be compared and judged as to whether the relics have changed.

But it is not easy to keep the two conditions unchanged since "minor changes in each one can lead to a big difference in images", says Feng. For example, the fast upgrading of cameras makes it difficult to find the same camera from decades ago to take a picture. That's where AI comes in.

"AI can learn from the historical image and create a virtual camera lens model. Then, the virtual lens can cooperate with modern cameras to restore the original camera and its pose when taking the old photo, keeping the camera factor unchanged," says Feng.

With the help of AI, the original light conditions can also be reproduced.

The team invented the equipment to finish the task, which included a robotic platform, a specialized camera and a custom-made controlling software. "We put the equipment in place and use a historical image to lead the robotic platform to restore the camera to the original pose and reproduce the light conditions to take a new photo. Then AI can compare the changes," says Feng.

Now, his team has fixed more than 100 point locations in 11 caves among the Mogao Caves, taking photos every year for more than a decade to follow the state of change. "In a cave with murals of more than 100 square meters, we can discover changes as small as a dozen microns," says Feng.

They have discovered during more than a decade's time that in some areas "cave diseases" are frequent, the average deterioration speed of the murals in the caves open to the public is over 10 times faster than those not.

"This has provided scientific data to support people's decisions in creating a balance between developing tourism and protecting the cave temples," says Feng.

He believes AI also has a bigger role to play in the knowledge related to cave temples. "The materials about cave temples may not be easy to understand for many tourists who often require the help of tour guides. But AI may help in creating new explanation devices and help facilitate education about the caves," says Feng.
IOWA | ELECTION BALLOT

DES MOINES  Three Libertarian candidates for Congress will not appear on Iowa ballots in the Nov. 5 elections after the Iowa Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a state panel's ruling that disqualified them over the way they were nominated.

The Iowa Supreme Court's unanimous opinion affirmed a lower-court ruling that upheld an earlier decision by the State Objections Panel. The three bodies agreed the Libertarian Party of Iowa failed to follow party organizing and candidate nominating steps required in state law, thus disqualifying the candidacies of Nicholas Gluba in Eastern Iowa's 1st Congressional District, Marco Battaglia in Central Iowa's 3rd District and Charles Aldrich in Western Iowa's 4th District. All three candidates have pledged to continue campaigning and ask voters to write them in when casting ballots.

What the Iowa Supreme Court ruling said

In delivering its opinion, the Iowa Supreme Court rejected arguments on behalf of the Libertarian candidates that the objectors did not have legal standing, that the panel did not have the authority to consider challenges to the candidates' nominating documents, that the state law section cited in the objections pertains only to primary elections and that the Libertarian candidates should have been allowed to correct the party's errors because the infractions were "technical."

"The election laws may not be the model of clarity. Still, a common sense reading of the term 'legal sufficiency' supports the Panel's and the District Court's rulings," the Supreme Court's ruling states. "By contrast, as acknowledged at oral argument, the approach advocated by Gluba, Battaglia, and Aldrich would leave a gap in our election laws. The Panel would have no ability to resolve, for example, a dispute between two candidates both claiming to have received a nomination for the same office at their party's convention."

Justices also rejected arguments that the Libertarians' procedural infractions were minor and thus their "substantial compliance" should have been sufficient. The court said that "strict compliance" should be expected of the candidates and parties.

"We are not persuaded that strict compliance with (Iowa state elections law) is fundamentally unfair," the court wrote. "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. 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."

State Auditor Rob Sand, the only member of the State Objections Panel who voted to keep the Libertarians on the ballot, and who previously worked in the Iowa Attorney General's Office, took issue with the court's opinion that "strict compliance" is required.

"Requiring 'strict compliance' with election laws written by a two-party system will no doubt smother opposition and prop up that same broken system," he said in a statement.

The Supreme Court also rejected Libertarians' arguments that the panel's ruling overstepped its authority by dictating how a political party conducts its business.

Justice Thomas Waterman recused himself from the case, without giving a reason, and did not participate in the case.

Legal dispute moved quickly through courts

The ruling ended an expedited legal consideration of the Libertarians' candidacies, just two weeks after the State Objections Panel met and voted to disqualify them.

Iowa ballots cannot be printed until they are certified by the Iowa Secretary of State, a process that was paused by a court-ordered injunction while the case was considered. Meantime, federal law requires ballots to be mailed to overseas military voters no later than 45 days before Election Day, which is Sept. 21.

A spokeswoman for the Iowa Secretary of State's Office said personnel planned to wait for the court's ruling Wednesday and promptly certify ballots once it was delivered.

District Court Judge Michael Huppert and Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen acknowledged the time crunch created by the legal dispute and conducted court proceedings on an unusually rapid timeline.

How the case started

Shortly after no Libertarian congressional candidates ran in the state's primary election in June, party leaders held a nominating convention to nominate Gluba, Battaglia and Aldrich to run in the Nov. 5 general election.

Objections to those nominations were raised by Iowa Republicans living in each district, who argued the Libertarian Party of Iowa failed to follow nominating procedures required by state law. The State Objections Panel met Aug. 28 and by a 2-1 vote upheld the objections, effectively removing the Libertarians from the ballot.

Two Republicans, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, voted to uphold the objections and disqualify the Libertarian candidates from the ballot. Sand, a Democrat, cast the dissenting vote.

The Libertarians challenged the ruling in state court, but a Polk County District Judge upheld the ruling. The Libertarians promptly appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments Tuesday.

Legal arguments in previous hearings

During Tuesday's oral arguments to the Supreme Court, lawyers for the Libertarian candidates argued the state laws cited in the objections apply only to primary elections, and that the Libertarian Party's nominating procedures should not be disqualified since officials substantially complied with state law  conducting party business just three hours sooner than the law allows.

At the heart of the issue is the fact that Iowa Libertarians conducted their precinct caucuses and county conventions on the same evening in January, even though state law says the terms of delegates elected at the caucuses do not begin until the next day.

Lawyers for the Libertarians also argued that while the Libertarian Party of Iowa made mistakes, the technical nature of the errors should have allowed the party to remedy its mistakes, rather than remove the party's candidates from the ballot.

Lawyers for the State Objections Panel and the Iowans who raised the objections argued that state law must be followed to the letter to ensure Iowa's elections feature integrity and transparency, that there is nothing unfair about the state requirements that the Libertarian Party of Iowa failed to meet, and that they should be held to the same standard as other major political parties.

Decision could impact close elections

Iowa's 1st and 3rd congressional districts, currently represented by Republicans U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, respectively, are projected to be closely contested.

In the 1st District, which includes Johnson County, Democrat Christina Bohannan is challenging Miller-Meeks, and in the 3rd District, Democrat Lanon Baccam is challenging Nunn. National elections forecasters rate the two elections as leaning Republican or a tossup.
What happens to someone with intellectual or developmental disabilities when their parents can no longer care for them? That is a question faced by more than 7 million families in this country. Depending on the community in which one lives, there may be any number of options, but few are ideal.

Thats why I was intrigued when I heard about Haven on Main, a new 70-unit apartment building being planned in La Crosse, Wisconsin. About half the apartments will be designed for disabled residents; most of the remaining units will be priced below market rates, adding to the supply of affordable housing in the area.

The model for Haven on Main is an apartment building in the small town of New Glarus that opened its doors in 2020. Named Prairie Haus, it was founded by parents of children with disabilities to provide a place for them to flourish in adulthood. They call it a neighborhood in a building.

The residents of Prairie Haus range in age from 8 months to 80 years old. Half of them have intellectual or developmental disabilities and require a certain amount of support to live independently. The remaining residents are mostly people looking for affordable housing: single mothers, young couples, families and senior citizens.

I wanted to learn more about the experience of those who lived in the building, so I talked to Mary Anne Oemichen, co-founder and executive director of Home of Our Own, the nonprofit organization that oversees programs at Prairie Haus. Her daughter Amy, who has autism, is a resident.

Mary Anne told me that when she got together with other parents to plan for their childrens future, they hoped to provide an opportunity for them to flourish. Yet, Prairie Haus has exceeded their expectations. We always thought Amy was happy at home, she said, yet now she has her own place. Amy is not only happier; she has become more social.

Before Prairie Haus, Amys world consisted of her mom, dad and brother. Now her world is her neighbors: the friends who live in the building, the people who come to visit, and many dogs and cats, with whom she interacts daily. She still visits her parents on the weekends, but after a day or so, she is ready to go back home.

Part of the success of Prairie Haus is the integration of several communal spaces in which the residents of the building can get to know one another. There is an entrance lobby, a large community room, a community kitchen, a fireplace area, a mail room with tables covered in puzzles, a rooftop deck, a courtyard with patio furniture, and an indoor walking loop.

The communal spaces are essential. They provide a variety of third places inside the building for residents to get to know one another, to share stories, to smile and laugh together, to have fun.

Activities take place weekly. On the day I talked with Mary Anne, they were having a Hawaii-themed event, with games, pineapple treats and movies. Next week they will hold a first responders day, so residents can get to know their local police officers, firefighters and EMTs. The most popular event every month is bingo night.

Prairie Haus is intentional about creating conditions for a robust social life. That is something needed by everyone in our country right now, not just those with special needs. Loneliness is at an all-time high in our country, and one of the reasons is that friendship is declining. The 2024 American Social Capital Survey reports that 44 percent of Americans say they have few or no close friends living nearby. For too long, we have built living spaces designed to keep people apart rather than connect us to one another.

The key to buildings like Prairie Haus and Haven on Main is that they are designed to be inclusive, accessible and affordable, in which residents can get to know their neighbors, both inside the building and out. It is a bold idea, timely and practical. It is a model more places should adopt. In fact, several communities throughout the country have similar projects in the works right now.
Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku has introduced a significant proposal to transform Kenyas electoral system through a new bill aimed at implementing fully electronic elections.

The proposed Elections (Amendment) Bill seeks to eliminate manual voting processes by moving all electoral activities online. It also intends to replace the current mixed system with a fully integrated electronic framework for voter registration, candidate nominations, and voting.

The primary objective of the draft bill is to amend the Elections Act, 2011, to include a fully integrated electronic electoral system in Kenyan electoral processes, Ruku explained.

During a presentation to the National Assembly Budget Committee, led by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Ruku detailed how the bill would manage, support, and administer electronic voting systems. He suggested abandoning the existing integrated system, which currently encompasses biometric voter registration, voter identification, and electronic result transmission.

The electoral process is hybrid, as it still involves manual elements like the casting of physical ballot papers. Therefore, this legislative proposal aims to create a fully integrated electronic system, the bill states.

Ruku envisions an electronic system for voter registration, candidate nominations, and voting. The voting process would involve printed, machine-readable, and optically scanned ballots, eliminating the need for manual voting altogether.

In todays world, where advancements in technology drive automation, traditional manual voting systems are becoming increasingly unsustainable, Ruku stated.

He believes that enacting this bill could lead to more accurate, quicker, transparent, and verifiable election results.

E-voting offers convenience and efficiency by removing the necessity for physical ballot papers, polling stations, and manual vote counting. This technology saves time and minimizes human error, he noted.

To address concerns regarding the high costs of implementing this system, Ruku proposes a phased approach to ease the financial burden on taxpayers.

The lawmaker highlighted examples from Nigeria, Venezuela, and the United States as models for Kenyas proposed electronic voting system. Nigerias system transmits results to a central portal in real time, greatly reducing the potential for electoral fraud.

In the U.S., touch screens, ballot scanners, and web servers enhance both efficiency and transparency. Meanwhile, Venezuela and the Philippines employ Smartmatic technology, which ensures secure data transmission and advanced audit capabilities.

Kenyas 2022 elections, which used Smartmatic technology, cost taxpayers over Kes 5.3 billion, with the total election expenses amounting to approximately Kes 34.7 billion.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has transferred 35 title deeds valued at Kes. 5 billion and cash assets totaling Kes. 511 million to the National Treasury as part of its ongoing anti-corruption campaign.

During a press briefing at State House on Wednesday, EACC Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak outlined that asset tracing plays a crucial role in the commissions strategy to combat corruption.

Asset tracing involves following financial trails to uncover the origins and revenue generated by criminal activities.

Mbarak provided several examples of properties recovered through the commissions efforts. The most notable was a 1.88-acre plot in Kisumu, owned by the Judiciary, valued at Kes. 1.4 billion. He also highlighted three properties in Eldoret, totaling 3.25 acres and valued at approximately Kes. 1.2 billion. These properties had been unlawfully acquired from the National Police Service.

Additionally, Mbarak mentioned a 0.5-acre property in Kilimani, Nairobi, valued at Kes. 700 million. He also listed a one-acre plot in Eldoret worth Kes. 700 million, which belonged to Uasin Gishu County Referral Hospital, and 13 amalgamated plots valued at Kes. 300 million, previously owned by the State Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The commission also recovered 15 parcels of land belonging to the Kisii County Government, valued at Kes. 135 million, and a single property from the Nakuru County Government worth Kes. 100 million.

Asset tracing and recovery of corruptly acquired assets directly remove the benefits of engaging in corrupt activities, Mbarak explained. He noted that there are additional titles in the process and hinted at future announcements pending further approvals.

Mbarak expressed confidence in the commissions effective anti-corruption measures but stressed the need for increased funding to enhance their efforts.

We have an approved workforce of 1,108 staff members. However, in the past six years, we have worked with only 780 staff, he said.

He also pointed out a significant challenge affecting staff retention. Many skilled employees leave the EACC because the SRC has refused to review our salaries since 2004, claiming we are overpaid compared to other public service roles. This situation negatively impacts our operations, Mbarak noted.

In his address, President William Ruto emphasized the importance of addressing corruption by closing loopholes within ministries and departments. He commended the EACC for its efforts in pursuing over Ksh. 59 billion tied up in court disputes involving individuals with assets exceeding their legitimate income sources.

We must do everything within our power to eradicate corruption in every organization, at every level of government, and throughout all regions of our Republic, Ruto stated.
The Hustler Fund is the only government project free from corruption, President William Ruto stated.

During the launch of Kenyas 5th Open Government Partnership Action Plan in Nairobi, he attributed this to the technology-based platform used to manage the fund.

Ruto explained that technology has protected the fund from corruption while ensuring its operations are seamless and transparent. He suggested that the outcome would have been different if the Hustler Fund had been managed by a committee, indicating it would have been more prone to misuse.

The President disclosed that his administration has invested approximately Ksh 12 billion into the Hustler Fund. He noted that over 22 million Kenyans have benefited from the fund, with more than two million people borrowing from it daily.

We launched the Hustler Fund with Ksh 12 billion invested so far. Already, 22 million Kenyans are beneficiaries, and today, two million Kenyans borrow from the fund every day. It operates on a technology platform, Ruto said.

He further explained, It is the single government project that has no corruption because technology has provided a framework to make sure we insulate it. Just imagine if we were giving out the Hustler Fund using committees from every location. It would be chaos. Technology has made it seamless, transparent and easy.

Also Read  How CS Oparanya Plans to Tackle Hustler Loan Defaulters Without CRB

Ruto used the Hustler Fund as a prime example of how the government is leveraging technology to benefit the people. He acknowledged that while technology brings challenges, it also offers significant opportunities.

From technology to Artificial Intelligence, we face great opportunities despite some challenges, the President remarked. I will provide two examples of how we are taking advantage of technology, with the Hustler Fund being one.

Additionally, Ruto mentioned the Means Testing Instrument behind the new University Funding model as the other technological advancement the government is leveraging. Although the model has faced criticism from various education stakeholders, the government stands by its effectiveness.
The government has relaunched a restoration project for the Nairobi River, with President Ruto pledging to clean the 45-kilometer river basin within a year.

Speaking on Thursday at the Nairobi River Regeneration Project launch in Korogocho, Ruto outlined the plan to restore the polluted waterway.

In one years time, we want Nairobi River to change. We will divide the entire section along the river and ensure people are working at every stage, he said.

The cleanup will occur in phases, starting on October 1, with the first phase employing 20,000 youth under the Climate WorX Initiative.

Ruto emphasized that youths from Korogocho and nearby areas will be prioritized for these jobs. Our youth have an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of our environment, he noted.

Ruto also announced plans to expand the Climate WorX initiative to other major cities in Kenya, creating even more job opportunities.

Building on this foundation, we will extend the program to four major citiesKisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuruwithin a month. An additional 40,000 young people will be employed, with 10,000 of them working in other parts of Nairobi starting in early November, he said.

In addition, the President issued a stern warning to anyone caught polluting the river, stating that there will be serious consequences.

If you pollute the river, be prepared to be held accountable and pay the price. We must keep the rivers clean, and everyone must take responsibility for their actions, Ruto warned.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has made it clear that he would reject any job offer from the Kenya Kwanza administration. Speaking on Thursday, he explained his decision, citing that President William Ruto would not welcome his opinions.

When asked if he would accept a government position if offered one, Onyonka responded firmly. I cant right now because the things I would tell the president, he wont like, he remarked during an interview on Radio Jambo.

As a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Onyonka emphasized his preference to remain in the opposition. He stressed that when he was elected to the Senate, his mission was to challenge government policies he found detrimental.

Despite his party leader Raila Odingas working relationship with President Ruto, Onyonka remains committed to his oversight role.

I wasnt elected to clap for the government when it introduces bad policies. Ill stay in the opposition. I respect my party leader but I know he is playing for the governments side, he stated.

However, Onyonka noted that if opposition leaders appointed to government could influence policy changes, the opposition would hold back criticism.

If they can push for better policies, especially in areas like education, we will stay silent. But if things dont change, well keep telling the government the truth, he remarked.
Intelligent connected vehicle tester Zhang Cheng conducts tests in an intelligent connected vehicle at an automobile inspection center in Tianjin, north China, June 19, 2024. [Photo/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.
A judge on Thursday blocked a bid by the man imprisoned for sexually assaulting a female spectator at the 2019 BottleRock music festival to seek a shorter sentence.

Napa County Superior Court Judge Scott Young denied a resentencing request by Peterson William Fontes, who is serving 16 2/3 years in state prison, the office of District Attorney Allison Haley said in a news release. The 47-year-old Richmond resident was arrested in connection with two assaults at public festivals  one at BottleRock and the other at the 2019 Pine Street Spring Festival in Alameda County.

A Napa jury convicted Fontes in December 2019 on two counts of sexual penetration by force or fear, as well as second-degree burglary and vandalism. He is being held at San Quentin State Prison and will be eligible for parole as early as July 2030, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The trial arose from an incident on the night of May 25, 2019  at the end of BottleRock's second day  when an intruder cut holes in the back walls of several portable toilets on the Napa Valley Expo grounds, then used a hole to reach inside and assault a woman as she used one of the commodes, according to court testimony.

Napa Police officers the next day arrested Fontes, who later was identified as a suspect in a similar assault earlier that month at the Pine Street fair.

Fontes was able to petition for a shorter prison term through Senate Bill 567, according to the district attorneys office.

The bill, which took effect in 2022, requires judges to pick the middle length of three prison terms unless certain aggravating factors are proven to jurors beyond a reasonable doubt or admitted by the defendant. The law allows defendants who received maximum-length sentences to have their cases reviewed if a judge imposed the longer term without the aggravating factors being proved in ways the law requires.

At the Napa hearing, prosecutors argued that Mr. Fontes crimes were committed against victims who were particularly vulnerable; that the way the crimes were carried out indicated planning, sophistication, and professionalism; and the defendants conduct was violent and posed a danger to society, the district attorneys office said in its statement.

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The China-Germany Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum and a promotional event for the 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) were held on Wednesday in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Chinese and German business organizations sign agreements at the China-Germany Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum and promotional event for the 2nd CISCE, Dusseldorf, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Du Chunguo, Chinese consul general in Dusseldorf, and Andreas Schmitz, chairman of the Dusseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Advisory Committee and the German-Chinese Business Association (DCW), attended the forum.



Ren noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership, emphasizing that economic and trade cooperation remains the cornerstone of Sino-German relations.

He expressed hope for companies from both countries to leverage their strengths and explore untapped opportunities for win-win cooperation. Ren also invited more German companies to join the second CISCE to work toward a stable and efficient global supply chain.

Du stated that Sino-German cooperation is built on a strong foundation of robust economic and trade ties. He highlighted the vast potential for collaboration between the two countries in traditional fields such as mechanical engineering and automobiles, as well as emerging areas like green transformation, digitalization and artificial intelligence.

The DCW has maintained close cooperation with CCPIT in recent years, according to Andreas Schmitz. He stressed that the business communities of both countries should seize cooperation opportunities in trade, investment, innovation and technology.

Approximately 130 representatives from German and Chinese enterprises attended the event, sharing case studies of collaboration in industrial and supply chains. China International Exhibition Center Group provided details on the 2nd CISCE and signed agreements with the DCW.
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], September 13: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), announced today the classification of the International Center for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE) as a Category 2 (C2) center under UNESCO's auspices. The announcement was made during the third edition of the Global AI Summit, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The classification underscores the pivotal role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in advancing international and regional cooperation in AI policies, ethics, and research. It also highlights the Kingdom's commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030. This recognition affirms the Kingdom's dedication to supporting the global mission of harnessing AI for the benefit of humanity, with a focus on developing countries. It also enhances the Kingdom's role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Since its inception two years ago, ICAIRE has been actively involved in regional and global initiatives in AI. This includes supporting AI research and development, promoting awareness of AI ethics, coordinating policy development related to AI, and supporting capacity-building efforts in the field. At the Global AI Summit, ICAIRE organized an interactive session in collaboration with the International Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) and the International Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI Movement). Representatives from the three UNESCO Category 2 Centers (C2C) and UNESCO itself participated in discussions on enhancing AI's role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, reviewing ethical standards, and UNESCO's efforts in this area. Notably, Saudi Arabia was an early adopter of UNESCO's recommendations on AI ethics, endorsed by 193 countries in November 2021. SDAIA presented the principles of AI ethics at the second edition of the Global AI Summit in September 2022. The decision to classify ICAIRE as a Category 2 Center (C2C) followed a Cabinet decision on July 25, 2023, approving the establishment of the International Center for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence to be headquarter in Riyadh, where it will operate with legal personality and financial and administrative independence. (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)
PRNewswire London [UK]/ Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 13: UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has unveiled its 'UST Retail GenAI platform' at the London Innovation Lab. Steve Rempel, SVP & International CIO at Walgreens Boots Alliance, inaugurated this pioneering platform to transform retail operations through the power of Generative AI. Steve shared valuable insights on critical success factors to enable GenAI adoption, including the need to appreciate the trust cycle while planning various investments. Prior to the inauguration, UST's CEO, Krishna Sudheendra, shared the focus with which UST is championing the adoption of Generative AI, including the in-house program to train 25,000 employees on GenAI. AI has the potential to unlock between $400B and $660B in economic value for the retail industry, according to research. However, few companies have fully realized the potential of new technologies. Developed in-house by UST's technology and industry sector experts, the platform combines established business models with key GenAI capabilities such as search, summarization, automation, and creation to revolutionize retail practices. This state-of-the-art platform enables larger business teams to have an out-of-box experience for scenarios in the retail enterprise that would benefit from GenAI-led investments. The platform maps the alignment between GenAI and business capabilities, allowing for more effective decision-making. The UST Retail GenAI platform enables retailers to safely and swiftly pilot GenAI-driven solutions, test various scenarios and outcomes, accelerate innovation, and optimize operations. Retailers can conceptualize and plan their AI strategies with the help of scenario cards, which integrate the 'Enterprise knowhow' to address specific challenges. "At UST, we've partnered with six of the world's top ten retailers, transforming their businesses. While AI is already transforming retail operations, we still need to unlock its full potential. The UST Retail GenAI Platform offers a structured approach for exploring generative AI scenarios, marking a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionize retail operations through the power of generative AI. This is aligned to our focus on building platforms that can help scale the adoption of GenAI-led ways of working," said Krishna Sudheendra, Chief Executive Officer, UST. The benefits of investing in digital transformation and specifically AI were echoed in a recent survey commissioned by UST, where respondents cited building resilience to cope with future disruption the highest, increasing profitability, and improving sustainability as key outcomes of technological advancements within their business. UST AlphaAI consolidates the company's AI offerings to enhance business agility, streamline operations, and accelerate digital transformation journeys. About UST Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering expertise, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse innovation and agility into our clients' organizations--delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact--touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com. Media Contacts, UST: Tinu Cherian Abraham+1 (949) 415-9857 Merrick Laravea+1 (949) 416-6212 Neha Misri+44-7341787926 Roshini Das K+91-7736795557 media.relations@ust.com Media Contacts, India: Adfactors PRust@adfactorspr.com Media Contacts, U.S.: S&C PR+1-646.941.9139 media@scprgroup.com Makovskyust@makovsky.com Media Contacts, U.K.: FTI ConsultingUST@fticonsulting.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422658/UST_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
India PR Distribution Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 13: Eveready Lighting Spotlight, the epitome of innovative lighting solutions, takes a step ahead by launching its second Eveready Lighting Spotlight Series - a YouTube series highlighting various effects of lighting in spaces. From enhancing functionality to creating captivating atmospheres, lighting plays a pivotal role in shaping the spaces we inhabit. Exploring the same, the event held in Novotel Chamiers Road, Chennai delved into the world of lighting with engaging panel discussions and lively meetings. Event Highlights The Eveready Lighting Spotlight series in Chennai featured four engaging panel discussions covering various topics related to lighting and well-being to human-centric lighting. These discussions invited notable people from the design industry fostering a dialogue on emerging trends and solutions. The event was graced to new heights with the presence of Mohit Sharma (BU Head, Eveready Lighting) along with his team. The first panel discussion emphasised, "How Residential Lighting Shapes Mood and Well-being in Modern Homes?", exploring the impact of lighting in residential designs. With the moderator as Ammaar Aziz Chowdry from ED + Architecture and panelists Baanumathi of Ba.li.ka, Dr Ponni M Concessao, Founder & Partner of Oscar, Ponni & Rahul Architects, Inesh Sah of AWOL Design Studio, Madhu Mitha of WeBe Design Lab, and Prashanth C Raju from CRR Architects on the deck, the discussion was elevated to new levels of engagement. The panel delved into the essence of lighting in shaping mood and well-being in modern homes while adhering to the needs of the occupants. The second panel discussion focused on "The Role of Adaptive Lighting in Enhancing Commercial Spaces" with emerging people from the industry. The discussion was brought together by Sejal Chauhan from sc.rypt Interiors, Abhinandan Jamad from Storey Inside Interiors, Jerry Meshach J from Dwellion Architects, Anuradha Desikan of ADVA Architects & Consultants, and Mridula S. Chowdry of ED + Architecture, sharing expert insights on adaptive lighting. The discussion highlighted the idea of adaptive lighting and how it enhances commercial spaces in the modern landscape. The third panel discussion shed light on "Know What Does the Future Hold for Smart and Interactive Lighting". The panelists included Bharath Kumar of Bharath Design Solution, Raghveer Ramesh of Studio Context, Karran Kumar of AWOL Design Studio, Ifthikhar Ilyas of LiteLab, Ekta Agarwal of FOAID Designs, and Malarvizhi A of Architecture WIP, sharing their perspectives on smart lighting. The discussion offered a glimpse of the future where smart and interactive lighting would be a preferred choice for people, enhancing convenience and ease of use. The final panel discussion was on "Human-Centric Lighting: Designing Workspaces for Optimal Productivity" moderated by Amardeep Dugar from Lighting Research & Design. The discussion invited various experts: M Uma Chakkaravarthy, HoD, Meenakshi School of Architecture, Meenakshi College of Engineering, KK Nagar, Chennai, Gokulamurali KN of Edifice Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Sundar Velan of dofx Architecture, Sunayana Subbiah of Dius Design Consultants Pvt Ltd, Pavitra Venkatesh of Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd, V.S.Vigneswar of Architecture plus Value, and Suraksha Acharya of Midori Architects to explain the importance of human-centric lighting. The panel delved into designing workspaces for productivity and how lighting plays an important role in the same. About Eveready Spotlight Series Eveready Lighting is thrilled to announce that Eveready SPOTLIGHT will also be available as a YouTube series to broaden the audience. In addition to interviews with industry experts and recordings of the panel discussions, this series will offer viewers a thorough grasp of the themes covered. A wider audience will be able to interact with the content, pose questions, and stay informed about the most recent developments and trends in the lighting sector. About Eveready Lighting Eveready Lighting is a prominent brand- a division of Eveready India, offering lighting solutions for various sectors. The collection of professional luminaires makes places brighter and more useful; they are ideal for industrial, commercial, and outdoor applications. The entire range is designed to be durable, cutting-edge, long-lasting, and energy-efficient. With a commitment to sustainability and safety, the company sets new standards in the industry. They are dedicated to bringing innovation in the sector to design better work environments with the best quality lighting. Choose Eveready and make illumination an integral part of your organisation's success! For more information about Eveready Lighting and to explore their range of products, please visit Eveready Professional Lighting. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], September 13: On September 8, 2024: Delhi's iconic Chandni Chowk witnessed an extraordinary celebration of bridal fashion as the beloved House of Surya and Raagwaas unveiled their annual Heritage Bridal Couture Grand Launch. The much-anticipated event, held in the vibrant heart of the city, showcased the finest in bridal couture, turning the dreams of brides-to-be into breathtaking realities. At the core of the event was the unveiling of the 'Dream Bridal Collection', a tribute to Indian culture and heritage, with the theme aptly named 'Husn'--a celebration of beauty, elegance, and grace. The collection was inspired by India's rich cultural legacy, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary sophistication. Each piece of the collection told a story, narrating the grandeur of India's artistic heritage and offering a canvas on which every bride could paint her unique bridal dreams. A Celebration of Indian Craftsmanship Raagwaas' heritage bridal collection stood as a testament to the splendor of India's traditional art forms. Each lehenga in the collection encapsulated the vibrant essence of a bride's dreams, from the luxurious silk of Benaras to the intricate zardozi work of Rajasthan. What set this collection apart was its distinct ability to honor regional diversity--every bride had the opportunity to wear a lehenga that resonated with the cultural colors of her city. These exquisite creations were not just garments, but living, breathing stories reflecting each bride's inner peace, self-love, and personal journey. House of Surya, renowned for its impeccable Indian wear, presented a collection that spanned the country's rich cultural tapestry. From the deep, mesmerizing hues of Banaras to the wonder of Kanjeevaram silks, their collection symbolized India's unity in diversity. Every region, every corner of India was reflected in the colors and craftsmanship of the collection, making it timeless and uniquely versatile. The visionary behind the collection, Raghav Mittal, Creative Director of House of Surya, emphasized that the brand does not follow fleeting trends but creates designs that transcend time. "We start by understanding the dreams and desires of our brides," Mittal shared. "Only after that do we create designs that are not just about the moment, but about enduring beauty and tradition. Our focus is on the timeless elegance that each bride deserves." An Immersive Bridal Experience The Heritage Bridal Couture Grand Launch was more than a showcase of stunning designs--it was an immersive, interactive experience that celebrated every aspect of bridal preparation. The evening's highlights left the audience enchanted and informed, offering a holistic experience for brides-to-be. The event opened with a mesmerizing fashion show, where models graced the ramp adorned in exquisite bridal wear from House of Surya and Raagwaas. Each piece, radiating the essence of 'Husn,' showcased the finest craftsmanship, leaving the audience in awe of the artistry and intricacy on display. In addition to the fashion show, the event featured a variety of experiential elements designed to guide brides-to-be on their journey to the perfect wedding day. A renowned nutritionist took center stage to provide valuable insights on pre-wedding wellness. She offered tips on achieving that radiant bridal glow through balanced nutrition, ensuring brides not only look their best but feel their best on their special day. An expert makeup artist followed, sharing essential bridal makeup techniques, from choosing the perfect foundation to achieving flawless, long-lasting looks. The interactive portion of the event included fun and engaging games and quizzes, where participants showcased their fabric knowledge in the 'Guess the Fabric and Material' game. The excitement continued with a Saree Draping Competition, where guests competed to display their saree-styling skills. A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity The Heritage Bridal Couture Grand Launch by House of Surya and Raagwaas was a perfect fusion of tradition, modernity, and celebration of love. The event encapsulated the spirit of Indian bridal fashion, offering an unforgettable experience for every bride-to-be who dreams of weaving her personal story into the rich tapestry of Indian heritage. Website: https://houseofsurya.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)
US carmaker Ford on Friday announced its intent to restart operations at its manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu. The news was shared by Kay Hart, President of Ford's International Markets Group, through a LinkedIn post, where she revealed that the company had submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Tamil Nadu Government, outlining plans to repurpose its Chennai facility for export-focused manufacturing. The decision follows several high-level discussions between Ford Motor Company and the Tamil Nadu government, including a recent meeting between Hart and Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M K Stalin during his visit to the United States. Hart expressed her gratitude for the support the government has extended as the company explored various options for the plant's future use. She noted that Ford intends to leverage Tamil Nadu's manufacturing expertise to serve new global markets. Hart posted, "I am pleased to share that today we are announcing that we have submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Government of Tamil Nadu in India, outlining Ford's intention to utilize our Chennai plant for manufacturing for export. The decision follows multiple meetings with the Tamil Nadu Government, including one I had last week with the Chief Minister of the Government of Tamil Nadu as part of his visit to the United States. We appreciate their ongoing support as we have explored different options for the plant." She further stated, "This step underscores our ongoing commitment to India as we intend to leverage the manufacturing expertise available in Tamil Nadu to serve new global markets. I know people will be curious, but we will have more to share about the type of manufacturing and which export markets we'll be focusing on, along with other details, in due course." For right now, I'm excited that this decision will add to our growing employee base in Chennai; our global Ford Business Solutions team based there is already more than 12,000 strong and we are planning to increase that by another 2,500 to 3,000 team members in the next few years. When you add that with our engine manufacturing team in Sanand and our ongoing customer and dealer support team, India is Ford's second-largest employee base worldwide", she said. Ford had ceased domestic production in India in 2021 due to challenges in scaling volumes in a market dominated by Asian manufacturers. By 2022, the company had fully pulled the plug on its export operations as well, effectively exiting the Indian market, which is the third-largest globally. However, with this new announcement, Ford aims to re-enter the market through exports. Ford's Chennai facility had previously been a key production hub for the company, manufacturing both cars and engines. The plant's revival, however, will now focus on global markets, as Ford pivots its strategy to leverage India's competitive manufacturing capabilities for export purposes. While specific details regarding the models to be produced and the target export markets remain under wraps, Hart assured that further announcements will be made in due course. (ANI)
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. [Photo/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. [Photo/Xinhua]
HT Syndication New Delhi [India], September 13: Employability.life, in association with Federation University, Australia recently hosted the "I4IC Senior Leadership Workshop" at the Courtyard by Marriott in Colva, Goa. Thirty senior academic leaders gathered to discuss: "Leveraging Technology in Co-Op Education" as part of a global effort to transform traditional educational frameworks so that industry learning is embedded in the curriculum. Employability.life, a global workplace readiness company, has pioneered the integration of workplace simulation into academic learning using cutting edge digital technologies. The I4IC workshop highlighted this focus, bringing together senior academic leaders and industry thought leaders to explore innovative strategies that connect education and employment. The discussions centered on how technology can be used to enhance cooperative education, a model that effectively combines academic learning with practical workplace experiences. Prof. Duncan Bentley, President & Vice Chancellor of Federation University Australia, highlighted the transformative impact of the XPMC framework on cooperative education: "Leveraging technology through the XPMC framework allows us to embed real-world work experiences into the learning journey of every student. This model not only enriches the educational experience but also creates a powerful synergy between academic learning and industry needs. The future of education lies in our ability to prepare students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an interconnected and technology-driven world." Dr Manish Malhotra, Chairman, Employability.life India, emphasized the importance of the XPMC framework in shaping the future of education: "The XPMC framework seamlessly integrates work simulations into the academic curriculum, making education more relevant and aligned with the needs of today's global workforce. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, we are preparing learners not just for their first job but for a lifetime of career success in a rapidly evolving job market. This approach is not just an enhancement of the educational process; it's a fundamental shift towards a more dynamic and adaptable learning environment." Carolyn Chong, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global and Engagement) at Federation University Australia, underscored the role of the XPMC framework in global education strategies: "As education continues to evolve, integrating the XPMC framework into cooperative education models represents the way forward. By leveraging technology to create immersive and meaningful work simulations, we are equipping students with a unique set of skills that are critical for global employability. This approach not only meets the needs of the present but also anticipates the demands of the future, ensuring that our graduates are ready to contribute and lead in any industry around the world." Raja Dasgupta, Executive Vice President, Employability.life said, "Employability.life and Federation University are revolutionizing education by incorporating work simulations into traditional learning, creating a holistic ecosystem that fosters a future-ready community of learners. This innovative approach aims to enhance global mobility and prepare students for the evolving job market. This collaboration highlights the shared vision of both organizations in preparing students for the dynamic demands of the global digital economy. The workshop also drew attention to the urgent need for experiential learning, as automation and AI continue to reshape industries worldwide. Statistics reveal that 27.3 million people in India require immediate experiential digital skill training, with automation threatening 69% of jobs in the country, according to Amazon Web Services. As global economies evolve, the gap in digital skills presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By 2025, India's digital skilled workforce needs to grow nine-fold to unlock a $1 trillion digital economy, as highlighted by the Economic Diplomacy Division of IndBiz. This scenario was emphasized during the event, reinforcing the importance of initiatives like those undertaken by Employability.life and Federation University. Employability.life's mission extends beyond traditional education. The Employability.life International Gateway certificate courses in India provides students with an opportunity to gain credit exemptions for Federation University Co-Op Degree courses. This initiative is part of their broader strategy to deliver qualifications embedded with industry experiences, thereby enhancing employability and career sustainability on a global scale. Federation University Australia, a public, multi-sector university known for its commitment to sustainable development goals, partners with Employability.life in a strategic capacity. Federation University's co-operative education approach, which integrates academic learning with practical workplace experience, was a key topic of discussion at the I4IC workshop. This model not only equips students with the skills required to succeed in their careers but also bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application. The "I4IC Senior Leadership Workshop" was a significant step forward in addressing the challenges presented by the digital skills gap. It is critical to build the skills needed for India's economic future. This is only possible through practical interaction between academia and industry to develop the characteristics of a curriculum that ensures work-readiness by applying academic theory and frameworks to solve problems faced daily in the workplace. The workshop provided insights into a future where collaboration between technology and human skills is key to create a skilled, adaptable workforce in the digital economy. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL Gurugram (Haryana) [India], September 13: People Matters, the fastest-growing media platform and community for HR and Talent leaders in India and APAC, today announced a leadership transition following its complete acquisition by Mynavi Corporation, one of Japan's largest HR companies. Pushkaraj Bidwai, one of the founding members and previously Chief Business Officer at People Matters, has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors. He succeeds Ester Martinez, the Founder & CEO, who has decided to step down after 15 successful years to explore personal interests. This transition marks a new chapter for People Matters, one that promises accelerated growth and deeper engagement with the People and Work community across Asia. Building on the strong foundation established by Ester Martinez, the full backing from Mynavi will further enable People Matters to serve its vibrant community of over 500,000 HR and talent leaders. The acquisition positions the company to accelerate its growth plans, leveraging synergies between the two organizations to introduce new initiatives, expand its reach, and bolster its leadership in the People and Work industry. Additionally, this will enable People Matters' long-term team members, who have been integral to the company's growth, to exercise their ESOP rights and benefit through the cash out. Kazumasa Yoshida, a Director for Global Business of Mynavi Corporation, said, "We have long admired the work and impact of People Matters in the People and Work community, and we extend our gratitude to Ester for her remarkable leadership and dedication over the past 15 years, which have elevated the company to the strong position it holds today. With Pushkar succeeding, we have full confidence in his leadership and vision to spearhead this next phase of growth, drawing on his deep understanding of the market and commitment to excellence. With this full acquisition, we are committed to providing the resources and enablement needed for People Matters to scale to new heights and expand its footprint across APAC while continuing to operate as an independent media and community business." Pushkaraj Bidwai, who takes on the role of the CEO, has been instrumental in driving key strategic initiatives and expanding the People Matters brand beyond India in his previous role as the Chief Business Officer. Since 2017, he has successfully led the brand's entry into six new countries, bringing a global perspective to the organization's growth. As one of the founding members, Pushkaraj has shaped the company's vision and has been preparing for this leadership role as part of a strategic succession plan. Now, with Mynavi's support, he is set to lead People Matters into its next chapter of innovation and community impact. With plans for expansion into new markets, his goal is to position People Matters as the nerve center for the people and work industry across APAC. Commenting on his elevation, Pushkaraj Bidwai said, "Ester's leadership has firmly established People Matters as a trusted platform for HR and talent leaders. I am honored to succeed her and build on this legacy as we embark upon the People Matters 3.0 journey. With strong support from Mynavi Corporation, I am excited to realize our ambitious plans for expansion into new markets and new initiatives to strengthen our position as the preferred platform for HR and talent leaders across APAC. Our long-term vision is to transform People Matters into a global brand that leverages technology, data, and AI to elevate the People and Work industry worldwide." Commenting on the development, Ester Martinez said, "I am incredibly proud of what we have built at People Matters over the last 15 years. I believe the company is in excellent hands with Pushkar, who has been an integral part of our team and intimately understands the needs of our community. His deep industry knowledge combined with his extensive experience in running and scaling a media business will drive the company's continued success." As People Matters looks to the future, it will build on its strong foundation to expand its influence, deliver greater value to its community, and shape the evolving landscape of HR and talent management, all while staying true to its mission of empowering leaders and driving industry transformation. About People Matters: People Matters is APAC's largest People & Work media and community platform. Over the last 15 years, the brand has built knowledge and learning experience-led initiatives that enable over 500K HR & Talent leaders to become the answer daily. People Matters helps leaders connect the dots through its Content media websites, Social channels, Conferences, Research initiatives & Insight tools. Its flagship TechHR conference is Asia's largest HR and Work Tech initiative. (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 13: Annapurna Finance Pvt. Ltd., one of India's leading Non-Banking Financial Companies and Microfinance Institutions (NBFC-MFI), has entered into a landmark partnership with British International Investment (BII), the UK's development finance institution and impact investor, and FinReach Solutions, a guarantee facilitation partner dedicated to enhancing credit availability to viable MSEs. This strategic alliance aims to empower India's Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), which form the backbone of the country's economy. This partnership is particularly significant as it marks the first time a Development Finance Institution (DFI) has extended a credit guarantee to an NBFC-MFI in India. The agreement entails BII providing a first-of-its-kind credit guarantee to Annapurna Finance, with FinReach Solutions playing a pivotal role as the key enabler. The credit guarantee is expected to increase Annapurna Finance's loan book by INR 100 crore, thereby enhancing its capacity to provide financial services to over 4,000 underserved MSEs, particularly in regions where traditional financial services are limited, such as Eastern India. Gobinda Chandra Pattanaik, Managing Director of Annapurna Finance, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "This partnership with British International Investment and FinReach Solutions represents a major milestone not only for Annapurna Finance but also for the broader financial inclusion landscape in India. The introduction of BII's credit guarantee enables us to expand our reach to underserved micro and small enterprises, empowering them with the credit they need to scale their operations and achieve sustainable growth. These businesses, often located in regions with limited access to traditional financial services, are the backbone of our economy. Providing these enterprises with the means to grow will contribute to creating a more dynamic and resilient economy, enhance local livelihoods, and support sustainable development in their communities. We are excited to see the substantial impact this partnership will have on driving inclusive economic progress." The credit guarantee scheme is a financial arrangement under which BII partially guarantees the repayment of retail loans extended by Annapurna Finance to MSEs. This arrangement notably reduces the lending risk for Annapurna Finance, enabling the company to extend credit more confidently to businesses that might otherwise face challenges in accessing finance. As a result, this initiative will not only promote financial inclusion by improving access to credit but also support job creation, entrepreneurship, and poverty reduction by empowering small businesses to grow and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Gaurav Malhotra, Director and Head of Financial Services Equity at British International Investment, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, articulating, "The credit guarantee under our MSME Finance Guarantee program, developed in close collaboration with FinReach Solutions, is a pioneering effort designed to address the systemic challenges faced by micro and small enterprises in accessing finance. This initiative is not solely about mitigating risk for Annapurna Finance but also about creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem where underserved businesses can thrive. We are proud to partner with Annapurna Finance in this endeavour as it aligns perfectly with BII's mission to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development. Facilitating greater access to credit allows these businesses to unlock new growth opportunities, contribute to the economy, and improve the livelihoods of countless families. Suvalaxmi Chakraborty, Managing Director of FinReach Solutions, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership, asserting, "At FinReach Solutions, access to credit is seen as a fundamental enabler of economic empowerment, especially for micro and small enterprises that drive local economies. Our role in this partnership with Annapurna Finance and BII is to facilitate a credit guarantee program that not only addresses the immediate financial needs of these businesses but also contributes to building a more inclusive financial system in India. The innovative structure of this credit guarantee is a game-changer as it reduces the perceived risks associated with lending to smaller enterprises, allowing them to access the capital they need to grow and scale. We are confident that this program will set a new standard in the credit guarantee market, paving the way for future initiatives that will further empower underserved businesses across the country." The historic agreement between Annapurna Finance, British International Investment, and FinReach Solutions exemplifies the profound impact that collaborative partnerships can have on social and economic development. Annapurna Finance, deeply embedded in delivering financial services to underserved populations, is uniquely equipped to harness this credit guarantee to reach thousands of micro and small enterprises throughout India. British International Investment, with its extensive expertise in impact investing and development finance, contributes not only financial support but also strategic insight to ensure the initiative's success. FinReach Solutions, leveraging its proficiency in credit guarantee facilitation, bridges the gap between financial institutions and underserved market segments. Collectively, these organizations are advancing beyond mere support for individual enterprises; they are fostering the development of a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable financial ecosystem. About Annapurna Finance Annapurna Finance Pvt. Ltd. is one of India's leading NBFC-MFIs, dedicated to promoting financial inclusion through micro credit and green financing across the country. Established in 2009, Annapurna has its roots in People's Forum, an NGO focused on the development and welfare of underserved communities. With a mission to empower economically backward clients, Annapurna provides need-based financial services, particularly in regions where traditional financial institutions are scarce. Over the years, Annapurna's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing livelihoods, and contributing to nation-building by supporting micro and small enterprises across India has reached 2.8 million households. About British International Investment British International Investment is the UK's development finance institution and impact investor. As a trusted investment partner to businesses in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, BII invests to create productive, sustainable and inclusive economies in our markets. Between 2022 and 2026, at least 30 per cent of BII's total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women's economic development. The company has investments in over 1,580 businesses across 65 countries and total net assets of 8.5 billion. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn and X. About FinReach FinReach Solutions, as a guarantee facilitation partner, aims to facilitate a commercially viable credit guarantee program that enables lending institutions to expand their portfolios, product offerings and geographical footprint while at the same time strengthening their asset portfolios such that the micro and small enterprises including the underserved, have a reliable and steady access to credit. (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)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 13: Vim, a leading brand by Hindustan Unilever (HUL), has long been the most trusted dishwashing brand in Indian households. Hindustan Unilever's pioneering home and hygiene brand has introduced a fun and quirky indie music video titled 'Nazaare' in collaboration with Ritviz, bringing a fresh spin on the otherwise mundane task of dishwashing. Dishwashing, often seen as a necessary but dull part of daily routine, gets a playful makeover with Ritviz's upbeat tunes, demonstrating how music can turn even the most mundane everyday moments into something fun. The video begins with Ritviz facing a creative block as he tries to bring a tune together to meet his deadline. His dilemma is deepened because his parents also proceed to go out, albeit leaving him with the thought of "finding joy in small things". As he thinks about it, he goes into the kitchen where an idea strikes him in the middle of his dishwashing routine! He's quick to capture this moment on his Vim Beats sound band that he later turns into an entire dishwashing song. What's really interesting is how his neighbours, who are all left to do chores just like Ritviz is, also get up and have fun doing the dishes to this song that is playing out of Ritviz's home! You can watch the music video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yFFghOgzuw Commenting on the launch, Ashwini Rao, Head, Home and Hygiene, Hindustan Unilever Ltd. said, "This campaign puts a brilliant spin on a consumer insight a lot of us can relate to - Chores at the sink is something everyone puts off for as long as possible but end up being irritated with loads of vessels remaining at the sink. Vim has for the last 30 years helped make this chore easier with world class products and communication with the belief that everyone can do dishwashing. Ritviz has now come in to elevate the experience even more by creating this tune that quite literally turns dishwashing into a dance party, sparking joy and creativity in kitchen sinks everywhere - you'll definitely find yourself playing this on repeat as you do your dishes!" On his experience with making this song, Ritviz, Indian Pop Artist comments, "Collaborating with VIM on this music video was a truly unique and exciting experience. It was a challenge to create music inspired by everyday tasks like dishwashing, but I think the result is something truly special. I hope this song inspires people to find joy in even the most mundane activities and to see the beauty in everyday life." To boost the campaign further, Vim is teaming up with over 200 influencers, including celebrities like Amyra Dastur, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Karan Singh Grover who will recreate and repost fun moments from their daily chore routine on Instagram. Their posts will showcase the enjoyable side of dishwashing, encouraging families to join the trend. As the festive season approaches, the campaign offers a fresh take on everyday chores, reminding everyone that these tasks can be a time for bonding and fun. The track is available on all major music platforms, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, JioSaavn, YT Music, Hungama as well as on the brand's official Instagram and YouTube channels. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 13: Dr. MGR-Janaki College of Arts and Science for Women organized an Onam extravaganza at its college campus today (13 Sep.) with over 4,250 students participating and celebrating in the Onam festivities. Students from the M.A. Natya Department and the Entrepreneurial cell had organized and managed a series of dances and a lavish Onam Sadya (street food set up). "We have students from various states and countries studying in our college. We believe in oneness and our student committee organizes all important festivals across the southern states. The college, continuing its tradition of celebrating major festivals, be it Pongal (Makar Sankranti), Tamil New Year, Aadi Perukku, had recently organized a Tamil New Year and Vishu (Malayalam New Year) festival jointly in the month of April this year," said Dr. Kumar Rajendran, Chairman, Dr. MGR-Janaki College of Arts and Science for Women. The college students planned the following dance performances to celebrate Onam. Starting with the Chanda Melam, and a precision by a disguise of King Mahabali, it was followed by the kai kotti kali, and the all-time favorite Mohini Aatam that represents and Puli Kali, Kerala nadanam which highlights Kerala's rich culture and heritage. As God's Own Country i.e., Kerala is synonymous with boats, a beautiful boat setting too was created to transport one to Kerala. The students inside the campus also sampled the well-known Kerala cuisine - Onam Sadya, spread over a series of counters under the Kerala food street banner. Students were encouraged to wear the Kerala style of sarees and participate in the celebrations. For more details, please visit: www.mgrjanaki.ac.in. (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)
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], September 13: In a significant move to bolster the Ayushman Digital Bharat Mission (ABDM), Catalyst Management Services (CMS) and Piramal Foundation have released a comprehensive video knowledge asset in the form of a Conversations' Cafe Vlog on the Ayushman Digital Bharat Mission to enhance awareness and promote stakeholder engagement. Digital Bharat Collaborative (DBC), a part of the Piramal Foundation, has been working across multiple states with the private and public health systems to accelerate the creation of a national digital health ecosystem in India. The initiative aims to address the critical challenges of accessibility, affordability, and safe healthcare delivery by leveraging digital solutions. The Ayushman Digital Bharat Mission is a transformative initiative that envisions creating an integrated digital health ecosystem to empower citizens with access to their electronic health records (EHRs). This initiative shifts away from the traditional practice of maintaining physical health documents and allows patients to have secure, electronic access to their medical histories, thereby enhancing patient-centric care and service delivery. DBC's work is aligned with the ABDM's vision and framework, which revolves around critical components such as registries, a unified health interface, and a national health claims exchange. During the event, Priyamvada Tiwari, Associate Director, Platform & Policy, Catalyst Management Services commented, "The learnings from the initiative led by the Piramal Foundation will serve as a critical resource for understanding the nuances of digital health implementation, exploring use cases, and navigating the multi-stakeholder ecosystem that ABDM represents. The knowledge asset aims to guide policymakers, healthcare providers, and development partners in effectively contributing to the ABDM framework." Piramal Foundation's efforts in ABDM are focused primarily in Bihar as a digital partner to the state Health Department. Additionally, various interventions of ABDM are underway in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Chhattisgarh as well. In Bihar, state and district teams, along with Gandhi Fellows, work closely with health staff to help achieve outcomes such as below: 1. 100% Government facilities and private facilities empaneled under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) are now registered under the portal of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). 2. 4695 Government facilities started Queue Management for OPD using QR based Scan System out of total 10253 facilities. Bihar has pioneered implementation of Scan & Share with about 40 lakh+ tokens generated for OPD registrations between March and August 2024, saving thousands of hours of patients. 3. Bihar has become the first state in the country to generate over 1 Lakh OPD registrations in a single day through Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA). 4. Piramal Foundation is acting as the development partner in 3 states for 13 microsites in 12 districts to demonstrate private sector adoption of ABDM. The effort aims to bring about 7500 private facilities & 10,000 health professionals under ABDM ecosystem thereby helping generate about a million Electronic Health records (EHR) across these locations. 5. Bihar is the first state that has started using ABDM-compliant Health Management Information System (HMIS) till Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) which will help in sharing the patient's health records / prescription from one facility to another. 6. Digital district saturation projects are being implemented in 4 districts of 3 states with ABDM concepts as backbone, to showcase relevance of digital tools in enabling health outcomes. "Since the inception of our efforts, our focus has been on supporting the digitization of healthcare across India. We are actively working with state mission offices in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Chhattisgarh to further these efforts, particularly in onboarding private healthcare facilities to the digital ecosystem. Creating a digitally integrated health ecosystem with a knowledge partner like CMS will support this initiative to reach the roots of India," said Anvesh T, Program Director - Digital Bharat Collaborative (a part of Piramal Foundation). As India continues to progress towards a fully integrated digital health system, initiatives like ABDM are pivotal in unlocking the value of digital health for citizens. The development of use cases around unified health interfaces and national health claims exchanges will further enhance service delivery, transparency, and cost-effectiveness in healthcare. Watch the video discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4en3qPmAfmI Catch the audio version of this conversation on multiple streaming platforms. (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 Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], September 13: A Bangalore-based travel startup,Trip Cabinet, raised USD 6.5 million in a recent funding round. This investment will fuel the company's growth plans and drive innovation in its travel offerings. From strategising efficient travel solutions to focusing on the client's needs, the company can optimise its deliverables with the help of this substantial financial transfusion. The founder, Vijay Arora, welcomed the funding, stating, "This investment will effectively boost our next level of growth. We aim to improve our technological strength, expand our market presence, and develop new, sophisticated, and personalised travel packages." Furthermore, the visionary founder elaborated on how the funds will be effectively utilised to strengthen the company's basic functioning and products. "A good percentage of the capital expenditure will be directed towards developing a better online environment for Trip Cabinet clients," Arora explains. "Upgrading this chain will allow the customer to take a smooth journey throughout the planning phase right through to implementation." Leveraging over 12 years of experience in the travel industry, Arora built Trip Cabinet to simplify travel planning. His deep understanding of destination management has helped him establish this brand as a customer-centric venture. He is continually looking for innovative ways to develop the brand services. Thus, his firm specialises in curating exceptional travel experiences to exotic destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Maldives, and Mauritius. One of the rising brands in the travel industry, Trip Cabinet plans to diversify its product offerings, introducing unique travel products tailored to specific market segments. "Innovation is our evergreen working principle," the founder emphasised. "This funding will help us expand our range of services and develop novelties that set us apart from competitors." The investment will bolster marketing efforts, enabling comprehensive branding campaigns both nationally and internationally. This expanded outreach will significantly increase the company's visibility and market share. Trip Cabinet's business model revolves around providing personalised itineraries, quality accommodations, seamless logistics, and 24/7 customer support. The company prides itself on its commitment to responsible travel and its ability to offer authentic, locally-informed experiences through its network of partners and guides. With the travel industry's continuous evolution, Trip Cabinet's successful funding round signals strong investor confidence in the company's vision and strategy. Its focus on tailored experiences and customer satisfaction allows the company to capitalise on the growing demand for unique, hassle-free travel solutions. Vijay Arora concluded, "This funding is not just an endorsement of our business model, but also a vote of confidence in our vision for the travel industry. We are committed to optimising these funds to deliver our customers the best travel products and services." As Trip Cabinet embarks on this new chapter of growth and innovation, travellers can look forward to an enhanced range of options and an even more streamlined experience in planning their dream vacations. Contact: Name: Md. Nehal Position: IT Executive Phone: +91-8178212377 Email: it@tripcabinet.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)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 4th RE-INVEST Global Renewable Energy Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST), organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to be held in Gujarat, as per a statement from the state government. The event will be held from September 16 to 18, 2024, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi; Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel; and Gujarat Minister for Finance, Energy, and Petrochemicals, Kanubhai Desai will grace the occasion, the Gujarat government statement released today said. The summit will feature over 40 sessions, 25,000 delegates from 140 countries, more than 200 speakers, 5 plenary discussions, and over 115 B2B meetings. The partner countries for the event are Australia, Denmark, Germany, and Norway, while the partner states include Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana. High-level delegations from the USA, UK, Belgium, European Union, Oman, UAE, Singapore, and Hong Kong will also be present. Additionally, the event will bring together leading financial institutions from India and around the world, along with investors, startups, and key figures from the renewable energy sector. On Day 1, the event will open with an inaugural session from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, presided over by the Prime Minister. Following that, there will be Plenary and parallel sessions that will focus on themes such as scaling green investment, green hydrogen for decarbonization, and onshore wind energy. On September 17, Gujarat's Energy Minister, Kanubhai Desai, will deliver a key session. He will emphasize the state's leadership in India's renewable energy sector, discussing Gujarat's strategies for expanding wind and solar energy projects. The Energy Minister will also share insights on Gujarat's role in supporting the nation's energy transition goals. This session is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of Gujarat's policies and investment opportunities in clean energy. Later, the discussions will also cover the geographical expansion of renewable energy and emerging technologies across India. The day will also include a plenary session followed by parallel sessions on resource efficiency, bioenergy, and capacity building. Additionally, a high-level CEO roundtable and a session on the role of women in energy transition will take place. On Day 3, discussions will focus on India's pathways to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and technological advancements in renewable energy. There will be sessions on bioenergy, battery energy storage, and hydropower. The valedictory session, to be graced by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, will conclude the conference and exposition, followed by a closing cultural program and dinner. The event will feature a two-and-a-half-day conference on renewable energy, innovative financing, green hydrogen, future energy options, capacity building, and an exhibition of manufacturers, developers, investors, and innovators. RE-INVEST has built a strong legacy in the renewable energy sector, with its inaugural edition in February 2015 in New Delhi, followed by the second in October 2018 in Delhi NCR, and the third held virtually in November 2020 due to COVID-19. This year, for the first time, the RE-INVEST Summit will be hosted outside Delhi, in Gujarat. To know more about the summit, visit: https://re-invest.in/ (ANI)
In the 23rd meeting of Ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal noted that India's priorities within the SCO align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'SECURE' SCO, which stands for Security, Economic Development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environmental protection. In his virtual address, Barthwal highlighted India's active contributions to the SCO's development agenda since becoming a member in 2017. He also emphasised the SCO's importance in the global economic landscape, congratulating Pakistan for its Presidency of the SCO Heads of Government and welcoming Belarus as a new member. Barthwal said that digitalisation holds the promise for rapid economic development and prosperity. It was reiterated that India had successfully created a strong digital public infrastructure platform for financial inclusion, education, and improving overall governance in the country. The use of digital technology as 'public goods' has led to widespread benefit across the population irrespective of their position in the economic hierarchy, which can be replicated in the area of green energy transition, which is a necessity to meet our net zero targets and in our common pursuit to reduce carbon footprints for sustainable growth. Barthwal focused on the importance of efficient logistics for international trade, in which, paperless trading is a critical step towards streamlining cross-border transactions. The Commerce Secretary emphasised the need for strong connectivity to foster trade and economic development. However, while making such efforts to bolster connectivity projects, it is essential to build in trust as well as transparency in our cooperative efforts. In this context, Barthwal made his intervention that it is of utmost importance that we uphold the principles of the SCO Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of the member states. The Commerce Secretary recalled India's active and constructive contribution to SCO through various events and meetings during its first ever Presidency for the SCO Heads of State last year. It was also highlighted that any effort towards fair trade practices cannot be complete without the collective effort of the member states within the economies and more transparency to ensure a wider economic outcome in the region. It is essential to ensure inclusive growth in the SCO region, for which the Member States should support each other in moving up the value chains in the production of goods and services, which directly impacts economic growth and citizen's welfare. It was highlighted that the 21st century is the century of technology, and India is among a few countries to formulate a national strategy on artificial intelligence and launch an AI mission. He reiterated that India's commitment to 'AI for all' in achieving responsible development for the larger good of our society could be realised by working closely together to make AI transparent, fair, secure, accessible, and responsible. During the meeting, the ministers approved 3 documents covering different areas of cooperation, viz., the Framework for Cooperation of the SCO Member States in the sphere of development of the creative economy, the Concept of Cooperation between the Trade Promotion Organisations of the SCO Member States, and the Concept for the Creation of Economic Preferences Base of the SCO Member States, and also adopted a statement on issues of fair trade and sustainable development. While concluding his interventions, the Commerce Secretary reiterated India's commitment to continue to constructively participate in the SCO activities and extend all possible support for a successful outcome. The 23rd meeting of Ministers of SCO responsible for foreign economic and foreign trade activities was held under the chairmanship of Pakistan. (ANI)
Unnion Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal chaired the third meeting of the reconstituted Board of Trade in Mumbai on Friday. The Board of Trade functions as a key platform for collaboration, discussion, and policy recommendations to bolster the growth of India's international trade. Bringing together representatives from the Industry Ministry, State Governments, industry stakeholders, and trade organizations, this advisory body seeks to shape a thriving trade ecosystem. Minister Goyal reaffirmed the government's commitment to drive economic growth through robust partnerships with state governments. The Minister emphasized that initiatives of the government are instrumental in guiding India towards a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable trade environment, benefiting the country's broader economic landscape. Goyal launched the Department of Commerce's Jan Sunwai Portal, designed to streamline communication between stakeholders and authorities, providing a direct and transparent channel for addressing trade and industry-related issues. This portal offers on-demand video conferencing services, in addition to fixed video conference links for regular, scheduled interactions. The portal's accessibility extends across various offices and autonomous bodies under the Department of Commerce, such as the DGFT, Coffee Board, Tea Board, Spices Board, Rubber Board, APEDA, MPEDA, ITPO, and EIC. Piyush Goyal also inaugurated ECGC's new online service portal, alongside a revamped in-house SMILE-ERP system. "These innovations mark a significant leap towards paperless processing and faceless service delivery, benefiting both exporters and banks. This transformation will not only streamline customer services but also enhance ECGC's core operational efficiency. Key outcomes include full automation of processes, business process integration, quicker claim disposals, enhanced operational control, and a meaningful reduction in the carbon footprint to support sustainability goals," the commerce ministry said. Discussions in today's meeting centered around critical initiatives aimed at fostering employment across states and enhancing the role of the Department of Commerce in promoting state-level economic growth. The session also featured interactive presentations from the State Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh, showcasing their achievements in export promotion and ease of doing business (EODB), interventions, and ongoing state-level initiatives. Best practices for export promotion were shared across the board, providing valuable insights for peer states. The participation and suggestions from the states of Assam, Tripura, and Sikkim are expected to lead to higher export potential from the North East region. Notably, Ministers from 10 State Governments were in attendance for this important session. Secretary, Department of Commerce, Sunil Barthwal, Additional Secretary and Director General, DGFT, Santosh Sarangi and other senior officials also attended the meeting. (ANI)
You are here: China

A criminal suspect involved in transnational women trafficking has recently been brought back to China from Cambodia through international law enforcement cooperation, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said Thursday.

The suspect, identified by the surname Lu, was a key member of a criminal gang that lured Cambodian women to China through online dating platforms and forced them into prostitution.

The gang was dismantled by police in central China's Hunan Province in September 2023, with 10 suspects captured domestically. However, Lu fled to Cambodia, prompting an international manhunt.

Cambodian authorities apprehended Lu on Aug. 15 in Phnom Penh and the suspect was handed over to Chinese authorities on Aug. 28.

A senior MPS official hailed the operation as a major success in fighting transnational trafficking and carrying out international law enforcement cooperation, which demonstrates the public security authorities' commitment to eradicating such crimes.

In March, the MPS launched a nationwide campaign targeting the trafficking of women and children, urging enhanced international cooperation to dismantle all aspects of transnational trafficking networks.
Khurrana, known for his roles in films such as 'Barfi', embraced the festive spirit in a traditional white kurta paired with a multicoloured stole.

Khurrana took to Instagram late on Thursday, to share a moment from his visit, posting a picture of himself in front of the iconic Ganesh idol along with a sticker reading 'Ganpati Bappa Morya'.

The Lalbaugcha Raja, a significant landmark during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, continues to attract thousands of devotees each year.

The grand Ganesh idol, showcased by the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, is one of Mumbai's most anticipated and venerated figures of the festival.

This year, the first look of the idol was unveiled on September 5, marking the commencement of the much-celebrated event.

Established in 1934, the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, located in Putlabai Chawl, has been a revered site for over 80 years.

The Kambli family, who have overseen the celebrations and the idol for decades, continue to uphold this cherished tradition.

Ganesh Chaturthi, which began on September 6, is a ten-day festival that continues until Anantha Chaturdashi.

Devotees across the nation and abroad welcome Ganesh idols into their homes, perform prayers, and visit various pandals, contributing to the vibrant and spiritual atmosphere of the festival.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ayushmann will be seen in ace director Meghna Gulzar's new film 'Daayra' alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan, in the coming months.

The film will be produced by Junglee Pictures. However, an official announcement regarding the project is still awaited. (ANI)
In a gesture of camaraderie and devotion, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari made a special trip from Delhi to Mumbai to visit actor Pankaj Tripathi's residence for Ganpati Darshan. Pankaj Tripathi, known for his acclaimed performances in films like 'Stree 2', extended a warm welcome to Tiwari and his entourage on Thursday. The evening was marked by a traditional Ganesh Chaturthi celebration as Tripathi and his family showcased their elaborate Ganpati pandal. Tiwari offered prayers to the idol and sought blessings from the revered deity. In a conversation with ANI, Manoj Tiwari expressed his sentiments, stating, "Today is a very auspicious occasion. Ganpati Bappa has graced Pankaj Ji's home, and it is indeed a moment of great joy. From a common village lad like myself, it's incredible to see what you can achieve from his (Ganpati's) blessings and grace. We both come from similar backgrounds. Pankaj Bhai invited me, and I came to seek blessings. I pray that Ganpati Bappa's blessings continue for him, his family, and the entire nation." Actor Pankaj Tripathi shared insights into the ongoing festivities, saying, "For the past seven days, we have been engrossed in serving Bappa. We ordered 300 leaf plates, which are now all gone. We conduct a grand feast every day, and in the evening, we perform the traditional Dholak Jhaal aarti. When Manoj Ji called a few days ago, I was concerned about how to bring him here from Delhi. But his presence here is a testament to his respect and affection." Tiwari further remarked on the distance and effort involved, "When someone invites you with genuine warmth, the distance becomes insignificant. Even if it were farther, I would have made the journey. I am due to travel to Dubai tomorrow morning, but since Pankaj Ji invited me, I have adjusted my plans. His invitation is a mark of honour itself." Ganesh Chaturthi, which commenced on September 6, is a ten-day festival celebrated with much fervour across the country and internationally. Devotees bring Ganesh idols into their homes, perform rituals, and visit vibrant pandals, culminating in Anantha Chaturdashi, which marks the end of the festivities. (ANI)
Former film producer Harvey Weinstein who is already facing a retrial for his 2020 rape conviction, has been indicted on new charges in New York, according to a recent announcement from prosecutors obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. The details of the additional charges remain under seal, but they are related to allegations from multiple accusers. The grand jury's indictment, revealed during a criminal court hearing on Thursday, includes claims of sexual assault from incidents purportedly occurring in 2005-2006, 2006, and 2016. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Weinstein's attorney, Arthur Aidala, indicated that while the specific charges have not been disclosed, the indictment is based on three distinct incidents. Aidala noted that he is currently unaware of the exact nature or number of the new charges. The court appearance comes shortly after Weinstein was hospitalized at Bellevue Hospital for heart surgery. Weinstein did not attend the hearing due to his medical condition and lack of medical clearance. Aidala described Weinstein's condition, stating he has "some sort of shunt in his chest" to manage fluid buildup, along with IVs and oxygen, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Weinstein's attorneys have requested that he remain in Bellevue's prison ward rather than being transferred to Rikers Island, arguing that the hospital provides better medical supervision essential for his condition. Judge Curtis Farber granted this request, noting that Weinstein's recent visits to Bellevue--his third in recent times--highlight the necessity for close medical monitoring. Farber emphasized the critical nature of Weinstein's health, which prompted the recent surgery, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Prosecutors plan to file a motion to consolidate these new charges with the existing indictment. However, Weinstein's legal team is advocating for separate trials and aims to proceed with the November retrial concerning the original rape charges. This retrial comes after Weinstein's 2020 conviction and 23-year sentence were overturned in April. Jessica Mann, one of the key figures from Weinstein's 2020 trial, expressed solidarity with the new accusers. "For those who continue to have the courage to come forward against Harvey, you are not alone," Mann said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "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," added Mann affirming her determination to use her voice in court to affirm her own value and challenge Weinstein. (ANI)
Meadow Walker, the daughter of the late 'Fast & Furious' actor Paul Walker, paid a heartfelt tribute to her father on what would have been his 51st birthday on September 12. Sharing a touching message on social media late on Thursday, Meadow reminisced about her father, who was not only a beloved actor but also her "best friend." "I love and miss you so much every day," Meadow wrote in her post, which was accompanied by a nostalgic photo of her father from her childhood. "Thank you for everything. My forever guardian angel." The emotional tribute showcases the deep bond between the two and Meadow's ongoing effort to honour his memory. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_0LxksPmNg/ In addition to her personal message, the 25-year-old Meadow Walker introduced a special edition t-shirt featuring a vintage image of Paul Walker on the set of the 'Fast & Furious' franchise. This new merchandise is more than just a tribute; it also supports a cause Paul Walker was passionate about during his lifetime. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_0nceuvEv8/?img_index=1 By purchasing the t-shirt, supporters will contribute to the Paul Walker Foundation Scholarship, an organization Meadow established in 2015. The foundation is dedicated to promoting ocean conservation and environmental protection, causes that were close to her father's heart. "By purchasing this tee you're not only honouring my father's legacy but also supporting the Paul Walker Foundation Scholarship," Meadow explained. Paul Walker, who had a profound interest in marine biology, tragically passed away in a car accident on November 30, 2013. Since his death, Meadow has been committed to preserving his legacy, including sharing cherished memories with fans. According to E! News, on the 10th anniversary of his passing in 2023, she posted a video of a surprise visit to her father, capturing a moment of joy and affection. Meadow has also maintained strong ties with her father's 'Fast and Furious' family. Vin Diesel, a close friend and co-star of Paul Walker, walked Meadow down the aisle at her 2021 wedding to Louis Thornton-Allan, though they are now separated. Additionally, Meadow made a cameo appearance in the 2023 film 'Fast X,' officially joining the franchise that her father starred in. Despite his absence, Meadow Walker feels a continued connection with her father through personal signs. "For me, it's numbers--four and seven are my dad's favourite numbers," she shared in an interview with E! News, adding, "I swear whenever I'm doubting anything or whenever I'm in an argument with someone or anything, I start seeing four and seven everywhere. So I always know that it's him." (ANI)
Get ready for a musical evening as the legendary musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy are set to enthrall the audience with their performance at IIFA Rocks 2024. Celebrating their monumental 30-year journey in Indian cinema, Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, Loy Mendonsa and this iconic trio will deliver a night brimming with electrifying performances, soul-stirring melodies, and unforgettable moments. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_2OmTLvEo6/ The IIFA Awards 2024, set to be held from September 27 to 29 at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, promises a weekend filled with glitz and glamour. This year's hosts include the comeback of Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Vicky Kaushal. The awards night will feature performances by Bollywood stars such as Rekha, Shahid Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Kriti Sanon, and Janhvi Kapoor. Additionally, the "IIFA Rocks" segment on September 29 will be hosted by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee, featuring performances by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Honey Singh. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy expressed their collective excitement, stating in a statement shared by IIFA team, "Embarking on our 30-year journey in Indian cinema, we are exhilarated to take centre stage at IIFA Rocks and celebrate a legacy of music that has resonated deeply with audiences. "This landmark event embodies the vibrant fusion of music and cinema, creating an electrifying atmosphere that mirrors the passion and creativity that have defined our journey. IIFA Rocks is where the soul of Indian cinema and music come alive, making it the ideal stage for us to reflect on three decades of memories, growth, and the incredible support we've received." The IIFA Festival 2024 will culminate on September 29, with SOBHA Realty IIFA Rocks, co-presented by NEXA--an exclusive, invitation-only event hosted by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer Marketing & Sales, NEXA said, "As the NEXA IIFA Awards return to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi this September, we reaffirm our commitment to our 8-year partnership. NEXA and IIFA symbolize the pursuit of innovation, challenging the status quo to create novel and inspiring experiences. By combining global design, sophisticated style, and innovative technology, NEXA crafts premium experiences that align perfectly with IIFA's mission to build lifetime experiences and celebrate excellence in Indian cinema globally." Commenting on the association, Ravi Menon, Co-Chairman, Sobha Group said; "The collaboration with IIFA is the perfect union of two iconic brands united by a passion for luxury, excellence, and unforgettable experiences. Just as IIFA has redefined cinematic grandeur globally, Sobha has set the benchmark in creating opulent living spaces that exemplify craftsmanship and design. As we enter our second year as Title Sponsor for IIFA Weekend, we celebrate a shared commitment to unparalleled quality and sophistication. Our brand narrative--'the art of the detail'--aligns seamlessly with IIFA's meticulous approach to cinematic excellence. Together, we look forward to an extraordinary journey towards the Silver Jubilee of IIFA in 2025, beginning with this year's exceptional event at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi." The 24th Edition of the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) is set to be held from September 27 to 29. (ANI)
After spending some quality time in London, actor Parineeti Chopra is now back in India and leaving no chance to miss the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. On Friday, she visited Mumbai's famous Lalbaugcha Raja temple. Taking to Instagram, Parineeti shared pictures from her sacred visit and wrote, "My heart is full. When you reach his feet, you can't help the tears... you can see it on my face. Divine, ever beautiful, our Gannu Raja. Jaidev jaidev!" https://www.instagram.com/p/C_27ihvow_f/?hl=en In the images, she could be seen dressed up in red ethnic attire. Every year, thousands gather at Lalbaug, to offer prayers to the legendary Ganesh idol, renowned far and wide with an aura of reverence. Celebrities like Shilpa Shetty, Ayushmann Khurrana, Vicky Kaushal and Esha Deol were spotted marking a religious appearance at the Lalbaugcha Raja a few days ago. Meanwhile, on the work front, Parineeti was seen in 'Amar Singh Chamkila', in which she shared screen space with Diljit Dosanjh. Imtiaz Ali helmed the film. 'Amar Singh Chamkila' presents the untold true story of Punjab's original rockstar of the masses, who emerged from the shadows of poverty and rose to the heights of popularity in the eighties due to the sheer power of his music, angering many along the way, which led to his assassination at the young age of 27. Diljit portrays 'Chamkila,' the top-selling artist of his era. Parineeti essays the role of Amar Singh Chamkila's wife, Amarjot Kaur. She recently celebrated 11 years of 'Shuddh Desi Romance', which also featured late Sushant Singh Rajput. Taking to Instagram story, Parineeti shared a film's poster and captioned the post, "A very very special film, soo close to my heart. Can't believe it's been 11 years!!!Grateful for the journey." "This takes me 11 years back, will always be a special one..." 'Shuddh Desi Romance,' released in 2013 is directed by Maneesh Sharma and produced by Aditya Chopra. The film, set in Jaipur, explores the views of the younger generation on commitment, live-in relationships, arranged marriages and love marriages in small-town India. The movie explores the complexities of modern relationships in urban India. It tells the story of a young man named Raghu, played by Sushant Singh Rajput who has a fear of commitment and falls in love with two women, Gayatri, played by Parineeti Chopra and Tara, played by Vaani Kapoor. (ANI)
TV series 'Kumkum Bhagya' fame actor Simran Budharup shared her "disheartening experience" during her visit to Mumbai's famous Lalbaugcha Raja pandal during the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. On Thursday night, Simran took to Instagram to pen a post claiming that she was "rough-handled" by the temple's staff. She also alleged that the bouncers snatched her mother's phone and pushed her when she tried to intervene. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_0zm0wt3mB/?hl=en Describing the situation, Simran in a lengthy note wrote, "Really Disheartening Experience at Lalbagh Cha Raja Darshan Today, I visited Lalbagh Cha Raja with my mother to seek blessings, but our experience was marred by the unacceptable behaviour of the staff. A man from the organization snatched my mother's phone while she was clicking the picture (she was in the queue behind me not that she was taking any extra time as It was my turn for the Darshan), and when she tried to retrieve it, he pushed her," she claimed. "I intervened, and the bouncers rough-handled me, when I started recording this behavior of them they tried snatching my phone too (it's In this video where I am yelling "Mat Karo! Kya Kar Rahe ho aap). It was only when they discovered I'm an actor that they backed off.This incident highlights the need for awareness and accountability. People visit such places with good intentions, seeking positivity and blessings. Instead, we were met with aggression and disrespect. I understand that managing crowds is challenging, but it's the staff's responsibility to maintain order without misbehaving or harming devotees," Simran said. She also uploaded a video on Instagram in which she can be seen in a heated argument with the pandal staff. Simran concluded her note by saying, "I'm sharing this to bring attention to the issue and hope it serves as a wake-up call for event organizers and staff to treat visitors with dignity and respect. Let's work together to create a safer, more positive environment for everyone.#LalbaghChaRaja #RespectForDevotees #Accountability." In the comment section, Simran's fans and friends from the industry expressed disappointment over the incident. "This behaviour is unacceptable," a social media user commented. "So disheartening and unacceptable...," actor Niyati Fatnani wrote. There has been no statement from the organisers of the Pandal in response to Simran's allegations yet. Every year, thousands gather at Lalbaug, to offer prayers to the legendary Ganesh idol, renowned far and wide with a golden aura of reverence. Shilpa Shetty, Ayushmann Khurrana, Vicky Kaushal and Esha Deol were among celebrities spotted at the Lalbaugcha Raja a few days ago. (ANI)
From sisters Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor to actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, several celebrities attended the prayer meet of Malaika and Amrita Arora's father Anil Mehta on Friday night. In the visuals captured by the shutterbugs, Malaika and Amrita's close friends and family members can be seen entering the residence of Malaika's mother in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have recorded the statements of Malaika, 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. Malaika's father passed away on Wednesday. Malaika's former husband Arbaaz Khan was the first to arrive at Malaika's parents' house on Wednesday. Other members of Arbaaz's family, such as parents Salim and Salma Khan, his stepmother Helen, sisters Alvira and Arpita, and brothers Sohail and Salman Khan were also seen visiting the residence to offer condolences. Hours after the demise of Anil Mehta, Malaika issued a statement, urging fans to respect the family's privacy. "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," her statement read. "We appreciate your understanding, support and respect. With gratitude, Joyce, Malaika, Amrita, Shakeel, Arhaan, Azaan, Rayyan, Casper, AXL, Duffy and Buddy," Malaika added.(ANI)
On behalf of Balakrishna, his daughter Tejaswani presented a cheque of Rs 50 lakh to the Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

Recently, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan met Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and handed over a cheque of Rs 1 crore towards the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the flood-affected.

Kalyan met Revanth Reddy at the latter's residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, and handed over the cheque.

Pawan Kalyan earlier announced the donation to the state for flood relief measures. He also announced the donation to 400 flood-hit gram panchayats in Andhra Pradesh.

"Due to the floods, 386 panchayats were damaged. I am donating one lakh rupees to 400 panchayats from my personal savings. I am also announcing a donation of Rs 1 crore to the Telangana CM for flood relief efforts. I will handover it directly to CM Revanth Reddy," he said.

He announced a donation of Rs 1 crore each to the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF). The Telangana Chief Minister, on September 2, declared the immediate assistance of Rs 5 crore to the flood-hit districts of Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mahbubabad, and Suryapet.

Earlier, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy visited the flood-affected areas of Khammam district of Telangana and took stock of the situation.Along with Union Minister Reddy, Telangana Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Etala Rajender also visited flood-affected areas in Khammam district.

On September 7, BJP leader Prakash Reddy assured the people of Telangana that all possible financial assistance would be given by the Union Government to the state amid the ongoing flood situation and that people of the state would be given all support by the government. (ANI)
Addressing a press conference, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said that we are now going to formalize a pattern to hold exercises, particularly Tarang Shakti. "We are lacking a common data link to be able to share data with friendly foreign nations. The biggest lesson for us is to speed up the process of procuring and setting up a data link that can have interoperability with other air forces as well for future exercises," Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said on Thursday. "We are now going to formalize the pattern in which we will hold such exercises, particularly Tarang Shakti, a multilateral one," he further said.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday attended the multilateral aerial exercise 'Tarang Shakti 2024'. In his address, the Defence Minister said, "Indian Air Force and defence sector are moving ahead rapidly with resolution of self-reliant India". He added that India's defence sector has taken strong steps towards indigenisation in the manufacture of weapons, platforms and aircraft. Singh said, "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." 'Tarang Shakti' has been organised in two phases. Its first phase was organised in Sulur, while its second phase is being organised in Jodhpur.He said that when any exercise takes place on such a large scale, the countries participating in it learn a lot from each other. When an exercise of such complexity, and of such a large magnitude, takes place, soldiers with different work cultures, different air combat experiences, and warfighting principles learn a lot from each other. "We are not only the fastest growing economy in the world, but our armed forces are also considered one of the most powerful armed forces in the world," he said. The multilateral aerial exercise 'Tarang Shakti 2024' on Thursday also showcased the display of Surya Kiran aircraft and Tarang helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF). (ANI)
You are here: China

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.
Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar launched an attack on Samajawadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday over allegations made by the SP chief who accused the BJP government in the state of making Uttar Pradesh the 'capital of fake encounters'. Describing the recent encounter in Sultanpur, OP Rajbhar said that the police fired in self-defence. Speaking to ANI UP minister, OP Rajbhar said, "Police fired in self-defence. They will not shower flowers when criminals from the other side fire bullets and Aadhaar card will not be asked. In retaliation, bullets were fired and a criminal died." He further sought an answer from Akhilesh Yadav about Mangesh Yadav's involvement in the loot that took place in the Sultanpur "We want to ask the Samajwadi Party leader whether Mangesh Yadav was involved in the loot that took place in the Sultanpur incident or not?...Are you only worried about Yadav?," he stated. 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. Earlier, speaking on the recent encounter that took place in Sultanpur, Deputy CM 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 said 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. (ANI)
Junior doctors in Kolkata continued their protests on Friday against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protest was held near Swasthya Bhawan in the Salt Lake Area of Kolkata city as doctors chanted slogans demanding justice for the victim. On Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the protesting doctors to return to work, adding that she has no greed for her 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." She also assured that no action would be taken against the protesting doctors. Mamata Banerjee said, "I tried my best to sit with the junior doctors. I waited three days for them that they should have come and settle their problem. Even when they didn't accept the verdict of the Supreme Court, I waited three days with my highest officials, including Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DG and my MoS." "I am sorry. I apologize to the people of this country and the world who are supporting them (doctors), please give your support. I don't have any problem. We want justice for the victim. We want justice for the common people. We want justice for the treatment of common people. We want that, as per Supreme Court instruction, they must join their duty. Though, three days passed after the Supreme Court verdict but we are not taking any disciplinary action because sometimes we have to tolerate. It is our duty to tolerate sometimes" the West Bengal chief minister said. On September 12, the West Bengal Chief Minister had called a meeting to review the functioning of Health Facilities and improvement of safety, security and patient services in the State. Principals, Directors and Medical Superintendent cum Vice-Principal (MSVPs) of all Medical College and Hospitals of the state were invited to this meeting. All Commissioners of Police and District Magistrates and the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of all districts were invited to this meeting. The second-year postgraduate medical student was raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9. (ANI)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday expressed condolences on the demise of the former Cabinet Minister and senior leader of Rajasthan BJP, Sunderlal 'Kaka'. Expressing his grief over the death of senior BJP leader, CM Sharma said that his demise is an "irreparable loss" for the party. In a social media post on X, CM Bhajan Lal Sharma wrote, "The news of the demise of former Cabinet Minister, senior leader of Rajasthan BJP, respected Sundarlal "Kaka" ji is extremely sad. His departure to heaven is an irreparable loss for the BJP family. I pray to Almighty God to give his holy soul a place in his feet and provide strength to his family members in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!" https://x.com/bhajanlalbjp/status/1834411272034812377 Rajasthan Deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa also expressed his grief over the death of Sunderlal 'Kaka' and remembered his contribution to politics and the social sector. Taking it to a microblogging site on X, Prem Chand Bairwa wrote, "The news of the demise of former Cabinet Minister and senior BJP leader respected Sundarlal Kaka ji is extremely sad. His contributions to politics and the social sector will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family, supporters and all fans in this hour of grief. I pray to Almighty God to give a place to the virtuous soul in his feet and provide strength to the bereaved family in this sad hour. Om Shanti!" https://x.com/DrPremBairwa/status/1834408053044596942 BJP MP CP Joshi also condoled the death of the senior BJP leader, "The news of the demise of former Cabinet Minister, senior leader of Rajasthan BJP, respected Shri Sundarlal "Kaka" ji is extremely sad. His departure to heaven is an irreparable loss for the BJP family. I pray to God to give place to the departed souls at his feet and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this loss." 92 years old Sundarlal 'Kaka' passed away on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was a prominent politician hailing from the Shekawati region and was a 5 time MLA from Surajgad and a 2 time MLA from Pilani. (ANI)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma during his six-day visit to Japan met with senior officials from Daikin and other major Japanese companies on Friday. During his trip, Sharma visited Daikin's headquarters in Osaka and its Technology Innovation Centre. Daikin is a key partner at the Neemrana Japanese Industrial Zone in Rajasthan. On the second day of his visit, Sharma's delegation also met with officials from the Indian Embassy in Tokyo. They engaged with senior representatives from Honda Motor Company Limited, Wafaku Hospitals and Home Care Group, and TOHO Group, among others. Sharma discussed Rajasthan's investment opportunities and expressed hope for continued Japanese support in facilitating investments in the state. Sharma on Thursday also interacted with Japanese government ministers, including Parliamentary Deputy Ministers Ishi Taku and Ishibashi Rintaro, inviting them to participate in the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024. He also met Daisuke Saito, President of TOHO Group, a company known for bearing components manufacturing with a joint venture in Jaipur. During these meetings, Sharma underlined Rajasthan's industrial opportunities, modern infrastructure, skilled workforce, and investment-friendly policies. He extended an invitation to invest in Rajasthan. He did so while drawing attention to the state's commitment to becoming India's investment capital. This visit by Rajasthan's Chief Minister is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen its economic ties with Japan and attract global investment. Rajasthan is taking a major step in its partnership with Japan by hosting an international investor meet in Tokyo and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma seems optimistic that the event will mark a 'new chapter' in the collaboration between Rajasthan and Japanese businesses. "I am confident that this international investor meeting with Japanese entrepreneurs will mark a new chapter in our historic partnership," Sharma said. He also emphasised Tokyo's role in encouraging investment, highlighting the city's reputation for technological innovation and leadership in electronics and the automobile industry. "Japan has been a leading investor in India, and I am pleased to be standing in Tokyo, a city renowned for its technological innovation, corporate leadership, electronics, and automobile industry," he added. Sharma stressed Rajasthan's commitment to creating a supportive business environment. "Our government is committed to resolving investors' issues and creating a positive business environment. We want to strengthen trade relations with Japanese investors, fostering deeper ties between Rajasthan and Japan," he explained. The Chief Minister also noted the significance of Japan's hospitality, "Japan is famous for its 'Omotenashi,' symbolizing the beautiful spirit of hospitality. This mutual respect and hospitality creates a welcoming environment for our partnership and investment." The success of the Neemrana Japanese Investment Zone was showcased as evidence of Rajasthan's appeal. "Our commitment to providing a suitable business environment for Japanese investors is evident from the success of the Neemrana Japanese Investment Zone, where over 48 Japanese companies have invested approximately USD 8.34 billion and employed over 26,500 people," Sharma said. The Rajasthan CM acknowledged that this success has strengthened Japan's confidence in Rajasthan. Future policies to enhance the business environment were discussed, including new industrial and sector-specific policies. (ANI)
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force, a joint Naka was laid down by the Jammu-Kashmir Police, the Romeo Force of 16 RR of the Indian Army and the 38 battalions of the Central Reserve Police Forces at Potha bypass in Poonch district.

At the Naka, the security personnel noticed a person coming from Surankot towards Potha in a very suspicious manner. Upon arriving near the Naka, the suspect tried to escape from the place but was apprehended by the security forces.

During the search, the forces recovered a blue bag containing three HE-36 hand grenades, explosive substances and other incriminating material from his possession.

After the preliminary investigation, it was found that the man identified as Mohd Shabir was a resident of Daryala, Nowshera and was in touch with a handler named Azim Khan, alias Mudeer, from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Mudeer directed Shabir to collect these consignments from Surankot town. The police have taken cognisance of the matter and more arrests are expected on this matter. (ANI)
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra has filed a complaint in the LokPal against SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) Chief Madhabi Puri Buch. In her complaint the TMC MP accused the SEBI Chief of improper conduct and entering into quid pro quo arrangements, threatening India's national interests. In a social media post on X, Mahua Moitra wrote, "My LokPal complaint against Ms. Puri-Buch been filed electronically & in physical form. LokPal must within 30 days refer it to CBI/ED for a preliminary investigation and then a full FIR enquiry. Every single entity involved needs to be summoned & every link investigated." https://x.com/MahuaMoitra/status/1834437362757108014 Moitra called the SEBI chief a "serial offender" and alleged that she was engaged in actions that constitute impropriety on the part of a public servant. The complaint letter dated September 11, reads, "Madhabi Puri Buch (Ms Buch) was appointed as a whole-time member of the Securities and Exchange Commission of India (SEBI) from April 2017 to October 2021 and subsequently as the Chairperson of SEBI in March 2022. However, based on the revelations coming to light, almost on a daily basis, it appears that Ms Buch is a serial offender who has engaged in actions that constitute impropriety on part of a public servant and has also entered into quid pro quo arrangements, which potentially threaten India's national interests." "On 10 August 2024, a US-based firm - Hindenburg Research made serious allegations and charges against Ms Buch, including the allegation that - SEBI's unwillingness to take meaningful action against suspect offshore shareholders in the Adani Group stemmed from Buch's complicity in using the exact same funds used by Vinod Adani, brother of Gautam Adani.1 A copy of the report published by Hindenburg Research on Ms Buch on 10 August 2024 is enclosed along with my complaint as Enclosure 1," it added. https://x.com/MahuaMoitra/status/1834177265095094398 Earlier on September 10, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the institutional integrity of SEBI as a robust market regulator has been "tarnished by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save his crony friends." On September 2, Congress labelled fresh allegations against SEBI Chairperson and accused her of office for profit. "She (SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch) between 2017 and 2024 was taking regular income of Rs 16 crore 80 lakh from ICICI Bank," alleged Pawan Khera, at the press briefing. Madhabi Puri Buch was a whole-time member of SEBI from April 5, 2017 to October 4, 2021. Then on March 2, 2022, Madhabi Puri Buch became the Chairperson of SEBI. Recently, US-based short seller Hindenburg Research made allegations against her accusing her of conflict of interest. Last month, Hindenburg Research alleged that SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch had stakes in "both the obscure offshore entities used in the Adani money siphoning scandal." Hindenburg Research said it has made the new allegations based on documents provided by a whistleblower and investigations carried out by other entities. Soon after, the SEBI Chairperson and her husband, in their personal capacity, issued a detailed statement rejecting the allegations. In the joint statement released to the media they said, "In the context of allegations made in the Hindenburg Report dated August 10, 2024, against us, we would like to state that we strongly deny the baseless allegations and insinuations made in the report. The same are devoid of any truth. Our life and finances are an open book. All disclosures as required have already been furnished to SEBI over the years. We have no hesitation in disclosing any and all financial documents, including those that relate to the period when we were strictly private citizens, to any and every authority that may seek them. Further, in the interest of complete transparency, we would be issuing a detailed statement in due course." (ANI)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to grant bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, calling him a symbol of honest politics who had to go to jail due to his growing popularity. He added that the AAP and Kejriwal will lead the party's campaign in the upcoming Haryana elections. "I thank the Supreme Court... He (Arvind Kejriwal) is not just a name, but a brand of honest politics. He had to go to jail for 6 months because of his increasing popularity... AAP will get more strength... I welcome the decision... Welcome Back Arvind Kejriwal... We will make the further strategy after reading the final order of the Supreme Court to understand the conditions under which the bail has been given... There is a wave of joy in Delhi and the country... Arvind Kejriwal will lead the campaign for the AAP in the upcoming Haryana elections now, "Chadha said. Punjab minister Bram Shanker Sharma - Jimpa said that after this verdict there was enthusiasm in the cadres of Haryana ahead of the assembly polls. "Satyameva Jayate. After Gujarat elections, when they (BJP) felt the ground beneath their feet shaking, they were concerned and then they decided to break the party somehow. So, Manish Sisodia was jailed immediately after, and then Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh were jailed too. What Supreme Court today said today - that CBI should work on its image of a caged parrot...BJP should think about this...This is a huge victory. There are elections in Haryana. There is enthusiasm in each and every AAP volunteer. This will benefit us, Arvind Kejriwal will go there...A time will come when BJP will have to go to back foot," he said. BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia slammed the AAP for celebrating the bail order and said that Kejriwal has not been acquitted. "Arvind Kejriwal never got relief from any court and no charges have been quashed... He has not been discharged... There is no question of acquittal because the trial will continue... The AAP has to answer why Arvind Kejriwal is not resigning... The BJP has zero tolerance against corruption... The corrupt Arvind Kejriwal will bow down one day and the people will take the resignation from him," Gaurav Bhatia said. The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise policy scam. 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 CBI while he was in custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the excise case. (ANI)
After the Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi excise policy case, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Friday welcomed the "unanimous decision" of the Supreme Court and accused the central government of misusing central agencies as the frontal organisations against the opposition parties. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said, "First Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren got the bail and now it is Arvind Kejriwal. The Supreme Court found this case to be bailable. The central government is misusing central agencies as the frontal organisations against the Opposition parties. There is an environment of fear in the country. The judgement has come after detailed discussions on all aspects. This is a unanimous decision of the Supreme Court and we welcome it. BJP and Modi to government should learn their lessons. This is not appropriate to harass the opposition leaders in a democratic country." The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise policy scam. RJD MP Manoj Jha said that a clear message had been sent by the court to the BJP that if it isn't in power then the agencies culd target them. "This had to happen. This will happen in every case because all cases were fake, fictitious and hatched in Delhi BJP office. Power keeps transferring. Listen to High Court observation in the case of Hemant Soren, read it and read about today's case - it is a slap to not just ED, I-T and CBI but also to those who plot this. So, a clear message has been sent across - baaj aaiye. Tomorrow, when you won't be in power, these agencies will knock at your doors as well. We will feel bad at that time too because there should be no place for vendetta in politics. But today's decision is welcome. Congratulations to AAP and its legal team," Manoj Jha said. However, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that the order of bail for Kejriwal does not make him innocent. "The court has affirmed Arvind Kejriwal's arrest as valid. What is AAP celebrating? Since when does ' Bail make someone innocent '? The Court has not passed a single observation on the merit of the case. Kejriwal is barred from entering the CM office, or signing any documents. Why should the people of Delhi suffer under a leader who can't even perform his duties even after being 150 days in jail like criminals accused of serious crime?" he said. 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 CBI while he was in custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the excise case. (ANI)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was shown inspecting a uranium enrichment facility in a report by state media, which also released images of centrifuges that produce fuel for its nuclear bombs, South Korean media said on Friday. Yonhap in its report, published photos by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) of Kim visiting the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the production base of weapons-grade nuclear materials. The dispatch did not release the location of the facility or the date of the visit. Kim Jong-un has called for increasing the number of centrifuges for uranium enrichment in order to increase its nuclear weapons for self-defence, the North Koran official media said. North Korea's nuclear programme is banned under multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. The country, which conducted its first nuclear test in 2006, has never publicly disclosed details of its uranium enrichment facility. "He went round the control room of the uranium enrichment base to learn about the overall operation of the production lines," the KCNA said adding that Kim expressed great satisfaction after being briefed that the "base is dynamically producing nuclear materials" Yonhap news outlet reported. A uranium enrichment facility is used to produce highly enriched uranium by placing uranium in centrifuges and spinning it at high speeds. Highly enriched uranium is essential for the manufacture of nuclear warheads. South Korean and US intelligence agencies believe North Korea operates uranium enrichment facilities at the Kangson nuclear complex near Pyongyang and at the Yongbyon nuclear site. Ties between North Korea and South Korea have been fraught with tensions. On September 12, North Korea said it had fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into waters east of the Korean peninsula. Giving no further details about the same, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the analysis of the incident is underway. North Korea also recently announced the deployment of 250 ballistic missile launchers to its southern border. Previously, the North has sent balloons filled with trash to South Korea. Last month, Kim Jong-un called for the development and production of more "suicide drones" to enhance war preparedness. Yonhap had previously reported that Kim on August 24 had overseen a performance test of various drones. (ANI)
Following Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail by the Supreme Court in relation to the excise policy case, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National General Secretary (Organisation) Sandeep Pathak said on Friday that it was a "huge day," not just for the party but for the whole nation as well as everyone who had faith in the republic and the judicial process. Speaking to the media, Pathak said that he welcomed the court's decision and that it was a victory of truth. "This is a huge day, not just for the party, but for the whole nation and every person who has faith in the republic and judicial process... This is the victory of the truth and I hope this remains the same in the future also. We welcome the court's decision," he said. Pathak emphasised the importance of the judiciary and the verdicts that it gives and that it creates faith in the minds of the people despite "how dirty politics becomes." "For our country, the way the judiciary gives verdicts must create some faith in the minds of the people of the country, despite how dirty politics becomes. The judiciary is above the board... It's not about just one man or one party; it's about the country and it's a historic day for the country," he added. Following the verdict by the Supreme Court, AAP MP Raghav Chadha welcomed the court's decision, saying that truth can be troubled but not defeated. In a post on X, Chadha said, "Welcome back, Arvind Kejriwal, we missed you! Truth can be troubled but not defeated! Finally, the Honourable Supreme Court has given its decision to release Delhi's son, Arvind Kejriwal, from the shackles of jail. Thanks to Honorable Supreme Court!." Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and AAP leader Manish Sisodia also welcomed the decision, saying once again the truth has won in the fight against lies and conspiracies. In a post on X, Sisodia said, "Today once again, truth has won in the fight against lies and conspiracies. I once again pay my tribute to the thinking and foresight of Baba Saheb Ambedkar ji, who 75 years ago had strengthened the common man against any future dictator." Earlier today, the Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise policy scam. The Supreme Court said prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty. (ANI)
Foreign residents in Qingdao attend a Foreign Experts Symposium in Qingdao, Shandong province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]

Foreign experts living in Qingdao, Shandong province, gathered on Sept. 10 for a symposium jointly hosted by the Foreign Talent Research Center, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China, and the Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology.

During the meeting, eight experts from seven countries  the United States, Russia, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, South Korea and Nigeria  who reside and work in Qingdao, shared their experiences. They expressed their fondness for the city and offered insights and recommendations on enhancing services and support for foreign professionals to help them better integrate into local life.

Boncho Dragiyski, vice dean of the Gutenberg Honors College at Qingdao City University, speaks at the symposium in Qingdao, Shandong province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]

Boncho Dragiyski, vice dean of the Gutenberg Honors College at Qingdao City University, emphasized the critical role of cultural promotion within an international context. As a researcher and educator with diverse international educational experience, he also praised China's focus on education and technological innovation, noting that Qingdao's international environment had enabled him to find both professional balance and achieve personal growth, and expressed his hope that more international professionals, like himself, would make Qingdao their home.

Dragiyski also underscored the importance of community contributions: "We matter," he remarked. "We cannot make sense of the future without looking backwards as we build on strong foundations and with people that matter." Finally, he expressed his intention to leverage his international background to enhance higher education in Qingdao, aiming to develop Qingdao City University into a more international institution, aligning with his primary mission and purpose for being in the city.

Ekaterina Fomenko, a Russian language teacher at the China University of Petroleum (East China), praised the university for its emphasis on international exchanges and cooperation, offering an excellent platform for foreign experts. She highlighted four main attractions of Qingdao: its beautiful natural environment, rich history, open international atmosphere and advantageous location. She looked forward to smoother processes for handling social security, health insurance, taxation and financial services, expressing confidence in China's continuous improvements, which have been recognized globally.

Park Hwansung, head of the Production Technology Department at Lidong Chemical in Qingdao, highlighted the city's positive business environment, talent policies and rich cultural heritage as significant attractions for foreign experts. He noted the comprehensive public service system covering streamlined procedures for work permits, talent visas, children's education and social insurance, which has significantly enhanced foreigners' quality of life. Finally, he expressed his hope for better community integration, improved Chinese language training opportunities, and enhanced support in medical services and education for children.
Delhi's Karkardooma Court has acquitted 10 accused in the case of rioting, giving them benefit of doubts. This case pertains to an FIR registered at Gokulpuri in 2020. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Pulastya Pramachala acquitted ten accused persons, namely Mohammed Shahnawaz alias Shanu, Mohd. Shoaib alias Chhutwa, Shahrukh, Rashid alias Raja, Azad, Ashraf Ali, Parvej, Md. Faisal, Rashid alias Monu and Mohammed Tahir. "I find that charges levelled against all the accused persons in this case are not proved beyond reasonable doubts. Hence, accused Mohd. Shahnawaz alias Shanu, Mohd. Shoaib alias Chhutwa,Shahrukh, Rashid alias Raja, Azad, Ashraf Ali, Parvej, Md. Faisal, Rashid alias Monu and Mohd Tahir are given benefit of doubt and they are acquitted of all the charges levelled against them in this case," ASJ Pramachala said in the order passed on September 12. These persons were charge sheeted by the police for having committed offences punishable under Section 147/148/149/436/454/392/452/188/153-A/427/506 IPC. As per prosecution on 01.03.2020, complainant Narender Kumar made a written complaint in police station Gokalpuri alleging that he was residing at C-3/C-2, Chaman Park, Brijpuri Road, Shiv Vihar Tiraha, Delhi. On the ground floor of his property, a hall was given on rent, wherein a pizza shop was being run. On 24.02.2020, he was present at his home and at about 02:30 PM, around 1500 rioters came from the side of Mustafabad, who were equipped with deadly weapons, he alleged. He alleged that they started vandalising aforesaid shop. Thereafter, at about 03:45 PM, about 50-60 rioters came to the upper floors of the house of the complainant. There were two and half floors constructed in his house. Those rioters threatened the complainant and his family members to immediately vacate that house, else to burn them to death, he added. It was further alleged that thereafter, rioters looted various articles from his house, including 15 tolas of gold, half kg silver jewellery, and two lacs of rupees in cash. They also set fire in other furnitures and articles in his house. They also burnt documents related to that house along with other documents and set fire in the cylinder kept in the kitchen as well. Then his family fled away from his house and took shelter at the place of his relative, he alleged. After completion of the investigation, on 14.07.2020, a chargesheet was filed before the Duty Magistrate, Karkardooma Courts, against the accused persons, namely Mohd. Shahnawaz alias Shanu, Mohd. Shoaib alias Chhutwa, Shahrukh, Rashid alias Raja, Azad, Ashraf Ali, Parvej, Md. Faisal, Rashid alias Monu and Mohd Tahir. On 09.01.2023, the first supplementary chargesheet, along with complaint u/s. 195 Cr.P.C., other documents and statement, was filed before this court directly. On 25.09.2023, the second supplementary chargesheet, was filed directly before this court. In this supplementary chargesheet, IO had mentioned the investigation done on the complaint of Rinku, however, by way of order dated 09.10.2023, this court concluded that the complaint of Rinku could not have been clubbed in this case and that supplementary chargesheet was entertained only in respect of sanction under Section 196 Cr.P.C. and some other documents with the statements of two police officials. (ANI)
Hindu organisations staged a protest over an alleged illegally constructed mosque in Mandi on Friday. As the crowd tried to bring down the line of barricades, police resorted to firing water cannon to disperse the crowd. The protests had been called for by Hindu organisations even after Mosque authorities demolished parts of the complex that were allegedly unauthorized. Large crowds of protestors gathered along the jail road in Mandi and shouted slogans against the state government demanding action against the alleged illegal construction. Earlier in the day, the Himachal Pradesh Police tightened security and placed barricades in the Jail Road area in Mandi on Friday. According to Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma, the heightened security was done following information received by the police of a gathering called by some organisation. This protest followed those those that broke out over the illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area of the city on Wednesday. Around 300 police personnel were deployed across the city and police nakas were placed at the entrance of Mandi town, Verma added. "Law and order will be maintained. Through different sources, we have information that some organisations have given a call to gather here. 300 police personnel have been deployed, and police nakas have been placed at the entrance of Mandi town. Action will be taken on violation of prohibitory orders under 163 BNS," SP Verma said. However, BJP spokesperson Chetan Bragta criticised the Police for using force to disperse the protestors, "Another brazen attack on Hindus by the Congress government of Himachal, this time in Mandi. First Shimla, now this--using water cannons and force to suppress people. What exactly is this government trying to achieve?" Earlier today, the police released the stone-pelting video of Wednesday's protest held in Sanjauli over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Shimla. Eight FIRs had been registered so far and six policemen were injured in the protest, including a woman police officer who had vertebral fractures and is in a serious condition. Earlier on Wednesday, protestors removed the first layer of barricading and clashed with the security forces while entering the Dhalli Tunnel East portal during their protest march. Police personnel used water cannons and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse protestors heading towards the Sanjauli area of Shimla. (ANI)
After the Supreme Court delivered its judgement on Arvind Kejriwal's bail plea, former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and AAP leader Manish Sisodia on Friday lashed out at the BJP and the Modi government and alleged them for arresting Delhi CM under "premeditated conspiracy". Sisodia further said that this order judgement by the Supreme Court gives assurance that only the Constitution will run a country. "This judgement is not only important for us but for all citizens. The SC's order has given an assurance that if someone is a dictator or misusing the agencies, then the Constitution of India is there to protect and only the Constitution will run the country. The judgement also clears that the BJP was using ED and CBI as a caged parrot to hatch conspiracies against Arvind Kejriwal. The Supreme Court itself said that the way CBI arrested the CM, it was clear that CBI arrested him knowingly. It was the BJP's aim to keep him inside the jail. When Arvind Kejriwal was coming out of jail from the ED, he was arrested by the CBI. It was "Sochi-Samjhi-Saazish," said Sisodia. Calling ED and CBI a "caged parrot," Manish Sisodia said that it's a clear message from the Supreme Court for the BJP to stop their "dictatorial regime." Addressing a joint press conference, Manish Sisodia said, "The bail granted by the Supreme Court to Arvind Kejriwal is important in several ways. First of all, this is a matter of relief and joy for AAP, the Delhi government and our families that our political guru Arvind Kejriwal will come out of jail despite several conspiracies of the BJP. The SC has given a message to the BJP that they have to stop their dictatorship. The SC has said that the BJP is misusing the agencies and has made them their caged parrot. The SC said in very clear words that the CBI is working as a caged parrot." Hitting out at the BJP, Sisodia said the BJP led government had been exposed badly in the Supreme Court and should feel ashamed and apologise to the country. Sisodia said, "The Supreme Court has put its stamps on what we were saying. CBI arrested Kejriwal at that time when he had to come out in the ED case. BJP should feel ashamed; they have been exposed badly in the Supreme Court. They should apologize to the country, constitution, and Babasaheb for this act. Lastly, we are all happy. People's love, the blessings of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman, and the shield of the constitution have protected Kejriwal Ji, and nobody can hamper him as long as these three things are with him. This has been cleared now." AAP leader Sanjay Singh also launched a scathing attack and said the CBI, on the directions of the BJP, arrested Arvind Kejriwal when he was about to get released in the ED case. He further said that the BJP has been exposed and their mountain of lies has been demolished. Sanjay Singh said, "We have been saying this since day 1 that this whole matter is based on false facts, and the Modi government, the dictatorial regime that used ED and CBI to present false facts, is responsible for spreading these false facts. Today, the release of Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal has exposed the BJP, and their mountain of lies has been demolished. Arvind Kejriwal Ji who was about to receive bail in the ED case, was immediately arrested by CBI after 22 months. ED and CBI haven't arrested Kejriwal on their own, he was arrested on the directions of PM Modi. Dictatorship has to end." "Dictators have to bend, they just need one who can bend them, and Arvind Kejriwal is one who, through his struggle and honesty, served Delhi and the country. You just can't tarnish his confidence by putting him in jail. This is a moment of joy for each worker of AAP, India, and especially Delhi. Now, we will defeat the BJP on the battlefields of Delhi and Haryana. Today, the Supreme Court said that ED-CBI is a caged parrot of the government. You can't diminish the constitution, democracy, elected government of Delhi, and popularity of Arvind Kejriwal. We want to thank everybody, including people and INDIA Alliance members, who supported us in this fight," Singh said. The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise policy scam. 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 CBI while he was in custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the excise case. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tejasvi Surya slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks and meetings during his visit to the United States and said that he would not be surprised if he held meetings with terrorists someday. Addressing a press conference on Friday, the BJP MP from South Bengaluru said that the comments made by the Lok Sabha LoP over the removal of reservations were quite damaging. He further criticised Gandhi for meetings with "anti-India" elements like Ilhar Omar and alleged that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha was holding meetings with Khalistan, Pakistan, China and Bangladesh agents. " Rahul Gandhi's statements on the removal of reservations are quite damaging... If you see, the kind of people he is meeting is also shocking. Ilhar Omar is anti-India... He is holding meetings with Khalistan, Pakistan, China and Bangladesh agents. It won't be a surprise if he holds a meeting with terrorists someday," Surya said. During his visit to the US, Gandhi spoke of scrapping the reservations system in India when the country becomes a "fair place" during his interactions with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, on September 9 (local time). On the stone pelting incident at a Ganapati procession in Mandya, Tejasvi Surya criticised Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara's remark and questioned if he would call it accidental if stones were pelted at Parameshwara's house. "I want to ask the state Home Minister, G Parameshwara, if stones were pelted at your house during the Ganesh procession, would you call it accidental?" Surya added. Earlier on Friday, former Karnataka Chief Minister and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy visited the Nagamangala area of Karnataka's Mandya district after violence was reported from the area following an incident of alleged stone pelting at a Ganesh procession. Kumaraswamy slammed the Congress-led state government and said that they are "appeasing one community for political benefit." (ANI)
A review meeting regarding the making of rules of the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code was held here at Bijapur Guest House on Friday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Radha Raturi and member of the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Committee Shatrughan Singh. In the meeting, various aspects related to making rules of Uttarakhand UCC were discussed in detail with the cooperation and coordination of the Home, Police, Health, Excise, Minority, Culture, Food and Civil Supplies, Energy, Planning, and Finance Departments, said an official press release. Chief Secretary Radha Raturi and Uttarakhand UCC member Shatrughan Singh have directed all departments to cooperate and coordinate in finalising the rules to be made for the implementation of UCC, said the release. UCC members Manu Gaur, Surekha Dangwal, Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar, Special Chief Secretary Amit Sinha, and Principal Secretary Ramesh Kumar Sudhanshu, along with officials of the Home, Police, Health, Excise, Minority, Culture, Food and Civil Supplies, Energy, Planning, and Finance Departments, were present. The BJP government introduced the UCC Bill during a special session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on February 6 this year and it was passed with a comfortable majority a day later, on February 7. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that his government will implement the Uniform Civil Code in the state before November 9 this year. "Apart from the anti-copying law, the state government has implemented laws like anti-conversion law, anti-riot, etc. With their implementation, today Uttarakhand has been identified across the country as a disciplined state with zero tolerance towards crime. The Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in the state before November 9, 2024," he said. The passage of the UCC Bill marked a "historic day" in the history of Uttarakhand, Dhami said. The Uniform Civil Code seeks to establish a set of uniform personal laws that apply to all citizens, regardless of religion, gender, or caste. This would cover aspects such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too, while delivering his Independence Day address to the nation on August 15, batted for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) stating that India will now have to move towards a secular civil code to free the country from religion-based discrimination. PM Modi also called for a discussion over the proposed implementation of the Uniform Civil Code across the country and asked people to give their suggestions. (ANI)
Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed the central government over the goods and services tax (GST) and said that a simplified GST with a single tax rate would solve the problems of lakhs of businesses. Citing the purported example of a restaurant owner of Coimbatore who reportedly apologised to Union Finance Minister Sitharaman over asking a question relating to GST, Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the government and claimed that when an owner of a small business asks for a simplified GST regime, his request is met with "arrogance" and "outright disrespect." In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "When the owner of a small business, like Annapoorna restaurant in Coimbatore, asks our public servants for a simplified GST regime, his request is met with arrogance and outright disrespect. Yet, when a billionaire friend seeks to bend the rules, change the laws, or acquire national assets, Modi Ji rolls out the red carpet." The post added, "Our small business owners have already endured the blows of demonetization, an inaccessible banking system, tax extortion and a disastrous GST. The last thing they deserve is further humiliation. But when the fragile egos of those in power are hurt, it seems humiliation is exactly what they'll deliver. MSMEs have been asking for relief for years. If this arrogant government would listen to the people, they would understand that a simplified GST with a single tax rate would solve the problems of lakhs of businesses." https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1834484873458852244 Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also slammed the government and alleged the "disgraceful humiliation" of the Annapoorna restaurant owner shows the BJP's "arrogance of power" Taking it to a social media post on X, Mallikarjun Kharge wrote, "'Tax Terror' for Poor & Middle Class, while 'Tax Cuts' for Modi ji's Crony Friends! The disgraceful humiliation of a small businessman, the owner of Sree Annapoorna restaurant in Coimbatore by the Finance Minister and the BJP, smacks of arrogance of power. She has been a repeated offender in such public interactions. The owner asked a genuine question about Modi Govt's flawed GST and was first met with a condescending laugh by the FM and later forced to apologise to her on camera." Stressing the need for a "simple, uniform, moderate and rational GST on essential items", Kharge said that MSMEs and small business owners are suffering from the "financial policies" of the central government. The tweet added, "MSMEs and Small Business owners are suffering the brunt of Modi Govt's repeated financial assaults in the form of a flawed GST and Demonetisation. BJP is only committed to benefit Modi ji's large crony friends! From Day 1, the Congress party is saying that we need a Simple, Uniform, Moderate and Rational GST on essential items. In our 2024 Manifesto, we said, "Congress will replace the GST laws enacted by the BJP/NDA government with GST 2.0. The new GST regime will be based on the universally accepted principle that GST shall be a single, moderate rate (with a few exceptions) that will not burden the poor". Congress party is strongly committed to this. BJP's 'Loot Small Owners & Shoot the Messenger' policy spells a disaster for the Nation's economy!" https://x.com/kharge/status/1834492005759455500 Earlier, BJP leader K Annamalai apologised on behalf of the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit for making the conversation between the restaurant owner and the Finance Minister public. "On behalf of BJP Tamil Nadu, I sincerely apologise for the actions of our functionaries who shared a private conversation between a respected business owner and our Hon. FM. I spoke with Thiru Srinivasan, the esteemed owner of the Annapoorna chain of Restaurants, to express regret for this unintended breach of privacy. Annapoorna Srinivasan Anna is a pillar of Tamil Nadu's business community, contributing significantly to the state's and nation's economic growth. I request everyone to lay the matter to rest with due respect," he said. (ANI)
Sharing his experience on his visit to the top court premises, Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda has said that he felt overwhelmed and enlightened and praised the current Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud for making the judicial process paperless and livestreaming of the proceedings. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Randeep Hooda responded to questions related to his visit to the Supreme Court and said that it was "overwhelming and enlightening." Replying about his experience of visiting the Supreme Court and attending the proceedings here, Randeep Hooda shared his feelings about those matters that he attended, among which one was related to idol immersion rituals of Lord Ganesh in Pune. "The feeling of decorum and sheer sense of respect, protocol and the end of the road of justice is immense. Things like allowing of dhol Tasha playing in pune for Ganapathi festival to a plea for conversion of a death penalty to life imprisonment over a heinous crime being heard and decided keeping humanity in mind, in the most pious of our institutions, that will have a far reaching effect for our future as society highlighted the sense of the responsibility it carries. " Appreciating the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's effort in bringing many changes in the judicial process, which includes paperless and livestreaming proceedings, Randeep Hooda said, "It's so modern and with it. Though the old long fans still hang from the ceilings, it's air conditioned and digitised with state of the art mics and audio and computing systems." "Thanks to the efforts of the current CJI DY Chandrachud, it's paperless, with live streaming and with orders passed in regional languages that make it more accessible to the larger public," Hooda said. In a reply to questions over the difference between reel life and real life, Randeep Hooda said he hasn't seen any movie that depicts this progress in our country, even though there are not many movies that deal with the magnitude of the Supreme Court. "Most entertain us with lower court proceedings, which I haven't had much privy to in real life either. I hope we are able to encapsulate the new India and judiciary in a movie in the near future," Hooda said. Randeep Hooda thanked his friend advocate Vineet Dhanda, who helped him visit the top court without having any case matter. "First of all, I felt lucky that I got to see and observe it without having a case matter where I was involved in. A big relief at that I must say. I got the opportunity to attend and take in the whole atmosphere, thanks to, my dear friend Vineet Dhanda who is presently the standing counsel Union of India. I have been toying with a few ideas of humanising the judiciary, their human biases and experiences that they have to rise above l, to give orders and judgments that have far reaching effects on our human society and country. The sheer isolation while living in the larger society is cross they must bear and they do that with so much dignity," Randeep Hooda said. He also shared his experience of his visit with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and said, "I had a wonderful interaction with the Vice President and really got to see the man behind the important post he carries. He has vast experience with law and society at large of our great country looked upon with humanity, positivity and a great sense of humour and charm, which was very inspirational." Randeep Hooda further added that belonging to the same Jat community also was a matter of honour, as after Choudary Charan Singh and Choudary Devilal, Jagdeep Dhankhar is the one who holds such a constitutional post. "It serves as a great boost to the community in general and to me personally. The community's contribution does really go beyond the armed forces and sportsmen and women. I hope to do the same as an artist," Randeep Hooda said. (ANI)
Security forces busted a terrorist hideout during a joint operation at Surankote town in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Poonch district, police said on Friday. J-K Police, in a statement, said, "On 12.09.2024, on specific information, a joint search operation was launched by Police/Army and CRPF in the general area of Chamerd Surankot in the wee hours." "The area was cordoned off and the target area was searched. During the search, the security forces were fired upon by the hiding militants. However, the fire was retaliated by the security forces. Taking advantage of the thick forest cover, the militants managed to slip away. Additional forces have been pushed in, and the whole area is cordoned off," the police said in their statement. "During the search, security forces busted a hideout and recovered some arms/ammunition and eatables," they said, adding that a case has been registered and an investigation taken up. Further details are awaited. Earlier on Thursday evening, a man associated with a suspected terror group was apprehended by security forces in J-K's Poonch district for carrying a huge amount of explosive substance and grenades. According to the J-K Police, a joint Naka was laid down by the Jammu-Kashmir Police, the Romeo Force of 16 RR of the Indian Army, and the 38 battalions of the Central Reserve Police Forces at Potha bypass in Poonch district. At the Naka, the security personnel noticed a person coming from Surankote towards Potha in a very suspicious manner. On arriving near the Naka, the suspect tried to escape from the place but was apprehended by the security forces. During the search, the forces recovered a blue bag containing three HE-36 hand grenades, explosive substances and other incriminating material from his possession. After the preliminary investigation, it was found that the man identified as Mohd Shabir was a resident of Daryala, Nowshera and was in touch with a handler named Azim Khan, alias Mudeer, from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). Mudeer directed Shabir to collect these consignments from Surankote town. The police have taken cognisance of the matter and more arrests are expected on this matter. (ANI)
The Central Bureau of Investigation has moved the Sealdah court in Kolkata, seeking permission to conduct a narco-analysis test of Sanjoy Roy, the accused in R G Kar Hospital rape and murder case. The accused was presented before the Sealdah court for a closed-door hearing on Friday. The consent of the accused is also being sought for the narco test as it is mandatory. Earlier Roy along with the principal of R G Kar College and others have undergone a polygraph test. Meanwhile, junior doctors have continued to protest against the rape and murder of the second-year PG student in the seminar hall of the college on August 9. They held their protest in front of the Swasthya Bhawan. On Thursday, Mamata Banerjee announced that she is ready to resign from her post amid the continued protest. "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." She also assured that no action would be taken against the protesting doctors. Mamata Banerjee said, "I tried my best to sit with the junior doctors. I waited three days for them that they should have come and settle their problem. Even when they didn't accept the verdict of the Supreme Court, I waited 3 days with my highest officials, including Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DG and my MoS. I am sorry. I apologize to the people of this country and the world who are supporting them (doctors), please give your support. I don't have any problem. We want justice for the victim. We want justice for the common people. We want justice for the treatment of common people. We want that, as per Supreme Court instruction, they must join their duty. Though, 3 days passed after the Supreme Court verdict but we are not taking any disciplinary action because sometimes we have to tolerate. It is our duty to tolerate sometimes." Meanwhile, Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose said that he would "socially boycott" Mamata Banerjee whom he dubbed as "Lady Macbeth of West Bengal". "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. (ANI)
Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad welcomed the Supreme Court verdict granting bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case on Friday. Speaking to ANI on the SC ruling, Gaikwad said that the Aam Aadmi Party chief is "setting an example by the manner in which he is fighting." The apex court granted bail to the Delhi CM earlier in the day, saying prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty. The court also put certain conditions on Kejriwal's release, including that he shall not make any public comments about the case and shall be present for all hearings before the trial court unless exempted. Gaikwad said that the Delhi CM was jailed for over 156 days and also recalled a meeting with Kejriwal earlier this year during which he shared the way he was "mistreated" inside the prison. "We welcome a judicial process. He has been granted bail after 156 days. When he had come to Mumbai on bail, he had said about the manner in which he is being mistreated--he is not being given medicines. But the manner in which he is fighting, he is setting an example," Gaikwad said while speaking to ANI on Friday. Meanwhile, AAP called it a huge day for the party as well as the whole nation and dubbed the SC's decision to grant bail to Kejriwal the "victory of truth". Addressing a press conference in the national capital, AAP National General Secretary (Organisations) Sandeep Pathak said, "This is a huge day, not just for the party, but for the whole nation and every person who has faith in the republic and judicial process. This is the victory of the truth and I hope this remains the same in the future also. We welcome the court's decision." However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mocked the Delhi CM, saying that the 'jail wala' CM has become a 'bail wala' CM now. "The Supreme Court has shown a mirror to 'kattar beimaan' AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal once again. He has got conditional bail. The 'jail wala' CM is now a 'bail wala' CM," BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said while addressing a press conference earlier in the day. Kejriwal was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement on March 21, 2024, in connection with a money laundering case relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. On June 26, 2024, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by CBI while he was in ED custody in the excise case. (ANI)
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Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Friday called on countries to pool their efforts to promote peace and stability as the world is in a time of change.

In his keynote speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Dong called on members of the international society to show mutual respect, treat each other with sincerity, and seek common grounds while reserving differences.

In the meantime, they should be open and inclusive, engage in win-win cooperation that benefits all parties, and work together to achieve lasting peaceful coexistence, Dong said.

He also called for joint efforts to promote a multipolar world featuring equality and order.

Chinese armed forces will resolutely implement the Global Security Initiative, and stand ready to build a new model of security partnerships with militaries around the world, Dong added.

Themed "Promoting Peace for a Shared Future," this year's forum is attended by more than 1,800 guests from over 100 countries and international organizations.
Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling announced on Friday that preparations are underway to establish a second campus of the All India Institute of Medical Science campus in Sambalpur, adding that the State is set to become a leading hub in the health sector within the next five years. Mahaling also thanked Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for announcing the Central Health Project. "This is a matter of great joy that CM Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have announced that the second AIIMS campus of the state will come up in Sambalpur. Preparations are underway for that. Availability of plots of land is also being looked into. In the next five years, Odisha will become the best hub for the health sector," Mahaling told ANI. Mahaling said, "Today a meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister in which all the ministers and MLAs were also present. A roadmap was made for the membership campaign going on across the country. Our government is also going to celebrate Seva Saptah." The Odisha Health Minister also reiterated that the state government will launch the Subhadra Yojana on September 17, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. "On the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is going to launch the Subhadra Yojana, which was also promised in our manifesto. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate this scheme. We are going to organize a program at the district level regarding the achievements of our government in the last 100 days. Programs will be organized by our government across the state regarding all these schemes," he added. Earlier, on September 8, Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the state's second AIIMS will be built in Sambalpur. "The second AIIMS of Odisha will come up in Sambalpur. The state government has already placed a demand in this regard before the Centre," CM Majhi said at the launch of the CM-KISAN Yojana at the GM University auditorium in Sambalpur. The state got its first All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in 2014 during the UPA regime. Chief Minister Majhi on September 8 launched 'CM-KISAN Yojana' on the occasion of the Nuakhai festival at Odisha's Sambalpur in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The scheme aims to provide over 900 crore of financial assistance to 46 lakh small and marginal farmers who are not covered under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) yojana. Earlier, Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, flagged off the Subhadra Yojana awareness 'rath' on Ganesh Chaturthi. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida had earlier unveiled the 'Subhadra Yojana' portal at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. She explained, "Beneficiaries willing to apply for the flagship scheme can now visit the official website of Subhadra and avail themselves of the benefits by sharing the necessary details. It will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17." The scheme, with a budget of Rs 10,000 crore, has prepared a list of 1.5 crore women. A standard procedure will be set up for distributing funds. Chief Minister Majhi added, "No development can be achieved by ignoring women. The dream of every woman for financial independence and empowerment will be fulfilled with the implementation of the scheme." Majhi said that the government too is committed to supporting the hopes and dreams of Odisha's 4.5 crore people and protecting Odia culture with a Rs 200 crore fund.(ANI)
Hitting out at the BJP, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that the Supreme Court's decision to grant bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is a "rebuke" to the central government, which is "misusing" the constitutional institutions. He said the Supreme Court's decision has confirmed people's faith in the country's judiciary. "The Supreme Court order granting bail to the Chief Minister of Delhi @ArvindKejriwal and releasing him from jail has further confirmed our faith in the country's judiciary. This order gives hope to all those fighting for truth and justice. This order of the Supreme Court is a rebuke to the central @BJP4India government, which is misusing the constitutional institutions against its political nemesis," Siddaramaiah posted on X in regional language. "Let the @narendramodi -led government, which has descended into politics of hatred, learn a lesson from this court order and wake up. Ultimately truth will prevail, and justice will prevail. Satyameva Jayate," he added. Meanwhile, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj accused Kejriwal of being the 'kingpin' in the liquor scam and emphasised that the Supreme Court's bail decision does not absolve Kejriwal of his culpability in the scam. The BJP MP lambasted Kejriwal, calling him a "careless CM of a careless government," pointing out that the Delhi CM has been barred from entering the CM office or signing any files, which is a clear indication of his compromised position. "This is the fourth time, that the courts of this country have found that the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is legal and valid... The investigative agencies had sufficient material and enough proof to establish the fact that Arvind Kejriwal's arrest was valid. This also proves that not only is Arvind Kejriwal a kingpin in the liquor scam but also drowned in it from head to toe. Arvind Kejriwal has been asked to not sign any files and visit the CMO. The SC hinted to Arvind Kejriwal that he should resign as the CM on moral grounds," she said while addressing a press conference in the national capital. "So, once again, even though the Court has granted bail today, they are aware that Arvind Kejriwal is involved in this liquor scam. That is why he has been denied entry into the CM office or signed any files. He is a careless CM of a careless government," the BJP MP added. The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to the Delhi Chief Minister in a corruption case registered by CBI in the alleged excise policy scam. The Supreme Court said prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty. 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 CBI while he was in custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the excise case. (ANI)
Earlier, he was granted interim bail in the money laundering case by the apex court.

Special judge Rakesh Syal issued a release warrant after accepting two surety bonds for Arvind Kejriwal.

The court has also accepted the request for sending the release warrant through special messenger for early release.

Advocate Rajat Bhardwaj and Vivek Jain Counsels for Arvind Kejriwal furnished surety bonds along with the order of the Supreme Court before the special CBI judge.

MLA Mohinder Goyal and Kuldip Mittal have given the surety bond of Rs. 10 lakh each as per the Supreme Court order.

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 26 in the case.

This came after he was granted bail in a money laundering case by the trial court on June 20.

This bail order passed by the trial court was challenged before the High Court. The matter related to his arrest in the ED case is pending before the Supreme Court.

Though he was granted interim bail till the disposal of the issue by the larger bench of the Supreme Court.

Now he has been granted bail in the CBI case from the Supreme Court. (ANI)
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan arrived at the Delhi airport on Friday afternoon to pay his last respects to Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, who passed away on Thursday, September 12, at the age of 72 years after a prolonged illness. Yechury's mortal remains were taken to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from AIIMS on Friday afternoon. Yechury was admitted to the AIIMS, Delhi, on August 19, 2024. He had been first admitted to the emergency ward and then shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). "Sitaram Yechury CPI(M) General Secretary no more. He was admitted in AIIMS," CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah told ANI. 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. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the death of CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, calling the veteran leader a "leading light of the Left," PM Modi said his thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. 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. 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 Yechury. 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. Yechury died on Thursday afternoon after battling pneumonia at the age of 72. The veteran leader was admitted to Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). (ANI)
The Sealdah court on Friday rejected the prayer of CBI for administering a narcoanalysis test to Sanjay Roy, the accused in the RG Kar Hospital case. The accused was presented before the Sealdah court for a closed-door hearing today. The consent of the accused was also being sought for the narco test, as it is mandatory. Earlier, Roy, along with the principal of R G Kar College and others, had undergone a polygraph test. "Accused Sanjay Roy didn't give his consent for Narco analysis test. So, as per law, this is unconstitutional and against his fundamental rights. As per the judgement of 2010 Karnataka case , the Supreme court said regarding narco analysis test that without consent, no accused can't undergo these tests. This is unconstitutional, and the privacy of the accused will breached," said the court. The Supreme Court of India ruled in the Selvi vs. State of Karnataka case, that the use of narcoanalysis, brain mapping, and polygraph tests on suspects without their consent is unconstitutional. The court held that these techniques violate the 'right against self-incrimination' under Article 20(3) of the Constitution and the 'right to privacy' under Article 21. The final judgement was that any evidence obtained through these methods without voluntary consent could not be admitted in court, thereby setting a powerful legal precedent regarding the admissibility of evidence and the protection of personal liberties in India. Earlier, Communist Party of India (Marxist) party workers staged a protest in Kolkata and demanded justice in the RG Kar Medical and Hospital rape-murder case. Meanwhile, junior doctors have continued to protest against the rape and murder of the second-year PG student in the seminar hall of the college on August 9. They held their protest in front of the Swasthya Bhawan. On Thursday, Bengal Chief Minister also announced that she is ready to resign from her post amid the continuing protests. "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 CM said. She also assured that no action would be taken against the protesting doctors. Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose had also said before that he would "socially boycott" Mamata Banerjee, whom he dubbed "Lady Macbeth of West Bengal." "In solidarity with the Bengal society, I resolve that I will socially boycott the Chief Minister. Socially boycotting 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," the Governor said in a video message released on Thursday. (ANI)
The cadre of Communist Party of India (Marxist) protested on Friday in Lal bazaar, Kolkata, near the police headquarters to demand justice in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case and the removal of the Commissioner of Police. In a post in X, the CPI(M) state committee handle mentioned the 'Lalbazar Abhiyan' to demand the punishment of those guilty of the rape and murder of the trainee doctor and demanding the removal of the Commissioner. "Do not give up the fight! Lalbazar Abhiyan of Left Front to demand speedy punishment of those guilty of rape and murder of a young doctor by RG, removal of police commissioner," the post read. https://x.com/CPIM_WESTBENGAL/status/1834565699961819345 Earlier on September 3, junior doctors also held a protest demanding the resignation of the Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. West Bengal Legislative Assembly LoP Suvendu Adhikari also had written to President of India Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Minister Amit Shah, requesting them to withdraw/forfeit the President's Police Medal and Police Medal conferred upon Vineet Goyal, alleging shameful conduct during the course of investigations into the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College In a post on X, Suvendu Adhikari shared, "I have written a letter to the President of India Droupadi Murmu Ji requesting her to withdraw/forfeit the prestigious President's Police Medal and Police Medal conferred upon Vineet Goyal; IPS, (West Bengal: RR - 1994), presently Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, in connection with his reprehensible, deplorable and shameful conduct during the course of investigations into the rape and murder of the Resident Doctor of RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata." He further alleged that Goyal's complicity in the destruction of material evidence and deliberate inaction during the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on the night of 14th August, 2024 has been well documented in the media. (ANI)
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, was released from Tihar jail on Friday evening, hours after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a corruption case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Kejriwal's lawyers furnished surety bonds in order for the release before the special CBI judge, citing the Supreme Court ruling. Upon his release, the Delhi CM was welcomed by a large crowd of AAP leaders and supporters. Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, and AAP leaders were also present and accompanied Kejriwal to his official residence. The AAP leader held a roadshow from the jail to the CM's residence. "Today I want to say that I have come out of jail and my courage has increased 100 times...The walls of their jail cannot weaken the courage of Kejriwal...I will pray to God to continue showing me the right path, and I will continue fighting against all the powers who are trying to weaken the country and divide the country," Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said, while addressing supporters outside jail. AAP supporters were earlier pictured celebrating outside the CM's residence by bursting crackers. The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Kejriwal, saying prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty. The apex court also put certain conditions on Kejriwal's release, including that he shall not make any public comments about the case and shall be present for all hearings before the trial court unless exempted. Kejriwal was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on March 21 in the case. On May 10 this year, the apex court granted Kejriwal interim bail till June 1 in the money laundering case registered by the ED in connection with the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy, however, ordered that he shall not visit the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat. Following the court's directive, he surrendered on June 2. On June 26, he was arrested by the CBI while in ED custody in the excise case. On July 12, the SC granted Kejriwal interim bail in the ED case but Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court extended Kejriwal's CBI custody. (ANI)
Amid the ongoing row over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, a group of Muslim Social Workers and Islamic Scholars during the meeting in Delhi expressed their support to the government, emphasising that doubting the government's intentions is not appropriate. Talking to ANI, Islamic Scholar Mufti Wajahat Qasmi said that the meeting was called to remove the confusion created by some political parties against the government, saying that the land of Muslims will be snatched away. "The meeting was called regarding the amendment of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. We called the meeting to remove the confusion created by some political parties against the government, saying that the land of Muslims will be snatched away. The meeting was conducted peacefully. We are standing with the government and we should not doubt the intentions of the government. The government is thinking for the needy and poor Muslims. With this bill, Waqf will flourish, Muslims will flourish and so will the country," he said. While addressing the meeting, Qasmi also urged the people to read the bill and then present their views in front of the JPC. "Everyone has their opinions and it can be different. There's no issue. But we should distance ourselves from useless slogans and protests. In the last 10 years, we have protested against the government all the bills introduced by the government without reading them. I just want to say that you must read the bill and present your views in front of JPC. Read the bill, and share your views," he said. "The government doesn't need to be always against us. Waqf's property is Muslim's property. In the last 70 years, none of the people other than Muslims has become the chairman of the Waqf board; then who has captured it? It's not correct to say that the government is always wrong. First, read the bill. It is not correct to say that whatever the government is doing is always wrong," Qasmi added. Another Social activist Mohammad Tahir Ismail told ANI that everyone should express their grievances to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and should doubt the government's intentions. "I think that with this bill, people who are being benefitted by illegally occupying the land of the Waqf Board will be stopped. Everyone should express their grievances to the JPC and should doubt the government's intentions," he said. While addressing the meeting, Ismail said that the actual needy and poor Muslims are not benefiting from the Waqf land. "Encroachers have captured the land of Waqf. The needy Muslims are not benefiting from the land. The land of Waqf is being misused. We want transparency in Waqf and its misuse for personal benefit should be stopped. The actual needy Muslims on the ground level should benefit from Waqf," he said. "We also urge the protesters to talk to the JPC instead of protesting. Do not doubt on the intentions of the government. The government also wants the Waqf land to benefit the Muslims. And instead of just a few people who are benefiting from the Waqf, everyone should be taken care of. We must present our views to JPC. Some people who are protesting, I request them not to misguide the needy and poor Muslims. Present your views properly in front of the government. The government has brought the amendment for the betterment of needy and poor Muslims. The government is in favour of the Muslims," Ismail added. Meanwhile, a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, will be held on September 18, 19 and 20 at the Parliament House Annexe in the capital city of New Delhi, said an official statement from Lok Sabha Secretariat. During the meeting on September 18, representatives from the Ministry of Minority Affairs will record oral evidence before the committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, while, on September 19, the committee will hear the views or suggestions of some experts and stakeholders, such as Prof Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor, Chanakya National Law University, Patna; Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz and All Indian Muslim Personal Law Board, on the bill. The Joint Parliamentary Committee on September 20 will hear the suggestions of All India Sajjadanashin Council, Ajmer, Muslim Rashtriya Manch, Delhi and Bharat First, Delhi, on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. (ANI)
A two-day Rajya Sainik Board Directors' conclave was organised in Shillong to address critical issues of serving personnel and ex-servicemen from the North East region of India, who have consistently brought honour to the nation through their exemplary service. According to an official release, "In recognition of the unique challenges and specific needs of veterans of the North East States, a two-day Rajya Sainik Board Director's Conclave was organised at Shillong by HQ 101 Area for the first time." "The conclave addressed critical issues related to veteran welfare, including SPARSH (System for Pension Administration Raksha), ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme), and resettlement opportunities," said the release. As per the release, the discussions were aimed at refining the approach to ESM welfare, customised to the unique requirements of the North East. Senior officials, including the Secretary of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 101 Area Shillong, the Pension Comptroller of Defence Accounts (Prayagraj), and the Directorate of Resettlement, participated alongside directors from the Rajya Sainik Boards of the North Eastern states. "The conclave will endeavour to identify key challenges and develop actionable solutions to enhance ESM welfare across the region," stated the release. Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed concerns over fresh incidents of violence in Manipur and said the Government of India needs to intervene in this. "The situation that is constantly developing in Manipur is complex because there are people from different communities here, and in a way, history has also given rise to conflicts at many different levels in Manipur. So the current situation has also become quite complex. I believe that the Government of India needs to intervene in this, where we bring a political solution here, where we bring confidence from every community in a way so that we can bring everyone on one platform and decide how to move forward," CM Sangma said. Adding further, he said, "It is very important to bring this thinking, this platform, and this favourable environment, and I believe that no one other than the Government of India will be able to do this." Amid the fresh violence that has engulfed the state of Manipur, the state government has imposed a ban on internet services in the state starting on Tuesday. (ANI)
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between RGBSI and the Tamil Nadu government to establish an advanced electronics and telematics manufacturing unit in Hosur with an investment of Rs 100 crore. The MoU was inked in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday in Chicago, USA. As per an official release from the DIPR, Secretariat in Chennai, "The government of Tamil Nadu is consistently attracting significant private and public sector investments in production and infrastructure development to promote industrial growth across the state." This approach has made Tamil Nadu the leading state in the country in terms of gross enrolment in higher education and has developed a highly skilled and versatile workforce. Tamil Nadu stands out as one of the country's largest production hubs and a knowledge-driven economy. "Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin has set the goal of transforming the state into a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030. Various initiatives are being taken to attract large-scale investments and provide employment opportunities to lakhs of Tamil Nadu's youth, thereby strengthening the state's economy," said the release. Achieving the goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy requires significant investments in bothmanufacturing and service sectors. Equally important is attracting balanced investments in sectors driven by technology and capital, which offer large-scale employment opportunities. With this vision, the Chief Minister Stalin is currently on an official tour of the USA to attractindustrial investments to Tamil Nadu. During this visit, in San Francisco and Chicago, MoUs amounting to Rs 7,516 crore were signed with 17 leading global companies in the presence of Chief Minister Stalin. Additionally, the Chief Minister met with top executives of several leading global companies, inviting them to invest in new industries in Tamil Nadu. Continuing this effort, on September 12, 2024, a MoU was signed with RGBSI in Chicago, in thepresence of the Chief Minister Stalin. RGBSI is a company that provides workforce management, engineering, quality lifecycle management, and IT solutions to various industries. It also offers advanced electronics and technological solutions to multiple sectors. The company's corporate headquarters is located in Troy, Michigan, USA. A MoU was signed with RGBSI to establish an advanced electronics and telematics manufacturing unit in Hosur with an investment of Rs100 crore, in the presence of the Hon'ble Chief Minister. The event was attended by Dr Nanua Singh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RGBSI,Ravikumar, Chairman and Chief Officer, and senior executives from the company. Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce, Thiru TRB Rajaa, Secretary for Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce, Thiru V Arun Roy, IAS, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guidance Tamil Nadu, Thiru V Vishnu, IAS, and senior government officials were also present at the event. (ANI)
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged northwest China's Gansu Province to deepen reform, make innovation, and do solid work to improve the people's well-being and the region's prosperity, to write a Gansu chapter in Chinese modernization.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during an inspection from Tuesday to Friday.

Gansu should take solid steps in improving ecological conservation and restoration, accelerating green and low-carbon transition, further deepening reform and opening up comprehensively, promoting rural revitalization across the board, better securing people's livelihood and strengthening ethnic unity, Xi said during his inspection tour in Gansu Province.

On Tuesday afternoon, Xi visited the Fuxi Temple in Tianshui City, where he learned about the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. The temple is dedicated to Fuxi, a mythical ancestor of the Chinese nation.

It is imperative to protect and pass on the precious cultural heritage, so that the wisdom and creativity of ancestors will constantly inspire future generations and enhance national pride and confidence, Xi said.

On Wednesday morning, Xi listened to the report of a local water diversion project and urged better maintenance and management of the project so that it would play a greater role in improving people's lives.

While visiting a Huaniu apple production base, he emphasized the importance of optimizing cultivation of this variety and innovating marketing models so that this specialty industry will be expanded and more people will increase their incomes through it.

Xi then visited the Maijishan Grottoes, where he carefully inspected the caves, sculptures and paintings that date back over 1,600 years.

He called on cultural relic workers to make greater contributions to promoting the preservation and innovative development of China's traditional culture and enhancing its influence.

On Wednesday afternoon, Xi came to Lanzhou, the provincial capital. At a local residential community, he emphasized the necessity of focusing on the practical needs of residents, especially the elderly and children, and continuously improving community services.

During his visit to retired Party member Li Zongbiao, Xi said that local authorities have worked hard in providing elderly care, healthcare and community services and the work must continue and improve over time.

When speaking to local residents, Xi said 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese people should be more united and make more efforts to create even greater achievements.

He extended his holiday greetings to the residents ahead of this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Sept. 17.

Xi then inspected a section of the Yellow River near the Zhongshan Bridge in Lanzhou and learned about the ecological protection of the country's "mother river." He called for joint efforts in protecting the river so that it will benefit the people forever.

On Friday morning, Xi listened to the work report from the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and the provincial government.

Gansu should promote new-type industrialization, accelerate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, build a significant national manufacturing base for new energy and new-energy-related equipment, and fortify the ecological security in the western part of the country, Xi said.

He stressed the need to deepen reform and expand opening up with greater courage and determination, and to implement the people-centered new urbanization strategy effectively.

Xi emphasized the need to strengthen cultural heritage protection and build the Dunhuang Academy into an example of world cultural heritage protection and a center of Dunhuang studies. He also called for efforts to advance the building of national cultural parks dedicated to the Great Wall, the Long March and the Yellow River.

Efforts should be made to promote social advancement and governance, and lay a solid foundation for common prosperity for people of all ethnic groups, he said.

On his way to Gansu, Xi visited the Baoji Bronze Ware Museum in Baoji City of Shaanxi Province on Tuesday afternoon. He hailed China's bronze civilization and called for better protection, research and promotion of bronze cultural relics. Xi also inspected a local riverside ecological park.

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, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour.

On Thursday morning, Xi met with senior officers and representatives of soldiers and civilian staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops stationed in Lanzhou.
Amid the ongoing protest against the alleged illegally constructed Sanjauli mosque, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh chaired an all-party meeting to take stock of the situation in the state. Addressing a press conference after the meeting the Chief Minister said that all parties are in agreement that Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful state and called for maintaining peace in the region. "All party representatives gave their opinions freely, and everyone believes that Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful state, and no person belonging to any religion has any restrictions to work in the state. But whatever is being done, it should be done under lawful means. Also not to say any statements which incite or harm any religious sentiment," said the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister further read out a proposal which was agreed to during the all-party meeting. The CM read out the statement, "All of us discussed the ongoing issues. All of us are in agreement that Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful state. We appeal to all to maintain peace in the region." The proposal also mentioned that the speaker of the Assembly should constitute a committee to look at a policy for the street vendors in the state. HP Congress Committee chief Pratibha Singh said that she was grateful for the all party meeting called by the CM, and also appealed to the CM to form a committee to regulate and give opportunities to people who come for setting up their businesses outside of the state. "I am grateful to the CM for calling an all-party meeting to know the sentiments of all the parties. All the parties gave their opinion in the meeting. The CM has said that we all have to look after the interests of the state... I have appealed to the HP Assembly Speaker to form a committee for regulating and giving opportunities to all the outsiders who come for small businesses in the state," the Congress leader said. Hindu organisations staged a protest over an alleged illegally constructed mosque in Mandi earlier today. As the crowd tried to bring down the line of barricades, police resorted to firing water cannons to disperse the crowd. Earlier in the day, the Himachal Pradesh Police tightened security and placed barricades in the Jail Road area in Mandi. According to Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma, the heightened security was done following information received by the police of a gathering called by some organisation. The police have also released the stone-pelting video of Wednesday's protest held in Sanjauli over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Shimla. Eight FIRs had been registered so far, and six policemen were injured in the protest, including a woman police officer who had vertebral fractures and is in a serious condition. (ANI)
An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir (J-K), officials said on Friday. "Encounter underway between security forces and terrorists at Pingnal Dugadda forest area, upper reaches of Naidgham village under the jurisdiction of Police Station Chhatroo, district Kishtwar," J-K Police said. Security forces engaged in an exchange of fire with terrorists in the same forest area Friday evening. "Security forces engaged in an exchange of fire with terrorists in the Pingnal Dugadda forest area, located in the upper reaches of Naidgham village, under the jurisdiction of Police Station Chhatroo in Kishtwar district," officials said. Further details are awaited. Meanwhile, two terrorists were neutralised in an ongoing operation at Khandara Kathua by troops from the Rising Star Corps on Friday. "Two terrorists were neutralised in the ongoing operation at Khandara Kathua by troops of the Rising Star Corps. Operations in progress," posted the Rising Star Corps, Indian Army on X. Earlier in the day, security forces busted a terrorist hideout during a joint operation at Surankote town in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Poonch district, police said on Friday. J-K Police, in a statement, said, "On September 12, 2024, on specific information, a joint search operation was launched by Police/Army and CRPF in the general area of Chamerd Surankot in the wee hours." "The area was cordoned off and the target area was searched. During the search, the security forces were fired upon by the hiding militants. However, the fire was retaliated by the security forces. Taking advantage of the thick forest cover, the militants managed to slip away. Additional forces have been pushed in, and the whole area is cordoned off," the police said in their statement." During the search, security forces busted a hideout and recovered some arms, ammunition and eatables," they said, adding that a case has been registered and an investigation taken up. (ANI)
Amid heavy rainfall in the Pithoragarh district, officials on Friday warned of rising water levels in the Kali River and urged the public to avoid travelling near the riverbanks. "Due to continuous rainfall in Pithoragarh district, today, on 13.09.2024, the water level of Kali river has reached a warning level, due to which there is a strong possibility of danger in the areas along the river, for which it is very important to maintain caution, safety and vigilance," the statement by Pithoragarh police read. https://x.com/pithoragarhpol/status/1834560399070429311?s=48 The police also appealed to the people to not travel along the banks of the Kali/Gori river, not to let children go near them, not to allow travel along the bridges due to the increased water levels. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assessed the impact of the heavy downpours across the state during a visit to the State Disaster Operation Centre in Dehradun's IT Park. According to an official release from the Chief Minister's Office, "Chief Minister Dhami enquired about the condition of rain, roads, drinking water, electricity supply and other information from the District Magistrates." The CM has further directed all the district magistrates to keep people safe from areas affected by heavy rains and landslides. He further instructed the officials to keep all officers in alert mode at all times and enquired about the condition of water logging while issuing directions for better drainage arrangements. He also instructed Secretary Disaster Management Vinod Kumar Suman to keep a constant watch on the condition of heavy rains in every district. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning on Thursday for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand over the next three days. According to the IMD, Uttarakhand is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall from September 12 to 14, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are also expected to receive heavy rainfall during this period. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the central government's decision to rename Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as 'Sri Vijaya Puram' on Friday. In a post on X, CM Dhami said that the renaming is dedicated to highlighting the historical importance of the Union Territory and commended the efforts to free the country from "symbols of slavery." "The decision of the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to change the name of Port Blair to 'Sri Vijaya Puram' is extremely welcome. The naming of Sri Vijayapuram is dedicated to highlighting the historical importance and glorious traditions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The efforts to free the country from the symbols of slavery is commendable," he said. "This area has been a witness to the historic moment of hoisting of the tricolour flag by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose as well as the struggle of Veer Savarkar and other freedom fighters," the Chief Minister added. https://x.com/pushkardhami/status/1834567692474568900 Calling it a move inspired by PM Modi's vision to free the nation from the colonial imprints, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the renaming through a post on X earlier in the day. Shah also highlighted the historic importance of the UT and said that it has an "unparalleled place" in freedom struggle and history. "While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the A&N Islands' unique role in the same," Shah wrote in his post. "The island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is today poised to be the critical base for our strategic and development aspirations. It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Ji and also the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar Ji and other freedom fighters struggled for an independent nation," he added. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Police arrested three more accused involved in the assault case on a young Army officer and his friend in Indore district on Friday, a police official said. With this, all the six accused involved in the incident were arrested. Earlier on Wednesday, two accused were arrested while on Thursday one more accused was held. Three more arrested on Friday. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG, Rural) Nimish Agarwal told ANI, "An incident occurred under Badgonda police station limits in Indore rural area in which there were six accused. Three accused who were hidden in the forest were arrested today. Now, a police remand will be sought and they will be questioned further." "A case was registered against the accused under various sections including ransom, robbery and gang rape. In the preliminary interrogation, the accused confessed the crime, and prima facie, two accused were involved in violating the victim. Further investigation into the matter is underway," he added. DIG Agarwal further stated that the women's statements have not yet been recorded and it would be recorded when required. 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 on Thursday, Indore Rural 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. (ANI)
The 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC), Goa, concluded on Friday with remarkable outcomes for India's maritime sector, with deliberation and resolution of over 100 issues from various states. According to an official release, the two-day event saw the resolution of over 80 critical issues between the central government, states, and Union Territories, focused on port infrastructure modernisation, connectivity, statutory compliances, maritime tourism, navigation projects, sustainability, and port security. During the 20th MSDC, over 100 issues from various states were deliberated and successfully resolved. Several new and emerging challenges were also addressed, including the establishment of Places of Refuge (PoR) for ships in distress, the development of radioactive detection equipment (RDE) infrastructure at ports to enhance security, and the facilitation of seafarers by recognising them as key essential workers, ensuring better working conditions and access to shore leave. Additionally, the meeting discussed the implementation of a state ranking framework and a port ranking system to foster healthy competition and drive performance improvements across India's maritime sector. The meeting was graced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, MoS Shantanu Thakur, Minister of Captain of Ports, Government of Goa Aleixo Sequeira, LG Andaman & Nicobar Devendra Kumar Joshi, and various other dignitaries. Emphasising the significance of MSDC's contribution, Union Minister Sonowal said, "The MSDC has been instrumental in aligning policies and initiatives like the Indian Ports Bill and the Sagarmala program. By resolving key issues between the Central Government, states, and maritime boards, the Council has ensured the seamless development of India's maritime infrastructure, enabling coastal states to capitalize on emerging opportunities." "The MSDC's efforts over the past two decades have facilitated the growth of over 50 non-major ports, which now handle more than 50 per cent of India's annual cargo. As major ports approach saturation, these non-major ports will play a crucial role in the future of India's maritime sector," he added. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Indian maritime sector is growing like never before. Recently, PM Narendra Modi Ji laid the foundation stone of India's 13th major port worth Rs 76,220 crores at Vadhavan in Maharashtra on August 30, 2024. The government has also designated Galathea Bay in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a 'Major Port'. This Rs 44,000 crore project will be developed under a public-private partnership model and aims to capture transshipped cargo currently handled outside India. The first phase is expected to be operational by 2029," added Sonowal. The release mentioned that the Sagarmala program, approved by the Union Cabinet in 2015, envisions a total of 839 projects with an estimated investment of Rs 5.79 lakh crore, slated for completion by 2035. Out of these, 262 projects amounting to approximately Rs 1.40 lakh crore have already been completed, while another 217 projects, valued at around Rs 1.65 lakh crore, are currently under active implementation. These projects span multiple sectors and involve the coordinated efforts of central ministries, state governments, major ports, and various other agencies, reflecting a comprehensive approach to transforming India's maritime infrastructure, it added. MoS Shantanu said, "India's maritime sector stands at a pivotal moment of transformation. Through the initiatives launched at the MSDC, we are not only advancing infrastructure and safety but also creating an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and growth. The inclusion of digital platforms and enhanced ease of doing business initiatives are key steps in making India a leader in global maritime trade. The future of India's maritime landscape is bright". Further, in a major initiative to further improve the ease of doing business in the maritime sector, the MSDC launched the National Safety in Ports Committee (NSPC) application on the National Single Window System platform. According to the release, this application will streamline regulatory processes, improving efficiency and reducing costs for stakeholders. The platform allows for real-time performance monitoring, which will significantly enhance the operational efficiency of various departments through well-coordinated information sharing. The plans for a Mega Shipbuilding Park, spanning multiple states, were discussed during the MSDC meeting. This ambitious initiative aims to consolidate shipbuilding capabilities across regions, fostering greater efficiency and innovation. By integrating resources and expertise from various states, the park is set to become a key hub for the maritime sector, driving growth and reinforcing India's position on the global shipbuilding stage, the release added. Additionally, the launch of the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) marks a significant milestone. This specialised platform will offer merit-based and industry-governed solutions to resolve maritime disputes efficiently, addressing the multi-modal, multi-contract, multi-jurisdictional, and multi-national nature of maritime transactions. IIMDRC positions India as a global hub for arbitration, aligning with the "Resolve in India" initiative. Another noteworthy launch was the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC), a policy think tank designed to bring together maritime stakeholders currently operating in silos. IMC will foster innovation, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning, driving growth and development across India's maritime sector. A historic highlight of the event was the keel laying ceremony for India's largest dredger, a 12,000 Cu. M. Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), at Cochin Shipyard Limited, built in collaboration with IHC Holland. This is the first time a dredger of such magnitude is being constructed in India, marking a monumental achievement for the country's maritime infrastructure. As per the release, several maritime boards presented cutting-edge innovations during the MSDC. The Kerala Maritime Board showcased its innovative techniques for monetising dredging efforts, while the Gujarat Maritime Board shared a case study on port-driven urban development initiatives. The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board presented a comprehensive maritime development masterplan, and the Indian Coast Guard demonstrated a successful case study on the Maersk Frankfurt Fire rescue operation. The Council also discussed the State Ranking Framework, which aims to promote healthy competition, performance enhancement, and sustainable practices among coastal states. A working group will be established to determine the parameters and weightage for evaluating and ranking states based on key maritime and regulatory metrics. Union Minister Sonowal also shed light on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, which will serve as an international tourist destination, showcasing India's rich maritime heritage through advanced technology. The NMHC will see international collaborations with 25 countries, with signed MoUs from Portugal, UAE, and Vietnam, and MoU signings with France, Norway, Iran, and Myanmar in advanced stages. Maharashtra and Gujarat have already developed their state pavilions for NMHC, and coastal states are encouraged to participate and showcase their maritime heritage. The 20th MSDC meeting has set a strong agenda for the future, ensuring that India's maritime sector continues to grow, contributing significantly to the nation's economy and solidifying its position in the global maritime landscape. (ANI)
DIG Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Manish Kumar Sachar visited Thangkanphai village in Kangpokpi district of Manipur and Songpehjang relief camp in Saikul Hilltown and interacted with representatives of the Kuki community. While speaking to ANI, DIG Sachar said that over 100 families are living in the relief camp, and they don't have any demand except to get back to their normal lives. "This is a relief camp in Kangpokpi district where around 100 families are living...They are living peacefully...But our objective is that all these families return to their homes as soon as possible and restart their lives...We are identifying their farms and taking them there...They are all living peacefully...They don't have any demand except getting back to their normal life...They want that there should not be any attack on them or any life threat to them," he said. Earlier on September 11, DIG Sachar said that the situation was fully under control a day after fresh violence erupted in Manipur. He said that forces are strongly giving befitting replies to the miscreants. "The Central Reserve Police Force, Assam Rifles, and commandos of Manipur police have been deployed at Gamgiphai, the interstate state checkpost border of Kangpokpi district, which is a (Kuki area) and West Imphal District (Meitei Area) in Manipur," DIG Sachar told ANI. "Forces are regularly checking at this naka to ensure no unauthorised entry of any man or produce. The situation is fully under control. Small incidents are taking place on the outskirts, which are being tackled by our forces and strongly giving befitting replies to the miscreants, " he added. Meanwhile, on September 12, the Indian Army, and Manipur Police, in a joint operation with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force, recovered significant quantities of arms, ammunition, and other warlike stores in the Churachandpur district. 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. (ANI)
Emotions ran high as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal returned to his residence on Civil Lines Road after being released from Tihar jail on Friday night. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, visibly elated with the return of their chief, joined his family in a heartfelt welcome. His parents and wife, Sunita Kejriwal, greeted him with Aarti and garlands, marking a joyous reunion. The atmosphere was charged with celebration as Arvind Kejriwal's supporters and senior leaders of the party, including Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Bhagwant Mann, embraced him warmly. Kejriwal held a roadshow from Chandgiram Akhara to his official residence after being released from the Tihar jail and said, "The prison walls have increased my courage 100 times. My life is dedicated to the country. Every drop of my blood is dedicated to my country. God has always supported me. Why did God support me? Because I was truthful, I was right; I served the people; I fought for the country; that is why God is with me." "I express my gratitude to the countrymen who prayed for my release. Some people in the country, anti-national forces, want to weaken the country, want to divide the country. Today judges are being threatened. Attempts are being made to weaken the Election Commission. We have to fight against this. My fault is not that I have committed corruption, my fault is that I have spoken against such anti-national forces. I will continue to fight against such forces," he added. He was released from Tihar Jail on Friday evening, hours after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a corruption case related to the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scam. Kejriwal's lawyers furnished surety bonds for his release before the special CBI judge, citing the Supreme Court ruling. Upon his release, Kejriwal was welcomed by a large crowd of AAP leaders and supporters outside the Tihar jail. His supporters celebrated outside his residence with firecrackers. The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Kejriwal, saying prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty. The apex court also put certain conditions on Kejriwal's release, including that he shall not make any public comments about the case and shall be present for all hearings before the trial court unless exempted. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in connection with the case. On May 10, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail till June 1 in the money laundering case registered by the ED in connection with the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy. However, the court ordered that he should not visit the Office of the Chief Minister or the Delhi Secretariat. In compliance with this directive, he surrendered on June 2. On June 26, he was arrested by the CBI while in ED custody in the excise case. On July 12, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail in the ED case, but Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court extended his CBI custody. (ANI)
The Assam Cabinet led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced key decisions for the state, including the transfer of illegal trading scam cases to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), partnering with Dassault to develop skilled professionals in aerospace, and launching a fresh recruitment drive for teachers, among other initiatives. Taking to his official handle on microblogging site X, the Assam Chief Minister posted, "In today's meeting of the Assam Cabinet, we have taken some landmark decisions. This includes handing over the illegal trading scam cases to the CBI, and withdrawing 81,000 petty cases to decongest our prisons, collaboration with Dassault to build trained manpower in Aerospace." "We have also decided to revamp Assam Zoo at a cost of Rs 362 crore, Rs 218 crore for a new flyover in Guwahati and a stadium in Kokrajhar, a new drive to recruit 4,669 teachers and the purchase of 100 MW of clean wind-solar hybrid power," read the post by Assam CM. After the cabinet meeting, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed a press meeting and spoke about the key decisions of the cabinet, saying, "The Assam Cabinet has decided to hand over cases pertaining to the fraudulent stock market scam to the CBI. A new SoP will be issued allowing police to take suo-moto action in such cases in the future." Adding further, CM Sarma said, "Today's cabinet has approved 25,238 beneficiaries under the CMAAA scheme and they will get Rs 2 lakh each, they will not have to return Rs 1 lakh (Subsidy) and Rs 1 lakh (an interest-free loan for 5 years). From November 3 we will provide the amount to the newly selected beneficiaries." "The cabinet has also approved Rs 107 crore for one stadium in Kokrajhar, and Rs 111 crore for a new flyover in Guwahati," added CM Sarma. The Assam Chief Minister also spoke about the new recruitment drive for teachers in the state and said, "During the Congress regime, contractual teachers were appointed with a salary of Rs 12,000. In 2021, we extended the retirement age up to 60 years and near regularisation. Today the state cabinet has opened a pathway to regularise 4,669 teachers. For 10 days, the education department will publish an advertisement." "We will start the flagship scheme Orunodoi 3.0 on September 19 this year. There will be 12.60 lakh new beneficiaries of the Orunodoi scheme. From September 19, our government will provide ration cards to 17 lakh new beneficiaries," added CM Sarma. Earlier two people died while seven others were injured after police resorted to firing to control a mob who attacked police personnel and government officials during the eviction drive in the Kamrup (Metro) district of Assam, said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Sarma said on Thursday that the eviction drive was conducted peacefully, but the situation became "worse" after Congress' interruption. Around 22 police personnel and a revenue circle officer were injured in the incident that took place in the Sonapur area of Kamrup (Metro) district on Thursday. On Thursday, Nitul Khataniar, Circle Officer of Sonapur Revenue Circle, who was also injured in the mob attack, told ANI over the phone that, when they reached the spot, around 1500 people 'gheraoed' them from two sides and started pelting stones and attacking the team. Earlier, the Kamrup (Metro) district administration had conducted an eviction drive in that area against the illegal encroachers. (ANI)
Punjab Police's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) on Friday arrested a drug inspector for his alleged involvement in facilitating drug smuggling operations connected to illegal pharmaceuticals and medical stores and laundering the drug money in the benami accounts in the names of his relatives. The development came about a month after Punjab Police frozen 24 bank accounts--with a total amount reaching to Rs 7.09 crores--linked to the accused drug inspector, besides seizing huge cash and foreign currency during a series of coordinated raids conducted at different locations in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. In addition to this, two bank lockers were also seized. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said that following a combination of advanced technical surveillance and human intelligence, police teams from ANTF, headed by Special DGP Kuldeep Singh, have apprehended a drug inspector, identified as Shishan Mittal from Aerocity in SAS Nagar. He said that that preliminary investigation suggested that the accused drug inspector had been regularly in touch with drug smugglers lodged inside the jail and facilitated their drug network outside. Probe also found that the accused drug inspector was travelling to foreign countries frequently without taking permission from the government or availing of ex-India leave, he added. This successful operation by the ANTF reflects its strategic approach to tackling complex criminal networks, said the DGP, while adding that further investigations are ongoing in this case. Permanently, in a notable judicial development, Mittal's anticipatory bail application was recently rejected by the session court, further underscoring the severity of the charges against him. Sharing more details, Special DGP Kuldeep Singh said that the ANTF has recovered Rs 1.49 crores in cash, 260 grammes of gold and 515 dirhams. Furthermore, substantial assets acquired through the proceeds of illegal activities were identified, including flats valued at Rs. 2 crores in Zirakpur and Rs. 40 lakhs in Dabwali, among many others, he added. A case FIR no. 121/2024 had already been registered under section 29 (conspire or abet the commission of offences related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances) and 59 (a public servant who wilfully supports or abets drug smugglers, or neglects their duties concerning the enforcement of drug laws, can be subjected to severe penalties, including imprisonment) of the NDPS Act and section 111 (organised crime) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in this regard. (ANI)
Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring justice is served as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police, in coordination with Central Agencies, has successfully deported fugitive Amritpal Singh, a resident of Village Bhoma in Batala, from Austria to face charges in numerous heinous crimes. Singh landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi at 7 am on Friday and was taken into custody by the Batala Police. "After tireless efforts by @PunjabPoliceInd in coordination with central agencies, Amritpal Singh, resident of Village Bhoma, PS Ghuman, has been successfully deported from Austria to India to face charges in numerous serious criminal cases," informed the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav in a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter). Accused Amritpal Singh is a proclaimed offender (PO) staying illegally in Austria. DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the deported accused has been involved in various heinous crimes, including murder, attempted murder, drug offences, and violations under the Arms Act. His deportation is a significant step towards ensuring justice for the victims, he added. The DGP commended the strenuous efforts of the entire team of Batala Police led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Batala Suhail Qasim Mir and the Internal Security Wing of Punjab Police for bringing fugitive Amritpal Singh back to India to face justice. Sharing more details, SSP Batala Suhail Qasim Mir said the accused, Amritpal Singh, who was declared PO in several cases, had fled to Austria via Dubai and Serbia in 2022 and had been evading arrest since then. The latter had also applied for political asylum there, he added. "After sustained efforts and cooperation with the international authorities, Punjab Police has ensured his repatriation to India to face justice", said the SSP. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir's Doda on Saturday to address a public rally for the BJP for the upcoming assembly elections, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Friday. Jitendra Singh visited the venue on Friday evening to review preparations for the public meeting on September 14. https://x.com/DrJitendraSingh/status/1834587850282864873 The elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled for September 18, September 25, and October 1, with counting set for October 8. Singh noted that this will be the first visit by a Prime Minister to Doda in nearly 50 years. "There is a lot of excitement among the public as PM Modi has given priority to remote areas...In the past 10 years, a lot of development has taken place in Doda...No Prime Minister has visited Doda in the past 50 years. But after the visit of PM Modi, a message will go that PM Modi has worked a lot, bringing remote areas on par with developed areas," he said while speaking to ANI. On PM Modi's vision of 'Naya Kashmir,' Singh said, "There has been significant progress. The number of startups has increased from 30 to around 850-900." Regarding the BJP's performance, Singh said, "We will comfortably win all the seats in the first phase of the polls." He also criticised previous Congress and coalition governments for neglecting the region, adding, "In the last 11 years, the area has transformed. It now takes just 2-3 hours to reach Jammu, which was previously impossible, thanks to new road networks through the villages." These elections are the first assembly polls in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. Jammu and Kashmir has 90 Assembly constituencies, including 7 reserved for SCs and 9 reserved for STs. According to the Election Commission of India, there are 8.806 million eligible voters in the region. According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible voters. In the previous Assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won 28 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 25, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) won 15, and the Congress won 12. (ANI)
After the Supreme Court granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal in an alleged money laundering case, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini described Delhi's CM as someone who is "stuck in the mire of corruption." "Kejriwal is stuck in the mire of corruption. It is not Aam Aadmi but Akela Aadmi Party." On the upcoming Haryana election, CM Saini exuded confidence in forming the government with a full majority. "We will form the government for the third term in the state with full majority. I congratulate the candidates for filing their nominations. I appeal to the people of the state to vote for the BJP for the development of the state." On PM Narendra Modi's visit to Kurukshetra, CM Saini said, "Tomorrow PM Modi will be coming to Kurukshetra to commence the election campaign. A large number of people will be coming here to listen to the PM. Meanwhile, Delhi CM was released from Tihar jail, hours after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a corruption case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, and AAP leaders were also present and accompanied Kejriwal to his official residence. The AAP leader held a roadshow from the jail to the CM's residence. "Today I want to say that I have come out of jail and my courage has increased 100 times...The walls of their jail cannot weaken the courage of Kejriwal...I will pray to God to continue showing me the right path, and I will continue fighting against all the powers who are trying to weaken the country and divide the country," Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said while addressing supporters outside the jail. Kejriwal was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on March 21 in the case. On May 10 this year, the apex court granted Kejriwal interim bail till June 1 in the money laundering case registered by the ED in connection with the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy, however, ordered that he shall not visit the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat. Following the court's directive, he surrendered on June 2. On June 26, he was arrested by the CBI while in ED custody in the excise case. On July 12, the SC granted Kejriwal interim bail in the ED case but Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court extended Kejriwal's CBI custody. (ANI)
Bharat Rashtra Samiti MLA Harish Rao on Friday accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of 'causing the collapse' of law and order in the state. Harish Rao criticism came after Congress leader Arekaupudi Gandhi's followers allegedly attacked BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy's residence. At a media briefing, Rao said, "Revanth Reddy is solely responsible for the breakdown of law and order in Telangana. It's disgraceful that after contributing to this collapse, he now speaks about Hyderabad and Telangana's brand image.Who provided security for MLA Gandhi to carry out attacks? Wasn't it Revanth Reddy and the DGP? Why were the attacks not stopped yesterday?" Rao alleged that the attack on Kaushik Reddy was 'orchestrated' by CM Reddy. "When our MLA was attacked under police protection, where was Revanth's concern for law and order? Why didn't the DGP act? DGP, why didn't you take action? This wasn't just Gandhi's attack--it was orchestrated by Revanth Reddy.Today, we were placed under house arrest. Why wasn't Gandhi placed under house arrest yesterday? Revanth Reddy and the DGP are responsible for yesterday's attack. After causing the damage, they are now trying to cover it up," Rao said. "Is there any law and order left in the state? Ten days have passed, and no cases have been filed against those who attacked us in Khammam. When we went to file a complaint, we were arrested, dragged around for hours, and taken into the forests of Mahbubnagar," Reddy added. Kaushik Reddy was put under house arrest after war of words escalated between him and Gandhi, commenting on that Rao said, "We exercised restraint to protect Telangana's reputation and maintain the dignity of the police. Since yesterday evening, our party's MLAs, MLCs, leaders, and workers have been placed under house arrest across the state. Police are making threatening phone calls, intimidating people into reporting to police stations." "Is this oppression acceptable? Your house arrests only strengthen our resolve.The situation in the state is worse than during the Emergency. If those in power have crooked minds, how can things be better at the lower levels? Revanth Reddy continues to use vulgar, offensive language, while lecturing YouTube channels on morality. If you lead by example, others will follow," Rao said. "Everyone knows how poorly Revanth Reddy treated the police in the past and the derogatory comments he made about them. I urge the DGP and the police not to blindly follow Revanth Reddy but to act with discretion and follow the law," he added. (ANI)
A total of 1561 candidates have filed their nominations for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections that are scheduled to be held on October 5. Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal said on Friday that 1561 candidates from different political parties and independent candidates have filed 1747 nomination papers, which have been scrutinised. Agarwal said that candidates who have filed nominations for the elections can withdraw their nominations until September 16. After this date, the final list of candidates for the 90 assembly constituencies of the state will be published, and on the same day, the election symbols will also be allotted by the concerned returning officers, he added. In the 2014 Haryana Assembly elections, 1351 candidates had contested, whereas in the 2019 Assembly elections, this number was 961. As per the release, Bhiwani Assembly constituency has the highest number of 31 candidates, while Nangal Chaudhary Assembly constituency has the lowest with 9 candidates. It further stated that 14 candidates each have filed nominations from Kalka and Panchkula Assembly constituencies, 15 from Naraiangarh, 16 from Ambala Cantt, 15 each from Ambala City and Mulana (Reserved), 11 from Sadhaura (Reserved), 16 each from Jagadhri and Yamunanagar, 13 from Radaur, 24 from Ladwa, 17 from Shahabad (Reserved), 14 from Thanesar, 17 from Pehowa, 20 from Guhla (Reserved), 23 from Kalayat, 16 from Kaithal, and 28 from Pundri. Further, 23 candidates from Nilokheri (Reserved), 10 from Indri, 17 from Karnal, 12 from Gharaunda, 22 from Assandh, 16 from Panipat (Rural), 17 from Panipat (Urban), 13 from Israna (Reserved), 12 from Samalkha, 15 from Ganaur, 18 from Rai, 15 from Kharkhoda (Reserved), 16 from Sonipat, 18 from Gohana, 11 from Baroda, 16 from Julana, 22 from Safidon, 21 from Jind, 30 from Uchana Kalan, and 18 from Narwana (Reserved) have filed nominations, the release mentioned. According to the Haryana CEO, 17 candidates have filed nominations from Tohana, 27 from Fatehabad, 18 from Ratia (Reserved), 12 from Kalanwali (Reserved), 20 from Dabwali, 23 from Rania, 18 from Sirsa, 14 from Ellenabad, 18 from Adampur, 11 from Uklana (Reserved), 25 from Narnaund, 23 from Hansi, 14 from Barwala, 26 from Hisar, 25 from Nalwa, 18 from Loharu, 19 from Badhra, 23 from Dadri, 22 from Tosham, and 19 from Bawani Khera (Reserved). He further said that 24 candidates have filed nominations from Meham Assembly constituency, 12 from Garhi-Sampla-Kiloi, 21 from Rohtak, 15 from Kalanaur (Reserved), 19 from Bahadurgarh, 10 from Badli, 13 from Jhajjar (Reserved), 15 from Beri, 14 from Ateli, 21 from Mahendergarh, 17 from Narnaul, 13 from Bawal (Reserved), 23 from Kosli, 17 from Rewari, 12 from Pataudi (Reserved), 19 from Badshahpur, 24 each from Gurgaon and Sohna, 11 from Nuh, 13 from Firozpur Jhirka, 11 from Punhana, 13 from Hathin, 18 from Hodal (Reserved), 16 from Palwal, 19 from Prithla, 16 from Faridabad NIT, 15 from Badkhal, 11 from Ballabgarh, 12 from Faridabad, and 15 candidates from Tigaon have filed nominations. Haryana is expected to witness a triangular fight between the ruling BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party. AAP and Congress had fought the Lok Sabha election together in Haryana and Delhi and talks were being held for seat-sharing for assembly polls in Haryana. While the Congress is learnt to be willing to give 4-5 seats, AAP is learnt to be insisting on at least 10 seats. However, the seat-sharing talks between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party for the assembly polls broke down on with the ruling party in Delhi coming out with its first list of 20 candidates. Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5. Votes will be counted on October 8 along with that in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)
After the centre renamed Port Blair as 'Sri Vijaya Puram' on Friday, Union Minister JP Nadda said that the decision to rename the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar marks a significant step towards embracing a future free from colonial imprints. Union Minister Nadda said that the decision embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of erasing colonial legacies and reclaiming the country's historical identity. Taking to his social media handle on X, JP Nadda posted, "The decision to rename Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram embodies PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji's vision of erasing colonial legacies and reclaiming our historical identity." JP Nadda said the previous name carried echoes of colonial rule, whereas the new name, Sri Vijaya Puram, will honour the bravery and sacrifices of India's freedom fighters who struggled to break free from colonial domination. "The previous name carried echoes of colonial rule, but every mention of Sri Vijaya Puram will now serve as a tribute to the resilience and sacrifices of our freedom fighters who fought to dismantle the shackles of colonial oppression. This renaming marks a significant step towards embracing a future free from colonial imprints," read the post. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that Andaman and Nicobar Island's capital, Port Blair, has been renamed as "Sri Vijaya Puram." Shah said that the earlier name of the city had a colonial legacy, while the new name symbolises the victory achieved in the freedom struggle. "Inspired by the vision of PM Narendra Modi Ji to free the nation from the colonial imprints, today we have decided to rename Port Blair as 'Sri Vijaya Puram.' While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the A&N Islands' unique role in the same," the Home Minister posted on X. "Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an unparalleled place in our freedom struggle and history. The island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is today poised to be the critical base for our strategic and development aspirations. It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Ji and also the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar Ji and other freedom fighters struggled for an independent nation," he added. President of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators, Mohan Vinod, thanked the Union government for renaming Port Blair to 'Sri Vijaya Puram' on Friday. Vinod expressed heartfelt gratitude and said, "This historic decision is a game-changer for our tourism industry. The new name, Sri Vijay Puram, will not only boost tourism but also preserve the rich history and cultural heritage of our islands." He praised the government's efforts in recognising the significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and taking steps to promote its unique identity. He also said that the name had been attached to the Britishers for a long time, but now that legacy has been left behind. "For a long time, our capital's name was attached to the Britishers, but now it has been changed to the name of a warrior. For that, I thank the Prime Minister and Home Minister," he added. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also welcomed the central government's decision to rename Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as 'Sri Vijaya Puram' on Friday. In a post on X, CM Dhami said that the renaming is dedicated to highlighting the historical importance of the Union Territory and commended the efforts to free the country from "symbols of slavery." Andaman and Nicobar Islands BJP Vice President Sanjay Kumar Singh also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the decision to rename Port Blair, as 'Sri Vijaya Puram' and dubbed the decision a testament to the government's commitment to preserving India's cultural heritage and honouring its freedom fighters. He also praised the leadership and dedication of PM Modi and Shah in making this "historic gesture" a reality. (ANI)
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Gujarat, Additional Commissioner of Police, Sector-1, Neeraj Kumar, said on Friday that more than 2500 police officials will be deployed during the flagging off ceremony of the second phase of the Metro Rail Extension on September 16. Kumar said that diversions will be made properly, ensuring that the public does not face any traffic problems. "Proper checking is being done by the police. CCTV monitoring is being done. More than 2500 police officials will be deployed...Diversions will be made to ensure that the public does not face any traffic problems," he said. Gujarat is set to witness a monumental leap in its public transportation infrastructure with the launch of the much-awaited Metro Rail Extension, an official release statement said.This project, developed by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat and the Government of India, will further expand the metro network, linking key locations between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar like GNLU, PDEU, Gift City, Raysan, Randesan, Dholakuva, Infocity and Sector-1. The extension will boost connectivity between the two cities but also redefine urban mobility in the region with faster, safer, and more affordable travel options for citizens. Prime Minister Modi will flag off the second phase of the Metro on September 16, 2024, marking the official commencement of operations. This new phase, stretching from Motera to Gandhinagar's Sector-1, will connect crucial hubs such as GIFT City, infusing new dynamism into the regional economy by facilitating easy access for professionals, students, and tourists. This phase spans up to 21 kilometres, covering a total of eight new stations initially, providing seamless and efficient transportation services to both residential and commercial areas. The current Metro Rail Extension will offer affordability and time efficiency. With the continuous rise in fuel prices and increased traffic congestion, the Metro stands out as the most economical and reliable form of public transport available. According to the release, the Metro's new stations will bring major social and economic benefits to the region, particularly with the expansion of commercial centres around GIFT City and Infocity. Professionals working in these areas will now have a fast and affordable commute option, which will increase productivity and support the growth of businesses in the region. The Metro Rail Extension is expected to boost real estate development around the new stations. As connectivity improves, the demand for housing and commercial spaces in the surrounding areas will rise, creating opportunities for new investments and driving urban growth. By connecting key urban areas and providing an affordable means of transport, the Metro will also play a significant role in improving the quality of life for residents. The savings in time and money for commuters, as well as the reduced reliance on personal vehicles, will have long-lasting effects on the health, well-being, and financial security of the population. (ANI)
The Indian army cordoned off the Kishtawar area in Jammu and Kashmir after four soldiers were killed in an encounter with the terrorists on Friday evening. A local resident of the area confirmed that the Indian Army has cordoned off the area as the situation remains grim. Thakur Rangeel Singh, a local resident of the area, speaking to ANI, said, "Around 3-3:30 we got to know that an encounter broke. We got to know that four of the Indian army soldiers had been injured. The situation is quite tense here, and the area has been cordoned off by the Indian Army.""Based on the intelligence inputs, a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched in area Chatroo at Kishtwar. A contact has been established with the terrorists at 1530 hrs. In the ensuing firefight, four army personnel have been injured. The operation is in progress," posted White Knight Corps of Indian Army on X.According to Indian Army officials, "Four Indian Army soldiers have been injured in the ongoing encounter with terrorists in Kishtwar. One of the injured has been evacuated to the nearby Command Hospital for treatment, while three are being treated locally.""The security forces have cordoned off the area and operations are still going on. More details awaited," said the officials.Security has been heightened in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar following the encounter between security forces and terrorists in the upper reaches of Naidgham village. (ANI)
Union Minister and BJP national President JP Nadda on Friday paid floral tribute to late Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury at his residence in Delhi's Vasant Kunj. Remembering Yechury, Nadda said that he maintained relationships with those whose views differed from his own."Paid floral tribute to the mortal remains of Former Rajya Sabha MP and General Secretary of the CPI (M) late Shri Sitaram Yechury ji. We both had different ideologies. He was a person more inclined towards ideas, but at the same time, he maintained relationships with those whose views differed from his own. He believed in agreeing to disagree and often said that this is the beauty of democracy," Nadda wrote in a post on X. "May God grant him eternal peace and give his family the strength to endure this pain," he added. Reflecting on his memories of the late CPI(M) leader, Nadda said he was very firm in his ideas and he devoted his whole life to propagating those ideas but being a social person, we can never forget his personal relationship and humanistic approach. "My friend Sitaram Yechury is no more among us... Sitaram Yechury used to come to Himachal from JNU to propagate his ideology and I have known him since then. We both belonged to different ideologies. He was very firm in his ideas and he devoted his whole life to propagate those ideas but being a social person we can never forget his personal relationship, humanistic approach. So I can say that he was a person who was more inclined towards ideas but at the same time, he also maintained relations with those people of the society who were different from his ideology. He believed that we agree to disagree and he used to say that this is the beauty of democracy. May God give him a place in his feet and give strength to all the members of his family to bear this grief," Nadda told ANI. Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, among other leaders, also arrived at Yechury's residence to pay their last respects."Everybody is in grief. It is a big loss for his party, friends and family...We are there with the family in this hour of grief...He was a man of conviction, who stood by his ideas and ideals and was fully committed to what he believed in. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.," Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said while speaking to the media.Expressing grief over Yechury's death, CPI leader D Raja said that it was a big loss for the communist left movement in the country. "It is a great loss for the entire communist left movement in the country. We had a very long association, for decades. We worked together closely, he left us but his life will remain with us as a source of inspiration. His legacy will be carried forward," CPI leader D Raja said. Yechury's mortal remains were taken to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from AIIMS on Friday afternoon. Yechury was admitted to the AIIMS, Delhi, on August 19, 2024. He had been first admitted to the emergency ward and then shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 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. (ANI)
The White Knight Corps confirmed the news on X, along with pictures of the soldiers.

"#GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of the #Bravehearts; offer deepest condolences to the families," the White Knight Corps wrote on X.

https://x.com/Whiteknight_IA/status/1834646254342533429

Two other Army soldiers were also injured in the encounter and are undergoing treatment.

Security has been heightened in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar following the encounter between security forces and terrorists in the upper reaches of Naidgham village.

Earlier, a local resident of the area said that the situation remains grim in Kishtwar.Thakur Rangeel Singh, a local resident of the area, speaking to ANI, said, "Around 3-3:30 we got to know that an encounter broke. We got to know that four of the Indian army soldiers had been injured. The situation is quite tense here, and the area has been cordoned off by the Indian Army." (ANI)
UN marks South-South Cooperation Day, calling for building more equitable world

Xinhua) 08:37, September 13, 2024

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press at the UN headquarters in New York, on July 25, 2024. (Mark Garten/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

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."

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.

Philemon Yang, president of the 79th session of UN General Assembly, speaks at the first plenary meeting of the 79th session of UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 10, 2024. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

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.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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% 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.
The US State Department imposed sanctions on China-based firms, for their supply to Pakistan's ballistic missile program under the missile sanctions laws on Thursday. "The Department of State is taking action against five entities and one individual that have been involved in the proliferation of ballistic missiles and controlled missile equipment and technology. Specifically, the Department of State is designating the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB) pursuant to Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a press statement. Notably, RIAMB has worked with Pakistan's National Development Complex (NDC), -which the United States assesses is involved in the development and production of Pakistan's long-range ballistic missiles. "Additionally, the United States is imposing sanctions under the missile sanctions laws (i.e., the Arms Export Control Act [AECA] and the Export Control Reform Act [ECRA]) on three PRC-based entities, one PRC individual, and a Pakistani entity for ballistic missile proliferation activities: PRC-based firms Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Company, Universal Enterprise Limited, and Xi'an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (aka Lontek); PRC individual Luo Dongmei (aka Steed Luo); and Pakistani-based entity Innovative Equipment," the press statement read further. The State Department spokesperson further added that the US 'will continue to act' against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur. "These sanctions are being imposed because these entities and individual knowingly transferred equipment and technology controlled under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex, in support of MTCR Category I missile programs, to a non-MTCR country," he said in a statement. The US had designated four entities targeting proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery previously as well. These entities too had supplied missile-applicable items to Pakistan's ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile program. The entities included Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant, which has worked to supply special vehicle chassis to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program. It further imposed sanctions on three Chinese entities, including, "Xi'an Longde Technology Development Company Limited", "Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd" and "Granpect Company Limited." Emphasising the US imposing sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan's Ballistic Missile Program, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel had, in April said, "We're going to continue to disrupt and take actions against proliferation networks and concerning weapons of mass destruction procurement activities wherever they may occur...Just let me say, broadly, we advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions. But ultimately, the government of Pakistan can speak to their own foreign policy pursuits." Responding to a question on the reason behind these sanctions, Patel while addressing the presser, stated "The sanctions were made because these were entities that were proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and the means of their delivery." He said that these entities were based in China and Belarus. (ANI)
Dubai [UAE], September 13 (ANI/WAM): The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), in collaboration with ETHER by Cloud Spaces, has launched six innovative brands owned by Emirati female entrepreneurs. This initiative is part of a strategic partnership between the two entities designed to empower women in the retail sector, both locally and internationally. The partnership, which commenced a year ago, has successfully launched 18 home grown brands to date in three batches, offering Emirati women entrepreneurs a platform to enter the competitive retail space. By showcasing their unique products at the ETHER store in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, these entrepreneurs are reaching broader audiences and cementing their presence in key commercial markets across the UAE. Nema F. Al Aghbari, Marketing & Membership Manager at the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, said, "The launch of the third round of Abu Dhabi based female-owned startups highlights our unwavering commitment to fostering the growth of women in business. We're very proud of the work they've done thus far, these entrepreneurs are entering innovative and sustainable fields, contributing fresh perspectives to the market. Notably, our partnership with ETHER by Cloud Spaces has been vital in providing them with the tools and guidance needed to excel. The new brands unveiled at the ETHER shop are a testament to the endless creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of our female entrepreneurs in Abu Dhabi. We're delighted to not only celebrate the launch of the six brands, but also celebrate the diverse talents and passions of their female founders." Malak Smejkalova, Senior Director of Innovation at ETHER by Cloud Spaces, commented, "The newly launched brands, which were unveiled at the ETHER shop, are a testament to the creativity and drive of female entrepreneurs right here in Abu Dhabi. I am in awe of the hard work and dedication this amazing group of women are putting in. We look forward to welcoming guests into ETHER to view the new collections, we have everything from handmade candles to fabrics to plant-based, sustainable beauty products." (ANI/WAM)
This statement was made during his attendance at the third edition of the Al Bader Festival and the Prophet's birthday celebration, held at the Fujairah Creative Centre.

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the support and directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, in advancing cultural initiatives across the emirate. These initiatives help build cultural and social bridges, while promoting the UAE's religious and social heritage.

The Crown Prince toured the artistic exhibitions at the festival, which feature works by prominent Arabic calligraphers from around the world. He also viewed Islamic art pieces, including patchwork art and the winning works of the Al Bader Prize. (ANI/WAM)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has stated that 22 Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels and one official ship were detected near Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Thursday to 6 am (local time) on Friday. According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND), 18 of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response to Chinese incursions, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity. Taking to X, Taiwan's MND stated, "22 PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 18 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1834396587218338127 This latest Chinese military activity adds to a series of similar provocations by Beijing in recent months. China has increased its military activities near Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and military exercises near the island. Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating near Taiwan, according to a Taiwan News report. According to Taiwan News report, gray zone tactics are considered "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. Earlier in July, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te accused the Chinese government of misinterpreting a United Nations resolution to justify its military activities against Taiwan, the Central News Agency (CNA) reported. He condemned China for its inaccurate interpretation of UN Resolution 2758, including drawing an inappropriate linkage to its "One China" principle. While addressing the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in Taipei on Tuesday, Lai said that this move is aimed to not only "construct a legal basis for China's military aggression against Taiwan" but also to obstruct Taiwan's efforts to participate in international organisations China claims that the UN resolution confirmed its one-China principle, which implies that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China, according to CNA report. After Lai Ching-te's remarks, the IPAC adopted a "model resolution." According to the resolution, members will seek to redress what they called China's "distortion" of the UN resolution by passing resolutions in their respective parliaments. In its model resolution, IPAC raised concern over "sustained efforts" by Chinese officials to distort the meaning of the resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1971, which states that the People's Republic of China (PRC) is "the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations," Central News Agency (CNA) reported. During the summit, the cross-national parliamentarians' group stressed that the UN resolution "does not establish the One China Principle as a matter of international law" and "nothing in law prevents the participation of Taiwan in international organisations," the report said. Furthermore, the cross-national parliamentarians' group said that the UN document had "no bearing on the sovereign choices of other countries concerning their relationship with Taiwan" while expressing support for Taiwan's participation" in UN agencies, according to a CNA report. The IPAC said that the resolution did not include Taiwan, address its political status, or establish China's sovereignty over Taiwan. As many as 49 members of legislatures from 23 countries and the European Parliament, all being IPAC members, participated in the annual summit of IPAC. According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the group has over 250 members around the world. (ANI)
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the West would be directly involved in conflict if it permitted Ukraine to strike Russian territory using Western long-range weapons and said that it will change the very "essence and nature" of the conflict. The Russian leader's remarks were made on Thursday, a day ahead of Friday's meeting between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Joe Biden in the White House in which discussions will be on whether to let Kyiv use long-range missiles against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelelnskyy has has been pressing the Biden administration and other Western governments to authorise long-range missile strikes in Russia and pressurise Moscow to end the conflict. On being asked about statements in the US and UK that Ukraine will be allowed to conduct strikes in Russia with long-range weapons, Putin said, "What we are seeing is an attempt to substitute notions. Because this is not a question of whether the Kiev regime is allowed or not allowed to strike targets on Russian territory. It is already carrying out strikes using unmanned aerial vehicles and other means. But using Western-made long-range precision weapons is a completely different story. The fact is that - I have mentioned this, and any expert, both in our country and in the West, will confirm this - the Ukrainian army is not capable of using cutting-edge high-precision long-range systems supplied by the West. They cannot do that." "These weapons are impossible to employ without intelligence data from satellites which Ukraine does not have. This can only be done using the European Union's satellites, or US satellites - in general, NATO satellites. This is the first point. The second point - perhaps the most important, the key point even - is that only NATO military personnel can assign flight missions to these missile systems. Ukrainian servicemen cannot do this. Therefore, it is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not. It is about deciding whether NATO countries become directly involved in the military conflict or not," he added. In response to a media query, Putin warned that the West will have direct involvement in the conflict if they allowed Ukraine to use long-range missiles. He asserted that Russia will make "appropriate decisions" in response to the threats posed to it. Putin said, "If this decision is made, it will mean nothing short of direct involvement - it will mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are parties to the war in Ukraine. This will mean their direct involvement in the conflict, and it will clearly change the very essence, the very nature of the conflict dramatically." "This will mean that NATO countries - the United States and European countries - are at war with Russia. And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the essence of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will be posed to us," he added. At a joint press conference in Poland with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said, " Ensuring security of Ukraine, a strategic forefront of the entire North Atlantic Treaty Organization is our joint priority, and we shall continue our efforts. Poland remains a strong advocate of increasing the pressure on the Russian regime in order to force it to end the conflict against Ukraine." "From the very beginning, we were a front runner when it comes to providing military and other kinds of assistance. As the West, we shall continue supplying Ukraine with advanced air defense and antimissiles defense systems. We shall also lift the ban on using long-range weapons. We are sure that the economic sanctions are bringing the expected effect, and we hope that more intense activities will be taken with regard to seizing frozen Russian assets," he said. Blinken was in Poland after visiting Ukraine with UK foreign Secretary David Lammy. "We went to Kyiv to underscore our united and unwavering support for Ukraine, faced with the ongoing Russian aggression - the United States, United Kingdom, but also united with so many other countries who have come together in support of Ukraine, all committed not just to helping Ukraine ward off the aggression, but committed to Ukraine's long term success, its success as a country that stands strongly on its own two feet militarily, economically, democratically. And in our conversations in Kyiv, we talked about our shared strategy to get there, Blinken said at the joint press conference in Warsaw. Earlier on September 6, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine needs to have long-range capability not only on the divided territory of Ukraine but also on Russian territory. Speaking at a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) at Germany's Ramstein Air Base, Zelenskyy stated, "We need to have this long-range capability, not only on the divided territory of Ukraine, but also on the Russian territory, so that Russia is motivated to seek peace." Al Jazeera cited the Ukrainian leader as saying, "We need to make Russian cities and even Russian soldiers think about what they need: peace or [Russian President Vladimir] Putin." The US has pledged an additional USD 250 million in military aid for Ukraine. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin made the announcement at the meeting of the UDCG. It has regularly gathered representatives of around 50 nations that provide arms to Ukraine since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022. Austin said, "It will surge in more capabilities to meet Ukraine's evolving requirements. And we'll deliver them at the speed of war." Following the meeting, Lloyd Austin seems to push back against Ukraine's wish to lift arms restrictions, telling reporters that no specific weapon would be a game changer. Amid the ongoing war, which began in 2022, Ukrainian forces are currently advancing in the Donbass region, with Putin on September 5 announcing that capturing the eastern area was his "primary objective" in the conflict. Earlier in August, Ukraine's push into Russia's Kursk region caught Russian forces off guard. However, Putin dismissed the offensive, stressing that the move did not slow Moscow's advance. (ANI)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday said that he looks forward to meeting Quad partners to discuss important challenges faced by the Indo-Pacific and strengthening the cooperation between the four nations. Albanese is set to travel to the United States to attend Quad Leaders Summit in Delaware on September 21. The Australian Prime Minister will be joined by fellow Quad leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Quadrilateral Summit. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries--Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. According to a statement released by Australian Prime Minister's Office, Albanese will discuss regional issues and opportunities to further advance the Quad's positive and practical agenda at the Summit. In the statement, Albanese said, "I look forward to meeting with my Quad partners to discuss important challenges facing the Indo-Pacific and strengthening the Quad's cooperation." He stated that Australia is deeply invested in the future prosperity and stability of the Indo-Pacific. Albanese said, "Australia, the United States, India, and Japan share a vision for a region that is governed by accepted rules and norms, where all countries can cooperate, trade and thrive." "We will work together to shape the kind of region in which we want to live. We are always better off when we act together with our close friends and partners," he added. This will be the fourth in-person Quad Leaders' Summit. India will be hosting the 2025 Quad Leaders' Summit. The official statement released by Australian PM's office stated, "The Quad is a diplomatic partnership of four countries committed to practical action in the Indo-Pacific to shape the kind of region in which we want to live - an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where sovereignty is respected and competition is managed responsibly." It said the grouping is making a positive contribution to the Indo-Pacific by delivering practical outcomes that respond to the region's priorities. "The Quad is building on these efforts, year on year, in areas such as strengthening clean energy supply chains, supporting maritime security, helping to train the region's infrastructure practitioners, enhancing regional health security, and building resilience and connectivity through undersea cable cooperation," the statement read. On Thursday, the White House announced that US President Joe Biden is set to host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders summit in Delaware on September 21 and is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as other leaders. The summit will focus on bolstering strategic convergence among our countries, advancing a shared vision of free and open Indo-Pacific region. "President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday, September 21. 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," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. "This will be President Biden's 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," she added. The Quad Leaders Summit, she said, will focus on bolstering the strategic convergence among four nations and advancing a shared vision of 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," she added. (ANI)
NASA astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore will put a call to Earth and participate in a press conference aboard the International Space Station in low Earth orbit, the US space agency said. The space call is scheduled at 2:15 p.m. EDT (local time) on September 13 to the newsroom at NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston. The pair had launched aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 5 for its first crewed flight, arriving at the space station on June 6. A decision was made to return Starliner to Earth without its crew and the spacecraft successfully returned on September 6 after more than three months in space. It made a safe landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. Both astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore called down to flight controllers to thank teams for their support before the uncrewed Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth. "You guys it's time to bring Calypso home. We have your backs and you have got this. Bring her back to Earth," Sunita Williams said in the radio message referring to the spacecrafts nickname.Both the astronauts will remain on the international space station as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew and return home in February 2025 aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with two other crew members on NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission. Meanwhile, crew of the Polaris Dawn the Elon Musk-led private charted spaceflight created history when they completed the first commercial spacewalk. Donning newly-designed SpaceX extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, the crew began their approximately two-hour operation at 3:12 a.m. EDT while traveling at 17,500 miles per hour in an elliptical orbit of 190 x 700 km above the EarthThe spacewalk represents an important milestone of the Polaris Program, a developmental program designed to further the advancement of human spaceflight. After opening the hatch, the Polaris Dawn crew became the first four astronauts to be exposed to the vacuum of space at the same time, the company said in a statement. Over approximately twenty minutes, Commander Jared Isaacman and Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis egressed the vehicle, completed a series of tests designed to evaluate the suit's mobility, thermal systems and the Dragon mobility aid "Skywalker" before returning to the cabin and closing the hatch. Mission Pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteet and Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Anna Menon supported Isaacman and Gillis throughout the entire operation monitoring vital support systems. Once the hatch was closed, Dragon was re-pressurized, cabin oxygen and pressure levels confirmed. Reflecting on his experience, mission commander and billionaire Isaacman, who financed the mission reflected on the experience: "SpaceX, back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world." NASA Administrator Bill Nelson relayed good wishes to SpaceX and the Polaris Dawn crew in a statement on X. "Congratulations @PolarisProgram and @SpaceX on the first commercial spacewalk in history!" Nelson wrote. "Today's 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." The Polaris Dawn mission targeted splashdown off the coast of Florida, however SpaceX has not yet released details about the upcoming landing. (ANI)
The 20th edition of the Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024, between India and USA, is underway at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan from September 9-22, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information said on Friday. The statement said that troops of the Indian Army and the US train together to increase interoperability between forces of both Nations, enhancing defence cooperation. The ADG said in a post on X, "The 20th edition of the Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024, between India and USA, is underway at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan from 09-22 September 2024. Troops of Indian Army & USA train together to increase interoperability between forces of both Nations, enhancing #DefenceCooperation." https://x.com/adgpi/status/1834415288085086580 India and the United States on Monday began their 20th edition of joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas at Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan and will continue till September 22. The 14-day exercise will see the participation of around 600 troops from a battalion of the RAJPUT Regiment along with personnel from other arms and services, while the US side is being represented by the troops of the 1-24 Battalion of the Alaska-based 11th Airborne Division. The aim of the joint exercise is to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake counterterrorism operations in a subconventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. During the exercise, tactical drills are to be rehearsed, which include joint response to a terrorist action, joint planning, and combined field training exercises that simulate real-world counter-terrorism missions. According to the Ministry of Defence, "The 20th edition of India-USA Joint Military Exercise YUDH ABHYAS-2024 commenced at Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 9th to 22nd September 2024. Exercise YUDH ABHYAS has been held annually since 2004, alternating between India and the USA." (ANI)
An accountability court has rejected the petitions of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, seeking acquittal in the 190 million corruption case under the amended National Accountability Ordinance of 1999, Dawn reported. While relying on the amended National Accountability Ordinance, Khan said that the case against him was initiated based on a meeting of a federal cabinet, and the law has protected the cabinet's decision, Dawn reported. The petition filed by PTI founder Imran Khan stated, "Despite being fully aware that the case does not fall within the ambit of the NAO, the NAB exceeded its jurisdiction and filed a false and frivolous reference, alleging that the applicant, as prime minister of Pakistan, chaired the cabinet meeting held on Dec 3, 2019, during which a deed of confidentiality was approved." It said Imran Khan has been accused by NAB of misusing his authority for the said proposal and, in return, took approximately 458 kanals of land in tehsil Sohawa of Jhelum district, Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 285 million in cash, and other benefits under the guise of donations for Al-Qadir University Project Trust. The petition reads, "Additionally, it is alleged that the applicant and his spouse, through their associate Farhat Shehzadi, received 240 kanals of land from co-accused Ahmad Ali Riaz Malik as compensation for personal gain," according to Dawn report. "Thus, the accused/applicant, as a public officeholder, is accused of misusing his authority for personal gain for himself and his wife in the form of donations and other benefits," it said, according to Dawn report. The NAB prosecution argued that the case against Imran Khan is that he had misled the cabinet to gain their approval, the report said. The prosecutor said Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan had not disclosed the facts with the cabinet members and forced them to approve the confidential deed in a sealed envelope. During the proceedings, the accountability judge Nasir Javed Rana dismissed the petition. Meanwhile, PTI founder Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated in Adiala Jail, earlier this month, approached the Islamabad High Court over an apprehension of court martial and filed a petition before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against his possible trial in a military court, Dawn reported. He has expressed fears of his court martial in connection with the May 9 riots based on the FIRs registered against him in Rawalpindi.In his petition, he referred to the recent arrest of former ISI Director-General, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (ret). "A few weeks ago, a retired senior army officer was taken into military custody. It has been widely speculated and reported in the media that he will be made an approver against the petitioner in cases pertaining to May 9 and 10, 2023 and the petitioner will be transferred to military custody on this basis," Khan was quoted as saying. Imran Khan stated that his apprehensions had been given credence inter alia by a statement made by Barrister Aqeel Malik, federal government's spokesman for legal affairs. Malik said that the petitioner could absolutely be tried in a military court, and that the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, were applicable to him. Imran Khan also referred to a statement by federal Minister for Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, that it would be the Punjab government's prerogative to decide whether or not to refer the May 9 cases against the PTI to a military court. (ANI)
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has cancelled its plans to hold protests across the country today to focus its energies on its upcoming power show in Lahore scheduled to be held on September 22, Dawn reported. On September 10, PTI had called for protests across the nation against the detention of party lawmakers from the Parliament House. PTI leaders said the plan to hold a protest was cancelled on the instructions given by Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan as the party wanted to mobilise its leaders, workers and supporters from across the country, Dawn reported. Punjab PTI's acting president, Hammad Azhar, on Thursday announced that the protest scheduled for Friday has been postponed. However, the PTI's central leadership has not issued a statement on the cancellation of the Friday protest. Taking to X, Azhar stated, "On the orders of Imran Khan, tomorrow's protest is postponed. All focus on the Lahore rally. Prepare workers." https://x.com/Hammad_Azhar/status/1834181880586879097 Speaking to Dawn, PTI spokesman in Punjab Shaukat Basra said the Lahore jalsa would be a national-level public meeting and the party had invited its leaders and workers from all provinces. He said PTI leaders and workers had been asked to save its energies, mobilise workers and supporters to reach Lahore and take part in the scheduled public meeting, Dawn reported. Basra said, "Since every peaceful PTI activity has resulted in party leaders and workers' arrests and registration of FIRs, the party has decided to save its strength and attend the Lahore jalsa with full force and enthusiasm." Responding to a question, Shaukat Basra said that PTI had applied for NOC for the show on September 22, Dawn reported. However, the Lahore deputy commissioner had not responded to PTI's request. He said the party had now approached the Lahore High Court, expressing hope it would request the DC to permit the meeting. Basra said, "The PTI is determined to hold its meeting in Lahore on Sept 22 come what may," and added the public meeting would be held even if the DC did not issue an NOC. He said that the leaders and workers of PTI did not have fear and were willing to take the government by the horns. (ANI)
 Flash

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. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Dubai 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.
The United States and Lithuania have expressed concern regarding China's "continued provocative, destabilising and intimidating activities" in the South China Sea. The two nations welcomed Lithuania's efforts to strengthen a robust economic partnership with Taiwan and support Taiwan's meaningful participation in the international fora. The joint statement was released following the meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis in Vilinus on September 12. The joint statement released by Campbell and Landsbergis reads, "Deputy Secretary Campbell and Foreign Minister Landsbergis reiterated their continued cooperation to counter the PRC's use of economic coercion, with Deputy Secretary Campbell commending Lithuania's resolve in resisting the unjustified PRC political and economic pressure." "Both parties welcomed Lithuania's efforts to strengthen its robust economic partnership with Taiwan and support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international fora. The two sides also expressed concern regarding the PRC's continued provocative, destabilizing, and intimidating activities in the South China Sea," the statement added. The leaders of two nations underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and expressed opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. According to the joint statement, the two nations looked forward to continuing the effective and constructive US-Lithuania Strategic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific. In the joint statement, the leaders of two nations expressed "unwavering support" for Ukraine against Russia amid the ongoing conflict and spoke about the role that China, North Korea and Iran play in enabling Moscow's aggression in Kyiv by its multi-faceted support for Russia's defence industrial base. Gabrielius Landsbergis and Kurt Campbell discussed threats posed by China's "malicious cyber and hybrid activities" to transatlantic security. The joint statement reads, "The deepening strategic partnership between Russia and the PRC and their attempts to undercut and reshape the rules-based international order remains a profound concern. They condemned Russia's hostile hybrid attacks against Allies and agreed to work closely to address them." https://x.com/LithuaniaMFA/status/1834469219255169378 Earlier on September 1, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned China's aggressive actions. In a post on X, Miller stated, "The United States stands with our Philippine allies and condemns the dangerous and escalatory actions by the PRC against lawful Philippine maritime operations near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea." https://x.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1830011825351450752 The US response followed accusations from both China and the Philippines of ships ramming each other. On August 29, 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that a Chinese vessel had "deliberately rammed" one of its ships three times near Sabina Shoal, a feature in the Spratly Islands. The ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea have intensified recently, with both nations accusing each other of provocative actions. The conflict centres around conflicting territorial claims, with 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). In July 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines, invalidating China's extensive claims. However, China dismissed the decision and persisted in its activities in the disputed waters. (ANI)
Female students at the University of Balochistan have accused the Pakistan armed forces of harassment during a recent raid on the girls' hostel. They claim they were targeted under the pretext of a drug search and subjected to profiling, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to the report, university students alleged that officers from the Anti-Narcotics Forces, in uniform, entered the hostel and specifically targeted Baloch students for profiling. Eyewitnesses stated that the forces asked irrelevant and personal questions while filming the students. A student questioned why only Baloch female students were being investigated. She said, "There have been no complaints related to drugs in the hostel. This appears to be about profiling us, not searching for narcotics," The Balochistan Post quoted her as saying. The students described the actions as illegal and unjust, noting that such operations fostered an atmosphere of fear and made it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies. https://x.com/BalochWF/status/1834273096670609844 The Baloch Women Forum also condemned the raid. In a post on X, the forum stated, "Militarization of educational institutions has raised concerns for the security of students on campuses. Law Enforcement Agencies, after they attempted to invade Kharan's degree college, have entered the girls' hostel at the University of Balochistan under the guise of a narcotics search. They asked irrelevant questions like 'Why don't you respect the uniformed men?' which are unrelated to narcotics. We fear that the forces' presence in educational institutions will further instil fear in students. We urge the authorities to take this issue seriously and stop militarizing and terrorising the environment in educational institutions." https://x.com/Uzairbaloch__/status/1834275238466433527 Uzair Baloch, Information Secretary of the Baloch Students Action Committee, voiced these concerns in a post on X, "The security forces raided the Girls Hostel of University of Balochistan, Quetta in the uniform of ANF (Anti Narcotics Force) where they gathered Baloch Students and investigated them by asking irrelevant questions and personal details, while recorded video footages. Meanwhile, we are informed that a day earlier, they came in the University campus visiting every department and asking students irrelevant questions. There is an environment of fear among the students, especially female students." Uzair Baloch further stated, "This is a systematic and masked way to profile and harass the students. These kinds of acts are never justifiable and this must be stopped so the students can continue their education in a safe and secure environment." (ANI)
The World Ozone Day was celebrated on Friday by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change, where Valentin Foltescu, Officer in Charge of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) India, said that India's journey under the Montreal Protocol is embarked upon by significant milestones achieved through the constructed efforts of stakeholders. Foltescu said that India's journey under the Montreal Protocol has embarked on significant milestones achieved through the constructed efforts of stakeholders and UN agencies. "Since 1992, India has played a leading role in safeguarding the ozone layer. India's journey under the Montreal Protocol has embarked on significant milestones achieved through the constructed efforts of stakeholders, UN agencies," he said. He said that the Montreal Protocol unites nations around a common goal. "The Montreal Protocol stands as a testament to human ingenuity and international cooperation. This ground-breaking universal agreement recognizes the urgent need to phase out ozone-depleting substances that are found, in our environment, uniting the nations around a common goal," he said. "India has been at the forefront of this global effort. Over the past three decades, it has successfully implemented 478 projects. India is also demonstrating its strong leadership in addressing climate change," he added. As per UNEP, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 human-made chemicals referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). It phases down the consumption and production of the different ODS in a step-wise manner, with different timetables for developed and developing countries. Resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Angela Lusigi, said that India has been at the forefront of implementing the Montreal Protocol. "India has exceeded its initial goal of reducing hydrofluorocarbons by 50% by 2023 and has achieved a 63% reduction," she said. Lusigi expressed her satisfaction with India's performance and said that since adopting the 1987 Montreal Protocol, 99 per cent of ozone-depleting substances have been eliminated. "We all celebrate the success of the Montreal Protocol, because it has united the world in phasing out ozone-depleted substances, and it has put the ozone layer on a path to recovery to protect all life on Earth, and we are extremely pleased to say that since adopting the 1987 Montreal Protocol, 99 per cent of ozone-depleting substances have been eliminated and the protected layer above half is being replenished. India has been at the forefront of implementing the Montreal Protocol," she said. The UNDP representative said that they are working with micro and medium enterprises to discontinue the usage of ozone-depleting substances. "We're working very closely with the Micro and Medium Enterprises sector in India as a key driver of India's economic growth to phase out ozone-depleting substances," adding, "In India, we are strengthening partnerships between public and private sector actors, and we're also hoping that we can see more investment in research and development and technology transfer to more environmentally friendly, and affordable alternatives," she said. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], September 13 (ANI/TPS): Israel's Police Commissioner Dani Levi pledged Thursday night that the area in the city of Ramle will be reinforced with additional security after a car bombing related to criminal gang activity in the city killed four people on Thursday afternoon. "I am stating here that we will settle the score with everyone responsible for this injustice against those innocent civilians who were injured and had no involvement in anything," said Levi. "As the Israel Police, we promised and will keep that promise: we will not let any criminal get away with it--anyone who tries to harm civilians or innocent people." "Once someone does that, we will be there," he added. "We will pursue them until we catch them, as we know how to do. Again, it's very sad what happened here today, that people just going to a grocery store were attacked. There is no place for this in Israel, especially when Israel has made it its mission to address this issue." Ramle is a low-income city in central Israel with a mixed Jewish and Arab population. It is known as a center for organized criminal activity. (ANI/TPS)
ARY news outlet reported that the Pakistan Airlines removed Sales Regional Manager, against whom they had received several complaints.

Among the complainants included a female employee who presented evidence of harassment, ARY News reported.

As per the news outlet, a woman in Dubai has filed a formal application against the sales manager with the Federal Ombudsman for harassment, which is currently under review.

The sales manager has been removed from his position following the complaints.

PIA spokesperson said that the airline has a zero-tolerance policy towards workplace harassment and is committed to taking appropriate administrative action if the allegations are substantiated. The investigation into the conduct of the sales manager is ongoing.

Earlier on August 4, PIA took action against the Deputy Station Manager based in Birmingham after an investigation revealed discrepancies in their educational qualifications, ARY News reported.

The airline's Deputy Station Manager, Javed Iqbal Bajwa, was found to have submitted a fake intermediate certificate.

This discovery was made after PIA sent Bajwa's educational documents to the relevant authorities for verification, prompting the airline to issue a show-cause notice to him, as per ARY News.

Meanwhile, the PIA is going to be privatised soon, the National Assembly's standing committee on aviation informed on July 6 that the process is almost complete.

According to a statement issued, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) currently operates 22 out of 43 airports, including 13 international ones, and has been experiencing budget constraints on the development side for several years.

As a result, the CAA was using second-generation equipment, whereas developed countries are utilising the latest third-generation equipment. (ANI)
Women and girls, along with health, education, and agriculture sectors in Sindh province, have been significantly impacted by social, economic, and political systems dominated by feudal and tribal leaders who hold power in legislative assemblies and bureaucratic institutions, The News International reported. Hari Welfare Association President Akram Ali Khaskheli addressed a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Thursday. He stated that women in rural areas were being victimised in every aspect of life and suffering social, economic and political injustice due to the non-implementation of pro-peasant and rural workers' laws. Khaskheli said that the Sindh Bonded Labour System Abolition Act 2015 has not been implemented effectively, resulting in peasants approaching local courts each year to secure the release of their family members from the custody of landlords. He said that 12,116 bonded labourers were liberated from the agriculture sector between 2014-2023, with 33 percent of them being women. These women faced significant hardship, including economic exploitation, physical abuse, and denial of their rights to education, voting, and choosing their own husbands, according to The News International report. According to the press statement, these committees have not been effective in rescuing bonded labourers or supporting those released by local courts despite the establishment of district vigilance committees under the Sindh Bonded Labour System Abolition Act, according to The News International report. Samina Khaskheli, joint secretary of the Azad Hariani Labour Union, complained that agricultural and female workers are still earning less than Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 10,000 per month despite working 12-hour days. She said that workers were receiving PKR 10,000 despite the Sindh government's setting up a minimum wage of PKR 37,000 per month, The News International reported. According to a similar report published by Dawn, women farmers typically have less access to financial resources, like loans and subsidies, which restrict their ability to invest in modern farming techniques or technology. Women in rural Sindh often depend on traditional methods due to their lack of access to capital and modern farming equipment. (ANI)
Leader of the Opposition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly in Pakistan has opined that ruling party members should speak with their leader if they genuinely intend to turn the country over to elected representatives, the Dawn reported on Friday. As per the Islamabad-based publication, the LoP Ibadullah stated that for the last three days, the Treasury benches in the provincial assembly had been discussing the role of the establishment in politics but their leader Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had expressed a desire to have talks limited to the establishment. "Establishment says they have no role in politics but your leader wants to talk to them only. Who is dragging them into politics?" the opposition leader said on Thursday at the provincial assembly meeting, which was presided over by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati. The Pakistan Muslim League (N) lawmaker declared that he disapproved of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur's address on September 8 that targeted the media, political figures, and the establishment. He also denounced the removal of PTI lawmakers from the National Assembly grounds. Politicians, according to the leader of the opposition, were not prepared to give each other space. He asserted that the mess originated inside the political class and that neither a general nor a bureaucrat had ever degraded another general on a talk show, the Dawn reported. With protests taking place in the districts of Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Bajaur, Ibadullah stated that maintaining law and order was the most crucial issue facing the province. However, no one from the Treasury benches visited any of these areas and met protesting police and neither any statement was released by the government in this regard, as per Dawn. "My leader did not offer offices to those, who beheaded people and carried out explosions. You must have good relations with them, so talk to them," he said, referring to Gandapur's statement on holding direct talks with the Taliban. He further claimed that when retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Faiz Hameed brought militants back to the province, it was under the Tehreek-e-Insaf government. He went on to say that while the PTI should engage in politics, it must first fulfil its obligations (ANI)
China's attempt to boost its efforts at controlling the world narrative on Tibet was witnessed yet again when the Chinese government recently inaugurated the "Tibet International Communication Center" in Lhasa. Such a step by the Chinese administration is another way to promote the country's ongoing campaign to reshape global public opinion on Tibet, a report by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) stated. The ICT claimed that the establishment of such institutions in Tibet is a boost to China's propaganda on Tibet, which it had previously pointed out. And it expects further escalation by China in the future in an attempt to dominate the global conversation with China's propagandistic narrative and storytelling. In an earlier report released in January this year titled 'China's External Propaganda on Tibet: Erasing Tibet to tell a good Chinese story', ICT claimed that "China's Tibet policy has been a subject of international scrutiny ever since its invasion and subsequent occupation of Tibet in 1959. The Chinese government knows that there is a political problem in Tibet. But rather than resolve it, one of its approaches is to falsify the situation and employ various methods to control the narrative around Tibet, aiming to reshape its portrayal in global discourse. This report examines China's recent external propaganda efforts concerning Tibet, highlighting the objectives and the tactics". According to the ICT report, the latest propaganda centre by China was established after a "Roundtable Meeting on Building an Effective International Communication System for Tibet" which was jointly organised by the Propaganda Department of the Tibet Autonomous Region Party Committee and the China Foreign Language Bureau. This centre is an outcome of the group study session of the Political Bureau of the CCP Central Committee in May 2021. The ICT claimed that the immediate outcome of the Politburo CCP Central Committee appears to be the CCP's push to replace the internationally recognised country name "Tibet" with the sinicised term "Xizang" on the global conversation. Furthermore, the same report claimed, that such a renaming policy, discreetly initiated in late 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, aligns with the CCP's General Secretary Xi Jinping's decade-old vision to "tell a good Chinese story" on the global stage. The report also claimed that soon, China is likely to intensify its use of state-controlled media platforms to spread its narrative on Tibet. The ICT also raised concerns that such an institution will be used to marginalize Tibetan voices and obscure the ongoing oppression in Tibet. The report claimed that "This concern is well-founded, given China's extensive use of modern technology and media platforms to control information and shape narratives about Tibet". (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while addressing the Indian diaspora in Geneva said that the cause of social justice, the idea of inclusive growth, of rule of law is gaining ground and is today very central to the policies and activities of the government. Jaishankar said that activity of paying homage to Dr Ambedkar and naming of a hall after Hansa Mehta reflects modern India. He said that it reflects the idea of social justice. "This morning I had the privilege of paying homage to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose statue is just outside this hall and the naming of this hall after Hansa Mehta. In a way I also want you all to think of all these as reflecting on what is also happening at home in India. Meaning, just like we have built a chancery, modern India is also getting built, brick by brick, step by step, building by building. Just as we paid homage to Dr Ambedkar here- the cause of social justice, the idea of inclusive growth, of rule of law is gaining ground and is today very central to the policies and activities of the government," he said. Naming of a hall after Hansa Mehta reflects the ideal of women-led development. "Just as we honoured Hansa Mehta, today in India, not just the idea of gender equality or gender justice, the idea of women-led development- this was actually our big push during the G20 Presidency last year. We were really very pleased to see that it was a strain of thinking that we were able to successfully inculcate into the international community. So even as we take satisfaction in the event today, I want to remind you that in a way it is a microcosm of what is happening at home," he said Jaishankar said that as the government was re-elected for a third time, it ensured that progress began on the first day of the term. He said that the government objectively looked at the progresses and shortcomings of the previous terms. "After six decades a government was elected for a third successive term. That in itself is a statement worth reflecting upon. What it has done is on one hand, made us ready to go from day one. I'll share with you some thoughts there. Initiative, programmes, progress starts the moment the office began. It is also an important moment to look back. If you're beginning a third term, there are lessons, achievements and shortcomings from the first two terms. It is something one needs to objectively look at and learn from it and see how that can serve the path ahead,' he said. Jaishankar also talked about the manner in which elections were held. He said that the elections were democratic. "When we look at the conduct of elections, the enormous scale, the very heated arguments, but finally, the very ready acceptance of the results- the ready acceptance of results is not a global norm- there are different points of view, but in the end, we have as Indians, every right to be proud of our democratic exercise, the integrity, the scale of it and the efficiency of it in many ways," he said. (ANI)
Chinese government on Friday passed a legislation announcing plan to increase the retirement age of employees in the country. The entire laid-out plan by the administration will be implemented during the tenure of 15 years, starting from January 2025, CNN reported. Notably, the Chinese economy currently faces a severe crisis of shrinking workforce alongside its dipping economy and a pension funding crisis for its old-aged citizens. The move has received severe backlash from its citizens on social media with citizens claim that it is a tactic to extend their work years and stop them from accessing their pension as unemployment levels in the country's youth continue to remain high. According to the latest rules, the retirement ages will be gradually pushed back to 63 years for male employees and from 55 to 58 years for females as per their occupation. Previously, men in urban areas were allowed to retire at 60 and receive pensions, whereas women at 50 or 55, depending on their occupation. The CNN report also claimed that the government's top lawmakers also plan to extend the minimum working period for the country's employees to receive a monthly pension from 15 to 20 years, by 2030. According to the same report, "Delayed retirements just means you can't get your pension until you hit 63, but it doesn't mean everyone will have a job until then!" wrote one user. China's old individuals currently constitute more than 20 per cent totaling about 297 million citizens of the country's population, according to a report by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China. Demographers in China estimate that the elderly population will make up to 30 per cent of the total Chinese population between 2030 and 2035. And this number could likely increase to 40 per cent by 2050. The CNN report also quoted a 2019 report published by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a government think tank which had claimed that China's state pension fund would run dry by 2035 due to its dwindling workforce and years of strict pandemic-related restrictions which have shrunk the coffers of local governments. Last year, several elderly people in China protested in several major cities over the major cuts to their employee medical benefits. The protestors at that time feared that the Chinese government was pushing them to cover the shortages of the Chinsese state pension fund. Furthermore, the CNN report also claimed that even for those who are still in the working age, the employment market continues to remain a challenge after the pandemic and government-led industry crackdowns in recent years. In July this year, the youth unemployment rate in China had hit 17.1 per cent among those aged between 16 and 24, and was at 6.5 per cent for those aged between 25 to 29, according to state media. Employers continue to pull back on hiring as the economy slows and people, especially in tech sectors, have widely noted age discrimination in hiring for those over 35, it said. (ANI)
 Flash

The Chinese Embassy in Somalia on Thursday donated 1,300 tonnes of food aid to the country's national disaster agency which is taking proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of upcoming prolonged dry spells on the country.

The donation was handed over to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) by Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu at a ceremony held in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

During the ceremony, Wang expressed the Chinese government's commitment to supporting the people of Somalia during challenging times, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming La Nina drought.

"This reflects China's ongoing efforts to assist Somalia in similar circumstances in the past," Wang said according to a statement issued by SoDMA.

Mahamud Moallim, commissioner of SoDMA, expressed his gratitude to the Chinese citizens and government for their invaluable assistance. He said the donation will provide much-needed relief to the millions of Somalis currently facing extreme food insecurity due to relentless cycles of droughts and floods.

The food aid comes at a critical time as Somalia remains one of the hardest-hit countries by climate change, with repeated natural disasters severely crippling agricultural production and escalating the hunger crisis, according to SoDMA.

The October-November-December forecast indicates a high likelihood (over 50 percent probability) of below-normal rainfall, driven by La Nina conditions, and there is over 60 percent probability of a delayed onset of rains in the southern and central parts of the country, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while addressing the Indian diaspora in Geneva said that life is not "khata-khat" (an easy job), it requires hard work. The use of the phrase was also a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who had claimed that the Congress would solve issues 'Khata Khat" if voted to power. Talking about human resources needed to build infrastructure, he said that people who have worked understand the importance of hard work and diligence. "Until we develop the human resources, it requires hard work, until you build the infrastructure, until you have those policies. So life is not 'khata-khat'. Life is hard work. Life is diligence. Anybody who's held a job and laboured at it, knows it. So that's my message to you, that we have to work hard at it," he said. Jaishankar said that a country cannot be a major power in the world without manufacturing. "And there are...people who say that we are incapable of it, we should not even attempt it. So, now ask yourself, can you actually be a major power in the world without manufacturing? Because a major power needs technology. Nobody can develop technology without developing manufacturing," he said. Jaishankar said that in terms of human resources, India has achieved a lot and the intent today is to ramp it up even more. "In terms of human resources... it's again important to look here at achievements. So I can tell you the intent today is actually to speed it up, to ramp it up, to increase it, to keep telling ourselves that what we have done is just a beginning. I mean there is no intention of resting on whatever levels there may be," he said. Jaishankar said that apart from the professional conversation, world leaders are interested in what is happening in India. "When I travel around the world- and you would have noticed I do a fair deal of that [chuckles]- most of my counterparts, most of the presidents and prime ministers are meet. Yes, we do the foreign policy, but that's the professional part of it. But they are enormously interested, actually, in what is happening in India," he said. "Sometimes the conversation, even the words, are very similar. I had the leader of a very major Arab country actually say, we have food distribution system and, Minister, you don't know how much leakage we have. Because he was very interested, how do we today manage the food support, where today they are covering 830 million people. How do we manage that with actually much less leakage than there has ever been in the past? People who ask today, how have you improved your income tax collection? Because every president and prime minister is interested in increasing their revenues," Jaishankar added, talking about food support in India. Jaishankar said that in what India is doing, there are lessons for the rest of the world. "When I look back at these ten years, yes, there have been changes for the good in our country, but I will also say to all of you that those changes actually globally resonate. That other countries today look with deep interest, they may not be able to exactly copy it, but somewhere in what we are doing there are lessons for the rest of the world. And people feel this country, which, bear in mind, which still has USD 3000 per capita income below that, is able to do that much," he said. Jaishankar added that achievements are meant to motivate and not be satiated. "Achievements not to satiate but to motivate. Not to say I've done well, so I'm done. But to say I've done well and I could have done so much more. And if I could have done this in two terms, how much more can I do in a third?" he said. (ANI)
This is keeping in line with furthering India's resolve of enhancing maritime security and cooperation through collaborative efforts.

Menon during his visit to Darwin interacted with the crew of the Indian Navy P8I aircraft participating in Ex Kakadu 2024.

https://x.com/PRO_Vizag/status/1834466851419779463

Discussions with the crew included various facets of Maritime Air Operations whilst operating with partners and the opportunities accorded to review their own Tactics, Techniques and Procedures.

https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1834461348316541188

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian Navy's P8I aircraft, led by Commanding Officer Captain Ajay Kanwar, reached Australia's Darwin to participate in the 16th edition of Exercise Kakadu 2024.

The Indian Navy will participate in the exercise alongside more than 30 nations with the theme of 'Regional Cooperation through Trusted and Proven Partnerships.'

In a post on X, the Indian Navy spokesperson stated, "#IndianNavy's P8I aircraft led by Capt Ajay Kanwar, Commanding Officer, #INAS316, reached Darwin, #Australia to participate in the 16th edition of #ExKakadu 2024 (07-20 Sep 24). #IndianNavy will participate in the multinational exercise with over 30 nations with the theme Regional Cooperation through Trusted & Proven Partnerships."

https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1833722255127220316

Australia's biggest warfare exercise-Kakadu, incorporates warships, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft from attending countries.

"Kakadu is an important exercise hosted by RAN as it deepens relationships and interoperability between participating armed forces. Australia is a maritime nation which like its neighbours, derives prosperity from access to the sea - backed by a strong Navy and ties." Chief of Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said.

"Kakadu provides an excellent opportunity for army men to exercise their professionalism in a range of tactical maritime activities. This year the focus would be on interoperability with greater integration of Australia's international partners in all aspects of the exercise," he added. (ANI)
On Friday, September 13, Taiwan monitored four Chinese coast guard ships approaching a restricted zone south of Kinmen, according to Taiwan News. The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) unit responsible for Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu quickly deployed four patrol vessels to instruct the Chinese ships to leave. The CGA reported that this marked the 39th such incident near Kinmen this year. The report also noted that while this was the first incident of its kind in September, Chinese coast guard ships have frequently entered restricted waters near Kinmen since the beginning of the year. China claims it has no obligation to respect patrols around Taiwan-held islands close to Fujian province. In February, two Chinese fishermen died when their unregistered speedboat was pursued by the CGA near Kinmen. In a separate incident in March, two Taiwanese fishermen were detained by China after drifting into Chinese waters due to adverse weather conditions. This recent Chinese military activity is part of a broader pattern of provocations by Beijing in recent months. China has intensified its military presence near Taiwan, with frequent air and naval incursions into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and ongoing military exercises near the island. On Monday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported detecting 21 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and one official ship operating near Taiwan between 6 am (local time) on Sunday and 6 am (local time) on Monday. According to a report by Taiwan News, since September 2020, China has escalated its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating near Taiwan. Gray zone tactics are described as "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resorting to direct and sizable use of force," the report said. Earlier, on September 3, Taiwan's MND accused China of launching a satellite over Taiwan, with its flight path passing over the southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) of the island. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949; however, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, on his visit to Geneva in Switzerland, planted a sapling at the Permanent Mission of India and said that the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign embodies India's commitment to a sustainable future. Sharing pictures on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Started the day today by planting a sapling at India UN Geneva. The #Plant4Mother represents India's commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future." EAM Jaishankar, during his visit to Geneva, also paid homage to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and said that his vision of social justice served as an inspiration for the world. Sharing a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Paid my respects to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian constitution, in India UN Geneva. Babasaheb's vision of social justice, equality and progressive modernity is an inspiration for the world." Meanwhile, the EAM also dedicated a new building that houses India's Permanent Missions to the United Nations, and World Trade Organisation. "Dedicated the new building, which houses India's Permanent Missions to UN, WTO and CD, as well as hosts our Consulate in Geneva. The state-of-the-art facility befits India's expanding global footprint and deepening engagement with international institutions," Jaishankar wrote on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1834572371094618620 Earlier in the day, Jaishankar, while addressing the Indian diaspora in Geneva, said that the cause of social justice, the idea of inclusive growth, of rule of law, is gaining ground and is today very central to the policies and activities of the government. Jaishankar said that the activity of paying homage to Dr Ambedkar and naming a hall after Hansa Mehta reflects modern India. He said that it reflects the idea of social justice. "This morning I had the privilege of paying homage to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose statue is just outside this hall and the naming of this hall after Hansa Mehta. In a way, I also want you all to think of all these as reflecting on what is also happening at home in India. Meaning, just like we have built a chancery, modern India is also getting built, brick by brick, step by step, building by building. Just as we paid homage to Dr Ambedkar here, the cause of social justice, the idea of inclusive growth, and rule of law is gaining ground and is today very central to the policies and activities of the government," he said. Notably, Jaishankar arrived in Switzerland on September 12 after concluding his visit to Germany and Saudi Arabia. (ANI)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday the successful return of 49 Ukrainians from Russian captivity. It includes service personnel of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the National Police, and border guards, as well as civilians. Notably, this is the 56th prisoner exchange since the outbreak of the war in February 2022 and a total of 3,569 Ukrainians have been brought back from Russian captivity since then, the Kyiv Independent reported, quoting Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. However, Ukraine did not say how many Russians had been released. Sharing a post on X, Zelenskky shared pictures of the people who return home and wrote, "Another return of our people - something we always wait for and work tirelessly to achieve. Forty-nine Ukrainians are now home. These include warriors from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the National Police, the State Border Guard Service, and our civilians. Among them is Leniye Umerova, a young woman taken hostage by the Russians when she came to take care of her sick father. More defenders of Azovstal have also been freed. Viktor Ivchuk, a military medic and Hero of Ukraine, is also back home." The Ukrainian President expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the team responsible for securing the release of prisoners and hostages from Russian captivity and emphasised on bringing home every remaining Ukrainian still held captive by Russia. "I want to thank our entire team that works to secure the release of prisoners and hostages from Russian captivity. I especially want to acknowledge each of our Ukrainian units that contribute to replenishing the exchange fund for our country. All our warriors who capture Russian occupiers, and all our services that neutralise Russian saboteurs and collaborators, bring closer the liberation of our people. We must bring home every single one of our people, both military and civilian," Zelenskyy said. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry of Ukraine also informed about the release of 49 Ukrainians from Russian captivity. https://x.com/DefenceU/status/1834547742531530898 Sharing a post on X, the Defence Ministry said, "At home. Today, 49 of our people returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard, State Border Guard Service, National Police and civilians are finally back home. Glory to Ukraine!" (ANI)
Exiled Uyghur individuals residing in the US are raising complaints that they are facing a rise in incidents of transnational repression. Reportedly, they are being forced into silence by the Chinese government, which is threatening to harm their relatives who still live in East Turkistan. Exiled Uyghurs say that China has ramped up transnational repression against them and is using their relatives who continue to live in China to threaten them into silence abroad, Voice of America reported. The VOA report cited the case of Elfidar Iltebir, the president of the Uyghur American Association (UAA), a Uyghur rights group who said, "I've 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.'" This sort of harassment from China had prompted Iltebir to increase her home's security. According to Iltebir, the acts of repression had intensified especially during the last two years. "People are afraid to come out and advocate, fearing for their families' safety," she said. In her statement given to VOA, she claimed that almost every Uyghur American has at least one family member who has been detained back in East Turkistan. This had prompted many to raise their voice but China has increased pressure on these Uyghur exiles. Several of them are taking their steps back from activism between 2017 to 2020. Elfidar Iltebir claimed that she is noticing a worsening climate of fear within the Uyghur American Association. The UAA president stated, "Some of our supporters now ask if they can help behind the scenes, afraid to be seen publicly. Chinese agents, sending messages through Uyghur relatives back home, tell us not to attend political or cultural events, not to join any organisations, and to stay away from activists. They even dictate who to invite to weddings. I've seen community members receive these orders." The VOA report claimed that the Chinese Embassy in Washington remained silent despite repeated requests for comment on such allegations of transnational repression of targeting Uyghur Americans. Additionally, the same report also pointed out that the FBI claims to be aware of Uyghurs and other ethnic minority groups being targeted by China within the United States. A statement by the FBI to VOA said, "Tactics and patterns morph with advancements in technology. These acts often identified as transnational repression (TNR) - represent severe violations of international norms, US law, and individual rights and freedoms. TNR conducted by any government, against any person including Uyghur Americans, is unacceptable." The FBI further stated that it has worked to raise awareness of the problem with law enforcement partners and has conducted training to help these targeted and vulnerable communities recognize repressive tactics and examples of transnational harassment orchestrated by China. It also provides resources in 60 languages, including the native language of Uyghurs. Currently, the Uyghurs are a largely Muslim minority group living in East Turkistan. According to the VOA report, in recent years, the US, the UN, the European Parliament and global human rights organisations have condemned China and its policies in the East Turkistan region, many of which have accused Bejing for committing mass genocide and crimes against humanity. (ANI)
Saadullah Baloch, a current member of the Pakistani parliament, has been allegedly abducted under alarming circumstances. This incident follows a disturbing pattern, as his wife and daughter had previously gone missing. Baloch's earlier abduction, involving his wife and sister, drew significant public and political attention. Lawyer Salman Akram Raja expressed grave concerns about Baloch's abduction in a post on X, stating, "The disgraceful abduction of Saadullah Baloch continues. Earlier, his wife and daughter were abducted. Saadullah was being pressured to vote for the amendment meant to extend the tenure of Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa." https://x.com/salmanAraja/status/1834508459502350481 In the same post, Raja quoted Pakistan's opposition leader Omar Ayub, who said, "Today is the third day since Saadullah Baloch, a member of the Pakistan Assembly, was abducted. First, his wife was targeted, then his daughter. The agencies behind this might include the ISI, Military Intelligence, Field Intelligence Unit, or the Special Branch. Regardless of which agencies were involved, this act is extremely heinous. Saadullah Baloch is currently in custody and is being pressured to vote in favour of Qazi Faez Isa." Omar further added, "He is a very brave man. Despite any situation, he is not going to break at any cost. We salute Saadullah and demand, as the leader of the opposition, that all agency director generals release him immediately. The ill governance and mismanagement should end. The role of intelligence agencies is to protect the country from its enemies, not to attack members of Parliament. These agencies have already undermined the principles of democracy, and I condemn this type of attack." Reports of alleged disappearances in Balochistan are frequent. This region, marked by active separatist movements and a heavy military presence, often sees accusations of abductions by security forces. The situation in Balochistan urgently requires international attention and intervention to address these serious human rights violations. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar spoke about human rights issues on Friday, asserting that India will always be vocal on the topic. He criticised the practice of ranking and rating countries on human rights, calling them "mind games played out for political purposes." Jaishankar made these remarks during an interaction with the Indian community in Geneva. He said, "A lot of the conversations on human rights are post-predator... After you have dealt with the whole world for centuries, you come to Geneva and give lectures to others. But it is something that we need to look at. I think it is important to get our narrative out, to have our message out. If we are underconfident or start running down our country in public, then 192 other countries will join you in running down your country." Meanwhile, Jaishankar shared a post on X about his interaction with the Indian diaspora in Geneva and said, "Delighted to witness a glimpse of Indian culture at India UN Geneva today. A nice interaction with the Indian community and friends at Geneva today. Spoke about India's advances in infrastructure, technology, innovation, skilling and greater role in the global economy." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1834603607095644242 The EAM further said that as a large and diverse nation, India will have its own flaws and shortcomings and emphasised that these flaws are an inherent part of the country's learning journey. He said, "Just look where our democracy is. We are 1.4 billion people. There will be flaws, there will be shortcomings, and there will be mistakes. That is part of our growth and learning. But it should not become a kind of a tactic..." He added, "So when it comes to human rights, when there is an honest conversation, we will always be vocal about it but when it comes to rankings and ratings and so on, those are not honest conversations. Those are mind games that are actually played out for political purposes." Notably, a day before, Jaishankar met United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk in Geneva and shared India's perspectives on the global human rights situation. 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." Jaishankar is on an official visit to Geneva in Switzerland from September 12-13. Notably, Geneva is home to many UN bodies and international organisations. During the visit, Jaishankar met with heads and representatives of international organisations with whom India is actively engaged. (ANI)
Amid the Chinese statement that disengagement has taken place between India and China in recent times at four locations, sources in the security establishment said that friction points in Depsang and Demchok areas in Eastern Ladakh continue to remain unresolved. The sources also clarified that there has not been any resolution of forward movement between the two sides on the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh in the last three years. Notably, when asked about External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's statement in Geneva that 75 per cent of disengagement issues between India and China have been resolved and whether India and China are close to a breakthrough in bilateral relations, which has been bogged down for over four years. Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said during a press briefing said, "In recent years, front-line armies of the two countries have realised disengagement in four areas in the Western sector of the China-India border, including the Galwan Valley. The China-India border situation is generally stable and under control." The last set of disengagements had happened between the two sides soon after India had occupied advantageous positions on the Kailash ranges, including Gurung Hill in 2020 after the gallant Indian action in the last week of August. The sources also said that there have been 21 rounds of talks between the Indian and Chinese military in the last around four years. However, there has not been much success achieved in the last three years through talks in changing ground positions. Mao during the press conference further said that the two sides reviewed the progress made in recent border issue consultations and agreed to enhance mutual understanding and trust, paving the way for strengthened bilateral ties. "On September 12, Director Wang Yi met with India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in St. Petersburg. The two sides discussed progress made in recent consultation on border issues and agreed to deliver on the common understandings reached by leaders of the two countries, enhance mutual understanding and trust, create conditions for improving bilateral ties and maintain communication to this end," Mao said. Notably, 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. 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 Ministry of External Affairs had said in a press release. 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. (ANI)
Russia announced on Friday that it has expelled six British diplomats from the country, citing allegations of espionage and sabotage activities, according to a report by The New York Times. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said that the decision had been made in response to "the numerous unfriendly steps taken by London" and said that the six expelled diplomats had been sent to Russia by the British foreign service directorate responsible for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) attributed the expulsion of the six British diplomats to "the numerous unfriendly steps taken by London." The FSB further said that the diplomats were sent to Russia by the British Foreign Office's directorate responsible for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The agency, in a statement, further claimed that the British directorate, since the invasion of Ukraine, has turned into "a special service, whose main task is to inflict strategic defeat" on Russia. The FSB also called the activities of the six British diplomats as "threatening" to the security of Russia and said that "signs of spying and sabotage" had been detected in their work. The British Foreign Office dismissed the espionage allegations as baseless, confirming that the six diplomats had already departed Russia in late August, following Moscow's notification to London of its decision earlier that month. The British Foreign Office in a statement said, "The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state-directed activity across Europe and in the UK. We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests," according to New York Times. Maria Vladimirovna Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, endorsed the FSB's decision, stating that the six British diplomats had been involved in "subversive work aimed at harming" Russian people. Furthermore, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a warning, vowing to take similar measures against additional British diplomats if they engage in similar activities. Notably, the move by Russia comes ahead of the bilateral meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and United States President Joe Biden at the White House on September 13. The two leaders will have an in-depth discussion on a range of global issues of mutual interest, including continuing robust support for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression, according to a press release by White House. (ANI)
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Bulgarian President Rumen Radev (C) visits the exhibition area of the "China Premium Products and Services Exhibition and Business Matchmaking" event in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Sept. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Senior government officials and business representatives of China and Bulgaria expressed their desire in Sofia on Thursday to deepen bilateral economic cooperation.

The statements were made at the opening ceremony of the three-day event "China Premium Products and Services Exhibition and Business Matchmaking" held in the National Palace of Culture in Sofia.

Nearly 30 Chinese companies, including leaders in technology, innovation, digitization, banking, logistics, transportation and energy, participated in the event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria.

At the opening ceremony, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said that China has established itself as a strategic partner of Bulgaria in recent years, noting the significant potential of bilateral cooperation.

He highlighted great prospects for cooperation in sectors such as automotive, information and communication technologies, robotics, and agriculture.

Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli said that Chinese enterprises have participated in the investment and construction of photovoltaic projects in Bulgaria, and Bulgarian companies are exploring the possibility of importing Chinese electric vehicles.

Dai said she hoped that Chinese enterprises in this field would consider investing and building factories in Bulgaria.

Petko Nikolov, Bulgaria's minister of economy and Industry, said his country would continue to expand commercial and industrial relations with China.

Biser Minchev, deputy minister of transport and communications, called China an important partner. He said the two sides can expand bilateral cooperation to establish efficient, reliable and sustainable transport links and supply chains.

"The ambition we set for ourselves today, through this event, is to open a new page in the development of relations between the two countries, emphasizing economic and scientific and technical cooperation," said Zahari Zahariev, chairman of the Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road, which organized the event jointly with the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria.

Atanas Todorov, general manager of the Bulgarian branch of China's ZTE, one of the exhibitors, told Xinhua that by cooperating with local leading telecoms in Bulgaria, ZTE has started its first green energy project outside China, which is based on solar technology and the latest smart lithium-ion batteries.

Nikolay Nedyalkov, chief executive officer of Bulgarian company Bulavto, joined many Bulgarian business representatives here to seek Chinese partners, with a great interest in Chinese electric vehicles, including cars, light trucks, trucks, and buses.

He said he hopes to become a representative of these products in Bulgaria, adding that if Chinese investors come here and assemble their vehicles here, his company is big enough for this.

Sharing a similar sentiment, Chavdar Minchev, vice president of the association "Forum for Balkan Transport and Infrastructure," told Xinhua his goal is to sign contacts with Chinese companies in transport and logistics and create cooperation opportunities in this field.

Virginia Palazova, general manager of travel agency Calisto Tours, expressed her willingness to partner with the Chinese counterparts. Regarding an appointment on schedule, she said she hoped it would be "successful."
On Tuesday, two lawyers representing the telecom regulator presented conflicting views in the Sindh High Court about whether social media platform X has been restored. The hearing, conducted by a two-judge bench including Chief Justice Mohammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Omar Sial, addressed petitions challenging the suspension of mobile and internet services and the ban on X that has been in place since February, Dawn reported. At the start of the hearing, Ahsan Imam Rizvi, one of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority's (PTA) lawyers, informed the court that the ban on X had been "withdrawn." In contrast, Abdul Moiz Jaferii, representing the petitioners, argued that the platform remained inaccessible. The judges enquired if the withdrawal of the notification implied that access to X had been restored, reported Dawn. Saad Siddiqui, another PTA lawyer involved in a related case, stated he was unaware of any notification withdrawal. The judges noted the discrepancy, highlighting that while one PTA lawyer was aware of the withdrawal, another was not. The bench then granted time for the PTA and other respondents to clarify their stance on the matter and postponed the hearing for two weeks, with a written order expected to be issued on Friday. Following the hearing, petitioner's lawyer Abdul Moiz Jaferii informed reporters that X was still unreachable, and the accuracy of the PTA lawyer's claim would be verified in the next session. The court is reviewing multiple petitions, including those from journalists and academics seeking X's restoration, and a petition from lawyer Jibran Nasir addressing the suspension of mobile internet and broadband services on election day. Two similar petitions were also filed last year by the Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan and other petitioners, as per the report by Dawn. On Thursday, the information technology minister reported to the Senate that X had been blocked following directives from the interior ministry. Shaza Fatima Khawaja explained that the PTA's web management system was utilised to enforce the block on X, as per the ministry's orders. She added that this system, established under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, is routinely updated and used to block illicit traffic and objectionable content, while also hinting at VPN use to bypass blocks. (ANI)
Iran's Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, highlighted the longstanding people-to-people relations between Iran and India while stressing the need for greater collaboration to promote tourism between the two countries. Speaking to ANI at an event aimed at boosting tourism ties, Elahi highlighted how mutual knowledge about developments in each country has reduced in recent years. "Iran and India have had good people-to-people relations. Tourism is the best symbol of these relations," Elahi stated. He pointed out that many Indians are unaware of recent developments in Iran, while Iranians lack information about the advancements in India. "So, we initiated this event to think together, to collaborate, and to find ways of promoting tourism," he said. Elahi further emphasised that the goal is not solely to attract Indian tourists to Iran, but to create a mutual exchange of travellers. "I, as Ambassador of Iran, try to attract Iranian tourists to India. It is one of my duties. At the same time, I also try to attract Indian tourists," he added. The ambassador outlined steps Iran has taken to facilitate travel for Indian tourists, mentioning that Indian passport holders are now exempted from visa requirements. "Also, Indians do not need to scan their passports during entry or departure, and there are no concerns about travelling to other countries after visiting Iran," he noted. Elahi expressed the need for this information to be shared more widely among Indian travellers. When asked about the impact of geopolitical tensions, particularly between Iran and Israel, Elahi dismissed any significant effect on tourism. "The current tension between Iran and Israel is not a new thing. For more than 40 years, we've had this tension. Israel is waiting for Iran's retaliation, and we will respond at the right time when we have a plan," he said. He acknowledged that travel advisories from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sometimes discourage tourists, but stressed that tensions have not affected tourism from other countries. "We are witnessing an increase in tourism from different countries, especially from Europe. They are conscious, but they are coming to Iran," Elahi remarked. Elahi also extended a personal invitation to Indian tourists. "I invite Indian people to come to Iran and see it as it is. Unfortunately, the mainstream media is giving misinformation, trying to manipulate perceptions. Indians can easily travel to Iran on a direct flight without a visa. It's just a three-and-a-half-hour flight, and they can buy good souvenirs from Iran," he said. Elahi's remarks reflected Iran's broader effort to revitalise tourism exchanges with India and counter misconceptions that may deter travellers. By easing visa requirements and addressing logistical hurdles, Iran aims to attract Indian tourists while encouraging more Iranians to explore India. (ANI)
The previous practice of providing reservation quotas to children of Pakistani bureaucrats in the country was condemned by Supreme Court Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Friday. In his statement, Isa criticised the practice of reserving government job seats for the children of bureaucrats in Pakistan. He emphasised the desperate need for a transparent and merit-based hiring system in the country instead of the current one, The Nation, a news organisation from Pakistan, reported on Friday. According to Isa's statement, "Are bureaucrats' children somehow special? How can someone claim a job and say their future generations must also benefit?" Isa remarked while hearing an appeal related to public servants in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The Supreme Court of Pakistan was reviewing a case concerning the allocation of government jobs through a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO). Isa, while leading a four-member bench in Pakistan, questioned how such SROs could be issued by a mere section officer. "Can a section officer run the country? Neither the Constitution nor laws can be created through an SRO issued by a section officer," he asserted while condemning the practice. He noted that the practice of issuing SROs without proper authority began during Ziaul Haq's regime. "Back then, bureaucrats refused to sign off on certain orders, so Ziaul Haq initiated the practice of writing 'competent authority'. But no one knew who this competent authority was. Any official document must have a clear basis," he said. According to The Nation, Isa highlighted that government job quotas for children of bureaucrats are a violation of the constitutional principle of non-discrimination. "The Constitution prohibits any form of discrimination. If a person qualifies for a job, they should be hired based on merit, not lineage." He also stated, "Let those who fulfil the criteria for the job work. Bureaucracy should not perpetuate itself by reserving jobs for its children." The court, after the hearing, according to the same news report, issued a written order, claiming that all notifications released by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government that contravene the merit-based hiring practices should be withdrawn. Isa said, "The provincial government must revoke any such SROs that violate constitutional provisions on equality and non-discrimination," the ruling declared. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], September 13 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the UAE's participation in COP29, has stressed the importance of following up on the implementation of the historic UAE Consensus to keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius. This came as Sheikh Abdullah chaired the committee's fourth meeting, held remotely to review the progress achieved over the past six months and discuss the UAE's participation and action plan for the 29th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29), which will be hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan in November. Sheikh Abdullah praised the intensive diplomatic efforts made by the working teams since COP28 concluded in December. He said, "COP28 was a historic event where the UAE Consensus and the COP Presidency's action plan provided a successful model for multilateral diplomacy, producing a comprehensive negotiation text with practical solutions to mitigate climate change." He added that COP29 in Azerbaijan presents an opportunity to build on those achievements and continue turning agreed outcomes into reality. He also commended Azerbaijan's efforts in advancing global climate action and wished the country success in hosting COP29. Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the growing ties between the UAE and Azerbaijan across all sectors, including climate action, expressing his desire to build on the success of the UAE Consensus and COP28 to enhance the COP29 agenda and global climate efforts. The committee reviewed future plans and initiatives to support the success of COP29, scheduled to take place in Baku this November. Discussions also covered the COP28 Presidency's participation in related events, progress on its action plan, and collaboration with the COP29 team. The working teams highlighted key points from the COP29 Presidency's messaging, including raising ambitions, climate finance, empowering climate action, international cooperation, loss and damage, and the action agenda. The meeting also touched on the UAE's water-related initiatives, stressing the need to highlight this issue during the country's participation in Azerbaijan. Additionally, the committee discussed the pivotal role of the UAE's national negotiating team at COP29, focusing on enhancing the team's role in representing the country's positions. The UAE's efforts to submit transparent reports on its climate commitments, in line with its membership in the UNFCCC, were reviewed, including the Cabinet's decision to join the Partnership for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC Partnership), a coalition aiming to promote sustainable development and tools for climate adaptation. The Preparatory Committee for the UAE's Participation in COP29 includes ministers and officials from various sectors. During the meeting, committee members outlined their preparations for the UAE's participation in COP29 to ensure cohesive government efforts across strategic, diplomatic, economic, and technological sectors, ensuring the UAE's active role in the conference and reinforcing its international climate commitments and legacy from COP28. At the close of the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah thanked committee members and urged them to continue supporting and guiding efforts to raise ambitions and enhance climate action. (ANI/WAM)
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has chosen not to back the government's proposed constitutional amendments regarding Pakistan's judiciary, ARY News reported. The party has directed its senators to abstain from voting in the Senate unless they have specific approval from their leadership. Sources indicate that Senator Atta-ur-Rehman, the party's parliamentary leader, sent a policy letter to his fellow senators, including Kamran Murtaza, Maulana Abdul Wasey, Abdul Shakoor Khan, and Ahmed Khan. The letter emphasised that senators must not vote on any constitutional amendments unless they have written authorisation from the party's leadership. The JUI-F leadership cautioned that senators who vote without proper authorisation could face disqualification, ARY reported. JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah has categorically denied any speculation that his party might align with the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government. In a statement reported by ARY News, Hamdullah asserted that the JUI-F will firmly remain in opposition and will not join the government. He argued that such a move would be politically detrimental to the party, suggesting it could lead to its "political death." Hamdullah stressed that the JUI-F does not need to be part of the government to achieve its objectives and emphasised that the party's focus is on maintaining its independence and credibility. According to Hamdullah, the current government has lost public trust and is failing to effectively manage affairs. He criticised the administration for its lack of transparency and accused it of failing to restore confidence among the public. The JUI-F leader pointed out that the parliament has "lost" its autonomy and is not operating with the independence it should. This criticism reflects the party's broader concern about the erosion of parliamentary independence and its commitment to advocating for a legislature free from external influences. In a recent development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Maulana Fazlur Rehman's residence in Islamabad on August 30, where he expressed a desire to collaborate with the JUI-F once again. Sharif extended an invitation to Rehman to work together, reminiscent of their past political alliances. However, Maulana Fazlur Rehman responded with a firm stance that his party's position remains unchanged. He indicated that while the government may seek a renewed partnership, the JUI-F's strategy and political direction have not shifted. Hamdullah reiterated that the JUI-F is committed to pursuing an independent parliamentary agenda and does not see value in aligning with the current government. The party remains focused on "people's politics" and continues to advocate for a parliament free from external control. This ongoing tension highlights the JUI-F's dedication to maintaining its political stance amidst the evolving landscape of Pakistani politics. (ANI)
Speaking to media representatives at Parliament House, Bilawal underlined the importance of bolstering the "Charter of Democracy" and fostering better inter-party cooperation.

He emphasised the significance of resolving the fundamental issues facing the nation and ending the present parliamentary impasse, ARY News reported.

Bilawal said, "Our aim is not merely to stay in government but to address the basic issues affecting the people," adding that if governance fails to solve these problems, its purpose is lost.

In response to a query concerning the Chief Justice of Pakistan's term extension, Bilawal Bhutto brushed it off and referred to it as a personal problem.

He demanded that the constitution be amended and put into effect.

Additionally, he stated that Maulana Fazlur Rehman is an important member of the opposition and urged him to contribute positively when needed, according to ARY News.

The PPP leader told the reporters that while the party opposes the governor's rule, it may be enforced if circumstances make it inevitable.

Bilawal emphasised the pressing necessity to address poverty and the increasing shortage of resources in relation to economic difficulties.

He backed the "Chartered Economy" concept put forth by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and maintained that for any national economic plan to be successful, all political stakeholders must be consulted. (ANI)
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
ELECTION 2024: What to know about the Nov. 5 election

Now that the Sept. 3 Massachusetts primary election is over, voting attention can turn to the General Election on Nov. 5.

In addition to voting for U.S. President and Vice President  a showdown between Vice President Kamala Harris/Tim Walz and former President Donald Trump/J.D. Vance  positions on Massachusetts' Nov. 5 ballot include U.S. senator, U.S. representative, governor's councillor, state senator, state representative, register of deeds, clerk of courts and county commissioner.

There are also five ballot questions.

Early voting begins Oct. 19, but there are a handful of other dates to keep in mind.

Here's what you need to know about the Nov. 5 General Election in Massachusetts.

A tin of I Voted stickers catch the early morning light just as the polls open at 7 a.m. at the Chatham Community Center. It was pretty quiet at the Chatham Community Center just after the polls opened at 7 a.m. on primary election day, Sept. 3, 2024. Town Clerk Julie Smith said that about 32 residents had cast their ballots during early voting. About 550 mail-in ballots were returned of the approximately 1,400 that were sent out, she said.

Dates to remember ahead of the 2024 Massachusetts General Election

Oct. 19 is the first day of early, in-person voting.

Oct. 26 is the voter registration deadline.

Oct. 29 is the last day to apply for a mail ballot.

Nov. 1 is the last day of early, in-person voting.

Nov. 5 is the general election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

When do polls open?

The general election is a statewide election, so polls in every city and town open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters in line must be allowed to vote when polls are closed at 8 p.m.

If youre unsure where your voting place is, this handy tool from the secretary of states office will help you find your location.

Am I registered to vote in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts voters can check their registration status on the secretary of state website using this helpful tool.

What are voter ID laws for Massachusetts?

Most voters will only have to tell a voting official their address to vote. Election workers will ask for identification, according to the secretary of states office, for the following people:

First time voters

Voters on the inactive list

Youre casting a provisional or challenged ballot

A poll worker has a legal reason to ask

Kinga Brody and Caitlyn Kelleher have contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Mass. Nov. 5 election guide: When to vote, early voting, dates to know
A man wearing a pro-Palestine badge was shot after he tackled a pro-Israel demonstrator at a rally in Newton, Massachusetts.

The altercation broke out when a group of pro-Israel protesters gathered at Washington and Harvard Street on Thursday evening.

Cellphone footage circulating on social media shows a man wearing a pro-Palestine pin across the road from the pro-Israel demonstrators shouting at them.

You are sick, you are sick  you are defending genocide, he shouts.

A womans voice is heard shouting back, calling the man stupid.

The man is seen then running across the road and jumping on top of one of the demonstrators  identified as 47-year-old Scott Hayes  and tackling him to the ground.

The two men wrestle on the ground with other pro-Israel demonstrators trying to stop the altercation.

Newton Police said that Hayes then shot the man who tackled him, who has not been identified.

Footage shows the man sporting the pro-Palestine pin and the pro-Israel demonstrator wrestling on the ground (Kassa Akiva/Daily Wire)

Video from another angle shows the moment the suspected shooter appears to grab his pistol and fire a single shot at close range at the other man.

Grab my pistol. Grab my pistol, a voice says, before another is heard saying: Call the cops.

Police responded to the scene at around 6.40pm and the man who was shot was taken to hospital. Police said he is in a life-threatening condition.

Hayes  described as a pro-Israel Iraq war veteranfrom Framingham byThe Daily Wire  was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury.

He will be arraigned on Friday at Newton District Court.

In a late-night press conference, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said that Hayes legally owns the gun allegedly used in the shooting.

There was an individual apparently  completely randomly  walking down the other side of the street. Words were exchanged back and forth across the street, she said of the shooting.

Ultimately that individual came very rapidly across the street and tackled one of the demonstrators. There was a scuffle that was going on the street and at some point Mr Hayes used a gun and fired a shot that struck the individual who had come across the street.

Also speaking at the press conference, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller urged the public to remain calm and let the police do their work and get the facts straight.

Newton police will be increasing patrols at houses of worship over the coming days.

The shooting comes at a time of heightened tensions as the conflict in Gaza rages on, almost one year on from the October 7 attacks when Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took 250 hostages.

Since then, Israel has bombarded Gaza from the air and ground, with more than 41,000 Palestinians killed in the offensive, according to Gaza officials. Around 90 per cent of the territorys 2.3 million population has also been displaced.

Any members of the public with pictures, videos, or any other information about the incident in Newton are urged to contact the Newton Police Department Detective Bureau at 617-796-2104. People can contact the bureau anonymously on the tip line at 617-796-2121.
Newsmax faces defamation trial later this month over false claims that the 2020 election was rigged

A Delaware judge ruled Thursday that the defamation lawsuit filed against the right-wing cable channel Newsmax by voting machine company Smartmatic should proceed to trial later this month, NBC News reported.

Judge Eric Davis rejected Newsmaxs attempt to squash the case and barred a pre-trial settlement, instead inviting a jury to decide whether the network defamed Smartmatic by airing falsehoods about the 2020 election.

Newsmax reported on allegations regarding the Election and Smartmatic, but there remains a dispute as to whether Newsmax recklessly disregarded the truth, Davis wrote in a 57-page ruling, CNN reported. The jury must determine if Newsmax was doing what media organizations typically do  inform the public of newsworthy eventsor did Newsmax purposely avoid the truth and defame Smartmatic.

The trial is scheduled to start September 30, the Associated Press reported.

The Florida-based voting machine company sued Newsmax Media in 2021 for alleged defamation, arguing that the latter knowingly aired false claims that its machines were rigged during the election between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

In his ruling, the Delaware judge affirmed that not all of the alleged defamatory statements made by Newsmax were actually proven false, allowing the network to dispute this at trial. He also agreed that there was no evidence that the network was acting out of malice. However, the Thursday ruling represents an overall win for Smartmatic as Davis not only let the case move forward but reaffirmed that claims of a stolen election were totally false.
 Flash

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 India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Sept. 12, 2024. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, held talks with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Russia's St. Petersburg on Thursday, during which the two sides agreed to work together to create conditions for the improvement of bilateral relations.

During their talks on the sidelines of a meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters, Wang and Doval discussed the progress made in the recent consultations on border issues. Both parties expressed the belief that the stability of China-India relations is in the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples and conducive to regional peace and development.

Both China and India agreed to implement the consensus reached by the heads of the two countries, enhance mutual understanding and trust, maintain continuous communication, and creat conditions for boosting bilateral ties.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stressed that facing a turbulent world, as two ancient Eastern civilizations and emerging developing countries, China and India should adhere to independence, choose unity and cooperation, and avoid consuming each other.

Wang expressed the hope that the two sides properly handle their differences in a pragmatic approach and find a right way to get along with each other, in order to push the China-India relations back on track for healthy, stable, and sustainable development.

For his part, Doval noted that India and China should focus on their own and common development. He believed that the rapid development of 2.8 billion Indian and Chinese people will change the whole world.
How to see the wild side of Japan, from the Japanese Alps to Kerama Islands

Japan's northern, barren landscapes showcase tectonic formations of hot springs, geothermal waters and volcanoes, a consequence of the ruptures caused by intersecting tectonic plates. Photograph by Thanya Jones, Alamy

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Straddling four tectonic plates, Japans landscape buckles and ruptures at the whims of the fiery Pacific Rim. The result is dramatic: a beautiful, ever-changing crust that concertinas, gurgles and fissures into rippled mountains, hot springs and ocean trenches.

This trip explores the best of the countrys contrasting scenery. It begins in Hokkaido, the most northerly part of the archipelago, and finishes in the islands of Japans southerly Okinawa Prefecture. Reaching a latitude of 45N, Hokkaido can receive 50 feet of snow in winter, while spring sees Ussuri brown bears shake hibernation from their shaggy coats.

A days bullet train ride south brings travellers to the centre of Honshu island, where the Japanese Alps surge into the sky. Whitewater rafters can rush through the foothills, while hikers conquer treacherous peaks or wander picturesque old trade routes.

Southbound flights to Naha from Tokyo or Osaka bring you next to Okinawa, where Japans landmass peters out into a subtropical archipelago of green turtles and white sands. Once home to the Ryukyu Kingdom, the region later became a Second World War battleground and is now a haven for snorkellers and divers.

Highlights

1. Daisetsuzan National Park

Hokkaidos wild interior is home to Japans largest national park, nicknamed the Playground of the Gods. An inferno of sulphur and obsidian rock, seasonal blooms and belching terracotta calderas, its a region with isolated onsen (hot springs) and scene-stealing treks. Climb the Asahidake stratovolcano (7,516ft), traverse gorges and spot local wildlife such as loping brown bears and the anime-inspiring pika, a round-eared rabbit relative.

2. Noboribetsu

In Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Noboribetsu on the southwest coast is one of Japans best onsen resorts. The towns ryokan (traditional inns) are fed with geothermal waters, while its streets are crowded with comical demon statues as a nod to Jigokudani (Hell Valley): a barren white-and-red landscape to the north.

3. The Japanese Alps

The best whitewater rafting is found on the east edge of the Japanese Alps, on the Tone River, with tours from the town of Minakami. Japans second-longest waterway pours from Mount Ominakami in a riot of snow-cold froth, with class 4+ rapids in spring, mellowing out to class 12 towards summer. After drying off, head some 120 miles west into the mountains to hike the old Nakasendo trade route through cypress forests around the town of Magome, or tackle formidable peaks in Kamikochi.

The white-sand beaches of Nishibama Beach make for a popular day trip from Okinawa, with the opportunity to swim alongside local marine wildlife. Photograph by Ian Trower, Awl Images

4. Kerama islands

A half-hour ferry ride west of Okinawas namesake main island, a smattering of smaller isles make up Kerama-shoto National Park. With brilliant aquamarine seas, theyre a popular day trip and have some of Japans best diving and snorkelling  but its worth staying overnight in a local guesthouse. Walk off Zamami Islands white-sand beaches into turtle-filled waters, dive Akas reefs while spotting lionfish and pufferfish, and watch nursing humpback whales from the breeze-blown coast (December to April). seasir.com

5. Yanbaru

While Okinawas south is largely given over to Ryukyu culture and war memorials, its north is thick with sinuous jungle. Called Yanbaru, this UNESCO-listed national park area is home to endangered and endemic species including the flightless Okinawa rail and Ryukyu long-tailed giant rat. A highlight is the 40-minute forest trail hike to Hiji Falls. In Yanbarus north, visit the sprawling banyan trees of Daisekirinzan  a natural shrine.

Published in the September 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).



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The veteran cabinet minister had been active in the struggle against apartheid since the early 1970s [Getty Images]

South Africa's former finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, has died at the age of 75, his family said.

The anti-apartheid struggle veteran played a key role in South Africa's transition to democracy and helped negotiate the end of white-minority rule.

As well as finance minister, he occupied other top government and administrative roles since the 1990s until he announced his retirement from politics in May.

The veteran cabinet minister died in hospital early on Friday after "a short, courageous battle with cancer", his family said in a statement.

It added that he was "surrounded by his family, closest friends and his lifelong comrades in the liberation struggle when he passed away in the early hours this morning".

He is credited with turning around the national tax agency - the South African Revenue Service - and making it a credible and effective institution between 1999 to 2009.

Gordhan was then finance minister until 2014 and was seen as a competent safe pair of hands, who encouraged stability and discipline at the treasury.

He returned to the job the following year after the debacle when President Jacob Zuma appointed the relatively unknown David van Rooyen to the post and sacked him just four days later, following accusations that his appointment had been prompted by business allies of the president.

Gordhan was seen for many years as the face of resistance against widespread corruption known as "State Capture" during Zuma's presidency, and gave evidence about Zuma's role in South Africa's financial decay at a public inquiry known as the Zondo Commission.

Gordhan was born in 1949 in the eastern port city of Durban. His parents were traders, who had emigrated to South Africa from India in the 1920s.

From the early 1970s, Gordhan, as a pharmacy student, became involved in the struggle against white-minority rule. In the following decade he was a key figure in the United Democratic Front (UDF), a coalition of anti-apartheid organisations.

He was jailed several times for his activism.

In 1991, he co-chaired the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa), which was responsible for negotiating the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic government.

He was a prominent figure in the fight against "State Capture", a term used in South Africa to describe the alleged undue influence of private interests over state institutions, often for corrupt purposes.

In 2017, he was dramatically sacked in a midnight cabinet reshuffle as he was seen as a bulwark against corruption in President Zuma's administration, which was facing growing criticism.

The Gupta family of businessman, close associates of Zuma, were at the centre of these allegations. Both the Guptas and Zuma deny any wrongdoing.

In 2016, Gordhan was charged with fraud but the charges were later dropped. His allies said they were politically motivated.

He returned to government as public enterprises minister in 2018 after Zuma was ousted.

That was to be Gordhan's final cabinet role and his stellar record came under intense scrutiny.

His ministry was responsible for South Africas power utility Eskom at a time when rolling blackouts known as load-shedding were at an all-time high. He also came under fire for his handling of plans to sell part of the government's stake in the national airline South African Airways.

Some of those close to him believe he was incorrectly blamed for the chaos at these institutions.

"He was attacked, he was not very much liked. Not that we wanted to be liked. He didnt do his work to be liked, he did his job because thats what he was there for," said South Africa's former ambassador to the US Sheila Sisulu.

But Gordhan's "heroic reputation" as a "stalwart of the ANC" helped to shield him from the worst criticism he could have received for his performance as the minister responsible for fixing compromised state-owned enterprises, policy analyst Angelo Fick told the BBC.

"In real terms anyone else would certainly have been thought to have fallen foul."

Gordhan announced his retirement ahead of the May 2024 elections and kept a low profile since then.

"I have no regrets, no regrets We have made our contribution," Gordhan said in a farewell message before his death.

In recent days, friends and social justice activists had gathered at a candlelit vigil for him, and heaped praise on the work he did to reform state institutions for the better.

In his tribute, President Cyril Ramaphosa described Gordhan as an outstanding leader and a beacon of the fight against corruption.

"He fought to liberate this country from the shackles of Apartheid, from inequality, from poverty and from hunger," Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa urged the country to remember Gordhan's "personal sacrifices" from his anti-apartheid activism days, right up to the last days he retired from active politics.

"He was driven by a vision of a society in which all people may achieve their full potential and in which all may realise their dreams."

Gordhan is survived by his wife Vanitha and their daughters Anisha and Priyesha.

Additional reporting by Natasha Booty

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

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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
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
The great showman just turned his back on tens of millions of viewers.

At least for now.

Donald Trumps refusal to take part in another presidential debate with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris marks a significant moment in the 2024 campaign  and hints at vulnerability for a political career built on the foundation of his television fame and mastery of stagecraft.

The ex-president said he doesnt need a rematch because he won Tuesday nights debate, despite overwhelming reviews saying he bombed against a vice president who outdid a former reality star.

Because weve done two debates and because they were successful, there will be no third debate. Its too late anyway, the votings already begun, Trump said during a wild campaign speech in Arizona on Thursday, also referring to his first debate against Joe Biden, on CNN in June, that led to the president being pushed out of the race by his own party.

But theres an alternative possible explanation: that Trump  who normally cant resist a chance to dominate the small screen  doesnt relish a repeat of a showdown in which he was unprepared and unfocused and squandered his best chance to take down his opponent in a cliffhanger election. The former president might be right to mitigate the risk; after all, polls show hes in a dead heat with Harris in a race in which the fundamentals on top voter priorities like the economy and immigration may favor him.

After Tuesdays onstage meeting, Harris had said that she and her opponent owed it to voters to debate again. Trumps move opened the way for her team to gloat that he is scared to debate her and to boost a performance in which she mocked and rebuked an ill-tempered ex-president with a swagger and a smile. Harris senior campaign adviser, David Plouffe, blasted Trump on X as chicken man.

The Republican nominee often changes his mind. But his announcement on there not being another debate seemed more adamant than many of his previous statements and spin.

His event in Arizona  apparently meant to focus on economic policy, judging by a backdrop that read No taxes on tips and Make Housing Affordable  revealed Trump to be still fuming over Tuesday night. He devoted a long period at the start of his speech to a play-by-play of the debate, bitterly complaining about Harris answers and claiming that he was set up by ABC News. His litany of complaints, however, flew in the face of his claim he won. People said that I was angry at the debate, angry, and yes, I am angry because he (Biden) allowed 21 million illegal aliens invading our communities, Trump said, using unverified figures on undocumented migration.

Laura Loomer arrives with former President Donald Trump for a visit to the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Company in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2024. - Matt Rourke/AP

Harris insists shes an underdog and a new controversy embroils Trump

Trumps turn against a second debate with Harris came as both candidates headed out on the most intense burst of tit-for-tat campaigning in days. But Trump was also embroiled in yet another controversy over the extreme company he often keeps, after traveling to a 9/11 commemoration with far-right polemicist Laura Loomer, who has touted conspiracy theories about the 2001 attacks. Even Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia congresswoman whose conspiratorial mindset has endeared her to the Make America Great Again movement, rebuked Loomer for an appalling and extremely racist social media post that denigrated Harris Indian American heritage.

The furor over whether therell be another debate and Loomers proximity to Trump are examples of the heated controversies that flare in the endgames of campaigns, which can often appear irrelevant to the final result. But with a tight race now stripped down to a daily grind for possibly as few as several hundred thousand voters in a few states, such firestorms reveal a great deal about the candidates and their campaigns.

Trumps extreme defensiveness and Harris exuberance on the stump in North Carolina on Thursday paint a picture of how each campaign thinks its candidate did at the debate.

As she did after her euphoric convention in Chicago, the Democratic nominee pleaded with her supporters not to get complacent. Understand that we are the underdog, the vice president told a huge crowd in Charlotte.

Its still too early for a critical mass of polling that could trace the true impact of the debate on the race eight weeks before Election Day. And the result of debates is often not a good predictor of an election result.

But the candidates itineraries Thursday showed that each side understands how close the election could be. Democrats havent won North Carolina since 2008, but the state could help pave an alternative road to the White House if Harris cant win critical Pennsylvania. Trumps journey to Arizona stressed that a state that once seemed to be turning red when Biden was still running is now competitive again with Harris as a nominee who has expanded the electoral map for Democrats.

Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris walks on stage to speak at a campaign rally at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 12, 2024. - Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

Both candidates need to win over moderate, suburban, swing voters in the battleground states. And they are taking vastly different approaches to doing so. Harris on Thursday vowed to unite the country and courted traditional Republicans who are disaffected with Trump. She touted her endorsements from former GOP Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, and added, Democrats, Republicans and independents are supporting our campaign.

If Harris is trying to woo the suburbs, Trump is trying to scare them. He ruminated on a series of dark scenarios around the idea that America was being invaded by foreigners, escaped prisoners and criminals who were overwhelming small towns with Harris migrant crime. He repeated the conservative-spread false claims that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are stealing and eating pets. While he occasionally reverted to what appeared to be a prepared text that highlighted Americans economic struggles  he announced that he would propose ending taxes on overtime, for example  Trump displayed the exact same lack of focus that hampered him in his debate performance. And he again appeared keener to unroll his outlandish rhetoric and dark jokes than hitting the issues that could win him the election.

At times, Trump careened into bizarre diversions. For instance, and not for the first time, he seemed fixated by the size of a large man in the auditorium. He asked, Wasnt The Apprentice a great show, though? and wistfully reminisced about the final night of his election campaign in 2016. He also relayed conversations with former first lady Melania Trump in which he called her Darling and she critiqued his jokes, his hair and his habit of mocking the way Biden walked down a flight of stairs.

Its becoming increasingly obvious that Trump is underperforming his own campaign. His hard-hitting ads and his vice-presidential nominee, JD Vance, are making sharper economic arguments than he is.

Still, Trump still leads Harris in most polls when voters are asked who they trust most to manage the economy and immigration. So while his rhetoric seems egregious to many liberals, his message clearly resonates among millions of Americans. The economic argument, buried deep in his tirade, about the performance of the Biden-Harris administration hinted at the reasons why the former president may still win the election. His behavior for most of his Arizona speech showed why he may not.

Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks as former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump listens during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. - Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Will Trump stick to his refusal to debate Harris again?

The ex-presidents continued ill-discipline on Thursday suggests one reason why his campaign may not want their candidate to climb back on a debate stage  after 60 million people watched his first meeting with Harris.

But Bryan Lanza, a senior Trump campaign advisor, insisted that this was a tactical decision. Its not a function of being scared, its a function of what are our priorities towards the end of the election, he said on CNNs The Situation Room. Lanza added: We have better opportunities through one-on-one interviews  through our rallies, through going into these states and having this impact  than going into a debate that is going to stack the deck against President Trump.

But Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said Harris had intimidated the former president. Donald Trump was weak, he honestly came across as a little desperate, Pritzker told Wolf Blitzer. Kamala Harris came across as strong and presidential. If he had another debate with her and it happened again, that would be it for his campaign  he would be done.

Pritzker was spinning the best case for Harris. But she might not perform as well in a second debate. And in 2016, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton was judged the winner of each of her debates with Trump  but it was he who took the oath of office the following January.

Not everyone who knows Trump thinks that his decision is final. Alyssa Farah Griffin, a CNN commentator who used to serve as Trumps White House communications director, foresaw a scenario in which the ex-president might have a change of heart if he is trailing closer to Election Day.

I would predict that he may change his tune on this, Griffin said on The Situation Room.

If Kamala Harris sees a bump in the polls from her performance in the debate where most folks think she won, I could see a world where in a couple of weeks Donald Trump says, I challenge her to a debate, Griffin said.

I could see him thinking, if things get a little bit tighter in the final eight-week stretch, he might need a big moment to remain competitive against her.

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Are you thinking of visiting the impressive capital of Spain? What better way to learn about its history and culture than through its gastronomic offerings?

Madrid is not only famous for its monuments and nightlife but for its varied and rich cuisine.

Gastronomic tourism is here to stay! More and more people are deciding to visit the most exciting cities in the world through its cuisine. If you are passionate about trying traditional dishes or discovering new culinary trends, taking an exquisite Madrid food tour is an excellent way to get to know the city through its flavors.

Below, we invite you to discover some of the best culinary tours and experiences that Madrid has to offer. Get ready to explore the city in a different way, and get to know Madrid through its best gastronomic sites! Lets start!

San Miguel Market

This is one of the most emblematic markets in Madrid and is located in the heart of the city. It is a historic market that has been renovated to offer a gastronomic experience that mixes the best of tradition and modernity. As you walk through it you can enjoy a wide variety of tapas, from classic Iberian ham to fresh oysters, all accompanied by a glass of Spanish wine.

Any Madrid food tour will allow you to taste the famous tapas in different bars and taverns. Some even include tastings of regional wines.

Cava Baja Street

In the neighborhood of La Latina is Cava Baja Street, which is known for being one of the most traditional areas to enjoy an authentic tapas route. There you can visit some of the oldest taverns in the city, where you can try specialties such as callos a la madrilena, cod, and, of course, the unique cocido madrileno, a stew of chickpeas, vegetables, and meat that will leave you wanting more.

If there is one dish that represents the essence of Madrids gastronomy, it is the cocido madrileno. In fact, most tours include a stop at a tavern specializing in this dish, as it is one of the delicacies that can not be missed if you are visiting the city.

Chueca Neighborhood

The Chueca neighborhood is known for its alternative and avant-garde atmosphere and has become a gastronomic reference in Madrid. It is an ideal place to discover innovative proposals that fuse local flavors with international influences; from restaurants that reinvent tapas to vegan and fusion options. You could say its the perfect place if youre looking for something different.

Creativity is the order of the day in this area, with an abundance of young chefs experimenting with traditional ingredients and modern techniques to create dishes that surprise the palate. A tour of this neighborhood will allow you to try tapas like you had never imagined before, always with a touch of creativity.

Malasana Neighborhood

Malasana is a neighborhood full of life, famous for its bohemian atmosphere and its corners full of history. This place is the best place to try traditional dishes in places that still maintain their traditional essence, but also to discover new proposals that mix the old with the modern.

One of the Madrid classics that you can not miss on a gastronomic tour of Malasana is a good cup of chocolate with churros. This traditional dish is a delight at any time of the day, especially if you accompany it with a visit to a historic churreria.

The grills of Madrid

Madrid also has many expert rotisseries, where suckling lamb and suckling pig are the stars. These are restaurants specializing in traditional-style roast meats, offering a gastronomic experience where the quality of the meat and its preparation in wood-fired ovens are the key to success.

In fact, tasting roast suckling pig or suckling lamb in one of these rotisseries is practically a ritual in Madrid, so it is an experience not to be missed. Accompanied by good wine, this meal is the perfect finishing touch to a gastronomic tour of the capital.

Signature cuisine

Madrid not only offers traditional food, it is also an ideal destination for lovers of haute cuisine. With several Michelin-starred restaurants, the most exclusive food tours will take you to discover the creations of some of the worlds most renowned chefs.

Madrid is the place to be if you are looking for a high-level culinary experience, as it has a wide range of restaurants that combine technique, art, and passion in every dish. These tours will take you to restaurants where you can enjoy tasting menus that will make you live a unique gastronomic experience.

Lavapies Neighborhood

Lavapies is a multicultural neighborhood that is a true reflection of the diversity that characterizes Madrid. In its streets coexist restaurants of traditional Spanish food with places that offer dishes from different parts of the world, such as India, Morocco, Senegal, and Latin America. Taking a food tour through this area is like going on a global culinary journey without leaving the city, allowing you to discover everything from the spicy flavor of an Indian curry to a delicious Moroccan tajine.

Lavapies also hosts the annual Tapapies event, where restaurants in the area offer tapas inspired by cuisines from around the world. It is the perfect opportunity to try the most creative bites, reflecting the mix of cultures that have made Lavapies a gastronomic reference point in Madrid.

Chamberi Neighborhood

This is a neighborhood that is famous for maintaining the castiza soul of Madrid but has also had a gastronomic renaissance in recent years with the opening of gourmet bars and restaurants. Here, you can try traditional dishes such as huevos rotos or patatas bravas, along with more modern proposals of signature cuisine. In addition, there are several traditional markets such as Mercado de Vallehermoso, where you can enjoy fresh and authentic products.

Vallehermoso Market

Although it is one of the traditional markets of Madrid, it is a clear example of how these spaces are adapting to the new times, as it not only focuses on offering fresh products but also offers gastronomic spaces where you can sit down and enjoy a delicious meal.

A sweet tour

Madrid is not only famous for its tapas and stews, it also has a rich tradition of desserts that sweeten any visit. You cant miss delicacies such as bunuelos, barquillos, and, of course, the traditional San Isidro doughnuts. There are many century-old pastry shops in Madrid, such as La Mallorquina, that allow you to enjoy these sweets in spaces that evoke the historical past of the city.

There is one last fact that is essential to add if we are talking about desserts; during the Christmas season, the Roscon de Reyes is the undisputed king of Madrids pastry shops. If you are traveling at this time of the year, you must taste traditional and modern versions of this emblematic dessert. In addition, you will be able to discover other festive delicacies that vary according to the season, such as nougat and marzipan.
Employees of a local bank took time off from work Wednesday to do some work for others.

Seven employees of First Interstate Bank, 509 W. Broadway, visited the Council Bluffs Micah House as part of a yearly corporate function.

This is our seventh annual First Interstate Bank Volunteer Day, said Tyler Drvol, local branch manager. It all began when we were looking for opportunities to go out into our communities and do volunteer work as a way to give back to the communities where we work and live.

First Interstate has branches in 14 states, he said, and all of them were volunteering in their respective communities on Wednesday.

In the past, local employees did volunteer work at New Visions Homeless Services and Family, Inc., now known as Firefly.

This is our first time here (Micah House), Drvol said. We contacted them if they needed volunteers and we coordinated the details.

Actually, bank employees are familiar with the shelter at 1415 Ave. J.

We teach financial literacy classes here at Micah House, Drvol said.

Micah House is an emergency shelter serving families and women in the Omaha and Council Bluffs metro area who are facing the crisis of homelessness.

We see a lot of different reasons, said Kassidy Wolbach, marketing and communications coordinator for Micah House. Theres domestic violence, mental health issues, financial reasons.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the shelter has seen more and more families coming because of financial reasons, she said.

After touring the shelter, the employees went to work completing various duties, repainting a large room among them.

I dont mind painting, though I may not be the best at it, Drvol said, smiling.

Needless to say, the Micah House staff was very appreciative of the bank employees efforts.

We love hosting businesses to come here and teaching them what our mission is all about and helping out with our biggest projects, Wolbach said. Having them do that is awesome.

Its nice to give of our time back to the community, Drvol said.
 Flash

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 Ali Ahmadian, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Sept. 12, 2024. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Chinese and Iranian officials came to a consensus on Thursday to strengthen bilateral relations and facilitate the implementation of various cooperation initiatives.

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, met with Ali Ahmadian, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, on the sidelines of a meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters held in Russia's St. Petersburg.

In regard to China-Iran relations, Wang noted that China supports Iran's efforts to protect its national sovereignty, security, and dignity, as well as its opposition to external interference and excessive suppression, adding that China is ready to promote the stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations.

Wang also stated that China supports Iran and other regional countries in resolving their disputes via communication and consultation, as well as continually improving regional relations.

Ahmadian underscored the new Iranian government's willingness to work with China to support the implementation of the Iran-China comprehensive cooperation plan and enhance overall practical collaboration in economic and trade investment, digital technology, cultural tourism, and other areas. In addition to that, Iran appreciates China's successful mediation of the Iran-Saudi dialogue in Beijing and affirms China's role as a major responsible country in the international community.

During their meeting, the two parties also discussed the Gaza situation, stressing the importance of fostering a durable ceasefire and complete military withdrawal, as well as resuming the "two-state solution" as soon as feasible.
Exports of thermal coal from the US to Africa increased 60% in the first half of this year to 5.3 million tons, compared with 3.1 MMst in the same period in 2023, the International Energy Agency said.

In the first half of 2024, U.S. exporters shipped virtually all (98%) of this thermal coal to Egypt and Morocco, it said.

In the first six months of 2024, exporters shipped 2.8 MMst to Morocco and 2.4 MMst to Egypt, compared with 1.4 MMst and 1.8 MMst.

A major reason for increased exports of U.S. thermal coal into North Africa has been strong demand by industry, mostly from cement plants and brickmakers, the agency said.

The same trend was noticed in exports of thermal coal from the United States to Asia, with a 19% increase.
Telecom operator, Maroc Telecom, has paid 6.3 billion dirhams ($630 mln) in damages to its competitor Inwi after it was indicted by a court for anti-competitive practices.

The fine represents 17% of the firms turnover and exceeds the 6.1 billion dirhams it made in profit last year.

Fingers are pointing to Maroc Telecoms CEO Abdesslam Ahizoun who failed to comply with anti-competitive rules.

The sanction makes Maroc Telecom shares an investment on the medium and longer terms, as the company could withhold sharing this years dividends, according to observers.

The company plans to distribute 2023 dividends worth 3.7 billion dirhams. Some market experts expect the company to resort to debt to pay both dividends and the compensation to Inwi.

In 2020, Maroc Telecom was found guilty of practicing anti-competitive practices since 2013, the regulator ARNT said, imposing a fine of 3.3 billion dirhams on the operator.

Maroc Telecom was fined for refusing to share unbundling on its network with other competitors in order to maintain monopoly of fixed broadband.

Maroc telecom posted a profit of 6.19 billion dirhams in 2023. The company is listed both on Casablanca and Euronext and operates in Morocco, Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Chad, Gabon, Cote dIvoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Togo.
Nearly a week after Algerias show election, the electoral committee still has not offered accurate figures on the results and turnout.

The elections were marked by a large-scale indifference of the 24.5 million Algerian registered voters, with only 5 million- mostly those who benefit from state rent- casting ballots.

Authorities said Tebboune won by 94%. A result he, himself, and the other sham candidates denounced as inaccurate. The three candidates have also cast a shadow of doubt over the near 50% turnout announced by authorities.

In the breakaway Kabylia region, turnout was near zero as usual.

Journalist in exile, Abdou Semmar, said the electoral boycott is a new silent Hirak, by which the population expresses its disenchantment and disappointment at a military junta organizing sham elections.

The campaign took place in August in the extreme heat where most people are on holidays.

Some media like Frances LOpinion, citing election observers, said turnout did not exceed 10%.

The regime chose to involve a Kabylian socialist Youcef Aouchiche and an Islamist Abdelali Hassani Cherif to give an electoral show. The two candidates received 2.1% and 3% of votes respectively.

An official participation rate of 48.03% was announced for an electorate of 24.35 million voters, which should have resulted in eleven million voters. However, the results published  several hours late  showed 5.63 million voters, a real rate of 23%. Did five million votes disappear? Moreover, participation was almost nil in some regions: around 3% in the wilayas of Tizi-Ouzou and Bejaia, former French ambassador to Algiers Xavier Driencourt told Le Figaro.

The low turnout points once more to a legitimacy crisis of Tebboune and the military junta behind him.
The United States backs a Security Council reform that would offer Africa two permanent seats, Reuters reported, adding that Washington also supports a rotating seat for small island nations.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told Reuters however that the new UN Security Council members would not have veto power, which shall remain limited to the five current members.

This came at a context where the US tries to improve its image on the continent and counter rising Chinese and Russian influence there.

African states have for long urged a reform of the Security Council to address the underrepresentation of the continent in global governance.

The arguments in favor of increasing African membership in the council are: repairing the historical injustice of its underrepresentation in global governance, recognizing African contributions in shaping the contemporary world order, and securing the legitimacy of the UN in the face of emerging threats to international peace and security.

The US also backs seats for Japan, Germany, and India.
The Moroccan Ministry of Health confirmed this Thursday that a monkeypox case has been detected, as part of the national epidemiological surveillance and alert system.

The ministry explained in a statement that the case was detected in accordance with the approved health protocol, and the patient is receiving the necessary medical care in Marrakech. The patients condition is stable and is no cause for concern.

The statement added that health authorities have implemented strict quarantine and medical monitoring for the patient, in addition to conducting thorough epidemiological investigations to identify all contacts and take necessary preventive measures, in line with national and international standards. The ministry confirmed that no symptoms have been reported among the patients contacts so far.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to keeping the public updated about the epidemiological situation and urged citizens to rely on official sources for information, avoid rumors, and observe the recommended preventive measures. These include regular hand-washing, abstaining from direct contact with people infected or suspected of being infected, and ensuring personal hygiene.
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The head of the African Unions health agency urged the West to learn from the Covid-19 pandemic and avoid abandoning Africa amid the mpox epidemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global emergency in August 2024, due to the spread of the new Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the epidemics epicenter. The African Center for Disease Control (Africa CDC) reported that it has not yet met its $600 million fundraising goal to combat the virus, now present in 14 African countries.

Africa CDC director Jean Kaseya called on Western countries to demonstrate they have learned from Covid, expressing optimism that they will. We dont want to return later and say youve abandoned Africa again, Kaseya said during an online mpox briefing.

He emphasized the need for Western countries to rebuild trust, which was damaged during the Covid-19 pandemic when richer nations were often prioritized for vaccines.

Kaseya highlighted that trust was broken between Western countries and Africa, and in facing the global problem of mpox, it is crucial to show solidarity. The DRC, the hardest-hit country, has reported nearly 22,000 cases and 716 deaths since January, according to local authorities. Kaseya also noted that increased screening is essential to better track the epidemic.

So far, the DRC has received about 200,000 vaccine doses from the European Union and around 50,000 from the United States, despite having a population of approximately 100 million. Kaseya mentioned that several hundred thousand more doses have been promised by European countries, along with about three million doses from Japan, though he did not provide specific delivery dates.
Four days after lawyer Sonia Dahmani was sentenced to eight months in prison by an appeals court, her supporters are pushing back against the verdict. The sentence was issued before Dahmanis defense could present arguments, raising concerns about judicial fairness among her allies.

On September 12, lawyers, relatives, and Civil society activists gathered at the Tunisian Journalists Union headquarters. Bassem Trifi, President of the Tunisian League for Human Rights, commented: Its clear where the political regime is heading. The trial of Sonia Dahmani shows a disregard for the right to a fair trial. The message is: This is how it is, and if you dont like it, too bad.

Dahmanis siblings, also present, expressed their worries. Despite appealing to the Supreme Court, her sister Ramla Dahmani noted the seriousness of the situation, as Sonia faces prosecution in four other cases. Combined, Sonia could face up to forty years in prison. If you speak out, you risk at least five years, which is what Sonia is facing, she said.

Sonia Dahmani is one of many in Tunisia now imprisoned for expressing their political views. With less than a month until the presidential elections, her supporters are calling for the release of all prisoners of conscience.
In a shocking turn of events, Guinea-Bissaus President Umaro Cissoko Embalo has announced he wont be running for a second term. The 51-year-old leader dropped this bombshell after a cabinet meeting, catching everyone off guard.

Embalo, whos been in office since 2020, cited an unusual reason for bowing out  his wife talked him out of it. Talk about pillow talk having political consequences!

But heres where it gets interesting. Embalo didnt just step aside; he also ruled out three major opposition figures as potential successors. Its like hes playing political chess, but were all still trying to figure out his endgame.

This surprise move could throw Guinea-Bissau into a tailspin. The countrys no stranger to political drama  its seen more coups than you can count on one hand since gaining independence in 1974. Embalo himself claims hes dodged two overthrow attempts during his short time in office.

Embalo has been a controversial figure. He has dissolved parliament twice and tried to change the constitution to grab more power. But the last time he tried that trick, it backfired spectacularly.

Guinea-Bissau has been walking a tightrope between democracy and instability for years. With Embalo stepping down and no clear successor in sight, the country is heading into uncharted waters. Observers deem that the country, which has just found a massive cocaine shipment, will live interesting politics in the few coming months.
Algeria was severely condemned for the continuous rights violations endured by thousands of Sahrawis under the yoke of the Polisario militias in the Tindouf camps.

This came during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, where multiple rights NGOs denounced the enduring practices of extrajudicial executions, kidnappings, and forced disappearances suffered by the Sahrawis held against their will in the Polisario-run camps.

The NGOs called on the international community to put pressure on Algeria to shoulder its responsibility in protecting Sahrawis in the camps in a territory over which it has legal jurisdiction.

They also urged investigations into human rights violations in the camps and end the impunity of Polisario militias involved in these grave breaches.

Speaking at a UN Human Rights Council session, human rights activist and former detainee by the Polisario, Fadel Ould Abriqah, gave his testimony detailing several right abuses, notably summary executions of people who try to flee the camps.

Since the beginning of the year, the Algerian army personnel, in connivance with the Polisario, killed at least 20 young Sahrawis as they tried to escape misery in the camps, he said, adding that Polisario armed men force victims families to stay silent.

Late May, an Algerian drone hit a group of unarmed Sahrawis in the Akidi area, killing 14 young men, he said.

Their bodies were left exposed for four days, subject to scavengers, before a group of young Sahrawis volunteered to retrieve and secretly bury them in the camps, he added.

Algerian authorities, which have not investigated this crime, threatened the victims families with retaliation if they did not remain silent, Ould Abriqah said, urging the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the international community to pressure Algeria to respect its international obligations towards Sahrawis held in the camps.

Zaid Al-Abidin Al-Wali, President of the African Forum for Research and Studies in Human Rights, also spoke about the severe human rights violations in the Tindouf camps and the embezzlement of humanitarian aid intended for the Sahrawis in the camps by the Polisario leaders, in collusion with the Algerian army, which enforces a military blockade around the camps to prevent escapes.

Al-Wali noted that the Polisario leadership suppresses young Sahrawis who attempt to expose these practices on social media, leading to their abduction, torture, and the deprivation of their families from food aid. This situation drives many disenchanted young people to risk their lives by joining armed groups in the Sahel region in search of resources to support their families.

Al-Wali called on the international community to exert strong pressure on Algeria to fulfill its responsibilities, stating that Algeria cannot evade this responsibility by claiming to delegate the administration of what it considers its territories to a separatist militia.

In a related context, Lahcen Naji, a representative of the Unity Network for Africa, highlighted the case of the enforced disappearance of human rights activist Khalil Ahmed Abrih, who has been missing for over 14 years in the Tindouf camps. His family remains unaware of his fate and the circumstances of his disappearance.

Naji urged Algeria to reveal his whereabouts as well as identifying and naming those involved in his abduction and enforced disappearance. He also called for punitive measures against non-state armed groups proven to be directly or indirectly involved in his disappearance.

Sheikh Murbih Rabu, from the International Committee for Respect and Application of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (CIRAC), stated that enforced disappearances of Sahrawis in the camps are a systematic practice used by the armed Polisario Front to intimidate, targeting intellectuals or officials who expose its human rights violations.

Rabu called on Algeria to revoke its delegation of administrative, judicial, and legal powers to the Polisario and urged the international community to pressure Algeria to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. This would facilitate monitoring and documenting cases in the Tindouf camps and ensure the rights of victims and their families to know the truth and receive reparations for the harm they have suffered.
Abortion-rights protesters in Colorado, one of the ten states where voters will consider ballot initiatives. Photo: Jason Connolly/AFP/Getty Images

After many months of signature-gathering on petitions and lots of maneuvering in state courts, ballot measures to expand or protect abortion rights have been certified for general-election ballots in ten states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, and South Dakota. Two (in Maryland and New York) were referred by legislators and confirm rights already protected by statutes, while eight were citizen referred. This is more impressive than you may think: Only 17 states allow citizen-referred constitutional amendments, and after this year, fully 14 states whose legislatures enacted abortion bans will have voted on abortion ballot measures seeking to overturn them. Pro-choice advocates have won all seven ballot fights (four in the deep-red states of Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, and Ohio and another in the battleground state of Michigan) since the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade; there is a significant chance the winning streak could expand to 17 in November, in an astonishing confirmation of the breadth and depth of support for abortion rights.

We dont have significant public polling in some states, but everywhere (including in the deep-red states of Missouri and South Dakota), advocates for expanding or defending abortion rights seem to have an advantage. Its telling that one of the few signs of hope for the anti-abortion cause is in Florida, and thats only because the state has a 60 percent supermajority requirement for constitutional ballot initiatives. Meanwhile, an abortion-rights victory is all but assured in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, and Nevada. In Montana, its worth noting that voters rejected a 2022 ballot measure to restrict abortions.

There are some complications to this generally bright picture for abortion rights. In Nebraska, anti-abortion voters succeeded in certifying for the ballot a competing initiative that would constitutionally ban abortion after the first trimester; the standard is technically less draconian than the states current 12-week ban but would set back abortion rights and is clearly designed to confuse voters. If that initiative and the primary measure restoring the Roe viability standard both pass, the one that gathers the most votes will be implemented. In South Dakota, a legal effort failed to keep the abortion-rights initiative off the ballot, but courts are allowing a trial over the anti-abortion movements complaints, which could in theory make an enacted amendment unenforceable.

In New York, the decision to nestle abortion-rights protections into a broader equal-rights constitutional amendment could be backfiring, as Politico explains:

An issue that should have been as easy a win in New York as it has been for Democrats across the nation is now at risk of backfiring because of how they chose to craft the amendment.

The pushback from the right has relied heavily on anti-trans rhetoric, a line of attack that internal polling shows has proven persuasive to voters in battleground House districts, three people who have reviewed the data told POLITICO. They were granted anonymity to discuss the inside information.

Without a well-funded campaign to defend and bolster the equality amendment, deep blue New York could reject a referendum in support of abortion rights  with dire national political implications for Democrats.

Its still hard to imagine New York voting against an equal-rights amendment, but it may be more difficult than expected.

At the end of the day, if all ten pro-choice ballot initiatives succeed, there will be 18 states in which constitutions (either by explicit provision or state supreme court interpretations) prevent legislatures from banning abortion and another seven blue states where passage of a ban is extremely unlikely. Thats half the states, which leaves a lot of work to be done to reverse the damage wrought by the U.S. Supreme Court but a lot of work accomplished as well.
Photo: Erik McGregor/LightRocket/Getty Images

Another primary challenger has entered the ring against Eric Adams as questions continue to loom about the political future of the mayor and top members of his administration.

On Friday, Jessica Ramos, a progressive state senator from Queens, officially announced her long-anticipated bid against Adams in the 2025 mayoral race. In a video issued in both English and in Spanish on social media, she alluded to the multiple federal investigations looking at the mayor and his inner circle. You never have to wonder who Im working for or whos paying me, she said over clips of news reports about the inquiries. We need to bring that trust back to City Hall.

For the past 6 years as a State Senator, Ive been in the trenches fighting for our city.



Together, weve taken on the toughest battles and won. Now, were taking that fight to City Hall.



In our city, theres a place for everyone.



Join me: https://t.co/M6HwDHzuJ0 #VamosRamos pic.twitter.com/6b1aKmXIUp  Jessica Ramos (@jessicaramosqns) September 13, 2024

She joins a crowded field that includes her fellow state senator Zellnor Myrie, comptroller Brad Lander, and Scott Stringer, who previously ran against Adams in 2021. The entry into the race comes a week after federal agents executed search warrants on many key players in City Hall, including first deputy mayor Sheena Wright; deputy mayor for public safety Phil Banks; schools chancellor David Banks; Tim Pearson, a top adviser already mired in controversy; and NYPD commissioner Edward Caban, who resigned Thursday, citing the distraction around the department.

Investigators are looking into NYPD nightlife enforcement and whether the former commissioners brother James Caban traded on access to his connections to the department. In a separate probe, investigators are looking into an alleged bribery scheme and whether Terence Banks, the brother of the chancellor and the deputy mayor, used his consulting firm to act as an unregistered lobbyist. Federal prosecutors are still investigating Adamss 2021 mayoral campaign and whether it conspired with the Turkish government to direct illegal foreign donations toward its coffers. The mayor had his own electronic devices seized by federal agents and later returned as part of the probe. Adams has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Though Adams has vowed to continue serving as mayor and to pursue a reelection bid despite the pending investigations, the legal attention is unlikely to help the mayor with his popularity with New Yorkers. In December, a Quinnipiac University poll found that Adamss approval rating had sunk to 28 percent among registered voters, a historic low.
Photo: Bill OLeary/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Theres an unforgettable scene in Good Will Hunting in which Matt Damons character, in a session with a therapist played by Robin Williams, talks about his childhood with an abusive father. Damon says, He used to just put a wrench, a stick, and a belt on the table and just say, Choose. Well, I gotta go with the belt there, Vanna, answers Williams as the sensitive, wisecracking therapist. Damon responds, Nah, I used to go with the wrench  cause fuck him, thats why.

Jack Smith, it seems, is choosing the wrench. As his 2020 election-subversion case gets back on track after the Supreme Courts landscape-shifting immunity ruling, Smith has taken a defiant tack that likely will hurt his own cause and perhaps eventually end it altogether.

Were past the point of arguing whether we like the Supreme Courts July 2024 immunity decision. The justices have spoken, and this is now our legal reality. The Court established new rules governing prosecutions of a president or former president. All presidential conduct, the Court declared, falls into one of three categories.

First, at the top level, weve got the presidents exercise of his core Constitutional powers. These acts, the Court explained, are absolutely immune and cannot form any part of a criminal case. The Court specified that Trumps interactions with the Justice Department  which consumed a chunk of Smiths original indictment  qualify as such. Smith obediently removed those allegations when he obtained a slimmed-down superseding indictment in late August. Message received.

And at the bottom level, the Supreme Court ruled, weve got a presidents private acts as a citizen or a political candidate, which are entitled to no immunity. The Court indicated that Trumps efforts to pressure state and local officials to throw votes his way likely fall under this heading. Smith, accordingly, kept these allegations in his new indictment.

But in between weve got a middle level  and thats where Smiths troubles begin. Any conduct that falls outside the presidents core Constitutional duties but still within his official powers is presumptively immune  meaning we start by assuming its immune, unless the prosecutor can prove clearly that the conduct had nothing to do with the job itself. Definitionally, its an uphill climb for Smith.

As an example of conduct that falls within this middle ground, the Court cited Trumps interactions with Vice-President Mike Pence, including Trumps pressing of Pence to reject electoral votes on January 6. Given the Courts instruction, it wouldve been safest for Smith to remove the Pence allegations from his new indictment. But instead, Smith left the Pence allegations largely intact, only tweaked at the margins.

During last weeks court appearance, Smith confirmed that he intends to proceed with the Pence allegations. Trumps lawyers, of course, responded that the entire indictment is defective and that the Pence interactions are protected by immunity. Judge Chutkan appeared to side initially with the prosecution, as she has done throughout this case.

And thats where the good news ends for Smith. Even if Judge Chutkan does agree with Smith that the Pence allegations can remain in the case, Trump gets to appeal that determination before trial. So the Pence question, among others, will likely end up right back at the Supreme Court.

Lets remember that this is a Court that already reversed Judge Chutkan, big time (to borrow another Damon quote from Good Will Hunting), on her original ruling that presidential immunity does not exist at all. The Court excoriated her for the expedition of this case, the lack of factual analysis by the lower courts, and the absence of pertinent briefing by the parties. And the Court gave a hint  and more  about its view of the Pence evidence: presumptively immune. Not quite automatic, but close.

Maybe Smith will persuade the Supreme Court over to his side. After all, Trumps conduct toward Pence was seemingly motivated by his desire not to do the job of president but rather to steal an election. But the Court appears uninterested in probing inquiries into good or bad faith. To the contrary, the Court noted, the trial judge must differentiate official from unofficial acts without considering the Presidents motivations. In other words, the Court said, it doesnt care whether the conduct was good or bad. It cares whether the president did something that, on its face, is something presidents do  and talking to the vice-president probably qualifies.

If the Supreme Court removes the Pence allegations from Smiths case, its just about all over for the prosecution. Smith loses another pillar of his indictment, and its not clear he can tell his story in a coherent manner without the Pence angle. Even if he wanted to proceed, Smith would have to go back to a new grand jury  for a third time  to obtain yet another, even slimmer superseding indictment. At that point, Smith might wave the white flag and dump the case altogether. He might have no choice.

The news for Smith isnt all bad. While his January 6 case circles the drain, he likely will succeed in reviving his other case, the classified-documents case in Florida. That case is officially dead (for the moment) following a dismissal by District Court Judge Aileen Cannon, who found that Smiths appointment as special counsel was, in itself, unconstitutional. Smith is now appealing that ruling, and Im confident hell prevail; the heavy weight of prior decisions from other federal courts favors the special counsel here. So Smiths two cases could ultimately reverse their current positions: The newly revived January 6 case never makes it to trial, but the currently-dismissed classified documents case does. (Thats if Trump loses the presidential election, of course; if he wins, hell have them both thrown out by his new attorney general.)

Smiths history matters here. Despite the rush to crown him as some infallible giant-slayer immediately upon his appointment as special counsel in November 2022, the reality is Smiths career is stained with high-profile failures born of prosecutorial overreach. He supervised, at various points, spectacularly failed prosecutions of Virginia governor Bob McDonnell, former North Carolina senator and presidential and vice-presidential candidate John Edwards, and New Jersey senator Bob Menendez (the first case, which was dismissed in 2018, not the recent successful prosecution). Smiths name is on the first two indictments as the supervising attorney, and he was involved in the early stages of the Menendez investigation.

Now Smith  like the Matt Damon character  has seemingly decided that if hes going to go down on the January 6 case, hell go down hard, and to hell with it all. Dont be surprised if, in the end, Smiths defiant approach seals his own demise.

This article also appeared in the free CAFE Brief newsletter. You can find more analysis of law and politics from Elie Honig, Preet Bharara, Joyce Vance, and other CAFE contributors at cafe.com.
Laura Loomer, an infamous white-nationalist social-media personality, has joined Donald Trumps campaign entourage to the chagrin of many of his other supporters. Laura Loomer is a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage, says Sen. Thom Tillis. The history of statements by Ms. Loomer are beyond disturbing, complains Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina. I hope this problem gets resolved.

Who could have foreseen that a bigoted conspiracy theorist would be associated with Donald Trump of all people? It is an affront to the former presidents good name! The once-sterling reputation of Donald Trump is now associated with totally unfounded claims and weird rants about minority groups. A shocking fall from grace.

Yes, yes, Loomers rap sheet, which includes describing herself as pro-white nationalism, is comparatively more scandalous than Trumps, and we shouldnt discount the importance of every incremental step toward the partys legitimizing explicit racism. But the Republican angst over Loomers influence is not an attempt to establish boundaries. It is, to the contrary, a reflection of Republicans inability to confront the derangement and racism expressed by their partys leader.

The agita around Loomers influence is difficult to understand in ideological or moral terms. News accounts attempting to summarize what makes Loomers beliefs unacceptable tend to fall short. Loomer has a history of pushing a variety of conspiracy theories, reports NBC. She has also called for Democrats to be executed for treason, nuts Huffpost. Trump, of course, also has a history of endorsing conspiracy theories and has called for the execution of various opponents.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of the most prominent Loomer antagonists, complained about one of her recent social-media posts, This is appalling and extremely racist. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump. Taylor Greene is herself a fan of paranoid, bigoted social-media posting, and the best way to understand this complaint is not that Loomer has gone too far but that Loomer has horned in on MTGs racket.

Loomer has made enemies by clawing her way into Trumps inner circle. Trump is the focal point of Loomers personal and professional life. She does not date, she explained to the Washington Post in a revealing profile in May, and reshaped her body to make herself acceptable as a prospective Trump press secretary, her apparent dream job. I try to eat really healthy, she told the Post. I want to work for Trump. He doesnt really like  Im not saying you have to be thin to work for President Trump. Im just saying that if I wanted to work for the president and have a communications job, Id have to look presentable. Steve Bannon compared her to a monk in medieval France, saying, with apparent admiration, I dont know anybody who has dedicated their body and soul to not only Trump, but MAGA, the way she has. (Bannon himself has dedicated only his soul).

Loomers ascension owes itself not only to her cultlike devotion to the great man himself  this is mere table stakes in Trump world  but also a willingness to knife fellow sycophants for their alleged disloyalty. Her trademark move, which she calls Loomering, involves confronting Republicans with a camera at close range and attacking them for some real or imagined betrayal of Trumpism. This tactic has the simultaneous benefit of drawing public attention to Loomer and helping her ascend the greasy pole at Mar-a-Lago.

One recent, typical Loomer set piece involved a tiff with Republican spokesperson and former Miss Ohio Madison Gesiotto Gilbert. The latter attacked Loomer as a racist and a grifter, to which Loomer responded by labeling her antagonist a bimbo who calls herself a beauty queen and you didnt even defend Donald Trump a single time tonight when he was attacked while you were glammed up on a network in a segment meant to attack Donald Trump. (Who says Trumps campaign is not a healthy work environment for women?)

Marc Caputo reports Loomer has long been viewed by a faction of Trump land as a Rasputin-like figure. It is a telling comparison. Rasputin certainly had a deeply unhealthy influence on the czars. But the problem with Russian governance was not Rasputin; it was the czars themselves. The consternation that centered on Rasputins hold on the royal family in St. Petersburg served as a distraction from the fundamental decay of the Romanov dynasty and the dysfunctional state it produced.

Trump himself is both a racist and a conspiracy theorist. These facts are both too inculpatory for his Republican allies to concede yet too obvious for them to deny. And so their dismay is channeled into the figures surrounding Trump. Like indulgent parents of a delinquent teen, they focus their anger on the other kids who might be exerting a bad influence over their precious child, ignoring the obvious possibility that their child is himself the bad influence.
10 items in this article 4 items on sale! Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Joe McKendry, Retailers

Welcome to How I Pick My Picks  a kind-of-regular newsletter series in which we check in with the Strategist staff on the stuff theyre using day-to-day, the products theyre testing for stories, and the things their friends and family wont stop asking them about. Consider it a peek into the always whirring brain of a Strategist writer. Today, we talk to junior writer Bella Druckman.

As a junior writer at the Strategist, Ive collected a lot of knowledge about random (yet important) items, like bedbug mattress encasements, multivitamins, and pill cases. Being nine months postgrad also means that Ive developed a niche of my own: college and dorm essentials, including backpacks, mattress pads, and shower caddies. As much as I try to forget about my communal showers and late nights finishing essays, the 40-plus college students that Ive interviewed since joining the Strategist make sure I stay up-to-date on the things they actually use, like North Faces Borealis backpack and fairy lights instead of the big light. And as Ive built my first adult apartment, Ive actually incorporated lots of things I used to use in my dorm  including my spices, original Our Place pans, and favorite OXO spatula. So, when I say that one of the best graduation gifts is a good set of spices, you can trust me, because I use a set myself.

Given the range of topics I cover, my weeks vary. One week, Im interviewing a variety of roller-skating experts and documenting our extensive coverage of beloved kitchen brand OXO, and the next, Im combing through our What I Cant Live Without archives for celebrities favorite travel bags and pairs of underwear. I can only assume that the coming months will lead me to new niches, a welcome change for my friends whove heard enough of my bedbug prevention fun facts.

Whats the product that friends and family always ask for your advice on?

Unsurprisingly, everyone asks me about dorm essentials. Ive compiled my findings from extensive interviews with college students across the country in a guide to outfitting your college dorm, but I still get many questions. Most important  is a mattress topper really necessary? Given how hard and slippery your average dorm mattress is, Id say its absolutely essential.

My favorite one, which I also included in the guide, is a three-inch memory foam topper that I purchased after spending one night on my twin XL mattress sans topper. Its plush, easy to roll up when moving, and durable. Since I recently graduated both from school and to a queen-size bed, I passed it on to a friend who just moved into her first dorm.

Do you have any strongly held opinions that have changed after testing?

Our editors assigned me our Best in Class guide to fans right at the beginning of the summer. Coincidentally, I had also just moved into my first real apartment, which, like many New York apartments, does not have central AC, making my testing all the more effective. As I tried out fans, I realized how important it is to factor in noise level. Though a loud fan will keep you cool, youve given yourself a new problem while solving an old one. If youre hesitant about splurging on the impressively quiet Dyson, Dreo makes a quiet and effective pedestal fan for half the price.

Whats the least amount of money you should spend on, for example, a pill case?

As I mentioned earlier, I wrote our guide to the best pill cases, which I researched by interviewing pill takers and chronic-illness advocates in addition to using a variety of cases to hold my own pills. Theres really no minimum price when it comes to pill cases. In general, the lower you go in price, the less cute your case will be. There are a few exceptions to this rule that Ive come across during my research, though. This includes Strategist writer Ambar Pardillas heart-shaped seven-day pill case. If I didnt already have a pill case I liked, I would buy this one, which is $8 and comes in a variety of cheery colors. Theres also one Strategist senior editors peapod-shaped pill case thats the perfect size for a purse.

What are you currently testing and researching?

Im currently working on a new Best in Class story dedicated to bath mats  its my latest mat-related article since becoming the Strategists unofficial mat expert. Every time I test a new mat (whether its one for a kitchen, standing desk, you name it), it reinvigorates my belief that a mat should not budge. Your mat, which is there to separate you from the ground, is useless if you have to keep touching the ground to readjust it.

Im still testing mats to determine my favorite, but Im impressed by Coyuchis Shag Bath Mat so far. Its impossibly plush and will be a welcome treat for my toes come the colder months.

Whats the last thing you bought?

Im filling in the gaps in my kitchen and upgrading the tools that no longer suffice after graduating from cooking in a dorm. My most recent purchase is a new pair of tongs from OXO. My old pair had nylon on the ends that was looking particularly nasty after almost four years of use.

Whats the most expensive product that you own?

Since Im still building out my first apartment and just getting used to having a paycheck, I only have a few expensive items. The most expensive product I own is the kitchen table that my boyfriend and I bought from Dobbin Street Vintage Co-Op in Greenpoint. Its a beautiful wood table originally from Heywood-Wakefield that we dutifully protect with placemats and coasters. Everyone compliments it as soon as they enter our place.

If you had to spend $1,000 at Pottery Barn, what would you buy?

My alma mater is Barnard College, which is definitely not one of the schools thats overrun with the headboards and bed skirts you might see on dorm TikTok. When I was in college, my primary decor consisted of a cozy rug and some carefully curated posters. (Though I did upgrade my bed with a trusty bed extender.) If I had the chance to redo it all, Id absolutely head to Pottery Barn.

Beginning with the bed, Id grab the Cozy Sherpa Backrest Pillow with a white fluffy sherpa cover to try to fend off homework-induced naps. Then Id get some of the LoveShackFancy sheets, which have caught my eye in the hundreds of dorm-tour videos that I watch in the name of journalism. To complete the beauty-sleep setup, Id get this whimsical pajama set. Finishing with decor, which Id say is almost as important as sleep in the realm of college mental health, Id get this floor lamp that includes shelves for storage and this wool rug thats thick enough to keep my feet warm and dark enough to disguise any mysterious stain.

What are some open tabs on your computer right now? Whats on your list, but you cant bring yourself to buy it just yet?

Recently, Ive been obsessed with matching pajama sets. Theres something about feeling put-together while Im sleeping that appeals to me. My boyfriend and I recently celebrated our anniversary, and he gifted me a buttery pair of Lake pajamas. Ive been sleeping in them as often as I can and am eyeing this wide-leg pair for winter. Other open tabs include a tomato corer, Taylor Swifts Folklore album on vinyl, one of the cocktail muddlers from our guide to the bartending tool, and Avocados adjustable organic bed pillow.

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The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
39 items in this article 39 items on sale! Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

I know Im not the only one whos been tricked by fake fall this week. So until it actually gets below 70 degrees (I live in Texas, for what its worth), Ive decided to do a little pretending (and hoping) with my sales picks. A slew of nice jackets that Id like to wear ASAP are on sale at Urban Outfitters; theres a lot of cute stuff up to 60 percent off at Gap Factory, which is much better than I remember it being back in 2009 when my mom and I frequented the one in our outlet strip mall; and there are still plenty of deals at Nordstrom, even if you forgot about its Summer Sale.

On the beauty front, Ole Henriksens sitewide Friends and Family sale began today, so you can stock up now on skin care for drier, cooler days (again, manifesting). Everything is 30 percent off, and orders over $85 get a special set of goodies with purchase. Ive included a few Strategist best sellers from the brand below.

In other sales news, writer Arielle Avila rounded up this months batch of the best boring things on sale, and I spruced up our guide to the best mattresses on sale, in case you just couldnt get yourself to pull the trigger on one during Labor Day weekend. Lucky for you, there are still plenty to choose from.

As always, make sure to sign up for the new Strategist Sales Alert newsletter to receive each days best deals in your inbox. And if you want even more deals, sign up for our regular email newsletter, which includes deals just for newsletter subscribers.

Gap Modern Trench Coat From $48 $120 now 60% off From $48 Everything is up to 60 percent off for Gap Factorys Fall Sale. Heres a classic trench coat for less than $50. From $48 at Gap Factory Buy

Paul Smith Gray Signature Stripe Beanie $50 $165 now 70% off $50 I know were not in beanie territory yet, but youll need this sooner than you think. Might as well get it while its over $100 off (!). $50 at SSENSE Buy

Repetto Lilouh Ballet Flats $385 This weekend, all sale items at Anthropologie are an extra 40 percent off at checkout. This is probably the cheapest Ive ever seen a pair of Repetto ballet flats get. $385 at Anthropologie Buy

MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara $24 $28 now 15% off $24 Several MAC products are on sale at Nordstrom, including our favorite precision mascara. Because the small brush can get to the root of the lashes, its the mascara of choice for tricky bottom lashes. The wand is so small that you can get into every nook and cranny of the lash line, makeup artist Natalie Dresher explains, adding that shell use it to build up the bottom lashes for a sultry, smoky look. $24 at Nordstrom Buy $20 at Macy's Buy

Helix Dawn Mattress - Queen $972 $1,332 now 27% off $972 Everything at Helix is 27 percent off for the entire month of September when you use the code STRAT27. Helixs Dawn mattress is our favorite (affordable) hybrid mattress, with former Strategist associate editor Louis Cheslaw writing that he drifted off as quickly as I ever have, regularly slept through the night, and never woke up feeling hot, sweaty, or achy in the morning. $972 at Helix Buy with code: STRAT27

Get the Strategist Sales Alert Daily dispatches from our deals-obsessed editors. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.

The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
36 items in this article 8 items on sale! Photo-Illustration: Photo-Illustration: Stevie Remsberg; Photos: Courtesy of the retailers

At 5 years old, children are learning how to play in groups and what it means to cooperate  two skills theyll use on a daily basis as they start kindergarten. They may still struggle with sharing a favorite toy or reaching a consensus on which game to play. But theyre starting to have a better handle on their emotions and learning how to work through problems and conflicts, says George Sachs, a child psychologist and founder of the Sachs Center in Manhattan. You may even overhear them practicing their conflict-resolution skills via their dolls or while pretending to be a veterinarian who specializes in dragons and unicorns.

Meanwhile, they are also learning to write letters and simple words like their name, dog, and cat, and they are likely incorporating them into the drawings they make, says Jeannette Corey, director of the Bank Street Family Center. And giving them opportunities to practice these skills doesnt have to feel like school, because there are tons of toys to support these milestones without them even knowing it.

The 36 gifts below have been recommended by pros like Sachs and Corey as well as toy buyers, trend experts, educators, and highly discerning parents. They include creative toys, toys that encourage a 5-year-olds burgeoning social skills, and toys that will help them expend some of their seemingly endless energy.

Weve organized the list by price, so if you have a specific budget in mind, you can use the table of contents to skip right to that section. Or if youre more flexible on price, read all the way through for a full picture of what 5-year-olds are into.

Meanwhile, if youre also shopping for kids in other age groups, we have gift guides for 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds, 10-year-olds, 11-year-olds, and 12-year-olds  plus the meticulously curated Strategist Toy Store, filled with all our greatest hits.

Update on September 13, 2024: Added several new items including a sticker book, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures, Maileg mini mice dolls, a marble run, a travel set of art supplies, and Super Space building panels; updated prices and checked stock for all products.

Under $25

Break Open Geodes! Discovery Kit $22 Rebecca Calavan, mom and cofounder of Milk Teeth, recommends this geode-smashing kit with included safety goggles and magnifying glass. As they get older, theres a lot of interest in digging, excavating and so on, she says. I like to give things you get to crack open or break apart. $22 at Lakeshore Learning Buy

But if you are looking for a more current bouncy-ball upgrade  or just a larger one  I suggest buying one of Crocodile Creeks textured rubber playground balls. They are super bouncy and lightweight. They come in multiple sizes: four, five, and seven inches. And they are available in nearly endless colorful patterns, from unicorns and mermaids to insects and outer space. Looking for a pattern thatll fit into your overall home aesthetic? Camp, a toy store with locations nationwide, made their own rubber playground balls with prints that parents will also love, like this Matisse-ish flower design.

Djeco Ze Balanceo Wooden Owl Blocks $25 $25 Games that can engage children of varying ages and abilities, like this one that combines owl-themed balance blocks with Jenga-style game play, are wonderful tools for building self confidence and good sportsmanship, says Deb Vilas, director of the Child Life Program at Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Vilas first encountered a version of Ze Balanceo blocks while volunteering at a summer camp in the Czech Republic. It doesnt require language to play, and kids with special needs enjoyed it alongside more typically developing children, she says. Roll the die to see which shape block you must add next without knocking over the entire structure. Then, once all the blocks are in place, roll again to see which you must remove on your turn. $25 at Ten Little Inc Buy

Perler Sunny Days Bead Bucket $11 $11 Perler Beads are great for honing the already advanced fine motor control of a 5-year-old, while also allowing for open-ended artistic creation  the rainbow colors can be put in endless combinations onto pegboards in all kinds of shapes. By this age, theyre not going to eat the small pieces, so you dont have to worry about that, Golinkoff says, adding that her grandchildren love playing with them. $11 at Amazon Buy

Kiwi Crate Ages 5-8 (Monthly Subscription) From $19 From $19 Kiwi Crates are featured in our 2-year-old guide and earned another spot here, as you can subscribe to monthly kits for the 3-to-6 age range too. Each kit has hands-on maker and art projects that are perfectly suited to the rapidly developing mind of the kindergartner and early-elementary-school child. This subscription fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and independence, says Halley Loeb Rossler, a special-education teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Rossler notes that in her own home, her boys look forward to the delivery of their boxes every month. From $19 at KiwiCo Buy

Stomp Rocket Original Dueling Rockets Launcher $20 $30 now 33% off $20 Kids go wild for stomp rockets  a fact well acknowledged by both Sachs and Strategist contributor Steven John, who saw his own son take to them as early as age 2. At that age, he was more of a spectator than a rocket launcher, though, and by age 5, kids have the balance and strength to send a rocket soaring skyward, something they will do repeatedly. Kids can take turns blasting them off, allowing their parents and other adults to actually talk for a bit. $20 at Amazon Buy $25 at Fat Brain Toys Buy

Under $50

Mix N Match Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Bundle $40 $40 Last years hot Ninja Turtles toy was a Pizza Fire Delivery Van with a motorized pizza launcher. This year, I predict itll be a series of mix-and-match Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figures. Each one has removable arms, legs, and heads that you can swap for the body parts of other characters  Leonardos head on Shredders body, for example  to delightfully Frankensteinian effect. $40 at Amazon Buy $40 at Amazon Buy

Little Pretender Walkie Talkies - 2 Pack $30 $30 Golinkoff likes how walkie-talkies encourage collaboration, communication, and creativity. And Dr. Alexandra Figueras-Daniel, an assistant research professor at the National Institute for Early Education Research, is a fan because they encourage turn-taking and are a really fun way to practice and develop language and communication skills. This high-quality pair has three different channels, allowing for multiple lines of communication and a range of nearly two miles, making them ideal for use all over the neighborhood or even during visits to the zoo or amusement park (the quiet-crisp audio quality is especially helpful in such noisy environments). $30 at Amazon Buy $30 at Amazon Buy

PLUS PLUS Open Play Set $35 now 29% off $25 This Plus Plus set  which has won all kinds of awards and develops engineering, design, and fine motor skills  is the all-time favorite of New York psychiatrist and mother of twin boys Vanessa Carroll, who says its held her kids attention more than any other toy. Normally, when the boys get home from school, the first thing they want to do is eat a snack, Carroll says. Then they got this as a birthday gift. All of a sudden, Id be waiting and waiting for them in the kitchen, calling their names to come to eat, and 30 minutes later they were still on the floor of the playroom, making these intricate mosaic designs and building 3-D shapes like UFOs. The pieces require hand-eye coordination, Carroll explains, so 5 is definitely a good starting age. $25 at Amazon Buy $25 at Amazon Buy

Like many other experts I have interviewed, Lizzie Assa, founder of The Workspace for Children and mother of three, emphasized the importance of open-ended toys that do more than just one thing and continue to grow with kids for years and years. She mentioned several types of magnetic building toys  including, of course, Magna-Tiles  and highlighted one of her personal favorites, the Australian brand Connetix. I think a large collection of magnetic tiles is such a great investment, she says, noting that many of the different brands are compatible with each other. Connetix tiles feature a beveled design that makes them look like gems and come in a wide range of bright colors and pastels, or you can get totally clear ones (perfect for an icy Elsa build). The magnetic base plates above help strengthen large builds and can serve as helpful floor grids. And the car bases can be linked from end to end, have real rubber wheels, and can be used as a chassis for cars, trucks, boats, or trains.

Under $100

Ravensburger GraviTrax Junior Starter-Set: My Jungle $60 $60 The original Gravitrax modular marble run is in our guide to the best gifts for 7-year-olds, with a note that its a bit of a challenge for that age. Now, you can get Gravitrax Junior with pieces sized for little hands. Berisha says these sets are really cool and fun for kids of mixed ages to work on together. Compared to the set designed for older kids, this one is easier to assemble and available in a few different themes: jungle, arctic, desert, and ocean. Each box comes with multiple possible track layouts as well as baseplates, marbles, a bridge, slopes, curves, a seesaw, cardboard animals, and 3-D themed decorative elements. $60 at Amazon Buy $60 at FAO Schwarz Buy

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, 48 ct $52 $52 Ebel recommends these colored pencils, which her 5-year-old loves because they are so soft and easy to draw with. Nothing is more frustrating than a colored pencil that doesnt really work, Ebel says, but these Prismacolor ones go on so smoothly, making them a great gift for budding illustrators. $52 at Amazon Buy $52 at Amazon Buy

Caran DAche Travel Kit, Swiss Color $54 $54 Swiss brand Caran DAche is also known for its high-quality art supplies. This kid-focused travel kit comes with a set of watercolor pencils, a set of watercolor pastels, a reservoir brush for mess-free painting on the go, travel-themed stickers, a carrying case, and a dozen postcards with line drawings you can color in. $54 at Amazon Buy $54 at Amazon Buy

VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam $55 $70 now 21% off $55 The Vtech Kidizoom creator cam might look more like a toy than a real camera, and in some ways it is, thanks to its 20-plus animated backgrounds and special effects. But it is indeed a genuine camera with a built-in microphone that records videos kids can upload to a computer via the included USB cable. Golinkoff loves that the camera fosters connection with parents who would like to teach their kids about moviemaking and photography. $55 at Amazon Buy

Crazy Forts! $55 Its a simple fact that 5-year-olds love forts. As a base toy, these tubes and balls make fun tunnels, cubes, and other structures, but when you add your own blankets and sheets, the fun goes up a notch or three. Sachs thinks the free-building involved here is pretty instructive, but your 5-year-old will just think its cool. $55 at Amazon Buy $55 at Amazon Buy

Magna-Tiles have been recommended by almost every parent and development expert weve talked to in the last few years. Thats because they support a wide range of developmental skills, keep kids engaged in independent play, and are fun for the whole family. We mentioned the basic starter set of Magna-Tiles in our gift guide for 3-year-olds. For more enthusiastic builders and kids who love things with wheels, consider this set of downhill road tiles, extra road pieces, and corresponding cars.

For New York Magazine features writer and mom of two Kathryn VanArendonk, the Yoto Mini, a kid-friendly audio player, is one of a few kids essentials she would immediately repurchase if it got lost or somehow destroyed. In VanArendonks eyes, the Yoto is a superior choice for older kids compared to the younger-skewing Toniebox, because it can hold longer tracks of audio and it lets you skip ahead to exactly the track you are looking for. She also loves how much freedom it gives her kids to listen to the books and podcasts they like.

Theres also a full-size Yoto player that offers all the same features as the more portable Mini, for families who want to use it as more of a keep it on the nightstand device. The full-size Yoto has a nightlight and room thermometer and promises a longer battery life, better sound quality, and wireless charging capability. Both the Mini and the full-size Yoto players have an alarm-clock function, too.

Schleich Horse Club, 44-Piece Playset $110 $110 Dramatic play at this age can be more sophisticated, says Figueras-Daniel, who adds that having detailed accessories like those in this riding-center set adds to the play. The set comes with a horse stable, an Arabian mare and foal, a rider, and accessories like a saddle, bridle, blanket, hay feeder, drinking trough  in other words, everything a 5-year-old might need to recreate a true-to-life scene. Given the vast selection of options from the brand, which is among my favorites because of the toys detail, it is also a gift that can be built upon over time, Figueras-Daniel adds. Playing with an adult or friend can do even more to grow young minds: As she explains, it will help build vocabulary as children create scenarios and dialogue among the animals. $110 at Amazon Buy

EyeClops Digital Microscope $47 $50 now 6% off $47 This microscope helps kids learn about everything from the ants in their backyard to the snowflakes on their front stoop. Its a microscope, but its also a camera, so you can take it on the go and magnify objects indoors and outdoors, says Adrienne Appel, senior director of communications at the Toy Association. If you turn off the zoom, it also works as a standard camera, letting kids take pictures and videos that they can upload to the computer. $47 at Amazon Buy

Healthy Roots Dolls: Zoe $85 $85 When selecting a doll for any child, Kristin Morency Goldman, senior adviser of strategic communications at The Toy Association, says representation is key and helps children of all races understand and feel included in the world around them. Goldman recommends this 18-inch Zoe doll, whose textured hair can be washed and styled. $85 at Healthy Roots Buy

$100 and up

Sarahs Silks Playsilk Sets $198 for 17 $306 now 35% off $198 for 17 I absolutely, absolutely love a large play silk, says Assa, recommending Sarahs Silks as her top pick despite their high price tag. She loves that they are a truly open-ended toy that will grow with your child and are developmentally appropriate for a range of ages. Plus she says the quality of Sarahs Silks makes them last for years and years. We included the brands mini-set in our toy guide for 1-year-olds, but as kids get bigger they will need bigger play scarves to use as capes, dresses, ocean or sky backdrops, blankets for dolls, or props for magic tricks. This set includes 17 primary- and pastel-colored scarves that each measure 17 by 35 inches. $198 for 17 at Sarah's Silks Buy

Areaware Blockitecture New York City 14-Piece Skyscraper Block Set $150 $150 I usually give people blocks because I think its kind of like a lost art, says Figueras-Daniel. She notes that blocks continue to be powerful educational tools for children as old as 9. Blocks like this NYC set teach kids cause and effect, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills while preparing them for learning math. The set will inspire conversations about city life and let New Yorker kids build block versions of their own backyard. $150 at Nordstrom Buy

Super Space Big Set of 24 Panels $369 If youve got a kid who never tires of fort-making, you might be ready for Super Space magnetic building panels. Theyre basically life-size MagnaTiles that kids can use to build playhouses, spaceships, and lots more. Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio has a set at home that she and her two daughters love playing with. Though they are great for a variety of ages, Trolio suggests 5 or 6 as a good starting point, because by then kids are a little bigger and more capable of building larger structures with them. They are also super-compact when stacked neatly, and thus very easy to store in a corner or under a couch. $369 at Super Space Buy

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The Lee County Commission reduced the scope of the phase 2 broadband expansion projects in three areas of Lee County.

On Monday, the Lee County Commission voted unanimously to reduce the scope of the phase two broadband expansion grant projects in the Southeast, South Central and East areas. According to County Administrator Holly Leverette, the reductions were due to concerns her team had about possible rights of way vacated roads, and the inefficiencies that could be presented by the current routes.

In June, the commission voted to award the phase two broadband expansion grants all to R.M. Greene Inc., doing business as BEAM, at a total of $2.9 million. The commission award grants for a project in the Southeast area, the South Central area and a combined project that covered the East Central and Northeast areas.

According to Leverette, the grant for the South Central project was reduced from $722,627 to $594,863 and that project is now totaling 21 miles. For the Southeast project, the grant was reduced from $1.16 million to $828,679 and the project totals 25 miles of coverage. For the combined East project, which was a combination of the East Central and Northeast project areas, the combined grant is now reduced from $1.08 million to 771,989 and that project totals 24 miles.

According to District 2 Commissioner Ross Morris, in some of the areas that they removed, there were no people so they did not need to run fiber optic down those roads.

Leverette said the total reduction from the original $2.9 million awarded is $780,261, leaving the current total at $2.19 million.

When asked about where the funding will go next, Leverette said it will go back to the commission's enumerated uses column and can be spent elsewhere if the commission votes to do that. Leverette said now there is just over $1.1 million in the enumerated uses column for the commission.

"It does increase the amount of money that we were planning on spending that now we can spend for other things. I do know there has been discussion of possibly obligating it for our commitment that we've already made as a commission to the hospital," Leverette said.

She was referring to East Alabama Health's Center for Mental Health that the commission committed $4 million in total to last year. When asked by Chairman and Probate Judge Bill English about the funds currently being earmarked for broadband, Leverette said they would have to vote to re-earmark for the hospital if that is what they decided.

Other Commission business

Jimmie Dickey is the executive director and CEO at Integrea Community Mental Health Systems and he spoke at the commission meeting on Monday to share some insight into the rebranding from East Alabama Mental Health Center and how Integrea continues to serve the community. Dickey said the rebrand was about visibility.

"As demand for mental health services from individuals and community partners has grown exponentially over the past several years, one of our chief tasks has been trying to improve our visibility. We never invested a lot of energy or research and marketing because the demand was always there," Dickey said. "What became obvious to us is that we needed to do a better job of making sure that you all, the community partners and other providers and the community knew who we were."

Dickey said Integrea's designated catchment area is Lee, Russell, Chambers and Tallapoosa Counties. He said that Integrea has eight outpatient locations, 19 residential facilities and two day treatment facilities. He also said they operate an inpatient stabilization facility and that they are in 60 schools.

He said over the last 12 months in Lee County specifically, Integrea served 4,234 Lee County residents and their families, provided 1,328 inpatient bed days at their crisis stabilization unit, provided more than 15,000 hours of outpatient clinical services and more than 2,000 hours of outpatient psychiatric services.

The commission approved the final plat for Parcel A Division on Lee Road 278. According to the memorandum from County Engineer Justin Hardee in the commission's agenda packet, the subdivision is owned by Cornerstone Construction, LLC and has three lots.

The commission approved a special events retail alcohol license for Ocie and Belles, LLC for an event at Twenty One Acres in Auburn on Sept. 20.

The commission pushed an item related to their asset management advisor PFM Asset Management (PFMAM) to the next meeting. According to the memorandum, PFMAM was acquired by U.S. Bank Asset Management and in the consolidation, PFMAM will be dissolved and USBAM will handle PFMAM clients under the PFMAM brand name. Nothing major will change but PFMAM has notified the county and is requesting consent to transfer its asset management agreement with the county to USBAM. District 3 Commissioner Gary Long asked if they could push this to the next meeting and the commission agreed.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  An Alabama university was ordered to pay millions to an Iranian-born cancer researcher in a discrimination lawsuit that said she was was repeatedly called a racial epithet by a colleague, who at one point brandished a gun at her.

A federal jury on Monday decided the University of Alabama at Birmingham should pay Fariba Moeinpour, a naturalized citizen from Iran, $3 million and ordered the colleague to pay her nearly $1 million in compensatory and punitive damages. Moeinpour said that the harassment began almost immediately after she started working in a cancer research lab at the university in 2011.

The lawsuit said employee Mary Jo Cagle was the primary perpetrator of the harassment. The lawsuit also named the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the director of employee relations in the human resources department as defendants, alleging that the school ignored repeated reports of harassment.

I believe that a person cannot be American if they dont value human being regardless of race and nationality, Moeinpour told The Associated Press. But she said that she felt the university and Mary Jo Cagle did not value that throughout her employment.

The lawsuit depicted consistent harassment for the nine years that Moeinpour was employed with the university before she was terminated in 2020. Witness accounts and audio recordings that corroborated Moeinpours account were presented to the jury throughout the four-year trial.

On one occasion, the lawsuit alleges, Cagle approached Moeinpour and Moeinpours daughter in a university parking lot, brandished a pistol and threateningly called her a racial epithet. At least one audio recording presented to the jury included Cagle calling Moeinpour that same slur on a separate occasion.

One witness, a mall security guard, described a similar encounter where Cagle followed Moeinpour and her daughter around the mall and again called them racial epithets.

There were numerous similar other encounters between Cagle and Moeinpour described in the lawsuit.

Lawyers for Moeinpour provided the jury with documentation of Moeinpours repeated attempts to flag her harassment with human resources over the years.

The lawsuit said the harassment culminated in 2020 when Moeinpour told the head of the lab, Clinton Grubbs, that she was going to report Cagle to the department chair.

In his office, Grubbs implored Moeinpour not to report Cagle again, according to the suit, and told her that Cagle was dangerous and that he feared for his own life if he were to have her fired.

The lawsuit said that Grubbs physically restrained Moeinpour and to get him off of her, Ms. Moeinpour slapped him. Grubbs then called the police, who arrested Moeinpour and detained her overnight, according to Moeinpour and the complaint. Five days later, Moeinpour was terminated.

Grubbs and attorneys for Cagle did not respond to emailed requests for comment on Thursday morning.

The jury determined that Cagle acted with malice and reckless indifference to Moeinpours federally protected rights on the basis of her nationality. The jury also ruled that the universitys decision to arrest Moeinpour constituted adverse employment action and prevented her from filing a complaint against Cagle with human resources, which is a federally protected activity.

A campus spokesperson said the University of Alabama at Birmingham is 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, but that the school respectfully disagreed with the verdict and is considering next steps.

Grubbs was not named as a defendant in the federal lawsuit, but Moeinpour filed separate assault charges against Grubbs in Jefferson County state court in June. Moeinpour also filed a separate civil case against Cagle in state court. Both cases are still pending.
Wisconsin Contractor Faces Over $144,000 in OSHA Penalties for Repeated Violations

With a history of OSHA violations, the company repeatedly failed to protect workers from deadly fall hazards.

Wisconsin-based GL Construction of Madison LLC, has once again been cited for serious safety violations after a federal inspection revealed employees working at dangerous heights without adequate fall protection.

According to a recent release, OSHA opened the investigation in February 2024 after observing six workers performing framing work up to 12 feet off the ground at a Verona, Wisconsin, residential construction site.

The inspection, part of the National Emphasis Program for Falls, resulted in proposed penalties totaling $144,505. GL Construction received one willful, two repeat, and five serious violations for failing to protect workers from fall hazards.

The companys history of safety failures includes a fatal incident in 2022, when an employee was killed after being struck by a 1,000-pound wall during a high-wind crane lift. That accident led to nine serious violations, as well as additional fines and citations. According to OSHA, the company has yet to pay penalties or provide abatement information related to that fatality.

GL Construction of Madison has repeatedly exposed its employees to potentially fatal injuries and shows a blatant and callous disregard for their safety and welfare, OSHA Area Director Chad Greenwood in Madison, Wisconsin, said in a statement. This company must bring its workplace safety program in compliance with federal regulations immediately, as it agreed to do after an employee passed away in April 2022. Employers have no excuse for ignoring their legal and moral responsibilities and putting profit before people.

GL Construction of Madison now has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before an independent commission.
The ongoing political crisis threatens Libya's oil production and exports, leaving the country's oil sector in a precarious position.

UN-mediated talks between rival Libyan governments have yet to yield a definitive agreement on the central bank leadership.

Libya's crude oil exports have fallen significantly due to a political standoff over the leadership of the country's central bank.

Crude oil exports from Libya have further fallen in the past week as UN-mediated talks between the rival governments havent resulted yet in a definitive agreement on the leadership of the countrys central bank, the sole guardian of Libyan oil revenues.

Over the past week, Libyas crude oil exports have averaged about 314,000 barrels per day (bpd), down from 468,000 bpd of crude shipped in the first five days of September, according to tanker tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

The latest crisis in Libya erupted at the end of August.

Part of Libyas production and exports were halted due to a political standoff over the leadership of the OPEC producers central bank.

Oil production at several Libyan oilfields was halted on August 27 after the rival government in the east announced a stop to all oil production and exports from Libya.

Libya, which pumps about 1.2 million bpd of oil, was plunged into a deeper political crisis over the row about the leadership of the Central Bank of Libya, the only internationally recognized depository of Libyas oil revenues.

The internationally recognized government in the capital city in the west, Tripoli, was trying to replace Sadiq Al-Kabir, the governor of the Central Bank of Libya. This has led to the latest controversy between the Eastern and Western governments and political factions, threatening again to reduce Libyas oil production and exports.

Last week, Libyas feuding political factions reached an agreement on the mechanism and timelines for appointing the Central Bank Governor and Board of Directors in consultations hosted by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

The situation, however, remains uncertain.

On Thursday, UNSMIL said that despite two consecutive days of consultations, it regrets that the two parties have yet to reach a final agreement.

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 Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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Global demand for helium is likely to nearly double by 2035, largely driven by robust growth by the semiconductor sector market research, firm IDTechEx has reported. The company estimates that global demand could exceed 322 million cubic meters by 2035, possibly outpacing supply growth.

According to the report, global helium production averaged about 160 million cubic feet between 2019 to 2023. As the second lightest element after hydrogen, having the lowest melting point of any element at -261.1C (-429F) and being highly chemically inert, helium has no substitute where ultra-low temperatures are required including in superconductors.

Helium is indispensable in many key applications including space exploration, rocketry, high-level scientific applications, in the medical industry for MRI scanners, fiber optics, electronics, telecommunications, superconductivity, underwater breathing, welding, cryogenic shielding, leak detection, and in lifting balloons.

IDTechEx has projected that demand for the gas is likely to rise five-fold in the semiconductor industry over the next decade, with the global semiconductor market expected to grow by 13.1% in 2024.

Currently, only a handful of countries including the United States, France, Russia and Qatar produce helium in commercial volumes. In 2023, U.S. sales of grade-a helium and gaseous helium were an estimated 2.8 billion cubic feet valued at about $1.1 billion. Allentown, Pennsylvania-based Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (NYSE:APD), Frances Linde and Air Liquide (OTCPK:AIQUF) and privately-held Zephyr Solutions based in Avon, Ohio, are some of the biggest helium-producing companies in the world.

Dwindling Supplies

Only a small percentage of the helium generated through natural means is readily accessible, and even a smaller proportion is economically feasible to collect.

The helium that we find on our planet is a product of radioactive decay from minerals made of uranium and thorium. Unfortunately, the vast majority leaks off into space, and whatever little that is trapped comes nowhere close to meeting our global demand of 32,000 tons of helium per year (about 6.2 billion cubic feet measured at 70F and under earth's normal atmosphere). The vast majority of our helium reserves come from millions of years of gradual accumulation, especially in shale formations.

Related: Libya Sees Slow Recovery in Crude Oil Exports

After being formed deep in the bowels of the earth, helium tends to rise and collect in the same deposits as natural gas. In fact, a large proportion of our helium supply comes from natural gas companies that collect the gas as an ancillary benefit. Unfortunately, current technological limits mean that helium is only economically recoverable at concentrations greater than 0.3%. Consequently, the vast majority of the helium in gas reserves is simply vented away.

Another weak link has developed in the U.S. helium supply chain: The U.S. federal government will no longer be selling helium to traders and manufacturers.

Back in 1925 when helium-based airships seemed like they would become vital to national defense, the U.S. government created the Federal Helium Reserve (FHR) out of a giant, abandoned salt mine located 12 miles northwest of Amarillo, Texas. Over several decades, FHR collected as much helium as it could and essentially became the worlds strategic helium reserve supplying ~40% of the worlds needs.

Unfortunately, the FHR eventually ran into debt trouble to the tune of billions of dollars thanks to its practice of selling helium at well below market prices. In 1996, the U.S. government passed laws mandating FHR to sell off its reserves and close in 2021 in an effort to recoup its debts.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) outlined the process and timeline by which the FHR will dispose of its remaining helium and helium assets. BLM, which now manages the reserve, managed to sell off most of the stored helium to all users, with the remaining 3 billion cubic feet (84 million cubic meters) by 2018 restricted for sale to only federal users, including universities that use helium for federally sponsored research. BLM held its last Crude Helium Auction in Amarillo, Texas, in 2019 with the price rising 135%, from $119/Mcf in 2018 to $280/Mcf in 2019.

In June 2024, Germanys Messer, the largest privately held industrial gas company in the world, closed on its purchase of the Federal Helium System from BLM, claiming some 425 miles of pipelines spanning Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma, plus about 1 billion cubic feet of helium. Unfortunately, regulatory and logistical issues with the facility now threaten a temporary shutdown as it passes from public to private ownership, with hospitals particularly worried they could run out of helium for cooling their MRIs. American patients undergo an estimated 40 million MRI scans each year to help diagnose diverse health conditions including cancer, brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes and heart conditions. The superconductive magnet-powered imaging machines give doctors clear, high-resolution images of areas inside the body that are not accessible with X-rays and CT scans.

Timely, critical patient care would suffer if helium supplies constricted further. AdvaMed urges the White House to delay the sale and privatization of the Federal Helium Reserve until outstanding issues identified by the Compressed Gas Association are resolved, Scott Whitaker, AdvaMeds CEO, wrote in an email to NBC News.

Helium was already in short supply before the sale of FHR: according to Phil Kornbluth, President of Kornbluth Helium Consulting, three out of five U.S. helium suppliers are currently rationing the element to prioritize critical uses like MRI machines ahead of less-essential helium applications.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Despite the supply concerns caused by Francine, the storm was downgraded to a tropical depression, and much of the Gulf of Mexico's production is expected to come back online relatively quickly. Traders have already begun to shift focus away from the storm, looking instead at the broader demand outlook??.

Hurricane Francine was a significant catalyst driving oil prices higher midweek. The storm, which hit the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, led to the shutdown of approximately 730,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil production. This represented around 42% of the region's total output, with additional disruptions in natural gas production also reported. Key U.S. oil firms, including Chevron and ExxonMobil, were forced to halt operations and assess potential damage to offshore platforms and refineries??. As a result, crude oil futures rose by more than 2%, with prices briefly climbing above $68 per barrel?.

This week, crude oil prices experienced notable volatility, with a mix of supply-side disruptions and ongoing demand concerns shaping the market. While temporary supply constraints provided some upward pressure, weak global demand, particularly from China, weighed heavily on price momentum.

Crude Oil Prices Recap: Key Drivers of Last Week's Market Movements

This week, crude oil prices experienced notable volatility, with a mix of supply-side disruptions and ongoing demand concerns shaping the market. While temporary supply constraints provided some upward pressure, weak global demand, particularly from China, weighed heavily on price momentum.

Hurricane Francine's Impact on U.S. Oil Supply

Hurricane Francine was a significant catalyst driving oil prices higher midweek. The storm, which hit the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, led to the shutdown of approximately 730,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil production. This represented around 42% of the region's total output, with additional disruptions in natural gas production also reported. Key U.S. oil firms, including Chevron and ExxonMobil, were forced to halt operations and assess potential damage to offshore platforms and refineries??. As a result, crude oil futures rose by more than 2%, with prices briefly climbing above $68 per barrel?.

Despite the supply concerns caused by Francine, the storm was downgraded to a tropical depression, and much of the Gulf of Mexico's production is expected to come back online relatively quickly. Traders have already begun to shift focus away from the storm, looking instead at the broader demand outlook??.

U.S. Inventory Draws Support Price Increases

Adding to the supply-side pressure was a substantial drawdown in U.S. crude inventories. The American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a larger-than-expected decline of 2.79 million barrels last week, far exceeding the anticipated build of 700,000 barrels. Gasoline inventories also saw a decline, further supporting the bullish price trend?. This inventory data, combined with the hurricane-induced production losses, prompted traders to cover short positions, adding more fuel to the price recovery?.

OPEC Demand Forecasts and Market Sentiment

While supply-side disruptions offered short-term support for oil prices, global demand concerns, particularly from China, kept the market from rallying further. OPEC revised its global demand growth forecast downward for both 2024 and 2025, citing weaker-than-expected demand from China. The cartel now expects demand to increase by 2.03 million bpd in 2024, down from previous estimates??.

China's crude imports rebounded in August, reaching their highest level in a year, but this was largely driven by refiners taking advantage of lower prices rather than a recovery in consumption. The demand outlook for China remains weak, with imports for the first eight months of 2024 still 3.1% below last year's levels. This continued fragility in demand, coupled with a slowing global economy, has tempered any optimism in the market?.

Saudi Arabia's Role and Ongoing OPEC+ Supply Cuts

Saudi Arabia, the largest producer within OPEC, continued to play a pivotal role in market trends. The kingdom increased its crude shipments to China, offering lower prices to Asian refiners to spur demand?. However, despite this effort, Saudi oil exports have been down overall in 2023, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by OPEC+ in maintaining market balance amid weak demand?.

OPEC+, which has been implementing production cuts since 2022, delayed a planned output increase of 180,000 bpd until December in response to the recent price weakness?. However, these efforts may not be enough to offset the broader demand weakness and oversupply concerns, particularly as traders remain skeptical of OPECs ability to maintain compliance with production cuts at lower price levels?.

U.S. Economic Data Adds to Demand Concerns

The broader U.S. economy also added to bearish sentiment. Last week, U.S. gasoline demand hit its lowest level since May, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), and distillate consumption followed suit?. Despite higher crude imports, the overall demand for refined products remains weak, contributing to rising inventories and dampening market sentiment?. Economic data from both the U.S. and Europe has suggested that global growth may slow in the coming months, further limiting crude oil demand.

Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures

Trend Indicator Analysis

The main trend is down. It turned down the week-ending September 6 when $69.50 failed as support. The trend will change to up on a move through $81.94. As of Thursdays close, the market is trading higher for the week, putting it in a position to form a potentially bullish closing price reversal bottom and bring an end to the four-week losing streak.

The long-term range is $89.44 to $63.21. The market is currently trading on the bearish side of its 50% level at $76.32.

The intermediate-term range is $63.21 to $83.66. Its retracement zone at $71.02 to $73.43 is resistance.

Weekly Technical Forecast

The direction of the Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures market the week-ending September 20 is likely to be determined by trader reaction to $67.67.

Bullish Scenario

A sustained move over $67.67 will signal the presence of strong buyers. If this creates enough near-term momentum then we could see a surge into the 61.8% level at $71.02, followed by the 50% level at $73.43.

Bearish Scenario

If bearish traders vigorously defend $71.02 then this will be a sign that we are in sell the rally mode. If $67.67 fails then look for the selling to possibly extend into $65.27 to $63.21. Whether the market accelerates to the downside, or stair-steps lower, will be determined by selling volume and volatility.

Market Forecast: Bearish in the Near Term

Looking ahead, the crude oil market faces a challenging landscape. While short-term supply constraints from Hurricane Francine and U.S. inventory draws may offer limited support, weak demand remains the dominant force. Chinas fragile recovery, coupled with a slowing global economy, is likely to cap any sustained price rally. Resistance is expected between $71.02 and $73.43, with sellers likely to re-emerge at these levels??. OPECs downward demand revisions and the continued threat of oversupply suggest that prices may struggle to break out of their current range. In the coming week, traders should anticipate a bearish outlook, with prices potentially revisiting the support zone around $65.27 to $63.21 per barrel.
The Hague has just become the first city in the world to ban oil ads and ads for large energy-consuming industries including air travel and cruise ships.

The Hague, whose city council on Friday adopted the proposal to ban these ads from January 1, 2025, is the Netherlands administrative center, where the Parliament, the Supreme Court, and several major international courts are based.

The city is the worlds first to adopt such a ban, after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier this year called on governments to ban these ads.

Many in the fossil fuel industry have shamelessly greenwashed, even as they have sought to delay climate action  with lobbying, legal threats, and massive ad campaigns, Guterres said in June, when he called out oil companies for profiteering off the climate crisis.

Climate change is the mother of all stealth taxes paid by everyday people and vulnerable countries and communities, Guterres said, adding that Meanwhile, the Godfathers of climate chaos  the fossil fuel industry  rake in record profits and feast off trillions in taxpayer-funded subsidies.

The companies have been aided and abetted by advertising and PR companies  Mad Men  remember the TV series - fuelling the madness, the UN secretary general said.

I call on these companies to stop acting as enablers to planetary destruction.

In recent years, Guterres has used nearly every one of his speeches to call out fossil fuels and the companies operating in the industry.

Just last month, called on world leaders to phase out oil and gas from their economies and stop new exploration in hydrocarbons.

Speaking in Tonga, during a meeting of Pacific Island leaders, Guterres said This is a crazy situation: rising seas are a crisis entirely of humanitys making. A crisis that will soon swell to an almost unimaginable scale, with no lifeboat to take us back to safety.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Ecopetrol and Petrobras must cease drilling an offshore natural gas well, A Colombian judge ordered on Friday. The ruling came after Indigenous blowback regarding consent.

The complaint, made by Indigenous members in the Taganga community, argues that the communitys consent wasnt requested before drilling commenced.

The well, known as the Uchuva-2 well, is operated by state-run oil company Petrobras, which has a 44.4% stake. Ecopetrol holds 55.6%,

Colombias economy is growing increasingly reliant on natural gas imports as its own production slumps, with LNG imports potentially running as much as three times as expensive as it could produce itself. The countrys oil and gas industry has been on a downward trend, with its natural gas production averaging 1 bcf/d in March of this yeara figure that was 6% lower than the same month last year.

Its oil industry has been spiraling downward for years as foreign investments in upstream oil and gas operations continue to fall. To top it off, Colombias proven oil reserves can only support 7 years of operation. Natural gas reserves are even less plentiful and able to carry the country through just 6 more years. Recent natural gas discoveries in Colombias Caribbean waters, including the Uchuva-1, Kronos-1, Gorgon-1, Purple Angel-1, Gorgon-2 and Glaucus-1 exploration wells, which were heralded as potential game changers have proven disappointing.

Colombias leftist President Gustavo Petro banned awarding new hydrocarbon exploration contracts last year as part of its commitment to climate change, calling into question its entire economic future.

Last month, the Colombian Petroleum Association said that investments in the countrys oil and gas production were set to fall by 7% to $3.5 billion this year. It is expected that exploration spending, however, to rise 5% this year to $1.1 billionwith $700 million of that anticipated to go towards gas exploration.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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A significant increase in EU electricity exports to Ukraine in the wake of Russian strikes on its grid has caused a surge in prices in Southeastern Europe, Greeces Prime Minister has warned.

In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cited by the Financial Times, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the price for electricity last month had reached 130 euro per MWh, which was up from 60 euro per MWh. One reason for the surge was the fact that EU electricity exports to the Ukraine went up almost sixfold this year. Before the war, the Ukraine was a net exporter of electricity.

We feel like there is a mini energy crisis that no one is talking about, Mitsotakis wrote, adding a call for better oversight of the European electricity market by the Commission, since it was currently an incomprehensible black box  even to experts.

Among the other factors that contributed to much higher electricity prices in Southeast Europe was low rainfall, which emptied dams, summer heat, and power generation outages, the FT wrote in its report on the Greek Premiers letter.

There is a fundamental distortion in the energy market of south-eastern Europe, Mitsotakis wrote. Something isnt working right. I dont expect immediate solutions, but at least let someone deal with it.

Mitsotakis is not alone in his calls on the Commission to do something to rein in electricity prices. Earlier this week, former ECB president Mario Draghi, tasked by the Commission to prepare a report on the blocs economy, warned that high electricity prices were affecting the competitiveness of European businesses.

In his report, Draghi suggested that the price of wind and solar electricity is decoupled from the price of gas, to take advantage of the cheaper energy. Energy prices have also become more volatile, increasing the price of hedging and adding uncertainty to investment decisions, Draghi said in his report.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Several major oil-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, are pushing back against talks on an agreement at the upcoming COP29 climate summit to mitigate the use of fossil fuels, negotiators from Western countries told the Financial Times.

The group of oil-rich nations, which include Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Bolivia, are hindering efforts for talks on the phase down of fossil fuels. COP29 will be held in November in Azerbaijan, which is highly dependent on oil and gas sales for its economic growth.

The previous climate summit, COP28, which ran one day into extra time amid heated debates on the future of fossil fuel use and production, ended with a compromise text referencing for the first time a call to all parties to transition away from fossil fuels.

The summit host, the United Arab Emirates, which is also one of OPECs top producers and exporters, hailed the UAE consensus as a historic deal to reduce emissions.

The final text adopted by the countries references for the first time in such summit declarations an explicit call for transitioning away from fossil fuels.

But the final agreement was watered down compared to any references to phasing out or phasing down of fossil fuels, as objections from many oil exporting countries  led by Saudi Arabia  held back talks in the final days and sent the conference into overtime.

The Conference of the Parties Further recognizes the need for deep, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5 C pathways and calls on Parties to contribute to the following global efforts, in a nationally determined manner, taking into account the Paris Agreement and their different national circumstances, pathways and approaches, reads the text adopted last year.

Saudi Arabia and its state oil giant Aramco have repeatedly said that the focus of the energy sector and the debates should be on how to cut emissions, not on reducing oil and gas production.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Londons High Court on Friday quashed a planning permission for the UKs first new coal mine in three decades, ruling that the permit was unlawful as it hadnt considered the emissions from burning the fuel.

Earlier this year, climate campaigners, including Friends of the Earth, challenged the approval of the coal mining project.

The UKs previous Conservative government approved in December 2022 the Woodhouse Colliery project in Whitehaven, northwest England, developed by West Cumbria Mining.

The project to mine metallurgical coal, the one used for steelmaking, will be required to support steelmaking throughout the transition to Net Zero over the next few decades, WCM said at the end of 2023.

However, the new Labour government in the UK pulled in July its support for the project and said that it would no longer defend the case at High Court. The UKs new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, has accepted there was an error of law in the approval from December 2022.

The governments move to drop its defense of the project follows a landmark Supreme Court judgment from June 2024, which ruled that a local council unlawfully granted approval to an onshore oil drilling project as planners must have considered the emissions from the oils future use as fuels, in a landmark case that could upset new UK fossil fuel projects.

Today the High Court agreed with the legal challenges that the lifetime emissions of the proposed Whitehaven mine, mostly from burning coal, were not properly considered and the approval was unlawful.

We have to leave fossil fuels in the ground and build the cleaner, brighter future that will slash emissions, cut bills and create the well-paid jobs of tomorrow that areas like West Cumbria so urgently need, said Niall Toru, senior lawyer at Friends of the Earth.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
WASHINGTON  The Justice Department is preparing criminal charges in connection with an Iranian hack that targeted Donald Trump's presidential campaign in a bid to shape the outcome of the November election, two people familiar with the matter said Thursday.

It was not immediately clear when the charges might be announced or whom precisely they will target, but they are the result of an FBI investigation into an intrusion that investigators across multiple agencies quickly linked to an Iranian effort to influence American politics.

The prospect of criminal charges comes as the Justice Department raised alarms about aggressive efforts by countries including Russia and Iran to meddle in the presidential election between Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, including by hacking and covert social media campaigns designed to shape public opinion.

Iran "is making a greater effort to influence this year's election than it has in prior election cycles and that Iranian activity is growing increasingly aggressive as this election nears," Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, the Justice Department's top national security official, said in a speech Thursday in New York City.

"Iran perceives this year's elections to be particularly consequential in impacting Iran's national security interests, increasing Tehran's inclination to try to shape the outcome," he added.

The Trump campaign disclosed Aug. 10 that it was hacked and said Iranian actors stole and distributed sensitive internal documents.

At least three news outlets  Politico, The New York Times and The Washington Post  were leaked confidential material from inside the Trump campaign. So far, each refused to reveal details about what it received.

Politico reported that it began receiving emails July 22 from an anonymous account. The source  an AOL email account identified only as "Robert"  passed along what appeared to be a research dossier that the campaign apparently had done on the Republican vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. The document was dated Feb. 23, almost five months before Trump selected Vance as his running mate.

The FBI, the office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency subsequently blamed that hack, as well as an attempted breach of the Biden-Harris campaign, on Iran.

Those agencies issued a statement saying the hacking and similar activities were meant to sow discord, exploit divisions within American society and influence the outcome of elections.

The statement did not identify whether Iran has a preferred candidate, though Tehran long appeared determined to seek retaliation for a 2020 strike Trump ordered as president that killed an Iranian general.

The two people who discussed the looming criminal charges spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about a case that was not yet unsealed.

The Washington Post first reported that charges were being prepared.

Justice Department officials have been working to publicly call out and counter election interference efforts. The response is a contrast to 2016, when Obama administration officials were far more circumspect about Russian interference they were watching that was designed to boost Trump's campaign.

"We have learned that transparency about what we are seeing is critical," Olsen said Thursday.

"It helps ensure that our citizens are aware of the attempts of foreign government to sow discord and spread falsehoods  all of which promotes resilience within our electorate," he added. "It provides warnings to our private sector so they can better protect their networks. And it sends an unmistakable message to our adversaries  we've gained insight into your networks, we know what you're doing, and we are determined to hold you accountable."

Last week, in an effort to combat disinformation ahead of the election, the Justice Department charged two employees of RT, a Russian state media company, with covertly funneling a Tennessee-based content creation company nearly $10 million to publish English-language videos on social media platforms with messages in favor of the Russia government's interests and agenda.

Cybersecurity roles among most in-demand in US amid rising data breaches Cybersecurity roles among most in-demand in US amid rising data breaches
DAKOTA CITY, Neb.  The motive behind the shooting deaths of four Laurel, Nebraska, residents in their homes in the middle of the night may never be known.

Shot by an armed intruder who then set fires in the houses in an attempt to mask the crimes, the crimes are hard to describe, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Corey OBrien told jurors Thursday.

I dont know if theres a word or a series of words that I can find to explain what happened on Aug. 4, 2022, OBrien said during his opening argument in the trial of Jason Jones in Dakota County District Court.

Jones, 44, has pleaded not guilty to four counts each of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony and two counts of first-degree arson for the shooting deaths of Michele Ebeling, 53, in her home and Gene Twiford, 86, his wife, Janet Twiford, 85, and their daughter Dana Twiford, 55, in their home and setting the two houses, located three blocks from one another, on fire.

All were found shot to death in their homes by firefighters responding to the fires. OBrien detailed an extensive list of items collected from both homes  shell casings, a handgun, lighters, an empty gas can, an ammunition magazine, store receipts  that when tested or analyzed, all pointed to Jones.

The state does not have to prove motive, OBrien said, but there will be evidence showing Jones wife, Carrie, had complained to him that Gene Twiford had sexually harassed her. But Twiford was an older man, not as sharp as he once was, and who witnesses will say sometimes made off-color or what some may consider offensive remarks from time to time, OBrien said.

After presenting more than 1,000 exhibits and calling numerous witnesses in the next two and a half weeks, the motive might not be known, but the word to describe Jones alleged actions will be, OBrien said.

The word you can use to define it is guilty, he said.

Defense attorney Matthew McDonald said in his opening statement to the jury theres no dispute Jones killed the Twifords, but theres more to the story. A note Jones wrote to his wife hours before the shootings show he had had a mental breakdown. He 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.

Because of his mental state, McDonald said, Jones was incapable of the premeditation necessary to convict him of first-degree murder and should be found guilty of a lesser charge.

He could not form the intent to premeditate, McDonald said. This was a man who was broken and having a mental breakdown. It doesnt excuse him, and were not saying it does.

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.

The state will call its first witness after the lunch break.

If Jones is found guilty of first-degree murder, prosecutors will seek the death penalty.

Jones, who was found in his home badly burned about 24 hours after the initial police response, is not present at trial, his lawyer saying in an earlier motion that its 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 rather than in the Dakota County Courthouse, where the trial is being held after District Judge Bryan Meismer determined it was unlikely Jones could receive a fair trial in Cedar County.

Prior to the opening statements Meismer heard arguments on a motion to intervene by the Cedar County News, a Hartington, Nebraska, newspaper, to intervene in the possible restriction of media access to some exhibits that will be presented. Attorneys and Meismer discussed at a July hearing preventing media access to some exhibits out of concern they could prejudice Carrie Jones trial.

Meismer granted the motion to intervene in the case and indicated he would work with attorneys and the media to reach an agreement on viewing exhibits at trial.
LINCOLN  A slate of decisions from the Nebraska Supreme Court Friday kept two abortion questions and an initiative to repeal a private school scholarship measure on the 2024 ballot.

The high court ruled on four lawsuits challenging the two ballot measures to alter Nebraska abortion policy and repeal a new law allocating funds for private school scholarships. The rulings kept all three measures on the ballot, for now.

Two of the lawsuits were essentially identical, and asked the court to remove a ballot measure that would amend the state's constitution to establish the right to an abortion up until "fetal viability," which is generally considered to be 23 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. They alleged the initiative violates a provision in the Nebraska Constitution that limits ballot measures to a single subject.

A third lawsuit asked the court to treat the abortion rights initiative the same as a second initiative that would restrict most abortions beyond the first trimester.

The fourth lawsuit related to a separate initiative seeking to partially repeal Legislative Bill 1402, removing the program and funding mechanism that allocates $10 million per year to fund private and parochial school scholarships. Arguments on all four cases were first made before the court earlier this week.

Updates below:

Court rejects lawsuits challenging abortion rights petition

The court ruled that the ballot measure seeking to protect the right to abortion did not violate the state constitution's single-subject rule.

The justices ruled that seeking to create a constitutional right to abortion "has a singleness of subject." The use of additional words the two lawsuits relied on are not separate subjects but "facets of the singular subject," the justices determined.

Multiple ballot initiatives in previous years, including a 2020 attempt to put medical marijuana legalization in front of voters, have been struck down by the Nebraska Supreme Court on single subject grounds.

Those who brought the lawsuits, known as relators, said the abortion initiative had at least four separate goals or subjects.

In a unanimous decision, the Nebraska Supreme Court disagreed.

"Having reviewed the text of the proposed constitutional amendment, we determine that the parts of the Initiative all relate to the same general subject of creating a constitutional right to abortion," the opinion reads. "The parts of the Initiative define the limits and set parameters for that right and define terms for purposes of the proposed constitutional provision."

The organizers of the Protect Our Rights campaign, which collected over 200,000 signatures in support of the petition, celebrated the decision.

"We are on the ballot," said Allie Berry, Protect Our Rights campaign manager. "This is a victory for all Nebraskans. Anti-abortion politicians forced an abortion ban into law and then coordinated with activists to launch desperate lawsuits to silence over 200,000 Nebraskans by preventing them from voting on what happens to their bodies."

The text of the Protect Our Rights ballot initiative, now expected to be on November's ballot after the ruling, reads:

"All persons shall have a fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability, or when needed to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient, without interference from the state or its political subdivisions. Fetal viability means the point in pregnancy when, in the professional judgment of the patients treating health care practitioner, there is a significant likelihood of the fetus sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures."

All-or-nothing case rejected

The Nebraska Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit that asked justices to treat two abortion-related initiatives evenly, either removing both from the ballot or keeping both. The lawsuit was filed in response to two other lawsuits that challenged one ballot measure seeking to protect the right to abortion until "fetal viability."

The high court ruled that the other abortion initiative, which seeks to ban most abortions after the first trimester, does not violate the single-subject rule.

"In November, voters have the choice to reject the extreme Protect the Right to Abortion amendment that invites government intrusion between a woman and her doctor, giving unlicensed individuals influence over minors in crisis, and paves the way for taxpayer-funded abortions," the Protect Women and Children Nebraska Committee said in a statement. That group is behind the amendment that would restrict abortion.

'School choice' challenge denied

The Nebraska Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit requesting the removal of a ballot measure that seeks to partially repeal LB 1402. The lawsuit alleged that the measure violated a provision of the state constitution that prohibits voter referendums from impacting direct appropriations.

The high court ruled that since the ballot initiative only seeks to repeal the first section of LB 1402, which "makes no appropriation at all," Secretary of State Bob Evnen is not required to remove it from the ballot.

Evnen could remove the measure anyway. In a document filed in the case, Evnen said although he certified the initiative, afterward he became convinced the measure was ineligible for the ballot. However, Evnen said he would defer to the court's judgment.

In a concurring opinion by Chief Justice Michael Heavican, he addressed Evnen's change in position, noting that Evnen determined the initiative met legal requirements when he certified it for the ballot. Heavican said he is not aware of any processes that allow the secretary of state to change his mind and take a certified initiative off the ballot.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who introduced LB 1402, said the court's ruling was a "dangerous" and "very bad decision," that could threaten other legislation that allocates funds but don't directly change the state budget. She said it could jeopardize other increases to education funding the Legislature has passed in recent sessions.

Support Our Schools Nebraska, which led the initiative's campaign, praised the high court for ordering Evnen to "end his shenanigans" and protecting the petition process. Campaign officials have alleged that the lawsuit, as well as LB 1402, were attempts to suppress the will of voters.

We join Nebraskas public school educators in celebrating the Supreme Courts decision to preserve the right of Nebraskans to vote on whether to direct their taxpayer dollars to private institutions. We applaud their decision to maintain the long-held, intentional and careful process of appropriating funds by the Legislature, an important tenet of effective fiscal management by the state of Nebraska, Rebecca Firestone, executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute, said in a press release.

New suit seeks to keep marijuana initiatives from the ballot

A new lawsuit, filed Thursday in Lancaster County District Court, seeks to keep two petition measures that would legalize medical marijuana off the November ballot. The suit was filed by John Kuehn, a former state senator and longtime opponent of medical marijuana.

Kuehn claims, among other things, that the petitions did not have enough valid signatures, that a petition sponsor had not listed her city, state or zip code on the sponsor statement and that the measures violated the constitutional requirement to have only a single subject. He also claims that Evnen violated Kuehns right to challenge the measures by not completing the validation of signatures until the deadline to certify the ballot.

Evnen announced last week that the medical marijuana petitions had collected enough valid signatures to make the ballot but had not completed the petition certification process as of Friday morning. His office set Friday as the deadline to certify the ballot.

Kuehn has little chance of having his lawsuit decided before the end of the day Friday, given the late date of its filing and that he filed it in a lower court, not the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Other ballot business Friday

Friday is also the deadline to finalize the general election ballot language, and multiple issues are still up in the air. Apart from the court cases, Evnen has yet to officially certify the two petitions that together seek to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska.

Grand Island man charged with signature collection fraud

Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined Hall County Attorney Marty Klein on Friday to announce that they are charging a Grand Island man in connection with the collection of fraudulent signatures on a pair of petitions seeking to legalize medical marijuana. Michael Egbert was charged with false swearing to a circulators affidavit on a petition, a felony punishable by up to two years in prison followed by 12 months supervised release or a $10,000 fine.

Klein said an investigation found a number of concerning irregularities in the marijuana petitions circulated by Egbert. He alleged that Egbert falsified 104 signatures on each of the petitions, including 68 people with the wrong birth date, eight who were deceased and six whose names were misspelled.

Hilgers said his office has worked with local officials on an expanded investigation that has not found additional cases of alleged fraud but has turned up several thousand signatures with irregularities. He declined to say whether those irregularities put the petitions in jeopardy of not qualifying for the ballot.

Evnen's office said last week that the petitions had collected more than enough valid signatures to appear on the ballot.

Nebraskans expect secure elections, Hilgers said. As we head into election season, Nebraskans should be confident that the election and law enforcement officials will work together to identify and investigate fraudulent activity.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has challenged the order of a Federal High Court in Abuja, ordering it to stop the collation of the governorship election results in Bauchi State.

Mr Festus Okoye, INECs National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education said the commission has filed a motion on notice`, challenging the jurisdiction of the court in granting the order.

 The motion has not been taken. Until that motion is taken, the court order barring us from collating the result of Tafawa Balewa area subsists, he said.

Although Okoye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, that the commission has stopped the collation of the governorship result, he said the collation process would continue in the state assembly elections in the affected areas.

On Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja barred INEC from resuming the collation and announcement of governorship election result in Bauchi.

Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order following an ex parte application filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Bauchi state Governor, Mohammed Abubakar.

The commission has already taken a decision. The order is from a properly constituted court of law, so we complied.

We have fully complied with the court order in relation to collation of the governorship election for Tafawa Balewa local government area, he said

He said the commission would conduct supplementary elections in areas not affected by the order of the Federal High Court.

INEC initially declared the governorship election in Bauchi, along with the elections in Benue, Plateau, Sokoto, Kano and inconclusive.

It also announced that supplementary elections would take place on 23 March. But in a sudden twist, INEC said it would no longer hold supplementary elections in the contentious Tafawa Balewa Local Government, where it said the result of the poll on March 9 was torn by an armed gang. INEC also said it has appointed a new returning officer for the council and that collation would resume on Tuesday.

INEC said a fact-finding committee headed by Okoye recommended that the results of polling units in the council should be upheld and then cancelled the planned election in the council.

INECs volte-face angered the All Progressives Congress candidate and the incumbent governor, Muhammed Abubakar and his party.

There were accusations about denial of fair hearing by the Okoye committee and that the committee was compromised because Okoye has some relationship with some PDP leaders, such as Speaker Yakubu Dogara.
File Photo

Six people, including an elderly woman, were killed in a fresh attacks by suspected militia in Tsondi Wukari local government area of Taraba State. Daily Trusts findings revealed that the attackers invaded the village at dawn and shot several people.

It was gathered that six persons were killed during the attack while several others got injured after being hit by bullets. The attackers, it was learnt, had crossed from neighbouring Benue villages and rained bullets into the Jukun village.

Many houses were also set ablaze and residents fled to Wukari town and other villages for safety. Kente axis, where Tsondi village is located, had suffered series of attacks by suspected militia in the past one month, resulting in kidnapping of dozens of people and sacking of about 10 communities.

The attackers, Daily Trust gathered, were using guerrilla warfare tactics by striking and running into the bush, mostly during the night and early morning. Five persons were admitted at general hospital, Wukari for treatment of gun shots.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Taraba State command, DSP David Misal said he was not informed about the incident.
Here on The Cutting Board, we talk about all kinds of foods, and try to keep things as simple as possible.

But throughout history, people have had to get crafty with the ingredients they had available to them. We can explore what folks ate during the Great Depression to see just how creative they got  look up the "Mock Apple Pie" made with Ritz crackers.

This human ingenuity is about one thing: feeding each other.

For centuries in the American South, enslaved Black people had to make do with what they could forage.

In his 1853 autobiography "Twelve Years a Slave," Solomon Northrup wrote about the scraps that enslaved people were given for meager meals. One of the only times they got to feast was around the holidays, and the dishes served at this time  like "Hoppin' John," a dish of peas and rice  are still very important to African American and Black culture.

So today, let's take a look at one of the greatest innovations in modern history: collard greens.

Now, I didn't grow up eating a lot of tougher greens. The heartiest green I ate was spinach that came out of a can or from a brick in the freezer. Collard greens take a lot more time and technique to prepare because they are very fibrous and quite bitter.

I actually didn't eat collard greens until I lived in Chicago and really started to dive into different food cultures. And I have to be honest, it took me several tries before I felt like I was doing this dish, and its cultural significance, justice.

Some of the authors and cooks I began to research, like Michael W. Twitty and Jessica B. Harris, have inspired my dish in today's column, but the dish is also directly influenced by Adrian Lipscombe's recipe published in "Black Food" and edited by Bryant Terry.

Kyan Glenn grows collards, along with other greens, at The Table in Bentown, east of Bloomington.

Collards are members of the brassica family, which also includes broccoli and Brussels sprouts, he said.

"They prefer cooler weather," Glenn said. "But what I like about them  I've been able to successfully grow them all season long, similar to how I grow kale or chard."

The plant has a main stalk that continues to grow, and Glenn picks the young leaves that spring up as the plant grows. He sells the greens at his farm and at the Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market.

Today's recipe calls for about 2 pounds of collard greens, which means four bunches from Glenn. I'll also be using pot likker, which is what the liquid portion of this dish is called. (Yes, that's the way it's spelled, and it also happens to be super flavorful and nourishing.)

Greens, as a dish, can be made with a variety of hearty, leafy greens, like turnip and mustard greens. Oftentimes, a dish of greens will have several types in it.

Most traditional greens recipes also call for a piece of smoked meat, either ham or turkey. You can find smoked ham hocks or turkey pieces in most supermarkets around Bloomington-Normal, and I picked up a two-pack of Frick's smoked turkey drumsticks at Kroger for about $10.

If you are using a piece of cured meat that has been salt cured, you'll want to soak and rinse it at least twice to get the extra salt out of it. If you skip this step, the pot likker will be way too salty.

You can omit the meat to make this a vegetarian dish, and Harris does have such a version in her book "High on the Hog." But today we're sticking with the meat.

Making greens takes time and a good workspace, but doesn't require a lot of tools outside a heavy-bottomed pot and a good wash basin, because the greens need to be washed. You could use your sink, but I have a large bowl I like to use.

While I was washing the greens, I had filled a large pot with enough water (about 10 cups) to just cover one turkey drum, and set it to a simmer over medium-low heat with the lid fully on.

Now, remove the woody stem from the leaves by holding the stem in one hand, grasping the leaves loosely in the other, and pulling your hands apart.

Roll up the leaves and cut them into thick ribbons about 1 1/2 inch wide.

Wash these in cold water, draining and refilling the water at least three times. This softens the greens' texture. I've seen people rinse and repeat up to six times, even, for velvety greens.

Dice a large onion and finely mince 4 cloves of garlic, along with any other aromatic vegetables you want to add, like hot or sweet peppers.

After about an hour of simmering, the meat should be starting to pull away from the bone. Add all the collard greens and aromatic vegetables, along with a good pinch of salt and 2 teaspoons of oregano.

Because the turkey is so lean, I added about a third of a stick of butter, a little more than 3 tablespoons.

Cover the pot mostly with the lid and let simmer at least another 45 minutes to an hour, until the meat starts to easily fall off the bone. Remove the turkey drum and set it to the side to cool. Turn the heat to low and keep the greens simmering to reduce the pot likker a bit.

Once the drumstick is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and meat, returning the meat to the pot.

Stir to combine, and taste for salt.

Serve with fresh cornbread to soak up the stew, and top with hot peppers, hot sauce, diced onions or whatever else is your fancy.

This dish will take two and a half to three hours to make, but it is so worth it.

The greens will have a meaty bite but velvet texture, and the hearty stew fills not only the belly, but the soul as well.

If youre a farmer or a producer and would like to talk with me for this column, call me at 309-820-3275 or email Daniel.alkire@lee.net. And be sure to check back next time to find out what were chopping up on The Cutting Board.

Watch now: Who helped pack one million meals Melissa Shrader, Missy Dundov, Leanna Bordner ISU President Aondover and first lady Roos Tarhule, Interim Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs ISU Baseball Team Scott and Lola Gillespie, Drew Cole Getting ready for the first shift to begin Peggy Heinz Directs traffic The Mello Yellow table leaders Shannon Martin, Gina Prine, Susan Sivore Shannon Walters, Lisa Riddle Shanna Hargitt, Jennifer Hunt, Corissa Raymond ISU President Aondover Tarhule Apsara Sorensen, State Farm asst. vice-president of Corporate Responsibility Faith Rinker Shanna Hargitt ISU President Aondover Tarhule Dr. Ani Yazedjian takes a selfie with Dr. Jeri Beggs, President and first lady Aondover and Roos Tarhule Assembly lines of food packers Bloomington-Normal Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. provided many volunteers Sealing the bags Jemma Lane Tony Morstatter ISU Gymnastics team Bloomington-Normal Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated ISU Womens Golf Team State Farm volunteers Lupe Alcala Leanna Bordner, ISU Womens Basketball coach Kristen Gillespie Millicent Roth, Ivanna Burrueta Rick Whitted, Melissa Schrader Chemberly Harris Kristin Hacker, Jamie Zeller B.J. Wilken, Tom Cotton Jen Mulholland, Connie Wolgemuth Dr. Jeri Beggs, President Aondover Tarhule Lisa Sunderland ISU lifters Ayden Thomas, Zander Morrison Matt Nagel Melissa Shrader, Leanna Bordner, Jerome Maddox ISU First Lady Roos Tarhule, Tyrelle Chadwick Reena Rhoda, Susan Wiggins, Thom Rakestraw Jack Sutter Volunteers Kristen Gillespie with volunteers Lisa Sunderland, Nikki Williams It was an organized and efficient and joyful process It took 4,500 volunteers to pack one million meals
In a remarkable achievement, Dr. Mohammed Faried, a fellow of the Kosmos Innovation Center and the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Kodu Technology, has emerged as one of the grand prize winners for the 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneurs Prize Competition at the Africa Food Systems Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, this September.



Kodu Pad, a groundbreaking invention put together by himself and team, captured the attention of judges and audiences alike leading this significant achievement.



The product is an ecofriendly sanitary pad manufactured from agricultural waste such as the fibers of bananas and plantains. Kodu Pad is not only sustainable but has proven to be a healthier option as opposed to other products.



Dr. Farieds pitch, which stood out for its ingenuity, landed him a prize of USD 50,000 for the scaling of his business.



The 2024 edition of the GoGettaz Agripreneurs Prize which received about 2000 applications, selected its winners from among 12 finalists hailing from 11 different African countries through a rigorous process.



This journey to victory for Kodu Technology, producers of the Kodu Pad, began some years ago when Dr. Faried and team participated in the AgriTech Classic Challenge of the Kosmos Innovation Center. Through tailor-made capacity building sessions and mentorship programmes, they honed their skills and refined their innovation.



Looking ahead, Dr. Faried on behalf of his team, expressed enthusiasm and optimism about the future of Kodu Pad. He and his team are now focused on improving the banana fiber extraction procedure, one of the biggest challenges of the project.



To players in the nations agricultural ecosystem, the success of Kodu Technology is testament to the transformative impact of the Kosmos Innovation Center, which continues to nurture young innovators and equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to excel.



GoGettaz Africa is a partnership initiative co-founded by Yara International and the Econet Group. The competition identifies young African founders of high-potential agrifood businesses between the ages of 18 to 35, and supports them with investment, leader

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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General Secretary for the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) Godwin Armah, has called on the government to tread cautiously, by not succumbing to pressure, and impose an outright ban on all mining across the country.



According to the GNASSM General Secretary, small-scale mining is not a criminal activity as currently perceived by the public, and, therefore, the government should find alternative solutions to curb the illegal mining menace, otherwise known as galamsey, rather than banning mining altogether.



He warned that there could be dire consequences for the country should the government impose a total ban on all forms of small-scale mining activities.



Speaking at a news conference at Bunso in the Eastern Region, Mr. Armah added that the small-scale miners do not support the pollution of rivers and water bodies in the country and the destruction of the country's forest reserve through illegal ming (Galamsay) activities, but there are other forms of measures and approaches government could apply to curb the situation rather than putting an airtight ban on small scale activities which some groups are advocating.



Mr. Godwin Armah, therefore, calls on all the flagbearers of all the political parties to honorably declare their stance on galamsey as only a small number of individuals are involved in illegal activities.







Source: Jesse Amankwah Peace Fm Correspondent E/R









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